#except valen i suppose go valen

[softgaycontent]

really enjoying fields of mistria and the character designs r so cute tho I'm sad that even in a game that's trying there's still not masc women 😭

[oleander-nin]

Valen-Time 05- Sleepless Nights(Rise! Raph x Reader)

A/N, not important: Yeah, I'm starting to think none of these are going to be very long. It's been 5 days and I'm struggling. I'm so sorry. Any criticism is welcome, constructive or not. This is supposed to be a gender neutral reader, so if I screwed up somewhere, please tell me.

-Ollie

CW: Nightmares

Words: 797

Summary: Raph helps you with a nightmare

Tag list: @f1oricide @itsyagurlchip @lordfreg @acutiewithagun @rottmnttmnt2012 @lixnininotnay @lexiechr @ssak-i

The room was dark, too dark. Every corner seemed to harbor a monster, every sound was a threat. You squeeze your eyes closed, curling back up next to Raph as you try to keep your heart from racing and your mind from spinning. Nightmares were a dime in a dozen, but they were worse every time. You desperately just wanted to go back to sleep and escape the eyes you were certain were watching in the dark.

You flinch slightly when Raph’s arms tighten around you, his breathing more jolted and full. He tucks his chin over your head and pulls you close, letting you hide in his arms. You felt guilt crash over you for a moment, feeling awful for waking him. You didn’t want to alert him or to burden him with your problems, especially when he was barely getting enough sleep between missions and the foot’s relentless attacks. You let yourself melt against him, his breathing slow and exaggerated to make it easy for you to follow. Your mind starts to calm as your breathing matches Raph’s, your panic slowly subsiding. He slowly rubs your back, waiting for your heart to level out before speaking.

“You okay?” He gently asks, slipping his head off yours and kissing your temple. “You seem pretty shaken up.”

“Just a nightmare,” You mumble, curling into the giant turtle. He was holding you tightly, as if he was trying to shield you from every hardship the world had to offer. You appreciated it, basking in his warmth and his strength. His arms were somewhere you always felt protected.

Raph carefully picks you up and rolls you over to the other side of him, your back now against the wall. His large body was blocking your view of the rest of the room, no longer giving your imagination enough room to run. You readjust into your new position, feeling a lot safe now that you had a buffer between the hidden horrors you saw in the dark. It was childish, but it worked.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asks, rubbing your face softly. He looked ready to sit up, almost fully alert and awake. His eyes were focused on you, the dim light shrouding his face and barely letting you see him. You shake your head, kissing his lower palm as it sits near your face.

“I can’t remember much anymore, if I’m honest.” You admit, a bit sheepish. It felt stupid to be so afraid of something so futile you couldn’t even remember it, but the fear felt so real. It was awful, sitting wide eyed and alert with nothing to be afraid of except your own mind. It would have taken you hours to calm down if not for Raph’s help.

Raph only smiles, just glad you were no longer scared silly. He continues to gently rub your cheek for a while, mindlessly swiping just under your eyes as if he were waiting for tears to fall. You were too calm now to cause any, but the gesture still filled you with warmth. Everything he was doing was just making you feel safer, the images your dream forced into your mind disappearing more and more by the second.

"Sorry for waking you." You say softly, your hand resting over his. He chuckles softly, pulling you closer so you couldn't escape his hugs.

"Don't be sorry. I would have felt awful if you had to help yourself on your own."

He never failed to make you feel loved, your heart swelling double in size. You let your head loll forwards and gently meet his, finally able to see the dim color of his eyes in the dark. He looked so kind, so caring, so sweet. Like you were his word and talking you down after a nightmare was something he didn't mind doing every day for the rest of his life. You couldn't help but admit you felt special, being looked at like this. Raph was the greatest thing to ever happen to you, his love showing no bounds.

You lean in and kiss him softly, a silent appreciation for his help tonight. His giddy smile against your lips let you know he appreciated it, his snaggle tooth brushing against your skin. He pulls back and pulls you in close once more, letting you hide your face in his shoulder as he slowly rubs your neck and shoulders. He was waiting for your head to lull and eyes to shut, grinning proudly when he finally felt you slump. He continues to maintain the pressure on your back for a few more moments, ensuring your peaceful sleep. It only takes a few minutes for him to join you, his breathing evening out once your safety was ensured.

[darksaiyangoku]

RWBY: Grim Tales

Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Cat

The Myrkheim Forests was considered to be one of the most dangerous places in Remnant. It was home to many horrific creatures like the brutish orcs, the nimble wargs, the slimy taijitu and even the ravaging undead. Not even huntsmen or huntresses would dare venture into Myrkheim. Except one.

Ruby Rose was an unusual young woman. What many considered scary or odd, she found fascinating and fun. In her right hand, she was armed with her mother's trusty scythe, Crescent Rose and in her left hand was a basket of Valen sponge cake. If any monster dared to cross her path, she would slay it with ease. As she walked under the blackened trees, a gust of wind blew over a pile of leaves. Ruby stopped in her tracks and held up her scythe. She could hear small, harsh breathes touch the back of her neck. Ruby quickly turned around but saw nothing. She felt it again, and turned. Still nothing.

???: Ruby~ Ruby~

Ruby suddenly felt herself fall down onto the leaves.

Ruby: Ow, what the-!

A female, cat faunus was laying on top of her, smirking and stroking her cheek.

Ruby: *groans* Blake, you almost scared me!

Blake: *giggles* Sorry, babe. I just missed you is all.

Ruby: *blushes* I missed you too.

Ruby sat herself up and cupped Blake's cheek, drawing her in for a deep loving kiss.

Blake: Mmmmm~ *breaks kiss* Ooooh, is that blackcurrent I taste?

Ruby: *beams* Sure is. *opens basket* Valen sponge cake with blackcurrent jam!

Blake: *licks lips* Can't wait.

The two women took off their cloaks and laid them on the ground, cutting several slices of cake and feeding each other. What was supposed to be a treacherous place filled with dread and monsters had become Ruby and Blake's favourite spots for their dates. They would simply let the time go past them, not worrying about anything else. And if anyone dared to disturb them? Well, let's just say that there's a reason that the two of them have come to be known as The Shade Reapers.

[not-a-space-alien]

K&J x MMSS 3: Kane & Valen Part 11

Chapter 11 of the third crossover with @whumpsday!

K&J masterlist

MMSS masterlist

K&J x MMSS crossover masterlist

SERIES IS 18+ ONLY.

Warnings:  Aftermath of torture

To be added to the taglist, contact @whumpsday

In this chapter: Precision mycology, Kane faces his fears

***

When Kane and Valen are ready to go, Liz is the one who drives them to the house on human territory Valen owns–she's the one with a truck to carry anything Valen wants to take, and the plan is for them to go back to vampire territory after, and Jim is too scared to drive to the border, though he tells them anxiously to be safe. They arrive at Valen's house without issue.

Valen morosely walks up the driveway to his abandoned house. He pauses in front of his ill-fated car, up on four cinder blocks.

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that someone stole my tires." He sighs. "Liz, ma'am, I hate to drag things out, but seeing as how I'll be unable to offer to drive us to the border myself, I must now reveal the unfortunate fact that the ingredients I had intended to gather need to be harvested during the day. Would you be willing to wait until sunrise, and help me collect them?"

"Yeah, no problem," Liz agrees. She keeps weird hours anyway.

Kane eyes the abandoned house with the broken windows that will surely stream in sunlight. "We're staying in there? During the day?"

"Kane, dear, unless someone has ripped them down, I have blackout curtains set up in every room except for the broken kitchen window. I lived here for months being active during the day without incident." 

"Okay... yes, that makes sense," he agrees, nodding slowly. "So we'll wait here while Liz collects the mushrooms? What if- what if other humans see us?" Kane is a fountain of nerves.

Valen hesitates. Oh, this is going to be a very hard sell. "Well...I was planning on going with Liz. It really would be safest for the three of us to stay together, to avoid incident with my dreadful neighbors. I have an outfit that protects me from the sun. I should have enough pieces to put one together for you also."

Kane chokes. "You what? You want us to go out there? In the sun?" He quickly realizes his only other option is staying back here, alone in human territory during the day, and begins to tear up from stress.

Liz looks away awkwardly, not wanting to get involved in their issue.

Valen takes both of Kane's hands. "Kane, dear, going out in the sun while covered up is much different than being held down and forced to lie in it with no protection. The worst that would happen is you get burned briefly before you can move to cover yourself, if there's an accident somehow. It wouldn't be for days on end. Just a few seconds, if anything happens at all. I did this regularly and only got hurt because I was alone. I certainly won't make you go, but this will go much faster if I'm with Liz to help, and I worry it might be more dangerous to leave you here alone."

Kane squeezes Valen's hands, not wanting him to let go. "I can't- I can't go out there, I can't go out there in the sun, and, and I can't s-stay here alone." He starts crying a little bit. "I'm scared."

"All right, that's all right. Eem..." Valen looks hesitantly at Liz. "What if you and Liz stay here, and I go alone?" Valen is scared to be out on his own, but he's well on his way to being back to full strength, and he has persuasion, which Kane doesn't have, so it would be safer for him to be alone than Kane. But he's also worried that Kane won't feel safe alone with Liz either.

"NO!" Kane wraps his arms around Valen, holding him close. "I don't want you out there alone! That's even worse!" He shivers, holding Valen, and quietly adds, "...I'll go.”

"Valen's right, it's safer if we don't split up." Liz agrees.

"Kane, are you sure?" asks Valen, exasperated. "You're shaking like a leaf. I suppose I could just give Liz as specific directions as possible, or go without."

"It's- it's all scary. All of the options." Kane says miserably. "We should just go together. If you're doing it, I can do it too. Being found on our own would be worse than being burned." He forces a smile. "But you can show me your house in the meantime!"

"Thank you for being so brave for me!" Valen knows that Liz is not a fan of Kane, and is probably getting tired of watching Valen trying to soothe him, so he leads them into the house.

The door is unlocked, so Valen expects most of his more valuable possessions will be gone....he did have a stash of money and jewelry, which was hidden, but maybe not enough to thwart burglars who'd had months at a time.

The first thing everyone notices is the smell, something rotting. It's overwhelming for Kane and Valen, but even Liz's insensitive nose can smell it. The second thing is the explanation: the power is off.

"Ouh," says Valen. "Yes, I suppose nobody was paying my electricity bill. I'll probably have to sell this house eventually....I don't suppose you, Liz, or Jim would want it?" He moves into the kitchen, cautiously approaching the fridge, the source of the smell. "Oh, oh dear."

He opens the fridge to reveal the bottles of not-blood with matts of mold blooming in them

Liz can definitely smell it too, and makes a face. Kane covers his nose, looking like he's trying not to barf.

"Yeah, I'll pass," Liz says. "It's kinda out of the way. Already got a house."

"Is that the blood?" Kane asks. "It's not supposed to be like that, right?"

"Ehm," says Valen. "No, it's typically much less foul than this...I wonder how long the refrigerator has been without power."

He starts to take out the bottles and uncork them, pouring them down the sink with plenty of running water. The sight is almost as bad as the smell, slimy bits of black and green being pulled along in the stream. "I do regret that we can't call Jim and tell him we arrived safely. Liz, if you wanted to assure him, you could probably ask a neighbor to use their phone, but I'm certainly not going to speak to them again."

"It's cool. Probably best to avoid 'em. Lemme help." Liz starts dumping more bottles. Valen is relieved when Liz starts to help, and he abandons her to finish the task as soon as is possible without being overtly impolite. He thinks that this is fair since Liz's nose isn't as sensitive as his.

Kane looks around in the meantime. "You have a lot of books. I guess that's not surprising." He smiles. "I like to read, too. Maybe I'll get into your science books."

Valen excitedly comes over to Kane. "You're welcome to read whichever ones you like." He starts picking books off the shelf seemingly at random, giving contextless facts about each. 

There isn't really much else to see in the house, besides the books and the bare mattress he'd been sleeping on, and his clothes, so he flips the basement light on and descends the stairs.

"The equipment I was using is all down here." It's mostly still there, if a bit dusty. "This is probably all I would really want to take with me besides the books. Oh, hold on, I should check something." 

He goes under the stairs and moves one of the wooden boards aside. "Aha," he says, pulling out a small lockbox. "I see no one found my valuables. Good." 

Kane looks curiously to the equipment. He doesn't really understand what most of it is, though he imagines Valen tirelessly working on his project down here. "You were just out here in human territory, doing this. All alone."

Valen flushes red. "Um, yes. In retrospect, it was... reckless and foolish of me to do so. I suppose I didn't fully understand the danger I was in. I had the conception of humans as too small and weak to be a real threat to me, a helpless animal that needed my charity and not... people capable of being driven to violence by fear."

"Me too, but without the charity, so you win." Kane takes his hand. "You won't be alone anymore."

Valen beams. "And finally someone to tell me the truth about how they taste. The–the concoctions!" he rushes to add. "Not–not any humans."

Kane smiles and kisses him on the cheek.

His good mood slowly dissipates as sunrise grows closer and closer. He keeps anxiously fiddling with his clothes, and won't get more than a few feet from Valen, following him around like a shadow.

Valen notes the impending sunrise as well, and throws open the downstairs closet, forming a pile of garments behind him. "All right, Kane, come here and I shall firmly wrap you up."

He puts an overcoat on Kane, followed by a second pair of pants, mid-calf boots, long gloves, and a hooded cloak. He packed plenty of backups, not wishing at all to be caught without such items.

He then hands Kane a mask. This one was his backup mask, but it's perfectly functional. It looks like a gas mask and has tinted lenses to block out the sun. He straps the mask over the cowl of the cloak, then for good measure gets a roll of duct tape and tapes the edges of the outfit shut, the pants and sleeves and the hood, so there is not a scrap of skin exposed.

He steps back to survey his work. "There, how does that feel?"

Kane stands rigid as Valen securely covers every inch of him. He's spent so long forcefully exposed. The hunters taking away his articles of clothing one-by-one, Nick forcing him into nudity time and time again. But Valen is the opposite. Valen made him clothing by hand, and now he's painstakingly covering him up to make sure he's safe. He tears up a little under the mask, emotional.

"It feels good," he says, a little choked up. "Thank you. I... I don't think I can feel safe going out in the sun, but this is as safe as I can possibly get. Thank you."

Valen smiles, then starts wrapping himself up the same way. His mask has a beak–he chose this one because it had room to put scented objects in front of his nose, to stop him from smelling humans...he hadn't trusted himself before, to smell them when he was hungry, although blocking that out is probably exactly what got him captured by surprise.

He also just likes the aesthetic of looking like a plague doctor.

Valen and Kane look at each other through their frosted lenses, both barely recognizable to the other. "Are you ready?" asks Valen. His voice reverberates in his mask now. "The sun is coming up."

Kane goes “Mmm” noncommittally, clinging to Valen's arm as they rejoin Liz.

"Let's get this show on the road," Liz says. "I figure we can take the truck, unless it's super close? You can navigate me."

"Oh, I always just ran there." He politely declines to point out that Liz is the reason why he couldn't do that now. "But the truck would probably be safer. I usually went through the woods, but I'm sure we can find a spot to park near the trail."

"Sounds good," she says with a thumbs-up. "Everybody in." She heads out the door.

Kane does not move, holding Valen’s arm in a death grip.

Valen steps forward a bit. "One step at a time now. The porch is in the shade. How about we start by going out the door?"

"Okay," Kane says quietly. He shuffles forward with Valen until they're both on the shaded porch, involuntarily letting out a whimper.

"Is me being here making it better or worse?" Liz asks. She's still bitter toward Kane, but she doesn't wanna impede anything if getting in the truck would make it easier.

Kane squints through the mask. "Um, worse. I'm s-sorry." Having a hunter here during something so stressful is making him even more afraid.

She nods. "I'll wait in the truck."

"Sorry," he whispers again, to Valen.

"It's okay," Valen whispers back. "We have plenty of time." Valen watches Liz get into the truck, then pulls Kane towards the edge of the sunlight. "Let's just start by putting one hand in, hmm?"

Valen goes to reach his arm out, but finds his limbs are trembling. He'd been trying to be brave for Kane, but he is also more scared than he'd like to admit. He's done this before, but ... that was before he'd known what the sun felt like, and been forced to lie in it.

Kane can't be brave if he sees you're scared. Valen does his best to suppress the trembling, and sticks his be-gloved hand into the sun. It doesn't burn, of course it doesn't, because they'd taken precautions. "See? It doesn't hurt."

Kane nods and slowly sticks his hand out. He gets it about halfway into the sun, then gasps, pulling it back. "Sorry. I'm sorry. I'm not burned. I just got scared." He does the same thing a second time, then finally puts his hand all the way out and keeps it there, breathing heavily.

