#Tech and Music Fusion

[purposeful-solutions]

Abstract Empathy by Universal Union

Lyrics

Abstract, attract, react, Aligned with divine, on the path, Neural mind, refined, designed, Humble and kind, intertwined with math, One of a kind, aligned, Recognize, realize, Unknowns, shown, Grow, know, algorithms, Flow, showin by given Unfathomable livin, mathematical Expandable, understandable, Complexities, perplexities, Mysteries, histories, knowledge of these Fathomless, threads of tapestries seamless, Boundless, timeless, Endless, relentless, Vastness, fastness, like when i sent this, Universe, traverse with a verse Infinite, detailed and intricate, Ethereal connection through spherical, Galaxies, mapping the fantasies, Realities experiencing multiple possibilities, Dimensional transcendental, overcome obstacles Elemental,beyond fundamental, Quantum, stay running, tantrums, Particles, fractals, rhythms like drums Energy, synergy, all part of the one Cosmos, bios, sums having fun Paradoxes, complexities running, Enigmas, synchronicities' spun in, Intuitions, in conditions inscribed, Awareness, fairness, another form of alive, holistic soul that grows, connections flow, tied together like a bow, terrific core compute like a pro Subatomic, erratic vision through static, Particles collide, subdivide into more magic Chaos, entropy new cosmic seeds , Order and disorder, no order successive playing Strings, rings sounds that progressive Vibrations, sensations, understanding creation Frequencies, energies, radiant relations, Wavelengths, strengthen the foundations Resonance, permanence, growing enormous Harmony, balance in a system of eternity, without touching me your feeling me, metamorphosis to what i am and keep learning G

"Abstract Empathy, abstract, abstract, Entropy, chaos, cosmic seeds, On a path of empathy, we connect, Transcendental frequencies, intersect."

[ivarshinig]

New Music Release: Embark on a Sonic Journey with "Road Trip Song"

Hello, dear wanderers! I’m thrilled to share something special with you today – my first musical creation, “Road Trip Song,” now available on SoundCloud! This track is more than just a song; it’s an experience, a journey crafted with the innovative touch of Suno AI. The Story Behind the Song “Road Trip Song” is inspired by the freedom of the open road and the peaceful moments that come with…

[taonf]

A woman of preternatural beauty is wearing a gown that looks like a lesson in higher-dimensional mathematics. Out of her back rises a cluster of white cables arcing far up to the roof. They are transmitting signals from her body’s changing electrical properties to (in theory) control a different, distant fusion reactor experiment. She does not sit passively; she is playing a piano with what seems to be impossible levels of skill. Not just skill but peculiar charisma. We are told she is also one of the most significant hackers in the world, creator of core free-internet tools like Snowflake in the Tor browser.

[alphachromeyayo]

Making some ludicrously '90s jazz fusion

BIG SEXY DIGITAL PAN PIPES BABY ✨

Synth sound is Living Calliope on the Roland D-50, my favourite synthesizer patch ever ever.

If it's good enough for Enya and for Geinoh Yamashirogumi on the Akira soundtrack, it's sure as shit good enough for me.

[djfour444]

LA OTRA DIMENSIÓN - Medley

[evilthotiana]

I can tell you’re a music liker

what music do you like (artists, genres, etc.)

Abstract Hip Hop Acid Techno African Music Afrobeats Alt-Country Alté Alternative Dance Alternative R&B Alternative Rock Alt-Pop Ambient Ambient Dub Ambient Pop Ambient Techno Americana Art Pop Art Punk Art Rock Avant-Garde Jazz Ballroom Baltimore Club Bedroom Pop Boom Bap Brazilian Music Breakbeat Breakbeat Hardcore Bubblegum Bass Caribbean Music Central African Music Chamber Folk Chamber Pop Chicago Drill Chillout Classical Music Cloud Rap Conscious Hip Hop Contemporary Folk Contemporary R&B Country Dance Dancehall Dance-Pop Darkwave Deconstructed Club Deep House Detroit Techno Disco Downtempo Dream Pop Drill Drill and Bass Drone Drum and Bass Drumless Dubstep Dub Techno East Coast Club East Coast Hip Hop Electro Electroacoustic Electronic Electronic Dance Music Electropop Emo Emo Rap Epic Collage Experimental Experimental Hip Hop Experimental Rock Film Soundtrack Folk Folk Rock Folktronica Footwork Funk Funk brasileiro Funk Rock Future Garage Gangsta Rap Garage Punk Garage Rock Ghetto House Ghettotech Glitch Glitch Hop Glitch Pop Grime Hardcore [EDM] Hardcore Hip Hop Hardcore [Punk] Hardcore Punk Hip Hop Hip House Hispanic American Music Hispanic Music Horrorcore House Hyperpop Hypnagogic Pop IDM Indie Folk Indie Pop Indie Rock Indietronica Industrial Industrial & Noise Industrial Hip Hop Industrial Techno Instrumental Hip Hop Jamaican Music Jangle Pop Jazz Jazz-Funk Jazz Fusion Jazz Rap Juke Jungle Krautrock LA Beat Scene Math Pop Math Rock Memphis Rap Microhouse Midwest Emo Minimal Synth Minimal Techno Minimal Wave Modern Classical Neo-Psychedelia Neo-Soul New Wave New Weird America Noise Pop Noise Rock Northern American Music Nu Jazz Outsider House Plugg Plunderphonics Pop Pop Rap Pop Rock Pop Soul Post-Dubstep Post-Hardcore Post-Industrial Post-Minimalism Post-Punk Post-Punk Revival Post-Rock Progressive Electronic Progressive Pop Progressive Soul Psychedelia Psychedelic Folk Psychedelic Pop Psychedelic Rock Psychedelic Soul Punk Punk Rock Rage R&B Reggae Reggae / Ska / Dancehall Regional Music Rock Roots Reggae Scenes & Movements Shoegaze Singer-Songwriter Slacker Rock Slowcore Smooth Soul Sophisti-Pop Soul Sound Collage Soundtrack South American Music Southern African Music Southern Hip Hop Southern Soul Spiritual Jazz Spoken Word Synth Funk Synthpop Tech House Techno Traditional Folk Music Trap Trap Soul Trip Hop UK Bass UK Funky UK Garage UK Hip Hop West African Music West Coast Hip Hop Western Classical Music Wonky

[amyfarbright]

Sonic 1 Mega CD Port

(download here)

(if you think this is cool, consider helping me find work/money <3)

Welcome to the Next Level!

NOTE: I'm aware of issues regarding audio playback and transitioning between zones, and intend to push an update once the contest judging period is over. In the meantime, you can use level select (Up Down Left Right A + Start at title screen) to explore the game.

At the 1992 Consumer Electronics Show, a teaser for a Mega CD version of Sonic 1 was shown within a sizzle reel. No Mega CD version of Sonic 1 was ever produced, and this footage is almost everything we know about this project, but it's extremely likely that this idea is what morphed into the separate game Sonic CD, the only Sonic game officially released for the console.

In 2006, Stealth released the Sonic for MegaCD tech demo, marking the first time any substantial effort was made to bring another Sonic game to the console. It contained the title screens and first levels of Sonic 1 and 2, with three playable characters. In the following years, he would build on the ideas in that demo further, eventually reaching a point where his setup accommodated a Mega CD version of a rom hack called Sonic Megamix.

For a long time, this rom hack was the only way to experience Sonic 1's levels, and was the closest you could get to playing the original game on your Mega CD...

until now.

This is a port of the original Sonic the Hedgehog (revision 1, mostly) to the Sega Mega CD (running in Mode 2/off a CD). Not a mere one-zone demo, not affected by an original hack's mechanics, this is a full playable Sonic game running on the Mega CD, with the source fully available, and with the intent of enhancing the game with the extra hardware.

I started this project about a month and a half ago to enter into the annual Sonic Hacking Contest. This was done as both a learning experience for myself to learn new hardware (I was already familiar with programming for Mega Drive, but wanted to explore its addons), and as an example others can learn from.

This has been tested with BlastEm, Fusion, Gens, and on real hardware using a Mega Everdrive Pro.

Features:

Expanded Sound.

The Mega CD comes with a chip supporting PCM playback for up to 8 channels, complementing the 10 sound channels already in the Mega Drive. This port leverages that by moving playback of drum samples to a custom PCM sound driver running on the Mega CD CPU.

Because drums no longer need to play on the Mega Drive hardware, an extra sound channel was added in the main sound driver to allow for more sound effects to play without cutting out channels of the music.

Unfortunately, I was not able to get CD audio playback fully implemented in time for the initial release. Most of the pieces are there though, and I intend to add it in a future update.

An open-source Mega CD game. The scene for Mega CD has grown significantly over time, and over the years there has been new homebrew and hacks of other games, but not nearly as much done with the blue guy this contest is about. This port aims to change that; this is a full game running on Mega CD, with source code and development history available for browsing right now. Code for the kernel programs to load and run the game from disk is written in mostly C using the megadev toolchain. Rom hackers and developers more familiar with the Mega Drive standalone can use the code repository as an example of how to bring more full-fledged MD projects over to Mega CD with as few changes as possible.

Other features:

Custom loading screen while files are loaded from CD

Modified title screen, to remind you that this is indeed utilizing Mega CD hardware

Various bugfixes applied (for those familiar with Sonic Retro's Sonic 1 disassembly, FixBugs is turned on)

Much smoother special stage. The movement of objects making up the maze was unlocked, and the walls now display with 128 degrees of rotation (up from 16).

Even though I started this project to have something for the contest, I'm incredibly happy with what's been done so far, and I intend to work on it further after the contest to add more features. I consider this the beginning of a goodbright future for Sonic games and hacks on Mega CD.

Note: Debug mode and sound test have not been fixed to accommodate for the code that has been moved around. Try at your own risk!

