#Stardust you have worked your magic once again

[sorceresssundries]

Until We Wake

Pairing: Gale/Tav

Warnings: Talk of death, afterlife, angst.

Word Count: 1000 words

A/N - I wanted to try and write something different, and move away from my usual overly-descriptive style.

I hope you like it <3

You are dead.

It was easy in the end. Like taking off a coat you’d been wearing too long.

There’s no confusion. You know you are dead, and it’s okay…Was okay? Is okay? Time is strange here. Slippery.

You are sitting at the edge of a great lake. Well, not really sitting, not really by a lake, but that’s how it feels. There is no sunshine, but you can feel the warmth of it on your—skin? No, not skin. There isn’t any skin. There isn’t a body at all. You just… are.

It’s nice, actually.

“God?” A voice, though not a voice, fills the space around you.

“Erm, no. Sorry. There may be one around somewhere, though,” you reply.

You sense a kind of exasperation.

“No,” it says, more insistently. “Which God is yours? Who did you worship?”

“Oh!” That’s funny. If you had lungs, you would laugh. “I didn’t really worship one.”

The silence that follows is heavy.

You’ve probably given the wrong response and are now going to drift here for eternity in silence. That doesn’t seem so bad. There’s peace in it.

“But, uh, I felt close to Selûne. I knew her daughter, actually. Aylin? I saved her once—no, twice! From an eternal cycle of ritual torture and sacrifice. Twice!” You pause, waiting for the weight of your heroism to settle in. “Can you write that down? Are you writing things down? I don’t really know how this works.”

“I am not writing things down.”

“Right. Okay.”

More time passes—seconds, hours, centuries. It is hard to tell. If experience has taught you anything, it’s that you should probably be a little hesitant about listening to mysterious entities who appear in your unconsciousness. But, for whatever reason, you have no doubt that you’re safe.

“Who are you?” you ask.

“Nobody.”

“Oh.” Another eternal pause. “Sorry, I don’t know what that means. I know you don’t have a body. I don’t either. What I meant to ask is... what’s your purpose here?”

“To help”

“Ah.” You think about that. It feels distant, though, like the thought isn’t entirely yours. “Can Withers bring me back? He usually does.”

“No. Not this time.”

That’s alright, you realise. Everything ends.

“Can you tell me how you died?” the voice continues, unhurried.

If sadness existed here, you would feel it.

“I failed somebody. I couldn’t convince him he was deserving enough to live. He sacrificed himself. I stayed with him.”

“Gale Dekarios,” comes the response. Even now, even here, the sound of his name warms you.

“Yes! That’s him! Have you met him? Is he here too?”

“He is not.”

You pause, a moment of confusion or relief, it’s hard to say. Perhaps he’s with Mystra.

He had followed her order, hadn't he? He had used the orb. Perhaps he was cradled back in her starlit palm. Perhaps he was finally fulfilled.

“He’s probably with his Goddess,” you say, matter-of-factly.

“He forgot his Goddess. At the end, he thought only of you.”

Right. He had said something like that once. On a boat he had built out of hope and stardust. It felt like a lifetime ago. You wish you had said more to him—something different. You should have been more convincing, made him see he was more than magic, more than martyrdom. He was kind. Funny. So very human.

Not anymore.

“Will I see him again?”

“Maybe”

This voice that’s not a voice is not hugely helpful. It feels distant. Somehow big and small. Like many voices, or none, all at the same time.

“I let him down,” you whisper, though no sound leaves you.

“He forgives you.”

What do they know of Gale? This mysterious spectre. Maybe it’s just your own thoughts, your desperation, trying to clutch at forgiveness. Maybe death has splintered you into fragments of yourself whispering back and forth. Maybe the afterlife is nothing more than talking to yourself in the quiet, with no one left to answer. A conversation in circles, where you are both the call and the response.

“You loved him" they say. It isn't a question.

“I did. I do. I always will.”

It's lucky you don't have a heart. It would be in splinters.

“Would you like to try again?” The voice offers.

Your thoughts pause, grasping at the idea. “You mean, go back? To the start? Is that possible?”

“Sometimes. Under certain circumstances.”

A chance to try again. At what? Saving Gale? Having a better life? A better death? Eventually finding your way back to this place, with no regrets holding you back?

You would like that.

“Will I remember this?”

“No.”

“Will he?”

“No.”

You could have had this conversation hundreds of times before, or perhaps it is the first and only. It is impossible to know.

“Ok. Yes, please.”

You can feel the pieces of yourself starting to come apart, like threads of a tapestry being unspooled by the oldest and gentlest of hands.

You reach out for those delicate, golden threads on instinct, but they slip away, and it is hard to know whether you are letting go of them or they are letting go of you.

Scratch the Dog. Karlach’s laughter. Night Orchids. Sunlight on scarred skin. Homemade cookies. Gale. Magic. A kiss.

You try to hold them tighter.

“How do I know I won’t make the same mistakes all over again?” you ask.

“You don’t,” the voice that wasn’t a voice says.

A silver sword. A man with horns dancing. Pipe smoke and bear fur. Taverns and temples and soft touches. Gale.

You’re trying to hold so many of them, you have to let others go. What is your name again? How old are you? Who were your parents?

Moonlight through shadow. A boat on make-believe water. A hand in yours. A purple dagger.

“Will I still be me?” You’re no longer sure what that means.

“That depends.”

The lake that wasn’t a lake, the warmth that wasn’t the sun, all of it begins to fade. You feel yourself pulled away, or maybe pulled together. You aren’t sure which—you just know you’re going somewhere, somewhen.

The voice speaks a final time as everything ends. As everything begins.

“Who are you?”

[firelilyfox]

Stardust Dreams

part two

consider reading Part One first

Wonka: Willy Wonka x female reader

Warnings: none just fluff, fluff and more fluff

Words: 1k

the only thing willy can think about is the girl he just met

__________________________________

Willy should have focused on his work, but all he thought about was, how slow time could pass while waiting to see y/n again. 

The sun was setting already and most of the visitors were already leaving, except for Noodle and Ellie. The two girls were laying on the chocolate hill, giggling and rubbing their full bellies. Willy watches them from a higher position because he didn’t want to miss the exact moment y/n would walk through the doors to pick them up. 

And as if the universe could read his mind, Willy saw her coming towards them. Y/n didn’t see him sitting up there in a cherry blossom sugar tree but for a spilt second she were searching for him. 

„How have you been girls? Are you ready to go home yet?“, y/n asked. 

„We had so much fun! I want to come back every day and eat more chocolate and play with the Oompa Loompas. They are so adorable“, Ellie giggled. 

Willy could get a look at two of the Loompas who tried to hide their smile. All in for one the orange man and his friends were pretty … professional creatures but they had a big heart. 

Y/n shakes her had. „Every day is a bit much. But I think we can come again once in a while. Noodle do you know were Mr. Wonka … I mean Willy would be right now? I want to thank him for keeping an eye on you two.“ 

Noodle and Ellie smiled at each other. It seems like they shared a few words without even speaking. „I think I saw him at the blossom tree right behind the sugar rush bridge.“ 

Willy could hear every word that were spoken and quickly makes his way down the tree. He don’t want to appear creepy because of his watcher position. While y/n came walking towards the bridge, the girls leaving the great hall to wait outside. 

As her eyes met Willys, y/n smiled from one ear to another. She is so beautiful. It almost hurts. Willy thinks with a pounding heart. 

„Hello again, Willy.“ 

He didn’t know what else to do, so he tapped his hat in greeting and slightly bowed to her. „Good evening, y/n.“ 

Her warmth laughter could melt the biggest iceberg. „I wanted to thank you for watching out for the girls. Although I know how close you are to Noodle and that she probably knows every corner of this magical place, it frightent me at first to let them go alone.“ 

„Your sister is a wonderful child. I’m more than happy to see them having so much fun together. Noodle needs more friends in her age I assume.“ His words were followed with a bittersweet feeling. Willy had never made friends in his age. Even when he was a young boy, he only had his Mom before she passed away. 

Y/n noticed his slight change in mood and tilted her head. „What do you do for fun, Willy?“ 

The question surprised him. „Everything. My work brings joy to the people and that brings joy to me.“ He meant it. Willy always loved to make people happy. 

„That truly is remarkable but it’s not what I meant. What do you like to do besides your work?“ She nervously played with her fingers. 

Willy got even more confused. The only thing he ever had done besides working for his dream was … what was it? He couldn’t think of anything. „I’m not sure if i ever did something else than working and studying. That’s shameful!“ 

„Oh not at all. I knew you were a man who his quiet ambitious. But I think you could use a little break from being everyones entertainer.“ She stepped a little closer to him. Willy had to look down because their hight difference was about 7 inches. „I would like to invite you to have dinner with me. To thank you … for keeping an eye on may sister…. If you like.“ 

Her cheeks blushed and Willy had never seen a more beautiful color on somebody’s face. It was hard for him to find the right words without stuttering. Did she just invited him to a … date? Noodle was talking about this boy in her class and that she wanted him to invite her to something that is called a date. 

„Is that … are you saying you want to go on a date?“, Willy asked confused. Y/n blushed even more and was biting her lip. 

„I mean … yeah … you could say that. If you want.“ Her shy eyes looked away and Willys heart just jumped like a kangaroo. 

Willy didn’t knew what could be so exciting on the idea to spent time with a person, because you can always hang out with the people you like. But now he had to admit; to get asked out for a date was feeling a lot different than he imagined. 

„I would love to!“ He shouted in excitement and the nearby Oompa Loompas turned around with a confused look on their faces. 

Y/n laughed. „Okay. Could you spare some time tomorrow? I work at the library and my shift ends at six o’clock.“ 

„I will be there, y/n.“ He bowed again to hide his wide smile, that was now glued to his face. But she had other plans in mind. Before Willy saw it coming, she leans towards him and kissed his cheek. 

„Goodbye, Mr. Wonka.“ She curtsied playfully and turned around to follow the girls outside. 

Willy wasn’t sure how long it took him to breathe again. His hand touched the cheek on wich he could still feel the warmth of her lips.

„Willy. Just Willy.“ He whispered to himself in disbelief of how that little touch from skin to skin made him feel. 

[sp00kymulderr]

gideon!!!! congratulations on the milestone!!! absolutely so so deserved and i’m sorry I just now saw the post! 🖤

💭i’d like to request ''stay tonight.'' from the prompt list, maybe with ezra?? I miss him 🫶🏻

wonderful Liv! I'm so sorry this has been in my inbox since January. Me and Ezra were having a moment, but things are all good now. I humbly offer you this:

Starlit

sex worker!Ezra x afab!reader

694 words

Warnings/tags: 18+ MDNI. sex work, oral (reader receiving)

He is always the first thing on your mind when you arrive here.

The beautiful silver-tongued man with starlight in his eyes. Known by many and more than once by you, memories of him seared both on your flesh and in your mind.

Standards of travel have left you wanting, needing. Your fingers never work you the way another can, your touch never grips the way a lover can. Worst of all, the remembered whisper of his voice in your ear leaves you without the comfort of his warmth and sincere affection.

Ezra advertises his services as comfort. He sells sex, yes, but moreso he sells a few needed hours of companionship to the weary traveller, the tired prospector, the anguished fringeling far from home. He is generous with what he gives, not just in passion but in succour, in the intimacy of his whispered weaving stories as he holds you - he offers a piece of himself. Ezra provides comfort, and pleasure, and it is always more than worth the cost.

He is like an artist, you think. His art is being able to relieve the tired ache of your bones, and leaving your soul a modicum lighter than it felt upon arrival here.

There’s a stream of sunlight warming the bed as Ezra works between your thighs today. Your fingers hold in his soft hair with a gentle tug as he works what you can only describe as magic, that silver tongue finding it's way towards your second release of the day.

Your breath comes shallow; the way he flattens his tongue against you and stretches you on his fingers at the same time makes your legs shake in assailing delectation. He is a god, divinity in pleasure, and you thank you star that you came to find him on this miserable planet again.

You are, of course, just one of many but you like to think he doesn't look at the others the way he does you, the way his sparkling eyes meet yours as you look down upon him now, as he eats you like a blessed repast.

Your back arches, a gripping feeling of closeness tightening your core. His fingers curl, his plush lips sucks until you cry out and pull again. The room is hot and your bodies are warm, sticky. His own hips rut against the mattress as yours rise in increasing desperation. This gift of his, it takes you over. You are stardust as your body trembles, heart pumping wildly. The sweetness of release finally lays itself upon you. Oh. He is a god. Some spirit of heavenly pleasure.

You wish he could be yours forever.

You whimper his name over and over as you come down from a high unlike any other.

"Ezra...Ezra...my Ezra"

He kisses your twitching clit a few times more, never quite ready to give up your taste – he had told you before that he doesn’t do this only for the money but also for his own desires.

Finally he rises to lay over you, his body heavy and hot on yours, the hardness of him grinding against your soaked centre as he eyes you curiously.

"Yours?" He whispers, a devilish smile on his lips that makes you quiver again lustfully.

"Yes, mine...tonight?" You whisper, thankful that he understands it when you words are staccato and flustered.

You've never had him stay for more than a few hours. Never been so lavish with hard earned credits, but money feels no object right now as your cunt flutters and pulses at the thought of a full night with him. To wake up beside him is an experience worth all the money in the universe, you imagine.

Your fingers play in the white-blonde patch of hair. Curious, like him. You know little of this man and yet you want him in your bed for as long as you can possibly keep him.

