#at this point i need a placeholder for bubbles like might as well

[multiimistakes]

It's actually so funny how underneath the Serious vibe of, you know, your bullshit military fiction stuff-—the espionage, the betrayal, blah blah. It's hilarious to think that the only reason Clay/Op. 007 is still alive and kicking and in route to kick Gavin/Op. 006's ass is because of Luck.

That's a central theme of his character in contrast to Gavin's tragedy of just seeming incredibly unlucky. Clay was lucky that he was in an opportune location when his team's burn notice was issued, he was lucky in the way he killed Op. 002 in their fight, lucky his upbringing was about as shitty as everyone else's but it for some reason compelled him to develop his own resources so when his gov resources went dark he had lifelines to fall back on. Lucky he just happened to find out Gavin was still alive in the first place.

Just hilarious to me that the main source of conflict in Gavin's story is just this dude plagued by good luck. Like Clay is dangerous, don't get me wrong, but can you imagine being such a cringe antagonist that your protag only exists in the first place because the universe just seemed to like him more than you???

[if-you-built-yourself-a-myth]

Check Ignition: Part II

The Sobbe fake-dating Hogwarts AU that one person asked for and I dove into headfirst.

Part I // Part II // Part III // Part IV

Requests are open if you have any ideas of what I should write next!

Moyo thought the situation was hilarious. “Dude,” he said, between fits of uncontrollable laughter. “You’re never going to get any pussy ever again. Oh my gosh.” He doubled over in front of the fireplace, clutching his stomach as if it would burst. As a Gryffindor, he shouldn’t be in the Hufflepuff common room at all, and neither should Zoë (a Ravenclaw). Zoë got permission because her boyfriend, Senne, was Head Boy. Moyo slipped under the radar because he never wore his tie around campus.

Aaron too had his concerns for Robbe’s love life. “Does it count as cheating? Amber said that Noor—”

“He just kissed you?” Zoë sat forward on the couch. “Just like that? No asking, or—”

Moyo cut back in. “You will never feel the sweet, sweet touch of a woman. The virgin Robbe.”

“Boys, boys,” said Jens, ever the peacemaker, ever Robbe’s protector. “Uh, and girl. We are solving the crisis, not bringing up new ones.” He gestured to Robbe. “You have the floor, my friend. What do you need from us?”

“I, uh—” Robbe began.

It had been Jens’s idea to tell Moyo and Aaron in the morning. Zoë just happened to be waiting around for Senne to come out of the dormitories at the same time. The Hufflepuff common room featured two tables on either side of the fireplace, each surrounded by four straight-backed chairs. One couch faced the fireplace, and right now, Aaron, Jens, and Zoë had claimed it for themselves. With all the prime real estate taken, none of the other students stuck around.

Plus, it was early, before breakfast and morning classes.

“Go ahead,” said Jens.

Robbe didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know what Sander expected to get from the arrangement, either. What he knew:

1. Sander kissed him to get Britt off his back.

2. Sander referred to him as a boyfriend rather than a hookup.

3. Sander knew he wanted to get Noor to leave him alone.

What he didn’t know:

1. Did Sander want them to fake date?

2. Was it just a one-time thing?

He wasn’t a big fan of not knowing all the specifics. It was hard enough to trample down the feeling blossoming in his chest when he thought of kissing Sander again.

“I—I need—” What did he need? He needed to talk to Sander. They didn’t share any classes, nor were there any Hogsmede visits coming up in the near future. Robbe sure as hell wasn’t going to patrol down near the dungeons, even if Jana came with him, because they smelled like mildew and he didn’t want to run into anyone besides Sander. He decided on a placeholder for now. “I need you to go along with it. If Noor asks.”

“Go along with it?” Moyo repeated.

“Yeah, go along with it. Corroborate the story.”

“No. Absolutely not.” Moyo crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not lying to a girl. Especially not a pretty one.”

Aaron nodded along. “That’s messed up.”

“You’re not going to earn any points by not,” said Jens. Thank goodness for Jens.

“It is a bit cruel, isn’t it?” said Zoë. “Tell her you’re not interested if you’re not interested. It’s an asshole move to drag someone else into it.”

They dissolved into cacophony, talking over one another without regard for volume. It reminded Robbe of last night’s music. He’d meant to ask the boys if anyone had heard anything from the astronomy tower last night (had Sander made a bubble at all?), but he hadn’t gotten the chance when Jens opened with “Sander told everyone he and Robbe are dating so Britt and Noor will leave them alone.”

“And she’s going to find out,” said Moyo. “Girls know everything. Imagine how that’ll feel—Robbe hates you so much he’d rather be gay than snog you. It’s not fair.”

Zoë pointed at Moyo to emphasize his point. “I’m surprised to hear such a rational take from you.”

“I don’t hate her!” Robbe felt the need to step in and defend his honor. “I already told her I’m not interested. She keeps circling back around, and I’m tired.” In truth, he hadn’t said anything explicit. She should understand his apathy by the way he never took her coat or offered to walk her back to her common room. Perhaps that made him a bad person. “Look, this won’t be forever. We’ll give it a week and we’ll break up and everything will go back to normal.”

Moyo laughed without humor. “Yeah, minus any chance of ever having sex with a girl ever again.”

“You had to ruin it,” said Zoë. “Bad take.”

“Okay, but after the whole thing last night, Noor’s gonna be depressed no matter what,” Jens said. “You tell her that last night was for Sander, and she’s going to be all over you again. You tell her it was so both of you could avoid both of them, and now she’s just as upset as she would be with the fake-dating. It makes more sense to go along, fake a breakup, and let the whole thing fizzle. No one gets hurt.”

The others considered this analysis. Robbe took to pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. He really didn’t want Noor to get hurt in all of this—did he?—but the allure of having her leave him alone was too great to pass up. And she’d be hurt if he told her flat-out, so wouldn’t this roundabout way be better? Yes, Jens was right. Aaron, Zoë, Moyo, and Jens gathered together in a makeshift huddle to deliberate the issue like committee.

Robbe pretended not to hear their animated whispers. He caught bits and pieces.

“Noor is kind of annoying—”

“What’s done is done, isn’t it?”

“—something an asshole would do. Remember when Jana—”

“I would never—”

The giant clock on the wall above the exit read seven. Breakfast would be ready in the Great Hall any minute now, and they’d need to hurry if they wanted to eat in time for History of Magic. Any later than seven-fifteen and Noor would be downstairs, too.

“It’s agreed, then,” announced Jens. He stood up and adjusted his tie. “We play along. Robbe and Sander five-ever. C’mon, boys, class.”

Moyo and Aaron grumbled to themselves, but they followed Jens to the portrait on the wall and slipped through with Robbe at their heels.

***

The walk to the Potions classroom felt longer than ever before. It was the first class of the day that Robbe didn’t share with one of his friends, because Moyo and Aaron were shit at following instructions and Jens had never created anything that worked. They barely mustered satisfactory grades last year. Robbe was a rule-follower. That’s why he was a prefect, and that’s why he could make a damn good Wolfsbane potion.

“Hello, darling!”

Someone slammed into him from the side, almost knocking his textbook from his hands. Robbe looked up and right at Sander’s perfect face. Sander’s eyes were alight, even in the dim aesthetic of the dungeon hallway. He held an embroidered canvas schoolbag over one shoulder and a wand in his left hand. It was all Robbe could do to not collapse when he slipped his right hand into Robbe’s and squeezed—until Robbe spotted Britt standing at the door to the potions classroom. Her eyes locked on them.

That answered some questions, anyway. Sander wanted whatever this was to continue.

“Where are you headed?” Sander asked. “I’ve got Transfiguration in a half hour, so I’m free to take you wherever. He said the words a lot louder than he needed to.

Robbe shared Potions with Britt. He’d totally forgotten. And he couldn’t possibly go see her, could he? So really, there was only one thing he could say. “Free period. I’m wandering.”

“Lead the way, oh wanderer.”

They walked side-by-side down the corridor, passing in front of the haunted girls’ bathroom and a wall stained by something that looked an awful lot like blood. Sander’s long strides made it difficult for Robbe to keep up; it took two of his steps to match one of Sander’s. He noticed something he hadn’t before—he didn’t make a habit of watching Sander walk when they went out with Britt. Sander kept his chin angled toward the ceiling and seemed to base his gait on the people around him. Faster than everyone else. Even if it took more effort than casual.

“Is this a thing now?” Robbe whispered. He tried to hide the fact that he might be wheezing. “If it shows Noor I’m not changing my mind, I’m still all the way…”

“I’d assumed it would be. Are there going to be rules?”

“Rule number one: you sit detention for the music. I still reported you.”

Sander stopped abruptly; his eyes caught on something down the hallway. “Duck into this bathroom with me,” he said. “Lingering kiss, then bathroom. Cool?”

“Uh, cool,” said Robbe.

The words had barely left his mouth before Sander’s lips were on his, something sweet, soft, and sloppy. Not as good as last night’s. Robbe decided he hadn’t really enjoyed that one, either. It was nerves that made it seem that way. He pulled away first.

It was kind of good, though. Ugh, kind of.

They turned, and Sander dragged Robbe into the bathroom by his wrist. He played the part of lovestruck teenager very well, from the mischievous glint in his eyes to the exaggerated gesture of the dragging. Once inside, he backed Robbe against a sink like they were going to kiss again, hard enough to make a loud clank. Then he withdrew, peeked out the door.

“Saw Noor,” he said, by way of explanation.

“Huh,” said Robbe.

“Is that the kind of stuff you want?”

“Don’t you have Transfiguration?”

Sander dismissed him. “I can cut. More important matters at hand.” He spun around to lean against the sink next to Robbe, who hadn’t moved since he was pushed. The sinks were arranged in a circular formation in the center of the bathroom, accessible from the stalls on either side. A large stained-glass picture of a massive snake glared down at them from the far wall. “What do you want this to entail?”

The porcelain dug into Robbe’s back at an unpleasant angle. He tried to remedy the feeling with a little fidgeting around. “What do you want it to entail?”

“You came to me. Clearly you have ideas. Britt will hate whatever.”

Robbe took a deep breath. “I just want Noor to think I’m in a relationship. So, like, you can do what you think—I mean, what will make her think—”

“Got it, got it.”

The bathroom was suddenly smaller than it felt a second ago. Silence made it even worse. Robbe stared at the floor so that he wouldn’t stare at Sander; he didn’t want to give off the impression that he was enjoying Sander’s company too much. He found himself thinking the same thing he’d been thinking since Sander kissed him yesterday: if only the boys knew, if only the boys knew, if only the boys knew… Which was a fruitless pursuit.

This was an arrangement and the relationship was fake. He wasn’t actually enjoying it.

No need to tell Jens or Moyo or Aaron anything more.

“Okay,” said Sander. “Give it five more minutes here like we’re making out. Then we head to the astronomy tower and we discuss the finer details. Sound like a plan?”

“Yeah.”

“Cool.

Sander raised his wand and pointed it at a roll of toilet paper that sat on one of the toilets. The roll transformed into a compact CD player, floated over to their place at the sink, and began to play the same song as the player last night. “Not going to sit here in silence,” he said. The implication was that they wouldn’t talk to each other, Robbe thought. He dug his fingernails into the edges of the sink and counted down from three hundred so that he didn’t notice the veins in Sander’s hands.

They carried the player with them when they left the bathroom, only this time, Robbe could tell that Sander had actually performed some kind of bubble charm on the audio. No one so much as glanced in their direction as they wove their way through the packed hallways. They climbed the stairs to the astronomy tower, keeping to the right, and Robbe was surprised to watch Sander hop up into the little windowsill that Robbe fancied he owned.

“Alright, actual conversation.” Sander folded his legs and sat across from Robbe. “I should know things about you if I’m going to be convincing. And vice versa.”

“I’m a Hufflepuff,” said Robbe. That seemed like enough.

Not for Sander. “Real things. You know, mother’s maiden name, first grade teacher, the name of your first pet…”

Hang on, those questions sounded familiar. “Are you trying to steal my bank account?”

“Ah, so you have one?”

“A muggle one, yes. Not at Gringotts.”

Sander nodded, satisfied. “Me too. I mean, I have one at Gringotts, but it’s got like twenty Galleons in it. Maybe.” He pointed to the compact player. “Muggleborn.”

Robbe was a little startled at this information—Slytherin house favored purebloods, even when not in the midst of a war based on magical purity. Something about the founder and this whole thing with a basilisk.

“You too?” Sander prompted.

“I—uh, no,” Robbe said. “My dad is a wizard, just my mom isn’t, and I live with her during the summer.”

“Hm. What do you like to do in your spare time?”

“I don’t know. I study a lot. And I hang out with my friends, I guess.”

“Who are your friends?”

“Jens, Moyo, Aaron, and the girls. Are you going down a checklist or something?”

Sander laughed self-consciously. It was such a nice sound, holy shit, Robbe could listen to it all day. Sander adjusted his tie and shirt collar. “Forgive me for wanting to know more about you.” Robbe felt something swell in his chest and die when Sander continued, “What if Britt asks for info and I can’t give details? She’ll know something’s up for sure.”

“Yeah, of course,” Robbe ceded. Of course it was about the arrangement, that’s why they were there. Focus, Robbe. “The girls are Jana, Zoë, Amber, Yasmina, and Luca, if you want to write that down. We’re not really close, though. Just me and Jana.”

“Why’s that?”

“Jens is my best friend and Jana dated him for a while.”

“Huh. Committing that to memory.” Sander put his fingertips on his forehead and hummed to the tune of the CD’s song as if he were downloading information. “Okay, it’s there. Anything else?”

Robbe scoured his brain for something interesting about himself that would be helpful for a boyfriend to know. Boyfriend. Fuck. He gave himself a moment to savor the way it sounded in his head. Boyfriend. My boyfriend. There was a crisis there, in that it was so right compared to girlfriend’s wrongness, but he wasn’t going to have that breakdown right now. Boyfriend. Sexuality debates could wait until the whole fake-dating thing was done, because Sander wasn’t an option either way. Oh, but still, boyfriend.

“My favorite food is shrimp. I’m not a fan of reading but I’m okay at studying when Yasmina’s there. I’m a prefect. Is that enough?”

Sande shook his head. “I need something not a lot of people know. Insider knowledge.”

Insider knowledge? There wasn’t much of that in Robbe’s head. He’d been pretty open with everyone, except the maybe liking boys thing, and he wasn’t ready to admit that to himself.

He didn’t like boys.

“I was the one who broke them up,” Robbe confessed. “Jens and Jana, I mean.” He didn’t know why he picked this specific piece of information out of everything in his head; it was just the most available. Maybe it would serve Sander better to know a dark secret. “I told people something I shouldn’t have, so… well, you know. On purpose. I think you should know that.”

Sander squinted at him. “Not a good secret keeper. Okay.”

Yells echoed from the Gryffindor/Slytherin Quidditch match outside, mostly profanity and the occasional creative insult. Robbe was a seeker on the Hufflepuff team, Jens a chaser, and Aaron an alternate beater. They had a game next week, and it would make a lot of sense for Sander to attend, given the circumstances of their relationship… There should be something more to say to each other right now. Sander seemed content to linger in the silence. He rested his head on the brick behind him and looked out across the Great Lake, glimmering in the sunlight.

“When does it end?” said Robbe, at the same time as Sander said, “It’s much nicer up here at night.”

Sander turned from the window. “You first.”

“Oh, no, you can—”

“You first.”

“Uh, okay.” Robbe wrung his hands and wiped them on his pantlegs. “I wanted to know when it ends. The whole fake-dating thing. Like, do we pick a time, or—”

“Oh, I know that. Given it some thought.” Sander ran a perfect hand through his perfect hair. Not perfect—wow, Robbe really had to stop thinking shit like that, about how perfect Sander was. Every time he snuck another glance, there was another little detail that made Sander that much more striking. “Britt will just jump back in the second you’re out of the picture. End of term’s only a month away. She lives too far to follow me home, so I think that’s our best bet.”

A whole month. A whole motherfucking month. Robbe didn’t know if the boys could handle the responsibility of something that lasted that long. He didn’t know if he had it in himself.

“Or until one of us finds someone better,” Sander added.

Maybe not a month.

Not much to say after that.

“My mother is sick,” Robbe tried. The hard-hitting stuff was better material, more trust-building. Yes, Sander could use it against him, but Sander didn’t strike him as that kind of person. “Sick in the head. It’s passed genetically, so if I don’t get it, my kids probably will. Is that enough?”

He took Sander’s lack of response as an affirmative.

Robbe counted to three hundred again on the windowsill before carefully getting down. Sander probably wanted to be left alone with his music, like he’d wanted last night. It would be rude to stick around, Robbe reasoned. And he didn’t have infinite free time. He needed to catch someone from his Potions class to get the notes if he was going to keep his outstanding.

“I’m off,” he announced. “You have detention at five.”

“I’m not sitting for that,” said Sander. Other students began to push their way up the stairs for their astronomy class. “I’m doing you a service.”

“Filch will see you then.”

Robbe headed to the left side of the staircase for the trip down, but Sander reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him into a smooth kiss. Like the lap of a wave on the shore. Robbe didn’t see Britt around. Noor would be her Charms class until five. He cast a passing glance at the students milling around the classroom doors, looking for someone Sander needed to convince.

“That one was for the fans,” said Sander. “I’ll see you at dinner?”

“You’ll see me,” Robbe replied. He had to hide his face on the way to his next class so that Sander didn’t see the blush creeping up his cheeks.

[motherconfessors]

Requite Bindings [1/?]

Rating: Explicit

Pairing: Zelda Spellman/Lilith

Summary: "Do you even understand the magic that you played with?" Ambrose asked. "Sabrina, you've bound the first woman, the first witch to our Aunt.”

N.B.: Also posted on AO3. 

Sabrina burst into Zelda's office and placed an object onto her desk. "I found something," she said proudly, pointing towards it. "Something that's going to save us."

Zelda set her paperwork down and picked up the vellum scroll. "Found what, exactly?"

"It's a binding spell. One that can tie the coven's magic to Lilith, like we used to tie ours to the Book of the Beast. Except, it just requires a placeholder instead of everyone doing it."

"And just where did you find such a spell?"

"In the library..." Sabrina said with far too much innocence than Zelda liked.

Unimpressed, she unravelled the scroll and looked over the text, it certainly was a binding spell of some nature, there was expertise in its creation going by the sigil alone. It would be complicated to re-create, but not impossible, and ingredients weren't too challenging to find as it was a bond through blood magic.

"So?" Sabrina asked, eagerly bouncing on her feet. Zelda wound the scroll up again. Although it was undoubtedly something, there were a lot of aspects at play, and the last thing she needed was for a spell to backfire.

"Firstly, you would need Lilith to agree to this, and secondly I thought you said she couldn't help us because our source of magic is celestial––from the Dark Lord himself?"

"See, I don't think that true," Sabrina said. "Lilith was the first witch, right? What if Lucifer's magical gifts were never from him, but from Lilith, herself and she didn't realise because the Dark Lord manipulated her into thinking He gave them to her? I mean, most of the magic we see Him do is parlour tricks, right? When was the last time you actually saw Him use magic, really use it?"

Zelda smiled. "Scholars have considered that an option before, Sabrina. But do you really think Lilith wouldn't be aware of her own magic being siphoned into others?"

"It's the Dark Lord," Sabrina shrugged. "Isn't anything possible with Him. And anyway, what could it hurt to try?"

"A lot," Zelda said. "But after everything that's happening with the pagans, I feel we're running out of time to find something else." She said, handing the vellum back to Sabrina. "If Lilith agrees, then so will I. Hell, forsake us all."

Sabrina beamed at her Aunt, taking the scroll. "You won't regret this. I promise. The magic will return, and everything will be better than it was before."

Zelda wished she could believe it, but as Sabrina ran out of the room, she couldn't help but feel that it would be all for naught. It seemed too good to be true. Just when they needed it, an infernal blessing arrives at their door?

Perhaps she was looking a gifted familiar in the mouth.

As it was, when she returned to the Mortuary that night for dinner, Sabrina caught her in the hallway. "Lilith said yes," she said, her excitement bubbling from her. "She doesn't think it will work either, but I think she finds it amusing. I'm not sure, either way, I know it's going to work, and all of our problems with the pagans will be solved."

"And if it doesn't and it horribly backfires?" Zelda asked, knowing Sabrina hadn't thought that far ahead.

"It won't."

"But if it does, what will you do?"

"Reverse it. Come on Aunt Zee, we tried the moon and everything else, and at least we know what we're getting into with Lilith. She's been...actually decent as a Regent and helping me with everything. Can't you just trust me on this?"

Zelda stared at her niece's eager eyes and clenched hands, feelings the nail dig into her palms. "Fine," she said. "But if it doesn't work, you need to know how to undo it."

"Of course, don't worry. I'll get Ambrose to look it over."

"Dinner!" Hilda called from the kitchen.

Zelda gave her niece a look before they adjourned to the kitchen, both silently seeming to agree to withhold the information from everyone else until such a time as it was appropriate.

May Lilith save them all.

It was a Tuesday afternoon when Lilith agreed to attend the ritual. Zelda and Sabrina arrived early, setting up the sigil in the ground by drawing it with a birch wand, as the scroll dictated. They stood in the same section of the forest that they had tried to kill Lucifer barely a few weeks ago, pulling from the ancient power that had bled into the ground from centuries of magic.

When Lilith arrived, she presented a sapphire the size of a small fist, setting it on the stone altar and looked to them both expectantly. "This better work," she said, eyeing the red ribbon with hesitation.

Zelda agreed. Binding spells were notoriously tricky, ancient magic. Although Sabrina had proven herself competent in many ways, this was still an ancient spell that Zelda had no evidence to show that it worked––and yet if it did, all their problems could be solved.

Lilith would supply them with magic, the pagans would be banished, and the coven would flourish towards a new path of night blessed by Lilith.

(Trepidation shook her here, uncertain as to how she felt worshipping the woman, but Lilith had to be better than Lucifer. After all, who else could they worship? Asmodeus? Become pagan and lose all of their traditions? No, it was too much, Lilith was stability in these uncertain times, it had to be enough).

Zelda swallowed back the growing unease, allowing Sabrina to direct her all to where she should stand. They took their places, Lilith standing in front of her, less than an arms-length away, with Sabrina perpendicular to them both.

She looked to Lilith, feeling the cold blue eyes stare back at her in turn. A part of her wanted to ask if Lilith was sure about this––if she had any hesitations or concerns about using this bonding ritual, but she refrained from asking. The woman stood calm and present, her hands laced before her as she quirked an eyebrow, seeming to sense a question on her tongue.

