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anoant-haikyuu-dump · 9 days ago

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Quick fic about Kenma and Fukunaga rooming together in college!

Roughly 2300 words, Kenma POV, platonic, basically Fukunaga being odd and Kenma dealing with that.

*Sidenote: i know roommate/dorm culture isn't the same in Japan as it is in the US but just suspend your disbelief lol

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Kenma had no idea what to expect when he agreed to room with Fukunaga in their freshman year of university. Sure, the two had spent the better part of three years together— suffer through enough early-morning practices, grueling training camps, and endless bus rides with a guy and you come out the other side soul-bonded whether you like it or not. What truly solidified their bond was their third year. With Kuroo off to college and Hinata a whole prefecture away Kenma was practically forced to hang out with his fellow second-now-third years lest he fall back into the arms of his old hermit lifestyle, and as tempting as that was he promised Kuroo he’d leave the house more than once a month. Stupid childhood friends being concerned about your mental well-being.

Although first-year Kenma would shudder at the thought of wasting all his free time on a weirdo like Fukunaga, much less Tora, it wasn’t nearly as miserable as he’d dreaded. The two were freaks— loud, obnoxious, guts-obsessed freaks in a certain ace’s case— but overtime he’d grown accustomed to their quirks. Those were his captains; they’d joined the club together, grown together, gone to nationals together. Laughed at Tora when he tangled himself in the net together (minus Tora, he was pissed). It’d be a lie to claim they didn't worm their way into his heart like the persistent little parasites they were. Those freaks were his friends, Kenma begrudgingly came to accept. Yes, even Tora. Besides, what other option did he have? Lev? He didn’t hate himself that much.

All that’s to say Kenma and Fukunaga were close. Tight, even. Enough for Fukunaga to know where the Kozume’s hid their spare key under a rock in the garden (though that was Kuroo’s fault for snitching). But three years of friendship and easy-access to one’s house doesn't instantly unlock all the mysteries of a person. Especially when that person is a complete and utter enigma like Shouhei Fukunga.

This was proven not even a week into their first semester. Kenma had just finished a business class, which he’d spent pretending to take notes on his laptop while actually grinding away at some RPG from his steam library. He was expecting Fukunaga to be home since he didn't have class till the afternoon.

He wasn’t expecting the unicycle.

Where he got the thing was beyond Kenma, as was the way he effortlessly navigated their shoebox dorm without ramming into a single piece of furniture. It was honestly more impressive than surprising— Kenma wondered when he learned, how, why, before remembering who he was talking about. Fukunaga doing weird shit without explanation. Fork found in kitchen. Kenma had more important things to worry about, ignoring lectures on marketing management or whatever was a full-time job and he wanted to lie down.

“I’m back.” He said with a yawn, kicking off his shoes as he shuffled over to his bed.

“Hey.” Fukunaga replied. No acknowledgement of the situation, not that he expected any.

Kenma got nice and cozy under the covers, then pulled out his computer to continue his game. He’d finished most of it while his professor was rambling on about how “this is going to be on the exam, blah blah blah” but he wanted to 100% it. Nothing better than an afternoon of achievement hunting. He spent a good 10 minutes combing through a dungeon in search of a secret boss, but for some reason he just couldn’t get into the zone. Probably had something to do with, oh you know, the whole-ass circus routine playing out not even five-feet away. He sighed and shut his laptop. Fine, he’ll bite. “What are you doing?”

“Practicing.” A man of many words.

He was tempted to ask “What for?” but knew that would only create more questions. Instead he called, “Know any tricks?” Without missing a beat Fukunaga reached into his hoodie pocket, whipped out three plastic balls, and started juggling. Figures.

Kenma sat there watching for god knows how long, long enough that Fukunaga had to hop down to get ready for class. He stuffed the unicycle under his bed, answering Kenma’s question of where he stored the thing, but creating the new question of what other garbage he had hidden down there. A secret for another day. With a classic “See ya later Alligator.” Fukunaga headed out, leaving Kenma alone with his thoughts. It was only then that it fully sunk-in— he’d just wasted the past few hours watching his roommate unicycle around their room like a clown-in-training and he didn’t even realize. Should he be pissed? Impressed that Fukunaga managed to hold his attention for so long? (some of those tricks were seriously complex). It wasn’t exactly the most productive use of an afternoon, but then again was he ever productive? Games, unicycling roommates, who’s to say what constitutes a good use of time? He figured a little change of pace wouldn’t kill him.

---

The rest of the semester went on much like that, always something going on. One day Kenma came home to at least five kittens scampering around their dorm. All pets minus service animals were strictly off-limits so he wasn’t sure how Fuku,naga got them past security, nor how they vanished the next day without a trace. Another time he got super into chinese yoyo and nearly broke the overhead light with a misplaced throw. After that he got into regular yoyo and nearly broke a lamp.

A common Fukunaga-ism was for him to stop by random flea markets and buy whatever knick-knacks he could find. Because of that his side of the room was constantly cycling decor. Take, for instance, the inflatable tube man taped to the ceiling that always freaked Kenma out at night, or the kiddie pool in the corner full of ball pit balls from a kids’ center that’d shut down. Most of his purchases were bought purely based on their potential for puns, of which Fukunaga had plenty. Kenma always knew when he’d thought of a new one cause he’d silently giggle to himself in that way that makes him look like a chipmunk. Sometimes Kenma would ask to hear them, he’s always found Fukunaga funny. If he ever makes it as a big comedian Kenma’s taking credit for being the first person to tell him that.

To put a long story short, rooming with Fukunaga was like living in a sitcom, except the writers ran out of normal scenarios six seasons ago and had resorted to throwing the most outlandish shit at the wall to see what stuck. The most surprising part? Kenma didn’t even mind. It was a lot, yeah, but Fukunaga never dragged him into his shenanigans or invaded his space. Honestly the most annoying thing he did was invite Tora over, who was 10x more annoying than whatever new hobby Fukunaga had adopted for the week. Plus, it’s not like Kenma was the greatest roommate either. He was getting into streaming around this time so it wasn’t rare to find him shouting at his monitor past 4am or hogging 90% of the room’s outlets. Together they were the most dysfunctionally-functional duo in the building, and an infamous one at that.

---

Kenma and Fukunaga were not popular among their floormates. They weren’t hated per say but if everyone else had to vote on a pair to banish from the building Kenma had a sneaking suspicion they’d be first in line. One reason for this was Kenma’s aforementioned streaming— Fukunaga didn’t mind the late-night noise but their neighbors weren’t too keen. The second reason was the unmistakeable stench that wafted from their room any time Fukunaga pulled out his little instant pot to make dinner. Kenma couldn't blame him, personally he’d rather knaw on uncooked blocks of ramen for every meal than step foot in their university’s dining hall. If it wasn’t for his streaming career taking off Kenma would be drowning in debt from all his food delivery fees. And to be fair the smell wasn’t always bad, Fukunaga was phenomenal at cooking after all. As a part-time chef he knew his stuff. The problem was his favorite foods. Octopus. Squid. Dousing everything in fish sauce. Their dorm might as well have been a seafood market. It didn’t help that Fukunaga always went way overboard— no hot pockets or box mac and cheese here, he had every prohibited appliance under the sun from a hot pot to a griddle to a waffle maker. Air fryer salmon doesn’t smell like roses.

