#dis-aster rambles

[dis-aster9255]

Layla, Marc, and Steven

[dis-aster9255]

I genuinely had no idea what to do so I just mixed my sona with a space theme mykdhdhdsggsf

Anyways

@avocadoart @slimelover165 @random-tail

Design what your blog would look like if it was a person!

The picrew

I tag @red-skady @superchat @eviligo @maplepastry @nek0hime13 @bestgirlsyndrome @gentlesakura @games2girlsdotcom @deadlycoffee @bunny-stickers @starbitsun @888lvl @little-ikea-waldo @delanore-roosevelt @fefeps @imnevernice no pressure at all!!

If anyone else wants to join dont hesitate to reblog!!

[aster-daydream404]

Yippees for friendship 🥹🥹🥹

[thebettertwin-obviously]

INTRO WOOOHOO!!

art by @mrsleepytello !

Finally had the balls to finish this!!!!!!! (AUGSHSH i did this so many times aughhh)

Hehehja anygayysss the names Leon!!! (Elijah works too!), he/it/they, fiction kin :0, neurodivergent & mentally ill, tone tags needed sometimes, dm to get to know me more! ^_^

Im just a silly dude tryna make friends / talk to my kinfam (and maybe annoy them but shh/silly)!! Hmu if u mess w any of the fandoms im in :3 might post little rambles & art & updates bout my life, stick around to find out :3

Interact man!! I dont bite (or do i?…/j) — No DNI (other than like Basic DNI & Proshippers / TCESTERS), just dont be gross, k?

MY KINFAM!!! (I love you guys so much 💙/fam)

My insomniac twin dressed in purple!! (Donnie :P) -> @don-a-tron9000

Sir silly samurai (Yuichi ^3^) / Disney Junior!! (Casey Jr :D) -> @apocalyptic-future-boy

Mr. I get no sleep (Uncle Tello :3) -> @aster-in-disaster

Sensei one arm (Older me :0) -> @dis-in-disaster

Very honourable mentions !! (I love you guys eeek!!/p)

Mama!!! / Fagatron parent 1 (yu !!!!!) -> @yuzivzz

Purple testis!!! / Fagatron parent 2 (nyota!!!) -> @cyutezombie

Retty ^0^ -> @secretlytherealsonicthehedgehog

Casey >:3 -> @d1zsly

Emjay B) -> @randomcerealbrand

Not too proud of this, but thank you for reading !! X3

[dis-aster9255]

REPOSTING MY ART HUH /lh

Anyways

I’m not surprised in the slightest xD

Thanks for tagging me, @chaoticfandomgirly !❤️

And the lucky man is…

D.C.I. Mike McGuire from Whitstable Pearl!

Don’t mind if I do! A lovably grumpy bear of a man, who I would climb like a tree given half the chance!

I tag @all-or-nothing-baby @guiltypleasurefandomface @fireladybuckley @kinkykinard @a-victorian-girl @katries and anyone else who wants to play. No pressure on anyone who doesn’t!😘

[apocalyptic-future-boy]

INTRO POST!!!

^art by @/funneylizzie

Alright, lets do this one more time.

The name is Casey Jones, CJ, or any nicknames you can come up with.

This is yet another side blog! Somewhere where I can ramble on about stupid things, interact with my friends, and share some of my kin memories/feelings related to my media. (I’m going to be very lenient with this blog because it’s mainly an ask blog)

•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•

KINFAM🫶🫶(thanks Leon for the cool label)

Sensei (AKA old Leo) -> @dis-in-disaster

Uncle Tello -> @aster-in-disaster

Dontron (AKA younger Donnie) -> @don-a-tron9000

Leon/lima bean -> @thebettertwin-obviously

Not apart of the kin fam but here's the bestie (AKA a piece of shit /aff) -> @secretlytherealsonicthehedgehog

Boundries + other stuff under the cut^^

•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•

Boundries!

I'd rather not copy and paste this whole section all over again so here goes nothing

This will primarily NOT be a roleplay blog. I am a Casey fictionkin.

Do not under any circumstances send me asks about romantic relationships with other characters from my rottmnt or any other media, I will make sure your days are numbered. (this is a joke but seriously don't)

Tc*st enjoyers get the FUCK off my page you're not welcome here <3

You can send in any asks you want! Art requests, questions about myself or my media, you can even just say hi for all i care!

There are absolutely no problems with mediamates or doubles, interact as much as you'd like!

•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•

Tags!

I'll be more organized on this blog again, so here's what tags will look like:

Our own art will be under #🖌️ my art

Fictionkin memories/feelings will be under #💭 memories

Ask games will be under #🍓 ask game

Answering questions will be under #🍓 answered

Interacting with my lil' family will be under #🫶 kinfam

Talking about random shit or just other stuff will be under #🫐 rambles

Other tags might be added as I use the blog more!!^^

•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•

Other!

Gender is weird, but he/xe is preferred!

Main blog is parasitic-anomaly

Yuichi Blog

[rabbit-parasite]

Intro post!!

”Ha! I’m never impuls…is that a yo-yo?”

^art by @/kamikan

•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•

Hi hello!! My name is Hase but nicknames work too :P (note that I do not go by Yuichi or Usagi, please do not call me either.)

This is my side blog (wowie) somewhere where I can ramble on about stupid things, interact with my friends, and share some of my kin memories/feelings. (Truthfully, I’m going to be very lenient with this blog because it’s mainly an ask blog)

KINFAAAAAMM🫶 (I’m so sorry for the tags guys I wanted to re-do this)

Lima bean (Leon) -> @thebettertwin-obviously

Dontron -> @don-a-tron9000

Old Lima bean (old Leo) -> @dis-in-disaster

Dontron 2.0 (old Donnie) -> @aster-in-disaster

Not apart of the kinfam but I’m legally obligated to include her (the bestie) -> @secretlytherealsonicthehedgehog

Boundries + other stuff under the cut^^

•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•

Boundries!

Before we start I'd like to say that I am NOT a roleplay blog. I'm a Yuichi Usagi fictionkin, not a roleplayer. I'm still a teen IRL and will block you if you're weird.

Do NOT send me asks about romantic relationships with other characters from my media, (or frankly, any other media) as I do not see them that way and I am aroace.

You can send in any asks you want! Art requests, questions about myself or my media, you can even just say hi! Anything that isn’t weird or previously stated to be off limits is on the table, go nuts!

I have absolutely no problem with doubles or mediamates! (it would actually be so cool of you to,, idk,,, interact maybe /nf)

I also love to discuss my media! I don't have bad memories/feelings tied to events (that I'm aware of) so genuinely don't be afraid to ask me things about it!!

•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•

Tags!

I'll be a little more organized on this blog, so here's what tags will look like:

My own art (often reblogged from my main account) will be under # 🖌️ my art

Fictionkin memories or feelings will be under # 💭 memories

Ask games will be under # 🫐 ask game

Me answering questions will be under # 🫐 answered

Me talking about random shit or just other stuff will be under # 🍰 rambles

ME INTERACTING WITH THE SILLIES # 🫶 kinfam

Other tags will be added as I use the blog more^^

•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•

Other!

Gender is weird, but my current pronoun preference is he/him and bun/bun's. You can use other pronouns as well (like it/its) but just don't use she/her.

