#and there are some characters I’ve really attached myself to and am eager to learn more about

[couldbebetterforsure]

By the way I actually recently started Ensemble Stars!

I downloaded the game on my phone and I’m (veeeeeery slowly) reading through the stories from both this version of the game and the original Enstars. I’ve only made it through a few so far though, and while I’m trying to go in chronological order I’m more so reading a bit of main plot and then going through some side/event stories so I’m jumping all over the place timeline wise, especially going back and forth from old game stories to new game stories.

I’ve know a little bit about this franchise beforehand. Mainly idol songs and the smallest handful of plot that seems to apply more to the original game than the current one? But like I said I am slowly reading through things, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t focusing more on stories starring my faves 😅

Which reminds me, it’d be fun if I could learn who anyone who’s reading this believes are my favorite units of Enstars, especially if you can narrow down which one is my number one unit! Bonus points if you manage to figure out which boy is my top fave too! All I can tell you is that with how predictable my tastes in favorite characters are, it probably shouldn’t be too hard to pinpoint which ones I love best 😂

[kojandra]

My Personal Reflection of “Do You Like Brahms?” (with specific reference to the leads)

✨ spoilers below ✨

It’s been a while since I’ve shed tears for a drama. I tried to pinpoint the reason why I was so addicted to every scene while I was watching it; even as I watched the end credits for episode 16, I still had no idea why. But as I made my way downstairs to fill my glass with water, I saw the upright piano. I saw the scores stacked neatly, a dust cover on the ivory keys, and the many many tattered repertoire books from years of commute to the academy and teaching studios, stuffing them in backpacks, and flipping the pages back and forth until the phrase is memorized. And I was reminded of the violin stuffed under my bed and the calluses that became a part of me in grade 4, and how my piano teacher didn’t like the way it sounded on the piano keys.

I remember crying through learning Bach, Bartok, and Liszt. I remember loving Kabalevsky and Chopin. I remember detesting Brahms and Schumann (Robert and Clara) because I didn’t have the emotion to do their pieces justice. I remember the hours committed to perfecting every single bar with precision and emotion.

“Do You Like Brahms?” unearthed a part of me buried with the hopes and dreams of the 10th grader who made the decision to quit music. I didn’t believe I had enough talent--scratch that--I knew I had no talent. I had nothing compared to all the other kids that played before me and after me during lessons and recitals. I picked up every single instrument in hopes that I would have a natural ease with one of them: piano, violin, guitar, flute, ukulele, percussion, and even the banjo. I so desperately wanted to be good at one instrument to play the music I wanted to and I even put in the extra hours to attempt to achieve a sliver of it.

Seeing Chae Song Ah struggle with the same issue had my heart strings tangled. The struggle that I thought was a me problem is being represented! On television! Is this what empathy feels like?

Seeing Park Joon Young lose his passion for the music because of the weight every performance meant made my heart break. And when he said “I’m not happy playing the piano” to his mother in tears, it reminded me how I said those exact same words to my mother in grade 10, asking her if I could quit, with the same heartbreak as Chae Song Ah knowing no matter how hard she tried, she could not compete with those who were born with the ‘musical sense’.

When Song Ah and Joon Young made their decision to quit music, my heart twisted into aches of despair and sadness for them. I feel like I lost it when Song Ah started asking around about the prospects after graduation for those who do not (or cannot) perform. 

I see so much of myself in her.

I stopped pursuing music in high school knowing I would only let myself down during the university admission auditions, but seeing Song Ah let her dream carry her to major in music after a business degree sparked a small firework of envy in me. How far can passion take you when “natural talent” is a roadblock? When Joon Young said one should have natural talent to succeed in music, my heart broke more for Song Ah than myself. And when she made the decision to walk away from the relationship giving her anxiety, the chamber position that took advantage of her eagerness to pursue what comes easily to others, and the careful but hard stance she took when it came to matters of the heart and herself...my heart kept breaking knowing hers was already shattered.

I know exactly what she feels.

The whole conversation about finding that conviction to the piece set me back in 2012 when I cried on the cushioned leather piano stool in the practice room for 15 minutes because I couldn’t find that conviction. 

It’s your music, so you should take control of it.

I found comfort in these words and in the characters as I watched them each tackle a part of their identity they had lost and are trying to regain control of.

I love every single character in this drama (though I feel the double love triangle is exhausting at times). I really like how the story maintains the Schumann’s and Brahms-inspired story, circling back to it at the end and with a different ending. I thought I would be disappointed knowing the title can be misleading, but I wasn’t.

Without blabbering too long, I guess what I’m trying to say, is that this drama impacted me in ways I will never forget (and it has me learning to love piano again). Maybe one day, I will find the emotion to commit to the pieces by Brahms and Schumann. And maybe one day, I will grasp the conviction to own “Revolution” by Chopin--the one piece I’ve always loved but felt like it could never be mine.

The smallest moment in your life is when your crescendo begins.

Thanks to this drama, I’m playing the piano again. My passion for music is still a little callused (and I’m still hesitant to play some notes for fear that my lack of “natural talent” will seep through the fingers), but I’m regaining that confidence to try again thanks to all the characters in this drama.

I can’t believe this drama also had me rooting for the development of the relationship of the main leads (though I always knew they would end up together). I had the chance to see a really pure love with a mature approach to the way they handle their relationship, which stays really true to the fact that they are in their late twenties. And my heart absolutely broke for the second leads, not completely shattering until Jung Kyung’s flashbacks of her time in love with Hyun Ho.

I’m sad I didn’t watch this sooner, but maybe I put it off knowing I would be a hot mess once I did.

I am not really one to critique dramas heavily and I was tearing up too often to find an outwardly flaw anyways. I am not certain I will have the courage to watch certain scenes again because of the power they have against me.

A well-casted, well-written, inspiration piece for me. I am attached. Whole heartedly attached. 

And as a post script: this is a very comforting drama for a rainy day.

Post post script: I thought this was going to be a “do you like Messi?” pt. 2 hahahahaha (don’t kill me, but wfkbj stans, wya?)

[your-local-vamp]

I disappeared off of the face of the earth for a while, but I’m back ya’ll!! I need to get used to the whole writing and then posting it thing haha. Anyway! I’ve had this idea for a really long time, but was very much procrastinating on writing it. Whoops. But here it is! It’s honestly mostly focused on the whole conflict within the vampire’s mind. I like to show different sides of them. My last one was straight up a stalker, but this one is a liiiiiiitle different, you’ll see :)! I need to shut up before I spoil the entire thing out of excitement lol. Oh and also! I finally took it upon myself to research how I can write better, make it easier to read and stuff. So if there are some errors or if anyone has advice for me, please do leave a comment! Also also, I have a habit to listen to badass vibe songs while writing/reading, so if you’re interested in some recommendations, hit me up! Okay that’s really it. Have fun reading!

Again, this story contains some explicit themes (blood, character death, overall just being angsty af) so make sure to check the tags before reading!

—————

Running From Death

I once again find myself drinking in the bar located a few blocks from my apartment. That intoxicated feeling I get after a few glasses is amazing to me. It’s pleasant to feel good for a change.

Being here also allows me to converse with the humans. Which is… Interesting to say the least. Their different personalities, lifestyles, stories. I happen to eavesdrop into conversations from time to time, which results in me hearing the most outrageous stories sometimes. May they be true or not, they interest me.

I try not to attract too much attention to myself, but I fail in doing so most of the time. Blame it on my charismatic vampire looks, I guess. Humans often strike conversations with me, but I’m not one to complain. I like talking to them when I get the opportunity.

The bell attached to the front door rings. A woman enters the bar. “Oh god, it’s her again,” someone in one of the booths behind me sighs. Hmm, must be a regular. I come here embarrassingly often, enough to call myself a regular as well, but I haven’t seen her before. She’s very handsome looking.

My hand covered with a leather glove tightens around the whiskey glass.

“Control yourself, please. You’ve practiced this many times before.”

It repeats in my head over and over again. Unfortunate things usually happen when I’m drunk. It saddens me, because I wish to not hurt anyone. I was a human once too. And I want to remember the memories from back then. Try to do ‘human’ things. But it’s hard, especially with-

“Hey, how are ya doing?” A voice interrupts my intrusive thoughts.

I look up and see the handsome woman sitting on a stool next to me. Her voice is lively and confident. But it’s probably just the liquor talking.

“Just thinking.”

“Abouuuuut?”

Oh god. She’s totally wasted. I now notice that she can barely even sit up straight without falling over. I can’t help but smile at her actions though, it’s almost endearing in a way.

“Just contemplating life, really.”

“I came here to do the exact same thing!” the woman says.

“How so?” I ask, now completely interested in her story.

“Ugh, where do I even start? My shitty boss fired me today. And you know what the most fucked up part about it all is? The fact that I’ve been working there for years! I did so much for his company, but he decides to just fire me, because ‘he’s gotta cut some people down’. So, I came here to drink my sorrows away. Well, I may have already visited two other bars, so I’m kinda far gone already haha.” The woman keeps on rambling, without actually making eye contact with whom she’s talking to. But I happen to listen to every single word.

“Why did he have to cut people off?” I question the woman.

“Pfshh, I don’t even know. Not enough money, I guess. He could’ve fired literally anyone else, but-“ she interrupts her own sentence, while her eyes make contact with the bartender, “-Hey! Can I have uhhhh. Whatever he has?” she finishes, while she absentmindedly points at my own drink.

She seems to have forgotten what she was talking about before, she’s just staring at the bartender until her drink is ready.

“And what’s your excuse for being here?” she asks, while taking a sip of her whiskey.

“Just taking a break from drinking blood and killing people.”

Well, that’s what I should’ve said if I really wanted to be honest. But being honest isn’t my reality. Lying has become my forte over the many years I have been a vampire. I don’t exist in the eyes of humans. And it should stay that way.

“Just taking a break from life.”

Yeah, that should do it.

“I come over here to share my entire life story, and all you’ve got for me is that? Damn.”

Or not.

“My life is really not that interesting,” I quickly add, trying not to blow my cover.

She takes an observing look at me. I have never felt so uncomfortable in my entire existence. She gives me the feeling like she can look right through my lies. “Hahaha, I’m just messin’ with ya. I don’t like to pry into people’s lives like that anyway,” the woman smiles.

Phew, I barely got away with that one. I return a signature smile to her. The one that makes everyone all the more invested in me, it seems.

*a few hours later*

The handsome stranger and I have been talking for hours. I lost track of time a while ago. Talking, or rather listening to her, reminds me of my human days. I used to help my elder neighbors with chores around the house, but ended up listening to them for hours and hours. I knew that when I had finished the chores, there would be a nice hot cup of tea and cookies waiting for me. The elder couple loved to share their stories with me. I know now that most of them were of pure fantasy, but at that time they were something I would so eagerly wait for to hear.

This woman gives me that feeling of nostalgia. The excitement of finally hearing the story I have longed for. It’s odd, since I have only met her a few hours ago. But somehow I feel like I’ve known her for a really long time.

“Nghn, my head hurts…” She snaps me out of my thoughts. “Woah there, don’t fall off that stool now,” I say, while carefully taking a step towards her. “C-Can you take me home?”

I look at her with disbelief.

Did she really just ask me to walk her home?

“U-Uh, I can call a cab for you? Or ask one of your friends to come pick you up maybe? I’m sure that-“

“Please.”

She looks at me with eager eyes. Her intention is really for me to take her home. If only she knew what I really am. I sigh. “Let me go to the toilet first, then I’ll walk you home.” I finally surrender to the human.

The entire way to the toilet I ask myself what I’m getting myself into. I shouldn’t be doing this, I know that all too well. But I can’t just keep hiding my true feelings all the time. I want to live amongst humans. I know that we can coexist. As long as I control myself, everything will be fine.

I sigh, take my gloves off and use the toilet. My head is suddenly throbbing like hell. I can feel that my body is trying to fight the urge to kill every single soul in this bar. Everything spins.

Shit.

“Hey, you ready or not? I feel like puking!” I hear the woman urgently knocking on the door. “Y-Yeah, I’ll be out in a sec!” I shout back.

I quickly finish and go back to the bar. “Let’s go,” we hurriedly exit the bar. She does so, because she needs to get home asap. And I do so, because of obvious reasons.

I can feel that I’m starting to lose control. It was a mistake drinking this much. I’m usually okay with drinking a few glasses, but this woman has a certain effect on me. And it’s not a positive one. Not while I’m drunk, at least.

The woman is currently walking behind me, laughing at her own jokes. All I want right now is to drop her off as fast as I can.

“Ah, shit!” I hear a loud thud.

I look back and see that she is now sitting on the cold concrete.

“What happened?” I ask, clearly concerned.

The woman shakes her head. “I’m so clumsy, I literally just stumbled over my own feet haha.”

God, we’re never going to get anywhere like this. “Oh nooo! My new pants! Ugh, this stuff always happens to me.”

I take a quick look at her leg and notice that the fabric is ripped open. She took a great fall apparently, otherwise that wouldn’t have happened.

“Damn, I’m bleeding too.”

That’s all she had to say to make my eyes turn red and making my fangs expose themselves. I quickly turn around, hoping that she didn’t notice my weird behavior already.

“Are you okay…?” she asks, proving my thoughts wrong. I disregard her question and return it with my own.

“Is it bad?”

I don’t know why I’m asking her that. No matter of how bad it is, the mere smell of her blood is driving me insane. All I can think about is that right at this moment.

“Uhm, no I think that I’m okay.” I can hear that she’s getting up and has started to walk towards me.

“Please, don’t come any closer.” I say this with a serious tone, hoping that she’d cease to move instantly.

“What’s wrong? It’s not even that bad.”

Fuck fuck fuck.

I can’t hold the urge back anymore. I never want to hurt humans, but I also can’t forget of who I have become. I’m a vampire. To stay alive, I need blood. Alcohol has terrible effects on me.

It’s like drinking water with salt in it. You’re drinking, but it worsens your thirst because of the salt. Alcohol only enhances my thirst for blood. I’m learning the consequences of that now.

The woman has come even closer to me. I turn around, only to see a reached out hand with blood on it. I try to fight the dark side of me with everything I have. That side of me gives in, eventually. I resist the urge and grab her wrist, only to warn her to stop.

However, this action suffers a great consequence. The woman looks at me. The white of her eyes turn dark red.

Wait… I look at my hand, having a firm hold on her wrist.

“My gloves!” is all I can utter at this moment.

I have forgotten my gloves in the toilet area. How can I be so stupid… I’m unable to touch any living being with my bare hands. If I do so, it dies. Everything I touch turns into dust. It’s a curse I have carried with me ever since I turned. It has barely posed as a problem the last few years. But I… I touched her without gloves on.

“W-Wait. No. I’m sorry, please!” I beg for my actions to reverse themselves. But what happened cannot be undone.

The woman’s eyebrows furrow and her eyes look back into mine, filled with betrayal. “H-How cou-ld y-ou,” she chokes on her own blood. She is in immense pain, I can tell. I let go of her hand, terrible guilt now washing over me.

She takes a look at her shaking hand, which gets covered with popping veins inch by inch. The sounds coming from her are agonizing. She stumbles backwards, now nearing her end. Tears roll down my cheek, as I carry her.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know my gloves were…” I’m unable to finish my sentence, as my non beating heart breaks seeing her mouth all covered in blood clots.

It’s ironic, really. I was barely able to resist the smell of her blood before, but now even though I’m covered with it, I don’t seem to mind.

Her body shivers uncontrollably, until it stops moving at all. I hold her limp body, watching my tears fall on her veiny cheek.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” I keep repeating it, somewhere having a wishful thought that I could go back before all of this happened.

But her body stays unmoving. I scream and I scream, all of my human feelings washing over me now. This shouldn’t have happened. My ignorance allowed this to take place. And I will never forgive myself for it.

I hear sounds of a crowd nearing by. In total panic, I let go of her body and hide in a nearby alleyway. I crouch and hold my hands over my own ears, trying to ignore the screams that are coming from the spot where I just killed a human. The tears are now streaming down, my thoughts racing. What have I done? I should’ve never went to that bar in the first place.

Fuck, I need to get out of here before they find me. I try to leave the guilt there and run from myself as fast as I can. I am a monster. And no matter how hard I cling on to the little humanity I’ve got left, I will always remain one.

[jovialyouthmusic]

Silver Service

So, this is the final chapter. Have we seen the end of Anton? Will Olivia say yes? At last the answers are here!

Word Count 2592

WARNING Death of a major character (but no suprise)

A/N You haven’t seen the last of the characters in this series, but this is the end of the story for now, and many loose ends are tied up and stowed away. The very first chapter of the prequel ‘Protect and Serve’ was posted in April 2019. That means I’ve been writing about Bastien and his LI Sophia for 17 months, and possibly around 200k words. I’ve already written some shorts and short series about the continuing adventures of ‘Basphia’, and I will go on doing so - but this series finishes here. Thanks for reading!

22 This is the End, my friends...

The last day of the Winter Games and Fair dawned in Lythikos. Olivia stirred, feeling Liam’s arm thrown over her hip, and groaned, reaching out to the bedside table for a dry biscuit to quell the nausea she felt. She sat up, munching away and making sure the crumbs stayed on the bedcover and not on the sheets. Liam rolled over onto his back and turned his head to gaze at her. He stayed silent as she finished the biscuit, then sat up beside her

‘Is that herbal remedy not working?’ he asked. She shook her head

‘I had the last of it yesterday, and Lucretia refuses to get me any more. She says a little suffering is good for the soul’ Liam raised his eyebrow and made a wry face.

‘I’m sorry to hear that’ he said. She drew a deep breath and turned toward him, her face grave.

‘I’ve made my decision’ she said, and Liam’s eyes widened. ‘I will be your Queen’ He let his breath go, and picked up her hand to kiss it.

‘You make me so happy’ he said, smiling broadly ‘I know it won’t be easy – we both need to work at this, but I think we’ll be good together. And our child will be cherished’ he gently put his hand on her belly. ‘I’d like to announce it at the closing ceremony’

‘Of course’ she said, placing her hand over his ‘and the pregnancy?’

‘Not just yet’ he replied ‘We can deal with any speculation about that later’

-------

The day progressed well, excitement growing as the finals of each event was held, and the stallholders had one last chance to sell their dwindling wares, happy at their success. At midday, Liam received news that the machines had been turned off at the hospital, witnessed by Lord Rashad. The press asked him for a statement, and he made sure to inform them that the decision had been taken by the Council, with he and Olivia abstaining from the vote.

‘It is with a heavy heart that I hear that Lord Anton has been taken off life support this morning. The Council was assured that his quality of life was very poor. There is a very small chance that he may survive independently, but it was thought it would be a mercy not to let him linger further, with no family or loved ones to care for him. I await to hear of his final passing, and will mourn for a young man who lost his way in fighting for what he believed in. He will be made as comfortable as possible, but that is all that can be done. I thank you for your attention. May he find peace at last.’