"There we go," says Valen. "Very good." He takes his hand and turns around, stepping into the sunlight so he can pull Kane forward slowly. ...Ripping the bandaid off quickly for himself definitely makes him feel better, and he can feel the warmth, but he is bundled up airtight. "Come forward more when you're ready."

Kane stares at Valen in awe for a moment. He just stepped out there like it was nothing. He's seen Valen after the sun. He knows Valen knows how bad it is. And yet, he's brave enough to do this no problem.

He takes a deep breath, then steps out all at once into Valen's arms, shaking.

"There we go," Valen coos, squeezing him. "Good job. See, it doesn't burn when you cover yourself up." He steps down the porch, leading them towards the truck. "Talk to me. How does it feel?"

"...Warm," Kane squeaks, voice saturated with fear. "It's, it's right there." He whimpers. "How are you not scared?"

"Kane, my dear," says Valen, voice finally cracking. "I am scared. But we've faced far scarier things than this before. We're proving we don't have to let fear win."

Kane squeezes Valen back. His brave, brave Valen. "I won't let anyone hurt you. I'm strong enough to protect you, now. I'm sorry that I couldn't before." He hesitates, then adds, "Will you sit in the back with me?"

Valen's heart melts when Kane says that. “Yes, of course.”

Kane clings tight to Valen as they make their way into Liz's truck, squeezing in. Kane grows more and more anxious as they get further from the safety of the house, especially now being transported by a hunter who hates him, even a kind one.

"So, where to?" Liz asks.

Valen directs her to drive for a while down the main road leading from his place–barely more than dirt and gravel, with how far out they were–and directs her to pull over to the side of the road nearby a visible trail. The trees provide some shade, though there is still plenty of sunlight between their dappled leaves.

Kane is grateful for the shade, even if he's still terrified. He remains a permanent fixture on Valen's arm. "You never got burned doing this, before?"

Valen pats Kane's arm as they walk. "Not once. In fact, all my problems only started when I took all this off in the safety of my own home."

Kane is only slightly comforted by this.

Valen starts to walk into the woods, then turns back. "Liz, ma'am, do you think perhaps you should put on some sunscreen? I wouldn't want you to get burned."

Liz chuckles and follows him. "I think I'll be fine. You're very sweet, though. Thanks. You don't have to call me ma'am, by the way."

Valen dips his head towards Liz. "I won't if you don't prefer it, but I mean nothing by it. I got into the habit of using honorifics liberally in my husband's estate, since it can be difficult to remember everyone's appropriate titles, and they get so very offended if you err on the side of being too casual."

Liz shrugs. "Makes me feel old, when I'm the spring chicken of this bunch. You guys are what, a hundred?"

"I'm 116," Kane says quietly, eyes focused on the pattern of sunlight on the ground.

"I'll be turning 87 later this year," says Valen. "Which, according to some, makes me too old for–Oh, look, here, everyone." Valen excitedly rushes forward and gets down on his hands and knees to examine a blood orange mushroom, growing in a sunny patch at the base of a tree. "This is exactly what I'm looking for. If we can get as many of these as possible, that would allow me to continue my experiments. Their caps are only open during the day." He unfolds a cloth bag from his pocket and gently plucks the mushroom from the ground, holding it by the stem. "Liz, this fungus contains a potent neurotoxin, so don't touch them with your bare hands."

"Oh, super noted," Liz says, taking several steps back.

Kane starts gently plucking mushrooms and putting them in the bag. "They don't smell like food. Do they smell like food after you do things to them?"

"Erm," says Valen. "Sort of. It's not... exactly like real blood.” Understatement of the century. “Unfortunately it usually tastes quite bad, and doesn't smell the same. Hence why I had to keep working on it." He stands. "This is a good patch, but I'm sure we can find more if we go a little further. Keep your eyes peeled, everyone."

They go for a nice walk, which is nicest to Liz and the least nice to Kane. When any of them try to help and point out or bring him mushrooms, it's about a 50-50 that he accepts them or holds them up and then tosses it over his shoulder declaring it a closely related, but not substitutable fungus, citing minor differences such as stem length, gill density, cap color or shape, or any number of indecipherable details. He always tells Kane the mushrooms he's finding have stems that are too short, but then when Kane starts pointing out ones with longer stems, he claims they're too long.

But eventually, the bag is full, and Valen is preening. "This is plenty, thank you everyone. We can go home now. I can freeze-dry these ones for a long-term supply.”

"Sweet," Liz says. "We can all get some sleep, then pack up the truck with anything you wanna take with you, then head out toward the border."

Kane is very relieved for this experience to be over. He has had a little bit of fun picking mushrooms, but the sun is just too frightening. "Yes. Sleep," he agrees.

"Excellent. Great work, everyone."

They see a few chipmunks on the way back to the truck, and drive back to Valen's house without incident. However, when they start making arrangements to sleep, Valen realizes that he doesn't have very much furniture, and the only real suitable place to sleep in the house is the mattress upstairs. He doesn't even have a couch, the furnishings of the house are so bare.

He tells them this in a very embarrassed way, unsure of what to do.

"I'll sleep in my truck, it's cool," Liz says. She is not gonna be caught sleeping in the same bed as Kane. She waves and heads out the door.

"It's- I can- I'm used to the floor," Kane says, trying to be polite.

“Kane,” Valen says, equal parts exasperated and amused. “The mattress is big enough for both of us to sleep on together.”

"O-okay," says Kane. "If you're certain." Valen waits until the door is closed, then goes around doublechecking the blackout curtains before finally starting to shed his layers. "See, my dear? We did it, and not a scratch on us. We're unstoppable!"

Kane takes his mask off to reveal a smile. "You're right. We really are. Three bouts with hunters and here we are, somehow." He starts taking off the duct tape, then stops, contemplating. "...It was worth it, I think. If it weren't for all of that, I wouldn't have ever met you. And I'd still be taking humans."

Valen blushes. "I'll take it as high praise that you think I'm worth all that. Though it pains me to know what you went through, I love the gentleness and understanding your experiences have given you now. It is so unfortunately rare among our kind." Valen sits on the floor, staring into the eyes of his mask. "Sometimes it feels so endless, to try and fight this uphill battle against the cruelty around us."

"Yes. I just wish I wasn't a part of it. I wish it wasn't Jim. I was so horrible to him, for years. Worse than most who own humans. I wish I could just take it all back," Kane says somberly.

Valen pats the spot next to him for Kane to sit down. "There's nothing that can be done about it now, except try to make it right. You have a unique perspective. You know what it's like to think that way, and to realize you're wrong. You'll be more able to convince people to change their minds than I would. People attribute my idealism to naivete."

"Yes, I suppose you're right." Kane agrees, sitting down and leaning against Valen.

Valen’s temporary house is barely set up for one person to sleep in, let alone two, but Valen turns out to be correct about the mattress being big enough for both of them. Valen lies down, and Kane cuddles up against him from behind like Valen’s a giant teddy bear. Valen leans into it, feeling much more relaxed and cherished here in this bare room on a mattress directly on the floor than he ever had at his husband’s luxurious estate.

***

K&J x MMSS crossover taglist:

@barebarb

@cc1010foxy

@emcscared-whumps

@hurtpluscomfort

@melancholy-in-the-morning

@pigeonwhumps

@secretwhumplair

@some-thrilling-heroics

@t0rture-me

@thecyrulik

@thejinglingcourtjester

@vehan-tikkun-olam-and-stuff

@whuarri

@whump-cravings

@whump-my-heart-away

@whumpycries

@wolfeyedwitch

@whump-addict

@why-not-ask-me-a-better-question

[bassguitarinablackt-shirt]

tell me more about the nightmare squad! what kind of ships, tropes and relationships (platonic or uwu) does it have? any prejudices?

SJJSHS BEEN A BIT SINCE I TALKED ABOUT THESE DORKS

so the basic premise of the nightmare squad is a group of highschoolers that come together based on similair intrests to investigate their towns spooky shenanigans, it connsists of 5 characters:Quinn Archard (they/she), Sol Monet (he/him), Jamie Whitlock (he/they), Rowan Williams (any pronouns, and Ana Valen! (she/her)

Quinn joined because of their intrest in true crime

Sol's mom and younger brother were killed years ago and the police said it was a drunk driving accident but he thinks thats bullshit so joined to possibly get some answers

Jamie's obsessed with the idea of ghosts and spirits

Rowan works for the school newspaper and adores horror movies

Ana also works for the school newspaper and shes mainly in charge of notetaking for the group

It doesn't really have any romance however they do have a very found family dynamic that i adore

OH ROWAN AND ANAS DYNAMIC IS SUPER INTRESTING BECAUSE ROWAN IS VERY CHEERFUL AND PLAYFUL WHILE ANAS VERY INTROVERTED AND GLOOMY BUT THEYVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE MIDDLESCHOOL AND EVERYBODY'S ALWAYS SUPRISED WHEN THEY FIND THAT OUT

Quinns pretentious as fuck im not even gonna lie like slight edgy middleschooler vibes, the type to go up to someone wearing a band shirt and ask them to name 5 songs

Sol just wants answers bro he didnt want to be dragged into this but he was and theyre all his family now whether he likes it or not (oh oh he also has a twin sister! and and before one of his moms died he had lesbian moms and his currently alive mom is transfem) (and hes autistic bc yes) (oh and hes french!)

Jamie is very british and honestly their specific brand of weird probably gets to be a bit too much for Sol and Ana (those two bond over being extreme introverts)

Rowans just a sunshine who must be protected at all costs i adore him disjsjjsjs

Ana's a bit of a wallflower, shes the adopted introvert to Rowans extrovert

and okay this takes place in a fictional town me and my friend came up with where theres alot of mysterious murders, unsolved deaths, spooky drownings, and supposed ghostly activity which gives a bit more insight as to why they decided to form the nightmare squad

i actually didnt think about if they have any prejudices HOWEVER i do feel like its important to note that Quinn is black, Rowan is mexican and filipino, and all the characters (except for Sol, a cis boy who chooses not to label his sexuality) are all queer in some way!

basically just queer highschoolers investigate spooky stuff and form a found family bond

[ferrocyan]

i technically haven't finished it but i think i can say my thoughts at this point. werlyt's biggest problem imo is that it's too cliched. nothing gaius' children say make me feel anything bc they're boring. like their dialogues are boring. on a line-by-line basis i find the entire questline so boring to read. nothing is new with the empire's portrayal here, nothing about the conscripts or valens or the body horror of the gundam is new. and yet i'm supposed to feel shocked and horrified? why? i've seen all of this before. i would've seen it all before even if i played this trial series in shadowbringers. i'm just bored, i feel nothing.

what IS new is cid excitedly showing off the g-warrior, it's the wol getting to fight in a gundam, it's valens' character design and animation. now these things i do love and appreciate! also the shot of gaius stabbing the diamond weapon's core looks great and the cutscene has appropriate weight. i don't mind taking the story seriously for that moment.

also the story feels underwritten to me? like it's written sparingly kind of in a "show don't tell" way but a bit too sparing. a few times i'm left wondering like, wait where are we? what's going on? sometimes the information is revealed later but like. idk i feel like you can just open w exposition, it's ok to do that. this could just be me not absorbing information properly though so ymmv i guess

anyway my favorite part of this questline is the warmachina fanatic who unlocks the extreme trials, the guy LOVES all the weapons and builds his own gundam miniatures of them and infodumps excitedly to the wol about their specifications. that is EXACTLY what tart sounds like to everyone else lmaooo he talks so lovingly about primals and lightwardens and zenos just like that. and the wol's response in these cutscenes being like, put off by his excitement lol? warrior of light canonically hates autistic people i guess. except for mine who is the autistic people who is offputting to others <3

playing the sorrows of werlyt rn my feelings are

wow cool fight!

OH MY GOD COOL FIGHT

gaius' kid died. erm ok

...and this project is uniquely awful and unforgivable for.. what reason?

wow cool robot

WOW COOL ROBOT

wow cool fight!

a different gaius' kid died instead of the one hinted before. ok

nice valdeaulin backstory i enjoy this man a lot

wow cool cutscene

this guy valens is scheduling like 3 meetings at once like is that supposed to be a character detail or did the writer have short term amnesia

the fun parts rly hit while the tragedy is kinda falling flat rn. anyway uhhh so whats so bad abt one person dying horribly that makes the weapons project uniquely cruel again? wasnt it so dope when ishgardians drank dragon blood to turn themselves into dragons. i think the weapons rule and they should sacrifice more gaius children for cool trials like this woohoo

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL

Aug 2021 Wk 4

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Love Area Ep 4-5 - (ep 4 fan subs here and ep 5 here) play within a play was fine, look on the bright side at least it wasn’t a music concert. But OMG Non & Toon taking over the noodle shop was the cutest thing ever. Valen is such a big sulky yearning baby. We got us a genuine love triangle going on, and everyone of them a tiny disaster. Partly because of that, this show feels a lot faster paced than most pulps. Meanwhile, I’m not sure what happened to get PeetKing back together but it looks like, with Ice in the mix, that King’s got himself a uke to look out for, form of... flexible archetype, love triangle part deux! How exciting. Two different love triangles (and two different kinds seme/uke\seme and seme/flex/uke) in one BL - from Thailand no less. Is this a blessing or a curse? 

Check Out the series Ep 0 - this one isn’t supposed to come out until next year, 2022, but they dropped an ep 0 on us anyway with so many tropes I wonder what’s left for the rest of the series. YouTube is excited X a million for this one. The production values are good and the leads have killer bodies and great chemistry so yeah, what more do we want? Oh it starts with a one night stand, something new and different for BL and a personal favorite of mine. 2022 is too far away now. 

Siew Sum Noi ep 3? - did’t show up in the grey.

The Yearbook Ep 7 - NOTHING is happening in this show. I mean I’m used to BLs without plot but this is ridiculous. 

Don’t Say No Ep 4 - I got drunk and watched the world’s fanciest dumpster fire. What can I say? Or, to be fair, what didn’t I say? It’s not pretty, people. The sex scene isn’t pretty. The wardrobe ain’t pretty. I’m not pretty about either. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Friend or Lover Ep 5 - indie micro series from Taiwan that has been airing for a few months on YouTube. I’m enjoying it. It’s fluff with very little substance, but sweet and harmless. There is at least one more ep, but this kinda felt like the ending.  

Given (Japan) Ep 6 fin - a surprisingly happy even sweet final episode. I was not expecting it from this show or Japan. My only issue is that this whole series was a “sing your feelings” chassis as that is one of my least favorite tropes. (It’s why I don’t like rockstar romances.) However, put that aside and this was a solid little live action yaoi from Japan that could have come out anytime in the last 15 years, but I’m gad we got it now. (full review here) 8/10 RECOMMENDED. 

Gossip

Jang Eui Soo (Where Your Eyes Linger and Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding) starring in a new Korean BL My Sweet Dear. (Viki Original and it’s listed so you and save it to your watch list NOW! Read all about it here.) Not much is known about this drama yet. except he’s opposite Lee Chan Hyung who was one of the otherworld counterparts in The Uncanny Counter. 

Secret Crush On You (formerly Stalker) up coming Thai BL produced (but not starring) Saint, has a GL side couple! We are all very excited by this. 

Thai BL adaptation of KinnProsche seems to have been adopted by a new company under a new name. It’s like the shelter dog no one keeps for very long. Perth is out. No idea what’s going on. Frankly, don’t care. Wake me when it has an air date and is actually releasing. 

More of our trusted BL grey suppliers on Daily Motion had their accounts taken down, not sure what’s going on or where to find stuff until the dust settles. 

Lots of gifs dropped from the ep 0 of Thai BL Check Out the series, coming 2022. Not a much is known about this one except its a cohabitation hotel set piece. But it looks hot. 

In Case You Missed It

Seven Project FINALLY got its official trailer from Studio Wabi Sabi. I might have watched it several times. It looks like we have 1 GL, 2 definite BLs, 1 possible BL (never count on BoomPeak kissing), and 3 het romances. 

GL Samantha (Manaow in UWMA + lots of other rolls) & Pineare (Del in UWMA, Yuri in Love Sick)

BL Boun & Prem (WinTeam in UWMA)

BL Earth (In in UWMA) & Santa

BL? Boom & Peak (TeeFuse in MIR)

Perth (Ae LBC1&2)

Yacht (Pond in LBC1&2)

Plan (Can in LBC1&2)

Look, imma be honest with you, as cute as SantaEarth are, as fabulous as BounPrem’s chemistry is, as charmingly familiar as BoomPeak are on screen - I just REALLY WANT SOME GOOD THAI GL. I can’t wait for Sammy & Pinaere. I don’t really care about anything else, just give us THEM! 

