#deadly symphony character

[aliceattheart]

Can I request a Yandere Alastor, Vox, and Valentino(separate) please?

Yan! Hazbin Hotel x AFAB reader

Yeah! I totally don't mind at all :]

Sadly at the moment the only character I feel comfortable with writing for is Alastor. I don't know much about Vox and Valentino. I do apologize 😭

I kinda skimmed it for slight spelling mistakes. All in all, I got it done. :D

Yan! Alastor

Alastor is deadly obsessed with your scent. That's what led the Doll maker to you. His little Doll.

Alastor is sickened with existential possessive tranquility. To gaze at your smile only makes him yearn for your touch.

It was only a matter of time before he put his nerves beside and spoke to you. "Well hello there Miss, may I aquire a little bit of your precious time." Kissing the back of your hand. The charmer he appears to be. With a mouth full of sharp teeth and sharp claws. You found it weird that he was so gentle.

You have no one to blame for failing madly in love with his elegant charm and sweet voice. A voice that carried endless symphonies of love and no regrets.

You were content with his lack of Physical affection but none the less you did want to embrace and fall into his lips. He would give in every now and again but you couldn't shake of the somber ravenous guilty of intimacy.

Deciding that you couldn't keep a facade, you wanted to break things off. "Y/n, my Moon in the Red sky. Are you saying you don't want me?" When he put it that way you feel disgusted with yourself. But you can't give in.

"Alastor, my heart yearns for something more. Something you can't give. It's not because you've failed to love me. I'm just greedy and selfish."

The last words that came out of your mouth. Did you really mean it? After that you started to spill like an over flowing sink. Words you've never thought came out. "I was wrong for ever thinking of leaving you. I'll stay with you for all eternity, even if I don't have that. In death I wouldn't want to part from you." You were confused and apparently your mouth wasn't listening to your wants and demands.

Alastor sat facing you with big dark eyes, smiling benevolently at you. Opening his mouth to speak he said. "Y/n, you are my muse I can't just let you run off. No need to think or hide away. Let's keep you as my favorite Doll for all eternity, please?" He formed it as a question but in reality he wasn't giving you a choice.

With a snap of his fingers your body became silent to your pleads for movement. Alastor humming a tune, picked you up. You felt like a sack of potatoes heavy, yet weightless in his arms. Opening a demon circle to his residence. He proceeds to take you to his basement. Strapping you into a chair.

"My Sweet Doll Face. He whispered into your left ear. "This will only hurt for a while. I shall break you and put you back together. For my love for you is true. You shall move to my wishes and mine alone. Your heart shall not want for more." He kissed your lips. And sewn them shut.

For the first time in all your existence you wanted to beg for mercy, to god. Irony isn't, you couldn't speak.

Alice here :D

I this would be my first ever request. I want to make it short. In the future I'll specify the characters I right for. I pray that I'll be able to build the courage and make a Master list.

[acourtofthought]

"Elain handled the darkness of the Cauldron therefore she can handle Azriel's darkness."

Elain handled the Cauldron because she's brave and has strength of character. Using that to try to prove that she'd be fine with Azriel's cruelty darkness is so far off the mark it's wild.

Feyre, married to the High Lord of the NC - a HL who who misted people at Amarantha’s behest, who stole from someone he would have liked to have as a friend, who shamed Feyre and called her human trash (all in order to protect her and Velaris), when she herself brought down an entire court filled with innocent people to take out her revenge on Tamlin, even struggled around Az at first.

Currently struggles with Az's actions:

The author herself said she'd be scared of Az:

She wrote Rhys saying Az's stare sometimes scares the shit out of him.

Azriel created a symphony of pain for his victims, he's not being forced into taking things to that sort of extreme. That's not someone just doing what they have to do, that's someone taking things well beyond necessity.

Yet somehow Elain, who in the authors own words has a different sort of strength than the sisters who belong in the NC, who is gentle and kind and is bothered by cruelty would be the one who would fully embrace Azriel's darkness?

Elain who begged Feyre not to hurt Graysen, tried to get her to swear to leave Graysen unharmed? That Elain would be fine seeing what Az does to unarmed prisoners?

This Elain?

This Elain?

There is a HUGE difference between bravery and saving someone from death versus someone who methodically carries out torture and defaults to it as their go to method of handling enemies.

Elain used TT to stop the King from harming her loved one. Az uses TT to carve people up and draw out their suffering. They are NOT the same.

In SF, the author drew attention to the fact that Nesta, not Feyre or Elain, was the Archeron to see Az:

I also saw this person claiming that if Elain can handle Lucien's "darkness", she can handle Az's, that Lucien is a loose canon compared to Az.

Lucien:

Az:

It's true, Az barely says much at all but it's not because he's more controlled than Lucien, it's because he's always on a razors edge of losing his temper and rarely opens up about himself to anyone which is proven in the text.

I've hit my limit in added images but there are multiple examples of Lucien reigning in his words and temper.

Does Lucien at times snark at others? Definitely and that's why he's the best. But to say he's the loose canon is a joke.

There's zero shame in loving Az, to get a thrill from his darkness and rage, but if someone truly thinks Lucien and Az are written similarly than I have to say they don't truly understand how Sarah has written these characters at all.

And to those who say if Elain can't handle Az's darkness than neither can Gwyn..... These are the same people who claim she's so forgettable they barely remembered her in SF yet now they're claiming they know what she can and can't handle. When you get down to it Gwyn is a new character and that means Sarah can further develop her personality any way she wants in the next books compared to the many books and interviews telling us who Elain is.

Considering Gwyn already said this, however:

“Did you know shields weighed so much? I certainly didn’t. No wonder the Valkyries learned to use them as weapons as deadly as their swords.” She sighed. “They’d have been quite a sight in battle: cracking open enemy skulls with blows from their shields, throwing them to knock an opponent onto their backs before skewering them …” She rubbed her shoulder again. “Their arm muscles must have been as hard as steel.”

I don't think she'll have any trouble with Az's brutality at all.

[theatrekidenergy]

“ Dimly lit shadows “

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Pairings : N/A (gen fic)

Words : 2,511

Characters : Matt Murdock “Daredevil” , Marc Spector & Steven Grant “Moon Knight”

Summary : When Matt Murdock and Marc Spector find themselves fighting an ancient beast with a message to share, the small mission Moon Knight had been sent on to New York for quickly evolves upon the meeting of the local vigilante — Daredevil.

Ao3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/57350671

AN : This is my first fic, interaction is genuinely so so appreciated and thank you so much for coming by to read it! Please keep in mind English isn’t my native tongue so there may be some mistakes I might’ve missed during the writing process. View Ao3 for further author’s notes <3

Read fic below cut

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January 24th, 12:34 am - EARTH-616 : “Hell’s Kitchen” New York, NY, USA

Matt Murdock lay perched on the edge of a rooftop, the cool night air whispering past him as he tuned into the ever bustling symphony of sensory input from the city below that was ever amplified in his head. Every string of input amplified by 10, Hell's Kitchen was alive with its usual nocturnal sound – distant sirens wailing like wolves, the murmur of conversations from late-night dwellers, and over all the heartbeat of a city that never received a blink of sleep was all to familiar to the New York native. The place he’d called home since his youth was a cacophony of sound, smell, and sensation. Tonight, the air carried a distinct odor, a foul mixture of sewer water and human waste, rising from the west, accompanied by a contrasting scent coming from the string of smaller restaurants on 14th. It all felt fitting for the restless environment below his heels.

Suddenly, a sharp, unfamiliar sound sliced through the familiar noise, as if the claws of a bear were raking across a chalkboard. It sent a shiver down his spine. He sprang into action, leaping from the rooftop and plunging into the labyrinth of alleys. The sound was easy to track, its eerie resonance guiding him to the darkest corner of the city. From the corner of the street it looked like a million other big cities, and from the inner passage way of the alley it looked like the inner passage way of a million other alleys sprawled across the United States; dimly lit, a couple broken glass bottles, and the sound of an electrical hum about 3 stories up.

Landing silently, he crouched, his leather suit crinkling softly against his shoulder blade. He tilted his head, every sense straining. Something moved, swift and ghostly, nearly silent to him which was an incredibly difficult feat to achieve, throwing him off. He pinpointed the source and lashed out with his billy club. It struck something solid and he heard the muscles of the creature contract inwards. The creature roared, a sound of raw flesh slamming into a garbage bin with a metallic clang. Matt’s brow furrowed. “Is this some big dog? What the hell is this?” He murmured lowly to himself in a quick nod of reaction.

Before he could process the unknown creature in front of him, another figure landed beside him. The so-called Moon Knight, clad in white that seemed to glow in the dim alley, his suit bearing the ceremonial armor of Khonshu, the Egyptian god of the moon. His eyes, hidden behind his mask, glinted with a hazy, ethereal light. Without hesitation, he joined the fray, attacking the invisible foes with deadly precision in the same way he had done a plethora of times before this encounter.

Moon Knight's movements were a blur, each strike precise and powerful. Matt decided in a split second to follow the distinct sounds of combat, he dodged to the left following the noise of the claws pattering across the damp concrete and making his best landing on an attack. He spun, his club striking the air where he sensed movement, the leather of his suit rustling with each motion as the club collided with the creature perceisely in the head.

Moon Knight slowed his movements for just a millisecond, staring at the Daredevil in shock. “You can see them?” he demanded, his breath heavy from the exertion, before subjecting the jackal to another bone-crunching kick, driving it to the ground.

Matt hesitated. Revealing his blindness wasn’t an option. “Yes?” He added between blows to the ancient beast.

Marc’s eyes widened behind his mask. “There are avatars in New York?” he asked, the surprise evident in his voice. How had he not seen this man in Cairo? Was another god brought back and had chosen him as their avatar? If he was an enemy, why would he be helping to fight the jackal? How did he track the jackal down before him in the first place? His suit seemed vaguely reminiscent of Set’s avatar, but if so, what happened to the original avatar he had seen in Cairo? Too many questions, too little time.

Matt blinked. “What?”

Moon Knight pressed on, his voice growing increasingly more demanding, “What god do you serve?”

“Jesus?” Matt replied with a moment of confusion and a furrow in his brow, then quickly added, “I’m Catholic?”

Spector stared at him in utter bewilderment. “What?”

“Yeah, Catholic,” Matt repeated, feeling more confused than ever. What on earth was he on about? Who — No, what was an avatar?

“I’m not even surprised anymore,” Marc muttered in resignation, the jackal recovering its footing. He lunged at it, grappling at the crescent moon in his chest and spearing it directly in the chest repeatedly, driving it in with relentless blows. Matt joined in, his club a flash of motion, striking the invisible foe with deadly accuracy.

The jackal howled, its form flickering into visibility to Moon Knight under the assault. It was a grotesque creature, all sinew and teeth, eyes burning with an unnatural fire. Matt could feel its presence, a malevolent force that chilled his blood. He ducked under a swipe of its claws, the air whistling tight past his ear, and countered with a blow to its midsection, the impact reverberating up his arm.

The jackal snarled, lashing out wildly. Matt sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as its claws missed him by inches. He swung his billy club, connecting with the side of its head, feeling the satisfying crunch of bone. The creature staggered, but didn't fall. It was tenacious, driven by some dark force.

Moon Knight seized the moment, delivering a powerful kick to its chest, sending it crashing into a wall. The creature slumped, its form flickering and fading. Matt could hear its labored breathing, the rasp of desperation of a creature not quite dead and not quite alive either. He stepped forward, ready to deliver the final blow, but Moon Knight Held the vigilante back.

“Stop.” he said, his voice firm. “We need to know what it wants.”

Matt hesitated, then nodded to the unfamiliar man. He could feel the creature's fear, its panic. He crouched beside it, listening intently to its ragged breaths. “Who sent you?” the avatar demanded.

