#Vortex the living Shadow

[colorfulplasma]

hi hello it's their B-day yay !! Hoping to dive more into them the future (for the lore)

[olliveen]

PONYO PONYO PONYO FISHY IN THE SEA

[mothman-dan]

I havent seen this anywhere yet so

heres the (leaked) origin of the pokemon universe story with the correct pokemon names in place of the beta ones

(original text here)

EDIT: just woke up but theres an updated translated version here. I've gone ahead and changed the text below to the updated version Please note that there is no mention of giratina in the updated version (which makes more sense based on some other info we have)

In the beginning, there was a vortex of chaos. All mixed slowly together, and everything was a blur. One day, a large egg appeared in the center of the chaos. For a long time, the egg continued to shake.

Eventually, the vortex stopped, and the egg broke. The absolute god Arceus was born.

The scattered fragments of the egg transformed into giants, and attacked the newly born Arceus. However, Arceus quickly grew, and continuously defeated the giants. At last, after a fierce battle, Arceus defeated all the giants.

The wounded Arceus created an alternate self. As the left and right side of Arceus’s body were different, it created two selves. Arceus gathered the body of the defeated giants, and poured its blood into them.

From the one who resembled his left poured out light, so Arceus named it Palkia, the god of light. From the one who resembled his right poured out darkness, so Arceus named it Dialga, the god of darkness.

To the two, Arceus commanded that the world be filled with people, and fell into a deep slumber.

Although Palkia and Dialga were different in appearance, they loved one another, were joined, and had many children. However, there still existed no world, and their frail children, who had nowhere to go, died one after the other. Though overcome with great sadness, Palkia and Dialga thought of creating a world where all could live healthy and prosperous lives.

Palkia and Dialga called their children Uxie, the god of eyes; Mesprit, the god of heart; and Azelf, the god of voice.

When Uxie open its eyes, everything that was there appeared. There was now contour and color in the world. When Mesprit wished for it, everything that was there could be felt. A sense of calm spread. When Azelf shouted, everything that was there trembled. A blessed timbre began to resonate.

To the three, Palkia and Dialga gave the seed of life and told them to nurture it.

The three gathered in a circle and prayed, and the seed sprouted.

The sprout quickly grew, and became the giant tree of life. However, the tree continued to grow, soon filling the entire world, and no one was able to move.

The three asked Father Palkia and Mother Dialga for help.

Dialga and Palkia joined once again, and had three children. The god of the sky, RAYQUAZA; the god of the earth, GROUDON; and the god of the ocean, KYOGRE were born.

RAYQUAZA wrapped its body around the tree of life. GROUDON and KYOGRE slammed their bodies into the tree of life. Eventually, the tree fell and broke into three pieces.

Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf prayed, saddened that the tree would rot away like this. Then, the pieces of the broken tree would transform into the sky, earth, and ocean.

RAYQUAZA became the pillar that holds the sky. The shadow that reached into the heavens became the three gods who sustain the sky: Dragonite, Gyarados, and Tyranitar. The air filled the sky, and the stars sparkled.

GROUDON became the land that covers the earth. The roar of the diving land became the three gods who sustain the earth: DAABU, SAAN, and GOODON. The earth shook, and the mountains stirred.

KYOGRE became the veins of water that embraced the oceans. The ripples that disappeared into the seas became the three gods who sustain the ocean: LATIAS, METAGROSS, and LATIOS. The ocean was filled with water, and the waves whispered.

Thus the world was born.

Palkia and Dialga, and the various gods, were very pleased with this, and filled this world with their children.

That peaceful world was a paradise for the children of god.

The children of god would continue to multiply.

Through that, words would change little by little.

Over time, the gods began would call those who lived in the world by two names.

The children of god who resembled the great father, Palkia, would be called “Pokémon”. The children of god who resembled the great mother, Dialga, were called “humans”.

The absolute god Arceus will soon awaken, and seeing the world filled with its descendants, will promise great abundance and prosperity.

[sonic-au-collision]

SONIC AU COLLISION: ROUND 4

click to see full image

RECOIL belongs to @lazydayslivin & @transzsonix [link to summary & reference sheet]

Vampire AU belongs to @kingprinceleo [link to masterpost]

Content Warnings: Blood & Implied Cannibalism

Explore each world below the cut!

RECOIL:

After a strange vision, Silver ushers to explore the ruins of the Ark alongside a wayward Shadow, seeking clues to another one of his seemingly prophetic nightmares. Before they can dive any deeper into the mystery, an old device is set off and Silver is captured in its vortex, sending him to the past!

Silver finds himself in the thrust of the mayhem on the Ark, and his goodnature ends up making drastic changes to history when he saves Maria. Now, back in the present, Silver is facing the consequences of his heroism and what it's done to his friends. Alongside Screw (Tails) and their makeshift sonic-robot (Gumball--based on Silver's embellished recounts of his blue blur), they search for a way to right the past and fix the present while avoiding GUN'S ultimate weapon and Eggman's scheming. although, changing time never comes without a cost.

Vampire AU:

Angel Island is the only life Sonic has ever known. Being trapped within the permanent barrier encasing the 8 islands isnt quite his style, so finding a way to destroy it and explore the world below has been his goal for as long as he can remember. Hes got a number of other things keeping him occupied however, trying to prevent the Robotnik family from taking over total control of the islands.

When he isnt fighting them off, hes hanging out with his friends, living his best life being a vampire both day and night. When he wants to get everyone off his back, and feed from his favorite vampire hater, Shadow, he uses his magic staff to change his appearance into an alter ego, Hoax the "Tenrec."

[keferon]

TexAid - Vortex has taken First Aid as his pilot. First Aid claims Vortex as his mech.

--------------------------

There's a rumbling in the distance as First Aid crawls out the darkened hatch of Vortex's escape chute.  The hangar is a wreck of collapsed walls, twisted metal pipes, and broken wiring shooting up sparks. 

First Aid pushes himself to his feet, stands back, and uses the flashes of light to take stock of the situation. 

This is…not good. 

He counts a dozen cuts and bruises across his own aching limbs before abandoning the effort.  He is satisfied at least that he is intact, alive, and functional.  All his injuries will heal, given treatment and time. 

Time he may not have.  Because Vortex on the other hand is not so lucky – lights off, systems silent, frame crumpled on the ground.  A slow trickle of oil leaks from the mecha, swirling into one of the many pools of alien ooze scattered around Vortex's frame along with chunks of the aliens' flesh.

The battle had been fierce, Vortex's fighting the fiercest Aid had ever seen against the many enemies.  But for the first time, it hadn't been enough.  The mecha suddenly going dark – collapsing under the strain of overtaxed systems even as the last of the monster's fell.  Leaving First Aid truly alone in that cockpit of horrors for the first time.

Another rumble sounds in the distance, shaking First Aid from his reflection.

He refocuses on the present, pushing himself to his feet and stumbling towards Vortex's head.  He raps his knuckles against the glass of the visor, shouts at the mecha to wake up. 

Nothing.

Vortex has gone dark.

This is not good.  He is dead.  They are dead, if Vortex cannot wake.  Because those distant rumbles are definitely not friendly.

No human has survived fighting the aliens without a mech.  And first Aid is a medic first.  Vortex is the fighter – the killer – of their strange partnership.  First Aid doesn't know what the aliens do to the mecha and pilots that go missing from the battlefield and are never recovered.  And he doesn't intend to find out.

But he does know what the science team will do with Vortex – a billion dollar prototype gone wrong – out of control and now offline.  They will take the mecha apart, dissect him, strip him down to his basest components to find out where it all went wrong.  And when they're done, what's left will be scrap – pieces repurposed into other mecha repairs.

They might build a new prototype top-of-the-line killing machine 2.0.  But is won't be Vortex.

First Aid hates that.  Because he should hate Vortex, after all the other has put him through.  But he doesn't.  Because before all that, Vortex had saved him.  Vortex chose him – kept First Aid alive and safe, even as he's shown countless times just how easily he could destroy Aid.

And Vortex is…was…could be alive – a mecha with a consciousness all his own in a way First Aid had not believed until he experienced it first-hand.

Out of ignorance, out of fear, out of hate, or simply because of the harsh realities of war – the others will kill Vortex (if he isn't already dead; please don't be dead) and never realize what they have done, because they never recognized that he was alive to begin with.  Never saw him as anything more than a glitch, an aberration in their perfect war design.

First Aid has a duty to save lives.  He cannot – will not – let that happen.  Vortex is his.  In death as much as in life.

The rumbling grows closer, close enough First Aid can imagine he hears the slithering of tentacles along walls underneath it. 

He will not let any other – alien or human – take Vortex from him, not while he still lives.

The cables on the ground throw up another flurry of sparks – casting eerie shadows across Vortex's frame.  First Aid's eyes fixate on the light, tracing the path of the wiring from where it snakes across the floor back up to the housing on the wall.  A broken main charging cable for a mech.