There’s a BTS from Light On Me that shows prep for the kissing scene (spoiler: there is no prep). I rarely suggest looking at BTS stuff but in this instance, you can see why Korean romances (in general) don’t handle kisses well. They spring it on the actors without workshopping first (as opposed to Taiwan - here’s SamYu's prep activities as a counter example). You know I’m always interested in how good kisses happen, I figured you might be as well. 

A baby teaser for the second half of Love is Science was the most exciting thing to happen since the last ep of Light on Me. @heretherebedork and I have been waiting MONTHS for the return of our confident gay + disaster bi pairing and it looks like Taiwan is gonna serve them up on a sizzling hot platter. (Erm that metaphor got away from me, but watch the clip and you’ll get it.) This drama also features an older woman/younger man main romance, a lesbian side nibble, and a mature hets side plot. Both het romances are with beta males. Honestly, what would we do without Taiwan? 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Thai BL Love Advisor (teaser) starts up Aug 28. You can watch this one on Vibie’s YouTube channel. The teaser’s subs aren’t inspiring much confidence, and it looks like a lockdown project, but they’re trying? And it’s something new.

Korean BL Peach of Time is supposed to start Aug 30 on WeTV (trailer). This is 10 episode crossover project between Korea & Thailand involving Mii2 AKA JimmyTommy of Why R U? and Choi Jae Hyun of Run On. Korean set and support cast means we can expect high production values, short episodes, and mostly Korean language. It’s about a Thai boy, Peach (Jimmy), who travels to stay with his online Korean friend, Yun Oh. Yun Oh has a strained relationship with his mother which Peach tries to mend. There is also a ghost element. 

Some shows may be listed later than actual air date for International subs accessibility reasons.

Upcoming 2021 BL master post here.

Links to watch are provided when possible, ask in a comment if I missed something.

This week’s best moments?

Non & Toon taking over the noodle shop in Love Area. 

The shower scene in Check Out. Look it’s been a while since we saw this trope. I like it, okay? 

The kiss in Given. 

These two are back and back in uniform, making them officially the longest running BL couple (until Not Me comes out, of course). Either way they sure have been in high school a SUPER long time. 

[hazard-queen]

Valentine's special ( dorm leaders X reader)

• It was something unfamiliar for him, the whole thing since it was a boys school before you suddenly appeared nowhere now he has to plan something for Valentine's day to make it special.

• He's the most shy person worldwide so the fact he stood in front of you preventing himself from turning into a geant tomato when he said...

• "Ummm would you like to...go out on a...a...a date with me today?"

• "Sure thing, why not?"

• You simply gave him a smile before you made your way out of the doorm!

• First of all he asked trey to make him a heart shaped red velvet cake!, he sat off himself collecting flowers for you, he was so embarrassed someone may see him like that but what he didn't know that everyone was watching him in silence

• "Awwwww isn't he cute?"

• Cater whispered as both ace and duce nodded crying from the cuteness!

• It was time and you wore your best dress ( the one you could get there) and came on time, riddle couldn't hide his blushing face anywhere when he handed you the bouquet, he was so adorable!

• He was wearing a neat suit, doing his hair to one side (yeah yeah like ciel ) he was just so adorable

• "Happy Valentine's day (y/n)"

• He looked away trying not to make any eye contact with you.

• "I also have something for you!"

• You gave him a heart shaped chocolate, you spent the whole day making it for him, happily he took it from you and he can't be more red than how he is now!

• " t thank you, i i love you.....I MEAN I LOVE THEM!"

• You couldn't help it but to giggle

• "It's ok, i love you too!"

• "Ok i like you!!!!"

• You blinked several times unsure if what you just heard was right or your brain just snapped

• "Did you just say you..."

• "I WON'T REPEAT MYSELF! BE READY AT 6 OR I WILL EAT YOU!"

• He left you dumbfounded, shall you get ready or call police? But at the same time you were happy, are you finally gonna see the soft side of leona?

• He totally does not have any idea where or how he's supposed to get flowers and the necessary things for such an occasion...he never neen nice to anyone before so he paid ruggie for help!

• You got ready and waitd for leona at the gate of Savannahclaw dorm gate as he told you but you never expected what you saw next

• Leona appeared wearing a fancy suite letting his chest open to the air, his hair was done into a bun, you were speechless as you saw him.

• He handed you the bouquet but you still didn't move your gazes away from him.. is that the leona you know and see everyday?

• "(Y/n) Are we going to spend the whole day dumbfounded? I know i look handsome which is nothing new for me but let's go somewhere to hang out!"

• You came back to reality and took the bouquet from leona, you took a chocolate box from your bag giving it to leona

• " h happy Valentine's day leona!!!"

• You saw a smirk formed on the corner of his lips as he took it from you, he just love how blushing you got and your effort not to make an eye contact with him is just...what he actually likes!

• "Happy Valentine's day herbivore!"

• Everything in the lounge is ready, tables, check, candles, check, also food is there and he's now waiting for you to come.

• You walked in wearing a red dress, making your hair a ponytail with light make up, azul got speechless as you walked by and took the chair by him.

• " y you look....breath taking"

• Taking your hand on his, he placed a kiss on the which made you giggle

• "Thank you azul, you look also so handsome!"

• Azul blushed by your compliment then he cleared his throat pointing to jade and azul who came and placed plates on the table and by plates i mean plates of your favourite food

• "Hey azul, can i have some of this plate? It looks delicious and I'm hungry!~"

• As floyd spoke jade poked his arm and dragged him away

• "Don't mind my brother, please enjoy!"

• " ehem...happy Valentine's day (y/n)!"

• He gave you a box full of roses with a red teddy bear on the centre of the box

• "Happy Valentine's day to you too,azul! I also got you something

• You handed him a dark chocolate heart shaped minnie brownies, he took them with a worried smile and a thank you whic you could read

• " hehe don't worry! It's a diet recipe with less calories"

• You both laughed at the same time and continued the romantic date listening to music playd in the lounge.

• "Valen...what?"

• Wait, were you expecting him to know about that? It's not kalim at all...the guy has no clue for what you're saying you know....

• "Y yeah it's the day were people can appreciate their love to others....by giving gifts...roses and other many ways!"

• Your explanation was good and everything but he still didn not get the right idea and translated all what you said that he should go get you gifts!

• A minute passed and you felt like if there was an earthquake but it seems that kalim has got a full carriage of gifts to you....and they are all in gold!

• "Taddaaa! Is that good enough?"

• Kalim shouted on the top of an elephant that it was itself carrying something , you cub your hands over your mouth and shouted so he can hear you.

• "I MEAN GIFTS LIKE ROSES AND CHOCOLATE....THOSE SIMPLE THINGS!"

• "Yes i got you flowers, catch!"

• You smiled rising your arms expecting a bouquet but you found a flower shower that you sinked in!

• .......

• "Kalim!!!! Can we go on a trip on your carpet for a valentine date?"

• "Yes sure!!!"

• You took a flight on the carpet all over the place, it was calm and happy moment, you don't have to buy the one you love expensive things to make them happy, only a small act of care would be enough!

• You were deep asleep when you suddenly felt some tickle on your nose, you moved to the other side feeling annoyed but again this soft tickle came back, squeezing your eyes shut slowly you saw a rose!

• "Good morning my lovely dove!"

• You didn't know if you have to feel happy because of the romantic way he wakes you up with or how messy your hair was or HOW ON EARTH VIL GOT IN YOUR ROOM!!!!!

• "U ummm good morning vil....how did you get in?"

• "Oh well it's a long story! I made you breakfast by the way!"

• Your mouth was wide open you you heard that, did he just say that he MADE you breakfast?

• He placed a tray on the bed that has different kinds of fruits and vegetables and sugar free drinks (no coffee?!)

• He was extra kind and nice as ever to you, he brought you a new dress, flowers, all required things to make you happy.

• "I i also brought you something....Happy Valentine's day, vil!"

• You gave him a box of new limited edition perfume that he wanted.

• "Awww my dear, thank you i really love it"

• Vil gave you a hug and took you to have a romantic date (i don't think vil would like to have a dinner) he just made your day from the beginning to the end of the day...

• It was fine by you to think that idia probably would never get out if his room to take you out or anything, you just don't want to make him out of his comfort zone since he rarely get out of his room.

• You heard knocks on your door thay took you from your deep thought but as you went to open it no one was there except a note.

• ' please meet me today at 6, i will be waiting for you...idia'

• You smiled as you read the note, seems like the guy has changed after all!...did he actually do that? Nope! It was ortho!

• "WWWHHHAAAAAATTTTT?!?!?!?!"

• Idia freaked the second ortho told him what he did, it was like almost the end of the world to him

• "You will wear neat clothes and do your hair, take (y/n) out for Valentine date! You don't want to let her down do you?"

• Of course he would never love to! So idia dressed up in something formal, do his hair in a long pony tail and went to take you out.

• "Don't forget flowers!"

• Handing idia the bouquet, he took a deep breath before he got out of his room to your dorm

• He saw you waiting for him there in a cute outfit and a warm smile that melted his fears away

• "H h happy v Valentine's day (y/n)"

• With shaky hands and a blush idia gave you the bouquet

• "Happy Valentine's day idia!"

• You gave him a hear shaped box wrapped on blue wrap

• "I is that for me?...t thank you"

• He was a blush mess but he couldn't hide his smile when you gave him the box!

• You firstly spent the day with a romantic outing and a lovely walk but since you both are gamers this date ended up in the arcade and you both playing together kicking your enemies !

• He heard about that before from lilia but he never thought he was ever going to take someone out or has to say something romantic to anyone since people were always afraid of him!

• He asked you out and you happily agreed, yeah he was abit nervous but he tried to keep calm when he saw you walk towards him

• "Y you look gorgeous (y/n)! Ah i i got you roses...hope you like them....happy Valentine's day!"

• You looked up to malleus and took roses from him smelling it with a smile

• " oh oh! I got you something too!"

• You handed him a box full of different kinds of chocolate

• "Happy Valentine's day malleus!!!"

• He smiled abit taking the box from you and started at it for abit

• "D didn't you like it?"

• " n no! It's not like that....the whole thing is new to me....i mean...nobody lov....."

• "That is in the past now! I'm here and i love you!"

• Giving him the best of your smile you took his arm in yours and took a walk in the forest

• It was some time before malleus was able to feel less stressed and got along with you, he would invite you to dinner and give you his jacket when you're cold! Malleus is a real nice person when you get to know him but most importantly that he loves you

[bengiyo]

Love Area Episode 2.08 Stray Thoughts

Sweet relief this part is only 33 minutes long. 1.5 speed, my beloved, we are almost through.

DAMN, kiss my boy and then cut him down like that?? Why is Non in this show??? I'm going to riot.

The butches are back!!!

Oh boy I have witnessed this fight between butches in person before. I'm glad no one got shoved this time, and no knives were drawn.

Oh it's the model boy. Let's cram some development here at the end. I do like when a prospective partner comes over to clean. It's one of my favorite love languages.

Pink milk lives on

Oh no Jeff's homewrecker character is back.

That's right, Non. You give back that bracelet. Return it and the feelings that were never taken seriously.

Hey, I don't like seeing Jeff get punched.

Sad beach hours for Non.

Non is the best boy. Is he trying to get Valen and Kaitoon back together? I don't care about anyone in this show except Non. I have been him and I want him to receive the love he pours into others.

I do like the "running into your ex because of my new job" trope

Valen is going to want to reconcile, but I never liked him. I'm not invested in them going back together.

Damn, feels like this whole show was a loss for literally every character.

And...they run back to each other.... I suppose that was affective, but boy do I not get them.

Well, that's finally over. If you have been on the fence about Love Area, I recommend skipping it.

[savior-of-humanity]

OKAY here are my Thoughts(tm) about The Ancient Gods part II

ALSO: MASSIVE FUCKING SPOILER WARNING FOR THE ANCIENT GODS PART 1 + 2. BE WARNED THIS IS LONG AS FUCK. TL;DR AT BOTTOM.

In terms of the gameplay: I really liked how it played! The combat encounters weren’t downright vicious like in the first DLC, but they still go out of their way to mix things up (i.e a hallway filled with explosive barrels + blood punch pick-ups + Pinkies, or the double-Marauder encounter that you could ACCIDENTALLY FUCKING BUFF JESUS CHRIST) so it was still fun all around.

The new enemies added - the Cyber-Baron/Armored Baron, Riot Zombie/Chaingunner, Screecher Zombie, Stone Imp, and Cursed Prowler - are...okay. I like the idea of new enemy variants based off pre-existing ones but they felt either really fucking frustrating to fight (particularly the Cursed Prowler and Chaingunner) or were very “simple”, I guess. The Stone Imps, in particular, are a variant of Imp that are very resistant to damage unless you use the full-auto mod for the shotgun, in which they drop even more shotgun ammo if they’re killed by that. Other than that they do a Sonic-style spin-dash and slam into you, which can actually knock you off a ledge. Screecher Zombies are basically just mobile hazards that if you accidentally hit, will act like temporary Buff Totems. Cursed Prowler is fucking awful: basically, if it hits you with a projectile, you’ll be cursed with a debuff that keeps you from double-jumping and dashing that also drains your health over time, and you HAVE to kill it with a blood punch in order to remove the curse. Chaingunners are basically just the Shield Zombie Soldiers, but they shoot faster and have an indestructable shield. And finally, the Cyber-Baron: It’s basically a Baron of Hell, but with indestructable armor that can only be destroyed by shooting it’s mace when it flashes green, or by shooting it with plasma. After the armor is gone you have to kill it as fast as you can before the armor is regenerated, repeat until it dies.

Summoner Ghosts and Blood Maykrs also make a return, which is cool.

The Hammer is cool to say the least. I was hoping to see some glory kills with it but considering that it’s primary use is to either clear out groups of small enemies or to stun larger ones like Barons, it makes sense that they’d omit glory kills from it. On top of that, Marauders now have a mechanic (for the entire game, not just the DLC) where when you shoot them as they flash green, they’ll become stunned (though the sound effects are rather corny and cartoonish, even for the game). Using the Hammer on a stunned Marauder will GREATLY extend that stun, which allows you to just fucking shit on them.

I also really liked the grapple-Hookshot points that you had to use to progress in a level. I’m still not really used to how you’re supposed to move in the opposite direction of the point to swing yourself, but the idea is intuitive, fun, and makes me wish it was in the base game and the previous DLC.

My biggest grievances with this DLC, however, is how it handled some of it’s characters, the story, and the new lore that was implemented in the codexes.

So first off: I want to say that while I still appreciate the DLC, that’s honestly only with the gameplay. The story, much less the lore, is fucking stupid to say the least.

To TL;DR the story: It is, quite honestly, bare-bones as fuck. We continue from where we directly left off from the Ancient Gods Part 1: Davoth/The Dark Lord is being summoned into existence and into his physical form, which for some reason looks exactly like Doomguy except with sick tats, glowing red eyes, and a weird implant in his chest. Doomguy, naturally, tries to spawncamp him and shoots him with his super-shotgun, but nothing happens as “no blood can be spilled in this holy place”. Davoth leaves, telling Doomguy that he’ll be waiting for him in the city of Immora, the capitol city at the very center of Hell.

Doomguy goes to Argent D’Nur. He murder-death-kills shit, as per usual. He goes into this big castle where a hologram of Valen is waiting for him. He tells him that he atones for his sins and gives him the Hammer since Doomguy lifted the curse from his son’s soul. He goes to the Torch of Kings and lights it, marking his journey to the giant crystalline spear that impales Argent D’Nur known as the World Spear. Cue cutscene of a bunch of different Argenta people/Night Sentinel seeing the light of the Torch of Kings from all over Argent D’Nur. Internguy tells him that it’s a day’s walk still from the World Spear, and conveniently a very fucking awesome looking Argenta dragon shows up and gives him a ride to the World Spear.

Doomguy gets to a lake that separates him from the World Spear. The Father says “He is worthy” and then a bridge rises out of the water. Doomguy crosses past some big ass Sentinel ghosts/guardians and into the World Spear. Turns out the inside of the World Spear is like some giant, fucked up ship made out of crystal, with weird figures lining the wall and all that: Internguy even says “This isn’t a crystal at all, this is a ship!” This does not get expanded upon whatsoever in neither dialogue or codexes. Doomguy grabs Convenient Power Crystal and leaves.

Doomguy arrives on Earth through a portal, which is looking substantially better than since its invasion. Internguy tells him that a Convenient Ancient Portal close by is the only way to Immora. Doomguy kills shit, arrives at portal, activates it with Convenient Power Crystal, and leaves.

