#abuse of question marks

[waywardwizzard]

The room was dark, faint halos of light reflecting in the window.

Layton stared down at his cup of tea, watching as thin tendrils of steam curled through the air.

In the distance, Big Ben struck eleven, the heavy gongs echoing through the clouded night sky.

Sighing, the professor stood up and went to stare out of the window, the quickly cooling cup of tea cradled in his hands.

Who was he?

He knew he was Hershel Layton, a professor of archaeology and a gentleman but who was he really, underneath it all, if not an accumulation of all the people he had let down?

Hershel had been his brother's name, a name and the accompanying fate freely given to him, undeserving as he was.

A professor in archaeology all because of Randall, a way for him to keep his best friend's (could he still call him that?) memory alive.

A gentleman because that's what Claire believed him to be.

But who was he at his core?

Theodore Bronev, a scared child, letting go of his brother's hands without speaking up (it should have been him!)?

Hershel Layton, a name thief, a shy broken child of 17 who was running away from home because he killed his best friend?

Professor Layton, always unfailing polite, the ring burning a hole in his pocket, trying not to cry as smoke filled the air because a gentleman never made a scene?

Or was he just a nameless specter, gathering pieces of people that mattered to him in the hope of becoming someone?

How long would it be until he stole pieces of Flora and Luke? How long until they fell victim to his curse?

Shivering in the winter darkness, Layton clutched at his teacup, willing the last bit of warmth to leech into his chilled skin.

How long until he had to watch them die?

Lightning cut through the sky, throwing shadows onto the walls.

The cup of tea, now cold, sat abandoned on the window sill as Layton slid down to the floor, thunder drowning out his quiet sobs.

***

Author's note -

What's this? Finally something that isn't Firefly fic? (Don't worry, I'm shocked too)

I know this kind of sucks but I just really wanted to post it (I'm still feeling out how to write these guys, so sorry!).

I'm finally doing my yearly replay of Unwound Future, and this idea hit my over the head last night (heh)

*insert 'english isn't my native language yada yada' here*

Hope y'all enjoy!

[iknowwhereyousleepatnight]

confinement arc where L tortures light with more hands-on methods......

[misstalwyn]

BABY'S FIRST PROMETHEUS CLEAR!!!!! only took 3 tries (not counting all the times the mechs threw me off the mountain)

[kashilascorner]

What were the prose Tristan authors eating for lunch when they wrote Mark and Tristan's dynamics seriously it's so toxic but also like they keep hanging around each other? Toxic exes except family instead of lovers

[burritello3000]

The Fifth Turtle

Chapter 3: Long Road to Recovery

When she was done, Mikey inched forward, a curious expression on his face. “What’s your name?”

She picked up the pen, fumbling with it for a few seconds before getting it uncapped. 49, she wrote, putting down the first name that came to mind.

She hissed, shrinking backwards as Bishop entered her cage, pulling out something from his pocket. “Now, now, 49,” he said with a smile, moving closer. “No need to be scared. All I want is a saliva sample from you.”

He pulled out a q-tip and a vial from his pocket, but they looked like knives to the scared box turtle. “Maybe I’ll even give you some water,” he purred. “In fact I’ll give even it to you before, to make sure I get a good sample.”

She licked her dry beak, hesitating. She was really, really thirsty. The last bit of her resolve vanished as Bishop left and returned with a bowl full of water. He put it on the ground in front of him, a gleam in his eye. 49 couldn’t help herself. She darted towards the bowl, dipping her mouth in because she couldn’t use her hands. 

The water tasted like clear sunshine to her. Her head cleared a little as it drove back her pounding headache banging at her temple. 

“Now,” Bishop said, as she licked the metal bowl dry. “How about that sample?”

Before she could do anything, he grabbed her head and opened her mouth harshly, making her jaw ache. His hand quickly entered. She acted on instinct, slamming her beak shut just as he pulled back. 

