#and the game randomizes their voice for just those 4 lines

[darinawrites]

~embedded in your warmth (pt1?)

Cho hyun-ju x reader

Summary: accepting your death as you stood still on the circle platform, an iron grip on your arm had a different fate set out for you

Content: fluff to satiate the fluff lovers (we don't get fed enough), timid reader, soft hyun-ju, reader is implied to be fem, but can still be read as gn, typical squid game violence

A/n: this is my first post, crazy. But there's sadly not enough fluff hyun-ju on here. Im still unsure if I'll do a pt.2, we'll see. Also, my writing style is suited much more for longer stories. I tried to make it shorter, but it felt a bit rushed, tips would be appreciated! <3

Word count: 1.6k

___________________________________________

The childish song ringing in your ear, and the smell of blood filling your nose made your head spin as you spun around a type of carousel. It was excruciating to see the familiar fluid splattered everywhere, all reminders of the lost memories of those who once were beside you.

You never expected one of your childhood games to be so gorey, yet here you are, stifling the urge to vomit at the scene, gripping the arms of the only player you acquainted yourself with.

With a quiet and reserved personality, you unfortunately couldn't make yourself join a group, neither did you want to. Though, you've come to despise your reticent behavior as this game was just about that, pathetically clinging to a player you've spoken a few words with was your last option to survive this.

Shaky hands clutched the unknown players arm as the song suddenly stopped echoing in your ears, a woman's voice calling out:

4-

And the frantic search began again as the spinning platform came to a halt. Lights flickering, people screaming and running, all in a few seconds. You quickly grounded yourself against the arm, legs running before your mind can catch up to its own ideas as you both searched for more people. Panting, sweat dripping down your forehead as you desperately searched for someone, anything.

Your mind was hazy as the player blurted to split up to find a group, not comprehending what he said before letting go of your arm and bolting away. The gesture almost made you lose your balance before you started frantically searching too, life on the line.

Running on pure adrenaline, you saw a group of three in the distance. The timer was nearing its end as you ran with the random group you found in an empty room. Pushing yourself behind the door as it made a soft 'click' sound.

Collapsing against the cold wall, your pants mixing in with the rest of the group, coming to the realization on how close you all were at the hands of death, barely managing to escape from its grip.

As gunshots joined with the eery screams of the players, what could've been your blood curling scream, you let out a shaky breath, body naturally flinching. Closing your eyes as the sounds rang trough your skull. You didn't want to see it, you'll ignore it for as long as possible, focusing your sight at the floor, your shoes or the other players.

If you can't see it, then it didn't happen, right?

But the dreaded part of it all was the silence that followed after, as if the lost souls are wondering the little carousel. It was worse than any other scream you've heard, and that made you even more uneasy. Showing more unwanted vulnerability.

The small room fades around you, the talking of the players blurring into the background as tears threatened to spill out of your eyes, their judging eyes following your actions, yet you couldn't bring yourself to care, small snivels falling out of your mouth. The last bit of composure shattering inside you as the door unlocks. You had no one.

Deemed expendable, the players left you, all alone. Anxiety creeping back up again as you slowly made your way back, taking note of the fresh blood splattering even more of the ground. That damm song starting to play again, giving you chills. The platform, now covered with less people, spinning again. You truly thought this was it.

The moment you stepped in this room, you knew your fate was sealed. It was much too hard of a task to find a group with your timid personality. And in 30 seconds too? You just accepted it.

Thoughts whirled inside your head, trying to decipher where it all went wrong. How did it come to this?

Hazy eyes looked down at the small blue patch attached to your green tracksuit. Gaze focusing on the white 'O' sewed into it.

Were you this desperate?

You couldn't bring yourself to react as the platform beneath you stopped your weight. The voice that you've grew to hate calling out again.

-2

This time, you didn't react, no arm to cling to, no reason to run and change your fate. You were paralyzed from fear as the chaos simply surrounded you. You just couldn't move, you couldn't. Timer ticking above you, counting down the time before you fall into the arms of death.

You could sense the franticness of the players surrounding you, loud screams right beside your ear as they started pushing other players around. Falling victim to their movement as you felt your body lose balance, eyes blurring.

Before your body could fall against the red painted floor, a strong grip clutched your arms and pulled you towards them. Your eyes still unfocused, not being able to analyze your surroundings.

It all happened so fast. From being still as a statue to suddenly sprinting again, legs struggling to keep up with the pace set by the other pair of legs.

You tried to keep your head out of the gutter, gaze falling on the person who saved you.

Amidst the screams, you could still see short black hair and a tall frame and-

Oh. Her.

You finally recognized the arms that pulled you, being the woman you've seen a couple of times. Her bed right underneath yours. You saw her heroic acts in previous games. From saving player 456 to slapping some sense in that crazy lady. It seemed like she was just a kind person in nature, saving everyone she could. That made you trust her lead.

You had so many thankful thoughts clouding your mind as she softly pushed you in an empty room, making sure not to hurt you. Her back falling onto the door, only relaxing as it finally closed.

It wasn't long before the gravity of the situation came back again, gunshots ringing out again, flinching once more as your body suddenly felt fatigued. Your head was still spinning, matching the pain the rest of your body felt.

Sitting down to rest your weak body, you could feel her soft gaze looking at you, scanning you as she saw how weakened and shaken up you were.

"It'll be okay." her voice said. Seeing you tremble again as the gunshots continued. Closing the small distance the room offered between you two as she crouched down to where your head laid against the wall.

"You've come so far, you can't just give it all up by just standing there." her tone was one you weren't familiar with in these games. It was gentle with an affirming undertone. Genuine worry evident in it.

She moved her hands, hesitantly, before placing them on your cheek. You couldn't tell before when she gripped your arm how soft her hand actually was. Swiping her thumb at your cheek, picking up a small tear that slipped out.

Comforting, warm, intimate. Cheeks warming up at the gesture, sniffles fading away. Her gesture to mollify your tense body working. Gunshots still echoing in the background, a reminder of what this situation really was.

"I..I just can't anymore. I just want to go home." you said under your breath, such a small voice that it was barely heard, her comfort drugging you to let your frail emotions talk for you.

Her eyes were a big pool of emotions swirling around, her lips slightly curling downwards. Taking her hands off your cheek, an eery silence now creeping in as the screams and gunshots seemingly stopped.

"I know it's scary being here, but home can only be reached if you don't give up. Don't let these games drain you, don't make them win control over your body."

Shaking your head, you sighed. "I don't have the strength to not give up...I'm not strong like you." you admitted, letting the vulnerable words flow out. Thoughts intruding your brain that she'll discard you after this. Your timidness only hindering her.

"Then I'll be your strength. I can help you if you let me." Her words were so peculiar to you, something so unexpected. You noticed her features getting softer, her hands now rubbing the fabric on your shoulder.

Shaky breaths came out of you, not trusting your voice with the task of agreeing, you let your head make a small nod. Anxiety was still embedded in you, being something you've struggled with in every game, but her words alone made it smaller. It was evidently still there, but it shrank, even just a diminutive amount. You'll try, it's a promise. Letting your gaze dwell on her impeccable features, as she stood up and held out her hand. It made the edges of your lips go upwards, a feeling you've missed.

"What's your name?" you asked as your feet were pulled up, a slight tremble still there.

"Cho hyun-ju."

"Cho hyun-ju..." you repeated, testing the sound of it. It was weird to finally say someones name, with everyone being hidden behind numbers. You never managed to familiarize yourself with anyone to have the trust of their name. It felt...nice.

"And yours?" she asked, never letting you leave her eyesight.

You said your name, your voice now having a slight tremble. Though the uneasiness vanished just as fast it came as her lips had the gentlest smile. Her hands still on yours when she lifted you, now slightly squeezing yours. It made you have a faint smile, even as the door finally unlocked. Knowing what you'll see as you walk out, you'd have a warm body beside you to help you.

With her, maybe you will make it trough.

___________________________________________

[swanno-arts]

im quoting from a critical theory final im writing but its really neat how return of the obra dinn is not a game about you.

there is no self in the game. you dont control anything, you were not part of the obra dinn's tragedy and nothing you do in-game can change their fates - or anything for that matter. they will remain dead, the obra dinn will disappear with the storm, you have no power to change the story or the game. your self do not matter, even if you are represented by the eyes of the inspector.

what mattered are the other, the memories, the stories of adventure and tragedy of those aboard the obra dinn, how they relate to other characters in their struggle or in their demise. this game is not about you, it is about them.

but its a cycle of remember and re-member. you feel a disconnect to these strangers' stories and experiences but you are thrown into their boots. you were not part of the obra dinn, but you feel pity, anger, sadness, disgust and fear for their fates, do you not?

and i think that's really neat. also im very drained </3

[notlongtolove]

like a lover

he doesn’t answer. he doesn’t even look at you again. he just shakes his head and walks into the bedroom. by the time you follow him, he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor like it holds the answer to whatever’s boiling inside him. fine. If he wants to ice you out, two can play that game.

pairing: spencer reid x fem!reader (second person, no y/n)

genre: hurt comfort

content: student!reader gets drunk after a brutal final and spencer is beyond mad. very brief mention of abduction. lowkey spencer is in the right bc #safety but he made reader cry n for that he is found #guilty!!!

word count: 3.1k

note: based off this ask! random fact the last line of this fic was the inspiration for empty my soul but idk why i just couldnt fit it in there, anyways i hope you guys like it! (pls tell me if u do i was struggling with a resolution for this)

a line: Spencer thinks, for a split second, that he’d rather die than ever have to see you cry like that again.

I give you an onion. It is a moon wrapped in brown paper. It promises light like the careful undressing of love. Here. It will blind you with tears like a lover. It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief. I am trying to be truthful. - carol ann duffy

You probably should’ve stopped five drinks ago—maybe four if you were feeling merciful. That last Vodka cran? A spectacularly bad idea. But whatever. You earned this. You’re young, you’re fun, you look good, and for the first time in weeks, you have no deadlines clawing at you. The final had been a nightmare. You knew your fate was sealed the second you flipped to question three. What the hell is textual and symbolic environmentalisation? But it’s over now. That’s all that matters.

The wind bites at your bare legs as you stand by the curb, aimlessly kicking a pebble. You hug your arms close, fighting off the chill. Maybe you should’ve brought a jacket. Spencer had suggested it, but you’d waved him off. He’s usually right.

You frown, glancing up at the street sign. He said he’d be here. Right? Your phone’s dying battery blinks at you in its final moments, mocking you before shutting off completely. Definitely should’ve taken his offer of a portable charger, too. You sigh, shifting your weight from one foot to the other.

A man stumbles by, reeking of booze. You don’t need to look to know.

"Hey," he calls out, voice slurred and gravelly.

You keep your eyes down, pretending not to hear.

“Hey,” he says again, louder this time.

Where the hell is Spencer?

"D’you know when the bus starts running again?"

You hesitate, half-relieved that he’s asking something semi-coherent. "I—I’m sorry, I’m not sure."

He nods to himself, swaying on his feet. 

"I told you to wait by the bodega on 3rd," a familiar voice mutters. Spencer’s hand closes around your arm, already steering you away.

"Oh, hey," you say softly, relief washing over you. "Is this not—" You glance at the street sign overhead—4 Maple Drive. Shit. "I—sorry, I thought—"

"It’s fine," he says, but the sharp edge in his voice tells you it’s not.

The car ride is suffocatingly silent. When he pulls open the passenger door for you, there’s no trace of his usual warmth. No soft smile, no gentle tease about your perpetually dead phone. Just a click of the door and the quiet thud of it shutting behind you.

You hate this. Hate the tension humming between you, the way his jaw is set tight as he drives. He was so different this afternoon, greeting you after your final with those cupcakes he knows you love from the bakery on the other side of town, his lips brushing yours in endless, giddy kisses. This Spencer is nothing like that. 

"They played ‘Dancing Queen’ tonight," you venture, voice tentative. He knows it’s your favourite. Knows it always pulls you to the dance floor, no matter how tired or tipsy you are. "It was so funny—some guy bought us a round of shots—"

"And you drank it?"

The question lands heavy. His first words to you since he’d started driving. 

"Well... yeah?"

"What else did you drink?"

"Not a lot," you say quickly, tripping over your words. "Just vodka, tequila, a bit of wine—"

"You mixed?" 

The way he says it makes you bristle. There’s a hint of disbelief, maybe even disappointment. 

"Spence," you say softly. "I’m not that drunk, I promise."

Nothing.

His knuckles tighten on the steering wheel. The silence in the air is almost tangible, a crackling, oppressive thing. When he pulls into the driveway and kills the engine, he doesn’t move to open your door. He always does that. But not tonight. 

You’re pretty sure he’s mad at you, though you’re not entirely sure why. It’s not like you go out that often, and you can’t even remember the last time you let yourself get this drunk. Tonight was an exception, a celebration. He understands, doesn’t he?

You follow him inside, trailing behind like a shadow. He doesn’t head to the kitchen like he does after you get back from a night out—no tea, no toast, no quiet ritual of making sure you’re okay. Instead, he walks straight into the study, his back to you. Yeah, he’s definitely mad. 

"You’re mad at me," you say, standing in the doorway.

He doesn’t answer. His hands grip the back of his chair, his head bowed like he’s trying to gather himself. You’re not one to push, usually giving him the space he needs when he gets all broody like this, but the alcohol that’s running through your system is making it hard to practice patience. 

"Why are you mad at me?"

Still nothing. 

When he finally moves, it’s only to brush past you, heading for the bedroom without so much as a glance. "We’ll talk about this tomorrow," he says, his tone flat, clipped. "I can’t talk to you when you’re like this."

This. The word hits like a slap, sharp and dismissive. It irks you. 

"If you didn’t want to come, then you shouldn’t have come," you mutter under your breath, the words slipping out before you can stop them. "I could’ve gotten a ride—"

"You were slurring on the phone." He stops in the hallway, turning just enough for you to see the tight set of his jaw. 

"Yeah, no shit, Spencer. People slur when they drink," you fire back a little too harshly, the alcohol fueling your irritation as you cross your arms defensively.

"Don’t," he warns, his voice low, dangerous in a way that makes your chest tighten.

​​You glare at him, heat rising in your cheeks. "Don’t what? Don’t point out how ridiculous you’re being right now?"

He doesn’t answer. He doesn’t even look at you again. He just shakes his head and walks into the bedroom. By the time you follow him, he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor like it holds the answer to whatever’s boiling inside him. Fine. If he wants to ice you out, two can play that game.

You head to the bathroom without a word, your movements jerky as you swipe at the remnants of your makeup. You grab your moisturizer, fingers fumbling with the cap. A sharp tug and it goes flying out of your hands, clattering to the floor. 

"Fuck," you mutter, bracing yourself for a bout of instability as you bend down to retrieve it.

Before you can grab it, Spencer moves. He scoops it up, straightening with an ease that feels almost mocking. When you meet his eyes, they’re unfamiliar. It’s not the Spencer you know. Not the Spencer who covers your eyes during scary movies or kisses your forehead when you’re half-asleep. No, this Spencer feels distant, cold. 

"And I’m supposed to believe you’re not that drunk," he says flatly. Your chest tightens, a lump forming in your throat as heat flushes your face. He offers a hand as you steady yourself, trying to rise to your feet, but you brush him off, snatching the bottle from his grip with a bitterness you don’t try to mask. 

"What the hell is your problem?" you snap.

"My problem?" he repeats, incredulous. "I’m not the one blackout drunk on a Wednesday night."

"I’m not—"

"Would you—would you just stop!" he barks, the words sharp enough to make you flinch. "You’re slurring your words. You got the streets wrong. You couldn’t even get the damn moisturizer open," he snaps, gesturing toward you harshly with a mixture of frustration and exasperation.

Your knuckles whiten as you cling to the edge of the sink, unsure if you’re holding on for balance or just to keep from breaking. You spin back toward the mirror willing yourself not to cry. The frustration, the confusion, the ache in your chest—everything wells up at once.

"God, you’re being so—"

"So what?" he interrupts, his voice rising as he steps closer. His eyes bore into yours, daring you to say it. "So concerned? So worried? So—"

"So fucking mean!"

