#anges. and then they grow normally after that

[razzle-zazzle]

Would you be willing to like, info dump about your Troll pupating headcanon that appeared in your Between AU? Just elaborate on how it works and such?

YES. Putting this under a cut because it's moderately long

Okay okay so. I don't know why but trolls are like. Little bugs to me. So I want to give them a few small bug traits, make them little creatures.

And pupation seemed like the most fun way to do that. A pupa is an insect's life stage where they undergo metamorphosis between larval and adult forms. In real life, most pupation involves larval structures breaking down while adult structures like wings develop—in that case of caterpillars, the bug sees itself liquified during the process (while still retaining memories of pre-pupation! neat!).

Of course, in canon, we see baby and child trolls all the time, and they're not that different from the main characters. So troll pupation isn't as drastic as it is for most real-life insects in my headcanon; rather, it might be better described as spedrun puberty.

So. The headcanon itself. At about 12 or 13 years of age, a trolling will start to experience a surge in appetite and drop in metabolism. I'm not entirely decided yet on whether the cocoon is something that they build up over time from spun/shed hairs, or if it's something more instantaneous formed directly from their hair—though I'm leaning more towards the latter.

The troll spends most of their pupation asleep. Body structures don't need to break down to the extent seen in real-life insects, so while some semi-drastic changes do happen (genitals develop and become accessible, though they won't be fully functional for a few years yet; hair lengthens and becomes stronger + able to shift color and length; new adult teeth, fur, and claws grow in), the troll remains pretty much intact the entire way through the process.

When they emerge, the troll isn't actually a full adult yet; though most of the major changes have been ticked off, it still takes a few years of regular growth before they can be considered fully mature.

A big thing about pupations is that trolls are adaptable. And I headcanon Pop Trolls to be one of the most adaptable genres (since pop is literally defined as "whatever's popular," though the genre itself has a few defining features), though all trolls pupate regardless of genre. So trolls that are under a lot of stress or caught in unusual conditions may find themselves emerging from their pupations with new features outside of what's normally expected. These adaptations aren't super drastic—for example, a Pop Troll raised by Techno Trolls wouldn't emerge with the exact same structure as a Techno Troll; rather, they'd get webbed paws and bigger lung capacity (maybe bioluminescence if they're lucky) at the most. Lost limbs can occasionally be regrown during pupation if the injury was recent enough, and most scars will fade during pupation.

So why does Branch pupate at fifteen in my headcanons? Simple: he's gray. The lack of color is more than just a signifier of his disposition; it has direct physiological consequences with regards to Branch's growth rate and metabolism. His troll endocrine system released the necessary hormones to induce pupation late as a result. Hormones being what they are, it's possible for a fully-colored troll to have a delayed or even early pupation, but such deviation tends to be rare.

In the Between AU, Branch loses his tail at roughly thirteen years old. When he pupates about two years later, his body adapts to the whole "living with creatures twenty times his size" situation, and instead of regrowing his tail his hips and legs shifted to accommodate the new balance.

tl;dr my troll growth headcanons are a mix of mammalian (human) style puberty and buglike metamorphosis; trolls speedrun their puberty in a hair cocoon

[icycoldninja]

Can u write the DMC boys in a scenario where they were turned into little kittens because a particularly smart devil managed to cast a magic spell on them to escape?

When they woke up, they’re very confused as to why their clothes are suddenly much bigger than they are and so do their weapons. Only when they look at their reflection in the nearby puddle do they realize they become a little kitten

Now they’re cursing in distress, which, sound more like distressed meows from a sulking kitty

And that caught the reader’s attention as she was searching up and down for them, not knowing what happened to her bf before she stumbled across a cute little cat near the pile of fallen rocks

Reader: What are you doing here little fella? Where’s your mom? Did you happen to come across my boyfriend? Can I bring you home with me?

The boys: ‘HONEY!! IT’S ME’ *distressed meowing being inserted*

Now the reader takes care of the little kitten she brought home, not knowing it’s her bf meanwhile she’s just praying for their well-being and hope that they get home soon (erm…about that) She usually plays with them, buys things for them for enrichment, etc and not only that, she usually rants to the little kitten that even though she do love the boys, she can’t help but feel that there’s a rift between their relationship because of how much time they spend with their job, which makes her feel neglected in a way but she can’t blame them. Meanwhile, the kitten, that happens to be her bf, is actually paying close attention to her words, their heart aches because they unknowingly neglect her by overworking themselves, which leads to little to no time for their relationship

After a few days, they return back to normal. Reader is glad they’re back home but is confused about what happened to her favorite little kitty. That’s when the boys explain that the kitten is them…which leads to a very awkward conversation afterwards, ranging from ‘Are you okay?’s; ‘What happened/?’ to the boys explaining that they heard her confession and both the reader and them promising to work out their relationship

P/S: No joke V looks like an Oriental Short hair cat like…no explanation needed

and Nero looks similar to an Ocicat

For Vergil and Dante. It’s rather complicated but they’re either Russian Blues or Turkish Angoras

Here’s a little illustration of cat V I made…I’m rather proud of it

yeap that's accurate. Cool drawing, btw.

Sparda boys + V x Reader kitten situation headcannons

¤ Dante ¤

-Somehow, a particularly powerful demon managed to cast a spell on Dante and turned him into a cat.

-Dante was super angry about this and started screeching at thin air, convinced he was speaking English words.

-While returning home from work, you came across this very kitten, sitting and meowing in distress. Naturally, you decided to help him.

-Dante was happy to be with you, but he couldn't understand why you didn't understand what he was saying. It took some time, but he eventually concluded that he must have been speaking cat.

-You cared for the cat-Dante for a little while, growing super attached to him in the process. Oh how you loved this fuzzy little ball of fun. You also vented to it, shamelessly dilvuging all your fears and issues with your relationship due to how much time Dante spent away from you. All this information went into the cat's wars, and registered in Dante's brain.

-When the spell eventually wore off, you were very sad, but hey, at least you had your boyfriend back!

-After asking about his strange absence, Dante was reluctant to admit that he was the cat you'd taken care of all along and that he remembers every moment; every word.

-He then apologized and promised to make more time for you, much to your delight. Thankfully, Dante is lighthearted and doesn't judge much or you'd be in for one hell of a lecture.

■ Vergil ■

-Vergil couldn't believe something like this had happened to him. How could he have been foolish enough to get turned into a cat?!

-He was very angry, and naturally began grumbling to himself while trying to head home.

-This was where you found him, meowing sadly like the poor little kitty he was.

-Of course, you brought him home, and began treating him like your adopted child, unaware that this was actually your boyfriend.

-You poured out your soul to this harmless kitten, venting about everything that upset you, including how Vergil's continuous absence saddened you.

-When Vergil returned to normal (which took a few days), he decided not to say anything about it. He simply couldn't bear to tell you he, the MOTIVATED one, had been changed into a cat. Instead, he took more time off for you, surprising you with his sudden change of schedule.

□ Nero □

-Nero didn't really understand how this happened, but hey, it's not all bad!

-While laughing about it to himself, he saw you crossing the street, and decided to meow to get your attention.

-Your attention he got indeed; the next thing he knew, he was being given a bath at home, and then a lot of pets and scratches behind the ears.

-He also got to listen to you talk about your day, in far more detail than you ever told him. It made him kind of jealous. A cat was getting to know more about you than your own boyfriend did.

-When you started talking about how your boyfriend (him) was hardly ever around, it all clicked into place. You felt neglected! Aw shit, Nero really fucked up this time.

-Once he turned back to normal, he set out to change things, even promising out of the blue that he'd put more time into your relationship. When you asked him why, he ended up inadvertently revealing he had been that kitten you so adored all this time.

● V ●

-V was just a few seconds too slow to avoid this demon's beam of magic, and ended up getting turned into a cat.

-Oh, this was so distressing. Griffon and Shadow were no longer around, so V was all alone. When cats are frightened and alone, what do they do? Meow.

-You happened to hear this meowing as you were out and about looking for him, and being the kind soul you are, rushed to help the terrified kitty.

-V was then given a glimpse of how royalty lives. He was pampered, doted on, petted almost every 2 seconds, and waited on hand and foot.

-He also got to hear a lot of your secrets, including how you felt lonely without him around. You missed him much more than he realized, V realized, and made a mental promise to fix that once he was human again.

-You were dismayed to lose your kitten, when that eventually happened, but overjoyed to have your boyfriend back. It was then when you were informed that he never left. V was the cat all along, and from that moment onward, he would make more time for you.

[starlight-bread-blog]

Imagine if Sokka never pissed off Katara into revealing the iceberg Aang was trapped in, and eventually Katara and Sokka become fully convinced that there's no Avatar anymore so they're like "fuck it let's build a boat and use basic waterbending to go on a journey, grind our skills, find some allies, and end the Firelord ourserlves". So they regularly encounter and escape Zuko, find Suki, find Toph, make allies with different foreigners like Bumi, let Zuko have his redemption and basically assassinates Ozai as a team. Ages after when Katara and Zuko grow on each other, have kids, and a waterbending child of theirs takes a trip to the South Pole, screws around with waterbending and only THEN is Aang finally discovered in the iceberg.

I got this idea when I look at the "what if Zutara but Aang really died in Ba Sing Se" or a "what if Zutara but Aang got killed by Ozai" ideas, drank some sparkling wine, and decided to take it back even further with a "what if Zutara, but Aang never even woke tf up" idea, and it's just so funny to me right now. Like imagine if Aang fr just slept through the entire plot, skipped his job of taking down Ozai, and woke up only after just missing EVERYTHING. That would be so sad and funny to me. Imagine that Zutara kid having to explain it, like "yeah dude, you really just slept the entire plot".

Hahaha that'd be wild. But also lowkey amazing because A\ang will get to have a good & normal childhood.

[if-lost-please-return-to-maliksi]

Hi pooo, NSFW/SMUT Maliksi x Reader inspired by the song I See Red TwT

((Anon, same ba tayo ng pinapakinggan na I See Red? xDD di ba parang murder song yun? char. Direct to the point ang request natin haaa, I like it! xD))

Disclaimer: I do not own Maliksi. Full Credit goes to HC - @ask-emilz-de-philz. Please check out their blog for amazing art and the wonderful world of Planet Puto. All involved characters are adults.

Genre: Smut

TW: NSFW, Explicit, mentions of a gun, sprinkle of violence, blood, dirty talk, masturbation, oral, konting ka toxican, p*rn without plot, sobrang konti if meron man, bad writing sorry 2017 pa last time na gumawa ako ng smut. Umm.. Read at your own risk, I guess? I don't want to traumatize peeps hehe~ Minors, please don't interact. 18+++ ONLY

NON- #PhilMytCrea related AU. Reader (Y/n) has a marriage of convenience with Maliksi. OOC coz he's not a tamawo in this fic guys, just a normal guy with no sad backstory. Don't come for me, this is how 'I See Red' plays along my mind.

NSFW UNDER THE CUT

You tossed your bag into the floor the moment you saw a pair of red stilettos which are not yours, laying on the frontdoor.

You knew Maliksi was seeing other people behind your back and it's fine, totally. You two were not wed out of love. Hell, you two only met each other a week before that damned wedding. It was a wedding made for the official partnership of your parents' companies, that's all.

What irks you the most is that Maliksi had the nerve to bring another woman under the roof of your house, knowing that you'll be home today after a week of insufferable business trips- you were exhausted and your 'husband' was banging some other chick on your bed.

You have always been labeled as 'intimidating' and 'bossy' by people around your- too many names and terms however it just leads to one point: you don't tolerate any disrespect and any bullshit from anyone.

"Get out or get shot." You coldly said as you entered your shared bedroom with Maliksi. The man is currently laying on his back on just his boxers while the girl he's with is on top of him, fully naked and giving him a good show. You went straight to your dresser and started rummaging for the hand gun your father gifted you before.

Upon realizing that you are not bluffing, the girl quickly got off on top of Maliksi, grabbing her clothes and making a run for it.

"Goddamn it! You are no fun!" Maliksi muttered underneath his breath but before he knows it, you were the one straddling him, landing a hard slap on his pretty face using the back of your hand that's now holding your glock.

You watched as single trail of blood slowly trickle down his nose.

"Fuckin' bastard! I only made you promise one thing after that hell of a wedding. You are not making a mess on my house, and especially not on my bed! Is that too much to ask for, you man-whore?!"

Maliksi's eyes widen at your sudden outburst. Who would've known that his wife is hiding some feisty personality underneath that stern and work addicted facade Your dad wasn't lying when he told him that you are a handful and that attitude will be a pain in the ass.

He lets out a deep chuckle as he wipes the blood off of his nose. "Look at you. All this time I thought I was married to a cold, emotionless robot. You should talk to me like this more often. God, it makes me hard." His voice resonated throughout the room as he took the gun out of your hands and placed it at the bedside table.

Sure enough, you can feel his growing bulge under those boxers. You two never had that kind of relationship despite being legally married. It's always just you sharing a bed at night like a pair of college roommates- maybe even less than that coz college roommates can sometimes cuddle. But you two- sleep like a pair of logs, away from each other in that king size bed as if you'll burn if your toes even touch accidentally.

You were about to get off of him but Maliksi wraps his arms around your hips, holding you in place. "You're not going anywhere." He smirks, licking the blood that got on his lips.

In a single breath, Maliksi was able to flip you over- switching your positions so that you're the one under him. "In case you can't read the room, I'm currently feeling hot n' bothered because of you. Kinda glad you arrived since the other girl can't get me hard."

"Then go jerk off somewhere, you idiot!" You tried pushing him off but he caught your hands and pinned it at the top of your head.

"Damn. Y'look so hot swearin' at me like that." He softly chuckled before undoing the necktie you are currently wearing and using it to restrain both of your hands. "Maliksi! W- what are you doing?!"

"We've been married for like two months now, Y/n. Can't a man see his own wife?" He said as he started undoing the buttons of your top, whistling at the sight of the red fabric of your lingerie peeking through.

"Didn't know you wear such things coming home to me, wifey." His voice sounded so seductively sweet that you have to do a double take if this is really the annoying guy you were unfortunately married to. Your face was red hot in embarrassment that you just wanted the ground to swallow you.

He smirks as he pulls out his hard cock, tip glistening with precum. He can't help but grin as he watch your eyes widen at the sight of him, not able to say a word.

