#felt like posting the art apart from the Lore

[purplecritter]

theories/thoughts/analysis about touchstarved 2025 demo

So uh, I did a long analysis post back when the first demo dropped. I won’t repeat things that I already wrote there but I have some more thoughts especially with the changes and additions they made + several of the scattered official tumblr posts that followed the demo release!

Also heads-up, I will edit this with the daily routine posts from the devs' account if they're relevant, since I already commented on Mhin’s, but apart from those I won’t touch this anymore afterwards 🙏

(Spoilers under the cut)

Kuras

His new red choice… Really amps up his association with fire, and it seems to be directly linked with how close we are to him: if you didn’t get the red choice you still feel it, but you’ll miss this line: “I realize it’s more than physical warmth. The sensation calms my nerves and quiets my mind—the closest thing I’ve ever felt to a comforting embrace”. One thing is interesting though: the red choice was unlocked during my Unnamed playthrough, but not during my others even if I picked the same choices. I tried again picking the opposite choices with my Unnamed and still got that red choice, so I’m pretty sure it depends on your origin, not your relationship with him. Since, as of now, Kuras hasn’t yet revealed his true nature to us (I suspect Eridia more or less knows, though), it would make sense that specifically the origin about detecting hidden supernatural presences would notice earlier than the others.

The dev answered a question on their tumblr about Kuras, “Kuras came through the Shroud because he loved humanity. He’s had human friends, colleagues, and lovers… all of whom he’s destined to outlive. Each person he’s loved—and lost—left an indelible stamp on him.” The stamp part caught my attention; since we feel his powers more whenever when get closed (physically, but moreso emotionally), I wonder if he can… channel? That affection into energy. Kind of how deities are fueled by their followers’ faith, perhaps an angelic being like Kuras is fueled by emotions?

A bit of relevant lore was posted on the dev team's tumblr: “Divine Teacher — The Senobium's folklorists note a curious pattern in humanity's oldest tales. Though the details vary, these stories share a common theme: an otherworldly teacher, bringing the divine gift of knowledge. Alchemy and literacy, art and war...supposedly this being shared all that they knew with the earliest civilizations. In some tales, the otherworldly teacher is a loving, benevolent figure. In others, they are a harbinger of chaos and ruin.” as well as the quote “Hope. A strange concept, after so long seeing myself as the agent of ruin.” Prometheus is the obvious parallel, due to his association with fire (though I would hope Kuras still has his liver intact), but there’s many versions of the Theft of Fire; in the Book of Enoch there’s fallen angels who shared knowledge with humans, too; and undoubtedly several more myths about inhuman figures sharing knowledge. Mhin says that “[Kuras]rarely does [take payment from patients]. That just means he’s paying down the debt elsewhere” which could be related to his distaste for dealing with the Senobium… I wouldn’t even be surprised if he had a hand in creating the Senobium (his robes are white too, and he does collaborate often, yet he isn’t afraid of retribution for messing a little with its members from what we can see of his ending scene), and he had all the time in the world to witness how the knowledge he gifted was used for worse things that he could’ve hoped for :(

Kuras, like Ais, keeps on his own for the most part, though they don’t dislike feeling close to people: Ais actually dislikes isolation but he’s probably too jaded to want to bother interacting, while Kuras actively craves closeness (it’s part of the reason he has a free clinic methinks) even if he knows it will hurt him when he loses it.

Leander

Leander’s group is now called The Adderstone. The symbology of an adder stone, aka witch stone, is definitely a bigger hint at Leander’s unique connection to magic, whereas previously the Bloodhounds evoked the feeling of a mercenary group with a penchant for investigations. In the new demo Adderstone is defined as “a semi-precious mineral that draws out poison”, which also makes me think of his constant disposition as a confident protector and his tendency to disregard the riskier aspects (ie, he wouldn’t care about getting poisoned himself). The Adderstone’s meaning is still vaguely reminiscent of my previous thoughts about the Bloodhounds: Hounds are a breed specifically intended to track something specific (or someone specific) by scent, and in the new metaphor that something/someone is the poison that Leander and his mercenaries are drawing out, hunting.

Adder stones are sometimes also symbolically tied to snakes, some sources saying they were created by turning dead snakes into the stone, others say that the ring-like formation was made by a hardened bubble of saliva when snakes joined together… All quite nicely tied to the recurring Ouroboros symbol in Leander’s outfit and merch!

“I’m no prior or curator. I’m not much for paperwork or pencil pushing. And honestly, I don’t even think those robes come in my size.” I am reminded of an old post by user @/toeridiaorbust about how Leander and the Bloodhounds Adderstones clothes are a direct color inversion of the Senobium’s robes.

“If you want nothing but guidelines, improper policies, and needless bureaucracy, you know where to go […] The Senobium won’t help you. They’re more likely to torture you than to lend you a hand.” Now this? Makes me wonder if his prominent scars are connected to his loathing towards the Senobium.

“But I’m not going to wait from word from on high […] These are our streets. We make our own luck here […] I founded the Adderstones to help people like you.” connects to the “as above, so below” tagline that was in his posters in the first demo and first hinted at him creating the Adderstone as an alternative to the Senobium.

The lore snippet about him on the dev’s tumblr doesn’t add anything that we don’t know from the new demo about Leander and the Adderstone, but there’s an interesting part at the end: “Locals speak praise for the charming leader whose seemingly benign reign extends even below the city streets into the shadowed depths of the Silent Crypts.” Considering all of his symbolism about the cycle of rebirth (I went into detail in my old analysis post), the fact that this references a crypt of all places doesn’t feel coincidental… We haven’t heard of the location yet from what I can remember, but I would bet that it’s connected to Leander’s hidden curse / source of power.

In an old post, the devs confirmed that “The magically talented son of an old Hightown family, Leander was expected to join the Senobium when he came of age. Instead, he packed up his bags twelve years ago to chase his own dreams” which matches with his own words in the demo: “I grew up idolizing the Senobium. I wanted nothing more than to join their ranks, to learn magic from the best, to make a real difference. I was young and blinded by the legends and the legacy. I was so damn naive. All it took was one trip here, to Lowtown, to show me the truth.”

“I won’t leave you, and you won’t leave me” + “How would you feel about being on a leash?” + “You can decide how to thank me. Or I can decide for you.” he’s not beating the yandere allegations.

“It’s not every day I find something that truly challenges me” we already knew he likes being challenged, which is pretty much his whole relationship with Ais. It’s interesting because with MC, he tends to prefer when they defer to him, trust him, take the flower and hold hands…. I think both things are a way to reaffirm his confidence: a challenge surpassed is proof that he’s strong enough to face what he has ahead, and having people trust him (in Kuras’ words, even willing to put their lives on the line for him) is a different way to feel that kind of influence.

The new scene of him coming into MC’s room with the excuse of having information about the curse, it feels like a contrast with the other characters’ ending scenes. Everyone shows a little about themselves, their attitude or their habits, but Leander feels like he mirrors MC. Even asking him about his relationship with the others, he comments on what we say about them rather than speaking up about them unprompted.

I initially didn’t think much of it so it may be nothing but it’s worth mentioning anyways: while chatting with Leander nearer the ending, he can say “How would you feel about being on a leash?” which is easy to dismiss as just him being a little freaky, but then I recalled after the first encounter with Vere, when the MC remarks that they could share his fate and get “leashed” by the Senobium. I doubt Leander would intentionally let MC in the hands of the Senobium, considering his animosity towards them, but it’s still a chilling thought that feels like foreshadowing...

Vere

re: his bad/secret ending, I appreciate that he shows some restraint this time around. I’m now pretty certain that you can only get the option to “Reach out to him” (red choice) versus “Resist him” (neutral) if you played along with him at least a little bit; while “Surrender” (bad ending) is only unlocked if you don’t have his approval and you say that if you can’t find a cure it’s over for you (rather than “I’ll keep looking”).

In two posts on tumblr (here and here), the devs posted a couple of peeks at Vere’s living space. “Candles flicker in the waning light, illuminating a crowded desk at odds with its gloomy surroundings.” and “Few in living memory know why the Senobium built the secret prison where Vere is kept. What do you think happened to the other prisoners?”. Given it’s described as a secret prison, I’m torn about it being located in the entertainment district where we first found him. One one hand, he was shackled there and it was morning, the Senobium cleric hadn’t yet come to fetch him. On the other hand, it feels like a weirdly dangerous place to put the deathly charming Monster in? No other buildings can be seen from the window, which is either just to not clutter the view or it’s a tall building, a spire taller than the rest, which would only leave the blue sky visible from that angle. The three items that mainly occupy his space are candles (I would’ve thought he would be able to see in the dark, perhaps just not comfortably or perhaps he likes the atmosphere they create... or they're not there for his benefit, but that of his captors), books (I could swear there’s a full picture of his sketchbook somewhere but just considering this sneak peek of it here, I think it’s the one in the middle of the desk… As for the books, he doesn’t like puzzles, I’m not sure he would be the studious type, so my bet is on them being entertainment), and shackles in his bedroom and by the desk. This last detail feels particularly invasive, as the implications are that someone is scheduled to keep an eye on his routine, dictating when he is allowed bedtime and when he can read/draw/brush his tail (there’s a little brush and mirror in the shelves). There’s also some handwritten papers on his desk, I wonder if he’s allowed to send letters or if he just writes them? One additional detail caught my attention: doesn’t the decoration in the chair by his desk look remarkably similar to the design of Kuras’ earrings? Though there’s different additional elements for each, they both are a circle with three drops underneath it… Which makes me even more convinced that Kuras played a significant part in initially capturing Vere. The comment about “What do you think happened to the other prisoners?” brings to mind Vere’s insistence that if the Senobium realized what the MC is, they’d be leashed as well. I don’t doubt that other Monsters have been kept by them in a similar manner, perhaps some of them also were offered a way to end their suffering by Vere, like he did with MC in his secret/bad ending.

In a tumblr post by the dev team about his lore: “Bloodstained Snow — The Senobium's archives hold countless records of stories that defy belief. One ancient report recounts the haunting of a remote village by what is described at first as a god, and then as a demon. Heavily redacted, the papers depict a team of researchers hunted by a self-proclaimed deity that transforms into a malignant entity. After the beast succumbs to freezing conditions, its ultimate fate is unknown-doubtlessly lost with the pages removed from the report.” I would bet that this is (part of) the reason why Vere dislikes snow… Apart from that, it’s interesting that Vere presented as a god first. History is written by the victors, and I wouldn’t take this recounting as the full truth. If he approached the village like he did with us, at first charming (if a bit unnerving, but deities can afford that) and then started preying on people’s trauma/insecurities, it’s not much of a stretch that they’d label him a demon—and to be fair, his monstrous form doesn’t inspire much safety either. I wonder if he first caught Kuras’ attention (or wrath) by proclaiming himself a god?

I’m also still thinking of Vere being a foil for Mhin: both hunt Soulless, he does out of obligation and they do presumably as a choice in line with their ideals; one leans completely on his Monster side and lets it leak through nonchalantly, the other despises Monsters and hides their own unnatural skills; Vere puts on airs to hide his thoughts, overwhelming you with (effective or not) charm, while Mhin is standoffish and avoids opening up by… well, avoiding you.

Ais

The Exile notices “Not many scars, though. Strange. Save for one cut along his brow, Ais is unmarked for how seasoned he acts.” In a post on tumblr the team answered a question about this particular scar: “Ais’s scar serves as a memento of his first day in the human realm, a stark reminder of all that can be lost. His gang imparted a lesson he’ll never forget, and he returned the favor in kind.” What feels more likely to me, is that he passed through the Shroud with his gang, they had a serious disagreement and/or they betrayed him (we already know from the character sheets and other hints that he doesn’t like being alone, I feel like it’d take something serious for him to turn his back on them), fought and he got injured during this confrontation. Then he found (?) Ocudeus, and we can assume from the fact that the red-eyed woman who lead us to the Seaspring still had visible marks of her previous health, that the Seaspring doesn’t restore wounds, so the wound was already there and didn’t get healed. I don’t think it’s likely that Ais has regenerative powers (also, his knuckles are bruised constantly, and he bleeds when MC bites him).

Leander also says that Ais “doesn’t see humans as equals”. Humans, by their very nature, can’t realistically be a match for the power of a Monster, so Ais wouldn’t consider them on the same level as him. In the same line of thinking, he seems to like more when MC can hold their own, and I feel like it’s connected to his trauma about being betrayed: if people can take care of themselves (like Vere, who’s as dangerous as Ais, and Leander, whom he respects), if he gets betrayed by those he likes, then at least he won’t have to hold back and it will be a fair fight.

When Ais says his old gang “took a walk”, the Exile wonders about this “He knows how to scare people, and he expects submission, but it’s uncommon for someone so used to being in power to be so… alone.” The Exile also has the most positive reaction by far to the Soulless in the Seaspring. When talking with Mhin, the Exile says “[Ais’] Soulless seem to like him though […] There’s a big difference between Ais’ Soulless and that many-eyed Soulless [that attacked me].” Being playful (perhaps even being in groups) isn’t a behavior they usually display, and I wonder how much of that is because they share being under the influence of Ocudeus so they're not hostile to what they consider allies, and how much it could be Ais’ doing instead: if he feels so alone, I would bet that he would (subconsciously or not) use the bond with the Groupmind as a way to feel less isolated, and those feelings impact the behaviour of the Soulless.

Ais talks about “a time where Leander’s resolve will be tested, same for anyone in this plane or the next” I think that the Adderstones remind him of what he had, or could have had. He sees something of himself in Leander, but Ais is jaded by his previous experience. I now wonder if the assassination attempts are his way to test him, make sure he’s ready for whatever comes, something that he feels like he lacked when he was left alone?

The lore post about Ais on the official tumblr reads: “Death Knell — Whispers echo about a fearsome Monster within the Shroud, their overwhelming power and authority stretching across the realm’s underworld. Few have seen the face of this infamous ruler. As Monsters continued to abandon the Shroud to seek thrills in the human realm, the being stayed behind, devouring forsaken domains and Monsters alike until no challenges were left. Now, as the being seeks conquest elsewhere, Monsters stir in anticipation of impending carnage.” This also could reference the time where [everyone’s] resolve will be tested; I wonder if it’s a general comment, about Monsters as a whole (Ais himself likes a good challenge), or if Ocudeus specifically is working towards something. In England, there was a tradition to ring the so called passing bell from the church when someone’s death was imminent; then the death knell when they passed away (there’d be additional rings to signify gender, and age, so that people could get an idea of who it was); and finally the corpse bell when the funeral was being held. If we want to read too much into the cool moniker, perhaps Ais is not meant to be the harbinger of chaos, but merely a warning sign.

The Unnamed will comment about hearing a faint heartbeat pulsing underground, when they first approach the land near the Seaspring. Earlier they also comment about feeling a kind of thrumming in Eridia itself, I wonder how far Ocuseus’ influence expands? Is it limited to where its Groupmind members are?

Leander says that he’s known Ais for around six years, which considering Kuras says that Ais is a recent arrival, could be that he’s passed through the Shroud into Eridia for less than a decade even?

