#Dream of the waking world oh spirit of mine

[scribe-of-stories]

Hi, I'm Scribe

(Art by Kollapsar)

About: As per the title you can call me Scribe; I also go by JL and or Knight (see Avatar) They/Them. I am a ex-professional Psychologist, I pretend to know things about Philosophy, and I have been known to write things that take place in my own silly little world. Also a TTRPG hobbyist that dreams about making my own one day. I mainly write modern fantasy with horror elements from a first person perspective. Things tend to get existential and there is often not a difference between reality and metaphor. Also there is no shortage of queer folk with super powers or deep occult knowledge in my stories. Currently most of my work is in the form of short stories and flash fiction, with a novel/serial in the works here or there.

Intent: What an ominous section title. Honestly I'm here to make friends in the writing community. I want to read other people's works and I want others to read my work. I want to encourage and be encouraged. I want to see the little notification number pop up on my screen and give my brain the good chemicals. Take this as blanket consent to tag me in games, to send me asks, and to send me messages. Tell me about your OCs and I'll gladly talk your ear off about world building. I also intend on getting published one day. It would be lovely to meet others going through the process.

Lexical Earth: Is the setting of most if not all of my writing. It's a modern fantasy setting who's hidden magic side was forcefully revealed during the year 2000, when the First Wave of Inscribed started showing up. Now governments are struggling to retain control, Thought Entities are going public with their machinations and hunger, and there is no small population of super heroes and villains trying to impose their views on reality. The magic system of this setting is generally soft with harder rules the closer one is to the material world. The Realm of Spirit is swirling occult bullshit, but it takes someone with actual knowledge to pull it down into reality. Experiment with Jungian masks, personas, and shadows; see the connective tissue of stories stretch across cultures; and walk those paths. Alternatively write words on your Soul and bend reality to the whims of your Inscription.

Directory: Bellow is a collection of the works I have posted and a short description of which each is about. Let me know if you would wish to be added to a general Lexical Earth tag list or if there is a specific series/protagonist you'd want to be tagged for.

(Under construction, there are a few works buried deep in my blog that I need to go excavate)

Samuel Smith, the Smith of Masks: Private investigator, grumpy and sarcastic, and part of the pre-inscribed world of Lexical. He's paid to solve issues between the Wyrd and the human; and often gets too emotionally invested. 1 – PI just wants to read books between jobs but Wyrd stuff is happening. Technically the first Lexical short I ever wrote. 2 – Sequel to the previous short. PI has a bad time working on this case, ends up having to sell part of his soul. 3 – Stand alone story. PI forgets what he's doing several times before solving a serial killer problem. Marian Wheeler would be proud.

Ken “Host of Fangs”, Lord of Hearts: Telepathic Inscribed that makes a hivemind with animals as his main power. He has substantial family and old life trauma and a masc., non-binary, partner who's soul is shaped like a jellyfish. 1 – Date gets interrupted by old woman/man Humanity handing out super powers. 2 – Ken gets a letter from his Ex and has big feelings about it.

Wander/er, Wanderer of Spirit: First Wave Inscribed that noped out of reality and went deep into the Realm of Spirit to learn about the Wyrd side of things. Generally an important person who shows up around big events, but more an advisor than a hero. 1 – Wanderer and a Thought Entity friend travel a bit too far away from earth. Careful not to wake Slumbering Kings.

Lexical Lore: For the World building and TTRPG side of Lexical. 1 – Inscribed, how do they work? How do you become one? Would they make a good RPG player character? All answered here. Go and make your own Inscribed and @ me with the results.

Lexical One-Offs: for stories that don't have a named protagonist or just aren't part of a series. Bedroom – Someone wakes up and gets ready for work. The Recursive Tree – The life cycle of one or more Thought Entities as seen from the perspective of a Soldier.

[trikruismybitch]

Clexa Fanfics

Hey guys these are all the Clexa fanfics that i love and wanted to share!

None of these are mine and all of the fics i added are completed works unless stated otherwise

Clexa

A Different Landing by RhinoMouse ****

The drop ship was always going to have problems coming down. Unfortunately for the 100 they ended up in Ice Nation territory where the locals were far less forgiving. With all the wristbands gone and the survivors unable to contact the ark, the ark never came down. Now four years later the surviving members of the 100 have been assimilated into Nia's army. When Lexa calls for the armies of the coalition to march on the mountain Clarke finds herself leading the Ice Nation forces.

[probably one of my favorite Clexa fanfics. The writing, world building, just everything is so well written and interesting. Highly recommend]

Runners From Azgeda by ellaaa25

Clarke and Raven are sisters only one month apart in age. The day before Clarkes 9th birthday, Jaha drops a block of the ship filled with 40 people to save oxygen with no warning. Clarke and Raven are in a pod and land in Azgeda and are taken to Nia. They are beaten, tortured and broken before being trained in the fighting pits of Azgeda to win their freedom as a pair. At age 16, the sisters are still searching for freedom

The Shadow by Clexa1205

Clarke leaves Camp Jaha and ends up getting captured by Azgeda where she comes face to face with Queen Nia and an unexpected enemy. Two years later, after being blackmailed, tortured, and trained, Clarke is forged into the ultimate weapon: an assassin known as the Shadow.

The Ursa & The Heda by SweeTarts151

Spirits are a large part of grounder culture, when Clarke switches places with Finn to spare him his life and get the alliance, something happens that changes her. Changes the way the grounders and her own people look at her. (Warning torture in first chapter)

When a Fallen Star Finds a Home on the ground by LMS (LMS180)

Torn between the hate Clarke felt for this betrayer and old feelings she wished could be forgotten, Clarke made a choice. And before she could live with the consequences of her actions, life pulled her down an unforeseen path. Today the Skai princess’s story is nothing but a distant memory. One long replaced by curious whispers surrounding Azgeda’s mysterious new Heir, Klark. With a new enemy threatening the Coalition’s Western borders, the Commander had no choice but to summon the 13 clans together. As the clans begin to assemble for the upcoming war, many eagerly await the arrival of Azgeda's mysterious Winter Wolf

(my) Destruction Within Your Mouth by KL_Morgan

Clarke loses: her head, her voice, her heart.

Survivals a Fools Errand by Ebozay

Clarke is spared the same fate as her father by being sent to Earth in a drop pod, a metaphorical canary in a coal mine. All in the name of saving what is left of the human race. To her surprise and short lived excitement she finds that the ground is survivable, that she won't burn as soon as the air touches her. But the scarred and brutal people she encounters? Maybe she's a fool to think she could survive life on the ground after all

Where Green Meets Blue by Clexaisbae

Clarke left Camp Jaha, leaving behind a very confused Bellamy. She stumbles through the forest, lost and unsure of what to do but a pair of green eyes pushed her on. At night, after a close encounter with a panther, Clarke was captured by the Ice Nation and now she has to fight her way out, with only a pair of green eyes to guide her out

The White Queen Running by KL_Morgan

Clarke wakes up wearing the tattoos of the Ice Nation.

(OR: Soulmates, parallel worlds, and Ice Queen Clarke; oh my. Canon divergent from 2x16.)

Clexa Alternative Universes

Blood (Must have Blood) by LexAlexAU

Hunger Games AU

(Just a) Little of Your Love by M_E_Scribbles

Clarke Griffins back in her hometown and working her dream job, as a detective and the leader of Polis Police Department's Search and Rescue. Then she's told to take the SAR to a local kindergarten class for a safety program.

That's where she meets an interesting young girl who takes to her immediately. When adorable handmade cards start appearing at her desk. She goes to the school to thank the girl and runs into a gorgeous woman who begins to invade her thoughts.

Of Sharp Talons and Sharper Eyes by AlexielMN

Daemon AU & Azgeda!Clarke

A Day In The Life of a Demigod by soshy (Sosh_022)

Demigod AU

[tabby-tiger]

byler coded song chain!

drop your favorite byler song and lyrics heres mine :)

lyrics are long

There's a letter on the desktopI dug out of a drawer

The last truce we ever came to

From our adolescent war

And I start to feel the fever

From the warm air through the screen

You come regular like seasons

Shadowing my dreams

And the Mississippi's mighty

But it starts in Minnesota

At a place that you could walk across

With five steps downAnd I guess that's how you started

Like a pinprick to my heart

At this point you rush right through me

And I start to drown

And there's not enough roomIn this world for my pain

Signals cross and love gets lost

And time passed makes it plain

Of all my demon spirits I need you the most

I'm in love with your ghostI'm in love with your ghost

Dark and dangerous like a secret (don't tell a)

Gets whispered in a hush (soul)

When I wake the things I dreamt about you (don't tell a)

Last night make me blush (soul)When you kiss me like a lover (like to love her)

Then ya sting me like a viper

I go follow to the river

Play your memory like the Piper

And I feel it like a sicknessHow this love is killing me

I'd walk into the fingers of your fire willingly

And dance the edge of sanityI've never been this close

In love with your ghost

Unknowing captor, you'll never know how much you

Pierce my spirit but I can't touch you

Can you hear it, a cry to be free?Oh, I'm forever under lock and key

As you pass through me

And now I see your face before me

One would launch a thousand ships

To bring your heart back to my island

As the sand beneath me slips

As I burn up in your presence

And I know now how it feels

To be weakened like Achilles

With you always at my heels

And my bitter pill to swallowIs the silence that I keep

It poisons me, I can't swim free (it poisons me)

The river is too deep

Though I'm baptized by your touch I am no worse at most (I am all the worse at most)In love with your ghost

You are shadowing my dreams (in love with your ghost)In love with your ghost

Thank you (thank you)

Anyways byler endgame!!

