#and i hate to admit it but i am!! i've seen him in those states and i was so overcome with...just...warmth and comfort and

[appalamutte]

..

[bendyartistic]

Be aware of alexbstudios.

Over the course of what I believe a few months maybe, Alex has been harassing me with strange behavior and as of recent hurtful remarks too. He's been bothering other people as well from what I've seen. Probably going to say I should've just blocked him, but I wanted to keep an eye on things just in case. Today was the point in time after everything that I realized I should let people know about this kid.

I want to show from the beginning to present time of the interactions he's done with me. And maybe something can be done about getting him off the platform...

Firstly I want to say Alex has admitted to being 12 years old... apparently. I know this from this reblog. This already is a very large red flag. Considering the young age, no a callout doesn't seem right but I still want to warn people regardless since he's still active on the platform.

Though I am uncertain if this is true, he did not confirm nor deny my question about it.

Now lets get to the start of things. I don't like people reposting my art anywhere without credit, surely that can be said for everyone.

Randomly in May Alex reposted my art, no credit, mention of who made it, or where it came from. I should mention Alex had been following me well before this post, so he knew who I was. Rightfully I responded with a request to take it down as I didn't appreciate this.

Upon making this request he made a small complaint about it, which was unneeded. While he did "delete" the post, it still technically there, just edited. Therefore never officially removed like I had asked.

He also uploaded two other drawings I did, but he did not remove those ones.

Not too long ago on a post I made showcasing my Chris model, as it had been a while since I posted it, and I wanted to let people see it.

Alex later said some... questionable things about it. And it really made me uncomfortable to say the least.

For context in my AU, my Chris is 29. This has been stated before a few times.

I want to get to the biggest thing here however, as this is what drove me to make this post. The consistent weird and hateful DM's he has sent me.

I have told Alex to leave me alone on several different occasions and he has refused to do so. Again I know I should've blocked but as I said, just wanted to wait in case. Truth is I don't like blocking people, never have, I feel weird doing it. But anyways Alex made a poll a week ago if I recall correctly of whether or not he should keep or delete his account. The poll won on keep. No sooner did this happen, Alex was in my DM's bothering me about it after I again told him to leave me alone.

The DM's are as followed with context and info:

He responded with something along the lines of "Then my account would become lost media!" to which I only responded "No one really cares."

Next post is where Alex starts to mock me for being slow with my replies. I don't quite understand what speed he expects me to write my replies at, I guess 5 seconds?

So as you have noticed Alex is now making fun of my autism, and it's going to continue in this unfortunately. Bringing up a disability in an argument should not happen. However at some point Alex accused me of creating alts to vote against his poll, I have none.

I'm not sure why me specifically... and I hate how me being "slow" keeps getting brought up. Also racism is somehow brought into this as well.

He spammed me with the same image repeatedly, and it continued for a while. Passing that, he wanted me to run the same poll he did on if I should keep or delete my account. I obviously declined.

He then blocked me after this.

Alex in the past DM'd me, when he made those remarks about my Chris model. I wasn't happy then and I'm still not about it.

I'm still puzzled as to why he calls being blocked as banned. Besides that this comes to the end of the DM ark. Alex has done other things, such as suggest people to draw strange stuff, edited other peoples work, steal other peoples work, and tried to stir up drama at one point.

In conclusion,

Alex is immature. And should not be here, especially this fandom. But in general he should not be online, it is clear he has unlimited access to whatever he wants.

I am sorry to my friends and others who have had to deal with him. That is all I have to say.

Any questions or whatnot is fine. Reblogs are appreciated in order to spread the word.

[indigo-scarf]

Parental abuse & the Malfoys

The most common way I've seen parental abuse portrayed in fanfic never resonated with me. In fic, the ethos of an abusive parent often reads as: "I want to hurt you as much as possible, because I hate you" — and that doesn't reflect my own experience.

Of course, it might reflect other people's experiences, or the fics might not even be aiming for realism at all, so I'm not here to argue that you can't write like that. But to those interested in another possibility, I want to share my perspective.

The way I understand my parent's (twisted, unacceptable, but genuine) logic is:

"I love you. I want to get along with you. Us having a harmonious relationship is the default state, until you do something that hurts me, or shows that you don't value the love I am offering you. Then I have to discipline you, or I react aggressively because I've been aggressed upon. If you only behave, we can be the happy family I want us to be."

And in my view, this applies to Lucius Malfoy too.

The Borgin & Burkes scene in CoS suggests a heavy-handed intention of JKR's to portray Lucius as the shallow trope of an unidimensionally cold father, but if that's what she was attempting, she failed. Lucius and Draco do seem to get along most of the time.

As many have pointed out, Lucius is willing to listen to Draco's rants about Harry Potter; he shares news articles and sensitive information with Draco; he gets extremely involved in Draco's school life, and attends his every Quidditch game; there is always a sense that Lucius and Draco are gleefully teaming up to get in someone's way.

Lucius didn't suddenly realise in Deathly Hallows that his son was important to him, he's always known that. Even Voldemort knew that, hence his conclusion that targeting Draco would be the worst way to punish Lucius.

However, the Borgin & Burkes scene does add an essential layer to their relationship: Lucius cannot handle frustration.

He wants Draco to succeed, but if he doesn't, that is a threat to Lucius's ego. He can't have a son bested by a Mudblood! That kind of shame terrifies him, and renders him not only aggressive, but frantic.

Because why would Lucius Malfoy want to humiliate his son in front of "riffraff" like Borgin?

Why would he want to broadcast, "Hey, people who should admire my family as your superiors, look what a failure the Malfoy heir is, he can't even beat a Mudblood at school! He'll end up a lowlife criminal!"

I imagine this kind of berating is not uncommon whenever Draco threatens Lucius's ego by doing anything he fears will reflect poorly on him — but it would be kept behind closed doors. To the world, both Lucius and Draco are interested in presenting the best image of their family.

For Lucius to do this in public, he must be really feeling the pressure of Harry Potter's reappearance, and all the threats to his status that came along with it. He might be so sick of hearing about him not because he's sick of his son, but because Harry is making him feel so destabilised.

Now, of course Lucius would never admit he made a mistake, or stoop down to apologising to anyone, much less a child he wants to respect his authority. He would just convince himself Draco deserves whatever harshness he incurs when he fails to be a "good team player", and then the game goes on as it should — as a loving, harmonious family.

It's not so much lack of love, but the conditional nature of Lucius's love that makes Draco vulnerable to Voldemort.

[batsarebetterthanpeople]

I tried so hard not to be parasocial about it but this letter thing is fucking me up, man. I've written a few overly flattering letters to evil government officials before myself. but how did someone convince all these reasonable-seeming people (strangers that I do not know) to publicly sign this centrist-ass letter? I understand they probably got Taika Waititi and Jack Black with the everyone can share, peace and love on the planet earth wording, but Jordan Peele? what. how did that happen. it makes no sense to me.

Ok I'm gonna front load my position on the Israel-Palestine conflict before I answer this ask so that no one can accuse me of shit I didn't say. If you want to see what I have to say on the letter itself, scroll to the big font. I'm as anti-zionist as they come I don't think that governments should even exist at all, I consider Israel to be an illegitimate state the same way I consider the country I live in (USA) to be an illegitimate state. I think that if we're going to have countries at all, which we shouldn't, that country should be Palestine and individual Jewish people certainly should be welcome to move there for whatever reason they want, including religious, but that the people who already lived there shouldn't be displaced because of it. And if they wanted me to support Israel on the basis of Jewish people needing somewhere to go after the Holocaust, they should have put Israel in Europe in 1945 instead of in the Arabian Peninsula in 1918. I tend to think the hard core zionists who aren't Jewish are trying to deport diaspora Jewish people somewhere based on the way I have heard other goyim speak about Israel. I am sympathetic to Jewish people who believe this has nuance but ultimately I cannot condone the displacement of Palestinians. That position might lose me followers but really I don't care.

Now that I have gotten that out of the way

(This first paragraph is for everyone who's out of the loop and has only seen the Tumblr posts about this issue, Anon does seem to know what I'm about to say) I do also think this whole thing with the letter is being blown out of proportion a little bit? That's not to say it's a good letter, it does contain language which blames Hamas for the conflict which is the western propaganda line so that countries like the United States and Britain don't have to admit that they caused and are funding this whole operation because they hate brown people. However celebrities are rubes who fall for government propaganda all the fucking time. What the letter itself actually calls for is Biden to facilitate the release of Israeli hostages. I consider this letter to be the vaguely Zionist equivalent of that time all those celebrities got on zoom and sang imagine because COVID was happening. I certainly doubt that the man who produced Get Out and Us supports the genocide and I also question whether the man who directed Reservation Dogs does either. Most likely they were asked "will you sign a letter calling for the release of Israeli hostages?" And they said "well releasing hostages sounds nice."

(this paragraph is for anon) Despite the fact that I think "these 70 celebrities condone Palestinian genocide" is incredibly reductive I would encourage you to see these people as human beings, and more specifically idiot millionaires who are out of touch. I believe that Taika Waititi understands the Maori struggle and generally tries to be a nice liberal but ultimately he is a man who grew up in the 80s with a lot of money who has an interest in keeping that money. His gaff transphobia tweets (which I didn't think were that bad considering he made it in 2013 and wasn't even talking about trans women, but they were still transphobic) and his pearl clutching during the BLM riots made this abundantly clear (both of these incidents are Taika Twitter originals that people have sent me trying to get me to hate him and I saw both of them and was like "that's what I thought you'd say old man"), and the fact that he married Rita "blackfish" Ora. I'm way less plugged in to what Jordan Peele is doing because I've never had an anon send me his call out post but I'm going to assume that the same thing is true of him: he understands the struggle of black people in the United States, despite this moment of basedness I probably politically disagree with him on many many counts. As for Jack Black he donates to autism speaks so he's coming for me and the Palestinians. Although that said so does Gaga and I'm still very much a fan of her.

I've basically had to come to terms with the fact that no celeb that I like the work of agrees with me about politics because all of them are rich and I am a communist. That's not going to stop me from liking their work, it's not going to stop me from bothering some of them at cons when I get the chance. Because again they're just guys. And most guys are idiots. I am an idiot about a lot of things. We don't expect Taika Waititi or Jordan Peele to know about every conflict in the world we expect them to make entertaining and perhaps insightful movies. I am not here because I think Taika agrees with me on all things. I am here because I want to watch a rom com about gay men who murder people, one of whom is just like me for real.

Anyway do your research

[obscuredaurora]

I've seen a trend on TikTok that has me fired up, and y'all are probably going to hate me for this. Be warned this is a call out to my left brothers and sisters in Blue States, and I am pissed.

So the videos have been using the Savages songs from Pocahontas. They usually have a text "How Blue State Liberals talk about Red States" or something along those lines. And as a Blue Dot in a sea of Red, y'all don't even know.

Many of my family members (who cut me off because I'm on the Left, even though they never actually listened to my political beliefs or seen me jump down y'all's throats like I comment on every TikTok I see like this) coworkers, neighbors etc, are on the Right. Even the gay ones. Even the trans ones. Even the women. Even the people of color. Even if they agree with everything I, and just about every leftist says. You wanna know why?