He is a symphony of raucous desire.

“Stay tonight” You murmur, pulling him in to a searing kiss as soon he nods his agreement.

You know so little of him, but what you do know if that one night with this starlit man - even though it makes you poorer - will make you richer in heart and soul.

[skeletinmoss]

The curse of the dark Phoenix

Chapter 11: To Arms

First chapter | Previous | Next

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Virgil led Roman to what had to be the library. It was a round room with a big ceiling window, the walls lined with a ridiculous amount of books.

No memento’s or trinkets on these shelves.

Virgil had been right that his home would be in a better condition than the tower. There wasn’t any dust to be seen, and the book Virgil had called Dex was busy putting some books back in their spots.

“I was sure we’d find Logan here at the very least,” Virgil mused.

“Well, it looks like he was, at one point,” Roman pointed out.

Virgil considered that for a moment. “Star, search,” he instructed.

Roman expected the wolf to start sniffing, but instead the cosmic wolf turned into an amorphous cluster of stars and darkness, zipping around the room and then through a door. Virgil followed him, and Roman could only rush after the two. They walked through an observatorium, a sitting room, and then they found themselves back in the living room and heading outside. Where they caught them talking.

"... ask him... oh, hi Virgil!" Patton greeted.

"Hey. What are you two up to?" Virgil wondered as Stardust materialized at his side.

"Well, Logan had an idea," Patton offered.

"Yes. I was thinking that I could do to the garden what I did to the path, return it to the state it was in a past point in time. Particularly when your friend was about to break down the door, as we managed to figure out the correct date for that, or a few days later, even. See if we can track your other friend Janus as well," Logan pointed out, indicating a map he'd likely found amongst Virgil's things.

"I am aware most need a somewhat fresh trail to start with. But, if my spell is as thorough as I intend it to be, then there might be one when I'm done. At worst, you will have a lot less work to restore the garden to its former glory," Logan pointed out. Virgil nodded, feeling intrigued.

Logan lit up at getting the high mage’s approval and gestured for them to stand behind him. Roman suspected that was more so he could properly show off and less because he genuinely needed the space.

The Great Wizzard Mage sat down once again to meditate, and before Roman's eyes, weeds vanished, unkempt vegetable plants became lush and neatly organized. He saw a patch of herbs of all kinds next to a flower garden. He realized that he'd seen dried up flowers of the same species spread around the house.

Virgil mentioned that in his childhood home, there'd been the smell of flowers everywhere. So it made sense that he’d filled his house with them to make it feel like home.

"Excellent work," Virgil mused.

"Thank you. But please, save the praise for when I confirm your friends' current location," Logan insisted as he pulled out herbs that Roman could immediately tell were of the sort his friend wouldn't even have considered touching 2 days ago. Something had clearly clicked in place for Logan since inventing that spell.

"By all means," Virgil nodded, indicating Logan should continue.

Logan laid out the map, rubbed the herbs between his fingers, rubbed some on the map itself, and then made a pattern in the air, slow and steady, and pushed at the gathered magic. For a brief moment, Roman could swear he saw two silhouettes on the path towards the front door. They disappeared before he could really make sense of them though and Logan got up, studying the map with a critical frown.

"Not as precise as I had hoped, but at least we know that we are heading the right way for the temple and that your friend Janus isn't too far away," Logan mused as he handed Virgil the map. Roman glanced over Virgil’s shoulder and saw a green and yellow circle. They both covered a lot of ground. But the green one's radius included the lake. So that was a plus. The yellow one had some overlap with the green one and included large stretches of forest and four villages, possibly more depending on how old this map was.

“We know more than we did before,” Virgil agreed before turning to the group.

“I do intend to let you all look around some more and learn what you need, but I would like to provide you three with a change of clothes and some weapons first,” he offered.

“You’d be able to arm the tree of us?” Logan wondered.

Virgil smirked and walked back inside. “Come with me to the armory and we’ll find out,” he stated.

Armory?

The trio of great mages hurried after Virgil, through a door and found themselves in a large room with countless weapons of different types lining the walls.

Roman looked around in awe. His eye getting caught by a beautiful ornate sword with a golden grip and an engraved blade. “I breathe so I dream. With this blade I forge the future from the unknown.”

He knew that phrase. He’d read it in history books. “Is that a founder’s sword!?” Roman gasped in awe.

“It looks pretty, but it wasn’t ever intended for combat. Not this kind anyway,” Virgil said dismissively as he continued to walk past the racks, looking for something.

Logan had come to stand next to Roman and stared at the blade in awe, wanting but not daring to touch it. “This is a national treasure,” he breathed in shock.

Virgil stopped. “… That, makes sense. Sorry. To me it’s just sort of… The first actual sword I ever owned?” he admitted.

Roman didn’t have to check to see if his friends were as shocked as he was.

“Virgil… How old did you say you were again?” Logan wondered. Because right now Virgil’s timeline included the founding of the very kingdom almost five centuries ago.

“28, I’m pretty sure,” Virgil mused. Roman knew that Virgil wasn’t actually misinterpreting Logan’s question. He wasn’t going to answer them though. He was having way too much fun feeling how shocked Roman was every time he turned out to be older than he previously assumed. Maybe Gustav hadn’t been exaggerating that much when he mentioned a millennium in the memory.

“Are there a lot of mages who have been around as long as, or longer than, you?” Logan pressed, also guessing that Virgil wasn’t going to give him a number.

“Well… Not too many. There are two old teachers of mine that should still be around for sure. But… Sometimes high mages decide to give up immortality. For several reasons:

Because they’ve simply lost interest. As an act of defiance against a bad king, as an act of love towards someone they want to grow old and start a family with,” Virgil mused.

“But if all high mages that were around fifty years ago are in a similar situation to me, then I’d say me and my friends are among the top ten percent most experienced,” Virgil allowed.

… Roman was going to let that sink in for a bit, and Logan seemed to think something similar.

That, or he’d simply gotten distracted.

“Is this… This is the staff of the mountain wizard,” he mused as he studied the indeed striking similar design to the sketches he’d seen in his history book. The dark wooden base the tendrils of gold weaving around it and enclosing over a glass orb.

“It is,” Virgil confirmed, still bemused.

“But… Wasn’t he a badguy?” Patton asked confused.

“Exactly why I took his staff. He was abusing my niece,” he huffed. Roman could feel the hostility roll off him. He was still not over that slight. Despite putting the man in his place, Roman assumed. The mountain wizard had gone missing and no one knew what became of him.

“You had a niece?” he asked, deciding he shouldn’t focus on the implied vengeance right now.

“Many. Well. I call all the descendants from my brother and sister my niblings. I check in on them, make sure they are doing well. This particular niece admired me a lot and mister mountain wizard thought that he could easily impress her and then trap her into an abusive relationship. He was wrong,” Virgil explained off handedly.

He didn’t have any curse markings… So he hadn’t used magic… Roman looked around. What had he used though?

“In any case,” Virgil stated, picking up the staff and handing it over to Patton. “would be far better off being wielded by you,” he decided. Patton bit his lip nervously.

“The staff isn’t evil. The wizard who used it was. I think it deserves to feel what it is like to be used to protect,” Virgil stated firmly.

Patton thought for a few more moments, but then nodded and accepted the staff…

And then they all watched on in awe as the orb glowed in Patton’s signature blue with little specks of white light floating around in it, swirling playfully.

“Oh… It… It feels like children laughing…? Does that make sense?” Patton asked, completely baffled.

“It does for you. Now. For the pretty one,” Virgil mused. Roman was so impressed with how Virgil had guessed that Patton favored a staff to fight with rather than anything that could stab, that he almost missed the complement. Almost.

With a bright red face and Logan next to him now definitely aware that there was reciprocated flirting going on, he followed Virgil through the room. To the spears. Roman’s favorite along with swords.

"I think you will get along well with sky cleaver," Virgil decided, picking up a spear entirely made off black steel with engraved golden waves winding around the shaft. Right under the tip, a leather cord was wound, the loos hanging ends adorned with feathers and beads. Roman couldn't place the species of bird or the materials the beads were made off.

Feeling his curiosity, Virgil elaborated.

"My astronomy teacher discovered a shooting star and mapped its path. His calculations revealed that it would one day hit us, and the consequences of that would be unfathomable. So he made me swear to keep an eye on it and to do what was necessary to protect our world from the destruction after he was gone. So I studied and tracked and kept a close ear to the development of prophecy spells. Luckily, for a non-human event, those work a lot better since there are far less unpredictable variables. So when I knew the time was drawing near, I looked into the future to learn where and when it would strike, and I traveled across the ocean to make good on my promise. The local magic users were happy with the heads up and my help taking care of things and crafted this out of some of the remains, made it pretty with gold. The chief of the town I stayed in during this time, added these," he ran his hand past the beads and feathers. "As a symbol of their friendship. I named it Celius sky cleaver. May it strike with purpose," he offered as he held out the spear once again.

Roman very carefully accepted the weapon forged across the ocean from the remains of a shooting star.

"... Did... did you fly across the Ocean?" Logan asked, completely baffled.

"Yes. It was a Long journey and I was pretty much useless for a year after I got home," Virgil confirmed casually. He flew... across the ocean.

"That leaves us with you," Virgil pointed out. Gesturing to Logan and heading to a rack of crossbows.

Logan was immediately distracted from the fact that Virgil had traveled to unknown lands across the ocean. Rather he browsed through the options and picked up an ornately decorated crossbow. “What is this one called? It seems to be off the hand of the great crafter Similion,” Logan observed.

Virgil took the device out of his hands. “It’s called clover. Similion made it as his graduation hobby project so to speak and gifted it to me in exchange for some pointers on how to improve his next project. I had a lot of pointers,” Virgil stated, before reaching for a far smaller device and a brace.

“This, will suit you much better,” he stated.

Logan accepted the set and studied it. “I don’t recognize this sigil,” he admitted.

“That’s because she never made it big. She was a genius though, beloved by Earth. But only an apprentice when she suddenly passed away in her sleep may the Ocean carry her soul.

Her parents knew one of my pupils at the time and through him I received her finished works and blueprints. I have been looking for a promising talent who’d give her credit so she can take her rightful place in history,” Virgil stated. “This one is called Apis,” he offered, indicating the modest weapon.

Logan took all that in and nodded weightily as the weight of the story behind the weapon settled on him. He put the bracer on and attached the crossbow which glowed blue as soon as it sat secure.

“Fascinating,” he mused.

“Yeah, they all have some tricks up their sleeves should you need it,” Virgil mused as he walked on and soon retrieved a pair of twin daggers, connected to one another with a chain.

He looked at them for a long moment. Testing their weight. And eventually going through a few fighting motions. Roman could feel that just holding them put Virgil in a rather sullen mood.

Feeling his concern, or noticing that they were all looking at him worriedly, he righted himself and gave them a sad smile. “We weren’t always at peace,” he pointed out… Oh gods… How many…?

Stardust chose that moment to demand attention once more and they were all promptly distracted for a good five minutes.

“Alright, yes you are very good Star, I love you too,” Virgil smiled before getting up again along with the rest of them.

“Listen… I was an efficient fighter, but that doesn’t mean that I enjoyed doing it. I only picked these up when there was no peaceful solution,” he assured them, feeling nervous, ashamed, scared, sad…

“You were a protector,” Roman said decidedly. “Sometimes that means being a fighter,” he assured him. Virgil looked up at him, searching for truth, insisting he had blood on his hands without saying it out loud, glancing towards Patton and Logan, worrying that this would ruin the progress they had made.

Roman didn’t waver, didn’t doubt. They all had been a little afraid of him from the very start considering how powerful he was. Whether with a blade or magic, he’d always been able to overpower them. So in that sense nothing had changed.

Virgil relaxed just a little and gave him a smile, thanking him for his reassurance.

“Ahem, we are also still here. And would you even be able to use those? As stated, even if we arrive in the night, which we might not, you will likely be forced into your guide form as soon as we get close to the sunstone,” Logan stated. Virgil looked up a bit apologetic and nodded.

“Yes, but we might encounter cult members before we get that close,” he pointed out. “And I will be in human form at least for a bit of the encounter, if the crystals do their work,” he pointed out.

“Crystals?” Logan asked.

“His home is lit by moon crystals and he had some left over in stock,” Roman surmised.

“Ah,” Logan nodded in understanding.

“With all that said, I will give you a change of clothes and then we can head to the library to talk strategy before we settle in for a quick nap,” Virgil insisted.

Roman couldn't help but be a bit excited. Despite Virgil's earlier insistence of being a sensible dresser, he'd felt his pride in his work. Felt how much he enjoyed wearing something nice he put effort in to the party.

He knew Virgil had a great sense of style, not to mention wearing something Virgil made sounded exciting to him.

Virgil smiled at him and motioned for them to follow him. They passed through the room with the loom, their barely started work left untouched.

Virgil went on into another room, and they followed. This one had a little round stage, half of it surrounded by mirrors. In front of it stood a changing screen and four mannequins each prepared with a different outfit that was practical, not too loud, but obviously tailored uniquely for each of them.

"The traveling cloaks should be waiting for us at the door," Virgil stated as he collected his ensemble and headed to the changing screen first.

"They are all self-cleaning. So it won’t be as uncomfortable to travel in these," he explained as his borrowed outfit was tossed in the air and some sort of magic carried it away. Presumably to be washed.

