#and you know why last one is eclipse? you can guess

[echantedtoon]

Obsession 憑 Ch54

Tagging: @lavenderdropp @supernovacoffeestop @gilded-sunrays @crescent-blades @yumakutagawa @kksmush @rjasmin2021 @ameyarain @daisy-is-gone @thotfulwriter @yimmy-homebase-world11

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(Warning for mentioning of Y/n's wounds and treatment. I don't know Kokushibo's wife's real name but Haruhime is pretty popular for fans to call her so I'll use that name.)

                                                                                    Part 7 Eclipse 

The amount of time that it took between Yoriichi leaving and Shinobi coming in was a blur. She didn't say much. She asked you to sit up slowly and with help from Mitsuri.managed to get you to sit on your bottom with the dull stabbing pain down your back. She then gently had you remove the loose comfy shirt someone had dressed you in to peer at your back.

She hummed. "It's not as bad as everyone thought. You're recovery process will be a bit delayed but it's not too serious and this time it might fully heal without any future complications!"

You rolled your eyes with a hiss. "Gee. Thank goodness someone pushing me into a hot springs didn't kill me. I'm so lucky."

"You ARE lucky. If Prince Michikatsu hadn't dove in to save you, you would've drowned."

"Oh. One of the crazy men holding me hostage here spared me again. How lovely." Both women exchanged looks. "Where is he anyways?"

"He's explaining the incident to Lord Tsugikuni over lunch. I don't know what mood he'll be in once he comes back however he seemed to be calmer than before. So I say take that as a good sign. How do you feel?"

"My back is killing me."

"I'll give you some herbal tea that should help numb the pain! For now just lay on your stomach to avoid agitating the wound. At least until you heal up enough."

"Thank you. I mean it. I appreciate it a lot."

Both ladies smiled at you. It was almost peaceful when you were given very bitter tasting tea to drink as it contained pain numbing herbs, before they helped you lay back down and get back into the comfortable warm soft bed. It wasn't too long before you fell back asleep feeling tired once more.

You weren't sure how long you were asleep for but when you closed your eyes snow fell.

The snow looked beautiful today.

The soft snowflakes coming down from the skies fluttering and falling from the dark clouds but there was still enough light peeking out of the silver clouds to allow her to see what was in the sky. Like little shiny diamonds shining in the sunlight and sparkling in the sky on the way down until they joined the ground where they joined the white blanket covering the earth that sparkled more than a thousand strands of studded silk.

Her eyes scanned the beauty before her shivering as the wind blew the cold winter air across her body and dusting her with the sparkling snowflakes.

"Nii-san!"

Her head turned. Standing there was a young boy small but yet resembled her so much. Takeo stood there blinking up at you with a curious tilt of his head probably wondering why his big sister was outside in the cold winter morning.

"What are you doing outside?" Those red eyes looked down at one of her younger brothers. Approaching footsteps echoed throughout the back deck as he approached her. Takeo gazed up at her with a curious face. Stopping just in front of her. "It's cold outside."

"I know but the snow is beautiful." Her head turned back on the environment around them. "It's so peaceful. As pure as the heavens yet it can cause much damage by becoming a blizzard. Snow really is an interesting thing. Do you not agree?"

He looked at the scenery scrunching up his face before scratching his head in confusion. "I guess so but it's too cold out, Y/n. Ma's gonna be really upset if you get sick. She's already worried about Father mining in the cold."

A sigh left your mouth. "I know." Lips frowned down at the reminder of the way your father was so fragile yet still was so strong. But how long would it last? "Where is she?"

He pointed back towards the open door just as Hanako ran by giggling at some game. "She's cooking breakfast! Come eat before Tanjiro eats it all again."

A laugh escaped your mouth as you stood up with a shiver from the cold. "Alright. Hopefully he hasn't accidentally eaten Father's portion right?"

Takeo giggled before reaching out further towards the side of the house. "Knock on wood!"

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

You weren't sure what time it was but when you woke it wasn't to cold. But warmth and softness. Red eyes blinked as your head lifted with a snort groggily blinking at nothing with messy bed head hanging down your face. Slowly blinking you looked around, quickly noticing that the room wasn't your house but the prison cell that was the palace bedroom again. No family to comfort you.

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

With a frown your head turned to the door with narrowed eyes quickly deducing that was the cause for your disturbance. "Who is it?"

"It's me," Yoriichi's voice calmly called out from behind the door.

"What do you want now?!", you barked annoyed. You were REALLY tired of these people!

"I wanted to talk to you before Lady Shinobu looked over you again." His calm voice softly pleaded from the other side. "Won't you please let me come in? I brought you lunch."

Your brows rose. "...Lunch?"

"When you fell asleep yesterday you slept all through the night and this morning. Lady Shinobu said your month of mistreatment took a toll on your body. Look. I understand that you hate me and...you ..have every right to be. I understand that you don't want to forgive me and I won't ask you too." Your eyes widened at his words. "All I ask is that you hear me out and just talk. That's all."

Yoriichi...wanted to talk? Really? NOW he wanted to talk after everything that he and his brother pulled in the past?!

Your frown turned into a scowl at the door. "You have got a LOT of nerve asking to talk now after you destroyed my town and kidnapped me!!" No answer came back from the other side. "You could've talked to me at any point in time and you chose NOW to do it?! Absolutely not!! I'm not interested in hearing about how much you want to marry me again! Or how much you 'love me'! Or any other fake ass logic you pulled out of your ass!"

There was again silence for a long while before a tired sigh replied. "I'm not here to talk you INTO something. I'm here to talk to you about something."

"What's the difference?! Makes no difference to the situation!"

"Actually it does."

"How?!"

"I'm here now because I was just in a marriage interview with someone else." You blinked. "I wanted to discuss this with you over breakfast but she arrived earlier than expected. That's what I'm here to talk about. Brother and I....we-we're going to accept the marriage Father arranged for us."

A glass breaking sound went off in your mind as the silence resumed once more as you laid there staring at the door in shock.

Yoriichi. The man who was as relentless as his brother to find you and bring you back, and spent the first few days seeing you declaring his love every few hours. Was getting MARRIED?! And Michikatsu?!...You didn't believe him.

"I don't believe you."

"I know. I didn't expect you to. But ..can we still talk?"

You sighed rolling your eyes. He really wasn't gonna give up until he spoke huh? Whatever. You wouldn't be manipulated by him and your stomach growled in hunger. You'd entertain the crazy man just this once.

"Fine. But don't try anything. I still know how to defend myself with bare hands if need be."

Their pregnant silence continued once again as narrowed red eyes stared at the door. Eventually there was some fiddling sounds on the other side before the outside guard stationed to protect you skid open the door to reveal none other than Yoriichi. He now looked how he normally did with his hair tied up and a tray in his hands. Upon the tray was a bowl and cup from what you could see from the angle you had. He thanked the guard before stepping inside, door sliding behind him as he stared at you. For a moment there was nothing but you staring until your stomach growled again registering the smells of cooked rice, beef, and green tea.

"Haha. It sounds like you're hungry. Here." You said nothing as he walked on over and slowly placed the tray down on the floor. Oh. It was everything you smelt. A bowl of rice, and a slab of meat. A cup of tea next to it. "Let me help you up into a sitting position." You again scowled t him which made him hold up his hands. "Just to help you sit up. Please? It'll be easier for you to eat then."

"...Keep your hands where I can see them or else!"

He did. Pulling the blanket off you before gently helping you up as you hissed in pain before sitting in a crossed legged position. The tray placed in your lap. You examined it thoroughly before daring to pick up the chopsticks and satisfying your stomach's demands. There was more silence as you ate. It wasn't anything fancy. Plain white rice and cooked beef, but compared to the past month of eating nothing but soup for your meals it was like the sweetest honey. Yoriichi silently just watched as you ate, making himself at home sitting down across from you but far enough away for you to be comfortable. He said nothing until you were halfway through your bowl to speak.

"I hope it tastes good. It was the only thing Father permitted us to bring you."

You huffed rolling your eyes. "Is he mad at me again?"

"I kept your name out of it. He only knows that some maids got into a fight. The punishment I gave to all of the maids was enough to satisfy him."

You stopped to stare at him. "...What kind of 'punishment' did you give them?"

"No food or proper bedding for three days. They still have two more days to go." Although...he left out the part where Michikatsu.. punished the sisters. He still hasn't seen any sight of them.

"It's cruel to keep food from them."

"And it's cruel to bully you. Assault you. Almost KILL you."

You didn't comment on that. Only turning back to continue eating. "What exactly are you here for again?"

"Oh yes. Thank you for reminding me." His look turned serious as he looked you in the eyes. "Earlier today Uta came to see me."

Uta? That name doesn't ring a bell. You've never heard of her before. "Who's she?"

"She's from a successful farmer from one of Muzan's territories." He frowned slightly just mentioning the scumbag's name. "Her position isn't very high, but Father thinks a marriage between someone from both our territories will strengthen bonds between them. I've come here to officially tell you that I plan on accepting the marriage."

There was again silence as you stared at him looking up and down. Was he bluffing? Trying to insight some kind of jealousy or anger from you? Was he trying to entice you to beg him to be with you instead with this news fake or not? He was definitely crazy enough.

"... Congratulations. I'm happy you're finally coming to your senses and moving on." You looked back to your food after sarcastically muttering to him. "Sure took you long enough. Sure you both basically took over my town, wouldn't leave me alone, and kidnapped me away from my family- But better late than never right?"

"I expected this kind of reaction from you."

"Well what WERE you expecting?" You pointed a piece of beef at him. "That I'd immediately throw myself at your feet begging you to marry me right then and there?"

"No..I was expecting your suspicion and sarcasm," he admitted with a sad sigh. "I just wanted to inform you of it."

"What's the point of doing that? So both of you will be getting married then. Now I'll be partially free of you both." You shoved the beef into your mouth. "Anything else, Your Highness?"

His eyes widened slightly but his expression still remained somber. "Yes, actually. I know I hurt you in ways that I shouldn't have, and for that I do apologize and I am sorry. But I also know you'll probably never forgive me." Her look told him he got that right. "I very much wish that I could help you but as long as my father is alive, I can't do anything for your stay here."

"What is your point in all of this?"

"I've gotten rid of your debt. Your debt has now been added onto the remaining maids. They'll have to work it off." You choked on the beef in your throat. "Furthermore I'll be taking you out of the service with the other maids. Your placement will be decided once I discuss it with my brother."

You coughed and cough and coughed pounding on your chest until you were able to croak out a word. "WHAT?! WHY?!"

"To ensure your safety."

"Uh..How about no?" You deadpanned looked at him. "I agreed to work off to atone for my 'crimes' and to repay my debts! I did it to get away from both of you! Did you forget that?"

"I know that. Believe me if I could I'd grant you that freedom buy I can't. Only Father holds that power until he dies."

"Then why do this?"

"Because I do love you-"

"YOU DON'T HAVE LOVE FOR ME!!" The room echoed with your angry voice. Rage igniting with your body at him. You knew it. Nothing but another love confession. "YOU NEVER LOVED ME BECAUSE IF YOU DID I WOULDN'T BE HERE!! WHAT YOU HAVE IS JUST FASCINATION BECAUSE YOU U LATCHED ONTO ME! IT'S EXACTLY AS I SAID!! IF YOU-"

A warmth suddenly placed itself over your mouth stopping you from talking. The sudden motion making you shocked and paused long enough to get him to speak again.

"Love something then let it go," he calmly stated before slowly removing his hand from your soft face. "And I wish I could. I would let you flee in a heartbeat but unfortunately I can't do that. Not out of feelings but because it's not within my power. However what I can do is to limit your exposure to danger. My presence will do that."

...You slowly blinked looking at him again. "...Why? Why are you doing this?"

"Because..When I share a room with you, I'm in a temple." He leaned closer. "When you speak I hear angels singing. When you walk side by side with me, I walk the path of heaven. And when you smile..I am happy."

Red eyes widened as the soft feeling of warmth presses against your forehead for nothing but a second before he immediately backed away and stood up. Looking at you. Mix of hurt, longing, want, and guilt in his eyes.

"I'll be informing my father that I've accepted the engagement with Ms. Uta. With any luck he'll be in such a good mood that I might be able to convince him to let you go. Until then Shinobu will tend to you. I leave you in her capable hands."

You didn't react to him when he left. The door opening and closing behind him as he left, leaving you to sit there in the empty room all alone with half eaten food in your lap. The silence still continued until a rush of realization hit you hard.

The guard outside jumped as a woman's frustrated screech cascaded out.

******************

You were loosing count of days which was bad.

A routine of yours fell into place while you stayed there. Twice a day Shinobu would come in, sometimes with Mitsuri sometimes not, and would treat and dress your wounds twice a day. Once in the morning and once more before sundown. You'd then just basically sit down in your room all day doing nothing but stare at the ceiling and move around to get your body used to moving again despite the physical pain.

You suffered worse during the war. You could handle this. The pain lessoned with each day anyways thanks to Shinobu's treatment. Twice a day you'd be delivered food by confused looking guards wondering why they were delivering food to an injured maid but knowing that it was probably the princes that ordered them, their fear of him meant they didn't question anything. Whatever. You didn't mind. After months of nothing but a poor excuse of vegetable stew to eat, you'd happily take rice and beef.

Once you got curious and tried to leave your room. You had just opened the door but you hadn't even been able to step a foot out when a guard right outside the door pulled out his sword to block the way by holding up the sharp weapon diagonally across the doorway.

"Prince Michikatsu has ordered you to stay inside until he sees fit," was his only answer to you. "Get back inside."

Great. You couldn't even step out of your own room either. A prisoner all over again. Shinobu had no idea either, just there to do her normal duty of bandaging you up again. But she at least had good news.

"You're almost fully healed! You'll be better in no time!"

That was one good thing at least. When you finally got out the guard was already waiting for you. You wanted to see if you could possibly sneak out one day while everyone was sleepy in the early morning. So carefully you opened the door only to freeze as an armed guard stood right there in front of you face to face. He also seemed surprised when you just opened the door and for a few seconds you both silently stared at one another. Until he cleared his throat looking stern again.

"The princes have ordered me to take you to the grand hall. Follow me and do not resist."

