#Hello and welcome to the first one i actually drew on time but did not post on time :(

[th3b33skn33s]

Darling Dolorosa Homestucktober 2023, Day Seven: Ancestor

[mejaemin]

hello !! i saw ur 1 to 13 event, and honestly, this is my first time sending an ask to sum1 🥀🥀🥀 but i didnt want to miss out on this one

if it’s alright, would prompt 18 be okay with seungkwan and vernon (as the friend) ? either way is fine too actually, or if not them, could also go for hoshi and jihoon (either way again) im absolutely not picky at all ehdgehhedy hope im doing this right TT thank youuu ! <333

verkwan + that one friend who might as well be your third

warnings: kwan x reader, vernon is the friend, reader and kwan are nakey but vernon does not care and is still in their business, mentions of sex, sassy and annoyed boo <333 an: anon I LOVE YOU !!! ur so genius and im honored to receive ur first request !!! i love it so much that i accidentally made it 200 words too long… you’re welcome? u did perfectly fine and tysm for participating in the event 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 im sorry for the wait </3 1 to 13 masterlist !!!

you’re sleeping peacefully against seungkwan’s chest, knocked out after the previous night. it had been a long day full of social interaction, dragging on and forcing you both to sit in the desire you had to.. be alone, ending in you both staying up until sunrise. not a single inch of you regretted it though, welcoming the aches in your body and the slumber that’s been stretching out way into the almost evening.

vernon invites himself into yours and your boyfriend’s apartment, eyebrow quirked at the silence. he has a bag of treats with him that he sets on the kitchen counter, greeting your kitty and handing it the pet safe one he bought. after unboxing the rest, he takes a pastry to eat while going to look for you.

clearly the search was easy because all he has to do is enter your bedroom to find the both of you. he takes note of your bare shoulders and freezes, hesitating before shrugging and going to flop on the foot of the bed.

he nudges your foot, “hey. get up.”

you whine, stretching as you wake. when your eyes open you spot your.. best friend? laying at your feet, chocolate frosting sitting on the corners of his mouth. you smile, not even fazed at the fact that you’re not wearing anything under your blanket. you’ve never thought twice about his presence in your lives, even if it’s stepping over lines (ones you’re not sure you and kwan ever drew). it’s just right, okay?

“kwan’s gonna get mad that you’re eating on the bed..” you turn to glance at him, and he’s still fast asleep, drooling on his own arm.

hansol’s watching him too, and he just shrugs. “whatever. you gotta taste this. he does too, actually.” he holds out the snack to you.

you take it, fully trusting the boy’s taste in food, and as soon as you take a bite, you almost die. it really is the best thing you’ve ever tasted. you’re immediately shaking seungkwan awake, and he sits up in fear, as if he was getting robbed, before immediately rolling his eyes.

“are you serious? i thought you were in pain or something, couldn’t you have woken me up more nicely-” he notices the third person in his bed, “oh, hi.” he turns back to you to continue his scolding when he sees the food in your hand, and his voice gets impossibly louder. “oh come on, and you’re eating in here too?! what, you can’t walk to the kitchen?!”

vernon just snickers in the background as you slowly hand him the pastry. “taste it, it’s so worth it.” he begrudgingly leans forward, too lazy to grab it, taking a bite straight from your hand. “and for the record, no. i probably can’t walk to the kitchen. or anywhere.”

seungkwan nearly chokes, but all you do is laugh. eventually, the three of you settle down into casual conversation. it flows naturally, no bumps or hiccups despite being indecent underneath the covers. when it comes to your relationship with your boyfriend, vernon is sort of an extension of that, and is the only one who knows everything about and relating to you both. no secrets between you and boo? well, there’s none between you two and vernon either. he’s a part of you two. that’s exactly why you all fall back asleep, him laying at the foot of the bed on top of the blanket. it’s normal.

1 to 13 🏷️ @markkiatocafe @ateez-atiny380

[reccyls]

Victor's Main Route: Chapter 7

< Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Next Chapter >

(just a brief warning that this is not a guide, I won't necessarily have all the +4/+4 options since I used a bunch of those elixir items and blasted my way through the route before guides were up. It mostly becomes relevant starting from this chapter. Sorry about that!)

---

After leaving the basement, I made my way towards Victor’s office.

(I still don’t know exactly what I’m going to say…)

But I knew that I had to tell Victor how I really felt.

(First, I need to apologize for slapping his hand.)

I knocked on the door.

Victor: Who is it?

Kate: It’s me. Can I come in?

Victor: Of course, the door isn’t locked.

Slowly, I swung open the door and stepped inside the office.

Victor: Hello Kate, good morning. Or rather, good afternoon.

Victor welcomed me as if nothing had changed while sitting at his desk.

(...Huh?)

I was so surprised by his reaction–or lack of reaction–that I froze in the doorway. When Victor noticed that I hadn’t actually entered yet, he looked up.

Victor: What are you standing there for? Victor: Are you feeling unwell?

Kate: No, I’m okay… Kate: Um. I’ll come in now.

Victor: If you could handle these today, I’d appreciate it.

Kate: Alright.

Finally entering the office for real, I walked up to Victor to collect the work I’d be doing for today. After picking up the reports, I sat down in my normal chair and got ready to focus.

Kate: …

(Isn’t this too normal?)

My mind was racing after we went through our normal routine.

(Am I the only one who’s concerned about yesterday?)

I snuck a glance to Victor from the corner of my eye. He was hard at work as usual. Time passed as it normally did.

(I have to say something.)

Kate: Um, Victor…

Victor: Hm?

When I gathered the courage to speak up, his warm gaze turned in my direction.

Kate: About yesterday–

Victor: I’m very sorry that you had to witness something frightening last night.

Before I could speak, he stopped working immediately and bowed his head to me. I found myself standing up.

Kate: That wasn’t your fault. I was the one who chased after you.

Victor: But that doesn’t change the fact that you were scared. Victor: I promise that you will never see such a thing ever again.

His self-deprecating smile made my heart squeeze.

Kate: No, that’s not the point. You didn’t do anything wrong. Kate: I was the wrong one for being so ignorant.

Victor: Kate?

I reached over for his hand that was resting on his desk. Victor glanced down briefly at the motion, but said nothing. 

Kate: No matter how upset I was, I still hit you.

The shape of his hand was so different from my own: large, bony, with long and elegant fingers.

Kate: More than anything else, that is what stuck with me the most from last night.

My fingers brushed against his. Relief flooded through me when he didn’t pull away, but that also made my guilt at rejecting him even stronger.

Kate: I’m so sorry for that.

Victor: …

Still silent, Victor looked at me, then grasped my fingers.

Kate: Wha-

Victor: …You truly have a kind heart.

He laced our fingers tightly together.

Victor: You witnessed a terrible sight, and yet you feel guilty for pushing me away. Victor: If our roles were reversed, I would have blamed you much more.

My heart began to beat faster as the warmth of his palm seeped into mine.

Kate: …I mean, I do have someone I want to blame. Kate: But it’s not you. It’s myself, because I’m the one who needed to be protected. Kate: I really am a useless good for nothing, aren’t I?

Immediately, his fingers tightened.

Victor: No. That isn’t true.

Victor’s gaze was piercing as he looked at our joined hands.

Victor: You’re someone I rely on. You aren’t useless, and you aren’t weak.

Kate: But you’ve been making sure I haven’t seen anyone die, haven’t you? Kate: I know you meant well. But it made me sad, too.

Victor: …What?

Kate: Even if my time here is limited, I am Crown’s Fairytale Keeper. Kate: You drew a line between me and the rest of you. And I… that makes me feel lonely.

I couldn’t bear to look into his sharp eyes any longer, and averted my gaze. Even though I finally said what I needed to, I didn’t feel any relief. I think I had an idea of how he would respond.

Victor: I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention.

(I knew it…)

I looked down upon hearing the words I expected. But his continuation came as a surprise.

Victor: I know better than anyone that you’re stronger than anyone else I know.

Kate: What?

Slowly, I raised my head. I met Victor’s gaze as he wore a troubled smile.

Victor: I know that your resolve to fulfil your duties is ironclad. I know that even if you were to witness death, and grieve for those lost, you’ll still be able to keep going on. Victor: From watching you, I know the kind of person that you are. Victor: But even so, I still selfishly wanted to keep you far away from death. Victor: I wanted your world to remain as pure as possible, so that you could return to your old life.

It was as if the warmth of his hand was being conveyed directly to my heart.

Victor: If that has caused you to feel guilty, or sad, then I am truly sorry.

(Just how nice is he?)

Just like that, all my shame, guilt, and frustration disappeared like melting snow. His kindness almost made me want to tear up. Slowly, I opened my mouth to respond.

Kate: For as long as I’ll be here, I want to know everything. Kate: I want to know about what I’d been unaware of because of how I lived my life before. Kate: And I want to know more about you.

Victor: …

Now was the time to ask. My resolve solidified, and I curled my fingers tighter around his. I hoped he would answer me.

Kate: Can you please tell me why those people died? Kate: Did you kill them? …Was that your ability?

The leader of Crown, the queen’s aide, the reaper of the palace. The Victor I knew was bright and kind, and maybe a bit of a tease, but always reliable. And at that time, he definitely said something.

Victor: –evil.

(After hearing what Victor said, those men all collapsed.) (The only thing I can think of that would cause that is a curse.)

He said nothing, but unlaced our fingers and withdrew his hand. That was like an answer in itself.

Victor: There are some things in this world that you’re happier not knowing.

This was another line. But this was different from the last time. The line he drew now was obvious. And he was clearly warning me not to step over it. As I stood there, unsure what to make of it, he picked up his quill and resumed working without another word. I felt a sense of emptiness throughout my entire body, as if my heart had been hollowed out. Similarly silent, I went back to my own work. I accidentally made a mistake, so I scribbled over it. As a chilling loneliness seeped into the hole in my heart, I reflected on why I began helping Victor in the first place.

(...That’s right. I wanted to know more about Victor. That’s why I’m here.) (And if I don’t do anything, nothing will change. We’ll just go back to normal.)

And then my time as Fairytale Keeper would come to an end, and I’ll never know the truth about Victor.

(I’ll only ever know this one face.)

I needed to know more. My hands curled into fists in my lap, wrinkling my skirt.

Kate: Victor.

I made up my mind.

Kate: Even if you won’t tell me about yourself, I’ll learn more about you. Kate: Because that’s what I’m here for.

Victor’s eyes widened in surprise as I threw down the gauntlet. 

(As Fairytale Keeper, I’ll learn the truth about him.)

His expression shifted to a grin.

Victor: Do as you please. Victor: I won’t restrict what you do while you’re in the castle. Victor: I have no right to stop you from trying to learn about me, either.

His perfect composure made me feel a little irritated.

Make sure you don’t regret saying that! (+4/+2)

I’ll show you!

Fine, I’ll do what I want!

Kate: Make sure you don’t regret saying that!

Victor: I don’t know how much you’ll learn or how far you’ll get. But… Victor: I don’t go back on my word. Do as you please.

Seeing how worked up I was, he smiled widely.

Victor: You’re always adorable, but you’re extra cute when you’re sulking.

Kate: …!

(You–!!!)

He wasn’t shaken by anything. Not knowing how to retort, I shut my mouth. What drove me wasn’t just my pride as Fairytale Keeper, But I didn’t realize it yet.

-----

Roger: So are you here about my offer after all?

Kate: No!

Roger paused his reading and adjusted his glasses, laughing heartily. As soon as I finished my work, I immediately headed back for the basement. I had a singular purpose.

Kate: You have everyone’s medical charts, don’t you? Kate: I want to see Victor’s.

However, Roger made a face.

Roger: I can show it to you if you really wanted. But the only thing on there is his height.

Kate: Huh?

Roger: I’ve tried to properly fill it out but he’s always dodged me every time I try to give him an examination.

Kate: You're kidding me…

If Roger had everyone’s medical files, then he had to have had some information about Victor. Or so I thought… I’d ran all the way back to the basement for nothing.

Roger: Trying to find his weak spots?

Kate: Well, that’d technically count as information. But I mostly just want to know more about Victor.

Roger: I see. But I don’t really know much about him myself. Roger: There’s no one who’s really as close to him as you are right now, I don’t think. Roger: If there’s anything you don’t know about him, maybe William would?

Kate: He’s out of town for a mission today.

(He’ll only be back the day after tomorrow so I can’t ask him anything now.)

My shoulders slumped in disappointment. Rubbing his chin, Roger thought for a while and then made a suggestion.

Roger: It’s probably a long shot, but why don’t you ask the rest of Crown what they know? Roger: Things like, “What kind of person is Victor?”

(That is probably the best thing I can do right now.)

Kate: Then let’s not waste any time. What kind of person do you think Victor is?

I repeated his own question back at him. Still, he had to pause to think.

Roger: Someone who you can’t tell what he’s really thinking.

Kate: Anything else? Kate: It doesn’t have to be important things. Likes and dislikes work too.

Maybe there’d be something I didn’t know in those little bits of information. I looked expectantly at Roger, who seemed exasperated.

Roger: It’s not like we’re good friends or anything. Roger: He’s my boss, I work for him. That’s as far as our relationship goes. Roger: I don’t know things like what food he likes, or what he likes in a woman.

Kate: …What he likes in a woman…

(What kind of person would Victor like?)

