#and i'm still 9 hours away from the next event

[grinchwrapsupreme]

“I love Disco Elysium,” I say through gritted teeth as I sit with my eyes 2 inches from my screen desperately hovering my cursor slightly below the cigarette icon to see if I’m lucky enough to find the hit box so I can attempt to get myself out of soft lock as Kim spins in a circle beside me

[mimicha-arts]

Date: 09/29 SPOILERS FOR S2 Part 1

I don't know how many times I rewrote everything, my documents flew away for dozens of pages, so I will divide my post into several parts.

I like to theorize and explain things to myself, but at the moment every new question that comes up contradicts every answer I found. I don’t have a lot of time now, and unfortunately I have to write first, then translate. So I don't know when I will be able to edit the next part and post it.

In the first post I want to talk about time, number of attempts, and what the original reality is. My friendly reminder - this is all just empty speculation and I'm just having fun (while crying actually). I'm pretty sure that when we get trailers and more information about canon, I'll change my mind a lot. But that's it for now.

Time

The events in s2 take place in a short time. In the last interview it was said that about 3 days had passed. so. October, 23th - Lu Guang was stabbed, Cheng Xiaoshi was interrogated during the day, the events in the hospital placed during the evening. October, 24th - Chen Bin's funeral, Cheng Xiaoshi dived in his photo October, 25th - dive in Li Tianxi's photo, interrogation of Li Tianchen, time loop, Lu Guang's kidnapping October, 26th - everything that happened in the theater and in the tunnel Plus taking into account the time (about a month) they spent in the hospital, ep12 ends at the end of November/beginning of December, congratulations. The start of the new year is almost here, have we really crossed the critical point for Cheng Xiaoshi and he won't be forever 21? Heh.

9/13 is not the date of Cheng Xiaoshi's death,  it has to be 9/12. Below I will describe why I think that this is not his first attempt, and in this case more than 5 minutes have definitely passed. Time has not stood still, seconds are passing. Lu Guang's watch does not say five in the morning, but midnight and five minutes. The date of the password is Lu Guang's reminder, corresponding exactly to the time of the dive. If that's the case, I believe that each new reality is a new password corresponding to the time of  diving, as a reminder of the previous failure. 

Technically, I think that Cheng Xiaoshi actually died at 5:35 in the original timeline - this date was indicated, everything led to it, but in the end it was not shown  in s2 itself. The events in the tunnel do not correspond to this time, since the actions took place earlier (the meeting at the theater was scheduled for 3 am, the rest of the events happened very quickly, the whole action couldn't have lasted for 2 hours and a half, so I think everything happened before approximately 4 am or so).

It coincides too well with this broken time in the Overthink. So, I am desperate enough to believe that  Cheng Xiaoshi's death occurred at 05:35 (as actual time). Even if the specific time in the ED can be perceived as 5:20, because that is literally the reason why Lu Guang broke the time - his wish that Cheng Xiaoshi could live, his love for Cheng Xiaoshi. It is possible that time passed in the original reality - literally from this moment until the last attempt at 00:05. So maybe. While Lu Guang lives one life after another, in fact, Lu Guang is truly “frozen” in this 12-13 September, and not even a day has passed in the original timeline. Why do I think that exactly this amount of time has passed (more than five minutes, but less than a day)?

It’s difficult to say at all that Cheng Xiaoshi died in the photo studio in the first place.

There are changes in the design of their room.

Lu Guang probably washed the blood from his hands, so he spent some time for it, but did not change his clothes, still covered in blood, even has traces of blood on his face. (Did Cheng Xiaoshi touch his face before he died? Did Lu Guang himself cry, covering his face with hands? Oh, boy)

I'll talk about details in the next part.

Again and again

I feel sorry for him. He is the most pathetic, most selfish, most insane person in the universe. I love it so much.

I believe we have not yet seen the actual chronology in terms of events, but we have seen the original timeline in terms of Lu Guang's insane room.

I’m sure this is not his first dive; we have always had the symbolism of constant resets. Again and again, again and again, again and again. I think there have been many attempts. As many as there were photographs he could find - if the ability works the same way as Cheng Xiaoshi use it himself, and he should be the author of the photo, we can only cover our heads with our hands and cry.

This is Lu Guang's POV - Lu Guang already knew that the death node cannot be changed (meaning he already tried), but he still wants to use the very last attempt to try.

He looks so dead inside, it's impossible. In my understanding: he initially used earlier photographs that were closer to September, the death of Cheng Xiaoshi in the original reality, and then dived deeper and deeper into the past, into more distant events.

Let's go back to s1. It is still difficult to say how many times the events were repeated. Lu Guang himself confirmed it in his words that this happened more than once. There have been a lot of attempts, he himself said “no matter how hard you try".

I think that “last chance” meant just that, last chance. From what he said, we know that a photo can only be used once. If s1 showed us the events of the current timeline, which I believe, this was probably one of the earliest photos that Lu Guang could use - a photo that happened before their first meeting. Back to their real beginning. This… tritely has a beautiful and symbolic logic behind it. Current events are “all or nothing.”

The photo studio from the flashback is the original universe, this reality is not destroyed, he returns to it after each original attempt. We know that Cheng Xiaoshi died many times in many different ways. If there have been many attempts, if the attempts are limited to photographs, all he can do is use them from some original point.

Like I think he can't get an "infinite" number of attempts by using the photos again within the "past" he returned to. In my opinion, “dive within a dive” is impossible. I don't think that after diving, there is a possibility of another dive by the same person inside the diving - because it makes more sense if Lu Guang has an invisible timer that reminds him - the time is running out.

I think the design of their room in the original timeline confirms this. Their table is always full of books, there are things, lamps, even framed photo. Everything is empty. If these were the events immediately after Сheng Xiaoshi's death, would their room be so lifeless?

I'm inclined to think that Lu Guang went through all their belongings, used every possible attempt to find suitable photographs that would allow him to try to rewrite the events again.

I find destroyed or burned photographs more symbolic of failed attempts being burned, too - after all, a photo can only be used once, everything is changing, it’s not a time loop. Every used photo, every reality that doesn't turn out well, is another crossed out opportunity. But remembering his words about the destruction of photos - I think that we will see this again in the context of the fact that he destroyed the photos himself. It is quite possible that he destroys the photo after the dive to erase the reality/time where Cheng Xiaoshi died again as a fact. Because… otherwise a terrible situation will arise. If Lu Guang possesses himself from a photo, then after leaving it after Cheng Xiaoshi's death, the original!Lu Guang moves back to the original line, while Lu Guang from the rewritten timeline remains in the timeline where Cheng Xiaoshi is dead (and if the events are rewritten so deeply, it is not at all clear what will happen to his memory). Therefore, I am sure that the original Lu Guang must destroy the photographs because of this as well.

I was wondering if he destroys the photo while diving, right after it - maybe that's how the mechanics could work, I would say, of how he "locks" himself into a certain reality. But since I believe that he should return to the "original point", I do not think that this is possible - if he doesn't need to come back, if he just "dives after diving" further into the next timeline, it won't make sense: more photos can be taken, attempts won't end with a limit. But do I like this idea for the last attempt? That he has to live his entire life from the very beginning without a “save point” to return to? Oh. Yes. Note: I considered the possibility that there is no original timeline as a starting point for diving, that he dives again after diving inside the dive itself, destroys the photo immediately inside the dive, that everything is repeated again, no limit either. Just at some point Lu Guang himself decides there is no point in continuing to use any photos from this period, so decided to use a photo corresponding to the very very beginning. But in doesn't make sense, in any case he will have the opportunity to take more photos that he could use for further dives, this does not create a " the last try" point (even if it was possible, also knowing Lu Guang’s character, I don’t think that he could partly “give up”, partly take such risks voluntarily)

But it's still questionable. Because, if the original timeline exists, all dives were made from there, then a simple problem arises - given Cheng Xiaoshi's ability, all dives take place in “real time”, i.e. in the original reality the same amount of time should also pass. We all understand that this is impossible, it is difficult to imagine how many attempts Lu Guang made, how many years actually passed.

So, if we believe that the “original reality” is a thing, then the combination of their abilities, becoming a “perfect fusion,” has other limits, other specifics of using and/or the original timeline is so broken that time only passes when Lu Guang exists in it.

The original universe… or?

I hope I've made it clear enough before - in my opinion the original timeline was shown to us in terms of the timeline from where he dives into the photos. Their room. Because there must be something that creates a limited number of attempts.

But I have some doubts about the fact that what we saw in the vision or flashback is the original timeline, too. Yes, they could have shown us the very first death of Cheng Xiaoshi, this would even be logical, but the problem is that this is only relevant if we agree that Lu Guang has white hair from birth.

Considering that the hints themselves within the series may turn out to be a joke, I still haven't completely dismissed this idea. The only characters with unusual hair color are twins, but they are like that at least because of genetics, they inherited it from their mother. While the issue with Lu Guang remains open.

Therefore, I am considering 2 simple options: 1. Lu Guang's hair was originally white from birth, so we shouldn't expect him to have a different design in the original timeline. Or Lu Guang's hair turned white before Cheng Xiaoshi's death for some other reason. Then we can safely say that the events of the flashback is the original universe.

2. Lu Guang's hair was not originally white, but his hair gradually turned white with each dive attempt due to overpowering, trying too many times, and overusing his abilities.

If we consider the second option, then:

The flashback events shown to us are one of the later attempts, for example, the penultimate one, which is generally a possible option. That version of death, when Cheng Xiaoshi received a very similar injury to Lu Guang - that why the flashbacks were specifically about this late attempt.

The events shown to us are this current reality in which Cheng Xiaoshi was/has to be the 7th case, and this is exactly the death that was intended for him in this timeline - but this period of time, from April to September, was cut out and "stolen", just as case 7 disappeared. And that in the most recent attempt, not only was time rewritten “from the very beginning,” from the very first photo, but something else happened to prevent Cheng Xiaoshi’s death at the appointed time.

The one who was supposed to die in the photo studio when Lu Guang was stabbed - was Cheng Xiaoshi himself, and what was shown was not a flashback, but Lu Guang's vision of how things could have been different (if we perceive the forest not as a literal location, but a symbol) . I doubt it, but let's leave this possibility open.

Why do I even think that the white hair theory could be real? Of course, maybe it's just the light, but maybe… Due to Li Tianxi's memories and abilities, taking over the memories from the other reality in which Lu Guang lived, Qiao Ling's hair also changed a bit. Pay attention to the only white strain in her hair. This is an extremely interesting and rather intentional detail.

If this is the case, then Qiao Ling's white hair is a hint. This does not mean that every attempt is 1 white strand of hair. It's not that… literal. This is an artistic way of allowing the viewer to speculate if this is the case.

I'm not betting on any particular idea, given that things can't be that simple and we don't really know how September-April will be explained. Another problem is why Lu Guang is wearing a watch on his other hand in this shot. Everything may be different, case 7 may be about a completely different character. But I also think many things will be connected at some point.

Photos and OP

There are a lot of photographs. So many. As we remember from Dive Back in Time. There will be two key ones - thanks to Vortex.

One of which is precisely related to the moment that allowed Lu Guang to travel 6 years (or more) into the past - to the moment they even met. Would this be a photo at school? Was it an accidental photo left behind? I have much more painful though. Their “very beginning” has a huge chance of not being high school time, but as I mentioned before, I’ll leave that for a separate post.

But the other one? I can’t imagine clearly, of course, but for me there are 3 ways:

This is about the current timeline - September-October were influenced by the use of a different photo - it will let us understand what the 7th case and one of the main storylines.

The starting point from where Lu Guang began his attempts to save Cheng Xiaoshi and change his fate. The core one.

If we believe the hints in the art book, the intro, the dark design of Cheng Xiaoshi, then the photo will be from the moment where something happens to make CXS become depresso!CXS.

I had hopes that the teaser would be about s3, and thus something would become clearer in my head, but… For now, we can only build theories for the next year or two.

Thank you for reading ~

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

Dangancember 2024 - Danganronpa Top 24 Class Trials - Number 9: Danganronpa Another Case 6

//When I got to ordering this list, it honestly surprised me just how much I liked the ending to the original Danganronpa Another Despair Academy.

//Up until now, I've talked about all of the game ending trials with only one more to go, and so far, my opinions of them have ranged from catastrophically bad to "eh, it's alright."

//While not my top ending, this one still deserves a lot of credit. Mainly in the way it wraps up all the mysteries of the school, while also delivering an emotional punch to the face. Narratively, it's very well handled, but it still falls a little flat purely because of some contrivances contained within it.

//Which makes it all the harder to defend because I've seen that quite a few people are REALLY not on board with this ending. And trust me, I get why, but what are problems for you might not necessarily be problems for me, and if they are, then maybe I think about them differently in ways that I feel they're justifiable.

//I'm pretty sure that this is the trial that most of us have been anxiously waiting for me to cover, because I have drawn reference from it in almost every other Another trial that I have covered on the list so far, especially in regards to its masterminds, and finally, we are here.

//But let's go beat by beat, and let's start by explaining the full circumstances behind DRA1's Killing Game, as revealed in this chapter and trial. Sit down, because you're gonna spend the next hour hearing me lecture plot at you:

//As fans of the Danganronpa series know all too well, the franchise loves its convoluted plots, memory-erasing shenanigans, and high-stakes death games. Most of the action revolves around the antics of Class 77-B, who become the future Ultimate Despair, and Class 78-A, the unlucky stars of the first game, at Hope’s Peak Academy. These two groups are iconic for their tragic descents into despair and their respective experiences in nightmarish killing games.

//But Another Despair Academy takes a sharp turn, veering off into an entirely different story by introducing the stragglers: Class 79, the underclassmen of the Danganronpa 1 cast.

//Now, if you think this is going to be a copy-paste of Makoto and friends losing consciousness in the entrance hall, only to wake up trapped in a killing game with zero memories...

//Well, you’re right...

//But also spectacularly wrong. Class 79’s situation spirals into its own unique, chaotic mess.

//The story begins with Class 79 arriving for their first day at Hope’s Peak Academy. Or so they think. Like their predecessors, they lose consciousness right in the middle of the entrance hall, and wake up to find themselves trapped inside the school, with the only way out being to kill a fellow student and get away with the crime in the Class Trial.

//It's revealed in this trial that they’ve already been attending Hope’s Peak for months. As with Class 78, their memories have been wiped clean by the Killing Game’s resident neuroscientists.

//By the time Class 79 arrived at Hope’s Peak, the Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History was already in full swing. Junko was busy doing what she does best: wreaking havoc, brainwashing Reserve Course students, and sowing chaos.

//This is where Yamato Kisaragi, a student in Class 79 and an early candidate for “guy-who-tried-his-best-but-still-failed-spectacularly," award comes in.

//Yamato realized something was very wrong at Hope’s Peak. Instead of sticking around to figure it out, he decided the best thing to do first was to evacuate his classmates to safety.

//This "safety," however, turned out to be a secluded Kisaragi Foundation research lab on a remote island. And because nothing in Danganronpa ever goes according to plan, things quickly went south.

//Unbeknownst to Yamato, and in an eerily similar fashion to Junko Enoshima and Mukuro Ikusaba, two of his classmates were secret agents of Despair. These double agents infiltrated the lab, and what followed was a slow, methodical takedown of the rest of the group. Even Tsurugi, the group’s resident justice fanatic, couldn’t escape their grasp, despite holding out with a head-to-head confrontation.

//As tradition demands, the survivors had their memories wiped courtesy of Junko and Yasuke Matsuda’s patented "Forget Everything and Suffer" operation.

//But Here’s where the plot gets spicy: Class 79’s killing game wasn’t just another tragedy...it was the FIRST killing game.

//Junko orchestrated this bloody rehearsal to test the waters before unleashing her masterpiece with Class 78. Think of it as a twisted trial run for Despair Incorporated.

//To sell the illusion, the traitors and masterminds behind the operation even erased their own memories and remodeled the lab into a replica of Hope’s Peak Academy. The result? Class 79, now brainwashed, believed they were still attending school while being forced to participate in the experiment.

//This final trial reveals that the masterminds behind this disaster were the Ultimate Maid, Akane Taira, and an undercover Despair bigwig hiding among the survivors. Akane, regaining her memories before the final trial, takes on the role of the main villain and sets the stage for the grand finale.

//She scattered clues around the facility, leading the survivors to believe that solving the Killing Game’s mysteries in a class trial would secure their escape.

//The game’s protagonist, Yuki Maeda, has a rough time during all this. Thanks to some memory manipulation quirks, he keeps experiencing random flashes of how the Killing Game worked, which only adds to the chaos. During the final class trial, the surviving quartet, Yuki, Rei, Tsurugi, and Teruya, unravel most of the game’s secrets.

//Just when things seemed to be wrapping up nicely, Akane dropped the ultimate bombshell: the true mastermind wasn’t her. It was one of them.

//Cue the panic. The survivors scrambled to prove their innocence by recounting their lives, but Yuki hits a wall...literally.