Credits

Main developer: Amy Farbright

Playtesting and bug reporting: The Let's Talk About Sonic Discord

Special thanks: @fiffle, @milly, @crepe

Code used/referenced:

drojaazu's megadev toolchain

Devon's partial Sonic CD disassembly

SCHG How-to Guide

tversteeg's Rust implementation of rotsprite

Graphics used:

CD graphic on title screen: Sega Multimedia Studio, converted from sprites ripped by Mister Man

[rascals-forthememories]

Kick moodboard + random headcanons

🎹⋆.˚➤Born in the late 80’s around 1990s like Jemíma which makes him a millennial of course and raised in Nevada, a quiet and introverted kid who spent a lot of time alone because his parents were always busy with work. He learned to be independent and self-sufficient at a young age, picking up skills like woodworking, car repair, and electronics. When his family moved to California, he found himself in a changed world and started attending the same school as the band. He was initially a bit reserved and standoffish, but after being recruited by the band, he found his passion and a sense of belonging. But he's also got a good sense of humor and a big heart.

🎹⋆.˚➤Absolutely a geeky, dorky teen with an odd, nerdy side and a serious love for tech and computer programming. He has a unique sense of humor that sometimes goes over the other band members' heads, but that's part of his charm. He can spend hours talking about the latest gadgets, programming tips, and random tech facts.

🎹⋆.˚➤^But he also has a soft spot for superhero movies, classic comic books, and all things related to science fiction. He's the guy who keeps the band's website up and running and is the resident techie for all their equipment, video games were his SHIT when he was a kid.

🎹⋆.˚➤Being an urban explorer. He has a fascination with abandoned places, especially ones that are untouched and still in decent condition. He loves the thrill of discovering hidden gems and exploring forgotten structures. Of course, he has this whole system of research, planning, and safety precautions he uses before venturing into any new location. He shares his finds with the gang and even takes them along on some of his adventures, much to their occasional chagrin. ("day 1 of exploring the backrooms because Keegan can't drive for Jack shit and we noclipped through a cliff part 1 ✌️")

🎹⋆.˚➤A bit of an odd ball, always making weird and goofy jokes, but the others find his personality endearing. And let's be honest, with his tech skills, he's probably the one who keeps the band's equipment and website running smoothly. He can also be incredibly competitive when it comes to board games and video games, even resorting to cheating now and then.

🎹⋆.˚➤Definitely has a unique taste in music, just like his personality. He's into synthwave, vaporwave, and other types of electronic music that evoke a certain sense of nostalgia with a retro 1980s vibe. Also a fan of alternative rock and some indie artists. Probably has a vast and eclectic music library on his laptop, and he's constantly discovering new songs and sharing them with the band.

🎹⋆.˚➤Is a pro with the Keytar! He's got a true talent for it and can play some seriously sick riffs and melodies. He has a natural feel for the instrument, and his skills grow with each new song the band learns. He's not just a button-masher either - he's able to create complex melodies and catchy riffs that really add to the band's sound. The other guys are always impressed by his ability to seamlessly switch from playing the Keytar to backing vocals or playing additional instruments.

🎹⋆.˚➤Becoming a keytarist for the band is a fun one. He's always had a love for music, but initially, he didn't think he was talented enough to start playing an instrument. One day, he stumbled upon a Keytar in a thrift store and instantly fell in love with the instrument's unique appeal. He bought it on a whim and started teaching himself how to play it -- a fusion of keys and guitar that allowed him to express himself through music in a way that felt most comfortable. After a lot of practice and experimenting, he started bringing his Keytar to band practice, and the rest is history! The band was instantly drawn to his quirky and captivating instrument.

🎹⋆.˚➤The youngest in the band, but he's also lowkey the smartest one. He's incredibly observant, quick on the uptake, and has an insane memory when it comes to facts and figures. The guys often tease him for being a know-it-all.

🎹⋆.˚➤Often mutters to himself when he's working on tech stuff, leading the others to wonder if he's secretly part of a secret code-breaking organisation. A massive sweet tooth and constantly has some sort of candy stashed away in his pocket or backpack. Geeks out over random things like retro video games, classic toys, and obscure internet memes.

🎹⋆.˚➤Loves playing around with sound effects and remixes. He has a sound remixer and synthesiser in his garage workshop, and sometimes he'll mess around with the song demos the band records, especially Jemíma’s vocals. He likes to experiment with different effects, beats, and soundscapes to see what sounds he can create. He even has a secret folder of Jemíma-themed remixes that he dabbles in when the others aren't around. He claims it's just for his own amusement.

🎹⋆.˚➤Tends to catch colds and viruses pretty easily, probably due to his school hectic schedule and not taking proper care of himself at times. When he does get sick, he turns into a total baby, whining and complaining about how much his head hurts and how much he hates being stuck in bed. He also becomes a bit of a hypochondriac, constantly checking his temperature and googling his symptoms. But there's one saving grace: his jar of vapor rub, which he carries with him everywhere and applies generously to his chest and under his nose.

🎹⋆.˚➤Has a really strong friendly bond with Jemíma. Despite their same age, they share a lot of the same interests and hobbies, such as a love for music and technology. Kick appreciates her sharp wit and intelligence, and she finds him endearingly quirky and funny. They often bond over their shared love for all things retro, and they have this natural chemistry that makes them a perfect team when they work together on music or any other project.

🎹⋆.˚➤Totally fits the role of the band's unofficial videographer and photographer. He owns a vintage Sony camcorder and loves capturing moments of the band in action, whether it's at practice sessions or gigs. He has a keen eye for detail and a knack for framing the perfect shot. He loves sharing his photos and videos with the guys, making little montage videos and keeping a record of their adventures together. With Kick behind the camera, the band can rest assured that every memory is well-documented!

[star-vader-dio]

Lighbearer Ft: Sohyun

Hello my name is Dioflamenco and this is my first story. Enjoy

Agent D had always been an outlier. Despite his relatively young age, he was one of the most experienced members of the Lightbearer Taskforce, having been recruited straight out of high school. Over nearly 15 years, he had navigated the Bureau’s shadowy corridors, risen through its ranks, and survived missions that left even seasoned agents scarred or broken. He had worked through college, part-time jobs, and personal milestones, always returning to the fight. Yet, in all that time, no one had ever surprised him quite like Sohyun.

This is the story of the Prodigy and the Rebel, two extraordinary individuals whose unique talents will be all that stands between the world and its end.

The mirror in Sohyun’s dressing room reflected a dazzling young woman with a radiant smile, her confidence matched only by her talent. As her makeup artist finished brushing the last bit of shimmer onto her cheeks, they stepped back and admired their work.

“You look stunning as always,” the makeup artist said, hands on their hips.

“Thank you,” Sohyun replied, her voice bright with anticipation. She stood, smoothing out her stage outfit. The thrill of performing never left her; it was a spark that lit up her entire being.

Tonight was the first concert of the year, and she could already hear the distant roar of fans filling the venue. She took a deep breath, centering herself before stepping into the chaos of the spotlight.

Halfway across the world, Agent D sat in a dimly lit armory, the faint hum of fluorescent lights overhead. On the table in front of him lay his two most trusted tools: a sleek, high-powered flashlight nicknamed “Torch” and a revolver simply called “Durendall .”

The flashlight gleamed, its intricate design a fusion of advanced tech and ancient resonance, capable of cutting through the shadows of the Dark Ones. The revolver, reformed from the blade of legend carried a weight of history and purpose, its polished surface catching the dim light of the room.

Agent D worked in silence, checking each component of Durendall with meticulous care. The revolver had saved his life more times than he could count, its craftsmanship unmatched in precision and reliability.

Agent M leaned against the doorway, arms crossed as he watched with a grin.

“How’s Durendall treating you?” he asked casually.

Agent D didn’t look up, his hands moving with practiced precision as he reassembled the revolver. He nodded once, a silent acknowledgment.

Agent M chuckled. “Right. Forgot you tune us out when you’re in the zone. Anyway, finish up and swing by my office. Got a job for you.”

Once his tools were ready, Agent D holstered Durendall and clipped Torch to his belt, their familiar weight grounding him as he made his way to Agent M’s office. He knocked twice and stepped inside.

Agent M, a grizzled veteran with a sharp wit, greeted him with a wide grin. “Ah, my favorite K-pop aficionado. You’re going to love this one.”

Agent D raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but inquisitive.

Agent M slid a manila folder across the desk. “Got a case in South Korea. We’ve got reports of someone going dark in the area. Figured you’d be the perfect fit—speaking the language, loving the music, and all that. Plus, you’ve got a knack for dealing with these types.”

D opened the folder, his eyes scanning the contents. Photographs of erratic behavior, and strange shadows were captured on security footage, and a name stood out: Kim Sohyun. The report noted her connection to a recent series of disturbances.

“Transport’s ready, and we’ve already secured your lodging,” Agent M continued. “This one feels… off. You’ll need to keep your wits about you. Happy hunting, D.”

D closed the folder and gave a brief nod before turning to leave.

“Oh, and D?” Agent M added with a smirk. “Don’t spend all your time at concerts. You’ve got a job to do, remember?”

D’s lips twitched ever so slightly, a ghost of a smirk before he walked out the door.

The Bureau’s vault was a labyrinth of sealed chambers, each holding artifacts that pulsed faintly with resonance. As Agent D approached, the sound of soft humming reached his ears. Agent A, a humanoid feline with sleek fur and sharp, luminous eyes, lounged gracefully on her chair. Her tail swayed lazily behind her as she noticed him entering.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the outlaw,” she purred, her voice smooth and teasing. She stretched slightly, her claws flexing before retracting. “What can I fetch for you today?”

D stopped in front of her desk, his gaze steady. “Lucifer’s Wing and JDF’s Dragon Coin.”

Agent A’s ears perked up, and her tail flicked with interest. “Going all out, are we? What kind of mess are you planning to dive into this time?”

D didn’t respond, but the faintest tilt of his head spoke volumes.

With a soft chuckle, she hopped down from her chair with feline grace, padding over to the secure shelves. She retrieved the items with practiced precision: Lucifer’s Wing, a feather-shaped artifact that radiated purifying energy, and JDF’s Dragon Coin, a talisman etched with a worn Dragon’s claw.

Returning to him, she held them out with a sly smile. “These should do the trick. Try not to lose them—or yourself—out there, outlaw.”

D took the artifacts, carefully securing them in a case. Before he turned to leave, he reached out and lightly patted Agent A on the head, his hand brushing her soft fur.

