#bristled 110% of the time

[myymi]

i feel bad for tails

he's a critter that is very hands on with affection but his closest siblings are a bunch of pincushions so his love comes at a price he must burden

[the-insomniac-emporium]

SWORDTEMBER '24, DAY 21: PINK

Item ID: PT-2421 Item Name: Radiant Pink Flameblade Category: A-2, B-6 Origin Point: Order of Radiance Headquarters, Spiral Center Owner: Callia Gionne Description: A large, wave-patterned sword, meant for wielding with two hands. The blade itself is approximately 110 cm in length, with a handle of 22 cm. In line with the style of sword, the blade’s edge is undulating. Both sides are exceptionally sharp. Almost every part of the item is a bright, metallic pink, with only a few decorative straps of cloth breaking up the color. An unnatural warmth emanates from the item, strongest along the center, which seemingly grows hotter the longer the item is observed. Testing proved inconsistent, with the FPA’s scanners behaving erratically in the item’s presence. Despite this, it is not classified as an artifact, and is merely imbued with arcane energy. When wielded by a member of the Order of Radiance, the heat can be channeled into a bright pink flame that engulfs the blade (but does not extend past the guard). Acting Supervisor’s Notes: Callia might be the tallest person I’ve ever met. Helps that she’s not human, obviously, but the photo in her contact file did not prepare me for that meeting. Seems like nobody else was prepared, either, with the way half of the office was fawning over her by the end of the day. No one crossed any boundaries, but for a few moments there I was worried we might get a “demonstration” of Callia’s combat prowess.

-----

Director Neimorre had called this a “delicate situation”, fueled by “cultural differences” and “a sense of duty bordering on religious fanaticism”. According to her, that made this a perfect final test for Cynthia. If this “debacle” can be resolved without causing an interplanetary incident (or having to file any employee injury reports), then she’ll officially get the job as Supervisor. Naturally, all the warnings she received caused no end of anxiety for Cynthia, as she made her way towards the loading bay to meet with the item’s irate owner.

What she found was a giantess of a woman, with four arms that look strong enough to lift a truck, wearing ceremonial armor. She was standing to the side, face scrunched up as if she was fighting back tears. A few dock workers were scurrying around, trying to get their jobs done, each giving the knight a wide berth. If Callia cared, she did not show it, instead opted to turn her glowing eyes towards Cynthia. In an instant the room seems to grow several degrees hotter.

“Lady Callia Gionne, I presume? It’s an honor to meet a blademaster of your renown,” Cynthia opens, wanting to get things off to a good start. Complimenting the woman’s skills seemed like the best way to begin, considering her profession. The Order of Radiance lauded themselves as some of the greatest warriors in the universe. Their numbers are limited, no more than a few dozen Lords and Ladies at any given time, with most planetary governments believing it to be a great honor to be visited by one… as long as they weren’t there to enact justice.

“I care not for your backless praises, Acting Supervisor. I demand that my blade be returned to me, promptly, or I will be forced to retrieve it. Have I made myself clear?” Callia all but growls the words, not stepping closer but still maintaining a rigid posture. Several employees in the room beyond are very clearly attempting to busy themselves in order to avoid walking past the Lady. To her credit, Cynthia neither flinches nor scowls at the lightly veiled threats.

“I’m afraid I cannot comply with your request,” Cynthia answers, calmly. As anticipated, the Lady bristles, talking one step forward and beginning to raise a pointed hand towards her. Before she can make any further moves, Cynthia puts a hand up in the near universal gesture for stop. Few would dare do such a thing to a Lady of the Radiance- which is exactly what makes Callia freeze in place.

Her head tilts to the side, her mandibles twitching, glowing eyes narrowing to appraise the bold human in front of her. A moment passes before her posture straightens once more. Then she huffs, giving a slight nod to indicate that Cynthia has earned a chance to explain herself.

“Although I cannot claim to be an expert on your order, or any others like it, I have… experience with warriors, with masters of the blade. Few others among Katal’s government will have the slightest inkling of understanding. But I know the bond you share with your blade- it is much the same bond my partner shares with her own,” Cynthia begins, already noticing some of the tension easing away. “Returning your blade to you is my goal, but you must understand that there are necessary steps to undertake before I do so. Otherwise, you’ll risk further delays and issues with higher authorities. They will not offer you the same patience as I do, regardless of your status within the Order. If you wish a swift and permanent return of your weapon, you must cooperate. Understood?”

There’s another pause. This time the tension is thicker, covering them like an eclipse, the silence beating down on them. But it does not last, as the giantess takes a deep breath before releasing a hearty laugh, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Quite the bold spirit, for one so small. I will… attempt to be patient, if only out of respect for a fellow swordswoman. Now, Supervisor Delabaunte… what must be done to retrieve my blade?” Callia asks. With that, Cynthia internally sighs in relief, doing her best to keep her expression neutral. As long as she can keep the Lady calm, her employees should be able to sort things out fairly quickly, and the almost-crisis will be averted.

[absent-enigma]

Some FS Arburn Arduum Info/ HC’s

-Elder brother; 5 years older than Lygari

-As of surfacing from the Underground, Arduum is the monster equivalent of 55 in human years. He is tired and aches but he refuses to retire. Not even when given the opportunity years later as Surface life becomes more peaceful. He can’t stand the idea of inactivity or doing anything other than what he’s dedicated himself to for over half his life, even as the Royal Guard becomes more symbol than needed.

-Arduum is stubborn; he doesn’t know how to relax, and it stems all the way back to his childhood. From the moment he could remember being able to move under his own power, Arduum explored everything he could, despite his father’s concerns over his health. This moving constantly (and accompanying his father on the boat as he brought Monsters to and from destinations in the Underground) is how Arduum learned of the Royal Guard’s existence. At 10, Arduum and his 5 year old brother are saved by the Royal Guard from being dusted by an out of control high LV monster. Arduum decided then and there that he wanted to be in the guard and gave a purpose outside of being kept home with his little brother out of safety concerns (valid) or in the small ‘school’ held in Snowdin at the library (Arduum does not notice the misspellings for years and years-he is more focused on training and knowledge for the Royal Guard he dedicates time to learning as well as being a kid in general until Arduum decides enough is enough and he needs proper training.

-Started as Senty at 20 years old after badgering Alphys consistently since he was 15 to even be considered a candidate for *just* a senty. Arduum isn’t even able to be considered for a low-ranking cadet in the Royal Guard, due to his dismally low HP and general health. But he persists by constantly pestering; camping outside Alphys’ home in Hotland for weeks at a time, showing up at her house other times with perfect punctuality (with his father’s help as the ferryman on the river), sending info to her somehow (Lygari hacked her phone-he was considering tech and science despite his young age). Eventually Alphys allowed Arduum as sentry, unaware of 15 year old Lygari shadowing his older brother to watch out for him (and help him eventually achieve his goal of entering the Royal Guard’s ranks) when he wasn’t in classes at Hotland for tech and CORE scientific workings.

-Arduum has to be doing something or he feels that he is not being useful enough. He always feels that he could be doing more and done more efficiently enjoys coming up with these ideas but ultimately it’s the Queen’s decision whether the plans are implemented. Paperwork is a necessary evil but he’s thrives when able to directly order the guards under his command hy order of the Queen and on her orders Arduum carries them out with assistance by each faction of the Royal Guard’s lieutenants. Training is rigorous and more so once he becomes second in command to Alphys as Weapons-master.

-The constant need to occupy his body with motion and his mind with strategy and efficiency, Arduum is almost always on the move throughout the Undergrounde waiting things are running as smoothly as possible, and that the flower pin meanings are not being abused to trick or harm others intentionally. The only time Arduum is not on the move or training is when he is stuck with paperwork (aka when he’s run himself into the ground doing 110% with each of his tasks, given or chosen). This is usually the time his is health drastically affected; his worst mood is when he ends up bedridden from working himself until he takes ill. He tended to hide this Undergroubd with a bristling, fury-filled demeanor, snappish and more full of ego than usual. On the surface, it’s a bit like pulling teeth to get him to leave his work, but it’s infinitely easier (mist if the time) for his father and Lygari to get Arduum off his feet once he’s home. Man’s horrible at self-care and napping/going to sleep is the absolute worst thing ever to him.

[winterzsurprise]

A deal with a demon || Quackity

Pairing: c!Quackity x Gender-Neutral!Reader

Summary: Instead of dispelling a royal blooded demon like you were tasked to, you listened to his tempting deal.

Tags: Action, Demon Duke! Quackity, Priest! Reader, not beta-read.

Words: 3.2k

not much to say here, I recycled a scene from the 'Greed's Temptation' draft. I'm aware I haven't posted for a month but I got so busy with college, commissions and writer's block. This is an old writing style so look away for a moment :''DD

thank you all for 110 followers and for waiting patiently, I swear, the moment my writer's block stops, I will finish Unholy.

“Villagers said that there were cloaked figures that would meet up at the outskirt hut for unknown reasons, we speculate that the demon spawning was their doing.” 

You nod as the village leader leads you down the deserted part of town with the roofless houses and soot kissed walls, every plant in the area painted brown and black, wilted from the amount of dark energy feeding off of their life force.

Your eyes scanned your surroundings, taking note of the smallest details like the fading footprints on the unpatched dirt and the dark energy that seems to grow stronger with every step taken, the stench of death becoming more apparent as you near the thick fog that the crowd could never see in a million years.

But despite that, you could barely feel any fear crawling inside you. The magic felt familiar to you for unknown reasons, a tempting mist that kept on reaching out for you despite the distance you have from the source.

At the edge of your eye, you see the priest beside you squirm uncomfortably with eyes jumping from one point to another with hands fidgeting on his maroon cassocks, entirely different from the classic white uniform of Valor, since he's stationed in this town.

Jack wasn't supposed to come but upon seeing a close friend approach a huge threat, he couldn't help himself from tagging along.

 You met the priest when he was training to be one in Valor, head never full with hair and eyes still filled with wonder and life as he was as a child. He was your first mission, to train him the special ways of expelling demons as a high rank can.

“Are you sure you don’t require our mage’s help? Demons are nasty creatures to deal with, my grand dad who served in the great wall said they were the most nefarious bunch he has ever encountered.”