"Much better," he mused as he appeared in a black, sleeveless tight fitting top with silver feathers embroidered along the seams of the shoulder.

It was tucked into dark pants with a silky purple sash as a belt. Roman tried not to stare too much. In his previous two outfits it hadn't shown, but Virgil was well built.

"Next," he smiled.

"These are... custom made for us," Logan observed.

"Yeah. Not by hand, though. I mean the fabric was made by me. The rest is courtesy of the house. I don't have the time to do it by hand right now," Virgil explained.

"Gosh Virgil! That's so impressive. Mine feels so soft and cozy, and I'm not even wearing it yet!" Patton gushed, playing with the sleeves of his blouse with little bunny paws along the hem.

"Hmmm." Logan mused, taking his outfit and getting changed. His outfit, too, was collected by seemingly invisible assistants.

He came out in a black undershirt and pants with a midnight blue vest. The buttons in the shape of unicorn horns. Logan was reattaching the crossbow to the brace while Patton took his turn, getting changed.

"How did you guess the exact weapons we were trained to use? I am assuming some level of weapons raining has always been mandatory, but there are a lot of options," Logan pointed out.

Virgil nodded. "You assume right... among high mages who've been around for sone time, patterns become apparent. We usually could guess which guide would unveil itself to which student. Made little bets on the ones who we weren't unanimous on. We also saw patterns in the weapon someone chose and the guide they turned out to have," Virgil explained. Patton came out and hopped on the stage to get a good look at his new shirt.

Roman, while interested in the story, didn't want to waste time and went to change as well. His pants were similar to what was made for Lo, Pat and V.

The difference was in the tunic. It reached to his knees, was a lovely red in color and golden wings embroidered on his chest similar to the decorative golden chest piece Virgil had worn when they first met. On the other side of the screen Virgil continued.

"Jackalopes are playful and rarely go for truly lethal weapons. Combined with Patton being a martial caster, and thus not afraid of direct confrontation when needed, I figured the Bo staff a good fit. Confrontational, but far less likely to cause accidental maiming.

Unicorns are for the intelligent. The strategists. So a long distance weapon is logical. Combined with the fact that you aren't built for a longbow or a short bow, a crossbow was most likely." Roman bit back a laugh. That was a polite way to say that Logan clearly had no upper body strength.

Virgil paused his story, amused at Roman's barely concealed mirth.

Roman finished changing and joined his friends. Taking a moment to admire himself in the mirrors. He felt like a noble warrior honestly, especially while holding the spear.

"The phoenix... tends to favor being up close and personal in battle. We can afford it. High mages might survive injuries but they still hurt. We aren't as incapacitated by a serious blow and as you saw, our reincarnation can be an effective weapon too," he explained. Roman could very vividly imaging Virgil forging a path through an army. Literally blazing through and leaving terribly burnt enemies in his wake. The image both beautiful and frightening in his mind. But not in a way that made him afraid of Virgil.

"Not that we know that when we choose the weapon, but phoenixes, like dragons, will tend to be at the front line. We choose weapons that are noble. That are direct. The light phoenix' bravery makes them brazen. So a sword or a spear would fit him most. I figured Roman would be the type to want a more versatile weapon. For myself I chose the daggers for their high mobility and the tight control on every swing. Less chance on friendly fire. In my mind at least..." he finished. "So. If we are all satisfied with our new clothes, I'd suggest heading to the library. In one hour we sleep," he said decidedly.

The group nodded and they followed Virgil through a door back to the library.

"Say Virgil, can I borrow this book after we do all the important things? I looked through it to see if there were any interesting creatures for me to turn into, but it only has magical creatures. It's a verry fun read though so i wanted to read more when we are less pressed for time," Patton offered gently, picking up a book from the shelve and showing it to him. Before Virgil could answer though Logan grabbed the old leather book that looked more like a journal than a proper book to Roman.

"This..." Logan gasped, flipping through a few pages with wide eyes. "Is this a, complete, handbound first draft of the beastiary of Aristofel?" he asked baffled.

"Um... yeah. We used to date..." Virgil admitted sheepishly. "He sent it to me as a thanks for my help and stuff."

Logan looked up at Virgil. "Most existing copies are damaged in some way. This is the only complete edition in existence as far as I am aware," he stated.

Virgil clearly didn’t know what to say to that.

Roman decided to step in. "Let's focus on our missions for now and then you can explore the house for more forgotten treasures whenever Virgil decides to invite you back," he suggested.

Logan nodded and gave Virgil his book back. "Yes. Apologies. I forgot myself," he said a bit embarrassed.

"That's alright, it happens. Patton if you need some inspiration for transformations into non magical creatures..." Virgil looked at his shelf and picked out a different book and handed it to Patton.

"What were you looking for Logan?" Virgil wondered.

"Ahm. I want to look into chrono magic. It is closely related to my divination and some spells I heard about might be useful in a crisis situation," he explained, nervous but determined. Who was this man and where did his extremely cautious friend go? Forbidden magic? Logan? It was a bit of a shocker even with how, bold, he’d been today.

"Hmmm..." Virgil mused before getting a deep blue book with stars on the cover. "That should help," he stated before turning to Roman.

"And now you..." he stated. Roman nodded and followed him to settle on a carpet on the floor.

"I suppose I should learn some basic martial crafts," Roman mused.

"Didn't you say that you wanted to learn more about herbology the way I taught it?" Virgil wondered. Roman nodded. "Of course, but the fight..."

Roman stopped talking as he felt Virgil's fond amusement, though there was an undertone of frustration. Oh. The holes in his education were showing once again.

"Did they teach you that all you could do was identify herbs and minerals and heal?" Virgil wondered. Roman nodded, waiting to be corrected. Virgil reached into his pouch and retrieved a yellow dusty substance. Pollen. Roman knew instantly.

And then from his hand a gorgeous fire Lilly grew, which Virgil gently tucked behind Roman’s ear.

"Roman, the spell Patton did to trap those wolves. What kind of magic did you think that was?" Virgil asked.

"I-I thought Wild keep magic but I’m guessing that's wrong," Roman concluded. Virgil nodded.

“It was herbology. We do more than just identify the gifts of nature Roman. We connect to them. When you held that stone, you weren’t divining it the way Logan would. You connected to it, heard it’s entire story, and that happened to include what it was used for. How it was used,” Virgil explained.

“Through that connection you also returned the fields to a healthy state, making undeveloped seeds catch up to their neighbors and the sick plants heal in only a moment.

Wild keepers can commune and command the plants that are living. We…” He made a flourish with his hand and laid a dried out lavender stem in Roman’s hand.

“We can call upon them even if they are long gone. They are our ally as much as we are theirs,” he insisted. “So long as we treat the plants and minerals around us with love and respect, there is no telling what favors we might yet learn they would do for us,” he added. Letting a long silence fall.

Roman could tell he was expecting him to do something, anything with the stem.

Could he revive it? Roman closed his eyes and focused. Willing his magic into the plant the way he would when he would try to draw out its mana, but this time he didn’t make it stream out and take energy with it. He strengthened the mana, connected to the plant’s innate wish to live…

He opened his eyes when he felt Virgil’s pride swell.

In his palm was a perfectly healthy lavender stem. He looked up, proud of himself and tucked the lavender behind Virgil’s ear.

“Good,” Virgil smiled, touched by the gesture. “Now, let’s teach you to be a force of nature.”

[felixisbannedfromwalmart]

All of us, Stardust

Short story

Aaravos smiled as the illusion faded into the light of his house, the only way he could see her again.

“Daddy?” The young girl looked around, confused about where she was. The room looked just like her father’s study back home, but she knew this wasn't home.

“I'm here, my unicorn,” the fallen star touch elf sighed at his work, knowing the girl in front of him is only here for a moment before his magic wears off and he’s left alone again, just how he was for the last 700 years.

“Daddy.. What happened? Where are we?” Aaravos knew he couldn’t lie to his own daughter, yet, how could he tell her the truth? The reason he was here, in a prison specially crafted to hold him for eternity.

“We’re somewhere far away” He said with a smile reaching out to hug his daughter. It had been hundreds of years since he’s felt someone close to him, hundreds of years since he’s felt Leola close to him.

“I missed you, little unicorn” The elf tried not to cry, this version of Leola didn't know what happened to her, Aaravos intended to keep that way, this version of his daughter could be safe with him, if only for a moment.

“Missed me? I was only in the garden!” The girl smiles clueless and pulls away from Aaravos to run towards the window, peering outside at the starless night sky.

“Where’s the stars?” Leola questions as her father sits next to her in the window sill.

“Where we are they aren’t stars…”

“No stars? Where are we? The bottom of the sea!” There's a heavy truth in her joke, Aaravos didn’t dare to tell her what he had done to get here. In every way, everything was for his daughter.

“You're silly, Leola” There’s a blissed feeling about saying his daughter’s name again, like saying a spell for the first time, yet every time felt like the first. The magic is wearing off, Leola slowly fades like she did before, a silent tear falling down the fallen star’s face as, for a second time, he watched his daughter fade without anything he could do to stop it. Once again, alone in his study just like the day she died. The house sat quietly, if there were others in his prison the house would be assumed abandoned just like his home in Xadia, reduced to dust and scraps over the decades of silence and weather, once a home to a loving father now sits alone and forgotten, the same loving father sitting in his own sadness and rage as he waits for the day someone finds his mirror and fall for his magic.

“One day, stardust.. I will be with you, we will have all the time in the world to play… Now, close your eyes, Leola and wait for me to find you…”

[imagitory]

Yes, I know, I'm shocked too -- but once again, it seems, I have to talk about Disney's Wish. Truthfully, this entire analysis was one I never set out to write, but I felt like I had to after having a really good conversation with my mum about this deleted scene featuring Asha's grandpa, Sabino; the sentiment expressed by some Disney fans that its inclusion would've helped fix the film; and even the purported perspective that the development team was deeply unhappy about the corporate decision to cut it.

So first off -- do I think this scene is that magical missing piece that would've fixed Wish? Not exactly. I do think that Sabino putting the idea of wishes being worth fighting for into words for Asha that she even could've reprised later while fighting Magnifico could've been very powerful. Just imagine how much stronger the story would've been if Asha had used Sabino's song to rally the town against Magnifico -- not only creating the payoff of Asha making her dear Saba's wish of inspiring people as well as her own wish to make things in Rosas better come true, but ALSO bringing Magnifico's worst fears of rebellion against his rule to life in an ironic twist! But even if including this scene could've improved the film, I don't think it would've fixed everything wrong with its story and characters. It did, however, inspire that really fun conversation with my mum, and we realized together what this scene at least partially provides that the finished film didn't --

A reason to care about the wishes Magnifico hoards away.

When I was in college, I took a screenwriting class, and one of the most important lessons the professor taught us was to give your main character(s) a strong desire and then give your audience three strong, disparate reasons to root for your character in reaching their goal. This way, if one of the reasons doesn't resonate with a member of your audience, maybe another one will. The more reasons you give your character to want to succeed, the more people in your audience are likely to feel for your character's position and support them in their actions.

Let's use Disney-Pixar's absolute masterpiece Finding Nemo as an example, just for kicks. Marlin wants to save his son, Nemo, after he gets captured and taken away by human scuba divers. The audience wants Marlin to succeed because his reasons include --

Love. Marlin loves his son very much and is very protective of him, partly because Nemo has a disability that Marlin worries puts him at particular risk being on his own.

Past trauma. As seen in the prologue of the film, Marlin lost the entire rest of his family to a horrific barracuda attack that also resulted in injuring Nemo while he was still an egg, so Nemo is the only family Marlin has left.

Guilt. Marlin feels responsible for what happened to Nemo, because they were in the midst of a fight about Marlin's helicopter parenting when Nemo put himself so close to the human boat and got captured.

The thought process behind this writing trick is that you want your audience to care about what your character is working toward. This is how you get an audience really emotionally invested in their struggles and story, and it also helps define who the character is as a person, understanding not just what they want, but seeing the lengths they'll go to in order to chase that desire. And this is what Wish seems to understand symbolically, but not enough to use this knowledge while shaping its screenplay or characters.

In the finale of the film, all of the people in Rosas whose wishes were taken can still gather enough "stardust" or "magic" or "dreaming whatever" to defeat Magnifico without them. The magic is inside of them, even without the contents of the bubbles Magnifico took from them -- because our wishes, dreams, and ambitions come from who we are, as people. They're a piece of us -- they're informed by who we are -- our happy memories, our past scars, our personalities and hobbies and values. What makes dreams coming true so beautiful is seeing someone become a more complete version of themselves through it!

And yet...what do we learn about any of these characters that tie into these wishes and why it's so important their wishes be returned and/or granted? What visually communicates that these wishes are so integral to these people's personalities and souls that they're a pale shadow of who they used to be without them? What emotional justification is there for anyone to care if Rosas's citizens achieve these flights of fancy? Are there any real stakes or grave consequences if those wishes aren't granted?

Why do we care if this one lady wishes she could fly, or this other one wants to make dresses? What do we care if this one person wants to sail a ship and travel the world? This one guy wants to climb a mountain or something, but...so what? We don't know any of them from Adam! The film tells us that these wishes are really important to these people, but we don't get any emotional reasons to be invested in whether or not these people's individual wishes come true.

