#And I was like the only way I’d join that cult is if you asked me

[seafoamification]

Watching Jinx and Vi beat the absolute shit out of each other and my sister chirps happily beside me, “look, they’re just like us!”

[mygnolia]

LOVE ON A FRESH SLATE ༄ TEASER

༄ SYNOPSIS -› Sim Jaeyun might not have many critically acclaimed films in his IMBD, but if there’s something to change that, it’s his upcoming film, ‘diving in love,’ a fresh summer romance that’s caught the attention of everyone on the internet. The only problem is, no one believes the chemistry will be up to rom-com standards. Maybe he’ll save his career by fake dating his cold-hearted co-star, aka you, to sell it?

༄ PAIR -› actor!sim jaeyun x fem actress!reader

༄ GENRE -› fluff, banter, angst, comfort ༄ TROPES -› enemies to lovers, heavy on the fake dating (i LOVE fake dating) ༄ WC -› estimated 15-20k idk lolz

༄ INCLUDES -› will be added!

༄ RELEASE DATE -› november!

༄ REN SAYS... me when summer also haha get it slate cuz they're actors but also it's e2l so misunderstandings heheheh am i funny (im not) | LIBRARY

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“You’re going to tell me you signed me up for the cult of Scientology, I assume,” You introduce yourself, shaking hands with the man next to Sunoo. 

Once again, there is just one empty seat before Jake Sim walks in, out of breath. “Jungwon, please don’t tell me–” He notices you after he barges in, taking in your poised manner as you wait for him to continue. But he doesn’t. The words die on his tongue when he sees you and the same manager from last week's meeting. 

“Please don’t tell me what?” Jungwon asks, raising an eyebrow as Jake sinks into the only chair left. The latter shakes his head, not wanting to elaborate any further. 

Sunoo sits up, putting his hands together after he finishes the last sip of his drink. “Open up the files, ____.” He motions to the manila folder on the table, and with much confusion, you peel back the cover to find a neat stack of black and white articles. 

Jungwon, who you can only assume is Jake’s manager, gets Jake to lean in and read what’s on the pages. “This,” he starts, spreading out the rest of the articles, “is every article in the past week with a negative outlook on whether or not the film will be up to par with the standards of the 2000’s.”

You scoff, eyes trailing over an article with your face as the cover. “Really? People hate me that much?” Your dry humor really only resonates with Sunoo, who sends you a look before trying to organize the flurry of papers.

“I doubt they’ll keep going,” Jake tries, fidgeting with his ring. Maybe his second rich person problem was figuring out how to get the media to like him again if the movie turns into a failure and he has to scour for another source of income. 

“Unless I solve world hunger, I doubt the media will turn away from the wine scandal any time soon.” Jake considers dropping out and cutting his losses early with the way you comment on your impending future. 

Jake’s manager shakes his head, closing the manila folder and essentially blocking it out before coming up with the worst possible plan in existence. 

“You two can fake date. Then, no one will question your chemistry, because they’ll think you’re in love.” 

There were only so many things you refused to do in your lifetime, but fake dating your co-star made it to the top of your list in record time. 

You shook your head. “Absolutely not.” At least Jake could agree with one thing you said. 

The silence almost turns awkward before Sunoo speaks up in agreement, ignoring you. “I like it, it’ll give them a chance to pretend to bond more. Plus, they’re both young and attractive, and Jake is a change of pace from all of her shitty ex-boyfriends.” If Jake still wanted to jump off a building after hearing their proposition, you’d unknowingly want to join him. 

You cough in your arm, hiding the embarrassment of his last comment before nodding to look at the actor. “You think just because I’m dating someone, it’ll make the movie more watchable?” 

Sunoo rolls his eyes. “I’d much rather watch a rom-com if it was confirmed that the actors found love on set. It’s a good story.” 

Jungwon interjects. “Good publicity.” 

The actor beside you finally speaks up. “And you want to start this arrangement…when?” 

“As soon as possible,” your manager answers, and his response might be some of the worst news you’ve heard in a while. “Hear me out, ‘____ ____ and Jake Sim falling in love the moment they’re casted. It’s fate. They’ve been in love since the beginning. I have to see it, their chemistry will be so good.’ ”

Before you nor Jake are able to come up with a rebuttal, Jungwon adds, “I know both of you can act, and even despite this fake relationship, the movie will be good. But if you can get away from the negative thoughts surrounding the film’s pre-release, it’ll generate so much more hype around it.” 

“Better for your conscience, ____. You don’t need angry Sunghoon fans sending you anymore death threats.” If Sunoo kept airing out your problems like that, you’d drag him out by the ear without any fake boyfriend in tow.

You really think about it, questioning if one PR stunt could get you out of the nepo baby ditch you’ve been trying to fight for years; it wasn’t even that you were bad at your job, your mother just never had anything nice to say to anyone. If anything, she was Hollywood’s actual mean girl.

“Fine.” You agree begrudgingly. 

Jake on the other hand has no idea what he’s getting out of this. How does fake-dating a girl he’s never liked help his reputation at all?

Maybe it’s because he couldn’t find an answer to it, or maybe Jake was comfortable enough asking something so brash in public. “What the hell do I get out of it?” 

You lean back in surprise, not used to hearing him so flustered by something. It was all your fault, Jake thinks as he once again pulls at his hair. 

The room is silent as everyone’s gears turn. Jake puts his hands on both sides of the armchair, about to get up and pretend this failure of a ruse ever existed. “If there’s nothing, I’m-”

“Wait,” you cut him off, eyes still fixed on something as you think. It’s good for you, and mainly you. Jake has a good reputation, people love natural chemistry and love a cute couple even more, and your name would be in summer-y titles for the next two months if your scheme worked out. But him? 

What could Jake Sim possibly want? 

“You want money? Connections? An interview with Justin Beiber?” You try, spewing what every boy would want when they were 13. 

Somehow, his head perks up when he hears his favorite celebrity’s name from your lips. 

“You could do that?” He asks, bewildered. 

“I thought you hated me for having a famous mom.” He stays silent. 

“Look, you’re up and coming. If this movie does well, I’ll send a letter to the top producers in the industry and tell them about how stunning of a performance you gave.” 

It’s a deal that’s extremely hard to pass on–hell, he’s literally getting paid to act in the movie anyways, so it’s not like he loses much if he says yes. But you’re snarky, and although you’re not outright rude, you never seem to be excited for anything, and Jake has no idea why the mood is so sour when he’s with you.

Whatever, it’s not like it’s real, anyways.  

Jake shrugs and pinches his nose bridge momentarily before sighing. “Where do I sign?” 

You thought that Jake had been oblivious to the whole thing as much as you were, but it seems like he knew about a hidden contract. Jungwon fishes out a crisp white sheet of paper from his bag. “You know me so well, and I didn’t even tell you anything,” and his response has you thinking that maybe the actor just knows his manager well. 

Suddenly, the next year of your love life is signed and tucked away into two identical copies for Jungwon and Sunoo, before the two shake hands and smile. “I’m excited for how things will go,” your manager comments before you two leave. 

The moment the door shuts behind you, you let out a long exhale, suddenly finding interest in your manicure. 

“You’re annoying, Sunoo. But I don’t doubt you.” 

The boy smiles and links arms with you, walking to the entrance of the studio building before you both catch wind of the paparazzi. 

A swarm of reporters and cameras catch your casual outfit and sunglasses when you emerge with your manager behind you. Questions bombard you, and you hear amongst the commotion a few reporters who are desperate for their next article to feature you. ‘Is it true that you’ve hated Sunghoon for years?’ ‘What do you have to say about your new film?’ ‘Do you have anything to say about Jake Sim?’ 

You pause momentarily on the way to your car, reconsidering if you should answer any question. “Me and Sunghoon have never had a disagreement, and I know he appreciated the Prada we sent him a few weeks ago.” Smiling at the memory, you choose to answer a few more questions before you have to go. “As for the new film? I’m fairly excited. Me and my boyfriend are more than ready to be filmed together." 

The gasps from the crowd leave you content as you slip into your car with Sunoo. “But don’t tell anyone I’m dating!” You yell out for good measure, knowing that by morning, everything will have changed.

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[lulu2992]

Something I'm still struggling to grasp about the Project at Eden's Gate is their initiation and training process. I guess it's because of how isolated the regions are from each other story-wise.

To keep it short, I can't understand how does "cleanse, confess, atone" mesh with "train, hunt, kill, sacrifice", what is mandatory and what isn't, how does "walk the Path" fit into all of it and how in the world can anybody survive the Leap of Faith without a haystack.

It’s hard because the game doesn’t clearly explain everything and even contradicts itself at times. The story went through several changes too, and it seems that, in early versions of the script, all members of the Project, including those who chose to follow the Father, were abused when, in the game, I believe violence and coercion are only used against those who were captured and have to be converted. Also, the final, current story suggests this only started happening when the Reaping began, but there are still characters who talk about the cult abducting and even killing (even though their goal is to save people, but anyway) Hope County residents long before that, so the lore is confusing…

Story-wise, the three regions are indeed supposed to be way more isolated from one another than they are on the in-game map. People who live in the Holland Valley admit they weren’t aware of what was going on in the Whitetail Mountains, for example. I don’t think the Heralds necessarily like or approve of each others’ methods, but NPCs explain John sends whoever he doesn’t keep to his siblings, that Faith deals with those who said “no” to him, or that Jacob “recruits” soldiers in the Henbane River, so while they each have their own territory and personal (trauma-inspired) ideology, they still work together.

My understanding is that anyone who joins Eden’s Gate must meet John first so they can be purified and rid of their sin. In his letter to Nick, he mentions there are many mothers and children in John’s Gate, so I think families composed of “regular” cultists who joined the cult willingly (or were born into it) and can’t fight just go live there when the Reaping begins to wait for the Collapse. I guess these people don’t do much except be part of the Family and among the 3,000 souls the Voice asked Joseph to save.

Then, I’d say those who want or have the potential to become soldiers can (try to) join Jacob’s army or become Chosen. It seems every candidate has to go through the trials and make a sacrifice. If they do all of that and manage not to die, they’ve proven their strength and devotion and are worthy of being part of the Project’s army; Jacob is confident they will be able to survive in extreme conditions and effectively protect the Family. According to a note, he has a youth training program as well, but there’s only one mention of that so we don’t know much about it or if it’s still a thing.

I think Faith makes Angels of people her brothers can’t convert and who resist them, or members of the Project who are too scared or doubtful and need to be… pacified. If you’re exposed to too much Bliss, because it apparently passes the blood-brain barrier and can never be purged out, it just keeps accumulating and, the more Bliss you come into contact with, the closer you get to ending up “zombified” because of it. Now, that’s if it happens accidentally, but it appears Angels are forcibly made too. A deleted note suggests the first ones were volunteers, but I don’t know if that’s still true. In any case, they’re literally brainwashed and very docile (on top of being able to “resuscitate” because Bliss, especially the liquid form, apparently has the power to do that), so the cult makes them fight and carry out arduous tasks. They’re reportedly fed dog food too, but as weird as it sounds, it seems Faith genuinely “loves” them because of how pure she believes they are.

I don’t know if the Pilgrimage is mandatory for people who join the Project willingly, but like Jacob’s trials, it’s definitely used to attempt to convert those who resist. They’re forced to walk it (sometimes on their knees, say civilians) and either accept the Father’s message, become Angels, or die, whether on the path or after jumping off the statue of Joseph at the end of it. As you pointed out, the leap of faith is not always lethal, but how do people survive it? Well, like Bliss, I suppose it’s just “magic” and only those who are considered worthy and pure will live. It’s also possible they don’t actually jump and just believe they do because it all happens in the Bliss; I’m really not sure because, again, that drug is basically magical and can “explain” a lot of things that seemingly don’t make sense in Far Cry 5.