//He can't remember anything about his past, not even his own mother’s name. Things go from bad to worse as Yuki’s headaches intensify, and he suddenly finds himself inside his own mind space. Here, he was presented with two choices: embrace Hope or give in to Despair.

//In the canonical ending, Yuki recovers all his memories, but his current persona vanishes, and his true identity emerges: Utsuro, an Ultimate Despair with godlike Divine Luck and a spot on Junko’s VIP list.

//As Utsuro, Yuki’s transformation reveals the depths of Junko’s machinations and sets the stage for everything to come.

//And there you have it: Danganronpa Another Despair Academy. It’s a prequel, a sequel, and a rehearsal all rolled into one. Now where do we start unpacking this?

//First of all, A-6's investigation is generally pretty solid. Similar to 1-6, it does, for the most part, feel like you're solving a mystery. However, the way it's executed is different from it in a good and a bad way.

//For one, the trial is still ultimately Akane lecturing you on everything that's happened, and all you're really doing is finding the clues that she on purposefully placed in the academy. So it's not just a matter of you finding the proof that was already there, it's basically just Akane planting them, and you're going on an easter egg hunt, which kind of takes away from the sense of accomplishment.

//But what I think balances that out is the fact that Akane genuinely gets ANGRY if you don't do as you're told and solve the mystery. And honestly, with how painstakingly obvious all the clues are, I totally understand that. She genuinely gets pissed when no one recognizes the fact that Yamato's diary referred to the Masterminds in plural, and she's the one who has to say "Jesus Christ, there's an S at the end of these words, what part of there being more than one of us are you not getting!?"

//Of course, the real reason why she's so frustrated is because she put the clues down to coax Utsuro out of Yuki. I just think it's funny, but it also really reinforces that everyone in this trial is just...really dumbed down so that it feels like Akane is in control the whole time. Akane herself is great, and she does feel like she towers over the others in terms of status for this trial, and the fact that the investigation is directly managed by her reinforces this.

//But at the same time, everyone who has made it to the end of this game is decently smart, except Teruya really, but it feels like the investigative skills they've all shown through the game don't even apply here. Even Teruya somehow feels as dumb as he's ever been here, because he's the one who has to ask the questions so that the other characters can explain things to him, and by extention, the player.

//And for what it's worth, the characterization for these characters in this final trial is generally fantastic despite this.

//ESPECIALLY Rei.

//This is just my personal bias really, but I think this trial and the way that Rei reacts to the fact that not all of them are going to make it out together is kind of heart-wrenching.

//The way that she breaks down and reveals her true feelings doesn't feel unnatural either. Throughout the whole game, through every class trial we go through, Rei becomes gradually more and more not okay with everything that's going on. And this just feels like the final nail in what is a slowly building coffin for her.

//I think what I like about this final trial is that this feels like the kind of death game ending that Uchikoshi would think up. It kind of ticks all the boxes for this genre.

//For one, it's the only one of the five main games to have a very prominent good and bad ending. Like the bad ending to the first Danganronpa game, it's pretty sudden, but I think it's way more impactful and way less...strange.

//Okay, so the whole point of DR1's bad ending was to be discreetly unsettling. But the bad ending of the original Another is far more...I guess poignant would be the best word.

//And no, I don't mean that in the sense that Yuki gets a claw run through his chest.

//At the end of the trial, when Akane urges everyone to figure out who the Mastermind is, and Yuki starts to bluescreen because he realizes that he knows nothing about himself, you are given two choices. You can either go through a white door, or a black door that forms in Yuki's mind.

//Going through the black door unlocks the true ending where Yuki reverts back into Utsuro, but if you go through the white door, he regains all of Utsuro’s memories, including the weight of his past atrocities and the existential despair that led to his identity crisis, but ultimately still remains Yuki Maeda

//Akane, as you can imagine, is furious over the experiment’s failure, but her rage doesn't come from a villainous origin so much as it does her desperation to save her beloved Utsuro, highlighting her complex, misguided loyalty to him. And when she realizes Utsuro had lost the will to live long before the Killing Game, her heartbreak drives her to end Yuki’s life, leaving his existence as both Utsuro and Yuki unresolved.

//And the last thing that Yuki hears as fades away are her tears.

//Can you see how that's already so much better than 1-5's bad ending!?

//This ending works well because it encapsulates the despair that defines the Danganronpa series. The stark contrast between Akane’s rage and her eventual sorrow adds depth to her character, showing her as more than a villain. It shows off the tragic figure that she was before she became a Despair, trying to hold onto the only one she ever cared for.

//It's just so incredibly creative that the ending where Yuki retains his personality and stays as himself is the "Bad Ending" while the one that he reverts back to Utsuro is the "True Ending."

//Because even though Yuki turns back into Utsuro, he's STILL the protagonist of the game, so the fact that he returns, and manages to kill off most of the students in the killing game IS HIS GOOD ENDING! He ACHIEVED his goal, and Akane achieves hers at bringing him back.

//It's just...SO genius!

//If I have any problems with the fact that Utsuro comes back, it's...I won't say it's bad, but it's conflicting that after he reappears, Yuki is basically just GONE!

//You've spent the whole game playing as this character, and while it's awesome that this is how it happened, Yuki effectively dies when Utsuro pops out again, and this is how his story ends.

//He just completely disappears until he gets resurected in SDRA2. Which ironically gives him a happy ending at long last and after all this, dear god he deserved it.

//Anyway, I kind of want to go through all these points in order as I can, so the next thing I want to talk about, and something that I kind of HAVE to talk about, is the huge flashback sequence that happens in this chapter.

//Before Yuki makes his choice to choose between Yuki and Utsuro, there's a lengthy scene that shows the events that unfolded with Yamato's evacuation, and how it actually happened, as well as how Utsuro and Akane subdued the rest of the students.

//It's...pretty long, and kind of doesn't need to be, but it's still interesting to watch. Especially in the sheer parallel between Mikako and Yuki.

//Ironically, Mikako is this bright and bubbly person who believes in people to a fault, while Yuki, or Utsuro, is just deep in thought, quiet, and doesn't speak to people. Meanwhile, both these personalities are completely flipped on their head when they actually meet in the Killing Game.

//The flashback sequence offers a glimpse into how the students interacted before their memories were erased. Unlike most games, where we meet characters already thrust into the despair-filled chaos of a killing game, this sequence peels back the layers to show their pre-tragedy lives and relationships.

//While Danganronpa 3: Despair Arc did something similar with Class 77, the focus there was more on Junko and Izuru’s rise to infamy, leaving the classmates as a supporting cast. Here, however, the spotlight is firmly on Class 79, making the flashbacks feel more personal and impactful.

//What makes these moments so intriguing is the contrast between the tense, fractured dynamics during the killing game and the warmer, more natural bonds we see in their past.

//During the game, it’s clear that trust is a luxury none of them can afford. Nobody truly feels like "friends." But in the flashbacks, when their memories are intact and their relationships less strained, you see glimpses of a group that could have grown into something special.

//Some standout moments include Kisaragi’s growing suspicion of Akane and Utsuro, which are ultimately undermined by Mikako’s misplaced trust in them.

//Seeing Mikako and Yamato as their true selves, unburdened by the effects of Yamato’s infamous retention machine, is a bittersweet reminder of the personalities they lost along the way.

//And then there’s Yuki, eerily silent as chaos unfolds around him, his passive demeanor from his own POV hinting at the dark truth of his identity.

//The truck sequence, where the classmates use their talents to defend themselves against Monokumas, is a real highlight. It showcases how each character reacts to the crumbling world around them, offering flashes of growth and camaraderie even in the midst of destruction. Even characters like Mitch and Kizuna, who we've already established as the bad eggs of the group, get their moments to shine, proving that they’re more than just walking red flags. There’s an underlying sense of tragedy in seeing the potential for all of these characters to become better versions of themselves, only for it to be snatched away.

//The key takeaway from this flashback is the strength these students draw from their bond with one another. They may not have reached the tight-knit unity of Class 77, but there’s a budding sense of a dysfunctional family forming among them.

//The killing game’s ultimate purpose, to strip them of that foundation, becomes all the more devastating in this context. By showing us what these students could have been, the flashback adds layers of depth and heartbreak, turning what could have been a simple backstory into a critical, character-driven tragedy. It’s the kind of storytelling that Danganronpa excels at, giving you just enough hope to make the despair hit that much harder.

//And speaking of flashbacks, as I already said, this game is actually a fanmade prequel to the entire Danganronpa series.

//I largely think the reason why LINUJ made the DRA series part of the same timeline as Danganronpa's is ultimately to play it safe. As one of the first big fangans, you already know the stakes as a player, and there's already established lore that you can work around. Ultimately, Utsuro and Akane do get tied back to Junko in this way, and the game itself is a prelude to the killing game that happens in Trigger Happy Havoc.

//A means of the Ultimate Despair testing the waters, if you will.

//These days, Fanganronpa games and series often choose to distance themselves from the Hope’s Peak timeline for a variety of reasons, with the primary one being creative freedom. The Hope’s Peak saga is rich with lore and intricate connections between its characters, but that complexity can also be restrictive.

//By creating entirely new timelines or settings, creators free themselves from the constraints of canon events, allowing them to explore unique storylines, characters, and themes without being tethered to established lore.

//This freedom enables creators to reimagine the series in fresh ways while still adhering to its core mechanics, such as the killing game and class trials.

//Also, unlike how this game seems to do it decently well, integrating their stories into such a tightly knit narrative without contradicting canon is insanely difficult.

//The Danganronpa series has a detailed timeline that spans decades, involving global events like the Tragedy and the rise of Ultimate Despair. Trying to slot a new killing game or set of characters into this timeline risks creating inconsistencies with established events. So instead, many creators opt for alternate timelines or settings, where they can craft original stories without the burden of reconciling their narrative with the complex events of Hope’s Peak.

//So people tend to really not like Fanganronpa's that tie into the Hope's Peak saga an awful lot. I already know a few of you who have admitted as much to me yourselves.

//However...I'm actually going to have to disagree with you.

//I'm not going to claim that a Fangan that takes place within the original timeline is better than one that doesn't, but I don't think they deserve to be looked down upon as a result of it.

//Granted, Another 2 seperates itself from the main timeline to branch off what LINUJ established in the first game, but Another 1, demonstrates that fanmade games can still take place within the Hope’s Peak timeline effectively.

//Another 1 acts as a prequel to the first Danganronpa game, leveraging the established world-building while adding its own layer of storytelling, which I think was the most creative approach to go about it.

//It's equally risky, but it works because it respects the existing lore while expanding on lesser-explored areas, such as the potential underclassmen of the original game, and their relationship to the overarching story of Hope’s Peak and the Tragedy.

//Most people would say that a safer approach to go would be to make a Killing Game that takes place after the series, like...

//Well...THE AFTER...

//But what makes Another 1 particularly successful is its ability to add new dimensions to the established timeline without overshadowing or contradicting the original story, even though it's really easy to add a detail that probably doesn't make sense in the main game's context.

//By simply presenting the 79th Class as precursors to the killing game experiments seen in the main series, it provides a unique perspective on Junko’s machinations and the broader impact of despair. It explores a fresh angle while still respecting the core themes and structure of the Danganronpa universe.

//Additionally, Another proves that stories set in the Hope’s Peak timeline can enrich the series by answering lingering questions or providing new insights into established events. For instance, it delves into the psychological effects of memory erasure and examines how the killing game concept was developed and refined.

//Ultimately, while many fanmade games choose to break away from the Hope’s Peak timeline for creative freedom, Another 1 stands as an example of how a well-crafted story can thrive within those boundaries. It demonstrates that even in a world as intricately detailed as Danganronpa’s, there’s room for new narratives that honor the source material while offering something fresh.

//But it's not this concept, or the truths that are revealed necessarily, that are the highlight for me with this trial. For me, my love for this trial, and why I put it so high up on this list, comes down to two things.

//The first...are the villains.

//This is going to be what I think is definitely...a take...But it's how I genuinely feel, and it's this:

//UTSURO AND AKANE ARE THE BEST VILLAINS IN THE ENTIRE SERIES!

//Genuinely, I was so excited to get to this trial PURELY because it means I get to rant and rave about how these two are FUCKING EXCELLENT! Not only are they portrayed as incredibly diabolical, but engaging antagonists in the game, but they leave such an astounding legacy across the Another series, and are well-rooted into it thanks to their backstories.

//Akane, on her own, is handled PHENOMENALLY well. The sheer fact that she is effectively this game's Deutragonist, as well as having such critical moments of frienship and potentially sexual tension with Yuki, really rides home the fact that she was one of the Masterminds behind it.

//And what's great is that LINUJ doesn't even make it obvious. Akane has such a compelling character arc throughout the game that really blindsides you to how she really is as a character.

//In Chapter 2, things take a dark turn for Akane. One night, she’s called to the Switchium by Kizuna, who tries to rope her into a plan to kill Yuki. Akane outright refuses, but Kizuna, desperate, attacks her. In the scuffle, and because it’s pitch-black, Akane accidentally stabs Kizuna. Shocked, she flees with blood on her hands, only to be seen by Ayame. To protect Akane from being executed, Ayame kills Kizuna instead. However, this selfless act seals Ayame’s fate, and she is executed.

//Akane is deeply traumatized, falling into a state of shell shock after Ayame's execution. The day after, the students investigate newly unlocked areas, but Akane isolates herself, refusing even Yuki’s attempts to comfort her. When she finally rejoins the group for breakfast the next day, she barely speaks, only murmuring Ayame’s name in a broken voice when someone mentions her.

//Things worsen when Monokuma reveals the third motive: personalized videos designed to provoke the students by showing them their desires. The videos are shown in a private, soundproof room, and students are forbidden from discussing the contents. Akane’s video, cruelly tailored, features Ayame blaming her for her death.

//This sends her over the edge. By the time the viewing session ends, Akane snaps out of her daze, screaming and running out of the gym. The others speculate her reaction was tied to the motive video and go looking for her, eventually finding her in her dorm room.

//The next day, Akane’s despair culminates in a suicide attempt. She’s discovered by Haruhiko, Satsuki, Teruya, Mikako, and Yuki, covered in blood and muttering about needing to join Ayame. Mikako steps in to calm her, offering reassurance and trying to remind Akane of her worth.

//This, coupled with the fact that Tsurugi spends all of the game after Chapter 2 refusing to let Akane live down what she did, and probably trying to STEER her towards this suicide attempt, leads to a long-running character arc that really keeps you hooked on Akane T. and her relationship with Yuki.

//The only other Mastermind who hides as part of the main group for the whole game is Tsumugi Shirogane, and as we've already said about a dozen times already, she's so pointless as a character throughout all of V3 that it ultimately means when she finally is revealed to be the Mastermind, nobody fucking cares.

//But this character is effectively your BEST FRIEND, possibly your love interest! Imagine being in Yuki's shoes for THAT revelation!

//But what makes Akane so bloody fantastic is that her being revealed as the Mastermind...DOESN'T WASTE THIS!

//As I've already said, Akane does cry when Yuki dies in the Bad Ending, which already shows a far more human side than the likes of Junko or the others.

//After Utsuro reveals the harsh truth about their families, sending Rei, Teruya, and Tsurugi spiraling into despair, he orders a group of Monokumas to finish them off. However, when the Monokumas close in, Akane unexpectedly turns against Utsuro, destroying the Monokumas with sheer force and disobeying his commands. Furious at her defiance, Utsuro orders Akane’s death as well.

//Just as all seems lost, the monitor broadcasting Monokuma’s presence is suddenly hijacked by an Alter Ego of Yamato. Yamato’s hopeful message reignites the trio’s will to fight, and they rally to confront Utsuro.

//As a Monokuma charges toward Rei, Akane throws herself in front of it, taking a deep slash to her side to protect her. When the facility's self-destruct sequence is triggered, Akane urges the trio to escape, choosing to remain behind with Utsuro.

//In their final moments together, Akane reveals to Utsuro why she defied him. She confesses that she heard Ayame’s voice in her head, reminding her of the person she truly was. Acting on that voice, Akane chose to reclaim her humanity and protect others, even at the cost of her life.

//What simply makes Akane such a fundamental and amazing character in this game is that unlike the rest of LINUJ's characters, she just never stops growing or developing as a person. And when you look at her backstory, and how she was an orphan who was saved by Utsuro, and swore undying loyalty to him, you kind of see how it works out.

//In reality, the Akane Taira of old grew up with just Utsuro to love. But as part of the memory erasure, she made genuine friends and bonds in the Killing Game, particularly Ayame, and that had an affect on her. When she saw what was happening to the survivors, even though she knew it was part of the plan, she found herself...not liking it.

//In a way that she herself couldn't explain, and before she knew it, she had acted on that doubt and turned against the one person she was faithful to.

//I just...GOD I love it!

//Akane is such a good Mastermind and villain compared to the other villains in Danganronpa because she feels like such a human by comparison. As far as the characters in this game are, she's written exceedingly well, and this reflects back on her brief appearances in SDRA2, and how she influences Sora in the final trial of that game.