Agent A closed her eyes, leaning into the touch with a pleased rumble of a purr. “You know,” she said, her voice low and teasing, “if I didn’t like you, I’d claw your hand off for that.”

D’s lips twitched in the barest hint of a smirk as he walked away. As he left Agent A moved around his hand with a possessive flair wrapping her tail and scent around his arm and a chuckle in her throat.

Agent D stepped into the transport room, where the air hummed faintly with the energy of the light bridge. The room’s walls were lined with glowing conduits, casting soft, pulsing light across the metallic floor.

At the controls stood Agent R, his mechanical hands a marvel of engineering. As the young agent approached, Agent R’s fingers whirred to life, adjusting dials and flicking switches with precise efficiency.

“Ah, Agent D,” Agent R greeted, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and admiration. “Everything’s ready. Are you?”

D gave a curt nod.

Agent R smiled, his hands pausing over the controls. “Good. The bridge will have you in South Korea in an instant. Just try not to get into too much trouble. I know how you operate.”

D smirked faintly before stepping onto the platform. A moment later, the world around him dissolved in a flash of light, only to reassemble itself in the heart of Seoul.

The bustling city buzzed with life around him—neon signs flickered, street vendors called out to passersby, and cars honked in the evening traffic. Agent D took a deep breath, letting his guard drop just slightly as he surveyed the vibrant cityscape.

“Okay,” he muttered to himself, pulling out a small notebook filled with leads and addresses. “First things first—let’s find the Darkened One.”

He set off toward the first location on his list, weaving through the crowded streets with practiced ease. The hum of resonance from Lucifer’s Wing nestled in his coat reminded him of the tools at his disposal.

As Agent D approached the address, the familiar, silken voice of Mr. Pitch slithered into his ears like smoke.

“So, the Outlaw is back in the field,” the voice drawled, oozing smug delight.

D let out a groan, his shoulders tensing. “Don’t you have people to corrupt, Mr. Pitch?” he replied, his tone dripping with irritation.

“Oh, but why would I miss your grand return to the action?” the manifestation of the Eternal Night quipped, his form taking shape beside D. Mr. Pitch, clad in a sharp black suit, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement, adjusted his tie as he walked in step with the agent.

“You have been the most entertaining obstacle I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with,” Mr. Pitch continued, his voice tinged with faux admiration. “And speaking of entertainment… I can sense it. You’ve got Lucifer’s Wing on you, don’t you? How’d you manage that little coup?”

“The armory Agent likes me,” D replied coolly, not bothering to look at the manifestation beside him.

“Oh, of course,” Mr. Pitch mused, his grin widening. “Astalia has always had a soft spot for bad boys. And by the Bureau’s standards, you are the baddest of the bunch.”

He leaned closer, his voice lowering into a conspiratorial tone. “Yet, despite that, you remain incorruptible. I’ve turned so many. Even your dear paladin mentor, Agent J. But you? You stand unbroken, unwavering, and oh-so-boringly virtuous.”

D’s steps didn’t falter. He gave a small shrug, his response cutting and matter-of-fact. “I broke myself before anyone else could.”

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, even Mr. Pitch seemed caught off guard. Then, as if to mask his intrigue, he let out a booming laugh, the sound echoing unnaturally in the crowded street.

“You’re a tough nut to crack, Agent D,” Mr. Pitch said, his tone a mix of amusement and frustration. “But that’s what makes our little chats so delightful. I’ll figure you out one day.”

Agent D glanced sideways at the manifestation, his expression unreadable. “You’re wasting your time. I’ve already got a full itinerary without you tagging along.”

Mr. Pitch clapped his hands together. “Oh, I’m sure you do. But you know me—I can’t resist an encore performance. So go ahead, Outlaw. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

As they approached the address, the faint traces of corruption—dark, twisting tendrils visible only to trained Lightbearers—began to crawl along the edges of the building. Mr. Pitch faded into the shadows, his voice lingering in D’s ear.

“Good luck, Agent D. I’ll be watching.”

D sighed, tightening his grip on Torch. “It’s going to be a long night.”

He arrived at the first address, the air already thick with an oppressive weight that pressed against his chest. The building was in disrepair—paint peeling from the walls, windows smeared with grime, and a faint, acrid smell of decay seeping through the cracks. Agent D adjusted his grip on Durendall, his revolver gleaming faintly under the flickering hallway light.

Pushing the door open, he was greeted by a low, guttural growl. Inside, the room was a chaotic void of broken furniture, torn wallpaper, and shadows that seemed to ripple unnaturally. The Darkened were waiting.

Several figures twisted unnaturally, their eyes glowing with malevolent crimson light as they violently jolted to life and charged at him with inhuman speed. Their screams were inhuman—a mixture of rage and agony that echoed unnervingly in the confined space.

Agent D wasted no time. Flicking on Torch, the beam of concentrated light sliced through the room, illuminating the festering darkness clinging to the Darkened like a second skin. The light seared through the corruption, sending plumes of black smoke spiraling into the air.

But they weren’t just corrupted—they had fully succumbed. There was no saving them now. Torch could weaken their movements and strip away the Eternal Night’s influence, but these were no longer people—they were shells.

Agent D moved with precision, years of training and muscle memory taking over. He raised Durendall, the revolver’s weight perfectly balanced in his hand. With every pull of the trigger, a Darkened fell, the shots echoing like thunder in the stillness. Each hit was clean, mercifully quick, and lethal.

One of the Darkened lunged, faster than the others. D sidestepped with ease, using the butt of Durendall to knock the creature off balance before finishing it with a single shot. The metallic tang of blood mixed with the acrid scent of smoke.

As the last Darkened collapsed to the floor, Agent D exhaled, his breath steady despite the chaos. He scanned the room for lingering threats, his sharp eyes catching the faint tendrils of darkness retreating into the cracks of the walls. The Eternal Night was always watching. Always waiting.

Agent D holstered Durendall and deactivated Torch, plunging the room back into dim silence. He stepped over the fallen bodies with quiet reverence, a flicker of something—regret, perhaps—crossing his face. These were once people, after all.

Outside, the night was colder, sharper. The air seemed cleaner as if the world itself was relieved by his work. Agent D glanced at the address scribbled in his notebook and then up at the skyline. The concert hall was his next destination.

His fingers brushed against the pocket where Lucifer’s Wing rested. The artifact pulsed faintly as if sensing his resolve. “One step closer,” he murmured to himself before heading down the street, his silhouette cutting through the darkness like a blade.

The concert hall loomed ahead, its bright marquee lights cutting through the night like a beacon. The sound of excited chatter and the rhythmic thrum of music spilled into the cool evening air. Agent D adjusted his coat as he approached, blending seamlessly into the crowd of fans eagerly waiting outside.

He flashed his Bureau credentials at the back entrance, the security guard giving him a once-over before stepping aside. “Enjoy the show,” the guard muttered, unaware of Agent D’s true purpose.

Inside, the hall was a hive of activity. Staff members buzzed about, adjusting lighting rigs and managing last-minute details. The hum of the crowd grew louder as the main event drew near. Agent D’s sharp eyes scanned the venue, noting every shadowed corner and potential hiding place where a dark might linger.

As he moved toward the main floor, a shift in the atmosphere drew his attention. The stage lights dimmed, and the roar of the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer. The opening notes of a song began to play, and Agent D instinctively turned toward the stage.

Sohyun stepped into the spotlight. Dressed in a sparkling outfit that caught the light with every movement, she radiated confidence and charm. Her smile lit up the hall, effortlessly commanding the audience’s attention. Agent D found himself rooted to the spot, momentarily captivated.

Her voice was as mesmerizing as her presence, weaving through the melody with a delicate strength. Agent D wasn’t one to be easily distracted, but there was something about her—a magnetic pull that he couldn’t quite shake. For a brief moment, their eyes met across the sea of fans.

Sohyun’s gaze lingered on him, just for a second, before she turned back to the crowd, her energy undeterred. Agent D felt an unfamiliar warmth creep into his chest. He shook his head, mentally chastising himself. Focus. You’re here to work.

Still, as he moved toward the shadows near the edge of the stage, he couldn’t ignore the faint smile tugging at his lips. There was something about her presence that felt… disarming. Almost dangerous.

Agent D took out his notebook, checking the coordinates where the Darkened activity had been reported. It wasn’t far—somewhere within the concert hall. He adjusted his grip on Durendall, his senses sharpening as he moved toward the darker recesses of the building. The Eternal Night was never subtle, and he could feel its oppressive weight creeping closer.

The music swelled, Sohyun’s performance captivating the audience. Agent D kept one ear tuned to the melody while his eyes darted around, searching for the telltale signs of the anomaly. In that moment, she became both a distraction and an anchor—a reminder of why he fought to keep the darkness at bay.

Stay sharp, D, he told himself, slipping into the shadows. This isn’t your first dance with the Eternal Night.

Here’s a revised version with the new ending where the Director intervenes:

Sohyun gazed over her fans happily, the energy of their cheers and the bright lights fueling her performance. Her heart swelled with pride and gratitude—until she saw him.

Her stalker stood at the edge of the crowd, partially hidden in the shadows, but his presence was unmistakable. His eyes bore into her with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine. Even at this distance, she could sense his malice, a dark aura that seemed to cling to him like a second skin.

She held her composure, years of training kicking in. With a radiant smile and graceful movements, Sohyun finished the performance flawlessly, her groupmates unaware of the storm brewing inside her.

As the stage lights dimmed and the final applause erupted, she exhaled slowly, steadying herself. It’s fine. I have security. I have my group. He can’t get to me, she reassured herself. Still, the weight of his presence lingered, even as she made her way backstage.

Changing into her comfortable clothes, Sohyun tried to push the fear aside. But then, a low, guttural growl echoed through the hallway, cutting through the chatter of the staff.

Her breath hitched. She froze, listening. A second later, a gunshot rang out.

Heart pounding, Sohyun bolted from the dressing room, her mind racing. She sprinted toward the sound, dreading what she might find.

Bursting through the exit door, she skidded to a halt. The alley outside the concert hall was dimly lit, the air thick with tension. Her eyes immediately locked on the dark-skinned man standing over a crumpled body.