Bishop grunted with pain as her teeth sank into his hand. 49 released immediately, fear clouding her thoughts. He yanked his hand back, fury twisting his face. 

He kicked her in the nose.

49 fell backwards with a startled yelp. Bishop backed up, examining the bite, a disappointed look on his face. “Now, I thought you were better than that, 49,” he said, his eyes glinting coldly. “You know what happens to dangerous beasts…”

He pulled something out from behind his back. Everything seemed to get dark as he revealed the muzzle in his hands. 49 couldn’t move, terror spreading through her veins.

“They need to be caged!” His voice echoed as he slipped the muzzle over head. She tried to open her mouth, but the muzzle tightened, making movement impossible. It turned into a muzzle made of fire. It burned into 49’s face, melting her scales. Bishop’s evil laughter rang in her tympanum. She couldn’t even make a noise as everything went black.

———————————————————————

Bishop stepped forward, a sadistic look in his eyes as she struggled against her restraints. Tears pricked at her eyes as the thick, black tendrils holding her down seemed to suck out her strength, leaving her limbs cold and lifeless.

Gotta hide! She squirmed, her heart beating faster as he showed her the giant knife held in his hand.

“Time to see what’s really going on in there,” Bishop said with a smirk, lowering the sharpened scalpel. 

“B-but, Mr. Bishop,” a hazy voice said. “Shouldn’t we sedate her before?”

49 recognized this person. It was the only scientist that had not treated her like a monster. The box turtle missed her. The scientist had gotten fired a few days later, specifically the day after this. Probably because she’d argued too much and had shown too much compassion for 49.

“No,” Bishop said coldly, turning his attention back to 49. “It doesn’t deserve them. After all, it’s only an animal.” 

The nice scientist fell silent.

He leaned forward, bringing the knife down on her plastron.

A scream escaped 49’s lips as he started carving. She watched, her vision blurry with tears and pain, as he removed a piece of her plastron. He then reached inside, and 49 blacked out, embracing the comforting void…

———————————————————————

49 woke up, her heart beating rapidly. She hated these memories, especially when they came as dreams. She relaxed, nestling back into the soft bed and closing her eyes to block out the soft lights shining overhead. 

… Wait. Lights? Soft?!

Her eyes snapped open, flicking around wildly. Her headache was still throbbing, but she felt a bit stronger. Something was at her feet. As she twitched, the orange-masked turtle woke up, his sleepy face turning into a smile. 

“You’re awake!” He yelped, jumping to his feet. Fear clouded her senses. A loud beeping came from her left side, causing her heart to pound faster. The beeping got even louder. The turtle was staring at her. “How are you feeling?” He asked worriedly. 

Without warning, she bolted. 49 jumped out of the bed, letting out a cry of pain as one of her legs buckled out from under her. Something was pulled off her plastron, the beeping stopping immediately. The turtle was shouting now, his voice drowned out by the blood rushing in tympanum. She darted towards the door, but only took a few steps before falling to her knees. Her stomach heaved. 49 threw up, clutching her sides. 

The only thing that came up was a yellow liquid. It dribbled from her mouth, forming a small puddle on the floor. She retched again, more bile coming from her mouth. 

Something grabbed her, wrapping their arms around her. 49 squirmed around, terror blinding her. After a few moments of struggling, she chirped in distress, going limp. The person’s grip loosened and, without thinking, the desperate box turtle twisted around and bit the person.

Their skin was really tough and kind of spiky, but she kept gnawing anyway. She whimpered as it pricked at her mouth, but still hung on. 49 snarled, keeping her teeth clamped down. 

After a few seconds ticked by, a low purr rumbled from the person holding her. She fell still. Another turtle?

The turtle kept purring, a deep sound vibrating in their chest. It soothed her. She released her hold, letting out an answering click. The purring grew louder, new voices adding to the low one.

