#i also love the way the orb is lighting up here and it really shows that it connects to the veins under his eyes

[galedekarios]

[bloodwrittenletters]

KISS ME ONE MORE TIME

pairing . . . percy jackson x fem!mortal!reader

the cassette playing . . . waiting room! phoebe bridgers

the letter reads . . . perseus jackson was supposed to die at 16, not get a girlfriend who he could break.

warnings . . . angst, cursing ( slightly ), slight nsfw ( making out ), ptsd ( post-traumatic stress disorder ), survivor's guilt, mention of suicidal thoughts

a/n . . . hi guys! sorry it took me a little more than what I said to get it published, I got an emergency and didn't have time to work on it (everything is alright 🫡) I REALLY liked how this turned out, I love the son trio SOSOSO much so of course I had to give them a little mention, hope you all enjoy it!! actual part 2 is on the way, I promise :pp also, this doesn't really follow the canon, so just fyi!!

a continuation of this . . .

percy jackson knew he loved you the moment he laid his eyes on yours.

because they were pretty, full of light and happiness, two orbes made out of pure beauty that were protected by soft eyelashes.

and percy jackson was a sucker for pretty things. or he was a sucker for you in general, because every milestone he had given you with his hear full of hope (because, yes, he had saved a lot of his firsts for only you), or because for the first time in his life, he had allowed himself to want something for himself. only for him.

since he was twelve everything— everyone had told him he was going to die soon, 'you're not gonna make it' 'you're too weak to be the hero of the prophecy' 'you will die alone, just how you started' blah, blah, blah. it didn't matter, he knew he was doomed to die soon, and for a long while, he wanted it, too.

percy started the end of his life at twelve, and by the time he was fourteen he was exhausted.

he worked himself to exhaustion each summer, picking up on more quest (or forcing himself in some, for a little while), not even allowing himself to break after each loss.

luke, chris, bianca, zoë, lee, charlie, silena, ethan...

it was all his fault, they were supposed to live, even if one of them made it out alive, it was his fault they didn't have a better life— the one they deserved.

he lost so many people. and everything in his birthday, like fate wanted to remind him that this was his fault. for all the time where the camp was in Manhattan, he even had forgotten it was his birthday, he was too busy focusing on trying to keep everybody alive to remember his day.

for a moment, percy felt bad for forgetting, and for the next one he just wanted to cry and find his mother. he wanted to be six again and be smothered by sally in Montauk, while they were away from the hell of house that smelly gabe had made.

that couldn't be, though.

percy jackson had found you, passed out on the streets of new york, holding bags of gifts and a boque of blue roses and lilies, all of which you had gotten for him.

"no, no, no, no," he breathed, repeating the word over and over as he laid his hand on your forehead. "please... j-just—" he cut himself off when his thumb rubbed on your pulse point. "you're good, yeah?"

he left a soft kiss on your forehead, before pressing his hear over your heart, sighing when he heard it beat loudly.

listen to me, i'm here, i didn't leave.

percy gently detached your hands from the bags, grinning at your hard grip, as if you didn't want to lose what you've gotten him.

"i'm not taking them from you, sweet girl, let me hold you, please," he whispered to you, holding you up on his chest, and grabbing your things before taking you to the Empire State Building.

if olympus were to fall, it would be after overcoming hundreds of demigods; that was the only safe place for you.

the rest was the usual for a hero, his beloved one waking up to his breakdown and being convinced to date. usual stuff. happens every tuesday in your local divinity show to your favorite sweetheart. you pick it.

he celebrated every day of dating you differently, but all started with soft, gentle kisses.

though, your second month anniversary had gotten... a little heated.

"you're so beautiful," he murmured against your neck, kissing the exact vein he had rubbed to make sure you were alright two months ago. then, he left wet kisses up yor neck and jaw before kissing your mouth. "i'm so grateful for you, baby. so, so grateful."

"pers—"

"what do you need, sweet girl?" percy gently shifted the both of you, grabbing his stuffed penguin and turning it around, before looking at you with a grin. "we don't want to traumatize him," he said as he kissed the corner of your mouth.

there were soft giggles between the two of you, before percy took a hold of your jaw and tilted your head, kissing around your adam's apple with wet lips, gently nipping the skin with his teeth, giving you a tiny smile when you digged your nails into his shoulder, creating soft crescent moons into his skin.

"so, what was it, angel?"

"hush, your lips made me forget."

percy wiped his head out from the crook of your neck, and pressed his big smile against yours.

it was one of his favorite memories with you, one hera couldn't take away from him as well as a lot of his memories.

there were only two things he was able to keep, your name, and the soft memory of your lips.

his only two amulets against all the hardships he faced in the little time he wasn't asleep.

"you should really consider calling home," frank, of course, had called after percy when he was slipping away into the endless pit of loneliness that had grown into his chest.

green eyes met brown ones, and soon percy's eyes had the water his irises imitated.

frank stepped forward and wrapped an arm around percy's body, and then the other, hugging him tightly as he held percy through cries.

"i miss her so much," percy voice was broken and low, yet the words cut through sobs.

"i know you do."

"y-you would love her, and she would love you," percy cried harder. "i.. i'm sorry, frank."

when percy tried to pull away, frank held him tighter.

"you're okay, percy, just cry until you feel a little better."

frank's body was like a living teddy bear, warm and safe, soon percy was gripping the purple shirt as he cried in his friend's shoulder, breaking apart after months— years, of holding it together.

every day for all the months he was missing had taken form of tears, falling and falling through his cheeks, burning his skin as more and more tears fell.

huffs and puffs, sobs and tears, all fell out of percy. soon he fell to his knees, only being held together by frank.

the boys sat on the sidewalk, frank's hand gently patted percy's head, supporting him through everything.

"t-thanks, frank," percy patted the shoulder his head wasn't resting on. "usually i'm good keeping it together."

"me, hazel and that girlfriend of yours are gonna have a talk about you putting too much pressure on yourself."

"what—"

frank pulled two coins from his pocket, like a magic trick, and offered them to percy.

"call home, percy."

percy looked like a fish out of water, an o instead of a mouth as he stumbled over his words, before swallowing them and grabbing the money, to then run over to the closest phone booth.

he punched in the only number he could remember, being the one from the jackson apartment, and hoped with every bit of his soul for his mother to pick up.

for someone to pick up.

"hi?"

percy wasn't expecting your voice, his stomach fell to the floor, feeling his organs creep and drool around his feet.

he opened his mouth, but then closed. once, twice, until your voice revived the line.

"anyone there? is this just some stupid prank?"

it wasn't. percy almost broke down again, gripping the phone tighter.

please, just say something, he begged himself in silence, feeling like he could pass out in a moment.

"i'm going to hang up if you don't talk soon—"

percy finally spoke up, feeling like he could cry.

"hi, baby... i miss you."

"holy shit."

percy laughed, finally hearing your voice, he just wanted you to beg you to keep talking. to never shut up.

percy laughed, more like a breath of relief.

"hi, pretty girl... can you talk?"

"y-you— me— percy, oh my god. where the hell are you?! oh my god, oh my god, ohmygod, i'mgoingtocry."

"uhm... well, it's a long story."

there was sobbing on the other line, and percy's knees went weak. he had to take a long drag of breath to stop himself from crying, too.

"sweetie.. please, don't cry, i'm too far away to hold you."

you composed yourself, hugging tightly the blue bunny you had, tears rolling down your neck. you had to focus on him.

"'kay. percy, my love, where are you? i'll tell annabeth and we'll go get you."

"tell her to tell you about camp, and to come get me from camp jupiter."

"alright... we'll meet you there," and before he could fight you on it, you rushed to your next sentence. "i love you, percy jackson. please don't run off to where i can't find you."

holy shit, indeed.

"i... i love you, too."

[donniehere]

im so excited seeing people actually read the recent blog. ily all.

𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔

↬ pairings: bf! Yeonjun x reader

↬ genre: fluff.

↬ warnings: mentions of workaholism.

↬ wc: 820.

Finally, a dream of yours has come true. Over the past couple months, Yeonjun has been overworking himself nonstop.

You always noticed the way he returned home almost unconscious. The way his bones were showing due to the lack of meals during the day. However, no matter the amount of times you insisted on him having a rest day, hell, even a week won’t do in his condition, he continued denying.

The boy was workaholic, and it was both mentally and physically draining him, he just failed to admit it.

And now, that the comeback period has eased up, you finally found the time to plan a vacation for you and Yeonjun. Not too far from Seoul, neither too close. All you wanted was yeonjun to receive the serenity he deserved.

for the entire week, you secretly searched for the best locations around South Korea. And after succeeding in hiding your project from Yeonjun, you have finished planning the dreamy vacation for the two of you.

Despite the everlasting car ride that went on in a comfortable silent, the city you’ve been longing for came in view.

“Busan!” You exclaimed as you excitedly stared at the buildings coming to view through the window. You threw a brief glance at Yeonjun, who sat at the other side of you, also, had a gentle smile on his face at the scenery ahead.

The sight of his lips tugged upwards caused an inner eruption of butterflies in your stomach. The feeling of admiration and love swirled around your mind. Yeonjun was a perfect being, both inside and outside. You were overly proud of that fact that you were the cause of the satisfaction displayed on Yeonjun’s face.

The taxi driver dropped you off in a less crowded area, not too far from the hotel you were staying at. And after a short while, you finally dropped your belongings at your hotel room. “[Name],” You heard Yeonjun’s voice calling you. You turned around, orbs focusing on your boyfriend.

“Yes?” You mumbled. Another set of butterflies searching for the flowers blooming inside you as Yeonjun stared at you.

“Thank you, for all of this.” He chuckled, his small dimples showing on his face.

You broke into a cheeky smile. “It’s the least I could do.”

He nodded in agreement. “Right,” He looked back at the bathroom. “Well, I’ll go take a shower in the meanwhile. I feel sweaty after the long drive here.” He informed.

You nodded and returned to unpacking your clothes when a blinding light flashed into your hotel room. Your eyes jerked upwards, mouth agape at the beach in front of your hotel. A breathtaking sunset was occurring. “Yeonjun!” You shouted.

A head peeked into the room from the bathroom. “Yes?” He replied loudly.

“Get out of the shower, we’re going to the beach.”

The both of you hurried out of the hotel, desperate to catch the sunset. You laughed audibly as the two of you ran down the streets of Busan, a summer’s sun shining upon the both of you. You exhaled in relief as your feet dropped onto the sand.

You were quick on taking your shoes off, with Yeonjun copying your actions. The sand tickled your toes as you dashed to the water. Yeonjun whined as you splashed him, and soon followed by splashing you back.

And so begin your water fight, the two of you splashed each other, stumbled around and giggled nonstop, gaining weird stares from the citizens surrounding you, not like you really cared.

“Careful!” Yeonjun yelled, luckily catching you as you almost fell a harsh fall. A wet hand grasping your waist whilst the other was resting against your cheek.

Seconds filled with silence passed as you passionately stared into eachother’s shining orbs. “You’re beautiful” The both of you complimented the other. a sweet peck landed on your lips before you broke into a giggling mess once again.

And so you repeated your actions. Playfully fighting, chasing, dancing, and finally, embracing eachother over and over again. Yeonjun cherished this specific feature about your relationship. He could be the most carefree when around you.

He likes describing you in a poetic manner, you are the downhill to his uphill. Whenever he feels at the bottom, one single glance at you, and he is recalled of the sun awaiting up ahead.

Yeonjun lovingly adored your side-profile as you licked a popsicle. Your sweet and soft features which are already craved into his mind. The way your hair is flowing with the ocean breeze. You were a perfect being, both inside and outside.

“You know, moments similar to this,” Yeonjun began, averting his gaze from your face downwards. “They cause a strange sensation in my chest.”

You smirked, setting the ice cream aside. “Am I making you nervous, Yeonjun?” You tease the flustered boy.

“Kind of.” He admits. “That just proves, I’m still falling in love with you.”