Even characters we do meet like Simon -- what about him made him want to be a knight? Where did that wish come from, in his character? Was it fueled by misguided patriotism? A desire for glory? Being bullied as a child and wanting to prevent others from going through the same thing? We have no idea! Imagine how much more Simon's "betrayal" scene would've hurt if we'd gotten to know Simon as this dreamy, idealistic person who grew up reading fairy tales about knights bravely protecting their kingdom and being heralded for it, only for that wish to be twisted by Magnifico to make Simon serve his king blindly with no free will of his own. Imagine how much more interesting of a character Simon would've been if there had been real context behind that wish he'd made and given up, and how much more interesting his relationships with his friends could've been as a result.

What about Asha's mother? Her wish is treated as incredibly important in the film, since Asha tries to steal it from Magnifico like she did Sabino's and Asha and her family react with such upset when Magnifico crushes it, and yet we never once learn what the wish even was. Even when the wish is reformed and returned to Asha's mother, we STILL never learn what it was and by extension what it meant to her mom and why it was a bad thing that it got crushed. Why should we believe this wish of Asha's mum's is so important if we never even learn what it is? Because the film said it's important? In the immortal words of Will Turner,

(source)

Just look at Joe Gardner in Pixar's Soul. Would you care so much about him wanting to get back to the world of the living if you didn't learn through the film that he'd been dreaming of playing jazz since he was a child and had finally landed this big gig with a jazz band after years of rejection and his own mother never supporting his dream right before dying? Would Joe have connected with 22 the way he had over the course of the story if it weren't for not only his goal, but the character, passions, and world view that fueled his pursuit of that goal in the first place?

My mum, while we had this discussion of ours, put forward her own experience. When she was a young woman, she dreamed of having a family of her own: a husband, 2.5 kids, a house with a white picket fence where people could gather together. Over time, though, Mum kind of resigned herself to the reality that it probably wasn't going to happen -- she was pretty solidly focused on her career, she hadn't had much luck in her long-term relationships, and she'd gotten to an age that having her own children was incredibly unlikely. This doesn't mean my mum lost that desire for family -- it's still a part of her, and it informs who she is as a person. She's always taken care of the many cats she's had over the years as if they were her children. She made and has kept life-long friendships with people who've become like siblings to her. She even ended up becoming something like a mother figure for her ex-boyfriend's daughter from a previous marriage, while she and that boyfriend were together. And when I was conceived (pretty miraculously too!), my mum never hesitated for a moment about whether or not she wanted me. Even if my father had chosen not to stand by her and me, she would've pursued that dream of motherhood she'd thought was lost to her all the same.

THIS is what the deleted Sabino scene has that the finished film doesn't, though still in a bite-size amount. The reason the filmmakers give us for why we should care about Sabino's wish (and, one could argue, the town's wishes) is that when his wish is returned to him, it allows Sabino to connect more deeply with his granddaughter and his daughter-in-law through the music he's so passionate about.

The reason we the audience should care about Sabino's wish is the connection he makes with others.

We still don't know where that wish came from in Sabino's character or back-story, and the theme of connection through one's dreams is something that certainly could've been explored more if it had been kept...but for the first time, through this deleted scene, the filmmakers gave us a reason to care about that little magic bubble besides just telling us that they represent a heart's deepest desire and we should want everyone's wishes to come true because wishes are good. (Which honestly has a lot of problems -- the film never even bothers to explore any scenarios where wishes could truly be dangerous or morally wrong to grant, such as a wish to rule this particular kingdom or that this one person will marry you, regardless of their opinion on the matter.)

The song Sabino sings in this scene says that if a wish is powerful enough to fill your heart and make it "close to breaking," then it's one "worth making." But to tell a story worth telling and create characters worth rooting for, you need to show -- not just verbally explain -- why your audience should care.

[elly99]

And Everywhere All At Once

Part 3 of 3. Check here for more details.

In the midst of the crowds In the shapes in the clouds I don't see nobody but you Constellations of stars Murals on city walls I don't see nobody but you

Spend the summer of a lifetime with me Let me take you to the place of your dreams Tell me, do you feel the love?

A night in Seoul. The night you'd been talking about for so long. You were finally meeting again. You had so much to tell her, so much you wanted to ask, but above all, you just wanted to see her in person again. To see the way she shines in the moonlight, under the stars, like she did in Milan.

And then there it was. Her voice. Cutting through the drone of the city. As sweet as it was the first time you heard it.

"Hey!"

You turn around to see her running to you, arms outstretched. You smile the widest you'd ever smiled and run towards her, taking her into your arms, nearly lifting her up with how much you missed her.

"It's so good to see you," you say softly, tearing up. "I missed you a lot."

"I missed you, too!" she says as she pulls away. You see a sparkle in her eyes telling you she was tearing up as well. "How have you been?"

"I've been great! Been looking forward to tonight. Ever since we met actually."

She takes your hand and smiles. "Me, too."

You return the smile and ask, just like the first time, "Hey, will you go on a walk with me?"

She laughs softly before hugging you again. "I would love nothing more."

It was at a small park near her place where you'd met up. Secluded, nothing fancy, perfect for a cozy evening stroll. But really it didn't matter where you met up. All that mattered was that you did.

After the first few moments of excitement subside, a little awkwardness starts to fill the air. You can feel it in the way she holds your hand. Feel her hand subtly shifting in yours, feel her eyes darting from you to the sky to the ground.

"Oh, how have you been? Sorry, I forgot to ask. Got a little too excited seeing you again," you say, a hint of nervousness in your voice. "You've been so busy the past half year!"

"Wow, I can't believe it's been that long since we last saw each other. Six months." Her eyebrows furrow a little. "But yeah, I've been great! I mean, we've been texting a lot, so you'd know all about it."

"Yeah, I've been following all your stuff! I'm a real Bunny now, I guess. Congrats on Lollapalooza again, by the way! And on your Billboard #1! You guys are incredible."

"Aww, thanks! That means a lot! Yeah, I've been really happy with everything lately. I just feel so lucky and grateful and honored and happy and..." She looks to you and smiles. "Sorry."

"Hey, what are you sorry for?"

"I'm just getting too excited."

"It's no problem! You deserve to be excited! And happy! I know you've been working so hard. You're amazing, Hanni."

And just like that the awkwardness disappeared. She held your hand now with a certainty that wasn't there before. She looks deep into your eyes and whispers, "Thank you." She pauses, looking for something in your gaze, before continuing. "You know, I'm just really excited right now because I get to see you again. Time's flown by so fast and we've been talking almost everyday so it didn't really feel like that long since we last saw each other. But when we scheduled tonight I realized that it really has been six months. And I guess that made me realize just how much I've been missing you."

"I've missed you a lot, too. I remember we had a similar conversation when I got back after Milan. About missing people."

"Yeah, I remember that! I was really emotional that night," she says with a nostalgic smile. Then she looks up at the sky. "And here we are now, under the same stars."

"Here we are now, being stardust together."

That city in Italy was half the world away and half a year had passed since you first met but it still felt like the same night. Like just a continuation of that magical dream you shared. You remember exchanging the same knowing smiles. Knowing that there was something between you that went beyond what words could express. Being with her now felt just like it did back then. It felt right.

"Wanna sit here for a while?" you ask, pointing at a nearby bench under an old tree.

"Sounds good! Hey, tell me more about how you've been! How's uni? Is physics as cool as you were hoping?"

"Oh, yeah! It's been great! It's a lot of work but at least it's something I enjoy. How about you? What do you think you'd want to be studying?"

"Mmm, I'm really into movies these days! So probably film! I do like science, too, so maybe that could be an option as well."

"Right! I saw you asked for a ton of movie recommendations. Have you watched the new Spider-Verse, by the way?"

"Oh. My. Gosh. Yes! And I loved it. It was sooo good!"

"I know right? I think I was bawling for half the movie."

"Aww, really? Same, to be honest. What about it made you cry exactly, though?"

"I think... Just the characters resonated with me a lot. And the idea that love can be so strong that it transcends universes."

"That's a really sweet thought, actually."

She pauses to think about it and smiles. Then she wraps her arms around you, causing you to smile in return.

"What was that for?"

"I don't know. I just felt like it," she says as she pulls away from the hug. "It's just a funny thing, thinking about the multiverse. Like, how many versions of us are out there sitting on this bench right now?"

Assuming it was rhetorical, you don't reply. But you knew that if other universes did exist, there would be an infinite number of versions of you with her, everywhere, all at once. You content yourself with that thought as she continues.

"You know, this feels a lot like when we sat in front of the cathedral."

"Yeah! Though tonight feels a little more real somehow. Do you feel that, too?"

"I do. It just feels different not meeting by chance away from home. Milan really felt like a time out of time, if you know what I mean. Some kind of magic that's hard to describe."

"Yeah, I get that! But I still remember everything so clearly."

"Me, too. I'll never forget it. Meeting you that night, and honestly just talking to you since then has made me reconsider so many things."

"Same!"

"Like sonder. That's been on my mind ever since. It just makes me want to be kinder to everyone I meet. Like see that guy over there? We'll probably never see him again. Tonight's the only time our lives intersect and we'll never get to know what he's really like. But he probably has his own worries and difficulties and... knowing that... doesn't that make you just want to be a little kinder to everyone you meet?"

"Yeah, you know, often when I'm sitting in a park like this, I look at people and try really hard to imagine them as more than just a random passerby. I try to imagine what makes them happy or what difficulties they've been through. How deeply they’ve fallen in love or how much heartbreak they’ve experienced. It's like a compassion exercise."

"I like that. It's always nice sharing in other people's experiences. Sharing your life with someone." She pauses to look at you. "Thank you for sharing your time with me. I know I've said it so many times but, yeah. It makes me really happy."

"I could say the exact same thing to you," you say with a smile. "But back to the guy over there. Did you notice that he was carrying his groceries with him? It didn't seem like he was carrying a lot so there's a good chance he lives alone. And he was walking through the park. If I was carrying my groceries around I'd want to head straight home. I'm guessing he wants to be outside for a while because he has a lot on his mind."

"You're very perceptive about people! And imaginative."

"Well..."

"It's a cool skill to have!"

You smirk a little. "Sure, I'll admit it's cool. Because it got me to talk to you that night. I was sure there was something special about you. And I was right."

"I've thought about that often actually. What this year would have been like if you had never knocked on my door. I'm so glad that you did."

You pause to ponder the possibilities. What could have happened had you stayed silent. What would not have happened between you. You smile realizing how happy you were to be in a universe where you two had this connection.

"You know I was feeling really down that night. There was a lot on my mind."

She nods reassuringly. "I remember."

"One of those thoughts was... Well, I worried that I had felt everything I was ever gonna feel and experienced everything I was ever gonna experience, and from then on out I wasn't going to feel or experience anything new - just lesser repetitions of what I’d already felt. Because of how my life was at the time - moving around all the time. It just felt like a cycle."

"Yeah, I remember you said you felt like your life was just a series of snapshots. Slightly different each time but mostly repetitive. I totally understand that!"

"Exactly. But you happened. You broke that cycle. That night when I saw you I knew it was my chance to change things. To not be afraid of making new connections. To not be afraid of potential loss and just go for it. And you, Hanni..." You take her hand and pull it close to you. "You went above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. You've become my best friend since and the most important person in my life."

You see tears reappear in her eyes. "Aww, man, you're too sweet!"

"I caught myself thinking about it over and over and then I realized that I was just convincing myself that I was unlucky. That it was just the universe's fault for taking people away from me. That it was somehow my destiny. I never really thought about what I could do differently. Isn’t that interesting? Sometimes the past is just a story we tell ourselves and convince ourselves is true. But we can make the present different. And the future, too."

"Yeah, the past is a weird thing. Everyone remembers it slightly differently. And even the same person can remember it differently as time goes on. It's funny that a concrete event can evolve and change in our memories as time goes on."

"Right! Like if I think about our first night in Milan now... I don't know... I remember a lot of what we talked about but now it just feels like a warm afterglow. Like a soft light in my mind."

"That's a great way of putting it! I see that, too. Like the light of a small house in the distance."

A few minutes of silence sitting under the gentle shelter of the tree. You both get lost in your thoughts and enjoy the warmth of that afterglow. Then it hits you. Like an apple falling from a tree right onto Newton's head. You had one very important thing to ask her. But you knew you had to ease into it and asked a simpler question for the moment.

"What's your opinion on trees, Hanni?"

"Mmm, they're really pretty! And in the summer they give us shade. And apples! I love apples. So, yeah, I think they're pretty cool."

You realize that you love how excited she is about life. For the longest time you didn't feel the same, but here with her, just like in Milan, it was like you'd been born again. Like you were discovering the world for the first time.

"How about regrets? Do you have any?"

"That's a sudden change." You see her smile fade slightly and you instantly feel the urge to explain yourself.

"Sorry! I know that's a little heavy but I promise it's all connected. Ok, let me go first." You pause to find the right words. "I do have regrets. Remember how I told you that I've lost contact with so many old friends? How moving around all the time made me sad and anxious?"

"Of course I do."

"Yeah. Well, after Milan, after you," you smile and continue, "after we promised to make the most of that night, I never really stopped making the most of every day after that. You made me happy again in ways that I can't even describe. And so since then I've regretted not trying hard enough. Because relationships are not a one-way street. As much as people drifted away from me, I drifted away from them. Maybe if I tried harder to keep my connections, I wouldn't have lost so many. Maybe if I didn't give up so easily..."

She holds your hand.

