#amy’s favorite bird is a raven

[sofiasfanartcollection]

wishing all my fellow asexuals a belated happy ace week! 🖤🤍💜

this is my character, Amy, one I’ve had with me since I was small (Fire Opal is her best friend)

bonus gray ace flag colors, she is technically gray ace, though does also refer to herself as ace

[laylajeffany]

Hi! As you can probably guess, I completely love Chaos, and I have a few more questions. Thanks for the playlist by the way, it’s been all I’ve listened to since you linked it. Sorry for all the questions, I’m just curious.

1) In the Spotify playlist, the first song is “Sea, swallow me”. Is that song referenced somewhere in the fic, or does it just give off a general Chaos vibe? I’ve been trying to remember if it was mentioned somewhere but cant recall. As an additional Note, it is my new favourite song, so thanks!

2) You mentioned that all the OCs appearances are physically based on real people. Who are Dr Zypher, Emiliana and Holly-Jane based on? Is Emiliana based off of Eva Green, because thats how I imagine her. You’ve done an excellent job with the OCs, they’re just so perfect.

3) When you describe clothing, do you make them up in your mind or doe they actually exist? I get that some, like the custom ordered dresses in the latest chapter, must be made up, but are some of them real? Do you have some Pinterest board with all of their clothes just to keep track? 😂

4) How do you find time to write? I write 1000 words for my fic every day, and it takes me about an hour. 50K chapters in 2 weeks is a miracle. Do you sleep?

I’ve probably forgotten a question or two, so I hope you don’t mind if I ask more in the future😅

Thank you for all you do, I’ve never been so invested in a fic before. Just remember to relax and take breaks when you need it, don’t force yourself to write on 2 hours sleep!

I am happy to answer questions about Chaos for the Fly, the writing process, and other fic/writing related things. Thank you for your interest! 1. I think I referenced near the beginning somewhere that Wednesday had discovered some music on her own outside of classical when she accepted an algorithm to suggest songs for her. It had been 80s imports of some kind - and that was probably the one that I had in mind, even if it wasn’t mentioned specifically. There’s probably a few songs that weren’t actually mentioned by name but were alluded to in the fic - meaning I didn’t say the title in dialogue, but had something playing in the background for myself, and there you have it. 2. You have opened a VERY DANGEROUS can of worms with this question, lmfao.

You are a dead ringer for Emiliana! That’s Eva Green, 100%, the ONLY person who could play the role. It would be like a touch of Penny Dreadful for the out-of-her-damn-mind demon possession vibes, but mostly, just as herself (she’s cray and I love how socially awkward and accidentally funny she is in interviews) not so much Vanessa Ives. Eva Green has worked with Tim Burton a ton of times and wouldn’t even need a single line of direction in this role. Emi is SO easy to write because she is pure chaos both in physicality, mentally, her linguistics, her magic, and personality. I honestly think she’s one of the characters I’m saddest isn’t real because she’d fit in to drive Wednesday absolutely MAD as her big bird. I have a feeling we’re not going to explore Raven lore in S2 and the two of them trying to figure out their powers together, after Emiliana spent half her life suffering alone, has been some of my favorite parts of the fic to write. I always write scenes with Emiliana the fastest. Her love of Beanie Babies and bad influence is entirely, too much fun. Her voice is so easy and she will never truly understand American idioms. 

Dr. Zypher is AMY ADAMS, because GAY-ME, for Amy Adams. She’d absolutely crush the role, the fact that she doesn’t have a closet full of Oscars is just despicable (6 time nominee bro). SHE HAS THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL and I don’t think anyone ever lets her sing enough in movies. Put this woman in some broadway revival of an old musical and you’ll catch me personally saving the economy from collapse by taking the train up to see her every weekend. She's so adaptable and different in any role, and I just feel like she’d volley SO WELL with JO’s Wednesday. She's a professional who understands character layers that sweet and angsty Josie requires.

Dr. Holly is Emily Blunt plucked right from the Jungle Cruise movie in terms of how she’s styled but a far cry from her character there with her boldness - even if they would likely have competing career ambitions. ALSO HAVE YOU SEEN EMILY BLUNT IN ALL THE SUITS IN THE NEW NETFLIX PAIN HUSTLER MOVIE? I’m deceased. This is a ghost writing. Holly is really in the story 1) because I needed a plot line for Larissa, post-transformation, that didn’t involve Wednesday and was TRAGIC but beautiful and could GO SOMEWHERE, and2) we REALLY do need something to stabilize the molecular structure of shifting-type Outcasts, and 3) it helped give some context as to how desperate Larissa was to hire Normie "Thornhill" and why she took that chance against her usually better judgement- so there she was! Emily Blunt is a CLASS. ACT. In everything she does and I imagine her in a scene with Gwendoline COULD NEVER exist because it would be too powerful, solve all the world’s problems, and capitalism would break, societies would collapse. It could never happen. It wouldn’t be safe. Here’s her glow up, from fresh-out-of-the jungle, to letting Larissa buy her some new clothes and maybe letting her hair down every now and then, to nerdy botanist bombshell, at the New Nevermore Network, helping her girl rebuild things to be a more fair society for Outcasts. GORGE. 

ARE THESE ALL JUST WOMEN IN THEIR MID 40s THAT I HAVE A BIG LESBIAN CRUSH ON? YEAH, YEAH THEY ARE. There’s obviously more for staff at Nevermore and the Network but I have a solid 5k to get to writing still this evening. The rest of my OCs are pretty minor (well villain aside), and I don’t really care enough about any man to spend the time looking for pictures of /boys/. These are the 3 OCs that are featured the most, anyway. Some day I’ll find enough energy to do the rest. I have extreme face-blindness when I read, and the ONLY WAY I can thusly write an OC is if my beta makes a powerpoint presentation for me with an actor/ress in mind for me to visualize in the role. When I tell ya, she hit the nail on the head with those three above? Unbelievable.  Another favorite not-OC, but someone I HARDCORE RECASTED FOR THIS would be Granny Frump. We went from Margaret Hamilton (OG Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz) in the 1960s Addams Family, which is EXCELLENT CASTING, but to fit the more modern-era Wednesday 2022 adaptation, and to give a flair of the drama as to perhaps where Morticia “gets it from,” I decided to cast someone only two years older than Catherine Zeta-Jones to give that “Frump Homespun Magic” storyline some weight of ‘the potions and beauty charms work’ and went with a non-actress, for the aesthetics (though she could KILL IT her appearances are small), and that is the one and only, What Not To Wear’s Stacy London.

Like IMAGINE that matching vibe with CZJ’s Morticia? Stacy has similar build/some features in common, and with the all black hair BUT WITH HER SIGNATURE gray stripe? Iconic. (And that was also Grandpa “Clint’s” backstory last chapter, as in Stacy and Clinton’s dramatic saga. HEY - IF YOU DONT HAVE INSIDE JOKES WITH YOUR BETA in your writing, what’s the point??) Stacy’s voice and CZJ’s Morticia voice together would be SO GRATING and Wednesday would just be so in-her-element between them, I LIVE.  3. I usually just visualize what I’d want the characters to wear! I don’t often have picture inspiration - though sometimes I am writing and it says in bold highlight DESCRIBE THE DRESS - TRACEY FIND ME A DRESS, and she sends me some pictures to go through so I can just describe a garment without having to make it up. I don’t have a Pinterest I’d be willing to share. It’s just a binder full of women in a way that would probably unsettle most. 

4. I usually write about 2-2.5k an hour if that is all I’m focused on. I probably average 4-9k on a work day without a second job or social obligation after work, and the most I’ve ever written on a single day that I had no work, other ‘sponserbilities, or social plans was 21k. On an average weekend with like one thing to do during the day and some chores and relaxation time not writing, I probably go around 14-16k per day. At the same time I started this fic, I set a new year resolution to myself to only work my contracted hours, so with the exception of a few crazy times in the school year - like conferences - I work from 8:00-15:30 M-F, and I live a three minute walk from my school, so I don’t even lose time commuting. I also stopped working on weekday evenings on the side in August, and starting in 2024 will not be doing any extra side work at all. I don’t sleep great but I do try! :) Thanks for the questions! I've been meaning to give some faces to those 3 OCs. I strongly encourage you to print out pictures of them and post them on your fridge, you will be 100% happier if you do.

[daisyishedwig]

Personal Trivia

Thank you for tagging me @annepi-blog, sorry it took me a few days to get around to it!

Favorite color: Blue! Specifically like a nice jewel tone blue, dark but bright.

Last song: Christmas Day from A VHS Christmas Carol (my friend and I were debating which Starkid shows most make us want to bite something (you know, in an autistic way) and I said specifically the moment in That Scrooge where Brian sings "You don't know what this cost" and Dylan sings "you don't know what you've lost" makes me want to bite my hands off)

Currently reading: Oh god, so many things. The Book of Hook by Amy Cook and The Legend of the Golden Raven by K. Ancrum on Kindle, Night of the Living Queers (a queer horror anthology) and Little White Bird by J.M. Barrie in physical copy, and then White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson on audiobook

Currently watching: Dollhouse! I'm a little more than halfway through season 2 right now. It's been more than a decade since I first watched this show and I forgot how good it was. Also forgot like 90% of the plot, but I did remember how much I love Topher and Victor.

Currently craving: A nap? For the vague words in the back of my head to become something tangible I can put on a page.

Coffee or tea: Tea! Because my stomach can't do coffee. My favorite is Matcha, but I like most teas.

I'll tag @calsvoid, @leydhawk, @bitbybitwrites, @lusthurts,

@cryscendo, @kurtsascot, @backslashdelta

[cherrybombfangirlwrites]

OC Name Meaning Tag Game 📖

tagged by: @corishadowfang 's open tag

tagging: soft tagging @ashen-crest | @witherednightmare | @nikkywrites | @zoyawrites | @ryns-ramblings | @enchanted-lightning-aes | @friendlyneighborhood-writer | @italiangothicwriteblr and open tag as well!

