#hes stupid very veru stupid

[cashmoneyyysstuff]

katsuki who breaks his sleep schedule ONLY on your birthday because he wants to be sure he’s the first one to text you.

at exactly midnight .on.the.dot. you get a string of messages from your boyfriend saying :

“happy birthday, moron.”

“i love you and all that stupid mushy shit”

“you better say it back. fucked up my sleep for you.”

“❤️”

he doesn’t even care if you’re already asleep, he’s already sure he was the very first one to text you but if you are still awake he’s even more proud cause you saw it happen. him who you (and his friends) tease all the time for going to sleep at like 8:30 sharp stayed up doing fuck all just to be the first to wish you a happy fucking birthday.

so yeah, you bet your ass he’s proud. and he’ll go to sleep and knock out immediately with a smirk on his face when you text him a “thank you sm, katsuki !!! i love you sosooososos much💕💕”

“yeah you better. go to bed, g’night <3”

n’ yeah okay, maybe he’ll be a bit crankier than usual, but it’ll be worth it seeing how bright you smile and jump to hug him, kissing all over his cheek with thank you’s and love you’s.

he’ll just take it out on kaminari.

[teamdays]

dearest compsci major/job having mutuals who liked programming before school/work. how did you do that

[badteavee]

Annoyance of a Lifetime

Tws / Cws : None

Genre : Fluff

Word count : 1,182

Paring : Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee

Veruca was in her storage room turned bedroom , sat at their over the top vanity. Her hair was wrapped in a silk scarf to protect her freshly done curls as they put on her usual makeup , fixing any inconsistencies so it’d seem like they have been doing her makeup on her own for far more than they actually actually have.

The second she put their eyeliner to her eye , her door that she swore they locked burst open , making her jump and make an egregious line of eyeliner going straight to their temple. They barely had to look to know exactly who it was.

“BAD NUT !” Who else would kick her door in other than that neon wearing short freak.

“What do you want , Tiny Teavee ?!” They scowled at him through her mirror , trying to rub off the eyeliner without taking off too much of her foundation.

“You’re shit at makeup.” Mike flopped onto the creaky old chair they make him sit on any time he decides to harass her , he’s forced to deal with it since she’s the only entertaining one of the ticket winners to bother. Veruca groaned and rolled her eyes as she meticulously applied the missing foundation.

“You startled me ! What was so important ?!”

“I found Captain Knuckleduster lost media.”

“That is not important !”

“Of course it is !? It’s the most important thing ever !!”

“That is the least important thing I’ve ever heard !” She hurdled their makeup towel at him , grumbling and going back to perfecting her makeup while Mike made disgusted noises , peeling the gross towel off and throwing it at their vanity.

“You don’t know how cool it is !” He proceeded to yap on about what he’d found , it was just an older poster that didn’t sell very many copies , she didn’t see anything super special about it but there was no shutting him up. Ever. They have tried. There’s only silence when that freak finally goes to sleep.

————————————————————————

Veru stood in front of her floor length mirror , adjusting their light pink jacket to frame the text on her new shirt that read “A little bit dramatic”. They scanned over every bit of her outfit , did the black leather skirt really go with this outfit or should she change into the fabric one ?

Did the design on their sandals clash with the rest of it ?

Was this too showy or not showy enough ?

What about her lipglo-

“Veru !” She jumped out of her skin , huffing as they tried to gently wipe off the lipgloss smudged down her chin. She slow turned , eye almost twitching , to face that daily nuisance. “Don’t look at me like that ! You weren’t listening.”

She growled to herself , taking one last glance at the mirror to make sure this outfit wouldn’t embarrass them at the mall. What were they thinking before ? Fuck , she looks great. Like always. Mike , however. He looked horrid. Camo shorts and a neon orange Underarmour shirt ?? God , why does her father make them hang out. “You look disgusting.”

“I look great !” Mike ran a hand through his hair , sporting that stupid cocky grin as if anyone other than him would agree.

“You’re worse than the geeks.” Veru rolled their eyes , crossing her arms under her chest.

“It’s the mall , who’s going to judge me anyway ??”

“I will ! And my friends ! If anyone from school sees us remotely together , my reputation will be irreparably damaged.”

“Are you saying we’re not friends ??” He dramatically gasped , clasping his hand over his heart.

She scoffed , disgusted. They couldn’t help but flip out her phone and take a picture of how stupid he looked to print off later before snapping it closed , picking up her purse. “Let’s go , I don’t want to be near you for more than I have to.”

“Whatever.”

————————————————————————

Elle slouched over her desk , it now being cleared of their usual mirror , makeups and perfumes to make room for the mountains of books and notebooks she needed. Her forehead rested on the palm of their hand as she twirled her fuzzy pen in their hand , trying her hardest to stay focused and keep studying. She needed to pass her LSAT.

They could hear some kind of commotion outside of he door but figured it was the girls partying with their frat boy spring flings , unfortunately something she couldn’t participate in. She almost didn’t register the clear chorus of ‘Hi Mike !’s until her door was swung open. Goddamn it.

They looked up to meet unimpressed eye to eye of her long term friend , his silly stubble and orange flannel making him look like a weak lumberjack. He still wore his cocky smile but it felt a little soft this time , not that he would be nicer when Elle was going through a breakup. Or anything.

Maybe Elle was a little grateful for the distraction.

“Yes , Micheal ?” She couldn’t help her accent slip , momentarily sounding like that annoyed twelve year old. But they found herself less annoyed with him nowadays.

“What are you doing ?” He sounded like a child asking that but he was genuinely curious about the sudden interest in reading. He picked up one of the books and snickered. “ LSATs for dummies ?”

“I’m trying to get into Harvard Law School.” She glanced back down at her open law book and notebook , god she hoped these notes were good enough.

“Harvard ? Why would you want to go to a smart school ?” He teased , setting the book back down and pulling up his designated chair that was lovingly decorated in orange and yellow stickers and gemstones by the Delta Nu girls to their desk. “Why not blonde in pink school ?”

“I have to prove that I’m serious !”

“And you’re doing that with.. law school ?”

“Don’t judge me , Micheal , you wouldn’t understand what people would do for love.” Mike made a jokingly disgusted face , they were both adults sure , but Elle’s love life ? Ew.

Elle smacked him in the shoulder while chuckling. “Don’t look at me like that either ! You should be glad I’m cooped up studying instead of bothering you.” Otherwise Mike would be dragged into the spring fling party. Again.

He stole one of her open books , reading over the pages , Jesus that was way too many words. How could she read this ? “Now I get to bother you.”

“Great.” She sounded a little annoyed but laughed it off with Mike , she couldn’t be too bothered with him anymore , even if he was hindering their ability to study. They could basically feel Kate being grumpy with her from the other room.

“Hey ! You never know , I could help you with this.” He chuckled as he spoke , he couldn’t possibly be much help but he didn’t want to leave now.

“Help… from you ? Please.”

Mike held up his arm , showing off his pink and white friendship bracelet that matched Elle’s yellow and orange one. “I’m legally your friend , I have to help you.”

They didn’t think that was a law in any of her books but at least Mike wasn’t ruining all of her things. She laugh-scoffed at him. “Sure , Micheal.”

[andro-dino]

ever since i got into sbr the bombermen now live in my brain..... maybe some domestic hcs for the bros and the dastardly bombers?? after the latter get redeemed im interested to know how you think they acclimated to being normal guys again

SBR IN MY INBOX FALLS TO MY KNEES AND SOBS I USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THESE

There’s so many thoughts that have just been brewing around up there for ages. One that is like a suuuuuper old thought that’s been up there for years is the idea that Green hangs out with his sisters a lot and at some point gets really into painting nails and tries to get any and all of his siblings to let him paint their nails (ignore the fact that they don’t canonically have nails rn okay lets just pretend). It’s pretty hit and miss. I like to think that Yellow would be one of the most openly receptive to it but he cannot hold still for that long so his always end up really scuffed and messed up but he still loves them anyways. Also during this era I liked pairing up Green and Red as like, particularly close, and Red despite all his usual willpower is very weak to Greens manipulation and I just think it’s so silly. I drew a lil thing of him also ages ago beating up his training dummy while holding his hands out very carefully trying not to mess up his freshly painted nails and I just think that encompasses that whole thing.

SPEAKING OF RED AND DUO DYNAMICS I LIKE WITH HIM, him and black have a very stupid rivalry and constantly butting heads with each other is something that I hold very near and dear to my heart. It was a product of all the tiktok audios that were popular at the time that I had saved for hypothetical future cosplays I think (side note I need to get back to cosplaying (my magnet wig has been staring me down recently)). Their dynamic is very similar to dan and reiki to me if that makes sense. except they’re both better and worse. idk they’re just very dear to me <3 this one interaction in sbr2 genuinely made me like scream and cry and throw up it’s all 2018 axel ever could’ve wanted.

