#he answers every question shadow has to the best of his ability

[miniagula]

movie sonadow would be so l umity-coded…and i say this bc their dynamic is similar to the games but with a different and tender perspective: they both empathize deeply with each other now, and this shadow is not as reticent or closed off bc of that. that being said: movie!sonic would ABSOLUTELY 'YOU'RE the sweet potato!' the hell out of shadow

[cozage]

Gm!! I saw your inbox was open!! I was hoping to request something with Sanji, Ace n Franky with a selective mute (gender neutral) reader talking to them through their voice for the first time to confess? 👉👈

(Btw I wanted to let you know that your writing has such a grip on my heart, I must have re-read your Sleepy Afternoon hcs at least a hundred times 🥺🫶 and i hope you have a wonderful day!)

So sorry I didn't get a new chapter out today...the holidays kept me busy! Enjoy these sweet short stories instead <3 Characters: gn reader x Sanji, Ace, Franky Cw:  none :) Total word count: 1600

First Words

Sanji

Ever since you joined the crew, you had found yourself gravitating toward the kitchen. 

Being with Sanji was easy. He never pestered you with questions or asked you to speak. If he did ask questions, they were always non-invasive, yes-or-no questions that you could answer with a shake of your head. 

You realized you had feelings for him when he came into the kitchen one morning, dark shadows under his eyes. And before he began cooking, he signed good morning to you. You had signed back the same phrase before you realized that he had signed, not spoken. 

He beamed with pride as your eyes widened in shock. 

“You learned how to sign?” you signed quickly. 

He focused intensely as he watched the way your hands moved, and then slowly nodded. 

“I stayed up all night trying to learn the basics. I figured it’s lonely up there in your head.” He tapped his temple with his forefinger for effect. “I’m not very good yet, but I’ll try my best to follow you if you ever feel like communicating.”

You gave a soft nod, the thought making your eyes shine. Even just the effort of knowing good morning made your heart swell. 

As the days went on, Sanji got better at sign language. So much better that he indirectly became your translator for the rest of the crew if you ever felt like adding to the conversation. He came to your defense whenever Luffy begged you to speak, and helped make sure your voice was heard without ever judging you. 

As the two of you were sitting out on the deck one night under the stars, you decided you couldn’t hold it in anymore. You had to tell him. 

“I have to tell you something,” you signed.

Sanji stood up a little straighter, looking at you with slight concern. “What is it, my love?”

“I think-” you paused your signing. Saying the words with your hands didn’t seem right. You trusted Sanji with everything. You wanted to tell him. You wanted to say it. Out loud. 

“I think-” you whispered softly, your voice raw from time unused. But you grew more confident when you spoke again. “I think I might just be in love with you, Sanji.”

You could see him struggling to understand your words; the fact that you had spoken was enough to send him into shock. 

And then he leaned in and kissed you. 

You melted under his touch. Your body craved the feeling of his skin as he held your face against his. 

“I love you too, my dear,” he whispered back. “And my name on your lips is sweeter than anything I could ever cook up.”

Ace

Ace didn’t mind that you didn’t speak a lot. Or speak at all. He did enough talking for the both of you. 

Still, you liked being around him. At meals, you often found yourself sitting next to him. At parties, he was often at your door, dragging you out onto the deck to have a few beers with everyone. 

You liked how he could bring people together. He was always the life of the party anywhere you went. You enjoyed his warmth, both through his devil fruit ability and personality. 

You often found yourself staring at him, admiring everything about him. You knew every other person on the ship was doing the same thing. So even when his eyes locked onto yours and the two of you had silent conversations, you did your best to ignore that ache in your chest. He was loved by everyone. You weren’t special. 

“Thank you for coming tonight,” Ace said, taking a seat next to you on the deck. “I know you didn’t want to, and I know these parties can be overwhelming. So thanks for coming for me.”

You shook your head slightly, smiling softly. It’s no big deal.

“It is a big deal! You-” the rest of his sentence was cut off by a few of your crewmates screaming at each other and everyone cheering loudly. 

“Come on,” Ace mumbled, rising to his feet and holding out his hand for you. “Let’s go somewhere quieter. I can’t hear myself think here.”

You smiled and nodded, taking his hand. It was loud and overwhelming. You were here for Ace, to celebrate him being promoted. But that didn’t mean you liked being around crowds or rowdiness. 

There was only one place that was quiet on a night like tonight: the crow’s nest. So the two of you quietly snuck up the ladder and hid away from everyone. A moment of quiet amongst the sea of noise. 

“It's so peaceful up here,” Ace said softly. “I love it up here.”

You hummed in agreement. “I love you.”

Both of you froze. You hadn’t even been thinking about a confession. It had come out entirely on its own. 

You could feel Ace’s sharp gaze on you. “What?”

You cleared your throat, ignoring the heat on your face. “The view. I love the view.”

“You’re speaking.”

You finally looked at him, your voice rough. “I speak sometimes.”

“Never to me!” Ace ran his hand through his hair and took a long drink from the bottle in his hand. “You’ve never spoken to me!”

“I-” you stopped. You hadn’t spoken much since you had joined the crew. Only to Pops, really. And only whenever you were asked a direct question. Ace had probably never heard your voice. “I thought you had. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize!” Ace said, laughing. “I just want to hear more of it! Tell me a story! Your voice is- is like-” he struggled for words, and then he smiled as his eyes locked onto yours. “It’s like a breath of fresh air.”

“It is not,” you smiled at his words, though. “You just feel that way because we can breathe up here without smelling our lovely crewmates.”

Ace barked out a laugh. “Stunning and funny. You really are the total package.”

You quieted at that. A true compliment from Ace didn’t happen often, and you could feel the blush creeping its way through your face. 

Instead, you laid back and turned your head toward the sky, choosing to watch the stars instead. You were almost asleep when Ace spoke again.

“I love you too, you know.”

Franky

You liked being in the workshop with Franky. Franky never tried to get you to speak. Most of the time it was too loud in there to hold a conversation anyway. The extent of your conversation was him asking you to get a tool for him, and you silently retrieving it. 

You weren’t sure it changed into something more, but you began watching him closely as he worked. After a day or two, he began explaining what he was building and all the steps that went into it. It wasn’t long before you were working on the bench next to him. 

Some days, Franky was chatty. He talked about his home, his old life, and other projects he had done. Sometimes he asked you simple questions about your past, but he never pried too deep. 

That’s what you liked most about Franky. Everything had been on your terms, and Franky had always received your decisions enthusiastically. He always supported you when you wanted to help him build a bench, but he also encouraged you to take rest days when you simply wanted to observe. 

Franky was always on your side. No matter what you decided, he was going to agree. He was your biggest fan, always cheering you on. 

And as his strong arms wrapped around you, both of you holding the torch to weld two pieces of metal together, you realized the heat on your face wasn’t just from the flame. 

Franky pulled his welding helmet up. “So, do you like welding?”

You nodded. “I think I like you more, Franky.”

Franky’s mouth fell open in shock. For once, you had stunned him into silence. Only the hum of the generator buzzed in the air. 

The silence made you feel strange, and words began falling out of your mouth in an attempt to fill it. 

“You’re so kind and supportive to me and you always help me learn new things. You’ve been so amazing and patient these past few weeks and you’re always so encouraging and…I just…I like you a lot, Franky, and I was just thinking about how I wanted to tell you and then it just…came out.”

Franky was still staring at you, awestruck. “You can speak?” 

You covered your face. He was missing the whole point. Maybe he would forget the words you had actually said. 

He seemed to remember your words at that exact moment. “Me? You like me?”

A small smile creeped across your face. No backing down now. “Yes, I do.”

“Super!” His words made you laugh. “I’ve liked you for quite some time as well. Just didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

Your smile finally widened, full and genuine. “You’re the place I feel most comfortable, Franky.”

He gently wrapped his arms around you, pulling you in for an embrace. “And I will never stop being that for you, I swear it.”

[livelaughlovesubs]

Hi hello! Delicos Nursery has me in a headlock nowCan you please do "mocking for involuntary reactions" and "ruining a part of their body they take pride in" (hair most likely) for Gerhard for the prompt event?

Love how we are all shaken by the pretty men (Gerhard) in delico’s nursery. It’s so rare to see the focus be on hot men. Btw my friend pointed out how its easy to mistype his name into gethard

Dom!Reader x sub!gerhard (?)

Warning: mean reader, stepping, dacryphilia, teasing, (tell me if I forgot smt, cuz I feel like I did)

Anniversary event

You sat down on the emergency stairs of one of the buildings, humming to yourself, waiting for the plan to unfold by itself. “Five more seconds, and he should be here.” That’s what the plan suggested anyway. In the meantime you scanned your surroundings. It was disgustingly filthy, absolutely immortal. Yet, the sound of water dripping into small puddles from pipes and roofs was weirdly calming.

As soon as you started doubting the script, the heavy breathing of an entity reached your ears, the person was getting closer to you. When they turned around the corner they stepped into one of the small puddles with their heels, making the water splash around. It was dark, since it was in the middle of the night. Based on your assumptions, you’d say they haven’t noticed you, you’ve been hidden well behind the shadows after all.

The old street lamp barely illuminated this dirt poor corner of the city, though the moonlight did. You could make out the outlines of the person, they were a tall individual with long, shiny golden hair that reflected the light of the moon. It swayed with their every move, and it seemed to have been meticulously tied up. The efforts didn’t go unnoticed, because you had to admit, their locks were beautiful.

Without making a single sound, you waited, waiting until they’ve come close enough. Their appearance emerged from the darkness, the bright moonlight helped in exposing their identity, it was your target, Gerhard Fra. A pretty important person, someone useful to your little terrorist group. With a swift move, you jumped and landed behind him, kicking him to the ground before he could react. “What- arrrggg..?!!” He yelped, clutching his sword tightly before pathetically trying to swing it at you.

It wasn’t difficult to dodge it, and you easily disarmed him while you were at it, kicking the weapon out of his hands before stepping on the body part. “UrgHHh!! You- you are a one of the pendulums aren’t you?” Gerhard groaned, gritting his teeth at the pain. He clawed at the floor with his free hand, trying to push himself up but to no avail. “Yep, that’s me.” You answered nonchalantly, there was no reason for you to hide your identity, in fact, you’ve been waiting to introduce yourself to him.

His clean white pants have been soaked now, alongside his refined uniform, but these things didn’t seem to bother him. Rather, he tried to gain some kind of information out of you, yelling through the streets, “who are you? And what are your motives?” A sense of anger became the fundaments of his voice, he turned his head over his shoulder, staring right at you. He tried to etch your looks into his brain to the best of his ability.

“These things aren’t that important.” You mumbled, and reached out for his high ponytail, wrapping your hand around the base of it. He tied his hair very tightly, and thoroughly, he definitely invests a lot of time into his golden locks. “Why don’t you tell me about you instead?” The male glared at you, and his feisty reaction was met with you yanking on his hair, making him arch his back at the strength you used and whine involuntarily, “aahHh…!”

“Oh? What a nice reaction there.” He shuddered at your teasing comment and bit his bottom lip when you sat down on his back, pressing him down with your weight. “Can I hear it once more?” You asked a rhetorical question, smirking as you did, pulling on his hair once again. It had the same outcome as before, with him whimpering into the depths of the alley, ordering you around as a last resort, “hnngg! S-stop it this instand!”

Your laughter bounced off the walls, making him feel humiliated. “You can’t even control yourself in front of the enemy, stuttering like that. As if I’d listen to you.” Honestly, you wanted him to get off his high horse. Did he really believe you’d obey his commands considering the position you two were in? “God, this is so much fun, your attitude’s almost cute! Haha~!” A sense of shame flashed across his eyes, his cheeks had a rosy taint to them, he was blushing.

