#holy crap that's long

[lynxgriffin]

Mightier Than The Sword

Gerson had one regret, but now Alvin has many. A fancomic about my thoughts and theories and who -and what- the Knight is!

While not directly connected, I'd say this one is in the same vein as the Deal With The Devil series! Hope you enjoy!

Alt text for this comic under the read more:

Page 1

Panel 1 - Wide shot of the interior of the Boom household. Several monsters are gathered in a clean-looking hall, dressed in somber clothing and talking quietly in small groups. The monsters include QC, Cat Mom, Toriel, Asgore and Mayor Holiday. Father Alvin stands waiting at a door in the hall as his sister, a red-headed turtle monster in a pink dress, exits through the door and speaks to him. “Alvin…he’s ready for you.”

Panel 2 - Mid shot as Alvin prepares to enter the room. Ms. Boom steps out of the way, and puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Both of them look somber. 

Panel 3 - Alvin enters the room, mostly dark and lit by a few candles on a nearby desk. Gerson Boom is lying on a bed ahead of him, watching him enter. Alvin closes the door behind him and says, “Father, I’m here.”

Panel 4 - Alvin approaches his father, lying in bed. The bedroom has a few amenities, including a footstool set off to the side, a large rug bearing the delta rune, and a massive bookcase filling the entire back wall. A few books and papers litter the ground. Alvin bows his head, and says, “The hammer is ready for…for afterwards.”

Gerson just smiles, and responds, “Wa ha, is it? Well, it’ll do fine, I suppose.”

Panel 5 - Closer shot of Gerson extending his right hand towards Alvin. He’s smiling still, content with where he is. “Come here, son.”

Page 2

Panel 1 - Closeup as Alvin takes his father’s hand in his own, and clasps it tight. “Whatever you need…I’m here,” he says from offscreen.

Panel 2 - Alvin kneels by his father’s bedside, still clasping his hands. Gerson says, “Of course you are. Wa ha…you’re such a good and kind man, Alvin.”

Panel 3 - Closeup on Alvin as he just holds on to his father’s hand. Tears prick at the corners of his eyes. 

Panel 4 - Focus on Gerson as he holds up a hand to conspiratorially whisper to Alvin. “And I know I can trust you with a secret, right?”

Panel 5 - Closeup on Alvin as he looks back up, face earnest. “...Of course.”

Panel 6 - Gerson holds up one finger as he speaks to Alvin. “I told your sister I had no regrets, but that was a BIT of a fib! I’m afraid I have one regret…”

Panel 7 - Side view of Alvin as he learns closer, his face now worried. “Father?...”

Page 3

Panel 1 - Focus on Gerson as he leans back on his pillow, looking up at the ceiling. “I wish I had started earlier. Writing stories, I mean. Seein’ you an’ your sister’s eyes light up whenever I read you a new chapter…and then seeing all that joy from so many young folks after those stories were published!” he says, looking wistful.

Panel 2 - Alvin watches on sadly as Gerson continues, “It was the greatest feeling in the world, Alvin. It’s what life’s all about, y’know. Helping the young folks grow.”

Panel 3 - Gerson closes his eyes and looks back towards the ceiling again, still wistful. “So, I wish I’d started writing stories sooner.”

Panel 4 - Closeup on Alvin as he bows his head, still holding Gerson’s hand. “I truly do cherish those times you read to us, father…” he says.

Panel 5 - Closeup on Gerson as he closes his mind with happy memories. “Me too, Alvin. It’s a shame…I’ve still got so many tales to tell! But–”

Panel 6 - Gerson is interrupted by a round of hacking coughs. His time is fast approaching.

Panel 7 - Gerson settles back in to his bed and says, “The Angel’s given me SO many good, happy years. Doesn’t seem fair to ask for more.”

Panel 8 - Closeup on Alvin as he continues to hold his father’s hand tight. “This doesn’t seem fair, either…” he says, tears still pricking at his eyes.

Page 4

Panel 1 -  Insert closeup of Gerson as he smiles at his son. “That’s life, Alvin!” He doesn’t seem bothered by his imminent passing.

Panel 2 - Side view as Gerson leans in closer to Alvin again, hand raised, back to sharing his secrets. “But, knowin’ my secret…there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

Alvin faces his father with seriousness. “Anything,” he replies.

Panel 3 - Closeup on Gerson, as he looks hopefully at Alvin. “You have a good heart, Alvin. I want you to know this joy, too.”

Panel 4 - Gerson continues in the next panel: “Please try writin’ stories of your own, alright?” Closeup on Alvin as he looks shocked and a bit worried by the request.

Panel 5 - Mid shot as Alvin holds up a hand to Gerson in protest. He says, “Father, I…I have no talent for writing fiction. Not like YOU.”