Thankfully, Anton’s situation did not mar the tone and excitement of the day, and the finals were followed and enjoyed avidly. The medal ceremonies were watched by a huge crowd who waited for the final speeches. Olivia made another stirring address about harmony between all the duchies which was well received with much cheering and applause, but everyone was eager to hear the King speak. He began by praising both participants and sponsors and congratulating the medal winners. He echoed Olivia’s sentiments of Cordonian unity and at last he came to the moment he had been hoping and planning for the last few days.

‘Citizens of Cordonia, I have an announcement that I hope all of you will rejoice in. It has been but a short time since I learned I was to be your King in my brother’s stead, and even less since I announced that I would take no Queen. I know that many of you feared for the succession and continuation of the Monarchy, and for that I apologise. As you know, I plan to hand over much more power to you, my loyal subjects, and am working on legislation to make this a reality. However, over the last few weeks I have realised that having a Queen by my side would be beneficial to both myself and to the country. To that end, I have asked Lady Olivia to rule with me, and she has consented’ a murmur ran through the crowd, and he paused to let his words sink in. The murmur grew louder, and people started to rise to their feet, at first clapping, then raising their voices, cheering, stamping and shouting congratulations. Liam’s throat tightened, and he held out his hand for Olivia to take and stand close to him. She smiled broadly and waved as the crowd went wild, and any further words from him were impossible. The press surged forward and cameras clicked and flashed and clicked again, capturing the moment as Liam turned to Olivia and kissed her on the lips. She willingly melted into it, drawing him closer as her Lythican spirit kicked in. Finally nothing more could be said, and the two of them retreated to the Lodge with the help of the King’s Guard. Bastien drew them aside into Olivia’s office.

‘My sincere congratulations your majesty, Lady Olivia.’

‘Thankyou Bastien. I think the wedding will have to be held very soon, and I have yet to work out when to announce the pregnancy’ Liam replied. Olivia looked happy but pale.

‘I’m sure you will come up with a good plan, but I am at your service and will offer advice if you need it’  

‘Is there any more news of Severus?’ Olivia asked

‘It appears he is slowly deteriorating. May I ask permission to visit him in hospital?’

‘Of course. I don’t think it’s appropriate for either of us to go, but I’d like to have a reliable witness at his end. Of course, any member of the Guard is sufficient, but you may feel some satisfaction in being there.’

‘Thankyou Sir, I shall indeed. I’ll leave shortly.’ Bastien bowed and left the room to make his way back to the Capitol.

-------

‘Are you sure about this?’ Sophia asked, Bastien at the wheel as they travelled the long road back. She had already been packed ready to leave the next day, and it only took Bastien a moment. They didn’t know how long Bastien would be at the hospital, so he had to be prepared to go wherever the King was.

‘Never more sure of anything, theá mou’ he replied ‘I will get closure, and can report back to the King when he’s finally gone’ He briefly turned his head toward her. ‘You know I will never forgive him for his crimes, most of all for what he put you through’

‘Agapé mou’ Sophia said softly. ‘I won’t come into the room with you, but I’ll be nearby. I can bring you coffee, and we can be together when it’s finally over’

‘Yes’ he replied ‘But if you need to rest, get one of the guards to drive you back to the Palace’

‘Bas’ she said, and her tone made him listen carefully ‘Does this mean you’ll be resigning as Captain?’

‘Formally, yes. I’ll be sworn onto the Council at their next scheduled meeting. That’s not for a week or so, so if you like, we can take a short break’ Eyes on the road, he heard her gasp.

‘Oh Bas, that would be wonderful’ she breathed ‘I’d love to be near the sea’

‘Greece is still warm’ he said ‘It’s not too far, so if I’m needed…’

‘You won’t be’ she said firmly ‘If I have to throw your phone into the sea, we’re going to have time completely to ourselves.’ He chuckled softly.

‘My foster parents have a villa on the coast’ he replied ‘I’m sure they’d love to meet you – they don’t travel far now my foster mother’s in a wheelchair, but she could manage that’

‘I’d really like that. Mum and Dad have been hinting that they could visit us in December, so that would fit in nicely’

‘You don’t want to visit them instead?’ he asked

‘I’d rather go in Spring, make sure we have plenty of time. Now would be too rushed. I have so many places I want to show you’

‘And I you’ he smiled. ‘The sea will still be warm, so we can go swimming’ They reached the outskirts of the city, and Bastien set his face into his grim work expression. ‘We’re nearly there. Be strong, my goddess’

-------

Six hours later Bastien rose to stretch his stiff limbs, the steady bleep of the heart monitor slow and monotonous. There was no movement  apart from the shallow erratic rise and fall of Anton’s chest. He was still attached to drips for hydration and pain relief, and Bastien fought the impulse to tear out the medication tubes. He found himself hoping that even though he was shielded from physical pain, some part of his mind and spirit suffered torment. He remembered the words of the King, diplomatically expressing sorrow and regret. He knew he could never feel those things for the prone figure, and could manage only neutral words or silence when asked his opinion. The Captain of the Guard would never voice his thoughts to another living creature. He intended his role to end the second Anton’s last breath faded, so he sat again and waited, silent and watchful.

He jerked awake, his head falling forward as the muscles in his neck went slack. He blinked and registered the change in the heart monitor. It was definitely slower, and Anton’s closed eyes had somehow opened, staring blankly at the ceiling. Bastien sat up straight and called a nurse in to sit vigil with him. There was a CCTV camera in the room recording all that happened, but for this vital moment he needed another human to witness that he did not approach the bed or rise from his chair two feet away save to leave the room for a bathroom break or walk the length of the room to restore his circulation.

The nurse leaned over the bed and closed his eyes again, but as she stepped away, horribly they slowly opened again, his eyes still fixed on the ceiling. She stared at him in disbelief.

‘I’ve never seen that happen before’ she said ‘But then they say it’s a Lythican poison, so goodness knows…’ her voice trailed away.

‘Indeed’ Bastien said ‘The Council thought it merciful to let him slip away’ The nurse jumped as Anton’s body suddenly jerked, and the heart monitor shrieked its alarm as it lost signal. His back arched off the bed and she ran over to hold him down, pulling the alarm cord, and staff rushed in to help her. Bastien stood back, determined to have no part in the unfolding drama. Just as suddenly as he had convulsed, Anton’s body went limp, and the beep of the flatlining heart monitor echoed around the room, the shocked medical staff stepping away. At last Anton’s body lay lifeless on the bed and Bastien felt a ton weight lift from his shoulders. Still he sat for another half hour before he rose and left, leaving the body of Anton Severus alone and unmourned.

------

The news reached Lythikos, where Olivia and Liam sat waiting to hear. Olivia broke into tears, weeping uncontrollably while Liam held her.

‘He’s really gone’ she said ‘At last that monster is dead. He can’t hurt us any more’

‘We can go forward now’ Liam said gently ‘This is a new era for Cordonia – one of peace and diplomacy, with our two families united.’ He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. ‘You’re the strongest person I know, Livvy – but you can let your guard down with me. Any burden you bear, I bear it with you. We stand together, whatever life brings us’ Olivia smiled through her tears. Truly Liam was the only one she could be herself with, and although she hadn’t declared her love for him, she felt that might come with time. He had called her loyal, and that was a quality they shared. He had always stood up for her when they were children, and they may have lost touch for a while as teenagers, but he was coming full circle, and she hoped that would continue into the future.

‘Liam, you don’t have to demonstrate your statesmanship with me’ she said ‘You can just be Liam, and I can be Olivia. It’s that simple’ Liam relaxed suddenly, letting his forehead rest against hers.

‘You’re right, Livvy’ he replied ‘That’s what being King is like. I have to think about everything I say before I utter a word’ She laughed

‘Whereas I say what I think. Perhaps you should teach me about diplomacy. I’ll have to start by keeping my mouth shut.’

‘Passion has just as much a place as restraint’ Liam smiled ‘you just need to channel it’

‘It comes naturally to you’ she sighed ‘I’ll have to work hard at it’

‘I’m sure you’ll rise to the challenge. After all, Nevrakis always succeed at whatever they do’ Olivia made a sour face.

‘Then let’s hope Lucretia decides that you making me Queen is enough for her not to plot against you’

‘I told you, she won’t be the first or the last’ he assured her ‘Bastien may be retiring, but Lewis is a superb replacement and I’m sure we’ll rule together for a long time. I’m handing over more responsibility to the Council, so hopefully we’ll have more time to ourselves than my father ever had.’

‘You’re such an optimist’ Olivia smiled ‘Perhaps you can teach me that too’

--------

Anton was buried next to his father, last of his line and mourned only for show by Liam, Rashad (as a representative of the Council) and Lewis. Hints of a large power base held by the Sons of the Earth had dissolved, as had that organisation, disappearing like a puff of smoke. Claudius and the other men arrested at Valtoria awaited trial although most of them co-operated once they knew Anton was dead.

The Charity tour came to an end, and Liam and Olivia went back to the Palace, now clear after extensive security sweeps. The Royal Wedding and Olivia’s coronation was planned in one ceremony,  and it was decided that the pregnancy would be announced soon after. Olivia visited Lucretia and the old woman grudgingly congratulated her niece on her elevation to Royalty, but Olivia did not trust her to be out where she could harm Liam. She was charged with treason before it was decided that she was to be kept in a maximum security prison with strictly limited visitors awaiting trial.

Bastien did at last resign his position and take up his place on the new Cordonian Council of Citizens, but not before taking Sophia on a well earned break to meet his foster parents. Drake and Riley went on a trip to New York and Texas after the Royal Wedding, but decided to return to Cordonia while they worked out where their relationship was taking them.

By the time Olivia’s pregnancy was announced, the country had taken her to their heart, and few people criticised her for jumping the gun. The fact that there would be a new heir filled the gossip magazines, and the Royal Couple were in demand on front pages everywhere – not just in Cordonia, but Europe and further afield. It really was a new dawn for the country, and although all was not plain sailing, King Liam’s reign was set to be peaceful and prosperous.

THE END (for now)

@sirbeepsalot @stopforamoment @drakesensworld @katedrakeohd​ @texaskitten30​ @be-still-my-aching-heart @hopefulmoonobject @dcbbw @classylady1234 @rainbowsinthestorm @kimmiedoo5 @bascmve01  @ibldw-main @addictedtodrakefanfic @trappedinfandoms @ravenpuff02 @kingliam2019​

[cheemerthelizard]

Crusader of Life (Kakyoin x Reader) Chapter 16

Alright, no summary this time, just something I want to say. I so desperately wanted to make this Smash Ultimate, but I couldn’t because of release dates and I’m super sad. Instead I settled for Street Fighter, a game I have played literally only once, but knew enough about it to make a short little gaming session with Terrence. Let me know if you want to see a Smash Ultimate version of this!

“It’s already time,” you muttered under your breath. “It’s time to face Dio.”

“Hey,” Polnareff squinted his eyes, “doesn’t that figure look like it’s coming closer?”

“You’re right, it does,” Joesph said. “And it kind of looks like it’s human.”

Soon, the figure, which most certainly was a human, had floated its way to your group.

“Welcome, Joestar and company,” the man bowed. “I am the butler of this mansion. My name is Terrence T. D’arby.”

“D’arby?” Jotaro asked. “Are you related to the other D’arby we’ve fought?”

“Actually, I’m his younger brother,” Terrence said. “But I don’t hold a grudge against any of you for defeating him. However, Lord Dio has told me to finish you off, so I must do that for him.”

“Wonderful,” you muttered. This guy looked pretty weak, Jotaro could take him on easily.

Speaking of which, it looked like he had the same idea as you. Walking up, Jotaro summoned Star Platinum, but then Terrence spoke again.

“Before you punch me, I predict you’ll hit me with your right fist. Am I correct?”

Without saying anything, Star Platinum used his left fist instead, but Terrence still dodged out of the way, grabbed it with his Stand, and pulled him into an opening in the floor with him.

“Jotaro!” Joseph and Kakyoin used their Stands to latch onto his feet, but were pulled in, as well. Quickly, you grabbed Kakyoin, but it proved futile as you toppled over into the opening just before it closed off.

“Ugh...” you slowly got up after falling down on your face. “I think I got a concussion.”

“Welcome to my little sanctuary,” Terrence said, gesturing to the seemingly wide open area. “I hope you enjoy it here.”

“So,” you asked, “does the soul-collecting business run in the family, or is it just your brother that’s the heartless monster?”

“I thought you’d never ask,” Terrence laughed. “Yes, I do collect souls, although my collection isn’t as big as my brother’s, as I don’t believe in cheating to win. Plus, I think you’ll find mine is a bit more... personal than his, as well.” He opened up a cabinet, and about a dozen little dolls were in there. “I make these dolls myself, you know, each one hand-crafted.”

“Wait,” Kakyoin shivered, “I thought I saw one... move.”

You all looked closely, and noticed one move, as well. “D’arby...” it spoke, “D’arby... please speak to me...”

Soon after, every doll joined in, calling out for the man who had made them this way in the first place.

“Yes, I do allow the dolls to talk, too,” Terrence answered the unasked question. “I love hearing the stories of the souls I’ve collected.”

“Jotaro,” Joseph told his grandson, “I’d get rid of this guy now, before we have to win back any souls.”

“Oh, no, no, not so fast, Mr. Joestar,” Terrence warned. “After all, I’ve already attached my Stand’s arm to his. If he kills me, then poof!” He made little jazz hand motions. “His arm is gone. It would be pretty hard to go up against Lord Dio with only one arm, wouldn’t it?”

Jotaro looked at his arm, and sighed. “Fine. I’ll gamble with you,” he said.

“Oh, but I don’t want you to gamble with me first,” Terrence replied. “Also, not gambling, playing. Anyway, I’d rather Kakyoin or (Y/N) come up and play first.”

“I’ll go!” you shouted before Kakyoin could say a word. After all, you saw that Terrence had a game console, and you couldn’t wait to show him your skill.

“(Y/N),” Kakyoin reached out his hand, “no, I can’t let you-“

“I’ll wager my soul!”

“(Y/N), no!”

“It’s too late, Kakyoin,” Terrence shrugged, “she’s already spoken. Now, which game would you like to play?”

You picked up a Street Fighter cartridge. “We’ll play this.”

“So, you’ve chosen Street Fighter?” Terrence chuckled. “I should let you know, I’m pretty good. And I’m very eager to add you to my collection.” He gestured to a doll on the table that looked like a cartoon version of you, with big, googly eyes, long eyebrows, and enhanced lips.

You gulped. “I’ve gotten really good, myself,” you replied, trying to mask your fear. “In fact, I learned my first combo the day before we left for Egypt.”

Terrence hid his mouth. Was... was that laughter? Oh, he thought you were making this all up. It was time to show him you weren’t messing around. You booted up the game, and both of you chose your characters.

“Ryu,” Terrence said.

“Ken,” you said back.

Then, the fight started. You went in for the combo starter, but Terrence blocked you, and then started a combo of his own. By the time he was done, you had almost no health left. You were a little stressed, but you trusted yourself. In fact, you were able to start your combo, as well, which didn’t do as much, but still took out more than half of Terrence’s health. Just once more, and you could win. Of course, one more from Terrence, and it’d be over for you, too. He tried hitting you. You blocked. You tried hitting him. He blocked. It went on for a while like this, you getting more tense each time.

“I’ve never met someone who’s been able to play with such a clear mind,” Terrence praised.

“Yeah, well, over a year of practice will do that to you,” you replied, humbled but not losing focus. All the while, Kakyoin was hovering over your shoulder like a fly, and Jotaro was pulling him back to give you room to breathe.

You hit.

He blocked.

He hit.

You blocked.

He hit again, and you were completely unprepared. Then, in the blink of an eye, the screen read, “Ryu wins!”

“Time to pay up,” Terrence said.

“(Y/N)!” the others shouted.

The feeling of your soul being forcefully pulled out of your body was extremely weird. You felt something... then you didn’t. Your spirited body didn’t have nerves, and, therefore, nothing to feel things with. Luckily, that made it very painless. However, your soul being compacted to fit in a little doll was much more painful. But, eventually, the compacting stopped, and you could feel yourself in a little fabric body.

Terrence picked you up and started stroking your hair. “She makes such a lovely doll,” he laughed, then made eye contact with Kakyoin, who tensed up more and more each time Terrence pet you. “Don’t you think so, too, Kakyoin?”

“Okay, I’ll play with you,” Kakyoin said without hesitation. “And I’ll wager my soul.”

“Good, good,” Terrence said, then set you down. ���Then choose your game.”

You would have loved to cheer Kakyoin on, but you decided to try and escape while Terrence was occupied. Unfortunately, standing up in your little doll feet was very hard, and you had to army crawl across the table to get close enough for Joesph to notice you. Frantically, you waved at him, and he used Hermit Purple to drag you towards him.

“Please,” you begged quietly, “hide me from him. I’m scared.”

“Jotaro,” Joseph whispered. “Take (Y/N).”

“Why me?” Jotaro groaned.

“Because you’re the last person Terrence will think of when looking for his missing doll.”

“Good grief,” Jotaro muttered, then took you and put you in one of his inner pockets.

It was surprisingly super comfortable in Jotaro's pocket, even if the circumstances weren’t ideal. But you did want to see how Kakyoin was doing playing F-Mega. From what you heard, it was a pretty fun game. And it seemed like Kakyoin had a hold on things, meaning he’d played this before. Hesitantly, you peeked your head out, but Jotaro shoved you back in.

“We don’t want there to be any chance Terrence sees you, y’know,” Jotaro explained. “I’ll tell you how things go.”

Nodding your head, you stayed in his pocket.

You didn’t hear much from the conversations, but you could hear the tenseness in everyone’s tone. You picked up a few words, though, like, “You’re not making any mental mistakes,” or, “I-it’s completely dark! How do you know where to drive?” Sounded like Kakyoin had everything under control.

That is, until the two Joestars started shouting.

“Kakyoin!” Jotaro moved very quickly, making his pocket thrash around. “He... he took Kakyoin’s soul!”

“I’ll cherish this doll even more than the others,” Terrence said, “because he didn’t make any mental mistakes... where’s (Y/N)?”

“What do you mean?” Joesph asked.

“I know you have her,” Terrence accused. “Where is she?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Joseph snickered. Come on, Mr. Joestar. Now’s not the time to be messing around. Luckily, Terrence thought you were in Joseph’s pocket, so he patted him down first.

“I’ll ask again,” Terrence growled. “Where is (Y/N)? She was just here a moment ago, she couldn’t have gone far, which means one of you have her stored away somewhere.” You heard footsteps coming closer to Jotaro, then the summoning of a Stand.

“Oh, but you must remember,” Terrence advised, “if I so much as slip on a banana peel, your two friends are gone.”

The Stand was desummoned.

“Good, good,” Terrence chuckled. The pats from Jotaro’s clothing were getting ever closer, until Terrence stopped after his first pat where you were. He patted again. You felt a hand come and pick you up, and get you out of the pocket.

“Trying to run away, are we?” Terrence looked right into your beady little eyes with a smirk on his face, sending chills down your spine. “Not on my watch.” He put you right next to Kakyoin, then covered you with a tiny, see-through box, and added a few coins above to add some weight. “There,” he said happily. “Now you’ll stay put.” He then went to talk to Jotaro and Joesph about something. Probably saving you two.

“I’m sorry,” Kakyoin sighed. “I almost had him, too.”