After glancing around for a bit, you saw his sword lying in the mud. An idea crossed your mind, so you took hold of his weapon, bringing it closer to him. Though, you didn’t rest it against his throat as he feared, instead you held it above his ponytail. “Hey Gerhard, your hair’s so long. How long did it take you to grow it out?” The male gulped, dreadful about the fact you knew his name. “Why are you asking?” Gerhard scoffed, still not over his fury.

You shrugged, acting unbothered before you rubbed the sharp edge of his sword against his bush of hair. “I guess your hair’s not that important to you after all, so I can cut it, right?” His eyes widened, mouth agape as he tried to talk you out of it, “w-what does cutting my hair matter?! I wouldn’t tell you anything neither way!” When your eyes met, he felt a shiver run down his spine, that look you bore told him you weren’t doing it out of a logical standpoint, it was for your own satisfaction.

“I knew you would never tell me anything about the true of vamp, don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” Your statement was immediately met with his protest, “then.. you don’t need to do something unnecessary!” You smiled at him, shaking your head at his words, “it’s not unnecessary. You like your hair don’t ya? So, it’s an emotional attack.” The vampire clenched his teeth, sweating as he was in pure disbelief. He couldn’t find the right words to convince you.

Then you yanked on it one last time, before using his sword to cut the ponytail off. “No- Stop! Wait!” Gerhard shouted when he noticed the tight knot he did disappear, he tried to stand up again, to push you off him, but it just didn’t work. “Hmm? What did you say~?” you giggled, finding his desperate expression’s fun. “I-, p-please don’t..” he whispered breathlessly, pulling a pitiful grimace. This was the last thing he wanted to do, to beg his enemy, but he really hated the thought of losing his hair.

You stopped for a second, then said, “so you do know how to ask politely, but isn’t it a bit late now?” In that moment, at last, you did the last cut, now holding this batch of blond locks in your hand and shaking it around before dropping it like some waste. It was no longer connected to his head, but laying around in the dirty mud. “Ah..” He whined in surprise, his hair only went to his ears now, and it framed his face messily. His eyes shrunk, pupils shaking visibly, one look and you could tell he was devastated.

“Come now, don’t act like I killed your friend or something.” You sighed, showing him fake pity. That’s when you noticed his eyes getting moist, with what you assumed to be tears. “Huh, ya’ crying?” This time, you were genuinely shocked, staring at him who was hiding his face from you. “Shut up… I’ll kill you-” He threatened, but you interrupted him, “oh you are definitely crying!” Damn it, why did you have to keep humiliate him?

Once again your unrestrained laughter echoed through the alley, you could barely contain yourself as you mocked him, “Haha~ your new haircut doesn’t look half bad, you know? Don’t worry too much, you still have your pretty face, I’ll save that one for our next meeting.”

With that, you escaped from the crime scene, leaving his frozen state behind to take care of the mess.

[koolades-world]

I absolutely LOVE your headcanons esp the Indian ones they make me feel quite seen even if I'm from a country that have super similar cultures (Mauritius) 💗🫶

But now I have to ask, I'm the eldest cousin so whenever there's a family gathering I'm usually the one stuck looking after all of my little cousins so if I brought one of the brothers with me they would all be wondering who he is to me and would interview him just being like, "Are you his boyfriend?!?!?!"

Any chance I could get any headcanons for the brothers for this? Completely okay if you can't!

hello! yes of course :)

this request was send in more recently but I just got back from a family gathering (as of 5/25 this is very prewritten haha) and got a fresh taste of this because im the eldest cousin too! i understand your pain haha. all of my cousins are little. chasing after kids you sometimes barely know the name of in a sari, lehenga, or salwar kameez is no fun

god this will be so fun to write!! (there’s still a whole bunch of random aunties, uncles and little kids at the house so I’m hiding since I don’t get to leave until tomorrow) like yesterday, most of this was written on mobile since I’m traveling so excuse autocorrect please :)

enjoy <3

Mc who babysits their younger cousins at a family gathering w/ the brothers

Lucifer

he’s getting war flashbacks /j haha and it’s written all over his face

he left home to get away from his brothers and basically entered an environment that’s exactly the same but with easily one hundred times the people

he’s almost impressed on their ability to never shut up and now knows why you’re so good at handling his family

however, he is dadcifer™️ so he’s great with the kids, and will try his best to answer their questions, even ones regarding your relationship status

Mammon

nothing gets past kids, and they can sense his weakness when he’s talking about you. they are ruthless

before they can break him, you have to step in and tell them to pick one question each to ask. he’s not sure how you’re corralled them so well, or how you can even tell some of them apart to the point of reprimanding them for tricking him. no wonder you can keep his family in line

once he realizes your job isn’t over until the night ends and their parents come to get their kids, he tries to sneak off a few times, but he always ends up with a couple shadows and has to come back

eventually he’s resigned to his fate, and finds he much prefers the cute little babies since they’re more than happy to mess with his jewelry, and he gets to pinch their cute little chubby cheeks <3

Levi

as much as he hates it, the kids love him and whatever device he brought along to play with

after promising to replace anything they break, he sits down and plays games with them and finds out he actually enjoys it

the older ones actually engage in the game with him and ask him game related questions, which he's more than happy to answer, and the younger ones can be handed a disconnected controller and still be kept happy

this is to the point where the kids actually forget to question him about who he is, and only ask if he'll be at the next event. who is he to say no?

Satan

you’re prepared, and he thinks he is too until he gets there haha. but, he keeps it together and adapts well

you’ve thought of just about everything, from wearing extra, cheaper bangles to hand to them to keep them happy to man knowing every trick in the book to get them to finish their dinner and he can only hope to reach that level someday

he's very collected though, he tries his best to deflect their questions and keep them off that topic

however, part of him knows that's impossible and eventually he caves and just answers the questions to the best of his ability, hoping you aren't listening. never have you seen him so out of his element

Asmo

if it’s a dry event and for some reason isn’t on the dance floor, or there wasn’t one to begin with, he’s so in love with the job you hate so much haha

he’s so attentive with the kids and adores them. he’s got lots of tricks up his sleeve to keep them entertained

of course, he owns it when one kid asks if he’s your boyfriend and proudly tells them yes, he is, (even if he’s not) and answers any other questions they have even if you’re embarrassed

now, the kids look forward to seeing him and expect him everytime

Beel

he’s very chill and almost finds it enjoyable, mostly there to keep you from losing your mind

when the kids eventually decide the food they picked out wasn’t what they wanted, and instead whatever he’s eating, he’s more than happy to share with them. after, they’re you’re flesh and blood, so they’re his family too

of course he’s their jungle gym and he takes turns tossing them in the air, and giving piggy back rides

he’s not quite sure how to respond to all of their questions, but as long as you’re alright with it, he’ll answer honestly

Belphie

as a youngest himself, he’s overwhelmed. is this what he’s like?

the kids won’t let him sneak away to nap, because they’re hyper aware of everything and will catch him

honestly, he’s more annoyed than anything, but he might take a liking to a few and spend all his time with them. he feels like he’s being attacked by all the questions

he’s a lot nicer to you after that, since he realized that’s your life, and he only got a small taste of it

[spadeprincesss]

in your au, how do each of the colors handle and cope with stress?

oh my goodness i love this question !! Ok so basically

Green:

Green has mastered the ability to feel numb to stress because he’s always stressed to some degree, being head of Zelda’s guard, future King Consort and Leader of the Decorated Heroes’ Party. There’s always something to do, someone to meet, something to sign, but Green coexists with it.

When it gets to be too much he will excuse both himself and Zelda and they’ll take a day, he’ll order her favorite foods, wander the gardens, and overall leave things in the other color’s hands, which none of them mind because the happy couple more than deserve days off every now and then.

Red:

When Red is stressed he tries to give himself space to stress-cry and do something else entirely. He’ll bake, take a walk, talk to the townspeople or one of the other colors, just to take his mind off what he was doing and come back when he’s feeling calmer and can actually get it done properly.

Blue:

Blue is someone that swears up and down doesn’t get stressed easily but he does, he’s a perfectionist which means that a single mistake can upset him more than is considered normal. There’s very little that can be done to de-stress Blue until the offending thing has been dealt with up to Blue’s standards, which in short terms means “no Blue doesn’t deal with stress”.

Red is usually the exception to this, he (figuratively) slaps some sense into Blue from time to time when he spirals, giving him the “you’re doing great honey” and a kiss to get Blue’s head back on his shoulders so he can finish what he started with a clear head.

Vio:

Vio and stress are best fucking friends, those two are never apart, as it tends to go when you’re a chronic overthinker. Vio hides that he’s stressed extremely well, because he feels he needs to be calm have all the answers at a moment’s notice. He’s good at thinking critically in a crisis, but that comes from shoving his feelings down and never dealing with them.

Shadow is great at telling when Vio is at his limit though, the way he barely stands still, paces, rambles under his breath everything he needs to get done, and how he won’t meet Shadow’s eyes because if he does he’ll crumble. Shadow has to pry him away from it all almost by force, and Vio resists until Shadow hits him with the “won’t you take care of yourself for me?”

Shadow:

Shadow is still learning how to human, he knows a lot of the good and the bad, and he sees in his friends what responsibility does to you. He takes the load off them all when he can, but as someone who’s come from a world where all is dark and dangerous he takes the most time off to enjoy the simple things in life. All this to say Shadow doesn’t stress easily because he purposefully doesn’t let it get to him.

Seeing the others in distress does stress him out a LOT though, and in those situations he gets protective and defensive, very snappy at anyone that can potentially make his loved ones feel worse. Vio and Zelda are great at calming him down in these states, and Shadow tries to focus on how they both smile at him in order to calm down.

[illarian-rambling]

Thanks for the tag @mysticstarlightduck!

Character Profile Tag

Rules: Answer the questions for one of your characters

I feel like giving Djek some love <3

Full name: Djek Serun Kagura

Age: 19 in book 1, 23 in books 2 and 3

Gender: Cis man

Type of Being: Human, specifically of Amaranthi lineage

Appearance: Djek is a scrappy man standing at about 5'5". He has light brown skin, deep-set red eyes, and a black buzzcut about two weeks overgrown. He constantly squints because he needs glasses, lending to his shifty appearance, and he's missing a few teeth from a long ago brawl. In later books, his hands are covered in rippling black tattoos. He usually dresses in the fantasy version of laid-back chicano style, and can often be seen with lots of jewelry that may or may not belong to him and messy eyeliner.

Way of speaking: He grew up on the streets of a big city, and you can tell. There isn't a formal bone in his body. In my mind, he has a Chicago accent.

Physical characteristics: Elaborating on what I said in appearance, Djek’s most noticeable trait is his bright red eyes. This is the telling feature of the Amaranthi people, and his eyes are very vibrant even by that standard. Too bad they hardly work.

Occupation: Part-time thief, part-time locksmith. If he can break it, he can make it.

Family: Djek is estranged from his family, as his parents abandoned him to cut down on mouths to feed during a famine. His parents' names are Kali and Jedul. His older sisters are Kiva, Kana, and Avra. His older brother is Shon, and his younger brother is Vanik. He hasn't seen any of them since he was seven, though, so he's not sure which of them survived.

Best friend: His best friends and found family are Izjik Meautammera, Sepo Kaiacynthus, and Twenari Devaris. He considers them to be like sisters and brothers more so than any of his blood siblings.

Pets: Lord knows he's not responsible enough for that

Relationships: He tries, but he can never get past the talking stage, rip

Describe their room: For a large part of the story, he shares a room with Sepo. Djek’s side of the room is perpetually messy. Dirty clothes cover the floor, and the remnants of a half-dozen card castles litter every flat surface. His bed has approximately nine blankets and no fitted sheet or pillow. He likes to tinker on locks before bed, so there's a few screws floating around in there.

