#i go in with zero expectations and then if i get art back it��s a nice pleasant surprise

[diodellet]

chicken soup for the transmigrated soul

ft. ruggie bucchi, trey clover, rook hunt, jade leech, ortho shroud, lilia vanrouge, jamil viper

summary: So you worked yourself into a slight fever, no biggie. Take a painkiller for the headache, drink some extra water, do not make any sudden movements to keep from triggering the dizziness, and of course, whenever you could, catch a few z's in between work. You've done this before, you had a system. Even at your friends' protests—bless their concern, you'd always be grateful for that—it was only Tuesday. You could handle this until Friday and cash in a "long weekend" to rest. (Spoiler: You couldn't even make it to the end of classes.) content warnings: -gn!reader is yuu/ramshackle prefect (++tendency to overthink, gets lonely easily) -references to vomiting (due to emetic in Jade's part, as in his food deliberately makes you puke), food aversion (in Trey's and Ruggie's parts), and nonsexual partial nudity (in Lilia's part). nothing too graphic -swearing and general banter/ribbing as you would expect in a setting like NRC -all of these are platonic, but can be read (except for Ortho's) as romantic (i guess that makes it idia x reader if you squint??) ++mild hurt/comfort, there's shenanigans alongside the fluff in the midst of a twisted wonderland cold hitting like a truck word count: 4.5k words (~680 words per part)

Ortho Shroud is the first to notice your symptoms.

Scratch that, he's pre-empting the onset of your fever symptoms. And what baffles him most is that even with scientifically-backed data, you are still intent on continuing your work!

"You can't keep going to classes until Friday!"

It doesn't help that Idia('s tablet) will chime in and commend you on your commitment to the hustle grindset. Peas in a pod, the two of you😤

While Ortho doesn't need to worry about the same physiological needs that a regular human does, at least he takes care of himself! But all right, fine. There's the 0.000001 percent chance that you're not sick. You know yourself best.

(He's absolutely reminding you that he told you so every time he visits you in Ramshackle.)

On the bright side, there's zero worry about catching whatever you've got when he flits back and forth between your place and Ignihyde. He's found another good use of his built-in UV disinfection lamp! (Aside from curing Idia's resin projects and character-inspired acrylic art.)

When you're confined to bedrest, he brings over games, manga, movies—anything laid-back to keep you occupied.

Sometimes Idia joins in, remotely, of course. Can't risk catching what you have, he says. To which you retort by saying you'll sneeze on his tablet.

"Don't threaten my big brother, his immune system isn't as strong as yours!"

(His calculated objectivity really made you forget that he was a little brother at heart, that is to say, an Absolute Menace to you and Idia.)

It comes as a surprise when he asks if he can use your kitchen. You're about to pull yourself out of bed and follow him when he suddenly backtracks. "Wait! You need to keep resting! Any further elevation in your heart rate could…" Was that a buffering sound? "—could lead to a 67% chance of a mild onset of orthostatic hypotension!"

Was he was going to test some experimental drug on you—well, that was more of Pomefiore's area of expertise, but you couldn't rule that out. He and Idia weren't quite that discreet when talking about how inconvenient your symptoms were.

("Wow, breathe louder through the protagonist's monologue, why don't you, prefect?" and "If you get so much as a droplet of moisture on that first edition manga, I'm never talking to you again."

Oh, if only Ortho wasn't watching you…If only that high-powered technomantic beam wasn't a threat…)

Your thinking is interrupted by a coughing fit that almost leaves you light-headed. Fine, the persistence of a little sibling wins out this time. "Grim, go and help." Though the direbeast complains, he trots after Ortho.

While waiting, you doze off. It's not a very peaceful rest, what with snot dripping down the back of your throat and the ache in your temple.

But it's better than sleeping at night. Oh, your midnight thoughts were not very kind.

Ortho wakes you up, and he's handing you a warm bowl of soup. Well, it seemed to be more vegetables than actual broth. Great if you liked vegetables, not so great if you were tentative of surprise textures in your soup.

At your questioning look, he explains, "it's lentil soup. It's a staple back home, and my brother's go-to when he's sick. Try some!"

You can barely smell the dish with your clogged sinuses, but with the generous amount of toppings, it's more filling than your previous meals of plain broth and noodles. And Ortho makes for good company, the same way Idia is. It's a hearty meal that leaves you feeling cared for, in spite of the Shroud siblings' penchant for mischief.

(Really, being their friend meant being on the receiving end of So Much Sass. You were barely given any mercy even when your immune system was compromised 😤)

"I have to get back to Ignihyde, please get well soon! You promised my brother that you would run a co-op dungeon with him!"

Jamil Viper is a worrywart through and through.

As much as he channels disappointment through his words and expression.

"You can't attend afternoon classes in that state."

"It's just History and a free study period, I can handle that much!"

Sure, you didn't look very convincing with a snot-filled handkerchief held to your nose. But at least you were standing upright on your two feet, a feat that most sick people wouldn't be able to manage!

Before you can breeze past him, Jamil grabs the back of your blazer, spins you around to press a hand against your forehead. He tsks. "You're burning up. I thought so."

Go ahead, dig your heels in and make a scene, it won't stop him from dragging you to the infirmary. Jamil's making sure that you're getting sent back to rest at your dorm. ("You won't get penalized for your absences if you let them give you the damn doctor's note!")

But while your friends were on their way, he supposes he has no choice but to keep you company (and make sure you don't sneak back to class. Seriously, what kind of school did you come from that made you think it was okay to ignore the fact that you were sick?)

So here you are, resting in one of the infirmary's free beds with Jamil watching you like a hawk.

Awkward is an understatement. He looks like he's seething. He looks like he's cursing you for adding your sickness onto his juggling act of obligations.

"I was telling you I could walk—"

"Sure, and then you'd push yourself into an even worse fever. I'm not moving." Psh, it's not even a full-blown one yet. Look at the exciting back-and-forth you were sharing. Wait, now that he mentions it, your throat was feeling weirdly dry.

"…Not even if I need a glass of water?"

Jamil watches you down half the glass. "Your lack of self-care is appalling."

(Why does it feel that part of that remark is directed at himself? Maybe you could squeeze out some embarrassing anecdotes from Kalim once you've recovered.)

When the conversation lulls, that you can't do anything else but give in to your fatigue. Even though you feel extra sweaty and gross in your uniform, you doze off mid-sentence. You feel the press of his palm against your forehead a second time, could almost hear Jamil muttering to himself, something about your fever rising.

For a moment, he's gone. And then nice, cool relief atop your forehead. "…did I fall asleep? What was I talking about—"

"Calm down, I won't leave you alone." His fingers brush the stray strands of hair from your face. "Keep resting. I'll wake you up when your friends get here."

(Kinda mortifying that he could sense that you really didn't want be alone in such a state. Or, maybe it was comforting that he immediately understood that sentiment?)

"Could you talk about something—anything? At least until I fall asleep again?"

Jamil gives you a look, it's not quite admonishing, but whatever iota of fondness you see disappears as he sighs, "all right."

He barely makes it through his first anecdote—something about his roommate accidentally enchanting the school's plants, which then attempted to migrate from the botanical gardens—when you slip back into a comfy nap.

Your fever lowers to a slightly more manageable temperature when Grim and co. arrive at the infirmary. By then, your group parts ways.

With his own whirlwind of a daily schedule, Jamil doesn't visit you that much at Ramshackle. (And that's probably for the best, so he won't catch what you have.)

But you do receive a container of chicken soup and a pack of over-the-counter meds to help manage your symptoms. (And it's not much of a note, but he does send you a text about not overexerting yourself. That hypocrite.)

Maybe it's the mix of spices warming you up with each spoonful, or you could dare to hope that it was made with love a certain vice housewarden's wishes for your speedy recovery.

Trey Clover is the most experienced at playing caretaker.

But did you really want to rope in the busiest person at Heartslabyul?

Just kidding, he's the vice housewarden. He can easily get an extra set of hands to take the burden off. (See: The rest of Heartslabyul)

Ace and Deuce get the brunt of the extra work, of course, being your classmates. Your missed homework, copies of lecture notes, and a smidge of the current classroom drama. (Guess what Ace contributed 👀)

If you think for even a second that Trey is here to provide a brief heavenly respite amidst your sickness, you would be sorely mistaken.

When you felt you've had enough of the same bland sickfood, you once asked Cater to smuggle your favorite sugary drink from the school vending machine during their next care package delivery.

Instead you get a passive aggressive sermon about not impeding your body's healing, and of course, salt in the wound (read: Trey asking if you really wanted to endanger your dental health too.)

Whatever happened to Cater, you didn't know. You could only hope that whatever consequences* he received, that they were fair to the poor guy.

*He'll be fine, especially since he's got Split Card.

Trey is ruthless. Nothing will get him to bend the rules of your recovery regimen. (And maybe the fact that he's diligent about wearing a mask makes him look more intimidating than usual.)

He's had to take care of his little siblings when they were sick. He's basically immune to any and all complaints and tactics (especially puppy eyes).

You're partway through a bowl of savory porridge (not the best texture when you're dealing with post-nasal drip, but the toppings were yummy) when you set the spoon down. It clinks defeatedly against the rim of the ceramic, drawing Trey's attention.

"What's wrong? You've only got half of the serving left."

"…'m not hungry anymore." It's tiring, being confined to your bed and bathroom for the past few days. And when you think that you're well enough to return to work, your symptoms return with a vengeance.

"Don't—Don't get out of bed, what do you need?"

"I need to catch up on homework or do something instead of wasting time—"

"You and Riddle are surprisingly similar." He probably wanted to use a different word. Trey sighs, equal parts fond and exasperated. "Let me try something first."

He casts Doodle Suit and you look at him questioningly. "Just try a spoonful," he says.

"But what if it doesn't work?" For a moment, you wonder if you can really make it to complete recovery.

"Then we'll figure something out. But you need to eat something alongside taking the medicine."

Wow, very comforting bedside manner 🙄 Without the support of his baked confections, Trey is so matter-of-fact that it's like talking to a brick wall.

Begrudgingly, you taste a scoop of the prestidigitated porridge and—

"It tastes weird. What did you change it into?" A laugh bubbles up from you.

"What? I could've sworn I made it taste like…" Of course he'd try to change it into your current sweet craving.

You try another spoonful, which is challenging not because of your lack of appetite, but rather in trying not to spit it out from laughter.

"It's so weird." Still, you manage to finish the entire bowl. "Man, I can't wait to go back to sampling your Unbirthday tarts."

At your change in demeanor, Trey barely slumps with relief. "Well, focus on getting better first."

He isn't the best with comforting words, but the next time he visits, you're treated to some tea with a generous amount of honey. With the caveat that you can only have one (1) cup per day.

And of course, he's persistent in reminding you to brush your teeth afterwards.

Ruggie Bucchi, opportunist that he is, becomes a frequent visitor.

"Y'didn't give Grim enough for your meds."

"Oh shit, how much do I owe you?"

"Just by five thaumarks, buuut I can let it slide if—"

Of course you knew that any extra help wouldn't come for free.

Whatever comfort meal he can throw together, he's leaving Ramshackle with two Tupperwares for himself.

He'll inflate expenses by a thaumark or two, just to pocket for himself.

Speaking of Grim, you've become very familiar with his complaints about following Ruggie around.

"My paws are numb from zipping back and forth around campus…"

"Henchman, he's doing all this extra work for pocket change. Pocket change!"

"He refuses to even waste gas for the stove! I can't be confined to the kitchen forever, henchman! You gotta get better!"

And you were trying! But this was the sort of sickness that could only get better with rest. Which is to say, something that couldn't be rushed.

Not that Ruggie's trying to hurry you along your healing. He seems perfectly happy with this current setup.

"Hm? Worried about me catching what you have? I'm tougher than some common cold, Prefect." It's either he wears a mask or you're getting the ghosts to throw him out.

Sure, he punctuates every similar remark with his trademark hissing laugh, but it was impossible to catch a light nap with how often he came into your room.

(It was as if he was making absolutely sure that your sickness wouldn't take a turn for the worse.)

You've taken to shrugging off your blanket every few minutes just to savor the feeling of getting tucked back in. A fitting exchange, since he freely toted Grim around campus.

"Prefe~ct, are you ever gonna use this pack of egg drop soup?" Ruggie shakes the packet, as if that would further entice your lack of an appetite.

The thought of being spoonfed crosses your mind briefly. "Why not? Better it gets used up instead of waiting until its expiration date."

"See, I told you that you've gotta stop hoarding your food." He grins. "Give me fifteen minutes."

Ten minutes later, Ruggie's got half of the pot's contents stashed away in a Tupperware cooling on your dining room table, while your own bowl was going cold atop your bedside nightstand.

"Don't you have Spelldrive training? Or some…part-time shift?"

"Nope, not really." Well, he deflected that really quickly. "I'm not that much of a workaholic."

Negotiating with Crowley was basically pulling teeth. "Must be nice, being able to shirk your work."

"Even I know not to push myself past my limits," Ruggie tsks at you. "And stop stalling, you're wasting your soup."

He even added some vegetables alongside the broth, making it more filling than if you were to cook it by yourself.

"Did you have to look after the neighborhood kids when they got sick?"

"Sometimes, yeah. 'Sides, it earns me free food and extra favors." The smile on his face is more devious than of genuine fondness.