“Don’t be sorry,” you reassured him. “After all, from what I heard, you did really well. And it’s not your fault that I suck at Street Fighter.”

“You don’t suck,” Kakyoin consoled. “You did amazing.”

“Yeah, well, not good enough to save myself,” you mumbled, “or anyone else.”

“Enough about what we can’t change,” Kakyoin quickly changed the subject, “let’s see how Jotaro is doing. I heard he chose a baseball game.”

The two of you crowded to the side of the box, and peered through.

“Jotaro...” Joseph stuttered, “have you ever played this game, no, ANY videogame? At ALL?”

“So, what?” Jotaro nonchalantly replied. “I’ve played real baseball before. This should be pretty much the same thing.”

“Jotaro, my soul is on the line, too, you know!” Joseph shot back.

Your heart sank, eyes widening. You turned your head to Kakyoin, who’s expression was just the same as yours.

“We’re done for,” you simultaneously spoke.

“I just want you to know,” Terrence said, “that even if you’re truly an amateur, and not just messing with me to fool me, I want lower my guard. Even if a baby has bet their soul, I will give it my all to defeat them.”

“We’re dead,” you whispered, shoving your face into the new little nubs that used to be hands. “We’re so dead.”

“That’s alright,” Jotaro shrugged. “After all, I’ve pretty much learned how to bat now.”

“Wh-what?” Terrence looked Jotaro in the eye.

“You heard me,” Jotaro answered him. Then you heard the words “Home Run!” come from the TV they were using.

“Ha! Home run!” Joseph started getting in Terrence’s face. “Home run! Jotaro got a home run!”

“We... we might not be dead just yet,” Kakyoin told you.

“What do you mean, you pretty much learned, Jotaro?” Terrence glared into his eyes, fists clenched.

“You just saw what I meant, didn’t you?” Jotaro said. You could see Terrence trying to shake it off, but he definitely couldn’t. Another throw, and another “Home Run!” from the announcer.

“He got another!” Joseph laughed. “You know, if you give us Kakyoin and (Y/N)’s souls right now, and just quit the game, then I’ll get Jotaro to spare you, and you won’t have to feel the wrath of Star Platinum.”

Terrence tensed up a little bit, but quickly relaxed again, with a little smirk.

“My brother was a wonderful gambler,” he said. “He could win any game with any type of person. But he never offered to play a game of poker with me. Do you know why that is?”

“Just what are you getting at, D’arby?” Joseph growled.

“It’s because he knew I would never lose,” Terrence finished. “He knew, due to my ability, that I wouldn’t lose a single match against anyone.”

You started to tense up. Well, you would, but fabric isn’t the best for that sort of stuff.

“For my next move, I’ll declare my pitch,” Terrence stated. “A forkball down the middle.”

“What kind of idiot tells the person what pitch they’re throwing?” you muttered.

“Well, Jotaro?” Terrence looked him in the eye. “Do you believe me?”

“There’s some sort of trick to this,” Kakyoin whispered to you.

The ball was thrown. You couldn’t see the screen, but you definitely heard the “Out!”

“He knew that I was predicting a forkball, and changed it last minute!” Jotaro exclaimed.

“Precisely,” Terrence replied. “And now we’re changing places, meaning you’ll be pitching, and I’ll be batting.”

You were biting down on your cloth nubs, heart racing.

As Jotaro was getting ready to throw the ball, Terrence bombarded him with questions, which Jotaro didn’t answer. Still, when he went for the throw, Terrence hit it straight on. “Home run!” the announcer said.

“Now I truly know something’s up,” Jotaro said. “I threw that ball purposely the wrong way, and he still hit it straight on.”

“I told you,” Terrence laughed, “my Stand’s ability is undefeatable.”

Jotaro lifted off his hat, and set it down on the TV set.

“It’s not that he’s reading your eyes, Jotaro,” Joseph told him. “I’ve been watching him. Placing your hat in front of your face won’t help.”

“That wasn’t my goal,” Jotaro replied. “I was just sweating a lot, so I took off my hat to cool off a bit. Plus, I know for sure I’m going to win. I’m going to declare my next throw.”

“Is he stupid?” you asked Kakyoin. Because of the little glass box, nobody could hear you two talk to each other.

“Wait,” Kakyoin gasped, “look at Jotaro’s controller!”

You did, and noticed some purple thorns emerging from them.

“(Y/N),” Kakyoin said, “I think we’re getting out of here alive.”

“I think you’re right,” you laughed in disbelief. “We won’t be here forever.”

“You’re cheating! You have to be cheating!” Terrence was dripping in sweat. “Did you rig the game? Rig the controller? I know! It’s your hat! You’re using your hat to cheat!”

“Let’s get back to playing, shall we?”

Terrence’s heart was thumping so hard you could feel it from here, and when you heard another “Home run!” you felt your soul being lifted from the doll and returned to your regular body.

“Kakyoin and (Y/N)’s souls have returned!” Joseph exclaimed.

“No! I-I-I-I didn’t admit defeat!” Terrence was scrambling backwards.

“(Y/N),” Jotaro was looking down at your slowly awakening body. “Remember how good it felt when you punched Alessi when you were back to your normal age?”

“Yeah,” you answered. “Why?”

“Why don’t you land the first punch on D’arby here, and I’ll take care of the rest?”

You approached Terrence, who looked at you with a smug expression. “You’re really going to try that? I can dodge your attacks with ease.”

“I’m just gonna tell you right now, I’ll punch with my left fist,” you smirked.

“Are you telling the truth?”

For some reason, you could hear your voice faintly saying “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!” You didn’t think too much of it. You swung your left fist, and Terrence moved his head to the right, dodging the hit. That’s where your other fist came in handy. While his head was still moved over to the right side, you landed an uppercut with your right fist.

“Ha!” You pumped your chest. “You were outplayed twice today! How does that feel?”

“That barely even hurt,” Terrence chuckled, rubbing his jaw.

“But you know what will hurt?”

Terrence’s pupils shrunk as Jotaro’s voice came up behind you.

“Have fun,” you taunted, getting out of the way and going to check on Kakyoin.

“Nice mix-up,” he laughed.

“Thanks,” you beamed.

“Alright,” Joseph helped Kakyoin up from the chair. “Let’s go find the others. They’re bound to be somewhere in this mansion, after all.”

After scavenging the mansion for a little bit, and finding the last of Dio’s minions along the way, you had finally found one of your teammates.

“Polnareff!” Joseph called out. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, thanks,” he answered, breathing heavily. “Just a little scratched up, but nothing too bad.”

“That’s a relief,” you said. “So long as I can get you and the others healed up easily, you should be raring to go.”

���Right, the others...” Polnareff’s voice suddenly became dark and grim. “You... you don’t need to heal them, (Y/N).”

Although you knew what the answer was going to be, you still asked, trying to hide the shakiness in your voice. “Wh-what do you mean, I don’t need to heal them?” Your lip was trembling already, and you could feel the tears wanting to escape.

“I mean...” even Polnareff had a hard time forcing the words out of his mouth. “Avdol and Iggy... they’re gone. They died.”

That was it. Your tears reached the breaking point, and you collapsed to the ground. “No!” you wailed. “No, I should’ve been there!”

“It wasn’t your fault, (Y/N),” Polnareff consoled you. His voice was wavering almost as much as yours. “Circumstances happen that nobody can predict. And even then, Avdol died instantly, there would be no way for you to save him.”

You knew what he was saying was true, but your heart wouldn’t stop calling for them to come back. Still, it was only met with sorrow and grief. Even if it wasn’t your fault your friends died, the fact was that they still did. You would never get to see them again.

“Avdol,” you sniffled, “Iggy. Please, answer me.”

But you were only met with the cries of the others.

[loopy777]

Hm. Lately I’ve been feeling conflicted. I would usually say that even if Azula did become good, she would still need to be punished for the horrible things she had done (being in prison is a punishment for sure). But then I would think about how that should be applied to Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee. Like yeah, they did decided to be good (arguable “good” with Mai & Ty Lee) in the end, but it didn’t really erase the terrible actions that they had done. (1/2)

But I’m attached to these characters. I understood why they did they things they did, why they acted like they did, and how they become who they are. And I don’t want them to be in harms way after knowing about their past, trauma, and issues that they had to worked through. But then I’m being a hypocrite since I wasn’t the same with Azula. And if Azula got punished for her past wrongs, I suppose the others should too? I don’t know... Should they have been punished? (2/2)

This gets into the purpose of punishment in general, which turns out to be a very personal thing.

I, coming from a Catholic Christian background, don’t see any purpose to punishment beyond an attempt (and we’ll touch on this word again later) to correct bad behavior. I used to be a fairly angry little kid (Raphael was my favorite Ninja Turtle for a reason) and I liked to wish misfortune (usually destruction of property, like a car dying) on the people I was mad at. So my mom used to quote me the famous bit from St Paul’s letter to the Romans: “’Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” So I was always taught that trying to pay people back for their evil deeds, purely as an act of justice, is cosmically wrong. On the other hand, I was given time-outs when my behavior was bad and also told I did not have to subject myself to the company of bullies, so clearly the lesson isn’t just to let people be bad and not worry about it.

There are people and cultures, though, that demand retaliation. This is just their worldview, and leaving bad things unaddressed would be an active injustice.

Pragmatically speaking, a punishment’s value to society at large is to discourage bad behavior. You do a bad thing, you get an appropriate punishment, and so you decide you don’t want to do the bad thing again in order to avoid future punishments. Ideally, the very threat of punishment is a preventative. Punishments are scaled to the crime to prevent inflation; if every bad act merited the death penalty, then you might as well commit premeditated murder against someone you dislike instead of just calling them a rude name.

However, as I alluded to above, punishments are an attempt to prevent or correct bad behavior, but are not necessarily effective. Rewards are the opposite side of the coin, a system of encouraging good behavior. There’s all kinds of studies on these things, how effective they are, whether and how they can be mixed, the effectiveness of certain types of punishments and rewards, etc. So I’m not going to get into the nitty-gritty of all that here. This is just foundation for answering your question.

So, with my background in mind, I don’t see any reason why Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee should be punishment because they have already done the following things:

Admitted they were wrong.

Suffered for their bad behavior.

Attempted to redress or mitigate the consequences of their actions.

Changed themselves so that they are now, based on the recognition of the badness of their previous selves, forces for good.

Again, to bring up my Catholicism, this is exactly the process by which forgiveness of Sin is achieved (maybe minus the suffering depending on how old-school or hardcore the Catholicism is, but narratively the suffering usually makes for a better story), so as far as I’m concerned, there’s no need for punishment or hell for Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee. Some people, though, might not see their experiences and changes as enough; they might want the victims to judge Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee and pronounce some form of punishment or restitution. Arguably, though, this kind of already happened, with the Kyoshi Warriors accepting Ty Lee and Aang accepting Zuko as his Firebending teacher and Suki accepting Mai as a Pai Sho opponent (hey, they can’t all be dramatized on-screen). But some people might want a formal process.

Azula, on the other hand, is keeping up her bad behavior. Now, “redemption” is another one of those words that can mean different things to different people and cultures. Going by my own definition above, Azula has not admitted that her behavior was wrong- last we saw her, she was still trying to teach Zuko that fear is more powerful than love, and she’s still delighting in petty cruelties. She has suffered, but as I noted, this part is optional and not terribly important, anyway. She has not tried to fix the harm she’s caused other people. And she has certainly not even attempted to change herself to become better- just more effective at living up to her old standards.

So, arguably, Azula thus deserves a punishment as part of her path to Redemption.

However, let’s get back to discussing the effectiveness of punishment. As I noted, Azula has suffered. What punishment is going to be worse than her experiences in the finale, being left behind by her father to stew in her paranoia until she is defeated by her enemies and loses all self-control? Is throwing her in jail going to make her better? Is scarring her going to have more of an impact than what she’s already been through?

(Of course, if she doesn’t change, then jail is certainly appropriate to keep her from harming others, which she keeps actively attempting.)

This now gets into the modern debates about crime and punishment, and that our modern criminal justice system is not particularly effective at rehabilitation. Again, there’s stuff out there to learn from, but I’m going to focus on Azula’s narrative. She can certainly experience a story where she is not actively punished but nevertheless transforms into a better person through experiences that truly teach the rewards of being a good person. Azula might more effectively and believably embrace the power of love through rehabilitative experiences instead of punishments.

But would her story be as rewarding if there’s no transformational suffering? Would we feel her Redemption has been earned?

Like I said, this gets personal. I don’t think there are solid answers, hence why my own focus for telling stories about Azula isn’t “redemption.” I think there’s interesting stories to tell about her coming into mental and emotional balance, and that’s what I focus my narratives and themes on supporting. The end result might be a Redemption Fic, but I reached it through character work rather than judgement and justice. As Gandalf once said, “Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.” This seems to most directly address the idea of capital punishment, but I think it speaks to the inherent lack of ‘justice’ in life. There’s no undoing bad things or crimes, so no true justice can be done. What remains is simply how we ourselves react to it all.

So I don’t know if made my philosophical case, but I at least hope I explained why Azula is currently in a different class than Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee.

I am, of course, completely ignoring that the AtLA comics consistently portray Zuko as someone who tries to murder his friends whenever he disagrees with him. Because that Zuko totally needs a time-out.

[whitherliliesbloom]

Estinien x Aymeric? Emet x WoL? Illya x Alphinaud - YOU GUSH TOO, NOW.

Send me a ship and I'll tell you if I ship it!

BRB crying in the hood over that last one.

Estinien X Aymeric -

That's an interesting one. I've never actually considered them as a ship before but i do think there's some potential. Maybe not OTP material but I give it a nod for being plausible.

Emet X WOL -

*sweats* Um.. So i have a lot of very conflicting opinions and feelings about Emet-Selch as a character. I'll be honest and say i don't really like him as he is.. But i do recognize that he has a lot of depth and before the final confrontation, i actually liked how much potential he had.

It'll take a lot to convince me to ship Emet x WOL, especially not WOL as they are in canon. But similar to my response to WOL X Exarch, i believe that the game is just there to provide a skeleton for a story.. and if you're a skilled enough writer, you can massage it into something better than canon. There's a lot of potential for good romantic tension and drama between a Emet X WOL ship, it just depends on how you write it - even if i myself am not too interested in shipping my WOLs with Emet.

Illya X Alphinaud -

IM SOB. IM SOBBIFNSIBS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AAAAA

Where do i begin?? I didn't actually like alphinaud at first??? Shipping Illya and Alphinaud was COMPLETE ACCIDENT. They actually had a very rough relationship in ARR in canon verse where he considered her to be the weakest of all the warriors of light.

Illya, being the doormat she is doesn't complain even as he bosses her around and even sends her to complete dangerous tasks without so much as asking for her opinion or thinking about her welfare. Illya makes an attempt to connect with him, given her immense respect for his intellect and charisma, but he just doesn't give her time of day.

After ARR when shit hits the fan though, he begins to reflect on his awful behavior and attitude to the people around him, and especially towards Illya. Off screen, he apologizes to her and promises to become a better person to make it up to her.

Heavensward is when the true MEAT of their development happens. He sees her beyond her meek and shy front and begins to appreciate and respect sides of her that he never saw before. From her empathy, to her eagerness to learn new things and inner resolve to fight even when she's scared or weak. Eventually he does genuinely grow attached to her, but a big part of why he refuses to confess his feelings is because he believes he doesn't deserve to after how he mistreated her in ARR.

Oh god i think this post is long enough so i'll stop here but i can go on forever about how much i love them????? THANK YOU???

[sienna-writes]

DELUGE - short story wip

Right off the bat let me clarify that I am new to writing short stories. Generally my forte is flash fiction, the longest stories I’ve written maybe about 5000 words and primarily I like to focus on poetry. However! I've recently been very inspired to write longer prose and decided with quarantine cancelling everything that this was the perfect time to immerse myself fully in writing!

Don't take anything I say for doctrine as it is most definitely not! I am confident with my writing (to an extent, I have lots of room for improvement) but I would still consider myself an amateur when it comes to writing short stories!

My writing process so far —

Honestly, I thought it would be a very challenging shift from poetry and flash fiction into a 10000+ word story, but I've been having a lot of fun with it, and I'm proud of the quality of writing!

I am for sure a pantser.

I didn't outline, the ideas came to me quickly and relatively fully formed, and I did developmental edits all the way through so the plot remained tidy and coherent. As I wrote, more ideas came to me throughout the process.

Often I feel like not planning helps me progress the plot, because it leaves me constantly wondering what I need to do to reach the climactic point of it all. For me it helps to not know all the answers and figure it out intuitively, rather than write down all my ideas (even if I do have them in my head) because that way tends to leave me feeling trapped. I like to be flexible when I write, and live inside the characters as they are living inside the world I'm crafting around them. (I hope this makes sense...) Knowing all the answers off the bat also detaches me from the story in a way, I like to be actively seeking answers and thinking about my story.

This quote summarizes these ramblings perfectly:

“Writing is easy. You only need to stare at a blank piece of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”

- Gene Fowler

:)

Anyway! This approach has been working super well, and I'm so glad. Developmental edits as I go through have helped me keep on track and maintain a clear grasp of the pace and atmosphere of the story as I work through it. I’m really glad I wrote in this way.

I wrote 3000 words on the first day of writing, and about 2800 on the second. Then I went through it all, editing and mulling the plot over. The next days were a bit slower and I'm still working through a road block I have hit with the progression of the plot. Currently the story is just over 10000 words and I had a good brainstorming session this morning and a rough idea of how to work through my crisis.

"I think it was the wind - torrents of it piercing and stabbing my face like pine needles - that set off the tidal wave. Boiling over, bits of brain formed mucus in my nose and my cheeks grew rain-washed with tears. The turbulent water roiled and churned, columns of it waved, welcoming my carcass and isolating my soul on the shoreline."

As you can see from this excerpt, the narrative is first person retrospective. I wanted an intimate feel so the audience could glean these intricate, slightly odd inner workings of the main character Charlie's mind. I think it works well for the style and helps her voice shine through effectively. She has a vivid internal world and this perspective makes the most sense as a way for this to be illustrated.

You also get some nice allusions to her oddness!

When we meet Charlie, she is being fired from her job (a journalist) for “causing a scene” - we learn later what this is about as the story progresses. We follow her messy journey through early adulthood, she is 27 and reflecting upon her past, all the casual rips and tears of life that lead her to where she ends up.

Grappling with trauma from college after being sexually assaulted, the plot tells of how our pasts can shape us and the routes we take in our lives, it explores chance encounters and how those can blossom into lifelong connections, and also the connections formed from our youth that can be undying. It’s on the verge of being YA but I think it’s more leaning toward an adult fiction story. I’m not sure yet if I want to extend this story into a novel, as I’m becoming really attached to the characters, but we’ll see as it progresses!

Some more excerpts -

Potential TW - I didn’t want the flashback to the assault to be too explicit, but it is still about and mentioning the assault. Here’s a section from it! I experimented with changing the perspective, and second person worked really well to show how painful the experience was.