Another individual duo dynamic between the bros I am obsessed with is blue and pink bc I hc them as twins and they r so important to me. Blue in general I like to think of as really good at reading people (even if he doesn’t usually make that super obvious) and he tends to notice when Pink is overly stressed out and putting too much pressure on herself. When this happens, he’s usually able to bring her back down to earth by smacking her upside the head with a pillow and telling her to take a break. I like to think that if she’s stressing out abt like having to look after their other siblings or whatever, Blues like “I’ll handle it” and it’s very ominous and pink does not fully know what that entails but she does know that she really wants to take a nap so she lets him handle it. I think you give that man a monster energy or two and he could do anything.

I was also recently thinking abt the respective eldest four/youngest four quartets of the Bomberman bros and they just. mean so much to me. I like to think that they hold like their own respective council meeting to discuss the current state of affairs and stuff they’ve noticed about the other half. THEYRE JUST VERU IMPORTANT TO ME. with the older bros, again with blue being the most observant, I like to think that he tends to bring up stuff that none of the others have noticed yet and it always catches everyone off guard. The younger half are extremely silly with it. Like I don’t know how to describe it but they are the most functionally dysfunctional group imaginable and it’s both horribly chaotic but surprisingly organized. Yellow is the minutes man. he does keep track of everything in crayon. Half of the time he does get distracted drawing flowers and butterflies instead. there’s no one else they would trust with the job. Red thinks he’s the leader since he’s the oldest of the four. Aqua and Green have not broken the news to him that he is not. It’s okay he doesn’t need to know.

As for the dastardlys, I don’t have a lot of specific ideas for them as far as like, re becoming parts of society goes (though most of the ones I do have are mostly whiteplasma focused (and none of them are very coherent bc thinking about them together just makes me sob violently)), though I’ve honestly always liked the idea of them forming their own sort of ragtag sibling kind of bond. It’s very strange and weird and none of them are really fully used to it but they find comfort in each other methinks. Pretty serves as the main bridge between them and the main eight. I like to think that even after buggler n everything, she still dresses up and keeps Karaoke around as like, a sort of drag persona. It’s very important to me that for both groups, she is both very sisterly and mature but also incredibly silly to degrees unheard of. I’ve always liked the idea of her and magnet being especially close. They r. insane together. sometimes pretty is able to ground him and give him good advice and other times they bring out the worst (best) in each other and it ends about as well as you’d expect, but they r like besties in my head.

Plasma I’ve always thought of as just having a natural protective/big brother kind of instinct to him. It’s funny bc half of the dastardlies are older or roughly the same age as him but he still just like instinctually pulls out a lot of the big brother talk with them. One interaction I’ve thought abt is between him and golem where they’re kinda just hangin out and whatever and he brings up how golem and yellow are getting along and plasma’s like “it’s nice that you’re making friends I’m very happy for you” and golem (in his own vocabulary obviously) is like “yk you don’t have to talk to me like I’m a child, I am like thousands of years older than you” and plasmas like “right my b force of habit.” (I do think plasma is still like mentally older than golem iykwim but yk, golems not like green little either). It’s funny I actually used to not really like/care about plasma that much (I honestly think it was just his English voice acting like it really just does not do it for me dawg) but now I love him so dearly. His and white’s dynamic is especially important to me (if that wasn’t already clear) and like. augh. aughhh <333 they’re so incredibly similar in so many ways and just the thought of them consistently being together and training and hanging out with each other and bringing out the best in each other is so important to me. They keep up their friendly rivalry while helping each other out, white especially helping plasma and the others get reacclimated to everything and supporting them along the way (and maybe he and plasma smooch a little too idk the world is a beautiful place). I think White also gets along with Golem pretty well. mostly just bc white supervises golem and yellows hangouts/dates for a while just to make sure yellow is really fine without him keeping his eye on him all the time and in the process, grows really fond of golem.

I think as far as the other dastardlies and the bros go, I also like red and magnet together a lot just like generally. they r so incredibly silly I just think they should not be separated (even though only bad things happen when they’re together /silly). I also obviously am obsessed with phantom and blue together. extremely over dramatic guy who still thinks they have an intense rivalry x guy who goes “lol” and does not feed into it at all is the best ever in the world. Also, just bc of that one image from the sbr credits, him and black together I think would be great. They both have such a flair for the dramatics that I think it’d work. You’d think they’d be a mess just with how different their usual personalities tend to be but I think it cancels out and both of them think they just kinda get each other (they do not)(they don’t need to know that they’re happy anyways).

[draggeddowntothedark]

Queen of Diamonds

TW: Torture, Sexual Assault Mention

Every one reaches their breaking point. Camilla had been teetering on hers ever since she passed her dolls onto her sisters and became the wife of the most worthless sack of shit in the entirety of Rome. But she balanced, she smiled at the right people, she soothed her husband’s ego while she puppeted him into making the right actions for their family. Gods knew if it was all up to him they’d lose it all.

She took his disrespect. His grubby, rough hands. His insults, his control over what she did and how she acted. She did it all with a smile and a soft voice. All she wanted in return? To be able to love and care for her sons… especially her eldest, Cicero.

Oh, it was like a mirror some days. Elegant, dark haired, even darker eyes that hid mischievous light. Cicero was a gift from the gods, the one who made the hard days worth it. To say she would die for any of her sons was truth, but Cicero was her eldest. The one that was most like her.

She knew that she’d lose him one day. His lungs, his weak constitution, he’d be taken from her. But to one day wake up and enter his room to see he wasn’t in it… then to enter the gardens and to find it torn apart, with no trace of her son save for pieces of his tunic.

It nearly broke her. It would’ve. But she overheard just pieces of a conversation between her husband and one of his friends.

“Seeing him being taken away… well, for me, it was a blessing. He’s gone now, and with him goes my burden.”

It was a cold shock. One that she needed, otherwise her grief would’ve consumed her.

Now, she was enraged.

Cicero’s time in life was already looking to be short, and rather than take every moment possible with him, his idiotic father let someone take him.

So once their guest had left, Camilla attacked him.

She wasn’t a very large woman, if it just came down to weight her husband could crush her like glass. But she had rage on her side, and his stupid oafish self hardly knew what to do when his smiling, gentle wife came storming in and proceeded to shove him to the ground.

He tried to get up. Camilla responded by kicking him in the jaw.

“Who took him!? Who took our son!?”

He tried playing dumb, something he was quite good at, but Camilla wasn’t accepting it. She kicked him again between the legs, hard enough that he howled like a dying dog.

“What. Took. Cicero.”

He caved. He told her everything. He told her about what had been happening across the city, how young men and women were stolen away in the night by strange ones, strange ones with bloodless skin and fangs like beasts. The young people had never been seen again. The night Cicero went missing, he’d seen one of them- Cicero draped over his shoulder. They’d left and that idiot man just went back to bed.

Camilla hated him. She wanted to kill him. But she restrained herself. She needed someone to hire soldiers after all, to go look for her boy. She prostrated herself before the statues of her gods, begged them for their guidance, their blessing… Ceres once searched the lands for her Proserpina, could they not also help her find her Cicero?

When she went with her armed guard, she did not go alone- Verus insisted on coming. She tried to dissuade him but it was his brother that was missing too. Verus might’ve been his father’s favorite but that was not a title he’d wanted. And knowing the truth, that he’d let Cicero be abducted? No, he had to help.

It took time. Weeks. But the trail of violence and blood was not impossible to follow. That trail led them to it- the den of the vampires.

They were all passed out drunk, their long suffering captives curling up best they could… except for one. A girl, likely around Verus’ age, laid still on her own. Camilla held up a hand before she knelt by the girl, resting her hand on her shoulder.

The girl looked up and softly gasped, as did Camilla- the girl looked like she’d been through war. Bruises and ragged bite wounds covered her body, her face sunken and dirty cheeks that had clear lines from where tears had been falling.

“Have you seen my son? Cicero, is Cicero here?” Camilla whispered.

The girl’s head bowed. “… The King took him into his chambers. He hasn’t come out yet,” she whispered back.

Camilla stroked the girl’s blood crusted hair. “I’ll go get him. Hold here,” she gestured to her guard. Verus was the only one who seemed to disagree with that plan, but he waited all the same.

Camilla headed in alone, keeping a strong grip on the dagger that was at her belt. The place stunk of blood and death. Her heart hammered in her chest. What was she to find?

It was the crying that led her to her son. The ‘king’, a stocky, ugly man, was asleep judging by his uproarious snoring. But that was nothing compared to Cicero’s sobs.

He was suffering. Bruised, bloodied, curled up in a ball on the floor with rags of his clothing around him… Camilla’s heart nearly stopped. He was alive, but that man… that barbarian raped her son-

Camilla saw red. There was a sword propped up against the wall. It would do. She picked it up and did not hesitate. The king’s eyes opened just in time to see Camilla bringing the bladed down on his neck. She was surprised with her own strength, or perhaps it was the sharpness of the sword, but either way only one blow was needed to take the man’s head clean off his shoulders.