The topic had never come up before, but I was suddenly extremely curious about it. However, Roger didn’t seem interested at all.

Roger: You’re better off asking one of the others. This isn’t my forte.

Kate: Thanks. I’ll do that.

I likely wouldn’t get any further here, so I said my thanks and started walking to the exit. Roger turned back to his book. But–

Roger: Oh yeah, one more thing, actually.

Kate: What is it?

Roger scratched the back of his head and responded.

Roger: Victor seems like he’d be a pain to get involved with.

…

Elbert: “What kind of person is Victor?” …He’s cheerful. And strange. Elbert: He seems like he has everything… However he did it, I want it too… Elbert: “Is he a Cursed One?” …I don’t know. I’ve never seen him use an ability…

…

Liam: “What kind of person is Victor?” Hmmm, he’s really good at magic tricks, and he’s very funny. Liam: He’s the reason why I could join Crown, so I’m really thankful to him. Liam: “Is Victor a Cursed One?” Well, I haven’t seen him use his ability so I can’t tell. Liam: What do you think?

…

Alfons: “What kind of person is Victor?” I suppose he’s a person who’s very benevolent to us Cursed Ones. Alfons: Though, who knows what’s on the inside. Alfons: “Is he a Cursed One?” …I don’t know. He’s full of mysteries, that one. Alfons: But more importantly, I’m headed into town for some fun tonight, would you like to join me?

…

Ellis: “What kind of person is Victor?” …He’s a little bit weird, I guess. Ellis: When I ask him questions, sometimes he avoids it, and sometimes he just tells me not to ask.

Jude: That’s ‘cause it’s you askin’. Jude: You’re off your rocker for trying to get close to someone like him. Jude: Hah? “Is he cursed?” Beats me.

Ellis: If he has an ability, I’ve never seen him use it. Not even once. Ellis: Maybe he isn’t a Cursed One after all.

…

(I didn’t get any of the information I was hoping for.)

I ran around Crown’s castle asking the other members about Victor for the rest of the day, and before I knew it, night had fallen.

(William’s not here today, and I already heard a bit from Harrison before…)

I sat down on my bed as I went over today’s results in my head. The way Crown viewed Victor wasn’t much different than how I did. The Victor of that night seemed like a totally different Victor than the one that Crown knew. And what's more, nobody had ever seen Victor use an ability before.

(What happened that night must have been unexpected even for Victor.)

Kate: …All I have are questions without any answers…

Getting up, I made my way to my desk and reached for my music box. Its gentle melody drifting through the night made my heart feel just a little bit lighter.

[ppyopulii]

maestro’s muse 💿 interview no. 13

PREVIEW. Has HYBEHAX always been this… unserious?

FEATURING. lee jihoon x gn!reader, various non-idol!hybe groups & reader GENRE(S). coming of age, fluff, some angst LENGTH | WC. <10min | 2.2k words EXPLICITS. soonyoung is chaotic. & i guess one (1) curse word

JAY’S MUSINGS. prologue (part two) for maestro’s muse, the series. not every part will be written in screenplay, just like how not every part will be written in smau format, just like how not every part will be written in prose, etc etc... just havin’ fun writing (: enjoy!

www.hybehax.tech/interview

THE INTERVIEW FADE IN.

A cozy dorm room lined with comforting trinkets. The digital clock sitting on a neatly stacked shelf indicates it's almost half past seven o'clock. It’s quiet in the shared bedroom, and YOU (college freshman, music fanatic, prospective HYBEHAX organizer) sit at the desk, nervously tugging on your bottom lip with your teeth.

A monitor shows the join feature of a Zoom call. YOU stare back at yourself through the small camera screen displayed.

There’s a soft ping from a notification. A pause, and then YOU take a deep breath and click the join button.

On the screen, SEUNGCHEOL (college junior, President of HYBEHAX, mutual acquaintance of YOU) smiles at you from his impressive HD face-cam.

SEUNGCHEOL Hello, we’ll get started in just a minute. Soonyoung is having some difficulty logging on.

Shuffling noises sound from another screen. JIHOON (college sophomore, Internal Vice President of HYBEHAX, music theory classmate of YOU) grumbles under his breath.

JIHOON (irritated) You’d think with this being his thirteenth interview he’d have gotten the hang of it now.

SEUNGCHEOL (warning) Jihoon.

JIHOON mumbles a sorry and mutes. A minute passes and SOONYOUNG (college sophomore, External Vice President of HYBEHAX, friend of YOU) pops up on-screen, face grainy from bad internet.

SOONYOUNG Hi! Nice to see you!

YOU (warmly) Hey, Soonyoung. Still doing alright in your math classes?

SOONYOUNG (groaning) Not the same without you, man. You actually carried me through calculus.

YOU Aren’t you just in business statistics now? How hard can that be?

SOONYOUNG Don’t ask.

There’s a few coughs from SEUNGCHEOL. Conversation dies down and SEUNGCHEOL moves his camera to center himself on screen.

SEUNGCHEOL Alright, hello and welcome to your HYBEHAX organizer interview! Thank you for taking the time to apply; we were impressed by your application. Now that we’re here, think of this as a time for us to get to know each other, and for you to ask us any questions you have.

SOONYOUNG (interjecting) It’s really lowkey, don’t worry.

SEUNGCHEOL clicks his tongue. SOONYOUNG giggles and mutes.

SEUNGCHEOL We’ll start with a round of introductions. I’m Choi Seungcheol, a rising senior and double major in computer science and mathematics. I’m also the current President of HYBEHAX. I run pretty much… everything? Let’s see… uh, I’ve been an organizer of HYBEHAX since I was a sophomore, but I’ve been involved with hackathons since I was fifteen. I actually remember trying to code my first project in that 24-hour period. Even though I barely had any idea what I was doing, all the organizers and my teammates were so nice. Made me feel really welcomed.

YOU (smiling from ear-to-ear) Fifteen? That’s some serious dedication, I respect it. What drew you to want to be HYBEHAX’s President?

SEUNGCHEOL’s lips part in an ‘o’, like he’s surprised YOU asked a question.

SEUNGCHEOL Well… I guess you can say I’ve grown attached? The people that I’ve met and grown with through HYBEHAX have really made my college years worth it. That, and I want to be able to keep organizing a space that made me feel as safe as I did as a kid.

YOU Yeah, I understand. That’s really admirable, congratulations!

SEUNGCHEOL Thank you, that means a lot. I really hope I can continue to make this upcoming hackathon worthwhile to attend, especially since it’ll be my last year being an organizer.

SOONYOUNG unmutes.

SOONYOUNG And it’s our 10th year!

SEUNGCHEOL (laughing, albeit stressed) Yeah, that too. Ah… how could I forget?

A tense silence falls on the four. YOU shift your focus to SOONYOUNG to alleviate the tension.

YOU Wanna introduce yourself next?

SOONYOUNG Oh! Yeah, I can. You already know me, but I’m Soonyoung, EVP of HYBEHAX. I manage all the external affairs, like talking to building managers for renting and university officials for fundings of our hackathon. I’ve been organizing for awhile too, like Cheol-hyung, and I’m super excited for this year!

YOU (joking) You, trusted with money?

SOONYOUNG (mock offense) Yah, I’m literally a business major!

YOU Yeah yeah, whatever. What’s been your favorite part?

SOONYOUNG’s eyes light up.

SOONYOUNG Shopping!

YOU Shopping?

SOONYOUNG For the hackathon! I’m in charge of it.

SEUNGCHEOL (exasperated) With my card.

YOU watch JIHOON snort silently. He unmutes.

JIHOON You get reimbursed by the university, at least.

SEUNGCHEOL (sulking) But does he have to do it with my card?

SOONYOUNG You’re the president!

JIHOON rolls his eyes and scoffs good-naturedly.

JIHOON Hey, we’re in an interview right now.

SOONYOUNG (dismissively) So what? We all know them, and they know us. We worked with them last season when they were a volunteer.

YOU raise an eyebrow.

YOU Shouldn’t we at least try to maintain some formality though? Just for record’s sake?

SEUNGCHEOL …they have a point. Jihoon, go ahead and introduce yourself and we’ll actually start asking questions.

JIHOON Hi. My name is Lee Jihoon, I’ll be your Internal Vice President. Rising junior, computer science major. I work specifically on the inner-running logistics of HYBEHAX.

YOU nod and go silent at his lackluster introduction. SEUNGCHEOL chuckles.

SEUNGCHEOL Ah… Jihoon-ah is what keeps this club running. Think of him as the maestro conducting the orchestra—his back is to you but he’s secretly doing all the work.

SOONYOUNG (laughing) You’re making him sound like he does more than you.

JIHOON presses a palm to his face. His facecam slightly lags, blipping the view for a second.

SEUNGCHEOL (clearly enjoying the teasing) Well, at this point he basically does. Once I graduate he’ll be first runner up for President.

SOONYOUNG grins. His camera goes slightly out of focus as he rocks back and forth in his chair.

YOU Well, it’s nice to meet you Jihoon.

JIHOON Likewise.

There’s a beat of silence as YOU and JIHOON stare each other down via webcam. His gaze is sharp, meticulous. Yours is relaxed with a hint of a smile.

SOONYOUNG So formal. Why don’t you go next?

YOU Alright… hi everyone! Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I’m a computer science major with a focus in front-end development, but I hope career-wise to go into front-end regarding data science. I was a volunteer this past fall for HYBEHAX and I really loved helping with the event, so I want to try my hand at organizing this year.

SOONYOUNG You were running around like crazy during the event. I think I saw you like, twice?

YOU (laughing awkwardly) Yeah… the last Marketing Team lead kind of recruited me. I ran around with them a lot getting pictures.

SEUNGCHEOL (amused) I specifically remember you during the welcoming speech. The President and I were trying to talk into the mic and you kept telling us to move slightly to the left ‘cause it looked better on camera that way.

YOU Hey! Because of me we had great shots. We can use these for marketing this time around.

SOONYOUNG Oh? You sure you don’t wanna be a part of Marketing Team?

YOU Oh, hell no. 

SEUNGCHEOL and SOONYOUNG burst into laughter. The corner of JIHOON’s lips crack open to reveal a small smile.

SEUNGCHEOL Relax, the Marketing Team Lead from last year left. Our Lead this year will be a lot better.

YOU Glad to hear that.

SEUNGCHEOL Are there any questions you have for us before we get into the specifics of your role?

YOU No, not that I can think of.

SEUNGCHEOL Sounds good! If there are any questions you have along the way, feel free to ask.

SOONYOUNG (raising his hand, not unlike a too-excited kid in school) I have a question!

Metaphorical lights dim. YOU fidget with the hem of your shirt. JIHOON bites his lip to fight a smirk.

JIHOON Yah, you’re the EVP, not Pres.

SEUNGCHEOL (skeptically) No, go ahead Soonyoung.

SOONYOUNG What made you choose Design Team instead of Tech? You’re a CS major, aren’t you?

YOU smile, as if expecting this question.

YOU I did briefly mention this in my application, but I feel like the integration between the arts and technology is so important to cherish and understand these days. Bridging that gap between two worlds that are seemingly unrelated is what I want to do—technology can be used to create art, and art can be used to create technology. It’s all relative, I feel.

JIHOON nods along appreciatively to your words. SEUNGCHEOL is listening intently.

SEUNGCHEOL As an organizer, you’re expected to specialize in your team’s work. You, on the other hand, have experience in multiple aspects—marketing, tech, design. Like Soonyoung said, we all saw how hard-working you were last season as a volunteer. We’d love for you to join us as a proper organizer for our 10th year.

YOU Thank you, that's very sweet of you. I'd be honored!

SOONYOUNG Oh, right. You said you’d be interested in being a Team Lead, too—are you still interested in that?

YOU Yeah, I think it would be fun. What specifically does Design Team Lead do?

SOONYOUNG You’ll be in charge of designating tasks to the members. Last season we only had, um, one member on Design Team. It was a lot and incredibly overwhelming and they quit. Understandably. So having someone who oversees everything would be preferable.

SEUNGCHEOL Yep, things like the sponsorship packet that goes out to sponsors, merchandise for the organizers and participants—those tasks wouldn’t necessarily be completed by you, but you would be in charge of making sure they’re getting done on time and in a professional manner.

YOU That sounds doable. If I’m being honest, I’d feel better managing tasks. I feel like I’d be pressured a lot to go above and beyond if I was just a regular organizer.

JIHOON Do you have experience in leadership?

YOU Only a little bit, but I’m definitely open to learning more, of course. I lead an outreach organization for my scholarship program.

SEUNGCHEOL (nodding along) Impressive.

SOONYOUNG We can call it, right? They’ll be our new Design Team Lead?

YOU Hey, I’d be down if you guys are down. This interview is more relaxing than I thought; barely even one at this point too.

JIHOON (shrugging) Only because we know you from the previous season.

YOU smile at him and JIHOON breaks eye contact.

YOU Question.

SEUNGCHEOL Yeah, what's up?

YOU Has HYBEHAX always been this… unserious?

SOONYOUNG Yes—

SEUNGCHEOL, JIHOON (simultaneously) No.

YOU Well. Glad to join the team anyways.

SOONYOUNG excitedly claps his hands. His screen lags.

SOONYOUNG Does that mean it’s a yes?!

YOU ‘Course. Anything for my calc buddy.