...Your waterlogged mind found itself thinking of anything but now, anything but his breath on your neck, his palms kneading your underbelly like a pig in a slaughterhouse. Of your mother and how beneath her fingernails little roses unfurled and dribbled down your arms, ridden with thorns and stinging your skin. That had hurt, but it had never been as painful as this. You thought of pavements and how they interweaved like crosshatching but here, here, they formed a hopscotch on our playground. How sometimes nature had a way of rupturing the dull floor tiles with swollen roots and bruised the tarmac. How this blemish made the tiles collide, violent and convulsive. Tectonic plates pressing against your lips. Suddenly, it’s him again. A serpentine hand sliding down your back. You are not a snake charmer. You writhe but can’t seem to get him to stop.

I like this one because it shows Charlie being bitter and angry. (does this make me a bad person?)

...There was a barcode on my forehead. My eyes shifted from face to face, they were bidding. I was an ornament at a fucking auction.

And this will be the last one I share for now! 

...Even in my dreams I lay on my back. Still. The striking and recurring illusion of spiders sitting on my chest, furry legs knocking on my heart, pedipalps searching for its rhythm. Talons snapping open, shut, open. Eight voracious eyes eager to gut me like a fish. Drinking my piping innards with a cocktail straw. When I woke the illusion faded, my pulse rising faintly, but arachnophobia didn’t grip me like it once had. I didn’t rise and scramble, frantic fingers ensuring I was free of the spiders. I just lay there. On my back. Still.

Hoping one of them would take the first bite.

Hopefully this was interesting!

Have a nice evening <3

Tag list: ask to be added or removed!

@nev-953 @quiet-storm132

[sapphires-and-gold-fics]

Fictober Day 13: “I never knew it could be this way.”

Fandom: Game of Thrones / ASOIAF / Jane Austen

Characters: Jaime Lannister / Brienne of Tarth, and a whole bunch of other characters that I have shoved into this Sense & Sensibility adaptation

Notes: Alright listen. This was just going to be a very short little passage from Sense & Sensibility adapted for ASOIAF/GOT characters and then it just got away from me. It ran. It fucking ran. So now it's the first five chapters of Sense & Sensibility adapted for Brienne & Jaime. I know what you're thinking - WTF? My answer to that is... IDK. I honestly thought I was going to be shoehorning Brienne into this thing and I have to say she's been much more cooperative than I ever imagined. A word of warning - I don't know that I will pick this up again at any point. I 'm not making any promises. I love S&S and I love GOT and I REALLY love the world that I've mashed them into but I don't know if it's sustainable. So... I guess please don't get too attached? But if you like it, let me know! I was gonna do something else for NaNoWriMo but if this is pleasant for people maybe I'll do this instead? Please please please comment whatever your feelings because that will help me know if this is something that other people will enjoy or if this is unique to me, and I should put it to bed. Thank you all for reading "Put Me Back Together" thus far. I hope to not go as crazy for the rest of the month.

Read on AO3

xxxxxxxxxxx

***

The Stark Family had long been settled in the North. Winterfell, their estate, was large. And for many generations they had lived respectably, earning the good opinion of their neighbors.

Mr. and Mrs. Ned Stark had no sons, only three daughters; one, product of his first marriage, who was of an age to be wed, and two others by his present lady. With luck, his daughters could beget sons during Ned’s life, and he might thereby amend the inheritance. In the meantime, the estate was entailed away to his cousin and best friend from childhood, Mr. Robert Baratheon who had improved on his already considerable wealth, in marriage. To him therefore the inheritance was not so really important as it was to Ned’s daughters.

Ned might reasonably hope to live many years and to save a considerable sum for his family should he pass before a male issue came. Regretfully, he passed within a year of inheriting Winterfell; and the sum of ten thousand dragons was all that remained for his family.

Robert was sent for as soon as Ned’s illness was known, and to him Ned recommended, with all the urgency which illness could command, the interest of Catelyn and the girls. Robert promised to do everything in his power to make them comfortable. Ned was made easy, and Robert had then time to consider how much precisely was in his power.

***

No sooner was Ned’s funeral over, than Robert’s wife Cersei, without sending any notice of her intention, arrived with her child and their servants. No one could dispute her right to come; but the indelicacy of her conduct, and her ability to act with so little attention to the comfort of other people made things highly unpleasing. So acutely did Catelyn feel this ungracious behaviour that she would have quit the house immediately, had not the entreaty of her husband’s eldest girl induced her first to reflect on the propriety of going.

Brienne, this eldest daughter, possessed a strength of understanding, and coolness of judgment (according to her father, she had inherited these characteristics from her late mother, who had died in childbirth); these qualified her, though only nineteen, to be Catelyn’s counsellor and to counteract that eagerness of mind which otherwise could lead to imprudence. She had an excellent heart and was affectionate of disposition, but she knew how to govern her feelings, however strong, as evidenced in her disciplined pursuits - riding, archery, even fencing. Her father had supported these in acknowledgement of her departed mother’s interests. Her strength of character and ability to control her emotions was a skill that her stepmother and sisters had resolved never to learn.

At sixteen, Sansa's abilities were, in some respects, equal to Brienne's. She was sensible and clever; but eager in everything. The resemblance between her and her mother was strikingly great. Brienne saw, with concern, that she and Catelyn encouraged each other now in the violence of their affliction. Brienne, too, was deeply afflicted; but still she could exert herself for propriety and could strive to rouse her stepmother to similar exertion, and encourage her to similar forbearance.

Arya, the youngest sister, was a good-humored, well-disposed girl; but as she had already imbibed a good deal of both Sansa’s romance and Brienne’s quiet guardedness, she was a bit wild and spent much time in trees.

***

Cersei Baratheon now installed herself mistress of Winterfell; and the Stark women were degraded to the condition of visitors. As such, however, they were treated by her with quiet civility. Robert had resolved to make a gift of three thousand dragons for the girls as the measure of support he had promised Ned. But Cersei did not at all approve. To take three thousand dragons from the fortune of their dear boy would be akin to impoverishing him. She begged him to think again on the subject. Why was he to ruin himself, and their poor little Joffrey, by giving away all his money to strangers?

“It strikes me that they can want no money at all,” said she, “for they will have ten thousand dragons divided amongst them. If they marry, they will be sure of doing well - Sansa shall, at least - and if they do not, they may all live very comfortably together on the interest of ten thousand dragons."

“I believe you are right, my love; whatever I may give them occasionally will be of far greater assistance. It will certainly be much the best way. A present of fifty dragons, now and then, will prevent their ever being distressed for money, and will, I think, be amply discharging my promise to Ned."

"To be sure it will. I am convinced within myself that Ned Stark had no idea of your giving them any money at all. Indeed, it would be very strange and unreasonable if he did. They will be much more able to give you something." In the end, Robert insisted that Catelyn and the girls stay on at Winterfell until they could find a suitable home; in doing so, he saw his promise as kept.

***

They remained at Winterfell several months. Catelyn was impatient to be gone, and untiring in her inquiries for a suitable home in the neighbourhood. But she could not find a situation that at once answered her notions of comfort and ease which also suited the budget as Brienne had laid out for them.

The contempt which she had early-on felt for Robert’s wife was very much increased by prolonged acquaintance with her character. Catelyn might have insisted on leaving sooner, Brienne’s prudence by damned, had not a particular circumstance arisen. That is, there was growing attachment between Brienne, and Cersei’s brother, a proud young man whose gentlemanly qualities were at first in question, though they improved upon acquaintance, who was introduced to their household soon after his sister's establishment at Winterfell, and who had since spent the majority of his time there; most of it was spent at Brienne’s side.

Some mothers might have encouraged the intimacy from motives of interest, for Mr. Lannister was the eldest son of a man who was very rich; and some might have repressed it from motives of prudence, for the whole of his fortune depended on the will of his father. But Catelyn was uninfluenced by either. She thought only of Brienne’s happiness. It was enough that he was honorable, that he had an affection for her stepdaughter, and that Brienne returned the partiality.

Mr. Jaime Lannister was not recommended to their good opinion by any particular graces of person or address. He was handsome to be sure, but his manners required intimacy to make them pleasing. He was proud, yet almost too shy to do himself justice; but when his natural shyness was overcome - most obviously when he was not in the company of his sister, but most pronounced when he was with Brienne - his behaviour gave every indication of an open, loyal heart. But he fitted neither by abilities nor disposition to answer the wishes of his father and sister, who longed to see him distinguished in the world. His father wished to interest him in political concerns. Cersei wished it likewise, though perhaps not so lofty as to take him away from her influence. But all of Jaime’s wishes centered in more earthly things. He spoke of farming as oft as he spoke of military pursuits. He preferred riding a horse to driving a barouche, and it had nothing to do with the knowledge of how fine a figure he cut whilst riding.

Jaime had been staying several weeks in the house before he engaged much of Catelyn’s attention; she saw only that he was tall and quiet in the presence of others. He did not disturb the wretchedness of her mind. She was first called to observe and approve him farther quite by accident when the sharp strange sound of steel clashing in the garden caught her ear. When she made her way thence, she was surprised - not to see Brienne clad in breeches, or even to see her sparring with Cersei’s brother, but by Brienne’s smile - a sight she’d not seen in many moons.

***

Catelyn now took pains to get acquainted with him. She speedily comprehended all his merits as well as his faults, but the persuasion of his regard for Brienne perhaps assisted in disregarding the latter; she felt assured of his worth: and even his reserve, which went against all her established ideas of what a young man's mien should be, was no longer uninteresting when she knew his heart to be warm toward her girl. She considered their attachment as certain, and looked forward to their marriage as rapidly approaching.

"In a few months, my dear Sansa." said she, "Brienne will, in all probability be settled for life. We shall miss her; but she will be happy."

"Perhaps," said Sansa, "I may consider it with some surprise. Mr. Lannister is very handsome and amiable, but yet there is something wanting. He would rather speak of horses and swordplay than anything approaching artistry. Though he admires Brienne's drawings very much, he admires as a lover, not as a connoisseur. To satisfy me, those characters must be united. Oh! mama, how spiritless was Mr. Lannister's manner in reading to us last night! I felt for my sister most severely. Brienne has not my feelings, and therefore she may overlook it, and be happy with him. But it would have broken my heart, had I loved him, to hear him read with so little sensibility.”

"Remember, my love, that you are not seventeen. It is yet too early in life to despair of such a happiness."

***

"What a pity it is, Brienne," said Sansa that evening, "that Mr. Lannister should have no taste for reading."

"No taste for reading!" replied Brienne, "He read himself the other night. It is true, he prefers other activities, and he is not a great reader - he confided in me that it… challenges him at times. But he has an innate simplicity of taste, which helps direct him. I hope, Sansa, you do not judge him for this. Indeed, I think you cannot now I’ve explained it. Promise me that you will be civil with him.”

Sansa hardly knew what to say. At length she replied: "Do not be offended, Brienne, if my praise of him is not in everything equal to your sense of his merits. I promise I have the highest opinion in the world of his honor.”

"Of his honor, no one can, I think, be in doubt,” Brienne said quickly, “He and I have been at times thrown a good deal together. I have heard his opinions and, upon the whole, I find him well-informed, his imagination lively, his observation just.” She took Sansa’s hands in hers. “You will agree that, at first sight, my own address is certainly not striking, and my person can hardly be called handsome, yet he has had occasion to call the expression of my eyes... uncommonly good.”

“Uncommonly good? Tell me he used those words again, and I shall indeed change my mind about my civility toward him.”

“No, indeed. He called them… he said they were astonishing… in their similarity to a flower - I’ve mislaid the name. But certainly that meets your demands? He has his pride, Sansa, but the general sweetness of his countenance is easily perceived.”

"When you tell me to love him as a brother, I shall indeed think him sweet, Brienne.”

Brienne started at this declaration. "I do not attempt to deny," said she, "that I think very highly of him—that I greatly esteem, that I like him."

"Esteem him! Like him! Cold-hearted Brienne! Oh! worse than cold-hearted! Ashamed of being otherwise. Use those words again, and I will leave the room this moment."

“Be assured that I meant no offence to your sensibilities by speaking so quietly of my own feelings. In truth, I never knew it could be this way. Believe my feelings to be stronger than I have declared. But farther than this you must not believe. In my heart I feel scarcely any doubt of his preference. But there are other points to be considered besides his inclination. He is far from being independent. His sister and father wish a great deal for him, and I am very much mistaken if Mr. Lannister is not himself aware that there would be many difficulties in his way, if he were to wish to marry a woman who had neither a great fortune nor a high rank, and not even agreeable looks."

Sansa was astonished to find how much the imagination of her mother and herself had outstripped the truth."And you really are not engaged to him!" said she. "Yet it certainly soon will happen. You are so alike, Brienne. You have the same affinity for activity and thought. Trust his feelings as you trust your own. The only thing I am glad for, in your not being promised to him yet, is that I will have greater opportunity to know him and be assured of your future felicity.”

Brienne could not consider her partiality for Jaime in so prosperous a state as Sansa and Catelyn had believed it. There was, at times, a want of spirits about him which, if it did not denote indifference, spoke of something almost as unpromising - some hesitation or doubt. She knew that his father neither opened his home to Jaime at present, nor gave him any assurance that he might form one for himself, without strictly attending to his wishes. With such a knowledge as this, it was impossible for Brienne to feel easy on the subject. The longer they were together the more doubtful seemed the nature of his regard; and sometimes, for a few painful minutes, she believed it to be no more than friendship. But then he would seemingly stumble across her in the library or in the gardens and in the next moment they’d be suiting up to spar. She flattered herself to judge that it was only when he was with her that he seemed truly at ease, and happy. His regard at those times seemed limitless.

***

But, whatever might really be its limits, it was enough, when perceived by his sister, to make her uneasy, and to increase her incivility. She took the first opportunity of confronting Catelyn Stark on the occasion, talking to her so expressively of her brother's great expectations, of Tywin Lannister's resolution that all his children should marry well, and of the danger attending any young woman who attempted to draw her brother in; Catelyn could neither pretend to be unconscious, nor endeavor to be calm. She gave Cersei an answer which marked her contempt, and then instantly left the room, resolving that, whatever might be the inconvenience or expense of so sudden a removal, her Brienne should not be exposed another week to such insinuations.

In this state of her spirits, a letter was delivered to her from the post, which contained a proposal particularly well-timed. It was the offer of a small house, on very easy terms, belonging to a cousin of hers, a gentleman of consequence and property in the Riverlands. The whole of his letter was written in so friendly a style as could not fail of giving pleasure to his cousin; more especially at a moment when she was suffering under the cold and unfeeling behaviour of those she currently depended upon.

She needed no time for deliberation or inquiry. Her resolution was formed as she read. The situation of Riverrun Park, in a county so far distant from the North as the Riverlands, which, but a few hours before, would have been a sufficient objection to outweigh every possible advantage belonging to the place, was now its first recommendation. She instantly wrote Edmure Tully her acknowledgment of his kindness, and her acceptance of his proposal; and then hastened to show both letters to her daughters, that she might be secure of their approbation before her answer was sent.

Brienne had always thought it would be more prudent for them to settle at some distance from Winterfell. On that head, therefore, it was not for her to oppose her stepmother's intention of removing into the Riverlands. The house as described by Mr. Tully, was on so simple a scale, and the rent so uncommonly moderate, as to leave her no right of objection on either point; and, therefore, though it was not a plan which brought her any joy in her current state of uncertainty, she made no attempt to dissuade Catelyn from sending a letter of acquiescence.

***

No sooner was the letter dispatched, than Catelyn indulged herself in the pleasure of announcing to the Baratheons that she should inconvenience them for not much longer. Cersei said nothing; but her husband civilly hoped that she would not be settled far from Winterfell. She had great satisfaction in replying that she was going into the Riverlands.

Jaime turned hastily towards her, his voice full of surprise and concern, and repeated, "The Riverlands! Are you, indeed, going there? So far from hence! And to what part of it?" She explained the situation, describing Riverrun Park and its position along the Green Fork. She watched Jaime absorb the information and then turn his eyes to Brienne.

Catelyn concluded with a very kind invitation to Robert and Cersei to visit her. To Jaime she gave one with greater affection. To separate Jaime and Brienne was as far from being her object as ever; and she wished to show Cersei how totally she disregarded her disapprobation of the match.

***

The furniture was all sent ahead. It chiefly consisted of household linen, plate and china, with a handsome pianoforte of Sansa's. Cersei saw the packages depart with a sigh: she could not help feeling that as Catelyn’s income would be so trifling in comparison with their own, she should have any handsome article of furniture. Their man and one of two maids were sent off immediately into the Riverlands, to prepare the house for their mistress's arrival.

Catelyn took the house for a twelvemonth. No difficulty arose on either side in the agreement; and she waited only for the disposal of her effects at Winterfell before she set off for the south; and this, as she was exceedingly rapid in the performance of everything that interested her, was soon done, though she dawdled for two days longer than necessary in order to give Jaime and Brienne more time together.

They spent the majority of their afternoons walking the fields just beyond the garden away, by design, from Cersei’s prying. Brienne would have been contented with the library and gardens and their usual routine, but Jaime had insisted. There were still moments where he was all too quiet and Brienne was certain that he was preparing to clear the air with the secrets he was harboring, and make more firm his lack of regard for her. But in the next, he would be pressing her hand or smiling at her in that way he had only done before with foil flashing.

***

In a very few weeks from the day which brought Edmure Tully’s first letter to Winterfell, everything was so far settled in their future abode as to enable Catelyn and the girls to begin their journey.

Many were the tears shed by them in their last adieus to a place so much beloved. "Dear, dear Winterfell!" said Sansa, as she wandered alone before the house, on the last evening of their being there; "when shall I cease to regret you!—And who will remain to enjoy you?"

That same eve, Brienne went to the stables to visit to her favorite mare, which Catelyn had sold to Robert when keeping her proved unnecessary and unsustainable for their new life. Brienne was brushing her when the door opened and Jaime appeared out of the darkness, his hair bright, catching the light of her lantern. His look was solemn, and Brienne wondered if the hour of his confession had finally come. But he smiled and pulled a small book from behind his back and offered it to her.

She took it and studied the lettering on the spine, fingering the worn edges of the indigo cover in surprise. “This was my mother’s.”

“So you told me.”

She smiled, “You remembered.” He nodded sheepishly. “My father kept it in his study in the home I grew up in. When we moved here, he added it to the library thinking it would be kept in the family.” Jaime stepped forward and laid a hand on hers comfortingly, warm, “He used to read to me from it - stories of princesses and merfolk and knights… all of them with happy endings.” She stayed the tears forming in her eyes, and firmed her resolve. She slipped the book back into his hand. “Take it. Take it back. I wouldn’t want to lose track of it between now and morning. It belongs to your sister now.”

“Brienne…” he took her other hand and secured it around the book so that all four of their hands clasped it together. “It’s yours. It will always be yours. She won’t miss it. And even if she did, I would own it, for I was the one who took it. You’re leaving enough behind. I don’t wish for you to part with something so dear.” His hands were warm on hers and of them was trembling though she couldn’t tell if it were Jaime or herself or both. She nodded and he let go, his fingers whispering against the backs of her hands. “May I walk you back to the house?”