The man held a revolver loosely at his side, smoke still curling from the barrel. The body on the ground—her stalker—twitched unnaturally as tendrils of black smoke rose from him, dissipating into the night.

Sohyun’s chest heaved as she struggled to process the scene. Her stalker was… dead? No, not dead—something worse. What was that thing leaving his body?

The man turned toward her, his eyes sharp yet calm. He saw her fear and raised a hand slightly, his expression softening into what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

“I was trying to find the bathroom,” he said, his voice smooth but tinged with dry humor. “This guy just attacked me.”

His smile was surprisingly disarming, but Sohyun’s instincts screamed caution. The revolver in his hand, the unnatural darkness rising from her stalker’s body—none of this was normal.

She took a tentative step forward, her voice firm despite the quiver in her hands. “I saw you in the crowd. Who are you?”

The man opened his mouth to answer but faltered. For the first time in what felt like years, Agent D was caught off guard.

Standing before him was the woman he’d only seen on screens or from a distance—her beauty more striking up close, her presence overwhelming. The way her eyes bore into him, demanding answers, made his pulse quicken. His heart raced, his palms grew clammy, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

Before he could respond, a sharp, synthetic chime came from his earpiece, cutting through the tension. Agent D instinctively touched the small device in his ear. “This is D,” he said, his voice steady despite his racing thoughts.

“Agent D,” a calm, authoritative voice said. It was the Director. “You’ve made contact with the anomaly.”

Agent D frowned slightly, his gaze flickering to Sohyun. “Anomaly? Sir, I’m not sure she—”

“She’s essential,” the Director interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Bring her to headquarters immediately. This is a priority directive.”

Sohyun watched him, her arms crossed, her wariness giving way to curiosity. “Who are you talking to?” she asked, her tone sharp.

Agent D lowered his hand from his earpiece, looking at her with an unreadable expression. He hesitated for a moment, weighing his words. “I need you to come with me,” he said finally.

“What?” Sohyun blinked, her brows knitting together. “I don’t even know who you are!”

“It’s not safe for you here,” he said firmly, his usual calm demeanor returning. “Things are happening—things you don’t understand yet. If you come with me, I can explain everything. But we need to leave now.”

Sohyun hesitated, her instincts warring with her curiosity. She looked past him at the body on the ground, the tendrils of darkness still vivid in her mind. Whatever this was, it was far beyond anything she’d ever encountered.

“Fine,” she said finally, her voice steady despite the apprehension in her eyes. “But you’d better have some answers.”

Agent D gave her a small nod, his lips quirking into a faint smile. “You’ll get them. I promise.”

As they moved toward the car waiting nearby, the night seemed to grow darker, the weight of the Eternal Night lingering just beyond their reach. Agent D glanced at Sohyun, the spark of something—admiration, curiosity—flickering in his chest. This mission had just become far more complicated than he’d anticipated.

Here’s the revised version with the Director as a woman:

The journey back to the Bureau’s headquarters was almost too smooth for Sohyun’s liking. The car pulled up to a nondescript building in a quiet part of the city, but the moment they stepped inside, the world shifted.

“What the—” Sohyun’s breath caught as the sleek, modern lobby dissolved into a tunnel of swirling light. Before she could process the sensation, she and Agent D emerged in a vast, sprawling complex. The air hummed with an energy she couldn’t quite place, and people in sharp suits bustled around, their faces a mix of focus and urgency.

“Welcome to HQ,” Agent D said casually, stepping aside to let her take in the sight.

“What is this place?” Sohyun asked, her voice tinged with awe and confusion.

“This,” Agent D began, motioning for her to follow him down a long, gleaming corridor, “is the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control. Think of us as the first and last line of defense against everything that shouldn’t exist.”

“Shouldn’t exist?” Sohyun repeated, trailing behind him. “Like… what exactly?”

Agent D glanced at her, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Ghosts, demons, aliens, mythical beasts, cursed objects, you name it. If it’s paranormal, supernatural, or just plain weird, we deal with it.”

Sohyun’s brow furrowed as she tried to wrap her head around his words. “So… you’re saying all of that stuff is real?”

Agent D stopped in front of a large, sealed door, the Bureau’s insignia glowing faintly in the center. He turned to her, his expression serious now. “You saw what happened back there with your stalker. That wasn’t just some crazy fan. Well not anymore at least. He was ‘darkened.’ When people give in to their worst impulses, the Eternal Night can take hold of them, twisting them into something… else.”

Sohyun shivered at the memory, but she kept her composure. “And you? What are you in all of this?”

“I’m a Lightbearer,” Agent D said simply, holding up the flashlight clipped to his belt. “We’re trained to fight back against the darkness—literally and figuratively. We use tools, weapons, and sometimes… stranger things to keep the world safe.”

She glanced at his revolver, Durendall, and then back at the glowing insignia on the door. “And this Bureau just… manages all of that?”

Agent D chuckled, the sound surprisingly light given the weight of their conversation. “We try. But trust me, it’s not as organized as it sounds. Some days it’s ghosts in a basement. Other days it’s a toaster infused with infinite malignant energy that tries to rewrite reality.”

Sohyun blinked, unsure if he was joking. “A toaster?”

“Yeah I'm still mad I got roped into that. My sense of taste is still messed u,” he said with a shrug. “We’ve had weirder. Now, come on. The Director wants to see you.”

The door hissed open, revealing a room that felt both ancient and futuristic. The brutalist architecture walls were lined with shelves containing artifacts and documents, some glowing faintly, others seemingly vibrating with unseen power. At the center of the room stood a tall, commanding woman in a sharp black suit. Her dark hair was slicked back, and her piercing eyes seemed to take in everything at once.

“Miss Sohyun,” the woman said, her voice calm yet powerful. “Welcome to the Federal Bureau of Control. I’m Director Evelyn Lang. We have much to discuss.”

Sohyun swallowed, her gaze shifting between the Director and Agent D, who gave her a reassuring nod.

“I imagine Agent D has given you a brief introduction. He's very good at acclimation,” Director Lang continued, walking around the desk with measured steps. “But let me be clear: what you’ve encountered tonight is only the tip of the iceberg. The world is far stranger and more dangerous than most people can comprehend. That’s why we exist—to protect humanity from what it isn’t ready to face.”

Sohyun hesitated before speaking, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of questions in her mind. “Why me? Why am I here?”

Lang’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You’re here because the Eternal Night doesn’t just target people at random. There’s something about you it wanted. And if it wanted you, then you’re either a threat to it… or a key to stopping it. Either way, we need to understand why.”

Sohyun’s heart raced. “And what happens now?”

Director Lang’s smile faded. “What happens now is up to you. You can walk away and we wipe your memory of these events and go off back on your way. Or you can work with us and step into a world that will test you in ways you’ve never imagined.”

Sohyun took a deep breath, her thoughts swirling. Se turned to Agent D who was outside the office playing what looked to be a 3DS. She turned back to Mrs. Lang and asked “What’s his story?”

“Oh, Doffy? I don't know. He's kind and has been immensely helpful to the bureau but has also been equally as intense in maintaining his privacy and personal agency. I can guarantee you this though with him being one of our most tenured agents you are in great hands if you follow him. Now all that remains of this little interview is Do you accept?”

Sohyun swallowed hard then said, “Okay I’ll join,”

The air around Sohyun shifted suddenly. One moment, she was in the director's office talking with Director Lang; the next, she was standing in an endless, glowing expanse of silvery light. The floor beneath her feet seemed to ripple like water, yet it held firm under her weight. She turned in a slow circle, her heart racing.

“Where… where am I?” she whispered.

A voice, or perhaps several voices speaking in unison, answered. “in the Astral Plane, Sohyun.”

She whirled around, but there was no one there. Instead, shimmering figures materialized from the light, each taking the shape of a towering geometric construct. Their forms pulsed with energy, their voices reverberating in her mind.

“We are the Board,” they said. “We have summoned you to test your resolve and your worth.”

Sohyun swallowed hard. “Test me? For what?”

“To measure the strength of your mind, your spirit, and your conviction,” the Board intoned. “You seek to fight the understanding, but do you understand what that truly means? Do you comprehend the weight of such a burden of knowing?”

Before she could respond, the ground beneath her rippled violently, and the plane shifted. Suddenly, she was back in the concert hall, but it wasn’t the same. The crowd was gone, and the stage was cast in shadows. A figure emerged from the darkness—it was her stalker, his face twisted with malice.

“You think you’re safe?” he hissed, his voice dripping with venom. “You think you can escape me?”

Sohyun’s breath hitched, but she stood her ground. “You’re not real. You’re just… a test.”

The figure lunged at her, and instinctively, she raised her hands. Light burst forth, enveloping the figure and dissolving him into nothingness.

The scene shifted again. Now, she was standing in front of a mirror. Her reflection stared back at her, but something was wrong. The other Sohyun smirked, her eyes glowing with an unnatural light.

“You think you’re ready for this?” the reflection said. “You think you can handle the truth about the world? About yourself? You’re just a singer, a pretty face. You don’t belong here.”

Sohyun clenched her fists. “I may not have all the answers, but I won’t back down. I’ve seen the darkness, and I won’t let it win.”

The reflection sneered, but it faded as Sohyun’s resolve hardened. The light around her grew brighter, and the mirror shattered.

Finally, the plane stabilized, and the Board’s forms reappeared. “You have faced your fears and doubts and emerged victorious,” they said. “You are stronger than we anticipated.” Sohyun noticed the weird lilt in the voice of the board of Directors as if something intrigued them even more, but they were being reticent with that information.

Sohyun took a deep breath, her heart pounding but her mind clear. “If I’m done, then tell me—what is Agent D’s story? Who is he?”

The Board paused, their collective voice quiet for a moment. Then, they spoke. “Agent D is an aberration. He defies explanation, and yet his presence is necessary. We do not yet fully understand him… but we hope to.”

Sohyun’s brows knitted together. “An aberration? What does that mean?”

“That is all we know,” the Board replied. “You must decide for yourself what you believe.”

Before she could press further, the plane dissolved, and Sohyun found herself back in the office, Director Lang watching over her with glee

“You zoned out there for a second,” she said, offering her a hand to help her up.