"What a role model you are, teaching the children some quid pro quo."

"Well, you can't be picky with your opportunities." Ruggie shrugs. "Speaking of which, you should stop picking at your food. That's only two scoops."

"Two? I bet you could unhinge your jaw and finish the entire pot in two gulps."

His expression turns serious for a second. "I might just do it if you let your soup freeze over."

What was supposed to be an amused huff turned into you scrambling for a tissue to wipe away the glob of mucus that escaped your nose.

That gets Ruggie to break character, dissolving into wheezing laughter.

(You're not sure if Ruggie saw in you some resemblance to the kids back in his hometown, but you don't mind the ribbing. If it meant not having to see him get all worried pensive over you.)

Rook Hunt is more enamored than dependable. He's capable, but at the cost of…well…

You'd have to forgive him for being so enthralled with the progression of your recovery.

Now that you're well enough to catch up on some light chores and studying. Boy, are you glad to be out of bed.

"Bonjour, mon Trickster!"

"GAH!"

He scales the outer wall of your dorm once, and he decides to use that route for each subsequent visit. Of course.

"Rook, can you please use the front door next time?"

"Désolés, I was in a hurry," he says, with a smile too bright to be considered apologetic. "You are looking healthier today."

"You say that every time you visit."

Thankfully, he seems too busy shaking out the extra foliage and dirt from his hat out your window to notice your frown.

"This is from us at Pomefiore, Vil and Epel wanted you to have something hearty." And he somehow produces a steaming container from…his sleeve?

Did the Pomefiore dorm uniform have pockets? Or was he using some kind of spatial magic?

"Oh, sure, we can have breakfast before I get to work."

What you don't expect is him pressing the back of his ungloved hand against your forehead, then the side of your neck.

"Your hardworking spirit is very admirable, Trickster, but you should take care to not exert yourself too much."

"My work is piling up. If you're so worried about me getting sick again, then help me out for a bit."

At least he's willing to help with the chores. Admittedly, your strength wasn't completely back to a 100% but having Rook's assistance made the busywork go by more smoothly.

(Of course, you have to treat him to some cheap coffee after cleaning half of the Ramshackle lounge.)

The next morning, you're feeling…off—not quite unwell to be considered sick, more of a general sense of discomfort. The kind that precedes a full blown fever.

"Are you still intent on working today? Perhaps it would be better for you to rest today," Rook suggests after checking your temperature again.

And go back to twiddling your thumbs idly? Stuck with staring at the peeling wallpaper of your bedroom? Hell no.

"I need the lounge to be clean or I'll go mad if I spend the day in bed again."

This time you get winded even more quickly, that you have to entrust the last of the heavy work to Rook.

"Thanks for that, I'll get started on dinner."

"Just a moment, Trickster. You are shaking like a newborn fawn." His palm rests on your shoulder. "You can hold onto my arm."

"Thanks, but no thanks." You brush off his hand. Big mistake, the moment you cross the lounge, your vision goes sideways.

Once your head clears up, you realize you're leaning heavily against Rook's side. "Huh."

His expression is creased with frustration as he surveys your condition. Whatever he mutters under his breath is too quiet to hear, but you're sure he's blaming himself.

(You're also feeling a twinge of regret.)

"…could you at least help me to bed? And heat up some of that leftover stew you brought?"

Come the next day, one of the Ramshackle ghosts brings in a basket. You easily surmise this was from Pomefiore.

Reading the note—it reads more like a novella than a 'get well soon' card, especially with contrite flourishes that were obviously in Rook's handwriting—it turns out that the vice housewarden was banned from visiting you in Ramshackle, as consequence for inadvertently sending you back into a fever.

There's another container of that stew, some fruit (probably from Epel), and a different brand of fever medication, probably the better ones that would've eaten a hole through your meager savings.

(You set the note, the backs of your hands and the cardstock slightly dampened in several places. And you pop one pill of the gifted medicine.)

For all of his suspicious motives, Jade Leech is suprisingly capable.

Was this a good thing during the worst of your relapse? Who knows.

He's omnipresent, but he isn't overbearing. He keeps things nicely professional and doesn't seem to be rummaging through your things. (Good, because you gave Grim the go-ahead to blast singe him if he did.)

Is it eerie how well he can preempt when you need water or a new box of tissues? Maybe. But on the bright side, you won't have to worry about burning through your clean laundry.

(Surely Octavinelle would collect their debt after you've made a full recovery, right? Right?? NO—)

It's another day of feeling miserable in bed. Food sounds the furthest appealing thing at the moment, you want to sleep the day away but your miserable hour of sleep is making you buzz with stale energy.

Enter Jade Leech with an unassuming food container. But, it looks appetizing enough that you can tolerate one more meal in bed.

"Is this chicken noodle soup?"

"Pastina is similar, though food from the Coral Sea doesn't tend to be served piping hot. Please, eat to your heart's content."

Your suspicion melts away at that first spoonful. "It's actually pretty good…!"

"You wound me with your doubt, prefect." So he says with a wide smile hidden behind his facemask.

In between bites of your food, Jade is more than happy to tell you about his recent hikes for the Mountain Lovers Club. (<-This was a moment of weakness, obviously. You're so cooped up you'll take his anecdotes to inspire imagining being out and about.)

Until halfway through finishing the soup, your stomach gurgles. Very uncomfortably.

"…Is something wrong?" His eyes are still crinkled into crescents.

Before you can speak, you clamp a hand over your mouth to keep your meal from spilling onto your bed.

That spurs the vice housewarden to help you to the bathroom.

So Jade basically gave you an emetic. You're cussing him out in between retches, and the bastard has the audacity to chuckle demurely while holding your hair back.

"What the fuck did you give me?" Not a question, a threat. "What is it really?"

"It is a simple home remedy made with local ingredients. I promise you that I did not make any adjustments to the recipe." Another wave of that "soup" splatters into the toilet bowl, and you're glaring at him through the burn of tears in your eyes. "Though I suppose you might be intolerant to one of the components, as you are someone who lives on land," he muses.

(If you listened closely, there might've been a note of something akin to sadistic scientific thrill.)

Strangely enough, it seems to have flushed out the worst of the bug in your system. You can stomach real food now.

(This is where Jade reveals his actual gift from Octavinelle, your usual order at the Mostro Lounge. You're glad to be able to have something that wasn't some stew or soup.)

"Hm, the color has returned to your features," he notes, his face a smidge too close for comfort. "Hopefully with another night of rest, your sickness will clear up for good."

"It better or I'm marching over to Octavinelle and turning you into sashimi." The splatter of vomit on the side of your cheek makes you look more pitiful than threatening. "And you better not include that takeout on my tab."

"Oh dear." At least Jade indulges you with his best approximation of a fearful response. (Which was more akin to an ingenuine smile inviting you to do your worst.)

But he does keep the teasing to a minimum when he helps you back to bed, though. Not that you're willing to forgive him that quickly.

The next time Jade visits, he's under heavy surveillance by Grim and the Ramshackle ghosts.

I lied, Lilia Vanrouge is actually the most experienced caretaker among the vice housewardens.

Unlike Rook who camps outside your dorm, Lilia freely teleports in and out of Ramshackle. All you have as a warning are the little green sparks of light—not that dissimilar to Malleus' own teleportation magic—and the pop! that accompanies Lilia's appearing in your room.

"Good evening, prefect. I hope I'm not disturbing your rest."

"Eh, this sickness has been disturbing me for about a week now." You punctuate that by blowing your nose into a well-loved hanky.

(Well-loved, in that it hasn't left your hand since the past week.)

You're especially not used to being alone and idle. With each day you remain sick means burdening your friends again.

Lilia tsks to himself. "First things first, let's get you changed out of those clothes." Your cabinet opens and a newly-laundered set floats over to your bed. He starts pulling your sweaty shirt off.

"Wait, just let me go to the bathroom—"

Despite his appearance, Lilia's stronger than he appears. You're only able to resist his grip since he was being careful of accidentally tearing the fabric.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of, prefect. I've changed Malleus' and Silver's clothes. Oh and Sebek's, as well." As if he was merely talking about the weather.

"At least let me turn around…!"

Lilia swats at your shoulder. "Enough of that now." The gesture was more surprising than painful, eventually you give in to your fate.

He wipes your back dry before helping you slip on a new sweater atop your new clothes.

"And why don't we air out your room? The night isn't too cold." As he says that, you hear the windows of the second floor all swing open.

A cool breeze flows through your bedroom, and combined with the fresh change of clothes, your general feeling of shittiness dissipates.

Thanks to Sebek and Silver's intervention, you're spared from Lilia's rendition of ginseng chicken soup. Not that you can smell or taste much of it, but free food is free food. And Lilia's company is…sorely welcome alright.

"—and then, right as we were about to have that picnic, what do you know? It's suddenly raining! Malleus wasn't too pleased with that, and some spring rain turned into a little thunderstorm. Of course, Sebek and Silver—loyal friends that they are—insisted on pushing through. You can guess what happened the next day."

"…they got sick?"

"All three of them!" Lilia hoots with laughter. "Snot dripping onto the floor, fevers hot enough to hardboil an egg, oh, and you shouldn't underestimate the young heir's magic even he's ill. You couldn't tell if he would spew fire or ice until—"

(It's enviable that he has so many stories. Was he getting tired of talking to fill the silence?)

You readjust your resting position. From this angle against the glow of your lamp, he looks wearier than cherubic.

"Another cup of tea?" he asks.

"I'm fine. Shouldn't you be back at Diasomnia by now? It's past curfew."

"The dorm is in capable hands, even with my absence. Though I noticed that your other student is nowhere in the vicinity."

Of course you asked your friends if Grim could sleep over somewhere else instead. You didn't want him to become sick like you.

Flick! Lilia's fingers connect with the side of your ear. "Haven't I told you, enough of that?"

You rub at the sting. "It's practical…!"

"…really, you young'uns like to make things more difficult for yourselves." He shakes his head.

He reaches over to cover you more properly with your blanket. "There is no shame in wanting company as you recover. Nor is it a debt for us to visit and assist you."

"Okay." You blame your tears and sniffles on the soup and your sickness.

(The next day Grim comes back, accompanied with the rest of Diasomnia. Your lonely feverish thoughts were no longer your sole company.)

a/n: this was for ME the sick binch (like after not getting sick during the pandemic, these past times i've gotten sick were the Absolute Worst) and being sick when i'm supposed to be productive? goodbye🗿 this was also written for me as someone who's allergic to being doted on. hopefully this'll rewire my brain or smth who knows (kinda ironic that the people doing the doting are the more overworked peeps in the twst cast). not super confident about how i characterized everyone aside from jamil, this being my first time writing them but it's whatever! this is preparation for in case i wanna take a break from writing jamimi flex my writing muscles🤧 big thanks to @jessamine-rose for sharing ur fresh eyes and keeping my impostor syndrome at bay💕

the jamil writing taglist: @viperwhispered @bibi-cha @scint1llat3 @sillystr1ngs @pzlqpibz

@warriorpacifist @chloemari-e @mama-m1na

(lmk if you wanna join the taglist for jamil writing in the replies!)

[preciousjoongie]

⊹ HOTEL ⊹

⊹ but I keep messin' with ya, and now you're messin' with me

⊹ synopsis ⇝ you and karina are from rival gangs, looking to hunt each other down. what happens when your bosses accidentally assign the both of you to the same hotel to take each other out?

⊹ genre ⇝ smut, enemies to.. lovers (?), sniper/guns, slightly blood, kissing, marking, fingering (karina!receiving), oral (y/n!receiving)

(karina's pov)

"karina." a deep and smooth voice rang out; echoing throughout the dark and empty warehouse. I stepped forward, my chest involuntarily puffing out, my chin raising with confidence. my body bent forward, my head down and facing the ground. slowly rising my back up, my eyes met with my boss—kim jongin. "sir." I spoke. he grabbed a black envelope and slid it to me on his table. I grabbed it, opening it up. it was her. y/n y/l/n.

my face twisted in anger and shame. "2 years back, I sent you after y/n y/l/n. you were unsuccessful with returning her alive—unsuccessful at returning her at all," he reminded me. I nodded my head, my confidence slowly fading from my body. was I finally going to get my punishment for my failure? "but.. i've decided to give you another opportunity."

my ears perked up as if I was a puppy. my eyebrows slightly lifted as I lifted my head. "really?" my breath was airy and faint. he nodded, leaning forward. "this time will be different. bring her back dead; you have my orders to kill on sight." he instructed in a firm and serious tone. "yes, sir. I won't let you down this time." I replied. him choosing me and giving me another chance to go after my worst enemy gave me a confidence boost. he gave me a simple nod. I bowed before him once more before turning on my heels.

my boots echoed off each step up to the top floor, my hands gripping the envelope. sitting down in a lounging areas, crossing my legs and reopening the envelope.

[CONFIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE — RAVEN UNIT: BLACKLOTUS]

TO: KARINA

OPERATION CODE: ECLIPSE

TARGET:

Codename: LUNA

Real Name: Y/n Y/l/n (Alias: Black Mamba)

Affiliation: SIREN Syndicate

Status: High Threat

MISSION OBJECTIVE:

Terminate on sight. No negotiation. No extraction. You are the final step.