Yoriichi and Michikatsu wanted to see you after all this time? Why? What could those two possibly want with you this time? ...Well there was no use in fighting it you guessed. Without a word from either of you, you just obediently stepped out and followed him through the halls towards the grand hall. From what you came to know from your time as a maid that the grand hall was where the royal family usually ate, hosted important meetings and ceremonies, and conducted business with important figures as well as serving as the Emperor's throne room. Wonder what kind of 'meeting' they were planning.

As you both walked you noticed something. The maids that you had usually seen walking around doing jobs around the large estate were looking at you. Some gave you looks of hatred which you returned and others looked away from you looking pale. Ah. Most likely Yoriichi's punishment had caused quite a fear amongst them all. Because now they knew one thing, if they tried anything like that again...Well Yoriichi might not be as merciful as last time or worse, Michikatsu might catch wind of it and...Well...The older prince was less likely to spare mercy. A quick death or hard labor if they're lucky. You did feel bad a bit, couldn't help but feel a bit bad, but in the end they shouldn't have been so cruel to you. Hopefully no other poor girl in the future will have to experience what you went through.

You both eventually stopped by the sliding door leading into the grand hall to which the guard slid right open before bowing. "Your highnesses, the girl you requested is here."

You didn't bother bowing instead looking in and being taken aback by not one, not two, not even three but FOUR figures in the room. Two was obviously the twins who's eyes visibly lit up upon seeing you but you ignored them in favor of looking at the other figures standing there with them. It was more women.

Very beautiful women.

Both looked around the same age and height with long black hair. The only difference was their faces and outfits. The lady next to Yoriichi was smiling widely and had big round eyes meanwhile the woman to Michikatsu's side was more calm and regarded you with a neutrality. Both wore flower printed dresses however the woman to the right wore an almost all orange dress and white head cloth the woman to the left wore a very intricate blue silk kimono. Obviously one was a mere  commoner while the other was either nobility or from a wealthy family at the very least. 

"Y/n." Your body flinched being addressed by Yoriichi as beckoned for you to come in. "Please come in. We have someone we'd like you to meet." You hesitated raising a brow looking between them before slowly walking in and cautiously approaching them. "You may leave." He waved off the guard whom quickly dispersed before kindly gesturing to the woman next to him. "Y/n, this is Uta. She's going to be staying with us until the marriage ceremony."

Marriage ceremony?! Your red eyes turned back to the other woman smiling at you. Holy Buddha. He was really serious about this whole marriage thing wasn't he? You had doubted he was telling the truth but it looked like you were wrong..But you were still going to keep your guard up around him.

Biting the sword you stiffly bowed to her(not him-) in greeting. "It's..a pleasure to meet you, Lady Uta."

You heard giggling above you and felt slightly embarrassed as the giggling lady waved a hand at you and the other covering her mouth. "Lady? Me? Everyone has just been so nice to me here. I'm really not that important."

Yoriichi immediately did something that surprised you. Immediately he grabbed her hand and held it up to his mouth and to your UTTER SHOCK, he kissed her hand. Looking at her in genuine adoration and...love?? "You'll soon be a lady either way. It's only right that they treat you with the respect that you deserve, My Love."

You stood there bent over bowing stunned, eyes wide open and jaw slightly agape. Yoriichi just...kissed her. Yoriichi KISSED someone that wasn't YOU. Uta as she was called, giggled an honestly cute high pitched giggle, clutching her reddening face but you were too in shock to really comprehend what was going on. Only being able to stare at Yoriichi and Ut- The sounds of a throat clearing had you jump up started, head turning to the one who wanted your attention. Finding Michikatsu standing there staring down at you intently and eerily calm before his hand slowly gestured to the woman who you just now realized was holding his arm.

"May I present Lady Haruhime. You may have seen her during banquets with other ladies of the court."

No. You definitely hadn't because you never went to court banquets or worked them during your time as a man or soldier. You had no idea who this woman was..but rather than argue with anyone, you bowed again(to HER not him) politely gritting your teeth. "Of course. How could I not recognize her? It's a pleasure to meet you in person, My Lady."

She was silent regarding you up and down for a few seconds before speaking. "The pleasure is mine." 

"Her father is my father's court Minister of Treasury and thus has been promised to me since birth. She'll become my wife within the year, so be sure to treat her with respect," he spoke bluntly as if he was just speaking to any other servant.

His way of speaking to you was surprising as any other time he had spoken with an adoring look to you but his eyes and tone lacked that obsession now. Perhaps it was really true? Perhaps they had really moved on from you finally and turned their obsession to someone else. If that was true..A hopeful and relieved feeling shot down your spine and you felt a little bit bad for the ladies...But perhaps fate had finally spared you from the misery at last.  But that still raised the question-

"May I ask why your highnesses have called me here?," you asked slowly and carefully. 

Yoriichi gained a realization look. "Oh yes. Thank you for reminding us. While Lady Haruhime and Uta stays with us, we'd like you to act as their personal lady in waiting until we can arrange some interviews to find someone more suitable for that position. We don't trust the current maids after that incident months ago." He spoke softly gesturing to the beautiful woman. "You'll be tending to their every need from this moment until more suitable replacements are found."

So they just wanted you to tend to their finances until their weddings? That was..weird. Why have the woman you were previously obsessing over tend to your fiance? Then again they DID have a good point about the maids. They unjustly attacked and tormented you just because you were a woman who fought in the war. What would they possibly do to Uta who according to Yoriichi was chosen from Muzan's territory to help strengthen the peace at random and by the looks of it was also a commoner? You didn't want to see anyone get hurt like you did, so having you tend to them was probably their safest option for both of them AND YOU because you weren't sure you wanted to go back working as a maid again after the experience.

"Oh..Alright."

He nodded. "Then it's settled." He said nothing else to you as he turned back to whom you supposed was his fiance now. "I'll be leaving you in her care. If you're in need of anything then please don't hesitate to come find me or ask the head maid. She'll arrange it for you."

"Oh you don't have to worry about me." She waved him off. "I'll be perfectly fine. Especially since I have someone to help me!"

"Then I'll bid you good bye for now. I must speak with my father about finding some suitable ladies for you." He hummed in thought. "The court healer has three sisters..If they're as capable as Lady Shinobu, then perhaps they'd be good candidates."

"Of course! Don't worry about me!"

You watched as Yoriichi bowed deeply in respect to his fiance before turning around and walking past you without a second glance. Which surprised you. He'd always give you one last look at you before he left to go anywhere but he said nothing. Did nothing except silently leave through the door you had just walked in through. Well..that was weird. Good but very very strange. You slowly turned back around to the remaining prince whom hummed watching his brother leave before turning to the beautiful woman on his arm. 

"Will you be in need of anything?", Michikatsu asked her.

She nodded to him. "Some proper furnishings for my room. A vanity and garments mostly."

"Then I'll arrange for them to be brought to you immediately." He slowly slipped out from her grasp and bowed his head. "Shall you need anything else, you only need ask for it. I'll be seeing to the arrangements for the ceremony." She said nothing as he too left in the same manner as his brother, silently and without a second glance at you except to say- "Take care of her. If she requires anything else you are to notify me immediately."

You just nodded at him and watched as he left. Leaving you there alone with the two women until you turned back around and looked at them silently. Uta tilted her big smiling face at you and Lady Haruhime only continued to stare with that silent neutrality. So..what now? Maybe you should introduce yourself to make this less awkward? Yes. That might help.

You slowly bowed to them out of kindness. "My name is Y/n Kamado. It's very nice to meet you both."

"Aw. You don't have to bow to me!," Uta said as your third companion remained silent. "I'm just glad everyone's been so nice to me. It wasn't anything like I was expecting."

They probably didn't want to encure the wrath of the Tsugikuni Clan by threatening Yoriichi's fiance. You didn't say that though leaning back up. "Will there be anything you need?"

"Oh no. I'm fine-"

"I'm hungry." You both stopped as Uta was cut off by Haruhime. After a second of staring, she simply turned to the table of food and walked over to calmly sat down. Her hand gesturing to you in a 'follow me' motion.."Come serve me."

It was only then when you remembered how early in the morning it was and you had tried to sneak out. No one had probably eaten yet. 

"Oh. Yes. I'll do that."

"Good idea! I'm starving!," Uta exclaimed just hopping on over to the table. "Let's eat! Wow. There's so much food here! Have you ever had roasted pigeon?"

"..Yes."

"I haven't. I wonder what it tastes like compared to chicken-"

You blinked at the two polar opposite women. This was certainly going to be interesting.

*******

[opens-up-4-nobody]

...

[audliminal]

It's Just a Game, Right? Pt 8

Masterpost

"So I think they're using other languages," Tim says, the moment Bernard opens the door.

"Well hello to you too my beloved boyfriend," Bernard responds, kissing Tim on the cheek and pulling him into the apartment.

"Shut up," Tim says, following Bernard to the table. This is hardly the first time Tim has skipped past pleasantries like that, and Bernard seems to find it more amusing every time.

"Aw, I dunno if I can do that. I really like to talk to you," Bernard grins conspiratorially. "Plus, then I wouldn't get to tell you that you're half right."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, obviously other people noticed the comment, right?" Bernard, gestures towards the computer, where Tim can see the cryptic comment. It already has dozens of responses. "Mostly people are just freaking out about it, because this is like, our first instance of direct communication from them, but one of the people who saw it actually recognized what language it is."

"Just one?" Tim frowns.

"Yeah. It's called esperanto. I googled it and apparently it's a conlang from the late 1800s which is pretty cool. It was, like, invented to be kind of a universal language, I guess? It pulls from a lot of different languages, so that's why it looks like multiple languages."

"Huh."

"But! There's still the encoded portions to figure out, because the translation as-is doesn't really make any sense." Bernard scrolls and points to the translation that a commenter had offered. It reads To be fqzuhsx-ayccas is to be qtdkv-avnwkwkb; the veil afph-gqkduik but it is meant to igpmtwi-ocdq. Determination in the face of doubt.

"Huh," Tim studies the text, then notices something. "They've specifically encoded the verbs."

"Yep," Bernard shrugs. "I haven't tried anything for the encrypted stuff yet; figured i might as well wait for you."

"Okay, well I guess we start with the simplest? We know they've used caesar ciphers before, plus this is in response to what we did with the first caesar ciphers before, so we might as well try one of your decoder websites for that first."

"Seems reasonable," Bernard says, pulling up the website from before. He quickly copies the first word over and hits the button. "Well shit, that was quick."

"Only the first half, though." Tim mutters. "Do it to the rest of them." Bernard copies and decodes the rest. In short order, they have a the first half of each encryption decoded.

"To be gravity is to be orbit, the veil disk but it is meant to eclipse?" Bernard frowns. "That... doesn't make much more sense."

"What's up with the focus on astronomy, too."

"Oh, right, we haven't gotten that far yet. They keep referencing space stuff. There's like, a running theory about these messages being supposed to have come through a black hole?"

"Is that even possible? i thought black holes ate stuff forever."

"I dunno, I'm not really into space stuff. Besides it's like, sure there's evidence for it, and space seems to be narratively important? But the premise seems kind of contrived to me."

"You think they're doing something bigger than what everybody is seeing." Tim stares at the forum thread. If anything was going to give Bernard's theory some credence, it would be what literally just happened.

"Exactly." Bernard posted on a forum arguing that he thought the game ran deeper than people realized. And the creators, who so far hadn't interacted directly, had responded to that post, with a triple-encrypted message.

"Each shift was one further away than the last," Tim thinks rapidly. "It started with language, which could be either a part of the effort to encrypt it, or a part of the intended meaning. Possibly both. Then, they used caesar ciphers for the first layer of encryption, the same thing they used in their first post. How did they encrypt things in the second post?"

"I think I kind of mentioned it before, but the second post used a vigenere cipher. The names of the people in the first video were the keys, if I remember right."

"The first is the key to the second."

"What-"

"Take the second part and decode it with the first."

"Dude your mind is scary sometimes," Bernard laughs, but moves to do as Tim says, revealing the first encrypted word. "To be seen. That works..."

Tim starts writing down the full message, as Bernard decodes the rest. Finally, they have the full text of the message the creators intended to send.

"To be seen is to be remembered; the veil distracts but it is meant to hide. Determination in the face of doubt." Tim reads.

"Huh," Bernard says, leaning over to read it for himself. "Well, now we know what it says. Now we just need to figure out what that means."

[lil-frenchfri77]

Begin Again

Summary: Ever since Bella came back to Forks things between y/n and her boys have been different. Embry and Quil stopped answering phone calls and texts, they’ve even been avoiding her everytime she shows up at their house. So y/n does the only thing she can think to do, she latches onto Jacob just like Bella, and when he starts acting like Embry and Quil did, she makes the decision to not put so much effort into a friendship that is clearly one sided. But what happens one day when Sam’s pack is in town at the same time as y/n and her new friends and two certain boys imprint on their former best friend? And what happens when a former best friend doesn’t feel the same way?

Author’s Note: Hello to everyone that is reading this! This is my first ever time writing a fanfic, so (if you’re reading this) go easy on me. I would love to hear any feedback anyone might have in the comments. Super excited to be writing this Twilight fic, I’ve been inspired by others authors on here to take my own spin with Stephaine Myers characters, none of which I have any ownership to. This doesn’t really follow the Eclipse movie timeline, I'm making things up and stretching the timeline. So this is basically my own story just using Stephanie’s characters and some of her themes. There are also some other characters in here that I don’t have any rights to, I just thought it would be fun to put them in this story. I don’t know how long or short this is going to be, I might be able to get my ideas across quickly or this might turn into a few chapters. If you’ve read this far I love you and I really hope you like this!

(Also not beta read cause I can’t afford that)(Dividers from @enchanthings here on Tumblr)

Y/n/n means your nickname 

Embry Call x Fem!Swan!Reader x Quil Ateara

Slight Stiles Stlinski x Reader

Chapter 1 | Master list | Chapter 2

Things had been weird lately, with Bella back in Forks, the Cullens, and your friends on the reservation. It seemed like everyday more and more of your friends were leaving to go hang out with Sam Uley and his pack of assholes. Now it was just down to you, Embry, Quil, and Jacob. It’s not like you’re not fine with that, Embry and Quil were your best friends ever. So you were fine with just the four of you hanging out all the time. But they got so hostile of you whenever Edward or one of his siblings came around to talk to you or Bella. 