My main blog -> parasitic-anomaly

Casey blog

[sidersstuff]

Stargazing Skies

A/N: woah okay! here we go, first story! feedback is always appreciated, uh, hope you enjoy. I don't know what else to say. Story under cut !👍

It was a calm, clear night, with no clouds in the sky. Perfect for stargazing, so that’s exactly what Clementine and Aster did. They had set up a small picnic earlier in the day and were currently using the blanket to shield their bodies from the harsh, cold ground. It was mostly Aster pointing out different constellations and their stories. Clementine had heard them a million times before but as long as it was Aster telling her then she didn’t mind at all. It had started to get a bit chilly out, not so much that they were uncomfortable, but they did huddle together a bit more.

“That one there,” Aster gestures to a small cluster of stars in a bit of a wonky cross formation, “That’s Cygnus. Orpheus, son of Calliope and master of the lyre, fell in love with Eurydice, a tree nymph. On their wedding day though, she got bit by a snake, and Orpheus was widowed the same day he was married. He traveled all the way to the Underworld, and passed Cerberus by playing the lyre. He traveled to the throne of Hades and Persephone, both of them sobbing due to his song. The tune had touched the god of death’s heart so much, that he let Eurydice follow him back out of the Underworld, but he could not look back at her until the both made it out. He managed making the whole trip without looking, actually, but he made the mistake of looking back as soon as the warm sun engulfed him, and not his wife. She had been sent back, and when he died eventually, he couldn’t see her even then. He cried out, the wails reaching Apollo, who turned him into a swan and placed him and his lyre, it’s to the west right there, the like weird hourglass right there, anyways, Apollo placed him and the lyre in the sky to live on.” Aster rambled on, their face lit up, they knew a lot about the stars and loved to recite the stories they had memorized so young.

Clementine loved to watch and hear them ramble on about astronomy. It didn’t take too long for Aster to notice her staring, she looked at them as if they were the one to place every single one of the stars they loved so much in the sky. They said nothing though, only staring back.

After a few minutes, Clementine breaks the silence. “Hey, Azzie, did you know that the brain lives on for about seven minutes after death?” Clementine asked, still staring at Aster, but they both had shifted to a more comfortable position, Aster's head against Clementines chest, her hands idly braiding the lilac locks. “No, I didn’t know that, that’s pretty cool. I wonder what it’s doing during that time.” Aster replies, looking up slightly, but quickly looking back at Clementine, who responds, “A lot of people say that it replays the person's best memories in life.” Aster hummed in acknowledgment, thinking about it for a minute, before answering “That’s a pretty interesting thing to think about, isn’t it?” Clementine just nodded, and they sat in comfortable silence for a while, before Clementine interrupted it by saying, “You would be in all of my seven minutes.” Aster doesn’t say anything for several seconds, caught off guard a bit, but finally responds with a simple, “You would be in mine.”

[butterscotch-goat]

I drew Grace as the Preacher's daughter album cover........

(unblurred version + rambles below the cut!)

^^yoinked the painting of ya boy jesus straight from the album cover btw, it just didn't work when I tried to recreate it,,

OK!!! SO!!! This is a tentative decision,, it may change in the near future, but as of typing this, THAT^^ is what Grace looks like when she dies. She wore the nicest dress she had to court, and kept it on til she was executed. Although it's similar to Aster's dress (which is kind of how fashion trends work,,) I didn't want any of the details to be too exact, because they're each their own person (something something themes about humanity you get the jist). The flowers in the vase are buttercups to represent childishness or childish joy, which can indicate a couple things! One thing obviously that she died a child, another that she was happiest when she was even younger than she is now, and the other being that her last moment alive was her giggling at something silly; she listened to the song Martha was playing on the piano in the church, and when she realized Martha chose to play "Amazing Grace" (because of course she did) Grace laughed. Because it's a silly thing!! Playing "Amazing Grace" for a girl named Grace!! It's funny! So Grace laughed a girly little childish laugh in earnest

If you haven't listened to Preacher's Daughter by Ethel Cain PLEASE DO or at least listen to Ptolomaea PLEAAASE it's so good the lore is BONKERS AND ITS SO GOOD

Edit: yes I did draw this to procrastinate another drawing. We stay silly.

[don-a-tron9000]

ok just not gonna think about it and make an intro post in one sitting (will probably edit and add stuff later but who cares)

Greetings, internet!

oh gasp! how shocking you might be thinking! another donatello rise of the tmnt fictionkin! (what am i even saying anymore, i'm just rambling at this point)

hello! i'm donnie. slash crow. slash dee. slash dontron. slash [insert another thousand nicknames you could come up with]. as i've already said, i'm a donnie fictionkin and i use they/it/he + neos pronouns (i'm also a fox and crow therian (oh my god i said the name of my main account (it's @crow-the-fox and you should check it out because i post most of my art there and i'm so cool /j (shameless self promotion has now left the chat))))

under this is my kinfam, as leo called it

the one and only future boy, CJ (also known as the rabbit boi and some others)! -> @apocalyptic-future-boy @parasitic-anomaly @rabbit-parasite (hey parasite if me tagging any of these bothers you or you don't want them there you just tell me ok? /gen)

my annoying twin dressed in blue! -> @anezian

peepaw leo -> @dis-in-disaster

the old tello -> @aster-in-disaster

technically not in the kinfam but my brain twin gets a mention too SHUTOUT TO THE BLOB THAT LIVES IN MY WALLS! -> @randomcerealbrand

uhhh there will be boundries and tags and stuff under the cut but not right now cause i'm tiiredd

oh hey you passed the barrier before there was anything, you get a comically large lollypop

[dis-aster9255]

Hi hi hello this is gonna be both a mix of like actual character analysis and a few headcanons cause these characters haven't left my head for two months.

But yeah I'm gonna be applying the idea that Steven, Marc, and Jake are all autistic and it's not just Steven. (based on what I know and my own experiences) :D

(Warning: it's long.)

Steven:

Okay so Steven is the one with the most visible evidence because i believe he's the only one who doesn't try to mask

He either does not care what people think of him or straight up doesn't notice that he's acting differently than "normal"

When he's confused he'll just straight up ask like with Dylan ("are you asking me out??")

The hyperfixation/special interest in ancient egypt. He's learning ancient egyptian and hieroglyphics he's SERIOUS

He works at a museum specifically because of that as well

Taking literally any chance he can to talk about it even if the people he's talking to clearly don't care (ex. Donna)

He got so excited when Layla knew what he was talking about like come on

Also ROUTINE

Every evening he adds the tape on his door, replaces the sand, and puts the ankle restraint on before going to sleep

Ik that's supposed to be because of Marc but it's a routine and it's clearly always done the same every night.

Calls his mother every day even if she doesn't answer (we know why but :( )

Also the necklace. It's barely visible but it is there every day

The way he stands:

Need i say more? I don't but I will

Seriously though I'm pretty sure whenever he's fronting he's like never standing still

Either like this or messing with whatever is in his hands

The rubix cube. He can finish that thing without looking at this point its not a puzzle it's a fidget object.

Now for some not fun things

He gets overwhelmed at least twice in the show

Once after he finds out everything with his mom and once with Layla

The one with Layla I understand completely, stressful situation along with two people yelling at you is the worst thing and I know the exact feeling.

Either way both times he was constantly repeating the same word over and over again while basically folding in on himself to avoid whatever was happening around him.

On a lighter note Steven expresses his genuine excitement openly

He was dead but he was still so happy he finally was able to meet someone who knows what he's talking about in ep 5

Idk how to transiton to Marc but HERE WE GO

Marc:

Okay so while I was doing this I realized I related to Marc a lot damn

Anyways Marc masks the majority of the time

Like all the time I don't think he ever hasn't even around Layla

His voice is so monotone and the way he expresses the changes in emotion is by getting either louder or quieter instead of anything else

That entire scene with Mogart and the sarcophagus. There is not way he wasn't forcing every aspect of that interaction

Holding out his hand until Mogart finally shook it because "this is how normal interactions start right???"