Cicero’s sobbing cut off and he slowly levered himself off the ground. Those dark eyes were glazed over, only regaining their sharpness after a few moments. “M… mother? Mother?” he repeated it a few times, like he couldn’t believe Camilla was actually there. He shuddered and wrapped his arms around himself. “Mother, I… I’m sor-”

Camilla threw herself to the ground, clutching her son to her chest and cutting off the sentence. “No, no, it’s okay, my son, you’re alive… you’re alive…” she wept, burying her face in his hair.

The two clung to each other for what felt like hours, crying and thanking the gods they found each other once again before Cicero finally spoke up.

“… Mother, his ring. His ring made him into something almost as powerful as a god. You should have it.”

A ring? Camilla finally released Cicero to look at the decapitated corpse. There was a ring on his hand all right- a beautiful gold band studded with diamonds. She pulled it off his finger and held it up to the light. “… Interesting…” she murmured under her breath before she placed it in her pocket. She took her palla and draped it over her son, something to cover him. “Stay here for now. I’m going to handle the situation outside. Do not be afraid. I did not come alone.”

It wouldn’t have mattered much. The moment the beasts were awoken by her mercenaries they knew something was wrong. They were no longer the threat they’d apparently been, weak as mortal men and terrified of how the sky was getting brighter.

They begged to be let back inside, to be given their Diamond King’s ring. Camilla gripped it on her pocket before she ordered them to be chased into the fields.

It was an incredible sight. As the sun climbed its way up, the beams of light hit the monsters and caused them to go up in flames. Soon the ground was littered with charred corpses.

The other captives could not stop thanking Camilla. They told her all about their captors, these vampires, how they drunk the blood of mortals to remain forever young and beautiful, how they had strange powers like turning into animals or controlling someone’s actions. Their ‘king’, apparently named Athaulf, he was the most powerful of all. As long as they had a king, the sunlight only weakened them, but no king… well, their blackened bodies were evidence of what that meant.

Camilla heard it all, considering her next action very carefully. When night came again, she sent the soldiers home with the survivors. Let them go home and live their lives.

Camilla had other plans.

The only one who refused to leave was the girl- Julia. She explained how the vampires had killed her whole family, and that out of all the victims of Athaulf, Cicero was the only one who stood up for her. He tried to protect her. She could not bear to leave him.

Camilla turned the ring over and over in her fingers.

“… I don’t believe many men could be trusted with this ring,” she said aloud, looking at those still with her.

Camilla smirked.

“I think it’s fortunate this ring finds itself in the hand of a woman then.”

Camilla slipped it on her middle finger. The transformation was painful, but it was fast. Everything was louder, sharper, clearer. As her heart thudded to a stop, she felt more alive than she ever had before.

She threw her head back, grinning and showing off how her upper and lower canine teeth had been replaced with sharp fangs.

“Well? Who wants to live forever by my side?”

It came as no surprise that Cicero did not hesitate. He stumbled up to his mother before he sunk to his knees. The clothing he wore didn’t fit quite right, but at least it was something to cover his decency. Camilla wasn’t quite sure how she knew what to do, but she used her dagger to cut open her hand, dripping the blood into Cicero’s mouth.

Julia was next. Verus declined, saying he would need to think about it, but the he watched his newly changed brother, who could barely lift his head some days, now run across the field and even perform cartwheels… Camilla had a feeling he’d be asking for her blood sometime too.

The only thing left to do now?

Go home. Let Cicero rip his worthless father’s heart from his chest. And take Sabinus with them to go, well, wherever they pleased.