Doomguy arrives in front of a giant wall surrounding Immora. Davoth walks out, wearing a big ass power suit that looks like something straight out of Warhammer 40k. He’s surrounded by guards in cool red armor with cool spears that look very humanoid. He says some shit and a bunch of Hell-ships and demons and titans start showing up. But then surprise! A bunch of portals open up on Doomguy’s side like it’s fucking Infinity War/Endgame all over again and a fuckload of Sentinels start coming out, with mechs and dragons and spaceships. Valen is there. Doomguy and Valen stare at each other for like 5 seconds before Valen says “Let Hell tremble before our might!” or some shit like that. Doomguy fights, gets past the wall, fights some more inside the city. Again, the usual.

I also want to briefly point out that Immora is basically just a Maykr city but red, and that it’s apparently “Hell’s own technology.” Also, the red dudes in armor are actual enemies but the guns they have (the hell-razor from 2016) do piss-poor damage and they die if you so much as breathe on them.

Doomguy finally catches up to Davoth. Davoth monologues about how he’s going to get his revenge and that it’s inevitable, bla bla bla. Fight begins. It’s basically Marauder 2.0 but if he hits you and/or you shoot him at the wrong time he heals a fuckload of health. And also 5 different health bars. After you knock down 2 or 3 of his bars he stops the fight to monologue for some fucking reason? And then shits out a plot twist that surprise, he’s actually the real God, and that the Father betrayed/usurped his power, and that he will “unmake everything by his hand.” Fight resumes. Doomguy eventually beats him. Davoth asks him if he has anything to say before he strikes down his creator. Doomguy takes off his helmet, stabs Davoth in the heart, and says no in his stupid sexy voice. Davoth dies, his life-sphere emerges and then explodes. Doomguy suddenly becomes weak and falls over. The Father says “He created everything in his image, even you.” Doomguy passes out and wakes up to see 3 Seraphim seal him in a sarcophagus like the one from 2016. Fade to black, with the quote “May the blood on your sword never dry, and may we never need you again.” End game, roll credits.

If you hadn’t read any of the codexes while playing the DLC, the story probably makes little to no sense to you whatsoever. But honestly the codexes don’t expand upon things much and, if anything, just fucking make some aspects of the story even more stupid.

The World Spear is implied in the codex that it contains live Wraiths (“A live Wraith has not been seen in centuries, but rumors persist that some yet remain inside the World Spear itself.”), and while the figures in the World Spear could be Wraiths, absolutely nothing is said about them out of three Codexes related to the level, which honestly just makes me wonder the point of adding this stuff if you don’t even give a single sentence of why the interior of the World Spear is Like That.

The codex entries related to Earth are basically uninteresting as they’re pretty much just “humanity is rebuilding and views doomguy as a hero”. There is one about the Convenient Ancient Portal (Gate of Divum) but all it really says is that it was built and used by the Father to access Immora. Nothing about why it’s on Earth, or anything interesting like that.

However, the real bullshit comes in when we start to look at the codex entries related to Immora and Davoth.

So, Immora is the central - and oldest - city in Hell. It’s described as such: “Once a paradise at the dawn of creation, Immora now survives as a stronghold where the Dark Lord resides. Sustained now by the essence of Hell's victims, the people of Immora experience life eternal. Regular infusions of Hell energy have prevented them from transforming into the demons found outside the boundaries of the city. Ancient technology defends Immora from invaders, the high walls impenetrable to those who would bring harm to the last people of the first world.“

Yeah. So not only did Hell have high-tech technology all this time, but also the red guys in armor? Those are Immorans. Which is weird to me, because if Hell had this super advanced technology that’s also ancient, and thus around for a long time, why the hell are we only seeing it now?

Also, surprise! Turns out the Book of Seraphs is a complete fucking lie according to the very first codex entry related to Davoth! (”Our research shows that Maykr history and lore holds truths that are not consistent with passages found in the Hell Priest texts, revealing the true origins of Hell and all surrounding dimensions. This revelation would explain why Hell is the single dimension that connects to all others, and why it is the oldest in existence - the first world.”)

The real truth is that Davoth is the real Creator/God, and that Jekkad was the very first realm, not Urdak. He still sought immortality for his people, so he created the Maykrs to figure it out for him. They did, but decided it would be too dangerous to give Davoth that information, so they basically said “fuck you” and sealed Jekkad/Davoth while re-writing their own records to hide the truth. Obviously, this pissed off Davoth. So much so that he basically became super angry and emo and became the Dark Lord from all the vengeance and hatred (which also turned Jekkad into Hell.)

Another surprise! Turns out that Davoth had a hand in the creation of the fucking Doom Slayer! Because he wanted to get revenge against the Maykrs, he started to manipulate a bunch of people while he was trapped as a life sphere I guess. He started with the Khan Maykr, convincing her that there was a “chosen one” who would threaten her rule and thus making her paranoid as fuck. He then guided her into creating the Divinity Machine using a fragment of himself that had been sealed in Urdak. Then he manipulated Samur, by convincing him that “the Khan Maykr will lead us all to ruin.” He was then controlled and compelled to release a stranger from his prison (Doomguy) and empower him using the Divinity Machine.

As you can probably guess, he got his revenge since Doomguy would go on to utterly fuck Urdak/the Khan Maykr (as well as Samur), and ever since he knew that his “Beast” would come for him.

Listen. I don’t really mind the idea of Doomguy being used or even manipulated by different godly powers. Or even Davoth being the real God or whatever. But this new lore and story just feels... really sloppy and poorly executed, especially since it directly conflicts with the fucking base game. If he manipulated the Khan Maykr and wanted revenge against her, then why did he scream “NOOOOOO!” when Doomguy killed her?

And, if anything: Why the fuck does Davoth even look like Doomguy in the first place? Is it some form of mockery? Or did id just decide to fucking retcon the Doom Slayer being the same person as the Doomguy from Doom 1/2 with the Father’s line of “He created everything in his image -- even you.”

And, on top of that, the DLC just left more open questions than answers: what the fuck happened to Samur, since he isn’t even so much as mentioned beyond the codexes? Who is the Wretch, the being who had supposedly forged Doomguy’s armor back in 2016? What is the fate of Earth/Hell/Urdak/Argent D’Nur after the Slayer’s victory? What the fuck happened to the Demonic Crucible, the one from 2016? What about the ARC Carrier and the Fortress of Doom?

Finally, Valen, Internguy and the Father should’ve been far more involved in the story beyond just being either convenient voices telling you convenient stuff or (in the case of Valen) being a convenient guy to give you convenient weapon that also conveniently shows up with a giant army that doesn’t actually do anything but look cool in the skybox.

TL;DR The new lore and story of the DLC is basically garbage, and since I highly doubt id will change it I’m going to completely disregard it, write my own, and also take up Davoth as a muse because it seriously pissed me off that much.

[houseisekai]

House Isekai: Valentine’s Day Special

House Isekai Masterlist

----

[Mezame no Waltz - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

Yuki hummed happily as she stepped through the dorms of Garreg Mach Monastery, boxes of chocolates in her arms.

She finally arrived at the entrance to House Isekai’s classroom and opened the door.

Inside, Byleth, Megumi, Towa, Sharon, Doomguy, Sara, Angelica, and Cocytus turned to look at her.

(Megumi) “Yuki-chan?”

(Angelica) “Oh yikes, that’s a lotta boxes!”

Angelica, Sharon, Doomguy, and Towa walked over to Yuki and helped take some of the boxes.

Each one of them had a box yet Yuki still had a tower in her arms as she sat them down on the table.

(Yuki) “Whew, thank you! That was getting heavy!”

(Sara) “Are these chocolates?”

(Yuki) “Yup! I made these with Mercedes, Ashe, and Dedue! We made it for everyone in House Isekai!”

Yuki excitedly grabbed the boxes and handed them individually to the staff members.

(Byleth) “We appreciate it, but what’s the occasion?”

(Yuki) “Well, Fodlan seems to share the same calendar as most of us, and right now it’s February 14th! Which means its Valentine’s day! Normally these are given to the people you love in our world, so that’s why I’m giving it to everyone!”

(Byleth) “Valen...tine’s?”

(Cocytus) “AH, I BELIEVE I HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY. LORD AINZ HAS MULTIPLE ITEMS WITH THE NAME OF VALENTINES, RANGING FROM ARMOR TO WEAPONS WITH HEARTS ON THEM.”

(Sara) “...So, when you say hearts you mean-”

(Cocytus) “NOT ACTUAL HEARTS.”

(Sara) “Ok, figured. Just wanted to make sure, we never know with your group-”

(Towa) “A-Anyways! Yuki, thank you so much!”

(Megumi) “You still have a lot of boxes Yuki-chan, do you need our help?”

(Yuki) “Nope! I know you guys are really busy, so leave it all to me!”

(Sharon) “If that is what you wish. Again, thank you very much, Miss Yuki!”

Yuki saluted the staff and walked off with significantly less boxes in her arms.

Doomguy was the first one to open his box of chocolates.

It seemed fairly standard, heart shaped chocolates, but several appeared to be something similar to dog treats. They had the label “For Daisy.”

And more importantly, he had a note specifically for him.

“For Slayer: Thank you for being so nice, even though you can be really scary!”

Doomguy was seen smiling through his helmet as everyone else opened theirs.

“For Towa: Thank you for working so hard!”

“For Angelica: Thank you for not hitting on us!”

“For Cocytus: Thank you for teaching Kurumi how to fight!”

“For Sara: Thank you for looking out for us and Megunee!”

“For Sharon: Thank you for being House Isekai’s retainer!”

“For Byleth: Thank you for everything you’ve done for us!”

“For Megu-nee: Thank you for being the best teacher ever!”

Everyone looked back at the door smiling. Except Angelica.

(Megumi) “Yuki-chan...”

(Sara) “Hah, bet she’ll lighten someone’s day.”

(Angelica) “...Do I really hit on people that much?”

(Everyone) “Yes.”

Rest of House Isekai under the cut!

Abyss, Denizens of Nazarick’s Room

[Oath of Loyalty to the Supreme Being - OVERLORD OST]

After saying hello to Yuri and the other Ashen Wolves, they directed Yuki to where Ainz’s group was.

Ainz knocked on the door politely and waited.

There was no response for a minute before she heard something behind her.

Turning around, Demiurge was right in front of her, looking down.

(Demiurge) “Ah, Miss Takeya. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

(Yuki) “Valentine’s Day! I’m giving everyone some chocolates, including you Mister Demiurge!”

He took a moment to examine one of the boxes and sure enough, there were labels for each member, including Ainz.

Demiurge nodded and opened the door for her.

(Demiurge) “Right this way.”

As she followed Demiurge, she failed to notice that several members were now eyeing her suspiciously.

(Shalltear) “Oh, it’s her.”

(Aura) “Weird, Yuki’s got a lot of boxes.”

Demiurge stopped in front of Ainz, who was in the center of the room with Albedo, overlooking a war table of some sort.

Ainz looked at Demiurge, then at Yuki.

(Ainz) “I see we have a delivery.”

(Demiurge) “So it would seem, my lord.”

(Yuki) “Yup, I got a box for everyone here!”

This made Ainz curious. Yuki making something for them?

(Ainz) “Everyone, to the center of the room.”

Everyone in the room dropped what they were doing and followed Ainz’s instruction, getting on one knee.

Ainz grabbed a box and opened it up.

“For Ainz: Thank you for being a good friend to everyone, despite our differences!”

(Ainz) “Ah, a Valentine’s box.”

(Yuki) “Oh, you know what it is too, Ainz?”

(Ainz) Lots of Valentine’s events happened when I was playing Yggdrasil. Never cared too much about these since I never had a girlfriend or whatever but...eh. Made for fun collectables throughout the years. Why discard this one? “Yes, I do. Thank you very much.”

(Shalltear and Albedo) “WHAT?!”

[Shut up, lower life form - Overlord OST]

Ainz immediately noticed that they were frothing with rage.

(Ainz) Shit! That’s right, they think this is solely romantic! “AHEM! Do you have a problem with this gift, you two?”

(Albedo) “Of course, Lord Ainz! How could the man I love accept a gift so precious and romantic from...FROM HER OF ALL PEOPLE?!”

(Shalltear) “IT’S UNACCEPTABLE!”

(Ainz) You got to be fucking kidding me-

(Yuki) “Romantic? But these are friendship chocolates! I made everyone here friendship chocolates, including you two!”

(Ainz) Oh thank god.

Yuki grabbed their boxes and happily walked over to them.

Albedo and Shalltear looked at each other with an eyebrow raised, then opened the box.

Sure enough:

“For Shalltear: Thank you for protecting us when we’re in the Monastery!”

“For Albedo: Thank you for protecting us when we’re in battles!”

(Albedo & Shalltear) “...Oh.”

Demiurge, Aura, Mare, Sebas, Pandora’s Actor and the Pleiades got their chocolates as well.

“For Demiurge: Thank you for giving us the knowledge of Fodlan!”

“For Aura & Mare: Thank you for being someone the younger students of House Isekai can talk to!”

“For Sebas: Thank you for helping Sharon and the other staff out!”

“For Pandora’s Actor: Thank you for always making us laugh with your fantastic performances!”

“For the Pleiades: Thank you for keeping us safe!”

(Yuki) “Anyways, that’s all I wanted to do! Thank you for your time!”

Yuki bowed and quickly left the room.

Ainz slowly turned to Albedo and Shalltear, who started sweating.

(Ainz) “Of all the people to be skeptical of, you really chose Yuki...?”

S.E.E.S, Dormitory

[Iwatodai Dorm - Persona 3 OST]

(Minako) “Oh, hey Yuki-senpai!”

(Yuki) “Hello! Happy Valentine’s!”

Everyone turned to the door and saw Yuki unloading chocolates.

(Junpei) “Oh, sweet! Chocolates!”

(Yukari) “Jeez, the year flew by so fast!”

As Yuki handed the chocolates out, some of S.E.E.S spoke amongst themselves.

(Akihiko) “Can’t believe she’s the same age as us.”

(Mitsuru) “It is a bit weird, isn’t it?”

(Shinjiro) “Who cares how old she is? She’s more considerate than some people I know here.”

(Akihiko) “Hmph.”

(Koromaru) Bark!

(Aigis) “Yuki-chan, Koromaru wishes to have some chocolates.”

(Yuki) “Oh, sorry! I don’t think you can eat any of these, but don’t worry! We did make a tasty treat for you!”

Koromaru wagged his tail excitedly.

(Ken) “Thanks, Yuki-senpai!”

(Junpei) “I think this is the first time I’ve gotten chocolates from a girl-”

(Yukari) “Jeez, Stupei! Is that ALL you can think of right now?! This is obviously friendship chocolate!”

(Junpei) “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? I was just makin’ an observation!”

(Fuuka) “A-Anyways, thank you so much!”

(Yuki) “Sure thing!”

(Minato) “...You could at least say thank you before stuffing your face, Minako.”

(Minako) “Huerh?Owhrite!Thamfkyu!”

Minato rolled his eyes and finally noticed the note written to him.

“For Minato: Thank you for being so nice!”

“For Minako: Thank you for helping Yuuri out with her problems!”

“For Fuuka: Thank you for helping me with tech problems!”

“For Junpei: Thank you for helping Kurumi how to fight better!”

“For Yukari: Thank you for teaching Miki how to use a bow!”

“For Mitsuru: Thank you for being smart to help us out in battle!”

“For Akihiko: Thank you for helping Kurumi train!”

“For Shinjiro: Thank you for teaching me how to cook!”

“For Aigis: Thank you for protecting us in battle!”

“For Koromaru: Thank you for playing with me!”

“For Ken: Thank you for your help with studying!”

(Yuki) “Okay, that’s it for this group, I have to go now!”

S.E.E.S waved her off as she left the dormroom.

(Minako) “Hah, being nice? That’s a first-”

(Minato) “Piss off.”

Investigation Team, Dormitory

[Signs of Love - Persona 4 OST]

(Teddie) “Hey, it’s Yuki-chan!”

(Yu) “Hey, what’s with the boxes?”

(Yuki) “Valentine’s!”

(Chie) “Jeez, that’s a lotta boxes! Here, lemme help you with that!”

(Rise) “Oh, that’s so nice of you, Yuki-senpai! Thanks so much!”

(Teddie) “Is...Is this a confession?! I don’t know what to say!”

(Yosuke) “It’s not a confession, idiot! It’s friendship chocolate!”

(Teddie) “Yikes! It was just a joke! Why do you sound so angry? What, do you have firsthand experience on getting nothing but friendship chocolate?”

(Yukiko) SNRK!

(Naoto) “Thank you for your gift, Yuki-senpai.”