It was getting absolutely exhausting trying to mediate things between them. You didn’t want to have to choose between your boys or Bella, but if it came down to it, your choice would always be your family and by extension, the Cullens. Although it seemed like you wouldn’t be getting a choice anyways when Embry and Quil stopped answering your texts and calls. They were never home when you came to visit and see what was happening to them. You had even tried asking Jacob if he knew anything but he swore up and down that he had no idea. 

You never expected to see them hanging out with Sam and his pack, jumping off that stupid cliff. You had never felt more betrayed. They could do whatever they wanted to but it hurt that they felt the need to drop you, without any kind of explanation and go hang out with the few people (at least you thought) you mutually disliked. It was obvious that they weren’t going to talk to you anymore so you did the only thing you could think of, you left them one last voicemail in hopes to get through to them. 

“Hey, it’s me. Um, I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I still miss you guys. I saw you the other day, hanging out with Sam and his boys. It’s fine, I guess. I just thought that we were better friends than that. I mean, we’ve been inseparable since we were 6 but that’s not really the point of why I called.” You took a deep breath, trying to stop yourself from rambling some more. “I don’t really understand why you started hanging out with Sam but you have free will so I can’t stop you. But I miss you guys, and I still want to be friends. I don’t want to permanently lose you both because I can’t get over this petty dislike I have. So, call me back. Please. I want to talk about everything, but if you truly want nothing to do with me anymore then I won’t bother you again. This is goodbye, then.” 

2 months later

Life wasn’t the easiest thing anymore. The boys never called you back, which you expected but it still stung. You still had Jacob, but it wasn’t the same. Jacob knew how much Embry and Quil’s choice had affected you, but there wasn’t much he could do to help you. He couldn’t just tell you that they were werewolves. So he did his best to try and raise your spirits. You were wholeheartedly grateful you had him during this time. 

Bella wasn’t much help either, she had just been broken up with and she was rotting away in her room. It appeared as though life was hating the Swan girls right now. As much as you wanted to wallow in your own pity you knew you had to be there for Bella. It’s not like the kids from school were going to help her, and honestly Bella wouldn’t want them to. So you spent months trying to help Bella, you didn’t want to lose your sister too. 

“Please, Bells. Just talk to me, tell me what’s going on in your head. I’ll do anything to help you, you just have to tell me. Tell me what I can do for you, I want to take all this pain away. I know this isn’t about me or dad but we’re so scared for you Bells. We love you so much.” You plead  with her. Tears welled up in your eyes when she turned away from you and went back to looking out of her window. You walked out of her room before she could see or hear you start to cry. 

“Whoa, slow down there kid. What’s happening?” Charlie stopped you in the hallway. His hands gripped your shoulders as they shook with silent sobs. 

“I can’t watch her wither away like that dad. She’s changing so much, and I don’t know how to help her. I hate Edward for what he’s putting her through and he’s not even here.” You spoke through your tears. Hiccuping in between every breath you took. 

“Y/n,” Charlie whispered, cupping your cheeks and making you look up at him, “We will get her through all of this okay kid? You and me will bring our Bella back. I know it.” He assured you as genuinely as he could. Truth be told, he had no idea if he would be able to get his daughters back to the girls they were before all this happened. He was grateful that you seemed to be okay so soon after the Embry and Quil situation. He didn’t know what he would do if both of his kids were nervous wrecks he couldn’t console. 

You nodded at him instead of answering back. You knew he was just trying to make you feel better. As much as you wanted to stay and keep trying with Bella you had to go to school. You couldn’t miss any more days this week or you would fall too far behind. 

After getting dressed you head downstairs where you say goodbye to your dad and meet Jacob who’s waiting for you outside. Lately he has taken to riding with you to school and then walking back to the reservation afterwards so you weren’t alone in the mornings. It was also a way for him to keep an eye on you and Bella. 

“You know, you don’t have to keep doing this Jake, I’m perfectly okay with getting to school by myself.” You told him today. It has been on your mind for a little while now. 

“I know,” he chuckles, “but I like to. Sometimes I don’t want to be alone in the morning so I make you suffer and force my presence on you. You’re going to have to get used to it.” Jacob simply shrugged. 

You get quiet after that and it worries him, but before he can ask you what’s wrong you beat him to it

“If you ever want to be friends with Sam and everyone else, please don’t cut me off too. I don’t think I could handle that.” Your hands grip the steering wheel tighter as you pull up to a red light. You can’t bring yourself to look over at him, as you not so patiently wait for his answer. 

“Y/n/n, I will never abandon you to be friends with Sam and his pack of douchebags. Okay? It's you and me against the world now.” He says in such a loving tone that it brings tears to your eyes for the second time that day. “Oh god, please don’t cry. I totally didn’t mean for that to happen.” 

Watching him panic while he tries to get you to stop crying does the trick, and you start to giggle at him. The rest of the drive to your school is silent with the occasional sing along moment to whatever is playing on the radio. When you finally arrive at school you're in a much better mood. 

You say goodbye to Jacob and head into the building, putting on your headphones and turning the volume all the way up. Someone knocks into you from the side sending your phone and headphones sliding across the floor. 

“Oh my god. I’m so freaking sorry!” Apologizes spill from the mystery boy's mouth as his friend, the one who pushed him into you, hurries to gather your things. He turns around to his friend on the floor and hisses out “Dude. What the hell??” 

It wasn’t surprising that you had to clue who these boys were. When you were friends with Embry and Quil you didn't really talk to the people you go to school with. “It’s fine.” You shrugged it off, not wanting to create a problem with these two. 

“No, its not fine. I totally didn't mean to smash into you. Scott’s just an asshole.” The boy throws his friend, Scott, under the bus. “I’m Stiles by the way.” 

“I didn't mean to push him into you miss, I didn't even see you there.” Scott pipes in, before quickly realizing what he said. “OH! I didn't mean I didn't see you at all, like you're just hard to see. Cause you’re not hard to miss. Not that you're always in the way! I've never seen you before so… I'm going to stop talking now.” Scott sheepishly tugs at the collar of his shirt. He seems to be sweating now. The incredulous look on your face seems to shut him up well enough for his friend, Stiles, to get a word in. 

“Wow dude, that was bad.” He’s trying to hold back his laughter now. “I think what he's trying to say is that he was so preoccupied with being an asshat that he wasn't paying attention to our surroundings.” Stiles says it a lot more eloquently than Scott had and it makes you giggle. 

They both stare at you like you've grown a second head. “That was the worst apology I have ever heard in my entire life.” You state after getting ahold of your laughter. “I’m y/n. I accept your terrible apology, and it's okay that you haven't seen me around before, because to be honest. I've never seen either of you around before either.” 

They let out a breath of relief and apologize one more time, sounding more coherent and sincere this go around. Scott proceeds to ask you what you have for the first period and surprisingly you have the same class as them, so you all walk to your class talking and getting to know each other. When you get to class you part ways to your seats with plans to meet after class. 

Your class schedules were pretty similar, especially yours and Stiles. In the classes you and Stiles shared you decided to move seats and sit next to each other, getting in trouble a few times for talking too much. You were getting along with him so well that he invited you to sit with him and his friends at lunch. And since you didn't have any other plans you took him up on his offer. 

When lunch time rolls around Stiles follows you to your locker where you get your food before heading to the cafeteria to meet up with his friends. The table quiets down when the two of you approach. “Y/n these are my friends: Lydia, Allison, Issac, Liam, Malia, Kira, and you've already met Scott.” One by one his friends say hello and introduce themselves to you. This wasn’t at all how you thought it was going to go. You assumed that they would only give you a cursory hi and go back to their conversations, but they seemed genuinely interested in getting to know you.

[reality-detective]

It's going to be biblical 👇

The only conclusion here is: AMERICA....REPENT!

Think the coming eclipse is nothing? I did, too, until I discovered all these FACTS!

I don't claim to know what all of this means, exactly, but I believe it's important enough for all of us to be aware that this is happening and pray for wisdom.

On April 8th, 2024, there will be an eclipse. One eclipse is already amazing but this one is actually the last in a 3-part series that has SO much meaning behind it. It is important that we recognize that God said that He would use the sun, moon and stars to communicate with us:

Genesis 1:14- "Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years..."

Luke 21:25 - "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea."

So now we know that God said that He would use the sun, moon and stars to communicate with us, so let's break down this 3-part eclipse series:

1) With the path of this last eclipse, combined with the first 2 eclipses (one in 2017 and the other in 2023), it will create the Hebrew letter over America that is "Aleph Tav" and in Greek it is the "Alpha and Omega" - both means "The beginning and the end." God said in Revelation 21:6 that He is the beginning and the end and this Aleph Tav is like His signature. Why would He use an eclipse to put His signature over America? Let's dig deeper:

2) God has used eclipses to warn nations of coming judgement so that the nation can repent of their sinful ways and come back to Him. This happened with the story of Ninevah. God told Jonah to go to the wicked nation of Ninevah and warn them about coming judgement. Jonah ran away from the assignment and while out at sea got swallowed up by a huge fish and was in its belly for 3 days. Jonah repented of running away so the whale spit him up. He then went to Ninevah and warned the people but there was something that also happened while he was warning the people...an eclipse came over the land.

In the 19th century, ancient tablets were discovered that described an eclipse called the Bur-Sagale eclipse where the totality of the eclipse landed right over Ninevah while Jonah was there preaching of the 40 day warning before the coming destruction. Because of this, the people realized that this was a sign from God that what Jonah was saying was true and they repented and God spared their nation.

It is amazing how much America mirrors Ninevah. (If you don't see it, you may be part of the problem.) To make this even more clear, this last eclipse on April 8th will be going over 7 cities here in America called - yep you guessed it - NINEVAH! I honestly didn't even know that we had any city here in the U.S. named that but here we are - with this eclipse going over these cities (and there will be an 8th one that it goes over also called Ninevah in Canada.)

Here are the cities: 👇

Nineveh, Texas

Nineveh, Missouri

Nineveh, Indiana (this will be the highest magnitude of eclipse Mag 1.023, the local time predicted for it to occur is at 3:07 PM)

Nineveh, Ohio

Nineveh, Pennsylvania

Nineveh, Virginia

Nineveh, New York

Nineveh, Nova Scotia (Not in the US)

Could this be that God is warning us just as He warned Ninevah? There have been many "Jonahs" in the past few years warning the nation that we need to repent and add in this sign above our heads - we can't turn away from the fact that it is not a coincidence. But if you need more proof, let's keep going...

The first part of this 3 part eclipse series was in 2017. The path of that eclipse went over 7 cities named Salem, which is short for Jerusalem (Ps. 76).

Salem, Oregon

Salem, Idaho

Salem, Wyoming

Salem, Nebraska

Salem, Missouri

Salem, Kentucky

Salem, South Carolina

The mathematical "chances" of there being 7 Salem's with the first eclipse and then 7 Ninevah's for the 3rd eclipse is unthinkable. But what about the 2nd part of the eclipse?

4) Perhaps the most striking piece of the 2nd eclipse is that the precise center-line of eclipse path exits the USA directly over Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi means the "Body of Christ" and is one of the only towns named that in the world!

But let's go back to this upcoming eclipse and dig even deeper...

4) Jonah was giving a 40 day warning to Ninevah during the eclipse. If you look at our April 8th eclipse and fast forward 40 days then you will get to May 18, 2024 - the day before Pentecost. The history of Pentecost is that is the last Spring Feast that the Lord has given us (there are 4 in the Spring and 3 in the Fall). This is the day that the Lord sent the Holy Spirit down to all those who have accepted Christ. We are told that the "Restrainer" (many believe this is the Holy Spirit) will be removed before the Tribulation could it be that this is a warning for that? I'm not sure as that is a worldwide event and this eclipse will be just over North America but it is something definitely to think and pray about for more clarity and wisdom. No matter what, there are too many things lining up for it to not be nothing and so my job is to get the information out to you all so that you can at least be aware of these signs that God is giving us so that you can pray about it.

But let's keep going...

5) From the start of this 3 part eclipse to the end, it will be 7 years. God uses numbers a lot to communicate with us, and 7 has a ton of meaning. A few examples are - He created the world in 7 days, there will be a 7 year tribulation, 7 is used for completion, etc.

) Going back to how this correlates with Jonah & Ninevah's story -at the time of this eclipse, there will be another sign in the sky...it will take place under the constellation, Cetus, which is the whale constellation! And not only will it pass through the 8 cities in North America named Ninevah, it will also pass through Jonah, Texas! Speaking of other towns that it will pass through, these are some of the other city names that it will go right over:

Rapture, Indiana

Williamston, Kentucky - this is where the Ark Encounter is located. The Ark Encounter is a full size replica of Noah's Ark.

Eagle Pass, Texas - where we are having so many border issues.

And the point where it crosses the 2017 eclipse to mark the center of the X is an area in southern Illinois called Little Egypt. What is even more fascinating about this is that Little Egypt is sandwiched in between 2 other cities called Alpha, Kentucky and Omega, Illinois - both having the 2017 eclipse come over their cities. Furthermore, the intersection of the 2017 and 2024 solar eclipses occurs directly over the New Madrid Fault Line, a major seismic zone. An earthquake along this fault line could potentially destroy the U.S., making it one of the most perilous fault lines in the country. I have no idea if this will happen or not, but there are too many things here that are all literally lining up to not share with everyone.

7) One more interesting fact is that there are 2,422 days in between the 2017 eclipse and the 2024 eclipse. If you look up 2422 in Strong's Concordance, an Bible concordance that has every word of the KJV, takes us to Exodus 1:19 which says,

"The midwives answered Pharaoh, "Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive."

Why would this be of any significance? Well, to me, it reminds me of how Jesus said that His return would be like a woman in labor with the signs of His coming growing stronger and closer together. We are at a point in history where we are seeing all of the signs that He gave us happening before our eyes. In fact, we are even seeing things that will happen during the tribulation get setup now. If we are seeing those things being setup now, that must mean that we are super close to it actually happening. Going back to God saying that He uses the sun, moon and stars to show us signs - and then Jesus saying that the signs of His coming will be like a woman in labor, well this information leading us back to Exodus 1:19 explaining that the Hebrew women have labor fast is so interesting to me! Could we be on the brink of the rapture and tribulation!? I don't know exactly when it will happen but Jesus did tell us that we would know the season and I do believe that we have been in that season for the past few years and are pushing closer and closer to it!