You wanna sit here and demean us. Call us stupid, meanwhile we've been abandoned by our government and have been left to rot by both sides. Every policy change affects us first. We used to have a booming industry, and were fairly left wing affiliated. West Virginian Coal Miners actually fought a literal war against the fucking US Military and fucking won it. Why? Your labor rights! I'm 100% dead fucking serious. Research the Coal Wars or The Battle of Blair Mountain. (I frequently remind Right wingers here of this too. They forget that their Grandpappy or Great-Grandpappy would kick their ass all over these hills if they heard how they talk now)

Budget cut after budget cut, businesses left, and left us with no where to go, no one to blame. They blamed the left for not doing what they voted them in to do. And gradually, slowly we went red. The right still fails us, every time. But there is a long history of the left failing us, and it's sore. The right takes advantage of this. "They keep stopping us"

Meanwhile y'all assholes in blue states "Oh they're so stupid" y'all use a hick accent to sound dumb. Y'all do nothing but look down on red states. All the right wingers see it as is the left twisting the goddamn knife in a region that they promised to help and abandoned. They see you as hypocrites, and you fucking are.

You sit here and say "Fuck around and find out" about more budget cuts, about natural disasters killing us. You wanna preach "Human rights for all!" But when it comes to red states "You get what you deserve?" "I don't feel bad for the people in that hurricane they voted for Trump" I heard one woman literally say we should actually let red state children starve to death because "They won't grow up intelligent enough to vote in their own interests anyway" Actual children. If I hadn't heard it with my own ears I would not believe it. Another person told me even the animals here deserved to die because of how people voted. Children and animals deserve to die of starvation and disaster because of a brain dead orangutan in a suit that adult humans let take office, y'all. My trans disabled girlfriend and I could be among the first to lose social security, food stamps, Medicaid, housing, but simply because we are in a red state, we deserve it, right? Even though neither one of us voted for that pitiful excuse of a man.

And you want to know something about these parts of the country? We're abandoned and neglected, not stupid! I sat down with the most right wing, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic, liberal hating person I know. And by treating him with respect, talking to him like he was smart enough to grasp these concepts, and listening to him, why he felt like that, I changed his mind. I even got him to admit he himself was queer and was struggling. Someone who previously fucking hated me because of my political beliefs. I got him to trust and respect me enough to be the first person he came out to. All I had to do was treat him like a human with more than two braincells to rub together.

If your "Human Rights" and "Empathy" excludes anyone: regardless of race, religion, politics, country or region of origin, criminal history, actual or perceived gender, sexual identity, actual or perceived intelligence or anything else at all, I hate to be the one to tell you this: You don't believe in human rights nor are you empathetic. That may hurt but sit with it a while, reflect, and then adjust your attitude.

You change hearts and minds with respect. Don't insult their intelligence. People are a lot smarter than you think. Yes, I'm pissed. But Appalachia and the South are gorgeous, full of smart, kind, thoughtful people, who are hurt, betrayed and could be amazing allies. But you don't want to change hearts and minds, do you? You haven't actually grown a heart or empathy. You just want someone to look down on. Just like the racist, homophobic, transphobic people. You are no better than them, and until you fix that nothing will change. And even though you hate me, I will fight for your rights too, because you are human. I still defend you when talking to right wingers. I still argue the points with them and do the work to change hearts and minds And you know what? I kinda hate you too. You've made this so much harder than it has to be. But that changes nothing about this. I will continue because until all humanity is liberated, none of us are free. If even one single person even loses one single right, none of us has rights.

[stilltrails]

hey! just come across your sambucky post about the serum things. u are getting so much hate and i just wanted to say something positive to u.

what u said wasn't wrong. your point was clear and even tho at first it could be mislead, a second read makes us understand it.

ppl have been attacking you for it and u dont deserve it. i get they are tired of those fake sambucky stans that are actually only bucky stans, i am too but the sambucky/sam fandom is being really close minded and rude those days.

i cant blame them, because sometimes they are right when they fight ppl but other times they fight with ppl like u who genuinely likes sam and sambucky and it makes enjoying both things very hard.

the ppl who came fightin u are the ones that for a 2 min scene in the last movie decided to hate on bucky, erase everything he did for sam and how important his comfort was for sam in ca4.

their hate for bucky is more important than listening to what other sam fans want to say.

im a sam fan, im a sambucky shipper but i am also a bucky fan (not the insufferable ones. i am capable of calling him out on his bullshit or admit that the writing in the last movie was awful) and i have seen those fans being absolutely mean with a lot of ppl. they do it well with those racist thunderbolts fans and those racist bucky stans. however, they fight everyone even the ones who likes sam and it's not normal.

they dont know how to separate characters from their fans.

bucky fans are insufferable to the point i decided to not engage with the fandom that much. however, this doesn't mean we should pretend bucky was awful to sam in every movie and show they were together cause its not true. so your point was not wrong, and u have been getting attacked for nothing.

as someone else told u, a lot of sam's stans dont realise they are exactly like those bucky fans who ship sambucky but dont care about sam. only thing is they do it on reverse.

i really hope that this doesn't push u away from sam and sambucky cause we would be so lucky to have you and your art in our fandom.

my only advice is to not care that much about what some ppl say. block them and engage with ppl who actually like the ship and both characters (or at least, ppl who likes one of them but still respect the other one)

have a nice day/night. i hope you can push those awful things they told u away and enjoy being on this app anyway. sending u lots of love and positivity 🫶🏻🌱

Thank you so much! I really appreciate this! I'm floored by the constant support i've been receiving from all of you!

And as i've stated countless times, I understand why they misinterpreted what I said. Fandom misunderstandings happened. But at a point I believe they genuinely care more about prolonging internet drama and discourse than actually combatting fandom racism or racism directed at Sam.

Because despite making my point clear multiple times and clarifying my point, they continued to take my words out of context and allow their friends to dogpile my words. Those are not people who care about making fandom safer for black people or black fans, those are people who enjoy discourse for the sake of discourse.

And i'm starting to realize they're a clique that seems to be known for doing that.

And believe me, I think Sam needs to be protected from racism. But I think there's a fine line between fighting against racism and making black people feel unsafe because you don't want to take the two seconds to engage with someone.

And they don't even like Bucky, so I doubt any reading of him, even if it is him comforting Sam, is going to be interpreted in good faith. It's on just nastiness all around lol.

if I stick around it won't be in the tumblr fandom. probably on ao3 or twitter.

Thank you again!

[deviantartdramahub]

Update on Tovar for those wondering, probably most don't care.

I am Tovar's friend, who has no association with these Vee or Scene people, and he contacted me that day and shared what was going on. I only read the messages a couple hours later and immediately connected to his Ebo X to check on him, and he was already fucked up after consuming a LOT of alcohol, ibuprofen, and THC. What he posted wasn't suicide baiting, he was obviously serious that he was frustrated with the world and how people tend to treat him, and I have to say, knowing his personal story and what transpired here, I honestly don't blame him for getting that upset. You guys were extremely biased just because he's associating himself with someone you all mutually hate, but he kept clearly stating that he didn't want to be seen as an extension of her and wanted to be seen as an individual that had something awful done to him. Shame on all of you honestly, because you know if this Vee person did the same thing and he posted about her with the same amount of evidence, you wouldn't be doubting him as much as you did.

Anyways, I immediately called the police and kept an eye on him until they arrived. They took him in and he was admitted into the hospital for a few days after getting his stomach pumped and was kept there for supervision. He is now back home and recovering emotionally and mentally.

From my perspective, Scene seems to be the more toxic person in this specific situation and Vee seems to be the good person here. While it seems Vee did some nasty things in the past, obviously she did the right thing here and warned him despite their own personal falling out. She could've easily of let that happen to him because it sounds like he fucked up big time with Vee to make Scene want to get revenge, but she didn't. Scene seems to only be upset because she got snitched on before she got Tovar to buy her the clothes that she wanted, which seems like she was extremely close to doing. Hell, I'd be upset too if I was THAT close to getting something and only having the rug pulled out from under me by the friend I was even doing it for. But I personally wouldn't go as far to start calling that friend a backstabber just because they stopped me from doing something actually fucked up and not own up to it or show any remorse, that shit is toxic AF.

I hope you're all proud of yourselves for literally almost being the reason why Tovar died, while you all may not be the only reason, you definitely were the straw that broke the camel's back.

I could only hope that a select few of you are relieved to hear that he is still alive. It doesn't help that you allow people like this Gelly person that is obviously simping for Scene (or is Scene on an alt?) to actually encourage him to do it. Can't wait to see what toxic bullshit comments come from them on this.

First and most importantly, it should be noted that "suicide baiting" is more than just about whether the claims are authentic, it's also about what's being used as leverage. Thus far, words are being put in the mouths of others to say that anyone I've seen is encouraging any kind of harm like that or that anyone is being judged merely based on association. Just as it would be putting words in others' mouths to assume the style of communicating used here sounds familiar for a particular reason (even though, to some, it would seem that way). That doesn't mean protocol doesn't exist. Consider whether anyone appreciates shame being so weaponized, because that's particularly "toxic".

[ofpineapplesanddawns]

Still thinking about the Vardy au, so here's a little thing with them talking to each other. This is... probably before their relationship really got started, but there's some developing things between them.

As always with this au, Hardy is a vampire (and he's terrible at it, but he's been alive for nearly a century so something's working), and Lucian shows up in Broadchurch to chase down some creatures causing trouble. He ends up joining the investigation to help.

On with the fic!

--

"You said tea is something you can drink? Ellie told me to give it to you, and she said, in her own words, 'that he better drink every last damn drop'."

Hardy looked up at the man standing before him and his desk, holding a take-away cup in each hand. He scowled, of course Miller was telling Lucian things, she seemed to trust him far more than Hardy did.

"Did she make it?" He asked, taking the cup handed to him.

"She did, said it had exactly what you needed in it."

He popped the lid off and sniffed it, blood, and the office's typical brand of black tea. He wondered where she got the blood, is she hiding a stash so she makes sure he actually consumes some outside of his blood pills? Uhg.

He put the lid back on and took a sip, he would never admit that she knew exactly how to make tea the way he liked it best. Hardy watched as Lucian sat down on the couch across from him, drinking from his own cup.

"Did you need something?" Hardy asked, setting his glasses on his face before grabbing for one of the files on his desk.

"I am a bit curious about something."

"And that would be?"

"Why are you so resistant to consuming blood when you know you need it? Your friend has to sneak it into your drinks, and I've seen her put it on whatever food she brings you." Lucian leaned forwards, elbows on his knees, a studious look on his face. Hardy hated it when people tried to read him.

He glanced at the cup of tea, making a face at it. "I have no choice but to accept that I am a vampire, but that doesn't mean I have to do everything those beasts do."

"Blood is necessary."

"I have my ways of consuming it."

"You mean the pills? The dry blood you keep on your person?"

Hardy glared at him now. "It works."

Lucian sighed and leaned back. "I am still unsure of your vampire kind, but I have met quite a number of them in my long life. And yours? I am very... confused by it. I have seen vampires who have avoided drinking fresh blood, only to go feral. My kind's vampires drank from animals, and humans, but soon learned to make a synthetic blood. I know those who feed from animals, do you?"

"No, I don't like the taste, but I'll drink it if I have to." Hardy said, setting aside the file, grabbing another one instead. "And I do have blood bags at home, I just try to not drink it around people except my family. And Miller, but that's only because she found out."

"I see. It confuses me that you also consume blood with human food, does that help?"

"You sure have a lot of questions."