The jackal snarled with weakness and baring its teeth as a glow of pure divine anger engulfed its form, its eyes and flesh glowing through the cracks of callused skin as if it were being taken over by means of possession. “You’ll never stop us,” it hissed, it’s possessor gave the previously voiceless monster a voice of sheer guttural rasp in an anatomy not built for human speech. “The gods are rising.”

The gods are rising. It was a chilling string of words. One that threw every form of his belief into questioning. He tightened his grip on the billy club. “We’ll see about that.” Spoke Moon Knight, his tone soaking with spite towards the event.

With a final, defiant snarl, the jackal dissolved into nothingness, the glow of its eyes leaving its form, leaving only a dark stain on the ground. Matt straightened, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He turned to Moon Knight, who was breathing heavily but standing firm.

“Looks like we have a lot to discuss,” Matt said, his voice steady despite the utter confusion inside him. This is not exactly the realm of fight that he’s familiar with. “For example, who are you? And what is Any of this suppose to mean?” The question was spoken intensely, venom in each lick of noise.

“I am Moon Knight, Avatar of Kohnshu — Egyptian god of the moon.” And then there was a pause. There was a pause where every briefly emitted minuscule sound was so focused, so tied into one, that every single heart beat, every single foot step, every single distant whisper all collided into one and created such a deafening silence unexplainable by all forms of human language. When the one thing you’ve spent your life devoting too, your faith, is suddenly interrupted by the claim there were multiple gods, there’s no word that can be spoken to describe that feeling because there was something undeniably true about whoever was standing in front of him. He heard the way his heartbeat didn’t speed up when he spoke his claim, he knew intrinsically that he wasn’t lying, but that would throw his perception of the world he lived in for chaos.

Matt Murdock wasn’t one to typically accept any word spoken to him with such ease, let alone a complete stranger; something felt immensely different about the way he spoke, about the way the air felt thinner when this supposed ‘avatar’ filled with the possession of pure divinity came into being next to him, and for just a second nothing felt true. Every word sliding off every tongue in the whole of New York City from Hell’s Kitchen to Manhattan was all lies, that he was sure of more than ever before. Even if he knew he was lying to himself, the thought brought an ounce of reassurance that maybe the claim was false.

“The Egyptian gods are referred to as myth for a reason.” Murdock asserted stiffly. “If that’s the case why am I here? Huh?” Marc challenged, he moved closer by about a foot, one arm pointing towards Matt and one still by his side guarding his back, “You heard the jackal, the gods are coming.” There was a brief moment of silence, “I’m going to need an explanation of who you are.” Marc added.

“I’m Daredevil.” Matt said plainly, growing more on guard with each passing second. Even if he knew the man opposite him wasn’t lying, he was given no guarantee that he didn’t have any malicious intent. “Also, I’m pretty damn sure I’m not the one who has explaining to do. What is an avatar. What do you mean by the gods are coming, and what on earth were we just fighting because, correct me if I’m wrong, but jackals — if that’s what you called it; 1. can’t talk 2. live in Africa, and 3. Shouldn’t be able to nearly knock two grown men to their knees.” Matt’s tone was ever so accusatory, but for clearly justified reasons.

Marc hesitated, how could this man see jackals and not be an avatar? How on earth did he track it down before him? What information am I sacrificing if this man is just pretending to work with me?

“Marc I’m really not sure you should be revealing this much information this quickly, this isn’t exactly like you.” Steven said quite forcefully, a glimmer of reflection coming through a broken bottle sprawled in dozens of pieces across the concrete.

Marc paused for a second to think about the advice handed to him, but decided to go against it. “An avatar,” he paused to form his next choice of words carefully, “An avatar is the person who, for as far as I knew up until about 15 minutes ago, is someone who is selected by an ancient Egyptian god to pursue their will on earth, using the person they’ve selected to fight for their purpose.” Marc explained.

“So what I’m asking you, ‘Daredevil’, is how on earth you can see jackals if you aren’t an avatar of an Egyptian god, let alone that you claim to be the avatar of Jesus or what ever.” Spector noted while moving closer, “I never claimed to be an avatar, I just said I’m Catholic. I’ve never heard of any of this that you’re talking about, the whole Egyptian god thing isn’t exactly in my line of work. I deal with the problems people face, I don’t get into all of the magic that the avengers deal with.” He replied putting his hands up.

There wasn’t a moment of silence before Marc had practically interrupted him at the tail end of his phrase “Then how could you see them?” he barked grabbing Matt by the collar of his suit, “I can’t see them,” Murdock relented. “I’m blind.” He explained gesturing losely towards himself, Marc registered this and released him from his grasp in a flicker of confusion. It was evident the other man was confused based on sheer body language alone.

“Explain to me how he could’ve fought like that if he couldn’t even see his opponent? How did he land any attack or dodge?” Steven questioned. “I don’t know.” Marc whispered quietly, but the question did warrant an answer. “How did you attack it then? I’m unlikely to believe a blind man could’ve dodged that many attacks from a creature he could not see.” the words were spat with a level of accusation, “I could hear them. Every small noise I could hear. If you aren’t lying about being an avatar or what not of a literal god then it shouldn’t take much to wrap your head around the fact that my senses are hyper tuned in to every aspect of my surroundings.” Matt said taking a step closer.

So, to test a likely risky guess of this claim, Marc thought carefully about his next actions. If he was blind there was no risk in this action, and if he wasn’t than it wouldn’t be hard to take him down in a fight. He allowed the mask of moon knight to release his form, unwinding around him layers of intricately shaped bindings, leaving him standing in his civilian clothes; a plain black t-shirt and worn in jeans.

“And you’re positive you can’t see my suit right now?” He questioned, knowing well that the suit was no longer on; his heart beating ever so slightly faster creating a rough rythm in his chest audible to Murdock. “That’s kind of what the whole blind thing means. That I quite literally cannot see.” Matt replied plainly. “Oh and I heard your suit come undone but no I have no clue what it looked like, and what you look like either.. I assure you it’s not at all hard to understand.” He explained.

Marc hesitated. “Okay. Well, if I see you again — and given the fact you aren’t currently working against me, I’ll stay out of your hair, we can truce on that.”

“As long as you don’t interfere with what I need to do here and you stick to what’s yours, I can agree to that. But if you ever, and I mean ever, try to cause havoc in Hell’s Kitchen I will find you and I won’t be as considerate.” Murdock warned, his tone dead serious.

There was a flick of wind in the air, the urban landscape behind them unresting, and a low “Then until next time, Daredevil.” aired from Marc’s mouth until Matt walked passed him, jumping onto the metal lining of a stair case towards the roof top, leaving the mercenary alone in the dim city alley as the first sprinkles of rain fall pattered across the pavement.

[mirageofadesert]

Ranking Luo Yunxi's characters & scenes in TTEOTM based on my level of obsession

Since I'm currently in my TTEOTM fan girl era, I thought I would rank the performances of my new favorite actors based on how much I obsess over them. Sorry for my English btw... Spoilers ahead! Let the countdown begin!

(This is going to be quite long, but I have the uncontrollable urge to talk about this drama, but no one to listen to me! So I'm just screaming into the Tumblr void!)

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#10 Tantan Jin claiming the throne

I love this scene for multiple reasons: Tantai Jin is riding into the Jing kingdom capital to claim the throne. However, is not wearing royal black, but rather soft greys in the style of the Yiyue tribe. It's also the first time we see him with braided hair. He has just (almost) killed his brother and instigated the vermin to flee the city. This makes it an even more powerful entrance and statement as to who he will be as a king. This is Tantai Jin coming into his own.

It's also a pretty outfit with many delicate details. From this point on, it will take multiple life times until we will see him in this colors again.

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#9 Tantai Jin conducting a symphony of crows

After having suffered for most of his life, Tantai Jin takes revenge on his tormentors in a quite intriguing way, that's is cleverly build up in the show. He has been established as being able to gently talk to animals, spending most of time reading and writing, while lacking adequate clothing. Now, all these elements are put together in a new order: The brush and crows are becoming a deadly weapon, while he is dressed in royal black of the Jing kingdom. It's a glimpse into a possible future, that will turn out so very differently in the show.

It feels satisfied to see him take his revenge, even through he acts so delightfully psychotic. Luo Yunxi gives an extraordinary performance in this episode!

I also adore the evolution of his fighting style. There is also a clear evolution of him using projectiles to fight - from the crows, to the red blades, the sect technique Cang Jiumin uses to the god-killing crossbow.

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#8 Cang Jiumin being interrogated by the sect, while fighting his own destiny

Nobodies portraits suffering just like Luo Yunxi. The complex emotions of pain, mental restrain and wavering hope are tangible in this performance. The scene is really well written and given enough space to fully take effect. There is also something very satisfying in seeing the sect members react to the truth finally being exposed, while integrating elements of voyeurism. It's such a hard trope to deliver well, and the show did a great job.

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#7 Confused Ming Ye

From catching apples, teaching his wife to use a cross bow, consuming their marriage to being cared for while blinded - there was a lot of moment in which mighty god of war Ming Ye shows his soft and confused side. These were such sweet moments, which made Ming Ye a nuanced character, while portraying a god falling in love so incredible well. As the god of war he is both relentless and strong, but still human in his inexperience and softening emotional detachment.

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#6 Tantai Jin killing the king of Sheng

This is one of my favorite outfits Tantai Jin has worn as the king. The color composition is beautiful and the gold details really elevate the outfit. The beauty is stark contrast to the pain and desperation turning to rage Tantai Jin is experiencing. The scene mirrors the crows attack in some way, but now Tantai Jin doesn't need to hide between a swarm of birds anymore, instead he takes the enemy heads on and without any (initial) backup. This speaks to his immense power, which we haven't seen on screen for a moment. And while his revenge is again satisfied to watch, him showing compassion for his former nanny only to succumb to the unimaginable despair of losing his mother again is heart wrenching. This scene becomes even more impactful, because Tantai Jin isn't uniting both kingdoms by fighting a war with superior strategies and armies (as the audience has been expecting), but rather due to personal pain and his sheer power.

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#5 Cang Jiumin exploring Shangqing Realm

I love Cang Jiumin so much, I wish he would have gotten more screen time. This episode is one of my favorite appearance of him, because it's fun and lighthearted. He is playfully and cheeky, while also being righteous and brave in a calm and mature way. He is what I imagine Tantai Jin might have become had the grown up differently. His outfit is also incorporating more and more elements from Tantai Jin, such as the feathers and extravagant detailing.

Him sneaking away from his sect brothers to go exploring by himself is such a great moment. Only for it to be followed up by him protecting the Lady of Spirituality against some bullies in a really impressive fight scene and finally him reuniting with Li Susu. This is one of my favorite episodes to re-watch!

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#4 Tantai Jin fighting against Xiao Lin

From the moment he levitates down the fortress, this is one of my favorite fighting scenes. While both seem rather equally matched, Tantai Jin's facial expression give away, that he is holding back. The glowing red swords are such a nice hint in the evolution of his weapons, getting close to the Devil God's style. He also starts throwing his weapons here, which foreshadows his future fighting style. The scene isn't just impressive, it's showcases the character development and complex relationship between both princes. Tantai Jin is no longer imitating Xiao Lin, but is finding is own self-expression - leaving the shadow of the other prince, while not falling into resentment (he still views him as a friend). I love it when fight scenes actually contribute to the characterization and story development.

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#3 Poor but unsettling hostage prince in his Disney princess era

Tantai Jin as the bullied hostage prince is such a interesting character. There is something delicate and sweet, but unsettling about him. When he talks to his little animal friends, he is downright caring and almost loving, only to turn into a pained and resigned shell before showing a spiteful and callous individual. There is so much nuances in this portrayal! This version of Tantai Jin is also really pretty with his simple hair and gray clothing. It's so painful to experience conflicting emotions as an audience: On one hand you want to feel sorry for his unfortunate man, but on the other hand you understand the resentment, distrust and trauma Li Susu is experiencing.