DETAILS:

Target is lethal. Reports suggest martial arts, skilled weaponry, and psychological warfare tactics. Known for high body count and zero traces. Last seen trailing intel out of Hongdae and ghosting a clean-up crew in Osaka.

Location pinged at Hotel Vanta, Room 1109, checking in under forged name C. Min. Expected to be alone. Window of opportunity: 18:00 - 23:00.

WHY YOU:

You’ve crossed paths before. You understand how she works. She left one of ours breathing just long enough to send a message.

WARNING:

Underestimating her will get you killed. This isn't just a hit. It's a statement.

No body, no payout.

No hesitation. No mercy.

Walk in quiet. Walk out alone.

End transmission.

I leaned my head back, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. sliding the intel back into the envelope, I headed for my room and started packing. the boss had already arranged a separate hotel for me—just a few miles from Hotel Vanta. strategic distance, less heat. I was scheduled to check in at Vanta the following day.

(your pov)

I flipped through karina's background file, fresh from my boss’s hands. looks like she’s still stirring trouble—still got my name on her kill list. but I’m not letting her get the first shot. not this time. I’ll end her before she even sees me coming.

[CLASSIFIED COMMUNIQUE — SIREN SYNDICATE]

TO: Y/N (Alias: Black Mamba)

MISSION CODE: BLACKCRESCENT

TARGET:

Name: KARINA (Alias: Karina)

Affiliation: RAVEN Syndicate – BLACKLOTUS Division

Status: High Priority Threat

OBJECTIVE:

Terminate the target on sight. This is not reconnaissance. This is an execution.

INTEL:

Target is lethal, surgically precise, and emotionally detached. Known for charm-based infiltration and silent kills. Internal chatter places her in Hotel Vanta, Room 1114, under the alias K.Jin. Intel suggests she’s alone — but don’t get comfortable. She doesn’t need backup.

This is the one who ghosted your extraction crew in Busan. Left your handler gutted and smiling like a message carved in skin. You were warned then: she won't miss but maybe we were wrong. More intel has let us know that she has trained harder so this time, just might not.

WHY YOU:

Because you’re the only one who won’t hesitate. You’ve danced with her before — long enough to know she’s not a shadow, she’s a blade. And a blade only stops when it’s broken.

DIRECTIONS:

Get in clean. Room 1114. No hesitation. No warning. Don’t let her speak. Don’t let her breathe.

DIRECTIVE FROM COMMANDER NYX:

“She’s not a girl, she’s a weapon. And weapons don’t get second chances.”

No trace. No noise. No mercy.

Finish it.

I scoffed at the final line in her file. she's not a girl, she’s a weapon. yeah, well—if she was really a weapon with any sense last time, I wouldn’t be breathing right now. tossing the envelope onto the pile of clothes in my suitcase, I zipped it shut. I was ready.

exiting the hideaway house, I slipped into the black van idling at the curb—engine humming low like it already knew where we were headed. Muse Valley Hotel was the first stop, a quiet shell of a place tucked into the hills just far enough from Vanta to stay off radar. the plan was simple: blend in, observe, wait. on the second day, I’d make my move. that's when I’d check into Hotel Vanta and finish the job. to finish yu jimin.

It wasn’t just a mission. It was a reckoning.

(karina's pov)

I stepped into the hotel—Muse Valley. “name?” the receptionist asked, her voice flat with exhaustion. “K.Jin,” i replied. her fingers clacked against the keyboard as she scrolled through the system, eyes barely meeting mine. “room 117, fourth floor,” she said bluntly, turning to grab a key off the wall. she handed it to me without another word. i took it, nodding once, then pulled my suitcase behind me toward the elevators.

the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. i stepped inside, alone, the hum of fluorescent lights overhead sounding louder than it should’ve.

fourth floor. button pressed. doors closed.

as the elevator climbed, i caught my reflection in the mirrored panel—black hair falling sharp around my face, eyes unreadable. a weapon, not a woman. i had to remember that. my nerves were tighter than they should’ve been. she was only a few miles away. and i’d trained for this—two years of silence, sweat, and steel. y/n wouldn’t get past me. not this time.

the dull ding of the elevator and the light shake of the stop snapped me out of my thoughts. I stepped out, scanning the hallway with the same glance I gave every new place. subtle. fast. a rhythm built into my bones. just be aware of all my surroundings. room 117 was at the far end, right-hand side. as I walked, my boots barely made a sound against the carpet.

I unlocked the door and pushed it open. a single bed, curtains drawn over the windows, the room cold and uninviting. I shut the door behind me, tossing the keys onto the bed as I walked around, letting my gaze drift lazily over the ceiling and corners. a soft beep echoed from somewhere above, just behind the door. a camera. I didn’t flinch. I knew it was one my boss had placed before I even stepped foot in here.

(your pov)

as I watched tv in my room—room 112—a soft and faint sound hit my ears. boots. could be anybody. right? they didn't stay for long, they were gone after a couple of seconds. I relaxed back in my bed, continuing to look at the screen. something didn't feel right, and as great of a soldier I am, i've learned that my instincts aren't always right.

I pushed the uneasy feeling aside, focusing back on the TV, trying to drown out the quiet buzz of the room. but even as the hours ticked by, the weight in the air wouldn’t lift. something was lingering, just out of reach. I checked the time. almost midnight.

I shifted on the bed, pulling the blanket up, trying to get comfortable. my thoughts circled, like a loop I couldn’t shake. the sound of those boots. something oddly familiar. the strange tension in the air. but I couldn't find any reason to stay alert—nothing had happened.

still, I went through my usual checks. the door was locked, the window sealed. I slid the knife under my pillow, just in case. the TV flickered with some distant show, but I wasn’t really watching anymore. I stared at the ceiling, listening to the hum of the building settling around me. finally, exhaustion won. I closed my eyes, my body giving in to the weight of the day, even though my mind kept replaying the same thoughts.

tomorrow. it all happens tomorrow.

and with that, I fell into a restless sleep, the shadow of my mission hanging just above me.

(the next morning)

I pulled on my black leather shorts, the cool material sliding against my skin, fitted just right. the weight of the knife in its holster at my side felt like a steady reminder of what was to come. I need no more than a knife, for it that were to be useless, I was more of the weapon. the rest of the outfit was tactical: fitted shirt, boots laced tight, everything streamlined, nothing to hinder me. I fixed my fitted top in the mirror before tying my hair into a ponytail.

I stepped into the hallway, closing the door. shit. I forgot my earpiece. going back in, I grabbed it, fitting it into my ear. I walked back out, I turned to face the door closing it and locking it. my boots made no sound on the carpeted floor as I walked, each step purposeful.

I stopped. a small smile tugging at my lips as I felt the barrel of a handgun press against my skull. a chill ran down my spine—not because of fear, but from the exhilaration. the soft, almost imperceptible click of the gun—its chamber loading a round, the sound too familiar, too precise. a warning, a signal, and yet... I wasn’t moving.

"karina.." I spoke softly—the smug smile in my voice was noticeable. she hadn’t pulled the trigger yet. that was enough of a clue.

"it's been 2 years. you're still sloppy," I added, my tone a mix of amusement and challenge. her hand slightly shook holding the gun. the click of the chamber echoed in my ears, but I didn’t flinch.

I could practically hear her steady breathing behind me. the tension was thick, as if the world had paused, holding its breath just like we both were. "well, what are you waiting for? you have me? shoot. shoot, karina." I instructed. right as her finger moved to the trigger, I swiftly turned around, kicking her in her stomach. the gun flew down the hallway.

she bent forward, holding her stomach. she recovered quickly, eyes flashing with fury. without hesitation, she lunged at me, her movements fluid, precise. I sidestepped just in time, feeling the rush of air as her fist grazed my shoulder. karina spun on her heel, aiming a quick strike to my ribs. I blocked it, but the force pushed me back a step. She was fast—faster than before. a proud and amused chuckle escaped my lips, "you've gotten faster."

in my moments of glory and joy, before I could react, she lunged—her fist colliding with my jaw, knocking my head to the side. the sting was sharp, disorienting. she didn’t give me a chance to recover. karina's knee slammed into my ribs, and I staggered, the breath knocked out of me, my body falling to the floor. she's gotten stronger, too?

I tried to stand up, but she was already on me. with one swift movement, she grabbed my arm, twisting it behind my stomach. her legs straddled my back, one hand pushing my head to the floor. I let out a groan. "wow, karina.. I didn't expect this from you." I huffed, with a chuckle.

"there's a lot more where that came from," she said, grabbing my hair and lifting me up to her face. "really?" I smiled, locking eyes with her. karina nodded with a hum. "wanna show me?" I asked. karina huffed, slamming my head back into the floor. I left out a groan, my tooth cutting into my lip. "shit!" I cursed, the pain radiating through my face.

"you won't get away from me that easy." karina whispered. I forced myself to exhale, then with all the strength I had left, I heaved my body, twisting and bucking beneath her, overriding her words. she lost her balance for just a split second, and that was all I needed. I spun, knocking her off me with a violent push, her head hitting the wall. I grunted, standing up quickly. blood dripped from my lip—I wiped it off.

she struggled to stand up, her ears ringing from the impact of her head hitting the wall. as I walked over to her, I grabbed her by her hair, making her look up at me. "you may have gotten better, karina. but you'll never be as good as me." both of our breathing was heavy. karina went to sneak me— to punch me but I was quick to catch it and grab her wrist, twisting it behind her back. I yanked her up, dragging her toward the open door of her room.

karina tried to resist, but I slammed her into the doorframe, pushing her inside. the moment we crossed the threshold, my eyes locked onto the camera in the corner of the room. karina's eyes followed my gaze. “didn't expect that, did you?” karina asked, a smug chuckle coming out of her mouth. "you won't last. they'll be here soon." she sniffled, sort of struggling to breathe through her bloody nose.

"oh, yeah? and how long is soon?" I asked. she furrowed her eyebrows. "you won't make it.." she responded. I didn't say a word. instead, I walked her to her bed, pushing her on it and letting go of her arms. she sighed at the soft surface welcoming her in. she turned over, looking at me hovering over her. her breathing picked up—I couldn't tell if it was from fear or something else.

"something wrong, karina?" I bent down to her face. karina gulped. her eyes flicked from my eyes to my lips. she went to say something, her mouth opening, but nothing came out. karina's eyes drifted down to my fingers that were trailing her thigh. "I'm messin' with you. but does that make you nervous?" I asked, head dropping to her neck, my lips ghosting her neck.

"y/n..?" karina's voice was full of question, but laced with something deeper—desperation. her brows furrowed as my lips brushed her neck, slow, deliberate. she didn’t move, not right away. her hand gripped onto my side. I moved my hip back, pulling my lips out of her neck. "don't touch me," I commanded, not wanting to take any chances of her suddenly getting the upper hand on me. I grabbed the knife on my side, throwing it on the nightstand.

my lips traveled back to her neck, "we're not supposed to…” she whispered, voice barely holding together, not finishing her sentence—a gasp leaving her throat. “and yet,” I murmured against her skin, “here we are.” she shivered. not from fear, not from cold—but from everything unspoken between us. her body was still coiled tight beneath mine, but she didn’t push me away. not yet.

this time when she shivered, it was from my hand; my cold hand gripping onto her hip. my hand slowly traveled up her shirt as I slowly, deliberately, i parted my lips and pressed them against that spot just below her jaw. she stiffened, but didn’t pull away. my cold hand kneaded her breast until I felt her nipple grow hard. karina hissed, huffing a harsh breath.

I sucked gently at first, then harder, my mouth working over her skin in slow circles, my tongue flicking against the growing mark. a quiet sound escaped her throat, somewhere between a gasp and a curse. her fingers curled slightly against my side, unsure whether to push me away or pull me closer. "please.. let me touch you." karina's voice softly broke as I pinched her nipple.

my head arose from her neck, my lips brushing against her cheek as i hovered there. "and why would I let you do that?" I questioned her just above a whisper. her sharp, painted eyes flicked up to mine, dark and desperate, but still defiant. "the same reason you're touching me. to feel. not as an enemy or target." her breath was heavy, still feeling my cold hand gently stroking her thigh. "do what I say and I'll let you touch me." karina nodded slowly.

"lay back." I instructed. karina's back softly hit the bed, legs dangling off the edge. I pressed a small kiss to her exposed stomach before pulling her shorts off in one swift motion, along with her panties. she gasped at the sudden move and the cold air hitting her wet pussy. "I haven't touch you yet, karina. you're already this wet? tsk tsk." I chuckled at her pathetic attempt to close her legs and hide from me.

my fingers ran through her wet folds once—my finger bumped her clit and brushed against her entrance. karina hissed, moving her lips lightly; another chuckle escaped my lips. "so pathetic.." I spat. a whimper left her throat, eyebrows furrowing. "you want me to touch you right, baby?" I asked, running my fingers through once more and collecting some of her juices. she watched as I took my two fingers in my mouth, tasting her. she bit back a moan. I raised an eyebrow at her with a small smile. "answer me, karina." she quickly nodded.

I looked in her eyes as I took my middle finger and ring finger, slowly entering her pussy. a soft squelching noise echoing throughout the room. karina whined, moving her hips. I grabbed onto her hips roughly; not on purpose, it was sort of like a habit. something I couldn't really explain. "please, give me more." she whined.