//But of course, despite how amazing she is, Akane is ultimately the second fiddle to Utsuro in the same vein as Mukuro is to Junko. So we need to talk about him as well, and you might be wondering what do I actually think of Utsuro as a villain?

//Well, I really like him too!

//First of all, with Utsuro, let's not beat around the bush.

//One could argue that the twist that Yuki is the true Mastermind of the Killing Game is eerily similar to the twist that Hajime Hinata is actually Izuru Kamukura. There are very similar beats to it, namely that Utsuro and Izuru themselves seem devoid of any personality, ally themselves with Junko, and are beings up nigh unstoppable and ridiculous power, respectively with Divine Luck and Ultimate Hope.

//And you know what? I will concede with this. And I have said before that one of DRA's most controversial issues is that it copies/borrows a lot from the games that preceded it, due to LINUJ playing it safe with his Fangan.

//However, fundamentally, I actually think Utsuro ticks all the boxes for a stoic, overpowered antagonist that Izuru failed to tick for me. And I can boil it down into just one comparison:

//Utsuro is a character.

//Izuru...is a plot device.

//As much love as I do tend to show Izuru, I like him really as a concept, and for his role in the story. He exists for two reasons: to explain why Hajime is involved in the plot of DR2 despite being a Reserve student, and to show the moral corruption of Hope's Peak Academy and how Junko used it against them to end the world.

//Izuru’s design as the "Ultimate Hope" who possesses every ultimate talent makes him excessively powerful. This diminishes tension in the story because he lacks significant personal challenges or growth, he's essentially perfect at everything.

//And similarly, Utsuro's ability of Divine Luck, and the way people tried to exploit that from him is very similar. However, by comparison, Izuru doesn't evolve meaningfully as a character.

//While this reflects his existential ennui, it results in a static portrayal. Even when he appears in Danganronpa 2 and Danganronpa 3, he serves more as a plot device than a dynamic character.

//A tool to drive the story forward rather than a fully fleshed-out personality. His role is more about being a catalyst for Despair by creating the Tragedy and assisting Junko rather than a nuanced individual with his own compelling motivations.

//The big issue with creating this type of character is the concept of someone burdened by perfection and robbed of humanity is interesting, but it’s not explored deeply enough. This is something that I mainly do with his role in DR Survivor, but Izuru could have been used to explore themes like individuality, the value of imperfection, or rebellion against societal expectations. Instead, his apathy dominates his characterization, leaving these themes underdeveloped.

//But while Izuru fails to do that...Utsuro succeeds.

//Utsuro only appears twice in the series. He appears for the first time in this trial, and is present for the whole second half until the end, and then he shows up in the final chapter of SDRA2, where he's there, and has some good dialogue, but isn't as interesting as he is here.

//But somehow, not counting DR3, that's more screentime than Izuru ever gets, and really good things are done with it.

//For starters, yes, he's equally as stoic, and his facial expression rarely ever changes, but Utsuro has far more personality than Izuru. And on top of that, he is far more of an antagonist.

//I think largely the reason why this is is because Izuru had his personality taken out of him physically, but Utsuro fell into it naturally as a result of his abilities.

//Additionally, and this may ultimately be my personal opinion, I like Utsuro more than I like Yuki. At least more than I liked Yuki in the first game. I most assuredly, 1000% do NOT like Izuru more than I like Hajime.

//Hajime's journey of self-discovery, insecurity, and growth throughout Danganronpa 2 makes him one of the best characters in the franchise, but Yuki feels like such an everyman by comparison that it's hard to be as compelled by him. No disrespect to Yuki, of course, it's just that it's only when he vanished from the story, and was outed to secretly be the mastermind is when things got really interesting.

//In relation to that, the key difference between Izuru and Utsuro's origins is that while both of them undergo personality shifts and loss of memories, Utsuro was the ORIGINAL personality.

//Now, I still like Izuru's backstory more because the story of how Hajime fell into his slump after repeated mental abuse is fascinating to me (I'm not approving of it obviously, but still) but for Utsuro, it's his story from start to finish, instead of how Izuru just ends up as the unfortunate end product, then Junko steps in and is like "Quit your job, join my edgy high school boy band."

//(I say "boy band" most of the villains in this series are women, but...you get what I mean...)

//To recap, Utsuro was originally born into a loving family and had a happy early life born with a blessed power called "Divine Luck," "Divine Fortune," or "Heavenly Luck," depending on your translation.

//Utsuro possesses a unique ability tied to fortune, allowing him to bring anything he desires into reality and spread good luck to those around him. His power is absolute, and whatever he wills will simply happen. For instance, Tsurugi survives a gunshot to the head in the previous chapter solely because Utsuro (as Yuki) wished for him to live. Similarly, his extraordinary luck reshaped his appearance to perfectly resemble the real Yuki Maeda, aiding his deception.

//However, his parents soon discovered his supernatural luck and began exploiting him to satisfy their greed. This realization left Utsuro miserable, and while he eventually gained control over his luck, it came with an unusual caveat: his abilities bypassed the natural process of achieving things.

//For instance, he could ace a math test without ever learning math, or instantly become an expert in machines just by thinking about it. This effortless success robbed him of any sense of fulfillment or purpose, leaving him disillusioned and bored with life.

//Gee...doesn't THAT sound familiar...!?

//Frustrated, Utsuro ran away from home and survived on his own, using his luck to navigate life on the streets. Along the way, he helped many people, including Akane Taira and the members of VOID (Nikei, Iroha, Hajime M. Emma, and Mikado). However, his acts of kindness weren’t out of genuine altruism; they were simply things he thought he should do. Over time, even good deeds lost their appeal, and Utsuro became apathetic to everything. Repeated attempts at suicide failed, as his luck always intervened to save him.

//Eventually, Utsuro crossed paths with Junko Enoshima, who introduced him to something he hadn’t felt in a long time: Despair. A negative sensation, but the only one that he had felt in a long time.

//Fascinated, he began following her lead, assisting in her plans for Ultimate Despair. Utsuro masterminded Class 79’s Killing Game, which he orchestrated at Junko’s request as a precursor to her own.

//To infiltrate Hope’s Peak Academy, Utsuro kidnapped the real Yuki Maeda and assumed his identity. As part of this plan, his memories were altered at the start of the killing game to ensure he blended in seamlessly with the other participants.

//First of all, what makes this so interesting to me is that this answers a question of why people still rally behind Junko despite the fact that she's not shy about killing her allies, and is absolutely the worst person on earth to ever live.

//This. This is why.

//Because unfortunately, there are people out there in the world of Danganronpa who are just like Junko. Utsuro, Izuru, and Junko all fell into Despair and became some of the most dangerous people in the world because they all share a similar pain.

//Izuru was born with the power to do anything; Utsuro was born with the power to make anything; and Junko was born with the power to estimate and predict anything with 100% accuracy. As a result of this,

//They were all born too powerful. They were born with abilities that made life easy for them, regardless of what they were doing, and as a result, they all quickly became...bored.

//This is why all of them, even fucking JUNKO, are somewhat sympathetic as villains. Izuru was the only one of them who got any kind of look into the light, which is why he ended up as a more neutral party in the end, but they were all people who were there to be exploited by others, or who had no help or anyone to bring excitement to their lives.

//The sad thing is the only reason why they cause so much pain, despair, and destruction to humanity is because it's literally the only way any of them can FEEL anything anymore. And this is why Utsuro is so compelling, because he sits on that fine line between Junko and Izuru on the Scale of Villainy.

//He's sympathetic, and someone that you feel for, but at the same time, DEAR GOD this guy is FUCKING EVIL!

//In a typical Danganronpa format, what you might expect to happen is Yuki will reveal himself, and through the power of Hope, friendship, and the other shonen anime BS that the series is famous for in its finale's, he and Taira will somehow turn around and Yuki could come back.

//While Akane does see the light and try to comply to the power of Hope, Utsuro makes it abundantly clear to all of them that there's no going back for him. And this, for me at least, is my FAVOURITE PART of ANY of these class trials, at least of the one's in Another 1.

//You can kind of see me replicate this in ReProgrammed, but this final Non-Stop Debate is single-handedly the best thing I've ever had to do in a Class Trial for this series of games. See, what makes the final twist with Utsuro so awesome is that even after Yuki is repressed back into Utsuro, the perspective DOESN'T CHANGE!

//You'd expect maybe the protag view could switch to Akane like it briefly does in Trial 5, maybe to Tsurugi or someone, but no. In a way that eerily mirrors the final NSD of Danganronpa 1, you play as UTSURO, and your goal is to plunge the remaining Survivors into DESPAIR, instead of "planting your seeds of Hope to overcome Despair."

//And by GOD does Utsuro do this in the most fucked up, but entertaining way possible!

//Utsuro reveals harsh truths about their loved ones to drive the remaining trio into Despair. To Tsurugi, he explains that the leader of the Despair External Agents was none other than his father, Juu Kinjo. After mistakenly believing Tsurugi had died, Juu fell into despair, becoming the catalyst for the chaos in Japan. Utsuro further reveals that Juu consumed the remains of Tsurugi's childhood friend, Sasaki Kouhei, deepening Tsurugi's anguish and plunging him into madness.

//Rei learns from Utsuro that her parents, whom she believed had abandoned her, actually loved her deeply. They had gone bankrupt trying to repay dangerous loans and arranged for her to be cared for by a relative, only to be betrayed. Left destitute, Rei ended up on the streets. When they believed Rei had died, her parents sought out Junko for answers, but Utsuro intentionally withholds their ultimate fate, leaving Rei to spiral into despair over the unknown.

//To Teruya, Utsuro reveals that the funding used to transform the lab and create the executions came from his father, Kojiro Otori. Overcome with grief after Teruya’s presumed death, Kojiro donated vast amounts of money from his business to Junko's efforts. Utsuro cruelly blames Teruya, as his supposed death indirectly enabled the horrors that befell his friends, pushing Teruya into despair.

//Bro, I'm sorry, but NO friendship speech is saving this man!

//Utsuro definitely shows his more human and victim-of-circumstance side at the end of both stories, ironically both times speaking with Akane Taira or a form OF her (Sora.) And in the end, he stays with Akane in her final moments, largely because he wanted to die himself, but he also uses his Divine Luck on her to protect her body and somewhat keep her alive, even though she ends up braindead by SDRA2.

//But I think for me, what DRA tries to convey with this finale, and what makes it so great, is a simple idea that V3 later tries to explore with its theme. And I think it's an incredibly underrated part of the Another series narrative:

//Hope and Despair are two sides of the same coin, which in turn, means they can be equally as dangerous as each other.

//If you don't understand what I mean, let me give you a short list of some of the moments that convey this idea:

Utsuro is the main character of this game, even though he guises as Yuki Maeda the whole time. Utsuro is an agent of Despair, tride and true, while in comparison, Izuru/Hajime is more of a neutral party, and the only reason Hope wins out in the end of DR2 is because Izuru intentionally leaves a caveat in the Neo World that allows it to, should the survivors choose Hope for their future.

The final Non-Stop Debate is about shooting down the Hope of the surviving trio; Rei, Tsurugi, and Teruya. Implying that Despair is the side that you should be fighting for, while Hope is the enemy.

Picking the side of Hope, where Yuki remains as Yuki, is the BAD Ending. The one where he awakens to Utsuro, and falls back into Despair is the TRUE/GOOD Ending.

Akane is still technically a member of the Ultimate Despair when she does her heel-turn and saved Rei and the others.

If you really think about it, it's Mikako's Hope that caused this entire incident. Because she held onto Hope that Utsuro and Akane were actually good people, it stopped Yamato from taking care of them before it was too late. Unlike Jin, who genuinely trusted the students out of kindness, Yamato caught onto the fact that something was up with the two, and it's only because of Mikako insisting they were good people that he didn't act on those feelings. A fatal mistake that cost them and most of their classmates their lives.

All of the killers in the game are driven by the idea of Hope that Monokuma, or other circumstances, give them, not necessarily them falling into Despair or dissaray. 1 - Mitch's motive was entirely for himself and the Hope he carried for himself. He tries to convey the idea that he's doing it for soccer, but he doesn't really care about that. He just loves himself so much that he was willing to off anyone in the game 2 - Ayame killed Kizuna as part of a sacrifice so that Akane could keep on living. She had the hope that Akane would survive the game and move on from her and the pain she feels. 3 - Kinji betrayed his religious code as a priest, and committed two brutal murders because he held hope for the orphaned children of his church. If it meant they could survive, he acted against his almighty judgement. 4 - Haru set up the scheme so that Satsuki could get out and survive on her own. But Satsuki chose not to take that out because she was too kind to sacrifice everyone else like that, and even betrayed her loved one's wishes. (Maybe this point's a bit of a stretch, but it's how I kind of feel about it.)

By the time the game ends, despite having regained his feelings and gotten his head on straight, not only does Tsurugi regress by the time the trio escape the island, but by the time SDRA2 happens, he's learned to wield Despair and evil as a weapon against greater Despair and evil. Not through the power of Hope like the Future Foundation do.

In the second game, Mikado is not defeated through the power of Hope. Instead, Sora ends his reign of terror by speaking with her memory of Akane Taira, then uses harsh facts, and her power of Divine Luck, to slowly pick Mikado's plan apart and send him squirming. This is the EXACT strategy that Junko and Tsumugi use on the final players of their games to send them into a state of disaaray and Despair, and Sora's final line in the final PTA is even the same as Utsuro's.

In relation to this, the climax of SDRA2 is literally you trying to save Utsuro. And it's largely thanks to Akane Taira speaking directly with Sora that she snaps out of her BSoD.

Neither DRA nor SDRA2 have a necessarily "happy" ending. Another ends with Rei, Teruya, and Tsurugi severely traumatized, and both Utsuro and Akane die on the island. Another 2 ends with none of the people who died in the sim coming back to life, unlike DR2, Yuki is now forced to live in Akane's body, Sora herself gets erased from reality, with no guarantee that she'll return, Syobai and Iroha remain criminal scum and on the run, and the Kisaragi Foundation remain morally corrupt.

//For me personally, it doesn't feel like the message LINUJ is trying to convey is that life is pointless and that giving up and dying is the right thing to do. Obviously, that's a horrible way to think about it, even for some of the shit he pulls.

//It's more the idea that in this kind of world, the fact that things can end on such a high note are...highly unrealistic, to say the least. And you know what? He's exactly right. The fact that most, if not all of the Danganronpa games end on such a positive note really feels like the trauma you experienced throughout the game had no lasting impact, and that rubs me the wrong way.

//The Another series really handles the everlasting consequences of the death games well, and ultimately, this theme is what solidifies this trial in my good books.

//Now, I don't want to end this on a negative note, especially since I've already spent at least 5 hours of my life talking about this damn trial, but there are two final aspects that I want to talk about regarding this trial and what's revealed in it that ultimately prevent it from being my favourite finale in the series.

//Both, in short, are plot holes and problems that I have with the ideas at play here, so crucial in fact, that I actually had to RETCON them in Survivor so that it would make sense as part of the plot.

//First and foremost is the revelation that Mikako and Yamato used a device Yamato created to resist the memory erasure, meaning that when the Killing Game happened, the both of them still had their memories. The downside was that the machines side effects made it so that Mikako couldn't talk without slowly dying, and Yamato couldn't form a comprehensive sentence.

//So even though Mikako knew what was going on, she was physically incapable of talking about it to anybody. But...If that's the case...why didn't Mikako just write down her words for everybody to read?

//In Survivor, Uchui creates a type of pill that gives the same effects of Yamato's machine to Seiko when he demands Zetsubou release her; a maneuver that means Seiko can be cured of the affliction thanks to Dr. Ando. But not only does speaking hurt her, but her hand spasms when she tries to write, making her writing unintelligable, and sign language makes her dizzy.

//I added these weaknesses to reinforce the fact that Seiko couldn't communicate in any meaningful way to the Future Foundation, but these weaknesses, as far as I'm aware, were never established with Mikako. It's even dumber when you remember that the students were literally given notebooks at the start of the game for them to write in.

//So there's really no excuse or reason given for why Mikako just didn't do that immediately. The only reason I can imagine she didn't is because she still held on for hope that Yuki and Akane could be saved from becoming Utsuro and Ultimate Despair again, but even for someone as hopeful as Mikako, surely all bets would have been off the table by the time Chapter 4 came around.

//The other issue is with Utsuro's Talent.

//Divine Luck as Utsuro’s defining ability fits snugly into the pattern of over-the-top, reality-bending powers that seem to be a staple for Danganronpa masterminds:

Junko, and by extension, her AI version, have extraordinary analytical abilities, enabling her to process information at near-superhuman speed, memorize details effortlessly, and master new skills with just brief exposure.