Kenma had never been the biggest eater. In highschool Kuroo always bothered him about that— skipping lunch isn’t healthy Kenma, you have to eat vegetables Kenma, three mints and a granola bar doesn’t count as dinner Kemna. It was annoying sometimes, especially at training camp when Bokuto got involved, but it was nice to know they cared. When Kuroo left for university the role of “Kenma’s feeder” was taken up by Tora (“OI KENMA, IF YOU DON’T EAT YOU’LL COLLAPSE ON COURT AND WE WON'T MAKE IT TO NATIONALS! THAT PLATE BETTER BE EMPTY WHEN I GET BACK”). Then graduation rolled around and for better or worse Kenma was free. He tried his best to eat decently as a promise to Kuroo but he often found himself forgetting to order food before restaurants closed.

One night at some unholy hour Kenma was on his usual stream grind— he’d started in the afternoon and ended up getting so invested that he skipped class…and lunch…and dinner. It was a new game, ok? The cup noodles he planned on eating sat unopened at the edge of his desk. Noodles meant microwave, which meant getting up, which meant pausing his game, and that wasn’t an option at the moment. He was in for the long haul. Chat had been pestering him about eating for hours now but who cares about their opinion? They’d also been yapping about a ghost or some bullshit looming behind him all night so why should he trust them with anything? He didn’t even realize Fukunaga was still awake until he felt a light tap on his shoulder. With a yelp he spun around, spooked by the sudden touch. There he was holding out a bowl of curry, chat’s ghost. “Eat.” When Kenma didn’t take the bowl Fukunaga bopped him on the head with it. “Pretty sure starving on stream is against TOS.” Then he set the bowl down on his desk and disappeared. Every stream after that chat bothered Kenma about his “guardian angel” and asked for him to come say hi.

---

By their second year both Kenma and Fukunaga realized that university wasn’t for them. Kenma’s online career had skyrocketed and he was teaching himself more about business through the start of his own company than lectures and exams ever could. Fukunaga was gradually finding an audience at a nearby comedy club and had his own taste of internet fame when one of his sets got reposted online and went viral. It just wasn't worth staying enrolled for their future plans, thus the two were officially drop outs. With that said and done the time had come for them to part ways—there was no need to share an apartment, Kenma had enough cash to afford his own and Fukunaga made plans to move in with Tora.

On the final day they stood outside next to the road, boxes stacked high as they waited for Kuroo and Tora to come pick them up. “Welp,” Fukunaga said, giving him a salute “It’s been an honor captain.”

“You were Nekoma's captain, not me.”

“First mate doesn’t have the same ring.” They laughed. Fukunaga went in for a hug, and for once Kenma let it happen. “Until we meet again boss.”

Kenma snorted into his shoulder. “Please, our new places are only a few train stops away.”

“How about until I ask Kuroo where your house key is hidden again.”

“Don’t you dare.”

In the passenger's seat of Kuroo’s sedan Kenma pressed against the window, watching as the world around him blurred into one big blob of city. Kuroo was saying something, idle chatter about classes or work or their friends, but Kenma was only half listening. On the one hand he was excited to have his own space for the first time in his life, the freedom to do anything he wanted any time he wanted without prying eyes. He could finally have a dedicated stream room, that was cool. On the other hand he had to admit, he was gonna miss the oddities that accompanied living with Fukunaga. The unpredictability, the jokes, the ever-changing decor, even the inflatable tube man hanging from the ceiling. And the home-cooked meals of course, going back to DoorDash was gonna be an adjustment. He figured if he missed his food that much he could drop by their apartment anytime. He’d have to deal with Tora now but maybe that wasn’t so bad. They were all adults now, more mature. Mellowed out (at least for Tora standards). He decided that he'd make a point to call his friends more often.

“You ok?” a voice called, snapping Kenma out of his trance. Kuroo nudged his foot with his own. “You’ve been pretty quiet today, more than usual.”

Kenma shot him a small smile. “Yeah, I'm good.”

“Great, cause i'm gonna need you to listen to this next part-” Years later when Fukunaga started appearing on tv interviews and variety shows Kenma was proud to say that they used to be roommates way back when, and that he was the first one to tell him his jokes were funny.

#Its been a hot minute since I've written anything but i was in the mood #never posted writing on tumblr so if this is formatted weirdly lmk #also if anything is too ooc cause this is my first time writing for the hq fandom #this is more of an “ant rambles about their AU and the second years in general ” thing than an actual narrative #my friend snuck an air fryer into the dorms and used it to cook salmon. Apparently it stunk up the place BAD #maybe ill post it to my ao3 idk #haikyuu fanfiction #haikyuu #haikyuu!!#fukunaga shouhei #kozume kenma #nekoma #Tora and Kuroo are there for like two seconds #Tora's barely in this but since this is an anoant-haikyuu-dump post assume this is implied Fukutora cause it always is #my fics

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soraisnotsleepy · 9 months ago

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Enki Ankarian in... love?!?! (small drabble + headcanons) 🪱🪲

C/Ws: slight desc of sickly appearance AND NOT PROOF READ enjoy wonky yummy grammar because I do too

• I know, it's unbelievable that Enki, of all people, can fall in love!!! Despite his antisocial personality and hermit way of lifestyle, he is still capable of basic human emotions (yet he's bad at naming them or recognizing at all)

• For him to develop any kind of relationship, he must be bound to that person by circumstances (for e.g, being stuck in the dungeons of Fear and Hunger, like you're rn!!!). Since he's forced to spend time with you like this, he will unintentionally get used to your presence because, like, he has to. You were crucial to him, without your assistance dwelling deep into the dungeons would be a one way trip towards death itself

• Like this he bears with you. Thoughts of '"how are they" and "what are they thinking" will slowly creep into his rotten dark brain. You will soon find him more talkative and genuinely invested in whatever relates to you. He will ask more questions about you without you being the conversation's initiator

• Yet he will still try to keep distance between him and you. He's not used to any sort of affection or a relationship based on trust. Expect him to warm up to you and then distance himself again as soon as he realizes that he got too close

• Of course he'll start worrying about your well-being as well. Y'all need to go over to that dark mysterious corner? Enki will go first and keep you behind him. Nonono! You can't eat that rotten cabbage, eat this fresh carrot instead. Enki has eaten worse, this hopefully won't upset his stomach that much unlike yours. You're really tired and sleepy? Let's rest in this room with a bed. Take that bed instead, Enki's fine with leaning against the wall nearby

• Okay help I'm running out of ideas /srs,,,, BUT LEMME JUST THROW IN THIS:::

(y/n) barely could keep up with the dark priest. Their feet gave away, with each step their legs felt heavier and heavier. Yet they kept quiet. They couldn't afford to just rest here out of all places, too far away from the surface. In such a dark place filled with grotesque gore scent and soggy filthy ground. Despite all that, it couldn't keep their mind away from sleepiness and hunger.