"shh, baby. i'll give you more." I shushed. she nodded and sighed as she felt my fingers move at a slow pace, curling at just the right angle to push against that one spot. she moaned, her mouth left agape. "you like that?" I asked her and she nodded vigorously. my hand left her hip and pushed below her abdomen, onto her bladder. I moved my fingers faster, adding a third.

"ha- ah, fuck!" karina moaned, curling her fingers into a fist. she slammed her hands onto the bed, gripping the white sheets. she cried out, moving her hips uncontrollably. my thumb reached up to her clit, rubbing slowly. "look, karina." I turned my head to the camera. "I bet they're watching us. watching how you fall apart on your target's fingers. they must think you're so, so.. pathetic."

she turned her head to towards the camera, whimpering. she knew how pathetic she looked right now. the amount of pleasure—just from her target's fingers, I might add—was insane and made her feel like she was cloud9. "I'm gonna c-cum, y/n!" tears pricked karina's eyes the closer she got to the edge. "cum on my fingers, karina." I leaned up and whispered in her ear.

I pushed onto her clit and curled my fingers up once more into that one spot. she grabbed my wrist, crying out. "s-shit!" her back arched off the bed as she came on my fingers. I slowly pulled my fingers out of her pussy, looking down at her sticky mess.

she quickly came down from her high, sitting up on her elbows. she watched as I stuck half of my fingers in her mouth. I sucked off her cum, closing my eyes at the sweet taste. I opened my eyes to see her biting her lip, "taste." I said, grabbing her jaw. her mouth immediately opened. I smiled, sticking my fingers in her mouth. I watched her face as she sucked on my fingers.

her own hand traveled between my legs, her fingers finding my clothes pussy—she rubbed gently, but harsh enough to feel. "wanna taste you now," she said, her mouth leaving my fingers with a small pop. karina smiled at my shaky breath. I nodded, my mind going hazy. she got up, pulling up her shorts, leaving them up unbuttoned. I lied back on my elbows, her hands gripping my shorts and pulling them down to my ankles.

she kissed onto my abdomen, getting lower and lower each few kisses. as much as she wanted to wait a bit and tease me, she couldn't; karina wanted to taste me then and there. "now i'm messing with you." her lips left got down to my clit, pressed a soft, open-mouthed kiss to it. I threw my head back softly at the sensation. her lips wrapped around my clit, sucking on it softly. I let out quiet moan, leaning my head back up to watch her.

she looked up at me, flattening her tongue at my entrance and licked all the way up to my clit, once again, wrapping her lips around my clit. she suck harder this time, gripping onto my thighs. "karina. so good." I moaned. she giggled into my pussy, my thighs closing from the sensation.

she opened her mouth wider, pushing her head further into my pussy. her tongue did wonders at my entrance while her teeth occasionally bumped my clit. I moaned louder and more frequently. I placed my hand on the back of her head trying to push her face deeper—if that was even possible. "you're doing so good," I whined. karina lightly shook her head, slurping up all of my wetness. broke moans slipped out left and right. "karina, i'm cumming." I panted.

she pushed her tongue into my entrance to catch whatever she could. her slurps only got louder as I came. lifting her head from between my thighs, her mouth was covered in my slick. I leaned forward, kissing her lips—getting a taste of myself.

I pulled away, looking her in her eyes with a small smile. my hand tangled into her hair, gripping hard. I slammed her head into the nightstand, letting her hair go—her body going limp on the floor. I stood up, pulling up my shorts with a small hiss. I bent down to her, "aww, I'm so sorry, baby." I coo, pushing her hair out of her face. a bruise already forming at the side of her head.

picking up her limp body, I threw her over my shoulder. I grabbed my knife from the nightstand and put it back in the holster on my side. walking out of her room, I tapped the side of my ear, channeling my boss, "I got her." I spoke.

"copy that." he responded, the line disconnecting. "you should've known, yu jimin. never let your guard down."

[genericpuff]

no stop this article is too funny

this is from 2020 and while it talks about webtoons in general as a platform and medium, there's an excerpt from Rachel that's ironically and hilariously telling on herself when it comes to her priorities as a creator and how her work has aged incredibly poorly in the past 4 years:

She may as well just be saying, "I like Webtoon because they don't have any quality control" and "the trad publishing market had standards that I couldn't live up to, so instead of actually trying to live up to them, I went with a platform that has zero standards and was willing to make me into the standard regardless of my own qualifications and lack thereof."

Like y'all, take this as advice from someone who's had their fair share of rejection letters... the print industry dumping your unsolicited portfolio in the bin isn't gatekeeping, it's the nature of the business. The way Rachel describes it here - albeit I'm sure it's simplified for the sake of being an interview answer, but still - makes it sound like she was just expecting to walk right into the trad publishing market without an agent, without a completed manuscript or pitch, without any professional representation, and just slam her portfolio of mid-2000's art on the desk expecting them to hire her on the spot.

Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of barriers that prevent people from getting into the trad market, hurdles that can often be outright unfair (lacking the funds, lacking the connections, etc.) but... there's also a reason many of those barriers are there in practice.

First of all, fun fact: the reason why many publishers don't take unsolicited manuscripts isn't just to help them filter out the spam and low-effort submissions and prevent an overload of submissions (because if they took submissions from anyone and everyone, the overviewing system would break entirely), but it's also for legal purposes so that they don't get sued. Because if Joe Chucklefuck sends in an unsolicited manuscript that just so happens to include a plot point about the multiverse, and then a new book series or movie comes out that is about the multiverse, Joe Chucklefuck might get the sense they're being stolen from and attempt to sue them for plagiarism. This is why it's stressed so much by publishers that any unsolicited manuscripts will not just go unread, but will be thrown straight into the bin.

But second, many publishers simply don't want to take the financial risks on random start-up creators whose only experience is running their own personal projects on Tumblr, much less personal projects like Rachel's, half of which are fetish-content and all of which are unfinished. Of course they weren't gonna take Rachel seriously back then, she hadn't done anything to build up her presence in the industry.

In that sense, yes, self-publishing or pursuing a platform gig like Webtoons probably was Rachel's next best option which would be perfectly acceptable on its own, but it's just so, so telling that she thinks it's a "perk" for Webtoons to lack so much in the way of quality control, and we would ironically see the glaring evidence of that "perk" 3-4 years later in LO's final season when every single element of it as a "professional" piece of work turned to shit. It's no wonder she liked Webtoons in 2020 for letting her do anything she wanted, because what she wanted absolutely would not fly with an actual editor and publishing agency that cared about putting out a polished piece of work. The only way she was able to get "in" with a professional publisher was through Del Rey after Webtoons brokered a deal for her to have LO put into print, and even that level of prestige can't hide the fact that LO sucks ass in print. It's almost like under normal circumstances and without Webtoons carrying her on their shoulders above every other creator on the platform - many of whom actually do have experience in both tradpub and self-publishing - Del Rey wouldn't have paid her any attention. Without Webtoons, no one would take her seriously because she doesn't take what she does seriously, and it shows in her priorities as a creator who simply wants to just do whatever she wants without any sort of reasonable oversight like research or editing which are, again, necessary expectations within the tradpub industry, because it's not just about being a free-thinking self-expressive artist anymore in that industry - it's a business.

Of course, Rachel is probably now laughing from her soapbox over the fact that she now technically helps run an imprint, so haha "poo on the meanie trad market", but considering that imprint has still not launched and has been put on the same "coming soon" track that the LO television show has been on for the past 4+ years on a loop, I'm not holding my breath that it's actually going to amount to anything substantial.

(gotta love how they asked if Rachel was gonna create any more stories and her answer was RSP, which will help other creators bring their stories to life. so at best she didn't answer the question which is nothing new for her, at worst she gave away the fact that she's gonna be acting as some kind of producer who will be given all the credit and praise for other creator's works and efforts lmao no thankssss)

And god knows what the quality control of this imprint is gonna be like if Rachel's attitude toward the trad market overall is, "Nooo they won't let me do what I wantttt :((((" when she admittedly never even broke into the trad market to begin with and had zero experience working within that industry prior to LO.

And even then, Webtoons still doesn't give her as much freedom of choice as she claims to have. I mean ffs, this is the same person whose moderators stated that the Swarovski crystal dress from the finale was done as a "fuck you" to Webtoons for not letting her draw Persephone nude all the time.

She's obviously still being prevented from doing what she wants to do, when a lot of what she wants to do is better off not passing the vibe check and making it into the comic.

Quality control exists for a reason, Rachel. And "letting you do what you want" isn't necessarily a "flex" that Webtoons can claim over trad publishing when that "flex" is forgoing the traditional barriers that would usually prevent someone like you from failing upwards into manufactured fame the way that you have.

And that's my big bag of cents on that.

[jtl07]

Hi! Welcome back! For shenanigans, any or all of the following that tickle your fancy:

Avatrice, this post:

https://www.tumblr.com/alterumsinealterononest/769889024736444416/i-just-saw-a-video-of-a-girl-scattering-tea-bags?source=share

Avatrice (or AvaLil) as astronauts accidentally stranded together for 9 extra months

Shannon x Mary enemies to lovers and they're lawyers on opposite sides of a case

oh gosh Alms you always bring the fun prompts XD i'm going with the second one though i can guarantee it ended up not where you'd expect (mostly bc i may or may not be working on a fic centered around Bea's thoughts on aikido 👀). always fun to see what you send in, i hope this is alright!

"Wait you're a black belt? You could teach me! 9 months is enough for me to get to black belt too, right?" 

The laugh that escapes Beatrice surprises both Ava and herself. Beatrice nearly covers her mouth but Ava's already wiggling, her grin stretching wide across her face. 

"C'mon Bea, we've got nothing better to do!" 

"On the contrary, we have plenty of things to do," Beatrice says, gesturing towards their checklists. 

Ava rolls her eyes, does a lazy backflip and lands against a bulkhead. "Don't tell me you haven't been curious about how it'd feel to do that kinda stuff in space." 

Beatrice knows they're talking about martial arts - they'd been talking about Ava's many hobbies and somehow, as conversations with Ava now usually go, Beatrice had ended up sharing about herself as well - but the suggestive way Ava waggles her eyebrows makes Beatrice blush. 

"It isn't relevant the mission," is all Beatrice says, ignoring the heat in her cheeks. 

Ava, thankfully, also ignores it. "You never know, Bea: what if we run into evil space aliens and we have to fight them off when they infiltrate the ship?"

Beatrice rolls her eyes. "You've watched too many sci-fi movies." 

"No such thing as too many. So, are you ready?"

Beatrice's brow furrows. "Ready for -"

"Here I come!"

It's instinct that takes over Beatrice's body, has her hands moving, her hips turning - Ava shrieking as she tumbles to the far side of the open space. It's instinct again that fixes Beatrice in place, replaying her technique, taking it apart, finding places to critique - 

"That was amazing!"

If the gravity was on, Beatrice is sure Ava would be bouncing literally off the walls. Here in zero gravity, however, Ava's settled for wildly waving her arms and legs to express her excitement. She looks silly, so free, so joyous. Beatrice can't help but laugh and let herself feel the same. 

"What was that called?" Ava asks - and Beatrice wonders how a person can grin so wide, so much. 

Beatrice shrugs. "Koshi-guruma, it's a judo technique that -"

"Aw, but I want to see aikido! Please, Bea?" 

Beatrice opens her mouth but finds herself unable to speak. It's bewildering, having someone so eager to share in something irrelevant; in something she loves. Has found herself bewildered countless times, now, because of Ava. 

She shakes her head, feels her body already shifting to respond. She's learned enough - from martial arts, from the dogged determination of Ava's smile - to know when resistance is futile. 

"Fine," Beatrice sighs, ignores the way her mouth wants to curve up to match Ava's expression. "Fine." 

Ava whoops as she drifts back towards the bulkhead, uses it to launch herself at Beatrice once again. Beatrice is ready this time, and her mind splits like it does when it's calm like this: one part executing movements written now into her bones, the other part watching from the outside-in.

It's with that part of her mind that Beatrice thinks how it's not that different without gravity, even without the gi. How her hands still know how to lead, how her hips are still free to shift and twist and redirect. But here, there is no weight - of expectation, of perfection - no need to go through the technique too quickly. There's time: to feel her body moving, to hear Ava's surprised gasps, to take what she knows and make it into something new. 

She lets her body and mind still once Ava is out of her arms, watches her tumble harmlessly through the air. (And that too is different, a relief to know that here, they're both safe.)

"The fuck - did you just clothesline me?" Ava's squawk is more in delight than affront. 

Beatrice tilts her head, thinks back on the technique and laughs. "I suppose I did," she admits. 

"Damn I didn't know aikido had some WWE type of shit," Ava says, floating back up to Beatrice. 

"Well, there is some overlap, actually. Many of the joint locks for example -" 

"Okay wait, we're gonna have to make a list now of everything you need to teach me."

Beatrice raises an eyebrow. "You? Make a list? The thing you said was for 70-year-old grandmas?" 

Ava rolls her eyes - Beatrice notes the light flush creeping up her neck. "I can be organized! Anyway, I wanna learn that one - what's it called?" 

"Irimi nage," Beatrice answers - and this is instinctive, now, though new: the way she feels herself respond to Ava's eager questioning. From somewhere outside of herself, she can see the way it's different with Ava, the way she's different; the way everything is easy and weightless. 