So yeah, that’s just my evidence-based headcanon of how Eden’s Gate works, but I agree that it’s not always clear, logical, or consistent in the game…

[cptsd-skywalker]

I feel like this is a super wonderful time to point out that Qui Gon literally won Anakin as property in a pod race bet. Anakin, for all intents and purposes, literally belongs to the Jedi Order. When he is “freed” it is becuase Qui Gon chooses to do so; not because Anakin is a child who deserves to live his life, but becuase he was useful to the order as the Chosen One. Qui Fon said himself that they did not come to Tatooine to free slaves, and that he can not help them. Only when Anakin is revealed to be powerful do they decide to try to take him, and even then it’s through winning him in a game. Seriously messed up. And that’s got to weigh on Anakin all his life, that he was only worth something when his power could be of use to others.

Ask yourselves, If Anakin hadn’t been allowed to train by the council, what would have happened to him? And given the circumstances at which he arrived at the order, can Anakin really be considered to have joined as his own free will? Can he ever consider the Jedi as family? Can he ever consider them more than the people whom he “owes” everything for “saving” him from his life which he “should be so grateful for”? I don’t think so, and I guarantee you that Anakin had these same doubts but felt to ashamed of his own self doubt enforced by those around him to voice his concerns. He is shamed and criticized for missing his mother whom he was forced to leave in slavery, and lectured for feeling the slightest of negative emotional responses.

When people say Anakin joined the Jedi of his own free will and could leave whenever he wanted I honestly have to wonder if they’ve experienced the same cannon as me, becuase to me a 9 year old enslaved child can not make the free will choice to join a faction that will send him back to be a slave as soon as he doesn’t meet their expectations. To me a young man who feels like he owes them his life cannot “just leave” when his whole identity is pensioned on his usefulness to others.

This is exactly how cults operate and honestly Anakin’s transition into The Jedi Order is cast in a dark light when you realize he stood to lose everything either way, he lost his mother is he was a Jedi and he lost his freedom if he wasn’t. It was a lose lose situation that no reasonable person would consider a real choice for a child to make. In some cannon materials Anakin even asks himself if his life as a slave would have been better for him than his life as a Jedi. Just let that sink in.

And before any one jumps on here with “BuT sHmi WaNteD HIm to Go” I would like to argue “what the hell was she supposed to say in that situation????”. Was she supposed to have said “nah, I think I’d rather keep my son in slavery forever rather than give him at least a CHANCE to be free to live a life on his own. I think I’d rather risk him DYING in the sun or by torture than I would allow his dream of becoming a space wizard come true.” I mean to argue that she has full autonomy in this situation us LUDICROUS. Qui Gon doesn’t even ASK her to test Anakin’s blood because he doesn’t even owe her that dignity since she has no legal existence. It’s gross. Let’s not use her desire to give her son a chance at something other than hellish slavery as a free choice to allow her son to be taken away.

[acourtofinkandpapyrus]

My Little Shadow: Part Three (Azriel X Reader)

Warnings: Mentions of violence and possible flirting?

This one's a little shorter than last time, but heavy with the Azriel content, and Cassian being a dope in the background!

Part two

Part four

I paced back and forth across my room.  It had barely been a week and my father had gone crazy with planning.  Of course so and so must be invited, and the Don’t touch that and the constant motion of my father had set us all on edge.

My thoughts kept drifting back to Azriel, how he was fine with the confident way I spoke, the way I didn’t have to be afraid.

My shadows stepped out from their hiding place, as if they knew what I was thinking about.

I chuckled to myself, of course they knew what I was thinking about, it was the only bright spot in my life right now.

“What do you say we go try and find him again?”  I asked my shadows, and they shifted into their human form, looking all the excited girl.

Smiling, I nod to them.  They go back to hiding in my shadow as I open my door, trying to sneak through the living room that currently held three males who were attempting to help my father with the wedding planning.

I tried not to think about how there would most likely be blood on the ground when I returned.

Sneaking out was easy, the hard part would be to find that Illyrian male again.

He must not have quarters here, disappearing with his highlord to whatever part of the world they go to when tired of Hewn City.

I had heard that they had another city called Velaris, the city of starlight.  I couldn’t help but wonder how amazing that must be.  Always above ground, able to see the stars so close up that you could bask in their light.

My shadows tugged on me to stop, I had been lost in thought while walking through the halls, and hadn’t noticed the group of voices coming from the large room it connected to.

As I stood there, I listened in, trying to identify who I was hearing.

“I don’t like this Az, there’s rumors that some of the people here are in some sort of cult, sacrificing people for some unknown reason.”

“Do you think Keir might be in on this?”

Azriel and… Another male.  I couldn’t quite tell who the voice was, but I decided that instead of sitting here and just eavesdropping like some sort of spy…

I looked to my shadows, smirking.  Maybe I could come in and say hi.

Entering the doorway, both of the males looked up.

It was the other male who usually joined the highlord who had been talking, red siphons glowing in a threatening way at the intrusion.

Azriel put a hand on his friend's chest.  “Don’t Cass.”

I strode into the room, smiling to myself as I murmured, “What, you haven’t told your friends about me?”

The other one, Cass, looked at Azriel.  “Is she saying something?”

Azriel smirked, his eyes not leaving mine once.  “I didn’t think I’d see you again, so no I didn’t”

“In fact,”  He said, striding over to me, and this time I didn’t shy away as he stood over me at his full height.  “I don’t think I ever caught your name.”

Grinning, I shrugged.  “Who says I have to tell you?”

Even though I just wanted what had happened last time, a jousting of words without fear of reprimand, I couldn’t shake what I had heard them talking about.  “What’s this about sacrifices?”  I asked, dropping the smile.

Azriel grinned sardonically, “Well I don’t have to tell you that either little shadow.”

The one named Cass was watching us pass barbs like it was a sport.

I looked away from Azriel, looking around the grand room that I had been in a few times before.  “You know, maybe I could help you with some of your problems?”

They both perked up at that, staying silent as they waited for more.

I couldn’t help the enjoyment I felt as I held their attention, knowing I held the cards and that neither of them would currently dare to take them from me.

“I know this place better than either of you.  At least that’s what I’m guessing.”  To illustrate my point I make my way down to one of the more inconspicuous paintings, taking it down off the wall to reveal a long hidden stock of booze.

Backing away to let them see, I give them a little smug smile.  “If you can tell me who you suspect is in on this, maybe I could take some time to look around?”

To most, it would probably seem as if I was just trying to do the right thing and help the people of Hewn City.

But the people of Hewn City were already damned, and I only had thoughts in my head of protecting the few in my family I actually cared about.

If anyone could go missing and not be looked for, it would be the females of Hewn City.

“Okay, can someone clue me in on what’s going on here?”  Azriel’s friend asked, clearly annoyed at being excluded from the discussion

Azriel ignored his friend’s request, stalking over to me.

I puffed out my chest confidently as he hovered over me.  “What exactly do you want from this?”

I paused, I hadn’t even thought of that.

That I could trade my help for something in return.

I leaned against the wall, trying to hide my naivety in this whole situation.  “I’ve been watching this girl for a while.  She’s supposed to get married next month, it was arranged by her father.”  I looked him in the eyes, smiling.  “I think you met her before.  Her name’s Y/N.”

Holding my breath, I hoped he didn’t realize who I was, or outright refuse.  This, this could be my way out.

His eyes widened very slightly.  “So that’s what that was.”  He said, not really giving me an answer.

“So, do we have a deal?”

The male straightened, knowing the implications of what I just said.

I wasn’t going to let him wiggle his way out of this.

“And you’ll do your best to find out who is doing this, why they are doing it, and bring that information back to me?”  He asked, his eyes sharp as he examined me.

I nodded.  “Yes.  And you will find a way to call off the wedding?”

He nodded also, Cass watching us from a distance, looking at me suspiciously.

“Then it’s a deal.”  He said, holding his hand out.

I took it, shaking it firmly.  “It’s a deal, Azriel.”

“WAIT, WHAT?”  Cass shouted, realizing what had just transpired.

“These people have been kidnapping the woman and children of Hewn City.  We suspect that Keir might be in on this, so it won’t just be run out in the open.”  Azriel explained, nodding to the center of the room, he said, “Kier has some sort of secret meeting here every week.  Even my shadows haven’t been able to get in.”

I nodded, thinking about it.  “I should be able to get into there pretty easily.  How long will it take you to solve my end?”

He grins.  “Depends on how long you take, little one.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but he turned abruptly, taking his friend's arm and somehow using his shadows to winnow.

“We have to learn how to do that.”  I murmured when I was sure they were gone, letting the shadows drift off of me.

It was going to be a long month, and one that might end in disaster if Azriel didn’t hold up his end of the bargain.  I hadn’t thought he was that type of male.

But I had been wrong before.

[hadassah4ever]

Warnings: Virginity loss, shameless breeding kink, corruption kink, age gap (I imagine reader as 18, so legal, but not moral.), very dub-con, Kai calls you a “little girl”, Kai being sexist as hell bc he’s Kai lol, idk if i’m missing any, plz forgive me 💀

Author’s note: A ‘porn with barely any plot’ fic I wrote in like an hour that I barely proofread, enjoy. 👍👍 (Kai is as nice as he can get in this.)

W.C.: 1.2k

18+

——

Nobody respected me in the cult. Whatsoever.

I felt it deep in my bones, I didn’t really know if it hurt me or if that’s what I should’ve expected joining a group based on murder, when even I knew I couldn’t bring myself to hurt someone. It was a miracle they even kept me around, and even I didn’t know why they did.

After another meeting, I felt Kai place his hand on my shoulder and mutter something in my ear about having a meeting in the basement, and all of a sudden, I knew it. He was either going to make a move on me, or kill me. Maybe both.

Eventually we ended up in the basement, the door closed and locked.

“I think you know why we’re down here, don’t you?” He asked, condescendingly.

“I’m not too sure what to think anymore, divine ruler.” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady to give an heir of confidence. He let out a short, menacing laugh. “Oh, you know why. You’re too docile to kill anyone, the only reason I’ve kept you here is because you are the one who will carry my child, my messiah. No debate.” My head spun a bit at his intimidating tone.

I silently nodded. There really was no debate, begging would do no use and there really was no leaving the cult, apart from in a body bag. “God you’re perfect. If I’d met you earlier you would’ve probably had a ring by now. I’ve always wanted a woman who submitted to men, like you.” He spoke through a smug smile, standing up and walking over to me, gazing down at me.

“Have you ever fucked a guy before?” He asked, even though he probably knew the answer to that question. I shook my head, looking up at him, “No, divine leader.” I softly muttered. As soon as those words fell from my lips he dove down to my level and began making out with me, his tongue sliding its way into my mouth, my inexperience showing itself to him.

Eventually we broke apart and he looked at me with a mundanely terrifying smile, which completely scared me. “Strip.” He commanded. I stood up and began to nervously undress which amused him completely. Amused might even be an understatement, he looked at my bare body with what could only be described as the complete embodiment of lust, my trembling shoulders enticing him.

He walked over to me slowly, unbuttoning his pants and pulling his underwear down to just under his balls, his cock springing free. “Lay down.” He spoke, his tone became more smug but softer in a way, as he knew I would follow his orders. And I did. I laid down, the cold floor startling me, making me shiver for a split second.

“I’m going to be nice to you, sweetheart. You’ve been so compliant, I’m going to start off slow.” He told me, sounding like he wanted to win an award for ‘Not The Meanest Cult Leader Ever’. “Thank you, divine leader.” I spoke, not trying to make him angry and lose out on the not-so-painful impregnation he was about to perform. “Such a sweet girl, Jesus.” He was kneeling over my body, knees right next to my neck, and he began to push his cock into my mouth, the odd, slightly unpleasant taste coating my mouth.

He slowly pushed it in until he reached my throat, I coughed around his dick, certainly feeding his ego. He began to speed up, him thrusting into my mouth and me trying to hold back gags and coughs, until he stopped, pulling out of my mouth. “I’m saving my cum for your pussy.” He chuckled, smugly. He stood up and kneeled by my closed legs, pushing his hands between them and pulling them apart.