Brienne looked from him back to the mare whom she had abandoned on Jaime’s arrival. “I haven’t finished my goodbyes.” Jaime looked somewhat sad but he nodded understanding, and turned to go. “Jaime - “ he stopped and turned back to her, something shining in his eyes“ - we did not gather as usual after supper tonight.” She held out the book, “Will you read to me?” He grinned, a shadow of his usual smile, and took it. Then he sat on the stool by the door and slowly read her a well-traversed tale of knights and dragons while she worked until the horse’s coat shone.

***

The next morning, Robert and Jaime saw the Stark women off. Cersei claimed a headache and stayed abed. Jaime handed each of the women into the hired carriage. He lifted Arya into it, setting the eight-year-old giggling; then Catelyn who kissed his cheek like an affectionate aunt; then Sansa who, grasped his shoulders dramatically and wished him well; and finally Brienne. He handed her into the carriage, and then she reached her arm out of the window so that he might shake it. Instead, while Robert engaged the others from the other side of the carriage, Jaime looked up at her sadly and pressed her hand harder than she expected, and brushed her knuckles with his lips. “Goodbye… Miss Stark.”

“Goodbye, Mr. Lannister.”

He silently mouthed “Jaime” and she nodded before her hand retreated back into the carriage. He set a smile on his face - the kind he maintained in mixed company - and joined Robert on the opposite side of the carriage, and from there the two waved them off as the Stark women drove away from Winterfell.

***

They would travel four days to reach Riverrun. On the third night they were stopped at an inn and Brienne was alone while her stepmother and sisters finished supper below. She drew the indigo book out of the reticule she kept on her person. The edges seemed more worn, more loved, than she remembered. She settled onto the bed to read one of her favorite passages when she noticed that something almost the color of the cover seemed to be tucked into the pages about a third of the way through the book.

She carefully parted the pages to that spot and there, carefully pressed, was a cluster of five-pointed blue blossoms with yellow starbursts at the center of each. They marked in the book her favorite tale - that of Ser Galladon of Morne. And the blossoms themselves were the exact shade of her eyes. She’d been avoiding the truth when she told Sansa that she couldn’t recall the name of the flower Jaime had compared them to - she hadn’t wanted to inspire her sister’s romantic notions. But presented with them now, and in the privacy of her solitude, she could not deny her own notions. For if he’d meant to express indifference, why send her away with the book? And why press forget-me-nots between the pages?

[a-merman-not-a-guppy]

BDRP QUESTIONNAIRE

Your Name: Lena

Characters: Anthony Coleman, Arthur Pendragon, Ashley Armbruster, Celia Gorgon, Fflewddur Fflam, Finn Flounder, Kanga DeRosa, Llewellyn “Louie” Mallard, Sora Hamasaki/Roxas

Pick one of your characters and talk about their growth: Oh man I think of my characters I’m the most proud of Celia’s growth? I mean a lot’s changed since I got her, and I’ve been able to see the progression and build up that change from her being and nervous and terrified about everything to starting to come into her own and be a confident woman. I’m proud of having taken that journey with her, and I like that she’s no longer the mousy shy character that I thought she would always be in the beginning. There’s a lot more strength and determination to her than I honestly expected. She’s been through a lot, she fell in love and everything and I think the amazing part is that she’s not regressing now that she’s heartbroken. She knows a little more about what she can handle. I find that super exciting for her. I’m really really pleased with how far we’ve come since I rejoined with her.

Pick another character and talk a little about where you WANT them to go. What are your plans for them going into the new year? So I honestly have a lot of plans for a lot of my babes that I don’t want to reveal but I can say in the vaguer sense where I want them to go. Anthony - honestly just want him to terrorize and go hard. Unleash his full villain in this next year. Help him do that friends. Arthur - I know I want him to do something heroic and noble, but on a smaller scale, I want him to form a proper attachment, maybe have feelings for someone. I think he’s so work focused it’d be interesting how that might affect him as a character. Ashley - I have a lot of change in mind for her. I want to see her move past the struggles she has with her family/find her own way. Celia - just see her continue to gain confidence and figure out what makes her happy. Fflewddur - I honestly want to see him really struggle. He’s always had everything handed to him. I’d love for things to go horribly horribly wrong for him. Finn - Honestly my plan is to go into who he is as a merman and more of the magical side to his life. I love the teen stuff but I am very very eager to do mer stuff with him. Kanga - It’s a secret. But it’ll be fun. Louie - As always I want him to get into a lot of trouble. lol. I also want to see a rift with family with him and see how he handles that. He has a tendency for the dramatic and I think that’d be fun. Roxas - see them figure out what’s going on/learn about Sora Sora - see him learn about Roxas. it’ll be fun.

Pick a thread or a plot that you’re proud of and talk about why you loved it. Honestly it’s still ongoing but I’m really proud of what I’ve developed with Arthur. The ongoing quest for the sword and everything around that. It’s the first time I’ve had a longer term plan with a character and known what I wanted to do with it and it’s so cool! It’s exciting to do, and I really really loved the thread lauryl and I had in the lake and writing the Lady of the Lake briefly. It was just COOL.

In terms of your own writing, identify 1-3 strengths and talk about why you think it’s one of your strengths. oh I’m so bad at this. ahaha. I’m gonna do my best but it’s hard for me to talk about myself and stuff like this. Let’s see...I think 1) Dialogue. I think I’m pretty good at making my character’s voices distinct and their own. It’s been especially fun with Finn because of his stutter and the way that he speaks. 2) Teen hijinks. I know this is an odd thing to put as a strength, but honestly I do think I somehow have my niche with teenagers. Maybe their drama just suits my dramatic cancer self who knows. I feel like all three of my teens are unique and quirky and idk is this valid? I find it far too easy to think of ridiculous teen plots. 3) Getting into character’s heads. Thoughts and stuff, I feel like I am good at sharing where my characters are at and how they feel and all that. I feel like I do a good job of diving right into emotions.

In terms of your own writing, identify 1-3 areas of improvement. 1) showing not telling more. You know trying to really give more detail to what’s happening around characters and their actions rather than a ton of their thoughts. I know I need to work on this more, sometimes I just get lazy and go with what’s easier and habit. 2) There’s another thing I want to work on and again get lazy, where with dialogue you don’t respond to every thing a person says cause that’s not natural to a conversation. You want to respond to like the last thing and then maybe something else after. I think about it but I forget about it and I could work on it. 3) Description. I want to do better at describing things and giving a better visual image of things happening and stuff. I feel like that’s something I’d really like to do better with in the new year.

Pick one of your plots, or even just a character, and come up with a list of 3-5 “mentor texts” where you can look for inspiration or research, then write a short (2-4 sentences) why you picked those texts So I noticed I used tv and film as inspo more than books and stuff but it’s still a reference material to go back to and I’m not sorry. Finn: -It by Stephen King. So this is largely chosen because the character of Bill Denbrough in It has a stutter, and it was one of the first real examples I could think of where I could listen to it and the sound via the movie and how that would work with Finn’s stutter. I go back to it every once in a while for reference. And I’d love to read the book one day and see if there’s more to uncover. -Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Study of Cameron Frye. So this is a high school movie which also helps with the right vibe, but the most important thing to me is the whole vibe and fear of going out to do ANYTHING. Finn has a really hard time with that and Cameron Frye is honestly pretty good inspo on this sort of thing. Also he’s got two more outgoing friends in a sense, which Finn also has in the form of Ariel and Nemo. -Star Trek: Study of the character Bones. I think this is sort of a good reference as to where I’d love to see Finn in the future and it’s a cool thing to try to work toward. Bones has channeled his innate worrying into helping people, and I think that’s something that Finn could learn to do. How and in what way? I don’t know. But it’s a good reference point for the future maybe. -The Rugrats: Study of Chuckie. Yes is it a bit funny to find inspo from another animated character for Finn? Sure a bit. But honestly the more I think about it, Chuckie Finster is a very anxious child and that is basically Finn on the regular. And again a character that has a much more confident best friend and gets dragged along on the adventures. And even though Chuckie the character is an actual baby and Finn’s a teen there’s a lot to really look at and be inspired by. When I was little I didn’t think Chuckie was that relatable but when I got a little older I was like ‘oh man that’s a mood’ and honestly he’s anxious, I’m anxious, and I’m writing about an anxious character so it all kind of works.

And now, a wishlist!  I looooove wishlists and this’ll probably be the longest part of this whole thing so that if anyone wants to brainstorm stuff/looks at this list and goes ‘hey me too’ we can start scheming. -fake dating! -alexa play fake love- it’s a trope for a reason and I really really love it. Someone get in on it with me. -rags to riches (I want Louie to experience being rich for like a day or something. I think that’d make a really interesting story for him.) -murder. well. If anyone wants to get rid of a character one day hmu. -more magic based plots. I have magicks but somehow they HARDLY use it and that’s lame. I want more magic. I want to def explore mer stuff with Finn more especially, and generally just chaotic magic things. -i want Sora/Roxas to fuck with people. Like I want someone to date one of them just for an awkward scene in bed or something. That’s a very small plot thing but I think it’d be hilarious. -I really like romantic plots and I like the soft puff/seemingly cold slytherin relationship. idk I guess I want a duo like that. Or more romance in general. Date my characters. Long term, short term, to make someone else jealous? let’s go. -DISASTER AGENTS. I had a vague idea and I want it but who knows if/when that happens but two brothers with a rescue agency but they are completely incompetent. I like the witty characters sue me. Anthony: -i already said this but murder. -i also want him to hook up with/become friends with a sorcerer. i. have.an.idea. =D -continue to have him sink his teeth in the board and try to influence the town Arthur: -a slow burn love story would suit him nicely. i have plans for him and i think it would up the stakes. -a buddy cop story. idk Arthur is a workaholic so I feel like the best way to be buddies with him is to work with him. lol. this loser. Ashley: -i have her future planned mostly. she’s good i think. Celia: -turn a boyfriend to stone. seriously! -a hero moment for her? idk i think it’d be cool to have what she thinks of as a curse save someone’s life. Fflewddur: -someone let him spill your secrets with his harp. let him cause DRAMA. -connect him to other musicians. He’s got an ego and he’s kind of the worst, but I want him to talk more music and do more music things. Finn: -MER THINGS!!! -i want to explore some of his trauma from the bullying and everything. I know I’m gonna do a one shot, but I also would love to have him be able to open up to a friend about how things were/have been. I don’t think he’d even have told Ariel all of it. -touch. touch is his love language and I think that he’s probably fairly touch starved as he keeps to himself a lot and is afraid of like everything lol. So I’d love to explore his relationship with touch and see him learn to trust people and open up and more free with his affection and holding hands and hugs and that sort of thing. -first love/kiss. with him i think it would be a very slow thing but also it would be SO CUTE and yeah. he’s more of a romantic than my other teens so gotta ask for it here. lmao. Kanga: -board things. She’s on it now woo! I’m here to explore that more -it’s a secret. It’s coming soon to theaters. Louie: -again. Rich for a day, see how the other 1% lives that sort of thing. -family plot line. I want it to happen so bad. I want to see Louie sort of self destruct. Someone help him get there. -further down the trouble path. Drugs? Or fighting or something considerably more reckless? He’s still a fairly good kid, I’d love to explore something a little darker with him. -also to explore him being gay and let him really come into his own there. He’s too busy being Louie to notice so that’s a thing I really want to push with him and see him figure out feelings more. Roxas: -have them figure out about Sora first. Let him and friends struggle with how to handle that. so really mission a) make Roxas a few friends. then b) share the chaos of their life with said friends. it’ll be fun. -get in a fight with battle magic. I think it’d be interesting to see it in play, especially since they are not fully in control. A magic fight guys. Who’s in?Sora: -oo you know what might be fun? having him become good buds with someone and move in somewhere with them and then and have him and Roxas’ stuff make a mess of things. roommate drama HEIGHTENED. -Someone telling Sora about Roxas. Because he is not the smart one of the duo. He’s pretty damn oblivious -break someone’s heart. I feel like he’d be the type to do it without realizing and that’d be an interesting thing to go into.

OPTIONAL: Why do you RP? Well honestly I’ve been rping for so long it’s hard to remember a time before I did it. It’s a good escape from reality sometimes and I really love to write. Writing makes me feel good and unwind and I like that I can express things through characters that I might not be able to do myself places because I’m too awkward. It’s nice to be able to let things out and enthuse online and to get to know a great community. I’ve made some great friends through rp and I love that a lot about the whole thing. Plus it’s through rp that a lot of the time you can let out over enthusiasm. Or at least for me that’s the case. As many of you already know I tend to obsess over things and when I do it’s like I need so many outlets to get by. Right now BTS and then having Finn as my outlet for example. But before that it would be like my years long Steve Rogers fixation and how I’d be off and on in group rps with him as a character or on an indie blog and that would be how I expressed my love for this character and let some of that out. It’s so helpful and therapeutic almost, since I feel like I get too enthusiastic for people around me to relate a lot. 

[biscuitreviews]

Biscuit’s Favorite Games

When it comes to a great game, there are a few factors at play. “Is the gameplay good? Is the story great? What cool memories do you have associated with the game? Did the game leave an everlasting impression?” All of these I feel are what help create a favorite game for a person.

Now normally people would countdown to their number one game and although I do have a number one game. There are many other games I enjoy as well and have left impressions on me that I carry with me to this day. 

With that I’m not going to do a “traditional” countdown, but rather give my favorites before going to my all-time favorite (which for some of you shouldn’t be a surprise because I’ve gone on record with it a few times already). With that, let’s go over some of my personal favorite games.

Halo: Reach

I love the Halo series. I love the setting, I love the idea of you being a badass super soldier, and  I love the soundtrack. I have more memories with the Halo series playing online with my friends and Halo: Reach for me has the best memories.

We would often get large groups going into big team matches and when we couldn’t get a large group we would go into the small team games and have tons of fun with either matchmaking or custom matches. There are many times we would stay up until 5 or 6 a.m playing Reach. Reach also spawned off quite a few inside memes with my friends, memes that we still quote to this day. With Microsoft’s recent announcement of Halo: Reach being re-released on PC, we’re looking forward to remembering the good times as we exchange teabags with a new generation of Spartans.

But aside from multiplayer, Reach also had in my opinion the best campaign. It was emotional, it had some amazing epic set pieces, it was challenging, and most importantly Noble 6 was your Spartan model from multiplayer which gave a more personal attachment to the story.

Pokemon Silver/Gold/Crystal

I was on the ground floor of the Pokemon Hype in the 90s. When the follow-up to the amazing Blue/Red/Yellow came out, many of use were ready to embark on a new Pokemon adventure in a new region eager to catch the new Pokemon.

It made great improvements from the original game, adding additional Pokemon types, a story with Team Rocket trying to make a comeback, and the biggest surprise of them all, going back to Kanto and fighting the Kanto Pokemon Gym Leaders. This made the world of Pokemon feel much larger and connected. Ever since then, it’s been a highly requested feature to have a previous region in another version revisited or ot have a nice dense post game. Although, revisiting regions has yet to happen since Silver/Gold/Crystal, each Pokemon game has been released with a good sizeable post game adventure to embark on.

The remakes HeartGold and Soul Silver are just as fantastic.

Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening

There are games that we complete at 100%, then there are games we complete until there’s nothing left. Devil May Cry 3 was the first game that I ripped apart inside and out in terms of content. I completed every single difficulty as both Dante and Vergil, acquired every skill, every alternative costume, and every challenge.

I did it because I had a lot of fun with the game’s combat and it was also my first Devil May Cry game. How I got the game was interesting as well. A friend of mine had Devil May Cry 3 and a relative of theirs gifted them another copy of the game for their birthday unbeknownst to them that my friend had the game already. They asked if I wanted their extra copy and that’s how I got into the Devil May Cry series. One day Devil May Cry 5, one day.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

The Metal Gear Solid series is one of my favorite game series of all-time. The first entry of the series for the PS1 taught me so many things. In fact, the original Metal Gear Solid also greatly influenced my playstyle, which is emphasis on stealth.

Metal Gear Solid 3 was a great game that challenges your stealth skills. Not only did you have no radar, but you had to be more aware of your surroundings. Not only could you encounter guards, but you could potentially encounter wildlife in the jungle that could and will also harm you. You would also have to eat to keep your stamina up, wear the proper camouflage for the environment for optimal stealth, and you would have to heal injuries through various methods. All of these considerations added a new challenge to the stealth game to where the systems served as an extra layer rather than an annoying chore to keep up with.

Mega Man X4

This game was actually my first exposure to the Mega Man X series. I was already familiar with the classic series and I was eager to play this particular game and learning what the deal with having the X in the title was. It was then I learned that you could play as two different characters, the ever familiar blue bomber, which my 8 year old thought, “Ok, that must be a new model of Mega Man.” However, Zero was what immediately caught my eye, a robot using a lightsaber (which I would later learn it was called Z Saber) as an attack, sign me up!

The gameplay was super fun and there are slight differences in the story depending on who you play as. Granted it’s clear that this entry was catered for Zero rather than X, it’s still a really fun game no matter which character you picked. Similar to its predecessors, the game has also aged really well graphically.

Skies of Arcadia

To me, this is the perfect summer adventure in gaming. You’re a Robin Hood-esque air pirate who comes across a woman from a thought to be lost civilization. This was a turn based RPG where you had use the correct element on your weapon to effectively fight in battles. Not only that but there was also ship battles where you can engage in fighting other Airships.

It’s also a game that I feel constantly gets forgotten by Sega whenever they do Dreamcast collection releases. Skies of Arcadia is great and is one of the few games that I will 100% buy whenever it finally gets the HD remaster that it deserves.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

As far as the Legend of Zelda series goes I love every entry. There are a couple that I don’t like as much, but they still have qualities about them that I find enjoyable. Although Link to the Past was the first Zelda game I played, Ocarina of Time was the first one I would ever own and complete to 100%. At the time of its release it was a open area for you to explore with tackling temples and finding secrets. It also had a neat time travel mechanic with the story having some areas that would have effects on the future.

Telltale’s The Walking Dead Season One

This is a title that revived the the point and click adventure as well as popularize the episodic format. I got into this game during my Walking Dead craze and this game touched me in an unexpectedly emotional way. So much so I got teary eyed on the season finale and if a game manages to invoke such an emotional response within you, you know it did something right. I got attached to Lee and Clementine and the writing for the season was superb. Choices were respected and although there were many events that still happened no matter the choice, it was more reflected in the dialogue and for what Telltale was trying to accomplish, I thought it worked well.

Borderlands 2

Everyone that loves Borderlands 2, loves Handsome Jack and he’s an amazing video game villain. However, I do have a personal connection that cemented this as a favorite. This is a game that my wife and I would completely co-op with no handicap of any kind. What do I mean by a handicap. When it comes to playing co-op games on PC I am hopeless with a mouse and keyboard, where as my wife is completely running the show. Similar to consoles, my wife is hopeless with a controller and I’m taking point.