"Didn't know my wife is this adorable. I like seeing you angry and shy. Tell me, will you let me see other expressions tonight, pretty?" He said not louder than a whisper as he slowly wraps his fingers around the base of his cock, giving it a light squeeze to feel just how hard he is from watching his wife stare from under him.

"Like what you're seeing, Y/N?" He teasingly asked as he started to stroking himself while you watch.

You felt your own breath get stuck on your throat as he asks you because you are indeed enjoying the little show he's putting up. For the first time, Maliksi is not a random guy you are married to. As much as you won't admit it, he's always been attractive, and hot. The air feels electric as room filled with the sounds of his panting and ragged breaths. You wouldn't tell him, but hearing him call you 'wifey' does things to you.

He reached up his free hand, tracing his thumb along your lower lips. "Open up for me, pretty girl." And for the first time in your life, you were obedient, opening up those pretty lips of yours and letting him use your mouth. You looked up at him, locking those pretty eyes into his as you take him deeply, feeling his tip brush into the back of your throat.

"I've got such a good wife here all this time. Y' should've let me know sooner." He said, grabbing handfuls of your hair to push himself deeper, making your eyes water.

"..fuck. you're such a dirty slut sucking me so good like that." he cursed, throwing his head back. You let out a moan, sending tremors and vibrations around his cock which made him buck his hips.

It didn't took long before he's got you completely naked on top of the sheets, his head buried between your thighs while his tongue works wonders on your sensitive clit. You were a moaning and trembling mess under his mercy which made him softly giggle on how his supposedly 'stuck up' wife turned out to be like this from his touch.

"Maliksi...please~ 'm so close."

He quickly pulled away, making you whimper in frustration from being denied of that sweet release.

"The only thing you're cumming on tonight is my cock, wifey."

He lined his twitching length along your dripping cunt, pushing in slowly, letting you adjust and get used to him before bottoming up and just stuffing you full of him.

He's been dreaming of this day when you two got married. Who would even be opposed of marrying you with that pretty face and killer body. He doesn't care if you two didn't marry for love. That body kept him awake at night, and he's definitely going all out now that he's got the chance to fuck you.

His pace is erratic, pulling out completely before slamming himself back completely, making your toes curl and your vision fill with stars as he fucks you senseless that all you can manage are moans and incoherent babbles.

He groans when he felt your cunt tightening around his cock, making him fuck you a tad bit harder. "You're so close now huh? My wifey seems to be enjoying my cock way too much." He chuckles before reaching into your clit, slowly circling his finger making you tremble in pleasure. "Maliksi....pleasee.."

"I know, pretty. I know."

You can feel your eyes rolling back and your body arching as you reach that sweet sweet release, with just a few more thrusts Maliksi follows, shooting ropes of thick hot cum inside you, telling you how pretty you are like that.

You two may not have started on good terms, but you both know this night is definitely a start of something.

[ryuyejiho]

"Let's keep it a secret" - Lee Know

Pairing: Lee Know x Reader

Genre: Smut, Fluff

Warnings: 18+, Smut, Fingering, Sex

Summary: After break up with your boyfriend, Minho finally has the opportunity to get closer to you and you will finally get a taste of his other side.

Word Count: ~3 k

Part 2 - "Understand my own feelings"

________________________________

I have always loved movie nights where evenly every month my friends, my boyfriend and I would watch a variety of movies from the evening until the morning.

However, now it was different.

Hyunjin who had been my boyfriend for over three years decided to break up with me and Minho who is his best friend started to take advantage of this and make dirty jokes in my direction. Recently, he even went a step further and started touching me in a way he certainly shouldn't do as just my friend.

And the worst part of it all is that I like it even though I don't want to like it. I just can't stop thinking about him, the way he looks at me, the way his voice changes when he tells me something dirty and the way his hands touch my body.

Every night before bed I even uncontrollably start imagining what it would be like if we got closer to each other. I wish I could feel him closer, his hands on me, his lips on mine. To hear him whisper compliments in my ear, he often does but I want it to be more intimate than it is now.

I want to feel the weight of his body on me, the way his member pushes my insides apart....

My contemplation was interrupted by a feeling as if someone was watching me. I pulled my eyes away from the TV and looked to the side. I immediately saw Minho who was looking at me with squinted eyes and smirking like he always do.

I rolled my eyes and looked away from him but I could still feel him looking at me.

Just as I was about to give him my attention he suddenly stood up and, saying he was going to get more beers, left the living room. I breathed deeply which did not escape the attention of Hyunjin who sitting on the floor, looked at me out of the corner of his eye but I decided to not care about him.

After a while Minho came back with a bunch of beers which he placed on the table in front of the TV and without even looking back sat down next to me.

He was so close that our thighs rubbed against each other at his slightest movement, especially when he began to pull his hoodie off. I wanted to gently move away from him but then he put a blanket over our legs. I looked at him surprised and my eyes widened when I felt his hand on my thigh under the blanket he covered us with. He put his other hand behind his head and watched the movie as if nothing ever happened.

I tried not to pay attention and watch as well, but when he started squeezing my thigh I couldn't stay indifferent. I looked at him warningly but he smilingly started stroking my thigh, each time higher and higher.

I could feel my breathing becoming uneven which he noticed because he brought his face closer to me and blew lightly on my cheek.

"You're blushing honey. Try to act normal then no one will notice," he whispered right into my ear and kissed its lobe. In shock I started to look around at all the people in the room but fortunately no one noticed anything. We sat on the sofa behind everyone who decided to spread out on blankets on the floor.

I bit my lip and turned my head away from Minho when he began to kiss my neck in a barely perceptible way, along with squeezing and stroking my thigh.

I could feel the excitement growing in me, but I became to chase away all the thoughts that were going through my head at that moment. I wanted to move away from him before it was too late and someone saw us. I looked at Hyunjin who was not paying attention to anything around him at all, everyone was focused on the movie. I also became focused but then I felt Minho's fingers teasing my pussy. I grabbed his wrist and wanted to push his hand as far away from me as possible but then he looked at me and shook his head with an angry expression.

"Minho stop, someone will notice it soon," I whispered close to his ear so that no one else would hear. He, however, only smirked and massaged my sensitive spot harder through the material of my pants. I clenched my teeth tightly not wanting to make any sound but then he grabbed my hand and placed it on his thigh.

I had never even hugged him so touching his muscular thigh that I thought about every night made me instantly hot. Willing not to, I started breathing faster and heavier, my thoughts immediately overshadowed by the image of how close my hand was to his penis.

All this time he was looking at me with his characteristic smirk, his gaze going from my eyes to my lips, my breasts which were obscured only by a thin top. I involuntarily began to look at his lips which at that moment seemed even plumper than usual. I had a great desire to kiss him and just as I was about to start moving closer I heard Felix's voice

"everything okay there with you two?" I immediately became stressed and looked at him and when I was about to say something to explain myself Minho quite comfortably said

"I think she may have a fever. She's all lit up and even this morning she said her throat hurts" at his words everyone looked at us. I didn't know what to do so I was just sitting quietly.

"you are indeed all red in the face" spoke up Felix

"maybe go to the bathroom upstairs, there is a thermometer there then measure the temperature and if you want to Y/N you can go to bed now. You can spend the night in my bed" Chan knew perfectly well that parting with Hyunjin equals no room for me in their dorm.

Minho nodded and got up quickly, pulling me up by my hand. I only had time to say short goodbye when we quickly climbed up the stairs to the floor where the guys' rooms were located.

Minho was still holding my hand and pulling me along. We passed the aforementioned bathroom and went to the very end of the hallway where his room was located. We went inside and I was immediately pressed against the door making it close with a loud hit.

Min pressed his hips against mine, locking the door shut and putting his hands on two sides of my head. I could feel his erection perfectly but I didn't pay attention to it, or at least I didn't let it show. I raised my hand placing it on his chest and wanted to push him away but he, as if reading my mind, caught it and pressed it against the door above my head.

"Do you think you'll escape from me?" He asked grabbing my other hand and placing it in the same place. He raised an eyebrow and looked at me with a smirk. I involuntarily started looking at his lips again which he noticed and moved closer so that our lips were almost touching.

We were both breathing fast, looking into each other's eyes. I was busy thinking about how beautiful his eyes were when I didn't even feel his one hand let go of mine and began to rub it along my side and hip.

I took a deep breath at which he tilted his head slightly to the side as if he was thinking about something. After a while, he kissed my neck in the sexiest way, alternately kissing, biting and licking my skin. He went lower and lower and when he reached the material of my top he looked into my eyes and gently pulled it down with his finger. Without breaking eye contact he went back to kissing my skin and when he went to my breasts, the lowest my top allowed him to go, he went back up and gently licked the skin behind my ear.

"I want you. I want you so much. But can I have you?" he whispered into my ear between kisses. In response to his question, I began to move my hips from side to side wanting to let him know that I wanted him too.

Feeling me rub my hips against his penis he groaned and looked at me. For a long moment we looked into each other's eyes gently rubbing against each other, but when my gaze landed on his lips again in the blink of an eye he started kissing me.

Finally I could feel his beautiful full lips on mine, he kissed so wonderfully that I momentarily forgot about the whole world. I forgot that our friends were sitting below us, that my ex-boyfriend whom I still loved was there.

The only thing that mattered at that moment was Minho and how wonderfully he kissed me. His two hands were already stroking my entire body, getting bolder and more intense with each passing moment. I placed my hands on his broad shoulders and played with his lengthy hair weaving my fingers into it and pulling it.

We both whimpered between our kisses which also became more and more passionate by the moment. When Minho moved away a little to get some air I looked into his eyes

"You can have me Minho" was all I whispered and within a second he picked me up and walked to his bed laying me on it.

He quickly pulled off his shirt, it was the first time I had seen his naked torso. I tried to remember as much as possible. His muscular chest, his slight belly on which there was a barely visible scar that he had talked about several times.

He knelt between my legs and bent over me smiling. However, it was not his smirkly smile that I always got from him but a beautiful wide and charming smile. He put his hips on mine, placed his hands on the sides of my head and raised himself up on his elbows. Before a while he just looked at my whole face and started kissing it all over.

I started chuckles and raised my legs so that I could wrap them around his waist. Saying nothing he positioned himself more comfortably between my legs, pressing his member against my pussy and started kissing my neck again this time lifting my top up and exposing my breasts which he also started kissing.

"As soon as you came I saw you weren't wearing a bra," he said satisfied at which I wanted to hit him but then he caught my nipple between his two fingers and gently teased it while still looking at my face.

"it's movie night so I came dressed comfortably as if I were going to sleep" I said breathing harder and harder

"too bad you don't sleep naked" I shook my head and bumped his hip with my thigh which wasn't a good idea because by the movement he rubbed against my clit quite hard at which I uncontrollably let out a rather loud moan.

Minho was surprised but after a moment he smiled broadly and did it again. I covered my face with my hands out of embarrassment and not wanting to make any more sounds. However, he pulled my hands off my face and kissed my lips.

"You don't even know how much I want to hear you moaning so beautifully longer and louder beneath me," he kissed me again this time more passionately and lifted himself off my body. Pulling away from my mouth he pulled off my top and grabbed my pants earlier looking at me waiting for permission.

I nodded my head at which he immediately quickly pulled down my pants without even waiting for me to lift my hips to make it easier for him.

Smiling, he lay flat on the bed between my legs and began kissing my thighs at a fairly rapid pace. For a long moment he just looked at my pussy and when I slightly clenched my thighs embarrassed he spread them back and kissed my clit. I threw my head back as a wave of pleasure went through my body, feeling his single finger moving up and down between my down lips made my body tense up which he must have seen because with his other hand he began to massage my belly.

I looked down at him, just at the time when he brought his lips closer to me and licked me from the entrance to my clit. He looked into my eyes as he took my clit between his lips and began to suck gently. I couldn't help myself and began to moan quietly as we kept looking into each other's eyes and the way he sucked my pussy.

When he pulled away from me he spread my juices all over my pussy and putting his finger inside, at the same time starting to suck again. I stuck my head into the pillow behind me and clenched my fingers tightly on the quilt as his movements became more intense and faster. I moaned louder and louder, and although I had my friends in my head who could hear me I couldn't help myself.

Minho added his second finger, bent it inside my pussy and massaged my most sensitive spot faster and faster, alternately sucking and licking my clit.

When I was close to orgasm I started moaning his name. At that moment I had only him in my head, him and what he was doing to me. As if he guessed that I was already close he increased the pace of his fingers and raised himself so that he was flush with my face.

I looked at him with squinted eyes of pleasure at which he smiled slightly and kissed me deeply wanting to drown out my moans as the orgasm shook my body. Although I had already come he continued to slowly play with my pussy and kissed me passionately.

When he pulled away from me he pulled his fingers out of me and put them in my mouth. He raised one eyebrow letting me know I was about to do something so I started sucking on his fingers, savoring the taste of my own juices.

He was looking at me so intensely that it made me even hotter and I felt like I was about to reach orgasm once again from just him looking at me. When he pulled his fingers out of my mouth he moved closer to me at the height of my face

"Can I have you?" he whispered into my mouth to which I only nodded. I wanted to feel him, I wanted him to do anything he wanted with me. I wanted to give myself to him. I wanted everything I dreamed of to become a reality.

Minho, seeing the lack of hesitation in me, got up from the bed and quickly pulled down his pants along with his underwear. He reached into the cabinet next to him from which he pulled out one condom and returned to me. I, by this time, was looking in another direction being embarrassed by his nakedness which he noticed and caught my chin in his two fingers directing my gaze to him.

"Don't be ashamed," he laughed lightly and kissed my cheek. I took a deep breath as he pulled away again and started rubbing his penis a few times to put a condom on it after a while. Embarrassed I still tried not to look at him but it was stronger than me.

He leaned over me and grabbed my leg lifting it and placing it on his waist, directed his penis at my entrance and pressed lightly so that a few millimeters went inside.

"May I?" I answered him with a nod, stressing about what was coming in a moment. I wanted it very much but I was afraid.

Minho seeing my nervousness began to massage my thigh which was on his waist and kissing my lips passionately began to slowly enter me.

I arched my back slightly in delight at which he smiled between kisses. When he entered all the way in, he waited a while for me to get used to the spreading sensation that was caused by his size. He may not have been one of the biggest, but he certainly wasn't small either. He was medium in length but made up for it with his thickness. It felt like it was perfect for me.