[linda-ravstar]

A conversation between Ranni the Witch and Saint Trina. Pre DLC, canon-ish timeline. Only dialogue.

“Dost thou forgive me, then?”

“No.”

“Why is he not here to talk to me if he is so interested?”

“He knows not that I am here… Yet.”

"Oh?"

“Wilt thou do what I ask?”

“What is there for me? Why would I want to help him?”

“Thou owest him.”

“Do I…?”

“Thou dost. Hast thou forgotten?”

“Art thou collecting?”

“No, I am asking.”

“Then…?”

“I thought the Lunar Princess of Caria kept her word.”

“Hm. Thou art just like him. Mayhap less subtle.”

“… And it could help thee.”

“How so?”

“If thou dost what I asked… mayhap the one to whom thou givest my gift shall help thee. They shall be chosen. They shall be strong. They shan’t give up. They could be useful to thy efforts.”

“And why would Miq… Why wouldst thou, Saint of Dreams, want to help me, the one thou dost not forgive?”

“I desire not to help thee. I wish to aid him. I wish to stop him.”

“And only a chosen Tarnished wouldst do it? The one called to be Elden Lord?”

“The one with the strength to be Elden Lord.”

“A Tarnished lord is said to be fated to kill us all. Well, those of us who can be killed.”

“Perhaps. Perhaps that shall happen.”

“So thou wishest to die.”

“There are worse things.”

“… Thou dost look tired. Is… Is he alright?”

“He is… not.”

“Ha. Hath he finally realized that any change cannot happen in this world by only hurting himself? Sacrifices must be made. No path is clean. No hands shall be free of blood and tears."

“Like thine?”

“Yes, like mine. I do not deny it.”

“… If it were so simple as to hurt himself, or die, or suffer… This world would have already changed, princess. If the peace we seek could be bought with only our blood, thou wouldst have thy cup overflowing with it long ago. But as thou saidst, it’s not so simple.”

“Mine age shall be different. No more chains of gold around these lands. No more fingers crawling in the fates of us all. No more sons or daughters called to bear the sins of their mother.”

“… Princess.”

“Hmm?”

“If thou art victorious, someday… In thy new world… Wilt thou remember Malenia? … Godwyn?”

“Not everything can be undone. There are forces that are part of this world, only emboldened by death bound and the stagnation of life. I shall give them the freedom from the gold, the cold guidance of the dark moon. I shall keep mine own memories, mine sins and loves. But what it is cannot cease to be.”

“… I understand.”

“…”

“He would have supported thee, thou knowest?”

“Miquella?”

“He would have knelt before thee and wished to see thy age of stars embrace this world. We would have our corner of the world, our small kingdom of downtrodden and outcasts. He would have been happy to see thee reign and spend his life amidst inventions and wonders. Even if his curse would have remained. …But only if thou couldst have saved those he loved.”

“I shall mourn both of your deaths. I fear… I fear thou wilt lose more than thy lives in this misted path. Marika did.”

“Perhaps. Canst thou blame us?”

“I know not.”

“Please think of my ask.”

“I shall. Go in peace. Tell Miquella… if thou canst… that I always admired his heart. If anyone could have done it, ‘twas him. And if anyone can save him, I’m sure ‘tis thee. ...Give my love to noble Torrent as well. His path will surely be a long one before sweeter rasins can reach his nose."

“I shall share thy blessing with him. And... I shall take thy words within mine heart, Lady Ranni. I hope thou findest peace in thy dreams. I hope thou findest solace from thy sins.... Thou mayest wake up now.”

“Goodbye, Trina.”

“Goodbye… sister.”

... Or, "Why would Ranni have the Spirit Calling Bell".

[a-pastel-edgelord]

The First Dream

fuck it! I'm writing it and I don't care. May god strike me down for my hubris or something idk

cw: vomiting

。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°。°

A small campfire is the first thing he sees when he opens his eyes. It's blazing and bright. The world around him is pitch blackness, as if he sits in a vacuum of space. He can hear the sounds of insects chirping nearby, the sounds of rustling grass and undergrowth. The flickering flames eagerly run up and down through a modest pile of sticks and logs. There's a small cast iron pot bubbling above, suspended by a sturdy but hasty-looking structure of rope and bamboo. 

His stomach heaves as he tries to sit up and the world tilts on its axis. He turns on his side, away from the flames and vomits up pond water. He hacks, sputters and coughs until his throat is raw and the taste of stale sea water in his mouth is replaced by bile.

"Oh, good! I didn' think ya'd wake up!"

He looks up, someone in a worn kosode kneels a few feet away. The shifting light of the fire makes their features hard to make out; most of their silhouette is cast into shadow. How had he not sensed them?

"Who are you?" He grounds out, his voice sore from the expulsion of water from his stomach. "Where am I? What happened to the curse?"

"Oh, I took care of it, don't go worryin' 'bout it." They shrug good naturedly.

He scoffs. "You claim to be the one who exorcized a first-grade vengeful cursed spirit?" A likely story, only a skilled sorcerer would have been able to manage it.

"'Twas a special grade, actually, sir. S'how it did that strange drownin' from a distance technique. Gave me quite a fright too. It sure ain't the nicest thing to experience, I tell ye that." The easy-going rambling nature of the words, makes his jaw drop and a vein throb in his face all at the same time.

"You’re not one of those damnable clan whelps—from whence have you come here?”

“I’m no one of importance sir, just a wanderin’ sorcerer. Not  like yerself I dare say, you seem to be one of them proper ones—I could tell from yer clothes.” They nod emphatically to themselves. “‘Twas only right I stepped in to help. ‘S’not right to leave a comrade to die.”

His savior pokes a stick into the fire, it flashes bright for a moment and their face is thrown into sharp relief. This is a dream, he realizes. His breath hitches—it’s you. How long has it been since he’s seen your face? Heard your voice? The person from a lifetime he thought he’d long cast off like a snake shedding its skin, when he was a mere man. Just a mortal man. Before he ascended into a curse so powerful that it heralded in a new age of sorcery. His hands itch to touch you, to bury his face into your neck and never let go. To beg for… Absolution? No, he doesn’t desire your forgiveness, he never has. This strange desire for something hollows his gut and makes his mouth dry—it consumes him. 

A name long discarded trips off his tongue and the campfire before him is snuffed to nothing, the ambient noise of the night dies with it. The void swallows him, and he closes his eyes as it presses in around him. But wait he isn't alone. Ryomen Sukuna, King of Curses, the Disgraced One looks over his shoulder at a teenage boy. He's hovering in space with a stricken expression.

Get out of here, boy.

.

.

.

"Uh... Gojo-sensei?"

"What's up, kid?"

"You know how you said I should tell you if I like... remember something that's definitely not mine?"

"Yeah. Why? It happened?"

"Uh, yeah I think so."

"How lucky~ Well, Yuuji. Tell me everything.”

[deke-rivers-1957]

I Will Be Home Again (Elvis x F!Reader)

After collecting my mail, I notice a letter from Germany. Which is quite odd since I thought my boyfriend forgot about me. I haven't received a letter from him in months. After hearing about his escapades from the press and not getting a response, I figured it was over between us.

Oh well. Might as well see what he has to say.

My Dearest Love, As I sit here in this distant land, surrounded by the routine of military life, my thoughts are constantly drifting back to you. The days seem longer without your smile, and the nights colder without the warmth of your embrace. It is in these moments that I realize just how deeply my heart belongs to you. Every letter from you is a treasured gift, bringing a spark of joy and a reminder of the love we share. Your words have a way of lifting my spirits, reminding me that soon this separation will be over, and I will be back in your arms where I belong. I carry your photograph with me always, and it brings a comfort that words cannot describe. Darling, you are my sunshine in these gray days, the melody in my heart that keeps me going. The thought of your sweet kiss, the feel of your hand in mine, and the sound of your laughter fill me with an anticipation that makes each passing day a little more bearable. The men here often speak of their plans and dreams for the future, and I can’t help but join in, imagining the life we will build together. I dream of quiet evenings at home, sharing stories of our day, and waking up each morning to your beautiful face. I long for the simple moments, those that mean the most, like holding you close and never letting go. Please know, my love, that even though we are apart, you are always with me. Your love gives me strength and hope, and it is the thought of you that gets me through the toughest of days. Until I can be with you again, remember that I am counting down the days, minutes, and seconds. You are my heart, my soul, my everything. With all my love, Elvis

It's sweet but a little too late. If this is how he truly felt, why didn't he send this sooner? And he didn't even apologize for having such a late reply.