Mhin

They’re EVEN MORE of a nerd in this version. Clearly knowledgeable about Soulless’ biology, even though they deny having studied anatomy or medicine. In an older post on the devs' tumblr, “Mhin was forced to apply their anatomical knowledge to violence in order to survive. After years of bitter experience, they learned to fight with agility, elegance, and surgical precision. Even in Eridia, their skills see more use in combat than healing.” which again makes me think they maybe didn’t formally study them, but being an apprentice to someone isn’t out of the equation (perhaps even Kuras, the Divine Teacher?). Them saying to an Alchemist’s red choice “It’s been a while since I had someone answer [my theories]” hints that they weren’t always alone in leading a life like this, before. Like Leander says about them, “Vulnerability doesn’t get you much except heartache.”

“Something about them is strange, unlike any human or Monster I’ve ever met. I can’t quite place my hand on why, and that’s a first” is what an Unnamed says when first encountering them. Not human, not Monster, but a mix of both—Not enough Monster yet too far gone from Human. A post on the devs’ tumblr depicts Mhin (partially?) transformed: they’re still clearly recognizable, it could be they’re just mid transformation but considering the comment from the Unnamed, I don’t think Mhin can become fully a Monster (like, say, Vere’s shadow fox is also kinda incorporeal but more shaped): it is said that Monster gain more control over their human form as time progresses, so Mhin has probably only recently become like this. The description of “a tar-like substance leaking from their eyes and bony extrusions” matches their pin designs as well as their “costume” in the official 2024 Halloween art, and the tar/blood leaking from their eye matches the pastry on the official 2025 Valentine’s Day art (bottom right corner).

Ais calls them “dove” and considering their Monster form seems to be quite the opposite, black ichory feathers and all, makes me believe that Ais has seen them shifted sometime and is poking fun at it. Or I’m just reading into it too much and it’s about them having white hair and Ais defaulting to bird nicknames for some reason.

The Exile comments “It’s one thing to strike down Soulless. They’re creatures of instinct, aggressive and dangerous to everyone. But Monsters are lucid, thinking beings—beings that Mhin seems to loathe.” It feels like their hatred is brought on by how familiar they are: they know the thoughts that compel a Monster (hence their insistence that MC seeks help from someone less dangerous than them) and they hate that they’re their own thoughts.

In a recent post detailing their daily schedule, it seems to me that Mhin doesn’t sleep, or barely does. I’m more inclined to say that it’s a consequence of their nature, that they haven’t accepted (so they still want to sleep, even if they can’t or don’t need it), similar to how Kuras doesn’t really eat.

Since they both compete in the same field, I wonder if Mhin and Vere first met while hunting Soulless? Do they ever meet while on the same contract, or do they run in different circles?

I don’t think they mentioned this in the first demo, but Mhin says they grew up in Eridia. Which really surprised me, because in the pre-release content they’re referred as “outsider” and “outcast”… Unless that’s changed in the rewrite, maybe they were cast off when they were young, or maybe they weren’t physically exiled but rather their family/group of origin estranged them? “Eridia wasn’t perfect, but it used to be a place worth living in” also could be said in a more subjective sense, Mhin didn’t lead a perfect life but they were satisfied with it before. Moreover, Leander says about them “I’ve known them since they arrived here.” Perhaps they grew up in Eridia, left at some point, and came back later? And when asking Kuras about Mhin, he says “Like you, they’re a recent arrival.” though that could just be that Kuras has a different concept of time, considering he’s centuries old. In any case, I highly doubt it’s just an oversight from the team because so far every detail is very curated. There’s something here about Mhin’s timeline that I can’t quite put my hands on yet.

Now the juiciest bit of info about them yet in my opinion, is on their tumblr lore drop from the studio: “Lost Expeditions — In a bygone era, before Eridia became the last beacon of humanity, there was Lovent. Yet where a bustling metropolis once stood, there is now only a blasted crater and empty ruins, blanketed by fog. The inhabitants, and large chunks of the city, had vanished into thin air. Over the following years, scholars flocked to the ruins in search of answers. Like the Loventians, they disappeared without a trace, and none ever returned.” Lovent is also referenced in another post, as “The previous largest city, Lovent, was the epicenter of the first Fogfall. In the century since, Soulless and Monster incursions destroyed most cities, leaving Eridia as the largest remaining one.” It makes me wonder, if Mhin maybe did grow up in Eridia, went to Lovent either in time to be caught in its destruction, or afterwards to investigate it. It’s possible that this is how they became a Monster… In the description of their flower, there’s also a reference to “barren wastelands to ruins perpetually shrouded in Fogfall” which is way too similar to “empty ruins, blanketed by fog” to be a coincidence. It’s possible that they physically entered the Fogfall/Shroud, and what emerged wasn’t fully them anymore.

Thanks if you read so far, as always I’m always happy to read other thoughts about it all or if I missed something 👀

[ghostymarni]

Hi I had no caf today.

But uhh… OC lore pls?

no caf???? How??? 😂✨ do you prefer tea or perhaps you can run on juice?

I need it to function in the mornings. I either need that first brew or an ice cold energy drink to get the gears turning ♥️✨

I hope you mean how Aev started cause that’s what imma share haha!

Aeviririn is my main, self expressed, self insert. I wanted a way to express my presence on the holonet in a way I both saw myself, adding my hair + design style of expression, as well as overall expression of interests + communication. Her design has lots of symbolism in how I designed her.

with the loss of my late husband (it’s been 10 months already) I turned back to art knowing it’s the truest way of communication for me.

I know I started her as a self presence on “this is the artist” drawing myself with my designed mandalorian bucket. But it evolved to who she is now. I’m learning as I go, I’ve never had a public oc before in an active fandom. And it’s all new to me being so involved <3

I’ve learned + continue to learn, the difference between fun lingo usage + fandom RP, which I feel is a very thin line. But just balancing responses between me and using Aev confused myself sometimes because Aev is literally me hahaha. I don’t see myself starting an RP only account because my ADHD is too inconsistent.

my late husband + I called ourselves a mandalorian family, he was a long time boba fett fan even before I met him, and unknowingly we always initiated the keldabe kiss with our son and personal moments. He was into the bad batch before I was and he’d quote things to me not knowing their origin. Making TBB so much more personal. so the grief I felt, felt like I was exposing me to my true feelings and evolving aeviririn to who she is now, feels just as much healing as it is expression. Almost like I was recreating myself as I fell apart.

arm wraps - symbolize how I feel like I’m always fighting through life. Losing my partner I put the wraps on knowing i have no one to help protect me. To keep fighting forward.

long mohawk - it’s my actual hairstyle. I haven’t cut it in almost 8 years, and I shave the sides every other week.

left leg blaster - my late husband taught me how to shoot, helping me overcome my fear of weapons. I like the rifles/snipers not just in games but I lock in when I shoot them. As well as having a blaster for a sniper is essential for close range, but also I keep it as a reminder that my left handed partner always reminded me to be prepared for anything.

Aev is so much of everything I’ve grown to be, and who I strive to keep being. Her attitude is so much of my own as well as my inner confidence. Tomboy + femme, so much of my own desires and interests, and life experiences.

my obsession with the marshal commander actually started a long time ago. Denial cause I had a convo with my late husband talking about what clones I’d connect with before I was deeply immersed into clones as he was. Refusing the 501st because it felt basic hahahaha (he had a captain Rex tattoo) and I was like, I kinda like the red guys, it’s kinda cool.. referring to the coruscant guard. And he was like “oh they’re like the cops of the city” which made me cringe at the time because i wanted to find my reason for it on my own terms. Ironically after he passed I stumbled back onto fox and I hyper fixated on him. Which the fandom at the time was very minimal (from what I saw), about fox being mean grumpy and often disliked. But I couldn’t help it. I liked that hahaha thanks to @eobe for her forwarding me commander caf escalated post which sparked a whole cup of chaos that im so glad I jumped on. And connecting with @lonewolflupe finding out we had so much in common which sparked the chaos twins, initiating a whole new chapter of Aev and creativity <3

I truly appreciate everyone that’s drawn Aev, includes her, and supports my innuendo to myself. I can’t wait to see how she (and I) grow.

[meruz]

hi meruz please tell me all your thoughts on outer wilds I am absolutely Living rn

HI oh my god i have so many thoughts. I think I'm gonna keep posting fanart so this definitely isnt gonna be my last word on the matter but wow what a game! um... idk if I wanna just type forever but I can give you at least a few key thoughts I had...

It took me a second to get into! I had been waiting for the switch port so I was really excited starting out but there were a couple early play sessions months apart where I was struggling with the controls and overwhelmed with the openness...I have a hard time with a lot of open worlds games because I just..dont have a lot of free time LOL. But I was complaining abt this to my brother and he was also having a hard time rly digging into the game so when he flew over to visit me a couple weeks ago I was like ok lets do this together (incentivizing gaming by making it social/co-operative). And we had a blast!!! it rly is the type of game you can play as co-op just by having someone else on the couch or on stream doin the thinking alongside you or bouncing theories off of. I do think he's a much better puzzle solver than me though lol (he works in research, so he's got that researcher brain), he made a lot of the leaps of logic way early while I was still turning things over in my head lmao.... AND he's better with the controls because he plays a lot of flight sims?! i think he got annoyed watching me bumble around anytime i had the controller. my sole contribution was doing the stealthy parts in the dlc because im stupid and consequentially lack fear.

I kind of grew up playing majoras mask and windwaker like that was the era of zelda games I was rly activated and engaged for as a kid and I didn't realize how much I was missing and craving that type of experience again LOL. I think especially with how I personally felt that tears of the kingdom was narratively and structurally a step down from botw... idk... i mean you can tell from interviews abt Outer Wilds that the devs clearly have a lot of affection for and thoughts abt the Zelda series as well and I think Outer Wilds was like such a good encapsulation of everything I loved abt those games and also everything I wish they would do lol!! IT ALSO kind of solved a lot of my pain points with open world games and did it in a way that was so elegant... like I think i initially recoiled at the openness but then when i started exploring and realized the scope and level of detail it rly clicked into place.. im just in awe.

umm i love every hearthian they were all so charming. it rly did feel like an older school of nintendo rpg where every npc has so much personality lol. i loved that every alien race in the game was some weird animal like the designs for all of them were rly good. i love that it was a "worn" universe and that everything looked old or used. I love astronomy and space and space concepts but I don't really like really lofty and impersonal/minimalist scifi so i feel like this was a great and accessible art direction for me personally. i especially thought the backpacking/outerdoorsy aesthetic was really inspired! I think "exploration" sometimes exists on a spectrum where one end of it can be really colonialist/militaristic LOL... UM which im not like. fully against i think it can be an interesting idea to dissect? but i feel like we see it a lot and it was neat to see this which felt like the complete opposite end of that spectrum. weirdly enough playing Outer Wilds made me immediately go and finally finish Firewatch right after but I felt a little spoiled I was like ehh..that was good but it wasn't Outer Wilds LOL.

i think a lot of the themes reminded me of lord of the rings/tolkien lore LOL IDK. I GUESS THIS IS LIKE BIG SPOILERS SO if you havent played dont read but like. the entire concept of being born at the end of a great and enormous world/age with a rich history and you only getting to see the end of it, living in the shadow of great civilization...keeping your humble home in your heart idk. but then also the new world being a song ... I'm a sucker. I love it.

yeah sorry only compliments. anyways yeah i want to do more fanart... soon!! hopefully!

[drenched-in-sunlight]

"Marika becomes the sum of all the Fromsoft girlies" is nice but you forgot Nashandra who actually has parallels with Marika! Recommending to check it out, she's cool!

let’s get this out of the way now… I love DS2, I think the vibe and gameplay is immaculate and I’ll defend it as a whimsical and enjoyable videogame experience till the end of time.

But my god, I hate how they handle female characters in that one 💀

In fact, I don’t like how they handle female characters in DS franchise in general. It got a bit better in Bloodborne and Sekiro and especially AC6, but overall ever since I started playing Fromsoft game in 2020, my main gripe with them is they only have 2 tropes to shoehorn their female character into: helpless victim of a system that would mangle and exploit them OR serious sword lady. And if I’m being real, it’s the main gripe I have with Elden Ring base game too?

I didn’t discuss it on tumblr because back then I were still trying to keep this blog art-focused, but when the game came out in 2022, I did express my concern on twitter that I found the female characters cast… strangely lacking. Because I went into the game expecting Ema-level of writing (literally Sekiro’s Ema is one of the best female characters Fromsoft has ever written to this day I could and have talked ppl’s ears off about her. And I’m glad she on her own is very different from Marika. That means they could at least write 2 more types of female characters now the bar is on the floor but I’ll take it and cherish what I have), but it felt like they got reset back to DS franchise with ER base game.

(This has an added layer of me being a girl born, raised and lived in a Sinosphere country that is entrenched in Confucius values just like Japan, so yes I do understand and experience firsthand the underlying culture values that shapes their writing. Hell, I live and study postgraduate in Japan for 2 years too).

But we are going off track, this is about DS2. Now, my problem with DS2 is, see, with 1 or 3, the female characters either have very little agency or no agency at all. And it just…. be like that. The male characters are somewhat the same, so it really doesn’t bother me that much. The cool, unique, not sexualized design is enough. But 2?

2 has a lot of female characters…. who either play no role in the world setting or sinister figures that charm men and bring ruins to kingdoms? What?

(Before anyone says “but Lucatiel—” Lucatiel is the beacon of light in that game, yes, but at the same time her purpose centering around her brother is… also a problem I have with the way they handle Malenia’s story. My Fromsoft experience has lore to it as well jfc)

Like, it’s just ??? to me half of those women have no agency or backstory whatsoever apart from being the Dark’s daughters that would bring doom everywhere they go??? You can say everything wrong in DS2 world is their fault and I actually wouldn’t have much to argue. Actually, it’s interesting you bring up Nashandra because I do think Nashandra has parallel in Elden Ring. But not to Marika.

Nanaya.

That’s who reminds me of Nashandra in Elden Ring. Literally the mysterious, lowkey nefarious lady and her old man husband with questionable dynamic DS2 trope 🧍‍♀️ you can actually see that in their name too.

If I have to pick a character in DS franchise specifically to make parallel to Marika, it’ll always be Gwynevere. Because I honestly think it’s amazing they took a character that has the least amount of agency they’ve ever created, and turned the core concept of her (warmth, healing spells, sunlight, mother, daughter, queen, faith) into another character with actual good writing.

That’s why I didn’t include Nashandra in my previous post. Not because I don’t know about her. It’s because I know.

[leahnardo-da-veggie]

Introductions (2.1.1)

About me:

↪ Leah, she/her/any pronouns

↪ In my early 20s

↪ Reader, writer, sometime animator and artist

↪ Big cannibalism fan. Huge, really ;)

↪ Been doing martial arts for over a decade

↪Fan of CJ Cherryh

↪I reblog stuff from @leahpardo-pa-potato

My writing:

↪ Generally horror, with sides of fantasy

↪Posted in regular chunks of 500-1k words

↪I love tag games, esp OC ones :)

↪I do mini-series, one-shots, and novels

↪I will love you forever if you send me an ask

↪See my full list of one-shots here and my longer pieces below

My art and animation:

↪Masterpost here

↪Mostly blender 3d animations, though I do a bit of drawing too

↪ Don't expect it quite as often as my writing ;)

↪Just interact here to join the taglist!