Maybe…just maybe…

It's a terrible idea.  So many things could go wrong – electrocution, a gruesome death, ending up a mindless shell on life support for the rest of his days (not so different from how Vortex already is now).  Pharma or Ratchet or any other medic would tell him as much.  They would tell him that there's almost no chance of powering on a mecha once it's gone fully dark, that it isn't worth risking himself too (and particularly not for this mecha).

For anyone else that might be true, but by now First Aid is used to a little risk.  Risk of electrocution and death?  Just another average day on the job.  No different than what Vortex puts him through every time he straps into the pilot seat.  The only thing that's different now is that Aid is choosing to take the risk.

Because there is a chance.  And First Aid is going to take it.

The rubber insulation of the cable is already in his hand when he looks down, his body having carried him to it as his mid was busy shutting out the doubts every other medic would have said.

Something bangs against the collapsed wall blocking entry to the hangar, sending a shower of dust outward.

First Aid hefts the cable over his shoulder, careful to keep the sparking end far in front of him, and begins the trek across the warehouse.  His shoulder burns from the extra weight on an already stressed joint and his legs protest as he forces them to twist and jump to avoid the pools of fluid that would cause instant electrocution if they came into contact with his body and the cable.

The aches don't matter.  He is a medic.  He can carry his own weight and still have the strength to lift up others.  He can do this.  He will do this.

First Aid is gasping for breath by the time he reaches Vortex again.  His sides ache, lungs burning with each breath.  He mentally adds checking for the possibility of bruised ribs to his catalogue of injuries, then shoves the pain aside to focus fully on Vortex's frame.

First Aid eyes the power node at the back of the mecha's neck and before he can think twice, shoves the broken power cable into it.  Sparks fly around the junction and Vortex's frame jolts, lights flickering briefly, then stills.  First Aid pulls the cable away, then hits Vortex again.  And again.  And again.  Lights flicker.  Sparks fly.  Dust showers around First Aid.  Electricity jolts through Vortex's frame.

"Come on," First Aid mutters as Vortex's lights stay on a full second after he pulls the cable away before stuttering out again.

He takes a deep breath and throws the cable directly into the center of Vortex's chest, where the mecha's primary batter is housed.  Sparks fly across Vortex's frame, lights flicker, flash bright white, then stabilize to a dim red glow.

First Aid's momentary relief shatters as Vortex moves and he feels a gust of air from a cold metal blade passing just over his head.  There's a dull thunk, and then fluid is pouring down on First Aid, coating him in a thick sludge of blood from the alien that First Aid reckons was looming just behind him, judging by the bright green eyeball that falls from above to land in a spatter at his feet.

First Aid looks up at Vortex looming over him, gloving red light pouring out from the maw of the cockpit and laughs, shaking hysterically as a hand reaches down to scoop him up from the ground.

They are alive.  He is Vortex's.  Vortex is his.  They are alive.

D-dont. Don't make me even more feral about them than I already am. Don't. I was GOING TO SLEEP BUT NOW MY BRAIN WON'T STOP WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME HOW AM I GONNA PRETEND TO BE NORMAL NOW WH

Previous Next

[circeyoru]

Shell of What’s Left Behind = Requested

[Traumatized!Sung Jinwoo x Former Close Friend!Reader]

Ask —Main Story (here) — Alternate/Extra Ending + Silly Comic **Suggestion: Read without knowing the request

“Jinwoo, I don’t have a good vibe from this place…” You stuck close to him, clutching onto your weapon with a firm grip. It was a precious dagger that your family had brought for your raids, one that you treasured, and tied to the end of the dagger was a locket with a letter of goodbye if you ever end up on the unlucky side of things. At least your family would know you loved them with all your heart.

“It’s fine. This is a low-rank Gate. We can handle this. We’re at the rear anyways.” Jinwoo smiled. There wasn’t much room to refuse since he needed the money for his family. You were there because you wanted to be by his side; even with all the dangers and urges from your friends and family, you still joined him. 

Ƀēȼⱥᵾꞩē ɏꝋᵾ ⱳēɍē ħīꞩ ӻɍīēꞥđ.

No sooner, the raid began and reached its climax. Shouts of command, screams of pain, and splatters of blood were all around the raid team. It was a common sight for Hunters, but that didn’t mean it got any easier for them to treat it as normal. 

However, this battle was one that the team couldn’t win over. The monsters were overwhelming; losing the leader was a major blow and the team was in disarray. Like ants scattering about, the remaining team members all ran towards the exit. This was not something they could manage. You, being the caring self you were, carried the injured Jinwoo to the entrance. Despite the large wound across your chest and the minor cuts on your arms and legs, you pushed forward and shouted at him to stay awake until the end.

The glowing vortex was within sight, he somehow knew you turned your head to look back. That monster, that what was assumed to be the boss, was still chasing the remaining team, fighting for survival. In horror, the Gate was closing, the people in front immediately got through screaming. All that’s left are the two of you and that monster behind.

Your shaking hands reached for your dagger and had Jinwoo grip onto it. You cried, “I’m sorry, please live.” You got as close as possible to the Gate and threw Jinwoo over your shoulders and into the shrinking Gate. Jinwoo screamed your name. His sight of you with a bittersweet smile, though flipped upside-down, still didn’t help as his tears flowed. He knew. You knew. What was coming. You had turned back and charged at the monster with a battle cry. “Come after me, you vile thing!”

There, his vision went dark. The last thing he saw was the collapsed Gate that faded away, taking you along with it. 

“No!” Jinwoo screamed as he sprung up from his bed. His breathing heavy, as if he had been running a marathon as his weaker self, and his body covered in sweat. He looked around and found himself in his room. He looked down at his hands that gripped his blanket like a lifeline. These were hands that were trained until they were rough and calloused, and they were bigger than they once were. 

“My Liege?” Beru materialized beside his master, kneeling on one knee with his head bowed. “Is there something you want of me?”

Jinwoo’s hazed eyes glanced at his trusted Shadow. “No… Just… Just a nightmare…” That was an insult to your actions. “I mean… I just dreamed about that time.”

Beru’s antenna twitched, given his obsessive interest in historical drama and human knowledge from… unsavoury means, he was aware that this was a vulnerable moment for His Liege. “I will lend an ear if My Liege wants to share.”

His other Shadows, Igris and the others, popped their heads out of the shadows. A show of support, if you will, to their lord and master in his time of need. 

Jinwoo sighed. This wasn’t something he opened up about ever since it happened. He could still remember the devastated cries of your family and friends, and some were devastated enough that they blamed him for your death. While your body was never recovered due to the Gate’s collapse, it was impossible for you to be alive still. He agreed with the blame and insults; he criticized himself as well. You were loved and cared for, and you had a family to return to. Why did you sacrifice yourself for him?

For the first time, he told his Shadows all about you. Your bravery, your kindness, your selflessness. Also his guilt and vow; he’ll do everything in his power to protect his loved ones.

His Shadows unanimously agreed that you were a blessing to Jinwoo; if it weren’t for you, their master might not have been here, nor would they. Your sacrifice, though tragic, was well respected and praised between the Shadows. As more and more Shadows joined Jinwoo’s army, your tale was spread to each one, curtsy of Beru. Yet something happened…

It was another day in Jinwoo’s work as a Hunter. Since he was the pride and joy of the country, he was tasked with training newbies from time to time. This was one of them. Jinwoo was to take some higher-ranked Hunters into Gates and give them a practical lesson. As Jinwoo had his Shadows, no Gate challenged him. 

“You must all agree amongst yourselves for a leader to lead the raid and team. Communication is key when you enter a Gate; any disagreement or misstep will cost you everything.” Jinwoo stated, “But this time, we’re going into the Gate to learn hands-on about its environment, so team training… You’ll have to learn another time.”

And thus, Jinwoo and the newbies all stepped into the Gate. Everyone had their weapons in hand as they cautiously walked deeper and deeper into the dungeon. Jinwoo followed their lead behind while keeping his perceptive senses monitoring any incoming danger. The weirdest feeling of deja vu washed over him the longer they stayed in the dungeon. 

“There’s only dead bodies so far…”

“Is it cannibalism?”

“A fight among beasts?”

Yes. So far, they have only come across corpses in various stages of decomposition. Some looked as if it just died from all the twitching from presumably muscle memory, similar to how a snake would still move around after the head is chopped off for a few hours, and some were all bones. Then there were others in between that would make people gag.

“This isn’t right.” Jinwoo stopped the group. Everyone halted at his words, none daring to object. Jinwoo summoned his Shadows and told the Hunters, “Return back to the entrance with my Shadows. Tell the association people that I need to investigate this dungeon alone. No one comes in.”

“Right!”

“Yes, sir!”

Jinwoo watched as they left, he called front Igris to join him and the knight appeared by his side. “We’re going in.”

His steps echoed in the empty dungeon. Igris’ knight plates cling and clung with each move. Jinwoo’s eyes glanced around. This place was familiar. How could he forget? It took him so long to push back the trauma of that raid, still, he never forgot. The walls were lined with moss, the dungeon theme blended forest and cave together. Torched fires lined the sides to light the way. If his memories serve him right, and it does, the fire torches all lead to the boss room that started that tragedy all those years ago. 