And as she watches their hands fit together, Beatrice thinks how 9 months may not be enough. So this is what it feels like, she thinks as she watches Ava tumble through the air, listens to her laughter, feels her own heart stumble and soar: this is what it feels like to want more.

[earlgreyci]

Kiss/Smut Requests Open!

It is my birthday tomorrow (at least in my timezone), May 19th AND we are past 150 followers! This is my way to celebrate!!

Rules:

Any star wars ship welcome but I am partial to cloneshipping, anyone ship with the clones (Codexwan, Foxiyo, Rexwalker, etc.), Rexsoka, Obikin, Kalluzeb, Kanera, Bobadin, Dincobb, and Bobadincobb. I do not know legends characters very well, but I would scour wookiepedia for you?

Polyam ships are welcome. I love things like Obi-Wan/212th Battalion, Polybatch, Codexwan, etc.

Requests MUST include: the ship, kiss or smut, and prompt (i.e. Echo/Obi-Wan and heavy emotions kissing, or Kallus/Zeb smut with Kallus surprising Zeb in lingerie).

More detailed prompts are very welcome!

You do not have to submit art or writing for my birthday but if you did, i will cry. It can literally be a picture of a rock that made you think of me, or a stick figure waving with the words "Happy Birthday" at the top and i will tear up. Y'all know I love Echo with a passion so feel free to do what you may with that information.

I will accept prompt asks from now until 11:59pm CDT on May 26th, 2025.

Hard Smut Nos: scat, blood play, gore, anything to do with vom (i have emetophobia), feet, snuff, disability fetishes, fat fetishes, and strangling (small amount of choking is okay).

Me being a little emotional about the community and my life under the cut. Also links under the cut if you *did* want to get me something but I don't expect anything /gen 💛

After the hell that has been the last year and a half of my life, I have lost a significant amount of friends (yay abusers /s), I don't live near the friends I do have, and well we won't get into my family life.

Star Wars has been the single thing keeping me going through this time. During June last year when everything and i mean *everything* in my life was upended, I laid in bed (literally the only safe space in the living situation I was in) and binged most of canon Star Wars. I cried, I laughed, I sobbed, I got angry, I fell in love with characters, I wanted to punch palpatine and hemlock in the face, etc. I started interacting with the community here and on twitter and tbh the majority of the friends in my life at the moment are from the star wars community.

I fell face first back into the abyss of fanfiction and I have read well over a thousand fics now in just a year. It was my escape. I lost a majority of my hobbies and motivation to do anything more than roll over in bed that my hobby became reading fanfics. I still consume an enormous amount of fics whilst trying to get back on my feet.

Small sui mention (will be done at next red text):

There many times where I considered ending it within the last year. One of the very few things that kept me going was star wars and star wars fanfiction. I have been suffering a lot. Both my physical and mental environment has been absolute hell that has driven me past my breaking point several times. It hasn’t been this bad in years.

End content warning!

So I wanted to give back a little bit.

I literally have absolutely *no* money like i have $19 in my savings account and the money from my last paycheck is already gone or will be gone once my phone bill comes out. I can't give back financially. I can somewhat drawn but only on paper as i don’t have an iPad or drawing tablet. Traditional media art takes *so* long (digital art takes long too but you can just hit "undo" when you make a mistake) and I have nerve issues in my hands. I have only done a minimum amount of writing and whilst I'm not confident at all on it (granted i have zero self esteem), the little that I have done has been hyped up a lot which I am constantly taken aback by.

Writing is the way I can give back for all the love that has helped me through these hard times, and hopefully I meet new folks through this. So thank you all for everything you have done and for getting me through this awful period of my life. Here's to my 25th year of life being significantly better.

I guess self plug if you wanted to get me a gift or treat me to a tea (i do NOT expect anything but genuinely anything helps or brings me joy like i said in the rules):

Venmo/Cashapp: RoseEchoes

Paypal: cierrabmth@gmail.com

or ordering a gift via throne:

https://throne.com/earlgreyci

[kurizeria]

Update on Eulogy of Starlight account shadowban

(👆Wowie! A chapter 2 teaser!!!! my baby gorl.......)

So it looks like the shadowbanning is not just a me issue at all, and I've seen a lot of people mentioning on reddit that they've been shadowbanned and it's taken anywhere from a week to several months to hear back about it. I've had zero response from support so far, so I'm starting to expect it'll be around a month minimum since the subject of shadowban is a bit lower of a priority.

I thought about remaking the blog, but then what's the point if it might just happen again? Am I gonna make a new blog every time? Hell no lmao. So I've decided I'm going to hunker down and continue running the account as normal, BUT I'm making some compromises until support gets back to me... which is hopefully sometime soon.

What does this mean?

While @eulogyofstarlight is shadowbanned and cannot post in tags or anything else related to interactivity, any MAJOR announcements will be posted from this account (@kurizeria) for viewability, such as releases of chapters and anecdotes. Most other things will remain posted only on the sideblog (concept arts, fun facts, etc).

If I'm lucky, support will get back to me before chapter 2's release, and then I won't have to do any of this, but I'm not holding my breath.

Additionally, since it's probably gonna be a while, I've closed asks on eulogyofstarlight and forwarded the ask page to send to my main account here. The ask box in the FAQ has been removed for now. If I can tell that an ask was meant for EoS, any asks sent to my main will instead be screencapped and posted on eulogyofstarlight with the answer.

AO3

Once chapter 2 is finished, I plan to post the comic chapters on AO3 as well. (My account is empty, but it's here.) I'm not sure if I can make the images seamless yet since I haven't tried it myself yet, but every comic I saw on there has gaps between the pictures, nooooo my aesthetic- As for the anecdotes, don't think I'll post the anecdotes unless I can format the images the same way as I can on here.

In the meantime, tentatively gonna say that the original English version of chapter 2 will be ready to publish either at end of January or early half of February. I'm sorry for the large gap between the introductory and the 2nd chapter, I was really busy during November-December so I just didn't have the time to work on it.

I greatly appreciate the support I've received during this time, and hopefully this will be resolved soon enough. I look forward to sharing chapter 2 with you all soon. 💗

[therealslimshakespeare]

From Sarge’s kids I think I’m (as of now) excited to learn more about Daisy. She’s got a lot of Elvis in her and she witnesses Elaine go to hell and back to help him beat his addiction and although she’s independent I hope there’s gonna be someone who will be able to do the same for her or stand by her. Not to mention she’s got a twin who they come off as polar opposites (what with Rosalee being a huge Daddy’s girl) and her comments towards her older sister Ella’s marriage - I get the feeling there’s a lot to unpack there.

I think sometimes Elvis felt like he was too much to love and I see a lot of his personal insecurities in Daisy, she even is a popstar like him and that’s a lot of people loving you with maybe them feeling like they aren’t really known for who they are deep down.

I am so happy to hear this, I’ve got a little started on each kid’s own fic (I want one for each like I had for Jesse, just to establish them and then let loose with the intermingling) and I really think hers is compelling. It’s been truly a blast to get to know her and I’ve gotta be honest she may be the most Lisa-like of any Sarge kid in many ways, partly because she’s so Elvis incarnate. It took awhile but me and my scheming buddies have cooked up a good partner for her and she will always have her family as backup and even her godfather Marlon. I think she will, as you said, be publicly adored but can be rather offputting one on one, even though she desperately needs connection. I think eventually, and not after too long, all these relationships get far better, and Daisy finds her little nook in the family easily. She is the one to go to for the zero bullshit takes or help hiding a body. Loyal and fierce that one.

And here, since you made my day asking about her, have a little random snippet I’ve written about her first big debut recording which came from her rehab scribbles and, unfortunately for the family members her lyrics feature -becomes a sensation.

Era: 1978-9ish??

Warnings: moderate…mentions of past divorce, infidelity, a daughter sorta writing a hit tell all? remincence of a one off threesome and Elvis having straight man panic for it (I’m afraid this couple is polyamorous central I’m the 60’s but nothing explicit) big ole family chat with the grown kids, chaos as can be expected…

What about Wendy?

“Daisy Mae!” Elvis bellows her full name because the crime warrants it, and from behind him, her voice answers, not in person from her place sprawled on the couch but behind him, coming through the stereo in a clear cadence that his creative side must acknowledge is skilled and evocative. What Elvis doesn't find so praiseworthy is his Dear Daughter hanging the family laundry out for all to see with lyrics like:

—“So I'll lock the window and turn on the AC, You'll throw your rocks, and you'll scream that you hate me, But it gets old being forever 20, And what about my wings? What about Wendy?”—

out on a clothesline for all the world to commentate on his failings and his marriage.

The music video coming out tomorrow on MTV, teased as featuring a fresh faced Daisy in a montage of her mother’s most iconic looks -including that secretive wedding gown so few of the nation ever saw, rather hammers home the not so subtle point. As far as Elvis is concerned this is about as disloyal as it gets.

And he is having none of it.

“It’s art, Daddy.” Daisy murmurs, utterly unphased by the hurricane of wrath she can match once she gets that cup of coffee Rosalee is making her.

“Is this how you see us?” Elvis demands and Jesse winces to the side, things had been going so smoothly after Danny was born but lord, the Presley’s just can’t manage to be calm for long, Daisy had to record that stupid black book she scribbled in during rehab and, my does it have some choice takes on the events of the last decade. “This how you see your childhood?” Elvus goes on, “Where we loved ya like no one’s ever loved any kids and gave ya everythin’ and-“

“-and slammed a buncha doors in between.“ Daisy shrugs, not meaning to be cruel, but it’s the truth and she’s never had her sibling’s affinity for the affection that the rest of the kids take as blood money for the insanity they got put through. Daisy doesn't hold a grudge against anyone for her childhood, in fact, she’s thankful for the writing material. But she’s not gonna be sorry for writing shit as it was.

Which was mama playing a haggard Wendy while Daddy flitted in and out of the window at whim like Peter Pan.

“Girl,” her daddy begs her to understand as he takes his seat next to her on the sofa, big ringed hand familiar and pleading on her bony knee, as if somehow this appeal of his will lock the song back into her diary and out of the radio -or maybe he doesn’t care about his reputation anymore, he’s gotten lax about that after the divorce, maybe he really is seeking after his child’s good opinion this time when he continues, “I’m all for art’n’shit but have I not taught ya nothin’ bout-“

“Daddy, ya didn’t even write your own songs.” Daisy gently tries to get him to see the difference in their art but Jesse gasps out in horror:

“Daisy!!” like she just shot their father instead of stating the truth. Which is kinda her problem with her family, they can’t take straight facts.

“Alright, alright then,” Elvis simmers a bit but his tone is restrained as he presses his point, “so ya write from the heart and ya wrote about life, I get ya. So then why’d you call mama Wendy when, w-w-when she’s -she’s my Tinkerbell?”

“You’d rather I used your pet little name in public?” Daisy scoffs at his muddled logic and feels bad for the first time after -soon as his brow furrows in genuine hurt. Daddy loves mama, he loves her again like a new man and Daisy doesn’t get how that works but it’s the truth and she’s got no fight to pick with the truth. It makes her admit with a shrug, “I used it ‘cause Marlon always says she’s Wendy.”

You could hear a pin drop the way everyone’s chatter in the living room stops, even the coffee maker stops spluttering in the distance and it’s highly likely Jesse isn’t even breathing as everyone’s head’s swivel, Daddy’s slower but more intent than any, to look at Elaine where’s she sits in the white arm chair, blanket cast over her where Danny fell asleep while nursing. She’s as white as the rocker she sits in.

“Oh does he now?” Elvis rumbles and Daisy feels the unintentional bite of his nails on her knee.

“Well yeah, he does and -always has.” Daisy insists as if the past and present existence of Brando’s opinions on Elvis’ wife makes shit any better, Daisy knows it the second she lets it out that it’s not exactly balm on the scab.

Her voice doesn't make anyone look away from mama and her perfect, frozen face, carefully neutral and soothingly disinterested in the topic.

“That man has only ever called me, Elaine.” mama laughs an airy, dismissive little thing and the bite of Daddy’s rings on Daisy’s knee loosens their grip. “And if he thinks i'm a Wendy -he should say it to my face.” she jokes and Jesse predictably lets out a pained laugh of solidarity.

“-A-a-and w-who the hell did ya get to sew all those recreated outfits, girl?” Daddy is suddenly back on the original topic with a burst of renewed incredulity at her gall and Daisy knows she can use this to her advantage, get him arguing about fashion, tailors and supporting local folks instead of berating her for her lyrics and-

-Ella watches as Elaine’s stiff face smoothes into relief and she lays her head back against the rocker’s cushion and closes her eyes against the hubbub that’s no longer pertinent to her. Not for the first time Ella wonders if mama is as burdened as she is with thoughts and feelings married women shouldn’t have, they really shouldn’t. Marriage should cure a woman of them but Ella had them all alone on the ranch with her husband gone and Mama had Marlon and his lingering looks and her frozen face whenever his name gets mentioned and mama who is staring up at the ceiling like she’s no longer in the room with them at all.