49 chirped, snuggling closer to the noise. Slowly, she calmed down, her heart returning to its normal pace. She lifted her head once the fear faded away, and found herself staring into warm blue eyes. The turtle took a step back, and 49 recognized him as the blue-masked turtle.

Brother!

“Are we all good now?” He asked, holding up his hands. 49 hesitated. Should she talk? Could she trust them? She decided not to speak for now. She responded  with a nod. The turtle’s face furrowed and he opened mouth, about to say something, but the turtle holding her beat him to it.

“Raph’s sorry for grabbing you,” he said gently. “Can I put you down now?”

Oh, right. Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey.

She nodded again, looking up at his face. He carried her back to the soft bed and set her down. The room was quiet for a bit as they all stared at each other. 

Donnie broke the awkward silence. “Okay, so first things first. What’s your name?”

He was talking to her. Her mind drifted. How will I answer? Can’t talk to them. Maybe talk? They are brothers. My throat hurts. Well, at least my head doesn’t hurt anymore. Maybe I should—

Donnie cleared his throat. 49 realized that she’d been staring off into space for a few minutes. Mikey shot up, causing her to flinch. “I know! You must be thirsty. I’ll be right back.”

“Good idea, Mike,” Leo said, a small smile on his face. “Can also grab some ice chips and something light for her to eat, like crackers.”

The box turtle nodded, doing a small salute, before running off. They waited some more. 

“... So,” Leo said, raising an eye ridge. “What’s your name?”

49 shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond. She simply pointed to her throat. The message seemed to get across.

“Can you not speak?” Donnie asked bluntly, earning a smack over the head from Raph. 49 recoiled at the sight, fear rushing through her. “Ow, It was just a question!” Donnie hissed, rubbing his head. 

Raph froze, eyes flicking quilty at 49, obviously because of her reaction. “I’m sorry,” he apologized, looking at the ground. She just tipped her head to the side and nodded, clicking reassuringly.

Leo’s eyes narrowed. “She can talk, I heard her.”

Donnie raised an eyebrow at the blue-masked turtle, doubt written all over his face. “... Sure. Anyways, it doesn’t seem like she can talk now, so she can use this.” He handed her a pen and pad of paper. 

She fiddled with the pen as Leo glared at Donnie. “Can you write?” Donnie asked, ignoring his brother. In response, she used the pen to write a wobbly Yes on the paper.

Mikey returned, balancing several things in his arms. He handed something to Leo, who then held it out to 49. “Here’s some ice chips,” he explained as she took the cup from him and inspected it. “They’ll help your stomach. Suck on them one at a time slowly.”

She did what he told her to do, wincing at the sudden cold. It felt nice, though. It eventually melted on her tongue, turning into water. 49 ate them all, her throat and stomach feeling a tiny bit better. 

Leo took the empty cup back and gave her a glass of water. “Try not to drink too fast,” he warned, carefully handing it over. “Your stomach might still be a bit upset.”

She tried to go slow, really, but when she sipped the water, all caution flew out the window. Leo let out a startled yelp as she drank it all, her stomach gurgling happily. She chirped pleadingly, holding out the cup for more. His shocked expression turned into a smile. “You heard her, Mikey. Get the girl some water!” 

The box turtle left, then quickly came back with more water. 49 practically inhaled that glass too. After several more trips, her thirst was finally quenched. She then ate the crackers, unable to eat slowly. Her stomach felt satisfied for now as she finished, wiping crumbs off her beak.

When she was done, Mikey inched forward, a curious expression on his face. “What’s your name?”

She picked up the pen, fumbling with it for a few seconds before getting it uncapped. 49, she wrote, putting down the first name that came to mind. 

“Scoff,” Donnie said, peering down at the paper. “That’s not a name. What’s your real name?”

49 hesitated. Not a real name?

“That’s just the number that Bishop gave you,” Leo explained, a concerned look in eyes. Oh.

Little Kappa, she tried again.

“That’s not a name either,” Donnie told her flatly. “That just looks like a nickname or a title.”

