#but right now at least we got SOME energy to let us compete with the og team skull in cool hangout vibes

[friendly-local-trash]

OH SHIT I FORGOT I HAVE A MATH ASSIGNMENT DUE TOMORROW I GOTTA GO GO GO!!!!

today was really fun! thanks for having me! prank lessons went really well!

i also accidentally taught the Duskulls how to play "It's Gonna Be Me" by hitting the creaky spots on the stairs, so sorry if that keeps you up all night! byeeeeeeeee

-(@feraligatrfangs)

Oh dang that explains the door slam I heard, I kinda thought it was the Duskulls.

Glad you could stop by! I know it's more of a hike than it used to be. I'm definitely gonna set up some kinda summer camp or some shit though. It might drive membership, but moreso I kinda just wanna fill the house. It's a big place for like two dudes! Even if it's just me I can always do like, I dunno, a poison handling summer camp or somethin. But I bet I can get some other people on board. Who doesn't love summer camp?

Don't worry about the 'Skulls; I been sleepin with earplugs in ever since they were in their "wailing spirits of the damned" phase! Damn song's gonna be stuck in my head for a while now though... I gotta teach them Montero or somethin.

[yuurei20]

Translation from Twisted Wonderland the 2nd novel: Spelldrive Practice Match (pt 4/5)

"As Cater says, the unity of the Savanaclaw students—led by Leona—is overwhelming. With their own hastily assembled team, there is no way for them to compete.

Especially the inexperienced first-year students, who have barely ever played before.

Grim and the others have simply worn themselves out chasing after a disc that is always just above their heads. Deftly guided to where they would be at their weakest, they would find themselves isolated from their own team before they realized it.

And, once separated, there was nothing they could do but take the torment.

Spelldrive played by Leona’s team is like a hunt: efficient, elegant, and merciless. The Savanaclaw players surround their prey, toy with their targets, and laugh.

As the sun begins to set, the lights that illuminate the field cast a stark, shimmering glow on the dismal scene. Once again Grim makes rough contact with an opposing player, his small body rolling along the ground like dust blown by the wind.

‘Grim!’ Yuuya shouts toward the field. ‘Hey, are you okay?’

‘There's no way I'm okay!’ Grim yells back. He seems to still have some energy left, but his confidence from before the match is gone.

‘I can't take this anymore...Yuu, switch with me.’

‘Hey, you were the one who was the most pumped up about this…’ Ace struggles to stand but nearly topples, steadied by a hand that reaches out to save him from falling.

Just as Yuuya moves to step out onto the field, Ruggie interjects.

'Hey now. It's not cool for outsiders to interfere with a match.’

‘But everyone is so beaten up…!’

‘And?’ Ruggie mockingly tilts his head. ‘If you're serious about Spelldrive, you're gonna get worn out. Besides, injuries are part of any sport.’

‘B-but, when Grim got knocked into just now…that looked like it was on purpose.’

‘Huh? You tryin’ to say that that was our fault? I'd appreciate it if you didn't go making baseless accusations.’

Despite Yuuya gathering all his courage for this confrontation, Ruggie brushes him off without a care.

The player who ran into Grim gives a bark of laughter. ‘Yeah, that’s right!’

‘We’re practicing our tails off over here, where’s the gratitude?’

‘Damn it. They’re mocking us.’ Deuce spits brownish saliva onto the ground. He may have cut the inside of his mouth when he fell. He wipes his mouth with the back of his fist, which Cater then grabs, to stop him.

’Picking a fight would be playing right into their hands. Everyone—instead of following the disc, let’s stick to our teammates and keep ourselves safe.’

‘That’s a good strategy. If you can pull it off.,’ Leona chuckles, looking down at the frustrated group.

‘On your feet, herbivores. This barely counts as practice for our team. We need you to at least stand in as targets for the disc.’

[p-redux]

So, more info from Hyrox Glasgow 2024! Again, thanks Team for all the DMs, I really appreciate you! ❤️

Reminder of what I posted yesterday.

And

So, today, I get this video of Sarah Holden competing at Hyrox Glasgow, and you can CLEARLY hear Sam Heughan cheering her on. Sam's voice is at the very end. At the beginning, you hear a man with a thick Glasgow accent pronouncing Sarah's name Serah. That's NOT Sam. There's also a woman's voice. And at the END of the video, you can hear Sam's unmistakable "C'mon, Sarah!" This was shared by one of the Team and I saved it to my YouTube Channel. Enjoy!👇

I also received this DM with additional info. 👇 Posted with permission.

Here's the pic where Sam is tagged. 👇

And Sarah posting she got FOMO aka Fear Of Missing Out and spontaneously competed today in the women's open race. 👇 She definitely matches Sam's energy level! I'm tired just looking at her. 😊

Anyhoooo, I also got some conflicting info regarding whether Sam competed yesterday after all. I was alerted to this Tweet. 👇

And then I received this DM from someone I've never talked to. 👇

It's all very confusing. On the one hand, it is weird that if Sam competed, he never posted anything on his own IG. On the other hand, Hyrox DID post his results as if he DID compete yesterday. 👇

If Sam decided to not compete and wanted to give his slot to someone else, why wouldn't Hyrox be able to substitute the other man's name? Everything is computerized, so I don't see why they couldn't have made the change easily. Also, isn't it fraudulent to post results with Sam Heughan's name if he wasn't the one competing?

On the flip side, if Sam didn't actually compete, then he literally went to Hyrox to watch Sarah! Those saying "No, he went to watch his friend, Valbo. who also competed." Yeah, except Valbo didn't compete until 6:00 PM yesterday, and Sam was there at 12:00 PM, when the women's competitions started. Literally RIGHT THERE where Sarah was competing. 👇

No reason for Sam to be there 6 HOURS before Valbo was competing if he only went to support Valbo. 🤷‍♀️

I ran out of room to post pics since Tumblr limits to 10 pics, but I also got a DM saying Sam got a bunch of new Instagram follows who are Sarah Holden fans. That leads me to think they went to follow him because they saw him with Sarah at Hyrox.

So, that's it for now. I'm in the process of vetting someone from the Glasgowish area who approached me with some Sam and Sarah info. If she and the info check out, then I'll post it.

PS. I'm hearing from people that my usual haters and assorted newish haters are gnashing their teeth about my #samarah posts...same as it ever was. This has happened any time I've ever posted about Sam possibly dating someone. If you look at my track record for the last 10 years, my info has been at least 90% accurate. No one in the Outlander fandom would have known about Cait and Tony, and Sam and Cody, Abbie, Mackenzie, etc if not for my INSIDER source info, and me posting it FIRST. Facts, people. So, the hate makes no never mind to me. I keep doing me. I'm here for those who want the info. If that's not you, go somewhere else. Simple as that.

Oh, one more thing...the LIE that I have a restraining order against me from Sam resurfaced in my Inbox. Let's use our brains once in our lifetime, shall we? If I had a restraining order or a cease and desist, I wouldn't still be here, now would I? Doh. 🤦‍♀️ My blog is just like any celebrity news blog. It's called freedom of speech, peeps. And in the USA people have died to protect this right. That's all, folks.

[yesyourstalker]

Makeup artist:.......... Are you nervous?

Baja: a little bit.... This isn't like in front of a studio audience right

Makeup artist: No sweetie, it's just a one-on-one interview.

Baja: that's good. Who are we interviewing?

Makeup artist: You're going to have to ask the show-runner, Mickey.

Mickey: let's go. Let's go. Let's go what takes so long putting powder on a face. He has perfect skin anyway. We had to get him to the dressing room. We start filming in a couple minutes

Makeup artist: I'm finished. Just need to map down some scales and he's...... All done. You're free to go sweetie

Baja: thank you

Mickey: So you must be then host of the show. Sorry I wasn't able to meet you sooner. I was on vacation. Oshi told me you're a really good candidate for this show. You seem to be competent you know your way around music....*sip* ..... Coffee?

Baja: I don't really drink that much coffee. I like tea though

Mickey: Green tea! *Snap*. .*snap*

Assistant: your green tea

Baja: thank you

Mickey: Well I know one thing for sure. She was right about the pretty face. Now as you get dressed head to the studio so we start filming promotional material Ramon should be there with you. After your interview which will count as the pilot

Tammy: Mickey listen I really think you should reconsider about not casting me for the show

Mickey: No....*sip*

Tammy: but I really think you should I mean I can at least be co-host. I'm great to be around! Tell him, baba

Baja: it's Baja

Mickey: No, we need to bring up the sea slug viewership

Tammy: I can be the second co-host

Mickey:....*sigh*...... Tammy listen to me. You didn't get the job all right. You just don't fit the criteria we need for this show and this channel. But hey you have other opportunities for other networks alright. You're pretty, you're bubbly and you have a nice rack. You can get a job anywhere with those qualities around here.... You're just not going to find it at this station

Tammy: but-

Mickey: goooooood byyyyyyyyyyyyyeeee Tammy!!

Security guard: Right this way ma'am

Tammy: Mickey!!! I'll have your fucking job!!

Mickey: we'll see you next week Tammy we're filming the season finale

Baja: she seemed pretty upset

Mickey: eh she'll get over it ... She's been in a couple of shows here and there on the network. She plays Kate the baby sitter on 'dock and dingy' ......*sip* ..... She'll be fine. Here Is your dressing room your clothes should be folded

Baja: alright... and I just head to set after

Mickey: yep your's and Ramon's chairs will be the brown arm chairs. The musician or celebrity will be sitting on the loveseat and will perform on the stage behind you

Baja: they're going to perform?

Mickey: yeah.. yeah they're starting their Solo career

_______________________________________________

Ramon: hey... You look good. They spruced up your wardrobe too

Baja: yeah. I wonder if we're able to take this home with us

Ramon: probably. I think it'd be easier just to keep in our dressing rooms for now. Keep our work clothes separate from our regular clothes. Feels like bad energy to mix them together.

Baja: how so?

Ramon: I mean this nice brand name stuff fancy designs, colors and a hefty price on it. It's nice but it isn't really me. It's what the studio and the producers want me to be and I rather keep that at work when. I go home I wear my regular off-brand jeans, my 8-year-old sweater and a pair of kicks with a hole in it. That's me. That's who I am. A regular person, I'm not above anyone and I don't want to feel like I am. Get what I'm saying

Baja: yeah... I get it. You don't want the job to change you

Ramon: exactly

Mickey: All right! Hitch you got the shot?

Hitch: Yeah I got it. We can use this for commercials

Baja: you were filming?

Mickey: Yeah yeah no worries. We just wanted to film you guys interacting. We didn't tell you cuz we wanted to look natural.

Hitch: we didn't have any mics on so we couldn't hear what you were saying so don't worry about it. I'm the director by the way names Hitch. Nice to meet you..

Baja: hello

Ramon: hey

Mickey: alright so we're going to start filming the show in 30 minutes. Kikura is their dressing room.

Ramon: Kikura from C-side?

Mickey: yeah

Kikura: sorry I'm late.. I tend to procrastinate when I'm getting ready for these types of things...... Not a good excuse but... yeah

Mick: Well that's perfectly fine. We'll be filming in a couple minutes this is Ramon and this is Baja. They're going to be the ones interviewing you

Kikura: hey

Hitch: while we wait for that, let's do some more advertisements

______________________________________________

Assistant: alright..... Advertisement 2 take one...[clap]

Baja: Hi my name is baja and I'm the new host of the inklab's new show 'music at midnight'.... Me and my new co-host Ramon

Ramon: sup

Baja: we're going to be interviewing musicians from all walks of life

Ramon: and different genres.

Baja: We're going to have nice conversations getting to know them, telling us some really cool stories.

Ramon: a show airs Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. can't wait to see you there!

Hitch: CUT!.... Great! We're going to do some more editing and maybe some reshoots on that but here is your intro You're going to do this during every episode you introduce yourself. You tell them what show they're watching and then you tell the current news what's going on in the music world..... You're also going to have to do that when you start writing articles for the blog, but we'll get to that later. ... Here's the monologue script. If you want to go off script feel free... Go over it, memorize We'll film in 15...... Oshi! Good to see you..*mwah mwah* how are you baby

Oshi: Hitch! Hope everything is going well I just wanted to check in on everyone

Hitch: yes... You're going to start filming soon so have a seat....(Pat...Pat)

Oshi: alright..... I'm getting a call.....*ugh*..............[inhale].....[exhale]...... Hi Shimi! How are you doing dear?... Are you having fun on the farm? I saw some pictures warabie posted on squidder. You look cute riding the tracker hehhe....... Well you only have one week left honey..... yes I've enjoyed my break..... The church? If that works for you honey I guess it gives you a purpose.........*sigh*...(Eye roll)....acting is also your purpose I know...how's warabie is he having fun?......well tell him to try to enjoy himself..............yes ...... alright good bye hun.............

_______________________________________________

Shimi: hm.....

Merv: Shimi it's your turn to take the manatees out to graze, take your son with you. Noiji start up the tractor I need you to harvest the octoberries, ikkan pack up squidmelons and head into town. Koi would you help me harvest some of the squid lemons

Koi-koi: I'd love to

Merv: Cirrina sweetheart you said you're going into the city for a school project?

Cirrina: Yeah just for 2 hours. When I get back I'll feed the krill and clean out their coop

Merv: All right, be safe

Shimi: warabie help me load up the manatees

Warabie: yeah..... What were you calling Mom about?

Shimi: It's none of your concern she didn't let me talk anyway............

Warabie:... All right, the manatees are in (bump...bump).....

Shimi: alright...................

Warabie:............so what's mom up to at home?

Shimi: she's working on project O.E.T network

Warabie: that's nice she's been working on that for years

Shimi: *humpf*.... We've been working on for years.... Typical of her to go behind my back and do things without my permission or opinion

Warabie:...... Oooookkkaaay...........hm.................hey mahi

_______________________________________________

Mahi: hey dude

Warabie: what's going on at home?

Mahi: nothing much. Baja got a new job...... stop!........ Yeah, he's going to be on TV now. That's pretty neat

Warabie: tv?!

Mahi: some talk show.... Midnight music...... Music at midnight something.....neta stop spawn camping!

Neta: I'm not spawn camping

Warabie: he got the job!? How did he get the job?!

Mahi: I don't know, I really haven't had time to talk to him. He's been in and out of the apartment for like days now..... cod damn it!.... Let me leave the base at least...... fuck!

Neta:hehehehehehehe... I'm sorry .hehehe

Mahi: sorry... Neta's being an asshole...uhhhhh...Baja honestly hasn't been here and when he is here he's just there to get dressed and then leave.

Warabie:*sigh*....... good for him... Guess he's going to be the new breadwinner

Mahi: hey so when are you coming home?

Warabie: end of the week I should be home

Mahi: great apartments too quiet and-Neta!

Neta: what?! What am I doing wrong? I'm just playing the game. It's not my fault you always end up in my range of sight. Get good at the game

Mahi:*huff*... Can you come home faster? I miss you

Warabie: aww I miss you too mahi.. I honestly want to go home too. This place sucks ......I'm tired of scooping Manatee shit and hauling crates of squidmatoes

Neta: ask him the question

Mahi: *ugh*........are you able to bring home fresh produce and milk

Warabie: I....... I'm going to have to ask ikkan's dad that

Shimi: we're here unload the manatees

Warabie: I got to go.... text you later..........

Mahi: bye..... I'm not playing with you anymore! I'm done with this game....

Neta: One more round. I want to get a gold badge on this weapon I'm two games away. You can be on my team this time

_______________________________________________

Cirrina: .......this must be the address..........(Knock knock)

Bayou: Cirrina! You showed up!

Cirrina: yeah....hehehe sorry if I'm a little early ...

Bayou: no worries. Come in, come in you can use your shoes on the shelf right here. So what do you want to know about krillarney?

Cirrina: I'm just you know the origins and the history of krillarney...... You lived on the surface for most of your life, right? Is that true for most octolings here?

Bayou: yeah... Most of us here spent their whole lives on the surface though there are some who moved here who previously lived underground

Cirrina: Interesting......so... And did your family move here?

Bayou:...... I think you might get more information from my nan.... Nana!!....... You remember my Nana. from church?

Nana: yes!? Bayou? What is it love?.....oh... Dear the little girl from church. Nice to see you again sweetie

Cirrina: hello..

Bayou: Nan do you mind if she asks you a few questions?

Nana: I have no problems sweetie

Cirrina: It's just a couple questions .. . I'm doing a five-page essay on octarian history in other countries

Nana: wasn't that nice? Well what do you want to know dear?

Cirrina: uhhhh .... When did you move here

Nana: oh I have no idea sweetie It's been years...... The war started when I was around......10 of 11 years old. I lived with my two sisters in a small village My mother was a School teacher and my father passed away years ago.

Cirrina: *writing*

Nana at the time my village was not affected by the high tides but it was targeted with conflict over land and resources. Next thing you know, I was being drafted for the war along with my two sisters. They just turned 13. They never held a weapon before. My mother couldn't even imagine them going to war, it was only after the first bomb we decided to leave. We had to leave quickly so we weren't able to bring a lot. All we had to pack was whatever we could fit in our backpacks. I packed two dresses, pair of pants, three shirts and one skirt. I also packed my Adva doll she's the only toy I played with for years.

Cirrina: *writing*

Nana: My mother was good friends with a man who moved to our village before the war happened. He was a nice inkling man Mr. Doal he offered to help us leave. His son got drafted and passed away early in the midst of combat. He told us about a developing sovereign country called krillarney that was currently taking in anyone and everyone across the world who wanted to get away from the war

Cirrina: *write*..... So how did you get to krillarney

Nana: we were informed that there were fairies and ships offering to help people leave. We set our trip in the middle of the night and met up with Mr. Dole and other people who wanted to leave as well. The walk was 3 hours straight. No brakes, no rest until we made it to the coast and we got onto a ship. It was a squid beak ship if I remember, The S. S. Escargot. We sailed for a week to krillarney making several stops picking others in similar situations.

Cirrina: was it just inkfish who were escaping?

Nana: oh no there were so many people from so many walks of life on the ship. Urchins, fish, cephalopods, Crustaceans. So many were affected by this war. I remember seeing some still wearing their military uniforms. It was their only chance to leave and they took it

Cirrina: when you got to krillarney what was it like? Was different from how it is today.

Nana: Well I can tell you one thing we didn't have these malls, outlets or a nice studio apartment like I have now hehehe. .... When I first got here My mother could only afford a nice small house with two bedrooms. Our neighbor was young octoling and his wife was a bass. They were enlisted in the military for years. When the war started they were completely against it. They were planning on having kids at the time they couldn't do that if they were at war. Unfortunately they weren't able to have kids but they watched me and my sister so many times that they kind of saw us as their kids hehehe

Cirrina: *writing*...... Do you ever think about your old village? What happened to it?

Nana:............. Well....um..... Like I said at the time the high tides didn't affect my home but.............. Soon enough it was............. Everything was wiped out and everyone......... From what I know now....... The water levels have subsided and it is inhabitable but............ I just never went back. Everything I know about that place is gone. My home my toys.....some of my old friends

Cirrina:.... I'm sorry.......

Nana: it's alright love

Cirrina: ....... I think I asked enough questions

Nana: are you sure? I could tell you more

Cirrina: oh that's ok really.... I have enough to write my paper. I have to get home to do my chores

Bayou: alright..... Do you want me to walk you to the fairy dock?

Cirrina: (blush).... well........ok...

Bayou: great..... I'll be right back Nana

Nana: Come back safe

Cirrina:..........................

Bayou:...........................

Cirrina:..................

Bayou:..............you know we have tons of historical sites here if you ever want to check them out..... Add some photos for extra credit

Cirrina: that would be nice but I really need to get home

Bayou: we don't have to do it today.

Cirrina: I leave at the end of the week

Bayou: Well you can plan something for this week maybe Tomorrow maybe?....

Cirrina: I can see.... Yeah I think tomorrow would be good yeah..

Bayou: All right so why don't we meet up here again at 2:00 and I can take you to the lighthouse, The bridge of new beginnings and I can even take you to the museum

Cirrina: Great! It's a date! I mean....uh... No! It's not a date..... it's a day out....an outing yeah it's it's it's an outing we're going out......for the day! We're going out for the day

Bayou:..heheheheheh... Here's my number....... I'll text you tomorrow. See ya Cirrina!

Cirrina: bye..hehehehehe........*sigh*..........

_______________________________________________

Assistant director: 'music at midnight'.... Introduction take three!.....(CLAP)

Hitch:go!

Baja: welcome, welcome! Welcome my name is Baja! And this is my co-host Ramon

Ramon: hey!

Baja: I'm very excited to say that this is the first episode of our very new show called 'music at midnight'. What is music at midnight? Well as the names in the title says we're going to be talking about music and it's going to be airing during midnight.

Roman: yep so while we sit here and talk and do interviews. You're going to be sitting on your couch or in your bed and your nice warm jammies.....

Baja: I wish we could wear pajamas

Ramon: Right? We should ask the exacts for a pajama day

Baja: hahahaha...(CLAP)..... All right, let's get started.... Today's music news....... But before we do that, who's who's with us today

Ramon: today we have Kikura sitting in our guest seat

Kikura: hey everyone

Baja: so we Kikura here today and there the guitarist for the band c-side and she's a part of another group riot act.....now Kikura is it true that riot act actually came before the band C-side?

Kikura: uh....oh my cod.......uh wow..... Yeah actually that is true. It did come before C-side... Technically yes but at the time it was not called riot act.... It was actually called 'no boys allowed' uhhehe.... We were in high school that was our original band.... We were in an all-girls school. We were just a couple of weird kids just screwing around... We were all in theater together and we used to hang out under the bleachers and I don't remember who mentioned it but one of us said "wouldn't be funny if we started a band and we had no idea how to play the instruments"....and heh That's how it really started

Baja: it started out as a bit?

Kikura: Yeah it started out as a bit. We started to borrow instruments from The music room and we started to play, used to write music together like we had our own group chat and everything ... It started to get serious during second year of school. It started out as a joke and then just kind of started to really get into it and we really just stopped seeing it as a joke and started seeing it as more of a hobby and soon after we started to book gigs, shows and sets in people's basements. It just kind of took off after that.

Ramon: so what made you join C-side?

Kikura: so C-side started after I met Beika it was a small underground club. He recognized me from my band and he was really excited to see me! He told me that he was a bass player and his old roommate was a drummer and they needed a guitar player. He had a couple songs that he's written and he wanted my opinion on it. He wanted to see if I was able to do a demo track for him.

Baja: *nods*

Kikura: a couple weeks of talking I went to the studio and I met Uotora... He's such a sweetheart oh my cod.... We did rewrites and we wrote some more music. We did some test tracks and 5 hours later I was officially a part of the band...

Baja: what was your first concert like.... You played in sesame hall as the opener for wet floor

Kikura: I was surprisingly calm during the whole show. Really thought I was going to panic and freeze up because this is the first actual concert like a concert concert like it wasn't just a group of people hehehe in a backyard. I remember the crowd wasn't that enthusiastic when we came up but after playing 'click bate' people really just started to really get into it and we just formed a fan base after that.

Ramon: are you still a part of that band? After you released your new album with riot act

Kikura: oh yeah definitely. I'm still a part of the band I'm not going anywhere. This ain't that kind of band. Do we treat each other with respect...hehehe...hm... But no this is just a side project. We all just started talking again and it's just a passion project we're just doing really

Baja: and speaking of passion projects, let's get to the news....Nami one of the members of beloved yet controversial bands front roe has enough that branching off and starting a solo career. Today on Inkstagram she announced that she's working on a new album and writing her own songs she even took a selfie of herself in the studio showing in the recording booth.

Ramon: I think nami's very underrated in the band. It's good to see she's getting out there

Kikura: I'm so happy that she is. I only met her two times. It was during the black square music festival and the seashore awards she is so nice, she's so kind and so pretty. We were talking and I brought up keeping my music in a notebook and she did the same thing too. She has several notebooks of music that she really wants to make but it doesn't really fit the sound of 'squid squad'..... Well I guess it's front roe now but she's kept those book for years... I truly hope she's putting those to good use

Baja: You know this actually isn't her first solo work. She worked on a soundtrack for 'high-rise falling 4'. It was a video game for the gamer boy x system.

Kikura: really?

Raman: Yeah I know that she composed background music for the menu and she also made The third boss Battle song. Man If they ever make the movie of high-rise falling

Baja: they are never going to make that movie.... It's always in production hell for years now

Kikura: I've only played the second and third game in that series, but I heard the movie is going to be starting off with The fifth installment and going backwards which doesn't make any sense

Hitch: what is high-rise falling? I don't know what that is. What are they talking about?

Oshi: It's just a game that these kids play. The audience will know what they're talking about

Ramon: they should bring her back for the movie. It would be really cool if she remixed her original tracks. I love that for him. I'm happy that she's making music. I'm really excited..... What else we have for the news

Baja: SashiMori are no longer doing fall tours or winter tours like they used to

Raman: oh?

Baja: So one of the members, Paul. He's no longer able to travel because he has school so they're going to have to do summer tours

Ramon: that makes sense.... I remember their last tour was during fall during spook fest. Everyone dressed up in costumes and during their last set, people were giving out candy.... Folks was handed a bucket before they got into the arena. it was good candy too like people were getting full size candy bars..... What type of candy do you like? I like gum.... You could never go wrong with gum..... Good flavor, good texture... And you can blow bubbles with it. What about you?

Baja: I enjoy chocolate... I love a good piece of chocolate..... Especially if it has a filling in it like marshmallow or something.....Kikura?

Kikura: I would say I'm a hard candy type of person.... I enjoy jawbreakers

Baja: really

Kikura: Yes, it lasts longer than most candies and..... Besides lollipops It is the only candy that is socially acceptable to take out of your mouth

Hitch: do we have any chocolate sponsors?

Oshi: no but I can get with the marketing team and see what we can do

[one hour of banter later]

Baja: Well folks that's our show! Thank you for being here for our first ever episode. The riot act album will be released on the 22 so make sure you check your local stores for it....now enjoy one of their debut songs 'No planned survivors'

[riot act performing in the back ground]

Mickey: what are the viewerships right now?

Assistant: Right now the viewerships are sitting at 89.4 million...and online..... only 20k views... But that number might rise in the next week

Mickey: [inhale].....[exhale]...... What do you estimate the viewership for ink lab plus?

Assistant: Well..... Judging from the viewership on TV and the viewership on the app we might be able to gain..................... 100 million first episode maybe even more...

Executive: I don't understand it! they talked about video games and then candy, went on a tangent about handbags and backpacks. How is this popular?! This is supposed to be about music and celebrities.

Oshi: Kids today aren't really all that interested in celebrities showing off their fancy cars, expensive clothes and lifestyle. They're bored at that and so are the newer artists. They just want to know who they are as a person....if knowing about their favorite candy and opinions on games keeps them engaged and interested in their music and our show I see no problem with it

Mickey: hmmmm.....

Hitch: I think we might need a meeting for this. I have an idea

Oshi: what's the idea

Hitch: we haven't had that much traction on the app for a while. instead of making a recorded video the next time we film we do a live stream and have the audience involved with the conversation

Mickey: I like that. Keeps the audience engaged and keeps the viewerships high. it saves money on editing

Hitch:......... These kids are going to make us a lot of money

_______________________________________________

Neta had 12 kills in one match and 6 of them were mahi

lmao fish was fighting for their life @fish-at-fish-fish-resort

[twilightknight17]

Today (it’s not tomorrow til I go to sleep) on P3R, we spend a lot of time in Tartarus, I’ve got some questions about why everyone I know is such a mess, yet another couple is competing to be worse parents than Nyarlathotep, and six days of exams.

So with the Priestess down, we can get past that barrier in Tartarus, so up we go to the next set of floors. I was expecting more green hallways, but instead I got, uh…

Mementos was weird from the beginning, but like… it saved the REALLY weird stuff for a lot further down. This is area 2, and we’re stuck with Bigface and eldritch eyes.

When I reached another gatekeeper shadow, I got it! But then there was another one immediately after. :(

Disappointing Igor is the worst. But at least I figured out what the stupid dice’s weakness was, so I got it the second time. Everyone keeps talking about how Akihiko is going to be better soon and he’ll be able to help, so I guess we’ll head home for now just in case there’s more gatekeepers immediately ahead.

The takoyaki thief at the shrine is named Maiko, and she’s adorable. I really like her. ^_^

………….oh no.

Her parents are getting a divorce, and she is NOT doing well. And apparently they spend more time yelling at each other than talking to their kid and making sure she’s okay.

Minato doesn’t have the energy for righteous fury, but I do.

Mitsuru wants me to look at the command equipment instead of going on a rage-fueled rampage, so off we go. I dunno why she thinks we can fix it. Just let Ikutsuki do it.

…...that seems concerning.

It’s a video of Ikutsuki working on a report and talking to himself. He’s pondering the full moon shadow, and whether it’s a sign that “it’s starting”.

Apparently he also tells himself puns. This man...

You can’t actually tell Mitsuru about what you saw??? Like, did I fix it? Was this a plan to get me to see this video? Mitsuru, what even.

Ugh, fine, I’m gonna go study.

I’m finally a Regular Guy instead of a pathetic wet blanket.

In the next few days of school, Junpei texted and asked to hang out in the afternoon. I guess this is the new side-story things they added? It’s a little weird, though, because it shows up on the map like this:

It’s not a social link, though. We went to the arcade and hung out and talked, but there were no points or Velvet voiceovers or anything. Just chilling and playing some… uh… “very interesting games”. XDDD

It did up Junpei’s stats, so that’s good. But it’s not a social link. I am still stuck with Kenji as my Magician. X’’’D He’s not around, though, because pretty much everyone is knuckled down to study for exams. So I ended up spending a lot of time at the bookstore. Even though Bunkichi and Mitsuko make me sad.