The silence that follows deafening. For a moment, he freezes, the hard edges of his expression softening into something else—shock, regret, guilt—but it’s fleeting.

"So what if I’m drunk?" Your voice cracks as the words tumble out, your frustration too overwhelming to contain. "And yeah, maybe—" You shake your head, swallowing the lump in your throat as you glare at him, "Maybe I’m slurring a little but forgive me for wanting a drink after the final I’ve been stressing over all fucking month."

He exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair, his frustration barely contained. "It’s not about you having a drink. It’s about you not knowing your limits—"

"Oh, for fucks sake," you interrupt, throwing your hands up. The movement makes you sway slightly, and you hate how it only seems to prove his point. "Newsflash, Spencer, I’m a university student. Sometimes we get drunk. You don’t get to make me feel like shit just because you don’t drink.”

You push past him, your shoulder grazing his as you move to sit on the edge of the bed. The mattress dips under your weight, and you grip the edge, willing the room to stop spinning.

"You were being reckless," he bites back, the word hanging heavy in the air. "You don’t see what I see. You’re out alone, you don’t—"

"I wasn’t alone," you say, your voice rising to meet his. "I had friends—"

"Yeah, friends who left you alone on a curb at 3am," he shoots back, cutting you off. The words land with precision, a calculated jab, but you refuse to flinch.

"Because you said you were on the way!" you fire back.

His voice is cold now, practically seething. "And what do you think would’ve happened if I hadn’t reached you just as that guy was coming on to you?"

"He was asking for the bus!" you shoot back, the words ringing out louder than you intended. You hate everything about this fight. You hate how unfamiliar he feels, hate the part of you that wonders if you’re the one who brought this out of him. "Nothing would’ve—"

Spencer’s expression darkens, his gaze narrowing. "Nothing?" He scoffs. "Tell that to Nina Radha. To Caroline Wrenley. To Mindy Denver. They were all ‘just waiting for a ride home’ last week. And now? All abducted. All dead." 

The room goes silent. Your chest tightens, and the fight drains out of you as his meaning sinks in. 

"You’re being cruel," your words are barely audible, trembling on the edge of your lips. The tears come faster now, streaking your face, but you don’t bother wiping them away. "Why—" you whisper, weak and watery, "Why are you being like this?" 

When Spencer finally turns to look at you, the sight of your tears stops him cold. They streak your face in uneven paths, and he feels something inside him splinter. Spencer never likes seeing you cry—he hates it, actually. It’s not just discomfort or unease; it’s a literal, physical ache. But knowing he’s the reason for your tears tonight? That’s pain in its most visceral form. It’s failure in its purest state.

"I—" he starts, his voice faltering. It cracks mid-sentence, and he stops, swallowing hard. His breath shudders as he exhales, trying to find the words, but all that comes out is a quiet, broken, "I was scared." 

Your tears have momentarily slowed, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. The anger in his voice has faded, replaced by something softer, something raw—fear, tangled with guilt, with regret. He takes a tentative step closer, then hesitates, unsure of what to do. 

"I thought that… something could’ve happened to you, and I—I didn’t know how to handle it." 

After a moment, he lowers himself to your level, crouching in front of you. He lifts his hand, reaching out to wipe away the tears that stain your face. But the instant his fingers near you, you flinch, turning your head to avoid his touch. The movement is small, but Spencer’s heart shatters at the rejection all the same. He hates that he’s made you cry, hates that you won’t let him near you, hates that you won’t even look at him.

"I’m sorry," he says, the words low and weighted with sincerity. He knows it’s not enough, but it’s all he has left to give. 

Your tears fall, dripping onto your hands that rest limply in your lap. You shake your head, your shoulders tense, refusing to meet his eyes. The rejection stings, sharper than he expected, but he doesn’t blame you. He knows he deserves this. The room is still except for the sound of your quiet sniffles. 

Spencer tries again, his voice quieter now, almost pleading. "I just—" His breath catches as he exhales, his hand running through his hair in agitation, the movement more to calm himself than anything else. "When I saw you standing there alone—alone and with that man, I got scared. And I lashed out. I shouldn’t have. You didn’t— you didn’t deserve that."

The silence that follows is thick, but finally, you break it. Your voice is quiet, bitter. 

"I’m not them."

You’re still not meeting his eyes, still keeping that distance, but at least it’s something. 

"Those girls… I’m not them, Spencer."

"I know, I know. I was—", his voice is low, the regret weighing heavily on every syllable.

​​"That case was tough on you, I know it was," you interrupt, "And what happened to those girls, it was horrible. But I'm not them, Spence. I'm not…" Spencer watches helplessly as you furiously wipe away a tear from your cheek. 

"I'm not dead. I'm here."

“I was projecting, I—” His voice catches, “I shouldn’t have taken it out on you,” he admits quietly. You nod, grimly. Another single, heavy tear slips down your cheek and Spencer feels his heart break all over again. 

"I know you’re scared. How do you think I feel every time you go out into the field?" You take a deep breath, and say bitterly, "I get it." 

Each word is a struggle, but you say it with conviction. He can see how much you’re holding in, the effort it takes for you to keep your voice from cracking. 

You pause, swallowing hard as you steady yourself, "But you—You don’t get to talk to me like that." When your eyes meet his, they flash with both anger and sadness. "You don’t get to take that out on me." 

"I know, I—That was—I was being horrible, I was an ass," Spencer admits, his voice small. "You didn’t deserve that, honey. God, I’m just—I’m so, so, sorry." 

You look at him for a long moment, searching for any sign that he’s being sincere. All you see is regret, raw and heavy. And something else, something softer. Love. He reaches out, and this time you don’t pull away. Just getting to touch you is a brief, bittersweet, blinding relief. Spencer lets his fingers graze your cheek as he wipes away your tears gently, his thumb brushing over the wet path they’ve left behind. 

A soft, almost bitter laugh escapes you. "An ass is putting it lightly." 

Spencer’s chest tightens, a small breath of relief escaping him, though it’s quickly replaced with guilt. "M’so sorry sweetheart," he breathes out, comforted by the familiar bite in your tone. It lightens the air between you, just a little.

He shifts to sit next to you on the bed. "I didn’t—I really didn’t mean to," he says quietly. You rest your head on his shoulder, letting out a soft sigh, the fight slowly draining out of you. Spencer gently takes your hands, cradling them in his. 

"I—I never want to hurt you, never want to make you cry. Ever." Spencer's voice cracks slightly as he talks, fingers tracing your palm. "You know that, right?"

You nod, your voice small but steady. "I know."

Shifting, you tuck your legs beneath you, turning to face him fully. Your hands lift to cup his face gently, your thumbs brushing against the faint stubble on his jaw. The touch is tender, almost protective, as you guide his face to meet yours. His eyes can’t hold your gaze for long, shame clearly written across them.

"I was just—I was—" He stumbles over his words.

"Scared," you finish softly, filling the silence for him. 

"I—I’m sorry," Spencer’s voice falters, "I’m really sorry honey, I should’ve never—That was—"

Your hands guide his face back toward yours, coaxing him to meet your eyes. This time, he doesn’t resist, his breath shaky as he clings to the comfort you offer. "S’okay, baby. M’not mad anymore," you murmur.

"Sad?" he asks, his voice barely audible, like he’s afraid of what you’ll say.

"No," you smile faintly, shaking your head, "Not sad, baby," you whisper, leaning closer. Your thumb traces the curve of his cheek in silent reassurance. His shoulders relax just a little. "I just—" you sigh as you let out one last, quiet sniffle, "I really hate fighting." 

Carefully, he coaxes you into his lap, his arms wrapping around you. "Me too, honey," he says, his voice thick with emotion as he shifts closer. You don’t resist, letting your head rest in the crook of his neck, your breath warm against his skin.

"S’not nice," you murmur against him, your words muffled.

"I know, I know," Spencer whispers, his fingers tracing slow, soothing circles along your back. You let out a shaky sigh, sinking further into his embrace. “Was awful, wasn’t it?” he says, quietly.

"Mhm," you mumble quietly, your voice soft but pointed as you lean into his touch. "Made me cry," you say, looking at him through wet lashes to prove your point. Spencer thinks, for a split second, that he’d rather die than ever have to see you cry like that again. After a beat of quiet, he tilts his head just enough to press a soft kiss to your temple. 

"I love you, you know that?" 

You hum softly, nuzzling your face into his neck with a contented sigh, "Love you too."

"Love you so much, sweet girl," he says again, quieter this time, like it’s a truth meant only for you.

"Sap," you tease, lifting your head just enough to meet his gaze, the faintest hint of a smile on your lips.

Spencer grins, soft and boyish. "Always for you," he mumbles fondly, and before you can respond, he leans forward, pressing a playful kiss to the tip of your nose.

You stick your tongue out at him in mock protest, but he’s already chasing the moment. A kiss lands on your cheek. Then another on the other side. Each one dripping with easy affection. 

"Spence—" you laugh, the sound bubbling up. It spreads a warmth through Spencer’s chest. 

"My sweet girl," he says quietly, almost to himself. 

His smile only grows as he drinks in the sound of your giggles, tears long gone. He presses a fluttering series of kisses across your form until you’re laughing into his lips, each kiss softer than the last. 

One on your cheek, two on your shoulder, a thousand on your lips.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ hi if you're here! thank you for reading! feel free to like or reblog or comment or reply!

ᯓ★ song recs if you feel like it: false god by taylor swift moon river by frank ocean

[angrytomatto]

Summary of random facts about Merman because I'm bore (probably will update with time)

We talk about this in a discord server and I just want to leave it here in case I forget

(Every fact here is based of what has been said in game, fan theories aren't canonically facts in this list) Last update: December 2023

(This list probably contain spoilers)

Not only they learn how to walk with legs, but also how to swim in human form (Stitch Event)

It takes them time get used to breathe air properly, walking their first steps feel heavy and painful and some of them still feel uncomfortable in clothes (Floyd's Beans Camo story / Jade's School Uniform voice lines)

The black carriage that picks them up to go to NRC is an amphibious magic coach (Floyd's Ceremonial Robes voice line)

Merfolks and Humans are aware of each other but is extremely rare to encounter an actual merman on land (Magicam Monsters event)

They aren't afraid of each other anymore, since Ariel married Erik merfolks commonly come and go from land to sea(Some adults even own some stores on the shores) (Floyd's Beach Wear story)

The institution or land boot camp that train merfolks to became humans was founded canonically by Ariel. They need at least one month there to get used to their new body and how to eat our food correctly. Deep under water they only eat raw meat (Floyd's Beans Camo story / Jade's School Uniform story)

In there also teach them about the fauna on land by taking them to the zoo (Floyd Platinum Jacket story)

Merfolks also have passports once they live in human society (Floyd Platinum Jacket story)

They can turn into their true form willingly (Book 3 / Book 4 / Azul's Ceremonial Robes story / Vargas Camp event / Magicam Monsters event)

However they drink potions to keep their human form. Those are really expensive and if they forget to drink it in time they turn back into merman really slowly (Book 6 Riddle and Azul's tower)

The potion itself is paid by the school and currently they drink an experimental version that allows them to keep their human form for a week or two instead of a couple of days. And it taste awful (Book 6 Riddle and Azul's tower)

None of them have good eyesight: Azul mainly use only one par of glasses because it helps with the ''Business Style'' he's aiming for, and even if he can see pretty well without them the lenses are prescript just as his lab glasses (Trey's Halloween Dress story / Azul's Lab Coat voice lines) Jade roam around the school at night because he feel at ease in the dark (Ruggie's School Uniform story) Floyd is always amused of bright colored things because they looked really dark under the sea (Floyd's lab coat story)

Their skin in human form is really smooth. That's because they are cover by slime in their true form that keep their skin moist and soft (Azul's Ceremonial Robes story)

Octopuses are a pretty exotic race even between merfolks, they are way bigger that the common merman. They are slow, so they are usually targeted by predators but they also are brutally strong and are able to manipulate all their limbs freely (Book 3 / Book 4 / Book 6 / Happy Beans event / Vargas Camp / Azul's Beach Wear voice lines)

Halloween under water have very ominous and respectful traditions, way opposite that Halloween on land. There's haunted ships with ghost that lost their lives drowned, so they play music to calm their sorrows and loneliness. There's many pirate ghosts wandering on rotten ships that could actually harm young merfolks if they are not careful enough (Jade's Halloween Dress story / Floyd's Halloween Dress story)

The Coral Sea is a really small community and merfolks don't hesitate to eat each other in order to survive (Many hints said by the octatrio to mention here. And yes, Floyd WILL eat any student if he have to (Azul's Beach Wear voice lines))

They live under a Monarchy and the current prince is called Rielle. Is implied that the prince assist in the same elementary school that Azul, Jade and Floyd (Book 3) **( The 14 one doesn't mention all the times the tweels bully Azul by calling him slow because I will lost count) ______________ That's it for now, I will add more eventually but this ones are the ones I can remember now, feel free to tell me what did I miss~

[lemon-dokuro]

Yesterday, I watched Sound Holic's 2007 Touhou fan film, Touhou Project Side Story ~ Memory of Stars.

The plot is about Kaguya's father, the Moon's ruler, coming to take her and Eirin back. Makes heavy use of sci-fi aesthetics and is mostly set in space. Naturally, because it was released before Bogetsusho/Silent Sinner in Blue, all it had to go off of for the state of the Moon civilization and Kaguya's relationship to it were the 8th Touhou game and maybe Reisen's route/interactions in the 9th. It's a little interesting to see the creators' interpretation because of that, but... It was recieved very poorly by the japanese Touhou fandom in 2007 when it came out, you can even find comparisons to the infamous Cookie series. The reception is understandable — it really isn't good. I actually wouldn't call the story or the premise bad, they're just kitschy in a way characteristic of the otaku culture of its time, but they are ruined completely by the wonky presentation and especially the incomprehensible pacing. I don't want to recap it here because the anime isn't even that long or hard to find, but if I did, I'd have a fair bit of trouble. It feels like one of those 90s OVAs that tries to cram 4-6 volumes of a manga in about 40 minutes, so most things happen too fast to have an impact. There's a whole character that makes absolutely no sense because she has too little screen time and too little actually explained about her (Sphere Sieben, the redheaded space commander lady). Sakuya is there for a barely explained reason. Mokou comes out of nowhere in the middle (well, at least that had a point, ridiculous as it was). And considering this, bizzarely, the movie also has a lot of pointlessly drawn-out scenes where not much happens, like they were trying to pad out the runtime, even though there's a lot of substance they could have added. I have no idea what kind of constrains they were working with, but it's not like they couldn't have just written it more tightly. If not better, then, you know, at least. Even though I don't think the general premise and the story are bad per se, they are very unfitting for Touhou. The creators are obviously going for space opera aesthetics, which is a really weird fit for Touhou. They don't even really try to make it fit. Egregiously, Kaguya's presumably biological father, Luna Marius, has a sci-fi-ish western-style name for absolutely unexplained reasons. Of course, that kind of naming difference is not implausible at all, but it's a really weird creative choice, especially considering it's never adressed, not even in a throwaway line or anything. One could say it's emblematic of the work not compromising the conflicting aesthetics in any way. The visuals are often criticized for obvious reasons. They are great to me because I'm an oldschool doujin fetishist, but it's clearly all very stiff, mildly inconsistent, generally amareurish and feverishly oversaturated with bright flashing effects half the time. The backgrounds mostly consist of said effects. A lot of the animations are obviously reused. That being said, the original character designs are pretty well done. The bunny girl looks especially good, the artist absolutely nailed the early windows Touhou design style. Also, naturally, because Sound Holic is mainly a music circle, the soundtrack is decent. It's not remarkable, but there's nothing wrong with it, it's standard for 2007 Touhou arrange tracks. There's not much to say about the voice acting either — standard for doujin anime. The voice actors are inexplicably pretty well-known, but it's not that uncommon to see big names on the most random 2000s doujin projects. That's probably how these people become popular in the first place.

Well, what can I say overall. It's a weird little movie. I can't recommend it, but maybe you'll get a laugh out of it, or maybe you'll like the visuals as much as I did.

Also, that rabbit's names are both mochi types...

[stripedstarsblueflags]

i didn't win the wheel: episode 3 (pt. 2)

[competition ends, time to spin the wheel; Logan starts listing the prizes]

Logan: "...and a Logan mini helmet.."