“You have the prettiest pussy, I can’t wait to see it stuffed full.” His colourful speech slightly shocked me, but I laid there, almost catatonic. He was slightly displeased with my lack of thanking him, but pushed his fingers against my clit anyways, making small circles.

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good, my toes twitched, almost curling in repressed moans, the most noise I let out was small whimpers as he continued to play with my clit, he moved his face up to mine, placing another kiss on my lips. “You’re so adorable, I don’t know why I haven’t made you do this before.” He chuckled, one of his fingers entered me and I arched my back, squealing quietly.

He pumped his finger into me deeper and explored me, trying to find the spots that made me moan. “You’re so tight, I don’t know how I’ll even fit inside you.” He laughed, darkly. Before I could orgasm, he pulled his finger from my hole, I panted and just looked up at the ceiling. I felt his cock enter me, I gasped at the sensation of him stretching me out, and the new feeling of a cock inside of me. Even he had to pause for a second, but the break didn’t last long, as he began to slowly push his dick fully into me, making me squirm and let out slightly louder moans.

“My god I love corrupting little girls like you, I love feeling the stretch of virgin pussies, but fuck I’ve never felt a pussy strech as perfectly for me as yours has. You’re made for me, you little cock slut.” He spoke while grunts interrupted his dirty speech. My breaths were shallow and filled with pleasure as he pumped himself into me, continually getting faster and harder, his balls slapping against the skin of my ass.

He let out a low groan as he filled me up completely with his cock, he moved to push my thighs against my chest and my calves over his shoulders. “I can’t fucking wait to see your tits fill with milk and your stomach swell with my messiah.” He panted, slapping one of my breasts as he continued thrusting into me deeply.

His pace started getting unsteady and sloppy, in limbo between getting faster and getting slower. He started pounding into me, primal grunts filling the room. His fingers moved to my clit again, doing the same circles he was just doing moments ago. “Fuck… Cum with me, sweetheart. You’ve been so perfect.” He panted out.

I felt myself reach my peak, euphoria wracking me as I clenched my pussy around him, feeling him bury his cock fully inside me, unmoving as he filled me with a large load of cum, staying inside me to not let any leak out.

He looked down at me and smirked. “Don’t think we’re done just yet, dear.”

——

part 2 maybe… 👀👀

[niexigo]

I gotta bunch of Hazbin fic/au ideas in my head. I doubt I'd do any of them, but I'd like to share for others to try.

1: if alastor actually joined the Vees, he'd have to adapt to the present tech and not just stay a radio host.

This is the thought that if Al accepted Vox's invitation to the Vee's, Vox would either encourage, or make alastor upgrade to the current technology.

Alastor would still be his show-y self, but he'd be way more modern. Basically just a clone of Vox if he was less pathetic. (joking, love my flat faced Prince)

This could just be another radiostatic/radiosilence fic, though I like the thought of a twist, with alastor actually hating this, and eventually having a massive brake down. Him never saying/doing anything because he was either in to deep already, or because his soul was owned, and couldn't do anything if he wanted to.

Also because I picture Vox as a clingy bastard, Vox would basically make alastor do everything with him. Maybe it's just at the beginning, but now they're more of a duo then individual single overlords.

Going more in detail, While Vox would still be in charge of making tech while also being a talk show host and things like that, Al would be more public eye media. Not just radio, but TV and live streams as well. To make it make sense, velvet would be social media, apps and things like that, while Vox and Al would be more TV. The difference is like Youtube and Cable. You know which generation watched more of the other. Though in this, Vox would be more in the background, working on technical stuff, while Al would be more limelight, actually on screen and things like that. Idk, does that make sense? He'd basically be Vox's show pony.

This could also be included with Vox’s whole cult thing. I’ve heard that Vox was a cult leader (televangelist specifically) when he was alive, so maybe he’d make Al join that somehow as well.

I do kinda seeing the two doing everything on and off screen together. Maybe not happily, at least on Al’s side, but they’d do it because 1: Vox was the one who invited Alastor in the first place, 2: Vox is basically Al’s only “friend” out of the Vee’s, and 3: Vox is a clingy bastard. (JkJk)

I’m writing this like I could be a fic, but what got me more excited about those would be Alastor’s new design. He couldn’t just be himself, as he’s already adapted this much, a new outfit would be the bare minimum. Probably a new name too, but but ya know. I couldn’t draw it (I can barely draw the man as it is), but ya know. Maybe throw in some blue or black in there, all the Vee’s have a secondary color with their red/pink, so Al should not be all red.

If this was a fic, I’d love to see it. I definitely couldn’t write it, as I’m more into romance and think this is too technical for me, I’d think I’d be good. I still have bunch of ideas about this, so if you want more, ask.

I know this isn’t a particularly new idea, but I wanted to share my take on it. Idk, maybe my take isn’t that original though. While this was inspired by other take on if Alastor joined the Vee’s, it skyrocketed after listening to “Count the Ways” by Dheusta. I know that it’s a fnaf song, but his impression of Funtime Freddy just reminded me of Alastor’s aura, just a bit more tech-y.

Anyway, I got two more ideas after this. All Vox/Alastor based (can you tell they’re my favorite), but I can’t share them here pre else this will be too long. I’ll show them later, but this is it for now.

[liliflower137]

For the wip game, absolutely terribly intrigued by “Hear the Sun (Quit Your Day Job, Join My Cult)” and would like to hear about it.

And separately, holy shit you’re the sinking swirls author!! I followed that fic as it was being written.. had no idea I was now following the person who wrote it lmfao . Idk if I forgot to give kudos or not but I also wanna say thank you for writing that one and I’d be happy to hear abt the sequel as well since it’s listed 🫶

Oh gush it's always so nice to meet someone whose read it!! I swear I'll finish sunken spirals some day there's one more chapter of it ready, I've just hit a bit of writers block beyond that point and then got distracted by Silver Bullet. I need to find someone to talk it out with and write an outline or something

Anyways! Quit Your Day Job Join My Cult! The doc literally only has one sentence but if I ever continue it it'll be about an AU I made with my friends @elw00woo and @lairde-lampblack about Luffy as a God and the straw hats as his followers. I actually have some paintings I made about it I never posted anywhere

This particular fic was going to be about Sanji and what his thoughts were leading up to encountering the straw hats, but the au itself focuses a lot on Zoro

Luffy sees the straw hats as his friends, not as his worshipers, but when a God interacts this closely with humans, it can begin to change them... My favorite effect I like to think about is being trapped or restrained in any way, or staying in one location for too long, becomes physically painful for them. They can't stand not being free,,

Zoro becomes so devoted he basically goes insane eventually, its a really fun au, i need to work on it more.

And just for you, here's a screenshot of an unpublished part of Sunken Spirals to end this out. Thank you so much for the ask these all make me so happy!!!

[peanut-tyrug]

Pink City AU: Hunt for the Boxman

Chapter 2 - Breaking Boundaries

The idol-hunting trio tries to find out how to reach the Pink City’s outer plane. Only along the way do they begin to break the fundamentals of their own lives and world’s rules…

—

NOTICE: This AU is partially based on my ideas/interpretation. If anything appears to be inaccurate, I apologize. I tried to work with what little I had to make smth. I also took a few artistic liberties.

Another thing: THE PINK CITY AND IT’S CHARACTERS DO NOT BELONG TO ME!! IT BELONGS TO GOOSEWORX!! Some canon lore for The Pink City has also been implemented in this story. This is just an AU/story I made based on it. If you’d like to check out The Pink City series itself, check it out here!

—

TRIGGER WARNING: This fic contains flashbacks/callbacks to traumatic experiences, panicking, a split personality, mentions of drugs, grieving, mentions of rituals/speaking to the dead, organ removal, a cult, caps, and swearing. If you aren’t comfortable with these things, please don’t read this.

Hoonis, Elain, and Dento walk down the street, discussing what they could do to find the Elders… more so Dento and Hoonis are discussing it.

…Elain is too busy being stuck in her head…

She can’t help but think about meeting the Elders again…

…Don’t think about it…

“…Maybe some kind of ritual?” Hoonis suggests.

Dento shakes his head. He and Elain are committed to doing good and helping the general public, but not to the point that they’d sell their souls for it. They’re young and have lives to live.

“How about one of the ghost board things?” Hoonis suggests again.

Dento shakes his head. He’s heard those things are fake. They’re also for speaking to the dead, not unfathomable horrors that they aren’t capable enough to properly comprehend.

“A seance?”

Again, Dento shakes his head. Seances are also for speaking to the dead. It’s not what they need.

“Then what are we to do?” Hoonis asks.

Elain is snapped out of her head when she hears the question. She taps Hoonis’ shoulder.

Hoonis turns to face Elain. “Hm? Do you have something in mind?”

Elain nods. She then pretends to open a book. She looks to Hoonis, trying to see if he’ll get it.

“…A book?” Hoonis questions. “A— a library?”

Elain nods.

“…Hm.” Hoonis hums. “We could give it a shot. There could be something on these beings there, right?”

Elain nods.

As the trio walks, Dento checks his phone. He notices the time.

It’s 3:00 am.

They need sleep.

Dento taps Hoonis’ arm. Hoonis looks to Dento. “What is it?” He asks.

Dento shows Hoonis the time. His eyes widen in shock. “Oh! We need sleep!” Says Hoonis. “You two can head back to your apartment, if you want.”

Elain then taps her phone screen. Hoonis notices.

She wants his number.

Hoonis looks over to Elain. “You want my number? I’d be glad to give it to you! We can be more in touch!”

Elain nods. Hoonis and Elain exchange phone numbers. Dento does the same.

The trio then seperates, heading to their homes.

—

Elain sits her room, dressed and ready for bed.

Although, she isn’t really wanting to get in bed just yet. She’s texting Dento.

'You doing okay?' Dento asks.

'Yea' Elain responds.

'You sure?' Dento asks.

'Yes' Elain responds.

Think happy thoughts…

Doing good for the city, going out to the beach, getting boba with Dento…

…Dento…

…When you hurt, I hurt…

No. Stop thinking about all that.

You’ll be okay.

'Alr, let me know if you need anything' Says Dento.

'I will' Says Elain.

'Gn Elain' Says Dento.

'Gn to you too Den' Says Elain.

Elain sets her phone down and gets herself in bed. She sets her head down on her pillow and closes her eyes…

…Darkness…

…Peaceful, terrifying darkness…

It’s almost agonizing.

As Elain begins to drift off, she can’t help but hear something…

…Whispers…

…All too familiar whispers…

“JOIN THE CREED.”

“JOIN THE CREED.”

“JOIN THE CREED.”

They become more and more prominent.

She can’t see a thing.

She can only hear the whispers.

…Calling to her…

Elain jolts awake. Her breathing quickens. She sits in her bed, staring into the darkness.

…Oh, no…

It’s gonna be a long night…

Elain lies back down.