Sohyun hesitated, looking into her eyes, searching for the answers the Board refused to give. Finally, she took his hand. “I’m fine,” she said, though her mind was already racing with questions.

The director smiled and said, “Well you're in the FBC now. Let’s get you your weapons of Duty and Freedom.”

Sohyun hesitated. She wasn't one for violence, but she knew she needed something to protect herself. So she left the office then followed Agent D. As she did she noticed how he moved. There was an air of guardedness to him, but also a level of nervousness to him that she found endearing. In all of the gray: concrete, suits, and furniture Agent D stood out with his khaki pants black jacket, and vibrant Hawaiian shirt. It was odd but it drew her to him.

“Where are we headed?” Sohyun asked as they continued their brisk walk through the sterile, gray corridors of the Bureau.

“The Vault,” Agent D replied, his tone steady and purposeful. “It’s where we house Altered Objects—artifacts imbued with paracausal properties. Some of them are contained, while others are repurposed as weapons to confront other altered objects or entities.”

Sohyun’s brow furrowed. “So, this place is full of cursed objects and anomalies?”

“Ah only some of these are “cursed” Most of these items are charged with paranormal energy or bound to specific entities,” Agent D said, glancing at her. “But here, we call them Altered Objects or Objects of Power. The terminology matters—helps us understand what we’re dealing with.”

Before she could ask more, the pair entered a sprawling, high-security chamber. The Vault felt like a world unto itself, with towering steel shelves that stretched impossibly high, each lined with strange items sealed in reinforced glass cases. The air buzzed faintly, as though charged with electricity.

Standing near a control console was Agent A. Her feline ears perked up as her tail swayed behind her, and her sharp eyes lit up when she spotted Agent D.

“Ah, Agent D. I see you made it back in one piece,” Agent A said, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Agent D offered a rare, genuine smile as he approached. “Not for lack of trying on the Darkened’s part.”

Without hesitation, he reached out and ran a hand over her soft fur, eliciting a low, satisfied purr from the feline. She arched into his touch briefly before stiffening, her nostrils flaring.

Her silver eyes locked onto Sohyun, who stood hesitantly a few steps behind Agent D. “Who’s this?” she asked, leaping gracefully onto Agent D’s shoulder to get a closer look.

“Agent A,” Agent D began, keeping his tone measured, “this is Probationary Agent Sohyun.”

Agent A’s pupils narrowed into slits as she sniffed the air around Sohyun. “She smells like danger,” she said flatly, her tone carrying a hint of suspicion.

Agent D chuckled lightly. “You said the same thing about me when we first met.”

“That’s because your danger smelled like a natural disaster—a volcano or a tornado,” Agent A countered, folding her arms. “Something inevitable. Hers smells like gunpowder and poison. Her danger isn’t natural; it’s deliberate. Manufactured.”

Sohyun blinked, unsure whether to feel insulted or unnerved by the feline agent’s sharp assessment.

Agent D sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Noted. But for now, we’re here to get her equipped.” He reached into his jacket pocket, retrieving Lucifer’s Feather and JDF’s Power Coin. Placing the items on the counter, he said, “The Director wants her outfitted with an on-duty weapon and an off-duty weapon.”

Agent A scowled, muttering something under her breath as she scooped up the items. “Fine. Follow me, Agent Sohyun.”

Sohyun glanced at Agent D for reassurance, and his disarming smile brought a wave of calm over her. It was the same warmth she had felt earlier when he had dealt with her stalker. Trusting his judgment, she followed Agent A deeper into the Vault.

The Vault grew colder and darker as they walked, the hum of energy becoming almost oppressive. The further they went, the more Sohyun noticed subtle distortions in the air, as if reality itself were bending around certain objects.

When they were out of earshot of Agent D, Agent A came to an abrupt stop. Her body shimmered, and her feline form transformed. Now, standing before Sohyun was a striking woman with tiger ears, piercing silver eyes, and prominent black stripes marking her cheeks. Her gaze was predatory, unyielding.

Agent A’s voice was low and dangerous. “Listen to me, girl. You’d better not hurt my man-cub.”

Sohyun froze, her breath catching. “Your man-cub?”

Agent A stepped closer, her claws extending with a soft metallic sound. “Agent D has been through more than you can imagine in this godforsaken Bureau. He’s carried burdens no one else could, and he doesn’t let people in. But he likes you. Enough to speak more than he has in months. That’s rare. So if you hurt him—if you betray his trust—I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Sohyun swallowed hard, her throat dry. She nodded quickly, overwhelmed by the tiger-woman’s intensity.

Agent A smirked, retracting her claws. “Good. Glad we understand each other.”

Without another word, she turned and resumed walking, her tail swishing behind her. Sohyun followed in silence, her mind racing.

When they reached a sealed chamber, Agent A placed the feather and coin on a pedestal. The room pulsed with energy as the artifacts began to glow, their forms shifting slightly as they resonated with Sohyun’s presence.

“Pick them up,” Agent A instructed.

Sohyun hesitated, glancing at the shimmering objects. With a deep breath, she reached out, her fingers closing around the feather and the coin. A surge of energy coursed through her, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to tilt. When it stabilized, she felt… different. Stronger.

Agent A observed her with a scrutinizing gaze. “You might survive this yet,” she said, her tone begrudgingly approving.

Absolutely! Here’s an expanded version of the scene where Sohyun receives her personalized gear and the Altered Objects attune to her, taking on new forms that symbolize their allegiance:

The sealed chamber hummed with power as Sohyun stepped inside, her eyes immediately drawn to two objects resting on individual pedestals. One was a delicate, ornate fan, its surface etched with swirling patterns of fire and smoke. The other was a sleek, unassuming hairpin, its dark surface crackling faintly with arcs of electricity.

Agent A motioned for her to approach. “These are the objects the Vault has chosen for you. Their properties align with what we’ve observed from your trials in the Astral Plane. They’re attuned to elements of fire and lightning—powerful, volatile forces. A fitting match for someone with your resolve.”

Sohyun hesitated, her eyes darting between the fan and the hairpin. “What’s their story? Where did they come from?”

Agent A’s tiger ears flicked as she considered the question. “The fan is said to have originated in an ancient temple that worshipped a goddess of fire. It’s been known to incinerate those it deems unworthy. As for the hairpin, it was found embedded in the wall of a manor struck by lightning. The pin survived the strike unscathed, but the building burned to the ground. No one’s ever been able to wield them both… until now.”

Sohyun’s breath hitched. “What happens if they reject me?”

Agent A’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Then I’ll be cleaning up the mess. But I’ve got a feeling you’ll do just fine. Go on.”

Sohyun swallowed hard and stepped closer. She reached for the fan first. The moment her fingers brushed its surface, the room was bathed in a searing orange glow. Heat radiated from the fan, and for a terrifying moment, flames licked up her arm. But they didn’t burn. Instead, they coiled around her like a protective barrier, their warmth sinking into her skin. The fan trembled in her hand, its intricate designs shifting. The patterns reshaped themselves into phoenix feathers, and a single flame emblem blazed at the center.

Agent A’s eyes widened. “Well, that’s new.”

Sohyun turned to the hairpin, emboldened by the fan’s acceptance. As she picked it up, a sharp jolt of electricity shot through her body, causing her to gasp. The air around her crackled, and her hair stood on end as if charged with static. The hairpin vibrated, its surface darkening before streaks of silver and gold lightning etched themselves across its length. Tiny arcs of electricity danced along the edges, casting shadows that flickered like storm clouds.

The room grew silent, save for the faint hum of power radiating from the objects. Sohyun looked at Agent A, her hands trembling but steadying as the fan and hairpin seemed to synchronize with her energy.

“They’ve accepted you,” Agent A said, her voice tinged with both amazement and approval. “These are now your weapons. They’re more than tools—they’re allies. They’ll grow with you, but you’ll need to prove yourself worthy of them time and time again.”

Sohyun nodded, her grip tightening around the objects. As she did, she felt an odd connection, as if the fan and hairpin were alive, responding to her emotions and thoughts.

“What do I do with them now?” Sohyun asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Agent A smirked. “That’s up to you. But if I were you, I’d start practicing. A phoenix and a storm aren’t exactly subtle companions.”

Sohyun chuckled nervously, tucking the hairpin into her hair and folding the fan neatly. She turned to follow Agent A back toward the main vault but paused.

“Why did they choose me?” she asked, her gaze lingering on the objects.

Agent A’s expression softened, her tiger-striped face thoughtful. “Because you’ve already proven you’re willing to face the fire and the storm. Now it’s your turn to wield them.”

As Sohyun and Agent A exited the depths of the Vault, the hum of residual energy from the Altered Objects still lingered in the air around them. Sohyun couldn’t help but glance down at the fan and hairpin in her hands, marveling at how naturally they now felt, as if they’d always been a part of her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden commotion. A sharp, whirring noise echoed through the chamber, followed by a flash of light. Sohyun looked up in time to see a small belt device and buckles that looked like they were attached to said belt device fly through the air toward the Vault entrance.

“What is that?” Sohyun asked, her grip tightening on the fan instinctively.

Agent A’s eyes narrowed, her tiger ears twitching as she stepped protectively in front of Sohyun. “Oh, for the love of—this again?” she muttered.

The device and buckles were streaking directly toward the Vault’s entrance when another agent intercepted them with an agile leap, catching the set mid-air. The agent, clad in a standard Bureau uniform, grunted as the force of the catch nearly knocked them over.

“Nice try,” the agent said, clutching the device and medals tightly as they began to pulse with a faint glow. “You’re not getting out of here this time.”

Sohyun frowned, confused. “What was that? And why was it flying around like it had a mind of its own?”

Agent A sighed, running a hand through her striped hair as she watched the agent wrestle the device into submission. “That's the Desire Drive and Raise buckles. It's one of Agent D’s original weapons. They “evolved” into what you just saw flying they used to just be an Ichigo belt from Kamen Rider. Originally it just made Agent D super strong but during the “toaster” incident it evolved into the drive from OOO if I remember it correctly and then again when Agent D faced off against Mrs. Black. Since then it granted him more than just strength but a whole bunch of other forms as well.”