It is no secret that this world has gone mad and everyone knows that there is something happening behind the scenes that feels really uncomfortable. If you have that feeling, you are right! There is a major push for things to happen that were predicted to happen over 2,000 years ago. Most people seek their understanding in the wrong place though. They look to the news and the world to guide them; however, these sources will only bring more questions, not answers. It causes people to live in fear, anxiety and depression. However, Jesus didn't want us to live that way. He gave us the information so that we would know what is happening when we see these things. The first piece of living in His knowledge is accepting that God sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins and on the 3rd day, Jesus rose from the grave and conquered death. The second piece is to repent to God of your sins and turn away from your sins. Most churches only teach how God loves you but don't teach repentance anymore and that is a HUGE part of your faith. Jesus said that there will be many who come to Him and say, "Lord, Lord, I knew you." But because they didn't repent of their sins and seek Jesus' ways instead of their own, He will reply, "Get away from me, I never knew you." We cannot just live however we want without any consequences. Even little children understand this concept, but it has been lost on most adults. This is why Ninevah was going to see destruction - because they were a self- serving, sinful nation - just like America is today. You can't change the heart of this nation, but you can change your heart and lead your homes to do the same. Third, pray for wisdom in these areas.

I know this has been incredibly deep but just like Proverbs 25:2 says, "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter." This sign in the sky will be right over your head in just a few weeks - will you have the eyes to see what it really means?"

You Decide 🤔

[zumicho]

blueprints — two : wallpaper

one three main masterlist

cw: argument, angst (lol), religious references, flawed characters

between you and him: normalcy is nonexistent. the arguments aren’t heated enough to call for making amends, yet there’s a suffocating presence of wrong. an unwelcome thickness in the air that swallows the very life of your relationship, stabbing daggers at what once was.

‘you say it’s complicated, to make amends — well is that the way, that we’re headed then?’

there’s a different hurt to a betrayal that you know is coming.

“beige or paper-white?” keiji’s voice jerks you into the present.

you don’t recall how you ended up here, at the local wallpaper shop, rummaging through the ‘neutrals’ section, with the last person you’d expect. there’s a cryptic message in his gaze that you fail to decipher. he's waiting for you to respond.

“blue.”

a pause, followed by a resigned sigh. “can you take me seriously?”

“I am serious, keiji. I like the blue.”

“the blue displayed in the children’s section?” his brows scrunch.

“when will you stop letting everyone else’s view dictate your perspective?” you snap. “why do you care so much what they think?”

“I’m starting to think this isn’t just about wallpaper.”

you’d never guess that someone who wants to build houses for a living was scared of creating a home.

“it isn’t.” you’re crying. “it’s about how you refuse to try.” the tears are pathetic. because they won’t change anything. nothing will change how he thinks. they’re pathetic because they’re wasted on a situation that will stay the same regardless of what you say or do. “It’s about how I don’t matter enough — for you to try at all.”

the call of your name cuts the flashback short.

he’s crossing the room. three strides, till your face is buried into his shoulder, staining the royal blue sweater you bought him on his birthday. your nails dig into his forearms — an overwhelming sense of if I let go I lose you. akaashi’s holding on just as tight.

“I’m not ready for a house, love.”

“don’t call me that.”

“I’m trying to make this easier. on the both of us.” only the falter in his tone allows you to notice the fatigue weighing down on his shoulders, evident in the dark circles under his eyes. you don’t pity him. you should, but the anger outweighs it.

“easier on the both of us, or on you?”

“would you believe me if I said you do matter? that I’m ready to try?”

you take his words and squeeze them into an IV bag, letting it flow through your bloodstream, letting them marinate and seep deep into your brain.

his patience was slipping. “I don’t know what you want me to say. you want me to understand you, but you refuse to step into my shoes. have you considered that I’m scared?” akaashi stumbles over the last word. “talking to you is walking on eggshells.”

‘it takes strength to forgive, but I don’t feel strong.’

you lost grip of yours. “don’t yell at me for walking on eggshells you placed in this relationship.” is this how Jesus felt? when he knew Judas would betray him, and loved him nevertheless?

akaashi read the question off your face.

do you want to end this?

to your relief, he shook his head.

“how do you break up with someone who has half your soul,

and all of you?”

© froyaoya all rights reserved.

a/n: ness if u see this u brought me back into my NIKI phase. lol this fic is just my new vent medium so I’m sorry if it’s incomprehensible, messy, all of the above. proofreading tmr

tags @causenessus @wyrcan @greninjafan5000 @aliensstolemyheart @nursedflowers @whosmiadotcom @cr4yolaas @jeoo-saw @httpsivy @cnnmairoll @yenonnoff @phoenix-eclipses @tobiosluvr @rory-cakes @frvppe @mollyrolls @miyamoratsumuu @hyenagoated @mitskicain

[respectthepetty]

How does it feel to stay winning Petty? Also who would've guessed that baby Barcode would be the one of the BOC boys to collect kisses from all the homies!?

Anon, I appreciate you sending this because, right now, I feel like an elite status female rapper. Like CL from 2NE1 rapped in their 2011 hit, "I am the best", Be On Cloud owns me, and y'all can't tell me shit about this show.

I know I have some Wild Ass Theories and I'm always clownin' in these BL streets, but I love when my theories actually hit their target like . . .

When I knew Teacher Chadok was in a relationship with Teacher Dika since the first episode of The Eclipse.

When I knew Kanghan's house was going to be robbed and his dad would be shot since the third episode of Dangerous Romance, even though I thought Saifah would do it.

When I knew Pat was working with Joke to win over Zo since the first episode of Hidden Agenda.

I love making Wild Ass Theories no matter how crazy they are, like my belief that the twins' dad is involved in this whole murder and sex work plot in Playboyy. No matter what happened in this past episode, I still believe it and am eagerly awaiting the upcoming chaos to see how hard I clowned.

Which is why I LOVE Dead Friend Forever.

I want the record to state that no matter what happens after episode seven, that at this exact moment in time, I love this show. It makes me happy to be alive at the same time this is airing, and I'm not joking. I want to remember that at one point, this show was everything to me, and even if it goes down hill, it had all my attention in the first seven episodes. I want to appreciate it right now because regardless of what happens, it did everything right in the first half.

With the way some shows keep losing their footing in the end, sometimes we forget how good they were in the beginning, and the emo in me doesn't want to forget this feeling. Some of my favorite movies are Scream, Heathers, and Jawbreaker so this show has been giving me the explicitly queer version of kill your frenemies since the very first episode, and I love it.

My internal alarm went off the second Tee got upset that Phi was speaking to White in episode one, then the dark hand touched him making him enemy #1. I didn't like the way he told White he needed to obey him, and I feel like the dark hand wasn't too pleased with it either. It was a vibe.

And now Non has a hurt hand in the past from falling off the bike . . .

Then, Jin was the main character of the previous film, so he was either the killer or the biggest baddie.

But Phi was just so sus, that I clocked him as a killer.

Which meant Phi and Jin were the killers, but Tan has no backstory and people with no history are intentionally hiding it, so they can kill everyone and peace out.

So in my mind, Tan and Phi were regulated to the killers, Tee was the second to last to die, which I'm hoping it's by his boyfriend White who he thinks disobeys him, and the rest of the squad would die as needed. Which left Jin to be the baddie.

All of my theories could blow up at any second because we don't know if Jin actually sent that video or if his computer fizzled out before it finished uploading, so he could still be a killer avenging Non instead of a baddie who wronged Non (but he took the video and that is messed up regardless of what he planned to do with it).

But either way, I'm hoping it comes down to Phi and Jin in that forest because the show started with them.

And I don't think Jin realizes who Phi is to Non since Jin never got a good look at Phi's face in the past.

The Twitter folks spotted that Phi's dad was the police chief from the letters the boys got calling them in for interrogation in episode six.

And now the knife from episode two is showing up in the past in Non's backpack.

Up until this point, I feel the show has laid out a solid story with a good cast, and I think Be On Cloud relied on their KinnPorsche casting to throw people off in this show because who expected Us to be doomed in the first episode? That was like Drew Barrymore dying at the beginning of Scream.

People have felt off about JJ's character, but the show wouldn't really have JJ do anything bad to sweet Barcode, right?

And Barcode and Ta being paired together was a pipe dream for the Macau x Porchay shippers, so it could never happen here!

Especially because Ta and Copper won The Hidden Character, which meant they were going to be the main pair of this show, right?

WRONG!

Barcode is gonna be involved in some fucked up shit, and according to those MDL comments, people are realizing they messed up making any assumptions before this show started based on what the actors previously did.

I truly feel like BOC looked at its lineup and said "Baby Barcode was babygirled so hard for the past two years that the audience won't even think his character is capable of such things"

and I love that for us.

BOC gave these youngsters (19-23 in age) a script from Dr. Sammon and the Pit Babe writers and said "go HAM, bitches"

And the audience stays winning.

This isn't about my Wild Ass Theories coming true. This is an appreciation post for what this show has given to me up until this point - a good mystery.

Every week I have more questions and none of them feel like they will go unanswered. Is Non dead? Did Jin actually upload the video? Is Tan a killer? Why did Phi hook up with Jin? Will White finally snap, crackle, and pop like a bag of Rice Krispies treats for the mere fact that he simply wanted a nice weekend getaway with his boyfriend and now has to deal with all this bullshit?

But most importantly, when did Phi realize he was going to kill all of them after making them run around scared for their lives?

Because by time the show makes it back to the present day, I'm sure we're all going to want to watch these kids suffer in the worst ways possible.

Manipulate, Murder, Mayhem

[underforeversgrace]

all masks must come off

DannyMay2023 Day 6: Eclipse

words: 2517

Complete

AO3

Excerpt: "Eclipses are... hm, kind of like holy days for ghosts." Danny began and Maddie fully relaxed. Ghosts weren't sentient enough to have anything approching religion or faith. "You can't hide under an eclipse. It's night and day both turning their gaze to you and no disguise can bear both the sun and moon's scrutiny."

~~~~~~

It was Vlad who told him what would happen, though still in the interest of self-preservation and not any kind of kindness or goodwill. Surprisingly enough, it had been Sidney who further expanded, who explained why it would happen. 

Danny, of course, had known about the upcoming solar eclipse for months, what kind of space Obsessed ghost would he be if he didn’t, after all? The closer it came to time, the more his core vibrated in his chest in excitement.

The closer it came to time, though, the harder it became to hold his form, the more he felt the masks he wore trying to slip.

His idea for the day might be madness, he knew. But… he was tired. Two years of this - of lying, of being shot by them - and he was tired. If they didn’t take it well… well, he knew how to care for himself. It wasn’t like he needed to eat, like all of his human biological processes were more suggestions than requirements. There were plenty of abandoned buildings and he was a ghost, may as well give into cliche if he needed to.

He prayed he didn’t need to. He prayed for their love. Who, or even what, he prayed to, he didn’t know. But he prayed with every fiber of his being that they loved him more than they feared ghosts, even once his mask was stripped from him.

A deep, stuttering breath as he reined in his fear. He knew they would accept him, part of him, he had seen that much courtesy of Freakshow last year. But they hadn’t known it all. They didn’t see the whole truth.

“Mom, dad?” Danny asked, peeking his head around the corner of the lab doorway. Even if he wasn’t half ghost, he would probably do this, to be honest. His parent’s lab safety was absolutely nonexistent - he was proof enough of that. It had half-killed two people.

“Danno!” His father boomed, a wide grin taking up half his face. Danny couldn’t help but smile back, Jack’s exuberance was practically tangible. (And also, outright delicious. Danny loved the taste of happy emotions, the darker ones left bitter tastes in his mouth.)

“What’s up, sweetie?” Mom asked, stepping away from whatever they were tinkering with on the desk and pulling her hood down. 

For a moment, Danny just enjoyed this, hoped it wouldn’t be the last time he was able to do this - absorb his parents’ love for him from the air.

“There’s an eclipse soon. Would you like to watch it with me?” Danny asked, gesturing towards the ceiling and the Ops Center above.

Surprise tinged the air as they looked at each other. He didn’t need to guess what they were thinking about. When he was younger, he had pulled them to the Ops Center so many times to just watch the night sky, it hadn’t even needed to have a notable celestial event happening. He had just been young and adored the stars and wanted to share it with his parents.

He hadn’t asked for anything like that, not even for the meteor shower, since he’d died.

“Of course!” Jack said, setting down the half finished device covered in disconnected wires on his desk.

“We’d love to.” Maddie agreed, though Danny saw the tears she blinked away. He knew they were tears of happiness, though.

He didn’t need to be an emotion eater to know that.

“C’mon, then!” He said, waving his hand to follow as he hurried up the stairs, though he pulled his phone out on his way up and shot a quick message to Tucker.

Hack and disable the suits.

He shoved the phone back in his pocket before getting a response, though the vibration he felt less than a minute later and the faint sound of machinery whirring down that even his ghost hearing struggled to hear were all the confirmation he needed.

His parents followed him all the way up, not even pausing when he dropped the ladder that led them to the top of the Ops Center, where nothing else remained over them. His core sang and he saw the first sliver of the moon begin to pass in front of the sun and he knew his countdown had begun as they each sat down, his parents pulling their hoods back on to protect their eyes, Danny fishing eclipse glasses from his pocket even though he didn’t need them.

“I need to talk to you two.” Danny said, leaping headfirst into whatever destiny determined for him as he felt his hold on his mask begin to shatter.

“Should’ve known, you haven’t asked to spend time with us in years,” Mom teased, but Danny sensed the pain behind her words.

~~~~~~

Maddie smiled at her son, though his entire focus was on the slowly disappearing sun above them. Her husband, who sat on Danny’s other side, had a similar smile. It had been so long since Danny wanted anything to do with them, that they weren’t forcing him to do.

“If Jazz or I came back. What would you do?” Danny asked, his gaze never wavering from the show in the sky.

Both parents’ smiles were wiped away, confused frowns replacing them.

“What do you mean, Danno?” Jack asked.

“The Fentons have one rule. What if Jazz or I broke it?”

“The only rule we have is to stay dead,” Maddie said, suddenly uncomfortable with the direction this conversation was going. She knew she was being less than subtle when she reached for Danny’s hand, holding it in her own, reassuring herself when she felt the pulse of his heart beneath his skin.

“I know.”

Maddie hesitated. What would they do? Obviously, it wouldn’t be her children anymore, but it would still be an echo of them. Could she hunt something that had once been her child?