*thud*

And (y/n) fell on the ground loud and hard. Enki immediately turned his head to his companion's direction and strictly asked:

"What's that all of a sudden?"

"Don't worry, I accidentally tripped," (y/n) answered as they desperately tried to get up.

It really looked pitiful. Their hands trembled and they barely could lift up their fragile frame. The priest huffed at their words (especially the "don't worry" part) and walked up to them to give them a lift.

"You're horrible at lying," Enki commented as (y/n) leaned against his shoulder.

They were completely pale, it was as if their body was deprived of blood. It didn't look like this before, well not that bad. Enki frowned his eyebrows.

"We're still not close to Ma'habre, don't you dare to die on me." and with those words you both walked around in search of a safe room.

The man's cold heart ached at his companion's sickly appearance. It was too much. He couldn't drag you to the ancient city in such a vulnerable state. You weren't just a meat shield like he thought at first, you were something more to him that he refused to say out loud in his head.

In this hell of a place, both dwellers were successful in finding a relatively safe place to rest. Enki placed (y/n) against the wall and proceeded to set up a bonfire. It was painfully cold, a single torch failed to keep anyone warm.

As the priest was trying to set up a fire, (y/n) finally found some strength to speak "We don't have to rest unless you need it... I can go on, it was nothing really,"

Enki sighed and said nothing. What he wanted to say he couldn't. Someone like him can't soften up. Someone like him can't succumb to 'lowly' human feelings and say words of comfort. Eventually the fire was set and he could rest alongside with you. Enki took his bag and found a piece of dried meat between books and various potions. Without a second thought, he offered it to (y/n):

"Eat,"

(y/n)'s eyes widened at this gesture. After five seconds of silence, they shook their head.

"But this is the last food we have. Let's at least split it-" (y/n) tried to reason with Enki, but he interrupted.

"No, just take it,"

Of course (y/n)'s stomach already felt like it was about to eat itself from inside out, yet they just couldn't bare with the thought of eating all it themselves.

"That's unreasonable," they tried to argue.

But Enki was unusually stubborn in this matter "I insist."

They were already at their brink of blacking out from starvation and exhaustion, so they agreed. And like this, (y/n) started eating while Enki flip through some ancient book of unknown origins to them. It felt so serene to be like this with him. Too serene, too cozy for the dungeons of Fear and Hunger. Too comfortable to the point that (y/n)'s eyes began to close by themselves. Enki noticed it (because he was occasionally throwing glances at you).

"Sleep, sleep. I'm not fatigued, I will keep an eye on our surroundings." The dark priest spoke as he continued to read his book.

(y/n) could swear that they saw his strict facial expression soften up a little bit. Or was it the lighting creating an illusion?

Thoughts of why Enki did what he did plagued (y/n). Was it purely to keep them alive so that it will secure him a somewhat safe travel to the ancient city? Or was it because he wasn't a cold hearted monster after all? With these thoughts, (y/n) finally closed their eyes and fell into a deep slumber. Their head landed on Enki's shoulder. The dark priest sighed and kept reading.

"And why do I even like you." He quietly mumbled to himself, not really meant for you to hear.

#fear and hunger #s/o #enki ankarian #x reader #headcanons #drabble #y/n #fear and hunger enki

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mumblesplash · 10 months ago

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What do you think about how Redstone exposure effects people other than red eyes, and if the redstone effects their eyes, does it affect how their brain functions?

Do people without redstone exposure notice a difference in the behaviours of people with redstone exposure?

Do hybrids have different reactions? Are hybrids of mobs that are more commonly underground more resistant? Are neither and end hybrids less resistant/more susceptible?

Is there a difference in redstone quality and if there is, does that effect exposure?

Sorry for so many questions, I love world building! Also, may I steal the redstone stuff?

no need to apologize i love getting questions like this!!

i’d say redstone exposure effects vary based on individual biology, and the exact mental side effects are ambiguous on purpose, but different hybrids absolutely have different reactions to it!

(side note i did deliberately write those redstone exposure notes through a framework that doesn’t account for this, they’re comparing the hermits’ protocols to an implied universal safety standard)

but like tango for instance has ‘metabolic acceleration’ listed as one of his symptoms, the idea being that to a blaze hybrid redstone acts as a stimulant—he sleeps less, eats more, and burns hotter the more time he spends around it (to the point where he can even comfortably forego his usual heat-retaining overworld gear while working in an ice dungeon)

and then doc’s symptoms are a huge mystery, both due to his creeper hybrid status and the fact that he basically has redstone for blood at this point. the question is more what symptoms the redstone is experiencing from all this doc exposure

as for redstone quality, love the question bc i didn’t actually consider that yet! my gut instinct is to say no, there’s not a huge difference in redstone *quality* per se, but it does come in a lot of different forms, and i think it would make sense for some to be more ‘toxic’ than others

redstone dust would probably be the highest risk (easy to accidentally inhale/ingest and has nothing containing it), ore/redstone torches/redstone blocks are less messy but still high exposure, things like dispensers that are crafted with redstone are a little safer, etc. i think the most stable form it can be in is probably potions, where it’s encapsulated by xp

and yeah ofc you can use the idea! i feel like there’s a lot of directions you could potentially go with it, like are there acute symptoms? is it addictive? can you build a tolerance? what IS redstone exactly? (i know the education edition has its opinions but i have other ideas) <- all questions i deliberately leave unanswered for fun and profit

#splashasks #spectator-moon #doc‚ replacing all his blood with redstone: if it’s good enough for the universe it’s good enough for me #and yes i do draw tango in that puffer vest bc i like the idea that the overworld is too cold for him #the implication that he would be drawn to working with redstone bc it makes him feel better physically is fun 2 me #especially in combination with potential negative side effects

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scribbling-dragon · 2 years ago

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with only feathers as your guide

summary:

With a dungeon as vast and as dark as Decked Out, there’s bound to be plenty of rumours circulating on what might lurk within the shadows, simply waiting for an opportunity to reveal itself and prey on the Hermits that dare to venture within.

The newest rumour, and probably the most interesting one Tango’s heard recently, is that there is someone else in the depths of Decked Out, waiting and watching for a moment to reveal themself. The Hermits that have spotted this mysterious figure haven't seen them for very long, either getting distracted by a ravager appearing around the corner, or just because the mysterious person slips away before they can get a better look.

(ao3 link)

(3,100 words)

this was inspired by the Guide Jimmy fanart i saw from @hybbart recently! it was really cool and i was struck with this idea :]

Obviously, those rumours are just that- rumours. Something that has no basis in reality or even fact. Letting creepy-crawlies lurk in the corners of his dungeon would defeat the whole point of it- the only monsters you’ll ever find lurking in Decked Out are meant to be there.

The Hermits that have managed to catch sight of this figure describe a blue light, almost calling them forward, pulling them further into the depths of the Frozen Crypt, through pathways that they didn't even know existed (pathways Tango is pretty sure didn't exist before their mysterious figure led them down the path). And these paths, each time and without fail, would be marked by a trail of feathers.

So, the Guide joins the ranks of rumoured ghosts that haunt the Crypt and Tango moves on with his life.