The man pumps a fist into the air and his webcam freezes. JIHOON audibly sighs.

JIHOON We’ll send you the contract via email soon. It just goes over more generalized rules about being an organizer—attending weekly meetings, making sure you keep up with your team, the usual.

SEUNGCHEOL Happy to have you!

YOU Thank you guys so much. I’ll be sure to not disappoint!

SOONYOUNG’s frames cut back into view. He’s peering at the camera and making gibberish noises.

SOONYOUNG Hello? Hell-oo? Can you guys hear me?

JIHOON (mumbling to himself) …and this is why he’s the EVP and not on Tech Team.

SEUNGCHEOL (exasperated fondness) Yes, Soonyoung, we can hear you.

SOONYOUNG Awesome! We’ll send you the paperwork right away so you can officially become an organizer!

JIHOON I already said that.

SOONYOUNG pouts and begins to whine, to which JIHOON huffs at. SEUNGCHEOL forcibly mutes them both.

SEUNGCHEOL

Anyway, I’ll also send you the Discord link to the server with the contract. That’s our main way of communication. As for the contract, it’s a PDF—you can sign it by like, opening it up in Adobe and using the pen tool. No need for fancy formalities.

YOU (laughing) Alright, sounds good. Thank you guys again for this opportunity!

SOONYOUNG is making cringey aegyo hearts at his camera. Your laptop begins to whirr softly from overheating.

SEUNGCHEOL Thank you for being interested in joining us. Details about our first meeting will be out soon. See you then, okay?

YOU See you then! Have a good night!

SEUNGCHEOL beams at YOU. YOU note his barely there dimple and fight back a smile.

On the other hand, JIHOON types a ‘Have a good night, thank you’ before promptly leaving the call. SOONYOUNG waves goodbye for an eternity before being kicked off by SEUNGCHEOL.

YOU wave and press the leave button. The call drops and your laptop quiets down. It’s suddenly silent in the bedroom, and YOU let out a yawn as YOU stretch your arms above your head.

YOU Welp. Design Team Lead, here I come.

FADE OUT. END.

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

Fic title: 'Everybody wants to be a Cat'

"Meow! Hello!" The way to chirpy voice grated on Hawks' ears. She did not want to be there in some cutesy cafe but PR was on her ass about visiting places while on patrol for breaks. The cafe she was in had been ranking super high for the past week. "Welcome to Kitty Haven!" the green-haired woman running the till said. She paused upon seeing Hawks, eyes widening only for a second before her face switched to pleasant again. "How can I help you, meow?" the woman said.

It would be a gag if it wasn't for the green tail twitching behind her and the cat ears twitching on her head.

"A kittychino, please," Hawks gave a charming smile. The woman nodded happily.

"Of course, sir! Anything else, meow?" The woman tilted her head to the side, her big green eyes blinking. Huh, she was pretty professional. And cute actually, with the kitty ears and big eyes.

"A tabby scone?" Hawks read off the menu. The woman nodded, beaming.

"Excellent, meow! I'll give you the hero discount, too." The woman said. "Ten percent off!"

"Thank you," Hawks smiled. "That's quite fair." It was. The woman blinked and then nodded. She rang him up, and Hawks paid for her snack, hearing people whisper behind her, but no one approached.

It was... odd. Usually, she'd be mobbed by fans by now.

Going to the side, Hawks waited for her snack, watching the people around the store. Around seven people were sitting around, watching him in shock as the barista got her drink ready. It was odd not being mobbed but kind of nice. She was a bit hungry, and it would be- ah. Hawks spotted a reporter open the cafe door, stepping right into with his eyes locked onto Hawks.

Nevermind-

"OUT!" the barista suddenly shouted, pointing at the reporter. She hissed, hair puffing up slightly. "Unless you are here just for a drink, out!"

"I'm Sota-" the man began but the barista cut him off.

"Don't care, meow! She's on a break and I will not allow you to harass her!" the woman growled. "She may be a hero, but she deserves a break!"

"You can't ban me," Sota said.

"I'm Midoriya Izumi, meow! I own this shop! OUT!" Midoriya snarled. The reporter glared, taking a step towards Hawks but a patron stood up.

"She isn't lying. And all of us will back her," the patron warned. Sota looked pissed, turning to Hawks who simply blinked at him.

Like she wouldn't back the woman. Sota was also from one of the annoying tabloids- the ones who went off about Hawks having a thing for Endeavour. Eww, like she wasn't gay.

Sota stomped off as Midoriya handed Hawks her food.

"Sorry about that, meow!" Midoriya said.

"No worries, thanks!" Hawks smiled. Midoriya smiled and pointed at a tall stool where she could sit in silence during his break. She happily took it, watching the crowd.

A few weeks later, watching UA University sports festival, Hawks raised an eyebrow seeing a familiar face participating. Midoriya was racing through the obstacle course, acting as if she were a cat. She'd been at the cafe frequently after her first time, which drew a fair amount of patronage, but also caused Midoriya to chase out many fans and reporters. She'd feel bad, but Midroiay told her not to.

Hawks apparently was one of the few heroes who didn't demand more than a ten percent discount. Which, wow. Ten percent was more than reasonable.

Hawks felt a smile tugging at her lips as she watched the woman run across a thin wire, smirk on her face. Hawks had already been told to offer an internship to a student. Midoriya was a student.

Summary: Hawks begins to frequent a cute little cafe with a barista who wouldn't let her be harassed. Learning she's a UA University student, she decides to offer her an internship. For no reason, nothing really. Certainly not cause she's cute.

Pairings: HawksDeku,

Notes: I would have kind of skeevy Hawks? I like Hawks, but I also think she's the kind of person who takes advantage of opportunities, including a position that allows her to offer an internship. She wouldn't use it to pressure Izuku into anything, but she would maneuver someone into his sphere of influence. Even if it's just for eye candy.

A somewhat oblivious Izuku, who is unaware of Hawks' intentions since she has such a strict sense of work vs personal life, is also fun.

Again she wouldn't force anything or push her, but she would try to woo her. Learn things about her to convince her she's perfect for her.

[chvoswxtch]

Hi,

I had a request… I’m currently obsessed with Frank Castle (he’s just so 🥵) and had an idea, it’s not super original so I understand if you don’t want to write it!

A non-binary (they/she) character who is plus-sized and younger than him (in their mid-20s) taking him home to meet her family for the holidays. And she is very insecure and worried about how their family will react. Maybe while there, a family member says something hateful about her weight and/or being non-binary, and Frank goes to comfort/reassure her, and maybe even gets mad and defends her to her family?

Can be smut or just fluff (or both!)

I just thought it would be cute to see his more protective/caring side, mixed with his possessive and angry side. I love that dynamic (:

hello my love!

so i'm not sure if you've watched the bear (i'm still working through it myself) but there's a scene where jon flips a table and goes on a rampage and I just thought that was super fitting for this prompt so I drew a lot of inspiration from that & I hope you enjoy!

I also hope you're having a wonderful day or night wherever you are and that the holidays are being kind to you 🖤

warning: swearing, frank being frank word count: 1.5k

dessert.

It was so quiet in the cab of Frank’s truck, you swore you could almost hear the delicate noise of fresh snowflakes carelessly colliding with the windshield over the dull roar of the heat coming through the vents. The holidays were always a complicated time for you with your family. In the earlier months of the year, there was a welcoming sense of freedom to be exactly who you were without judgment. But when the colder weather started to seep in, so did the impending dread. All you had wanted to do was introduce your family to the man you had fallen in love with, and celebrate your first holiday together in a special way. You had anticipated a little bit of uncomfortable tension, prepared yourself for a few tasteless passive aggressive comments, but you didn’t think it would be this bad.

Bringing Frank home to meet your family hadn’t been the mistake. It was underestimating his protective nature and forgetting the caliber of his restless temper.

Things had already been off to a rocky start as soon as you walked through the door. Everyone’s eyes seemed to be shamelessly sticking to the way your outfit clung to the soft and full curves of your figure. The same outfit that had Frank nearly pulling over to the side of the road impatiently because he couldn’t keep his eyes ahead was currently the topic being whispered about by your aunts. However their attention was quickly stolen as soon as Frank walked in behind you. Their hushed gossip rang loudly in your ears, causing the confidence Frank had built up within you to fizzle out into insecure embers.

He’s so…normal looking. What’s he doing with her?

She’s not a her, remember? She’s…oh I forget what it’s called. Another complicated thing these kids have come up with. I swear it’s something new everyday. I can’t keep up.

He seems much too old for her, and look how fit he is. They seem way too different, there’s no way they’re actually dating.

It only got progressively worse from there. By the time everyone sat down to have dinner, it was like you weren’t even there. Everyone asked Frank a million and one questions, but no one asked you a single thing. No one asked how you were, or how the new job was going that you were so excited about. No one asked how you and Frank met, or how long you had been dating for. Everyone seemed to be trying to figure out the puzzle of what Frank was doing here with you, and eventually, you found yourself trying to solve that exact same riddle. It was almost incredible how your family managed to ruin all the trust and love that the two of you had built up over the past few months. All the promises of reassurance that flowed so easily from his lips seemed to vanish from your memory, and the quieter you got, the angrier Frank became.

He was polite at first, answering the simple questions with appropriate responses, but the more they tried to exclude you from the conversation, the more he tried to aggressively incorporate you into it. His frustration was evident in the way his voice became more rough and coarse, a detail only you were able to pick up on. That should’ve been the first warning bell in your head. But you were so wrapped up in your own insecurities that it didn’t occur to you to reach for his hand under the table to calm him like you normally did when he got worked up. Frank was doing his best to contain his rage at the way your family treated you, but one hateful comment from your alcoholic of an uncle about your weight caused him to erupt.

It all happened so fast, that you were stunned. Your uncle was in the middle of following up his weight comment with an insult about your non-binary identity when Frank suddenly stood and flipped the table out of his way so he could rush forward and strike his fist across your uncle's face. In a split second, everything had descended into chaos. Your mom and aunts were screaming, your father and uncles were trying to pull Frank off your drunk uncle, but they weren’t a match for his strength and tenacity. It wasn’t until you fought your way through them and tugged at Frank’s shirt in a panic that he finally relented and let you drag him out of the house.

For the past fifteen minutes, the two of you had been sitting in his truck where it was parked in front of your family’s house, both of you attempting to calm down. Frank was trying to quell his anger while you were coming down from the shock of what had just happened. The longer you sat in silence watching the waves of snowflakes caress the glass of the windshield, the more uneasy Frank became. Letting out a deep exhale through his large nose, he finally couldn’t take the quiet anymore.

“Look I…I didn’t…m’sorry, alright? Can you just…will you please say somethin’?”

“I can’t believe you flipped a table.”

Frank blinked in dumbfoundment a few times, his dark brows pinching together in the center of his forehead. He was expecting you to yell, to go off on him, maybe even break up with him right then and there, but not to hear you sound so amused about his explosive behavior.

“Huh?”

“That was ‘real housewives’ of you.”

When you finally turned to face him, he noticed the faint smirk on your lips, and that one little gesture eased all the anxiety that had been building up within him for the past fifteen minutes. He let out a puff of air through his lips, looking ahead as he shook his head slowly and glanced at his side mirror while trying to fight the crooked grin that threatened to spill across his lips.

“Yeah well, dinner was dull. Thought I’d spice it up a bit.”

“I’d say you spiced it up a lot.”

Frank turned his head to look over at you, and you could see a faint apologetic twinkle in his eye from the glow of the street lamp above.

“You mad?”

It was your turn to look at him in dumbfoundment. Arching one of your brows, you let out a soft laugh while tilting your head to the side in slight curiosity.

“Am I mad that you stuck up for me?”

“I coulda handled it better.”

Scooting over to the middle seat of the cab, you brought your hand up to gently caress his jaw while staring into his warm brown eyes with a soft smile.

“No Frankie, I’m not mad. I promise.”

Leaning in, you pressed your lips to his in a gentle kiss, letting him feel the sincerity behind your words. You weren’t mad at all. No one had ever been so protective or defensive of you before, and while some would’ve thought his reaction was a little extreme, you knew it was just Frank’s way of showing you how much he loved and cared about you.

“Thank you.”

“For ruinin’ the holidays with your family?”

“Baby, they were ruined before we even got here. And honestly, this is the best holiday season I’ve ever had, thanks to you. You made it special for me. It was probably a bad idea to come here, but I just wanted to show you off. Show them all how happy I was. I thought they would be happy for me-”

“Hey, to hell with ‘em. They don’t deserve to see that pretty smile after the way they treated you. That asshole’s lucky I don’t go back in there-”

“Frank.”

Letting out a soft laugh, you redirected his angry glare from your family’s house back towards you as you pulled him in for another soft kiss.

“Let’s just go home. We can order something in.”

Frank took one last irritated look at your family’s house, letting out a soft grunt of disapproval.

“Goddamn chicken was dry anyway.”

For some reason the frustration coveting his sharp features and the grumpy tone of his voice just made you laugh. Giving his thigh a gentle squeeze, you pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and smiled adoringly at him.

“We can have something else for dinner.”

Frank turned his head to look at you, his gaze wandering slowly up and down your figure before settling on your eyes once more. The ravenous look reflected back at you simultaneously sent a shiver down your spine and filled your lower half with a sense of heat. He reached out to place one of his large hands on your thigh, giving it a firm squeeze as his voice dropped to a husky whisper.