I used to not be much of a PC gamer. When I got a Windows 10 laptop my wife and I decided to get Borderlands 2 as Windows 10 allowed you to plug in a Xbox One controller without having to download any additional programs or anything. My wife was mouse and keyboard on her PC, and I was plugged in with a controller on my laptop and it changed everything. We no longer had to babysit one another, we could go into a camp of enemies and come out with barely a scratch on either of us. We even got to better understand one another’s playstyle and it complimented each other very well for an amazing co-op experience. Now I have evolved more into a PC gamer and have started playing so more co-op games with my wife.

The Witcher III: Wild Hunt

This is a game that I’ve been replaying and going back through since I played it in 2016. The detail of how character dialogue reacts to your decisions is just amazing. Also the way you go about fighting monsters is amazing as well. You have to study them, research them in your bestiary, drink the appropriate potions, apply the proper blade oil, use the propers signs and bombs in the fight. It gives you the sense that you are preparing for a fight.

CD Projekt Red used a branching story writing program called Articy Draft. It’s a program I myself actually use in my day job. I’m constantly going back to this game and studying it to try to imagine how the writers wrote certain decision points and how it branched out within Articy. Making different decisions and doing quests in a different order are just some of the things I do to further study this game in how they approach it in dialogue with Articy.

All Time Favorite - Final Fantasy X

As I mentioned in a few of my posts Final Fantasy X is my favorite game. I love everything about this game: the story, the setting, the characters, the combat system, the sphere grid progression system and the soundtrack. The way that Square had the player go through the world and learn more about it was genius and allowed for a deeper connection between Tidus and the player. There have been other games that have done this method of relaying plot information to the player, but to me Final Fantasy X was the one that got it right.

One day I will review this game, but I have no plans to review it for a good long time.

Those are my favorite games! I’d love to hear some of your favorites as well!

[theparaminds]

What’s past is prologue. What’s future is mystery. That is the dilemma Harry Teardrop existed with, that he wrestled, throughout his life. From a childhood of changing sceneries and faces never permanent, Harry had no knowledge of what tomorrow brought forth, no knowledge of where he was to slot into. All he had to hold onto was the remnants of yesterday; a fleeting confidence he could take a breath within. Yet, like a divine miracle, his outlook shifted and he learned to accept the now. He learned to be honest only to the hours he could control, not to that prologue or those mysteries.

The past, more so than anything, felt like chains to his emotional state. He felt as though he couldn’t leave the worries and heartbreaks of yesteryear to wither away, they stuck like gum in his hair. And if you know anything about gum in hair, you know that you can either pull it out slowly and painfully or just cut the hair off. With his latest work, Harry has opted to endure the pain all at once, to face every fear and to allow himself to feel what he has suppressed so intensely. He is revisiting a broken road with the hope that it will a pave a better tomorrow. And through such vulnerability, a sonic landscape of candor, confidence, and candidness has emerged.

Yes, Harry Teardrop has no clue to what reality he will wake tomorrow. But that doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is that he pours his soul into art itself, into the magic of creation. It’s the noble belief that another individual’s youthful confusion will be cured through his expression. Does he still have anxiety and his own questions? Absolutely. Though, he could care less. He is, for once, creating with total freedom, a mind free from doubt as to what his purpose is, as to what he is meant to be.

Harry Teardrop is, finally, living unshackled from prologue and unafraid of mystery, as so many hope to be. In doing so, he is artistically innovating with legitimacy that would speak to even the most overwhelmed, dazed minds. He is free and inviting all to join him in his humanistic independence.

This interview was recorded live in New York.

Our first question as always, how’s your day going and how have you been?

It’s been going good, I’ve just been hanging out with you the whole day. The weather was so nice though, when it’s warm in NY after the winter it makes you appreciate everything so much more.

With your time in New York, how would you say your creative energy has developed and evolved?  

I think New York has helped me to blossom into a more serious artist. I still took it very seriously back in California, but no one else did. It was mostly for fun, but being around the high level of talent here has inspired me to elevate my art.

When you say people didn't take you seriously back then, was that due to your youth or a misunderstanding of your artistic desires?

I don't know. I always talk down on my high school experience, which is what the whole EP is about, just because there were a lot of kids who didn't get it, which is understandable. I think for one I wasn't as good as I am now, and I definitely still have room to grow, they were judging off that past talent. I think the main thing is where I went to high school. in Irvine, people are in a small town mentality, people there are brought to go to college, to get a good job, settle with kids. It’s very cyclical. They see someone trying to break out and very anti their way of life and they get defensive. I used to get roasted for it all, to be honest, one girl used to say I'd be homeless for pursuing art.

Did you feel with being brushed off and roasted it solidified what you were doing and that you were on the right path for yourself?

I think for the most part, yes, but it still stung a little as I wished that people understood where I was coming from. There were some people who were supportive and that's awesome, but I really just want to start doing things creativity that makes everyone feel they can do the same, that they don’t have to be stuck in that mentality.

With this EP, you talk about those high school age problems, but, growing up as a whole, what sort of bumps in the road did you face and how did they shape who you are currently?

Growing up I moved around a lot because of my parent’s work and that was the biggest struggle I had, for the most part, I had a great childhood, my parents have always supported me, which is an awesome blessing. I think a lot of my music is about moving and it's actually how I got into writing songs. When I moved from Shanghai to California, I would write lyrics and music as a coping method for the emotions I was dealing with. And that’s been the main theme in my music since then, leaving home and missing things. That's maybe why people say my music is nostalgic because it is talking about the past in a sweet way.

How would you personally compare the move from Shanghai to California to the one from California to New York?

I think moving from Shanghai to California was a huge reverse culture shock. Even though I'm from America, moving back, especially to a new state, was so bizarre. Moving from California to New York was totally different. It was great as I was ready for a new start and because of that, I was eager. New York felt like a new opportunity that allowed everything to become possible.

Within those transitional times and your learning of yourself, what were some of your best childhood memories?

Most memories I have are positive, to be honest. But I always loved my time in Portland, which was before Shanghai. At the time I was really into soccer and also got into drums. Playing Pokemon and stuff like that was the extent of my existence back then. I also loved reading Dr. Seuss books and now realize the huge influence they've had upon on my life. They taught me about lyricism, the conviction in simplicity and the importance of rhythm in language as a whole.

What was your favourite Pokemon game growing up?

For sure Emerald.

And who was your starter when you played?

My first one was Torchic.

When you were having that first introduction to music and getting more into it, how did you realize you wanted to take it a step further than just a hobby and where did that push come from?

Well honestly, I was always into music and when I first started I wasn't taking it seriously. I really just wanted to be a soccer player at the time. That was the dream. I was pretty good but not professional level. I was a huge fan of Manchester United and drum lessons were just something to get all of that endless energy out. My brother, who was playing guitar, took it more seriously and joined bands in middle school. But when I moved to China, the soccer wasn't as good, so I weaned off it and got more into music. When I was in middle school, I started to embody the musician in me. I think the reason for that was my brother teaching me the guitar, which led me into bass, piano and singing. When soccer died, Music came up.

At the time that you were being shown that music from your brother and even going through that self-discovery, who were the largest inspirations upon you and what did yourself pulling from their work?

The biggest when I was a kid was the Strokes, Green Day, Sum 41 and Fall Out Boy. I loved pop punk. In hindsight, the reason was that they were playing with so much emotion yet still it was very intentional and forceful. It’s the kind of music you can’t look away from. You can either like it or dislike it, but you can't ignore it. I also found myself being drawn to K-Pop and it shaping my recent development.

With your current work, it hasn't been as punky and instead is more lighthearted, what's been the mentality now compared to those original inspirations and what's the current vision you hold?

I'm really trying to just channel all of my inspirations from all of my entire life into what I'm doing. There are punk elements, more inspired by My Bloody Valentine and Grimes, maybe not musically and more in the emotion, but it’s still there. But in terms of lighthearted stuff, it's because I got into slow jazz in high school. Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, then later a blend through the 1975. The main three elements in my music are Jazz and Duwop, the punk and pop-punk styles as well as the 80s influence.

So in your mind, is Harry Teardrop a character which personifies all of those inspirations or is there more to him and his existence in your art?

So far, Harry Teardrop is not a character and is just a name for me. I want to separate him more from myself because there's only so many ways you can talk about your own life before you want to try other stories. And for that I want Harry Teardrop to be a narrator. I want to channel my view of the world through him. I want him to be a journalist. That separation is so I can talk about things that aren't rooted in reality, more dreamy or exaggerated situations.

Was there any significance to the Teardrop name you attached to and why is it that you chose it?

The name comes from a song by Suicide called Frankie Teardrop. My brother Drake showed me it in high school and he thought it was so sick, and I did too. It's a fucked up song. It's 10 minutes about a guy who murders his wife and kids. Drake, then he changed his Instagram handle to Drakeyteardrop and I changed mine to Harryteardrop. At the time, I was still going under DAIZY for music but when I went to college I looked up DAIZY and realized It was copyrighted so I just went for Harry Teardrop, but I do love it.

Specifically with this new EP, what do you believe Harry is journalizing? What is the story he’s trying to tell?

At this time, I'm just trying to document and shed light onto is the high school experience I had. I felt stunted creatively and as a person. I was stuck in the suburbs very bored and didn't care for school as nobody understood what I wanted to do with my life. It's about the frustration and hopes you have to hold onto because you can either give in or you can still hold onto the dream you have and keep being you. I think that I want to tell this story so people who are in that age range and are going through the same thing can know that they are not alone and that someone is looking out for them

When expressing such stories and emotions, do you feel you’re just putting yourself out there and hoping people resonate with it, or, are you aiming to reach people first and foremost?

It’s honestly a way to cope with my high school experience. I want people to resonate but the main goal is to release that energy so I don't have to look back on high school with spite. After this, I’m moving on from it and looking at new areas, but it's necessary for me as a catharsis.

Where does the title ‘1000 Backyard pools’ come from and what does it mean as a concept to you both as an artist and individual?

I was actually talking about this with my roommates the other day and I forgot that the story really started in an English class as I was writing songs in my notebook and planning EP ideas. But more so, 1000 Backyard Pools was an idea I was just writing in my notebook when bored. It comes from how when you're flying over Orange County, you see a bunch of little pools down below, and that's just a representation of my life and how it felt in the suburbs. Just being 1 of a million and not feeling unique. I was 16 in class and that has always stuck with me ever since.

Do you feel now that you’re more of an individual and has being in a new environment helped with eliminating that previous feeling?

Well, what I’ve started to realize is that I am one in a million in the sense there are 7 billion people and I’m very aware of that. But I think I am an individual. In that sense, it's self-respect for realizing I’m unique but humbling that everyone feels the same way.

Would you say that feeling of individuality is the core of the project’s message or is there more you hope to get out with it?

I guess the core is anxiety and desperation, but also holding onto hope and other things. I talk about relationships and moving away and missing the past through transition.

Within your creation, do you feel human emotion and relationship to be a large part of what you’re trying to build upon and pull from?

Human connection is super important. It's why people keep going and It's what makes life worth living. It's the connection you have. It's the most important thing to me and my art.

Going forward, what do you think are the next steps for Harry Teardrop, or, are you undecided and is there anxiety of not knowing where to go with the project?

Both, I do have a real plan for what I want to do. This first EP is one of three. I think with the 3 EPs I’m trying to progress as an artist and say what I need to say before going into a more fleshed out project. Really my dream in life is to create an album, so that’s what I’m working towards, this is just preparation. I also just want to produce for other people and enjoy being young, which I forget to do sometimes.

Would you say then that you work too hard and forget to live?

Only recently as things have materialized pretty fast. I have a lot more confidence in myself and that has made me want to work on my projects. But I’m 19, almost 20, so I’m feeling the pressure to make it happen.

Do you believe because of the musical climate you’re in that youth is something to take advantage of or are you excited to grow up and have more maturity in your music?

In high school, I was set on being famous at 15, but it didn't happen. I kept growing and I’m so ‘glad I wasn't famous back then. I used to feel a lot of pressure to make it young but now that I’m in the industry and more conscious of my work, I definitely am ok with taking my time and allowing myself to learn about simplifying and polishing my music. Very much like Hemingway and Picasso. High consciousness in a childlike way.

Have you ever felt though that when simplifying, you’re also restricting your vision and not getting everything you want to say out?

It’s all about balance. That's the main theme keeps me going. My mom was always the one putting that in my head. To be as balanced as possible.

With the EPs, what are your visions beyond just the musical sense? Are you trying to build a universe like Because the Internet or is there other parts to it coming together?

I’m working on this music video with Drake I’m really stoked about, we just fleshed out the concept. It plays around with dream logic. Dreams are the most interesting thing to me and as a kid, I was so excited to go to sleep and dream. I remember my first nightmare so vividly as well, I still don't understand it. I was in a car with my dad and brother in New York and then this giant yeti monster came and scooped up snow and before we got hit I woke up.

Is it a goal of yours to incorporate dreams within your art and messages?

Into everything. That's always what I've been most fascinated by. Both in the literal sense and also dreams in the aspirational sense.

I've heard you and Drake use the term ‘Dreamo’ a lot to describe the work you’re doing, how do you personally define that?

Dreamo is the genre that I’m trying to create for myself and whoever else wants to fit into it. It’s a combination of dreamy stuff and emo. But not emo necessarily how we perceive it, more just the emotional, heart on the sleeve stuff they do. In my case, it’s really just a progression of pop-punk.

Another aspect you’ve mentioned in the past is your care for live shows. How do you plan to bring this energy into the live setting and translate much of this vision?

I want to do an elaborate show with costumes and props but, that’s a long term goal once I get funding. In the meantime, I just want to let it marinate and work on new stuff. Then it can all come together with that larger project that I can put everything in every aspect into.

Is the ultimate goal then to create that one classic album that stands the test of time and cements everything you’ve put together?

That's every artist’s dream honestly. My dream is to keep making albums. It doesn't even need to be Harry Teardrop, any sort of music and albums. I try to think very short term. I was talking to Caleb about this the other day, and he’s someone who thinks in the very long term, but it just stresses me out. I just try to live in the moment as much as possible. I try to live by the idea that the past and the future are imaginary in that you can't retrieve it or know what it holds, so exist within the present. And it makes me feel better.

Just to ask because I only just remembered it by noticing, what does your Pumpkin tattoo on your arm represent to you?

Oh yeah. My birthday is on Halloween and I got this on my 18th birthday. At the time I just thought it looked cool, but now it's a reminder that my birthday is coming up and that I’m getting older and that my birthday is just another day. And in that sense, that I shouldn’t be too hard on myself for just growing up/

As a whole then, what do you want the Harry teardrop legacy to be and what is the mark you wish to leave upon the music and artistic world?

For the next five years or so, I just want to make pop music because there's such a power in it. It brings people together and makes them happy and teaches them something if you have a message in it. That's the goal really. Going to NYU has taught me there's such an art to the craft of pop songwriting, there so many decisions to make it sound as it does. That’s what I’m interested in that’s what I want to do. I want to also tour and see the world. I want to make friends and really get to know these people. Also, I want to represent Asian Americans as there is a lack of representation in music as a whole. There is such a stigma inside the Asian American community itself to steer away from the arts because it doesn't make money. And because of that, there are a bunch of kids who feel no representation. It's a paradox that these kids want to feel represented and they’re angry about it, but then they're not taking the initiate due to being discouraged. It’s just the cycle I want to break.

So then, the goal is more so to be an inspiration and a sign of positivity?

Exactly, the overall goal for Harry Teardrop is to help people believe in their dreams. It sounds corny but it's all that matters.

Do you have anyone to shout out or anything to promote? The floor is yours.

Shoutout my family, Kyrsten, all my Clive friends -- Caleb, Ally, Jimmy. Shoutout Been Stellar, Claire, Deaton, Maxwell, Luke, Willie, and Aidan. Also Wes and Rohit, and really, all my friends. And to the people who listen to my music and actually care about what I have to say, you all make me so happy. Love you!

Listen on Spotify and Apple Music

Follow on Twitter and Instagram

Colour Photos by Drake Li 

B&W Photos by Ella Sinskey

Words and Interview by Guy Mizrahi

[vinodiriso]

CHARACTER SHEET --- TIMELINE.

NAME: Adrian Mihai Lupei.

PLACE OF BIRTH: Alba Iulia, Transylvania, Romania.

NATIONALITY: Romanian.

CALLSIGN: Prototip.

ALIASES: Lup-ul [formerly], Dmitry Blatov.

BIRTHDAY: 15/11 (Scorpio).

OCCUPATION: Soldier of fortune.

BASE OF OPERATION: Bucharest, Romania.

AFFILIATION: Romanian-Moldovan Fourth Anti-Omnic Regiment (Românesc și Moldovenesc Anti-Omnic A Patra Regiment) [formerly].

BACKGROUND: read more ‘cause it’s pretty long.

It’s hard as fuck to be a boy and grow up without a father. Shit, do you have any idea how goddamn disheartening it is to feel lost, hopeless, and seeing nothing when you dare looking back? Who the fuck was supposed to be my model? Who the fuck should I have been inspired from when choosing the man I had eventually to become?

But, hey, somehow I managed. I’ve become a man… and a fucking ugly one. The name’s Adrian — no, not Edrian, you fucker, it’s Adriàn — you know what? Call me Prototip. It’s gonna make it easier. Nowadays it feels more me than my actual name regardless.

I went to school for I think 8, maybe 9 years. My grades weren’t half bad, I was a smart kid, always been, but mamă alone couldn’t bring home enough money to sustain the family. It was only the two of us, sure, but when at every corner of the street you can find a fucking tin can doing whatever job better than a man in flesh and bones, who the fuck would hire a slow, sloppy, fragile human person? Soon enough, I was off my way. Already mentioned I was a smart boy, didn’t I? I learned not to shy away from anything. I am not lying when I tell ya I have literally swum in sewage, punched my way through asbestos and other cancerous shit (tsk, like today I should care!), breathed in mouthful of the toxic, radioactive wastes of old, abandoned Omnic factories to raid spare parts… surviving is surviving, dude. And surviving in an underdeveloped, poor, rural zone of Eastern Europe usually means to deal with the nastiest shit you could imagine. You want to know when was the first time I was clobbered over a job? The first time I had to shove a knife between a man’s ribs? Yeah, better.

Managed to stay in the world this way for six years, right before my beloved country, trăiască!, decided they had to do something to stop the raids of the Western Russia Omnium that had brought, in 10 years, Eastern Europe to its knees. Or rather, that we had to do something to stop the raids, because we had to enlist to the new formed Romanian-Moldovan Ally Military Force to save our houses and our families. I was… shit, 20? Yeah, somewhat around that. No future, no family, no home, no expectations… the army promised it would give me a job, warm food when I was hungry, some blankets when it was cold as fuck outside… I mean, for me, back then, it was a radiant future.

It was not only me anyway, if that face of yours want to hint at that. Do you have any idea how many fucking loners like me war in my country has produced? Finally the government had found a way to make use of us; turning us into meat to slaughter and butcher, testers for their new, shiny toys. There were others… shit, the names have become so hard to recall… Bogdan, Daniel, Eugen, Isabela… yeah, those were my friends at the boot camp.

Ha… it’s funny, at times, when I think back of it… six months of training non-stop, day and night, the food was even scarcer than what I used to eat, scrawny boys and girls sent off to die because, after all, it was not like the world was ever going to miss us.