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#2 Ancient Devil God

Ugh, just look at him! While all the version of the Devil God were breath-taking, this one is on a while different level. The wavy hair, the pretty makeup, the attitude? This ancient evil should not be that hot. He also brings a lot of nuances to the depiction of unimaginable evil, which makes me wonder how complex is this character is, especially in comparison to other gods like Ming Ye. I feel like there could be a lot of interesting backstory, that stays unexplored - but I think that this for the best based on the role he plays in the show.

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#1 One-eyed Tantai Jin hitting rock bottom

That fucking stick.... This version of Tantai Jin is making me feel things I rather not express out loud. The messy hair, the blinded eye and his attitude are just beyond perfect. You can feel the storm of emotions seething under the surface of his detached act. There is still a hint of challenge and defiance left, even after he has again been betrayed and imprisoned.

I said it before, but Luo Yunxi really excels in portraying suffering. He is able to express so many small emotions just with his voice and facial expressions, that you get drawn into his performances. As much as I want his characters to be happy - and Tantai Jin deserves all the happiness - this is when both Tantai Jin and Luo Yunxi are at their best!!

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Extra: Honorable mentions!

Tantai Jin entering the nether river

Just look at the wavy hair, the beautiful cloth and his waist!

Mingye iconic outfit

The colors, the cut, the ribbons? Just chef's kiss!

Tantai Jin in his gifted green robe

I'm emotionally not ready to talk about this one yet!

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The end! :)

[sunflowerabyss]

Stuck in Torment

Pairing: Older!Remus Lupin x Reader

Plot: As he grapples with a mysterious time loop forcing him to relive the same tragic day repeatedly, Remus attempts to alter the fateful events in an attempt to save the one he loves.

Warnings: Character death, angst, fluff

_______________________________________________

The Ministry's vast atrium was a battleground, bathed in the harsh glow of flickering spells and the ominous red hue cast by the veiled prophecy. A cacophony of clashing magic, shouts, and echoing footsteps filled the air as the Order of the Phoenix and Harry's group confronted the Death Eaters.

Remus Lupin, a seasoned warrior, moved with calculated grace, his wand cutting through the darkness as he fought alongside his comrades. The familiar faces of Tonks, Moody, and Kingsley Shacklebolt blended into a seamless dance of dueling, a desperate symphony against the looming threat of Voldemort's forces.

Amidst the chaos, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, along with other members of Dumbledore's Army, fought valiantly, their young faces marred by determination. Spells ricocheted off walls, and the occasional yelp of pain underscored the perilous nature of the mission. Remus cast protective charms, his eyes darting across the battlefield, searching for signs of danger.

"Watch your left, Tonks!" he called out, deflecting a curse aimed at her. Tonks shot him a grateful smile, her hair briefly turning a vibrant shade of pink. The Order members, though outnumbered, held their ground, the resonance of incantations and clashes echoing through the atrium.

Harry, fueled by a sense of purpose, surged forward, determined to retrieve the prophecy. Ron and Hermione, their expressions mirroring Harry's determination, followed suit. Remus moved with them, his heart pounding as the fate of the wizarding world hung in the balance.

As they neared the Death Chamber, the tension escalated. Moody barked orders, and the intensity of the battle reached a fever pitch. The Death Eaters fought with ruthless determination, their masks concealing the malevolence within. "Stay close everyone!" Moody grunted out, his eye franticly looking around.

The oppressive darkness enveloped the Ministry of Magic as everyone engaged in a desperate battle against the encroaching Death Eaters. Remus tried to maintain a semblance of control; his senses heightened by the anxiety that gnawed at his insides.

The veil of doom descended when the Death Chamber echoed with the ominous whisper of prophecy, and the skirmish intensified. In the chaos, Sirius valiantly fought alongside his allies, but the tide turned against him. In a cruel twist, Bellatrix Lestrange's wicked laughter echoed through the chamber as she proclaimed, "I killed Sirius Black!" over and over, relishing in the twisted victory.

Remus, panic etching lines across his face, tried desperately to hold back Harry as the young wizard lunged towards the Death Chamber's mystical veil, where Sirius disappeared into an abyss of uncertainty.

"Sirius!" Harry's anguished cry reverberated through the atrium as his godfather disappeared behind the mysterious veil, leaving only the haunting whispers of the otherworldly abyss. The sorrow that filled Remus's eyes mirrored the profound loss that had become an unwelcome companion.

The battle raged on, the flashes of spells and curses painting a chaotic tableau of despair. Amidst the cacophony, Lucius Malfoy emerged, a cold and calculated presence. The air thickened with tension as he locked eyes with you, malice glittering in his gaze. Bellatrix's manic laughter still echoed, but her attention shifted to the impending tragedy unfolding before her.

"I killed Sirius Black!" she shrieked, as if trying to convince herself of her twisted accomplishment. But in the cold, unyielding moment that followed, Lucius, his wand held with deadly intent, turned his attention towards you.

In a gut-wrenching instant, the world seemed to freeze as Lucius unleashed an unforgivable curse. The air crackled with dark energy, green light illuminating the space around you, and Remus, unable to stop the inevitable, cried out in despair. The spell struck you with a merciless force, and as you let out a guttural scream before crumpling to the ground, the weight of Remus's heartbreak hung heavily in the air.

"NO!" Remus howled, the anguish in his voice cutting through the chaos. His attempts to rewrite destiny had once again been thwarted, and the pain of witnessing your death anew tore at his soul.

____________________

The haunting echoes of your final moments reverberated in Remus Lupin's mind as he jolted awake, his heart pounding against his chest. The suffocating darkness of his room at 12 Grimmauld Place provided no solace, and the cold sweat that clung to his skin only intensified the anguish that gripped his soul. For the past four months, Remus had been trapped in a nightmarish loop, reliving the same day over and over again—the day you, his dear friend and confidante, met a tragic end at the hands of a Death Eater.

Dragging himself out of bed, Remus descended the creaking staircase, the chilling memory of your demise still vivid in his mind. Lucius Malfoy's cruel laughter and Bellatrix Lestrange's maniacal glee as they took your life and Sirius Black's echoed through his thoughts like a macabre symphony.

Downstairs, the air was heavy with tension as Snape and you engaged in what seemed like a casual conversation. To an outsider, it appeared normal, but Remus, with his heart still heavy from the repeated loss, found it unbearable to witness your animated chatter. He couldn't help but feel a surge of bitterness at the cruel twist of fate that made him witness your death repeatedly while you remained blissfully ignorant.

Remus forced himself to join the mundane activities of the day, all the while concealing the torment that clawed at his insides. His attempts to change the course of events were futile, and with each failure, the weight of despair pressed down on him like an unrelenting force.

As the day unfolded, you couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in Remus's demeanor. His usual composed and stoic expression betrayed an underlying turmoil. Concern etched across your face, you approached him, hoping to offer some comfort.

"Remus, are you alright?" you asked, genuine worry in your eyes.

He waved it off dismissively, "Just fatigue, my dear. Nothing to worry about."

But you sensed the weight behind his words, the unspoken pain that lingered. Determined to reach him, you pressed further, "Remus, you can talk to me. You don't have to bear it all alone."

A conflicted gaze met yours, the struggle evident in his eyes. "It's nothing, truly. Just the weight of these days catching up with me. I'll manage." Your concern deepened, but sensing his reluctance to share, you respected his boundaries for now.

The day unfolded with a cruel sense of déjà vu. Remus, despite his weariness and emotional burden, tried to inject a fresh approach into the familiar sequence of events. The battle at the Department of Mysteries, the chaotic clash of spells, the ominous echoes of laughter--each element remained unchanged. Yet, determined to break the cycle, Remus experimented with different spells and protective charms.

He cast Protego with unwavering precision, creating a shimmering shield to deflect incoming curses. "This has to make a difference," he muttered to himself, trying to convince the doubts that gnawed at the edges of his resolve. But the relentless onslaught of dark magic persisted, and the battle continued its inevitable descent into tragedy.

Summoning all his knowledge, Remus altered the incantations, hoping to catch the Death Eaters off guard. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, attempting to disarm them before they could unleash their deadly curses. The brief reprieve was shattered as the Death Eaters retaliated with even greater ferocity.

Desperation fueled Remus as he ventured into uncharted territory, casting obscure charms and hexes. "Obscuro!" he exclaimed, attempting to blind the Death Eaters and gain an upper hand. The moments of disorientation, however, were fleeting, and the macabre symphony of battle continued, indifferent to his futile attempts.

As the battle reached its climax, Remus faced the pivotal moment where Lucius locked eyes with you. Panic surged through him, and he threw himself into the fray, determined to change the outcome. The familiar words echoed in the chamber, "You're in the way," and Remus intervened with a swift Protego, hoping against hope that this time it would be enough.

But the cold, callous sneer on Lucius Malfoy's face signaled the impending tragedy. "Avada Kadavra!" he spat, redirecting his attention to you. Remus, with a gut-wrenching realization, watched as the curse struck, your form crumpling to the ground.

"No!" he cried out, the anguish in his voice reverberating through the chamber. The loop reset, and Remus found himself back in the cold confines of 12 Grimmauld Place, his hopes shattered once again.

Dragging himself downstairs once again, Remus appeared even more weary than before. The weight of repeated failure weighed heavily on him, etching lines of exhaustion on his face. You couldn't help but notice the vulnerability in his eyes, a glimpse behind the composed facade he usually wore.

"Remus, are you alright?" you asked, genuine worry in your eyes.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping with a weariness that transcended physical fatigue. "It's just… this day. No matter what I do, I can't save you." His voice wavered, the vulnerability seeping through, but he quickly masked it with a cryptic smile.

Confusion furrowed your brow as you tried to grasp the meaning behind Remus's enigmatic words. "Remus, what are you talking about? Save me from what?" The lingering worry deepened in your eyes, a reflection of your genuine concern for the man standing before you, haunted by a reality you couldn't comprehend.

"Nothing, it's--" Remus cut himself off, silently excusing himself before walking away without another word.

"Okay..."

___________________________

Remus, his determination unbroken, decided to take a more strategic approach. The battle at the Department of Mysteries unfolded once again, and this time, he sought out specific members of the Order, warning them of the impending danger. His voice carried urgency as he attempted to alter the course of events.

"Moody, watch your left flank! Tonks, be ready for a surprise attack!" Remus's instructions were clear, and for a moment, it seemed as if the tides might turn in their favor. The Order members adjusted their positions, casting protective spells with a renewed sense of purpose. Hope flickered in Remus's eyes as he believed, if just for a moment, that the tragedy could be averted.

However, the echoes of fate remained unyielding. The Death Eaters adapted to the warnings, countering with a ferocity that matched their previous encounters. The battle unfolded with a cruel inevitability, and despite Remus's efforts to change the outcome, the same tragic events played out once more.

The desperation that lingered in Remus's heart deepened. As he witnessed the familiar scene of Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange targeting you and Sirius, a sense of helplessness settled over him. The haunting laughter, the malicious spell--they painted a grim picture that Remus had grown all too accustomed to.

In the aftermath of the battle, Remus trudged back to 12 Grimmauld Place, the weight of repeated failure pressing heavily on his shoulders. The warnings he had issued, the strategic adjustments--they proved insufficient against the unyielding force of destiny. The loop reset, and Remus found himself standing on the precipice of another day filled with relentless echoes of grief.

Descending the stairs once more, he caught a glimpse of you engaged in conversation with Snape. The same casual chatter, the same blissful ignorance--a stark contrast to the turmoil that brewed within Remus. The cryptic nature of his plight weighed on him as he struggled to find a way to convey the depth of his torment without burdening you with the unbearable truth.