"This isn't even worth the postage."

I crumple up the letter and throw it in the trash. No phone call or any letter before this in months. How can I believe a word of that letter?

Time Skip

"I will be home again, Don't worry dear, I'll be home again, So won't you dry the tear."

I turn off the radio. I can't bear to hear his voice so soon. Not when he couldn't even send a message saying the same.

"Dunk. Dunk. Dunk."

I hear someone knocking on my door. I sigh and wonder who it could be. So I get up and open the door.

"Honey!"

My jaw drops. Of all times to knock on my door Elvis chooses now?!

"You. You. You have some nerve coming here!"

He looks very confused.

"What do ya mean honey?"

"Don't try to lie to me, Elvis Presley! No phone call. No letter. Nothing for 6 months!"

He looks even more confused.

"Ah'm not lyin. Ah don't know what you're talkin about. Ah've been sendin you letters honey."

"Oh please!"

I go over to my trash can and pick up the letter.

"I just got this letter today after getting nothing from you! Read it."

He unfolds the letter and reads it carefully.

"Honey. Ah wrote this letter 6 months ago. See the date on the envelope? Post office got it back in October."

I take the envelope and look at it closely. It's dated October 1959.

"Ah don't understand it. How could Ah send a letter 6 months ago that you're just gettin now?"

"Did you write more than one?"

He nods.

"Of course Ah did. Ah wanted to know why you didn't reply to me. Ah thought Ah had your address wrong or did somethin to upset you."

I look down at the ground and say nothing.

"Can Ah come in?"

I look up at Elvis and nod.

"Ok."

He comes inside and closes the door. I feel so ashamed that I didn't trust Elvis. This is supposed to be my boyfriend and I didn't trust him. It's as if the world wants us to break up.

"Honey?"

I see him sitting next to me on the couch. All I can do is fall into his arms and cry.

"I'm sorry!"

I feel his arms gently wrap around me.

"Shh sh sh. It's ok honey. Ah'm home now. And Ah ain't ever gonna leave you again."

It doesn't sound like a lot, but to me that's enough. It's all I ever wanted to hear. He missed me. But now he's home again.

An: Thank you @priscillaangel1977 for the request!

[perspectivestarters]

Perspective's Sentence Starters; The Great Impersonator (Part I)

ONLY LIVING GIRL IN LA

I'm the only one who sees.

I wake up every day in some new kind of suffering.

I've never known a day of peace.

Do you think they'd laugh at how I die?

The ceremony's small inside.

I don't know if I could sell out my own funeral.

It was never mine.

I left my wallet on the train.

I was too soft for this world.

They'd be right.

It shouldn't kill me every day.

I don't know what I did to have this fate.

I can't even run from what I know.

I'm not lucky.

I know I wasn’t chosen

The world keeps spinnin' without me.

I told my mother I would die by twenty-seven.

This thing I love has grown demanding and obsessive.

It wants more than I can give.

I wake up every day and wish that I was different.

EGO

I'm caught up in the everyday trend.

Think I'm better off dead.

Been a few months since I crossed over state lines.

Feel so low but I'm high at the same time.

I'm nervous what you'll think of me now.

I'm hoping that someone comes around.

I think that I should try to kill my ego.

If I don't, my ego might kill me.

I'm acting like a fucking baby.

I'm really not as happy as I seem.

Still a little kid that can't make friends.

I've been having bad dreams my career could end.

I slip up when I should've played pretend.

I wanna be cool, I don't wanna be pretty.

You're too nice to run this town.

Nothing's as it seems.

I don't like the lie I'm living.

I'm way too nice and too forgiving.

I wanna go back to the beginning.

It's all done now, who am I kidding?

I'm doing way worse than I'm admitting

I'm really not that happy being me.

DOG YEARS

They said I have a universal blood type.

I can give to anyone in need.

I'm trying to be positive but oh, it's really hard.

I'm a loner.

I'm a loser.

Can I come inside?

Can we go for a ride?

You know, I'm such a sweet girl, but I can really bite.

See you soon and we can race.

You know a mercy kill is what I seek.

I didn't ask to live, but dying's up to me.

Tell the three people who asked that I am in a better place.

I'm not old, but I am tired.

I'm not strong, I'm very weak.

I'm not here, I'm somewhere else.

I have seen enough.

I've seen it all.

LETTER TO GOD (1974)

Did you like how that sounded?

Did you just write that or was that the same one?

Did he have a mom and dad and do they argue just like mine?

Did he have a little brother that annoyed him all the time?

Did he wanna be a grown up?

You're gonna need to come in on that first part.

Did he wanna be a grown up?

When I was little, I was jealous, and I'd say a prayer at night.

I don't wanna hurt so get it over with quick.

I wanna be loved.

I don't wanna be somebody that they wanna get rid of.

PANIC ATTACK

My body carries sadness that my brain cannot yet see.

Both my shoulders have been burdened by the weight of my mistakes.

Every time you lean in closer, both my knees can't help but shake.

I think you're a danger to my health, or so it seems.

Is it love or a panic attack?

Is a heavy heart too much to hold?

It's late, so I'm taking you home.

Would you mind if I asked you on the phone?

I had to call the doctor.

I tripped when we went walking and I felt it in my spleen.

You make me fucking nervous and I don't know what it all means.

My spirit has been broken.

My optimism's getting sore.

I would love to love you, but my body's keepin' score.

I don't know if I can see you anymore.

THE END

I don't like to complain, but I'm saying sorry.

When I met you, I thought I was damaged goods.

Could you hold me in the dark?

Would you like to stay a while?

Would you leave when it gets hard?

We wrestled in the mud.

I told him he could stay right where he stood.

I don't know if he should.

The joke was always mine.

I BELIEVE IN MAGIC

He used to look just like his dad, but right now he looks just like me.

I wonder if the world will treat him any better than it treated me.

I tried to teach him every day that nothing good is free, but oh, it should be.

Please tell the world I have to grow before I go.

I just wanted you to know.

I believe in magic.

I believe in sin.

I still believe in Heaven, if they'll never let me in.

I think I might start tryin' because I haven't been.

It's contagious and you'll catch it like a cold.

She won't admit it, but it's something that I know.

Every year that passes for me passes her a hundredfold.

That alliance didn't save me from her fate.

Now I tell her to her face.

LETTER TO GOD (1983)

I left home and moved to *Place*.

I'm plannin' my estate.

I don't wanna blame the child, but I have to speculate.

This could all just be an answer to thosе prayers that came delayed.

I never would have said it if I knew I'd have to wait.

Please, God, I don't wanna be sick

Don't wanna be somebody that you're tryna get rid of.

HOMETOWN

So I'm playin' the drums, right?

We would smoke out in the parkin' lot behind convenience shops.

I bought a couple of grams of weed off him, but so did all the cops.

In our heads, we picked a husband from the hundred men we knew.

Therе ain't a reason on this earth I'd go back to my hometown.

You know, I never felt like anyone.

I was a paradoxal' lie.

I didn't think that I was special.

I was too afraid to die.

The American dream means stayin' young forever.

Years will pass since science class and I might forget your name.

When the crow's feet come, the kingdom come.

Well, you'll always look the same

[joprompts]

sweeney todd: the demon barber of fleet street lyric starters. act two. starters from the musical. adjust as necessary.

over here, boy, how about some ale?

more hot pies!

and what's your pleasure, dearie?

oops! i beg your pardon! just me hands is smeary—!

god, that's good!

what's my secret? frankly, dear — forgive my candor — family secret.

but we have to prepare!

is that a chair fit for a king?

i have a few minor adjustments to make.

you take your time.

me heart's aflutter!

i am in the dark beside you.

i'd want you beautiful and pale, the way i've dreamed you were.

i think we shall not meet again, my little dove. my sweet.

you're gone and yet you're mine.

city on fire!

i still have reason to rejoice. the way ahead to clear.

it's always morning in my mind.

i knew you'd come for me one day.

you stay the way i've dreamed you are.

oh, look! a star! a shooting star!

and though i'll think of you, i guess, until the day i die, i think i miss you less and less as every day goes by.

if only angels could prevail, we'd be the way we were.

wake up! another bright, red day!

we learn to say goodbye.

i'm so happy.

i could eat you up, i really could!

you know what i'd like to do, what i dream?

don't you want to know?

by the sea, that's the life i covet.

oh, i know you'd love it!

wouldn't that be smashing?

with the sea at our gate, we'll have kippered herring wot have swum to us straight from the straits of bering.

unless we've got better to do.

think how snug it'll be underneath our flannel when it's just you and me and the english channel.

we'll have chums over every friday.

don't you love the weather?

we'll grow old together.