Zelda looked away from the frozen visage to her niece, feeling the knot in her stomach tighten as Sabrina laid out the scroll onto the stone altar, placing paperweights down to prevent the scroll from furling back up as she lifted the dagger.

This was it, she realised. There was no going back.

In the forest by the Spellman Mortuary, Sabrina sliced the ritual knife over Lilith's hand first, and then to her Zelda's before she wound the ribbon over their hands, knotting them once, twice and then a third time before she stepped back to the Northern Axis of the sigil, holding the sapphire in her left hand.

"Are we sure this is going to work?" Zelda asked.

Sabrina rolled her eyes. "Yes. Now come on, let's say the words and get this over with. I have cheerleading practice in an hour."

Lilith looked ready to strike Sabrina, but she seemed to roll back her shoulders, standing tall as she gripped Zelda's bloody palm into hers, their cuts pressing together. "I bind this witch to my magic. Hers to mine and mine to hers, so let it be."

"So let it be," they all echoed.

Zelda gave Sabrina a sharp look before squaring her shoulders. "I bind my magic to this witch. Hers to mine and mine to hers, so let it be."

"So let it be."

Sabrina reached out, taking both their shoulders as the magic began to build between them. "I bind these two together. She to her and her to she, so let it be."

"So let it be."

The magic expanded, puncturing through the air and shattering the sapphire before burning threw the ribbon. Blue dust expanded and then settled over them as the magic seemed to bleed through the shards. It was exhilarating. The magic shook through her like an electric current before it tapered off, leaving a soft hum to the nerve endings.

She looked across from her, watching as Lilith's eyes fluttered open, a similar expression ghosting her face from the warmth of power flooding their veins.

Zelda was reminded then that there was a reason that transference of power usually required sex as the kinetic binder to the spell.

It was different from how she remembered the Dark Lord's magic. His had been great and expansive as it filled her, but oily as it settled against her own magic. This seemed to bleed into her own, brightening her from within as it bound to her.

She loathed to admit it, but Lilith's magic had a nuance to it that felt right in a way the Dark Lord's never had.

She looked up at the air, watching as the trees swayed around them by a gust of wind picking up from the Spring air. It steadied her, planting her back into woods and pulling her away from the euphoric sensation.

"How do you feel?" Sabrina asked them both.

"Good," Zelda, her voice hoarse. Clearing her throat, she let go of Lilith's hand, dropping it to her side. A crackling of magic ran down her fingers before it settled as she curled her fingers into a fist, stepping away to where her coat was and pulling out a bandage to wrap her hand.

"Any different?" Sabrina prompted.

"Tired," Zelda said. "But I'm sure we'll see if it worked over the next twenty-four hours.

"Well, I suppose that's my side done with," Lilith said, stretching her wounded hand. "I'll see you later," she said. Zelda noticed the tone and pointed stare towards Sabrina as if reminding her of an appointment they might have later. Or, Zelda realised with a sinking sensation, a reminder of a bargain struck.

Before she could ask, Lilith plane-shifted in a whirlwind of flames, leaving nothing but the faint smell of ash and brimstone in her wake.

And then it was like the very same fire consumed her. Zelda felt her nerve alight, the scream pulling from her lungs as she dropped to the ground. She was burning alive, every nerve ending feeling like it was blackening.  

"Aunt Zee?" Sabrina cried out, falling beside her, just as the pain stopped. "Aunt Zee, what's wrong?"

Zelda drew in a deep breath, her fingers curling around her abdomen as she stared at the foliage on the ground, wondering if Lilith had somehow betrayed them. She could feel Sabrina's hand on her back, gentle and soothing.

"What did you do?" Sabrina hissed. Zelda flinched, looking to her niece only to realise that she wasn't staring at her, but at Lilith who had reappeared.

"Me?" Lilith asked. "This was your doing, Sabrina. I was in Hell for a second before I felt as if every inch of me was being ripped apart. Whatever this binding spell is, I want none of it. Undo it immediately."

Zelda lifted her head, watching as the woman glowered at her niece, her red lips twisted in a scowl.

Zelda pushed up to her feet, brushing off the bits of leaves and twigs that stuck to her and nodded her head. "Undo it, Sabrina."

Sabrina blinked, and Zelda felt a panic crawling up her throat as her niece looked between them, her eyes wide open with uncertainty. "I don't know how," she admitted.

"What?" Lilith hissed as she stepped closer. Zelda stepped forward, putting herself in between her niece and Lilith. "What kind of witch goes in without knowing how to unbind the very spell she’s casting?"

"You did," Zelda reminded her. “As did I. Though I'm certain that between yours and my experience, we can manage to undo a simple binding spell."

Lilith scowled, turning to look away as she gritted her jaw. Her eyes searched around them before she stalked over to where the vellum scroll was laid out and looked it over.

Zelda drew in a breath, feeling the echoes of the pain ripple over her skin as she glanced at Sabrina. "The scroll would have come with an unbinding ritual in the library. They're usually paired together."

Sabrina pressed her lips together, bouncing awkwardly on her feet. Zelda's eyes narrowed, watching as Sabrina's eyes darted away. "You didn't get this spell from the school’s library, did you?"

"Not...entirely."

Zelda swallowed. She knew it didn't come from the Spellman library, and although there was the possibility it came from another witching family, Zelda felt coldness wash down her self, "Sabrina," she asked, trying to keep her voice even. "Where did you get the scroll?"

"Hell."

Lilith's head shot up. "Certainly not from me," she said. "There's no way you even know where that library is!"

"Well, no," Sabrina muttered. "Technically I got it from...from the Dark Lord's chambers."

Zelda closed her eyes, feeling the headache pounding in her head worsening with each word Sabrina spoke. Hell, the Dark Lord? Did her niece not even think before casting such magic.

“What were you thinking?” she asked, opened her eyes.

"I––"

"It's impossible," Lilith said. "No one but Him can get into those chambers."

"Well, I did," Sabrina said.

Lilith scowled. "No, what you did was walk directly into His hand. You may think you outsmarted Him, but I assure you, He planned for you to find this and bring it back. Though what He'd want with binding me to your Aunt..." she trailed off, looking exasperated. There was odd energy about it as Lilith seemed to turn away, apparently amid an internal monologue as her eyes shot wildly around her.

If Zelda didn't know any better, she might suspect that Lilith was having a panic attack. As it was, the woman seemed to settled, drawing her head back to look up at the sky and ground herself, before she looked back at them both. "There must be a way to undo this."

"Agreed," Zelda stated. "There are half a dozen ways to undo any binding spell and a dozen more for blood pacts. We'll go through them one-by-one."

Lilith's lips pressed together, but her head inched into an agreement, turning to glower at Sabrina. "Given this is your mess, you can fetch each ingredient yourself and bring it back here. I will not have anyone else find out about this."

Zelda took a sip of whiskey, feeling the residue headache ease as the alcohol washed down her throat. When she looked up from her glass, Ambrose and Hilda were still staring at them.

"So, let me get this right," Ambrose said, "Sabrina...went to the Dark Lord where He implied that He may have misguided Lilith to where the source of our magic came from and so you went to Hell, broke into His private book collection, almost but didn't die, happened to come across a scroll for a bonding ceremony and thought you might perform it on Lilith and her High Priestess."

"Yeah, well when you say it like that it doesn't sound good,” Sabrina muttered. “It wasn’t like He told me to get the scroll.”

“No, He did everything but and you walked straight into His trap,” Lilith muttered from the other side of the lounge.

"Do you even understand the magic that you played with?" Ambrose asked. "Sabrina, you've bound the first woman, the first witch to our Aunt.” He sat back, raking a hand across his face, feeling as exacerbated as she felt.

Sabrina grimaced, "I know, but in fairness, they did agree to it."

Zelda downed her glass of whisky. Even Lilith was quiet, her eyes looking over her nails as if her cuticles were the most interesting thing in the room.

"Zelds?" Hilda inquired. "Care to elaborate here?"

"It wasn't meant to be this." She set the glass down beside the lamp before easing back in the couch as her headache began to rise again. "Lilith and I were to bind our magic so that I could act as a conduit. Clearly, it didn't work.”

"Instead neither of you can move more than fifteen feet away without either one of you becoming ill?" Hilda asked. “That is a binding spell of some sort.”

Zelda rolled her eyes.

“It’s more nuanced than that,” Lilith corrected, exasperation tugging at her words. “When either of us tries to teleport, we snap back to the other person, which as you can imagine, is a bit of a problem for what I need to do unless Sabrina wants to give up her time in Greendale?"

Zelda could feel the headache growing again. When Lilith had teleported away initially, Zelda had felt as if her whole body was tearing apart. When she'd snapped back, they'd both been hit with the rebound energy of the spell, leaving them both with a splitting headache.

It didn't help that they had both tried to teleport twice more in a stubborn attempt to break through the binding.

Fifteen feet. That was barely a room across from one another.

"What reversals have you tried?" Hilda asked.

"Everything," Zelda spat, her eyes flashing at her sister. "Believe me."

"Binding spells are not intended to be unbound," Ambrose pointed out. As Zelda’s glare moved to him, he paled and looked away, rightfully embarrassed. "Right, well, I can certainly begin on some research, but I'll need a copy of the original spell."

"It's in my room," Sabrina said.

"What are we going to do about the Academy?" Hilda asked, "Are you just going to keep her in the same room while you do your teachings?"

Zelda groaned, dreading the very idea of Lilith sitting in on her classrooms and undermining her. Or worse, the meetings with the few remaining teachers they had left of the coven.

"No, because she's returning to Hell with me," Lilith said sharply. "As I said before unless Sabrina is going to return to Hell, I need to get back to my duties. Otherwise, Caliban will usurp the throne while we're not looking and then we’ll have bigger problems than this binding spell."

"He can't do that,” Sabrina said, looking between the two of them. “I mean, we have the Regalia to search for.”

"I'm sure he'll try," Zelda scoffed, loathing to admit Lilith was right. If no one were sitting in the throne for an extended period of time, it would certainly be open to the first person that managed to sit in it.

Lilith rose to her feet and stepped before her, holding out an outstretched hand. "Shall we?"

Zelda recoiled away, glaring at her. "I have both the Academy and the Church of Night to run. We still need to find a way to fix our magic."

Lilith dropped her hand, her face twisting furiously. ”I’m trying to be nice here. I don't need you to be willing to teleport us there."

Zelda glared, "Then I'll just teleport us back."

"That's an unnecessary expenditure of your already limited magic. Take my hand."

"I can't leave the Church. If the coven falls, so will the legacy you're trying to build."

Lilith's eyes narrowed, unconvinced.

"This is your church too if you haven't forgotten. If I’m not here, you’ll lose everything in the mortal realm, and one of the last standing covens of Hell will collapse.”

Lilith's mouth pressed in a thin line before she stepped back. “Fine, we'll take turns. You can continue to run the Academy and the Church, but you'll remain in Hell for every other moment of your life until we sort this mess out."

"And lose my family?"

“The coven or your family,” Lilith said, “Or you could always let Caliban finalise his coup and have him turn the Mortal Realm into his personal playground, whichever you prefer.”

Zelda watched the woman's brittle smile held over her face, blue eyes turned frigid as they glared down at her. Of all the times she wanted to hex her, never had Zelda felt such a burning urge flicker through her.  

"Fine," Zelda conceded. "But I'll need to pack first, and––“

Lilith rolled her eyes, and it was the only warning Zelda had as she was grabbed and pulled into a teleportation spell. Heat and flames burnt around them before her feet found solid ground.

She was still in a half-standing position when Lilith let go, causing her to fall back onto the marble ground rather ungracefully, her knees and hands smacking against the stone. Hissing, she glared up at Lilith, watching the ghost of a smirk turn cold as she stared down at her.

"Up you get," Lilith said, "we don't have time to dilly-dally."

Zelda pushed back up onto her feet, brushing herself off. She swallowed back the growing urge to hex the so-called Regent of Hell. "I need my clothes, my materials and at least some of my paperwork while I'm down here. You couldn't wait the few minutes it would take to collect that?”

"Yes, yes, all things happen in time," Lilith said as she walked away, over to a set of double-doors, pretending she hadn't listened.

Zelda followed, marching behind her as she walked from what seemed like a parlour room through to a bedroom. There she paused, her eyes drawing over the expansive room, before noticing Lilith open up a new doorway that seemed to lead into a walk-in closet to the size Zelda had never seen before.

There were dresses, shoes and jewellery in a range of different styles, ranging from Lilith's usual attire she was familiar with to the more elaborate styles of clothing she expected of a courtier of Hell.

Despite the expansive racks of clothes, Lilith didn't do much outside of removing her sunglasses and setting them down beside similar sets. Instead, she dropped a glamour, revealing an impressive gown that seemed more fitting for where they were.

Zelda rolled her eyes, turning on her heel to admire the clothes.

Zelda turned around and looked over to the room. Her eyes flew over the ornate, dark wood bed, and then to the original works of art on the walls before looking over to the fireplace that sat on the other side of the room. Everything was beautiful and horrifying at the same time, with exquisite detail.

"I can see why you would want to return to Hell," Zelda said as she began admiring the art in closer detail. They all appeared original works, but she was hardly an expert in the field. Still, some of them were exquisite works exploring the female form or the old stories.

"Hmm? Yes, well, I did mean what I said before. I have some business to attend to." Zelda turned around and found Lilith standing before her with a deep green gown in her hands. "Now we need to come with a story about why you're here."

"I'm Sabrina's Aunt, that be sufficient enough.”

“It won’t, and it would probably be best if you didn't mention that. Caliban would use you in an instant to make Sabrina forfeit the throne. Now, put this on."

Zelda took the gown into her hand and was pleased to find it was silk to the touch. It was a rather beautiful dress, designed without all the jewels and ornaments that Lilith wore on hers, though it was embroidered with gold thread that glimmered against the dark colour.

Despite her desire to wear it, she lifted her head, looking unimpressed. "What's wrong with my current clothes?"

"They're not suitable for a concubine," Lilith said with a smirk.

Concubine, Zelda’s brain seemed to short circuit at the word. How dare she!

"I am not your––.”

"Uh!" Lilith interrupted. “Concubines don’t speak unless directed. So, unless you have a better reason as to why you've suddenly appeared and begun shadowing my every step, you will be my concubine until such a time as this cure is broken."

Zelda felt her hands clench in the silks as she went through what other reasons she could be there to serve the Queen's Regent. Advisor seemed a possibility, but there’s no way any of them would approve that. She was the High Priestess, but that raised more questions. No, in the end, nothing came to mind that was as plausible as a concubine. "Fine, but we need some boundaries."

"Boundaries later, get dressed now."

Zelda drew her spine up and glared at the woman before she stepped behind a panelled partition and removed her clothes, changing into the gown. When she stepped out, Lilith's eyes raked over her body, seeming to look for faults before she went over to her dressing room.

Zelda turned to follow when she returned with an emerald encrusted hair comb.

“Here,” she said, stepping behind her before she drew Zelda's hair down her back, gently combing her fingers through it before winding it into a knot and placing the enchanted comb into the knot to hold it in place. The touch was soothing for the moment, and when it passed, Zelda was thankful she was irritated enough with the woman to have an impassive expression for when Lilith stepped back in front of her.

"It will do for now," Lilith said, drawing her eyes over her. Zelda didn't miss the brief smirk that ghosted her lips before she flicked her eyes back up to Zelda with an equally masked expression. "Oh! I almost forgot."

Zelda rolled her eyes, it seemed there was always going to be another thing. ”What else could I possibly require to look adequate?"

Lilith smirked and then she stepped close, so close that she could smell her perfume. Zelda went to step back but was stopped as she felt the woman's arm snake around her waist, holding her firmly in place.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Zelda asked, trying to push herself away from the woman.

"Don't worry. You'll enjoy this far more than I will."

Zelda watched as the woman's face loomed closer, her lips nearly brushing against hers. Then Lilith's face tilted and Zelda could feel had breath grazing against her jawline until––

Zelda gasped as she felt Lilith bite down on her neck. Zelda went to shove the woman off her, but the biting turned to sucking, and despite how much she wanted to be angry at the brazen attempt, Zelda felt a moan rise in her throat.

Her pushing hands began to curl into the material of Lilith's dress, holding her close. The hand around her waist slid up her back and splayed against her, holding her up.

And then it was over as fast it began. With a last lick against her pulse point, Lilith pulled away, her hand slipping away from Zelda to let the woman stumble back.

"Told you," she said with a chuckle, her thumb going to fix her lipstick.

Zelda grabbed at her throat, wiping the woman's spit and lipstick mark from her neck. She knew without turning around to the mirror that the woman had left a massive love bite, the size of which she hadn't had since her very first Lupercalia.

"Why in Satan's name would you do that?" she asked, spinning on her heel to face the woman.

"People need to know you're mine," Lilith said, reaching out to fix Zelda's make-up.

Zelda stepped back, glaring at her before she turned to the mirror and fixed it herself. Her eyes kept drawing back to the massive red mark on her neck, knowing that it was precisely what Lilith had said, a mark of ownership.

Now, more than ever, she wanted to slap the woman's face hard enough that her handprint was left across that cheek. Damn her!

Ownership? Fuck that, fuck her and fucking that fucking spell.

"Now there are some a rule to go over if we're to make this work."

Zelda withheld a growl and turned back to face Lilith, "Rules?" she said. "Aside from marking me like some bitch in heat?"

"See, that's it. Try to hold your tongue. The less you speak, the fewer people we will have discerning the holes in our story. The last thing either of us needs is to be dealing with another coup while we're trying to manage this one."

Zelda drew in a deep breath, trying to not lash out at the implication. After all, it wouldn't look good if the Regent had a handprint on her face the same shape as some newfound witch in Hell, but by Heaven, it would feel good.

"So I'll just be your silent shadow, then?"

"Silent concubine," Lilith corrected. "Don't speak unless spoken to. Behind these doors, you can rant to your heart's content if you must, but this is my domain, and there's a certain decorum we must keep. I’ve been undermined enough as it is.”

Zelda stretched her fingers at her side before adjusting the cuffs on her sleeves. "Fine, but this goes both ways, when you're in my domain, you'll be a silent observer."

"Agreeable," Lilith nodded, though her eyes narrowed as she said it. "Now, chin up, back straight."

"I know how to-"

"Uh-uh, silent concubine," Lilith warned before smirking at her. "Come now, pet. I have a court to bring in order. Oh, and do try to not to drool in amazement, it's not very becoming."

Zelda glared, clenching her jaw as she obediently followed the demoness out of the bed chambers and through the hall. Lilith led them throughs corridors and stretches of bizarre empty rooms with no rhyme or rhythm that she could see. They went up and down at least half a dozen stairs, through fifteen separate doors that only lead through more hallways (ones that looked remarkably similar to the previous one they exited from) that Zelda was near-certain they were lost.

And then Lilith pulled open a set of identical doors to the last dozen they'd gone through and suddenly they were in the throne room.

"Your Grace," a demon said, running up to Lilith and bowing low before her. "You've returned."

"Yes, I was off picking something up," she said before slowly turning to indicate the presence of Zelda. "This is my High Priestess, Minion. She'll be staying with us until such a time as I see fit and I expect the same courtesy you have for myself to extend to her."

"Of course," he said, turning to bow before Zelda. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady. Anything you require and I'll be of service."

Zelda went to respond before she saw Lilith's eyes flashing at her with a warning. Bowing her head, she smiled politely, hoping it didn't come across as strained as it felt.

"I assume there's the usual restless rabble awaiting to meet?" Lilith inquired.

"There is."

Lilith gave a short nod, smiling. "Bring them in." As Minion rushed off, Lilith turned and gave Zelda a pointed stare before ascending the steps of the balcony and taking her place on the throne, overlooking the entire chamber.

Zelda, knowing well enough what was intended of her and finding herself uncomfortable reminded of her time with Faustus, stood beside the throne, behind it with her hands clasped before her.

Lilith turned to ensure she was correctly placed but made no comment as a group of demons were lead into the room. Most of them appeared as lesser demons, but one of looked almost like a cherub with short wings and round cheeks.

"Your Grace," the demon said, giving a short bow that Zelda could only assume was a mockery of Lilith's position. When he rose, his eyes went to Zelda's and then returned to Lilith's, quietly awaiting introduction.

"Valac," Lilith greeted politely. "What tidings do you bring from the fourth circle?"

"No tidings, Your Grace, only a request."

"What is it that you're after today?"

"There are rumours, Your Grace, that the Queen has placed a hold on all deals."

"This is correct. The Queen has also requested to review each deal before collection - I'm sure I sent a messenger to all the circle to announce this, so tell me what you're really after."

"I'm to be summoned and commanded but unable to trade what is owed. Twice now, I've forgone investments that would have otherwise been invaluable."

"Oh, well, that seems your concern alone," Lilith said. "The Queen was very clear about no new souls being bargained for, but any other deals you wish to make, say a promissory note from the client, would not be unreasonable."

"A promissory note?" Valac hissed. The demons around him echoed the hissing, mimicking the anger. "What worth is a promissory note to me. I have all the treasures I could want, or do you forget Demon Monther?"

"Use your imagination," Lilith said, tilting her head with a tight smile. "If you can't make use of the situation, then you'll lose out while others are finalising their contracts. Why Beleth was only here the other day claiming a whole new collection of soul coins he'd had transferred, perhaps you should speak with the second circle to see how their managing?"

The demon looked unhappy, his face going red with anger, but the creature submitted and bowed low. "Of course, Your Grace," he said, before kicking at the lesser demons and leading them out of the chamber.

Lilith sighed, reclining in the chair as she looked over at Zelda, her eyes washed over Zelda's expression, seeming to pick up on the curiosity. "Beleth needs to be reminded of his place. When Valac goes to war against him over his deals, Beleth will likely lose half of his land and coin, leaving them both weakened."

"How long until they realise that you caused it," Zelda asked. "Afterall, Beleth is not known for his dimwittedness."

Lilith turned and eyed her, her brow raised before she nodded. "By that time, little Sabrina should have finished her second quest, and they'll be too busy arguing amongst themselves over who should rule."

The throne rooms doors opened again, and a new set of lesser demons emerged as the attendants to a mid-level demon. Zelda resigned back to stand by the throne and listened as they went through a similar procedure as with Valac. Then a next set was brought in and on and on it went. Occasionally Lilith would comment on between the guests, but more often than not she sat proudly in the throne, awaiting the next patrician.