They now had forever in their hands, and Camilla wasn’t going to wait a moment to enjoy it.

~~~

In v; prince of diamonds, Cicero does not become the Diamond King- rather, his mother because the Diamond Queen. He may not be as powerful, but his life is one of luxury as his mother's Right Hand. It's far less lonely too with so much family about, since Camilla ended up turning his two brothers over the years as well.

[alta1r1an]

For your charr from best to worst, how well is each one at holding their alcohol? What are they like when they get 'too' drunk? (If any of them don't drink, those specific one's favourite drinks instead)

Hoh, alright a good one. Gotta start with just a good ol list I guess

Best

Aereth

Pythus

Verus

Atticus

Thax - Raevik (tie)

Worst

Callum and Crito dont drink, they mostly keep it to good ol water.

Thax... goes a bit manic under the influence of alcohol. Being inebriated and having a rather constant awareness of the minds and magic around you does not go well together. He has a great time letting loose and bending the physical laws of the place he is in though.

Pythus is probably higher than you expected, but it's mostly that this guy can just drink alot. Which he does often in drinking contests. He usually gets naked and somehow stupider, he is the one starting the bar brawl if he is not busy trying to get another man in the bar naked.

Aereth will drink you under the table. Seems having an affinity for water magic helps you purge toxins from your bloodstream

And then Raevik... he is tiny and not used to things like alcohol. He might not be a very happy drunk though. (He will also try and show off his skill in throwing daggers as the lowered inhibition suddenly unlocks a desire to show off in him. He should not be allowed to throw daggers while drunk)

Atticus sings, he will somehow get the entire tavern to sing along with him. He will also dance, which mostly gets points for enthusiasm rather than grace.

Verus... is a flirt, but he probably falls asleep before that gets anywhere.

[aogram]

Promising Pupil - (Prisoner 005) Samako First Trial Voice Drama

A door swings open. Heavy footsteps, before someone sits down in a chair, that already seems to be pulled out. Someone else sighs.

Samako:

There you are. I’ve been waiting a while, you know, Warden.

Verus:

My name is Verus.

Samako:

Yes, well, nobody here calls you that.

Verus:

…I guess that’s understandable.

Samako:

Yes, I’d say it is. Considering the situation we’re in. 

Verus:

Yeah, yeah, I know. Many of you have told me how much this ‘sucks’. Are you going to cooperate in this interrogation?

Samako:

I am. I think that when I present to you the facts of my situation, you will see reason, and judge me innocent.

Verus:

You’re going to just… tell me everything you did?

Samako:

In a moment, yes.

Verus:

I see. We’ll get to that later, then. Prisoner 005, can you start by stating your name, age, and occupation?

Samako:

Samako Matsukura. 16 years old. I’m a student at a mage college in Waterdeep. A very prestigious one.

Verus:

At 16? Impressive.

Samako:

I was allowed early admittance due to outstanding test scores.

Verus:

Is that a common thing where you come from?

Samako:

Hardly. I’m the first in over half a century. And the last one is teaching at the school now.

Verus:

Wow. That certainly is something, then. 

Samako:

I know.

Verus:

(…She’s certainly not humble.) So, how have you been adjusting to life here?

Samako:

In complete and total honesty, it irks me greatly that I am not able to practice magic here. I have midterms to study for, as well as other worries.

Verus:

There are surely other ways to study. You requested many textbooks, right?

Samako:

Well, yes. They have been of great help, although I suppose my time and requests might have been better spent on something else…

Verus:

Like what?

Samako:

While studying is never a waste of time, it is possible that my time would have been better spent in another subject. Perhaps the tests have already passed. Time flows strangely in this place.

Verus:

It kind of does. I’ve noticed that too.

Samako:

Everyone has. It’s a marvel to think that most of the others have not connected that to the demiplanar nature of this space. And there’s something else off about it too… Hm. Sorry, a thought just struck me.

Verus:

What kind of thought?

Samako:

Another theory, of sorts. I’ll have to do more research to confirm it later. It just has me thinking about how impressive this whole operation is, from an arcane perspective. I would much like to speak to whoever is in charge of this.

Verus:

Well, you can’t. 

Samako:

I surmised as much. Back to what I was saying, then.

Verus:

What were you saying?

Samako:

I was talking about how odd it seems that most of the other prisoners have not identified the nature of this castle.

Verus:

Maybe most of the others aren’t aware of the concept.

Samako:

Wouldn’t surprise me. I doubt the gith would even know if he weren’t native to another plane himself.

Verus:

Are you calling him stupid?

Samako:

Of course not. He plays lanceboard well. But he does not strike me as the academic type.

Verus:

Well, you’d be right about that.

Samako:

As I usually am.

Verus:

…Okay. On this topic, what do you think of the other prisoners?

Samako:

I don’t usually speak to them. I read or study most of the time.

Verus:

And when you aren’t reading or studying?

Samako:

Like I mentioned earlier, I play lanceboard with Ralis. 

Verus:

How did that come to be?

Samako:

I saw him reading a strategy book. I asked if he played. We asked for a board, and we’ve been playing together since.

Verus:

Well, it’s good you’re talking to someone in here.

Samako:

I’m not a complete and total social recluse, you know.

Verus:

Never said you were.

Samako:

I felt that it was implied.

Verus:

Is there anyone else you talk to?

Samako:

008 asks me a lot of questions.

Verus:

About what?

Samako:

Arithmetic. Spelling. Various pieces of lore.

Verus:

Do you answer him?

Samako:

As long as the explanation wouldn’t be too long, yes. It is good that he is given opportunities to learn when needed.

Verus:

Are there any prisoners you dislike?

Samako:

Esvel has tried to take me away from my work sometimes. It makes sense, considering he doesn’t like me.

Verus:

Why doesn’t he like you?

Samako:

He thinks I’m boring. I think he’s a good-for-nothing layabout. So it’s a mutual dislike.

Verus:

Do you prefer your rivalries mutual?

Samako:

Ha. It’s hardly a rivalry. A true rival keeps you up all night with plans on how to defeat them.

Verus:

…You have experience with that?

Samako:

Kind of, in a way.

Verus:

Kind of?

Papers rustle.

Samako:

Just read these. All will be explained.

Papers rustle again.

Verus:

…A persuasive essay?

Samako:

I consider myself to be a good writer.

Verus:

You wrote a persuasive essay?

Samako:

I have been waiting a long time for this interrogation, you know.

Verus:

These meetings are supposed to be spaced out.

Samako:

Mhm. Anyway, please read it.

Verus:

…I’m sorry, but I don’t know if I can do that.

Samako:

Excuse me? Why?

Verus:

You telling me what happened is one thing, but an essay crafted carefully over many months to make you look as innocent as possible is another.

Samako:

Surely the others weren’t completely unbiased in their explanations as well.

Verus:

Most of them refused to speak of their crimes. Or just argued with me.

Samako:

You should be grateful, then. For me presenting you with this information in the first place.

Verus:

Look. I appreciate it. But I can’t just read a persuasive essay.

Samako:

I guarantee you it will paint you the exact same picture that my vision will.

Verus:

I highly doubt that.

Samako:

Fine. Should I just verbally tell you why I deserve absolution, then?

Verus:

Who’s to say you haven’t been crafting what words you’d use for months now?

Samako:

Who’s to say any of the others haven’t?

Verus:

…

Samako:

Exactly. I think it would be much more time and energy efficient for us both if you were to just read the essay.

Verus:

I’m not doing that.

Samako:

…Please?

Verus:

Nope. We don’t have time, anyway. It’s time to go soon.

Samako:

Please, you can’t even hear the-

Gears start to grind as the platform lowers.

Damn it!

Verus:

I know you’re upset, but please just cooperate with this.

Samako:

Ugh. Fine! Like I said, the vision will probably say the exact same things anyway. It will prove my innocence.

Verus:

Let’s see if you’re right. Prisoner 005, get ready to sing your sins.

---

Read Samako's first trial MV Transcript here

Vote here

[shieldherostuffs]

I just got this stupid idea (Veru much inspired by Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, specifically Yoo Junghyuk and Kim Dokja's first meeting) where, at one point or another, for one reason or another, L'Arc, for some god-forsaken reason, end up holding Naofumi by his neck, over the edge of a cliff.

(Let's just say this 'au' has a lot more angst and sexual tension between rarufumi/therufumi than canon.)

Naofumi's first thought is to try and negotiate for L'Arc to put him back on the fucking ground, but the second, much stupider thought, wins over the first.

So, in the heat of the tension, and the very little fear of L'Arc dropping him, Naofumi says,

"Harder Daddy."

L'Arc's brain immediately short-circuits, making his grip loosen, resulting in him dropping Naofumi into the waters below.

Naofumi's last words before he hits the water, are,

"That's the exact opposite of what I asked you to do, moron!"

(Ironically, it's L'Arc and Therese that find and save him after he washes ashore somewhere, half-drowned.)

[verus-veritas]

Legacy

Revenge, Technology, Mind Transference, with a dash of unrequited love. What’s not to love? /Verus

"Dude! P-please! I'm sorry! Whatever you think I've done, it must all be a mistake!" Andew yelled, thrashing against his confinements and eyeing the only point of exit in the room. His firm muscles were wet and taut against his clothes, and his handsome face flush red with terror and worry.

"Are you really sorry though? It didn't seem like it from the way you acted during Gavin's funeral. The sneers and laughter you made as his parents said their final words to him..." I said, hiding in the shadows. Only my feet and the contours of my body was visible for him to see.

"N-no offense. I just found it funny when the parents said they wish he'd atleast gotten a girlfriend before he passed away-" The same devious sneer returned on his perfectly handsome face, as he most likely remembered the scene in his head.

"Of course you found it funny. Because you knew he was completely gay. Gay, and had a massive crush on you for ages. He literally worshipped the ground you walked on, and spent most of his waking hours wishing he could be with you." I explained, slowly walking around him as I pulled out a flimsy latex cap with electronical nodes attached to it.

"And I let him. I did no wrong." Andrew talked back. His eyes following my figure until I stood directly behind him.

"No! You lead him on, made him believe you were actually interested in him. And then you destroyed him. You are the reason he ran out of the house crying, and you are the reason he didn't see the truck speeding towards him!" My voice was shaking as I quickly slapped the cap onto his head, accidentally pulling out a few strands of his hair.