I wanna do this with all of my OCs so bad because I put a lot of thought into (most of) their names... but I'll restrain myself and just fo all of my absolute favorites:

🍎Snow: is name of the princess in the original fairytale, Snow White.

🏴‍☠️Cassandra: is of Greek origin. Cassandra was a Trojan princess, daughter of Priam and Hecuba.

💞Erica: Eric is of Norse/Celtic origin. Eiríkr inn Rauda (Eric the Red in English), was a 10th-century navigator and explorer who discovered Greenland. Also the name of the love interest in the original Disney film, The Little Mermaid

🔥Hestia: is the Greek goddess of the hearth and fire

🗡️Raven: is the name of the bird, ultimately from Old English hræfn. The raven is revered by several Native American groups of the west coast. It is also associated with the Norse god Odin.

👑Sapphire: is the name of the gemstone, typically blue, which is the traditional birthstone of September.

✨Triveya: is derived from Trivia, which is the Roman name for Hecate, the Greek goddess of witchcraft, the night, ghosts, and necromancy.

💡Asher: is of Hebrew origin, meaning "happy, blessed". Asher was the son of Jacob and ancestor to one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

👾Chase: is from an English surname meaning to "chase, hunt" in Middle English, originally a nickname for a huntsman.

🔫Corie: From an English surname that was derived from the Old Norse given name Kóri, of unknown meaning

☄️Astra: is of Greek origin, meaning "star"

🧪Pandora: of Greek origin. Pandora was the first mortal woman. Zeus gave her a jar containing all of the suffering that mankind now knows, and told her not to open it. Unfortunately her curiosity got the best of her and she opened it, unleashing the evil spirits into the world.

🪐Aries: is of Roman/Latin origin, means "ram". The the name of a constellation and the first sign of the zodiac.

And some of my fandom OCs because I couldn't resist:

(Ninjago) 🔫Amy: is of old French origin, meaning "beloved".

(Ninjago) 💖Alec: is of Greek origin, meaning "to defend, help"

(Marvel) 💙Stacy: is derived from Anastasia or Anastasius, which is the name of a 4th century saint and martyr in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

(Marvel) 🪷Lily: is the name of the flower, commonly associated with death and purity

[princelymlm]

Gotta Be LGBT+

This is a list of just some of the LGBT+ content out there. Anything on this list was contains LGBT+ characters or was made by LGBT+ creators. All entries on this list were sent in by followers and have not been confirmed by the mod. (Entries with ‘rep not given’ next to them mean that the suggestion did not include what kind of representation is in the content)

Put everything under the cut since this list started getting really long

Books/Comics

They Both Die At The End - Adam Silvera (mlm)

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - Benjamin Alire-Saénz (mlm)

Symptoms of Being Human (genderfluid)

Lily and Dunkin - Donna Gephart (trans/trans woman)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid (wlw/bi)

The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice and Virtue - Mackenzie Lee (mlm/gay/bi)

Been Here All Along - Sandy Hall (gay/bi)

History Is All You Left Me - Adam Silvera (mlm/gay)

Blue Is The Warmest Color - Julie Maroh (wlw/bi/lesbian)

Mask of Shadows - Linsey Miller (bi/genderfluid)

Once and Future - Cori McCarthy (wlw/mlm/gay/bi/nonbinary)

Simon vs the Homosapiens Agenda - Beck Albertalli (mlm/gay)

Leah on the Offbeat - Becky Albertalli (wlw/bi)

Grasshopper Jungle - Andrew Smith (questioning/mlm)

The Rest of Us Just Live Here - Patrick Ness (mlm/gay)

Flying Tips For Flightless Birds - Kelly McCaughrain (mlm/gay)

I’ll Give You The Sun - Jandy Nelson (mlm)

Point Pleasant - Jen Archer Wood (mlm) 

True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys - Gerard Way (mlm/wlw)

The Wayfarers Series - Becky Chambers (wlw/aro/trans man/nonbinary/genderfluid)

Vesuvius Club - Mark Gatiss (bi)

The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller (mlm)

Radio Silence - Alice Oseman (bi/mlm/demi/gay/pan/wlw/lesbian)

Of Fire and Stars - Audrey Coulthurst (wlw/lesbian)

Magnus Chase Series - Rick Riordan (genderfluid)

Heroes of Olympus - Rick Riordan (gay)

This Is Kind of An Epic Love Story - Kheyrn Callender (mlm/wlw)

Gracefully Grayson - Ami Polonsky (trans woman)

If I Was Your Girl - Meredith Russon (trans woman)

Call Me By Your Name - Andre Aciman (mlm)

Red, White, and Royal Blue - Casey McQuinston (mlm)

I Wish You All The Best - Mason Deaver (nonbinary)

Dreadnaught + Sovereign - April Daniels (wlw/trans woman)

The Art of Being Normal - Lisa Williamson (trans)

The Gone Series - Michael Grant (mlm/wlw)

One Of Us Is Lying - Karen McManus (mlm)

Six Of Crows - Leigh Bardugo (mlm)

Crooked Kingdom - Leigh Bardugo (rep not given)

The Last Sun - Author Not Provided (rep not given)

Romeo and/or Juliet - Ryan North (rep not given)

American Gods - Neil Gaiman (mlm/gay/bi) 

The Mage Wars Series - Mercedes Lackey (gay)

Scott Pilgrim vs The World - Bryan Lee O’Malley (mlm/gay/wlw)

Boyfriends With Girlfriends - Alex Sánchez (mlm/wlw/bi/gay)

Will Grayson, Will Grayson - David Levithan & John Green (mlm)

This Is Where It Ends -Marieke Nijkamp (lesbian/wlw)

Carry On - Rainbow Rowell (mlm)

Stranger Than Fanfiction - Chris Colfer (mlm/trans man/gay)

The Reader Trilogy (The Reader, The Speaker, The Storyteller) - Traci Chee (mlm/wlw/nonbinary)

I Was Born For This - Alice Oseman (trans)

Heartstopper - Alice Oseman (mlm)

The Broken Earth Trilogy - MK Jemisin (trans woman/poly/pan/mlm

A Boy Worth Knowing - Jennifer Cosgrove (mlm/bi/gay)

The Rifter - Author Not Provided (mlm)

Snapdragon - Author Not Provided (wlw/ trans woman)

The Priory of the Orange Tree - Samantha Shannon (wlw/lesbian/mlm/gay)

Tipping the Velvet - Sarah Waters (wlw/lesbian)

Fingersmith - Sarah Waters (wlw/lesbian)

The Paying Guests - Sarah Waters (wlw/lesbian)

I Am J - Cris Beam (trans man)

Little And Lion - Brandy Colbert (bi)

Autoboyography - Christina Lauren (bi)

Felix Ever After - Kacen Callender (trans)

Birthday - Meredith Russo (trans)

Stay Gold - Tobly McSmith (trans)

You Should See Me In A Crown - Leah Johnson (lesbian)

Girls of Paper and Fire - Natasha Ngan (lesbian)

The Henna Wars - Adiba Jaigirdar (lesbian)

Let's Talk About Love - Claire Kann (ace)

The Lady's Guide To Petticoats and Piracy - Mackenzi Lee (ace/aro)

The Vanishers' Place - Aliette De Bodard (wlw)

Ash - Malinda Lo (wlw/bi)

The Little Homo Sapiens Scientist - S. L. Huang (wlw)

Everfair - Nisi Shawl (wlw)

Dread Nation: Risse Up - Justina Ireland (wlw/bi/ace)

The Gilda Stories - Jewelle Gomez (wlw/lesbian)

The True Queen - Zen Cho (wlw)

The Devourers - Indra Das (genderfluid/bi)

We Set The Dark On Fire - Tehlor Kay Mejia (wlw)

Smoketown - Tenea D. Johnson (wlw/lesbian)

Falling In Love With Hominids - Nalo Hopkinson (wlw)

The Fox’s Tower and Other Tales - Yoon Ha Lee (nonbinary)

Her Body and Other Parties - Carmen Maria Machado (wlw)

Beneath the Citadel - Destiny Soria (mlm/gay/bi/ace)

Witchmark - C.L Polk (mlm/gay)

The Prey of Gods - Nicky Drayden (trans/bi)

An Unkindness of Ghosts - Rivers Solomon (wlw/trans/nonbinary/intersex)

The Root - Na’amen Gobert Tilahun (mlm/gay)

Gods & Monsters: Snake Eyes - Hillary Monohan (wlw)

Labyrinth Lost - Zoraida Cordova (wlw/bi)

The Winged Histories - Sofia Samatar (wlw)

The Weight of Stars - K. Ancrum (wlw)

Huntress - Malinda Lo (wlw)

Will Do Magic For Small Change - Andrea Hairston (bi/pan/nonbinary)

The Last Chronomancer - Reilyn J Hardy (aro/ace/genderfluid/lesbian)

A Taste of Honey - Kai Ashante Wilson (mlm/bi)

Deadline - Stephanie Ahn (wlw/lesbian)

The Read Threads of Fortune - JY Yang (wlw/bi)

Not Your Sidekick - C.B. Lee (wlw/bi)

Timekeeper - Tara Sim (mlm)

Ascension - Jacqueline Koyangi (wlw)

When The Moon Was Ours - Anna-Marie McLemore (trans)

Amberlough - Lara Elena Donnelly (mlm/gay)

The Perfect Assassin - K.A Doore (gay/ace/mlm)

Afterparty - Daryl Gregory (wlw/lesbian)

Borderline - Mishell Baker (wlw/bi)

The Cloud Roads - Martha Wells (bi)

An Accident of Stars - Foz Meadows (wlw/bi/aro/trans)

The Last 8 - Laura Pohl (aro/bi)

Failure to Communicate - Kaia Sonderby (wlw/bi)

The Luminous Dead - Caitlin Starling (wlw)