Sometimes the demons brought news from the levels about battles raging and wars amongst different realms (it seemed unsurprising to Zelda that both the Seelie and Unseelie courts had 'borrowed' soldiers from Hell in exchange for new souls to be brought into the pits, there also seemed a curious exchange of succubi and incubi amongst the courts that Lilith was irritated by).

Othertimes the demons brought requests. There was land in barter amongst the different circles as Kings rose and fell; mid-level demons were looking to ascend to higher levels, and ruined lords came with tithes owed to the Queen utilising soul coins, which Zelda assumed could only be what it sounded like.

When a particularly overdue tithe had been paid, Lilith had Minion bring the coins to her to count after the demon left with a low bow and humbled apologies.

"Slaughter him," Lilith said while tapping through the coins, "and ensure that Ronove takes his land without fuss."

"Of course, Your Grace," Minion said with a humble bow.

The coins appeared iron in nature, imprinted with an infernal design, but as Zelda craned her head towards it, she felt the oily presence of dark magic. More so, she could swear muffled cries were coming from the coins. She drew closer and then the box was snapped shut. Lilith looked up at her with a sharp smile. "I wouldn't get closer if I were you.."

"I take it Sabrina has no idea towards Hell's currency."

"Of course not, could you imagine her trying to upheaval the very foundation of Hell? No, best we wait until she's finished 'intro to economy'."

Zelda rolled her eyes, "Sabrina will not be attending a mortal college."

"Are you certain of that?"

Zelda faltered and stepped back into her place as the doors opened again, and a new set of patricians entered. Zelda felt her feet begin to ache. How much longer would they have to listen to the demons whine––she was exhausted by it, and she wasn't the one answering them.

In truth, Lilith managed the Demon Princes efficiently, listening and picking at their words so that when they provided half-truths, she extrapolated the remaining parts that were left unsaid.

Over the different court tidings, it became apparent that her overall technique was to guide the Kings to do what she wanted by telling them no, then allow them to throw a tantrum before they ran off to disobey like teenagers, inadvertently doing the very thing she wanted them to do.

There were a few that required more delicate manipulations: gentle words and half-said implications leading them to their own conclusion, but otherwise, it was a more direct approach.

When the last prince had left, declaring war against the seventh circle kings, Lilith had waved him off and smiled with far too many teeth for Zelda's likening.

"Why would you want him to do that?" Zelda asked.

"They're equally matched, either they'll slaughter one another or one will survive with a half kingdom ripe for the taking." Lilith turned and looked at Zelda. "I have to amuse myself some way amongst all this."

"It seems that you're mostly setting war against the different circles."

"War is profitable if done correctly," Lilith said, pushing off from her throne. Zelda suspected there was deeper reasoning to it but didn't inquire any further.

Following Lilith, they exited through a hall, into a dark chamber, lit by a single, large fireplace. The room felt stuffy and overheated, but Lilith moved to sit in an armchair by the fire and ease into the leather cushions.

Zelda looked over the room. There was a single bookcase with hefty tomes the size of her head that took up the entirety of one wall. She drifted over to it to inspect when her wrist was caught in Lilith's vice-like grip.

"I wouldn't touch them if I were you. They have a habit of biting back if you don't handle them correctly." Lilith let go of her wrist and then seemed to ease back in the chair as if she was preparing to nap.

Zelda drew away from the bookcase and instead moved to sit down in the armchair across from Lilith. "Is that all for your day?"

"You think all I do is tirelessly listen to the rabble complain?" Lilith asked.

"I have no idea what you actually do. I assume there's some bureaucratic component as well."

"Yes, well, Hell does ever so love a good useless meeting. The paperwork is almost as infuriatingly overcomplicated as Baxter High's had been."

"You actually worked while you were at Baxter High?"

Lilith's eyes seemed to flash, almost as if she was considering what Zelda's head would look like on a spike. "What, you think they would have allowed me to ascend to that position if I wasn't competent? Of course, I did the paperwork, and far better than whatshisface had."

"What's next for you, then?"

"Afternoon tea," Lilith said. "And then a discussion with the council."

Afternoon tea seemed just to mean wine, cheese and grapes, which Zelda didn't mind at all. She had a goblet of wine (a decent bottle, but by no means a celebratory one) and allowed herself some of the biscuits and cheese.

The cheese had been commendable with a sharp bite, but the biscuits were stale, which was when Lilith had reminded her that the food in Hell would never be fresh. Zelda had had her share of delicacies around the world and had tried most things that wouldn't immediately poison her, so stale crackers and sharp cheese were the least of her concerns.

The meeting, however, was excessively dull. Lilith sat her on her left-hand side (as a show of honour) but made no introductions towards her, and when the Kings had prompted the comment, Lilith had stared at them as if they'd lost their head before she moved back on topic towards the circles of Hell.

It seemed to make the kings only more interested in her, and more than once she felt one was reaching out towards her when Lilith would quickly snap their attention back to her with an outrageous comment that would send the Kings in a flurry of arguments.

Having attended her fair share of faculty meetings at the Academy before Sabrina had come into her life, as well as after, she was somewhat competent at presenting a curious expression at the discussions when all she wanted to do was roll her eyes every time one of the King's spoke.

Honestly, she had thought Faustus could hold a monologue, but he had nothing against these kings.

By the end of the meeting, Zelda couldn't tell what had been discussed but gathered that nothing had come from it aside from half-written minutes being ratified.

When the Kings had left, Lilith looked rather pleased with herself, which Zelda couldn't understand. All the Kings had done was talk in circles, make strawmen arguments against one another and declare that Caliban would soon rule and at least be competent where Lilith was not (though Zelda seriously doubted this, the little she heard of Caliban, the more she thought that he would fall within a week and leave the Nine Circles crumbling in his wake).

"Please tell me that was the last of it."

"For another day, at least," Lilith said as Minion brought out new goblets and wine. Two lesser demons also stepped in and began placing food onto the table, though once they'd left, Lilith had grabbed at Zelda's wrist. "I wouldn't eat that if I were you," she warned. "But it is entirely up to you. I won't truly stop you."

Zelda looked down at the place and focused on it before the glamour shifted, and she saw what was really there. Maggots rolled over the food, and with the glamour lifted, so had the sweet smell of rotting vegetables.

"What is there to eat aside from cheese and fruits, then?"

"Honestly, nothing," Lilith said, taking a piece of fig and sticking it into her mouth. "Well, there's tea and alcohol, but I wouldn't use that to replace all of your meals."

"Tea, then," Zelda sighed, pushing away her plate.

"Minion!" Lilith summoned. Zelda closed her eyes, waiting to see if the ringing would stop in her ear. She was almost sure that the woman had done it to shock her intentionally. "Would you please make a fresh pot of tea for my priestess?"

"Of course, Your Grace," Minion said, before bowing upon his exit.

Zelda eyed his departure before turning to Lilith. "Was there any reason we couldn't have left our supposed relationship as Deity and High Priestess?"

"Yes," Lilith said, and then didn't elaborate.

Zelda felt her headache growing again. "Which is?"

Lilith popped a date into her mouth before reclining back into the dining chair and taking a slow, deliberate drink of wine as she maintained eye contact with Zelda. When at last, the goblet was placed back on the table, she looked at the witch with faux puzzlement, "what was your question again?"

Zelda closed her eyes, trying to remember why she shouldn't strike Lilith. Number one being that Lilith could snap her neck before she had time to do it. If she was honest with herself, a part of her believed that it was still worth an attempt.

Her eyes flew open as Minion set down a pot of tea, cup and saucer before her from a silver tray before then placing down a sugar bowl and receptacle of milk. "Thank you," she said.

Minion bowed before taking the silver tray back to wherever it had come from.

As he left, Lilith shot her a look. "What did we discuss?"

Zelda poured the tea, and place two cubes of sugar in it because, at this stage, she deserved something in her belly,“ and gave a look of innocence to the Regent.

"Something about concubines being an absurd role to play?"

Lilith placed a grape in her mouth before flicking her eyes away, apparently contemplating her desire to snap Zelda's neck, going by the tension in her jaw.

"If you can't hold your tongue, I will hold it myself," Lilith said when she looked back at her. There was a playful look about her, but Zelda could see the threat in the way her hand clutched at the fork a little too tightly.

"It was merely a sign of social propriety. I hardly think Hell is going to fall around us."

"Do you want to find out what happens if it does?"

Zelda brought the cup of tea to her mouth and just met the woman's stare with her own. If Lilith wanted to play at threats, she wasn't afraid to bite back. Neither of them knew how deep this bond ran, and she knew enough about bindings to go wrong that the death of one of them could mean the end of them both.

Zelda drank her tea with some enjoyment and was pleased when Lilith announced it was time for them to retire for the evening.

Heading back seemed a much shorter route, however, and with the passing of only a couple of doors, she found herself in Lilith's bed-chamber, the door closing behind them.

Relief at being out of room eased her shoulders and Zelda moved to remove the hair comb and then her dress, leaving herself in just the camisole she wore underneath.

Lilith, however, had moved to sit by the fire and was glowering low in her seat towards the flames.

As Zelda went to return the dress into the walk-in closet (that was massive) she realised far too late that she'd exceed the fifteen feet and found herself stumbling backwards as if her whole body had been elastic and just snapped back.

She looked back at Lilith and then, muttering to herself, draped the gown over the panelled partition.

"Is that how you hang your clothes?" Lilith asked, looking away from the fire. "I would expect that from a child."

"Well unless you're going to stand up and move closer, I can't put the dress away."

Lilith stared at her before muttering under her breath and pushing up from the chair.

Taking the dress, Zelda walked into the wardrobe and placed it carefully onto the hanger, knowing that Lilith would critique any wrong move, before putting it where she assumed it was meant to go.

Lilith huffed behind her and reached up to take the dress and moved it into an entirely different, but similar section. Zelda watched her before rolling her eyes. There was nothing visible about the distinct separation and knowing Lilith enough over the last day, she was half sure the woman did it to annoy her.

"Now that's done, can we sleep?"

"And just where do you think that you will be sleeping?" Lilith asked as she began spacing her clothes out like she was some Hell forsaken retail assistant trying to look busy. "Because I take the bed.”

“You can’t be serious. Where do you expect me to sleep?"

Lilith shrugged, smiling over her shoulder. "By the fire?" she suggested.

"Like a servant? Are we not meant to be playing some role of Concubine serving the Regent?"

"I thought you wanted just to play the High Priestess, Zelda. Have you changed your mind?" Lilith turned to face her then, and Zelda knew she was stepping into dangerous waters. "Or would you like to play a different sort of game?"

Zelda froze, uncertain if she should step towards the woman, or as far away as possible. She knew Lilith was intentionally looking seductive for some reason. It could be just to get sex, which if Zelda was honest, wasn't something she was entirely against, though Lilith certainly didn’t deserve it after her attitude today.

However, it was just as likely that Lilith was scheming to humiliate her in some way, and Zelda was not interested in becoming some literal toy. She had some dignity.

Standing tall, Zelda schooled her expression and glared at acting Queen of Hell. "If someone's likely to come waltzing in your bedroom, we should at least be masquerading as having some type of close relationship."

Lilith stepped forward to her then, her smirk widening as she lifted a hand to play with the length of hair that draped over Zelda's shoulder. "And what type of close relationship were you hoping to masquerade as?"

Zelda snatched at the woman's wrist and stared at her until she let go of the copper curl. "Let me make this very clear. I have the coven worship you because it serves my role and because they need some type of stability after everything that happened with the Dark Lord. That does not mean I have to like you, especially after the trickery you enacted against Sabrina for the last nine months."

"And here I thought we were becoming friends," Lilith said dryly, pulling her wrist out of Zelda's grip and stepping back. "Fine, get into bed, I'll join you soon."

Zelda observed the woman, not dignifying her with a response before she turned away and headed out of the wardrobe. She didn't climb into bed straight away, instead, standing at the doorway until Lilith had emerged in an emerald dressing gown, her hair pulled over to one shoulder.

Then, they walked over to either side of the bed and stared at each other, both waiting for the other to make the first move as if they were in some kind of witch's duel.

Finally, Zelda gave in because the entire situation was absurd and she was exhausted and starving and had a million things to do at the Academy tomorrow.

Pulling the cover and sheets back, she climbed into the bed and watched as Lilith did the same. The witch then exhaled and all light but from the fireplace was extinguished, leaving the room in a dull orange glow.

"We'll head to the Mortuary first so that I can change, and then to the Academy."

"As you wish," Lilith hummed beside her.

"And you'll do as you promised? Not a word."

"I'll be on my very best behaviour."

It would have to do, Zelda thought to herself as she stared up at the canopy of the bed. She could see images of on old fable carved intricately in the would, looking almost alive as the firelight danced across it.

The bed was large enough that they could probably fit two people between them, and yet Zelda felt as if she could feel the woman's body almost grazing against hers. She closed her eyes and tried not to notice the small movements beside her as Lilith turned to her side.

And then, slowly, she felt herself sinking into sleep.

[loveydoveyfrog]

fallingforyou pt.2

Ok i should mention that this fic has almost nothing to do with canon LMAO sorry i guess you could call this a UniAU or something idk. Anyway part two sorry if this is a little slow burny but i just love pining ok

Again, if you spot any mistakes or ways in which i make this non inclusive please lmk!!

-            -               -              -              -                -

Pairing: Atsumu Miya x Reader Words: 2.6k Warnings: None that i’m aware of Part 1 | Part 3

Your whole day was shrouded in dejavu. It’s been a week since your stair incident, and you’d be lying if you said you weren’t looking out for your saviour all week. You found yourself scanning crowds wherever you went on campus, be it a quiet library or a busy cafe. You’d mentally slap yourself when you caught yourself doing it. What would you even do if your eager eyes found his again? You were slightly aggravated at his absence. Who the hell catches someone on the stairs, casually calls them pumpkin and then disappears? Even now, your whole lecture seemed a haze as you kept wondering about what would happen once you stepped out of class. Would he be there again? A part of you wished he would, though you didn’t know what it would lead to aside from an awkward smile. Your fingers idly fiddled with your little bat stud earrings as your mind drifted here and there. The accessory was small and tasteful, but they still had the spooky spirit. You didn’t even notice the lecture come to an end until your friend was prodding your shoulder with an insistent finger. Quickly gathering your things, you followed your friend to the dreaded staircase. You turned around, half expecting the boy from last week to be behind you, but the hallway was empty. Your chest felt tight. Was it relief? Or did you hope he would be there? Your friend surprisingly made no comments about the incident last week, though you did make sure to hold onto the rail as you made your way down.

After a week of searching, a pair of familiar eyes finally found yours after you stepped outside the double doors of your block. Would it be naive of you to think he waited for you? You felt an additional set of eyes on you, a gaze belonging to someone with wildly styled black and white hair. You barely registered the other person next to the golden haired boy before he caught your attention again.

“Did ya make it down the stairs safely this time?” he said with a melodic laugh, “Or did someone else have to catch ya?” he asked, his eyes drifting to your friend who seemed to share his amusement. On the other hand, your mysterious hero’s friend’s face flooded with realisation upon hearing his teasing regarding stairs, putting two and two together.

A grand blush and slight frown morphed your face, opening your mouth to respond that actually, you made it down just fine, but you were interrupted before you could get even one syllable out.

“Oh! Is that them, Atsumu?” He asked, oddly enthusiastic.

Atsumu. His name was now branded on your brain, filling out all the gaps in your daydreams. Your friend’s head darted to the new person in the equation. Did he drop his name on purpose? Either way, an idea quietly blossomed in their mind as they watched the interaction play out.

You, however, were astounded. Before Atsumu could even react to his friend’s question, you blew up, clearly mortified.

“You TOLD HIM?” you exclaimed, gripping the strap of your bag to ground yourself. Atsumu’s eyes snapped from confused to entertained in seconds, letting out another laugh.

“Sorry, Pumpkin, it’s not every day I get to be a hero,” he explained, though his tone was anything but apologetic. Unbelievable. How could he call you that so casually, as if it didn’t set your racing? His satisfied eyes left yours to acknowledge your laughing friend. They exchanged a few comments about last week’s incident, sharing jokes about your ordeal, however you weren’t able to focus, no matter how annoyed you might be. You felt an electrifying gaze fixed on you; Atsumu’s friend was staring at you, unblinking, as if absorbing your entire essence. You tried to avoid his borderline glaring, shrinking back as if it would make you disappear from his line of sight. Atsumu noticed you were no longer defending yourself from his or your friend’s teasing, clocking how uncomfortable you suddenly looked. His eyebrows stitched themselves into a quick frown, his voice switching from light and playful to deep and stern.

“Oi, Bokuto, don’t stare.” he said, flicking said friend in the temple to snap him out of his trance. He yelped out a melodramatic OW, mumbling out an apology as he rubbed his head and avoided staring or even glancing at you. Atsumu’s hands returned to the pockets of his blue hoodie, his smile providing a seemingly genuine apology. Bokuto, as you had just learned, tapped away on his phone. His miserable demeanour quickly melted away as his head whipped around. Almost immediately you heard someone yell his name. You spotted a bright head of ginger hair in the distance, waving enthusiastically, shouting something about hurrying up and being late. Bokuto shouted back at the boy, looking to Atsumu expectantly. The boy in question gave you another warm smile.

“Stay safe, yeah? I can’t always be around,” he teased.

“And you stop bragging and telling people about what happened,” you said, a bit more hostile than you intended, “it’s embarrassing,” you muttered under your breath, but loud enough for him to catch your words. He only responded with a hum, not accepting nor denying your plea. And with that he turned and walked away, Bokuto giving you a loud BYE and wave as he ran ahead to meet with the ginger boy. You grumbled something incohesive. That went nowhere. Were you destined to see him once a week? For him to plague your thoughts for days, later thinking you’re over it only for him to show up and fuel your mind all over again? It seemed unfair. You were dragged out of your thoughts by your friend’s drawn out groan.

“He left way too soon,” they stated, “I was totally gonna drop your name before he went.” They crossed their arms, clearly, if not more, dissatisfied than you were. You only looked at them quizzically. You didn’t want to admit that maybe you liked him not knowing your name. Using Pumpkin as a placeholder was awfully cute. “Well hey, at least you know his name now.” You shrugged, still trying to appear disinterested to your friend, though that fact was the only thing on your mind. You started to walk towards the library. Your friend followed, glancing back to see Atsumu and his friends to have already vanished from the scene. As you entered the building, holding the door open for your friend, you noticed them giving you a cheeky smile. You tilted your head in question.

“He told people about you,” they said as they nudged you. You blushed but put on a defensive front nonetheless.

“What’s your point? As if you wouldn’t tell people you saw someone fall,” you accused.

“Ok well-” they were cut off by a sharp shhh from a nearby librarian. They raised their hand in apology and followed after you, searching the aisles to find you. “I think this was different,” they whispered.

“Why?” you couldn’t help but feel hope bubbling up inside you. Your friend looked around before responding, the sentence too long to simply whisper.

“Well you saw the way the other guy looked at you. He was curious, as if he was trying to figure something out. And he dropped his name out of nowhere. He’s totally acting as his wingman,” your friend winked, though you seemed unconvinced. The name drop didn’t seem deliberate to you, but you had to admit there was something odd about his stare.

“And,” your friend lifted a finger to illustrate their point, “he didn’t laugh.” This caught your attention.

“What?”

“He didn’t laugh! If Atsumu was talking about you and treating you as some kind of joke, surely the guy would have joined in on the teasing. But he didn’t.” Your friend looked satisfied with their theory. You hummed, considering their arguments.

“I guess you have a point,” you said, emphasising the word guess to signify your still present doubts.

“Trust me, you’ll see him again next week,” they caught the glare from the same librarian and lowered their voice, “or sooner!” They gave you a wide, encouraging smile. You sincerely hoped that would be the case. Only time could tell.

-  

The days got increasingly colder as your semester went on. It was a Wednesday morning, and though you only had one fairly short class today, it wasn’t a day you particularly enjoyed as you and your friend were in separate classes, yours being in the afternoon. You’d accompany your friend to the campus, and waiting alone was no fun task. Yes, you could use this time to be productive and study, but you’d much rather watch people out of the grand window of the main building, your eyes following random figures as they bustled around, getting to wherever they needed to be. Yes, maybe you were using this time to spot a familiar mess of blonde hair, but you wouldn’t admit that to anybody. Not even yourself. You took out your phone to check the time, groaning when you saw you still had at least 2 hours to waste. You tapped your fingers on your knee, pondering your next move. Maybe you should study a bit.

You lifted yourself with a sigh, readjusting your new pumpkin hair pins for good measure and headed for the revolving doors. The cold air slammed into you as soon as you stepped out, the temperature shock being so severe that you had to give yourself a second to calm your watering eyes. You fixed up your scarf to cover up more of your neck, setting your destination for the library. Before you could even take a few in your desired direction, something made you stop in your tracks.

“Hey!! Pumpkin!!” a certain someone shouted across the small, busy, university square. Your head swivelled around far too quickly, subconsciously finding too much identification with the nickname. Your eyes were wide when you spotted Atsumu surrounded by a group of friends, amongst which you only recognised Bokuto, who gave you a grin. Atsumu waved at you casually, apparently not finding an issue with publicly labelling you with such a cute nickname. The group seemed equally unfazed, as if used to his antics, though their eyes were trained on you with a certain curiosity. Atsumu had a sly smile on his face when he saw your blush, even at a distance. Bokuto eagerly beckoned you over, to which you looked to Atsumu for confirmation. He coaxed you to come with a nod of his head, his hands comfortable in his pockets. You covered the lower half of your face with your scarf in an attempt to hide your warm blush and made your way over to the group. You were greeted with nods and quiet hellos, though they knew it was pointless as you and Atsumu had your eyes trained only on one another.

“Hey,” he spoke in that deep voice that made your face feel even hotter.

“Hey,” you replied, though you noticed your response was muffled by your scarf. You quickly tugged it down to speak clearly, at which he chuckled. “Hey.” you tried again. Atsumu’s gaze subtly drank in your appearance, definitely noting the new accessories in your hair. By now he figured this was an October exclusive, and he missed them already though November was still weeks away. Bokuto shoved himself between you and Atsumu, breaking the silent tension, not only between the two of you, but the whole group.

“Hello! My name is Bokuto, you already heard his name,” he pointed to Atsumu, but his eyes never left yours, “you are?” he looked at you expectantly, his golden eyes piercing through you. You blinked. Was he really his wingman? Or was he just very VERY excitable? You noticed he was also holding out his hand for a greeting handshake. You took it cautiously, alarmed at how his grip and shake almost rocked your entire body.