[emerxshiu]

tw: slight body horror, not much but it still is kinda there (also forgotten land spoilers)

Gemini Reunion

rlly long ramble next cuz i love talking why i did this and that and every detail unfortunately---

WAAAAAAAAHH this is definitly going into my top 3 favourite drawings i made, i didnt think it would end up like this!

i originally had a very simple idea, and well, i can never help myself with overdoing it can i? bad thing is i finished it around 5 am aka i barely slept, but i dont mind it at all, i just have been stupidly motivated to draw like i cant just put my tablet or pencil down for too long. fun fact: this was inspired by a fanart for something unrelated, but it reminded me of fecto and elfilin, and it ended up looking nothing like the inspiration lol

also if you've seen my other posts, yeah, that orb up there is indeed reused from another of my drawings, albeit edited to fit more here, the wings were just sketched as a silly thing, i wasnt planning to keep em but i really liked them. and those dots and lines at the very bottom are morse code indeed.

the two like, things that are between orb and fecto forgo are inspired by the weird like tentacles it uses to absorb the beastpack and elfilin, and also from antares, elfili's spear/cadaceus.

i really need to learn how to actually draw feet, ok i know that the only there is elfilin's with the sock but i actually drew the other one before i decided to make it melt into forgo, talking about melting, i only was going to do around the face, more specifically that chunk you see between its right arm and elfilin's hair was the only one i was really going to have, but then, i made it so the other side of forgo's face is also merging a bit with the hair, and then have one of the fingers of the other hand melt into the neck, and then the end of the tail and then parts of elfilin's legs.

elfilin is doing sign lenguage, it means help, poor guy.

also i really like changing elfilin's hair a bit to show how he feels, like, for example, i sketched him full so the little ahoge he has was also there, but like more stiff to show his fear, but had to erase it due to forgo, i also like doing this with the braid he has, if its like how i tend to draw it, then he a-ok! but here its very much almost undone to show his discomfort, and if its literally not even resembling a braid anymore, just like fully loose, either he was sleeping and the braid was anoying (i cant undestand people who sleep with their hair tied up, its way too uncomfortable), or he's like, really really like not there, like, um bad. i also made his tail a bit sharper and messy than usual.

that light orang-y thing sprouting from elfilin's forehead is based on the horns that fecto elfilis has, fecto forgo also has one here on the opposite side, but that one is more inpired from the horn coming out of leongar's head in the fecto forgo bossfight (yknow the chimera with like amalgamation and stuff)

also, forgo's tail is usually like, folded just like game but sometimes i like to like, extend it? (dunno how to explain) to have more expression and also for it to take more space cuz if its was like normal, it would only really have the upper part and a bit more visible since most of it is behind elfilin. also its not very visible but elfilin has the veins forgo has two in his chipped ear.

i was also going to use the blue eye scheme from when it fist opens its eyes for forgo but decided to go with the ones it has in isolated isles when morpho appears, mostly because they resemble the eyes of the beast pack when it absorbs them, and this drawing is very much inspired by those two cutscenes (Sudden metamorphosis and Gemini reunion ^▾^) i honestly dont know wich one to use for all forgo drawings ill make next, since in that cutscene it looks blue, but its body also looks blue, but its actually pink as indicated by the figurine and cutscenes in isolated isles and the chimera form, and also if you go out of bounds, lab discovera just has an effect that makes it all more blueish, so i dont know if the yes were actually like that or just the effect. i might alternate between them since i still like the blue option, it matches with elfilin.

also talking about forgo, i think it came out particularly very cute here, wich might add to the somethings off feeling, i mean it depends on who you ask.

the part at the bottom with like green and blue is based on the eternal capsule, it doesnt have bubbles in game, but it was to make it more obvious, and also because it looked nice to me.

you can probably decipher what it says at the sides without having to say it, i think its very much engraved into every kirby fan at this point, or at least, fecto elfilis/forgo/elfilin fans

i also made a version with the text in red cuz i couldnt decide, but now i like more the whiter version

i even made a version in yellow, but i stopped liking that one before i even saved it.

also elfilin still has the id-f87 in his neck, its just hard to see, forgo too has the 86 but you cant really see its neck, because i didnt draw it lol

fun fact 2:

i saved it up to 7 times in different files cuz i DID NOT WANT MY PC TO GO KABOOM. im still a bit scared to have lots of layers in a big canvas since the anniversary drawing for forgotten land, it did not explode but it went extremely slow, here at least the canvas was much much smaller, and the reason was mostly in case i need to delete something to not have as many layers or in case i wanna go back, i like to have backups of my drawings, aka a version with all layers that i can edit (.mdp, the file for firealpaca, for example for sai 2 it was .sai2, ah im remembering my sai days now) and a png file to post and also if i wanna look at my drawings.

if you are wondering why its called devilstrain [number] its because i was listening to that song while drawing and didnt know what to name it, in fact im actually listening to it rn as i write this, i really like it

i have some drawings started, mostly a chaos elfilis one, i think i already mentioned in a past post, i think im gonna stop that list i mentioned too since im feeling really motivated, maybe next time i feel bad about my drawings i can continue it, ah my eyes are hurting since yesterday wah

thank you if you decided to read my very unnecessary and annoying long ramblings, and also thanks if you didnt and just looked at the drawings, its undertandable (mucho texto i know)

Jambuhbye!

[dragonform]

Dragons Rising Season 2 Pt1 overall thoughts!

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS DO NOT CLICK UNLESS YOU'VE WATCHED THE WHOLE THING

In no particular order:

Wow, this season was the heaviest one yet. I'd been a bit disappointed by how Season 1 seemed a bit light on the life lessons that I found so compelling in Ninjago. Well, DR2 delivered in spades, from the theme of secrets, to the issues of mental health. Never should've doubted Ninjago writers!

WHY LEAVE SO MANY UNRESOLVED THREADS THOUGH. Not even clues for fans to speculate on?!?

Like what happened in Cole's journey to follow Master Wu?

What really is that glowing orb sprite thingy? Because it showed up in the Monastary of Spinjitzu to close the portal gate, right? How was it doing that before they'd even traveled to Mysterium? Have I misunderstood something? (Granted, I had to do chores here and there so I really might've missed something... need a rewatch)

Where did Cinder even come from? How did Ras recruit him? What's his story?

What really is Arin's object spinjitzu power?

Of course I'm sure all of this will be resolved/revealed eventually, but it seems a lot to conclude in the next 10 episodes. Oh wait, they've said they have enough material for a few more seasons right? Well, sure looks like enough for at least a third season.

I think the ones who are gonna have a falling out are Arin and Sora. It's gonna be revealed, maybe at some critical point, that he didn't actually do object spinjitzu to get them the win, and it's gonna destroy his self confidence as well as his trust in Sora.

They're gonna get all of the Forbidden Five out eventually, possibly by shoving more ninja through the gate. Which is fine, because the ninja will just meet up and come back through the Power of Friendship!

SO CURIOUS to find out what the elemental powers of the Forbidden Five are.

I was a little disappointed by the lack of Euphrasia though. I thought for sure she'd have a more major role this season, but she still remained a side character for most of it. Oh well, patience!

BONZLE. I did NOT expect her story to go this way. Still trying to wrap my brain around a sentient spell, but hey. It's Ninjago.

Love her so much though she's so precious.

Speaking of precious, ZANE. That's it. That's the whole thought.

No, I AM going to expand on that. Look at how he had such a vast knowledge of the Administration's rules and regulations. Look at how he stalled them with it. Look at the pride he had in helping them raise their efficiency by NINE PERCENT. IT COULD'VE BEEN TEN YOU GUYS. IF HE HADN'T GOTTEN RESCUED.

MR FROHICKY. I need that Frohicky plushie like YESTERDAY.

Also PUPPY COLE PLUSH WHEN

COLE. He's still protecting and trying to comfort everyone. What an amazing fight he put on at the monastary, almost a one-man army against the Adminstration's mechs, with Gandalaria's support. I bet his failure to protect Zane would have devastated him if Zane had been deactivated permanently. Fortunately Gandalaria knows more about nindroids than she should...

GANDALARIA! Endlessly positive and chirpy and disorganised. Like a more established Fungus. Wish I could be her. Loved seeing her dynamic with Cole being her straight man (hush, yes I know.)

So happy to see Kai get his focus for a change. Love Lloyd but he gets the focus like... every season. Kai needs the love. He's really cool this season.

Nya gets the least focus :( I miss her

WHY are all the ninjas' powers only as powerful as the plot calls for it :/ Zane's frozen way more than just a runaway mech back in the day!

I still think Ras looks too cuddly to be taken seriously as an antagonist. I mean would you not hug a Ras plushie? Look at those eyes. Look at that nose.

Is Ras's master a Source Dragon or the Overlord? OR BOTH?

Love Rontu, but she is such an archetypal (?) Nurturing Mentor to Egalt's Grumpy Old Master

Egalt has dragon cancer :( he looks way cooler in the show than he looked in the promotional materials and the set

I haven't talked about Jay, have I? JAY. Oh how my heart skipped a beat when he showed up pointing that gun/taser at Bonzle. I literally said out loud "OH NO OH NO OH NO".

I think that was the single most terrifying part of the whole season for me. I don't even know why it was so visceral. I think I was worried that his entire peronality had changed, though I don't know why I thought that, since in Pt1 he was literally playing video games instead of working.

So I was actually relieved to hear that he felt he didn't really belong in the Administration. Pre-merge Jay probably couldn't even fill out a single form properly. He probably had Nya or Zane or Cole do all the paperwork for him.

He clearly wasn't suprised that he had control over lightning. Why did nobody know about it? He's the kinda guy who'd use his powers for entertainment if he didn't have a good reason to hide them.

He didn't recognise his own ninja outfit D:

Lastly, the Finders - I'm also a little troubled by how Cole seems to put them ahead of his ninja family, but then again. He knows the ninja are all very capable warriors who can take care of themselves. On the other hand, for who knows how long, he had felt responsible for protecting his little newfound family. It makes sense that he would continue priotising them even after finding his old family.

In conclusion, Cole is such a dad :D

And to wrap it up, NEED PT 2 NOW 6 MONTHS IS TOO LONG TO WAIT NETFLIX /shakes fist

Sorry that was so long and rambling! Fun though.

I had wanted to do a blow by blow reaction post of every episode, but I can't seem to get clear photos from my device without major reflection issues. Still trying though!

[just-avocado]

I’ve actually never done a post outside of art but I just had to say… imagine if the Nightmares were never implemented

No like really imagine it

From the beginning of the egg event it’s been understood that the eggs have two lives (save for Juanaflippa because she’s a queen and rules don’t apply to her) and it was also clear on what it would take to keep the eggs alive. Multiple eggs have lost lives due to neglect (wether the CCs were simply unable to log on or not), any players who doubted the seriousness of the tasks realized the QSMP wasn’t playing games when eggs started loosing lives like with Juanaflippa, Tilín, and Trump

However, there were always going to be certain occasions where an egg dying simply wasn’t fair wether that be through uncontrollable lag, the game being weird, or OP mobs. Thus we have the Nightmares and while we can debate on the circumstances they’ve been used in I know we’re all grateful they exist.

But what if they didn’t?

What if despite certain deaths being unpreventable or unfair the Federation or QSMP (however you see it) stayed steadfast and showed no mercy to the parents still trying to process the sudden death of their children

If that was the case who of our beloved cast of eggs would still be here?

Unless I’m forgetting any Nightmares only two eggs would have survived until now

So what traumatic dreams turned reality would we have? With Juanaflippa, Trump, and Tilin all having permadied before the Nightmares began, we have Chayanne, Dapper, Bobby, Leonarda, Ramon, Tallulah, Richas, and Pomme (all under the assumption the Code would have still attacked eggs with one life)

[TW: This is essentially me writing about many of the eggs dying and their parents reactions to it sooo gore and death warning]

-

Let's start with one of our most beloved duos, Chayanne and Tallulah, yin and yang, one could not exist without the other, so on so forth. You know where this is going.

The eggs alongside their dad/abuelito head out at night in order to complete their tasks. The HorrorsTM are many but as long as they stick together nothing will harm them. After traversing the ocean for a while they catch sight of a flicker of light on the shore. A torch, a town. They dock and gather their things, Philza smiles at his bundles of love and curiosity as they spin around on the beach, ready to see what the village has in store for them. 

Something white catches his eye, at first he mistakes it for a glowing bug of sorts, maybe a firefly, but something about the way it moves makes the paranoid part of his brain perk up. He watches as two small orbs of light move in eerie synchrony closer and closer to his children, like a predator stalking its pray. The eggs were too distracted to notice.

Philza opens his mouth to shout their names but a bloodcurdling scream steals his voice from his throat.

It happens within minutes. Philza Minecraft is powerful, stories of him and the warrior with pink hair spread far and wide, warning anyone foolish enough to stay out of his way. But, as he holds his children close and watches them slowly slip away, their blood staining the sand, he has never felt more weak. The universe is truly cruel, it keeps him alive just long enough to watch a final tear fall from his son's unfocused eye. When he dies it's with the knowledge that while he'll wake up in his home as if nothing had happened, his children won’t. When he rushes to the bunker where his son and granddaughter live he holds Tallulah tight. His chest barely stifles her sobs as his composure finally breaks. 

His Chayanne is dead.

And despite his burning grief, his blistering anger. Innocent blood stains orange sand again as the Binary Entity spars no mercy for a girl who would never live to see her father again.

-

Let's keep this going shall we? Dapper and Badboyhalo are father and son, reaper of death and his shining apprentice, units of chaos complimenting each other perfectly. 

Bad has always taken so much care to provide his son with everything he needs to protect himself. But, despite his constant need to protect his son he is also aware that Dapper needs to be free. No matter how much he'd like to if Bad were to just rap his incredible kid in a blanket and hold him close he knows Dapper would just be miserable. He needs adventure and danger and knowledge. Somehow Bad knows he got that from Skeppy.

And even though the fear of loosing his son claws at Bad's heart and the deadline draws near Bad decides that what is important is for Dapper to have that freedom. Besides they can have adventures and be safe at the same time.

Bad realized his misjudgment too late. It beat with certainty as his heart raced with his body as he sprinted past foe and monster, desperately trying to find his son in this horrible labyrinth of a dungeon. Dapper was hurt, they were bleeding, they were dying, and they were too far out of reach.

Bad’s throat ached as he screamed his son's name only to be forced back by the crowd of enemies overpowering him with ease. He has no protection anymore, his only hope being to keep running towards his son despite every hit he takes. It wouldn't matter how many times Bad dies, he won't stop fighting, but he knows every falter is another crucial moment lost for his son.

