#akumu-pause

[akumu-art]

PAUSE OC CHALLENGE!

TAG UR MOOTS AND SHOW YOUR CHARACTERS!

@frenchfryturtle @somemismatchedsocks @majesticallystoopid @generichoneydew @head---ache (Its crowwithapen btw hi) @galacticghoste @leilanising

[dreams-of-kalopsia]

[Contains spoilers for Akumu no Sumu Ie]

In the manga it was just mentioned in passing that Naru and the others built a barricade of furniture in front of the full-length mirror, but in the novel they actually used the monitors from the base, too. So it got me wondering if Naru will worry about his monitors when it's time to start cleaning/packing up XD

————

"Well then," Matsuzaki-san said, "what will we do with those?" She pointed at the heap of broken monitors by the full-length mirror.

By now most of the furniture used for the barricade had been returned to their proper places, and the chaos in the Agawas' residence had begun to wind down. All that remained to be organized were SPR's equipment. Half of it stayed miraculously safe within the base, while the other half was pushed to an unobstructive corner of the corridor.

"I don't mind cleaning up, but man..." Bou-san shook his head regretfully. "It kinda hurts seeing these high-quality monitors destroyed." He turned to Noll, who was leaning by the wall and overseeing the cleanup. "Sensei, are these insured?"

Noll shrugged. "They’re not so expensive as to qualify for insurance."

Mai interjected with a sideward tilt of her head, "But didn’t we use all of our monitors? Even if one monitor isn't expensive, wouldn’t twenty actually cost a lot?"

That gave him pause. She had a point.

"And didn't we upgrade to these monitors just before you went home?" she added. "Wouldn’t you get in trouble with SPR?" He saw the first signs of worry lining her face, and he couldn’t help frowning, too.

Again, she was correct.

While Noll had been fortunate enough to be awarded a research grant by the Londenberg Foundation, his balance was unfortunately not unlimited. Asking for more money as soon as he arrived in Japan and a mere few months after being given a generous special grant didn't seem feasible.

However, a potentially fatal situation called for emergency measures. Surely he could appeal to both reason and sympathy when he begged.

Slightly relieved by his conclusion, he replied, "Don't worry about it."

"Hah. You're awfully confident, aren't you?"

"I'm the most valuable asset of SPR, after all." Rather than a reply, it was more of a reminder to himself.

His team stared at him with thunderstruck expressions. Now that they'd uncovered his identity, they were also aware of his credentials. They wouldn't be able to refute him.

He smirked, even as he scrambled for a plan to report this to SPR in a way that would generate funds instead of reprimands.

————

This was in Naru's pov, but without his reasoning behind his replies everyone would be like

Mai, devastated: 'Y-You—! You narcissist!'

Bou-san, resigned: '...It's true and he has the right to say that... I guess...'

Ayako, blasé: 'What a narcissist.'

Masako, frsutrated: 'Why do I like this guy?!'

John, troubled: 'Shibuya-san...'

Lin, already suffering because he knows he'll be handling the paperwork: '...'

Anyway, what do you think? Will Naru worry about the monitors or is he too valuable an asset to care? Lmao!

[mya-valentine]

The Sadistic Sorcerer: Juri's Revenge

Synopsis: Juri Akumu, a formidable sorcerer with a hidden vendetta, is assigned by Gojo to train Itadori Yuji, the vessel for Sukuna. Juri, initially resistant and dismissive, agrees reluctantly, intrigued by the potential to face Sukuna herself. As she trains Itadori, she struggles with her own dark motives while testing his limits.

The weight of her history sat like a storm cloud over her head as Juri Akumu strode through the halls of Jujutsu High. Her sharp eyes, filled with equal parts malice and amusement, surveyed her surroundings. The old mantras of discipline and purpose spouted by the higher-ups were a joke to her. She wasn’t here for their rules or for some noble cause. She was here for herself.

Sadistic Sorcerer, they called her. Successor to Gojo Satoru. What a laugh. The thought alone made her smirk, lips curling upward in a way that spoke of danger and defiance. If they only knew who she really was, the blood that ran through her veins—how many of them would tremble?

They killed her parents, yet those same higher-ups hadn’t the faintest clue that the infamous Juri, who toyed with her enemies like a cat with a mouse, was their child. No, they wouldn’t know, not until she was ready to tear their world apart.

"Another day, another waste of time," she muttered, kicking open the door to the training grounds with enough force to make it fly off its hinges. The few students who were already there flinched but knew better than to say anything. Juri wasn’t in the mood for small talk, and everyone who valued their lives had learned to stay out of her way.

“Juri, ever heard of restraint?” Gojo's voice rang out lazily from the opposite end of the room, where he leaned against the wall, sunglasses in place, arms crossed.

She shot him a sidelong glance, her smirk widening. “What’s the point? The door's still standing. Besides, isn’t restraint your job? I’m just here for the fun."

Gojo chuckled, stepping forward. “Yeah, yeah. Fun. But we both know why you’re really here.”

Juri’s eyes flickered with a glint of something darker, though her expression didn’t change. Gojo was the only one who knew—about her parents, about her plan, about the slow-burning revenge that kept her moving. And for whatever reason, he’d decided to help her, or at least try to.

“I’m here because you need me to play nice with the others,” she retorted, voice dripping with sarcasm. "How long do you think that’ll last, old man?"

"Long enough for you to get what you want," Gojo replied casually, but there was an edge to his words. "I told you, I’m not here to stop you. But if you want to tear them down, you’ll need to be smart. Reckless doesn’t win wars.”

She scoffed, looking away, her arms crossed over her chest. “I don’t need you lecturing me. I know exactly what I’m doing.”

“Sure, you do,” Gojo said, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. “But you’ve still gotta cooperate if you want to pull this off. You can’t just kill your way to revenge. Not with these guys.”

Juri’s fingers twitched, her craving for violence always lingering just beneath the surface. Cooperation wasn’t in her nature, but for now, she would tolerate it—him—if it meant getting closer to her goal.

She turned, starting to walk past him. “Don’t pretend you care. You’re just bored. This is a game for you.”

He said nothing at first, just watching her go, his usual carefree demeanor masking whatever thoughts were running through his mind. As she moved to leave, his voice came again, softer but serious.

“I do care, Juri. I care enough to make sure you survive it.”

Juri paused at the door, the weight of his words sinking in. She hated that she needed him—hated even more that, in some twisted way, Gojo understood her better than anyone else ever could.

Without turning back, she chuckled darkly. “Survival’s easy. It’s winning that I’m after.”

And with that, she left him standing there, her footsteps echoing down the hall. She had a mission—revenge was a dish best served cold, but Juri? She’d serve it with a side of carnage.

Juri had barely made it ten paces down the hallway when Gojo’s voice called after her again, his tone far too casual for her liking. "Hey, Juri. Got a favor to ask."

She stopped, one brow twitching with irritation, but she didn’t turn to face him. She hated favors. Favors were just another way for people to waste her time.

"Not interested."

“You haven’t even heard what it is yet,” Gojo replied, and she could hear the grin in his voice.

"I don't need to. I already know it'll be something annoying."

Gojo chuckled but continued, undeterred. “Itadori could use a little training. I want you to help him.”

That was enough to get her to turn around, her eyes narrowing with disbelief. Training Itadori? The kid who Gojo seemed way too invested in? “You’re joking. Why the hell would I waste my time on that brat?”

“I’m not joking,” Gojo said, his tone light but serious. “You two are about the same age. It might do him some good to train with someone who understands what he’s going through.”

Juri barked out a laugh, the sound sharp and mocking. "Oh, yeah? And what exactly do I understand about being a goody two-shoes meat puppet for Sukuna? You want me to babysit him? Not a chance."