"Like you, detective, I am a curious person." Lucian smiled and Hardy huffed at him.

He took a drink from the tea and set it aside. "It's strange, I can eat a few things, mainly meat, but it has to be... iron-rich? I guess it helps if I'm not drinking blood. Toast is weird, doesn't bother me, but most foods make me sick or tastes like ash. It's a weird side-effect, but it helps to blend in. Why do you want to know these things?"

Lucian stared at him and Hardy frowned, feeling nervous. "I'm worried about you."

"You don't know me, you have no reason to." Hardy stated without much thought.

"I am allowed to worry about you."

"Why?"

He watched the lycan rise from the couch, he just smiled at Hardy as he walked out of the office, closing the door behind him. Hardy sat there quietly for a moment, completely confused by what just happened.

Why would Lucian worry about him? It's not like he cares.

Right?

[islith]

Sins

"He was valiant."

"Not a soul amongst us knew him as anything but honorable, brave."

"May his spirit know peace in the Halls of Halone."

Islith stood to the side of a crowd gathered at Saint Reymanaud's Cathedral to remember a fallen comrade. A man who died honorably. In battle. With laurels and titles.

She was shrouded in a solemn ensemble of black that covered her from neck to toe, and down the entirety of both arms with little to no embellishments. While the tearful many filtered by her, dabbing at their misty eyes with handkerchiefs, Islith found herself preoccupied with subtly attempting to stretch a kink from her shoulder. She was not here as a mourner - but rather, an assistant to the funerary officiate.

So it was that Ishgard was not a kindly place. There were some forward thinking denizens that welcomed foreigners with a smile and a tip of their hat but, regretfully, no amount of either of those gestures fed a hungry belly or, she hated to admit, allowed her to indulge in her vanities.

Thus, Islith offered what services she could to make her way - to find a purpose amongst them and despite their recent change of state, came to see that the people of Ishgard were no less fervent in their prayers than they had been before. Likewise were there no shortage of men dying to protect their country in the name of a cold and distant cause. War seemed ever present these days, especially so in the shadow of the Fury.

Crack.

Finally. The stiffness in her neck gave way as she tilted her head just so but the sound of it broke the heretofore dull and droning, white silence of the cathedral. The funeral officiate - a deacon - stood above her on a podium to her right, and she felt his eyes turn to bore down on her.

Islith responded by tilting her head down and clasping her hands neatly in front of her. Twelve, it was frigid here.

The remainder of the service went by without incident. The majority of her work was done behind the curtain, so to speak. Preparing the fallen. Reading rites that were not meant for the ears of those other than they who stood at the threshold between this existence and the endless sea. She was trained in a different school from that which Ishgard drew its customs, and yet the task of preparing the dead was much the same as she knew it in Ul'dah. Death was death, it would seem.

After the funeral, Islith was tending to her menial duties of collecting linens and candles to be put away - a task she had long since graduated from in Ul'dah - when she was summoned to the deacon's solar.

"I've been made aware of certain…concerns…circulating regarding your service here. I believe it's in your best interests as well as that of the Church's to reorganize and move you to a more suitable post," the deacon explained. He was an older elezen but still had enough youth in him to sit upright, unbothered by the weight of his shoulders and his voice was only beginning to crack with age.

"What do you mean a more suitable post? Has my work not been sufficient?" Islith asked, taken aback by this unforeseen change in pace.

"Your work is exceedingly sufficient, which is what makes this a difficult and unpleasant conversation to have. I am not a man who appreciates gossip, Islith, and yet my duty requires that I navigate the sensibilities of my patronage. This is more to do with your acquaintances since arriving here in the city."

"My acquaintances? I barely have any."

"You have at least one," the deacon insists, looking at her quite pointedly. "A particular man who has a sordid past, and many people here are burdened with a long memory. I won't mince words, Islith, it's regarding Helcaire."

Despite her irritations, Islith's shoulders loosen and she lids her eyes to fend off the throbbing of a coming headache. Of course. He was likely married to the woman she'd seen and all along, their relationship had been doomed to be an unsavory one from the beginning.

"But-" the deacon continues. "…As I said, your work is undeniably good and we are, admittedly, at a point where anyone well acquainted with what you do is someone who can be put to use. To speak nothing of the Church's charitable nature. This is no one's fault but my own for thinking to bypass the Scholasticate's time-tested methods. Alas, I must apologize for that."

Islith's jaw stiffens at the notion of being a case of 'charity', though she refuses to voice her displeasure.

"There is work to be done outside of the city. Falcon's Nest in particular makes a semi-frequent request for a visit to lay their fallen to rest and we…"

The deacon's voice trailed off in her mind as Islith stood there, listening to her superior prattle on about her worth and what use she might be to the people of Ishgard despite her faults. Her sins. Her failures. What had she left home for?

"More clearly," he continues, the words now coming back into focus as he leans forward and peers at her from over his half moon spectacles. "…I would like for you to be my eyes and ears, and only my mouth if you're instructed, by me, to speak on my behalf."

After watching her a moment more, the deacon sits back into his seat and plucks up a quill, dipping it briskly into an inkpot.

"You will go by porter," he goes on. "I will expect reports at least fortnightly."

Islith interjects. He lifts an aged, pale hand to silence her, his signet ring glinting in the candlelight.

"A report on what, exactly? You've told me nothing of what I'm reporting on and -"

Islith speaks over his quiet refusal for a beat more before stopping herself, giving him an expectant and irritated look.

"You will be informed upon your arrival," he answers. The look on her face spoke volumes for her dissatisfaction with such a vague response. "I've arranged for room and board and you will be given a stipend for the month upon your departure from here, and then another at the beginning of each month thereafter in exchange for your services."

"Excellent," Islith proclaims, nearly cutting him off. "When do I leave?"

[elysium-the-true-faceofsalvation]

So, to celebrate me releasing all of the character profiles, i've decided to create a "silly" post with a bunch of trivia of all of the characters! Not all is silly

Silly Headcanons

(is it a headcanon if it's created by the writer?)

Aoi has an old tennis ball that is basically completely destroyed, but he refuses to throw it away.

Emari always walks around with a golden earring on her left ear, but she would never explain how she got it when anyone asks. And her favorite food is ice cream :3

Syouga always has a pen on his pockets that he keeps fidgeting with. Never let this man near a clickable pen, he will NEVER stop clicking it.

Reika has a diary that she had ever since she was 15 and she never misses a day of writing on it. Everytime that it got full, she would try to buy one that was basically identical to it.

Haru's gay gay homosexual gay and had a boyfriend he met in 8th grade :3. Also, he dropped out of highschool.

Harlow always wanted to have a child, but she has never met someone to do it with and never had the time to adopt one.

Genki doesn't know how to read, but he will never admit to it out of fear. But he will always try to practice every day, but he has a hard time with it.

Saki hates being at her school and at home, so, she spends most of her time on the streets doing nothing.

Eisuke is an elementary school teacher and works on 1st to 5th grade classes. He also has a very hard time falling asleep at night.

Even if it doesn't seem like it, Akari is a very introverted and indoor person. She doesn't really have any friends as she doesn't bother to make any. Weird for someone like her, right?

Numen is really bad at cooking, but only a few have the heart to reject what they cook, because everyone knows Numen would be heartbroken if that happens.

The Overseer is literally just a face on a TV. No one has seen him physically, not even Numen.

Lyrics of songs that really fit them

(That's a long name)

Aoi: "Support the family, don't stray, display, obey, you must be perfect, oh-oh You suffocate the ones you love, that's not just something you forget. But I'm done with your games, I'll go my own way"

Emari: "Wheeze through the night as my lungs burn inside. As I fake through the day that never subsides if I, Can't call to mind all the words or the lines, I'll try; To ride the train wherever it will go tonight"

Syouga: "Secrets you bury deep within the sand. Like truth trapped in the night. The fears behind your eyes. Tell me what's hidden deep within your mind."

Reika: "This is what I've come to be (This is what I shouldn't be) This is what I wanna be."

Haru: "Before I knew, it withers way too soon, that one word that rings true. And now, a fruit will bloom in my heart, I can't move. Within the mirror's sight, there's a painting inside. A sign of "makeup" lighting the loss in my life."

Harlow: "Come on, let's throw away our minds. Dance on cloud 9. Forget about the stress of life, ra-ta-ta. We'll fight the sun and have our fun until tomorrow comes. So wipe the tears from your face, and roll the night away."

Genki: "Deep inside I've always been Reaching out for a hand, so don't let this be the end."

Saki: "The mourning of one still alive."

Eisuke: "It's a fragile state of mind. Like I'm losing sense of time. And the world is moving on while I am left behind. It's a never ending wait. For a sign to change my fate. Like I'll never reach the end of this forsaken chase."

Akari: "Give me your love, give me your love, give me your love. More, oh more, oh. Give me your love, give me your love. Going insane by love so much."

Numen: "Both of us are hated by our own lives! As we're both intoxicated by a sad goodbye. Without ever knowing what it means to die. Both of us are hated and berated by our own lives."

The Overseer: "Look at how they crawl around Upon the ground like little ants. Yes, but how they fascinate, confusing fate. With what is merely chance."

(I wonder if somebody knows where each of those lyrics belong to.)

Voice Headcanons

Numen: [x]

Aoi: [x]

Emari: [x]

Syouga: [x]

Reika: [x]

Haru: [x]

Harlow: [x]

Genki: [x]

Saki: [x] (She hates her voice.)

Eisuke: [x]

Akari: [x]

The Overseer: [x]

Andddd, that's it! I hope that can keep you guys well fed while i'm working on the Numen Voice drama and the Undercover mv. I hope i'm able to release it soon!

[ultfreakme]

Hello, I'm new to the jujutsu fandom, I've already watched season 1 of the movie and I'm in season 2 of jujutsu, I also follow the jujutsu manga, I liked your tumblr and started following you, I like your analyzes and you make me understand more jujutsu, thank you. I have a question, don't you think Sukuna is a boring villain, sorry, but he's too annoying, even Mahito is more interesting than him and it's impressive that Mahito gave more weight to the work than Sukuna, Sukuna killed Gojo and his death It had no significance in the work, it's something terrible, I think the author got lost.

Ah thank you so much! Glad the blog could add to the JJK experience!

Personally, I am getting a little tired of Sukuna never being phased. I'd understand his constant victories if we got more insight into his Cursed Technique but we still have no explanation for what he is and how he came to be, very little Sukuna info has been unlocked since the beginning so it feels kind of frustrating for me.

I can't tell what the author is thinking, but I think the number of deaths is getting to us as readers. People just keep on losing and dying with little impact on those that are alive. Deaths had a huge impact at the start of the story. Like S1, Junpei's death shook Yuuji so bad that he entirely changed his way of thinking. But he only knew Junpei for like a day. So when characters like Nanami, Nobara, Gojo and many more people that Yuuji has known for months die, I think equal levels of impact is expected on Yuuji.

But that doesn't happen.

We don't know Yuuji's mental state after witnessing his teacher die. The excessive focus on fights without slowing down to let the characters grieve or process what they've seen is likely impacting how we see Sukuna, his fights, and his powers.

Like why wasn't Yuuji freaking out more when Higurama died? What was he really going through when he saw Higurama and got reminded of Nanami? A moment's pause, just focused on the grief of that could up the stakes and make Sukuna, if not interesting, at least someone we can hate more.