“Jinwoo, I don’t have a good vibe from this place…”

“It’s fine. This is a low-rank Gate. We can handle this. We’re at the rear anyways.” Jinwoo spoke as he turned the corner. Igris glanced at his lord but played ignorance.

Jinwoo stopped at the entrance. He summoned his daggers. He took a deep breath and exhaled. It was time to put the past behind him. Just like that time with the Double Dungeon. This would be nothing. There are no moving statues and his Shadows are with him. It was a piece of cake compared to that time. It was just his nightmare brought to life. This is a sign to move on. You’d want that too.

Swiftly, he turned the corner and rushed towards the only living thing that his senses picked up. However, when his eyes landed on his target his form froze up. His daggers dropped to the ground. “No… No way…”

There, by the throne, was a slumped figure. A broken sword lying on the ground, the hand that released it. The figure was leaning against the throne’s side to rest. Clothes were all covered in dirt and blood; there were even holes here and there, exposing bare skin. Eyes closed, but the chest was moving up and down. 

Alive.

You were alive.

Jinwoo screamed your name and rushed forward, abandoning his daggers and Igris. He kneeled in front of you and inspected you closely; you were dirty, yes, but you weren’t wounded anymore. There was still that giant tear in front that showed your chest, so he took off his coat and wrapped it around you. As he was doing that, your eyes suddenly snapped open and you lunged at him, aiming for his neck.

The shock made him lose balance and he fell to his back. You saddled him and pushed your hands down on his neck, cutting off air supply. “Wait… It’s me….”

Igris wanted to act but Jinwoo had him and the others stay put.

The pressure you applied was stronger than he expected, but not strong enough for it to be life-threatening. “It’s me… Sung Jinwoo…”

You bore your teeth at him. Your head tilted to the left, then right as if glitching. Your eyes blinked with force. Your arms trembled. One of your hands removed from his neck to his forehead, pushing it down into the ground. “Hu…n…gr…y…. F…oo…”

Hungry. Food. You were talking. Albeit broken, but he could still understand and saw that you were acting on instinct. He opened his inventory where some bread was still left from the last time. “Sorry, but I have to do this.” He shoved the bread into your open mouth. “Eat! Chew it!”

With something in your mouth, you stopped with the assault and blinked. Your jaw moved and you started biting into the bread. Your hands removed themselves from Jinwoo’s form and pushed the bread deeper into your mouth to consume it. When it was done, you eyed Jinwoo again, your hands starting to position to where they were before.

“Wait! There’s more!” Jinwoo made more bread appear. 

Your attention shifted to the bread and grabbed them to consume it. You were so focused on eating all that bread that you didn’t even feel or care Jinwoo nudging you off of him, even moving you to sit on the throne to eat in peace.

He took the time to observe you. Apart from what he noticed before, you had dried blood at the crown of your head, some even stuck to your hair. Unconsciously, he reached for it and touched it, there was nothing, just smooth skin. He looked around at the empty dungeon, corpses of monsters laid around. He turned back to you and his heart ached. You survived, but no one searched for you; no one made any effort or clung to hope that you were somewhere out there waiting to be rescued.

Not even him.

“I’m sorry.” Jinwoo muttered. “I’ll bring you out of this dungeon and you can eat all you want. I promise.”

Your eyes looked up from the bread and snapped at him. “O..u….t he….re…?”

Jinwoo nodded. “Yeah, out of this dreadful place.” Jinwoo reached to hug you close to him. “I’m sorry I left you in here all alone…”

Your eyes blinked and looked at him, then up and back to the side. Your arms moved up to mimic his hug as best you could. Your eyes turned their attention to one of the corpses in the room. No one but Igris seemed to have noticed that unnerving smile that spread on your former stoic face. However, it was not Igris’ place to speak out, for he could tell this was a touching moment for his liege.

The knight questioned if that was indeed His Lord’s long-lost friend.

▬▬▬▬▬⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧▬▬▬▬▬

Igris was assigned to watch over His Liege’s dear former close friend, just as Beru was assigned to watch over His Liege’s mother and younger sister. His strongest Shadows were given the greatest tasks among the rest of the Shadows. 

You couldn’t be left alone. You’d lash out at anyone who wasn’t Jinwoo, going for their neck or head if they were to come close to you. Your mind had determined everyone as a threat to your survival except Jinwoo, possibly due to Jinwoo providing you with food when you were hungry and dying from starvation. 

As hard as it was, you were given a health checkup with Jinwoo’s help. The doctors deduced you had consumed monster meat to stay alive for that long and drank the monsters’ blood as a source of water. You had healed yourself of your wounds, likely thanks to consuming monsters. It was barbaric, but it was what you had to do to survive. 

The lack of human contact had driven you mad to a degree that you couldn’t speak as fluently, so Jinwoo contacted a speech therapist to help you. Along with other therapies to get you reacquainted with society. Still, giving you water and food was a little trick for earning your trust. You were more docile when you saw people around you to be non-threatening. 

After everything that was immediate was taken care of, your family was contacted and everyone was reunited with you. But. You showed no recollection of any of them. Another assessment was given. It turns out that you had no memory of who you were or why you were in the dungeon. What you knew was to live and eat, then repeat.

Though heartbreaking to hear, your family still accepted you back into your home. They didn’t care as long as you were back with them. That was the same with Jinwoo. They all said memories could be made, and who knows, maybe your memory will return the longer you are with them.

“I actually look very different from your memories, not that you remember now.” Jinwoo chuckled, scratching the side of his cheek. “There was some growth spurt. I’m not the weak E-Rank you knew and need protection, now I’m one of the strongest, an S-Rank Hunter.”

You didn’t seem to show much interest as you ate your third steak. At least you chewed and nodded from time to time. Before you were literally inhaling the food you were given as if someone would steal it if you had taken your time. Now you were still taking giant bites. Baby steps, baby steps. Jinwoo pushed the glass of water to you when you appeared to have a harder time swallowing.

“I can protect you now. You don’t need to sacrifice yourself for me. If anything, now I’ll sacrifice myself for you.” Jinwoo pledged, he stared to search for some form of reaction. You would have been slamming your hands on the table and rejecting his words or you’d laugh at him.

There was not even a flinch or recognition from you. 

This is all my fault. He bit the inside of his lower lip. He calmed himself as he told himself you needed more time. You were alive. That’s all he needed now. He put up a smile as he told you, “If you like eating so much, you should try a buffet. I bet you can clear the entire table. Actually, what do you want? I’ll treat you to it next time.”

Without missing a beat, you spoke clearly. “Brain.”

He wouldn’t lie. There was a chill when you stoically answered. He choked it up to the time in the dungeon that changed your taste. Perhaps the brain was the tastiest organ to consume? Well, he did promise. “Okay, you need to promise to behave though.”

“Promise?” Your head tilted.

“Yeah. So you will do something.” Jinwoo explained as best he could.

“Eat brain!” You nodded enthusiastically. 

“No! That’s your reward if you behave.” Jinwoo waved his hands. He sighed as he tried to find a way to simplify it. “Okay. If you be good, then I’ll bring you brains to eat.”

You looked down as you hummed, seemingly thinking hard. Then you looked up at him, “I bad. No brain?”

“Yeah. If you’re bad, then you can’t eat brain. Being good is eating, sleeping, and everything else?” Jinwoo really tried his best with this.

“Then promise.” You nodded again. You pointed a finger at him, specifically his forehead, “Speared. Brain. You give food.” A smile spread on your face, “Freedom.”

From then on, Igris was in your shadow, watching over you. Apart from you being a bit abnormal in your speech and actions, you were fitting into society more and more. Before you spoke broken sentences, now you managed to hold a conversation. While your memories were still non-existent, you still acted fine.

You kept your promise, so Jinwoo kept his. He’s brought you to exotic restaurants that actually served brains as a dish, even other organs. There were some that actually served dungeon monster parts as a delicacy. He thought it was a one-time thing or until you were treated so you’d put your dungeon life behind you, but it persisted. Who was he to judge? It was the least he could do for you.

Jinwoo’s Shadows could see the positive effect you had on their master and prompted the two of you to spend more time together. Beru was the one to suggest more exotic food sources to Jinwoo and even learn some cooking for some alone time with you, since you surprisingly could understand Beru. 

All but Igris maintained distance from you. There was something about your smile and actions back when you were found that ‘rubbed’ him the wrong way. Sadly, he wasn’t able to communicate with his Lord like Beru due to his restricted abilities, and it wasn’t like Beru would entertain his unnecessary concern when their Lord was the happiest.

All of the Shadows knew Jinwoo treasured you. While at first you didn’t seem the same, slowly you cared for Jinwoo as well. That was all that was needed. The Shadows were more than happy to take guard duty for your protect since protecting your safety was the same as securing their Lord’s joy. Previously, their Lord’s ecstasy was in growing strength and power, now with you around, it was all perfect.

They all hoped and waited for the day the knot was tied.

Time passed on like that.

There you were, scrolling your phone. Until your eyes landed on an article. {BREAKING NEWS! A NEW DUNGEON MONSTER IDENTIFIED!} Your eyes scanned down to see what was written.