Panel 6 - Closeup on Gerson as he refutes his son: “Hogwash! I know you can.”

Panel 7 - Wide shot as Alvin stands up, and looks around the room. “No, I…”

In the foreground, there’s Gerson’s desk, currently showing some lit candles, some paper, an inkwell, a notebook, and his favorite fountain pen.

Page 5

Panel 1 - Closeup as Alvin grabs two objects off of the desk: the small notebook and the fountain pen. Offscreen, he says, “If you just…”

Panel 2 - Back at Gerson’s bedside, Alvin pulls up the footstool and puts the pen and notebook in front of him, intending to use it. He faces his father, and says, “Tell me your ideas, I could write them down, and–”

Gerson interrupts him: “‘Fraid it doesn’t work that way, Alvin!”

Panel 3 - Gerson holds up both of his hands and smiles as he explains: “My tales are between my soul and the pen. You’ll need to make your own.”

Panel 4 - Gerson watches as Alvin, tears in his eyes, looks down at the notebook and pen in hand. “I–I cannot…” Alvin starts, looking despondent.

Panel 5 - Side view of Alvin as tears continue to stream from his eyes. He says, “Not without you!” In the background, in grayscale, there is a scene from Alvin’s memory: Gerson reading a book to his two children by the fire. Gerson looks happy, and both kids are enraptured, with Alvin clinging to a cat doll that looks like Seam.

Panel 6 - Closeup on Gerson, his face now more worried and pleading towards Alvin. Gerson says, “Y-you can… It’s all I ask…”

Panel 7 - Gerson turns away as he’s again interrupted by a round of terrible sounding coughs. Alvin stands holding the notebook and pen in the foreground.

Page 6

Panel 1 - Horror comes over Alvin’s face as his father continues to cough loudly, clutching his chest. He realizes that his father might be close to death now.

Panel 2 - Wider overhead shot as Alvin turns away from Gerson, looking frantically around the room. “No! Not yet!--” he says desperately. Gerson is still racked with coughs.

Panel 3 - Closeup as Alvin grabs the candles from the desk–

Panel 4 - And then pulls a book from the bookshelf, with the delta rune on the front –

Panel 5 - And then finally pulls out what appears to be a beaded rosary, with the delta rune made of beads at the end of it.

Panel 6 - Wider shot as Alvin places the objects in front of him, candles to the side, holy book in front of him. Gerson can only lay there as he does so, trying to catch his breath.

Panel 7 - Front view of Alvin as he clasps his hands together in front of his face, the rosary threaded between his fingers. He closes his eyes and bows his head in prayer. “Angel…Angel above! Please, heed your servant’s prayer!”

Page 7

Panel 1 - Closeup on Alvin as he continues to pray, the candles glowing around him. He keeps his eyes shut even as tears well in them. “I know you call back my father’s soul, but please! Please refrain!”

Panel 2 - Gerson desperately reaches a hand out towards his son, shaking, but unable to reach him. In the foreground, the fountain pen sits on the footstool between them. “A-Alvin…” Gerson’s voice is shaky now.

Panel 3 - Aerial shot as Alvin prays over the book, and Gerson is still confined to the bed, only able to watch. “This world still NEEDS his gifts!” Alvin says. “I pray to you, don’t take them from us now!” The shadows around Alvin start to grow strange, not matching the candlelight.

Panel 4 - Gerson continues to hold out a hand, now not looking well. “No…”

Panel 5 - Closeup on the candles as they spark to life, now glowing stronger.

Panel 6 - A strange bright glow begins to emanate from Gerson. Behind him, the books in the bookcase all rattle and shift as if in a localized earthquake. The colors of the room grow brighter and stranger.

Panel 7 - Still reaching out a desperate hand, Gerson lets out a soft breath. His soul, an upside-down white heart, comes up from his body. On the footstool in the foreground, the fountain pen also begins to levitate, as if by magic.

Page 8

Panel 1 - Front shot of Alvin as he continues to pray desperately, his head bowed and hands together. “Grant us the love shown between his soul and the pen!” Behind him, the colors have grown stark and bright, and a shadow resembling the angel looms behind Alvin.

Panel 2 - Alvin looks up to discover something amazing and terrible: Gerson’s soul has been drawn to the fountain pen, and begins to flow down into it.

Panel 3 - Closeup as Gerson’s soul is completely absorbed into the pen, hovering high over the bed.

Panel 4 - The candles turn strange blue and pink colors, and the books in the bookcase shake and rattle relentlessly.

Panel 5 - Extreme closeup on Alvin’s eyes as he sees this miracle; the light of his father’s soul reflected in his eyes.