It was Jack who ended up answering. “I… I don’t know. I couldn’t shoot something that looked like you, I know I couldn’t. So please move on, if it ever comes to that.” Jack swallowed, pain in his eyes as he even contemplated the idea of their son dying. “Please don’t linger.”

“And if it isn’t that easy? To just move on?” Danny asked. He began to look fuzzy around the edges, though Maddie didn’t even really acknowledge it, eyes full of tears as they were.

“I… I don’t know, Danny.” Maddie admitted. “I couldn’t hurt you. I couldn’t. Not something with your face.”

“It may not look like my face anymore.” Danny said cryptically.

Maddie was still struggling for words when Danny continued.

“Want to know something cool Sam discovered in one of her ghost books?”

“Uh. Uh, sure?” Maddie stuttered out, though some relief settled within her. Clearly, something in Sam’s books had been wrong and had caused a train of thought more painful than Maddie had ever imagined.

“Eclipses are… hm, kind of like holy days for ghosts.” Danny began and Maddie fully relaxed. Ghosts weren’t sentient enough to have anything approaching religion or faith. “You can’t hide under an eclipse. It’s night and day both turning their gaze to you and no disguise can bear both the sun and moon’s scrutiny.”

The moon continued to inch further in front of the sun.

“I…” Danny swallowed harshly. “I didn’t mean to.” He said, pulling off his glasses and tossing them from the roof.

“Danny!” They both yelled in worry, preparing to cover his eyes, but he scooted back too quickly.

Neither knew what to do when green eyes stared down at them. “I didn’t mean to stay.” He repeated and Maddie could no longer deny the fuzziness of his body wasn’t a trick her eyes were playing on her. He looked up at the sky again and Maddie just looked at her husband, shock, fear, worry, grief painting his features.

When she returned her gaze to her son, Maddie’s mind felt oddly empty. She just… she didn’t understand. When did her son die? She had just felt his heartbeat!

But there was no denying she was talking to her son’s ghost as he raised into the air, still with his legs crossed, floating without effort.

“Danny?” Jack whispered, reaching for him. Danny visibly flinched when his father managed to get his hand, but he didn’t pull away, even as Jack pulled him back to the ground. “Danny?” He repeated, pain the like of which Maddie had never heard from her husband in his voice as he grasped both of Danny’s shoulders, as though seeing him for the first time.

“I’m sorry,” Danny whispered back, the faintest hint of an echo seeping into his voice. Still in his father’s hands, he turned slightly to look at her. “I’m sorry.” He repeated, tears slipping from his eyes too.

He returned his gaze to his father and seamlessly pulled away from him, phasing through Jack’s hands. “That… that isn’t all.” He said. The eclipse wasn’t at totality yet, but it was nearly there. “You know two of my masks, my disguises. No one knows what I actually look like anymore. Not even me.”

Danny stood and stepped back away from them. “First, I need you to understand. I didn’t mean to die.” Those words were a knife to Maddie’s heart. “I didn’t mean to come back.” Suddenly, Maddie didn’t care about the stupid old Fenton rule. “But I’m happy. I’m still here. I… I’m still Danny. Still your son.” Maddie could no longer hold back tears at the last statement, how unsure he sounded in those few words despite everything else said with such confidence. No words came to her to say though, the lead in her chest suffocating her as his eyes continued to glow green.

“How long?” Jack asked, slightly lifting up his hood and letting a stream of tears escape. He wasn’t looking at the eclipse anymore.

“A little over two years.” Danny admitted and whatever was left of Maddie’s heart shattered so hard it was nearly audible. That long? How had her son been dead for two years and his parents didn’t know? 

Suddenly all of their ‘malfunctioning’ inventions made a lot more sense.

“But!” He continued, motioning for both of them to look at him. “I’m only half ghost. I… my accident with the portal, do you remember?” Maddie pressed her hand to her mouth as she began to actively, loudly sob.

Her invention had killed her son.

“Half?” Jack asked, emotions wavering in his voice. “That… that isn’t possible, son.”

“People said the same thing about ghosts.” Danny replied simply. “It’s time.”

Maddie could tell when totality hit, even if she hadn’t seen the change in color and light, hadn’t seen it out of the corner of her. Because she saw her son.

Her heart knew it was her son, even if her eyes didn’t.

As soon as the moon fully blocked the sun, he changed. The fuzziness faded from his edges. He grew taller, darker, his hands suddenly too long. He was still humanoid, but only barely. His torso stretched too far, his legs too thin, his face too blue. Inexplicably, she still saw the human in him. His heart shone through the darkness of his chest, his veins glowed. She could see his heart beating. Every time it pumped, his veins burned a very human red, fading to the green of his eyes, only to repeat the cycle at his next heartbeat, the crown floating above him pulsing in tandem. As she watched, a second set of what looked like veins began to glow a solid green, but the shape was wrong. It took her mind a moment to realize this new pattern of thin branches were shaped like lightning and only shot through half his body.

Maddie felt like she should be terrified. The being in front of her was monstrous, the thing children were warned would get them if they misbehaved.

But even as the… the thing in front of her opened his mouth and showed too sharp teeth, she didn’t fear him. He bit nervously at his lip, he rubbed a hand behind his neck.

In his mannerisms, she knew it was still her son in front of her.

Though, as she studied white hair, as the monochromatic symbol glowed on his chest, she wondered how she hadn’t seen it before. How she’d never seen her son in Phantom.

Maybe because Danny Fenton was a human boy and Danny Phantom was a long dead teenager. She’d never looked too closely.