〚A parasitic type of monster has been identified in the recent recovery of monster corpses. This parasitic life form feeds on a monster as a host to continue the consumption of other beings. While limited information is known about these monsters, it was found that they prefer fresher corpses, preferably recently killed and all bodily functions are still maintained.〛

〚A report from a recent Red Gate raid stated that these monsters can function the same in human bodies. All memories of the host will be lost and the monster controls the host until it is destroyed. The other Hunters have found out when the affected Hunter was consuming raw bodies and seeking any living creature as food.〛

〚The host is said to have gained incredible strength, speed, agility, and healing ability. A sign of affected individual could be the head or neck, or a large wound in the upper body. However, the best way to determine a host is by memory and speech. These monsters are unable to master human communication immediately upon possession.〛

Your eyes widened and you threw your phone at the wall, shattering it into pieces. Your eyes blinked and blinked again, your head robotically turned behind you when you felt Igris appear. His armoured hand reached for your neck and slammed you into the wall, moving you up until your feet were dangling.

“Ha…” You smirked as you glared down at the knight sent to protect you. “You… figured it out…. Didn’t you?”

“How dare you play with My Lord’s care and feelings.” Igris hissed, applying more force on you. “I will kill you and free My Lord from you.”

“Kill me if you can.” You challenged the Shadow without fear. “That human you call ‘lord’ will be devastated once more. Picture it: the loyal knight tasked to protect his lord’s beloved was the merciless killer.”

“You…” Igris pushed you into the wall, and slowly cracks formed around you.

You noticed the glow in Igris’ ‘eyes’ and cried tears, “Jinwoo! Jinwoo! Help!! Your Shadow knight! Ack! He’s… Choking me! Hel…p…”

Igris shuddered as he felt his Lord’s rage. Without a second later, Igris was pushed off of you by Beru, even pinned to the ground. You collapsed to the ground from your spot, coughing as you tried to breathe again. Jinwoo was by your side, patting your back as you took your sweet time.

“Slowly, there’s no rush.” Jinwoo reassured you. “You’re safe. You’re safe now.”

“Jinwoo!” You cried as you flung yourself into his embrace. “I’m sorry if I did anything to upset you! I’m sorry!”

“You don’t have to apologize, you never did anything bad.” Jinwoo hugged you, combing through your hair. He glared at Igris as Beru screeched bloody murder. “It’s okay. Igris will be punished.”

“I’m scared! I’m scared of your soldiers!” Your form shook uncontrollably. You hid a sinister smirk in Jinwoo’s embrace. “I was going to die again! I’m scared! Jinwoo!”

▬▬▬▬▬⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧⬦⬧▬▬▬▬▬

From then on, Igris was placed into a time-out zone of sorts. Shadows were also removed from your shadow because you had another trauma that had built. Jinwoo was more attentive towards you and even gave you all kinds of things. In contrast, the other Shadows all questioned and doubted Igris for attempting to take away their master’s source of joy. In a way, neglect was punishment for Igris.

However, you thought it was not enough. Merely dining monster brains was not enough. A human’s brain was delicious. Maybe it was the intellect, maybe it was the rarity when within the dungeon. Either way, the craving for human brains was immense. There was also no way Jinwoo was going to satisfy that need. There has to be another source.

Somewhere away from Jinwoo’s Shadows. Where?

Ah.

You travelled to the rural areas. You did your business. You returned. 

〚Last night. A man was found dead with his head missing. Authorities are still trying to locate-〛

You repeated that.

〚Just this morning, a young girl was found brutally murdered in the forest. It appears her body was stabbed then savaged by wild-〛

None knew who it was that did it.

〚An elderly-〛

〚Another-〛

〚There has been-〛

〚Who is this serial killer that-〛

〚Authorities are urging-〛

It indeed was a buffet. Humans were weak, as long as the target wasn’t a high-ranking Hunter, it was a free meal. Jinwoo was too busy with the Monarch business that he had no time. Though you might have heard he died somewhere along the way? Well, it didn’t matter. As long as you got time away from him.

Your priority was food and survival.

Bloodied hands pushed the mashy organ to the lips. A dead body lay at the feet of the killer. The skull was cut open with a discarded axe, the head was now empty. Blood soaked the floor, creating connecting mini rivers of red.

Your head tilted to the side like a click and turned back. A familiar Shadow was standing there. You smiled, “Igris. Long time no see. How’s the punishment?”

“Be honest to My Lord and come clear while you have the chance. Parasite.” Igris warned.

“You can talk now? Did you eat a human too?” You blinked. “Welcome to the party.”

“You will answer for your crimes.” Igris stood to the side while holding part of his cape, it glowed and a vortex appeared. You watched another figure join the scene, out stepped Jinwoo.

With a groan, you glared. You knew there was no hiding it now. “Party pooper.” A dagger was thrown into your precious body, or it would have if not for your hand catching it. Your hand shook as you tried to prevent it from piercing your flesh. A grin formed, “Shall I tell you about my host’s last moments?”

Jinwoo appeared in front of you and punched you in the neck. You threw five or six into the trees until one managed to within the force and stopped you from continuing your flight. You coughed out a mouth full of blood. Your eyes moved from all over the place as you assessed the damage. Broken bones, neck’s definitely broken. It was impossible to get away alive.

Your healing ability focused on your neck and head to torment the Hunter that brought you out of the dungeon. “My host screamed, ‘Run! Don’t look back!’ even as the exit closed. My host was very vocal. My host was dying. My host said, ‘I love you, Sung Jinwoo.’ and fell.”

“Shut up.” Jinwoo stabbed a dagger into your chest and stomach. “Stop talking.”

“Why? You help teach me how to talk.” You grinned, blood rolling down your body, but you didn’t care. “I gained my host’s body and love of those who cared for my host. I am the luckiest among my kind.”

Jinwoo impaled another dagger into your chest. Even knowing that a parasite was inside your body and it wasn’t you, he couldn’t hurt your head any further.

“My host was smart. My host hid the memories by death. Otherwise, I could have been the perfect stand-in.” The parasite used your voice to make it sound pitiful. “I have no regrets. My life was the best.” It looked at Jinwoo with your gaze that he had long fallen for. “Would you be able to kill my host?”

Jinwoo tightened his hold on his dagger, clenching his jaw as his eyes watered.

“My Lord.” Igris stepped forward, “If you’ll allow.”

“Igris…” Jinwoo looked at the knight who was once misunderstood. If it wasn’t for the removal of restriction, he would have been in the dark until who knows when. If only he hadn’t been blinded by his relief over your return.

Jinwoo stepped back.

Igris stepped forward and raised his blade. “Your fibble attempt to buy time has failed.”

“Wait! Hey! No! You can’t! I- I love you, Jinwoo! Please save me! Please help me! I was wrong! Pleas-” The sound of crunching sounds echoed in the silence. 

Jinwoo dropped to his knees. “How could I have been so blind?! I should have- I should have known! The signs... It was all there...”

Igris stared at your form. Your head was unrecognizable, all to kill the parasite that had devoured your brain and used your body for its twisted needs. Your skin pale like the white snow during the freezing winter. Yet your body appeared as healthy and normal as any other human he saw on the streets; there was not a sign of malnutrition or harm despite playing host to a life form of the most despised kind.

When he heard his Lord’s stories about you, he did take a liking to you. He wanted to be your protector as you have protected his Lord when he was at his weakest. You were like him, a defender and protector. To have your body violated in such a way was a disgrace and a crime of the highest degree. In human terms, he wished this would free you of your suffering soul that he knew without a doubt would be watching over his Lord even after death.

First, before anything!! I'd like to thank @vereimeja for the wonderful opening and closing image slides of this story! They have created the two pictures you guys see here!! It was so good that I had to use it! Perfect because it begun with E-rank!Jinwoo and ended with S-rank!Jinwoo. It's like you read my story beforehand! (just kidding) Thank you thank you all the same for your artwork contribution!!!

Note: Yes, this is angst—full angst. As requested. As you guys can no doubt tell, the dividers in between the story are the part separation if it were to come out one by one. Haha.

BUT I have written an alternative ending where a happy end is there, Jinwoo's still traumatized, but it's a comfort end I'll say. Now, I say alternative end, but it's just an additional part. Let me know if you guys want that out too.

One last thing, I changed the title cause this sounded much better~

Circe Y.

My Works: MASTERLIST

Taglist: @mydearestbeloved @icefox8155 @loudlylovingcreator-blog @o-qi-shisme @vereimeja @shineinouzen15

[mariasont]

hi 🫶🏻 i was thinking maybe you could write spencer x reader inspired by taylor's I look in people's windows? for the plot it could be something like they were really close friends and reader was obviously in love with him but then he met meave and distanced himself from her, or maybe that he blames the reader for meave's death and is avoiding her, idk, whichever you prefer!!

i love your works, you're so good at writing!!