Emotions and character interactions are what gives a story stakes. We care that Gojo died not only because he's the only person who can stand up against Sukuna, but also because he is someone we connected with emotionally from S1. His death will make characters we love devastated.

When you take away the emotion, the sense of loss and don't show that, the fights become boring. Yuuji's still moving and seems to hold the same attitude as the beginning of Culling Games while fighting Sukuna right now after witnessing multiple deaths.

You could say he's hardened his heart and has gone numb to everything but that's speculation as readers, it'd be way more meaningful if we see Yuuji falling into that kind of state, or be shown to have some kind of emotion and reaction.

My one big critique for JJK is pacing. It's fight after fight after fight. Okay, bad take when the manga is literally called "Sorcery Fight" but I am no stranger to manga/anime entirely focused on fighting (I've read a weirdly high amount of martial arts and hand to hand combat manga). Even in most fight-centric stories, we get breaks, we get characters talking to each other. Like how come we STILL haven't gotten a proper, extended interaction between Yuuji and Yuuta that isn't a fight? Has Yuuji even spoken to Maki? How does Ino feel about Choso?

I think it's why I enjoyed the Yuki v Kenjaku fight more. The fight was interspersed with moments of character interaction.

No stakes and impact makes it boring. Sukuna's the most dangerous villain now and he keeps defeating people without proper explanation or faltering in any real way so like, why would we care? Sukuna's going to win against anyone that isn't Yuuji, so what's the point? It used to be fun for me to try to understand how Sukuna does the things he does. I still enjoy watching him beat the shit outta people but i do admit it's getting tiring.

Sure, the CT and Domain expansions whenever an improvement is shown are very cool but it'd help if we could slow down a little and talk about the character interactions. Honestly Sukuna himself can remain a mystery but our MCs should get more backstory and emotional moments.

[ducknotinarow]

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ ( For all Karai's uwu )

| For every "♡" I get I'll give a tip on how to win my muse's heart.

You have decided for some reason you like Karai and are looking at romantic advancement even at that. i wish you good luck. Karai is a tough nut to crack, but that doesn't mean it can't happen especially if you happen to be a certain blue banded turtle that shes seems to have a soft spot for uwu. I haven't really done much for any other Karai I do have listed here sooo were just going with 03 and 12 Karai's on this one uwu.

2003

♡

" Strong Warriors, with a loyalty to their honor."

Which may be funny considering her father and own allegiance. But Karai dose have her reasons for why her father has her loyalty. However she herself has stood up against him when he goes against what she considers too far even herself. After all she was against a lot of his plans against the turtles since she gave her word they would be spared of the foots revenge for at the time, killing the Shredder. Meanwhile Leo? Always displayed having this similar mind set and it really caught her attention

♡

"I suppose persistence and a stubborn side are good, even if I've had to deal with it."

Sure, they have been on opposing sides a lot, but Karai can admire someone who stills to their guns and doesn't dosent back down easily. What can the gal say she's got a liking for that serious look Leo gets in hus eyes at times. Karai isn't someone who mess around much herself after all so someone who dose takes things seriously? Is going to be closer to her likening.

Not to mention if your attracted to her and looking to grow and change your relationship your gonan want to be stubborn and persistent on that as well.

♡

"I do find Leonardo's need to stick to his ways admirable as well."

Karai can understand sticking to your beliefs as she her self works the same way. She sticks to the beliefs of both her clan, her teachings and her own. Even if there be conflict at times she's not one to waver so seeing some who also dosent? Yeah you win points.

♡

"Leo is one of the turly most skill swordsmen I've seen."

Karai lives a life that requires fighting to be part of it of course. Her life isn't likely to be peaceful even when she tries to changed the direction of the foot Clan. So string fighters are something of value of her. And Leo is often referred to as one of the best even outside just his brothers. So that's gonna catch her attetion well uwu

♡

"Kindness isn't really a trait favored in the foot clan."

Despite everything Karai has to admit her favorite trait about Leo is that he is kind. She of course uses that against the poor guy and takes advantage of it even as a weakness but that's hiw she was raised to be. It's that same kindness that has saved her more than once and it's something she likes the best when it comes to Leo and she would hate to see stripped away.

♡

"Admittedly he is a little cute I suppose."

When Leo dose drop his graud and allows his slight joking dorky self out? Yeeeah she might never own up to it but she got a weak spot for it that for sure uwu it's cute since he's normally so serious and focus.

♡

"I suppose I am nkt against some speical treatment."

Karai is technically a princess, so no, she isn't against being treated a little special. Give her some special attetion, be attetive to her needs even just give her some affection Jarai isn't used to these things so she may be a bit adverse aometimes but she dosent hate it she's just not used to it.

2012

♡

"Oh I'll admit Leo's pretty cute."

Karai has even out right stated that hea cute of course she tends to say it in a way to tease the poor turtle. But she dose actually think he's cute mostly when he gets flustered or tries to impress her. She also happens to be a sucker for those cool blue eyes uwu

♡

"I need to always make sure my skills are in top form. So they need to be a good sparing match."

Karai is someone that takes training seriously in that she likes to make sure she is always prepared. So someone who can give her good match is a bonus and if it happens to be Leo? Well that adds some fun in a new way for her. A slight playfulness dose tend to come out of her when it comes to Leo. She still aiming for a win but this just means she can enjoy it a bit more.

♡

"Leo Brings out a side of myself I didn't think was there."

Karai is usually more serious herself sure she likes to give a sarcastic remark here and there but when she has a mission she likes to have all the facts and know every angle she can take advantage of even. Karai never really been allowed to ever just be normal with growing up in the foot clan. But being around Leo? she likes to be playful she likes to tease and play around. She just generally likes being around Leo he gets her to drop her guard and sort of be herself. To even allow her self to show weakness which would have gotten her killed or worse. But around Leo? she can make that risk.

♡

"When I first became a mutant only Leo was able to reach me."

Due to her mutation into a snake mutant Karai for a short time lost her mind but Leo was able to speak and get through to her enough to not be as hostel and even attempt to ask for help from him. Karai deep down knows she can turn to Leo despite everything ;3;

♡

"Well he's a passionate dork."

Everyone knows Leo's obsessed with Space Heros and Captain Ryan, there is no way that this would be kept from Karai long seeing how much he watches the show after all. Sure she may tease him a little over his obsession and such but she can't deny that seeing something Leo lovs so much make him that happy and excited? Well she might be able to get talked into watching it with hm and may just happen to keep her eyes out for anything related to it for the dork.

♡

"Leo can be so serious it's fun to see that crack."

Leo, can be a pretty serious guy himself and well it is something Karai dose like about him and is why they work well together even. But seeing him flustered and trip up a little even? It's cute to see those cracks show and give some more of Leo's personality a chance to show.

♡

"I guess him trying to impress me is flattering."

What can she say the effort her way is flattering after all. Leo's crush is beyond obvious sure and sometime karai plays into it to mess with him and maybe cause she has a thing for him as well uwu. But Karai has to admit someone who dose put in effort towards her? That's new. And well she kind find it interesting that Leo's bold enough. Considering she is the shredders daughter not many others would ever dear. So to her? Shows her some guts she's never known anyone else to have.

♡

"He's dependable."

The biggest thing he does and shows thar Karai can, in fact, count on him. Karai lived with a father who has never turly been there for her in a way she needed someone to be. So she strived to be the perfect solider for his approval. Sure he saved her once but there was always a condition to his love. Leo? Leo always shown he has her back even when he shouldn't. She's has betrayed him and his family before but Leo always there. And that's what really has her loving the dork uwu

[atangledfate]

Honestly he felt surge on that, he wanted to kick his feet up and take a long nap. This day had been long and exhausting, and he hadn't dealt with half of what surge was dealing with. But his quips, his jovial smiles, all of that was just part of who he was deep down. He doubted he could change that part of him forever. He did wish they could get along, and not squabble constantly but it seemed like this was how it would always be wasn't it? He hated that, but hoped deep down that when this was all over she'd find some amount of peace with her life.

" Honestly... i feel you on some level Surge. I'm ready for this day to be done... and to get a chance to relax for a bit. I'd take egghead over this standoff crap... "

He sighed hands on his hips and shaking his head as he didn't like all this political nonsense.

" You don't have to tell me that Surge. You may not know this, and maybe not many do--- But i've lost alot more battles then i care to admit. So i'm fine with conceding this one... I don't like it, but then i never like to admit defeat "

He admitted with a finger rubbing under his nose in a very old habit he may never be able to shake.

" Hey...I promised you didn't I? I ain't gonna go back on a promise... that's just not my style. So don't worry, I'll take care of it! let's just focus on the here and now in the meantime! "

===============================================

Miles wanted to tell Belle it was cool, that he got what she meant. He just always expected her to come to him more then Sonic. Maybe they weren't as close as he assumed? Or maybe it was just something she had to discuss with Sonic over him. He didn't know what was said but he trusted Belle's judgement and knew she'd explain when the time was right. He simply offered her a warm smile in response and focused on the task at hand. Readying the data for transfer and paying special attention to the General as he appeared on the monitor.

The General's image fuzzed a moment before coming back in Focus, his gaze never waver. Like steel he never let his emotions reflect on his physical features. His voice was always steady, not monotone but no pitcth changes to indicate his current state of mind. The general was truly an imposing figure the likes of Which Miles had never really encountered before. Abe had always been an easy man to talk to, on some level and he always knew where he stood. but This Lupus unnerved him, and made his fur stand on end when ever he spoke--- he didn't like or trust him... not a lick.

" Princess, i am a Soldier... I was born on the battlefield, and molded by tragedy and conflict. War is all i know, i live and breath it and embrace it with all i am. War is an ugly thing, it changes us and molds us with every breath that we take. For those who do not know war it, it is a chance for glory... and for those of us who know it to well, it is both a comfort and a nightmare... "

He placed his hands behind his back as he spoke in a very calm way as if he'd seen enough war to last him a lifetime and more.

" No, i have no desire to start a conflict here today, but i will do so if i must, or if i am ordered to do so. This day hinges not on my desires but on the Presidents... his finger rests upon the trigger now. "

He seemed to want to impress upon her that he was a soldier, and a warrior first and a leader and a diplomat second. He was ready for a battle but also not eager to start one. But that all of this hinged not on his own desires but on the presidents. He was simple a weapon wielded by another ready to enact his will should the time come for it.

The general tilted his head to one side as she explained there stances on the current situation. Though he seemed somewhat uninterested in what Blaze had to say about it.

" I understand your stance, but i fear that ultimate decision is out of my hands now. I can relay this information to President Thawn but as of now he ultimately has the final say in this. Though i shall take any data you'd like to provide on this matter. I'm sure the President will have his own approach to things but it is not my job to negotiate this peace, not any longer "

His eyes seemed to turn as if looking at someone or something else, possibly a monitor or someone that they couldn't see through the hologram.

" My more pressing concern are the two omega level threats who just deployed in the area blow the carrier. Princess are you trying to intimidate me? That's rather bold of you..."

He almost cracked a smile as if he appreciated the boldness of this move. Though he doubted Either of them had the courage to attack the carrier knowing what the consequences would be.