“Think I’m ready for dessert, sweetheart.”

tags: @day-dreaming-goddess @kdogreads @heimtathurs @mars-rants-a-lot @casa-boiardi @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @hazallem @avencol @neverlandcity @charmedkim @queenofthenoobs @stilldreaming666 @mattymurdock1021 @bubuslutty @ninejlovebot @purrrfect @pennylovey @firesunflamed @oscarisaacsleftknee @ameliaswife @vane28282 @kmc1989 @messymissy @dark-academia-slut @strawberry1042 @utterlynuts

[seventh-sojourn]

HALLO!! :D

Who would each of your friends be as a progger in an alt universe, GO!!!!!!!

Hello!!! Long post because I love saying too much about everything 😋

Dearest Elijah would be every musician I have ever loved. But I will settle on Jan Akkerman – self-taught; or mostly self-taught, thriving against all odds. You are brave. A hidden gem. Sometimes you make me dig to find out more about you, and this is part of your enchantment. Very sweet, very honest, very thoughtful. You always surprise me. You're a force of nature.

Liz is Jon Anderson, not only for her profile picture but also because she is passionate about music, is a fantastic singer and introduced me to prog in the warmest, kindest way. You remind me of summer sunrises and the fog lifting itself from the hills before I leave for work and the warm afternoons that welcome me home after a long day.

Agus and Eli (an entity to me) are many things. I am inclined to say Hirasawa because they would still be an unbeatable, inseparable duo in every possible universe, even the apocalyptic ones. But Agus *is* shaped after Robert Fripp; or my vision of Robert Fripp is shaped after Agus. This is more craftsmanship than natural to me. They are the best friends I could ever wish for!

Trisha would, without a doubt, be Chris Squire – ADHD, always involved in some huge project that requires so much effort but acts so nonchalantly about it 😭. A natural leader. People flock to you and you are either incredibly loved or strongly disliked. I am part of that first group.

Al is Neil Peart. AuDHD. Maybe not DHD but definitely Au. Impecable fashion taste. Master of music theory. Humble. Hard to get to know but your company is so rewarding… thank you for every minute you have shared with me.

Mav is a powerhouse. My worst enemy. If I were able to name *anyone* and say it's prog, I would pick Walter Becker from Steely Dan. You are an excellent guitarist (although humble), your sense of style is (also) immaculate, you know so much about gear and math it's crazy to me, and you know when to push someone out of their comfort zones so that they can become better people. Thank you!

Emily/Drew is a bit like David Cross to me. Everything they touch is gold. Everything they make appears as if out of a dream. You have this hidden wisdom within and I feel anguish too. May you be free from it someday. One thing I know is that your talent will always be recognized as long as I'm around 🙏 and I think others would agree.

I think Chris/Kieran would be Keith, actually. He's probably one of the most active people I know (against his will?) with varied interests. He's really well-spoken but I need some time to fully understand the things he tells me. Exquisite person. Thank you for your company!

Cass reminds me of Tony Levin and I can't exactly describe it. Every time they create something the world is changed. Unspeakably beautiful art. Everyone admires them. But they're also just a chill guy

Danny (Awesome) is so cool I can't think of someone who could ever reach his level. I'll go with David Jackson from Van der Graaf because of 1. his dignity, finesse and kindness 2. the fact he can still be the funniest guy in the room while still having all of those atributes and 3. the mistique that surrounds him; his incredible fashion sense and connection to classical music. Thank you for being so good to me. You are one of a kind!

Feather - Ambrose from KGLW 😋😋

Other mutuals that I don't know as well (but I wish I did! Talk to me any time)

Tumblr user RobertFripp is actually Bill Bruford

Aspen reminds me of Peter Hammill

Mel reminds me of Greg Lake, very charming and confident

Not prog, but Aster is forever Roger Daltrey

Eels Gibb - Todd Rundgren

Yesterday's Answers is PFM, especially Flavio Premoli

Mayo - Phil Collins (associated with you forever)

Mikeology - M... mike Rutherford (also associated with you forever AND you have the best blog in the world)

Aubrey, Tony and and Alistair are Badfinger reincarnated to me.

Gail is technically also Badfinger but Russ Ballard especially. Of course.

Caden reminds me of Keith Emerson!

There are others I have not mentioned... but I feel kind of embarrassed 😭 please let me know if you want one too. I am extremely grateful for everyone who saw me worthy of a follow.

Much love!

[ndconceptarchive]

Unlocked! The Nancy Drew Podcast

Bob Heath | Episode 002

 Nov 18, 2016

We've been making transcripts of the various videos on the Her Interactive YouTube channel, and one that will be a continued series is for the official Nancy Drew Podcast up on their channel. They regularly interviewed people involved with the making of these games.

Click on the link above for the podcast itself.

Some notes on the episode:

Bob Heath was the voice actor for Ralph Gardino, Dwayne Powers (STFD), and Joseph Hughes (FIN)

There are spoilers for those games respectively and also Ransom of the Seven Ships

Both Scott Carty (previous episode) and Bob Heath have noted that the voice actors weren't really shown images/drawings/renders/anything in the development of the characters that they voiced.

As voice actors, they also wouldn't get to read the full script.

(Without diving into spoilers for STFD and FIN) it also seems like voice actors wouldn't be given a ton of detail about the characters themselves? Just enough information to build the character from).

Bob also offers some advice to aspiring voice actors.

Tammy Tuckey: Hello, fellow detectives, welcome to Unlocked, the official podcast for all things Nancy Drew. Heads up, there will be spoilers in this episode. I'm your host Tammy Tuckey, and this week we welcome voice over artist Bob Heath to the show. Welcome, Bob. 

Bob Heath: Thanks for having me. Hi, everybody. It is a pleasure. So exciting. 

TT: As I stated in the beginning of every episode, there are spoilers, and with Bob we have plenty of them because of the characters he has played. So if you have not played Stay Tuned for Danger or The Final Scene, I would just pause the interview right now and go ahead and play those games if you can, and come on right back because we're going to talk a little bit more about the character description and detail from here. 

But Bob, it's really exciting. You got to play two different villains in two different games. Did you know this coming in when you were when you first came in? Did they just say, oh, we just want to make you the villain all the time? 

BH: Actually, I wish they had said that. They didn't say that. I think when I booked the first one, it was many years ago. [They told me] these are the characters you're gonna play, and I think it was two primary characters and a few characters off on the side if my memory serves correctly, and it was just a lot of fun. Great group of people to work with. And, that's what I liked about it. Then they had me back for the second game. Again, I didn't know going in that I was going to be the villain in that game either. But, it was always a lot of fun to do. 

TT: Now let's talk about your beginnings in the entertainment industry. What was one of your first acting jobs or voice over jobs? 

BH: Well, that's a great question because I came to this as a second career. I was in the Army for 22 years prior to that. I had done a little bit of broadcast work while I was in the Army as a broadcast officer. And you know, [I did] more TV and radio as opposed to voice-over work. But when I retired and moved to Seattle, I had done some theater, and somebody (I forget who it was) but someone had mentioned to me that I had a “great voice for radio.” 

At that time I was doing a lot of industrial work, more in front of the camera work. And I said, well, I'd be interested in giving it a shot. So I took some voice over classes with a woman by the name of Veronica Weikel who I really enjoyed working with, just to see if I had the chops to do it. 

They helped develop my voice over demo reel, they produced it, and did a phenomenal job. In fact, I still use it today. I started booking voice over gigs, for Microsoft, Visa, Hewlett, Packard. Then I got offered the chance to audition for this gig. And I guess the rest of the time I was in Seattle, I did, as you know, two of these games plus several others for different companies. 

TT: And the first game you worked on with Nancy Drew is Stay Tuned for Danger. 

That was their first game in which the characters weren't drawn in an animation style. The first game was Secrets Can Kill, and this was Stay Tuned for Danger. It was the first game where they were digitally animated characters, which was very exciting. And it was, I think, a great feel to it because it's based on a fake soap opera, and the main star, as most of us know, is getting death threats.

TT: And two of the characters you got to play are Dwayne Powers and Ralph Gardino with Stay Tuned for Danger. So you're saying when you came into these roles for Nancy Drew, they would never tell you who it was until the very, very end of the recording sessions? 

BH: Well, as I recall. Now, having said that I'm going back 15 or so years. As I recall when I first got booked, they said "you're going to play this character and this character and some of these additional characters," Alright. And I don't remember being told that, "Ohh, by the way, this is the villain of the piece or this is the good guy of the piece." [It's more like] here are these characters. Here's their background. Develop a voice, go for it.

TT: Did they show you images of the characters at all to help you with the development of the voice? 

BH: You know, Tammy, that's a great question. I don't remember if they did or not. I don't. I don't recall seeing pictures of the characters. They may have had some, I just don't remember.

TT: Who was your favorite to voice between the two?

BH: Oh, that's an excellent question. Probably Dwayne. Only because once I found out he was the villain, I was able to play with it a little bit more, you know, add a little. 

And I'm not doing the voice justice because it's been like I said, many years since I've heard it, but just adding a certain little sinister sense to it, if you will.

So those are always fun to play because [it's a 180 from] my real personality. Well, that's one of the things I like about this business.

When you're doing voice-over in particular you can bring out a lot in a lot of ways, it's a lot like acting in front of the camera. You can bring out different aspects of your personality or you can go with types of personalities that aren't necessarily yours. Embellish upon them and try to bring that character to life. 

TT: Did you get to meet any of the cast members during the recording sessions or afterward? 

BH: I don't think so. Not that I remember because I think I share with you that it was one of the first animation projects I did and it always has stayed with me as a very special time. 

TT: And before we talked, I kind of explained that Dwayne does make a reappearance in Ransom of the Seven Seas. You said that you relocated and you were not in Seattle anymore, which is where they mostly hire the actors to voice these characters.

They cast another individual [Jonah von Spreecken] who I think did a very good job too. So if Dwayne were to come back (there's always been hints and rumors about it) would you be interested in reprising your role?

BH: I'd be interested in working with these folks anytime. I really like it. I said I had a great experience working with them and they were always good to me. And I mean I've got a studio, I don't have an in-home studio because I'm not that technically proficient. If they wanted me to voice Dwayne or Ralph or whoever, I'd be more than happy to.

TT: We also have the final scene, which is another really different, exciting game. I was kind of watching it last night. There are a lot of players who post their own versions of playing the game. You voice Joseph Hughes and Sergeant Ramsey, and that's a character via phone, so you're never going to get a physical representation of him.

BH: So again, it all relies on the voice. It relies on the process of how you develop the character with your voice. And then we have Joseph. And I think Joseph is probably one of the saddest villains in the Nancy Drew series. Because we come to find out at the end, he has found out that his brother has died. So their whole plan of starting their own theater or their own business is gone. And he doesn't have anybody else in his life. And so he really stoops to the lowest of the lows and kidnaps Nancy's friend. 

TT: When did you find out about that specific part while doing the recordings?

BH: Well, as I recall when we did the second game, I think it was like a year to a year and a half after the first, they just called and said, would you like to come in and work with us? Said sure, in a New York minute. So I came into their studio and went from there.

He's slowly going crazy, but it's not evident in his tone, in his voice. And I thought that that was so subtle and enjoyable as a player because it really creeps you out. Well, I think what we were trying to do there was to show that the character was maintaining control outwardly, but inside falling apart, he's such a great character. I really, I really enjoyed Joseph. 

TT: And do you have any particular favorite character between both games now that you really enjoyed voicing? 

BH: Well, that's an excellent question because I enjoyed voicing all of them. I guess if I had to pick one.It would probably be the Joseph Hughes. I'm gonna say had the most going form in terms of from a character perspective.

He gave me more to work with and if an actor has a good foundation to work from, he can really do a lot more with that character. The strength of these games back when I first did them was the writing, you know. The writing to me was very sound. But also at the same token, they would give me the liberty that I felt I wanted to phrase something a little differently, and keeping it in the same context, I could do that.

The biggest problem that an actor has with a written script if the script has not been written to be spoken. It makes it very difficult. In these scripts, they were written to be spoken.

And what I mean by that is a lot of folks write scripts thinking they sound great. But they never read them out loud. So if they don't read them out loud, they don't know if they're, if there's, if they're, if they sound real or not. You need to get a good pacing and be able to use, phrases and terminology that the actors are more comfortable with with the spoken word. And that makes it more real. 

TT: There's been plenty that has happened since the final scene. And stay tuned for danger. Can you talk a little bit about, you know, what you've been up to since then, I'm sure since moving back to the Philadelphia area?

BH: I've still been active in film and stage and voice-over work, I worked in a couple of different TV series, a show called Political Animals which was on the USA network with Sigourney Weaver, where I played Admiral Taft, commander of the Pacific Fleet in a couple of episodes. Had an episode of Veep. Where I played the MC of the Vic Allen dinner. House of Cards. A couple of voiceover projects. More voiceover industrials than animation, although I am doing voices on a TV series that airs every Saturday on the Fox Business Channel called The Sensibles, which is a small cartoon that teaches young kids about money.

TT: Is any of your material online on a website that our listeners can go ahead and feature? 

BH: All three of my voice over demos are online. They can go to a site called dragonukconnects.com and that's DRAGONUKCONN.CTS dragging up connects.com. And they can put a I think a back slash and then my name. And it should go right to the website. Perfect. I'll put it in the show notes below as well, so our listeners can go ahead and just click and they can listen to some of your current voiceover tracks before we end our interview. 