When he's asked why he wants to see the sarcophagus he has no idea how to respond and gives the most non-answer ever. Everyone thinks it's weird but he doesn't notice, it worked so whatever

Episode 5

We all know Marc hides his emotions

It's obvious

But what if he's hiding them because they're too much for him to handle, or he just straight up doesn't understand them

He runs from problems cause he doesn't want to confront his feelings

He ran from Layla because the issue with Khonshu was too much to deal with instead of having one conversation about it

He ran from his mother's shiva cause it was too many conflicting emotions

And when Steven was reliving the worst memory of his life he ran again (idk if it's like actually canon or not but I believe that while Steven was going through the memory he could hear the whole thing echoing through the hallways)

He also seems like the type to not show emotion on his face unless it's a strong one, but that's just what I think I've not no actual evidence for this

Anyways like with Steven he also gets overwhelmed a few times in the series

And he does what not many people are willing to talk about and gets aggressive when that happens yayyyyy /lhj

Seriously though in the scene in ep 5 when he doesn't want to confront his mother's abuse again

Yelling and hitting himself repeatedly same man same

In ep 2 when Steven is yelling at him through the mirror he breaks it so he can get some silence and then gets tormented by Khonshu which rude, asshole

Aggression can seem like the easiest way to deal with things so I get it, it happened quite a few times in this show

ON A LIGHTER NOTE

He also gets hyperfixations he just doesn't exactly have the time to indulge himself

The movie

Idk how much we should trust therapist Harrow in certain things but he made a note to mention that Marc has watched that movie a LOT

He loved that movie as a kid

He doesn't have much of a routine besides putting everything back the way it was before Steven can wake up but I think he deserves one

Jake:

This is gonna be short he had four minutes of screen time and two of those minutes have not actually been confirmed

But yeah he seems like he'd also not care about masking

Though I think if he gets too overwhelmed (which would probably take a lot for it to happen) he'd just end up retreating

Or if it's just someone being annoying he'd deal with them himself (maybe just a good punch in the face no big deal right guys /hj)

Kinda a mix of what both Steven and Marc do it just depends on the situation

Also this is just a thought but I think he'd be the type to be constantly forcing expressions cause he does not have the energy to explain himself verbally

Like yeah he expresses things visually but he over exaggerates them to get the point across if that makes sense

Anyways that's all I have

Kinda went on a rant but I hope it makes sense

I'd be happy to hear anybody else's opinions as well :)

[iluminated-goat]

Saw @mirrorworldangel answer about Aster's happy ending and I got inspired. I hope you like this gift and HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

Also I completely apologize if Aster's colour pallette is wrong (⁠´⁠;⁠︵⁠;⁠`⁠) (for some reason I wanted to see him in blue???) I drew him older than he's supposed to be (and also looking like an exact copy like Ford, this dude was made to suffer) to show how long he's been travelling and also the hardships he endured (hence the duller colours). And while drawing this I had- so many thoughts (and I listened to Adrienne Lenker doing this and it was not a good idea it was not a good idea-)

The axolotl allowing Stan to rest by letting him "relive" in the moment where he was most happiest. The problem is that, both Aster and Stan have both "forgotten" eachother (Aster by seeing so many Stans and slowly forgetting his mother's characteristics after Stan died; Stan because of the amnesia). So when they both see eachother they're more like "you look familiar" and "doubting the axolotl for a moment" until they both recognise eachother (Aster finally being called by his first name by his own Stan, by his own mother. Both finally reunited). Ngl I got inspired by Moomin Mama and Forneus (cotl) for Stan's dialogue.

And Aster finally being allowed to rest and to be with his mother (I was actually gonna draw a panel of him being reverted back to a kid, a gift from the Axolotl so he and his mother could have more moments!) Him introducing Cleo and Mama (whom I DEFINITELY want to see and have to explore more) to his mother and Shanklin, Stan being held back from almost marching down to the Black Forest to beat the shit out of Cipher and Ford, Darlan dealing with the fact that he doesn't have to be on "fight or flight" mode anymore, Stan absolutely showering his behemoth of a son with kisses and hugs and getting to know more of him and his friends. Just - them ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ

I tried to show more of Aster's quiet but still emotional side (but only when he allows himself to be), so he's really feeling it when he finally recognises his mom. The guy is a highly trained assassin.

Which also leds me to this point: some of the Stan's that interacted with Aster saw him as quiet, completely different, but still their baby (even with the scars and so so tired look that seems to be engraved in his face, which just made them more worried for their own kids bc what happened??).

And then there's the Ford's.

You know that Mandela catalogue audio?? "If you see someone that looks identical to you, run away and hide??" It's literally their relationship. Imagine you're a (shitty) Ford, and when you look to the corner of your lab, there's this... Figure. Just standing there, looking back at you. It's you, but... It's not you. It's older, covered in scars, bigger and wider than you. And it's staring back at you without a single ounce of emotion. The only thing that you can assimilate closer to it is pure apathy. You don't know who or what it is, but you can feel that it doesn't like you, and it wants you dead.

It's literally them:

ASJSIDJ I'M SO SORRY FOR THE RAMBLING I JUST REALLY LIKE HIS LORE AND I'M SO EXCITED FOR ANYTHING THAT YOU MAKE (⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ+

ALSO

These bastards are still kicking my ass, BUT I'LL MAKE IT (I say, almost ripping my hair off when the other codes decipher just led to gibberish) ᕦ⁠(⁠ò⁠_⁠ó⁠ˇ⁠)⁠ᕤ

But on a serious note, I truly appreciate your attention my friend :) it's truly a pleasure seeing you and hearing your ideas, I excitedly await anything that you're putting your work on, take your time on It 🩵🩵

[lanternfields]

Tidbits about Aster (Brozone mom)

SO, I checked the poll earlier for what you guys want to see next and from the looks of it currently before the remaining timer ends tomorrow that Aster's backstory will be made first. I wanted to give out some aspects about Aster herself first but this post won't be the full backstory of her since I plan to accompany it with some drawings for the official post. This is more so just me rambling about specific details about Aster.

Okay lets start with the first one, that being her as a parent:

To summarize in the best way possible I can is that Aster started out as a good mother with John Dory, Spruce/Bruce, and to an extent Clay as well during his early childhood. BUT when it came to Floyd and Branch, she was basically an enigma. Floyd has some blurry memories of her being around them but the only thing he knows for sure is that he has her eyes and that she would normally lock herself in her bedroom when she came back to their pod and wouldn't talk to any of them except for John Dory. Who was the only one that would normally take care of her. Meanwhile Branch does not know a thing about her and actually only came to know what she even looked like after a year or so after TBT. He actually ends up finding her name and other troll names carved into hidden part inside the troll tree that acted as a form of a graveyard for the trolls during the bergan era. This making Branch to assume she died via being eaten by a bergan before he hatched (she wasn't but she is dead by the present timeline)

Her position as a major pop star during the Bergan era:

Now time for some worldbuilding lore I made during the trolls bergan era. Aster because she was a well renowned pop star of the tree whose performances kept up their community's happiness and helped distract them that was the horror of Trollstice, she was given the privilege of having her family be moved to higher branches of the tree thus ensuring more safety for them than at the lower branches where most of the bergans got their troll for the year.