(Kanji) “Cool, love chocolate! Thanks man!”

“For Yu: Thanks for always taking the time to help out Yuuri!”

“For Yosuke: Thanks for being like a big brother!”

“For Chie: Thank you for being like a big sister!”

“For Yukiko: Thank you for the gag glasses and making us laugh!”

“For Teddie: Thanks for always making me smile!”

“For Naoto: Thank you for spending time with Miki!”

“For Rise: Thanks for helping us with the Ball concert!”

“For Kanji: Thanks for teaching me how to knit cute animals!”

(Yuki) “Alright, I have a few more stops to make, catch you later!”

Everyone said goodbye as she walked out the room.

(Yosuke) “...Wait a second, when did you give Yuki gag glasses?!”

(Yukiko) “That would ruin the surprise!”

(Chie) “Ugh, great. I thought we got rid of all those by now...”

Phantom Thieves, Dormitory

[No More What Ifs (Instrumental) - Persona 5 Royal]

(Yuki) “Hello, Valentine’s delivery!”

(Akira) “Oh, it’s already Valentine’s?”

(Ann) “I didn’t even know Fodlan had one!”

(Makoto) “They most likely don’t, but they do share our calendar year. I suppose it makes sense for those from our world to celebrate it.”

(Ryuji) “Eff yeah, hand that stuff over!”

(Haru) “Oh, how thoughtful!”

(Yusuke) “Hm, it has been a while since I’ve had any food...”

(Futaba) “Dude, you get FREE food for being a student, how the heck have you not eaten?!”

(Morgana) “Hmph...Wish I could cook chocolate, then I could give mine to lady A-”

(Kasumi) “Thank you, Yuki-senpai!”

(Akechi) “...You know how I am and you’re still giving me chocolate? Ugh, fine whatever, hand it over.”

“For Akira: Thank you for being so fearless in fighting!”

“For Ann: Thank you for all the sweets you’ve shared with me!”

“For Ryuji: Thank you for teaching us how to run and fight better!”

“For Yusuke: Thank you for your wonderful paintings of our class!”

“For Morgana: Thank you for driving us all around Fodlan!”

“For Futaba: Thank you for playing video games with me and Kazuma!”

“For Makoto: Thank you for teaching me how to be a better student!”

“For Haru: Thank you for teaching us how to garden!”

“For Kasumi: Thank you for teaching us how to protect ourselves and jump out the way of danger!”

“For Akechi: Even though you don’t like a lot of us, me included probably, thank you for all that you’ve done for us!”

(Yuki) “Okay, 3 more groups to go, see you all around!”

(Akira) “How sweet of her.”

Akechi stared at his box, then shrugging, making no comment as he ate his chocolate.

Class VII, Dormitory

[Afterschool Hours - The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel OST]

(Emma) “Oh, hello Yuki!”

(Yuki) “Hello, I have Valentine’s chocolate for everyone!”

(Millium) “OOOH, CHOCOLATE! GIMME GIMME!”

(Fie) “Thanks.”

(Elliot) “Oh, thank you, Yuki!”

(Laura) “I believe this is the first time I’ve gotten something like this.”

(Machias) “It is very much appreciated.”

(Jusis) “You have my thanks.”

(Alisa) “Aww, thank you!”

(Gaius) “These don’t look half bad, thanks.”

(Crow) “Hell yeah, hand that good stuff over!”

(Emma) “Thank you!”

(Rean) “If you needed some help passing these out, we would’ve been glad to, you know!”

“For Rean: Thank you for everything that you do for House Isekai, don’t wear yourself out too much!”

“For Alisa: Thank you for teaching me how to use the bow!”

“For Elliot: Thank you for teaching us how to play music for the concert during the ball!”

“For Laura: Thank you for giving Kurumi combat lessons!”

“For Machias: Thank you for teaching Miki how to play chess!”

“For Fie: Thank you for teaching me how to nap anywhere!”

“For Gaius:  Thank you for teaching me how to paint!”

“For Emma: Thank you for teaching me how to be a better student!”

“For Jusis: Thank you for helping us out with the more physical chores!”

“For Millium: Thank you for always making us smile!”

“For Crow: Thank you for teaching me how to gamble!”

(Yuki) “Okay, two more to go! See you later!”

(Rean) “Crow...”

(Crow) “’Sup, Rean-bean?”

(Rean) “When did you teach Yuki-”

(Crow) “GOT TO GO.”

Konosuba Gang, Mess Hall

[You should have many companions - Konosuba OST]

Kazuma sat alone on the docks as he was fishing, Megumin, Darkness, and Aqua not too far behind, speaking to each other.

(Aqua) “Oh, hey Yuki!”

(Kazuma) “Yo.”

(Yuki) “I got chocolate for you four!”

(Megumin) “Oh, sweet!”

(Darkness) “Ah, thank you dear.”

(Kazuma) “Put it over here, yeah?”

Yuki nodded and gave everyone their chocolate.

“For Aqua: Thank you for your water tricks!”

“For Darkness: Thank you for always protecting us!”

“For Megumin: Thank you for casting the coolest explosions ever!”

“For Kazuma: Thank you for always being so nice to me. And to everyone when they really need it. I know you don’t get along with Kurumi well, but it means a lot that you try to.”

(Yuki) “Okay, I got 3 left! See you later guys!”

Kazuma didn’t say anything as he smiled, looking at the box.

He shook his head and continued fishing, putting a chocolate in his mouth.

(Kazuma) “...Being so nice, huh?”

School-Living Club, Dormitory

[Yasashisa ni Fureta Toki - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

(Yuuri) “Welcome back, Yuki-chan.”

(Kurumi) “Busy day, I take it?”

(Miki) “Are those boxes?”

(Yuki) “Yup, handed them out to everyone in House Isekai! I saved the best group for last!”

Yuki gave the final three boxes to them and smiled.

(Yuki) “Happy Valentine’s!”

“For Yuuri: Thank you for getting us through the hard times we had in our world, and for never failing to look out for us, even when it hurts yourself to..”

“For Kurumi: Thank you for protecting the three of us, from last world and even now.”

“For Miki: Thank you for becoming my friend, and for joining the School-Living Club.”

Yuuri put the chocolate down and smiled. She gave Yuki a hug, which Kurumi joined in.

(Kurumi) “Come on, not gonna join in?”

(Miki) “I-I think I’m good, thank you!”

(Kurumi) “GET OVER HERE-”

(Miki) “WAH!?-”

Kurumi reached over and had Miki join in the group hug.

Miki was flustered for a moment before just sighing and embracing her fate.

Yuki had a tear running down her eye as she hugged them back.

(Yuki) “W-Why...am I crying? We’re all together...So...Why...?”

(Everyone) “...”

Yuuri, Kurumi, and Miki hugged each other tighter as sniffles from Yuki were beginning to grow louder.

Megumi looked through the door and wanted to say something, but heard a voice behind her.

(Sara) “...You haven’t told Yuki what happened to you, yet?”

(Megumi) “...No. I’ve been trying to find the right time.”

She smiled at seeing her students safe. Even though she didn’t know Miki all too well, she was glad they had found another survivor.

That means there were still people alive other than them. There had to be.

(Sara) “Well, I won’t tell you when to speak to them but, if you don’t act, then you may lose that chance forever. Not many people get a second chance like you.”

Megumi stared at her arm where the infected’s bite used to be. It was thanks to Aqua that she didn’t turn.

(Megumi) “...Right.”

Sara smiled and hit Megumi’s shoulder.

(Sara) “Come on, let’s grab a drink together. We can complain about our single lives together this Valentine’s.”

(Megumi) “Huh? But that’s never been an issue for me-”

(Sara) “Tonight it will!”

Megumi sighed but smiled, it was going to be a lively night.

Yuki opened the door and saw Megumi walk off with Sara. She wanted to say something to her but instead just smiled.

(Yuki) “I can speak with Megunee later...”

Nodding, she walked through the dorms, humming to herself. Her Valentine’s day plan was a success.

Give something to the friends she loved.

[Harmonize Clover - Gakkou Gurashi OST]

The chit-chat on the way home It's girl's secret, right Even if the 5 o'clock chime rings We talk enough yet, I wonder why?

The small four-leaf clover Fu... swaying in the breeze Hey, of course, yes, of course Hope that tomorrow will be sunny

The road I walked with everyone "The usual place" is the watchword Ah... the sheep cloud that looks like going to be burnt Dazzling Some day, days like these Even if the memories fade Hey... A lot of smile I feel like to give it now

====

Guess this kinda gives away how I feel on Valentine’s, huh? 

To me, Valentine’s is a day where you give appreciation to the people you love. Friends, family, whoever means a lot to you.

So, this is kinda my lame way of saying I appreciate everyone who follows this blog.

If it weren’t for you guys, I wouldn’t have been able to make a blog of this caliber, write something that means so much to me, or even just have fun stupid ideas with ya’ll.

I’ve been writing on tumblr for a long while, but I think this is the first valentine’s where I’ve written something from the heart.

Being able to appreciate House Isekai, something I hold dear to me, with ya’ll.

I hope you all can appreciate this too, with many more posts to come, especially Shadowbringers!

Thanks for your support, love ya guys.

- Chris

[chrysalispen]

Prompt #10 - Avail

AO3 Link HERE

===

"Why is it," he murmured, "that we invariably end up on our backs over a bottle of wine?"

Tucked securely against his side, the Warrior of Light's laugh was a sweet and half-inebriated warble.

"Because you're using me for my worldly and well-traveled wine cellar. Remember?"

The Azim Steppe was so remote that there existed almost no light from any neighboring settlements, and the only sound for miles was the occasional faint whuffling noise of a nearby dzo herd left out to free graze. Nero preferred, largely, to surround himself with tools and steel and the other assorted trappings of industry - or, at least, some reasonable facsimile thereof. For example, the small room with his piles of books and drafting desk that he'd moved into her house long months past.

He'd spent his formative years in the middle of nowhere, had less than fond associations with his boyhood as a result (with one or two notable exceptions), and had estranged himself sufficiently from his former life that he thought he had little care to repeat the experience. That said: there was something to be said for the simplicity of a full stomach and a warm fire.

Perhaps the steppe folk had the right of it.

His hand wrapped about the glass neck and he squinted at the label, just barely legible. Lea Monde Valens, it read, 1532. "Still working your way through these, I see."

"Well, yes. I suppose I could sell them to Geguruju for a tidy profit, but I'd feel terribly dishonest."

Nero upended the bottle and savored the sourness and bracing tang upon his tongue before passing it to her. "You would also be terribly rich."

"No doubt I would, but-"

"But you're too bloody honest to swindle a man with more money than sense. That's all right, sweetling, it's what I love about you."

She tweaked his nose.

"It's not just that. I'll have you know that I have always dearly loved a good vintage."

"All this time I had assumed your one true love was tea."

"You're quite mistaken." She already had the bottle raised to her lips by the time he thought to reach for it again. A long and contented sigh followed the light popping sound of its mouth as the suction was lifted. "...Quite honestly, I would punch Ifrit ten times over for a barrel of Shamani Lohmani's finest La Noscean red."

Nero raised his brows.

"Truly, I stand in the presence of the very definition of a well-heeled dilettante. Puncher of eikons. Hobbyist engineer. Healer-"

"Chirurgeon," she reminded him, a trifle wryly. "Everyone forgets I went to school for that bit, as you'll recall."

"Mm. Chirurgeon, then." He kissed her temple. The scent of fermented grapes tickled his nostrils. "Last but by all means never least, amateur sommelier."

She allowed herself a chortle and set the bottle aside, then tilted her chin upwards just enough to return his kiss: a light and careful sensation of pressure against his jawline, rough with fresh stubble. Her lips were warm and slightly damp.

"Are the others going to miss you at the Wall?" she asked, nuzzling his neck, and Nero felt his heart skip- along with a warmth stealing through his limbs to pool in the base of his stomach, one very distinctly not caused by the wine.

In truth, he'd promised the deputy president of the Ironworks that he would fly out with a team to troubleshoot one of the malfunctioning perimeter pylons, had already pocketed the fee to do so, and he was in no wise fool enough to attempt to pull the wool over Jessie Jaye's eyes.

On the other hand, he knew a proposition when he heard one. "I think they can manage without me for the evening."

"Oh? Excellent." Aurelia drew herself upright and in a single fluid motion she had straddled his waist - settling her weight against him, softness angled in a way that he knew full well she could not fail to notice his interest - and braced her hands along his shoulders. "Because as it happens, I currently find myself in need of a skilled consultant."

"Do you?"

"I do," she smiled, all wide-eyed (devious) innocence. She ground firmly against the cradle of his hips in a slow sinuous roll that left him breathless. "Perhaps you might be so kind as to point me in the right direction."

His hands caught her thighs and stilled them with more exertion than he would have cared to admit.

"It seems to me you might already have a candidate in mind," he replied with studied nonchalance. "But I am nothing if not the very picture of grace and resourcefulness."

"And humility," she drawled.

"Quite. Should I come across this skilled consultant who so perfectly fits your bill, eikon-slayer, I suppose I could let him know you are in need of his services."

Beneath his grip, muscles flexed and shifted, and the curtain of her hair tumbled over one shoulder as she leaned into his touch. He was rewarded with a strangled little gasp when he repaid her teasing in kind: slim but powerful hips canting forward and up to thrust, and for a moment he found his train of thought utterly derailed by his own friction.

"Well, if you do find him, pray let him know that I am willing to pay in extraordinarily niche Ilsabardian wines," she whispered against his mouth, and Nero's answering laugh was consumed in a heated kiss.

[fae-fucker]

Zenith: Chapter 68-71

Chapter 68

Andi remembers how Kalee gave her a tour of her home and bragged about how she’d be ruling the place someday. Andi asks why her and not her brother.

Oh, Androma. Kalee had laughed then, tossing her head back in that glorious, carefree way that made everyone around her want to come closer. You and I both know that a woman can rule better than any man ever could. And I’ll look twice as good doing it, too.

Shinsay, voices muffled as their heads are stuck up each other’s asses: This is definitely, 100%, one whole, bona fide, authentic, organic, home-grown feminism that we just put in our book.

Also ... take a look at that weak-ass description that’s supposed to show us how good and cool Kalee is. When she laughs (in a way that tbh have you ever laughed? be real with me now), people want to ... come closer? 

Wow! That’s like saying ... when I scratch my face, people want to call their mom. When I brush my hair, people may spontaneously feel the need to take a slightly deeper breath.

Talk about low standards. Hey fellas, you ever see someone laugh and just kinda sorta want to approach them but not really? Yeah, that’s the stuff.

Andi thinks about how Kalee would’ve been a better ruler than her dad, who doesn’t even bother coming down to meet his tortured son because that’s how incompetent and evil and heartless he is. I mean, Andi doesn’t know that Valen is the result of rape, but still. Idk if I’m on board with how the book demonizes the hell out of the General but tried to make whatsherface sympathetic. And by “I don’t know if I am” I mean “I’m definitely not what the fuck is wrong with these people.”

Dex tries to make some conversation and Andi says that nobody befriended Kalee, that only super duper special people were CHOSEN by her to become her friends.

I’m ... not sure how this is supposed to be better. In fact, I’d say it’s worse?

“Kalee chose the people she wished to let into her life. I was honored that she allowed me to be assigned to her.”

“Honored?” Dex asked, raising a bruised brow. “Or damned?”

“I’ll let you know after we talk to the general,” Andi said.

I’m gonna fiking piss. “I’ll tell you whether this important life event was honor or damnation, but like, later, after we have this appointment, ok?” Why is this so funny. Have I fully lost my marbles?

Andi foreshadows some escape tunnels that are hidden all around the estate so Dex has a logical way to save them at the end of the book. I’m sure there is a more elegant way of setting that up, but I can’t be bothered to find one, so let’s call it acceptable and move on.

They arrive at their destination and Andi notices that Alfie seems bummed out. She muses that he’s “capable of far more complex thinking than she’d originally guessed,” which, DOY, but ok, and then thinks about how he’s saved her crew and remembered Gilly’s Marketable Space Pet, which implies he has some “understanding of feelings and attachments.”

That hamster wheel do be spinnin’.

The “head Spectre” comes out to meet them and ...

It took everything in her to speak as the truth struck her.

“Dad?”

DUN DUN DUUUN, it’s Andi’s dad! Also, “the truth struck her?” What truth? That it’s your dad? Was that in doubt? Did you really need a moment to connect the dots, to realize this is your dad? Was there a moment where you saw this man, who is your dad, and thought that this wasn’t your dad, only for the truth to strike and OH SHIT THAT’S MY DAD!! WOW HOLD YOUR HORSES EVERYONE I NEED TIME TO PROCESS THAT THIS IS INDEED MY DAD.