"Ouuch! Get this thing off me!" He shook his head and began thrashing about again.

"You know. He really loved you... He said he was going to make you the happiest man on earth. Showering you with gifts and undying love, and be by your side forever and ever. That's why he trusted you so wholeheartedly and let you do whatever you wanted."

"Naive..." He quietly muttered under his breath.

"He was even fine with you staring and drooling over other girls. As long as he could stay by your side."

"What a fag..." I could hear him gritting his teeth.

"But that evening when you invited him over, only to have him find you in the bedroom hooking up with a random girl... that completely ruined him. You shattered his dream, his self-confidence, and his sensitive soul! He didn't know what to do and where to go, which is why he ran straight out into the traffic..." My voice was uncontrollably going up and down now, as I was unable to hide my emotions.

"Dude only had himself to blame. He should've known I only had him around for the free stuff he bought for me." Andrew snickered, as he looked down at the expensive shorts Gavin had bought for him a few weeks prior.

"How dare you!" I tried to punch his shoulder, but knew I was too weak to do any real damage against his hard muscles.

"Y'know... it almost sounds like you had feelings for him- Wait a minute! You're that pastry white kid that always walked around with him aren't you?! Hah! 'Ghost boy' we called you!" The tone in his voice shifted - with more confidence and arrogance. Back to the way he normally talked - a manipulative bastard at heart. "I see. So you best friend Gavin never had feelings for you, and now that he's gone you blame yourself for not having stopped him."

"......" I clenched my hands till my knuckles turned white.

"Hah! Maybe you really were a horrible friend. Have you thought about that you might be the reason he's dead?" He laughed, obviously enjoying the way he was toying with my feelings.

"...you have no idea..." I mumbled, as tears began to flow down my cheeks.

"Maybe you should be the one sitting in this chair - tied up and wearing this stupid cap on your head. Hehe."

I took a deep breath and calmed myself, before walking around him once again and turning so he could see me. See the real me... one last time. "I will. Soon."

"W-what do you mean with that? And why are you also wearing that ridiculous cap?" He asked. His tone in voice once again becoming panicked and anxious.

"You see. The reason why I'm so pale is because I spend so much time at home playing with my inventions and devices. Coding is one of my favorite things to do. And for the last few months I've relentlessly been working on creating this device we're both wearing right now. It was originally only meant to be used on you, recoding the patterns in your brain into loving Gavin as much as he loved you. While also erasing all of your bad traits and turning you into his ideal boyfriend... but there's no reason for that anymore, is there? So, I upgraded it into 2.0, which can now be used with two people."

"P-pff... yeah right... and what does this new version do then?"

"It can transfer the consciousness between two human brains. Even recoding the brain into believing the new consciousness have always been in control of its own body. All the memories, habits, and even muscle memory will be easily accessible to the new permanent owner." I explained, as I began fiddling with a machine by our side. The nodes on our caps lit up.

"Permanent?! Wait a minute. Let's say all of this freaky sci-fi stuff is actually real, what's going to happen to my consciousness?" Andrew asked, as he began to get more anxious by the beeping sound of the nodes on his head.

"All gone. Overwritten by mine. Erased out of existence with no way of restoring it." I answered nonchalantly. Flicking the last switched around, the device was now ready to be activated.

"What the fuck! Then you're basically killing me?! Get me out of here, you sick freak!" He began violently thrashing against the back of the chair, and flung his head around to get the latex cap off... but to no avail.

"Am I really though? Your memories, your body, and your relationships will all still be here, under my complete control. I'm just... discarding a small part of you that's no longer necessary."

"No...no... Help! HELP! SOMEONE!! THIS CRAZY MOTHERFUCKER IS GOING TO KILL ME!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, but the soundproofed walls would do him no good.

I flicked the final switch and walked over to him as the machine began buzzing. Standing in front of him, I suddenly sat down on his lap and grabbed hold of his face. I stared into his fearful yet piercing blue eyes and slid my hands across the cheeks and contours of his face.

"This beautiful face of yours that Gavin loved, I promise I'll take good care of it and cherish it until the day I die. It's the least I can do to honor my friend Gavin." I leaned forward and gently laid a kiss on his sweaty forehead, while holding him in place as he screamed for all he was worth.

"No! Noo! NOoO-Uoogguuughhhh" His scream turned into a gurgle as his eyes rolled to the back of his head. At the same time, my eyes went white and hazy as my pastry body slumped over and fell on the cement floor. Most likely cracked open its head or something from the sound of it.

"NgOOuoouughhgguuuhh!!!" Andrew's head flung back and forth as if to fight whatever was invading his head, but it barely took a minute before the thrashing suddenly stopped and his head slumped down.

His eyes were closed, his face flushed red from exertion, and the sweat and drool pooled down onto his expensive shorts. A further five minutes of stillness and blinking nodes passed before any activity was seen.

---

*Gasp*

I awoke to the cap on my head giving me a quick electric shock. In front of me laid my old withered body, lifeless and without a doubt stone dead. My throat felt dry and tired, and the ties on my arms hurt like hell. In fact, everything felt, looked, and smelt different. The smell oozing from my sweaty clothes that once smelt great now stunk in my nose. I could recall from Andrew's memories that he showered atleast twice a day. I showered atleast twice a day.

After some fiddling with the special knots in my back, I easily slipped the rope off. Massaging the sore parts on my wrist, I soon relished in how big and strong my new hands looked now. Hands who should've been holding Gavin's...

I explored further up till I reached my new bulging biceps. Squeezing them I felt how firm and taut they were. I never in a million years would have managed to get myself this big, but here I was, standing in the body of a perfect specimen. The body of the man who my friend loved, but who didn't truly love him back. If only I could've done this before Gavin died... Would he have loved me instead, or would he have hated me for what I had done? Well, atleast he would've been alive.

My focus went to my Andrew face, as I caressed the blemish-free skin and the small stubble forming on it. The face of the man I had hated for a while, the face of the man whose identity I would have to take over, and the face I would see in the mirror for as long as I breathed. It was one of the most handsome faces I've ever laid my eyes on no doubt, so I'm perfectly fine with that decision.

My hands continued to explore what was now mine; running fingers through my lush but wet hair, following the outline of my cobblestone abs, and shaking my strong and muscular legs awake from sitting too long.

Not long after I finally slipped the drool and sweat-soaked shorts off myself and watched as the tool between my legs arose to its new owner. It might not have been as long as my former one, but the very girth of it made up for it. As I enveloped it between my palms, I realized that no one had ever been as intimate with Andrew's tool as I was now, and no one would ever be. Not even Gavin would if he was somehow resurrected. Only I, Andrew would ever know how this throbbing member would feel in my own hands, the endorphins and pleasure its touch would send throughout my amazing body, and the ultimate earth-shattering orgasms I would experience as I edge myself to climax every day from now on.

The very thought of it immediately brought me to the brink of orgasm, so I quickly spread my legs apart and thrust the member fully through my grasp. It was all that was needed as I suddenly began shaking with pleasure and exploded shot after shot of Andrew seed all over the floor, myself and my former lifeless body."Ugh! Uuuugh! UUUuOOGggHH!!"

“.... Holy shit.....” I moaned, slightly shocked by the unfamiliarity of the new voice coming from my throat.

Reeling from my first ever orgasm in my new body and life, I sat back down on the chair and took a breather. I was sweaty, my crotch sticky, and my armpits stunk. Yet, I know I still looked glorious. How couldn't I? After all, I am Andrew. The man who Gavin loved, and who loved him back just as much, if not even more...

I will dedicate this new life of mine to worship and care for this body just as much as Gavin would have. His legacy, Andrew's body and life, and my consciousness have finally become one... and I promise I will carry them with pride and confidence to the grave... even if it is the only thing I will accomplish in this short insignificant life of mine.

[jjmaybanksbaby]

Rock The Boat | JJ x Reader

Part I

summary: After spending some time with JJ Maybank, you realize the two of you will never get along. 

tw: drinking & alcohol, mentions of throwing up, just some good ole Pogue verus Kook tension 

a/n: now that im done with finals, i finally had time to start a JJ series so here it is :) i live for some good Kook verus Pogue animosity...that might turn into something more...!!!! part 2 will be up soon-ish. hope y’all enjoy this!!!!! & request are always open!!!

word count: 1.8k words

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

The first time you ever spoke to JJ Maybank you were throughly drunk. In fact, you don’t have any memory of the night. It was your Kook friends who filled you in on what happened at the party over brunch the next morning.  

School had gotten out a few days ago and your parents were out of town which meant you had a whole lot of freedom that you fully planning on take advantage of. 

You had spent the majority of the party dancing with your friends, the music good and the company was tolerable so you were content. You cup never seemed to be empty but then again, you weren’t worried really about counting the number of drinks you had. You were young and it was summer. 

Your friends were getting anxious to leave and head to the after-party Topper was throwing when you laid eyes on JJ. You stopped dead in your tracks and dropped your drink in the sand. 

“Ew,” your friend screamed. “(y/n) you just dropped your beer all over my scandals. Gross! ” 

“Who is that?” You asked, pointing in the boy’s direction. 

“I don’t know. I think his name is JJ. He mows my parent’s lawn sometimes. Why do you care? He’s a Pogue.” 

“Can we leave now? Pleaseeee,” another one of your Kook friends begged. 

You held up a single finger indicating that you needed just one more moment before you would be ready to go.

The alcohol in your blood was enough liquid courage for you to march over to JJ. Unfortunately, your heart and your stomach decided they weren’t on the same page and before you could introduce yourself, all that alcohol made an appearance. You threw up right on his shoes. 