Gojo shrugged, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. “It’s not about babysitting. It’s about preparation. You help him get stronger, and when the time comes, you’ll be the one who gets to take down Sukuna.”

Her expression shifted slightly, amusement giving way to something more calculating. The thought of facing Sukuna had crossed her mind more than once. A monster like that, lurking inside an idiot like Itadori? That fight would be fun.

But she wasn’t about to give Gojo the satisfaction of thinking he could manipulate her that easily. "Why don't you train him yourself, if he's so important?"

“I do train him,” Gojo answered smoothly. “But you’ve got something I don’t—a brutal edge. No holding back. He needs that. You can push him in ways I can’t.”

Juri folded her arms, considering it. Her mind was already racing with potential scenarios—testing Itadori’s limits, dragging him through the mud until he either broke or got stronger. And the promise of taking down Sukuna...that had her interest. No one would be able to stop her from doing whatever she wanted once she had that demon's head.

“Fine,” she finally said, though her tone was dripping with disinterest. “But if he dies during training, that’s on you.”

Gojo chuckled again, his grin as wide as ever. “Deal. But I think you’ll find he’s harder to break than you think.”

Juri’s eyes narrowed at that, her curiosity piqued. She had no doubt that Gojo was holding something back, but she wasn’t here to play detective. If Itadori was stronger than he looked, then she’d find out soon enough—and if he wasn’t? Well, that was his problem, not hers.

As she turned to leave, Gojo added one last comment, his voice taking on a more thoughtful tone. “You know, you two really aren’t that different. Both of you were thrown into this world without asking for it. Both of you have to carry a weight that no one else can understand. Maybe you’ll see that if you bother to look.”

Juri stopped again, her back still to him, her jaw clenched in frustration. She didn’t need Gojo comparing her to that wide-eyed idiot Itadori. They weren’t the same. She wasn’t some naive kid trying to do the right thing.

She was here for revenge, plain and simple. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Don’t project your savior complex onto me, old man. I don’t care what Itadori’s been through. If he wants to survive, he'll need more than sympathy." Her voice dropped, cold and menacing. "He’ll need to be a killer.”

Gojo tilted his head, watching her walk away. “You say that like you aren’t one yourself.”

She didn't respond, but Gojo's grin only widened as she disappeared from sight. He knew Juri better than she liked to admit. This was going to be interesting. If she could push Itadori to new heights, maybe they’d all get what they wanted.

And when the time came for Juri to face Sukuna... Gojo could only imagine the chaos that woul follow.

The Burden of Strength Masterlist

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[ignitedfms]

[ yim siwan, demi-man, he/they ] Look who just landed! DAESUNG SHIN (SH-1N V4.5), I sure hope you packed all you need. Perhaps you’re not worried as SCIENTIST of X ACADEMY. The city has plenty of spots for a 32 year old ANDROID like you. You’ll be known in the city soon enough as THE DOUBLE EDGED SWORD, being AFFABLE and ABSENTMINDED. ( anna, 26, gmt+7, removed for discretion )

00000 - - INTERVIEW INCOMING - - - 001

001101 1- - ARE you A LOCAL OF MARS OR HAVE you LANDED HERE RECENTLY? WHAT IS your OPINION OF THE CITY OF NEW JAKARTA? - 00011011

-- RISK ASSESSMENT IN PROGRESS ... [ 100% COMPLETED ] -- IMMINENT THREAT DETECTED? ... [ 01001110 ] -- ACTIVATE HYDE PROTOCOL? ... [ 01001110 ]

Daesung blinked, their wandering mind wired back to the present. Did they zone out out of bad habit or jitters, Daesung wasn't sure, though that didn't stop them from cursing themselves for spacing out. Not that they were here because they were in trouble. This was a harmless, run-off-the-mill background check. Still, as the officer looked up from her screen (one that Daesung could only guess showcased their personal data and documents) the sharp gaze made them wonder if she'd slam the table and yell at him for being suspicious like in one of those sinetrons.

Now what was the first thing she had asked— something, something landed recently?

“I did not land here recently, no,” they said slowly, just to test the waters. When the officer’s face remained impassive, Daesung took it as a sign to continue. “I was born and raised in NEW JAKARTA. Or well, at least, that's what the folks at the orphanage put on my document.” They smiled sheepishly. “No one really knew where I came from. Though from what I was told, I was really tiny when they found me which would make interplanet travels impossible. So, I suppose it was a pretty fair assumption.” They shrugged. “Either way, it's the only home I know of, and I do quite like the city. Sure, there are still a lot of things we could improve on, but I'm of the opinion that new and innovative solutions will come with more scientific and technological advances.”

0101022 - - ARE you AWARE OF THE CRIMINAL CIRCUIT OF NEW JAKARTA? WOULD you BE WILLING TO INFORM THE OVERSEERS IF you SEE ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY? - 001200

"Yes, I'm well aware of their exist," Daesung replied with a nod. I try to keep up with the current happenings from the news and other social platforms, but that's the extent of my knowledge on them."

It was a true enough answer, if not a tad bit glossed over. After all, Daesung had grown up in AKUMU SLUMS and it was hard not to notice the dealings happening in shadows of every streets and alleys. Oddly enough, the overheard conversation on drug dealing behind a street food stall was an easier memory for Daesung to recall than naming he games they used to play with the rest of the kids in the orphanage, the people who had taken care of them at that age.

"I'd like to think I can keep myself as far away from any kinds of trouble. But yes, I see no reason why I shouldn't report in anything suspicious.”

000111311 - - HAVE you BEEN TESTED FOR ANY TRACES OF SIGHIR? HAVE your TESTS ON THE VIRUSES COME BACK CLEAN? - - 0012133

“Of course,” Daesung nodded. “I've submitted everything for your review. All tests were conducted fairly recent...”

They paused for a moment, brows furrowing slightly. They couldn't remember when he had taken the test or even the time he had made the appointment to do it. Daesung shook their head, as if that was what it takes to shake off their mind fog. But when their recollection remained hazy, they simply continued, “The date should be printed there if you need the exact information, but I don't possess any affinity for SIGHIR. Results for the viruses are perfectly clean as well.”

0113114 - - DO you HAVE ANYTHING TO DECLARE? WEAPONS, AUGMENTATIONS, MECHANICAL PARTS OR AI-RELATED APERTURE? - 0012444

"I own no weapon, nor anything else that could be classified as hazardous, no,“ Daesung said with a shake of their head. “And I haven't undergone any augmentations procedures.” Then, with a small frown, “Well, unless you count a skin graft procedure, which was uh, medically necessary.”

When the overseer asked them to elaborate, Daesung hadn't been surprised. Still, it didn't stop the uneasiness from clawing out from their chest either. No matter how hard they tried to lock it in the deepest recesses of their mind, it was one of the only memory from their youth that they had remembered vividly. “It was after the accident,” they explained. “The big fire at an orphanage over a decade ago.” In that moment, Daesung saw something clicked with the overseer. She looked away from her screen, and Daesung hated how the pity in her eyes weighed heavy on them. They shifted in their seat, trying to maintain their composure. “I suffered from severe burns on my body and had new skin grafted as part of the treatment.” Then, with a wry smile, “So yeah, other than a thicker skin in the most literal sense, I have no other modifications to report.”

[crimsononiarataki-archive]

Akumu was sitting at the beach shore at night, letting the waves soak him as he sat in the sand, the way he stared into the ocean tho…there was a look of homesickness “…I didn’t know you come here also….” He pauses for a moment and looks at him “…sit..why don’t you join me for a bit?”

The Oni often walked along the beach to clear his head, it didn't happen often, so this would genuinely be the first time he happened across Akumu at night. The moonlight shining down through the clouds gave a nice atmosphere to the situation as well. Upon the other male's invitation, he'd pause. Should he join the other or should he merely continue his walk in solitude?