[Editor's note: I haven't verified if the website is still up and running since this video was released, but the website generally seems to be for searching up various acting talent. The youtube description had this link www.dragonukconnects.com/262].

TT: Do you have any advice? I know there's a lot of individuals out there who would really like to take a shot at being in the voice over business. Do you have any advice?

Sure. 

BH: One thing everybody needs to keep in mind is voice-over work. It's great work if you can get it. It's not an easy field to break into. You gotta continue to plug, but the key is having a solid voice-over demo. And I have three. I have a voice-over demo for narration, for commercials, and for character voices. You've gotta be able to show your range. And.If you can't put one of those together, you're not going to get into voiceover work because that is the calling card for voiceovers. Having a good solid demo.

Once you get that demo made, submit it. Find some recording studios that are doing a lot of work. Submit your voice-over demo to them. Or if you have an agent, have your agent submitted but keep plugging away.

Keep practicing. Read a cold copy. You know, Read commercial copy. Read character voice copy. And you can download that offline. Keep working on your instrument and staying current. I mean, I've booked some jobs. Just meeting somebody at a party. You know, the guy said, oh, you do voiceover work. I said, yeah. I said, what are you doing? I told him. He said, you know, we're putting a project together. Would you be interested in it? I said, yeah, sure. 

TT: Well, thank you so much for coming on the show, Bob. You know, we love you in these games. And in the nicest way, like I said, I'm very flattered that you called. So I cannot thank you enough for coming on the show. And if we can close out our interview with one more question, if you could sum up your experience working for Her Interactive and being a part of these Nancy Drew games in one specific word, what would it be? 

BH: Phenomenal.

[zombeebunnie]

Trembling Essence:💙Choice exploration + finished scenes💙

Hello and welcome new followers, here's an update on how things are going with the game! Firstly a big thank you to the sudden influx of support I got this week, I'm happy knowing people liked the little meme video I did! :,]

This post might be a little long since I had to rewrite a few things, I was trying to upload a picture of one of the new areas you can go in but I got an error and couldn't save what I wrote. :,S

Anywho, I mainly focused on quality of life changes and continued working with the one of the endings you can get at the start of the game.

I don't really know where to start but this ending took a lot longer than expected to really hit what I've been trying to go for. At first, it was going to have two different endings. I took out one of them because I didn't have much of a connection with it and I liked the idea of it being straightforward instead. When I went back over it, everything happened too quickly for my liking. To fix this I went back and added a few choices to at least give you an idea of what the area is like and how it effects the player(Y/N) while making sure the dialog transitioned correctly with what you see on the screen. It's nothing too wordy but I do like it a lot more than I did before. Even though this is still considered one ending there is a alternate version you can get depending on a certain choice. Towards the end I fixed up all the spelling errors I could find and happily enough, there wasn't many. For right now I'd say this ending is finished! Yay! x]

Here's one of my favorite CG's I drew for it:

I love how it turned out because I really want to do different angles and perspective through the terrain, I think this one is my favorite so far! :,,]

Here's a evening time version of it:

It's suppose to be raining in this image but I still need to practice getting the angle correct. :,,]

I'm also fixing/brainstorming up the second/third ending. This one will have two different areas you can navigate through to get an idea of where you are and a few hints of lore that will be referenced later on in the game. Those that have played the [Extended Demo] you probably know which ones I'm talking about. >;]

I already like the idea of them but for one of the paths, I didn't have enough time to branch it out and make backgrounds for it in the [Extended Demo] so here's a peek of a placeholder since I'm still sketching stuff out, nothing is finalized yet. :[]

Super close to the cabin section, yay! I actually miss writing/drawing out the segments in the cabin a whole bunch so I really can't wait to fix up that part once I'm done with the swamplands. :,,]

I said last week I'd post some of the new backgrounds/areas so here you go:

Kofi update:

I also had a small talk with my play testers and one of the things they brought up is that I should be promoting my ko-fi better so from now on I'll have little mini doodles doing so at the end of every game development post as a way to promote it! :] All donations and tips help tremendously while I work on the game. If you like what I create, please consider supporting what I do here! I was able to use previous tips to get a new wrist support brace when I'm drawing so a very big thank you to everyone who gave a tip! :,,]

Q&A / Ask box is open:

If you have any questions about Trembling Essence/Noah feel free to ask here or on itch.io please. This makes it easier for me to see and answer accordingly! I would really like to hear from you guys!

I enjoyed answering the asks I got recently this week! I'm trying to finish the rest when I can including the ones I remember that got deleted. There were some I genuinely couldn't answer because it would require me to mention major spoilers/the questions have spoilers in them. :,]

This post is getting really long now so that's all I have to discuss, thank you guys very much for all of the encouraging support this past week, I appreciate it a whole bunch! :,,]

[boatem-probler]

That There's a Choopah Cobbler in... Tokyo Soul!

1 / You Are Here! / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / Wrap-Up

Hello once again dear readers! Al Boatem-Probler here to bring you another report on this mid-2010s Minecraft roleplay series.

Everyone's favorite boy is here, which means I will now be keeping track of Deaths Witnessed, Injuries Sustained, and Other Traumatic Events, the way @paranoidpug did in her own summaries. Not to mention, I've gotten to the episodes that haven't been covered in @sketchygainedyoursoul's summaries! Very exciting!

This report contains mentions/discussion of: scatological humor, violence, guns, stalking, harassment, and Professor Geode Rocks.

Previously on Tokyo Soul:

“STOP DROP AND RICKROLL” – Dom

“Fish are just flowers that swim in the ocean.” – Taurtis

“I’ve never felt so unsafe in my life.” – Taurtis

This Time...

Episode 6 – THE NEW GIRL!

I forgot to write this down last time, but it’s been established that Taurtis can and WILL fall asleep literally anywhere. I was reminded of this because Sam decided to sleep in Taurtis’s bedroom, while Taurtis fell asleep standing up directly outside the door.

Sam attempts to wake him up by enticing him to eat the sushi that has been sitting on their kitchen table for over a day now.

Sam insists he can see the creepy old man hiding behind a wall near their house. Taurtis insists he’s crazy. In a break from form, Sam is actually telling the complete truth this time.

Dom is putting the horrible old sushi on a bagel. Just thought you guys should know this.

They know what happened to Grian now, he went to the other Tokyo, you know, the one in Canada.

Sam: “Do you remember Grian? He’s lived with us for a very long time?” Taurtis: “That guy with the glasses, who had that rocket ship? Yeah, the rich person!” I think this is probably referencing the Yandere prequel thing? IIRC they were doing it at the same time as Tokyo Soul, but I’d have to check to be sure.

Checking the dates on the episodes… oh dang this one went up on Christmas Eve. Grian Christmas Present Momence. Okay, the first episode of Yandere went up nearly four months after this episode, so uh… in conclusion I have no idea what’s going on with this dialogue. Interesting.

Dom calls Grian “the Friendly Kid”.

Anyway they go to pick Grian up from the train station. I can’t tell if this is a different train station or if the name of it has changed between episodes.

GRIAN’S HERE!!!!!

Grian: “I don’t know whooooo was responsible for that. But you sent me halfway round the globe.” Sam: “Why are you looking at me when you say that, it wasn’t my fault!” Grian: “I just feel like… you just gave me the wrong ticket, that’s all.” Sam: “I put ‘em all in a box, I shook ‘em up, and I randomly drew one.” Grian: “And two of them went to Tokyo, Japan, and one of them went to Tokyo, Canada.”

I just had to relate nearly all of that conversation because right now I feel like any of it or none of it could be true. Because playing Russian Roulette with their plane tickets is some shit Sam would do I think, but intentionally giving Grian the wrong ticket and lying about it is also some shit Sam would do I think. So I’m just like, putting it out there for public debate.

Taurtis: “How long did it take you to realize that it wasn’t actually Japan?” Grian: “When I was on the plane, and they said Welcome to Canada.”

Apparently Grian had to spend all of his own money on the plane ticket back from Canada.

Taurtis: “How do you get your face caught in a blender?” Grian: “It happened One Time.”

They notice Geode walking to school. It seems he lives in a house with some kind of weird construction on top of it that is perpetually on fire.

Sam makes Grian show them the way to the school he hasn’t been to yet. Grian ends up asking Igbar von Squid again.

Hey whatever texture pack these guys are using has a really good nighttime skybox! This shit is pretty!

Sam’s mom texts him apparently???? I wasn’t aware she existed.

Sam and Taurtis nonchalantly introduce Grian to the creepy old man. Grian is appropriately terrified.

A new student turns up, named Yee, who’s Minecraft skin is I think supposed to be Monster Kid from Undertale. They have immediately started hitting on… one of the boys, it’s unclear which.

There is a circle of blood around a sheep’s head inside the school.

Grian: “Ooh, this school is an upgrade… [walks around the corner] Ohhhkay I take back what I said.”

Ah, apologies, it’s a goat’s head. Someone killed one of Señor Loro’s goats.

Regardless, Sam and Taurtis make Grian wrestle for his class schedule. Grian legitimately sounds terrified the whole time. Señor Loro accidentally punches a hole in the wall and runs off in shame.

Ohhhhkay, the creepy old man is IN the school, WEARING a girl’s school uniform.

Taurtis and Sam attempt to pressure Grian into going over to talk to him. It actually doesn’t entirely work, they end up all going over there. Taurtis and Sam attempt to set up the two “newbies”.

Taurtis: “Grian, you like girls, right?” Grian: “No, I’m into dudes.”

Ellen was Grian’s baby gay awakening. Taurtis immediately wants to know who Grian thinks is cuter, him or Sam. “You guys are just not my type,” Grian says. He does however admit that Taurtis has “some good glutes”.

Geode is collecting the goat blood from the floor. I cannot stress enough that Geode looks aggressively normal. He is wearing the blandest suit and has the blandest haircut imaginable.

Grian’s locker is absurdly far away from everyone else’s. Like down multiple hallways.

Episode 7 – SENOR LORO!

Tori tells Sam off for punching another kid who came in late. She is the only reasonable teacher in this school probably.

Tori is taking them fishing this class.

They walk past the girl’s bathroom next to the pool because Tori is lost. There is another goat head in it. Sam and Taurtis decide to take the head with them, in case they run into Señor Loro. Grian is worried he’ll think they killed it.

They continue to the pond behind the school, where they are given fishing rods to use. For some reason, the fishing rods sound like guns. I feel like this wasn’t intentional.

Creepy man sighted once again. Sam is now calling him Grian’s “girlfriend”.

Not Dying Class! Nurse MD has decided to call Grian “Mr. BoyMan”. Today, they are competing in a Food Pyramid Scavenger Hunt for the prize of a lifetime subscription to Hunter x Hunter. Their homework is to eat at least one item on the food pyramid. Grian is mad that their teacher isn’t teaching them anything.

Sam and Taurtis terrorize Grian with, uh, Bathroom Chocolate. Grian throws up a couple times. To be honest I’m not entirely sure what Sam and Taurtis are and aren’t doing In The Fiction so to speak, but Grian definitely vomited, so I feel I must put this on the record.

The principal has been sighted by the vending machine! Grian disagrees with his staffing choices, and tells him so, very vehemently. The principal gives Nurse MD a raise. Nurse MD gives Grian detention.

Nurse MD: “Go to the guidance counselor to get your attitude in check.” Grian: “You need to go back to university to get your degree sorted.”

Grian: “Dr. Nurse MD has to be there while I do the detention, sucks to be him!”

Apparently Nurse MD is allowed to just lock him in a room, actually. Also half the school was filming this altercation from the courtyard.

Sam: “I think that’s going up on YouCrab later.” Grian: “Good, I want everyone to know what useless staff they have here.”

Apparently “this sort of thing really triggers” Grian, this sort of thing presumably being incompetent teachers. He’s sort of using “trigger” flippantly here, but like, you could very well argue it’s true.

Oh, apparently “detention” means you have to wrestle Señor Loro. At least Sam legitimately offers to tag in for Grian (after a little while enthusiastically cheering for Señor Loro to “give him the ol’ one-two”).

They tell Señor Loro about the second Goat Murder, and he asks them to help him look for the rest of his missing goats. He gives them each a “Crystal of Tenochtitlan” whatever that means. Oh, apparently they allow you to talk to animals.

Episode 8 – GIRLFRIEND?!

Instead of searching for Señor Loro’s goats, the boys attempt to figure out which one of them Yee keeps hitting on. It’s Grian! Sam immediately tells Grian he should ask Yee to take off her glasses so they can see if she’s a lizard person. She does. She is a lizard person, and not Monster Kid as I had previously thought. In my defense, Sans Undertale has literally been in the background of several scenes already. Grian is spooked, Yee is angry, Sam has never laughed this hard in his life (according to Sam). I think they’re all being a bit mean.

Gym class is a competitive obstacle course, Girls (easy) vs Stupid Boys (difficult).

On the way to Professor Geode’s class, Sam and Taurtis tell Grian what happened last time (roughly). Grian is very apprehensive.

Geode collects everyone’s trash. The classroom has been slightly rearranged. There is now some sort of… operating table? In the center, with all the chairs arranged around it. Dom is in a giant test tube in the back. Taurtis is given a Special chair next to Geode’s throne.