The significance of the start of her career:

This the last one and again it was some worldbuilding lore. Before Aster became a pop star when she was still living in the lower branches as an orphan, their was a bit of a crisis during her early teen years around the tree. As the bergans recently during that time started taking more than one troll for each bergan when before that it was strictly only one troll per bergan as what was agreed when they first came under control of the bergans decades ago. But now some have gotten greedier to prolong their happiness by eating more than what was agreed to. The trolls of the lower branches suffered the most from this due to the unexpected harvest of their part. Seeing this Aster took up a small stage where the rest of her community could see and hear her and began to sing for everyone for the first time. Her songs then seemed a bit different from their traditional music which was upbeat, hers while still upbeat had a bit of an edge that most trolls didn't hear. Even Aster herself didn't know what she was doing differently to make her songs sound a bit out of the range of their normal music but what ever it was it made others pay attention to to her and it made everyone happy. That was all that mattered to her in the moment when she began to preform. And before she knew it she became a star burning brightly for everyone.

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

AND that's it! Hope you guys liked it and I'll be going back into my hole of writing and drawing up Aster's full backstory 🕳️🚶‍♀️

[flutteringfable]

horse girl (gender neutral) kaeya hcs bc i am also a horse girl (gender neutral)

oh yeah baybeeee time to be a horse nerd for the benefit of my fanfictionssss <3

kaeya isnt a huge favorite character of mine but as an equestrian myself i love thinking abt his own horse experiences lol. also soft-ish ragbros content because i desperately want them to be happy *shakes fist at hoyoverse*

warnings: mentions of character death, major spoilers for kaeya and diluc’s story (mostly what’s covered in the manga), and possible contradictions to the canon timeline? like idk if i got stuff right about the timeframe/age of kaeya being adopted, joining the knights, etc but hopefully it can be overlooked since it isn’t a major part of the hc list lmao

kaeya has loved horses his whole life

both his original father and diluc’s had horses, so he’s been around them a lot

when he was little, he spent all his time playing in the stables

by the time he was around 10-12, a little bit after he was taken in by the ragnvindrs, he could care for the horses by himself

crepus would ask him and diluc to help him name new foals

he started learning to ride almost immediately after getting better at caring for the horses

diluc and kaeya would follow crepus on horseback through the wilds of mondstadt sometimes when they accompanied him for errands

after crepus died, kaeya taught himself, and surprisingly became rather skilled

i like to think that there was a period where kaeya and diluc were close immediately following crepus’ death before they drifted apart

so, kaeya taught diluc a lot of what he knows now about horseback riding

when kaeya joined the knights of favonius cavalry, he felt right at home

he learned some vaulting and one-handed skills from training with the other knights

so now he’s REALLY good

he excitedly tells diluc everything he learns whenever he can

diluc listens, but this is during the period when they started to drift apart, so he feels the smallest twinge of jealousy

regardless, a small part of him is proud of kaeya, and he does his best to voice this since he doesn’t want to dampen his brother’s mood

nowadays, kaeya likes to go for quiet rides around windrise on his days off

(context + horse nerd rambling incoming!

for those of you who might not know, most horse’s “names” are nicknames! domestic horses have what i can only describe as “legal names” or as they’re more commonly known, “show names.” these names are typically structured similarly to actual names, with two words (“shooting star”), but some people will use phrases (“a walk with grace”) or titles of movies, songs, etc (“dark side of the moon” “candy crush”). i don’t wanna bore you with the details here, but if you’re interested just look up how horses’ show names are chosen! okay back to the kaeya horse girl hours)

kaeya bought his own horse about three years after he joined the cavalry

she’s a fresian (very pretty breed i love draft horses so so much mwah my big fluffy babies) named shining miracle

kaeya calls her miracle or mira for short

everyone in mondstadt knows mira

kaeya sometimes walks her through the city on patrols, and will almost always be stopped by people leaving gentle pats on mira’s neck and saying hello

during the windblume festival and weinlesefest, kaeya likes to braid cecilias and windwheel asters into her mane.

mira is gentle and soft tempered, so even in the most chaotic of festival settings she will stand quietly

during festivals she gets lots of extra treats, and bakers in mond have taken to making special horse-friendly treats especially for her

needless to say, she’s very well taken care of by both kaeya and the entirety of mondstadt

sometimes, when he’s stressed or otherwise upset, kaeya will take mira out to the shore and gallop her up and down the beach

(with breaks, of course. no matter how pent up he may be, kaeya would never push mira to exhaustion because of it)

okay if anyone has more questions about mira and kaeya i would be so so happy to answer them i’m kind of obsessed

hoyoverse give us horses to ride ingame challenge (IMPOSSIBLE) (look i know that would make it feel more like a zelda clone but come ONNNN i want a pretty horse)

[sticktopia]

Welcome to the Garden (Sanctuary AU)

The Garden. A pocket dimension that sits on the line between life and death. This little world is designed to house and heal broken souls. Those who have died under tragic circumstances, or have many regrets are called to this realm. Once they let go of their trauma and regrets, the soul can pass on to its next life. That is the role of The Garden.

Gold (Chapter 13)

When Dandi and Gold got back to the house, everyone seemed to be in a panic. Dandi and Gold looked at each other with concern.

“How much you wanna bet they're looking for you?” Dandi joked. Gold giggled and she held Dandi’s hand. The two then walked into the house. The first one to meet them at the door was Razzberry. She looked slightly frazzled.

“Dandi! Thank goodness you're here!! We can't find Gold anywhere! Everyone is looking for her but we can't find her anywhere! Oh hey Goldie how ya doing? Anyway-Please help us find her!!” Razz rambled. Gold stared at Razz dumbfounded. Did they not realize that they just said hello to her?

“Ok, Razz, say that again but slower.” Dandi said, her free hand on her hip. Razz blinked and thought about what she said.

“Oooooooohhhhhhhh. OH!! OOOHHHHH!!!” Razz suddenly turned her back on Dandi and Gold.

“GUYS!!! DANDI FOUND HER!!! IT’S OK!!!” Razz suddenly shouted, causing Gold to release Dandi’s hand and place her hands over her ears. Dandi facepalmed and laughed. Everyone suddenly came running, swarming Gold with their affection. Telling her how worried they were and to never run off like that ever again.

“Ok ok! I won't run off again! I promise!” Gold laughed as she was smothered by hugs. Dandi chuckled as she watched everyone smother Gold.

“Ah, she’s lucky to have so many people care about her.” Dandi glanced to her left, seeing Rico standing with his arms crossed. She chuckled and placed her hands on her hips.

“Well, that kid’s gonna need all the support she can get.”

**********

“So where exactly did you run off to Gold?” Scarlet asked as the children lounged around in Gold’s room.

“I went looking for Aster. When I didn't find him in the house, I went to look for him in the forest.” Gold explained as she laid upside down on her bed.

“Why would Aster be in the forest?” Ember asked, sitting on the floor next to Gold’s head. Gold simply shrugged.

“I dunno. I first met Aster outside. So I thought he would be outside.”

“Well, Dandi, Razz, Momo, Bel, Rico, and Aster normally live on the fifth floor. So you could have just gone up there.” Sage pointed out.

“Well no one told me that.” Gold huffed. “Like you guys not telling me what you meant when Sage was leaving.”

The room was suddenly tense. The other four seemed to be avoiding talking about anything that had to do with “leaving”. Gold sighed and turned onto her stomach. She propped her head up with her hands, looking at everyone in the room.

“Well I know what it is now. Dandi explained it to me.” Gold said. Everyone could no longer look at each other. Gold huffed and sat up.

“You know, Dandi also said something else to me. Something I think is important.” Gold stood up on her bed and placed her hands on her hips, taking on a powerful stance.