"I also regret being unhappy with my life. And I know that being unhappy is normal. It's ok not to be ok. It's just I have so much, I've received so much love, I've experienced so much of the world and, though life may be difficult, I regret not appreciating everything that I have. You helped change that for me. Ever since I met you, I've appreciated every single moment of existence. I know that sounds dramatic but it's true..."

She holds on more tightly. Then responds.

"I have a regrets, too. Not big ones. But sometimes I wish I could do more for others. For our fans especially! They're all so sweet and I wish I could return all their love. So yeah, sometimes I think I could do better at many aspects of my job..."

"You? Being kinder to people? Impossible. You're already the kindest and sweetest person I know. And you being a better idol than you already are? Impossible as well."

"Thank you," she smiles gently. "You're the sweetest person I know! But yeah, sometimes I can't help but feel those things."

You pause for a moment.

"Thanks for sharing, Hanni. So the reason I'm asking all of this is because, sitting under this beautiful tree, I remembered some things I learned about trees a long time ago." You turn to look her in the eyes. "Hanni, we should be more like trees."

She smiles, almost as if she were about to laugh, before asking, "Why is that?"

"So imagine you're a tree. Imagine your regrets, your mistakes, your failures as scars on your skin, like tree carvings on the bark of a tree. Over time tree carvings don't fade or get any smaller as the tree grows, but they don't get any bigger either. So even if your scars don't fade, you as a person can grow and evolve and flourish and, in the end, make your scars a smaller part of yourself."

"I love that."

"And remember how I said I didn't want to give up so easily anymore? Well, you know what happens when trees don't give up so easily?"

"What?"

"Autumn."

"I love autumn! But what do you mean?"

"Red leaves in autumn are the trees giving their all before they succumb to the winter. The harder they fight, the more brilliant their colors become. So as trees we are the most colorful and bright when we don't give up."

Her smile grows to the point that her eyes light up. Or maybe it's the twinkle of the stars in her eyes as tears begin to form. She hugs you to hide her face.

"You're amazing, you know that?"

"So will you be a tree with me, Hanni?"

She releases you from her embrace and meets your eyes once again. "I'd love to."

With that conversation over, you knew you couldn't delay any longer.

"Speaking of trees, I'm thinking of a song right now. And I think it expresses pretty well the way I feel with you. Can I play it for you?"

"Of course!"

Look at me I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree And I feel like I'm clinging to a cloud I can't understand I get misty just holding your hand

Walk my way And a thousand violins begin to play Or it might be the sound of your hello that music I hear I get misty the moment you're near

Can't you see that you're leading me on? And it's just what I want you to do Don't you notice how hopelessly I'm lost That's why I'm following you

On my own When I wander through this wonderland alone Never knowing my right foot from my left, my hat from my glove I'm too misty and too much in love

Too misty and too much in love

And there it was. The right moment to ask her that question.

"Hanni, I gotta ask. How do you feel about... us? Cuz..." You steel yourself and take a deep breath. "I know I'm in love with you. I have been for a while now."

You look to her and see a stunned expression on her face. For obvious reasons. You feel doubt creep into your mind as to whether you made the right decision.

"Sorry, does that make me a freak? Am I crazy? I know we've only been texting and calling and this is only our second time meeting in person but I know I've never felt like this for anyone else before. And I know we have something special."

She quickly grabs your hand again and smiles at you reassuringly.

"No, no. I get it. You know I think love is... I think anybody that falls in love is a freak. It’s such a crazy, stupid, insane, but wonderful thing to do. It’s like socially acceptable insanity, isn't it?. Everybody knows it can go so wrong. You can get rejected, couples can break up. But people still confess. People still love."

"So... do you..."

She stops you before you can finish.

"But meeting you that night made me realize that we're all here only briefly. The time we have with the people we love is short, life can fly by so quickly. So in my time here, I want to allow myself joy and happiness. Even if it is crazy."

She pauses. Looks into your eyes again.

"So yeah, it's crazy, but I'm pretty sure I fell in love with you the night we met. And I've been happier than ever since."

"I..."

Seeing that you were at a loss for words, she hugs you. But with both of your confessions out on the table, her embrace felt that much warmer.

When she lets go, however, her expression betrays a hint of concern.

"But... I'm not sure if I can commit to a relationship just yet. You know how my job is..."

"Hanni, I understand completely! Don't worry," you say, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course!"

"I'm just afraid we'll change as time goes on and you won't like me anymore or we'll have different responsibilities that keep us apart. Before we even have a chance to be together."

"I get scared of change, too. You know that about me more than most at this point. But that's just it. Everyone's changing. All the time. And it's exciting to see people grow and change and share in that. You're the one who taught me that."

You take her hand again.

"And yes it's always hard to truly know someone if we're always changing. It's hard for people to even know themselves. But like you said before, it's about the attempt. And I'm not afraid of trying anymore. Because I feel safe with you."

"There's no safer place than home," she says softly.

Your heart flutters. Indeed you were home with her.

"So you'll wait for me?"

"Always. I love you, Hanni."

"I love you, too."

And there it was. Those three words exchanged between the two of you for the first time.

In a whisper she asks, "Can I kiss you?"

You can only nod shyly in response. As she slowly leans in you close your eyes. First you feel her hand gently pulling you closer. Then it's her lips on yours. Through closed eyes you see all the stars in the night sky. And every sky across the multiverse.

No matter the form of existence, you would love her. In every universe and every timeline you would have fallen for her. No matter how long it would take, you would wait for her. Because her name was in your heart. And it was Hanni.

[arcadekitten]

Hi Arcadekitten!!! I recently played ‘Sweet No Death’ and I absolutely LOVED it!!! The art was amazing, and It was like a perfect balance of cuteness and horror, and was also kinda…. Deep, in a way? Anyhow, I really enjoyed it :) and Ruuuby was my favorite <3

I have a few questions and headcanons about the game, as well! May I ask you some questions, please?

1) Does Stella like Lambchop back? Or rather… CAN she like him back? In the game it doesn’t seem that she had any sort of attraction to him whatsoever, but is the potential there? Their relationship is complicated, but it’s also really cute in a way :)

2) Where did Stella come from? We know that she arrived on a shooting star, but is there a chance that she came from the original Noisrevverse (did I spell it right? Idk) as well? If so, I have a lot of theories…

3) How did Stella obtain her god-savior complex, anyways? Was she always like this, or did some event in her past that made her this way? Also, how did she get so powerful? Stella is arguably the most powerful Noisrevian (again, did I spell it right?) by far… was she just naturally that powerful or did she have to work her way up to be?

4) Why was Lambchop the only one to gain self-awareness while the others were just… blind? I know that you said he became ‘disillusioned…’ but why was he the only one who thought “Hey, this is kinda freaky??? What the heck???” While no one else did? Is there some kind of symbolism in this, or…

5) Okay, this is technically not a question and more of an observation, but while I was playing Sweet No Death I kept drawing parallels to Venna the Witch from your other game, Crowscare. Her extreme power and controlling, manipulative nature resembling Stella’s, and her love for blood and meat resembling Lambchop’s. Also, the true ending of Sweet No Death (where Stella covers the whole town in fake blood and guts) reminds me of the Blood Moon ending in Crowscare… not to mention the whole ‘shaping the world into my own image’ thing that they both have going on… Was this intentional? If so, that’s pretty cool! :)

6) Relating to the last question, would Venna, Stella and Lambchop ever get along if they met? I personally feel that Stella and Venna would make an unlikely, but close friendship (Opposites attract, but platonicly!) trading potion recipes, talking about their plans for world domination, things like that… though Stella may have to restrain Venna from murdering her friends 😅 As for Lambchop… well, I’ll leave that up to you!

7)And finally… why DOES Lambchop still love Stella, anyways? Hmm….🤔

Thank you so much for reading my questions (even though idk if you’ll actually answer ‘em… I don’t blame you, lol. It is A LOT.) and once again, thank you for creating such an awesome game!! I look forward to playing more of your awesome games as well! :D Have a good day/night/whatever time zone you’re in rn :)

I'm so happy to hear you like it, thank you so much!! ♡ I'll try to answer these to the best of my ability!!

I'd say the potential is definitely there! She may already like him like that without even knowing it herself. I mean, look at the gifts in her room and how differently she describes Lambchop's gift from Ruuuby and Raj's. ---

I don't think she came from like any sort of "more proper Noisrev" or anything like that. She did come FROM the stars! Y'know how everyone says people are made of stardust? Well this girl is like, almost concentrated stardust, y'know? ---

Stella is naturally this powerful!! And if you have this kind of power, wouldn't you try to use it to help others? ---

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ---

Nothing intentional! Kinda just seems like natural similarities between their stories especially being the genre they are. ---

I mean, Stella might be able to get along talking about magic and whatever, but if she found out that Venna was an abusive mother I'm not sure if Stella would be able to stomach her a second longer. She already feels bad for what her friends are going through (even if she helps them after), I don't think she'd be comfortable with the idea of a child having gone through such traumatic experiences with no "out". Also I DEFINITELY wouldn't say that Stella is planning for "world domination". I think some of you villainize Stella a bit too much! Lambchop likes blood and gore. Enough said. ---

Why wouldn't he love Stella? She's a dreamboat! She's adorable! But for real, while Stella is very adorable, Lambchop loves Stella because she makes him feel alive.

[lunartearrose]

Ockiss24 day 5 - darkness!

Characters: December (left), Violet (right)

World: my original project Dreamality :) (title is a work in progress i still dont know if i like it)

Writings under cut!

Once again, Violet and December met up for magic practice. It was a bit dark out, but neither of them minded it much. They stuck to the wide open field aways from the forest, and despite no moonlight, the stars seemed brighter than ever.

Violet was pleased to see him after her long day hunting - he was having a minimal pain day by the looks of the cane that sat beside him in the flowers.

Another thing she noted - his eyes were so shiny in the dark. She stared a ways away as he picked a poppy growing nearby, twisting it to and fro as he inspected how it looked, in his own little world of thought.

She could really watch for hours!

….but she should really make her presence known so she doesn't scare him!

So she walked forward casually, wings lighting her surroundings. “Hi December, I'm back! Are you ready for a new spell?”

December perked up at her voice. “Oh! Yes! Um- should I get up? Or?”

“Nah, you don't have to!” Violet replied, “this one's gonna be fun - I'll teach you to float!”

“Oooh, do you think I can do it?” December asks.

“I'm sure you can! It just needs some sort of focus from what I heard - something touching you that helps with the floating. Plenty of witches use their clothes as the object in question to charm. I was thinkin’ your cloak would make some fine floaties! And if not, we'll try it on your cane if you want. Or whichever one first!”

“Alright! Let's try my cloak first, then…” December replied.

Violet proceeded to show him the spell, using her scarf as the focus - he repeated it with his cloak to an amazingly quick success!

But… the cloak wasn't the best idea. The way it hung on its own wasn't comfortable. With the cane, it required him holding on, and it wasn't comfortable to use like a witch broom, besides not having the best arm strength and balance.

Eventually, the two workshopped and fine tuned until they figured out that the bandages he wore worked out perfectly!

Just like that, the two were floating upwards, Violet using her wings to stay afloat. Together, they marveled at the stars and from there, simply worked on how long December could concentrate on the spell.

And being up in the air gave the two plenty of time to chat about life. Violet’s been helping out the less fortunate between her hunting for a cure for River's entrapment, while December was recently accepted into a college for higher learnings of magic. Being able to find a cure amongst that extensive library would be a plus…

And of course, as the two remember what happened to River, a sad sort of silence fell between them.

And so, December grabbed her hands gently.

“I'd be really happy if you applied, too.” December said, smiling a little. “If we can't find a cure there, maybe… I dunno. It's somethin’ to do.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Violet said. “If they accept demons, I wouldn't mind trying school for real.”

“They'd make an exception for you, I'm sure! You're really sweet.” December replied.

And once again, his past conversation with River about Violet crossed his mind. She always classifies herself as a demon, yet she doesn't look or act like one. Her picking of souls isn't whatever is in front of her. She has no horns. Her wings are without proper form, just beautiful, melting stardust.

Maybe he could figure out that mystery, too, and tell River when he's free that his theory about the kid he loved as a daughter was right all along.

“Thanks, December.” Violet says, “show me how to apply when we get home, yeah?”

“Of course!”

At this, Violet starts to get excited thinking about it, swaying their intertwined hands between them in a little mock dance.

And then, another thought that had been nagging her recently crossed her mind.

“Hey, you know what's kinda weird?” Violet asked.

“Mhm?” December hummed in reply.

“I see it happen all the time around me. You know. But I never really do it myself.”

“Do what?”

“Kiss someone.”

At this, December blushed. “O-oh.”

“Right? I kinda don't get the hype. It's like. What does it really do?”

“I… well… it feels nice, i guess?”

“You guess?”

“I-i never really kissed anyone, either.”

Now. She wasn't sure why, but Violet figured she'd ask.

“Well. Do you wanna find out the big deal?” She asked.

December looked a bit nervous, but a bit excited, too. “Um! S-sure! A-are you sure you want to try it with me?!”

“Yup. We're best friends, so I don’t think there's anybody else I'd wanna try it with.” She replied.

“Well.” December replied, pulling her a bit closer as they floated, “Alright. I agree. L-let's try!”

And with that, Violet leaned in an kissed him.

December froze stiff. He forgot to do anything at all!

Including holding his concentration on that spell.

He quickly began to fall, slipping from her fingers a quick second before she quickly dove down and scooped him up. From there, she floated back down to the ground with him in her arms.