However, I proved to be different. I don’t remember exactly what the head trainer back at the boot camp said, something like “a talent for shooting” or some shit along these lines. Apparently, my aim was naturally trained… yeah, ‘naturally’. Not like I had been aiming down the barrel of my American magnum for the previous six years. What a fucking retard.

I got signed up for something a little bit more special. Two years more off the front, Adi was about to become a sniper for the Fourth Regiment, the big names: Alexandru Averescu, Constantin Prezan, Ion Antonescu… never heard of them? Oh my God, remind me why the fuck I am still talking with you? Yeah, those were big names for us, mareșal, nothing to kid with. I was good, I mean, I don’t want to come out as big-mouthed or anything, but--- like, shit, I had proved to be worth my place. Again, it was not like I wanted to protect my nation, forget about that shit, but like… I finally had a place to feel good in, you know? Call me a romantic, but that was a good thing to have in your chest. And I was so sick of dealing only with anger and bruises.

The Regiment fought the Omnium on the Ukrainian border for 4 years. I got many a commendation for my work, started to make a name for myself little by little. It was like I was born to have a rifle in these scarred hands of mine, a gift from above I had just found out. They called me “Lup-ul”, back in the day; it means “the wolf” in Romanian, a reference to my surname, Lupei. Yeah, I know, pretty basic, but it does have its kick, no? Anyways… good times are always so fast to pass.

We were based in Lysychansk, lovely place to raise kids if you ignore the bomb dropping on your head every 3 hours either from the regular army, the anarchists or the fucking bots. Mission was going smooth, backup was waiting for us just a couple of kilometres away, but it happened: my whole team got captured. There is a reason why I mentioned the anarchists, my friend. Ever heard of Beznă? Mh, at least what Romanians call Beznă; the Polishes, Ciemność; the Ukrainians, Темрява; the Russians, темнота́… and I don’t know what else. Terrorists. People that believe that a  world strangulated in chaos would be better than the mess we have now. At this point, I don’t know if they are entirely wrong.

At first, we thought we would have been sort of pieces to trade for Beznă to seal an unregistered deal with the Romanian Army… no, we were too naive to think that. I can’t and won’t tell you just what they did us, because the last ten years of my life I have tried to tear those memories away from my brain as hard as I could. If you really are eager to know, I was detained in their Siberian facility for four years before I broke free… I was the sole survivor of my team. The shit I got exposed to made me faster, stronger, smarter, more sensitive to stimuli. Paradoxically, I became a better soldier than I already was by getting captured by the enemy. I already knew a bit of Ukrainian back when I was detained so I got to catch some whispers, some gossips, but still I couldn’t understand why we got experimented and tested after, for what goal. Apparently, we were weapons for the Beznă to take over the Eastern Europe regimens. The shot didn’t miss the mark any which ways: my companions still died for ideals they did not stand for.

Back to the story, I learned that the Fourth Regiment had me and my teammates listed as deserters and we were actively sought after by the hounds of the Romanian Army. So I decided to hide in Siberia for the following year, got a new identity, lived off a nomadic style, killing animals and humans alike to eat; animals for their meat, humans for their bounties. What? Do you think I am some sort of cannibal? Oh, yeah, just because I am Romanian you think I am a vampire? Fuck off, dude.

Eventually the Romanians gave up… mostly because they lost the war. That was a hard blow for the country, but we didn’t crumble under the weight of that defeat. Romanians are tough people. We have come back from worse. As long as I was regarded, I came out of hiding, intentioned to get my name back, a new life away from conflicts, blood, war… it was impossible. Believe me, I have tried, I have tried hard, but I was no longer fit for the society. PTSD, maybe, or just I got too used to have my hands drenched in blood, whatever shit it is, I have never been able to be Adrian again. So I just embraced what I had become: Prototip AE92890, Prototip for friends.

Killer for hire, undercover agent, soldier, terrorist, I have been everything. But the job that signed me for my life was probably the only one I did for the big shots; yeah, you know who I am talking about, the heroes of the world, or rather the self-proclaimed heroes. Worked with late Commander Reyes Gabriel and Sarge Gérard Lacroix at the Lacroix Extraction Operation; intended to be back-up, I was given a more relevant position when Commander Reyes got a taste of what I was worth. I remember that day like it was yesterday, not because I was particularly attached to that job –- or at least, I wasn’t before I met him. Clarence Duncan, daughter of James Duncan, an American senator. God, I remember those bright, baby blue eyes looking up at me in fright and confusion when we got him and Madame Amelie out of the Talon labs. I was so in fucking rapture after seeing those eyes; yes, he was sickly pale, and he smelled like that chemical miasma I grew to hate when I was detained by Beznă, he was skinny, weak, frail, unable to stand on his own, but those eyes spoke to me at a level deeper than I could have ever imagined.

Even after the mission, I kept in touch with Clarence. He knew I was a mercenary, that I risked my life out there everyday, and many times he had asked me to give up that crap and join him in a normal life but… I have already told you. I was no longer fit for society. He ended up entering my world, although from an external point of view: he became a member of Overwatch council board. I was so proud of him, watching him as he fulfilled her dreams made me foolishly think that maybe if he was by my side I could have succeeded being a civilian… we tried, after Overwatch was disbanded.  Rainy Washington D.C., a small house as far as possible from his dad he started to fall out with. Those were good days, dude: got a job as an omnic repair operator (what? no, never did it once in my life, but after all the strains they got into me to enhance my ‘brain capacity’ do you think I could care less?), he was getting into politics, he was doing good, and the bed was warm every night, if you know what I mean. He was my dream, dude--- he still is. A dream I fucking destroyed.

Blame it on the drink, blame it on the fact that I was growing restless without gripping a weapon, blame it on whatever you wish, but blame it on me. I sent everything to Hell. I guess I don’t deserve to have nice things after all, uh? I can’t keep them. He kicked my ass back to where it belonged: the dark alleys, the rot-smelling corners of the metropolis, the cold world where being Adrian would only mean being weak, the world where I can be what I need to be: Prototip.

[osmw1]

Poison-Wielding Fugitive   Chapter 15

“I’m actually more worried about you and your store, seeing how you buy poisonous herbs at such a high price.”

I answered Arleaf’s dad while changing the topic.

“Well, obviously, it’s ‘cause this sorta medicine is a local specialty of our village. Oh, yeah, and don’t you go entering our fields either. I won’t forgive you if you do that.”

This village grows some questionable herbs… According to Arleaf, it’s some sort of ingredient for anesthesia, but let’s not get too deep into that subject.

‘Hmm? That field? The herbs I saw growing there were not poisonous ones but a kind that is very effective as an antidote.’

Doubts of Veno’s knowledge on medicinal herbs pass through my mind, but it’s likely to be some other field.

“… is that right?” “It’s just that I post requests for adventurers for the stuff that grows in places a li’l dangerous.”

I don’t really want to know too much about this topic. Well, with three days and the help of a map, I’ve got a pretty good grasp of the villages and the area around here. I wonder if I’m running around a little too carelessly. Actually, I wonder if why Arleaf’s dad is being so hospitable to me is because I’m a regular customer. Or maybe it’s because I seem like I’m also fond of dangerous meds.

“Aren’t you actually here to stock up? I know some guys who can help you out.”

Ugh. Totally suspicious. I don’t wanna delve into anything too shady. I hope Arleaf’s alright. It sucks how she has to go peddle such dangerous medicine when she’s got such a cute face.

‘They do say that every rose has its thorn.’

Veno, if you could, I’d like you to disagree.

‘Is it not quite the cliché for a hero to fall into such trickery? Humans are but foolish beings after all.’

It’s not that I don’t get you, but I’d like for you to think of Arleaf as just beautiful. Anyway, I’ll reject her dad’s proposition.

“I don’t really need to, no. I’m just here to complete whatever quest that’s convenient for me.” “You’re downright cold. You know, if you get wrapped up in our business a little more, you can learn what’s behind that beautiful face of hers.” “Aren’t you treating your daughter like some kind of public hazard? What’s really going on with her?” “Can’t tell secrets. Heh heh heh heh.”

With that, I take my pay as is routine by now, and leave the apothecary.

From this point… I head to the tavern to enjoy a late lunch. As I entered the place, the owner of the tavern was just placing a new bounty list on the wall. I’d like to go bounty hunting too. It’s pretty good money if you have proof of the work you did.

It really gets your blood pumping, like fighting a boss. But right now, my priority is to get stronger. It would be foolish for me to plunge myself into something that dangerous. But like Veno says, even sighting a wanted person is important information, so I should keep an eye out. With a tankard in one hand, I scan over the bounty list.

“Hmm? Ah, aren’t you… Cohgray of the Swamps?”

What, am I famous already? Did the proprietress of the inn talk about me? But rather, Cohgray of the Swamps…

“What is Cohgray of the Swamps?” “Ah, you’ve been going to the swamp ever since you’ve arrived here, haven’t you? Because you’re Cohray and you go to the swamp every day, you’re Cohgray of the Swamps.”

That’s an awful nickname. You couldn’t have picked anything cooler for me? I mean, in fantasy or superhero settings, the characters always have some sort of nickname. So maybe it’s normal for a nickname to come from something so simple.

“…” “Hey, don’t worry about it. Being famous is good. Work gets easier too. Since you’re so familiar with the ins and outs of the swamp, you might get invited by other people to guide them.”

Huh? You mean it might be possible for me to make friends with other adventurers and to be invited for things? That gets me kinda excited. I guess it’s fine, but I’m also interested in what the owner of the tavern posted just now.

“Is that a new bounty list?” “That’s right. They’ve sent this one as a special delivery even to a village like this. Probably means that their country is desperate.”

I had to restrain myself from yelling out after reading what it said.

Human metamorphosed from a dragon, 30,000,000 lag reward Engaged in battle with the joint forces of crusaders from Saint Yggdra and a dragonslayer on the △th day of the ○th month. Be wary of its ability to breathe flames like hellfire and to call down thunder. It is believed to be a Fire Dragon or Thunder Dragon. The dragonslayer weakened the dragon by placing a curse on the dragon to transform it into human. Right as the dragonslayer was about to finish it off, the dragon used cunning magics to flee. This dragon is hiding in the form of a human, aiming to recover strength, and extremely dangerous. We request neighboring nations to aid in the suppression of this dragon. The dragonslayer is in hot pursuit. We wish for any helpful information regarding this matter!

There’s no facial composite or description about appearance on the wanted poster. But judging by the traits and skills, that’s got to be Veno. Funnily enough, they called their own Forced Possession Summoning a curse.

‘It is natural for humans to falsify things so that it sounds better, is it not?’ “A dragon that dangerous is hiding in one of the countries next door, eh? Even then… that reward would really strain the coffers. An eager adventurer looking to get rich quick would go searching for this, eh? Too bad he’s not here.”

For some reason, the owner exasperatedly grumbled.

‘I cannot believe they released a wanted bulletin in a mere three days. You ought to be real careful of this, aye?’

With the reward being a whole 30 million lag, isn’t that actually a monumental amount? Arms and armor are expensive, but even then, it doesn’t cost that much. Killing a dragon weakened and in the form a human pays 30 million… any adventurer blinded by greed will definitely get wind of this and come looking.

… yikes. They still don’t know what kind of dragon Veno is exactly, but if they knew that he’s a Poison Dragon, they might suspect me, a Poison-Wielder. We’ve got to try our best to peacefully and quietly release this spell.

‘It is possible that they could have magic that can detect our whereabouts. You ought to tread forward carefully.’

Whose fault do you think it is that I’m in this predicament? is what I wanted to say, but I guess it’s not entirely Veno’s fault. We’re the victims here, having been forcefully brought together by those bastards. Because of all that, I was feeling pretty anxious. I played it cool, finished my meal, and headed back to the inn.

Back at the inn, I look around in my room. It’s my fourth day in this alternate world… for some reason, coming back to this room already calms me down. It’s beginning to feel like my home. Do people usually get this attached just by staying for a few nights? When I look over at my mixing machine in the corner, I really do mistake this room as my own. Even though I keep telling myself to be ready to escape at any given moment… well, no point in kicking myself over it. I check my status to see what I’ve accomplished with the past three days.

Kogure Yukihisa Poison-Wielder Level 17 Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Synthesize Poison, Detect Poison, Poison Enchantment, Hunting Sense, Hunting Mastery I, Aiming Shot, Trap Mastery I, Call Fungus

No other skills were added from what I remember. However, there are more poisons I can make by Synthesize Poison.

Like Moderate Paralysis and Moderate Anesthesia. That, and also Weak Acid, Weak Silencing Poison, and Weak Hallucinogen. By applying the poison to my bolts with Poison Enchantment, I know that Paralysis and Hallucinogen have an effect. Paralysis is as the name suggests, it numbs my target. It makes them sluggish, numb, and prevents them from moving. It takes some time for the poison to kick in and it doesn’t change with condensed poison either.

The other one is the hallucinogen. It kicks in almost immediately, making the target dizzy and hallucinate. The hallucination scares them and—depending on the monster—causes them to run away or go berserk. Veno thinks it’s stupid ‘cause you can’t tailor it to do anything specifically.

Besides balls of poison, I can also make poisonous mist with Poison Release now. If I release it upwind, it should spread pretty far, but I have yet to test it out. It’d be dangerous if I carelessly use it though; it might even spread to the village.

Right now, I’ve been meaning to try out my Weak Mollifying Poison. It softens up the hide or scales of a monster’s protective layer. Unfortunately, as it is, it doesn’t do anything even if you dump it right on them. Furthermore, it doesn’t cope well with heat. One of its weak points is that it disappears once it heats up. I don’t have enough levels to condense it either, so it seems like it’s out of my reach at the moment. While it doesn’t take all that much time to create, I made quite a bit of it, so I gathered it in a bucket. I took some of the inedibly tough meat that they sell here in this village and marinated it for a bit in this mollifying poison. I plan to borrow the inn’s kitchen tonight for this experiment in poisoned steak grilling.

Putting all this poison talk behind us, I’ve gained the skill Hunting Mastery. Thanks to Veno and his advice, I earned this skill by practicing with my crossbow. Well, I’m pretty familiar with how the crossbow works now as well. Maybe because of that, I also have Aiming Shot… I focus on aiming and the bolt strikes with a little more power. This definitely seems like an active skill.

This skill uses a bit of mana. I thought a good way to fight a monster would be to dig a hole in the swamp, trap it, and kill. When I tried that out, I gained Trap Mastery. Did I try that out today? Once the poison kicks in, they quickly die. The condensed poison made with Poison Release seems to work well enough.

Ah, obviously, I haven’t poisoned any human beings yet. Actually, I’ve been fighting monsters deep in the swamp upfront and it was kinda tough. I retreated many times thanks to Veno warning me. Some monsters don’t care about the pools of poison and they charge straight in for me. I don’t think I’d be able to fight ones that can shoot me with magic. I still don’t feel like I’ve fully mastered the crossbow.

That’s why I use traps to fight. Just in case I need them, I tend to store up my spoils with storage magic… but Veno almost always deliciously feasts on them. I’ve still got a lot to work on, but it’s going pretty well, eh? As well, I tried theorizing the difference between Masteries and poison creation. You can practice your Masteries but I can create poisons without practice. This is the difference between something gained from training and something that’s inborn. Veno had said before: no matter how hard a snake works, a venomous bite is not something that can be learned. Since it’s something I’m inherently capable of, it has nothing to do with hard work. It’s likely something to do with me being a Poison-Wielder that I can wield poison. Not only is it convenient, it’s nothing to scoff at either.

‘Surprisingly, you have grown accustomed to it.’

Well, yeah. I was originally a basic code monkey. I thought I’d hate a job as physically demanding as an adventurer. I didn’t think I’d be as good as I am. With that said though, there are still many monsters that are above me and levelling in the dungeon and fighting monsters there seems tough. Not only because of that, I also have people hunting me down, so I want to get stronger… I realize that it’s considerably difficult fighting alone.

Veno’s protection has helped me out a lot, but when I encounter a bunch of monsters together, I still have to withdraw. A real-life example would be the pack of Zombie Dogs. My poison ineffective against them, so I had no hope of beating them head-on. I’m not strong; there are limits to what I can do alone. Even with me power levelling, it’s rough to fight in the pools of poison.

Hmm… it might be dangerous, but should I be a little braver and join a party? They even call me Cohgray of the Swamps. It shouldn’t be weird for me to find some adventuring buddies, fight monsters in the area, and to take a tiny share of the experience. It’s just that I’m 26 years old and I somehow feel like I should be an experienced adventure already. I worry that others will refuse to join me because of that.

Arleaf’s dad is probably… I dare say, in his thirties. And he’s got a daughter that old already. I’m afraid marriageable age here is different than the one in Japan. I don’t think I look that old, but… well, whatever. I think I’ll head to the swamp after a quick rest. Since I’m going to the swamp again today, I suddenly I realized that I have to dry my robe in the shade.

“There’s mold on it… what’s worse, there’s even mushrooms growing…”

I didn’t realize that there were mushrooms with red caps growing on the lining of my robe! It’s only been three days since I got it from Veno! I didn’t think it’d grow mold that quickly. It’s a huge shock to me, but… that can only mean that I’m filthy.

‘It is because you do not often air it out, is it not?’

I know. It’s because I jump into swamp water so much and hanging it out to dry is a pain. I’m also often in a damp place. It doesn’t matter how much of a Poison-Wielder I am, my clothes won’t be resistant to poison too, eh?

previously: /ch001/ /ch002/ /ch003/ /ch004/ /ch005/ /ch006/ /ch007/ /ch008/ /ch009/ /ch010/ /ch011/ /ch012/ /ch013/ /ch014/ /next/ (full list of translated chapters) (discussion thread) (support Average Translations on Patreon or Paypal)

[hero-tech-institute]

Faculty Profile: Mettaton EX

[src]

“* Well, hello there, darlings~! I see you’re desperate to enroll in my brand new theater course... How rude~. Luckily, I’ve been meaning to show it off here at HTI myself, so as thanks, I’ll give you students a handsome reward. I’ll make your last living moments... absolutely BEAUTIFUL~!

“* My name is Mettaton, and I am the idol that everyone craves from Toby Fox’s 2015 release, Undertale. Starting off as the creation of the inimitable if awkward Professor Alphys, I’ve since developed my own agenda and may or may not be a psychotic killer robot - whether or not that really is the case is something I’ll leave to your imagination~! The form I’ll be using for my latest drama curriculum is Mettaton EX, a human-like form which I’d been eager to show off during my climactic battle against the player character, Frisk, who I’m pretty sure was a little tired of my already inherent handsomeness as what Papyrus refers to as a ‘sexy rectangle’. My new body is also the one I’ll be using if you want to roleplay some of the more... questionable topics with me here on this blog - though if you would smooch a ghost, or a robot (I’m a bit of both, it’s a long story), then feel free... as long as it doesn’t involve any of those more inappropriate actions, of course~!