Tbh if you strapped knives to a roomba it’d have more charisma and presence as the protagonist than Andi. And let’s be real, more intelligence.

Yet another chapter ends on a pointless cliffhanger only for the scene to continue exactly where it left off!

You’re just full of surprises, Shinsay.

Chapter 69 (nice)

Andi recaps everything that she’s gone through after the Kalee crash up to the fight with the big alien dude who got deus ex machina-d by Alfie and how she nearly kissed Dex, which gets written as extra special, just so she can make this point:

But this...her father, as General Cortas’s head Spectre?

This might actually kill her.

And aside from how generically melodramatic it is, I can’t help but recall this, from chapter 7:

The man in front of her was a victim of her foolishness. Beside her was the man who’d rejected her love.

The two of them, together? It was nearly enough to shatter Andi.

Andi has the same reaction as I do when in a room with multiple men. Except in her case I think it’s supposed to be deep and personal.

Anyway, self-plagiarism aside, Andi thinks about how her dad was always there for her but then one day wasn’t when he didn’t support her on her trial and how conflicted she feels about him, both wanting to demand justice but also wanting comfort. This is actually quite touching and feels very grounded and realistic.

General Cortas rubs it in that Andi’s dad, “Comander Racella”, has been very loyal and hardworking since he was promoted after Andi’s trial. Andi hopes that her father actually hates the general and was forced to work for him as some sort of punishment for what happened with their daughters.

The general says the situation on Adhira has been taken care of, and when Andi asks whether Xen Ptera attacked because of Valen and her crew’s presence on Adhira, the general says that’s classified. For reasons? Idk. Seems pretty obvious to me, or maybe he just doesn’t know?

Dex tries to yap but Cortas flexes his big dick and reminds Dex that he’s a Guardian now, and Dex is too much of a baby to risk his regained status so he shuts up. This is all spelled out for us by Andi’s inner monologue, because we’re idiots.

The general claims the Xen Pteran forces have been wiped out, saying how it’s probably all they had since there’s few able-bodied and willing people to recruit for war after their planet got fucked, and when Andi presses him for why the attack happened now and on Adhira, he says:

“War never really ends, Androma. The desire for revenge is often too strong to forget.”

“War never ends ... But me and my crew totes ended that war just now. They don’t have any more soldiers so this war is over.” Makes sense, sir. 

Cortas says that queen Alara is safe and will be at the Peace Summit, which Andi immediately tells him to cancel because it would be the perfect opportunity for another attack. Cortas replies by saying that Arcardius is impenetrable and that the day the Olen System successfully invades will be the day “stars fall from the sky” which is a very poetic and not at all natural way to say something like this, so it’s there for ... idk dramatic irony? He also reminds her that the Summit is important because it celebrates the peace after the war and the unity between the systems and I’m here like ... for a guy who says war never ends, you sure seem happy to celebrate a war ending and don’t believe one is going on right now. But I guess these characters just exist to spout meaningless yet deep-sounding nonsense at each other.

Dex reminds the general that they’ve done their end of the deal, at which point the general conveniently decides to prolong it out of nowhere and essentially forces Andi and Dex to be Valen’s bodyguards at the Peace Summit by holding Andi’s crew and ship and Dex’s money and status hostage. Thanks for ensuring the main characters are there for the climax, sir! Appreciated!

Dex and Andi leave in a huff.

Chapter 70

We’re in Lira’s POV as she reminisces about her childhood with Lon while he’s recovering from his near-death-experience.

So she sat by [Lon’s] side for endless hours, until the warm clutches of sleep stole her away.

She dreams about flying on an “Adhiran darowak” but then DUN DUN DUUUN Adhira below turns into Xen Ptera and it’s horrible!

“No,” Lira gasped. Her heart began to crack. Fissures spread through it, reaching cold fingers through every valve until Lira felt darkness stealing her away.

So the editor just left that in, huh? Just let Shinsay use the exact same wording in less than 200 words? Must’ve been stolen away by the editing fairy for editing crimes while reading this.

Lira is woken up by Alara, who got here so fucking fast she must be part-Sonic on her father’s side. You’d think a planetary leader would have more to do after a sudden and deadly attack on her home planet, but I guess Adhirans are so chill they’ll just let their leader fuck off to take care of her angsty teenage niece instead.

Lira says that she’ll do anything to make up for bringing Valen to Adhira, to which Alara says that the only thing Lira will do is “follow her heart,” which is sweet of her to say but also really convenient and makes this whole decision easier for her.

I mean, it’s nice that Alara is so supportive, but 1) narratively, it removes the conflict that was introduced only a few chapters ago 2) it makes Alara seem like she’s only there to be the supportive cool aunt and the Good Queen, without any expectations or wants of her own. Like, wasn’t the pressure from Alara something that gave Lira actual conflict? Idk. Seems too easy, is what I’m saying.

Lira didn’t let go of her aunt until the tears dried up. Until they sat down on either side of Lon’s bedside, held his hands and spoke of happier times. The beauty of a family that could come together, broken, and still find a way to become something whole.

You’re one step away from “Ohana means family” over here, Shinsay. Stop spelling shit out. WE. GET. IT. Also, whose narration is this? We’ve mostly stuck to third person limited, so ... is Lira thinking this? Is she thinking this shit while it’s happening? About her own family and situation? What the fuck?

Shinsay couldn’t keep their suspiciously sticky fingers out of their own writing and let it breathe so it comes out looking like God’s mistake.

Anyway, Lon wakes up and Alara tells him what went down on Adhira.

Chapter 71

We’re back with Andi, who just got out of a bath and is bitterly admiring her “private quarters” when she’s interrupted by DUN DUN her dad! He’s been waiting for her!

It’s all very tense. Before they can really start talking, though, we get a flashback. No, really. This whole tense reunion between father and daughter is interrupted by a lengthy flashback brought on by Andi watching her dad and Remembering.

Because Shinsay.

It’s a flashback to Andi in a cell, the day before she was supposed to be executed. Her dad tells her that her mother is "not well” and we find out his name is Oren. As they’re saying their tearful goodbyes, Oren slips Andi a key and tells her “Bay Seven. Tomorrow at dawn.” 

The flashback ends with Andi’s cell standing empty the next morning.

Very cool and all that.

Back in the now, Andi rightfully chews her dad out for being a cowardly little bitch and throwing his teenage daughter under the bus for the sake of status. Something he freely admits to doing. He says he and her mother had to struggle to rebuild their reputation after she ruined it, and that he believes his daughter died with Kalee and that whoever he saved in the cell was already the Bloody Baroness even if she didn’t know it yet. Then he fucks off.

It’s all extremely silly. It would’ve been heartbreaking in any better book, but instead, it just feels like it’s tacked on for the sake of adding even more angst to Androma’s character. In fact, she’s not even upset at this. Instead she just carves some more tallies into her swords, dances some more with the dead, and then sneaks out.

No really, it’s written like a list.

She waited for the tears to come. But they never did.

Instead she sat alone, adding more tallies to her swords. Dancing with the dead inside her head.

Why is this so funny! I think it’s because both the tally-carving and the ghost-dancing is supposed to be these deep and haunted things she does that’s given a fair amount of weight and focus, but then it’s just written out like this like it’s just some generic routine shit she does like brushing her teeth or wiping her ass.

Yup, there she goes, doing her generic angsty shit one after the other. Emotional whiplash glossed over for the sake of moving the plot along. She’s in such a bad mental state that we simply MUST ignore it and move on.

Also, I want to highlight how convenient it is for Shinsay to already have Andi suspect and previously coming to terms with how her parents don’t love her before this confrontation. Like, we see her father save her tearfully, yet Andi has almost no hope that he still loves her. Or, she does, but when it’s squashed, she just ... accepts it? Because hey, she already processed that trauma years before! Makes it easy!

Wouldn’t it make it more impactful if all these years, she’s hoped that she has a home to come back to? That her father’s final act of saving her meant they love her still and want her to come back? And now she finds out that they never even mourned her loss? Wouldn’t that be heart-wrenching? And also add to the idea that Andi wants to return to Arcardia, both because it’s her home planet but also because that’s where her parents are? Instead we’re led to believe Andi wants to return, but when she does, she hates it here, she knows nobody wants her here, and she wants to leave immediately.

I seriously question the inclusion of this subplot and these characters. It adds nothing, changes nothing, and is just there to make Andi more angsty, which she already is, so ... why is this here lmao?

Shinsay really went “let’s squander all our potentially interesting ideas and concepts for the sake of more cheap angst and making our protag a cool emotionless badass who don’t care for no thing.”

[not-a-space-alien]

K&J x MMSS 3: Kane & Valen Part 4

Chapter 4 of the third crossover with @whumpsday!

Let's see how the predicament is going so far shall we 😐

PS Here's a link to listen to "Fly Me to the Moon" because 🥺

K&J masterlist

MMSS masterlist

K&J x MMSS crossover masterlist

SERIES IS 18+ ONLY.

Content warnings: Burns, torture, restraint, references to off-screen noncon, misgendering of a trans character, discussion of hypothetical pregnancy

To be added to the taglist, contact @whumpsday

"You know, I was thinking." Kane says, looking over at Valen. He's not shy about it anymore, the toplessness having become normal after weeks spent together. "With my old hunters, I was worried it would be forever, my whole life. There were always members coming and going, and lots of different hunters hurting me. They could all just keep replacing each other even after the first ones die, for hundreds of years. But it's different here. Here, the main one hurting us is Nick. Some of the hunters don't even like us being hurt, I heard them. Humans don't live very long, so after Nick dies, maybe things will get better. The really bad things would only be for a few decades." He's excited by the concept. A few decades, not 14 centuries. There's an end, and it's closer than he thought it'd be.

Valen does not find this nearly as comforting as Kane does, or probably intends it to be for Valen. He hasn't spent the months and years agonizing over the possibility that this could last forever. He is now though, and when Kane says this aloud as though it's supposed to be comforting, he bursts into uncontrollable sobs.

Kane's excitement falls away at Valen's apparent despair. He doesn't know how long Valen has been in captivity, but it's becoming increasingly clearer through little hints that it's not nearly as long as he has.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he says hurriedly. "I didn't mean to make you upset. I thought it was good. I'm sorry. Shh sh sh, it's..." It's not okay. Nothing is okay. "Nothing bad's happening right now. We're okay for right now. I bet he won't even find anyone to come down with him today, and you'll get to skip the hurting. That would be nice, right?" There are so few good things about being here that it's the only thing he can think of to try to comfort Valen.

It fills Valen with such despair that that is truly the best thing Kane can think of to comfort him with. It's the only comfort he has here, in Hell. Somehow Kane manages to find a bright side, when it comes to trying to make Valen feel better. That's a comfort in and of itself. Valen only knew him in passing, from their previous lives, but he'd seemed like such a spoiled brat.

This Kane is so very different, and his presence has started to bring Valen comfort in the way soldiers dying together in trenches cling to each other, heedless of how poorly they may have gotten along in life

Kane wants to do more. He wishes he had anything to offer Valen, but he knows they're both trapped in the same dismal situation. He has as little as she does. Except, he supposes, his voice.

"...Do you want me to sing you a song?" he asks hesitantly.

Valen nods. That might be nice.

Kane softly sings Fly Me to the Moon to his companion. He hasn't sung in quite a while, the activity only making him bitter ever since his childhood dreams of becoming a musician were destroyed by the fact that he's supposed to stay out of the spotlight and not embarrass his family. But that hardly matters anymore. He’s hummed to himself in his cell to try and calm down, but not gotten all the way to singing.

It's nice, to be able to share an experience with Valen that doesn't involve pain or violation.

"Awwww," says a voice from the stairs, and a hunter comes down.  There are exactly two pairs of hunters who are still willing to help Nick with his work, and this is one of those four: Cyril, in Valen's opinion the second worst behind Nick himself. Cryil mockingly gets starry-eyed. "He's singing a song to his girlfriend." 

Nick comes down behind him, stone-faced. "Don't be ridiculous, Cyril. I'm sure these vampires have no interest in breeding with each other." This with a sinister smiling tugging at his lips, that only Kane can see from this position.

"Are you sure?" says Cyril. "You've got one of each. You could start a breeding program."

"I'm quite sure." Nick comes down to face Kane, taking out his notebook, tapping the pencil. "#2, please estimate for me what volume of blood you typically consumed in the past on a daily basis that kept you in optimal health."

Kane is shocked by how these humans are able to imbue him with new horror even when he'd thought he'd seen the lowest they could possibly go. A breeding program. The thought of a baby being here makes his heart twist with unimaginable horror. They wouldn't, they couldn't, right? Surely there had to be at least that limit? Surely they wouldn't torture an innocent child?

For a horrible moment, he imagines a baby, his baby, being born here. Starved and hurt and unprotected, at the mercy of the hunters. The only thing keeping him from immediately breaking down is that the chances of vampire pregnancy are so low, and that the two of them are in such poor health they probably wouldn’t be able to successfully conceive anyway. He hopes.

He snaps back to reality when Nick mentions blood. He can't think about a baby that doesn't exist right now. He has to focus on his punishment. "Um, about a quarter-cup each day, sir." 

"A quarter cup? I expected it to be way more," says Cyril. "The fuck you need a whole ass person all to yourself if that's all you need?"

Nick makes a note of this. "Excellent, it shouldn't be too hard to procure that," he says coolly.

"That's, that's about how much blood a human generates each day, sir," Kane explains. He stops there, figuring the humans can put together the pieces about how if a vampire needed more they would need more than one human, on their own. He knows this is a touchy subject, and wants to say as little about it as possible.

And then it hits him. His eyes widen. "You're going to feed us?" he asks, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice. He glances at Valen, and back to the hunters. 

"We're going to feed you. #1 is the control. I'll arrange to have the blood delivered tomorrow, but for today we need to get a baseline measurement before the feeding starts."

"Oh," he says, soft and sad. He wants to argue that Valen should be fed as well, but... he knows it's selfish, but he's worried Nick will decide to feed neither of them if he protests. Oh, it's not fair? Then I'll just feed neither of you, how's that for fair. That's what many of his old hunters would have said.

But... he's going to be fed. It only makes him feel more selfish, but he's beyond excited. His fingers twitch with anticipation, and he begins to salivate at the mere thought. "What baseline, sir?"

"The director said it should be safe enough to feed a vampire without persuasion, so that gives me some options to test how various states of being fed affect healing rate. I have no data on how quickly a vampire will recover once fed. I'll be testing how feeding affects the rate at which you recover from serious injuries. We'll just be using sunburns, since that's the fastest way to inflict severe injury over the whole body in a measurable way. How long would you estimate it usually takes to completely recover from being in the sun for half an hour in your current state?"

Kane sobs. Of course, nothing could be truly good. And it's going to be even worse for Valen, if he's interpreting Nick's plan correctly. The control. They're going to put her in the sun, and she won't even get fed after.

"Does, does it h-have to be the sun, sir?" he asks pleadingly. "Wouldn't common hunting weapons be more... useful? For, for the data? Since it's for hunting, sir?"

"We'll get to that later. For now we need something more easily measurable."

Cyril gives a toothy grin. "And that's more fun anyway."

"Now please answer the question, #2."

Terrified tears spill over from Kane's eyes. "A f-few weeks, sir. I don't know exactly. I couldn't keep track of time there."

Nick clicks his pen a few times. "Fair enough, self-reported measurements are untrustworthy anyway. That's what the control is for. Now let's go upstairs."

Cyril helps Nick open the coffin, dragging Valen out and up the stairs. Nick takes Kane by the collar and leads him up as well.

"I won't be able t-to feed, or answer questions, if, if, my face-" Kane is having trouble speaking coherently amid the terror. The sun is the worst. Weeks and weeks of awful, horrible pain, and he won't even be able to see or speak for days. "Please not my face- our faces, sirs, please please please!"

He wonders if Valen has ever been in the sun before.

"Leave the experimental design to me," Nick says dryly. "You don't need to worry about those details."

Kane gets a nasty surprise when he comes upstairs: The board his previous captors had used is here, the very same one judging by the exact pattern of dents and bloodstains on it. A second one has been fashioned together, its metal surface still shiny and new. The restraints at the four corners have been covered to dull the bare silver.

He bawls, leaning away, trying to go back down the stairs. But he's too weak, and Nick's grip on his collar holds him tight. "NO NO NO NO NO!" he cries, the situation all too real for him. "PLEASE NOT THE SUN, PLEASE PLEASE NOT AGAIN, PLEASE HAVE MERCY!"