"I walk along this beach to clear my head sometimes, this is the first time I've seen ya here."

He'd rub the side of his head a frown appearing across his face for a few moments before his expression went back to one of neutrality. He'd then stoke his chin as he thought for more than a few short moments, eventually, his sunset eyes would meet Akumu's, before he'd nod. He wouldn't sit too close to the winged male, but he'd sit close enough that it would be easy for them to continue their conversation.

"I appreciate the invite to join ya. Are ya... okay? I know what homesickness looks like. Ya wanna go home, right? Do ya... have a way to?"

[stella-ignis-rosea]

Smash or Pass + Itto for Akumu

The deity paused at the Ask, confused but he thinks hard on the question, he will admit, Itto is gorgeous, attractive, beautiful, and-

“Smash-“

Welp-….you heard him

[guardianakumu]

Just a bit of lore about Silver Stark!

Silver Stark was a old friend to Akumu Kokuryuu. He was adopted into a rich family who happens to adopt others to give them a place to call home. Or so he thought. Blackstar was the one who “adopted” him and referred him as the very first subject called “Subject Zero”. He was nameless but he was often referred as Zero many times by the other scientists. There are others like him but different species. He would play with them but each day, one by one, never returned. Blackstar would come in and take one, only for them to be never seen again. He grown used to it and actually hopes they will be happier. Until he’s the last one. He then looked forward to it as he walked out of the playroom, only to realize the hell he will go through only begins. Each day brings pain and sleepless nights. Until another subject came in. Subject 2 as it stated on the left arm. She was the first one that returned. Well. A new one that came in. 2 looked very frail and human-like, just like him. 2 would often leave and return to her little corner to hide. Each day, there’s something new on her. She would be the first to leave and then, it would his turn. He then tried to get 2 to play but it was hard for her as she was very shy. This process repeats until she completely looks different. Much bigger and more purple. Less human. He still looks the same. Then, she would become more toned and muscular.

Until the huge explosion and the playroom would shake slightly. The door opened as the alarm would go off. He saw it as a chance to escape and he did. As the sun hits his pale skin, he could feel the massive amount of energy from elsewhere. He wondered if that was her or someone else. But he could careless as he wanted to run away from the pain. Fast forward to couple years later, he has taken up a job as a warrior as all he knew was fighting. He then visits the small village called White Village, where he finds 2 talking to others. That moment he realizes that was her that escaped the lab. He turned away as he feels it wasn’t the right moment to meet her again.

It was another decade before he came across 2 again but he heard stories of a purple dragon leading a small group into battle and won with no casualties to either side. She wasn’t referred to as number 2 but she is referred as “Akumu”. He decided to seek out this purple dragon he made friends with. It wasn’t long before he finds her on a black and white horse. She greeted and smiled before she moves on. She didn’t recognize him at all. Then, he called out,”No. Wait!”

She stopped her horse and turned her head with curiosity,” Oh? What is it?” It was a long pause before he spoke up,” Do you remember me..? From the lab?” She gave a surprise look and hopped of the horse. She walked closer and sniffed him. Immediately, she realized who this was. “Yes! I remember you. From the room. You played with me. A lot. You escaped form that place?” He nodded,” Yea. I heard a loud explosion and the door opened so I used that chance and ran.” She chuckled,” That explosion was from me. I didn’t want to stay there anymore. It’s all thanks to the scientists there. Except you know who.” She looked away and continued,” I want to find that place again to save them but I had no luck. I worry for them, even it has been a long time.” He nodded,” Yea. I can agree..”

“Well! I am sure glad you’re alright! So, I want to show you around here! But I got the feeling you already know White Village. I never seen you around here, although.” She hummed, trying to remember where she saw him. He gave a dry chuckle,” I have but uhh.. I may have intentionally avoided you as I didn’t want you.. to think of me differently otherwise.” She gave a look before she said,” Really??? Why would I think of you any differently? You are practically my brother at that point! I would have been happy to see you again.” She gave a soft smile.

He gave a smile as well before he said,” I’m.. my name is Silver Stark. Everyone calls me that. You can call me anything.”

“Can I call you Silv?” She gave a grin, almost mischievous.

[stella-ignis-rosea]

“Young Angel if I was one of her goons you’d be dead where you stand….you may know how to fight…but is it enough for what The Fates have in store you?…nay dear Angel…I’m not here for a fight but if you challenge me don’t expect me to hold back…”

He chuckled at the angels reaction, though his words were harsh and blunt, his voice was a bit aggressive, but it didn’t seem threatening, well..not threatening the world at least..the deity paused as he could see the Angel was on edge, it only made him chuckle even more…it was kinda funny

“..who am I?…what a shame..I guess I should have expected the other gods to keep quiet about me…~”

The deity came out of hiding, moon colored pale skin, hair and wings made of purple mist glittering with sparkling stars..tattoos on his arms that seem very familiar..almost like pyrrhons. His red eyes stared deeply into Pit’s ocean blue eyes, glowing dimly with immense power of a god…it was like starring deep into the abyss of space…

“..you may call me Akumu..God of the Moon..”

@stella-ignis-rosea liked for a starter (Pit)

Being the captain of the Goddess of Light's Guard, Pit had to make sure he stayed diligent with his training of both his body and weapons. Though of course he needed time to recover from the fatigue and maybe even relax with some good food to recharge. So he decided to relax with some ice cream before he went back to training

[anar-k3y]

Dreamflower

pt1

Pt2 - you are here

Pt3

TW: mentions of blood and murder

-

Chapter 2

"The day the Flower Wilts"

-art by me

Yume's POV 

------------------- 

“I was in the forest and I heard t…this voice! And it took me to a statue! And I broke it…! And this… thing came out if it! Akumu, I don't know what I did…” Before I could continue, I took in Akumu's appearance “why are you so beat up again…?” I asked “It's nothing, Yume… I promise, but what do you mean a statue…? Can you show me to it…?” Akumu asked, rubbing my back gently as stayed hugging “I don't wanna go back.. Not right now…” I leaned onto Akumu, my head resting onto him “can I tell you more in the morning…?” Akumu nodded before pulling me over the rope ladder leading to what we considered our home. 

As we got comfortable under our blankets, I turned my back to Akumu, thinking over the day aside felt the other wrap around me, holding me close and he mumbled “it'll be okay…” as he fell asleep “I hope so… sleep well…” I sighed, soon following into a dreamless sleep

Akumu's POV 

In the dreamrealm… 

It's so much Gloomier then normal… I was asleep, standing in a completely pitch black area but it sounded like.. Something was moving? 

“Akumu~”  a voice spoke and I looked around quickly “who's there..?!“ I started to feel panic rise in my non-existant stomach, starting to walk around in search for the source if the voice “I’m not there~“ the voice said, almost teasing me with that I couldn’t find it, it sounded.. A lot like what Yume described.. “who are you?! Where are you?!“ I walked the opposite way then the way I had been walking “I want to help you“ They spoke in a much more sincere voice that time

“help me..? I don’t need help!“ I half-yelled, standing in one spot now “oh? I see otherwise, with those... Villagers“ the voice spoke, the tone shifting into a more mad one “how do you know about them..?“ “I know a lot, Akumu, and I want to help you“ “why should I listen to you?“ I looked to the direction the voice came from this time, seeing two red eyes looking towards me “because I can give you everything you could ever want~ now, will you think about it, at least~?“ I paused for a moment befor “yes.. I’ll think about it..“ “charming! I’ll return before you wake up~!“ 

everything around me cut out before returning to what seems like a normal dream for me, I was in a library, standing near a beanbag in front a fire, books stacked next to a small cup of coffee, I believe that's what they called the drink “what... Just happened..” I took a deep breath, sitting myself on the beanbag “they want to help.. And I don't want to be like this forever...” 