You noticed the weariness etched on Remus's face and approached him, concern evident in your eyes. "Remus, are you alright?" you asked, your voice filled with genuine worry.

His gaze met yours, a mixture of gratitude and sorrow in his eyes. "Just the weight of the world, my dear. Some battles can't be won, no matter how hard we try." Remus's words, though cryptic, carried a vulnerability that hinted at the struggle within his soul. The unspoken pain lingered, a silent plea for understanding that remained trapped in the relentless cycle of time.

The cycle repeated, and Remus, fueled by frustration and desperation, decided on a different strategy. As the battle at the Department of Mysteries unfolded once more, he focused on diverting the attention of Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange. Remus, moving with a sense of purpose, threw himself into the line of fire, attempting to draw their focus away from you and Sirius.

"Lucius! Over here!" he shouted, weaving through the chaotic battlefield. His wand cast spells in rapid succession, attempting to divert the Death Eaters' attention. Bellatrix, however, proved relentless, her maniacal laughter cutting through the chaos as she relentlessly pursued her intended targets.

Despite Remus's valiant efforts, the tragic events unfolded once again. Lucius and Bellatrix, undeterred by the distraction, seized the opportunity to unleash their deadly curses. Remus, witnessing the horrifying scene, felt a surge of fury and frustration. The unchanging reality mocked his attempts to alter the course of destiny.

Back in the cold confines of 12 Grimmauld Place, Remus awoke with a sense of bitter defeat. The room seemed to close in on him as the weight of failure settled heavily on his shoulders. Frustration boiled within him, and the echoes of the repeated tragedy fueled his anger.

Descending the stairs, Remus's usual composure gave way to a simmering rage. The frustration of being trapped in a seemingly endless loop manifested in his demeanor. As he caught sight of you, engaging in casual conversation with Snape, the turbulent emotions within him threatened to spill over. You, noticing Remus's anger, turned your attention to him. "Remus, what's the matter?"

"You just don't get it, do you?" Remus's voice, usually calm and measured, carried a venomous edge. The frustration that simmered beneath the surface erupted, and he couldn't contain the surge of emotion. "All these attempts, all these changes, and it doesn't matter. It's always the same. A futile cycle, and you're oblivious to it all!"

The chatter that kept the halls of Grimmauld Place lively turned dead silent as everyone turned their focus to the fuming werewolf.

Your eyes widened in surprise, hurt and confusion, the sudden outburst catching you off guard. The unexpected outburst from Remus left the room charged with tension. As he turned away, frustration etched across his face, you took a moment to gather your thoughts. The hurt in your eyes was palpable, but you couldn't let the bitterness in Remus's words go unanswered. You quickly follow after him upstairs.

"Remus," you began, your voice steady despite the hurt, "I don't understand what you're going through, but shutting me out won't help either of us. I just want to understand."

He turned to you, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and a longing he could no longer contain. "I can't tell you everything, but I need you to know something," Remus began, his voice carrying the weight of the countless days he had spent wrestling with the same torment. "I love you. It's more than just friendship, more than camaraderie. Every day I wake up and watch you die, and it tears me apart because I can't save you. But there's something else… something I've been too afraid to admit."

His words spilled out in a rambling confession, the barriers he had carefully constructed crumbling beneath the weight of his emotions. "I think you're the only one I want to spend the rest of my days with. I'm tired of facing this nightmare alone, tired of not telling you that I'm completely and hopelessly in love with you. Every day, I've been holding back, but I can't keep it in any longer. It's not like telling you is going to change anything anyway..."

You stood there, caught between confusion and a profound realization. Remus's admission, though tangled in the complexities of his emotions, resonated with a sincerity that touched your heart. The room seemed to still, the echoes of despair momentarily silenced by the raw honesty in his words.

Without fully comprehending the intricacies of his struggle, you knew that the man standing before you had bared his soul. The weight of his unspoken love, the burden he had carried in silence, echoed in the air. The conflicting emotions within you converged, and the overwhelming desire to bridge the gap between you and Remus took hold.

In a moment of clarity, you closed the distance between you and Remus, reaching up to cup his face gently. "Remus," you whispered, a mixture of tenderness and confusion in your eyes. "It changes everything. I may not understand everything you're going through, but I do know one thing." Leaning in, you pressed a soft kiss against his lips, a gesture that conveyed both reassurance and the acknowledgment of a shared connection.

The next iteration of the relentless loop unfolded with a sense of impending dread. Remus, having memorized the sequence of events, knew the tragic outcome that awaited them at the Department of Mysteries. However, a newfound determination flickered in his eyes as he clung to the hope that this time might be different.

As the battle erupted, Remus focused his efforts on distracting Lucius Malfoy, drawing the Death Eater's attention away from you. The confrontation was intense, spells colliding with a fierce energy, and in the chaos, you seized the opportunity to evade the impending danger. Remus, sacrificing himself to protect you, bore the brunt of the attack meant for you.

A searing pain coursed through him, and the world blurred as Remus felt himself being knocked to the ground. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was your figure, safe and unharmed, disappearing into the chaos of the battle.

When Remus woke, his body aching, he found himself in a cold sweat within the familiar confines of 12 Grimmauld Place. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as the haunting reality of failure settled over him once again. He turned over in resignation, expecting to find himself alone, only to be met with an unexpected sight.

There, lying beside him, was you—alive and well. The shock of seeing you, unharmed and peacefully resting, jolted through Remus. He couldn't comprehend the deviation from the expected outcome, and a mix of confusion and relief washed over him.

"You're… here," he murmured, disbelief coloring his voice. The weight of the countless days he had spent watching you die lifted, replaced by a surreal sense of gratitude that left him momentarily speechless.

You stirred awake, sensing Remus's gaze upon you. As your eyes met his, he found solace in the warmth of your presence. "Remus, are you alright?" you asked, concern etched across your face.

He chuckled, a mix of exhaustion and relief in the sound. "I should be asking you that. I thought I had failed again."

A small smile played on your lips as you reached out to touch his cheek. "You saved me Remus. And Sirius too. It was like...you knew what was going to happen."

"That's because I did."

"What?"

"I'll explain it to you later darling. For now, please just let me hold you." Remus pulled you close to him, your head tucked into his neck, legs pressed together, his arm around your waist securely.

"Hey Remus?" you whispered.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I love you."

In that moment, surrounded by the shadows of 12 Grimmauld Place, Remus Lupin felt a flicker of hope reignite within him. The unending loop had broken, and the person he had spent countless days trying to save was by his side. The weight of the past lifted, leaving room for a future where love and resilience triumphed over the relentless march of time.

[glorfys-glorioushair]

Story in the Castlevania Games

Buckle up this is a long one!

I understand that there is often a divide about which of the Castlevania game types are better (Classicvanias, Metroidvanias, and the 3Ds) but I think this is kind of shallow because they each offer a different perspective of style. 

Personally I love the Igarashi era because the first game I 100% completed was Symphony of the Night (I started with Super Castlevania on a SNES). I also connect with the style because I’m a terrible gamer and you can easily scrape through those (yes I went as mist throughout a lot of the inverted castle don’t @ me) as opposed to the classicvanias which make you pay for it (I like the tough concept and the reward, but I can’t tell you how many times I have screamed about falling off stairs). I haven't had a chance to play the 3Ds yet, but I have watched the Curse of Darkness cutscenes in 4K numerous times!

My own preferences aside, we all know that despite gameplay, every Castlevania game (the ones that follow the timeline, bc idk anything about the Lord of Shadows series) have the same simple plot with the sole purpose in defeating Dracula. And I sometimes see in the gaming community that their simplicity of plot is marked off as terrible and shallow. In a surface level view this can be true if you just play games to play games. But in regards to Ernest Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory that “emphasizes the idea that a writer should only reveal a small portion of the story, with the bulk of the meaning and emotion implied or hinted at”, the Castlevania games explore such deep concepts of love, human struggle, identity, gender roles, sexuality, good vs. evil, religion, and other philosophies. 

By having the same basic objective, the writers are able to explore the different avenues in going about the completion of the task of defeating Dracula and point to the ideas of what it means to be human. Some examples under the cut:

Symphony of the Night has the debate of how evil and even good can have radical ideology evident with Dracula obviously, but also in Richter who got so consumed with being the force of good he was manipulated by darkness. Thus Alucard, who is a product of both good and evil is the only one who can reinstate this balance and leave behind the quote from the Sega Saturn version, “However, you must never forget this: the one with the power to destroy this world is not him... Humans themselves possess this power.” The dialogue is actually good and complex in this game when you compare the different versions. 

CVIII: Dracula’s Curse is argued to have one of the hardest gameplays (outside of the original Japanese version) and couldn’t this have an impact on the fact Trevor Belmont and the gang are the first ones to take down Dracula? It had to have been hard for them to achieve such a feat! Also the different motives for all of the playable characters. Trevor and his family’s fealty to fighting the night and who was once Mathias Cronqvist. Grant Danasty who seeks revenge for getting temporarily turned into a monster and fights for his country’s safety. Alucard who wants to stop his father from tormenting humans. And Syfa Belnades who was a female magic user for the church in a time where that mysticism could be deadly, but was necessary to preserve humanity. I think Syfa is interesting in terms of hiding versus showing true identity (something Yoko Belnades eons later talks about). 

Curse of Darkness. Y’all this might be the most complete and obviously complex story (supplement material aside) that they have ever produced, yet it’s the one that’s the most sidelined. And for what?? Hector is an outstanding foil to Dracula even to the point of the goal is to use him as a vessel to resurrect Dracula. Like that is so interesting!! Even Isaac and Julia have great characterizations. If you want more stuff about this game, check out @beevean they have great content. 

My second favorite game, Aria of Sorrow explores how Soma is actually a reincarnation of Dracula and it’s a battle of the self, temptation, and his love for Mina that can defeat the evil within. Also Alucard’s change in terms of approaching the situation of defeating his father under the guise of Arikado Genya. Now that’s a can of worms right there.

Order of Ecclesia and the discourse of cults, Harmony of Dissonance regarding how the Belmonts are just as cursed as Dracula, friendship and more in CV: Bloodlines, Simon Belmont’s battle with outward and internal strength, Lament of Innocence and how the women are fridged for both good and evil, the list can go on.

Now I won’t say that every single Castlevania game achieves this well, most things are left to speculation and interpretation like deeper information of what happens between games and what the Belmont lineage canonically looks like. But the fact you can draw these intense and deep messages from pixels and gameplay is incredible!  

What may be my biggest frustration with Konami sidelining the Castlevania series is the potential of a complex story within a well-thought out gameplay and style. Grimoire of Souls may have failed with repetition and it being a gacha game, but the story was interesting because they explored what it looks like with the characters from different games comparing and contrasting themes. It shows that there are people in the writing room who still care about the games because of the story. But money seems to be the problem for Konami which is stupid because they would make bank with this game franchise imo

Anyways my real point here is that taking a minimalistic approach to the story-telling within a game isn’t a bad thing because there’s always going to be deeper meanings. Perhaps this is why I myself gravitate so much towards this series. For me it’s not always about how good I can get through a level or boss fight, but the subject of what speaks to the human soul.

TL;DR: don’t get hung up on what gameplay is better, pay attention to the fact that all the games share a simple plot in order to explore complex themes of humanity, saying that less is more.

[llycaons]

by request of my esteemed mutual @monky I've collected a choice selection of bad porn tidbits from this exhaustively long, 80% smut get-together series Everyday and Always by alliterationhor. I don't know how to emphasize how purple this prose is. expect way too many adjectives, a lot of passive voice, and a lot of repetition. it's decently characterized and the language flows uniquely so it's not all bad. enjoy

Wei Wuxian supposed that it should not come as a surprise that Lan Wangji was just as quiet in bed as he was otherwise. But that did make it difficult to determine whether or not Lan Wangji liked what he was doing. Perhaps it was necessary to take a different approach to acquire more precise information.

this made me laugh. it's exactly what I would imagine novel wwx doing, maybe in a better series

...