“What the fuck!” He yelled at you, jumping back to avoid getting hit with anymore puke.

You looked up at him, thoroughly embarrassed. “I-I have to go,” you said, then stumbled back to your friends who were laughing their asses off at what had just occurred. “

Just get me out of here,” you begged and they did. 

...

Since you lived on Figure Eight and JJ was a Pogue, you figured your chances that you woud run into him again were very slim. You hadn’t noticed him in all the years that you have lived on the Outer Banks and you were praying that streak would continue. Barfing on a boy isn’t exactly the best way to get his attention. 

The door bell rang causing you to look up from the online shopping spree you were currently deep into. 

“I’m coming,” you called out, getting up from the kitchen table and walking to the front door. 

You opened the door and your eyes became huge when you saw that it was in fact JJ Maybank who was ringing your doorbell. You opened your mouth to speak but nothing came out. 

“Uh,” he said, scratching the back of his neck nervously. “I was just finishing up some repairs on your parent’ boat. They usually leave my pay out here...”

“Oh, yeah. There’s out of town.” You glanced at the table sitting next to the door and saw an envelope marched Boat Repairs. “Here,” you said, handing it to him. 

“Thanks. It’s good to see you, lightweight.” 

“I...” you started. He raised his eyebrows daring you to challenge what he just said. “I’m not a lightweight. I wasn’t even really that drunk.” 

“You  threw up on my shoes.” He said very matter of factly. 

You felt your checks flush red in embarrassment which made you slightly pissed. 

“Whatever. But I’m not a lightweight, just so you know.” You felt suddenly defensive of your drinking abilities and wanted this conversation to be over as soon as humanely possible. 

“See you around, lightweight.” JJ said before bounding down your porch stairs. 

“Asshole,” you whispered just loud enough for him to hear, no longer feeling so charmed by him. 

“Bye, princess.” He yelled back. 

...

The summer was passing uneventfully. You only saw JJ whenever you and your Kook friends ventured out to the boneyard for parties. Even then you clung to your friend’s side and were careful to put a wide distance between you and him. 

It had been raining for the past week but the sun was starting to peak out from behind the clouds and you were dying to get outside. You picked up your phone to call Kiara, knowing she was the only one of you friends who would want to surf with you. 

You two had met on the beach one day after you had massively wiped out from attempting to ride wave you had no business trying t surf. You had only picked up surfing recently and were much of an amateur then you had cared to admit. She rushed over to as you were coughing up salt water on the shore and ythe two of you clicked almost immediately. You hung out less often you wished but she was really more Pogue than Kook anyway so surfing was your two’s main activity. 

“Hey!” she said, answering the phone

“Hey,” you replied. “Come surf with me?” 

“Shit, I’m sorry (y/n). I promised the boys I would come see them tonight since my parents have refused to let me out because of this rain.” 

“Oh,” you said, disappointed. 

“You could come with me.” She offered.  

“Really?” You ask, not quite sure how genuine her offer to go hang out with the Pogues. 

“Yeah, I’d be cool. I’ll...uh...pick you up in 10 ten.” She said and hung up the phone. 

You hadn’t ever really spent much time with any Pogues. Other than the few times they’d had their tongues in your mouth but you didn’t really think that counted. 

“Shit,” you muttered, suddenly realizing that JJ was in fact, one of the boys that you had just agreed to spend your afternoon with. This was bound to be interesting. 

...

True to her word, Kie pulled up to your house tens minutes later and laid on the horn. You slipped the novel you were reading into your bag and ran outside to greet her. 

“I’m here. I’m here,” you said, jumping into the front seat of her car. 

Kie pulled out of your driveway and the two of you made you way to the chateau. 

Kie hopped out of the car and walked into the chateau with easy but you couldn’t help feel a little out of place. This was Pogue territory and it felt wrong for you to be here. 

“C’mon,” Kie said as she held open the front door and waved you inside. 

Kie pointed a boy who currently perched on the kitchen counter, “That’s Pope.” He offered you a small smile and a wave. “John B’s down at the boat.” Then she motioned to the blonde boy flopped on the couch. “And that’s-” 

JJ cut her off, “We’ve met.” 

“Okayyyy,” Kie says a little suspiciously but reached down to take the blunt JJ was playing with instead of asking any further questions. 

“Why is a Kook here?” JJ ask his voice laid with a touch of annoyance. 

“I was trying to surf with Kie but unfortunately you were monopolizing her time so now I’m here,” you answered him, ignoring the face that he was really asking Kie in the first place.  

Pope hopped off the counter and headed to the front door. “Can we go already?” He asked before walking out it. 

“Yes, sir,” JJ says, jumping up his spot on the couch. “Comin’ lightweight?” He looked at you with raised eyebrows. 

“I have a name, you know. You could use it.” You shot back. 

“But that would be no fun, darlin’,” JJ replied with horrible fake southern accent. 

You cross your arms in front of you chest and scowled at him. 

Kie slapped him on the back of his head. “Leave (y/n) alone JJ.” 

He threw his hands in surrender. “Wasn’t me, mamma.” 

Kie rolls her eyes at him and grabbed your hand, leading you to the dock. “Ignore him. He’s an idiot.” 

You look back at JJ and say with a straight face, “I see that.” 

...

Being on the boats with the boys was nice. Well, being on the boat with John B and Pope was nice at least. You could see why Kie would rather spent her days with them than any of the guys from Figure Eight. 

You were successfully ignoring JJ and he didn’t seem to have further interest in annyoing you. You could tell another conversation with him might end nasty so you stayed as far away  as you could considering how small the HMS POGUE was. 

You and Kie were spread out on the bow soaking up the summer sun. Kie pulled her headphones out of her ears and declared that she wanted to swim She pulled her t-shirt off and jumped into the water with John B and Pope following quickly behind. You stood up, squinting at them in the water. 

“Get in!” Kie called to you. 

You held up the book you head been reading as to say, I’m good. She shrugged accepting you answer. 

“Really? You’re not getting in?” JJ asked you from across the boat. 

“Yeah, I’m fine.” You said, dryly. You studied his face for a moment, looking for a sign of emotion but found none. 

You turned back to watch Kie and the boys in the water when suddenly you were being pushed off the bow of the boat and into your water. Your book flew out of hand and by some graces of God landed in the boat. 

You came up, hacking up waterr,to see JJ standing over you with a devilish grin on his face. 

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” 

“How’s the water?” He smirked at you. 

“You’re a dick,” you snapped at him, swimming over to climb back in the boat. 

“You gotta admit (y/n), it was kind of funny.” John B said from the water. 

Kie reached over and smacked his arm. “Shut up John B.”

“C’mon Kook,” JJ said once you were back on the boat. “Can’t you take a joke or do they not teach you that on your side of the island?” 

You wanted to slap the stupid grin off JJ’s face but instead you just smiled your best fake smile at him. “I can take a joke. Your’s just wasn’t funny.”

You wrapped yourself in your towel, curled up into ball, and officially decided you never wanted to be associated with JJ Maybank. Or ever be friends with him, much less anything more.

...

“You should come hang out with me and the boys again sometime.” Kie offered when she dropped you off later that night.

You gave her a tight smile, “I’ll think about it.” Fully aware that even if JJ was the very last person left on plant earth, you had no intentions of ever going near him again. Your drunk self must have been really far gone to have wanted that boy because he was the worst kind of news and now that you knew it, you were staying far away. For good.

[izgir-moved]

okay so like i love invader zim with all my heart and i respect whatever the writers and animators and everything want to do with the show/movie/comic, but i really feel like the atmosphere of it all has changed and tbh i really prefer how it used to be? like i never watched iz when i was a kid so i dont get like nostalgia from seeing the fandom come back but after watching the show i Really see the difference btwn that and the comics and the movie. the comics and movie are very bright and colorful and ofc while theres nothing wrong with that, i really dont think that style fits the setting At All? like the show took on a really dark and dull palette even during the day time (hell, the sky was even red) and the setting itself seemed pretty dystopian imo (like i already forgot a lot about the show but i do remember things like the test dib had to take so he could get prof membrane to sign a paper or w/e and the system was entirely automated by machines, the time where a kid got like tazed or something [??? i cant rly remember what happened] when they said something bad about skool, skool in general tbh, the fact that prof membrane only gets one day a year to pay attention to his kids while the rest of the year he has to focus on science an shit, etc etc), and the universe of iz seems to be sort of futuristic-ish, not to mention like.. the literal bare essentials of the show, which is an alien trying to take over the world with his pet (??) robot. and yes while said alien and robot are extremely stupid, making the show entertaining for a younger audience (i mean it was on nickelodeon so what do u expect), it was still veru obviously heavily based on a lot of elements of science fiction like the dystopian-futuristic-ish stuff!!! and i really think that they shouldve kept this kind of style in the comics and the movie cus it just seems to fit what the show/etc is all about instead of making it like. the opposite of what the show was meant to be. but whatever thats just my opinion :P

[unseelieaccords]

‘Levistus is an interesting case,’ Morden said. ‘He’s the type of person who can only exist once a structure has grown old enough and influential enough that people genuinely cannot conceive of a world beyond it. It’s no surprise that he rose to the Council: his entire world is the Council. That’s not to say he’s stupid or parochial, but it would simply never occur to him that the centre of Britain could ever be anything other than the Light Council and the mages who control it. Most organisations end up run by people like him, once the creators and the zealots have died off.’

This struck me as very interesting. The people who end up running organisations of power literally can not conceive any other way things might be done. Doesn’t mean their stupid, in fact it makes them very dangerous because they know the system inside and out. But they can’t see beyond it.

Alex Verus, Marked, Chapter 5

[indigozeal]