Unfortunately for Kane, there aren't any sympathetic hunters in the compound today. Valen is already sobbing as well -- he's felt the sun's touch before, but not all over his body, and he can imagine how the two devices on the ground are going to be used. Cyril drags Valen over to the new board, lying him facedown and pinning his wrists and ankles into the restraints.

Nick drags Kane by the collar and shoves him facedown onto the board, snapping the restraints closed. "There is no mercy, or lack of mercy here, #2. There is only experimental protocol."

Nick retrieves an additional muzzle. Kane can see this one is the same kind that Valen is using, which will prevent him from opening his mouth too wide, or speaking. "I've been told hearing the screaming is distressing, so we'll have both of them matching in restraints for this one."

Nick slips the muzzle over Kane's face, slipping the bit into his mouth, leaving him spread open, vulnerable, and unable to continue begging

They are facedown, and Valen turns his head to look at Kane. They are both muzzled and helpless, about to be dragged out into the sun. Their equally tear-stained eyes meet.

Valen has always been quick to love, people and things and ideas. He loves Kane, in that moment, the man who'd just been singing to him in a futile attempt to make him feel better. He loves Kane, the only one here with him, truly with him in this moment. His face goes slack with resignation, body numb and unable to process the anticipation of the horror, just staring at Kane with soft eyes filled with love

At least I can hide my face. And it's only half an hour, not all day. It's still better. Kane tries to tell himself, but it does little to soothe his dread.

As Valen stares into his eyes, he's filled with an overwhelming urge to protect her, but there's nothing he can do. He's just as helpless as she is.

He balls his hands into fists, tucking his thumbs inside, and glances from his hands back to Valen. Your fingers will get less burned this way. It's the only tip he can give.

Valen follows his lead and curls his fingers in. How many times have you endured this horror, he thinks, that you know the best way to get through it.

The two of them are dragged outside and into the sun, the blazing rays free to touch their exposed backs and legs

A scream tears from Kane's throat, severely muffled by the bit. As many times as he's done this, it never gets easier. The pain is as horrible as it is instant, only increasing with every passing second as his skin melts and then chars like a marshmallow tossed into a campfire. His neck, his arms, his back, his legs, the sensitive insides of his knees, the soles of his feet. None of it is spared.

In his desperation to escape the pain, he resorts to counting out the seconds, knowing he only has to count out 30 minutes. He's counted hours upon hours before.

Valen has never experienced anything this all-consumingly painful before. It rips at his very DNA. He thought nothing could surprise him anymore, but it's so much worse than even when he'd had limbs stuck in the sun before

It's everywhere. He understands instantly why Kane had so fearfully pleaded to at least have his face spared.

Being restrained and unable to even squirm around to try and protect himself makes it so much worse. He can't think. In that moment, he's not a person, he's an animal, with no thoughts except the clawing instinct for self-preservation that has no outlet.

He can't keep track of time. It goes on forever and ever and ever. This truly is hell.

Finally, they're pulled back into the shade.

Kane breathes heavily through his nose. He tentatively opens his eyes, having had them squeezed shut the entire time. With horror, he looks at Valen. He's never seen himself just after the sun before, his eyelids are always fused shut. She's a horrific sight, and he knows that's what he looks like, too. He whines softly, an unintelligible plea for mercy.

Nick takes plenty of photos. Neither of them are unstrapped from the boards. Instead, they're dragged back down into the basement and left there.

"You're done for today," says Nick, turning the light off. "Doing anything else would interfere. I'll see you tomorrow."

"You should be excited," says Cyril. "You should be grateful. You get to feed tomorrow, because you're doing this."

They shut the door.

Kane just cries for a while. He's beyond excited for food, he'd honestly even call it worth it for blood, but it hurts so much.

And poor Valen. She had to go through this too, and she won't even be fed. He chews on the bit in his mouth. He usually talks to her once they're left alone, except for after he's forced to violate her. But he can't, now.

The exhaustion soon claims him.

-

They sit there for almost a full 24 hours, for consistency, and Cyril is with Nick again when he comes back down.

"Prepare yourself for feeding, #2," says Nick.

Cyril comes over and removes the muzzle from Kane.

"I'm prepared, sir!" Kane exclaims, turning his head painfully to the side. "I'm so prepared, please, please feed me, I need it, please!" It's practically all he's been thinking about the entire time he's laid there. His empty stomach audibly growls.

Kane can't see the preparations from where he is, but Nick kneels down beside him after a minute, holding a plastic cup with a lid. There's a straw leading down into the red liquid at the bottom, which he holds out so Kane can get it in his mouth.

As soon as Nick is near with the blood, Valen erupts into muffled howls and savage growling, eyes rolled back in his head, beast-like, hands scraping against the metal underneath his palms. He's never wanted anything this badly in his life. He would kill Kane, his one companion, if it meant he could have even a drop of the blood in front of him. He can’t care about anything else. There isn't room in his brain for anything but the smell and vision of the blood in front of him, dark, monstrous instincts activating his thirst.

Kane barely hears Valen. He takes the straw into his mouth, crying with relief as he drinks his first meal in years. It's so good, better than any blood he's had before, he's never experienced anything like this. The straw sucks in empty air as he finishes the blood in the cup, but there's still blood, he can smell it and he needs more. He NEEDS it.

"Thank you, sir! Thank you thank you thank you! Please, please, can I lick the straw and cup? Please, please, it's going to go to waste, please, I need it!" he begs.

Nick disassembles the cup and holds it out so Kane can lick it.

Kane laps up the blood from the inside of the cup, getting at every remnant he can reach until there's nothing left. There are a few drops still inside the straw that he can't manage to suck out, but he's drank a full meal, and even through the pain, it feels amazing. He's still hungry, a single meal is not enough to sate him in this state, but it's so much more than he would have hoped for. "Thank you sir, thank you so much, thank you."

Only then does he notice Valen, writhing in her restraints. His heart breaks for her. He wishes he could offer her something, but it's entirely out of his control.

"You have nothing to thank me for. It's just part of the protocol." The mask slips for a moment, because he's facing away from Cyril, only Kane can see his wicked grin, his interest no longer dispassionate and academic. "The next part of which is another session in the sun, so Cyril, help me carry them upstairs."

"What?" Kane squeaks. "But, b-but, we haven't even healed at all from yesterday, sir! I'll heal a little faster after the blood, but Va- #1, she, she can't take it, please."

"As I said, you don't need to worry about the experimental design."

"She can take it," hoots Cyril. "Unless it'll kill her, but it won't, right?" He lies down on the floor in front of Kane, propped up on his elbows, feet swinging above him, like a schoolgirl talking on the phone. "Awe you wuwwied about youw girlfwend?"

"Sh-she has a husband. It's not, it's not like that. But yes, sir, I'm worried about her." Kane gets teary thinking about the implications of Nick's latest experiment. They're going to do this over and over and over again, just like he promised.

Cyril makes a kissy face. "The mister doesn't have to know."

"Cyril," says Nick. "It's not appropriate to treat research specimens that way." The knowing, wry smile tugs at his lips again. "Now put the muzzle on and help me."

I've never even had a conversation with her, Kane wants to say. He does feel like he's gotten to know Valen a little in the past weeks, through meaningful expressions and yes-or-no questions, and he finds comfort in her presence. But really, he doesn't know anything about her.

He opens his mouth obediently as Cyril approaches with the muzzle, resigning himself to more torment. Begging won't work. At least he's fed, this time.

They drag them both upstairs and into the sun again. It's the same as before, half an agonizing hour. This time when they're done, they're both unhooked and carried downstairs, the hunters citing the difficulty of the board's weight as well as the fact that Valen being left alone outside the coffin is technically a violation of the rules even if she's otherwise strapped in.

After the photos are taken, Valen is dumped in the coffin--facedown, thankfully. Kane is locked in his usual position, and Cyril removes his muzzle this time, winking at him, pointing to Valen, quirking an eyebrow, making small, suggestive thrusts with his hips.

Kane goes red with shame, not that it's very visible when he's already splotchy from crying and half his body is burnt unrecognizably. Cyril doesn't even know they've already done it. 

He collapses on the floor on his front and does not attempt to get up, his only comfort the warm, life-giving blood in his stomach. After he recovers from his crying fit, he gasps in a shuddering breath and says, "I hate science." After a pause, he adds, "Cyril is very immature." He looks blearily at Valen. "I'm sorry. I wish they wouldn't burn you. I wish you'd get blood too. Maybe Nick will feed you the next time he wants to test healing. I'm sure they could fit a straw in. Nick likes... replicating experiments, he called it."

Valen is trying very hard not to let his experience taint his love of science. He understands Kane's sentiment too well.

This is honestly the dumbest experiment Nick has concocted yet. There would be about a thousand easier ways to collect this data. Valen would have some words about whatever institution, or mentor, taught Nick experimental design.

"At least Nick is leaving us alone at night. I guess, I guess he'll do that until the experiment is over." The thought of Nick fucking him when his entire back half is burnt to a crisp makes him shudder. "My old hunters left me out for a week straight once, for trying to bite. No breaks. They put this thing in my mouth to hold it open too, and it was my front instead of my back. That was the worst punishment I ever got. At least it's only thirty minutes each day this time. Just, just have to try to remember the, the good things." He stammers over his words, knowing how flimsy they are.

Oh there it is, the how and why Kane always gives things a positive spin. Valen wonders if he does this in his own head silently, for his own benefit as a habit he developed with the old hunters, or if he's doing it entirely for Valen's benefit.

Valen truly cannot imagine how he would handle something so horrifying. Maybe it would turn him into a compliant mess like Kane. Maybe it would destroy whatever was left of him inside. Maybe nothing would really change at all.

Valen feels pity for Kane. Valen undoubtedly has the worse end in this particular situation, but Kane has clearly been through a lot worse than Valen has and for a lot longer. It makes him want to wrap Kane up protectively.

Maybe just because he wishes someone would do that for him.

***

K&J x MMSS crossover taglist:

@barebarb

@cc1010foxy

@emcscared-whumps

@melancholy-in-the-morning

@pigeonwhumps

@secretwhumplair

@some-thrilling-heroics

@t0rture-me

@thecyrulik

@thejinglingcourtjester

@vehan-tikkun-olam-and-stuff

@whuarri

@whump-cravings

@whump-my-heart-away

@whumpycries

@wolfeyedwitch

@why-not-ask-me-a-better-question

[croonerboy1965]

As Many Forms of Love: Chapter 2- Thief of Hearts

By librarian-von-sassypants and croonerboy1965

Eddie didn’t detest formal dances exactly. He knew there wee good reasons for this one. It solidified his social standing, gave him less of an air of “crazy loner with the damaged son” which many people wanted to attribute to him. He just never saw the point of them otherwise. Crowding one hundred of your closest neighbors into a too-small room, making them dance and fraternize and eat food that everyone secretly thought was sub-par, where everyone talked about everyone else behind their backs, and smiled prettily to their faces.

Eddie had the good fortune of being a conventionally attractive man, and wealthy. He never lacked for conversation or dance partners, and he played the part obligingly, but if he had his way, he’d spend the evening with a book and a glass of brandy, or perhaps reading Christopher bedtime stories.

He’d made one ally early on. Lady Lena Bosko. Utterly beautiful, charming, and, as far as Eddie could tell, utterly uninterested in the company of men, at least in a romantic sense. She was the only female in the room, it seemed, who was not trying to foist hints of marriage upon him, and thus had become a wonderful companion with whom he could simply stand back and observe the party.

“Lady Fortense is absolutely sleeping with the Earl of Viconze,” she whispered to him behind her fan.

He was slightly enamoured with the way her vibrant red hair caught the candlelight around them and reflected it back like fire.

“She would never admit to it, of course, and neither would he, but you can bet her husband knows.”, she said.

Lena was abreast of all the latest gossip, and the circle she chose to share her vast knowledge with was small indeed.

“Poor Viconze,” Eddie remarked as he took another sip of his wine. “She’ll eat him alive.”

Lena smirked.

“She most certainly will.”, she said, biting into the ripe berry she pulled from the lip of Eddie’s glass.

Eddie was well aware that most people took their lingering on the edges of the room together to be a declaration of intent to marry, or at least of amorous feelings. In a way he took it for granted. He needed to find a wife. He knew, and Lena would make a spectacular one.

“So what about you?”, he asked. “Any inclination to nab yourself a husband? I am single, you know.”, Eddie said, as he took her hand in his and kissed the tips of her fingers gently.

Lena giggled and pulled her hand away, feigning shyness as she fanned herself, turning away.

“Well, you are charming, sir. And I can definitely see the benefit of a mutual bond.”, she said.

“Sadly, I have no real interest in the carnal pleasures of the company of men...You on the other hand,” She gave him a knowing look.

Eddie, looked down at his feet, and flushed hot in the face.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”, he said with mock indignation. Then he broke into a smile and they both laughed out loud.

“I guess we’re both just a couple of mavericks.” she said, taking his hand again and giving it a squeeze.

“Still-- it’s nice to have a friend in all this.”, Eddie motioned to the crowded ballroom.

It had been a month since he’d gotten settled into his country estate, made the tour of the surrounding homes, and introduced himself and Christopher the neighbors. Lena was by far his favorite of the lot, and he had visited her estate, where she lived with her aging father.

To their left, a hush seemed to ripple over the crowd, as a new guest arrived.

“Lady Arielle Valens, and Escort”, the announcer said. Lena commented without looking over.

“Everyone’s been up in arms about who she will invite to her ball later this year. It’s supposed to be one of the most exclusive and sought after invitations of the season.” She said to Eddie as she took a long swig from his wine.

A voluptuous woman entered the room, with a dashing, young, strawberry blonde man on her arm. Her face was set in a smile that seemed chiseled from stone, not quite real, not quite false. She wasn’t remarkable looking by any stretch of the imagination.

“There’s something… mysterious about her---intriguing.”, said Eddie. He had only met her once when he’d introduced himself initially, but on second look, was caught up in her strange web. Something about the way her blue eyes latched on and didn’t let go. Or how there was a secret second smile hidden beneath the veneer, one blossomed like the sun, when she’d sat in her drawing room with Christopher, who had regaled her with tales of growing up in London. That boy could charm the pants off of a gargoyle if given the chance, and Lady Arielle could not help but let her guard down, in spite of herself.

She and her companion were making the rounds of the room, and when they drew near to Eddie and Lena, she looked over, and winked conspiratorially.

Eddie couldn’t help but grin.

“A friend of yours?” Eddie asked.

Lena, he noted with some surprise, flushed so red she was nearly purple, and buried her face in her fan with a small grin she couldn’t seem to pry off her face.

“We have...met.”, she said.

“Well, we will absolutely be discussing that, later.”, Eddie said.

Eddie let his gaze linger over Arielle’s companion. She was, to everyone’s widespread knowledge, quite single, but managed to show up to parties with ridiculously attractive men on her arm, and this new one was no exception. Tall, thin, with strawberry blond curls, cheekbones that could cut glass, and a smile that whispered of both sex and confidence with each glance. There was something vaguely familiar about him, Eddie thought, though he couldn’t quite place it.

“Her new one is rather attractive,” Lena commented as the two of them watched the newcomers make a slow circle of the ballroom. Every single eye in the room was doing the same, though most everyone pretended to be busy doing anything else.

“Hmm?” Eddie was distracted.

“Lady Arielle’s new companion. I haven’t seen him before.” Lena said. There was jealousy in her eyes, Eddie was sure of it, but she didn’t take well to teasing, so he held his tongue.

Once they had made a full circuit of the ballroom, Lady Arielle and her companion ended up in proximity to Lena and Eddie, as several of the guests slowly gravitated into their orbit.

“Lord Diaz, Lady Bosko, delighted to see you again,” Lady Arielle made a small curtsy, and nod of her head. “May I introduce my friend, Sir Evan, Lord of Buckley Manor.”

Eddie had never heard of Buckley manor, and he’d studied the surrounding area extensively during his decision to move. Still, no one would ever call her out on it, definitely not Eddie, so he stayed comfortable in the knowledge.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Eddie sticks out his hand for the man to shake. Lord Buckley takes his hand gingerly, and even through the gloves, Eddie can feel the heat radiating off him. The man doesn’t do that usual firmer than necessary handshake, as men so often do with Eddie, in an attempt to assert dominance.

“This is Miss Lena Bosko,” Eddie introduced them, as Buckley took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the air just above it.

“The pleasure’s mine,” Buckley said, and the smile he gave her was absolutely breathtaking. ‘Too bad he’s barking up the wrong tree.’, Lena thought to herself.

“You both must come to my house for tea next week,” Lady Arielle smiled, though it was a mere whisper of her full force. “Do, bring Christopher!”

“Christopher?” Buckley asked the question, and then looked like he wished he could stuff the words back inside himself. Lady Arielle either didn’t notice or chose not to.