oh, i can see us now — in our bathing dresses — you in a nice navy — and me, stripes perhaps. hmm.

but a seaside wedding could be devised.

you know, mum, there's nothing i wouldn't do for you. 

if there was a monster or an ogre or anything bad like that wot was after you, i'd rip it apart with my bare fists, i would. 

what a sweet child it is.

here, what is this? what are you talking about?

nothing's gonna harm you, not while i'm around.

demons are prowling everywhere nowadays. i'll send them howling. i don't care — i got ways.

others can desert you — not to worry, whistle, i'll be there.

demons'll charm you with a smile for a while.

not to worry, i may not be smart, but i ain't dumb!

i can do it. put me to it. show me something i can overcome.

being close and being cleaver ain't like being true.

i would never hide a thing from you like some.

now, let's stop all this foolish chatter and just sit here, nice and quiet. 

i didn't know you was a music lover, too.

when i saw this dear old song book i couldn't resist.

where are you hiding?

but they are after us still. what if they should trace us here? oh, let me come with you!

my darling, there is no safety for you on the street.

the risk is too great.

soon we'll be gone and sailing the seas.

i'll be back before those lips have time to lose that smile. 

oh, she’s the devil’s wife! oh, beware her, sir. beware of her. she, with no pity in her heart. 

hey, don't i know you?

you're in a merry mood today again.

how seldom it is one meets a fellow spirit.

with a fellow taste in women, at least.

have all the demons in hell been sent to torment me?

why did you scream?

no, i never lied!

i've come home again.

you’re a bloody wonder. eminently practical and yet appropriate as always.

as you've said repeatedly, there's little point in dwelling in the past.

come here, my love. not a thing to fear, my love.

what's dead is dead.

everything i did, i swear it was only for the best.

can we still be married?

the history of the world, my pet, is learn forgiveness and try to forget.

and life is for the alive, my dear. so let's keep living it!

to seek revenge may lead to hell.

to seek revenge may lead to hell, but everyone does it and seldom as well.

[tea-with-eleni]

Hers was the first sentient blood you ever dared drink.

In truth, you don’t know why you did it. Perhaps it was just that you wanted to break as many of the chains he threw over your life as possible. Perhaps it was the way she looked at the world with such innocence that you found her irresistible. Perhaps she just had the misfortune of setting up her bedroll closest to yours.

You think you want her to wake up. You want her to see that she shouldn’t have been so ready to invite just anyone to travel with her — psionic connection or not, she allowed a predator into her camp on a few moments’ acquaintance. You want her to turn on you.

Of course, she doesn’t.

“I’m a little hurt you didn’t say something earlier,” she whispers with a soft smile. “I’d like to think I’m understanding, when it comes to things like blood demands. I told you, I think I’m the Dark Urge.” Her silver eyes look as red as yours in the firelight. The scars at her throat ripple a little when she swallows, hard. She is nervous, you can hear her pulse, but she also isn’t lying. She tugs at the laces of her shirt, pulling it a little away from her neck. “I trust you. Take what you need.”

She’s a fool. Or perhaps not — you also notice the fingers of her other hand twitch, beginning to gather the weave. She can call fire as intuitively as you can, part of your shared elven heritage. That actually calms you. If you do lose control, if her blood does overwhelm you, she’s ready to defend herself.

You accept her offer.

Nothing could have prepared you.

You thought, that first night, that nothing could compare to the game animals you stalked in the darkness. They were already so much better than the vermin he made you drink. It was the difference between peasant’s gruel and fresh buttered bread. If a boar is fresh bread to you… she is the richest cake, something worthy of a royal wedding. You aren’t sure if you believe the superstitions about sorcery being part of the blood, but it would explain a lot if it is. She tastes like power.

She has to ask you to stop, but you are able to draw back. You feel a little drunk. She presses her fingers to the oozing wounds at her throat with a slight wince. “I’ll feel that tomorrow,” she whispers. “Did it help?” She looks at you and her eyes narrow. She has seen her blood, still on your lips. She frowns slightly. “Did… No. You would have remembered.”

“Is something wrong, darling?”

She shakes her head. “I thought, for a moment… I don’t remember anything before the nautiloid. There’s just blood.”

You wish she hadn’t said that. As potent as she was, you do still need more. You can’t drain her dry. You make your excuses, though she seems lost in her own thoughts, and vanish into the night.

You hunt well.

It isn’t surprising that she comes to your tent before breakfast is even ready. She’s a little pale, a little less steady on her feet, and, oh yes, there are the marks from your teeth at her throat. “About last night.”

You raise an eyebrow. Part of you wants to convince her she dreamed the whole thing, but she isn’t angry. She’s far too understanding. You admit you aren’t a true vampire. She accepts it. Is she truly this accepting, or simply stupid?

“In the spirit of openness,” she says with a smile, “Your condition punishes you with weakness if you don’t drink blood. That’s straightforward enough to deal with, although I don’t think we’ll like the results if you just take mine. Especially since my blood calls for me to kill anyone and everyone and decorate the camp with their intestines. I could be wrong, but I don’t think that’s normal.” She says it so sweetly. Her posture, her expression, hells, your dim sense of her through your psionic connection… she’s serious.

You’re not sure how to respond to that.

You settle on what you already decided to say before she approached, that you’re happy to make meals of your little band’s many enemies. Perhaps the deaths of bandits and goblins will be enough for her as well, although you’d prefer her to keep the redecorating to a minimum. She agrees, although she sounds a little uncertain. You laugh and suggest maybe she could keep a skull or two around. Her smile turns teasing and she jokes about scaring you off, how she isn’t at all sure that she isn’t the bigger danger to camp. You assure her that you can still drain her if you have to. Perhaps that wasn’t the best choice of words.

The rest of your companions seem rattled, when they overhear your conversation. She defends you. She’s very good at persuading them. She does not mention the part where you technically threatened to kill her.

Over the next few days, you realize that she’s confided her own form of bloodthirst to several of your band already. None of them took her seriously. It unsettles her, how easily they brushed off her peculiarities. She asks you, when you have a quiet moment, how you deal with your own dark urges. You avoid the subject but her question stays with you.

[vegaprose]

Legend ( 1985 ) Sentence Starters

The dreams of youth are the regrets of maturity.

Black as midnight, black as pitch, blacker than the foulest witch.

You are nothing but an animal.

We are all animals.

Oh, Mother Night! Fold your dark arms about me.

Protect me in your black embrace.

I sit alone, an impotent exile, whilst this form, this presence, returns to torment me.

What are you without me?

I am a part of you all.

You can never defeat me.

We are brothers eternal.

I require the solace of the shadows and the dark of the night.

Sunshine is my destroyer.

What care I for human hearts? Soft and spiritless as porridge.

A faerie's heart beats fierce and free.

Every wolf suffers fleas. 'Tis easy enough to scratch.

May be innocent, may be sweet.. ain't half as nice as rotting meat.

Are you afraid to kiss me?

I'm afraid you'll break my heart.

Then still your heart, for you are dear to me as life itself.

What is light without dark?

Higher, higher, burning fire, making music like a choir.

I vote we run like hell.

I second the motion.

You don't really mean to eat me, do you?

Oh, indeed I do.

That would be a shame because someone as fair and lovely as yourself, deserves far better than scrawny me. Don't you think?

Think me fair, do you?

All the heavenly angels must envy your beauty.

What a fine meal you'll make, be the rest of you as sweet as your tongue.

I hear a throat begging to be cut.

Are you so eager to see blood flow?

As eager as you are to drink it.

If life is a dream, better you dread the waking.

This place holds more magic for me than any palace in the world.

How do you know my name?

Did you not see something odd today, any strange spirits? Did nothing untoward happen?

Neither country proverb nor King's command could keep me from the woods today.

I do nothing for your pleasure.

Dreams are my speciality. Through dreams I influence mankind.

I've found my true mate and you know it.

Beneath the skin, we are already one.

Even now the evil seed of what you've done germinates within you.

There's only one thing I want to know.

She was so sweet, I could eat her brains like jam.

This shot be just as sweet as pie.

You willful sprite! How dare you keep such secrets?

They're mine to keep.

Ah, that's a sad sight for a sober man.

There is only one lure for such disgusting goodness, one bait that never fails.

Love you say? Well, love is another matter.

You all look like mourners at your own funeral.

That's one place an arrow won't do no harm.

You! you're the cause of all our sorrows.

In the dark is where we'll stay. We're cursed.

Tonight the sun sets forever.

There will never be another dawn.

Do you think you can upset the universe and not pay the price?

Have you no sense of humour?

Call that a kiss? Am I not sweet?