Izuru, as a result of Hope’s Peak Academy’s experiments, possesses every talent researched at the school, making him superhuman. His most notable abilities include superhuman analytical skills, like Junko, enhanced physical abilities, stealth expertise, extreme luck, specialised knowledge, and being adept at basically every single human function in existence.

Though more of an assistant than a Mastermind herself, Mukuro has shown to have an absolute god-like level of speed and power thanks to her abilities as the Ultimate Solder; fighting on several battlefields and never recieving a single scratch.

Monaca in UDG is a natural-born genius who possesses exceptional skills in robotics and programming, which enabled her to lead the Towa Group's Robotics Division at a remarkably young age. Her most notable creations include the Monokuma Units, the Original Monokuma, Kurokuma, and the robotic double of Miaya Gekkogahara. It’s also suggested that she designed the mechas used by the Warriors of Hope during their activities.

On top of her cosplay effectively allowing her to shapeshift into anybody she wants, Tsumugi has said she has a certain degree of control over the narrative of V3, and the plans and actions each of the characters take. To what extent, is unknown.

Mikado is a highly skilled wizard capable of executing a wide variety of magical feats. It soon becomes evident that he can perform genuine magic within the context of the killing game. Notable examples include his ability to levitate for extended periods and his frequent demonstrations of fire-based magic.

//The bad guys in this franchise tend to operate on a level that transcends normal logic. Villains in this series aren’t just evil, they’re almost comically invincible, and Utsuro is no exception.

//Luck itself isn’t new to Danganronpa, either. Makoto and Nagito have already demonstrated how this seemingly mundane talent can warp the narrative in ways that benefit them, often hilariously or dramatically so. Utsuro is essentially the ultimate culmination of this theme. He doesn’t just have luck; he IS luck incarnate.

//But while the premise of Divine Luck might seem fitting, it’s also so overwhelmingly powerful that it feels like LINUJ wrote himself into a narrative corner trying to balance it.

//The problem lies in how Divine Luck operates. Utsuro’s ability is so absolute that whatever he desires, even casually, becomes reality.

//This omnipotence creates complications in the story because it makes Utsuro more like a walking deus ex machina than a character, giving him the power to twist the plot at will. While that might work for a thematic villain, it also leaves a trail of contradictions and plot holes.

//Take Utsuro’s backstory, for example. His luck initially brought his family wealth and prosperity, but their greed eventually turned him into an object to exploit, leading to his Despair and eventual departure. But if his Divine Luck can make anything happen, wouldn’t there have been some incident that corrected their behavior? If Utsuro could subconsciously will good fortune into existence, why didn’t it influence his parents to suddenly become loving and supportive? It feels like LINUJ overlooked this while trying to portray Utsuro as an embittered wanderer detached from the world.

//Then there’s the way Divine Luck functions during the Killing Game. For instance, when Tsurugi shoots himself in the head and miraculously survives, it’s attributed to Yuki subconsciously wanting him to live. But if Yuki’s will can override the lethality of a point-blank gunshot to the brain, why didn’t his desire for everyone to escape together override the deaths of the other participants?

//Does Utsuro’s plan override Yuki’s wishes? If so, why did Yuki’s will save Tsurugi at all? It creates a weird inconsistency that undermines the stakes of the Killing Game.

//Even worse, Divine Luck threatens to undercut the dramatic tension of the story entirely. It’s essentially a catch-all explanation for any narrative contrivance, making conflicts feel cheap or pointless. This becomes especially frustrating in the case of Yamato and Mikako, whose disagreements over whether to trust Yuki and Akane could have added depth to the narrative. If Utsuro can will the Killing Game into being anyway, why bother debating faith and trust? It robs the story of meaningful struggle and makes the characters’ actions feel like window dressing against Utsuro’s godlike control.

//And above all else, what transitions the game between the end of DRA and the plot of SDRA2 is that before his death, Utsuro gives Akane Taira his power, so that he'll die while Akane's body lives, albeit in a vegetable state.

//So you mean to tell me that you can just GIVE your whole-ass power to somebody else at will!? WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST DO THAT!?

//In reality, Divine Luck probably isn't perfect, and in Survivor, I do play with its weaknesses. One of the main ones is that in order for the Divine Luck to work, Yuki has to be present to trigger it. He also can only give a fraction of his power to people at any given time should they need it.

//But even I have trouble dumbing down this ability because of how manic it gets to be.

//In the end, while Divine Luck gives Utsuro a sense of grandeur and inevitability, it risks breaking the narrative by being too absolute. The stakes and conflicts lose their weight when a single character can essentially rewrite reality on a whim, and even the story’s emotional core gets lost in the shadow of Utsuro’s overwhelming power.

//It’s a classic case of a cool idea taken too far, where the mastermind’s abilities become more of a plot device than a believable, balanced element of the story.

//But even with all of those problems, it still doesn't stop this trial from being awesome as a finale, and getting into my good books.

[celticcrossanon]

Hi CC, I hope you are faring well in the heat these days. It must be challenging.

I have questions about MM' pregnancies. If the children weren't birthed by MM, is it possible that she will champion the rights of women who have fertility issues - saying IVF, surrogacy, and even donated sperm/eggs (which I don't believe they used), is the norm. I read years back that Sophie was considering IVF for her second pregnancy.

Another possibility is that Archie was conceived before the wedding. Again she may argue that having children with a partner who isn't a spouse is common these days.

I'm also curious why they got engaged when they did. Was there a rush that was real or pretend? (Eg pregnancy that was faked or really did not go to term.) There has been speculation.

Even though both children look like their parents, something seems off. There's smoke and somewhere there is a fire that has legal ramifications for the BRF. Ultimately she presented as pregnant both times. So if she wasn't, the duplicity would be next level!

Thanks

Hi Nonny,

It was and is challenging, but we have some cooler weather for Xmas, which is nice (it heats up again after the 26th, I think).

Meghan may try to do something with fertility issues to get herself out of the hole she is in, but that will do nothing for the main issue. If the children were not born of her body then they have no place in the Line of Succession, as they were not pushed into the world by the legal spouse of Prince Harry. It is harsh but the law is clear - if the legal wife of a royal does not carry you and push you out into the world (or have a caesarean), then you are not born 'of their body' and therefore you have no place in the line of succession. Making a fuss about fertility issues some 4? 5? years after the event will not make your deception any less of a deception, and it will not do away with the legal consequences of your actions.

The wedding was on 19 May 2018, Archie was supposedly born 6 May 2019. That is about a year between the wedding and the birth. If Meghan was pregnant when she married Harry, Archie would have been born at the most 8-9 months after the wedding, so say Feb 2019. There is no reason why the couple could not have announced a 'honeymoon baby' and then announce the actual birth if that was the case. In February Meghan was still going everywhere clutching her huge bump, so no early birth for her.

I have read on the reason for the rushed wedding. From memory, there were indications in the cards that Meghan faked a pregnancy to get the knot tied quickly. I can read on that again. The other theory that I incline towards is that they were already married in some sort of ceremony somewhere, although in that case I am not sure why they were given the highly inappropriate big white wedding.

I believe that Meghan wasn't pregnant both times. Her physical changes did not match the natural changes of pregnancy, and we actually had some obstetricians and their relatives writing in at the time saying the pregnancy was a badly done fake (I know, take all tea with a truckful of salt etc). What convinced me was the unnatural changes in her baby bump, like the ones below. No one inflates/deflates like that over an hour, or even a day. I also believe she has no morals or conscience that would prevent her from faking a pregnancy and then pretending to give borth. Other people may think differently, of course.

[starwarsmum]

Day 9 of Daminette December and we're carrying on with the Discovering the Paris Issue story. Today's prompt is "You Call That Art?"

Part 1 Part 2

@maribat-calendar-events

“Excited for your first fashion show?” Adrien asked, holding still as Marinette pinned the suit jacket in place.

“I mean, it's not really a fashion show,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “It's just the exhibit for the senior art students that they do every year. It's not like we're going to have anyone super important in attendance.”

“Mari, I will be there, how can you say I'm not important?” Adrien gasped, putting on a wounded voice. She jabbed another pin into the fabric, making sure to point it just slightly into his arm. “Ow, Jesus, that was uncalled for.”

“It was totally called for,” she retorted, leaning back as she checked that the outfit hung correctly. Happy with the fit, she motioned for him to take it off and packed up the pincushion.

“No, it wasn't,” he insisted, pouting. “Don't tell me you're still in a bad mood over the whole Damian thing.”

“Of course I'm not,” she shrilled, shoving him rather more forcefully than she normally would. “Why would I still care about that? It's not like I'm worried that he worked out my secret identity and that he's planning to come and try to take the Miraculous away from me, and that's why he was so insistent that I forgive him and try again, or that-”

“Okay, breathe please,” Adrien said, grabbing her up in a tight hug. “I think if he'd been planning to take over the world with the Miraculous and he'd worked you out, we would have seen him again by now. He was wealthy, so it's not like a little trip across the world would deter him.”

“You're right, I know you're right. I guess I'm just nervous about the exhibit and it's making me catastrophise a little,” she muttered, fiddling with an earring as she gazed at her sketchbook. She was only three days away from the exhibit and she had yet to meet one of her models, because the woman had volunteered and been accepted before admitting that she had other commitments until the day before.

She had been sent the measurements and worked as hard as she could to get them precise, but she knew there would be minor adjustments at least when the woman finally arrived. She hadn't told Adrien about the other model yet because she didn't want him to talk her out of using Kor’i. But as a safety she had made an identical set of clothes to fit Chloé, who was her back up model.

“Okay, this suit is the last thing to stitch, final fittings the day before the event,” she said, smiling nervously. “When this is all over, I'm going into a coma for a week.”

_ _ _

On the day before the exhibit Marinette was pacing nervously in the theatre. Kor'i had arrived punctually and she was gorgeous. A little taller than Adrien, muscular, and with striking looks that she humbly put down to her Tamaranean heritage. 

At first sight, Marinette was fairly certain the clothes she had made would be mostly on target, but she was relieved she had left a little extra room to accommodate any last minute changes. Because those arms? Marinette could have died of envy. And blushing. 

“Marinette, these clothes are fantastic,” Kor'i cooed as she stepped out of the changing room. 

“Hmm.” Marinette eyed the woman critically, mentally making note of where the fit wasn't quite tight enough. A couple of quick pins and she was satisfied. “Okay great, while I make a note of the changes on this one go change into the next, please.”

It took practically no time at all to get through the other nine outfits, and Marinette was confident that she would have the changes finished in plenty of time to get at least four hours of sleep. 

She also really liked Kor’i. The woman asked intelligent questions about the designs and had a sunny disposition that reminded Marinette of Adrien. Speaking of which…

“I'm so sorry I'm late!” The boy shouted as he flew into the room. He immediately latched onto Marinette, groveling into her hair as he gave his excuses. She rolled her eyes and assured him it was fine, she had managed to finish the other model's fitting and he was just in time to start his own.

He looked over to Kor’i at that point and screeched out loud. After that he was gibbering and pointing too much for her to work out what his problem was. Finally he managed to calm down enough to explain himself, sort of.

“Ohmygodyou’reKor’iAnders!” He shrieked, tripping over himself to throw his arms around her. The woman smiled broadly and accepted his embrace with incredible grace considering he was technically a full grown adult.

“Adrien, what the heck are you doing?”

“Marinette, I cannot believe you got Kor’i Anders to come and do your show,” he said, turning to her with betrayal written clearly on his face. At her nonplussed look he gave an exaggeratedly exasperated sigh. “Maribug, M'lady, you are a fashion designer, how do you not know one of the most famous international models?”

“Adrien, I didn't know you on sight and there were literal billboards with your face on them all over Paris,” Marinette said uncomfortably. “Can you please go put on your first outfit so I can check the fit?”

“I apologise, I didn't realise that you were unaware of my career history when you accepted me as a volunteer,” Kor'i offered after a moment’s silence. 

“No, there's nothing to apologise for, I should have recognised you,” she replied sheepishly. “I tend to focus on the clothes more than the models, and it didn't occur to me that you would have that kind of experience. I just thought you were a crazily gorgeous woman who wanted to make a start in the world of fashion.”

“Well you are much more proficient at making clothes than I thought you would be when I volunteered,” Kor'i admitted, looking slightly uncomfortable. “But now we are both more aware of each other so it's fine, correct?”

“Yeah, I suppose so,” Marinette laughed. They were interrupted by Adrien stepping out in the first outfit. Immediately she fluttered around him, eyeing each part critically and nodding happily at the result. “How does it feel? Not too tight? And nowhere feels too baggy?”

“Bugaboo, it's perfect, as always,” Adrien assured her, striking a silly pose as she giggled. He saluted and went back to try on a different one.

“You two are very close, is he your boyfriend?” Kor'i asked, head tilted slightly. Marinette snorted and shook her head.

“Uh, no, he's more like an annoying older brother,” she said after a moment. Adrien gave an affronted noise as he turned slowly for Marinette's appraisal. “Oh, like you don't work to be the most annoying person in the room at any given time.”

“Well, will your boyfriend - or girlfriend - be at the show tomorrow? I would like to meet the one chosen by the most talented designer I have ever met,” Kor'i said innocently. 

“Given that any significant other I have is imaginary, I can introduce you right now,” Marinette grumped. Kor'i looked puzzled so she sighed and made a vague gesture with one hand. “I don't exactly inspire people to date me. And the last guy to show an interest turned out to be more interested in what I know than anything romantic.”

“Aw, don't be hard on yourself, Mari,” Adrien said as he stepped back out. “He could've been interested in more than one thing. And he did try to apologise, right?”

“After two days! And actions speak way louder than words and everything before that made it very obvious. Now go try on the next one, please.”

“It sounds as though you've been through a trying time,” Kor'i said when Adrien stepped away again. “But if he was sincere, how could he prove it to you?”

“It's irrelevant anyway, he lives in a different country and has hopefully forgotten all about me by now,” Marinette said, a note of finality in her voice. It still hurt to think about Damian and she was sure it showed.

“I would be very surprised if this boy was not interested in you. You are a talented, beautiful young lady, I am sure that even a blind man would be interested.”

“That's what I'm always telling her! And Damian looked pretty sorry when he came to apologise before we left,” Adrien said, stepping out in the last outfit. Marinette harrumphed and ignored him in favour of checking the fit.

“Adrien, we've been over this. It's a moot point and I don't want to talk about it anymore. I'll be right back, okay? Just hang the outfit back up and then we can all go get lunch if you want.”

Adrien watched as Marinette left the room, her back straight and shoulders tense. She hadn't been the same since Gotham, always on edge and sad. He came out of the changing room to find that she still wasn't back and he sighed.

“I didn't mean to upset her,” Kor'i said worriedly. “I did not realise she was so affected by what had happened.”

“She's a pretty anxious person in general, this guy just happened to touch a sore point for her. There's a couple of other reasons, she thinks she's protecting something which I can't really fault her for. And she has this totally dumb idea that guys don't see her like that.”

“I wonder where she got that idea, mister ‘very good friend’.”

“Chloé,” Adrien whined, turning to his other best friend as she entered. “I was fifteen and stupid, okay?”

“Yeah, at least you're not fifteen anymore,” she grinned. “You must be the model Marinette booked. I'm Chloé Bourgeois, Marinette's other close friend and the woman who would have done the show if you hadn't shown.”

“We are very different sizes,” Kor'i said, blinking in surprise. “She must have been very confident that I would show.”

“Oh, no, she just made two sets,” Chloé said casually. “I'm going to bully her into giving me one of the outfits she made because it is literally the best thing I have ever worn.”

“You don't have to bully me into it Chlo, I was planning on giving it to you anyway,” came Marinette's amused voice. She looked a lot calmer, though there was a redness to her eyes that told Adrien that she had definitely been crying. “Ready for lunch?”

_ _ _

On the morning of the exhibit, things were running on a tight schedule. She was due to be the last showing of the day, due to the nature of her work, and she was nervous. She had invited Jagged and Penny, as well as Luka and Kagami and Kor'i had asked if her family could attend. 

Marinette's luck had been running high for several days and she was worried that it was going to lead to a string of luck so bad that her designing career would be over before it began. Adrien had to talk her down from several spirals as she walked through the other, more traditional, art exhibits.

“Oh, Marinette,” came a falsely sweet voice, and she had to push her temper down as she turned to face Lila. “Don't you just adore all of these art pieces? It's such a shame that yours has to be done on its own, since it's so different to everyone else's. And don't listen to anyone who says that it can't be called art, even if they have a point.”

“Wow Lila, and did you submit your work for the exhibit? Oh, wait, I must be forgetting some illness, or injury that prevented you from finishing what must have been a true masterpiece,” she retorted with fake concern dripping from her words.

“Sorry to intrude, but may I speak with you before the show, Marinette?” Kor'i interrupted, flashing a dazzling smile at Lila before pulling Marinette away. “I know we are due to start in twenty-five minutes, but I feel I must be honest with you before my family arrives.”