After a moment when he started to move I momentarily squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath. It was such a very pleasant feeling that it felt like it was the first time I had experienced something like this.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't my first time but with Minho it was quite different. I didn't know why I felt that way but I didn't think about it now. Not now that Minho's movements were getting faster and more confident.

Minho is a principal dancer so his hips never fail, even now when his torso was lying all over me and he continued to enter me faster and faster moving only his hips. I put my arms around him tightly as the pleasure became more and more intense. Finally I dared to do more than moan and spoke to him

"You're so good Minho, you do it so well," I said between moans which was totally enough to make his ego rise to a high level. Suddenly he got up from me and lifting my legs up he started pounding into me even faster and harder.

"Do you like it? Do you feel good? Huh?" I was only able to answer with a short "yes". I put one hand over my mouth to drown out my increasingly loud moans, but Minho took it.

"I want to hear you, your lovely moans. Ah, you are so beautiful" he said without changing the pace of his movements. I had never heard such words from him in my direction. We always argued and challenged each other, we were like Tom and Jerry.

I looked at him all the time and couldn't stop thinking about how handsome he was. I had always thought of him that way but now it was even more so when his hair was wet with sweat on his forehead which was the result of how well he fucked me. His beautiful big eyes, perfect nose and facial profile. Muscular arms that held my legs up solidly and a muscular chest that was going up and down at an incredibly fast pace. He was simply perfect.

I started stroking his torso and shoulders still moaning with pleasure but when I heard his moans I momentarily felt that I was close to orgasm. They were at the same time soft, hot and so awesome sexy that I myself tried to be quiet just to hear him.

"Minho..." I started to whine his name at which he looked at me and licked his lips "I'm close now, I'm about to come."

"are you close? me too baby, just a moment more and you will feel blissful" he said at which I clenched my eyes. In addition to his sexy moans, suddenly his voice became just as sexy and low, that my pussy tightened on him at which he let out the most erotic and sexy moan I have ever heard.

Suddenly I felt my body spread a wave of pleasure, my pussy becoming even wetter than it was before. I almost squealed at the sensation, I had never felt anything like this before especially since it was only triggered by his moan.

I non-stop moaned his name as I felt like I was in heaven and after a while I felt him himself tighten his whole body and bury his face in my breasts wanting to drown out his cries moans of pleasure

We both tried for a long time to calm our breathing and hearts beating like crazy. Minho lay on top of me still being inside me, not having the strength to move at all but I didn't mind. I didn't want the moment to pass, I felt very comfortable in his arms.

However, as if out of spite, just then he got up and looked at me

"I hope you won't regret this," I looked at him surprised.

"why should I regret it? It was amazing" Lee smiled but added

"you still seem to be in love with Hyunjin" after these words I began to wonder

Is the person I love is actually Hyunjin?

________________________________________________________________

[tame-a-messenger]

I might be reading too much into this (would not be the first time!) but Damangela content seems to have increased once the Shourtney wedding became a reality. Perhaps the current content is a delayed fan service but the cynical side of me is also wondering if this is an attempt to compensate for the Shourtney and Shayngela droughts that we might witness on the upcoming weeks. While I wouldn't mind seeing Damien and Angela in more videos together, I hope that they can develop their dynamic naturally, without needing to mold it into something that other duos have. Idk if this is even realistic worry or not but it did cross my mind after noticing a sudden increase in Damangela visuals and interactions.

I think it's just uncanny timing?

I'm pretty sure the Drought™ was only a thing because Damien was busy (he didn't appear in many Smosh videos during that time) and the videos they did get him in just unluckily didn't have Ang

I believe all the content we've been getting for Damangela was recorded last month, so I don't think it is on purpose?

And all the non-Smosh related Damangela content happening right after the Wedding announcement was 100% just weird timing lol

I also don't buy that Smosh is even thinking about "compensating" for a Shourtney drought with Damangela.

While Shourtney is a fan favorite there's plenty of other cast that they can (if they want to) separate Shayne and Courtney with. So uploads should be normal minus Shayne and Courtney in the same videos. (which if they are your favorite I can see why your worried)(the damangela drought was not fun)

"I hope that they can develop their dynamic naturally, without needing to mold it into something that other duos have"

I don't think they are even thinking like that at all!

They have their own dynamic that a lot of fans really enjoy already, so I really don't think you have to worry about them 'developing their dynamic naturally' they already have the dynamic, it'll just grow from here on out! (if anything them being put in more videos so they can separate Shourtney will most likely make them grow faster!)

I think the only thing that's even a possibility of happening that you're worried about is a possible Shourtney drought, I think we'll still see Shayne in vids with Ang and the like, but I'm guessing it might be awhile before Courtney and Shayne are in a video together again

[alittlewarmer]

𓍯𓂃 sealed with joy and tenderness 𓏧♡

🗓️ november 4, 2024

── .✦ today, i am grateful for...

ᯓᡣ𐭩 my breakfast crab, from yesternight's dinner. i missed eating crab so much that this was the first thing i did upon waking. i continued watching the to all the boys film series with the second installment, which i haven't finished yet since i watch it only in my free time.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 another day full of love and cuteness with my niece. i couldn't get enough of her that i postponed work today to be with her! i missed her a bunch because i hadn't seen her for 4 days over the long weekend. she's so adorable, and i am happy she is growing up healthy.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 our lumpiang togue lunch, which my mama bought from ate jean. it was freshly cooked and crispy, served with vinegar mixed with cucumber and pepper! as if it's not yet heavenly enough, i added spiced vinegar for extra kick! it's so hard to commit to a fasting schedule when blessed with these delectable food.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 hearing tfl's sangkap vol. 1, after wanting for more local sounds in my system after listening to the recently released vol. 3. i added several gems to my playlist, mostly hiphop. among is a track by the axel pinpin's propaganda machine, a band i have long been familiar with but never delved into deeply until today. i discovered that a member, the martyred marlon "ka ope" caacbay, decided to live and die among the peasants he chose to serve by fighting for the long-sought social justice through armed struggle as a guerilla fighter. nothing but utmost respect for him and his life, and raging indignation for the system that failed him and the ideology that he fought for. honor ka ope's life by listening to TAPPM's awit ni marlon, released in the band's album hindi isasatelebisyon ang rebolusyon (2017) 2 years after the demise of their fallen comrade. pinakamataas na pagpupugay kay ka ope at sa lahat ng mga dakilang martir ng rebolusyon!✊

── .✦ today, i showed kindness to myself by...

ᯓᡣ𐭩 taking a bath and doing my skin care routine.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 being gentle with myself and allowing myself a day off to transition back from the long weekend. this unplanned rest will set my body and mood up for tomorrow's workday.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 putting an effort into adjusting and returning my body clock to it's normal rhythm. i'd been a night owl for a week or two, and it had greatly affected my work and sleep schedule, and even my leisure time! it feels good and refreshing to be back to my normal rhythm!

ᯓᡣ𐭩 delivering myself from reading self-destructive stuff, which has been tough for me because it has become a habit. but today, i succeeded in avoiding it, and i am proud of myself for that! baby steps. :)

my day may have been uneventful, but i am grateful to myself for prioritizing rest ✧˖°,

cerise ˗ˏˋ 🍒 ˎˊ˗

[chase-the-music]

Introducing Cadence Valerio; Ghost's Advocatus Angeli

I first started developing Cade as an OC about 6 months ago, including my initial sketches for these sheets, so this is how he'd look in early 2024. I will be posting a written piece about how he got his role soon, but I'm also always very happy to answer questions about him!

I've added a massive lore dump for him below if anyone's interested in reading. I would say "full" lore but chances are I will keep adding to this more and more. Tw/cw for mentions of dysphoria, death, drug addiction, alcoholism, mental health issues, sex. There are also Rite Here Rite Now spoilers right at the end(I haven't actually seen it myself yet so any contradictions will be rectified later).

Cade's grandmother, Shirley Gibson, was a huge fan of the original iteration of Ghost as a band in the 60s, and obsessed with Nihil. She was one of the women that he ends up kissing in the Kiss The Go-Goat video, but when he left to find Sister Imperator after the show, she ended up partying with the Ghouls, and sleeping with one of them named Vigor. Shirley only found out she was pregnant upon returning to England, raising Cade's mum Catherine as a single mother with Vigor sending generous monetary support.

Catherine was very visibly different as a child being half-human half-Ghoul, and as a child in England she was very much ostracised for it. She took solace in her best friend, an Italian immigrant named Luciano Valerio, and in their teens, the two fell in love. Unbeknownst to them however, Catherine shared her father's high fertility and a singular slip-up led to the pair concieving when they were only 17. They decided to marry and make it work. Catherine gave birth to twins, Isabelle Violet and [I haven't decided if I'm going to share Cade's deadname yet] Valerio on Friday the 13th of May 1988.

As a child Cadence was outgoing and highly strung whereas his sister was far more shy and reserved. Both were small and slight with frequent health issues which for Cade mostly ended by his adolescence but for Isabelle were more severe and continued into adulthood. Both initially struggled in school but later surpassed their peers. They were intelligent, curious children and were inseparably close.

Cade experienced gender dysphoria for a long time but didn't quite know what it was until finding out about transgender people in his early 20s. His family were fairly accepting, but none more so than Isabelle who was Cade's biggest advocate, helping him get the support he needed. He began socially transitioning in 2011, started testosterone in 2012 and got top surgery in 2014. He was originally on track for bottom surgery in 2015 but this ended up delayed until 2021 for reasons explained below.

Being a quarter Ghoul, Cade has some traits from his grandfather despite appearing fairly human. Vigor is a very lively sun-like (in terms of the elements, Fire/Quintisessence type) Ghoul golden skin and fire-like hair and eyes. Cade's natural hair colour is strawberry blonde despite the fully human members of his family having dark hair, his skin has a slightly golden sheen in sunlight, and his eyes glow slightly in low light, with a candlelight-like effect. He has a higher than average body temperature which may be noteable to others who touch his skin but feels normal to him. That said he feels more comfortable in less clothing and will usually just walk around in his underwear in private, in public it's harder because he prefers not to show too much skin so he often gets a little too hot. His hair and nails grow very rapidly and his skin has a fast cell turnover so it's usually very soft and sensitive, he also has higher than average flexibility. He's presumed to have had high fertility like his mother and grandfather but since he had a hystorectomy as part of his bottom surgery he no longer has to worry about that(unless someone steals the eggs he had frozen)!

Cade studied Law in London and moved to a flatshare outside of the city after graduating, becoming a legal secretary straight after university. His coming out as trans soon after getting the job was a slight setback as a lot of his colleagues were new to the concept, but he was extremely good at his job and was in the process of moving into being a paralegal where he would get to use what he had studied more.

In 2014, Isabelle died suddenly after complications from a congenital heart condition which was one of the health issues that Cade did not share. As well as a heavy dose of survivor's guilt due to the circumstances, Cadence was understandably devastated by the loss and sunk into a deep depression.

He was already recreationally taking cocaine with work friends, but he became much more dangerously addicted, stopped caring about most things, and eventually lost his job, started missing appointments including for his initial bottom surgery, and generally stopped taking care of himself.

His parents helped him get treatment for his addiction as well as bereavement counselling and general mental health support. However once he stabilised he was still left unemployed and rather aimless, so his mum called her father, now retired from the Ministry but still occasionally visiting, and asked him to pull some strings and get his grandson a job so he could have a fresh start. Sister didn't agree with his appointment given his grandmother coming between herself and Nihil when she was pregnant with Copia, but gave him a shot expecting him to leave soon.

Cadence joined in late 2016, at first not having a defined role, just being a standard Clergy member and just seeing where he could be useful. At the time he was still feeling a little lost and still not his usually confident self, so he wasn't sure he belonged for a while. Shortly after the first three Papa's deaths, however, an argument with Sister Imperator over that choice led to him being given the role of "Advocatus Angeli"- an inversion of the original Advocatus Diaboli, or Devil's Advocate in Catholicism- via a phonecall from The Old One himself. He's considered a similar rank to an archbishop where he sits just below the Cardinal, but he's not able to ascend to that rank when Copia becomes Papa because it's considered a different skillset.

Cade's primary role for the first two years as AdvAn was to question and challenge Cardinal Copia and make sure he was worthy of becoming Papa. His criticisms were not sufficient from keeping Copia from the role, much to his chagrin, but he remains an important part of the Ministry, dedicated to making sure all are dedicated to demonic worship.

Cade is curious, observant and has a great memory. He's also very stubborn when he's sure he's right whether that be factually or morally, the latter backed up by his strong sense of justice. Usually his rebellious nature emerges when he comes across what he feels are unfair or unnecessary rules. He's usually very outgoing and talkative, though this took a knock for a while after Isabelle's death, not really returning to his usual self until 2019-20.

He is a hopeless romantic and falls in love far too easily. He's demisexual which I know can play out a bit differently depending on the person, but for Cade it means he doesn't really experience primary attraction, he needs to get to know a person to some extent and then the attraction develops. His actual drive for sex and/or masturbation on the other hand is rather high. When you combine all this with how easily he does end up falling for people, he's prone to setting off with friendly intentions in mind but then ending up with quite intense attractions to and fixations on people.

Cade is quite active; he doesn't have much interest in twam sports but he loves to swim, lift weights and kickbox; once he came out of his shell he started to invite Ghouls to spar with him(often in his office, which Sister is not too happy with).

Cade is a good singer and would love to lead rituals as he also has the charisma. His voice isn't as powerful as the Papas, but it does have a nice tone to it. He also plays piano/keyboard, so he can provide backup vocals or fill in on keyboard when needed for rituals. He likes to serenade his partners in low light, preferably on a real piano, because his soft voice combined with the glow of his eyes can be oddly hypnotic. He likes watching any sort of crime documentary and for films he quite likes psychological thrillers. He's creative and can draw to some extent but not very good with physically making things so often has clothes/accessories/props custom made for him.

Cade's favourite food is ice cream/gelato, especially coffee, hazelnut and pistachio flavours. He also really likes steak and pasta. In terms of animals he quite likes reptiles; he doesn't have any pets at the Ministry but is very tempted to get a snake because a. he's dramatic and b. if Copia pisses him off he can threaten his rats (he wouldn't actually though).