My space is being invaded, though. By the French.

But just call him "Bebe".

I'd rather not.

I can’t actually start his link right now because he hangs out in the home ec room, and all the clubs are shut down for impending exams.

...is this gonna be on the exam?

I bought some food that needs to be refrigerated, and the mini fridge in my room spontaneously broke. However, the downstairs fridge is full. Which, like… guys. Who is using all these ingredients? It keeps telling me I can’t use the kitchen, so how have y’all filled the whole fridge?

Instead of going to Tartarus, we’re having study sessions to get ready for exams. It’s going, uh… well? I think?

And I’m spending more time with Maiko, because all my links at school are unavailable.

MINATO. WHY IS THAT EVEN AN OPTION.

…..man, I am so worried about this kid.

I made it through midterms and answered all the questions correctly because no one asked me about algebra! So hopefully that’s enough to get me a good grade and a reward from Mitsuru. Speaking of Mitsuru, I ran into her biggest fan in the hallway after my last exam.

Wouldn’t we all be happy?

I also ran into my fellow student council member, who can only say a little bit to me before freaking out because she can’t talk to guys. Minato’s dialogue options are golden.

Off to see Maiko again, only to get interrogated by this dude.

First of all, Minato’s in high school, so… neither? Second of all, who are you? You didn’t even introduce yourself. Maiko just called you “Stripey”. And I might know who you are, but Mina doesn’t. From his perspective, you’re just some other guy Maiko knows.

I’M SO WORRIED ABOUT THIS KID

Anyway, now that exams are done, Akihiko has been cleared to fight again, and apparently found another persona-user while he was in the hospital. But apparently, she also wouldn’t be capable of fighting.

This is why you don’t jump the gun, Akihiko.

So I guess next time, we’ll head back into Tartarus to see what Akihiko can do.

Random side note: I keep meaning to mention that they’re still wearing the SEES armbands. I’m wondering now what prompts the spiffy uniform upgrades to the shoulder-guards and stuff we saw in the trailers.

Second random side note: If hanging out with your non-social-link friends for side stories buffs their persona stats, I wonder what hanging out with Ryoji will do? Buff Than? Debuff the final boss? XDDD

[tutuandscoot]

📍Worlds 2017 Post FD

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this moment.. discussed, and as I was watching this comp to make another post recently I got stuck on this moment I’d seen several times, but it hit me in the feels more significantly this time round.

First let me set the scene (which you can go watch for yourselves on the full video here starts at 3:30:40).

Once the competition has finished, VM make their way from backstage under the stands to the k+c/ marshalling area for the medal ceremony. But before that they are to give an interview. A camera person has followed them out to this area and there are a few different people wanting their attention. First, someone from the US fed/team who shakes their hands (says congrats) then one of the competition officials asks them something, then the lady who congratulations them and tells them she will do their interview. They can’t go straight to the k+c yet however because the team who competed last (right after VM), HD are still there (and after a disappointing skate are still being consoled by their coaches). So VM patiently wait off to the side. Then it’s here when this gif starts.

TS only had Marie with them in the K+C, however both Marie and Patch watched their skate and knew they had won- despite not being the last team to skate, they had a large enough lead after the short to essentially render them unbeatable (even with his misstep). When they left the K+C after their skate, they unlikely watched the final team or knew the final result as it pertained to HD, so as they came out for their interview they were probably not fully aware of what was happening in the K+C- obviously they saw they were sad but maybe didn’t know their final placement. Both Patch (and that other coach I don’t like) were with HD in the K+C, so Patch comes from there over to VM.

Now, let’s not kid ourselves, we all would like to admit that there is nothing ‘wrong’ with two men embracing like this- and we’d be right- there absolutely is not. But inevitably just bc of.. society (more so social norms of the past- it’s hopefully changing now) this is not the most common thing to see, and therefore, at least for me and I would assume many others, illicits more of an emotional reaction just bc we don’t see it all the time. It shouldn’t be weird- it’s not weird, but it’s still not something you see everyday.

So with that out of the way… what a truly beautiful moment this is.

I’m not gonna go all on again about Scott and what he was dealing with personally that season (iykyk if not hmu and I’ll tell you/look at some previous posts), he’s said even by earlier 4CC that season he was emotionally wiped, so by now, with the relief of the season finally being done, they had won, there was no needing to hold it all together for the sake of competition anymore. You could tell in the K+C after their skate how drained he was, at least to me it seemed it wasn’t just exhausted from the skate or the misstep, it was a culmination of things.

We’ve looked at previous posts the wonderful way T took care of him in those moments in her own quiet way and just being herself- being there with him was everything he needed (being with her (holding her hand/looking in her eyes) was the only time he felt ok 🥺).

But of course they were not alone in this comeback- and they made sure everyone knew that. The support they had from their team was as important as the support they gave each other, and it’s interesting the different ways that support is displayed- the similar yet different ways between T&S and either of them with a coach.

As I said-in the k+c, he was so obviously drained of energy, emotion, I felt so bad for him but also so proud of him and them for achieving what they did that year, and bad that it wasn’t as excellent as they wanted that final skate to be. Here waiting off to the side, it may be the lighting on his face but he almost looks like he’s about to cry, just so depleted of energy. It may have been that he saw Patch walking over and that was the look of near tears.. The way P seemingly doesn’t even say ‘congrats’ to him/ them. Obviously all skaters/athletes in general have special relationships which their coaches so it’s not like this is whole exchange is unique, but just the way there is communication without words- same thing S has with T but in a different way that is unique to them. The way S almost falls into P, like he just needs someone to hold him up bc he’s so exhausted. P goes to him like ‘here, let me hold you’- that’s what S needed to ‘hear’ in that moment rather than ‘congrats’. Also to see two men embrace like that (& esp when you know the relationship in this case is very special). It’s not a hug of ‘congratulations’ because he doesn’t really need to congratulate them, they don’t need that from their coaches, or more they don’t need it verbalised in that way. They have a deeper connection with them and for P+S, P knows what S needs in that moment is to just be cared for as a human.

I’m so freakin attracted to S for this reason- that he’s so open with his emotions and accepting and giving of affection. Describing him/them often as ‘soft’ isn’t a joke- it’s what they are and it’s an umbrella term to describe their affection and sensitivity.

Then if all that wasn’t beautiful enough, the way T just gently steps back a little to give them space. She is not being excluded, P is of course going to hug her as well, she does not find this awkward. She knows S needs a hug from P and so she gives them that space. I’m really not explaining it very well but I know what it says when I watch it and I’m just hoping y’all reading are getting what I’m trying to put into words.

This all goes back to TS’s just unbelievable level of knowing of one another and now having coaches who they trust enough and want them to be on some sort of level of knowing with them. The way she can be part of that hug without being part of that hug. How they can support each other with out being the one hugged/doing the hugging. The way they are so gentle with their emotions towards each other and create a safe space for each other to feel what they need to feel.

[mrsbsmooth]

Scripts - S6 - Episode 11 (Part 1 of 2)

Rodeo challenge (excl. Bella's turn)

NARRATOR: I love girls’ choice recouplings! Or I did until I experienced one myself recently.

NARRATOR: Or an uncoupling might be more accurate... Ok, I admit it, I was dumped!

NARRATOR: But which boy is about to suffer a similar fate and which boy does {0} have her eyes on?

NARRATOR: Let’s find out!

Everyone digests the recoupling news, Roberto and {0} stare at you in shock.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Looks like the power’s in the girls’ hands now, boys!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Yeah, you boys better get your grafting boots on.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: Grafting boots aren’t my style.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: You’ve been wearing them since you got here.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: Charm and graft are two different animals. As are me and you.

{0}_SERIOUS: You got that right, pal.

{0}_SERIOUS: I guess we’ll get an answer to our question tonight, {1}.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I guess you will.

GRACE_HAPPY: You boys getting a bit jittery?

OZZY_FLIRTY: Nah, not sweating it too much.

Ozzy shoots you a subtle flirty smile. Grace seems to notice it.

OZZY_FLIRTY: I’m quietly confident it’ll work out at the recoupling.

LEWIE_HAPPY: It’s not very quiet when you announce it like that, mate.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: I meant Roberto and {0}. Are you boys pranging?

LEWIE_EMBARRASSED: I’m genuinely nervous. Feel like I’m in the tunnel before a cup final.

JAMAL_HAPPY: How did the last cup final go? Out of interest.

LEWIE_HAPPY: Eh, not great. We lost 4-0 and I got sent off.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: Well at least you’re used to going home early.

RYAN_EMBARRASSED: I’m more nervous than before a performance.

LEWIE_FLIRTY: You should never be nervous about your <i>performance</i>.

JAMAL_FLIRTY: Never overthink things in the bedroom. Passion and instinct, bro.

RYAN_HAPPY: I think we’re talking about different performances.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: I never think of anything in the bedroom as a performance. It feels too… distant.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: I like it to be more intimate than a ‘performance’.

JAMAL_HAPPY: I’ve got a few cheeky butterflies. Like before I compete in an event.

JAMAL_FLIRTY: Guess that means I’m catching some feels.

LEWIE_HAPPY: What happened in the last event you competed in?

JAMAL_HAPPY: Oh it went great actually.

JAMAL_HAPPY: Stacked it off a big rail set and ended up coming second to last.

ROBERTO_SERIOUS: At least you’re used to going home early.

{0}_IDLE: It’s cool, nerves make me perform better.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: In pilot school, we call that a C.A.C.A statement.

GRACE_SURPRISED: And what does that mean?

ROBERTO_HAPPY: Choose Another Career, Already.

Roberto keeps a straight face until he bursts out laughing.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: Things always work out for the best.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: Whether it’s in here or not, I’m sure we’ll all find love.

Roberto holds your gaze, giving you a confident smile.

BELLA_SURPRISED: You must get a bit nervy before you fly? I’d be a hot mess.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: You’re always a hot mess, Bella.

BELLA_HAPPY: You know me so well.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: When I’ve got the controls in my hands I’m cool as ice.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Well, your future’s in the girls’ hands now.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: True, true. But I’m feeling hopeful, put it that way.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m crossing both my fingers!

BELLA_SURPRISED: Both your fingers?

{0}_EMBARRASSED: My fingers on both hands. Ah, you know what I’m saying.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: You boys really are bricking it.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: {0}, are you picking up on their nervous energy?

I’m picking up your sexy energy, Roberto

PLAYER_FLIRTY: The only thing I’m picking up right now is your sexy energy, Roberto.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I can see why you’re feeling confident.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: Great to hear. Any man you choose would be lucky.

{0} being nervous is kind of cute

PLAYER_FLIRTY: {0} being a little bit nervous is cute. He understands what a find I am.

{0}_HAPPY: Exactly. The stakes are high. So much to lose.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Is that so?

{0}_FLIRTY: Yeah, you’re amazing, {1}.

You’ll find out who I’m picking up later

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m not gonna tell you what I think, boys.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wait until the recoupling to see where my head’s at.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: I love a girl who keeps me on my toes.

{0}_FLIRTY: Amelia, I’m more interested in what you’re saying.

{0}_FLIRTY: Anyone you’ve got your eye on for the recoupling?

AMELIA_FLIRTY: That’s for me to know.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Let’s just say I’m open to being grafted, boys.

{0}_FLIRTY: Good to know.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: I was talking to all the boys, {0}.

{0}_FLIRTY: Burn!

Bella’s phone pings.

BELLA_SURPRISED: I got a text!

LITEXT: Islanders, get ready to take part in ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Sexy’! It’s time to show off your moves. {0}RidingFlirty {1}BuckingBonko

JAMAL_HAPPY: Bucking Bonko? That’s sick!

OZZY_HAPPY: My moves are sick. Been waiting for an excuse to bust them out.

LEWIE_HAPPY: Mate, you bust them out every morning.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: You know what a physical challenge means, boys?

JAMAL_FLIRTY: Time to get a pump on real quick!

Roberto and Jamal sprint to the gym laughing, closely followed by the other boys.

BELLA_HAPPY: They’re hilarious.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Looks like they’re ready to get their graft on.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Ohhh I don’t know who to pick for the challenge. So many snacks.

BELLA_FLIRTY: Well, {0} clearly wants you to focus on him.

BELLA_FLIRTY: He’s been dropping game all morning.

AMELIA_EMBARRASSED: Unfortunately, his game is a bit cringe.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Icky?

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Ehh maybe a bit. He said he was all about Ivy and forgot her pronto.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: What about you, Bella? Who will you pick?

BELLA_IDLE: I think {0} would be a little miffed if I didn’t pick him.

BELLA_EMBARRASSED: But if I told you all there’s a spark there, I’d be lying.

GRACE_SERIOUS: Yikes. Sparks can come when you least expect them though.

GRACE_IDLE: Me and my ex were just mates until I saw him using chopsticks in a restaurant.

GRACE_HAPPY: Just clicked all of a sudden. I was like, ‘ahh I fancy you now’.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Maybe seeing {0} on a bucking bronco will give you the chopsticks feeling.

BELLA_HAPPY: Maybe. Thanks, gang, always enlightening.

{0} peels off from the boys and approaches.

{0}_FLIRTY: Grace, can I pull you for a quick chat?

GRACE_SURPRISED: Course you can.

Grace leads {0} over to the beanbags.

AMELIA_SURPRISED: I wonder if he’s grafting or just wants a chat?

BELLA_FLIRTY: We’ll ask Grace later. Something tells me this challenge is about to stir the pot.

You rush off with the girls to get ready. A nervous energy in the air about the upcoming challenge and looming recoupling.

PLAYER_HAPPY: This challenge is gonna be so much fun!

BELLA_HAPPY: I’ve always wanted to be a cowgirl.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: I might be taking the boys for a ride.

The girls laugh as Grace rushes into the dressing room.

GRACE_SURPRISED: Guess who just got his graft on?

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Guessing it might’ve been {0}.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: He said he wanted to get to know me better.

AMELIA_SURPRISED: Did Ozzy see?

GRACE_HAPPY: He couldn’t miss it. We were right by the gym.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: {0}’s making moves.

AMELIA_EMBARRASSED: Confirms he wasn’t that into Ivy after all.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: Did you flirt back with him, Grace?

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: I kinda did a bit.

BELLA_SURPRISED: With Ozzy right there?

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: I guess I wanted him to hear and get a bit jel. Is that wrong?

You shouldn’t play games with him

PLAYER_ANGRY: You shouldn’t be using a boy to play games with Ozzy.

AMELIA_SURPRISED: She’s having fun, don’t ruin her buzz, {0}.

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I just don’t think you’d be too pleased if it was the other way round.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: You’re right. Guess I’m just feeling a bit confused with Ozzy is all.

It’s never wrong to flirt

PLAYER_FLIRTY: We all came here to flirt. Don’t feel bad because you and Ozzy are coupled up.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: I never feel bad for flirting. It’s got me in trouble a few times...

AMELIA_HAPPY: Quite a few times.

AMELIA_HAPPY: But it’s too much fun.

BELLA_FLIRTY: Agreed. Maybe Ozzy was taking notes. It might be a good thing for you both.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: Thanks, girls. I guess I’m just feeling a bit confused about Ozzy right now.

You don’t sound too secure with Ozzy

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: It sounds like you and Ozzy aren’t on solid ground.

AMELIA_SURPRISED: Alright, {0}!

PLAYER_IDLE: If she felt super secure with Ozzy would she be doing that?

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: You’re right, I guess I don’t feel that solid with him right now.

GRACE_SAD: I might just be overthinking things, but feels like I’ve got a few doubts.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: Or more like I think he’s got some doubts. Like he’s not 100 about me.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: Why do you think that?

GRACE_SAD: Kinda feels like he might still be open to other options.

AMELIA_SURPRISED: What other options?

Grace glances in your direction and awkwardly avoids eye contact.

BELLA_SERIOUS: If he does, that’s on him. He should be gassed he’s with you.

GRACE_SAD: I just see his eyes wandering a bit sometimes. Like he’s not set.

BELLA_FLIRTY: Sounds like you need to find out where you stand.

Grace thinks for a few seconds.

GRACE_FLIRTY: I’m gonna give him a test in this challenge.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: How do you mean?

GRACE_FLIRTY: You’ll see soon. And his reaction will tell me a lot!

BELLA_FLIRTY: Well, that’s ambiguous. Whatever you got planned sounds like a great idea.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: I got a feeling this challenge is gonna go off.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: The boys will be falling over themselves to impress us.

BELLA_HAPPY: {0}, you already have the PERF outfit. Love that sexy cowgirl number.

GRACE_HAPPY: Urgh, I'm so jealous. That outfit is gonna stun everyone!

BELLA_HAPPY: Happy with your look?

I’ll do some touch ups

I’m good to go!

PLAYER_HAPPY: If I’m gonna be bucking broncos, I have to be wearing this.

BELLA_FLIRTY: Couldn’t agree more, honey.

GRACE_HAPPY: Love it!

BELLA_HAPPY: We’ve all got these cute hats, but let’s see if there’s something else...

BELLA_HAPPY: I found the perfect thing. It’s a cute cowgirl outfit! But there’s only one.

AMELIA_HAPPY: {0}, you would defo pull that off.

GRACE_HAPPY: Yeh, I need to see you in that! It’ll look stunning.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Ok, I’ll see what it looks like.

PLAYER_HAPPY: What do we think?

BELLA_HAPPY: I think I can’t think because that looks so hot!

AMELIA_HAPPY: Giddy up, sister! You look sooooo cute in that!

AMELIA_HAPPY: Are you gonna wear it, {0}?

*TRYOUTFIT* Yeehawww, I’m wearing this!

I’m going to see what else I’ve got

AMELIA_HAPPY: Shame, that cowgirl outfit looked unreal on you.

GRACE_IDLE: So many boys are competing for you right now.

GRACE_FLIRTY: With the recoupling coming up, maybe you want to go all out?

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Yeah, and see who goes all out for you?

BELLA_IDLE: She’s got a point, {0}. What do you want to do?

I want to try on that cowgirl outfit again!

BELLA_HAPPY: Ringa-ding ding.

GRACE_HAPPY: I’m always right with my first impression of an outfit.

GRACE_FLIRTY: And my first impression of that outfit was: YES.

AMELIA_IDLE: She’s right, {0}. All eyes will be on you in that outfit.

AMELIA_HAPPY: It also shows your fun side.

AMELIA_IDLE: Are you going to wear the spicy cowgirl outfit then?

*TRYOUTFIT* I have to wear it!

I’ll wear something else

I’ll check out the wardrobe once more

I’ll stick with what I’m wearing now

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I think I’ll just wear what I have on.

PLAYER_HAPPY: If I’m gonna be bucking broncos, I have to be wearing this.

BELLA_FLIRTY: Couldn’t agree more, honey.

GRACE_HAPPY: Love it! What are we waiting for? Let’s go!

PLAYER_HAPPY: I’m feeling great in this!

GRACE_HAPPY: Love it!

PLAYER_IDLE: I’m feeling fine in this.

BELLA_HAPPY: This will be my first ever rodeo! I’m so excited.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Let’s go!

You sprint onto the challenge stage where a rodeo bull stands in the middle of a Western themed obstacle course.

RYAN_HAPPY: I’ve always loved westerns.

BELLA_HAPPY: I’ve always wanted a ride on one of them mechanical bull thingies.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: You look incredible in that outfit, {0}.

{0}_FLIRTY: You look more than incredible. I know who I’m trying to impress.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks, boys.

Your phone pings. You read it out.

LITEXT: Islanders, you will take it in turns to ride the rodeo bull for as long as possible.

LITEXT: Then complete the obstacle course as sexily as you can before giving a sexy dance to an Islander of your choice. {0}BuckleUp {1}WildRide

PLAYER_HAPPY: Woop woop, let’s do this! Who’s up first?

ROBERTO_HAPPY: I think I can tame this beautiful, wild animal.

BELLA_HAPPY: But what about the bull?

ROBERTO_HAPPY: I’ll try to tame that too.

Roberto sprints to the bull and flings himself onto it with power and grace.

He grips its handle with one hand, and tips his hat to you with the other.

The bull starts to crank up, spinning around, rising and falling erratically. Roberto holds on with ease.

His bronzed abs glisten in the sunlight and his ripped arms flex as he tames the bull.

He makes eye contact with you as he makes it look effortless.

{0}_HAPPY: Focus on the bull, not showing off to the girls.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: I can multitask. Watch. No hands!

He grips the bull between his bulging thighs and flexes both biceps above his head.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: I call this the Portuguese squeeeeze!

The girls get a view of his defined back and bum as his legs vice around the spinning bull.

BELLA_FLIRTY: He might be boring hot, but he is hot!

AMELIA_FLIRTY: He is too much! That bod is something else.

The bull really cranks up but Roberto dominates it expertly.

GRACE_FLIRTY: You drooling too, {0}?

All the flutters

PLAYER_FLIRTY: That boy is a total snack. He’s giving me serious flutters!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Think the other boys are gonna struggle to top this.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: Hope you heard that, boys! Glad I’m catching your eye, {0}.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: Excited for your turn too.

BELLA_SURPRISED: How can he flirt and ride a bull like that?

ROBERTO_HAPPY: This ain’t my first rodeo!

Getting the ick quick

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I’m getting the ick, girls. He’s being a bit extra, isn’t he?

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Extra hot!

BELLA_HAPPY: I take it you’re waiting for someone else’s turn then?

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: And who would that be?

I’ll be drooling over someone else

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m more excited to see one of the other boys.

BELLA_FLIRTY: I told you this challenge was going to be lit!

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: Which boy?

ROBERTO_HAPPY: Yeehaaaaaaa!

Roberto clings onto the bull as its movement ramps up into its big finale. He somersaults onto a crash mat. Everyone cheers.

Roberto sprints around the obstacle course, leaping over and sliding under obstacles with power, speed and finesse.

OZZY_SURPRISED: The man’s a machine!

He leaps over the finish line and slides to a stop in front of you. He locks eyes with you.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: I’ll give a dance to {0}.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: She’s sexy, fun, and always makes me smile.

GRACE_HAPPY: Awwww.

ROBERTO_EMBARRASSED: I know I might’ve been extra then, but maybe my dancing will redeem me.

ROBERTO_EMBARRASSED: They say it’s all about the hips, right?

Roberto locks eyes with you, and looks almost bashful.

He starts to sway his hips, moving his body from side to side. He’s stiff and wooden.

{0}_HAPPY: You’re supposed to move your hips, pal.

OZZY_HAPPY: I’ll give you a few pointers later.

Roberto looks unphased by everyone’s reactions as he starts thrusting his hips and waving his arms around ridiculously.

Cheer him on

PLAYER_HAPPY: Woo! Come on, Roberto, you got this!

Roberto breaks into a huge grin as he clumsily gyrates and tries some body rolls.

Playfully banter him

PLAYER_HAPPY: You’re a bit stiff, Roberto. Might need more than a few pointers.

PLAYER_HAPPY: You definitely peaked on the rodeo.

ROBERTO_EMBARRASSED: I’m built for power and speed. Not rhythm… Except in the bedroom.

Roberto pirouettes, nearly loses his balance, but tries to style it out with some clumsy twerking.

He laughs, charming, boyish.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Aww, Roberto. You’re too cute.

ROBERTO_EMBARRASSED: I’m sorry, {0}, dancing is my Achilles heel.

OZZY_HAPPY: Only he could dance like that and compare himself to a Greek god.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: I hope my clumsy moves haven’t given you the ick, {0}?

Snog Roberto

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I still think you’re cute, Roberto. Rhythm or no rhythm.

You bring Roberto into you, getting on your tiptoes as you plant your lips on his.

As your lips touch, you feel Roberto’s powerful arms around your waist, pulling you in even closer.

You begin to kiss each other, both overcome by a sudden passion.

Finally, you both pull away. Roberto gives you a wink.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: How does he do it?

Dance with him

PLAYER_HAPPY: Bring it in, Roberto, I’ll show you some moves.

You take Roberto’s hands in yours and slow dance with him. Leading him and showing him a few basic steps.

He’s clumsy but improves a little. He smiles and looks deep into your eyes.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: Not how I pictured our first dance, but I’ll take it.

Move things on

PLAYER_IDLE: Let’s keep this challenge moving.

ROBERTO_SAD: Try to remember the rodeo, not the dancing.

ROBERTO_EMBARRASSED: You’re still thinking about the dancing, aren’t you?

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Who’s up next?

{0}_HAPPY: I’ll follow that.

{0} bounds to the rodeo bull and hops onto it.

OZZY_HAPPY: Come on, {0}. You got this.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: We’ll see about that.

{0} jokily leans in and whispers to the rodeo bull.

LEWIE_HAPPY: Don’t make me look bad, yeah? Anyone got a sugar cube?

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’s a bull not a horse.

RYAN_HAPPY: Be gentle, kind animal.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: It sure ain’t gentle.

JAMAL_HAPPY: Let’s see what you got, you beast.

{0} clings onto the bull with one hand as it starts rotating and jerking up and down.

He is less effortless than Roberto and you see every muscle tensing as he grapples with it.

The bull rears up, nearly throwing him off, but he clings on.

{0}_FLIRTY: Nearly got me.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: It’s only just getting started.

{0}_FLIRTY: I got this. How am I doing, {1}?

Before you can answer the bull speeds up and flings him off onto the crash mats.

Everyone laughs.

ROBERTO_FLIRTY: We can’t all have stamina.

{0}_FLIRTY: It’s the rhythm that counts, right, {1}?

It’s all about the rhythm

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m with you, {0}, you need that rhythm!

OZZY_HAPPY: Yeah you do.

{0}_HAPPY: Well, get ready to see rhythm in action.

Stamina’s what it’s about

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m more interested in stamina to be honest.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: Woman after my own heart.

{0}_SERIOUS: Let’s see if I can change your mind with my moves.

Get on with the challenge

PLAYER_HAPPY: Less talk, more action!

{0}_FLIRTY: Your wish is my command.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You’re still talking!

{0} sprints into the obstacle course. He tries to leap over the first obstacle but clips his foot and tumbles onto the floor.

LEWIE_SURPRISED: Ref! Penalty.

LEWIE_EMBARRASSED: Sorry, force of habit.

{0}_HAPPY: Should be booked for that dive.

JAMAL_HAPPY: I’d have cleared that on my board.

LEWIE_HAPPY: Thought you’d be used to falling flat on your face.

JAMAL_HAPPY: Sounds like you on the pitch, bro.

RYAN_EMBARRASSED: Man, I always trip over the high notes.

LEWIE_HAPPY: Come on, Ryan. Back on your feet, fella.

RYAN_FLIRTY: I’m about brains over brawn anyway.

{0} clamours to his feet and rolls under a low bar before vaulting over a horse obstacle.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m getting warmed up now.

{0} gives you his flirtiest look as he gracefully spins round an obstacle showing off his ripped body.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Are you liking what you see, {0}?

{0} is turning it up

PLAYER_FLIRTY: {0} is really turning on the heat now!

{0}_FLIRTY: Back at ya, {1}. Pumped for your turn.

Luke warm at best

PLAYER_EMBARRASSED: I was hoping for better. Room temperature moves at best.

AMELIA_EMBARRASSED: Maybe he’ll step it up in the dance?

PLAYER_IDLE: Here’s hoping.

I’m still thinking about Roberto

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I’m still thinking about how hot Roberto looked on that bull.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: He gave it a good riding for sure.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Maybe you’ll get to climb on him later.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: One serving of the Portuguese squeeze, please.

{0} speeds up as he clears the final few obstacles before taking your hand in his.

{0}_FLIRTY: {1}, I want to pick you for a dance for loads of reasons.

LEWIE_FLIRTY: I like you more each time we chat. You‘re proper girlfriend material.

LEWIE_HAPPY: And my nana would love you to bits.

RYAN_FLIRTY: It feels like we connect deeper with each chat we have.

RYAN_HAPPY: And I want to take that connection further right now.

JAMAL_FLIRTY: The spark I feel when you look into my eyes is unreal.

JAMAL_HAPPY: Our chats always take me by surprise and I think we could be wild together.

JAMAL_HAPPY: You kinda make me nervous sometimes. In all the best ways.

BELLA_HAPPY: Awwww, {0}, you’re actually the cutest.

AMELIA_HAPPY: You MUST be feeling it more after that cute bomb?

AMELIA_HAPPY: You MUST be feeling it more after that cute bomb?

Before you can reply, he tosses his hat in your direction and launches into some big moves. Amelia gasps.

BELLA_HAPPY: That’s how you do it, Roberto.

ROBERTO_EMBARRASSED: I’m making a mental note.

OZZY_HAPPY: Someone’s been learning my secret moves.

{0} dances back and forth in front of the girls, his hips shimmying with confidence and rhythm!

He playfully teases them before spinning to focus entirely on you.

He locks eyes with you as he dances tantalisingly close to you, giving you a close up view of his toned, glistening body.

He swivels around, inviting you to explore his torso with your hands as he gyrates.

Explore his torso

You allow your hands to explore his chest and he continues to shake his body expertly.

He turns to you, a huge grin on his face, as you run your hands down his tense pecs and across his defined abs.

He spins round and you come face to face, staring into each other’s eyes.

Snog him!

You hold his passionate gaze before leaning in to bring your lips urgently together.

Your bodies press tight into each other as the kiss intensifies.

A rush of adrenaline hits you and you feel yourself melt further into his arms as the kiss heats up.

You feel lost in the moment together, the challenge setting fading away until your lips finally part.

{0}_FLIRTY: That was intense! Wow. Just wow!

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I know, right?

Hug him

You wrap your arms around his neck and he holds you in his arms.

His heavy breaths and his warm chest makes everything else fade away.

Cool it down

PLAYER_IDLE: I think it’s time for you to cool off and rejoin the boys.

{0}_HAPPY: I guess you’re right. Thanks for the dance.

Keep your hands to yourself

You keep your hands to yourself as his dance draws to a close.