49 thought for a few moments, before shrugging. Then I don’t have a name, she wrote, completely oblivious to the shocked and pitiful looks on her brothers’ face.

“... I guess we can just call you 49 then,” Raph said, after a few minutes of shocked silence. 

“Okay,” Leo, Mikey, and Donnie chorused. 

“Anyways, I’m Michelangelo!” Mikey chirped. “But I go by Mikey.”

Raph shuffled forward. “And I’m Rapheal, but call me Raph.”

“My name is Leonardo, or Leo,” the blue-masked turtle told her.

Donnie was last. “Donatello, but I prefer Donnie.”

A smile tugged at her lips as she nodded. 49 pushed down the slight twinge of jealousy that rose in her chest. 

“Now with all that out of the way, I have some exciting news to share,” Donnie announced, pulling out a clip board. “I took a blood sample from… 49 while she was aslee—”

“Donnie!” Leo hissed, interrupting him. “You can’t just take blood samples from people while they’re sleeping!”

“I had a good reason,” the purple-masked turtle retorted. “I needed to see if she was related to us or not.”

I am, 49 quickly wrote down without thinking. Mikey leaned over to see what she had written as Leo and Raph scolded Donnie. A smile spread across his face as he saw what was on the paper. 

“You are?!” He squealed, jumping up and down happily. His commotion caught the attention of the arguing turtles. They all looked at the paper, Donnie was the first to speak.

“Aw man, you ruined my announcement,” he whined.

Next Chapter

Previous Chapter

[the-owl-tree]

On the topic of Bumble, Tom wasn’t even mentioned in The Sun Trail. He was introduced in the second book. So the belief that Bumble somehow lured (?) Turtle Tail into the hands of an abuser in the first book is just wrong because he literally did not live there when Bumble first invited Turtle Tail into her home. When Turtle Tail comes back in Thunder Rising she said “not long after I came to live there, another cat [Tom] came to join us.” So blaming Bumble is not just gross victim-blaming, it’s also directly contradicted by the text itself.

Thank you! Even if she had explicitly introduced them, she STILL wouldn’t be at fault. There’s zero reason to blame anyone but Tom for abusing the both of them.

[only1lorrie]

[theskoomacat]

do you think it's possible for Alan to take on a more antagonistic role in AW3 (the stakes are higher with Alice around, so it's possible he might turn to even more drastic measures than kickstarting the Hiss invasion), and what would your opinion on that be?

[weirdstrangeandawful]

CW: medical

food, disordered eating (not really but included for people who have the words filtered! let me know if people want any other things tagged -- I will literally never not make sure the word gets filtered for you)

Two totally unrelated questions but I'm going to put them in one post because I've been posting a lot about my heatlh recently and very little about writing which... is what this blog was intended for (I'm sorry I'm just exhausted and overwhelmed)

I might have found a treatment that works for my bipolar disorder!!! Everyone told me lithium had terrifying side effects so I was scared of it because, as my therapist put it, 'if there is a side effect, your body will find it'. But no side effects so far! I've not had a major depressive episode since I've been on it (barring post-op depression and normal emotional reactions to my health falling apart). I've also not had a diagnosable hypomanic episode but I have had weird shortened ones that last a couple hours at a time. I used to get the shortened ones but also the diagnosable ones (4+ days). Does this count as it working? Even if my blood serum lithium level is low?

Can someone explain what options there are for gastroparesis treatment? I don't know it's gastroparesis but I have been desperately trying to convince my doctors to do a gastric emptying test and no one is taking it seriously. I've had feeding issues literally since I was a breastfed infant and they've now gotten to what multiple friends have deemed 'feeding tube level of bad'. I am personally okay with a feeding tube even though, because this is Canada, the cost would come almost completely out of pocket. I just don't think that's something I could convince my doctors of so does anyone know what treatments there are between dietary changes (absolute bullshit in my scenario I've tried it for almost a decade) and NJ tube?