When the Swallows Come Again - S.R

a/n: hi my lovely you just know me tooooooo well. a swiftie plot line you ask? i am at your service

no but fr thank u so so sooo much for requesting i love YOU! 🫶🏼

masterlist

pairings: spencer reid x gn!reader (im pretty sure pls correct me if i added any use of pronouns)

summary: spencer blames you for maeves death…or so you thought

warnings: angst! (happy endings, yes ik im feeling gracious), talk of death, blood, guns, usual criminal minds stuff

wc: 2.5k

The asphalt beneath your boots felt gritty, the sound muffled by the thick blanket of snow. With one hand, you tried to guard your face from the snowflakes that seemed determined to kiss your skin. They might seem pretty from inside, but out here, they were just another reminder of your inadequate clothing against the biting cold.

The first rays of the sun began to stretch across the concrete, painting long shadows in its wake. Although you could have found your way in the pitch black if needed. Most places were still closed, but you knew that a coffee shop you used to love would be open. It wasn't your top choice, mainly because of the fact that you might bump into--

Him.

You knew it was him before you even saw his face, the hairs on your arm standing at attention as you stopped dead in front of the window.

It was Spencer, unmistakable even from a distance, his distinctive curls made into a celestial crown by the cafe's soft light. Your heart stumbled, plummeting down to your shoelaces. A thousand emotions crashed around you, a vortex happening to quick to untangle. These were feeling you had buried down, far deeper than six feet, hoping they'd never resurface. But that, you realized, was just wishful thinking.

You watched from behind the glass, feeling like a stranger to the world that Spencer now inhabited--a world where you once had a seat at his table. Now, you were the outsider, the unwanted observer. The sound of his laughter, which once was a comforting sound, now seeped through the door's crack, a mocking reminder of a severed tie. Your friendship was one that had bloomed like the first flowers of spring.

But flowers wither, and seasons change.

With Spencer out of your life, a subtle death crept over you, eroding you piece by piece. It was a death characterized by the loud allegations, the quiet of words left unsaid, and a friendship that had crumbled because he blamed you for Maeve's death.

Not just blamed, he hated you.

He hated you because you had tried to save Maeve, but you just weren't quick enough, because you couldn't beat the onset of gunfire, because you went in instead of him. You knew the cost: if he went in, he wouldn't have come back out. You didn't regret that choice. He's alive and breathing, and that's worth any cost--even if it means he never spoke to you again.

But there he stood, living and breathing--just as you intended, and suddenly your body seemed to malfunction. Your feet might as well have been part of the pavement, the snowflakes assaulting your face just as Maeve's blood did that day. Your heart threatened to burst, racing with a ferocity that set your veins on fire. You were scorching alive, and it was 17 degrees. 

In the aftermath, Spencer had taken himself off the grid, locked himself in his apartment, and you didn't take it to heart because his withdrawal was all- encompassing. He was avoiding everyone. But then he came back, and it was as if you alone were invisible to him. You tried, with every fiber of your being, to bridge to gap, for him to let you be his best friend again, but your attempts were met with biting remarks and thinly veiled jabs.

It was exhausting. But he was grieving so you felt like he deserved a pass. He had been through so much, more than anyone on the team. Surely, if anyone deserved a pass, it was him. However, even the most generous pass has an expiration date, and six months of disregard made it challenging to keep validating the same worn-out ticket.

So, you submitted your transfer papers to the narcotics unit. You wanted to say a proper goodbye, but you weren't sure he'd care. So, you didn't. You waited until the office was empty, then disappeared without a trace. 

But it didn't hardly matter that you weren't physically around him because you found yourself searching for signs of him in everything you did. 

When you pulled on your socks, memories of his mismatching habit surfaced, and the way he'd cheekily taunt you for your staunch preference for matching white ones. When you went to the grocery store, you'd unintentionally wander to the aisle with the dark chocolate almonds, his favorite.

Every time a swallow flitted across your path, you were reminded of him. "Swallows return to the same place every year, but not the same partner," he had once explained.

The thought always stuck to you, like gum on the sole of your shoe, because now it was a poignant parallel to your own stupid, fractured bond. Connections were never meant to endure. You knew that now.

It was too late to reverse course when he spun around, catching you red-handed. Your mouth flapped open, a fish out of water, as you willed your feet to moved forward. The need for coffee paled in the comparison to the need to leave. But his reflexes outmatched yours, and the door swung open before you could make an escape.

He said nothing, just stared, and you came to a near-instant stop, narrowly avoiding a collision. The frosty air of your breath fogged the space between you, briefly distorting your view of him, softening his edges into the Spencer you once knew.

Now that he was within arm's reach, you could discern the finer aspects of his face. He looked good, tired, but good. He always looked good, but time had sculpted his features into something more profound. His hair had grown out, curling at the ends, and a stubble now sketched the contours of his face. 

"Hey."

Had you not been so captivated by the shape of his mouth, the faint sound would have been swallowed by the buzzing in your ears.

"Hey," you whispered, but even that was too much for your shaky voice, breaking mid-greeting and leaving you exposed before him. "I'm sorry, I had no idea you'd be here. Um, I should probably just--"

You maneuvered around him, pushing down the vomit of words rising in your throat, consciously fighting the impulse to catalog every line of his face, cognizant of the fact that it might just be the last time you'd see him.

His hand clasped your wrist, and you were suddenly you were the newest member of the BAU again, rubbing elbows with the boy genius, telling him all your secrets with the exception of one. How madly in love you were with him. Were? Are? Past tense? Present tense? You tried not to think about it.

You were frozen in time—not solely from the physical restraint but from the searing sensation of his touch, a feeling you hadn't known in ages, as if igniting your skin through your sleeve.

"Wait, please," he pleaded, the desperation is his voice anchoring you to the spot. You turned back to face him, finding your faces nearly touching. You shifted, intending to create space, but his grip on your arm didn't drop, so you didn't move. "How have you been?"

The question threw you off guard, and it filled your stomach with an irrepressible swarm of butterflies, a feeling so alive against the biting cold that stung at your nose.

Your fingertips were going numb.

"I'm okay, you?" A complete lie.

You racked your brain for the last time you felt okay. Perhaps it was before Spencer had started talking with Maeve. You didn't even know about it at first, that might have been the worst part. He was your best friend, and he had omitted such a significant detail of his life from you.

He just started to distance himself, forging a gap between the two of you that seemed to rival the expanse of the Grand Canyon. Perhaps it was an overstatement, but as the events unfolded, the comparison felt justified. 

The change began imperceptibly, almost cruelly gradual. You would have preferred a quick yank of the Band-Aid, but it was a prolonged, painful peeling. The first sign was him not jumping at the chance to be partnered on cases like he usually did. Then, it progressed to him choosing seats away from you on the jet, and finally, it escalated to him leaving the room all together when you were in it.

It was an achy feeling, an all-consuming soreness that infiltrated every inch of your being. You didn't understand, didn't know what you did wrong. It wasn't long after this you found out about Maeve.

And then, as if fate had dealt its cruelest hand, she died, and suddenly it was your fault. You became the villain in his eyes, condemned for your hesitance, and because you refused to let him die. Maybe it could be seen as selfish, but without him, you would be nothing.

Yet here you were living without him all the same.

His inspection was more thorough than you were ready for. It stirred an urge within you to shrink away, to sprint into the anonymity of the dark streets, but your feet remained rooted to the spot.

"I've been better," he admitted, eyes shining with something you couldn't quite place.

"Oh," you begam, the syllable suspended in the frigid air, but before your thoughts could coalesce into words, Spencer cut through the silence.

"Why did you leave?"

Your brows pinched together, your mouth agape as a singular heartbeat was lost--and then several more. "You can't be serious."

He looked confused. "What? No, Hotch never really told us your reasoning."

The taste of a bitter laugh lingered at the edge of your lips. "Spencer, we don't need to do this whole act, okay? We don't have to pretend that I left for any reason other than you."

"Because of me?" His hands glided upward, pausing on your shoulder, and you loathed the part of you that wanted to lean into him. "What are you talking about?"

"Are you kidding?" The words tumbled out, blinking away the tears of frustration that threatened to spill. "Spencer, I'm not stupid. I know you hate me. I know you blame me for what happened with Maeve. And I get it, you were grieving, and you had every right to be mad, and I just couldn't work there anymore."

"That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard," he cut in, his tone was sharp, yet somehow not unkind. "God, I don't hate you. I could never hate you."

"How can you stand there and say that?" you countered, your voice hurt and incredulous as you took a step away, the cold seeping into your bones and setting your teeth on edge. "You treated me like I was nothing, Spencer."

"Here," Spencer said, handing you his jacket. "You should know, prolonged exposure to cold weather can actually weaken your immune system."

"Oh," you said, slightly startled, feeling the warmth take hold in your cheeks. You rubbed your nose before pulling the jacket over your shoulders. It smelled just like him.

"I don't hate you, you know that, right?" Spencer's voice was soft, like he was whispering even though you were the only two on the street. "I'm sorry if I made you feel insignificant. You're far from it. You could never be nothing. But I was mad, and I let that get the better of me."