Panel 6 - Closeup as the pen suddenly drops, and clatters back on to the footstool.

Panel 7 - Wide aerial shot as the room very suddenly goes completely dark and silent, the bright colors and lights now gone. Alvin stands up and backs away from the bed, still clutching the rosary, his face filled with horror. Gerson now lies unmoving in his bed, having passed away.

Page 9

Panel 1 - The same shot as the first panel of the first page, with the other monsters waiting in the hallway. No one says anything as Alvin emerges from the bedroom, leaning on the door for support, his head bowed. Everyone in the room knows that Gerson has just passed, although they don’t know the rest.

Panel 2 - An establishing shot of the forest and mountains surrounding Hometown…the skies are a dark, gloomy gray.

Panel 3 - Above shot of Gerson’s newly dug grave. At the bottom of a small pit lies Gerson’s hammer, covered in his dust. Politics Bear stands over the grave, holding a shovel. 

Panel 4 - Closeup as the shovel begins to dump dirt over the fresh grave.

Panel 5 - Another closeup of Gerson’s headstone, with bundles of fresh funerary flowers laid in front of it.

Panel 6 - Wide shot of Gerson’s funeral. Alvin stands over his father’s grave, reading last rites from one of his books. Lots of monsters are in attendance, including Alphys and Undyne, Napstablook, the Holiday and Dreemurr families, and more. A very young Kris, Noelle and Asriel are present, but Dess is not. Everyone is dressed in dark mourning attire.

Panel 7 - After the funeral, Toriel approaches Alvin and puts a hand on his shoulder. She says, “Beautifully said, Alvin. I know your father is watching proudly by the side of the Angel.” Alvin looks distant and mournful.

Panel 8 - A closeup of the fountain pen laying forgotten on the desk in Gerson’s room. Gerson is, perhaps, not actually with the Angel right now.

Panel 9 - Back at the funeral, Alvin bows his head, eyes closed. “You are too kind, Toriel,” he says.

Page 10

Panels 1-3 - We see the seasons pass through the changing of the trees…from the barren white trees of winter, to colorful pink blooms for spring, to the bright oranges and reds of fall.

Panel 4 - Sometime much later, Alvin again enters his father’s old room, alone.

Panel 5 - Much of Gerson’s room has remained untouched. The fountain pen still sits on his old writing desk in the foreground. Alvin steps inside, and carefully turns on the overhead light. “It’s been years,” he says.

Panel 6 - Alvin cautiously approaches the pen, which seems to loom large ahead of him. He hesitantly picks it up.

Panel 7 - Alvin places some blank pages on the writing desk. “Surely…”

Panel 8 - Alvin sits in front of the blank pages, still holding the pen cautiously. “Surely by now, I can do it.” He’s going to try writing.

Panel 9 - Closeup as Alvin dips the pen in the inkwell, and it comes away full of ink.

Panel 10 - Closeup as Alvin holds the pen over the blank page. The pen trembles slightly in his grip.

Panel 11 - Alvin tries to put pen to paper, but he’s still trembling. He looks down with great anxiety. “I…I…”

Panel 12 - Closeup on Alvin’s face as he looks more panicked, shaking and sweating. In the background, his memory of his father’s soul being absorbed into the pen plays back at him. This is still his fault.

Panel 13 - Closeup again as Alvin’s hand shakes uncontrollably, and the pen with it. Ink spots begin to dapple the blank page–

Page 11

Panel 1 - Alvin’s shaking hand accidentally knocks over the inkwell, and it spills black ink all over the blank page.

Panel 2 - Alvin picks up the ruined paper and folds it in half to try and stem the ink spillage. He quietly curses to himself. 

Panel 3 - Closeup as Alvin holds his head in his hand. It’s clear that this isn’t going to work. “I can’t…” 

Panel 4 - Closeup as Alvin puts the ink-stained paper back on the desk, and quickly grabs up the pen and inkwell.

Panel 5 - Taking the pen and inkwell, Alvin exits his father’s room again, head bowed and expression sad.

Panel 6 - Left behind, the folded paper slowly peels apart and unfolds…

Panel 7 - To reveal that the spilled ink has created a rorschach ink blot image of a titan. 

Page 12

Panel 1 - Wide shot as Alvin trudges down the streets of Hometown, alone. His head his bowed, and he’s still clutching the articles he took with him. It’s almost nighttime, and the sky is dark. “I cannot bear this kind of burden,” he says to himself.

Panel 2 - Shot from behind Alvin as he approaches the school building. It’s dark, and no students or teachers should be there. “Maybe you belong where you always have…”

Panel 3 - Now indoors, Alvin continues down the empty hallway towards a particular destination. “With the youth.”