And despite every effort Bad is forced to watch as Dapper finally stills, he couldn't save him, he couldn't even hold him as he died. He failed.

He nearly broke in that moment, his eyes unable to look away from the broken body on the floor, his mind unable to process how impossible this was. His Dapper so full of life, always ready with a remark, always creating, always thinking, always- No, they still needed him. This was no time for Bad to grieve or freeze or scream. The only thing he could do now was find his son, hold them close, and get them home. Dapper still has one life, this wasn't the end.

They didn't have a scare like that again for a long time. When the Brazilians arrived Dapper was still in one peace. When the French arrived the Binary Entity tried its hand but it failed, Bad was quicker now and Dapper escaped.

He escaped but the Entity wasn't done quite yet.

It was night and there was no disappearance of the sun to warn Bad and Cellbit of the incoming attack. It was quick, planned, chaotic. While Bad and Cellbit were still fumbling to bear their weapons the Code destroyed what had foiled it before. 

Dapper, racing the touch his father’s warpstone and bring himself to safety was met with only rubble. Undead swarmed them, lava covered the ground. It was so much worse than before. Bad could only watch in terror as Dapper fell to the floor, defenseless and he could only shout his name as monsters forced him farther and farther from his son. His mind flashed with images of that day as history repeated itself. Cellbit burned amiss the chaos as Bad was thrown off the antenna where the fight was taking place.

He fought with all his heart and all his soul to get back to his son but he knew as the ghouls cleared and the smoke diminished that he was too late. Bad climbed back up dreading what he knew he would see. He wasn't ready, it couldn't be true, his eyes would prove reality wrong.

Broken sobs carried through the night as a father held his son close.

A son who’d never outstand the world with their smile again.

-

Bobby is the first one this list to have truly died. We all grieved when it happened, he was taken too soon, but he could have been taken much sooner…

It was Jaiden’s turn to take care of Bobby. To say he was excited to take on another dungeon was an understatement. Her perfect angel had displayed a love for danger and violence for as long as she could remember. Many of the other parents were put off by it but Jaiden saw it as just another aspect of her son to love.

But to say she wasn’t nervous was also an understatement. Jaiden didn’t really do dungeons, she was jumpy and honestly didn’t do well under pressure. But with a task lingering in her hot bar and a restless son Jaiden felt it was about time to step out of her comfort zone a little. Besides it wasn’t like they were low on good gear.

It wasn’t long before the two found themselves in an airship above the ocean, quickly becoming overwhelmed. Every enemy packed a hit far worse than Jaiden had expected, their armor might as well have been made of leather.

She shouted to Bobby, she understood that if they didn’t get out of here soon they wouldn’t make it out at all.

The look in the boy’s eyes was conflicted, he was Bobby chingon, he never backed down from a fight! He pushed on but every foe he cut down only led to five more. His pointed ears twitched as he heard his madre call his name again, telling him to use the hole in the ground to escape. 

Maybe Bobby was too hardheaded for his own good.

Jaiden watched with dread as monsters blocked off her son’s only exit. If he tried to reach it now he would surely be overwhelmed. She desperately slashed at the enemies around her as she inched closer to her son, fear climbing her throat as she realized the monsters had forced him to the ground, letting his life bleed out and stain the ground around them.

She screamed his name one last time, urgency poisoned and turned to terror. The monsters, content to let the boy slowly slip away, instead turned to the second intruder.

They pushed her back, overpowering her through force and speed. Jaiden’s heart tightened as she felt her foot settle on thin air. Suddenly she was plummeting through the very hole meant to save them.

The wind tore away her final words, a final cry for her son she knew she could no longer save. At least the had the ocean to hold her as she slipped away while Bobby remained, doomed to die alone.

Bobby enjoyed playing pranks on his apá. It was just the two of them on a hill at the edge of some island they were passing through on their adventures. Roier was busy messing with their speedboat so Bobby took this as his opportunity to test how long he could hold his breath underwater.

Roier grumbled as he struggled to get the boat to start up just right. Running his hand through his hair he took a moment to look around. He turned in confusion as he didn’t spot his hijo, certain he had just heard him splashing around a few moments ago.

He chuckles and shakes his head. Announcing to his hijo that he’d used this trick one too many times, he wouldn’t be fooling his apá again.

Silence stuck in the air, making Roier’s stomach turn uncomfortably. Sensing something was wrong he quickly called his hijo’s name, cupping his hands around his mouth and taking a few steps deeper into the water.

There was no response and Roier prepared to call again when he noticed something big moving under the water. A mixture of curiosity and wariness grew in the back of his mind as he swim far enough to dive under the surface.

The very second he dipped his head underwater he was jerked aside by the Binary Entity. In a panic he regained his posture and drew his sword, swimming as fast as his body would allow him whilst searched the water desperately for his hijo. He quickly spotted Bobby being chased down by the Code, fear capturing the boy’s face as the Code refused to let him resurface for air. Panic was engulfed by rage as Roier dug his sword into the Entity, doing everything he could to distract it and give his hijo a chance to escape. He new full well he couldn’t defeat it alone, but as long as Bobby made it out it didn’t matter what happened to him.

It was as if Roier was nothing more than a gnat. It continued its ceaseless attacks on his hijo as if he wasn’t even an afterthought. With each passing second Roier’s lungs burned deeper and deeper, his attacks slowing, and his thoughts growing hazy. His screams were muted by bubbles and water as he cursed terrible fates onto the Entity, demanding it release his hijo.

His hijo who had slowly stopped struggling.

The moment the Binary Entity realized the fight was over it was gone as quickly as it had come.

Roier wasted no time in using the last of his strength to drag his limp hijo to shore. He frantically pushed his ear against Bobby’s chest for any sign of a heart beat, barely acknowledging the water still clogging his own lungs. 

With trembling hands Roier performed CPR on the child. Begging through thick tears for his hijo to wake up. Not like this. He’s too young. Not ten minutes ago we was running around on the same sand he was now dying on. 

No one is with Roier to put a hand on his shoulder and tell him Bobby is gone. 

Behind him the sun sets, paying a final homage to its most loyal admirer.

-

What about Ramón aye?

Ramón paced around the cold tile of his home. Heart beating deep in his chest. He wasn’t in danger, he knew that, but with every glance outside his window he could only think about the Code somewhere outside. 

Maximus had left not too long ago, rushed him home when the Code attacked him and his siblings. Ramón had tugged on his cloak, demanding Maximus let him go outside and help the adults or at least be with his twin Dapper. Maximus had put his hands on his shoulders and told him with a stern but empathetic voice. Stay inside where it’s safe.

Ramón’s hand rested on the smooth metal of his door. 

He pushed just slightly enough for a strip of sky to be seen. His mind was racing, a battle of what was right or wrong in this situation. Ramón wasn’t known to rebel but he was known for his curiosity and right now he needed to know that things were okay. The knowledge that he only had one life settled on his shoulders as he took a careful step outside. 

His eyes carefully traced the skyline, blue, not black. The Code was sporadic but it had its consistencies and only attacking in the cover of darkness was one of them. Or so he thought.

It would be quick, he just needed to check that Dapper was okay. Then he could teleport right back home as if nothing had happened.

He didn’t waste anymore time, fastening his armor before sprinting towards the warpstone outside. He’s only a few yards away when he feels the hairs on his neck rise.

He could feel it before he even turned to look. His head slowly twisted, his eyes widening as he saw it. He’d never seen it so close before.

Ramón struggled to describe what he saw. Bright green zeros and ones raced across a writhing mass of black energy. It had no permanent features, rather it summoned whatever limbs or weapons it needed. 

He didn’t know how but he could feel the monster lock eyes with him. Ramón stilled, unable to move, unable to see as its darkness seemed to suck in the very color from the earth around it.

Ramón thought back to every binary attack he had heard of or seen. Every time the beast had been ruthless in its attacks on the eggs and their protectors. Now, with the knowledge it had already gotten what it came for, it simply moved closer to the frozen child.

It slowed at the glint of a sword. Tilted its head in amusement as the boy in front of it bared his stance. His hands were trembling. In his eyes he knew he stood no chance against the Entity alone. 

Ramón held his breath and tried not to think of his twins face as Bad told him the news. Tried not the think of Maximus returning to check on him, only to find him dead in the grass, his blood already dried. Tried not to think of Quackity, Maximus, Foolish, and Bad bringing Fit to the body of his son.

His son who was too stupid to listen.

The Entity had waited long enough. It happened faster than Ramón could blink. The boy lifted his hand to feel a warm slit in his neck. His brain told him he was choking, drowning as blood filled his throat. 

The Code left as quickly as it came, knowing no one would find the boy until it was too late.

-

Then, of course, there’s our beloved Richas who’s had such a strong influence on the story and was at the heart of one my favorite arcs. Where would we be if he was never even around to start them?

It had been, quite frankly, a crazy fucking day for the Brazilians. Mike wasn’t sure what more the world could throw at them. Aside from the storm causing Felps to crash them into an island of course. But not just any island, nonono. One filled with people from across the world all supposedly trapped here by the Federation. Because the Federation is also a thing here. Mike honestly lost focus as a duck hybrid tried to explain it all to them.

The events after introductions were a blur of noise and new locations. Mike vaguely processes Pac pulling him across the Pizzería so Cellbit can take a group picture. He blinks again and they’re in a club, he has a glass in his hand and a smile on his face. He doesn’t know most of the people at the party but he could probably name one or two of the islanders if he tried. Pac uses his shoulder as support as he cheered for Forever as he took a stand on the stage. Mike could only take a moment to wonder where the blonde man had been during their whole tour.

He looks around in confusion as the party completely stops, every islander murmuring and looking at their communicators. Out of curiosity Mike takes his own out as well.

He reads a universal message from a user “QSMP”. Confusion settles in his stomach as the words register. Something about eggs being returned safety would usually make him laugh by how random it was. But, as the club clears out almost immediately Mike understands this must be something important.

Not ten minutes later Mike, Pac, Felps, Cellbit, and Forever gather in front of their new filho. Around them the islanders hold their shaken children close.

They named him Richarlyson.

The Favela needed supplies, Cellbit and Felps offered to go mining, Richas insisted on going with them.

Under normal circumstances it would be any old mining trip, but the two were quickly learning just how unpredictable this island was. Even though Felps and Cellbit were fairly decent at combat, the mobs were taking them easily.

Felps shouted for Richas to run for the exit. Only one mob was on them now. Cellbit turned heal to stand between his friend and filho and a towering skeleton. He tried to ignore his complete absence of armor and charged.

His sword lodged directly into its neck, a perfect hit. I proud grin almost formed on his face until he realized the monster remained completely unharmed. It’s head remained firmly on it shoulders as it’s hollow eyes turned its attention to Cellbit. A chill ran down the man’s spine.

When Felps looked back the creature had continued its chase, leaving a broken body in its wake.

The exit was still too far away. He’d spent less than a day with the child running beside him but he’d be damned if he let anything harm him. 

Felps stopped running, unsheathing his iron sword. Richas faltered, clearly split between fighting with his pai and escape. Felps shouted to bring him to his senses, now could be his only chance to survive.

The monster only grew closer with steps that seemed to shake the caverns. The clanking of its heavy armor filled Felps ears as he charged.

He didn’t last very long either.

Richas cried out for the slight chance that anyone could hear them. That another person would just so happen to be in these same mines. That they could possibly step in at the last moment to slay the monster, save his pais, and take them all the safety.

He was halfway through the tunnel they came through when the monster yanked him back. Richarlyson yelped as he was harshly flung to the floor. He heard his pais shout his name, struggling to stand with their injuries.

Felps and Cellbit were forced to watch in horror as the skeleton raised its rugged axe.

They were forced to watch as their filho’s blood painted its blade more and more with each swing.

The next day would be even more merciless.

-

Phil sat on the sands of the beach. Distant eyes watched as Pomme played in the sand. Forever was hundreds of blocks above them, preparing a water jump.

A shakey hand wiped a tear that threatened to fall. He couldn’t help but see whispers of Chayanne and Tallulah in the footsteps of the young girl.

Six totems of undying hovered around her as she decorated a small sandcastle with imperfect seashells. Obsidian armor glimmered across her small frame, her fathers and mother had ensured she was fully protected at all times.

Even then Philza couldn’t shake the feeling that when the time came, it wouldn’t be enough. He took in a deep breath of salty air, trying to clear his mind. 

Pomme’s giggles stopped as her eyes landed on something behind Phil. 

He didn’t even have the chance to turn his head before it attacked. 

Philza winced as stabbing pain shot through his torso. Pomme’s eyes widened with horror as a blade pierced clean through her oncle’s chest. She stumbled backwards as the Binary Entity removed its sword, splattering a trail of blood as it swung its weapon in an arc. Phil was dead before he hit the floor.

She heard the voices of her parents in her head, shouting for her to grab her crystal and teleport away. Before she could even reach into her pocket the Entity was on her.

Deafening booms exploded in her ears as her totems took the deadly blows for her. Each one crumbled in one hit. Tears fell from the child’s eyes as sparks of green and gold filled her vision.

The monsters roars prevented Pomme from even hearing herself think as her final totem shattered, leaving her at the Code’s mercy. None of this made sense, there was no moon, no mobs, no warning, no chance.