“My bad! I kind of forgot about the spell!! No smooches while concentrating!” Violet apologized, flushed from embarrassment.

December was blushing for different reasons. “I-it's ok! I forgot too.” After a pause, he said, “I don't think I kissed you right, either… c-could I try again?”

With that, she blushed even harder. “I! Um! Yeah, if you wanna…”

Truth be told, she understood why kisses were so fun, now.

Eventually, the two of them would come to realize that they didn't focus on any other spells that night.

At all.

Whoopsie!

[fanficapologist]

I’ve recently wondered this, but how come Alys needed Aemond’s seed for her spell or magic to work? Is it similar to the concept of equivalent exchange in Alchemy? If you want to gain something you have to give up something.

I’m about to nerd out in anime so please bear with me 😬 But are you familiar with Fullmetal Alchemist?

It is said alchemists can’t just whip stuff up out of thin air - you have to provide something. For example, an episode depicted one of the protagonists (Al) fixing a broken radio using alchemy. At first glance, the radio looks good as new, not repaired - as in no nail mark, solder, etc. However, in reality, Al only “stretched” out the radio’s material to fix it.

I’m not sure if my analogy makes sense. But I think it’s similar to if you were spreading butter or jam and you missed a side/corner of the bread. Instead of getting more butter, you just “extended” spreading the butter better by taking some from spots where you initially spread it thicker to ensure all sides of the bread were coated. So you ended up with your bread all buttered but the butter layer is thinner.

I hope I made sense. But anyway, in ODAM, I think the same principle applies to Alys too. She can’t just create a spell willy nilly, it has to cost something - for some witches, casting spells took its toll on their appearance like those in Stardust, or when the mages used their magic, it taxes their energy like in The Witcher. The point is, you can’t just do magic and expect nothing will be taken from you. I expected blood like Cersei did with Maggy the Frog but is Aemond’s wish/desire too great that it required his seed? Also why should he have to lay with Alys?

Hope I don’t come across as petulant Haha I find myself thinking of possible angles so here I am 🤔

Hello my love! Look at you being all analytical, you clever thing 😏

I’ve haven’t watched anime in so long oh my god they would cause me such emotional damage 😭 (angel beats and clannad, I’m looking at you) but I haven’t seen fullmetal alchemist!

So let’s get down to answers. I’d say my reasoning comes from more of a physics route; energy cannot be created or destroyed, only changed. Something cannot come from nothing, as you’ve said (points!), but the bigger the request, the more you’ve gotta give.

A bit of Aemond’s blood to prove Maera’s virtue isn’t a huge cost as it’s only finding out information. HOWEVER, a good amount of Maera’s family members needed to be wiped out for her to have no other contenders for inheritance of Morne (more to be revealed in an Aemond POV chapter later).

What has the power to do Aemond more harm, is of greater value to him and has the ability to create life, despite him wanting to take it away? Seed 👀 I can guarantee Alys did not need to lie with him to get this spell to work (again, to be explored later) however I think Alys probably knew once she’d done her bit, it was very likely she would be cast aside. She needed some insurance for herself, and a way to get her vision to come to life.

But then again, are her visions going to be right (going back to Alice Cullen)? Watch this space 🖤

[monosminecraftmania]

Color!au [hermitcraft fantasy au]

so i got two notes on the previous post so here i go talking about this

(yes this is going out like a month late but shh i had stuff ;a;)

here's a full roster of everyone and everything. Hopefully this will turn into motivation for me to write but yeah. until then here have this

again, if anyone is interested in seeing close ups/detailed drawings of anyone just send me an ask and i will gladly draw them. pls im desperate

if we get 3 notes i'll. share pictures of the kingdoms.

(long long post. read at your own risk >:3)

Going Alphabetically

Bdubs - Astronomer of Flax - Lives at the top of the castle - Comically small. No don't ask it's a sore subject - Made himself a glittering cloak of "stardust"

Beef - Resident of Varie - Lives on the outskirts of the kingdom - Travels only for paints or supplies - Good friend of Etho's

Bigb - Cerule resident - Has a cloud frog as a familiar - All it does is make his shoulder slightly moist - Runs a cookie shop

Cleo - Naga, Resident of Uaine - Graveyard guardian - Made herself arms of enchanted scraps the dead leave behind - Her human disguise is a gigantic ballroom dress.

Cub - Dungeon engineer of Mauve - Will never share the recipe for totems of undying - Creates labyrinths and puzzle rooms with a small chance of death - Sources most materials from Scar

Doc - Cursed Archeologist of Uaine - Pissed off a moss spirit so now his skin's green - Can't breathe good - Cut off his own arm and made a new magic one

Etho - Crown Prince of Varie - Half fox, but vertically - Has a heavy limp so people speculate he carries old battle wounds - Very bad at hiding the fox bits.

False - Royal Knight of Amara - Gilded Eagle Hybrid. Eagle wings and colors but the feathers appear to be shimmering like metal - Kingdom is usually very calm so she spends most of her time hanging out with Stress and fishing - Kicks ass when she has to.

Fwhip - Fisher in Ochre - Gem's business partner and the less violent one of the two - Deals more in accounting than actual fish - Fixes boats on the side

Gem - Fishwife in Ochre - Not actually married. Married to THE GRIND. - Runs a fishing boat and market by the widest bend of the river - Can and will use this trident.

Grian - Geologist in Claret - That's some funny lookin floating rocks - Owns a mansion that's shared with several other people of science - Named one of the rocks Brian. Pronounced like Grian.

Hypno - Beekeeper in Flax - Has a little bee farm that he sells honey and candles out of - Has a little magic and mostly uses it to make his flowers bloom - Honestly just happy to be here :3

Impulse - Service Demon in Flax - Resident fiekind (trickster demon). Does favors for gold or food - Invented the farming plow for a request once - Will absolutely abuse vague requests and play as many tricks as possible

Iskall - Magic Blacksmith of Uaine - Makes magic weapons of all kinds, mostly swords - Has golems to help him with his work, mostly just handling hot metal - Charisma + 20. He will flirt with anything that breathes.

Jevin - Slime Amalgam - Hides in the topmost tower of Azure's castle. - Stole pieces of gargoyles to camouflage and has been collecting feathers for wings - Just a silly little guy, living his best life.

Jimmy - Whistler - Guardian of the Wishing Cave - A great guy until you realize he's evangelizing for a cult - Hasn't touched grass in years

Joe - Magic researcher in Viridian - Puts random mushrooms in his mouth - Purely curious and gets a pass from most forest spirits - Looking into the forces of death to write a funny book

Joel - Strength Bryd (forest spirit) in Uaine - In the common tongue it's pronounced Ogre - Covered in tattoos that may or may not be his past victims - Fell in love with a fish. How did it end up like this.

Jono - Local Bard of Amara - Half Dog musician who's found a nice spot in Amara to settle down - Shirts are for losers - Can beatbox amazingly well with sharp teeth.

Keralis - Holy Water Spirit - Currently napping in the big ball chained to the temple roof - Granted Xb his wish to safely walk on land - Kind to a fault

Lizzie - Resident of Amara - Half fish hybrid - Washed up in the marshes of Uaine after a storm once and rescued by a handsome ogre. - Has an army of cod.

Martyn - Servant of Claret - A Watcher - Ren's shadow - Really needs a hug

Mumbo - Wizard of Claret - Subject of all of the bad luck - Collects scriptures and studies the magic of his kingdom - Also hosts a great magic show for kids

Pearl - Royal Architect/Librarian of Azure - Started as a stable girl who threw a tomato at the design for the royal library. And instead of being arrested, she was hired to redesign it. - In charge of the upside down library - Her dragon is named Bikkie.

Ren - Crown Prince of Claret - Half dog and proud of it. - Twins with Jono who moved away to the neighboring kingdom - Curious to a fault

Sausage - Mauve Resident - Construction worker for the many dungeons and attractions - Works well with wood in the morning - Way too enthusiastic

Scar - Travelling Merchant - Sells all the wares! Even wares that don't exist! - Yes the cane is magic - Makes an annual trip across the country to Mauve

Scott - Azure Merchant - Collects fashion articles from all over the country - Runs a ferry business on the side - Might know something.

Skizz - Resident of Cerule - Chosen by a phim and gifted a pair of angel wings and a halo - Encourages body positivity! Because love yourself you jerks - Trusts blindly and with open arms.

Stress - Goat/Beast hybrid in Amara - Retractable fluff for an instant winter coat! - The hooves are more like paws, but she's got incredible balance - Runs a tea shop with odd but tasty blends.

Tango - Fire spirit - Holy spirit of fire who's honestly just confused why he's so popular - Kidnapped by Scar and escaped to Gem all within a week - Hides in Gem's fireplace

TFC - Blacksmith of Varie - Specializes in actual tools, not weapons - Has a side business of stone sculptures. Buy one get two small ones free - Has a familiar, but no one knows what it is

Wels - MC - Surname revoked. Formal title "Wels, Knight of the Realm" - Banished from his home and travelling to a faraway land - His horse is named Worse, but pronounced like 'horse'

XB - Resident of Azure - Book collector and moved out of Amara to pursue his love of books - Got a blessing from a water spirit so he doesn't suffocate - Learned flight magic and swims through the air

Xisuma - Vagabond - Originally from Mauve. Travels the lands at every opportunity - No one has ever seen his face - Incredibly helpful travel guide

Zedaph - Royal Engineer/Alchemist of Mauve - May have invented cocaine. And gunpowder - Designs elaborate gauntlets for the bold to test their strength - Decided two extra arms were a good idea

[sllverchariot]

Get to You (Polnareff x Reader) Chapter Seven

♡ word count - 1.4k ♡ warnings - some brief mentions of previous trauma/emotional abuse/manipulation/cheating ♡ notes - this is crossposted on ao3 under the same username as here. there are currently eight chapters written and posted over there so i'll be working on posting them here as well. this fic follows the events of stardust crusaders with some changes obviously. if you are interested in following this fic, check it out on ao3! i will be more consistent about updates over there. enjoy!!

The past several days had been an absolute whirlwind. You struggled to believe that anything in your life right now was actually real. 

You very nearly spent the night in a fake, haunted hotel in a graveyard. You shrunk yourself down Magic School Bus style to go into the old man’s brain and defeat a microscopic stand that was trying to kill him, and now you huddled around a campfire in the middle of the desert at the end of a comical battle against ‘The Sun’. 

You wondered if one day you wouldn’t just wake up to find that this whole thing had merely been a dream, it all seemed too outlandish to be real life. 

Even now as you sat cross legged in the sand, hands outstretched over the fire and surrounded by your companions, you thought it might all disappear in the blink of an eye.

You pulled your blanket a little tighter around your shoulders, and sat in silence, still not quite ready to turn in for the night despite your exhaustion. You weren’t looking forward to sleeping on the hard ground in the paper thin tents. 

For once, it was shockingly quiet. Most of your group had already called it quits and crawled into their makeshift sleeping quarters, leaving only you, Jotaro, and Polnareff. 

After a few more moments of silence, broken only by Polnareff’s occasional interjections and Jotaro’s lackluster replies, Jotaro finally stood up from his spot and brushed the sand off his pants.

“Night.” Said the teen, before retreating into his tent. You had a brief moment of consideration upon finding yourself alone with Polnareff once again. But ultimately, you decided the comfort of the fire was more important than the discomfort of the silence hanging between you.

Nothing was heard but the crackling of the fire for several minutes, both of you sat there enjoying its warmth and avoiding looking at the other.

”Do you ever wish you could go back and start over?” Polnareff said suddenly, breaking the silence and startling you in your half-asleep state. “Like, maybe if I had the chance to do it all over again, I’d be able to do it right this time.”

You stared at him for a moment, although his gaze was fixed on the flames in front of you, you could see the hurt written all over his face.

”Hmm…” You started, your barely-conscious mind struggling to find the right words. “I mean, sure. Sometimes. But would you go back with the same knowledge you have now? Or would it be a completely fresh start, just a small chance that you’d be able to do things better this time?”

You saw the gears turning in his mind as he hesitated to answer.

”I supposed I’d go back knowing everything I do now. In a perfect world. And I’d be able to prevent all these terrible things from unfolding, because I already knew how to stop it.” 

“Yeah, that makes sense. But… maybe everything that’s happened up to this point was supposed to happen, as much as it hurts. When I really think about… all the things in my life that have led me to right here and now… I don’t think I’d want anything to change. I feel like I’m supposed to be here.” You absentmindedly traced shapes in the sand beneath you. “Even though it was difficult. To get to the right here and now, I think all that pain may have been worth it. Because I got to meet all of you. Because we have a larger purpose. That maybe all of the terrible things that happened in my past were supposed to happen, because if they never did I never would’ve got here, and that makes it all worth something.” You rambled on, trying desperately to string together something that made sense. 

“But then… Why did so many have to suffer just for me? Just so I could get to where I am now?” He spoke, anger evident in his tone.

You sighed, and looked back over at him, his brows furrowed and a hurt expression painting his face.

”I don’t know.” You replied honestly, unsure if anything you said right now would’ve been much help. You rested your chin on your knees, eyelids heavy as you stared into the fire. “But we can’t change the past, and even if we could there’s no guarantee it would actually fix anything. I think you’re too hard on yourself Polnareff.” You said, and finally when you looked over at him this time, you met his eyes.