“Y/n,” you managed to stutter once his grip lessened. You didn’t catch the glint of jealousy in Atsumu’s eyes. He quickly moved in to take your now available hand. Your eyes shot up to meet him.

“Y/n,” he tested your name on his tongue, immediately loving the taste. “Nice to formally meet ya,” he put a teasing emphasis on the word formally, alluding to your first meeting. Your barriers regarding the embarrassing event finally seemed to break down, feeling comfort in his warm hands, accepting his teasing as non malicious. You giggled.

“Yes,” you agreed “nice to formally meet you,” you said with an equally playful tone. Atsumu tried to look unfazed at your smile, your giggling, the way your body language no longer looked so tense. Though to you he looked just as composed and relaxed as any other time, his friends could easily tell he was close to losing his cool. He noticed he was still holding your hand and quickly let go, but played it off by nonchalantly putting them back in his pockets.

Bokuto looked between the two of you. He knew Atsumu wanted to ask you to come to one of their games, but he didn’t want to scare you off by being too forward too soon. He could almost see the gears turning in his head, testing out the different scenarios and how to bring it up, whether to simply ask you to come, or to ask if you have any interest in volleyball, or to just casually bring it up and see how you respond. Before either Bokuto or Atsumu could speak up, someone else in the group spoke up.

“Where’s Hinata? We’re going to be late to the meeting.” grumbled a boy with a face mask, unbothered by the way it muffled his words.

“Ah, he must still be practicing in the gym,” explained Atsumu, taking out his phone to check the time.

“What…” the masked boy frowned even more. Practicing? With who? The whole team was here. Surely he wasn’t just jumping around in an empty gym hall.

Your head tipped to the side in interest.

“Practice? What do you play?” You took in Atsumu’s build. You should have guessed he was some kind of athlete. His face brightened at the opportunity.

“Ah, volleyball,” he hummed.

“You should come watch us play some time!” Bokuto jutted in, his face slightly too close to yours. Atsumu grabbed the back of his hood to jerk him back. You let out a small laugh, finding it amusing how this is the second time Atsumu had to control Bokuto. He tried to ignore the flutter in his chest when he heard you laugh, releasing the iron grip on his friend.

“Definitely,” his voice was almost a purr. You swallowed and nodded. His demeanour went back to bright and playful, “perfect, I’ll let ya know when somethin  comes up.” You nodded again as if in a trance, making him smile fondly. He quickly checked the time again and turned to go. “See ya ‘round then, yeah?” he said with a wave. You waved in response.

“Just don’t cheer when he serves.” said the masked boy sternly before he went to follow the retreating group. His voice sent an unpleasant shiver down your spine. It seemed like a threatening warning rather than friendly advice on sports etiquette. You turned back in the direction of the library, not wanting to stare at the group until they disappeared. Your walk to your destination seemed a haze. You wondered when you’d hear from him again, and cursed at yourself for not asking him for his phone number. There’s always next time, you thought to yourself.

Till next time, then.

[amillionsmiles]

get myself together, spend you all of my money (Ellie/Aster)

Title: get myself together, spend you all of my money Summary: “You’d think going to college out of town would have knocked us both down a peg, but instead we ended up pretty pretentious.” / or: Ellie, Aster, and an apartment full of things. A/N: written while listening to Mitski’s cover of “Let’s Get Married” on loop.

[Read and review here] or continue under the cut.

*

Ellie finds Aster Flores again on a Sunday.

So far, the NYC Sublets & Apartments Facebook group has yielded more duds than leads, but she scrolls down and suddenly, there: a corner of Squahamish, waving at her from the screen.

LOOKING FOR: Room to rent, ideally available by August. Recently graduated from art school, so that gives you a sense of my budget, but I’m tidy, respectful, and play well with cats. Any PMs with leads appreciated!  

The profile picture isn’t anything new; Ellie’s pretty sure she scrolled past it and liked it a few weeks ago during the influx of everyone’s graduation photo updates. Aster’s looking over her shoulder at the camera, the quiet joke that always seemed to hide in her eyes in high school now more pronounced. It’s a good picture, from a purely aesthetic standpoint, and that’s the only reason her heartrate picks up when she hovers over Aster’s name to click Message.

She takes a swig from her iced cappuccino and starts to type.

Hey! Long time, less conversation. Haven’t been to church in a minute, but I remember there being a Bible verse saying something about “two are better than one,” and I’m pretty sure that also applies to apartment-hunting. If that seems like something you’d be interested in, let me know.  

Before she can think twice about it, she hits enter.

*

They move in together in July, when the summer heat turns the air liquid and the acrid smell of molten trash bags wafts from the street. For a second, Ellie misses the Pacific Northwest: the greenish tint of light filtered through leaves, the way she could disappear to a nearby watering hole for respite. Even the mudding that Trig and his friends did now seems appealing—on the stairwell, she fantasizes about the cool shock of it against her skin.

“Hey, Ellie?”

Ellie turns from where she’s been sitting on the top step to see that Aster’s finally gotten the door open. Rocking to her feet, she pushes the cardboard box across the floor, stepping inside to get a look at where they’ll be living for the next year.

The first room is spacious, combining a kitchen area with what can become a living room, once they buy a couch. Trailing her fingers along the wall, Ellie wanders into the other bedroom, then tests the lights in the bathroom. She comes back to find Aster eyeing the ceiling, a hammer pulled from her belongings.

“What are you doing?”

“Here.” Aster beckons her closer. “I’m thinking that this space is big enough that if we hang a curtain, part of it can be my room.”

“Oh.” Ellie hadn’t put much thought into it when they’d signed the lease, assuming they’d share the back room, like a college one-room double situation. It seems naïve, now; they’re adults, of course Aster would want her own space. “It doesn’t have to be yours, though. I mean—we can flip a coin or something, to make it fairer.”

Aster shrugs. “I don’t mind. Besides, the back room is more muffled—I’m less likely to hear you clacking your typewriter this way.” She smiles, the two of them both glancing to where Ellie’s Smith Corona peeks out from its bubble wrap packaging, the pale blue paint gleaming in the sunlight.

“It was my mom’s,” Ellie explains, her own memory fond against her lips.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“I always wanted to hear more about her, after that time at the spring.”

“She was fun.” The words take her back to Ping-Pong, Paul’s paddle thwacking the ball against the wall.

“As fun as you are?”

Ellie raises an eyebrow. “Am I fun?”

Aster pushes a sweaty lock of hair behind her ear. Overhead, the air conditioning hums.

“Guess we have plenty of time to find out, heathen.”

*

“Saw is not the greatest horror movie of our generation.”

“It is!” protests Aster, sitting next to her on the couch. Waxy cartons from the Georgian restaurant Aster waitresses at litter the table, and Ellie licks her fingers clean of the buttery residue from the kubdari—mm, delicious—as she leans back, waiting for Aster to continue.

“Ignore the sequels. But on its own, it’s this brilliant little clockwork machine of the lengths people will go to when they think they’ve got no time left. And the reveal at the end? I heard you gasp.”

“Okay, I’ll give you that, but a lot of the rest of it feels like torture porn.”

Aster rolls her eyes. “No one watches a horror movie for the butterflies.”

“Except you, apparently,” Ellie points out, because this is a thing they do as roommates, now: watch movies and then discuss them over takeout. So far, they’ve tended toward foreign cinema, art-house, and horror. The last genre is the one Aster engages with most fervently. However, Ellie has started to suspect that Aster can turn nearly anything into a debate, perhaps a side effect of all the time she spent wrestling with God in her head during sermons.

“Whatever. I just don’t think you’re giving it the credit it deserves for how well it feeds on the psyches of all the characters.”

“Cupid and Psyche,” Ellie thinks aloud. “Now there’s a story we could talk about.”

Crinkling her nose, Aster says, “We get it, you read literature.”

“So do you,” says Ellie, nudging her foot. “You’re just as big a nerd as I am.”

At that, Aster laughs, tilting her head back. It makes the column of her throat into the soft marble of a Canova statue.

“You’d think going to college out of town would have knocked us both down a peg, but instead we ended up pretty pretentious.”

Looking around their apartment, Ellie has to agree. There are too many stacks of books lying around, various papers jutting out of them as placeholders so she can flip to the passages she needs when writing essays. Aster keeps bringing back abstract art prints from the showcases she attends. In the corner, there’s a ficus that Ellie took home from work out of guilt (she’d been the only one in the office watering it) which they’ve named Walter Benjamin.

“I kind of like it, though.”

Aster turns to her, cheek pressing against the fabric of the couch. Her gaze is a paperweight: glassy and clear and heavy with something Ellie can’t quite name. “I’m not complaining, either.”

*

Before college, Ellie had considered herself a morning person, simply because she had no reason to be otherwise. Waking up to signal the trains each morning became part of her biorhythm, as natural and unremarkable as her middle part or her thermal underwear. At Grinnell, though, she’d discovered the guilty joy of sleeping in. The downside has been that her body now relies on coffee to function before 10 AM on the weekends.

“Don’t drink that,” says Aster, whisking the tin away from Ellie’s grasp. “I’ve been using it to wash off my brushes.”

Groggily, Ellie leans against the counter, watching Aster bend over the canvas on the kitchen table. She must have been at it for a while—a good third of it is filled in, streaked with purples and browns. After dabbing at a corner, Aster blows a strand of hair out of her face and straightens, reaching to adjust her messy bun.

Ellie squints. “Have you always had that?”

Pausing, Aster feels along the shaved part of her hair, tracing the chevron indented in it. “The undercut? Yeah. A girlfriend did it for me senior year, before we went our separate ways.”

A spike akin to a dose of caffeine shoots through Ellie. She stands a bit taller. “A girlfriend like a girl…?” she trails off, clearing her throat. “Or. A friend.”

The corner of Aster’s mouth twitches. “The first one.”

“Oh. Um.” Ellie swallows. “That’s nice.”

Aster picks up another paintbrush, twirling it between her fingers before deciding against it and setting it back down. When she meets Ellie’s eyes again, the look behind them is bare, vulnerable.

“I haven’t told my parents, though.”

“Is that why you don’t go back to Squahamish?”

Aster’s lips part slightly. “You noticed?”

“The first summer, yeah,” Ellie admits. “After that, I wasn’t around much either. Internships and stuff, you know.”

“And relationships?”

“Some of those, too.”

“Did you seduce all of them wearing flannel?” Aster asks, nodding to the oversized checkered shirt Ellie favors as pajamas. For a second, Ellie just gapes, taken aback by being so thoroughly called out.

“You’re the one with an undercut. Don’t talk to me about queer signaling.”

Aster laughs. It suddenly becomes very important that Ellie turn around and start the coffee machine, right now.

“I like seeing you with your hair down, though,” comes Aster’s voice, drifting over the sound of water straining into a pot.

*

“—And then I thought, what if it’s a temperature thing?” finishes Paul, his face ruddy and proud through the screen. Sensing an opening, Ellie stops worrying the inside of her mouth.  

“Did you know Aster likes girls? Like, officially?” Almost immediately, she cringes from how juvenile her delivery makes her sound.

Paul doesn’t so much as twitch. “Uh, yeah. It’s come up once or twice.”

“Wait, she’s talked about it with you?” Ellie sits up on her mattress. Since when were Paul and Aster confidantes?

“Yeah. Sorry I didn’t say anything, it’s just I read all this stuff about not outing people before they were ready, and I figured if it was important enough to her she’d let you know eventually. Uh, Ellie, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Blinking rapidly, Ellie fights the surge of affection threatening to overtake her. Stupid Paul, making her stupidly proud to have him as a best friend.

“Do you—er. Do you think you might like her?”

“Oh, god, no. And I mean it for real this time,” she says, meeting Paul’s skeptical look. Part of it is pride—it seems like character regression, to return to the source of her teenage fantasies when she’s learned so much about herself since then. “It’s just nice to have a friend who gets both parts of it, you know? The being queer and being from Squahamish.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. Hey, do you guys want a batch of these sausages when I finish tinkering with the recipe? It takes two days to ship cross-country, I checked.”

Ellie laughs. “Yeah, Munsky, send them our way.”  

*

Ellie wets the edges of the dough tucked in her palm, working from the outside in as she crimps the dumpling and places it on a plate. Across from her, Aster works with similar dexterity, a pink sliver of tongue poking out the side of her mouth in concentration.

“You’re good at this.”

Aster sets aside another dumpling, using two fingers to scoop a mound of dough from the bowl between them. “Yeah, I helped my mom a lot with her empanadas, growing up.”

“Say you had kids,” Ellie starts. “What’s one thing you’d teach them, before they turned thirteen?”

Aster considers. “Long division. Except I’d have to get someone else to teach them, because I’m terrible at math.”

“Really?”

“Really. Do you ever think about how smart people have been, to invent the concept of infinity and the concept of zero?”

“Mm. And where would you put the idea of God on that scale?”

“Like, a solid fifty,” says Aster, flicking water at her face.

*

In November, Ellie publishes a short story in the New Yorker, which Aster crows about for a solid week.

“Aster, oh my god, you’re being embarrassing,” she says upon walking into the kitchen and finding her story printed in full, each sheet pinned to the refrigerator door with a bright red magnet.

“You should be proud,” Aster insists.

Paul calls her to discuss it. “Me and your dad read it. I thought it was really good. Are you working on more stuff?”

“Slow your roll, Munsky.” Ellie laughs. “I’m not as prolific as you are, dreaming up new sausage combinations every day.”

Off-camera, the staticky sound of a TV and a faint Ellie? sounds.

“Here, Mr. Chu.” Paul passes the phone to her dad, who is wrapped in his usual robe. The lines by his eyes relax when he sees her face.

“How are you?” she asks in Mandarin. “Are you keeping warm?”

“You should be worried about yourself—it’s colder where you are,” her dad replies. “Paul’s good about keeping me company. He read your piece to me three times. The scene with the swing set, and the little girl…” He switches to English. “Best part. Your mom would be proud.”

“Thanks, Ba,” says Ellie, voice thick. She goes to bed that night and dreams of being sandwiched between her mom and dad, dancing in the living room.

*

She and Aster host a small get-together in December. They put a Santa hat on Walter Benjamin and get everyone drunk on mulled wine until the party devolves into a caroling session, Aster’s friend James competing with Ellie’s friend Larissa to see who can belt “O Holy Night” louder. Afterwards, she and Aster sprawl on Aster’s mattress, limbs loosened from a successful night. The string lights Aster wound through the curtains as decoration for the party flicker, casting the room a soft gold.

“Would you ever get a tattoo?” Ellie asks. It’s been on her mind ever since she noticed the olive branch inked above Larissa’s collarbone. She’s wary of the pain, though.

Beside her, Aster shifts, arm pressing against hers. “I have one, actually.”

“What, really?”

“Yeah.” She props herself up on an elbow, pulling her shirt up to reveal a cluster of flowers just below her rib.

Tracing the lines with her eyes, Ellie asks, “What kind of flowers are they?”

“Asters.”

“You’re joking.”

Aster looks straight back at her. “I’m 100% serious.”

“Isn’t that a bit too on the nose?” Ellie studies the tattoo again and then snorts, shaking her head. “I can’t believe it.” The wine must still be in her system, because the fuzziness of a laugh flushes through her body.

“What?” Aster seems miffed. “Ellie, what’s so funny?”

“Nothing, I’m just— You were so reserved before, and now you’ve got an undercut and a tattoo and. Do you remember— there was that day when Jenny Newman brought in that pink scarf and you all walked down the hallway like something out of a Clique movie, it was ridiculous. I can’t believe I had a crush on you. Oh my god.”

“Stop.” Aster shoves her shoulder, but she’s laughing, too. “Don’t remind me. God. God! What a terrible color, it didn’t match my outfit at all.”

“But it’s okay, because now you’re Aster Flores, hardcore.”

“Well, what about you, Ellie Chu?”

“What what about me?”

Aster sits up. “You’re walking into a tattoo parlor right now. What do you decide to get, and where?”

“Persimmons,” Ellie says, before even fully conceiving the thought. “On my… right shoulder.”

“All right.” Aster gets up and feels around her desk; the next thing Ellie knows, she’s kneeling before her on the mattress, a fine-tipped pen in hand. “I’ll draw it for you.”

“Okay.” Slowly, Ellie sits up, tugging the collar of her shirt down as far as it’ll go to expose the skin needed for Aster’s canvas. The first touch tickles; she tries to hold herself as still as possible while Aster draws, ink flowing in thin lines. She considers watching the process, but it makes her go cross-eyed and dizzy, so she closes her eyes instead and feels: the smoothness of a persimmon skin, the shine of their texture, the sweet crunch of a fruit just barely ripened.

“Done,” Aster whispers, and Ellie leans closer to catch it. It feels like they’re in a confessional booth. Aster caps the pen and bites her lip, but she doesn’t move away.

“Ellie—” Her breath smells of cinnamon and cloves. Like the sharpest part of the forest, like all things good and lovely and too fragile to want.

“I should go to bed,” Ellie says, and it takes every ounce of strength she has to extract herself, to stumble back to her room and sit against the closed door, shaking.

*

“Ellie? Ellie, pick up the phone. It’s about your dad. It’s not—super critical, or anything, but I still think—uh. Just… call me back as soon as you can.”

*

Her carry-on is by the door and she’s set to leave for the airport in an hour. When Aster finds her, she’s cutting and skinning apples in the kitchen—not even to eat, just to have something to do with her hands.

Silently, Aster pulls out some bread, cream cheese, and salmon. When she’s done with the sandwich, she slips it into a plastic bag and holds it out to Ellie.

“For the plane ride.”

“Thanks.” Ellie sets down the knife and goes to put the sandwich away in her backpack. She zips it up.

“Would you come with me, if I asked?”

By the sink, Aster is quiet. Ellie thinks of that awful moment in the ping pong room, when she’d thought Paul had caught on to her.

“You know what, never mind.”

“If I go with you, I’m going to want to be with you.” Aster looks down at her hands as she says it; it’s the first time she’s seemed uncertain in a while. Ellie soaks in the confession, turning it over in her head. It’s brave. It’s honest.

It’s not enough.

“I just.” Aster shrugs, helpless. “I’m not ready for that conversation, yet. With them. For the fallout of what the worst could be.”

Pick me, her heart throbs, selfishly. Pick me pick me pickme. She is a train leaving the station, hoping for someone to catch her. But no time to wait; her dad needs her.

“Take care, Aster,” she says, shrugging her backpack over her shoulder. Aster’s face crumples like snow. Ellie tries not to look back.

*

The hospital discharges her dad after a week. Ellie stays for another two, making sure his cough is gone and all the mucus has loosened from his chest. When he regains enough energy to start fighting back against her fussing, she recruits Paul to make sure he drinks enough fluids every day.

“Pneumonia,” she scolds at the doorway, shaking her head. “Don’t ever scare me like that again!”

“Ch,” her dad says. “You want to talk about scared? How about that time when you were seven and fell off the monkey bars? Nearly cracked your head open.”

Paul looks between them, bewildered. “Okay, Mr. Chu, I’ve gotta get Ellie to the airport. There’s still ice on the roads so driving will be slower than usual.”

In the car, Ellie holds her hands to the heat, touching the pads of her fingertips to each other.

“Do you like it better out east?”

Ellie tilts her head. “City life is different, that’s for sure. It feels freer and lonelier. Not as many people paying attention to you, so you can be anything you want to be. But also: not as many people paying attention to you.”

“Hm, I get that. Like being at my house versus being at yours.”

“You’re saying that the Munskys are New York City and me and my dad are Squahamish?”

“Never mind. I guess my house has all the people New York has, but they’re all jumping down your throat instead of passing you by.”

Ellie laughs. “You love it, though.”

Across the dash, Paul smiles at her. “Yeah, I do.”

“You wouldn’t consider the Midwest? It’d be a happy medium.”

“I did like Iowa, when I visited you.”

“Chicago, then,” Ellie proposes. “In five years. People there buy lots of hot dogs—it’d be good business.”

“I’ll think about it,” Paul promises, pulling up to the curb. He gets out to help with her suitcase, wrapping her in a warm hug. Ellie buries her nose into the center of his chest and inhales. She wonders if it's possible to absorb his courage through her lungs.

“Paul?” she asks, when he starts to pull away. “Can I ask you something?”

His eyes are bright with concern. “Of course.”

“If you loved someone, and they loved you back in the same way, but they said you couldn’t be together, what would you do?”

“Well, I’d ask myself: when I picture being with that person, what does it really look like? Is it okay if the image doesn’t exactly match up? Because then I’d hold on.”

“Never Let Me Go.”

“What?”

“It’s another Kazuo Ishiguro book,” says Ellie, smiling. “You should read it if you get the time.”

“All right, boss,” says Paul, mock-saluting her. “Now go catch your flight.”

*

It’s past midnight when she gets back to the apartment, careful not to make too much noise as she slips past Aster’s room and into her bed. Her head is about to hit the pillow when her phone screen lights up, casting her as a glaring shadow against the bedroom wall.

Aster: Hey, heard you come in. Is your dad okay?

Yeah. I sentenced him to house arrest for the month, with Paul as guard dog.

Aster: All right, Foucault. Discipline & Punish. Aster: I’m glad he’s better, though.

Thanks. Did you miss me much?

Aster: Well, I realized that the cookies disappear at a much slower rate when you’re not around. :P

It’s strange to be talking like this when they’re separated by only a hallway, when for the past six months they’ve seen each other face-to-face every day. And yet, in some ways it’s easier: the crackle of electricity, the dots appearing, then fading, then appearing again.

Aster: Can you come into the hall? Aster: There’s something I want to say.

Ellie sits up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Gently, she cracks open the door to see Aster leaning against the wall opposite the bathroom. Her hair is tangled. She looks beautiful.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

Sliding down to the floor, Aster gestures to the spot opposite her. “Sit.”

Dutifully, Ellie obeys, bringing her knees to her chest and resting her chin atop them. The hallway is so narrow that her toes end up tucked under Aster’s legs, crisscrossed in front of her.

“I’ve been thinking about what I said to you right before you left,” says Aster. “And I did some more thinking while I was here alone. And the thing is, I don’t want to be all or nothing with you. I want us to be—something. And I’m wondering if you could be okay with that. If we could take it little by little, and just figure it out as it comes. If you’re willing to wait.”

“Yeah.” Ellie swallows. “We can do that.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.” Nodding, Ellie starts to rise, but Aster gets a determined look in her eyes and suddenly she’s swooping forward, the scent of her hair—vanilla and violets—swinging around them, her hand cupping Ellie’s cheek and her mouth a bright star against Ellie’s, striking deep as a hymn into her bones. Ellie counts to five before opening her eyes, and when she speaks, her voice is hoarse.