Items in their bag/purse: Lockpicks, snacks, spare change, a wallet that might belong to him, and ibuprofen

Hobbies: Playing (cheating at) cards, dancing, tinkering with locks, yapping

Favorite sport: He, like the rest of the quartet, loves to swim

Abilities/talents/powers: Djek is a sorcerer, albeit not a very powerful one. His best spell is his shadow summoning.

Fears: Abandonment is the big one. Djek has bounced from group to group all his life, always the weakest link. He does his best to make people laugh and always go along with what people say, as he believes any group will leave him to die if he's not useful or amusing enough.

Faults: Chronic people pleaser, consummate liar, terrible self esteem, always trying to be funny at bad times. He doesn't trust himself and thinks he's weak, so he usually just does what the strongest person in the room tells him to.

Good points: Unbreakably loyal, legitimately funny when he gets his timing right, has a heart of gold underneath his rough exterior, incredibly resourceful and creative. Despite how easily peer pressured he is, at a certain point, there are some things Djek refuses to budge on, like killing.

What they want more than anything else: To finally find a place where he belongs.

I'll tag @thecomfywriter @chaotictravelerrants @pluttskutt @tragedycoded @melpomene-grey and anyone else who wants to play :)

Full name: Age: Gender: Type of Being: Appearance: Way of speaking: Physical characteristics: Occupation: Family: Best friend: Pets: Relationships: Describe their room: Items in their bag/purse: Hobbies: Favourite sport: Abilities/talents/powers: Fears: Faults: Good points: What they want more than anything else:

[viridianevergarden]

What can be a possible explanation for Azriel’s shadows dancing and singing with Gwyn? Could it be that she’s a lightsinger? What could be the implications of that? Is my boy in danger?

Hi anon! Lots of good questions that are frequently asked but I’ll throw in my two cents here:

The big question, is Gwyn a Lightsinger?

It is entirely possible. Very possible, imo. I’m almost confident.

Throughout ACOSF, SJM made it a point to note that Lightsingers are a thing in Prythian. They exist and like Shadowsingers, they are rare and may be coveted by most. However, unlike Shadowsingers, these individuals do have the abilities to lure unassuming victims.

They are described as ethereal beings that possess pretty faces, friendly faces, and yet when their unassuming victim has been entrapped, they show their true colors before execution.

Now, one thing to note, Lightsingers were only mentioned alongside Kelpies. In the bog. So whether they typically exist elsewhere is a different question. But again, entirely possible.

But moving on. This could just be a harmless ploy by SJM to deepen the lore of ACOTAR but… In this very same book, all of these strange things happen:

Nesta noting that Gwyn glows when she sings.

Nesta also describing Gwyn’s voice as being different, or sticking out from the other singers.

Nesta making it sound as if she was being lured in by the sound and entranced.

The obvious mentions of Lightsingers some time after that. (To possibly slap a label on what she is?)

Then in the BC, yet a second POV noting strange things regarding her, Azriel “could’ve sworn” that his own shadows sang in answer to Gwyn’s song as he was going down the stairwell. Almost like they were being lured back to the source of the song.

So all in all, this is the first book of the series that confirms the existence of Lightsingers. All the while, not one but two people make note on these strange things. Each and every one of them pertained only to Gwyn. No one else.

I don’t think this is a coincidence nor do I think Gwyn just glows when she sings and has this weird ability to lure someone in for nothing.

It’s like SJM is waving her hands and saying “hey! Pay attention to this!”

Which makes me think that she wanted to showcase Az and Gwyn interacting at the end of that BC as a means to further indicate that something IS off with her. And to show how Azriel’s shadows react to those types of things in his head, which they did indeed react.

Is Gwyn evil? Is Az in danger?

I think that while this BC is nothing but a teaser of what’s to come, it cannot be ignored that the end is a red herring.

Now I do NOT think Gwyn is evil. Not intentionally. I don’t even think that she is aware of her possible abilities.

The most that I can think of in terms of her playing a part in some scheme is Gwyn being an innocent puppet while her strings are pulled from somewhere else by someone else. (Koschei?)

I mean, Koschei himself said he’d been preparing for Az. What ever that means, it does not bode well and it is solid foreshadowing.

Azriel is a target for Koschei for some unknown reason.

And Gwyn would be the best unassuming character to utilize as a weapon against him because she is close enough to him to harm him. (Meaning she’s in Velaris and sees him from time to time)

So Azriel could definitely be in danger.

So to conclude, I do think Gwyn is highly likely to be a Lightsinger even if she doesn’t know it yet. Theres just too many strange things about her that two people (or rather SJM herself) have noted regarding her.

It would just be weird to make this linear string of details in one big book and then do nothing with them come the next one.

[theshiftingwitch]

https://www.tumblr.com/creature-wizard/761018683964424192/the-law-of-assumption-isnt-a-cult-mmm-are-you?source=share

That's a very interesting read, thank you for sharing it!

(The Law of assumption is a cult)

Allow me to explain my side:

1- I don't believe in everything the "founder" teaches. Some rules work for me, others don't. I use critical thinking and past experiences to take whatever works and isolate it. Remember, his teachings came out in the 40s + he is not omniscient. Humans are bound to make mistakes.

2- I never guilt, shame, or turn away anyone who asks questions. If you scroll through my page, you'll see I'm trying to answer all questions and help everyone to the best of my ability. And all I ever insist on is having fun.

3- Everyone is you pushed out doesn't take away people's agency. It is a spiritual rule that suggests since we are all part of the great consciousness, we are all Spirit, the universe having a human experience. We are all One, and with that knowledge, we must face our shadows when people trigger us because they are merely holding a mirror to us and exposing parts of us we refuse to see or deal with. I know that when most people in loa community use EIYPO they mean no one else has free will in the world and you are the main character and you get to do what you want (that only applies in your reality, everyone's else reality doesn't have to conform to your beliefs) but I personally always say do not do onto others what you wouldn't do to yourself.

4- if loa is a cult, then by that definition so is the law of attraction, so is every religion and every spiritual practice that gives sole power to its founder/creator/god. If you're not allowed to question it then you're dealing with the wrong people and you should seek knowledge/advice somewhere else.

5- Try it out for yourself. Forget about Neville Goddard, forget about the community, let everything go, and try changing your assumptions about one single thing. Stick with it for as long as you can, and then we'll question the validity of the law. Too many people with great success stories started out as doubters too. (If it's not your thing, I totally understand, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do.)

TLDR: Law off assumption is as much of a cult as anything else that has a great following. If it works, then amazing. If it doesn't, feel free to try something else. And as usual, you're more than welcome to ask any questions 😊

Happy manifesting?

[starrulet]

My Experience with P5R

So, I went into this game with Zero Knowledge™ of what it held. I only bought it, because I knew you got to play as a phantom thief, everyone loves Joker and everyone had at one point called it the Perfect Game™ (oh, and it was on sale).

First Playthrough

Start up game. Absolute banger of a first hour. Everything is on point, this truly is the Perfect Game™ when it comes to graphical interface. Also, hands down best intro segment I have ever played. Immediately 100% invested in the game.

I write my name. I'm too lazy to look up something authentically Japanese online, so I name him KURO KNIGHT. I do not realize that small caps were available and this does haunt me for the next 100+ hours.

I discover the ability to "befriend" shadows. I attempt to befriend every shadow I meet.

Igor tells me to kill two of my personas. I am heartbroken and horrified by their execution. I absolutely hate the function and vow to never use it.

(Arsène is never sacrificed. At the time, I did not know this is uncommon for the first playthrough).

I max out the amount of personas I can currently have. I am heartbroken. I want to befriend all the shadows, but the game won't let me.

I am introduced to social stats. I make the wild assumption that these will passively effect the story for good/bad endings, as well as chances of success in Palaces (e.g. charm will increase likelihood of befriending a shadow, knowledge improves Third Eye, etc.), instead of being a "you must have stat 4 to pass to the next story segment" role. I immediately start investing hard on maxing my stats.

I do not know how to check Confidant Availability on the map. I only go to meet confidants if they've texted me.

(As you can imagine, this will royally screw me over later)

A teacher smacks me in the head with a piece of chalk. I'm told if I improve my proficiency, I can dodge it. Guess which social stat I start heavily investing in.

I am introduced to Maruki. I am told I have until November to max my relationship with him. He is immediately given priority over all other Confidants. Keep in mind, I only meet confidants if they text me.

I meet Kasumi. I'm not that interested in her, until I realize she only has a 5-star confidant bond. I decide to max her out, because that will be easy to reach.

I reluctantly start executing personas. Arsène is never executed, even though he's becoming so weak, I can no longer use him in fights.

While on the main menu, I notice Joker's shoes for the first time. And then I check and yes. Joker has the worst shoes in existence. I hate them. Everything about his phantom thief outfit is on point, except for those monstrosities.

I go ballistic over no one asking why "Pleasant Boy" heard their conversation about pancakes. I am angry. Enraged. I want answers, but the characters don't seem to catch onto the pancakes. I am deeply upset.

This is when I start questioning the intelligence and competence of the Phantom Thieves. It will effect how I perceive them later on.

I officially meet Akechi. I instantly take a strong liking to him, because he is the absolute WORST person to befriend as a phantom thief. The pancake thing makes me also super suspicious of him, further adding to him being a BAD person to befriend.

Akechi gives me the Sleuthing Instinct Skill. Akechi is instantly my favourite Confidant and I am determined to unlock the rest of the skills on his Confidant route.

A teacher throws chalk at me. I dodge. The whole class is amazed. I'm smug about it.

I meet "Becky". I die of second-hand embarrassment.

Why can I not gift Morgana sushi when I want to? Let me feed my cat sushi.

Every new palace, the Phantom Thieves are like "No! They don't have a persona, they can't help!" and "Leave it to us experienced pro phantom thieves B) ", only to end up relying on the formally non-persona user. I really don't feel like they're competent, since they suck at protecting civilians so much, that the civilian has to awaken a persona to save everyone or they'll all die.

I finally have enough guts to call up "Becky". When she arrives, the second-hand embarrassment is so strong, I exit the game without saving and have to replay the last two in-game weeks.

I realize that Yusuke, Makoto and Futaba are not listed as my Confidants. I panic and despair. I have failed my friends.

(I am unaware that minimal confidant bond does not mean we are not in-game friends and that not maxing out a Confidant Bond does not have too much impact on the story...)

The first time I ram into a shadow with the van, I burst into laughter. It was entirely unexpected.

I befriend Chihaya. I can't help but notice how much of a Meet-Cute this is and decide that I will pursue a relationship with her.

In Hawaii, I spend the day with Mishima and Ryuji. I am unaware that this is because I failed to develop higher bonds with other Confidants.

I get my first part-time jobs to complete Mementos quests. I wonder why anyone would bother with jobs, since you can get more money in Mementos than at work.

It starts occurring to me, that maybe I'm not supposed to blast through palaces in one run. There are benefits to multiple visits. I continue to complete palaces in one run.

I get stuck on my second boss - Haru's dad. Even grinding in Mementos does not save the day. I look up advice online.

I go out of my way to meet Hifumi. I cry. I want to max out her bond, she's instantly proven herself so useful.

I defeat the boss by the skin of my teeth. I never want to face that boss again.