[ethicallysourcedtink]

ʻNO WOMAN SHOULD BE MADE TO FEAR THAT SHE WAS NOT ENOUGH.ʼ ↪ dialogue from the priory of the orange tree by samantha shannon. ⁽ᵖᵃʳᵗ ⁰¹/??⁾ change pronouns/gendered terms as needed.

you know how i loathe the summer here.

i would break my fast. good morrow.

you're plainly a fool, and i have no interest in befriending fools.

you can be very wise, my friend.

as you decree, your majesty.

you look radiant.

there are shadows under your eyes.

my soul is touched.

come forth and face your enemy of old, or watch your city burn.

you have been forced to join me in my exile, and i've been poor company.

if i should hear of any whispers, i will bring them to your door.

i have no love for your queen. in fact, i roundly despise her.

you presume too much. far too much.

i am not yet recovered enough from seeing a corpse by my bed to discuss its use for childing.

i know we planned to go together, and perhaps you will hate me for the rest of our lives, but it is better this way.

you took him somewhere safe. what happens now is up to him.

trust me. you can do nothing here but die.

i strongly dislike visitors at this hour. or any hour.

you show an innocent face to the court, but i believe you have another one.

all the world is a cage in a young girl's eyes.

sleep has eluded me of late.

what do you think of his eyes?

they will hail us as legends one day.

you stand on equal ground with whatever i am.

now i know your secret, and it reeks far worse than mine.

i see what's in your heart. it's the same as what's in mine. ambition.

i have no interest in why you are here.

you seem devout. i suggest you pray.

you dare judge me for seeking help elsewhere?

her pride would never allow her to ask for aid.

did the bells wake you?

i shall not speak another word.

do you have any notion of what they do to outsiders here?

she may be sick in love, as young maids often are.

i don't think i'm at all well, you know.

you are a witch. you practice sorcery. i saw it.

you know why this is happening. everyone tried to warn you.

here. i will give you the rest if you behave.

you don't really believe in talk of alchemy and sorcery.

only a soulless husk could hate poetry.

i've always rather fancied an adventure.

all stories grow from a seed of truth. they are knowledge after figuration.

you have a quick tongue as well as light feet.

not all dreams should be pursued, especially not dreams conceived on the featherbed of love.

he must have escaped while the sentinels were distracted.

how does his royal highness mean to forge such an alliance?

i have had precious little entertainment in this place.

i come to give you warning.

better a mouse than some louder beast.

this is not courteous speech. who are you?

i am no green child to believe what i am told without proof.

i do not fear you. your threats have as much weight as smoke.

they say he was in love with her.

my word, but you are a lucky wretch.

fear will make you fight.

this may be too bold, but you seem not to be in high spirits today.

i have no desire to condemn him to death.

do you think me a halfwit?

oh, do shut up.

this mission may not seem survivable, but you never know. we may return from it as princes of the world.

we must do to our enemies what they would do to us.

fire has no power over me.

something is afoot.

you had better start praying for salvation.

i possess sufficient wit to dress myself.

spare me from baseless gossip.

flattered as i am, i seem to remember you are already wed.

stop involving yourself in matters that could undo you.

it will be a pleasure to fight against a warrior of your skill.

i have an interest in survival. i recommend you nurture one, too.

you have been a loyal servant at court.

i would sooner plunge my sword into my own heart than see thy blood water the earth.

i hope all goes as you desire.

i am unworthy of her love, but love her i do. it hurts my soul.

may i ask your name, since i have you to thank for sheltering me?

pray continue.

if her majesty was displeased, i am sorry for it.

remember, no matter how far you travel, i will always be your friend.

he is comely enough.

i doubt he liked her overmuch.

a risk is needful if we are to know the truth.

no duty comes above our service to the crown.

your plot is heresy.

i beseech you, do not expose our transgression.

he should speak to you with more respect.

you know a secret of mine. we are bound by a vow of silence.

wherever i am, i am with you.

you're not in love, then.

i pray she understands. that she forgives me.

this is a mission of the utmost importance.

i will not hear of him.

i took the same oath.

we ought to speak about our… situation.

how are you always so wise?

i know you are mocking me, sir.

please don't tell anyone, or i shall be ruined.

i meant no such insult.

apologies. a poor choice of words.

as i said, i have no interest in your mission.

i confess my mind has been elsewhere.

i have been too forgiving.

she is someone for whom i would die a thousand times, whose name i cannot tell. someone who is the light in my life, the breath in my breast.

what an honour it is to be received once more at your court.

i will always keep you safe.

we have tarried here for long enough.

let us pray that, someday, she weds someone with a backbone.

i shall not involve you any further.

that is the problem with stories. the truth in them cannot be weighed.

i see through your mask. i see what's in your heart.

your pardon, my lady. it was a jest.

i thought i heard you talking. have we met?

[tenebriism]

She settles in the calm they've managed to steal; resting against a mighty oak tree, a set of tea emptied of contents and placed aside. Amari would tuck smaller frame against Urianger in a contented sigh. 

❝ Would that we could always spirit away like this.❞   Hand reaches to hold his, idly lacing their fingers together, to gradually trace upon the lines of his palm.   ❝ To simply have the world finally slow to a gentle respite. ❞  Another sigh escapes her but of a lower quality, an understanding that settles behind her eyes, even as she lifts his hand to place a kiss upon it. 

❝ But, whatever happens… wherever this road takes us, I would want nothing more than to be beside you through it all. ❞

Slow... but not to a halt. The Elezen wishes, despite the immense power and skill he possesses within the very palms of his hands, that he had ever MORE so he may rid the world of troubles present and forthcoming. Where he has been wounded time and time again by the woes of the world that see fit to target them specifically, it is she who has healed him. Renewed and kept consistent this ineffable feeling of happiness and fulfilment that he hadn't thought possible, nor bothered to seek, prior. Even now, though they only sit 'neath this tree, hand in hand, gazing 'pon a world they had nearly lost more times than he deems plausible, it feels like the world, actually, is at peace.

That nothing, nothing, nothing at all is wrong, and it is only the two of them. Nothing and nobody else...

" Oft mine thoughts dwell on... what shall cometh. " Her hand is so tiny within his own, but never has something felt so right. For every kiss she bestows 'pon him, he doubly returns the gesture. " Just afore, I had resigned mineself to a life of self sought, albeit lonely enlightenment once the world saw fit to finally cease ending for longer than what feels like but a day... "

--- and now? There feels like an unwritten new path to this ending. One she is paving and painting for him, lined with flowers and sunshine and gaiety that she had already begun to lead him down the moment they locked gazes. Now, instead of some flustered hesitation, instead of walking just behind her out of FEAR of where this may go, he's nearly tugging her along himself. " However... the thought of a life without thee is one that I cannot bear. One could sayeth thou hath... becometh mine entire universe. I still believeth mineself to be in a dream still... and, should this be, I pray I never wake up. "

The Elezen turns, lifting his free hand to oh, so delicately cup her chin. The way he looks upon her with full, unadulterated adoration and appreciation... why, Thancred's relentless teases may just hold some level of validity; this is a man wholly, deeply, undeniably, in love. A foolish man not QUITE ready to say it, as if to fully acknowledge and verbalize the many feelings he possesses for her may turn the fear of LOSING her into reality.

" Regardless, I am yours, my flower bud. Whether in dream or reality, of that, I promise unrelenting certainty. "

@mystiic ;;

[dream-meister-translations]

100 SLEEPING PRINCES & THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS

WALK WITH A SMILE - PART 1

━

I find myself drifting in a blissful slumber, swaying gently amidst the tranquil haze.

Within my hazy consciousness, what comes to mind is the scene when Navi reported that the preparations for the festival were complete.

KAIRI : Thank you. You've been a great help.

NAVI : P-Prince Kairi! 

NAVI : Princess Emma and Prince Kairi of the Ruined Country of Calavina, for both of you to host a festival in Calavina together is a significant advancement for the dream world. I'm certain it will be a wonderful celebration! 

Kairi and I discussed, and the festival to be held in Calavina was deemed essential to signify the new beginning of the dream world. After overcoming numerous obstacles, the preparations for the event were finally complete.

(Yes. It is finally time...)

A bright and joyous feeling fills my chest.

(Once the festival begins, this land will be filled with smiles...I wonder if the people of Calavina will also be pleased...)

A fleeting image of someone I thought I saw crosses my mind...

(I need to wake up quickly.)

(To take the first step towards my dream.)

Suddenly, an unfamiliar light flickers before me, starting to shimmer.

(This is...)

(Like the Moon Road, but slightly different?)

As I reach out, the light brushes against my fingertips.

In that moment of feeling the warmth and gentleness of the light, my consciousness is swiftly pulled away.

EMMA : Ah...

As I open my eyes, the morning light streams through the gap in the curtains.

(Was that dream just now...)

NAVI : Princess, are you awake?

Accompanied by a light knock, Navi's buoyant voice reaches my ears.

EMMA : Yes, I'm awake.

NAVI : Good morning! It's a beautiful day today! 

As Navi enters the room, still smiling, he approaches the window and pulls aside the curtains.

Outside, lies a clear blue sky with pure white clouds drifting.

(Truly, such lovely weather...)

NAVI : Finally, the day has arrived, Princess.

As the window opens wide, a refreshing breeze flows into the room.