The monster saved its most powerful attack for last. In one swing Pomme’s armor was completely destroyed, her body talking the full blunt of the blow. The girl’s eyes widened as her body numbed with shock. A slow hand moved from her abdomen to her face, covered in blood.

Pomme blinked in confusion as her hand moved from one to three hands and then back again. The panicked voices of Forever, Etoiles, Antoine, and Bad all mixed together in her ears.

When she fell, two of her fathers were there too catch her, but they were too late to stop the bleeding. Pomme looked around for the Code, moved her hands to try to sign a warning. She felt them hold her hands in theirs and realized they must have found her alone.

As she drifted away she was in the presence of people who loved her. They whispered words of comfort, ones they weren’t sure if she could hear. 

They swore she would never be alone again.

-

Okay damn so that took me TWO WHOLE DAYS TO WRITE but it was fun as hell so I’m not complaining. But I also love all the eggs to this was… painful to make at times

But yeah! Food for thought! The server would be so so different if even one of these deaths ended up sticking. And who was left? Welp today the only surviving eggs would be Leonarda and Pomme, both with one life because as far as I’m aware Leo has never had a Nightmare

You can probably tell who I watch more of with the individual POVs but I hope I did everyone justice nonetheless (I kinda got carried away with Dapper and Bobby’s parts, writing their Nightmares AND canon deaths but oh well) I’m happiest with Ramón’s ^_^

Anyway I’m gonna go rewatch Across the Spiderverse now, adios!

[raemanzu]

E - Enemy

@zexalmonth

I don't have art or fic for this one but I wanted to throw out some love to this crazy side villain, the jellyfish Barian dude, Kurage/Chironex xD My favorite villain is definitely Vector but the existence of this funky lil dude over here opens up a lot of fun questions.

Not only did I kind of love his design and the way he was introduced was very classic magical girl anime villain (the creepy puddles on the hospital floor etc), his duel with Nasch/Shark and IV is an interesting one for me because it shows a fun facet of Shark and IV's relationship and where Shark is at mentally at this time in the show. There's a little bit of foreshadowing to Nasch and IV's later duel because in this one, IV is crying out for Shark to fight the weakness in his own body due to the enemy's jellyfish toxin (not to mention Shark is struggling a bit with reconciling his childhood memories as Ryouga with his possible identity as a Barian emperor), and in the later duel Nasch is fighting what he perceives as weakness in his own heart while IV is trying to make him remember and value his identity as Ryouga, a human being. In this first duel though, IV really tries to appeal to Shark's pride and his attachment to Rio, and almost comes off as a bit cruel, though it's all for the sake of getting Shark to fight for his life and not give up.

I'm a sucker for the kind of angst where a character's body sort of betrays them so the poisoning slowly taking away Shark's ability to move is great. Though I always have to laugh at the idea that you can't duel while sitting down, apparently :P

Meanwhile, this guy intrigues me by existing at all. I love the concept of Vector being able to "find" lost souls in the sea of ill intent, which he makes reference to when we're introduced to Mr Heartland's fly form. Why are the Barian emperors such a different-looking "species" if you will from these Barians, who have both humanoid forms and forms which are based on insects or other critters? What about all the Barians who came from the destruction of Nasch's kingdom, who we only ever see as glowing orbs of light or as their human selves? Do they actually also have creature forms that we just don't see? Or are creature forms generally reserved for actually evil souls? Are certain especially evil souls like Mr. Heartland's lost in the sea of ill intent until an emperor like Vector uses their power to give them a body?

But beyond all that I just find a creepy jellyfish guy with a big-purple-hatted bishounen form a really fun design choice lol.

Especially for how often Shark's hair gets compared to a purple octopus!

[vernith]

CW // nothing, but possibly OOC raphael. And the fact that he is so sickly inlove with you. (Also heart tearing COMFORT for you depressed bitches that couldn't accept the fact that you're enough)

-> Feelings-established.

Pairing: Raphael x Reader.

A soft sigh escaped your lips. To bask yourself in the warmth of an angel, it felt.. wrong. You.. are a lowly disappointment, He's a being close to perfection, an angel, a seraphim. Not. Only that he has a high position in the celestial realm, you're sure that he also felt the same thing, the same guilt that you felt. Perhaps even worse. however-

He doesn't regret it. Not now, not then, not in the future. odd, isn't it? An angel that chooses to cherish his time of eternity with a mere, weak mortal. Even if it's against the rules of fate and disciplinary.

But.. being with you is something he would never regret, no. He doesn't care, even if it means he would be damned. He was fine with it, so long you're with him. Safe, and sound.

Silence lingers within the dark room that was lit lightly by a scented candle. but it wasn't awkward. It was.. comforting. It was warm, very warm.. despite the cold nights of devildom, it managed to bring warmth to the very end of your soul. Even when he's not holding you, having him by your side as you leaned in his shoulder is more than enough.

Your lips curved into a small smile, your eyes that reflected the tender light softened with the thoughts. "Raph," your small voice broke the comforting silence.

Hearing your call, Raphael, turned his head towards you in acknowledgement. Letting go of what he was doing previously- knitting.

"Why would you come here tonight? It's very unlikely of you.." You questioned him, as you took your head off of his shoulder. not daring to meet his sharp blue orbs.

He shrugged, "Something is off with you today. So i decided to throw in a visit." He reasoned shortly. But, he wasn't lying, he really did notice something was wrong by the way you acted at RAD today.

However, he didn't tell the full story either. Truth is, he didn't get the chance to steal your time today, and you looked quite.. disappointed at something, so raphael decided to visit you at HoL just this once so he could be by your side.

He doesn't know what he can do, what he could do to comfort you, make you happier, console you.. love.. you. he doesn't have any idea. He's clueless and hopeless in things like this. He's not like Simeon.

. . And he only could hope, that you can understand his attempt of comforting you, is just to be by your side, accompanying you silently in the darkness, chasing away your loneliness and overwhelming fear of disappointment.

Meanwhile, in the other side, you, can understand it perfectly. Just by his presence that sticks around a lowly human like you already speaks volumes. It's more than enough and you appreciate it more than anything. Even when there was barely any words exchanged, the ability to bask in his warmth and occassional curious, adoring glance is enough.

That you'd even start to think.. you are enough.

You set your gaze down to your lap, unconsciously, beads of tears starts falling from your eyes, trailing down your cheeks.

With a slightly shaky voice, you managed to speak up, "thank you.. Raphael." You expressed. Hearing your weak voice, he paused completely and turned towards you.

Raphael's gaze softened the moment his eyes laid on your crying figure. Again, he doesn't know what he could do, but..

He placed down his knitting kit and hesitantly brought one of his arms around your waist, and brought you closer to his side, so that you would be leaning on his shoulder.

He didn't let go, he kept his grip on you firm as you softly cried on his shoulder. Letting go of the burden, disappointment, emotions, all of them. Letting him see your weakself.

And- raphael doesn't mind this. He have wished that you would show more of yourself, show him your smile, your pout, and everything that he could list on.

He wished.. Raphael wished that you could lean on him more, even if he isn't as reliable. But.. he sure tries the best for you. And for you only.

Please like, subscribe and share to comfort me as i cry when i write this

[thanksjro]

More Than Meets the Eye #49 — Guys, This One Was Kinda Fucked Up

Sunder’s got his magic eyes in and is currently eating Skids’s brain. Not to worry though, because Dr. Rung of the Pious Pools, PhD, psy-op specialist and master of stick-fu, who goads people into shooting infants and also himself, is handling the situation.

Well, thank god we’re minding our Ps and Qs with the literal serial killer.

Sunder, of course, doesn’t see why Rung’s so upset, as he believes himself to be doing Skids a favor by unearthing his repressed memories. Honestly, I think if he’d asked first, Skids would’ve been all for it. Maybe not the cannibalism aspect of this activity, but the unearthing for sure.

Hopping back into those memories, we skip forward a bit, as Tarn comes in to check on Skids’s progress for fixing the teleport machine. He transforms, because we need to reiterate that he really fucking loves transforming. Snare is also here. You remember Snare? The man who’s never seen his feet? He’s here too. Weird that he keeps finding himself dealing with the worst of the Decepticon upper command.

Anyway, Skids and Tarn have worked out a little deal, where Skids fixes Grindcore’s teleporters, in exchange for the release of fifty Autobot prisoners. If Skids doesn’t manage to do it, Tarn will kill 500 prisoners as punishment. Which is sort of like decimation, with deci- times the slaughter. Luckily, Skids is god’s favorite little man, and Tarn seems aware of it, as he congratulates him on a job well done. Then he throws him back in his cell, where Quark is waiting to make fun of him for smiling like a doofus over having gotten in Tarn’s good graces.

Quark doesn’t trust Tarn to keep his word, and thinks that Skids is a fucking moron for having faith in the guy with all this power over their lives. Skids admits that while Tarn probably isn’t going to keep his word, it’s still better that their mass teleportation machine is working again, so that prisoners can at least be transported to do slave labor on other planets, where they’ll need to be fed and kept alive, unlike Grindcore.

That’s when the radio cuts on, playing a song that would one day become infamous for its implications— The Empyrean Suite.

...But I’m sure it’s fiiiiiiine!

Back in the present, Froid’s unlocking Sunder’s cell and taking off his handcuffs, just in time for the flamebots to show back up and tell him to cut that shit out. Sunder, of course, does his thing, and Rung and Skids watch in horror as something super gross happens off-panel, complete with wet, squishy SFX. Rung also transmits something via his recorder thumb, likely a warning to the others on the ship. But we won’t know for sure for a bit, because now we’re jumping forward in time.

Over in the maximum security section of the Lost Light’s brig, we finally see Mr. Pugface Charisma himself, strung up and restrained in a way reminiscent of how Alternate Rung was in the epilogue of the “Elegant Chaos” storyline, but decidedly hornier. Tailgate zips by on his hoverboard, apparently having woken up at some point. Seems like he’s doing fine, though, so I’m not too worried about how long he slept.

Tailgate isn’t thrilled to have run into Getaway, and is even more displeased when Getaway refuses to speak to him about what exactly is happening; everything is dark, everyone else has disappeared, someone’s graffitied the walls, and there’s a bunch of greebled orbs laying around.

Tailgate shows Getaway Cyclonus’s vial of innermost energon that he left by his bedside (aw, he does love him!), then tells Getaway to go fuck himself, punching the steel plate door to his cell and shattering the windows as he does. Of course, Getaway genuinely does have a reason for not speaking to Tailgate, so it’s not like he’s being intentionally petty.

Now who was the sadistic little bastard who decided that he needed his limbs off and voice taken away? This is some freak shit right here, this is borderline fetish material.

Tailgate goes to investigate one of the weird greeble orbs, and Rung, Skids, and Froid show up just in time to warn him not to touch it, as it’s actually one of the crew members, having been turned inside out, thanks to Sunder making them think that’s what shape they need to be. It’s fucked up. This is a fucked up storyline. Tailgate’s most worried about Cyclonus though, as should be clear by his vial lanyard. He grabs Rung by the arm and demands to know where his not-boyfriend is.

It turns out that after Megatron heard that a guy with eyeballs that make you turn into a bowl of haggis was loose onboard the ship, he turned the lights out and had everyone lock themselves in their rooms. So Cyclonus is probably in habsuite 14, staring out the window, which he was probably going to do anyway. Very little about today is switching up his standard routine.

Rung and company aren’t locked up because they’re looking for Chromedome, so he can put Skids’s memories into the proper lockbox in his head, seeing as he’s gonna die if he recalls them too fast. Rung’s also out here to yell at Froid, because he can’t fucking believe he’d go and get close to a guy who’s got Megatron turning out the lights and hiding. Froid, however, swears his motives are purely professional.

Skids starts groaning again, which means that Sunder is nearby, and sure enough, the brain goblin comes ‘round the corner not a moment later.

In the flashback, Tarn is congratulating Skids on a job well done, then shows him proof of the fifty prisoners having been let out of Grindcore, now roaming around in the Manganese Mountains. Because the last time Roberts had robots holed up in the mountains, it worked out so very well for everyone.

Skids tries to sweeten the deal for next time, but Tarn says that he’s no longer useful to have around, since he’s an Autobot, and Snare watched him do all the stuff that fixed the teleporters. However, Tarn would be loathe to let Skids’s good deed go unpunished.

Don’t worry about the corpses in the background; they’re part of the decor.

Skids, however, is a selfless little man, and he has the bright idea to ask if he can give his free ride to someone else.

Back in the present, Froid is trying to run away from the monster he helped create, and it gets him about as far as you’d expect, as he explodes into a beautiful spaghetti flower and then orbs up. It looks like Rung, Skids, and Tailgate are next, but luckily there’s still a hero left to save the day.

Careful now, Tailgate, you’re a (possibly(accidentally)) married man!

Thunderclash and Megatron chase after Sunder, taking a moment to note that one of the balls in this corridor is Rodimus, while Chromedome sticks his fingers in the holes in Skids’s compartmentalization. Rung and Tailgate also run off to face Sunder, Rung claiming to have an ace up his sleeve.

Megatron and Thunderclash catch up to Sunder in the shuttle bay as he’s entering his ship, which makes Megatron remember something very important: Septre was a fucking ship.

Honestly, I’m surprised this doesn’t happen more often.