“Oh no, please tell me you're not dropping out,” Marinette groaned, rubbing her temples as she tried to figure out how to get Chloé dressed and on the stage in less than half an hour. Maybe if she switched a few things around…

“No, no, I wish to continue in the show,” the Tamaranean reassured her quickly. She looked guilty, however and that made Marinette nervous. “You have been wonderfully kind to me since I arrived, Marinette, and I have not been fully honest with you. 

“I mostly asked to model for you because my daughter wanted to see you again. She was fairly distressed that she upset you and I thought that, as you have met both my husband and her, I was best placed to help bridge the gap.”

“I don't-”

“I am Mar'i’s mother,” Kor'i said softly, wincing when Marinette blanched. “Dick is my husband and Damian is my brother-in-law. I understand if you do not wish to see them, I did not realise you were so affected by your disagreement, nor that you felt so betrayed by Damian's behaviour.”

“I- I don't have time for any of this,” Marinette wailed, fingers spreading into her hair. She came to a decision fairly quickly, but she was not a happy bug. “Okay, okay, I can do this. If you're still willing to do the catwalk then we can work with that. Everything else can wait until it's over.”

When Kor'i gave her a relieved smile Marinette felt like screaming. Forget bad luck, this was a catastrophe. She sent Chloé a quick message, begging her not to be late to the show, and put on her game face. She could get through this evening and then she could vanish into the anonymity of being the mysterious designer for Jagged Stone for the rest of her natural life.

The show went spectacularly and she relaxed when she saw Chloé in the audience. Adrien did a double take when he spotted her as well, but managed to play it off as part of one of his walks.

Already planning to ditch the afterparty as soon as humanly possible, Marinette resolved to show her face to Jagged and Penny before faking a stomach problem. Armed with this resolve she stepped out of the back area and made a beeline for the eccentric musician.

“Lil M! That was a totally rocking show, can I order one of those dresses for Penny?” Jagged shouted as she closed in. He was standing with a dark haired man with a solid build and a bright smile that didn't fully reach his eyes. 

“Sure thing, Jagged,” she said, reaching up to give him une bise as a greeting. “Where is Pen? I was hoping to catch her before-”

“Oh, she's off making a phone call, you know how she is with work. You're lucky she stopped working for long enough to watch the show. But forget that, let me introduce you to my old mate, Bruce! Brucie, this is Marinette, my own personal designer and an absolutely hardcore little rocker.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Marinette. I've heard great things about you, and your show was spectacular,” Bruce said, a more genuine smile on his face as he took her hand in greeting. 

“Oh, um, thank you!” Marinette glanced around to see if she could spot Penny, who would not forgive her if she snuck away without saying hello. “Jagged, I'm not feeling-”

She was going to say ‘I’m not feeling well’, but was cut off when a small ball of energy leapt onto her. Only years of training and battle stopped her from falling as she absorbed the impact by stepping back. She blinked as she was confronted by dark curly hair and a pair of vivid green eyes.

“Marinette! I missed you soooo much! Will you dance with me? And play with me? I have more pictures to show you, of Alfred the Cat, and Batcow, and-”

“Mar'i, you can't just jump on people,” Bruce said with gentle exasperation. “I'm so sorry for my granddaughter, she's very excitable and has been excited for this event for weeks.”

“I- that means that you're-” Marinette couldn't find the words, but a cold feeling was centered in her chest. She looked around wildly, feeling cornered. It didn't take long for her to spot Dick dragging someone along, and as much as she hated it her heart gave a squeeze.

Damian was dressed in a black blazer over a green shirt and blue jeans. His hair was more tousled than she had ever seen it before and it made her stomach flutter. He looked just as angry and brooding as she remembered as he argued with his brother.

“I- excuse me,” she squeaked, before fleeing towards the last place she had seen Chloé and Adrien. She had to get out of here before she was trapped.

“You're squishing me,” Mar'i said, almost causing Marinette to drop her. She'd forgotten she was holding her and cursed her inattention. If she had remembered, she could have handed her off to Bruce before running, but now she needed to find one of her adults so that she could leave for good.

Muttering apologies, she glanced around the room and almost collapsed with relief when she saw Kor'i stepping out of the back, dressed in her own clothes. Immediately she darted towards the woman.

“I see Mar’i found you!” Kor'i beamed, placing a hand on her heart. “Oh, you look wonderful together! I hope you have been behaving, my little bumgorf.”

“Mama, Marinette was running with me, it was so much fun! And look, she's not even out of breath, so that means she would be able to play properly, right?”

And what did that mean? Marinette was glad they were in a corner of the room, mostly hidden from the crowd enjoying the party. Kor'i was laughing and assuring the child that she was sure Marinette would be able to play some games.

“Look, I'm sorry to do this but I have to go,” she blurted out, interrupting whatever Kor'i was saying. Panic was the only thing on her mind and she wanted to get somewhere safe now. She only realised she was hyperventilating when warm strong hands gripped her shoulders.

She whirled, instinctively trying to hit whoever had grabbed her but hampered by holding Mar'i. Whoever it was dodged her attempt and spoke in a low, soothing voice. She hadn't realised but tears had blurred her eyes completely, so she only realised it was Damian when they spilled over.

He instructed her to take deep breaths, breathing along with her until hers leveled out. As soon as she could gulp the breaths down properly, he stepped back, expertly extracting Mar’i from her grip as he did so. She looked up at him, confused and still hurt, but he was instructing Dick to fetch ‘one of her blond friends’.

She couldn't stop staring at him, even as Chloé appeared to whisk her out of the way. She hesitated, her heart aching and her mind bursting with questions, but ultimately allowed Chloé to pull her away.

Part 4

[lucy-dulap]

Happy 18th birthday

Index _ Next>

It was the middle of summer, the tempersture so much higher than anyone was used to for the end of July. Minhyeok had been awake for sometime now, scolling on his phone as Lucy spooned him. It has always been like that, since the day they got adopted, Lucy would refuse to sleep anywhere but Minhyeok's bed. Even with how warm it was, they were still pressed to his back, with an iron grip on him. The last time he tried to leave before Lucy woke up they had such an overwhelming breakdown that they cryed their way into a fever.

Minhyeok was trapped by Lucy in more ways than one. He watched all his friends go on vacations and at music festivals he always dreamed of attenting, yet he was stuck here, stuck with... them. He checked the calander and realised that it was his burden's birthday.

8 years... for 8 years he had been stuck with them. How much could have he done in those 8 years were it not for them... at this point he was questioning if his love for them was even real or just out of professional obligation.

As Minhyeok was lost in thought as a random tiktok played on his for you page, Lucy nuzzled into his back, signelling they're awake. To try and prevent a sigh, Minhyeok takes a deep breath in and turns to Lucy, petting their hair.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy bir-"

"Stop. I don't want to hear that." Lucy shoved a pillow in Minhyeok's mouth before streching and getting up. It was their 18th birthday, and like any traumatic event, they were just ignoring it.

Minhyeok was disappointed, but not surprised. Lucy was just like that... violent, angry, blunt. Selfish. Prideful. Annoying. He stopped himself before he could continue that trail of thought. Today was the day he will ask Lucy to move out. He had started working part time since he was 14 and with some help from his parents and the inheritance Lucy will finally be able to touch, he bought them a one room apartment. It was close by, so if anything happened he will be close, but at least for the 9 hours of sleep he got, he would be left alone.

He needed to be nice today so Lucy will recieve the gift nicely without another outburst. They were an adult now, they needed to act like one.

"What do you want for breakfast? Should I make you something special? What about... pancakes?" Minhyeok was trying very hard, but Lucy was anything but warry of malcontempt.

"I'm not hungry." That answer. That damn answer. It was always I'm not hungry, or I don't know. If only they knew how many times he was called to their school to be told that Lucy is malnurished and lacks every vitamine under the sun. How many times had he found his cooking hidden under the sofa or behind the oven, how many school lunches they must have thrown away instead of eating them? He was despretly trying to keep this kid alive and every time they just refused all his help.

"Pancakes take a while to make, even if you're not hungry now, I should probably start so they'll be ready when you do get hungry. Also, please change in a different room."

"No. What if someone's watching me strip?"

"I am, and I don't want to. Go strip in another room."

"I don't want to. You've seen me naked since I was 5, what's the difference now?"

Minhyeok knew that there was no getting through to them so he just turned and closed his eyes until he felt Lucy wrapped around him. The following "I love you." that escaped their lips was more desprate to quell out any annoyance in Minhyeok than to sugest their care for him. Until now, this had been a constant of their relationship; Lucy and Minhyeok would disagree on something, Minhyeok will try to take some time off to think things through and Lucy would force themselves in his privacy and apologise for being rude.

He pets Lucy's hair, trying to calm himself down more than anything else. He gets up and takes the set of keys to Lucy's new apartment. He had to do it.

"I know you don't want to acknowledge it, but you're an adult now, Lucy." Minhyeok's voice was shaky, bottled up feelings for 8 years threatening to come out against his will. "So I... I got you something that will help you get started on your journey." He turns to them and presents the set of keys. Lucy's face was pale their whole being frozen, paralysed in overstimulation.

"Do you know what these keys are for, Lucy?" Minhyeok was speaking in a melancholy sweet tone, like a parent to a child they're angry at. Lucy's bottom lip was quivering as the realisation started to set in. No. No, this isn't happening. They look at Minhyeok and they can practicly see his resentment. They've been feeling it for a while now, the quiet anger, the disregard and annoyance. They were a burden and they've always known it.

"Please don't." Lucy whimpered patheticly as they took a step back. Closer to their room, to his room... the room they've just assumed they were welcome in without knocking first. It was a desprate plead, a plead for Minhyeok to not speak out the conclusion everyone has taken at this point.

"They're keys to a new apartment. The keys to your new apartment." Minhyeok places the keys in Lucy's trembling hands. They were white, all the colour dried up from them when he spoke. But he was feeling great. This was his revange for it all. He will finally part from his parasite and be able to live the life he couldn't before.

Lucy drops the keys, just staring at Minhyeok's sweet smile as they whisper through tears. "Why?" It was their only question. It wasn't even directed to Minhyeok, it was just an inquiry Lucy needed answers to. They get back the keys while Minhyeok tried to explain himself and they just rushed to the attic. The only place they knew peace.

The attic was almost always dark and not made for living conditions. During winters it was colder than the outside and during summers it was like an overheated sauna. Today it was the latter.

In one of the tight corners of the attic stood a shrine covered with pretty rocks, shells, feathers and jewlery. Around it where drawings of a fallan angel and his sigil. Lucy knealed before them and started whipping. If they could trust anyone to see them cry, it was their god, it was Lucifer. Stuffing their wrist into their mouth to silence the broken whailes and sobs Lucy was letting out.

Minhyeok could do nothing as he saw them going upstairs. Lucy was the only one that had the key to the attic and they were as protective of it as they were of him. He sighed in relief and started preparing breakfast. He was numb to hearing Lucy cry at the top of the house since that's what they often did. He was more concerned with them fainting due to a heat stroke up there, but he knew better than to intrude into one of their sessions.

But this wasn't like any other session, Lucy was hurt, wounded in a way that words could not convey. In the hot attic, they shivered with sadness. This is it. He said it. They're an adult now, so they're up for grabs. No longer protected from the vultures outside, a lost rotent through the dessert, waiting to be swallowed whole.

They cryed for an hour. At points so loud that they were rolling on the floor to try and screap their skin for stimulation and at point just whispering pittyful remarks about how lost they are. Lucy looked at the icon of Lucifer where he's whispering in a peasant's ear. They just stared at it for a long while as they gasped for air. It was so hot... and their head was throbbing... their eyes slowly closing in exhaustion. They just wanted to rest in front of him. Minhyeok resented them since they could remember... but Lucifer never did that. If they believed in him enough, he will show himself to them, at least in death.

When the crying seized but Lucy didn't show themselves, Minhyeok started to get worried. He can't have a corpse in his attic, that would look really incriminating. Plus, Lucy was a burden, but he didn't want them dead. Just far away on the other side of the planet with no way of contacting him directly. He goes up to the attic and peeks through the door. Lucy was lying on the ground drooling as they stared up at Lucifer.

"You're going to be the death of me." Minhyeok whispers and grabs Lucy in his arms, bringing them down to the kitchen and shoving an ice-cube in their mouth. This snaps Lucy awake and they begin to lewdly suck on the icecube.

The atmosphere was dreadfully quiet and ackward, not what either would have expected an 18th birthday to be like. Minhyeok was having a lot of conflicted feelings. On one hand, he didn't want to traumatise Lucy more, they were already too broken to fix, but, on the other hand, they ruined his 18th birthday as well.

"Eat." Minhyeok places the pancakes on the table with the brine cheese. He stopped questioning their culinary choices a while ago, he was just happy they were putting food in their body.

Lucy knew better than to annoy Minhyeok more and they just forced some food down their throat. Silence once more.

.

.

.

"I'm going to the store to buy some stuff." Minhyeok whispered and got up ubruptly. He knew this was the only way to get some alone time without Lucy begging to come with him. They hated crowds more than they loved him.

"Ok... can you get me chicken nuggets?" Lucy crunched on the remaining ice cube and regretted it instantly.

"No. You're an adult now. Buy your own chicken nuggets. You clearly know how to shop online cause I keep getting updates on your Bad Dragon orders." Minhyeok had to leave, he was feeling himself give into his anger. Lucy was already in a defensive possition, their dirty hair making them look even more like a scared mutt. "And go take a bath, your hair is filthy."

"I'm an adult now, I don't take orders from you"

"...touché. Do you want the dino kind?"

"Yes please!"

With that Minhyeok left, not even hearing Lucy's faint "I love you". When Minhyeok wasn't at home, Lucy masturbated to try and ignore the fear. Lucy always felt watched, judged and repremended. Grabbing the new dildo they ordered on Minhyeok's behalf, Lucy prepared themselves by clicking on a video that seemed weirdly accurate. "Step bro punishes little slut sister for misbeheving" taking back their trauma was what they were doing, clearly.

In the middle of a great masturbation session a strange figure pops their head from the computer.

"Did I say, I've been waiting for this day since you were born, spawn of Solomon."

[timeslugarts]

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!

Here's a Vox x Vera(oc) super Valentine's Day special!

Also like I'm still super shy about sharing my writing, so i really hope you enjoy it.

It's a little risqué but nothing too bad.

Vox wrung out his hands nervously. He just had to get through his morning and an afternoon meeting, and then he'd be able to spend his evening with Vera. He peeked at the clock, only 9:30. Oh god, this was gonna be a long day.

It was going to be their first Valentine's day, really it was Vox's first Valentine's day he spent with someone he actually liked. Normally it would just be him and Valentino doing unmentionable things to each other while completely plastered out of their minds. This time it was different though, he loved her, he would never tell her, but he did, and he was gonna be damned if something fucked today up. 

He pulled his phone out to send a quick text, he had the whole thing planned, time tables and everything.

Vox: you free later tonight?

20 minutes passed. His nerves were so taut. What if she said no? What if, and God forbid, she already had plans. They weren't mutually exclusive, but he had hoped… that maybe… 

Vera: I'm all yours tonight baby, usual place?

Vox's fans kicked on. She had no idea what she did to him. 

The day dragged by so slowly, hearing everyone bitch and moan and having to deal with all of their problems. Valentino threw some sort of 5 hour stream event to celebrate the holiday. Velvette releasing a Valentine's themed clothing line. They were booked solid, the Vees were icons here in Hell, everyone wanted to be them, to look like them, to fuck them. Sometimes it was a little much, but it was great for business, so Vox kept pushing on. 

Any issue that arose he handled with relative ease and only mild complaining. He was too nervous to put his whole mind into it. 

Finally the time was here, he put on a simple black suit, something a little fancier than his usual attire. Grabbed his gifts and headed to the door.

"Where do you think you're going papito?" 

Shit. Val. 

Val strutted over to Vox wearing something leather and skimpy, he had been drinking his breath reeked of alcohol.

"Just out to eat with a uh… date." 

"You're not seeing that BITCH again are you?" Vox winced at the word, "Come on baby, you always spend Valentine's with me." Val purred, stroking a finger over Vox's antenna. 

"Val- I really have to go." He was trying to be delicate, he knew Val was going to be mad regardless of what he said, but he'd just have to deal with that later.

Before Valentino could get another word in Vox zipped out of the building and towards the bar. What Vox didn't hear was Valentino screaming the whole way after him.

The bar Vox and Vera met at was small, kind of disgusting, but private and away from any watchful eyes and that's what Vox liked most. He had her all to himself. 

When she arrived his system kicked into overdrive, she had a black velvet coat on and still it was enough to get him going. Why did he suddenly feel so sweaty?

"Heya kitten," she purred at the sight of him, "why the sudden invite?" She slowly sat on her side of the booth and ordered a glass of wine. 

Vox felt his heart drop, she thought this was just another day. Of course she would, she wouldn't care about Valentine's day. He looked at the small bag of presents seated next to him and started to feel shy. 