(Though I can't shake off the thoughts of that dream earlier.)

EMMA : You're right! I must get ready quickly!

With a sudden surge of excitement, I quickly get out of bed.

━

Ruined Country - Calavina

After getting myself ready, I step out of the lodging where I've been staying, feeling a bit nervous.

NAVI : Princess, how are you feeling?

EMMA : Uh...I'm starting to get nervous...

Placing a hand on my chest, I exhale softly.

I am to celebrate the opening of the festival and deliver greetings as a Princess. 

(It's not just mine and Kairi's, but the hopes of many others that are poured into this festival...)

(I must do a good job.)

Trying to calm my racing heart due to nervousness, suddenly...

??? : Hey, Emma! Good morning!

Turning around, I see Prince Peco of Orangette, waving his small hand as he runs toward me.

EMMA : Good morning. Are you headed out already, Peco?

PECO : Yup! Peco woke up early and everything! Because today's a really important festival!

SAIGA : Haha, that's a good attitude to have.

Walking leisurely behind Peco is Prince Saiga of Irogu, the country of the great fox spirit.

EMMA : Good morning, Saiga.

SAIGA : Good morning, Emma.

PECO : Oh, Saiga also woke up early? Just like Peco!

SAIGA : Yes. It seems we're not the only ones.

Following Saiga's gaze, I notice other princes who are dressed for the festival approaching us.

EMMA : There's still quite a bit of time until the opening...

SAIGA : Everyone must be excited for the festival. And they know how important this day is to you, Emma. 

Soothed by Saiga's calm voice, a gentle smile forms on my lips.

(So many things have happened...)

(Once it was deemed impossible to hold a festival in this country, rejected by the spirits of Calavina's royal family, I even lost the ability to smile.)

(But with the help of many people, by showing our determination, we eventually gained acceptance from the spirits and I regained my smile.)

EMMA : It's thanks to all of you that we've managed to reach this day.

SAIGA : We're all here today because of you.

With a satisfied smile, Saiga lowers his gaze.

WILL : Hey hey, good morning Emma~! It's such a nice day, isn't it? This is a scene you'd never see in one of my movies.

Drawn by a new voice, I turn my gaze and see Prince Will of Kenal, the movie country, and also a director of horror films, standing there.

EMMA : Good morning, Will. Oh, Lecien and Sky are here too.

LECIEN : Ah...Good morning.

Showing a puzzled expression, Prince Lecian of Arbitro, the country of judgment, walks up to us.

SKY : Yo morning, Emma. 

Sky, the former prince of Daten, the country of magical science, stands beside him. Wearing a carefree smile as usual.

EMMA : Those two make quite the unusual combination, huh?

WILL : They were lurking in the shadows over there this whole time. Observing you while you spoke. I was hoping they were planning to scare you~

SKY : Wha!? It's not like that at all. This guy just seemed nervous to approach.

Saying that, he directed his gaze toward Lecien. 

LECIEN : I was planning to approach you after your conversation ended.

WILL : If you live life that way, you'll never get a chance to talk to her. After all, she's the star of today! 

PECO : That's right! We should all hang out and talk to each other!

Peco took my hands and pulled me into the center of the princes, before giving Lecian a look.

LECIEN : Do...You know me?

PECO : Yeah, you're Haru's friend! He called you "Rustle!" 

LECIEN : His...Friend...?

Perhaps reminded of Haldine, the prince of the Country of Black Tea, Ticha, Lecien's expression softened if only slightly.

(Everyone seems happier than during the preparations.)

(Are they looking forward to the festival?)

Seeing everyone engaged in lively conversation fills me with joy, and I glance to Navi who is beside me. 

NAVI : Today seems like it's gonna be a lot of fun, huh?

EMMA : I was thinking the exact same thing.

Laughter spills forth from us both, as I gaze up at the clear sky, taking in a deep breath... 

The beginning of a new day.

[maguro13-2]

Shattered Hero ~ Origins of the Ink Demons: Episode Maka Pt.4 ~

*images flashing*

Usagi : (wakes up and is covered in sweat) Oh man! Not another dream. This is pretty weird after all my friends were being used as science experiments that have been a laboratory...Hey, where am I? What is this place and what I am doing here naked?

Hotaru : You are awake, Sailor Moon.

Usagi : Hotaru Tomoe. What's going on? Don't tell me you've been awake and naked as well I see.

Hotaru : You've been asleep for a long time. I had to wake you up after your friends and mine were attacked and abuse by the corruption of my father for his selfish ways.

Usagi : Professor Tomoe, your dad. What happened to him?

Hotaru : Haven't you figured it out yet, I had to wake you up after that tremendous incident in which took place about over a year.

Usagi : Like I was in some kind of coma? I don't know what's gonna happen to my world after all things bad happened in the 90s. Say, we stool look in 90s, right? Hotaru, tell me.

Hotaru : This is not the 20th century anymore. This is the 21st Century.

Usagi : 21st Century? Wait a sec, where's mom? Where are my friends and where's our--

Hotaru : Your friends are safe and so does mine, they were saved from the clutches of my father all thanks to the boys due to the marriage between Naoko and Togashi. Kaolinite was out of the question. They have been reclaimed by the detectives. Here's how it happened, after the rest of Sailor Scouts were caputred and stripped bare skin in those cultivated tanks, my father and other scientists tried to conquer Japan and the galaxy for doing selfish things in order to cover the world in darkness for Dark Nebula. But thankfully due to Naoko and Togashi's marriage, my father was finally stopped by us and that spirit detective we helped, and was exposed to the public for calling him a "heartless" traitor for what he did to our group and the people of Japan would never forgive him. When the Spirit Detective and Grim Reaper Botan scolds him for what he did to the Sailor Scouts, Hiei, the young man with the Jagan eye, executed him and we had to hide ourselves from the public and went into the shadows in order to restore our lives.

Usagi : So we've been here for over a year? So what on earth did we exactly end up here? Where's the rest of the Sailor Senshi?

Hotaru : Come, there in that room. They're waiting for you to meet them.

(scene later cuts)

Usagi : So, we're good being completely naked without our clothes on. So what did you agree with being at here sleeping for over a year by that?

Hotaru : You'll cleverly find out that it's a secret.

Usagi : So any news on what's going on? So what are we in here for? So I guess it's a secret okay.

(Hatch door opens automatically)

Usagi : Hey, isn't that...? (sees the sailor scouts completely naked while wearing hi-tech shades to look at a computerized orb full of light) I see. Hey, guys long time no see.

Minako : Oi, Usagi. You finally made it, just in the nick of time to be awake.

Usagi : Yeah, but it's been way over a year to be awake. So where is home, exactly?

Minako : What are you talking about, Usagi? This is our home, our secret home. This is the new home base that takes place on the moon.

Usagi : Say WHAAAAAAT?

[DUN! DUN! DUUUUUUUUUN!]

Usagi : Hotaru! Why did you take us to the Earth's moon!? We're currently in space! How can we survive on the moon!? There's no oxygen outside! More importantly, we can't even breathe outside in space! And did you say this is the new base?

Makoto : Sure! This is the New Sailor Senshi hedquarters! An organization led by the councils of Celestial 9.

Usagi : Celestial 9. What an interesting name for a group of people that organize the line of 9 gods from earth. What a shocking coincidence, but I think not. I think I might be going back to civilization to earth and...(turns and sees Luna in front of her) What in the actual what? Who's this lady?

[Theme of Koco - Tomoya Ohtani]

Luna : I am Luna, one of the rulers of Earth's moon and observe the entire planet earth from here on the moon.

Usagi : Rulers of Earth's moon. Where's that from, Astrologists? So being naked up here is where...

Minako : Yep. This entire place built on the moon was created by Drawcia Family Corporation since a huge amount of energy has hit the entire moon in half, so the rulers of the moon decides to restore it after a green guy and that Space Colony.

Usagi : You mean those two that destroyed the old Sailor Senshi headquaters? But the colony blasted on the moon! Why would some genius manage to use a cannon from the space colony on the moon instead of the earth?

Luna : Our headquaters on the moon was destroyed by one man that did it in that incident 5 years ago.

Rei : That was the old Sailor Senshi Hedquaters that was operated on the moon over a year until the colony's energy blast cannon destroyed when he attempted to fire it at earth. It was not until the Black Arms invasion a year ago, there were many reports that the girl named Maka Albarn was falsely accused on attacking the American public and the city of Tokyo since she wiped out 80% of Japan's population.

Hotaru : Correct. And after the second explosion occured in tokyo caused by recruited detective, Kimial Diehl. [To Usagi] I believe you might wanna put these on.

Usagi : Oh, like this. (puts on the hi-tech shades to show information from the computerized orb) Woah...this is...awesome! The orb that resembles the light, it's hi-tech supercomputer. This is all the information from various incidents and multiple reports from around the world. Near the end of the 20th century, a girl named Lain Iwakura, protag of that smash hit psyhchological sci-fi horror show Serial Experiments Lain, has beginning to link into information that knows about the world, and I was never a fan of cyberpunk or science-fiction. That's what we needed in the 20th century, but now it's in the 21st century since she was saved by a random Gundam pilot whom she saved his life, Duo Maxwell, the pilot of the dominant Gundam robot Deathscythe.