“Change cannot be stopped! And sometimes we need to accept that it’s happening! And, um, yeah! We have to accept it with open arms!” Gold said as she jumped off her bed. The kids watched as Gold darted full speed at Sage.

“Gold-Hey-ACK!”  Gold suddenly tackled Sage into a hug, almost knocking the older boy off his feet. “Hey! What gives?”

“You may be leaving soon! But it doesn't mean we have to sit around and be sad! Let's go do something fun! And then no one has to be sad!” Gold begged, looking at Sage with large hopeful eyes. Sage stared down at the ten year old. Sage then began to shake. Gold hugged the boy tighter.

“Please don’t cry Sage! I-” Sage suddenly started laughing. Gold’s eyes widened as she turned to look at everyone else. They all seemed to be just as bewildered as she. Sage suddenly wrapped his arms around Gold and spun her around, earning a surprised squeak from the girl. Once Sage stopped spinning, he hugged Gold tightly.

“You're right! Dandi’s right!” Sage laughed, holding Gold close. Gold couldn't look up to see Sage’s face, but she could feel the older boy’s tears falling onto her hand.

“S-sage…?” Iris stuttered, unsure if she needed to comfort him or step away. Sage then released Gold and looked at all his friends. He had a big smile on his face as tears streamed from his eyes.

“Gold is right guys! Every time someone left, we sat around moping till they were gone! And we weren't even there to say goodbye to them! So now’s the time we fix that!!” Sage said boldly, even as his body shook with sobs, he continued to give a motivational speech.

“It’s time we change things up! Let's have fun and celebrate that I'll move on to a happier life instead of mourning my leave! Today, we party, tomorrow, we party! And even when I'm gone, please, still party for me.” Sage suddenly grabbed Gold and placed her on his shoulders.

“Whoa! Sage!” Gold laughed as he hoisted her up.

“Let's have fun!!!” Sage declared as he ran out of the room. The others followed cheering and laughing happily. As the small group of kids ran down the hall and onto the first floor, the whole house seemed to light up with joy. The childrens’ laughter could be heard across the garden, making the whole land lush with life. When they finally made their way outside, they had a small following of joyous spirits. The garden was full of laughter and glee, it truly was a party, just as Sage had said it would be. There was no sadness in the air. There was only happiness and love. Sticks of all kinds came out of their shells, dancing and singing, laughing and playing, it was paradise. By the end of the day, Sage’s flower had fully bloomed. Just as dusk set in, Sage’s chest began to glow.

“Whoa…” Sage gasped as he lit up the darkening sky. The crowd cheered as the gates at the end of the pathway Gold originally entered opened up, revealing a bright light. Dandi suddenly stepped into view.

“Good evening everyone! Let's give a round of applause for our youngest members!” Dandi loudly announced. The whole garden erupted into cheers for the five children that stood before Dandi.

“Thank you all for being here as we say goodbye to Sage, our oldest child. He has been through rough times, but he has made it to the other side! Once a poor servant to the royal family, now the warrior to the land of the dead. Sage, our wonderful child, we love you, and wish you luck in your next life.”  The crowd cheered, tears filling their eyes and smiles on their faces. Dandi then rested her hands on Sage’s shoulders.

“Any parting words for us Sage?” She asked. Sage sniffled before taking in a breath.

“Th-thank you all for taking care of me! I'm truly grateful for all of your support. But I’m most grateful for these four standing here with me tonight. They have been with me through thick and thin. They have supported me as I have supported them. Scarlet fed me when I couldn't eat, Iris cheered me up when I was sad, Ember always kept me in line when I got a little too out of hand, and Gold.” Sage turned to Gold and held her hand. Gold’s eyes widened, looking at Sage’s hand and then up into his eyes.

“You are the reason we’re here now.” Sage said softly.

“Gold is the reason we are here to party now! Without her, we would be sitting around, moping and just waiting for the time to pass. So let's give Gold a big thank you for turning our lives around!!!” Sage said as he and Scarlet lifted the ten year old girl onto their shoulders. The crowd cheered for Gold as she sat on the oldest two’s shoulders. Gold was slightly embarrassed, but she smiled, knowing that she changed everyone’s outlook on this purgatory life they lived. When Sage and Scarlet placed Gold down, Dandi placed Sage’s glowing flower on his chest.

“It’s time to go babes.” Dandi said as she held out her hand to him. Sage nodded and looked back at his friends who were standing around him. Sage then ran to them, hugging them all and thanking them for everything.

“Thank you… Thank you all. I'm gonna miss you guys so much…” Sage sobbed.

“Oh shut up! Don't make this harder than it needs to be.” Scarlet huffed.

“We’re gonna miss you too Sage!” Ember cried.

“We’ll never forget you!!” Iris tearily promised.

“We love you Sage.” Gold said, being the last to let go. Sage nodded and went back to Dandi. He took her hand and looked back at everyone.

“Good bye everyone!!!”  Sage called as he and Dandi walked into the light. The whole crowd bid their farewells as the duo disappeared into the light. The light faded away and the party continued on. But the four remaining children still stood under the archway, waving at the gates of the garden.

“I miss him already.” Iris said, trying to stop the tears in her eyes. Gold chuckled and side hugged the lavender girl.

“It’s ok Iris, You still have us.” 

**********

The next few days were a little rough for the little group. Sage, their leader, being gone was something they all needed to get used to. Gold did her best to keep everyone’s spirits high. From baking cookies with Orchid and Jean to camping with Aster and Razz. Today, the four kids were going to help Clover and Momo pick some fruits and veggies for that night’s dinner. Ajax, and Five decided to tag along, in case they needed more people to carry the baskets of produce. Ember stuck close to Scarlet’s side, never looking in Ajax’s direction. Gold and Iris still didn't understand why Ember hated Ajax so much. But they had no time to think about it as they got to the produce patches.

“Alight. Who’s ready to help out?” Momo asked as she held out baskets.

“We are!!!” The kids cheered. They each took their own basket and lined up. Momo then assigned each child to an adult.

“Alright, Clover, you and Iris can go get lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Five, you and gold can get strawberries, raspberries, and kiwi. Scarlet, I'm gonna need you to help me with the watermelon and honeydew. And Ember can go with-”

“Miss Momo Ember can’t go with Ajax!” Scarlet suddenly spoke up. Everyone looked at Scarlet with confused looks.

“Why’s that?” Momo inquired. Scarlet opened her mouth to speak, but she quickly closed it again. Scarlet looked down at Ember, who had a silent pleading look on their face. Scarlet cleared her throat.

“B-because Ember feels uncomfortable without me. So they need to stay with me.” Scarlet said. Momo looked up at Ajax who hugged himself and looked away.

“I-it’s fine. I can do whatever you need me to on my own.” Ajax said, trying to shake off the kind of shame in his aura. Momo sighed and placed a hand on Ajax’s shoulder.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. How hard can getting apples be?” Ajax said with a shrug.

“If you're sure. Just be careful about the river. The current is very strong and it can quite literally sweep you away.” Momo said as she turned back to the rest of the group.

“Alright everyone. You’ve all been assigned your jobs. Meet back here in about 30 minutes.” Gold took hold of Five’s hand, following them as they went over to the fruit bushes.

“Hey Gold?” 

“What?’

“Do you know why Ember doesn't like Ajax?”

“No. I think Scarlet does though. She's been really mean whenever Ajax tries to get close to her or Ember. But every time we asked why, they never told us.” Gold said as she and Five made it to the raspberry bushes.