By the time I had started to truly relax the world faded back to how it started in the beginning of my dream  

“have you made a decision?" I heard them say, all I did was a simple nod, I didn't know what to expect from this.. “good, now all I need yoy to do, is eat one of the dark apples.“ and before I could even respond, I woke up. 

-

My eyes opened, the first thing I see being Yume made me relax from the sudden end of my dream 'what did he mean… I have to eat one of the apples…?' I looked towards the apples I was supposed to protect and sighed 'I'll decide later if I go through with this… I don't want to hurt her…'

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

Dreamflower

Chapter 3

"The Flower Dies"

Akumu's POV

-

'Why does the flower sting…?' I brought my hand up to the flower near my left eye and felt it was smaller, looking around to see petals scattered over our blankets "I have to hide this from Yume…” I got up, slowly and quietly, climbing down from the Tree and going off into the forest to a river, as I walked I saw.. Petals we're falling…? What? This can't be good…

as I arrived at the spot, the Sun slowly rising  causing lines of pure Sunlight to flow from the spaces in between the trees the sky turning to a watercolour painting of beautiful shades, the sound if the river softly flowing and birds chirping

As I leaned over, looking into the water I saw my reflection, my yellow flower… it was almost completely gone… oh no, what's happening to me. First I get told to eat the apples and now thi- the apples!! I could try…? Eating one won't hurt, right..? And I can do it when Yume’s with the villagers so I won’t scare her, but the flower.. It’s never fallen at all..

I returned to the tree a few hours later knowing that Yume would've gone to do her usual rounds around the village, I took a look around and went to my side of the tree, reaching up to grab one of my black and purple apples.

Yume's POV

I woke up, seeing the Sun was up and not feeling Akumu next to me, looking next to me I saw that Akumu was gone. 'Maybe he's just gone for a morning walk! He sometimes likes doing those…' with a yawn, I climbed down from our home dusting myself off, checking one more time around the tree for Akumu. Sighing, I went off into town to go see the villagers… I really hope we don't play 'that' game again.. It hurt.. 

A few hours into my usual rounds I heard screaming from… The tree?! Without a second thought, I sprinted to the village seeing a crowd of people surrounding the hill, it was so negative he- the apples… they're all Akumu's, oh no.. What happened..?! I tried to make my way to the front of the crowd, they were all scared and angry.. Yelling at Akumu.. I don’t understand.. What happened..? 

“everyone! Calm down! I’m sure there’s a logical explanation for thi-“ I tried to speak, only to get pushed away by villagers with pitch forks charging towards the tree.. “no!! Leave akumu alone-!“ 

Akumu’s POV

As soon as I touch the apple all of them turned into my darker ones, I heard screaming for a second only for it to be muffled by 

“EAT IT AKUMU.“ 

The voice.. Without a thought in my mind, I went ahead and took a bite, and then another, and another.. The muffled screaming continued in the background and.. Five apples in I heard.. Yume..?! That’s Yume’s voice! I snapped out of my haze and saw the villagers charging towards me 

And I felt a surge of pain throughout my body, I fell to my knees, coughing up a mixture of blood and.. Goop..? I couldn’t form a single thought but I could hear Yume trying to say something.. My eye became covered with goop as it poured fromskull, joints, any crack possible, it was burning, it burnt so much... 

Then it just... Stopped...? I stood up shakily, my back felt heavier.. I don’t understand why... Everythings blurry.. Looking ahead at all the villagers I felt so mad. They’ve done so much to us. Both myself and Yume, they deserve PAIN. 

SPLASH

they were gone, so quickly, that wasn't any fun. All of them are gone now?.. How did I- I didn't mean too- I looked to my side, the tree... It was gone... I cut it.. I looked forward.. Yume.. She had blood on her, shaking and frozen in place, shocked, her body was becoming.. Stone..?! 

I ran forward to her, just fast enough to hear 'I still love you...' faintly from her.. No.. No... what happened..?! 

"We killed them all, and finally I'm free! Good job, Akumu” 

That voice.. “you promised to help me! This isn't helping! Yume's..yume's stone..“

“well, yes, but she'll be free in a few hundred thousand Years give or take, and I did help, you can do anythingggg~ you want now!”

"But... All I wanted was to be happy with Yume..” 

"Hm.. That's an issue. How about you make a new home for yourself and Yume?”

Yume's POV

Within a moment of them all storming at Akumu they were killed by these goop like tendrils coming off of.. Akumu..? He was smiling and then it dropped... He was panicking.. I can't move.. Why can't I move..?! I need to go comfort him..! 

I looked down seeing my body was quickly turning into stone, it hurts.. It's so painful.. Like fire burning up every inch of my body 

Once I looked back up, Akumu was running towards me "Akumu.. I still love you.." I managed to mutter out before the word went dark...

[rainy-rose]

Apple and moon for the ask game!

Hullo and thank you for the ask ^^

🍎 apple: let’s talk about friendship in your wip. do you have any favorite friend/platonic dynamics? any friendships gone sour?

I admit i struggled a bit with this one :(. Friendship is a theme in all three of my WIPs, but apparently I suuuuck at describing them lol :)))

I don't have a favorite one, but I am bit partial to Takeru and Vincent from Silver Serpent.

They are the heads of their respective departments, criminology for Takeru and weapons for Vincent. They met each other when they were somewhere in their twenties and got partnered up for a mission. They are both quite silent and brooding people and they felt comfortable with each other pretty quickly. The fact that Takeru has Akumu (a fear controlling youkai) with him all the time did not push Vincent away, as it did with other people.

Vincent is currently in a messy divorce (been at it for 10 years, only he knows how) and a recovering addict, so Takeru (and on occasion his cousin Rika) has seen it all.

Because Takeru is constantly worried about his friend they have a "secret handshake" for lack of a better term :)). When they meet, they grab each other's wrists so that Takeru can check Vincent's pulse. Takeru also can detect when somebody lies to him, so they both had to learn how to deal with that. Takeru will always push for the truth (especially if Vincent has been away for a while) and Vincent has specific words, phrases, glares he uses to get his friend to pause and wait.

Do their coworkers ship them? Yes! Would anyone dare tell that to their face, specifically to Takeru? Nope! Welll, maybe Alma would... if they catch either of them in the right mood.

I will also tackle a friendship that soured cause the idea popped into my brain on my way home from work :))

Rio and Mentris from The Kilveh's Inheritance.

*long sufferign sigh* Okay, so! These two are messy and I still don't know how they will end up.

They were friends before plot, quite close friends. Borderline friends with benefits territory - something - power imbalance be damned territory. Mentris is a royal, they are the ruler of Isled while Rio is a palace guard. Correction, Rio was Mentris' personal guard and one of the few Kilveh that did not treat Mentris either like a child or as if they were made of precios stone one should not even dare look at, let alone touch. So yeah, tehy were close.

It suddenly stops and starts souring 10 years before plot when Rio vanishes randomly. It sours further on, during plot, after they come back, changed, and refusing to give an explanation. Mentris is not innocent is this either, they hurt Rio, badly! Mentally not phisically... although they do scream loud enough for Alurac (Mentris' older sibling and captain of the royal guard) to come barging in with 10 to 15 soldier after them, so there is that :)).

The last thing I wrote with them (whIch I already dread editing, lucky me I still have a looong way until then) - a few months ago - ended with Mentris plagued by guild and an unconscious and mentally unstable Rio (not that they were very stable when they came back, but that is beside the point) being taken away to either his room or some sort of cell *glares at Alurac cause I am in need of specifics*.