Setsuna Meioh : True. Enemy intrusion from all over the globe that there are multiple threats from the forces of True evil itself.

Haruka : The Defense Line is okay for sure, but the offensive line over the sectors are really kicking it up a notch.

Michiru : Sounds kinda cool since Professor Tomoe was executed to the public. After all, you did saved your life and saved our lives as well.

Haruka : I know it's kinda messed up of why did Professor Tomoe wanted to use us for corruption in an exchange for conquering the Galaxy in darkness.

Hotaru : Because he was one of the leeches that showed his true colors, I will never forgive him for what he has done to you all.

Michiru : Maybe you're right about this. Guess he really made the steep price to pay.

Haruka : So will you ever forgive me about turning to the dark side and tried to conquer the planet in darkness?

Usagi : I've known Yusuke Urameshi a long time since we worked together to save my friends from the corruption of Hotaru's dad. But that's okay, we forgive you. I kinda miss mom a lot ever since she noticed about Professor Tomoe's execution. I heard about what happened to the YYH crew. Togashi and Naoko's marriage had long existed since we first appeared in the 90s. My catchphrase was "In the name of the moon, I'll punish you" That's what I always said about being a superhero but despite being a magical girl, my superhero catchphrases always gets it when it comes to Superheroes.

Minako : That's what we are today. So after Professor Tomoe's execution, we Sailor Scouts got depressed and we had no choice but to hide from the public except for you. Humanity has never been so arrogant, so does our archenemies as well. I've always once been Sailor V for a period of time before I joined you guys! I was the coolest superhero in all of Japan. But some villains are men who assaults women and hurt them, including superheroes like us. That's why we superheroes must stay away from bad things, men wanted to rape Magical Girls or some have sexual desires to harm them in the way of corruption. Humans can be heartless too, you know.

Usagi : I understand. That's why we gotta stick together as a group as what it takes for us to be heroes to keep ourselves out of the shadows.

*BEEPING*

[Reunion - Kenichi Tokoi]

Hotaru : Incoming enemy intrusion from earth! The giant heartless know as Darkside is on a rampage at the city of Tokyo! We must be prepared for battle! Come on, Usagi! You're leader of our team! You gotta do something!

Usagi : Hmmm...You got it! (thumbs up) You got yourself a deal! Alright Sailor Scouts let's head to Tokyo! Because the Sailor Scouts have returned! Let's become superheroes again!

(cues Sailor Moon Transformation)

Sailor Moon : I am back from the shadows, motherf***ers! Sailor Moon has finally arrived! Let's go kill us some heartless!

"Song Goku, We sailor Scouts are back in business!"

~ Act 3 : The Sailor Senshi Returns! ~

[aminocapsule]

The Eyes Of A Guardian (BB AU FanFic)

There was a screech in the night…

I wake up in a cold sweat, breathing heavy. Another nightmare. This cannot be normal. This is the third time this week I haven’t been able to sleep peacefully at night. I am haunted by this reoccurring dream of a smoky black figure chasing me through the forest. I cannot remember much from the nightmares, but the image that cannot be erased from my mind are the eyes of the figure. Piercing yellow eyes. They are burned in my memory to the point where I see them sometimes when I’m awake.

It’s nights like these that I wish I had an owl guardian. It seems like everyone else in the world has one except for me. When I was younger and kids in my school were learning about owl guardians, I was so excited about getting one of my own. At the age of 10, as kids are about to hit puberty, they are introduced to their owl guardian; a kind of spirit that takes the form of an owl and goes through life with you. To some they are a second conscience, to others they are a sign of protection and wisdom that helps them navigate through life. At least that’s what was told to us.

But once I turned 10, I started seeing all my peers with their owl guardian but I still hadn’t gotten mine yet. What was wrong with me? Why was I so different from everyone else? These are the questions that constantly plague my mind. I’m currently 16 and still no guardian. I sigh in distress and try to go back to sleep before I have to wake up for school.

My alarm goes off to wake me up for school. I swear it feels like I just closed my eyes to go back to sleep. Oh well, I better go ahead and get this day started. I get up and proceed to get ready for the long day ahead. After getting ready, I head downstairs to see my mom cooking breakfast.

“Good morning Sunshine,” she says to me with a smile, but the smile on her face quickly vanishes as soon as she sees my tired eyes. She sighs. “Another nightmare hun,” she asked with concern in her voice.

“Yeah, but I’m fine,” I lied trying to ease her concern.

“Okay Tabi, if you say so. But if you want to talk about it, we can.”

“No, mom, really, I’m okay.”

Suddenly my mom’s owl, Regis, a beautiful great grey owl, appears on her shoulder.

Regis

“Good morning Regis,” I say. He slightly bows his head. He and my mom exchange glances and look back at me. There they go using their telepathy to communicate. That’s how we communicate with owl guardians anyway.

“What'd he say,” I asked.

“He said you will talk to me when you think the time is right,” she said.

“Wise owl. Well, I’m off to school. See you after,” I say grabbing a piece of toast and sausage before heading out the door.

“Okay, I love you hun.”

“Yeah, I know. Love you too. Bye mom. Bye Regis.”

I’m walking to school on my usual route. Passing the playground, saying hello to Mrs. Jennings. It’s a bit cold but the cool breeze feels refreshing on my skin. As I close my eyes to enjoy the breeze, something swoops past my head. Startled, I look around to see what it was, but I didn’t see anything. Confused, I continued walking.

I finally arrive at school and head to my locker. As I’m getting my books for my first two classes, my friends, Ji Yong and Daesung approach me.

“Hey Tabi, what’s… Woo, are you okay? You look terrible,” Ji Yong says.

“Gee thanks, that’s just my face,” I respond.

“No, that’s not what I… I’m sorry. I meant you look tired.”

“He’s right. Your eye bags have bags. Are you still having those nightmares,” Daesung asked.

“Yeah, but I’m fine, really,” I reassure them.

“Okay, if you say so bro. But anywho, this morning is going to be rough,” Ji Yong said.

“Why?”

“Because Daesung and I have a chemistry test next period.”

“But didn’t you guys study. You ditched going with me to the music shop to check out the new releases to go to the library and study together.”

“We did study,” they both said in unison.

Just then both of their owls appeared. Daesung’s Elf Owl, Minx, rolled her eyes at the lie and Ji Yong’s Snowy Owl, Sebastian, peck him on the head in a way that said “stop lying”.

Minx

Sebastian

“Your guardians are showing me that that’s a lie.”

“Okay okay. We were at the library studying, but then we got word that they were releasing new skins on PUBG and we couldn’t resist,” Daesung explained with Ji Yong looking away in shame.

“Wow… You guys are terrible,” I say as Minx and Sebastian nod in agreement.

“We know and we’re sorry Tabi,” Daesung apologized.

“Yeah, we’re bad friends,” Ji Yong added.

“No you’re not. You guys just had a lack in judgment. I just feel bad that you might not pass your test. And I also feel sorry for your guardians because I’m sure they tried their hardest to keep you both focused on studying.”

Minx and Sebastian both nodded and sighed.

Suddenly the bell rang signaling the start of first period. I hurriedly closed my locker and said goodbye to my friends; wishing them whatever luck I could on the test.

The school day came and went and before I knew it I was walking home from school. It was still pretty chilly but the breeze was still as refreshing as it was this morning. It was a peaceful walk, until I heard yelling coming from a side street. Normally, I would have ignored it and kept walking, but something in my head said to see what was happening. I ran to the source of the yelling and saw a group of middle school kids bothering these younger kids. When I looked closer, I noticed it was two kids that lived in my neighborhood, Youngbae and Hanbin. They were only in elementary school.

A weeping Hanbin was being held by one of the teenagers as he watched his brother being hit and pushed to the ground by two other guys. I could see their guardians trying the interfere but the teenager’s guardians were blocking the way. I guess that means not all guardians are good. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to do something.

“What seems to be the problem here.”

“Tabi…?? Tabi, help us. Please,” Hanbin begged with tears in his eyes.

“Shut it Panda Boy. It’s none of your business old man,” one of them said. His two friends laughed.

“Haha, funny. I’m old because I’m in high school. You’re a freaking comedian.”

Youngbae struggles to get away from the guy pinning him to the ground, but the guy punches him in the side to prevent him from moving.

“HEY!! Stop hitting him. What the Hell is you guys’ problem. They’re younger than you. Are you that weak that you have to harass younger kids,” I ask furiously?

“Well, we could fight you,” the one holding Hanbin said with a smirk.

“You don’t want that, trust me.”

“Oh yeah, I think we do,” one said as he started to run at me.

I quickly moved to the side avoiding his punch and tripping him in the progress. His body slid across the concrete.