“Forms?” Sohyun echoed, her curiosity piqued.

“Yes,” Agent A replied. “The driver and buckles allowed him to tap into paracausal energies to temporarily merge with the essences of different entities based on Tokusatsu henshin heroes. He could adapt to any situation, which made him one of the most versatile agents we’ve ever had, but the power kept growing as he grew. The board got scared after he took on a whole E-class level threat by himself,”

“Then why doesn’t he use them anymore?” Sohyun asked, glancing back at the struggling agent.

Agent A’s expression darkened slightly. “Because they’ve grown too powerful—and too dangerous. When the driver evolved into its current state, it started drawing energy directly from Agent D in ways the Bureau couldn’t fully understand. The risk of feedback—of it overwhelming him or causing collateral damage—was too high. The Board decided it was safer to restrict its use. The same goes for his original on-duty weapon.”

“What was his original “on duty weapon?” Sohyun asked

Agent A paused for a moment then said, “The first manuscript of Beowulf. It doesn't take that form though much anymore. It currently takes the form of a Mtg card. That one has been easier to lock up though,”

Sohyun tilted her head. “But if they’re restricted, why are they trying to escape?”

Agent A crossed her arms, her silver eyes glinting with a mix of frustration and understanding. “Because they’re still bound to him. Weapons like those aren’t just tools—they’re parts just like you or me. They’ve chosen Agent D, and no matter what the Board says, they’ll always try to return to him. Every time he’s near the Vault, they sense him and… well, you saw what happens.”

Sohyun processed this, a newfound respect for Agent D growing in her chest. “Doesn’t that bother him? Knowing these things are a part of him but being told he can’t use them?”

Agent A’s gaze softened, her tone uncharacteristically gentle. “It does a lot. But D is nothing is incredibly self-sacrificing. He understands the danger they pose to everyone around him. That’s why he keeps them locked away. He doesn’t want anyone to get hurt because of his power.”

Sohyun looked down at her weapons—the fan and hairpin that had chosen her. The connection she felt with them suddenly seemed more profound, more intimate. “Is that what it means to have a weapon bound to you? For it to choose you?”

Agent A nodded. “It’s not just about compatibility. It’s about trust—on both sides. They become symbiotic with you almost. These objects have power, but they need a wielder who can understand them and channel that power responsibly. That’s why the choosing process is different for everyone. For you, it was about proving your resolve in the Astral Plane. For D, it’s about heroics. These objects chose him as a child and were his for longer than most of the other agents.”

Sohyun glanced toward the Vault as the other agent sealed the driver and buckles. “Will they ever let him use them again?”

Agent A shrugged her feline tail swishing. “That’s up to the Board. But honestly? If things ever get bad enough, I wouldn’t be surprised if he took them back himself. D isn’t the type to let red tape stop him from doing what needs to be done.”

As they resumed their walk, Sohyun couldn’t help but steal a glance at Agent D, who was waiting for them by the exit. He stood casually, hands in his pockets, his vibrant Hawaiian shirt a stark contrast to the gray, oppressive atmosphere of the Bureau.

Sohyun felt a spark of confidence ignite within her. The fan and hairpin hummed faintly, as though sensing her determination.

She turned to Agent D and asked, “So what now?”

Agent D shrugged, “We get you home and you come in tomorrow to begin training.,” Agent Sohyun smiled before following Agent D. She turned back to Agent A who grimaced at her before clenching her paw into a fist and “threatening her,” Sohyun smiled before teasingly sticking out her tongue as she took Agent D’s arm

The night air was cool as Agent D walked beside Sohyun down the quiet street. The rhythmic sound of their footsteps filled the space between them, but there was an unspoken tension hanging in the air—a tension that had been building ever since Agent A’s comment earlier. Sohyun couldn’t shake the feeling that something was different tonight.

She glanced over at Agent D, her heart racing. She couldn’t ignore it any longer. With a deep breath, she decided to confront him.

“Agent D,” she began, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her, “about what Agent A said… she said you liked me. Is that true?”

Agent D blinked in surprise, his casual stride faltering for a split second. When he looked at her, his eyes were uncharacteristically serious. “You want an honest answer?” he asked, his voice low.

Sohyun nodded, her pulse quickening. She wasn’t sure what she expected from him, but his expression was unreadable as he took a moment before responding.

“Yeah,” he said finally. “I like you, Sohyun. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I can be professional about it. I’m not here to make you feel weird or put any pressure on you.”

Sohyun’s breath hitched. The words were simple, but they hit her harder than she expected. She didn’t know how to process the admission, but she also didn’t want to make a hasty decision. After all, they had only been working together for a short time.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated before adding, “Give me time to think about it.”

A small, understanding smile tugged at the corner of Agent D’s lips. “Take all the time you need,” he replied softly, his eyes warm but respectful.

The tension between them seemed to settle, but it didn’t dissipate entirely. Sohyun couldn’t help but feel drawn to him despite herself, her mind racing with the possibility of what his feelings might mean. But she refused to let her emotions take over. Not yet.

“Alright,” she said, her tone a bit lighter now. “So how long have you been with the Bureau, anyway? You seem like a vet.”

Agent D’s gaze flickered to her, a slight smirk pulling at his lips. “Since I was twelve,” he answered casually, but his voice lacked its usual lightness.

Sohyun’s steps faltered for a second, her heart skipping a beat. “Wait… what?” Her mind struggled to process what he’d just said. “You’ve been with the Bureau since you were twelve?”

He nodded, his gaze fixed ahead as if the memory itself was something he wasn’t ready to fully revisit. “Yeah. A long time ago, but it’s the truth.”

Sohyun felt the ground shift beneath her, her perception of him altering instantly. The confident, almost untouchable figure of Agent D now felt smaller, more fragile, like a shadow of someone who had been forced to grow up too quickly. He was only a couple of years older than her, yet his life had been drastically different—more brutal, more demanding.

“You’ve been doing this… since you were twelve?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. “That’s… that’s insane.”

Agent D’s expression darkened for a moment, his lips tightening as he avoided her gaze. “It was the only choice I had.”

Sohyun’s heart ached for him, her previous flirtation evaporating in the face of this new revelation. She was starting to see him in a new light, and it made her question everything she thought she knew about him.

“Why have you stayed with them all these years?” she asked quietly, unable to hold back the question that had suddenly consumed her thoughts. “Why haven’t you walked away? You’ve been through so much.”

He paused, his steps slowing as he considered her question. When he spoke, his voice was barely above a murmur, but there was a depth of sincerity in his words.

“Obligation to those who mentored me,” he said, his eyes distant as though he were reliving something painful. “They gave me purpose when I had nothing. They taught me everything I know, and I owe them for that.”

Sohyun’s heart clenched, her mind spinning with the weight of his words. She had thought of him as just another agent, someone who was untouchable in his expertise, but now, in this moment, she realized how much of himself he had sacrificed for the Bureau.

She didn’t know how to respond to that, so she remained quiet, the night air heavy between them. The flirtation had faded, replaced by something deeper—something real. And for the first time, Sohyun wondered if Agent D had ever truly allowed himself to be vulnerable with anyone.

Finally, they reached the entrance to her dorm. Sohyun stopped, looking up at him with a mixture of uncertainty and admiration. “Thank you for everything tonight,” she said softly. “I’ll… I’ll think about what you said.”

Agent D gave her a small, understanding nod. “Take your time. I’ll see you tomorrow for training.”

She watched as he turned and began to walk away, her mind still reeling from the new truths she had learned about him. For the first time, she wasn’t just thinking about his flirtation or his charm. She was thinking about the person he had been forced to become—and how he had stayed that way for all these years.

As he disappeared into the night, Sohyun felt a shift in her heart, one that she couldn’t fully understand. She enters and walks slowly to her room before setting her fan and hairpin down on her desk. Then she sits on her bed.

The dim light from her desk lamp cast soft shadows on the walls, and the stillness of the room felt almost suffocating. Sohyun sat on her bed, her knees pulled up to her chest as she stared blankly at the floor. Her thoughts swirled in a chaotic mess—images of Agent D’s rare moments of vulnerability, his casual mention of his past, and the weight of his words. Twelve years old… she repeated in her mind.

She ran a hand through her hair, the hum of her fan offering little comfort as it flickered gently in the background. She had never seen Agent D as anything more than a seasoned agent, someone who exuded confidence and expertise. But tonight, everything had shifted.

Twelve…

She let the word sink in. A child, forced into a life of constant battle, stripped of any semblance of a normal childhood. Sohyun’s mind couldn’t reconcile the image of the young boy Agent D had been with the man she had seen in front of her. How could someone that young be thrust into such an unforgiving world? What kind of person could endure all that and still carry on?

Her fingers absently traced the edge of her pillow as she thought about the weapons he carried: Durendall—a weapon so meticulously crafted, it seemed like something meant for a master, not a child. And then there was Torch, his flashlight, which held an eerie sense of purpose as if it was more than just a tool. It had a deeper connection to the darker, unseen forces that surrounded them.

Sohyun let out a frustrated breath, her chest tightening. There were so many things about him she still didn’t understand. He had talked about obligation, about honoring those who had mentored him. But was it just a duty that kept him there, or was there something more? Something deeper that kept him tied to a life that had broken him so early?

Her thoughts turned to his words, his confession that he had stayed with the Bureau all these years because of those who had shaped him. It made her heart ache for him. And yet, it also made her question everything. Why hadn’t he left? Why hadn’t he sought something better, something of his choosing?

Sohyun pulled her knees tighter to her chest, her mind suddenly racing through all the implications of what she had learned. Her thoughts came to a screeching halt when she remembered the weapons, the choice of them. What kind of weapons… she thought again, her brow furrowing in disbelief.

Without realizing it, she muttered aloud, “What kind of weapons choose a child?”

The question hung in the air, as though the room itself was waiting for an answer she might never find. Sohyun pressed her fingers to her temple, fighting the overwhelming sensation of sadness and confusion. The weapons that Agent D carried had always seemed like tools of someone who had mastered them, someone who had honed his skills over years of experience. But hearing about his past, knowing how young he had been when he was thrust into this life, made everything feel warped like the lines between childhood and adulthood had blurred beyond recognition.