The priest beside me bristles, offended. “You think our Cardinal is weaker than a low ranked demon?!” 

The leader opened his mouth to apologise when you raised your hand that led all to a halt and pulled their attention to you in question. 

There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere that told you to enter alone, the mist covering the area thickening with power as their snapping whips became lethal from neutral, normal humans cannot withstand such a violent energy.

Even your dear friend would collapse a second inside the mist.

“I must continue alone, the dark magic is near-deadly from this point forward.” 

“But little prince—”

“Would you rather meet your maker a century earlier, Mr. Manifold?” You cut him off and that made the older man go silent.

Not even bothering to hear them out, you head on through the invisible barrier that separates you from the others, like how being a High Priest gave you more mortality years than the usual humans with better healing abilities and supernatural senses. 

In a few days time, you’ll be pronounced as the next Pope, sitting on the golden throne at the top peak of Mount Lenneth, hidden away in the pristine temple populated by corrupted ‘holy’ soldiers and priests.

You didn’t want it but what input do you have in his grand scheme of things?

The dark magic got aggressive as you near the empty plot of land at the end of the road where the supposed-to-be straw hut was erected, you felt the onyx mist attempt to penetrate through the shield you coated yourself in, their apprehensiveness to approach now nonexistent as you arrive in your destination.

Lumps covered in black robes scattered the ground which you assumed were the suspicious group the village leader was talking about earlier, but upon closer inspection, you find yourself staring at hollow holes of skulls with the mandible bone hanging open as if their souls were sucked out from their mouths. 

Their flesh and insides might be the reason why the dark magic turned deadly, but seeing the small amount of bodies laid on the area, you thought otherwise.

Was this a work of a high ranked demon?

Your head darts up with your eyes immediately landing on an empty space in the middle of the plot where a fading master-level summoning circle was drawn with chalk. Seeing how the body placements are, you guessed that they must’ve known that their spell went wrong and ran, but the demon responsible for this was faster than them.

But with the lone body near the illustration and the faint grey magic by the circle, you knew that someone was smart enough to restrain the demon before it got worse.

With a sigh, you removed the glowing beads in your neck to start your cleansing spell. You placed the accessory between your thumb and pointer finger before crossing both sides and putting it over your wrist like a bracelet, wrapping it twice before turning to the barely-visible grey box floating on top of the circle. 

With a large inhale to home your energy, you start to mutter the spell.

"Iリ⍊╎ᓭ╎ʖꖎᒷ ᓭ!¡ᒷꖎꖎ ᓵᔑᓭℸ ̣ ᒷ↸ ᒲᔑ|| ↸╎ꖎᔑℸ ̣ ᒷ↸"

It didn’t take long when the effect took place, you sensed the dark magic being siphoned back by its’ owner as the invisible glass shatters and freed the evil spirit from its confines. The dark energy attempted to take a bite at your skin but with the glowing bead resting in your left hand, you were untouchable.

You watched the dark magic manifest into a body that soon formed into a man that grew obsidian hair and was clothed in a dark green vest with a white long sleeve shirt underneath. Golden yellow wings sprouted from his back, they were filled with feathers. The sight of it injecting disgust into your veins.

There's no other metaphysical kind you know other than angels, to see feathered wings from a demon, lit a fire within you.

You prepare your spell as he comes back to his consciousness. Eyes closed and concentration zoned in the power pulsating through your veins, trying to direct it to the tips of your pointy and middle fingers.

You heard a shuffle in front of you and knew his form was fully developed, sweat beads at your forehead at the thought of battling such a high ranking demon. 

He groaned dramatically. “Come on, I just got out of that box prison! Am I getting on a new one now?”

"E⍊╎ꖎ ʖᒷ⊣𝙹リᒷ, ⍑𝙹ꖎ╎リᒷᓭᓭ ᓭ⍑ᔑꖎꖎ ᓵ𝙹ᒲᒷ"

A girlish squeal left his lips as he narrowly dodged the swipe of your fingers charged with holy power enough to banish him back to the land below. Your eyes found his bewildered pair of crimson, face contorted with a look of disbelief.

“Come on, I just got out!”

“I don’t care.” 

With that, you crossed the small distance between you two and took another chance to swing your hand which he deflected with his own magic in the form of a huge hand fan coated in black.

“How could you banish someone you just met?! This is inhumane!”

You didn’t respond as you transferred the energy to your other fingers to slash him as soon as you pulled the fan down from his face. Another move that barely kissed his skin since he leaped back, you watch his movements attentively, not letting a small twitch of a brow or arm go amiss.

He must be eradicated quickly.

“Wait, did you just understand me?” He asked, suddenly realising in the midst of the battle.

You stayed in your spot, recharging as he stood up, eyes still round with surprise as he held out both hands in surrender. 

During this, you took note of the raging dark mist that smothered his body in a protective manner, his power is definitely stronger than the usual lower rank demons that would often possess a few dwellers in the neighbouring cities and kingdoms. 

He’s a high ranking type but you’re not sure how high he is in the hierarchy.

“Can you just let me off just this once?! I need to track someone down! He's stronger than me!” He exclaimed, crouching on the chipped off brick wall.

“And why should I listen to you, demon?”

His head tilts, bewildered. “Wow, you really can understand me.”

"Enough!" A ball of light grew in your palm and you hauled it towards him, which he easily evaded by jumping off to the opposite wall.

"If you're a priest you'd listen to me! There's a mystic ranked demon who escaped the Limbo!"

You tilt your head, what a coincidence that he left the Limbo and suddenly there's a powerful demon running amok doing god-knows-what in the overworld. You could only scoff as your powers pulsed in your palms.

"A mystic ranking on the loose huh?"

"Yeah, he was the King's brother!" He said with the edge of his mouth tugged up that rubbed you wrongly.

He's definitely lying.

Why would he tell you such information if not to distract and defeat you?

"Quite convenient, isn't it?"

"Wha—" He barely had the chance to react when your fingers touched the space between his eyebrows, the contact was enough to launch him back to the far corner of the plot.

You approach him with your power still generating in your hands, you have to deal with him fast if he is the escaped prisoner from the Limbo.

You watched as he rose from the ground with barely a stutter in his movements, he was indeed a powerful being if he didn't even suffer any injuries from that hit. He's dangerous, and he needs to be eradicated immediately.

"I am telling you the truth!"

And you don't care.

You charged towards him, and barely a metre away from him with a charged hand ready to slam his face into the ground. But in a fleeting second before you could raise your limbs to attack, he reached for your face instead and redirected you to pummelled to the floor.

The ground around you dents with his strength and pain erupted from every part of your body but it was minimised by the holy power that you coated it with, still it was an agonising feeling that blazed your skin.

With the damage you suffered along with the infected cut in your shoulder blades, you wonder if your bloody training had any worth if a high ranking demon was able to take you down with a single hit.

You're still not enough.

"Listen to me for a moment, alright?! I don't even want to talk to you but it's needed!"

"Why should I?" You ask, trying to divert his attention as you heal yourself.

You suspect that he noticed the shift in your energy with how trained his eyes on your body. Something you confirmed when his eyes rolled back, irritated.

You were ready to hasten up the healing process but with how unbothered he appeared, you continued with the slow pace. Him doing nothing felt insulting, does he think that you're not worth his time?

How rude and unforgivable!

"Just give me ten seconds to explain who I am and how I am here."

You didn't speak, internally counting down from ten, waiting for his explanation that never came but his face did scrunch as he realises what was happening.

"Wait… Are you counting already?"

"..."

He let out a defeated sigh, shoulders sagging.

"I am looking for someone in the overworld, our King has declared a national search for this demon and the reward is very handsome, so can you help me find the bastard?"

There was an uncomfortable silence that hung above you both as you just stared back at each other, trying to work out the other's motive. But after a while, you opened your mouth to speak.

"Why did you surface now? Why not months before?!"

"The rules of the Limbo is a headache, I was only able to travel here when I got summoned." 

The rule he spoke of is the law the god, XD or Xeno, has created for the high ranking demons. They can't travel out of the Limbo unless they were summoned by someone from the overworld.

Touché

"Why should a child of Light help you, a demon?" You question, eyes narrowing at him.

"Because I can easily repel the other bad spirits since I am a high ranking demon."

"I can banish them just fine, I don't need your help." You said as you rose to sit up in excellent condition, surprising the man.

"That was fast, are you a high priest? No regular priest can withstand such power."

"There is nothing to gain from this deal, so shut up and go home." You threw a punch that packed most of your energy.

Even with that, the demon in front of you caught your fist as if he was breathing. Eyes now lidded with boredom as he grumbled inaudibly, tremors rattled down your spine as you were slapped with the realisation of how huge your power difference was.

Even with half of your power, he was able to stop your fist.

You have never felt so small cornered by its natural predator until now.

"Can't we have a normal conversation? I really am trying to talk but instead you threw your fist."

"What did you expect? Do you want me to worship the ground you stand on?"

The demon's face soured, disturbed by the idea. "Ew, don't bother. Just listen to me."

You studied his face now that he's closer. His eyes were painted red like the seed of the ripest pomegranate, black iris narrowed like a cat and thin lips shaded coral and subtle stubbles dotting his jawline.

"What do I even gain from this?"

"Knowledge about the Limbo and demons."

You narrowed your eyes on him. "Isn't there a bounty on the Dark King's brother?"

His mouth cracked to a smile. "That's all for me, it's in our currency."

"Can't I have just a penny?"

"Nope, I made a vault for that reward because I'm confident I can catch him." He spoke with an arrogant grin, you scoffed.

"Then you don't need my help."

"I need your power to do damage, dark magic doesn't hurt those who are familiar with it."

That doesn't make sense, you can't even wound this man in front of you, how does he expect you to help him dispel a legendary demon?

As if he read your mind, he turned to your fist in his palm. 

"I'm just putting a lot of energy on that palm, you're actually dealing a lot of damage."

Your eyes widened, turning to your fist before draining away more of your energy to force into your fist, a sharp hiss escaped his lips and you withdrew the rest of your strength.

"That hurts, please appreciate that I am trying my best to communicate."