“That’s weird. I wonder what they're hiding.” Five murmured as they started to pick raspberries off the bushes. Five and Gold continued to chat casually as they picked fruits. When they moved onto the kiwis, there was suddenly screaming. Five and Gold looked at each other with wide eyes. They dropped the baskets and ran towards the source of the screaming. When they got there, they saw Clover and Scarlet running along the fenced off riverbank. They quickly joined the pair running.

“What’s happening?!” Five asked between breaths.

“Ember fell into the river!!! They’re being swept out by the current!!” Clover shouted. Looking ahead, Gold could see Ember’s small form splashing in the water, getting farther and farther down. Her heart was pounding in her ears as her brain screamed at her to do something. But Gold didnt know how to swim! Her jumping in would make the situation all the more dangerous.

“Where’s Momo and Iris?!” Five asked as they noticed the two weren’t there.

“Those two ran ahead to try and catch Ember down the-IS THAT AJAX?!?!?!” Everyone stopped running as they saw Ajax suddenly jump over the fence and into the water below.

“AJAX!!” Five shouted as they looked over the edge to see Ajax, using his bandana to hold onto a tree root.

“Ember!!” Ajax shouted, reaching out to the child. Gold could only watch with wide eyes as Ember tried to make their way towards Ajax. The red hollow head reached as far as he could to reach the distressed stick. Ember tried reaching out to him, but the water was too strong, it was pulling them away. So Ajax did the next possible thing, he let go of the bandana and went after the child. The moment was tense as both Ajax and Ember disappeared under the waves. No one moved, no one breathed. There was suddenly a loud splash. Ajax emerged from the water’s surface, Ember in hand. He coughed as he held onto another tree root.

“We gotta help them!”  Scarlet cried, beginning to climb the fence. Both Clover and Five grabbed Scarlet and pulled her away.

“We don't need you getting caught in the current as well!” Clover shouted.

“But-Ember!!!” Scarlet cried out. Another splash was heard, causing the small group to look. Iris had jumped into the water with a vine around her body. On the other end of the vine was Momo holding it tight. Iris landed next to Ajax, holding out some excess vine.

“Hold on tight!” Iris said as Ajax took hold of the vine. Ajax wrapped it around his hand and wrist tightly and nodded.

“Pull us up!!” Iris shouted. Momo then immediately began hoisting the three up and out of the water. The remaining four quickly went to help Momo pull them out of the water and back onto the ledge. Once on dry land, Ajax laid Ember down on their back.

“Kid! Kid! Wake up!” He said, trying to shake the silent child awake. Scarlet froze in her place. She was horrified, the youngest member of the group was laying cold and still. Scarlet was close to fainting when Ember suddenly coughed back to “life”, spitting up the water and gasping for air.

“Oh thank creators!!!” Ajax gasped as he held Ember close to him. Ember continued to cough, accepting Ajax’s help and comfort as he patted their back. Everyone let out breaths of relief as Ember cried out with life.

“I-Im ok! Th-thank you!!” Ember cried, jumping up and hugging Ajax tightly. Ajax laughed as tears of joy ran down his face.

“H-Hey, it’s nothing, kid. I'm just glad you're ok.” Ajax said as he hugged the child as well. 

“Whoa…” Everyone turned to look at Iris. Her chest was glowing, revealing that it was her time to go.

“Wh-what?! You're going now?!” Gold gasped, walking up to Iris.

“I-I guess I am…” Iris mumbled as she looked at everyone. Scarlet and Ember looked at each other sadly. Making Iris feel a little sad herself. Gold then took Iris’ hands and held them.

“This is great! Now you can go be with Sage again!!!” Gold said happily. Iris’ eyes lit up as gold said that.

“You really think so?!” Iris asked, bouncing on her toes.

“Once souls become connected, they are destined to meet again.” Momo said, helping Five hoist Ajax to his feet. Iris smiled and gripped Gold’s hands tightly. The thought of seeing Sage again made her heart feel full.

“Let's go then.”

**********

When the group made it back to the house, they saw all the other sticks standing near the bush arch. Iris felt nervous about leaving. She didn't know what to expect on the other side, but all she knew was that her new mission was to find Sage.

”Iris,” Dandi said with a bow. Iris bowed as well.

“Miss Dandi.” Iris said. Dandi smiled softly and placed a hand on her head.

“It’s rare to have two souls leave so close together. But we’re happy to know that you've made it to the next step in the cycle.” Dandi said, leading Iris to the arch.

“Friends, it seems that we have another child leaving. So let's please give a loving goodbye to our little ray of sunshine, Iris.” The crowd cheered, shouting how they all loved Iris and how they were all going to miss her.

“Thank you everyone! I’m really going to miss you all too. I hope that one day, when you guys move onto your next lives, we can meet in the land of the living and all be friends again!!!” Iris said with a big smile. The crowd cheered as Dandi placed the flower in Iris’s hair.

“You look beautiful, Iris. Are you ready to go?”

“One more thing.” Iris suddenly turned and hugged her friends tightly.

“I'm gonna miss you guys! Make sure you guys never forget me alright? Or else I'm gonna hunt all of you down and kick your butts!” Iris said. The remaining three children laughed as Iris said that.

“Of course. But you better not forget us as well!” Ember said, looking up at Iris hopefully. Iris giggled and ruffled Ember’s damp hair.

“Like heck I'll forget you guys.” Iris said as she took a few steps back.

“See you around.” Iris said before cartwheeling back over to Dandi. The three children laughed as Iris happily took Dandi’s hand. And together, they happily walked away into the light.

**********

Ever since Ajax saved Ember from the river, Ember had been more open to the hollow head. Maybe even a little happier to see him. Of course, Scarlet was still quite wary of him, but even she was less aggressive than she was before. Gold liked that her two remaining friends were getting along with Ajax. Even Ajax seemed happier now that they weren't as negative around him. Today, Ajax was showing off his strength to the kids by doing push ups with them on his back. The three kids cheered him on as he began to reach the 80s.

“Keep going Ajax!!” Gold shouted as Ajax kept going.

“Im going im going!” He laughed. Aster then walked into the room.

“Whoa. What’s happening here?” The purple stick chuckled as he leaned against the doorframe.

“Mr Ajax is showing us how strong he is!!” Ember said excitedly. The kids laughed as Ajax kept going.

“How many have you done at this point?” Aster asked with a laugh.

“Ah about 93.” Ajax said as he went on. Suddenly, Razz poked her head into the room.

“Guys, it’s time for, What’s going on in here?” She chuckled as she watched.

“Proof of strength.” Aster simply explained. Razz scoffed and playfully rolled her eyes.

“Well, we’re having burgers for dinner. So if you guys don't come down now, I don't think there’ll be anymore left.” Razz said.

“No!! We wanna eat!!” Gold and Ember shouted. They were about to hop off of Ajax’s back when Ajax suddenly stood up, holding all three kids on his back. The three shouted and laughed as they held onto each other.

“To the dining room we go!!!” Ajax shouted. But before he could take a step out of the room, Razz put her hand up.

“Hold your horses Muscle Head. You gotta put a shirt on at least.” Razz said, holding her arm over the door. Ajax sighed and kneeled, letting Gold, Ember, and Scarlet off of his back.

“Alright alright fine. I’ll put a shirt on.” He said as he went over to his closet. As Ajax walked away, Gold and Scarlet were about to go ahead, but Scarlet stopped when she noticed that the youngest stick wasn't coming with.

“You coming Ember?” Scarlet asked, taking Ember’s hand. Ember shook their head and pulled their hand away.