"Well I, uh, wanted to give this to you." He handed her the little gold gift bag, she gently took it, fingers brushing his hand and he shuddered at the contact. 

Vera lifted the bag and peered inside, "Oh Vox, this is adorable thank you." She smiled softly at him looking up through her lashes.

"Y-yeah I thought you could use a little treat, ya know for working and… stuff." Vox could slap himself. Inside the bag amidst an assortment of chocolates lay a delicate gold chain with the letter V dangling from the end. Vera lifted the chain gently and clipped it around her throat, the V landing in between the valley of her breasts. 

"I also wanted to ask if you would be my Valentine's… today… now… because it's today." He gulped, feeling very sweaty.

"Oh is that why you wanted to see me today?" The grin she gave him could make God himself nervous. "I guess if that's the case…" Vox felt a foot press against his thigh,he jumped at the contact, knee bumping into the table, his glass spilling everywhere.

A waiter appeared carrying a handful of napkins as if by magic. They swiftly started cleaning the situation, the bar may be sticky, but at least they tried. 

"I'm so-frz sorry." Vox said looking at the mess, more concerned with it then he would normally be, but her eyes watching and the heat from her leg has him more flustered than normal.

Vera pressed her foot against the growing bulge in Vox's pants and he leapt to his feet in a panic. Vera chuckled darkly.

"CAN WEFzzz GET THE-TZ-TZ CHECK." 

After paying Vox quickly grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her all the way back to her apartment. She walked in quietly, her flames scattering to light the candles around her flat washing the room in a warm glow.

"You're such a rude little thing." Vox growled, closing the door behind them, he turned to face her, "I'm going to make you pay for embarrassing-." Vox blacked out, systems shutting down, he rebooted himself quickly.

Vera was standing before him, she had dropped her rich velvet coat on to the ground, it pooled around her feet. She was wearing nothing but a red lace bodice and matching panties and now the gold V that hung around her throat.

She grinned up at him, nothing but mischief in her eyes.

"Happy Valentine's Day, baby."

[valiantstarlights]

[Dreamling Week Day 7: AUs or Crossovers] Of Surviving

This is a Dreamling Hunger Games AU oneshot. I finished writing it on May 27, but then I saw @mr-sadman 's prompt list for dreamling week 2023 and thought, 'Oooh 🖤 This is going to be perfect for Day 7!'

And here we are 2 weeks later. I hope you guys like it! 😊

CW: I mean...it's The Hunger Games. That's a warning all by itself.

"And why should we bet that you would win?" The host asks, fake teeth gleaming under the harsh stage lights. The same question, the same maddening smile directed at all the tributes.

"Because," Dream says, feeling bile rise up his throat, "I am better than the two who came before me."

The crowd gasps, but he could see a couple of audience members, the rough-looking shark-like types, nodding in consideration.

He hopes his siblings aren't watching.

--

"And why should we bet that you would win?"

"You shouldn't," the smiling boy from District 9 says. "But do it anyway for spite. Who knows, in the unlikely event that I win, you'll have me to thank for getting you at least a dozen new mansions."

The crowd laughs. Dream watches from backstage and immediately dismisses the boy as someone who would die an hour into the games.

--

The next time Dream sees the boy from District 9 is when he was aiming a javelin right at Dream. The first words the boy ever says to him is, "Duck!"

Dream ducks, and watches as the boy's javelin strikes true, right in the chest of District 2's career tribute.

--

"I thank you for saving my life, but I hope you are not expecting me to save you back."

The boy looks at him like he's a weird seven-legged fish. "Sure. You're welcome, District 4."

They part ways.

--

"Thought you said you wouldn't be saving my life," the boy from District 9 says, hand still holding Dream's as the two of them run away from the trap Dream has sprung, which caught a couple of other tributes who had been chasing him. Them both.

It was a coincidence that they were even in the same place at the same time.

Dream should really shake the boy's hand off.

"I am saving mine in the process of saving yours," he says. "Having an ally means surviving longer."

"An ally, huh? Well in that case, the name's Hob. Well, Robert Gadling, actually. I'm from District 9."

'I know,' Dream doesn't say. 'I thought you would be one of the first ones to die.'

--

"My name is Dream."

Dream wouldn't have volunteered this information, or really, anything about himself, but Hob has earned his trust by being an incredibly resourceful partner. He hasn't killed anyone else aside from that one career tribute, but he makes up for his lack of kill count by helping Dream (who grew up near the sea) survive in the arena the gamemakers have fashioned for them, which was part dense forest and part prairie.

"It suits you," Hob says, eyes on Dream's when he says it, his smile soft.

Dream looks away.

--

The faces of the day's dead have just finished being shown in the sky. Five more dead tributes. He imagines how their family back home would react to the news of their death. Would they be angry? Would they be disappointed?

Would they be relieved that there will be less mouths to feed from now on?

Dream wants to scream. He wants to think about anything else, so he turns to Hob, sitting beside him, face still turned upwards, contemplative. Dream wonders if they're thinking the same thing.

"Tell me about your family," Dream says.

Hob shrugs. "Not much to tell, really. We're poor like the rest, work hard like the rest, and try our best to live a life like the rest."

Dream sees his hands balled up into fists by his sides, knuckles white.

--

"What did Johanna mean, when she said you'll share the same fate as your siblings if you cross her path?"

It was early the next day. Hob is talking about a conversation between Dream and Johanna that took place in the morning of the previous day.

"I had six siblings," Dream says. They were gathering firewood now, for another trap that Dream is planning to spring. "Two of them were both reaped last year."

Hob stops in his tracks. "Oh," he says, sadness coloring his tone and setting Dream's teeth on edge. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," Dream says simply. He clutches his bundle tighter in his arms so Hob wouldn't see how his hands have began to shake. "You did not pick their names at random."

--

"Their names were Destruction and Delirium," Dream tells him later that night in their little camp, hidden deep within the forest. "Sometimes I wish I had volunteered in my brother's place and managed to save my sister."

"Oh, love."

--

"Why did you call me 'love' yesterday?" Dream does not look at Hob when he asks this.

"Why do you think?"

He wonders if Hob is looking at him when he answered.

--

"You should eat more."

Dream ignores him and curls up more in his tattered sleeping bag. The trap succeeded, but the gamemakers fucked around with the weather and Dream had been soaked to the bone. And now it seems that he has caught a fever.

"Please," Hob begs, warm hand on Dream's freezing arm. He has cooked a meager amount of watery vegetable soup from the plants they had foraged. "For me."

"You will be better off without me," Dream says, because it's true. "There are only a few tributes left."

Hob sighs. "Look, if you don't eat by yourself, then I'm going to feed you like a baby bird, and then we'll both feel awkward."

Dream imagines Hob sipping the soup and keeping it in his mouth, then pressing his lips against Dream's and feeding him in this manner, just to make sure that Dream has something warm and healing in his stomach. He reddens even more despite his raging fever.

He still has some good sense remaining, however, so he sits up and shakily accepts the small bowl from Hob's hands, unable to look directly at him.

--

Dream tilts his face away. "We shouldn't."

"Why not?" Hob has not moved, body still close and face a breath away from Dream's. "What are you so afraid of?"

Dream pushes him away with both hands, but he does so gently and with a lingering touch to Hob's clothed chest that his hands were immediately engulfed by Hob's larger ones.

Dream is becoming a hedonist under the boy's influence. It is apparent when their fingers tangled together almost automatically.

"Because if we share a kiss," Dream says, "then we would cease to be vigilant for a few precious seconds, and that could mean the difference between life and death."

Hob says nothing for a moment, before he inhales deeply and nods. "You're right."

"I almost always am."

Hob rolls his eyes at him. "I mean that you're right in that we should always be vigilant. Not that when I kiss you, I would only want it to last for a few seconds."

'When,' Hob says. Not 'if.'

Dream tries not to obsess about his wording.

He fails.

--

"I apologize. You should not have seen that."

"What, you killing Johanna by drowning her in quicksand?"

"I did not mean to! It was just the easiest way to do it." Dream looks down at Hob coldly, willing his anger to overtake the fear that this would be the thing that would make Hob betray him.

--

"You're afraid of me now."

Hob shakes his head. He still has not looked at Dream in the eye again, but his tone is as kind as always. Dream wants to hold his hand and ask for reassurance that Hob does not hate him. He doesn't, because he has always been a coward.

"I'm afraid of dying," Hob says. "Totally not the same thing."

--

"Dream?"

Dream is pretending to be asleep. He has to. He dares not show Hob his tear-streaked cheeks.

Hob sighs.

--

"Okay, here's the plan." Hob's eyes are looking furtively behind them, body tense. They are almost at the end. There are only a couple more tributes left other than the two of them. "You run right, I run left, then we lead whoever is following us to your traps."

Dream looks at Hob's handsome, dirt-streaked face and wants more than anything to survive with him. But there can only be one victor, and he has already failed two of the people he loves.

He leans forward and kisses Hob for the first and probably the last time. Then, he stands up and runs as fast as his feet can carry him towards the traps, ignoring Hob's panicked shout behind him.

--

"I don't want to survive if you don't survive with me," Hob tells the stars when Dream is pretending to be asleep. "I can't. I wouldn't be able to."

--

"Who says you're dying?" Dream replies just after dawn, when Hob is sound asleep beside him, snoring softly. "You are not allowed to die under my watch, Hob Gadling."

--

"No! Dream!"

"I'm...I'm sorry," Dream says, voice soft and weak. There was way too much red surrounding him. Hob is losing his mind. "I love you. I'm sorry."

"You cheated." Hob's hands are shaking as he takes his jacket off and bunches it up, pressing it hard against the wound on the other boy's stomach. "You're supposed to be the one that survives!"

"I don't want to go back," Dream tells him, eyes turning glassy with unshed tears. "Not without you."

"Shit, you're losing too much blood."

"I would have liked to show you the place where I like to read in secret..."

"Gods, shut up, shut up, shut up--" Hob looks around frantically, trying to find something, anything, that could save Dream.

He is handed a knife by a bloodied, trembling hand, so pale it was almost white. "Here," Dream says. He points to an area under his own jaw. "Put the knife... Slash deep here. A little diagonally. Most effective..." His eyes were already blinking slower, movements growing sluggish.

"No," Hob says fiercely. The knife's handle is digging into his palm from how tight he's gripping it. "No, I'm not killing you. Fuck you for even--"

"Love you..." Dream's lips mouth at him, his striking blue eyes still looking at Hob's, as if he wants Hob's face to be the last thing he sees.

"No," Hob spits in denial. "Fuck this--"

Hob has always been a quick learner. His mother had always told him so. When his older brother was reaped six years ago and died within the hour of the games starting, Hob marched out of their house and immediately learned how to handle all the farming equipment from the older men, so his family could continue to eat.

He now places the knife Dream gave him against his own neck--

--

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

--

Dream gasps awake and clutches at the shape beside him desperately. Hob startles awake at the frantic touch, then pulls Dream towards him, holding him tight and steady, a fortress against a howling storm.

He murmurs soft words next to Dream's ear, one hand rubbing his back gently, while the other partially covers the large jagged scar on Dream's side. Dream presses his face closer to Hob's neck, his nose right where Hob's own scar is. It's small and looks insignificant compared to the one on Dream's body, but it proved more effective in getting the gamemakers to panic. They needed to have a victor, after all.

That year, they had two.

That had been ten years ago.

"We made it, my love," Hob says against his hair. It smells like the very sea that is only a short walk away from their home. Hob can hear the waves lapping peacefully at the shore. "We made it. It's all over now. We made it."

[aimportantdragoncollector]

AU where Trio holders lives and acting Pro heroes that regularly picking up interns from UA. But being chaotic them, that always leads to completion of who got best intern

I'm always delighted to see my favorite trio get an AU where they can be happy!

1. Just to make this an extra happy AU, the trio defeated AFO way back in the dawn of the age of quirks. AFO gave Yoichi immortality as a last jab, saying they would continue their battle later. Alas AFO didn't realize the immortality would get duplicated inside One for All and make his brothers' annoying boyfriends immortal too. AFO laid low planning to try to take over Japan again later, got amnesia, married Inko Midoriya, and had a kid. He's currently living life as a genuinely ordinary salaryman who loves comics.

2. Japan is just a lot happier overall without AFO's bad influence. The trio worked together to stop the HPSC from getting too corrupt. They are extremely famous as Japan's three greatest heroes. Yoichi is famous as a quirkless hero, All Might also became a quirkless hero, and quirkless discrimination never took off as a result. Izuku and Katsuki never stopped being friends. Third most has One for All, though the trio passes it around sometimes.

3. Yoichi snatched Izuku up right away as his intern because Izuku is also going to become a quirkless hero. Yoichi has no idea that Izuku is his nephew. How could he, when Hisashi Midoriya doesn't even know himself? But they still hit it off right away. Yoichi brags about Izuku to anyone who will listen. Shouto Todoroki has a million conspiracies, his favorite is that Yoichi is a time-traveling older version of Izuku.

4. Second picks Hitoshi Shinsou as his intern. Hitoshi is pretty surprised about this. However Second knows a lot about turning a weak quirk into a weapon and working underground instead of in the spotlight. He has a lot of ideas about how to help Hitoshi reach his full potential. The only issue is that Hitoshi loves stray cats and keeps bringing them back to the agency, and Second refuses to admit he is scared of cats.

5. Third picks Mezo Shoji as his intern because 1. His quirk is criminally underutilized; and 2. he's clearly dealing with a lot of trauma from quirk discrimination. As someone who grew up during the dawn of the age of quirks, Third can sympathize a lot. He helps Mezo stop hiding his face and his scars.

6. Of course, in addition to being good mentors, these three are all insanely competitive. So they keep contriving to run into each other on the job and show off their interns. Izuku and Mezo are very embarrassed, especially Izuku because Yoichi keeps doting on him. Hitoshi embraces the competition and decides both are his rivals.

7. After a certain "incident" leads to an explosion of whip cream in town square (don't ask) Nezu calls in the three and warns them that if they don't tone it down, they will lose their interns. Yoichi cries for an hour at the prospect of being separated from Izuku.

8. The three do tone it down: at least until the next Sports Festival when they go nuts cheering on their protegees with giant banners, megaphones, and even a blimp. At this point even Hitoshi is embarrassed.

9. Yoichi finally finds out that Izuku is his nephew when he runs into Hisashi at the Sports Festival. There is pandemonium. The three greatest heroes tackled a random civilian! After realizing about the amnesia, Yoichi covers it up claiming that he mistook Hisashi for someone else. He'd rather his older brother never get his memories back.

10. Shouto Todoroki publishes a completely accurate theory online about Hisashi being All for One, but no one believes him. Perhaps partly because he still thinks Yoichi is a time-traveling Izuku.

(All of these asks are free to use in my Three Weeks of Trioholders event.)

[aussiepineapple1st]

What is Happening to Me (Part 9)

Leon x F!Reader

Words: 2,178 Contains: Blood, Angst, Injury.

Part 1 | Previous | Next

Swimming to shore, you pull the raft up onto the grainy sand. There was a small cove that you could lay Leon down and get a fire started, you were freezing cold from the icy water. The sky was very overcast and threatening to rain at any moment. Stepping into the raft you kneel down beside Leon and place a hand on his chest, feeling it rise and fall unevenly. He's probably broken a rib or two, you can't imagine the force he took from the crash landing. Sitting Leon up you move around to be behind him, wrapping your arms under his pits and pull him out of the raft, dragging him to the small cove. Gently laying him down on his back you stand up and go to find some sticks and leaves you can use to build a small fire.

You keep your eyes on Leon for a moment before walking out of the small enclosed area. Walking to where there were some trees and grass you start to scavenge enough materials, making your way back. Kneeling down you place bark on the sand first, adding grass and dead leaves you turn to Leon, rummaging around in his pockets you knew he had a lighter here somewhere. Ah! Got it! Using the lighter you burn the leaves and make sure it catches before placing the sticks and more bits of bark to start building it.

"(Y/N), Are you there?" You hear Hunnigan's voice in your ear.

"Copy.."

"I managed to track your location, it seems you're on a coast near Whitbeck, England."

"England?!" You were shocked, you were almost to Germany, but not quite. "Damn it!" You say frustrated and pull your legs up to your chest, burying your head in your knees and arms.

"How is Leon?" Hunnigan asks as you could hear her typing.

"Alive, but still unresponsive." You say turning your head to look at him laying on his back, the fire lightly illuminating his features. Blood now dried and crusting around the corners of his mouth and left nostril.

"Alright, just hold tight, I'm going to get in contact with the UK branch and see if they can get a helicopter to your location." She says frustrated at this turn of events.

"Thanks, Hunnigan.."

"Don't mention it, you're both going to be just fine. Keep Leon warm and alive, that is your current mission." She says then hangs up the line.