The Wrong Stars - Tim Pratt (wlw)

Full Fathom Five - Max Gladstone (trans)

A Memory Called Empire - Arkady Martine (wlw)

Silver In the Wood - Emily Tesh (mlm)

The Raven Tower - Ann Leckie (mlm/bi/trans)

Ariah - B.R. Sanders (mlm/bi/nonbinary)

The Raven and the Reindeer - T. Kingfisher (wlw)

Planetfall - Emma Newman (bi)

Black Wings Beating - Alex London (ace/gay/mlm)

The Scorpion Rule - Erin Bow (bi)

Inkmistress - Audrey Coulthurst (bi)

Into the Drowning Deep - Mira Grant (wlw/bi/lesbian)

Vengeful - V.E Schwab (ace)

Blackfish City - Sam J Miller (nonbinary)

Daughter of Mystery - Heather Rose Jones (wlw/lesbian)

Stranger Grace - Tessa Gratton (bi/pan)

The Brilliant Death - Amy Rose Capetta (nonbinary)

Chameleon Moon - RoAnna Sylver (wlw/trans/ace)

19 Love Stories - David Levithan (trans/queer)

It’s Not Like It’s A Secret - Author Not Given (wlw)

Picture Us In The Light - Author Not Given (mlm)

Two Can Keep A Secret - Author Not Given (mlm/bi)

Death Sets Sail - Author Not Given (wlw)

Becoming Dinah - Author Not Given (rep not provided)

Witch Wolf series - Winter Pennington (wlw, lesbian, bisexual)

Underrealm series - Garrett Robinson (wlw, mlm, nonbinary, trans man trans woman, trans, pansexual, bisexual)

A Cloak of Red - Brenna Gawain (wlw, lesbian)

 Blood Canticles - Naomi Clark (wlw)

Podcasts

Welcome to Night Vale (mlm/gay/wlw/nonbinary)

Dreamboy (mlm/gay)

Alice Isn’t Dead (wlw/lesbian)

The Penumbra Podcast (mlm/bi/genderfluid/nonbinary)

My Favorite Podcast (trans men)

Within the Wires (wlw)

The Adventure Zone (mlm/wlw/trans/gnc/nonbinary)

Limetown (wlw/lesbian)

Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness (nblm/nonbinary)

Friends at the Table (mlm/wlw/nonbinary)

LezHangOut (wlw)

Bright Sessions (mlm/demi/ace)

Queer As Fact (historical lgbt)

History Is Gay (historical lgbt)

Always Here (historical lgbt)

And That’s Why We Drink (nonbinary)

Magnus Archives (mlm/ace)

The Two Princes (mlm/gay/bi)

Girl-ish (trans women)

The Bright Sessions (gay/ace)

TV Shows/Movies/ETC

One Day At A Time (Remake) (wlw/lesbian/nonbinary)

Love, Simon (mlm/gay)

A Single Man (mlm/gay)

Brokeback Mountain (mlm/gay)

In The Flesh (mlm/gay)

Weekend (mlm)

RWBY (wlw/trans)

Jessica Jones (wlw/lesbian)

Critical Role (mlm/gay/bi/wlw/lesbian/nonbinary/genderfluid)

Pose (trans women/gay)

Schitt’s Creek (pan/mlm)

White Collar (wlw)

Lucifer (bi)

Umbrella Academy (mlm/wlw)

Call Me By Your Name (mlm)

Brooklyn Nine Nine (mlm/gay/bi)

Steven Universe (nonbinary)

Sailor Moon (wlw)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (wlw)

Sense8 (mlm/gay/wlw/lesbian/trans woman)

Doom Patrol (?/rep not given)

Good Omens (nonbinary)

Gentleman Jack (wlw)

American Gods (mlm/gay/bi/two-spirit)

Orange Is The New Black (wlw/trans)

Blue Is The Warmest Color (wlw)

Shameless (mlm/trans)

Euphoria (wlw/trans woman)

Modern Family (mlm/gay)

Daisy Brown ARG (wlw/lesbian)

Deadpool (pan)

Deadpool 2 (pan/wlw)

Alex Strangelove (mlm/gay)

Wynonna Earp (lesbian/gay/wlw)

She-Ra (wlw/mlm/gay/bi/lesbian/nonbinary/trans man)

SKAM (rep not provided)

Gotham (bi)

The Haunting of Hill House (wlw)

The Haunting of Bly Manor (wlw)

Kipo and the Wonderbeasts (mlm/gay/nonbinary)

Billie and Emma (wlw)

Carmen & Lola (wlw)

Carol (wlw)

Disobedience (wlw)

Elisa & Marcela (wlw)

Good Manners (wlw)

The Handmaiden (wlw)

Heart Beat Loud (wlw)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (wlw)

Rafiki (wlw)

Stranger Things (wlw)

Handsome Devil (mlm)

Pride (wlw/mlm)

Musicals

The Prom (wlw/lesbian)

Be More Chill (mlm/bi)

Fun Home (wlw)

Spring Awakening (mlm)

A New Brain (mlm)

Falsettos (mlm/wlw)

Rent (mlm/wlw)

Firebringer (wlw/bi)

A Very Potter Musical (mlm/gay)

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (wlw)

Bare: A Pop Opera (mlm)

Everybody’s Talking About Jaime (mlm/gay)

Yank! The Musical (mlm)

Octet (wlw)

Ghost Quartet (wlw)

Spies Are Forever (mlm/gay)

Willow: A New Musical (wlw)

Over And Out: A New Musical (nblw/nonbinary)

Video Games

Fallout: New Vegas (mlm/gay/wlw/lesbian)

When The Night Comes (mlm/nonbinary)

The Arcana (nonbinary)

Dream Daddy (mlm/gay/bi/pan/trans)

Dragon Age (mlm/wlw/gay/lesbian/trans/pan/bi)

Smile For Me (wlw)

Undertale (trans/nonbinary/wlw/mlm)

Monster Prom (nonbinary)

Cookie Run (nonbinary/mlm/wlw/bi/pan)

The Missing (wlw/trans woman)

Fable 2 & 3 (wlw/mlm)

Borderlands 2 (mlm/wlw/bi/gay/lesbian)

Gone Home (wlw)

Prey (wlw)

Dishonored 2 (nonbinary/wlw)

Deus Ex Mankind Divided System Rift (rep not given)

Assassins Creed Series (mlm/wlw/gay/lesbian/trans)

The Last of Us (wlw/lesbian) 

Mass Effect Series (mlm/wlw/gay/lesbian/bi)

Life Is Strange (wlw)

Overwatch (mlm/gay/wlw/lesbian)

Animal Crossing (pan)

Night In The Woods (pan/mlm/trans woman)

The Elder Scrolls (trans/wlw/lesbian)

Dreamfall Chapters (mlm/gay)

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (wlw)

In the Outer Worlds (wlw/ace)

Elder Scrolls: Skyrim (mlm/wlw)

Fallout 4 (wlw/mlm)

Hades (mlm/bi)

Obviously this list is far from complete so feel free to add to it or let me know of anything else and I’ll edit the post to add it as long as you include the category it belongs to! Be sure to include what representation it has though otherwise I can’t add it!

[abit-of-mayhem]

Cloak and Dagger/Marvel’s Runaways (Vigilantes) Daemon AU: Charecter/Daemon list

—————————————————

Tandy’s daemon is an albino lion named Phobos. Throughout Tandy’s childhood, Phobos’s favorite form was that of a dove. Most people assumed he would settle as such, due to him seeming to favor the form, even at Tandy’s young age. That was until the rig explosion…As they were walking home alone, Phobos changed into a lion for the first time, keeping himself glued to Tandy’s side the whole way home. After that? He never changed forms again.

Tyrone’s daemon is a black she-wolf named Daphne. She had taken the form occasionally before the rig explosion, but once she woke up next to Tyrone on the beach, she never changed again.

Mina’s daemon is a barn owl named Lumin. While he also took the form of mouse every now and then, Lumin showed a strong favor towards different types of bird throughout Mina’s childhood. So it was no surprise when he eventually settled as one.

Bridget’s daemon is a fox named Fiirlime, or Fiir for short. Before the splits Fiir was an all red fox, with a touch of black on his ears and legs. Once Bridgette and Mayhem split, Bridgette’s Fiirlime lost all of his black markings, while Mayhem’s Fiirlime was a completely black fox. Once the two merged back together again, Fiirlime changed. He was now a black-and-red cross fox.

Karolina’s daemon is a peregrine falcon named Soleil, or Sol for short. Sol has never taken a form that wasn’t a bird of some kind, but no one questioned it.

Nico’s daemon is maned wolf named Fenrir. Fenrir took many other forms throughout Nico’s childhood, including a raven, a ocelot, and many more. Once Amy died, Fenrir settled almost immediately.

Gert’s daemon is komodo dragon named Old Lace. Whenever Gert’s anxiety became a prominent issue is when Old Lacs settled.

Molly’s daemon, named Juno, only recently settled as a beech marten. There wasn’t anything specific that caused him to settle.

Chase’s daemon is a golden retriever named Celeste. Celeste took the form of a golden retriever the first time Chase’s dad hit him, though it was a little bit longer before she settled as it.

Alex’s daemon is a stag beetle named Eris. Eris tended to take the form of an insect long before she settled on a stag beetle. She settled almost immediately after Amy’s death.

Amy’s daemon was a arctic fox named Vigil.

[loudlypanickinginvenezolano]

Animalistic, pt 2, but I tried editing it.

Something is really wrong, and Shadow is awfully aware of that...He just... cant say what... Besides Sonic. Something is crearly wrong with that hedgehog.

Mention of a snake, animals, dead animals, and injuries, I guess. I tried editing this chapter, but I am not sure wherever it is better or not. I still like it, tho...