He is indeed trying, and you commend him for that. Not to mention, the amount of dark magic he's inserting on one part seems limitless.

You would lose with your diminishing mana if you tried to fight him now. So there's only one way out of here.

You unconsciously bit your bottom lip, while the riches were out of question. The knowledge you'd possibly gain from this interaction would be far more valuable, the temple can pass it down to the next generation to help aid the mortals in their fight against the demons.

Would the High Priest agree to such an offer?

"So there's a different demon on the loose?" You inquired and relief flushed the demon's face, his hold on your knuckles loosening and you let it fall to your side.

"So, you're gonna help me out?"

You're not, but if it makes this man leave the overworld, then you'll take the chance. If you couldn't take this man down when you have already reached the divine holiness of the High Priest, then there's no other choice.

You don't trust any of his words but if it gets him back to Limbo, then you'll follow along.

Demons can never stay long in the overworld afterall. It's not worth the conflict it'll cause everyone.

"What can he do? I'm sure I can handle him quickly."

"Sure you can handle him, you were down just with one hit from me."

Your pointed stare at him made him facepalm in disappointment. 

Good to know he's aware of offending you.

"We can work together, I can teach you everything the Limbo has and then I get my money afterwards, it sounds like a fair deal, doesn't it?"

You stared at him with that blank look in your eyes once more before letting your arms hang on your side as you sigh. If you're going with a demon of his level, you should at least know the basic details about him.

"What kind of high rank are you?"

He raised an eyebrow as he smirked teasingly.

"Why would you wanna know?"

"If I'm helping someone, shouldn't I at least know who they are?" You said as if it's the most obvious thing in the world, the deadpanned look in your face making him laugh lightly.

The demon then placed a hand on his heart and bent to a 90° angle before straightening up to introduce himself.

"I am Duke Quackity, competitor for a seven deadly sins title." 

Your eyes widened at the revelation for a brief moment before ironing it back to an absent look. The journals back home have never indicated any other sins other than Wrath and Pride. This would be a good study and a trophy to show off if you do this right.

The priests will kiss the land you walk on if all goes well.

"Which one of the sins?"

He chuckled. "Couldn't you have guessed it from our conversation earlier, priest?"

Your cheeks burned in embarrassment as your mind tracked your conversation with the demon a few minutes ago. He mentioned building a vault for the reward their king has prepared for the victor.

"Is it Greed?"

"Bingo, I'm glad that you're not all brawn, little priest!"

You shouldn't be talking to demons, the looming voice at the back of your head increasing in their volume as you continue to interact with him but it was for the sake of knowledge.

It was a great chance to learn more about the system down in the limbo, you could squeeze every info this big-mouthed demon to pass on to the future generations. He doesn’t seem to mind telling you tales if you asked. 

This is a good learning opportunity.

And a chance to escape the temple even for a few days, a voice mumbled in your head that you pushed back as soon as it was uttered, weight settled in your guts as another sound joined in, insisting for an apology.

But for the alliance to work and make sure no soul can sniff his water dam-like power in a crowd of ponds and pitchers. Glancing at the beads wrapped snug on your wrist, an idea formed.

"I'm going to help you but on one condition."

This is a mistake.

You should take him out while he's unguarded.

"Shoot." 

Stop, what will his holiness say?

"I need to cut your power in half temporarily, I can't have your dark magic changing everyone around you."

"You promise to not banish me as soon as it's on?" He asked, eyes trained on the beads you are removing from your wrist.

"Yes."

You need to banish him this instant! His holiness will be furious!

"Then chain me up, Cardinal."

[justtluffythings]

HOME: Book 2 - CHAPTER EIGHT

MASTERLIST

As Veronica flew around the pitch, she was impressed by how well both teams had been playing. It had been about 5 hours since the start of the match, and within that time, both teams had remained neck and neck throughout the game. Both teams were not letting up defenses, so it was difficult for the Chasers on either team to score any goals. Currently, Ravenclaw was leading 70 to 60, which showed the amount of skill they all possessed. It was uncommon for teams to play for so long while earning such a small amount of points. They were all exhausted, yet they knew that their only hope was for one of the Seekers to catch the Snitch. This would be easier said than done however, as the Snitch had been MIA the entire 5 hours. Neither Seeker had caught a glimpse of it at all, and they were all beginning to worry that this game was not going to end any time soon.

As they had discussed, Veronica had let Reggie focus on Charlie. It had pretty much been a game of cat and mouse between them as Reggie would hit every Bludger that came his way at Charlie while Charlie avoided the attacks easily. Meanwhile, Veronica had been focusing all her energy and attention on the Gryffindor Chasers and Keeper. Her impeccable aim and killer instincts had allowed her team to pull even further ahead over the last half hour as the score was now 110 to 60 for Ravenclaw.

This had not gone unnoticed by the Gryffindor Beaters who were having a hard time keeping up with Veronica and Reggie. One Beater in particular, who Veronica recognized as Thomas Webber, was known for his bad temper and short fuse, and today, all his anger was aimed at Veronica. She had been the direct reason that Ravenclaw had gotten so far ahead, and he was furious. So when Veronica had her back towards him at the same time that a Bludger was coming his way, that was when he decided he would take her out.

What Thomas hadn’t realized was that Veronica was not the only one that was distracted; every member of both teams had turned their eyes upward as they watched Charlie and the Ravenclaw Seeker, Maribelle Jackson, locked in a neck and neck sprint as they raced after the Snitch that was just out of their reach. The game would be over any second, but Thomas hadn’t noticed. He was too focused on Veronica, but had he been a little more observant, he would have realized that while Veronica’s attention may have been elsewhere, she never let her guard down. She was always aware of her surroundings, and thus, she knew what he was planning, but she let him think otherwise. And as the Bludger came flying at her back, she quickly turned towards it at the last second and launched it towards the sky with her Beater’s bat. Her aim was so precise that the Bludger went flying past Maribelle and skimmed the bristles on the back of Charlie’s broom, sending him spinning like a top and allowed Maribelle to inch forward on her broom and pull the Snitch into her chest. And with that, the first game of the season was over. Ravenclaw had won 260 to 60!

While Veronica was ecstatic to have won her first ever Quidditch game, she was extremely anxious thinking about Charlie. She wasn’t sure how he would react to this loss; not only was his best friend on the winning team and the direct reason that his team lost, but she was also the direct reason that Charlie had lost it for Gryffindor and allowed Ravenclaw to win. At the end of the day, while it is a team sport, the Seekers were under the most pressure. If a team won, the Seeker got all the glory. If a team lost, the Seeker got all the blame. Not to mention that Charlie took Quidditch very seriously and was very passionate about this sport that he had been playing his whole life. Veronica just wasn’t sure how he would take this blow to his ego.

Typically, Veronica wouldn’t think twice about the other team, and if this was a game against any other house, she would have already been down on the pitch celebrating with her team, but this was her best friend, and she cared about his feelings. She couldn’t help but think that this would be a defining moment in their friendship. This game would either destroy them or strengthen them.

Luckily, Veronica didn’t need to wait too long for an answer. Charlie had landed his broom not long after she did, and his team had explained to him what had happened, and now he was looking at her from across the pitch. Veronica wrung her hands and wiped the sweat onto her robes as she stared back at him. The look on his face was indiscernible, and that made her extremely nervous. She could usually read him like a book, but now, she had no idea what he was thinking or feeling, and that scared her.

Slowly, Charlie handed his broom to his team captain and made his way over to her. Veronica heard members of both teams whispering to each other as they watched the scene in front of them with bated breath. There was a mix of excitement and anxiousness around seeing Charlie chew Veronica out, but when Charlie was finally standing in front of her and had decided that he had made her suffer long enough, he dropped his poker face and beamed at her. She had never seen such a big smile on his face, and when he pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her, she knew he had never hugged her so tight. It was at that moment that she knew wholeheartedly that their friendship was stronger than she had ever imagined. It was much too important and secure to be impacted at all by a stupid game of Quidditch. In that moment, she knew that neither of them would ever allow something as silly as this to ruin their friendship. Never.

With this realization, Veronica allowed herself to relax in Charlie’s arms and hug him back, sighing contentedly. She was more than just happy; she was euphoric, and she was ready to party and celebrate with her team, her house, and most importantly, her best friend.

[waterhorseyblues-ao3]

I posted 110 times in 2022

That's 110 more posts than 2021!

58 posts created (53%)

52 posts reblogged (47%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@waterhorseyblues-ao3

@wolfpup026

@mischievousscampzine

@andypantsx3

@textsfromthetva

I tagged 100 of my posts in 2022

Only 9% of my posts had no tags

#rambling - 19 posts

#fanfic - 15 posts

#gifictag - 14 posts

#fanfiction - 13 posts

#loki - 10 posts

#ftpfictag - 9 posts

#wolfpup026 - 9 posts

#ask - 8 posts

#an-asgardian - 7 posts

#nano teaser - 7 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#anyway if youve ever left a comment on my works i am kissing you on the head i am tucking you in bed i am making your lunch for tomorrow

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

To most, it wouldn't mean much. In this country, it really held no power at all. But to anyone who knew, the implications it held were immense. Whoever had broken into his apartment knew exactly what it was.

Loki x Mobius Detective AU X

16 notes - Posted September 8, 2022

#4

“I brought him to speak to you.” He reached out and caught Adam, who was perusing some unlabeled bottles, by the shoulder, and pulled him around to face the devil. Adam frowned and shrugged him off, then looked directly up at Lucifer with his usual unphased expression.

"Ah." Lucifer looked the boy up and down. "You. Yes. I remember. You're not my son."

"Nah. My dad's back in England." Adam replied.

"Hm. Yes." The devil turned his attention to his brother. "Did you think you'd won something by showing me this child?"

"You may reject your post, but cannot really reject your own son, Luci," Amenadiel implored.

"I didn't. He did all the rejecting himself, didn't you?"

"I've already got a dad. He's at work, probably."

"Actually, we're on quite a different time zone, so he's probably still asleep." Wensley interjected.

"Oh yeah. He's probably asleep." 

"There you are." Lucifer turned back to the piano. "No son, no hell, no devil. You can leave."

"I'm not leaving. It is imperative you take up your position in hell once more."