Thunderclash isn’t concerned with Sunder now being the size of a McMansion, claiming that he must be scared, considering he’s stopped using his black speech bubbles. Apparently those were meant to convey a “Mortilus impersonation”. Why they know what their gods are supposed to sound like isn’t addressed.

Sunder makes a speech about being too hardcore to be afraid of death, because he’s a mnemosurgeon and eats memories and flies around in his brother’s corpse. Then he orbs Thunderclash, husband of millions, thus officially barring himself from the kingdom of heaven. This is the point where Rung attacks him with his fleet of model ships, which are apparently also RC planes. This plan only works for a moment, because, again, Sunder is currently the size of a house.

Megatron, having been knocked down in the direction of the fusion cannon Thunderclash had been wearing, is in the perfect position to strap it on and blow this giant hungry bitch away. However, he probably knows that if he resorts to violence, Rodimus will take away his Rodimus Star for abandoning his evil ways. Tailgate, no doubt frustrated by Megatron trying to talk down the guy who keeps haggising the crew, takes matters into his own hands.

No, he couldn’t do that before. Tailgate himself isn’t sure why exactly he can suddenly pick up midlife crisis purchases and hurl them with enough force to incapacitate serial killers. We’ll have to get Velocity on this, since she’s the only doctor left on the ship.

Because Rung is resigning.

When Rung sent that recording of Froid and his conversation, as a way to warn Megatron of the danger on the ship, it also included their little argument over being “too close” to patients, and Rung’s delicensing. Knowing that more than one other person is privy to his crimes, Rung’s decided to beat things to the punch and retire, as if the Lost Light could afford to lose their mental health specialist, even if he does suck absolute dick. Megatron seems to see it that way, anyhow, suggesting that Rung still tell his patients about not being licensed, but let them decide if they still want to see him anyway.

Rung calls him a stupid fuck in the most polite way possible, then leaves, just as Rodimus is arriving. Megatron makes a pun, then we get the skinny on what’s going on with Tailgate. As best as Velocity can figure, the background radiation caused by quantum travel, combined with being stressed the fuck out by Cyclonus being shot and seemingly killed in front of him, caused his spark to evolve. Which is a much better deal than what I’d assume that sort of thing would do for a human being. I figure that’d be a heart attack situation.

Rodimus wants to know what happened with Sunder in the shuttle bay, and why Megatron tried to talk him down instead of firing. Megatron’s figured that he’s tried the way of violence for the last several million years, and he’s really trying to be better than that now, even if it gets people hurt. He’s a pacifist now. Which sucks, because it’s probably going to bite both him and those around him in the ass later, and also he’ll never be Vash the Stampede, so he really shouldn’t even bother trying.

Getting back to the flashback (sort of, anyway; Skids isn’t remembering this next part, it’s more for us as the readers to get closure) Quark’s queued up for the teleporter, having been given Skids’s spot. He’s gonna be doing hard labor on “New Tarn”. Skids is also here, having apparently touched Tarn’s cold, dead heart with his kindness. Everyone loads up into the teleporter, and it looks like everything’s gonna be just fine!

I said EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE JUST FINE.

The music comes on, significantly louder in this chamber, and Skids is suddenly teleported out and away, Quark screaming for him as he disappears. He arrives in Tarn’s office, where he’s leaning on his desk and drinking out of his fancy little decanter, waiting for the show to start. Skids knows by this point that the machine he was sent to fix was in actuality a smelter, and Tarn explains that they need that fancy shmancy sentio metallico to build bodies for their upcoming MTO forces. Then he drags Skids over to the window and melts the belief in a loving god out of his head.

And that’s a series wrap on Quark! Let’s give him a hand, folks!

...Nobody tell Brainstorm about this.

[sh1maki]

🎁Under the Mistletoe🎄- Cloud Strife x Fem. Y/N oneshot (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

It was late december and the Sector 7 slums already started to shine with christmas lights, and lots of other decor. Kids were outside having snowball fights, making snowmen, and so on. Seventh Heaven wasn't any different- well, it was, actually. Tifa put alot of effort into the decorations this year, a christmas tree proudly standing in the corner of the bar, next to the jukebox that played slow and relaxing songs. Aerith was currently fixating christmas lights to the wall, and she also added a mistletoe under the door. Did she do that with an intention in mind? Yes. Yes she did. She knew how head over heels you were for Cloud, and even if you didnt outright say it, or show it, she could pretty much feel it. And her intuition wasnt wrong. So she gave herself a mission to make you and Cloud kiss, one way or another.

"Phew, thats finally over.." She said in relief as she got off of a small ladder she was on, looking up proudly at her work. Tifa just finished baking cookies and she came out from behind the barstand, approaching Aerith and glancing up "Great job. Im sure the others will love it." Tifa smiled, her red orbs glimmering slightly from satisfaction. Aerith smiled at her and nodded in agreement. Barret then entered trough the door, his steps as loud as his voice "Time to spread some Christmas cheer everyone!" He exclaimed almost too enthusiastically, his little daughter Marlene agreeing happily as she was carried around in his arms "Santa Claus!" She smiled and chuckled, Barret encouraging her "Hell yeah! Have you written your letter for Santa yet sweetheart?" Marlene shook her head "No i didnt.." "Well then hurry up and do it! The sooner you do, the sooner you'll get your present!" He put her down and the little girl nodded happily, going over to one of the tables where there happened to be a piece of paper and a pen. Barrer then turned to Tifa and Aerith

"So, have ya'll finished decorating the bar?" Tifa nodded "Yeah, think that should be about it!... We're just missing Cloud and Y/N..." At that moment, you entered trough the door of the bar, wearing a pretty cheesy looking Christmas hat. "Hey everyone! The bar looks fantastic by the way!" You said with your usual smile. Aerith's expression lightened "Yeah, it does... I think we put alot of effort into it all..." Tifa nodded "Of course. By the way, has any of you seen Cloud?" Everyone went silent for a moment. Where was he? I mean you all knew he wasnt the type for social gatherings but... It still felt a bit off without him here. "I think he's in his appartment. One of ya'll can go check" Barret replied after a moment of silence, and then walked off to see what Marlene was doing. Tifa nodded "I'll go check then." She left the bar and went to look for Cloud.

...And so some time has passed and she came back, entering the bar. A few moments later Cloud walked trough the door, his usual brooding expression on his face "Hey everyone." He said simply and monotonely, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall "Finished decorating?" He turned to Aerith, who nodded happily "Yeah, we're all set. People will start arriving in a few moments, so its oughta be pretty cramped..." Cloud just let out a silent breath at that, not really liking the idea of staying here along with many random people "And why do i need to be here then?" Y/N chirped in "Well because we're all celebrating this together! We cant leave you out of this! Please?..." He looked over at you, his mako eyes not showing any clear emotion. But its as if for a split second, his gaze softened when he saw your pleading expression. He let out a small sigh and looked to the side "Fine." You, Aerith and Tifa smiled in satisfaction, glad he'll stay.

...People from the slums started flooding the bar, and surprisingly alot of people came. You were chatting with Aerith, while Tifa was busy serving the guests. Cloud was just standing leaned against a wall, not doing anything in particular. This was all so boring to him, but het again, does he really have anything better to do?... He was looking towards the door, noticing how each couple that entered kissed under the mistletoe. It piqued his curiosity a bit, and even though he'd never admit it, he was eager to try it. Maybe someday. He then shook it off before he even started thinking about *who* he wants to do it with. But subconsciously, he still felt that small urge to try it. After a while of chatting with Aerith you noticed how lonely Cloud seemed. You felt a bit bad and decided to say your goodbyes to Aerith for now and walk over to him.

"Hey" You said softly, as if it was meant for only him to hear. He almost immidiately turned his head to you, like he was expecting you. His expression was neutral "Hey. Havin' fun?" He asked with a flat voice, his arms crossed. "Well deffinitly more fun than you are. There's no point in just standing there.. atleast have a drink or two" You suggested, tilting your head slightly. He shook his head softly "Nah, i'm good. Dont worry about me. Im perfectly fine like this." If you knew he was half-lying, he wouldnt see the end of it. Truth be told he liked your company, but never risked getting too attached because he.. well.. has his own fears from a long time ago.

"No man's an island Cloud." You tried to convince him, and the more you talked, the more it seemed to get under his skin. He sighed and decided there was no point in denying you. He knew how stubborn and pushy you can get when you want something. So he decided to give in partially. Just this once. "Fine, what do you wanna do then?"

"Mmm... Wanna dance?" A small smile appeared on your face, as well as a pinkish hue on your cheeks. Cloud's eyes narrowed slightly "No way. I dont dance." He immidiately rejected, and even if he wanted to atleast try and dance, it would cost him his pride quite a bunch. You nodded and for a brief second you wanted to persuade him until he agreed, but you decided to let it go. "Fair... Well... Lets just talk then. Want a drink?" He was about to refuse just like he did a few moments ago, but his gaze averted for a moment, as if pondering it over "Whiskey" He said plainly, almost in a demanding tone. You went over to Tifa and got him a glass of the liquor he ordered, handing it to him "Didnt strike me as the whiskey type..." You said half-jokingly, trying to make small talk. He took a sip and after he did he looked at you once more "Guess you learn something new every day..." He tried to be atleast a bit upbeat about everything, but his voice still came out as monotone.

You then felt a tap on your shoulder. It was Tifa. "Sorry to interrupt you two but, Y/N, is it okay if you come and help me? Im running out of dishes and... I need someone to wash them- Aerith's working on helping me serve the drinks to the customers.." She looked at you hopefully. "Uh- yeah sure.." You then turned to Cloud and gave him a half wave before leaving to do what you were assigned to do. Cloud sighed and watched you walk off. He didnt even realize he finished his glass quickly. He looked towards the door again out of pure boredom, the mistletoe poking his eyes again. It got him thinking again but this time his thoughts went a bit further- What if he tried to kiss... You? When that thought flashed trough his head he almost surprised himself, a small blush creeping up on his cheeks. He scoffed at himself, knowing he'd never have that kind of courage, not in a million years. But he also had a feeling he might get rejected, and make an idiot out of himself infront of you. That's another way how you can distance yourself from someone. Or worse- lose someone. He didnt even want to think about it, but a huge part of him was still eager. He was currently fighting with his inner demons, and only he knew about it.

Hours passed and every minute flew by quickly. And for certain people, it lasted an eternity. The bar finally started clearing out, people leaving towards their homes to count down until Christmas day with their loved ones. Aerith had to flee early, due to her home being all the way in Sector 6. You bid your goodbyes as she left. Barret and Marlene took the secret elevator and lowered themselves down to their rooms. You, Cloud and Tifa were the only ones left, cleaning up the mess. After you were finally done, Tifa sighed, rubbing her forehead "That sure was alot of work. It was quite the night..." "Oh yeah, im pretty tired myself.." You said with a yawn, putting your hand over your mouth. Tifa chuckled and she glanced at Cloud briefly, who looked like his usual self. "Will i get payed for helping you clean up all of this or no?" He said with a deadpan expression, crossing his arms. Tifa laughed softly at that, and you just chuckled. The faintest smirk appeared on Cloud's face, bit after a few moments it quickly dissapeared. "Well you two are free to go now, ill go check up on Barret and Marlene. Night, and merry Christmas!" She smiled softly and went over to the 90's game box that was placed against the wall, and pulled a lever that activated a secret elevator, lowering her down. The elevator got back up and everything looked normal again.

You and Cloud were completely alone now. After a few moments of akward silence, Cloud spoke up, looking down at you, his mako eyes glimmering with sternness. "Its late. Lets head back to our appartments." For a brief moment he brought his hand up unconciously to rest on the hilt of his Buster Sword that was attached to his back, before lowering it again as he turned around. You nodded and exited trough the door first. Cloud was about to follow you but he stopped. And looked up at the mistletoe hanging above the door. He felt his heart suddenly skip a beat, for whatever reason. He was thinking about it again. How he'd want to try and kiss you under the mistletoe. "Cloud?" You called out as you noticed he was still standing in one place. You walked back to him, now standing under the doorframe infront of him.

He then looked down at you, silently. He didnt reply. His gaze went from your eyes down to your lips, a small blush engulfing his cheeks. You tilted your head a bit, your eyes showing a hint of worry "Hey are you okay? Did you drink too much?.." You said softly, expecting an answer. He only managed to mutter out "I-" and it was all that came out. He thought about this for a long moment until something in him just snapped. He then took half of a step forward and leaned down, kissing you softly, his right hand cupping your cheek gently, and his other hand on your hip. He had no fucking idea if he was doing this right or no, but he loved every second of this. He was praying you dont push him away, or end up avoiding him. He hoped his instincts lead him down the right path.

It took you a moment to process it all, your eyes widened. Your face was redder than any Christmas hat ever made. But you didnt hesitate and you kissed back, your hands gently trailing up against his strong, firm arms. A few moments later you two broke apart, both of you blushing insanely. Cloud averted his gaze, not knowing if he should apologize for jumping on you like this, or say 'i love you'. "Merry Christmas" He thought that was the best option. His voice was strained, trying so hard to hide his vulnerability in this moment. You didn't reply, just looked at him with a gentle gaze. You never expected he'd make a move like this, and you hoped you werent dreaming. You brought your hand up to his face, turning his head so he can face you again. You then leaned in and gave him a kiss of your own, to which he replied with equal passion, his hands snaking around your waist. You broke the kiss and looked up at him, your noses still touching "Merry Christmas to you too." You replied softly, both of your hands on his cheeks. His blush only deepened, His fingers tracing idle patterns on your waist. He was a bit speechless, so to not make anything akward he leaned in once more, planting another soft kiss on your lips.