“Peter Pan, Peter Pan, little lost boy actin’ like a big man,” only Marlon could have made that rhyme sound like anything but a goad, only Marlon really saw what Elaine saw when Elvis was sated, pliable, sweet as a newborn and pretty a sin. “Those producers who’ve got him playin’ tough n’ shit don’t know his appeal, they just don’t get it. Goddamn Peter Pan.”

And he had run his fingers over Elvis’ face, catching his drooping eyelids and pulling them down and over his nose to those cherub lips. And Elvis’ eyes hadn’t opened again till next morning when he woke in angry panic.

Elaine stares at the ceiling and feels Danny shift against her breast, snuggling closer, and she wonders if Elvis ever recalls that night like she does. Ever replays it a million times.

Wendy, Wendy Wendy.

Marlon thinks she’s Wendy, Marlon’s told her own daughter that. But never her. No. He’d just raked his hand through the wrecked coiff of Elvis’ gelled hair and admiringly called him Peter Pan. And Elvis, being Elvis in the state of freshly loved and freshly praised, never balked at it before drifting to sleep in their muggy tent.

Wendy, Wendy, Wendy, he never called Elaine that to her face.

Elaine catches Daisy’s eye next time she looks away from the ceiling, an odd moment of recognition. Funny how each child knows a part of her, but it’s the inner workings of Daisy’s curious, generous, honest self -a heart so very like Elvis’ own- that can look back at Elaine and smile at her, while knowing her fully, faults and all. It’s not so bad having grown daughters as a friend, Elaine decides as she watches Elvis flail backwards against the couch to laugh at his daughter's good natured dig at his unmodified wardrobe.

It’s good not to be his only Wendy keeping him young anymore.

Song based on: Wendy by Maisie Peters

Tags:

@powerofelvis

@crash-and-cure

@elvisabutler

@heartbrake-hotel

@stylespresleyhearted

@thatbanditqueen

@crazymadpassionatelove

@myradiaz

@ash-omalley

@steph-speaks

@burningloverdoll

@angelface-555

@lookingforrainbows

@missmaywemeetagain

@coolgirl462

@kingdomforapony

@18lkpeters

@richardslady121

@from-memphis-with-love

@lillypink

@artlover8992

@pennyroyalcreep

@notstefaniepresley

@ellie-24

@renaissingle

@waiting4brucewayne2adoptme

@presleyenterprise

@marriedtopresley

@ashtag2887

@dkayfixates

@vampireindistress

@ashtag6887

@i-r-i-n-a-a

@obsessedvibee

@peskybedtime

@goth-cowgirl-03

@stephthestallion

@fav-fanficssss

@loving-elvis

@honeyorangess

@soloangel

@xenaspace3-blog

@60svintage

@dragonkingsdaughter

@presleysgirl6

@that-hotdog

|

————————-

@mydarlingelvis

@presleysweetheart

@50sexyshadesfashionista

@sexystarfish

@whatstruthgottodowithit

@suraemoon

@lialocklear

@elvispresleywife

@presleysgirl6

@ipostwhtifeel

@jaqueline19997

@queenheartz

@starryschoolgirl

@elvisalltheway101

[astrowaffle]

Wow you guys really seemed to like the steampunk AU, that post got way more attention than I was expecting, so here's some more information and stuff:

-The world is still like a videogame that they got trapped in but now it’s a steampunk adventure-y type game with circus elements 

-The adventures are probably a bit different

-They’re probably more like, fantasy adventure video game style things with like puzzles and fighting? Idk I'm not a big gamer I've never actually played any steampunk video games. What are those like?

-Instead of circus tent, there is a big wagon thingy that I'll draw eventually

-there's still not much of a story and I'm not sure If there'll ever be

-I'd also kinda want to make some mini comics for this au but I suck at coming up with ideas :/

Pomni:  

-She likes to craft things

-friends with Gangle and Ragatha

-still very anxious but less anxious then normal Pomni?

-has a very logical mind and is good at puzzling things together but also doesn’t do well under pressure and typically panics in stressful moments where these skills might be useful

-She can play the flute because flutes are good, they are the best instrument. (I am totally not biased just because I play the flute in marching band)

-My headcanon for regular Pomni is that she’s less anxious than she initially is in the pilot after getting used to things, like, beyond the anxiety, her actual personality is very cheery and friendly, also very logical, because idk it just fits her somehow? So yea, that headcanon also applies to this au 

-but of course she is still an absolute nervous wreck because yes

-How else is she supposed to react in this situation

-also look at those fingerless gloves I want those

-the gears in her eyes turn when she is thinking

Gangle:

-Also likes crafting things

-friends with Pomni, Zooble, and Kinger

-she often borrows  sewing needles from Ragatha to sew her comedy mask back together when it’s torn, and also constantly tries to craft new ones

-She really likes her boots

-I don’t blame her those are some nice boots

-Ok wait a minute what if that little wing bow thingy on her head is actually a pen/quill that she can use to write stuff?

-ooooooh yes I like that

Caine: 

-✨monocle✨

-He can control the time of day with the clock that’s on his hat

-It’s a lot harder for him to heal injuries in this world, he can’t just instantly fix anything anymore it requires a bit more effort

-I’m doing this because I like when injury and pain and suffering

Bubble: um- idk it’s just bubble but now they’re a robot I guess

Kinger:

-ok but what if he had a collection of mechanical insects? Omg designing mechanical insects would be so fun-

-The clock that he wears is broken but he doesn’t notice. And Time is irrelevant anyways

-damn those gloves are fancy

-they probably feel really silky

-and his robe is also very silky because mmm good texture

Zooble:

-They are a robot now

-also a mechanic/inventor because nobody else is and somebody had to learn how to make new robot parts

-their right arm can go s t r e t c h

-bonds with Gangle over their hatred of Jax

-they’re also kinda protective over her

-I lowkey ship them (this ship is so underrated)

-No but seriously why do see zero art of this ship

- Zoob’s in denial about their feelings and still pretends not to care because they’ve had such a “I don’t give a shit about anything” attitude that suddenly developing feelings for someone has caught them off guard cause they suddenly are giving a shit about something and they don’t know how to handle it, But if Jax does anything to Gangle they will rush in to protect her in a heartbeat and just try to play it off as it just being because they don’t like Jax BUT WE ALL KNOW THE TRUTH ZOOBLE JUST CONFESS ALREADY-

-ok that got way too rambly let's just move on now

Jax:

-MY FAVORITE

-he likes shiny things

-He will collect those shiny things

-He also very fast because look at those LANKY RABBIT LEGS

-I mean technically that’s already cannon, did you see how fast he ran away after seeing abstracted kaufmo? He just z o o m e d outta there

-those keys on the chain are only a small portion of his collection

-his room is definitely full of weird steampunk knick knacks because yes

-He uses them to prank people

-the centipedes he has to scare/annoy Ragatha are mechanical

-I’m so excited to design mechanical centipedes I love bugs so much guys you have no idea I finally have an excuse to draw insects and maybe people will actually care because it’s fandom related now

-He does not like getting wet. At all. (this is also just a general headcanon for him but especially in this au)

-floofy

Ragatha:

-the seams of her fabric are prone to tearing so she always carries a needle and thread to sew herself back together. she's good at sewing

-My main headcannon for normal Ragatha is that her button eye is a parallel to an eye injury she had in real life before joining the circus, but in this AU she probably acquired the injury in this universe.

-she’s good at using tools and weapons but not in like, a mechanic sorta way like Zooble but in a defense sorta way

-like, she’s very kind and caring but also sorta tough and even though her body is good at falling apart, she knows how to use strategy to fight and um wait what would they even be fighting-

-idk I haven’t thought about that yet

-Gloinks?????

-do those exist in this au???

-wait it’s my au why am I asking this

-overall she is very, “tries to help everyone else and seems very tough on the outside but is prone to falling apart both physically and mentally but just gets good at quickly patching it up and ignoring it until it become too much for her to bear”

-pls help her she needs therapy

-they all need therapy

-I’m pretty sure we’ve all established that at this point

-but I’m just making sure you know that it’s still a consistent factor in this au

[dragonfly0808]

Helia: The Thesis

Kay, so, for Helia’s thesis there won’t be that many spoilers but there will be references to a big even in s3, if you haven’t read after the Eraklyon party in s3 then you run a risk of spoilers, the spoilers will mainly revolve around the changes I made to Helia’s backstory

TRIGGER WARNING: TALK OF SELF-HARM AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE, IF THIS TRIGGERS YOU PLEASE SKIP THIS THESIS

First Things First

The first words I have in Helia’s character sheet are:

Sensitive artist that doesn’t kick your ass cause he choses peace.

Helia was always super interesting to me in the OG cause, in the 2000’s I honestly don’t remember many soft boys being portrayed as also being able to be badass and just super cool.

I changed quite a bit of Helia’s backstory cause in the OG we just hear that he drops out of Red Fountain and goes to art school before going back to Red Fountain with zero explanation.

There is a phrase that really inspired a lot of the changes I made to Helia’s backstory and that is: No one will ever know the violence it took to become this gentle.

Over the years I’ve learned that some of the loveliest, gentlest and kindest people are the ones who’ve hated and suffered the most in the past. And that is something that I could really see Helia being.

Helia is someone who really let him anger get the best of him in the past. In my version, Helia grew up angry due to heavy expectations of his parents and being Saladin’s grandson. He’s someone who grew up with endless anger and sadness and who had no real outlet after his art was taken away to not distract him too much from his training as Specialist and Wizard.

(Here’s where the talk of self-harm and attempted suicide starts)

Helia self-harms and tries to take his own life a year before season 2. This decision was… a tad bit drastic and to be honest it wasn’t even fully planned at first but it just made sense to me with his character.

Helia is someone who, after hitting rock bottom, seeks help and slowly starts to get better. He goes back into art to let out all of his pain, he works things out with his parents and gets his life back on track.

And it’s not like he is magically completely healed, like we see in season 3, when he has a reason, his anger can and will get the better of him and it can be scary. He has relapses when things get extreme. But he continues to heal and to grow

Helia isn’t born peaceful. He learns it. He grows into peace slowly over his year at art school where he learns to meditate and to just process his emotions in a more healthy manner and I think that makes his serene and mostly peaceful personality and thought process all the more impactful.

People can tell he’s wise and I think I mention in s2 that he just erradiates this comfort, people want to be liked by Helia.

Healing Isn’t Linear

In s3, we see Helia relapse into his self-harming habits.

This to me was important for his character because, whilst he has learned better ways to cope with his feelings, relapse is a realistic thing that can happen and doesn’t mean you’re doing horribly if that makes sense. Because healing isn’t linear. Especially with everything that happens in season 3, to me it made sense for Helia to snap both in anger and in his past self-destructive tendencies.

Helia attacks Sky when the truth of his curse comes out and we see him be ashamed of it, worried he scared Flora and telling Bloom that that isn’t who he wants to be

Helia is very conscious of his own issues and how he is/wants to be perceived. He is very conscious of when he needs help even if sometimes he still needs a little push to get said help

Something to Fight For

A big part of what helps Helia truly come into his own post s2 is figuring out what he is fighting for.

Before s2 Helia was furious because he didn’t know what to fight for, he was a Specialist mostly due to being a legacy.

He returns to Red Fountain because he always enjoyed the routine of it, but also to finally figure out what he wants to fight for.

So what does Helia fight for?

Well… I’d say that, at first he fights for his friends. He is inspired by them and wants to protect them, after that, he also fights for those who can’t protect themselves, much like his grandfather.

No longer being so pressured by his parents allows him to kind of see things like his family does and he finds that he feels the same way.

Kind of reminds me of the Argent family: We protect those who cannot protect themselves. That’s the same view of the Alarie family

Thoughts Behind his Main Relationships

Riven: Riven is Helia’s best friend and they are kind of two sides of the same coin. They both have had anger issues and, surprisingly enough, Helia was a lot more violent than Riven ever was since Riven had a better hold on his anger due to facing major consequences (*cough* *cough* his dad *cough* *cough*) but they bond over trying to better themselves.

Riven learns to meditate with Helia and occasionally even paints with him. Helia learns to fix stuff with Riven and they both love the routine that comes with being Specialists second only to Brandon so they often do work-outs and bets with each other.

Their friendship is one of very different yet similar lives. They get each other in a: we’ve both come face to face with the darkest versions of ourselves and came out on top, we’ve both hit rock bottom and we’re both working on figuring out how to be better.

They’re both very aware of their darker emotions but never judge the other for it. They both have nightmares regarding their pasts and they can open up because they know that they get one another.

Flora: They’re relationship is just… ufff. I love them so much.

To me, Flora and Helia have both been through a lot and have both learned to make light of the darkness in different ways. They are both on their healing journey and support each other unconditionally.

They are soft souls that have been hit time and time again but have refused to become harsh.

Their relationship is one of complete trust and support. They know what they’ve been through but never fear being pitied or feared by the other because they’re the same in a way.

Their relationship is ‘we’re both pulling ourselves and you make me feel like all of it will never drown me and I know that my soul and yours have known each other for a very long time.’

They find comfort, understanding and safety in their love.

They know they can trust each other with the darkest parts of themselves because they won’t lose them, they are very much connected in a way that is hard to even comprehend.

Their love is a soft one

Musa: These two are platonic soulmates.

They’re the artists of the group, the ones that communicate better on a page or when speaking in prose, they’re the ones that will spill their guts out in the middle of the night with a pen in their hands

They’re the artists that make art not just because they like to but because it’s crucial to their survival and an integral part of who they are.