WIPs / Longer stories

The Unwanted Visitor: (Completed)

Aida's house has been haunted by a spirit for as long as she can remember. Thing is, she's grown used to her Unwanted Visitor (or Vis, as she likes to call him). So when exorcists come after him, she does what any sane person would: protect her brother friend.

↪ Urban fantasy-comedy, very light-hearted

↪A lot of found family and sibling squabbling

↪If you like teens causing chaos, this is for you!

↪Final bit here

A Perfectly Normal Schoolgirl: (Completed)

All Katherine wants is to eat mortal food, bask in the warmth, and be a normal schoolgirl. But when a boy begs her to help him save her parents, she finds herself fighting for her (and his) life once more.

↪Urban fantasy with a side of horror

↪ Basically an inversion of a bunch of tropes

↪My attempt at writing fantasy without mentioning magic by name

↪Full thing here

Convenience Store Vampire: (Completed)

You'd expect vampires to be imposing and terrifying, masters of the night and princes of darkness. But that's not Davie, no siree. He's stuck down by Sunny Mart, working all day to scrape by. The last thing he wants is any trouble. Unfortunately for him, that's exactly what he's getting.

↪Silly urban fantasy shenanigans

↪ What it says on the tin + slice of life

↪Full thing here

A Tale for A Mouse: (Completed)

Who doesn't like to listen to evil old dark lords monologue about their childhood? Take a seat and come hear the story of the Spirit Emperor, as told by the man himself!

↪Cannibalism. Lots of it. World building too :D

↪High fantasy told via monologue

↪I cannot stress how proud I am of this.

↪Full thing here

Fast Food:

An embarrassment to his entire tribe, Hash is lazy and uninterested in anything. So, when he reaches majority, he gets unceremoniously booted out of home. Follow his adventures through Triworld, as he somehow ends up in every single single conflict across the continent.

↪High fantasy with a side of humour

↪Very heavy Lore™ and Worldbuilding™

↪ My excuse to ramble about fictional history

↪Latest bit here :) Also have @/illarian-rambling's rendition of Hash and her OC Elsind!

A Tale of Love, Death, and Maggots (Completed):

Doc's been wandering through hell for a good twenty years, now. He thought he'd seen it all. He thought he'd felt it all. He thought he'd lost it all. But it turns out love just has a way of crawling back into his chest and breaking his heart again.

↪ Tragedy?, fantasy?, horror?, Idk it's a weird little thing

↪I hope you like death because this sure has a lot of it

↪Full thing here, here's a moodboard of it and here is some fanart @/illarian-rambling made!

Lich-Queen (Completed):

Iraela has all but won: the King of Ceredell and his bride are gone, the cities fallen to her army of undead, and the way to the throne cleared for her. But her coronation, and her sanity threaten to fall apart under the weight of duty. Can she hold it together until she truly becomes Lich-Queen?

↪High, dark fantasy with some horror and gore

↪Watch Ira slowly lose her mind in real-time

↪If you like cannibalism, you'll love this

↪Full thing here, and here is fanart the lovely @/vampirelover890 drew?

The Novel™ (Mind of a Mercenary):

Luna, Terror of Garvenoi, mind-mage extraordinaire, has been caught at last. Whilst everyone celebrates, she is given an ultimatum: Be an indentured hunter for the government, or die. But when she signs on with them, she finds that perhaps death might have been a better choice...

↪ Urban Fantasy set in a Non-Earth world

↪Starring a sassy, mean-girl villain protagonist

↪Enjoy several hundred pages of Luna trying and failing to run from her duties

↪Find snippets here (find the others on my masterlist of writing)

Finally, my taglist! If you interacted with this post/already asked me to add you, and you don't see yourself here, please remind me! I may have accidentally missed you :')

Oh pls kill me I felt so silly doing this- Anyways bye guys hope to see y'all around don't judge me for this

[cityofmeliora]

kinda late but here is the Terzo childhood headcanons AKA new yorker Terzo post. for @plaquerat <3

ok so. i don't really have a solid interpretation of the lore, and my headcanons aren't very detailed. i'm open to floating a lot of different ideas. here are some that i like:

i've liked the idea that Terzo was primarily raised by his mother ever since i first saw the interview where TF (as nameless ghoul) suggests Terzo may be nicer than Secondo because "he seems to have, i dont know, a kinder mother?" and then i found the official instagram post mentioning Terzo's mother attending his concert in New York, and i was like 'oh! maybe she lives there. maybe Terzo used to live there with her.' it got me thinking...

Terzo was born in california and then moved to new york with his mom after she and Nihil split.

seeing the skyscrapers in new york for the first time was a really formative experience for him. that sense of awe he felt eventually inspired his interest in art deco and futurist art. new york became the base for his imaginary city of Meliora. (this is partly inspired by my own experience as a native californian because we don't really have tall buildings in california and i FREAKED OUT when i visited new york and chicago and saw REAL tall buildings.)

Terzo's mother was an artist and he spent a lot of time in the studio with her and her artist friends. their apartment walls were covered with Terzo's own art.

art and music and culture have always been at the center of Terzo's life. he and his mom would always be listening to music or viewing art galleries or watching movies together. i think Terzo's dynamic with his mother was very much like this anecdote from Carly Rae Jepsen:

My mom and I would sit and meticulously go through Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell lyrics together. Even from a young age I remember her being like, “I’m playing this Leonard Cohen song called ‘Famous Blue Raincoat,’ and when it’s done I want you to tell me what’s going on in it.” She would give me like a fake glass of wine when I was 8, and I would listen and be like, “I think there was an affair.” Pitchfork - Carly Rae Jepsen on the Music That Made Her (2019)

Terzo turned out to be a gifted child. super smart and naturally talented at a lot of things, but he particularly loved to build with lego / blocks and play piano.

Terzo had a great relationship with his mom. she always supported him and encouraged him to pursue his interests and to do his best.

Terzo missed his dad though. his parents had been together long enough for Terzo to remember him. he was just a kid. he didn't know any better.

when Ghost debuted and Nihil became an internationally famous one-hit wonder, Terzo developed this idealized image of Nihil as a cool rock star cultural icon in his head. idolized him a bit.

after this, Terzo decided he wanted to get serious about becoming an entertainer / musician. started doing piano recitals and competitions. youth theater. film club. all the things.

if anyone asked Terzo why he wanted to become an entertainer, he'd tell them it's because it's what he's good at. and he's always wanted to be famous. which was true, but...

what he wouldn't tell them is that a part of him was trying to emulate [his idea of] his dad and secretly hoping that if he shared that interest / became famous his dad would want come back into his life.

he knew his mom was always there supporting him, but every time he went onstage he would look out into the audience hoping his dad might be there to surprise him. (he never was.)

Nihil was the first of many many disappointments in Terzo's life.

oops! i made it sad.

anyway here's a doodle of kid Terzo getting a postcard from his dad... he didn't hear from his dad again for a very. very long time after that.

there are a lot of details i haven't square hammered out, but it's okay because these headcanons are mostly for me to like, frame Terzo's character development over time. might post more later :)

[zeondraws]

Fellas, year is almost overrrr and it feels kinda surreal what I went through to reach this point.

I may feel nauseous rn but...! Today was a good day, my friends family and other relatives of her came today. I showed them my budgie too, he may be getting blind but people were able to hold him on their hands.

I haven't felt such joy in a while, I don't know how to put it. I remember the first years when I stayed at my friend's place around Christmas or so. It was fun but I was still dealing with other stuff that stressed me out. Especially last december was extremely stressful for me.. I mentioned it in another post? I think?

I unpacked some presents I got today. There was one special present in it, where I still can't believe of owning it.

!!! SWTD themed Christmas Jumper! Like?? Wow!! Still bewildered that one got sent to me, I mean this game is so much fun and I'm so darn obsessed analysing every detail of it whenever I can.

I literally played through it again on my PlayStation, I usually don't play such games multiple times but this one? It just hit me the moment I saw a Let's play of it. The first one I saw was from IGP, I really enjoyed him playing it, even tho Rennick JUMPSCARED me the first time I saw that scene.

First few times playing this game I got nightmares from Gibbo or my heart was racing while I ran away from Rennick. I don't know why, Gibbo's sentences haunted me so much. The pain in his voice was unbearable. (Same with O'Conner)

Trots still gives me the creeps, like he just has that aura on him. However, jumping over Trots is also very funny. And Muir's level I can now play in my sleep. I think 1/3 of my hours shown on steam is just me messing with Muir. It's currently at 154 hours played.

And Roper... my beloved *shakes my fists* poor wee man. He did nothing wrooonggggg. Sobs loudly. Foaming at the mouth and hoping there is more lore of him in the artbook. The wait will soon be over. I'm so excited.

But... I just wanna say thank you again to the devs and publishers for this awesome game. It very much helped me be able to get through the day for months. Considering it came out when I was still in a bad work environment, constantly getting bullied. I kept rewatching Playthroughs to stay calm.

I think I related to Caz a lot too, even if everything was basically falling apart around him, he kept going. Ofc he sadly couldn't get a happy ending in the end. But I just try to remember to keep going. Even if I needed to endure my old job for a bit longer, until my new job started.

It bring me so much joy being able to learn more about the gaming industry and the programs used to make such games. And ofc datamining the game and looking at every little detail. May it be the smallest thing such as a file called "CazYeet" or finding an entire unused level that was scrapped. Or even Muir's hit by prop sounds! My eyes WIDENED when I heard them.

I sometimes check artstation on multiple occasions, just to see if something new popped up. And whenever it does, I do a little mental happy dance.

(Petition to make an april fools update where the hit by prop sounds are enabled/JOKE)

Maybe one day I can finally switch over to the entertainment industry, but I need to teach myself so much first. I still wanna go to art school so badlyyyyy. I can already see I won't feel ready enough until I'm 30 or so. Although I'm going to be 23 in 2 days- I still have to practice so many skillsets ajshajsjaksnaksnksks *explodes* but I shall avoid spiralling in my thoughts.

I think I appreciate games so much more now, I still want to try out a bunch of them. But I firstly have to work on some swtd related projects. I'm definitely planning on making a big analysis video next year, which sounds terrifying, I need to practice talking in recordings first. ;a; But I can't forget to visit events too, I need to try out so much stuff;;;;

Okay before I ramble on endlessly... Just, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

@thechineseroom-brighton @wearesecretmode

I hope it's okay if I tag, I know I talk like a river at times, but since I'm a very emotional human being I usually like sharing my thoughts.

I wish the the fandom and devs a Merry Christmas and a great start to the New Year. May everyone heal from past wounds and form new positive memories.

Have this drawing of my OC Kirsten holding bird Roper in his arms.

[nicomoon69]

I’ve made up so much Bernard lore in my head so I’m just going to dump it here

so post Louis Grieve in my head Bernard transferred to an all boys boarding school his junior year (someone suggested Brentwood so I’m gonna go w that). his parents sent him there as a bit of a last ditch effort to straighten him out, get up his grades and push him out of his silly habits. this also included them making him buzz off his hair since they deemed his old hair unprofessional.

all of it was a huge blow to Bernard’s already fragile mental health and self esteem so at Brentwood he was kind of a mess. he wasn’t exactly a bad student but the people around him considered him even more of an outsider than he was before at Louis Grieve.

eventually Bernard did find himself with a small group of friends (might further develop them as ocs??) who were much like him outsiders. one of said friends also being the first time he fooled around with a guy, which led to several more though none of it was ever serious.

there was lots of denial at first but by the time his time at Brentwood ended Bernard had accepted himself as queer.

he applied for a few colleges, some outside of Gotham but he ended up settling for GU bc part of his couldnt handle leaving his city behind. he chose a double major because he thought that would make his parents most proud and bc biology and physics were the only subjects he enjoyed.

despite everything seemingly going well for Bernard he felt an emptiness that nothing could fix, that is until he found the Children of Dionysus. despite knowing the risks of joining a cult he did. he was in the cult for roughly eight months before he got kidnapped to get sacrificed.

that was a rough version of what happened in my head. I have some more details that I couldn’t fit smoothly into that word vomit so here’s some more

Bernard came out to his parents his first semester, which they took pretty badly and led him to getting kicked out and having to couch surf for a bit before landing on the apartment he was living in during TD:R.

to keep himself afloat with no support from his parents Bernard worked two jobs, one at a diner around the corner of his apartment and the other at a coffee shop closer to GU.

at Brentwood Bernard did a lot of experimental stuff with his appearance ranging from spiking his hair after it had grown out a bit to getting his ears pierced multiple times. a tongue piercing came along somewhere in his time at the cult and Bernard genuinely doesn’t remember getting it.

during junior and senior year Bernard joined the basketball team. he was surprisingly good considering he had never showed any interest in the sport and wasn’t particularly athletic before then. basketball somehow also led him to training himself in martial arts.

since I do hc the Children of Dionysus to have some more Dionysian practices I think Bernard developed both a distaste for wine and eating raw meat (omophagia).

Bernard has been refusing to get drastic hair cuts after the buzz cut and is unlikely to get one any time soon. he’s been taking kitchen scissors to his hair and freestyling it if he feels it needs more shape.

though he’s been out for a while Bernard hasn’t actually dated anyone long term before Tim. most people he’s been with were flings or were blocked after a few dates.

the way Bernard got into contact with the cult is through one of his high school classmates, who he’d seen talk about the ways that joining it had improved their life and how they were much more enlightened. he due to his circumstances was an easy victim after his initial skepticism

there’s just a lot of permanent scarring due to the cult, but Bernard doesn’t bother covering them up with make up or clothes. at least not post getting rescued.

Bernard actually goes to therapy after the cult and was also diagnosed with autism (let me project a teeny bit). it helped him make more sense of his life and gave him more direction.

his cooking passion came from his early childhood, being dimmed out in middle school and only returning after high school. he mostly enjoys writing his own recipes and experimenting with taste. there was ofc the added challenge of budget, but it was one of the few things that made him happy.

his conspiracy theorist side mostly calmed down until he was thrust back into it when he started dating Tim. this was due to odd behavior from Tim and until Bernard found out he was RR (which really didn’t take that long) he was balls deep on conspiracy blogs and threads. he didn’t really quite after putting the RR pieces together though, bc he enjoyed being able to subtly help Tim with his cases.

due to the two jobs and double major previously mentioned Bernard has a terrible sleeping schedule. he regularly stays up past three only to have a morning shift that starts at seven.

gonna quite rambling for now lol, might edit this post to add more in the morning but I’m sick of typing. sorry if it’s a lot, I just think abt him a lot……. yea..

[nihildenial]

Site Masterlist and Intro

Welcome to my tumblr! Hi everyone! I'm Tatoo (they/them), 25 years old. This will be continuously updated with both my art and fics!

My favorite Ghost things are analyzing lore and the actual satanic theology TF weaves into gherch and canon media. I'm a huge ao3 writer and a big supporter of all ships, even if i personally don't like them! I'm also a practicing Luciferian and study the occult in my free time.

My favorite bands are most definitely Fall Out Boy, Muse, Sleep Token, Chappell Roan, and Green Day. I'm a classically trained violinist so I also listen a lot of classical and romantic orchestral music.