“Ridiculous.” “Ha ha ha ha ha!” Wei Wuxian threw his head back as laughter burst from his mouth.

this isn't terrible, just awkward

The sight was so obscene and so beautiful and Lan Wangji was absolutely captivated by the wanton rise and fall of those hips fucking his cock into Lan Wangji’s hand.

see there's a lot of telling in this, rather than showing. there's a fair amount of showing too, tbh, and I actually kind of liked ch1 because they really did nail the atmosphere and their character dynamic. but the longer the series went on, the more generic and bland the scenes got. and there really is so much of this language. like oh tell me again how it felt so good and they're so happy 🙄

“Yes, Lan Zhan …” The words flowed from his mouth with a deep moan. “… more …”

passive voice, very common in this fic

Wei Wuxian panted as he looked at the ceiling, feeling limp and exhausted and absolutely amazed and brimming with such an unbelievable sense of satisfaction.

...

and the intense heat where their skins touched felt so impossibly amazing it was difficult to believe it was real.

see above. sometimes just telling us is fine but it's not the same as using creative or interesting language

But soon the kisses deepened into a deliciously decadent connection of open mouths and slippery tongues and heavy breaths

no comment. just look at that adjective use

“Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian’s voice was dark and deadly. “Who was it?” “Who? What do you mean?” “This isn’t your fist time, right?” he accused, the words brimming with a furious jealousy. “Tell me who it was because they have to die.” Lan Wangji shook his head, not understanding the abrupt lunacy of the topic. “What are—?” Wei Wuxian’s insides erupted into a panic. Lan Wangji was still fond of this person? Protecting this person? Oh no, what if Jiang Cheng was right and it was Mo Xuanyu? He couldn’t kill Mo Xuanyu, Mo Xuanyu was already dead!

well-characterized except for this, maybe

A wide, warm grin curved the crimson coloured shape of Wei Wuxian’s lips

THIS. I've wanted to mention this line for ages. bc like...what?

Soft kisses continued to fall on Wei Wuxian’s skin as an erotic symphony of moans rose from his mouth and rippled through the air around them.

see here we are again with the passive voice. it makes the scene awkward and feel disconnected from the actual characters. saying 'that skin' or 'those lips' have the same effect

“… tell me, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian murmured, his voice a compelling current of the purest desire.

...

Both nipples received soft, wet kisses and a few teasing licks until they became hard points under the amorous attention.

passive voice AND overuse of heavyhanded adjectives

His eyes fluttered closed as those sinful lips dropped slow kisses down the muscled plane of his stomach, and a quiet groan left his mouth when those lustful lips kissed along the length of his erection above the fabric of the trousers

all the same issues + repetitive

Soft kisses fell like raindrops on that succulent skin,

I just think skin should not be described as 'succulent'

The erotic words plucked with precision at Lan Wangji’s nerves

...some alliteration, I guess?

He silenced that beautiful, vulgar mouth with his own and pushed that beautiful, wicked body down onto the bed beneath his own.

both too much repetition and not enough. awkward

“Yes …!” Wei Wuxian whimpered, as he felt the hot splash of Lan Wangji’s semen against his insides.

this was a terrible mental image. I have read a lot of porn at this point and a lot of it has been bad, but little as been as unappealing as this line. also don't call it semen 😭

While they kissed and kissed, the moans pouring from Wei Wuxian’s mouth grew louder... Wei Wuxian gave a muffled cry of pleasure into Lan Wangji’s devoted mouth.

...

When he confessed, Lan Wangji had thought that if he was somehow fortunate enough for Wei Wuxian to accept his feelings and allow Lan Wangji to remain by his side, then perhaps Wei Wuxian would also accept his touch and his kisses, in carefully measured amounts

no grammar issues, but another characterization problem. lwj would not expect wwx to tolerate his kisses if wwx does't feel the same way, and lwj wouldn't want that anyway. this kind of goes against the plot of ch1, but there's no way lwj would pursue intimacy with wwx unless he KNEW wwx felt the same way as he did. he's too all-or-nothing to be comfortable just taking scraps if wwx wasn't as devoted as him

“You are not too sore?” Lan Wangji questioned in a quiet voice, keeping the touch of his fingers light as they circled the still-squishy hole

'questioned' is repetitive and unnecessary. also don't call it squishy 😭

“I want you inside me, Er-gege,” he continued, biting his lips on a seductive smile as he stared into the dark brown depths of Lan Wangji’s eyes. “… please, I want you to fuck me with your magnificent cock!”

this was a little embarrassing to read

The deep groan of delight that rose from the back of Lan Wangji’s throat as Wei Wuxian’s hand began to stroke his cock was a divinely debauched sound that made Wei Wuxian ache for more.

adding 'divinely debauched' to my daily vocabulary

his body had no trouble relaxing into the subtle sting of being penetrated by the large length of this cock.

...

a wicked grin curving the red shape of his mouth

...

felt the hot splash of semen against his insides

😨 AGAIN???

Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian teased, pouting sweetly. “At a time like this, shouldn’t you call me something else?”

of the handful of words this author uses way too much, 'sweetly' is one of them

“Mn,” Lan Wangji answered, gently stroking the skin under his hands. “Dangerous.”

another nitpick. whose skin? obviously it's wwx's, but since it's so rarely specified there's constant mental images of the characters we know in this scene with a plethora of disembodies lips, skin, cheeks, faces, necks, backs, etc.

a soft kiss anointed the crimson-coloured shape of Lan Wangji’s mouth.

this author and the crismon shape of people's mouths...

a golden light gilded the edge of the window frame.

this is just a nitpick but if something is being gilded then by definition the thing doing the gilding is golden. repetitive

and finally, the original posted line

he loved Lan Wangji’s angelic face gazing up at him as if he was some kind of angel.

well I suppose it got the message across

[complicitsacrilege]

A Tag Thing!

Tagged by @pinkestpigglet - thank youuuu!

Current time: 1:58 am

Current mood: neutral? tired? bored? not really sure but not much of anything.

Current activity: writing a reply to a Seth/Fareed RP with a friend. And procrastinating bedtime again.

Currently thinking about: don't really have a lot on my mind at the moment except that I want to play my violin but it is 2 in the morning. 🥲

Current favorite song: god okay I can't pick just one, so here, have a mini playlist.

Recuerdos De La Alhambra - performed by Andrés Segovia STUNNING. FLAWLESS. MAKES ME CRY EVERY TIME.

Quiet as a Rat - Amigo the Devil

Don't Save Me - Chxrlotte

The Curse of Elkhart by Murder by Death this band is probably one of my top 5 faves

Pyre - Son Lux

You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth - Meat Loaf classic - also the Loustat vibe is on point

Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Minor RV 43 - Vivaldi my fave song to play on any instrument

And When I Die - The Heavy put this shit on blast tbh

You Belong to Me - Cat Pierce the Armand vibes of this are IMMACULATE

And if you're really in it, Symphony No. 5 - Dmitri Shostakovich directed by Bernstein is my favorite Symphony by any composer. (the Solti directed version is also great! But in either case, movement 4 is the most fun imo, but the whole thing is great if you have an hour to listen. Honestly I could just watch Bernstein conduct all day and be happy)

Currently reading:

Reread of Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis

Nailbiter vol 1

Well Traveled - Jen DeLuca

An Inheritance of Monsters - Cate Corvin

Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

Pretty Deadly vol 1

Listening to the Killer Psyche podcast

Currently watching: uhh... I'm not really watching anything? Tbh I don't really watch a lot of TV. But I am replaying Untitled Goose Game and started playing Killer Frequency!

Current favorite character: Armand, as always. But also Lestat, Seth, and Fareed. I can't pick just one (this is a trend, if you haven't noticed)

Current WIPs: screenplays for a tv series a friend and I are writing, several sketches, a few crochet things (including socks, friend's holiday presents, an amigurumi dog, and a granny square blanket)

Tagging: @isabellehemlock @translouisdpdl @0nelittlebirdtoldme @dark-gift @argyleheir if y'all wanna do a thing

or if anyone else wants to do a thing, go for it!

[livcwildcndfrcc]

Bloodhunter of the shadows

Prequel: Earn your money

Author’s note:

So this is basically the backstory of my new character for my new campaign in dnd and i just like to prepare in the form of writing a book so here you go. Oh and i will drop some easter eggs for things that inspire me like critical role and stuff.

All rights reserved™️ to me (livcwdcndfrcc)

The thunderous roar of the storm echoed through the ancient forest, drowning out all other sounds. The only thing noticeable is a small campsite with three big trolls patrolling around. Rain poured in torrents, turning the forest floor into a muddy and foggy abyss. In the midst of this tempest, a lone figure pressed forward, cloaked and determined with a sword in her hand.

“Hey big guys, i think its your lucky day today.” The cloaked figure said before jumping from a higher spot right on to the middle troll, piercing him with her sword in the neck. The cloaked and hooded female Ashryn, stood triumphant over the lifeless body of the troll she had just defeated and chuckled. “Or is it mine?” Her blade, stained with troll blood, shimmered in the heavy rain and lightning that filtered through the towering trees. A sense of accomplishment washed over her, but she knew the battle was far from over.

The eerie silence was shattered by the low, guttural growls of the two remaining trolls. They had watched in disbelief as their comrade fell, and now, fury burned in their eyes. These trolls were massive, their grotesque forms towering over Ashryn. One had a gnarled, scarred face, and the other was slightly larger with mottled green skin.

Ashryn tightened her grip on her sword, her heart pounding as she prepared for the impending confrontation. The trolls moved forward with slow, deliberate steps, their enormous clubs gripped tightly in their hands. She could smell their rancid breath even from several paces away.

The larger troll, eyes locked onto Ashryn, roared in fury, a sound that shook the leaves from the trees. It lunged toward her, its club raised high for a deadly strike. Ashryn was quick to react, sidestepping the massive blow with a graceful agility that belied her size. She countered with a swift and precise sword strike, slicing into the troll's side.

The injured troll bellowed in pain, but it was far from defeated. Its companion moved in, swinging its club in a wide arc, threatening to crush Ashryn. She managed to parry the blow, but the sheer force behind it sent her stumbling backward. Leaves and twigs crunched beneath her boots as she fought to regain her footing.

With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Ashryn launched herself back into the battle. She engaged in a dance of strikes, dodges, and parries, pushing her martial skill to its limits. The trolls' sheer size and strength were a formidable challenge, but she was fueled by her determination to protect the forest and its inhabitants.

As the fight raged on, the forest seemed to come alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and the thunderstorm coming in closer than ever. It was a chaotic symphony of nature bearing witness to a fierce struggle between the cloaked figure and the relentless trolls. Ashryn knew that only through sheer will and skill could she hope to overcome these formidable adversaries.

The battle continued, with neither side giving ground. Ashryn's breath was labored, her body aching, but she pressed on, knowing that the nearest town’s fate was on her shoulders. The town had called her in because she was the only good enough monster killer nearby, even if she was the most frightening bloodhunter out there. At least according to the tales. They needed there forest to live.

So she took a deep but labored breath before running up against the two trolls, With every swing of her blade, the cloaked fighter, carved her way through the trolls' defenses. The forest had become an arena of chaos, with the trolls and Ashryn locked in a desperate struggle and the thunderstorm slowly moving away. Their roars and her battle cries echoed through the trees, but determination burned bright in Ashryn's eyes.

The first troll, the one with the gnarled, scarred face, made a final, desperate lunge. Its club, now covered in blood, swung wildly toward Ashryn. With lightning-fast reflexes, she stepped back, narrowly avoiding the deadly blow. In that fleeting moment, she saw her opportunity.