He never got to know Primo or Secondo well, he would perhaps consider them acquantances up until their deaths. Papa Nihil and he have an odd relationship; Nihil actually seems to quite like him but because of Sister Imperator he can't really get to know him well. Sister herself starts off very cold to Cade because of his relation to the woman who wrecked her marriage to Nihil(I hc them married in the eyes of the Ministry, hence why Copia is seen as needing to prove himself; only bastard children are fit to take the Papa title automatically as I've talked about here). It looks like she may warm to him a little until he finds out about Copia being her son shortly after the Papa's deaths and accuses her rather confrontationally as mentioned above, gaining him his role but almost guaranteeing the cold relationship continues.

He got to know Terzo quite a bit as he was Papa when he joined the Ministry, he studied and admired his performance in Rituals and ended up considering him a friend. He was somewhat attracted to him once they became close but he mostly ignored it. Terzo's death therefore hit him harder than the other two, though all three were hard for him as he'd agreed to come to Ghost to get away from death.

Cade initially had no issue with Copia and vice versa, he was just someone he saw around the halls, but after he was assigned to challenge him and judge his worthiness for Papa (despite still being below him in rank), the two begin to frequently butt heads. They maintain a genuine dislike for each other over many years. There is some degree of sexual tension there, but they fucked once only to find they still couldn't stand each other.

When Copia became Papa against much of his advice, Cadence reacted very badly, including going off to find some sort of purpose to everything he was doing. He ended up getting to know and then having a short-term relationship with Lucifer himself. They ended up having to part ways for various reasons but it gave Cade a more solid belief in the purpose of the Ministry, and he soon returned. He still doesn't like Copia and frequently thinks about usurping him but nothing really comes from it.

He has a very up and down relationship with @nocturnal-bishop's OC Bishop Dante. Cade doesn't make friends at the Ministry for a while because he's not his usual confident self, and Dante is his first friend there. As they grow closer, Cadence develops feelings for Dante, but he can tell he's in love with Terzo so while he's not too secretive when it comes to flirting etc, he never makes a definitive move or confession. When the Papas die, Cadence tries to be there to console the Bishop, but when he gets his promotion soon afterwards, Dante becomes suspicious and it takes a while for him to trust Cade again.

From then on, tension grows between the two professionally, as Dante helps prepare Copia for his duties as Papa while Cadence challenges whether he's worthy of the role. Unlike Cade and Copia though, there is a genuine like for each other and want to understand the other at the heart of it. They do sometimes have genuine arguments, but a lot of the time it's far more playful, and over the years I can see genuine affection developing, probably a lot of situations where one has feelings for each other they don't express. Once they can be more open with each other about everything, it would assuage all their doubts about each other and they would build a loving relationship, I don't think it's really been decided when they get together but really any time from 2021-24 I can see working. Me and Dante's writer are both multi-shippers but in my heart I can definitely see them as endgame. Oh and their ship name is Dance. 💜❤

Post-Rite Here Rite Now, I imagine Cadence would be heavily disadvantaged by Copia's appointment as Frater Imperator. He's going to have to hope he can gain some sort of promotion- which is difficult when his role is rather unique- or try his best to make a good impression with the new Papa.

If you read all(or any!) of this, I really appreciate it! I'm hoping to work on some art pieces of Cade and hopefully of Vigor soon but I'm not the fastest. I love talking about my little guy so again feel free to drop me an ask or message or whatnot!

[nice2meetyouu]

Long Essay

Sabi ng pinsan ko (29M) sometime last year sa isang family gathering, huwag daw muna akong mag-anak. Ang point nya ay napakahirap palang mag-anak. Sabi ng asawa nya, dapat sa 'kin mo sinabi 'yan dati! Tapos nagtawanan.

Recently, tinanong ko 'yung kaklase ko noong elementary (26F) na conventionally successful nang tao (may bahay, nakapagpatapos ng kapatid, may kotse... at sa US nakatira at nagwowork) kung susundan na ba niya 'yung anak niya para isang hirap na lang sa pagpapalaki. Sabi niya, ang hirap daw pala talaga, at saka nag-resign siya sa work, at baka umuwi dito, para magpatulong mag-alaga ng anak. Okay na raw 'yung isa, tama na raw.

Ang age gap namin ng mga kapatid ko ay 7 at 15 years, which meant na habang lumalaki ako, laging may baby sa bahay. Sa isang kwarto lang kami lahat nags-stay para makatipid sa kuryente (at wala rin namang masyadong kwarto talaga), kaya sa hatinggabi o pag may umiiyak, gising din ako. I felt na my life was easier compared sa mga kaklase ko noong elementary na parang pangalawang nanay na talaga, and can run the household (in terms of chores) by themselves.

Still, I didn't really hate children and thought na the "normal" way of life is to find a partner and have children. My parents married young and had me right after college, and I thought I'd be settled down at an early age, too. I had a boyfriend late in high school who copied the courses and colleges I applied to, and eventually enrolled in the same course with me. After a few months of college though, he said, ayaw na niya, and made every effort to avoid me throughout four years of university life.

I felt that relationships were so unpredictable and caused unnecessary stress, so I didn't enter a new one until college ended. My early 20s was a prime time and there were a number of people who showed interest in me, and during med school I had two relationships which didn't work out for various reasons. But that last relationship, at 23 years old, "woke" me up from thinking that I have to be partnered and eventually have kids. That was when I really realized that it's not a requirement in life.

Discovering childfree groups later on made me even happier, because it made me feel accepted and normal. I didn't experience pregnancy and childbirth myself, pero growing alongside my mom opened my eyes to the reality of taking care of a child. My mom says things like masaya pag may bata sa bahay, and now I hear the same sentiment from high school friends whose siblings have had children by now, but I can't correlate it with their behavior.

I mean, the way my mom says things like gusto mo pa akong pasigawin lagi, umagang-umaga nagpapaluan pa tayo, wala kang ginawa kundi manood! and more, and her irritable mood make me wonder nasaan 'yung masaya. I also know that she wanted to work and do other things like travel, but will use us as an excuse na walang kasama 'yung kapatid ko, walang mag-aasikaso, etc. and the youngest is always the priority. Hindi pwedeng umalis, or kahit umalis, kailangang umuwi agad, kasi walang mag-aasikaso o walang kasama 'yung batang kapatid.

Aside from a coworker who is very vocal about being childfree, I don't really know any other male who's on the same ship. In contrast, I have at least 5 girl friends who don't want children. Even a coworker of mine who recently got married at age 41 plans on having children still, so I don't really know if I and the people I know will remain childfree, but the point of this essay is that:

You don't need to have children to know how difficult it is to raise them.

I don't see the need for it, I don't see the appeal of having kids.

I'm glad that there are more visible childfree communities out there.

I don't know why parents have to defend* the status quo by saying things like, you can have children AND travel or go out on weekends, you can have children AND excel at your job, you can have children AND still save money.

*Joyce Pring comes to mind. May sinabi siya na women have been lied to, or something. From my perspective though, there are more parents than non-parent adults, so it's not like people are keeping it a secret that raising a family is difficult.

This is anecdotal, but my female coworkers are the ones taking sick leaves and emergency leaves when something's wrong with one or all of their children. One has educational stuff on her work laptop (apparently, she doesn't have any other device) for her child's projects and whatnot. The burden falls on moms to still take care of the household and children even when the mom has a full-time job. So, it's not like we've been lied to or anything, we just want to opt out of those things.

To be fair, a colleague said that for her and her spouse, a child will eventually grow up, as opposed to a pet that will be dependent on you for food and shelter for as long as it's with you. But unless you had your kids young (a lot of people tell my parents, buti ka pa, may doktor na), you will probably be already retired when your child's old enough to be independent.

[slifarianhawk]

Chapter 46: Lock and Key (Normal P.O.V. DARK CONTENT)

I sighed, staring at the drab colorless walls. My little ones rustling in my womb. They knew something was wrong. They hadn't felt their father's presence in about five days.

My hands were various shades of purple and barely healing. There was no source of anything in this room. Even the plush queen sized mattress in the center of the room was merely a necessity for my condition.

Alex had an IV inserted in my arm, keeping me pumped with various liquids. Most of which had different sedating effects on my body. I could hardly move now. The medicine was being pumped into me on an hourly basis.

I was fed three times a day. That was the only point in the day I looked forward to. The meals were very nutritionally rich and were tailored to a high-risk pregnant woman's diet. I knew that I was only being kept alive because I was bearing Albert's young.

Alex, I haven't seen her since I was dragged into this cell. The first day, I killed and slaughtered around fifteen mercs, trying to escape. After that, I was muzzled with a metal gag that made me unable to bite. The second day, a scientist injected me with the destabilizing agent for the Angelis virus.

I couldn't feel the Uroboros that dwelled within me. My working  theory was that the agent destabilized the main strain of the progenitor virus, which led to a lack of communication between cells. In short sight, I had no access to my abilities. I was most worried about my children, however. They were more active and somehow stronger. Their movements were painful. With what little sense I had with the weakened state of Angelis, I knew they were as strong as Albert and I with our mutations active.

On the third day, I didn't leave the bed. My children drained my energy to the point that I was barely able to keep awake. I felt the bags under my eyes grow more strained as each minute passed.

It was now day five, and the bed held my weakened body.  The room had windows with metal bars over them, showing me the sun setting. What was I to do.

I was pulled from my thoughts by a loud kerchunck from the heavy lock upon the door. My eyes are looking down now at the door. If my virus wasn't so weakened, my eyes would have flared. In a white suit she strode in, the source of my problems. Alex Wesker, she had finally revealed herself.

"Good evening, deary. I'm glad to see you're making yourself at home." She said, walking over to the bed.

All I did was snarl. My natural teeth were bared over the gag. She simply chortled and ran her freezing fingers over my belly. I thrashed out, launching the IV out of my arm.

With a single push, she sent my body tumbling.  I guarded my little ones from harm. My arm moved on their own. Alex laughed. The cruel peels of her voice echo threw out the barren room.

"Now, now deary, do you not realize your situation? I'm the one in charge of your care now. My foolish brother could never comprehend the true magnitude of someone of our caliber."  She said stalking over to my crumpled up body on the edge of the wall.

I growled as I slowly felt heat crawling through my veins and a chill glaze my skin. All to familiar comforts I thought had been taken from me. Angelis and Uroboros were returning.

I stood up. My body is shaking like a leaf in autumn's cold eerie drafts. My eyes flared, the glow brighter than normal. Alex merely clapped at the sight.

"There we go. See, even when locked up, when you're in my care, you are  constantly evolving, and getting more adapted to what flows through your veins deary." Alex smirked as she stood in front of me.

I let a feral growl rip from my throat, her baseless lies falling upon deaf ears. That was when she did something strange. She leaned in, pushing me against the wall, her hand on my sternum.

"Oh, you poor little lost lamb. Are you scared without your flock? Your precious guardians, no where to be found?."She whispered in my ear.

Suddenly, I had a flash of thoughts quickly speeding from Gale to Juna, then from Jill to Albert. She had shot Nighthawk, who was under her control. She was right. All I had was me and my little ones.

The support I had built was nowhere in sight. In the daze, I felt something wet drag across my neck. I quickly snapped out of it. I recognized the feeling and shoved Alex away, mustering up as much strength as I could. That was her tongue against my neck.

"Little lamb, are you sure this is the path you wish to take? My brother doesn't know the location of my island. You are completely under my mercy. As you can see, I could easily keep you from accessing your abilities and strengths. I've been kind enough to relent in drugging you with that destabilizing agent for the past few days." She said, pulling out a syringe from her coat pocket, "I wouldn't test your luck. If you become destabilized so frequently, what would happen to the young you carry? Especially seeing as how it was the Angelis virus that brought you back from when Albert killed you in the Russian base."

I stopped as I was about to take a step. What! How did that not cross my mind!?! The extreme exhaustion and the consistent draining feeling I'd been having. The children are bonded to both Uroboros and Angelis. If I continued to be destabilized, they could kill my body and perish alongside me. I felt the fear and panic build up in my body.

I collapsed onto my knees hands, covering my mouth. I felt sick. She literally had me in the palm of her hand. She said my island, we were on an island. That was also a disservice to my escape. I've never been a strong swimmer, and not to mention I never have been able to fly long distance when in either of my mutated states. It drained my energy in normal times, but with the little ones taking a good portion, that wasn't an option.

"I see you realize your situation. Now you have four paths ahead of you, little lamb. Submit and serve me, and I'll return you to your master in due time. Your second path is similar to how you have been treated the last few days, just with lessened doses of the destabilizing drug. The third I'll make your life exactly like how it was after raccoon city, a sleeper agent new holes in your memory only aware when I'm experimenting on you and by extension your children. Lastly, I'll knock you out and put you in a hyperbolic chamber and have you unconscious just floating there. No bonding with your unborn children, no thoughts, no dreams, just missing time and endless darkness." She sounded so smug at the end of her  monolog.

I was stuck once again, this time between a rock and multiple hard places. I knew eventually Albert would come for me. A nauseating thought ripped through my mind at that moment. What if he wouldn't? His time crunch with Uroboros. It's not like he's saved me from these situations before. Russia weighs heavily on my mind at this moment. The burning phantom sensation from the bullet wounds flares up.

I felt so flush and weak, my stomach churned, and I lost what little food was in my stomach. This triggered what I thought was long dispensed with morning sickness, making me throw up once more. My vision hazed and tried to refocus.

"Aw, poor little lamb, feeling lost without your shepherd to guide you. Is my brothers precious lotus flower withering without him?" She laughed, grabbed my matted hair, and ripped off the gag off my face.

She made me face her, and she held a wicked smirk that I hated to admit, put Albert's to shame in this moment. Her harsh eyes didn't flare or glow like mine or Albert's. No, they didn't need to in order convey her emotions or intentions. She was a monster in sheep's clothes. A perfectly normal face, for a horrific beast that lurked beneath.

"Tell me your choice, little lamb. Do you want to live comfortably and not have to risk  harm befalling your children, or do you want to be a prisoner to your own mind once again." She said, her cold steel blue eyes piercing my soul.