My frostiron MCU side blog is @defenestrationinc

ART MASTERLIST:

FIC MASTERLIST

Smut:

Fifty Shades of Pink

bottom!Papa Emeritus III/top!Omega Topping from the bottom, jealousy, lingerie

Rainy Days Pool Service

switch!Aether/sub!Dewdrop/dom!Papa Emeritus IV Millionaire & Poolboy AU, cuckolding, semi-public sex

Beggin' On Your Knees

bottom!Phantom/top!Dewdrop/top!Aether MMM, boot fetish, coming in pants, praise kink

Fluffy & Hurt/Comfort:

The Ghoul Squeak

Papa Emeritus IV & Nameless Ghouls & Sister Imperator Copia has to solve the Ghouls' exercise issues when they don't use an expensive treadmill

Copia Emeritus and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Papa Emeritus IV & The Ministry Copia's day isn't going too well, but he doesn't know there's a good reason for it.

On the Nose

Special Ghoul Phil & Papa Emeritus IV's Rats Phil reluctantly babysits Copia's rats during the Re-Impera Tour

Per Aspera Ad Influenza

Dewdrop/Swiss/Papa Emeritus IV & Nameless Ghouls Dewdrop doesn't get sick...until he does.

Hall-O-Ghouls

Papa Emeritus IV & Aurora & Phantom The Ministry visits Busch Garden's Hall-O-Scream event

See The Light (of the Sun through the curtains)

Papas/GN!Readers Four one-shots of waking up with your loving Papa

Maiden Voyage

Cardinal Terzo & Era II/III Ghouls Cardinal Acolyte Terzo faces the consequences of his recent misbehaving and finds out the Nameless Ghouls may be useful to him.

MCD & Difficult Triggers

Stand By Him

Papa Emeritus IV/F!Original Character, Papa Emeritus III/GN!Original Character, Papa Emeritus II/M!Original Character Lilly Warren is the curator with the National Music Hall of Fame's newest exhibition that details the legacy of the Satanic Gospel Rock Band, Ghost. When they meet at the award gala, their interstellar paths are forever bound together, even through death.

If It All Burns Down

Special Ghoul Phil & Sister Imperator Phil has been Sister Imperator's lifelong loyal assistant Ghoul and Friend. An introspection on what happens when a Ghoul's bonded host dies. Post-RHRN.

Tender is the Bite

Dracopia/F!Reader You're a homesteading woman in 1600s New England. When you're falsely accused of being a witch, the land you care for sends a guardian 'angel.'

[aller-geez]

We interrupt your previously scheduled programming with a project I’ve poured my heart into over the last 2 months:

(I wasn’t originally going to post much about it on tumblr, but I realized most of the people who have read/enjoy my writing are here so I thought I’d throw out some promos anyway~)

A little bit ago, I posted about publishing a book I had written that includes Remi, Rexar and Kriia as the main characters, but since that time, I added two more to the series! The most recent, The Color Of Regret, was released on the 6th, and to celebrate, the first book, No Kingdom For A Fang is free to download on Ko-Fi and Google play until 6/20!

(Find the Synopsis for each book under the book covers below)

If you enjoy my writing, it would mean the world to me if anyone checked out the House Of Teeth Saga 😭 we have merch going live soon, as well as a fb, ig, and a website where you can sign up for the HoTs newsletter, that can all be found here, and the series on google play is here. all printed copies and ebooks come with bonus content like art, maps, extra lore, and more!

And if you visit my kofi (here) you’ll find a free ebook filled with secret letters, journal entries and hidden messages from the whole House Of Teeth cast!

They're set to before Remi meet Levi, and Kriia meeting Rexar 🖤

No Kingdom For A Fang:

Rexar Fang wasn't supposed to stay.

His family moves like shadows, never lingering in one place for long, never forming attachments. Scrila was just another city, another stop on the path he's been walking his entire life. Until her.

Kriia has spent her entire life clawing for survival, learning the hard way that love is a liability and trust is a loaded gun. But then he walked into her club-cocky, unbothered, watching her like she was the only thing worth looking at. And the worst part? She started watching back.

She should have known better.

Because Rexar's family is leaving. He has to leave. That's the rule. That's the only way to survive.

But this time... he's not sure he can.

Not when she's the first thing that's ever felt real.

And when the hunger starts hollowing him out, when the choice between her and survival becomes impossible, Rexar will have to face the one thing he's been running from his entire life:

What kind of monster does he really want to be?

Perfect for fans of dark urban fantasy, slow-burn romance, and dangerously doomed love stories, No Kingdom for a Fang is a gripping tale of survival, sacrifice, and the kind of love that just might burn the whole world down.

A Hymn For The Hollow

Continue the enthralling journey into a world where love and darkness are entwined in "A Hymn for the Hollow," the second book in the House Of Teeth Saga by Remington Wülf.

Kriia and Rexar chose each other in "No Kingdom For A Fang," but their battle is far from over. Now, they must fight for their love in a world that never wanted them, haunted by ghosts, old wounds, and the shadows of a dangerous past.

Legacy, power, and the hunger for revenge threaten to tear them apart. If you crave intense romance, chilling monsters with a human edge, and heroes willing to do anything for love, then this dark tale will consume you.

The Color Of Regret

Kriia Thomas never believed in happy endings—just survival. She learned young how to keep her walls high, her heart guarded, and her past buried beneath smoke and stage lights. But then there was Remington Connors. Wild, reckless, untouchable Remi. A boy with a curse in his blood and too much hunger in his veins.

They were fire and gasoline, drawn together by love, addiction, and the aching need to escape. But when love turns to ruin and survival means walking away, Kriia is left with nothing but the weight of what they lost.

Years later, she still tastes the echoes of their past in the back of her throat, still wonders if some ghosts never really let go. Because when love is tangled in destruction, is it ever really over?

The Color of Regret is a raw, haunting story of love, loss, and the scars that never fade.

[floofers-1]

One Piece: Dove

Summary: The brightest lights often illuminate at the moment things seem the darkest. After consuming a devil fruit a young celestial dragon is kicked out of Mariejois and things fall apart until when all hope seemed lost a certain pink bastard shows his face, pulls her from hell and into paradise.

Pairing: Donquixote Doflamingo x Saint Maria (OC)

Word Count: 11.2K

Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Human Trafficking, Original Devil Fruit, Romance, OCs, Torture, Death, Lore heavy

Notes: I decided to try posting some of my ao3 content onto Tumblr. This is the lore of my oc for a pairing with Doffy, I'm very normal about this man. The angstiest thing I'll probably ever post in terms of topics. Italics is either thoughts or emphasis on smth and I make it decently clear when it's thinking. Line breaks indicate time passing/ major scene change, Art done by my wife @wattabotta / Now with better dividers and and keep reading!

In the holy land of Mariejois, 16 years prior to the Straw Hats and Trafalgar Law overthrowing Dressrosa. Inside a large manor a 12 year old girl was harassing her father for what must have been the umpteenth time of the day. The girl wore a short white dress with floral patterns at the base of the skirt and cuffs of the slightly puffed shoulders. Her neck adorned with a silver necklace, her legs covered with a pair of white stockings that meet her black slightly heeled shoes. She had milky brown hair in an elegant braided bun on top of her hair with some bangs swept to the side.

“Father, pleaseeee I need that fruit!” She whined whilst tugging on her fathers white and gold coat. Her father groaned and rubbed between his eyebrows. He was normally not a man to deny his daughter anything, but the request this time simply felt unnecessary.

“Maria, how many times do we have to go over this?” Her fathers deep voice was laced with frustration. “You cannot consume one of those fruits no matter what power you may gain.” Her father then shoved her to the ground. “It was a mistake to let you read those fairy tales and an even greater mistake to let you look into that vile encyclopedia. You are a descendant of the gods. What use would that fruit have to you?! You have all the power in the world at your fingertips already, You can have endless slaves.” The man sat down in a large purple felt chair and without even needing to snap his fingers, a shirtless man crawled over and let his joints lay on the ground acting as a footstool. “Want a exotic pet, name it and it’s yours. Wish for someone’s execution, shoot them yourself and no one will bat an eye.” With one large clearing of his throat a cup of tea was placed in front of the man by yet another nearly nude male.

“You don’t understand papa! With that fruit, I’d be even more divine, no doctor in the world can give me what I need. That fruit is my only hope at being happy, life is worthless without it.” Maria’s brown eyes began to well up with tears.

“Maria, don’t you dare give me those fake tears. A young lady like yourself should not be crying at this age.” Maria’s father then snapped his fingers signaling a pair of slaves to rush forward and start a fire in the large and regal fireplace that stood a few feet away.

“What would mother think about you saying no to me!” Maria shouted, causing the room to fall silent and her father to rise.

“You spoiled brat!” Her father’s hand struck her face with a loud smack echoing in the room. Maria’s face stinging caused her to curl up and begin wailing, a few well dressed female slaves rushed over and attempted to comfort the sobbing girl. Seconds began stretching longer and longer as the wailing wouldn’t stop, each cry eating away at Maria’s father.

“Why don’t you love me father?” Maria’s gentle voice managed through sobs. That was the final straw; her father swooped in picking up Maria and rocking her. He simply couldn’t stand it anymore. She deserved what she wanted and he would get it for her however possible.

“I love you so much Maria. I’m sorry I hit you and said no. My baby girl deserves the world fed to her on a spoon if she wants. I’ll see what I can do to get you that fruit.” He cooed and gently began to hum as Maria clung to him.

“Thank you father! I love you too!” She continued to sob but this time out of joy. Her father sat down and let Maria sit in his lap while a slave brought over a transponder snail for the man.

“Let’s see what the navy can do for us.” He murmured while picking up the receiver and made a call.

It only took a month for the fruit to be found. It wasn’t all too sought after nor costly in berries. It was a fruit with little to no combative abilities, no pirate needed it except to brag about having a devil fruit to spare on board. No average citizen wanted to lose their ability to swim in the ocean over it. So it was only a matter of a one on one negotiation that certainly raised a few eyebrows. The pirate crew who did have it felt little need in keeping it but when they found out the navy wanted it clearly it meant something and thus the price began to rise and then stagnated. Once delivered to Mariejois a certain girl was over the moon.

“Father, look!” Maria cried as she jumped around, her hair rapidly grew longer than herself before returning to her natural hip length. “It’s perfect, I can style it how I want whenever! I’m not limited to the yearly waits and pains of the trash!” She spun around and danced while her hair fluctuated lengths.

“Yes it is beautiful Maria, but you have to promise me something.” Her father crouched down in front of Maria, his voice quiet and sprinkled with a hint of nervousness.

“What is it?” She raised her eyebrows slightly and attentively looked at her father, stopping her dancing.

“You must not let another dragon know about this. If you do, you cannot let them know how you obtained it.”

“Why?” Maria didn’t understand, part of the reason she wanted this fruit was to stand out and be the most beautiful lady in all of Mariejois, heck the whole world but that wouldn’t be hard since most of the world was filled with trash beneath her.

“If they found out you ate a devil fruit and I gave it to you, we could be kicked out of the holy land.” He began to sweat and panic at the idea. The only time someone had left the holy land permanently was that idiot from the Donquixote family who robbed his children of the life they had deserved. Maria began to shake at the thought of being removed from Mariejois, the idea of no longer being an all powerful celestial dragon simply couldn’t compute in her pampered brain. “So Maria, whatever you do, don't say a word.” At that moment, the clock began fast forwarding. The holy land of Mariejois felt more and more like a land mine when it came to mentioning Maria or why her father had begun to tighten his normally loose wallet until one fateful night.

“Father!” Maria screamed at the top of her lungs as she flailed against the marines now carrying her away. Her father meanwhile was bound to a pole with a pistol near his temple. “Let me go, you marines! Do you know who I am!?” Her struggles were futile. “They are going to shoot my father! Please stop them! He’s one of them and so am I! I’m a celestial dragon, put me down!”

“You were a celestial dragon.” A large man with a large marine jacket hanging off his shoulders spoke. “You then wasted that by consuming a devil fruit.” Maria’s eye’s both widened and shrunk. “To them and to us you're just some run of the mill commoner who’s tainted their blood.”

“Why are you taking me away, please help-!” Her voice went silent as a gunshot echoed over Mary Jois.

“Your father is being put down for tainting a dragon.” The large marine spoke once more and grabbed Maria by her head with one hand taking her away from the other marines. “Now you be quiet while we drop you off somewhere.” Was the last thing Maria remembers hearing before rudely waking up on a summer island in the middle of the grand line.

Through trials and errors she managed to fight for survival in the wilderness steering clear of the small town nearby for fear of what they might do to her. She recognized it. It was the island her father and her would visit for a 'mind opening experience'. Most of the time they simply abused the townsfolk for their goods and even killed a few who didn’t comply. They would surely recognize her if they saw her.

10 years prior to the chaos in Dressrosa. Maria, much to her reluctance, had become a somewhat capable outdoorsman. But one thing constantly remained an issue, she heavily lacked a green thumb and the ability to garden, thus leaving her reliant on stealing food from the townsfolk. Multiple incidents nearly revealed her identity and many nights she would go to bed hungry early on.

She had developed well despite the hunger; only losing a few inches to a foot in height from her lack of food early on. She had now started to concoct a plan to craft a small vessel and set sail across the seas in hopes of finding an island she could merge into and lay low. She was well aware she couldn’t return to Mariejois. Her father had constantly reminded her of that once she ate her devil fruit.

“That Donquixote boy was denied re-entry for his fathers actions, I’m positive the same would happen to you.”

It was just another evening for her. A little grab and go so she could eat. As the townsfolk prepared to close stalls but still sell was when they were most distracted. The evening started smoothly like any other. Most vendors didn’t even notice. She was sneaking down an ally to her final stop. The cured meat. It wasn’t her favorite but protein was protein. She took a deep breath and used the small puddle of water formed by gutter drippings as a mirror to see if the vendor had left or turned his back. She saw it, her split second opening. She swiped at some meat before her wrist was painfully cut off by a tight grip from a large hairy hand.

“Gotcha!” The meat vendor announced proudly to the whole street market. “We have our little thief!” He tugged Maria into the setting sun light. While she may have changed plenty of 6 years, the town immediately recognized her. “It’s you!”

“That celestial dragon brat has been stealing our stuff for the last few years!?” Another vendor shouted.

“If you’re stealing…” The meat vendor’s face contorted into a furious yet twisted smile. “That means you have no power anymore doesn’t it?” Maria was frozen, she was never able to properly hunt, when she did she was a trapper. Now she felt trapped herself. “Gather up the town! Tonight we have our revenge on our tormentor!” The townsfolk began to cheer loudly before Maria felt a heavy bonk on the back of her head.

Smoke and constraints aroused the girl from her unwanted slumber. She looked around in a panic. The sky was shimmering with stars, but black smoke began to pollute the skyline.

“She’s awake! The party can start!” One of the townsfolk notified the rest. Maria attempted to move but couldn't as she looked down, below her was a small sea of fire just barely missing her toes. Rope bound her to a tall post.

“Who gets first dibs!?”

“I got it!” She felt a smack and splat against her face as someone clocked her with a tomato that exploded against her. The crowd below her began to holler.

“Me next! She stole from my stall most often!” One woman protested and pelted Maria in the gut with a good sized rock. Quickly more and more rocks began to pelt and bruise Maria. She began to feel her eyes sting as the pain was rapidly becoming overwhelming.