{0} runs over to join the other cheering boys.

GRACE_FLIRTY: Right, boys, time to show you jokers how it’s done!

Grace leans in to the girls.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: Let’s give this man of mine a little test.

PLAYER_SURPRISED: What are you going to do?

Grace runs to the rodeo bull and straddles it reverse cowgirl style.

GRACE_FLIRTY: Like what you see, boys?

OZZY_HAPPY: You know it!

{0}_HAPPY: Looking great, cowgirl.

The bull cranks into action with Grace giggling as she clings on in her reverse cowgirl position.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Yaaaas! Get it!

GRACE_HAPPY: You made this look hard, {0}.

{0}_HAPPY: Just wanted to make you look even better.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Sure you did.

Grace whoops and cheers as she masterfully rides the erratically moving bull until it slows.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Grace-ful!

BELLA_HAPPY: Certainly not dis-grace-ful.

JAMAL_HAPPY: She <i>cowed</i> it! See what I did there?

LEWIE_HAPPY: Stick to the skateboarding, mate.

Grace flies around the obstacle course, engaging full sass and flirt mode. The boys can’t take their eyes off her.

You turn to Amelia and whisper.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: How do you think she’s going to test Ozzy?

AMELIA_FLIRTY: I think we’re about to find out.

Grace flicks her hair as she struts over to dance in front of the boys.

She takes Ozzy’s hand... before dropping it and walking to {0} instead.

OZZY_SURPRISED: What’s going on?

GRACE_FLIRTY: Mess with the bull, you get the horns, Ozzy.

Grace leans {0} against the bull and gives him a lap dance. Treating him to her spiciest moves!

{0}_FLIRTY: Yeeehaww.

She rhythmically moves her body inches away from him as the boys look on with wide eyes.

BELLA_HAPPY: She’s definitely getting {0} hot under the… cowboy hat!

Grace slowly leans in for a sultry peck on {0}’s lips, shooting Ozzy some serious side eye.

{0} goes bright red.

Grace struts her way back to the girls. {0} tries to catch your eye apologetically.

{0}_EMBARRASSED: Looked like quite a ride, {1}.

OZZY_SERIOUS: Wish I hadn’t thrown away my ticket now.

Grace leans close to you, still out of breath from her scintillating dancing display.

GRACE_FLIRTY: I did say I was going to test Ozzy.

GRACE_EMBARRASSED: You didn’t mind me kissing {0} did you?

It was only a peck

PLAYER_HAPPY: It’s only a challenge, Grace. We’re cool.

GRACE_HAPPY: No point crying over a little peck.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: Didn’t look little to me!

I’d rather you hadn’t

PLAYER_SAD: Well, I’d rather you hadn’t if I’m being honest.

GRACE_SAD: I knew he wouldn’t be swayed because he’s so into you!

PLAYER_SERIOUS: Aww, that’s so thoughtful of you, Grace…

He’ll forget it when it’s my turn

PLAYER_FLIRTY: He’ll forgot all about it when I get up there.

GRACE_FLIRTY: Let’s see if you can back up all this talk, {0}!

BELLA_SERIOUS: Well, I’m sure Ozzy took the hint…

Ozzy sprints to the bull and bounds onto its back. His arm and chest muscles tense and shimmer under the sun.

OZZY_FLIRTY: About time someone brought some sauce to this ranch.

JAMAL_HAPPY: Man, I love ranch sauce.

Ozzy does a good job of holding on to the bucking bull as it twists and turns before finally getting thrown off onto the mat.

After a seamless obstacle course Ozzy approaches the girls, ready to give one a lap dance…

OZZY_FLIRTY: Normally, I charge for a private session...

OZZY_FLIRTY: But, {0}, it’s your lucky day.

GRACE_ANGRY: So much for taking the hint.

Ozzy picks you up and carries you over to the bull where he sits you down and begins a mouthwatering dance display.

His hips are electric as his muscular frame grinds and rides up and down your excited body. The boys look on feeling completely outshone.

{0}_HAPPY: He’s making us all look bad now.

GRACE_SERIOUS: Just himself.

Ozzy’s ridiculously sexy professional moves continue until his routine crescendos to a big finish.

He stares into your eyes, your lips inches apart.

As Grace’s eyes burn a hole in the back of your head, you feel Ozzy longing to kiss you…

*Snog him in front of everyone

You lean forward and passionately lock lips with Ozzy, holding his face in your hands.

The other Islanders whoop and cheer except for Grace.

His lips are soft and you sense his muscular body relax as he leans further into the kiss, savouring the moment.

Finally, you part and he smiles at you.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Thanks for the show, Ozzy.

OZZY_FLIRTY: Anytime.

GRACE_ANGRY: Moving on.

Ozzy notices Grace glaring at you both and takes an embarrassed step back before helping you to your feet.

{0}_HAPPY: Think you just checked into the dog house, mate.

OZZY_EMBARRASSED: It was only a challenge.

GRACE_SERIOUS: It was a dancing challenge, not a kissing challenge, babe.

Peck him on the cheek

You playfully lean forward and give Ozzy a teasing peck on the cheek. He blushes before helping you back to your feet.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Thanks for the show, Ozzy.

GRACE_ANGRY: Moving on.

Ozzy notices Grace glaring at you both and does the walk of shame back to the other boys.

Keep it platonic and return to the girls

You cut the moment short by playfully jumping back to your feet, Ozzy takes a step back.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Thanks for the dance!

OZZY_HAPPY: Anytime, {0}.

OZZY_HAPPY: It was fun. Glad you enjoyed it.

AMELIA_FLIRTY: We enjoyed watching, too.

GRACE_SERIOUS: Not all of us.

Grace looks stony faced as you return to the girls.

GRACE_SERIOUS: Good times.

BELLA_HAPPY: {0}, you’re up next!

BELLA_HAPPY: What’s your plan of attack?

I’m dominating that bull

PLAYER_SERIOUS: I am absolutely staying on that bull for longer than anyone else!

AMELIA_HAPPY: She’s always been the competitive one.

BELLA_HAPPY: This I have to see.

You limber up to the bull and do some light stretches to prepare yourself.

{0}_HAPPY: Go on, {1}, show us what you got.

You jump on, holding tightly to the handles as it begins to move around.

The pace quickly increases but you manage to stay on top as the group clap.

{0}_HAPPY: I’m jealous of that bull!

Everyone cheers and whoops as the bull enters its most frantic phase, jittering and bobbling you around until you finally fall onto the mat.

OZZY_HAPPY: Impressive!

GRACE_ANGRY: Make sure your eyes don’t pop out, Ozzy?

You waste no time in jumping back up and flying around the obstacle course in record time.

I’m here for fun not rodeo trophies

PLAYER_HAPPY: This is only a challenge, I’m going to have some fun.

You gallop up to the challenge area pretending to be riding a horse and spank the rear of the bull.

PLAYER_HAPPY: Yeehaw!

You jump onto the back of the bull as it begins gyrating around and tip your hat towards the others as they laugh and cheer.

JAMAL_HAPPY: You’re making it look easy, {0}.

PLAYER_HAPPY: That’s because it is.

In a sudden direction change you’re tossed off the bull and sent rolling onto the cushioned mat.

You jump up and bow to everyone, the group in fits of laughter.

PLAYER_HAPPY: As I said. Easy.

You jokingly wobble back to your feet before tackling the obstacle course as best you can, spending a lot of the time falling over.

I’m playing it super sexy

You saunter up to the bull in sexy catwalk strides before lifting one leg up and doing some saucy stretches.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Just a little warm up, boys. Don’t want to pull something.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Or someone… Or maybe I do!

The boys are stunned into an open mouthed silence as you seductively climb onto the bull, biting your lip as you go.

{0}_FLIRTY: Hot stuff.

As the bull begins spinning you keep your bum up and back arched in a playfully teasing position.

The bull begins to tilt up and down as you gyrate your hips with the movement, until eventually being thrown to the mat.

{0}_FLIRTY: I didn’t want that to end.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It’s just begun.

You sexily parade around the obstacle course, bending over and rolling around in a steamy display for all to see.

After the obstacle course you approach the group and decide who to give a sexy dance to...

Give a lapdance to {0}

You walk up and down the group watching their excited reactions before finally leading a delighted {0} by the hand to the bull area.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Come with me. I’ve got a few things I want to show you.

The group cheer and whoop.

You notice {0} out of the corner of your eye, shaking his head in annoyance as he stares out {1}.

Ozzy looks to the floor by his side, a little disappointed at having not been picked.

{0}_FLIRTY: What type of dance are you going to give?

Let me show you my sauciest moves

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wouldn’t you like to know.

You playfully place your hand on {0}’s shoulder and guide him down to the floor where you begin a scintillating display of sexy moves.

Your hips ride up and down him as he struggles to decide where to look. An expression of saucy bliss all over his face.

{0}_FLIRTY: You know what you’re doing.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You don’t know the half of it.

You jump up and turn around, riding him in reverse cowgirl as you tease him with your best moves.

I’m keeping it fun and cool

PLAYER_HAPPY: I don’t want to be too try-hard. Let’s just have some fun.

{0}_HAPPY: Good idea. I saw {1} looking a bit sour. Best not to rub it in.

You playfully guide {0} down to the floor where you begin a fun lap dance routine.

You laugh as {0} and the others cheer you on.

{0}_FLIRTY: The best lap dance I’ve had.

With the lap dance over you lock eyes with {0} and despite the cheering Islanders behind you, for a moment you feel completely alone.

He leans forward, slowly...

Kiss him

You take his head in your hands and move in for a kiss.

His lips are warm and you can still feel his heart beating from your lap dance.

As the kiss intensifies he wraps his muscular arms around you and kisses your neck with a flurry of small pecks.

You come back to earth as the kiss ends and see him smiling back at you.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m here all summer. We should do that again some time.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Return to the others

You smooth over the potentially steamy moment and jump back to your feet, pulling up {0} as you do.

BELLA_HAPPY: You owned that, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was really good fun.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Give a lapdance to {0}

You walk up and down the group watching their excited reactions before finally leading a delighted {0} by the hand to the bull area.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Come with me. I’ve got a few things I want to show you.

The group cheer and whoop.

You notice {0} out of the corner of your eye, shaking his head in annoyance as he stares out {1}.

Ozzy looks to the floor by his side, a little disappointed at having not been picked.

{0}_FLIRTY: What type of dance are you going to give?

Let me show you my sauciest moves

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wouldn’t you like to know.

You playfully place your hand on {0}’s shoulder and guide him down to the floor where you begin a scintillating display of sexy moves.

Your hips ride up and down him as he struggles to decide where to look. An expression of saucy bliss all over his face.

{0}_FLIRTY: You know what you’re doing.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You don’t know the half of it.

You jump up and turn around, riding him in reverse cowgirl as you tease him with your best moves.

I’m keeping it fun and cool

PLAYER_HAPPY: I don’t want to be too try-hard. Let’s just have some fun.

{0}_HAPPY: Good idea. I saw {1} looking a bit sour. Best not to rub it in.

You playfully guide {0} down to the floor where you begin a fun lap dancing routine.

You stop every few moments and laugh as {0} and the others cheer you on.

{0}_FLIRTY: The best lap dance I’ve had.

With the lap dance over you lock eyes with {0} and despite the cheering Islanders behind you, for a moment you feel completely alone.

He leans forward, slowly...

Kiss him

You take his head in your hands and move in for a kiss.

His lips are warm and you can still feel his heart beating from your lap dance.

As the kiss intensifies he wraps his muscular arms around you and kisses your neck with a flurry of small pecks.

You come back to earth as the kiss ends and see him smiling back at you.

{0}_FLIRTY: I’m here all summer. We should do that again some time.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Return to the others

You smooth over the potentially steamy moment and jump back to your feet, pulling up {0} as you do.

BELLA_HAPPY: You owned that, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was really good fun.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Give a lapdance to {0}

You walk up and down the group watching their excited reactions before finally taking {0} by the hand and leading him to the bull area.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Come with me. I’ve got a few things I want to show you.

AMELIA_SURPRISED: Didn’t see that coming…

The group cheer and whoop as a blushing {0} takes your hand.

You notice {0} and {1} out of the corner of your eye, staring each other out in annoyance.

Ozzy looks to the floor by his side, a little disappointed at having not been picked.

{0}_FLIRTY: I really didn’t expect you to pick me…

{0}_FLIRTY: But I’m excited to see what you’ve got in store for me.

{0}_FLIRTY: What type of dance are you going for?

Let me show you my sauciest moves

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wouldn’t you like to know.

You playfully place your hand on {0}’s shoulder and guide him down to the floor where you begin a scintillating display of sexy moves.

Your hips ride up and down him as he struggles to decide where to look. An expression of saucy bliss all over his face.

{0}_FLIRTY: You know what you’re doing.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You don’t know the half of it.

You jump up and turn around, riding him in reverse cowgirl as you tease him with your best moves.

I’m keeping it fun and cool

PLAYER_HAPPY: I don’t want to be too try-hard. Let’s just have some fun.

{0}_HAPPY: Good idea. I saw {1} looking a bit sour. Best not to rub it in.

You playfully guide {0} down to the floor where you begin a fun lap dancing routine.

You laugh as {0} and the others cheer you on.

{0}_FLIRTY: The best lap dance I’ve had in a long time.

With the lap dance over you lock eyes with {0} and despite the cheering Islanders behind you, for a moment you feel completely alone.

He leans forward, slowly...

Kiss him

You take his head in your hands and move in for a kiss.

His lips are warm and you can still feel his heart beating from your lap dance.

As the kiss intensifies he wraps his muscular arms around you and kisses your neck with a flurry of small pecks.

You come back to earth as the kiss ends and see him smiling back at you.

GRACE_SERIOUS: Don’t know how Ivy would feel about that, hun.

{0}_FLIRTY: It’s just a challenge. No hard feelings.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Return to the others

You smooth over the potentially steamy moment and jump back to your feet, pulling up {0} as you do.

BELLA_HAPPY: You owned that, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was really good fun.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Give a lapdance to {0}

You walk up and down the group watching their excited reactions before finally taking {0} by the hand and leading him to the bull area.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Come with me. I’ve got a few things I want to show you.

BELLA_SURPRISED: Don’t take him far.

The surprised group cheer and whoop as a confused {0} takes your hand.

You notice {0} and {1} out of the corner of your eye, staring each other out in annoyance.

Ozzy looks to the floor by his side, a little disappointed at having not been picked.

{0}_FLIRTY: This was a bit of a surprise, {1}.

{0}_FLIRTY: What type of dance are you going for?

Let me show you my sauciest moves

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wouldn’t you like to know.

You playfully place your hand on {0}’s shoulder and guide him down to the floor where you begin a scintillating display of sexy moves.

Your hips ride up and down him as he struggles to decide where to look. An expression of saucy bliss all over his face.

{0}_FLIRTY: You know what you’re doing.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You don’t know the half of it.

BELLA_SURPRISED: Erm. Alright. I guess?

BELLA_SURPRISED: I can’t be too upset when you look that good, to be honest.

You jump up and turn around, riding him in reverse cowgirl as you tease him with your best moves.

I’m keeping it fun and cool

PLAYER_HAPPY: I don’t want to be too try-hard. Let’s just have some fun.

{0}_HAPPY: Good idea. I saw {1} looking a bit sour. Best not to rub it in.

You playfully guide {0} down to the floor where you begin a fun lap dancing routine.

You stop every few moments and laugh as {0} and the others cheer you on.

BELLA_HAPPY: Aww you’re both having so much fun, I want a go.

{0}_FLIRTY: The best lap dance I’ve had in a long time.

With the lap dance over you lock eyes with {0}.

Despite the cheering Islanders behind you, for a moment you feel completely alone together.

He leans forward, slightly...

Kiss him

With a rush of adrenaline you take his head in your hands and move in for a kiss.

His lips are warm and you can still feel his heart beating from your lap dance.

You come back to earth as the kiss ends and see him smiling back at you.

BELLA_SURPRISED: Wow, that looked pretty real.

{0}_FLIRTY: It’s just a bit of fun. A challenge.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Return to the others

You smooth over the potentially steamy moment and jump back to your feet, pulling up {0} as you do.

BELLA_HAPPY: You owned that, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was really good fun.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Give a lapdance to Ozzy

You walk up and down the group watching their excited reactions before finally leading Ozzy by the hand to the bull area.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Come with me. I’ve got a few things I want to show you.

GRACE_SURPRISED: I’m watching, babe.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: All eyes on me then.

The surprised group cheer and whoop, except Grace.

You notice {0} and {1} out of the corner of your eye, staring each other out in annoyance.

Ozzy leans into you and whispers.

OZZY_FLIRTY: After our moment on the terrace I hoped you’d pick me.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: It’s been running through your mind has it?

OZZY_FLIRTY: On repeat.

Ozzy speaks softly so only you can hear.

OZZY_FLIRTY: I keep thinking about our chat earlier! Your flirt game was fire.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: I could say the same about you.

OZZY_HAPPY: So, {0}, what type of dance are you going for?

Let me show you my sauciest moves

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wouldn’t you like to know.

You playfully place your hand on Ozzy’s shoulder and guide him down to the floor where you begin a scintillating display of sexy moves.

Your hips ride up and down him as he struggles to decide where to look. An expression of saucy bliss all over his face.

The other Islanders are frozen in an awkward silence as Grace simmers at the sight of you dancing on Ozzy.

OZZY_FLIRTY: I feel like I should close my eyes… but I can’t.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You’d be missing out if you did that.

GRACE_SURPRISED: Erm. Not cool, guys. I’m here.

You jump up and turn around, riding him in reverse cowgirl with a sexy pout.

GRACE_ANGRY: Not cool.

I’m keeping it fun and cool

PLAYER_HAPPY: I don’t want to be too try-hard. Let’s just have some fun.

OZZY_HAPPY: Good idea. Think Grace might be getting pretty jel.

You playfully guide Ozzy down to the floor where you begin a fun lap dancing routine.

You stop every few moments and laugh as Ozzy and the others, except Grace, cheer you on.

GRACE_SERIOUS: Times up. Come on. Let’s call it a day.

With the dance over you lock eyes with Ozzy and despite the Islanders behind you, it seems like you’re completely alone together.

He leans forward, slightly...

Kiss him

With a rush of adrenaline you take his head in your hands and move in for a kiss.

His lips are warm and you can still feel his heart beating from your lap dance.

You come back to earth as the kiss ends and see him smiling back at you.

GRACE_ANGRY: You better not be about to come and stand next to me, Ozzy.

As an embarrassed looking Ozzy makes his way back to the other Islanders, the shocked boys give him a pat on the back.

Grace glares at you.

GRACE_SERIOUS: That was low.

PLAYER_SERIOUS: It’s a bit of fun, Grace. Don’t get all worked up.

BELLA_EMBARRASSED: Come on, girls. Let’s leave it for now.

Return to the others

You smooth over the potentially steamy moment and jump back to your feet, pulling up Ozzy as you do.

BELLA_HAPPY: You owned that, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was really good fun.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

Give a lapdance to Bella

You walk up and down the group watching their excited reactions before finally taking Bella by the hand and leading her to the bull area.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Come with me. I’ve got a few things I want to show you.

BELLA_FLIRTY: I’m all yours.

{0}_SERIOUS: This is gonna be pretty hard to beat. Great.

The group cheers and whoops.

You notice {0} and {1} out of the corner of your eye, staring each other out in annoyance.

BELLA_HAPPY: This was a bit of a surprise, {0}.

BELLA_FLIRTY: Although maybe not after our chat the other day.

BELLA_FLIRTY: So, what type of moves are you throwing down?

Sit down and let me show you my sauciest moves

PLAYER_FLIRTY: Wouldn’t you like to know.

You playfully place your hand on Bella’s shoulder and guide her down to the floor where you begin a scintillating display of sexy moves.

Your hips ride up and down her as she struggles to decide where to look. An expression of saucy bliss all over her face.

BELLA_FLIRTY: You know what you’re doing.

PLAYER_FLIRTY: You don’t know the half of it.

You jump up and turn around, riding her in reverse cowgirl as you tease her with even more of your best moves.

BELLA_FLIRTY: I need a breather after that.

It’s just a bit of fun, I’m playing it cool

PLAYER_HAPPY: I don’t want to be too try-hard. Let’s just have some fun.

BELLA_HAPPY: Sounds like my sort of vibe.

You playfully guide Bella down to the floor where you begin a fun lap dancing routine.

You laugh as Bella and the others cheer you on.

With the lap dance over you lock eyes with Bella and despite the cheering Islanders behind you.

For a moment you feel completely alone together.

Kiss her

With a rush of adrenaline you take her head in your hands and move in for a kiss.

Her lips are warm and full and you can still feel her heart beating from your lap dance.

You come back to earth as the kiss ends and see her smiling back at you.

{0}_HAPPY: No pressure, {1}...

BELLA_FLIRTY: That’s gonna be a tough one to beat.

Return to the others

You smooth over the potentially steamy moment and jump back to your feet, pulling up Bella as you do.

BELLA_HAPPY: You owned that, {0}!

PLAYER_HAPPY: It was really good fun.

{0}_HAPPY: I feel sorry for whoever has to follow that act.

NARRATOR: Up next was {0} who went all out to impress Amelia with his saucy dance routine…

NARRATOR: But I think the fact Amelia spent the whole time looking at a slow moving cloud suggests it wasn’t for her.

NARRATOR: Up next is Amelia who’s just about to choose a boy to give a lap dance to.

AMELIA_HAPPY: The boy I want to give a dance to is...

AMELIA_HAPPY: Roberto.

AMELIA_HAPPY: It’s about time someone taught you the dancing basics.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: I need all the help I can get.

{0}_SERIOUS: I guess I should have turned my moves up a notch to secure that dance.

OZZY_HAPPY: A singular notch? Maybe try a few hundred notches mate.

Everyone laughs as Amelia leans in and whispers in your ear.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Just a bit of fun, {0}. No toes will be stepped on. I promise.

PLAYER_IDLE: Ok.

Amelia leads Roberto to the bull and gives him a fun and very PG lap dance with a playful peck on the cheek to finish.

When they’re done, Roberto stands with a great grin on his face.

ROBERTO_HAPPY: I’ve learnt so many moves today.

JAMAL_HAPPY: Let’s see them then!

Roberto drops to the floor to recreate one of Amelia’s moves but his rhythm is still all over the place with stiff and wooden hips.

AMELIA_HAPPY: Ok, we may need a follow up lesson.

AMELIA_HAPPY: But that’s a definite improvement!

NARRATOR: Second to last was {0} who stayed on the bull for as long as my mates stay on the line when I call them.

NARRATOR: Eight seconds. Which is also the time it takes for them to say Get some better puns! They’re <i>pun</i>supportive!

NARRATOR: And despite his best efforts, his dance routine reduced Bella to an attack of the giggles! Reminds me of my love life.

[karlachgale95]

Hearts of the Multiverse-Chapter Thirteen: Army Dreamers

So many lives blipped off the traces of his monitor, but they had not gone back to their original dimensions. It was if they had disappeared into another dimension entirely—or a pocket dimension.

              “Did you find out if my grandson was among them?” The old man, Joseph Joestar asked.

              “I’ve told you before,” Miguel said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I built the new tracker on limited tech. It’s not a precise locator. It only gives indicators of who might be around. The cameras couldn’t track where they took all those missing people, but it appears like your grandson was not taken.”

              In fact, more annoyingly, he went off with Miles Morales in some unknown direction. According to Joseph, Jotaro Kujo happened to be the strongest member of their ridiculously overpowered family. Well, at least one of them wasn’t on the side that would eventually unravel the multiverse. Perhaps Joseph could talk some sense into his grandson.

              “Those Paldean trainers lost their friend,” Lusamine noted, reexamining the footage. “Though, Paldeans are known for their lackadaisical approach to Pokémon battles. They all seem consumed with other matters: fashion, art, baking. It’s no surprise they weren’t prepared.”

              “And what does it say about us that we were also caught off guard?” Miguel countered with a growl. Her elitism irked him.

              He stood up from his desk. Jack eyeballed him. “Though you weren’t the type to go on missions?”

              “Seems I’m the only one competent enough to do so.”

              “You’re hurting my feelings, O’Hara,” a half-drunk Leon S Kennedy deadpanned.

              “You’re drunk. Redfield, you’re with me. We’re going to rendezvous with two of our newest agents in the field.”

Chris Redfield nodded whilst Leon shrugged and muttered. “Didn’t ask for any of this bullshit.”

“I still can’t believe you gave two teenagers the tech to counter any power-dampeners, but you won’t help me fix my vortex manipulator,” Jack complained.

              “They’re responsible. They know what needs to be done to save the multiverse,” Miguel said. “You? Your friend was right. Can’t have you jumping around all of time and creating more holes.”

“He’s going to need time to sober up,” Chris said with a sigh, trying to snap a drunken Leon S. Kennedy awake.

“I’m going, too,” Joseph insisted. “I’m going to find my grandson and make sure he’s alright.”

“I think I’ll get out, too,” Jack said. “See if I can find anyone familiar.”

              “Have fun,” Leon said, suddenly perking up. It was doubtful the sarcastic ass had been asleep in the first place.

              Miguel was sure this outing would be the furthest thing from ‘fun.’

              …

              “What’s the deal?” his newly acquired friend, who he decided to refer to as his friend did, V-Man, asked.

              The young boy detransformed, letting the green light fade in the alleyway behind the building that was definitely a trap—but for who? No one could even get into this weird place except him. V-Man, Wall-Climber, and Plant Magic were not able to phase through walls.

              There weren’t any of those monsters nearby. But there was a bad energy in the lower levels of that place, he could sense it.

              “Hold up, Gear made something for the occasion,” V-Man said, handing him a wristwatch. “It’ll let us know where you are, and it can deactivate some passcodes. You might be able to break in from the inside.”

              “I’ve got an even better idea,” he said. He interlinked V-Man, Plant Magic, and Wall Crawler’s arms, making them all invisible and intangible to the human eye and touch. “We can all phase through that wall now and explore what’s down there. There might be more monsters down there, so it’d be best if we stick together.”

              “Wow!” Wall Crawler exclaimed. “I didn’t know you could do that! Virgil, Willow, can you believe this?”

              “Static here, Peter. Remember we gotta stick to codenames.”

              “And I like Plant Magic. It makes me sound mysterious.”

              “But you just called me Peter,” The young Peter Parker complained.

              “He’s got you there, Static,” Willow Park argued jokingly.

              “Heh. My bad,” Virgil Hawkins said, scratching the back of his neck. He turned back to the teenage half-ghost. “Why didn’t you change your first name, Danny?”

              “Well, no one’s caught me yet,” Danny said with a laugh.

              “Hold on,” Virgil said, clicking a few buttons on his watch. He was getting a call from Richie. “What’s up?”

              “I’ve intercepted a secret message from that creepzoid organization. You might want to hold off your investigation of that building. There’s nothing in there now, but…there will be.” Richie explained. “Do you want me to play it for you?”

              “Yeah. We need to hear it.”

              …

              Fire flew from his fingertips as he regained consciousness. Someone had hit him with something holy. A weapon only a divine being could hold, and now his daughter was gone. And whoever took her…

              Would have hell to pay.

              Lucifer, Maggie, Angel, and Godot led a four-person team. Given that the attack had been performed by heavenly-designed creatures, Godot reasoned it was only natural that they were hiding somewhere holy.

              That’s how they ended up at the Hikawa Shrine.

              There were no angelic monsters holding his daughter hostage, much to his disappointment. But everyone here was in the same situation: missing a loved one or friend. Godot even seemed to recognize one of these people.

              “And they just took off with Maya, Mr. Edgeworth, and his annoying sister?” Godot asked the man with hedgehog quills for hair.

              The man nodded, not seeming too invested in the conversation.

              “That still doesn’t explain why they took Charlie,” Maggie—no—that was wrong—Vaggie said.

              “They must want someone in your group to come and face them,” the CEO surmised.

              He heard a loud voice say, “Hey! I thought I ran you off!”

              It was the tiefling. He was sure she wasn’t a demon. Nah. Not similar enough to any demon he’d seen before.

              He held his ground. “I’m looking for my daughter. Some angelic fu….”

              He glanced around the room, noting there were quite a few kids. He straightened his suit jacket and took a deep breath in. “If I wanted to hurt anyone, it’s not going to be a room full of bystanders with the same problem as me. They took my daughter, and I need to make sure I put an end to whoever did so. I’m not out to trick anyone. I’m just here for Charlie.”

              The tiefling’s hand inched slowly away from her battle-axe. “Fine. But if you pull any funny business…”

              He cut her off, “I get it. But…honestly? Good luck with that.”

              “Cocky, aren’t you?”

              “Pissed is more the term.”

              “I’m sorry, who are you?” a teen with a burn scar on the side of his face asked. He wondered how he got it. Wait. Gotta keep on track.

              “I’d rather not say.”

              “Tell us your name, or you’re not allowed in the building,” another teen in a…Spiderman costume told him.

              “We don’t have time for this,” Vaggie hissed. “We need any leads we can get to get Charlie back!”

              Lucifer sighed and muttered, “I may or may not be…Lucifer Morningstar.”

              There were a few glances exchanged: some worried, some concerned about the worried faces, and some doubtful. Another sigh and he held up a fireball in the palm of his hand. “Ta-da.”

              “Why do you all look like that?” the first teen asked.

              “Um…Lucifer…is the ruler of hell. The bad place you go to in the afterlife. You know, if you’re a bad person while you’re living. And he tried to overthrow God.” Spider-kid explained.

              “Look, I was only saying we should give humans free will. I mean, all those events are a bit tilted towards Heaven’s advantage.”

              “Didn’t you say all of us were horrible?” Angel asked.

              “Not helping,” Vaggie said. “Look, I’m an angel, and I’m helping him. Does that help our case.”