I felt beaten. She played my mental illnesses like a fiddle. She used my undying love for my unborn children to gain the upper hand. She knew I'd refuse to be a sleeper agent again. She knew I'd never give up bonding with them. She had clearly planned this out. Clearly, it's not just over these past few days that she has been. This was a long game she had played since before she sent Axel.

"I...I submit Alex." I bowed my head.

I was beaten before I even fought. Alex didn't have one thing Sergei did, an attachment to me. I knew she'd never harm Albert's offspring. I was a different story. I was naught but a bug in the way of her plans.

She released my head and turned away from me, "Good, it's about time you remembered what you were made for. Now come seven forty-eight, I need to get you cleaned up and changed. I can't have my servant looking like rotting filth now, can I? Not to mention you are past due for your weekly check-up. I suppose I should have my medical staff check over the brood growing in your unworthy body. Come."

She held her hand over the door, and it slid open. Sullen, I lowered my head and followed. My heart sank. I yet again was no more than a number.

I followed her to a massive underground mansion. Her servants swarmed her like she was a queen. They did everything from taking her jacket to offer her tea. Brushing them off, she just ordered the room next to hers to be cleaned and made. This earned me glares from the maids.

They rushed off as Alex escorted me to a massive bathroom. She presses an intercom on the wall, and three well-dressed maids walk through the door.

"Yes, lady Alex?" They said in near perfect unison.

"Ah, Aquila, Lyra, and Esther, this is my new personal retainer. Clean her up and be careful those are my brothers' children she's carries." Alex said, sitting in a plush chair in the corner of the bathroom.

"Yes, milady." They said bowing.

In a dizzying frenzy, they got to work peeling off the tattered garb from my sweat covered body. I heard nasty remarks regarding my figure from under their breath as they ripped the stained cotton. It didn't matter. I was but a tool once again.

The middle woman, Lrya, she turned on the white marble tub. As Alex stood up and walked over to the basin.  Sticking her finger in, she immediately scowled and slapped the poor girl across the face.

"You dare draw a cold bath for the vessel of my brothers children! Do your ears not work! You daft mongrel!" Alex shouted, turning the warm water on.

I winced at the yelling, but I noticed a deep blush forming across the girls face.

"GO! Be in my chambers by the time I return. You know how you're supposed to prostrate yourself." Alex barked.

"Yes, lady Alex." Lyra said swiftly, walking off.

The other two looked almost jealous but continued to prep my body for the bath. Alex ordered the maids to help me into the tub. She snidely commented on my sheer size and risk of harming her possible nieces and nephews. As I was lowered into the water, I felt numb. The water was just there, I felt no joy or sorrow. No heat or coldness.

The next few minutes were but a blur. I knew I was being scrubbed harshly, and I flinched when shampoo foam got in my eyes. They were gentle around my belly, but that was after a harsh warning from Alex.

I knew she only cared about the children. I was but another tool at her disposal like these poor girls. After Alex had deemed I was cleaned enough, she had the maids go to check on the room she had ordered cleaned.

Aquila and Esther bowed, taking their leave. I stood up as Alex began to drain the water. My naked body dripped the now tepid fluids on the granite tile. Stepping on the white rug beside the marble basin, I felt Alex's eye wander over my bare form.

"In all honesty, seven forty-eight you are ungodly beautiful. I'm slowly starting to understand why you are my brothers favorite toy." She said, walking up to my body.

I wanted to pull away, to hide from her gaze. She looked like a starved wolf staring down a helpless rabbit. She stopped to face me. An amused look crossed her eyes.

In a flash, she dragged her fingers along the undersides of my breasts. The tips of her fingers are just grazing my areolas as she pulls them away. I quickly snarled and froze as I saw what was dripping from her fingers.

"My my dear little lamb, or should i just call you a cow now." Alex laughed   as a white liquid lightly trickled from her fingertips.

My breasts were  producing milk. How? That didn't happen until late trimester for my last pregnancies. It had to have been from Angelis. It was the only thing that made sense to me. After all, it was made to create the ultimate mother and servant.

"What is with that face, my dear seven forty-eight? Are you confused by chance? Let me explain." She said as the maid named Esther returned with a massive  plush towel.

As the young lady wrapped the soft item around my body, Alex ordered her to leave my leaking breast exposed. Hatred was all that ran through my thoughts. Albert should have been the only one to witness this.

Alex's voice roused me from my loathing, "To be blunt seven forty-eight this is caused my two very simple things going on in your body.

The first and what you have more than likely have already surmised is the Angelis virus. This is the main cause after all you bore more children  due to it so it's preparing your other motherly functions in advance so you can effectively and efficiently take care of them. However that would of started at the end of your second trimester. Seeing as you are still closer to twenty two weeks pregnant than twenty six I had to take matters into my own hands."

I heard the maid start to giggle. Alex grabbed my right breast once again more milk leaking on her hand. I felt tears drip down my face. She looked like she had just struck oil.

"Lady Alex, so she is the one who will make us your perfect pets?" Esther said sickening glee in here eyes as she stared at my breasts.

"Yes Esther, I finally have the last piece of making you and your sisters my darling little angels." Alex said wickedly laughing, "You see seven forty-eight, your breast milk contains anti-bodies for the Angelis virus and you know that it is best spread through blood."

"So you mean," I collapsed trying to back away.

"That's right, I'm just using you to make my perfect angels, seven forty-eight. Now stand or do I have to remind you of the other paths that laid out before you and even if you resist I can complete my goal just as easily as I induced your lactation. " Alex said stepping on my upper back.

I relented and stood up. Esther walking up behind me and Alex walked over to the door opening it. Esther shoved me to start moving. Silently I walked forth my breasts on full display. Aquila walked along side me as soon as we exited the bathroom.  The escort was humiliating.

Alex unlocked a massive bedroom with a medical bed and various medical machines. There were restraining devices on the railing of the bed. The room was purposely made to be a new hell for me. I felt despair on par when Sergei threatened to race Alistar. Alex was just using me as a viral breeding ground.

"Now now deary, don't be so disheartened. Unlike Sergei I won't keep you out of contact from my brother." Alex said pointing at a massive screen with a camera set up next to it and a camera at the head of the bed.

"Once your job is complete and Albert fulfills my requests. You will be returned to him. I'm not Vladimir deary, I do want my dear brother to be happy in his reign. After all you were designed to be his perfect match." She smirked pulling out a business card from her pocket.

On the front was a cyan wolf. I felt no shift in my face but Alex clearly detected something different. She faced me and tsked.

"Alecto, my son... the one you called Nighthawk, he tried to give this to you before I shot him out of our transport here. It's obvious you know what this is do you not deary?" Alex said.

I simply nodded and lied through my teeth, "it's a contact card for a former agent of mine."

"Really, tis ashame the number no longer works. You have no need for contact outside of what I provide you." She said grabbing a lighter and setting the card a blaze.

I watched as cryo wolf's card was destroyed. I showed no hints of hope but little did Alex know she just signed my ticket out of here. All that I needed to do was play my part.

Alex started to speak once more, "Now after I deal with Lyra, you will be examined by my staff to see if the prolonged exposure to the destabilizing agent caused the little ones harm. After the exam is completed your first round of feedings will begin with Esther. They shall be your attendants until they bond with the Angelis virus. Oh and seven forty-eight,"

"What is it?" I snarl as the two maids chain me to the bed the moment I lay down.

"I look forward to your progress." Alex said stepping through the door to the room locking it behind her.

Crack! My heart shattered. Crying??? Was I? I didn't know. My babies finally started to flutter about after the incident. But I felt nothing but fear. Crack!

Wesk, please. 

It's so dark.

Hey everyone! Silfarianhawk here. This went a bit out of hand during the drafting section. But the darksided content is back. Sit back and enjoy the ride. As the bells of despair toll, my name is Silfarianhawk and I'm not so far away!

[avampyone]

Prompt #20: The Dreamers

Characters: Gabriel Devrau, Charlotte Avignon, Arazul De'fleur, mention of Ange B'londe and Alize Miller (@crimsonffxiv)

Synopsis: Gabriel continues to ignore the red flags concerning a new research group called 'The Dreamers'. After some investigating, Arazul attempts to talk some sense into him.

Setting: Labyrinthos, The Archeion.

Warning - Mentions of wounds and loss of limbs.

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

A weary sigh left Gabriel when he slung his leather book bag over his shoulder, not lifting a glance back to hear the greeting of new fellow members. It was always in the evenings that these congregations met, many pairing together to practice dueling with the clash of steel against steel endlessly. Even now, there were many left waiting with fencing swords, knives, claws, or what weapon of their choice at the ready to take on the next available opponents for the real tournament ahead.

With all this activity was a growing familiar pain of late, the dark-haired Wildwood lifted his hands to see the many new fresh cuts that had been left from constant practice and reached down to brush his fingers idly over the ornate hilt of the rapier he had been given.

Normally, he would have rushed home after classes to tinker around on his different projects, but this ache coupled with barely any time that he found himself working on his machinery a lot less – much less writing his letters.

Staring out seemingly into nothing in the distance of Mornveil Forest, there were times Gabriel felt like something out there was watching them? Pressing his red framed glasses further up the bridge of his nose, he found himself hesitant to take the familiar road back home. He rolled his eyes at his own paranoia .

To think he was invited to come down to Labyrinthos at all was an honor, “Still, there has been no sign of Cloche since the last duel either...” He mumbled low enough for no one else to hear. Cloche had been the last wounded in a duel with a deep gash in her hand clear to the bone. She’d been taken to the infirmary, but none had seen her since, nor had she attended any classes…

“Oh, there you are, Gabriel.” A sudden stern voice behind him gave cause for Gabriel to jump a little and seek a calming breath when he pressed a hand to his chest, “Best not to go sneaking up on people like that Professor Avignon with as many weapons as we keep around here. What do you want...?”

The silvered haired elezen woman was a new addition to the Studium and helped to run this little ‘Dreamers’ group held her steady green gaze upon him with a respectful bow of her head, “My apologies. You may take care not to keep your back turned to others too long. Anyway, I came to tell you that we collectively feel you have made the most progress of everyone. So strong and driven...The head of our program looks forward to seeing how well you do in the upcoming duels ahead.” With another bow, she turned on her heel to head away with her hands linked behind her back, looking over the pairs of researchers taking up arms to fight one another.

“Thank you! I fully intend on seeing this all through to the end.” Gabriel’s had begun to feel an uneasiness conflict in himself in finally finding a group that he could see eye to eye with – not feeling like social hierarchy or wealth painted every interaction he had with that sense of separation. Everyone felt on equal grounds here.

Finally heading off towards the gravel path cut through the forest to lead back to Sharlayan, he stopped only a few mere paces to see another with whom he absolutely never saw eye to eye with – Arazul.

Brow’s furrowing, Gabriel did not hesitate to trot up along the path to meet him with an apprehensive gaze and out of sight of any Dreamers that could be nearby. Some outsiders knew some of the particulars of what was going on with this tournament but not all, “Gabriel, we need to have a word right now.”

The seriousness of the blonde’s tone stopped him. Even more so than usual, he didn’t think he had ever seen him with a more troubled expression previously and with such intensity in his fair blue eyes, “Hey, what’s going on? It’s unusual to see your feathers all ruffled about something other than attendance~”

“Indeed, there is something very wrong going on here. I know about these extracurricular activities and strange disappearances. Have you given thought to who may be orchestrating all this...?” Peering more agitated than he had ever seen, Arazul quickly cut to the chase with a gloved hand beckoning him closer for him to lower his voices several octaves, “I thought it was odd that they never gave the name of who was truly running this group of yours. Professor Avignon – There is no record of her previous experience. It took quite a bit of digging, but apparently this benefactor’s name is Ange B’londe...”

Arazul’s gloved hand curled to press to his chin thoughtfully, glaring to the thought that they had all seemingly made their way into Sharlayan without any records, identifications or proof of birth, “There was only a file that he backed the funding to aid researchers on different projects, supposedly he owns a company that sells a type of magnifying lens. But there is nothing else on him. Like he does not exist at all.”

He threw his hands up in the air, “Then, there is Miss Cloche. Unfortunately, she would have been scheduled to have her hand amputated if she had not disappeared entirely. In fact, I believe this is the fifth person this month since this group began to gain recognition.”

Gabriel digested all this latest information with that growing sense of unease only deepening with his full lips pressing together in a grim line, “Look, I feel bad for them all...I really do. But, unless there’s evidence to suggest there was something foul going on, we have nothing. I have so much research I’ve poured into this. I appreciate the concern, but there’s no going back for me.” 

The blonde glared at him in complete frustration, reaching to grab a firm hold of his shoulder when he turned to continue home, “And what if you are the next one to disappear?? You would let Alize return to hear something bad came of you?! I…will join in the tournament. At least then, no one will be too badly hurt dueling against me and I can figure out if these disappearances are linked to the Dreamers...”

Gabriel’s eyes widened when Arazul decided this so suddenly, brushing the hand off his arm as he glared at him with vehemence, “This is ridiculous! You’re the best fencer in the city. No one would win against you...Look, I’m going to win this no matter what. I must...” He had not meant for his voice to sound so broken, but with his growing worry over his father’s well-being that It felt to spill out of him. There was nothing more to say or do than to head off back home, feeling far more compromised by emotion than he felt comfortable with.

The doctor could give nothing of a retort and could do little more than stare his back while he walked away- he knew well having tended to the elder man himself, but still...nothing about this whole situation sat well with him at all.

--

A little addition to go along with Prompt 5 - https://www.tumblr.com/avampyone/760849017227853824/prompt-5-letter-from-the-lost-days?source=share

[sassycolorgentlemen]

The Challenges and Moments of Satisfaction of a 21 Weeks Pregnant: A Journey of a Second-Time Mother (A Narrative Report) 

Josie: “Sige, magpabuntis ka! Tingnan ko lang kung respetuhin ka ng anak mo, kapag asin na lang ang inuulam niya at nagpapaka-puta ka na lang para may isasak-sak ka lang sa sikmura niya! Alam mo, nagpapasalamat ako sa diyos at hindi isinilang ang dalawang bata na galing sa isang babae na iresponsable at makasariling tulad mo!”

Carla: “Kung magkaka-anak man ako, sisiguraduhin kong magkasama kami sa hirap at ginahawa! Hindi ko siya ipagpapalit dahil lang sa pera.”