“Please stop!” She wailed over the roaring mob which was greeted with laughter.

“Hear that everyone?!”

“She’s crying!”

“She’s begging trash like us to stop!”

“Give her hell!”

“She didn’t listen to our cries, why should we hers!”

Maria continued to take the onslaught, she had no choice and every single object that hit her chipped away little by little at her pride, her fire to survive. It was all her fault she was in this situation. Had she never gotten so greedy and wanted a devil fruit. She'd still be with her father happily in Mariejois. She wouldn’t have been stuck with this trash, forced to live below them.

“Hold on!” A feminine voice took over the crowd. The mob turned their heads to see a woman with blue hair pulling back an arrow in her bow. “Once the arrow is in. Aim for it.” The arrow whizzed in the air before piercing Maria in her right side, forcing a scream out of her. The mob followed up quickly by continuing their onslaught of rocks, vegetables and even a few attempted to take arrow shots.

“What’s going on here?” A gruff voice asked a townsfolk in the back.

“We found out a celestial dragon who tormented us was removed from Mariejois and has lived on our island for years stealing from us.”

“Oh a little revenge. Rather beautiful.” The voice’s owner, a large obese man with a hairy chest, a captain's hat, red coat and unusually long boots that merged at his hips, began to let out a hearty chuckle.

“Wait a minute- RUN IT’S THE BOOT PIRATES!!!” cried out the one townsfolk and caused a mass panic. The long booted figure made his way through the panic and kicked down the pole which constrained Maria who had fallen unconscious from the pain.

“I’ll be taking this, I bet the slave auction would go wild for you.” He once again let out a hearty laugh while he freed and re-constrained Maria before carrying her off to his ship.

The salt from the sea water poured into Maria’s nostrils waking her from yet another forceful slumber. “Hello?” Her voice was weak from her desperate please from the previous night.

“Oh you’re awake, good good.” The booted man sat opposite of Maria who was leant against a wall. “My doctor said you’ll be fine, maybe a scar or two on your hip where you were shot but alive.”

“Let me go, you pirate!” Maria attempted to flail only to hurt herself and wince.

“Lil lady. I just saved you from your own demise. You should be thanking me. Now you’re gonna help me out here. We’re on our way to Sabaody Archipelago, not too far from where we are now, just a few more days.” The man adjusted his boots while speaking. “I’m sure you would know all too well what lays there.”

“You wouldn’t dare. I’m a celestial dragon!”

“Bwah hah hah!” The man couldn’t help but laugh at the pathetic sight in front of him. “You were! Seeing how those townsfolk treated you I bet there’s a sicko who’d pay big money to torture you for the rest of your life!” Maria sunk down and everything began to feel dull. From being thrown out by the celestial dragons, to tortured by townsfolk, to captive to a pirate crew and then to slavery. She had fallen all the way down to the bottom of the trash. “Don’t get too sad on me lil lady. I had some crewmates dig up dirt on you. You got devil fruit powers. Why don’t you show me. Let’s keep raising that price tag the auction house is gonna pay me.” Maria didn’t know what else to do and she complied and her matted hair began to slither on the floor. “Maybe some weird freak would love to use you for who knows what.” His chuckle felt much more ominous than before and Maria stopped using her power. “Why don’t we clean you up for the auction, I’ve got a few ladies on my crew. They can fix your hair and hide some of those bruises.” He stood laughing once more and leaving Maria alone with her thoughts for a moment. She may have soon been given company but nothing felt more insulting right now than being ‘dressed up’ to be auctioned off to some freak right now.

“Only 100,000 berries!? You’re killing me Disco!” The booted man’s shouts interrupted the head auctioneer who sported a weirdly shaped hat with flowers.

“I can’t even be sure she’ll sell for that! We don’t often get her crowd of people here.” Disco snarkily retorted. “Take it or leave it before it falls further.”

“Fine.” The booted man tossed Maria towards Disco who had two employees catch her.

“Careful with the merchandise.” Disco then let out a sigh as he contemplated how he was going to market this peculiar piece of merchandise. “Perhaps as a mystery main event? I can’t have her wait till the end. We have a very special and low patient guest today. I guess we’ll peak in the middle. Who knows maybe she won’t even sell and that will crush the auction. That damned boot.”

“We still do have a mermaid, remember. She’s under 30.” One employee calmly reminded Disco as he took Maria behind bars to wait for her turn.

“Oh yes, beautiful. Mermaid after her to recover incase of failure.”

A large pink ship anchored at Grove One of Sabaody. The ship’s head is a flamingo wearing red sunglasses with oddly shaped white frames. The sides had large wing designs. And the jolly roger was a simple circle with one line of teeth for the bottom, two eyes and a line through the left eye.

“Is that the Donquixote pirates?” A passerby began to sweat as they headed to the auction house.

“Yeah. What are they doing here… Didn’t their leader become a warlord of the sea recently?”

“Keep your head down and just get to the auction house, they might hear you idiot!” One passerby whispered.

“Young master, we have arrived.” a young woman calmly stood in the doorway of the captain's quarters and informed the captain. A blonde male with very short hair. His legs on top of his desk and crossed at his heels. He was leaning back with his hands in the pocket of his white pants. A white dress shirt unbuttoned showed his tan chest. A massive pink feather coat draped over his shoulders and red sunglasses hid his eyes. He gave the woman a large toothy grin as he slowly uncrossed his legs and rose.

“Wonderful, for how long a trip it is here from Dressrosa, it’d have better been worth it.” His arrogant voice filled the room. His oddly wide steps as he made his way out of the captains quarters and onto the main deck, making him stand out even more.

“Would you like anything prepared while you're at the auction young master?” The woman bowed down whilst the man's pink coat fluttered by her nose.

“Have the ship ready to leave for Dressrosa at a moment's notice.” He ordered while he walked down the stairs to the main deck and then off the ship to the auction house.

The auction house itself was bustling with activity as many a noble clambered for seats, word had spread about the mystery and that there was also a young mermaid. Bright lights engulfed the main stage where Disco stood with a microphone in one hand and using the other to hide his mouth as he conversed with a few employees on the order of items and any last minute needs. The man with the feathered coat entered and sat above in an extravagantly large red chair with a view of the entire audience and stage. A single employee wordlessly bowed and offered a list of the items to the man who lazily took it while relaxing into the large chair, one hand holding the list so he may scan it, the other being propping up his head while he leant on the arm of the chair.

Ambient music began and the lights on the stage dimmed ever so slightly leaving one brighter patch where Disco stood.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We have a very special auction for you tonight, our normally biggest fish, a young female mermaid, is number two to our main event!” The audience cheered and murmured in excitement about the mermaid and possibilities of what this main event could be. “Now it’d only be fitting for a big auction like this to start big!” The curtains that acted as a backdrop began to rise revealing a giant.

Maria who was slumped and chained against a wall heard the excitement of the auction faintly. She couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge that many of the other items were glaring at her. Her kind most often bought and toyed with them and they were so close to being able to get a little catharsis, yet so far. Little by little the cage she was held in became emptier and emptier and she felt the life drain from her more and more, her eyes had long since grown dull and tired from the whirlwind that was her last few days. The bleak reality that laid in front of her weighed her down.

“It’s your turn c’mon.” An employee jostled Maria who lazily shuffled along what may as well be death row for her. The excited murmurs of the crowd growing louder, she could now begin to make out the head auctioneer’s sell job.

“The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived, it’s time to meet tonight’s special item, we’ve had this young lady properly appraised and everything I’m about to tell you is true to the letter.” The man in the feathered coat rolled his eyes. The auction had long become dull. “Tonight’s main event has fallen ungracefully from the holy land of Mariejois! She has consumed a devil fruit and just turned into a mature woman if you catch my drift!” The crowd was silent and something had finally caught the man with the feathered coat’s attention, as Maria stepped onto the stage before being thrust down onto her knees. 

Disco continued to try his best and sell Maria while unease and whispering began to fill the auction house. “I’m sure plenty of you have encountered a celestial dragon in your time here at this very auction house, seeing how they can rip away anything of yours on a whim.” Disco spoke carefully, despite no dragons showing for this auction, you could never be too careful. “Wouldn’t you like to see one grovel at your feet? One beg you for the torment you put it through to stop? Or perhaps you have some acquired taste.” Disco turned to Maria who was blankly staring towards the crowd. It almost insulted her more that no one had jumped at the chance to own her. Was she not even good enough to be a slave? “Would you be so kind as to show us that devil fruit of yours?” Maria complied and her hair that had been cut to her waist snaked its way down before slithering along the floor a few feet around her, her hair having separated into small sections reminiscent of flower petals. “This item is a once in a lifetime opportunity, no joke, we get mermaids now and then but a celestial dragon who fell from grace? We may never see this again in the history of the world! Why don’t we get this auction started, do I have 200,000 Berries!?” The crowd hushed and Maria began to tremble, she was worth more than that and yet no one even bothered to bid. Were they afraid of her? How could they be she had no power.

“I’ll give you a bag of seeds instead.” One audience member had broken the silence. Greeted by a few muffled posh laughs that spread through the auction house.

“Would a stone be above that?” The snarky comments poured in, Maria allowed her head to droop and amidst everyone cracking jokes a well dressed gentleman had snuck on stage and towered over Maria.

“I’ll give you one berry for her.” His posh voice was tainted with sarcasm as he pulled out a pistol he had tucked away in his suit. Maria finally decided to speak and verbalize her frustration.

“You dare compare me to the stones you walk on, then offer a single berry for a divine being like myself?” Maria’s voice and body was trembling with rage as she looked up and stared down the pistol. Her tired pupils seemed so small and shook. A broken, infuriated smile had taken over her lips.

“Precisely.” The man shook the pistol in an attempt to threaten Maria. Maria simply began to wheeze out a laugh.

“You don’t have it in you.” Maria taunted whilst the gentleman raised an eyebrow and readied the pistol.

“I don’t? Watch your mouth slave.”

“None of you could possibly pull that trigger!” Maria became hysterical as she stared down death. “You are all filth and dirt on the bottom of my feet!” Even if nothing mattered with death moving in for her she had to die with her pride. “I am divine! So go ahead kill a god! You can’t!” Maria’s words were drowned out as the gun fired. Everything felt like it froze. The bullet inched closer and closer and Maria dared not flinch. Just as the bullet would have met its target, it stopped mid air.

“W-what?” The gentleman had begun to freak out as not only had his bullet stopped and suddenly dropped to the floor, his own hand began to point his gun towards himself. A haunting chuckle took over the auction house as the pink coated man made his way down the stairs and to the stage.

“That was quite the performance, little lady.” Maria stared towards her savior. With one hand in his pocket and the other contorting and almost dancing in the air while the gentleman’s mouth opened and the gun placed inside.

“J-Joker please I apologize for the chaos, this never happens.” Disco begged his superior for forgiveness.

“Apologize? Had this not happened I would have left this snooze fest.” The audience began to murmur as they recognized the recently appointed warlord of the sea, the captain of the Donquixote pirates, Donquixote Doflamingo. Maria couldn’t help but feel like the now spotlight on her savior made him radiant. A muffled please don’t came from the gentleman before one more bang rang out and the gentleman fell backwards, blood leaking onto the floorboards of the stage. “Now keep the auction going, we’re at one berry.” Doflamingo commanded as he struts around Maria getting a proper look.

“D-do we have any other bids?” Disco's voice trembled for a moment as he collected himself. The audience remained silent. No one dared to challenge for a bid, it all was superficial and mattered not, they knew whatever they said would be out bid. By this point Doflamingo had already decided he’d out bid anyone, why risk upsetting such a pirate. While Disco desperately tried to get the audience to bid, Doflamingo squatted down behind Maria.

“W-what do you want?” Maria had finally had her adrenalin rush fade and felt the fear of being so close to such a pirate, yet that fear swealed in her stomach, it contorted into a knot of fear and joy.

“They don’t litter my wanted poster all over of Mariejois as a warning then? That’s a shame.” His deep chuckle after he spoke reverberated in Maria’s chest and she had finally clued in.

“Y-you’re Donquixote Doflamingo?” Suddenly that fear quelled a little, perhaps someone like him understood her struggle. Maybe, just maybe she’d not live surrounded by trash but by someone like her once more, someone divine.

“In the flesh, tell me your name Dove.” Maria’s heart began to flutter at the idea, the hope of hearing her name come from this god behind her, he had already blessed her with hope and a new name if he cared not for her current one.

“Saint Maria.” She was quick to answer, she needed him to save her once more, she couldn’t stand the idea of knowing he had been right behind her, his warm breath passing by her ear and then having to leave his side and be below the trash that lacked any respect for her.

“Already so obedient.” Maria could hear the smirk forming on his lips. Disco had looked defeated, not only had he failed to sell such a unique item, he did so in front of his boss, surely his life was at stake. “Disco.” His body and mind halted. “I’ll cut you a deal since I’m in such a good mood. I’ll reimburse you her cost if I get to take her with me.” Maria’s eyes had widened, the brown color no longer dull but restored. Disco rapidly began to thank his boss for the bailout and ordered some employees to remove Maria’s restraints as well as the self detonating collar via Doflamingo’s request.

“We shall take a short break to clean up and then return.” Disco informed the bidders who stayed seated as Doflamingo walked by with Maria right beside him. His hulking figure made the normally tall woman seem so small, so frail.

“I think that was enough of this snore fest don’t you?” Doflamingo asked Maria who nodded and let out a mhm sound.

“Young master, I see you found something interesting at today's auction. We are ready to sail, would you like me to prepare her?” The woman from before bowed and asked.

“Yes, get her out of those rags she was given then send her to my quarters.” Doflamingo waved the two women off while he went to his quarters.

“Come this way.” The woman led Maria down to a servant room where there were two bunks, one empty the other for the woman leading Maria. “I see the young master removed your collar.”

“Yes, I am indebted to that gracious man.” Maria swooned as she was assisted with changing into a simple pink dress with a feather pattern at the bottom. “Are you also from the auction house?” Maria was so over the moon about being free from that torment she hadn’t really taken in her situation.

“I was yes.” The woman furrowed her eyebrows as she walked around Maria thinking. “I can’t believe your collar was removed so fast, he must like you. So what’s your story.” The woman began making slight adjustments to the dress’ fit on Maria.

“I’m a-” Maria cut herself off. “I was a celestial dragon, just like him.” She may still be divine but after everything she has begun to resent associating with them. The woman nearly choked on her own spit. “Don't ruin this dress, I need to continue my good first impression.” Maria almost panicked at the thought of upsetting her savior.

“Y-yes I understand.” The woman finally understood why the lady in front of her was so special, why she was freed of her slave collar. She had her own unique collar already within a matter of minutes, infatuation. The only reason she could assume the young master had purchased her must have been for some deep personal reason, after all why would a king need to buy a slave when he had a country at his feet now. “Would you be so kind as to let me style your hair?” The woman had hoped her request wasn’t crossing boundaries, she had accompanied the young master before and seen how nobles acted.

“You want to style my hair?” Maria’s eyes sparkled with excitement, she had never had someone other than her mother and the slaves do her hair and only her mother ever asked, the slaves were all ordered so her father didn’t deal with her. “Go ahead, If you need more or less for what you wish to do let me know I’ve got a bit of a talent.” She giggled before skipping onto a bunk sitting at one end while the woman sat at the other and began to work relieved to have not upset the potential landmine in front of her.