Panel 4 - Alvin opens the door to the storage closet at the end of the hall. It opens with a soft creak. “Teaching. Telling stories,” Alvin continues to say to himself.

Panel 5 - Alvin places the fountain pen and inkwell on a small shelf in the storage closet. The closet is almost completely black. 

Panel 6 - The inkwell and pen are left on the shelf as Alvin closes the door behind him. His expression is mournful as he locks these reminders of his father away. “Inspiring someone better suited,” he says, hoping this is a suitable escape of his responsibility.

Page 13

Panel 1 - But in the storage closet, the objects are subject to something else already there: the grand Dark Fountain. The pen, ink and papers all fall into the darkness of the fountain–

Panel 2 - And start to change, the pen seemingly turning into liquid itself–

Panel 3 - As the pen falls deeper and deeper into the dark, the liquid begins to reshape into something new, something resembling a person–

Panel 4 - Until it lands on empty ground, now a person in knight’s armor, knelt over and holding his head in his hands.

Panel 5 - The Knight comes to, and starts to become more aware. He’s dressed in armor resembling the dark metallic sheen of the fountain pen, his mask resembling the pen tip. A bright deep red cape flows from his shoulders, and a single red-orange feather tops the helmet. “Where…am I?”

Panel 6 - The Knight again touches his helmet with both hands, as if not sure exactly what he is.

Panel 7 - Interior shot of the helmet, which reveals a figure much like Gerson…but much younger, more idealized-looking, with colors not matching his actual self. A Dark World interpretation. “WHY am I…?”

Panel 8 - A closeup of the Knight’s hand, slightly trembling.

Panel 9 - The Knight stares down at his own hands as realization begins to flood him, or at least something that looks like realization. “Wait. I see why. I KNOW.” he says.

 Page 14

Panel 1 - The Knight holds up his hand, and a sword appears in it in a flash of lights. The sword resembles the tip of a fountain pen, almost split neatly in two. “I serve the Lightners! That is my purpose!” Says the Knight. 

Panel 2 - The Knight draws the sword back with great fervor and determination. His thoughts echo around him in strong letters: “A purpose so bright, so clear…”

Panel 3 - In the final panel, the Knight drives the sword into the ground, causing an eruption of black ink-like material to spew from the ground…the creation of a new Dark Fountain. In the fountain itself, words reflect his purpose: “I EXIST TO GIVE THEM STORIES FOREVER.”

[mabaki]

SUITS SUITS SUITS SUITS

Pyrrhus ( @dion-iron ) & Rhywel Caira ( @floral-necromaniac ) & Mabaki Eselv & Pagi ( Hubs ) Maelgwyn ( @creativebrainrot ) & Lysyldur

I was lounging around, boring myself, until i had a sudden layout inspiration and just stayed up all night to draw this LMAO

[bee-boiii]

Securityangel wedding.

I just wanted to draw everyone happy :3

[ihatebrainstorm]

A little sneak peak at my piece for the Reverse Big Bang event! >:)

Collaborated with @novafire-is-thinking on this so go have a gander at their tie-in fic "Elegant Chaos, Inelegant Solutions" once it comes out! :D Link to Nova’s fic preview: here

Event coordinators: @tf-bigbang

[maauw]

this has been a thought for a loooong 3ish days

excuse the janky-ness of the whole thing im still getting used to krita and using a digital tablet (5 bucks says thisll be gone in a week's time...)

anyway!!!! uh!! first time posting art in a while.... please be nice to me :3

[iffasart]

(This was supposed to be for @campbenji JWCTcountdown: fav season/episode buuuut i made the sketch and forgot about it :,/ )

"I don't care what's out there! I'm saving her."

Fav episode is "The long run", Its SO WELL WRITTEN AND ANIMATED AND YASAMMY

(Close-ups under the cut!!)

[everythingloveandanimated]

Okay I REALLY HATE that I’m thinking about this.

At some point in a future book, Murtagh and Thorn confront the Eldunarí for not intervening more in Murtagh’s life. The two come to the conclusion that Murtagh was written off and abandoned by them and by extension, Thorn was too for hatching for Murtagh. Neither of them are happy about this.

Eragon and Saphira, if feasible Arya and Firnen, are present when this goes down.

Saphira is frustrated because Murtagh played a big part in saving her, Eragon and Arya and went to the Varden even though it was dangerous for him. Arya and Eragon agree that it shows poor thanks for Murtagh’s help.

The Eldunarí defend themselves saying the wanted to see how alike Murtagh would be to Morzan. Murtagh all but demands to know what evidence, in full context of any given situation supports the assumption that he’s like his father.