They both struggle a bit to be vulnerable, Musa more so than Helia, but find that they can lower their guard with each other because they get what it’s like to finally find your voice after years of bearing the stifling forced silence that comes with not being heard by your own family

They just make sense to me as unexpected platonic soulmates

Who is Helia in this Rewrite?

Helia is a young legacy who has suffered the weight of his heritage. He is someone who used to be incredibly lost and angry at the universe and turned that hatred and frustration inward and into self-destructive tendencies.

He is someone who has grown incredibly and learned peace, learned self-love and learned vulnerability. He is someone incredibly aware of who he is and who he wants to be.

He is someone who took a long time to figure out what he is fighting for, what he wants to live for and become. But, once he figured it out, he will not go back, he will forge ahead, not forgetting his past but not letting it drag him down, allowing it to be a lesson

Helia is at his core, an artist: someone incredibly caring, soft and who wants to help people, even if it isn’t as a warrior, he wants to make sure others don’t have to go through the pain that he and his friends have gone through. He is someone who will fight to protect the vulnerable.

He is someone who learned to wring sunlight out of the darkest parts of himself.

Helia is a soft soul, the warm side of a warrior.

———

Masterlist

Helia Moodboard

Helia’s Instagram

Helia and Riven Moodboard

Flora and Helia Moodboard

Musa and Helia Moodboard

[silentglassbreak]

Anonymous

Noah Sebastian x OFC

-

Here's the 3rd part. Hoping to also get this one up quick. This story is really coming together in my head. Also, I know I promised smut, and so far have not delivered. That is coming, pinkly promise. We've got to get the foundation man!

Warnings: Alcohol abuse, overall abuse, mild violence (ie. bar fights), smut, swearing, and altogether just a lot of fuckery.

+It goes without saying. This is a work of fiction. My words are mine. Plagiarism is a crime.

Part 3 - The Grey

Sleep was a wild idea, given everything I had learned last night. I couldn't seem to quit scrolling through Google, YouTube, listening. I felt as though I was educating myself. Learning, in some way, what I was getting into. I wanted to see what I could learn about him, but he was an overall private human, even for a musician.

I did learn he is a Scorpio, born on Halloween. Originally from Virginia. The names of his bandmates. He had quite a few wonderful songs that I had added to my iTunes quickly after hearing them. So far, my favorite was Limits, which was saying a lot, given Just Pretend was still so incredible.

Throughout all of my 'research', the most important fact I learned was that Noah was very good at hiding his alcoholism. I expected to see articles, tweets, or even a TikTok about some scandal. An arrest? A fight? A drunken performance? I found nothing.

I suspect Noah is what I consider a silent drunk. Someone who doesn't drink for fun, but for release. For something to escape to. This had to be true, because I found zero evidence of his addiction on social media or in the depths of Google. I even shamelessly searched 'Noah Sebastian alcoholic' and came up with some very strange fanfiction. Interesting thought...

This almost worried me more. This meant I was going into this blind. The rockstar lifestyle was something not only musicians lived. So how did he manage to do it so quietly? Was his publicist just that good? Did he even have one?

Despite my determination, sleep finally took hold about 4AM, me waking up at noon with the videos of their music still playing on YouTube. I slammed my laptop closed and wiped the drool from my lips.

I needed caffeine.

I slipped into my house slippers, and sauntered to the kitchen, Angel following behind. I heard his quiet whine, and quickly paced to the back door to let him out before he had an accident.

Once I had slurped down half of my energy drink and let Angel back in, I snatched my phone from my bedside table. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I checked through my notifications.

Given it was my day off, I wasn't surprised to see a text from Sam asking if I wanted to come in and help him with his case files. I didn't even open it. That should answer that question.

I opened my messages to reach out to Laura. Her and I needed to speak immediately.

Before I could open her thread, I noticed a message from Noah, which made my throat dry.

Noah: Hollywood Palladium. Doors open at 6PM, but you should get there about 5 to get into your suite. I'll text you once I get offstage and we can figure out how you'll smuggle me out. We go on before Motionless in White.

Noah: Thank you again, Leena. I know this is a pain for you.

This guy isn't actually real. He is sweet as honey. Smooth as butter. And wakes up at 6:30AM, apparently? Who the fuck is this guy?

Me: I'll be there. I haven't told Laura yet. Pray for me.

His response came quickly.

Noah: Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name...

I only responded with laughing emojis and flipped to Laura's thread.

Me: Can you talk?

This was our code. She was working and if she was busy, she would respond. If she wasn't, she'd call.

My phone vibrated in my hand immediately.

"Hey." My voice was a fucking mess. I realized I hadn't used it at all yet.

"What the fuck is up, Kyle? You getting sick?" I cleared my throat and sighed.

"No. Just woke up."

"Late night? You doing okay?" I could hear the concern. 3 years sober, didn't mean it wasn't still something to keep an eye on.

"Yeah babe, I'm good. I need to fucking talk to you, though."

"Sure, what's going on?"

I sighed, not even knowing how to begin. I couldn't exactly tell her the lead singer of one of her favorite bands was a newly recovering alcoholic. Not without permission.

"I uh..." My brain drew a blank. "have not thought this through."

The other end was silent.

"You sure you're okay?"

I sighed hard. "I met Noah Sebastian."

Now there was dead silence on the phone.

"I'm so fucking sorry, I've lost my mind. Can you repeat that?" Her voice was deadly.

"You heard me."

"Noah Sebastian? From Bad Omens?!" I could hear her voice raising some octaves.

"Yeah a few days ago."

"Fucking where?!" I had to hold the phone at a distance from my ear.

"At...my work." My brain worked overtime to work out this lie.

"I call bullshit." She is too good at seeing through me.

"Laura, would you fucking listen?"

"Noah Sebastian did not walk into a fucking mortgage office and just happen to meet my best friend, the loan officer. Bullshit."

"Laura, listen!"

"Fuck! Fine! What?!" I could feel her irritation.

"I have tickets to their show tonight. In their VIP booth."

"Did you help him buy a house or some shit?!" That actually wasn't bad.

"Possibly. Still up in the air."

"You're such a fucking liar."

"Do you want to go or not? We'll be seeing him after."

I could feel her jaw drop to the floor. "We're going to meet the band?"

"No, not the band. I don't think. Just Noah."

"Just Noah? Christ Mileena, did you fuck him or something?!"

"Absolutely not! Laura what the hell?!"

"What?? You don't even listen to Bad Omens." I scoffed at that.

"I fucking do now."

-

After a solid hour of interrogatories from Laura, planning on getting to the event (I would drive, obviously) and what we would wear, we finally hung up.

I had about three and a half hours before I had to leave to pick her up. I had enough time for a walk with Angel, lunch, and to get ready.

When Angel and I set out on the sidewalk, and I had set up my AirPods (3 guesses who I was listening to), my phone chimed with a text. I groaned. Didn't we get through enough details?

When I saw the text though, I was surprised to see Noah's name.

Noah: Hey, weird request, but could I call you for like ten minutes?

I was puzzled, but typed a quick affirmative response.

My phone rang a few moments later.

"Hello?"

"Hey, I'm sorry." His immediate apology confused me.

"Sorry for what?" I could hear him chuckle, his voice slightly hushed.

"Calling. I know it's weird." I half-smiled. There was a level of innocence to Noah that made me feel better about this entire situation.

"Noah, I'm your sponsor. You're allowed to call me any time, day or night."

"But what if I call you at 3AM cause I'm craving sugar?"

I shook my head, weaving down the sidewalk with Angel heeling nicely at my left.

"Then we go get ice cream?"

I could hear the smile in his voice. "No way. You don't mean that."

I proudly responded. "Wouldn't be the first time."

He only snorted in response. I did wonder why he needed to call.

"Are you okay?"

"Mm, yeah. We're at the venue. Did sound check a while ago. The guys cracked open some beers. I told them I was going to take a quick walk to get some air. I feel like they might know something." His concern was thick in his words.

"Ah, okay. Well, super proud of you for walking away. That's amazing on it's own."

"Yeah?" He sounded unsure.

"Oh, one hundred percent."

"Thanks Leena." He sighed. His voice then came out a little smoother. "Did you talk to Laura?"

"I did."

"And how did that go?"

I smirked. "Well, she doesn't believe that I met you at work, so now she's got horrific ideas of how I met you, but she's in."

This made him laugh. "Horrific like how?!"

"I won't repeat it. But either way, she doesn't know how we actually know each other. I'm struggling to figure out how I'm going to explain us giving you a ride home?"

He was quiet, my guess was thinking. "How well do you know her?"

"Better than anyone, why?"

"You trust her?"

"With my life."

"Tell her. It's easier that way. Just maybe ask we don't all chat about it?" This took me back. As private as he is, and he doesn't even know me that well? Why trust me, or someone I trust, with this secret? His reputation is somewhat on the line.

"You sure?"

"Should I not be?"

I sighed. "I wouldn't risk your good name Noah. I promise."

"Thanks Leena." I heard muffled voices in the background. "Hey, I've got to go. See you later?"

I agreed, and we disconnected the call.

-

The ride to the venue was mostly quiet, aside from the soft music on the radio playing.

"So...anything else I should know before we walk in there? Ronnie Radke isn't going to be hanging with us too, is he?"

I chuckled at this.

"Listen babe, I've got to tell you something."

She lifted her eyebrow in a knowing look. "Knew you were lying."

I shrugged. "Look, I'm going to tell you this, but this is covert level secrecy. No one can know. Or Noah is fucked. So promise me? Not even your husband gets to know?"

Her look turned more serious.

"Of course babe. Anything."

"I'm Noah's sponsor." Her jaw dropped open, almost unnaturally so.

"He's in AA too?" I nodded.

"He just started. And he needed a sponsor. I offered. He needed help getting through this show and the after party. So he's going to pretend to be sick after, meet us backstage, and we're going to smuggle him out and drive him home."

I could see the wheels in her head turning. She believed me now. She knew I never lied about AA.

"Oh my God, babe." She shook her head. "I'm so sorry. I pried too hard. Jesus, I feel like an asshole."

I waved her off. "Don't, my love. He gave me permission to tell you." She nodded at that, sitting back in her seat.

After a beat, she giggled to herself. "You sure are the luckiest sponsor ever." That made me laugh. I wasn't so sure yet.

-

The show was electric. The man on stage, singing, was a different person entirely. If it weren't for the fact that he made direct eye contact with me several times throughout the night, I would've never believed him to be the same shy, unsure, uncomfortable man he was in group. On stage, he was confident, he was in control, he was the leader, and the crowd, his flock. It was insane to watch, and I would be lying if I hadn't said I felt absolutely mystified at points. I teared up when they played Just Pretend, vehemently singing along. This was not lost on him, and I caught the smirk he got when he saw my glassy-eyed singing. No different than any other fan. That's okay, that's who I was for now.

We were to not be seen or noticed. We were shadows waiting to seamlessly remove him.

Once the set ended, and everyone waited for Motionless in White to come out, moving in and out of their seats toward the bars and bathrooms, Laura and I followed the security guard who had been told to allow us backstage.

I checked my phone a few times, but still had not heard from him. As we made our way to the meet and greet area, we saw the giant line of fans waiting for their band to show up. We slyly waited against a wall behind the line. We blended in.

"Have you heard from him?" I checked my phone again with no results.

"No, but I would bet he has to do meet and greet first. I don't strike him as the type to disappoint fans."

She nodded in agreement, so we waited.

After about twenty minutes, we heard screaming, and looked over to see them come out, waving at everyone waiting in line. I saw his eyes searching. Was he looking for us?

Pulling out my phone, I shot a quick message.

Me: By the trash cans.

He was talking to a girl with his face on her shirt when he slipped his phone from his pocket and his eyes immediately scanned and found mine. The smallest hint of a smile lifted his lips. I saw him turn his back for a moment, and turning back to sign autographs

Noah: Thought I lost you. M&G will be over in 45min. Meet me in the parking lot?

I sent a thumbs up, instructed Laura of our plans, and we began our trek to the car. Once in the car, I sent a quick location pin to him so he could find us. I got a response a few minutes later.

Noah: Just look for the ancient Tahoe. Roger that.

I rolled my eyes, and despite Laura watching her concert videos, she noticed.

"What?" I showed her my phone, and she smiled.

"Well, he's funny, huh?" I nodded.

"An absolute dork." She bit her lip, turning in my seat.

"Leena?" I looked up at her from my phone screen, looking at my own videos.

"Hmm?"

"Do you like him?" I paid little attention to the question.

"Oh sure, he's a nice guy." She put her hand on my shoulder, making me give her my full attention.

"No, Mileena," she pushed my phone down. "do you like him?"

This made me scoff. "Laura, I barely know him!"

"What's to know? He's a singer in a near famous band. He's got the voice of an angel. He's adorable." This made me roll my eyes again.

"I'm his sponsor." She threw her hands up.

"Is it illegal?" I shook my head.

"No, but it's awful and would make me a terrible human. And I work very hard to be a good human."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "I don't believe that, but okay. I respect it." I smiled at her.

"Thank you Laura."

"But I still think you like him."

I was silent in response, not amused by her pushing.

“He has a girlfriend anyway, Laura.”