              “Prove it.”

              “UGH!”

              Vaggie extended her wings for everyone to see. “Happy?”

              “I think we should give him a chance.” He recognized that voice. It was the old man from the tea shop who had tried to defend him before. “I see a father in need of help. Titles shouldn’t matter, so long as he is not cruel to his people.”

              “I can vouch for that,” Angel said. “He’s pretty chill, you know, for hell.”

              “Alright,” a girl in a red and white robe said. “He can stay for now; at least until we get this mess solved.”

              There was a silence in the room as Lucifer went around the room, asking about Charlie. He showed them pictures. He was stopped by the sound of static. Suddenly, the TV in the room had turned on.

              …

              Gwen kept giving him looks. He knew she was sorry. And he knew she was waiting for the right moment to talk to him. Would it be right to forgive her? She was his friend, but she had fully intended on not telling him that Miguel was going to let his dad just—die! But maybe Kaiba was right. Maybe she did deserve a second chance to at least prove herself. Still, keeping that big a secret…

              And Giorno, Sokka, Luz, Anne, Pav, and Joey were missing because they were careless.

              Was this a punishment for something? Throwing a bagel at The Spot? Leaving his parents on such bad terms? Getting his universe’s Peter Parker killed? Treating Spot as a villain of the week? Getting his uncle killed?

              Not listening to Miguel?

              UGH! No. That couldn’t be it. That damage was caused by The Spot. Not him. He was the one who was opening wormholes.

              What was he supposed to do?

              And now, apparently, Lucifer was in a shrine. How he did that, Miles didn’t know. He had a daughter that he was rambling about and showing off pictures just to see if anyone had seen her. Nothing in this world made sense.

              Gwen was walking towards him. Someone swiftly sat beside Miles. It was Makoto. 

              “You’d better have a good reason for betraying your friend,” Mako said.

              “I…thought I did,” Gwen muttered. She glanced down to the ground and then back at Miles. “Miles…I’m so sorry.”

              “Sorry?” Mako scoffed. “You can’t just come in here and give a lame apology after—,”

              Miles cut her off. “Mako, it’s cool.”

              He turned back to Gwen. “Look, I’m not going to say that everything is okay between us, but, since you are trying to help me, I’m guessing that you split from Miguel, right?”

              “Completely,” Gwen said with no trace of hesitation. “I realized he was wrong, about a lot of things. I think we can save your dad, Miles. That’s why I formed my own band.”

              Miles was silent and then chuckled. “A band, huh?”

              Gwen half-heartedly laughed back. “Yeah. Turns out this one isn’t so bad.”

              “Going forward,” Miles said. “No secrets, alright? We’ll go from there, okay?”

              Not everything was instantly forgiven, but he was going to try and leave a window open. It’d be tough, but Gwen had been one of his only friends for a while. And she’d broken away from Miguel’s group. Surely that had to be worth something.

              At that moment, the television in their room turned on, broadcasting the face of that Red Witch. She grinned from ear to ear a malicious and eerie smile.

              “It’s her,” he heard Arven whisper.

              “Of course it’s me,” the Red Witch answered. When Arven jumped back, she laughed. “Oh please, why be so shocked? Our company is capable of greater feats than speaking through television.”

              “Give me back my brother!” Katara shouted.

              “And my sister!” King added.

              “And my Mamo!” Usagi protested.

              “And my daughter!” Lucifer said, flames rising from his mouth and fingertips.

              “Yeah!” the little girl, Pearl agreed, rolling up the sleeve of her robe. “And Mystic Maya, Miss Franziska, and Mr. Edgeworth!”

              “How cute,” the Red Witch said with a slight giggle. “And you’ll get your friends back, if others take their place.”

              “We’re not letting you do that,” the Avatar, Aang said. “We’ll all come to stop you.”

              “Not so fast,” the Red Witch said. The witch switched the screen to a darkened room where all their friends lay on the floor, unconscious. “It’s invitation only. If we detect that any of you have come with them, we’ll dispose of your friends. After all, we know all your energy signatures since you’ve been so willing to fight against our daimon for so long. Of course, we’ll do that if any of you fail to show up, too.”

              “So…who do you want?” Hunter asked.

              “I’m so glad you asked, Hunter,” the Red Witch said. “Given how you’ve evaded us thus far, you’ll be invited here along with your other friends, old and new: Josuke Higashikata, Arven, Firelord Zuko, Miles Morales, Seto Kaiba, Usagi Tsukino, Wyll Ravengard, Phoenix Wright, Jotaro Kujo, King, Yugi Muto, Steven Universe, and surprisingly, Lucifer Morningstar.”

              “Say what now?” Lucifer asked. Everyone was too stunned or in fear to answer.

              “You have thirty minutes to reach us. Failure to do so will result in their destruction. Do you understand?”

              An address flashed onto the screen.

              “We’ll be there,” Zuko assured her. “And when we get there, you won’t be hurting anyone. I’ll make sure of that.”

              “Are you?” she countered. “Well, we’ll just see about that.”

              With that, the screen flicked off.

              “Why did you tell them we would meet them?” Kaiba asked Zuko. “It’s obviously a trap.”

              “Do you want a bunch of innocent people to die?” Zuko countered. “Because I’m not going to wait for that to happen. Sokka is a good friend to all of us and Katara’s brother. I’m not just letting him rot there. And everyone else here has someone to protect—and you have a friend down there!”

              “You confuse thin tolerance with friendship, Firelord,” Kaiba said, sarcasm dripping in his tone. “The only person who matters to me is well-guarded by a terrifying tiefling who does her job very well. If you’re willing to go and get yourself killed out there, that’s fine.”

              “You flatter me, lad,” Karlach shouted from a corner of the room. “But, still, there’s lives on the line. You’ve got to show them some consideration. After all, Gale is one of the ones who saved your little brother from being attacked by that card-game daimon. So, perhaps his highness is right.”

              She turned to Wyll. “I’d never ask you to do something you don’t want to do.”

              “But you’re well aware that I’m going to go save our wizard,” Wyll surmised. He turned to Seto. “I promise to protect you while we’re there. Have you ever known any monster to get past the Blade of the Frontiers?”

              “Not to mention that, but our friend, Robin has been protecting you a lot, as well,” Starfire pointed out. “He and Connie will both die if you do not go.”

              “I’m going to save Connie,” Steven assured her. “I’ll save your friend, too.”

              “But you can’t just ask my brother to go on a suicide mission,” the little kid, Mokuba argued. “He’s my only family!”

              The whole group started arguing.

              “We need to go!”

              “Not my problem!”

              “They’re not taking my son!”

              “Or my nephew!”

              “How in the hell did I get chosen for this? Is it because of the ducks?”

              “Maybe?”

              Miles stood up on a stool, trying to gather attention. “Hey! Everyone calm down!”

              No one was listening. He heard footsteps beside him. It was that tall, sullen guy, Jotaro Kujo. “Good grief. At this rate, everyone is going to die.”

              “I’m trying to get their attention,” Miles said, gesturing to the crowd.

              “Seems like you need presence.” Jotaro cleared his throat. “Everyone shut the hell up!”

              The group turned towards them. Jotaro gestured to Miles, “Your turn, man.”

              Miles gave him an appreciative nod and faced the group. “Look, I know this is scary. And I’m not going to stand here and pretend I’m not scared. But like or hate the people trapped wherever the witch has them, they have helped you more than they should. They’re friends, friends we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to when they need us most. After all, it was Mamoru who helped Usagi become Sailor Moon again, Giorno who helped me fight off so many monsters and became a good friend, Sokka who fought off daimon with a sword and a boomerang, Luz who used magic to ward off and defeat enemies, Kakyoin who helped us figure out where to go, or Connie and Robin who always fought for two different groups when we needed them. My point is, I’m not giving up on any of our friends—and they are our friends. To call them anything less is an insult.”

              He paused and inhaled. “I’ve learned a lot—being Spiderman. It’s about taking risks and making sure no one gets left behind. I’ve been given this great power, and so have a lot of you. It’s time to use it responsibly. With great power…comes great responsibility.”

              He shut his eyes. “So…could we stick together on this? I don’t want anyone to die. And if we stick together—if nothing else—I can protect us. I promise.”

              There was a murmur amongst the crowd; Zuko was the first to speak up. “Miles is right. It’s not as though we’re powerless. We can stand up for ourselves and save our friends.”

              “And not to brag,” Lucifer spoke up. “But I’ve been known to be able to handle a few monsters here and there.”

              There was a general murmur of agreement amongst everyone—everyone except Kaiba. He seemed to be mulling it over, at least. Starfire drifted over to him. “I do not like to ask favors. But please…friend Robin means a lot to us.”

              Seto looked from her, to Miles, to Wyll, to the group. He finally sighed and said, “Fine. But Ravengard, you’re with me.”

              “You can rest assured that I will not allow anyone to fall to those monsters.”

              “But Seto,” Mokuba said. He didn’t finish whatever he was going to say, but he looked pointedly at his brother.

              “I’ll be fine,” Kaiba assured him. “I’ll make sure they pay for even trying to use my blueprints.”

              “Then all that’s left it to…actually go,” Arven said.

              “¿Hablas en serio?” Nemona said. “This is crazy!”

              “I agree,” Adora spoke up. “We really should go with you!”

              Zuko shook his head. “And endanger everyone they’ve got captive? You heard the Red Witch. Considering they’re out for souls, I don’t think they’d have any qualms on getting rid of our friends.”

              It was silent for a moment before Eda spoke up. “If anything happens to my son, I’ll make sure everyone involved is reduced to a smoldering pile, got it?”

              “I’ll watch over him,” Jotaro said. “He’ll be fine.”

              “If you can find Bruno,” Abbachio said. “He might be able to use his stand to get you out of there. And I guess, find the little…brat, too.”

              “We plan to,” Miles said, tugging his mask over his face.

              …

              The room they were in was freezing. All around them were tall, clear crystals. They seemed to be…growing out of the ground like plants. Willow would either be creeped out by or love this place. Luz blinked awake, trying to fight off the oncoming headache the light in the room caused. She felt someone help her up. It was Pav.

              “Hey Luz, you alright?” he asked, seemingly on edge.

              Where were they anyways? The last thing she remembered was being at that café and the air getting heavy. Next thing she knew, she was here.

              “Where are we, Pav? Where’s King? Eda? Amity? Hunter? Darius? …Cool Aunt Lillith?”

              “I don’t know,” Pav said. “I think it’s just the thirteen of us in this room.”

              Luz glanced around the room and saw Sokka, Anne, Giorno, Joey, Kakyoin, some guy with dollar signs on his jacket, Connie, Mamoru, Penny, Robin, and a kid who wore relatively the same school uniform as Kakyoin. They all looked like they were sleeping—though one person was breathing raggedly.

              Luz crept over to Giorno and tried to examine his pulse. It was there, but it wasn’t strong. She didn’t have Stringbean; she couldn’t heal him! Katara and Josuke were nowhere in sight.

              “I’ve tried everything I know,” Pav said. “I-I don’t know how to help him. Everything I should be able to do—it’s just not happening down here. It’s like they’ve muted any ability I have.”

              Luz tore off a piece of her jacket and took out a marker. She drew a healing sigil and tried to place it on Giorno’s palm. It didn’t work. Yes, the old Titan’s language was dead, but there had to be something she could do.

              “Come on!” She muttered more to herself than anyone. “Work!”

              Giorno cracked his eyes open. “Luz?”

              His voice was raspy, like he needed some water. He probably did with whatever toxin they inhaled earlier.

              “What are you doing?”

              “I’m trying to make this sigil work. It’s supposed to heal people,” Luz explained, tears ebbing at the corner of her eyes.

              Giorno looked at her for a second before pushing the sigil away. “Grazie. But we should wake up the others and get out of…wherever this is. It’s freezing.”

              “Giorno your pulse is…” Luz began.

              Giorno held up his hand. “Luz, it’s fine. I’ll be fine. We just need to get the others out, or they won’t be, you included.”

              Before Luz could object, Giorno stood up and began to try and shake Sokka awake. The Southern Water Tribe leader woke up with a jump and a grab for his boomerang. Unfortunately, it seemed like their weapons had been taken, too. Pav, Luz, Sokka, and Giorno worked together to wake up the others so they could form a plan to get out of here.

              Sokka felt around the walls, looking for some kind of break that would indicate a door. They were probably sealed up magically and Luz said as much.

              “So, you’re saying that we’re stuck here,” Anne surmised.

              “We’re not giving up so easily,” Robin objected. “C’mon, there’s gotta be a way out of here.”

              “What do you suggest?” Joey asked.

              Robin stood up and tapped at the walls, pressing his ear against the smooth surface. “It’s not hollow. I was hoping it would be. That would make things much easier.”

              Mamoru tried next. He transformed into Tuxedo Mask and launched a rose at the wall. To their surprise, it hit its target and made a hairline crack in the foundation. However, the rose quickly turned black and a sharp electric current ran across the room, zapping everyone. The hairline crack mended itself.

              “Try that again,” the Red Witch’s voice echoed. “And I turn up the voltage.”

              “Let us out!” Connie protested.

              They could hear the Red Witch chuckle. “If only you’d kept to your own business. Then maybe your friends wouldn’t have to die today.”

              “You leave them alone!” Luz shouted.

              “And what is a powerless, little witch like you going to do to stop us?”

              “Why don’t you come out here and find out?” Luz challenged.

              “No thank you,” the voice spoke with a laugh. “I’ll leave you all to your own devices for now. It’s not like you can do anything in there. This whole building has power dampeners…not that it matters to one of you.”

              Giorno glared at the ceiling; Luz wasn’t too sure where the voice came from above, below, or around. It was hard to tell.

              “Until the party begins, you can relax. I don’t need you until then. It’s not like any of you are actually getting out of this.”

         ��    “We’ll see,” Kakyoin said. “If you’ve brought Jotaro into this, it may be you who pays the price.”

              “I’m absolutely mortified,” came the sardonic voice.

              With that, they were left in silence. Everyone sat down, still in shock (no pun intended) over their predicament. Luz had no clue where they were, and she was even more confused to the end goal. Why did these people need souls? And just what were these talisman they seemed to be searching for?

              “You wanna bet Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune are here somehow?” Sokka asked to no one in particular.

              “Unlikely,” Mamoru said. “Whoever’s up there probably knows everyone who is in the building right now.”

              “Is there really no way out of here?” Penny asked.

              “Doesn’t look like it,” Giorno muttered. He glanced up at the silver-haired boy. “Sorry we couldn’t meet again under better circumstances, Koichi.”

              “H-How do you know my name?” the silver-haired boy asked.

              Giorno raised an eyebrow. “We helped each other out against an enemy stand user. I…guided you around Italy…sort of.”

              “I’ve never been to Italy,” Koichi said. “I have no idea who you are.”

              “Maybe you two haven’t met yet,” Sokka said. “It’s like Miles and Luz are always saying, time is weird here.”

              “Absolutely,” Luz agreed. “When multiverses collapse, things can get all wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey.”

              “Eloquent,” Kakyoin said.

              “The Doctor said that, not me.”

              “Doctor Who?”

              Pav, Connie, and Luz laughed while Robin and shook his head, “Really? Now of all times to make that joke, especially when it’s going over a lot of people’s heads.”

              “I think I get it?” Joey said. “It’s that nerd show, right? You know, with the nerdy protagonist.”

              The trio openly rebuked this comment with scoffs and gasps.

              “You call the smartest hero in the whole multiverse a nerd?” Pav asked.

              “Well,” Joey challenged with a smirk, “Is he?”

              “Yes,” Luz said. “But that’s not the point!”

              “I have no idea what we’re talking about right now,” Penny said.

              “But we should be talking about how to escape,” Mamoru pointed out.

              “Right,” Luz said, slamming her fist down into her palm. “…but how do we do that without magic?”

              “Well, the Red Witch mentioned not needing us until a ‘party,’” Sokka said, using air quotes to emphasize his point. “We might be able to sneak past her then.”

              “Looks like we don’t have much of a choice,” Anne said.

              There was a weird and uncomfortable silence around the room. Luz glanced at the faces scattered about and blurted, “Since we might be here for an unknown amount of time, does anyone want to talk about where they’re from?”

              “A little personal, don’t you think?” Penny asked.

              “I guess what I meant to say is what’s it like where you guys come from?” Luz asked. “You don’t have to say anything personal. We all come from different places. I just thought it might be interesting to share.”

              “Well, I used to live with frog people for five months. They were actually really sweet, and I miss them a lot,” Anne spoke up. “I can’t help but wonder if we’re gonna meet up again. Dimensions aren’t usually meant to connect like this; but since they are…”

              “You might get to see them again,” Luz finished.

              “Exactly!” Anne said. “I miss my frog fam, and I know they miss me, especially Sprig.”

              “He’s been with us for the past two months,” Koichi spoke up. “He’s a nice…guy? Kid? Frog?”

              Anne chuckled. “I’m sure he’d love to hear that.”

              “So…are you from Morioh?” Kakyoin asked Koichi.

              Koichi nodded. “I guess you are, too.”

              “I was…before DIO sent me to try and kill Jotaro.” Before Koichi could argue, Kakyoin held up his hand. “I tried to kill Jotaro. That didn’t happen.”

              “I’m not surprised.” Okuyasu said. “I bet he creamed you!”

              Kakyoin chuckled. “Pretty much. But he also saved my life and saved me from DIO’s mind control.”

              Giorno raised an eyebrow and dug something out of his pocket. It was a man completely in shadows. “I take it that’s why you didn’t trust me. Yes. It makes sense now. This is DIO, isn’t it?”

              Kakyoin was silent for a minute before slowly nodding. “That’s him.”

              “Why not kill me?” Giorno asked. “Why would you take that risk of me being just like him?”

              “Because Avdol insisted you were not just DIO’s genetics. You’re also part of the person who he stole his body from; Jonathan Joestar.”

              “Mr. Joestar’s gramps?” Okuyasu asked. “He talked about him while we were on that boat together.”

              Another nod. “It would be hypocritical to not give you the same chance Jotaro gave me.”

              “I actually found out about being related to the Joestar bloodline recently,” Giorno explained. “I’m not sure it will matter later, but I’ll do my best to try and help the family I know now. Josuke has been nice to me, and I won’t forget that.”

              “Do you think they’ll come for us?” Penny asked quietly.

              “That’s not what I’m afraid of,” Luz said. “I’m afraid they will come for us.”

              “They won’t come alone,” Mamoru said. “The senshi and the others will have their backs.”

              “I sure hope so.”

              …

              Meanwhile in the next room, Miles Edgeworth woke up in a very similar situation. Except everyone around him was already awake. Franziska and Miss Fey helped him sit up—his head felt so foggy and heavy. The last thing he remembered was being in that small café, something grabbed him, and Wright had tried to reach out to him.

              Foolish, loveable idiot.

              “Does anyone have any idea where we are?” Miles asked.

              Bruno shook his head. “None whatsoever. Sticky Fingers isn’t able to get us back to the apartment. I’m not sure what’s going on.”

              “It’s obviously a ransom,” Franziska said. “I thought someone in your position would know something about that.”

              Bruno narrowed his eyes at her. “It’d be best to talk about how to escape now.”

              “This is exactly why I wanted to get to my brother,” Franziska said, crossing her arms. She turned to Miles. “Did you have any idea these men were mafia—at all?”

              “Wha—?” Maya reached her hand over her mouth. “No way! That’s not true, right, Bruno?”

              Bruno was unusually quiet. “…we all make our way in this world—one way or another.”

              “Whoa,” Maya said, taken aback. She paused and then grinned. “That’s actually really cool. No wonder you and Abba were able to find answers so fast, or know where we were when we needed help!”

              “Precisely,” Miles agreed. “Franziska, Mr. Bucciarati and Mr. Abbachio are hardly the monsters in this situation.”

              “You’ve had problems with mafioso in the past, if I recall correctly,” Franziska stated. “I’m not going to wake up one day to find out my little brother, the esteemed prosecutor, was found dead in a gutter!”

              “You have my assurance that would never happen,” Bruno said. “Well, unless we fail to get out of this place.”

              “No one is ending up dead in a gutter,” Raine protested.

              “How do you propose that?” Darius asked, condescendingly. “Last time we tried to get out, we were almost electrocuted to death!”

              “Not to mention our stands aren’t working,” Rohan said. “They took away all my writing utensils. So, it’s all null and void.”

              “There has to be something we can do!” Charlie Morningstar, their newest acquaintance, argued.

              “If we could just break out of this area,” Raine began. “We may be able to find the power dampeners and possibly use them against our enemy.”

              Miles felt the room get colder. Suddenly, Miss Fay shrieked and pointed to their feet. Crystals had begun to form around them. As Miles tried to move his feet, the crystal grew to his knees. Many of the others were in the same situation.

              Miles looked to the ceiling where ‘Dr. Knight’ had spoken before, “What’s going on? What are you doing?”

              “Making sure we’re all ready for the party. It would be impolite to throw one without gifts.”

              “Human lives aren’t gifts,” the wizard, Gale argued.

              As the crystal grew to eye-level, the witch laughed. “That’s where you’re wrong. Your lives are worth so much to them—worth their own.”

              Before everything faded to black, a couple of thoughts crossed Edgeworth’s mind. Wright’s life held intrinsically more value than his own, and he knew the witch was right.

              Phoenix would absolutely throw away his own life to save anyone he cared about.

              …

              The youngest Kaiba sat on the steps leading to the shrine, tapping his foot against the pavement and hugging his arms around his waist. Toph felt bad for him; it was lonely enough being an only child with distant parents. Being a kid with no parents and a busy brother who was now gone to spirits knows where must’ve been total isolation. She sat down beside him.

              “So…lonely, rich kid life, am I right?” Toph asked.

              It hadn’t meant to be an insult, and she wasn’t sure if he’d take it that way. If only socializing hadn’t been made so tedious as a little girl.

              “Are you…wealthy where you’re from?” Mokuba asked carefully, apparently trying not to be rude, too.

              “Well, my parents are. I haven’t seen them ever since I joined up with Aang and the others,” Toph explained.

              “Why not?”

              The other kids had walked over to them. It was like a swarm, but Katara always said the more the merrier…in most cases. Hop leaned over the garden railing. “Why haven’t you seen ‘em?”

              “It may be a delicate issue,” Bede argued.

              Toph waved him off. “Nah. It’s fine. Thanks, though.”

              “Of course.”

              Toph sighed and leaned back against the stairs. “As a Bei Fong, I was a part of one of the richest and most respected families in the Earth Kingdom. Since I was born blind, my parents tried to coddle me and never let me go past beginner’s lessons in earthbending. One day, I went off on my own and found a family of badgermoles. They taught me a lot of what I know about earthbending. And from there, I learned to go even beyond that and bend metal. But that’s after I joined up with the Avatar.”

              “And we were happy to have you on the team,” Twinkletoes (Aang) chimed in.

              “Yeah, you guys would’ve totally failed without me,” Toph said with a grin. She turned back to Mokuba. “It’s terrible to feel lonely, but I feel like your brother isn’t one to be taken lightly. I’m sure he’ll be back in no time. He’s tough—like me.”

              “You really think so?” Mokuba asked.

              “I hate liars,” Toph said. “So, I wouldn’t lie about something like that.”

              “Thanks,” Mokuba said with a slight smile. He paused. “Is your friend strong enough to defeat those monsters?”

              “Zuko?” Toph questioned. “Absolutely. Him, your brother, and the others will come back soon; I know it.”

              “Besides, you know Wyll. He’s unbeatable,” Hau said.

              “It’s just a killer to have to wait here,” Mokuba said.

              “Tell me about it,” Barry agreed. “I hate waiting around like this. I wish we could just march down to wherever the others are and battle them until they gave up—and maybe we could even charge them a million pokedollars for losing!”

              “Putting the cart before the Rapidash, isn’t it?” Hop asked. “We need to trust them. If we go over there all willy-nilly, it could put our other friends at risk.”

              “True,” Barry said.

              “If Chairman Rose has anything to do with this, I’m sure there’s some bigger machination going on. Which means, unfortunately, you’re right, Hop,” Bede said, crossing his arms.

              Now that the atmosphere was a bit more tense, Toph wondered, how were the others holding up?

              …

              They finally arrived at the building. It was decorated with balloons, streamers, and confetti that fell from the entryway to the ground. The building was a harsh red that had faded into a pinkish hue.

              “Well, that’s not gaudy at all,” Lucifer commented.

              “It doesn’t matter what this place looks like,” Zuko said. “What matters is rescuing everyone inside. Let’s go.”

              “Why does it look so…cheery?” Yugi asked skeptically.

              “It’s a taunt,” Kaiba said.

              “Dramatic bitch,” Jotaro muttered.

              He was the first (with King on his shoulders) to walk towards the building. He didn’t crane his head back to ask, “You coming or not?”

              They all looked to each other and nodded, following the two to the door. Zuko kicked in the door, and held his stance, fire dancing at his fingertips, ready to strike down any witch or daimon in sight. The doors flung open to find…a party room?

              Yes. The room was filled with balloons, shiny presents, and a sign that read ‘Happy Death Day. From the Deathbusters.’ The fire that encased his hand disappeared in a whoosh of air. It’s as if the energy in the room was a natural extinguisher.

              “The Deathbusters…really? That’s the name they’re going with?” Miles asked.

              “It does kind of sound cringe,” Lucifer agreed. “That’s how you kids say things, right? ‘Cringe?’ I don’t know. I haven’t been to earth in a while…or interacted with young sinners.”

              “I never imagined Lucifer as a grandpa type,” Josuke said.

              “I’m just an angel who likes his privacy. I like to live a quiet life.” Josuke flinched. “What? What did I say wrong now?”

              “Good grief,” Jotaro tugged his hat over his eyes. He scanned the room and his eyes landed on a black, rectangular box with a lens. Zuko remembered Luz telling him something about old-school cameras. She showed him this recording device. That’s the thing Jotaro was staring at now. “What’s up with the tacky setting?”

              The Red Witch’s voice responded, “Two of you should be turning fifteen and seventeen tomorrow. Since that’s not going to happen now, we figured we’d throw a small surprise party.”

              Right. It was his, Usagi, and Katara’s birthdays tomorrow.

              “And what makes you think that?” Wyll asked. “Despite us travelling here, don’t take us for weaklings. We’re not just going to hand over our souls to a hag like yourself.”

              “A-a hag?! I should kill your little wizard friend now for that!”

              “Wyll, seriously, don’t piss her off,” Phoenix whispered. “She can still hurt the people we care about.”

              “Not if I—!” Lucifer balled up his fist, but only a puff of smoke came from the palm of his hands. “Oh…we might have a problem. That’s never a good sign.”

              “Enough games,” Kaiba said. “We did as you said. Now, let those people go.”

              “We’re not done here,” the Red Witch said. “Don’t worry, Mr. Kaiba. All you must do is work for us. You’re not like the others. You certainly don’t have a pure heart.”

              Kaiba gritted his teeth but said nothing in response.

              “So, what are you waiting for?” Arven asked. “Why don’t you come meet us here?”

              “Oh, we’ll be meeting soon. But, not grouped together like that. Certainly not.”

              Lights shined around the building: blue, red, and green. Certain hues enveloped certain people. Josuke, Usagi, Miles, Steven, and Yugi were surrounded by green light, Lucifer, Wyll, and Phoenix in blue, and Zuko, Arven, Jotaro, Seto, Hunter, and King in red. In the blink of an eye, they were in a new room. Well, not so much a room as a maze. It was tall, made of fencing and shrubbery, and the ground was made up of dark cobblestone. Some of the hedges still had partial streamers and confetti interlaced between the branches.

              Zuko glanced around, but he only saw Arven, Jotaro, Seto, Hunter, and King. The others were elsewhere.

              “If you want to find your friends, you’ll have to search through the maze. Be careful not to get too separated. Good luck!”

              With that, she seemed to abandon them once more.

              “What do we do?” Arven asked.

              “We stick together,” Zuko said. “You heard her. She’s using reverse psychology to try and get us to think that separating is for the best. It won’t work on me.”

              “How do you know?” Hunter asked.

              “I’ve had a lot of practice with others doing the same thing,” Zuko said. “Let’s get moving. If nothing else, we’ll be able to find her and then find our friends.”

              …

              “There is a new development,” Pucci said. “They have your son.”

              This was troubling. It would have been oh-so easy to let Jotaro march into his own doom, but not if that cost him the life of his most promising offspring. And what kind of father would he be if he willingly abandoned such a prodigious progeny?

              “They’ve threatened to hurt Giorno should anyone else interfere with their plans,” Pucci explained.

              “And how do they intend to know?” the vampire, Astarion asked.

              Asking the rogue to join their group could come in handy, especially with the specific weapon he had on his person. DIO could sense Alastor lurking somewhere nearby. No doubt he’d come to collect. They had so little time to complete their plan.

              “Apparently they can trace the energy of any individual,” Pucci explained. “We’ll need more than stealth. We’ll need to not exist.”

              “That shouldn’t be a problem for ourselves—seeing as we’re not much alive, anyways,” Astarion said, seeming confused as to what the problem could be.

              “Lord DIO has a stand. Stands are energy. They’re pure spirit and soul.”

              “I see,” Astarion remarked. “That is a problem.”

              He grinned. “However, during my sleuthing I came across a rather interesting group. I persuaded them to help us.”

              “How?”

              “One of them erases traces of energy. He’s half ghost. It’s quite an intriguing ability. If only I had an ability as such. No need to thank me, even though you’d be lost without me.”

              DIO smirked. This man was vain, but he did get the job done. He wasn’t sure if he liked Astarion or hated him. Only time would tell.

              “When are they coming here?” Pucci asked.