Some of the redstone in the Crypt got messed up- Tango’s still not sure how it actually happened. Only that things stopped working as they should and the clank spiked on one of their test runs and he almost got impaled. Several times. Which means he gets the irreplaceable pleasure of kneeling on the ice-cold ground (which is made of ice, hence the ice-coldness) and wrangling the redstone wires back into some kind of order.

His shoulder aches, face cold from where it’s pressed into the ground so he can peer into the floor without inhaling a faceful of redstone- he’s done it once, not at all something he recommends. The sneezing and general sightlessness was a solid zero out of ten.

He hisses out a breath, watching it cloud in front of his face before fading a moment later. It really is far too cold in here, even with the thick fur lining of his cloak he finds himself huddling a little further in on himself and wishing that his flames were a little warmer.

The heart thumps in the background, the noise bouncing around his head, rattling between his ears like an overexcited ping-pong ball. It’s easy to put to the back of his mind most of the time, working past the dull thumping that pulses in time to his own heart, but today, in this particular moment, it grates on his nerves easily.

There’s a small skittering sound to his left, not unlike a pebble clattering to the floor, and his ears swivel towards it automatically. It takes his brain a moment to catch up, thoughts still tangled in redstone wires and circuits. It then takes him several more moments to physically untangle himself from the redstone, pulling his arm back carefully in case he further disturbs the wiring and upsets the already delicate system further.

He turns, finding that there was, indeed, a pebble on the floor.

It sits just a few feet away from him, shining a little in the dim lighting. It’s polished, which wouldn't be unusual if he was somewhere near water- somewhere that would have been able to wear stone down into such a small, smooth pebble. But he’s underground, halfway into the Frozen Crypt and nowhere near any large bodies of water. All the water here is frozen solid (Frozen Crypt, duh) meaning there’s no way for any pebble to have gotten in unless he placed it there, which he didn't, or if someone else brought it in.

He’s on the alert immediately, glancing upwards as he slides backwards, away from where he was just sat and preparing for an anvil to come crashing down. He snatches his hands back as he stares upwards, waiting for the slight clunking noise of an anvil as it’s let loose, or even a frustrated grumble as Doc has to reposition how he’s peering down to try and get a better angle on him.

But there’s no structure above him, nothing that might have been built to ensure he was squashed. The ceiling of the Crypt remains unchanged and as frosty as ever. None of the stalactites look as though they're intending on impaling him within the next few moments, either.

Something whistles behind him, the note carrying hauntingly through the still air. It’s clear and sharp, cutting through the dull monotony of the heartbeat. He turns towards the sound, a grin beginning to pull at his lips as he listens carefully. There’s nothing for several long moments, the silence settling thick and heavy over him, only interrupted by the thumping of the heart. But the noise is easy enough to disregard now, pushing it aside in favour of something far more interesting.

He stands, dusting his hands off, stepping towards the pebble. He nudges at it with his foot, watching as it slides a little further across the ice, coming to a slow stop. He picks it up, cupping it carefully in his hand as he steps in the direction that he’s pretty sure the sound came from.

A lesser person might be scared by the sudden appearance of someone that won't show themselves. But Decked Out is Tango’s domain and it fills him with a confidence he doesn't normally feel.

He pauses at the first spot of colour against the blue and grey of the ice and rock around him.

The yellow of the feather sits innocently in the middle of his path, as though it has just been dropped by accident- a feather that had simply slipped from the wings of an avian as they passed through.

He jerks his head up, quick enough to catch sight of a blue flame, quickly disappearing again as his companion disappears around a corner. He breaks into a run, sliding easily around the corners, accustomed to the slide of the ice beneath his feet- leaning into it on occasion to help him go a bit faster.

He pushes off the iron of the trapdoor, ignoring the way the metal sends a chill shooting through him as the pads of his feet come into contact with it, leaping across the small river and landing softly on the other side. The snow there cushions his landing, settling easily after he kicks it up to continue his pursuit.

He can hear the rattling of a chain, the slight sounds of breaths hitching as he follows his guide, noting each feather in his pathway as he follows along. There are no sounds of something crashing into walls on the tighter turns, which is something he’s noticed the other Hermits doing when they're volunteer for a test run; something about the slipperiness of the ice beneath their feet and not enough grip sending them crashing back and forth, flailing as they struggle to regain their balance while fleeing whatever monster’s chasing them.

He slows, just a little, as he realises he’s in a path he doesn't recognise. He stops completely a moment later, ears still pricked for any sound of movement. He shouldn't be somewhere he doesn't recognise- he made the entirety of the Crypt, every pathway is as familiar to him as his own hands. It would be embarrassing for a dungeon master to get lost inside of his own dungeon.

He walks this path with a little more caution, unsure of when, exactly, he passed into a corridor that was not of his own making. The stone of the walls are smooth, carved in the same design as the rest of the Frozen Crypt- whoever made this was intimately familiar with the way he carved the rest of the stone.

Two feathers mark his path forwards when the corridor forks, both of them leading into incomprehensible darkness. He pauses, on the threshold, squinting for any sign of his guide.

A blue flame flickers, and he plunges forward.

The darkness swallows him whole, impossible to see in, even with his night vision. He has to feel along the wall to make sure he doesn't run into it and smash his face open by accident- his face would probably recover, but his pride wouldn't.

His hand brushes over a notch in the rock, and he pauses for a moment, feeling around the small indent in the wall, curious to what it might be for. His fingers close over something rough on the otherwise smooth notch and something clicks above him.

He freezes, prepared for some elaborate trap to spring up around him and for the pranker to reveal themselves with a grin and a laugh.

The darkness parts instead, the bright light of the stables blinding him momentarily. He has to stop and blink the spots from his vision before he steps forward into the light fully.

The ravagers snort at him from within their cages, watching him with their beady little eyes. Tango pulls a face back at them, sticking his tongue out. The ravagers don't react, not that Tango expected them to, and he closes his mouth. Instead, he looks around the stables, curious as to why his guide might have chosen to lead him here rather than deeper into the Crypt.

There’s straw strewn over the floor, padding the cages of the ravagers (though they seem to enjoy tossing it out of their cages and everywhere else rather than actually lay on it), but it’s still easy to spot the feathers, piled in front of one of the ravager cages.

Said ravager is right against the bars, mouth slightly open and posturing in a rather aggressive way. Tango crouches down, keeping close to the floor as he slips closer, towards the golden feathers.

The mysterious guide, one of the favourite topics amongst the Hermits in the last few weeks, has never led one of their charges astray. Sure, they've been led deeper into the Crypt before, but their passage has been safe and largely uneventful. The most trouble Tango had with their mysterious guide was when they disappeared and every single door locked- the clank had spiked dangerously high, too, and it had been a scramble to fix everything and pull Zed out before too much damage could be done.

He’s close enough to the feathers now that his breath causes the pile to flutter slightly, shifting in the spot they're sat in. He hardly dares to breathe, aware of the ravager a mere foot from him, the way their horns and tusks could jab through the bars and catch him, if he let his guard down too far.

He glances up, careful not to meet the ravagers gaze head-on. He likes his insides being insides and he’s rather they stay that way.