Alex (who has made NO COMMENT yet and has seen all these prizes before: "Ah, that's not bad!"

oh alex what's wrong? you went most of a video without talking to each other? are you having WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS... merch is merch yeah :/ but it's my teammate's merch :) logan mini helment :D how cool is that :)

Alex (because he can't think before he speaks for the life of him): "I think the prize I wouldn't want.... *visible moment of regret* I– I shouldn't say, but–"

Logan (OH MY GOD THE SUN IS COMING OUT): "I know what it is, I know what you're thinking of!"

oh. oh OKAY. i see how it is now i already said they were in sync but APPARENTLY I DIDN'T SAY IT LOUD ENOUGH cause we had to double back and canonically confirm that out loud OKAY. can i just point out that knowing what someone likes and knowing what someone *dislikes* requires a whole different level of observation? like, think about it? and the dialogue ALONE is enough to write an essay on but the whole thing together?? alex leaning way in shoulder to shoulder we all know he can see the ipad logan chiming in as soon as alex starts fumbling the smile starting to spread on his face even as he's still looking down and then he and alex turn their heads in at the exact same time and logan gives him that smile as he says that line and at first alex is laughing but as soon as he gets those eyes he has to like giggle and blush and look down and curl in on himself WHAT? and then and then. both turning back to the ipad and alex is clearly trying to get ahold of himself and logan just sort of repeats in this half-gentle half-laughing but also like low voice, "I know what you're thinking..." like OOF that took it out of me. somebody on ao3 probably knows a specific term for sweet/teasing/sexy/provocative/taunting/gentle but for now i'm not settling on an adjective!! "I know what you're thinking" both gravelly and endeared after you've made someone literally do the blushing eyes-cast-down thing like 10 cm from their face... that is not from real life!! that is fanfiction!

[prize wheel spins, lands on Logan mini helmet]

Alex: "WHOA!"

Logan: "Oh, it's me..."

Alex *round of actual applause*: "That's a good prize!"

Logan (talking to the camera and ignoring the sparkles and rainbows next to him): "It's a Logan mini helmet... I won the challenge, so it makes sense–"

Alex (completely talking over him): "Is it gonna be signed? Are you gonna sign it? Are you gonna sign it?"

"that's a good prize" YOU SAID THAT ALREADY ALEX! he looks so excited!!! he looks like he got to win a prize– which is his TEAMMATE'S MERCH like, alex is a williams driver as a side hustle. his main career is actually logan sargeant fanboy, sorry to break the news like this.

at this point logan is kind of retreating into his own world again– not kind of, you can tell. the activity is officially over. the spinning the wheel part– the stupid thing all the hype is about– has concluded it. it's like he's got switches in his head that are flipped on and off for him. he did the fun part, he played the game. he had a little fun getting in close proximity to alex towards the end as has become tradition and then it sort of fades away for him.

not for alex, though. for alex, logan's still the brightest in the solar system. no matter how much or how little logan opens the blinds to anyone else alex feels the sunlight like it's never stopped shining. like the light in logan's eyes doesn't go out.

and so alex is excited. he thinks winning and then getting rewarded with the privilege of using essentially a random number generator to give a prize for somebody else who didn't even play is just ridiculous... and it is. but now he's loving it, and we know why

ep 3 bonus

episode 4

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Idia Shroud - Masquerade Voice Lines

When Summoned: This City of Flowers doesn't suit me at all... Maybe if I wear a mask, I'll feel a little bit more at ease.

Summon Line: It's gotta be a huge mistake in the selection process for me to get chosen as one of the reps for this social gathering. Can we please draw lots again...

Groooovy!!: I feel like if I be a wall flower, I'll stand out even more like a sore thumb... Hey, you. Would you dance with me for one song?

Home: I sure hope I won't make a fool of myself.

Swap Looks: I feel like the BBEG in this mask.

Home Idle 1: When I'm checking out these wooden dolls they have here in the City of Flowers, I lose all track of time! This alone was worth coming all this way!

Home Idle 2: I hate stuff like this cultural exchange or whatever, but I'm happy I got to wear this outfit. It feels like I'm on a special mission in a game, it gets me fired up!

Home Idle 3: Silver-shi always looks picturesque no matter what he wears. Even know, he looks like a real high-class swordsman.

Home Idle - Login: First I gotta dress up, then sightsee around the city in a group, and finally there's the masquerade... Isn't this random event just a little too high level?

Home Idle - Groovy: A cultural exchange, huh... Well, I did the best I could. I wonder how Ortho'll react when I tell him what all I did... Fuheehee.

Home Tap 1: So, there's entranceways to the underground canals all over the city? That's so cool, it's just like one of those hidden dungeons in a video game...

Home Tap 2: Noble Bell College is so stuffy, tradition this and tradition that everywhere you look... In comparison, I guess our school is more progressive than I thought.

Home Tap 3: That Rollo-shi... I can't help but get a sense of asocial camradire from him, from how dark and melancholy he always seems! Not like I actually want to make friends with him, though.

Home Tap 4: The City of Flower's has too bright of an aura. It's so different from my own room that I can't handle it at all...

Home Tap 5: Aaah, no touchie the hat! I don't want some pleb to destroy the style I worked so hard to set. Leave it alone already...

Home Tap - Groovy: What, you're tired of the crowds, too? Uh-huh... If you're gonna rest here, I guess I can keep you company.

Duo: [IDIA]: E-Epel-shi, help me out here, if you can! [EPEL]: Of course, Idia-san!

Requested by Anonymous.

[merge-conflict]

Tag Game: Top 10 Albums

tagged by @corpocyborg :3 tagging @fly-amanitaa @streetkid-named-desire, @totentnz and @theviridianbunny (no pressure of course)

Rules: List your top 10 favorite albums, and (if you want) include a brief description for why each one made it onto the list. Then, tag 10 (or however many you want, really) others to do the same.

#1 - Sunset Tree: The Mountain Goats

The album that got me through the part of college where I lived in dark places- home to the well-known This Year which gets many people through the dark days of January, and the less-appreciated Broom People which never fails to catch me by the throat. Try hard to do your best- the Magpie comes at noon. Heartbreak and defiance all the way through.

#2 - Salt for Salt: Brown Bird

The next in a line of bitter, rebellious albums. Folk is at its best when it flirts with blasphemy, anger, and cynical acceptance. The middle-eastern influence on their music always draws me back to Brown Bird in general but this album is my favorite by far from the languid bleak Chairkickers to the hypnotic instrumental of Shiloh which is etched into my brain. RIP Dave Lamb.

#3 - A Southern Gothic: Adia Victoria

Found this album on a random Bandcamp Friday and have been reaping the rewards since. Adia has a voice that is both powerful and deliciously soft, and I never get tired of listening to her. Mean-Hearted Woman is my favorite for giving me the shivers when she sings so prettily of revenge but My Oh My is close behind for the haunting loss.

#4 - Rock Bottom Rhapsody: Pokey LaFarge

Pathetic masculine romantic is a weakness of mine and this album delivers. Swingy, jazzy, blues-y all the way through, with that bit of self-aware but sincere longing. End of My Rope was my introduction to the cheerful celebration of being Utterly Fucked, but Fuck Me Up has a soft place in my heart whenever I lose the ability to give a shit and also to remember fondly of that time I went drinking in Chicago.

#5 - Helplessness Blues: Fleet Foxes

The Fleet Foxes have a special place in my heart for introducing me to indie folk and influencing my tastes for the next decade. Helplessness Blues is one of my comfort albums that I like to play on repeat when I feel like shit. Battery Kinzie is my favorite but the eponymous Helplessness Blues is also one I sing frequently to myself. Also hilariously, the second funniest song I have ever heard on a pre-tourney playlist. Mad-Dog ya weirdo that is the opposite of a warm-up song.

#6 - The Art of Drowning: AFI

One of three albums on this list I learned of from my sister, and dear to me for the time in which she burned it for me. This album is inextricably linked to Metroid Prime to me, which I would play while this was playing on my translucent blue boombox. I used to quote the lyrics from these songs to my friends on Yahoo Messenger and put in my Gaia signature, just to date the period. If I need to sell AFI to you I won't try.

#7 - The Relationship of Command - At the Drive-In

The second album my sister burned for me when she went to college. One of those nostalgic albums that's stuck with me, and okay not to get pretentious or weird but the first time I realized art could be hard and weird and good because of that. Invalid Litter Dept. remains the best and most heartbreaking song on the album.

#8 - Polka's Not Dead: The Dreadnoughts

My third sister album. The Dreadnought's energy always fills me with delight, and I am normally an autistic hater of loud live music and venues but I'd love to hear this guys playing in a bar some day even though it'll probably never happen. Most of their songs are fun to sing along with (especially when tipsy) but I personally enjoy Poutine and Sleep is for the Weak.

#9 - With Teeth: NIN

Got a soft spot for NIN in general, but With Teeth is probably my favorite album with a lot of strong songs in general, but most importantly with my favorite pair of soft NIN songs at the end: Beside You in Time and Right Where it Belongs, which as with all NIN songs are perfect for silverv.

#10 - It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright!: mewithoutyou

If you've made it this far, congrats, here is where I say that I actually liked some of the music my christian church band leader shared with me when I was in highschool. mewithoutyou definitely has religious tones but does not suffer from the praise jesus fever so I love them for their eclectic tone and songs about parables. The Angel of Death Came to David's Room and The King Beetle On a Coconut Estate are my personal favorites, although it feels wrong to not then round that out with The Fox, The Crow, and the Cookie.

[p5x-theories]

Queen in P5X

(last updated 8/3/24!)

Makoto Niijima is primarily present as a Phantom Idol, or cognitive teammate. She has not yet made any appearance in the main story, outside of her lines during the Sae Palace escape intro cutscene.

In the P5 Collab's Bank chapter, Queen is first seen refusing to explore the bank with just herself and Closer, fearing it's too high a risk when they're not sure where their teammates are. When the rest of both groups (minus Joker) meet up with them, she quickly impresses everyone with how much she was able to figure out just from what Closer told her about how these places work, to the point that Cattle attempts to recruit her to his team (to everyone else's shock). She turns him down, but the two teams continue to work together to explore the bank and search for Joker.

Queen primarily acts as a voice of reason/substitute leader in the absence of Joker, and does a lot of the reasoning to figure out what their next move should be as they explore.

Makoto can also be found in Leblanc in the real world, which Wonder is for some reason capable of crossing worlds to visit. She won’t appear until Wonder has met her in the Bank Chapter, but seems to have been looking forward to meeting him when they are eventually at Leblanc at the same time, though she starts out by mentioning everyone else looks forward to chatting with him. She talks about the things she's gotten used to since becoming a Phantom Thief- including the pairing of coffee and curry for a meal, which seemed strange to her at first, but now she can't imagine one without the other- as well as academics, suggesting she and Wonder study together sometime, and can even be found working on the crossword puzzles.

Queen's Persona Johanna is categorized as a Nuclear type, and resists Nuclear while being weak to Psychokinesis.

Johanna is a Resist Persona, meaning she’s good at targeting single enemies, and her trait gives her a level of "Tenacity" after using a skill to attack an enemy. If she has five levels of Tenacity at the start of her turn, she can enter the "Iron-Blooded Will" state, at the player's discretion (originally this was automatic, but it became manual after complaints when she was first added). Her first nuclear attack skill deals five hits to random enemies, prioritizing those that haven't been hit yet (doing less damage with each subsequent hit to the same enemy, and doing more damage if the enemy has an elemental status effect) and afflicting one enemy with radiation; her heal skill heals one ally based on Queen's attack stat, then buffs Queen's attack and gives her at least two levels of Tenacity (potentially more based on the elemental status effects enemies are afflicted with); her second nuclear attack skill hits one enemy, dealing extra damage if they have an elemental status effect, and gives Queen two layers of Tenacity (If Queen is in the Iron-Blooded Will state, this attack instead does even more damage, and extra damage for each elemental status affliction the target has, counting up to three status effects). Her passive skills increase her attack based on the number of elemental status effects on the field, and cause her to take slightly less damage at the start of combat, which is further reduced every time she enters the Iron-Blooded Will state.

As in P5, her melee weapon is fists/gauntlets, while her ranged weapon is a revolver. Her Highlight is shown from 0:44-0:55 in this video, and it starts by giving her two "Heat Quality"; one Heat Quality causes one elemental status effect on the target, and Heat Quality will be consumed in this way until the target has two elemental status effects. After, any remaining Heat Quality is used to increase the damage of a single-target nuclear attack.

Her recommended card sets are 1) 6 of Swords (Science) + Page of Cups (Awareness), 2) 4 of Coins (Power) + Page of Coins (Growth).

The game recommends teaming her up with 1) Vino, 2) Leon.

[splatooshy]

a peek into my notes app.

file: 🧛‍♀️😜

tvdu oneshots mixed with opinions. completely different from my ‘tvdu opinions’ file and my ‘bloody hell! silly oneshots’ files. this is only 1/4 of the file.

damon in guyliner

y’all the witches go on about how vampire evil vampire must be stopped and then they take away someone’s magic for stopping said vampire

Damon just licked his lips in anticipation. "Oh, you know how I like having things pushed inside me, don't you?"

“You can’t avoid me forever, Damon!” Elena warned. “Maybe so,” he admitted, “but I’m still gonna try.” He darted around her, blurring towards the staircase and sliding down the banister, mentally shouting ‘parkour’ in his head. Damn. He’d been spending too much time around the little Gilbert. And teenagers in general. “Parkour!” Jeremy cheered from the couch, cradling a bowl of cereal like it was a newborn. Yup. Too much time around teenagers, Damon thought as he rolled his eyes.

“I just don’t get it,” Matt grumbled confusedly as Caroline walked away. She wanted to talk to him. Now she was walking away? First Stefan yanked Elena from him and now Tyler had taken Caroline. He and Elena had been on the verge of getting back together until Stefan showed up and stole her away. And just when he was seriously reconsidering his breakup with Caroline, Tyler was suddenly swooping in and taking her from Matt. It wasn’t fair.

ok but the locker rooms at the batting cages in denver 🤭

“Pretty boy?” Stefan spluttered. “Well, you are kinda pretty.” Elena shrugged into the mirror as she applied eyeshadow. “She's not wrong, brother.” Damon piped up from the doorway. “You’re a little bit pretty.” He patted his brother on the cheek and went to join Elena at the mirror, snatching her eyeliner with a triumphant grin. “I'm not pretty!” Stefan denied with a small whine. “Not compared to me, no.” Damon smiled sweetly, turning to reveal those blue eyes, now rimmed with black kohl.

s1 damon / eternal teenager verse: “Why is it she’s always telling you to leave her alone when she’s the one seeking you out?”

damon: “My father used to say I had the devil in me, but really it was just my riding instructor.”

someone (jeremy) gets runic tattoos with elena’s doppelganger blood because they want to be the avatar.

“Oh my god, it’s a room full of Elijah’s.” “I had that exact same nightmare once.” OKAY but put that line in tvd and Damon then goes “Really? I had a sex dream about that.”

“you really are quite the little slut, aren’t you, Damon?” The velvety croon of Elijah’s cultured voice makes it sound all the more dirty, and Damon can’t help but let out a small moan as he nods. “Very good,” the Original murmurs, and oh fuck. Elijah can do whatever he wants with Damon as long as he keeps talking like that.

“That’s so hot.” - Damon, every day. Alternatively: “Anyone else a little turned on right now?” // any time he gets pinned to a wall, he whispers “traitor” to his dick.

sassy elijah vs sassy damon except they kiss.

“Now, what am I going to do with you?” “Something terribly naughty, I hope.” delijah.

dabekah are essentially cats. very sassy ones. like a slinky black cat and a fluffy white one

idk some wedding, kol gets confused with american accents and brings a bear trained to carry rings

compel the president to make random holidays

kol and rebekah watch the hunger games and decide to do a real life version, compelling the tributes

“Klaus and Stefan pulling another devious act,” Klaus gleefully mumbles, high on the wolfsvain(™️) joints Damon and Kol had invented. Stefan just stares at him for a minute, silence filling the room as they blink in tandem.

 elijah walks into the boarding house, kisses the girls on their hands. damon holds out his expectantly, and smiles deviously when elijah actually kisses it.