“I thought you wanted me to wait.”

“Guess I’m bad at following my own rules,” Aster says, and grins.

[man-me--a-sand]

Carving Myself a Space

Rating: Teen and up

Characters: in this chapter, only Janus, Patton, and Roman (Logan and Remy are mentioned)

Words:1249

TW: ptsd of a sort? flashback to a fire

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26079001/chapters/63430678

Summary:  Janus was perfectly content to keep where they were. Yes, it wasn’t a great place, but if they were placed with somebody, too much attention would go to them, to much pressure saying be a girl. Of course, the universe never gives you what you want, but it does give you what you need, sometimes.

Notes: I’ve been planning this for a bit but posting it was an impulsive decision, there is still enough written for a decent posting schedule

Janus shoved through the door, glaring at the floor.

“Greetings! So this is Lydia?” Janus winced at the name, and glanced up to see a freckled face grinning at them. “I’m Roman Sanders.”

Janus glanced up at the man. “And?”

The smile started to slip. “I thought you would want to know my name? You are living with me and my husband.”

“Yeah, for like two weeks.” They scoffed. “I can promise you’ll be done with me soon. I give you about two weeks.”

“That won't happen,” Roman chuckled. “We’ve dealt with a lot of tough stuff, I’m sure we can handle anything you throw at us, but anyways, come upstairs! I can show you the house, you can get unpacked, get used to the house, you can go anywhere you want! Dinner’s not for about a half hour, but my husband will want to meet you when he gets home around then.!”

Janus rolled their eyes as they headed up the stairs after Roman.

“I’ll show you around, starting with up here.” He gestured at a closed door. “Right there is what’ll be your room, and there's a bathroom on the right that should be exclusively you. Mine and Pattons room is right over there, with another bathroom.

The man and teen went back downstairs, where Roman led them into the kitchen. “You can take any food whenever, just stay out of that cupboard.” He pointed to above the stove. “The living rooms right here, and we have a ton of video games to choose from. Basement isn't that interesting, just another tv and old boxes and stuff. Lots of old posters and things like that.”

Janus shrugged. “Sounds pretty cool.”

“Alright, I’ll help you unpack then?”

There was no protest, so Roman followed as they went back upstairs. The blonde man sat on the bed, picking at his nails. “I just wanted to chat, if there's anything that's not in your file.”

“Ok?”

“Alright then, what pronouns do you use?”

Janus settled, a bit more at ease, but they didn't blink.“They/them.”

Roman settled comfortably. “Alright. I would say I’m sorry about what happened to your parents, but judging by what I read, it’s not really wanted, at least for your dad?.”

“Yeah,” Janus shifted. “My dad was a piece of shit, and my mom didn't know how to handle things and take care of me.” They said bitterly.

“Oh, also, is there any other name you’d like us to use?”

“There's no other name. There's just my name.”

“And what name is that?” Roman said softly.

“Janus.”

“Alright. We can call you Janus. Also, do you have any allergies, or triggers?” Janus didn’t respond, so Roman rushed on talking. “Triggers are-”

“I know what triggers are.” Their tone didn't change, but something told Roman that he wouldn't get any more answers.

Roman shuffled out, pushing back more questions that bubbled up in his throat.

Janus stared up at the ceiling, completely zoned out. They ran their fingers through their choppy hazel hair, trying to keep the years-old memory from resurfacing.

Scorched skin.

They traced the burn mark that decorated the left side of their face.

Their mom on the floor, a shroud of smoke surrounding her.

A finger traced the cut that went just past the corner of their mouth, stopping at the edge of their neck.

Stuckstuckstuckstuck- no.

There wasn't time for this. Janus shoved the memories back, They had to protect themself. Sure, these new people seemed a bit better. They had asked for pronouns, asked about triggers. Soon enough they would get sick of the sad kid with the burn scars, sending them off to the next family.

“Did she get here, Ro?” A bubbly voice pierced through the thoughts.

Janus peered over the railing, seeing a dark skinned man with short, tight curls talking to Roman. His husband, probably.

“Yeah, they’re upstairs.”

As the shorter man went to go upstairs, Roman grabbed him by the arm. “Hold up, Pat. Their name is actually Janus, and they just told me they use they/them, and they seem pretty against this whole fostering stuff.”

Pat grinned. “Well, I’m sure I can get them more comfortable here!” He dashed up the stairs, and Janus jumped back to the room their stuff was in.

They were staring back up at the ceiling when Pat walked in.

“Hey, you’re Janus, right? I’m Patton, Roman’s husband. Sorry I wasn't here to meet you. So, what do you like to do, kiddo?” He cocked his head to the side, curiously awaiting an answer.

“I draw?” They muttered, gesturing at the sketchbook on the nightstand.

“Oh, cool! Can I see?”

Janus raised an eyebrow. They pulled out a loose, crumpled page and tossed it on the bed.

Patton smoothed it out and shock crossed his face. “Kiddo, you’re fantastic! Who taught you?”

“Nobody.”

“I don't believe that! This is fantastic, such a pretty art style! Have you posted it anywhere?”

“No.”

“Have you ever thought about it?” Patton pushed, trying to get an answer from the fifteen year old. He flipped through the pages, looking at a medley of different art. “Is this one you?”

Janus tightened up, seeing which drawing he was looking at. “Uh, yeah.”

“Cool. Well, we should probably go down for dinner.”

“So, did you want to switch schools, or take the longer trip to your old school? It would probably be easier to switch, but we’re willing to drive you. I do teach at the school here, so you might want to go to your old school still, it could be a little awkward.” Roman asked as they all sat down.

Janus shuddered, imagining the long drive alone with one of them. When it was their parents, or even some of those families they’d stayed with, car rides longer than ten minutes would be pure torture. No reason to think that would change. “No, I’ll just switch. Not like you’re my dad or anything.” They poked around the food on their plate,

Romans shoulders slumped, but he consoled himself quickly. It had only been a few hours, he couldn't expect Janus to think like that. They would come around , could be part of the little family.

Patton grinned. “We can introduce you to Logan, and Remy, they’ll be willing to show you around!”

��Cool.”

“We do need rules still, Pat.” Roman said goodnaturedly.”We’re pretty lax on that, though, Basically, text us where you head after school, don't get arrested, and either be home in time for dinner, or ask if you plan to go have dinner with friends or stuff like that.”

Janus winced. “I don’t actually have a phone.”

“Oh, we’ll have to fix that. After dinner we can find my old phone to use as a placeholder till we can get you a newer model, and that way we can put the old sim card to use!” Patton exclaimed.

After dinner, and a decent bit of confusion on clearing the phone of photos and things, Janus was handed a blank phone.

“You should set some of your art as a background! That would look pretty cool.”

The teen retreated, playing around with the phone. On the app store, they noticed a free drawing app, and pulling out a touchscreen pen, started to colour some of their pencil art, which they had never done before. Good markers and pens were too expensive for them, so they had always stuck to pencil art.

Taglist (Of 2 people but still):

@panromanticpancake

@shamelesslypoetic

[manu-graphic-novel]

When it came to putting together Episode #2, I had one goal: to make Manu look and feel like something you’d bring home from a comic store. I decided it merited a complete overhaul of my sequential art style, a deep dive into the subtextual story I wanted to tell through the artwork, and putting myself through my own comic bootcamp to learn how to ink and color from scratch.

In short, I was going to upgrade the entire operation. And I had a month and a half to do it.

PART 2: Script to Screen

The script is always in a constant state of flux from start to finish. Sometimes the dialogue changes depending on the composition of the spread or the pacing of the chapter, so I do my best to hammer it out as closely as I can to how I think the final version will look. (Case in point, the original version of the script had no narration on Manu’s journey home from the recording studio. Only when I had rendered the whole episode in ink and printed it out did I realize there was a gaping hole in the text that needed to be filled.)

There is no established format for scripting graphic novels, so I pulled together my own based on script formats I’d seen for other comics. This would enable me to work more easily with my editor who would need to know how to “read” the visuals before I even drew them.

From there, I storyboarded, and THAT process was (*cough*) a lot less formal:

My sketchbook basically becomes a testing ground for poses, layouts, and other design-y things. It’s the first time I get a sense for the flow of the entire chapter, and inevitably, it prompts a number of scriptural changes.

From there, it’s layouts and pencils, in that order. I try to do all the pages at once so I can get an early sense of the flow of the entire epsisode, and I went ahead and dropped in placeholder lettering as well, as it would help me to determine where I could reasonably fit characters and scenery in the composition. (Big-name comic shops like Marvel and DC Comics often have a separate person for lettering, which means the illustrator has to do their best to leave room for dialogue. Lucky for me, I’m basically on my own for the whole enchilada. Although sometimes I REALLY WISH I COULD SPLIT UP THIS WORKLOAD, FOLKS.)

Pencils:

After I’ve hammered out the pencils, it’s time to ink! I’ll set the pencil layer up with a blue clipping mask, and go to town in some full-on black ink. (If this were being completed in natural media as opposed to digital, I’d be using a brush and a nib with India Ink, but I’m saving that effort for a later episode. 😁)

The philosophy here is pretty simple. Closer to the camera? Thicker outlines. Further from the camera? Thinner, broken up ones. Your eyes will focus on the areas where lines are boldest. I’m usually vetting the art at this point with a small handful of trusted individuals (my husband, my editor, my mentor) to ensure that, without my helping them, their eyes are able to follow the action across the page and make sense of everything they’re reading. If their eyes jump around or they get confused, something’s not working and I need to revise.

Here’s the ink layer for page two (plus updated lettering because I had to hunt down a font that included Spanish glyphs). You might notice that the art and speech bubbles are working together to guide your eyes through the sequence--in a backwards ‘S’ shape:

Finally, coloring! Setting up palettes in advance in Photoshop ensures that I’m being consistent across the board. I spent a week alone doing just flats (i.e. the flat, non detailed color that gets filled in first) and then another week working on details including highlights and shadows. Again, all for the purpose of making sure I’m being consistent and everything looks like it belongs together:

The decisions that drive all of the above are entirely informed by the story. At every stage I’m printing out the entire episode and assembling a mockup that I can flip through and mark up with red pen just to make sure I’m being as tight in the execution as possible. If there’s something I can remove from the text because it would be more effective to render it in the art, I want to make sure I do it. Similarly, if there’s a change in the colors that would amplify a mood or help convey something in subtext, I want to make sure I have multiple opportunities to have those epiphanies in advance!

More on that in Part 3: Subtext and Symbolism, coming soon!

Read Part 1: Manu’s Character Design

Become a Patron!

[starlit-scifi]

Chapter 8

First•Previous•Next

The new term starts, and excitement is bubbling in the air. It’s finally time to begin preparing for your class group’s training mission; as the second group you’ve heard all sorts of stories from your first-group yearmates, some frightening, some funny, none of them dull. On the first day, you wake up to a message from Lori:

-Earth similar non sentient life forms, no possible pathogenicity, breathable air, moderate water rainfall, upper habitable range temperatures. We’ve got it good. Really good.

-Well don’t spoil it for me!

-As if they were going to give you a dead moon, miss bioarchivist?

-One with a culture and politics, maybe…

-If I had to sit through you attempting to do politics for hours on end, I’d let the void take me AND my GPA.

-Oh boo hoo go polish your shoes or something

-I won’t need to shine any shoes where we’re going, haha

-True. I’m excited!

-Me too.

You give yourself a few seconds of rolling around and giggling before you get down to planning. You’ll be supplied with proper gear, since all of it will probably have to be destroyed or decontaminated anyway for safety, regardless of known pathogenicity. Food could be an issue, there's only so much you can carry so foraging will likely be necessary. You'll need to gather information on that, plus maps and climate data, and of course details on what exactly “Earth-similar non-sentient life forms” entails. But you'll get your information soon enough, and then you can get around to what you've been looking forward to since going to Unity became a serious option for you.

It gets harder.

Colab is your only class now, and it doesn't meet regularly: it's more of a placeholder in your schedule where you know your advisors will be available to answer questions. And you have a lot, soon enough.

In the short time that Unity has existed, the assigned region of your planet, Bernubos-3, has been used for training missions exactly eighteen times. Your biggest problem is that out of all of those missions, none have happened to fall during the hottest part of the bi-solar cycle, and you're scheduled to be there at the tail end of that. So you get to dig into all the data from (relatively) ancient surveys of the planet, including some which are pre-Reunion and non-human-directed, and thus missing some kind of important things. Like near-surface atmospheric oxygen and CO2 levels.

Slowly, things start to take shape. Mostly via message, you and Lori agree on what you want to do: a six-week long expedition, on foot, into the forested valley between two old volcanic mountains that lay poleward of your landing site. The route is one that's been done several times before, so it's relatively worry-free, and you can use and build on previous data from student projects. You plan to study soil microbes and small invertebrates, which have both been looked at previously but not in much detail.

Up until now, you hadn't been expected to be really fit, and honestly you were holding out a little bit of hope for a less physically demanding mission. But no, you have to actually work out now, and you curse yourself with every rep for letting your body go for years. At least Manda or Lori are willing to go to the gym with you most evenings, and Hayleen gives you encouragement via message.

You're also required to train for certain things with Lori. Survival skills, first aid, how to pilot your landing pod, and how to send out an emergency signal if things get really bad. You're nervous at first, still… but she wants to work, you want to work, and so you quickly learn the most important survival skill: bottling up any feelings you might have for her. You’re too busy, anyway, and you both have a very strict set of priorities you've agreed upon.

It gets to the point where one day, when you go up to the usually-empty observation deck to sit and read, you stop halfway into the abstract of a twenty-page-long paper, desperately wanting to scream out into the nothingness.

But you know nothing will hear you.

And you know, whatever you did say, the words you need to say won't make it to the one person you wish would hear them.

You take off your airscreen headset to wipe the tears from your face, but you just can't stop crying. You sob as quietly as you can, and it aches deep in your chest how much you just want to let yourself feel, to let her know how you feel, and you nearly wish you couldn't feel anything at all.

And I shouldn’t, you think, looking down at your clenched fists and the spots of tears on your skirt. It’s only getting in the way and we need to be able to function as a team.

Well, can't you anyway? A traitorous voice in the back of your mind asks. If you were completely devoted to one another, wouldn't you be devoted to your project even more? Isn't that why your parents married?

But you know that’s not really how it works, and that little ten-year-old Aurie in her empty house with no one to hold her felt just as alone as twenty-one-year-old Aurie does now.

You wipe your tears, and look out at the stars, orienting yourself by the most familiar ones. There's Yanna, your sun, and Fara’eh, which has Germond and Haqonat in its orbit. Between them lies Sol, a faint yellow speck, distant as humanity’s memory of what happened there. Distant as the memory of when your mom first pointed them out to you as you sat in your dad's lap, the memory laced in his warmth and her perfume.

You don't know if you miss it.

You don't know if you miss them.

There's a distant soft ping, and you realize you left your headset beside you on the bench. You pick it up and settle it gently over your face. Lori’s name pops up, and you flick open her message.

-I have some free time right now, if you want to come by and work for a bit.

-Sure. Let me get my stuff together and I'll be there in a few minutes

Okay, Aurie, so get it together.

Somehow, you manage. You keep breathing, you make your feet move, it's totally easy. You get to the dorms, you turn down the hall towards the mil side, walk all the way to where her unit lives, count the doors to her room: one, two, three, four--

Someone steps into your path, startling you out of your daze and almost making you fall over. Brown hands grip yours, and Manda laughs for a moment, but then her look turns to concern.

“Aurie, what's up? You look really out of it.”

“I… there's a lot, a lot going on right now…” you make an attempt at laughter. It's just sad.

“I get it,” she says, nodding sagely. “The pre-training-mission mental breakdown, happens to everyone. I got so bad Hay teamed up with Lori to drag me out of bed. I still have scars.”

“They— how—?”

“Well, I fought back, Lori let go once I bit her, and I fell on the corner of my desk,” she says matter-of-fact-ly. “I'd show you, but I’m not taking my pants off in the hallway.”

“You sure about that, Yu?” Someone asks as he walks past the two of you.

“Absolutely positive, Kivo,” she retorts, then turns back to you. “I'll let you in, and I can promise you Lori's completely clothed as well-- unless she's managed to spill coffee all over herself in the past minute. Like I said, it's mental breakdown season.”

You nod, and she squeezes your hands before letting go and walking you the rest of the way to the room. She presses her hand to the doorpad and bows, gesturing dramatically at the opening door. You giggle and fake curtsy (it doesn't work in these skirts, nothing works in these skirts) before walking in. Lori watches this exchange from her desk, bemused.

“I-- I ran into Manda and she let me in,” you explain, as if it weren't obvious.

“Got it,” she says, but she doesn't look like she has the energy to smile. You shuffle awkwardly to her bed and sit down. A moment later she groans and turns towards you.

“I know I said I wanted to work, but I really don't.”

“Yeah. Me either, honestly.”

“You can leave, if you want. I'm not kicking you out, but…” She shrugs.

After all this?

“No, no, it's okay, I'll just…” You feel trails of wetness on your cheeks.

Manda was right, it really is mental breakdown season.

“You okay?”

You shake your head, desperately trying to wipe your tears away. But they keep coming, and you feel so pathetic when you can't even breathe.

She sits beside you on the bed. She sits beside you, and she wraps her arms around you, rocks you gently as you let go of the last tiny shred of self-control you were holding on to. You sob against her shoulder, and she holds you.

“I'm sorry,” you manage, barely.

“No, no. It's okay,” she murmurs, rubbing your back. “It's okay. It's a lot of work to plan something like this. We’re all having a rough time.”

“It's not even that, it’s…” You try to laugh, you really do. “It’s going to sound so stupid, but I hate just… feeling alone.”

“It's not stupid,” she says firmly. “And you're not. You have me. You have Manda and Hay. You have Keegan and everyone else.”

“It's still not…” You clench your teeth so hard your jaw aches. “I don't know. I don't know what I need.”

But I do, and I can't ever have it.

She’s quiet for a long moment before breaking away with a soft smile on her face. “Well… if Manda were here, she'd make some big fancy gesture of it… but I have sweets from home I've been saving. If you want.”

Now your heart really hurts. “You don't have to do that for me…”

She shrugs. “They’re going to go bad if they don't get eaten. And you look like you need some comfort food.”

“Lori… thank you…” You think you're going to start crying again, and she pats your shoulder.

“It's not a big deal. Really.”

She goes to rummage around in a box for a moment before emerging victorious with a handful of shiny-wrappered somethings. She hands you one, holds onto one, and drops the rest on the bed beside you as you scrutinize the packaging. It's mostly in Earth Standard and the nutrition facts are set up for Alliance trade, but there’s enough distinctly Lotani words that you puzzle over a few phrases.

“They're like… fried or baked dough, filled with sweet stuff and sometimes nuts? It's a traditional thing way back from Old Earth, and a lot of people make them fresh but… I secretly like the super-cheap store-bought ones more.” She shrugs, smiling fondly. “They taste like my childhood.”

Her childhood tastes like soft pastry, fruit, and unfamiliar spice, sticky-sweet in your mouth. She sighs as she bites in. And looking at her like this, eyes shut in pleasure and crumbs on her lips, you think she's almost more gorgeous in a baggy t-shirt and shorts, barefoot and legs propped up on her desk, than she was at the ball.

She opens her eyes and notices you watching, and raises an eyebrow at you.

“You have stuff on your face,” you mumble. She tries not to laugh through a mouthful of pastry.

First•Previous•Next

[q-cumb2r]

The Fool and The Phony

Cw: sympathetic Deceit, self-deprecating thoughts

Chapter 1 - Introit

1 2 3 4 5 6

Newborn children are filled with energies. Thoughts that can't yet be expressed, ideas that are waiting to exist and emotions with nowhere to go.

And so Thomas is born.

The energies swirl and bubble and blend with each other as they try to find direction and purpose. Out of the dust cloud they form into shapes, slowly and one after one. The first to form is Emotionality. Emotionality later becomes Morality, he not only represents feeling but gut feeling as well. Out of his gut feeling forms a new aspect of Thomas's psyche, Logic, Rationality.

The first few years is a battle between what do I want to do? and, what should I do? Things such as wanting something and soon accepting the harsh truth that you don't always get what you want. I want to stay up late but it’s bad for me. I want to play outside but it’s raining so I shouldn’t.

When Thomas is two years old he starts having really bad nightmares, courtesy to two newly developed sides of Thomas. Fear and Imagination. Imagination soon develops and becomes Passion, Creativity and Fear turns into Anxiety.

And out one particular event in which Thomas is afraid to get into trouble forms the fifth side, Deceit.

During the first few years there is no clear point where one side begins and one ends. They are still abstract and overlap at times. Logic and Morality often wants to go back to the instinctual gut feeling again. Morality and Creativity often form together into a primal passionate and emotional imagination. And Anxiety and Deceit often reign as self deprecating thoughts. 

But they soon drift away from the dust cloud and are suddenly very distinct from each other. And as Thomas gets older the sides can't cover one trait or characteristic anymore so they name themself.

Patton, the inner child, the master of puns, the heart of Thomas and his sense of right and wrong.

Logan, rational thought, logic and love of poetry and Crofter's.

Roman, passion, imagination, dreams, creativity, love for disney movies, theatre, also Crofter's and the love for himself.

Virgil, fear, anxiety, dark jokes, edginess and the conspiracy theorist of the bunch. 

And lastly,

Candor, lies, deceit and dripping with sarcasm, but also a lover of puns.

Candor is often mischievous but rarely malevolent. He means well but things don't always turn out great just because he has good intent.

Candor has always been terrified of the truth for as long as he can remember. Reality is harsh and unfair and it hurts, it hurts as hell to open your eyes and see the world for what it is.

But he isn't the first to open his eyes like that. Logan practically embodies truth. He is the bringer of truth and knowledge and has always been. Candor doesn't understand how someone can know so much and not crumble beneath it.

Candor is the second, and he doesn't take it as well. Truth honestly and genuinely terrifies him, and he very rarely is honest and genuine. People around Thomas don't always have good intentions. Adults don't always mean well. Thomas is eleven when that part of him truthfully got punched in the gut.

At twelve Virgil takes the punch. He was anxious before and this was not what he needed. His fears might not just be delusions and paranoia. "You're not good enough. You don't have any future. They're judging you. Thomas, you know that it's true".

At thirteen their happy Patton too realizes that the world isn't as cheery as he wants it to be. Candor had tried to tell him that it isn't true, the world sure is happy, things are just as good as they seem, please, I'm not lying this time, please, but Patton broke down, because he knows he's lying. This hits Thomas hard, he feels sad and he doesn't understand why. As Patton hides away for months and months in his room Thomas feels this unexplainable emptiness and he can't really care for anything for a long while.