              “Oh, they should be arriving any minute now. Two of them are technologically savvy. I don’t understand the stuff, personally. It’s beyond me how obsessive these humans are with their ‘com-pute-ars.’ and ‘fones.’ But…should I be able to look at myself through one of their mirrors or cameras, I suppose I would be a bit obsessed, as well.”

              “Get to the point, Astarion,” Pucci said.

              Astarion scoffed. “Rude. Fine. Two of them are great with technology, and they decoded a secret message that was sent to the victims Kaolinite lured into her trap.”

              “And?” DIO pressed.

              “And they’re all in real danger.”

              DIO turned to see seven teenagers standing with them. One was a boy with silver hair, green eyes, and a black and silver jumpsuit with a D inscribed on the chest. The next was a boy in a dark, long blue and yellow coat, white shirt with a black bolt of lightning, black pants, and white mask with yellow goggles. Another was a girl with round glasses, dark green hair tied into braids, green blouse, yellow vest-coat, shorts, striped leggings, and practical shoes. Then there was the masked one in a red suit with black webbing mimicking a spider’s web. His uniform was made up of a bright red and blue. Then there was a boy who looked…familiar. His face did, at least. His hair was hidden by a red cap with white stripes. He wore a long-sleeved blue crop top in a similar fashion and pattern to the hat, red pants, and boots. The last of them were two sailor senshi. DIO had been keeping up with these local vigilantes. They were the only ones that belonged in this universe outright. One had short, blonde hair and a theme of dark blue and yellow in her suit. The other long, aquamarine hair, and navy blues in her suit.

              “I heard you’re quite close to the boss,” the familiar-faced boy said.

              Pucci leaned into DIO’s ear, “That’s Guido Mista, the illegitimate son of Hol Horse.”

              DIO raised an eyebrow. How ironic Giorno held some control over his former servant’s son.

              “I hold an interest in saving his life,” DIO said simply, not wanting to divulge too much information.

              The boy glared at him. “If you try anything funny or get the boss hurt, I’ll make sure yours is cut short, got it?”     

              The threat made by such a lowly child irked him. However, the ferocity and loyalty was what made DIO allow him to live. It might come in handy one day.

              “Let’s get going,” the green-haired girl insisted. “They’ve got my friends, my boyfriend!”

              “Who’s your boyfriend?” the aquamarine-haired girl asked.

              “Hunter.”

              “How do we get inside, ghost boy?” DIO asked the silver-haired boy.

              “The name’s Danny. Danny Phantom,” the boy said with a grin. “You can just call me Danny, though.”

              “We don’t have time for introductions,” Green-hair insisted.

              “She’s right,” the boy with the yellow goggles said. He turned to DIO. “My friend, Gear built these devices based on Danny’s ability to mask his trace. With them, we should be able to go in and save everyone.”

              “I guess we should start,” Pucci began.

              Danny waved his hand. “I’ll get us down there faster. Everyone take one of the clip-ons V-Man is handing out.”

              V-Man, apparently, handed out small cubes full of electricity. He showed everyone how to clip them onto their shirts. Then Danny held out his hands. “Everyone grab onto each other, alright? If we stay connected, I can teleport us through the walls. We’ll be able to find them faster.”

              …

              Usagi, Miles, Steven, Yugi, and Josuke had decided to stick to their right turns. Unfortunately, the old myth of sticking to right turns in mazes was leading them nowhere fast. Eventually, Miles stopped them and shook his head.

              “We’re just leading ourselves deeper into this place,” Miles said.

              “I could lift either Usagi or Yugi up to see if they could see past the walls,” Josuke suggested. When he received looks from the others he shrugged. “What? No one else had any ideas.”

              “If I could just talk to…” Yugi murmured. He shook his head. “No. Never mind. I can’t here.”

              “Who are you talking about?” Usagi asked.

              “Just a friend who’s really good with strategy,” Yugi explained. “He’d be able to help us, but I can’t seem to reach him.”

              “Kaolinite probably blocked all cellphone signal in this place,” Steven surmised.

              Miles checked his phone. Yep. No signal down here. He figured as much. His own body was on factory-reset as it was. He couldn’t use any of his spider abilities.

              “So, if I’m not prying,” Usagi spoke up. “How did you guys become heroes?”

              “We all know how Spiderman becomes a hero,” Josuke teased. “Radioactive spider bite.”

              “Is that true?” Usagi asked Miles.

              Miles nodded. “Kingpin murdered my universe’s original Spiderman. Another Peter Parker taught me what I needed to know.”

              “Is he one of the ones who…?” Usagi asked, her voice letting him know what she wanted to ask.

              “Betrayed me? Yeah. Though, I can’t focus on that. We need to focus on getting everyone free.”

           ��  Miles couldn’t stop to think about that right now. He needed to keep moving. If he stopped to think about it for even a moment, it would be too depressing. He was going to help his friends get out of this alive.

              “You know,” Josuke interjected. “I kind of have this vision of becoming a cop ever since we stopped Kira. And that’s all thanks to Jotaro. He’s really cool once you get to know him. Even Rohan likes him! I met Okuyasu because of Jotaro.”

              “What about you two?” Usagi asked Steven and Yugi. “We don’t know each other very well, and I’m sorry we’re having to meet like this, but maybe talking to each other can help.”

              “My friends and I just wanted to play card games,” Yugi said. “But the monsters in the cards are…alive. They do a lot more than win matches, and sometimes, cruel people like to take advantage of that. So, we try to stop people like that.”

              “Why didn’t Seto tell us that?” Josuke asked. “That’s totally awesome! Tch. Arven taught us about Pokémon.”

              “Seto is a guarded person,” Yugi explained hesitantly, seeming to try and find the right words. “Truth is, I used to be scared of him. But getting to know him, I kind of understand why he’s so cold towards people. I believe there’s good in him.”

              “I’m glad someone believes that,” Miles muttered.

              “You know,” Steven cut in quickly before an argument could start. “I got my abilities because of ice cream.”

              “Really?” Josuke asked.

              “Indirectly…yes.”

              “And your girlfriend is Connie, right?” Josuke asked. Steven nodded. “She’s a nice girl. Super smart. She helps us a lot at study group.”

              “That’s Connie, alright,” Steven said with a wide smile. “Super smart and concerned for others.”

              “She doesn’t yell at me like Rei,” Usagi said with a slight grumble. She paused. “Hey…I know this is kind of weird to talk about, but Haruka and Michiru were talking to me the other day. They said that sometimes there needed to be sacrifices so that the world could exist peacefully. What do you guys think of that?”

              “Depends on the sacrifice,” Josuke said. “Human lives? Not worth it. A game of dice? Depends upon who you’re playing against. Allowance for food? Totally.”

              “I think they were talking about a history assignment and how people were sacrificed in war for the greater good,” Usagi explained.

              “I would never allow anyone else to sacrifice themselves for my sake,” Yugi said. “However, if it’s just me and I’m trying to save someone I care about, I might.”

              “I’ve done it before,” Steven said.

              “Small world,” Yugi said with a sheepish grin.

              “I would make sure whoever threatened my friends couldn’t do it again,” Josuke said. “Crazy Diamond is crazy strong.”

              “Hardy-har.”

              “Come on, Miles. Don’t let life-threatening danger kill a good vibe.”

              “How are you so calm about this?”

              “You want me to freak out? Not my style,” Josuke said. “I’ve learned that you’ve gotta learn to deal with whatever life throws at you.”

              “The people you love count on you, even if they don’t know it. Because I’m Spiderman, I’ve put everyone I love at risk. My dad could die! Giorno could die! Pav could die!”

              That didn’t even cover the fact that Miguel was out there somewhere. He’d really made a good friend while he was here. And he was in danger from so many things! Alastor, the damn soul-draining thing, and now because Miles had gotten involved, the witch was using him as bait. He was so tired of everyone using his loved ones against him. So tired. Wait—loved ones…? Did that count…?

              “Miles…” Usagi put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. Cutting off his thoughts. “I promise to help you. I don’t believe anyone should have to be sacrificed or hurt in order to keep peace. I’ll stop them. I promise.”

              He was quiet for a moment before he spoke up again, “Thanks, Usagi.”

              The group continued until they reached a path lined by luminescent crystals. The area ahead was so misty, no one could see through it.

              “We must be going in the right direction,” Steven said.

              “Or this is a trap,” Yugi countered.

              “Can we afford to be skeptical?” Josuke asked. “My friends are probably in there. Even if Rohan doesn’t want me to save him, I’m gonna save all of them. And look, I don’t know much about my paternal family, but Giorno seems pretty cool.”

              “Then let’s go,” Miles said with a nod.

              The group walks ahead until reaching a clearing with nine large crystals in the center. Inside the multi-colored, prismatic prisons were Anne, Giorno, Joey, Okuyasu, Mamoru, Connie, Rohan, and Pav.  

              “You finally made it.”

              Before anyone could move, crystals shot up from the ground and encased their arms and legs, trapping them in place.

              “Let them go!” Usagi called out.

              The Red Witch appeared in front of them, along with five daimon. One a cerulean knight with Romanesque armor, another golden monster with wings like and nostrils like a dragon, another with glossy, white skin that shone as bright as a diamond, another with pink skin, purple suit, and skull and crossbones tie, and lastly one that looked like…Prowler. It had the purple mask, boots, and everything.

              “What are you waiting for?” Josuke asked, obviously annoyed.

              “Are you that eager to throw away your life?” the witch asked with a laugh.

              Miles rolled his eyes. “You know what he meant.”

              “We’re just waiting for your other friends,” the Red Witch explained. She began to disappear again. “These crystals should hold you tight. I’m going to go find out what’s keeping them, and maybe drive them out of hiding. Then we can begin.”

              Finally, she disappeared in a flurry of rose petals.

              “Let’s hope the others had a better plan than we did,” Josuke grumbled.

              As Miles stared ahead at a painful reminder, he couldn’t help but agree.

              …

              These people were kinda whacky. The most normal people here were Danny and Peter. The two sailor senshi didn’t talk much, the Priest kept between himself and the big guy, the big guy was ominous-looking (looked more like a bad dude than just a concerned dad, but he’d been fooled by appearances before), Astarion looked super bored and annoyed to be here (plus he was some sort of Lord of the Rings elf, which was kinda cool), and Willow was super sweet but her powers were crazy strong. Even with Danny being ‘normal,’ he sort of reminded Virgil of Ebon, ability-wise. The two were polar opposites in personality.

              However, when they got in the building, their powers were shut off. Even Danny’s transparency. He turned back into a normal guy. They’d managed to get to this maze before everything shut off completely. Richie gave him a device that would shut down the power dampeners in the building for thirty minutes. They needed to find those dampeners and the people trapped here. That being said,

              “We should probably split up,” Virgil said. “I’m gonna go find those dampeners. Danny, you’re with me. Everyone else, try and find the people trapped here.”

              There was a general murmur of agreement before he and Danny rushed off in search of the dampener.

              “Gear said it would be best to stick to corners, Wiring is usually tied to the walls, and it was probably someone with technological know-how who assembled a dampener. To keep something going with a current that strong, they’d have to wire it to some main energy source.”

              “What if it’s not electricity?” Danny asked.

              “…we kick it?”

              Danny chuckled but seemed doubtful. They’d figure it out. But Richie had been sure it was electrical. This stuff hadn’t started coming about until the Death Busters started working with CEO’s and professors from other worlds. Even though Richie had only been able to hack through a few websites to obtain minimum information, he found out the Death Busters were after some sort of talismans, and they needed human souls. Richie guessed they were either demons or something far more sinister.

              If only he could talk to Richie right now. But no; electronic devices were out.

              “I’ve got an idea,” Danny said. He pulled out a Pokémon ball that the kid, Allister, had helped him catch. It was a little red dude that looked like a bolt surrounded by blue electricity. “Jolt, do you think you can guide us to the dampener?”

              Jolt looked at Danny and bobbed back and forth before speeding off in the opposite direction. It waited at the end of the hallway, wanting them to follow it.

              Danny jerked his head towards Jolt, “Let’s go!”

              “Good thinking!”

              “You know it.”

              …

              “Does this place even have an exit?” King asked.

              “Beats me,” Arven said. “Ugh. I bet we’re being played. Seems about right given who we’re up against.”

              They’d been searching for at least an hour now. Jotaro was beginning to think they were right.

              “What if they’re already dead?” Hunter asked, tears in his eyes. “Those are my only friends—my only family!”

              “Calm down,” Jotaro grumbled. Panicking wasn’t going to help. It’d only make things worse for everyone.

              “Easy for someone who has a lot of people in his life to say,” Arven shot back.

              Before Jotaro could counter with knowledge of the far greater perils he’d been in, Seto did. “Then allow me: if you two don’t pull yourselves together, everyone you care about will die. I don’t need to be here. The only person I care about is back at the shrine.”

              “Then why are you here?” Arven asked, getting slightly abrasive.

              “Monthly philanthropy,” Seto said sardonically.

              “Do all rich people in your world act like this?” Hunter asked with a scoff. “No wonder Luz hates them.”

              “Money has nothing to do with it,” Zuko chimed in. “I’m royalty, and I say all of you are out of line. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves if we want to save our friends. And we can’t act apathetic, either.”

              “We don’t even know which way we’re going, Firelord,” Seto said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

              At this point, even Jotaro was starting to wonder why this guy came.

              “Seriously, why did you come?” King asked. “I feel like there’s something you’re not telling us.”

              “Might as well be honest,” Jotaro interjected. He narrowed his eyes at Seto. “Not fond of working with liars, myself. And lying by omission is still lying.”

              Seto looked from him to the others. “Fine. I’m trying to get my technology back. If they have it, everyone could be in danger, especially if they figure out how to finish it.”

              “What does it do?” Zuko asked.

              “It opens tears into other realities,” Seto explained. “I was trying to access the past so I could trace events leading to the present. I didn’t want to rely on Yugi’s occult nonsense.”

              “What do you mean by that?” Hunter pressed.

              “Not my story, not my problem,” Seto said, crossing his arms. “However, to make sure we’re all up to speed *because clearly it’s necessary working with such rabble,* this device would have to be fueled by a powerful source…I imagine that’s why they want souls.”

              “So, you’re responsible for all this?” Hunter asked. “Do you have any idea the amount of trouble you’ve caused?”

              “Well excuse me for not expecting intergalactic monsters to tear through realities and merge them together in some sort of disgusting, multiversal stew! I don’t even think it’s the witches who originally used my technology.”

              “Then who?” Zuko asked. “Who else could’ve done it?”

              “See, I’ve gotten some energy readings on what remains of my tech back from the Tau Nebula system…or at least that’s how it identifies. It’s a solar system of its own. I have no idea what it’s like, but that’s where the witches and daimon are coming from. The original point of discord, the point in space-time that mixed everything together came from the constellation of Kasterborous. Like I said, I have no idea what the motive is. All I know is that whoever did this wanted to start a chaotic war. And they used my technology to do it. I originally accused Gideon Graves due to the lengths of time travel and reality warping he was willing to commit over some silly girl, but this runs deeper than that. No, whoever did this, had the motivation to want to see everything crumble.”

              “Then we’re barely scratching the surface of possibilities,” Jotaro said.

              “That’s…terrifying,” Hunter said.

              “Thank you for being honest,” Zuko said. “Now I can see why getting that technology back is so important.”

              “And for the record,” Seto said, straightening his coat. “I have people I want to protect, too. It’s just not productive to sit here and cry about it.”

              “I know that,” Hunter said. “But it’s unfair. I finally found people I could call family. People who treated me well and like I meant something! My uncle never…I thought for the longest time that Belos was my only family. He trained me to be a solider and nothing more. I was just someone who hunted palisman for him. He left me with a sigil! He was perfectly willing to let me die on the day of unity! But when we went to the human world, Ms. Noceda treated me like I was her own, and Luz became like a sister to me. After we beat Belos, Darius kind of unofficially adopted me. I just had no idea…all of this could get taken away again.”

              “I understand,” Zuko said.

              “How? Your uncle is great!”

              “But my father wasn’t,” Zuko said. “It was the same. My sister was always his favorite. I wasn’t as strong as her when we were younger. And that day I defied him in the military meeting for wanting to defend the lives of our soldiers, he gave me this.”

              Zuko pointed to his face, and it didn’t take long for anyone to realize he was talking about his scars.

              Hunter was quiet for a minute, “Heh. I guess we can be face-scar buddies.”

              “He did that to you, too?” Zuko asked, raising an eyebrow. “…I’m sorry. I know how painful that is.”

              “You do.”

              It wasn’t a question.

              “So, we’re all either orphans, neglected, or abused,” Jotaro said, trying to keep from popping cigarette out of his jacket pocket. Seriously, this conversation was depressing as hell.

              “Or all three,” Kaiba muttered. He glared at them. “But I don’t want your pity. And neither should any of you. To hell with those bastards. Let them rot.”

              “My dad wasn’t bad,” King said. “He just wasn’t able to be around. He told me a bread pun from beyond the grave.”

              “The more I learn about you King, the more questions I have,” Jotaro said.

              “I’m full of surprises!”

              “This day has been full of surprises,” Kaiba mused. “It’s given me a hell of a migraine.”

              “Seems like hell isn’t all that bad,” Jotaro joked. “Lucifer just looked tired rather than all fire and evil.”

              “That version of him, anyways,” Seto said. “I refuse to believe in an actual heaven or hell. It was probably just an alternate dimension where abilities like he has are normal.”

              “Not a spiritual guy?”

              “Not in the slightest.”

              “I’ve seen the destructive force behind spirits,” Zuko said. “When Zhao killed the moon spirit, the Avatar connected with its other half and drowned a lot of the fleets storming the northern water tribe. The spirit controlling Aang drowned Zhao. Uncle believes he may be suffering in the spirit world today.”

              “Most people believe Arceus made Pokémon and humans. He was the original Pokémon who created all life. I’m not sure what I believe,” Arven said with a shrug.

              Jotaro shrugged. “It’s possible there’s a god. I haven’t seen proof for or against.”

              “We believe in the titan,” Hunter said. “Well, that’s become a little more complicated because…”

              King cut him off, “Because he was just too powerful to sum up in a small talk! Let’s get going!”

              Not suspicious at all, King.

              The group tried to set forth, but Jotaro heard a thud as Seto fell behind them. He didn’t seem like the clumsy type. Sure enough, some sort of vine snared itself around his ankle, dragging him down into the ground. He was already dragged through to his waist when Hunter and Jotaro lunged and grabbed his hands.

              “Don’t worry, we’ve got you,” Hunter assured him. “Just hang on!”

              Jotaro heard Zuko struggling with something. King had leapt from Jotaro’s shoulder, probably trying to help. “Get off!”

              “King, what’s going on?” Jotaro asked, not being able to look over his shoulder.

              “Mabosstiff use crunch!” He heard Arven call out.

              There was a deep growl and more struggle as Seto slipped further into the ground. Both he and Hunter were trying to pull him up, but he started to wince and hiss. Whatever had a hold on him wasn’t budging.

              Seto looked over Jotaro’s shoulder, eyes widening. “Let go and find me later. You’ve got to find everyone and get us out of here!”

              “We’re not doing that!” Hunter protested.

              “Everyone is doomed if no one is around to help them!”

              There was a sharp stab in Jotaro’s palm; he let go only for a moment. A moment was enough. Seto had used his nails to get them to let go. There wasn’t anything they could do to keep him from slipping through. Hunter reached for him again, but it was no use. He was gone.

              “Damn it,” Jotaro muttered.

              Jotaro was finally able to turn around to see Zuko and Arven fighting three daimon. Zuko had managed, without his firebending (but he did have two twin blades hidden in his robe) to take down two, and Arven’s dog took down one. King stomped on the vine-shaped humanoids with his tiny feet.

              “And there goes one,” the Red Witch’s voice echoed. “Let’s see if I can get another.”

              The noise of sludge echoed down the path. It mushed and sloshed, getting closer. Hunter backed away. “N-No, that can’t be.”

              A pile of green sludge sped toward them. It stopped short and formed a man with long blondish hair, white robes, green suit, boots, staff that glowed red, and huge scar that ran down the side of his face. He looked straight at Hunter.

              “Hello, Hunter.”

              “H-how? You died! Eda—she!”

              “I’m quite alive; despite the Owl Lady, her precious bard, or even the titan, himself,” he said, throwing a smirk to King.

              “You’re their god?” Jotaro asked King.

              “Technically, that was my dad,” King said. “But that’s not important. What’s important is the creep is alive again.”

              “Very much so,” the man, Belos, right (?), said. “And I’m not the only one who might hold a grudge against someone in this group. Being revived is such a curious thing. I was brought back with the worst of demons. One who said he knew you, Mr. Kujo.”

              Jotaro frowned. He knew who Belos was talking about. There wasn’t a shadow of doubt in his mind. Well, if that bastard wanted to come back to life, he’d find him and kill him again. This time, alone. No one else would get hurt or die.

              “You have five seconds to return Seto and the others,” Zuko said, brandishing the blades at Belos.

              “Ah yes, the young firebender who is better with his silly, little knives rather than the natural abilities he was gifted. Your father had a lot to say about you.”

              “I have no fear of my father,” Zuko said.

              “Pity,” Belos said. He looked to Hunter. “That’s fine. I haven’t been ordered to take you hostage, Prince Zuko.”

              Before Belos’s slimy arm could connect, Arven jumped in front of Hunter, being pulled in by the slime, down to the ground. He was almost pulled under. Hunter grabbed him. “Go! You guys have families! Just leave! Try and find the others. Mabosstiff and I will deal with this guy!”

              “No way,” Hunter said, keeping hold of Arven.

              Zuko and Jotaro made a jump to try and help them but ended up plunging into the dirt. There was no time as the slime wrapped around both of them and pulled them under in the blink of an eye. He hadn’t had time to react. There was…there wasn’t anything he could’ve done. It happened so fast.

              “And that’s two more for us,” the Red Witch commented.

              “…fucking bitch,” Jotaro cursed. “If you don’t let them go, I swear to god I’ll kill you.”

              “The only one of you who can do anything is the prince,” the Red Witch said. “You’re without your abilities, and really, I should kill your friends for even having those silly swords. But I’ll play along. I’m having far too much fun right now to end our game here.”

              Jotaro sighed and picked up King, placing him back on his shoulder. “If you are a god, last thing we need is you getting hurt or kidnapped.”

              “She took all of them,” Zuko murmured, still in shock.

              Jotaro walked past him. “And it’s down to us to save them, so let’s go.”

              Zuko stared at the empty space for a second and nodded. Suddenly, something bumped Jotaro’s foot. It was a walking cherry. It had a face, and a twin on its stem.

              “Star!” the cherry cheered.

              “What’s this?”

              Zuko paused. “That’s Sting!”

              “Huh? The musician?”

              “No,” Zuko said, a bit aggravated. “Kakyoin caught this little guy. He named him—!”

              “After his favorite musician,” Jotaro finished.

              “He must’ve let this Cherubi out before they put him wherever they did,” King said. “Marnie says these little guys are super friendly.”

              Kakyoin—always leaving a clue to help them. This wouldn’t end like last time. He’d save him.

              “Of course that nerd picked one that looked like a cherry.”

              The Cherubi started to walk forward, stopped, and waved its stem at them.

              “I think it wants us to follow him,” Zuko said, walking forward.

              The three walked ahead until they bumped into something—no—not something—someone. Three someones to be exact. One was a girl with round glasses and green hair, another was a boy dressed up as or actually Spiderman, and the last was a boy who looked way too much like Hol Horse for comfort.

              “Where’ve you taken them?” the girl demanded.

              Jotaro was about to argue when King perked up. “Willow!”

              “King?” She held out her arms; King jumped from Jotaro to her shoulder. “Man is it good to see you! I haven’t seen anyone from home! Where’re Luz, Hunter, Raine, and Darius?”

              “Still in danger,” Zuko said. “You must be their friend.”

              “Where they are is where we’ll go,” the boy with the gun said. Great. He had a gun, too. “Mista Guido, by the way.”

              Willow nodded. “I’m Willow Park, this is—”

              Jotaro smirked and cut her off, “Your next line is, this is Peter Parker.”

              “This is Peter Parker! Wait! How did you know that?”

              “Also, Willow, we were trying to keep codenames,” Peter said with a small nervous chuckle.

              “It’s fine,” Jotaro said. “I would’ve known you, anyways.”

              “How? No one knows who Peter Parker is,” this Peter argued.

              “I have my ways.”

              “Thank you for keeping King safe,” Willow said. “But what happened to the others?”

              “Taken by the Red Witch and this guy named Belos. Given your face, that’s bad, right?” Jotaro asked.

              Willow’s face had drained of color. “D-did he take Luz and Hunter?”

              “He took Hunter,” Zuko said.

              “Then we need to get going. Everyone follow me,” Willow said. “Cherubi is leading us to where one of his friends might be.”

              “That’s where Kakyoin and the others will be,” Jotaro said.

  ��           “Then that’s where we need to be,” Zuko said.

              …

              “Quite the large place, isn’t it?” Wyll asked.

              Phoenix couldn’t focus on small talk, however kind Wyll might’ve been. He needed to find Maya, Miles, and Franziska. Even the devil himself couldn’t make him talk.

              “So, you were cursed by a demon?” Lucifer asked.

              “A touchy subject, but yes,” Wyll responded. “And are you not the leader of hell?”

              “Not your Avernus, no. But there’re similar demons that make contracts with people in my hell, yes. It’s very…depressing. I gave humanity the gift of free will, and I get all the sinners who chose to use it for absolutely horrible things. I swear, the only bright spot in my life is my little girl. I’ll do anything to save her.”

              “Your dedication to your daughter is admirable,” Wyll said. “Honestly, it’s quite uncharacteristic for a demon to care about anyone but himself.”

              “Is that why you and Kar…Kar…the lady tiefling are so guarded?” Lucifer asked.

              “Karlach,” Wyll corrected. There was a mixture of respect and fondness in his eyes. “She’s survived living in Avernus. Our version of your hell is constant war, constant fighting, and constant agony. She’s fought and lived through it all. I admire her most ardently for it.”

              “I’m more of a hands-off kind of ruler. Guess I shouldn’t be, given demons like Vox and Alastor.”

              “Who are they?” Wyll asked.

              “Overlords who bargain soul contracts,” Lucifer explained. “A sacrificial lamb is all well and good, but owning someone’s soul is just…blech.”

              “Has anyone ever told you that you are much less intimidating than expected?”

              “Oh, I can be intimidating, when I need to be.”

              “When’s that?”

              “You’ll see.”

              Lucifer nudged Phoenix, “Chin up. I’ll help all of you get your friends back. No charge.”

              “You don’t understand,” Phoenix said. “This isn’t the first time something terrible has happened to the people I care most about. This keeps happening to them, and I’m not sure how to stop it. Is this just going to be a never-ending cycle of my friends getting hurt? And the last time I saw Miles he thought I didn’t want to be around him when it’s the exact opposite!”

              It was quiet for a minute before Lucifer took a breath through his nose, placed his hands together and asked, “Have you tried telling him that?”

              “A bit of honesty does wells of good,” Wyll agreed.

              “Well, no, but—,” Phoenix tried to object.

              “So, he’s just supposed to magically know you like him?”

              Getting sassed by Lucifer, from the Bible, was not on Phoenix’s agenda. Nor did he want it to be.

              “Let’s keep going,” Wyll said. He gave Phoenix a small smile, “You’ll be able to make it up to him, I’m sure.”

              “Thanks. But I’m not sure if telling him is such a good idea,” Phoenix said. “Besides, I need to save him, Maya, and Franziska first.”

              “Oh, I do love a good, dramatic confession,” a snide voice behind them commented. Wyll raised his eyebrows and turned. There was a man with silver hair, light armor, and elfish ears. Beside him was an insanely buff, blonde guy, and a guy with silver hair and priest’s robes.

              “I’ll be damned,” Wyll said. “Is that really you, Astarion?”

              “I’m offended, darling,” this Astarion said. “How many others do you know that are like me?”

              Lucifer looked from the priest to the other men, “I think I’m going to go in the opposite direction…there’s a lot of trouble if I stick around here.”

              “You can’t be serious, Lucifer,” Wyll said. “We all need to stick together in order to find our friends, your daughter!”

              “You travel with two devils?” the priest asked Phoenix. “And the devil has a daughter?”

              “Uhhhh…maybe?”

              “Wyll isn’t a full-fledged devil,” Astarion said. “However, he was cursed by one.”

              “Now isn’t the time for such debates,” the blonde said. “As much as I’d thoroughly enjoy one, they have my son, Enrico.”

              The priest took a deep breath in. Phoenix intervened, “Look, why don’t Lucifer and I split off, and the rest of you try to find our friends, too. If we make any progress, we meet back here.”

              “How will we know to meet here?” Astarion asked. “No offense, but there’s not exactly any key details to identify this place.”

              Lucifer fished through his pocket and placed a rubber duck on the bushes near them. “Now we’ll know.”

              “A rubber duck…?”

              “I have a lot of prototypes for different kinds of ducks!” Lucifer bragged. “One can walk and spit fire! It’s the most fantabulous one of them all, and it does a cute backflip!”

              “This one isn’t going to torch the whole maze?” Astarion asked.

              “No, but I should’ve thought of that!” Lucifer said.

              A twig snapped in the near distance. Ahead of them were about twenty, pink, gelatinous daimon. The pale elf was the first to speak up, “Time to go!”

              Phoenix and Lucifer rounded the left corner while the others took the right. Lucifer stopped, pulled a staff with an apple at the end from his jacket. “Go find your friends. I’ll either catch up with you soon or continue on to find Charlie.”

              “Can you handle those monsters?”

              “Even powerless,” Lucifer said, “I still rule Hell. I doubt there’s much they can do to me—now—go!”

              Phoenix simply nodded and ran ahead. Get to the others. Get to the others. Get to the others.

              He ran until he came across a clearing in the maze. In the center were a group of vines with thorns ensnaring…

              “MILES!”