Aerith was actually watching from afar, her excuse about needing to get home was apparently a lie. She smiled slightly at the sight of you two kissing, proud her plan unintentionally worked.

A/N: Merry Christmas to everyone in advance!!♡⁠(⁠>⁠ ⁠ਊ⁠ ⁠<⁠)⁠♡

[spacetravels]

the way you described Las Vegas in the tags of that orb post is honestly a little poetic. what’s your favorite part of the city?

HAHA thank you. i love my home (said in a derogatory but endeared way)

hmmm. that’s always hard to say. i like how connected everything is and how diverse this city is!! you can get all sorts of food here and participate in so much culture and meet all kinds of people… it’s hard to narrow it down to One Thing

i like downtown. fremont street does free concerts every weekend. the haunted museum is REALLY fun. every month we have art fests (first friday!! last saturday!!) and you get really involved in the local art scene. also chinatown!!! my bestie chinatown

my favorite “tourism” place is area 15. omega mart by meow wolf. i’ve been there 5 times now. it’s my favorite piece of interactive art and has a sincerely fun and well written story attached to it. i’ve discovered something new every time i’ve gone!!! i recommend it to everyone. i take everyone i can there

we also have rly good hiking. red rock. mt charleston. we’re very close to the valley of fire and zion national park!! it’s great.

also we’re all very dedicated hockey fans and being a part of this city sports culture is really something else. vgk’s inaugural season started right after the october 1 mass shooting and they had a significant impact in strengthening the community after the fact. it was through hockey that we wholly adopted #VegasSTRONG, a far different city motto from the infamous “what happens in vegas, stays in vegas” and it feels really. idk. it’s a really special thing. their 2023 stanley cup win was deeply important in ways i can’t begin to explain.

i dunno. i like the people here. everyone is kind. everyone cares. we’re a big city but i do think we’re very tight and small as a community. sometimes when we go to a residency show on the strip and the lights come on and we see people we know. sometimes at a hotel i get asked where i’m from and when i say “here!” their face lights up and we suddenly speak the same language

gotta say though as a local: i drive by the Sphere a lot. like it’s part of my evening commute when i’m forced onto the strip. i can see it from my house. one time the giant emoji turned to face the freeway while i was on my way to work on a rainy morning and i was jumpscared so bad i nearly swerved my car off

[without-school-or-style]

23 - On Cloud Nine

Word Count: 423

((Once again, Cecille the Brave belongs to the incredible @abeat. Also, it has really been ten years since they first got married! I do have their wedding pictures somewhere on another computer but for now, here they are as they are now.))

When the bright orb gently brushed against Cecille’s outstretched hand and transformed into a beautiful ring, she looked at Joey with a smile more precious and radiant than any gemstone in Eorzea. Joey felt his then Lalafellan heart flutter. Waves of euphoria joined the butterflies in his stomach which made him feel even more dizzy, yet he couldn’t help but feel himself smile. Cecille looked even more radiant than usual that day, her veil brushed up against her pale violet dress. At that moment, Joey couldn’t find words to describe or even rationalize how he felt. All he knew was that at that moment, everything felt so right, so wonderful. If all of his misfortunes had accumulated into a karma that blessed him with this wonderful girl about to become his wife, then he hoped that whatever good fortune he had remaining kept them together forever.

Much later, Joey and Cecille stood outside the Sanctuary of the Twelve, awaiting their turn to enter the sanctuary proper. As they were Lalafell no longer but a Viera and Miqo’te respectively, changed once again by Hydaelyn’s magic, the couple thought to renew their vows as their newfound selves. Joey turned his head to see Cecille beaming at him. Seeing her radiant smile on her equally radiant face made Joey’s heart flutter all over again.

Just like the time they stood together at the altar.

And just like before, Joey felt butterflies churn in his stomach. That said euphoric high shone a proverbial light upon Cecille. Combined with the moonlight softly highlighting Cecille’s delicately beautiful features, it was as though Menphina herself gestured a hand to show Joey the sum of all his good fortune. And although Joey did find himself smiling, he felt that same unexplained sensation from before well in his chest. A lone tear trickled down the side of his face and wiped away quickly. More tears fell and Cecille’s smile quickly melted into wide-eyed concern.

“Joey, you okay? What’s wrong?” chimed Cecille’s melodious voice.

“N-nothing.” Joey wiped away more tears with the back of his arm. “I’m just… so happy.”

He had no idea what else to say. Eloquence had never been Joey’s forte.

Cecille held Joey’s hand, looked into his eyes and smiled. “Me too. I love you, Joey.”

With those words, Joey now understood the label on his feelings—the reason why he cried so suddenly.

Happiness. Nothing ever made him feel the way that Cecille made him feel back then and now.

He returned the smile. “I love you too, Cecille.”

[youplush]

Hey Taavi! I'm sorry that ye're doing bad right now, *offers ye a hug* /nf 💙💙💙

Love ye a lot and ye should know that ye're so, so strong <333

Here's some plushie photos to hopefully help distract ye <333333

Here's Light!! She's a Hannimations Colorful Kitty, and she saw a shooting star with me :3 her name is Light because of that, and because she brings light into my life hehe

Here are some of my pokemon plushies!! Only some have names: Hot Spot (the charmander), Phoebe (the shiny/blue mew), and Scout (the skitty)! I haven't named the others yet fgdb Phoebe and Scout go with me nearly everywhere :3

THE ORB I got for Hannukah!! He's super soft and a HUGE comfort plushie for me :D

Ava is a plushie I colored on to look like one of my characters! They're blind, but that doesn't stop them from running forward and exploring everywhere they can >:3 I thought of them to cheer me up/on about my own disabilities <333

HERE'S TEAM RWBY!!! + Little! They're all very soft and I try to bring Ruby and Weiss around in my backpack whenever I can dgsb :DD

Chat Noir with my baby llama plushies!!! Chat Noir cheers me on often, be that writing or roleplaying, and the baby llamas are huge comfort plushies to me :'3 (they're names are TBH (the white one) and BTW (the blue one!!)) One time, my step-dad balanced the baby llamas on his shoulders for like. 20 minutes cause he knew it'd make me happy fgsvcv :DD

TADA!! Watermelon and King!! I snuggle with Watermelon every night, she's so soft :3 and I hug King a lot too hehe (he's special cause he's missing a tooth!)

That's all for now!! Hopefully this helps a lil <333

Thank you Cow Cow!! I really appreciate it 🩵👍 you are always so nice!!!

Light is so cute!! I love the colors. I can’t believe you saw a shooting star!!! That’s so cool :0

Ohhh so many Pokémon!!! I like how Phoebe and Scout go with you everywhere! Are they named after the comic characters?

I love The Orb!!!!!!! He definitely looks soft… and squeezable!!! I wanna give him a hug!

I love Ava!!!!!! I love how they cheer you up about your own disabilities :’) that’s so sweet. They are super cool. Disabilities suck but we can still find ways to enjoy life!!!!!!!! I recently got a plush who inspires me in a similar way… he has a big scar on his belly from surgery, and I have lots of scars like that too! So he inspires me to be more confident in my scars :)

RWBY!!! I didn’t know they had plushies :0 I always say I’m gonna try watching the show but I never get a chance to :( sorry! But I know if you like it so much then there’s a chance that it’s a good show and I’ll like it too!! This plush group is super cool!!!

Heck yeah! Chat Noir and llamas cheering you on and comforting you!! The story with your step dad is so silly too :3

Watermelon and King!!! Watermelon is so pretty!! I love her design. I’m glad she helps you sleep!! The King plushie is adorable!!! When I watched The Owl House, he was one of my favorite characters!!! Super silly fella. I love the plush’s big ole eyes!!! He’s like 🥺

Thank you so much for showing me your plush friends!!! I really appreciate it. I loved hearing about them and seeing them!!!! It was a great distraction and has definitely cheered me up 🩵🩵🩵

I like how you have such a wide variety of plushies!! I also like how you take some of them with you to different places :) I want to do that one day too!

[mandowifey]

Hey! School has been really getting me down. I'm taking short winter courses so all the work is compiled into 5 grueling weeks. When I'm not bogged down by school, I love making super specific playlists, reading books and writing down beautiful quotes, going to local punk shows with friends, using fashion to reinvent myself everyday, and seeing movies in theaters (crying in a movie theater is one of my favorite activities haha.) My pronouns are she/her :-)

Feel free to write anything! Love your work <3

I'm so sorry to hear you are down from school! (Also thank you for the sweet compliment!)

I assign you; James Sandin.

Note; This is SFW, and unedited. It was meant to be a short drabble!

X x X x X x

"Are you sure you don't want us to wait for your Uber to get here?"

Rubbing your hands together as you shivered, your eyes sparkle as you look at your friends. All of you dressed well for the show you'd attended. You had anticipated drinking and in foresight opted to get a ride there. Now sober and cold, you regretted the attempt of being responsible.

"Nah, you guys go ahead! It said twenty minutes, I'll be fine." You shudder and tighten your coat around you.

One of your friends hugs you before parting ways. Time was flying by and going slow so often these days with your busy schedule and limited free time. While exhausted regularly, you still tried to indulge in the things that brought you joy.

At this time of evening, the streets were quiet and foot traffic was liminal. Your phone pinged and you checked it, hoping the alert meant Joseph, your uber driver, was approaching.

'Car accident on 14th, gonna be an extra 15 minutes.'

Groaning, you rub your arms before looking around. You spot a little bar with a bright neon sign telling you it was open. Now that you had 30 minutes, you jog across the street and shuffle into the bar. The warmth inside made you groan with relief. A few patrons regard you before returning to their conversations, mostly white noise to your ears as it mingled with the soft alt-rock music playing from ceiling speakers.

Once you sat at the bar, an older woman behind the counter approaches you and smiles.

"What can I get you?"

"I'll take a coke with ice."

The woman seemed confused, but obliges you. You trade the glass for 3$ in cash and take your phone out once she stepped away.

"And how about for you, handsome?"

You had been flicking through a couple of social media apps when you heard a husky rumble to your right. Looking up, you spot a handsome gentleman in a nice suit about two chairs down from you. His cheekbones were prominent and caused a gaunt appearance to his face. He was much older than you, and you could not help but linger as you watched him speak.

"Rum and Coke, on the rocks."

His hand reached up to remove the Bluetooth from his ear and put it in his suit. You must have been gawking because his head turned in your direction and he smiled. The lopsided smirk tugged something within you.

"Hey, were you just at Hell’s Nova?" He took cash out to pay the woman as she brought his drink.

You realize he was speaking to you.

"Oh-uh. Yeah, actually how did-"

The man lifted his hand and tapped a finger to his wrist, which prompted you to look at your own. A dark purple wristband with 'WELCOME TO HELL' scrawled in red clung loosely around you. Your face burns immediately.

"Duh." You laugh.

"I actually had a meeting nearby. Client's daughter performs there. Sorry, rude of me to run my mouth before introducing myself. I'm James."

The lights above the bar catch his beryl orbs and fill them with glistening specks. You were lost within them, even from a distance.

"I'm Y/N." Your face hurt from the blush spreading over them.

Grabbing his briefcase and drink, James moved another seat down so only one separated you. Your heart thunders as you catch a whiff of his cologne, no doubt as expensive as his suit.

James exudes a sort of calm you'd only read about. The man was like a tempered river, peaceful and comforting. He smiles again as he gets situated in his new seat. Sipping his drink, you smile and fidget, feeling like you needed to fill the silence.

"So you-

"Do -"

You both stop, having nearly spoken over eachother. After he apologized and laughed, you conceed to let him go first.

"So what do you do?"

You fiddle with your phone and smile. You explain how you mostly are focused on classes and your education. Then segway into explaining your love of poetry and how you'd found time to see the show with friends. James smiles the whole time, those peircing eyes of his not once leaving yours.

"And where do you see yourself going after all this schooling?"

That was not as easily answered. You try to think on the fly but can only let out a soft laugh and shrug. He smiles at that too. When you ask about what he does, James explains his work in loose details, while ordering another drink.

In his company, you lost track of time completely.

You learned he also took poetry classes, and he could even recite passages from some of your favorites. He additionally revealed he has two lovely children, and that while his marriage was coming to an end, he still cared for his soon-to-be Ex wife and had nothing but good things to say about her.

When your phone buzzed, it tugged you out of the warm embrace of a comfortable conversation and you gasped.

"Shit! My rides here."

James' smile lost some of its spark.

"Well, it was great getting to meet you, Y/N." He smiled and reached inside his jacket as you moved and gathered your things.

Blushing, you smile at him and were about to agree when he held a card out to you. Pausing, you gently take it and realize it's his personal business card, including a work and cell number.

"What-"

"I'd really like to hear from you again." He smiles, unaware of the pounding in your chest. "And whenever you are done with schooling, I'd be happy to hook you up with work."

Your smile was nearly painful. It took everything to not lunge and hug him. "Thank you, James. You'll be hearing from me." You promise. He gives you one last smile and watches as you hurry out the door.