It took him maybe 8 seconds of confused blinking to remember why was an overgrown python chilling on his bed, but once everything loaded and pierced itself together on his mind, Shadow finally managed to find on himself the will to get out of his cozy blankets and stand, carefully picking up his moody companion, and leave him into his tank, no matter how pissed off Kaa may look. “I am, Oh so sorry for disturbing your sleep, your majesty, but that is a no-no place for you to be and you know it.” He snorted, before blinking, because, wow, he really must be tired.

Barely awake enough to remember that yes, he needed to wear some kind of paw-wear that wasn’t just socks, he jogged down the steps, groggily searching around the house the reason he had arisen from his warm, and delicious, and maaaaybee self-indulging dream, but what the hell, it was all on his head, wasn’t it? And unless it was the dream police he fucking wasn’t feeling sorry for his fantasies.

Anyway.

He was sure he had heard something…

“Well, hello there, little mister.” He cooed, picking up Baloo from where the baby bear had wandered, chucking lowly at the dispirited face of the now busted cub. Scrooge was close to the door, looking warily and keeping guard as Mowgly was being his dumb self in the middle of the living room, roaming around and pawing at everything that gained his attention, not a bit undeterred by Shadow appearance. If Something, it seemed like he was even more energetic than before, happily running to him and trying to play with the large ears and little horns of his slippers.

While Mowgly and Baloo had warmed incredibly quickly to Shadow and the secure room he had made for them during this first 2 days, Scrooge was reserved, to not be insulting, and didn’t like so much wherever Shadow came closer, pawing away his hands, sneezing or growling until she decided she wanted food. She was….a moody motherfucker, there really wasn’t a round way about it.

That was why he was certain that Ebeneeza Scrooge was a perfect name.

Though ¨¨Scary little bitch¨¨ wasn’t so far off the mark, either. It was just too long, and Scalibi was taken.

She was the real reason he feared to be stabbed during his sleep...

So far, everything normal, Right?

A calm, fresh night, or as calm as they get when you are Shadow the hedgehog and you are taking care of the very thing you may or may not have a phobia for.

Now, Can somebody explain him what the fuck happened to that “normal” he just had? Because shit, he couldn’t find it anymore and he wanted it back. For yesterday.

It all started when not so long after he ushered the bears back to where they were sleeping, his back door started being scratched on, which wasn’t such a normal occurrence and really, Shadow should have realized since that moment that something was off.

He wasn’t sure what kind of otherworldly being possessed him in that instant, but je made the mistake of opening the door without checking properly, and really, what was he? A rookie or something?

What was he thinking?!

Immediately, 12 raccoons ran in, closely followed by what he was certain were at least 18 bunnies. And then, while he had been busy gaping like a dumbass, 9 giggling foxes squeezed past, as well as-- where those squirrels?

Yes, that definitely were 23 or something squirrels.

And a rat.

A big, fat as shit, and really ugly looking greyish-black rat.

Oh sir, what disgusting creation was that?

He closed the door and put the lock on it, leaning heavily on its surfaces and racking his brain while trying to decide wherever he had ingested something strange or not during the day, but nothing came. He could not find any coherent reason about why had these animals decided to invade his house like this.

Well…

They had come searching for refuge in the past, that was true, but it was because of storms or something of the like….

Oh. Maybe it was what all of this was about? But, he hadn’t heard any thunder, and there was no rain, nor wind picking up.

Come to think about it, it hadn’t rained in like 6 days.

He didn’t… he didn’t have time to this.

Just as he was doing his best at calming down what looked like a hurt raccoon having a panic attack, if that even makes sense, and was actually and surprisingly succeeding in doing so, all hell broke loose when the window of his living room broke in a splash of glass accompanied by a very manly screech, and 7 scared deer’s jumped into the house, cuts and stuck glass pieces making their blood come say hi. The rabbits went crazy, and the foxes started screeching and doing that weird pat-pat thing dogs do while happy, just that the foxes weren’t happy, and neither was Shadow.

He was sure the raccoon he was holding died of a heart attack for 4 agonizing seconds.

<<Same, buddy. >>

This was… this was bad.

Like really, really bad.

And of course, it just got worse when wolves jumped in, and the growling, or screaming in that fox’s case, started once again.

Was that fox… peeing in his floor!? OH SHIT IT WAS! IT PEED ALL OVER HIS BLACK STELLAR RUG!

It wasn’t even 8 pm, what the actual fucking shit?!

Shadow felt like screaming. He actually was going to scream like a bitch or a scared child he didn’t care anymore. He was done, oh shit.

Shadow breathed deeply, resisted the urge of biting his forearm or screeching like a banshee into his coffin like cushion, and exhaled, trying not to scare any of the already panicking animals around him, and to not succumb to his own panic in the middle of this disaster. He breathed once again.

He was better than this.

This…this was nothing compared to some of the things he had been through in the past.

This was fine. He totally wasn’t hyperventilating over such a thing.

Right. Cool head. Everything was going to be alright for as long as he didn’t succumb to his panic. It was easy. Totally.

Mh-hm…

Once he made sure the raccoon was actually breathing, he left it clung to his back as he made his way to his window, carefully stepping between the glass, rodents, and paws, as he had noticed that the smell of blood was thicker in that part after sniffing around.

Shadow wasn’t that surprised to see two heavily injured wolves in his front porch, panting as 3 young deers warily made their way over.

This was… going to be a long night of no sleep, right?

Thank god he didn’t need to go to the G.U.N. headquarters or the FF central for the whole week. Were he to see their faces tomorrow, at least someone was bound to get a fucking punch in the mouth.

He was betting Silver.

Maybe Amy.

A while later, when he finished with the first wolf, he looked up to find Gumdrop looking back at him. Other 14 ravens and like 8 Macaws and who-has-the-time-to-count other birds he didn’t knew the name of were trying to sleep in the couch support, and there were frogs hiding under his chairs and couch, a few even jumping up to his small coffee table.

6 wild cats and their 9 cubs where chilling by the door, and it seemed the wolves, deer’s, and Foxes came to an understanding and were keeping to themselves, not moving an inch into the others space, and thanks heaven, having no discussions over territory, as he wasn’t sure about how would thing end if his unexpected visitors decided to break a brawl into his house in such a time.

Shadow wondered if he could offer the rat or whatever that thingwas to the wolves as a reward for not peeing, unlike others he was glaring to. He decided they were his favorites and it had totally nothing to do with how one of them decided that lying next to him was a wonderful idea… as well as licking his thigh with abandon [which on second though may be a way to express their anxiety and shouldn’t be so cute.]

Nothing to do with that overgrown puppy he was dying to pet. Not at all.

He wasn’t so stupid as to try and touch an actual wild wolf he had never come in contact before.

Convincing the deer´s to let him heal their injuries was tricky, nervous, scared, and certainly put off by Shadow himself and his med kit as they were, but he managed after a long while of murmuring softly, yummy treats, and petting. He noticed that some of the cuts were made by claws, thick, strange claws he remembered still, and not only by glass, as he had though initially.

It was a big “oh.” Moment. He…he really hadn’t thought about that. But, why would he, right? Shadow had been so sure that it was just a one-time incidence, an isolated occurrence, something that came across the place, and maybe left after, once everything was done. It had happened before…

The proof of how careless he had been, how innocent, if you may, how wrongin his believe was laying right in front him, like an accusing hand directly thrown in his face.

He had to manually re-start the heart of 4 cubs, two raccoons, 3 wolves, and 6 rabbits that night.

He found 5 quills into the fur of the animals that night.

They matched the one on his bedside table completely, no doubt they were from the same animal or the same kind, at least.

Shit.

Shit shit shit, shit.

He wanted to punch something so bad on his frustration. How had he been so naïve? How? He had fucked up big time, there wasn’t space for a doubt now. What was he going to do? How could he make up for this disgrace?

Shit.

Should he hunt?

Shadow… He really didn’t sleep that night, even though he knew he needed to. Attending wound after wound, getting bitten, scratched, throw off his paws, and even being thrown up on became a routine somewhere down the line, the fact that he was running out of pots to put clean water on, bandages and other necessities never out of his mind as more and more scared animals came to his door.

What was out there?

How could he sleep in a moment like that?

Had the animal’s sounds or injuries left him, the bone chilling howling he heard at 1 AM, and then later at 4 AM really gave no option. He would have woken up anyway, startled and panicking as much as the animals around him, and it would just have been a more difficult scenario to handle.

Even the wolves shuddered and searched for comfort, scared and intimidated by what they heard and saw, most likely.

It was better this way. Even if he felt a bit sluggish and rather tired, he could hold. He was trained for this, wasn’t he?

He just…wondered why he felt so affect about this. Almost… sick.

Once the time came, he went out to run like every day, undeterred, stepping into the thick foliage like usual. The sunlight barely made it to the ground, so everything was gloomy and humid still, not really reliable to walk around unless you knew the territory.

He found 4 strange dips into the earth, like the one he previously slipped on, and 1 wolf and 3 deer’s corpses.

One was destroyed, as if attacked in a fit of rage, and 2 of the deers were nothing but bones by now, munched on by this new creature he had not seen yet, and others scavengers of the zone. It had been clearly full by then, or at least coming closer to it, as the remaining one still had a lot on…Well.

Maybe saying “a lot” was being too generous. But there was some fur still attached. Fur he could use… maybe?

Ugh.

Shadow couldn’t help but compare his own bite to it.

The difference was jarring and unpleasant to find. His lethal fangs were small in comparison, and his claws were but a joke.

He knew it could also mean nothing. Even if the creature was big, Shadow could still take it on, and win.

It was okay.

He breathed out slowly.

Shadow went back home early that day, cutting his trip short, trying to stop feeling as if something was staring at him from the top of the trees, following his steps in such a quiet manner he couldn’t place from where he was being followed exactly.

Mocking, maybe, but intense.

He fed the bears, and did his best to help the animals inside eat something and lure them out.

A few looked scared, still. Wary. And Shadow, with a sinking emotion in his stomach, found he couldn’t blame them.