His eyes catch on the bars as he raises his eyes, lingering on the scratches around the bases of several bars. He shuffles a little bit closer, hoping and praying that the ravager doesn't decide that it’s bored and attack him anyway.

He runs a finger along one of the bars, pressing down on it carefully, feeling how it bends beneath even that tiny bit of pressure. He rocks back onto his heels, letting out a breath that’s halfway between a sigh and a laugh.

The bars are weakened, on the verge of giving out completely. One ravager being loose would be more than enough for him to shut the entire dungeon for the day just to herd the ravager back to its cage and then fix said cage. An entire day that could be spent troubleshooting and fixing the problems that arise.

“Thank you,” he murmurs, not needing to speak any louder- the guide will hear him all the same. There’s a low scraping sound above him, like claws against metal, and the creak of a chain. Tango snorts at the lack of response, shuffling backwards until he’s outside of the ravager’s reach.

The emergency button, the button that he’d felt quite stupid for installing in the first place (and also worried because Grian likes to visit the stables sometimes, and leaving a button out in the open is just asking for trouble when he likes to hang around nearby), is his saving grace. He pushes it, watching as the metal reinforcements slide down over the doors with a shing. At least now if the ravager decides to enact its jailbreak, it’ll be contained in a small space and easily dealt with.

“You know you don't have to be all spooky and ominous right now, right?” He asks, listening to the way his voice echoes around him. “It’s cute and all, and I love that you're really getting into the role, but you are also allowed to talk.”

“But then it would hardly be any fun, would it?”

Tango turns towards the voice, quick enough this time that he manages to glimpse more than the flickering of a solitary flame. Instead, he gets to see the sweeping of dark material and the flash of yellow feathers as Jimmy sinks a little further into the shadows lingering around the roof.

“What if I wanna see you?” He frowns, spinning in a circle, trying to track Jimmy’s path from the small glimpses he gets and the soft sound of his talons scraping against the metal supports.

“Then I might be able to help you with that,” something thumps to the ground behind him, arms wrapping around him securely before he’s being lifted off his feet. He laughs as Jimmy spins him in a small circle, the slightest rumble of a purr escaping him before he wriggles loose, turning to grab Jimmy before he can disappear again.

“Hi,” he grins up at Jimmy, tugging him a little closer. “You're the talk of the server, you know.”

“Am I?” Jimmy grins down at him as well, looking incredibly cosy in his cloak, the ruff of fur poofed-up around his neck. He looks far warmer than Tango feels right now- he can practically feel the warmth of Jimmy seeping through the sleeves of his coat, his mind demanding that he draw this source of warmth closer and not release him until he’s warm again. “What a surprise.”

“You don't sound very surprised.”

“Why would I be?” One of Jimmy’s wings shifts behind Tango as he speaks, “Isn't the whole point of me to inspire intrigue, get them guessing about who it is that’s lurking around the corner and guiding them to safety.”

“You're not meant to be guiding them to safety,” Tango frowns, but can't quite keep the grin out of his voice as he looks up at Jimmy. “You're meant to be leading them into danger on occasion, showing them that they can trust you be maybe shouldn't.”

“I'm getting to it,” Jimmy promises. “But I think they're more scared about the ghost haunting the Crypt right now. Leading them to their deaths will only spook them more.”

“They think you're Grian with spray-painted wings.”

“Ouch,” Jimmy’s lantern clinks a little, swinging forward from where it’s hanging on his belt. The flame within it has been extinguished, Tango notes, the pinprick of fire no longer on the edge of his consciousness. “I would have hoped they could at least see I'm taller than five-foot nothing.”

“Be glad Grian wasn't here to hear that.”

“I’d say it to his face.”

“Sure you would, dear.” Tango laughs at the face Jimmy pulls, tugging him a little closer. Jimmy radiates warmth like a furnace, and no matter what books he reads he can't seem to find an answer to why he’s so warm all the time.

“Aw, are you cold?” Jimmy’s arms circle around his back, pulling them flush against each other.

“A little,” he admits. “But I can think of one remedy to that.” He grins up at Jimmy, pressing himself even closer than before. He’s forced to stand on the tips of his toes to get even close to Jimmy’s face, tail swishing behind him to keep him balanced.

“Oh, really?” Jimmy’s grin matches his own. “What remedy might that be?”

Tango has always been good at leading by example than trying to explain his thought process, and it’s easy to pull Jimmy down to meet him halfway, arms hooked behind his neck and lips ghosting over Jimmy’s own before he kisses him properly.

It makes something hot ignite in his chest, warming the previously frozen parts of him. He feels Jimmy smile against his lips, breaking the kiss with a breathy laugh.

“What’s so funny?” He asks, annoyed as he pulls back, noses brushing from how close they are.

“Marigold’s cage just broke open.”

Jimmy laughs as Tango bolts, scrambling up the support beam and peering down at the canary, watching as he pats the ravager - Marigold, apparently, when did Jimmy have the time to name them - on the head. The ravager seems content to let him do so.

“You can clear that up.” He says, still perched on the beam above Jimmy’s head. Jimmy makes it look far more comfortable than it actually is. “Seeing as you've named them.”

“Aw,” Jimmy croons, a smile spreading across his face. “Are you jealous?”

“No.” He crosses his arms, watching as Jimmy nudges Marigold back into its cage. The ravager goes with only a small protest in the form of nudging at Jimmy gently. That gentle nudge is enough to almost send him sprawling, but Marigold seemed to have meant it with good intent.

The bars are fixed a moment later, Jimmy producing a new set from the depths of his coat.

“And you couldn't have done that yourself?”

“But then how would I get my thanks?” Jimmy smiles up at him, far sweeter and more endearing than Tango wants him to be right now- he scowls, but it’s all for show. Really, Jimmy making friends with his ravagers is probably the most in-character thing for him to do. Even if he refuses to go near the warden.

Tango doesn't have a good enough argument against Jimmy’s argument, slipping down from his perch and back towards Jimmy. He gives him a small peck, leaning back.

“I'm going to tell everyone that you're Grian with spray-painted wings.”

#juno.writes #tango tek #jimmy solidarity #solidaritek #trafficshipping #hermitcraft #team rancher #rancher duo #solidaritygaming #solidarity gaming #hermitfic

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hermitsandhideouts · 4 months ago

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Contributions

So, you want to participate but aren’t sure what to expect. Have no fear, this post will explain in detail what is expected of you. Please note that with a setting-agnostic compendium comes a certain amount of conformity in form and lay-out, but your creativity will be safeguarded.

Writers

As a writer, you choose a hermit or a base (or both, if that is something you can commit to!) and write an entry for them. There is no word estimate as of yet, though the form will look similar for each hermit and base that is being written about. The current idea submission form gathers what people may be interested in being included in this compendium and influences which base or which version of the hermits are included.

Bases are the fun environments that adventuring parties can explore as a part of a quest or just a location of interest - or perhaps as a stop to somewhere else. The text should include a few adventuring hooks that will make the party want to explore the location, as well as some eye-catchers and areas that the party could potentially interact with. They can be filled with traps, overrun by monsters, or hide a mystery to solve - as long as the party won’t be bored while exploring this location, you’re good to go! If you’re unsure about your ability to turn your writing into a text that any game master can interact with, there will be people to help you.