"Is it? Or do you just believe everything daddy tells you?"

Amenadiel bristled. "Your play time on earth must end. The balance must be restored and hell must have its devil. That is your role, Luci."

"I don't see why he has to do it." 

The devil and angel both turned to look at Adam. 

"I mean. Why does any of that have to be the way? I thought the whole point was that we can decide stuff for ourselves."

"My mum says you shouldn't work in a toxic environment," Pepper added. "And Hell sounds pretty toxic to me."

"Ahh, they do have some sense in them." Lucifer beamed. "There we go, brother, it's as they say. I am deciding this for myself."

17 notes - Posted November 7, 2022

#3

“You say Lucifer directed you here?”

“Yeah. Seems like everyone here knows him. They gave me a spot to lie down.”

Dream sighed, looking agitated. “Then perhaps I owe him a favour. We had better make good use of this, then.”

“You’re telling me! So what’s the plan? Can you magic me back into being a raven?”

“I don’t have that sort of power. Only the dead may become dreams.”

“So, what, I’ve gotta die? I’ve gotta go kill myself to become a raven again?”

Dream fell silent. He gazed at Matthew with an expression he’d never seen the Endless make. It was one of a profound sadness, mingled with something else he couldn’t decipher. It was as though he had admitted to some deeply unfortunate situation in life to someone who felt unbearable sympathy.

“You would throw away your second chance at life just to be part of the dreaming?”

Matthew blinked. The soft, husky tone of Dream’s voice took him completely off guard. The person who always spoke so carefully, so clearly, who radiated such an intimidating, ancient aura, expressing such raw emotion seemed completely out of line with the image he’d built in his head of the Endless.

“Well… Yeah! I had a shitty life, and I was a pretty shitty person. Being your raven was the best thing to happen to me. I’m not giving that up.”

Dream did not reply for a while. This seemed to trouble him. 

“Look. I don’t care for people, or the Waking, or any of this. I’ve got friends in The Dreaming. It’s my home. I don’t wanna lose that!”

Finally, Dream nodded. “Yes. It has indeed become a home to you.”

19 notes - Posted November 15, 2022

#2

WHB’s Guide To “Non-Canon” & One-Shot Comic Loki Content

This won’t be in any real order because it doesn’t matter and also there’s DEFINITELY more I haven’t read that I’ll come back to at a later date maybe

Loki (2004) - This is very beautifully painted and explores the idea of (classic) Loki winning and how he copes on the throne of Asgard, but I found it pretty slow and dry. There’s some good emotional complexity in it though.

Loki (2010) - This is just a retelling of existing Norse myth with a Marvel skin over it. I genuinely think if you wanna read Norse mythology then there’s much better versions of it and this doesn’t add much more to make it fit comic Loki’s character. Check it out if you think this suits you best.

Thor & Loki: Double Trouble - This is a banger. It’s one of my favourite artists over 100% pure goofs and gaffs and japes and jonks. This is all Loki and Thor sibling spats and presents us with possibly the MOST amazing take on Loki’s character design by having him be just a little guy. Goblin mode fully activated. Very fun.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl - Okay, some will argue this is canon, others will argue it’s not. For the most part, USG does not follow Marvel 616 canon but imho this makes it way more accessible to new readers. This comic is a fucking DELIGHT. I cannot recommend USG enough. USG’s take on Loki is such a campy, dramatic, mischevous scamp full of sillies and I LOVE them. I could write essays about USG. I’m shaking this comic series in your face. I’m kissing it.

Now, some of this DOES overlap with canon events running at the time. A brief period of the USG comics covers the War of the Realms arc when Loki is Sorcerer Supreme, though I... coulda sworn those weren’t happening at the same time... This is basically the only part that has canon timeline in it and it treats Loki a million times better than the other comics at the time did. Also one of the characters introduced in this series appears in Thor (2020) so it does have multiple ties to the main canon.

If Im not selling it enough, THIS comic series is where the “This is why you get a genderfluid demigod to be your fashion designer” panel came from.

Also this series introduces some AMAZING new characters, all of which appear in the podcast The Unbeatable Radio Show which takes place just after the comics. If you want more help knowing the reading order for this comic series specifically, DM me and I will help you out.

Alligator Loki - This is as it says on the tin. It’s one of the new Marvel webtoons about gator Loki having some adventures. It’s silly and entirely visual and it’s very fun.

Marvel Voices: Pride (2022) - There were TWO Loki comics in this year’s issue. One is tied to the Young Avengers comics (a personal favourite of mine) and the other set in Loki’s current situation. Both of them are very funny and silly and full of Loki being his best self.

Thor (2020) - But didn’t I list this as canon? Yes! However there’s a handful of one-shot comics in this series. Issue #25 has another Marvel skin on a Norse myth, “Thor’s Wedding”,  which in my opinion is much better than Loki (2010) ever did and it’s extremely funny and silly, an absolute hoot.

 Marvel Voices: Iceman - Another of the webtoons. Loki pops up in #3 and is an absolute treat. I recommend reading all of this tbh because it’s fun and very gay.

There’s also TWO Loki novels!

Loki: Mistress of Mischief

Loki: Where Mischief Lies

I’m yet to read either of these but I will update and report back when I have

21 notes - Posted September 30, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

WHB’S Guide To The Loki (616) Comic Canon So You Don’t Have To Slog Through It Like I Did

The chaos, mischief and hijinks Loki gets up to in the Marvel comics run as long and complex as the Thor comics ever did, so for simplicity this starts at the Loki “rebirth” which is where Loki became more of an independent character with his own role to play in the ongoing 616 canon. I will make a separate post for “non-canon” and oneshots and generally good comic Loki content that isn’t part of this arc.

diclaimer: i am Very opinionated and also prone to hyperbolic language so i may insult a comic/arc that you like. it is important that you Deal With It and move on because i cannot and will not be swayed.

“Classic Loki” dies during the Siege (2009) arc, specifically Siege #4. I don’t recommend it as reading personally and if you’re not already reading Marvel, it’ll be confusing and boring to follow. Things to know: Loki cut a deal with Hela to have his name taken from the book of Hel. He caused some Issues and Problems that went way overboard and is killed in the battle.

BEGIN THE KID LOKI STORY:

Thor #617-#619 (2010) - Thor finds the reborn child-aged Loki in Paris using the name “Serrure” (”Lock” in Fench.). Generally recommend this for context reading and understanding Loki’s character “rebranding”

Journey into Mystery #622-645 (2011) - Sometimes referred to as Loki: Journey Into Mystery, this is the bulk of the Kid Loki storyline and spans several story arcs in the Marvel comics at the time. Heavily recommend for understanding of the rest of Loki’s character arc, as well as adorable Thor & Loki sibling stuff and Loki’s goofy little way of talking. The final issues of this storyline are necessary reading for every major Loki storyline after.

 The Mighty Thor vol.2 (2011) - some of this happens in tandem to Journey into Mystery. If you’re not super into the Thor comics, this isn’t that important, but it helps inform the events of JiM while you’re reading it. There’s some good sibling stuff and Loki generally being a bit of a scamp, but there’s a lot going on that ties to other major Marvel story arcs at the time that can make this a bit confusing to read.

Fuck Exiled (2012) it doesn’t fucking matter.

Young Avengers (2013) - THE comic!!!! This is prime Kid Loki into Adult Loki content. This is where we got the contemporary Loki design from. This shits gay as hell, it’s full of friendship and drama and Loki shennanigans and I honestly cannot recommend this comic enough. If you never read another Marvel comic, read Young Avengers.

Loki: Agent of Asgard (2014) - OBVIOUSLY THIS ONE! Lots of people made the mistake of reading this on its own without understanding who Loki is in this comic. So much of Loki’s character development in this story hinges on the last issues of JiM. Read the others first THEN this, and you’ll thank me. This one has GORGEOUS art and completely re-shaped Loki’s character for the future Marvel comics. It also spans several major comic arcs at the time, so prepare for more external reading.

Avengers & X-Men: AXIS (2014) - This is a LOT to cope with if you’re not already into the comics, as it has a HUGE cast and a lot of major plots running at the same time. I honestly skimmed this just for bits of my fav characters. Loki appears on only a few, I believe #6-#8. Only read if you’re really interested in the context of the events in AoA.

Loki & Thor: Original Sin (2014) - I am holding this story arc in my hands. I am kissing it. This is PRIME fem!Loki content. This is ICONIC genderfluid Loki matrial. This is PURE fucked up dysfunctional Asgard-fam content. I love this comic series very much for it’s writing and artwork and beautiful moments and please don’t say a mean thing about it or I will cry.

More Loki content happens in Mighty Thor vol.3 (2016). I personally don’t think it’s relevant or necessary reading.

Fuck Vote Loki. Me and the homies hate Vote Loki. MCU will trick you and make you think Vote Loki might be good. It’s not.

The Infinity Quest arc doesn’t do anything useful for Loki imho. It’s one of the many comics in Loki’s current writing that feels like the writers haven’t read any of his previous arc.

Loki: Sorcerer Supreme (2017) - aka Doctor Strange #381-385. Imho the most wasted potential arc they’ve written so far. There’s like One nugget of very good Loki character content and the rest is just a huge waste of time. Would only recommend if you’re feeling comitted to reading as much of the Loki arc as you can.

Personally I think the entire Final Host arc is a complete misuse of Loki given his character development up until then and it simply doesn’t do anything for him.

Infinity Wars Prime (2018) - this is a bit of a Marmite arc. I think it’s setting up for Loki (2019) but it’s very tedious and bland and once again wastes the potential of the multiverse. Good only for ponytail Loki. It may be relevant in the future.

The War of the Realms (2019) - This has a LOT going on, but Loki’s part of this is very integral to how Loki is currently in the canon. This overlaps a little with Thor vol.5

Loki (2019) - This is.... Probably going to be relevant one day. It’s fun dialogue but honestly I truly do not care for this. It’s very slow paced and adds nothing to Loki’s character arc that AoA hadn’t already done. It’s a bit useful for understanding the way Loki has referred to himself since, but tbh... Meh.

Thor (2020) - This places Loki very much where he is Right Now in the canon and his current role. This is the point from which comics will pick up on his story arc, and also takes us back to the end of AoA.