              The prosecutor cracked open his eyes and opened his mouth, trying to form the right words. Nothing came of that. Phoenix ran over and started trying to pull away the vines.

              “Phoenix,” Miles croaked. “Don’t.”

              “It’s alright. I’m getting you out of here,” Phoenix insisted. He tugged at the vines holding Miles’s left arm in place.

              “You don’t understand,” Miles said.

              “No, I do,” Phoenix said. “I know what I’m doing, Miles. Look, I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like I didn’t care about you. I really do. I need to tell you—that—I—why is this so hard? Why won’t these vines break?”

              “Phoenix, please stop!”

              Phoenix cut his hand on one of the thorns. He first lost all sensation in that hand, and then quickly the rest of his body followed suit. He fell backwards; everything was going in slow motion. Why did Miles look so sad?

              “I’m so sorry,” Miles murmured. Were those tears? When had he ever…? “They were poisoned. I was trying to tell you.”

              He felt a pair of arms pull him up; ironically, he hoped to heaven it was Lucifer. It was not. It was one of the pink daimon from earlier. The Red Witch appeared.

              “I suppose we have a good number of hearts to inspect. We should begin while we have the advantage over our intruders.”

              “Let him go!” Miles yelled.

              “Don’t worry,” the Red Witch chided. “You won’t be far behind him. You two can finally confess to each other in hell.”

              Phoenix’s eyes widened. “Miles?”

              He didn’t say anything. He didn’t argue with her at all. Miles’s eyes held so much sorrow; it was painful to see, just like DL6.

              The Red Witch gestured to one of her other daimon, “Grab Mr. Edgeworth. I don’t suppose he has a pure heart, but he does love this fool. It’ll be entertaining to see how he reacts.”

              Before Phoenix passed out, he could see Miles trying to struggle against the daimon. He should’ve been more focused on pressing matters at hand, but all he could get his brain to ask was:

              He likes me, too?

              Then darkness.

              …

              Fantastic. Everyone was here and unfrozen. Although, they were still stuck in the crystalline walls. Well, everyone excluding Zuko, King, Jotaro, Lucifer, and Wyll. The Red Witch had just returned with Mr. Wright and Mr. Edgeworth. Miles *Morales* wasn’t sure what she was planning when she and the old man, who Miles had learned was Hunter’s asshole of an uncle, stepped aside and started whispering to each other.

              “Can you hear what they’re saying?” Hunter asked, audibly enough for everyone else.

              It was clear he was terrified, and so was Miles, for a different reason. Giorno was sitting inside a forcefield with the others who had been sent here, and he was not looking good. Seemed like he was struggling to breathe, and he was constantly clutching his chest.

              “Zuko, Jotaro, and King are still out there,” Arven whispered. “There’s hope.”

              “Not much,” Seto said.

              “But enough,” Yugi countered.

              Mamoru looked up at Usagi with pleading eyes and then back at the witch, “You won’t get away with this!”

              “And who’s going to stop me, Lover-Boy?” she asked with a chuckle.

              “Leave the boy alone,” Darius yelled at the gross-looking old dude. “He’s done nothing to you!”

              “He’s just a kid,” Raine agreed.

              “Hunter,” Luz called out. “I’m so sorry!”

              “It’s okay, Luz, Darius, Raine. The others are going to save us. I can feel it,” Hunter said shakily.

              Luz went back to trying to heal Giorno, “Come on, Giorno, hang on! We’ll get you help real soon!”

              “G-grazie,” was all he could manage.

              “Oi, you bastards better let Josuke go!” the silver and black-haired teen ordered.

              “Don’t worry, Okuyasu,” Josuke said. “Jotaro and Zuko are out there; we can trust them!”

              “Jotaro is here?”

              Josuke nodded.

              “They’re so screwed!”

              Josuke laughed a little, despite his situation. “Yeah, I know!”

              “Steven!” Connie called out from within the barrier. “I’ll get you out of here, I swear!”

              “Don’t worry! We’re all going to be fine!” the curly-haired boy assured her.

              Miles tried to wrestle his arms out of the crystal walling, but it was useless. As long as those power dampeners were active, he was powerless. But he was Spiderman; he was supposed to make sure things like this didn’t happen. Spiderman was never supposed to be hopeless, and this situation was looking pretty damn close. If he died today, everyone he ever cared about would die.

              And lingering still, he felt as though they were all being watched by some opportunistic eye. Was that Radio Demon here? Or was it the stress of the situation?

              “Seems as though we’re ready to begin,” the Red Witch said, gesturing to her daimons. “I’ll do four first and then another four. It will give us time to examine for talismans.”

              Four daimon walked over to a still unconscious Mr. Wright, Hunter, Usagi, and Steven.

              Hunter looked at his uncle. “Don’t do this, please!”

              “LEAVE MY SON ALONE!” Darius said, tears in his eyes.

              The Red Witch looked to the man who simply shook his head. “Don’t you see? We can purify your souls. They’ve been corrupted. We can make you better when we restart this…wicked world.”

              Miles shut his eyes and tried to block out the screams. No. This wasn’t right. It was too much. Too much to bear. He cracked his eyes open once the screaming stopped. Four shiny, pure hearts. One of them looked normal—although still bright. The one that belonged to Mr. Wight. Usagi’s was complex, shiny, and multilayered. It must’ve been due to her being Sailor Moon. It was the same problem with Hunter and Steven. Hunter’s was blue and had turned into the shape of a small bird, but why? And Steven’s heart looked like pink quartz. Why did their hearts do that? They couldn’t be those talismans, could they? If they were, they would…

              “Talismans,” the Red Witch spoke softly. She grinned and reached out for the crystals.

              Miles heard a chorus of yelling and broken sobs.

              “HUNTER!”

              “USA!”

              “STEVEN!”

              “NICK!”

              “Phoenix…”

              As the Red Witch tried to snag the crystals, four gloved hands snatched them away from her. It was Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune! What were they doing here? And how did they have their powers? Sailor Uranus delivered a swift blow to the Red Witch and aimed an attack at Uncle Dearest, who promptly vanished.

              “Guardian of Neptune, the planet which controls the oceans, I, Sailor Neptune, will not allow you to steal this pure heart and these talismans.”

              “Guardian of Uranus, the planet which controls the winds, I, Sailor Uranus, will stop any ploy from multiversal manipulation and ruin!”

              That sounded…eerily familiar. Miguel familiar.

              “Put them back!” Luz said. “You need to put those souls back, or they’ll die!”

              “We can return Mr. Wright’s heart crystal, but not the others,” Neptune said. “The others require more investigation.”

              “Give them back their hearts, now!” Miles demanded.

              “The multiverse is full of talismans. Our view was so limited before. But if we gather all the talismans from different universes, we can stop the approaching silence,” Sailor Uranus said. She made a pointed glare at Miles. “We won’t allow anyone to destroy our world because of reckless selfishness.”

              They knew. They knew what he wanted to do. He only wanted to save his dad. How had it come to all this? HOW? This wasn’t right. THIS WASN’T RIGHT!

              Miles slammed his arm against the crystal holding him in place—shattering it. He was free. He leapt up and webbed the crystals and talismans back to himself.

              “What are you doing, kid?” Uranus asked. “How did you do that?”

              “He really is an anomaly,” Neptune murmured. “Please cooperate. We’re not as willing to stand by as Miguel did.”

              Miles backed up until he hit something—Uncle Dearest! Crap!

              “Miles!” Giorno called out. “Go!”

              “No way,” Miles said. “I’m not running. Not now. Not ever. I am Spiderman.”

              He knocked the old man back with a quick stab of his elbow and backflipped against the remains of the crystal that held him. Suddenly, his body was flowing with power, as if a switch had been flipped. He heard another crystal break.

              “DORA!”

              Josuke quickly joined him and stood defensively against the girls in front of them and the Red Witch who managed to pick herself back up.

              “Okuyasu! Use The Hand!” Josuke called out.

              “Huh? OH YEAH!”

              “ZA HANDO!”

              In a flash, the forcefield surrounding the others disappeared. A woman they hadn’t met before with blonde hair, rosy cheeks, red suit, and a face familiar to Lucifer’s stood up, her hair flying in wild directions. In an instant, the daimons that had once been standing so effectively were turned into toast crumbs.

              “How is this possible?” the witch questioned. “The dampeners?”

              “Are broken,” a voice above them spoke up. It was a boy with a long blue jacket, goggles, and lightning symbol on his shirt…flying on a trash can lid? Beside him was a boy with white hair, green eyes, and a black jumpsuit. “Your days of stealing hearts are over, creepy lady!”

              “I’ll say,” a darker voice spoke up.

              From the center, a circle of flames sprang up, vanished, and revealed the swordsman, Wyll Ravengard and Lucifer Morningstar, alongside them was a man in priest’s robes. His eyes glanced around the room and landed on Giorno, then Hunter, Usagi, Phoenix, and Steven.

              “A shame you plan to use the souls of the innocent to try and purify this world,” the priest said, looking to Hunter’s uncle. “There’s so much more to souls than that. I should know.”

              “A priest?” the uncle questioned. “Then you should be on my side! This world is too wicked for these poor deluded souls. This demonic magic, and—,”

              The priest cut him off, “You’re telling me, with the form you have, that you’ve never deviled in magic. Hypocrisy is also against God.”

              “It takes a hypocrite to know one,” Slime man countered. “Aiding false prophets and demons is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord.”

              “I follow God and a higher cause. You are too flawed to be saved.”

              The priest backed away, allowing Lucifer to step forward. Huge grin on his face, the man burst into flames. As the witch moved to help him, a flash of flames came from the opposite direction—it was Zuko, Jotaro, and King! They’d made it! A girl with round glasses, a boy in a blue shirt, red pants, and weird red hat, and another Spiderman followed them. Miles internally groaned. Was he going to have a problem with this guy, too?

              “PROFESSOR!” the Red Witch cried out. “HELP US!”

              The fire quickly rose…but no ashes were left behind. Quite odd…and ominous.

              Lucifer looked to Neptune and Uranus, “Go home…please.”

              The two gave each other a look and nodded. “We’ll be back. In any case, there’s no way to turn those talismans back into heart crystals.”

              With that, the duo leapt up into the air, onto the rafters of the ceiling, and out of sight.

              “Please, can anyone help them?” Miles heard Darius ask.

              “Hunter! Please! Wake up!” the girl with the glasses said through her tears.

              He was holding Hunter, trying to get him to wake up. Connie was doing the same with Steven, Mamoru with Usagi, and Mr. Edgeworth with Mr. Wright.

              “Here,” Miles said, handing Mr. Edgeworth the bright heart crystal. “This is Mr. Wright’s.”

              “What can we do for the others?” Sokka asked. “Are they…?”

              “Don’t finish that!” Luz objected. She shut her eyes. “Please. Don’t say that.”

              “I think I can help,” the priest said. “Give me those ‘talismans.’ I think I can revert them back to what they need to be. Just this once.”

              Miles wasn’t apt to handing over everyone’s souls like that. Giorno shakily stood. “What did you say your name was, padre?”

              He spoke loudly enough that the others couldn’t hear. “Enrico Pucci. I have always intended to meet you, Mr. Giovanna.”

              “You gave your support when I became…” Giorno’s voice trailed off as he looked from the priest to Miles. “Miles, I think he’s telling the truth.”

              Miles hesitantly held out the crystals. “Please…save them.”

              Pucci said nothing but nodded.

              “White Snake.”

              Miles could sense a new presence in the room. It felt almost…spiritual?

              In a flash, the crystals turned back into ordinary heart crystals. Pucci gently placed them back over the bodies of the victims, allowing the color to return to their faces.

              “Th-thank you,” many said through their tears.

              Although…Jotaro and Kakyoin eyed this man suspiciously. He must’ve been a stand user! That’s how Giorno would have known him! But…why were they suspicious?

              “Mamo?” Usagi questioned, looking up at her boyfriend.

              “Usako! Are you alright?” Mamoru asked, pulling her into a hug.

              “I…yes! Where’s Kaolinite?”

              “Dead,” Lucifer finished.

              “You killed her?” Steven asked, shocked, sitting up with Connie’s help.

              “Uh…yeah?”

              “That’s good,” Hunter said. His eyes widened. “Willow?”

              She smiled through her tears and pulled him into a hug, making him blush. “Hi! Thank Titan you’re okay!”

              “I-I’m better now.”

              “Hey Edgeworth,” Phoenix said with a slight smile.

              Mr. Edgeworth was quiet for a moment…was he blushing, too? He coughed. “Of all the incidents that have occurred to you, this is by far the scariest! Why weren’t you careful back there? You could have died if this young man,” he gestured to the boy in the goggles, “Hadn’t shut down those power dampeners! You didn’t need to try and ‘free’ me. You should’ve run!”

              “And left you behind? Never.”

              The blush got deeper and now Mr. Edgeworth seemed too flustered to respond.

              “Mr. Edgeworth is right, Nick!” Miss Fey said. “We were so worried about you!”

              “Speak for yourself,” Miss Von Karma said with a slight smirk.

              “Just promise never to do that again,” Mr. Edgeworth murmured.

              “Depends on the situation,” Mr. Wright said. “I mean, I gotta keep you on your toes.”

              “You’re infuriating.”

              “For the record…or report, I’d let anyone steal my heart any day to save any of you.”

              Mr. Edgeworth sighed. “I-I know. That’s what scares me most. The witch…what she said was correct, if it needed saying.”

              “The same applies to me, Miles.”

              It was quiet for a second.

              “I’d let you,” Miss Von Karma teased. “I’d rather keep my heart where it is.”

              “You’ve got one?” Phoenix asked with a sort of laugh.

              “If that boy hadn’t stolen my whip, you’d be dead…again!”

              The place started to shake. Pucci turned to the others. “We need to get out of here. Magic must’ve kept this place going!”

              “I’ve got just the thing!” Gale said. He waved his hands with an unnecessary amount of flair, opening a purple portal. “It should take us back to the Hikawa Shrine Wyll has told me about!”

              “Good! Let’s get out of here!” Arven said.

              As everyone jumped through the portal, Miles heard someone falter. Giorno. His breath was heavy, he shut his eyes, and tried to stand. Everyone else had gone through, except himself and Pucci. Miles ran back to Giorno.

              “Are you three coming?” Gale asked from the other side. “It’s hard to tell from our standing!”

              “We won’t be taking the portal. We have a demon to fight,” Pucci said. “I’ll get them back safely. I promise.”

              The portal collapsed as said demon strolled through, knocking Pucci aside. His grin was as wide as ever. “Mr. Morales! It’s so impressive to have witnessed that extra burst of gusto, even when the dampeners had not been shut off! You must care a great deal for Mr. Giovanna.”

              “Miles…don’t listen,” Giorno wheezed.

              The Radio Demon clutched his fist, causing Giorno to seize up. A crystal was pulled from his chest. It was golden and turned into a broken, short, golden arrow.

              “Now, this is what I wanted. I had a feeling he’d be holding one of the talismans from his universe.”

              “Give that back, I’m warning you,” Miles said in a low voice.

              “Or what? You’ll kill me?” The Radio Demon asked. “I know your type, Mr. Morales. You have a code. You won’t kill me. That goes against your silly rules!”

              “I’ll make an exception!”

              Miles lunged into the air, making a grab for the arrow.

              CHUNK!

              He heard it right before he felt it. One of the tendrils connected to the demon’s shadow had stabbed him through the gut. The air left his lungs as he spat up the smallest increment of blood. He’d been with his Uncle Aaron when he was shot by Kingpin. Is this what he’d felt like? Miles let the tears flow. Damn it. All he wanted to do was save his family. He’d never asked to be Spiderman. He’d never asked for any of this.

              “MILES!”

              Giorno…still alive…good.

              “Hmm? One act of generosity before you cease to exist?” the Radio Demon egged on.

              Giorno ignored him and crawled over to Miles. “Golden…Experience…Requiem.”

              “MUDA!”

              A sharp stab to the gut hit Miles like a semi-truck. He sucked in as much air as he could. He reached down to his gut; it was completely healed! Is that what Giorno could do?

              He glanced over to Giorno, but all the light had left his eyes; he wasn’t breathing!

              Miles panicked and pulled Giorno into his lap. “H-hey! Come on, man! Come on! You can’t do this! Wake up! WAKE UP!”

              Tear tugged at the edges of his eyes. “C’mon, you’re my best friend here! I need you! Come on!”

              Nothing.

              “GIORNO!”

              Miles sobbed for a moment. And then it struck him. It struck him stronger than any tendril, any insult hurled at him by another Spiderman, or any lie. He lifted his head up and glared at the Radio Demon. That damned smile. He’d wipe it off his face.

              “I’m going to kill you,” Miles muttered.

              “What was that?”

              “I’m going to kill you,” Miles yelled. He gently moved Giorno off of him and moved closer to the demon.

              “You’re not actually sad about that gutter trash, are you? You’re better than him, Mr. Morales,” the Radio Demon said, almost scoldingly.

              “What did you just say about my son?”

              “ZA WARUDO!”

              It was funny. One second, Alastor had been standing in front of him, and then, he was thrown twenty feet against the wall of the building. Giorno’s father now stood in front of him, holding the arrow, helping Pucci back to consciousness.

              “You shouldn’t take what’s not yours,” Alastor said in a voice more static than human. His eyes darkened as he lunged at him.

              However, a new person stepped in front of Giorno’s dad and shot a bright arrow right into the right side of Alastor’s torso. He was jolted backwards and fell to the ground. The man, who looked like he was straight out of Lord of the Rings, put the bow back onto his back.

              “Stings, doesn’t it? It was blessed by Silvanus,” the man-elf explained. “Perhaps you shouldn’t mess with the child of a master vampire.”

              Wait…Giorno’s father was…

              “You’re a vampire?” Miles asked.

              “Unimportant,” DIO said. He gave Miles a nod. “I am grateful, Mr. Morales. Your loyalty to my son will not be forgotten or go unrewarded.”

              Alastor chuckled as he lay in a crumpled heap. “Heheheh. You have no idea who you’re allying yourself with. Though it’s fitting. The reality ruiner and the vampire so hellbent on destroying a bloodline he’d hire the most incompetent fools—some of whom betrayed him.”

              “Brave words for a dead man,” Astarion said.

              “Dead ex serial murderer,” Pucci said. “We know just as much about you as you know about us.”

              “Then I suppose,” Alastor said, a black portal appeared beneath him. “That this is a draw.”

              He vanished in an instant. His blood still stained the floors. Miles turned to Pucci, DIO, and the elf. “Please help Giorno!”

              “Damn that devil,” DIO muttered. He turned to Pucci. “Do you think you can…?”

              Pucci nodded. “I’m impressed that his soul held the requiem arrow. It must have been placed there by the mastermind who decided to intermix these realities. Someone wants to see others suffer.”

              “But for what purpose?” the elf asked.

              “That’s what we must find out,” DIO said. “If my son’s life is tied into the bindings of this plot, I will make sure whoever is doing this faces the wrath of god.”

              Pucci held the arrow for a few seconds before it turned back into a golden heart crystal. He placed the crystal back into Giorno’s chest. He began to breathe again, steadily. It’s as though the deal wasn’t even affecting him anymore!

              “I used my White Snake to break his pact with that demon, Alastor,” Pucci explained. “My stand does a lot more than I originally thought, or it could be that it gained extra abilities from exposure to new universes. I’m unsure. But he should be fine now. Just don’t let him get attacked by any daimon. His soul will return to the talisman form.”

              Miles nodded, wiping his eyes. “I understand. Thank you for helping him!”

              He wasn’t sure if it was from all the stress from that day or the taxing of his powers, but Miles passed out.

              …

              DIO picked up the young man who had saved his son while Pucci picked up Giorno.

              “Poor souls,” Pucci said. “They’ve been through so much these past months.”

              DIO nodded. He had meant it when he said that he wished he’d been around to raise Giorno. He’d always swore he’d be a better father than the rat bastard who had raised him. To learn that such a woman had raised his son; it put him into a fury he’d known so well growing up with Jonathan. Perhaps he’d find her and destroy her after all this was said and done.

              And of course, that delinquent brat was still alive. These fools were all so…infuriating!

              “A shame,” Astarion said. “I wished that arrow had landed a killing blow. He did seem wounded.”

              “It’s not enough,” DIO muttered.

              He’d have that demon’s head on a pike.

              “Oh, I agree,” Astarion said.

              The pale elf had been a nice addition to their team. He’d also been a magistrate in his old life. He wasn’t as boring as most minions.

              As they reached the exit, a man’s voice hissed. “We’re not here for anyone except Miles Morales. We don’t want a fight.”

              It was that multiversal pest, Miguel O’Hara. DIO had read up on him. He was a threat to his son’s guardian…friend. He was with a few others: Chris Redfield: a man more agent than man, the immortal who couldn’t die, and…

              “Joseph Joestar,” DIO mused. “I’d assume you’d know better than to join up with such scum. Given your bloodline, you could be doing better.”

              “Joseph is helping to keep the multiverse safe from threats like Mr. Morales, like you,” Miguel shot back.

              “Oh?” DIO asked, raising an eyebrow. “Is that why you’re doing this? Or is this because you feel guilty? Yes. I believe that’s it. You want to destroy Miles’ chance at happiness because your mistakes turned you into a monster. Tell me, do you even know if it was you who really caused the collapse of the dimension you infiltrated, like a parasite?”

              “I’m warning you,” he bared his fangs. DIO smirked and showed off his own. “You can still leave here alive.”

              “And what can you four do against me?” DIO asked. “Shoot me? Take a photo of me? Inject a nonliving body with venom? Fools.”

              He handed Miles to Astarion and marched closer to them. “There’s nothing you can do to me. Absolutely nothing. Now, these two are under my protection. If you so much as breathe near them, you’ll feel how Dear Avdol, Iggy, and Kakyoin did when they died. Feel free to fill in your ‘friends,’ Joseph. I don’t need you, yet.”

              DIO turned away from them and walked back to his group.

              “At least tell me where my grandson is!” Joseph demanded.

              DIO looked over his shoulder at Joseph and smirked. “No.”

              “ZA WARUDO!”

              With a gift given to him by a new friend, DIO opened a portal and jumped through with the others to the Hikawa Shrine.

              “Place them at the entrance,” DIO said.

              “But what if someone attacks them?” Astarion asked.

              “They won’t,” DIO said. “The other spiders will sense Miles.”

              “Then we should go,” Pucci said.

              DIO nodded. “Yes.”

              …

              The next morning, Miles woke up groggy, but alive. He remembered how Giorno’s father had saved them from Alastor. He sat up and saw that Giorno was already awake, beside him.

              Miles jumped back, but relaxed when he realized it was Giorno. “Y-you saved my life.”

              Giorno nodded. “Are you surprised?”

              Miles paused and shook his head. “You…just had so much to lose. Why did you save me?”

              “As strange as it sounds, I care about you,” Giorno said, rolling his eyes. His face softened. “Are you okay?”

              Miles nodded. “Yeah, but what about you? I mean, that demon tried to steal your soul!”

              “And he stabbed you!”

              “Touche.”

              It was quiet for a second before Giorno spoke up again. “I don’t like getting close to others. I’m not sure about what you said earlier. I asked Luz about it. The ‘ace’ thing. It’s hard to get to know other people, but I…I have always wanted to find someone I could trust. Maybe I’m not even adverse to relationships. I’m not sure about anything anymore.”

              “Could be demisexual,” Miles suggested. “Gwen told me about that one. It’s like where you have to be super close to someone to have a relationship, everything else gives the ick.”

              Giorno looked at him. “Did you see her again?”

              Miles nodded. “I think we’ve made up? I’m not sure, but I think things are gonna be kind of weird.”

              “Do you want to go talk to her?” Giorno asked.

              “Honestly?” Miles asked. “I’d rather just lay back down and sleep.”

              “I feel better than I’ve felt in a long time,” Giorno said. “Did…did the priest break the deal?”

              Another nod. “That priest is amazing. I’ve never met anyone like him.”

              He would tell Giorno about his father, but his father had sworn him to secrecy.

              “Miles? Are you alright?”

              “Oh yeah! I’m fine. I just needed to—,”

              Miles was cut off as Usagi ran into the room along with Gwen, Pav, Hobie, Hunter, Amity, Willow, Darius, Luz, Zuko, Sokka, Katara, Jotaro, Connie, Steven, and some boy he’d never met before.

              “MILES!” Usagi cheered. “I can’t believe how strong you are! Thank you for helping us!”

              “It was really Father Pucci,” Miles said. “He was the one who saved us. He brought us back to the shrine.”

              “A shame he couldn’t stay and chat,” Jotaro said in a monotone voice.

              “I’m just glad everyone got home in one piece,” Sokka said. “It was looking bad there for a second.”

              “Hello Mista,” Giorno greeted the boy in front of them. “This is Miles Morales. He’s my friend.”

              “Your…” his voice trailed off. Giorno gave him a look. “Cool.”

              “C’mon everyone!” Usagi cheered. “The others did something awesome for us!”

              “Oh right, you’re about to miss the party,” Sokka said.

              Katara nudged him. “It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

              “Well, technically a part of it was for yours, Zuko’s, and Usagi’s birthday today,” Sokka argued. “But it’s also good to celebrate a dead, evil witch and being alive.”

              “Thanks for clarifying the evil part,” Gwen said.

              “Well, Amity, Luz, Hunter and the others are witches, and you don’t see them being grabby for souls!”

              Miles laughed at the absurdity of the situation, and for the first time in months, so did Giorno.

              …

              He watched on. It had been quite the show.

              The CEO was smart…so close to getting a hint of the causal event.

              All the pain and tragedy had been so entertaining. He hoped it kept coming.

              He couldn’t wait to play his own part in this show.

[allthemusic]

Week ending: 24th October

We're well into autumn now, aren't we - and to mark it, it's apparently party time, with Elvis doing his best Winifred Atwell impression. Also some Pat Boone. So there's that.

(Let's Have a) Party - Elvis Presley (peaked at Number 2)

Okay, I joked but this is exactly the format that Winifred Atwell used for just about every track she ever released. And weirdly, this track, with its slightly slipshod piano, doesn't sound a million miles from something Winifred Atwell would play. It's not got that out-of-tune bar-room piano vibe, but the whole thing just trundles along quickly enough that the musical accompaniment sounds sort of out of control, like the whole thing's going a little faster than it really ought to be going. It's great!

The song's conceit is simple: Let's have a party. That's, like, 90% of the lyrics. Except the party described sounds like a rager, the likes of which have only been alluded to up until now. I mean, liknes like Send him to the store, let's buy some more really feels like it's about sending somebody on a booze run. We've got a bunch of characters - Honky Tonk Joe sounds like a riot - and we've got food, with Elvis inviting everybody to taste his pasta parmesan, and of course, since this is a rock and roll song, we've got dancing happening. Because it's 1957, you've got to have dancing.

The lines about dancing are delightfully goofy, that said. From the start, as Elvis sings about how movin' and a-groovin' gonna satisfy my soul, to frankly nonsensical lines about how I've never kissed a bear, I've never kissed a good / But I can shake a chicken in the middle of the room, this song really manages to paint a vivid - and not particularly dignified - picture of the youths letting loose.

For me, at least, the goofiness of it all actually kind of diminshes the threat level of it all, just a bit - it's hard to get worked up about Elvis the Pelvis corrupting young minds with his gyrating hips, when he's also singing about "shaking a chicken" and serving everybody pasta parmesan, you know? Or maybe I'm dead wrong, and parents nationwide were shaking their heads and tutting at this particular track.

If I were being a little less charitable, I'd say that Elvis is forcing the energy a bit, but the overall atmosphere is still that of a party in full swing. I think the sheer density of sound helps, here - you've got Elvis piling on verse after verse, past the point where he arguably should have stopped, but you've also got backing singers echoing him, you've got two different piano lines, you've got guitar noodling round in the background, you've got a bass line, and you've got thumping percussion. It's a lot, and the final effect's almost glam rock in its full-on, self-indulgent stompiness, a real ode to party excess.

As such, it's entirely fitting that the whole track ends with the most unnecessarily drawn-out piano chord, repeated five times for emphasis, leading into a very gratuitous glissando. It's the most extra, extravagant, camp way to end anything, and in context, it works surprisingly well. But yeah, not every song could end like that, that's for sure.

Remember You're Mine - Pat Boone (double A-side, 5)

I'm not as thrilled by this combination of title and artist, but we shall see what this track has in store. Pat Boone's not a favourite, but he's done some good stuff before, I think, as I click the track. Keep an open mind, right?

And then it starts, and... well... yeah. Musically there's nothing wrong with it. Pat's gone with a slightly more modern sound, complete with vaguely barbership backing singers and a strummy guitar that even gets a few rather rock and roll licks in between the verses. There's some of those rock and roll arpeggio chords, and the triplets we've been hearing more and more of. It's got some fairly modern trappings, and it's very competently made - I actually really like the backing singers, and how tightly and unobtrusively they slot into the whole thing.

But while the music, superficially, has adapted to 1957, the lyrics are a variation on the age-old theme we've been seeing since the start of the charts of a man being worried about his partner's fidelity while they're separated. As such, the whole track is basically Pat urging his love to Be faithful, darlin', when you're away / For when it's summer, a heart can stray. And yeah, it's not an entirely objectionable sentiment, this idea that you want your love to remember you over summer, but something in the framing of it makes Pat sound particularly mistrustful. After all, it doesn't sound like Pat's love's given him any cause to actually think they're going to be unfaithful. It's mostly just Pat fantasising about his lover being tempted to kiss somebody in the heat of a summer night, the whole encounter described in just enough detail that it kind of feels unhealthy and obsessive, on Pat's part.