“We should be done. What do you think?” The woman gently inquired, while she was proud she still worried for the thoughts of her canvas.

“It's…” Maria went silent as she admired her hair. It had been braided almost like a crown along the sides of her head before meeting at the back in a bun that looked almost like a rose. “Unbelievable. I might just have to keep you as my own personal stylist.” Maria, still over the moon, had let her drilled in dragon mannerisms slip away and shone a bright smile to the woman. “Maybe not all people outside of Mariejois are trash.” The woman felt a sting in her eyes.

“T-thank you, p-please go on and don’t keep the young master waiting.” Maria hopped up and exited the cabin onto the main deck absorbing last embers of the setting sun. Behind that spoiled and bratty exterior was a little girl who dreamed of being a princess, ushered away from the woes of the world by a prince. The woman thought as she sat on her bunk collecting herself she still had to bring dinner and could not allow a moment of weakness just yet, not when the young master could call upon her.

Maria made her way up to the captain’s quarters. She gently knocked on the door twice, getting muffled enter from behind the door. As she entered she did her best to curtsy. It had certainly been a few years so she was a little out of practice but nonetheless she had earned a minor chuckle.

“C’mere.” Doflamingo ushered Maria to his side where a stool sat, she made her way over and sat down, her nervous mind a wreck, she was sitting right beside him again. This time no longer chained but free, how should she act, how would he want to be addressed, he did buy her from the auction, was she just a slave to him? Doflamingo simply watched the gears turn in Maria’s head while he himself pondered the goal of this acquisition. It was a rare heat of the moment action for him, he didn’t need a servant, he would have plenty in Dressrosa, he certainly didn’t need a plaything woman threw themselves at him in Dressrosa, he was their king. Perhaps simply having her belong to him was all he needed, yes that was all the reason he needed.

“Young master?” Maria had settled on this being the best approach, it was what the slave had called him, while she hated the idea of being on equal footing this felt like her best option. That certainly had a nice ring to it, but if she was truly something so special to him, perhaps she could skip a few steps on the ladder she would much rather address such a spectacular man by his name, maybe even a nickname one day when she was far more sure of her stability. This situation, while a blessing, was far more harrowing to navigate then surviving in the wilderness. How else do you treat a god than utter obedience, but when you’re divine yourself how do you attempt to keep equal footing. It had simply been so long since she was in a position to have wiggle room, a voice to be heard. Doflamingo raised a brow and gave a hum of acknowledgement. “What exactly is our arrangement?” Maria began to hold her breath, did she dare speak her mind clearer, and risk being seen as biting the hand that saved her. She must, she isn’t just some ordinary slave. She was divine herself, he would respect that to some degree surely. “I would ideally not like to be another run of the mill slave-” A finger pressed against her lips quieting her oncoming rambling.

“My dear Dove.” That nickname once again, her heart skipped a beat, his deep voice had rapidly become a soothing sound on her ears, no matter the undertones. “Our arrangement is such. You are mine, you do as I say and I’ll give you what you desire.” He was what she wanted, to stay by his side. That was security, that was safety. She couldn’t help but stare into his lenses, while all she saw was her, it still gave her comfort that he was looking back behind those crimson shades. He removed his finger from her lips, as if to signal her to respond.

“I understand.” She hesitated for a second, nervous that this was a mistake but finished her sentence. “Doflamingo.”

Sailing back to Dressrosa, was a simple journey for the experienced crew but certainly became more annoying with the ever growing comfortable mini-flamingo onboard. Maria while not nearly as cruel as Captain Doflamingo was, she was however at times unreasonable and drove the crew off the wall when she wasn’t contained in the captain’s quarters, instead constantly talking her mouth off or even once she attempted to lend a hand during a cannon fight with another ship once across the Red-Line into the New World. Her assistance only cost them a shot, her miss so terrible that while she was being scolded by one of the actual cannon operators Doflamingo’s laugh dominated the soundscape. While Maria was starting to gel and freshen up her social skills as well as her dragon mannerisms. Doflamingo had much to consider, while he was certainly confident word in Dressrosa would stay in Dressrosa about the king having a personal attendant, what would more powerful forces say. Would the navy dare bare their teeth at him? Would a future customer attempt blackmail? One thing was certain, once Maria had stepped foot onto Dressrosa she would never take another step off without him there. This woman had stolen a minute corner of his brain and needed to be caged properly, it wouldn’t be hard, she was already indebted to him. Just a few simple tugs in the right direction.

The Donquixote ship had finally docked at Dressrosa late into the night, Maria was out cold on a couch in the captain's quarters, the smell of burning wax of a candle and the lingering scents of Doflamingo on the cushions had sent her into a deep slumber. With a few hush orders, Maria was carried off to a room in the castle he had requested made for her. She needed to be close but she couldn’t be too close, he had already felt himself becoming too attached to the woman. With quick flicks of his fingers he soared through the night sky, skipping off his own strings to the castle.

Maria could barely wake up when the sun was dancing through a window onto her face. The lush bedding, the silky and fluffy pillows, the warm and heavy blankets had her wrapped up in the idea of sleeping in. The smell of breakfast forced her awake, sweet maple syrup, starting to melt butter and the aroma of powdered sugar, pancakes. Maria rolled over to see a tray, with three stacked fluffy pancakes and an icy glass of water dripping with condensation. It was like she was a little girl all over again, a luxurious bed and breakfast warm and ready to draw her away from resting more. As she sluggishly sat up she examined the golden tray, it held her breakfast and required utensils as well as a note and timetable? It was littered with schedules and names of people she had no idea of. Only one name was recognizable and that was Doflamingos. His schedule was simply torn out. As she examined the note she noticed the tears at the edges. ‘Welcome home Dove.’ It read on one side but flipped. It was a schedule but not a single slot was filled, but there was one more section of writing. ‘Enjoy your present.’ What present? The door clicked and opened, in the doorway was the woman from before.

“My lady, may I enter?” She bowed in the doorway. Maria put two and two together based on how she was addressed.

“Yes you may, would you be able to fill me in. Doflamingo certainly left plenty out when we discussed our arrangement.” Maria sunk her fork into the delicate pastry before her, carving out a piece and indulging her hunger for quality food.

“Of course.” The woman shut the door behind herself and pulled a stool opposite of Maria before she began to explain the situation to the girl before her. “You are in the kingdom of Dressrosa where the young master reigns as king. I have been assigned to be your personal servant, I will be at your beck and call for whatever you may need.” Maria nodded as she continued her delectable breakfast. It was nice to have a slave back under her control, but she couldn’t help but feel like perhaps her years of isolation and this woman's gentle attitude had earned her a slightly better title than slave in her mind. Was she being too soft? That was something to discuss with Doflamingo, a good reality check. “Once breakfast is completed I will help you prepare for the morning. The young master instructed me to give you a tour of the castle and introduce you to the family.”

“The family?” Maria spoke after a large swallow.

“Anyone who is a higher up in the Donquixote pirates is part of the young masters family, the one exception being you.” The woman borrowed the blank schedule and pulled a pen from her apron and drew a little higher-archy. “The young master is the top, followed by the top executives and then below them are the standard executives. You stand somewhere between here.” The woman drew a line with two sides of arrows pointing between Doflamingo and the top executives. “I know a lady as radiant as yourself would like to be as high as the young master.” Maria pursed her lips a moment before letting out a deep breath from her nose, the woman began to sweat slightly, worried she had already upset her new master.

“That…” Maria paused and then relaxed her shoulders. “Is acceptable.” The woman let out a sigh of relief. She had no idea what she was getting into, she’d had served Doflamingo and he was certainly a special man who she could not afford slip ups with. This young lady seemed to have more patience than him, but she was a celestial dragon like the young master was, nature or perhaps the young master had softened and reigned her in already. “I have a request for you.”

“Whatever it is, consider it done my lady.”

“I’d like your name.”

“Penny, my lady.”

“Well Penny.” Maria rose from the bed as she had finished her breakfast. “Shall we pick out something cute? I have no idea about the fashion in Dressrosa, or how I should do my hair.” Maria headed over to a large wardrobe.

“Of course.” Penny quickly accompanied her new master. “We can go to the market if you’d like later and properly fill this up.”

“That would be wonderful.” As Maria scanned the half filled wardrobe it was very clear to her she only had her necessities and some of them certainly seemed a little personal. “Any suggestions?”

“It will get warm in the afternoon…” Penny’s voice tailed off as she thought and looked through the wardrobe, taking out a pair of rather short pink shorts, knee high socks, pastel pink mary janes with a small platform, a nearly white but hinted pink short sleeve dress shirt and the piece de-resistance a pink coat with a feathered collar and cuffs. “You can put the jacket around your waist if you get too warm.” Maria snagged the clothes eagerly.

“Wonderful, turn around now while I change.” Penny did as told and turned, she took a couple steps forward grabbing an expensive looking hair brush that sat on a small pillow, the pillow lay on a desk with a mirror and stool for Maria to sit and pamper herself if she so chose. The sound of fabric slipping off and shuffling was all that was in the room as Maria had changed. “I’m thinking, something simple and classic for my hair today.”

“A ponytail and bow sound good my lady?” Penny opened a draw scanning through the assortment of accessories, finding a large silky pastel pink bow.

“Very good.” Maria sat in the stool once changed and allowed Penny to swiftly work. “What is the family like?”

“They all are wonderful, perhaps a little intense.” the soft sound of the gentle bristles running through Maria’s hair accompanied Penny’s voice. “I should prepare you for two specific members' special traits however.” Maria hummed in response. Her legs gently swayed. “Master Pica has a rather high voice, it’d be in your best interest to not comment and Master Trebol does not understand personal space.” Penny finished brushing and began to contain Maria’s hair high on the back of her head.

“I will hold my tongue, I suppose, if that would make Doflamingo happy.” Maria sighed, it was a sacrifice she’d have to make, if Doflamingo considered them family, maybe it’d end up like Penny, a pleasant individual.

“It would be very important to the young master.” Penny stepped back once the ponytail was in place. “My lady you look wonderful, shall we begin the tour?” Maria stood and nodded as she walked back to her bed and grabbed the time table, putting names to faces would be important, this was her new family after all.

The tour was swimming along, Maria had found the library, the kitchen, dining hall and throne room. All unoccupied at the moment. Marias tour continued to the garden where a few servants were at work pruning flowers, trimming hedges and watering needs.

“It’s beautiful out here.” Maria wandered around peering over the shoulders of servants and squatting down at certain flowers for smells. “I’m unfamiliar with all of these plants. Are they all from here?”

“Yes, all flora is native to Dressrosa.” Penny then showed Maria a large hedge in the shape of a flamingo getting a snort from the lady.

“Charming.” She managed through a few gentle giggles as she covered her mouth partially with her hand.

“The young master has splendid taste, no?”

“He certainly does.” Maria agreed, her laughter was not in fun of her savior, she found it adorable. This big bad pirate had a gentle and serene garden with hedge art of his animal namesake, it very much pleased her.

“M’lady could I interest you in a hedge for yourself?” One of the gardening servants asked Maria. Who jumped on the idea.

“Yes please, would you be able to make a dove?”

“Most certainly, I shall request your presence once completed.” The gardener went to work post haste.

“I missed having such a wonderful garden at my fingertips.” Maria continued to wander the garden sitting on the edge of a large stone fountain. “My father would garden with me, it was one of the rare times he didn’t delegate me to my mother or the slaves.”

“Is there a plant you would like to add? I can arrange for us to grow it, my lady.” Penny pulled out a notepad, ready to make arraignments right there. Maria put a finger to her chin and thought. Most flora from Mariejois was of no interest to her anymore, this was an opportunity to explore, she had all the flora in the world at her fingertips.

“Give me a few days of going through some almanacs and I’ll give you an answer.” Maria had decided on not deciding for now. She simply absorbed the rays of sun that warmed her.

“Of course.” Penny returned her notepad to her apron. “We should continue our tour, by now I’m sure a few members of the family should be at the pool.” Maria hopped up, the idea of sitting by the water absorbing the sun sounding spectacular.

By the time the two had arrived at the pool the hustle and bustle of the castle had picked up and Maria could finally hear muffled voices.

“Do you think Doflamingo will be there?” Maria hoped out loud to Penny.

“Possibly, I have no idea what he is up to today.” The young master wouldn’t dare wander too far on your first day, you may not see him but he’ll be there my lady. “Are you going to be alright?”

“I will be fine.” Maria took her first step into the pool area, the sun dancing off her. The pool was crystal clear minus the effeminate looking boy with horns swimming and long chairs lay ready for company to tan. An excessively large couch sits at the end of the pool nearest the entryway. Off to the left was a large man with buck teeth that had the jolly roger of the Donquixote pirates on them. He seemed to be teasing a young teenage female with black hair.

“Buffalo, would you shut your mouth!” The black haired one shouted while she stomped her foot.

“It was an honest question Baby 5, you're getting to the point where it’s weird you haven’t had your first boyfriend.” Buffalo simply continued his teasing much to Baby 5’s dismay.

“Oh yeah?!” Baby 5 looked to Maria. “You, settle something for us!” Maria pointed at herself confused. “Yes you, get over here.” Maria made her way over. “You look like a well put together lady, when did you have your first boyfriend?” Maria was taken aback, no what's your name just straight into this childish struggle. However one problem remained, Maria would be no help in this argument.

“Well about that.” Maria began before Buffalo let out a dumb laugh and cut Maria off.

“You haven’t had one yet either?!” He taunted, Maria was fuming with anger and embarrassment, her cheeks had begun to feel warm. She bit her tongue for a moment, reminding herself to hold her tongue. She simply couldn’t afford to upset anyone just yet, but this guy was clearly just an officer, she should stand her ground.

“You dare taunt me like that, do you know who I am?” She retorted only to get a response that blew her top off.

“You’re the young master's new play thing!” Maria had already had enough of this dope, but before she could exact her revenge his laughter was cut off by Baby 5 jamming her fist into his gut.

“Don’t bother with him, he’s always like this. Head in the clouds.” Baby 5 sighed before properly greeting Maria. “You’re the newest addition to the family, Dove. I’m Baby 5.” Maria felt her chest twinge in delight, she was his dove and that's how he introduced her to his family, how wonderful.

“Thank you for that.” Maria focused herself back on the conversation at hand. “You’re the first members of the family I’ve met other than Doflamingo.”

“Oh then you are in for a very fun afternoon. Most of my family is out around this time.”

“Why, this castle so far seems wonderful.”

“There's the colosseum for starters, that’s where Diamante spends most of his time. Trebol has been glued to Sugar.” As Baby 5 continued to list off where members of the family were Maria’s head span as she attempted to intake the information. “Uh are you alright?” Maria snapped back to reality, she must have begun going cross eyed and looked like smoke was coming out of her ears.

“Of course.” Maria attempted to dismiss the idea she was overwhelmed very unconvincingly. “Just with so many members perhaps observing a dinner or something would be a little easier to digest.” Penny couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the irony of her master's words. “So, who's the one swimming?” Maria pointed to the still swimming boy.

“That’s little Dellinger, he’s a fighting-fish fish-man.” A fish-man, he certainly didn’t look as fishy as many other fishman she had seen as slaves.