" Just know if you attack my people i will bombard restoration with the full force of this carrier in retaliation. So let's just take a breath and wait for Thawn and your little beetle to work out an agreement shall we? Oh did you think i wouldn't figure that out? i picked up her com signal the moment she sent it out... i could have blocked it but honestly--- i'm ready for this to be over ... let the diplomats work this out shall we "

Miles seemed to narrow his eyes at this General. For all the things he disliked about him the man was on top of his game. He was ready for them to pull a stunt like this. He half admired his efficiency and half was unsettled by how easily he was anticipating there every move. Was there someone in this room working for him? did he have a spy? more then that what was the end game--- What were he and this president really after!

================================================

How long had this conversation been going on for? Jewel asked herself as she felt like she and Thawn had been running in circles. He was stubborn in wanting both Surge and Kit as well as Belle and she was staunch in not giving the two up. She didn't even like giving Surge up but some things felt absolutely unavoidable. Yet the more they spoke the more she felt like Thawn was running circles around her.

He really did have all the cards in this battle. He had the full might of the United Federation behind him, and GUN to back it up. She needed to make a bold play here or she'd get no where with him. She didn't even know if she could bluff---but she did have one move left and it was risky but she had nothing left to play.

Her father always said strength only responds to strength... she never thought she'd agree with him ever... but here she was.

" I understand your stance Mr. President, but you must understand my own as well. I can not in good conscience, hand over two of my people without good justification. I'm sorry but the evidence as it is puts Kitsunami no where near central city at the time of the attack, and as for Belle. She has committed no crime... even if what you say is true about who made her. We can say the same for Omega and Gmerl... but neither of them are dangerous. "

" If you insist on this course of action i'm afraid i'll have to take action of my own. I'm prepared to release all information regarding this situation to the public. I'm sure your constituents will be very interested in how there elected representatives will be very interested in that story... i'm sure more then one news outlet will be eager to get there hands on it. You might win here today but--- you will lose the war ... and you and i know that. "

The Stag seemed mildly amused for a moment yet the more Jewel Spoke the more his usual cheerful smile seemed to fade away. She must have hit nerve, as it seemed he very much had to care about his image didn't he? He couldn't have as scandal like that get out there.

" And it would be a shame if people learned who you were wouldn't it Miss Bijou... i'd truly hate to have to mobilize police forces to deal with your family... "

He held his hand up as if to silence her

" However, i'll Concede... Give us Surge... and allow us to do a full investigation into this incident and, we shall arrange for Kitsunami to be place on a sort of Parole. He'll check in with a GUN officer weekly and if in a years time we are satisified with his reform... we'll consider the matter resolved. As for the Badnik Belle... we'll keep our eye on her, i don't trust her or anything eggman created--- But for now i'll trust your judgement. But should the day come that she turns on us i'll hold you personally responsible..."

Jewel nodded her head as it was as good a deal as she was likely going to get from them. It was mostly a victory, and strategy seemed to work on some level. Yet he knew her family? that didn't sit well with her... and made her antenna twitch.

" Agreed... i'll make the arrangements for your people to bring the paperwork to my office. Once i have read it over and had my legal time check it i'll make arrangements for Surge to be transferred to your Carrier. Now will you please remove the blockade... "

" That is satisfactory... and i'll open the blockade to essential personel, once the paperwork has been returned and i'm satisfied with what it. I'll lift the blockade and remove our soldiers. "

It seemed things were coming to a conclusion and... it wasn't ideal or perfect but it did seem that it was over. No one had gotten hurt, and despite Surge's loss she still saw it as a victory. On some level though he smile unsettled her deeply...

But it was over... or was this just the beginning?

"Stop being a little-" Surge cut herself off, taking a breath before speaking again. "I'm just tired Sonic. It's been a LONG fucking day between getting my memories back, Clutch getting away, and now all this shit with G.U.N." The tenrec was reaching her limit with bullshit for the day, though that other voice in her head was somehow keeping her from just popping off and going on a rampage. Still getting used to that.

"You can't win every battle Sonic, even if you want to. Life's a bitch like that, so gotta take those loss's on the chin. You just remember what I said. Follow the map I gave ya when you get to the town and don't tell no one. Even if you want to tell Tails fucking don't. I know, it's a lot to ask. I just need something today." As long as Sonic would take Drippy to where she wanted him to Surge could at least have one win today. Even if her map was kinda shit. "Whisper knows the town I'm talking about."

===========================================================

Belle knew that look, though she didn't mean any offense not telling Miles right now. "I just don't want Blaze to hear as I don't know her very well. If I have time to tell you myself I will, though I'll make sure Sonic knows he can talk to you about what I told him if I don't." The tinkerer whispered slightly mainly to let Blaze focus.

"I believe Surge meant both of their accounts on at that device. I am unsure given her way of speaking." Surge said that this was device had everything on it so assume both her and Kitsunami's story were on it. "Let us hope I am correct as I doubt we can afford to delay this any longer." The feline was correct in hearing that the General had opened up a link and it was then connected.

"Be careful with your wording General or one might mistake you for WANTING us to pick a fight, and I'm sure that's the last thing you wish." What a truly insufferable man, almost as if he was taunting them, though Blaze wouldn't play into his mind games. "Surge has agreed to turn herself in, however from statements from her, Kitsunami, Sonic, and Miles it is well established that Kitsunami wasn't involved in Surge causing chaos in that town. I'm sure security footage can prove that as well."

"As for Belle, you have no right to take her in given her being a legal member of The Restoration, having done no harm or showed any sign's of working for Eggman, and is part of Miles company. Along with her being a living being. If you wish to speak with Miles and Belle on the matter they are present and ready to do so. What I wish to discuss is how to smoothly transition Restoration members off base without causing a fight to break out."

[imhereandexist]

[Part 8: Final Part]

Everyone from each base got the call. Surround the base Eggman has built. Make it so no matter how many replicas were created. They wouldn't be overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Sonic, Shadow and Indigo claimed rights to Infinite before any of them could.

Amy was sour over the reports on Eggman's death. Shadow firmly stated to her what he had done. Sonic and Indigo stood by his choice and agreed it was the best choice. It had many of Sonic's friends questioning if he was mentally sound enough to fight. Even as they were all in the ship heading towards the volcano. Amy asked if Sonic would step down and leave it to them. While a doctor would give him a test or some questionnaire on his mental status.

“He is fine, Amy. He just knows there are boundaries one shouldn't cross,” Shadow looked at her. “Do you think Eggman could have been good? For how long? What would it have taken to keep him in check at all times?” Shadow questioned her. “What about our home? The home he has destroyed? The lives he took? What about those?”

“Sorry Amy, but I agree with Shadow. Eggman really crossed a line this time. If I knew there was enough of a good heart in him. I would have stopped Shadow,” Sonic took a deep breath. “But a good person doesn'...torment someone for six months and laugh, gloat and…”

“It's life!”

“I know!” Sonic yelled at her. “But Amy, look at what he did! Our friends, our home…it's in ruins. It will take so many years to rebuild and get our home back!” The hero gestured outside the ship. “All because he hated me! There was no good left in him, Amy. I saw no good.”

“You are a poor judge of character!”

Sonic took a deep breath, “no. When I met Shadow, I saw his pain. He was angry and hurt and had every right to feel that. Rouge was just a thief but I could see that she never actually harmed anyone. Omega went against his program and became an ally because he saw through Eggman's lies and I could see he was trying.” He explained, listing off the people he knew that were on the wrong side once.

“And chaos? Infinite? Eggman? Did they not deserve the same?”

“Chaos made it clear with its actions that it had no remorse. Infinite tortured me. He tried to me against all of you. If I had fallen for it, none of you would be here, y'know that! And Eggman…he had me fight until I couldn't even get up. There was nothing in them. There was no saving them. Zevick was the same as Eggman. I have never taken a life but the second I choose to participate in the act, I am told I went too far?!”

“You did! You should have stopped Shadow!”

Sonic looked away, “for once Amy, I don't think we will see eye to eye.” He looked back at her. “I am not the same Sonic I was. I'm tired, Amy.”

He walked by her with Indigo following close by. Sonic stopped at Shadow's side.

“I am going to run ahead with Indigo,” He opened the door.

“Okay. Stay safe. Please.” Shadow kissed him.

Sonic and Indigo jumped and he shut the door.

“I've…never seen him so…drained..” Amy held herself. “...he shouldn't be here.”

“And yet he is still fighting for his home. Even if people mock him, call him a murderer…he keeps fighting for you all.” Shadow took a long breath in and released it. “Let it go, Rose. He is done. After this, you all need to let him rest.”

She nodded and sat down. Knuckles looked at Shadow.

“I will admit. The murder was too far, but even I see the reasoning. I'll leave my friend in your care. You seem to know how he feels behind his mask.”

“We are almost there, guys. Sonic and Indigo are waiting.” Silver spoke up. “And for the record, I am with Shadow.”

“What?”

“In my future, Eggman was horrid. He took citizens, turned them into robots, mind controlled any who opposed him.” Silver listed off. “He took life from the planet and left many places in ruins. Forcing many people into the main area of his empire. He became a monster.”

“What…led to that..”

“Infinite did. Eggman used him to win the war we are fighting. Only Sonic wasn't just broken physically, but emotionally and mentally. We all watched as he was taken out. After we lost him, all hope was gone. Eggman won and our home was turned into a wasteland.” Silver gripped the steering stick. “He then abandoned his empire because he grew bored.”

“And where was the mighty shadow?” Amy asked.

“Frozen by Eggman. No one could find him. We searched but after we lost Sonic…we gave up. To this day, I don't know where that one is.” Silver went quiet. “They were lovers as well.”

“Wait, really?” Knuckles asked.

“Yeah. Him and Shadow kept their lives private but everyone knew. The two of them were always close by. When Eggman captured Sonic, Shadow went to find him. Soon enough, he was gone too.”

Shadow sat down and just chose to listen.

“It's said, they used the quill ritual but no one ever saw where they put it. And if it did happen, then it must have fallen off when Sonic’s quills were blunted.”

Amy went to ask, but closed her mouth to listen. Knuckles could only let Silver go on. The information that this war led to an empire that Silver barely survived. That they never won and lost so thoroughly.

“What happened to…”

“Infinite took over and was worse. It didn't matter if you followed the simplistic rules he made. You were taken out.” Silver answered Knuckles before he could finish. “Shadow made the right call. He has my support.”

Amy nodded, “and the…the Sonic of your time. Did he get the final words?”

“...he didn't speak at his execution. His eyes were dead….” Silver’s voice trembled. “The hero…he was gone…before..”

Shadow stood up and put a hand on Silver’s shoulder, “stop. It clearly hurts. No more.”

Silver took a deep breath and simply nodded.

“Do those answers tell you why I did what I did?” Shadow looked right at Amy. He wasn't glaring at her. He just looked worn down. “Or do you need a picture of it?”

He pulled the chaos emerald out.

“I'm going to Sonic. Please think about what you heard.”

He left before she could get up. Amy stayed sitting. Silver was quiet, but she could hear him trying to not cry at the memories. It was hard to not picture what he described. Their home is in ruins with Eggman forcing citizens into one location. Then, to make it worse. Shadow and Sonic, the powerhouse behind their army, were gone. One put on ice and the other was taken out after being brutally broken.

And this was the very war that would lead into that future. Silver coming back here and staying made so much sense to her now. There was no home to go back to. No one survived. They were all dead or worse.

“I'm sorry Silver.” She spoke up, not looking at him. “I didn't…think Eggman would go this far.”

“Now we know. Good thing Shadow did what he did.” Knuckles took a deep breath. “Let's take Infinite out. Maybe then, we can save his future.”