This dialogue is from the most dramatic Filipino film of all time “Anak” (2000) played by Vilma Santos as Josie and Claudine Barreto as Carla, It captures the responsibility, sacrifices, and parental commitment. Josie criticized Carla, saying that she won’t be able to take care of a child properly and that the child might suffer because of it, However, Carla replied, that she will never leave her child no matter how tough the obstacles and challenges she gets. 

Just like the movie, it portrays a real story of a tough and emotional discussion about the struggles of being a parent and the responsibilities that she may face. No matter what really happens in her journey she will never leave her child for the sake of money.

This is the story of a woman who deals with harsh criticism about her ability to be a good mother, while she insists she will do her best to take care of her child despite any challenges in life. It reflects the struggles of being pregnant and worries about what the future might bring.

On September 02, 2024, Monday morning, at 10:30 a.m., a pregnant woman, with their guy waiting for them outside, was gathered at Talomo Health Center for their prenatal check-up. We were already there at 8:30 a.m., since when we went there last week, well you can actually know in the Infancy part, there is only one mother, with her newborn baby, remaining. So we make sure now that we need to go there as early as we can so that we can still meet, and interview a pregnant woman named Angelyn. 

We were guided by the mother of  Mr. Fernandez because her mother is a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) at the said health center for the interview. We patiently waited there for a minute. After the mother sat in front of us, we already conducted the interview, but first, we introduced ourselves, prepared the questions, even informed consent, if it was okay for her to interview, and asked for her personal details. But before that, we make sure that the mother is comfortable in her seat. Since Mr. Ando can’t speak and even understand Bisaya, Mr. Fernandez tries to translate it to make the question understandable and to make the interview engaging. 

Angelyn, a 20-year-old, 21 weeks pregnant, and a second-time mom, currently residing in Davao City, happily shares her stories. As a mother raising a child, she still wants to try for a baby boy the second time.

Carrying and taking care of a baby while still in the womb is not as easy as it seems. Physically, she gains weight (51 kg), which is normal as it supports the growing baby and prepares her body for childbirth. However, she feels anxious about what people, including her live-in partner, might say about her appearance. One of the most challenging physical changes she experiences also is stomach pain. Every time she lies down or sits, her stomach continues to hurt. To manage this, she uses effective oil on her tummy to help reduce the pain with its cooling effect.

In her cognitive studies, she said that she finds it hard to focus on tasks at work and around the house because of her continuous stomach pain. This pain makes it difficult for her to do things efficiently and affects her productivity. Despite her best efforts to manage, she frequently feels overwhelmed and frustrated. To cope with this she has started asking her husband for more help and is more demanding about his support with household chores. She feels that this help is necessary to balance her responsibilities and discomfort. Her struggles to stay focused and her increased need for support have become a significant part of her daily life

In terms of socioemotional, she mentioned that her relationships with family, friends, and her partner have changed significantly. They have become more caring and supportive throughout her pregnancy. Her husband, who had hoped for a boy, was especially happy when they learned the baby’s sex was indeed male. His happiness made him more willing to help with daily tasks. She also said that they support each other by checking if she’s okay, asking about her needs, and finding out what she wants to eat, which made her feel very supported. And also they assist her with tasks she struggles with, especially when her stomach pain is severe. For example, they help by serving her food and water, among other things. These actions have made her feel that she is well-supported.

When it comes to her challenges, one of the most difficult challenges she experiences is first sleep, she is always sleeping. Though it was in her progesterone hormones as a pregnant woman still she wanted to help and do her work as a mother since she has a baby too. But she is always sleeping. And also always dizzy, especially when she was exposed to radiation like cell phones or TV. And also whenever she stands up that is what makes her dizzy. Stress and anxiety in a pregnant woman are normal yet it shouldn't be normal since she is carrying a baby to reduce that issue she just wants to eat especially fruits that can help her to be healthy. 

The most joyful experience she has had during her pregnancy is finding out that she is having a baby boy. Both she and her husband had really hoped for a boy, and learning that their baby’s sex is male has brought them happiness. They feel fulfilled and excited about this new journey. To celebrate, they throw the occasion with a party, just like a birthday celebration. They invited family and friends to join in the joy of learning about their baby boy and shared their happiness with loved ones.

Her story really reflects the ups and downs of her pregnancy, the challenges and happy moments. Through it all, she finds the strength and the support of her loved ones and the celebration of welcoming her baby boy into the world.

[wickedsrest-rp]

Name: Zofia Kowalska Species: Vampire Occupation: Former Antiques Dealer Age: 315 Years Old (Looks about 26) Played By: Grace Face Claim: Matilda De Angelis

"I’ll build myself and my world anew from burnt and broken pieces, and I'll fashion them into something shining and glorious."

Zofia Kowalska had always wanted more from life. She dreamed of parties and jewels, castles and crowns. She loved the night because it hid what was true. She could stay in bed in the forgiving shadows, convincing herself that she would wake the next day living in splendor. She would curl up with that dream and try to will it into existence, until her enemy the sun started to creep its way over the horizon to remind herself her life was no fairy tale.

Zofia grew up in Gdansk, youngest child of Milos, a cobbler, and his wife Izolda. The couple didn’t have enough money to pay another dowry, and all of her siblings had earned their share. Zofia would simply have to set aside her childish fantasies and grow up. Still determined to enjoy some worldly comforts, Zofia decided if she couldn’t be the one wearing the pretty dresses, at least she could be near them. At the age of 16 she set out to attempt to work her way up in the households of the local nobility. After years of working as a maid, she finally became a lady’s maid to Karlonia Branicka. The lady was famous for her parties, and even more famously well connected. Dignitaries from all over found themselves in Karolina’s parlor. Zofia had long been considered a spinster, but it couldn’t possibly hurt to look at the beautiful strangers the noblewoman had collected over the years. At one party in particular, a new addition to Karolina’s menagerie of friends captivated Zofia. She’d been instructed by her mistress to see to the Du Pont’s every need, and Zofia was all too eager to please. Though she was surprised to find Madame Seraphine Du Pont seemed to be just as fascinated with her as Zofia was with the woman and her companions. “A pretty thing like you should not be a mere servant, ma colombe.” The woman had said, petting Zofia on the cheek. “Wouldn’t you like to be so much more?” Hearing her dream spelled out for her, Zofia nodded. “Yes,” She had said. “More than anything I’d like to be like you.”

The next day, Zofia Kowalska was reported dead. And yet she’d never felt more alive.

Zofia Du Pont never wanted for anything. When she had arrived at the Du Pont clan’s chateau in the Loire Valley in France, she felt as if she’d stepped into one of her dreams. It was easy to forget that she no longer needed normal food when her new form of sustenance was poured out for her in crystal goblets and fine china tea cups. Seraphine and Adrien, Seraphine’s consort, as well as their ‘son’ Henri, taught her everything she needed to know. To unsuspecting humans, she was always presented as Sofie Du Pont, Adrien’s distant cousin. Zofia learned that being a Du Pont meant experiencing life as it was meant to be lived. Operas, ballets, and art galleries- the most exquisite fashions and perfumes- nothing was too good for the Du Ponts. The revelries went on for centuries. Sofie saw the world, and played with it. From spectacles such as seeing the Eiffel tower light up for the first time, to pretending to be the long lost duchess of a notable Russian family on a dare from Henri, Sofie Du Pont did it all. So when her new family wanted to join some of the Du Pont clan that had made their way to America, why would she have said no?

The United States at the dawn of a new century was a whirlwind for Sofie. She barely noticed the Depression or the onset of another World War- it was hard to when she was still thriving off the high that was the twenties and still enjoying the luxuries of being on the Du Pont bank roll. She didn’t notice, as the decades passed, that more was going wrong. Every day they received news that more of their clan had gone missing, or turned up dead. She didn’t start to pay attention until Seraphine and Adrien were killed by a slayer and Henri went missing. And by then it was too late.

Alone for the first time in her existence, she had made her way by selling antiques, and had started to settle into life in Wicked’s Rest. She’d started to find a home for herself, to make a new family. Things were finally looking up again. A shame that’s when she stepped into a trap.

Being one of the last survivors left those hunting her clan to eradication with the brilliant thought that she might be in contact with the others. Holding her hostage for months, they tried to extract the information they thought she had from her by any means necessary. Then one day, they made a mistake. They left only one person on guard. In a moment of clarity from the fogginess of her mind, Zofia managed to escape. Now, she’s more determined than ever to finish the hunters off, and to create a new clan for herself.

Character Facts:

Personality: Charming, focused, loyal, captivating, driven, obsessive, vain, forgetful, impulsive, detached

She once pretended to be the long lost Grand Duchess Anastasia as a dare from Henri

Her birthday is June 3rd 1709, making her a Gemini Sun, Aries Moon.

She worked for a while as an independent art broker and antiquities dealer. It’s very easy to sell old works of art when you’ve been collecting them for centuries. She rented a small space as her office in Nightfall Grove, and called the business Dorian Gray and Associates (she thinks it's hilarious, even if she was the only ‘associate’ the business had)

She’s gone by many last names over the centuries, but her first name has always been Zofia, Sofie, or some variation upon that. 

Before it was driven to near extinction, she was a member of the Fleur De Sang clan, a vampire clan in France. The Du Pont line of the clan was a particularly prominent one, and their deaths/disappearances sent many scattering into hiding.

She has always been a patron of the arts, whether it’s performance art, sculpture, paintings- you name it, she supports it. One thing that she’s held on to over the years that she probably shouldn’t have because it’s INCREDIBLY conspicuous is a portrait of her done by Madame Le Brun. The painting is over two centuries old and belongs in a museum and not in Sofie’s apartment. But there it is. Hanging in her living room.

[quitealotofsodapop]

Forgot to say this, but Xci Nicco and Hua Jiao were definitely best friends before they started dating.

Xci Nicco and Hua Jiao definitely played games , especially COD and CODM. Since Hua Jiao inherited MK's hearing, he has headphones. Xci Nicco used to unintentionally scream "SHOOT HIM, IPUSIL SIYA! (Translation: shoot him!) PUTANGINA MO— (translation: YOU F#CKING BASTARD—)"

A normal teen Shapeshiftershipping gaming session would be like:

Xci Nicco: "BARILIN SIYA. HEADSHOT SIYA! IMPYERNO, SHOOT HIS NUT FOR ALL I CARE! TIGIL ANG PAGGAMIT NG KUTSILYO!!" (kutsilyo means knife)

Hua Jiao, not understanding a single word: "SPEAK ENGLISH, I DON'T SPEAK RIPOFF TACOBELL!"

Xci Nicco, gasping: "ISASAMA KO SA BIBIG MO YUNG DICK KO KUNG SASABIHIN MO ULIT!"

Hua Jiao, being translated by Macaque after Macaque comes into the room: "YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE ONE!"

Xci Nicco: "HOW DO YOU KNOW?!"

Hua Jiao: "WHAT DO YOU MEAN HOW DO I KNOW!?—"

Xci Nicco: "even if I didn't have one, I'D GROW ONE!"

Hua Jiao: "SO YOU DO HAVE ONE?!"

Xci Nicco, giving up: "FUCK YOU!"

As a teen, Xci Nicco definitely rage-quitted a ton. Some Filipinos have undiagnosed anger issues.

This whole interaction is making me crack up.

Xci Nicco and Hua Jiao having rage and profanity-filled gaming sessions with Macaque on hand to translate. Mac's probably reading a book nearby, or just watching at laughing at the breakdown of communicaiton between the shapeshifter duo.

Macaque just snickering after the two teens have rage-quitted like:

Macaque: "Would you believe that Wukong has rage quitted harder before?" Hua Jiao, still a little grumpy: "No. What was he playing?" Macaque: "Pong. Broke the tv. Jokes on him, I won that bet fair and square." Wukong, from the next room: "I know you used a glitch Mihou!" Macaque, yells back playfully: "Look who's a sore loser!" Wukong, busts down the door holding an old Pong console: "Put your money where your mouth is, faker!" Hua Jiao, feeling a lot better: *ready to watch the upcoming trainwreck* :3

Seems that competitiveness is genetic on multiple sides.

[whenthechickencry]

Umineko EP8. Replay Part 1

The episode starts with Battler handing Ange the key and telling her that she is the only one that can decide how to use it.... which at least shows that he INTENDS for her to make a choice for herself but I can't really blame Ange for feeling like she was being forced into someone else's answer either.

Of course, it's not like it's exactly farfetched that he wants his younger sister to stop being stuck in suicidal survivor's guilt, he's trying to guide her to the answer he wants without forcing her as much as possible.

It's still a lot to ask of Ange to just take everything that Battler is going to show her at face value, especially after what she just saw like 5 minutes ago, though.

Everyone recounting how this is "the first time the 5 cousins were together" is a little sad since that means in reality that could never happen....

God, I fucking hate the uwufication of Kinzo in this episode, lol. Yes I get it. I get what Battler's doing. But also I just can't stand Kinzo being remembered like this...

The notorious HAPPY HALLOWEEN sequence happens and Ange starts feeling more and more unsettled by this depiction... it is kind of sad how what a lot of people would consider "just a normal family" seems like an impossible dream for Ange, but I get her. Family for her doesn't really mean anything happy for most of her life... this, to her, probably doesn't really feel like someone trying to comfort her to help her be able to move on with her life but more like someone rewriting yours and a bunch of other traumas for their own ends.

I am really not surprised Ange ended up lashing out here.... yes, it is important for Ange to realize that her family aren't all awful evil greedy monsters but that her family were complicated people who had both good and bad parts.... but that doesn't mean the bad parts Ange saw were just fiction made on her head. Kinzo did abuse his children. Kinzo dd horrifying things to all the Beatrices. Telling her she was just imagining that makes it obvious she is going to fight against it.

Of course, this also isn't true at all... Battler is helping her deal with her own trauma and her own future in more positive ways by helping her remember all the good sides of her family. That she isn't really alone. Ange decides to step out of playing the Ange piece.

Aaaa, this is too sweet and makes me want to cry though... wouldn't be great if Sayo and Battler were actually able to talk like this? It didn't happen but just seeing it happen anyways makes me very happy.

Beatrice notices Ange's keys and realizes that Battler is playing a game with Ange. Beatrice is able to do magic in front of Ange, and yet she doesn't believe it.

Now Beatrice and Battler wish they could spend eternity forever, but they must close the catbox and hand the future to Ange...