She lunged forward, her blade finding its mark. With a single, powerful strike, she drove her sword deep into the troll's chest. The troll's eyes widened in disbelief as it staggered back, clutching at the mortal wound. It let out a mournful howl before collapsing to the forest floor, its life extinguished.

The remaining troll, the larger and mottled green-skinned one, was momentarily stunned by the death of its companion. Ashryn wasted no time. With a determined fury, she closed the distance between them. Her blade, still dripping with troll blood, sliced through the air and found its mark once more. This time, it was the troll's throat.

The troll gurgled, blood spurting from the fatal wound as it fell to its knees, then to the ground. The forest grew eerily quiet, save for the gentle rumbling of the thunderstorm that moved further and further away. Ashryn stood triumphant, her breathing heavy, her cloak stained with the evidence of her hard-fought victory.

The trolls that had threatened the town nearby and its inhabitants were no more. Ashryn had proven herself as a capable bloodhunter to the people of the town. She wiped her sword clean, her eyes scanning the serene forest around her. The threat was vanquished, and the forest could breathe a sigh of relief.

With her battered body Ashryn makes her way back into town, putting her sword away slowly.

“ i hope they pay me what i promised. Maybe I finally can stay a day longer for once. I would love to go to the tavern tonight and drink so good mead.” Ashryn thinks to herself as she walks on the town square.

What she didn’t notice while being so deep in her own thoughts is that some townfolk run back home scared and lock their house when they see her walk by, others stand frozen and petrified of the fighter covered in blood. The cry of a small child is hearable from the other side of the square. “i would dance all night if i had the oppo- what is that sound?” Ashryn shakes her head as if to wake herself up from daydreaming and looks around to find a small child crying on the other side of the town square.

She slowly walks up to the child “Hi darling! Can i help you? Did you lose your mother?” The fighter leans down to get face to face with the small kid. The child looks even more frightened when Ashryn comes nearby and starts running away as fast as she can while crying even louder. As the kid was not watching where she was going when she was trying to run away in fear of ashryn, she fully walks into one of the street lanterns falling down in the process and fainting because of the pure adrenaline.

“Why do kids always feel the need to run away from me. I’m not scary scary, I’m fun scary.”

Ashryn thinks before seeing every person in this town look at her with fear in their eyes. “Huh maybe i am scary scary… i dont try to be.” Ashryn huffs before walking to the town’s elder to retrieve her earned money “guess it won’t be drinking and having fun in a tavern tonight.”

[twentyninebirds]

novalo's fic list

hi. hello. did you know that i sometimes write fic? i know. it surprises me too. as i would very much not like to make individual posts for all the fics i've written, i'm collecting them here.

Xenoblade Chronicles

maybe the real chain attack was the friends we made along the way (19.8k, colony 9 NPCs vs. the world, G): xenoblade chronicles 3 future redeemed oneshot in which the NPCs of colony 9 attempt to fill out the enemypedia and come to realize a whole bunch of unfortunate things about the world.

snowglobe's broke (42.6k, future connected squad vs. the world, T): time travel canon divergence ng+ speedrun fic in which shulk, melia, tyrea, and the ponspectors brute-force their way through the plot of xenoblade chronicles 1.

ephemera (8.4k, alvis & shulk, G): in which shulk and alvis contemplate mortality, creation, and loneliness while a dead god mourns on a beach.

Ace Combat

thirty birds (47.7k, cipher/pixy, T): a treatise on the perils of nihilism, the nature of belief, and the human condition with an ace combat zero spin. second person POV character study of pixy during and after the belkan war. i had approximately five separate existential crises writing this.

Persona 5

a glove, a bolt, and an atom bomb (14.7k, shuake, T): time loop goro akechi character study. likely to be part of a larger series. affectionately referred to by me as "monoliths".

an accidental interruption and a final day (19.1k, shuake, T): pt. 2 WIP of monoliths, in which goro akechi makes friends (?), tests deadly cosplay props, and navigates life, all while a cast of an unnamed play watches quietly.

Yugioh

small town, big flame (28.6k, yugi & OCs vs. the world, T): in which two ghost hunter content creators who have a worrying amount of experience with the supernatural meet yugi mutou in a haunted town. cue shenanigans. probably my favourite fic i've written. if you find the despite it all references you deserve a medal.

Fullmetal Alchemist

maestoso (33.1k, ed & al vs. the world, T): time travel orchestra AU fix-it AU in which ed and al have the chance to do the plot of FMAB all over and go about in the most convoluted way possible. involves the typical vigilantism and a bit more soloist bravado than strictly necessary. what do you get when you toss the central symphony orchestra into a coup against a fascist state? i dunno but let's hope it's better funding for the arts

Fire Emblem

goat milk and oats (25.9k, grima vs. the world, G): in which grima isn't as horrible as he could be, accidentally invents existentialism, and is reborn as a pet snake. this changes everything and nothing. the title is very literal.

as virtuous men pass mildly away (4.1k, byleth & ghosts, T): FE3H WIP in which byleth can see ghosts and recruits one glenn fraldarius (deceased). somehow this changes nothing.

MDZS

despite it all (292k, lwj/wwx but mostly gen focus, T): WIP in which wwx comes back a little more lucky and a little more godly and picks up young cultivator-apprentice a-qing, sword spirit xue yang, and fledgling array specialist mxy. features a subplot about dead gods who are a bit too good at haunting the living and themselves and a 70k+ chapter. heavily AU. i subtly but gleefully refer to this fic in most of my newer ones. i am both normal and sane.

to the venerable dragons of lotus pier (19k, wwx & yunmeng sibs, T): mdzs/the ocean at the end of the lane AU. in attempting to fix everything wwx rearranges the fabric of reality. cue memory alteration, convoluted fix-its, and immortal keepers of time. i'm not sure if i can adequately summarize how surreal this fic is and i wrote it.

a sky 1300 years wide (17.6k, wwx & wen sibs, T): mdzs/norgami WIP in which wwx is reborn and immediately becomes a local menace to a small town and a handyman.

places we saw and made and lost (2.3k, wwx/lwj but mostly gen, G): collection of short prose snippets, mostly character studies.

BNHA

brilliant lights will cease to burn (206k, izuku & everyone, T): bnha/ccs WIP where izuku becomes a cardcaptor and makes it everyone's problem, especially his own. so many shenanigans.

enbu (7k, midoriya izuku and his violent friends vs. the world, G): bnha/kny AU in which midoriya izuku is part of the kamado family line, lands a ghost tanjirou, and convinces his friends to terrorize the local demon population.

eater (10.6k, midoriya izuku & everyone, T): WIP in which izuku is an eldritch abomination who can eat literally everything, including abstract concepts and nothingness itself. he's chill, don't worry about it.

love's labour's only slightly singed (1.9k, hatsume & yaoyorozu, G): oneshot written for hatsume mei zine. hatsume and momo navigate the beginnings of a terrifying friendship.

yagyo (8.4k, izuku & anyone unfortunate enough to cross him, T): WIP in which izuku becomes a spirit-walker, treading in places that really aren't healthy for a sane human being.

The Legend of Zelda

the wind guides us (8.7k, link & introspection, G): character study of BOTW link, featuring loneliness, solitude, the nature of memory, heroism, and a warm campfire.

Voltron

even as its petals scatter (3.2k, lance & allura, T): character study of lance and the ache to lay down your arms and stop chasing ideals of heroism.

[lotr-fanatic-1]

A Tale of Sacrifice

Prologue: A Dream

———————————————————

Warnings: None

Word Count: 904

Synopsis: None

Author’s Note: This is an isekai based fan fiction following two main insert characters, one plays as the more prominent main character (Y/n) and another playing the lesser main role (Bf/n). The main plot will follow Peter Jackson’s rendition so there will be no Tom Bombadil, I apologize ahead of time. Furthermore, as of writing this I have only made it halfway through the Silmarillion so feel free to correct me on anything I get wrong, thanks! Finally, I will be adding more characterization to characters who have little screen time, so tell me if they end up being a bit too OOC. With that out of the way, this story is just for fun and practice, so please enjoy.

Finally, characters, settings and so on so forth are not my own (there will be some OCs later on) and belong to whoever has the rights to Tolkien’s source material. This includes Warner Brothers for Lord of The Rings/The Hobbit, The Tolkien Estate for the Silmarillion, and more for other works not by me.

———————————————————

There was a distant tune hidden behind a cloak of darkness, something warm and bright fighting against a swarm of ice creeping into her bones. It echoed throughout the void in warning, a somewhat threatening tone behind the beautiful sounds.

Despite that, it never ceased its chants of hopes and dreams.

The choir sang louder and louder, a symphony of voices so heavenly she would have thought she was in paradise. But the cold pushed harder until it overpowered and engulfed her being in a deadly embrace.

No longer was there a song, nor a theme to keep the maiden's mind from wandering into nothingness. And in oblivion she stayed until time became a fleeting feeling.

Then in an instant, swift and welcoming, a light took her by the hand and dragged her from suffocation. Her eyes opened and she gasped, air rushed into her lungs like sweet sugar while sunshine pierced her irises. The helping hand disappeared, forcing the girl to scramble out of the unyielding darkness that begged for her return. But she wouldn't, darkness was not what she desired.

So the woman continued to fight and claw and thrash until the shadows retreated for another battle. Only then could she finally breathe again.

Lifting up her heavy head and staring far into the distance, a blurry scene of gold and silver stretched as far as her eyes could see. A sea of light and beauty untold gave her a new sense of finality. As if there was nowhere more perfect for her to be.

Her chest rose and fell with heaving breaths, adrenaline still high from fending off the darkness. So she rose to her full height and allowed the breeze to whisk her away towards the light of salvation. Truth be told, the woman did not think she was dead, just in a dream unlike any other.

The winds began to speak and ring like chimes on a back porch on a breezy summer's eve. The calming streams grew in volume, their methodical trickle setting a beat for the rustling of the many trees littering her path.

Her bare feet tickled against the crisp grass as she neared the beautiful lights in the distance. It all felt so real. Even when figures began to form against the glow seemed to be real despite their imperceivable forms. Their songs each rang differently, welcoming, warm, ethereal.

Struck with awe, the woman couldn't bring herself to speak when one of the figures turned towards her, staring straight through her being. Their heavenly eyes seemed lined with feathers, and atop their head a wisp of clouds that sunk past their feet like hair. The song that danced around them was delicate and light.

"Welcome (y/n)."

The figure's hair began to rise, it would have been threatening if the smile upon their- no- his face wasn't so gentle. And his voice, a smooth rumble akin to thunder.

"H-how do you know my name? Where... where am I?" Her voice seemed so small compared to these majestic giants, nothing but a quivering and groggy mess.

"I know many things, but not enough to answer all." His figure of light shifted, and the others followed his gaze to the glow far away. "You will find answers in time, the will of Eru is only so clear."

"Eru...." The woman furrowed her brow in contemplation, why was that name so familiar? It's origin on the tip of her tongue and when she looked back up to ask the name, everyone was gone.

The sky was no longer in a golden glow, but a sickly darkness consuming all that was. A hand rose from the contaminated earth covered in the blackest armor she had ever seen. It reached out for her and she could no longer move.

With closed eyes, the maiden awaited death.

But it never came, instead, a muffled voice reverberated through her head. It got louder and louder until she opened her eyes and escaped her corrupted dream. Blinding sunlight pierced her gaze with a vengeance.

"(Y/n)! Wake up!" The voice shook her in panic. "(Y/n), you need to wake up!"

Her eyes finally adjusted to the familiar face in front of her, eyes reflecting sparks of wonder stared into her own. "Wha-?" She began, wondering how her boyfriend was with her at this moment.