[yourdeepestfathoms]

The Ringmaster's Guide

a character guide for my TADC Dungeons & Dragons AU! this was originally gonna be the characters in the same universe, just LARPing the game, with Caine making the terrains and magic and stuff, but then i actually started thinking of backstories for everyone. so now it's a real AU in the DnD universe! (there's no exact full, fleshed-out plot line, and the fics i'm gonna write with this are gonna be random events!)

this guide contains stuff like the gangs' races, classes, designs, abilities, and some fun backstory tidbits ;)

(also even though they're not playing the game, i still included the stats, skills, and some written game mechanics for the vibes!)

RAGATHA

Race: Aasimar (Protector)

Class: Cleric (Order Domain)

Feats: Inspiring Leader, Great Weapon Master, Tough

Resistances: Radiant, Necrotic

—

Mother bear…

Oh, mother bear…

Where has thou cub gone?

—

STATS

HP: 135

AC: 20 (Mithral Plate)

SPEED: 30 ft. walking, 30 ft. flying

STR: 19 (+4) | DEX: 17 (+3) | CON: 18 (+4) | INT: 16 (+3) | WIS: 20 (+5) | CHA: 17 (+3)

Saving Throws

STR: +4

DEX: +3

CON: +4

INT: +3

WIS: +9

CHA: +7

Senses

Passive Perception: 19

Passive Investigation: 13

Passive Insight: 19

Skills

Acrobatics: +3

Animal Handling: +5

Arcana: +3

Athletics: +4

Deception: +3

History: +3

Insight: +9

Intimidation: +3

Investigation: +3

Medicine: +9

Nature: +3

Perception: +9

Performance: +3

Persuasion: +7

Religion: +7

Sleight of Hand: +3

Stealth: +3

Survival: +5

—

Wings like silver, slicing through the sky. Twisting, turning, as graceful as a starling. A dance between earth and sky, a ballet of feathers and air, where gravity’s pull was but a distant memory when up so high.

A tiny squeal of joy. Shining eyes casting downward. Shimmering eyes looking up. 

“Aww, look at you,” she coos to the infant bound to her chest by soft fabric. The baby’s little wings, still covered in fluffy down, are extended fully and flapping gleefully. 

The mother laughs. “Do you think you’re flying?”

“AH!” her infant shouts, wings flapping harder.

Another laugh. She brushes her fingers over her child’s cheek, then looks to the horizon. “One day, this will all belong to you.”

—

WEAPONS/SPELLS

Weapons

- Vicious Glaive

- Crossbow

Spells

- Cantrip: Guidance, Mending, Resistance, Sacred Flame, Spare The Dying

- 1st Level: Command, Guiding Bolt, Heroism, Inflict Wounds

- 2nd Level: Hold Person, Spiritual Weapon, Warding Bond, Zone of Truth

- 3rd Level: Mass Healing Word, Revivify, Slow

- 4th Level: Banishment, Compulsion, Locate Creature

- 5th Level: Dominate Person, Flame Strike, Greater Restoration, Hallow, Mass Cure Wounds

- 6th Level: Blade Barrier, Heal

—

The city in the sky is divine and shining. The sky is clear and a crisp blue, not a cloud in sight. Other Celestials dart to and fro, all of them radiant. She sits in the soft grass of one of the many parks, watching as her child toddles around. A guitarist is playing nearby.

It’s peaceful. 

—

CLASS FEATURES/RACIAL ABILITIES

Class Features

Voice of Authority- Ragatha is able to invoke the power of the law to strengthen an ally’s attack. 

Order’s Demand- By raising her holy symbol, Ragatha can charm an enemy through exerting her presence over them.

Destroy Undead- If the will of an undead enemy fails against Ragatha casting Turn Undead, they are destroyed.

Embodiment of the Law- If casting a spell of the Enchantment school, she can quicken the casting time. 

Divine Strike- Ragatha can deal an extra bout of Psychic damage upon hitting an enemy.

Divine Intervention- Ragatha can call upon her deity for aid.

Racial Abilities

Healing Hands- Ragatha’s very touch is nurturing and life-giving. She is able to draw from a wellspring of gentle energy to heal people for a certain amount. 

Darkvision- Ragatha can see in the dark.

Celestial Legacy- Ragatha can cast the Light and Daylight cantrip at will.

Celestial Revelation: Radiant Consumption- Ragatha is able to unleash her full Celestial might on those who dare to test her. A bright, seething light pours from her eyes and mouth, and her very body acts as a beacon, radiating this same searing light in a radius. Any enemy who gets too close is scorched by this holy glow. All weapon attacks do extra Radiant damage. 

Flight- Ragatha is able to fly with her angel wings. 

—

Hunger. 

The whisper of the woods.

A hulking beast - clawing up her insides, biting at her ribs.

—

DESCRIPTION

Background: Acolyte 

Languages: Common, Celestial, Primordial, Elvish

Alignment: Lawful Good

Inventory

Money: 100 GP

- Alms Box

- Amulet (Holy Symbol)

- Baby Blanket

- Bag of Holding

- Blanket

- Box of Incense

- Candle

- Censer

- Crossbow Bolts

- Crossbow, light

- Photograph of her and a small child

- Prayer Book

- Rations

- Reliquary

- Shield

- Tinderbox

- Vestments

- Vicious Glaive

- Waterskin

Aasimar are well-known for their beauty, and Ragatha is no exception. She’s a well-built woman, bearing great muscles for someone of her appearance. Her skin has a lustrous sheen to it. Growing within her curly red hair are shimmering feathers of white-blue. An ethereal light glows in her black left eye, and the right probably would be the same if it weren’t for the fact that it’s been seemingly scratched out; a seething red scar extends down that side of her face, as though she had been struck by a bladed weapon. 

Large, feathered wings extend from her back. They’re a beautiful silver-white color, fading to gradients of blue at their tips.

Strangely, she has sharper teeth and nails than would usually be seen in an Aasimar.

A red blemish, some kind of burn scar, encircles her throat, never to truly heal. 

—

Blood in her eyes. Blood in her mouth. 

Stinging, burning. Vicious pain, and yet the hunger and rage dominate everything.

 So many eyes, watching. 

Circling - a trapped beast. 

Somewhere deep within, a voice screaming, “STOP IT! STOP!”  

—

OTHER

- Lycanthrope (werebear)

—

Mama Bear,

Mama…

Please come home soon.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

JAX

Race: Tiefling-Harengon

Class: Rogue (Thief)

Feats: Shadow-Touched, Mobile, Gunner

Resistances: Fire

—

A fey bathed in infernal fire. Tainted, scorched. Searing flames burning inside and out. 

—

STATS

HP: 63

AC: 15 (Leather Armor)

SPEED: 40 ft. walking 

STR: 13 (+1) | DEX: 20 (+5) | CON: 10 (+0) | INT: 12 (+1) | WIS: 11 (+0) | CHA: 16 (+3)

Saving Throws

STR: +1

DEX: +9

CON: +0

INT: +5

WIS: +0

CHA: +3

Senses

Passive Perception: 10

Passive Investigation: 15

Passive Insight: 10

Skills

Acrobatics: +9

Animal Handling: +0

Arcana: +1

Athletics: +1

Deception: +11

History: +1

Insight: +0

Intimidation: +3

Investigation: +5

Medicine: +0

Nature: +1

Perception: +0

Performance: +3

Persuasion: +7

Religion: +1

Sleight of Hand: +12

Stealth: +12

Survival: +0

—

She tried so hard to raise him to be a good boy. But she always knew he would follow in his father’s footsteps. 

—

WEAPONS/SPELLS

Weapons

- Rapier

- Daggers

- Shortbow

- Revolver

Spells

- Cantrip: Thaumaturgy

- 1st Level: False Life

- 2nd Level: Darkness, Hellish Rebuke, Invisibility

—

The smell of fire and brimstone. Ash dusting purple fur to black. Licking embers off his lips. 

—

CLASS FEATURES/RACIAL ABILITIES

Class Features

Sneak Attack- Jax is able to deal extra damage on attacks he has Advantage for.

Thieves’ Cant- As a Rogue, Jax can speak a language only other Rogues know.

Cunning Action- Jax’s agility allows him to make certain actions sooner than his allies would be able to. 

Fast Hands- Jax can use an item as a Bonus Action instead of an Action.

Second-Story Work- Jax can climb faster than his allies. 

Uncanny Dodge- When Jax can see the attacker who has hit him, he can half the damage. 

Evasion- Jax is able to avoid taking damage from certain attacks if they require a Dexterity Saving Throw.

Supreme Sneak- As long as Jax doesn’t use half of his movement, he has Advantage on Stealth checks. 

Reliable Talent- Jax is able to make the dice fall a little more in his favor. 

Racial Abilities

Darkvision- Jax can see in the dark.

Hellish Resistance- Jax is resistant to Fire damage.

Infernal Legacy- Jax innately knows the Thaumaturgy cantrip and the Hellish Rebuke and Darkness spells.

Lucky Footwork- Just because he doesn’t have the rabbit legs of his Harengon mother doesn’t mean this fella isn’t dextrous. When he slips up or stumbles, Jax’s quick reaction time gives him a chance to steady himself. 

Hare-Trigger- Jax’s fast rabbit reflexes sometimes allow him to strike first in combat. 

—

Too fast for the guards. Too quick for the dogs to catch. Any lock can be broken, and no chains can hold him down for long.

—

DESCRIPTION

Background: Criminal

Languages: Common, Thieves’ Cant, Infernal

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral 

Inventory

Money: 250 GP, 300 SP, 50 CP

- Alchemist's Fire (5)

- Arrows

- Bag of Holding

- Ball Bearings (bag of 1000)

- Beads of Fireball (10)

- Beads of Force (5)

- Bell

- Candle

- Crowbar

- Dagger (2)

- Deck of Many Things

- Grenade, Magical (3)

- Grenade, Smoke (5)

- Hammer

- Icon of Greed

- Lantern, Hooded

- Oil (flask)

- Piton

- Playing Cards

- Poisoner’s Kit

- Potion of Haste (3)

- Potion of Greater Healing

- Pouch of Gemstones

- Rapier

- Rations

- Rope (50 feet)

- Shortbow

- String

- Thieves’ Tools

- Tinderbox

- Vial of Acid (5)

- Waterskin

Anyone who looks at this guy can tell that he’s a hybrid. He’s a tall, lithe young man with a regular humanoid build. His entire torso is covered in thick purple fur that extends to his elbows on his arms and to his thighs on his legs—below that, it’s darker purple skin. Instead of rabbit feet, he has hooves, and his fingernails are sharp claws. Tufts of fur sprout from the base of his long tail, which ends in an arrowhead, before it tapers off to regular skin. His head is completely furry, and he has both the iconic rabbit ears and black horns that curve back over his scalp.  

—

Every jail cell looks the same after a while. None are impressive. And they’re all so easy to get out of. 

—

OTHER

- Son to the Demon of Greed

- Criminal of the state

- Wanted for several crimes

—

Chained to a wall. Slated for execution. Death by beheading. 

Ha.

That’s cute.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

ZOOBLE

Name: Zooble

Race: Simic Hybrid

Class: Barbarian (Path of the Totem Warrior)

Feats: Savage Attacker, Sentinel, Slasher

Resistances: N/A

—

They were someone, once. Normal skin. Normal hair. All their fingers and toes. All their teeth.

But that was a long time ago.

They can’t even remember their name.

—

STATS

HP: 137

AC: 19 (no armor)

SPEED: 40 ft. walking

STR: 20 (+5) | DEX: 16 (+3) | CON: 19 (+4) | INT: 10 (+0) | WIS: 13 (+1) | CHA: 9 (-1)

Saving Throws

STR: +9

DEX: +3

CON: +8

INT: +0

WIS: +1

CHA: -1

Senses

Passive Perception: 11

Passive Investigation: 10

Passive Insight: 11

Skills

Acrobatics: +3

Animal Handling: +1

Arcana: +0

Athletics: +9

Deception: -1

History: +0

Insight: +1

Intimidation: +3

Investigation: +0

Medicine: +1

Nature: +0

Perception: +1

Performance: +3

Persuasion: -1

Religion: +0

Sleight of Hand: +3

Stealth: +3

Survival: +1

—

For a long time, it seemed that they were going to waste away. Life was harsh, and their money was scarce. 

And then, they found their way to the great bronze city. 

Everything changed when they stepped through those giant gates. 

To this day, they still don’t know why they caught the eye of those aristocrats, but they were offered a job. It would give them housing and paid well. 

But there was a catch, of course. Two of them, to be precise. Everything came with strings attached. Nothing was ever that good.

Surprisingly, though, they found themself not minding these “conditions.” If anything, it sounded interesting.

And they did pride themself in their high pain tolerance. 

—

WEAPONS/SPELLS

Weapons

- Greataxe

- Handaxe (2)

- Javelin (4)

Spells

- 1st Level: Beast Bond, Speak With Animals

- 5th Level: Commune With Nature

—

Ow. Ow. OW.

It hurt worse than they were expecting, but the enhancements fit just right. They did well. 

They’ll be fine. 

They’re strong.

—

CLASS FEATURES/RACIAL ABILITIES

Class Features

Rage- Zooble is able to enter a Rage in battle that makes them resistant to Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing damage.

Unarmored Defense- Zooble’s AC is higher when not wearing armor.

Reckless Attack- Zooble can choose to attack heedlessly, giving them an Advantage on the hit, but also giving all enemies Advantage to hit them.

Spirit Seeker- Zooble has an attunement with the natural world. They are able to cast Beast Bond and Speak With Animals as ritual spells.

Totem Spirit: Bear- Zooble has picked the bear as their Totem Spirit. While in a Rage, they are resistant to all damage except Psychic.

Fast Movement- Zooble’s movement is boosted by ten feet when not wearing heavy armor.

Aspect of The Beast: Elk- Zooble has chosen the elk as their animal aspect. Party travel is faster than it usually would be.

Feral Instinct- Zooble’s might allow them to attack quicker in combat.

 Brutal Critical- Through sheer savagery, Zooble can increase the damage done to an enemy.

Spirit Walker- Zooble can cast Commune With Nature as a ritual spell.

Relentless Rage- Zooble’s fury urges them forward. When they otherwise would have fallen unconscious, if in a Rage, Zooble can cling on for just a little bit longer to keep fighting. 

Racial Abilities

Animal Enhancement- As a Simic Hybrid, Zooble has had new body parts added to them to make them more powerful.

Manta Glide- Zooble has ray-like fins on their back that allow them to glide and fall safely, though they can’t fly with them. 

Grappling Appendages- Zooble has an additional pair of appendages growing alongside their arms, which they are able to grapple and attack enemies with.

Darkvision- Zooble can see in the dark.

—

All around them, they’re being watched. So many people, so many more eyes.

The sun is high in the sky. The walls around them gleam. The sand of the coliseum floor is warm beneath their feet. 

In their hands, they heft their greataxe, then charge forward.

This will be easy. 

—

DESCRIPTION

Background: Champion

Languages: Common, Elvish

Alignment: Neutral

Inventory

Money: 10 GP

- Bedroll

- Greataxe

- Handaxe (2)

- Mess Kit

- Rations

- Rope (50 feet)

- Tinderbox

- Torch

- Waterskin

Zooble is a bit of an anomaly, as many Simic Hybrids are. Their body is a strange clash of bits and parts, like they’re a puzzle made of pieces from other puzzles.

Their torso and right arm are humanoid—and those are pretty much the only normal things about them. However, their torso is mottled in orange and yellow for an unknown reason. Their left arm is similar to that of a crustacean’s, red in color and ending in a large claw. Their left leg is hooved, while their right leg is that of a bear’s, both having come from their Totem Spirit rather than from being a Simic Hybrid. Two appendages, similar to the arms of a praying mantis, extend from their back. Also on their back are two fin-like membranes that are almost like wings, allowing them to glide. 

They constantly wear a helmet that they rarely ever take off. The helmet is grated in the front and has two horns curving out from the top. 

—

Fighting. Training. Growing stronger and stronger.

More battles. All victories. 

They’re called a champion. 

No one can make them fall.