So yeah... Messy.

🌙 moon: do any of your OCs have dark backstories or secrets they’re trying to keep?

Sort of... they are more like secrets that the immediate family knows, but not the rest of the cast.

Silver Serpent:

Elise - she had two blood siblings. The records now show only one blood brother and one adopted brother

she is part of the reason why one of said blood siblings died

Takeru - when he was six he accidentally killed one of his family's elderly servants

Akumu was more or less at fault and he knows that Takeru is still affected by it

Scales and Petals

Axel - not dark, but he doesn't like people knowing that he is in love with Bolin

October themed asks

[ask-dawnanddusk]

akumu @ dawn aku floated up to the other with a lot of curiosity "pardon me for asking but do you have any places in the universe that would /really/ wanna see?" a pause "im curious to know as a night creature I dont think ive seen a lot not that I can really recall anyway.."

Dawn: Oooh, interesting places! I reeeeally want to visit a mesa! Specifically a place called the Rainbow Mountains! All those layers of stone and sediment come together to make a really beautiful terrain!

Dusk: I would love to visit the sand flats after a rain. Seeing the earth become a massive mirror and reflect the sky above... I imagine it's a magical sight.

[ignitedfms]

[ kahlil beth, demi-man, he/them ] look who just landed! CAIRO 'BLAISE’ TAYLOR, i sure hope you packed all you need. perhaps you’re not worried as an UNDERBOSS of THE SKELETON CREW and GAME DEVELOPER at SONY-NJ the city has plenty of spots for a 24 year old HUMAN like you. you’ll be known in the city soon enough as THE REBEL, being FLAMBOYANT and MERCILESS. ( kip, 26, CST, removed for discretion )

00000 - - INTERVIEW INCOMING - - - 001

001101 1- - ARE you A LOCAL OF MARS OR HAVE you LANDED HERE RECENTLY? WHAT IS your OPINION OF THE CITY OF NEW JAKARTA? - 00011011

he leaned back in his chair, a small smirk on his face as he peered at the overseers that spoke to him. "hell yeah i'm a local," more than a local, he was a house hold name in the slums at this point. even now, he knew that the OVERSEERS knew who he was. whether this was a formality or an actual bust, either way they were aware what they were up against. sitting back up, cairo putting his elbows on the metal table. "what's my opinion on the city? you're asking me that? the shit is scum. it's the bottom floor of the poorest hotel with no clean up crew. it's not even worth the shit stains that lay in the lowest valley's waiting for their next victim," there was a pregnant pause, before cairo echoed a laugh, "but i fucking love it here."

0101022 - - ARE you AWARE OF THE CRIMINAL CIRCUIT OF NEW JAKARTA? WOULD you BE WILLING TO INFORM THE OVERSEERS IF you SEE ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY? - 001200

"would i be willing to inform the-  you have got to be kidding me. those pigs? what do i look like a snitch?" cairo sent them a delicate smile, "i'm kidding i'm kidding, what am i supposed to say, 'yes of course, i could never betray the strange and cult like hierarchy that we've established on a new planet. i  mean come oooooon, of course i pledge my allegiance. anything out of the ordinary officer,'" cairo saluted the man to hanker down his words, "you got it, one hundred percent," he smacked his lips, these guys were hacks, he knew it from the ground out, hacked into the deepest depths of their sanity and could word every tab right now on paper. ruin every single one of their puny lives, but instead he simply sat back again, face smug as he twirled the toothpick in his teeth.

000111311 - - HAVE you BEEN TESTED FOR ANY TRACES OF SIGHIR? HAVE your TESTS ON THE VIRUSES COME BACK CLEAN? - 0012133

without a word he twirled the envelop beneath his finger tips before gently flicking it in their direction. "yeah, one thing i got, is that shit," he pointed to the folder, "on me. you ain't finna take me out into some weird testing or some shit. i don't have no fucking powers. you think i'd be living in the akumu slums if i could read minds?" there was a little resentment pouring into his tone. the SIGHIR users didn't do anything to him directly sure, but to him they were always a one up, the anomaly of society, and there were people like him who had so much more to give than magic tricks and glowing iris'.

0113114 - - DO you HAVE ANYTHING TO DECLARE? WEAPONS, AUGMENTATIONS, MECHANICAL PARTS OR AI-RELATED APERTURE? - 0012444

getting to his feet he gave them a defeated sigh, beginning to unload his usual arsenal for their disposal. weapons clunk to the table in various metallic vibrations, the weight of each object evident in the different symphony of sounds that they created in their fall. holding up a finger, though more so for comedic effect, he unclipped the chains from each of his wrists, pulling a few silver rings from his fingers  to join it. "i think that's every thing, though if you check the whip then i might be in alotta' trouble here am i right?" 

his hands went up in defeat before he finally sat back in the chair again, crossing his arms over his chest, "as far as any of that computer brain bullshit, can code the hell out of it, but not letting you fuckers control my brain when it all goes down. no extra parts or systems, though i was really thinking of a bionic arm just for fun, what do you think? terminator style."

[gh0stiegirlie]

Synopsis: You have been a pro-hero for the past three years, and a damn good one too (although, you don’t think so). When you and Ground Zero are assigned on a stakeout case together to capture a member of the Dark Akumu, which is currently Musutafu's most threatening Villain League, it changes the entire course of your career-- and your life.  

Length : 2.2k words

<- pt. 1                                                                                                  pt. 3 ->

You wake up. Go upstairs. You shower, do your morning skincare, brush your teeth. You go downstairs. Turn on the stove. Crack an egg, scramble the egg and eat the egg. The same as always.

 Except today, you have something special to look forward to. Something intriguing. Something exciting. Something new!

Your research on Ground Zero last night issued expected results; Bakugou is the same imprudent idiot he’s always been. In a way, it’s comforting, because you know what to expect. But how has he reached the list of top ten heroes with his hasty mannerisms? How will he climb up on that list, let alone remain on it? 

You spend the rest of your day checking out your fellow 3-A classmate’s careers. Unsurprisingly, Izuku is currently the number five hero with a heart of gold. Uraraka isn’t in the top ten, but she’s quickly rising to the top fifty. Considering she’s only twenty, that’s a feat. He and Uraraka finally admitted their feelings (you laugh at the image of how awkward it must have been for the two of them. They’ve never been the type to confront and thoroughly manage their emotions) and have been dating for two years, which is adorable. Todorki is approaching the top twenty, with Yaoyurozo, Kirishima, and Kaminari not far behind. Tsuyu is only within the top one hundred, which is discouraging; You know she holds more power than that. But being a hero at sea, she doesn’t receive much notoriety for her deeds. 

At 2:30 you’re on your way to the station, your stomach craving the promised spicy food. When you arrive, the station is flooded with civilians. As to not accidentally poison someone, you throw on a hoodie over your shirt and zip up a sweatshirt over that. You squeeze a pair of sweatpants over your leggings, pull up your hood, and walk into the building.

You move with the current of the crowd, though try avoiding contact with anyone by yelling "excuse me," and "sorry!" with every move you make. It’s a relief when you finally reach the conference room at 2:55, feeling comfortable enough to shimmy out of your sweatpants and take off your sweatshirt. 

 “Y/n! You sure found this place easily through that crowd,” Chief Sheriff Chie notes.

“I followed the scent of this sweet, spicy wasabi.” You eagerly grab a plate of sushi and promptly dip it into a small Wasabi bowl. After taking a satisfying bite, you look back up to Chie. “I’m surprised I made it through there and survived to tell the tale. Why is it so crowded?” You ask before shoving more sushi in your mouth.