"But I tried, Spencer," you choked out, voice wavering, emotion thick in your throat. "I tried to save her. Maybe if I had more training, more experience... I know you wish I had let you be there instead, but I couldn't risk it, not with what I knew. And now our friendship is ruined and I--,"

"Hey, whoa, slow down," Spencer interjected, cupping your cheeks, thumbs brushing away tears you hadn't even noticed. "You think I blame you? Oh, my god, no, sweetheart. I was angry, yes, but it was because you were willing to step in front of a gun."

"You don't blame me?"

"Of course I don't," he breathed out as if he couldn't believe this is what you thought. "I'm so sorry for giving you that impression. It was never my intention."

Your emotions bubbled over into a sound that was half-laugh, half-sob. "I really missed you."

Spencer's heart seemed to shatter than mend in an instant as he drew you against him. "Can I kiss you?"

Giggles spilled out through chattering teeth, punctuating the air as a wide smile graced your lips. "You want to kiss me?" 

"I want to kiss you."

The idea almost seemed to sweet to be true.

"Okay."

He kissed you, and with each snowflake that settled into your hair, Spencer drew you in closer. In a way that you had only dreamed of. The biting cold was there, but it paled in comparison to the blaze that was now ignited through your body. 

It was perfect, everything you had imagined and more--real, warm, and grounding. 

He pulled away slowly, blinking the same speed, snowflakes dusting his lashes like delicate frost.

“I know I’ve been… difficult,” he said, his voice rough, his breath wanting your frozen cheek at the same time.

You pressed a hand to his chest. “Spencer, you don’t have to explain.”

A moment passed, as if he were thinking about your offer, then his gaze found yours, piercing and profound, as if the solid ground you stood on was suddenly fragile.

“But I need to,” he said, the raw need in his voice pulling your straight back into the orbit of his words. “I was angry, yes, you almost got yourself killed. But I pushed you away because it was far easier than facing the fear that I might lose you too.”

The beats of your heart echoed loudly—thump, thump—in its bony cage as your fingers curled tightly into his shirt.

“Every time I looked at you, I saw what I could have lost, and that fucking terrified me.”

Spencer cussed, this wasn’t unusual, but the intensity behind it made you frown. His words, so honest, seemed pull you in, invading his personal space in an effort to get rid of yours.

“You’re not going to lose me.”

The sun was shining now, casting golden rays over the snow and Spencer’s face, framing him just as he was in your mind.

“Then let’s not waste anymore time.”

You love him. Present.

For a second you thought Spencer might be wrong because maybe, just maybe, swallows could return to the same place, and the same partner after all.

taglist: @hotchhner @khxna @readergf

[the-witchhunter]

DP x DC Half Demon

So there’s this interesting little tidbit about souls/ghosts/spirits in DC, or more specifically Hellblazer. So, particularly evil, bad, or wicked souls will eventually turn into demons. That is one of the ways that demons are made

I think one could even argue that some of Danny’s rogues are actually demons or at least becoming one. For example Spectra’s true form is a living shadow person that feeds off the misery of others. Undergrowth and Vortex also could be demons or even gods turned demons much the way Nergal is in Hellblazer

But let’s take a moment to talk about Vlad. He’s pretty shitty and wicked. He’s manipulative, uses his powers to to totally screw over those that oppose him, is really sexually creepy towards Maddie, and his worst sin, is a capitalist

Let’s also take a look at his ghost form:

Glowing red eyes, skin not remotely a human color, and straight up has fangs… some traits that seem kind of traditionally demonic

And what effect did his ghost half have when Danny’s fused with it to make Dan(Dark Danny)?

Inhuman skin color, glowing red eyes, fangs, forked tongue, fire for hair, and oh yeah, turned him completely evil

Vlad’s ghost half has just fully turned or has started to turn Demonic

So I think it’d just be really funny if he got splashed with Holy Water and started writhing on the floor for a bit much to his and everyone else’s confusion

Or him dumping a bucket of it on Danny and is confused when all that does is leave Danny angry and wet, much like a cat.

[corkinavoid]

Okay, yeah, I just wrote a post about good!GIW like three days ago, but

DPxDC GIW Using Ghosts as Living Weapons

TW: dehumanization, mention of electrocution, whump

I've been watching Hell's Paradise, and it got me thinking. What if GIW doesn't just catch and study ghosts? After all, their tech is no match for something like Vortex or Undergrowth, or even Technus.

What if they catch ghosts and turn them into living weapons? Train them into following commands like dogs, and force them into obedience. Dehumanize them in the worst way possible, treating them like machines.

Ghosts are not sentient or sapient in their opinion, but they feel pain. They can be trained.

What I'm saying is whump Danny, mostly, but make it interesting. Make it not just a teen in pain, no, make him a merciless machine that follows any given order with unmatched efficiency, someone who doesn't feel any emotions anymore, knowing no pleas or cries will work.

I'm thinking along the lines of a muzzle, or a collar that gives him electric shocks every time he either disobeys or does anything he was not told to do.

Now, I've got two ideas of where this can go. One, GIW gifts Danny to the JL as an ultimate, all-powerful weapon. Maybe they don't even specify he is a ghost at first, presenting him as an object, and then they get to do a demonstration, and the JL is promptly horrified at the sight of what they think is a meta kid in a muzzle that doesn't even have holes for him to breath. And when they very carefully try asking GIW to explain this, GIW just shows off Danny's powers. Which are, well, a lot. Maybe they ask Danny to do something like, I dunno, destroy an asteroid or shit. Something big, something most members of the JL are not able to do single-handedly, but Danny does it easily, with little effort. And GIW explains that this kind of power, especially coming from a ghost, a being malicious at its core, can not be kept on the loose without any restraints.

The second idea includes Al Ghul Twins. GIW can have some ties with League of Shadows, so maybe they made Danny into a living weapon with the sole purpose of making him Ra's' living weapon. So Danny ends up back in the League, and Ra's tasks him with killing one of the Bats, or maybe stealing something, anyway, he ends up in Gotham. Where he meets Damian, and, boom, siblings' feelings hit. Cue all the whump angst you can imagine.

I'm not sure how to incorporate Fentons in the second idea. Maybe it was all a coincidence - Talia faking Danyal's death, him being adopted by Fentons, then later found out and contained by GIW. Or maybe it was all staged beforehand, and Ra's specifically put Danny there. Or maybe we bypass the Fentons in the first place and Ra's simply gives a spare kid to GIW in order for them to try and make him more powerful with the help of Lazarus Waters/ectoplasm. Maybe this can even be some kind of reincarnation.

Also, more ghosts can be added to the mix.

Danny disobeying the orders in order to protect Dani and getting tortured for it. Ember being used for mind control. Dan being the prototype of the living weapon program, the first experiment that turned out wrong and has been locked and kept contained.

The opportunities are endless.

[corruptedcaps]

The Devil in the Details

Tasha had been working at her new job for nearly a year now and found it desperately hard to get promoted. She was smart and great at her job but the office slut Victoria always took credit for her work. Tasha didn’t speak up for fear of repercussions from Victoria and her two equally bad friends Marie and Lisa. She knew if she kept at it eventually the higher ups would notice. Tasha knew Victoria and her bitchy cohort were bad but not evil.

That changed when one night after working late at the office she overheard them in a disused conference room preparing to do some real evil. Satanic ritual evil. They had moved the table and chairs to one side and drew a pentagram on the floor. Kneeling in the unholy symbol was the queen bitch herself Victoria.

"Are you sure about this Vic? This seems a little too much even for us." Said Lisa starting to question their plan.

"Dont back out now loser, once I summon the demon and he makes me a succubus then I'll enslave our little CEO to do my bidding and we will run this place. You two will have a place by my side and can have all the money and cock you want." Victoria replied. Lisa and Marie looked at each other and smiled, liking the sound of what they were hearing.

"Now let's chant so our new lives can start." Victoria said with a wicked smile and the three began to chant in a language Tasha had never heard before. Tasha had snuck into the room and was hiding behind the mound of tables and chairs. She took out her phone and began recording. She didn't believe in magic or demons but knew this sort of thing would be worthy of a firing so she needed the proof.

As the chanting became louder Tasha felt a chill in the air then suddenly the candles surrounding the pentagram blew out. A blast of hellfire erupted in front of Victoria and there appeared a demon. He had long black horns adorn his red head and a pointed tail floated behind him with almost a mind of its own. The three women bowed before him in reverance.

"Why do mere mortals summon I, Zepar demon of lust, greed and power?" The demon snarled.

“I seek magnificent power my lord. I wish to have my body and soul corrupted into that of a succubus, one fit for an evil queen. I will be your conduit on earth for you to receive the souls of the innocent so you can grow powerful and return to earth as king.” Victoria said. Zepar looked her up and down for a moment, seemingly intrigued by her offer but then let out a deep and dark laugh.

“I have no doubt that is what you desire but my dark magic chooses the host, not the other way around. However I do detect one of you mortals are worthy of my gift. Only the one the magic chooses will become my succubus queen, the others must serve her. Do you agree to my terms?” Zepar said with a mischievous grin. Victoria smiled back at him. She knew she was the one worthy of his power. Her two friends were pathetic next to her.