Roman doesn't get it. He's not dumb, but he certainly can be distracted and disconnected. He often gets caught up in his  dreams and fantasies so he hasn't really paid enough attention to understand how cruel the world is. And he never will. Candor promises this to himself, and it is the only promise he will ever make.

A/N: I’m using Candor as a placeholder name for now. If Deceit gets a name reveal I will replace Candor with that. I really really like the name Candor for the irony though.

[medusamyra-blog]

Helloooo! I’ve (finally) filled out the talk tag post to give you guys some info on my version of Medusa! Please let me know if you have any questions about her, or if you’d like to plot! I’m definitely looking for a roommate or two, as well as any other connection under the sun (especially for fellow New Olympians). Let’s get this party started! (Well...it’s been started...for awhile now...I am very late...but for ME it’s a very new party, okay?)

Also I might have made some assumptions here as far as our characters go, so if you see something wonky please tell me

BASICS

full name: Myra Shirin Bahl

The name is commonly associated with the Latin word, myyrh: a bitter resin extracted from a small, thorny plant. Though many bitter things might make you pucker when they first touch your tongue, they are often proven to be very useful, such as in medicinal herbs, or flavoring fine wine. And as they say, many beautiful, wonderful things are known to be protected by thorns. 

any nicknames?: As a child she went by Mimi. She doesn’t use that name anymore. Though she hears some of the folk at Old Olympus call her Medusa behind her back.

age: 25. a quarter of a century, oh no!

birthday/zodiac sign: August 19th, 1992. Leo. A fiery lioness filled with passion. 

height: 5′-6:

any tattoos, piercings?: Though she has done a lot of breaking boundaries and exploring new options for herself, piercings and tattoos have been a little too permanent for her to take the plunge on. Besides a single piercing in each of her ears, her skin remains undecorated for the time being. Though she considers it from time to time, she still wonders if she’ll ever be able to reconnect with her family and her old self, and something like a tattoo is just a little too much of a commitment for the time being. 

FAVORITES

sound: Ocean waves softly kissing the shore ( she sleeps with a soft noise machine when the other apartment tenants are particularly loud )

color: Dusty lilacs and calming blue hues. The color of a clear, cloudless sky. And deep, royal purple ( not just for the matriarchal implications )

person: A multitude of faces rush through her head--her mother, her father, her brother, her ex-lover, her ex-best-friend--before she reminds herself they can’t be her favorite anymore. She has to be her own favorite person now.

memory: It’s hard to pick a favorite memory when so many of the people she shared them with no longer see her in the same light. Every good moment becomes a cherished memory in hindsight. They appear in flashes: peeling carrots with her mother, sharing lighthearted conversation about how men were helpless in the kitchen. Walking down the street as a young girl, holding her father’s hand and feeling so safe, like nothing in the world could touch her with her impenetrable father there to protect her. 

place: Gritty, warm sand beneath her toes, the hot sun on her back, the cool water at her feet. Specifically, the beaches home in Los Angeles (especially Malibu). New York beaches just can’t compare, though when she’s desperate for some sun she’ll use them as a placeholder.

vice: Warm lips on her neck, rough hands on her skin. She never expected to be the type to fall for such carnal pleasures, but once she got a taste, it was an urge that always came back to haunt her. Though it has never been as fulfilling as the first time, with the woman she’d loved, she loved the feeling of another person on top of her. 

HAVE THEY EVER…

…been in love?

Luli had been the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. At first, Myra wasn’t sure if she wanted to be with her or simply wanted to be her. Soon, the question answered itself. She never thought she would want a woman in such a primitive way, nor a romantic way, but Luli changed Myra’s perspective on just about everything. It was passionate and warm and enlightening and thriving and everything Myra had never thought she’d wanted, or needed. It was the most wonderful and thrilling feeling she’d ever experienced--

even if it didn’t last. 

…done drugs?

When she’d first gotten involved with Olympus, still new to the big city. There were so many new opportunities for her here that hadn’t existed back home, and she wanted to try everything. Nothing too dangerous, but she’ll never forget the bubbling excitement of her first joint. There had been a naive air about her that both made people protective of her, and also made people want to push things on her, but she stood her ground. She wanted to enjoy her newfound freedom, but within reason, and she certainly wasn’t about to ruin her new life by getting hooked on something bad.  

…killed someone?

Not by choice. Everything that night had gone wrong. It was her first year on transportation and things weren’t going as smoothly as everyone expected them to. It was her or them and she panicked. She did what she had to do, but the first time she took someone else’s life was the hardest, even if it was for her own safety.

…betrayed someone’s trust?

Despite the age difference, Victoria had been her best friend. She’d been the first person Myra had connected with in New York, and Myra had crawled under her wing and adopted her as her mentor, whether she’d initially wanted it or not. Victoria was her secret keeper, the first person she’d told about her life back in California, what she had fled from and what she had fled to become. 

At first, it hadn’t felt like cheating. But then it did. And she knew it was wrong. And she didn’t put a stop to it until it was too late. In the end, she isn’t sure which loss was worst: her lover or her best friend.

…had their heart broken?

If love was the best feeling in the world, heartbreak was the worst. It had teared her to shreds, ripped her apart after every attempt at glueing herself back together again. What it also did, however, was harden her: make her strong, impervious, impenetrable. Just like the myth of a broken bone healing stronger than before, her broken heart and broken soul came back ten times stronger after that, and she swore she would never let it break again.

…lost someone?

Never by death, but unattainable by the weight of her own actions. Not lost, but simply impossible to find as they once were..

DO THEY…

have any pets?: This is technically TBD since I don’t know who her roommates are yet, but in my head she has two small pet (land) turtles, named after women’s rights activists Susan B. Anthony and Lucretia Mott (“Susie and Lucy”)

have a family they still talk to?: No. Sometimes she wishes she could, but she feels it’s just too late. Even if she were to contact them, she would probably have to change back into who she was--into Mimi--and she’s just not willing to do that.

have a best friend?: It used to be Victoria, back when she first touched down in NYC.  Someone she could tell anything to, confess her deepest fears and biggest secrets. Well, she left out one particularly large secret, and their best-friendship was broken forever. (Who is it now? Only time will tell)

want to get married and/or have kids?: It used to be a given that as a woman, she would settle down with a husband and pop out a few kids. Now that she’s breached so far past the Bahl Family Norm, she’s not so sure she could ever go back to that. Sure, after a stressful, dangerous day, she might think a normal, quiet life in a suburb with a family might be nice, but as far as she’s concerned, she’s too far gone to ever get that old little girl dream. 

want to leave?: Sometimes, but she’s already run away once before, and reinventing yourself certainly takes its toll on your identity. Everyone has hard days, where they want to leave their life behind and start somewhere new, but she doesn’t feel she’s been in New York long enough yet to call it quits. Not to mention, she would be letting down the other members of New Olympus, the people who took her in when she was still new to the city and had no place to go, and she wouldn’t let her own flight risk tendencies harm them in anyway..

THIS OR THAT?

phone call or text? T E X T. They’re straight-forward, to the point, and leave interpretation out of the equation. “Meet at 11:05 in the alley?” There’s nothing else to it. It’s quick and it’s efficient., and there’s no way for it to be construed 

wealth or loyalty? L O Y A L T Y. All the money in the world can’t buy you trust or friendship. Though she could really use the money, everyone needs at least one person they can trust in above all else. 

love or lust? L U S T. Love gets you nothing but heartbreak. It tears down your walls and pillages your heart like an invading army and it leaves nothing but ruin in its wake. Lust allows you “all the same perks” without the emotional investment and vulnerability. It is clearly the superior choice. 

5 Friends or 100 Acquaintances? 5 FRIENDS. True loyalty is hard to come by these days, and the less you know a person, the more dangerous to you they can be to you. 

summer or winter? S U M M E R! Having grown up in California, the New York winters are pretty bracing to her. Even if summer weather reminds her of home, she will never not love the sun.  

[under-the-lake]

A Hogwarts Mystery update...

Hello and welcome back! This might look a little familiar to the regular readers and you would be right. We have touched upon this topic previously and here is a link to the previous article: A Hogwarts Mystery…

Moving on, another update has hit Hogwarts Mystery and there are supposedly some interesting changes with additional content. However, the updated version is 1.1.3.1 and comparing it with the previous version 1.1.2.1, it does not seem like it is a major update according to the version numbers.

Firstly, we shall take a look at the notification the developers sent out to all players containing information about upcoming content in the above image. A few things that pop up are the addition of Slytherin allies and the rebellious Ravenclaw. It is interesting to see which direction the developers will take: are they going to follow the stereotypical generalizations that have plague Slytherins or perhaps they would move away from that and reflect a better understanding of the different houses? The usage of the word rebellious to describe a Ravenclaw is rather interesting as well. Perhaps a character that is similar to Luna Lovegood will be added to the game.

The only issue I have with this is the absence of the date in which the update will be released. According to the information on the Google Play store, it supposedly went live on 16 March 2018 but I only checked if there was an update on 20 March 2018, so in the gaming news world, this article is considered late.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s dive into the new update!

A notification from the developers with a good chunk of free gems (as shown in the above image) is displayed and after you collect the 250 gems, you’ll be taken to the character creation page.

As expected, the changes were mainly on the UI (user interface) and as shown above, there are new systems for the Spell Collection and Character Progression. A short side note, there are still a few graphical bugs around but those are totally understandable as the game is still in the development stages. I am fairly certain that they will be fixed when the game is fully released.

The first thing I noticed was the slight UI change in the tutorial section. The instructions are now displayed in a blue banner (that is in stark contrast with the background in some areas) in the middle of the screen, possibly to ensure that the player is reading them through. I think it’s a good change because it is now more obvious that the player is going through the tutorial.

Also, another point about the tutorial, instead of being a whole section on it’s own, it is integrated within the story and the instructions will only appear when the player is doing something for the first time. By using this method instead of teaching the player everything in the beginning, it allows the player to continue to discover more things as they progress in the story. In some ways, it sort of mimics the learning process in a school, essentially having the player learn the game mechanics while the character learns more.

As shown in the above two images, this was slightly further into the story and because this is the first time we see a choice, the tutorial instructions pops up onto the screen and teaches the player.

Also shown in the above image, there are colours given to the different attributes. Green for courage, pink for empathy and blue for knowledge. I think this change does help with the differentiation as it makes it easier and perhaps quicker for the player to match attributes.

Another side note before I delve further into the game: I had not noticed if this was in the previous build but during the sorting (as shown in the above picture), there is a student with pink hair on the right. If this student was not in the previous build, could this be the rebellious Ravenclaw that was mentioned in the major update notification? I have not played far enough to see if I am correct in my guess but regardless, that student looks pretty badass. I hope she is not a filler character and would actually be in the story.

Edited to add: Hogwarts Mystery Facebook page has posted that the student with pink hair is actually a young Tonks! I can’t believe I think didn’t about her! Well, in my defense, I had totally forgotten that the first wizarding war had just ended. I am pretty curious as to how the storyline will interact with her.

Apart from the UI change in the tutorial, there is another UI change with the mission objectives. It is probably a small graphical change but it is still a change nonetheless. As shown in the above image, there is a golden speech bubble beside the words “Visit Your Common Room”. Before, the update, I believe the speech bubbles were white but unfortunately, I had not taken any screenshots of those so there is a possibility that I am mistaken about this. Also, it appears that the interactable icons that navigate the game are slightly bigger compared to the previous build. However, the settings icon appears to be slightly smaller.

The above image shows the new UI for the objectives. You can see an example of the tutorial as well. The Microsoft Word clipart looking hand points to the next objective, showing the player where they can click to progress to the next level accompanied by the instructions in the blue banner as mentioned above. This is a rather poor example of the contrast with the background as the objectives menu uses a similar colour scheme but even so, I think the new UI makes it slightly more obvious that it is a tutorial compared to the previous build.

Also in the above image, the UI for the objectives has changed. Before, it was mainly text-based but the new build includes a sidebar that contains the lessons required to move on to the next chapter. An image is also added to represent the type of spell or potion the player is supposed to learn. Besides this simple UI change, I believe it is the Spell Collection change that was talked about in the welcome message.

How it works in the current version is that the player will have to unlock the ability to learn those spells or potions. It is why there is the “Ready” factor in the Lumos part of the lessons and it being blank in the Cure for Boils part of the lessons, although I think it is because that part of the chapter has not been unlocked yet.

The above image shows a little more about what the Spell Collection and Character Progression change entails. In the previous build, the player can choose whether to train up their attribute or progress with the story objectives. In this particular example, the player needs to obtain a total of two stars to unlock the spell Wingardium Leviosa. Once it is unlocked, the player is able to take the class and learn it to continue the story. So in some ways, it forces the player to level up the attribute instead of powering through the story chapters.

I have also noticed a change in certain wand movements for the spells. I think Lumos, Expelliarmus and Wingardium Leviosa were changed. Perhaps the developers are adding a bit more flair into the movements instead of keeping them straightforward.

Another game mechanic change that I have noticed is the energy limit. In the previous build, the player gains an energy limit after every level up. However, in this current version, it seems like the only way you will gain additional limits is through the rewards. This will definitely slow down the story progression or encourage people to spend money if they are impatient. I was able to speed through a few classes in the previous build because I had, at one point, 23 energy limits within the first year at Hogwarts. Now, I am stuck at 18 and it seems like for the first year at least, the maximum limit is 20.

The UI for starting lessons has also changed as shown in the above image. Before, it did not include the center portion (it used to be blank) and the player does not know what reward will be given after completion. So I think this is a good addition and I am fairly certain they will make it look nicer in future builds as at the moment it kind of looks like a placeholder. The addition of the statistics at the bottom is also a good idea. The player gets to see how much energy they have and decide if they can complete the lesson within the required time frame. In this example, it is to obtain five stars in one hour.

The spellbook also has a rather nice change, as shown in the above image. Before, it was just text in smaller boxes and minimal graphics but now, the graphics are much better and would probably get better, perhaps they would become moving ones in the final build.

Speaking of moving ones, perhaps this was already done in the previous build but I had not noticed that the characters were moving as shown in the above gif image. It might be that it only moves in specific story-related objectives but I hope they continue with it as it helps make the game a little more immersive.

Even the graphics for the house points have changed. The house crests are a new addition and they look really crisp and detailed. The gems themselves are also looking a bit more defined and detailed. Also, I believe these were the same crest designs as the Warner Brothers store and even though they are rather small, the house mascots are still quite clear for Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Not entirely sure the same can be said for Gryffindor and Hufflepuff though. I think you can just about make out the animal but the border designs in my opinion distract the viewer’s eye.

Let’s move on to dueling. The first obvious change is the increase in stamina. In the previous build, the player only has a stamina of fifty while in this new version, the player has a stamina of one hundred. After playing through the dueling tutorial, I think it is a good call to increase the stamina because the dueling seems to feel a little more challenging. I could be wrong and had a bad run with the randomizer but it is lucky that my attributes were much higher and the opponent’s stamina was much lower.

Unfortunately, my progress for this update is slower than usual and therefore I am unable to tell if there are other changes. It is interesting to see the improvements between the two versions although I would like to suggest adding one component. Multiplayer dueling. Hint hint, wink wink, developers. Please?

Regardless, I am still very excited for this game, even though I have been playing it for a while now. The mystery has not been solved and I am dying to know what’s going on at Hogwarts. I give this a I-am-so-excited-I’m-going-to-die out of a oh-my-god-it’-so-pretty.

HarryPotter #HogwartsMystery #JamCity #PortkeyGames #WizardingWorld #MobileGaming #Mobile #HarryPotterGame #RPG #PointAndClick #GooglePlay #AppStore #Android #iOS

[yakumtsaki]

Welcome, dear readers, to the much anticipated Union Season 1 finale, featuring the diverse cast of well-developed characters we’ve all come to love, such as cheating whore #1, cheating whore #2, and my personal favorite, cheating whore #3. Also starring purple Hannibal Lecter, Melody Tinker’s sunglasses, and Leon Trotsky. Last update saw the erotic tension between resident porn-king Gunther and his brother’s intended, Regina George Brittany Upsnott finally boil over, leading to this harrowing image:

GOOD TIMES. Let’s pick up right where we left off..

.. namely precious Gunther immediately jumping into bed with Melody not two minutes after his close encounter of the Brit kind. Guns has been suspiciously loyal and un-gross ever since we moved out of the dorms, but apparently his goal for senior year is to out-worst everyone else in the house. What a comeback!

Meanwhile Brit is depressingly bowling her frustrations away under the unforgiving desert sky. Whaddup Brit, you must be dealing with some pretty complicated emotions right now.

-What?? No way, I’m totally, totally fine!

I mean sure, why wouldn’t you be, it’s not like you’ve fucked literally everything up. After spending half of college dealing with fucking HaremGate all I wanted was an uneventful senior year I could speed through, but that would be too easy now, WOULDN’T IT.

-The pins are you well-laid out plans for the future!

UGH Brit seriously, this isn’t happening. As in we’re gonna pretend it literally never happened, you’re gonna marry Daniel, Gunther is gonna marry Mel, everyone will live happily ever after and that’s the last I’m gonna hear of this bullshit.

BRIT THE FUCK DID I JUST SAY

-I’m just heartfarting, GAWD

Yea you’re also about to fucking serenade him in front of Mel, have you legit lost your mind??? Is this how the rest of this year will go, me chasing you around cancelling your dumbass actions?

-Probably! lolol!

-Aww Brit, if there was an award for best couple, we would definitely win it <3

-Oh please, Gunther and I have you totally beat!

-Yea right Mel, bet you §10 me and Brit are gonna move in together before you and Gunther do!

-…So how you liking that pizza, Gunther?

-…Oh it’s good, Brit, thanks for asking.

Meanwhile it looks like my restless Jojo/Wyatt reconciliation efforts have finally borne fruit! Good job, Wyatt!

-It’s no job, I’m just following mon coeur!

Nice, follow it all the way to redemption!

YASSSS. I can’t stress enough how many times Wyatt had to apologize to get us to this point, I’m talking half their awake time for 3 days. God. The whole thing has been an extremely repetitive nightmare but finally we can put it to rest. Much like we put Frances! BURN IN HELL

Finally, the universe has responded to my desperate pleas. I will even forgive the creepy ass llama because for once the cheering is completely appropriate. Reunited and it feels so good! Especially for me because if I had to press the apologize button one more time istg.

Well.. The universe giveth and the universe taketh away. Literally can’t leave these dicks unsupervised for more than a minute before they start slutting it up. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO

-Oh oh oh oh oh OH, caught in a bad romance <3

STOP SINGING INTO EACH OTHER’S MOUTHS. It’s time for drastic measures. Gunther is obviously unfamiliar with the concept of decency but maybe there’s still hope for Brittany..

..especially after Daniel gives her a high-class romantic evening! Looking great, Dan. Please stop picking your teeth.

-I’m so uncomfortable, my hair hasn’t seen the light of day since I was a toddler! I’m putting my cap back on.

DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. Also suppress your gag reflex + every instinct in your body because it’s time-

-to hit Londoste! OOH LA LA

-Brit, I feel like we’re.. ridiculously overdressed.

-No such thing, darling!

-I’ll be having the filet mignon and a glass of the Veronaville ‘64, thank you.

-And I’ll be having chicken nuggets and a detailed report of the working conditions in this bourgie hellhole.

-DANIEL YOU PROMISED

-Let’s raise a glass to us and our magical evening together-

-Yes, and this delicious food, stained with the tears of the working farmhand-

-Daniel, please.

-My beloved ice queen, even though the diamond engagement ring “tradition” is another completely made up, SHAMELESS CAPITALIST SCAM, I just couldn’t bear the thought of wounding your gigantic, aggressively materialistic ego.. Marry me, my darling, be my Nadezhda!

-OH baby of course I’ll marry you! Everything before this moment doesn’t count, right?

-I mean.. sure?

-Great!

Yes, what a wonderful, subtle night.

-Oh Brit, you make me the happiest worker alive, which of course is a completely paradoxical state under capitalism!

AWW MEANT TO BE <3 Finally we can put that gross, freckled chapter behind us.

THAT’S RIGHT YOU BETTER RUN

-WOOO congrats for not cheating for an entire day, Gunther!

Our greek house is currently at a pathetic level 3 and it’s not hard to see why. As if the graves of Jojo’s former flames weren’t enough to put people off, imagine walking by and seeing this.

This shit is still going on and has reached the hate-boner point where these two have permanent wants to see each other’s ghost. So much for nice points!

Also going on: this bizzare, inexplicable feud that appeared literally out of nowhere.

-SHUT UP WYATT MAGIC ISN’T REAL

-IT SO IS MAGIQUE IS ALL AROUND US

Finals are upon us! Only one semester of this fuckery left. There are of course two kinds of people, the kind pictured above..

..and my peeps.

Gunther, who hasn’t done anything college related since we were back in the dorms and Blue Meatballs et al were writing his papers, somehow still has a 4.0 gpa. Wow Gunther, what’s your secret??

-It’s no secret, I banged the half-alien professor.

Oh right lmao. You’re looking pretty down boo, what’s wrong?

-Man idk, I’m struggling with what might be like.. legit feelings for Brit.

WHAT. WELL PUT THEM BACK WHERE THEY CAME FROM GUNTHER AND DRINK YOUR SORROWS AWAY LIKE AN ADULT. GOD

YOU TOO BRITTANY. ISTFG YOU ASSHOLES ARE NOT FUCKING THIS UP ANY FURTHER.

CAUSE HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LAST PERSON WHO WENT OFF SCRIPT. Looking good, Fran!

…………………………poor Brittany obviously suffered a stroke at some unspecified point in time. As if she didn’t have enough problems.

SO. CLOSE. We just have to get through this one semester without the entire charade imploding, is that too much to ask????

APPARENTLY YES. GODDAMMIT GUNTHER

-The heart wants what it wants.

What DOES it want tho, Selena, cause last time I checked you were in love with Mel you GIANT ASS

-Yea, hell if I know! Huhu!

IF I HEAR YOU PEOPLE HUHU ONE MORE TIME

In equally distressing news Mickey Dosser was passing by and I invited him in just to see if he would go straight for the bubbles, which he of course did..

..a move so irresistible that Wyatt had to stop and swoon over him literally in the middle of his millionth Jojo apology. I’ve honestly never had a sim court death as persistently as Wyatt, dude straight up WANTS TO DIE.