Hermits are the unique NPCs the party meets: the quest givers, the weirdo on the road to the next adventure, or the boss at the end of the dungeon. Your text will include some setting-agnostic lore about the hermit you’re writing about and make clear whether or not this is supposed to be a friend or a foe. However, a friend can turn into a foe and vice versa, depending on what the party does. They would also include some listed personality traits that will help the game master roleplay these NPCs, as well as suggested environments these people could be found in.

Artists

We will need artwork based on the bases and hermits that are going to be included in this compendium, as well as cover art. In the best case scenario, each has its own art piece. For bases, something that encapsulates the whole base and the vibes attached to it. For the hermits, we expect a full body drawing that also showcases their personality.

Stat block creators

With NPCs come juicy stat blocks that may accompany these unique people, whether they are friend or foe. If this is something you are interested in, you should be familiar with 5e. Challenge Rating is notoriously wonky and not an exact science, so you will likely work together with and/or ask for feedback from others who are also familiar with 5e and stat block creation to ensure that what you’ve created isn’t broken. This role can be combined with either role above.

Thanks for the interest, and I hope to see you when contributor applications open!

#hermitcraft #hermits and hideouts #mod writer #info about contributions

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nebulaeyedfish · 1 month ago

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I wanna see ConVex as Pokemon! 👀

Sure thing, I hadn't really thought too much about ConVex in this AU outside of them both being in the guild, so this made me think a little bit!

Cub & Scar!

I have already drawn Scar in this AU, but not Cub yet. At the point that this AU takes place in, Scar and Cub are Valued Members of the Hermit Guild- in fact, Scar is the guild's 'Mayor'. While the guild is run by Xisuma, Scar handles the pastoral side of things- managing maintanence of the compound, schedualing peoples chores ect. Cub is essentially his deputy, and mostly make sure that the guild is staying on top of supplies.

However, this was not always the case! A fair few years ago, Scar and Cub were bandits, mostly living within the Mystery Dungeons, and stealing or swindling what they could to make a living for themselves.

Eventually they were chased down by Xisuma for a bounty. They surrendered quickly, and got talking. X decided that they deserved another chance, and took them on as apprentices at the guild. They took to it quickly, finding it a much better way of life, and ended up specialising in bounty hunting themselves. For the most part these days, they stay in the guild, but if a big bounty comes up, they might be deployed into the field.

Thanks for asking!

Tags: @raise-me-up-take-me-up @imflyingfish

#Pangoro #Pyroar #Pokémon #Pokemon Mystery Dungeon #PMD #Hermits Mystery Dungeon #Hermitcraft #hermitcraft au #goodtimeswithscar #Scar hc #cubfan135 #hc cub #nebulaeyedart #I'm having so much fun with this au

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yourfellowcotton · 6 months ago

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@heropartnerweek Day 7: Free Day

All of the Heroes and Partners hanging out Quark City.

(also yes i drew it in a computer with a compressed screen so it may look better or worse depending on how you look at it.)

Explorers: Hero: Nael the Torchic / Partner: Jamie the Chikorita

Gates: Hero: Toogus the Past Paradox Foongus / Partner: Pyra the Past Paradox Larvesta

Super: Hero: Revie the Chespin / Partner: Cesar the Oshawott

UPI (original story): Hero: Tera the Karrablast / Partner: Frydae the Vanillite

Additional Members: Quamarine the Quaxly (Explorers) / Hermit the Goomy (Super) / Ballad the Fuecoco (Super) / November the Rowlett (UPI)

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hermitcrossovers · 1 year ago

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Watchers have a presence on many servers. Empires? The Fae. Rats or pirates SMP? Humans and mysterious bands of cultists is their power. The federation, the gods of the dream SMP, all answer to the watchers.

One exception, however, is hermitcraft. Too risky, as the server is home to many people with a bone to pick with them, and too many are too powerful.

Which is why, when a disheveled woman with blue wings and a purple shirt appears ranting about another world, and "powerful beings", grian shuddered, a feeling of deja vu washing over him.

They would pay, and this time there would be no retreat

they don't know how she entered hermitcraft, whether it was the federation or her own grief that got her out of the island they had no idea.

her presence was heralded by wailing, the devastating cries of a mother who just lost her son echoing off the spawn lake. it quickly brought any nearby hermits to her location, curious to see where and who the wailing was coming from. notifying xisuma about the new person on the server and messaging grian to come quick when they saw the state of her wings.

xisuma and grian took over the nearest useable house, jevin's, to place her in for the time being, trying to get her to the present. between moments of silent staring off to the distance and loud sobbing, jaiden told the story of how people were placed on an island with no idea how they got there and no way out.

they had found dragon children alone on the island and took it upon themselves to raise them but there was something, the code monsters, who had the ability to turn the day into night that stalked the children from afar and tried to kill them several times.

it was a mistake how her son, bobby, died. the world lagged. everything was either going too fast or too slow. a recipe for disaster.

"bobby begged to fight," jaiden started slowly, "so my partner, roier, who was watching him at the time took bobby to a dungeon. it started off fine. just an average dungeon nothing to worry about. then the lag started getting worse, roier couldn't kill any of the mobs. his hits kept missing them and they killed him leaving bobby alone and vulnerable."

"roier didn't set a spawnpoint or a waystone near the dungeon because why would he? he didn't expect to die to an average dungeon. he ended up at spawn, thousands of blocks away and my little bobby," jaiden stopped to gather her words before continuing, "and my little bobby died alone."

jaiden rambled on about the federation as xisuma and grian exchanged knowing looks over her head. they sounded like watchers.

the hermits have been dormant for a long while focusing on their builds, it was time for them to stretch their legs and show the federation by extension the watchers that their dormancy was not a sign of complacency.

-mod tides

#hermitcraft #qsmp #jaiden animations #grian #xisumavoid

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pinkverbena · 5 months ago

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ੈ‧₊˚➛Pav's extra story - 1946

//CAUTION!: sensitive topics, violence, use of alcohol and cigarettes, lack of mental health, abuse, other themes, funger experience.

❝ No matter where you go, Pavel, chaos follows you everywhere, no matter where you go, the snow that you remember so much only stabs you in the heart, your hands are dirty, desperately need to get rid of that eagle that tries to devour your head, one step for the destiny prepared for yourself ❞

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

꒰ Pavel Yudin and Sho Seimei try to survive in their (now) shit neighborhood, to no one's surprise.

Well, it turns out that strange events had already happened in this neighborhood on a large scale, at the beginning the people are strangely friendly, gossipy, to the annoyance, one of few things these two guys can agree on. After a pseudo slice of life experiences...Sho's abusive boss ends up being dismembered in the office basement, the incompetent police raise over the people's ignorance, chaos looms; Pav and Sho rather endure each other until they find a way to get out of those places, it seems that there is no way out, as if now this neighborhood that was once full of life was nothing more than a rest of houses and buildings where the sounds could be heard are only...the agonizing screams within the walls, the fact that the authorities closed any exit was the least favorable.