Other lines stand out as just vaguely weird. I don't love the And though I'll miss you / Have a wonderful time lyric, for example - it reads as weirdly passive aggressive to me, like Pat's trying to make his love feel guilty that Pat's going to be missing them. Similarly, in context, the lines about how I'll be lonely, I'll be blue / But I promise I'll be true feel a bit snarky, like Pat's trying to throw in his love's face just how sad they're making him, and what a noble sacrifice it is for him to stay true.

And then, to top it all off, you've got the final line, one final Remember you're mine, where the backing music drops out and the whole thing slows down. Which I know is meant to signal finality, and the song drawing to the end, but all I can think is that it sounds weirdly menacing, like a threat. Best case scenario, Pat comes out of this sounding insecure, worst case, he comes away sounding downright creepy. Needless to say, not a turn-on, in any way.

There's a Gold Mine in the Sky - Pat Boone (double A-side, 5)

Okay, I'll admit, I was intrigued by the title of this one. There's a gold mine in the sky, you say? Go on, then, I'll bite...

We start with a slow, country ballad sort of vibe, complete with steel guitar, and a syncopated "clip-clop" rhythm that I associate with the various Western themes we've heard. And indeed, this does seem to be a Western-themed song!

Pat, you see, is singing from the point of view of a gold miner or prospector, who's singing about how There's a gold mine in the sky far away / We will find it, you and I, some sweet day. So it's a song about heaven. Except Pat's not singing to a lover, or a friend, but to his mule, hence lines about how there'll be clover just for you down the line, or about how you'll pasture in the stars / When we strike that claim. It's a charmingly weird view of heaven, a place to pitch your wagon and sit and watch the world pass by, a place you can call yours, after what's presumably a long and itinerant existence looking to strike gold.

Plus, as ever, in songs about heaven, there's also a melancholy to it all, a sort of recognition of the difficulties of this life, and of the tribulations of ageing and mortality. Which is heavy for a song that's ostensibly about a man singing to his mule, but what else am I to make of lines urging the mule to Take your time, ole mule / I know you're growing lame, or the line about how we'll say hello to friends who've said goodbye? Pat's an old gold propsector, and is ready to die - underneath all the sentimentality, that's the point of the song, and it's not painted as a frightening or a bad thing. Which honestly, I kind of respect.

It's vaguely spiritual-feeling, but not explicitly religious, unlike some of Pat's other songs. You're not being hit over the head with the idea that you need to put your trust in Jesus to get to this gold mine in the sky, or anything. Which is fine - it would probably be a little too much, for this song, which, at the end of the day, is just trying to be a slightly emotionally-manipulative Western pastiche.

I also really vibed with the bit in the middle of this song that was just Pat humming along to the music. It's not a long bit of the song, but it's just kind of relaxing. I've also just noticed that the song more generally does the same thing that Remember You're Mine did, where it uses some of the sounds and trappings of rock and roll, especially the piano triplets and the electric guitar licks. Which is kind of cool, because I can't remember if we've seen as much of that in the more Western-inspired songs before. Huh

Overall, I think my favourite here has to be the only song of the bunch that I actually would re-listen to. Still, it was nice to see Pat holding his own, even if I didn't like one of the songs that much. He's really adapting his sound - he sounds totally different to the Pat Boone we were hearing four or five years back, and that's definitely for the better.

Favourite song of the bunch: (Let's Have a) Party

[lifes-little-pin-pricks]

Bending an Ear

I’ve got a cluster of things I’ve been wanting to write about but haven’t really had the time. Having such a large collection of friends is not something I’m used to. But that isn’t what we are here to talk about.

Were here to talk about that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach. The deep down feeling of the bottom dropping out. The feeling of helplessness as you watch events unfold that you’ve been through knowing that there is nothing you can do other than talk and be there for when things might get ugly.

I have built in me this need to provide protection for anyone. But I also understand that people are going to do what people are going to do. Life Lessons need to be made and mistakes need to be experienced. There is absolutely no way you can put anyone you care for in a plastic bubble for their safety. That’s not a life anyone should have to live if they have a choice.

The most we can do is provide our experience, let them know things to look out for, love them, be there for them, and let them make their life. What we experienced may not be the same, we can only base our assumptions on the experiences we have had and while we can make educated guesses. We aren’t always right. Our age and the wisdom we collected along the way isn’t going to help anyone that can’t see the fact that what lays ahead may be daggers. We can provide them some things to look for, to help keep them safe. We can help provide them an ear, and arm, a shoulder and a safe place to come without feeling judged.

These things would have helped a vast majority of us had we had anything resembling acceptance and understanding while we grew up.

I’ve said a few times now …. No one gets through life without trauma.

It’s kind of disheartening. But what could a world filled with safe spaces, actual support, from not just family, but everyone. What would a world look like where the goal was to uplift the people around you and not compete to tear them down. I know I will never see this world. But a “Me” can dream. Right?

As a young me, I felt pressured to be interested in things I was not. To put on a face that was socially acceptable. I became what people thought of me. I became what I hated. It left me feeling hollow, empty, used, dirty, fake, and extremely lost.

I wanted to find my safe space and every time I tried I would get thorns and the effort of trying to find it was exhausting. Being behind the mask seemed almost effortless after a while. I accepted things I would never expect another person to accept or experience. And each time I turned more and more inward.

If I could express to anyone…. if I could give anyone an ‘epiphany’ by some means where a light bulb clicked and you could see that you are worth being valued by the people around you and those you hold dear. They should never make you feel ‘less than’. They should not be draining, it shouldn’t be an effort to be around them. When you think of spending time with them, it is a joy and not a sigh of reluctance.

I never thought something like this would have been possible. Likely never back home. (at least I feel this in my soul) But I’ve found it. My Partner is my safe space. Where ever he is, I know that I will have someone in my corner and someone to smack some sense into me when I’m being nonsensical or need a check because I’ve decided to run my train and mach speeds.

The friends we have made here are just as much a safe space, but in different ways. To have a friend understand when you just don’t have the energy for plans that were made, not having to make up excused. you just don’t feel like doing it and want to stay home. Having them understand and follow it up with an open invitation if anything changes. and legitimately mean it. It’s pretty amazing.

I am starting to run down the rabbit whole of wanting to provide every amazing example I’ve had with the friends we made so I don’t forget any of them. but thats not what this post is about.

So I need to end it here. I hope you enjoyed the read. I hope you get something out of it.

[topaz-eyes]

Counterpoint and anecdote: I wouldn't be writing today if if weren't for one reader who left unsolicited constructive criticism on my first fic way back in the day.

Their constructive criticism was valid. I was not a good writer then, and I kinda knew it. I had promise; I could become a good writer. But I still needed to learn a lot about writing then. I skimped on description; I rushed or skipped narrative beats altogether; I knew nothing of pacing, or how to build and hold a moment.

I wanted to become better. They offered to help; they became my beta. At the time, they didn't write themself, but they read widely and they edited too. We worked on pacing, on scene-setting and description and narrative beats. I learned to ground my characters in their worlds. I became more confident and found my voice.

IOW, I got better. And that meant I got more feedback too: more than I would have if I'd continued to struggle on my own. I probably would've given up long before then.

Their constructive criticism lifted me up. They took a chance on someone they didn't know. They didn't have to offer their time (and patience, omg they were so patient) when they could have been doing anything else.

We worked together for a few years until I was catching almost everything myself. They moved on and became a great writer in their own right. And I remain forever grateful that they stopped by and said, you know, this fic is okay, but it can be so much better if you work at it, here's how, if you'll let me help.

I still don't call myself a good writer. I slip up more these days. But I've never forgotten their advice and I try my best to follow it every time I write.

So basically, constructive criticism can be--and should be--part of the community too.

Now, my hugely unpopular opinion:

How many writers talk today about not getting feedback at all?

My first thought whenever I read about a writer talking about a lack of feedback, is whether the issue lies with the fic, or does the issue lie with the reader. If it's with the fic, it might be fixable. But the writer has to become aware of it first. And the current "keep your mouth shut if you can't be positive" culture that has arisen around feedback, does not help the writer become aware.

Look, there's a lot of fic out there competing for attention. That means readers have to evaluate your fic somehow.

I repeat: Readers evaluate your fic whether you realize it or not, for many reasons, simply in order to decide what to read. So, unfortunately that means a lack of feedback is sometimes an evaluation in itself.

the-reading-lemon is right, I'm not required to read anything in any fandom. I don't read a lot of it. A lot of it is not meant for me (fandom, genre, style, pairing, etc) and that's okay. I can usually tell what's meant for me or not, assuming a fanwork is properly tagged.

But keep in mind, if a writer posts in a given fandom and pairing--and I am a fan of that fandom and pairing--then they are writing or creating something that is likely meant for me.

I have to decide whether it's worth my limited time and energy, first to read it, and then to leave feedback for it. I want to leave feedback--if I like the work, I will leave at least a kudos.

Why would a writer not put their best effort into their gift?

Unfortunately, it seems some don't, and some fic is frankly almost unreadable for it: full of SPaG errors, bad formatting, out-of-character portrayals, plot issues, pacing issues, canon mistakes, too many misused epithets (eg constantly using "the taller man", or "the blond man") and so on.

Every writer has a few typos and hiccups in their work, and that's expected because no one's perfect. But when those problems actively interfere with the flow of reading and enjoyment of a fic? That's a big nope for me, and I'm not the only one. I hit that back button, and that writer has lost a reader without ever knowing why. Often that writer has lost the reader permanently.

If a writer can't be bothered to perform even a basic SPaG check before they post, then I can't be bothered to finish it, let alone comment. Except telling readers to "Keep your mouth shut" about not finishing a fic, is not actually helpful advice. It actively discourages constructive feedback that could help a writer pinpoint why they're not getting the positive feedback they think they deserve.

And since readers are now being told to "keep our mouths shut" about anything that's not 100% positive, readers can't tell the writer about a problem that's often fixable. And you know, that does not help a writer in the long run.

If you post in a public space, you automatically open yourself to other people's opinions whether you like it or not. That's how it works, and writers can't control how others react to their work either. If that reaction is crickets, then I think a writer needs to know why. But if a writer is unwilling to accept constructive criticism, they may never know what went wrong, and that is just as demoralizing. Silence cannot lift up a community either.

Nah, fam. It's not about "taking" criticism. It's about the fact that unless a writer asks for it specifically, it's a dick thing to do on a website that is rooted in community.

If a writer wants critique they will ask trusted friends or professional associates (in the relevant field). When a writer shares a fic on AO3 it's not necessarily with the aim of improving their craft (there are better places for that). It's about sharing joy.

Positive comments enhance that feeling of joy and community. Negative comments do not.

Fic isn't a product to be evaluated. If it's not for you, then you can just walk away. 😁

[awholelottayeehaw]

15 questions 15 mutuals

Got tagged by my babygirl @yourcoolauntie a month or so ago but I'm finally getting to this.

1. Are you named after anyone?

My dead name was a reference to my mom's favorite celebrity's niece or godkid, but my legal name is based on a legend in my culture. Billie just gives me gender euphoria while also protecting my identity as a teacher since I have no idea where my students lurk on this hellsite.

2. When was the last time you cried?

I'm not a huge crier, even if something is really touching or makes me sad. So I had to really think about this but I'd say the last time I really cried was in November after deciding to go No Contact with half of my family.

3. Do you have kids?

Do 6 younger brothers and a dog count? If not, no. But I am the proud honorary parental figure of my students and former students so I have at least a few hundred kids right now. Father's and Mother's Day are fun.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Who, me? Never. Who told you that. Are you a cop?

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

Their presence. Not even from body language, like just their energy. I had a coworker say they know when I enter a room without me having to say or do anything cause I have a big presence. So that's what I'm alluding to, how someone's presence comes off based on the energy they bring into the room/group and what they leave behind/take away when they're gone.

6. What's your eye color?

Everyone in my family has these pretty reddish brown eyes but I inherited my Elisi's deep green eyes. She once said that any animal that has bright colors and patterns is one that uses its colors as a way to advertise the fact that they would make a horrible snack and our eyes say the same and I didn't know how to tell her that she just implied we would be spicy disasters in modern slang. For the record, I'm a whole fucking meal with how fine I am.

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy movies with scary endings.

8. Any special talents?

I once watched a documentary about a dude who got his hands cut off in the racist parts of the south where my family is from and it scared me so badly I learned to write with my feet so I have that going for me.

9. Where were you born?

My mom was really bad at planning so I was born on the side of a road in the middle of butt fuck nowhere.

10. What are your hobbies?

I like to tinker with cars, write fanfiction that I pray my students don't find, restore antiques, hike, cook, and scream into the void. I also like to collect rare books and ironic novelty items.

11. Have you any pets?

6 little brothers and a dog.

12. What sports do you play/have you played?

Soccer, baseball, I once competed in dodgeball, every rez/NDN kid had at least one year of fighting lessons from that One Uncle so I got to do some boxing... archery. I've done almost everything you can think of but I suck at Basketball and I'm salty about it.

13. How tall are you?

5'1

14. Favorite subject in school?

When I was in school I loved history and lit classes. We had one teacher who dressed up for the unit and another let us protest in front of the school. We had to choose a historic organization to be a part of and that was fun. Until my brother and his group pretended to blow up the school as part of The Weather Underground. He's still on the No Fly list.

15. Dream Job?

I work as a teacher but I wanted to be a coroner when I was a kid. Is there such a thing as a traveling mortician?

15. Sunsets or Sunrises?

Sunrises.

I have no idea who to tag for this so go nuts.

[absolutepokemontrash]

I come bearing a request! The Brothers with an MC who's really good at cooking and baking? Like, the stuff food blogs dream of. Master-level instagram pastries. Could compete with the chocolate guy if they put their mind to it.

👀 ooooo, I do love me some pastries-

(I know you have an *ahem* distaste for Lucifer, dear moot, so enjoy Lucifer acting like a bit of a dingus in his section!)

Lucifer

Oh, the human can cook. *insert asshole eyeroll here*. Great. Wonderful. Groundbreaking. That’s what’s got all his brothers acting like- what was that word Levi used? Simps? This human has turned six of the seven rulers of hell into a bunch of simps.

Sure, the human has near godlike cooking prowess. Sure, everyone looks forward to their day for cooking. And sure, everyone thinks the human’s pretty great.

Tsk, not him though. He’s a refined demon. Some silly food isn’t going to make him a lovesick fool… did he smell eclairs..?

Lucifer peered into the kitchen to see MC carefully taking a tray of eclairs out of the oven and letting them cool off on the counter. His favourite dessert… right there in front of him…

Due to not being a total moron, MC notices Lucifer and asks him what the hell he’s doing just standing ominously in the doorway. Lucifer makes up some bullshit excuse about reminding MC to do their homework and just leaves. Okay, game plan, he needs those fucking eclairs or he will spontaneously combust.

As he snuck into the kitchen that night, Lucifer took a moment to briefly wonder why he was creeping around his own house. He was the Avatar of Pride for pity’s sake! He could eat whatever he damn well pleased! Oh shit was someone coming- no? Okay, back to sneaking.

Lucifer crept into the kitchen, saw the eclairs, and all logic was thrown out the window. Time to eat!

“BEEL NO! NOT THE- Lucifer..?” “…” “…” “…you’re very talented, MC, do you mind making more of these?”

SOMEONE SNAP A PICTURE! THIS IS THE CLOSEST LUCIFER HAS GOTTEN TO BEGGING IN THE LAST THOUSAND YEARS!

Mammon

Ugh, stuck babysittin’ some dumb human, how lame…

As Mammon was throwing a “I’m broke and I’m stuck in a pact with a dumb human” pity party, the most heavenly smell entered his nostrils. Cooking… good cooking… was Barbatos visiting or somethin’? Nah, Lucifer woulda made a big fuss about gettin’ ready for Lord Diavolo. Huh, so what was goin’ on in the kitchen?

Huh? The human? The human can cook? Well damn, maybe this whole deal wouldn’t be so bad. Oi! MC! As payment for babysittin’ ‘em, he got to have an extra big share of- OW!

Did- did the human just hit him with a spoon?! Th-they can’t do that!

Apparently they fucking can. Mammon gets told to sit the fuck down and wait for the food like everyone else. He grumbles on the way to the dining room, but he can’t fully hide his excitement to try the food.

The food even looked pretty! How did they do that?! Magic. It had to be!

After everyone’s tastebuds were blessed with the heavenly substance that is MC’s culinary exploits, Mammon decides he needs to get on this human’s good side in order to receive more food! Maybe even find some way to make a profit or somethin’!

After weeks go by of trying to suck up to the human without looking like too much of a chump, Mammon eventually realizes… hey, this human ain’t so bad. They’re nice, they make him feel good about himself, they give him headpats… he’s really hit the jackpot here!

He’ll offer to help MC bake or cook, but beware, he will try and sample the food before it’s done. Don’t let him lick the spoon!!!

Leviathan

First thought? This human ain’t shit. Thought after seeing their food? WOAAAAAAAH! JUST LIKE THAT ONE ANIME-

He was unceremoniously cut off by Beel asking demanding seconds. Humph, fine, he doesn’t actually care about this dumb normie food anyway.

…well at least until Levi saw a little something something on TV that he just had to ask MC to try and make. He shyly knocked on their door and when they answered, Levi shoved the screenshot in their face and stuttered out a dinner request.

On the day MC was supposed to make dinner, Levi poked his head into the kitchen and tried to make it look like he was just standing in the same room as MC and not checking to see if they were making his dinner request.

Not that he’d blame them for not doing that… who’d wanna make some anime dinner for a yucky Otaku- OMG JAHSHSHABA THEY’RE MAKING IT! *fangirl squeals*

As Levi continues to commit the SIN of being in the kitchen at the same time as someone else, MC eventually just asks him if he’d like to help out.

“Here! Just keep turning the takoyaki.” “R-really? You trust me?” “Yes, Levi. You watched how they made it on your show, right?” “Yes! I won’t mess up! I swear on my honour as an otaku!”

All in all, it was a very cute bonding experience for the two. Now it’s a regular thing. Levi requests something for dinner or dessert, MC makes it, Levi helps out.

Satan

So, the human can cook. That’s nice. At least someone in this literally god forsaken house can.

He makes sure to thank MC every time they cook, then he makes sure to thank whatever deity is watching over him that Solomon wasn’t the human staying with them.

As the months progress, Satan realizes, he should learn how to cook better. I mean, Levi and Mammon were somehow both improving in their cooking endeavours, and if MC could teach those two, then he would be a breeze.

Satan walked into the kitchen and simply asked if MC needed any assistance with what they were doing. MC just slid him some garlic to dice and that’s how this mentor/student relationship was formed.

Satan was a star pupil, but Mammon and Levi weren’t above trying to sabotage Satan’s progress to get him to leave.

Here’s the thing, the sabotage worked, but it only worked once, and the two idiots didn’t stop to think that maybe they shouldn’t sabotage the meal they were going to have to eat later.

Well, cooking lessons continued uninterrupted after the ghost pepper incident…

Even when he’s ‘graduated’ their little cooking class, Satan’s always willing to lend a hand if needed. He also will slyly hand over some recipe books and cute baking supplies that he finds. MC should be prepared for lots of cat related things to come their way.

Asmodeus

The human can cook? Oh frabcious day! He’s saved from a life of his brother’s mediocre cooking! And the human’s so cute too! What a bonus!

Not only is the human cute, but their food is just so… aesthetic??? Pretty???? Omigosh he just has to get a picture for Devilgram!

For the first few months, MC’s relationship with Asmo consists of Asmo not at all subtly asking to take pictures of their food and post it to his Devilgram. Listen MC, his followers would just love it!

Being the saint-sheep they are, MC lets Asmo sit in whenever they’re making anything in the kitchen. And Asmo slowly realizes “hey, this cute human with the awesome food is actually pretty cool too!”

New Mission: Make the human fall madly in love with him so they’ll want to hang out more.

Whether the mission succeeds is up to MC of course. (I mean, I’m already smitten with him sooooooooo-)

MC offers Asmo a lot of the pastries they make, but the Avatar of Lust almost always declines. Listen honey, he’s on a diet- wait, don’t make that sad face! He’ll eat it! Look! It’s- it’s delicious…

Diet cheat day is now every day MC makes dessert. The feeling of bliss Asmo gets when he takes a bite out of anything MC makes is only second of the treats is second only to the joy he feels at seeing MC happy that he likes their food. It’s just so wholesome I can’t-

MC’s food Devilgram has almost surpassed Asmo in terms of followers and honestly- he isn’t even mad.

Beelzebub

Gasp! Lucifer finally got him the pet personal chef he’d always wanted! Thanks big bro! :D he’ll be sure not to eat this human!

On the first night MC was supposed to make dinner, Lucifer needed to hold Beel back from breaking into the kitchen to see what was causing that heavenly smell. It was, difficult… especially because Lucifer hadn’t slept in three days.

When they all sat down to eat, Beel practically inhaled everything and held up his half bitten plate for seconds.

We here at Stupid Headcanons incorporated recommend that MC have as many bodyguards as possible stationed around the kitchen at all times to ward off a hungry Beel. We don’t want him eating the ingredients and half-tempered chocolate.

A cinnamon roll through and through, he’ll eat everything MC gives him with a big ol’ smile on his cute little face. He’s not the best person to go to if MC wants advice or critique because the best thing Beel can usually muster is “it was really good.”

As Luke said in Lesson 5, Beel would make an awful food reporter. But we love him.

Similar to Levi, he’ll give meal requests on what to make for dinner. (At this rate, MC’s going to have to make some kind of list).

He kind of just waits by the door like a sad puppy whenever MC is making anything because he can’t get into the kitchen :(

Belphegor

The smell of freshly made chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house did reach the attic and it only fuelled his rage more. How dare the human win everyone over with cookies?!

After the attic incident, Belphie was won over with cookies.

Belphie just stands creepily in the kitchen doorway whenever MC is making anything and just makes shit really uncomfortable. Why’s he doing that, you may be wondering, well, he’s trying to calculate the energy needed to swipe the bowl of cookie dough and sprint to safety.

He never succeeds, mainly because once he gets to the bowl, MC already has the wooden spoon ready to smack him, so he just freezes mid-theft and slowly puts the bowl down.

“Oh my gosh, it says let the bread dough rest overnight? Let’s get a headstart and go to sleep now.” “Belphie what-” “I made a pillow Fort, come in. Let’s sleep.” “In the kitchen????”

How’d he make the pillow Fort without MC noticing? Years of experience. He’s trained in the art of- MC? What do you mean you can’t sleep right now and you need to get a head start on shaping fondant?

…he may have eaten the fondant while MC wasn’t looking… whoops… Beel may have rubbed off on him a little…

[violettelueur]

— JUJUTSU KAISEN EPISODE ONE || RYOMEN SUKUNA

↳ featuring : itadori yuji + fushiguro megumi + gojo satoru + ryomen sukuna from jujutsu kaisen

↳ warnings : mentions of blood + mention of killing + mention of mass murder (word massacres is mentioned) + mention of death + swearing and EXTREME grammar issues

↳ form : story

↳ published : 07 february

↳ pronouns : she/her

↳ word count : 3.8k

↳ synopsis : within the jujutsu world, there were three famous clans to be aware of, the Kamo clan, Zenin clan and the Gojo clan. However, unknown to many sorcerers there was one last family that was known to be apart of the three, only for them to disappear after the golden era leading some to speculate that they had died in battle after the sealing of ryomen sukuna, but....

↳ next episode : for myself

↳ barista’s notes : to be honest with you guys, this little imagine here is such a mess and i had fun writing it since it have me an excuse to watch the first and a tiny bit of episodes one and two of jujutsu kaisen again ʕ￫ᴥ￩　ʔ 

BEFORE READING, I NEED YOU TO BE AWARE OF THIS:

1. all the ‘curse spells’ mentioned in this are related to Bleach (their use of Kido - credits go to: Tite Kubo) so these ain’t my original ideas since i started this at like 11pm on a saturday night. 

2. there is some dialogue missing since this is from your perspective as a reader and not Fushiguro’s or Itadori’s 

3. as you all know, the storyline isn’t mine, it belongs to Gege Akutami 

4. this whole thing might be confusing and please don’t expect a part two because i will do it when i am ready or feel like i can at the right time ʕ ᵒ ᴥ ᵒʔ 

5. i don’t know, if i am going to add this onto my masterlist since this was just for fun to be honest!

thank you so much for taking the time to read this and i hope you enjoy your free cup of classic black coffee (jujutsu kaisen) ʕ•ᴥ•ʔﾉ♡

“L/N, are you going to come with us?”

Looking away from the window you were viewing out from, you paused sipping from your carton of orange juice before turning your head to quickly discover two female students looking at you with anticipation in their eyes only for you to look at them in some sort of confusion. 

“Come one, don’t tell me you didn’t hear about it? Coach Takagi and Itadori are competing!” one of the girls complained, obviously slightly annoyed at your oblivious nature to the news that was going around the school at this moment in time.

“Competing for?” you then questioned, as you stood straight from your leaning position causing the other female student to then rapidly answer by saying, “Coach is trying to requite Itadori for the nationals, so if he wins then itadori has to join the track club to compete!” 

‘Huh? What a drag’

“So do you wanna come to the track field with us to see who is going to win?” the two students asked again in a desperate tone, leading you to look at the window you were previously looking from to see the exact location that they had stated. “I’ll watch from here, it has a higher and wider view, so I would have a better look” you replied, before pointing at the track field that was on the other side of the glass causing the students to look out before nodding.

“We really want to see it up close, so we’ll see you tomorrow yeah?” the first female student asked, leading you to smile and nod at them before seeing them rapidly take off to the track field trying to make sure they arrived before the competition started.

Turning your smile back into a straight line, you turn back to the window that you were looking through before being interrupted while placing your drink’s straw between your lips letting the sweet but citrusy juice flow down your throat. Admiring the view, you decided to let your eyes roam free for a bit to see if there was anything interesting to observe before the supposed ‘competition’ started, which then led you to pause at the sight of the closed rugby field down below.

Coming out of the ground was a horrific creature with four arms before climbing up the pole revealing its large teeth leading you to stare at it with complete boredom as you then mentally took a quick note to exorcise it later when the school closed. However, what also came into your sights was a single male student down before staring at the same curse you were observing causing you to continue analysing the situation.

‘Can he see it? I don’t recall a student here having any curse energy’

From what you could tell, the student had black erratic hair with his hands in his pocket but from what you could see that other’s couldn’t, there was a faint but noticeable aura of curse energy surrounding his body generating a feeling of curiosity but nervousness within your stomach as you place your empty carton away from your lips. Suddenly, the male turned around leading you to have somewhat a clearer view of him, only to discover that he also had a pair of emerald eyes which then made you come to the conclusion that he wasn’t a student from the school. How could he? You could tell this ‘student’, and yourself was the same age meaning you would have at least seen him once or twice down the hallways and there was no new information about a student coming in, if there was, it would have been a buzz.

‘Don’t tell me one of the clans managed to find out about me?’ you anxious thought, leading you to take a short step back ensuring this sorcerer didn’t have a vivid view of you when you did of him. Hearing some cheering, you turned your head to the other side to find a small crowd forming with a metal ball being flung as two students ran out to measure the length between the dip of the sand from the coach indicating to you that the competition had started.

“14 metres!’ the one student shouted, leading to a round of applause from the audience spectating the event. However, from what your ears were managing to pick up, there were cheers for Itadori leading you to wonder if you could recall the classmate they were shouting for.

“Ah~ Itadori Yuji ha?” you rhetorically asked the air around you, not expecting an answer in return. Itadori Yuji was a first-year student like you were, member of the small occult research club with second years Sasaki and Iguchi when he could be in any athletic club if he wanted to. However, understandably you knew some people would rather do something than what their natural talents indicated. Once again, you saw the metal ball being thrown - this time from the pink-haired students - only for it to land that the corner of the football goal, yet what was the shocking thing was that the metal of the goal was bent leading you to look at the sight within widened eye - of course, you knew Itadori was fast and strong but not to the extent of what you had just witnessed.

“Wow, no wonder he was called ‘Tiger of the West Middle’,” you muttered under your breath before quickly reverting your eyes to find the sorcerer you were wary of. Surprisingly, he was now on the track field looking upon the competition mixing well with the other students like a little chameleon. Although, before you could continue to observe the student trying to see what his intentions were, Itadori suddenly ran past him with his large backpack on, only for the erratic-haired sorcerer’s eye to suddenly widen the second they crossed each other leading him to reach out for your classmate. However, there was only dust to be collected as Itadori was suddenly out of reach.

“Just what are you trying to gain, sorcerer? It’s already a drag that you’re here,” you quietly mumbled irritation before turning away from the window you were gazing from to collect your school bag from your classroom since you left it there to not have the burden of carrying it on your shoulder. However, what you didn’t notice was the same sorcerer peering up at the same window you were looking from with perplexity painted on his face.

‘Was someone watching me?’

                                              ꕥ

“Don’t tell me someone got a hold of that damn finger?” you angrily stated, as you suddenly felt an immense amount of pressure invade the school causing you to wonder if there was anyone within the school with you right now, as you began to increasingly worry about whoever got a hold of the special-grade object that you found a few nights before.

“I put a protective seal on it, who the hell broke it!?” you muttered, as you panicky ran up the stairs trying to follow the presence of the object you were desperately trying to get a hold of before forcibly pushing a door open leading it to smash against the wall as you continued to sprint across the halls.

As you quickly turned the corner, you saw a large curse blocking the path leading you to instinctively flow your curse energy flow to your hand to the tips of your finger as you began to confidently recite the spell you were about to cast after you had finished drawing the symbol with your curse energy in the air.

“Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini! Look upon yourself with the horror and then claw out your own throat! Binding Curse Spell number nine: Geki!” you chanted, leading to a thin light aqua aura of curse energy to surround the curse causing it to become completely paralysed. However, before you could cast another spell to destroy the curse, there was a sudden interruption causing you to look at the person in complete shock as they flew into the corridor from outside the window only for you to discover it was your own classmate.