You sit there in silence, watching the flames dancing around as the cold breeze sometimes blows through the covered area. You felt your eyes beginning to water but you blink the tears away, shivering you huddle closer to the fire, holding out your hands to warm them up. Every so often you would glance over to Leon and watch his chest to make sure it was still rising and falling, your brain then starts to think about what happened. Only the flight staff had been turned, the Men giving you the info were dead, but only because they were being eaten. You didn't even hear them screaming for help when they were taken down. Does that mean they were killed before the zombies got to them? It was hard to tell with how mutilated they were. The pilot's were dead then turned, meaning they got infected after they died. The flight attendants were the only ones who turned without being dead first, from what you saw in the quick moments before shooting them that is.

You scratch your fingers on your scalp as you groan in annoyance, this was a set up. Someone knew Leon and you were coming to help, hoping to get rid of you on the flight to Germany. You were so tired, you had swum for a good hour before making it to shore, the current kept pulling you out to sea until you managed to get closer. You were frozen and couldn't feel certain parts of your body from the water, your drenched clothes with the cold wind blowing on your back wasn't helping. Looking over to Leon's chest you watch as it is still rising and falling, looking away then quickly double taking back to him as you see his head turned to you, ice blue eyes staring your way. "Leon!" You say moving to your hands and knees, crawling over to him.

"Hey.." He said weakly, his face contorting into a pained wince. Yep, he's most definitely broken something.

"Where does it hurt?" You ask going into immediate medic mode.

"I think I've just broken a rib.. nothing too bad." He grunts, trying to adjust his body to get more comfortable.

"Can you breathe alright? Do you think you've punctured a lung?" You ask, the blood on the corners of his mouth giving you the thought.

"Could have.. I can still breathe though. I've got two." He jokes trying to make light of the situation. "Do you know where we are?"

"Hunnigan got back into contact when I had you on the raft, she said we are on a coast near Whitbeck, England."

"England.." Leon repeats, a hand lifting to rest over his temple, he had a massive headache. Most probably a concussion. You give a nod as you watch him, He had come home from missions a little bruised, but you had never seen him in this state before. You reach down and take his hand, laying down beside him, allowing the fire to be next to Leon as you press your wet body against his side.

"Hunnigan is contacting someone to come get us in a helicopter." You inform. "There's nothing we can really do apart from wait." You explain. Leon gives a nod and wraps an arm around you to hold you close, feeling your trembling body.

"You're all wet. How come I'm not?" He asked curiously.

"Oh.. To get us to shore I had to push the raft." You explain. "It took me about an hour but I got us here." You say with a tired chuckle.

"An hour?! That water has to be almost frozen, Are you okay? You could have Hypothermia!" You wave off his worry as you stay snuggled into him, you hadn't thought about that.. Damn it.. You're both not doing the best right now.

You both lay there beside the fire, keeping warm as best as you could, discussing what could have gone down. Finally you come to the conclusion that someone else was on that Jet who either was working for the person causing these outbreaks and heard you were coming, the staff were unknowingly infected while on the Jet or some other cause making the staff turn. Everything had happened so quickly it was hard to even process details. Leon was talking to you when you suddenly stopped replying to him, you had fallen asleep, your body entering repair mode. Leon sits up and checks to make sure you are okay before removing his leather jacket and laying it over you. He gets up allowing the fire's warmth to touch you and hopefully warm you up as he goes to have a look around where you were.

A good half an hour passes and you wake up, feeling the weight of a leather jacket laying over you as you hear the blades of a large chinook in the distance. Leon was standing out on the beach, a hand raised up to shield his eyes from the rain now falling. You hear Hunnigan responding to Leon, but not able to hear what Leon was saying, he was too far away.

"Alright, I'm taking a note of that now... Hmm, I'm not sure... Yes, she is." There was a little pause. Leon looking towards you, seeing you were now sat up dropping sand on the fire to extinguish it. "Understood. You can get there with this chinook, it's ready to take you to Erfurt." Leon walks over to you, now able to hear him responding. "Thanks, Roots. I'll contact you once we are on the ground. Condor one out." He kneels down in front of you, his wet, navy shirt hugging his body as water drips from his hair. "Hey.. You okay? The chinook will be landing her in a moment." He says offering a hand to help you to your feet.

"And it's going to take us to Erfurt?" You ask, Leon nods and stands up. You hand his Jacket back to him and he puts it on, sighing at the warmth now hugging his cold body as he looks out to the beach seeing the large chinook landing.

The back opens and a male walks down the ramp, a familiar figure to both of you. "Chris?" You both say in unison as you hurry to the cover of the chinook.

"Hey! Heard you needed a lift to Germany!" He said smiling brightly at the both of you. He hands a blanket to the both of you as well as earpieces so you could communicate while in the air.

Once in the air you were both seated beside each other, dripping wet and warming up from the blankets you had wrapped around you. "So, what happened?" Chris asks, his gaze staying on you as he was wondering why you were with Leon. Had you gone back to work already? He had popped in last week to see the two of you before heading to England himself.

You clear your throat before speaking. "Our Jet ended up having infected staff. Leon crashed the Jet into the water, Don't worry.. I saved his butt." You smirk looking to Leon with a cheeky grin.

Leon's eyebrows just raise and he leans forwards from resting against the back of the seat. "That's basically what happened, yeah. It seems someone knew we were on our way to Germany to deal with their work and tried to get rid of us." He elaborates.

Chris just shakes his head, eyes flicking between you both, a small smile on his face. "You two always get yourself in these types of situations, don't you?" Leon just sighs and gives a defeated nod.

"I wouldn't know." You chuckle and look up to Chris who's gaze was still on you, you could see a look furrow his brows before he turns away from you. "Chris.. I'm fine. This is my first mission. Well.. You know what I mean."

"I'm just surprised.. It's only been 2 months."

"Well I was going to have to get back to work eventually, couldn't let Leon have all the fun." You smile and look to Leon on your left, he doesn't look to you as he felt a fair amount of guilt at Chris' words.

"Hold on.. Are you (Y/N) (L/N)?" One of the females in Chris' crew ask. You give a nod, surprised eyes looking to Chris who gave you a proud smile and leans back against the seat he was on. "No way!! I never thought I would actually meet you. You inspired me when heard about what you did in California!" She says seeming to be excited to be talking to you.

"Oh.. I'm glad." You smile, looking to Chris once again. "What did I do in California?" You asked.

"What do you mean?" The same lady asked you. "It's just ONE of the many cool things you've done!"

"I'm sorry." You shrug. "I can't remember anything from before 2 months ago. I apparently hit my head and woke up after a week not remembering anything." You explain to her.

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. And you're back in business? Impressive." She said gloating once again. You sit there in silence, feeling a little bad that you couldn't remember, hoping you didn't let her down. But unbeknownst to you, you had just inspired her even more.

"I don't think you should be on duty yet." Chris spoke up. "Leon, why is she doing such a big mission on her first day? Why not do some work in the office or something?" You could tell in his tone he was slightly annoyed that you were on the field. "It's only been 2 months."

"You think I don't know that? I can't control who gets dragged into jobs. Not with the DSO." Leon snaps back, his own frustration on the situation coming forwards.

"Guys!.. Guys, it's my choice. I accepted going on this job, so drop it.." You say feeling a little overwhelmed. "I don't know why, but deep in the back of my mind I just felt like I needed to get back to work.." Both Leon and Chris look at you with a little sorrow in their eyes as well as a hint of guilt. "What?.. What are you both not telling me?" You asked knowing that look in their eyes.

Leon shakes his head. "I'll tell you when we're alone." He explained. You give him a frown, you had been alone for 2 months at home. Why look guilty now when you had mentioned the reason why you accepted so early?

Part 1 | Previous | Next

🏷️: @phoenix666stuff @maehemthemisfit @greywardensaywhat @growingupnrealizing

[countlessrealities]

RICK PRIME'S BIRTHDAY EVENT || Accepting !

@mcltiples sent:

The day would be carefully planned out to the most miniscule detail. Rick always was like this with birthdays. And even if his Master didn't say anything about the day or even mentioned it, he still had his ways in finding out these things. He was as sneaky as he was smart.

Besides, surely, he wouldn't be punished for doing something thoughtful.

Entering the bedroom, he walked over towards where his alternate sat. Still awake at this time of hour, it wasn't surprising. His Master's sleep schedule was always unpredictable. However, it gave him the perfect excuse for this occasion.

Coming up behind the other, he set down a mug of coffee, prepared the way that he knew his Master liked it. Next to it, a plate of pancakes and bacon.

Soft hands found them rested onto those shoulders, squeezing gently and beginning to massage the muscles. "I-It's your special day, Master, a-and I hope you don't mind that I took the liberty to plan what we could do,"

It was a risky move on his part. He didn't feel as if he had the right to dictate their plans. Though, it was a special day. He felt as if it should be alright -- but if he got scolded for it, he would take it.

"I-I was thinking of going to an aquarium in the Bloister-9 Solar System," He hunched down lower, resting his chin on that shoulder, hands slid down the other's arms sensually. "Th-Then there's a few dying planets that we could visit, m-maybe we can watch them explode,"

Pulling away, he turned the chair around, settling himself onto his knees in front of the other. Glancing up with blank, grey-blue eyes.

"However, i-if none of these things satisfy you, I-I will gladly change the plans to what you would rather do instead. I-I'm here to serve you, always, but today, I-I would really like to accompany you in whatever you choose to do."

{ To Your Weird Rick from Rick V-79 // bc he insisted on sending his first xD }

Rick had always had conflicted feelings when it came to his birthday. He had lived it as a fun or joyful recurrence, but he had never detested it enough to decide to fully cross it out of his calendar and act like it wasn't a thing at all. His relationship with the date was...complicated and it had changed over and over with the passing of the decades.

Back when he still lived with his family, the day represented both the passing of yet another miserable year and the occasion to celebrate how he had survived it out of spite towards everything and everyone. So, for the most, he bore through the little parties that were thrown for him with gritted teeth and fake smiles, and then sneaked out at night to party by himself. That latter thing never failed to include destruction of someone else's properties.

After leaving his Earth and dimension behind, it all had changed. His birthday had become an excuse to go even wilder than he usually was, even if he had never looked too close at why. Deep down, it had been a way to unleash his slowly building frustration about how his plan of turning the multiverse into a boundless playground for him and his alternates was revealing itself to be a bigger and bigger disappointment.

As for these days, it mostly depended on his mood. If he started the day in high spirits, then he tended to go overboard and celebrate yet again his 35th birthday with a blast...metaphorically and, especially, literally speaking. If he was feeling down or even just cranky for any reason, then he stayed wherever his current hideout was, with alcohol as his only company.

This particular year, he hadn't figured out how he felt about the anniversary just yet. In all truth, he had gotten so absorbed in the coding he was working on that he hadn't realised that it was well past midnight. And he probably wouldn't have noticed until late morning, if not early afternoon, if it hadn't been for the mug of freshly made coffee that was set next on his work desk, snapping him back to the present.

The first thing that his sense registered was the scent. The hot bitterness of the coffee, the greasy deliciousness of the bacon, the fluffy sweetness of the pancakes. He couldn't remember the last time someone had served him a homemade meal. It was at the same time familiar and unsettling.

Before he could focus on processing what had just happened, though, a pair of hands fell on his shoulders, fingers rubbing the tension out of his muscles. The sensuality of the touch was fully lost on him, as his mind got too distracted by all the other positive feelings it conveyed.

Peace, warmth, relaxation, easiness.

How could have he ever cared about something as trivial and unnecessary as sex when he was offered coziness?

Focusing on what his alternate was saying proved to be a real challenge, because all he wanted to do was to melt under the other's ministrations and forget about reality itself. However, this was his "special day", as his kitten had called it, and he had to pay attention. Both because he needed V-79 to memorise that day as a yet another excuse to celebrate him as a deity and because he couldn't have his pet see the inner turmoil the recurrence ignited inside him.

"Looks like someone did his homework!" He teased with a low chuckle, lifting a hand to flick his alternate's earlobe. "I guess that you were listening even when I thought you weren't, kitten. Such a sly little thing you are."

He patted that cheek patronisingly, but his fingers lingered to stroke that jaw in a way that was almost affectionate and fond, before falling away.

"I did have ideas about what to do today." One big ass lie, since he hadn't known that it was his birthday till a minute before. "But it sounds like you put so much thought in our potential day plans, so...I'll play along with them. As a reward."

His arms wrapped around the other's waist, pulling him slightly closer, so that he could fully get comfortable in his lap.

"Aquarium and planetary fireworks. That's something I can get behind. And, if you're a really good pet..." His voice trailed off as he squeezed the inside of his alternate's thigh, in a way that could have easily been taken as suggestive. "Maybe I'll give you an extra prize."

He knew how his words sounded and he didn't mean them at all. However, he was very curious to see if his kitten would have taken the bait and how he would have acted to try and earn the non-existent treat he had teased.

After all, it was his "special day", wasn't it? He had all the rights to have fun in any way he chose to.

[soyonama]

Room 302 - NSFW SMUT ~ GAY ~ M/M

Authors Note: hi, I am 20 years old and never used tumblr so forgive me if my formatting Isn't what you are used to. I, (M20) wanted a space to write out some smut I've been thinking about. Loosely based on my real life as a Bisexual Teen. enjoy.

Summary:

After Arriving at a New City for a Family Event, and Staying at a Fancy Hotel. I log into a Gay Cruising Site and Meets up with a guy a couple rooms away...

---

"holy shit." I look up in awe at the 20 floors worth of hundreds of occupied Hotel Rooms. "This place IS fancy." I said, almost to just myself. My Dad chirps in, "Yeah in the morning there's a really big breakfast so make sure you're up early." I couldn't promise that I would leave a nice hotel's duvet covers, Especially after a 9 hour road trip with my family. As my family chose their places for the night, predictably I ended up with a pillow, top sheet and the floor. Whatever. I just felt good to feel my body sprawl out. and as I wind down with whatever content that fills my ever hungry mind, I have a thought. In fact, It's something that's been simmering in the back of my mind since I stepped into the automatic sliding doors. I am currently in the LGBTQ capital of the world. in a hotel with hundreds of rooms, tightly packed next to and above one another... Surely...

I quickly turn over and open a browser on my phone, and nervously log into a site I can't remember discovering so many months previously. instantly the map loads, Pins on the Interactive Map pop up showing me every upcoming Orgy, Private areas for men to have anonymous sex and Every Person Currently online in my area. There was one.

of course as the sites main goal is for men to anonymously hookup, there wasn't a lot about this person except for the Information he Volunteered to Share. "22" Good around my Age "Twink" My type of man. and finally, "7' Cut". I was sold. I found the chat button and started:

-----

Me: Hey Him: Hey wsp? Me: are you at [HOTEL]? Him: I am Me: wanna meet up? Him: I'm in room 302.

-----

I build up the courage, snag a spare room key for later and walk out the door. Still in my Checker PJ pants and a T-Shirt I walk to the elevator, go up a single floor and walk toward his room. I waited a second to make it seem like I was farther away, Then I knocked. then waited for a moment, Slightly Embarrassed as I can hear the knock reverberate around the now empty Hotel lobby at nearly 4 in the morning. then the door unlocks and opens. Tall, Average Build, Cute Face, and only wearing boxers and a graphic tee. He invites me in, and closes the door quickly behind me. after I pass the doors threshold I am pinned to the wall by his hand on my chest. he leans in slowly, spending micro seconds glancing at my facial expressions to make sure I am comfortable and kisses me. The Excitement. The Adrenaline of Sneaking out to fuck some cute boy I met and the sudden feeling of losing all power meant that I was already fully erect. if not more. his lips touched mine, my body loosened and the legs of my pants tightened. His hands holding me, one on my waistline other gently placed on the side of my ribcage. we kissed, only separating when I needed to exhale as if I had just come back to my lover after the war. he smiled and went in for more this time his hand lowered and wrapped around my erect penis. my hands, which where awkwardly to my sides, due to being to taking aback, met him at the same place, with my hand feeling the outline of his hard cock, To show initiative and confirm with him that I like where this was going, my palm laid on his lower stomach and my fingers trailed down and landed just past the band of his pants, the tips of my fingers moments away from feeling his warm cock in the flesh, he met me there, placing both hands on my waist, sliding his hands down my thighs and under my PJs and making enough room to let my pants fall to the ground. my cock, fully erect sprung at the opportunity and stood tall, the tip of my penis now several inches away from the base. refusing to give up the race I fall to my knees, grab his pants and bring them to his ankles. for the first moment since I walked in i could now take a breath, I lean in and place my lips on his balls and let his shaft lay the space between my cheek and my nose. taking control of the situation, I use my tongue to travel from the bottom of his shaft all the way to the tip. where I then open my mouth and let my lips travel back down the shaft, my nose now touching his stomach. the feeling of all of this, the warmth of his cock in my mouth, his moans as I laid my tongue flat under the head of his cock and bobbed back and forth. My cock was pulsating, I needed to stroke my cock. my hand now mirroring what my mouth is doing. I can't help but notice the tip of my cock leaking precum. as I slowed down my head movements, I would take short breaks by licking down the sides of his shaft and teasing the head with my tounge, I stroked his cock and as I was going to motion to moving to the beds, he grabs my head with his hands and starts to pump his cock down my throat as if I was nothing but a toy for him, ready to use. I stroked my cock faster, I knew he was getting closing otherwise he wouldn't be moaning so much or pumping deeper down my throat. I give up on rubbing the entire shaft I wanted to cum with him so I swiftly move to just stroking the head, my pre lubing up my cock as I stroke faster, anticipating the-

he goes deep. all the way down my throat and stops. I can feel his veins pumping on my tongue while his fills my throat with his hot cum. at that moment I completely lose all control, my legs clench as I shoot my load inches out in front of me. he pulls out, leaving trails of cum down my tongue and lips. I look up at him and make a face that can only say "I hope you're proud of me" as he smiles, and says "you are so cute." He let's me wash up in the bathroom and I get sent on my way, not without a kiss or two on the way out. I walk back into my hotel room, heart pounding out of my chest. as I stare in the ceiling and wonder if any of it really happened.