Silver laughed, “we already changed so much.” He looked back and smiled. “I got to meet the mighty Shadow and Sonic. And this time, they have a kid! Our world is already on the mend for sure.”

“He isn't as fast as Sonic, but he is strong. We may have a line of heroes.” Knuckles grinned.

“I'm landing. Let's get ready everyone!”

—----

Shadow appeared behind Sonic and Indigo. Neither had seen him yet. But he could tell Sonic was aware of him. They were looking at the large base before them. It had a tower at the center that could almost touch the sky.

“Tails is inside with the other Sonic.” He was told. “They are mapping what they can without getting caught.”

Sonic looked at him, “are you okay? I felt your worry.”

“Silver told us what happened after Eggman won this war.” Shadow got closer and pulled Sonic into a hug. “...eggman broke you…put me on ice…and we lost our home…”

Sonic hugged back.

“...he broke you down to where you said nothing when they…”

“Hey,” Sonic pulled back and looked at him. He saw tears forming. “I’m right here. Nowhere else. I'm right here.”

He pulled his gloves off and touched Shadow's face again.

“See? I'm right here.”

“I know I'll lose you one day, but to think I could have…”

Sonic held him close, “that day is far off, Faker. It's very far off.”

Indigo hugged him next and got pulled into the hug as well.

“Mom..”

“Let him have this moment. He needs it.” Sonic ran his claws through the quills.

He stood still and watched as the ships landed. People started to get off and onto the battlefield below them. Tails, Amy, Vector and all at the front of the army.

“We need to start our part soon,” Sonic pulled his gloves on.

“Sorry,” Shadow leaned back.

“You have feelings, Shads. Feel them.” The hero stretched. “Now, let's go for a run. Tails is back with the army, we got the map…and that is all we need.”

They stood near the edge of the cliff and spotted Infinite hover out towards the army. A sign they took to join them. In a flash, they stood by everyone.

“Long time no see, Ini! Did you miss me?”

“Tch, what idiot would miss a blue rat such as yourself?”

“Dude, have you ever seen a hedgehog? I can show you my quills up close if you can't see through the tiny eye hole.” Sonic quipped back.

“Doesn't matter. Eggman's death changes nothing. I do hope you all love the sun, because it's about to be above you!” He sped off into the sky.

Seconds after, the sun as promised appeared and was heading right towards them.

“That can't be real!” Knuckles yelled.

“We are in his reality. That is as real as it is! Indigo! Remember what I said about the prototype? You have to get up there and cancel his out!”

Shadow looked at his son.

“Wh..what? What if I can't?!”

“You can do this! I know you can!” Tails said.

“Time for a jump,’ Shadow grabbed Indi. “I am choosing to leave you here. Stay safe.”

“I will be fine. Promise. Get him as close as you can,” Sonic said.

Shadow got Indigo as far as he could inside. Then let him run ahead. He was back with the others and ready to fight. It was mostly Replicas and despite knowing what he looked like. Infinite forgot the blue quills again.

“He really doesn't remember the details,” Amy slammed a couple of his fakes into the ground. “Now I feel better. You were right, Shadow. I'm sorry.”

He nodded and kept fighting. Sonic was dashing around the field and taking as many as he could out.

“Almost there!” Indigo spoke through the comms.

“Tails, will you be able to go in and save him?” Sonic asked, arriving behind his brother.

“Of course! That's my nephew.” The yellow fox grinned. “Never leave family behind.”

Sonic and him teamed up to take a large portion of the fakes out with one hit.

“Then get out of here!” He dashed into a couple more to let Tails get away safely. Arriving right behind Shadow. “Darling.”

“You're late.” Shadow smirked and took a couple more out.

“Oh y'know me,” Sonic took a couple out and stood by his side again. “Need to keep you on your toes sometimes.”

“Uh huh.”

He sped off to help others. It felt good to watch the hero back at his full speed. He may have slowed down after all he had been through. Yet clearly, he still could live up to being the fastest thing alive. He was using his own powers to make sure multiple groups were out in seconds after he was in a new spot.

The sun kept getting closer and everyone started to push Indigo to just speed it up. It was starting to appear hopeless. No matter how many they took out. More would just appear!

“This is never going to end,” Amy yelled.

“Then we take it to the source,” Sonic stopped at Shadow's side. “We find Infinite.”

“Agreed,” Shadow pulled Sonic close. “Chaos Control!”

They were taken to another part of the base. It had a long track that they chose to follow. Soon enough, the sun was gone. Indigo cheered through the comms he was good for more. Tails dropped him with his parents.

“Ready?” Sonic asked him.

“Ready?” Indigo nodded. “I have been ready!”

“Time to end this,” Shadow nodded.

The three of them ran from the starting point and hit the set of challenges up ahead. Going up and down became tiresome quickly for Shadow. Indigo didn't mind. Sonic was happy to have something to challenge his body. Straight tracks were great, but sometimes he needed to jump and such just to ensure he wasn't losing his best skills. At the end of the road, they spotted Infinite.

“Even if you stopped one plan. I will simply put an end to you here. In fact, ending three heroes here will quell them all into despair.” Infinite warped reality once again and made one single track.

“Remember our deal, Indigo. I got my first hit.” Shadow cracked his knuckles.

“Tch, and what makes you think I would allow a pathetic wretch to-” Shadow was next to the Jackal in seconds with his fist making contact with the masked animal first. “You piece of sh-” Shadow's foot plummeted the enemy into the track beneath them.

He landed next to Sonic and Indigo.

“Is this all the great Infinite can do?” Shadow smirked. “How does the wound feel?”

The jacket growled as he saw it was freshly bleeding still, “you know what did this.”

“I do and it's hilarious to think that you lost, on your own turf.” The Ultimate Lifeform laughed. “And now, for the rest of this fight.”

“I'll make you pay for what you did to my mom!” He spun at him and missed.

“A pitiful attempt from a pitiful weapon,” Infinite hovered far away. “What would your epitaph be? ‘Here lies three rats, all weak and useless’?”

“How about: " Here lies a sad, masked loser”. Might as well make it for the one who needs it.” Sonic dashed at Infinite and hit him a couple times before falling behind Shadow.

“Insignificant rats!” He yelled, hovering back further. “You will all regret turning against the right ruler!”

“No one rules us!” Indigo sped up and Dash Slammed himself against the Phantom Ruby in the Jackal's chest. He slid behind his parents.

“Keep it up,” Sonic looked at Shadow. “But be aware.”

Indigo kept running and got past them. He took a chance and got another hit in. Both felt proud as they watched their son slide behind them. Sonic took his turn and Dash Slammed towards Infinite but was caught and thrown back.

“You think…I would let rats beat me down!”

“We are not rats!” Indigo yelled, standing between his mom and the enemy. “Get your animals right!”

Shadow lost sight of Infinite, but was able to sense the attack. He grabbed Sonic, dashed up to Indigo and further down the track to avoid bolts of miniature red cubes. He set his son and partner down when he stopped.

“Thanks,” Sonic nodded.

They ran down the track with Infinite following. They kept attacking when they could. Picking and whittling away the Jackal's strength. It wasn't the best idea, but so far it was working. The three of them kept doing as much as they could without tiring themselves out. Only for Infinite to stop and release a scream full of rage.

“ENOUGH!”

He let a burst of energy surge outward. The wave hit them and sent them rolling and practically bouncing down the track. Sonic managed to grab Indigo and take most of the damage. He trembled as he held his son close. Shadow was in front of them and slowly pushing himself up again.

“If you think this puny excuse of a fight will be the end of me. Me! The ruler of your world! You are mistaken!” He moved quickly and appeared right next to Sonic. “I'll make sure each one of you is so broken…so dead that you'll beg to be out of your misery!”

He reached down and grabbed Sonic by his throat. Sonic tried to pry his fingers as much as he could when Infinite began to squeeze. The longer and tighter the grip, the more he fought to break free.

“But first, I'll take out the hero they all turn to. The one who will always be a peaky, rotten, blue r-” the hand around Sonic's throat released.

The hero hit the track, gasping and coughing as air entered his lungs. He spotted the inhibitor rings on the ground. No need to look up and see what was going on.

“I am the Ultimate Lifeform. I hold back so I don't destroy the world,” Shadow's voice stated.

Sonic and Indigo looked up to see a chaos spear piercing through Infinite and the Phantom Ruby in the Jackal's chest.

“We are done here. You, Eggman and every single fool you make will no longer exist ever again. Now get out of my sight.” Shadow growled the rest out.

Then let the spear fade naturally. He landed and the Jackal hit the track with a thud. He quickly put the inhibitor rings back on. Making sure they were secure. Then checked on Indigo and Sonic. The world around them, even the sky started to gain red cracks all around.

“No..no! I can still fight! I can still win!” Infinite screamed. He turned to face them. “I can still beat you all!!!”

He reached out but never made it. He disappeared or evaporated into red particles. Once that happened, the sky above was free of the illusion as was the world and army Infinite created. Shadow helped Indigo up when he pushed himself up. Sonic took the moment to just exist in the ground.

“Sonic,” Shadow was next to him now. “Sonic?!”

“I'm…I'm okay..” he weakly raised a hand. Shadow took hold of it. “I am…existing..”

“Mom..” Indigo hugged him. “You should rest. It's over.”

“I…gotta help rebuild.” Sonic replied, catching his breath. “I have people to help.”

Shadow put his arm over his shoulders and lifted him up, “no. Leave that to the others. You are spent. Please rest.” He put his head against Sonic's. “I am asking you to just stop. Let someone else rebuild. Let another hero take your place.”

Indigo hugged Sonic, “please mom.”

Sonic laughed and hugged their son with one arm, “okay. Okay. But you two have to help in my place. Deal?”

“Deal,” Shadow chuckled. Of course Sonic would ask them to help.

“I can do that.” Indi nodded. “I'll do all I can!”

“Finally. It's over. We can finally stop.” Sonic closed his eyes. “Imma take a nap.”

“Go for it.” Shadow adjusted his grip. “I'll get you home first. Sweet dreams.”

Their response was light snoring. Indigo hugged his dad. Shadow called Amy and said he was dropping Sonic off at home first. He and Indigo would return to help rebuild their home. He had to tend to Sonic's needs first. She agreed. They were finally done. Now it was time to just enjoy real, genuine peace.

[casspurrjoybell-32]

Taken - Blue Moon Series - Chapter 8a

*Warning Adult Content*

Elder Cyrus

"Have you lost your mind?" I exclaimed at the four men once we were back in the Alpha's office alone.

"Not that I know of," Elijah smiled lounging on the couch.

"What's the problem?" the Head Elder asked.

"The problem is that you want my mate to handle a 'Seer' alone."

"He won't be alone Cyrus... he'll have Teagan with him," Jim said.

"Oh right leave the unstable pyro to deal with my mate and a Seer," the sarcasm was dripping off my tongue as I glared at the four calm men.

"Are you admitting that your therapy sessions with him were no good Cyrus?" Heath asked.

I gritted my teeth at those words.

I worked hard to try and get Teagan to join society, his mental state was almost beyond repair.

He was so scarred, he would attack for no reason.

I suffered plenty of scratches and burns from him till I finally earned a fraction of his trust.

From what I've seen of him recently, he's doing so much better.

Connor seems to be helping him cope with his past and keeping him sane.

But I don't know what might happen if he meets his parents.