Sam is told to “COLLECT THE MILK OF THE INNOCENT ONE”. This means Dom, apparently. When Sam fails to do this, Geode does it instead. I don’t know exactly what this entails, because Sam wasn’t looking at it, because Sam is not a very good cameraman. But I suspect that the limitations of Minecraft would still leave me scratching my head if I had seen it. Dom can be heard to take damage, but that’s all the information I can give you.

Geode throws onto the operating table, which I’m beginning to suspect is more of an altar: Milk of the Innocent, Toilet Paper, Rare Crystals, and Hair of the Chosen One.

This apparently clones Taurtis, somehow, although there appears to still be only one Taurtis in the room.

Geode does not offer any explanation, he’s too busy being confused by Grian’s accent and not knowing what England is. I’m… also not entirely sure he knew what a clone is either, before Sam explained that he’s not Uncle Sam because some people can have the same name.

Oh also Google Docs tried to autocorrect “Geode” to “God” I just feel like you all should know that.

Episode 9 – INTERNET DATING!

I am now officially into New Territory, not covered by previous summaries!

They try to free Dom from the test tube and the stained glass texture SERIOUSLY bugs out.

There is. Ah. Some sort of. Sheep… cultist… possibly robot? In the hallway. It has some sort of… mechanical backpack on?

Apparently its name is Jorje the Special Goat. So this is what breaks me.

I don’t know why I’m so stuck on this, I’m usually great at stories where Things Just Happen.

Anyway, Jorje has a dire need to go to the computer room to talk to his girlfriend.

“Is your girlfriend single?” – Taurtis Minecraft, 2015

The gang try to convince Jorje to break up with his internet girlfriend and/or that his internet girlfriend is catfishing him, so that he will tell them what he knows about the Goat Murders.

Dom is just. Up on a rooftop, by the way. He keeps doing this.

It turns out that not only is Jorje’s internet girlfriend a real person, but they’re also a person of ambiguous gender and probably a furry, which are some pretty big plusses in my book. It seems like they didn’t know Jorje was Actually For Real A Goat, though.

But the boys do manage to get some information on the Goat Murders, so that’s nice. Apparently there’s some sort of Creature or perhaps a Beast underneath the soccer field at school.

“That there’s a Choopah Cobbler!” – Jorje

Actually he called it a “chuubakaabra” but potato, potato.

They tell Señor Loro about the chupacabra. Señor Loro hands them guns. Peachy. At least this time it’s Grian who accidentally shoots Taurtis.

Sam then shoots Taurtis on purpose.

There’s an item in Señor Loro’s vending machine called “Fully Cooked Ramen?” and I’m losing it.

Grian: “Hey, Mr. Principal! :) Your teacher gave us snipers! :) I don’t know what kind of circus you’re running here! :)”

Episode 10 – HUNTING A MONSTER!

Half the school is at this soccer field this feels so dangerous.

Taurtis is just shooting wildly.

Uhhhh. That there’s a Choopah Cobbler!

I promise I’ll stop saying “that there’s a Choopah Cobbler”.

Everyone tries to shoot at the chupacabra through a very narrow doorway. They mostly just end up shooting each other.

The chupacabra flees into the sewers. Dom is also in the sewers. He goes there to read.

They lose the chupacabra, briefly mistaking the creepy old man for it.

“Can I shoot him anyway? I reeeeeaaalllly wanna shoot him.” – Grian

Kurokuma: “Uh, you didn’t find any bodies, did you?” Grian: “Not yet!”

He doesn’t, in fact, shoot the creepy old man. Score one for morals, I guess. :/

Half the damn town is in these sewers.

They shoot at a “sugar dealer”, agree to say they were the chupacabra and call it a day. They then attempt to exit the sewers, which takes some time because whoever made the map didn’t account for the ways in which ladders interact with trapdoors in Minecraft.

They’ve emerged in a completely unfamiliar part of town, and it’s getting late, so Señor Loro suggests they stay in a hotel for the night, and WHY IS THE CREEPY OLD MAN AT THE FRONT DESK. Like, this place is swanky.

The old man makes a comment about setting up cameras in their rooms. Great note to end this part on.

Grian Trauma Count!

Deaths Witnessed:

Aftermath of 2 Goat Murders

Injuries Sustained:

Grian jokingly implied that he got his face caught in a blender once

Likely some bruises from wrestling Señor Loro

Shot in the leg by Sam, who was aiming for the chupacabra

Shot by Senior Loro, apparently on purpose?

Traumatic Events:

Sent, possibly on purpose, to a completely different country without any of the people he knew, and had to use his own money (all of it) to get back where he was supposed to go

Stalked and sexually harassed by a creepy old man (he keeps making comments about the characters’ legs). Also forced by his friends to actually speak to said creepy old man.

Vomited twice due to Sam and Taurtis being gross.

Punished for calling out his teacher’s incompetence and made to wrestle the guidance counselor.

Was handed a gun by one of his teachers again (and accidentally shot Taurtis), and brought on a monster hunt.

Geode’s Class is a traumatic event in itself.

Some pretty big numbers already, folks!

Something I think is interesting: before Grian arrives, both Sam and Taurtis are pretty vocally uncomfortable with Old Kurokuma, but as soon as Grian's with them, Kurokuma is suddenly "our friend who runs the panty shop", "Grian's Girlfriend", "Grian why are you uncomfortable, this is a completely normal schoolgirl, she said teehee".

I feel like I still need to chew on this a bit more to be able to actually say anything analytical about it, but it's definitely catching my attention.

Next Time...

"I'll do one post per school day," I say, and then they almost immediately stop going to school for an arc.

[clonedchaos]

𝔐𝔞𝔠𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔢 𝔐𝔢𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰- 𝔇𝔞𝔶 19: ℌ𝔦𝔡𝔢

Summary:

Heidi loved to play Hide and Seek.

Rating: G/PG

This was my favorite prompt to write for! Enjoy! :3

<- Previous Part Next Part ->

”Ready or not, here I come!” Heidi called joyously as her eyes shot. Her friends were somewhere in this city block. She put a hand to her chin in deep thought. “Now if I were them, where would I be huddling up in?” She murmured rhetorically to herself.

An aroma quickly drew her to the cafe. It had opened just a few days ago and provided various pastries. Mouth watering, she stepped inside. A Lost One was busy at work sweeping the lobby. Their white chef’s hat reminded Heidi of a tasty muffin.

”Hi, Heidi!” They chirped in recognition with a welcoming wave.

”Hello, Marlin!” Heidi greeted back with the same energy. “Just came to stop by.”

”Have a hankering for anything in particular?” They asked, leaning against their broom.

Heidi side eyed the pastries in the display case. “I do, but I’m actually in the middle of a game! I wanted to see if any of my friends decided to make their way in here. But it doesn’t seem like it.”

”You’re the first person I’ve seen all morning,” Marlin replied and tilted their hat toward her— an uncommon courtesy not many people did around here yet. “Good luck with your game. And come back once you’re finished. Gets lonely in here and you’re one of my few kind, payin’ customers.”

”Will do! Thank you!” Heidi beamed and exited the bakery. Her eyes scanned the city street. Now, if she were a tiny imp and a brave explorer, where would she be hiding? 

She began searching through trash cans. Nothing. Oh well, worth a shot. Next she popped into a clothing store.

The clerk eyed her from behind the register, eyes brimming with scorn. “You! Out of my shop at once!” She scowled, voice heavily accented, and stormed towards her.

Heidi’s skin prickled in apprehension as she turned on her heel and booked it. Oh right, she was banned from May’s Outfitters. Last time she went she got a bit carried away and left a mess of clothes on the floor. May did tell her to try on whatever she wanted, so that seemed a bit unfair in her eyes. There were so many beautiful dresses lining the racks and even a few shoes that she thought would be very practical for her games, how could she not?

Wait. Where was she? Right, hide and seek. Focus Heidi, she gently reprimanded herself, accidentally murmuring the words aloud. A couple passing by on the street looked her way in confusion and whispered between themselves.

Looking past them, Heidi noticed the tallest building in Lost City— Serenade Condominiums, courtesy of Tom’s brilliant knowledge in engineering. It had just recently opened its doors to the people in the studio. Porter loved to see new sights, so checking there for him was a pretty decent bet.

She skipped in through the doors, nodding a greeting at Allison and Tom in the lobby. The angel mirrored the gesture with a smile. They were more than likely here to check on the progress and see how everyone is settling in. And wow, what a lovely place it was indeed.

The walls of the lobby were covered in loose wisps of black that interconnected with one another like winding railroads. It almost reminded Heidi of the ink machine’s wiring or rivulets of ink cascading into the ink river. It was a subtle effect, but nothing too garish.

Pillars of what Heidi assumed to be brass lined the walkway towards the front desk. An elevator sat off to the left as well as a door reading “Stairs”.

Various paintings and posters hung in frames, some Bendy related, some of the outside world and all its beauty. She hoped one day she would be able to see them all, no matter how mundane many of the pictures made it seem.

What Heidi didn’t expect was to see Porter standing in broad daylight before one of the paintings with a look of contemplation. The scene pictured a vast mountain with sharpened peaks framing the horizon.

Heidi, ever so high-spirited, skipped over and tapped him on the shoulder with a giggle. “Found you, Port! Hehehe! Silly! You were supposed to be hiding!”

Porter turned to look at her with a long blink. “Oh, terribly sorry. I forgot. This painting caught my attention. Audrey said some humans are known to scale these treacherous heights. Fascinating.”

”I’ll leave you to it then! We can regroup once I find Benders!” She snickered and whisked away, leaving Porter to admire the artwork. If only the studio had mountains, Port would love it!

Heidi scoured the entire street and its shops— the ones she was not banned from— before turning down another one. Instantly, she noticed a slumbering demon basking atop a broken down car. At least, she thought he was sleeping.

Heidi tilted her head and stepped closer. Weird. Since when did Ink have two sets of horns?

”It’s rude to stare,” the Ink Demon suddenly rumbled, lifting his head off of his hands. Heidi couldn’t help but smile. He looked like a snoozing kitten. Focus! Heidi told herself.

”Sorry! I didn’t mean to wake you up. Port, Bendy, and I are playing a game,” Heidi apologized, glancing over toward the small tips of horns peeking up over his shoulder. Ink suddenly moved his head, shielding her view of it.

”When are you three not?” He gruffly responded.

”You’re welcome to join in. But… I think you might be harboring one of our players,” She piped up and pointed towards where the horns had been.

”I don’t know what you mean,” Ink replied coolly. Hmm, he was a convincing liar. Noted, play two truths and a lie with Ink. That’d be a challenge for sure!

”I saw his adorable lil’ horns,” Heidi objected, holding her index fingers atop her head to mimic their form. She ducked around to his other side, but Ink moved his hand to shield what was behind him and faced her. “Can you move, please?”

”I am comfortable right where I am,” Ink countered with a yawn. 

“Pleeaassee?” She gave him puppy dog eyes before an idea lit up the lightbulb in her brain. “… I’ll get us donuts from Marlin’s place.”

Now that offer seemed to gain his attention. He tapped his fingers across the window and tilted his head. “You drive a hard bargain, Heidi,” He said and removed his other hand to reveal Bendy hiding there.

The little imp seemed surprised. “You sold me out for donuts??” He cried in disbelief with a visible pout.

Ink seemed to chuckle at that. ”Our donuts.”

~

Bonus!: *These four chilling and eating donuts together be like:* (They invited Henry and Audrey too— family dessert outing)

(I would’ve drawn this if I could)

[sassykattery]

No Rest for the Wicked, Pt. 1

Welcome back, everyone! I appreciate your patience in me going on this hiatus. I have begun the process of finishing the finale of this series, and it's time we take the construction cones off the road and go! The rest of Season 3 here we come!

CW: MC is afab, uses she/her pronouns. MC is a demon and poly.

Themes: Romance. Adventure. Engagement.

Characters: MC. Diavolo. Lucifer. Barbatos. OC: Vox.

Minors and ageless blogs DNI

18+ only

Masterlist

Enjoy!

"MC, are you ready?" Lucifer called out to you.

"Coming!" You called back out from your ensuite bathroom in the castle. After one last adjustment of your blazer, you took one more look before heading off to the foyer.

It had been several months since you regained your memory.

"Ah, there you are–" Lucifer said, adjusting his cuffs, and then looking up at you to pause. You were wearing a navy-blue power suit with diamond lined pinstripes, but without an undershirt, your cleavage was on display. Your diamond stilettos clicked across the floors, and you were in your demon form. He was wearing an all-black number, from the tie, shirt, to the entire suit.

"My, oh my, MC," Lucifer purred, opening his arms open to you. You gladly accepted the embrace. "I think I discovered a new kink just now," he murmured into your hair. You chuckled in response and pulled away.

"I take it you like it then. I thought for the interview, I should wear something different," you replied sweetly.

"What's different?" Diavolo asked, rounding the corner and stopping short, not bothering to hide where his gaze landed – on your chest.

"My eyes are up here," you commanded, taking your index and middle finger to guide his eyes back up to your face.

"That is different," Diavolo said, approaching you. He was in a white suit with a burgundy undershirt and black tie. Then he smiled, looking you over in your entirety, "I think I rather like it," he stated.

"We should head to the studio, we'll be starting soon," Lucifer said, checking the time.