He wondered why he hadn’t stopped feeling sick.

[askamydaily]

This year -- put a Book on EVERY Bed

This year: put a Book on EVERY Bed

By “Ask Amy” advice columnist Amy Dickinson

10 December, 2020

Dear Readers: Every year at Christmastime, I delight in promoting a Book on Every Bed. I do so in memory of my mother, Jane, who raised her children to understand that if you have a book, you are never alone.

The idea originally came from historian David McCollough, who recounted the Christmas mornings of his youth, when the very first thing he woke up to was a wrapped book at the base of his bed, left there by Santa.

The most important part is what happens next: Family members reading together.

That’s it! That’s the whole idea!

Over the last ten years, working with my local literacy partner Children’s Reading Connection (childrensreadingconnection.org), this campaign has grown to include schools, libraries and bookstores, who have donated scores of books to families that might not have access to them. The goal – and our dream – is that families will experience the intimate and personal connection of diving into and sharing stories, the way my mother and I did throughout her life.

Over the years, important literacy advocates, such as the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and LeVar Burton, and bestselling children’s authors Brad Meltzer and Peter Reynolds, have endorsed and helped to spread the good word.

This year is different. So many of us are alone, hurting, and separated from family and familiar holiday routines.

All of us – not just children – need a good book on our beds.

I have broadened the scope to include specific recommendations for books spanning all ages. I’ve reached out to some of my favorite writers, literacy advocates, and independent booksellers across the country for their special picks.

Whether you purchase a book or share an old favorite, I hope you will be inspired to put A Book on Every Bed this year. It is not necessary to make a Christmas deadline – this idea is one to sustain people throughout what might shape up to be a very long winter.

Following are recommendations for all age groups.

Baby and Toddlers: From Brigid Hubberman, Children’s Reading Connection, Ithaca, NY (childrensreadingconnection.org):

“Words are the language of love for babies.  The best books for infants should be about the world they know. Parents should choose books to surround babies with an abundance of loving and delightful words.”

Baby Cakes, by Karma Wilson and Sam Williams

Haiku Baby, by Betsy E. Snyder

Shine Baby Shine, by Leslie Staub and Lori Nichols

Ages 3-5: From Lisa Swaze, Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca, NY (Buffalostreetbooks.com)

“If You Come to Earth,” by Sophie Blackall is one of my favorite picture books of 2020. This book is beautiful both visually and lyrically, and it will feel like a warm hug to any child or family who receives it.

“You Matter,” by Christian Robinson is a bright and elegant book that takes children on a journey around the world to make it clear that everyone matters, and perhaps more importantly, reassure them that they matter, no matter what they look like or where they are from.

Early Readers: From Sandra Dear, owner of The Little Boho Bookshop, in Bayonne, NJ (thelittlebohobookshop.com)

“The Suitcase,” by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros: This beautiful story about immigration, is full of heart and humanity as it teaches our littlest ones about hope, tolerance and kindness.

“Home in the Woods,” by Eliza Wheeler: This stunningly beautiful picture book has fast become a customer favorite. A story about starting over, of overcoming! A story of family, love and joy of being and growing together.

Middle Grade Readers: From Becky Anderson, co-owner of Anderson’s Bookshop, in Naperville, Illinois (andersonsbookshops.com):

“Ways to Make Sunshine,” by Renee Watson: Watson writes her own version of Ramona Quimby, one starring a Black girl and her family, in this start to a charming new middle grade series about spirit, kindness, and sunshine.  Ryan, a fourth grader, finds the positive in difficult situations and when trouble strikes. She is that character to love and bring in the sunshine!  Grades 3-6

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen: Winnie-the-Pooh and Frog and Toad meet in a fresh take on a classic odd-couple friendship.  Klassen’s illustrations add much to a story of an unlikely friendship that proves that opposites can see the good in one another. The first in a series.  Grades 3-7

“The Silver Arrow,” by Lev Grossman: Kate’s humdrum life is transformed when her eccentric Uncle Herbert brings her a colossal locomotive train, the Silver Arrow, as her eleventh birthday gift, leading her and her younger brother on a mysterious journey.  The train will remind readers of the Hogwart’s Express. A story that is environmentally aware and calls readers to action. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and The Chronicles of Narnia.  Grades 3-7

YA Readers: Danielle Kreger, Blue Bunny Books, Dedham, MA (bluebunnybooks.com):  "One of Us is Lying" by Karen M McManus: An edge of your seat mystery that takes place in Bayview High school during detention. Simon, a so-called "outcast," never makes it out of detention alive. What follows is a tale of twists and turns that has the reader questioning the reliability of the characters, and the secrets they keep.

"Burn" by Patrick Ness: A fast-paced young adult fantasy that begins with fifteen-year-old Sarah, who meets Kazimir – a dragon who has been hired to help on her family's farm. Still reeling from the death of her mother, Sarah finds herself feeling an intense and unusual connection with Kazimir. As the story unfolds secrets, dangers and Kazimir's true purpose are revealed.

"The New Kid" by Jerry Craft: A spot-on graphic novel about navigating a new school, new friends and identity. Jordan Banks is in seventh grade when he is sent to a rigorous private school and grapples with staying true to himself- his love for creating cartoons, how to maintain his old friends and how he fits in in a less than diverse new school. A totally lovable and relatable character!

Adult Non-fiction: From Alex George, the author, most recently, of The Paris Hours, founder and director of the Unbound Book Festival, and the owner of Skylark Bookshop, in Columbia, MO (skylarkbookshop.com)

“Wintering,” by Katherine May: This is a deeply personal, quietly beautiful book, written with grace and immense thoughtfulness. We all go through difficult times; by mulling over her responses to her own misfortunes, the author offers insight as to how we might think differently about low points in our lives. Instructive, inspiring, and ultimately profoundly hopeful.

“The Book of Delights,” by Ross Gay: This utterly charming book of micro-essays by Ross Gay, a beloved and renowned poet, is a perfect gift for – well, just about anyone. Gay set himself the challenge of finding one thing that delighted him each day for a year, and then writing about it. The result is a quirky, brilliant book that you can dip in and out of, always finding something to make you smile, and think. A guaranteed lifter of spirits.

“Intimations: Six Essays,” by Zadie Smith: I’ve always loved Zadie Smith’s nonfiction work, and this small but powerful book shows her talents at their finest. Written during the pandemic, these six pieces are sharp, and funny, and thought-provoking. Smith’s deeply personal reflections on this strangest of years is essential reading. If ever there was a book for these strange times, it’s this one.

Adult Fiction: Mark LaFramboise, Senior Book Buyer at Politics and Prose in Washington, DC (politics-prose.com)

“The Butterfly Lampshade,” by Aimee Bender: This is a beautiful story of mental illness, the bonds of sisterhood, and the liveliness of a child's imagination.  Francie is 8 years old when the book begins, the daughter of a single mom.  This is the story of her odyssey after her mother is committed to a mental hospital, and she is sent to be raised by an aunt and uncle.

“Luster,” by Raven Leilani: Edie, the young protagonist in Luster, Raven Leilani's debut novel, is daring, sexy, hilarious, super smart, and drop dead beautiful.  Her affair with a married man takes a turn for the strange when she meets and befriends the man's wife and daughter.  Edie is whip smart because Raven Leilani is whip smart and her voice propels this beguiling novel.

“What Are You Going Through,” by Sigrid Nunez: Sigrid Nunez writes so beautifully that plot feels irrelevant.  The writer's confidence and authority are apparent from the first page.  Ultimately, it's the story of a woman who is asked by an old college acquaintance to be with her when she takes her life, after a cancer diagnosis.  But, like her previous book The Friend (about a woman who inherits a large Great Dane), it doesn't matter what story she tells because her words bristle with life.

Elders: Gayle Shanks, Changing Hands Bookstore, in Tempe and Phoenix, AZ

(changinghands.com)

“Apeirogon,” by Colum McCann: Two fathers, one Palestinian and one Israeli have both lost their young daughters to violence but have decided that reconciliation, not revenge, is what they needed to seek. In the process, they became best friends. McCann describes the insanity and senseless violence bred in the Middle East, the Occupation under which the Palestinians are forced to live, but also the beauty of the country, the migration of birds, the many ways humans overcome adversity and find solace in the natural world and each other. In a series of 1001 fragments, McCann walks us through his imaginary polygon, the Apeirogon of the title, containing an infinite number of sides, an infinite number of gorgeous sentences, and ultimately an infinite number of ways to view the human condition.  

“All the Way to the Tigers,” by Mary Morris: Travel writer Mary Morris’ book, written in small chapters, was in some ways similar to reading Colum McCann's, Aperagon, also written in small bits (in his case 1001, in Mary's -- 112 chapters). Morris travels to India in search of the elusive Bengal tiger, but in so many ways she is searching for herself and her place in the world as she recovers from a serious ankle injury that leaves her debilitated but determined.  

In her short vignettes, she quotes Rilke, Wendell Berry, other writers she admires and reminds us how important it is to listen intently to others as in active listening we are rewarded with deeper understanding.

“The Chair Rocks,” by Ashton Applewhite: From childhood on, we’re barraged by messages that it’s sad to be old. That wrinkles are embarrassing, and old people useless. Author and activist Ashton Applewhite believed them too—until she realized where this prejudice comes from and the damage it does. Lively, funny, and deeply researched, This Chair Rocks traces Applewhite’s journey from apprehensive boomer to pro-aging radical, and in the process debunks myth after myth about late life. The book explains the roots of ageism—in history and in our own age denial. Whether you’re older or hoping to get there, this book will shake you by the shoulders, cheer you up, make you mad, and change the way you see the rest of your life. Age pride!  