-HOW DARE YOU WALTZ IN HERE AND TRY TO SEDUCE MY BOYFRIEND RIGHT BEFORE MY VERY EYES YOU VILE DISGUSTING SLOB

-Wut

-GET. OUT. BEFORE I STUFF YOU AND PUT YOU ON MY PORCH FOR HALLOWEEN

-Wyatt.. I sensed it was you.

-Of course, Jojό <3 I got your message, why did you send a raven, I’m just upstairs-

-SILENCE. I invited you here, to my favorite place on this entire wretched planet, the center around which revolves my very existence..

-..to ask you a very important question that I want you to CAREFULLY consider, taking into account that you’re standing next to the graves of the last people to betray me..

-Wyatt Monif, you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. Almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance, I have come to feel for you a passionate admiration and regard, which despite all my struggles and your whoring around, has overcome every rational objection, and I beg you most fervently to relieve my suffering and consent to be my husband. Also to please ignore my brother woohooing in the hot tub behind us and ruining the moment.

-MON DIEU JOJÓ, OUI, OUI A THOUSAND TIMES OUI!! <3

-Wyatt.

-Oui? <3

-Please don’t make me murder you, ok? Promise?

-Never, Jojό!

AW, what a beautiful engagement you guys, I’m tearing up.

AND FINALLY, IT’S OVER. Gunther seriously graduated summa cum laude, how in the fucking world I legit dk but whatever!

The last supper.. The Union bros have all graduated and I’m gonna speed-play the rest through their last year. Also Daniel and Melody are bffs now, I didn’t even know they were talking but nice.

Time to go back where we came from! Ah, all grown up. It seems like yesterday they were toddlers surviving on cat food.

Brit is the youngest of the bunch and has the whole house to herself after Mel and Wyatt graduate, a situation she takes advantage of by ALMOST CHEATING WITH THE FUCKING LLAMA. BRIT ISTG

Finally, it’s time for Brit to leave our gross, incestuous cocoon. We’re gonna need a placeholder for the next generation tho, so as much as it pains me to say..

..it’s Frances time. Bitch literally scares Brit as she’s trying to resurrect him, way to make me doubt my merciful decision Fran!

Ugh great. Welcome back, Frances. I really did prefer you dead.

Yea, can’t make any promises there. I don’t know what kind of wave of kindness overcame me, but I felt bad for Fran being all alone so…

-I’M BACK BITCHES

Can’t believe we wasted 20k on these assholes but whatever. Time to grow up, Brit!

Oh yea, looking good! Taking the ‘on Wednesdays we wear pink’ rule to extreme lengths.

And we’re out of here, leaving the place in the capable hands of Fran and Ti-Ning, who immediately reconnect for a hot tub celebration of life.

So normally you’d think that would be the end of it and we’d get to the heir vote, right? RIGHT?

WRONG. Please bear with me through this incredible bullshit. So I’m taking the heir vote portraits, specifically Jojo’s, and everyone else is hanging around on the edges of this empty photoshoot lot, when suddenly the fight cloud appears. At first I think it’s Wyatt/Daniel aka business as usual but then I make the horrifying discovery that it’s.. DANIEL/BRIT.

As expected, the MINUTE I looked away, Gunther/Brit went for it in plain sight, leading to the eruption of a massive shitshow. I’m like ok w/e we’re basically in pre-heir vote limbo so it doesn’t count, I’ll just quit without saving. But THEN I take a look at Daniel’s panel.. AND SEE THIS:

I’ve literally no idea WTF HAPPENED, HOW IT HAPPENED, WHY, WHO MADE THE FIRST MOVE but the fact is that right after catching Gunther/Brit cheating, Melody and Daniel somehow got together even though they have never given any indication of being into each other and have one sole pathetic bolt. My best guess is 4-nice-points Melody went for it as a revenge but seriously WHAT THE FUCK

GOOD TIMES. At this point I’m obviously even more like ‘I’M GONNA QUIT WITHOUT SAVING’ so I’m just taking these pics for shits and giggles, but THEN I look at Gunther’s panel… and see probably the most disturbing want I’ve ever come across:

OK THEN. Reminder that Gunther’s secondary is PLEASURE so there’s literally no explanation for this shit except for legit. true love. As much planning as I did for these couples I’m like who am I to refuse A ROMANCE SIM’S engagement want???? I mean I also planned for Jojo to marry Frances and we all saw how that went. So I decide to save the game, even though it’s kinda unorthodox since it didn’t happen during actual gameplay but w/e, you just can’t ignore shit like that!!

So I revisit the lot the next day and am faced with a shitshow of cosmic proportions. The whole thing is like a bizzaro parallel universe, I mean you have Brit and Dan legit looking like they crossed over from the set of NLL..

..Gunther and Mel heartfarting over each other while also wanting to beat each other up..

..this torrid affair out in the open..

..AND WHATEVER THE FUCK THIS IS. I changed their turn-ons and now they have 3 bolts cause it felt like they really got the short end of the stick but I still can’t get over this bullshit happening in the first place. At least Jojo and Wyatt are having a good time! I guess at this point there’s only one thing left to do..

..simultaneous break ups! The couple that dumps their fiances together stays together.

Moving on to simultaneous crying/sighs of relief. If it seems like I’m halfassing this by not writing any dialogue it’s because I am, but I legit can’t, the whole situation is just too absurd to dramatize.

And now to complete the wife-swap..

Incredible. Now, hold on to your seats, everyone.. because the red ring memory..

IS NOT GUNTHER’S. WHAT IN THE NAME OF HELL. BRIT GOT A RED RING FROM HER ROMANCE SECONDARY BUT SOMEHOW GUNTHER DIDN’T??? Honestly I’m hardly a romantic but. TRUE LOVE. Or a glitch. Let’s go with true love.

And there you have it. The end of generation 1, which will live in the annals of history as the one where literally no one ended up with the person I had in mind for them and I might as well haven’t been there for all the control I had over these assholes.

NOW. TIME TO VOTE.

WHO WILL IT BE????

Head over to my lj for a handy guide to voting + the link to the poll. Thank you all for reading! <3

[rtf393q-latina]

Journal 5

This week I played Mystic Messenger, a Korean mobile visual novel game, released in 2016. I gather that a more literal translation of the Korean title might be “mysterious messenger,” which make sense because the premise of the game is that you download an app, which you don’t know much about, but which jumpstarts this narrative journey full of its own mysteries. Thus far, there have been no mystic elements to the story; photos the characters send have an urban contemporary feel, with recognizable markers of the everyday like public transit, ear buds, or ketchup bottles. Gameplay consists of selecting responses as you participate in the app’s chatrooms, get messages, emails, and phone calls from the characters in the game world, synchronized to your time zone, as if it were happening in real time. The most extensively used element is the chatroom, and a note on its aesthetic because it’s exceptional: in addition to drab bubble text, characters might send an animated emote, chibi image of themselves; they can briefly shake the screen with an angry face that blips in and out as an overlay of the chatroom; they also sometimes send their text in a bubble shaped expressively as a cat or a fluffy cloud, as if written on a cute stationary sticky note; finally, they will also send photos. In addition to the phone calls (recorded in Korean, but with English text to translate on screen), these emotive speech acts go a long way in both making the characters come to life and just in general making it fun and engaging to follow along. In the previous visual novel I played, clicking through text as it endlessly populated at the bottom of my screen in a uniform font would get tedious.

Interesting visualizations in the chatroom. (source)

The narrative and gameplay has three levels. The first, most openly marketed level, is the romantic simulation: there are 6 characters and you can play through to gain the love of one of them. The second level is that you and the 6 romanceable characters are part of an organization that is organizing a big charity party; to get a good ending, you must convince at least 10 guests, whose contact info you collect over time from the romanceable characters, to attend through choosing the right three replies to the potential guests’ emails. The third level is that you are slowly figuring out what happened: the person who had your organizing job before has died or at least disappeared under mysterious circumstances and the way you join the organization is also rather mysterious. So, on the third level, I assume you solve these mysteries. Before I realized the game would not save in the middle of the introductory segment, I ended up accidentally restarting the game 3 times. To keep from being bored, I really tested the different choice routes and got a bad ending right off the bat, thereby discovering that the person who adds me to the charity organization is a malicious-seeming hacker (and if I refuse to follow his instructions he threatens to end me or enslave me and the game ends—very dramatic—I expect more of this as this level of the story unfolds).

Main game screen, demonstrating the different mechanics. (source)

A word on the monetization. 3 romance routes are available from the get go; 2 you need to pay 80 hourglasses for; and for the last one you have to pay 300 hourglasses (there are also some additional dlc-s and one more romance route since the release, which all have an hourglass cost as far as I can tell, in the ~100 range). A guide I read claimed that by playing through each romance route in order, you win enough hourglasses to play the next tiers. This seems reasonable: you can pay money to play exactly the romance route you want right away, or you can invest your time to eventually get there. The other major application of the game’s hourglass currency is that you can pay 30 to unlock all of the chatrooms for one day; therefore, you are able to override the game’s scheduled gameplay and play them all at once or go back to ones you missed because you were not available to play when they opened up. Unlike the other visual novel I played, here money feels like a luxury rather than a necessity; I may be missing the 1am and 3am chatrooms, but I get a brief overview of the main points the characters discussed without me (I just miss sending replies and winning photos and their favor from giving the correct replies). Furthermore, every few hours I earn a randomized bonus and I’m slowly but steadily gaining hourglasses, making me feel like eventually I’ll be able to unlock things while still being free to play. Overall, the monetization feels less predatory as compared to the other visual novels I’ve played so far.

Main monetizated interactions. (source 1, source 2)

Initially, Mystic Messenger does not seem like the best game to discuss with this week’s readings. Rehak argues that “our extension through various media is predicated on the body as root metaphor” and “the body becomes an inescapable aspect of fantasized experience” (21). And in fact, the readings have to do with identifying with an on-screen body. In Mystic Messenger I do not have a game body because the game is in first person perspective. I can however pick a little picture to represent me in the app, much like in regular messenger and email apps. I will elaborate on this aspect in more depth.

The game offers 5 pictures to represent you, or you can upload your own. 4 of the pictures match visually in design with the romanceable characters, and the last is more stylistically exaggerated: an anthropomorphized unicorn with a giant head and enormous eyes. The other 4 only differ in hair color and hair style; 3 have luminescent pale skin and 1 has vaguely tan skin. Overall, I think these 4 pictures are conventionally attractive—light skin, young, thin. As Shaw notes, we can understand some of the creators’ intentions through analyzing the available images. Much like in Martey and Consalvo’s analysis of Second Life, light skin is normalized though these avatar choices. In picking these beautiful characters, players would be gravitating toward beauty like the Second Life players. The game does offer some counter choices, with the tanned character, the comical unicorn, and the choose your own options. I wonder if these singular alternatives only work to emphasize how they stray from the norm and highlight the normality of the 3 light skinned characters.

In order of the game, the first 4 avatars. (source)

To understand why people choose the avatars they do and whether they identify with them, Shaw argues we must use ethnographic methods, so I will try to breakdown my own choices and compare them to the relationships between players and avatars of Mystic Messenger found online. I was not concerned with the questions Martey and Consalvo tackle because I did not expect my choice in this single-player game to affect me functionally or socially. The unicorn suggested that the characters would not take the avatar as a representation of me, which set aside questions of social narrative and whether I would want to embrace or resist the group dynamics of the characters. These questions would not be influenced by my dress.

The unicorn avatar. (source)

I first lingered over the unicorn and considered the chose your option (until I remembered I blocked the app from accessing my photos and cameras; I tend to deny permissions unless I know how the app is explicitly using these things). The reason I moved away from more conventional characters I think has to do with my relationship to femininity. My preferred expression of female-ness tends toward the androgynous end of things and I mostly dislike overt markers of femininity, like pink, flowers, makeup, nail polish, jewelry, skirts, and long hair. Interestingly, I do not find the counter of these things any less feminine because I have a pretty firmly feminine self-conception, I just find things like big baggy pants and short hair have a much more interesting potential for femininity to explore for me personally. Given my relationship to femininity, I often find like Shaw notes that “texts meant to hail us as audience members can if fact distance us from them" (77). Mystic Messenger is in the otome genre of games targeted to women and the avatars reflect conventional femininity. This whole genre of games has initially alienated me because I do not get much from conventional femininity and I would have kept on not playing them were I not interested in why people like them for this class.

In the end I skipped over the unicorn because its long flowing hair and long eyelashes were too feminine for me. I briefly considered the darker skinned character with the shaggy hair because I felt her skin color and less polished hair style suited me better, but I felt reluctant to claim the darkest available skin color. In the end I landed on the blonde with short hair because her hair style looked like mine. Crucially, what I was so obsessed with was not that the character represents my body, but that the character represents my values related to femininity. The blonde was an imperfect choice for my goals, but I treated her from then on as just a picture because one needed to be there to represent me. I did not identify with her or imagine her as a character in the game; she might as well have been a bunny rabbit, in the words of Shaw’s test subjects. But, though the on-screen “body” did not matter to me, much like Shaw concludes about her subjects, the not mattering was a result of not having something that might matter. If there were a character design that I found genuinely cool, would I have identified with her and would it have improved the gameplay? I don’t think my avatar being a placeholder for me makes the game less enjoyable, and that much is supported in Shaw’s findings as well; nevertheless, finding a cool female character, something I feel passionate about because so many representations have been inadequate for me, would have been really special. 

Example of a player-uploaded image as an avatar. Could certainly be the actual player, but interestingly, looks like perhaps it is a Kpop star to me. Is this an idealized self? (source)

Screen grabs of Mystic Messenger online reveal that some people definitely put up a photo of themselves into the game. Ultimately I decided I do not like this because then you don’t match the aesthetic of the game and it doesn’t feel like you are a part of the game world. Although I could’ve put up an image that did represent all the things I wanted it to, it would’ve broken unity with the game for me.

I’ve also encountered fanart of the romanceable characters with a specific avatar from the initial 5 options, suggesting to me that some players do get attached to a specific image as a character and/or as a self-representation. I searched online if there was an “What your Mystic Messenger avatar says about you” article, and I did not find one, but I can see the choice being something that unites people in a common understanding/vision about the game. People like to choose identifiers, from clothing to objects and avatars. They like taking personality quizzes.

Fanart of Jumin, the game character, his cat Elizabeth III, and “Red MC” the avatar (source)

This brings me to back to a discussion of Rehak. Although he is interested in the difference between a camera-body and a game-body, he does elaborate on how the camera in both movies and games hails the viewer, giving them “a sense of literal presence, and a newly participatory role” (19). Although my physical presence in the game is very limited, the camera-like function of making the game like just another messenger app on my phone, fusing the game world with my real world through the phone interface, having the characters address me constantly, hails me as a participant in the game. Seeing them react to my responses is pleasurable and I can recognize myself as a bodily participant in the game. (They also constantly ask if I’ve eaten, or if I’m sleeping, showing concern for and calling into being my physical existence.) At the same time, the reflection is never perfect and never will be, especially for games like this where your response is a selection out of two or three options. But there’s something fun about that failure to match. The potential of my physical self existing differently is evoked. (There are some overlaps here with Munoz’s disidentification as discussed in the Shaw.) As Rehak describes it, “"players derive pleasure from avatarial instability. On the most basic level, avatars enable players to think through questions of agency and existence, exploring in fantasy form aspects of their own materiality" (21). More succinctly, my non-self in the game allows me to "toy with subjectivity, play with being" (21) in a way that is harder in real life. Moreover, going beyond the acknowledgment from Shaw that players can enjoy roleplaying their avatars rather than identifying with them, Rehak’s statement prompts me to consider the fun of the physical experience of my body as part of the game. Yes, there are many moments that remind me that the game is imaginary and allow me to play with my identity because I can be someone else in the game; however, there are also interesting, fleeting moments that hail me as a material being that are very interesting. For Rehak clearly these moments can happen both in the third person and in the first person. In the third person seeing your avatar die and recognizing it as an extension of the body may have an effect. It’s also interesting though, how the first person can play more directly with that visceral-ity. It’s something I want to explore more later.

As a final tidbit: reminding me of our discussion about the goose, people sure got a big kick out of imagining the unicorn as an animal character in the game world. Perhaps the real work that remains to be done on avatars and identification is what we do with animals (and furrys).

(Source 1 2 3)

[fly-pow-bye]

Powerpuff Girls 2016 - “Mini Golf Madness“

Written by: Haley Mancini

Written & Storyboarded by: Alicia Chan, Grace Kraft

Directed by: Nick Jennings, Bob Boyle

Mulligans are not necessary here.

The episode starts with an establishing shot of Wooly’s Ragtime Mini Golf, the Wooly’s clearly being a replaced word. Totally Not Old Man McGucket, or Wooly for short, tells everyone to have a “golf-tastic time”. Then he gets hit by the Wooly’s sign, revealing that it used to be owned by Rico. Is there a point to this? There might be, but it's never outright stated.

The golf course is filled with animatronics of 1930′s cartoon characters...and Top Cat! A very rare appearance of a Hanna-Barbera character not named Scooby Doo on modern Cartoon Network. I wish it was less rare. Unforunately, these robots are breaking down too easy, which could be our first hint that’s something is not quite right about this place. Bubbles doesn’t seem to mind, though. It’s still cute to her.

Buttercup plays a round of mini-golf, with her sisters helping out. Bubbles is the wind checker, checking the wind using her pigtails. Blossom is keeping score, and because she’s a nerd, she also suddenly talks about the history of the golf course. It was based on the characters from an old 1930′s cartoon called Owly Boop, an obvious parody of Betty Boop. Before Blossom can talk more exposition than necessary, Buttercup shoos her away while she readies her shot.

It lands in in animatronic’s trumpet, which then breaks down, dropping the ball right into the hole. Blossom tells Buttercup that her score is a -7. Buttercup scoffs that her score is a negative number because she’s doing so great, but Blossom reminds her that negative scores in golf are a good thing.

Buttercup: Well, it’s time for Buttercup to do terrible!

Too easy. Also, running gag.

After a montage of Buttercup “doing terrible“, Buttercup faces a giant animatronic Owly Boop at the “Final Hole“. Buttercup has gained enough of a crowd to get the janitor to act as a commentator, because she’s the first person at this mini-golf place to ace every hole so far. Judging by, this is her first try, too.

She swings super hard at the golf ball, making it fly. It hits the animatronic’s ear, an airplane, and a generic sign that says “Generic Sign“. The animators couldn’t get rid of the placeholders in time. It lands right between Owly Boops’ legs, rolling right into the hole.

Bubbles, now acting like the reporter as the janitor is busy with this episode’s poop joke, congratulates Buttercup on her first time perfect game, and asks her what she’s going to do next. Unfortunately, since this is Cartoon Network and not something that owns world famous theme parks, they can’t complete the obvious reference. Instead, Buttercup says she’s going to take her game-winning lucky ball back home.

Wooly isn’t too fond of that plan, as this golf place was built before the concept of having a final hole that is essentially a glorified ball return place. He menacingly tells the girls that all balls must be returned...OR ELSE! Buttercup asks, but he’d rather keep it a secret. He then does a villain laugh, because he's the suspicious guy!

Buttercup goes up to the ball return place, assuring Blossom that she’s a good girl and that she’ll return it like the man says. Of course, Buttercup has a diffterent plan. She just happens to have a gumball in the same shape as one of the mini-golf balls...which she then starts chewing so she can think harder. I’ll admit, that’s an okay joke.

Buttercup’s actual plan is to steal one of Bubbles’ reboot pigtail beads and use one of the blue balls as the replacement. Hey, they finally made Bubbles’ new design useful! We get an ominous shot of the Owly Boop robot opening its eyes while the Powerpuff Girls talk about how creepy Wooly and his course is, making it a bit too obvious what’s going to happen next.

Buttercup cherishes her lucky golf ball, as she and her sisters go to bed. While sleeping, Blossom hears a big explosion. Apparently, even Blossom has gotten used to the lack of crimefighting in this series, as she thinks the explosion was Bubbles farting. Bubbles says it wasn’t her, and then she actually farts. Because this is a piece of children’s media in 2017. I’m surprised there isn’t a pee joke to complete the trifecta.

Blossom tells Buttercup to get out of bed, and she wakes up the other two to show them what she’s seeing:

A shadowy giant singing robot that looks oddly familiar destroying the city. The Powerpuff Girls get out of bed and tear off their pajamas, revealing their usual clothes. Yes, they do apparently shed off their bare feet to reveal their shoes. Don’t even ask how.

It turns out, it’s the giant robot Owly Boop that guarded the last hole on the golf course, tearing apart the city in search for something missing. In her words, which she sings in the style of Betty Boop:

Owly Boop: Hooty-hoot, who’s got it? Hooty-hoot, who’s got it?

She dances around, sings in a jazzy style, and there’s shots like the one above, which fits with the Betty Boop theme of the character. Mostly, she just lifts buildings, leading to jokes like comforting a man who felt his room was too stuffy with that pesky ceiling, and the classic “reveal a woman bathing, causing her to scream“ joke. This is a throwback episode, so it fits.

Highlighting one scene in particular, the robot lifts City Hall like one of those step-on garbage cans to find what she’s looking for, grabbing the Mayor. This leads to The Mayor commenting that she looks just like Ms. Bellum except for her face. I’m glad that Ms. Bellum isn’t completely forgotten, though comparing her to a Betty Boop parody tells me they still don't see her for her personality.

He then cries, because he misses her, with Bubbles having to comfort him. Later on, there’s a cutaway where Bubbles reads him a bedtime story in the same way Ms. Bellum did in one of the flashbacks in Bye Bye Bellum. A more obvious callback to a previous episode? Who would have thought that would happen?

Blossom immediately knows what’s going on, and tells Buttercup that this is happening because she stole the golf ball. Buttercup tells Blossom that she earned it by being "terrible", and says she would do the same thing in her position. To Blossom, she's the epitome of morality, and she would never steal a thing. Guess she forgot about those golf clubs.

Buttercup, not willing to give up her lucky golf ball, decides to do what she actually does worst: actually beating up monsters in this reboot. To be fair, even in the original, if it would break the story, the Powerpuff Girls could, and should, not defeat the Monster of the Week. Catastrophe? The slime monster keeps reforming. Uh Oh Dynamo? Better have that monster be suddenly invincible so they can get in the robot!

The main issue, and I've written this before, is the lack of contrast. There's very little Girls Punch, Monster Down to establish the Powerpuff Girl's powers in the reboot, unlike the original where episodes often open with Townsville under attack and the Powerpuff Girls saving the day. It's a good thing Cartoon Network's website has original episodes as well, or we might forget that the Powerpuff Girls are supposed to be ultra-super-powerful.