“We of course accept your terms.” Victoria said. As the words left her mouth, a surge of dark energy pulsed through the room, causing the floor to tremble and the air to thicken. The candles reignited with an eerie, blue flame, casting long, wavering shadows across the walls. Victoria's eyes gleamed with anticipation as she stood, facing the demon with unwavering confidence.

Zepar extended his hand, and a swirling vortex of black smoke began to form in his palm. "Let the ritual begin." He commanded, his voice reverberating through the room. Tasha, still hidden behind the mound of furniture, felt her heart race. She knew she had to do something, but fear paralyzed her. Her phone continued recording, capturing every sinister word and action.

Victoria stretched her arms out wide, waiting for the dark magic to take her but to her and everyone's surprise it suddenly shot across the room to Tasha's hiding spot.

The black smoke enveloped Tasha, lifting her off the ground. Her body convulsed as the dark magic took hold, reshaping her form into something otherworldly yet darkly beautiful. Her eyes turned a deep, mesmerizing violet, and her tits grew fuller. Her nails elongated into elegant, sharp points, painted obsidian black and her hair cascaded down in long, dark, straight waves. Her lips became plump and enticing, a deep shade of crimson.

At first, fear gripped Tasha's mind, her thoughts a whirlwind of panic. What was happening to her? She could feel the dark magic coursing through her veins, twisting her mind. But as the transformation continued, the fear began to fade, replaced by a strange sense of superiority. This power, this strength, it was exactly what she needed to finally rise above Victoria and her cronies.

As she embraced the darkness inside of her now, two small red horns grew painfully out from the top of her head. The pain was now comforting to her, it made her feel more alive than she ever had been before.

Her boring work clothes ignited and disintegrated, replaced by tight black latex that clung to her newly transformed figure, accentuating every curve. She landed gracefully, exuding an aura of seductive power that made the air around her crackle with intensity.

Zepar's gaze shifted from Victoria to Tasha, who moved to the demon’s side with a smirk. "It seems the darkness has chosen." He declared, his voice filled with a sinister glee. Victoria's confident smile faltered, replaced by a look of shock and disbelief.

"No!" Victoria screamed, her face contorting with rage. "It was supposed to be me!" She lunged towards Tasha, but Tasha raised her hand, sending a wave of dark energy that knocked her back.

"Your ambition blinded you, Victoria." Tasha said coldly. "The power goes to the one most worthy. Me."

Tasha looked down at Victoria, Lisa, and Marie, her violet eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and newfound authority. "Kneel before your queen." She said, her voice resonating with an eerie power.

Lisa and Marie, too frightened to defy this new Tasha, immediately dropped to their knees. Victoria, seething with fury, reluctantly followed suit, her eyes blazing with hatred.

Zepar turned to Tasha, a satisfied smile on his face. "Now, my succubus queen, you shall serve as my conduit on Earth. You will gather the souls of the innocent and corrupt them into weapons for our upcoming war. Once you have, I will return and together we shall bring chaos to this world."

"I look forward to your return my king." She said, her voice purring with affection for the demon as Zephar leaned in and the two kissed deep and long.

Zepar let out a dark, triumphant laugh before he vanished in a swirl of black smoke, leaving behind the lingering scent of sulfur.

Tasha stood tall in her new form, the room now filled with an eerie silence. She turned her gaze to the three women before her, who were still on their knees, trembling with a mix of fear and awe.

Tasha's lips curled into an evil smirk. She could feel the power coursing through her veins, the dark magic making her feel invincible. She took a step closer, her heels clicking ominously on the floor. "Before you can be worthy to serve me, you need to be punished. You must learn your place, and I will ensure you never forget it." She declared, her eyes gleaming with a sadistic pleasure.

With a wave of her hand she conjured an enormous strap on that wrapped tightly to her hips. Waving her other hand, dark tendrils of magic shot out, wrapping around the three women, binding them in place. "Let's begin with you Victoria." Tasha said in dark glee.

[colorfulplasma]

Lore dumping on a character I forgot for more than a month 😔😔 anyway yay Vortex my wet dog !!!

[m00nchildwrites]

Threads of Eternity

pairings: female!reader (you) x Xavier

tags: romance, eventual smut, based on storyline of game but diverges, little angst and feelings, resolved feelings, fluff, hurt/comfort, injury, these two need to just kiss already, use of her/she/you depend on the pov at the time, reader/MC/you is expressed as female and during smut times will use female-at-birth anatomy terms, will have nsfw content mdni- please read with caution, my smut gets ...vivid.

Xavier x You teaser snippet

Xavier stood in the grand halls of Philos’s palace; the walls seemed to shimmer and pulse with the light of the planet’s molten core beneath. The throne room was cold despite the white marble and glistening splendor, a reflection of the man who ruled it.

"You will obey me, Xavier," his father’s voice rang out, sharp and unyielding. The king’s shadow loomed large as he stood up on the raise dias, his crown tilted forward like a predator’s teeth.

Xavier’s fists clenched. "I won’t let you do this."

"You think your love for her matters?" the king spat, his words laced with disdain. "She’s not a person; she’s the key. Her Heart is the only thing powerful enough to stabilize Philos. Without her, we all die."

"A planet that consumes to survive doesn't deserve to live," Xavier said through gritted teeth.

"Foolish boy. This is why she exists. Why the Gods graced us with such a gift. She is born to die," The king’s laugh was harsh and hollow. "You’ve let your heart blind you to duty. Guards!"

Xavier barely heard the heavy footsteps echoing behind him as he turned and fled. He sprinted down the gleaming corridors, his heart pounding as he pushed through the palace gates.

The plan he had was simple: take her far away, somewhere even his father couldn’t reach- to Uluru. But as he reached the gardens, she was waiting. Why was she there in the palace? She should be at the Academy. This was all wrong!

The air shimmered. A Wanderer had been lurking in wait in the gardens, its twisted form bending reality as its protocore ruptured. A vortex opened, pulling Xavier toward it with an irresistible force.

"Run!" he shouted to her, his voice raw with desperation as guards began to enter the gardens.

But she didn’t run. She reached out towards him, her eyes wide with fear and confusion, just as the portal swallowed him whole.

Xavier’s last sight of her was the tears glistening on her cheeks.

When the dream shifted, as dreams often did. But this, this was a nightmare, for he was too late. She lay on an altar of crystal and stone, lifeless, her heart—her Aether Core—gone.

He fell to his knees, a scream tearing from his throat, the pain of her loss cutting deeper than any blade.

-

Xavier woke with a jolt, his chest heaving, the image of her lifeless body from his nightmare seared into his mind. He struggled to get his bearings as every time he had witnessed her death, held her in his arms as she died, every time he had to tell her goodbye- or the one time when she held him in her arms as he faded to be absorbed by Philos greedy core- all of the times he lost her flicked through his mind like a horror show.

He fought with his covers, throwing them from his legs as he stumbled from his bed to his bathroom. The bright light flickering on burned his eyes as he leaned and wretched into the toilet. When at last he emptied his stomach and calmed himself from the panic that had swallowed him, he stood on shaky legs to wash his hands and face. He gargled mouthwash and spit with a wince. On his way to the kitchen for water, he snatched his phone from his bedside table.

His apartment was dark, the city’s lights casting faint patterns across the ceiling. The water was a cool relief to his acid burned throat as he chugged the contents of his glass. He rubbed his face, trying to calm the storm inside him.

What had triggered the nightmares this time? They had been having a relatively easy time of things at work. He was lucky in that he was her partner, and as such, he got to see her almost daily. He knew she was safe, asleep in her apartment below him... and yet-

Without thinking of the time, he grabbed his phone and dialed her number.

"Hello?" Her voice was groggy but warm, and it immediately steadied him.

"Hey," he said softly, gripping the device like it was a lifeline.

I hope you enjoyed this small sample of what I am working on! Let me know what you think so far! Let me know if you want to be tagged for future updates! I have never had a tag list so I will do my best!

tagged list:

@moonsavior @2kyute2poot

[fineghkst]

How Eris and Azriel would react if their mate didn’t remember them

warnings: angst

a/n: kinda disappeared last weeks bc my classes are back, but hopefully i’ll have time to post more in the next few days

Eris Vanserra

Eris never expected to have a mate, but when he put his eyes on you for the first time, he realized how much he needed you

It took a long time for him to show who he truly was behind the mask he was used to wear. The cold and rude heir he learn to be turned into a sweet, caring and loving mate

At first, Eris thought it was only a joke

But then he realized the serious look on your face, looking him like he was a completely stranger. His world broke into pieces

How cold he live in a reality where his mate didn’t remember him? The person he loves the most doesn’t even knows who he was or about the bond

Eris felt like a knife were stuck between his ribs. Would that be a punishment for everything he has done before?