Well... a bit of column A and a bit of column B, I guess, haha.

It's hard to not look at both Battler and Ange's point here... I can understand why Ange wants to reject and feels resentful towards this world and also why it's so important for Battler to convey his message. "The sin I left behind" The point isn't to erase everyone's wrongdoings but also to give them a chance to grow past them and let you understand them, even after they are dead and let Ange remember the other half of who these people were, memories that were deleted by many years of people only reminding her of the bad parts.

Ange starts talking about how Eva was nicer to her originally and eventually was meaner to her when she wouldn't stop asking about the truth, which she doesn't want to tell her due to her being the culprit.... that's such an impossible situation for either of them to navigate, isn't it? Leaving Ange with her family is not a real option, though, so it's hard to think what Eva is even supposed to do, even if the answer is definitely not taking care of a child that you are definitely not emotionally capable of taking care of.

Ange.... seeing that fragment in episode 7 is obviously making her even more desperate to prove Eva did it.

I can see a bit of Rudolf in how Ange deals with her flaws. Yes, she knows this is bad and self-destructive, but so what? It's similar to how Rudolf seems keenly aware of his flaws but ultimately, also, doesn't really ever even want to try to fix them. It's what they have decided is best for them, and how they have survived... but Ange will manage to break this cycle.

Uh, I don't think Eva would be too happy about having a daughter because then she wouldn't be able to launch tactical misogyny at Jessica but uh, the scenes here are cute anyways and I can totally believe Eva would rather raise a daughter than a boy if the situation wasn't like it was.

Beatrice is drunk and Battler notices haha.. it's nice to see Beatrice merrily drinking instead of the binge drinking before ending your life on EP4....

I can't help but feel some kind of sorrow from all these scenes of the family working together, it just feels a little bit sad that this couldn't happen in reality even if I also feel happy that it's happening at all.

Yeah....

Every conversation between Beatrice and Battler feels so precious, they talk about how they hope the real Ange is smiling and not the piece, how they can't force her to accept the truth, and how they need to clean up from their sins in creating the gameboard in the first place.... Ange's realizing she is letting a bunch of people outside the Ushiromiyas and Rokkenjima decide her opinion on her family.

Quiz time!! Quiz time!!! I love the quiz game section so I was curious about how the manga was going to do it when I first read it but it did do it brilliantly as well. We start with Kinzo's Christmas puzzle and he starts lamenting how people will forget that he used to be a fun grandpa because her memories will be overwritten by the mean Kinzo legends.... both of these are true though. Kinzo can be a fun grandpa while fucked up in other ways. I do remember a bunch of lines about how Kinzo didn't especially like Maria but I wouldn't be surprised if that too was something that got exaggerated because no one has a good image of Kinzo already. I started overthinking Hideyoshi's puzzle and checking which plants had seeds and which didn't and which is considered a fruit and vegetable, oops. Eva gives her South Pole puzzle

Should she have? Yes. But also it's kind of impossible to ask of her given the circumstances, that's what makes the situation so heartbreaking...

We get Gohda and Kumasawa's dessert-themed puzzles. they don't really get an extra scene, they start discussing how Ange's bright smiles were stolen by her future, but how ultimately the only one that can hatch her smile back is herself. They pray that she will be able to find her happiness.

Nanjo gives the kyuukyuu puzzle and Genji the candle puzzle, Genji talks about how he was saved from Taiwan and Battler chooses to not pry too much more which uh, guess Battler suspects Genji is in love with Kinzo if he doesn't want to pry, haha.

Natsuhi does her keyboard puzzle and Krauss. Natsuhi sees the bond between Eva and blood and says relationships matter more than blood, she realizes what she says and we get some perspective into Sayo and Natsuhi. Sayo fcking hated Natsuhi but as she saw the regret she carried in her heart she was able to stop hating her, as the real one to blame is Kinzo. Beatrice calls her mother one time. Beatrice does think forgetting your sin is an extremely grave sin, so I am comfortable saying Sayo ended up with some trajectory similar to this in actuality even if she still obviously holds some bitterness...

Kanon has the periodic table puzzle, Shannon is flavors, and their conversation is just depressing.... they start talking about ho the catbox is a wonderful place where all dreams ca be true before deciding that they{'d rather see their dreams outside the catbox and decide to duel each other.

Rosa is the gold-carrying puzzle and Maria the sheep and wolves one Beatrice Sakutarou and Maria have a discussion about how hard it is to believe in your own magic, but they believe that Ange will be able to do it, even if it will be hard on her. Kyrie has the puzzle with Satoko, Rika, and Miyoko,, and Rudolf uh does the same puzzle again but harder. Kyrie tells Eva to watch for Ange, and then Rudolf and Kyrie are alone and Rudolf reveals the baby swap and Rudolf says he is fine being killed for this, which he would kind of deserve, tbh,but... George and Jessica do fucking Monty Hall problem George and Jessica tell Ange to not let the truth in her hands be changed by what other people say which is... the opposite of the solution posited by the Monty Hall problem what the fuck guys. But the point is that she should remember what was true to her instead of letting her mind be changed by a bunch of people who have never even met any of these people. It{s easy to dismiss this entire sequence for Ange, and a first-time reader, as just a fantasy to make Ange feel better. But, is it not also true that if they knew of their deaths, and if they knew what the future was going to hold for Ange, that all of them would want what is best for her and try to alleviate her heart? Is that truth not also worth having Ange find out?

"The sin.... is to refuse to remember."

Ange goes to take a nap and Battler opens up the party for all the fantasy creatures, and you get a sense of how much the cast of this game has grown, lol.

Kinda bites with knowing what's going to happen, but I think even that is necessary for Ange to reach her truth, as well, so.... message still applies.

I am going to cry.

The description of Ange being locked in a room, separate from her entire family, where she can't go no matter what is a bit sad, too... Anyway Bernkastel guides her out the window and into her parents corpses. Comparing Beatrice's essay to Shannon in episode 2 compared to now is pretty interesting, as Gaap mentions, haha. It's nice that even if just in meta Sayo has managed to not have such distorted views about her body and love...

Meanwhile, Battler notices Ange isn't where she's supposed to be and starts freaking out. Bernkastel shows up and Battler soon realizes he's stuck co-authoring the tale with Bernkastel. Bernkastel is made to promise to release both Erika and Ange if you can solve her riddle.

Bernkastel is about to give her riddle, after a lot of talking from Battler about how they will be besties afterward, and we move to Ange seeing the corpses. "Was that fun just an illusion" asks Ange after seeing the empty hall...

I remembered this was what originally clued me in that the answer was children + parents, just a very sus description, lol.

Battler: It's because of Erika. I can't help but be suspicious when people are examining corpses. Hhahaha okay Battler, Erika gave you trust issues. Sh = K is confirmed in the game as well when they die, The rules are set up.

Bernkastel's flash game begins!

I forgot that in universe the one that solves the puzzle is Maria, haha, also Ange is here to get further traumatized and see her parents as murderers yet again. And then she is forced to hear hundreds of goats say awful things about her family as if she hadn't gone through enough.... whispers that won't stop for decades. The media caught on to plenty of dirt from Kyrie and Rudolf's past... but it's funny because it didn't matter who they dug for, they would have found dirt for everyone anyway. Ange's family is just the most 'fun' because Ange is alive so they can torture her for reactions and get 'new' content to draw enjoyment from if she ever reveals any details of anything... When Ange feels like she is about to be consumed by all the goats, Bernkastel and Erika come and save her. Obviously, they are using her and manipulating her for their ends, but you can certainly understand why she feels as if they are saving her once you realize she has had to deal with the goats for so long and they are giving her the opportunity to shut them the fuck up. Eva's choice to never reveal the truth gets reframed in this episode, she is creating endless theories of herself as the culprit and setting herself up for endless abuse, all in order to guarantee the truth that will hurt Ange so much will never come out....

Ange.... I really don't think you can blame her for how she feels during this episode.

Ange and Bernkastel have a conversation about holding on to a miracle vs finding the miracleless truth. Ange decides she's tired of other people hiding the truth from her so she's ready to face the truth even if it means giving up on a miracle. Bernkastel feels some bitterness about how Battler and Beatrice get to laugh and enjoy each other after their game.... once her game ended all that meant was she now had to deal with a bunch of trauma.

Bernkastel reminds Battler the game isn't over and the keys are in Ange's hands, not his. We cut to Bernkastel-Ange-Featherine in the study. Featherine and Bernkastel point out that the point of the key is for her to choose between something, and Bernkastel points out that even if he is respecting her decision there's obviously a choice he wants her to make, which helps Ange understand a bit more the unease she has been feeling. It's hard for me to not see the events of this episode as necessary for Ange... if she just went along with the trick ending just because that's the only perspective Battler gave her would she have really felt comfortable in that choice?

Erika is chronically addicted to being WRONG

The fact Ange is forced to play an actual 6-year-old also I think is like... it probably didn't help in Ange feeling manipulated and infantilized.

"I t wouldn't have been much longer before I was chased out of the gameboard with everything still vague and fuzzy," I think kind of points to what I was mentioning earlier - if Bernkastel hadn't intervened I doubt Ange would have felt satisfied with her answer.

[fighting-and-drawing]

Heart of the Warrior Chapter 15: Iuli Kanamo Ang Among Bulan

Fandom: Cybird Ikemen Sengoku

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Yukimura Sanada x Male!OC

      There were no windows in his jail cell, yet it was always as cold as the long, dark nights he used to enjoy. Back In Kasugayama, he would often go to the roof of the large castle, peering out towards the starry night sky that was missing from the Modern World. His eyes would stay plastered on the bright white moon, a smile if the moon was full and deeply golden. He would often remember the myth of his last namesake, a story he held within that comforted him in the harshest of times. 

     True, it wasn't a real story or myth, but it was the one that he needed—the one that used to give him hope in life. Life was a mystery, after all, but that did not mean he needed to wallow through it without comfort. 

      But, time and time again, the story had lost its magic. His actions back home betrayed his story, and in turn, the story became nothing but a sordid reminder of the happy ending he could never obtain. Through the awed eyes and the occasional smile, he did not see hope, but a dream turned to fantasy, a reminder of the life he now ran away from, yet still envied. The dragon had swallowed the moon, and no one wanted it to return.

      There were no windows in his cold, dark jail cell, but he needed to see the stars. He needed to see the moon one last time. He wanted to see his lost happy ending one more time before he fell to his horrid fate. He pleaded to whatever gods he knew, from the Orixás that used to protect him to even the moon deity he used to worship. He cried softly in his cell, the agonizing cold and the sharp pain with every twitch of his bruised and battered muscles forcing him still. His vision was blurry and his mind jumbled. His body felt weak, crumpling down on its knees. He did not know how long it was ever since he was captured, but he knew his end would come soon.

      He needed to see the moon. As if abandoning all reason, Thai struggled to stand up. His nauseous head made it feel as if he was trying to stand on the deck of a ship in the middle of a hurricane, but he kept rising. Nothing mattered to him anymore. He slipped but caught himself before his face met the ground. One of his eyes didn't want to open, the other seeing a darkened room shifting around him. Yet, he kept himself straight, gathering strength as he slowly stood back up.       He took an unsteady step forward. He drew in a raspy breath as he continued forward. He needed to see the night sky. He needed to feel the grass under his feet. He needed to breathe in the cool, night air. He needed to see...

      A face revealed itself in his mind. For a brief moment, his heart jumped, a wave of warmth welcomed by the freezing Thai. He could see the short, disheveled almost-auburn-colored hair over his head. Under it was a young, handsome face, a pair of chestnut-colored irises looking at him. Soft, pink lips rose to a warm smile that greeted him, a hand extending out towards Thai.       "...Yuki..." Thai raggedly breathed, taking another shambling step towards the jail bars.        Yukimura stood under the moon, dressed in his normal red kimono. He stood tall over the grassy knob, his soft gaze bidding Thai to join him. Thai's heartbeat grew excited, his steps growing faster. He was close—he could feel the warmth of his hand just inches away...

      But, the frozen iron cage bars stopped him. His body collided with the cell doors, Thai letting out a frustrated, pained gasp as his body slunk to the ground. His eyes grew heavier. His mind was spinning, his gut sick. Thai let out another strained gasp, his cold body finally relaxing as his eyes closed.

      Nobuyuki watched just inches away from the other side of the jail cell bars. Mitsuhide was thorough in torturing the captured foreigner, yet seeing his handiwork made the elder Sanada brother sick. He extended a hand towards the jail bars, his fingers clasping its cold iron surface. The motionless Thai beneath him on the other side of the jail bars made him think that he was dead, yet he could still faintly hear the raspy breath going in and out of Thai's nose.   Nobuyuki looked down the hall, making sure he was alone. Mitsuhide should be in his manor, planning whatever schemes the silver kitsune was fond of. He winced, remembering Yukimura's words to him in their short time together. The man responsible for the carnage below him was the person he swore loyalty to. The demon responsible for the desolation of everything his twisted heart sought after was the thing he swore loyalty to. 

      His father's words and decree were unquestionable. Nobuyuki would always follow them. Under his father's command, he would be the one to make sure the Sanada Clan prospered and lived through the war-torn era they lived in. 

      Nobuyuki let go of the cage bars before crouching down to meet the unconscious Thai. His hand reached through the bars, his fingers pressing down on the side of Thai's neck. He nearly gasped upon feeling the faint beat of blood still pumping through his veins under Thai's stone-cold skin.        He stood back up. There was no telling that his younger brother would come to rescue his subordinate. Nobuyuki smiled, knowing that Yukimura was too headstrong in allowing himself to leave his comrades to suffer a horrible fate. Just like him and his father, Yukimura valued every person's life. He knew exactly where Yukimura was going to infiltrate the castle. He studied every nook and cranny of Ueda, knowing its every weakness and exploit—knowing where a shinobi could easily infiltrate to reach the jail cell to recover a captured warrior.        Nobuyuki sighed, hearing the door at the far end of the hall open. He turned to the approaching figure.       "Inahime," Nobuyuki breathed. 

      Komatsuhime stepped to him, gasping at the sight just across the cell bars. "Oh my—! Is that....?"

      "Yes," Nobuyuki simply answered. He held Komatsuhime's hands, his wife's eyes plastered on the fallen foreigner. "Nobushige will come for him soon."