They will never lose. 

—

OTHER

- They were something great. Once. 

—

It’s their first time tasting blood, and it is a rank venom in their mouth. 

Their body aches all over. They can barely move their limbs—if they’re even still attached to their body. It’s difficult to tell.

All around them, the forest is buzzing with noise, and yet all they can hear is their own shallow breathing and the echoing roar of a crowd, slowly fading out…

They should have died that day. Their injuries were grievous. But fate had other plans. 

Something in the forest stirs. Like those aristocrats, it saw something inside of them. So, it approaches, tentative and slow, then accepts them in its embrace.

Infused with the vitality of the earth and its kin, they stand.

They will never lose again. 

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

GANGLE

Race: Plasmoid

Class: Druid (Circle of Stars)

Feats: Healer, Elemental Adept, Mage Slayer

Resistances: Poison

—

Bright light. 

A roll of thunder.

Pain pulsing through every inch of her body.

“Yes! YES!”

Awakened. 

—

STATS

HP: 87

AC: 15 (Leather Armor)

SPEED: 30 ft. walking

STR: 10 (+0) | DEX: 14 (+2) | CON: 14 (+2) | INT: 16 (+3) | WIS: 17 (+3) | CHA: 12 (+1)

Saving Throws

STR: +0

DEX: +2

CON: +2

INT: +7

WIS: +7

CHA: +1

Senses

Passive Perception: 13

Passive Investigation: 13

Passive Insight: 17

Skills

Acrobatics: +2

Animal Handling: +3

Arcana: +7

Athletics: +0 (Advantage)

Deception: +1

History: +3

Insight: +7

Intimidation: +1

Investigation: +3

Medicine: +7

Nature: +3

Perception: +3

Performance: +1

Persuasion: +1

Religion: +3

Sleight of Hand: +6

Stealth: +6

Survival: +3

—

The tower is nice. The woods outside of it are even nicer. So many animals. So many flowers.

It’s a shame she can’t stray very far.

—

WEAPONS/SPELLS

Weapons

- Scimitar

Spells

- Cantrips: Druidcraft, Magic Stone, Mold Earth, Produce Flame

- 1st Level: Cure Wounds, Entangle

- 2nd Level: Flame Blade, Heat Metal, Moonbeam

- 3rd Level: Call Lightning, Conjure Animals

- 4th Level: Polymorph, Stoneskin

- 5th Level: Antilife Shell, Mass Cure Wounds

- 6th Level: Primordial Ward

—

Elf ears. Marigolds. Shriveled bat wings. Powered flame. A piece of a unicorn horn.

She enjoys watching the cauldron be mixed around and around. 

—

CLASS FEATURES/RACIAL ABILITIES

Class Features

Druidic- Gangle knows Druidic, the secret language of the Druids.

Wild Shape- Gangle can shapeshift into animals.

Star Map- Gangle has a special starry map that gives her several different benefits.

Starry Form- Instead of turning into an animal, Gangle can use her Wild Shape to take on a certain kind of Starry Form of her choosing, with each one giving a different benefit.

Cosmic Omen- Gangle can consult her star map for omens to predict how an action might pan out.

Twinkling Constellation- Even after she’s already selected a Starry Form, Gangle can change it to something else. 

Racial Abilities

Amorphous- Gangle can squeeze through spaces as narrow as 1 inch wide. 

Darkvision- Gangle can see in the dark.

Hold Breath- Gangle can hold her breath for up to an hour.

Natural Resilience- Gangle has resistance to Poison damage and to being poisoned.

Shape Self- Gangle can mold and shape her body however she pleases.

—

Her master’s power grows.

As does her worry. 

—

DESCRIPTION

Background: Servant

Languages: Common, Druidic, Giant, Ooze

Alignment: Lawful Good

Inventory

Money: 15 GP

- Bedroll

- Calligrapher’s Supplies

- Candle

- Holy Symbol

- Mess Kit

- Rations

- Rope (50 feet)

- Scimitar

- Wooden Shield

- Tinderbox

- Torch

- Totem

- Waterskin

- Weaver’s Tools

As a Plasmoid, Gangle appears much like a blob of slime molded into the vague shape of a humanoid. The pale red ooze making up her body is shaped in a way that makes it look like she’s swathed in ribbon. Within her body, a nervous system can be seen, glowing ever so slightly. Upon her head, she wears a white mask that acts as her face, as it is enchanted to emote and speak. 

—

Perhaps it is time to leave.

The forest calls. 

—

OTHER

- She was once the servant to a Lich. 

—

Freedom. 

Finally.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

KINGER

Race: Warforged

Class: Ranger (Swarmkeeper)

Feats: Sharpshooter, Durable, Alert

Resistances: Poison, Disease 

—

His kingdom is flourishing. 

Within the city walls, life blooms in every crevice. Queenie loves flowers, so he’s covered every possible surface in plant life for her. It really brightens the streets. 

They’re happy. 

—

STATS

HP: 124

AC: 17 (Scale Mail)

SPEED: 30 ft. walking

STR: 12 (+1) | DEX: 14 (+2) | CON: 18 (+4) | INT: 8 (-1) | WIS: 13 (+1) | CHA: 14 (+2)

Saving Throws

STR: +5

DEX: +6

CON: +4

INT: -1

WIS: +1

CHA: +2

Senses

Passive Perception: 15

Passive Investigation: 9

Passive Insight: 11

Skills

Acrobatics: +2

Animal Handling: +5

Arcana: -1

Athletics: +1

Deception: +2

History: +3

Insight: +1

Intimidation: +2

Investigation: -1

Medicine: +1

Nature: +3

Perception: +5

Performance: +2

Persuasion: +6

Religion: -1

Sleight of Hand: +2

Stealth: +2

Survival: +5

—

He’s down at the stables one day when the marshal comes up to him, asking if they could take a stablehand under their wing to help with the workload. 

Weird. He could have sworn he hired a stablehand… But perhaps he’s just thinking wrong. Queenie always says he would lose his head if it wasn’t attached to his neck!

He agrees to the marshal’s request, and a new stablehand is hired. 

—

WEAPONS/SPELLS

Weapons

- Longbow

- Quarterstaff

- Spear

Spells

- 1st Level: Cure Wounds, Longstrider

- 2nd Level: Pass Without Trace

- 3rd Level: Conjure Animals, Plant Growth, Water Walk

—

Kinger goes to a bookstore to pick up the newest copy of Queenie’s favorite book series. 

“How’s your wife been?” he asks the clerk.

The clerk looks at him oddly. “I’ve never been married.”

Kinger is confused. He could have sworn a young, cute couple ran this store together. He remembered meeting them when they first arrived in his city.

But… 

No. He didn’t.

By the next day, he’d forgotten about the clerk’s wife.

—

CLASS FEATURES/RACIAL ABILITIES

Class Features

Favored Enemy- Kinger has expertise on tracking, hunting, studying, and interacting with two creature types of his choice (monstrosities and beasts).

Natural Explorer- Kinger is adept at traveling through certain types of terrain (forest, grassland, mountains).

Primeval Awareness- Kinger can focus on the immediate area around him and try to sense aberrations, celestials, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead within a 1 mile radius.

Gathered Swarm- Kinger has befriended a swarm of insects that act as his allies and will attack with him.

Extra Attack- Kinger can attack twice.

Writhing Tide- Kinger can focus his swarm around him, allowing the swarm to lift him up so he can hover around. 

Land’s Stride- Kinger can move through non-magical difficult terrain without wasting any excess movement.

Hide In Plain Sight- Kinger can camouflage himself.

Mighty Swarm- Kinger’s swarm grows stronger, allowing it to deal more damage. 

Racial Abilities

Constructed Resilience- Due to Kinger not having a body of flesh, he has great fortitude that grants him several benefits: resistance to Poison damage and being poisoned, immune to disease, doesn’t need to sleep, doesn’t need to eat, drink, or breathe.

Sentry’s Rest- Instead of sleeping, Kinger can stand or sit motionless doing nothing and gain the same benefits of a rest.

Integrated Protection- Kinger’s body gives him natural protection.

—

It seems like the city is getting smaller. 

He and Queenie held their usual Flower Festival the day before, where butterflies would fill the sky in their multitude of colors. But for some reason, it felt like not as many people showed up. He doesn’t know why. 

—

DESCRIPTION

Background: Noble

Languages: Common, Draconic, Quori, Undercommon

Alignment: Lawful Good

Inventory

Money: 25 GP

- Arrows

- Bedroll

- Books

- Longbow

- Mess Kit

- Quarterstaff

- Rations

- Rope (50 feet)

- Scroll of Pedigree

- Signet Ring

- Spear

- Tinderbox

- Torch

- Waterskin

- Wedding Ring

Kinger almost looks like a regular man, except instead of skin, he looks to have been chiseled out of marble - a grand statue given life. He has no mouth, and upon his head is a crown carved to always be present. His hands seem like they were broken off somehow, replaced by swarms of insects forming the shape of hands. Butterflies follow him around and are usually perched on his shoulders and head. 

—

The sound of singing haunts his dreams. A gentle dire, a murmured beckon. He refuses to sleep, and for a while, Queenie is there to coax him to rest, but then…

Wait.

Who is Queenie?

—

OTHER

- He’s strayed far from his kingdom. 

—

He’s never been married. 

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

POMNI

Race: Shifter (Swiftstride)

Class: Warlock (The Void)

Feats: Mounted Combatant, Fey-Touched, Actor

Resistances: N/A

—

Stuffed in a cage, the kitten quivers, pressed into the furthest corner to stay out of reach. She’s crying, hyperventilating. She’s so scared. She wants to go home. 

—

STATS

HP: 87

AC: 15 (Leather Armor)

SPEED: 40 ft. walking

STR: 5 (-3) | DEX: 18 (+4) | CON: 15 (+3) | INT: 12 (+1) | WIS: 12 (+1) | CHA: 20 (+5)

Saving Throws

STR: -3

DEX: +4

CON: +2

INT: +1

WIS: +5

CHA: +8

Senses

Passive Perception: 11

Passive Investigation: 11

Passive Insight: 11

Skills

Acrobatics: +8

Animal Handling: +1

Arcana: +5

Athletics: -3

Deception: +5

History: +5

Insight: +1

Intimidation: +5

Investigation: +1

Medicine: +1

Nature: +1

Perception: 1

Performance: +12

Persuasion: +5

Religion: +1

Sleight of Hand: +8

Stealth: +4

Survival: +1

—

Bright colors and flashing lights. A calliope is playing happily. Dozens of people fill the stands to watch the show, and she is the main act. 

Don’t mess up.

Don’t mess up. 

—

WEAPONS/SPELLS

Weapons

- Dagger (2)

- Sickle

- Sling

Spells

- Cantrips: Chill Touch, Eldritch Blast, Fire Bolt, True Strike, Mage Hand, Magic Stone, Prestidigitation  

- 1st Level: Bless, Hellish Rebuke, Inflict Wounds, Misty Step

- 2nd Level: Blindness/Deafness, Shatter

- 3rd Level: Bestow Curse, Counterspell, Vampiric Touch

- 4th Level: Blight, Dimension Door, Elemental Bane

- 5th Level: Hold Monster

- 6th Level: Investiture of Fire

—

The lick of a whip dragging its blood-wet tongue across her back. Chains around her wrists, holding her down. A bridle in her mouth, choking back the screams that so desperately want to be heard.

—

CLASS FEATURES/RACIAL ABILITIES

Class Features

Touched By The Void- Sometimes, Pomni’s body will flicker in and out of existence. When this happens, she gains Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws, causing the attack to phase right through her. Additionally, she has Advantage on Death Saving Throws, but if she were to die, she would be dragged back into the Void and devoured. 

Eldritch Invocations- Pomni has a number of eldritch knowledge at her disposal, granting her a number of benefits.

Eldritch Spear- The range of Eldritch Blast is extended to 300 feet.

Agonizing Blast- More damage is added to Eldritch Blast.

One With Shadows- If in an area with dim light or darkness, Pomni can become invisible.

Relentless Hex- Pomni can create a temporary connection with a creature. When connected, she can teleport up to 30 feet towards the creature.

Maddening Hex- Pomni can deal extra Psychic damage by creating a psychic disturbance.

Repelling Blast- Eldritch Blast will move the target back by 10 feet.

Pact Boon: Pact of the Tome- Pomni has been given a Book of Shadows by her patron, granting her three extra cantrips.

Abyssal Field- Pomni creates a sort of field that rips at the veil of reality, opening up a space to the Void in the material plane. Within this field, weak objects crumble away and are destroyed, while everything and everyone aside from Pomni takes damage. 

Entropy Awaits- After reducing an enemy to 0, Pomni can thrust their soul into the Void, feeding it and allowing her to regain a number of hit points back. 

Mystic Arcanum- Pomni’s patron has bestowed upon her an arcanum, which allows her to gain a higher level spell earlier than she normally would. 

Racial Abilities

Darkvision- Pomni can see in the dark.

Shifting- Pomni can take on a more bestial appearance. As a Swiftstride Shifter, when she is shifted, she moves faster than she normally would. 

—

Something is wrong. Something happened. The train took too sharp of a turn, and suddenly, she’s falling. Falling. Falling.

She braces herself for impact, for the terrified release of death…but it never happens.

She opens her eyes.

There’s nothing.

Everything is just…empty. 

—

DESCRIPTION

Background: Circus Freak

Languages: Common, Abyssal, Undercommon, Deep Speech, Sylvan, Goblin

Alignment: Neutral Good

Inventory

Money: 10 SP

- Book of Shadows

- Component Pouch

- Dagger (2)

- Ink

- Ink Pen

- Little Bag of Sand

- Parchment

- Sickle

- Sling

- Small Knife

- Woodcarver’s Tools

Unlike others of her kind, Pomni isn’t exactly the most ferocious or intimidating—both in personality and appearance. She’s a small, stout young woman—so short that she constitutes as a Small creature. All Shifters resemble some kind of animal, and she resembles a tiger, which is rather hilarious due to the previous mention of her being tiny and pathetic. Weirdly, her fur is red and blue instead of black and orange…but given everything else that’s just been mentioned about her, that’s pretty on-par.

Round little tiger ears poke out of her scruffy black hair, and she has a tiger tail. Her fingers and toes are clawed, and her teeth are sharp. Blue stripes are scored along her upper arms, thighs, neck, and cheeks. The bottom of her feet are padded, making it more comfortable for her to walk around without shoes on, which she usually does. She also appears to be somewhat digitigrade, often walking on her toes (perhaps to look taller?). Her nose is pink like a tiger’s. Her fingers have been permanently stained to a black gradient. 

When she’s shifted, Pomni gains a slightly more intimidating edge. Fur sprouts up her limbs and along her back, and her face takes on a more bestial appearance. 

There are red blisters around her wrists and ankles.

However, there’s something…weird about Pomni. Something almost…uncanny. Sometimes her muscles will visibly spasm beneath her skin, like they’re alive and want to get free. Sometimes her flesh will ripple. Upon her back, she has a pair of strange, vestigial wings beneath the skin. Occasionally, little black tentacles will sprout from random parts of her body. Two horn buds rise from her crown. 

And her eyes…they’re just not right. 

—

She doesn’t know how long she’s been down here. Days? Weeks? Months? Years? It doesn’t matter anymore.

She’s alone. All alone. 

She’s tried screaming. She’s tried to claw her way out. She’s tried praying to every god in existence.

Nothing.

It’s like the entire world has shut her out. 

She always knew there were fates worse than death.

She thinks she may have found the worst. 

—

OTHER

- She was once an act in a traveling magical circus that would go around via train on the borders between different planes. 

- Aberrant Horror

—

Light. Freedom.

She’s out. She’s free.

But she’s not alone. Not anymore.

Something whispers in her mind. And something writhes beneath her flesh. 

She’s scared. 

[twstgarden]

✦ ❝ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋'𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 ❞

match-up bundle commission for @inkblot-mirror

— a purchase of two carnation petals has arrived from our dearest customer. your romantic matches have now been determined by the red carnation's petals.

➻ a romance match-up bundle commission for twisted wonderland and genshin impact. bundle includes the main romantic match, voice lines with the main match and 4 other randomly picked characters, a dormitory match for twisted wonderland, and a vision match for genshin impact. ➻ commissions are open, you may refer to this info post.