…Think happy thoughts… think happy things…

…Then it’ll all go away…

~~~

Hoonis lays in bed, staring up at the dark ceiling.

…He wonders how Bep is doing.

How she feels after that show…

…All of what she said…

…Darles wasn’t like that, was he? Hoonis refused to believe it…

…No way in hell was he an unloving father who wanted nothing to do with his own kids… a father who never supported his kids… a father who…

…Hoonis’ mind had trailed off.

…He could never help but think of his own father…

His unloving, uncaring father…

…No way in hell…

—

Hoonis slowly wakes up, blinking a bit. He rises up in his bed and stretches. He spots his phone and picks it up. It’s 12:00 pm. He decides to text Elain.

'Hi!' Hoonis texts. 'Are you ready for our adventure today?'

He waits a bit.

…No response.

Maybe she’s still asleep.

Hoonis exits his messages and stares at his Home Screen for a bit.

…He could give Bep a call.

He opens his contacts and taps the contact for Bep he had left there. He never deleted it.

His phone rings. He waits for an answer.

The ringing continues.

Keeps going…

Until it stops.

Bep didn’t pick up.

Hoonis sighs in disappointment… then his phone buzzes.

It’s a text. From Bep.

'Leave me alone' The text reads.

Hoonis stares at the text, full of guilt.

…He lays on his back and sighs before getting up.

—

It’s the next day.

Elain slept okay.

…Eventually.

She picks up her phone and looks at the time.

…It’s 2:00 pm.

She also sees texts from Dento.

'Hey' Says Dento. 'You gotta get up'

She also spots some texts from Hoonis.

'Hi!' Says Hoonis. ‘Are you ready for our adventure today?'

…Shit.

She overslept.

…It’s not really unusual for Elain. She’s not very good at being organized or having a routine.

Her eyes widen. She rushes out of bed, not even giving herself time to stretch. She smacks open her door, and hurries to prepare herself for the day.

After scurrying out of the bathroom, she heads back to her room and slaps her Bounty Hunting gear on and grabs her phone. After that, she almost slips into a small kitchen.

She stops.

She sees Dento sitting at the dining table. He had been waiting for her.

Along with some food he had cooked. He made breakfast.

Dento looks to his phone. He types.

Elain’s phone buzzes. A text from Dento.

'I heard all that noise' Reads the text. 'We aren’t really in a rush'

'Sry' Elain responds.

'You’re okay' Says Dento. 'Now eat. Don’t want your breakfast getting cold'

Elain sets herself down next to Dento. As she prepares to eat, Dento taps her shoulder. She looks over to him.

Dento looks to Elain and turns his head. Are you okay?

Elain thinks…

She nods.

Think happy thoughts. Happy things.

Dento nods back.

He almost feels as if he doesn’t need to ask her that as much as he does, since she’s so insistent that she’s okay.

However, that’s what friends do.

You keep an eye on each other.

They make a good team.

—

Elain and Dento walk over to Hoonis’ apartment. It’s not far off from their own, they found out after Hoonis spilled his address to them through text.

As the duo approaches the door and Elain prepares to knock, Hoonis suddenly swings open his door, almost smacking Elain across the face.

“Good morning, good people!” Says Hoonis. He quickly takes notice of the duo in front of his door. “Hello! Are you ready?”

Elain and Dento nod, not really displaying the same kind of enthusiasm Hoonis is.

“Great!” Says Hoonis. “I’ll be leading us to the library! It’s a long way away! Come on!”

Hoonis quickly steps past the Bounty Hunters and makes his way downstairs. Elain and Dento quickly follow suit.

—

It’s been a few hours since the trio had set off. A bit longer than Hoonis expected.

It’s 5:00 pm.

Yet, they’re still walking.

“I didn’t realize it would take this long.” Says Hoonis. “I thought we’d be there by 4 at most!”

The three continue to walk, not really certain of how to keep on with the conversation.

As they walk, Hoonis’ phone buzzes. A text from Elain.

'Hru?' Reads the text.

“Oh!” Says Hoonis. “I’m good! How’ve you two been today?”

Hoonis’ phone buzzes again.

'Good' Reads a text from Dento.

'👍' Reads the text from Elain.

“Wonderful!” Says Hoonis, not looking up from his screen.

As he walks, Hoonis suddenly bumps into someone.

“Ah!” Hoonis yelps as he stumbles back.

The other slips back a little. He almost falls. “Watch where you going!” He says. “If you young people weren’t always on your DAMN PHONES, you’d see where you’re going!”

“I’m sorry, sir!” Says Hoonis.

“Malarkey, that’s what it is!” Says the man. “How about you good read a book every once in awhile! Your local librarian is losing money out here!”

Before Hoonis can speak up again, realization hits the three of them.

…This man is a librarian.

As the librarian begins to walk off, Hoonis speaks up.

“Wait!” He says. “We’re actually heading for the library!”

The librarian turns his head. “…Really?” He asks.

“Yes!” Says Hoonis. “…Are you on break?”

“…I don’t have to be.” Says the librarian. “Is there any particular book you’re looking for?”

Hoonis looks around before whispering to the librarian. “…Do you have any books on Gods?”

“…Hmm. I may have something piled up.” Says the librarian. “I think I remember someone dropping a book discussing such things. I’ve kept it since.”

“Oh! Good!” Says Hoonis. “Do you mind finding it for us?”

“I most certainly can!” Says the librarian. “Follow me.”

The librarian then leads the trio to the library, which really wasn’t very far from where they just were.

“I didn’t realize we were that close…” Says Hoonis.

“I was just preparing to leave when I had met you three.” Says the librarian. “But I’m perfectly fine with helping those who desire knowledge from the printed word!”

The librarian heads up a small staircase leading to the library’s entrance. He opens the door, allowing the trio to peak inside.

The library’s interior appears to be slightly run down. Cob webs are scattered on the floor and roof. Chandeliers light up the area, making it dimly lit.

“Ooh.” Says Hoonis. “Fancy!”

“Shh!” The librarian hushes.

“…Sorry.” Hoonis whispers.

The Bounty Hunters glance around. Elain is amazed by it. Dento, on the other hand, is slightly weirded out by it.

“Let me lead you to my counter.” Says the librarian in a whispering. “I have that book locked up tight back there.”

The librarian leads the trio to his counter. As they walk, the trio glances at the long and large book shelves. Various colors and and covers catch their eyes.

“Here we are.” Says the librarian as they approach the counter. “Wait here.” He walks behind the counter and into a backroom.

The three wait. Dento looks around a bit. He takes a peek behind the librarian’s desk.

“What’re you doing there?” Whispers Hoonis.

Dento looks back. He takes out his phone and types. He’s texting Hoonis.

Hoonis’ phone buzzes. Dento’s text.

'I don’t entirely trust him' Reads the text. ‘He’s got an air to him I don’t like'

“He seems like an innocent man.” Whispers Hoonis.

'Not to me he doesn’t' Responds Dento.

Before Hoonis can retort, the librarian returns. “Here.” He says, handing Hoonis the book they needed. “Let me know if you need anything.” He then walks back to his desk.

“Thank you.” Says Hoonis. The trio heads to a table nearby.

Dento looks over to the librarian. He glares at him. The librarian doesn’t appear to be paying attention.

…His evildoer senses are tingling…

…Although, he seems innocent enough…

But every bad guy is like that. Bounty or not.

Elain and Hoonis look at the book’s cover as Dento eyes the librarian.

“'Ghosts and Gods: A Book on the Unfathomable'.” Says Hoonis. “That’s an interesting title.”

Elain nods. She looks over to Dento. He’s still eyeing the librarian.

As Dento continues to look on at the librarian, his phone buzzes.

'You don’t trust him' Says a text from Elain.

'No' Says Dento.

'You think that man is an evildoer?'

'Yes' Says Dento. 'He’s got an untrustworthy air. And we know every bounty is like that'

'You’ve got a point' Says Elain. 'But he hasn’t acted too weird or anything. Maybe just keep an eye on him?'

'Sure' Says Dento. He turns back to the librarian while Elain looks back to Hoonis, who is soaring through the book.

“I’ve heard of most of these.” Says Hoonis. “I think I’ve covered some…” He turns to Elain. “Have you ever seen Ghost of the Year?”

Elain shakes her head, a no.

“That’s a shame. You should!” Hoonis says in a whisper. “It’s a good show, and I host it!”

Hoonis continues to look through the book. Many ghosts, ghouls, and other beings catch their eyes.

Eventually, Hoonis stops at a particular page. “Aha!” He whispers. “Here!”

The heading on the page reads: 'The Elders of Lost Eyes'.

Elain stares at the page, eyes wide.

…Keep your mind off it.

“Look at this!” Says Hoonis. He begins to read the paragraph underneath the artist depiction of the creatures, long dark pillars with various eyes. Among other depictions, such as more 'human' looking creatures with heads, shoulders, and a single pair of eyes on each head.

Just like the creatures Thlouretta saw.

'Not much is know about these beings, as there aren’t many witnesses. Although, from the few who have allegedly seen or heard these creatures amongst odd whispers, these creatures appear to show interest in expanding their 'Creed'. We would know more, but with each new witness of these beings comes a new disappearance. We may never know more about these Elders if more witnesses keep suddenly falling into a missing status.'

“…Odd.” Says Hoonis. “…There doesn’t appear to be any information on how we can see them, though…”

Elain can’t help but stare.

Suddenly, a sharp pain enters her head. She feels the back of her head.

…Somsthing’s impaled it.

She takes out what’s stabbed her.

…A dart.

…A tranquilizer dart…

She quickly begins to feel dizzy. She looks over the the librarian’s desk.

He’s still there.

…If it wasn’t the librarian who shot at her…

…Then who…?

Before she can even get up to warn the others, Elain begins to pass out. Her head slams onto the table, snapping Hoonis out of his reading and Dento away from the librarian.

“Elain?” He asks. He looks over to see Elain with her head down, unconscious.

“Excuse me.” Says a voice from behind.

Hoonis turns. “Hm?” He hums. Dento also turns back.

They look on in shock.

They see a two cloaked figures behind them, each of them have a bat in hand.

“I thought there wasn’t supposed to be any noise in a library.” Says one figure.

Suddenly…

*WHACK*

…Darkness.

—

…

…The trio slowly comes to.

They look up to see large trees covering up the sky. The sun has set. Each of them attempt to look over to each other. They all appear to be lying down. Tied up.

“…W-where are we?” Hoonis asks.

The trio looks around. Torches are scattered around a small clearing.

They’re in the woods.

Suddenly, rustling is heard from nearby shrubs. The trio tries to look over to spot the cause of the sound.

From the bushes, a cloaked and hooded figure emerges, holding his hands up in the air. “Friends!” He shouts. “They have awoken!”

From the bushes, more cloaked figures emerge, all talking amongst each other. They circle around the tied up trio and look down upon them.

The tied up idol hunters face the supposed leader. “Where are we!? What happened!?” Hoonis asks.

“It appears you don’t remember.” Says the leader. “Unfortunate. Perhaps they hit you too hard…”

Dento listens in on the voice… it’s familiar…

…Too familiar…

The leader then brings down his hood to reveal a familiar face.

The librarian.

“You!?” Hoonis shouts. Elain looks in shock.

Even though Dento, anticipated something was up with the man, he still was in shock. He didn’t know that man was a—

…Oh.

The librarian then puts his hood back up. “Never mind introductions, my dear sheep!” He says. “They require sacrifices— can I get an amen?”

“Amen.” The cult says in unison.

“…Dear, God…” Says Hoonis. “A cult leader!”

Besides that…

…Who was this 'They'…?

“…They will be pleased with your arrival.” Says the librarian. “Especially you.” He looks over to Elain.

Elain begins to panic again.

…No.

Don’t think about it.

…Don’t…

“Friends!” Says the librarian. “Bring them to the World’s Edge! The Elders shall ask, and they shall receive!”

The cult members then huddle and pick up the captives and carry them through the woods.

…Elain continues to keep her mind off things…

Don’t think about it.

Don’t think about it.

Do. Not. Think. About. It.

…But, it’s difficult.

The thoughts plague her mind. She can’t seem to shake them off this time. No matter how hard she tries…

The thought of it all…

The drugs. The Elders. The eyes. The pain. The confusion.

…Everything…

It feels so fresh in her mind, just as it was when it first happened.

Just thinking about seeing those eyes again is driving her nuts. She wants to forget it ever happened… although, she can’t.

Dento looks over to Elain, concern glossing his eyes.

Don’t think about it.

You’ll be fine as long as it’s not constantly on your mind. Eating at your mind like termites. Slapping your very soul across the face until it’s bleeding.

You don’t have to tell him as long as you aren’t thinking about it.

You’ll be okay.

Stay optimistic.

Elain nods to Dento.

…Dento almost feels uncertain about Elain.

Suddenly, the trio begins to fall.

They’ve been thrown over a cliff.

They fall. Hoonis’ shrills of terror smacking their heads like a ball in a pinball machine.

As they fall, however…

They rise.

They shoot past the cliff they had been dropped from and into the sky…

Into the atmosphere.

Into the stars.

Into the great beyond.

Hoonis’ screams become inaudible once they reach the outer limits of the world.

Past various lights and voids, all of them a terrifying sight to behold. They pass by planets, asteroids, solar systems with no sun. All of what the world hasn’t explored shoved into a few a minute trip.

The trio then enters a small hole with a large court house in the middle of it.

Elain begins to panic even more…

…You’ll be fine…

Stop thinking about it.

The trio enters the court house. Hoonis’ screams also become audible again. As they pass large white pillars and deeper into the court house, Dento kicks Hoonis’ leg, getting him to stop screaming.

“Ow! What’s the big idea!?” Says Hoonis. “Is that not a natural reaction to getting shot through space!?”

Suddenly, a loud buzzer goes off.

The rope tied around the trio unravels. Dento and Hoonis get sent downward.

Oh, no…

Hoonis and Dento stand next to each other. “What’s happening!?” Hoonis questions.

Two mouse cursors appears. They hover over the men’s bodies and click them. The cursors pull…

And the top layer of their bodies pop off, revealing their internal organs. Each one not an organic organ, but a shape one. Like something out of a cartoon.

“…AAAAAAAAAAHH!!” Hoonis shouts.

The cursors hover over the organs until stopping on their hearts and clicking it. The hearts are removed and odd creature appears off to side. It gobbles up their hearts in one bite. Their covers are then slapped back onto their bodies.

Hoonis and Dento are then brought back up to Elain’s level. Both are terrified. Hoonis especially.

The trio then begins to hover forward.

They enter a large void-like room. Large, shadowy pillars coated with colorful eyes look upon them. Above the pillars appear three eyes, which slowly open as the trio enters. The eyes look down upon them. The trio takes in the sight.

The Elders of Lost Eyes.

The trio is horrified.

…Elain especially.

…Don’t think about it…

“THEY ARE HERE.” Says the pillars. “SHE IS HERE.”

“THEY SEEK HIM.” They say again. “SHE SEEKS HIM. HE SEEKS HER.”