“Mom?” He asked, voice echoing with static beneath, though it did nothing to hide the fear beneath. “Dad?”

~~~~~~

Danny had never felt as free as he did in that moment, the restraints of the mask he wore deteriorated to nothing. He had known, for a long time, that the way Phantom looked wasn’t the true way he was, but he’d always been too afraid to see what he may really be under the surface.

Phantom looked human, Phantom didn’t scare the people.

As he yielded to the eclipse, let it unravel every disguise he’d forged, he knew he would return to his costume as soon as he could. His body was too long, too thin, too tall. He could see his veins changing color as his ghost side and human side fought for dominance, could see his death scar glowing brightly in the pitch black that was his skin. His teeth felt too sharp against his tongue, his hair brushed against ears that were too long, a crown he kept trying to refuse weighing him down.

He had never seen this before. Only his death scar, though it remained hidden beneath his jumpsuit.

As free as he felt, he also knew he was horrific.

His parents’ emotions tasted sharper, sweeter, than anything ever had before. The horror and sorrow they felt tasted like ash.

But the acceptance was better, honey-like and with a pleasant aftertaste.

It was their love, though, that tasted better than anything he’d ever experienced before.

“Danny.” His mother said, standing and looking up at him, dwarfing her. He’d be dwarfing his father too right now. Danny hesitated then knelt down onto his knees, so he only towered slightly over her. “My son.” She continued, holding open her arms.

“Mom.” He said, voice breaking as tears spilled from him, as he accepted her embrace.

Jack said nothing, just enclosing his wife and son in his arms.

As they embraced in silence, the moon continued to move, allowing the sun’s light to spread again. Danny felt his masks come back to him and welcomed them, despite the constricted feeling he now was aware of, that had always been there.

When his parents pulled away, it was normal Danny Phantom who stood in front of them, shrunk back to his normal size.

There were a lot of discussions, a lot of guilt he knew he and his parents would have to work through.

But as love filled the air, filled his entire being, nourishment down to his very core, Danny knew it would all be okay. 

[oneatlatime]

The Painted Lady

Air Bison, Sea Bison, and now Sludge Bison.

I have no idea how Aang is swimming through a solid. Must be an Avatar thing.

I bet there would be time for more potty breaks if Sokka hadn't spent 100+ hours of their time drawing up the schedule. A very Sokka thing to do though.

Because hills often have horns. Great disguise.

You can't tell me that a factory that close to their town wouldn't also become the town's primary employer.

That is a lot of town.

I sense a return of preachy Katara. This episode is going to suck.

I'm with Sokka on this one. Buy fish, move on, defeat Firelord, return to help with environmental remediation if time permits.

I like Doc. And Shu. Nice people.

Writers: if you have to make one of your characters an entirely different person to set up the episode's lesson of the week, maybe the lesson doesn't fit your chosen characters. This is the Warriors of Kyoshi all over again. Funny how that's happened to Sokka twice.

We are all Sokka.

And where exactly did this mysterious painted lady get the food to deliver to the village, if the reason the Gaang stopped in the village in the first place was because they needed food?

Let the record show: I lost the last of my patience with this episode 8 minutes and 9 seconds in.

Waterbending healing has never thrown off that much light before. Even the spirit oasis water wasn't that bright.

Also where is the water she's healing with? Usually she has a big bubble of it.

Impersonating a religious figure. That won't end badly.

"Well I hope she returns every night otherwise this place would go right back to the way it was." YES!!!!!! THAT'S THE POINT!!!!!

What was Katara's plan? Forget about the eclipse, forget about fighting the Fire Lord, we're going to stay here for the rest of our lives so that the painted lady can put in a nightly appearance. THIS IS WHY SOKKA DOES THE PLANNING.

Spirit magic is more doing the worm than doing the wave. Good to know.

Bold of a kids' show to advocate for ecoterrorism.

Aang's like "Hey spirit lady! Here's my resume! Here's my connections on LinkedIn!" Why did Katara think that faking being a spirit within two feet of the bridge to the spirit world would be consequence free? Actually that presupposes that Katara thought. Which she didn't. Sokka does her thinking.

"I don't get to meet many spirits. But the ones I do meet, not very attractive." I am OFFENDED on Yue's behalf. And Sokka's. I guess Aang doesn't like Water Tribe girls after all.

"I guess I just became her." No. That's an excuse and a deflection. I don't want to hear it.

What was I saying about Aang and Katara enabling each others' bad tendencies?

Sokka is horribly out of character this episode, but Aang is as well. In what universe would Aang be so unbothered by Appa being sick, and then so unbothered by the reveal that Katara had been faking Appa being sick? Like, this is Appa. He nearly skinned a bunch of sandbenders over the guy. And he finds out Katara's been messing with him and calls her 'great' and 'a secret hero.'

So this factory, despite being operational 24/7, has no night staff, not even a night guard? Because if it does (which it absolutely does - automation is a problem for factories in our world, not the ATLA one), Katara and Aang just killed A LOT of people.

And so she follows up one short term solution with another short term solution, which causes a third problem she will no doubt solve with a short term solution. You think there won't be reprisals for the only obvious suspects to this industrial sabotage? You think they won't rebuild the factory?

Sokka was kidding when he said that the Spirit Lady had better blow up the factory, but not in the way Katara thought he was kidding. Katara thought he wasn't being serious. But Sokka was serious, in that blowing up the factory is as short term a solution as appearing every night. He thought the joke - exchanging one bad solution for another - was obvious.

Somebody's enjoying himself a little too much.

Unfortunately, serving as Exhibit A is the most Toph has had to do all episode.

It is cathartic to see someone finally call Katara on her nonsense. But I'll bet everything I own that the narrative is going to side with her anyway.

Welp. I won that bet.

"You need me." Correct! Katara unsupervised needs bailing out after five minutes. "And I will never turn my back on you." A much more realistic goal than never turning your back on anyone who needs you, and also Sokka summarised in one sentence. Impressive for an episode where they had to Flanderise him beyond recognition to make Katara somehow the good guy.

Oh for fuck's sake. It's not about having a heart. This late in the game it's pure damage control.

So that's where the Painted Lady's food came from. I guess Fire Nation factories count as pirates?

I like the jetskis. The seem far more stable than actual jetskis.

It never occurred to Katara to obscure the evidence even a little bit? At least rub some dirt on the emblem. Look at me assuming Katara has thoughts.

Actual reprisals for once. About time.

This kid is annoying.

Toph gets to be a haunted house sound effects machine.

That's awfully waterbendery for a Fire Nation spirit.

I don't buy for a minute that anyone would be able to stay perfectly upright and balanced after an air blast from below without extensive trampoline training.

This won't work. His superiors, or the next shift change, or the first recruit wanting to climb the ranks quickly, will rise to the challenge presented here by the "painted lady." And as soon as one FN attack goes unchallenged by the "painted lady," the village is toast. I give them a week, tops.

Kudos to some clever in-universe bending special effects. Doesn't save the episode though.

Katara's preachy speech here makes absolutely no sense in light of the rest of the episode. Scolding them for not saving themselves, when waiting around for someone to save them appears to have worked perfectly? And having little miss I-must-save-the-whole-world-on-a-weekly-basis-otherwise-my-sense-of-self-implodes deliver that scold?

Who are these people wearing the Gaang's skin?

Yeah, nothing screams undercover in enemy territory like an entire village knowing that you're a waterbender. Good thing the only competent tracker in the Fire Nation is Zuko, otherwise these kids will absolutely be dead long before the eclipse.

Hi Bushi! You're about the only part of this episode that doesn't drive me nuts!

At least the animators had fun with this one.

Is this guy mopping the river?

Exactly how many days did they take out of Sokka's schedule to restore the ecosystem? I don't care how overlevelled these kids are at bending, you cannot mechanically separate an entire river's worth of dirt from water in an afternoon.

Well that's just he piss icing on the shit cake, isn't it? It wasn't enough for Sokka to lose all reason and come around to Katara's very flawed way of thinking, it wasn't enough for Aang to call her a hero, it wasn't enough to have a village worshipping at her feet, Katara needs affirmations of how right and special and correct and perfect and morally justified she is from the spirit world itself. This is Mary Sue stuff.

Final Thoughts

This is the first time an episode of Avatar has felt like a waste of my time.

It's also the first time I've felt like an episode has gone out of its way to insult the audience.

Katara talking about how she knows what she's doing is wrong is worth absolutely nothing when a) she goes right back to doing it; and b) literally every other part of this episode trips over itself to assure Katara that she's in the right.

Katara is downright punchable this episode. Sokka is Flanderised; Toph is non-existent; Aang is just there; poor Appa is an unwitting accessory to crime; and Momo has as much impact as a housefly.

So the execs forgot about the existence of The Spirit World Part One and demanded a save the environment special episode. The writers responded by forgetting that they'd already established that Katara was ride or die for literally anyone with a pulse in Imprisoned, and gave us this to remind us of that fact. They also forgot that they'd already established that Katara has no moral code whatsoever the minute her personal interest is involved in The Waterbending Scroll, so they decided to recycle the "narrative sides with Katara endangering them all over Sokka being reasonable" plot from that episode and hope we wouldn't notice. We did.

At least with Imprisoned, Katara kind of sort of caused the problem that she fixed. She was super tangentially involved in that kid's arrest. Here, she causes problems by trying to fix problems that she didn't really have any business getting involved in.

The more of this I watched, the more I wanted someone to slap Katara. What I wouldn't give for an episode where she is wrong (has happened a lot) and the episode doesn't pretend otherwise (has never happened). For god's sake, LET HER BE WRONG AND FEEL IT. How else is she going to progress past being self-righteously fourteen? Why is she being so consistently insulated from consequences? Aang chooses power over family at the end of season two and gets actually murdered for it. Katara steals, lies, skirts dangerously close to being a false prophet and does a nifty little ecoterrorism (with Aang's help), and she gets villagers being a bit shouty before big brother comes in and fixes it. Then she gets divine sanction for her actions so even the shouty bit is negated.

There's an interesting contrast in Katara's "I will never turn my back on people who need me" and Sokka's "I will never turn my back on you." It shows which of the two doesn't have their head in the clouds, and has actually formulated realistic expectations of how much a single person can do. It also speaks to the fundamental difference in how they operate. Katara acts; Sokka mitigates. Sokka does Katara's thinking for her; Katara outsources her thinking and then gets pissed when rational thoughts don't conform to her emotions' view of the world.

Why haven't the villagers moved away? If the water was poisoning them this much, why are they still here? Was the early 2000s too early to have a theme of climate refugees? Or the pollution equivalent? That would have been more interesting than this.

I hated this. Why isn't this the episode that gets hated on like the Great Divide? Its sins are nothing compared to this.

Doc, Shu, and Bushi were the only good thing in this episode, but they weren't enough to make this one remotely rewatchable.

One out of Three so far on season three episode quality. No other season has had this bad a ratio this early. This does not bode well for the rest of this season.

[mrs-gauche]

I think it's interesting how on the new official cover, the characters and darkspawn are all placed within the outline of the dragon's wings, which is reminiscent of the vinyl artwork with the blighted Black City and how in this one, the heads of the elven pantheon were also "merged" with the wings of the blighted dragon!

And on top of that, as people have already pointed out, the fact that we have seven companions now, matching with the number of elven gods that were imprisoned by Solas, is a little suspicious as well. 👀

Then there's also the seven statues seen at the ritual site in the gameplay showcase and at the end of the reveal trailer. And as we know now, these statues were an essential part of the ritual itself!

And speaking of the ritual, the Game Informer article told us that Solas had planned to "move" the elven gods to a new prison, as the old one was failing. With the concept art(?) that was revealed along with the Game Informer article, we now have three different depictions of Solas' ritual...

(Btw, I will forever be sour that they got rid of the cape! 😂 Also, either Solas went from being right handed to left handed to right handed again OR the concept art image is mirrored, I guess? lol)

What stands out to me is how the concept art shows this huge rocky structure.. object (how would you describe this? 😂) right above this magical "sphere" that is obviously not there in the gameplay showcase (though note that there *are* some floating rocks seen above the statues in the reveal trailer!). And it's interesting how, in the cinematic version, it looks more like the Veil is "shattered", revealing a bright sphere in its center, where it previously showed another sphere right above the Golden City? 👀

And speaking of the Golden/Black City... we also have this sequence at the end of the reveal trailer, showing a massive battle against a horde of darkspawn(?) and a ginormous dragon (that doesn't seem to be the one on the vinyl cover?), in a location that has similar architecture as the Golden City depicted on the vinyl cover, as well as the eclipse in the background of course!

Which is so baffling to me, because I would've assumed that the Black City would be, like, some climactic moment/reveal/endgame stuff, and I doubt they would show something like this if it was in fact part of the final boss battle of the game or something, right?? 😂 Like, why would they spoil the friggin Black City in the reveal trailer? o_O (Then again, they kinda already revealed the look of the Black City on the vinyl cover, too? 😂)

Anyway. 😂 Let us go back to the cover art again, because I've seen a lot of people talk about the shape of the wings in particular!

Like, I've even seen people compare the shape of the wings here to a spider? 😂 To me, it kinda looks more like the wings could also resemble those of a corvid (as in the "rook" bird) that could just as well belong to Rook here with the way this is composed (like, the wings could belong to either Rook or the dragon)?

And in the background, behind the dragon, I can see a hint of the "tambourine"/circle image we've seen since the 2018 teaser.

And maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks on me, but I can also kinda see how the bright light in the background has a similar outline to the Veilguard symbol?

And the shape of the Veilguard symbol looks to me like a mix of a dragon/wolf and a bird's head or simply "V" for Veilguard, on top of resembling ancient statues of Mythal (reminder that Solas has "absorbed" some part of Mythal now and that the Dread Wolf in Tevinter Nights was described to be "the size of a high dragon with shaggy spiked hide")! 👀👀👀

And btw, who else is kinda going a little bit crazy over the fact that Rook's mask/helmet thingy looks an awful lot like Mythal's mask as well???

The funniest thing though, was probably seeing people compare this symbol to the Batman logo?? 😂

Which is especially hilarious to me, given that the last chapter of Tevinter Nights was entirely inspired by an old episode of the animated Batman series from 1992 (specifically, season 1 episode 35) in which Batman does pretty much the same thing as Solas in that chapter. lol There's also the "The Dread Wolf Rises"/"The Dark Knight Rises" and is it just me or has Trick Weekes made a ton of Batman references on Bluesky lately? 😂

Anyway, that's all I've got for now, what do you guys think?? :D

[snowe-zolynn-rogers]

Pairings: None

Word Count: 1,354 Words

Summary: Sun and Moon take Earth and Lunar on vacation, which leaves Ruin and Solar to babysit Eclipse.

Warnings: Imprisonment?, Babysitting, Brotherly Bonding, Self-Esteem Issues, Touch-Starved, Cursing, Fluff, Mild Angst, let me know if I should add anything else.

To Babysit A Grown Man

The fact that they’d allowed him to live now was seemingly moot, Eclipse was a glorified maid at this point. They always had him cleaning and running their errands for them. Especially Moon, Moon the most out of everyone with Sun being the second most.

Lunar avoided him, Earth as well due to unsavory memories at the previous Eclipse and the Original. Ruin outright hated him. Solar was the one who was ‘friendliest’. Solar didn’t make him do things, but he also didn’t pay Eclipse much mind. But at least Solar wasn’t using the household ’maid’.

Eclipse had been most surprised when Sun, Moon, Earth, and Lunar left on a family vacation, leaving him under the direction of Ruin and Solar. He wasn’t sure why they’d trusted to leave him under the influence of their cousins alone when they’d kept him under strict lock and key before.

It was a stretch to think they were beginning to trust him, so perhaps it was an exercise to see if Ruin or Solar would truly betray them while they were all screwing off to the Bahamas or wherever they’d gone. Eclipse sure didn’t know where they’d gone, he’d just been told they were on a week-long vacation.

Eclipse sighed as Ruin went to charge and finally the judging eyes left as Solar was now taking shift to watch him like a babysitter. It was infuriating but, not that Ruin was gone, he was relieved. He’d rather be ‘babysat’ by Solar anyway. At least Solar didn’t threaten him constantly.

“So what are you up to, huh?” Solar asked, following Eclipse as he went to the daycare kitchen.

“Hobby. Thankfully Moon didn’t throw it out before he left like he said he would.” Eclipse grazed his hand over the large bowl of dough on the counter he’d made a couple hours ago under Ruin’s scrutinizing gaze.

“Yeah, been meaning to ask about that. What is that giant container thing you have on the counter all the time? Venom or something?” Solar asked.

“Bread starter. Sourdough.” Eclipse answered as he took the cloth off the bowl and put flour on the counter, tipping the dough onto the counter and using a knife to divide it into six. God, he made too much. Eclipse sighed at the amount he’d made and shook his head.

“Why’d you learn how to make bread, Clipse?” Solar asked, simply sitting at the table with his feet on it as he scrolled on his arm computer.