— TWISTED WONDERLAND — 

℘ your romantic match is...

━ 𝙡𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖 𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙚 ━

➻ the carnation petals have revealed your matches. the first match appears to be the retired general of briar valley's armed forces. his extroverted and wise personality pairs very well with your intellectual introverted nature.

➻ your dedication towards your interests and tasks are a few of the other things that caught his eye. your work ethic and unconventional methods are ones he does not fail to notice as well. he truly thinks you are a unique individual.

➻ of course, he wouldn't appear clingy or overwhelming to you. he keeps his distance but occasionally teases you here and there, surprising you with his jumpscare attacks and whatnot. he holds great respect for your personal space and interests, so you can expect him not to get too close unless you want him to. he knows you do not like engaging much in idle conversation either, and that's perfectly fine! even sitting in silence with you is enough to satisfy his need for your attention.

➻ lilia is pleased to know that you can defend yourself. whether you prove those who have underestimated you wrong or throw a punch at those who threatened your safety, he's equally proud and impressed and will be there in case you need support or praise.

➻ with your interest in ancient history, your curiosity will always be fueled and fed by lilia. an old man like himself certainly has stories packed for you to listen to. he'd share stories about different civilizations or legends, and even tell you about the incredible and enchanting folktales of briar valley.

➻ he always invites you over to play with him in diasomnia, even if it means staying up late. he enjoys playing rpgs with you, and when he isn't playing, he finds it entertaining to watch you play some life simulator games.

➻ this man will tell you lots of random facts regarding flower language and often may subtly gift you with dark red carnations to express his fascination and sentiments of love for you or red roses to express his deep romantic affection for you, or even peonies to tell you how beautiful you are, and so much more. he just wants to express his love to his little beastie, after all.

➻ diasomnia and briar valley are known for their cold weather, and lilia knows you detest the cold, so he goes out of his way to make sure you are comfortable wherever you stay. if he invites you over to diasomnia, he'd adjust the temperature to make it a little warmer. if you are planning to visit briar valley, he'd make sure to pack extra clothes to keep you warm. he wants to make sure his dearest is comfortable.

➻ overall, you have a healthy and fulfilling relationship with lilia. his extroverted nature contrasts your reserved personality, and he expresses his love for you in a way that does not overwhelm you at all. if you need someone to intellectually stimulate you or someone to motivate and comfort you on your lowest days, lilia is your man.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

━ possible matches: ➻ malleus draconia (another great match, similar interests and compatible personalities) ➻ leona kingscholar (respectful and supportive partner, but may find it hard to deal with emotional availability due to his internal issues) ➻ vil schoenheit (another picture-perfect partner on paper, can help with self-betterment and indulge in your interests, especially in the arts and literature)

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

℘ your soul resides in...

❝ ignihyde ❞

➻ the dark mirror has sorted you to ignihyde, the dormitory founded on the diligence of the lord of the underworld. students sorted to this dormitory are dedicated and creative, giving their best and getting their job done for them to have the time to do whatever they please.

➻ your creative nature paired with your objective lenses make you a great resident of ignihyde. an independent worker with a good work ethic like you would find peace and comfort in the introverted dormitory, but beware of its temperature as it is known to be quite cold there. you might need to invest in a heater to keep your room to your desired temperature.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

℘ voice lines

【 lilia vanrouge 】

► card selected: ssr dormitory uniform 寮服

❚❚ || home idle 4

↪ "i wanted to invite rei to transfer to diasomnia. i already have the perfect room for her! i've adjusted the temperature to suit her tastes and even added a huge wardrobe for her cosplays. fufu, doesn't that sound great?"

【 cater diamond 】

► card selected: sr yasmina silk ヤーサミーナシルク

❚❚ || home tap 6

↪ "when we were walking around the bazaar, i saw something that rei might be interested in! i think it was a book about scalding sands' history... i took a pic, of course~ ☆"

【 rook hunt 】

► card selected: r school uniform 制服

❚❚ || home tap 6

↪ "i caught the beautiful mademoiselle taking photographs in the courtyard, and as her schoolmate, i naturally boosted her morale by complimenting her superb skills!"

【 idia shroud 】

► card selected: sr ceremonial robes 式典服

❚❚ || home tap 6

↪ "i think i just saw rei playing an otome game while waiting for her turn to be sorted... ah, i might just be hallucinating... anyway, can i go back now?"

【 silver 】

► card selected: r masquerade dress マスカレードドレス

❚❚ || home tap 6

↪ "rei and i bought some souvenirs for the rest of diasomnia in the souvenir shop of the city of flowers... with her help, i was able to find the perfect gift for them, too."

— GENSHIN IMPACT — 

℘ your romantic match is...

━ 𝙙𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙘 𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙧 ━

➻ the carnation petal has revealed the master of the dawn winery to be your best match. the uncrowned king of mondstadt's refined personality matches greatly with your own.

➻ both dedicated individuals. you hold a passion and dedication for your interests, which makes you both a productive and fulfilling couple. if motivation starts to waver, you have each other's backs to give the support you need to continue holding on and moving forward.

➻ he is not one for idle chit-chat, and you are not too fond of conversations. you can thrive in a comfortable silence with him. as you enjoy yourself in your own space, he does the same as well. however, he loves listening to you talk when you are in a good mood.

➻ he admires you greatly. your impartial lenses, strong work ethic, and independent nature are some of the qualities he likes about you. he also likes how you defend yourself, especially when you have been wronged.

➻ when he requires an opinion, you will always be his first choice. your ability to stay objective and unbiased is greatly appreciated by him, and he knows he can count on you for constructive criticism.

➻ of course, he also knows of your creative hobbies and interests. he invites you over to his mansion to let you indulge in some ancient history books he had kept in his study just for you. other times, he'd sit down with you and have a meaningful and intellectually stimulating conversation regarding art and literature.

➻ are you looking to read? he'll let you stay in a quiet and comfortable room in the mansion to read your book or manga in peace. are you in the mood to start cosplaying? he'd make sure you have all you need — the right set of clothes, enough accessories, properly styled wigs, you name it. are you looking to ice skate? he'd bring you to the best ice skating rinks and carry enough clothes to keep you warm in the undesirable cold temperature.

➻ whenever you are staying over or visiting the dawn winery manor, diluc ensures that italian-style meals will be served for your pleasure, and when you actively show how much you appreciate his efforts, it pleases him greatly.

➻ he spoils you greatly, but not in a way that gets overbearing. both of you are introverted thinkers (intj, intp) by personality indicators, but that does not mean you are lacking emotional fulfilment in your relationship. he shows his love through acts of service, doing anything and everything for you and your happiness, and he protects you when needed, whether you are aware of it or not.

➻ overall, your relationship with diluc is both fulfilling and intellectually stimulating. with the right amount of love and attention, while not overwhelming yourselves with emotions, you find yourselves contented and committed to one another.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

━ possible matches: ➻ neuvillette (tied with diluc as the perfect match, can keep you entertained with historical facts and mythological stories) ➻ alhaitham (an intellectually stimulating partner who possesses great knowledge in the study of semiotics, language, and ancient runes) ➻ dainsleif (has a passive personality and does not overwhelm or nag you around, a perfectly calm partner like diluc)

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

℘ you are bestowed with a...

❝ cryo vision ❞

— ❝ sorry... to also have you shoulder the grievances of the world. since you could endure my bitter cold, you must have the desire to burn? then, burn away the old world for me. ❞ —

➻ a vision that contradicts your disdain for the cold ironically fits your situation. you acknowledge your mastery over your craft but still yearn for something else. you wished you were in a better situation, in a better life. you wished you were good in something else, something else that you do not despise.

➻ several acquaintances but little friends. a reserved individual with low confidence, but you find no problems in your own company. you may have been underestimated by those you care about, but they know little of you. in a moment of injustice, there is no hesitation on your side to prove them wrong.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

℘ voice lines

【 diluc ragnvindr 】

❚❚ || about rei: status

↪ "she is remarkable. i admire her work ethic and her creative nature. not to mention, that she's quite fond of the food we serve in the manor. it pleases me. hm? you'd like to know of my status with rei?"

【 zhongli / 鍾離 / 钟离 】

❚❚ || about rei

↪ "rei is an impressive individual. i often find myself losing track of time during our discussions. her interest and knowledge in literature and the arts make her an appealing companion. if given the chance, i'd like to have some tea with her again."

【 kaedehara kazuha / 楓原万葉 / かえではらかずは 】

❚❚ || about rei

↪ "rei is a wonderful artist. i've seen how she dedicates herself to her craft, but sometimes, she loses her motivation. i thought she needed some reassurance, so as her friend, i wanted to make sure she gets the support she needs."

【 tighnari / الطغنري 】

❚❚ || about rei

↪ "i stumbled upon rei once in the library. she seemed to be reading something related to mythology. if she were to join the akademiya, she'd be a great student under the haravatat darshan."

【 lyney 】

❚❚ || about rei

↪ "i have heard of rei's interest in theatre and cosplaying. perhaps i should ask her to take part in my shows! i'm joking, i'm joking. still, i have seen her abilities firsthand, and i believe she has great potential, don't you think so?"

© twstgarden 2024 || please do not steal, translate without my permission, or use this to train a.i.

[horseshoegirl]

Damn Those Dog Tags: Part 6 - Three Little Birds

📜 just a PSA for you all that I love each and everyone one of you, and I’m so grateful this group of people bring each other up online then bring them down (for context, I had a bad experience with a social media post this past week (never again am I sharing videos of me riding)... the equestrian community can be so ruthless🤦🏻‍♀️) So I’m happy I can come here and feel supported.

I apologize in advance for a sad Sadie in this one. We also have a little bit of a time jump in this one!

❗️18+, strong language, angst, godmother reader/original female character, deployments, and a Sad Sadie (She needs her own warning).

#5.9k Words

Part 5 | Masterlist | Part 7

You wish you could say you weren’t expecting it to happen. That the routine of their 8 to 4 day didn’t lull you into a false sense of security. That the Saturday nights and dinners and time spent together would last forever. 

But that was the deal when your friends were in the Navy. Time was a luxury only a few could afford. 

And your time with them was past due. 

This Saturday night was designated game night. On game nights, Sadie would rummage through the few shelves on your bookcase you set aside for games, puzzles, books and other activities to find a selection of games she thought the others would like. 

You would make finger foods, and your kitchen island would be littered with big plates and trays so everyone could come and go as they pleased. Sadie would go looking for your Cards Against Humanity set, despite hiding it in a very unreachable place, and you’d race from the kitchen to snatch it out of her hands, always telling her she could play it when she was older. She’d wait for a second, then say, “Okay, I’m older.” 

You'd laugh at her, and she would laugh back. Only this time, your doorbell rang.

You froze. You always left your front door open when you knew to expect them. They knew they could walk right in and make themselves at home.

Walking to the front door, you became nervous, weakly clutching the handle as you twisted, pulling it back to reveal the entire team lined up side by side, standing together on your porch. All of them together, minus Mav? It took only one look for you to know. 

They had been called up. 

“When?” you gasped. 

“Tomorrow night,” Phoenix replied sadly. “For at least three months.”

Something sharp pierced the centre of your chest, your ears boxed, and your throat closed shut, taking you back to that Friday night at the Hard Deck with the phone call. You barely acknowledged the pain in your forearm, where you had reached up to grip it tight, fingernails biting into your skin. Your heart, thumping hard, now aching for your friends and the unbearable weight Sadie would have to carry.

If only you had had this talk with her sooner. Ridley never made it home to her that Friday night. And now she had to shoulder the knowledge her newfound family could be taken away at any moment, the difference being it was an expectation for a possible someday, not the outcome of a random accident. 

You couldn’t help but crumble into the door frame, your head falling to the wood as the first sob worked its way up your throat. Nat immediately took you into her arms, hugging you tight. You wrapped your arms around her, weight sagging into her, as you realized you’d now have to learn how to cope without your friends being there for you and Sadie. 

“Sadie,” you gasped into her shoulder. “How am I going to tell her?”

Nat pulled back, grabbing your cheeks. “We can do it together. She’s a lot stronger than we give her credit for.”

You huffed a laugh through your tears, Nat pressing her forehead to yours in an effort to give you the strength to ground yourself.  You hated when people saw you cry.

Tearing yourself away from her, you looked to Bob, who had moved beside you. “Sadie’s going to be okay. She has you.”

Jake opened his mouth to say something but paused, mouth agape, when a voice called out from behind you.

“Aunt Liz? What’s going on?” 

You stiffened, tearing yourself away from Jake’s gaze as you turned to face Sadie, wiping at your face. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked, coming to stand in the open door frame.

“Bug, we need to have a chat,” your voice wavering as you spoke. 

“What do you mean?” she looked from Nat, Bradley, and Jake to the rest of the team standing on your porch.

You reached out your hand, stepping forward to meet her with a sad smile. She stared up at you as she let you lead her back inside, leaving the front door open for the other to follow and taking her over into your family room. 

Bradley was right on your heels, sitting beside Sadie once she settled on the couch, taking her free hand into his. Nat also followed, resting her elbows on the back cushion behind Sadie while Jake leaned against the wall, arms crossed and glancing intently between the pair of you. The others decided to hang back, letting you have your space to tell her. 

“You know how the Daggers are in the Navy, right?” 

Her voice was small as she replied, “Yeah?” 

“Well, they need to go away for a little while. They need to go and help protect some people.” 

“Okay?” she said softly. 

“The thing is, Bug,” you paused, tucking a piece of her hair back behind her ear, “There’s a chance some of them might not make it back.” 

She reeled back, eyes so childlike and innocent.  “What do you mean?” 

Feeling a tear run down your cheek, you couldn’t begin to form the words to explain that this might be the last time she saw her aunt and uncles. Just like her mom, you didn’t want to explain that this particular Saturday night might be the last chance she could spend with them.

It took her a minute, but you could see the realization on her face, your silence and tears filling in for what you couldn’t say. Her mouth dropped slightly, and her eyes started to relax from concentration. What followed was the understanding, her brow furrowing, nose scrunching up. 

Then came the grief. 

“No,” She cried out, bottom lip starting to quiver. “No!” 

She turned to Nat, who smiled sadly at her as she started to sob. Rooster hooked his arm around her stomach, pulling her back into him. Sadie turned in his hold and buried her face in his chest. Bradley dropped his forehead to her shoulder as she cried. 

"I'm so sorry, Bug."

When it came to things like this, Ridley and you decided early on you’d never sugarcoat things with Sadie. Like when you moved out when you went to school, telling her at five years old you wouldn’t be living with them anymore, but you’d be a visit, a phone call, a drive away from her. She had been upset, but she had accepted it. 

Would it have been easier on her if you did sugar coat it? 

She didn’t want to let Rooster go, even as Nat reached down to rub her back. Sadie openly wept, and you couldn’t do anything but sit back and watch her crumble. Looking up, Jake was still up against the wall. Only his head was bowed, eyes closed, tensing his body every time Sadie’s escalating cries filled the room. 

It was intense, everyone trying to get through the game, eat dinner, and forget what would happen tomorrow. 

Sadie tried her best, but even as she sat beside Rooster, she didn’t want to let go of his arm, leaning right into his body as she played the game. Bradley humoured her. If he was uncomfortable, he didn’t let on.

Bob accidentally knocked over his deck of cards onto the floor, causing everyone to laugh harder than they should. You took the moment to excuse yourself, disappearing to collect dishes and retreat into the kitchen while everyone was distracted trying to find his cards. 

Plugging the drain, you turned on the tap, squirting soap into the sink, watching the dishes submerge under the rising water, gripping the edges of your counter hard until your nails hurt with the force. 

It was how you were feeling. Like the world wanted to drown you with things beyond your control, and you couldn’t stay afloat. Your friends were your saving grace, next to Sadie, and now, you found yourself wondering what you might do without one of them. 

“She’ll be okay, Liz.” 

"I feel guilty, crying like this when you guys are going off saving the world, risking your lives.” 

Jake came up behind you, placing a hand on your back. “Because you’re worried about her?” 

“It’s not just her I’m worried about Jake,” you sniffed, wiping at your eyes. “God, I feel selfish.”