---

Thank you for reading.

this was my first like official written work, other than like... sexting with people lol. I hope you Enjoyed. please comment I would love to hear what you think...

~ Soyonama ~

[pbandjesse]

I'm sitting at a beautiful wedding. It's been a long but really nice day. My feet hurt a lot but I think it's from the texture of my socks? Unsure. I'm still very unsure about what shoes to wear to work these events. I like a tappy sounding shoe because it makes me feel powerful but then my feet hurt so bad I think I'm going to die. Fashion is so hard.

Today was also just a very long day. Not bad at all, but long. I tried my best to get lots of rest before hand but I slept horribly last night. So I am a bit tired. I was tossing and turning all night. I couldn't get comfortable. I was either to cold in front of the fan or to hot when I turned it away from myself. So it was not a very restful sleep.

I had set my alarm for 930 but by 9 I couldn't even doze properly. James would come and lay with me but I was still to hot and did not feel comfortable at all. I did like being held but also. Man why can't I regulate my temperature.

James would make the bed when I got up. And then went and made me an omelette. They made biscuits for us again. I would take a longer then normal shower and washed my hair and it helped me feel a little more normal. I wasn't sure about my outfit. I like this knit skirt and tank top but I don't feel comfortable having my shoulders out at work normally. So I also brought a wrap shirt. And it's a very good outfit and I felt really cute.

I went downstairs to eat breakfast with James. It was just a quiet morning together. I cut and painted my nails. They were such a nice length but they kept bending backwards and hurting me so it was time. I tried to make them pretty.

Eventually I would go upstairs to lay in bed. And James would come join me and we watched our own videos next to each other. I didn't want to be leaned on because I was feeling kind of bad. I did wait until after breakfast to take my vitamins and while I didn't throw up I did not feel amazing. Laying still was the best thing I could do.

At noon we went downstairs and started getting ready to go. James was going to go kayaking and get groceries and wait for me at the museum for when I got there.

And I was going to art with a heart. First BAS class of the season. I was really looking forward to it. And it would be really nice to see returners and meet new people. And it was nice seeing Mary Ellen and Naomi. We had fun.

The project was an accordion book about your favorite things. And it was a really popular project. Lots of free drawing. While the teens like it I think the adults liked it a lot more. I did feel bad when a parent in the teens class kept apologizing that her son couldn't draw things, just scribbles. And I was like no!! He is happy and having a good time it doesn't matter what he actually makes. Next week we are going to try her leaving for the hour and Naomi or me sitting with him instead. He has an AAC device so he can communicate which is such a huge thing. Mary Ellen told us today her daughter, who is also mostly nonverbal, recently learned how to text and so now she can actually talk to her and I am just beyond happy for them. Like she's almost my age and she's actually able to tell her mom all of her thoughts. That has to feel amazing.

The class was fun though. It's nice when everyone is just focused but then I don't 100% know what to do with myself. So I chatted with Naomi and Mary Ellen and some parents. During the adult class too. I told a few people that I'm pregnant and that I may not be available for their winter and spring classes but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I hope I can do the winter one because it's in February but we'll see!!

We finished up right before 3. And once we locked down the building I was off. Heading the museum. Where James promised me a chocolate bar and a pink drink from Starbucks. Love my husband so much.

It has been a really nice night. Even if my feet hurt. I was surprised that Kelly was here! She's the Manager for the catering tonight, which has been excellent. And Jesse would hang out until 530 which was nice of him. Just made sure everything was good to go before he headed home. And I feel pretty good about everything. It's just practice. And this is a really easy wedding. 80 people. Lovely lovely couple. And since Kelly worked here for years she knows everything and I don't have to worry about to much.

The bride was absolutely beautiful. A pretty princess in a green gown. Just beautiful. And all their guests have been really nice. Her dad looks like Manny Patinkin, which is lovely because they are playing The Princess Bride in the movie theater all night. So sweet. We couldn't figure out how to make it auto repeat the film so I have had to go check on it a few times. We are on its 3rd viewing now.

I stayed outside to help direct guests to the wedding. Held the stragglers until the bride walked down the aisle. And it was a beautiful ceremony. Mo, the security guard, was like how can their vows be ten minutes. And I'm like you couldn't tell your lady why you love her for ten minutes? Weak.

The appetizers were great. I know I'm not really supposed to eat soft cheese but the brie with green apple and hot honey on French bread was so stinking good. I also had two fried green tomatoes with balsamic and some fried cauliflower with buffalo sauce. The actual vegan dinner option, ratatouille, was not my thing. I tried it but I just did not like it. Ah well. I brought an apple and yogurt so I wasn't hungry.

It's been a nice night though. I did a little knitting. A little chatting with catering. I made a print for the couple to take home and they were so surprised and grateful and that was really nice. I struggled to get it to print right too so I was really glad it worked out in the end.

The groom just came by and he gave me one of the comic books he made! He was like this is so lame but I made this to give to people I don't get to see much and I was like that's not lame at all!! I think it is really cool! I'll make sure to tag him on Instagram.

The party has another hour. I hope to finish this one knit panel. I am so very behind on that blanket. But that's okay. I will get it done eventually.

Tomorrow is me and James's two year wedding anniversary. And we are hoping to go to DC. I hope I am feeling okay enough to do that. I would love to just spend the day with my husband. I love them so much.

I hope you all are feeling great. I love you all. Goodnight!!

[vanillaxoshi]

septuplet au

Sibling competition part 3.

.

.

.

" Alright everyone it's time for our fun! Now ! Let us fill you about the rules and the race ! "

"We have three total rounds ! Each rounds will disqualified some group before the final round ! "

"Frist! We have game stations located everywhere in the school ! Competitors have to find where the station is and finish the game to gain the ribbon as a prove you finished the game !"

" Once you gain the over 3 ribbon you are qualified to enter the second round ! "

" Now everyone !Do you see that big board is locate at the middle of the field? And it's have number label on it ! All you need is one of the teammate punch through a label to get a piece of card that have a image as clue about what and where is the station is ! "

" Remember ! The card you hold must be given the station holder as a ticket to play the game ! If not you'll not able to play ! Once you finish the game they will give you a other piece of card for the next station ! "

" You're given one hour to finish the games and return to the field ! If you don't have enough ribbon or didn't return in time ! You're disqualified ! "

" Oh ! - I almost forgot to mention! Beware of the yellow caps 'Troublemakers' that is in the school ! They will be stalling you in anyway they can once you meet them ! So you gonna avoid or run away form them ! "

" So that's all the rules now ! I'll will be back for the second round explanation ! The race starts after a 30 seconds ! Once the count down end the race shall be start ! "

"Wow that's a long explanation."

" Of course it will ! After the competition that held last year, more people want to attend this . That cause the school have to bring up more exciding games for it !"

" You look very exciding for this don't you ?."

Fang giggle for Haya's excitement .

" Yeah ! Of course ! "

Cahaya is hyping beside Fang as he rambles about the competition .

10!

The crowds are all hype up as they count down for their friend and families .

9!

"So are you ready for this Fang ?"

8!

"Oh hell yeah !"

7!

" So Fang, later you go to get the card . I'll be waiting you at the......."

"Ok ! So does that mean that way is more easy to get upstairs .........."

6!

As the duo discussing there's 5 pairs of eyes are watching them from the distance.

5!

They're belongs the other septuplet siblings which are Tanah who is team up with Daun and Petir team up with Api on the field.

4!

Air are watching them form the school 2nd floor's window eating the food with Gopal .

3!

Angin is nowhere to be found .......which is strange . He's not like someone who will miss out such events , where did he go ?

2!

The competitors starts get to ready to get the card .

1!

Everyone have starts run toward to the board !

.

.

.

" Er...... Haya are you sure that you don't need a break ? You look-"

"Ha-huff- I'm fine Fang- just let me catch a breath-huff-"

They are currently on the staircase hiding form those 'troublemakers' and the other groups .

First, after Fang got the card and go to the station to finish the game . It appears that each station have limited ribbons if the station runs out ribbons they will give you the card immediately that lead to the station that still have ribbons. Which basically make the ribbon is hard to get that they end up have people to fight over the ribbons.

Which makes them a walking target , they have gain 3 ribbons already what only left is return to the field .

Cahaya don't know he should feel lucky or feel bad now . Because earlier when they got targeted they run into Tanah and Daun who's also have gain 3 ribbons . With them Cahaya and Fang runs aways as they become the new target .

Now there're are running out of time because it only have 15 minutes left . And the location they are currently need almost 10 minutes to return the field but it make it more harder because most of the competitors are still in the school looking for target .

"Hey, Cahaya ? I know a shortcut that can get us there very fast but .......you might not like it ."

" Show me - I don't think I can come up with a better plan now."

.

.

.

" Huff- huff we are back- form war !!!!"

Daun lay down on the field soon they arrive the safe zone .

" Took you guys long enough ."

" Hey! It's now fair that you can just leap away with your power Petir !''

" I agreed with Daun with this."

comes from very exhausted Tanah who just run away the people that want the ribbons .

" Ha ! Suck for you guys !"

" Api don't - we are all exhausted . By the way where is Cahaya now''

" Just run in them earlier ....I don't think they can get back in time."

" Is that so ...... I immediately rush back here before I can check on them......Hum-?"

The siblings hears a familiar voice shouting from distance.

They turn their heads only see Cahaya are climbing down from a ....... Wait is that a ladder ?! From the 2nd floor ?!?!

Fang is holding the ladder .

" FANG WHERE DO YOU GET THIS LONG LADDER !?!?!?"

" I TOLD YOU IT'S A BAD IDEA !"

" DON'T YOU DARE LET GO YOUR HAND !!!!"

"I DEFINITELY WOULDN'T LET GO !!!"

Tanah and Petir looks like having a heart attack now .

Api and Daun didn't know they should be worried or amazed .

.

.

.

"Huff-huff-- We made it Fang !!!!"

" Yeah ...... I decide that's a shortcut I'll never use again"

The duo have arrive the safe zone as the times up.

"Times up !!!!! congrats for the people who got into round two ! And for those who did make it don't worry and try again next year !"

" That's was a close one !"

"Alright Haya , lets hope your brothers wouldn't kill me about this ."

" I hope so......"

.

.

.

I'll make two more parts for last two rounds.

The utter chaos theyre doing

The brothers would definitely get mad at fang after all that, assuming theykl do some more crazy ideas in the next two :)

[iviarellereads]

Artificial Condition, Chapter 9

(Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For the link index and a primer on The Murderbot Diaries, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

In which another episode concludes.(1)

Art takes care of all the bureaucracy, forging its captain's feed signature and paying fines for the unusual events that follow. It brings the shuttle into a large hangar module, meant to be lab space, and as soon as it fills with atmosphere MB carries Tapan out to Medsystem, the ComfortUnit(2) close behind. As MB removes Tapan's clothes for treatment, some MedSystem drones start poking at its injuries, but it ignores them.

Art informs MB that four humans in the shuttle are still alive, but unconscious. Art has drones sterilize MB's and Tapan's presences and fluids from the interior, then sends it on a flight back to RaviHyral. No one will know they didn't do it to each other until they wake up and tell their stories, and maybe some wouldn't want to tell what they did at all. It'll give the bots time to get out, at least. MB asks how Art knew to do it, but Art confirms its suspicions by giving an episode number of Sanctuary Moon, where presumably something similar happened.

MB asks the ComfortUnit how it knew MB was a Ganaka Pit unit. CU says it saw MB go to the pit, and if it wasn't under orders, it calculated an 86% chance it was one of those units going back for some reason.

MB tells the CU to drop its walls. It does so, still following Tlacey's order to obey MB, and MB disables its governor module. Then, as CU stares at MB, MB tells it to go away and never let MB see it again, or hurt anyone. The CU stumbles upright, and Art uses drones to guide it out to the transit ring without a word.

Art wondered if MB would destroy CU, but MB knows CU didn't have a choice, and it chose to disable CU's governor module for the sake of the CUs in Ganaka Pit who had faced "the meat grinder" to save every human and bot left in the installation.(3)

Art tells MB to get on the other MedSystem platform, as they have a lot of evidence to destroy.

MB is holding Tapan's hand when she wakes, having been healed and cleaned up. Tapan asks what happened, and MB says they tried to kill them again, and they made it out and onto its friend's ship. It shows Tapan the data chip from the Tlacey contact, which it already checked for malware and trackers, and asks her to call Rami and Maro to meet them at the embarkation zone. Tapan and MB exchange "it's my fault"s before she does.

MB surveys everywhere it's been on Art, to be sure there's no evidence left to be found, even if they planned to stay long enough to be stopped and investigated. MB suggests Art take back its comm interface, but Art says to keep it, in case they're in range again someday.

MB and Tapan go out to see the others. Art seals up behind them, erasing records of their having been aboard. They meet Rami, Maro, and the rest of their group at a food stand. They have passage to leave again within the hour.

Rami gives MB a hard currency card, and says its friend said this was the best way to pay it. It tucks it awkwardly into one of the pockets on its Art-provided clothes, as the humans all watch. Rami asks if MB is going now, and it confirms.

Maro asks if she can give MB a hug, but its expression says more than words ever could. So, she squeezes her arms around herself and says it's for MB.(4) MB awkwardly excuses itself for its transport. As it walks away, Art tells it to be careful, and find its crew. MB just pings an acknowledgement, lest it sound "stupid and emotional."

I didn’t know what I was going to do now, if I was going to go ahead with my plan or not. I had hoped finding out what had happened at Ganaka Pit would clear everything up, but maybe revelations like that only happened in the media. Speaking of which, I needed to grab some more downloads before my next transport left. It was going to be a long trip.

=====

(1) If you get the feeling that these novellas sort of fit themselves into episodic parts of a whole, you'd be more or less correct. One of my most keen observations (that is sarcasm) is that the first four novellas are, in a way, four acts of a single novel's story. (2) MB's respect for it went up, and it stopped calling it sexbot in its narration. I have some complicated feelings about this, as someone who is very explicitly for legal safe sex work and against anti-sex-worker stigma, but that rant really might get too long and off-topic for this blog if I got started. (3) See, in contrast to last chapter, this scene seems to imply it was an unrelated CU. It makes no mention that it was there to recognize any signature or anything, and MB dismisses the possibility outright. I really appreciate those sorts of unanswered questions. Like, sometimes it's good to have a firm, lore-based answer, but sometimes? Sometimes those loose ends give you room to think for yourself about a story's possibilities, and make things much more interesting than the author ever could have. (4) Honestly this is the cutest thing in this whole book, to me.

[goodgrammaritan]

Gratitude JournalSOLAR ECLIPSE!!!

Watching the sunset eclipse yesterday was amazing. I was at work at my retail job, but not only did my boss provide eclipse glasses for those who didn't have them, he didn't care that we went out periodically to look at it as it slowly got closer and closer to totality.

When totality was minutes away, we all abandoned our posts and stood outside the doors and watched. We saw groups of employees at the nearby McDonald's and Taco Bell doing the same. One of our shift leads showed up over an hour early to join us.

Some customers joined us as well. One who had already made his purchase but didn't want to get in his car. Another who had just pulled in with his wife said, "I should be smoking a joint for this" and proceeded to light one up. (Not currently legal in Texas, but it was a fucking solar eclipse, man! Who cares??)

I got some pics during totality, but my phone decided to "fix" the no light issue. It was actually nighttime dark when I took these pics (note the bright planet off to the right):

Here it is zoomed in:

My husband was able to adjust his phone settings, so here are some of his pics:

Not kidding: DARK AS NIGHT! At 1:45 pm!

When totality happened, the folks from the other stores and restaurants all cheered. It was just so incredibly amazing to share this experience with people. It's like, what do all humans have in common? We love celestial events like this, and for 10 minutes we can all attend together, totally enraptured by this heavenly occurrence.

I was still all abuzz from it well into last night, and this morning, too. This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I'm so lucky that I live in the path of totality.

(My in-laws are in the path of totality for the next one in 20 years. I'm planning now to be there.)

4/9/24