“I wanted to learn something…harmless, I guess. It just interested me when I saw videos of it.” Eclipse told him, mixing matcha powder into one of the six doughs and putting nutella on the inside of the dough as he rolled it up and put it into one of the six baking dishes he had out for the bread.

“Well, I’m glad you found a hobby. What kinds are you making?” Solar asked.

“Well, I made too much. And I don’t think I can stand all one flavor. One of them is matcha nutella. One last said it tastes good but I’m not sure for the rest.” Eclipse tried to figure out what exactly to do with the rest.

“You want help?” Solar asked.

“You know how to make bread?” Eclipse asked.

“Nah, I’m not into baking. But I can suggest shit we have so you don’t overproof it, or whatever it’s called, having to go get more stuff to use.” Solar chuckled at him.

“Hm. Sure.” Eclipse agreed.

“I have instant espresso. You can probably put instant espresso powder in one so you have coffee flavored bread.” Solar suggested.

“That…actually sounds good.” Eclipse muttered as he looked through Solar’s cabinet and got out the instant espresso powder, mixing a bit into one of the doughs and putting it into a baking dish.

“Chocolate powder in one of the others Then we have blueberries you can use for one. Maybe one plain bread. Aaaand maybe rosemary and garlic.” Solar suggested.

“Where do you come up with this stuff?” Eclipse grumbled as he did the other four as Solar had suggested and scored them and put them into the oven with a pan with hot water.

“I don’t like baking but that doesn’t mean I don’t like bread.” Solar told him.

“Well, yeah, bread is good.” Eclipse sat with him to watch the oven. “Get your damn feet off the table.” Eclipse playfully shoved Solar’s legs off the table and onto one of the other chairs.

“Ugh. Can’t a guy put his feet up?” Solar sighed.

“Not when you’ve got those damn boots on. I don’t wanna clean the table a third time today alone.” Eclipse rolled his eyes.

“How long?” Solar nodded to the oven.

“Twenty minutes. Take the tops off and 20 more. Sadly, they need to rest for like an hour after before I can cut them.” Eclipse watched the clock.

“Fucker. Why can’t we eat molten lava bread?” Solar whined.

“Because it’ll kill every bit of our internals it touches. And it needs to cool to cut it. Or it won’t cut right or something.” Eclipse told him.

“Despair and disappointment.” Solar chuckled. Eclipse felt relaxed, he liked this little banter. It felt like he wasn’t being babysat, it felt like he was at home with a friend. Family? Were they family? Did Eclipse even get that title?

“You’re overthinking again. What’s in your head?” Solar asked.

“I…just….Are we family? Do I deserve that even? O-Or am I just being delusional or something?” Eclipse asked.

“You’re not delusional, we are family. You’re like my little brother kinda.” Solar smiled.

Eclipse halted and stared at Solar with slight awe. He’d thought Solar would call him a cousin or second cousin thrice removed or whatever meaningless title he could think of. Hell, he thought he’d get told no and called a nuisance.

To be called brother. It felt like someone lighting a fire into his core, it made his processors run on overdrive and his engines turn warm with heightened intensity. Eclipse felt…happy? Wanted? Loved? All he knew was he felt warm and excited.

“Eclipse, your bread.” Solar reminded him, opening the oven and taking the tops off for him.

“Thank you.” Eclipse felt tears well over his cheeks and he couldn’t help but smile, artificial breaths staggered with tears.

“You’re welcome.” Solar told him, not yet noticing that Eclipse was in tears. Solar put the tops of the cooking dishes in the sink to be washed. Solar came and sat back down with him and Solar finally seemed to take notice of Eclipse’s tears.

“You okay?” Solar asked, sliding a hand over but hesitating to hold Eclipse’s hand.

“You really see me as your brother?” Eclipse asked softly.

“Of course I do. I don’t get much time to hang out with you but yeah, you’re my brother.” Solar held his hand and Eclipse melted into more tears because of it. He hadn’t been touched that gently before, ever that he could remember.

“You’re too nice to me.” Eclipse whispered.

“Eclipse, come here.” Solar forced Eclipse to stand and hugged him into his arms. Eclipse melted against him and cling on tightly. The hug was so simple but it made him break down finally, choked sobs leaving him. His engines felt so warm and his processors felt like they were burning.

“It’s okay. I get it, it’s okay.” Solar rubbed his back softly and Eclipse sniffled, his fit of tears slowly petering off. He let go of Solar slowly and wiped his tears off his face, trying to stop crying.

“Thank you.” Eclipse whispered.

“No problem, little brother.” Solar ruffled his rays and made him laugh a little at the feeling of his messed up rays.

“Now about bread, I’ve got questions on if we can bake moondrops into them.” Solar told him.

“If we crack them like eggs maybe. Or melt them down.” Eclipse answered, laughing more at the idea.

“We’re doing that and giving it to Moon. Maybe force him to sleep for once.” Solar told him.

“You’re taking the blame. Not it.” Eclipse claimed.

[sixthwater]

Hello! I will be doing some short pick a card's to help see if I'm the reader for you! Today we'll be doing a personality reading with my astrology oracle cards. Let's go!

Left → Right / Pile 1 → Pile 4)

Decks Used: The Arcana or Astrology, Astrological Oracle Cards, claves astrologicae, astrological dice

Disclaimer | Pinned | Tip Jar | Paid Readings

Pile One

Cards: Pallas Athena, Eighth House, Eleventh House, Fourth House, Cancer, Pluto Rx, Sun, First House, Solar Eclipse, Virgo, Capricorn, Eighth, Saturn

So far I’m not really getting *you*, I feel nothing. Not in a bad way, but everything is about other people. Which is funny because I have a video I haven’t started yet about how a character’s transformation throughout a series is through his relationships, which I think is what you offer to others. It’s not a subconscious thing, it feels as if you actively seek to help people or point out issues within relationships or people so they can fix them. You value bonds and community and you like things to be even. However this isn’t just you so let’s dig a bit deeper.

Ah I was just thinking ‘they probably really need to feel comfortable’ just as Cancer flew out. Mmm you might have fourth house placements not necessarily Cancer ones, but it’s just more about being easily...frazzled? Oh you’re difficult to explain lol. It’s not that you’re easily frazzled because you can confront/spot these issues within others and it’s not simple things like ‘oh well did you talk to them’, it’s usually deep wounds that long conversations unearth. However at the same time you’re very simple and a bit introverted? This introversion is mainly because you feel more comfortable around people you know or in places you’re familiar with, but you also make people around you feel comfortable enough to be that vulnerable. I’m doing it again- did you. Pick Pile 2 from my pac fooreeeveerr ago when I couldn’t even focus on you - for what makes you attractive. A lot of your personality is like a guiding light, which is a bit annoying because that’s not really describing you it’s about your effect on others you know. So what I can get from that is...you might hold a lot of stuff in. With Pluto coming out in reverse, because I always take my oracles upright, it feels like struggling to deal with that energy on your own. However you have all of this glowing energy to welcome others so that they can be loved and comforted even though you can’t do that for yourself.

Solar! Oh, are you one of my cardinal siblings?! I would guess signs but whenever I pull this section they never match hehe, but I did guess maybe a Cancer Rising, however that doesn’t add up — I’m rambling. Understanding why I took Perfectionist, you sometimes present yourself as someone who needs to always seem okay. I don’t think it’s physically? It’s more like that Virgo cringe of being wrong or making mistakes or like. Existing, let’s be real lmao. However you are very open to new phases in your thinking or view of the world — which does remind me of when people do room makeovers. Changing their aesthetic for something else? It’s like you sometimes do that with who you are (forgiving of your core values). As I said, this section tends to be people’s view which can sometimes conflict with the first pull, but in this case it can match up because the Eleventh can speak to group integration and the Eighth can be constant transformation, just not in the way people seem to think.

Okay with your last roll you have to have some Cardinal dominance with Eighth house placements lmao, happy Solar Eclipse! Really the only thing to add is that you might be a bit restrictive with how you express/present yourself? As in you overthink or you feel like you’re not allowed to do certain things because you didn’t suffer enough for it? Unfortunately problems and emotions will always present themselves regardless of your status, you don’t have to be at a certain level to be frustrated, it’s okay. Also you feel a bit goofy, I hope you’re allowed to let that side out enough.

Songs: Friends – Flight of the Conchords, Girls & Boys – Good Charlotte, Perfectionist – Flash Forward, Drew Barrymore – SZA

Pile Two

Cards: Twelfth House, Hygeia, Last Quarter Moon, Sixth House, Sun, Venus, Jupiter, First Quarter, Seventh House, Uranus, Aries, Eleventh, North Node

Oh? Well, as a side note the cards came out without issue, so there’s a feeling that you know yourself quite well. More than you might realize because I feel like you...there’s a feeling of you making adjustments for yourself without realizing. There’s a house opposition but it feels like it’s working well so far here. In tune with your body and soul, so when something feels off or you’re feeling sluggish, you make adjustments to one portion of your life and you’ll be feeling a bit better the next week. There’s also a pretty forward quality here about you, you don’t pretend to be anything you’re not and you’re down to earth. This first pull can also point to a healing quality about you — the dynamic of the 6th & 12th can usually have someone who ends up working for charities or having a natural ability to help others in some form underneath their daily routine.

I already had a feeling this pile was something else. I don’t know there is a very relaxed energy about your. Even while listening to your first song, it still felt more calm despite the meaning of the song? Considering these are Benefics and The Sun, it’s like you do your best to always look on the bright side of things. I mean yes this can point to overindulging and running away from issues, especially since we got the Twelfth, but I’m feeling more tranquil and like...happy. I’m not getting negativity. So it’s just minding your business and trying to live a peaceful life. Also lowkey spiritual/philosophical, always looking for more.

Not surprised by these cards. Due to your actual energy, you seem very harmonious and pleasant to be around. However looking at these songs I’m getting it’s clear that you’ve experienced connections/situations that weren’t so pleasant. As I mentioned before, you’re someone who prefers to live a happy life, you don’t want to stay in negative places. It’s reflected in these cards that you’re very determined to move on and live the life that you want. From the perspective that you might’ve just had the worst thing happen to you and you’ve moved on next week, it can seem a bit perplexing to others haha.

Oh! That’s interesting. There is that peaceful energy to you, but due to what you experienced you want to protect others. Not in a sacrificial way, but you want to implement change. You’re not someone who wants to sit around and wait to protect after the incident has occurred. Very passionate, possible leader material, and so much care to those around you and the community that you could foster. I absolutely love your energy.

Songs: Best of You – Foo Fighters, When the Day Met the Night – Panic! At the Disco, Demons – Imagine Dragons, Awake and Alive – Skillet

Pile Three

Cards: Virgo, Sun, Taurus, Hygeia, Sagittarius, Pisces, Cancer Rx

I keep being drawn into the hole on the Sun card. I’m getting nothing else, so I think right now there is some healing that needs to be done to the ego — or identity. To piece this together, it’s like someone is being too self-critical of who they are, and to solve this they need to implement self care because I also got that. That could just be parts of the personality but I’m getting. Nothing. Let me see.

Oh my god I can’t read any of this literally. Sag-Pisces makes me think of Jupiter influence, and could point to avoidance for this particular reason. It feels like being asked what to drink, not knowing what to choose so asking to try everything. Everything feels very flimsy, so either I have a lot of people within this pile or we just need to work on who we are at our core a bit longer which is just what happens in life. Cancer being in reversed is also important, because I never take my oracles that way unless they fly out as such. This signifies a lack of nurturing in some sort. Or the emotions are being pushed to the side. Ego can’t survive without emotion — it’s just a paper bag at that point. It feels more like trying to fit into another archetype or be someone that you’re not? Like following trends as an example. I’m pulling advice for you, one second.

Energy to Embrace: Whale, Oyster, Peacock

Yeah, you have to embrace your own qualities and put them back out into the world. All of these cards show that there has been some damage done, so I can understand that there is some insecurity or fear in doing that, but masking as someone else is not the answer and it’s causing more internal confusion/damage. You have gifts that the world should see. Everyone does. We each have something that no one else can offer, which is why we’re here. Don’t water yourself down just because someone else believes you deserve to be. Work on yourself bit by bit and I hope next time I can see this pile glowing.

**As I was finishing up I realized the first song could be from another point of view towards you and you're the second song, but that might only resonate for a few people**

Songs: Oogie Boogie's Song — Ed Ivory and Ken Page, Read Your Mind – Tayla Parx

Pile Four

Cards: Venus, First Quarter Moon, Cancer, Eros, Libra, Gemini, Cancer, Third House, Seventh House, Virgo, Second, Sagittarius, Uranus

Enjoying the finer things in life and all of it’s pleasures. I’m not really feeling an intense energy besides you starting off with a Britney song but it feels more like...hidden intensity. When pushed you’ll bite back. Besides that pretty calm? You know your worth and you’ve very giving to others. Can be a bit infatuated with the idea of love, but I don’t think it’s too unrealistic or imbalanced. You’re very peaceful but also determined to achieve your goals.

Not all my favorite signs??? So you definitely enjoy interacting with others, definitely flirting with and annoying people as well. I’m still getting a really chill energy despite having these signs hit the table haha. I think you’re pretty sweet, enjoy giving your time to others and would appreciate the same back *most* of the time. You can be sensitive to the energy around you considering we got both Venus and Eros before. I can see the messiness from here but I will look away because it’s funny.

Yeah, relationships are pretty important to you. Doesn’t have to be romantic, just making the connection with others puts a smile on your face. You could also be seen as someone who is really easy to get along with. Another thing is you might be known in your community? Like local, not a big name. I’m not sure why it shot out with that, but 3rd is giving me that your parents talk a lot or they’re very involved, therefore people end up knowing you. You could also be very dedicated to what you do? Maybe not a perfectionist but you take your job or craft seriously? So you could be seen as very intelligent or very gifted due to your ‘spotless’ record haha.

Okay also maybe a bit of a smart-ass because the second I said ‘what the hell is this’ I got the last song — which is basically ‘I do whatever I want’. I don’t think that’s your dominant personality, but as I said before there are times where people test you or think lowly of you and that’s when it comes out. Like ‘ah they’re too spineless to do that’ and then you do it to prove them wrong or just piss them off honestly. With the second house I don’t think it’s money that’s a concern, but more like that items that you have, or the clothes. It’s like how you’re seen and present yourself, which can be counted as valuables because they reflect you. Sagittarius and Uranus are both outspoken and well, you want to make sure you’re noticed sometimes.

Songs: Piece of Me – Britney Spears, OT – John K, Speak — DBMK, ^_^ – CHANMINA

[ikamigami]

I'm so happy that Moon opened up so much about his trauma and his feelings bsbzbzbzbbznx QwQ 💞

I'm proud of him 🥹💗

Earth really did awesome job with helping Moon with this stuff 👏

I'm glad that Earth is more understanding to why others don't tell her everything right away.. she starts to understand that she knows she can trust them and they'll definitely let her know in their own time..

She still feels hurt but it's a start and I'm proud of her as well 💞

It's good to see that Monty is honest with Earth about Taurus <3

And I'm happy to see Monty hanging out with Lunar like they used to ^^

And at last.. Sun.. spill your guts finally pls QwQ

Why he has to wait to open up till trauma just corners him and basically forces him to face his issues and feelings? - July 16th and Dazzle..

The silence when Sun heard that Moon nearly died again.. was painful QwQ

And yet the only thing he told is like always "Nexus wants to use to find shards and he doesn't seem to listen"..

Like pls Sun what about "Nexus told me how I and everyone else were unable to see him as his own person and I'm just still scared of him being hurt or dead"..

I think I know why Sun doesn't want to talk about this or about the specifics of what Creator told him in that dream or how Dark Sun told him about Moons killing their Suns in most dimensions.. or about what Goliath told him.. or about anything else like that really..

Cause Sun holds all the blame for all these things to himself.. he blames himself for everything..

"Sometimes I don't know how to help.."

"The fact that you support him is really helpful.."

Earth is right obviously.. but I'm sure that this line won't help Sun too much..

Cause look what happened when he was supportive to Nexus.. look how it ended..

I swear when Sun will finally admit to how much he feels guilty and blames himself for everything I'll be old bdndndnx/jjjj naaah but I'm sure that Sun won't admit to it too soon QwQ

Also ha! to all the peeps that were angry at me for saying that Sun is self-harming - look what Moon admitted that he's doing to himself hmmm ʘ⁠‿⁠ʘ

So I guess that talking about self-harm is okay.. and hints towards them having suicidal thoughts.. but at least no one will commit suicide.. cause we have that confirmed..

I just wish that people weren't so hacking rude and condescending towards me for saying that Sun is suicidal or that he's self-harming..

Like I said the only thing that I exaggerated about was that Sun will kill himself.. but other than that just leave me tf alone if you disagree with me on Sun's mental state.. ofc I'm always open to normal discussion ^^

So yeah anyway.. I think that Sun may do something reckless.. because he won't be able to kill Nexus.. that's my theory 👏

Xbjsndbdbndnd I just wish that at least someone would know.. at least one person.. how much Sun struggles with guilt delusion and all.. pls QwQ sbsnnsnxndnxn

But I'll wait patiently and suffer with Sun crying and enjoying the angst (⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

Also I saw someone's comment that maybe it could help Moon if he saw how much Eclipse's changed and grew (⁠ㆁ⁠ω⁠ㆁ⁠) and honestly I agree ^^