“Oh, is someone concerned for little old me?”

“Yes,” you exhaled. “Especially you. I’m afraid you're going to do something stupid in the air.”

“Best of the best, Liz," he reminded you. "Or aren't you forgetting who we are?"

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”  You said, stepping forward to turn off the tap before turning back to face him, his green eyes wide.

“You have nothing to prove to no one, Jake. Please remember that when you are up there.” 

Jake stared at you for a minute before stepping forward, grabbing your arms below your elbows to pull you to stand in front of him. You let him, too numb to protest or to react.

“The both of you are going to be alright, Liz. You're going to wake up tomorrow and carry on your day like you always do. And the day after that and the day after that. You don’t need to worry about us.”

You sniffed. "I always worry about you guys."

“This isn’t anything we haven’t already done before. And I can’t say for the others, but when I get back, you, the bug, and I are going to celebrate.” 

“I didn’t scare you off?” you huffed with a smile. He scoffed, “As if.”

He watched as you shook your head, eyes downcast as you bit your lip.  “Come here,” he said, pulling you into his chest, the palms of your hands coming to rest behind his shoulders and your head resting sideways on his chest. You could hear Jake’s heartbeat steadily thumping away beneath his shirt.

It did more for you than any kind words or long hug could have.

“We’ll be back to annoying you on Saturday nights and back at the bar before you know it.” He said, his voice low and his hand flexing on your back.

Despite everything you were feeling, you believed him.

The night carried on, and Sadie didn’t want to go to bed before they left. You didn’t blame her, watching as she held her sides, fighting sleep while sitting on your front porch step, only lit by the two lights on either side of your front door.

Rooster kneeled down in front of her, a hand on her shoulder,  “We’ll be back before you know it, Bug.” 

Natasha followed, lowering herself down next to Bradley. “You need to make sure your Aunt doesn’t burn down the house.” 

Although she was sad, Sadie cracked a smile at Nat’s words. She glanced between the two of them before launching herself off the step, throwing herself between Nat and Bradley to hug them at the same time. 

“I love you guys,” she said, bowing her head. Nat and Rooster pulled her closer, wrapping their arms around her to grip each other's forearms.

“We love you too, Bug,” Nat replied.

Sadie made her rounds, saying goodbye to everyone. When she made it to Jake, he kneeled down in front of her, opening his arms as she threw herself at him. He whispered something in her ear. Sadie nodded before burying her head into the crook of his neck.

You would have observed them longer had not Bob and Coyote approached you, hauling you into their embrace and reminding you to take care of yourself. As did Fanboy and Payback, who followed not long after.

Bradley had pressed a kiss to the side of your head, an arm wrapped around your shoulders, holding you close for probably what felt like minutes. Nat butted him out with her hip to tackle you into a hug, making you promise when she came home, you’d go out for drinks.

Then came Jake, standing in front of you with an apprehensive smile. 

You couldn’t stop yourself, hot tears streaming down your face as you reached up to wrap your arms around his neck, pressing your face into his shoulder. Jake froze for half a second before his arms wrapped tightly around your waist. 

The Daggers didn’t seem to mind the close goodbye. Maybe they were too occupied by Sadie. Or perhaps they recognized your need to say goodbye to everyone, even Jake, given your history.

“Be safe, Jake,” You whispered into his shirt. Jake squeezed you tight before pulling back, still in his arms, as he looked down at you. He stared at you for a few seconds before leaning forward and pressing his lips to your forehead, humming against your skin.

“See you soon, darlin’.”

___

Despite the long-lasting promise you and Sadie made when Ridley passed away to be there for each other, neither of you caved in the months after. However, with their absence, it went unsaid that promise would extend toward the Daggers.  

It had been three weeks since they left on deployment, and Sadie had caved. 

It was the same routine. She’d wake up, pick at her breakfast with red eyes, get dressed and stay silent on the way to school. When you could pick her up, she wouldn’t run to greet you at the end of the day. On weekends, she stayed quiet, barely saying a word. And the minute she finished her homework after dinner (math homework returning to being troublesome), she’d retreat to her room for the rest of the night.

She was back to the shell of the person she had been before Phoenix and Rooster inserted themselves into your lives. And even as you tried to help her, she never allowed you to see her cry. She was putting up a front and wouldn’t let you help her. 

You knocked on her bedroom door. “Bug, can you please come out?” 

“No,” came a muffled reply. 

“Sadie Bug, please. I miss them too.” 

“They won’t come back.” 

“You don’t know that.” 

Halloween was worse. It was probably one of the last few times she would have wanted to go out before she deemed it too childish. Instead, she curled up on the other side of the couch, watching Halloween movies as you answered the door, not even saying a word. 

“Can you please come into the family room? So we can be there for each other? Maybe we could put vinyl on?”

You were met with complete silence. 

“Okay,” you relented, hugging yourself. “I’ll be out here if you change your mind.”  

Stepping away from her door, you treated down the hallway to your kitchen, making yourself a cup of tea before curling up under a blanket on the couch. You pressed yourself into the back cushion, cradling the steaming cup to your chest as if it would fix the pang in your chest.

You looked around. The family room table was littered with Sadie’s math homework, you staying up late at night to try and figure it out for her.  If Jake were here, he’d be able to help her, you would think every time you got frustrated. 

Jake.

In the few weeks he had been gone, you found yourself thinking about him at the most random of times. Making your coffee in the morning. Working at the Hard Deck, passing by the dartboard or the pool table. You had known him less than a month before he was called off, yet you felt his absence the strongest.

Sadie missed him too. And that had to count for something. 

You saw her, out of the corner of your eye, half hidden behind the wall. You gave her a soft smile, lifting the edge of your blanket as an invitation. She didn’t hesitate, quickly walking forward and diving under the blanket. She curled herself into your side, legs hooked over yours, head buried into your neck as you covered her, snuggling her in tight. 

Whether she was done putting up a front or the comfort was too much, Sadie started to cry in front of you for the first time since they left. 

Pressing a kiss to her forehead, you said, “Your aunt and uncles are the best. I know for a fact they will do anything to make sure they can come home.” 

“I want them to come home,” she whimpered into your chest. “I don’t want to lose them, like Mom.” 

“You know what she’d say if she were here?” 

Sadie sniffed. “She’d tell us we don’t need them.” 

You snorted. “Well, besides that.” 

She shook her head. Tugging her close, you replied, “She’d say we would have to keep moving forward, doing things because they can’t. I think Aunt Nat would want that for us too.” 

Sadie dropped her head to your shoulder. As you threaded your fingers through her hair, an idea popped into your head, a result of the conversation you had with Penny the week prior. 

“How about this?” you said, pulling back to look down at her face, wiping away a stray tear.  “Aunt Penny was going to send Uncle Mav a care package. How about we see if we can send something to the Daggers? A letter? Polaroids?” 

She bit her lip, contemplating what you said.  “I bet Uncle Bob would want to see some of the bugs you’ve seen,” you encouraged her.  

 Her next words were like a punch to your gut. 

“Can we send one to Uncle Jake too?” 

Uncle Jake. Not Hangman, Not Jake. Uncle Jake.

It was only natural Sadie would start calling him that. Oh, Rooster and Phoenix wouldn’t be happy about this. Yet, there was a part of you that was secretly pleased Sadie had, in her own way, officially accepted Jake into the group. 

He deserves a chance, right? To know people care about him? 

“Why wouldn’t we send one to Uncle Jake?” 

That’s how you found yourself sitting with Sadie at your kitchen table, sheets of lined paper and copious amounts of her polaroids in front of the two of you a few weeks later. She had separated a few into piles, each designated for a Dagger, with envelopes neatly labelled with call signs, all organized beside each other.

You wrote letters to each, filling them in about Sadie and placing them next to her letters on the table when you were done. Mav’s mostly included updates about Penny and Amelia, knowing he’d like to hear it from somebody else to confirm things were okay. 

But when it came to Jake’s, you drew a blank. You attempted to write ‘Jake’ on the first line of several pieces of paper, trying to form that first sentence, only to get frustrated and crumple the page in your hand. 

“Do you like him?” Sadie teased, grinning at your efforts. 

“What?” you stuttered, looking up at her. “No, I just don’t know what to write.” 

“You had no problems with the others,” she replied, spreading a group of photos in her hand like a deck of cards. 

“Cause I knew what to say.” 

“And you don’t know what to say to Uncle Jake?” 

While you were glad to see her mood was improving, you could do without the teasing. 

“It's different. He’s new to the group.” 

“Yeah, he’s different,” she giggled before returning to sort through the photos in her hand. Scanning through the polaroids, Sadie spied one she had forgotten she had taken. 

Something at that moment clicked in her head, her mom’s voice forming the idea from memories of overheard phone call conversations and teasing remarks while she glanced up to make sure you weren’t watching her - you attempting to start Uncle Jake’s letter once again. Picking the photo from the group, she slid it under the others in the pile before you could glance back up.

“What are you sending him?” 

“Just some photos of the hike.” 

“Oh, can I see them?” you asked, extending your hand to grab the photos she had put in his pile. 

Sadie was quicker, reaching out and snatching them right from under your hand. She threw her hand with the photos above her head while reaching for the smaller blue envelope with Jake’s call sign with her other. She quickly pulled everything into her lap so you couldn’t see her, placing the collection of polaroids inside and hurriedly bringing the waxed edges to her lips, sealing it tight. 

Her answer was final as she glared at you. 

“Nope.” 

____

You had no idea how Penny swung it, but with her being an Admiral’s daughter, you figured she still had some sway.

Were video chats a thing in the Navy? You had no idea, but she had come bursting through the Hard Deck doors one day while you were working, wanting your email address. When you asked her why, she replied, “Well, don’t want to talk with them?” 

When would you never say no? 

Sadie could not shut up about getting her own screen time with each of them, however, spread out they were. Almost bi-weekly, she was on a video chat with a Dagger. Of course, Rooster was first, followed by Natasha, Bob, Coyote, Fanboy and Payback. She even got some time with Maverick.  And Jake, who still helped her with her Math homework, from god knows where, probably on the other side of the Earth. 

You had to pick. While Sadie had special circumstances from Cyclone (She could hook anyone around her finger, even stone-cold Cyclone), you could only choose three. 

So here you were, sitting at your desk on a cold afternoon, fiddling with the knick-knacks on your desk or organizing your pens as you glanced up every so often to find the spinning ball of death running on an endless loop on your computer.

That was until you heard his voice. 

“Hey, darlin'” 

The first thing you noticed about Jake when you looked up at your screen, even with his trademark smirk, was how drained he looked. Jake had dark circles encasing his eyes, his shoulders slouched, and while you found yourself admiring the cocky smile, it was a tired one. 

“Oh, Jake, are you okay?” 

He shook his head. “They have us alternating on early morning runs.”

You grimaced. “Rooster and Phoenix said you guys are going up a lot. More so than usual.”  

“There’s a lot going on here.” You knew he couldn’t say much more on the subject, yet you still wanted to know how he was doing. 

“Have you had a chance to talk to your family?” His face tensed up at your words, his eyes casing downwards before he managed a reply of, “Just my sister and her husband.” 

You frowned. You knew he was speaking about Janet. When Jake told you he had an older brother and a younger sister, you thought maybe he had a somewhat supportive family. But now, it didn’t sit right with you they didn’t want to speak with him, let alone his own mother, while he was away on an active assignment. 

You’d expect nothing less from his father.

“When was the last time you spoke with her?” 

“Not since I went for a visit. She’s expecting her first kid in a few months.” 

You were genuinely happy for him. “Jake, that’s amazing. You’re going to be an uncle.” 

He didn’t look at you as he spoke, “Slightly worried about what this kid will be born into. If I’ll be good enough for them.”

You couldn't help but empathize with him. It was the same reaction you felt when Ridley asked you to be Sadie's godmother.

"If it's worth anything, you're great with Sadie. This child is so lucky to have you looking out for them."

While Jake gave you a soft smile, he didn’t reply, staring down at his lap for a few seconds before looking up and beyond the camera. You could tell he was getting lost in his own head, worrying about the future. The look on his face was one you caught yourself making in the mirror most mornings while thinking about Sadie. 

Suddenly, he sighed, looking back at the screen. “For once, I’m going to say enough about me.”

You giggled at him. “Hangman not wanting to talk about himself, what is the world coming to?!” 

He smiled at you. “How is the bug?” 

“She’s not happy you guys won’t be home for Christmas,” you told him. “But better.” 

“I got your letters. And her polaroids. What was she doing around an F-14?” 

You had taken Sadie to the nearby Warplane museum in an attempt to make up for her missing her aunt and uncles, hoping it might bring her closer to them. An out-of-commission F-14 had been on display, and Sadie just had to get her picture taken in front of it. She had put herself somewhat out of the frame of the camera, leaning into the shot while holding up a peace sign and sticking her tongue out with a cheeky grin. 

It was one of the first photos she had put into the pile, insistent it went to Jake. You managed to catch her writing on the back, ‘Come home soon.’ 

“She really wanted to send you that one,” you laughed. “We went to the warplane museum, thinking it might bring her closer to you guys.” 

“The both of you need to come with me next time. Get the full experience, history, you name it.” 

You couldn’t help the slow grin, your eyes widening as you exclaimed, “I knew it! Jake Seresin, you are a geek about planes!” 

You watched as he leaned closer to his camera, eyebrow raised. “And here I recall somebody saying everyone was passionate about something? Flying is practically my personality?”

“Yeah, but not the tall, good-looking Naval officer who was probably a frat boy in school geeking out over planes.” 

He didn’t hesitate. “So you think I’m good-looking?” 

“I said good-looking, not handsome,” you shot back. “Your ego couldn’t handle it.” 

“You called me handsome before.” 

“I was being rhetorical, you were trying to get into my pants, calling me the ‘most beautiful girl in the bar.’” you teased him. 

“I wasn’t lying.” 

It took you a few seconds to register what he said. His tone was serious, leaving no room for you to come up with a witty comeback, some smart retort without sounding down on yourself. You had called him a liar then. You certainly couldn’t call him one now. 

You didn’t think you were, maybe average and plain. A person who liked cozy sweaters and fuzzy socks. Who’d rather spend time curled up with a book than spend free nights out having a social life, going to a bar or partying with friends.

Everything you assumed was not Jake’s type. 

Ridley would know what to say in situations like this, you thought, what to make of him telling you something like this from the other side of the world through a computer. 

“What else did she send you?” you asked, changing the subject. “She didn’t let me see.” 

He shrugged. “Just a few she had taken from the hike. There’s one of her and I from the picnic. I have it in my locker.” 

“You mean when you stole her Sour Keys.” 

There was no shame in his grin. “So worth it.” 

You snickered, Jake joining you. The conversation had its natural pause, and the silence wasn’t awkward. Looking at Jake through a screen, you felt like you had permission to stare at him. Whether it was time apart, the distance, or longing. Or the fact you told Jake something so private about yourself, and he didn’t go running. 

It was easier to allow yourself this moment, to entertain the possibility that maybe there was something more than the friendship you were trying to build with him before the reality set in, and you reminded yourself just why Jake was so far out of your league. Why you were just imagining things that weren’t really there. 

But looking at his face, his eyes uneasy, you knew what he would ask next. 

“Any news with the review?” 

You shook your head, eyes fixing on your keyboard. “I called. They said maybe after the holidays.” 

“Liz, it's going to be fine.” 

“You don’t know that, Jake,” you said quietly, looking back up at the screen. “I still don’t know who put in the request. I haven’t been able to figure it out. Even if everything turns out fine, what’s not to say something else is going to happen?” 

He paused. “Would it make you feel better if you knew?” 

“Obviously, but the list is either short or non-existent.” 

“Then we will figure out who when we come home.” 

“Jake, you don’t...” 

He interrupted you, his tone firm. “It’s Sadie.” 

He was right. It was about Sadie. It was her future, knowing whether she’d be safe with you or without. You needed to know what, or who, you were dealing with. 

“Okay,” you finally said. “If you don’t mind.” 

He shook his head, then grinned. “Besides, the three of us have some celebrating to do when we get back.” 

You couldn’t help yourself, “Just the three of us?” 

His eyes lit up. “If that’s what you want.” 