“BRING THEM TO HIM.” They say, echoing.

The phrase repeats.

“BRING THEM TO HIM.”

“BRING THEM TO HIM.”

“BRING THEM TO HIM.”

The trio then blasts upward. They shoot past the Elders and into another dark room. They’re all set down, and are able to stand. There’s a floor here.

…Silence.

Then…

“Hey, there!” Says a peppy, high pitched voice. “You seem confused! Allow me to introduce myself!”

Out from the shadows, clacking footsteps are heard.

The trio looks into the shadows.

Out from the shadows, a very familiar man emerges.

…Or, at least, a man who is very familiar to Hoonis.

A spindly man dressed in a magenta suit, paired with a teal bow tie and yellow undershirt comes out of the shadows.

And the most defining feature he has…

Elain looks in shock.

…A cube head…

…No, a box head…

“I am Darly Boxman!” Says Darly. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance! We’ve been waiting for you!”

Elain and Dento are completely frozen in shock.

Hoonis, on the other hand…

He looks on in utter excitement and shock. He begins to tremble as excitement takes over his brain and body.

He couldn’t help but squeal.

“AAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH!!!” Hoonis laughs maniacally. “I’VE BEEN WAITING TO MEET YOU ALL MY LIFE, DARLES NEMENI!!”

As Hoonis races toward Darly, The boxman lifts an arm into the air. Hoonis is brought into the air. He looks on at the other man in confusion.

“Ah, ah, ah!” Says Darly. “I don’t go by that anymore! Call me Darly!”

“I never knew you could be so committed to your character!” Says Hoonis. “But why don’t you go by Dar—“

Darly pulls Hoonis close and shushes him. “That’s not important.” He says. “Anyway, thank you!”

“Y-you’re welcome!” Says Hoonis.

Darly then looks back over to the Bounty Hunters. “Oh, interesting outfits!” He says. “That reminds me, I wonder how the times have changed down there. He hasn’t been there in years, not like he needs to.” He chuckles.

…What does that mean?

Elain and Dento are suddenly lifted into the air and paired with Hoonis.

“Look at you all!” Says Darly. “So moldable! I could just completely alter your code to fit my own image!”

The trio are suddenly coated in a bright blue aura. Their forms begin to alter and break apart. The aura eventually fades, revealing the trio now with different body types or limbs.

Darly continues to repeat this process of change.

Each time getting more and more painful. Each time Hoonis’ shrills gettting worse and worse.

Elain can’t help but think of the sheer pain she had to experience…

…Stop it… stop thinking about it…

Darly eventually lets go of the trio and sets them down. They fall to their knees and take a breather.

Hoonis looks up to Darly. “What was that for!?” He asks, still trying to recover and catch his breath.

“Oh, I just like doing that!” Says Darly. “Why not do it when you’re a God?”

…A God…?

“…What…?” Hoonis questions. “…I never found anything like that in my research…”

“That’s because that old, burnt out coot went missing!” Says Darly. “…It appears you all have some catching up to do!”

Shadowy tendrils rise up from the ground and stab the eyes of the trio, causing them to see visions…

Elain isn’t liking it one bit…

…No. Don’t think it…

'The man who you know as Darles was a desperate man, willing to do anything to make himself popular.' Darly narrates as a depiction of Darles on his knees begging appears. 'Even make a deal with the Devil.'

Eyes begin appearing around Darles. The vision fades.

'The Elder’s interest in the man piqued, and they helped him.' Says Darly. 'They gave him success. He got power. Fame. Ascension. All of what he wanted… All for a price…'

A new vision appears: Darles surrounded by eyes within a dark mass looking upon him.

'If they helped him, he had to join them…' Says Darly. 'And such a hungry man took the bait.'

The mass surrounds Darles, trapping him within it.

'And now, Darles and Darly have become one.' Says Darly.

Darles pops out of the mass, a box now replacing his dual-triangle head.

'He had achieved God-hood, he ascended, just as he wished.' Says Darly.

The tendrils then pop out of the trio’s eyes. They each fall to the ground.

'Now look at him! Look at me!” Says Darly, floating in the air. “He can do anything! He HAS everything! Just as he had wished for!”

“But what about his friends? His family?” Hoonis asks.

“…What?” Darly asks.

“Thlouretta? Bep?” Hoonis asks. “What about them? Does he miss them?”

“Why would that matter?” Darly asks. “He has everything he wanted!”

“But they loved him.” Says Hoonis. “They miss him… well, maybe Bep doesn’t miss him outwardly— but still, doesn’t he still love them too?”

“As Darly Boxman went on, he became hellbent on it!” Says Darly. “All he wanted was to ascend! For his show to succeed! He didn’t care about them!”

“There must be more to it! Thlouretta spoke of how kind and caring he was! He was never like this until work on his show started!” Says Hoonis. “…And I remember hearing a voice one night, someone calling for help… it sounded like Darles… he’s still in there… in your head.”

Darly isn’t sure of how to continue.

“…Tell me, Darles.” Says Hoonis. “Tell me you loved Bep like your daughter. Tell me that you were a kind and caring man. Tell me that you aren’t a piece of shit father.”

Elain and Dento look to each other. They’re surprised that Hoonis is acting so stern about this. He spoke with such passion they had never heard from him.

Darly pauses.

“…Please.” Says Hoonis, desperately.

…Darly hesitates…

…He then begins to float back down to the ground. He tries to pry the box off of his head.

It takes some time, but the box is removed.

…Darles looks up, pain in his eyes.

Hoonis looks back, desperately anticipating the truth.

“…I loved Bep with my life.” Says Darles.

Hoonis’ eyes widen a bit. Elain and Dento rise to their feet, surprise in their eyes.

“…I-I was a good man. Thlouretta and I were great friends… and I… I let it all go.” Says Darles. “…I threw it all away for a stupid show, for fame… I ruined my life, and for what? To be in constant suffering with this parasite clinging to my head…?”

The trio stares at the man as he vents.

“I never wanted this… I didn’t want those who I cherished to leave me— I didn’t…” Says Darles as he falls to knees. “…What in God’s name did I do to myself…?”

Faint sobs can be heard as Darles lowers his head. Before anyone can approach him, he lifts his head to the box he had set down.

Darles then proceeds to pick up the box. He squeezes it slightly.

“My STUPID lust for YOU, GOT ME HERE!!” Says Darles. “I AM HERE BECAUSE I JUST HAD TO WANT FAME!! I LOST WHAT I LOVE BECAUSE OF MY STUPID ACTIONS!! …I FUCKING HATE YOU!!!”

Darles then proceeds to stand back up and throw the box into the void next to him. He falls to his knees again and begins to sob.

Hoonis then tries to approach the sobbing man, only for Elain and Dento to restrain Hoonis and pull him away.

“Wait!” Says Hoonis. “We can help him!”

The duo pulls Hoonis back further.

There isn’t a point in helping a man that’s lost his mind.

Hoonis struggles to escape the duo’s grip, but they’ve got a tight hold on him. He tries his hardest to pull away from them, until he eventually pops out of their hold. He rushes over to Darles and begins to hesitate…

…After a bit, Hoonis gets down on his knees and sits beside the sobbing man.

“…I’m a horrible friend…” Says Darles through his sobs. “…I’m a terrible father…”

“…I don’t think you are one.” Says Hoonis.

“…Why not?” Darles asks. “I sacrificed who I loved for this. I hurt people. People I cherished. And now look at me… I’m broken man. Why try to waste your time with me when I can just send you all home?”

“Because I want to help you.” Says Hoonis.

“What about what I just said do you not get?” Darles asks. “There isn’t anything you nor I could do about this… I’m stuck here, and I can’t leave. I took the bait, and this is my punishment.”

“…I can try. We can try.” Says Hoonis. “We can help you become a better man.”

“No.” Says Darles. “I doubt I can change. I’ve ruined so much… just leave me be…”

Nearby, a small portal opens on the ground. It leads back to the Pink City.

“You can change! We can get you back home, help you let this go!” Says Hoonis desperately.

“You can’t break a contract with the Devil just like that.” Says Darles.

“But, I don’t want to leave you!” Says Hoonis. “I’ve wanted to learn from you all my life!”

“Are you dense?” Darles asks. “Why learn from a man who ruined his life chasing after fame? …Just leave.”

Elain and Dento step to Hoonis and pick him up. They drag him toward the portal.

Hoonis desperately tries to escape the duo’s grasp, but to no avail. Darles keeps his head to the ground.

The trio eventually trips into the portal. Hoonis yelps as they fall.

Once the trio is gone, the portal in the floor closes.

Darles sits there, alone, and on his knees.

“…I am nothing…” Says Darles. “Nothing but a puppet…”

…Darles then begins to chuckle a bit.

“…Hehehe… he is nothing… you are nothing…” Says Darles… or really, Darly. “…Is this not what you wanted, Darles? You wanted fame, so why don’t you embrace it?”

“…You stay away from me, you fucking leech.” Says Darles, sounding more like himself.

…He and Darly are in a predicament…

“Oh, no, that won’t do!” Says Darly. “I thought we were friends!”

“We may have been, but we aren’t anymore.” Says Darles. “I want you to leave me alone.”

“Why?” Darly asks. “You made that deal, now you’re stuck with me! It’s like you said, you can’t break the Devil’s contract just like that!”

“…Leave me alone, you wretched piece of shit…” Says Darles.

“Oh, dear!” Says Darly. “…I think you need a helping hand!”

Suddenly, approaching clicking sounds are heard. Darles looks up.

He sees his box head, covered in a dark ooze. It’s crawling with it’s six shadowy, spider-like limbs.

It’s quickly approaching Darles.

Before Darles can even react, the box head lunges onto Darles’ face, trying to attach itself to him.

Darles screams and quickly rises to his feet. He attempts to pull the box off of his head, but to no avail.

“GET OFF OF ME, YOU FUCKING PARASITE!!” Darles screams, his hands mounted to his head, trying to remove the creature from him.

“You know I can’t do that!” Says Darly.

Darles continues to struggle with the beast as it slowly crawls it’s way onto his head, attaching to it like a leech.

Darles falls to his knees again and struggles to combat the creature’s hold on him, both mentally and physically.

From the center face of the box, seven vibrant eyes sprout and slowly open.

Darly begins taking hold of the poor man’s body. He takes a look at his hands and slowly rises to his feet.

“I think you need this, don’t you think?” Darly asks himself. “What else do you need, I wonder…?”

Darly begins thinking to himself… before something comes to mind.

“…I know!” Says Darly. “You need a refresher just to show you what great power they gave you!”

—

The trio falls plummets from the sky, Hoonis still squirming in Elain and Dento’s arms.

“I could’ve helped him!” Says Hoonis as the trio falls.

The hunters eventually slam into the pavement. The citizens walking around jump and quickly take notice of the large hole made in the road. They all begin grouping around the hole and gazing upon the still bodies within it.

The three slowly rise and massage their temples. Hoonis looks up to the sky and no longer sees a way back to Darles.

“…I could’ve helped…” Says Hoonis. “He can change…”

Dento looks to Hoonis and pats his back. He then looks over to Elain.

…She doesn’t look well.

Elain knows he’s looking at her.

…Stop thinking about it.

You’ll be fine.

Dento reaches an arm over to her.

Before, he can reach her though…

*BANG*

Dento stops. Everyone looks around.

*BANG*

Nothing is around them. Nothing.

…The only place they haven’t looked…

…Up.

Everyone looks up to the sky.

…Not much happens.

Until…

*BANG*

*BANG*

*BANG*

The sky explodes apart. A large hole in the sky appears. And oddly enough, it begins to bug and glitch out…

The civilians begin to panic and run away. The trio remains in the hole, not moving a muscle.

From the hole in the sky hovers an approaching figure. The figure quickly approaches the Pink City, and stops right in front of the hole in the road.

The trio stares in disbelief.

Darly.

Although, his box head is covered in a black, dripping substance. At the sides of the box, spider-like legs remain. And for the man’s face; vibrant, multicolored eyes. They could bring utter fear to anyone who dared to look upon them.

“Hey there, everybody!” Says Darly. “Welcome back to the show! Did you miss me?”

No one seems to answer. Only screams are heard as the civilians scramble to their homes.

“I’m sorry for my sudden intrusion, but it’s come to my attention that a friend of mine needs a lesson in being grateful for the power they’ve been given!” Says Darly. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to show you all what a REAL God looks like!”

Darly raises his hands, and out from the hole in the sky, shadowy tendrils shoot out and charge toward any unsuspecting civilians. The tendrils attack and hit at the civilians. Many are shot around against walls or slammed into the road.

The more the civilians are attacked, the more 'glitched out' they become. Slowly becoming horribly distorted and broken.

Darly then looks down into the trio still stuck in the hole.

“Oh, look at the menagerie!” Says Darly. “I’ve seen you before! You look like you’d be fun to play with! Especially YOU!”

Tendrils shoot toward Elain and grab her wrists and ankles. She begins to get dragged back. Dento grabs onto her. Both of them quickly get dragged out of the hole and toward Darly.

Dento pulls at Elain, trying to free her from the tendrils. He looks to Elain, she looks back.

Dento’s expression shows that of desperation.

'Don’t you let go!'

Hoonis then begins to struggle out of the hole to reach the Bounty Hunters. He can barely get back up.

Dento’s feet dig into the pavement as Elain gets dragged back. Both ends are tugging so hard, that Elain feels her body could be snapped in half.

“Ooh! We’ve got a fighter!” Says Darly.

The tendrils then begin to tug at Elain even harder. So much so, that Dento can barely hold on anymore.

In a snap, Dento’s hands give out, no longer able to hold on to Elain. Elain is shot up into the sky, completely disappearing from Dento’s view in a matter of a seconds.

Dento can’t help but watch as his dear friend is sent into the sky.

Lord knows if she’ll ever return.

Dento remains on his knees. He lays his head down as tears fall from his eyes. He silently sobs, his chest heaving, even if no audible sound is heard from him.

Hoonis is eventually able to climb out of the hole in the road. He spots Dento sitting alone, Elain nowhere to be found.

“Where’s Elain?” Hoonis asks as he approaches the sobbing man.

Dento doesn’t answer.

“…I’m sorry.” Says Hoonis. “You don’t have to tell me.”

Hoonis looks up to the sky. Dento does the same.

…Tendrils shoot out from the sky hole and quickly launch themselves toward the city.

Toward the duo that watches the sky above.

Hoonis and Dento spring up and quickly try to evade the approaching tendrils, trying to pass the hole in the road without falling in.

Once they pass the hole, the two stay fairly far apart. They run off, trying to find somewhere to hide.

As Dento runs, the sound of something approaching him catches his attention.

Too late, however.

A tendril smacks Dento on the back of his head. The force of the hit slams him into a nearby wall.

He falls unconscious before he even hits the floor.