His treason was forced, he’s shown regret at killing Hrothgar, he spared Eragon and Saphira at great cost to him and Thorn. He’s protected younglings, is willing to forge relationships with souls of other races. He has proven himself to be brave, noble, and a man of his word. He doesn’t delight in cruelty…

Thorn invites them to look into his soul and when they have, Thorn points out that he hatched for Murtagh, and is surprised, though does understand their distrust for Murtagh, that they aren’t willing to trust his judgement on Murtagh’s character through his hatching.

The Eldunarí say they couldn’t be sure. Anything could happen to make Murtagh into the ruthless monster that his father was.

Murtagh shares that he’s only ruthless against opponents who threaten or harm what is precious to him or what he deems as worthy of his protection. He, backed up by Eragon, then accuses them of writing him off and abandoning him to suffer in Galbatorix’s court because of things he didn’t do.

Things get heated and then the bomb is dropped. If Murtagh proved to be a threat the their safety and the future of the dragons and Riders, the Eldunarí would strip Thorn of his name.

Shock echoes around the room before anger explodes. Murtagh is LIVID!!! Thorn recoils in fear before baring his teeth but his bite has fear in it since he knows that act of the dragon’s can’t be undone. Saphira, Eragon and Arya take the Red Pair’s side. Calling the act uncalled for and cruel given what the two of them had been through.

Saphira and Arya scold the Eldunarí saying that their threat spits in the face of the lives that Murtagh has saved, including their own. They add that stripping Thorn of his name would irrevocably turn Murtagh against them. Saphira vows to protect her brethren from their callous cruelty.

Eragon is reeling that the Eldunarí would do something so cruel when the number of dragons and riders is already so small. They watched Murtagh and Thorn suffer, did nothing to save Murtagh from the Twins when they had done so much to aid Eragon. They gave Murtagh and Thorn a compliance test after Galbatorix was defeated. Failed to aid them against Bachel (if there was anything they could do in the first place). Now they threaten to banish the name of dragon who hatched when/because his chosen rider was a captive of their greatest foe?!?! (Beep) that!

Eragon puts his foot down at that.

Murtagh and Thorn, Arya and Saphira and Eragon are still fuming from the encounter. Underneath Murtagh’s rage is a fear that the Eldunarí could make good on their threat. Murtagh doesn’t know where their line is. He won’t attack them until they strike first, and even then he hopes he can overpower them before Thorn’s name is erased.

Eragon, Saphira and Arya are appalled and disappointed (and some level of ashamed and embarrassed?) by the Eldunarí. Arya points out that if Thorn’s name was erased and Murtagh attacked them, it would give them an excuse to eliminate Murtagh so they wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore. Privately, she questions the history of riders that she’s known her whole life

Eragon is seething that they would dare harm his family member like this… and then it dawns on him. They had to know Galbatorix would want Eragon in his clutches for being a free dragon rider. They had to have known what kind of forces he would send to Carvahall to retrieve him and Saphira. They had to have known… and they did nothing to protect what was precious to Eragon. Not his uncle and childhood home, not the people of Carvahall, not even Murtagh who needed protection far more than Eragon did. A sudden terrible realization hits him… if all of this is true they didn’t care about Roran either! Even worse… did Selena die because the Eldunarí didn’t want to run the risk of her secret being revealed and Eragon being found. Did they turn a blind eye to her when she got sick? Was it punishment for marrying Morzan and giving him a son even though she had ultimately sided with Brom and had borne Eragon?

It is acknowledged that it’s not outside the realm of possibility. This is too far for Eragon. The Eldunarí meddling to save themselves has cost him most of his family, his loved ones, the leaders he respected and has damaged the relationships with the family he still has.

Eragon breaks down and eventually comes to the conclusion that, like Murtagh before him, he can reclaim his life and autonomy.

As punishment, all the Eldunarí on display are placed in the pocket in the wall with the corrupted Eldunarí. Eragon decrees he will not bring them out until their brethren are healed. He changes the magic on the pocket so that the Eldunarí combined can’t escape. He deems it a lesson in caring for others.

That night Murtagh and Thorn flee. Through lingering panic, Murtagh asks Thorn to say his true name, which he does. Murtagh asks him to repeat it several times until Thorn says it like a mantra lulling Murtagh to sleep.

The green and blue pairs find the red pair.

Eragon apologizes to Murtagh and Thorn for initially siding with the Eldunarí, and that he couldn’t stop Murtagh from being taken by the Twins, and he’s sorry for leaving in the first place instead of waiting for them to return so they could clear their names together.

Arya apologizes for not being able to save Murtagh and thus condemning him and Thorn to months of grueling torment and slavery. She vows to make up for her failure.