“Did you not see the news last night?” she questions, and you shake your head. “Another Dark Akumu attack followed with multiple instances of robberies and looting all over the city.” Chie runs a hand through her thinning hair. Her undereye bags darken and her wrinkles grow more defined with every day that passes. “This is why we need your help, Ether. And Ground Zero--”

Chie is cut off by a crash of the door slamming open. You turn around, and there he is.

 Ground Zero. Katsuki Bakugou. 

A piece of fish slips out of your gawking mouth, though you quickly pick it up and shove it back in. Ground Zero completely disregards your presence, preferring to take the seat five chairs away from you that's closest to the food. He aggressively grabs a cup of donburi and sprinkles on shichimi togarashi, his biceps subtly flexing with every movement. He leans back into his chair, throws his feet up on the table and sighs dramatically.

“Let’s get this shit over with so I can kick some supervillain ass,” he grumbles before shoving chopsticks of rice in his mouth. Both you and Chie gawk at Ground Zero before meeting eyes with a gulp. Then you take another bite of your sushi as Chie starts the presentation.

She finishes rehashing the information she discussed with both of you yesterday in about a half-hour, which is enough time for you and Ground Zero to devour your meals.

“Now, the goal is for you to capture Youkai. Don’t bother with the other criminal; The Dark Akumu is our top priority. We don’t know when the deal is going to take place, but we do know where.” She clicks her remote, and a picture of the infamously beautiful forest in your area appears; The forest where you and the rest of class 3-A experienced your second villain attack, back when you were class 1-A. “A clearing in the Beasts forest.” 

“You two will stakeout until the villains arrive. When you capture Youkai, call me and I’ll immediately alert the police force. Your time starts,” the Sheriff looks at the clock. 4:45. She stares at the two of you with a wide grin that’s hungry for justice. “Now.” 

Ground Zero immediately stomps out the door, leaving his mess for you to clean up. Once everything is thrown out and you’ve grabbed your sweatshirt and sweatpants, Chie pulls you to the side. 

“You’re an amazing hero, Y/n. And the two will make an amazing team. Don’t doubt yourself, and don’t let emotion cloud your judgment. You can do this.” 

When you catch up with Ground Zero he’s leaning against his expensive-ass car, twirling his keys around his pointer finger. Before you so much as open your mouth, he announces you’ll be taking his car. Though you don’t object, as it’s very spacious, making it more than suitable for a nightlong stakeout.

When you climb in shotgun you close the door as gently as you can, as to not piss off the walking bomb you're being forced in a car with for several hours. At the same time, Ground Zero shuts the door with a slam that rattles the entire car. He keeps the radio off but turns on the AC to create white noise. Although, the monotonous buzzing drives you insane. 

“Can we turn on the radio or something?!” You moan after only ten minutes into the thirty-minute car ride. Ground Zero shakes his head. You groan and turn to face him.“Please! We have all night to silently bask in the AC, we can at least have some fun now.” He rolls his eyes and picks up his phone to start typing. 1“No texting and driving, Mr. hero.” You tease. He ignores you and passes you his phone with Spotify already open. 

“Fine. But my car, my music.” You could live with those terms. “Put on Together PANGEA.”

You type in his band selection and press play before putting the phone in a cup holder. You reluctantly lean deep into your car seat, getting comfortable without letting your guard down. 

You expect Ground Zero to be into headbanging, rave rockstar type shit. But surprisingly, you enjoy his indie punk selection. You smile and wiggle your shoulders a bit to the rhythm, and when the song ends, another by the same band follows. You giggle when you notice Ground Zero tapping his fingers against the car wheel to the beat. 

You rest your head on the window and gaze into the sunset. Maybe if you and Ground Zero weren’t so rigid and awkward, maybe if you were normal people (or possibly a normal couple), you would enjoy a sunset like this together. 

When you arrive at the forest, the car creeps between trees until it reaches a hidden area outside the clearing. At 5:15 Ground Zero brings his car to a halt and turns it off. Music, AC, and all. 

The two of you sit in silence for an uncomfortable amount of time. Ground Zero pushes his seat into a lying position and kicks his feet up on the dashboard, engrossed in his phone, while you stiffly remain in your seat beside him. This is the most intimate you have ever been with him. While six years ago you would’ve loved this and taken advantage of it, currently you’re fidgeting with the door handle and staring blankly at your phone. After a few more minutes of this, you decide to put your layers back on. You zip up your sweatshirt and slide on your sweatpants. Though with the AC off, you quickly grow hot. Ground Zero notices the perspiration dripping down your chiseled cheeks and looks at you for the first time in years. 

“You don’t have to keep all those layers on, you know. I can handle your quirk,” he comments, flicking his attention between you and his phone. 

You don’t look at him, instead choosing to focus on wrapping your sweatpants string around your finger. “I don’t want to take any risks. I’ve involuntarily hurt people before.” 

“I secret nitroglycerin sweat, Y/n. I can inhale some of your gas.” he retorts before he pauses. When he realizes what this really is about, he sets down his phone. “Plus, that nerd Deku’s forgiven you by now. And long forgotten about it.”

This is when you turn to Ground Zero in shock. He… remembers that?

“You were so wrapped up in wishing death upon everyone in the class I’m surprised you even remember that.” You admit. You mean for it to come off harsh, but a faint snicker escapes your lips. Ground Zero did spend a lot of time threatening to kill Deku and several other classmates. But he was just being dramatic. (Hopefully) 

He laughs menacingly, which you guess is the only way he knows how. Honestly, you’re not sure if he feels any other emotion other than passionate violence. “How could I forget? That all-powerful loser was stuck smooching with recovery girl for a week! I was mad I didn’t do that.”

You gasp, pushing yourself to the edge of the car seat to distance yourself from him. “Why would you want to do that? He was in a coma!” You clear your throat after taking a deep breath. “I put my friend in a coma.” You wrap your arms tightly around yourself to suppress a shutter from the memory. “Because I couldn’t control my quirk.”

“Oh, cut it with the emo crap,” he growls. “Your quirk is strong and he couldn’t handle it. It wasn’t your fault.”

“Because of my quirk, toxins are constantly leaking out of my body. For combat, I can concentrate the mass of the fumes into certain areas, but no matter what, they’re always oozing into the air. Everywhere.”  You stare at your hands, watching them steadily emit a nearly imperceptible gas. But you know it’s there; You know its harmful. You force your hands into fists, keeping the fumes entrapped in your clutches. “I have to protect others from myself. I’m toxic. I can’t hurt another innocent person.” You look up at Ground Zeroes' blurring body. Within seconds, all you can make out is the outline of his grenade gauntlets and signature spiky hair. That’s when you realize you’re tearing up. 

“Y/n--” he reaches out to you, but you slap his hand away. 

“It’s Ether, Ground Zero. Ether.” You snap, blinking away the tears before they dare spill from your eyes.

All of high school, he never so much as noticed you outside calling you an “extra”. And now he finally wants to address you by your name, like you’re friends. Like he ever treated you with an ounce of damn respect. 

No. He’ll call you by your hero name. So he’ll be forced him to refer to you as an equal. He’ll never call you Y/n. Not until he proves he won’t hurt you again; Which he won’t, because this is Bakugou you’re talking about. 

“What’s your problem, shitty breath?” he mocks. Even though that was just the cruel nickname he gave you in highschool, you blow into your hand and sniff in the air. Your breath smells fine.

“Who are you calling shitty breath, hothead?! It’s not even clever!” You bicker. “I’m a pro-hero now. We’re not at U.A anymore; You can’t call me shitty names and get away with it.” You squint your eyes at the ‘hero’ and cross your arms. “I won’t let you.” 