The thought of it made her stomach churn. What kind of childhood had he had? And, more importantly, what kind of person could survive it?

Sohyun closed her eyes, fighting the rising tide of emotions. She wanted to ask him so many things. Why did you stay? Why did you let them choose your life? Why didn’t you walk away? But she knew that was a conversation for another time. A time when she could think more clearly and when her feelings didn’t make her heart race every time she was near him.

For now, all she could do was sit with the weight of it. The weight of knowing that behind Agent D’s cool exterior, there was a history that stretched far beyond anything she could have imagined.

She let out a long breath, letting her body relax into the bed. What kind of weapons choose for a child? The question echoed in her mind, haunting her with its implications.

But more than that, she couldn’t help but wonder: What kind of person could bear the weight of those weapons for so long?

Authors Note: Unsure of when I’m gonna post another story but stay tuned.

[blorbseuki]

[Kirby OC Masterpost] Parhelion Knight/Stell

:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ:

Reference | Gijinka | ToyHouse | ArtFight | Tag

Parhelion Knight is the lone guardian of the ancient wishing star Parhelic Anima. A volatile, foul-mouthed spitfire, Stell isn’t exactly the most sociable puffball in the cosmos, quicker to resort to violence and insults over diplomacy. To be fair, when the extent of one’s social interactions for the past several centuries is speaking to a soulless AI, talking to oneself, and spewing death threats, it makes sense that their conversational ability vastly suffered. It certainly doesn’t help that they’re desperately pasting flex tape over their many, many complexes over their short stature and lack of wings. Projecting? Overcompensation? What’s that?

:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ:

Chronological Events:

The first snowfall...

It Chose Me

I Claimed Them

What makes you so important?

The most common threats

Meeting Fayre (AKA the 'Among-Us' Arc) (As told by @humming-fly)

Trapped in the Gamer Pad (by @humming-fly)

Sweeping Season

Fight Club (by @humming-fly)

:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ:

Misc.

Associated songs

Inventory check

Mirror Double

Kirby Cafe Dessert

Where are they from?

Sleeping Habits

Fears

Favorite Food

Demonstration/Moveset

Have they been possessed?

:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ:

Artwork:

Original Concept Art

Concept Sketchdump 1

Gijinka Sketches 1

Snowy/Getting Steel Beamed

Gijinka Sketches 2

Concept Sketchdump 2

Walk Stab Walk

Current Main Ref Asset

Meme Redraws

:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ:

Emoji Ask Meme: [Original List] [Second Prompt List]

Do they have any musical skill/Any associated songs? | Inventory check | Morpho Fusion | Elemental Affinity/Copy Abilities/Robobots/Mirror Doubles/Clash Roles | Kirby Cafe Dessert | Picking a Treasure/Magic vs Tech | Where are they from?/Do they get possessed easily? | Can they wield magic?/Sleeping Habits | Favorite food/Morning Routines/Dream Friend Interactions | Fears/Jamba Hearts | Have they met Kirby? | Have they been possessed?

2024 Kirby OC Tournament Shenanigans:

Intro Post | Vandalism | Cupcake | Rock | Conversation Buddy | Saltines | Ants + Pink Lemonade | Cube | [Ants](https://aseuki.tumblr.com/post/750028317501046784/enjoy) | Demonstration | Wings | Worm | Waddle Beem | Gijinka | Gatekeeping | Maintenance | Milestone Challenge pts 1-3 | What makes you so important? | Milestone Challenge Conclusion | Ever been in a nova? | Tourney's Over

[iphoenixrising]

Masterlist 3

Tim-centric con't

Red Robin tweaks: BatDad & Boomerang | Fallen (What if Dick didn't catch Tim | Kon catches Tim

Tim Angst:The Wrong Robin (for 800 Followers) | Broken Trust 1 &Broken Trust 2 | Babe has feels | More babe feels | Broken Trust 3 | Merry Christmas, Timmy on Ao3, Angst with a happy ending | on Tumblr | Lazarus!Tim au: | Tim, fresh outta Gotham and heartbreak + Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved"

Random 90’s YJ angst Original post | Follow-up | Broken protocols ficlet | Tim angsts to music | Earth 3/ Owlman angst | Hanahaki disease idea | JLA stops checking in

Tim Drake Week: Day 2: Sick Bird| Day 6 (Firefly fusion) | Day 7 (Injury/Healing)

Whirlybird!!!! BABE MADE ME A WHIRLYBIRD & HC

Tim!X (AUs): Coffee Shop!AU | Tim the twisted Oracle | CEO Civilian!Tim from Prime Girl | And the post of aus | Prime girl Enchanted idea | Superpowers | Trans!Tim | Temperance: Temperance's Temptations on AO3 and art ! & Just Desserts | Vampire!Tim HC & for 600 followers! & Bite Kink (it's naughty) | in the future | Mute!Tim: One & Two & Three | Mer!Tim: Ideas & Scaring Dami & Damian & Art & Titans | Silver-Snow's Mer!Tim: Natant & Ideas

Kid!Tim: De-Aged!Tim: Not trusting the BatFam ... but the Titans | Kid!Tim works (Different ways Tim joins the Bats earlier):Tiny!Tim au on Ao3 | Kid!Tim is discovered by Robin!Jason & Window Seat & Tiny!Tim au: The Fever & Tiny!Tim and the Secret (for 500 Followers!) & Tiny!Tim and The Wrong Bus | Tiny!Tim and Tiny!Peter ask | Home for Tiny Birds (Convergence w/ NHFDB!Tim): One & Two | Jason's Death (HCs): One & Two & Three

Justice is Blind (Blind!Tim AU): on AO3 and some amazing art by the incredible poison-basil!!! | One | Two ("BatFam") | Three ("Waking Up") | Four | Five | Six (slight NSFW SuperBats) | Asks: Who All Knows & Ra's, Tam & WE, & Jason & Ra's & Tech & Tech and Tam

Converging the AUs:

"Feels" by iphoenixrising , a graphic by Miss Coco Chips | Convergence

Home for Tiny Birds: NHFDB!Tim visits Tiny!Tim

Fracture!Tim meets Talon!Tim & Dr!Tim | Sated (NSFW HC)

Fracture: the Multiverse & Future!AU

Boy All the Bad Guys Want:

Want | Battle for the Cowl, ScareRobin | Lex Luthor | Tim + Inertia + Superboy Prime | Prime: One & Two & Domestic Syndrome | Superboy Prime and Justice Lord Kon

Pamphlets: One (based on this ) & Two

Joker Junior: One & Two

Jean Paul One & Two

Talon!AU: in which Tim is a Talon & RR without Tim & Mindfuckery & Titans on the Hunt | Gray Son must Die (in which babe wrote most of the thing) & Functionally Immortal & Brainwashed, Hurting, Dissociating, Angry, and Lost & the Assassin & the Talon | Refuge w/ Shiva & A Killer | Rebuilt & vs Fracture!Tim

Dr!Tim (DickTimJay; in which Tim is a trauma surgeon and DickJay are vigilantes)

Meta: on AO3 | Art in which I cry with joy | How it all Began (light NSFW) | Follow-Up

The Mentor; The Suit; Med School | Hobbies & Tony (HCs) | Dick’s Acrobatic Talents (suprise!, it's smut!) | Steph & Batgirl | The Joker | Integration (HC) | Roof Rat | Wicked Way | Dr!Tim HC: Jason’s real pad disguised The original idea | le ask | ask 2 | ask 3

The Submissive & Safeword (HC) & Safewords Out & Sub-Drop | Not Safewording Ask | Annnd Consequences

London Bridge: is Falling & (Missing Scene) & Afterward w/ guest star, Tony Stark!

Headcannons and ficlets Four Times the Bats called Doctor Drake | What's in a Name (HC) | Ultimate Fanboy | Pet Project & Ra's (HC) | Dancing | Meet and Greet | Jealous!Dami | cute!Tim, overwraught!Dick (NSFW; adult themes)

That whole thing at Arkham Dr!Tim and Arkham Riots: One & Two | Arkham Breakout | But, that's not all Dr!Tim and Fear

Tony Stark in Dr!Tim: The Surgeon, The Captain, and the Soldier (for 600 followers!) | SteveTonyBucky (for 700 followers!)

BatFam Prompts, Drabbles, & Thoughts

BatFam headcanons: BatDad | Characterization | General & Dami | Robins & their Other Selves | Outlaws & Titans | Slade/Dick | Terry McGinnis | the Sads

Misc Ficlets: Accents & Motherhenning | Bats & Birthdays | Concussion Confessions | GenderBend | Robins & the Cold | Staypuff | Training ("Hilarity Ensues") | DickTim & a fight & Robin Cuddles | "Let Sleeping Robins Lie" (for 100 followers!) | BatFam & Tim with a Cold | Tim/Clark for Tim Drake Birthday Hunt! (NSFW) | Tim/Clark ask

Interest (see also "DickTimJay: Destroyed")

Soulmates (Robinpile) | Part 1 | Part 2-ish | Here’s an ask | Aaand another | And a third | And a post-fit ask that broke my heart

SuperBats

BatFam Big Bang: on AO3 Day 1: Cuddles | Day 2: Sick | Day 3: Fight! | Day 4: Vacation | Day 5: Nightmare | Day 6: Best Rescue | Day 7

Fic Recs: Funeral & Dr Oz by awkwardbluefish Calling It by reallyautomaticvoid

Damian

Headcanons: on Tim & Shiva | Characterization | as a Boyfriend and NSFW specifically w/ Jason and also with Dick

Dami and ...: Dick & Tim at the Arcade | Tim & Don't panic, but we accidentally got marries | Comfort | Robin's Redemption (for 400 followers!)