"Shh! Look around!" His panicked tone was replaced by excitement and a cheeky grin. "Do you know where we are?!"

The woman stared off into rolling hills of green grass, a little farther beyond rows of farms and endless fields with strong trees. Flowers decorated the little gardens in front of small circular doors on the sides of the hills. It was almost as if she was in the Shire.

She glanced over to the young man crouched beside her in the grass. He awaited her answer with a shifting posture and goofy grin, so with a weary smile she shook her head no.

The man's grin stretched farther across his face and his eyes. "The Shire from Lord of the Rings! Just look around, there's hobbits everywhere! And-and it feels so real, you're here too, it can't be a dream!"

The look in his eyes were of starlight, bright and always looking forwards. (Y/n) smiled despite the situation and the forgotten dream, she couldn't help but fall in love with him all over again.

[ao3feed-crimeboys]

A Soldier Boy's Symphony

by Random_Bread

Pogtopia and Manburg had been at war for a long time, and Pogtopia was on the brink of extintion. The battles were more serious and deadly than ever before. Pogtopia was prepared for anything... or so they thought.

Words: 617, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Dream SMP, Video Blogging RPF, Minecraft (Video Game)

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: Gen

Characters: TommyInnit (Video Blogging RPF), Toby Smith | Tubbo, Phil Watson | Philza, Technoblade (Video Blogging RPF), Wilbur Soot, Jschlatt (Video Blogging RPF)

Relationships: Toby Smith | Tubbo & TommyInnit, Wilbur Soot & Technoblade & TommyInnit & Phil Watson | Philza, Jschlatt & Toby Smith | Tubbo, Technoblade & Phil Watson | Philza, Wilbur Soot & TommyInnit, Technoblade & TommyInnit (Video Blogging RPF), Wilbur Soot & Phil Watson | Philza, TommyInnit & Phil Watson | Philza

Additional Tags: TommyInnit Needs a Hug (Video Blogging RPF), Wilbur Soot and Technoblade and TommyInnit are Siblings, Goat Hybrid Toby Smith | Tubbo, Toby Smith | Tubbo Needs a Hug, Bad Sibling Wilbur Soot, Good Parent Jschlatt (Video Blogging RPF), Other Additional Tags to Be Added, I'm Bad At Tagging, TommyInnit's Name is Tommy Danger Careful Kraken Innit (Video Blogging RPF), Tags Contain Spoilers

[linuxgamenews]

Dead Cells largest and most ambitious DLC is out now

Return to Castlevania game DLC launches for Dead Cells on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. This is all due to the ongoing commitment of developers Motion Twin and Evil Empire. Available on both Steam and GOG. The latest Dead Cells adventure from Motion Twin and Evil Empire has finally arrived. Due to explore the world that inspired the hit indie roguelike in a world shattering collaboration with Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania. The ambitious DLC adds numerous new weapons, enemies, and three deadly bosses. Doing so in a bombastic and unique Castlevania mashup. The new launch trailer does not hold back. While proudly showcasing the variety and attention to detail that the Evil Empire devs put into the stunning settings of Dracula’s Castle. Each corridor, bridge, and balcony from Castlevania is carefully recreated. Doing so in the gorgeous signature art style of Dead Cells. Play as 20 (...yes, 20!) iconic characters in Return to Castlevania. This also includes Castlevania legends Richter Belmont and Alucard. Due to wield 14 brand new weapons as you take on Dracula, Medusa, and Death himself. Return to Castlevania is a massive love letter to the franchise that inspired Dead Cells. While hosting the most insane boss fight yet. Catch a glimpse of what awaits when you finally meet Dracula Beast Form. Doing so in a no-holds-barred, all-out, batshit boss fight. Good luck.

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania DLC - Launch Trailer

But don’t fret: that sweet, sweet loot will help unlock new abilities. All due to take on the various new challenges waiting for you. And of course, no Dead Cells DLC would be complete without the addition of a new pet. The trailer also introduces Maria Renard’s cat, which is available …somewhere… in the castle. All ready to shred your foes to death with her surprisingly powerful claws. With this power at your fingertips (or hanging out on your shoulder). In Return to Castlevania, the minions of Dracula will be dead before you can say “wall meat.” And yes, you can pet the cat. Revealing the many secrets hidden in Dracula’s Castle requires luck, skill, and patience. So keep your eyes peeled for the many Castlevania easter eggs that lie in wait. Extra secrets are hidden in the Castle. This includes the huge nostalgia bomb of Richter Mode. This is also stashed away in the gloomy halls. This Return to Castlevania unlockable mode will let players relive their experience in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Coming complete with a moveset inspired by the title. This includes all of Richter’s original, iconic attacks. Along with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows PC.

Soundtrack

Finally, behind all of that Return to Castlevania content is a soundtrack. Complete with 51 original Castlevania songs that can be played anywhere in the game. Plus 12 of the most famous tracks re-made in the style of Dead Cells for the DLC levels. The largest and most ambitious DLC to date for the 8mm+ selling roguelite. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania hosts the ultimate blend of tests and detail. Since surprises spanning the while of Dead Cells development. Which is available to fans around the world from developers Evil Empire and Motion Twin. Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania DLC is available on both Steam and GOG. Priced at $9.99 USD / £8.50 / 9,99€. Along with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Plus the game is Steam Deck Verified.

[akiss-from-a-rose]

TASK 001: A Sun Killer Lullaby - An Aaliyah Rose Playlist

Though music changes through the years, there are elements of it that always remain the same. Aaliyah Rose, though different from the woman that died as Alina Roth, is still the same in many ways, though she tries to shove them down. Still, she’s changed, evolved, so much so that it’s hard to recognize her. Gone are the days of lofty aristocracy. Instead, they’ve been replaced with a little more grit.

Vinyl records typically have an A-side and a B-side, the A-side featuring the songs that an artist or record label expects or wants to be the most popular. On the flip-side (or B-side) are the songs that tend to get less attention. For Aaliyah’s playlist, the “A-side” is her most forward facing self, the one that she shows to people on a regular basis, while her “B-side” exposes more of the inner workings of her character. Spanning genre and decade, there’s a hint of bite to each of these tracks befitting a vampire of Aaliyah’s age and status.

Listen here. Songs detailed more below the cut.

Side A

Killer Queen by Queen | To avoid complications / She never kept the same address / In conversation / She spoke just like a baroness.

I Like It Heavy by Halestorm | Some like beautiful, perfect and pretty / I see the good in the bad and the ugly / I need the volume one louder than ten / Put the pedal to the metal needle into the red.

Sun Killer by Spiritbox | Tell me the waves won't rise / And monsters will fade with time / To temper the blaze with the twist of a knife / A sun killer lullaby.

You’re Gonna Go Far Kid by The Offspring | With a thousand lies and a good disguise / Hit 'em right between the eyes / Hit 'em right between the eyes / When you walk away, nothing more to say / See the lightning in your eyes / See 'em running for their lives.

Notorious by Adelitas Way | I am exactly what they say I am / I stand for everything that they can't stand /  I can't help it, I was born this way / But when I'm gone you'll remember my name.

Maneater by Hall and Oates | She's deadly man, she could really rip your world apart / Mind over matter / Ooh, the beauty is there but a beast is in the heart.

Only Happy When It Rains by Garbage | I only smile in the dark / My only comfort is the night gone black / I didn't accidentally tell you that / I'm only happy when it rains.

Side B

I Don’t Wanna Be An Asshole Anymore by The Menzingers | And I've been wandering and I live through the garden of your heart ache / Always making a mess, always stumbling out the door / But I don't wanna be an asshole anymore. 

Criminal by Fiona Apple | Heaven help me for the way I am / Save me from these evil deeds before I get them done / I know tomorrow brings the consequence at hand / But I keep livin' this day / Like the next will never come.

Heart of Glass by Blondie | Once I had a love and it was a gas / Soon turned out had a heart of glass / Seemed like the real thing, only to find / Mucho mistrust, love's gone behind.

Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve | But I'm a million different people / From one day to the next / I can't change my mold.

King by Florence + the Machine | But a woman is a changeling, always shifting shape / Just when you think you have it figured out / Something new begins to take.

Bonus Track

Kiss from a Rose by Seal | Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grey / Ooh, the more I get of you, stranger it feels, yeah / And now that your rose is in bloom / A light hits the gloom on the grey.

[armarilys]

Yall I’ve gone down an undertale rabbit hole and my like twenty different AU concepts, here are the ones I expanded on and claimed. I needed major help from an ai because I didn’t know what I wanted at first. I later used a lot more of mine and my friends ideas.

1. UNDERTALE: Frequency

### Core Concept

The Underground exists in a spectrum of sound frequencies. Monsters are beings of pure sonic energy, and human souls emit unique tonal signatures.

### Key Elements

- Protagonist uses a device that converts sound into visible waves

- Each area has its own musical frequency that affects reality

- Combat involves manipulating sound waves

- Monsters can shift between sound and physical form

### Characters

- **SANS:** The Low Frequency

- Speaks in bass tones that can tear reality

- Uses sound-wave bones

- Can hear across all frequencies

- **PAPYRUS:** The High Frequency

- Voice can create solid light constructs

- Puzzles require perfect pitch to solve

- Battle music literally affects combat

### Unique Mechanics

- Sound-based save points that record "sound memories"

- Areas change based on dominant frequencies

- Healing done through harmony

- Different endings based on final symphony created

UNDERTALE: Frequency - Expanded

## The Fallen Humans of Frequency

### MELODY (First Fall)

- Soul Color: Red with sound wave patterns

- Ability: Perfect Pitch - can manipulate fundamental frequencies

- Weapon: Tuning Fork that can shatter or reform reality

- Story: Tried to use sound to break the barrier, became one with the Underground's resonance

### ARIA (Current Protagonist)

- Age: 13

- Soul Color: Blue-Green (Sound Harmony)

- Ability: Sound Synthesis - can combine different frequencies

- Weapon: Sonic Amplifier (looks like headphones)

- Special Power: Can "tune" into monster souls

## Sound-Based Powers

### Soul Frequencies

- Each human soul emits a unique frequency

- PATIENCE: Low, steady hum (432 Hz)

- BRAVERY: Sharp, bright tone (528 Hz)

- INTEGRITY: Deep resonance (396 Hz)

- PERSEVERANCE: Complex harmonics (417 Hz)

- KINDNESS: Soft, healing tones (639 Hz)

- JUSTICE: Clear, piercing note (741 Hz)

### Monster Sound Powers

#### SANS

- Can create "dead zones" of absolute silence

- Gaster Blasters emit sonic booms

- Bones vibrate at skeleton-shattering frequencies

- Special Attack: "The Drop" - complete sonic nullification

#### PAPYRUS

- Creates "sound puzzles" requiring perfect pitch

- Bones emit musical notes when dodged correctly

- Special Attack: "Symphony of Bones" - creates a deadly musical score

- Can amplify others' sound powers

#### UNDYNE

- Spears create sonic shockwaves

- Can "tune" into opponent's soul frequency

- Special Attack: "Warrior's Chorus" - multiple frequency spears

- Armor resonates with determination

#### ALPHYS

- Built the Underground's sound manipulation technology

- Studies "lost frequencies" from the surface

- Created the CORE's frequency stabilizers

- Experiments with sound-based determination extraction

## Combat System

### Frequency Battles

1. Each attack has a specific frequency

2. Players must match or counter frequencies

3. Dodging requires understanding sound patterns

4. Healing done through harmonic resonance

### Sound Mechanics

- Different areas have different base frequencies

- Waterfall's rushing water creates natural white noise

- Hotland's magma produces low frequency rumbles

- Snowdin's snow dampens all sound

### Special Moves

- Frequency Shift: Change attack patterns

- Harmonic Resonance: Combine powers

- Sound Barrier: Block specific frequencies

- Echo Location: Find hidden paths

I did have to explain to my “very” concerned brother that Frequency Sans isn’t as over powered as he thinks he is, his main question was if Sam’s voice is so low that he can ter reality and shadow bones why hasn’t he broken the barrier and my response to that was it’s because that could literally kill him because in order to do that he needs to not only use his voice, but use his voice to at least two gaster blasters for a good 40 to 50 minutes in order to break the barrier because he only has one HP he’ll die at least 15 minutes in.