Akechi officially joins the team. I am ecstatic, but I am dreading it. I love him, but I still have that pancake thing in my head and I am fully aware that the rest of the Phantom Thieves do not like him. AT ALL. Which can only mean the narrative has labelled him a bad guy (otherwise they would have quickly warmed up to him, like they did with Haru), which means he is only temporarily on the team, which means he will do something nefarious because the narrative said he must. Also, he is conspicuously the only one wearing white as a main colour. So. Further fuel for the "not part of the group!!!" fire. I am deeply upset by this. I still love him, even though I know I will have to soon accept his role in the narrative, whatever that may be.

A teacher throws chalk at me. I'm one step away from maxing out proficiency. It smacks into my face. The cold war wasn't over after all. The teacher has improved his aim.

I try to start a Confidant bond with Haru. She snaps at me and I'm so terrified by the reaction from the otherwise sweet and polite girl, I never attempt to talk to her again.

"I hate you." Akechi, as your only friend, please go see a therapist.

It's November and I haven't maxed out my relationship with Maruki. I am not getting opportunities to do so via text. I despair, because Maruki has grown to be a favourite of mine.

Maruki wants to bid me personally farewell. My Confidant Bond with him maxes out during our tearful goodbyes. I whoop and cheer that I got to the end of his Confidant route, oblivious to what this means.

Akechi says we should leave stealing the treasure to the last second. The team instantly agrees. I get mad, because when I try to do that, the team nags at me and complains that we should really do this ASAP, but when Akechi suggests it, it's fine-

The police raid Sae's palace and I assume they're cognitions from the nearby cognitive police station, not real police. From that, I deduce that the interrogation scene is taking place in the Metaverse and not the real world.

Yeah. I wasn't wrong, but I wasn't right either.

Endgame spoilers under the cut.

Endgame

The game keeps telling me to think carefully about my choices. I become paranoid. I am in interrogation and I become confused.

I am so confused by the game, I start thinking that maybe my instincts are wrong, and I end up ratting out my friends while being interrogated.

Sensing this was the Wrong Option, I exit the game and reload the last save file without finding out if it really was the wrong option.

I was right. It was the Wrong Option, since I am now watching the Right Option unfold. I am frustrated, because if the game hadn't been so insistent I "think carefully" and "consider my actions seriously", I would have instinctively not named my allies. BUT because it was nagging me, I thought if I went with the obvious option, I'd end up with the bad ending.

I'm an overthinker, ok.

Akechi comes to kill me. He looks utterly unhinged, to the point it crosses over into hilarity.

(Akechi gets one(1) plus point for looking incredible while killing the policeman. Like, that was insanely slick. Several thousand minus points for killing Joker though. And then nudging his head to check if he's dead, like Akechi, you shot him through the head what do you expect-)

It turns out, the Phantom Thieves did know about the pancake thing. But I'm 60+ hours into the game at this point and I do not have the mental capacity to retcon that much time to fit this reveal into a cohesive story. As such, despite making sense and the game setting up for this, my brain does not completely accept this plot reveal.

In other words, I would have strongly preferred it if we continued having 100% of the protagonists' perspective, instead of the 90% we ended up having, to keep the 10% (knowledge that Akechi will betray them, and the plan to fool Akechi) secret.

Like, no. We didn't need that to be a "plot twist". It was obvious from the start. Just admit it upfront next time.

I also don't buy into the Phantom Thieves being smart enough to concoct such a plan, because they've been making things up as they go along since Day 1 and have been heavily reliant on picking up new team members to survive Palaces and defeat Bosses. As said. By not addressing the pancake thing, my opinion of them being competent phantom thieves was shattered. I can't unsee their shortcomings, even if the pancake thing wasn't a shortcoming after all.

A part of me feels icky, because I know my first choice had been the bad ending. It now feels like the bad ending was the true ending, and I've cheated my way out of it, so the good ending that I'm approaching does not feel earned. The feeling hangs over me for a while.

Even though KURO is not dead, his absence in day-to-day life is shocking. It leaves a really big impact and a sense of dread.

I like KURO's incognito civilian clothes until I realize he's got nothing on under the grey hoodie. Child. Put some layers on. It's winter. What the heck, are you trying to die of hypothermia or something.

I miss Akechi. Not because I actually miss him, I miss what he contributed to the group: Getting the others to get all the way off my back about leaving the heist to the last minute.

"No guys, we can't go to Shido's palace until I've made enough coffee and curry! Yes, I'm serious!!!"

The Phantom Thieves are turned into mice. This is one of the best things to happen in-game.

Akechi has a psychotic breakdown in the engine room. I repeat to myself that this really could have been avoided if Akechi had just gone to a therapist.

Imagine my shock when I defeat Shido, but the game doesn't end. Staggering.

Igor orders Caroline and Justine to kill me. I panic, wondering if this was because I failed to max out my bonds with the Phantom Thieves and I am approaching a bad ending after all. Then I wonder if maybe this could be avoided if Caroline and Justine had a higher Confidant bond with me and I regret that it's still at an abysmal level 1.

It turns out that having level 1 doesn't stop the girls from apparently liking me. They cannot of their own free will kill me. I'm glad that it doesn't matter that I only have a level 1 bond with them, but this still feels jarring. My mind still equates bonds to levels of friendship, meaning we're still barely acquaintances at best. Plot armour for Joker has kicked in hard.

I make the wrong assumption that maxing out bonds has no impact on the overall story.

I am surprised that Morgana is not - in fact - human. At some point I had convinced myself he was a teen persona user, stuck in a coma. Or that he is the persona of a persona user, sent loose to help his persona user wake up again. I don't know when I developed that theory, but it's so strong that the truth throws me.

Unlike the pancake twist, I accept this "twist" without issue.

Over the course of the game, I have been strengthening Arsène like crazy. He is my strongest persona and has inherited many powerful abilities from the persona sacrificed for him.

I head into the final battle with Arsène equipped. It's satisfying to kinda defeat the final boss with him.

There's something kinda depressing about the cutscenes in the final boss battle. Almost like my confidants are... absent...

I am overjoyed when Akechi is confirmed to have survived, as he turns himself over to the police. I assume this is the result of maxing out my bond with him.

I love Morgana's cat portrait. No, I am not biased because he's a cat.

I assume the game will end. Then KURO wakes up in the counselling room. The game is not over yet.

Third Semester

Because I happened to max out my bonds with Akechi, Kasumi and Maruki, I get the third semester story part.

I am unaware of how lucky I am, considering I didn't max out any other bonds by December (outside of the automated bonds of Igor, Sae and Morgana).

I make use of the extra costumes the game has given me for the first time. I pretend there's an in-story reason: The alteration in the universe has also affected how they appear as phantom thieves. KURO is now running around in his starlight clothes, Akechi in the dance costume and Kasumi I'm never quite able to settle on. Why those particular clothes? I am unable to come up with a theory, beyond reality alteration.

I am thrilled that the game addressed Akechi's unhinged nature by having Kasumi question it, and didn't just act like nothing had happened.

I am delighted that, in Morgana and Futaba's absence, Akechi is my navigator. I have not enjoyed myself that much in a long time. He's terrible and that's what makes him perfect.

To be honest, it's in the third semester where Akechi is elevated to absolute favourite character in Persona 5. Prior to that, he was liked, but not favoured.

I am horrified that Maruki is the new bad guy. I am even more horrified by what they did to his hair.

I am glad that "Please see a therapist" is not something I can tell Akechi during the first and second semester, because - after what has happened to Maruki - Akechi would never let me live this down.

To be fair, Akechi would also accuse me of being a kleptomaniac, considering how I've picked every palace clean so far.

Genuinely shocked by the Sumire reveal.

Sumire apologizes for trying to kill KURO. I wish KURO had told her it's fine, because Akechi, his currently only other friend, also tried to kill him.

I spend third semester trying to max out my bonds with the Phantom Thieves and any other Confidants I haven't maxed yet.

I befriend Haru, but I never get passed level one with her.

I manage to get to level 9 with Chihaya. We become a couple. I assume.

I succeed in maxing out Takemi and Mishima's confidant bonds, but no one else.

I max out the Baton Pass with all Phantom Thieves (including Akechi and Sumire). I do this just because it's cool to have. I'm not thinking strategically.

During this semester I go to play billiards for the first time.

Because I'm playing billiards for the first time, KURO asks "What's a cue stick?" Meanwhile, Akechi - with whom KURO has played billiards several times, who KURO has even beaten at billiards - is just standing in the background. I pretend Akechi is exasperated.

I had already suspected it when it's revealed that Akechi is a cognition-human of the new reality. I am not surprised, since despite my love for Akechi, it feels like some of his nuance is gone as of the third semester. Him being a cognition built from people's perception of him (with heaviest influences being directly from KURO and the Phantom Thieves) explains that.

"This isn't trivial!" Mmh. Some grade-A angst right there, I love it.

Of course I choose to defeat Maruki. I may love Akechi, but not so much that I'd let everyone on the planet be brainwashed into someone's perception of true happiness. There's a difference between living and being alive. And also, Akechi doesn't want to live in this reality either, so....

I really, really hate Maruki's metaverse look. Like, at first, you think, well, a bit weird, but tolerable. Then you get glimpses of what's underneath the poncho and oh... oh no...

I am glad to have maxed out the Baton Pass with everyone, because this is the only reason I am able to beat Maruki.

Much like with all bosses from Okumura onwards, I win by the skin of my teeth. Unlike other bosses though, I get max HP and SP after completing a phase. I appreciate this, because otherwise I would have lost (most Phantom Thieves are in the low 80s, high 70s range).

I can't believe I end up in a fistfight with Maruki. They're not even attempting to dodge each other. It's like I'm watching an 18th century boxing match.

The Ending

It's Valentine's day. Chihaya doesn't give me anything. I am disgusted.

I'm told to say goodbye to all my friends. I exit and can only bid farewell to Sae, Takemi and Mishima. I am distraught.

Even though the cutscene has all the Phantom Thieves bidding me goodbye, I don't buy it. I couldn't bid them farewell on my last day, so this doesn't feel earned or real.

I realize I couldn't bid farewell because I didn't max out their bonds. So maxing out the bonds does have an affect on the story, just not one I could have predicted. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Maruki is a taxi driver. Dude. You have a university degree. You have a doctor title. Is this really all you could come up with?!

The game ends, I get the extra cutscene with Akechi and KURO seeing himself as Joker in the reflection. I interpret this as 1: Akechi is alive in some shape or form (with how and why being up in the air), and 2: the Metaverse cannot be destroyed, but the Phantom Thieves actions have lead to it being purged and cleaned. Hopefully, it will be healthier this time.

First Playthrough took me 110 hours.

NewGame+

I start the game so I can say goodbye to my friends. Yes. I am so mad that I couldn't say goodbye to Ryuji (and tbh, specifically Ryuji), I am replaying the entire game.

For real, if I'd been able to bid farewell to Ryuji in the first playthrough, I wouldn't have bothered with NewGame+.

And yes I've only mentioned Ryuji like a handful of times, but that's because I didn't really need to. Everyone loves him. It's a given.

I set the game to safety mode, because I just want the story.

This time I put a bit more effort into Joker's civilian name. I've grown attached to Kuro, even though I'm fairly certain that's not a name in Japan. In NewGame+ his name is Kuro Kichihei.

I enter my first battle in the Kamoshida's palace. I am frustrated that my stats are so low.

I realize I can equip end-game gear.

I'm crying, the shadows stand no chance.

I am too powerful. I fail to befriend shadows. I am forced to execute Arsène. This hurts.

I see the cutscene for executing Arsène for the first time. The Best Boy was with me to the very end in the first playthrough. It hurts to see him leave so soon in another timeline.

"It's no use! They're too powerful!!" Morgana cries. We have taken 2 HP damage.

I kinda wish I had set the game to easy mode, because I have a strong desire to know if this would be just as easy in normal mode.