Defenders (2022) - This picks up IMMEDIATELY after the final page of AoA. This is probably going to patch up a few of the issues I’ve had with previous story arcs, so I’m holding out! So far it is a banger.

96 notes - Posted September 29, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[cashcowclothing]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: L'Ange Le Vite Blush Pink Ceramic Hair Brush Straightener Auto Shut-Off.

[bluewhisperpup]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: NWOT Limited Edition Amika Polished Perfection Mini Straightening Brush.

[championsyedm]

Li-ion batteries may survive for a long time and only gradually

Dyson DC59 vs V6 The charge does not last 26 minutes in any situation. They say "26 minutes" since you'll be dragging the vacuum around without pulling the trigger throughout that period (yes, seriously). If you don't use the motorized attachments, you may anticipate 20 minutes on the non-max setting, and 17 minutes if you do. It takes 6 minutes at most (not sure whether that includes or excludes the attachments). I'm not familiar with your case, therefore I can't say if you need to purchase extra tools. The big direct drive cleaner head displayed, a smaller direct drive cleaner head, a crevice tool, a soft brush tool, and a hard brush tool were all included with my Dyson V6 Animal. On carpets and ceramic tile floors, the big direct drive tool is ideal. It pulls up a lot of dog hair and filth. For my wood flooring, I just purchased the Dyson Articulating Hard Floor Tool. I haven't put it to the test yet. I had the same question and was advised by Dyson support that I could obtain a new battery for $69. Li-ion batteries may survive for a long time and only gradually lose capacity, requiring more frequent charging. The charger, like most computers these days, is 110-240v. The prongs are typical USA 2 pin, however you may just as easily plug it into an adaptor and use it like any other laptop on any 110-240 electrical system socket. Yes, it is protected as long as it does not exhibit damage or destruction on my part, according to my phone contact to Dyson about this battery replacement in a two-year time period. Technically, the battery CAN be swapped rather quickly with a newly charged battery. Replacement batteries as well as additional charging cords may be bought on Amazon. If you have a backup charger or your charger cable is not installed within the wall mount bracket, the battery does not need to be charged in the vacuum. The battery is readily changed by unscrewing two tiny screws. Although not as handy as a snap-in battery, the Dyson V6 with HEPA filter and super-strong suction is a viable alternative for individuals who desire the Dyson V6's exceptional characteristics. In addition, the lower power option is sufficient for 80% of the time, resulting in a total of 20 minutes of operating time per battery. It sucks up the same amount of dust as a regular vacuum. Powered by the Dyson digital motor V6-2 Tier Radial Cyclonesevery floor type without the inconvenience of a wire-3x the suction power of any other cordless vacuum in use- It suckers up as much dust as a regular vacuum cleaner but without the cable. As long as you buy the product from an authorised seller, it comes with a two-year warranty on parts and labor. To remove ground-in debris, the direct-drive cleaning head forces bristles deep into the carpet. The soft roller cleaner head is kind on hard surfaces while being harsh on filth by simultaneously eliminating large debris and small dust. Lightweight and adaptable for quick cleaning around the house, The instant release trigger only uses battery power during cleaning; before initial usage, it must be charged for at least 3.5 hours. The trigger releases instantaneously after up to 20 minutes of intense, fade-free suction. Cleaning is the only time when battery power is needed. Designed to thoroughly clean pet-friendly homes, the filtration system’s totally sealed design catches 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, resulting in cleaner air. It quickly converts to a portable vacuum for cleaning around the house and vehicle. 2 year parts and labour warranty, which is activated automatically Emptying the garbage with a single click is hygienic. To release the dirt, just press a button. The purchase of this product will contribute 15% of the retail price to REDefforts to combat AIDS via the Global Fund. No cords, no hassle, just strong suction. The Dyson V6 vacuum is stored and recharged in a convenient docking station, so it’s always ready to use.

[awesomeblog-92]

I often give new electric toothbrushes 24 hours

Oral B Pro 5000 vs 7000 This cannot possibly function on 220V. I have an old Oral-B charger that is clearly marked as being compatible with 110–220V. It is vastly different from the current charger in a number of respects. Flexible voltage bases are something I've only ever seen in different Oral-B brush generations and types. It's dangerous to plug anything 110V into a 220V line voltage. It is incorrect to state that low power devices can operate on 220V. Like you, I'm curious about this. Specifically, the time required for the initial charge immediately after packaging. Even if they have all shown me some indication that they are at least 50% charged after 10 hours, I often give new electric toothbrushes 24 hours to fully charge. I can tell this brush still has a low charge because as soon as I turn the power button on and off, the orange light comes on. I genuinely hope I didn't get a bad product. For your knowledge, the instructions state that the blue button will stop flashing after roughly 30 seconds when the brush is on the stand and fully charged. Unfortunately, the answer is no because it seems to be designed for a single user. The brush can couple with many different devices for different users, however the software is poorly designed and only supports one user at a time. If you're sharing a brush with someone else and you both always remember to open the app on your phones before you start brushing, it will work just fine and you'll just see your own data in the app. However, if you use the brush without first opening the app, it will save your data until you connect to a phone and download it all. If you use the brush without connecting your phone, the data from the time you brushed will be downloaded to your partner's phone. Batteries in electronics may always be changed. The difficult part is taking it out and replacing it. These batteries are typically AA batteries or a shorter or wider variation. They are easily accessible on a number of battery websites. If you know how to desolder and solder, which is a skill that any adult can learn, replacing the batteries will be straightforward. A soldering kit may be purchased on Amazon for $25 or less; to prevent scorching the circuit board, I suggest choosing one with adjustable temperature or with a 25-watt or lower power supply. Costs range from $2 to $4 per battery with soldering tabs. (find an independent battery website instead of purchasing these from Amazon, where they are a scam.) YouTube has instructional videos. The Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries with Bluetooth comes with two CrossAction brush heads, our most technologically advanced brush head with perfectly angled bristles. Included are three brush heads: one ProWhite brush head for an instantly whiter smile, one FlossAction brush head for eliminating plaque, and one Sensitive Clean brush head for sensitivity relief. in order for you to always get the clean you need. If you have specific oral health needs, such as cleaning around orthodontics, the Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries is also compatible with every brush head that Oral-B provides.

[ihatebnha]

Okay so the brainrot I was having earlier. It’s embarrassing because it’s so damned specific but

I was reading a fic where you get to see Bakugou’s penthouse for the first time. And he’s just kinda watching you for a minute, and is suddenly bristling out of nowhere.

Simply because of your lackluster reaction. Like, I’m sure with his kind of salary, he’s got a real nice place. Clean and tidy. But definitely a bachelor pad. Part of me wonders if he wouldn’t put too much thought into things with how busy he is. Hell, maybe he’s had an interior designer set it all up for him. Maybe he doesn’t care too much, so long as it looks nice? (And I could be 110% incorrect on that, but let’s just pretend for the ask that it is lmao.)

And it is nice. Very nice! Just not your style at all. But he’s acting all pissy at you, asking if you’ve got a problem. And you tell him the above. And what would it matter anyway? It’s his place, not yours!

But this mfer is acting all offended about it. But then he’s huffing and asking you what you like (and calling it stupid of course). Or he’s paying closer attention when he visits your place. This weirdo may even do some digging on your socials and find like a Pinterest board you’ve made of your dream home. Just oddly obsessed.

And you notice over time when you’re over there (started dating and all) that you’re really liking what he’s doing with the place. You’re just really liking the aesthetic so much better! It may be subtle changes: Different color scheme, new portraits on the wall, etc. You tell him how great it looks and he’s smug as shit, like ofc it is.

But why is this such a big deal to him? Because he wants to impress you? Because his penthouse feels more like you? More like home? (And it could be your home too ya know, dumbass. 🥺) It’s Bakugou fuckin’ Katsuki, are we ever going to fully know?

Like I said, super SUPER specific. I’m probably the only one who thinks it’s cute/funny. 😅

KORE, YOU LITERALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND! one of my BIGGEST brainrots for Bakugo is choosing new furniture + decor with him!!! And I was actually just writing about it the other day until I ended up scrapping what I had because I felt like it didn't match the prompt... BUT! ...literally, it makes me wanna tear out my hair. 

You're definitely right about the details of his place (it being more of a modern, bachelor pad)... and while I think he doesn't mind the way it looks, it's probably not very interesting because he really believes so long as it functions exactly as it should (that being, as a place to live), there’s no real need to make it homier than necessary.

(I feel like he probably recruits his parents to make it look nice and then never adds anything to it himself. Maybe a couple bookshelves, an All Might shrine... but other than that, very... plain. He just thinks there's no point because he's the only one living there.)

But when he meets you, suddenly he is kinda embarrassed that he never put any thought into is, especially because he wants you to feel like it’s your home (or could be, one day) just as much as it is his… 

And I don’t want to repeat everything you said because it was perfect already, but just to continue on… in my head, I feel like the first thing that changes are his towels. They go from all black, white and brown to a kind of… post-modern feel with fun shapes and colors and designs. You try to ask him about them and he’s just spitting out some bullshit about how “he needed new ones anyway,” which… is strange, but seems fine enough. 

Then his boring ass mugs (aside from the one that his name on it and the other one that’s shaped like a grenade) get replaced. From plain and typically shaped to ones that are in your favorite colors and in more unique designs that better fit in your hands. You ask him about those, too, and it’s the same excuse or maybe even that they were a gift. 

And it goes on, you know. Sheet by pillow by wall art by fresh flowers in the vase and new pepper shakers, praise by praise (which makes the whole thing worth it to him)… until he ends up having to confess that he did it all for you and will you please just move in with him? 

UGH, just… *shakes you by the shoulders* WHY IS IT SUCH A THOUGHT, I DON’T EVEN KNOW…………….

And I think, continuing my earlier thought… even before you meet them, his parents absolutely LOVE you because you’re the reason their son’s apartment has suddenly started feeling like a real home. The first night you meet them after you move in, they’re complimenting you on all your little additions.

I’m ill over this, seriously. Ill. 