I also wish that Eclipse would be first to find out that Sun holds so much guilt QwQ pls 🙏

Also I'm so happy that Sun and Jack talked in today's sams episode zbnxnxnxnx but I'm sorry Jack but it's hard to make Sun to spill his guts QwQ you tried though *gives headpats to Jack* ^⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠_⁠^

And Sun and Jack watching a movie together vzbxbxbbxbzbxb

Sun sleeping on James Bond "how dare you, sir?!" Hdjjdjdjdjd /jjjj I know that Sun just didn't have much time when he was only one working in the Daycare to watch stuff and now he mostly play games when he isn't overthinking stuff or cleaning vxbxbsnsnnsns

Also hell yeah I love Kingsmen xbxnnxnxnxn yay yay yay (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠) Sun you'll love it x3 💞

And I'm so glad that Solar and Sun seem so comfortable with each other compared to how it was before vxbxjnxnxnxnxn ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

Sams episode was funny and wholesome bxbxbbxbxbxnx

[ivanttakethis]

Tov’s OC Intimacy Levels

Based on the character intimacy percentages from the art book.

This covers Tov’s intimacy levels with other characters she has notable relationships with or is connected to in some way.

Inspired by @lookatmysillies’s Character Intimacy Levels posts: Part 1 and Part 2.

Himei (100%) - If soulmates exist, I believe we are a pair. There is no me without you. I would give anything to change your fate.

Tallis (100%) - You see me in a way no one else does. I cannot hide from you, but I find that I don’t want to. It’s okay if it’s you.

Nyx (90%) - My bothersome little brother. You’re stubborn in your belief that you are not worthy of love, but I’m more stubborn in proving you wrong.

Dian (80%) - Although you can be a persistent thorn in my side, you’re one of my closest friends. You keep me in check and I return the favor. I know you have my best interest at heart.

Moran (75%) - I miss our talks and the time we spent together and your views on the world. You were so much more than a puppet waiting to play their part. We are tied together in the stars.

Flor (60%) - Your heart was far too kind for a cruel world like ours. I try to view your death as a mercy. I don’t know if it’s working. I miss you.

Solei (59%) - Thank you for allowing me to be your shadow. I will always keep your secrets. Hopefully we can meet again one day.

Aurien (57%) - I know you were the one who made our class’s star charts. I appreciate you sharing them with me. Please stay safe, fellow stargazer.

Wren (50%) - There’s something odd about you. I suspect you know more than you let on. Despite that, you were there for me at my lowest, and I’m grateful.

Lang (40%) - Tallis and Nyx loved you so much. Over time, I came to care for you too. I wish things could’ve been different.

Stasya (39%) - More than an acquaintance. A friend perhaps? You didn’t deserve what happened to you. I hope you’re drifting in a nice river somewhere.

Azure (30%) - It is not lost on me that this odd fondness I feel for you only runs one way. Even still, I do not regret mourning you. Your life and death were never a waste of time.

Akane (20%) - I’ve always respected you as my senior. Maybe we could’ve been friends. I see you every night in the moon.

Castor (18%) - I often found you to be annoying and unserious. But you were very important to Nyx, so I tolerated you. I hate how badly you hurt him, but we both know there was no other way.

Elias and Prem (17%) - I still don’t understand why you’re risking so much to help me. Is my benefactor really that important to you? I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Lark (15%) - Even though I know there was nothing I could do, I still feel like I failed you in some way. Did you know I was there when you were dying? I held your hand the whole time.

Minori (10%) - I’m sorry. I should’ve looked. I should’ve dignified you in your last moments and I didn’t. It is one of my biggest regrets.

Daiki (8%) - I’ll never forgive you for how you spoke about Tallis. But I understand wanting to live for someone you love.

Noora (6%) - You were always such a sweet girl. I don’t know if I’ll ever understand what made you snap. I’m sorry about Lark. Are you together now?

Min (5%) - You saved Himei’s life. For that alone, I am in your debt.

Cirrus (5%) - We have very similar backgrounds. If we spoke, I think we’d find that we have a lot in common. Part of me knew it would end this way.

Tagging: @lookatmysillies (Himei, Tallis, Castor), @rockwgooglyeyes (Nyx, Dian), @geospiral (Moran), @sotogalmo (Flor), @solei-eclipse (Solei), @aurienneirua (Aurien), @its-langgg (Lang), @billwasnot (Stasya), @azureitri (Azure), @aakaneeee (Akane), @kamersona (Lark, Noora), @minori-dash (Minori), @daiki1k (Daiki), @starry-skiez (Min), and @yunoftheclouds (Cirrus).

[ravenwriter16]

hiiii! I have a lil what-if question! how would the emperors (mainly eclipse) react to a y/n who is obsessed with the architecture and the politics of the kingdom? like they always wanna join eclipse as he does paperwork (even thought it’d look boring to any other kid), and even join his meetings with officials if possible. and they even take notes, like what they’d do to solve a problem or questions they have! ty for reading <3

Hehehehe, I took this ask and RAN with it. Hope you enjoy!

You look over the scrolls of blueprints holding possible designs for the new schoolhouse. You had worked for days trying to get the permission of the Imperial Table to start on this project of yours, and now you could finally break ground!

With this new building, every child regardless of class can get an education! Just like you had all those years ago.

You look over your shoulder at the giant pin board you had put together. Eyes following the lines of red yarn from one document to the other.

"Maybe...if we build using dragon scales, we wouldn't have to pay fees for wood and stone in the long run--,"

A knock on your door startles you slightly. You sigh and rub your temple, "Come in."

Eclipse steps into the room, his glasses hanging from the chain around his neck. He must have just gotten done with his paper work.

Oh joy...

He smiles when he sees you but it falters when he notices your own pile of scrolls and paperwork. Walking further into the room, he waves in a servant pushing a cart full of food.

"Good afternoon, little comet."

"Eclipse." You give a curt nod, squinting your eyes at a certain sketch on your board.

"Busy day so far?" He muses, walking right up next to you.

You shrug, "I guess. I had to deal with Baron Ruxley in regards to funding for school supplies."

"Is that pig still refusing to budge?" Eclipse glances over at you.

"Yeah...Where you able to review the proposed budget I sent you." You walk up to your board and unpin some cloth. You still needed to decide on colors...

"I did." He hums, lifting a hand and moving some hands behind your ear. You flinch while he smiles, "Beautiful."

You move away from his hand and head over to your scrolls, "W-what did you think of the proposal?"

Eclipse sighs and waves dismissively, "It was too little. Why did you ask for such an amount? You merely have to say the word, and I will give you mountains of gold."

You shake your head, "One needs to put the frog in cold water first if one needs to boil it. If I asked for millions upon millions of gold, the nobles would be opposed to the idea of building the school."

"You shouldn't dwell on what those fools think. Me and your fathers hardly care--,"

"And that's why there is a faction trying to take all three of you down and reclaim the throne." You huff, looking over at him while placing a hand on your hip, "You out of all people should know that better than anyone.

"Of course I do." Eclipse rolls his eyes, "I would have never gotten my position if I was oblivious to such things."

"Then please just treat this project normally. As if a normal person proposed it instead of me."

"But you have hardly shown this much passion for ANYTHING in years." Eclipse gives you a sad smile, "I just want to help..."

You sigh which turns into a yawn towards the end. "Just...treat it like normal...Oh! And thanks for letting me listen in on your meeting the other day."

"Why of course. I was surprised to see you taking more notes--,"

"I have to make sure I know the ins and outs of the Imperial Laws."

"Hmm..."

You both sit in silence for a good few minute. Simply just being with each other. Eclipse taps his fingers on his hips, thinking of...something.

"When is that last time you took a break?" He eyes you up and down as you plop down in your desk chair.

"Uhmmm..." you drag a hand down your face, "Yesterday..."

Eclipse's rays twitch, "What?"

"Yesterday." You shrug and fold your hands over your stomach, "I caught a stroke of inspiration last night and haven't stopped yet. I finished the blueprints for the science wing of the school, so that's a plus--,"

"So that's why you didn't come down for supper last night?" Eclipse's voice starts gaining a bit of a growl to it, "And why you didn't come to breakfast OR lunch?"

You blink and look back down at him, "I did?...huh..."

Eclipse sighs and pinches the spot between his eyes, "What am I going to do with you..." He snaps his fingers and the servant pushes the cart closer to you both, "I took the liberty of bringing you some snacks. Eat."

"Thanks, but I still have so much to do." You shake your head and hold up a finger for each item you list off, "I have to double check the finalized budget, find vendors who are willing to see the actual school-equipment, schedule a meeting to discuss funding with some willing nobles, then I also have to go down to the site where we are planning to build and--,"

You stop when a large warm hand cups your cheek. "Sweetie...Though I am happy that you are finally taking your duties as Crown Princess seriously, and I LOVE talking to you about the affairs of our Empire, working yourself to the bone while also neglecting your needs is something I cannot let slide."

"Oh please..." You roll your eyes, "Surely as Emperor--,"

"I am not talking to you as Emperor." Eclipse shakes his head, his gaze softening, "I'm talking to you as your Father."

You sigh and look over at the food, "You're not going to stop bothering me unless I eat something, are you?"

"Oh most definitely." He chuckles while smirking.

You groan and roll your eyes again, but a small smile works its way on your lips all the same. You get up from your chair, stretching out your back. Eclipse's smile grows as you head to the cart.

"Fine...But you're eating with me." You look over your shoulder at him, "Need to make sure you didn't drug all of this."

Eclipse laughs and nods his head, "Of course, little comet~."

[thewriteone]

Precipice

a/n: Finally, the very first fanfic idea I had for The Lonely Shore (@thelonelyshore-if) is completed. My brainchild. Third to be posted but no less loved for it. Still calling it an AU because idk how some of this stuff will actually shake out in canon, and this way I can just have some fun with it.

Takes place some amount of time after Hell and High Water. Switching from third person in Willow's perspective to first person in my MC's perspective because I know exactly how this bitch thinks. MC is not named but is genderqueer (she/he/they pronouns) and Willow's nickname for her is Ducky. Guest starring Beck and Perri because I love them. <3

Wordcount: 1621

cw: swearing

----------------

You would think having a closet full of clothing means always having something to wear, and I suppose that is technically true. Yet having a wealth of options only makes it all the more difficult to reach a final decision. I at least manage to narrow it down to three options in less than an hour. The finalists, as it were.

The bedroom door swings open forcefully as I’m contemplating my choices. Willow has always been allergic to typical social conventions, and I never liked this particular habit of theirs.

“Ever heard of knocking?” I say without sparing them a glance. I don’t have to look at them to know they’re rolling their eyes in response. Very mature, very respectful. As usual. Willow flops down on the empty part of my bed as I eliminate one of my finalists. And then there were two.

“I’m bored,” they say, one arm draped over their eyes.

“Then go do something.”

“I am doing something. I’m talking to you, aren’t I?” They lift their arm to look me in the eye and grin. I narrow my eyes at them, an exasperated look that is made less effective by the upward curl at the edges of my mouth.

“So you’re treating me like some form of free entertainment?”

“You’d have to actually be entertaining for me to do that,” they respond, mischief dancing in their eyes. I consider swatting them with a pillow, but I settle for flipping them off instead.

“Oh, Willow, you’re such a comedian. Look at me, I’m simply dying from laughter over here.” I pick a winning outfit as Willow takes note of what I’m doing.

“I know,” they grin. “That’s why you’re so lucky to have me as a sibling. What are you getting all ready for, anyway? Planning to ditch me so soon?”

“Yep, I have plans today. Sorry baby sib, cool kids only.”

“Guess that means you won’t be going after all, then.” I’m helpless to stop the laughter that bubbles out of me at their response.

“Hey! I'll have you know that I'm very popular in this town.” The admonishment in my tone is tempered by my still-present smile.

“And you think that's a good thing?” Before I can formulate a response, Willow asks the question that’s been burning behind their eyes.

“So, what, you’re going on some kind of date or something?” They put an arm under their head, the perfect picture of nonchalance. I know better. I hesitate a moment before deciding to be honest. This isn’t our first date and it isn’t likely to be the last, not if I have any say in it, so Willow will find out eventually. Better they hear it from me.

“Yes, actually.” Willow sits bolt upright as though they’ve been struck.

“What?? With who??” they shout, equal parts hopeful and apprehensive. They knew who I had feelings for, and. Well. Only one of those options was acceptable, according to Willow. When I don’t answer immediately, they scramble off the bed to stand in front of me. “Don’t fucking tell me it’s Beck!”

“And Perri.” I respond, arms crossed. They turn away and groan, worst fears confirmed.

“You are somehow simultaneously the smartest and the dumbest person I know,” they spit out, their like of Perri never quite enough to eclipse their dislike of Beck. I frown as they turn back around to face me, irritation prickling in my chest.

“I’ll never understand why you don’t like Beck. You’re both so similar,” I respond. Willow splutters for a moment, the creases in their brow nearly spelling out the word “indignation.” I press forward before they can collect themself. “Besides, Little Sapling, you don’t get a say in who I choose to date. I like both of them, end of discussion.” While they’re trying to collect themself enough to respond, I manage to shoo them out so I can finally dress. The reprieve from their judgemental comments is merely a bonus.

When I walk out to wait in the living room, Willow is hot on my heels.

“I cannot believe you compared me to that arrogant little coward. We’re nothing alike. Nothing!”

“Riiight. You’re definitely not both reckless adrenaline seekers chasing after the next fun thing without any concern for the consequences. Totally not you at all.”

Their face sours bitterly. I’ve clearly delivered them the worst insult possible packaged in facts they can’t dispute, though that doesn’t keep them from trying. Half a dozen sentences start and fizzle back out.

"Beck lets her fear control her. I don't," they finally manage to say.

"Sometimes fear tells us when something is dangerous, when we're taking things too far. Listening to that can be a good thing!" Willow sneers. My own irritation from before bubbles back to the surface.

"Not when it keeps you trapped like a bird in a cage! Afraid to change, afraid to rock the boat, afraid to challenge the status quo!"

"Beck is trapped here because of the fog, like the rest of us."

"Sure, but she hasn't even bothered trying. She just lets the haunting spectre of her own fear ruin good things before they can even happen." Their eyes speak what their lips did not: She'll ruin this, too. Ruin you.

My irritation sparks into a flame. I tried not to mind their opinion before–Willow and I have always had different tastes–but now it is becoming unbearable. It’s not even the fact they don’t like Beck, it’s that they’re so hellbent on changing my mind. As though they need me to agree with them and stop hanging around her. But I’m an adult now. I am no longer bound by the childish whims of my younger sibling, nor the demands of my parents. I will not allow other people to dictate how I live my life. I take a few calming breaths before responding.

"Look, I know you care about me, and I appreciate that. However, who I choose to date has nothing to do with you. I've decided that Beck and Perri are worth taking a risk on, whatever that may mean for me in the future. You need to respect me and my choices instead of trying to change my mind."

“I do respect you! That’s why I’m trying so hard to get you to see reason–”

“I’m not the one who has trouble seeing reason!” I snap.

"But you do! You're letting your emotions cloud your judgement. Beck isn't a good influence, a good person. She's going to—"

An ill-timed knock interrupts their inane ranting. Well, ill-timed for them. I, on the other hand, welcome the sudden end to this pointless argument. I almost feel the heat of Willow’s searing glare on my back as I open the door to reveal Beck and Perri, both smiling as soon as they see me.

"Hey bud, you ready?" Beck asks. Perri clocks the tension immediately, posture stiffening and smile turning wooden as their eyes dart between Willow and I. Beck must notice the change in their demeanor, her eyes darting to her companion briefly as her smile flickers. Then, Beck’s gaze lands on Willow and her expression shifts. Her smile sharpens at the edges, almost taunting.

"Didn't realize you'd be home, Sapling. Trying to tag along?" Willow rolls their eyes.

"It's Willow to you," they respond, false smile plastered on their face. "And I wouldn't be caught dead spending time with you. Just what kind of dangerous stunt are you going to take my sibling on this time? Gonna go jump off a bridge or something?" Beck snorts.

"I considered it, but I know you wouldn't want me getting hurt. You're just...so caring." I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. I have had my absolute fill of bickering and arguments for the day.

"Alright, enough you two. Don't we have somewhere to be?" I direct my question to Beck. Perri sags with relief and manages a weak smile when I catch their eye and I briefly smile back. I turn to Willow and see their frown, knowing they have a retort on the tip of their tongue.

"We will finish this discussion later once we've both had time to calm down," I state firmly. Willow grimaces and then nods. The heaviness of everything both said and unsaid hangs between us. But it can wait. Three of us start to leave the apartment before we're interrupted.

“Wait!” Willow calls out. I turn to face them, curious about what they have to say. “I’m…sorry for yelling.” But not sorry for what they said. I frown, feeling the brief sting of frustration. Always so difficult. Whatever.

“I’m sorry for yelling, too.” We’ll address the rest later. They reach out for a hug, and the anxiety melts from their expression as I give it to them. They seem to melt too, clinging tightly. 

“C’mon, Ducky! We’ve got a lot of great stuff planned for today!” Beck calls out, reaching the end of her patience. Willow tenses at the interruption, likely irritated, before we pull apart.

"Beck! Give them a moment!" Perri admonishes, shooting me an apologetic look. I laugh softly.

“Alright, alright, I’m coming,” I say with an annoyance betrayed by the smile on my face. “See you later, Little Sapling.” I nudge Willow in the arm one last time before finally leaving with my dates.