His eyes were red and glassy just like the other night at the hotel. You wondered why you always seemed to bring out this sentimentality in him. Maybe because you were the only woman in your group, or maybe because he thought you already disliked him and didn’t care if you saw him at his most vulnerable. 

Seeing his weepy gaze, you bundled up your mess of blanket and shuffled over to him, plopping yourself right down beside him and sitting criss-crossed along with him. He was surprised at your sudden action, but when you placed a warm hand on his shoulder he seemed to settle.

”I don’t know what it is about being alone with me that gets you so emotional, but I have a feeling I’m the only one who’s seen this side of you, even knowing you the shortest amount of time. Despite all of that, I can say with certainty, that all of the tragic things you’ve told me about, were absolutely not your fault. Avdol, or your sister. There’s no reason for you to go about life blaming yourself for something you had no control over, or any way to prevent. The only people at fault for the loss of those lives were the people who took them.” You pulled the Frenchman into a side hug, which was especially awkward given the height he had on you.

”Even Avdol, who lost his life trying to save you. You think that it was your fault. And sure, maybe if you hadn’t been so hard-headed things would’ve gone differently, but it was Avdol’s choice to go out there and fight for you, and I’ll bet he would’ve done it all over again even if he knew what was going to happen. You can’t spend the rest of your life beating yourself up and being miserable about something you can’t change. All you can do is move forward, and be strong, and become the person Avdol and Sherry would’ve wanted to see you grow into.”

You released him from your grip, and cocked your head to look up at him, only to find that he was already staring down at you, his expression much softer now. 

The two of you froze like that for a moment, knees pressed together and eyes locked on each other. Your heartbeat quickened as you realized the sudden closeness between the two of you, and you looked away, face flushed.

”Thank you, (Y/n).” He spoke softly, breaking the tension that had been building between you. “It’s funny. Even though you’ve made it so clear how you feel about me, I only seem to feel comfortable talking about any of this with you. Something about you just makes me want to spill my heart.”

You laughed and shook your head. “You’re truly a strange one, Polnareff. I just can’t get a read on you. You’re so… Odd.” 

He whipped his head to look at you, shock and offense plastered on his face. “What! What do you mean odd?!” He exclaimed, and you were quick to shush him, stifling a laugh.

”Not in a bad way! You’re just… different, I guess. You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met before. Like… when I first met you, I couldn’t stand you. But then you started to grow on me, and then you’d do something to piss me off again. Your personality seems to change at the drop of a hat, and sometimes I can’t tell which is the real you.” You let out a small laugh, shaking your head. “I think it’s this one though. This is the real you, and I know that I like this one.”

You bundled up your blankets once again, and stood up, looking down at the Frenchman. “I think it’s time I turn in for the night, I’m becoming delusional from lack of sleep.” 

He looked up at you, differently this time. A soft, innocent look, and you smiled.

”Goodnight, Polnareff.” You whispered.

”G-Goodnight, (Y/n).” He replied, and with that you turned away, crawling into your flimsy little tent, with the feeling in your stomach enough to keep you warm through the night. 

[raineadey]

ooooooo you want to tell me abt uour oc sooo bad /nf

WAHJ TAHNK U THANK YOU OKAY SO. wow this is long. i divided this into three parts: backstory, main story ( crk episode 16 stuff ), and parfaedia ( what happens after the story, which actually has more in store but ill elaborate on that in another post )

BACKSTORY

once upon a time, blueberry pie cookie was looking through the wizards journals, until she came across the journal filled with the wizards trials and errors in creating moonlight cookie. it was her favorite book, the one that she read most often by the small moonlit corner.

having gone this far in her duties, blueberry pie thought a bit of company wouldnt hurt.

curiosity winning over herself, she uses the journal as a recipe book to bake her own cookie. thus, bo-berry cookie was born in the image of moonlight cookie (obviously nowhere as powerful though. shes just a cookie thats baked using the wizards recipe)

bo-berry cookie grew up between the high, never-ending bookshelves in the archives, reading anything that caught her interest to pass the time. she was like her mother in some ways — curious and hungry for knowledge.

but the library wasnt enough for her. she wanted to explore the city. though each time she asked her mother, "can i go play outside?" she would always say no.

"we have a promise to keep, a duty to uphold. there is nothing left for you in the city, bo-berry cookie."

(she also mentions those stars roaming the streets. shed turn to crumbs if any of them caught her)

ever since then, bo-berry practiced illusion magic behind her mothers back, attempting to make herself go undetected or even invisible. one day, her hard work and practice came to fruition, and she escaped the archives without her mother knowing — only to find that the city is completely empty of cookies.

she decided it was better than the archives, though. she explores the empty abandoned buildings, scavenging for any interesting magical artefacts to play with. its technically not stealing if the owner left it behind, right?

shes lonely. no one else to talk to or play with. her mother was right, this city has nothing for her. but perhaps somewhere out there..

MAIN STORY

she joins the main trio and saves them from the biggest golden star from the graveyard while invisible and undetected.

gingerbrave: that wasnt easy at ALL. huh, why do i feel like were being watched?

and as he said that, wizard cookies hat was floating in the air, followed by an air of laughter before revealing herself to her. she hasnt met anyone to interact with for a good while, so she got a liiittle excited.

her mood quickly turned sour when gingerbrave explains that theyre headed to the archives. but ahe agrees to show them the way. she told herself she wasnt going to go in, but once she sees the book worms attacking them, she groans ("i cant let you cookies pathetically crumble here on your mission 🙄") and helps them through to the library.

she knows whats coming. its inevitable that shes going to face her mom again. ( scene in this short video its like 14 secs )

once gingerbrave and co are done with what they came here for, she was about to leave with them when blueberry pie stopped her.

bbp: now, where do you think youre going? are you not staying here?

bb: mother, i cant stay here

bbp: are you leaving?

bb: [ a bit guilty ] i have to help my friends save the city

bbp: i see. [ just as bo-berry was about to leave again, ] bo-berry?

bb: [ stops ]

bbp: when i baked you, i should have known i couldn't keep you within these same walls ive been kept in my whole life. your curios soul knows no bounds, therefore i can not stop you from pursuing your life. [ quiet for a moment ] i love you, my child. i apologise for everything.

bo-berry merely gives her a smile and joins her friends outside.

another thing worth mentioning in this part is when stardust cookie destroyed the city of wizards. everyone was confused bc everything happened so fast, but upon mention of her mother still stuck in the archives, bo-berry immediately hopped on her staff and flew smartly between the falling stars to find her mother.

PARFAEDIA

after the events in the city of wizards episode, blueberry pie decided to let her daughter go. she cant keep her here for much longer, not when her place is out there in the world. so she sends her to parfaedia institute, where she can learn and grow as a magic enthusiast and a young cookie with other students her age.

she soon became friends with cream puff cookie and coffee bean cookie ( @deliberatingwthecookiecouncil's oc ! ). cream puff is an anxiety train, coffee bean is a sarcastic nerd, and bo-berry is a silly little menace. theyre perfect for each other.

such a strong desire for knowledge leads to bo-berry feeling like the structured education she receives in the institute is not enough. she craves for more magic in this world.

thus, she goes out of her dormitory at most nights to explore the magic city, knowing theres way more to this place. she uses her illusion magic to sneak in to houses, rummaging through their treasury for anything of use to her.

this soon becomes a thing she does at night, and more cookies seem to be aware of this mysterious thief. the m.e.h. department is also having trouble identifying the thief responsible for the disturbance. though, one cookie finally caught her in the act.

"hold on, you're not phantom bleu! but, no matter. i, detective walnut cookie, have caught you in the act, thief!"

[the-void-writes]

Paint me.

Have fun! ✨

Thank you once again Circa! 💖 I know you really like Gazali and his star magic, and that seemed like the perfect fit for this prompt, so I hope you enjoy this one!

Our Side Of Paradise - King of the Stars

The King of Paradise was a skilled artist, and it was no secret. Watching him paint was better than any show on earth, and not just because of his magic. His amber eyes sparkled as they looked across his canvas, planning each stroke and fill like a florist arranging their next bouquet. Sometimes, if he was fully engrossed in his work, the starry tattoos that covered his back and arms would glow with such radiance that it put the Celestials themselves to shame. His paintings were extraordinary, but his smile was the greatest masterpiece of them all.

Today, Gazali had decided that a regular canvas wasn’t enough to fully capture the essence of his beloved husband. A model such as him deserved only the best, he had said. So, he took Frank up to their cosmic hideaway above the palace, sat him down on a bench among the clouds, and began his work. Frank could only watch in awe as the stars spun around over his head, rearranging and blending into each other to create the profile of a human head.

“No,” he whispered in disbelief.

“Oh yes,” Gazali said with a cheerful lilt in his rich voice. “I can think of nothing better for you.”

“Gaz— You’re insane.”

“For wanting the whole kingdom to see its dear new ruler? I don’t see any insanity in that.”

Frank pointed under his glasses. “You want everyone in town to look up and see these eye bags before they go to bed?”

“My dear, are you doubting your own beauty again? Do I have to go over and prove it to you?”

His eyes held a playful glint, one that always gave Frank butterflies.

“You’ll get distracted from your painting, won’t you?”

Gazali chuckled. “Does that mean I have your permission?”

“Well— That’s a— I mean, it’s—”

“Please, dear, look at me. I will not do it unless you’re okay with it, I swear. I can always paint something else.”

He was always so understanding and considerate, two of the reasons Frank had fallen for him in the first place. There was never any pressure to do anything for his king. Still, Frank had to admit, he loved having Gazali’s attention, even if he wasn’t used to such grand gestures of love.

“You can paint me,” Frank said. “I’m curious to see how you do it.”

The king smiled brightly. “I’d be happy to show you, my dear.”

He lifted his large, ring-covered hands, and drew a line in the air. A star shot across the bottom of the empty face, creating a starting pair of lips. Gazali looked between Frank and the sky, using his invisible brush to guide the stars to his whim. An ear on one side, then a nose, a pair of eyes, until Frank started to see a complete person in this new constellation. He only recognized himself in the portrait from his glasses, and the shape of his hair. The rest looked far too beautiful, too perfect, to have come from him.

“Gaz…” His words slipped away from him.

“It’s strange, is it not? To see yourself from someone else’s eyes. I can only imagine how I look in yours.”

“I’m just a doctor. I could never draw you as beautifully as how I see you.”

Frank considered it a personal victory to make Gazali smile so timidly. The king stared at the arrangement of stars, admiring each and every shape. Then, with the flick of his wrist, the colors of the cosmos began to filter in, filling the lines with brilliant shades of red, brown, and purple. It was a living painting, with Frank dancing across the stars in his royal attire. For once, looking at himself, he saw a king.

Even after the stardust settled in place, Frank couldn’t speak. Gazali walked over and knelt to the ground in front of him. His warm hands closed around Frank’s own.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

Frank finally pried his eyes from the sky to look at his husband. Condensation had built up around his glasses, likely from the tears running down his cheeks. Gently, he wrapped his arms around Gazali’s neck and pulled him close to his chest.

“I love you so much,” he whispered. “You amazing, talented, unbelievably kind man.”

Gazali grinned and leaned up to kiss him. His thick beard brushed against Frank’s skin as he continued to kiss up and down his face and neck, making the young doctor fall back against the bench. Gazali spoke breathlessly between kisses.

“I think— the next one should have you— in your favorite accessories.” He smiled coyly. “All tied up in stars.”

Frank shook his head, feeling his cheeks grow warm. “I won’t even let you draw that on paper.”

The king laughed, a beautiful sound that shook across the pavilion. Then, he pulled Frank closer and lowered his voice.

“Very well. I’ll keep that beautiful sight to myself.”

“Gaz—” Frank chuckled. “You’re gonna make it very hard to sleep tonight, aren’t you?”

“That depends on you, Cisco.”

He could have crumbled to pieces right then and there, hearing the nickname reserved only for his king to use. Sleep was overrated anyway, Frank decided as he held his arms out.

“I’m all yours, your majesty.”

Gazali gently kissed both of his wrists. “As I am yours, my dearest king.”

[mysticstarlightduck]

🌑 New moon and ☄️ comet for the space ask game :)

Thank you for the Ask, @scribbling-stardust!

🌑 New moon - Who is your most mysterious character? Are they different from what people assume?

In my main WIP - The Last Wrath - I do have quite a few characters that could easily be described as mysterious - in different ways. I'll mention some of them to answer this Ask.

Lord Nethen Fahris -

Nethen is a young political manipulator. Born to a crooked noble family in the Morosyn Empire, Nethen vowed that he would use his influence to change things for the better - and bring down both his family's own corruption and the cruel Emperor Aerich himself. To do this, Nethen must become someone unreadable, in order to fool his enemies that he is on their side - as in, he needs to convince the villains that he works for them when deep down he is on the side of the protagonists. He does this so well that even those who get closest to him aren't able to uncover much about him, and it is nearly impossible to tell his true motives. He uses his mystery to his advantage and does it well.

Are they different from what people assume?

In many ways. Since no one knows much about him, most people's assumptions about him, his personality, and his goals are vastly incorrect. While he does use this to his advantage most times, it often does cause confusion between him and those he is truly trying to help. Deep down beneath his ruthless, calculated, and flirty facade, he is actually someone who cares deeply about others and has a very strong moral compass of what is right or wrong. He is manipulative, but only towards his even more manipulative enemies and the political system he lives in - he would never do it to cause harm to someone innocent.