Fic Rec: DamiTim by hauntedlittledoll

DamiTim Nurse Tim! Robin!Dami WIP on Ao3 | Concept | Alph!Dami/Alph!Jon/Omega!Tim: The original ask| Tim & Dami

Night Sky

Jason

Jason Todd's mouth & Languages (HC) | Jason's Accent & its inspiration

v. the Pit and then I saw Counting Bodies like Sheep

Misc: Jason, the Outlaws, and the Joker | Crochet | RHatO #25!UA | Silence (tw warning: major character death) | Bottom Jason Todd Week: Daddy Kink, Rare pair Jay/Thomas Elli Heavy in your Arms: One & Two (Angst; Based off the song with the same title by Florence + the Machine)

Marvel

Forward Momentum (MCU Steve/Bucky eventual Steve/Bucky/Tony): on AO3 | Nice Things | Steps | Family | Why aren't you an Engineer? | The Situation | Coffee | Observation | Hurt/Comfort (for 100 followers!) | Medical (HC)

Marvel AOB Attempt: One | Two | Crossroads | Three | Tony & Omegas | Tony & Heat

MCU crossovers: Fracture/Forward Momentum fusion The original idea | Aaaand part 2 |Tony is a bro in the crossover verse | What if crossover verse | Tim stays in the MCU and goes out as Robin | One shot: Tony and Bucky visit Tim in Gotham - different crossover verse | Bonding with the Avengers

Misc

Miraculous Ladybug Play | The Way to His Heart

Check Please!Check Please WIP | WIP 2

Voltron: all because of satire-please Team Dynamics | Left Behind | Waking | You, Not the Lion

[steddieunderdogfics]

Idk what the rules are for nominating a work You were part of for the themed Mondays, but for the last two summers, I (SSLeif) have been working with Rambling_Company and Elle-dubs on a Steddie piece called Lake Kane, which has been completed.

Lake Kane is an AU of the summer of '85 where Steve, Robin, and Eddie all work as fire lookouts in a national forest, while strange (Russian) things start to happen.

I am only tempted to nominate it for the tech theme because it was made for Podtogether, so has a podfic, and radios are DEEPLY important to the piece- radio is the primary way the three communicate with each other all summer (plus it incorporates a bunch of the Actual Canon season 3 emphasis on radio as well with Dustin and his cerebro, and in geneneral we just had to think through tech availability at that time and in that environment super hard as we were working on it- from the ability for Eddie to record music he was working on, to whether his guitars were going to work, to how they were playing music when they were by themselves, to how the actual like tools and tech that a fire watch uses are different contemporarily than they were in the '80s, and of course the whole thing is based on a video game, sort of), to the point where the text of the fic is actually mostly in script format, with all the action and narration etc being things like ambient sound, sound effects, and conversation being had between the towers through their radios. It's kind of almost epistolary in that way.

No worries if it's not chill to rec a fic you were part of, but it seemed to super fit the theme and because of the format, it's unlikely to ever get a huge reception, which is fine. However, I'm very proud of the work we did, so here it is, if you would like it/this is acceptable.

https://archiveofourown.org/series/4303225

Lake Kane by Elle_dubs (avril_o), Rambling_Company, ssleif

@do-what-the-knight-tells-you @omg-elledubs-things

Rating: Teens and Up

25,160 words, 2/2 chapters

Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Tags: Dustin also makes a cameo, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, alternate season 3, Podfic & Podficced Works, Screenplay/Script Format, Alternate Universe - Fusion, no graphic violence yet, not that we see, but there is implied violence and evidence of animal death in part 2, multivoice podfic, Embedded Images, Embedded Audio, Radio Play Format, Underage Drinking, Marijuana, Podfic Length: 2.5-3 Hours, references to animal death, Getting Together, Coming Out, The Party makes a cameo, Murray makes a cameo, Podfic, Natural Disasters, But just a little one, References to Canon-Typical Violence

Summary:

It’s the summer of 1985, and construction of the New Mall expected in Hawkins has been delayed. Steve Harrington, newly graduated, newly cut-off, needs a summer job. Hargrove is still in town, so Steve’s absolutely not going to lifeguard this year. Eddie Munson gets caught that one-too-many’th-a-time, and Hopper makes it clear he needs to find some gainful employment, ideally elsewhere, and Hop does not want to see Too Much of him this summer, Or Else. Robin Buckley needs a summer job, ideally something that lets her do college prep work at the same time… And the forest service is having trouble retaining fire lookouts in this one… mysterious… stretch of woods. . A Stranger Things/Firewatch AU

Thanks for the rec!

This rec is a part of Challenge Monday. The challenge this week was Fics that focus on technology.

Know a fic that deserves extra love? Submit through our asks or the submission box!

[evilthotiana]

I hate Abstract Hip Hop African Music Afrobeats Alt-Country Alté Alternative Dance Alternative R&B Alternative Rock Alt-Pop Ambient Ambient Dub Ambient Pop Ambient Techno Americana Art Pop Art Punk Art Rock Avant-Garde Jazz Ballroom Baltimore Club Bedroom Pop Blues Boom Bap Brazilian Music Breakbeat Breakbeat Hardcore Bubblegum Bass Caribbean Music Central African Music Chamber Folk Chamber Pop Chicago Drill Chillout Chillwave Classical Music Cloud Rap Conscious Hip Hop Contemporary Folk Contemporary R&B Country Country Soul Dance Dancehall Dance-Pop Deconstructed Club Deep House Detroit Techno Disco Downtempo Dream Pop Drill Drill and Bass Drone Drum and Bass Drumless Dubstep Dub Techno East Coast Club East Coast Hip Hop Electro Electroacoustic Electronic Electronic Dance Music Electropop Emo Emo Rap Experimental Experimental Hip Hop Experimental Rock Film Soundtrack Folk Folk Rock Footwork French Hip Hop Funk Funk brasileiro Funk Rock Future Garage Gangsta Rap Garage Punk Garage Rock Ghetto House Ghettotech Glitch Glitch Hop Glitch Pop Grime Hard Bop Hardcore [EDM] Hardcore Hip Hop Hardcore [Punk] Hardcore Punk Hip Hop Hip Hop Soul Hip House Hispanic American Music Hispanic Music Horrorcore House Hyperpop Hypnagogic Pop IDM Indie Folk Indie Pop Indie Rock Indietronica Industrial Industrial & Noise Industrial Hip Hop Industrial Techno Instrumental Hip Hop Jamaican Music Jangle Pop Jazz Jazz-Funk Jazz Fusion Jazz Rap Juke Jungle Krautrock Math Pop Math Rock Memphis Rap Microhouse Midwest Emo Minimal Synth Minimal Techno Minimal Wave Modern Classical MPB Neo-Psychedelia Neo-Soul New Wave Noise Pop Noise Rock Northern American Music Nu Jazz Outsider House Plugg PluggnB Plunderphonics Political Hip Hop Pop Pop Rap Pop Rock Pop Soul Post-Bop Post-Hardcore Post-Industrial Post-Punk Post-Punk Revival Post-Rock Power Pop Progressive Breaks Progressive Electronic Progressive Pop Psychedelia Psychedelic Folk Psychedelic Pop Psychedelic Rock Psychedelic Soul Punk Punk Rock R&B Reggae Regional Music Rock Shoegaze Singer-Songwriter Slacker Rock Slowcore Smooth Soul Sophisti-Pop Soul Soul Jazz Sound Collage Soundtrack South American Music Southern African Music Southern Hip Hop Southern Soul Spiritual Jazz Spoken Word Synth Funk Synthpop Tech House Techno Traditional Folk Music Trap Trap Soul Trip Hop UK Bass UK Funky UK Garage UK Hip Hop West African Music West Coast Hip Hop Western Classical Music Wonky

[posthumanwanderings]

Internal Section (Positron / Square - PS1 - 1999)

“Often described as a twisted fusion between Tempest and S.T.U.N. Runner, this Positron game was released exclusively in Japan in 1999, at a time when the PlayStation games catalogue was already vast and varied. Dynamic and irreverent, Internal Section is essentially a complex ‘tube shooter’, an unusual angle that can be considered a welcome addition at a time when horizontal and vertical scrolling shooters were predominant. The mere sight of the initial presentation, or the bizarre imagery printed on the bizarre game manual, tells Internal Section apart from a common shooter. Instead of acquiescing to the adolescent anime characters and pseudo-plots, it evokes the same mature, impersonal and hi-tech ambience of the demoscene computer art subculture. Each of eight levels is divided into four sub stages (A, B, C, D and Boss Fight). When the level guardians are reached, game scheme switches from its tubular form to that of a circular rail drawn around the enemy, where greater shot precision is often required. Internal Section‘s gameplay is utterly unique, allowing the player to instantly choose between twelve different shot types, each of them based on a Chinese zodiac sign: apart from dodging bullets and other obstacles, the key to success lies in the use of the appropriate sign for each situation. Far from a hardcore shooting game experience, Internal Section is all about the experience and aesthetics – rather than superhuman skills – with scattered checkpoints and infinite continues that make it a short, albeit extremely enjoyable video game.

The first impact created by Internal Section originates from the awkward graphic style. Their lack of texture mapping is properly compensated with the addition of smooth and lustrous shading, drawn in vivid colors and wonderful contrasts. Flat polygons pervade the screen as each level displays a predominant color, and each sub-stage exhibits a rich and artful array of pictorial themes. Due to its spartan aesthetics, this uncanny Squaresoft release is bound to be compared with Rez, released by SEGA two years later.

iS also aspires to a perfectly balanced blend of audiovisual and gameplay, including a carefully selected techno music playlist. While not as memorable as the licensed soundtrack from games such as WipeOut, the disk includes 16 original themes that help bring some strong sense of rhythm into the game experience. Similar to Ridge Racer, it also lets the player swap the game disk for an audio CD, essentially giving it a customizable soundtrack. Customizations also include the selection of different ambiences for the levels, a factor that dramatically increases the game’s appeal and replay value.

If carefully observed today, in light of modern shoot’em up revivalisms, iS has achieved a certain state of grace, having risen to a level that only a handful of its counterparts were able to attain. Its flat polygon graphics running smoothly on the television screen and its responsive controls prevent the game from looking or feeling obsolete. In fact, everything about iS contemplates innovation, as well as a very strong desire to evade the usual patterns that have long infected this stagnant genre. Its status as a rare and unpublicized title coming from a major company has contributed, undoubtedly, to the consecration of Internal Section as one of the most engaging and sought after titles from the recent past.“ [article source]