~~~

Dento slowly begins to come to. He blinks a bit before slowly rising up.

He looks around.

Nothing.

Nothing but darkness.

As he turns his head, he spots someone.

Someone familiar.

Elain.

Elain sits alone, head down. She looks as if she’s ashamed.

Dento quickly gets to his feet and rushes toward his partner. As he approaches her… he hears something…

“SHE WAS NOT READY.” Says an unknown voice.

Dento stands nearby his friend, confused. He glances around, looking for the source of the voice.

“SHE WAS NEVER OKAY.” The voice says again.

Suddenly, out from Elain’s head, a vapor appears. From the vapor emerges a collage of shapes. Shapes and colors…

Shapes and colors that would remind one of stress. Of anxiety. Of fear. Of something underlying that is left without acknowledgement.

The collage takes up the void. Only Elain and Dento remain.

“HER MIND WAS NOT READY.” Says the voice again. “SHE IS CURSED WITH A TERRIBLE BLINDNESS.”

“A BLINDNESS YOU FELL FOR.”

“A BLINDNESS SHE FELL FOR.”

“NEITHER OF YOU…”

“NEITHER OF YOU ARE SAFE FROM WHAT SHE CAUSED TO HAPPEN TO HERSELF.”

As Dento glances around, he begins to hear a different voice…

'I’ll be okay.'

'I’ll be fine.'

'I’m okay.'

'Stay optimistic.'

'Stay optimistic.'

'Stay optimistic.'

The phrase, 'Stay optimistic', continuously lingering within the void.

“HER OPTIMISM IS A CURSE.” Says the other voice.

“A CURSE YOU BOTH MUST BEAR WITNESS TO.”

Dento glances around again.

…Was this true…?

…Or some kind of trick…?

As he glances, he notices Elain slowly raising her head. She stares at Dento with horribly desperate eyes.

He stares back.

…A new phrase lingers.

'I’m sorry.'

'I’m sorry.'

'I am so, so sorry…'

…Elain.

She’s speaking through her thoughts.

…Those thoughts of desperate optimism…

…They were hers…

And she never said a word…

Leaving both of them in the dark…

If she had said something…

She wouldn’t be stuck in the sky. The city wouldn’t have been put in danger…

…He should’ve known she’d be this ignorant.