This guy shoot everything he finds in his way and the other has a phobia of bathrooms (or nudity). A former lieutenant with vengeful shoe-picking tendencies and an office worker with possible acholism and hermit problems, the cigarette smoke is no longer enough and confusion dances between their minds, a memory held by the Kaiser who continues to torment this unfortunate protagonist and his companion between longing memories about his family in Edo, between lies that Sho disperses about his state of life.

The only option is not to succumb to fear and hunger, in this already abandoned neighborhood, where they can wander the alleys where strange aberrations and cults lurk. Where old customs return, rituals in the underground, among few lights that eat away at the mind, where time no longer matters, but rather avoiding being consumed by delirium, and horrors, the past is only on the other side, waiting to deceive again. ꒱

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

*Concepts just concepts:

-The area is smaller than Prehevil in Funger Termina, but there is still a fog effect, only some places like the alleys are darker and consume the mind percentage just like in the F&H dungeons. Generally the levels are at night, the environment gives more of a feeling of claustrophobia even if you are outdoors.

-Pav and Sho are able to investigate the building where their apartments are located, after the incident the building is left unprotected and abandoned, the structure is similar to the White mold apartments. Some doors are closed and locked, these keys are located outside throughout the neighborhood.

-There is a park in the center of the neighborhood, but it can only be accessed through the back gate. In the small park the plants are infected, some are more harmless but if you touch them, you have a limited time to heal before the infection kills you. There are bigger plants and some have merged with the neighbors in the area, these prowl and are more dangerous.

-The neighborhood includes a movie theater, there is a basement with weapons, censored movies, popcorn and other candy are also available, there is a mysterious gentleman that is manning the entrance to one of the rooms. When Pav and Sho (or one of them) die, it shows a footage of their graphic death.

-Visiting the building where the office is located guarantees you will find Sho's boss, who, similar to Needles, will chase you on any path in the building. A mass of tumor, mucus and with the face of a moth, on its sides has mixed with the dust of the basement where it was located, even as the marriage seems to have taken Sho's co-workers on its body, who seem to have...are they alive?, the only thing they can do is beg for an imminent death, it's a disaster, you can't even recognize their faces.

-All the other office workers mixed together on the floor, as if the place was consuming them. Some of them you can step on their faces (Sho would only do it with those who mistreated him, it seems strangely a selective option, you have the option of talking with the faces on the ground).

-As you progress through the days, both of these two's rooms will be full of mold on the walls, it makes a breathing effect, as if it were a diseased lung, if either of them touches it, it needs to get rid from any part of the body before the infection arrives (this includes the issue of the plants in the park but, the wall effect is faster).

-You can go to your neighbors' houses, curiously in one of them you will find a circle where you can draw.

-The underground is divided by floors, maybe 10, the structure is usually similar to the bunkers used in the war, a special floor is a blood pit, some places seem to purposely not match. You can encounter followers of Gro-goroth, Sylvian (includes a scene with rabbit masks that makes Sho panic for personal reasons, Pav jokes that he wants to join) and at the exit of everything you can summon a tree of Vinushka to go outside.

-The main enemies of Pav's story are the Yellow King/Kaiser cult who are made up of all types of people and even those who are part of the Bremen army. There are rumors that they were already involved in the neighborhood long before the events, but it seems that they have gathered more people.

The one who located Pav's whereabouts was one of the neighbors who is a spy for Bremen, apparently the new lieutenant is also involved in this cult and wants the end of Pav. The lieutenant can be confronted for the first time in one of the tunnels, in his normal form (human), with the passage of time he becomes a deformed and unrecognizable creature, with an eagle's head, overgrowth, increased muscle mass and with desire of destroying everything in his path, he has a great fondness for Pav and some jealousy for having quickly risen through the ranks in the past. He not only arrives to avenge the death of the Kaiser, it seems that he has arrived for personal reasons as well. The climax of the second battle is in this unrecognizable form.

-In the middle of these underground you will also encounter other enemies such as the Bremen Elite Trooper (two encounters, you can also find them in the neighborhood).

-Bremen soldiers, local police and other residents became ghouls (Necromancy can be used).

-There is a small amount of food, some are consumed raw (including moldy bread...) and others can be cooked when you gather necessary items.

-Special meat (it is a strange ball mixed with meat from some ghouls and other enemies in the area, it seems like it can be eaten).

-Some poisonous plants can be used to create antidotes.

-Enemy heads can be exchanged at a rarity shop for other items of need. (Even the moth head aka Sho's former boss and the eagle head aka new Bremen lieutenant).

-(Reference to: The Shining), a creature that resembles a naked, pale, purple-colored old woman with swollen skin can be found in Sho's bathtub after he returns to his apartment. Scratches from the enemy cause wounds and infections.

-Bremen snipers on the roofs near the police station.

-Safe room, with storage structure, Pav can make drinks even though it's...kind of gross, according to Sho, but then drinks them because needs alcohol. There is a radio that can be carried as an item, just like in Silent Hill, the radio emits static when enemies are nearby...unfortunately some specific enemies cannot be detected.

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*Secret - Bonus:

-If Pav dies, Sho hears during certain periods of time some deep breathing and screams of rage from the radio, mixed with the static, the sound can barely be understood.

-If Sho dies, Pav hears Sho's distorted voice on the radio, sobbing, asking why he let him die.

At this point the radio cannot be turned off in both events.

-There are moments where to strengthen trust between the two it is necessary for Pav to start talking successively with Sho or at least not abandon him when he has certain delusions and hallucinations. Certain objects that are gifts can also be exchanged, but only when the level of trust increases.

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

❝ Where can you go if you know that you will never be welcome in this world, Sho?, if you know how much everyone despises you for being who you are and who you try to be, despite how rotten you are, do you think it will be easy to kiss the wound when it's covered in maggots?, no matter where you hide, drowning and you'll be running to go home, like the lonely child that you are in that body ❞

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<< Another perspective, in other eyes - comments regarding their relationship: *Seimei's vision / before all horrors >>

''Are you talking to me about that guy?...of course, at midnight he invaded private property, i don't know how the hell he managed to get in through the window''

''I only remember that the bastard managed to drink my seven bottles of vodka, he turned on the television, he knows that high volume scares me and he does it on purpose''

''Seems like he wants to occupy the empty space on the couch and watch TV as if nothing had happened, i don't know whether to feel relief when he is in his drunken state or more so when he is snoring, maybe both''

''He gives me a headache, we are literally apartment neighbors...the best being the worst neighbors''

''When the neighbors are not gossiping, we usually go to the balcony to smoke and talk about any nonsense, i hate to say it, but we hide things from each other, i can't be sentimental in those cases, he is very...Pav, and i am a fucking idiot, there's nothing to add, but hey, it's certainly fun, i just wish things could get better...sometimes''

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

[Ssh...i have an excuse to show my pathetic office worker, i have more things from these two but shame gets to me, so i'll leave it at that for now].

#fear and hunger #fear and hunger termina #fear and hunger pav #f&h pav #f&h termina #pavel yudin #shoseimeifungeroc #sho seimei #f&h 1946 #fear and hunger 1946

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blackboxtheater · 17 days ago

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For that 40 questions thing, 4, 14, and 40 please?