(And I was gonna put this in the tags, but another part of my daydream regarding this is like... him doing an interview where he ends up talking about how you're the reason he got more into house decor + furniture. Who knows how + why this occurs, but he's really just out there telling people about how stylish you are... or even the new salt and pepper grinders you bought that he actually really likes LOL <333)

[shadyufo]

Hello! I was recommend this blog.

Im new to preserving bones. I have trouble getting joint strings off from the bones. Any tips?

I had left a whole bird body in a bucket of water for many months. I dont remember how long, I put it in the shed and then forgot about it... Most of the meat was gone, just the skin and joints string.

English isnt my native language. I dont know what those strings are called.

Also. Do you need to put bones in soap water? I put some bones in hydrogen peroxide directly for few minutes because one blog said it will kill bacteria inside the bones. But should you first put them in soap water?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Anon!

Did you keep the water heated? Ideally, you want to keep maceration water ( maceration is the bone cleaning method where you just let a carcass rot in a container of water ) heated to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't keep it warm then you often end up with bits of tissue which don't rot, such as those strings you are dealing with. Those sound like tendons.

You can try cutting them off or using to pliers to remove them by hand. But the easiest and most thorough option would be to macerate more and let them finish rotting off. If all of the other tissue has already rotted off then you may have to add something a little "fresher" to get the bacteria responsible for decomp going again. You can just toss some meat scraps, another fresher dead animal, or even a cheap bear or a cup or two of scuzzy pond water added to the maceration water will work. Then make sure to keep the water heated. You can use a fish tank heater or a bucket heater. Don't change the water until the rest of the tissue has rotted off.

You can give bones a bath in soapy water. If I'm cleaning up some bones that are just dirty ( and don't have any meat or hide left on them ) then I'll give them a bath in some warm, soapy water and a gentle scrub with a bristle brush to remove any dirt or debris. Then I'll go ahead with the peroxide. Doing this keeps the peroxide from getting as dirty so I can reuse it if I want. But skipping ahead to peroxide shouldn't hurt anything.

The other time you might want to use soap is if you are degreasing bones. Bones that need to be degreased will be free of any meat or hide but might still smell foul, feel greasy or sticky to the touch, or have yellow/brown/orange etc stains set in the bone. When I degrease I use a fish tank or bucket heater to keep the water between 85-110 degrees Fahrenheit and use a few squirts of a good grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn. Change the water as it becomes cloudy or develops a film on the surface. Once it starts staying clear, let the bones dry and check how they look and smell. Keep degreasing if necessary or move on to whitening with hydrogen peroxide.

So just to recap, the basic bone cleaning process is:

Remove flesh. There are several ways to do this—letting nature do the work for you, dermestid beetles, or maceration are some of the best methods in my opinion. For maceration, keeping the water heated to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Don't change the water until the tissue has rotted off the bones or you'll lose your bacteria colony and the process slows way down. Don't add any sort of soap to this water.

Degrease if necessary. Sometimes you can skip this step, just depends on the bones. But if once all of the meat and hide have rotted off the bones and they still smell bad or are discolored then you'll need to degrease. I like to degrease with hot water and soap using the previously mentioned process.

Final step is whitening. Only use hydrogen peroxide to whiten bones—never use chlorine bleach or you'll risk damaging or destroying the bones. I use plain old 3% hydrogen peroxide to whiten. Let the bones soak in the peroxide in an open container out in direct sunlight until the bones are as white as you want. Keep in mind they will dry whiter than they appear when wet if you are aiming for a certain shade. And exposure to sunlight will degrade the peroxide faster so you may have to add more as you go along but I've always gotten much better whitening results doing it this way so the trade-off is worth it in my opinion.

Hope that all makes sense and gives you some ideas of how to proceed with your project, Anon! If you have any other questions please feel free to ask and I'll do my best to help out. Good luck! :)

[tribbetherium]

The Middle Glaciocene: 110 million years post-establishment

Sick and Tiled: The Shingles

The Middle Glaciocene saw the collision of Fissor with the main Borealonoderan landmass, forming the single fused landmass known as Gestaltia. With Fissor, a hotspot of bizarre evolutionary forms, now connected to the mainland, the local wildlife would spread out into new niches: their success bound to their very strangeness: able to fill empty niches on the mainland that the local species had not occupied.

One such group were the rattiles: ectothermic, scaly-skinned molrocks that had in essence become a mammalian lizard-- small, insectivorous ambush-hunters that prowled Fissor's undergrowth. But with their spread to the mainland, many would find empty ecological roles suiting their unique anatomy, and quickly lose their vague saurian convergence for something far more novel.

One such example was the gwannas: rattiles unique for adding significant amounts of plant matter to their ancestrally-insectivorous diet. As time went on, some of these became obligate larger herbivores. Slow-moving and generally non-aggressive, these plant-eaters would evolve tougher plates from their overlapping protective scales, and in one lineage would form hard-shelled armor forming roof-like tiles on their backs, heads and tails: the shingles.

Shingles are distinguished by their overlapping dorsal plates, formed from the enlargement of ancestral rattile scales, which in turn developed from the vestigal hairs of ancestral molrocks that were left over from fur coats lost to ectothermy. Now scarcely recognizable as very modified hair, the shingles' plates retain one key feature that betrays its true identity: its mobility. Tiny muscles that once bristled their ancestors fur have now been modified to raise and flatten the shingles' plates, allowing them to raise their plates to warm up or to make a threat display, or fold down to act as a defensive shield resistant to the teeth and claws of most predators.

With few predators to worry about, shingles typically roam slowly about in search of food, primarily low-growing plants such as mosses, lichens, fungi, roots and small herbaceous weeds. Diverse and adaptable, the shingle occupies a wide variety of environments, where, as small-to-medium sized armored herbivores, they in essence fill a niche practically similar to tortoises. With a diet of tough stems and twigs and other difficult vegetation, young shingles get all the help they need from an array of gut bacteria that break down cellulose--and there is no source in the environment more rich than the droppings left of adult shingles: indeed, as most rattiles no longer suckle their young, with their offspring getting the needed microbiota as they exit the birth canal, some females of shingle species leave their large litters of young in the burrow with a parting gift as they seal off the burrow: as the young chew their way out after a day at least they ingest enough of the matter to jumpstart their digestive systems bacterial helping crew.

Descended from basal forms such as the still-extant plated gwanna (Squamatosauromys gwannae), the shingles have since diversified into a wide array of different forms, from the forest-floor dwelling greater tileback (Stegosquamomys grandis), the largest species of shingle, to the desert knobblehorn (Aureoplateus dessicum), native to the drier regions of central Gestaltia where it feeds on the tough succulent plants that thrive in the harsh environment.

A few other species, however, have evolved odd new features that distinguish them from their typical kin. The dartboard backrattler (Oculoplateus magnificens) is the most extravagantly-colored of them all, using its bullseye-marked plates for display as well as defense. Its trait of unusual coloration is shared by the double-ended arshead (Bicephalocauda posteriops), which has markings on its short, blunt tail that mimic its head, primarily to confuse predators and territorial rivals into attacking the wrong end. But perhaps most aberrant of the shingles is the white-tipped helmhawk (Alboplateus rockenii), which has evolved sharp points onto its armored plating not only for defense but also for offense, as, living on the Gestaltian cloverfern scrubland, has a high concentration of local predators. Not content with arming itself defensively, the helmhawk also possesses sharp, hornlike scales on both its head and tail-- useful for teaching particularly stubborn predators a very painful lesson.

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

[internalsealpanic]

Lesson Learned

summary: Pinning exercises are a lot easier when you ask nicely.

a/n: The backstory to this piece was that I went to the church part of our discord server and told people about me being thirsty about Slade and they collectively went: DO HIM. The reader does have a backstory which boils down to rich girl from a crime family is a little shit because I thought this would have a funny dynamic with Slade.  Special thanks to @batarella and @knightfall05x for proof reading and giving me ideas. Would this count as my one entry for kinktober? 

warnings:  This is straight up smut. Please read responsibly. Brat taming, strength kink, daddy kink, orgasm denial, and hinted size kink. (Hilariously half of these were by complete accident.) There is some injury mentioned but not too graphically. Both characters are assholes.   

masterlist

Slade was on the ground, his head was swimming even as the sharp shriek of sirens rang loud in his ears. His senses were at once too sharp and too unfocused. Whatever drug he'd been hit with had to have targeted the nerves in his muscles too. He couldn't move. Not substantially anyway. Not in a way that would actually help him.  Through the haze he hears the clicking of heels against the floor, then a sharp pain shoots through him when said heel dug into one of his still closing bullet wounds. 

 You stood above him, your shark's smile hidden behind your mask.  "Well old man, I didn't think you would be caught this easy. I might need to rethink this meeting." You hummed tapping your chin as you lean down your heel digging further into his flesh. It's a tactic your sister had taught you. People were less inclined to think clearly when in excruciating pain.  If Deathstroke was this easy to capture, was he really worth your money? 

 He was watching you, blue eyes looking defiant. You whistled low. You liked a hard negotiation. It kept things more interesting. The rapid footsteps of men drew you out of your contemplation much to your annoyance. You debated on just paying them to go away. It would make your life easier but there's a chance these men were truly loyal to the man you had just paid a visit to.

 You weigh your options. His reputation may be enough to keep your siblings away. Maybe just long enough 'til their petty little war is over. "I'm going to hire you-"

 "-this assumes I'm going to say yes"

 You snorted. He noted the confident roll in your shoulders, the kind of cocky self-assured gesture of someone who knows they're going to win.  Every movement, every angling of your form deliberately used to show a difference in power and lack of respect. In short, it made you very punchable.

 "Your statement assumes you have a choice." You chuckled tilting your head to the side in challenge. He scowled at you and you try to keep the sheer delight you feel out of your body language. You weren't sadistic by any means but for one, brutality was practically bred into you, and two, you are, what your darling eldest brother had so kindly put, a  little bitch.  "I'll tell you why you'll say yes to my proposal." You said stepping off of him and pirouetting towards your duffle bag. "One, I'm offering your more than a million dollars in cash for the simple job of training me-" You observed his face as it remains carefully impassive. You expected as much. You heft your bag into your arms and unzip it rummaging through the cache of weapons you had stored just in case plan A through F failed you. "Unless we're associated, I'm the only one walking out of here with any money for their troubles." You said tossing the severed head of his target in front of him. You gave him an all too pleased grin. 