The trio and their dragons agree that they need to find a way to undo the memory erasing spells and stripping of names spell of the Dragons. The blue and green pairs promise to do their best to protect Murtagh and Thorn and affirm Thorn’s value and choice in his rider.

[floofanflurr]

With you having done a few underfell fics, I was wondering if you had any headcannons for underfell gaster specifically?

Since in your finding home series hes a big softy and I want to know if you see that extending to the fell universe

EHEHEH!!! Thank you for asking!!!! :D I freaking love asks.... So for your question! I tend to change up my headcanons depending on what story I'm writing, so I'll just answer this for How To: Gaster specifically, I suppose?

Underfell Gaster Headcanons:

He's not actually related to Sans or Papyrus at all.

He's a dickwad, and harsh, and spits insults and threats at anything that moves...

He also tosses bread and scraps to the skeleton orphans when he passes them on the streets simply because he doesn't need the trash anymore, okay?!

...He remembers a time when the world wasn't so cruel. When he would have taken in those skeleton children in a soulbeat.

He upends his garbage can over Sans's and Papyrus's head sometimes. (It's nobody's business if that trash can has some gold and a few papers advertising under the table jobs that need someone scrappy to work for them, and very little actual trash.)

(It's also nobody's business if he threatens said places that if a small skeleton shows up, they will hire him.)

As soon as Sans looks old enough to ditch his stripes, Gaster yoinks him off the streets and glares at him as he sets him in the lab. "WELL? GET TO WORK! I DON'T KEEP TRASH EMPLOYED."

(Sans is not, in fact, old enough to remove his stripes, but no one else needs to know that.)(Gaster knows.)(The entire lab knows.)

(None of them say anything.)

Those that work at the labs are off limits to other monsters. Everyone knows Gaster will be pissed if something happens to one of his employees or their families, because he despises inefficiency. And Gaster is not a monster to get on the bad side of.

No one mentions anything about the small area in Gaster's office that's set up with a few desks and education materials that are much too entry level for anyone that should be working at the lab—elementary school level, really.

No one mentions Papyrus showing up when Sans works.

Gaster will spit insults at Sans and Papyrus, but he also makes sure that if Sans is coming in in threadbare clothing, or the boys are looking a bit dim from lack of food, that Sans gets a raise. They live much better than orphans should, really. (It's still not enough. But it's as much as anyone can have in this fucked up reality)

Gaster is harsh to his employees, but he does still praise them in a standoffish way when they preform well. Positive reinforcement is scientifically proven to be important, after all. He's not particularly kind about his praise, and much of it is backhanded, but he still gives it.

He refuses to admit how much he loves that Sans pokes fun at him and teases him. And his heart certainly does not melt when Sans drags Papyrus in on their lunch break if Gaster hasn't stopped to eat yet. He's quite annoyed by how Sans won't leave until Gaster eats too, in fact. (He's not)

When Papyrus is a bit too bright and optimistic, a large part of Gaster wants to scream and clock him on the skull and hide him away because he's going to get himself killed.

He can't. Every time he'll meet Sans's sockets—too young, too tired, too jaded, and yet still not scolding his brother—and clam up. If anyone else in the lab tries to harass Papyrus or Sans, Gaster will simply yell and threaten them about something unrelated until they shut up.

(The lab is a haven of safety. The employees love Gaster for it. They also have a soft spot for the boys. In a way, they're a community, committing the treason of caring for these children instead of killing them.)

(They're harsh and sometimes cruel, but Gaster does not tolerate dust being spilled in his lab for any reason. Arguments must be taken outside. And really... none of them care to take those arguments outside.)

Gaster is thrilled by how intelligent both the boys are, and he can't really hide it. The children are brilliant, and Sans has moved onto graduate level texts while he's still young enough to be in stripes, technically. Papyrus isn't far behind.

Gaster is the only one Sans trusts to babysit Papyrus.

Gaster loves babysitting Papyrus. (even if none of them call it that)

Gaster starts to melt behind closed doors when it's simply him and the boys. His insults falter. His digs lack the barbs they once had. The praise softens and becomes more commonplace.

(Gaster is one of the reasons Papyrus learns kindness.)

Gaster starts to clean out his apartment and reevaluate if he has the space for three. He knows its dangerous—that being claimed by him would put a target on the children's heads... but he can protect them, can't he?

Perhaps. Just maybe. There's a possibility. That Gaster is planning on asking Sans and Papyrus if they want a place to stay—with him.

...But you know how the story goes from here, I imagine. Just when he's trying to gather himself to ask, he falls into the CORE.

And he shatters.

Sorry boys, better luck in another universe.

(...He's still watching over them.)