Of course, robot kick, girl down. Womp womp, hooty-hoot-hoo. The way she does it isn’t too bad, though: she telescopes her legs to the sky, and then while Buttercup is confused, she kicks him in a way resembling Betty Boop’s dance moves. I like the way the robot is animated in this episode; I wish I made more GIFs.

Wooly shows up, not really concerned that one of his animatronics is destroying the town, but is concerned that whippersnapper is a thief. He tells Buttercup robot will not stop until what she has stolen returns. Huh, he sure seems to know a lot for being an innocent golf guy. He does a lot of evil laughs, too.

Despite everything, Buttercup still feels that she doesn’t need to give up that golf ball that she earned. Besides, it’s not like the city is totally destroyed! Cue the ironic panorama shot!

Wah, wah, wah, waaah.

Buttercup, having no choice, goes on top of a ceiling. She asks Bubbles to check the wind speed, and it’s apparently so strong that it blows Bubbles away. I guess the Powerpuff Girls are now weaker than wind. Buttercup repeats the same golf ball bounces everywhere gag from before, and the ball lands right into her mouth, shutting her down.

They all get ready for the once-an-episode apology scene, until the robot comes back to life with the startling twist! I won't entirely spoil it here, but you can add this episode to the massive pile of episodes that make Blossom look foolish.

Foolish enough for a wah-wah trumpet!

I will give this episode credit: despite consantly making him seem that way, they never really out Wooly as the villain that's the cause of all of this. This episode actually leaves an interpretation to the viewer, and that’s actually nice in a reboot not familiar with the word “subtlety“.

Does the title fit?

Madness is caused by a stolen mini-golf ball.

How does it stack up?

I didn't come to this episode expecting much, but I left rather surprised. The Owly Boop robot is charming, some of the jokes actually work, and it's great to see an episode involving superheroics. In Buttercup's way of thinking, this episode is "terrible". In other words, it's good. Wrap your head around that one.

Next week, the Bro Sharks. Oh, (Man)boy.

← A Star Is Blossom ☆ Summer Bummer →

[bharatiyamedia-blog]

Galaxy Fold delay, day 33: Samsung's foldable telephone could not promote in June in any case

http://tinyurl.com/y5frtpdn  It has been greater than a month since Samsung pulled its deliberate sale of the Galaxy Fold, the primary foldable telephone by any main model. The corporate delayed its $1,980 luxury device on April 22, however the Galaxy Fold’s future is something however clear. Best Buy has canceled its Fold preorder sales, casting doubt on Samsung’s ability to ship its foldable device in June, a timeframe urged by an email AT&T sent in April to its preorder customers. Regardless of studies that Samsung has discovered a repair to the screen breaks, flickering and bulges beneath the screen — and the peace of mind from cell chief DJ Koh that the Fold’s US launch “will not be too late” — the corporate has but to announce a brand new sale or rollout plan. Samsung’s relative silence has allowed it to work on Fold fixes behind the scenes whereas Android rival Huawei’s dangerous luck eclipses its personal. Huawei, the world’s second-largest telephone maker behind Samsung, faces a profound menace to its enterprise as a cascade of corporations ban it after President Trump signed an executive order naming Huawei as a “foreign adversary.” Even with its Galaxy Fold in hassle, Samsung has the most to gain from Huawei’s woes. The final agency message from Samsung was an e-mail telling preorder prospects that it will robotically cancel their Galaxy Fold order by May 31 in the event that they did not resubscribe. Which means Samsung is asking so that you can decide in once more when you’re nonetheless , and will not cost your bank card when you change your thoughts between now and the top of the month.  Samsung says its Galaxy Fold remains to be coming. Angela Lang/CNET In the meantime, Google help for Android on foldable telephones remains to be full steam forward (scroll down for extra), which means that whereas telephones that bend in half are on pause, loads of work remains to be going into the idea of foldable telephones.  CNET’s Galaxy Fold display remained undamaged throughout our evaluation interval. AT&T and T-Cell didn’t reply to contemporary requests for remark concerning the Fold’s timeline launch. Nicely, that is awkward… Samsung’s Galaxy Fold delay places Samsung in an ungainly place. Because the world’s largest telephone maker and the the first major brand to announce a foldable telephone, Samsung’s status as an innovator is using on the Fold, particularly after such a spectacular unveiling on Feb. 20.  Nonetheless, since studies of the Fold’s display points emerged, enthusiasm for the Fold has pale, following Twitter and Reddit exercise that forged blame on everybody from Samsung for rushing the Galaxy Fold to the reviewers themselves, two of whom hastened the meltdown of their evaluation items by peeling off a plastic movie it seems they have been by no means speculated to (the function of this layer was by no means clearly communicated to reviewers).  Now taking part in: Watch this: Our Galaxy Fold did not break. Here is what’s good and… 10:12 Samsung’s troubles underscore simply how dangerous and fragile the idea of a foldable telephone actually is. Foldable telephones signify a brand new kind of gadget that is meant to maximise display measurement with out increasing the general measurement of the gadget. The tech large needed to prepared the ground, burnishing its status as an innovator within the telephone’s transition to the subsequent massive factor.  Till Samsung and different manufacturers can allay consumers’ fears, the way forward for foldable telephones hangs precariously within the steadiness. Intense criticism could damage future gross sales and shake client confidence within the idea of foldable phones normally.  The Galaxy Fold’s probability to guide the rising class might come underneath hearth if consumers flip their backs on the modern design, or go for a rival mannequin comparable to Huawei’s Mate X, TCL’s upcoming designs or a rumored foldable telephone just like the Motorola Razr. Learn: Galaxy Fold “loss” could be Mate X’s and foldable Motorola Razr’s gain What is going on on with this Galaxy Fold delay? Samsung nonetheless hasn’t mentioned when the Galaxy Fold will probably be able to go on sale within the US, however AT&T emailed its preorder prospects with a new shipping date of June 13, although we do not know if this was a placeholder date or a agency dedication. T-Cell and Samsung did not share any extra particulars once we requested — neither did AT&T. Samsung had initially promised to supply extra info to preorders after two weeks. It did, however with out a actual timeline. The corporate did give preorders a option to renew their subscription or cancel their Fold orders. If the Galaxy Fold would not ship by Could 31 and the order wasn’t renewed, Samsung will robotically cancel it. Samsung will not cost you till the telephone is within the mail. Here is Samsung’s e-mail: Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET What occurred to the Fold evaluation items within the first place? Images of the broken telephones ranged from a totally blacked-out display to a bubbled gadget, and one with a portion of the display white and the opposite half blacked out. That leaves curious consumers and those that preordered the telephone ready for solutions: What went fallacious? Will this have an effect on all Folds or simply this early run? The place can consumers flip if one thing occurs to their Fold? The Fold has a horizontal clamshell design, the place exhausting glass halves shut like a guide to guard a young 7.3-inch plastic show inside. Samsung even features a case within the Galaxy Fold field as additional armor for the glass exterior, in case you drop the telephone. There could also be a selected motive that a number of the telephones got here to hurt. Two reviewers skilled a complete display failure once they eliminated a skinny plastic movie that runs alongside the Galaxy Fold’s display. There is a slim hole between this movie and the bezel-edge of the show, which has led to confusion concerning the nature of the movie.  Now taking part in: Watch this: Samsung Galaxy Fold issues defined 3:56 It is not instantly apparent if the plastic layer belongs to the telephone or if it is the movie you generally see on gadgets to maintain screens smudge- and lint-free throughout transport and storage. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman came upon the exhausting approach that the latter wasn’t the case. He tweeted this about his evaluation unit final week: “The display on my Galaxy Fold evaluation unit is totally damaged and unusable simply two days in. Exhausting to know if that is widespread or not.” YouTube reviewer Marques “MKBHD” Brownlee had the same expertise after peeling the layer off his Galaxy Fold evaluation unit.  PSA: There is a layer that seems to be a display protector on the Galaxy Fold’s show. It is NOT a display protector. Do NOT take away it. I acquired this far peeling it off earlier than the show spazzed and blacked out. Began over with a alternative. pic.twitter.com/ZhEG2Bqulr — Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) April 17, 2019 “PSA: There is a layer that seems to be a display protector on the Galaxy Fold’s show,” he tweeted. “It is NOT a display protector. Do NOT take away it.” However the protecting movie is not the one supply of Samsung’s early troubles. CNBC’s Todd Haselton experienced screen flickering on the left aspect of his evaluation gadget. The Verge’s Dieter Bohn additionally had points, with Bohn’s display forming a bulge beneath the floor. On Tuesday, YouTube reviewer Michael “Mr. Cell” Fisher additionally found a bump beneath his Galaxy Fold display. Learn: The Galaxy Fold can’t have this one useful thing These studies of a defective Galaxy Fold are a nightmare state of affairs for Samsung, the primary main model to promote a foldable telephone. The Fold — which has a 4.6-inch display on the skin, a bendable 7.3-inch display on the within and a virtually $2,00zero price ticket — is a significant danger for the tech large. Ought to I be apprehensive? Whereas the reported issues make the affected Galaxy Fold unusable, they don’t seem to be harmful, not like the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7, which was discovered to overheat and typically catch hearth. What’s Samsung doing to repair the issue? We’re conscious that Samsung is doing three issues: Investigating damaged gadgets. Reinforcing the interior plastic screens for last manufacturing items. Clarifying packaging to speak with Fold homeowners to not peel off a protecting display layer. Samsung mentioned in a press release, “We’ll take measures to strengthen the show safety. We can even improve the steering on care and use of the show together with the protecting layer in order that our prospects get essentially the most out of their Galaxy Fold.” Now taking part in: Watch this: Individuals strive the Galaxy Fold for the primary time 5:50 As well as, we have requested Samsung what it thinks occurred, if consumers can really feel assured that their Folds will not break, and the way Samsung will make it clear what future Fold homeowners ought to and should not do to guard their telephones. To this point Samsung hasn’t addressed these particular questions, however has mentioned that Fold homeowners ought to contact Samsung buyer care (1-800-SAMSUNG) in the event that they expertise any issues. We hope to get a couple of extra particulars earlier than the foldable gadgets go on sale.  Learn: Sucking up to buyers might be Samsung’s best way out of this Galaxy Fold mess What does this Fold incident imply for Google Android help? Google’s support for the category of foldable phones is unwavering. At its annual Google I/O conference on Could 7, Google’s Senior Android Director, Stephanie Saad Cuthbertson, mentioned that foldable telephones “open up a whole new class which, although early, would possibly simply change the way forward for cell computing.”  Android Q, the upcoming refresh of Google’s cell working system, will deal with App Continuity, the software program that helps telephones just like the Galaxy Fold shortly transfer an lively app from one display and orientation to a different, say from a small display on the skin to a bigger display on the within and again once more, with out lacking a beat. Since builders do not usually make their apps for foldable screens, standardized developer instruments and greatest practices will assist make these apps work higher on foldable screens.  Google’s ongoing function right here means that the Fold’s points are a pothole, fairly than a roadblock, on the trail to foldable telephone designs. What is that this movie layer thingamajiggy everybody’s speaking about?    Let’s deal with the movie layer first. I had acquired my evaluation unit on Monday morning, then shot an unboxing video, and apprehensive that I had forgotten to take off this plastic layer — what would the YouTube viewers say?!  Seems, what appears to be like like a paper-thin sheet of plastic protecting the foldable telephone’s 7.3-inch show is a protecting layer that is essential to serving to hold the telephone damage-free. You’ll be able to see the sides of that layer right here, on my evaluation unit: Look intently and you’ll see a skinny line hugging the display simply past the bezel. That is the protecting layer that Samsung desires to stay firmly in place. Angela Lang/CNET OK, so now we’re clear: No matter you do, do not peel again this movie. It is a part of the display and dangerous issues occur whenever you take away it. However once more, the protecting layer is not the entire story, as a result of two different reviewers, Haselton and Bohn, mentioned that they did not take away the movie, and nonetheless had issues that rendered the Fold unusable. So what is going on on? What is the cope with the Galaxy Fold’s display? The Galaxy Fold has a very completely different display setup than some other telephone. There is a 4.6-inch show on the skin that is coated with Gorilla Glass — that is the identical as different Galaxy phones just like the S10 and S10 Plus ($886 at Amazon). However inside, the display is fabricated from a plastic (polymer) materials that Samsung calls its Infinity Flex Display. Samsung created this with a brand new course of and particular adhesives to face up to the display’s bending and flexing with out breaking. The display protector layer is supposed to stay in place to forestall injury to the show beneath — that is the factor that really makes your “display” mild up. With out the hardness of glass to cowl the fragile show, the Fold is extra susceptible, one thing that is turn out to be vividly obvious. What it is like to look at Netflix on the Galaxy Fold Angela Lang/CNET Is there one thing completely different concerning the evaluation telephones? Sure. Reviewers acquired early manufacturing fashions. Which means these aren’t the ultimate evaluation items, and may very well be vulnerable to sure points that Samsung might need the chance to repair earlier than the Fold reaches consumers’ fingers. For instance, I used to be instructed that my evaluation unit is an unlocked European model that does not help US companies like Bixby Voice, Samsung Well being and Samsung Pay. Likewise, I used to be warned that decision high quality is perhaps compromised as a result of the telephone is not optimized to US bands. Whereas I am absolutely testing this evaluation unit of the Galaxy Fold, I’m withholding a score till I obtain the ultimate manufacturing mannequin CNET ordered. Now taking part in: Watch this: Watch Samsung’s Galaxy Fold stress take a look at 1:02 Did Samsung say you are not speculated to take away the movie? It is not clear if Samsung totally briefed each reviewer who acquired a telephone concerning the display protector layer. There was no instruction in my field — no literature in any respect, in actual fact — but in addition no different indication, like a pull tab, that you need to take away it. I nearly did anyway. As a reviewer, I wish to expertise the telephone as “clear” as doable. Which means every part I can peel off goes to come back off. I emailed Samsung for extra details about this layer on Tuesday. A spokesperson responded, “Galaxy Fold is manufactured with a particular protecting layer. It isn’t a display protector — don’t try to take away it.” 100% did the identical actual factor and the within display spazzed. There needs to be a PSA or writing within the field. — Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) April 17, 2019 The corporate additional elaborated its place: “Just a few reviewers reported having eliminated the highest layer of the show inflicting injury to the display. The principle show on the Galaxy Fold includes a high protecting layer, which is a part of the show construction designed to guard the display from unintended scratches. Eradicating the protecting layer or including adhesives to the primary show could trigger injury. We’ll guarantee this info is clearly delivered to our prospects.” Samsung added this assertion as effectively:  “The protecting layer is a part of the show construction designed to guard the display from unintended scratches. The principle show of the Galaxy Fold is made with a brand new, superior polymer layer and adhesive that is versatile and hard sufficient to endure repeated folding actions. As a result of the primary show is made with polymer, the additional protecting layer is in place to protect towards impression. It is constructed into the show which is why it shouldn’t be eliminated by drive. Shoppers who discover that the protecting layer shouldn’t be built-in on the show ought to contact Samsung buyer care at 1-800-SAMSUNG as quickly as doable to keep away from any further injury to the show.” Desmond Smith, director of artistic content material and a tech evangelist at T-Mobile, tweeted that the service’s last manufacturing fashions will include a warning on the wrap that goes over the Galaxy Fold’s display: However peeling off the Fold’s display layer is not the one subject  Whereas eradicating the plastic movie prompted an issue for some, it is not solely clear what the protecting movie does or how its removing pertains to the display’s conduct. Do not forget that two of the reviewers stored the protector on. Bohn and Fisher suspect {that a} piece of mud or particles could have turn out to be lodged underneath the display to create the bulge he felt, and a slight distortion on the Fold’s floor. Haselton, in the meantime, noticed a persistent display flicker over the left half of the display. We all know that two batteries, one on all sides, work in live performance to kind a single energy supply. I am not {an electrical} or chemical engineer, however I’m wondering if that would point out a battery subject. Hopefully we’ll all discover out a technique or one other. At any charge, the Galaxy Fold’s dangerous design has created some inconsistencies that would injury its early manufacturing telephones and its status. The telephone comes with this protecting layer/movie. Samsung says you aren’t speculated to take away it. I eliminated it, not realizing you’re not speculated to (customers gained’t know both). It appeared detachable within the left nook, so I took it off. I consider this contributed to the issue. pic.twitter.com/fU646D2zpY — Mark Gurman (@markgurman) April 17, 2019 Why are bendable screens fabricated from plastic within the first place? Proper now, glass would not bend so effectively. That is one thing that Corning — the maker of Gorilla Glass, which covers most high-end telephones — is working on. Do not anticipate bendable glass to avoid wasting second-gen foldable telephones, although. It will not be prepared for a while. Anything? Sadly there is not far more we all know or can do at this level, aside from wait. CNET is holding an in depth eye on he story and can proceed to replace you with additional developments. Now taking part in: Watch this: The bendable glass that’s shaping as much as cowl foldable… 4:06 Initially printed April 17, 2019. Up to date most not too long ago Could 29 at 2:54 p.m. PT: Provides extra element. Source link

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What’s New for Designers, February 2019

Get ready to create a new list of bookmarks! The new tools featured this month are perfect for saving; some of them you’ll want to come back to over and over, such as a security checklist, cool background maker and a season-specific typeface.

If we’ve missed something that you think should have been on the list, let us know in the comments. And if you know of a new app or resource that should be featured next month, tweet it to @carriecousins to be considered!

DiceBear Avatars

DiceBear Avatars allows you to create placeholder avatars in cool block style. You can create characters or identicons using the free HTTP API.

React Insta Stories

React Insta Stories is a namesake component that allows you to create Instagram or Snapchat stories on the web. Install it with npm and use an array of image URLS. It takes care of duration and the loading indicator.

Sheety

Sheety lets you turn any Google sheet into an API. It’s free and you can use it to power websites, apps or whatever. Plus, anything you change in the originating spreadsheet, updates to the API in real-time.

Minisearch

Minisearch is a tiny but powerful in-memory fulltext search engine for JavaScript. It is respectful of resources, and it can comfortably run both in Node and in the browser. The demo search (below) is fun. I was able to search my name as it pertained to all of the Billboard Hot 100 from 1965 to 2015.

Lobe

Lobe will let your web app learn through a visual interface. It can read handwriting, see emotion and hear music. Join the beta to find out what this deep learning app can do for your projects.

Bubble Toggle

Bubble Toggle is a fun pen by Chris Gannon that features a toggle button with a trendy bubble switch.

Textblock

Textblock is a JavaScript tool that helps you adjust leading and size to create more beautiful responsive typography. It works by calculating a setting based on minimum and maximum values for font size, line height, variable grades and container width.

SocialSizes

SocialSizes solves a common problem: Finding the right template and sizing for social media images. The tool includes templates for Sketch, Adobe XD and Photoshop for common social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, Pinterest and Twitch. It’s one of those tools that just makes life that much easier.

Awesome Podcast

Awesome Podcast might help you find your new favorite show to listen to while working. The list is a compilation of podcasts for software engineers. (And it’s grouped in such a great way to you can find something to listen to about JavaScript or PHP or Ruby or web development or any number of other topics.)

Palette App

Palette App is designed to help you build smooth color schemes, where hues flow from one color to the next. The toggles and tools let you fine tune hue, saturation and gradients. You can bring in color palettes from other places and test them or create a new palette right in the app.

Photo Creator

Photo Creator is a tool that lets you create your own stock photos. (Seriously!) Mix and match models backgrounds and objects to get just the picture you need for projects. Export images (free and paid options) for use online and in print.

Snippet Generator

Snippet Generator lets you create code snippets and copy for quick use. The tool toggles between VSCode, Sublime Text and Atom. It is a tiny React app.

SVRF Developers

SVRF Developers lets users search face filters, 360 videos and 360 photos and is free to use on all types of apps from cameras, to messaging to chat or community. What’s cool about the tool is that it helps your users find more AR and VR web experiences.

Can’t Unsee

Can’t Unsee is a design skills game. Are you brave enough to pick the right iteration designs on the screen?

JournalBook

JournalBook is a private – and offline – personal journal. While the tool is filled with prompts to help you get started, your notes and thoughts are stored on your device. It’s a cool concept if you want to practice a little journaling.

Animated Mesh Lines

Animated Mesh Lines is a cool set of five WebGL demos over on the Codrops Playground. The library helps you understand how to create customer geometry to create an interesting graphic style.

Childhood Flat Icons

Childhood Flat Icons is a fun set of elements that will make you feel like a kid again. The collection includes 100 icons that show the development of a child with representations plus plenty of toys and child-like elements. It comes in AI, SVG and PNG formats.

Security Checklist

Security Checklist is a must-have tool. It is an open source list with everything you need to know about keeping yourself and your identity safe on the internet. How many of these things are you already doing?

BG-Painter

BG-Painter is a fun tool to create animated (or still background images). Just start with one of the preset “paint” options and change colors to fit your project. And everything you create is free to use as you like thanks to creator Frank Hsu.

Static Site Boilerplate

Static Site Boilerplate is a starting point for building modern static websites. It includes all the tech you need, then add your code and deploy your website. It’s that easy (kind of).

UXWing

UXWing might have every icon you’ll ever need. It’s a massive collection of scalable icons for web design and front-end development. Just search for what you need and download.

Startup Illustration Kit

Startup Illustration Kit gives you the tools to tell your company story visually, even when you don’t have a lot of photos or elements to showcase your small business. Use it to create a full set of characters to tell your tale. The kit has 30 illustrations with their own characters.

Lindas

Lindas is a free-for-personal use font with a full set of upper- and lowercase letters and numerals. It has a more masculine script style that’s widely appropriate.

Lorden Holen

Lorden Holen is your simple (and lovely) font for Valentine’s Day. It’s light and connected with just the right feel for love. The glyphs have some great personality as well.

Reno Mono

Reno Mono is a monospaced font with a modern style. What’s especially nice about it is that it has more personality than many other similar options and feels more usable, thanks to a rather modern take on monospacing. Plus, this free font is readable at small sizes.

US Blaak

US Blaak is a fun slab-style font with a great black weight for display. Each letter in this premium serif style has sharp strokes and interesting angles.

Venn

Venn is a beautiful typeface family with 25 styles and five widths and weights. The great variation in this premium family makes is great for almost any use, from body copy to display.

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Source p img {display:inline-block; margin-right:10px;} .alignleft {float:left;} p.showcase {clear:both;} body#browserfriendly p, body#podcast p, div#emailbody p{margin:0;} What’s New for Designers, February 2019 published first on https://medium.com/@koresol