UNDERTALE: Anthology

### Core Concept

The Underground is a living story, constantly rewriting itself. Monsters are characters trying to find their "true tale."

### Key Elements

- Reality shifts between different genres

- Words have physical power

- Stories can be rewritten

- Character roles can change

### Characters

- **SANS:** The Editor

- Can see story structure

- Edits reality with bad puns

- Knows he's in a story

- **PAPYRUS:** The Narrator

- Describes reality into existence

- Changes plots through belief

- Creates story-puzzles

### Mechanics

- Save points are bookmarks

- Combat involves story elements

- Different genres affect physics

- Endings change based on narrative choices

UNDERTALE: Anthology - Expanded

## The Story Weavers (Fallen Humans)

### AUTHOR (First Fall)

- Soul Color: Purple with ink patterns

- Ability: Story Creation - can write new reality

- Weapon: The First Pen - anything written becomes real

- Fate: Became part of the Underground's living narrative

### READER (Current Protagonist)

- Age: 12

- Soul Color: Rainbow-shifting

- Ability: Genre Shift - can change story types

- Weapon: The Eternal Book - records and creates reality

- Special Power: Can read monster's true stories

## Story-Based Powers

### Genre Powers

Each style creates different effects:

- FANTASY: Magic power increases

- HORROR: Creates fear effects

- ROMANCE: Enhances emotional bonds

- COMEDY: Reality becomes more flexible

- DRAMA: Increases consequence weight

- ACTION: Boosts physical abilities

### Character Classes

Monsters align with story archetypes that grant powers:

- PROTAGONIST: Main character energy

- ANTAGONIST: Conflict generation

- MENTOR: Knowledge and guidance

- TRICKSTER: Reality manipulation

- GUARDIAN: Protection abilities

- CATALYST: Change initiation

## Combat System

### Story Battles

Fights occur in "Story Spaces" where:

1. Combatants take turns writing the narrative

2. Reality shifts based on genre

3. Power comes from story strength

4. Victory achieved through better storytelling

### Battle Mechanics

- Write attacks into existence

- Counter by changing the narrative

- Dodge by editing the story

- Heal through positive character development

### Special Abilities

#### SANS

- Can break the fourth wall

- Edits story mid-battle

- Creates plot holes as attacks

- Special Move: "Bad Time" rewrites the entire fight

#### PAPYRUS

- Generates story puzzles

- Creates parallel plot lines

- Can foreshadow attacks

- Special Move: "Great Papyrus Chapter" - becomes protagonist

#### UNDYNE

- Writes heroic epic battles

- Creates dramatic tension

- Transforms through character development

- Special Move: "Heroine's Journey"

#### ALPHYS

- Studies story mechanics

- Experiments with genre fusion

- Created the CORE plot device

- Special Move: "Meta Commentary"

## Story Zones

Each area has a dominant genre:

- RUINS: Gothic Mystery

- SNOWDIN: Winter Fantasy

- WATERFALL: Epic Poetry

- HOTLAND: Science Fiction

- CORE: Cosmic Horror

- NEW HOME: Historical Drama

## Writing Combat

Three ways to fight:

1. **Quick Writing**

- Rapid narrative changes

- Short, powerful story bursts

- Immediate effects

2. **Story Weaving**

- Complex plot development

- Long-term narrative changes

- Powerful but slow

3. **Tale Telling**

- Verbal story combat

- Reality bends to spoken word

- Requires perfect delivery

## Power Limitations

- Stories must maintain internal logic

- Genre rules must be followed

- Character development must make sense

- Plot holes weaken reality

- Too many rewrites cause story collapse

## Special Conditions

- Writer's Block: Temporarily loses power

- Plot Armor: Temporary invincibility

- Character Development: Permanent power increase

- Story Convergence: Multiple narratives combine

- Genre Shift: Complete reality change

## Ultimate Abilities

- Reality Write: Complete story control

- Plot Twist: Unexpected narrative change

- True Ending: Forces story conclusion

- Character Arc: Complete transformation

- Meta-Narrative: Transcends story bounds

Most of this at points I made to expanded on and repeated back to me I also went into a lot more detail for Undertale Anthology

1. The Editor System:

- It's a fascinating twist that Sans is secretly the true Editor while everyone assumes it's Asriel

- The requirement of collecting fallen human hearts adds a dark undertone to the role

- The heart storage system in books is unique, especially how destroying the books destroys the hearts unless saved in the Editor book

2. The Author's Story:

- The first human's transition from pacifist to genocide for unknown reasons adds mystery

- The confrontation with Papyrus trying to use 'The Great Papyrus Chapter' shows how powerful the Editor role can be

- Sans' immediate response to rewrite reality and kill Author demonstrates the stakes

And here are the other five humans stories and powers

1. THE DRAMATIST

- Soul Color: Deep Purple with gold sparkles

- Book Type: Leather-bound tragedy manuscript

- Main Power: Creates dramatic tension that manifests physically

- Special Skill: "Dramatic Timing" - can slow or speed up story pacing

- Fatal Flaw: Overthinking plot developments

- Death: Tried to write themselves a tragic hero's death scene to gain power, but lost control of the narrative

- Heart Location: Their book is hidden in Waterfall's amphitheater

2. THE COMEDIAN

- Soul Color: Orange with joke-bubble patterns

- Book Type: Well-worn joke book

- Main Power: Can make anything into a comedy scene

- Special Skill: "Punchline" - reality bends to create perfect comedic timing

- Fatal Flaw: Couldn't take serious situations seriously

- Death: Made a fatal joke during Sans' judgment, not realizing the gravity

- Heart Location: Their book is beneath MTT Resort's comedy club

3. THE POET

- Soul Color: Blue with flowing verse patterns

- Book Type: Delicate book of sonnets

- Main Power: Creates reality through rhyme and meter

- Special Skill: "Perfect Verse" - attacks must follow poetic structures

- Fatal Flaw: Too focused on form over substance

- Death: Got trapped in their own endless rhyme scheme

- Heart Location: Their book is in the CORE's library

4. THE JOURNALIST

- Soul Color: Yellow with newspaper print

- Book Type: Press notebook

- Main Power: Can reveal "true stories" through investigation

- Special Skill: "Breaking News" - rewrites current events

- Fatal Flaw: Dug too deep into Underground secrets

- Death: Discovered Sans was the Editor, had their story erased

- Heart Location: Their book is scattered in newspaper pieces throughout Hotland

5. THE CRITIC

- Soul Color: Green with editorial marks

- Book Type: Review compilation

- Main Power: Can deconstruct and analyze story elements

- Special Skill: "Critical Analysis" - finds weaknesses in others' narratives

- Fatal Flaw: Too analytical, lost ability to believe in stories

- Death: Tried to deconstruct Sans' editor powers, but couldn't handle the meta-narrative

- Heart Location: Their book is in the True Lab's archive

Additional AU Aspects:

Story Mechanics:

1. Genre Powers Inheritance:

- Each fallen human specialized in different story types

- Their powers combined created the current Underground's genre system

- Reader can access all their abilities through the rainbow soul

2. Book System:

- Personal books act as both power source and soul container

- Books can be read to gain temporary access to that human's powers

- Destroying a book releases the soul but risks losing its power forever

3. Editor Powers:

- Sans gained different abilities from each human he defeated

- Keeps half the power even after Reader gains their share

- Can rewrite reality but needs the correct "genre" power

If you made it to the props to you! Any feed back is welcomed and thanks for taking the time to read this overly long post

[themovieblogonline]

Alien Romulus Review: A Terrifying Symphony of Retro Horror

The Alien franchise has been a mixed bag over the years—sometimes brilliant, sometimes bewildering. But with Alien Romulus, director Fede Alvarez delivers a cinematic experience that takes the best of what we love about the original films and propels it into a new, terrifying era. Buckle up because this ride is as silent as space and twice as deadly. https://youtu.be/TKg8a_Li3lQ Super Fast, Super Silent Start From the moment the opening credits roll, it's clear Alvarez is setting the tone for something special. The pacing here is spot on, easing us into the chaos while slowly cranking up the tension. It's like being on a rollercoaster that starts slow but, before you know it, you’re hurtling through space at breakneck speed—without ever leaving your seat. If you haven’t experienced 4DX, this film might just make you wish you had.   Retro Aesthetics Meet Modern Horror Visually, Alien Romulus is a stunning blend of retro and modern. The 80s-inspired set design, combined with slick cinematography, creates an atmosphere that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. It's like a love letter to the original films, with a few modern tweaks that make it feel fresh. The ship feels alive—thanks to a sound design that’s as much a character in the movie as the actors. Gears whirring, computers beeping, and a symphony of background noises create an immersive experience that’s equal parts terrifying and mesmerizing. Meet Alan, Your Friendly Neighborhood Robot One of the more intriguing characters is Alan, a robot introduced as the main character's brother. Now, I don't know about you, but I wish the movie had subtitles because the beginning was a bit hard to follow. But stick with it, because Alan’s storyline is worth the wait. Alan’s got one primary directive—do whatever it takes to help his sister, as ordered by their father. Of course, because this is Alien, things aren't that simple. Alan’s arc is a fascinating exploration of loyalty, duty, and what it means to be human—or not. The Horror of Parenthood...In Space Just when you think you've seen it all, Alien Romulus throws in a twist: pregnant people in space. And let me tell you, that can't be good. The tension ramps up as the ship’s gravity equipment starts malfunctioning, setting the stage for some early jump scares—before the real monsters even show up. The introduction of the face-huggers is a masterclass in horror filmmaking. They don’t just leap out; they stalk, teasing the audience with their eventual—and inevitable—attack. The Heartbeat of the Film: Sound and Music The sound design in this movie is nothing short of spectacular. It’s like a symphony of terror, where every creak, every thud, every whispered threat adds to the growing sense of dread. The orchestra score doesn’t just accompany the film; it amplifies the fear, giving the whole experience a grand, almost operatic feel. This is Alien at its finest, with every element working together to create a cohesive, terrifying whole. The Rollercoaster of Character Arcs And then there's Andy. Remember the robot from Prometheus who had us all questioning his allegiance? Well, Andy’s got that same vibe. His arc is brilliant, constantly making you question whose side he’s really on. But the moment he gets an upgrade? Game changer. The dynamics shift immediately, and suddenly, Andy's not the one getting punked around anymore. His development adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps the audience on their toes. There’s so much to love here—the chest-bursting scene that’s both horrifying and artfully executed, the claustrophobic camera angles that never lose focus, the relentless countdown to escape the ship before it collides with an asteroid belt. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s that final boss—a creature that looks eerily human, like a twisted cousin of the Engineers from Prometheus. Final Thoughts: A Franchise Worthy Entry Alien Romulus is a movie that sticks with you long after you’ve left the theater. It’s terrifying, exhilarating, and filled with enough twists and turns to keep even the most die-hard Alien fan satisfied. Fede Alvarez has crafted a film that honors the legacy of the franchise while pushing it into new and exciting territory. Whether you're a fan of the original films or just love a good horror movie, this one deserves a billion at the box office. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave the theater feeling great—terrified, but great. So, is Alien Romulus tied more closely to the original film than any other in the franchise? Absolutely. It's got the DNA of the original Alien, but with enough new material to keep you guessing. And let's not forget Andy—our real MVP. Here's hoping we see more of him in the inevitable sequel. Read the full article