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

 You find yourself pinned down again in the span of 15 minutes, face squished against the training mat, your arms pinned behind you, and most annoyingly your ass raised while your bastard of an instructor laughs in your ear, his lips dangerously close to your ear. You hiss and bristle feeling the fibers in your muscles burn from the uncomfortable angle they've been forced into.  You squirm trying to buck him off but his strength rendered your efforts moot. His enhanced strength keeps your body firmly between the sweat-covered mat and his large, toned body which just made you bite your lip to keep anything vulgar from escaping you. 

 You were 110% sure he was fucking with you at this point but any smart remark you had was either smothered by the mat or died whenever you felt acutely aware of your skin against his.  

 "Get off of me, old man," You snarl, making a futile attempt to kick him off with one of your legs. He chuckles at your weak attempts, the reverberations from his chest pressing against your back sending a thrum of excitement rolling over you concentrating into more distracting areas. You can't see it but you know he's grinning smugly above you and you can't decide whether it's your horniness or your anger that will win out. You sincerely hope it's the latter. 

 "C'mon, kid, you can get out of this," He encourages but you don't miss the playful mockery dancing in his tone. You squirm and wriggle and sigh. "Just let me out," You demand, politely. He doesn't budge. You turn your head to pout petulantly at him. That doesn't do anything either. 

 You sigh again. You hated pinning exercises with a carefully cultivated passion which you would normally direct at whatever instructor was dumb enough to force it upon you. However, that wasn't really possible as of this moment. One of the reasons for this hatred was that you were never pinned down unless you wanted to be, even then they were usually too hesitant to follow through so you never really saw any practical use for the skill. That is until last week when you found yourself being pinned down by the Red Hood which was honestly a fantastic position if you weren't trying to get away from him. Apparently, the large man didn't take too kindly to being shot at even when your very professional self explained that you were in fact a decoy. After you were entirely unable to slip his hold, you begrudgingly agreed to let Slade teach you a few maneuvers. The other reason was that you liked being pinned down. Your body is far too enthusiastic about the feeling of being pinned down. You're pretty sure you've expended more energy into suppressing your thrilled shivers than you have trying to get out of any of the holds he's demonstrated so far.  The fact that he was an attractive asshole with no shirt did not help.    

 "Maybe if you ask nicely, princess" He drawls his teeth grazing your ear, beard bristling against the sensitive skin of your shoulder. You bite back a groan and stop the cant of your hips. "Or are you even capable of that?"

 "I am, sir" You grind out but it sounds too breathy to be threatening. You feel the curve of his lips against your shoulder.

 "Dunno, brat, I've never seen you do it," He taunts pressing closer to you. You're suddenly aware of just how close you two are. You hate how the way he called you brat sent thrills up your spine. You try to even your breath but you're entirely too feverish both body and mind. You had to think of something before you were lost in a haze.

 You nudge your arm one last time before an idea strikes. A familiar shark-like grin spreads like wildfire across your features. Pressing your ass against his crotch, you roll your hips, the movement slow and deliberate and painfully tempting. Sure, it was a dirty trick but 1) he never said anything about using your assets 2) you've been wanting to do that since the first hold. You feel his muscles tense and you can't help but radiate smugness.  Your smile vanishes, however, when he rolls his hips against yours giving you a feel of his hardened length through the thin fabric of your gym shorts. The slow, tantalizing friction against your core draws out a vulgar moan from you. 

 "Do you wanna run that by me again, brat?" He whispers low and husky emphasizing the last word with another grind of his hip. You pant, hips answering back with their own desperate movement. You want to let your hips keep moving, to make him move, to feel his cock against your core but pride flared in your chest. "Make me." You bite out. "I really should teach you some manners."You feel the low rumble of his answer in response seemingly amused by your continued resistance. He rocks his hips against yours drawing out another breathy moan from you. Out of spite you bite your bottom lip and rock your hips in tandem with his. What did you hope to accomplish from this? You don't know but it certainly felt good. Your skin feels hot and oversensitive as your bodies continue to move at this rhythm. The feel of his muscles rippling against you makes you arch your back. You wanted more but you had too much pride. As if spurred on by the movement, he presses a kiss on your shoulder and sucks at your flesh, a rough hand grips your waist tight enough to bruise. "Slade!" You choke out losing your composure.  The cry sounds more like a plea than you would like. You sound so small and needy beneath his ministrations. 

 Distilling your anger into your weakening limbs you try to buck him off again. You make a small noise of triumph when he budges but whine when his grip on you just gets tighter. "Not quite, princess,"  

 He flips you onto your back. A hand pins both your arms above your head as he situates himself between your legs. His lips capture yours in a rough kiss, the type where you feel two bodies fighting each other for dominance. His teeth bite lightly against your bottom lip asking for entrance. You open your lips less in concession and more of a challenge. The wet muscles of your tongues entangle. Your nose is filled with the musk of him. It was overwhelming. You moan into the kiss and you feel him smile into it. Another small victory. 

 Slade ends the kiss having undeniably won the match. You try to move your hand to punch the grin off his face but again your hands don't budge. You curse his enhanced strength halfheartedly as the feeling of the heat coiling in the pit of your stomach takes over. Instead of diving back in for another kiss as you expected, Slade trails kisses down your jawline, your throat, and your collar bone leaving very defined very visible hickeys. There was something oddly possessive in his actions.  The look in his eye was predatory. 

 You, foolishly, let your attention wander to your hands seeing what angle you could possibly force them into so you can slip his grip and maybe turn the tables. Your attention snaps back to him when the pressure around your chest loosens and the distinct sound of a zipper fills your ears. Your eyes widen as you watch as he unzips the front of your sports bra with his teeth. Your breath catches even as your chest fills with the lack of constriction. Your too hot skin is grazed by the training room's cold air. He places a kiss in the valley between your breasts but when you whimper and move slightly urging him to proceed. He moves on to your stomach. "Asshat" You seethe through gritted teeth. You let out a groan of frustration. You were going to kill him. You honestly don't care if you've just wasted half a billion dollars on this asshole. 

 His kisses drift down to your inner thigh drawing a moan from you. Slade chuckles seeing your desire seeping through the thin fabric of your shorts. He isn't entirely surprised considering how unsubtle you are about your interest. A rare moment of embarrassment blankets you. Your legs try to close but rough hands pry them apart placing them on his broad shoulders. You bite your lip when he plants a kiss on your inner thigh. Your lips are puffy and red at this point, looking delicious as you panted. Slade wonders how your lips would feel around his cock but he decides he'll save that for another time. He hooks his fingers on the waistband of your shorts and his eye widens momentarily when he doesn't feel a second layer of fabric underneath it. He looks at you incredulously.

 You shrug trying to keep the mischief off your face looking absolutely unapologetic. "It's laundry day-" You shrug a little amused that this is the detail that caught him off guard. "-I did tell you I had stuff to do~"He also supposedly had stuff to do but, apparently, you were stuff. He chuckled and without dignifying your comment with an actual response, he rips your shorts off with ease and tosses them somewhere behind him.  A complaint or a threat, you weren't entirely sure, died on your lips when his tongue gave your core a nice long lick. A loud, needy keen escapes you. Your hands now free from his grasp dig into his scalp.  Pleased with your reaction he continues. His skilled tongue exploring your core hitting spots you didn't even know were there. Your hips meet to match his pace as he fucks you with his tongue. You whine when he withdraws his tongue but mewl loud and wanton when you feel two rough fingers stretching your insides. His mouth latches onto your sensitive bud, fingers pumping in and out.  You throw your head back not being able to contain your moans.

 "Look at me, brat," The command is deep and resonant. Your whole body buzzes with excitement. Slade can see your eyes dilate as his voice drops an octave. 

 "Yes," Your breath hitches when he doesn't move. "Sir" You add as a concession hoping it was enough. You felt your pride waning from the small piece of power being given away. Thankfully, he rewards you with another long lick before you can dwell on it. Slade watches as your face twists in pleasure trying your best not to throw your head back. You see the smugness on his face even when half of his face is buried between your legs. You don't attempt a threat simply because you don't trust whatever comes out of your mouth to be coherent. You were so close. You rock your hips trying to chase your high. Your skin is flush and glistening with sweat. You were so close. He feels your walls tightening around his fingers. Another needy keen escapes you as you were about to tip over the edge. 

 The motherfucker pulls back. You snarl at him but it comes out sounding more like a needy croon than anything else. He chuckles at you even as he captures your lips for another kiss. His tongue is thick with the taste of you. Your hand tangles itself into his hair while the other tugs at the waistband of his sweatpants.  He pulls away giving your lips one last nip before his body is off of you. It's funny how just moments ago you wanted him off of you badly enough that you'd play any dirty trick you could think of but now your skin is burning for his touch.  He takes off his sweat pants and his engorged cock slaps against his abs. It takes every brain cell at your disposal not to drool at the sight of it. He was BIG. You wonder briefly if he would even fit.  

 He spits on his cock rubbing his head against your thoroughly soaked folds. You mewl. A playful look in his eye does not go unnoticed but you were far too preoccupied with other concerns. Thankfully, so did he. Slade eases into your pussy in slow shallow thrusts. You can physically feel your walls stretching inch by inch as he works his way into your tight pussy. He can feel every bit of resistance your pussy is putting up. It's his turn to hiss when he finally bottoms out. Your walls cling to his member trying to milk it for all its worth. You drag your nails down from his shoulder to his arms. You pout when his skin heals immediately. You wanted to mark him as he did you but apparently, his healing factor was not up to being kinky today.   

 He laughs at your little protest and gives you a quick kiss. He begins to thrust shallow and languid. Your lips are locked in, sensually nibbling at each other's lips. You arch your back pressing your chest against his musculature savoring every bit of stimulation you could get.   You cant your hips against his urging him to go faster. His large hand grips your hips and pins them down. The coil in your stomach grows tighter at the ease at which he stops you. You feel him grin against your hot skin. 