Dento suddenly feels himself being pulled away. He quickly exits the colorful amalgamation of stress, barely able to hear Elain’s thoughts.

~~~

Dento jolts awake. He quickly rises. He glances around.

…He’s in his home. On the couch.

…Someone took him home…

“Dento?” Calls a voice from a nearby hall. “You okay?”

Dento turns over to the hall. He sees his sister, Danina, peer out from the hall. She notices her awakened brother and rushes toward him.

“Oh, thank God, you’re okay!” Says Danina, hugging her brother. “Some guy was carrying you, we just got you and took you home… what even happened?”

Dento thinks about who the hell could’ve been carrying him…

Hoonis.

…He’s grateful for him.

Dento can only hope Hoonis is okay.

Dento then begins to think about how to answer Danina’s question.

“…It’s a long story, isn’t it?” Danina asks.

Dento nods.

“Alright. Oh, also, I want to make sure,” Danina begins. “You aren’t hurt, are you? Mom looked at you, but I want to hear from you.”

Dento thinks…

…Not exactly…

Not only did he lose his friend, he’s had to learn about how she functions. Her ignorance. His ignorance…

…Sometimes, he hates how Elain works…

—

Elain sits alone. Alone within a dark void. Stuck in the sky. Unable to leave.

Not certain of how to leave.

…She feels awful.

…If only she had said something…

Realized how ignorant she was…

She didn’t want any of this.

She had set out to be a Bounty Hunter to bring good to the city. Bring down ne'er-do-wells and serve them sweet justice. All she wanted was to do good… not bring the city down to destruction and ashes…

All of this. All of it…

Is it not all her fault?

If she hadn’t decided to go on this goose chase. If she had said something. If she had taken better consideration into the inner workings of her head…

The city wouldn’t be crumbling.

People wouldn’t have been getting hurt.

A practical God (hopefully) wouldn’t have been unveiled unto the city.

Dento wouldn’t have—

Dento…

He wouldn’t have been hurt…

Mentally hurt…

…When you hurt, I hurt…

…

…What has she done…?

“Oh, dear!” Says a voice.

Elain turns her head, glancing around. She quickly rises to her feet.

…It’s familiar…

…Darly.

“Over here, dear!”

Elain turns.

Darly hovers behind Elain, staring down upon her with his seven vibrant eyes. His look paralyzes her, freaks her out.

…He looked awful.

Darly then bends down a bit. His box head hovers off of his shoulders and toward Elain. It stares into her eyes and pierces her soul.

“You’re tired, aren’t you?” Darly asks.

The box head slams back into its rightful place on Darly’s shoulders. He continues to stare Elain down.

“Have you thought of an answer yet?” Darly asks.

Elain thinks…

She was tired.

Tired of these thoughts. Tired of the guilt. Tired of the stress

She nods.

“I thought so!” Says Darly. “…Why don’t I lend you a hand?” He puts out a hand.

Elain stares at Darly in disbelief.

…Why would she make a deal with him?

“…Hmm…” Darly hums. “Perhaps you need a refresher!”

Suddenly, familiar visions and whispers fill Elain’s head.

“JOIN THE CREED.” The whispers yell. Over and over. The phrase echos.

Visions of what she’s seen. What she’s experienced. What she’s faced. All of it hits Elain like dodgeballs.

Elain curls up into a ball and wraps her arms around her head.

She wants it to go away. That’s all she wants.

…But it appears she can’t get it to go away on her own anymore.

“You want this all to go away, yes?” Darly asks. “Then why not make a deal?”

The whispers are unending. The visions are infinite.

“I need an answer!” Says Darly.

…Why not make a deal, when you can no longer face these issues on your own?

Elain looks up to Darly. She stares into his eyes before slowly and hesitantly bringing out a hand.

“There we are!” Says Darly.

Darly takes Elain’s hand. The visions and whispers quickly fade.

Nothing happens for a moment.

…Until Elain starts feeling a buzzing sensation on her hand.

She stares at the hand Darly had taken. The buzzing feeling doesn’t go away. The feeling travels up her body. She begins to feel numb…

Not only that.

…Her head feels fuzzy…

She can’t think straight.

Her thoughts become indescribable. Her consciousness feels as if it’s slipping.

…She almost feels dead…

Her body and mind are numb. She can barely think cognitively.

Almost like some kind of zombie.

Elain’s body has become that of a glitchy, buggy mess. Her body can’t keep a proper shape, as it often bugs out and loses a proper form. Her eyes void of sentience, glistening in a bright blue.

Darly chuckles. “Haha! Look!” He says. “You’re like me now!”

Powerful.

Exactly what Darles wanted.

A hungry person very easily and quickly takes the bait.

- END -

Next Chapter:

Previous Chapter:

[florwal]

I’m playing your save file and I appreciate how realistic it is! Out of curiosity I have few questions. What made you want to create the save other that the fact that it’s based off where you live? Also Love it but a lot of your sims aren’t the best of people and do bad things. Why is that? English is not my first language sorry for mistakes ♥️

here’s a very long answer! there’s a lot of good saves out there, but there weren’t any i could find that were realistic, centered around crime, regular lower income families, builds that were old and dingy etc. basically i just wanted a hood ass save file that felt familiar to my actual life/friends/hometown. it was just gonna be a personal save but i joined simblr to share my builds and people started asking me if i’d ever make a save file, since i already was i decided to share it w everyone. if i never joined simblr i don’t think i’d finish the 3 portsim worlds as fast as i did/keep expanding to other worlds but seeing people enjoy something i’ve created and adding their own spin to it makes me so :’) it makes things a lot more fulfilling/enjoyable <3

when it comes to my sims and their stories, real people aren’t 1 dimensional. to me, doing (certain) bad things or making wrong decisions ≠ being a “bad” person, it’s more complex/circumstantial than that. i guess i just want my sims to feel like real people or at least as real as sims can feel while having shitty ts4 ai. most of them aren’t meant to be seen as good/bad honestly, it’s subjective to each person that plays the save. obviously some things are dramatized to keep it interesting but overall i want things to be grounded in reality.

examples:

- charles boyce is my most extreme/one of my only inherently bad characters, i wanted him to have generic serial killer vibes. he got brain washed and manipulated into a cult which resulted in him becoming a paranoid evil person that killed his wife, jerrod banks’ mom, other pregnant women, and eventually even his own daughter for the mother plant (which canonically doesn’t exist) that the cult worships because 1. he was already misogynistic and had shitty morals and 2. he’s been brainwashed into believing that’s what he has to do to have eternal life.

- jerrod banks. he doesn’t know his mom was murdered, he and his dad (the police chief) just think she left without any explanation when jerrod was a teenager. that caused him to have trust issues and be emotionally closed off to avoid being hurt by people. his dad tried to be there for him, but he was also dealing with his wife leaving him to be a single dad, a demanding job, and a son that acted out. that’s a lot for one person. jerrod also grew up in portsim. being young and impressionable living in a place full of poverty, surrounded by the glorification of drugs, guns/violence etc causes it’s own issues. fast forward a few years later, jerrod and his childhood best friend deven have big plans. they both love creating music and want more out of life so they form a rap duo hoping to be successful and get out of portsim. but when a local record label takes interest in/only wants to sign deven… shit gets real. deven takes the deal, and jerrod is upset. the person he loved and trusted the most betrayed him, that’s his biggest fear. jerrod ends up shooting deven, which is obviously a terrible thing to do. but it wasn’t for no reason. i wouldn’t want to personally be around someone like jerrod, but i also wouldn’t view him the same way i would see someone like charles boyce.

[jalshristovski]

if it isnt personal, would you mind to share us your ethnics backgrounds history ? It is just that you have a really intersting mix and wondered how it worked out 😅

Anon I am so glad you asked because I love talking about my culture/family history and you’ve just opened floodgates

Firstly I’d like to specify that this is ONLY my dad’s side. My mother’s side immigrated to the US a very long long time ago during the colonial period, left their culture behind, and it was abandoned long before my time. I know where they’re all from, I know specific Scottish clans (and I love learning about them!!!) but I do not claim those cultures because I did not grow up with them, and my mother weaponises them a long and I don’t want to do the same thing.

To add on, my mother’s family lives in another state (my father is from Michigan, that’s where I was raised, my mother’s family is all several states away) so I was primarily raised by, watched by, and grew up around my dad’s family. That’s whose traditions I mostly practiced, whose food I ate, whose holidays I celebrated, whose stories I heard, and whose languages I heard

NOW TO THE ACTUAL HISTORY

My dedo (grandfather) and his family came from Aegean Macedonia, which is currently occupied by Greece. His father came from the village of Buf (renamed to Akrítas) in Lerinsko Pole, and his mother came from the city of Lerin (renamed to Flórinas). My pradedo was mixed Turkish as well from the time of Ottoman occupation, and while Macedonian culture and tradition was first and foremost, they still brought down certain Turkish traditions, language (mostly certain words), cuisine, and certain habits. Though from that side they were definitely dominated by the Macedonian culture.

My family fled Macedonia during the genocide, my pradedo first leaving in 1936 for the United States to get established in Detroit before my prababa and teta fled two years later to join him. Previously one of my uncles (pradedo’s brother) had left in 1912.

Unfortunately there’s not much left in the way of documentation, either it was left behind to be destroyed by Greek occupiers or it straight up doesn’t exist (my relatives were severely impoverished and were unable to afford things like photographs, many books, or anything else). I have my prababa’s passport and that’s all.

To my babcia’s side, they all came from Poland. Different parts of Poland and they belonged to different ethnic groups within Poland, but they were mostly all from Poland (with exceptions of some others marrying into the family, my babcia’s grandfather was half Austrian but I’m not sure which of his parents was Austrian).

My babcia’s father (I’ve always just heard him referred to as dziadzia) was mixed Ashkenazi Jewish and Kashubian, mostly. My Ashkenazi family came from Pałuki region in Kujawsko-Pomorskie/Wielkopolskie in places like Żnin (city and region), Szelejewo, Gąsawa, Wenecja, and Kłecko. But also they later left to Łomża in Podlasie, which is where he directly immigrated from. Kashubian family came from Pomorskie, specifically Rogawica.

My babcia’s mother (who I’ve always heard referred to as babki) was just Polish to my knowledge, and they came from Warsaw, Kraków, and possibly some other places but surprisingly they aren’t as well documented. Though they did bring a lot of culture from especially Kraków as a lot of my relatives are or were krakowiak dancers, but also I still have relatives living there (though I’ve not actually met them, one of my cousins frequently visits them).

I wasn’t raided religiously Jewish (secular Jew) but raised with a lot of the Polish-Jewish culture, mindsets/ideologies, and generally I think I’m lucky as much of that culture survived as it did.

Generally if people ask I’ll keep it primarily to Macedonian and Polish since those were the dominant cultures in my life, but I’m so proud of all of them. My family went through much hardship being who they were, where they were, and especially with much cultural damage done by occupiers (like Germans/Prussians, Russians, Greeks), or done by their immigration to the US, I love to keep the culture alive as much as I see it dwindling year by year in my relatives

I think the biggest difficulty has been the language, because I was never actually taught the languages so it’s a struggle, especially with me now living in Poland, but I do my best. Even growing up in the US my relatives were somewhat poor, or lower-middle class, so nobody was ever able to afford leaving the country to visit Poland or Macedonia, so moving here has been such a long time coming and so fulfilling for me.

Anyway thank you for the question, I know that was long but I simply love talking about my culture haha

[anxi0us-0p0ssum]

My thoughts on Ted Lasso S03E01

There are no “levels” in Breath Of the Wild.

 Is Jan Maas just Dutch, or Dutch AND autistic?

Nice sidestepping of the whole “Hoosier” explanation. Not like EVERYONE OUTSIDE INDIANA (and probably 1/3 of Indiana residents) could use it.

Rebecca is going to go through the whole day with Keely’s mascara staining her shirt.

I know Roy doesn’t have to run because of his knee, but in my mind he would eat a bug just to freak the fuck out of the players.

Crying fucking sucks. My nose runs more than my eyes, and all I have afterwards are the same problems plus a sinus headache, puffy red eyes, and blotchy skin.

Hannah Waddingham chewing furiously is gold. She’s SO good at physical acting.

Rupert Mannion’s interior decorator was definitely a sith.

“It’s a good rule of thumb never to ask a hippie to come in on his day off.” I’d join this man’s cult any day.

Ted immediately turns to Beard for drug knowledge.

Beard immediately provides drug knowledge.

“He’ll be forever changed, but he can drive, yeah.”

“Roy Kent, is that you?” “Get fucked!” “Yeah, that’s him!”

“Get that on Twitter” should be up there with Chekov’s Gun and “what could go wrong?” in terms of foreshadowing.

If Keeley’s eye makeup can survive 6 dry cleans, it should damn well hold up to some tears.

No shit no lie, I think a tour of the London sewer system sounds fascinating!

$30-$50 is the sweet spot for a “good” bottle of wine. Anything less, it may be drinkable, but it’s not GOOD. Anything more, you’re just paying for snobbery’s sake.

“No sudden movements near the bus driver.” I want to party with Beard. I wonder if Jane’s into threesomes.

“I really liked that Kenneth guy. He seems really plugged in, yeah?” Again, I want to party with Beard.

“That nutter told me to ask the fucking earth to help me carry some of my burden.” I may just be stoned right now, but why did this dude’s cult get shut down?

Jamie is going to be a great team captain someday.

Ted, honey, stop. Stop hurting yourself. You’re getting personal and weird. Stop letting Nate live in your head, honey.

Oof, the way Ted lost the crowd on that hard left into the Field of Dreams.

Oh, they got Twin Peaks but they didn’t get Field of Dreams? 🙄

The entire Shelley family is so dysfunctional. No wonder Nate is so fucked up. Mom has no identity or ideas of her own. She exists only to communicate Dad’s feelings.

My partner thought Nate’s new car was a Jaguar. I will give him shit about this for the entire foreseeable future for no reason other than he loves James Bond and therefore should damn well know an Aston Martin when he sees one.

Part of me really wants Roy and Keeley to get back together but another part of me wants the show to continue subverting expectations and have them get along well platonically and another part of me is just screaming for Keeley/Roy/Jamie ot3 to become canon.

I don’t know a lot about kids, but it seems improbable to me that all these kids are so goddamn wise about relationships and politics.

I’m not sure the “why am I still in London?” really crystallized in Ted’s mind until that press conference/impromptu stand up show.

[carewyncromwell]

“So prepare for the coup of the century... Be prepared for the murkiest scam!”

~“Be Prepared (cover)” by Man on the Internet

x~x~x~x

So I thought it was high time I tried drawing Carewyn’s grandfather Charles Cromwell again, so as to practice drawing older characters...and in doing so, I decided to make a proper comparison post pitting Charles up against his game-canon counterpart: the “Leader” of R as imagined by Jam City, Peregrine.

Yeah, uh...I think you can see why I was a little disappointed by the direction Jam City went with.

In case the text isn’t easy to read, here’s a transcript copy --

Charles Cromwell VS Peregrine

Evil Patriarch // Dead-beat Dad

“Mob Boss” type // “Darth Vader” wannabe

Works in the Wizengamot // Works as a “tracker”