I am determined to max out all bonds I form. While reading an online guide, I learn about checking Confidants Availability on the map. I feel like an idiot. I knew the blue rectangles meant a confidant was there, I didn't know they may offer up more information.

I discover there is a Confidant I have never even met in the First Playthrough. I go out of my way to befriend him. It's Yoshida.

Befriending him is... kinda stalker-y. Because I first find out where he frequents, get a job there to talk to him, and then I'm able to open up the confidant route. Like. I- I stalked him. So I could befriend him. No matter how you slice it, it's creepy.

I am in Madarame's boss battle. I am using personas at levels way higher than me, than the palace. I throw fire at all Madarames, the fire Madarames reflect it back at me. I am insta-killed. It's the only time I've died in the second playthrough.

I'm befriending and levelling up all previous Confidants, even though I know some of their skills carried over to NewGame+. I plan on befriending Chihaya again too, even though I'm going to pursue Makoto this time.

I do not open up the route with Chihaya.

I do open up Kawakami's route. I emotionally distance myself from the game to do so.

I discover I really love Kawakami and relate to her. It's unfortunate that the guy helping her is a minor and her student.

I spend a day hanging out with Ryuji. He mentions that his favourite characters are the rival characters. Um. Ryuji. Are you sure about that. Are you sure about that-

I open up Haru's route. She doesn't snap at me when I talk with her. I'm relieved.

As I finish Makoto's route, I suddenly wish I hadn't started a relationship with her. Because as she's pouring her heart out, this feels like she needed a friend, not a boyfriend. It's too late now though.

Meanwhile, I'm in Haru's early stages and I am displeased by the fact that she's still with her fiancé. My sympathy is not very high.

I finally understand why the Phantom Thieves kept asking me how I felt about the plan for Sae's palace. They weren't worried about the palace, or working with Akechi, they were worried about Akechi freaking murdering me.

Why is it an option to date Futaba if Sojiro is against it? Don't go against your dad's wishes, man.

Because I am weak, when Akechi sends me a text, asking me to hang out two days before he will murder me, I agree. Even though there are other Confidants whose bonds are ready to level up. Even though I've already maxed out my relationship with him. Even though it only unlocks a bless skill he will not have in the third semester. Akechi is still the favourite and does, in fact, get special treatment as a result.

As the Phantom Thieves re-explain how they suspected and tricked Akechi, I am able to better accept it and see how it fits into the story, partly because it's taken me 30 hours to get to this point, instead of 60.

I may accept the twist better, but the distaste remains and so I'm still not wholly happy with it. Maybe it's favouritism though. No. Who am I kidding. At this point, it's definitely favouritism. It's rarely strong enough to break the narrative though, so. Idk what you did Akechi, but you did it right.

I learn that if you have high bonds with non-PT Confidants prior to having to pretend to be dead, they will all reach out to you, to know that you're still alive. This made me very happy. And I did think it was strange in the first playthrough that no one outside the Phantom Thieves seemed all that bothered that I was dead.

There is substantial fear that I won't max out all my bonds before the end of the game.

I am particularly terrified that I will fail to max-out Haru and Shinya.

NewGame+ : Endgame

I enter Shido's palace. For the first time, I am no longer killing enemies with guns and attacks alone. Still wiping the floor with them though.

Haru seems to laugh at all my jokes. I wonder why Haru, Kuro and Akechi are not a more common trio in the fandom. You just know Kuro will tell a terrible joke, which Akechi will reasonably not find funny, but Haru finds hilarious, bursting into laughter, further exasperating him. I mean, tell me you don't see it. Tell me.

I max out the technical skill in billiards. I wish I could switch to normal, to see what the difference is (considering I never even touched it in the first playthrough).

Turns out I didn't need to worry about Haru. She maxed out within ten days.

At level 9, I'm thinking "Wow. Joker and Haru are such good friends :) " Then I reject her and she runs away. I suddenly feel bad that I'm already dating Makoto. So far, the only other confidant that got sad about rejection was Takemi. And she swallowed it like a champ.

I finally start exploring Shido's palace. I skip dialogue and cutscenes, so when Ann asks me if I remembered the plan, I answered "I forgot, actually...", making her exasperated. I have discovered being dumb is way more fun than being a know-it-all.

I rewatch Akechi's confrontation and once again feel second-hand embarrassment for the boy. This really could have been avoided if you went to therapy like a normal person.

I didn't notice how cool Akechi choosing to side with the Phantom Thieves was during first playthrough. I'm able to appreciate it this time.

Shido demands that Akechi be brought to him. Sorry Shido, unless Akechi somehow managed to drag himself out of the metaverse, you're not finding the body. Assuming he died. If he didn't die, well. Brace yourself, you're in for a shock either way.

Actually, that opens up a can of worms. What does happen to a being of the real world, if they were to die in the metaverse? They're a physical being, surely they can't just stay there? ? ?

I attempt to open up Chihaya's route, even though we're days away from the final boss battle. I forgot that there was a lot of running back and forth to unlock her confidant bond.

In other words, I do not achieve what I set out to do.

I've maxed out all my bonds, prior to the final boss fight. Except with Futuba and Kawakami. I accept my losses and wonder if I have time to max out three confidant bonds in the third semester.

I get a lot of new cutscenes in the boss battle, because I maxed out most of my bonds. Too bad I am not as invested in the story this time and so it's more of an annoyance than an "oh cool, so happy my friends back me :) " moment.

I'm in the boss battle. I defeat the god of control very quickly, it's laughably easy.

It's why I call BS when the plot demands the Phantom Thieves are exhausted and low energy, so that the crowd can overwhelmingly cheer them on.

My Phantom Thieves were still on max health and their SP was still fairly high. We didn't need popularity to mop the floor with the god of control.

From what I gather, Akechi is the absolute first sign of reality manipulation. Everything else follows after Akechi appears. That's weird. I wonder if there may have been other hints I missed, but I don't think so. Wait. Does Kasumi count?

It's the first time I get to spend christmas eve with a gf, instead of Sojiro and Futaba. It's surprisingly sweet and I stop regretting dating Makoto. Idk, I feel Joker and Makoto work well together.

"My sis told me last night [about Akechi]!" Yeah, right Makoto. I know you spent last night with Joker, you totally heard it from your sister and not him.

Tbh, with the way the story works, it seems that Joker and Makoto are in a secret relationship. Which I'm fine with, secret relationships are like. One of my favourite shipping dynamics.

NewGame+ : 3rd Semester

It seems I'm very heavily invested in the third semester, because I don't skip nearly as many cutscenes.

I wonder what it would be like to play P5 and go out of my way to be as hostile as possible to Akechi. Like, avoid him at all costs and always shoot him down. I doubt it makes a difference to the story.

Can you even unlock third semester if you don't max out Akechi?

I change their uniforms again, because I like pretending that third semester also affects how their metaverse selves appear. And the explanation for a more casual look? Maruki wants them to be ordinary teenagers, without the pressure of having to save the world. So their phantom thief clothes are partially affected by that (which does work, since Kuro's starlight clothes look like a more casual version of his phantom thief clothes, etc.)

Akechi: "I think we handled that rather well!" Akechi killed the shadow in one attack. Kasumi and I did nothing, just stood by and watched. Let me repeat that, we didn't do anything. There was no we, Akechi.

Akechi really does just straight-up peace out and let Joker fight Kasumi by himself. And then appears in the background after the battle, like he'd been helping in some shape, way or form.

It's still very funny to see Akechi go full-on villain in his showtime with Joker, while wearing a hat with HERO written on it in big, golden letters.

It stings to lose Akechi as navigator so soon, but because we're all way higher levels than we were in the first playthough (we're steadily approaching 90), the segment where he's navigator is much shorter.

Kinda weird how Akechi is open and even pushes for teamwork this time, when he strongly rejected it in December. :/ Almost like... This might not be the real Akechi...

I finish Kawakami's route. It's sweet. I'm really glad I swallowed my second-hand embarrassment, because this was worth it.

The NewGame+ was worth it, because lemme tell you, those third persona awakenings are hitting me right in the heart. Ryuji almost made me cry.

Yusuke's third awakening is so great, it's easily tied with Ryuji for best third awakening.

Really wish I could tell my friends that considering how I've forgiven Akechi, who not only betrayed me, but actually tried to murder me, I'm pretty sure I can get over them ignoring me for a few days.

I mean, the bar to upset Kuro is pretty freaking high. Akechi can potentially have failed to reach it, depending on how snarky and hostile the player wants to be towards him, but in both of my playthroughs he hasn't.

Hey, has anyone decided to keep Maruki's reality, purely to spite Akechi? Asking for a friend.

I now have a new fear: Failing to max out Futaba in time. I consider it a minor loss though.

I ask Haru to grow moonlight carrots. It's the first time I've asked her to grow anything. I promptly forget about them and never collect them.

Akechi and Ryuji argue while at Maruki's palace. And I have to decide whose side I want to take. As much as I favour Akechi, when we get down to it, I will always side with Ryuji. Also, Akechi getting flummoxed by my behaviour will never not be funny.

I finally befriend Chihaya. With 14 days left before the ultimate final boss battle. But I have nothing else to do in the evenings now, so I might as well try. As exepected, it doesn't get far.

There are nine days left and I have not yet maxed out Sumire or Futaba. The fear of failing is becoming increasingly real and intense.

It's kinda funny. In the First Playthrough, Joker had a supporting role in battle, reviving, healing and using support skills. He also specialized in Bless and Lightning attacks, and switched between personas frequently. In NewGame+ he's become a tank, specialized in Almighty and Curse attacks, and only uses, like, two personas really. It's such a stark contrast, almost like they're different people.

I'm ranking up Futaba and. Oh. Oh no. She has a crush.

What is it with men head-patting women as romantic gestures in Japanese media, that's always been so creepy to me.

Sumire confesses to Joker, which good on her, she's the only one to have done so. But I still wouldn't date her. Feels like a saviour crush, and I'm not into that jazz.

I fail to max out Futaba, but I'm ok with that. Sorry Futaba (and technically Chihaya).

Hey, if Maruki could bring back Okumura and Futaba's mum (and maybe Akechi), why couldn't he bring back the real Kasumi? Pretty sure that would relieve Sumire more than imposing a fake Kasumi personality onto Sumire. Or even switching out Kasumi for Sumire. Like, what's up with that.

Also, do dead people get their desires fulfilled? I imagine not. Which might be why Akechi is dead set on rejecting the reality. He's real enough to behave similar or identically to the real Akechi, and therefore aware enough to see that everyone has their "desires" fulfilled, except his. Unless his wish was to not go to prison, but he could have avoided that by just. Not taking Joker's place.

Or maybe it was that his crimes had never happened? Which kinda does work, seeing as he was released by the police and his crimes "swept under the rug". He doesn't act like someone that wishes he hadn't committed his crimes...

I just assume Akechi's deepest desire is not having a dead mum. Or a dad that actually loves him. So. You know. Sorry Akechi, even in the dream reality, you don't get a living mum or loving dad. Be grateful to be alive.

The fistfight at the end is just as stupid as it was the first time around. Don't get me wrong - I love that it's there. It's glorious. But still stupid.

Ok, the "Free Kuro from Juvie" is way more positive and uplifting when it isn't just Mishima alone in the street, trying to get Joker out of prison and Takemi giving one(1) interview. I am so glad I decided for NewGame+.

Ohya's freaking awesome. Love her.

Valentine's Day is too cute when you're spending it with someone.

It's February the 15th and I am being A M B U S H E D.

White Day is also very cute and very different when you've got someone to spend it with.

I do miss being able to give Sijiro something on White Day though. He deserves chocolate.

Kinda weird that the game keeps asking me who I want to romance, when. I've only romanced Makoto. Because I am loyal.