“Itadori!” you screamed, only for him to grab what seemed like two people away from the curse as it was still immobilised from your spell leading you to turn to the side to find that it was both Sasaki and Iguchi in his arms causing your eye to further widen only for you to be then distracted by the curse being blown away to your direction leading you to use another spell to make sure you were caught in the process.

“Binding Curse Spell number eighty-one: Danku,” you hurriedly stated, leading to a large rectangular defensive wall to shield you away from the decapitated parts of the curse as well as the technique being used for it to explode the way it did. Unexpectedly, once the pathway was cleared you suddenly came eye to eye with the sorcerer you were peering down on the track field this afternoon causing a wave of uneasiness to consume your body. 

“Who are you?” he questioned leading to the two dogs beside him to growl at you showing their sharp canine that could easily pierce your skin if he commanded them to. Slowly, your hand moved to the hilt of your katana that was hanging horizontally on your back, before quickly coming to the conclusion that it wasn’t difficult to slice the two dogs down if you desired to.

“Shikigamis huh? I should just cut the user down before they could reach me, then they would disappear’

“Oh L/N? What are you doing here?” Itadori asked in shock, leading you and the sorcerer to look at him before the sorcerer suspiciously asked, “you know who she is?”.

“She’s a student at my school, she is in the higher class since she’s smarter than me,” Itadori explained, as he took the time to check on his two club members with a sincere look on his face to then discover that they were unconscious with Sasaki in a decent state with Iguchi in somewhat the same condition but with injuries to his face. Letting your shield gradually disappear, you slowly walked up to your senior as you crouched down to hover a hand over his face letting a flow of curse energy begin to heal his wounds.

“Itadori, how the hell did they get the finger?” you angrily questioned the boy while continuing to heal your upperclassman causing him to look at you in shock - due to your acknowledgement of the object - as he caught the cursed object that slipped out of Sasaki’s pocket once he picked her up in a bridal style. 

“How do you know about it?” the sorcerer then asked, only to be quickly silenced when you gave him a heated glare only for itadori to then explain that he was the one that picked it up for them since they wanted to sneak back into the school to unwrap the talisman for research for the occult club leading an irk to appear on your forehead. “Wasn’t there like a talisman paper placed on the door? You know like those like sheet of paper with Ancient Japanese writing painted on it?” you asked in a stern tone as you completed the healing process only for itadori to give you a questionable look.

“There was a hint of paper being there, but it seemed like it was ripped off,” itadori answered wearily, leading you to look up at him with enlarged eyes as you let out a breath of complete shock.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN RIPPED OFF?” you screamed as you rushed to your feet before grabbing the collar of his classic yellow jumper. From what you could recall, there was no possible way for the seal to be completely ripped off by the hands of a normal person, not even a simple sorcerer could even go through the barrier you had placed on it leading you to turn to the sorcerer, who was looking at the argument that was occurring right in front of his face.

“Was it you? No, from what I can see, you ain’t even a high enough grade to even go through it...Ah shit,” you cursed as you let go of Itadori’s collar before beginning to try to think of all the possibilities that could have happened that led to this accident.

“So, is this it Fushiguro?” Itadori asked the sorcerer, completely ignoring you as you were in a state of shock and confusion on what was going on. “Yeah, that’s the special-grade curse object, Ryomen Sukuna’s finger,” the sorcerer confirmed with Itadori as he then quickly mentioned, “it’s a miracle that it didn’t get swallowed, thanks to L/N curse technique back there.”

‘Fushiguro huh? Not Zenin, that’s a relief’

“Why would anything eat it? Does it taste good?” Itadori asked in curiosity, leading you and Fushguro to look at the boy with a questionable look on both your faces.

“Don’t be stupid,” you and Fushiguro simultaneously stated causing both of you to look at each other in shock before you then explained, “you’d do it to gain stronger curse energy. It’s dangerous, so hand it over to Fushiguro, it’s best to have him keep hold of it since the seal I placed was broken.”

“Sure, sure,” Itadori casually said, as he outstretched his hand to pass the finger to Fushiguro. However, before the sorcerer could take the object away from Itadori’s gasp, a large hand began to reach down below the two people causing you to look up in fear before instinctively pushing the two boys away from the area it was trying to target.

“RUN!” you screamed, before the ceiling crashed down between both of you, leaving you completely alone and vulnerable as the dust invaded your sights. In a panic, you swiftly grabbed the hilt of your katana to release the blade from its casing revealing an all-black weapon your hands, but once the smoked clear you found Fushiguro trapped in the hands of the curse before being forcibly through to the concrete wall causing a few hints of blood escaping from his mouth, to which lead to the two dogs that were protecting Itadori as well as the two second-year to disappear.

‘Shadows? Don’t tell me…’

However, before you could even complete your sudden thought, there was a sudden flash of lights blinding you before the whole side of the school to be destroyed along with Fushiguro, who was thrown across. In a state of terror, you rushed outside before using your speed to jump up the height needed before stabbing back of the curse’s head with your katana before quickly retreating back, leaving it there as the curse screeched in pain while preparing another curse spell to use to finish off the monstrosity.

“Destructive Curse Spell number seventy-three: Soren Soka-” you screamed, but you were interrupted once you suddenly found Itadori aggressively punch the curse’s head leading Fushiguro, who was laying down on the ground with blood pouring down his face to angrily shout, “Itadori! Why can’t you understand to take those two and run?!”.

“You’re in big trouble yourself!” Itadori screamed back, before being swung around as he then suddenly was being dragged along the metal railings of the balcony before his body was then swung into the air.

“Only curses can exorcise other curses! You can’t beat it!” Fushiguro argued back, only for this attempt to fall on death’s ears as itadori continued to fight against the curse as he masterfully dodged its attacks before playing his own as he kicked its ruby eye.

“Besides, I have my own troublesome curse already!” Itadori declared, causing you to look at your classmate in complete annoyance since you didn’t have a single clue on what he was rabbling about. As of right now, all you were wondering was where the cursed finger was since the last time you had seen it was in Itdori’s possession. 

Suddenly, before you realised it, the mentioned cursed object had slipped out of Itadori’s grasp causing you to quickly stand up on your feet to jump across the cure to reach it. On the other hand, it seemed like the curse was blocking your way by how it used both its arms to capture Itadori leading to the student to jump as high as he could to catch the finger by the grip of his teeth.

“You idiot!” you screamed, as you tried to concentrate your curse energy to flow to your palms as your katana was still within the curse’s head. “Hand it over to me or you'll be eaten, too!” Fushiguro yelled in a panic as he finally got up on his feet to chase after the wanted object.

Slowly, you raised your right hand before using your index finger to use it as a guide to where to aim your next spell at the finger without damaging your schoolmate in the process. “Destructive Curse Spell number one: Sho,” you quickly chanted leading to a small amount of curse energy in a concentrated manner to shoot from the tip of your index finger, yet before it even had the chance to hit the finger away from Itadori’s teeth, he threw thing finger up in the air using the force of his head leading your curse spell to be a futile attempt.

“There is a way to save everyone! I just need some cursed energy right. Fushiguro, L/N?!” Itadori cried out, leading you to again attempt to shoot the cursed finger away from where you assumed Itadori wanted it to go, while Fushiguro looked upon the situation in complete fear of what was going to happen.

“Don’t..Don’t do it!” Fushiguro shouted in a hostile tone, only for Itadori to swallow the special-grade cursed object causing you and the other sorcerer to look at the scene in complete disbelief.

‘He’s going to die, that’s a deadly poison..but...there’s a one in a million chance’

Suddenly, the arms of the curse disintegrated into small particles of flesh before Itadori landed on his feet, only for the curse to attempt to attack the salmon-hair boy again, leading to being completely destroyed with a single wing of an arm to which caused your katana, which was stuck within the flesh of the curse, to fly into the air before landing with a loud ‘clunk’. 

Yet, that wasn’t your main concern.

Your feet were glued to the ground as you looked upon the sight right in front of you. Fushiguro was staring at the same scene with dread flooding his green eyes as Itadori was now covered with the black markings of what you both come to know from basic jujutsu knowledge.

‘Y/N dear, I’m so sorry for putting you through this, if Sukuna ever comes into this era, it is your duty as a sorcerer and the only offspring of the L/N clan to exorcise him, promise me that please?’

‘Why.....why did you have to die mother?’

“Ah, I knew it! The light feels best in the flesh,” ‘Itadori’ declared, as he then processed to rip his yellow hoodie in excitement before brisking his flesh to the moonlight that was shining right above him. “A cursed spirit’s flesh is so boring. Where are the people? The women?!” ‘Itadori’ questioned before jumping onto the railings as he continued his speech, “what a wonderful era to be in, women and children are crawling everywhere like maggots. Marvellous! It’ll be a massacre!”

Without the acknowledgement of who you deemed to be Sukuna and Fushiguro, you slowly raised your right hand with an open palm as you began to whisper another curse spell to make the exorcism a little easier for you, “Binding Curse Spell number sixty-three: Sajo Sabaku''. As you closed your palm, there was a sudden manifestation of a yellow electrified chain being created as it loosely surrounded the King of Curse before tightly securing its place around his body.

“Ah-” Sukuna said in surprise before taking a step back from the balcony to observe the yellow chains that encaptured him. “L/N!” Fushiguro shouted as he looked at you with widened eyes surprised at how you figured out how to retain him so fast.

‘At this rate, he should be somewhat easier to exorcise, Itadori has only one finger within his system, it’s going to be okay right?’

However, before you could even comprehend what to do next as your tactic you suddenly heard a change in tone of voice. “What do you think you’re doing with my body?”  Sukuna asked, only for you to realise that it was Itadori who was speaking at this moment in time, “give it back”.

“How are you able to move?” Sukuna questioned his vessel back, as he was in pure confusion on how the human still maintained some control of his body. “I mean, it’s my body,” itadori answered back, only causing you more confusion on what was going on since Sukuna’s markings were still visible to his body.

“Don’t move! You’re no longer human,” Fushiguro stated in a serious tone, as he crouched down before moving his hand in front of him as he processed to make fists. 

“Under Jujutsu regulations, Itadori Yuuji, I will exorcise you as a curse!” Fushiguro announced, causing you to look at him with surprise painted upon your face. However, since you were beginning to lose a certain amount of curse energy, your chains slowly began to disappear leading Itadori’s hands to now more freely while Fushiguro’s worries about you begin to increase.

“Wait, really. I‘m just fine!” Itadori stated in innocence, as he raised his now-free hands as if he was surrendering to the sorcerer while his markings began to fade gradually. “More importantly, you and I are both pretty beat up, let’s go to a hospital,” Itadori declared as he was worried for the male right in front of him. On the other hand, you suddenly realise that there were shadows slowly swirling around Fushiguro leading to your assumption earlier to be true.

‘Fushguro is a Zenin...I..have….to’

“What’s the situation?” 

All of a sudden, a new voice came into the area leading you to turn your head to the side to find a rather tall male standing next to Fushiguro. From a quick glance, you could immediately inform yourself that had spiky white hair with a black blindfold covering his eyes, as he carried a paper bag on his arm while wearing a similar outfit to Fushiguro meaning he was another sorcerer.

“Gojo-sensei?! Why are you here?” Fushiguro asked in surprise, as he turned to look at what you assumed to be his teacher leading to the shadows around him to immediately disappear from sight.

“Gojo…” you muttered under your breath as you looked at the two male sorcerers right in front of you in horror as you came to the realisation on the situation you were facing.

‘Mother…..I’ve been found…..’

© violettelueur 2021 : written and published by violettelueur - do not steal or repost

[astaroth1357]

Demigod MC Series: Dionysus

Hey y’all, sorry for going dark! I’m alright, almost completely recovered in fact! I just got so sleepy while my body was fighting stuff off and couldn’t really work up the energy to write... Still going to be spotty for a short time, but I’m glad to have gotten this done. See ya soon!

Demigod MC Series: Intro, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hades, Dionysus

Lucifer

Well, this mortal stumbled out of the portal covered in glitter, body paint, and carrying a red solo cup… which they proceeded to stare at like, "'ell sshhit… Thiz iz sum stron s'uff…"

First impressions were not on their side here.

He spent a depressingly long amount of time more or less assuming that the MC was a drunken f-up and spent the first few months trying to make them more… presentable.

But like… How do you stop someone from acting like a drunk fool when they can turn any drink they touch alcoholic???

For months they would show up to meetings buzzed or stumbling, all smiles and all giggles but HORRIBLY unprofessional, and he just couldn't stand it!

But then he found out their little secret…

Assassination threats befall the exchange students all the time. Most of them are dealt with quickly but some (through skill or dumb luck) manage to slip through...

He had been walking with the MC through their new vineyard in the House's courtyard, yet again trying to lecture them about their drunken behavior, when suddenly the two were ambushed!

Ten or so heavily armored demons dropped down from the sky to attack them! Lucifer was so preoccupied that he got cornered by three of them and it took him a hot minute to destroy them.

When he looked back at the mortal (who had been fighting a 1-on-7) he was certain they'd have been kidnapped or worse…

But he saw that they had already cut down two attackers with their weapon with ease. The other five were rolling in the dirt, babbling about inexplicable terrors and imaginary pain as their minds succumbed to madness…

Meanwhile, the MC just stood in the middle of it all with the icy glare of someone who’s just revealed how stone-cold sober they've always been under the surface...

When they turned back to him, they put their usual ditzy smile back on over the tormented wails of the demons around them...

MC: Whoopsie… Gotta little mad there. 🙂

He uh… took a big ol'step off their back after that. Surprisingly, they're more pleasant (and less dangerous) "drunk" than they are sober…

Mammon

Oh HELL yeah!! Lucifer actually gave him a mortal that knows how to party!!

Admittedly, they looked like utter trash when they first met, like, "Hey, I've been at this party since DAWN" trash, but they gave him one good look and pulled together a surprisingly hot smile.

MC: "-ey yer cute… Ya like strip poker?"

Spoken like someone else who also makes shit decisions… They were going to get along just fine!

And they did. The MC to him was that one friend that's always down for anything. Just anything. Whenever. Wherever.

He wants to try sneaking into Lucifer's room to steal stuff? Sure, what time?

He wants to take a mattress and see if he can ride it down the grand staircase of the palace? Alright, we bringin' pillows too?

He needs to set up another scheme that's gotta involve live rats and box of tiny hats and monocles?? That's oddly specific but count them in!!

Sometimes he honestly can't tell if they're laid back or just crave chaos... but it works out fine for him either way so who cares? 🤷‍♀️

And if you think normal Mammon is a pain in the ass for Lucifer? Check out drunk Mammon. All the same urges but literally none of the (marginal) competence!!

At one point, the eldest ended up stringing both Mammon and the MC from the ceiling after they both barged into his office looking for Goldie… while he was still in there… watching them wander around aimlessly calling out for a piece of plastic like it was a missing puppy…

They end up together on the ceiling a lot come to think of it, but hey, at least now he has some company. 😌

Leviathan

Thinks they're the most normal normie to have ever normed on this normie planet!!!

No, seriously. They're a billion times worse than Asmo!! All they want to do is go to parties and drink all the time! What kind of use is he to someone like that??

… That being said they ARE pretty fun to be around… And their sake is WAY better than anything he could get off Akuzon!!

They also like karaoke too! So at least he has someone else to go with (even if they get so drunk they can’t remember any lyrics and just belt barely coherent discount Mariah Carey vocals behind him...)

Of course, the real fun between these two is everybody else getting to watch a couple of the Devildom's sloppiest drunks attempt to communicate with each other…

Levi: MMM-*hic*-MCCC…!!! *throws himself at them from across the bar*

MC: What Leviachan??? 😨 Did the chair kick you off?!

Levi: Nooo! *pokes their cheek* I wanna-I wanna tell you sometin'...! *tries pulling them closer*

MC: Whaa? Secrets?? *leans in eagerly*

Levi: Mammon used all ma money on’a pyramid scheme a thou-zand years ago… AND HE STILL WON'T PAY ME BAAA-!!! 😭😭 *starts shaking them violently*

MC: *getting flung around like a limp noodle* Waaaat?! Nooo!!! I'm so sowwy!! 😢

Mammon: *watching it all go down right next to him* 😑 Ya guys need some water… I'm cuttin' ya off, got it?

MC: 😱 Shut yer whore mouth, criminal!! *starts pelting him with pretzel bites*

Levi: 😤 Yah!! *joins in*

Good thing he's a shut-in, because the hangovers he gets after those escapades are unreal…

Satan

A little concerned for their liver, honestly… How much damage have they already done to the poor thing...?

But at the same time, he'll be damned if they don't make some utterly fantastic wine!

Alcokinesis wasn't a power he would have pegged a demigod to have but apparently the great art of making drinks comes from their godly DNA.

When they first met, he was trying to get the MC to act less slovenly but made the mistake of agreeing to a wager: he'd let them dress however they pleased if they could give him the BEST drink he'd ever tasted.

Now, Satan isn't a huge drinker (thank you terrible alcohol tolerance), but he's still a man of fine tastes. Plus, he's sampled Demonus from Diavolo royal stock before. They should not have won…

But on that day, he had to let them go to RAD in a pink blanket toga... 😑 Their wine is just THAT good.

He hates to admit it, but they've gotten him drunk more times than he could probably count too… He's not a huge fan of clubbing with them and the others, but if they bring over a bottle from their vineyard he just can't resist. They're a master of their craft, truly.

And it's a good thing he likes their drinks so much, because if they called him, "Kitty-boy," when he's sober, he may have just become a sour grape himself…

They also may or may not have copious amounts of blackmail material of him either meowing between sentences, sobbing over some fictional character he likes, pole dancing on dares….

Yeah, he's been trying to destroy their phone for months now. If Lucifer were to see ANY of that, he's done for… 😣

He has also been meaning to ask them about other aspects of their abilities, their father is also the God of Madness after all, but anytime he tries to bring it up they shove another glass in his hand and tell him not to kill the mood...

Eh. What's the harm in having another drink, right? 🤷‍♀️

Asmodeus 

Honey. He's MET Dionysus. He's been to a Dio-party or two and they're INSANE. He could not be more thrilled by this!!!

He practically scooped them up on the first night that they were in the House and it’s practically been a nonstop rave between these two ever since. They’re like the party twin he never knew he needed!!

He absolutely abuses their ability to turn pretty much any drink they touch into alcohol at clubs. It makes the nights so much easier on the wallet PLUS it makes an excellent little party trick to impress the succubi! Who doesn’t want a free drink? 😏

And can he just say that their drinks are better? Just flat out amazing! If it weren’t so unhealthy he’d consider drinking nothing but their booze and wine for the rest of his days, Satan’s certainly getting close to it.

But little does Satan know, he’s not even getting the GOOD stuff...

There’s the normal wine: grapes picked from the vineyard, hand squeezed, then magically helped through the fermenting process. But their real good stuff? They were given enchanted oak barrels from their father and anything that comes out of those is worth starting a WAR over. 😩

He knows, because he gifted an extra bottle to Diavolo once and Barbs came to him the very next day demanding to know what vineyard had produced it with the look of man willing to annex a small nation...

Asmo had to beg Lucifer to talk to Diavolo after the butler more or less kidnapped the MC back to the Castle… Devil knows even Barbs wouldn’t ever be able to reproduce their wine, so they could have been locked there for eternity!!

Thankfully, he got his party-buddy back and their debauchery continued! (Just now with Barbatos following them around sometimes like he’s trying to gather state secrets... It’s an impossible task but he hasn’t given up yet, bless his black heart.)

Beelzebub

He isn't much bothered by their carefree nature, at least they seem to be having fun with his family which he appreciates. 🙂

To be honest, though, he nearly ate them when they first met because they smell like freshly peeled grapes… and for good reason.

By their third day at the House they had (somehow) planted and cultivated a full on vineyard in the courtyard. Hell, the wall growing to their bedroom balcony was covered in grapevines!! Always ripe and completely healthy in defiance of the lack of sun... Whatever magic they used was strong.

And, of course, their grapes were also delicious! Easily among the best fruits he's ever tasted! Every cluster is ridiculously plump, juicy, and sweet like little droplets of pure Heaven… 🤤

When their fruit first ripened, the MC came out with a basket to collect some only to find Beel had gouged himself on over half of their crop!!!

… which may have been why he got snared up on one of the courtyard walls by pissed off grapevines... Even with all his strength, he couldn't break through them and had to wait for Lucifer to cut him down… 😔 

From then on, Beel was pretty much the pesky rabbit to the MC's harvest. They had to set up traps and magical barriers to keep him from their precious grapes…!! Which inevitably meant one of his brothers had to come rescue him from their furious vines at least once a week... 🙄

SOMETIMES, the MC will bring him along to help harvest with them with the deal that he can have an extra basket for however many he helps them pick. But the second he takes a bite he shouldn't, it’s back on the wall!

Out of the vineyard, they're nice enough. But put some grapes between these two and they're mortal enemies… STOP messing with their plants, Beel!! 😤

Belphegor 

So… this drunken fool is supposed to get him out of the attic? Never mind, this is never going to work…

He was SEVERELY underwhelmed when the "human" finally made it up the steps. This was who they decided to bring for their exchange program? They seemed like they could barely stand!

Naturally, he figured all the better for him. They probably wouldn't even last that long! 

Some poor, incompetent human falling victim to a demon out there? Diavolo's reputation would in tatters and he wouldn't even have to lift a finger! (His favorite way of doing things really 😌).

But… they just kept coming back? Like. Nothing was killing them….! How guarded were they keeping this moron?? 

Or… maybe it was something else?

Sure, the MC seemed like a drunken idiot but there were times when he'd swear that they were just… too aware to be sloshed…

MC: *suddenly stops smiling at him mid-conversation and looks him in the eye* You tilt your head when you lie. You know that?

How can someone so cheerful ALSO be so unnerving…?

So really, he should have seen their sudden heel-turn after they opened the door coming. There he was, fully intending to take them by surprise and choke them after a hug…

...and they knocked him down, climbed onto his back like a spider monkey, and rode him around like a bucking bull using his horns like handlebars!!

It wouldn’t have been AS humiliating if they didn’t also keep shouting things like "Giddiyap!" And "Yee-haw!!"

It took him a whole month to be sure that any and all footage of that nightmare was erased and he STILL hates the MC quite a bit for it…. But he's too scared to attack them now, so…

The lesson here? It's not a fair fight when one side’s crazy... 😔😒

[imagineimpact]

Caught (Scaramouche x Reader)

I got you!  ♥

Caught

Scaramouche x Reader

It wasn’t like you had expected for it to happen but there you were, tied back by your wrists and locked up in some sort of cell. There were strangers around, all masked, keeping a keen watch on you. The fabric stuffed in your mouth kept you quiet. No one had said anything to you, but they most certainly were watching you. Every passing second made you feel worse, the hard clump that you felt in your chest tightening and making it hard to breath. You wanted to cry, you wanted to scream, but you knew that it might have gotten you in trouble if you did. You weren’t sure what exactly you had done to deserve such a thing.

You didn’t want the tears to leak out of your eyes, but they did. It felt like you were a kid in a timeout corner, locked and without being able to do anything. You had no choice but to let the quiet choking sounds escape you as you tried to calm yourself down and drastically failed. It was dark enough. Maybe the candlelight wouldn’t show it to those guarding your cage.

It was a pretty enough lie, at least.

The masks were watching you. You tried to drown out the sounds - the scoffs and the laughs - of mockery that they had made. Maybe the sounds were in your head, but maybe they were real. It was hard to tell, but it wasn’t your main concern; Making it all stop was the thought that hovered above everything else.

The door swung open. The person was backlit, only a silhouette in the distance of your blurry sights. Being unable to wipe the tears from your eyes, you tried to focus more, and to little avail.

The figure - with a familiar enough red scarf around him being the only identifying piece - stepped into the room; You had never seen a group of people come to attention so fast, restoring their manner as if they had been drawn to a magnet. He was looking at you, curious.

“Well, isn’t this a curious sight.” Childe’s words are simple.

“Sir, we found-“ one of the Fatui underlings begins, but with a wave of his hand and a quiet “shh” sound, they scuttle back into their place.

“No no.” Our eyes meet, and he squats down to meet my eye level. “Tell me dear, does he/ know you’re here?” The words feel like a whisper, spoken like a secret.

You go to speak but you can’t. You slowly shake your head.

“Is that the truth?” He asks, softly again.

You nod. He nods back, slowly. Assessingly.

“Okay.”

He stands back up, straightening out and looking around the room. “Where did you find them?”

“Sir, they were loitering around our business. We suspected that they may be a spy for-“

“A spy?” Childe laughs, quite outwardly. The fatui agents are surprised. “Oh, wow.” He looks back at you, eyes dancing over you. “Such a forlorn conclusion to be drawn. But, nonetheless, this is a serious matter.” He spins back around, facing the door and striding toward it. “Everyone in this room is to remain here.” He orders. A chorus of “yes sirs” ring out across the room, and he stalks out, closing the door behind him.

There’s a moment of silence for us all, and it lasts a few minutes. Then, a sense of forbode disperses like a gas through the room, leveling over everyone. Everything feels like energy has been released and no one wants to be in it, and everyone tenses, watching the door.

And there he is. Your heart pounds faster than it had before, and you are washed over with a sense of relief.

You are the only one.

“There you are.” He barely acknowledges anyone one in the room as he stalks over, clearly pissed off. He snaps his gaze to one of the fatui, murderous. “You. Tell me why the one person who never should have step foot in this place is locked up in front of me.”

“S-Sir-“

“Talk faster.”

The fatui agent, terrified of the electricity basically flying through the air, shakily explains that you had been lingering around the commerce center in Liyue, the one where Scaramouche had happened to be visiting for the time. You were both a long distance from where you were supposed to be. The agents had suspected that you were hanging around in order to steal information.

“And you were all responsible for this arrest?” His voice lowered dangerously. There was a slight hesitancy across the room, but everyone owned up to it. 

You’d never seen him like this before. Not to this extent. You felt cold, not wanting to make any sounds.

“You must all have a death wish to do such a thing. Get out of my sight.” He demanded. When there was a slight hesitancy, he narrowed his eyes and turned more directly to them.

They scattered like scrambling mice, all heading toward the door.

He took the key off the table and held it tight, circling to the back of the cage and silently untiring your hands. He reached around and pulled the fabric from your mouth, then rested himself on the ground in a kneel.

You turn around and face him. His expression is resting, neutral. It hits you: a thought that maybe he could murder someone with such a calm gaze.

You don’t want to think it. You shrink back slightly, his gaze tilting to the side slightly as he watches you.

He says your name softly. You meet his gaze as he straightens his head once more. “You’re shaking.”

His words are simple, but you hadn’t realized it before. You also hadn’t realized, until this moment, that you had backed away from him when he untied you.

“You’re scared of me.” He says quietly.

It might be true. You can’t really tell.

He calls your name softly again, trying to draw your eyes back to him. You do. “Look at me, please.” You meet those eyes again as he takes his hat off and rests it on the table behind him. “Are you alright?”

It’s a simple question. You know it’s purpose and you give him what he’s beckoning for, “I’m...” It’s a more difficult question to answer than you had expected. “I’m scared.”

“I see.”

“Not you... this.” Your eyes wander around the cage, and you pull your knees to your chest. You let the remaining tears fall on the fabric of your clothing, and you stare back at him.

“Alright. Alright.” He takes a deep breath, and his eyes crease. “Why don’t you start by telling me if those putrid guards were telling the truth?”

“I wasn’t spying. I just... Yes, I was lingering.” You sigh, deeply, and shift up to be closer to him, resting on your folded legs in front of him. “I just wanted to see you.” It’s a quiet admission of thought. You’re not quite sure what to even think about it.

“You wanted to see me.” His voice is soothing. He stands up from his place on the ground and walks over to the other side of the cage, unlocking it and stepping in, standing over you. You shift to face him, keeping silent. He places a hand on your head, then kneels right there, is front of you, and let’s his hands rest on your waist instead. “You risked your life, do you understand that? If they were competent they would have just killed you right there.”

You blink. You don’t know if you ever stopped shivering, or if it started again, but you feel that sense of panic return. “Killed me?”

“Yes.” He pulls you into his chest, tightly. “You are unbelievably lucky right now.”

“I’m sorry.” It’s the only think you can choke out. “I didn’t think-“

“Shh.” He sighs, running his hand through your hair. “You didn’t know.” The softness gives you whiplash from the sudden switch. 

You’re not sure what to say. For a few moments, he just holds you close to him, and really you’re not quite sure whether he expects you to say anything else.

The sigh he lets out is deep, exhuming through the air as if it could push walls. You feel his chest puff back up after a few seconds as he regains all of his air. The way he holds you, you can tell that the situation is exhausting for him. His grip on you tightens quickly, suddenly.

“What am I going to do with you?” The question is quiet, strange. It doesn’t feel like something he would say.

As if realizing that very fact, he pulls away and stands up quickly, taking your hands and pulling you up. “You should be returning home by tonight.” He turns away. “You are never to go near the other Harbingers or the fatui again, do you understand?” He wanders over to the other side of the cage again to retrieve his hat, gently swaying it so that the fabric eases itself out of any folds before placing it upon his head. “You would be foolish to try and hurt yourself like that again.”

You step out of the cage, closing the door of it as you do. He steps around once again and lifts your chin, gently pushing you against the cage and giving you a kiss. It was not the kind of kiss that was given for a long-distance goodbye. It was the kind that you gave a lover to tease them, to tell them that you would see them that night. The kind that, when parted, isn’t enough. 

When he steps away from you, pulling you by your hand toward him and resting a hand on your waist, a glimmer of that softness that he has when you’re alone together shines to you.

It’s the one reassurance that you have, that he truly loves you.