They are the cause of his suffering and also his long lost baby brothers.

I sighed.

Oh, Lakota. He was not far from his brother in this.

He was just as scarred but since he had no powers to lash out with he had secluded himself in his wolf form.

This was the first time I'd seen him out in his human form for so long.

And I hated to admit it but I knew part of it had to do with Gale.

"Cyrus."

I was brought out of my thoughts as Heath came to stand before me.

"Sir?"

"I know this is hard for you, all these new developments with your mate, Gale and this war. But I need you to focus on the mission. Get to the Seer, gather the location of these rogues and hope we win this thing."

"I'm not scared of this war, Sir... I'm more concerned with what all this will do to my mate."

"Understandable," he nodded.

"Cyrus," I glanced over towards the Vampir King.

"Lakota has been through a lot, I know what a Syrin is capable of. He's lucky he's still in his right mind... unfortunate for his brother though. Your fortunate to have Lakota but I want you to step back and realize that Gale has entered your lives. My son is not an intruder in your world as you might think. He was brought to you for a reason."

I frowned as I stared at the vampire who had taken my mate.

"The Spirits make mistakes occasionally but when it comes to mating three individuals together, there could be no error. And to have a mate from another species altogether makes it impossible," this time it was Jim who cut in.

Jim was unusually wise for his age and when he gave advice it was heeded.

I nodded, knowing that their words would stick with me for good throughout this trip.

It was true that I was dumbfounded about Gale.

Why he was here and obviously mated to Lakota.

It made me angry when I first heard about it but now I think it was a strong kind of jealously.

Not that I would tell anyone that.

"All that you need to do is protect your team," Heath said.

I looked over at him.

"Sir."

"You're powerful Cyrus, more powerful than any other Elder that I know of. I understand that your loyalties are mainly for Lakota, since he's part of your pack and your mate. But I am trusting you to bring everyone back safely."

Heath's grey eyes were showing all the faith he had in me and I could do nothing but give in to his demands, he was my superior after all.

"Yes, Sir."

I bowed before leaving the room.

I stood outside of the closed door and lent my head back against the wood with my eyes closed.

-Let Teagan and Lakota speak to a Seer... of all things.

-Bring everyone back safe and sound.

-Win a war against my mate's parents.

-Accept Gale as Lakota's mate?

It was a list of difficulties especially the last.

I heard my wolf growl softly as I thought about it.

Shaking my head I pushed myself off the door and walked down the hall. 

********

Bags were packed, everyone was waiting outside.

Since we were going in wolf form we only packed a few clothes and cash for the few times we would need to go out in public.

"You ready?" I asked everyone who were standing around as I closed the front door.

"Yeah," Gale answered but I kindly ignored him.

I walked up to Connor and buckled the small pack around his neck and did my own.

"Alright. Let's go then."

All four of us shifted leaving our clothes tucked into a hidden clothes cache the Sky Raven pack left out for emergencies on the trees boarders and took off.

As we ran I saw that Gale may not be able to shift and have four legs but he ran pretty damn fast with two... he kept up with our pace so skillfully he was almost a blur.

[storytimewithnova]

Teenage Love and Obsession

Bokuto Kouri, the quintessential air-headed teenage girl with her head perpetually lost in the clouds, spent her middle school years believing in the love stories she read in teen magazines. According to those quizzes, she had convinced herself that one boy was her destined soulmate, and their compatibility was flawless. She was utterly infatuated and bordering on obsession

🎶A - i look at you when you walk by🎶

Every day, Kouri's routine involved gazing upon him, admiring his perfection, and watching him stroll past her. It was a brief encounter, but she cherished those precious seconds.

🎶B - i look away because i'm feelin' shy🎶

Whenever he drew near, she'd avert her eyes, overwhelmed by shyness.

🎶C- we're friends, so I say hi🎶

Kouri's perspective: She reveled in the fact that they were friends. Take that, popular girls! She had entered the friend zone, but strangely, it wasn't enough to satisfy her.

The more she obsessed over Semi Eita, the more oblivious he seemed to her feelings.

🎶D - i've never noticed🎶

Kouri realized one day, "Why am I only noticing this now? Wait, isn't that blonde guy passing by Atsumu Miya? He's gorgeous, and he's a setter, just like Semi! What was I expecting? Semi is a setter, Atsumu is a setter. I guess I have a type."

Akaashi interjected, "Captain... Captain, you're lost in your thoughts again, Bokuto-san."

Kouri: "Huh? What is it, Akaashi?"

Akaashi: "I said we have practice."

🎶e - the sight of you makes me wanna piss my pants🎶

Kouri responded, "Hai hai, let's go."

They made their way to the gym, where Kouri couldn't help but scan for two specific boys. Her nerves flared as she felt their eyes on her, and there they were—the two boys she had a crush on.

🎶a - i dream of you every day and night🎶

"They constantly invade my thoughts, my dreams, my everything. Morning, noon, night... they're always there. I want to hate them; I want to resist being consumed by thoughts of them, but I can't. I love them. Ahhh, I'm in love with them. Curse it!"

🎶b - i've dreamt of you before but once or twice🎶

Breaking the fourth wall, Kouri confessed, "Maybe I've dreamt of us together once or twice, but who am I fooling? I'm always thinking about it non-stop. Can you blame me? They're so handsome. I can barely contain myself around them."

🎶c - i manifest my dreams🎶

"I manifest my dreams of us together, from daydreams to dreams in my sleep. They're always there, and I know I sound obsessed. I admit it, I am. And it's tormenting me because I want to say those three little words. Damn it!"

🎶 d - i'm sleep deprived🎶

Concerned students wondered, "Have you seen Kouri?"

"Yeah, she doesn't look so good."

"Do you think she's sleeping?"

"It doesn't look like it. I hope she's okay, though."

"I saw her during lunch with those teen magazines, filling out those stupid quizzes. My buddy Kurt saw her scribbling stars and hearts on the cuffs of her jeans."

🎶e - the thought of you is perpetually in my head

Kouri sang, 🎶"Love quizzes got me in a state of mess, unnecessary stressing, obsessing when the answer's clear as day, and that might never change. I'm in love, I'm at the top of the class, I'm in love, and I know this feeling will last. I'm in love, and the quizzes show."🎶

The boys overheard her mention being in love and sensed that she was obsessed with the kind of love those teen magazines preached. Despite sharing the same feelings, they succumbed to the doubts sown by a manipulative "pick me" girl, thinking they couldn't provide the love Kouri sought. Consequently, they began dating the pick-me girl as part of her plan, and Kouri was heartbroken as she witnessed this turn of events.

Kouri couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Semi Eita and Miya Atsumu getting cozy with that infamous "pick me" girl, the one whose intentions were as transparent as glass. This girl was after nothing but fame and money, using the boys for their popularity.

As Kouri watched them together, her heart ached, and a storm of emotions raged within her. She had dreamed of being with Semi and Atsumu, and now it seemed like those dreams were shattering before her. The pain was palpable as she realized they had chosen someone else over her.

🎶f - my heart is breaking, it's an endless fight🎶

Kouri's heart felt like it was being torn apart, and she was locked in an endless battle with her own emotions.

Akaashi noticed the turmoil in her eyes and tried to console her, saying, "Kouri, it's going to be okay. Sometimes, things don't work out as we plan."

🎶g - i thought we were destined, but I was wrong🎶

Kouri couldn't help but think, "I thought we were meant to be, but I guess I was wrong."

The days went by, and Kouri continued to watch Semi and Atsumu's relationship with the pick-me girl unfold. It was painful, but she couldn't tear her eyes away.

🎶h - tears falling, I've lost my song🎶

Tears fell from Kouri's eyes as she felt like she had lost her way, her happiness, and her song.

Akaashi, who had been silently supporting her, finally said, "Kouri, you deserve someone who truly values and loves you for who you are. Don't let this break your spirit."

But Kouri couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever find that love she had dreamt of for so long. The lyrics of the song she had been singing seemed to mock her now.

🎶i - love quizzes, they've led me astray🎶

"Love quizzes," Kouri thought bitterly, "they've led me astray, and now I'm left with a broken heart."

Despite the pain, Kouri decided it was time to move on. She couldn't keep holding on to a love that was never meant to be. With Akaashi's support, she started to rebuild her life and find happiness outside of her unrequited love.

The story of Bokuto Kouri was one of youthful infatuation, heartache, and ultimately, resilience. She learned that real love was more than the quizzes in those teen magazines, and she was determined to find it.

A million thoughts raced through Kouri's head as she watched Semi Eita and Miya Atsumu with the pick-me girl. She couldn't help but question her own heart, wondering if she should continue listening to its whispers. Until now, she had walked the line of infatuation, with nothing truly lost, but there was an undeniable void within her.

🎶A million thoughts in my head🎶

Kouri was torn, uncertain about what was wrong and what was right in this tangled web of emotions. She grappled with the question of which path to take.

🎶Should I let my heart keep listening

'Cause up 'til now I've walked the line,

Nothing lost but something missing.🎶

She couldn't shake the feeling that she had been walking a fine line between reality and fantasy. Nothing had been truly lost, but there was an undeniable sense of something important missing from her life.

🎶I can't decide What's wrong, what's right

Which way should I go?🎶

Kouri found herself at a crossroads, unable to make a clear decision. The lyrics echoed her inner turmoil as she grappled with her emotions and the uncertainty of her feelings for Semi Eita and Miya Atsumu.

🎶If only I knew what my heart was telling me Don't know what I'm feeling Is this just a dream? Ah oh, yeah🎶

She longed for clarity, wishing she could decipher the cryptic messages her heart was sending. Was this love real, or was it merely a dream that would fade with time?As days passed, Kouri continued to watch the unfolding drama with a heavy heart, wondering if she should hold onto her feelings or let them go.

🎶If only I could read the signs in front of me I could find the way to who I'm meant to be Ah oh, if only🎶

Her confusion persisted as she yearned to understand the signs before her. She questioned her own path, hoping to discover who she was truly meant to be.Despite the uncertainty, Kouri couldn't deny the complexity of her emotions. The lyrics mirrored her inner struggle as she navigated the twists and turns of her teenage heart.

🎶Am I crazy? Maybe we could happen Yeah Will you still be with me when the magic's all run out🎶

Kouri pondered whether her feelings were rational or simply a flight of fancy. She wondered if there was a chance for something more with Semi and Atsumu. Would they still be there when the initial enchantment had worn off?

🎶If only I knew what my heart was telling me Don't know what I'm feeling Is this just a dream? Ah oh🎶

The lyrics continued to haunt her, emphasizing her inner struggle and the elusive nature of her emotions.As Kouri tried to move forward and rebuild her life, she couldn't help but long for clarity and understanding in matters of the heart.

🎶If only I could read the signs in front of me I could find the way to who I'm meant to be Ah oh If only, yeah If only, yeah If only, yeah If only If only If only🎶

These words echoed in Kouri's mind, a constant reminder of her quest to find herself and understand the complexities of love.

Kouri's journey continued, marked by a persistent inner turmoil. She wrestled with her emotions, trying to make sense of the tangled web of feelings that surrounded her.

🎶Every step, every word

With every hour I am falling in

To something new, something brave

To someone I, I have never been

As time passed, Kouri felt herself changing. Every step she took, every word she spoke, it felt like she was falling into uncharted territory. She was becoming someone she had never been before, and it both frightened and exhilarated her.