[whitecatcrime]

my mom is angrily(?) accusing me of things i didn't do with literally no proof that i did them. i know i should expect this from her, but still. wtf.

[multishipper-baby]

One of the things I really liked about Season 2 was the idea of giving animal symbolism to the characters but like, separately from the animals they were originally based on (The whole wolf and lamb thing Eddo did with Fred and Freddy). I wish she'd done it more because it was really cool and helped separate it from the original FNAF.

Wish they'd done it with others characters.

[twcfaces]

How do you really feel about Eddie, both you and Two-Face?

(assuming this is about @question-marked)

"Well, I'm proud of the guy. We've faced a lot of the same obstacles, and he's --- really gone above and beyond them, like I knew he could. I just wish I could feel happy for him in the way I know I should.

I thought if anyone could make it out of all this in one piece, it'd be him.

Then he did. He did what I believed he could do, and now--- well, ol' Harvey Dent is still in the nice little padded cell he made for himself.

It's not fair.

It's not fair because I see him and my stomach gets twisted up.

Because if he can do it, why can't we? Do we have to be a literal fucking genius to overcome Dad hurting us so bad?

His pop bullied and hit him, too - really screws a kid up, but from here, those steps Edward's taking towards rectifying what he's done and overcoming those hurdles - those steps just look like one big wall.

I know, every case is different. I know we have some brain... stuff going on.

I know we're never going to be healthy or whole again, but goddamn it we've been doing this our whole lives- when is it our turn for things to fall into place? When does our fucking work pay off?

I'm sorry. It's not right of me to - I think we need to stop there."

[heir-less]

Okay, I just found out that Rydel Lynch, Ross Lynch's sister, has two children named Super and Sweetie.

They can't keep getting away with this.

[roseladensiodha]

📼

Send 📼 to see an early childhood memory of my muse’s!

If they'd timed it right, Father would be on his way to the well, right now.

The sun was lowering on the horizon, which meant it was cool enough for him to go outside even when drunk--and he would take the time to fill up their bucket with well water and piss in the bushes before coming back inside.

It was during this time that their bedroom door was unbarred; So they had one chance to do this, and had to do it right. Their protesting stomach wouldn't settle for anything else.

They peek out the doorway cautiously, and stay low to the ground, movement rather agile on all fours--when they make it to the counter in the kitchen, where ripped chunks of their Father's lunch bread still sit, growing stale, they rise up enough to reach; Though, the top of their head is still below the window.

Perhaps that's why they didn't see him coming, with their mouth stuffed full of stolen bread, hands and face dirtied and heart racing with adrenaline; And when he opens the door, and they hear it slam against the wall, the child jumps back, freezing in place, the evidence still damning in their hands.

"You little fucking bitch," Their Father hisses, and the bucket of water is dropped on the floor; They can't think too much about the spill, not when he's advancing on them, holding a knife to their left cheek while they whimper and try to pull away, nails digging into his arm. "You think you can get away with stealing from me?! Well guess who isn't fucking eating for another two weeks, then!"

The smell of his breath is sour and is hot enough to sear them--the child sobs and tries harder to pull away, desperate for relief from this touch; They're so scared that this might be the time he kills them, finally... Yet there's a little pink glow against their Father's face that makes him pause, and pale like he'd seen a ghost.

The next thing the child knew, they were curled up on the floor of the kitchen, screaming and holding their face; There was now a sizeable wound slashed across their cheek, down their jaw, and blood spilled out around their fingers to stain the worn stone.

"....You're a no good, worthless fucking curse." Their Father spits, and spits on them, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, still holding that bloody knife. His eyes narrow, and he takes that bucket of water, dumping it over them to make the child startle and gasp for breath, coughing up what lands in their mouth.

"Get up. We need more water now, thanks to you."

[contentloadingandstuff]

The Magic Whistle - a short Gorou whump fic

A random idea I had in the shower.