[emmrichs]

can you give me some lgbt+ book recs?

of course! i’ll rec you some of my more underrated faves:

the lost coast by amy rose capetta (pitched to me as a sapphic the raven cycle, which i can kind of see. a group of queer witches look for their lost friend in the californian red woods and are messy and gay. a very diverse and varied cast of main characters that i all loved)

autoboyography by christina lauren (a bisexual teen signs up for a novel writing contest and is mentored by the previous year’s winner. he falls in love with sebastian, the mentor, but sebastian has grown up in a strict mormon household and is still coming to terms with being gay)

radio silence by alice oseman (bisexual teen befriends the maker of her favorite podcast while struggling with educational pressure. lots of amazing discussions about education, friendship, being an artist and depression)

crier’s war by nina varela (f/f enemies to lovers ya fantasy set in a world with automa (artificially created beings) and humans, where humans are the oppressed group. the human mc becomes the automa’s personal servant (the automa is the sovereign’s daughter) and is planning to kill her and help the resistance, while the automa mc is slowly discovering there is more to her kind and her country than she might have realized. it’s mostly about the romance though)

beyond the black door by a.m. strickland (a girl gets tangled up in political intrigue while trying to figure out what happened to her mother, who has mysteriously disappeared. she is also able to visit a physical manifestation of other people’s souls and falls in love with a villainous boy that appears in her dreams along the way. lots of cool original mythology and a really cool magic system, and the mc is demi-biromantic and asexual + has multiple amazing lgbt+ side characters)

the brilliant death by amy rose capetta (italian inspired ya fantasy about a strega who is trying to save the fate of her family by going to the capital to represent her family, disguised (via shapeshifting) as her brother. along the way she meets and falls in love with a genderfluid shapeshifter named cielo who teaches her more about her nature as a strega. i haven’t read the sequel yet but i would highly recommend this first book bc genderfluid streghe falling in love while a whole plot of magic and politics unfolds)

girls of paper and fire by natasha ngan (slightly more popular on tumblr than the rest of these, but still one that deserves more love. asian-inspired ya fantasy about a girl who is chosen as one of the concubines (paper girls) of a demon king. it follows her in the palace while she and her fellow girls deal with the horrible things they suffer in the palace, but falls in love with a fellow paper girl. together they find their strength and start plotting against the demon king. this book deals with heavy topics of sexual assault, but handles them so well and is very much focused on hope and empowerment)

summer bird blue by akemi dawn bowman (a girl who recently lost her sister in a car accident is sent to stay with her aunt in hawaii by her mom. we see her dealing with grief and finding herself again after her sister died, and she also goes through the process of questioning her sexuality (and ends up concluding that she is probably on the aro spectrum as well as ace). i adored the beautiful exploration of grief in this book and the role that music plays in it for the mc because that is what she and her sister loved most)

queens of geek by jen wilde (a story told in 2 povs about 3 friends who go to a fandom conference together. 1 of the povs follows a bisexual actress and vlogger who meets a fellow actress she’s been crushing on for ages and well… guess what happens. the other pov follows the other two friends as they go around the con and also finally confess their feelings for one another. this book is just really cute and definitely good for when you need to be cheered up, while also having good discussions about fandom and the struggles that come with certain marginalizations)

[rosearcanum]

Do you like birds? What's your favorite bird? :o

My muse has to tell nothing but the truth for 10 asks. || 1/10

Amy didn’t particularly care for animals, with the exception of her dog Olivier. But the mention of birds made her nose wrinkle somewhat in disgust. It brought back memories of struggle, of fighting for her life. The Birds of Passage were an annoyingly stubborn bunch, having caused problems Amy and Raphael on several occasions. She thought back to the time when she and Raphael were in the mountains together, on the brink of freezing to death when a few Birds of Passage had ambushed them. And even years later when Raphael and Amy had made a home for themselves at the Dumas estate, where they were supposedly safe, they decided to rear their ugly faces once again. 

She noticed that birds were often symbolic in poetry and literature, often representing freedom or hope. But the only thing Amy thought of at the mention of birds were ugly ravens, their undignified squawking ringing in her ears as though a few were flying overhead at that very moment. To Amy, birds brought nothing but death and despair. 

Her gaze trailed to the side and she remained silent for a moment before finally speaking to give her answer. “No, I can’t say that I do.”

[samantharay2]

Tag 9 People You’d Like to Get to Know Better

Tagged by: @thegirlwiththebambooblade

Thank you for tagging me! This was so much fun and relaxing!

Three Ships

I’m far more obsessed with f/o’s than shipping lol, but I do love some relationship dynamics. So, in no particular order...

Ship 1: Robin and Raven - Teen Titans (2003)

I was rewatching Teen Titans this summer, and Robin and Raven’s relationship is literally the most mature, healthy relationship I have ever seen.  They both have a deep understanding of one another, respect each other’s boundaries, and are always there for each other.  My favorite canon relationship 🤩

Ship 2: Ino and Shikamaru

I've only watched seasons 1-3 of Naruto, but I really do wish that Ino and Shikamaru had ended up together (no shade towards Temari, I just prefer Shikamaru with Ino). They both have a shared history, are smart, strategic, and capable ninja, have a strong sense of camaraderie, and know each other so well—not to mention they make a great team.  And, it's so heartwarming whenever Shikamaru catches Ino after she using her mind transfer jutsu 🥰

Ship 3: Sonic and Amy

There have been many renditions of both Sonic and Amy, but the one that comes to mind for me is their dynamic in Sonic Adventure 1. After playing through Amy’s story mode In SA1, you can see that both Sonic and Amy are equals: they’re both powerful, cool, confident, fiercely independent, and heroes/heroines in their own right.

Last Song: Buzzcut Season - Lorde

Last Movie: Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey (2020)

Currently Reading: The Noonday Demon by Andrew Solomon. I’m currently only on page 165 of 678 (😅), but it’s a New York Times Bestseller, and, so far, I think it's a very well written and intriguing memoir of the author’s experience with depression, as well as others' experiences, and other depression-related things such as treatment and even alternative treatments.  While alarming at times, I find it very relaxing and enlightening to read.  It opens with the first lines: 

Depression is the flaw in love.  To be creatures who love, we must be creatures who can despair at what we lose, and depression is the mechanism of that despair.

I'm also perpetually awaiting the release of the next chapters of Attack on Titan and D.Gray-Man! 😄

Currently Watching: Noragami

Currently Consuming: Water 🌊

Food I’m Currently Craving: Chicken Curry 😋

I tag @obviousleeanonymous !

[souliloquyyy]

Writeblr Intro || Souliloquyyy

(I’ve been on writeblr for several years now, but I like to update and repost my intro every once in a while so new followers can still get to know me.)

My name’s Jay, but I also go by Soul. I’m 18, I currently use she/they pronouns, and I’m biromantic/asexual.

⮞ I write novels for the most part, but I dabble in short stories and poetry from time to time. My main genres are fantasy and sci-fi, but I write just about everything.

⮞ Music is a big part of my writing process, so I do talk about music a fair bit. My favorite bands/musicians are Twenty One Pilots, STARSET, Marianas Trench, Fall Out Boy, and All Time Low. I’m always looking for new music, so feel free to DM me song recommendations anytime!

⮞ I’m not a fandom blog, but I will occasionally post about the shows I’m watching. Right now, that would be Supernatural, The 100, Criminal Minds, and Death Note.

⮞ My favorite novels are Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, The Raven Cycle by Maggie Steifvater, The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman, Turtles All the Way Down by John Green, and The Female of the Species by Mandy McGinnis.

⮞ I’m currently finishing up my senior year of high school. I don’t have college plans yet, so I’m taking a gap year to figure it out (and to focus on my writing). I’m currently considering a degree in either biology or English, or possibly criminology. However, I may end up not going to college at all.

⮞ My URL is a combination of the words soul (the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans) and soliloquy (the act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers). I often feel as if my writing, as well as my blog, are soliloquies of my soul; my thoughts and feelings poured out onto the page regardless of whether anyone’s listening or not.

⮞ My blog title comes from the song Isle of Flightless Birds by Twenty One Pilots. The song is a metaphor about people wasting their potential in life, which I often feel like I’m doing.

(most of) My WIPS:

⇨ Birdsong // short story // romance

⇨ ~Collide // novel // fantasy, romance

⇨ Heartbeat // novel // cyberpunk romance

⇨ Last Song of the Sparrow // series // high fantasy

⇨ Let’s Kill Tonight // novel // cyberpunk

⇨ Lethal Love // novel // fantasy romance

⇨ Man or a Monster? // novel // cyberpunk

⇨ New Genesis // novel // fantasy, LGBTQ+ romance

⇨ Paradigm // series // sci-fi

⇨ Providence // series // sci-fi

⇨ *Rules for the End of the World // novel // post-apocalyptic, dark comedy

⇨ ~Shattered Reality // novel // sci-fi

⇨ The Gods Don’t Believe in Themselves // short story // ???

⇨ Untitled assassin WIP // novel // romance

⇨ Untitled pirate WIP // series // adventure

⇨ Untitled superhero WIP // novel // LGBTQ+  romance

* = main project(s) ~ = discontinued projects (basically, I’m not writing them anymore, but I might return to them someday)

Find me on...

NaNoWriMo: Souliloquy Pinterest: Jay (5tayalivepleas3) Goodreads: Souliloquyyy

Fandom blog: @5tayalivepleas3​ Mental health blog: @secret-for-the-madd​ Misc./spam blog: @spamliloquyyy​

[the-z-part]

My Favorite Book of the 2010s

According to Goodreads, I’ve read 337 books that were published between 2010 and 2019. Here are my favorite 50 of those, painstakingly ranked (it hurt my heart, yall). 