-

"We'll be live in three... two... one... go."

"Hello! And we're live at Studio 666, with an exclusive interview with our soon-to-be Demon Queen, MC, the Avatar of Vainglory!"

You walked out onto the stage, waving at everyone, smiling as you took your seat next to the show host, Vox. Vox was a male pride demon, known for his interviews with the Devildom's elite, including the brothers, royals, and other aristocrats. He was tall as far as demons went, handsome, and quite the smooth talker. His lavender hair accentuated his grey eyes, and he smiled at you broadly. His hair and eye color stood out against his tawny skin. With a jaw so sharp it could cut and a nose broad and tall, he easily passed for godhood in appearance. This interview was televised live to all three realms as your wedding dates drew closer, as did your eventual coronation date with Diavolo.

"Welcome MC! We are so happy to have you join us today," Vox said. "This is your first ever interview, is that correct?"

"Ah, well, one time I was interviewed for the RAD Newspaper, but I've actually never been on television before. I'm rather excited," you replied smoothly.

"How thrilling! So, if you don't mind, we have some questions that has everyone buzzing to know the answers to, and we'd be most appreciative if you answered a few," Vox said warmly.

"Of course, I would love to answer them! Let's start," you replied.

"Excellent. Our first question is, how did you and Lord Diavolo become an item? Was it love at first sight? How did you win his heart?" Vox asked, reading his cue card and then looking up at you.

"Oh, well, I like to think I won him over by being one of the few people to beat him at chess," you answered with a playful smirk, and the audience laughed. "I'm kidding, but no, we actually became good friends first, and we shared a love for chess, so we often play together."

"That is simply adorable!" Vox beamed.

Diavolo and Lucifer watched you from one of the backrooms that were private for exclusive guests.

"Wait, she actually beat you?" Lucifer smirked, taking a sip of Demonus.

"The one time I didn't let her win, but she did anyway, and it went to her head," Diavolo mumbled, watching the screen.

"Moving on. Our next question, it seems you have not only captured the heart of our Demon Lord, but a certain Avatar of Pride. Many of us thought Lucifer was untouchable, but you seemed to have won him over as well, can you tell us about that?"

You smiled sweetly. "Well, I'll tell you, it wasn't easy, however, we have a lot in common, so we have a deep mutual respect and understanding of one another. But I like to think what won him over was my dedication to RAD, the exchange program, and our family," you stated.

"As a pride demon myself, I can completely see why he would be so smitten with you then! Imagine having someone such as yourself at your side, of course you couldn't help but fall in love!" Vox exclaimed, laying thick on the charm.

"Tch..." Lucifer bristled at how chummy the host was being to you. It was Diavolo's turn to smirk then.

"Alright, one more question from our audience and then I have some of my own. How has your life changed since becoming involved with Lord Diavolo and Lucifer Morningstar?"

"Ah, well, it has in many ways," you started to say. "I knew that becoming involved with Diavolo would bring the public eye onto me, though I had a little bit of that being in the exchange program anyway, but I didn't realize that so many people would be interested in my life, as a human or a demon. When it came to Lucifer, I was often met with the glares of the lower demons who were rather fond of him," you said with a mischievous glimmer in your eyes. "Those are the more interesting aspects that I'm sure the fans want to know about. Of course, there are the less interesting things like learning to become a royal, balancing everyone's schedules, things like that."

"Very good, thank you, I think our fans will appreciate your thorough answer. Now, I have a question of my own. You brought up family earlier when speaking about Lucifer Morningstar's brothers, but I want to know, should we expect any little royals of your own in the future?"

"No no no no no no," Lucifer groaned. Diavolo set his drink down and immediately stormed out of the room and found the producer as he stood next to the cameraman at the back of the studio audience filming the interview.

"You cut that this instant or I'll have every single one of you fired," Diavolo murmured in the producer's ear, but you looked out into the audience and smiled, and by the time Lucifer caught up to the prince, you started to speak.

"That is an interesting question. I guess you'll just have to wait and find out like everyone else," you said with a lower tone, but your face never faltered.

Vox immediately caught on to your slight displeasure, and when he looked over to his producer, he saw the very angry glares of Diavolo and Lucifer.

"We'll see indeed! Thank you. Moving on..."

The rest of the interview went swimmingly, talking about the weddings and coronation, it seemed everyone was very excited and ready for the changes coming to the Devildom with your influence, and by the time it was over, several hours had gone by. The director came by and informed you it was one of their highest rated viewings and highest positivity rating. You nodded and sat back in your chair in your room at the studio, getting your hair and makeup touched up for you to go to your photoshoot with Devil Style.

"Hello darling," Diavolo said, appearing in the mirror behind you. The makeup stylist took their leave, and it was just you two.

"My love," you replied with a small smile. He rested his hands on your shoulders.

"You did very well, I'm proud of you," he stated. You looked at him through the mirror.

"I learned from the best," you replied quietly.

"I'm sorry about Vox... I was very displeased with that segment and told the producer-"

"It's fine, Diavolo. I have to learn how to navigate those sorts of things," you interrupted. Diavolo relaxed a little, smiling at your diplomacy.

"Indeed," he replied, leaning down to kiss the top of your head between your horns.

"MC, Lord Diavolo, it's time for the shoot," an assistant came by and informed you both. You nodded and thanked them.

"You alright, princess?" Diavolo asked quietly.

"I'm fine. Just not used to this level of stardom," you replied. He could tell you were telling the truth, but he couldn't help but feel like there was more.

-

"Alright, MC, you're going to sit in this chair here," the photographer said, leading you to an armchair in the middle of the set, in front of a green screen. It was a high-back chair with a dark burgundy velvet button-tufted back with gold-finished wood, one obviously fit for royalty. They positioned you to sit fully straight up with one leg crossed, arms laid on the arms of the chair.

"And now you two..." the photographer mumbled, positioning Diavolo and Lucifer. Diavolo stood beside you, one arm leaned onto the back of the chair, and Lucifer stood on the other side, arms folded as he leaned against the chair as well.

"Perfect," the photographer said, stepping back. They instructed you all on the different faces and attitudes they wanted. This photo was going to be the cover of next month's magazine, while the next shots were for the printed interview pages with Vox. There were some with you and Diavolo, and then some with just you and Lucifer.

In the final set, it was just you, and one of your stylists came out with a box.

"They want you to wear this for the last set," he said. You nodded and he opened it, revealing a diamond tiara, and your eyes nearly bugged out of your head. You looked up at the assistant and shook your head.

"Surely, you're mistaken," you told him.

"I'm afraid not, princess. The magazine director and I want you to wear it," Diavolo said, walking up to you and your assistant with a broad smile. "It's not your official crown, it's one I had made specifically for this shoot," he informed you. A blush dusted your cheeks as you sat back and allowed your assistant to situate it on your head.

Everyone left you alone, and the photographer then came up to you. "Alright, MC, I want this last set to be all about you, so, tell, how should you pose for this one? I want it to scream your personality or anything special about you."

You thought for a moment, considering their request. After some thought, you whispered to the photographer some of the props you would need, and they instantly smiled, appreciating your vision. Lucifer and Diavolo were ushered out as they changed out the scene, and were only allowed back in when you told them to.

A black lounge chaise was set out, and you had black roses scattered around you, a black side table next to the arm of the chaise, decorated with pomegranates, gold chains, and jewels. As for you, you were stretched out in the chaise, your upper body slightly upright as you leaned against the arm of the chaise, the rest of your body laid out on its side in the rest of the chair. You unbuttoned your blazer, allowing more of your bare torso to show, and in your free hand, you held up a demon skull. Looking at the camera, you gave it a seductive smirk as your vanity shined through your eyes, your body radiating your sin with plumes of midnight blue vapors appeared behind you, still in your demon form of course.

Diavolo and Lucifer were allowed back in after a few of the photos were taken, and they both stopped short at the sight of you.

"I'm so making this into a painting," Diavolo murmured.

Lucifer smirked, but ultimately agreed with the prince's sentiment. Both of them had to go distract themselves as their arousals were getting the better of them.

"MC, you are absolutely stunning. You'll have to come model for us again," the magazine director said to you after the photographer was done.

"You're too kind, but I'd be happy to," you replied hotly.

-

After the shoot was over, you and your fiancés went out to Ristorante Six to celebrate your successful day. Diavolo arranged for the three of you to have a private room in the back, and you were finally able to relax after a few glasses of Demonus.

"Better?" Lucifer asked, noting your state.

"Indeed. Diavolo, I don't know how you do all that," you replied slowly.

The prince chuckled. "I grew up with it, princess. I'm used to it," he replied, smiling brightly. "But I am very proud of you. You were amazing the entire day."

"I know," you said a little arrogantly with a wink.

"The Avatar of Vainglory, in all her glory," Lucifer muttered. You turned to him.

"Jealous?" you asked.

"Not at all. You two can enjoy that to your heart's content," Lucifer replied smoothly.

"So, with the weddings in a couple months, do you think you've done everything you needed to prepare?" Diavolo asked you.

You finished a fourth glass of Demonus and started a fifth, "Yeah, I think I got everything down. I just hope it all goes okay," you said even slower. Immediately, you finished the glass and poured another. Lucifer and Diavolo shared a glance and focused back on you.

"Are you worried about something?" Lucifer probed.

"Yeah, I'm afraid something gonna go wrong," you replied, then finishing that glass and pouring your seventh. "Jus' like it 'lways does," you slurred.

"Why don't you slow down just a touch, dove," Lucifer said, sliding the bottle of Demonus away from you. You pouted and stared at the table ahead of you, the blue liquid in your drink mesmerizing you.

You buried your face in your hands, elbows on the table. "Jus' seems like ev'ry few months, somethin' comes up 'n I get into trouble," you groaned.

"Darling, you know those things aren't your fault, right?" Diavolo said, putting his hand on your shoulder. You hiccupped and nodded.

"But you can't deny it always causes a lot of trouble for ev'rybody," you said tearfully. Very suddenly, you slumped and leaned over on Lucifer's shoulder, drifting in and out of consciousness.

"Well, that went well," Lucifer deadpanned. Diavolo sighed and waved you and Lucifer off to take care of the bill. You didn't even make it to dinner, to their dismay. Lucifer put his arm underneath yours and helped you out of the booth to take you back to the castle. Diavolo caught up not too long after, picking you up and carrying you bridal style until you three reached the castle doors where Barbatos let you all in.

"Went that well, did it?" Barbatos said, deadpanning as well after looking you over. Diavolo continued to carry you to your suite while Lucifer stopped and looked at the butler.

"It seems someone can't handle their Demonus," he stated, slightly miffed.

Barbatos smirked. "She's young, it's not like she does it every weekend like you and the young master," the butler replied hotly. Lucifer bristled and rolled his eyes.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Diavolo laid you back on your bed, taking off your heels and undressing you. Once you were nude, he grabbed a nightshirt. As he tried to wrestle it onto you, you pawed at his face lightly, giggling quietly.

"Darling, it would be easier if you cooperated," he mumbled.

"Mm, but I want you~" you purred, dragging your hands down his chest, trying to fiddle with the buttons of his suit.

"Not tonight, you need to go to sleep," he replied softly. You then blinked a few times, tears shedding and rolling down your cheeks.

"MC..."

"I just want to make you and Luci proud, Dia," you said softly with a crack in your voice. You finally let him put your nightshirt on and then he scooted in close, cupping your face.

"My sweet, sweet princess, you make me proud every day. You demonstrate a strength that I would have never guessed you had, and I never seem to stop being impressed by you," he cooed. He placed a chaste kiss on your forehead.

"Will you stay? Can Luci stay?" you pleaded very sweetly.

"Anything you want, my love. Let me go get him and I'll go change. I'll be right back." You nodded and settled into bed.

By the time the two demons returned to your suite, you were out cold, snoring loudly in the middle of the bed in a starfish position. They thought it was adorable, and they managed to situate you so everyone could fit as you were sandwiched in-between the two.

---

Thanks for reading <3

Post made by sassykattery. Do not repost. Reblogs and comments appreciated.

Tags: @l-d-8 @itsmeninerz @flemmingbamse @loquacious-libra @delphi-dreamin @biteable-pink-pixie @themythicaldisaster @bontensbabygirl @dajitm @marvelous-maniac

(If I tagged you and you no longer wish to be tagged, please let me know in a comment)

[nemo-in-wonderland]

Sorry if you explained this elsewhere I'm catching up on your lore still, but I would love to know why you chose House DeVir for Aranea. I don't actually know that much about each of the Houses and their families myself. Also did you ever figure out who her mother was yet? Thanks in advance!

Hello Hello!!Welcome to my inbox, and thank you for your ask! :D

I am always so happy to chitchat about Aranea <3

Also, do not worry one bit about asking this, because, as much as I have dwelled into Aranea's lore, this aspect of hers is relatively new (aka it came to me only recently), and I am still very much expanding upon it, because for the longest time, Aranea was Nobody's daughter, just a drow that ended up in Zakhara somehow and was raised there.

So, in regards to your question!

While playing BG3 in this playthrough, I happened upon the House of Grief, where Viconia resides, and while I was roaming around with my TAV (who is not Aranea, in this playthrough), bubbles started bubbling in my silly brain, and I thought "mmmm. Viconia's last name is De Vir. mmmmm. Lemme just go and read more about this family".