“* I honestly don’t know how old I am, but I’ve never once considered myself senile... About the worst that can happen to me over time would probably be my glorious body getting rusty and I think that can be fixed up without too much trouble. As for my height and weight, I’ve been estimated before at being 7′ tall; while a normal, healthy person of that height would probably be between 225 to 275 pounds, I’m pretty sure a robot like myself can be customized to be lighter or heavier than a similarly-sized person. Linearly scaling up from the 2016 Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot, which is 5'9" tall and 180 pounds, I’d say I’d top out at around 220 pounds, which is quite a bit lighter and more agile. The perfect build for some fabulous dance moves~!

“* Now, as you can tell from my dialogue, I’m a passionate, charismatic, and empathetic killer robot, though at the same time I can also be egotistic, theatrical, and unpredictable. Am I truly a deranged murder machine or just an actor who simply gets a little too in-character? I’ve been told that a lot of my fans have had a hard time distinguishing one for the other. But the upshot of that is that my audience adores me, for what’s not to love about a little bloodshed on live TV? I do admire people whose determination boosts the ratings for my shows, however, which is why I’ve become so attached to the human child who is the protagonist of my game of origin. Anyone with such a powerful resolve is truly a star in the making!

“* As expected from the star of the underground, my incredible talent in the performing arts was one of my best qualities during my transition to HTI, and while I do still perform for TV and entertainment, I’ve also settled quite comfortably into a cushy associate professor tenure in the Drama and Performing Arts program! People from all over the multiverse love me and my performances, but there are a few fans in particular whom I’ve become particularly attached to - including some from the Engineering department. Hiro Hamada is enthralled not by my dramatic flair, but by the fact that I’m a robot with a dramatic flair - where he comes from, the very best artificial intelligence programs haven’t even come close to my charming personality, and he’s visited me many times not only to learn the fine art of being a star - a hero, as it were - but also how I grew far past what Alphys had intended of me. Ruby Rose is likewise obsessed with weapons, and I’ve basked in the praise she’s given to a lot of my more... hazardous functionalities, and has in turned entertained me plenty with her own enthusiastic personality. Another more surprising source of companionship is Ben Tennyson from the Aeronautics program - he’s had some difficulty adjusting to being in college, but we’ve exchanged advice about dealing with our respective states in life, not to mention that he’s got a bit of a fondness for rather advanced otherworldly technology. Perhaps in time he may even learn to use the Omnitrix to copy my beautiful, glorious form, though I’ve warned him before that if he rips off my style with that achievement, he’s got another thing coming!

“* The mun behind this multimuse blog used to run an RP sideblog specifically for me, but @photoopswithakillerrobot is pretty much DOA nowadays and has become more or less an art gallery showcasing my fabulousness and fan-depictions thereof. If you want to RP with me either in the original context of Undertale or in the HTI universe, it’d probably be best to redirect your questions to this blog instead, since I’m moving all RP activity here from now on. Whatever the case, I look forward to getting to reconnect to my wonderful audience once again in the days to come, both here at HTI and in the setting I originally hailed from. Knock ‘em dead, darlings~!”

[cheemers-writing-archive]

Crusader of Life: Chapter 16

“It’s already time,” you muttered under your breath. “It’s time to face Dio.”

“Hey,” Polnareff squinted his eyes, “doesn’t that figure look like it’s coming closer?”

“You’re right, it does,” Joesph said. “And it kind of looks like it’s human.”

Soon, the figure, which most certainly was a human, had floated its way to your group.

“Welcome, Joestar and company,” the man bowed. “I am the butler of this mansion. My name is Terrence T. D’arby.”

“D’arby?” Jotaro asked. “Are you related to the other D’arby we’ve fought?”

“Actually, I’m his younger brother,” Terrence said. “But I don’t hold a grudge against any of you for defeating him. However, Lord Dio has told me to finish you off, so I must do that for him.”

“Wonderful,” you muttered. This guy looked pretty weak, Jotaro could take him on easily.

Speaking of which, it looked like he had the same idea as you. Walking up, Jotaro summoned Star Platinum, but then Terrence spoke again.

“Before you punch me, I predict you’ll hit me with your right fist. Am I correct?”

Without saying anything, Star Platinum used his left fist instead, but Terrence still dodged out of the way, grabbed it with his Stand, and pulled him into an opening in the floor with him.

“Jotaro!” Joseph and Kakyoin used their Stands to latch onto his feet, but were pulled in, as well. Quickly, you grabbed Kakyoin, but it proved futile as you toppled over into the opening just before it closed off.

“Ugh…” you slowly got up after falling down on your face. “I think I got a concussion.”

“Welcome to my little sanctuary,” Terrence said, gesturing to the seemingly wide open area. “I hope you enjoy it here.”

“So,” you asked, “does the soul-collecting business run in the family, or is it just your brother that’s the heartless monster?”

“I thought you’d never ask,” Terrence laughed. “Yes, I do collect souls, although my collection isn’t as big as my brother’s, as I don’t believe in cheating to win. Plus, I think you’ll find mine is a bit more… personal than his, as well.” He opened up a cabinet, and about a dozen little dolls were in there. “I make these dolls myself, you know, each one hand-crafted.”

“Wait,” Kakyoin shivered, “I thought I saw one… move.”

You all looked closely, and noticed one move, as well. “D’arby…” it spoke, “D’arby… please speak to me…”

Soon after, every doll joined in, calling out for the man who had made them this way in the first place.

“Yes, I do allow the dolls to talk, too,” Terrence answered the unasked question. “I love hearing the stories of the souls I’ve collected.”

“Jotaro,” Joseph told his grandson, “I’d get rid of this guy now, before we have to win back any souls.”

“Oh, no, no, not so fast, Mr. Joestar,” Terrence warned. “After all, I’ve already attached my Stand’s arm to his. If he kills me, then poof!” He made little jazz hand motions. “His arm is gone. It would be pretty hard to go up against Lord Dio with only one arm, wouldn’t it?”

Jotaro looked at his arm, and sighed. “Fine. I’ll gamble with you,” he said.

“Oh, but I don’t want you to gamble with me first,” Terrence replied. “Also, not gambling, playing. Anyway, I’d rather Kakyoin or (Y/N) come up and play first.”

“I’ll go!” you shouted before Kakyoin could say a word. After all, you saw that Terrence had a game console, and you couldn’t wait to show him your skill.

“(Y/N),” Kakyoin reached out his hand, “no, I can’t let you-“

“I’ll wager my soul!”

“(Y/N), no!”

“It’s too late, Kakyoin,” Terrence shrugged, “she’s already spoken. Now, which game would you like to play?”

You picked up a Street Fighter cartridge. “We’ll play this.”

“So, you’ve chosen Street Fighter?” Terrence chuckled. “I should let you know, I’m pretty good. And I’m very eager to add you to my collection.” He gestured to a doll on the table that looked like a cartoon version of you, with big, googly eyes, long eyebrows, and enhanced lips.

You gulped. “I’ve gotten really good, myself,” you replied, trying to mask your fear. “In fact, I learned my first combo the day before we left for Egypt.”

Terrence hid his mouth. Was… was that laughter? Oh, he thought you were making this all up. It was time to show him you weren’t messing around. You booted up the game, and both of you chose your characters.

“Ryu,” Terrence said.

“Ken,” you said back.

Then, the fight started. You went in for the combo starter, but Terrence blocked you, and then started a combo of his own. By the time he was done, you had almost no health left. You were a little stressed, but you trusted yourself. In fact, you were able to start your combo, as well, which didn’t do as much, but still took out more than half of Terrence’s health. Just once more, and you could win. Of course, one more from Terrence, and it’d be over for you, too. He tried hitting you. You blocked. You tried hitting him. He blocked. It went on for a while like this, you getting more tense each time.

“I’ve never met someone who’s been able to play with such a clear mind,” Terrence praised.

“Yeah, well, over a year of practice will do that to you,” you replied, humbled but not losing focus. All the while, Kakyoin was hovering over your shoulder like a fly, and Jotaro was pulling him back to give you room to breathe.

You hit.

He blocked.

He hit.

You blocked.

He hit again, and you were completely unprepared. Then, in the blink of an eye, the screen read, “Ryu wins!”

“Time to pay up,” Terrence said.

“(Y/N)!” the others shouted.

The feeling of your soul being forcefully pulled out of your body was extremely weird. You felt something… then you didn’t. Your spirited body didn’t have nerves, and, therefore, nothing to feel things with. Luckily, that made it very painless. However, your soul being compacted to fit in a little doll was much more painful. But, eventually, the compacting stopped, and you could feel yourself in a little fabric body.

Terrence picked you up and started stroking your hair. “She makes such a lovely doll,” he laughed, then made eye contact with Kakyoin, who tensed up more and more each time Terrence pet you. “Don’t you think so, too, Kakyoin?”

“Okay, I’ll play with you,” Kakyoin said without hesitation. “And I’ll wager my soul.”

“Good, good,” Terrence said, then set you down. “Then choose your game.”

You would have loved to cheer Kakyoin on, but you decided to try and escape while Terrence was occupied. Unfortunately, standing up in your little doll feet was very hard, and you had to army crawl across the table to get close enough for Joesph to notice you. Frantically, you waved at him, and he used Hermit Purple to drag you towards him.

“Please,” you begged quietly, “hide me from him. I’m scared.”

“Jotaro,” Joseph whispered. “Take (Y/N).”

“Why me?” Jotaro groaned.

“Because you’re the last person Terrence will think of when looking for his missing doll.”

“Good grief,” Jotaro muttered, then took you and put you in one of his inner pockets.

It was surprisingly super comfortable in Jotaro’s pocket, even if the circumstances weren’t ideal. But you did want to see how Kakyoin was doing playing F-Mega. From what you heard, it was a pretty fun game. And it seemed like Kakyoin had a hold on things, meaning he’d played this before. Hesitantly, you peeked your head out, but Jotaro shoved you back in.

“We don’t want there to be any chance Terrence sees you, y’know,” Jotaro explained. “I’ll tell you how things go.”

Nodding your head, you stayed in his pocket.

You didn’t hear much from the conversations, but you could hear the tenseness in everyone’s tone. You picked up a few words, though, like, “You’re not making any mental mistakes,” or, “I-it’s completely dark! How do you know where to drive?” Sounded like Kakyoin had everything under control.

That is, until the two Joestars started shouting.

“Kakyoin!” Jotaro moved very quickly, making his pocket thrash around. “He… he took Kakyoin’s soul!”

“I’ll cherish this doll even more than the others,” Terrence said, “because he didn’t make any mental mistakes… where’s (Y/N)?”

“What do you mean?” Joesph asked.

“I know you have her,” Terrence accused. “Where is she?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Joseph snickered. Come on, Mr. Joestar. Now’s not the time to be messing around. Luckily, Terrence thought you were in Joseph’s pocket, so he patted him down first.

“I’ll ask again,” Terrence growled. “Where is (Y/N)? She was just here a moment ago, she couldn’t have gone far, which means one of you have her stored away somewhere.” You heard footsteps coming closer to Jotaro, then the summoning of a Stand.

“Oh, but you must remember,” Terrence advised, “if I so much as slip on a banana peel, your two friends are gone.”

The Stand was desummoned.

“Good, good,” Terrence chuckled. The pats from Jotaro’s clothing were getting ever closer, until Terrence stopped after his first pat where you were. He patted again. You felt a hand come and pick you up, and get you out of the pocket.

“Trying to run away, are we?” Terrence looked right into your beady little eyes with a smirk on his face, sending chills down your spine. “Not on my watch.” He put you right next to Kakyoin, then covered you with a tiny, see-through box, and added a few coins above to add some weight. “There,” he said happily. “Now you’ll stay put.” He then went to talk to Jotaro and Joesph about something. Probably saving you two.

“I’m sorry,” Kakyoin sighed. “I almost had him, too.”

“Don’t be sorry,” you reassured him. “After all, from what I heard, you did really well. And it’s not your fault that I suck at Street Fighter.”

“You don’t suck,” Kakyoin consoled. “You did amazing.”

“Yeah, well, not good enough to save myself,” you mumbled, “or anyone else.”

“Enough about what we can’t change,” Kakyoin quickly changed the subject, “let’s see how Jotaro is doing. I heard he chose a baseball game.”

The two of you crowded to the side of the box, and peered through.

“Jotaro…” Joseph stuttered, “have you ever played this game, no, ANY videogame? At ALL?”

“So, what?” Jotaro nonchalantly replied. “I’ve played real baseball before. This should be pretty much the same thing.”

“Jotaro, my soul is on the line, too, you know!” Joseph shot back.

Your heart sank, eyes widening. You turned your head to Kakyoin, who’s expression was just the same as yours.

“We’re done for,” you simultaneously spoke.

“I just want you to know,” Terrence said, “that even if you’re truly an amateur, and not just messing with me to fool me, I want lower my guard. Even if a baby has bet their soul, I will give it my all to defeat them.”

“We’re dead,” you whispered, shoving your face into the new little nubs that used to be hands. “We’re so dead.”

“That’s alright,” Jotaro shrugged. “After all, I’ve pretty much learned how to bat now.”

“Wh-what?” Terrence looked Jotaro in the eye.

“You heard me,” Jotaro answered him. Then you heard the words “Home Run!” come from the TV they were using.

“Ha! Home run!” Joseph started getting in Terrence’s face. “Home run! Jotaro got a home run!”

“We… we might not be dead just yet,” Kakyoin told you.

“What do you mean, you pretty much learned, Jotaro?” Terrence glared into his eyes, fists clenched.

“You just saw what I meant, didn’t you?” Jotaro said. You could see Terrence trying to shake it off, but he definitely couldn’t. Another throw, and another “Home Run!” from the announcer.

“He got another!” Joseph laughed. “You know, if you give us Kakyoin and (Y/N)’s souls right now, and just quit the game, then I’ll get Jotaro to spare you, and you won’t have to feel the wrath of Star Platinum.”

Terrence tensed up a little bit, but quickly relaxed again, with a little smirk.

“My brother was a wonderful gambler,” he said. “He could win any game with any type of person. But he never offered to play a game of poker with me. Do you know why that is?”

“Just what are you getting at, D’arby?” Joseph growled.

“It’s because he knew I would never lose,” Terrence finished. “He knew, due to my ability, that I wouldn’t lose a single match against anyone.”

You started to tense up. Well, you would, but fabric isn’t the best for that sort of stuff.

“For my next move, I’ll declare my pitch,” Terrence stated. “A forkball down the middle.”

“What kind of idiot tells the person what pitch they’re throwing?” you muttered.

“Well, Jotaro?” Terrence looked him in the eye. “Do you believe me?”

“There’s some sort of trick to this,” Kakyoin whispered to you.

The ball was thrown. You couldn’t see the screen, but you definitely heard the “Out!”

“He knew that I was predicting a forkball, and changed it last minute!” Jotaro exclaimed.

“Precisely,” Terrence replied. “And now we’re changing places, meaning you’ll be pitching, and I’ll be batting.”

You were biting down on your cloth nubs, heart racing.

As Jotaro was getting ready to throw the ball, Terrence bombarded him with questions, which Jotaro didn’t answer. Still, when he went for the throw, Terrence hit it straight on. “Home run!” the announcer said.

“Now I truly know something’s up,” Jotaro said. “I threw that ball purposely the wrong way, and he still hit it straight on.”

“I told you,” Terrence laughed, “my Stand’s ability is undefeatable.”

Jotaro lifted off his hat, and set it down on the TV set.

“It’s not that he’s reading your eyes, Jotaro,” Joseph told him. “I’ve been watching him. Placing your hat in front of your face won’t help.”

“That wasn’t my goal,” Jotaro replied. “I was just sweating a lot, so I took off my hat to cool off a bit. Plus, I know for sure I’m going to win. I’m going to declare my next throw.”

“Is he stupid?” you asked Kakyoin. Because of the little glass box, nobody could hear you two talk to each other.

“Wait,” Kakyoin gasped, “look at Jotaro’s controller!”

You did, and noticed some purple thorns emerging from them.

“(Y/N),” Kakyoin said, “I think we’re getting out of here alive.”

“I think you’re right,” you laughed in disbelief. “We won’t be here forever.”

“You’re cheating! You have to be cheating!” Terrence was dripping in sweat. “Did you rig the game? Rig the controller? I know! It’s your hat! You’re using your hat to cheat!”

“Let’s get back to playing, shall we?”

Terrence’s heart was thumping so hard you could feel it from here, and when you heard another “Home run!” you felt your soul being lifted from the doll and returned to your regular body.

“Kakyoin and (Y/N)’s souls have returned!” Joseph exclaimed.

“No! I-I-I-I didn’t admit defeat!” Terrence was scrambling backwards.

“(Y/N),” Jotaro was looking down at your slowly awakening body. “Remember how good it felt when you punched Alessi when you were back to your normal age?”

“Yeah,” you answered. “Why?”

“Why don’t you land the first punch on D’arby here, and I’ll take care of the rest?”

You approached Terrence, who looked at you with a smug expression. “You’re really going to try that? I can dodge your attacks with ease.”

“I’m just gonna tell you right now, I’ll punch with my left fist,” you smirked.

“Are you telling the truth?”

For some reason, you could hear your voice faintly saying “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!” You didn’t think too much of it. You swung your left fist, and Terrence moved his head to the right, dodging the hit. That’s where your other fist came in handy. While his head was still moved over to the right side, you landed an uppercut with your right fist.

“Ha!” You pumped your chest. “You were outplayed twice today! How does that feel?”

“That barely even hurt,” Terrence chuckled, rubbing his jaw.

“But you know what will hurt?”

Terrence’s pupils shrunk as Jotaro’s voice came up behind you.

“Have fun,” you taunted, getting out of the way and going to check on Kakyoin.

“Nice mix-up,” he laughed.

“Thanks,” you beamed.

“Alright,” Joseph helped Kakyoin up from the chair. “Let’s go find the others. They’re bound to be somewhere in this mansion, after all.”

After scavenging the mansion for a little bit, and finding the last of Dio’s minions along the way, you had finally found one of your teammates.

“Polnareff!” Joseph called out. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, thanks,” he answered, breathing heavily. “Just a little scratched up, but nothing too bad.”

“That’s a relief,” you said. “So long as I can get you and the others healed up easily, you should be raring to go.”

“Right, the others…” Polnareff’s voice suddenly became dark and grim. “You… you don’t need to heal them, (Y/N).”

Although you knew what the answer was going to be, you still asked, trying to hide the shakiness in your voice. “Wh-what do you mean, I don’t need to heal them?” Your lip was trembling already, and you could feel the tears wanting to escape.

“I mean…” even Polnareff had a hard time forcing the words out of his mouth. “Avdol and Iggy… they’re gone. They died.”

That was it. Your tears reached the breaking point, and you collapsed to the ground. “No!” you wailed. “No, I should’ve been there!”

“It wasn’t your fault, (Y/N),” Polnareff consoled you. His voice was wavering almost as much as yours. “Circumstances happen that nobody can predict. And even then, Avdol died instantly, there would be no way for you to save him.”

You knew what he was saying was true, but your heart wouldn’t stop calling for them to come back. Still, it was only met with sorrow and grief. Even if it wasn’t your fault your friends died, the fact was that they still did. You would never get to see them again.

“Avdol,” you sniffled, “Iggy. Please, answer me.”

But you were only met with the cries of the others.