The entire ride home, you rub your thumb along the business card, giddy for the possibilities it gave you.

[dabidagoose]

which one do YOU think is the worst. i already voted but i’m curious

I would like to start off by apologizing for how long this has taken me. I truly don't know what happened, but now that, months later, I'm back in image analysis brainspace we're gonna do our best to analyze all these images and answer this question. For reference, this ask is referring to this post of mine.

I'm gonna start with my favorite, which is this fantasy high poster. The title is really readable, large, and noticeable - which is great for advertising and for viewers to find the show. I appreciate how Brennan is leaning over the PCs, it's a cute pose and very much conveys that "I'm the DM" energy. I don't love how squished together all the PCs are, but the yellow light scribbles are a nice visual metaphor for a fictional world, and it's nice to see all the PCs in the promotion.

My second favorite is Tiny Heist. The descending height schtick is really cute, and we also get that fun DM-ergy from having only half of a giant Brennan. He also sort of feels like the one human in a muppet movie, which is a really cute vibe and compels me to watch. However his face is super washed out, the lighting from that photo was way too bright for him. I also really like the green slits, as they are a nice clean visual and the green color theme is pretty nice.

I don't hate D20 live either, but here is where I start getting a lot more nitpicky with the posters. Good things first - that title is really easy to read, and I like how the composition sort of mirrors the first Fantasy High poster. The prominence of Live highlights the unique live show element, which is a nice advertising move.

However, I really hate the entire right half of the poster. Brennan's got a real weird expression on his face - almost looks like he's playing Robert Moses or some sort of shitty businessman, which is not really applicable to this season that's a lot more about fantasy and mythical religion.

They've included all the cool new character art but completely covered it up by Brennan's giant body, and made that worse by surrounding him and Adaine's orb with light that makes it harder to see the art (I can barely see Gorgug's beautiful face...). This is especially frustrating when they have SO much free space on the left, and the totally squished right side.

Now we get to Escape from the Bloodkeep, which (and rightfully so) won the poll. I think from purely a design perspective it is absolutely the worst poster. The title is such a similar color to Brennan's shirt that it's very difficult to read, he's once again covering up a bunch of squished together character art, and there's the giant boring background of nothingness.

However, and I haven't watched Escape from the Bloodkeep so this is a lot of guessing on my part, it does feel like the right tone for the season. The red feels angry and villainous, Brennan feels like the right sort of Evil DM for this evil little world, and the expression is pretty fun. You may have noticed that this is only poster 4 of 5, and so this one is actually not my least favorite, but my second most, and this is why. The poster is pretty unappealing design, but it fits, and it prepares people for the season.

Finally, let's answer your question and say - I really do not like the Unsleeping City poster.

My design critiques follow some of the same design themes as before - Brennan is covering up key characters, the title is partially covered up by Brennan and less prominent than I feel it should be, and Brennan's once again been weirdly washed out. They also pretty obviously edited his shirt to be purple, which takes up so much space.

However, the thing I'm angriest about design-wise is that they have an absolutely GORGEOUS piece of art for the background and lettering for the title that is COVERED BY EVERYTHING ELSE! The colors used are incredible (the character art is great on its own but does not match), the stars and rendering are beautiful (which we can see some of but not what's below), and you can't see the upside down city! For a season called the Unsleeping City! Why can't we see the City!!!

I also personally feel like the vibe from all the characters and Brennan don't feel quite right for this season. All their poses feel very goofy comedy (a la Tiny Heist), but to me this season felt a lot darker and more human, especially compared to the earlier more comedic seasons. There was of course plenty of comedy this season, but I felt like some of those most notable things about it were all the mystical magic and tense human moments, which do not come across in this poster. I may be misremembering the season, but it just doesn't seem like it fits to me.

Tl;dr Unsleeping city is my least favorite even though Escape from the Bloodkeep is probably a worse design - because they covered up some cool art and it doesn't feel like it fits the season. An addendum: I have procrastinated this for so long for no good reason. I tried to start this a long long time ago and had no such luck. I really enjoyed writing all this and don't want to just delete it, so I'll leave my half finished bullshit under the cut. It's mostly just a lot of self-indulgent attempts at analysis. Read it if you want, this is mostly here for me.

Ok ok. First off apologies for how long this has taken to post I was inflicted by the horrors (first finals and then just some regular old mental blocks). But oh BOY do I have opinions on this !!!!! Buckle in everyone cause I'm gonna make this post MUCH longer than it needs to be!

So firstly this ask is referring to this post of mine, in which I critique some old dimension 20 promotional posters, and do a poll for which one is the worst. Escape from the Bloodkeep won, which is incredibly fair it's absolutely horrible and second worst in my opinion, however I do not think it's the worst. I've decided to drag this out as long as possible,

Chapter 1: What makes a promo image good?

I know I just decided to split this post up with Chapter titles but we're gonna also split up this section, since I think there's two separate parts of what makes a promo image good - delineated by the two words 'promo' and 'image'.

For the 'promo' part to be good the season needs to be accurately advertised. We need to be able to get the vibe of the season, to feel the kind of energy and appeal it's going to have, and we want to highlight some of the important parts of it. Take the Ravening War promo picture - it's dark and moody and dramatic. Then we've got Matt front and center, of course since he's the DM but also since his presence is a huge marketing point - he's even allowed to cover up the title! The newest DnDrag poster is also (I assume, since it's not out yet) pretty good at this. It's full of bright pink and strong colors and their poses really get across that fab drag aesthetic. They've also put the drag queens ahead of Brennan, since their presence is the big selling point of the season, and highlighted the fun play-on-words title.

Next, for the 'image' part to be good, it should look visually appealing. There should be a nice layout and composition - things that are more relevant should be made prominent and put center or at one of the thirds, and elements should work well together. Also, if there is text, the colors should be chosen so that it is readable, especially important text. The Seven is my favorite example of this. They've got all the silhouettes nicely laid out to form that curve shape.There's some extra free space around the edges which are less important, while the center has the larger characters and the title so that it's more filled in. All the silhouettes have distinct shapes which makes it easy to tell who is who and pull apart the elements. The text is INCREDIBLY easy to read, with the bright pink outline on Seven creating the color contrast that it's important for readability (I'm a bit of a nerd about color contrast and the WCAG guidelines), and that combined with the huge font really highlights that word and its prominence. The weapon through Seven provides a nice thematic touch, and adds to that visual prominence.

Chapter 2: The Uncanny

[daggerzine]

Window Shopping with The Garment District: An Interview with Jennifer Baron (interview by Eric Eggleson)

If you’re a Ladybug Transistor fan like I am, then the name Jennifer Baron should sound familiar. She has been a part of it since the beginning. But what I didn’t know was that she has another musical outlet with her amazing band The Garment District. Thankfully, Gary Olson(see previous Dagger interview) told me about her new album. I had a chance to catch up with her and find out more.

Here’s the opening track from The Garment District’s new album:

What do you think of the current music scene? Any new bands we should know about? Some newer and newish contemporary music that is frequently on my turntable and in my ears: Surface to Air Missive, Carl Didur, Zacht Automaat, The Frowning Clouds, Traffik Island, ORB, Locate S,1, Gloria, Etran de L’Air, Paint, Large Plants, Euros Childs, Emma Anderson, Heather Trost, flypaper, Colored Lights, Cindy Lee, Brigid Dawson & The Mothers Network, The Murlocs, Cindy, Jacco Gardner, Tim Presley, The Cromagnon Band, Licorice Root Orchestra, Bong Wish, The Orange Alabaster Mushroom, Cut Worms, Hot Apple Band, Liam Hayes, Belbury Poly, Samantha Glass, Jackie McDowell, Chris Cohen, Golden Apples, Cory Hanson, The David Tattersall Group, Mike Donovan …

What is your musical background? Do you have any musical training? I create music as The Garment District and am also a founding member of Brooklyn’s The Ladybug Transistor (Merge Records). As The Garment District, I write and arrange the music, play multiple instruments, and write the lyrics. When I was in elementary school, I took piano lessons from a woman who lived on our street, and I still have some of my Leila Fletcher Piano Course Books. I dabbled in guitar lessons in Amherst, Massachusetts, while attending Mount Holyoke College and was also a DJ at WHMC 91.5 FM South Hadley, one of the oldest broadcasting facilities in the U.S. run by women. Really, I learned to play music in a self-taught experiential way, like the musicians I admire most, by starting a band. For me that was in Brooklyn, playing guitar in Saturnine. Soon after, I helped form The Ladybug Transistor, quickly learning to play bass for our tour with Sportsguitar in Switzerland, which flipped a musical switch to permanently be on in my psyche and life. As The Garment District, I have previously released albums on Night-People Records and Kendra Steiner Editions, as well as a single for La Station Radar (France) that features a remix of my song “Nature-Nurture” by Sonic Boom (Spacemen 3, Spectrum, E.A.R.). I have also contributed songs to compilations on Moon Glyph, Crash Symbols, Crafted Sounds and Kill Collector Culture. I’m ecstatic to have my brand-new full-length album, Flowers Telegraphed to All Parts of the World, released on Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records after knowing Mike Turner through Athens, Georgia, and Elephant 6 bands, for many years. It has been such a meaningful way to reconnect, and a deep honor to be label mates with The Primitives, The Wedding Present, Great Lakes, Fred Schneider, Outer World, Swansea Sound, Katie Lass, and many others. It was a dream come true to have the expertise of Warren Defever (His Name Is Alive) oversee the vinyl production and cut the lacquers for the new LP at Third Man Pressing in Detroit. I also love having opportunities to merge music with other art forms I am passionate about, especially film and video, which I have been invited to do through the Pittsburgh-based SYNC'D series. For both in-person and online events, I composed original soundtracks (ranging from 1-5 minutes) for the series, which pairs filmmakers and video artists with musicians for live shows and online broadcasts. My music has also been featured on the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine's Pitt Med Podcast, and I contributed music and photography to Brooklyn-based ESOPUS magazine. In the art realm, I have also contributed an audio installation, a cassette tape and photography for group exhibitions curated by designer Brett Yasko at SPACE Gallery in Pittsburgh. In Spring 2023, I was invited to create a special DJ set for the opening celebration of “The Velvet Underground & Nico: Scepter Studio Sessions” exhibition at The Andy Warhol Museum and play my grandparents’ collection of tamburitza 78s at the Maxo Vanka Murals Community Block Party in Millvale, PA. 

Lucy and Jennifer (photo by Nicole Czapinski)

List all of the instruments you play. With The Garment District, I play keyboards live (Wurlitzer electric piano, synthesizer, melodica). On the new album, Flowers Telegraphed to All Parts of the World, I play a variety of organs and synthesizers, electric piano, guitar on several songs, bass on some songs, melodica, glockenspiel and percussion, and sing backing vocals throughout. With The Ladybug Transistor, I play bass, guitar, keyboards, and melodica live. 

What instrument do you begin writing songs with? (guitar, piano, etc.). I write music and make demos at home typically using my Roland JX-3P synthesizer, Hohner organ, Rickenbacker 360, and Hammond M3 organ. I love the raw somewhat warbled vibe of demos and the sensation that the construct of a song is amorphous or precariously trying to hold itself together as it emerges, and the way demos can reflect the creative process. Whether I make demos using my Boss digital 8-track recorder or iPhone, I try my best to save them (I’ve even been revisiting and digitizing old Ladybug Transistor and Frock 4-track sessions!). Most of the songs on the new Garment District album emerged as demos I recorded at home, playing the core keyboard parts, and mapping out song structures, vocal melodies, lyrics and ideas for instrumentation and arrangements. I love having analog instruments around the house to encourage a spontaneous writing process, inspired by where an instrument takes you as much as by lighting, ambient sounds, time of day, seasons, and shifting vantage points. Many are incorporated into the new album: Vox Super Continental organ, Wurlitzer electric piano, Hammond M3, vintage Casios, Fender Vibrolux Reverb amp, Rickenbacker 360, and melodica. Adding to these, I was fortunate to be able to incorporate a range of analog synthesizers on loan that I consider to be the holy grail in terms of the golden age of the analog synthesizer universe, like a 1970s Roland 505 Paraphonic, Roland System 100, Farfisa Syntorchestra, and a Sequential Pro One, plus 1960s and 1970s guitar pedals I borrowed from Gregg Kostelich of the garage rock band, The Cynics.

I love both experiences of creating intimate, experimental and spontaneous demos at home, and then seeing how they evolve into a permanent piece of recorded sound within the studio setting. I am especially motivated by layered melodies that come to me when experimenting with instruments, making demos, and working in the recording studio. To me, there is a kind of alchemy inherent in the art form of music, that can emerge when a song takes an unexpected direction, but remains true to its core, such as being anchored by a melody, an instrument, a rhythm or an arrangement. I am drawn to the duality of producing and arranging music, but also being open to letting the creative process itself, and the limitations or potential of instruments, guide your vision -- not always being totally in control of the final result because it’s being created in a very particular context, time, and place. A central, guiding inspiration for me comes from nature, swimming, and observing the world around me through photography.

Lucy and Jennifer (photo by Nicole Czapinski)

Here’s another video from the new album:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXCRv4XxgSA 

Were you in any other bands? In the 1990s, I cofounded the Brooklyn band Saturnine (Dirt Records).