“Oh, you won’t?” A smirk spreads across his face, and you refuse to let him see how startled you are. Another perk of being a hero; You know when to put on a mask, and how to keep up that facade. “How do you plan on stopping me?” He places his hands behind his head and closes his eyes, maintaining relaxed, poised body language. “If I remember right, you were never able to beat me back at U.A. What makes you think you can now?” When he opens his eyes, fire dances within them. And that’s when you finally understand. Bakugou has learned to control his demeanor to appear composed and carefree. But on the inside, he’s the violently spirited fighter you’ve always known him to be. 

Embers that haven’t so much as sparked in a while ignite within you. You quirk an eyebrow.

“Are you challenging me, Bakugou?” You haven’t used his name in so long, and you love the way it feels on your lips.

Bakugou's smirk morphs into a shit-eating grin, but the determination in his eyes frightens you.He’s relentless, and he’ll fight until you drop if it means he wins. And you know its his unbreakable determination that will fuel him till the end. 

But you’re ambitious too. Your brain says you can’t beat him, but your heart encourages you to try. 

When Ground Zero gets out of the car, you follow. 

You won't let him treat you like shit without standing up for yourself.

Never again. 

[fantazeerps]

No More Mistakes

Rey was tuning his violin for the fourth time in as many hours when he heard the soft shff of the tent flap opening. No clank of armor, no heavy footsteps, no immediate, enraged ‘REY!’ greeted his ears. That eliminated almost everyone, except for...

“Yes, Bon?” He asked, not turning around to face the papercraft goblin. He focused his effort on twisting the peg just slightly, and running the bow across the strings as he listened for the smallest imperfections.

“So the sacrifice thing is a bust.” Came the reply. Rey didn’t need to see Bon to know that the goblin was standing stock still in the middle of the floor, just staring into his back. He could feel the little bugger’s gaze on him, like a fly. Or a beam of sunlight. It took him a few seconds to remember what Bon was even talking about, taking about halfway into his next sentence to recall talk of demonic allegiance and ritual bloodletting. “Zokai said no. Tsagani said ‘under no circumstances.’ Then she tried folding me into a paper airplane.”

rrrrrrrnnnnt

Rey muttered a G-rated curse under his breath, the chuckle that had slipped out drowned by the sound of the bow raking awkwardly over the strings. Now he had to make sure none of them had come loose again. “What about everyone else?” Never let it be said he didn’t support people’s hobbies.

“Does it matter?” Rey felt the goblin’s gaze move off him as the little thing wandered over to his ‘bed,’ the collection of loose papers and scrolls taken from all over camp. A nest, more like. “Zokai runs the place, and she said no. I don’t think she’ll let me transform them, either.” His voice was flat, but Rey could hear the disappointment. Rey knew the frustration, perhaps better than anyone. Whereas Bon had dealt with it for only a few days, Rey had been suffering a lack of progress on anything but his songwriting for weeks. He’d been ordered to stop testing his spells after the third fool ran screaming into the desert, and had been essentially twiddling his thumbs since then.

He plucked the string he’d been tightening. Better. Ran the bow across it. Perfect. Now for the others.

“Transform?” That was new.

“Yeah.” He heard Bon sit up in his pile, and knew in an instant he’d opened a floodgate. He braced himself for the tide. “There’s a demon called the Rutterkin. Its bite is poisonous, and anyone that dies while poisoned becomes a Wretch. Not really strong, but useful for...”

Rey half-listened, focusing instead on getting the other strings perfect. In a way, he was glad that someone was actually talking to him in a way he could understand. On the other, it was about something he only moderately cared about. Still, Bon rattled on, undeterred by the fact the conversation had been one-sided. “... told Saffron about it but he only seemed interested in the bargaining-with-a-lord part. Can’t blame him, it’s a good idea if we could pull it off, but getting into contact with any Lord I’ve read about would take time and resources we don’t have. He did bring up the possibility of working with Mar’rak, though.”

Rey’s finger stopped its slow descent down the string. “Did he now.” Have you gone crazy too, inventor?

“Yeah. I wish I could have been here to actually study the thing so I could figure out if it’d be a good idea or not, but apparently we’re leaving in like two days.” Flat tone, prickled by frustration again. Rey almost felt sorry for him.

“it’s an idea.” Rey piped up, now sitting up a bit straighter, his tuning halted entirely as he stared down at the instrument, “And a possibility.” He felt that soft pressure on his back that told him Bon was staring at him again. “Mar-mar’s been free for nearly a month, and hasn’t made any progress out of the wasteland... He’d probably jump at the chance for assistance.” And better us than the gnolls.

“... yeah. Everyone else seems bent on shoving him back in his cage, though. If that’s the case, I could probably find a way to siphon his power.” Rey heard that book of his crack open, each turning page accompanied by a flurry of hushed whispers, “With the knowledge Alexius has, it should be easy to figure that one out. All the benefits with no chance of being backstabbed.” Bon muttered something else, but Rey didn’t hear. His focus was elsewhere, in a haze of irritation.

Alexius. Rey set his violin down, and stared at the wall as though willing it to vanish so he could gaze forlornly into the horizon. That lich seemed to have everyone at its defense. Celos, Vastalin, Akumu, Ziskudar, all wrapped around its bony fingers, ready to shield its with their own bodies if it needed. Three weeks they had spent with this creature, coming back and spinning a tale of a time anomaly. Ridiculous. He’s seen strange things, done more, and believed in many, but he knew of spells like Modify Memory and Geas, and personally knew the power of Suggestion, Charm, and Dominate. It would be child's play for a creature like Alexius to seize control of his allies.

... He had checked them for those spells though, most of them. Scooter could rot in the thing’s dungeon believing it to be the God’s gift to the world, for all he cared, but everyone else? Dispel Magic brushed against nothing. Even if it had failed against the magic, he would have still felt its presence there. They couldn’t be getting controlled directly.

He thought he was being paranoid, thought he was dwelling on it too much, but then came his talk with Celos. Poor, dear Celos. A wreckage, stripped bare of his elegance by whatever events had happened in that tower. The man nearly broke down in tears talking about how he’d ruined Alexius’ life. And then there was Akumu, stoic and stonefaced as he ever was... Until he talked about Alexius. Softened expression, softer tone. He even referred to the lich as an example of what humanity should strive for, in that he was trying to undo his mistakes. 

And then there was Ziskudar, deep in thought and planning, hunched over maps and seeking to end her conversation with him as fast as possible, ignoring his jabs and needles and brushing him off with a wave rather than a threat. She even allowed him the last word in their little spat.

The people he knew weren’t acting like the people he knew. Not controlled, but definitely influenced by something the lich had done. They had to be.

“Hey.” At some point, Bon had drawn closer. He could see the soft red glow of the goblin’s eyes in the corner of his own vision. “You listening?”

“Barely.” His answer was itself answered with a frustrated exhalation. “... Something about backlash with your power siphoning idea.”

“That’s about it, yeah. Alexius’ wife exploded when he messed up last time, but I think if I could convince him to write down how the ritual worked, I could find out what went wrong, correct it, and perfect it.” The glow on the wall vanished, and more whispers filled the air as Bon flipped through his book. Celos’ warning came back to mind, of the dangers of pushing Alexius. “I only saw it twice, but through my detection I got a good enough look of how the spell flowed with the...” The damn lich just kept coming up, but Rey found a bit of catharsis in how the goblin explained the situation; without care or compassion, treating everything and everyone around him like a resource. It was an admirable trait, one Rey tried to emulate with questionable success. Even now.

“Bon.“

“Eh?”

“Do you believe Alexius will help us defeat Mar’rak?” A question he’s asked five times, now. The tiebreaker.

“...” A pause in the endless banter as the goblin mulled the question over. Rey already knew what Bon would answer... But he just needed reinforcement. He needed to hear it and hope the words would give him the final nudge he needed. “Probably not. Guy’s biggest goal right now is to die, so he’ll likely fling himself in the thing’s path just to get obliterated. I’m hoping he’ll at least teach me to summon Spectators before then.”