“My lady, if I may intrude, we still have other sites to see.” Maria nodded to acknowledge her servant.

“I will be off then, it was a pleasure to meet you Baby 5, we should sit and chat over tea sometime.” Maria smiled before following Penny off.

“How was your first taste of the family?” Penny inquired while leading Maria down from the pool area and through the castle.

“It was fine, they seemed nice enough. Baby 5 seemed a bit young to be a pirate, no?” Maria emphasized enough before she allowed her curiosity to continue.

“The young master takes anyone with potential, Buffalo and Baby 5 have been part of the family since they were much younger. They had another child with them for a while, I am unsure what happened to him however.”

“So he’s like an older brother to them?”

“Exactly. Now after the royal plateau, where would you like to stop by?” Penny asked as she and Maria stepped into an elevator.

“Do we have money on us? I’d love to have a good shopping spree.” It sure had been a long time since she could freely roam a market.

“Of course, would you like me to request for a toy to help carry your things?”

“A toy?” Maria raised an eyebrow, how would a toy help?

“Oh yes you are new, my apologizes my lady. Dressrosa is a very wonderful place where we have walking, talking toys.”

“Then absolutely, and one for when my feet get tired.” Maria wiggled her toes in excitement at the idea of such large toys. Penny nodded and made a call on a small transponder snail from her apron. 

The market of Dressrosa was certainly lively, people and toys both intermingling, dancing, playing music, the streets were certainly packed but wherever Maria stepped the space always cleared up, much to her delight, she couldn’t imagine having to shove her way through. Her shopping started off slow as she was unsure just how deep her coffers were but when Penny assured her it was all taken care of by Doflamingo she simply couldn’t help herself, whether the item was something for her or something she thought Doflamingo might enjoy on her. She was having a grand time, this is what it meant to be alive, what she wanted when she wanted. Once she had her fill of shopping, the toys were sent off to the royal plateau where castle servants would receive Maria’s bounty.

“The colosseum should be nearing the end, I think it’d be wonderful for you to go watch. You should be able to go watch in Doflamingo’s personal observation deck.” Penny offered to keep her lady busy till dinner.

“Ohh, let’s make haste!” The two quickly made their way to the colosseum where video transponder snails were projecting the action inside between gladiators. A woman was working the reception as Maria and Penny approached.

“I’m sorry but seats are all-” The woman was cut off by Maria butting in.

“Excuse me?” This was her moment, the first instance of disrespect by someone below her that she could tell off. “Do you have any idea who I am?” The receptionist clued into Penny standing beside Maria, properly intaking the sheer amount of pink on the woman in front of her.

“Have more respect for the young master’s mistress.” Penny advocated while Maria had her chest lightened at the comment of being Doflamingo’s mistress.

“I-I’m so terribly sorry, please right this way.” The receptionist led the way to Doflamingo’s private nest.

“That’s better.” Maria huffed as she followed. “You are lucky I’m in a good mood this afternoon.”

“T-thank you for your forgiveness, everything you’ll need is in here.” The receptionist stopped at a door which Penny opened for Maria. The room was simple, it had a large chair that overlooked the entire colosseum, a pair of hanging candles and a carpet from the door to the chair. Maria leaned over the balcony deciding it’d be best not to sit in the chair, she was simply going to struggle to view over the railing. The roaring crowd over the sounds of blades clashing and blood splattering on the ground sent a small shiver up Maria’s back. This was beautiful, people fighting and dying for her entertainment, oh how she missed it.

“My lady, may I fetch anything for you?” Penny asked from behind the chair.

“Guard the door. I don't want to be disturbed unless it’s someone important.” Penny nodded and stood by the door while Maria felt her stomach twist in sadistic pleasure, it was slowly but surely coming back to her, while she had to remind herself to stay aware of the family, this was exactly what she needed. “Penny, there is one thing you could do for me actually.”

“What is it my lady?” Penny quickly sprang to attention.

“I need a chair, Doflamingo’s is simply too big for me, I'd struggle to see over the railing.”

“Right away.” Penny was gone in a flash while Maria continued to contently watch as the gladiators below dwindled down faster and faster. She heard a knock and turned her head, her ponytail slipping over her shoulder. “Who is it?”

“Penny and I have an important guest with me.” Was slightly muffled behind the door.

“You may enter.” Maria fully turned and tossed her hair behind her as Penny and a very tall Brunette with a long cape and fancier pirate attire themed like diamonds entered.

“This is master Diamante, he’s in charge of the colosseum and like you know from this morning a top executive.”

“So you’re Doffy’s Dove.” Diamante approached extending a hand. “A pleasure, does today’s entertainment suffice?”

“It’s exceptional.” She gently took his hand giving a shake. He seemed rather pleasant, Penny hadn’t warned her about any odd quirks which was a relief judging by the other Family she had heard off and seen. “You have an eye for proper entertainment.”

“No no, it’s nothing.” He insisted, Maria walked to the railing again and Diamante followed.

“You do, this is spectacular, I haven’t felt this much of a rush in forever.” Maria protested as she gazed out.

“Really there’s no need, it's nothing.” He continued to fight off her compliments.

“If you say so.” Maria then flinched as Diamante raised his voice in acceptance.

“Okay fine fine! It is spectacular, I have an eye for good entertainment!” Maria shook her head before sneaking a glance to Penny who shrugged like oops I forgot about that, warranting a small glare from her master.

“So.” Maria went to change the subject, getting a hm from Diamante. “You called him Doffy, do you think I could call him that too.” She placed her hands on her cheeks at the idea of getting to call him such an adorable nickname. Diamante snickered a little before commenting.

“You are his Dove aren’t you? You hold almost as much power as the top executives, I don’t think he’d give a crap what you called him.” Maria swung one of her legs up and down in joy as she leaned over the railing. Her mind starts to get lost at the idea of sitting in her Doffy’s large lap watching the violence below, her hair being stroked. She gently cooed Doffy as she stroked her own hair completely entranced.

“My lady, do not get lost in daydream mid conversation.” Penny’s voice jolted Maria back to reality where she pulled her hair over her face in utter embarrassment only warranting more taunting laughter from Diamante.

“And the battle is over!” The announcer’s voice concluded the entertainment at the colosseum.

“I suppose I shall make my way back to the palace.” Diamante’s laughter had subsided. “I look forward to you joining the family at dinner.” He informed her before departing. Maria silently screamed as Penny approached.

“We should return as well, I’m sure the young master will be there as well as the entire family.” Maria simply nodded, stuffing her hands into her coat pockets as the two left.

Once outside the already packed dining hall Maria heard a familiar voice behind her. One that had shoved any other embarrassment that lingered away.

“How was my Dove’s first day in Dressrosa?” Doflamingo’s question was superficial, after all he dared not let his Dove walk Dressrosa with a slave. Regardless of where she was, he was always watching. Maria quickly spun, her hair twirling behind. Her eyes light up brightly, it had simply been too long without him.

“Doffy!” She shouted happily, clasping her hands together excitedly. “It was good, I missed you though, she’s fine company but it would have been better with you there.” She gestured towards Penny before back to Doflamingo he chuckled lightly, his large hand gently tracing a finger along her delicate cheek.

“Can’t even go a few hours without me can you?” Maria’s cheeks flared up a vibrant pink, only more amusing to Doflamingo. “I figured you’d enjoy a day like you used to have.”

“A-and I did, I just would've much preferred spending the day with you.” Maria looked away twirling her fingers in her hair to cope with her overwhelming flusteredness, her rapidly beating heart, her body temperature rising, it was all so much around him. “Perhaps after dinner I could spend some time with you?” That was a beautiful sign of her mindset, she needed him.

“Let’s focus on dinner first.” He leaned close, his warm breath tickled her ears. He waved to dismiss Penny from duty, having already decided he would spend the evening with his Dove. As the two entered the dining hall, the table was set and only two seats sat unfilled, the head seat for Doflamingo and the seat to his left. Servants quickly pulled out the chairs and had the two sit before silver platters were brought in and set on the table. Most of the family was already mid conversation in anticipation for the meal. Maria simply watched, scanning quickly to find who she recognized. At the far end she saw Dellinger, Baby 5 and Buffalo. To her left immediate left was Diamante, across from her sat a rather oozy looking fellow with a club staff and on his right sat a man in armor with spades on his shoulder plates.

The other two top executives, Trebol and Pica. She put the pieces together as a plate was placed in front of her as well as a wine glass filled with a ruby red wine. Before she could get too enamored by the food she felt Diamante’s elbow nudge her and she jumped slightly.

“Stole my spot I see.” He playfully remarked. Maria hadn’t clued in that where she sat one of the other executives would have sat, with that sudden realization.

“I-” She was cut off by Doflamingo who had his usual grin across his face.

“Can’t have her sit too far now can I?” With one hidden flick of his finger under the table, a string tugged her chair along the floor closer to his, he rested his hand on her shoulder, once more increasing the heat in her face. With two more simplistic twitches, her food and wine was pulled beside his, not a spill in sight. Diamante couldn’t help but laugh at the situation and reaction this girl was in. Doflamingo rose from his chair for a moment tapping his glass to get the attention of the table.

Is he going to give a toast?! How do you expect me to keep composure after that!? Maria panicked desperately trying to collect her poor beating heart.

“Members of my family, tonight is a very special occasion. I am honored to be welcoming my little Dove here.” He extended his left hand as if he was presenting Maria. She rose with the gesture. “As the newest member of the Donquixote family.” The other members raised their glasses and Maria joined in. “To Maria, my Dove.” With that the family recited to Maria before taking a sip of all the drinks. “Now feast!” He commanded before falling into his chair, Maria being pulled down by his left hand into hers. 

One thing was for certain, with all the hustle and bustle of the family at dinner, there was no lack of entertainment, Maria often found herself busy watching conversations rather than consuming the food before her, she was however not shy about drinking.

“Is the food not to your liking?” Doflamingo asked while he stole a spoonful of Maria’s feast.

“It’s amazing, I just love people watching. I enjoy good finger food for moments like this.” Maria mentioned, not thinking anything of it, she would eat properly, she just wanted to get accustomed to meal times. That however did not fly with Doflamingo. He snapped his fingers, summoning a servant.

“Prepare her something she can absentmindedly eat.” He ordered, the servant darted off to the kitchen.

“Doffy, you didn’t have to do that, I'll be alright. I used to sit and watch people all the time before…” Her voice trailed off, some times when she was stealing food, she had no choice but to hide out and watch for fear of getting caught. She had spent hours one night sitting in a rather full trash can, before she could eat. While not pleasant it was a carry over. During festivities she’d sit and watch from the barren rooftops longing to be home in Mariejois. Doflamingo watched her for a minute as she collected her brain from its crash course of unpleasantry. “I’m used to waiting out for my food. Let’s just say that.” Had her brain not yet understood she was no longer in fight or flight, the food in front of her was not something she was stealing, it was a gift. Doflamingo used the stolen spoon, scooping up some food from her plate and holding the spoon to her face.

“Open up.” His deep voice was quieter, Maria couldn’t understand why for a moment before it clicked and she parted her lips slightly. “Good girl.” He cooed, causing a chill to run up her hips and spark in her brain.

“D-Doffy, I can feed myself.” Maria stammered out, he fed her. It was an act of care, during the trip to Dressrosa, he had the slave and crew tend to her unless he was helping her adjust to formal life. Yes he had done smaller and larger acts, like the wardrobe, the note and all the money she could ever spend. But this was tender, it was direct. In Maria’s short time with him, she had heard many tales that he could be cruel and sadistic. That was her first experience as she watched him blow the brains out of a noble. This however confirmed above all else in her mind that she was occupying some space in that brain of his and not just to be an object. She had value to him.

“Can you?” He teased getting another spoonful ready, Maria decided to enjoy this, her mind forgot about the table, the family. Her only focus was him. Before he even needed to speak her mouth was open. The two continued this little routine, occasionally taking a break to sip wine or allow Doflamingo to eat himself.

This was home. This was everything she had ever wanted. He was her radiant god, her king, her flamingo and she was his sweet little self indulgence, his queen, his dove.

[zoguy1]

So. Every June, I try to challenge myself by posting something for Pride Month. For the past couple years, it's been ships with cute little pride flags. This year, the priority focus will be on the Trolls Summer Gift exchange. But at the very least I'd like to show ya'll the ones I've made in the past.

2022 bundle:

Bi Hiccup x Gay Jack. Fun fact: This was the first gay couple I've ever laid my eyes on as a young child. I saw this ship and thought "I want that kind of relationship."

Bi Tony x Gay Rudolph Watching the 2017 movie, these two reminded me of Luca and Alberto so much.

Aro Merida You get it? Cuz she's an archer. It's funny. Laugh.

Bi Nan Fang x Ace Fu Yao The headcannon was based off of a fanfic I read a while ago.

Demi Ace Xie Lian x Gay Hua Cheng. I sevearly enjoyed the series. I occasionally eat fics of these two as comfort foods.

Pan Xu Xuan x Trans Xiao Bai White snake was basically 2 hours of "What you are doesn't matter, it's who you are that matters", THEE Pansexual anthem, and then the second movie Turned Blanca into a guy? This is cannon.

Ace Liu Qingge x Bi Shen Yuan Imma be honest. I didn't like SVSSS very much. Yandere's are not my cup of tea. And I was really hoping Shizun would have gotten with Liu-shidi instead.

Gay Luca x Gay Alberto I'm so glad Luberto was actually confirmed to be somewhat cannon. Though Nowadays I see Luca as bi, cuz if we're counting the concept art as apart of the lore, then Luca had a crush on both Alberto and Giulia.

Gay Jade x Gay Katie. Kate is the first character I actually felt scene as a queer person.

Genderfluid Shi Qingxuan I freaking love them so much. Easily my favorite character.

Aro Nezha This kid knows chaos and only chaos.

Pan Adam x Gray Ace Freddy I saw this crossover on DA and thought they made so much sense together. Adam the literal personification of nature, and Freddy the unification of humanity and animals.

Non-Binary Merz x Lesbian Alice These two are OCs of mine.

Aro Lesbian Isabela and Aro Lesbian Elsa. I ship this in a sort of queer platonic way. Like a "we don't really want to date people, but everyone thinks we're dating, and we just don't care enough to correct them." kind of way.

Genderfluid Camilo I want the ability to shapeshift so badly.

Pan Ao Bing x Bi Xiao Jiu Ya'll get brownie points if you know which Ao Bing this is and double points if you know who Xiao Jiu is. Lol. It was a random crossover ship I made because the company liked to crossover their medias for advertisements, and we see the adults interacting and having fun, and Nezha joins them. But we don't see the two teenagers interact at all.

Bi Verta x Bi Li Yunxiang Another crossover ship I made up cuz I didn't see a lot of Nezha Reborn and White Snake crossovers. Which surprised me, especially after Green Snake.

Gay Jiang Ziya x Gay Shen Gongbao These two lived in the same house together for 10 years and adopted a daughter together. I am convinced these two are a married couple.

Bi Mirabel There was a little bisexual rainbow on her dress. That's proof enough for me. Lol.

Lesbian Amaya x Lesbian Janai I loved seeing their dynamic in the show.

Non-Binary Kazi I love them. I'm glad they got more attention in the show.