      Her eyes darted to her husband, her mouth agape. "What?! But, he'll be captured? And, if he is..."

      "I know," Nobuyuki gulped, the thought of seeing his brother in a jail cell sending shivers through his spine. "But, we need to plan accordingly if all is to go well."

      Komatsuhime shuddered, her husband's grip firm on her hands. "Then...you mean to—"

      "Alert our shinobi," he said. "Tell them this..."

      There was a passage hidden in the stone walls of the moat around Ueda Castle. Not everyone knew of its existence, its purpose both as a point of infiltration should the castle be occupied and as an escape, if the barbarian-like enemy should ever capture Ueda. Yukimura vividly remembered using this passage to escape as the enemy surrounded him. He would have fallen to the demon if not for the knowledge of this door.        Throughout the day, both Sasuke and Yukimura methodically observed the patrolling guards around the castle. With the cover of night shrouding them, they donned dark blue garb before making their way into town. They infiltrated the castle grounds, silently descending into the moats without alerting the incoming patrol rounding the corner. There was an area of stone big enough to allow someone to walk along, Yukimura and Sasuke hugging the walls of the moat as they made their way closer to the door—a grate that seemed to be built into the foundation but could be opened with enough force. 

      Yukimura knew their plan was extremely risky. Even the chance of a wrong move could end with them being captured. His actions already may have spelled disaster for Lord Shingen and Lord Kenshin's plans. The honorable thing to do would be to return home and face judgment for his treason. He knew his death would be assured, so why not risk it instead while rescuing Thai.

      Thai...that dummy! Yukimura did not know whether to hug or berate him for what he pulled off. He was such a wild boar—why did he just charge into the enemy like that!? He sighed; he already knew the answer to that question. There were fewer forces intercepting them at the river when they escaped due to Thai staying behind. If it was not for him, they would not have escaped the river and onto dry land. It was because of his sacrifice that they made it out of Ueda alive.       Yukimura gulped, his fingers cautiously prying open the grate leading to a tunnel small enough for them to crouch inside. His mind stayed fixed on Thai, hoping that this mission wasn't a waste and that he was still alive somewhere within. He was always there to save him, even when he did not know who Yukimura originally was when he saved him in that forest so long ago. His foolishness could easily be confused for brevity in the face of harrowing opposition. But, it was that foolishness that he started to like about him. No matter the situation, Thai acted on his feet to protect him, even if it meant facing down a hundred men, just like—

      "Yuki," Sasuke said, breaking the Peerless Warrior out of his thoughts.          Yukimura found themselves within the tunnel, cautiously making their way inside. "Yeah?" he responded softly to Sasuke. 

      "The castle will be full of guards," Sasuke said. "Maybe it's best if you stay here to cover our exit, and I'll continue in to—"         "No," Yukimura said. "Once we get Thai, one of us needs to carry him if he's injured. If we do run into the guards, we'll need someone to cover the other carrying Thai."

      "Understood."

     They reached a panel at the end of the darkened tunnel. Yukimura carefully pried it open, the two dropping down into a dimly lit room. Their eyes opened wide at the sight, Yukimura nearly gasping. The tunnel was supposed to lead to a storage room, but instead of crates of rice and goods, they were met with the seemingly never-ending sight of guns, black powder barrels, and even cannons. Sasuke replaced the panel back as Yukimura stepped over to a nearby cannon. His heart tensed upon feeling its cool surface.        "Nobuyuki..." Yukimura grimaced silently to himself. "...you're really preparing for war?"

      "With this much ordinance, they could easily wipe us out," Sasuke said. "Like shooting fish in a barrel, so to speak."

      "That is the plan," a familiar voice called out.

      Yukimura and Sasuke spun around to the voice. From the shadows, Nobuyuki silently stepped out, his tachi in his hands. Nobuyuki sighed, shaking his head slowly. "You really came back for him, didn't you?" Nobuyuki said coldly.

      Yukimura's brow furrowed. He stomped toward his older brother but was quickly held back by Sasuke. "You!" Yukimura growled fiercely. "Where is he!? Give him back to us!"

      "Quiet your voice," Nobuyuki calmly said, biting back his own anger. "...no doubt that snake is slithering around here somewhere."

      "Snake?...Mitsuhide," Yukimura winced, venom dripping from his tongue. 

      "The very same," Nobuyuki said. "Already, your follower is gravely injured. I doubt he has long to live if Mitsuhide continues his...work."

      Yukimura suddenly lunged at his brother. The latter remained unfazed as Yukimura grabbed the lapels of his kimono, Sasuke frozen in place. A mad streak was glazed over his eyes. Nobuyuki kept his calm as he stared right back at him.        "Kill him, and I'll—"

      "Kill me, too?" Nobuyuki interrupted. 

      Yukimura stayed silent, his balled-up fists turning white. His face grew flustered, his teeth bared and clenched. Nobuyuki merely drew in and out a deep breath.       "...if you don't want to see your follower die...then I would suggest you hurry and save him," Nobuyuki said.

      Yukimura gasped. His tense hands let go of his brother's kimono as he stepped back. Nobuyuki sheathed his tachi, fixing his kimono. "You know where the jail cell is, younger brother," Nobuyuki continued to say. "I would caution you not to move him too much. He's...he's hurt badly."

      "Why...why are you helping us?" 

      Nobuyuki shrugged his shoulder lightly. "...if all goes to plan," he said. "You wouldn't need to worry about the weapons in this room."

      Sasuke glanced over at Yukimura. The latter stood confused, his jaw dropping slightly agape.

      "Believe me, don't believe me—it doesn't matter," Nobuyuki said. "I was tasked by our father to make sure the Sanada Clan prospers. You were tasked to continue their legacy and fight against the demon. It's time I held up my end of the bargain. Any moment now, a distraction will cause me and the entirety of the forces within to deal with a 'surprise attack.' Use this time wisely and save your friend."

      Yukimura stood in place for a moment. His eyes began to tear up, his body suddenly lurching forward. Yukimura's arms wrapped around Nobuyuki's, eliciting a surprised gasp from the older brother. Nobuyuki sighed, patting his brother on the head.        "Always such a crier," Nobuyuki smiled.

      "Shut up," Yukimura scoffed through the tears. He felt a long-forgotten warmth spread across him. 

      "Hmph."

      A faint explosion in the distance lightly rattled the castle walls. Nobuyuki cleared his throat, softly pushing Yukimura away. "Wait for a moment, and when the coast is clear, go and save Thai," Nobuyuki said as he turned away. 

      Yukimura sniffed back the tears, wiping his reddened eyes on his sleeve. "Th-thanks," he said. Yukimura turned to Sasuke, the two nodding.

      Nobuyuki left promptly, the voices of his concerned men ringing through the halls before being silenced by the door closing. Yukimura and Sasuke ran to the door, hugging the sides of the door with their bodies as they listened for the voices outside to die down. Within a few moments, the two quickly made their way out of the storage room. True to Nobuyuki's word, the entire castle was empty.        Yukimura's heart was racing—he really did get through to Nobuyuki after all. True, all of this could be a setup to capture him, but so far, his older brother's words rang true. A spark of hope lit a fire inside Yukimura's heart as he and Sasuke darted through the castle, finally making their way down to the lower levels where the jail was.

      Just as they were about to turn a corner, Sasuke pulled Yukimura back. Sasuke held his mouth shut as he peered around the corner. Two guards were still stationed outside of the jail. Yukimura glanced at them, kissing his teeth in frustration as Sasuke let go of Yukimura. The two guards didn't wear red armor or kimonos.       "Mitsuhide's men, probably," Sasuke said. 

      "Damn!" Yukimura grunted. He huffed, looking at Sasuke. "Alright, you take the one on the left. I got the right."

      Sasuke produced a small pellet from his kimono, nodding silently. He threw the pellet at the guards, a small pop igniting a large explosion of smoke that surprised the guards. In the confusion, Sasuke and Yukimura quickly lunged at their respective targets, swiftly incapacitating both at the same time. Once the smoke cleared, the two guards lay motionless on the floor with Sasuke opening the jail door for Yukimura to enter. 

      The two quickly went down the jail hall, looking from cell to cell, until they found—

      "Thai..." Yuki breathed.

      The sight of the collapsed foreigner shocked him. Sasuke gasped, quickly picking the lock of the door. Thai was still unconscious, barely breathing as Sasuke opened the cell door. Yukimura quickly crouched down, enveloping Thai in a gentle embrace. The Peerless Warrior lifted Thai's torso up, a twitching hand brushing back the overgrown bangs from Thai's eyes. His pulse was weak and his tanned body pale, his ragged breath alarming the two.       "Thai..." Yukimura repeated. "Hold on just a little longer."

      The muscles on Thai's face twitched, his dry lips slowly opening. "...Yu...Yuki?" Thai breathed softly.

      "Shh...I'm here," Yuki softly whispered.

      Thai's eyes were shut closed, yet he began to grow conscious. "...Você...você voltou por mim?"

      "I don't know what you're saying, dummy," Yukimura lightly snorted. He gently caressed his cheek with his calloused hands. He bit back the tears upon seeing Thai in such a disastrous state. He had to stay strong. "I'm not gonna leave you to die."

      Thai weakly chuckled, the chuckle turning quickly into a pained cough. "You...you should have—"

      "Stop," Yukimura interrupted. "I'm not leaving you. Never, and that's final. I intend to keep my promise to you, whether you like it or not."

      "Tsk...so stubborn."

      Yukimura threw Thai's arm around his shoulder, gently picking up his light frame by Thai's upper back and legs. Yukimura nodded to Sasuke, the two quickly escaping the jail. Heading back into the storage room, they slid Thai through the tunnel before cautiously hauling him out. In his feeble state, they couldn't escape the way they intended to, though.       "Thai," Yukimura softly asked. "How are you feeling?"

      The foreigner scoffed weakly. "...sério?"

      Yukimura sighed. "Right...sorry."

      "We cannot swim out of here, then," Sasuke said. "We have to escape through the back of the castle and disappear into the forest."

      "Damn!"

      "Yuki..." Thai breathed.

      "It's alright, Thai," Yukimura said, the two carefully making their way through the moat. "I got you."

      "Vejam isso..."

      "Huh?"

     Thai giggled softly, the gaze in his eyes pointed up. "A Lua...é tão brilhante, não é?"

     Yukimura started to panic; Thai was starting to ramble nonsense. "Hey! Keep it together," he said. The trio found their way out of the moat, Yukimura carefully placing Thai over his shoulder as they started to climb up the moat and onto the outside of the castle. "We're almost there. Just...please...stay with me."

      They quickly reached solid ground, Yukimura carrying Thai bridal-style as they made a dash towards the distant trees. They looked behind them, seeing the town behind them illuminated by a large fire spewing smoke and flames that towered over the land. Yukimura grimaced at the sight, Sasuke urging silently with a hand on his shoulder for the two to keep running. Yet, a few emerging figures stopped them in their tracks. Yukimura whispered a curse, a few samurai surrounding them. Again, they did not appear to be Nobuyuki's men, meaning that they were followed by Mitsuhide's spies.       "Where do you think you're going?" spat one of the men as he drew his sword. 

      Sasuke drew out his own sword, yet they were outmanned four-to-one. The duo placed their backs to one another as they were circled by Mitsuhide's men, yet the kitsune himself did not appear.       "You can either come with us, or we'll take your heads to our lord instead," another man sneered.

      Yukimura winced, clutching Thai tightly to his person. "Any ideas, Sasuke?"

      "I'm thinking," the ocular ninja muttered.

      "Lord Mitsuhide would very much appreciate your cooperation, little Sanada vermin!" said a third man.

      Yukimura grunted. "Step one foot closer, and you'll regret facing me," Yuki growled back. 

      The men drew their swords and began to inch closer. Sasuke took one hand off his sword hilt, reaching for the kunai attached to his belt. Yuki prepared himself to drop Thai. He would have to risk Thai's injuries to fight off the men surrounding them. The area grew silent, the cacophony of voices in the distant town muffled.

      Just as the attackers were about to leap forward, one of them grunted in pain and clutched his neck. Yukimura gasped as the man fell down lifelessly to the ground. The others gasped as well, frantically searching around. One by one, figures shrouded by the darkness emerged from the shadows, each taking down the attackers before they could react. Yukimura and Sasuke watched silently as their attackers fell before them, numerous men shrouded in dark clothes that matched the night approaching them. Yukimura huffed, adjusting his grip on Thai.       "It took you long enough!" Yukimura scoffed.

      Saizou took off his mask. "Apologies, my lord," Saizou smiled. "We were momentarily distracted by this."

      Saizou produced something from behind his back, its metallic surface making Yukimura sigh. "Oh...right," Yukimura groaned, Saizou slightly fiddling with the golden gunbai in his hands. "You know that's just for show, right? I don't actually care for it."

      "Mission still completed," Kamenosuke grinned.

      Thai's guttural groans alerted Yukimura, the Peerless Warrior kneeling down on the grass. Thai's eyes opened once more, his throat letting out a scoff as he stared up toward the sky.       "Hey, come on!" Yukimura grunted. "We're almost home free."

      Thai coughed. "Alright-alright," he breathed, retracting his arm from around Yukimura's shoulder. "Hold on...I can walk, just—"

      "Nope! You're in no condition to walk," Yukimura scoffed. 

      "He's alright," Saizou smiled.

     "Not really...." Thai groaned. "Esse filho de puta has my razor blade. W-we might...have to do this mission again just to...get it back."

      Yukimura couldn't help but gawk. Even injured, Thai was still the stubborn mule that he was. He will be fine, he thought. He wrapped Thai's arm around his shoulders once more before lifting him off the ground. He nodded to everyone before they quickly ran to the trees where their horses awaited.  

      It would be a few days' ride back to Kasugayama, the group needing to make necessary detours to shake any trailing spies off their tail. They would have to wait until they were well outside of Shinano to check on Thai's wounds. The foreigner would still have to endure the pain for now, but the sweet relief of freedom eased his injured body. He could feel the cool night breeze blow across his skin, and smell the fresh pine and dirt of the forest. His eyes opened again, still directed up to take one last look before he closed his heavy eyelids. The last thing he remembered seeing before falling into a deep sleep was Yuki's face peering down at him, the moon shining bright just above him. Thai couldn't help but gawk softly—the moon had returned.