“Lord Eddie’s son!”, she said brightly, a little bit of sunshine leaked out when she talked about Chris. “Absolutely the most charming human I’ve ever come across. Buck is staying with us for a few weeks... He loves kids, don’t you Buck?”, she said.

So it was Buck now. Eddie made a note in his mental ledger.

“Indeed!” Buck says with a smile, but doesn’t quite meet Eddie’s eyes.

Just then, a waltz began to play.

“Shall we have a dance?”, Lena said, in an attempt to break the tension.

“Of course.”, Eddie said.

“Shall we?”, said Buck, as he took Lady Valens by the arm and led her to the floor.

Arielle followed and soon they were swallowed up by the whirling flashes of color from a room full of glorious gowns.

Lena looked at Eddie as he led her round, her brow furrowed.

“Eddie, what is it?”, she asked.

“Nothing.”, he said as he guided her, a bit stiffly, in any direction that might put some distance between them and the Lady Valens.

“Eddie.”, Lena pressed. He was looking off in Buck and Arielle’s direction.

“How well do you know, the Lady Valens?”, he asked.

Lena cleared her throat, and said, “Fairly well.”

“How well?”, Eddie insisted.

“Well. Very well.”, she retorted, indicating she meant to add no more.

“Why?”, she asked.

“It’s just--her companion--”, but he was cut off as the pair of them bumped into he and Lena, throwing them ever so slightly off their rhythm.

“I beg your pardon, sir.”, Buck said, throwing Eddie a mischievous grin.

“Mind your steps!”, Eddie spat through a tight smile. As he came round to meet him on the next turn, Eddie almost caught his foot on the hem of Arielle’s gown, his eyes locked on Buck’s.

“Mind yours!”, Buck said, in mock indignation.

“Wha--?!”, Eddie scoffed.

“Buck! Mind your manners!”, Arielle said.

“Apologies Miss.”, Buck said, eyeing her buxom breasts. He thought perhaps he brushed them inadvertently.

“Not me, you nit!”, she said.

They had stopped in mid-round.

Buck looked up, face now red, and met Eddie’s gaze yet again. Try as he might, he could not speak. He felt embarrassed, yet --there was something else.

Lena turned away from Eddie, and tapped Arielle, on the shoulder.

“Might I cut in?”, she said. Arielle’s face became sunny, and she said, “But of course, Madame.”

Arielle met her palm in Lena’s and Lena placed her other hand around Arielle’s waist.

“Men.”, Lena sighed.

As they began their first turn on the floor, Arielle pushed her backside into Evan’s and he came immediately up against Eddie. Not knowing what else to do, he took Eddie in hand and began leading him in a waltz. The closeness, their eyes locked together, the slightest scent of sweet anise on Buck’s breath. His lips were crimson, almost blood red against his pale skin. Buck was slightly taller but his taught frame felt sinewy in Eddie’s arms. This made Eddie harden in his nethers, in spite of his better judgement.

Buck felt Eddie pressing against him, and his own rig twitched with desire.

He recalled the same sensation a few weeks ago, on the road. Buck could not believe he did not realize it sooner. This man. Sure, he is more groomed, more cultivated, more polished. But it is the same man. The one he almost robbed. The one he inadvertently molested.

He can see the exact second Eddie sees it on his face. Eddie can suddenly see through him. The brigand from the road. Nearly unrecognizable in a fashionable emerald waistcoat and cravat, but Eddie would recognize those eyes anywhere. Those stunning blue eyes.

It hits them both like an avalanche.

“YOU!?”, they said in unison. They separated, suddenly aware they had been pressed together a bit longer than either one intended. Then covered themselves as each one spied the other’s reaction to said closeness. They quickly covered themselves with their hands in as polite a clasp as they could manage. Evan could not believe this was the same man. He was so...regal. So...handsome. Not at all like the disheveled traveler he’s nearly robbed a fortnight ago.

“I believe it might be time for you to call it an evening, Lord Buckley.” he said, mocking the title.

“Indeed.”, Buck said, turning to go without another word. As he left, he slid past Kingston, who glared at him, and then looked worriedly at Eddie.

Eddie put up a hand, and then put it quickly back down again, to cover himself. “It’s alright, Kingston, it’s been taken care of.”, he said.

“What have you done?”, Arielle said, looking accusingly at Eddie. “Buck! Wait!” she called after him, but he was gone. Lena shot him a look.

“What?”, Eddie said.

“Miss Valens…” Eddie said. “My deepest apologies, I shall have Kingston call you a carriage, and escort you home.”

“I think you’ve done quite enough.”, Lena said. “I shall escort Lady Valens home.”

Lady Valens, gave her a sheepish look. “How kind.”, she said. And they paraded past Kingston, who looked quite confused.

==============================================================================

Buck walked briskly toward the gate, and as he opened it, he was met by the two henchman he was in league with. He stopped, hands raised.

“Hi fellas.”, he said.

“Hello to you.”, the larger of the two said, his gun drawn on Buck.

“Griff…”, he said, “We are calling this one off.”

“Cawlin’ it off??!!”, Griff said. “I don’t fink so.”, he stepped forward and Buck stepped back.

“I s’pose you were finking of leaving me and Shep out in the cold and taking all the booty for yourself, eh?”. Griff said.

“Yeah, yew tryin’t’ cut us owt?”, Shepp said. He puffed out his chest. He was a full head and a half shorter than Griff and Buck. He sniffed and wiped his nose on the sleeve of his coat. Griff looked over his shoulder at Shepp, making sure to intimidate him. Shepp shrank down and looked at the ground.

“Look, they just moved here, there really isn’t enough to bother looting.”, Buck tried to sound convincing,

Griff looked back toward the manor, and he could hear the chatter of voices and the strains of music off in the distance.

“Sounds to me like it’s ripe for the picking, wut wif all the fancy laawds and laydees and wot not.”, Griff said.

Buck tried to sound forceful in his protest.

“NO! I hired you and I say what goes! And I say, we aren’t doing this!”, Buck said as he stepped to Griff.

Griff took the butt of his gun and cracked Buck on the head, knocking him out. He fell like a rag doll to the ground.

“Who’s the boss now, eh?”, Griff said.

They stepped over Buck’s unconscious body and off in the direction of the house.

Just as Lena and Arielle, made it to the door, they stopped dead, as Griff pushed his way in and forced them back inside. Once in the ballroom, he announced, “Awright everyone, This is a sick up! Get your ‘ands in the air!”

The crowd stood still for a moment as the music stopped, unsure if this was really happening.

Griff shot the pistol into the air over his head. The loud blast cause some of the ladies to scream.

“I said, get ‘em up!”, he ordered. Now, if you do as we say, no one’s gonna get ‘urt…Put all your money and fancy jewels in this here bag,”, Griff said, as Shepp took out a satchel and went around the room collecting valuables.

Griff looked over at Eddie, who was stepping protectively in front of Lena and Arielle. He motioned at them to join the crowd now pressed against each other at the far end of the room. “Now nobody move and we will be off shortly, and y’can go back to your li’l soiree--“, Griff said, just as he heard a small voice from behind, him.

“Papa?!”, Christopher said as he made his way bleary eyed down the stairs.

Griff whirled on him and instinctively fired his gun.

“No!” Eddie shouted and he ran at Christopher and dove to grab him up.

The bullet went straight into Eddie’s back, just as he reached his son, shielding him from the blow. Christopher screamed.

Buck burst into the room, his eyes as wide as plates, and his mouth dropped open. Blood was streaming down the side of his face, as he looked first at Lena, then Arielle, then Griff and finally Eddie. He thought he should charge at Griff, but Kingston was already there and tacking him to the ground. Kingston smashed the man to his back and throttled him with one hand while gripping Griff by the wrist with the other. He put his full weight to bear on him and bashed his gun hand on the marble flooring repeatedly until the gun came free. Sheep, dropped the sack of valuables and made way to the gun, but Lady Valens was there first and cold cocked him squarely in the face, sending him flying, flat on his back. This made Buck smile just for a moment, and then his thoughts returned to Eddie. Lena was already at his side, when he reached them. Christopher was crying and squeezing his father around the neck, his face buried in Eddie’s shoulder.

“Papa! Pappa, NO!”, he cried.

Lena tried to calm Christopher, so she could turn Eddie over, but he would not be moved.

“Eddie…Eddie! Wake up!”, she wailed into his ear. Buck moved in and managed to pry the boy off so Eddie could be laid on his back.

Griff tried to wrestle himself free, but Arielle had him. She scooped up the pistol, cocked the hammer and said, “Don’t even think about it.”

“You go collect the little one, I’ve got this one well in hand, sir.”

She motioned for Kingston to get up and she took his place, straddling Griff, sitting her full weight upon him. Griff thought for a moment this might be something akin to fun, in any other context. He half smiled at her as he felt her fit into his lap.

“Don’t get any funny ideas, you hear?” She pointed the barrel down to the waistband area his pants, pressing the barrel against the fabric of her skirt hard enough where he could feel it tucked neatly between them. Griff’s half-grin faded to a look of horror as Arielle leaned in and whispered, “Best save that for the boys in the big house, eh? I hear they like a stodgy man-toy.”

Kingston, took the binding cords from the drapes and bound Shepp. “Someone fetch a doctor! And get the constable!”

Eddie loosed his hold on Christopher, who immediately threw himself forward on to Eddie’s chest and wept. His glasses were all akimbo as he pressed his face into his father.

“Right away!”, Buck stood and dashed out the door. He headed for the carriage house and unhitched and mounted the nearest horse. “Hyahh!”, he commanded. The horse bolted forward and off he rode into the night.

[gold-eyes-vengeful-heart]

Emerald Ascent

((Preparations, for the next fight.

Contains 5.4 spoilers for the Emerald Weapon part of the Weapon questline. Also contains Sorin ( @aetherstitch ) again! Also Maebh from @semper-miles .))

===

There was a knock on his door.

“Runya?”

“Oh, do come in, Sorin.” But Runya didn’t look up from the pages he had been writing on, even as the other Miqo’te came into his room. There was a series of footsteps from the man, and then he came to a halt right behind Runya.

“...Did you learn anything?” Sorin frowned. “From Maebh?”

Ah, yes. Maebh.

--

“Well, abomination, I was hoping you could answer some questions for me.” His smile remained a bit too fixed on his face, as did hers. 

“Might get better answers if you stop calling me that.”

“Cheek. But we both know we need information on this VIIth Legion proper in order to be able to do anything about these Weapons of theirs. Or do anything about them for good, at any rate--I am perfectly capable of killing them as they come, at least for now.”

--

“Hmmm.”

But Sorin only waited a few seconds before sighing practically into his ear. “Runya, please answer.”

“Oh, alright. That thing running around in Angerona’s skin did seem to remember a few things, anyway...”

--

“--so I can’t tell you everything, but I can tell you some things.” Maebh grimaced, putting a hand to her head, but waving off that dragoon friend of hers--whose name Runya couldn’t be bothered to remember at the moment. “I’m fine. It’s fine. He’s right, we need to get all our information together before these things become an actual problem.”

“So? Do go on.” Runya leaned forward a little, despite the tension that earned out of the dragoon.

“That Legatus was...” She closed her eyes with a huff. “Merceus...definitely didn’t like him. At all.”

--

“--and I will tell you, Sorin, that it pleases me endlessly that my very existence appears to have made multiple Legatuses very angry.”

Sorin just sighed in resignation. “Yes, I know, Runya.” His voice, at least, was patient. “And I take it she knew at least some things about this ‘Valens’?” 

“Some things, anyway.”

--

“--he was very attached to Magitek engineering,” Maebh continued, rubbing her temples. “He was also very attached to mass murder to accomplish ‘advances’ in it. It...made Merceus disgusted.”

Runya just made a disbelieving sort of sound in his throat, but Maebh’s head snapped up to stare him down.

“No, really. Valens was far, far more willing to just throw away anyone that displeased him, even if it meant setting himself and his research back entire years. Angerona got away with so much because Merceus wasn’t like that.”

Runya itched to snarl back at her, but she just put her head back down in her hands, the strain of remembering clearly getting to her--but not enough to make her stop.

“We--Angerona and them,” she added in haste, as his eyes narrowed, “were always getting into disputes with him. Merceus’ children, not much--they were outranked--but Merceus himself hated him. Said he was a spoiled brat who liked to demand more toys from Father when he kept breaking them. Said he...wasn’t worthy of the rank and he didn’t understand why the Emperor kept him around except as pest control.”

--

“--and the irony of a mass murderer calling another mass murderer worse does not escape me, mind you.”

Sorin raised his brows. “Well, yes, it hasn’t escaped me either. No one’s saying it wasn’t bad, Runya--not even her, if you’ve been telling this correctly. So go on?”

“Oh, you ruin all my spiteful fun.”

“Runya.”

“Very well, very well...”

--

“--he never let go of Baelsar allowing Merceus some lab space in Gyr Abania. He thought that he had a better way to recreating Allagan Weapons than Merceus did and he resented that Baelsar felt differently.”

“Mm, so they were both attempting to make giant superweapons.” Runya smiled. “Charming.”

“Yes, charming,” Maebh deadpanned as she lifted her head once more. “It...might be why both projects have the same name, actually.” A flicker of Angerona’s intellectual curiosity flickered across her expression--there and then so painfully quickly gone, in a way that made something in his chest twist. “They were both going for the same goal, just in different ways. Valens’ Legion just created them wholesale instead of growing them from...something they found near Azys Lla.”

When Runya silently raised an eyebrow, she just raised one right back at him.

“That is where they found Blue.”

--

“--which I suppose is useful information, given I had little idea. Blue still has many secrets even he isn’t aware of, it seems.”

“Hm...” Sorin’s tail audibly flicked, tapping against the back of his leg in the process. “But did she know anything more about the Weapons?”

“Mm, I’m getting there.”

--

“--All I can tell you is that this man is mad, he’s likely very angry that ‘just’ a test subject from his rival’s Legion has been outperforming his prized pilots and his technology, and he isn’t going to stop unless someone kills him. And the region the VIIth controls is too large to really pin down where he could be,” she added, right as he was about to ask the question. “Or I would have just told you that right away and let you have him.”

“And you’ve heard what the Ironworks has discovered of them so far?”

Maebh’s brow knitted a little. “Yes, I have. My...contacts have been telling me.”

“So Sorin’s been telling you.”

But Maebh waved a hand. “Him and someone else. But knowing how this ‘Oversoul’ works...worries me. If they can fetch data from any Legatus’ armor...I can’t say they don’t have Merceus’. I can’t say they don’t have Zenos’, given he wore something that at least looks similar, and that’s even worse.”

He would have been tempted to argue the point, but that thought even gave him pause. (Zenos, after all, had been the one to almost kill not just Vira but Sorin, too. And the man seemed frustratingly difficult to actually put down for good, if even dear Daeyona and Ambarone combined hadn’t been able to manage it.)

“So we fully anticipate some fun until we can ferret the little rat out of his lair. Excellent. But what of Baelsar?”

Maebh was quiet, now.

--

“--And she never did give me a good answer for that one.” Runya shrugged. “She just said that he seemed to be on our side, but that he is indeed a Legatus, and that anyone that deep into the Empire’s imperialism wasn’t likely to renounce it all so quickly. And that even if he actually fully turns on them because of what they did to someone close to him, that he should not be considered trustworthy or redeemed or any such nonsense.”

He turned his head and now Sorin was just...looking at him a bit oddly for the remark. “What?”

“I...nothing,” Sorin sighed. “I was hoping she might have insight into that as well, but apparently not. None of us knows if we can trust him, either. Some of the things he says...” He didn’t finish the remark, but its point was clear enough that Runya just nodded.

“Mmm, I know. Do coeurls ever change their spots?”

But before Sorin could respond, he jolted and touched a finger to his ear--or, rather, the linkpearl in it. And after a few seconds of hurried conversation, he finally spoke to Runya himself. “They think they’ve found where the Emerald Weapon might be.”

Runya’s ears shot practically upright at that, and he grinned. “Oh, we’ve found the next one? Already? That was swift indeed.”

“There are a couple of locations,” Sorin went on, “and the G-Warrior still isn’t ready yet. It took too much damage in the last battle.”

“Because of your insistence on shielding Blue and I from the Sapphire Weapon’s attacks, no doubt.”

But Sorin didn’t dignify that jab with a response. “So we’re going to have to split up to find it, but we’re going to have to be fast. It could escape quickly from either location through the sea, and if we lose it we’re not going to find it again in a hurry.”

Runya practically sprang upright, though it made his joints creak in protest. His grin, however, didn’t recede an ilm.

“So what are we waiting for, dear Sorin? Let’s go Weapon-hunting.”