[virapocalypse]

⚠️ Trigger Warning: Scars, Threatening

Virapocalypse Chapter 1 Pages 7 and 8

Sorry for the wait!!! Been busy as heck!!!

[silvysartfulness]

Chapter 59 - This City Dappled With Colour of Heaven Has A Road But No One Walks It is up! :D

You saying you'd kill for me Daozhang..? Xue Yang had asked as they stood among a mountain of slain fierce corpses, bloodied, bruised, breathless.

May I never have to, he’d answered – knowing then, as he did now, that if it was that or losing Xue Yang forever, the answer could only be yes.

The moment the door closed behind them, Xiao Xingchen lurched forward and caught Xue Yang in his arms, crushing him close. He made a startled sound, then laughed and hugged him back.

Here, still here.

Just a day ago, Xiao Xingchen had woken with a path ahead both clear and comfortably distant – journey to Gusu and meet with the Chief Cultivator to ask for his collaboration in realizing their lofty dream.

And only a few hours later, as if laughing at him, the universe sent the Chief Cultivator right into their path long before they were ready, offering boons with one hand and condemnation with the other, an impossible price to pay.

Xiao Xingchen held Xue Yang closer, breathing him, holding back tears.

——

They're doing fine. 🙂

I've been sick a lot this summer, even ended up in hospital for a bit (I'm doing better now!) so the writing has been far slower than I'd hoped. But slowly, steadily we're moving forward!

I want to thank you all so much for giving me comments on the last chapter for my birthday, what a wondrous treat that was! Thank you, thank you! It meant so much!

Whenever my motivation falters, I go back and read your words of encouragement, and press on. I couldn't do this without you. 💚

[supd00dle]

Hello! I just wanna say a couple of things

LOVE LOVE LOVE your art style and Organic M Sonic AU. I always have a big dumb grin seeing your art on my timeline and I wish you the best of health, yummy snacks, vibes and all good things heading your way! 💞💞💞 Truly incredible

I have been snooping on your site ( im embarrassed to say every day lol ) and I noticed some old art of what looks like organic Metal Knuckles? Will you do anything thing with him and Tails doll in the future?

3. Also what are your thoughts on Android Shadow from Heroes/SHTH, Hard Boiled Heavies from Mania and Fang MK2 from superstars? Since they are in the eggman robot family ( ? )

Anyway I hope you have a fantastic day and keep up the good work! :) 🎉🌟

Here's a 2 min doodle as a gift! Sorry my drawings are chicken scratch lol

I have a couple of things I wanna say to you too.

1. Thank you so much for your kind words and support!! I'm happy to hear you feel that way about my work! 💕 I wish you the very best and I hope you have a good day or a good night! ✨

2. "Organic" Metal Knuckles was just a concept.. nothing much to it as I was only focusing on Metal. BUT!!! As I'm developing new ideas and other stuff. I'm rethinking of a new design for both Metal Knuckles and Tails (doll) in the future!!!

3. Android Shadow is pretty cool. Piss man yellow man. I know there's more colors than yellow but that one is my favorite.

I never got to finish Mania but I love the Hard Boiled Heavies from their awesome colorful design. I actually drew Heavy King not too long ago...

Unfortunately, I haven't played Superstars yet but, holy shit?? BIG FANG MECHA ROBOT??

Anyways, Thank you so much for your support and the AWESOME DOODLE!! I LOVE IT!

[crimson-phantom-designs]

Titled this Snakebite for reasons. 😏

That one scene in Wilde 1997 because I needed it with them!

Just like this. This is the way. ❤️‍🔥🫠🙌

They're just two drunk boys having a good time(Stede certainly is).

They're at Jackie's bar and someone walks in. Who is Ed eyeing? 👀

Maybe it's Mary with Evelyn or Doug who ventured in from a traveling excursion- they do say it's becoming too touristy there.

Maybe it's a rival pirate that set up a meeting with them up to strike up a deal and Ed means to prove a point.

Whoever it is, Ed's feeling a bit cheeky about it.

[nexternalknowsthingz]

The sketch is done!!! 🩵🩵

[rustyboltzz]

ok no deep burning questions but here's some silly ones

is iris a dog or a cat person? and on a similar but not exactly the same note if she was turned into a critter of some kind thru some anomaly would she be a dog or a cat (or something else :eyes:)

if she played minecraft what kinda style would she have (redstoner builder speedrunner fighter etc)

Oh my god... Iris asks.. how I've missed you!!

We're gonna do this a little differently this time. Within the ask, I'll include some little art to go along with my answers, I hope you enjoy! :]

(Perhaps you aren't into reading. If not; you're able to simply scroll through the art within this post by selecting one and swiping back and forth. That or you can scroll down like a normie.)