There weren't many opportunities in your life for you to say 'Fuck it' every once in a while. Ridley told you to fuck it when she submitted your college applications and told you to move to San Diego. When the both of you decided enough was enough and move halfway across the country to escape your lives in the aftermath of your mother passing away.

But Sadie's words rang harder than any warning the Daggers, or Penny, could have given you. Jake did deserve people in his life who cared about him. He deserved a family that cared. And the fact Rooster, Nat, and even a small part of Coyote at Sadie's soccer game that day couldn't even recognize that... it filled you with anger.

Ridley's voice was in your head, screaming Jake needs you, Lizzie. Fuck what they think.

If some of his team couldn't do that for him, if his own family couldn't, you and Sadie would.

"I do." and then, "You might have a surprise from Sadie when you get back. We miss you."

There was a shout from somewhere in the background, Interrupting Jake, causing him to turn towards the noise before looking back down at the screen, “I gotta go, darlin.” 

It was true you, you did miss him. And yet, while you were grateful for the minutes you got to speak with him, you still were left feeling like it wasn’t enough. 

“Be safe, Jake. Come home.” 

You caught Coyote’s voice just before the video cut off, not thinking much of it.  

“Yo, did you tell her about the photo in your cockpit?!”

----

It was a few weeks after your call with Jake you found the courage to start looking through some of Ridley’s things. You had no idea where it came from. The storage locker hadn’t been touched since you brought Sadie home - Rooster, Phoenix, and yourself having played a game of Tetris to shove everything in. 

You always had some excuse for not going through it. You were too tired. Other things took priority. You’d do it tomorrow. There wasn’t enough time. 

Really you should have called it for what it was. 

You simply weren’t ready. 

But with Sadie’s first Christmas without Ridley only a few weeks away, you needed to buck up and open that door. If not for you, for Sadie’s sake. 

You asked Alyssa to join you one day while Sadie and Will were at school. She was more than happy to provide the support, knowing how hard it was for you. Even as she followed you down the rows of lockers, the layout making you feel like you were in a prison cell, awaiting your sentence at the end of the hall, she was a welcome reminder you could do this. 

But you hesitated when you reached that yellow door, big bright numbers taunting you from their perch above. 

“You don’t have to do this,” Alyssa placed a hand on your shoulder. 

You shook your head. “Yes, I do. It’s time, even if it's something small.” 

Oh, you wished you could take those words back the moment you saw everything. It was overwhelming to reach the bottom of the roll-up door and pull it up, revealing the numerous boxes and garbage bags of your sister and Sadie’s things. It even smelled like her in there, the small traces of her floral perfume hitting your nose, making your stomach turn.

There in the back corner, you spied a box labelled ‘Sadie X-mas”. You zoned in on it like it was a lighthouse in a storm. Just the Christmas decorations, you thought, then you could get out of here and go home. 

But another box was stacked on top of it, way higher than it should have been, with various folders hanging precariously out of it. It wouldn’t be easy to get it out.

 You stepped between two boxes, weaving your way to the back of the locker. Something sharp caught on the laces of your shoe, yelping as you twisted backwards onto a garbage bag of clothing, arm flinging sideways, knocking the tower of boxes over. 

Alyssa shouted your name, charging forward to get to you in a last-ditch effort. Bracing yourself, you covered your head with your arms as boxes toppled into you.  It hurt, sharp corners and heavy objects hitting your stomach and arms in such a way you knew you’d bruise. 

Pushing boxes away, you could see her standing over you, pulling at loose objects that were pinning down your hips. The tension in her shoulders relaxed when she realized you were okay. 

“God, you weren’t kidding when you said you were a klutz,” she huffed. 

You rolled your eyes, holding out your hand.  “A little bit of help, please?” 

Alyssa pulled you up somewhat dangerously, your foot slipping on a piece of paper as you regained your balance. 

The contents of the boxes were scattered across the storage locker, mostly papers and random notes. You’d sooner leave than start the process of cleaning them up while having to rifle through the spaces between the boxes. But Alyssa was already making the effort, gathering whatever was closest to her and placing them in the overturned box nearby. 

Groaning, you forced yourself to collect what you could, only searching for specs of white in your peripheral vision, not the words on said boxes or stopping to consider what might be in them. You were almost done, spying two more pieces of paper lying on top of another garbage bag shoved into the corner. 

Then Alyssa gasped. 

You looked up to see her holding a piece of paper from a notebook in both of her hands. The page looked like it had been folded over in such a way it appeared to be a letter.

“Lyssa? What’s wrong?” 

Wide-eyed, she looked up, holding it out to you.  “You need to read this. Seriously.” 

You reached out timidly, taking the paper from her as your eyes skimmed the page. You recognized the handwriting, though you couldn’t place where. The date in the upper corner was marked a few weeks before Ridley died, and you thought you saw Sadie’s name mentioned a few times, though it was difficult to make out. 

But as soon as you reached the bottom of the page, you shrieked, jolting and throwing the paper out of your hands. 

There, signed clear as day… 

Let me know.

Tyler. 

Tags:

@blue-aconite @tinytotontheoversizedpony @djs8891 @caitsymichelle13 @startrekfangirl2233

@emorychase @ereardon @dempy @shanimallina87 @teacupsandtopgun @daggerspare-standingby

@phantomxoxo @formulapierre @eli2447 @fulla02 @blckgrl-sunflower @mizzzpink

Let me know if you want to be tagged!

Wickett ;)

Part 7 - Oh What a Night Coming Soon

[cheerleaderman]

Yuya Florence

A magicless human from other world seemingly with no memories or perhaps locked memories.With only a driver license and  journal that gives them some identity .Now in this new place Yuya is just trying to survive what NRC throws at them hoping to recover what they lost.

Twst- The shooting star over the castle in the beginning of movies

Personality 

Kinda complicated to explain but Yuya honestly doesn’t have a consistent personality in the main story because they change to how to protect themselves or what the situation needs/happening around them it’s in the way of her trying to survive and does it subconsciously . Out of main story when there isn’t a crisis and can somewhat relax Yuya is kinda childish, sassy at times, blunt , more on the quiet side,Petty,chaotic asking the most random questions,  intrusive thoughts are likely to win but is deeply hurting on the inside.

Basic info

-Age : 18

He/her/ They

Voice claim: Eng-Veronica-Heathers the musical (OG) Jp-Ibuki mioda-Danganronpa

-height : 172 cm

-Birthday : August 8

-dominant hand : Left

- Family: Mother(deceased ), Yolonda, aunt, uncle, 2 older cousins, pretty big family but those are the main ones

-Homeland: USA, Earth

-Nicknames : Srimpy(Floyd) Yu-Yu (Cater, Lilia, Kalim) Trickster (Rook) Herivore or Omnivore if ignored (Leona) Child of man( Malleus) Human/Human perfect (Sebek) Troublemaker (Idia) Yu(everyone else) Perfect (basically everyone but main after Book 3)

-favorite food: Chili oil noodles, candied lemon, strawberry lemonade

-hobbies/likes : Rhythm games,horror movies, collecting cute bags, scrapbooking/journaling , Photography, crocheting and knitting

-Dislikes: Bland food, Green tea, Fuzzy socks, Ants ,smell of alcohol, feeling sweaty, strong smells

-Pet peeve : Forgetting things

-Favorite subject: Alchemy

-club : hopes between clubs mostly at board game club

-Talent: lock picking, Cooking, Dodging

More info

- Has a bit of an obsession photography because they represent memories and Yuya doesn’t want to and scared to forget again

-Got called a beast tamer and ran with it, can make friends or form some kind of bond with all kinds of creatures, Ghosts etc.

-Yuya sleep walks and it gets worse over time

- trying to keep it together

- Will fight like her life depends on it even outside the overblots

-Yuya was really in denial of being in other world up until the end of book 2. Getting a scar from Leona’s OB was how it really settled in for Yuya that Twisted wonderland was not a dream. Before that his thinking was “I don’t belong here so surely someday I wake up and I’ll be back where I belong “ was how they were trying to rationalize being in an another world.(Didn’t get any scars from Riddle tho)

-Yuya is insecure about the scars they get not even like to look in the mirror

- After OB will get a dream of the full movie. Will have dreams about people outside of the OB like the staff members and will get full context after 3 dreams.

- Yuya doesn’t really good out of his way to talk to people most times it was others who introduce/ be introduced but if Yuya ran into someone they’ll still introduce themselves to be respectful.

- Took a bit for Yuya to warm up going out to talk to others (Ace, Deuce and Grim are bit of the exception given how they’re always around each other tho Yuya was mostly quiet in the beginning)

-Gave up on hope of ever being able to get home after book 4 and  focus on trying to get their memories back

- Doesn’t ask for help for themselves but to help others or if Grim asks them to like in book 4

- got a staff weapon after book 2

-Starts to tired being the Perfect and having to help others is all they’re worth and scared to know what happens if they stop helping others,” will I be forced to leave Ramshackle is the only home I know”

- Skips a lot of orientation/assembly stuff. Some tried to scold Yuya “ Your the ramshackle perfect you need to set an example” along those lines but Yuya would just ignore it or respond  “ Since when has anyone respected me as a Dorm leader”(Yuya doesn’t like the memory of orientation )

-Human arm rests taller or shorter doesn’t matter (Floyd,Leona,Cater,Ace are the main perpetrators)

-“Where did you get that!?!?” “…don’t worry about it”

More about Yuya

Outfits

Backstory

Yuya after their mother passed got sent to live with her Aunt family. It was basically to make them look good and all must make it look like they were the perfect family.

Yuya didn’t really get to be their own person but the mold his aunt and uncle wanted which ties into why he doesn’t have a consistent personality

Divider

[roseofcards90]

6, 43, 44, 50, and 61!

HI HI RAINBOW!!!! :D I HOPE YOUVE BEEN DOING WELL

6: Pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal, or sportswear?

Tomboy!!! :3 idk if I’d be able to pull it off but maybe if I had clothes for the style I could 😭

43: Hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket, or bomber jacket?

Hoodie all the way!!! They’re literally the only things I wear in the winter LMAO

44: Favorite scent for soap?

I like any kind of lavender or fruit scent! :D

50: What made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

Omg, tbh I laugh at like everything LMAO but there was this one moment recently during last Christmas, I was with my old childhood friends and we were being silly and dumb fr. We all just like, had our usual silly banter and then we started passing around someone’s random massage remote and idk it was dumb and stupid, but it reminded me of back then and how much I had fun with my childhood friends during those times

61: Favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tb show/etc.?

Ahhh, there’s probably so many examples I want to use, but I think this one is one of my top faves! This is from Persona 4 the Musical, which was a fan project done by fans of the game before Atlus had shut it down. Persona 4 is already a game near and dear to my heart, so when I found out about this fan project, I got so excited because I also love musicals so it was like my two favorite things fdjfjfk

It's amateurish I'm not gonna lie, the musical is rough and ready, but the passion is there. You can really feel the spirit of the original game and its story here, especially in the last song "Maybe That's The Point". It would take me too long to explain why it means so much to me, so I'll just show the quote here:

"We've always been here for you, and she can hear our voices too, and see the links that we have tied, we're by your side." <3

Here are some other ones that are my top faves:

"If rescuing you is a sin, I'll gladly become a sinner. This is a story about love, and it will end with love." - Honkai Impact 3rd

"At the end of everything, hold onto anything. / I want to hope again, and I want it to hurt. Because that means it meant something...It means I am something at least." - Night in the Woods

[rehnwriter]

Tag Game Here We Go!

My good friend @girlfromthecrypt mentioned me in her recent writeblr tag game and I decided to join in the fun!

1) What motivates you to write?

To be honest? Anything. I've written ever since I was little, and have enjoyed it ever since. I'm a very creative person, and I'm constantly thinking about stories, ideas, and what not, and putting them to paper always feels great. I'm also a very driven person, and like to work on projects / keep myself busy, and writing definitely ticks that box.

2) A line/short snippet of your writing that you are most proud/happy of. If not maybe share a line of someone else's work you love (just please credit them)

I'm currently working on the final edits of my novel 'New Haven,' based on my series 'A guest at my motel asked me to post his story. He looked like he went through hell…' It's been quite a ride, but I'm finally on the final stretch and the end is in sight. Here's just a random little snippet from a dream sequence that I quite enjoyed:

At that moment, Mom got to her feet. She was impossibly tall and towered high over every other member of the congregation. Her face was stern and her appearance was that of a stoic believer. Around her head, a halo of dark, hellish flames had formed. In a bellowing voice, she answered that there was indeed yet another sinner.

3) Which OC makes you smile every time you think/talk about them and what are they like?

It's got to be Ethan from my 'New Haven' novel. He's your typical loner, rebel-type (and loosely based on James from Twin Peaks). He's quite the interesting character, one who might seem half mad and angry all the time, but he's got quite the depths to it. I just really enjoy writing him and his dialogue.

4) What process of writing do you enjoy the most?

The first draft hands down. While I usually outline a story beforehand, the first draft is the most creative part of writing. The best thing is that after a good ten to fifteen minutes, I get fully immersed in the story and things just come to me. It's almost as if the process of sitting down and forcing myself through those first minutes hands me the muse's kiss (as weird as that sounds).

5) What part of writing do you think you are the best at? (Yes stroke your own ego it's okay)

This is really a tough one since I'm very bad at judging myself. I think I've gotten quite a bit better when it comes to writing dialogue and I enjoy it a lot. On the other hand, I think I've got a hand for otherworldly, and weird imagery/descriptions.

6) What is something in the writeblr community is most enjoyable?

Gotta be honest, I'm not really a part of the community. I guess even when I'm on social-media, I'm a rather anti-social person who keeps to himself and just shares/rebolgs his own stories. I'm, however, always happy to see other people interacting with one another, and motivating each other to keep on writing and pushing forward. You guys are all the best!

7) A writing tool/device you use that helps you with writing? (It could be speech to text, a writing program etc)

I really, really love WriteMonkey. It's a distraction-free writing software that essentially gives you nothing but a black screen on which you type. I've got serious focus problems and pretty much anything can distract me, even if it's just a menu with formatting options.

Another piece of software I've recently started working with is Scrivener. It doubles as a writing and organizing tool, but the best thing is that it comes with an export and formatting function. It means you basically just type out your story/chapters and the program puts it into a publishable ebook or submittable manuscript. This honestly saves an incredible amount of time and headache, since there are so many things you've got to look out for and keep in mind otherwise.

8) A piece of worldbuilding that you like in your own story? (It could be the magic system, a particular place in the story, a law etc)

I really like the backstory of New Haven. It's essentially a small, unimportant religious town in the middle of nowhere, but as the novel continues my main characters discover that it's got quite a history. This includes Lutheran Christians, a German nobleman from the city of Gotha, and quite a few other things. I really love adding these tiny bits and pieces to make the settings seem more alive.

9) What piece of advice would you say to encourage others to write if they are having a rough patch?

This might sound a bit harsh, but the best advice I can give people is to just sit down and write. Anything, really. If you're stuck on your current WIP, write something else for a bit, or maybe put out an entirely different story. I've been stuck before, and it's a terrible place to be in, and sometimes things just might become a bit too much, or you might grow to hate your current WIP. It's happened to me before. So just taking some time off, and writing something just for fun, is a great way to rekindle your creativity.

Another thing is, to allow yourself to take breaks! Sometimes, you've just got to recharge. Over the years, I've been extremely disciplined and forced myself to write every single day, even if I got home late, I'd force myself to put in at least half an hour. While I got a lot of work done, it honestly wasn't healthy, and I had to learn that taking some time off isn't a bad thing, and sometimes, it's truly necessary.

Just last month, I didn't feel things. All the stories I was working on were tough, a new novella I'd started didn't feel right, and I was in no mind to work on editing New Haven. And so, I took a few weeks off, until the spark was there again and I just help getting back into things.

10) Tag some people whose works you love/have been your biggest supporters

Oh man, this is so tough. @girlfromthecrypt was the one who originally tagged me, so I've got to give thanks for this little break. Other than that, I'd tag @octoberconstellation who's been sneaking me little sets of questions that are quite fun to answer.

Well, that's about it! Hope you guys enjoyed this little look into my head. And I'm sorry, some of my answers might have gotten a bit out of hand.