BATEN KAITOS HAT POLL RESULTS

Today, we come together to celebrate and sanctify the favored symbol of our hallowed yearly festival--

For this poll, BK fans were asked to emulate the citizens of Alfard in their voting habits.  Well, they did  -  they brought the DRAMA, in the form of an UPSET:

1. Mizuti (23 pts.) 2. Baelheit (19 pts.) 3. Mintaka shopkeeper, Origins* (11 pts.) 4. Corellia (7 pts.) 5. Giacomo, EWatLO; Calbren (5 pts.) 6. Geldoblame, EWatLO; Azha shopkeeper, Origins (3 pts.) 7. Anuenue shopkeepers, EWatLO**; Catranne; Parnasse NPC with waffle hat; Almarde, EWatLO; Ayme (2 pts.) 8. Ladekahn, Origins; Krumly; Lolo; Azha shopkeeper, EWatLO; Trill; Parnasse shopkeeper; Donella (1 pt.)

* - Or, as one voter aptly put it, "the one alfard shopheeper in origins with the entire fuckin chandelier on his head". ** - Though for multiple people, this vote was accepted because the shopkeepers have the same hat, just in different colors.  They are a true tag team.

Yes  -  according to the voting populace, it is the Great Mizuti's hat that is the fairest of them all!  Many voters felt compelled to expound upon the reasons for their choice, with four major reasons cited: 1) people really like her; 2) her hat looks "like a rainbow," featuring an expansive palette; and her hat 3) has a birdie on top and 4) is weaponized.  Perhaps His Excellency should consider incorporating one of these approaches into some alternative headgear.  Knowing Alfard, it'll probably be 4).

~*~

Notes on vote procedure: as stated in the OP, voters were asked to list what they thought were the best, second-best, and third-best hats in the Baten Kaitos franchise.  First-place choices were given 3 points; second-place choices, 2 points; and third-place choices, 1 point.  16 Baten Kaitos fans voted in all.

However, this ballot was plagued with *voting irregularities*:

- I had to contact a couple folks for vote clarification.  Please be assured that a virtual paper trail has been maintained to prove BALLOT INTEGRITY in case the electron administration offices come a-calling. - Votes for a single hat were counted as first-place votes (just with no accompanying second- or third-place votes). - Some posters just reblogged the post without voting via reblog comment, tags, or replies at all. - Though it was mentioned explicitly in the original post that all hat-wearing BK characters were eligible and not just the characters I chose as representative hat-wearers in the decorative images, there seemed to be some folks who might have been uncertain of that. - Voters were not allowed to vote for Baelheit three times.  Voters were also not allowed to give a character negative votes, even if that character was Verus.

~*~

When we did the BK character poll, I also compiled an alternative vote count where each mention of a character on a ballot, regardless of 1st, 2rd, or 3rd ranking, counted as one vote.  Such a vote count for the hat poll isn't very different, but for posterity:

1. Mizuti (9 votes) 2. Baelheit (7 votes) 3. Mintaka shopkeeper, Origins (5 votes) 4. Corellia (4 votes) 5. Giacomo, EWatLO; Calbren (3 votes) 6. Azha shopkeeper, Origins (2 votes) 7. Anuenue shopkeepers, EWatLO; Ladekahn, Origins; Geldoblame, EWatLO; Catranne; Parnasse NPC with waffle hat; Krumly; Almarde, EWatLO; Lolo; Azha shopkeeper, EWatLO; Trill; Parnasse shopkeeper; Donella; Ayme (1 vote)

Counting first-place votes only, Mizuti got 7 first-place votes; Baelheit, 6; the Origins Mintaka shopkeeper, 2; and EWatLO Geldo, 1.

~*~

A selection of comments:

"The baelhat is OBVIOUSLY top pick here. That one lady in Greater Mintaka who thinks it looks stupid is Fake News."

"Geldoblame’s hat definitely set the entire tone of the game’s fashion sense for me." 

"Though the hat itself may be underwhelming, the fact that he went through the trouble of physically belting a silly little hat to the top of his already giant mask out of spite is what gets him my vote."

"Guy wears a green top hat. Simple yet effective statement, great for the ruler of Interdimensional Looney Tunes Wonderland." (Also of note: the comment that deemed this hat "just real snazzy.")

"Am I the only one who thinks that Verus’ hat kinda looks like a Hershey Kiss cookie?"  (Resemblance more visible in this pic.)

"It's like a rainbow.  Any other designer would make this look like a hot mess, since not only does it have that rainbow color scheme, but her weapon’s on it too, but it works. It’s really visually pleasing."

I'd also like to point out that only in this franchise could someone be wearing A HUGE WAFFLE or A GIANT PIECE OF CAKE ON THEIR HEAD, and they're completely overlooked amongst all the other, more distracting fashion choices until the last couple days of voting.

~*~

Anyhow, congratulations, voters: you've set a reincarnated wizard so powerful she helped seal away a god (twice) against a man with his own militarized continent.  The only way things could be worse is if Kalas were somehow involved. 

Thank you for voting!  Enjoy the incipient apocalypse!

...

......

.........

...Ah, the hell with it.

9. Everyone else (0 pts.) 10, IN DEAD LAST: Verus (-1 pt.)

[first-ex-wife]

So I just saw a post about how b99 talking about how trans people have it rough, but then being like “the clear lack of penis on a woman is attractive” is so horrible and it’s by liberals for liberals and blah blah blah it’s just fake progressive

And I’m just kind of bothered by it, cause it had a lot of notes and a lot of people agreeing, but it just made me a bit upset because they’re getting so upset but the missed the point of that joke? Like, bringing out the pitchforks for nothing? Like, how do you miss the fact that a man who enjoys penises, trying to act straight and saying “oh yeah, the good thing about women… they don’t have penises” is a goddamn joke? It does play into the gender-binary a lot, but it is also an easy way to communicate that he’s a very straight dude bro that’s only thinking about pussy and boobs, which is the point. Holt is gay so he doesn’t quite understand the allure of women so he’s just comparing it to what he finds attractive and reversing it? So he likes dicks, so clearly straight men must not? Like of course gender is so much more complex than this, and it becomes a slippery slope, but it’s clear that it’s just about his sexuality and preferences verus the percieved preferences of others, and I thought it played as a good joke. Of course, I’m not trans, so I would like to hear any opinion of people who are on this matter.

But anyway, it just bothered me because it reminded me that people on this hellsite get so upset over what is basically nothing and get pissy over little mistakes. Nothing is going to be 100% unproblematic and getting pissy at a show that is trying its hardest for making one little mistake when it certainly didn’t mean to, and accusing it of being fake all the other times it’s been supportive of trans people because of one joke that was about something kind of different is stupid and tiring and I hope everyone goes the fuck away forever.

Like I know b99 has actually done problematic things in the past. But everyone has, we all fucking learn, and even in that episode there was the all homophobes are gay thing, which I didn’t even realize was a problem until now. You can be aware of what’s problematic without being 100,000 percent PERFECTLY AWARE OF EVERY POSSIBLE OFFENSIVE THING EVER. You can always learn new things! New perspectives! I just didn’t understand why the fuck we got upset about this when it’s about being gay and perceptions of straight people.

I am tired.

[justagoddamnbranch]

Name: Piscis (Deity au Leo) God of: fire and volcanoes Age: older than mankind Readily Accepted Offerings: Fire walking (preferred), effigies, animal meat Unaccepted Offerings: animal sacrifices, souls, lives in general, libation

Origin myth:

Long ago when the earth was still being made Tellus, god of the continents, and Aecori, god of the ocean, were born. One of the earth, one of the water. At first, they were great enemies. Tellus forming his land only for it to be overtaken by Aecori’s oceans, and Aecori’s oceans being ripped apart by Tellus’ land. The violence of the two allowed no creature to survive, only gods were left. This angered the other gods, and they requested the gods figure out who should build their home first to allow the others to carry on with their work. However, both gods were not going to bow to the other’s will, and thus it came to war to determine the winner. On the fateful morning of the first battle, they were to meet for the first time face to face in the only common ground they shared, the beach. Tellus arrived early, trying to get an edge on Aecori and take him by surprise. Aecori had a similar idea, and was lying in wait in the shallows nearby. Neither of them budged from their hiding place until after their meeting time had past. Aecori was confident that Tellus had surrendered and decided to nap where he lie, while Tellus was angered by the cowardice of Aecori. Tellus jumped into the sea despite the pain it caused him, sword at the ready, and called for Aecori to fight him.

Aecori rose from the deep, still groggy from his slumber, and Tellus immediately called off the war. He was taken aback by Aecori’s grace, and Aecori was impressed by Tellus’ strength. They came to an agreement that they would work together and plan out their homes. In working together, a romance bloomed between Tellus and Aecori. Neither of them wanted to be apart, though neither could reside in each other’s home. Water would destroy Tellus, and land would dry Aecori to death. The beach was the only area they could come close to each other. They made sure their homes came together perfectly, where the continents and the oceans met there was to be a beach. Once their homes were built, Tellus and Aecori became very lazy. They only wanted to sit on their beaches and talk to each other.

Eventually Tellus became restless, he wanted to figure how to be able to be with his love. He approached the Queen of the Gods, Cearulae, and asked for guidance. She told him to take the form of a bird, where he shall float above the waves and finally be able to be close to Aecori. She warned him though, don’t stay out there too long, the form can only be kept up so long. Tellus thanked her profusely and ran off to go right try it right then. Once Tellus had left, she called upon one of her sons for a favor. This one, Verus also known as the god of clouds, had chosen the side of Tellus in the ‘war’ and was more than willing to help him. As Tellus reached the shore, Verus appeared to him showed him the exact form he should take. He’d created a special bird that had deep red feathers feathers that could not be damaged by water, and named it after him. The teal.

Tellus was moved by the gesture and promised Verus that he would someday return the favor, but Verus waved dismissed the thought. All he asked was for his assistance should a conflict arise. Tellus agreed and took the form of the teal, before flying off to meet Aecori. Upon first seeing this strange bird, Aecori was hesitant to meet it. Though, it soon dove down, and all Aecori needed to see were its eyes to tell it wasn’t just any bird. He followed it up to the surface and it spoke to him. “Aecori, it is I, your Tellus of the land. I don’t have much time in this form, so let us forgo any formalities.”

“Tellus? How are you here? Why are you a bird?”