🎶I can't decide

What's wrong, what's right

Which way should I go

The uncertainty continued to plague her. The lyrics echoed the questions that swirled in her mind—what was the right path to take, and where would it lead her?

Akaashi remained a constant source of support, reminding her that it was okay to explore these uncharted emotions.

🎶Yeah

Am I crazy? Maybe we could happen

Yeah

Will you still be with me when the magic's all run out?

Kouri couldn't help but wonder if she was crazy for holding onto these feelings. She wondered if there was a chance for something real with Semi and Atsumu, even after the initial enchantment had faded.

🎶If only I knew what my heart was telling me

Don't know what I'm feeling

Is this just a dream?

Ah oh

The lyrics continued to resonate with her as she grappled with her emotions, desperately seeking clarity in the midst of her uncertainty.

With time, Kouri began to realize that she couldn't keep dwelling on a love that seemed to slip through her fingers. She needed to find her own path to happiness, regardless of whether it involved the boys she had once obsessed over.

The story of Bokuto Kouri was one of growth, self-discovery, and the realization that love was a journey filled with twists and turns. And as the lyrics suggested, if only she could understand the signs and follow her heart, she might find the way to who she was truly meant to be.

As time passed and Kouri's feelings continued to evolve, there came a moment when Semi Eita and Miya Atsumu began to overhear snippets of her conversations with Akaashi. They couldn't help but notice her inner struggles and the lyrics of the song she sang. The lyrics, in a way, became a soundtrack to her emotional journey, playing softly in the background as they observed her.

One day, while Kouri was talking to Akaashi about her changing perspective on love and life, the boys happened to pass by. Semi and Atsumu exchanged glances, recognizing the pain and confusion in her eyes.

They couldn't ignore the fact that they had been a significant part of her life and her heart's journey. It tugged at their own emotions, making them question whether they had made the right choice by dating the pick-me girl.

🎶If only I could read the signs in front of me

I could find the way to who I'm meant to be

Ah oh, if only

These lyrics seemed to resonate with them too, and they found themselves pondering their own decisions.

As the days went by, they couldn't help but wonder if they had misunderstood Kouri's feelings all along. The realization that they might have hurt her became a constant presence in their minds, just like the lyrics that played in the background of Kouri's emotional journey.

It was a turning point in their own stories, as they began to reevaluate their choices and consider the possibility that Kouri might be the one they were meant to be with all along.

Semi Eita and Miya Atsumu couldn't shake the feeling that they might have overlooked something essential in their haste to date the pick-me girl. The lyrics of the song had acted as a haunting reminder of Kouri's presence in their lives.

🎶Am I crazy? Maybe we could happen

Yeah

Will you still be with me when the magic's all run out?

Those lines echoed in their minds, prompting them to question whether they had made the right decision to pursue the fleeting magic of popularity and external validation over something deeper and more meaningful with Kouri.

🎶If only I knew what my heart was telling me

Don't know what I'm feeling

Is this just a dream?

Ah oh

They began to wonder if they had misread Kouri's emotions. Had they dismissed her feelings as mere infatuation when, in reality, it was something more profound?

The uncertainty ate away at them, and the more they observed Kouri's struggles and heard her heartfelt conversations with Akaashi, the more their own hearts were pulled in conflicting directions.

One evening, as they walked past Kouri, they couldn't help but catch a glimpse of the tears in her eyes. It was a moment of realization for both of them, a realization that they might have made a grave mistake.

🎶If only I could read the signs in front of me

I could find the way to who I'm meant to be

Ah oh, if only

These lyrics, which had been Kouri's anthem of self-discovery, now became a theme in their own lives. They knew they needed to confront their feelings and reassess their choices.

The story took an unexpected turn as Semi Eita and Miya Atsumu found themselves entangled in their own emotional journey, guided by the same lyrics that had accompanied Kouri's struggle to find her path.

When they go to her, hoping they never expected or wanted to hear. Kouri

Kouri:🎶A million thoughts in my head Should I let my heart keep listening? I know it's time to say goodbye So hard to let go...🎶

As Kouri's voice filled the air with her poignant rendition of the song, Semi Eita and Miya Atsumu felt a profound sense of regret wash over them. The lyrics resonated with them now more than ever, and they realized the gravity of their actions.

🎶I know it's time to say goodbye

So hard to let go...🎶

Kouri's voice was filled with a sense of finality, and the weight of her words hung heavily in the air. It was a heart-wrenching moment for both of them as they comprehended the depth of her pain and the possibility that they might have missed their chance.

They exchanged somber glances, a silent acknowledgment of the opportunity that might have slipped through their fingers. The realization that they might be too late to mend things with Kouri weighed heavily on their hearts.

The lyrics she sang had become a painful reminder of the choices they had made and the consequences of those decisions. It was a turning point in their own stories, one filled with regret and a desperate desire to make amends.

But the question remained: had they missed their chance to be with the girl who had loved them, even as they pursued empty fame and popularity? Only time would tell if their newfound understanding could lead to a second chance at love with Kouri.

In the days that followed, Semi Eita and Miya Atsumu couldn't shake the haunting melody of Kouri's song from their minds. They realized that they had been so consumed by the allure of popularity and the pick-me girl that they had neglected the genuine affection Kouri had held for them all along.

Each verse of the song echoed through their thoughts, a constant reminder of the time that had passed and the potential opportunities that had been missed.

🎶Every word you're not saying

Gets me lost in my imagination

And I'm on my way to a broken heart

And I'm walking' on shards...🎶

Kouri's voice had captured the essence of their situation perfectly. They had not spoken the words they should have, and they had left her heartbroken. The lyrics seemed to be a prophecy of their own making.

In a twist of fate, they found themselves drawn to Kouri, each battling their own sense of regret. They knew they had to make amends, to find a way to communicate what their hearts truly felt.

One day, they decided to seek Kouri out and confront their feelings head-on. They found her sitting alone, her gaze distant, and her voice silent.

🎶I know it's time to say goodbye

So hard to let go...🎶

Those lyrics, once sung by Kouri, now hung in the air as a silent plea for closure.

Semi and Atsumu approached her, and with sincerity in their eyes, they said, "Kouri, we need to talk."

Her eyes met theirs, a mixture of surprise and curiosity. It was a pivotal moment, a chance for them to finally express the feelings that had remained unspoken for too long.

The story was reaching a critical juncture, where the fate of these three intertwined hearts would be decided.

As Semi and Atsumu serenaded Kouri with their heartfelt song, it felt like a surreal moment in her life. Their voices filled the air, carrying with them a promise of change and a chance at happiness.

Semi & Atsumu:🎶Oh, yeah I guarantee I got ya

I've been craving for your love Can't see nobody but us So I, so I, so IbSee you from across the room Make my way over to you I'm trippin' over butterflies🎶

Kouri's heart raced as they sang. She couldn't believe that they were finally acknowledging the mistake they had made by choosing the pick-me girl over her.

Semi & atsumu 🎶Oh, yeah Baby, I don't really mean to rush But I'ma really need your touch If I'ma make it through the night I got the moonlight Tequila sunrise Uh, come take a shot on me, I got ya🎶

Her emotions were a whirlwind as she listened to the lyrics. It was as if they were confessing their feelings openly, as if the past mistakes were being washed away by the sincerity of their words.

But just as they were about to continue singing, the pick-me girl couldn't hold back her annoyance any longer:

Pick-me girl: "You chose the nerdy airhead over me? The girl that can give you everything? She's a nobody!"

Semi: (pausing) "That is where you are wrong, where we were wrong. You're the nobody, except for someone out for popularity and money."

Pick-me girl: "Huh? Who told you that?"

Semi: "Your ex, aka my friend."

Pick-me girl: "That meddling two-timing jerk!"

Semi: (smirking) "Haha, two-timing? Nah, love, that's you."

As the pick-me girl huffed away, Semi and Atsumu resumed their song:

Atsumu: 🎶Cards out on the table, what you say? I need you, you need me, you're mine I'm your moonlight, you're my sunrise, babe I guarantee I got ya Moonlight sunrise (oh) Baby, come be my starlight (oh, yeah) Moonlight sunrise Oh, baby, just to make you stay (ah, yeah) Moonlight sunrise Baby, let's do it all night Moonlight sunrise I guarantee I got ya🎶

Kouri was left with a mix of emotions, and she looked at them, her heart pounding. It was a lot to process.

Semi: (smiling) "Kouri, we realized we made a mistake. We were blinded by the wrong things, and we hurt you in the process. But now, we want to make it right."

Atsumu: "You mean everything to us. We don't want to lose you."

Kouri's heart fluttered. It felt like a dream come true, and yet, she needed time to think.

Kouri: "I... I appreciate your honesty, but this is a lot to take in."

Semi: "We understand, Kouri. Take your time. We just want you to know that we're here for you."

Atsumu: "And we'll do whatever it takes to make you happy."

As they spoke, Kouri couldn't help but remember the lyrics of the song they had just sung. It was as if those words had become a promise, a pledge of their genuine feelings.

🎶I don't know how to say this I hope this song's on your playlist This feeling's so hard to explain I don't even know how to talk right now It's "I-need-you-o'clock" right nownI want you to hear me say Moonlight sunrise Baby, come be my starlight Moonlight sunrise Oh, baby, just to make you stay Moonlight sunrise Baby, let's do it all night Moonlight sunrise I guarantee I got ya🎶

Kouri realized that she didn't want to let this opportunity slip away. Her heart had always longed for Semi and Atsumu, and now, they were standing before her, willing to make things right.

Kouri: "Okay, let's give it a shot. But we'll take it slow, alright?"

Semi and Atsumu exchanged relieved smiles.

Semi: "That's all we ask, Kouri."

Atsumu: "We promise we'll make it worth your while."

And so, as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the three of them, they took their first steps toward rebuilding what had been broken. Their journey would be filled with challenges, but they were determined to navigate it together.

As they walked away from that moment, the lyrics of their song lingered in the air, a reminder of the promise they had made to each other:

The three of them🎶I don't know how to say thisI hope this song's on your playlist This feeling's so hard to explain I don't even know how to talk right now It's "I-need-you-o'clock" right now I want you to hear me say Moonlight sunrise Baby, come be my starlight Moonlight sunrise Oh, baby, just to make you stay Moonlight sunrise Baby, let's do it all night Moonlight sunrise I guarantee I got ya🎶

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Kouri, Semi, and Atsumu embarked on a journey of rediscovery and genuine love. They took it slow, savoring each moment and building a bond that was stronger than ever.

The lyrics of the song that had brought them together continued to hold a special place in their hearts, a reminder of the path they had chosen. With time, Kouri, Semi, and Atsumu discovered that their love was more profound than any teen magazine quiz could ever measure. It was a love that embraced their quirks, celebrated their individuality, and grew stronger with each passing day.

Their story became a testament to the idea that love was not about popularity or external validation but about finding someone who truly understood and cherished you for who you were.

And so, under the moonlight and in the glow of the sunrise, their love story continued to flourish. They faced challenges together, supported each other's dreams, and cherished every moment they spent in each other's company.

As they looked toward the future, they knew that their love was destined to endure, just like the lyrics of their song And so, their love story, which had begun with a serenade and a heartfelt confession, continued to be written in the stars. They had found their way to each other, and in each other's arms, they found their home.

As they embraced the beauty of the moonlight and the promise of the sunrise, they knew that their love would always be a guiding light in their lives.