 "Didn't I say I would teach you some manners?" He pulls himself out leaving you feeling hollow and wanting. You're pretty sure if you weren't drunk on your arousal the look in your eyes would be nothing short of murder, however, this was not the case, Whatever venom you had in you vanished in a swirl of neediness that racked your body. Your cant your hips uselessly trying to find friction only to be met with cool air. 

 "Slade pleeeeaaase!"

 You gasp, as a sharp stinging sensation on your pussy knocks the breath out of you. Slade gives you an expectant look. 

 "Sir, plea-"

 Another slap. Your back arches.  You’re panting heavy, mind swirling and searching. 

 "Daddy please!" The words tumble from your lips thoughtlessly. You both freeze. Slade's face is unreadable making you want to shrink away and let the earth swallow you whole. Panic rises in your chest until you feel his hips slam against yours. The force is enough to knock the breath out of you. He manhandles your body to fuck you at a better angle. His grip on your thighs tight and bruising. You whimper when he dips his head down near yours pressing kisses to your jaw and the pulsating flesh of your neck leaving your mouth free to moan his name like a mantra.   A deep resonant growl rumbles in his chest sending thrills through your skin into your spine. Your hardened nipples drag against his chest as they bounce with his pace. His cock pumps in and out of you at an animalistic pace. You were absolutely going mad over his rough pace but it wasn't enough to push you over. You were both so close.

 "Daddy, please! I- I need-" Slade's cock twitches. His pace goes from animalistic to punishing in the space of a heartbeat. He growls into your ear as he reaches down to rub your clit with skilled, calloused fingers. Your walls tighten around him as you go over the edge.  Your orgasm hits you in a flurry of heat and electricity. He fucks you through it as he chases his own. He pulls out his cock. Ropes of cum covering your chest and your stomach. 

 He lays beside you pulling you close. You moan quietly still feeling the aftershocks of your orgasm. He nuzzles his face into the crook of your neck, planting an open-mouthed kiss. You ease into his hold and close your eyes. 

 "See how easy your life is when you're a good girl, princess," He whispers mockingly into your ear. You raise a middle finger at him too fucked out to care whether it actually conveyed as much venom as you wanted it to. 

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Thanks for reading! Next week will be our regularly scheduled fluff unless I get possessed by the thirst muses. 

tag list:  Tag list:  @batarella , @anothertimdrakestan , @lucy-roo , @multifandomgirl-us , @idkmanicantenglish ,@birdy-bat-writes ,  @boosyboo9206 , @americasmarauders , @l-horizondepeu , @arestorationofbalance  , @cloudie-skay , @knightfall05x

[portvalehq]

with your quicksilver mind, the seas were your oyster; and you’ve always fought to do well. your mind was never best at rest, so now you have decided your calling is to think for your pod and protect your seas. captain never sounded right, but you’ve become a leader in your own right, the stage manager behind an ever-changing production. how you’ve ensured to be both a backbone when needed, but a listening ear as well - the sea is in your debt, but you feel the same for each of the sirens that have become your lifeblood.

MERCURY ● SIREN

age & birthdate: 100-110

birthplace: Caribbean Sea {north atlantic ocean}

length of time in port vale: 0-1 months

occupation: UTP

faceclaim: UTP {{must be poc}}

inspo

CONNECTIONS

PLATINUM: you’ve been blessed with the chance to see a different side of your captain; and you remember the day she was elected well, and always will. where she is harsh edges, you smooth them out - where she is bite and bristle, you are patience and superiority. it is not lost on you that without you, she may never make it as captain - so, now you’ve come to port vale, ready as always to lend your captain a helping fin.

MOONSTONE: while you understand the importance of the divide between the mermaids and sirens, you have never hesitated to look towards them for secret assistance. it was never verbal; but they were success, older as a species, and gifted in ways you knew would be helpful to your pod. you watch, and learn, and introduce the ideas you seen back to your home; and it was her who gave you the idea, those many years ago. she found you in a moment of weakness, and she, wary from travels. all you did was speak, but her words of wisdom weigh on your soul and have ever since.

AQUAMARINE: though you support her endlessly, you differ from your captain on one particular topic - their sights are set on the north atlantic, but yours? the south. it’s prime territory, and you believe it would be easier to infiltrate. the peace treaty does, of course, make this a struggle - but you and it’s ruling princess are both on land now. who is to to say you may not make progress towards your goal of expanding without needing fins at all? 

[rockislandadultreads]

Short Story Collections: Horror edition

In the Shadow of Frankenstein: Tales of the Modern Prometheus by Stephen Jones, Neil Gaiman

Frankenstein... His very name conjures up images of plundered graves, secret laboratories, electrical experiments, and reviving the dead.

Within these pages, the maddest doctor of them all and his demented disciples once again delve into the Secrets of Life, as science fiction meets horror when the world's most famous creature lives again.

Here are collected together for the first time twenty-four electrifying tales of cursed creation that are guaranteed to spark your interest—with classics from the pulp magazines by Robert Bloch and Manly Wade Wellman, modern masterpieces from Ramsey Campbell, Dennis Etchison, Karl Edward Wagner, David J. Schow, and R. Chetwynd-Hayes, and new contributions from Graham Masterton, Basil Copper, John Brunner, Guy N. Smith, Kim Newman, Paul J. McAuley, Roberta Lannes, Michael Marshall Smith, Daniel Fox, Adrian Cole, Nancy Kilpatrick, Brian Mooney and Lisa Morton.

Plus, you're sure to get a charge from three complete novels: The Hound of Frankenstein by Peter Tremayne, The Dead End by David Case, and Mary W. Shelley's original masterpiece Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.

As an electrical storm rages overhead, the generators are charged up, and beneath the sheet a cold form awaits its miraculous rebirth. Now it's time to throw that switch and discover all that Man Was Never Meant to Know.

She Said Destroy by Nadia Bulkin

A dictator craves love--and horrifying sacrifice--from his subjects; a mother raised in a decaying warren fights to reclaim her stolen daughter; a ghost haunts a luxury hotel in a bloodstained land; a new babysitter uncovers a family curse; a final girl confronts a broken-winged monster... Word Horde presents the debut collection from critically-acclaimed Weird Fiction author Nadia Bulkin. Dreamlike, poignant, and unabashedly socio-political, She Said Destroy includes three stories nominated for the Shirley Jackson Award, four included in Year's Best anthologies, and one original tale, with an Introduction by Paul Tremblay.

His Hideous Heart by Dahlia Adler, Kendare Blake, Rin Chupeco, Lamar Giles, Tessa Gratton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Stephanie Kuehn, Amanda Lovelace, Marieke Nijkamp, Emily Lloyd-Jones, Hillary Monahan, Caleb Roehrig, Fran Wilde

Thirteen of YA’s most celebrated names reimagine Edgar Allan Poe’s most surprising, unsettling, and popular tales for a new generation.

Edgar Allan Poe may be a hundred and fifty years beyond this world, but the themes of his beloved works have much in common with modern young adult fiction. Whether the stories are familiar to readers or discovered for the first time, readers will revel in Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tales, and how they’ve been brought to life in 13 unique and unforgettable ways.

The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates

From one of our most important contemporary writers, The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror is a bold, haunting collection of six stories.

In the title story, a young boy becomes obsessed with his cousin’s doll after she tragically passes away from leukemia. As he grows older, he begins to collect “found dolls” from the surrounding neighborhoods and stores his treasures in the abandoned carriage house on his family's estate. But just what kind of dolls are they? In “Gun Accident,” a teenage girl is thrilled when her favorite teacher asks her to house-sit, even on short notice. But when an intruder forces his way into the house while the girl is there, the fate of more than one life is changed forever. In “Equatorial,” set in the exotic Galapagos, an affluent American wife experiences disorienting assaults upon her sense of who her charismatic husband really is, and what his plans may be for her.

In The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror, Joyce Carol Oates evokes the “fascination of the abomination” that is at the core of the most profound, the most unsettling, and the most memorable of dark mystery fiction.

Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

"I believe there is another man inside every man, a stranger..." writes Wilfred Leland James in the early pages of the riveting confession that makes up "1922." the first in this pitch-black quartet of mesmerizing tales from Stephen King. For James, that stranger is awakened when his wife, Arlette, proposes selling off the family homestead and moving to Omaha, setting in motion a gruesome train of murder and madness.

In "Big Driver," a cozy-mystery writer named Tess encounters the stranger along a back road in Massachusetts when she takes a shortcut home after a book-club engagement. Violated and left for dead, Tess plots a revenge that will bring her face-to-face with another stranger: the one inside herself.

"Fair Extension," the shortest of these tales, is perhaps the nastiest and certainly the funniest. Making a deal with the devil not only saves Dave Streeter from a fatal cancer but provides rich recompense for a lifetime of resentment.

When her husband of more than twenty years is away on one of his business trips, Darcy Anderson looks for batteries in the garage. Her toe knocks up against a box under a worktable and she discovers the stranger inside her husband. It's a horrifying discovery, rendered with bristling intensity, and it definitely ends a good marriage.

Like Different Seasons and Four Past Midnight, which generated such enduring films as The Shawshank Redemption and Stand By Me, Full Dark, No Stars proves Stephen King a master of the long story form.

The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories by Jeff VanderMeer, Ann VanderMeer, George R.R. Martin, Bob Leman, Haruki Murakami, Mervyn Peake, Michael Chabon, Neil Gaiman, William Gibson, Franz Kafka, Stephen King, Kelly Link

From Lovecraft to Borges to Gaiman, a century of intrepid literary experimentation has created a corpus of dark and strange stories that transcend all known genre boundaries. Together these stories form The Weird, and its practitioners include some of the greatest names in twentieth and twenty-first century literature.

Exotic and esoteric, The Weird plunges you into dark domains and brings you face to face with surreal monstrosities. You won't find any elves or wizards here...but you will find the biggest, boldest, and downright most peculiar stories from the last hundred years bound together in the biggest Weird collection ever assembled. The Weird features 110 stories by an all-star cast, from literary legends to international bestsellers to Booker Prize winners: including William Gibson, George R. R. Martin, Stephen King, Angela Carter, Kelly Link, Franz Kafka, China Miéville, Clive Barker, Haruki Murakami, M. R. James, Neil Gaiman, Mervyn Peake, and Michael Chabon.