Lesbian Susie x Trans Noelle "Why does Noelle have antlers. Is she trans? The Null the Null the Null the Null..."

Non-Binary Kris I love them. They literally never said a word, and I love them.

AroAce Krel Based on a comic I made.

Aro Blaze Another OC.

Aro Douxie Idk why, but I get that vibe from him.

2023 Pack:

Furry Omni Toby x Furry Demigirl Darci The moment Darci said she didn't want people to like her just because she was a girl, I felt that in my soul.

Bi Steve x Pan Aja I am not convinced Steve is straight.

Pan Simon x Gay Ao Bing This ship was inspired by a youtube video that had a list of crossover ships, this being on of them. And I freaking love it.

AroAce Sun Wukong and AroAce Tang Sanzang In Monkey King Reborn, out of everyone in the friend group, you can just tell that these two cared about each other the most. And I think that's just sweet.

Fuck. I can only have 30 images per post. I'll reblog with the rest of the 2023 pack.

[hopusthebrainlessfloof]

Hi folks! Sorry we haven't been posting too much art (specifically Koopas, which is why most of you follow us). I feel that... Well, we don't owe an explanation, but we'd like to give one anyways.

This conversation is going to mention disturbing topics, including pedophilia, grooming, SA, and cult-like association. If you are easily triggered by any of these, we suggest you do not read.

For the sake of everyone's privacy, we won't name any of the abusers and accusers. Don't ask us for their contact info. This is not to slander their name, it is to explain what is going on in our life.

As you all may know, we originally got "big" on our blog by posting Mario, specifically Broodal, content. We have always loved the Broodals. We likely always will. Our love for the Broodals eventually led us to look more into what their concept was based on: The Koopalings. We always loved the Koopa Kids from The Adventures of Super Mario Bros 3, but in specifically 2022, we fell hard for these goobers. Special intrest level hard. Our blog turned to focus more on a combination of Koopalings and Broodals, and that's what got us into making fandom friends and participating in art collabs. It was fun, espcially seeing how much creativity everyone puts into their lore for their blogs from their own personal headcanons.

One of (if not the biggest) members of this Koopa ask blog community is @ thekoopalingsandstuff. The amount of thought she puts into her lore is MAGNIFICENT, and the way she impacts mood with her writing is phenomenal. If she wants you to dislike a character, she will make that character as UNLOVABLE as possible. If she hasn't considered a career in writing or storytelling, I honestly think she should. The reason why I bring her up is because in her AU, Dieter was a character that was generally abusive towards Spewart. Deadnaming and purposely misgendering him, hitting him if he didn't comply with something, lovebombing and isolating him... A lot of horrible stuff. In this major arc, named "Dieter's Demise", at the climax, Dieter raped Spewart and was shortly killed by Ludwig. Both Spewart and Ludwig have been sensitive to the incident and have barely (if at all) spoken up about it. We (as we usually do) expressed how much we loved the arc. The writing was great, it made us hate Dieter with a burning passion. It made our heart break to see Spewart's virginity stolen. It shocked us to see, if anyone, Ludwig shed blood in an attempt to save his closest friend. Our blog doesn't create arcs as complex and thought out as arcs like Dieter's Demise. It truly felt like reading a masterpiece. We'll bring up the relevancy of Dieter's Demise later on.

We and our partner first met on Discord in the beginning of 2021, when covid was still very dangerous to everyone, and quarentine was mandated regardless if you were positive with the virus. We met through a person we knew and... We instantly fell in love. On the day before Valentine's day, we proposed to her via OwObot and asked if she would be our partner. She said yes. We were 13 and 15 at the time. We have since been together, for three and a half years at this point. She is 17 and we are 19. We are two years apart.

When creating a storyline for our blog, we decided to add some dating drama between Ludwig and Spewart. At the time, Spewart was SAing and manipulating Rango, which we added to the story (as we do with our other stories where characters get SAd) as a coping mechanism for things that had happened to us. Our stories now contain significantly less SA, but that's not the part I want to focus on. Another character (one of KAS' Broodals perhaps, because this was during a collab) informed Ludwig of how sick Spewart really was, and Ludwig called it off. Ludwig was 17, and Spewart was 19. You might think that of anything we did on our blog, it would be the abuse of Rango that would piss people off. Well, it wasn't.

In June of this year, we were invited to join a project. (By the project manager's wishes, I'm not going to say what it is or speak much on it. All that matters in this conversation is that we're part of the project.) Everything was fine and dandy until the project manager asked if they could ask some questions that were brought up to them by people of concern. We were confused, because we aren't in any drama. (Or weren't as far as we knew.) The points of concern brought up were 1) The fact that we liked KAS' arc in which Spewart got raped. Completely ignoring the storytelling or lead up, ignoring why the creator chose to write such an event into the arc. We... were asked if we liked it, because he got raped. The other question of concern was why Ludwig (17) was dating Spewart (19), since one was a minor and the other was an adult.

I never thought we had to ever say this, but we are NOT pedophiles or pedo sympathisers. We are not rapist sympathisers. Though not the same as rape, we were groomed three times and assaulted sexually once between the ages of 13-16. We vowed to, if anything, NEVER DO WHAT OUR ABUSERS DID. We were exploited sexually. We were brought into a server full of ADULTS OVER 20 (we were 16 for context) whom had brainwashed us into thinking we were being abused by our mother, and who at MULTIPLE TIMES mentioned that they "couldn't wait until we were old enough to join the 18+ channels". To even be ACCUSED of being pedophilic, or liking content due to someone getting raped, shed a massive tear between us and people that we thought were nice, friendly, charismatic. Friends. We thought they were friends.

This has left a very sour taste in our mouth. We tried to make plans to rebrand our blog, but honestly? We feel that our trust has been broken. It hurt us, a lot. We've recently been getting into more That's Not My Neighbor since March, and... It doesn't seem like we'll be getting out of it soon. It's comforting to us, how fun the community is and how many ideas have been made to fill in holes where the creator hasn't gotten to patch up quite yet. The canon lore is mysterious, and leaves you hungry for more. And it seems like, especially after what has happened, work and our personal life, our blog focus is shifting on more TNMN. And at this point, if that's the case, so be it.

We'll still lurk in the Koopaling community. We won't stop supporting our favourite artists just because of what happened to us. But I sincerely don't see us resuming our Koopaling/Broodal/Koopa Kid asks anymore.

Thank you for reading. [LUDVIGGY] & [RENGO]

[artsartblog]

Masky and MK just chilling :3

I wanted to draw some creepypasta art then remembered a photo I took a few years back and decided to make it the background for this piece.

This is my first time ever drawing Masky/Tim - as well as the smoke - and I'm pretty proud with how it turned out

This photo is actually taken from inside of a car so they're technically on the side of the road, but you can't really tell that unless you know where this is.

Anyways, the creepypasta fandom has once again taken ahold of me, if my last post didn't make that obvious, and so I have decided to spill MK's lore since it's changed just a bit.

I'm not sure how much of her lore I've actually posted so here we go:

As a child MK, or Grace as she's actually named, had a brief encounter with the tall man himself - yet remained initially unaffected by him. As she got older her mind would wander, zoning out as she would call it, followed by fits of coughing. Her dreams would be plagued with nightmares of the woods of Rosswood, but she never spoke about them to her parents due to them already dealing with her overimaginative mind as it is - not believing her when she was younger about the man with no face.

She had no friends to really talk to in school, having become the loner kid because of how odd she was. It didn't help that the popular girls always picked on her. Even into middle school, which is when she first experienced death. The incident of having a harmonic down her throat during a homecoming football game. She was rushed to the hospital, but the damage had already been done. Grace died upon the operating table after the removal of the harmonic, but because she had been one that Operator was after that death didn't last long.

Though, due to being brain dead for a few minutes, she lost her memories of everything prior to waking up in the hospital. No matter what her parents tried to do she could not remember anything. This led to a shift in her social life at school. Those who had participated in the incident, minus the queen bee of the group, felt bad and did everything to make her life better than before. No one ever mentioned a word about the incident to her and life went on.

Until one day when she was in her freshman year of college, during the summer, Grace decided to introduce her boyfriend Brad to her best friend - the queen bee that caused the incident - after the two had been dating for a month. Little did she know that her bf and best friend were dating behind her back, believing her to be dumb naive person - that is until she overheard them talking from the kitchen.

She had gone to get a drink and came back to them talking as if she hadn't been in the other room. This caused her to snap - a familiar noise filling her head as she lost all control of herself. In that moment she became Musical Kitten for the way she killed the two with the musical instruments around her apartment then carved little cat emoticon into their skin as sort of signature - though it was more to mock how Brad would call her kitten because of her "naivety" since he view her as some helpless kitten that relied on him.

When it was all said and done, and the anger faded, she saw what she had done and ran. She couldn't believe what she had done, but there was no denying it had happened. Slowly the anger returned as those memories once gone were returned - leading to everyone involved in the incident dying by her hands. Yet each time it happened she couldn't believe she had done it. She knew that it was the man with no face using her, at least that's what she figured after spotting him upon fleeing from one of the crime scenes.

Eventually she would be one of his proxies, but it didn't stop her from feeling bad for her own actions.

This updated version is inspired by Marble Hornets because of having finally watched it few weeks ago. I wanted MK to have a bit of a connection to the MH lore, but still be disconnected enough that it doesn't feel like I'm trying to shove her into specifically the MH world.

I do have it in my head that after becoming a proxy she's close with Masky and Hoodie because of knowing their story since she would've been aware of it with it being a YouTube channel - though she would've initially believed it was all fake until after her first kill. Of course this is just for my own little universe that has my ocs in and it just for the funsies.

So I hope you enjoyed my little bit of lore along with my art. I had fun making the art and just rambling about my oc. I might do individual posts for my other ocs to flesh out their stories, but for now you have my main girl's story.

As always remember to stay creative :3

[zeondraws]

I may be blind and have not tried to explore all the file locations in fmodel until now.

Found where the map textures are located, or for example all the people that died like Jamie, Kelly and all. I finally got a good look at Kelly!

This here be Kelly

Poor bastard

Okay, with this in mind I'll go through all folders in fmodel at some point, I have to see what else I can find. Found some unused/to be deleted folders which I found interesting

Hhmmm yes

So much work ahead, it really eats away my time, I've noticed, couldn't finish artworks recently. Mostly tried to work on that one AU drawing to have it almost done. But all this research eats my time which results in less time for art. Then I watch everyone else draw so much and I sit there thinking, man..

When I listen to soundfiles I can't draw at the same time since I need to stay focused on the sounds. However I managed to listen through 2k yesterday. I really really wanna be sure I have all the sounds for the Muir video, I literally found a different version of a perch howl yesterday! That one was not inside the actual Muir folder.

raaaah, the lore thickens. This could mean I can stumble upon other soundfiles from Muir that aren't in his Puppet folder. I only have... 16000 files to go through now. Number is getting smaller (I managed to listen to over 8.000 now).

If anyone ever wonders if I'll make a video of the soundfiles of other Puppets... maybe.. but I'd have to sort all these darn soundfiles from the Media folder. It's probably why people before me didn't bother at all. It took me over 2h and 30min to listen to 2000 files. Now calculate how much I need for 16000

Hhhmmm forbidden gummi, these are from Roper-

But hm, I currently want to finish that one artwork, then I need to sit down and draw something for a friend of mine for Secret Santa. Want to finish this Muir video before the year ends (I want to see it finished soooo badly). And maybe continue that super detailed Muir painting I had to put on hold, due to moving. The one I mean is shown on my pinned post here, that already took days to make and I'm not even halfway done with it. I want to see how far I can push my render skills atm.

Oh and draw a bunch of buses again, but on paper to get better with traditional art.

I always had problems managing my time (nothing new for me, so don't be confused if I do 6273728 things at once XD), tho I probably will figure out how to deal with this at some point. I always got yelled at, at my old workplace for taking too long on things, even tho my coworker kept giving me new tasks to work on so I couldn't finish the first thing he wanted, so he became more angry at me if I spend 3 weeks on something. Or spend 3 days on a task he usually finishes in 1 day, like. What? Like, he became soooo weird about it, that he tried to be angry about anythiiiing. And then he got confused when he heard what I told other coworkers in private. When he said that, I got flashbacks to my other uncle being angry that I told teachers how bad I felt mentally (at school). This is so confusing

I got praised for my work in the new job, which is wild that they don't expect me to work like a machine but to take my time. People aren't so focused on speed here.

So I don't know if my way of working on things is super bad, or if it's just dunno, big projects require so much energy and time. And then I watch everyone do so much art and I'm like waaaaiiit I wanna draw too Aaaaaaa. I wish I could eat art, because I frkn love art so much I shake my fists in the air whenever I see gorgeous artworks from others. Or see some absolutely stunning moviessssss.

I need to buy frames- I need to hang some drawings.

Okay Fellas, imma go tidy up my apartment and sort some stuff. I still have something to do in my bathroom.

busbusbusbusbusbusbusbusbusbusbbusbusbusbusbusbus

[mawita]

I KEEP FORGETTING TO POST THESE BOYS

JEKYLL AND HYDE PONIES, AND YES, LORE EXISTS

Hyde on his own, and basically just a blog post with thoughts and process notes under the cut!

Personal Notes

Exams have been killing me, and i am, finally done!! Wooo!! Yeah, time for a break year, i hope I'll have more time for art :))

Anyways yeah, silly Jekyll and Hyde ponies, this is my biggest fixation here over the last year, its killing me, could genuinely turn into a special interest at this rate.

anyways, these two came about out of a want to illustrate book Jekyll and Hyde, but humans just, hurting me to draw atm, so ponies instead.

Design Notes

Shape! I wanted Jekyll to feel Big and Bombastic, fat Jekyll rights (although, I admit, I don't think I made him fat enough here, I'll out more effort into that in later pieces/sketches. I hope to develop their shape specifically a lot.) In contrast, of course as described in the book, Hyde is smaller, younger, and sharper. I gave him the teeth from the 1931 movie, cuz that's honestly the only part of that design I like apart from the flesh that starts to melt at the end of the movie (cough cough, racist charicature)

Colors! Admittedly a bunch of this was simply done because i thought it looked good. Jekyll feels inherently blue to me, and Hyde being toxic green just felt appropriate. But also, having them purely be cold would not be the most balanced pallete. I wanted to give them both warmth. Jekylls warmth comes from his Vest and Cravat, clothes he dons as an expression of his class and social standing. He cares a lot about his position in the upper crusts of London's society, and plays into his role with care. The colors on him that stand out the most, his warmth and his sociability, is performative in its expression. Hyde's only warmth is in his yellow-red eyes, from living an (exaggerated) version of his authentic self.

Cutie Mark! Potion bubbles mmmmmm :)). Important note tho! The cutie Mark DOES NOT CHANGE between the forms! Hyde is Jekyll! A truly fucked up Jekyll, a Jekyll most likely under the influence (in this au canon: definitely under an influence)

Also fun fact! These pony designs are based on my pony town designs of Jekyll and Hyde :3

Anyways yeah, when I've settled into my new apartment I'd like to explore these two buggers a bit more. Strangely enough, I believe the my little pony friendship is magic universe has some deep implications for the Jekyll and Hyde story, that I am very grasped by.

That ends it for this post, if you got this far, thank you for indulging me!!