I can bid my friends farewell! Yay!!!! I'm finally happy.

Based on online advice, I go to the jazz club. And Kuro. Kuro. What do you mean you weren't Akechi's friend. You were the closest thing he had to a friend. That makes you his friend by virtue of being closer to him than anyone else.

I am so glad I chased up Kawakami. Her story was one of the best in-game. No, I'm not biased because I'm a teacher too. I'm not.

Move over Akechi, I have a new favourite and her name is Ohya. You go, you beautiful, independent, alcohol-loving lady!

When talking to confidants, I love that there's implication that the adventure won't actually stop for Kuro. At least, that's my interpretation, since it nicely builds into my head canon that Akechi is alive and that Mementos is purged, not erased (again, Akechi couldn't have died, or it'd be in the news...)

The game ends. I can start another NewGame+, this time with all stats already maxed out and over 6 million yen in my pocket. I don't, because I basically got the satisfying end what I wanted.

Idk, maybe in a year or something. Might replay it then, on higher difficulty.

Second playthrough took me 50 hours.

Man, that was wild.

[sweet-villain]

You Had Me~ Sebastian Stan/ Aaron Taylor Johnson series ~1

Summary : You are into your best friends, but there is some secrets to recover. What happens when he finds the truth? What happens when the best cure is the man that's into you?

Sometimes you thought life would throw you a curveball or give you a magical moment where you shake that good luck ball and it would give you a message.

A message that would change everything. 

Your world did a whole 360 when you were casted as Lighting Shadow, your character Erin Wallace, as a child you were in an electrical accident.

Your character has the ability to control electricity and as for the shadow part, you use it to hide yourself from enemies or use it for a source of transportation. 

You play Pietro’s love interest in the movie. Before also in Captain America, being Bucky’s love interest. 

There was no secret behind it that you and Sebastian had a spark on set. Everyone could tell but you were oblivious to it. It was him being friendly.

But Aaron wasn’t a stranger either to you. The two of you met on the set of Kick Ass, where he grew fond of you and the two of you became close.

Not too close as Aaron had hid the fact that he got married. He was terrified to tell you as every time he looked at you, he had this feeling.

He called it a funny feeling. It’s silly, he thought when his eyes peered over at you and his heart skipped faster. Aaron shook it off as a small crush he had developed and it would go away. 

You were too fazed in your head to notice that Aaron had sat on one side while Elizabeth “ Lizzy” Olsen.

Your best friend whom you couldn’t hide anything from her as she discovered you were into Aaron.

But that puts you into a bit of hot water because Lizzy has kept her mouth shut on Aaron’s secret.

She knew it would hurt you, but she thought it was for the best since you would have Sebastian by your side. 

She knew what she was doing. 

Questions were coming here and there, to you about your character and to the others. Then one person stood up from the crowd dressed as you from the movie. 

“Who did you like kissing better? Pietro from Age of Ultron or Bucky from Captain America?” She asked. Aaron turned to you, a slight smirk on his face, he wanted to see what you would say. 

The crowd “ ooh” and “ Ah” at the question. Lizzy giggled as she waited for your answer as well curious who you’d pick. 

I rather not choose” You simply said leaning back in the chair. “ Awe…” The crowd pouted and wined. “ Oh Come on Y/N, it’s easy. Just pick me..” Aaron said, chuckling. 

“ I don’t want to upset Seb“ “ Oh? So I’m a better kisser than you?”  Rolling your eyes you pushed his shoulder. Aaron puffed his chest out as his smirk widened and then he nodded, “ Of course it’s me.” 

“All I am going to say is I love working with you and Sebastian but come on give a girl a break here?” The cast laughed along with the crowd.

The rest of the panel went great. When you stood up, Lizzy whispered in your ear, “ You have the hots for him.” She sang. 

Looking at her, you shrugged. Aaron was gorgeous, how can you not think he’s not? He was sweet, adorable and a total dork as well. “ You can’t like him though” 

Lizzy decided upon herself that she would tell you what Aaron has been hiding.

You are her best friend and besides, this would have Sebastian coming to the rescue and comforting you. She knew Sebastian had a thing for you. 

At this new information, you frowned following her out. “ Why not?” She sighed knowing this was going to come but she had to tell you if Aaron wasn’t going to.

 “ He’s married” Shocked at this information, your eyebrows frowned together as you took a glance at him.

Why didn’t he tell you? Being hurt by this, you avoided his gaze as he glanced at you, sending you a smile.

His smile dropped when you didn’t return it and avoided contact. 

His eyebrows knitted together in confusion as he tried to move in between people but he couldn't catch up to you in time as you already had left.

He sighed to himself. 

Weeks went by and you were ignoring Aaron the best way you could. Ignoring his calls, text and when he came to your door knocking on it. You changed the locks, he had a key.

When he found out that you changed it, he banged on it. He begged you to open the door, you stood on the other side of the door hearing his pleads. 

“ I miss you!” 

“ What did I do ??” 

Those were the only things he would say on the other side of the door while banging on the door and running a hand through his hair. He was upset and frustrated, trying to understand what he did wrong.

He doesn’t realize how much he hurt you with his secret. 

Your eyes were closed with your back against the door, every bang he would make caused a tear to shed down your cheek. Your heart felt like it was ripped into a million pieces. 

“ Please” he begged. 

You tried so hard to not open the door, you wanted to but this was for the best. 

“ I don’t understand why he never told me. Why did he keep me in the dark about this? It’s not like I was going to get mad but now, I don’t know how to feel. I mean, the way he looked at me on set.. It was like there was something there… or am I being delusional about this?” you asked Lizzy sitting across from her at a table in her kitchen. 

She sighed and grabbed onto your hands. 

“ You’re not. He was giving you those looks when you look at someone and feel like they are right for you.. You know?” you shrugged not really knowing the look or how it really looks.

You don’t even know if it was the look that Aaron was giving you, honestly. 

“ I’m sorry,” she added. “ You don’t deserve it” 

You shrugged. 

“  At least now you and Seb can get closer” your head shot up as you heard his name. “ Sorry?” you asked. She rolled her eyes, knowing you. 

“ You can’t tell me there is something there between you and Sebastain. Everyone could see it. He’s so into you..” she says.

A huge smile lights up on her face. Maybe steering away from Aaron would do you some good, she thought. 

“ I don’t know what you're talking about Olsen, but there is nothing there” you lied.

You knew something was there between you two. You can tell from how his eyes light up every time you two were in the room together, how he talks about you to others, and the way he would look at you and listen to you.

Even if it’s nonsense, you have his attention. 

She sighs, “ Whatever you say, sunshine. “ 

“ I can’t be friends with Aaron anymore” you stood up from the chair you were sitting in and put your hands on your hips. “ It’s not right, I need to get over him…” you mumble. 

“ He misses you.. Ask about you.. He’s been super moody…” she says. “ Do you want tea?” she asks. 

“ No, thank you. I don’t really care if he misses me, he hurts me and I don’t know..I can’t be around him.” 

A car pulls up to the house, Lizzy knitted her eyebrows together. She was not expecting anyone. 

“ You invited someone over? She asks, putting down her cup and heading towards the door. You shook your head, knitted eyebrows and followed her down the hallway to see who it was. She peers behind the curtain and see’s Aaron’s car. 

“ Huh, Aaron is here…” she says, letting the curtain go and turning her head towards you. “ You didn’t tell him you were here, did  you?” 

You shook your head. 

“ I haven’t talked to him in weeks. Why is he here?” She shrugs as she heads toward the door but you grab onto her wrist in time to stop her. 

“ What?” 

“ Don’t tell him I’m here” you whispered to her, eyeing the door. “ He can’t know…” you dropped her wrist before heading to the kitchen. Lizzy sighs and heads towards the door and throws it open since she knew who it was. 

“ Aaron! What a pleasant surprise” she says. “ Didn’t know you were in the neighborhood.” Aaron stares down at Lizzy and then looks over her shoulder at the hallway that leads to the kitchen.

She swallows the lump in her throat hoping he doesn’t walk into her house, uninvited and searching for you. 

“ Is she here?” he asks meaning he’s asking about you. She shakes her head. 

He tilts his head to the side inspecting her, the smell of your perfume hits his nose and it flares up in disappointment. He knew she was lying to him. 

“ Tell her to call me…” he turns to walk back to his car but not before turning around, looking at her over his shoulder as he adds, “ Please.” 

She closes the door after he leaves and turns around to jump, holding onto her heart as you stand there giving her a sympathetic look that you were sorry you scared her. Your eyes go to the door. 

“ Is he gone?” She moves away from the door. 

“ You need to stop acting like a child and talk to him. He’s a person, with feelings like you. He’s not a robot where he can turn his emotions off and on. He cares about you and I can tell it’s hurting the both of you being away from each other…” 

“ I can’t talk to him… no” you shook your head. She rolls her eyes.

“ You’re so stubborn” She notices he’s still there, sitting in the car and waiting. Waiting for what though? 

“ He’s still here, go talk to him” she turns you around and pushes you towards the door but you manage to grab onto the wall and refuse to move with your feet digging into the carpet. It moves away and slides with your feet. 

Lizzy gives up and throws her hands up in the air. 

“ Fine, I’m talking to him” 

“ O-okay.. What are you going to tell him?” 

“ The truth” your eyes widen and before you get a chance to hold her back, she is already making her way to his car with your hand on the door looking, eyes wide as she approaches his car. 

Lizzy knocks on the window startling Aaron and he rolls it down, wiping away his tears. 

“ I was just about to leave….” he says, starting the car. “ Sorry” he adds. Lizzy shakes her head and walks around the car to get into the passenger side. 

“ She knows” is the first thing Lizzy says to him. Aaron turns the car off and looks over at her, confusion is written on his face. “ What are you talking about?” He asks. 

“ She knows you're married” Aaron’s eyes got wide. “ How??” He asks.

Guilt crosses her face as she glances down at her hands. She didn’t need to answer him, hearing him groan as he threw his head back into his seat. 

“ Why did you tell her?” 

“ Because she needed to know before it got worse” At this information, Aaron turned to look at Lizzy. 

“ Got worse for what? What does that mean?” 

“ You don’t realize that maybe… just maybe the girl cares about you more than you know..” she doesn’t want to say the exact words to him but paint him a clear picture on what she means.

It doesn’t take long for Aaron to understand what she means, his eyes get wide and his head shoots over at the house. 

You are still standing there. 

He gets out of the car and you notice this, fearing he would be angry with you, you were closing the door when his hand happened to stop it.

He ran to the door blocking to make sure you were not going to hide from him.

Not this time. 

“ Stop, we need to talk” he says as he pushes against the door. The door opens to reveal you face to face, eyes glossy as you wait for him to yell at you, to laugh at you and worse, to tell you he hates you. 

But those words never came. 

“ I’m sorry” He started to say. You snorted, he was sorry. Sorry was a word you didn’t want to hear. It was overused with everyone that told you from Lizzy to your parents and now hearing it from Aaron. 

“ I don’t have romantic feelings for you Y/N. I am happily married, I didn’t tell you because I wanted it to be a secret. My private life is my life. But you're my best friend, I want it to be that way. We have been through a lot together and I can’t lose you. Our friendship means to much to me” 

Your mouth forms into a thin line where you weren’t going to say anything.

But he knew from your glossy eye, one tear shedding down your cheek that he had hurt you.

The truth did hurt and he finally told you what he wanted. Right? Aaron ran the words over and over in his head as he continued to wait for you to talk.

It didn’t make sense in his head. He feels like an idiot. 

He can’t go back though, he has done the damage. 

“ We can’t be friends anymore,” you tell him. His eyes sadden at your words and shake his head. 