Rey’s shoulders slackened. Tasked with finding a weapon to beat the demon, and they failed. We don’t know if he can be beaten.

They failed.

But it solidified his decision. It was all he needed to hear. Rey stood in one smooth motion, tucking his violin away into the haversack at his side. He’d packed everything he’d need for a lengthy journey ahead of time. Days ago, in fact. Before they had returned.

I won’t.

“Second question. You know Phantom Steed, yes?” He’d been puttering around for too long, hemming and hawing about the decision, the pros and the cons, the costs and the benefits.

“... Yeah?”

“I’d like to make a suggestion, then.” No more of that. No more holding himself back. No more being held back. No more being stifled.

I’m sorry, Celos.

[askhoennlegends]

(ask-maat) Maat@Akumu: "You've taken on an impossible task." Maat pauses. "I should rephrase that. You have taken the incorrect path if what you seek is your children to mesh together harmoniously forever. You would only manage such a feat if you destroyed them. Ripped their consciousness from them and buried them. You lack the heart to do so though that is not necessarily a bad thing." She narrows her eyes. "Let them quarrel. If the world dies, then it dies. Hardly a loss."

Akumu tensed and coiled at the Reshiram’s words.

Destroy Aoi and Akai? Akumu had been tasked with looking over them and assuring the survival of the world they inhabited. But here…. the Pokemon of Ideals stood, content with the idea of letting the two beasts fight to the death.

Akumu tapped their claws together.

“I see…”

“It may seem impossible, but considering I was tasked with this by Arceus themselves, they must deem it probable. It can be done. I won’t kill them. I can’t. You’re right, I lack the heart.”

The serpent turned their head and faced towards the horizon. The roars and growls of the two titans echoed throughout the island. This had gone on long enough. It was time.

“It’s time I put Δ stop to this once Δnd for Δll.”

[yellowninjaleopard]

Glitchhope chapter three: when worlds collide.

Sans eyes shot open with a blue flare and a sharp gasp, sitting up he looked around the small room. "I need some kechup" said sans to himself, getting off the bed and walking up the stairs. As he entered the kitchen he heard frisks voice along with two others, curious he went upstairs to investigate. "Ok, how do we do this?" Said Frisk as he slammed his hands on the small table. Chara snapped his fingers and said "assys our brother! We've just gotta remind him of how much he means to us! We can use the lockets!" Frisk then puts his arms over both heathers and chara's shoulders. "So the plans set! Me and chara go after asriel while heather fights Betty!" Said frisk. "Problem solved. Team determination does it again!!" Said chara raising his fist in the air. Frisk and heather laughed. Heathers soul suddenly turned blue as she was slammed against the wall, frisk and chara looked to see sans with an angry look on his face. "Sans stop!!" "Yeah! let her go you comedian trash!" Sans just growled. "No! She's a fear soul! I'm killing her!" Heather's world came to a stop at that sentence, one she has heard many times before. 'kill her!' [*no...] 'demon!' 'murderer!' [*stop it...Please..] 'freak!' 'monster!' 'fear soul!' [*I'm not her...] 'go die you demon!!' [*I'm sorry....] chara and frisk tackled sans to the floor just as the front door opened. "SANS?!" Said papyrus as he ran up the stairs. "Papyrus?! Dad?!" Sans power dropped heather as he turned around. Frisk and chara ran to heather's aid, Lulu began to fly around and panic. After an explanation and a serious scolding from toriel, sans was told to apologize to heather, he felt very bad about treating her the way he did, when he opened the door to her room, heather was nowhere to be found, sans ran downstairs and told everyone. "We need to find her." Said Gaster. Meanwhile. In a nearby playground, heather was sitting on the swingset, Lulu flew in front of her. "Are you ok? You look like your gonna cry.." said Lulu in a concerned voice. Heather lifted her head up and looked at Lulu before showing her soul, which was now light grey with a dark grey outline, along with a few cracks. Lulu felt a twang of sadness shoot through her blob like form, wrapping her tail around heather's wrist, she nuzzled heather's face. "I'm so sorry chick, i couldn't protect you.." said Lulu, heather smiled at the nickname and closed her eyes. The two sat like that for a moment until a voice could be heard. "Greetings." Heather opened her eyes to see a girl and a goat monster. [*Oh, hello. I'm guessing by those eyes...You're bete nior?] Betty smiled and said "lucky guess" Betty paused when she saw heather's broken soul, knowing she couldn't take it because it would serve of no use to her. Curiousity got the best of her. [*As you can see...My soul is useless, so i don't see why you'd want it but...We could just talk i guess?] Betty thought for a moment before separating from akumu and sitting on the swing next to heather. Akumu flew next to Lulu. "You have one too? What's her name?" Asked Betty. [*Alulia, or Lulu for short.] "Alulia...That is a very pretty name." Lulu blushed at that comment and said. "Quite the charmer aren't you dolly?" Betty yelled at Lulu's voice. "She can talk?! Aww, mine can't!" Said Betty while pouting, kumu looked at Betty angrily. Heather chuckled. [*So...Why are you here? What's your pourpose?] Betty looked at heather before replying. "To make sure humans and monsters never live in peace..Why?" Heather looked at Betty. [*Well, what happens if you succeed, witch you probably will considering the poletics around here, but what'll happen to you then? When your goal is complete? Will you fade? Die? Or just cease to exist? You haven't even thought about it have you?] "Well, I'll just..." 'wait...What would happen to me..?' Betty paused and put her finger under her chin in thought. Akumu gave a thoughtful look as well. Heather reached into her backpack and took out two cans of cream soda, handing one to Betty, who took it hesitantly, heather opened hers with a hiss and drank it, looking over, she noticed Betty was looking at the can confusingly while kumu sniffed it cautiously. Heather sighed and signaled Lulu to open it for her. Lulu floated over to kumu and nuged him away, taking the can with her tail, growing tendrals and then opening it with her said tendrals and then handing it back to Betty. Betty took a small sip before drinking it happily. [*Y'know, your not too bad of a kid Betty. We should hang out more..] Betty thought for a moment, before nodding "i never got your name, what's your name?" Asked Betty. Heather smiled [*it's heather]. Heather then looked to asriel and said [*your family must miss you huh?] Asriel gave a thoughtful said look. Suddenly  voice could be heard, it was frisk, chara, papyrus, toriel and undyne "HEATHER?!" "oh heather please come out my child!" Betty stood up and remerged with kumu. "I'll see you later, heather." Said Betty before she and asriel flew off. Heather noticed some small white fragments on the floor, [*Lulu, reassemble these.] Lulu ate the pieces and opened her mouth again revealing a half empty monster soul. [*Keep healing it, use some hope.] Lulu nodded before closing her mouth again.heather decided to go home, walking towards the voices she stepped into toriels sight. "My child!" Toriel picked heather up and hugged her, heather hugged her back and soon fell asleep in toriels warm embrace. Toriel smiled softly before walking back to the others. "Mom! Is she ok?" Asked chara. Frisk then said. "Is she hurt?" Toriel answered "she is asleep my children, she is perfectly fine, let's go home so she can sleep in a bed.." when they arrive home, toriel placed heather on her bed and tucked her in, kissed her goodnight and walked out of the room. Sans was sitting on the couch when toriel approached him. Sans said "I'm sorry...I almost killed our last hope... Litterally.." toriel sighed. "It's not me you should be apologising to..But you'll have to wait until she wakes up.." sans sighed. "I know...I really need some kechup.." said sans.

To be continued...

{*The feeling of making a new friend with your opposite fills you with HOPE💗}