Note that series are all on one line, otherwise the top ten would literally just be the Raven Cycle and the Leagues and Legends series lol

50. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

49. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

48. Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

47. Red Rising series by Pierce Brown

46. Young Avengers by Kieron Gillen

45. The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

44. Release by Patrick Ness

43. Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter

42. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

41. Proxy by Alex London

40. Hawkeye by Matt Fraction

39. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

38. Check, Please! By Ngozi Ukazu

37. The Call by Peader O’Guillen

36. Yu + Me Dream series by Megan Rose Gedris

35. Cassidy Blake series by Victoria Schwab

34. Namesake by Isabelle Melancon

33. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

32. Passing Strange by Ellen Klages

31. The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

30. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

29. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

28. Earth Girl by Janet Edwards

27. A People’s Future of the United States ed by Victor LaValle

26. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

25. The Queen of the Tearling series by Erika Johansen

24. Borne by Jeff Vandermeer

23. Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness

22. Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman

21. Monsters of Verity by Victoria Schwab

20. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by NK Jemison

19. Dreadnaught by April Daniels

18. Area X trilogy by Jeff Vandermeer

17. Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

16. Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

15. Villains by V E Schwab

14. All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater

13. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan

12. Montague Siblings series by Mackenzi Lee

11. Wayward Children Chronicles by Seanan McGuire

10. Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers

9. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

8. Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

7. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

6. Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore

5. Shades of Magic by V E Schwab

4. Witchmark by CL Polk

3. All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders

2.  Leagues and Legends by E Jade Lomax

1. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater (incl CDTH)

[bnhacatnoodles]

You’re Not What I Wanted, But Now I’m Stuck With You

Summary: Tokoyami tries to summon a familiar, but fails. Aoyama takes the afternoon to cheer him up. Though, it turns out, something was summoned.

Warning: minor blood and self harm(just a pick on the finger)

Characters: Tokoyami, Aoyama, Dark Shadow

Pairings: None, but TokoYama is very much in the subtext

Words: 2020

The moon shone brightly overhead casting faint shadows on the forest floor. The air was still and the only noise that could be heard was the soft crunching of leaves as they were stepped on. The male walked briskly through the trees, his path long since memorized, and his black cloak bellowed behind him. He hugged a black leather shoulder bag close to him as if he was afraid it was disappear if he let go.

As he came upon a small clearing, he slowed his pace before coming to a complete halt. He looked around the space, red eyes barely visible through the lenses of the mask he wore. It was a deep gray plague doctor mask. Other always questioned why he wore it when performing rituals and the answer was always the same: for protection against evil spirits. He knelt down quickly, his cloak floating down around him. Setting the bag he held onto so dearly on the ground, the male began to remove it contains. First was the small glass jar, then powered garlic, catnip and powered jasmine. He knew he probably shouldn’t have ground the garlic or jasmine earlier that day, but he didn’t honestly believe it would make a difference in the end.

Finally he pulled out a small silver knife. The blade was no bigger than the palm of his hand and the handle was made of pure obsidian with feathers etched into it. Sitting cross legged now, the male started to chant in latin. His voice was barely above a whisper. He opened the jar and gentle put the ingredients into it. Then he picked up the knife. He brought the tip of the knife to his left pointer finger. Slowly and carefully, he pushed the tip into his skin just enough for a bit of blood to be drawn. He held to finger above the jar and let a drop of blood fall in. The male screwed the lid back onto the jar as he finished his chant.

He sat back and waited. Minutes ticked away. Minutes turned into an hour. An hour turned into two. Two turned into three. Nothing happened.

With a sigh, the male stood up. He placed the jar and knife back into his bag. Pulling his cloak tight around to block out the chill that had settled, he made his way back to where he came from. What a waste of a perfectly good full moon…

The classroom was full of noise as everyone waited for class to start. Most people were discussing what spells they had cast, how the had set out items to be cleansed and purified under the moon, and how they felt an energy increase from it.

One student sat at his desk, sulking. No one seemed to take notice. A dark aura clung to him. He slumped over and hid his face in his arms. He tried to tune out just how successful everyone had been last night. His failure weighing down his mood.

“Toko~! What’s got you down, mon amie?”

The male looked up slightly through his black bangs at the owner of the voice. He simplify huffed and went back to hiding in his arms. He didn’t want to talk about it and tried to make that very clear through body language. Though the other didn’t seem get to the memo, or maybe he did and didn’t care.

“Fumikage Tokoyami.”

The raven haired male finally lifted his head properly at his full name, “What do you want Aoyama?”

“To know what’s got you so upset,” Aoyama’s purple eyes stared down Tokoyami’s red ones. It was a silent threat that the Frenchman would get answer out of his friend one way or another.

“I tried to summon a familiar last night and it failed…” Tokoyami looked off to the side. He rested his head on his hand, “I wasted a perfectly good full moon…”

When Aoyama began to laugh, Tokoyami couldn’t help but glare at him. The blonde tried to stifle his laughter to no avail. After a few minutes passed, he finally stopped, “Je suis désolé, mon amie. But that’s what you’re sulking about? I thought it’d be something more serious. Just because you’re spell didn’t work out doesn’t mean it was a waste.”

“Oh, really?”

“Listen Toko: so what it didn’t work. Figure out what you did wrong and try again another time.”

“When did you become the smart one?”

Aoyama scoffed, “How dare you, I’ve always been smart.”

“Yeah su-” Tokoyami was cut off as the teacher walked in. Quickly everyone ran to their seats and fell silent as class started.

After school, everyone poured their way out of the building eager to leave. Tokoyami waited for the frenzy to die down before exiting. All he wanted to do right now was go home and catch up on the sleep he lost last night.

But fate hated him as he heard his name being called loudly the second he stepped foot outside. He looked around and saw Aoyama waving him over. The raven haired male rolled his eyes as he walked over to his friend, “What’s up Aoyama?”

“Écoute, I know you’re upset about last night still, so I thought we could go do something fun!” Aoyama wrapped his arms around one of Tokoyami’s and started to drag him off without an answer. Tokoyami didn’t bother resisting. He knew that it would be pointless. Besides, he had been relatively snappy all day and he did feel bad about it. He needed something to distract himself from his failed summoning.

Tokoyami allowed Aoyama to pull him along, not paying attention to where they were going exactly. Instead, his red eyes stayed focused on the sky. A small smile graced his lips as he noticed a raven flying over head. Most only viewed the bird as a symbol of death, but Tokoyami also knew they represented knowledge and secrets. They were highly mysterious, yet had so much wisdom.

He snapped out of his thoughts as he pulled into a building. Once glance around and he knew that it was Café d'infusion, Aoyama’s favorite cafe. The place wasn’t bad- actually they were quite good. Their coffees always tasted great.

Aoyama released Tokoyami’s arm and turned to face him, “Go find a seat. I’ll go order.” Tokoyami nodded as Aoyama went over the counter. Making a beeline for the second floor of the cafe, Tokoyami found an empty table next to edge of the indoor balcony. He peered over the edge, down at his blonde friend who was paying. Aoyama glanced up and waved at Tokoyami before moving over to wait for their orders.

Since the cafe only had a few customers currently the wait wasn’t long. Aoyama was sitting across from Tokoyami, drinks in hand, in no time. He handed Tokoyami his drink and took a sip of his own. The first few minutes were filled with silence.

“Did really get you that down?” Aoyama broke the silence.

“I just… I don’t know…” Tokoyami shrugged, “I thought it would work…”

“Don’t worry about it. Just view it as a learning experience,” Aoyama waved a dismissive hand in the air before changing subjects to take the matter off Tokoyami’s mind.

Five coffees each later and the two left the cafe. The sun was sinking low on the horizon. Oranges, peachy pinks, and yellows painted the sunset. Aoyama held Tokoyami’s captive again as they walked along. The pair continued to talk about this and that, one thing than another. Tokoyami focused on Aoyama this time. His crimson eyes never leaving the blonde except for checking that he wouldn’t walk into anything. He nearly missed the raven perched on a railing they passed by, but the creature still caught his eye momentarily. Just for a brief second before his focus was back on his friend.

They were slowly making their way to Aoyama’s place since it was closer. The two cut across a park for a short cut. A gentle breeze blew through the leaves and sent a chill down Tokoyami’s spine. Aoyama noticed the shiver and pulled Tokoyami closer without a second thought. The raven haired male blushed lightly and stumbled over his words. Aoyama giggled, but made no comment on it. After Tokoyami recovered, he continued on with what he was saying. He could hear a bird cawing in the distance, but tuned in out in favor of Aoyama’s reply.

By the time they reached Aoyama’s home, the sun was almost completely gone. They stopped at his doorstep. Aoyama let go of Tokoyami and walked up the few steps. He turned around and waved to his friend, “Adieu, mon amie! I’ll see you tomorrow at school!”

Tokoyami waved before Aoyama turned back around and disappeared inside. He waited a few seconds before turning to head to his own home. A raven sat in front of him, staring at him curiously. Taken back a bit by the bird’s seemingly sudden appearance, Tokoyami took a step back. He quickly nodded his head at the animal in respect before heading to his home.

His walk was brisk and he was home in only a matter of time. Pushing open the front door, he was greeted with his mother calling out his name, “Fumikage? It’s dinner time. Hurry up.”

After Tokoyami finished eating, he went up into his room. Upon entering, he instantly knew something was wrong. The air felt thick and the shadows seemed darker than usual. He flicked the light on and had to hold back a scream.

A giant shadow loomed in the center of his bedroom. It’s shape appeared to flicker under the lights before reforming. Tokoyami could make out the bird shaped head and arms. It’s hands appeared to have long claws. He couldn’t tell where the shadow ended exactly as it merged with the shadows under his bed.

Tokoyami’s mouth felt dry and he struggled to find his voice. When he did, it came out in a hoarse whisper, “Wh-what are you? What do you want?”

The shadow pouted, “I’ve been trying to get your attention all day since you’ve gotten out of school and this is what you say to me first?”

“I don’t… I don’t understand…”

“Listen, you summoned me last night right? Don’t you think I deserve a little more respect than this? I came all the way to this realm to answer your call. But what do you do? Ignore me.”