“Come on. Don’t be stupid. Just let the kids go and we can part ways without you making a complete fool of yourself,” I said with smirk as he quickly got off the ground and dusted himself off.

“Shut up and fight me like a man,” he said getting in my face and grabbing my jacket.

“You have five seconds to let go of my jacket before I make you regret it. 1…”

“Oh, you’re not going to do anything. Keep counting see if I care.”

“2…”

“3,” he said as he smacked me in the face.

“Fuck it, 5,” I said as I grabbed his arm and twisted it until he fell to the ground in pain.

“AHHH, that hurts. Let me go.”

“You should have just walked away when I gave you the chance. Now look at you.”

“Seriously dude, let go, you’re going to break my arm.”

“If you stop resisting it won’t break.”

He continues to struggle to get free but only increases the pain in his arm the more he moves. Then, I hear Youngbae call my name.

“Tabi, look out. It’s coming for you.”

I look up and see one of the boys’ owls darting straight for my head. I panic and quickly close my eyes and shield my head. Seconds pass and I don’t feel the owl attacking. I look up again and see the owl was being block by another owl. And that’s when I heard a voice that, “Keep away from him.”

I was shocked and confused for a minute. But I continued to hear the voice.

“You are a disgrace of a guardian. How dare you try and attack a human. You know that is an action punishable by extinction. You will be stripped of your title as guardian and your spiritual being will be incinerated. Unless you want to experience that type of misfortune, I suggest you convince your human and the rest of your group to leave this place immediately,” the mysterious owl chastised the owl.

I couldn’t hear what the owl responded back but he looked behind the mystery owl at his human who I was still holding on the ground. He stopped moving under my hold and looked up at his owl. Then I heard the mysterious owl again, saying to me, “You can let him go now, Tabi.”

I looked up at the owl and it nodded at me. I listened and released the boy. He got up off the ground and looked at me, the owl, and then back at me.

“Come on guys, lets go,” the boy walked away holding his arm. His friends looked at each other and then slowly let go of Hanbin and Youngbae, who immediately ran to me once they were free. And without another word, the boys and their owls walked away without looking back. Once they were out of sight, I checked on Hanbin and Youngbae.

“Are you guys okay,” he asked.

“Yeah, we’re okay. Thank you for sticking up for us,” Youngbae said.

“Yeah, thank you,” Hanbin said shyly.

Both of their owls suddenly appeared. Youngbae’s owl looked him straight in the eyes with a look of worry.

Cantu

“I’m fine Cantu. I’m not hurting that bad. It’s okay,” he said while scratching his barn owl on the head.

Hanbin's tiny spotted owl was just nuzzling its face into his neck, causing him to giggle and smile.

Zuri

“Yes Zuri, I’m okay too,” he said nuzzling it back.

I smiled at their little reunion but snapped back to reality when I remembered the mystery owl. I says my goodbyes to the kids and their owls as they continue walking home. Then, I turned around to see this big great horned owl resting on a tree branch. I walked up to it cautiously. It looked at me with its giant yellow eyes that looked oddly familiar to me.

They kind of reminded me of the eyes from my nightmares. But that couldn’t be, could it?

Either way, I walk to the tree to thank it.

“Thank you for saving me from that crazy owl,” I say not really expecting an answer. But to my surprise, I could hear the owl respond to me in my mind.

“You’re welcome Tabi. That was a very courageous and selfless thing you did for those younger boys.”

Surprised by the response, I ask in my mind, “who are you?”

“My name is Eden. I am the executive lead of the Owl Guard Assembly and I am also your guardian,” she answered.

Eden

“What? Really? You’re my guardian?”

“Yes, I have been observing you for weeks to assess if you were a compatible match for a high ranking guardian such as myself, and today you have more than proven yourself to me. It would be my honor to serve as your guardian if you will have me.”

This was so sudden. Part of me was super excited to finally have my guardian but part of me still had questions.

“So why did it take so long for me to receive my guardian.”

“Well, guardianship is based on compatibility. Some compatibility pairings take longer than others. And that was the case for you unfortunately. It sometimes can’t be helped. We, the guardian, strive to have effective and strong compatibility with each pairing. In some cases, there are signs that compatibility is strong; for example, having bizarre dreams that are repetitive.”

“I’ve been having nightmares for about a week. I keep seeing big yellow eyes like yours in them.”

“The sounds like a strong sign. I guess that means our pairing actually was meant to be,” she said with a big smile.

“Seems like it. Well, I would love to have you as my guardian; especially after you saved me earlier. Please look after me,” I said with a bow.

“It would be my pleasure, Tabi. You can count on me.”

And just like that, I finally got my guardian.

[trainstojuniper]

Damned Women

Delphine and Hippolyte

The lamps had languisht and their light was pale; On cushions deep Hippolyta reclined. Those potent kisses that had torn the veil From her young candour filled her dreaming mind.

With tempest-troubled eyes she sought the blue Heaven of her innocence, how far away! Like some sad traveller, who turns to view The dim horizons passed at dawn of day.

Tears and the muffled light of weary eyes, The stupor and the dull voluptuous trance, Limp arms, like weapons dropped by one who flies — All served her fragile beauty to enhance.

Calm at her feet and joyful, Delphine lay And gazed at her with ardent eyes and bright, Like some strong beast that, having mauled its prey, Draws back to mark the imprint of its bite.

Strong and yet bowed, superbly on her knees, She snuffed her triumph, on that frailer grace Poring voluptuously, as though to seize The signs of thanks upon the other's face.

Gazing, she sought in her pale victim's eye The speechless canticle that pleasure sings, The infinite gratitude that, like a sigh, Mounts slowly from the spirit's deepest springs.

"Now, now you understand (for love like ours Is proof enough) that 'twere a sin to throw The sacred holocaust of your first flowers To those whose breath might parch them as they blow.

Light falls my kiss, as the ephemeral wing That scarcely stirs the shining of a lake. What ruinous pain your lover's kiss would bring! A plough that leaves a furrow in its wake.

Over you, like a herd of ponderous kine, Man's love will pass and his caresses fall, Like trampling hooves. Then turn your face to mine; Turn, oh my heart, my half of me, my all!

Turn, turn, that I may see their starry lights, Your eyes of azure; turn. For one dear glance I will reveal your love's most obscure delights, And you shall drowse in pleasure's endless trance."

"Not thankless, nor repentant in the least Is your Hippolyta." She raised her head. "But one whom from some grim nocturnal feast Returns at dawn feels less disquieted.

I bear a weight of terrors, and dark hosts Of phantoms haunt my steps and seem to lead. I walk, compelled, behind these beckoning ghosts Down sliding roads and under skies that bleed.

Is ours so strange an act, so full of shame? Explain the terrors that disturb my bliss. When you say, Love, I tremble at the name; And yet my mouth is thirsty for your kiss.

Ah, look not so, dear sister, look not so! You whom I love, even though that love should be A snare for my undoing, even though Loving I am lost for all eternity."

Delphine looked up, and fate was in her eye. From the god's tripod and beneath his spell, Shaking her tragic locks, she made reply: "Who in love's presence dares to speak of hell?

Thinker of useless thoughts, let him be cursed Who in his folly, venturing to vex A question answerless and barren, first With wrong and right involved the things of sex!

He who in mystical accord conjoins Shadow with heat, dusk with the noon's high fire, Shall never warm the palsy of his loins At that red sun which mortals desire.

Go, seek some lubber groom's deflowering lust; Take him your heart and leave me here despised! Go — and bring back, all horror and disgust, The livid breasts man's love has stigmatized.

One may not serve two masters here below." But the child answered: "I am torn apart, I feel my inmost being rent, as though A gulf had yawned — the gulf that is my heart.

Naught may this monster's desperate thirst assuage, — As fire 'tis hot, as space itself profound — Naught stay the Fury from her quenchless rage, Who with her torch explores its bleeding wound.

Curtain the world away and let us try If lassitude will bring the boon of rest. In your deep bosom I would sink and die, Would find the grave's fresh coolness on your breast."

Hence, lamentable victims, get you hence! Hells yawn beneath, your road is straight and steep. Where all the crimes receive their recompense Wind-whipped and seething in the lowest deep

With a huge roaring as of storms and fires, Go down, mad phantoms, doomed to seek in vain The ne-er-won goal of unassuaged desires, And in your pleasures find eternal pain!

Sunless your caverns are; the fever damps That filter in through every crannied vent Break out with marsh-fire into sudden lamps And steep your bodies with their frightful scent.

The barrenness of pleasures harsh and stale Makes mad your thirst and parches up your skin; And like an old flag volleying in the gale, Your whole flesh shudders in the blasts of sin.

Far from your kind, outlawed and reprobate, Go, prowl like wolves through desert worlds apart! Disordered souls, fashion your own dark fate, And flee the god you carry in your heart.

— Aldous Huxley, The Cicadas and Other Poems (NY: Harper & Bros, 1929)