Saturnine at the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern (RIP) in Pittsburgh, 1990's

Here’s a Saturnine video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW03_LtH5fo  

In Pittsburgh, I also played organ and percussion with The New Alcindors, with whom I recorded an album at the legendary Castle Recording Studios in Nashville. My current bands are The Garment District and The Ladybug Transistor. 

Do you have a day job? Yes. I work as a writer and an editor, and I also am a writing tutor for teens. My professional experience includes working in art museums and co-running arts and community events. 

The Garment District live in Pittsburgh at the Andy Warhol Museum

(photo by Sean Carroll)

When did you realize how important music was in your life? Music surrounded us from our earliest days. My mom would sing Peter, Paul and Mary's "Stewball" (she went on to name her first dog after the song and he was the most loving majestic creature) to us as one of our lullabies. Growing up, our house was filled with LPs, CDs and radios, and our car had a tape deck for our many road trips to see our relatives in Philadelphia and at the beach in New Jersey (where my brother Jeff and I were born). Our parents’ record collection supplied some of our very first and favorite toys, so we were fortunate to have a private listening library to explore. So many memories of gazing at fantastical album covers: The Beach Boys, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Jefferson Airplane, Donovan, Leonard Cohen, The Byrds. My mom taught a high school English course called “Poetry & Rock Lyrics” and I loved writing song lyrics out on index cards used to decorate her classroom.

Our home contained mind-blowing concert posters by legendary Fillmore West artist Bonnie MacLean, including a hypnotic Pink Floyd poster. Our mom grew up in Philadelphia with Bonnie’s sister Valerie and told us stories about Fillmore posters and postcards arriving at their Penn State dorm room. We also had the lyrics to Dylan’s “Sad-eyed Lady of the Lowlands” written out in calligraphy and framed hanging in our house, so that gives you an idea of the backdrop that led to having music of the 1960s and 1970s in our DNA. Watching shows like “H.R. Pufnstuf” (RIP Marty Krofft) and “The Electric Company” and singing along to “Free To Be … You And Me” and “Puff, the Magic Dragon” cemented the power and value of music in our lives and definitely planted the seeds for the kind of music I make along with a particular creative aesthetic and cultural mindset. As kids, my brother and I would make up our own radio shows, playing the parts of DJs and performing commercial spots, recording them onto Maxell tapes. Our first records bought for us by my mom were songs like “The Muffin Man,” which fueled my interest in offbeat folk music and melodies. As a family, we have attended many concerts together over the years: Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Richard Thompson, Bert Jansch, Bruce Springsteen, The Replacements -- and it is a special bond to share with your parents. I think that empowered and inspired us to see many seminal concerts as teenagers at storied Pittsburgh venues like the Syria Mosque, Electric Banana (all-ages nights), Graffiti, Sonic Temple, Civic Arena, the Beehive and more.

Riding the T Downtown to shop at the iconic record store Eide’s for albums by New Order, The Smiths, the Go-Betweens and on and on, was a rite of passage and a teenage pilgrimage in a pre-digital era where gathering in public spaces to share the thrill of discovering new music was transformative. My deep love of music in a vast array of style and genres is something I do not separate from any aspect of my life or my identity. I have always been fascinated and moved by music because it is an art form that you cannot see or touch, yet it can transport you so powerfully through places and times and thoughts and feelings. It is both time-based but also beyond time, both fleeting and permanent, if that makes sense. 

The Ladybug Transistor live at the Andy Warhol Museum in 2023.

What artists have influenced you? On any day, I am listening to a vast range of music: 1950s-1970s psychedelia, pop, garage, freakbeat, and folk-rock; 1950s-1960s rocksteady and ska; early electronic; free jazz; 1980s hip hop; 1970s-80s pop and new wave from the U.K., Scotland, New Zealand, and Australia; soundtracks … I am deeply inspired by creative mediums beyond music: film, design, photography, material culture, especially from the 1960s-1970s. Film is extremely inspiring to me, especially 1970s filmmaking, British folk and Italian giallo. I am also very drawn to instrumental and interstitial music because it allows listeners to access visceral worlds through non-verbal communication. From Library Music to free jazz to Jamaican Rocksteady to early electronic music to albums by Yellow Magic Orchestra, Les Rallizes Dénudés, Manuel Göttsching, Delia Derbyshire, Jack Nitzsche, Hailu Mergia, Alice Coltrane, Harmonia, Broadcast and the Focus Group, and so much more. 

If you could work with any other artist (dead or alive), who would it be? Lee Hazlewood, Yoko Ono, Peter Weir, Alice Coltrane, Remy Charlip. 

What was the first CD/record you ever bought? Among the first albums we bought (literally the very first were the brightly colored plastic records for our Fisher Price Record Player my mom bought for us) were compilations of hits and novelty songs from the 1950s-1970s. I have such vivid memories of singing along to songs like The Coasters’ “Yakety Yak” (1958), Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs “Li’l Red Riding Hood” (1966) and Napoleon XIV’s “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” The combination of catchy melodies, interesting arrangements and evocative narrative imagery certainly sparked our childhood curiosity and imagination. 

What was the first concert you ever went to? Peter, Paul and Mary with my mom at The Stanley Theatre in downtown Pittsburgh. 

Who plays on your latest album?  Where did you find them? Family and friends (new and old) and members of The Garment District live band are featured on the new album. One extremely rewarding aspect of recording the new album was working with my cousin Lucy Blehar, who is a vocalist. I have always been drawn to the concept of family bands (I play in The Ladybug Transistor with my brother Jeff) and what can arise between relatives who collaborate on creative endeavors. For the two of us, we are able to sing backups and harmonies and double certain melody lines together. We share a very close bond personally, so the recording process was a very organic and fulfilling way of enjoying the studio environment together. This continues my family’s music-making heritage, as our grandfather, great-aunt and great-uncles on my dad’s side performed in Croatian tamburitza orchestra family bands in the Monongahela Valley towns Braddock and Rankin, and in Benwood, West Virginia, often for boarders who worked in area steel mills. To have Shivika Asthana (Papas Fritas) play drums on several songs on the new album is deeply special to me and to the identity of the drum sound. Our bands played shows together in the past, including at The Knitting Factory in NYC. It has been a tremendous joy to reconnect through music and the indie craft scene now that we both live in Pittsburgh. Another meaningful thread on the new album that also connects several dots, is one of the drum kits we used – a beautiful sounding 1966 Slingerland belonging to Laura Rogers (our bands, Saturnine and Ruby Falls, also played shows together in NYC and I am close with Laura’s sister and former bandmate Jennifer, who also lives right near me in Pittsburgh!). Though its provenance has not been confirmed, Laura was told that the kit, which she bought from a collector in Detroit, was used on the Nirvana “Unplugged” recordings. I love that our lives have intersected in these ways. It is also incredibly special to me that the new album features horns by my Ladybug bandmate and close friend Gary Olson on trumpet as well as Ladybugger Kyle Forester (whose solo band we just played with in Brooklyn in November) on saxophone. So, Flowers Telegraphed to All Parts of the World brings together people I adore deeply, whose gifts and energy helped the music come to life, including Dan Koshute (guitar, vocals), Corry Drake (bass), Sean Finn (drums), Shivika Asthana (drums), Alex Korshin (vocals), Nathan Musser (violin, cello) and David Klug (drums). And my constant close listener: my husband Greg Langel. 

Who is in your backup band when you tour? The current Garment District live band features Corry Drake (bass), Mike Kelly (guitar), Sean Finn (drums), Alex Korshin (vocals), and Erik Cirelli (guitar). We just performed in December for the new SYNC’D Presents series at one of my favorite Pittsburgh venues, Spirit. The event included an incredible liquid light show accompanying the music in real-time created by Billy Gruber, who runs SOS Lightshow in Dayton, Ohio. On January 28, we are thrilled to be opening for William Tyler & The Impossible Truth at Bottlerocket Social Hall. Past live show highlights for The Garment District include performing at the VIA Music & New Media Festival, The Andy Warhol Museum Sound Series and Silver Studio Sessions; Ladyfest, Deutschtown Music Festival; and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Music SPACE series; opening for Parquet Courts, Julia Holter, Soft Moon, A. Savage, Jack Cooper, The Essex Green, Jenny Hval and Mr. Airplane Man; performing at the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark for the THRIVAL Festival; playing in an abandoned 1900s-era Czech Church on the Allegheny River for the SYNC’D series; and filming a live video segment at the Mattress Factory museum (where I used to work) for Doug Aitken’s Station to Station project. 

Where can people find your music? The vinyl and digital LP is available from Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records. The LP is also available in shops, with U.S. distribution through Midheaven Mailorder / Revolver.  https://www.hhbtm.com/product/flowers-telegraphed-to-all-parts-of-the-world/

Distribution for the new LP overseas is through: UK: Plastichead     Germany, Austria, Switzerland: Cargo     Border Music: Scandinavia     Goodfellas: Italy     Australia/New Zealand: Planet MGM/Groove Merchants     Benelux: Suburban   All of my current and past releases are available digitally through Bandcamp. My music is also available for listening on all streaming platforms (please support independent musicians when you can!) 

Video still of Jennifer by Sandy Loaf.

Are CD releases a thing of the past? Not in my particular world. Based on the number of people who purchased (or requested) CDs on our Ladybug Transistor tour in November, I would say no. I still have most of my CDs from the 1990s and we often listen to them on car trips. A few years ago, I actually released a CD of all-instrumental solo music, “Luminous Toxin,” via Kendra Steiner Editions, the Texas-based experimental label run by acclaimed writer Bill Shute.

How was the concert in Norway? (Egersund Visefestival) Absolutely dreamy! After having the magical experience of performing at the Egersund Visefestival in 2019 (where we joined Elf Power, Robyn Hitchcock, Emma Swift, The Essex Green, I Was a King and others), we were invited to return to the sublime southwestern coast of Norway for this past summer’s festival. It was especially fulfilling after the frightening pandemic years. In July, we performed at the festival along with Teenage Fanclub, Elf Power, The Minus 5, The No Ones, Colored Lights, The High Water Marks, Euros Childs, Honey Radar, The Rishis, and more. It was also the international premiere of the new Elephant 6 documentary, so there was a screening and panel discussion (that my brother Jeff participated in with Hilarie Sidney and Andrew Rieger). A blissful experience and also a total whirlwind of activity, including marathon rehearsals in a historic Norwegian house, sneaking in crisp lake swims, and not sleeping much during the midnight sun! One of many highlights was getting to play melodica (me) and flute (Sasha) with Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey during The No Ones' closing set.  Since we had our November 9 show at The Andy Warhol Museum scheduled well in advance, we decided to book a Fall mini-tour for November 2023. It was truly a dream to be back on stage and in the van  (aka a massive sprinter!) with Gary, Sasha, Julia, my brother Jeff, plus Derek Almstead on drums and Ake Strömer (of the incredible Strömer Mutroniks) helping us with driving and merchandise sales. The shows at Public Records in Brooklyn and The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh were particularly moving and thrilling, with sooo many old and new friends (we missed you, Tim!) and family members in attendance. It was fantastic to be back at Schuba’s again in Chicago and see Eric and his daughter. One unexpected highlight was discovering how incredible the Bell’s Brewery venue and facility are in Kalamazoo! We hope to be back on tour again in 2024. 

Sasha Bell and Jennifer on stage with No Ones at Egersund.

Tell us about your involvement with the Elephant 6 film? I contributed some archival footage that is used in the documentary, from our extensive late 1990s U.S. tours with Of Montreal. The digitizing continues! I also participated in post-screening Q&As with Derek Almstead when the film premiered in Pittsburgh at The Harris Theater in September 2023. 

Will you be touring your new album? I absolutely hope to soon, and would love to see Dagger readers out there along the way. The Garment District has only played locally so I look forward to more shows and some touring. Stay tuned please and stay in touch! 

What are your future plans? It has been a true joy to rebuild the live band after overwhelming pandemic interruptions. I look forward to performing more regularly and celebrating the new LP. I plan to continue my cross-country collaborations with artist Nicole Czapinksi, who created the music video for “Left on Coast” (filmed at an abandoned Nike Missile Site in Western Pennsylvania). Nicole would love to project live visuals, responding to our music in real-time using techniques we experimented with in the video. Likewise, I expect to continue collaborating with Asheville, North Carolina-based artist Peter Speer, who I have known since our shared NYC days, who created the music video for “Following Me,” our cover of the 1967 song by The Human Expression. I have started conversations with Pittsburgh artists Johnny Arlett, Michi Tapes and Sandy Loaf about working on new music videos for The Garment District. This winter, I will be contributing a track to a compilation planned for 6612 Tapes, the label run by Elephant 6 co-founder Hilarie Sidney (The High Water Marks, The Apples in Stereo), with all proceeds going to a blue candidate in a vulnerable state during the 2024 U.S. election. I have some new Garment District demos emerging and hope to be back in the studio soon! 

I hope you enjoyed learning more about Jennifer as much as I did. We can only hope she will bring her band out on the road in the future. It was such a fun time seeing The Ladybug Transistor in Chicago. Here’s hoping a new year will bring a new tour.

www.thegarmentdistrict.bandcamp.com

www.hhbtm.bandcamp.com

www.mergerecords.bandcamp.com