Tokoyami’s head spun, “You- you’re my familiar? But familiars don’t come from another realm…”

“You messed up the ritual kid. I ain’t your familiar. I’m a shadow demon. Big difference. So congrats kid, you messed up big time,” The shadow looped around behind Tokoyami, “You look pale. Sit down.”

He tried to make sense of what was going on as the demon lead him to his bed. He fell against it. Realization suddenly came to Tokoyami, “Wait. Are you the raven I’ve been seeing all day?”

“Yep.”

“Oh… Well listen here demon-”

“Dark.”

“What?” Tokoyami sat up and looked at the shadow demon quizzingly.

“My name is Dark. I already know yours is Fumikage Tokoyami as no need to introduce yourself, but it would have been polite,”  Dark crossed it’s arms.

“Oh… Okay…” Tokoyami shook his head to recollect his thoughts, “Listen Dark, I was trying to summon a familiar, which you said you aren’t so you can go back to where ever you came from.”

“No can do! You used your blood to summon me so we’re bonded buddy!” Dark smiled as Tokoyami groaned. He knew he wouldn’t be getting rid of Dark anytime soon. It would be breaking witch law. “Don’t worry kid! I’ll act as a familiar! I can’t maintain this form during the day so I’ll look like a raven! No one will ever know!”

Tokoyami heaved a heavy sigh, “Fine… But only because I can’t get out of this…” But the male couldn’t help thinking that maybe, just maybe, this would work out in the end. Dark might be more useful than a normal familiar. I can make this work…

French to English translation:

Mon amie- My friend

Je suis désolé- I’m sorry

Écoute- Listen

Café d'infusion- brewing coffee

Adieu- Bye

[taexual]

Hey can you recommend me some books please?

my taste varies from thrillers to historical fiction, but i hope you find something you’d enjoy among some of my favorites!:

“the girl on the train” by paula hawkins / “fight club” by chuck palahniuk / “dear life” by meghan quinn / “the empty jar” by michelle leighton / “behind closed doors” by b.a. paris / “lilac girls” by martha hall kelly / “lily and the octopus” by steven rowley / “if i was your girl” by meredith russo / “all the missing girls” by megan miranda / “wuthering heights” by emily bronte / “my sister’s keeper” by jodi picoult / “the nightingale” by kristin hannah / “salt to the sea” by ruta sepetys / “illuminae” by amie kaufman / “the orphans of race point” by patry francis / “we were liars” by e. lockhart / “gone for good” by harlan coben / “all the light we cannot see” by anthony doerr / “code name verity” by elizabeth wein / “big little lies” by liane moriarty / “penpal” by dathan auerbach / “a man called ove” by fredrik backman / “anxious people” by fredrik backman / “bird box” by josh malerman / “1q84″ by haruki murakami / “the wrath and the dawn” by renee ahdieh / “the raven boys” by maggie stiefvater / “a thousand splendid suns” by khaled hosseini / “the kind worth killing” by peter swanson / “the memory of light” by francisco x. stork / “the institute” by stephen king / “home before dark” by riley sager

[writerleo86]

Terravenger Season 5 - Part One: Episode 349 (Do Not Copy)

   At a large hall that was filled with lit candles, the emotionless admiral named Titania Panel stood before the students from the Midas Armed Forces.

   She held a tree of lit candles with her left hand as she informed each student "Welcome to the Terravenger Council Exams. May the Gods watch over you."

Episode 349:  Encountering Those From the Past

   A while later, some of the students from the Midas Academy had found themselves at another large hall of the fortress called Noxpannon.

   "Dat woman's da sponsa?" cried Clay. "She gives me da creeps!"

   "Me too!" Akari replied. "We should be careful around her!"

   "That woman!" Tai implied. "She's worse than the Fire Admiral! She's witch-like! Scary as hell!"

   Pacey said as he walked in front of them "I have heard that both admirals Redbourne and Panel fought in many past wars. Perhaps one war of two has hardened the both of them."

   "And if my memory is correct," Paige implied. "Our own commander has fought alongside Admiral Redbourne in two of the wars."

   "Yeah," Tai answered. "Dad and the Fire Admiral fought together in different battles together. So, they're probably close."

   The group stood at the center of the large room. And they discovered that they were surrounded by more competitors for the Exams.

   "I was correct," Pacey informed his friends. "We of the Midas Armed Forces are sharing the house of the Lady Admiral with the other schools."

   An excited Tai looked around as he cried "Far out!"

   Clay hurried to him and told Tai "Dis is gonna be good! Da team's look strong as hell!"

   Akari walked to the pair and said "I hope the girls aren't pushovers either."

   Both Iris and Paige had joined the group.

   And Paige told Akari "The energy flowing from each of them is incredible. We will have well competition indeed."

   Then a male voice yelled "Raven!"

   Tai turned around and was struck once he spotted someone hurrying to him.

   "What da hell?" He yelled.

   The pair gathered together and greeted each other with both a high five and a hand shake.

   "Tai you dog!" The other student yelled. "I'm not surprised you're at this tournament!"

   This was a young man with black eyes and fair skin. The top part of his short brown hair was spiked up. And his body was well-built. He wore a pink T-shirt with the word 'BATTLE' printed in capital black letters at the center. He had on a pair of tight gray jeans and brown Cowboy-boots. And his GAF badge was on the left side of his chest.

   Iris hurried and gave a warm hug to the other boy.

   "You're here too?" The boy cried. "This is gonna be a showdown for sure!"

   "I knew you would come Ronnie," said Iris.

   "And I am not alone," Ronnie told her.

   He soon presented another student who walked toward the group.

   An excited Iris yelled "Is that you Gale?"

   Akari walked slowly forward and cried "You are Gale Reed!"

   "Who?" questioned Tai.

   This was another teenaged male. He had fair skin, blue eyes, and short turquoise hair. And he had two silver rings on the side of his left ear. He had on a white shirt with sleeves that went down to his wrists. He wore a pair of tight blue jeans, black socks, and brown shoes. He also had an opened teal vest that had no sleeves. And his GAF badge was placed on the left side of his chest.

   "Tai!" Akari replied. "This is the boy that starred in that show High Mountain! He was also in a few teen movies!"

   Gale gave out a soft smile and asked "You have seen many of my movies?"

   "I've seen all your movies!" Akari told him. "You were great! My favorite is White River, your greatest romance moves."

   "I have seen the movie as well," said Paige. "I have enjoyed how you played the boy that tried to save his girlfriend from dropping into the ocean. The emotions you have put into the character was better than how it was written in the book."

   And Clay told the boy "I've seen dat moves about you fightnin' da big guy for yer gal's love. Ya outta dis world Man!"

   Then a female voice cried "Is this a private party? Or can anyone else join?"

   Every student including Tai looked forward. They finally found two newcomers walking toward them.

   Both Tai and Pacey gave out an astounded smile.

   And Akari called "Neve Floco?"

   One of them standing at the front was the high-spirited girl named Neve Floco. She had blue eyes, pale skin, and purple hair that passed her shoulders. She had on black eyeliner and mauve lipstick. She wore a light-blue top with no sleeves. And on her back were large blue wings that remained down. She also had on tight pale-brown leggings and long dark-brown boots. And her shiny AAF badge was placed on the left side of her chest.

   Akari gave a warm hug to Neve as a happy Tai yelled "I didn't think I'd see you again Snow-Bird!"

   An excited Neve told him "I wouldn't pass this up! I want to show you all how strong I've gotten since the last time we saw each other!"

   "I can already tell you're tougher than ever!" Tai described. "Fightin' you at the Exams would be fun too!"

   The other newcomer stepped forward as Pacey stared at her while he remained in shock.

   "Pacey Deacon," She called in a calm but strong voice.

   It was an older girl with pale skin and long light-blond hair. Her eyes were as blue as the morning sky and pupil-less. She also had on black eyeliner and blue lipstick. She wore a white leathered jacket and tight pants of the same color. She had on white shoes that were open-toed with one strap on each. And she had a thick belt around her that matched her entire outfit.

   "Snow-Girl?" Tai asked Neve. "Is that your sister?"

   Pacey stared at the older girl for a moment as Neve stood by her left side.

   And the older boy informed Tai "This is Ami Nikson. She is the one we had to rescue from the Dark Lord when we were in Arctic City."

   Then Pacey looked into the light eyes of the girl and he said "I have never seen such a beauty in my life."

   The older girl gave out a soft smile and told him "I am her, Pacey Deacon. I am Ami... No, Celeste. I am Celeste Nikson."

   "Celeste?" questioned Pacey. "You have taken the name your sister calls you?"

   "Celeste," The girl in white implied. "I discovered what the name truly means. It is French for the word heaven."

   Tai stared at the older girl and cried "This girl's stronger than Snow-Bird! I sense her ki blazin'!"

   Neve leaned her head on the left shoulder of her sister and told everyone "This girl... She has trained long and hard for an opportunity like this. She wants to show everyone in our city that she can fully control her abilities."

   "I remember..." Dilan implied. "...that the only ability she has is to create a suit of crystal around her entire body."

   "Yeah," Neve answered. "That was her active power at the time. But after many years of training, she has discovered that she has more than one ability."

   Suddenly, both Tai and Dilan felt a strong breeze of cold air as each of them wrapped their arms around themselves.

   Pacey responded "Sirbo Kaballa did not come after her because of her ability to form armor around herself."

   The small air slowly faded.

   "Ami..." Pacey informed everyone. "She can control the element Ice. That was truly what was the Dark Lord was after."

   The emotionless Celeste walked closer to Pacey and she said "I wanted to thank you for some time. For saving my life, Pacey Deacon."

   A kind Pacey shook his head and told her "It was my pleasure, truly."

   Tai gave out a large smile and yelled "I want her! I want Celeste in a match too!"

   Ronnie spread his arms out as he said "I want a piece of you too, Tai."

   The blessed Akari felt the strong ki from Celeste as well and she thought "This is going to be an interesting couple of days!"