4. How many fic ideas are you nurturing right now? Care to share one of them?

There's nothing I'm nurturing right now in the sense that it would be a serious story I would ever publish. When I have an idea I tend to write it rather quickly so it doesn't drive me totally insane, which just gives me a lot of random scenes thrown together in a giant messy document lol. But there are some things for non-mcyt fandoms and some original work that are kicking around in my head.

But all that being said......I listen to a lot of actual play Dungeons and Dragons podcasts and I'm constantly fitting situations and characters from mcyt into D&D mechanics. So I keep coming back to that idea a lot. I even got pretty far into a loosely connected series of one-shots about a D&D party of hermits that I'll share the summary for.....

Xisuma, the chosen one of the Goddess Craft, is starting to wonder if there really is an epic quest. Because all he seems to be doing is collecting idiots who can destroy monsters as easily as they destroy his patience. That doesn’t mean he loves his party any less. And at least they saved the server from disaster. For now anyway. Until someone lights something on fire....again OR: A series of moments from the very long life of an adventurer and the people he meets along the way

14. What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever come across?

It's less advice, and more the sense that a premise is a plot. And it's just......not.

A plot is a plot. Things need to happen in a story. (This is talking about longer stories, not one-shots or short fics.)

Like, do I love a good soulmates AU? Absolutely! But the idea that someone will have the first words their soulmate says to them written on their body is not a series of events that makes me want to keep reading to discover what happens next. Who are the soulmates? What are they doing? How does this condition affect them and their lives? Why does that matter? What happens in the story?

Another example of this, for anyone familiar with the Sarah J Mass books/universe, is the first Crescent City book "House of Earth and Blood". The premise is bringing this big interconnected fantasy universe into a modern urban setting, and that's a great fun premise! But the plot is a murder mystery. The actual thing the characters do for 800 freaking pages is solve a murder. 'Woman tries to solve her best friend's murder with a bad boy cop' is the plot of that novel.

40. Write an alternative ending to [insert fic title] (or just the summary of one).

So I'm going to take this as an open ended ask for an alternative ending of any of my fics, but if you meant it differently, please let me know!

And y'all KNOW I am a staunch believer in talking about feelings.

But...... for funsies here is an alternate ending that diverges at chapter 12 of my gemtho fic We Were Shy where Pearl and BDubs are a little more proactive, inspired by the joke at the time that Gem was the boss of Decked Out level 4 and she would just be released into the dungeon to kill Etho.

----

Pearl's POV:

Pearl was waiting for Tango in the control room.

“Pearly pop? Why aren’t you running the dungeon?” He looked between her and the empty dungeon.

“Tango. We need your help.”

“We?”

“Yeah. We.” BDubs said. Pearl laughed at the extremely high pitched noise Tango made when he finally noticed BDubs standing behind him in the shadow of the door. Pearl appreciated that she wasn’t the only one who could be a little sneaky when she wanted to be.

----

<You whispered to GeminiTay> gem want to kill Etho in the dungeon?

<GeminiTay whispered to you> YES

<You whispered to GeminiTay> no follow up questions?

<GeminiTay whispered to you> TIME AND PLACE

----

On one monitor, Pearl, Tango, and BDubs watched Etho climb into the minecart to start a Decked Out run that he had no indication would be out of the ordinary. On another, they watched Gem crouched and hiding on level 2, her hand twitching on the hilt of her diamond sword as she prepared to hunt Etho through the dungeon. Or at least, that's what Pearl had told her she would be doing.

They let Etho get most of the way through level 1, waiting until he commented on how strange it was that he hadn't seen any Ravager yet, before Pearl cleared her throat before she leaned into the microphone in Tango's control room.

“Attention Etho and Gem. Yes Etho, Gem is in the dungeon with you. Tango’s gonna, yup, stop any more cards from playing. Now Etho, you should know that Gem has a massive crush on you.”

“And Gem,” Bdubs poked his head close to the mic. “Etho has a crush on you. Super big crush. Embarrassingly really how big.”

Pearl giggled as Bdubs shot her a smile and stepped away from the mic.

“Now. You two can continue to avoid each other, or kill each other, or whatever it is you two do. That much I don’t really care. But figure it out.”

She smirked in spite of herself. Then she bowed out of the way for Tango to step up.

“And Etho, before you find a loophole, you both respawn at the bed in the top of the dungeon, I’ve removed all your gear from the chests, and the doors won’t open until two different players step on two different pressure plates in front of it. I’m sure you can find a way to sneak out, but not before Gem finds you.”

“And if you want to have fun we’re turning the cameras off!” Bdubs jumped up to add as a final comment.

“Bdubs don’t you dare-" echoed from Etho through the speakers before Tango flicked the lever to kill the video and audio feeds.

“You think it will work?” He asked, turning to Pearl.

“Honestly? I don’t know.”

“What if they crawl out of the dungeon walls? Bdubs suddenly asked. “I mean some of the crypts are just ice. Etho could absolutely punch through that rather than talk about his feelings.”

“You think he’d rather punch through a wall with his bear hands than get laid?” Pearl couldn’t fathom wanting to avoid a conversation that badly. Especially when they already did the hard part for them.

Tango shrugged. “He’s Etho. He might try.”

Then Tango giggled, the little laugh multiplying until his shoulders were shaking and he was whipping tears away from his eyes.

“You okay man?” Bdubs finally asked, looking to Pearl for an explanation she clearly didn’t have.

“If they get out they have to escape level 5!” Tango wheezed.

“There’s another level?” Pearl nearly sputtered out. If the fucking door in level four led to a secret extra level she was going to lose her mind.

“No the redstone!” Tango finally said, gesturing widely around him with a spin. “Even if they get out of eh dungeon they don’t have elytra. They’d have to walk out of the redstone spaghetti. And I’m laughing imagining Gem chasing Etho through it.” Tango finally explained giddy smile on his face.

“I’m going to ping the rest of the hermits that the dungeon is closed.” Pearl said, opening the door to the control room and leading everyone out into the hall.

“Another question Tango,” Bdubs said, eyeing the door. “Do you have a washing machine in the dungeon?”

“Downstairs. I do actually live here you know.” Tango rolled his eyes at Bdubs. “But why.”

“Just maybe wash the sheets in the bed before anyone else runs. Just…”

Pearl watched Tango’s expression warp from confusion to realization to horror to embarrassment. “Yes. Yup. On the list. Good idea.”

<PearlescentMoon> dungeon’s closed for maintenance

<Cubfab135> :(

<GoodTimeWithScar>TANGO! Go fix your dungeon!

<Tango> like pearl said. CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE. DO NOT DISTURB.

<Etho> dungeon set to do not disturb mode

They all looked at Etho’s message at the same time as they stood on the bridge leading away from the Citadel.

“So do we think that’s a good thing?” Bdubs finally asked.

<GeminiTay> STRICTLY ENFORCED

Pearl raised an eyebrow at Gem's message.

“Maybe?”

#ask #drabbles #we were shy

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