He would definitely blame himself for letting that happen to you. At some point, he starts to distance, trying (and failing) to act like he doesn’t care since he thinks that’s the best for you

That would destroy him, but still, he just wanted to see you well again. And having a mate pressuring you to remember about the bond was not the best way to recover your memories

Eris would be in a vortex of guilt and self pity for a while

But he couldn't handle not having you in his life. Eris realizes he just wants to be with you, even if it’s just like a friend

Eris would make everything he can to help you recover your memories and if it wasn’t possible, he would build new ones with you

Eris would show how much he loved you everyday, but never pressuring you to act like his mate

Being patient and letting you discover things by yourself, but would gladly tell you about your story together or answer any questions you may have

You would be free to make your own decisions, even if it was to leave him

Azriel

This poor boy would be completely devastated

It took centuries for him to finally meet you and now he was losing you

He honestly thought after the mating ceremony you two would have a type of happily ever after

Until suddenly you didn’t knew his name

Az would definitely be stuck in really bad place once you lose your memories. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t have an idea of what he could do to fix it

Azriel wouldn’t know how to act in your presence, so he accompanies you from distance, making his shadows always be with you, ensuring your safety

Would go out looking for a cure all over Prythian

Once he didn’t find out a way to recover them, Azriel felt completely defeated and desperate

He starts to redo the whole story of you two again, taking you to the most striding places

First, Az would take you to where he saw you for the first time, then, to the restaurant of the first date. After that, to the place you two gave the first kiss

Tries to win you back everyday

He would definitely be terrified of the moment you found out about his job at the Night Court, just like he was when you two were only starting the relationship

In short, Azriel would show how much he loves and cares for you. The spymaster would definitely boil in jealousy if any male approached you, but like Eris, he would leave you free to make your own decisions, even if they destroyed the little happiness he had conquered by your side

[sonic-au-collision]

SONIC AU COLLISION: ROUND 2

click to see full image

RECOIL belongs to @lazydayslivin & @transzsonix [link to summary & reference sheet]

Time Twins AU belongs to @libelelle [link to au tag]

Explore each world below the cut!

RECOIL:

After a strange vision, Silver ushers to explore the ruins of the Ark alongside a wayward Shadow, seeking clues to another one of his seemingly prophetic nightmares. Before they can dive any deeper into the mystery, an old device is set off and Silver is captured in its vortex, sending him to the past!

Silver finds himself in the thrust of the mayhem on the Ark, and his good nature ends up making drastic changes to history when he saves Maria. Now, back in the present, Silver is facing the consequences of his heroism and what it's done to his friends. Alongside Screw (Tails) and their makeshift sonic-robot (Gumball--based on Silver's embellished recounts of his blue blur), they search for a way to right the past and fix the present while avoiding GUN'S ultimate weapon and Eggman's scheming. although, changing time never comes without a cost.

Time Twins AU:

Silver the hedgehog has done it! The world is saved and finally his goal of creating a safe, livable future is complete. All that's left now is to find his place in this new world and live out a happy life. Only, it isn't going well, and he discovers a doppelganger of himself living in his place. Fearful of this new threat, Silver rebuffs his copy's attempts at friendship. All he wants is the chance to live a normal life. If only this phony would leave him alone!

[sitp-recs]

HI. I was reading 'Let me Stay' by Phoebe_Delia and this quote really struck me:

“I’m fine most of the time,” Harry'd insisted. “I’m mostly over it. But sometimes I get these cases involving kids and I just…” He'd trailed off, and Draco had waited a moment before reaching over and lacing their fingers together. 

Do you have any recs with this idea - Harry needing to save kids or being upset when he couldn't?

(I love your lists btw - they give me hours of joy)

Thank you, friend! Love this ask, it’s definitely something I’ve seen before in fic and I think it makes a lot of sense for Harry. Ugh the feels! I hope you enjoy these. Also linking the gorgeous Let Me Stay by @phoebe-delia!

Is This Love? by @phdmama (E, 4k)

Draco wouldn’t call himself a tender man. He fights the forces of evil for a living, trying his best to pay penance for the evil he’s done. He’s fought and killed in the name of duty, and when he’s not on duty, he tends either to play hard or retreat alone. He doesn’t lean on anyone, and he knows he’s not the first person anyone goes to when they need care. Comfort. That all changes tonight.

Repast, Interrupted by lastontheboat (T, 4k)

Draco is making chicken jalfrezi when the Patronus arrives. “Not sure when I’ll be home,” the stag says using Harry’s voice. “There was an Auror incident and we keep admitting more patients. Sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”

Conquering the Dark by @noeeon (E, 24k)

Harry's a Healer specialising in the care of children, Draco Malfoy's an expert in neuromagic at St Mungo's. A difficult case forces them to work together and, in the process, unearths some of the trauma of the past, as well as the chance for healing in the present.

Balance, Imperfect by @bixgirl1 (E, 91k)

When Harry sustains an injury in the line of work, he no longer knows how to navigate the life he loved, and finds help and solace from the most unexpected source.

All Missing Things (Can Be Found) by daisymondays (E, 100k)

After a drunken hook up ends badly, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy have no intention of ever speaking again -- but when they're assigned to solve a case of young child disappearances, they have to put their past behind them.

Who we are in the shadows by @quicksilvermaid (E, 100k)

What happens when you’re forced to become the very thing you despise? Ex-Auror Harry Potter, tossed out of the Ministry for something he had no control over, has been looking for a way back to his former life. When he comes across Draco Malfoy in the criminal underbelly of Wizarding London and in need of protection, Harry figures bringing him in to face the Ministry's justice is his ticket back to everything he's lost.

Bonus: not a case fic but I really love how Harry & Draco team up to help marginalized kids here:

Vortex by @xanthippe74 (T, 20k)

Ten years after that conversation, the idea of perfectly-matched soulmates feels more like a curse than a blessing to Draco. Who would want a soulmate who was a schoolyard bully, a Death Eater, and a convicted felon? Certainly not Harry Potter. And Draco is determined to take this secret to the grave.

[demonic0angel]

More Shadow Facts! (Click for clarity)

This is another post about Shadow, my DP OC that I attach to Jazz, since they’re becoming a bit popular!

Part two of this post.

More clarification on powers:

1) Shadow has all of the regular weaknesses as other ghosts, but is also weak in complete darkness. The brighter the light, the darker the shadows, so that is when it is more powerful. In complete darkness, they would be disoriented or lose consciousness/thinking and start working on autopilot.

2) Shadow cannot exist without a host or body to hide behind for long. So anywhere where there are shadows, is where they stay. It is technically spread across all universes and dimensions, but it is sleeping most of the time. Only when it consciously takes control of its pieces, do they gain awareness of what it is.

3) Shadow feeds on blood for energy and more powerful moves. Otherwise, they can only work as surveillance, mimicry, and small levels of restraint against opponents. The blood can be stored in bags or be old, as long as it’s still liquid. Shadow can also suck in blood from the ground, but they think it’s kinda gross.

4) Their mimicry and shape shifting is dependent on how long and how well they have observed its targets, which is why there are mistakes. Their senses are also a little skewed, so something is usually wrong. When mimicking other people, they also only use the sounds that it hears from its targets. Example, if Shadow was observing a woman and she only said a single sentence during that time, Shadow would only be able to repeat that sentence and “clip” it. If the target talks a lot, Shadow can say more and create better audio.

5) Shadow cannot directly hurt living beings or ghosts. They are able to restrain and hold down living beings, but can only act drastically in moments of great panic through force of will (and sacrificing blood/bodies to feed them). It is a very distracting and defensive being (since they can make any army look bigger and create illusions of living beings), but in some circumstances, it can deal great amounts of damage.

Some instances can include: when the opponent is injured and Shadow is powered up with blood (because they can pour themselves into the wounds and widen it, bursting the opponent apart 😃), capture enemies and absorb them (where they will be stored into a separate space and then slowly consumed via the soul), teleporting weaponry and projectiles onto enemies (however, it cannot transform into someone and then pull out a weapon to fight because it takes too much effort, time, and energy to do so).

Extra facts!

+ If I had to give Shadow a godly living counterpart (like how Vortex = Zeus and Clockwork = Kronos, etc), then Shadow would be the ghost of Phanes, who is sometimes considered to be a god of light, creation, procreation, thought, and desire, and is part of Orphic cosmogony.

+ They are extremely weak against ghosts because ghosts do not have shadows so Shadow cannot do anything. However, it can never be weaker than other ghosts since they are the oldest Ancient. So it’s often a stalemate until someone comes to help Shadow. In extreme circumstances, Shadow can forcefully absorb the other ghost and eat them, but they become unstable and sometimes catatonic afterwards.

+ Shadow does not think of Jazz as their master. Instead, they think of her as its best friend. She returns the sentiments and they consider each other trusted companions (although she also does think of Shadow as her ward too.)

+ Although Shadow loves humans and humanity, it cannot understand the human fear of death. To it, death is a natural process to life and they cannot understand the idea of not existing, since that can never happen to them. As such, Shadow can be kind of callous when dealing with human lives (they’re getting better with it since Jazz helps them.)

+ Shadow has no enemies, but they hate and love everyone who Jazz hates and loves. They can be rather vengeful and very spiteful if anyone has hurt Jazz or her loved ones. They are a loner, so they don’t really have friends either, but some of the other Ancients make an effort to be nice to them.