Tanwin Lyrandeth -

Tanwin is one of the deadliest and most ruthless warriors currently alive. Having a cold and oftentimes skeptical personality, Tanwin is not someone you'd want to cross. Forced to become a weapon of war (as in, experimented on to become the perfect soldier) by his enemies, Tanwin keeps his emotion so in check that he rarely feels them anymore. When meeting him, his cold exterior and harsh personality make it impossible to truly know what he is thinking underneath all that turmoil. At the same time this young elf could kill someone without batting an eye, he would just as easily spare someone else. Even to those he was once close to, Tanwin has become a total mystery.

Are they different from what people assume?

Yes and no. While he is a deadly and very dangerous soldier, and that's very clear to see, there's more to him than what his harsh personality and cold exterior make it seem. He is very emotionally withdrawn, but deep down, he just wants to be understood and feel safe for once, something he was deprived of a long time ago. He cares a lot about the very specific set of people he trusts, and though he is really bad at showing it, he would do anything for the safety of his friends. Tanwin - despite having done very bad things - just wants to be seen as a person again, not just a weapon.

Yuna Thyren -

Yuna is a young freedom fighter, fighting on the side of the Agrannorian rebellion against the invading forces of both the Secret Court and the Morosyn Empire. Her past is a secret only she knows, and she has vowed that it will stay that way - not even her closest friends know about it. Yuna rarely lets her true colors and feelings show to those outside her inner circle of friends, even though she is far more open to those people, there still are secrets they do not know about her. Her mystical nature towards the natural sources of magic around them - as well as towards magical beasts - makes her even more of a curious character to those around her. Though she is a very blunt person who will always say what she thinks at any given moment, the mysteries surrounding her past are not something others would ever know.

Are they different from what people assume?

In some ways, yes. Yuna is indeed a very mystical and magically connected person, who will say things as she sees them and is not afraid of a good fight, but that's about it when it comes to how people see her. Beneath her sharp and aggressive exterior, she is much more perceptive and spiritually aware than anyone would ever realize about her. Though she is not the most delicate person in her outward behaviors, she does have a very nuanced worldview.

Quinn Aurellen -

Quinn is a captive courtesan (an entertainer of that kind) to the high-standing nobility of the Morosyn Empire's social circles. A prisoner of war, Quinn learned very early on during his stay in the Imperial Capital, that words have value - and what you let people know about you gives them the power to have control over your life. Quinn rapidly learned to adapt to his surroundings and never let people know what he is truly feeling. What they do not know, they cannot use against him. Conversely, he also made sure to know every little secret, scheme, and intrigue going on in the noble circles he found himself around, and knowing all of that information gives him power, even if he does not have freedom. No one knows more about the imperial court than he does, and Quinn has made sure that it stays that way. People usually don't pay much mind to the things they say around or to a courtesan, thinking that he is not a threat to their schemes, and that's precisely where they go wrong. Quinn also has an elusive, jaded personality (when it comes to talking to others), often using his words and wit to test new acquaintances and get to know their motives, something that little to no people can do to him (as in, he is difficult to read).

Are they different from what people assume?

Absolutely. Completely and utterly different. You see, the thing is, most of what people know Quinn for is just the persona he creates for the world, a person he can be in order to survive his hostile environment, a myth he has created for himself and himself alone. People only see this mysterious, jaded, and attractive persona he has built, not the true man behind his carefully calculated mask. Everything he says is a part of the (political and personal) theater in which he plays his part. In reality, Quinn is completely different than what his reputation would imply. He is a sweet, caring, and funny young man who loves arts and who will do anything to keep his family and friends safe, a young adult who loves wholeheartedly - and far more than he should - and who makes sarcastic jokes. His jaded persona has nothing to do with the true Quinn.

☄️ Comet - Who is your most self-destructive character? Why are they like that?

I have three of this kind! And they are self-destructive in very different ways. Namely, the characters are Ansell Kallik (the bodyguard and knight of lost princess Ellinor), Fabian Anynth (Luciya's older half-brother), and Vallerius Zyndrosar (Raelen Ashiren's love interest and best friend).

Ansell Kallik -

Ansell has a very dangerous mix of low self-esteem issues, and lack of self-preservation instincts, mixed with undying devotion and selflessness. As the bodyguard and most trusted knight of Princess Ellinor and a member of the Gilded Vipers, Ansell believes that it is his duty to ensure everyone around him is protected and safe, many times doing so at the cost of his own well-being. He pushes himself too far in his pursuit of doing his duty as a protector, deliberately putting himself in harm's way to keep his friends safe. Ansell believes that his calling is to protect and care for others, but he does so at the expense of his safety and health. Even as his friends try to urge him to be less reckless with his life, Ansell struggles with this aspect of his nature.

Vallerius Zyndrosar -

Vallerius struggles with strong feelings of self-loathing, stemming from a traumatic event in his past. He despises his magical affinity, as being the son of a Fallen One (mages born with the natural power of dark magic) it means that he has figments of dark magic in his blood and therefore - in his view - his powers are inherently corrupted and dangerous. Because of this, he often thinks that the bad things that happen around him and to the people he cares about are somehow his fault, or more specifically the fault of his powers. He does whatever it takes to prove to himself and the world that he is more than his perceived "bad blood", and often risks harming himself by keeping his powers suppressed for longer than it is safe.

Fabian Anynth -

In order to gain the respect and power he needed, as well as in a bargain to keep his sister alive, Fabian accepted to become a Radiant Hunter, something he had always despised in the past and which made him now a traitor to his own kind and race. Fabian destroyed his past self, the boy that wanted a brighter future, in the name of power and influence to do what he needed to do to not only finally be treated by others as an equal, but to ensure his little sister did not follow the same crooked path he did. There came a time in his life when he was forced to choose between following his ideals and doing whatever it takes, and he chose the latter. He chooses to become a monster because that's the only path he could take to ensure those he loved did not take the same road. Fabian knows there's no turning back, but now, if he is going to fall, he will take the Morosyn Empire with him, so that no one else has to make the choice he did.

[kiaranovastar]

Moonchild script

Once upon a time, there was a young girl on the moon.

She would sprinkle stardust on anyone that was suffering and ease their pain.

She shone over everyone at night time and healed them with the moon's healing powers.

The moon grew large, then small, and then large again.

It was the light in darkness.

Popa: Right now it's a crescent moon.

I like it when its crescent. It's easy to lie down on.

Radio: Its fishing season! Today is forecast for a big catch.

Popa: No way! I should head to the lake immediately!

In the background are sun and moon creatures running around while Popa is fishing

Huh?

It's a big one!

Catches a huge golden fish

Huh?

Something sprinkles from the fish's mouth

Fish lands on grass

A music box lands in Popas hands

What's this?

Opens

(In a singing voice) Go to the prison tower

The prison tower?

Note: The prison tower is a confinement centre for galactic criminals. It holds both minor and serious criminals.

Moon bird (Moony)

Singing a song while looking at the shine from Earth

Oh, what a beautiful light

Why must I have to fight

Perhaps I will find my salvation

Today

My name is Popa by the way.

Popa, can you get the keys to the cells here?

Hmm, I know the prison guard personally.

Then watch me work my magic.

Ah, Popa.

Wesley?

I just wanted to ask about-

Music box shines

Ah, the keys. Sure, I'll give them to you.

Huh?

I have mind controlling powers.

Walking up steps

Yes, go this way.

Ah!

Music box starts singing

Finds Moony

Music box!

Etshosidye

They hug

Popa: Huh? Is that your name?

Yes. It is. I know it is incomprehensible in your tongue.

Then... why don't I call you Moony!

Moony, huh? Fine, I like it!

Are you a boy or a girl?

Hmmhmmhmm! What do you think?

A boy? A girl? I'm an adult you know!

Hehe he... sorry.

It's fine, it's fine!

Thank you for saving me. What can I possibly do to repay you.

Music box opens

Gasp!

You are the one that can open the music box!

Me? What do you mean?

Who are you anyway?

Me... I am...

Once upon a time, there was a moon bird.

I have spent so long flying around the universe, looking for someone to tell my story to... I think I have found the one.

It was the end of the planet... The sun turned into a red dwarf and burned up my planet. In desperation I fled to the farthest reaches of the universe, in search of the right person to deliver the music box to.

Because the music box can only be opened by the person with the right aura. I thought I would never find them.

The music box, when it is opened and sings, can restore life to a planet. The owner can make it sing. That is why I need it.

You must return the sacred music box to its rightful owner.

Hmm ok, that's very interesting. This all sounds crazy to me. But if you need my help... I'll do it.

Popa!

Popa, oh Popa! How can I thank you?

Hehe. Don't worry about it.

You can buy a space board to fly across the stars. I didn't need one because I can fly.

Buys it

Are you sure you want to come with us?

Yes! It's an adventure!

Ok.

Wow, I didn't know there were this many stars!

Nnnng! (Moony trying to hold on)

Look, theres some kind of a wall in the way.

Inspects it

No matter how far up, down, left or right we go, we can't seem to get past it. What do we do?

Why don't we try going through it?

Woah!

They enter another dimension.

A barren wasteland.

We came from the sky. How do we get out now?

Hunter gatherer long people.

They are carrying an animals dead carcass.

Hmm!

Strange people!

Who are you?

I'm Popa. And this is Moony. Where are we?

We are flubos. This is Flubo land.

Where can we find more people?

Go to city. Over there. They help you.

Thank you. Bows

A magical city of flubos.

Wow, this place is nice!

What do you wanna do?

Buy icecream!

Looks at all the foreign flavours

Wow! I don't even know what these flavours are!

Licking ice-cream

Huh?

A glimmer of light

Let's follow it!

Please, give me back my teddy!

A child moon bird pleading to a flubo

Hey! Give it back!

Music box controls the flubo

Yes. I will give it back

Phew. You saved me!

No problem.

You don't look like you're from here either. Where did you come from?

I'm Popa. I'm Moony. I'm from Earth. I'm from Croxa.

Nice to meet you Popa and Moony. I'm Lecca. Let me show you around.

I was adopted by two very nice flubos. I don't know how I got here. I think my parents must be dead.

But to meet another moon bird here. That's rare.

What is this world.

This is a mysterious dimension. It goes on endlessly. But the only place with civilisation is this city.

Wow... The savages must be lonely.

Yes. They are very lonely...

Say...

Theres really something strange about this place. Sometimes, at the corner of my eye... I see... Nothing.

This is where the government is. If you want to find out how to get out, ask them.

Thanks Lecca!

They go to the government office

Hello. Is this the president Flubo?

Yes, it is. What do you want, my dears?

Hmm. It seems that you are not of this dimension.

We came from the sky. We want to get to the other side of this wall.

I see.

Hmmhmmhmm. Why don't we have some tea while we talk?

Popa pours tea into her mouth, but she doesn't taste it.

Huh?

I didn't taste it at all.

You know... I just love it when some lost children come looking for help. I love helping children. Hahaha.

Somethings wrong!

What kind of a journey did you go on? What did you see? Hahaha. Very interesting.

Popa, I didn't taste the tea either!

I heard that.

!

Suddenly it gets dark.

Hmmhmmhmm. We are not real. We are illusions. You are trapped here for the rest of eternity.

What?!

It goes black and they can't see anything around them.

Time has stopped.

You are here for an eternity.

Popa! Moony!

Lecca!

Everyone disappeared! What happened?

The flubos are illusion creatures. We don't really exist. This whole dimension doesn't exist.

How do we get out?

It's no use. You can't.

I... think I have something.

Takes out another music box.

I found it in an alley one time. It spoke to me. It said it can work miracles, but it will be destroyed after use.

Another music box!

Let's try it!

It sings. The dimension disappears and they are back in space.

Wow...

Lecca, that was amazing!

Come with us. We're delivering Moonys music box to the rightful owner. I know who it is.

Ah... Sleep time.

Look.

They see moving stars.

We are close. That is the star dancer. The rightful owner of the music box.

Star dance performance

Madame Star Dancer is performing with other dancers

The star dancer finishes dancing.

Madam, we have a letter for you.

Dear Madam Star Dancer

We are pleased to inform you that the sacred music box you have wished for is finally coming. It is being carried by travellers.

In the past, when the dancer was still small

Dancing

Oh music box, what could I do without you? You bring such joy to my life.

Cecca, my dear, I just love watching you dance. Please, dance away.

And she dances the night away.

She gets called by her parents. She lives in the palace as a dancer.

Cecca, there is something we must tell you. The circumstances of our planet... They are not looking good. Our planet is about to be taken over by evil aliens. We must evacuate.

But as they are evacuating, the music box gets locked so that it couldn't open, and stolen.

They are saved by another alien species, but it is too late.

The music box is gone.

And that was when she became appointed as the star dancer.

The gang arrive.

Ah, what a long ride!

Face looking relieved

My friends. You've arrived.

Madame Star Dancer. I bring you... The music box.

My music box! I'm delighted! It's been so long! How have you been? Teary eyed

Cecca! I missed you!

Before they return the music box the dimension breaks

You fools, you think you can get out of this one?

I am the Godess of another dimension!

Lost in nothingness with strange colors swirling around, they call for each other.

Popa, it's me! Smiles

Moony!

I have an idea.

Moon child ends up offering up a piece of her heart to the god of that dimension to get back to their own

A gust breaks out in the whole universe

If I offer a piece of my heart

Ends with Popa and bird sitting on Popa's moon with part of Popa's image missing on her top

Popa and Moony do a dance with the dancers