Powerful Legilimens // ...Yeah, no

Rich AF // ...Also no

Social connections galore // ...Still no

Gaslighter Extraordinaire // LOL, he *wishes*

Has competent underlings // *SNORT*

Emotionally abusive // Neglectful

Runs R with an iron fist // Can’t control his subordinates??

Torture and death // Wampus Cats and cursed CD’s

Dark Empath // Charmer (?)

Widower // Divorcee

Obsessed with control // Obsessed with revenge

Would hurt a child // (Does too but denies doing it)

Blood Purist // Anti-Death Eater Extremist

Commands 50+ people // ...Five? Ten, maybe?

In my personal headcanon, I see Peregrine as the original leader of R when Charles first discovered it, only for his supposed right-hand man and mentor figure Charles to backstab him and get him assassinated by a younger and much more trusting Patricia Rakepick so that the head of the Cromwell Clan could take full control of the Cabal, its members, and its activities. According to Rakepick’s account of the event, as told to Carewyn in the still unfinished, grah Good!Rakepick AU --

“I immediately went to Charles Cromwell and told him [about how R had ordered my cohorts and me to attack you]. I had thought that he, being your grandfather, would be furious, regardless of his bad blood with your mother. And, at first, it seemed like I was right. Charles was very displeased when I told him that R had ordered me to attack you. He confided to me that he was concerned about the direction R’s leadership was taking – pointing out that, since I’d joined the Cabal, its members had been using more and more violence to get their way – and he asked for my support in helping him supplant the current leader and put an end to the way he did things. I stupidly accepted. In an attempt to right the sinking ship that I’d joined, I helped Charles assassinate R’s previous leader. I didn’t even know his name. It was only after Charles took over…that I realized what a big mistake I’d made. The violence R had been using wasn’t even planned by the man in charge – it had been Charles who had advised him to use force, to begin with. Charles hadn’t wanted any harm to come to you…but he was more than willing to make Jacob think that he would harm you – and that you, eventually, would also think he would harm Jacob. That way he could keep both of you as his pawns – using your love for each other to keep you in line. And worst of all…he was less upset that R had been willing to hurt a child…than he was that I had told him about it with the intent to try to stop it.”

With this cult of followers now fully at his disposal, Charles had a valuable new tool he could use to re-exert control over the family members who had tried to escape from him...namely, his daughter Lane and her children, Jacob and Carewyn.

Have a magical day, everyone! Much love! 🖤

(LOL, adding the individual frames of the GIF here, for those who want a better look at them. 😏)

[bastardblvd]

Hope this is alright i just kinda stumbled across this blog because of kendall. And like how i stumbled across the blog i think i kinda stumbled my way into grimetown and you’d think i’d be just some sitting duck but oh no -reads crumpled up paper that was spat out by the wheel- i somehow stumbled my way into being a cult leader. Just some unassuming looking pretty boy? Are they a boy? I dont give straight answers to most people in town to mess with them and instead reply with things like “yes” if asked if im a man or woman or “only the dark one knows for sure”

Which brings us back to a the whole cult leader thing. The cult that probably just started as a joke for me. Because people would ask questions about the rocks i collect and all the candles and id pull out a joke about them being for the ones that dwell in the woods or some shit and talking about it guiding my life… and then more people show up to hear me talk about it?? And then some more and then theyre offering me money and somehow we end up occupying a decrepit old apartment complex and i give sermons and life advice that’s half bullshit half well meaning. At least i dont gotta work fast food in this slimy town. Never expected to have followers, especially ones who think my cranky cat is some sort of messenger from the otherside and only i can understand him. Truth be told he’s just a stray that i raised from a kitten.

WELL HELLOOOO NEW RESIDENT... it seems like you've made some enemies out of grimetown national park rangers!megumi fushiguro and yuuta okkotsu... they've been trying hard to make the park a more inviting place for grimetown's residents, and it's been hard enough grappling the freeloading bear-man, his freeloader dog-son that thinks he's a wolf, and the four-armed cryptid that terrorizes the camp cabins at night. the last thing they needed was to stumble across a ritual set-up straight out of a horror film.

anyways, i'm sure that cranky cat of yours could be useful in getting on their good side. maybe you'll come to a mutual agreement – they'll let you continue... whatever it is you're hosting on park grounds, but you have to do it in the form of a guided nature walk. but they insist on chaperoning these walks, insisting they need to make sure you aren't spreading misinformation to the park goers, totally not because they want to spend more time with you... maybe in the end, you'll convince them both to join your cult?

[furmity]

Years ago I met a girl on the tram. She started talking to me and for the first time in my life I asked for her number so I could see her again. We met for a coffee and actually didn’t vibe, I didn’t see her again for ooh five years or so. Early 2021 she sent me a message asking if I wanted to join her Bible study group. I was just putting the Heretic into my Heathen and saw it was Fate. I agreed. I wanted to study the Bible but was certain I wasn’t going to be baptised anywhere. I was going to learn from the group up until that point was pressed. Not to lie, I told them that I was not religious, had never read the Bible, but that I did believe in God.

We met up with the leader of the group at a restaurant, got to know each other and the sessions began on Zoom shortly after, just the three of us. I was living with my brother and the Dutchman at the time and they were highly alarmed, you’d think I was hanging out with drug addicts (my bro looking at me with pleading eyes, “You’re not going to become a Christian are you?”). I promised this was all in service of Education and maintained an open mind.

First red flag was that they wouldn’t tell me which denomination their church was. Ok, ok. They had some interpretations of the Bible I’d never heard before, such as Jesus being very ugly and only the righteous saw past that to the truth of his teachings. It was all very friendly, very nice. I debriefed the dudes after every session.

At the end of however long, the big announcement for the Church was made and it was Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Why the secrecy? Well, she said, it has a bit of a bad reputation and they didn’t want to put me off. With these introductory sessions finished I was to undertake something like a hundred hours of Bible study to become part of the church. There, the point was pressed, and I said no. I was a week or two from starting my law degree and said I would simply not have time for that. I was told to sleep on it and get back to them. Naturally I went right to Google and read all the bad things. I said a firm no and they accepted my refusal graciously. I received a call from tram call two weeks later to debrief and she said that even outside of the church she wanted to remain friends, if I ever needed anything, so good to see you again...

It’s a cult. A doomsday cult. Their leader is an immortal messiah with a unique insight into the Bible, formerly associated with The Cult that set off cult alarm bells in South Korea (fraud, using followers for election purposes, causing injury with “healing” massage...).

Anyway, this is all background for what happened TODAY. As you know, I am not a witch, I’m not psychic, but I have my fucking moments! I was leaving work and saw someone who half looked like the girl I met on the tram, but wasn’t. I thought of the word Shincheonji for the first time in months, huh, what a crazy time in my life. Then, I crossed the road and a woman turned around exclaiming, “Furmity! I can’t believe it! You don’t change! So good to meet you again!” I couldn’t remember who on earth this was, old colleague maybe? Who? Said she was on her way to the very same restaurant and OH.

I FEAR people who are that effective at remembering names. She knew me for two months, two years ago, and I didn’t recognise her FACE. I politely got myself away, kind of dazed, I’d felt the ripples of her presence.

I feel no small amount of pride that I resisted cult indoctrination but then again I went in determined not to join. Realising who she was gave me chills, but it’s very difficult to have any sort of ill feeling. They were so nice, I see how enveloping this would be if you’re feeling low and don’t have anyone to talk to about what these nice people are saying. Such weird beliefs, such good social skills. She remembers the name of one who got away.

[pascalepalaces]

"We Lock Lips" in Juked Magazine:

08.02.21

by Pascale Potvin

after Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult

That gripe of the city women with the men that tell them to smile—I do sympathize.

I’d accidentally joined a cult, at about nineteen. The members had claimed they’d help me find myself; I’d had no clue what ‘finding oneself’ might even entail, and so I’d figured I was the ideal candidate.

The company had created all of these personal development programs, and healthy lifestyle bootcamps, and all the more countless intensives. I had come to find, in the decade following, that finding oneself should be right down to the bone.

A similar sentiment was expressed to me, too, in more literal terms.

It would just be like digging into myself for gold, I thought; I knew I’d be happy if I was as thin as the others, that they were keeping me accountable in a way I couldn’t alone. I had paid a small debt, too, when I didn’t do my readings; my friends were only paving the roads on which I could push inward.

They did stop pretending, eventually, that the digital parts of my debt weren’t going up the ranks to the one man in the company—the only man, of course, that we’d ever need. Kenneth even broke the gap by texting me directly and often, asking for more pictures whenever he’d heard I’d eaten more than appropriate.

Though it was all innocent I was also all the way attracted to him, I will admit. How couldn’t I have been, knowing his mind, an aphrodisiac? Kenneth was playing Mozart by the age of six; he’d invented a new mathematics at just fourteen; he’d written books of philosophy in his twenties and boisterous prose. He knew he’d solve the hunger crisis as soon as he had the right influence; which teenaged girl wouldn’t worship such virtues no matter how aged?

So, like the others, I stared at every movement of his mouth as one would the Louvre’s latest.

Still, something was inexplicably wrong within me.

You don’t look too happy about it, Kenneth had responded to one November photo, just as I was turning back toward the road home. He had me stop in my tire tracks, again, to keep trying for a grin genuine enough for judgment.

I couldn’t understand why I kept screwing it all up, in the first place. I’d thought of him for so many miles of drives, had often rocked too far into the gas pedal; this task, for me, should’ve been easy. And yet ever since the start of our one-on-one classes I could only hold heat in my stomach.

Even once I managed an acceptable photo (good, but shave yourself when you get home, he’d reminded), I couldn’t feel the same indestructible that I had after his first teachings. The first part of myself I’d sent him had left me high, really believing maybe I could do anything;

It was devitalizing, not reaching something I’d once so easily held.

“So, did you finish your journal?” Alice asked when she found me loading the fridge.

“Yes. Almost,” I mustered for her.

“You know that I wanted it earlier.”

“Of course. But you asked me to fetch the groceries.”

“You know that making excuses only holds yourself back more,” she spoke, in almost a song. “I think I want you to get an early start tomorrow."

Early starts were always exactly four, inconsiderate of night classes prior.

“That isn’t really fair. I just couldn’t do it today," I retried.

But Alice no longer acknowledged me—and so I only put food away as she ate toast.

In a predictable pattern, I couldn’t enjoy my bath that evening either. My skin was still much hotter than the water surrounding me, my eyes still wetter.

Why couldn’t I get comfortable with anything? I had to wonder. What was I missing? Why was I not by some universe allowed to have what the other women had much more?

For months I had tried to tell Alice that I needed intervention—some extra guidance (please, I really needed it)—but she only ever told me I should work harder. I was the only one who could ultimately decide my own fate, with some help from Kenneth whenever he spared it.

After that, things had only seemed more hopeless.

Yet I started to think that if I acquired some proof that my concerns were solid, or a concrete example of how deeply my mind was wounded, then I’d only have to wait for our next family photo and then, she would see. (It was as I was moving my razor up my thigh that I had the quivering idea.)

Nothing happened, initially, when I moved the handle the wrong direction; I did it again just before the blood appeared, bringing with it a ringing pain. I gasped, the water around me.

I was on earth again, escaping.

A different panic came shortly, of course: there was no way Alice should see what I’d done. What an idiotic idea had overcome my idiot head, in its upset; now, everyone would come to see the cuts, and whether she would sympathize would depend on her mood.

Leaving the tub, I held some wet toilet paper against myself and searched the cabinet for some first aid. There was just one bottle of hydrogen peroxide, which bubbled and burned along with my stifling throat.

Later, I settled for toilet paper held up with tape.

There was no group photo for a few days thereafter, and so the first to see my marks was Kenneth at our next meeting. I was surprised to find he didn’t respond to my disrobing but to ask,

"What is it that you were punishing yourself for? Did it help?”

At that, I didn’t want to say anything wrong. “Not smiling well enough,” I mumbled. “And yes, I think it did.”

Kenneth nodded, and the most surprising part—the one that spread up from its cage in my chest through my neck—was when he lifted his head from its place between my legs and stood.

It was the first time I’d seen something in his pants, aroused.

I practically ran when he dismissed me, my vision all in swirls. He was supposed to be celibate beyond human capacity; he’d claimed he never took pleasure from the techniques. They were only for my benefit, meant to help me solve my issues with my body, with general vulnerability.

What had made his hardness too hard to conceal, this time? Was it my cuts? The idea that I’d bled? That I’d bled for him?

If it was just pain that made him bloody in one place, then, how could it be true he wanted us all to find joy?

Alice approached me the next morning, told me she’d like to go over my cuts with a cauterizing pen—to prevent infections, because of our minimalist healthcare, she justified—and I suspected she was making an excuse to brand me for him.

“You finally went out of your comfort zone this week. Let’s keep that rolling,” she was saying, with a coffee-stained sigh at my resistance. “If you get through this most intense pain, think about all the pain that’ll be so manageable in comparison.”

If I were to deny her request or, God forbid, leave entirely, I’d be more punished and my photos spread like spider legs. The cauterizing collateral. That video of me, forced to moan for my deceased father—it’d release like my body never could since the filming.

I had no choice but to take Alice’s advice, one way or another.

So, I accepted it not quite the way that she’d described.

I cut again, much more in the bath that night—this time all over the arms, again showing skin, finding myself in all of my blood and of course bone. Should I have gone even further?, I am wondering. Carved myself into the tiny thing of a woman Kenneth so desired?

Had he been taking secret pleasure, too, every time he’d kissed all of our cheeks and then our lips?

I went to the backyard before dawn and pushed my arms into the wet dirt, digging. I ran some blocks north, did the same in the garden of Blair and Beth and Jenny. I repeated and repeated. Digging for tetanic treasure. Looking for some lockjaw.