“I’m gonna wait for Mr Ajax.” Ember said with a smile. Scarlet paused, looking down at Ember.

“Uh, yeah. Alright, we’ll save you a seat.” Scarlet said as she slowly walked away. Gold watched Scarlet’s change curiously. It was strange to see Scarlet so quiet with her fiery personality. Gold decided she had to get to the bottom of it and quickly caught up to Scarlet.

“Scarlet, is something wrong?”  Gold asked as she matched Scarlet’s speed. Scarlet simply glanced down at Gold before looking straight ahead once more.

“It’s nothing.” Scarlet nonchalantly said. But Gold didn't believe that it was “nothing”.

“Are you sure? Ever since we've been spending a lot of time with Mr Ajax, you've been kinda cold.” Gold pointed out. Starlet sighed and paused. She looked at Gold with sad eyes.

“When Ember came to the Garden, I was the first person they ever spoke to. I was the only one they were comfortable with. They always needed me. But now that they are spending so much time with Ajax, it feels like Ember doesn't need me anymore. Like they forgot that they were my friend first…” Scarlet said, playing with her hair. Gold had learned to pick up on that. Scarlet was scared. Gold hugged Scarlet, trying to make her feel better.

“W-well, it’s like Sage and Iris leaving. Just because they’re somewhere else doesn't mean that they stop being our friends. Right?” Gold said, looking into Scarlet’s eyes. A small smile came to Scarlet’s face. Scarlet chuckled and ruffled Gold’s hair.

“Yeah you're right. Ember will come back eventually. She always does.” Scarlet said as she continued walking. Gold smiled as Scarlet felt better. Both girls then made their way down to the first floor for dinner.

**********

When Ajax and Ember came down for dinner, Gold waved them over.

“Over there Mr Ajax!” Ember said, pointing at Gold’s waving hand. Ajax chuckled and grabbed a plate.

“We gotta get food first kid. Ajax said as he started grabbing things for Ember. Scarlet watched intensely as Ajax took her usual job of doing things for Ember. It irritated her. But she couldn't let that show on her face. When Ember and Ajax did eventually come to sit down, Ajax dropped Ember off by Scarlet and went to join his brother on the other side of the table. Ember hopped into the seat in between Gold and Scarlet, beaming with joy.

“Mr Ajax is so cool! I can't believe that I thought that he was a bad guy!” Ember giggled as they took a bite of their burger. Gold looked over at them with a confused look.

“A bad guy? Why did you think that?” Gold asked, looking up at Ajax, watching him laugh with Five on his right and Clover on his left.

“Well, I thought that he was the guy who killed me.” Ember quietly admitted. Gold coked on her food, coughing as she forced it down her throat.

“WHAT?!” Gold gasped.

“Shhh!!” Both Ember and Scarlet shushed Gold, they looked to see if the adults were listening, fortunately, the adults didn't seem to mind Gold’s little outburst. The two of them sighed and put their attention back on Gold.

“That’s why we weren’t too fond of the guy. He looked like… The dark lord.” Scarlet whispered that last bit. Gold tilted her head in curiosity, not really understanding what the two were talking about.

“Who’s the dark lord?” Gold whispered back.

“He was a really bad guy. He and another stick called “The Chosen One” traveled around the internet destroying places just because they could.” Scarlet quietly explained. Ember nodded vigorously.

“Yeah!  They attacked my home and killed me. It was really scary.”  Ember said as she looked down at their burger.

“Many sticks here were killed by those two. So that’s why not everyone was excited to see Ajax when he first appeared.” Scarlet explained, rubbing Ember’s back comfortingly. Gold hummed as she took on that information.

“That actually explains a lot about everything that’s happened so far.” Gold said with a shrug. “But why did you hide it? Not even Sage or Iris knew about it.”

“I… wasn't comfortable telling them… I wanted to tell them. But I just wasn't ready… And then they left… I wish that I told them about it while they were still here. But they're gone now…” Ember sniffled and wiped a stray tear away.

“It’s ok Ember. At least You told Gold right?” Scarlet pointed out. Ember nodded.

“Yeah, at least you know.” Ember said as they smiled up at Gold. Gold smiled as well as the three of them continued eating.

**********

“Ember! Let's go get breakfast!” Gold heard down the hall. Curious, Gold followed the voice, seeing Scarlet standing at Ember’s door.

“Don’t tell me you're still asleep! Come on kid!”

“They went downstairs already.” Scarlet jumped and turned to face Gold.

“Ah, Gold. What do you mean they went downstairs? Scarlet asked as she regained her composure.

“Ember woke up early and went downstairs. They were in the bathroom before I was. They said that they were going to help the adults with something.” Gold explained to the older girl. Scarlet stared at Gold hard and long. It made Gold squirm in her place.

“A-are you ok Scarlet? You've been acting weird since Ember fell into the river.” Scarlet shook her head and sighed.

“N-no, I'm fine Goldie. I just can't believe Ember woke up on their own…” Scarlet stuttered. Gold shrugged her shoulders.

“Well, I guess that means Ember’s getting used to being by themself. I think that's a good thing. That means they don't have to worry all the time!’ Gold said enthusiastically. Scarlet suddenly pushed past Gold, taking the ten year old by surprise.

“Whoa! S-scarlet?” Gold quickly turned on her heel and went to follow the older girl.

“Did I say something wrong? Why are you so angry?” Gold asked as she followed scarlet to her room. “Scarlet-”

“Leave me alone Gold,” Scarlet said coldly, entering her room and locking the door behind her. Gold stood there dumbfounded for a bit. She had never seen this side of Scarlet before. It was so different from her bright smile and confident personality.

“This isn't good.”

**********

Gold ran downstairs, calling Ember’s name.

“Ember! Ember!! Something’s wrong with Scarlet!!” Gold cried as she ran into the kitchen. Gold looked around to only see adults. Ember was nowhere to be seen.

“Wh-where’s Ember?” Gold asked.

“Ember? Oh they went with Ajax to the Flower Forest.” Jean said casually.

“What do you mean something’s wrong with Scarlet? Is she sick?” Orchid asked with concern.

“No? I mean, Scarlet went to wake Ember like she always does. But when I told her that Ember went downstairs earlier, she got really mad and locked herself in her room.” Gold explained to the pink mother. Orchid looked up at Momo and Momo nodded.

“I’ll try talking to Scarlet. Aqua, can you take Gold to the Flower Forest?” Momo asked as she put the tray she was holding down.

“Yeah, I can do that.” Aqua said as he removed the apron.

“Let’s go kid.” Aqua said as he took Gold’s hand. The duo quickly exited the house and sped walked their way to the flower forest. As they approached the forest, they could see Ajax walking out with Ember on his shoulders.

“Ajax!” Aqua called out, jogging up to the pair.

“Oh, Aqua, Gold. What are you two doing here?” Ajax asked as the two approached.

“We need Ember. It’s a bit of an emergency.” Aqua said.

“Emergency? What happened?” Gold then explained everything that happened earlier. Ember processed what Gold had said, looking at the ten year old with concern.

“Why would Scarlet be upset that I woke up early for once? I only wanted to do something nice for her.” Ember muttered as they gripped the flower crown in their hands.

“I dunno. But we gotta get to the bottom of this. And only Ember can help.”

“Let's go then.” Ajax said as he shifted Ember into his arms and took off running. Aqua picked Gold up and started running as well. Then they got back to the house, Ajax took Gold from Aqua and dashed up the stairs. When he got there, he could see Dandi and her helpers all standing at Scarlet’s door, trying to coax the tween out of her room.