First question; 'Is Iris a dog or cat person?' Being honest? Neither! If she was to pick between the two, probably dogs, she has specific trauma tied to cats due to Omega-7, which I could explain in a separate ask if you'd like, but in terms of dogs? I think she feels in-between about them. I think she generally thinks they are 'cute' and is probably bonded to the idea of them being protectors (I like the idea that she bonded with some sniffer dogs while on Omega-7), but the fact that they are very high maintenance and demand a lot of her attention and physical affection is overwhelming for her. In short, they're nice to be around temporarily, but not her ideal long-term pet.

As for a pet, though, I think she'd enjoy some sort of lizard or reptile. I asked GlassAutomaton something similar to this in the past, and I agree with what he said there, so I'll just say it here as well; I can imagine her enjoying upkeeping their enclosures and the heat of their sun lamps. I also just think she has this particular affection for them because she grew up in a place where there was a significant amount of them just around regularly. They remind her of home.

I like to think she has this particular affection for snakes, salamanders and geckos in particular, and they inflict a rare case of cuteness-aggression from her when she sees them, but I feel she'd have a hard time ever asking for one as a pet, not because she thinks her overseers wouldn't allow it (I actually think they'd like her to have something other then Alpha-9 to devote herself too) but because she'd get embarrassed about being caught being so affectionate with another little being, even if they're an animal. The gods forbid Iris Thompson from baby-talking an animal in another's presence, in her eyes at least. Gotta keep up that 'Cool-Girl' persona, I guess. (The one that only exists in her head. Aha.)

Next question! 'If she was to be transformed into a little critter of some kind, which would it be?' Picking between the dog and cat, it's a bit hard to choose, I think she shares a lot of attributes with both of those animals specifically. With cats, she's similar in the aspects that she's naturally drawn to warm places, always a little bit touch and go with affection and her mood, and secretly a bit of a cuddle-bug, even if she'd never admit it. And with dogs, I'd say she's very praise-driven, even if subtley, a bit of a suck up when it comes to those she cares about, and quite demanding when she wants to be. I guess this answer ends with her being an Eye-Pet, if that reference isn't too niche. Which, from my understanding, and reflecting back on my five-year-old self's memories, is the mixture between the two animals. But who knows, maybe there's another glorious mixture of the two I'm failing to bring up.

As for any general animal I think she'd transform into, I guess I'd say it would be fun to see a Snake-Iris, which I know is something that's already been conceived somewhere. There's not a lot behind this past how I've connected her with reptiles, and the fact that I think she deserves to unhinge her jaw and swallow a mouse whole, just a little.

Final question! 'If she was to play Minecraft, what playstyle would she attach herself to?' Honestly, it's a little bit hard to choose on this one because I never really imagined her being a fan of sandbox types of games to begin with, but! I'd like to imagine she'd probably attach herself to the 'miner' type playstyle. She seems the type to get into the game for a couple of weeks and devote herself hard to one goal at a time, like upkeeping a fort and a farm and grinding for all the best materials (Atleast the ones she deems 'ethical', whatever that means. I think she'd learn about the villager trading system and be mortified.) only to get incredibly embarrassed that she wasted her time on such a 'nothing' task and never touch the game again.

Do I think she's good at grinding? Somewhat. On the most basic levels. I think she'd start to feel her brain twist inside her skull if she even tried to conceptualise a Redstone farm, let alone a mob farm, I mean, c'mon! She needs to give her opposition a fighting chance! Trapping them in a chamber and swiping at their legs is just too far for her! She may be a fighter, but she has morals..

Speaking of fighting, I think one of the things she genuinely does get good at in the game is the combat system, even if she's just practicing it on the hostile mobs. If there is one thing Iris Thompson cares about, it's her safety, and it's also most certainly being prepared.

Finally, I think far in the future, or perhaps not, her and Jacqueline (SCP-1985) would play together. Iris would probably play hardball at first when Jacqueline suggests they start a little world together but eventually cave at the prospect of building something with someone else. It's a flattering idea to her, even if she'd never admit that. I think Jacqueline has a much more laid-back playstyle. She enjoys the nature and life the game holds in its scenery. She enjoys being able to build something beautiful from scratch. I think she's an immaculate builder and devotes far too much time to perfecting her landscapes within their worlds. Makes her and Iris a neat little cottage away from it all, and while she finds it a bit ugly, doesn't abject when Iris builds fortress walls around them to keep them safe, maybe just spiffs up her watch towers a little bit.

[whitepeachrum]

RUSSIA WITH CHUNKY, THUNDER THIGHS!!! Baby girl is BUILT and we LOVE that for him 😩😩😩

[outofcontextdanandphil]

Why Dan went to the hospital - Out of context