“ That’s not true, we can get past this and it’s just a silly phase. I need you to be my best friend. I want you to be my best friend. “ 

“ Things don’t work the way you want them too, sorry” you shrugged. 

“ I care about you way too much to throw this friendship away” 

“ Go…” you said through your tears as they were streaming down your cheeks like waterfalls.

“ You better go” Lizzy tells him from behind, she walks over to you and pulls you into her, rubbing your back in comfort. 

Aaron looks at you one more time before he sighs, shoving his hands in his pockets as he heads towards his car. 

He knew the truth now. It hurt. He looks back to see Lizzy has closed the door.

He gets into the car and starts the engine, giving the door another look. His own heart sinking into his stomach. He feels like this wasn’t the end of what’s to come. 

You were laying in Lizzy’s lap as she stroked your head, singing softly while the tears were no more left to shed and you stared into the tv of the show that was on.

You didn’t pay attention to it. Your mind was racing. 

The doorbell rang. You didn’t even move to see who it was as Lizzy headed towards the door. She had to call him. She had to have him come over.

He’s been away filming and he's back now. 

You heard talking in hushed tones but paid no mind. Footsteps could be heard as they came closer.

Someone kneels down on their knees in front of you. 

“ Hi, buttercup,” they said, greeting you. Your eyes widen as your eyes set on a familiar face.

A smile spreads across your lips as you throw yourself into his arms, breathing in his scent.He squeezes you tight against him, chuckling as he feels your smile against his shirt. 

Maybe this day wasn’t so bad afterall.

[wild-magic-oops]

3, 4 and 12 for the rooks asks

Since I had reblogged 2 different question lists very close to one another, I decided to answer for both of them! This is about my Shadow Dragon Rook Julian

3. What was Rook’s life before their faction?

Oof, I'm not usually very good at giving my OCs backstories. But the canon Mercar backstory applies. Since Rook comes from a family of non-mages in Tevinter, he (as a mage) was encouraged to try and better his own standing and potentially that of his family, and he did try to do that. He went to a Circle (I haven't decided which one bc I didn't manage to find a list of all of the Tevinter ones) and tried his best to excel. His magical abilities weren't the problem after graduation, but rather his moral values and how bad he was at keeping his mouth shut. In the end he scrapped that idea and was nervous that he'd be disappointing his parents by doing so. He was relieved when it became apparent that that wasn't the case.

Based on this codex entry, I hc that the Mercar in question here is Rook's father who got contacted by the Shadow Dragons, and in turn told Rook about it and got him into the organization's ranks.

4. Which faction did they join, and why? How long has it been?

The Shadow Dragons. He's been with them for a couple of years and joined for the usual reason every Shadow Dragon did - to try and better Tevinter.