Because tbh, one of my first idea, when I was still creating Aranea and was still learning about the Drows was to make her a Do'Urden (the daughter of either Vierna or Dinin, before he became a drider), but I wasn't sure how I would pull of the reason as to why House Do'Urden would send an infant daughter away (also admittedly, I was still in the early stages of reading about the general Lore of FR, so I was not sure and was too impatient to just wait to be done reading).

So I decided to put it into stasis for the time being, because it wasn't entirely important to Aranea's general story who her biological parents were or why they sent her away: she had a fairly adjusted childhood in Zakhara, so she never felt the need to question who her parents were (though, being one of the rare drows in Zakhara, she had questioned about the culture of her parents).

So, this brings me to last week, and to me choosing House DeVir.

The reason I approached House DeVir was Viconia, first and foremost, because even during my first playthrough, she had vibes that I kinda associated with Aranea, but it wasn't until I read about Vizeran DeVir that I was completely sold about her belonging to their House.

When I read about Vizeran, I could see so many small things that made him the most suitable candidate to be Aranea's father:

-He is an Archmage, so that means that he is one hell of a talented bookworm and spellcaster, if he managed to become one (pretty much connecting also to Aranea's own insatiable thirst for knowledge AND power);

-He was an Exiled from House De Vir, which meant that he was not restricted by Menzoberrazan's own strict norms and rules, which made it much easier for me to imagine that he could have fathered a child without having to disclose the baby girl's birth to anyone;

-His personality. One of Aranea's biggest trait is her inability to let go of grudges and her insane thirst for revenge, something that consumed her whole life and brought her to make many questionable choices coughcoughsummoningmephistocoughcough as well as her willingness to sacrifice everything in the pursuit to right the one wrong that sent her life to literal hell.

And when I read about Vizeran's personality, I was like, "yup, yup, the apple didn't fall far from the tree, apparently";

-Timeline wise, it works perfectly with my own timeline for Aranea's own birth (1217 DR), because at the time, House DeVir was still alive, and I kinda hc that he was exiled a few years prior Aranea's own birth.

-Also, because of my being also a visual artist, I loved the way Vizeran's artwork somewhat was a match to how I first drew Aranea: same headtilt, he gives me the impression of being taller than the average drow (much like Aranea herself), and he as a sour face that I can definitely see Aranea doing when things do not go her way lololol.

So, all these things brought me to choose him and House DeVir as the paternal side of Aranea's biological family!

As for her mother, not going to lie, I am not entirely sure yet, because I need to find a suitable candidate that would actually go and look for Vizeran for whatever reason, and would agree to generate an heir with him (I wholeheartedly believe that Vizeran would never consider a child of his as such, but rather as an extension of himself or someone that reflects into his glory somehow - narcissim and self-sense of grandeur being the biggest player in the game, in this case).

So, because of this, I am still very much looking into someone else that could be Aranea's birth mother.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS ASK <3

I truly appreciated it! <3

[soph-the-podcast-nerd]

Okay, so the first two screenshots are my current top listens, and the third picture is "shows that I've finished/aren't doing new episodes" (The pictures seemed easier than typing everything out 😣)

Skyjacks was my #1 podcast this year, and Midst was my favorite new one I started this year!!!

Lmk if you want me to just pick a few, or explain any of them!

Oh man thanks for all the recommendations!!!

podcasts in the photos (names - creators):

Campaign: Skyjacks and Skyjoust!! - James D'Amato

The Pod Has Been Cast - The Pod Has Been Cast

Worlds Beyond Number - Fortunate Horse, Worlds Beyond Number

Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead - Night Vale Presents ( i totally love wtnv! Haven’t listened to anything else by Night Vale Presents yet, tho)

Skyjacks: Courier's Call - Paulomi Pratap, Drew Mierzejewski, Aly Grauer + more

Not Another D&D Podcast and Rotating Heros - Headgum

Hello From The Magic Tavern - Arnie Niekamp (I actually did get a decent amount through this one, but it wasn’t quite my thing. Still recommend for people who like fantasy, comedy, and shows like mbmbam)

Transplanar RPG - Transplanar RPG

Midst - Critical Role

Lateral with Tom Scott - Tom Scott and David Bodycombe

Strangers on a Bench - Tom Rosenthal

Yes, Also - Yes, Also

Midnight Facts for Insomniacs - Shane Rogers

(and i think i see my brother, my brother, and me hidden under that last one although idk if that’s a recommendation… fun fact coincidentally my brother my brother and me + TAZ was the first podcast my brother shared with me hes a fan of the mcelroys)

ars PARADOXICA - ars PARADOXICA

The Bright Sessions - Atypical Artists

The Strange Case of Starship Iris - Jessica Best (Procyon Podcast Network) (also definitely definitely definitely recommend this one I love it!)

Wolf 359 - Kinda Evil Genius Productions, LLC (this one too, one of my favorites of all time)

Mission To Zyxx - Mission To Zyxx

The Blood Crow Stories - Ellie Collins and Scott Moore

Girl In Space - Sarah Rhea Werner

[express-archives]

Hello! It is I, 🐱 Anon who finally checked your new OC blog bc i keep forgetting to do so unless you reblog it to your main blog :’D (i am so sorry T.T)

And I have so much questions about Artemis! Her introduction post really hooked me in because she sounds very intresting, so here are my questions!

1. So from the few post about Artemis, it seems she is related to Ambrose. So what are they actually? Are they blood related (and if so are they cousins or siblings?) or are they just two people who see each other as family regardless of blood?

2. Along with that, the both of them seems to have a good relationship. If that’s the case, do any of their respective Aeons know that their own Emanator is close with the Emanator of their enemy?

3. What does Artemis think about Lian?

4. Following number 3, how does she feel about Lian dating Ambrose?

5. Is she close or at least acquainted with anyone in the Xianzhou Luofu? (aka playable character we know of)

6. What does she think about the High Cloud Quintet?

7. And lastly, does she have a silly side that no one or a few people know about?

Also i just realised that you may had hinted about her in the HuoHuo’s older sibling reader post where you replied to my idea of big sister Huohuo. You made a paragraph (i think?) about how Abundance and the Hunt need each other and how they would work really well under the part of Huohuo’s older sibling who’s the Emanator of the Hunt. So nice foreshadowing aph ^_^

- 🐱 Anon

HELLO BELOVED HI ohohoho i am so glad you asked omg.... me when um. Me when oc questions 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶

they are blood related! biological cousins, actually. ambrose's mother had a sister, artemis' mom, and the two children grew up very close to one another. <3 i don't know if i have ever explicitly talked about this, but their homeworld was war-ridden before ambrose drew yaoshi's attention. artemis was a child soldier basically and ambrose kiiiinda was? ambrose did a lot of work in rationing resources such as food and clean water and healing wounded folk. so a lot of times, ambrose would tend to their baby cousin's wounds. so both of them have that kind of bond that going through the same trauma together gives people.

OH MAN OK THIS ONE IS A LITTLE LONG HELLO!!! long story short, yaoshi knows, lan does not. lan knows they are related (which is part of what drew their attention to artemis in the first place) but they don't know how close the two are and artemis is kind of worried because how long can you lie to something, someone so powerful without them finding out the truth??? and what would the consequences of that be???? artemis is very different from ambrose in this way; she is scared of the aeons. she is scared of lan, in certain aspects. she is not desensitized to their absolute power like her older cousin is. she is freaking out deep down inside. artemis and lan have a very tentative relationship and artemis doesn't tell them anything at all that might indicate her care for ambrose, because she knows that if they knew... erm. yeah. but yaoshi knows. i mean, after all, artemis is one of their children too, technically. if lan ever shunned her... yaoshi's arms are open, the gentle and forgiving aeon that they are. their child, who was stolen away by the hunt, is always welcome home. just saying. but also keep in mind that artemis would 🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹 ambrose if they ever became a threat to the general balance of the universe, so it's kind of complicated HAHA i suppose the real question is this: does lan have the capacity to understand that just because artemis loves ambrose, she willl still never hesitate to do her utmost to subdue ambrose if they ever became a serious threat? who knows?

artemis and lian actually met a looonnnggg time ago when lian was in the shackling prison. she knows what it's like to do questionable things because you just love and adore someone so much (artemis protecting ambrose and lian with dan feng back then; have i ever talked about that? i don't know haha), so she sympathized with lian greatly. artemis didn't talk to her after they were released, but lian was thankful that she came to visit so often.

artemis was kind of surprised at first, i think. but she thinks it's cute! she did, however, warn lian that ambrose will bend to the abundance's will very easily and ambrose can VERY quickly become evil and fucked up, should it ever become yaoshi's will. whether or not lian takes her words to heart... who knows if they will? but artemis did her part, and if lian chooses not to be careful, then that is the vidyadhara's decision and the fault will be hers alone. artemis did her part.

to the luofu residents, artemis is just about as elusive as the aeon lan themselves. so, for the most part, no. this is largely because artemis just doesn't want to risk them finding out about how much she cares for her cousin (ambrose's ass will just sneak onto the luofu like it's no big deal though and artemis is like "wtf man i am literally trying to protect you from them?!!?!?!? 😒"). when artemis goes on the luofu, she tends to adopt disguises and false identities. jing yuan, however, knows that it is her. and she knows he knows. but for some reason, he just... doesn't say anything..? she doesn't understand why but she appreciates his discretion.

artemis probably thinks they should leave dan heng alone already LMAOOOOO i feel like she has a great amount of respect for them, but she knows that she would be really fucking annoyed if she were dan heng. dan heng is not the same person as dan feng and they seriously need to realize this already (at least, that is what artemis believes). dan heng and artemis have actually met before and i think they are... friendly acquaintances? or something like that haha. they don't know one another well enough to be FRIENDS friends but they're friendly with one another, at least.

ABSOLUTELY LMFAO i just know she's a lil silly deep down!!!!!!!! but her silliness was buried a long time ago on account of her being a child soldier. so there is silliness in her but it is very hard to uncover.

[alastgoodnight]

Hm. Now that was a little odd. There was a letter in front of the letterbox, like the box had spat it out. The envelope was white with a coloured triangle in each corner to frame it: red, blue, yellow, and orange. It was simply addressed to "New Friend", written in a slightly blunted red pencil. Wouldn't hurt to open it.

The handwriting on the inside was the same as on the envelope, and it appeared to only hold a folded sheet of paper.

-

"Dear Stranger,

I was talking to Eddie today and I said I didn't know who else to write a letter to. I'd written a letter to all my friends. Eddie said I should write to look for a 'pen pal'. I thought he meant that I needed a pen to be my friend, but it actually means that someone would write to me. I like phone calls, but I also like letters too.

Hello stranger. My name is Wally Darling. I live in Welcome Home. It is a small town where all my friends live. This is what I look like."

An arrow pointed to a somewhat childish drawing of a yellow person with swirly blue hair, a matching cardigan, and colourful, stripey trousers. There was a smile on the drawing's face.

"I am a painter. I love to paint or draw. There are so many things to look at. Is there anything you like to do? Do you have a job or class you go to?

Please write back. My full address is: Wally Darling, Home, The Neighborhood.

Wally."

(heythereneighbor - sorry but the concept of a letterbox was just too cute to pass)

Oh, that was odd. Naomi was quite used to the letterbox having letters in it - usually in response to her own - but this time, the little door hung wide open, the letter propped against it and politely waiting for her when she came upstairs. Her eyes widened when she saw the bright primary colors - colors she didn't recognize from other responses. This was someone new!

Handling the colorful envelope with the same care she would an official document, she read through it slowly, feeling a small smile pull at her face as she kept going. The language was simple, but charming - more importantly, someone had written to her first, something that never happened. Usually the letters she got were responses to her own, so this was a charming surprise.

The letter itself was fairly simple, so she should start with a simple response. Naomi grabbed a sheet of her own paper - the white, lined stationary with a frame of hydrangeas in purple and blue - and started to write.

"Dear Wally Darling, Hello! I'm the person who got your letter, so I guess this makes me your pen pal. It's nice to meet you! My name is Naomi Sato, but everyone calls me Miss Naomi. I'll draw a picture of myself on the back of this page, since it's full of lines. I live in the Lullaby Lane Library. It's a very old building-"

Creak!

"Okay, I'll change it, my goodness!"

"It's a building that's been left by itself for quite some time, so I'm working hard to help get it all ready for people to visit again. I live here with a couple of friends, Willa and Rags, and my friend Arlo lives on the hill behind us. Right now my job is fixing up the library. The inside's all done, but the outside needs new paint and a garden. It's a lot of work, but it's fun!"

What did she like to do? Hm, keep it simple. Explaining a podcast would take more pages.

I like to read, and clean, and tell stories. My favorite kind of stories are fairy tales, and my favorite kind of reading is when I get to share stories with other people. Do you have any stories you like, Wally? Thank you for writing to me. I'll give you my full address so you can write to me again: Miss Naomi, Lullaby Lane Library, Lullaby Lane. I hope you have a good day! Sincerely, Miss Naomi."

It was only right to match Wally's drawing with one of her own. Using a small number of colored pencils, she drew herself as best she could - still a small, simple drawing, with line features and blocky colors, but she liked how the jacket came out. Carefully the letter was folded and put in a seaglass-blue envelope, sealed shut with a sticker of an orange balloon. Into the letter box it went, no doubt to appear wherever it needed to be.