TW: Animal abuse? I mean, Gorou is half dog half man, but I don't know. Other than that, none.

Gorou

Kokomi stood at the top of her shrine. The sea breeze ruffled her messy hair and tickled her still hurting wounds. The battle for Watatsumi Island had lasted nine hours already. It started at night, and she could see the scarlet sun rising on the horizon.

The warm light illuminated the Divine Priestess and her soldiers behind her. Not one of them wasn't dirty or hurt, and the same applied to her beloved general, Gorou. His left shoulder was wrapped with a once white bandage, now dark from the sand and crimson from the blood. It pooled around the spot where an arrow pierced his body, an arrow fired by none other than the Tengu Warrior, Kujou Sara herself. The voltage still moved around his body, threatening to fry him should Kokomi try to heal him with her Vision.

The Tengu was standing below Kokomi, along with a dozen of her followers. They were in no better shape than hers, but Sara herself was unharmed. But Kokomi wished, prayed this would not last much longer. Hydro energy pooled around her small, clenched fists each time she looked her enemy in her golden eyes

Surrender now, Sangonomiya, and no more blood will be spilled, Sara demanded, her voice decisive and cold.

Even though the survivors were not enough to capture the shrine without risking heavy losses, Kokomi's forces were too weak to counterattack. An impasse has been created. Kokomi knew how desperate her situation was, but she still looked West, hoping to see the Alcor coming with aid. She looked out, if only to confirm her concerns. Only the emptiness of the ocean welcomed her.

I will not repeat myself. We will stand here until we either overcome you, or die trying. Her soldiers cheered behind her to the most of their ability. Sara only huffed.

She motioned to one of her men, who came forward and handed Sara a small, metal whistle. Before the tool reached her dried lips, she spoke again. As you wish, priestess.

The whistle was blown, but no sound came out besides the soft swish of air passing through the device. Kokomi furrowed her brows. Was it some sort of a battle signal? Maybe a calling to some sea monster? Or maybe...

A groan from Gorou brought her back to reality. She turned around, only to see him clutching his ears. He staggered, nearly falling over. With a dull clank his bow fell to the cobble floor. Shortly, the canine general was brought down to his knees, soldiers rushing to his side. A flurry of questions flew his way, but the piercing sound ripped through his ears, striking his very mind and thus leaving no room for any understanding of what they tried to say. He whined as another soldier pulled out an identical weapon, adding another level of intensity to the shriek.

Kokomi stood motionless, now turned towards Sara once again. She eyed her opponent, who had just taken a breather to refill the air lost during her attack. She predicted that. Sangonomiya was prepared for this eventuality from day one of his service. But she didn't predict this to be a choice.

The freedom, or even lives of her people depended on her. She could either surrender and save Gorou's life, or order an all-out attack right now. An attack now would most likely lead to a slaughter without him by her side. Her eyes returned to not only her most trusted subordinate, but also her dearest friend. The soldier was curled up on the floor, legs kicking out to push away an invisible and unbeatable enemy. His worried men crowded around, unsure of what to do as more and more pleas for mercy fell out of Gorou's lips.

With a heavy heart, she let her Everlasting Moonglow fall to the ground. The Shogunate soldiers scaled the approach at rapid speed, overpowering the remaining Watatsumi defenders. They pressed them to the ground, kicking and strinking the prisoners with the butts of their weapons where necessary. Kokomi herself was simply brought to her knees before Sara, on whose face a triumphant smirk made its way.

She stole one last glance at Gorou. He was still curled up and shaking, blood dripping from his burst eardrums, with a few soldiers nearby.

As she was raised to her feet and led out of her last bastion, a single thought occupied her mind.

Where did she go wrong?

Thanks for reading!

[siovon]

My big question is DID Logan cross out Kendall’s name at all? I don’t think we saw the document until it was shown to the kids- did Frank, Gerri or Karl cross out Kendall’s name themselves? To fuck with them all?