12. Does Rook have any family? Do they keep in touch?

Yes, he has parents (adoptive, as per canon) that he has a very good relationship with and keeps in touch regularly. I haven't really considered siblings, but if I do give him some, they'd be older than him for sure and non-mages.

~~~

3: Race and subclass?

Human mage, as for the subclass - I'd say fire mage but since that's not really an available subclass, I'll have to go with Spellblade. In reality I changed talents and subclasses based on the fights and only the fire spells were mostly untouched since they are my fav <3

4: If your Rook was a companion, where would they be found?

Dock Town

12: What is their orientation?

Bi

[karniss-bg3]

Something I think about an bit is spiders are cold blooded so are driders and if so how dose kar’niss del with winter or the shadow lands they look quite cold and last question could you ever tell me how you think an drider book lung works (aha sorry that’s all and I love your posts)

I had to go down some wacky rabbit holes to really hash this one out. One thing I will say for this blog, it’s made me more educated about topics I never would’ve considered before. I expect by the time my tenure is finished I’ll walk away a certified genius.

...Or just as goofy as I’ve always been. Either way it’s a net positive.

Here is the problem I run into when trying to work out the intricacies of fantasy creatures...I don’t know what rules to use. By that I mean there are nuances to consider when asking “How does Kar’niss _____?” Am I basing this off of real world examples or examples from the world in which they are from? If so how does that impact the overall conclusion I come to? Is it fair to compare a drider to an animal from our planet without knowing the physics of Faerun? Is their gravity the same, the climate, the oxygen distribution, the atmosphere? It’s the classic “Adrian overthinks bullshit because he doesn’t know how to do otherwise” story hour. That isn’t even taking into consideration how magic may impact the answer especially considering magic is intangible and a made up concept whose rules change from medium to medium. This is the world’s most frustrating fun house where every mirror reflects a different outcome and I’m too derpy to consider them all.

Now that I’ve got the long winded non-sense out of the way, here is the best assessment I could cobble together.

The problem with Kar’niss’ anatomy is it’s unclear how the two halves work together. Spiders in our world do have lungs but they do not have active breathing mechanisms like a diaphragm in humans. However, Kar’niss has the ability to speak, ragged as it may be. This leaves me with the assumption that the lungs in his torso still function, giving him the ability to inhale and exhale in order to talk. But Kar’niss’ heart and lungs would be far too small and pathetic to maintain the spider half with as large as it is. So I have to conclude that even if the two halves of them are attached, the only thing shared between them is a digestive tract. The blood he consumes has to go somewhere and he can’t nourish only one half and neglect the other. I believe all of his digestion is done in the spider half and the stomach in his drow torso is basically non-functional as a result.

Where we run into a bit of a hitch more stems from how big Kar’niss is. Even if his spider body doesn’t have to worry about maintaining the drow torso via heart and lungs, it has another issue; Available oxygen. Prehistoric insects from the Carboniferous period were huge, far larger than anything we see today. This is because of how dense our air was with oxygen which allowed them to increase in size without side-effects. So I have to ask, how high is the oxygen content in Faerun? Does it matter? Probably not! It does make me wonder how an arachnid body that large, whether drider or giant spider, survives if the oxygen in the air is low. Humans, giants, demons, driders and all manner of creatures can co-exist in a fantasy realm where the rules are made up and the points don’t matter.

While I could go into detail about the difference between human lungs and spider lungs I think I’d be splitting hairs at that point. When it comes to Kar’niss I think both bodies have working organs that are suited to the body they are in, which is the only reason this macabre union works at all.

As for how Kar’niss survives the cold that is also an interesting question to answer. Driders don’t usually wear armor but they can if so inclined, which means they aren’t worried about being naked as a jay bird. This question is a bit compounded by the fact that most driders don’t leave the Underdark, an area notorious for lack of sunlight. So I had to tap dance my way back to real world spiders to find a reasonable answer for this.

The first step in how spiders survive the winter is by adapting to the cold temperatures. They do this by increasing their metabolic rate, which helps them generate more heat. This allows them to stay warm even in the coldest temperatures. They also produce antifreeze proteins, which help them survive in temperatures as low as -10°C. Another strategy spiders use to survive the winter is by avoiding freezing. When temperatures drop too low, spiders can start to freeze with the water particles surrounding them. To prevent this, spiders produce cryoprotectants, which help them survive in sub-zero temperatures. These cryoprotectants act like antifreeze, preventing the spider’s cells from freezing and allowing them to survive even in the coldest temperatures.

While I am not sure if this is the same thing driders would do, I imagine they must come with some way to contend with ambient temperatures to keep themselves from freezing. I vote slapping a striped scarf on him and hand him a cup of hot cocoa. It’ll taste like ass to him, but it should do the trick all the same. Just don’t let him spit out the hot liquid onto your face, I am not responsible for any burn related injuries that may occur.

I hope even a fraction of this made sense. It was the long way of saying “RANDOM BULLSHIT, GO!” Eh, close enough.

Thanks for the ask!

(Side note: I just learned drider vampires exist. As if things weren't already fucked up enough for the poor bastards.)

[whispersfromtheshadowsoffical]

Ohoho yandere LI sing me in !

I must say I'm curious how would the LI express their love to the MC ?

Hello! Thank you for sending in an ask! I love this question so much!

Apollo is bursting with energy and has a deep love for physical contact, so you can expect plenty of hugs! He's the type to shower you with affection through sweet words and playful nicknames, leaving no doubt about how much he likes you. Although he’s a delusional yandere, his actions are mostly harmless. However, Apollo has a habit of overlooking any signs of discomfort, often pushing boundaries without realizing it.

Soren has a soft spot for all things cute and beautiful, which is exactly why he’s drawn to you! He’s incredibly clingy, often acting innocent to come across as completely harmless. Hugs and physical affection are his favorite ways to connect, and he can be quite touchy. However, Soren has a habit of collecting pretty things, like dolls, and you’ll need to be careful—if he starts to see you as just another one of his prized possessions, that’s when things can turn dangerous.

Lynx exudes arrogance, showing affection in the form of insults and by making their Darling fulfill their every whim. They expect to be worshipped and catered to, indulging in their selfish desires without a second thought. Lynx doesn’t care much for what’s best for themselves or others, acting purely on their impulses. Their need for pampering is constant, and they grow impatient if their gratification is delayed. Basically a big tsundere lol.

Xenos lingers quietly in the shadows, camera in hand, documenting every move you make like a dedicated stalker. His obsession with you goes far beyond casual interest—he craves to know every little detail about your life, from your daily routine to your most intimate secrets. Every glance, gesture, and moment you think is private is captured by him, as he tirelessly seeks to understand everything that makes you, you. For Xenos, no piece of information is too small or insignificant; his need to know you is endless and consuming. For Xenos, his love is in learning about you.

Kaine is a relentless flirt, always on the lookout for an opportunity to make a pass at you. His charm is undeniable, and he doesn’t shy away from using it to his advantage. Whether it's a teasing remark, a playful compliment, or a sly glance, Kaine knows exactly how to keep the attention on himself. He thrives on the thrill of the chase, and no situation feels too serious for him to turn into an opportunity for flirting.

Nox is bound by a curse that limits his ability to speak, so he expresses his affection in more subtle and creative ways. His love language shines through in the heartfelt poems he writes and the thoughtful gifts he gives. Simply being by your side, and offering silent support, is also one of his ways of showing care. Nox is deeply overprotective, always watching over you and determined to take care of you, ensuring you're safe and loved even when words fail him.

I hope that answers your question and feel free to leave more asks if you have any more, sometimes I get on little tangents so sorry about that.

[murasaki-cha]

So I just finished reading The Prisoners Throne Excerpt

*sharp inhale* *screams into the void*

AND I HAVE THOUGHTS PEOPLE!!!

First of all WHAT DID CARDAN DO!?!?!?!??! SERIOUSLY WHAT HAPPENED THAT WAS SO BAD THAT OAK THINKS THAT CARDAN WOULD ACTIVELY TRY TO KILL HIM!?!?! They were cool the last time we saw the so WTF!?!

Seriously this part got me so curious I won't be able to stop thinking about it for the next 3 months! Oak has so much hot family drama to spill!!

But moving on from that.

I love how we're finally exploring Oak's charming ability and how he starts doubting it himself if he really did subconsciously use them with Wren

And we got so many moments of Oak recalling his training with the court of shadows. He considers them all his friends and recalls those memories so fondly it was so sweet (he sounded more comfortable with them than when he recalled anything about Jude let alone Cardan apparently). That whole convo with the Ghost was especially adorable:

The Ghost/Garrett: How are your skills with the blade?

Oak: I'm eleven???

Also can we please talk about jealous Oak please! Like my boy, out of all the times and occasions! He's so desperate it's hilarious

Still in the OakWren train, this boy is so down bad it's pathetic. The way he waits for her even if it's just to command or scorn him, simply because he wishes to see her. Regretting every single thing he hid from and feeling like shit because he can't even apologise since she doesn't come see him. BRUTALLY ANNIHILATING that mechanical snake since it could have been going to poison Wren. Pleading to postpone his rescue just so he could talk to her.

Favorite part was when he recalled Wren's betrayed face after she found out the truth and going "Damn yeah I really do deserve to be in here locked up, still need to escape tho, but I deserve this."

Oh Greenbriar men, you and your love for evil women who you accidentally betrayed and kept you imprisoned. Alexa play Loverboy.

Loved that this entire paragraph (besides Cardan's vendetta against Oak WHICH IS KILLING ME) was just Oak going

Oak: Angry vengeful Jude? Yikes. Angry vengeful Wren? Yikes. Angry vengeful Jude and Wren against each other? We're doomed

And finally we at least now know where the ring from the cover came from!

Holly Black did say that an important element in the cover is how the ring is frozen in the brances, unmoving. I wonder if it's some kind of symbolism about Oak's inability to leave Weren, how he is trapped by her not only physically by the briddle, but emotionally too? That would be so cool

Tho this first chapter sneek peak gave me more questions than answers, I really enjoyed getting a feel of what the book would be like from Oak's pov (regretting, simping, scheeming and a whole lot of Keeping Up with the Greenbriar/Duartes). God I can't wait 3 more months I need this book in my hands now!!!

[kaibutsushidousha]

The Story of the Boy Who Left to Pick Up Sand from the Moon (Sagrada Reset 4) - Chapter 3

[INDEX]

The clock precisely 5 minutes late read almost 11:45.

The loud voices of the children drowned out the loud voices of the cicada. Boys and girls occupied the swings. Other boys threw a yellow ball to each other. It looked like they were playing dodgeball without a marked court.

Asai Kei and Haruki Misora sat at a bench on a small park. 

"July 23rd, 11:48:46.", said Haruki. She had her phone on her ear to hear the exact time.

Kei remembered what happened 5 minutes ago.

Five minutes before Sunday, July 23rd, 11:48:46. It was a memory of July 26th—which numerically should be 3 days in the future.

The world was living July 26th until a few moments ago. Kei and Haruki were sitting on this same bench, but there were no children.

"Seems like we Reset.", said Kei.

Kei has the ability to reliably remember everything. The three days wiped away by the Reset return only to his head.

"We were investigating a boy named Kusakabe Shouta pre-Reset."

Tomorrow, on the night of the 24th, one boy will disappear. His last words before leaving will be "I'll go pick up sand from the moon". He'll be right in front of Nonoo Seika.

Kei didn't know what his ability was. The Bureau was just as uninformed.

On the 25th, the day after the boy's disappearance, Kei received a Service Club mission to investigate the boy. Their tentative goal was to verify the boy's safety.

They tried waiting until the 26th, but the boy didn't come back, so they Reset.

"Any questions?", Kei asked after explaining the past three days.

The yellow ball bounced away, and the children ran after it.

"None come to mind.", Haruki answered.

"Then let's meet Shouta tomorrow."

"Does it have to be tomorrow?"

"Yeah. Today we won't contact either Shouta or Nonoo."

Kusakabe Shouta would only disappear next night.

But Kei's actions carried a risk of bringing the schedule forward.

24 hours after the Reset, he could Save again. There was no reason to rush it. It was better to take their time and Save on the next afternoon before making any moves.

"Then we have nothing to do today."

"True. My only plan for tonight is watching the moon."

A small child threw the yellow ball with all his might, causing it to fly above another kid's head and roll to a corner of the park.

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

Same date, 7:30 PM.

With a small knapsack on his back and a telescope on his shoulders, Kusakabe Shouta climbed the narrow staircase to the side of the Hanamizaki Shrine. An inconspicuous staircase, easy to miss if you don't know it's there.

A moon shaped liked a half-circle occupied the lower position of the sky. Guided by the moon's light, he climbed the stairs, paying attention to his every step.

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

One year ago, on a summer night, Kusakabe Shouta climbed the same mountain.

He carried the same knapsack on his back and the same telescope on his shoulders. But he wasn't threading the same path. Back then, Shouta still didn't know about the shrine's staircase. 

He was there for stargazing. His father had just bought him a new telescope, which he wanted to use on the best place to see the stars, so he snuck away from home and headed in the opposite direction to the lights of the city.

He sought the darkest and tallest place he could find. He wandered into a mountain in a daze, and when he returned to his senses, he was lost.

He was too exhausted to take another step, and his arms hurt from carrying the telescope for too long. Shouta sat under a tree.

The longer time passed, the more anxious he grew. He thought, with no exaggeration, that he was going to die there. Under the tree painted black by the shadows, Shouta looked at the night sky and cried in silence. 

That was when he noticed something wrong on his feet.

He checked what it was and noticed a cat poking at his shoelace.

Shouta found the cat weird. It was small and skinny but its white fur shone under the moonlight. Its deep yellow eyes looked gold depending on the angle, like a pair of moons.

The cat leisurely started walking in a different direction.

Shouta was bewildered at first. The cat seemed to be a stray. It didn't have a collar and it was too skinny to belong to someone.

(Am I supposed to follow this cat?)

But he couldn't accept the idea that a stray cat would try to save him.

Due to Shouta's hesitation, the cat stopped and turned to him.

And then he meowed once, without a care in the world. It was a mocking meow.

(The cat won't stay here forever. I'll follow him and that should take me somewhere.)

The uncaring cat proceeded through unpaved mountain tracks.

Shouta was desperate to keep up with it.

He felt like the cat had been wandering the mountain for the longest time. But after a while, he came to realize that it only had been about 10 minutes.

He followed after the cat until he finally discovered open space.

Shouta found himself in front of a small shrine.

He seriously wondered if he had made it into another world. That's how fantastical the scenery was. What he was seeing didn't look real by any stretch.

The shrine was surrounded by countless cats. And at the center of the circle of cats, a girl sat on the shrine's three-step staircase.

A girl with doll-like pale skin and flowy dark hair. Her quiet expression and closed eyes made it seem like she was sleeping. Her beautiful skin shone faintly with the moonlight. Her light felt cold like the very light of the moon.

(Who is this girl? What is this girl?)

Shouta wasn't sure if she was human. If anyone told him she was a moon spirit or a god of cats, he could easily believe it.

When he least expected it, the girl opened her eyes.

She looked at him with captivating eyes darker than the night sky.

He couldn't breathe. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. His heart was loud.

He knew this was love at first sight. Despite never experiencing it before, he had no doubts this was it. The boy fell in love for the first time when she opened her eyes.

With no sign of humanity on her face, she calmly introduced herself. "I'm called Nonoo Seika."

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

He knew about the inconspicuous staircase next to the shrine because she showed it to him on the way home from the night they first met. Since that day, Shouta has never found a different path to her.

One year passed and he traversed this path many times more. He loved watching the night sky, but had a much greater wish to see the beautiful woman.

But this would soon come to an end.

In 4 days, Shouta was going to leave the city in the morning.

He wanted her to be sad about it, but he knew he was asking for too much there. Shouta's absence wouldn't make a difference to her. She'd sport the exact same expression and go through the exact same routine. That's who he believed Nonoo Seika was.

The stairs ended at a mountain trail. Shouta briskly advanced through it.

He was jealous of that white cat. The cat who died six months ago trying to reach the moon. The stray cat who brought them together.

Conversations about the cat could bring a faint smile to Nonoo Seika. Even from the grave, the nameless earned that expression. He earned it from eternity. What Shouta never shared with anyone was that he wanted what the cat had.

What did he have to do to earn? How could he make the belle like him as much as she liked a cat? Pondering about that, he noticed he knew absolutely nothing about her. She never talks about herself. He didn't know her hobbies and preferences.

The only thing that came to his mind were cats. It always comes back to that white cat.

So what if he granted the cat's wish?

(I could do something for the cat. Anything. Like getting him some kind of moon-themed present. It could be even be sand from the moon. If I could give her that, would I become her second favorite?)

That was what Shouta thought one month ago, more specifically, on the day his family decided to move. Shortly after it, Shouta gained an ability.

But his ability as extremely weak. It'd be a miracle if he somehow managed to pick up sand from the moon with an ability like this. 

Before long, a small shrine appears past the mountain tracks.

However, Nonoo couldn't be found there.

No Nonoo meant no cats. The only thing there was an ancient shrine.

Shouta sat on the stairs and looked around. He tried waiting 30 minutes, but Nonoo still wouldn't appear. 

(Not today either.)

4 days left until he moves away. Would he be able to find her here at night—While the moon was out?

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

Under the shadow of the trees, where the darkness of the night was darker, Asai Kei watched the boy.

He took a good look at the kid's sad face.

And that's how he noticed that the boy never peered into his telescope or looked at the sky at all before he made his way back where he came from. 

With that he understood that the boy's goal was not in the vast universe above.

[daincrediblegg]

Two questions: top 5 things that the Inexperienced Jared Observer should watch him in

Which Terror ep would you rate as Thee best and why?

OOOH HO HO AND I SHALL ANSWER WITH GUSTO Ok. Barring the obvious three choices (i.e. Foundation, The Terror, and Chernobyl, which are really the biggest powerhouses of Jared's acting abilities to date, and then the tier two shows: Carnival Row, Mad Men (it is a very good show overall but if you're there just for jared it takes a while to get to him and it takes a LONG time to get over him), and The Crown), these are my recommendations:

Certain Women His part in this movie is very short, but honestly. it really shows how much this man can do with such a little character, really proving the "no small parts only small actors" adage that folks like to throw around. I still think about him a lot. really showed such a range with so little and it baffles me to this day. Also it's an anthologized narrative and his part and also Lily Gladstone's role in it (her first film role ever btw) as being a horse lesbian with Kristen Stewart really makes it worth the watch a lot more than some of the other bit part things I've seen him in.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows I genuinely think he's my favorite Moriarty of all time. Full stop. he's just such a wicked delight, and it will forever make me curse Guy Ritchie for only giving him bit parts in some of his other films. absolutely criminal.

The Devil's Violinist @prismatica-the-strange and I absolutely did not go into this film expecting it to be as good as it is. we thought it was gonna be a flop. that Jared Harris was gonna play the devil and we'd have a laugh and that would be that. Incorrect. Turns out the guy playing Paganini is actually a bonafide child prodigy violinist and he blows a LOT of the musician biopic performances out of the water because he REALLY DO BE PLAYING THAT VIOLIN LIKE THAT. Oh and also Jared plays his manager who is literally the devil and he has a pincer beard. and he's a sarcastic little shit and he's just a delight.

Two of Us This was genuinely the first film that made Jared a lifelong stand-out name to me at age fourteen. iykyk. He also fulfilled every McLennon shipper's dreams with this movie by kissing Aidan Quinn full on the lips. So if you want an explanation of why he queer codes a lot of his roles, this is it.

It's really hard to choose between The Beast Must Die, The Quiet Ones, and the 2015 Poltergeist remake, so I suppose I'm gonna go with The Beast Must Die because he's a saucy little asshole and he absolutely looks the prettiest in that. But that's the bitch of it with : this man has made a career of making himself a highlight no matter what kind of bit part you throw at him, so like honestly anything in his filmography is worth watching. But yeah he's so pretty in the beast must die. That's all I got. As for the second question... man why can't I choose all of em? why??? 😭😭😭 I can't pit all these bad bitch episodes against each other at any given moment in time man. I love this show too much. I simply cannot choose. it's all so good. I would like to say it's ep 5 for the way jared acts drunkenly (best drunken performance I've ever seen in my entire life), but then I think about him on the gunwale with blanky talking about the reindeer and laughing and how much Jared literally changed from the script to make that moment so goddamn endearing and human. but then I also remember the moment blanky leaves him like??? DUDE. I can't. I cannot choose. my favorite episode is the whole show.