“W-we’re here.�� Ajax said as he put the two children down. The six of them looked over at the pair.

“Good thing too. There are loud thuds and crashes coming from inside. We need to get in before Scarlet hurts herself.” Razz said. Ember nodded once and walked up to the door. Dandi and her gang backed away, giving them space. Ember stood at the door, taking a breath as their shaky hand knocked on the door.

“Leave me alone!!” Scarlet screamed, making Ember flinch.

“S-scarlet…?” Ember quietly said. It was quiet for a bit, Ember continued to speak.

“I-I’m sorry for upsetting you. I didn't know that me waking up early would cause you to break your room. Please come out. I didn't-”

“Why don’t you go be with Ajax instead? You seem to like him a lot better than me anyway.”  Scarlet’s muffled voice came from the other side of the door. Ember took a step back, tears filling their eyes. But they shook their fear and placed their hand on the door.

“S-scarlet please! You were my first friend here! No one could ever come above you!” Ember pleaded, falling to their knees. Ember rested their forehead on the door, clutching the flower crown close to their chest.

“I don't know why you're so upset, but I want you to know that you’ll always be my best friend. I just… I want to finally grow up and be like you… I want to be strong and confident like you are!” Ember shouted, clenching her fist on the door.

“I want you to rely on me like I rely on you! I want to be strong so you don't have to be strong by yourself! Sage and Iris aren't here anymore, But we are! Me, and gold, we’re still here! And I want to help you like they did! I don't want to be the one that needs protection all the time!” Ember was crying now. Their whole body shook as they sat on the floor.

“Please come out Scarlet… Please come out, and don’t be sad anymore…” Ember begged. The air was tense as everyone awaited Scarlet’s answer. It felt like hours till the door unlocked. Ember gasped, looking up to see Scarlet’s puffy eyes and cracked face.

“S-scarlet!!!” Ember cried, jumping up and tackling the tween into a tight hug. Scarlet quickly returned the hug, sobbing “Im sorries” and “I love yous” as she held the smaller child.  

“N-No! I’m sorry Scarlet! I never should have left!! I’ll never do that ever again! I-I’ll-”

“No! No! Ember no please, you're your own person! I can't cling to you forever…”Just like you said, you have to grow up as well.” Scarlet said, cupping Ember’s face.

“I can't keep holding you back… It wouldn't be right…” Scarlet cried. Ember sniffled, holding Scarle’s forearms.

“But life wouldn't be right without you either.” Ember laughed through their tears. “You're the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Heh, you are too Ember.” Scarlet said as she embraced Ember once more. As the two kids sat in each other’s arms, the cracks on Scarlet’s face started to repair themselves. Everyone watched in awe as the pair began to glow brightly. They released each other and looked down at their chests.

“I guess it’s time for us to go now.” Ember said with a teary smile. Scarlet sniffled and nodded.

“I guess this is where the curtain calls.” Ember laughed as they and Scarlet rose to their feet.

“What a rare sight.” Momo said as the two held hands, facing the rest of the sticks in the hall.

“You two are deeply connected. You must have met in another life. How wonderful.” Dandi said with a smile.

“Come now, we must bid you all a proper farewell.” As the adults ushered Scarlet and Ember downstairs, Gold stood off to the side. She smiled softly, knowing that her friends would finally be free, and happy. But it also pained her, knowing that she was the last and the only child left in the Garden. Tears began to fall down her face as the realization dawned on her. She had been so caught up in helping her friends that she didn't even notice her own descent into sadness.

“Y-You guys are so lucky.” Gold softly wept.

“I wish I could be happy too.”

Gold stood far away, watching as Scarlet and Ember left the garden, hand in hand with each other. She was happy for them, but she also hated that they had all left her. She tried following Dandi’s advice. “Accept change with open arms” but how could she now? She was all alone, all her friends were gone.

Gold gasped as she felt something creeping up behind her. She whirled around and saw nothing standing behind her. Gold suddenly hated being in this cramped space. She squeezed her way through the crowd, wanting to get out and away. Thoughts scrambled Gold’s brain, causing her to simply walk aimlessly. She felt as if she were sleepwalking. She didn't even know what was happening anymore. All she knew was that she had to get out of there.

Chapter 12-(Chapter 13)-Chapter 14

[thatpunkmaximoff]

Story: 5 out of 5 Smut: 2 out of 5

Drop everything and go purchase this book right now!

If you’re a fan of The Originals or True Blood, then you’re gonna LOVE this book. The magic, the forbidden romance, the heartache… ugh, it was so worth it.

I just finished this book and I’m still reeling from the last couple of chapters.

The writing is amazing, the story is great, and I’m looking forward to the inevitable fallout of everyone else finding out about a witch and vampire falling in love. There’s no way it’s over. There’s gotta be so much more to come.

Now onto my rambling thoughts...

* Bastian is giving me Elijah Mikaelson vibes and I’m here for it.

* So a slick and flirty Elijah.. still here for it 😏

* Goddamn. He’s asking a lot of her. That type of magic could really get her into some deep shit.

* Okay, so I don’t like Aunt Violetta. I don’t care how things have been… things need to change. Aster is busting her ass making spells and potions- she deserves most of the cut. Fuck everyone else.

* Oohhhh. She’s gonna help. Get your money and that dick!

* Wait… her powers can be stripped and be killed for treason..? Wtf.

* Okay, can I just hug Cassius?

* Jesus. The tension between these two is intense.

* And awww.. Bastian’s baby talking the cat 🥰

* “Believing in you has been one of the easiest decisions I’ve had to make in the past seventy years. And I’ve made a lot of decisions.” — Okay, I’m done. I’m a Bastian girl.

* Oh, the dance. The tension just keeps building.

* Goddamn. He attacked her because of a memory? Baby, what are you doing!?

* She fucking did it! She made the day-walking potion!! But it has a limit.. 😬

* I’m fucking screaming! The tension between these two is crazy. And then you go and have them both wanting to kiss… she walks away… and he puts on Somebody to Love by Queen. I’m done. Omg.

* THEY FUCKING KISSED!

* AND NOW THEY’VE BONED! I’m just so bummed he can’t bite her after the deed.

* So the potion made him somewhat human enough that he can taste coffee..? What about his sperm 😂

* Goddamn, Bastian. Having a meal in the pool, are we? 😏

* Fuck. Cassius said no to the potion? He’s really giving Finn Mikaelson vibes now.

* Holy shit. They’re gonna give their relationship a go 😨

* So the mom is still pissing me off. They really want her knocked up 😬

* Why are they so fucking adorable 😩

* Oh fuck. Why is Bastian coughing up blood?!

* Goddammit. What they had was so good. Then Bastian got greedy and Aster can’t take anymore chances.

* Holy shit. That bathroom scene 🥵

* I’m calling it right now. The vampire is going to knock up the witch.

* Fuckkkkk. He OD’d on the potion, almost died, and now Cassius is confessing that Bastian has lied this entire time about who turned him? Wtf!?

* “I have a taste for women’s blood, yes. But I have a deep seated love for only one woman. We are magic, you and me.”

* Holy fuck. The Vampire King found out 😨 It was rough with him, now what’s gonna happen when the witches find out?

* NO! Fuck, no! 😭

* Yes. Bring him back! Fuck the rules.

* And two? DOES HE MEAN TO FUCKING HEARTBEATS?! Is she pregnant?!?!?!

* What?! Her mom is on her side? Is she actually fucking decent? All they had to do was sit down and talk 🤦🏻‍♀️

* TWO HEARTBEATS! I was fucking right!!!!

* Please, please, please bring him back.