“I have asked a favor of Cearulae, but she warned that this form has limits. Now, I don’t want to waste any more time on things that can be explained later. Please.”

Aecori was delighted that they could finally be as close to each other as they had ached to be for so long, and didn’t question it further. After this first attempt, Tellus showed Aecori how to make the special form, however Verus had banned its use by Aecori. This angered Tellus, but nothing could be done. Aecori worked day and night to figure out another form for him to use, as he wasn’t exactly one to make land animals. What he had finally come up with was rather awkward, it was a grey colored bird with spindly legs and a narrow beak. It didn’t travel far from the sea, and would chase the waves upon the shore to ensure its legs were always wet. Aecori called it the sandpiper, and that became his preferred land form quite quickly.

From their love sprang a son, Piscis, a strange fire/earth elemental. Unlike his parents, he felt comfortable in both land and sea. Water strengthened his molten rock, instead of causing it to crumble as in Tellus’ case. The dryness of the land caused him no problem, in fact he seemed to contribute to it, unlike Aecori. Though, this strength made him more arrogant than any of the other gods combined. He was very proud, and his temper was quick. He was extremely passionate, in both good and bad ways. He...wasn’t that smart, almost all the gods had fun at his expense. He had the morals of a child contained and the body of a man. Tellus decided that he should do something about Piscis’ disregard for authority and lack of responsibilities. He decided that he should give his son a craft, and showed Piscis how to create mountains. Piscis was all over this, and immediately set to work making mountains where his father couldn’t, in the ocean. At first they didn’t do well, they would quickly be taken by the ocean’s waves. The frustration fueled him, and soon enough he’d make islands large enough for mankind to live on.

Now man was a fairly new toy for the gods. They were unlike any of the other creatures they’d made, these ones could think and disobey, create and make offerings. It was quite entertaining to watch the antics of the short lived ones. Well, entertaining for the day gods. At night, the world went dark and the humans went to sleep. The day gods would all tell these amazing tales of the humans, breaking out into uproarious laughter whenever one would tell a particularly funny tale of their foibles. The night gods got jealous very quickly, and soon planned out how they could get revenge on the day gods. One of the more tricky gods, the god of the moon, hatched a plan that was foolproof.

That night, after the moon god had started pulling the sky, he stopped to meet with the only light god dumb enough to talk with him, Piscis. Piscis was busy building yet another island, he was working on making a chain from one continent to the other, when the moon god interrupted him.

“What do you want?” Piscis growled.

“Oh nothing, just checking in.” he loitered around and watched Piscis work for going on, “I heard that you’re a great craftsmen now. All the night gods are singing your praises. The earth gods too, they say you’re quite a quick learner.”

This boosted Piscis’ mood greatly, and made him open up a bit more. “Well I did learn from the best.”

“Hey you know what would be much more efficient method of making your mountains? It would make your father so proud.”

“Not interested.”

“Come on, Piscis. It’s really cool.” the moon god smiled, his wicked smile flashing in the moonlight.

“Nope.” Piscis turned back to his work, but the moon god continued.

“I can show you how you can do it without having make your mountains individually, you could make as many on the earth as you want without hardly thinking about it. Plus, the mountains would be unlike any that have or will be. Anyone could take one look at your mounts and say in awe ‘Piscis made this!’.”

This tempted Piscis, but he was still wary. “All that power for free?”

“Well not completely free, but it’s a more than fair trade I assure you.”

Piscis stopped his work and faced back to the moon god, “Alright. I’m listening.”

“All you have to do is give some of your fire to mankind.”

Piscis smiled, it was indeed more than fair. Fire was basically worthless to him since he made it naturally, so it was no skin off his nose to give some to the people of the earth.

“Deal.”

Piscis had the moon god follow him down to the nearest human village, and there he appeared to them in the form of a young man. He showed the village how to make his fire using his father’s flints, the act alone amazed the mortals. Once one of the people had gotten the hang of it, Piscis left them and took his normal form before approaching the moon god.

“Alright, all of man should have fire by our next morning. Now show me how to make my mountains twice as fast.”

“You know how your rock is melted, but hardens in water?”

“Yes?”

“You make a hollow mountain, then allow your molten rock to flow out. It will cool on itself, and automatically build for you.” The moon god ascended back into the sky, he’d allowed the night to go on far too long already. Piscis waved goodbye, before going back to his work.

Piscis was ecstatic, he’d not only made the humans happy (which was sure to get him more offerings) but he’d figured out how to make his mountains not only better than his father’s but way cooler. He couldn’t believe it: a mountain you could take one look at and see his mark left on it, and no one would doubt it. Molten rock was his thing after all, and a mountain that oozed it would surely be a symbol of himself. He was excited to get a symbol, finally. All the cool gods had symbols.

He abandoned his current project to try out making this hollow mountain, meanwhile day broke and the day gods got an eyeful of the events of the previous night. The people had the gods’ fire now. They were furious, and demanded to know who was responsible. They didn’t really need much info, only one god was stupid enough to let the people loose with something so powerful.

When Cearulae finally found Piscis, he’d just finished his last hollow mountain. She was ready to yell and possibly demote him. Before she could speak though, he stood up and proudly placed his hands on his hips.

“Ah, I see you’ve come to watch the first run of my newest creation.”

“Oh ho ho, you’ve done enough creation today.” she wagged her finger at him.

Piscis’ shoulders dropped and he sighed impatiently, “Give me one chance alright, it’ll be worth it.”

Cearulae stood back, folding her arms. Yeah, she would watch. Tellus and Aecori were also there, looking over proudly at their son. With his audience Piscis felt empowered. With a big sweeping motion of his arms, Piscis activated the hollow mountain in front of them. A huge cloud of smoke and ash erupted from deep within it, sending embers high enough to get on Tellus’ shoulder. Soon, the orange blood of the earth seeped through Piscis’ creation, and set out to burn everything in its path. The other gods present gasped while Piscis cringed, that wasn’t what he expected to happen.

“Piscis,” Tellus sounded very angry, “How many of these did you make?”

“Uhh, I lost count after 300.” Piscis smiled sheepishly.

“PISCIS.” Tellus roared.

“WELL I DIDN’T KNOW ANY BETTER! IT’S THE MOON’S FAULT.” Piscus shouted back angrily.

In time with his anger, the mountain exploded and the lava flowed thicker down its sides. It was obvious these mountains were connected to his emotions.

“You.” Cearulae glared at Piscus, “You’re in charge of these things now. You make sure they don’t harm too much of our good work.”

She turned away, she had a moon god to scold.

And that is how Piscis came to be god of fire and volcanoes.

[reading-chick]

Welcome Back.

So to start off I have my list of books written out and will be present them at the end of this blog post. I also mentioned that I will try to keep the same format as before, but I didn’t really spell it out and I think I also should explain my way of looking at books. 

So I will post either on Fridays or Saturdays depending on how crazy my weeks are. I will do he posts in this general format unless I think it’s clunky or I get other ideas.

Phrase of the week: 

Sentence of the week: 

Review: 

Ending Countdown: 

So on another note, I want to explain two things that are very important to me when reading and finishing a book that I’ve mentioned a time or two, but I don’t think I’ve given either of these ideas flushed out on here. 

One Boy Books verus Girl Books, these are ways that the author decides to tell the story. Either the story is about emotions and emotionally motivated, such as Tris in Divergent, almost everything she does has an emotion meaning behind it, whether to protect her friends, family or boyfriend even sacrificing herself in the end so that everyone else can be safe and know the truth. These are girl books. They typically have a female author and a female lead, but this isn’t always the case. Boy books are motivated by an action such as Rot and Ruin or Percy Jackson. Rot and Ruin is about zombies that they have to go out and find a friend that wandered into the outside world and got lost. Percy Jackson is about a boy who finds out to be a Demi-god that is destined to save the world. It’s easy to tell these books also based on the gender of the author and character and they’re more likely to be told in third person. Harry Potter is a good example of a guy book written by a female, so don’t always assume. 

The second important thing that I factor into books is the ending. For me the ending is the most important thing of the whole book. Endings are broken into two categories for me and HUGE spoilers though I’ve already spoiled it a little. Either you have a Katniss or Tris ending. A Katniss ending is a happy ending, in the Hunger Games series it ends on Peeta and Katniss living in District 12 on top of the graves of the people that use to live in their old home. Though the ending is a little melancholy it’s still happy, no one important dies and you have a happy feeling. I also say it’s like 1984 where he lives, but he lives in constant fear that the government will kill him. On the other hand you have Tris endings where the main character or the favorite character dies this happens in the Divergent series it ends with Four spending Tris’s ashes after she sacrificed her life for her brother in a vain attempt that she may be able to live through the gas that protects their escape. The last scene of her life is joining her mother in heaven and it’s absolutely beautiful. I also like to call it a Brave New World ending where the last scene is the character you love swinging off the ground as he hanged himself after finding out the world that he was born into wasn’t the world that he thought it was. There isn’t many books that I can say isn’t one of these except the Uglies series only because my favorite character dies in the last book in an attempt to be with the main girl that he loves. He literally dies in her arms due to a power outage, but overall it was a good ending and she ends up with stupid David and they live “happily ever after”. 

So that’s everything I want to say and this is going to be a really long post and I may not even finish Schlindr this week so I may list the books next week.  

Countdown to Goldfinch 121