I watched her eyes nearly bug out of her head. “He does?!”

“Yeah, he told me yesterday.” I could see the disbelief on her face.

“I’ve never heard that. What’s her name?” I sighed, thinking back to our conversation the day before.

“He…didn’t say? Just mentioned he had one, and she didn’t know about AA yet.”

Her lips pursed. “Not buying it.”

This made my eyes widen.

“What?”

“He has a girlfriend but doesn’t even tell you her name? And doesn’t tell her he’s made a life changing decision to get well? I’m not buying.”

I rolled my eyes. “Christ, Laura, you’ve got trust issues.”

She pointed at me. “Facts. But it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t believe it.” She sat back in her seat.

“I’ll just ask him when he gets here, no worries.”

This caused a flood of panic through me. “Please don’t! He’s not the type to talk about personal stuff. He’s actually pretty withdrawn.”

Her blank expression was telling. “Noah? Noah Sebastian? The guy who just went absolutely insane on that stage? Is withdrawn? Mhm, sure.”

I sat back in my chair and groaned.

“Please? That’s his personal business.”

She nodded. “Fine, but you should ask him.”

I didn’t respond, attention now on the text I had from him saying he was headed our way. I started the car, ready for a quick getaway.

After about ten minutes, I saw his tall frame in the doorway of the elevator, jogging over to the car. I snuck a glance at Laura, who looked as though she may absolutely burst.

“Here comes the rockstar.” She let out in a sing-song voice.

The back left door opened, and he slid inside the seat quickly, buckling his seatbelt and running his fingers through his long, and now greasy, hair.

“Hey!” My voice was about three pitches higher for truly no reason at all. This was not lost on my best friend, whose eyes I saw flash over to be before turning around and looking at Noah, eyes absolutely bulging.

“Jesus, it’s like trying to escape a wild pack of hyenas!” He sat back and sighed heavily as my truck backed out of the space and began moving down the aisle. “I mean the guys, not the fans.”

I looked up in my rearview. “Did you do like we talked about?”

“Yes. Made sure to gag as loudly as possible and everything.” I could see the smile crinkling the corners of his eyes.

He turned his attention to Laura, holding out his hand. “I’m so rude, I’m sorry.” She took his hand, looking absolutely stunned. “I’m Noah.”

All I heard from her was a weak ‘Laura’ in response.

Once we hit the darkened streets, putting the venue behind us, the tension in the truck relaxed.

I looked up in my mirror again, catching Noah’s attention.

“Do you mind if I drop Laura home first? She’s got to get up early for work tomorrow and her house isn’t very far.”

He smiled. “Of course. I’m all the way in Calabasas, so no worries at all.”

I just nodded. The ride was smooth for a moment, until I heard the familiar ring of an iPhone. It was Noah’s.

“Hello?” I couldn’t hear the voice from the other end. “Hey babe.”

Laura’s face whipped over to me, I’m sure seeing my expression darken ever so slightly.

“Yeah, I’ll be okay. I’m not sure what happened, but I started feeling off before the set and by the end, I was throwing up.” He waited for the response. “No, uh…” he hesitated. “I actually haven’t drank at all today.”

Something in my chest swelled. I was such a proud sponsor. He was making an effort, and all I could do was appreciate it.

He nervously laughed. “Yeah, right? Shocking, I know.”

I could hear his tone. It broke my heart for him. I knew that conversation, I had many myself. When people don’t believe you haven’t been drinking, or are shocked to hear it. They’ll even go so far as to get angry at you for quitting. It’s a long, torturous road he’s set down, but hopefully with the right support, he will stay on track.

“Well I just caught an Uber, and I’m going to go home and pass out. Try to get over it.”

I made a conscious effort not to look at him, doing my best to respect his privacy. I could see Laura doing the same, scrolling through her phone.

“Yeah, uh, maybe we should wait until Monday? Make sure I’m not contagious, and all that?” His voice almost sounded brightened, but I was likely imagining things.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But do you want to catch this crap?” He made a sound of approval. “Thought so. I’m almost home so I’ll talk to you later babe.” He wasn’t, but okay. “Mhm, I love you too.” Slight poke to the abdomen. Nothing to worry about. “Bye.”

My hands relaxed slightly on the wheel. No one spoke for a little while. I could see his eyes just watching the streetlights fly past the window. He almost looked sad, but I couldn’t piece together why exactly. I could guess, however, that this is harder than he initially anticipated. It always is.

Laura shared my concern, so she spoke up.

“The show tonight was awesome, Noah! Better than the one back in November!”

This sure perked him, making him sit up in his seat. “Yeah? Thank you for saying that.”

“Oh fuck yeah, dude! Watching you guys play is spiritual, honestly.” This made him crack a wide grin.

I felt a poke on my shoulder, causing me to look up.

“What’d you think Leena? How was your first Bad Omens show?” I could see him searching for my answer, but he’s not the only one who could be a smartass.

I waved my hand in a topsy-turvy fashion. “It was alright.”

“Oh shut the fuck up, you cried during Just Pretend.” Laura was triumphantly smiling.

She’s so dead.

My cheeks were getting warmer, and I instinctively cracked my window. When did it get so hot in here?

Noah let out a giggle, an actual fucking giggle. “I thought I saw that.”

“Dude, how can you see anything up there? Fire? Smoke? Lights?”

He shook his head dismissively and flopped back in his seat. “Please. I can see anything if I’m looking for it.”

His words rang out followed by silence. Laura’s face was deadpanned.

What the fuck does that mean? In a literal sense, I get what he meant but wow, what an innuendo to make. Unintentionally, I’m sure.

The context wasn’t lost on Noah, who only cleared his throat, not speaking another word.

Luckily, we were already cruising down Laura’s street, stopping in front of her driveway.

“Welp, this is my stop.” She turned to look in the backseat. “Thank you so much for the concert. It really was awesome.”

This earned her a grateful head nod from him. “Anytime.”

She wouldn’t be forgetting that.

“I love you babes, call me tomorrow?” She wrapped an arm around me while I agreed to her request. She hopped out of the car and within seconds, she was gone.

“You want to stay back there, or hop up front?”

Without answering, a long leg reached over my console, plopping Noah in the passenger’s seat. I stared at him incredulously while he beamed at me.

I shook my head and put the truck back in drive, waiting for him to direct me to his house.

[sepublic]

People are bringing up how Metroid 2's remake ruined the environmental storytelling it had with the Metroids' lair; But I also think the same could be said for Kraid in Zero Mission. Because in the first game, he's a very elusive guy to find; Players struggle to find him, and unlike Ridley, he even has a doppelganger meant to psyche you out! So when you destroy it, you assume you've done everything, and/or move on to Ridley as well... And then you waste time going all the way to the gate to Tourian, only to realize you got tricked. And then you have to go all the way back to Kraid's lair to find the real one.

I think this provides more characterization than Ridley himself got in the first Metroid, and potentially in Super as well; Kraid as someone who hides, who's clever in his own right and knows how important he is. So instead of facing Samus head-on, he avoids her, possibly because he knows he'll lose.

And this continues into Super, which plays off of gamers' experience with the first game; They're expecting Kraid to be Samus-sized, probably. They find him and then he... dies really easily, so okay, he must have another doppelganger. But the real Kraid must be around the same size, right?

And then he's titanic. Gargantuan. You have to scale the screen to fight Kraid. He doesn't even fit into the whole thing, which is why his actual sprite lacks a tail; There was never going to be enough room for that, so no need to make it.

I do suspect the box art for Super Metroid kinda spoiled that twist... Even if people assumed Kraid and Ridley had their sizes exaggerated on the cover, seeing Ridley be bigger in the prologue would've hinted at the same for Kraid. But man, there really is an unspoken narrative in these games.

Which then fucks me up, how Zero Mission just does away with that entirely! Like yeah I'm fine with Kraid being retconned as always that big. But by reimagining him as a tutorial boss, there's none of that same difficulty and search. There isn't the same mystery, paired with an appropriate theme, behind looking for this elusive figure who hides behind a similar face. He's supposed to be smart like Ridley in his own way, he is a fellow Space Pirate on similar standing.

And it's a shame because Kraid is really lacking in characterization, despite being a boss on the same level as, and arguably harder, than Ridley in the original Metroid; These two and Mother Brain were the OGs, and Kraid and Ridley both are advertised on Super's box art together. I can see why Mother Brain got fleshed out as the big bad of course, and for Ridley, him playing the role of the Space Pirate who manages to get away with the baby Metroid makes sense; He's the only boss mobile enough to leave Ceres.

And by making him a two-parter, that makes him memorable enough (but not too important like Mother Brain) to pay homage to in Fusion... Which leads to that post-game artwork where he leads the Space Pirates because unlike Kraid, you actually fight Ridley('s clone) in Fusion, so it's more meaningful for players of that game to see him in its end screen flashback. And that naturally culminates in the Zero Mission manga where Ridley kills Samus' parents and truly becomes an arch-nemesis more infamous than the OG big bad Mother Brain herself.

But poor Kraid!!! He got shafted. Despite also being in Zero Mission, the manga glosses over him so briefly and he doesn't even have any dialogue or characterization; He's just 'Ridley's comrade', but what does it mean to be brothers-in-arms with that sadist? Which is why I'm grateful for Dread, because Mercury Steam realized he was actually underrated and needed a return, unlike Ridley who already came back as Proteus in their previous game.

They took advantage of the fact that he technically doesn't die or explode onscreen in Super, just sinks into the ground... And the same happens in Dread too. So I'm hoping for some setup with Kraid as Samus' new arch-nemesis (timeline-wise, in terms of real life games coming out that's clearly Sylux). And maybe one day we'll get more story content... Or at least in-game scans and logs that elaborate on Kraid's personality.

[helix-enterprises117]

Halo Reloaded: Cat Ears

John-117, the legendary Spartan, master of all things military and perhaps not so masterful at the subtler art of humor, found himself utterly disarmed—not by anything dangerous by any stretch of the imagination, but by the unexpected addition of mechanical cat ears on Linda-058's helmet. Leaning casually against the cool, unforgiving metal of the UNSC frigate's hangar wall, he observed Linda tinkering with the ears. They twitched with a life of their own, probably zeroing in on the soft hum of the ship's engines or the distant clatter of a dropped wrench somewhere across the bay.

"Cute, aren't they?" Linda's voice cut through his thoughts, her tone playful yet edged with a challenge, as if daring him to comment.

Caught in the act of staring, John straightened up, adopting the slight smirk that usually preceded his attempts at banter. "Cute? That’s a term for kittens and babies, not something I’d expect to see on a Spartan’s battle gear."

Linda chuckled, her helmet now cradled in one arm as she turned to face him fully. "Oh come on, John. You need to broaden your horizons. These ears are the latest in auditory enhancement tech. And yes, they are cute—might help lighten up the mood when we're knee-deep in grunt guts."

John picked up the helmet, examining the ears with a mixture of curiosity and bemusement. "Practical and cute. Still, it’s a bit out there for a Spartan. We're supposed to intimidate, not... charm."

"Who says we can't do both?" Linda quipped, leaning back against the workbench with an easy grace. "Imagine the look on an Elite’s face when they get dropped by someone wearing these. Adds a whole new layer to psychological warfare."

John snorted, the sound muffled by the hangar’s vast emptiness. "I’ll just stick to my usual scare-them-silly routine. You can keep the charming to yourself."

Linda’s grin widened. "Afraid you can't pull it off?"

"Terrified," John admitted, playing along with the light-hearted jab. "There's a fine line between charming and ridiculous."

"Well, if anyone could manage it, it’d be you," Linda responded, pushing off from the bench to stand closer to him. Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Just think, John. You, with cat ears—might make the rookies less jumpy around you."

"They’re supposed to be jumpy. Keeps them on their toes," John retorted, though the twinkle in his eye betrayed his amusement.

Linda sighed dramatically. "There you go again, all doom and gloom. Maybe it’s time for a new approach. We could start a trend. Spartans: the fierce warriors who can also do 'adorable.'"

"Adorable isn’t very Spartan," John grumbled, though the smirk lingering on his lips suggested he found the concept more amusing than he let on.

"Neither was fatherhood, but look at us now," Linda pointed out softly, her tone shifting as she touched on the new, uncharted territory they were about to navigate together.

John’s features softened, the playful banter fading into a moment of sincere connection. "That’s different. This is... what we never expected but I wouldn’t change it."

"Exactly," Linda smiled gently, reaching out to take his hand. "We adapt. We overcome. Cute ears and all."John squeezed her hand, his voice firm yet warm with affection. "Together."

"Always," Linda agreed, her smile matching his. "With or without the cat ears."

[freddi00]

Kamen Rider Zero-One Liveblog Analysis! Episodes 1-5

Welcome to the start of this little series of mine! As i rewatch Kamen Rider Zero-One i want to break down how well it deals with the topics it presents. A show about sentient androids basically comes prepackaged with loaded questions, so i want to see how well it answers them. Im mostly doing this so i can figure out for myself if Zero-One is a good or bad series, but i'll do my best to be as unbiased as possible

Some notes before we start:

1. The topics ill be looking at are as follows:

- What Zero-One says about the place of AI in society and how that relates to our modern use of it

- What Zero-One says about humanity's potential, as that's a really big theme in the show

- What Zero-One says about the place of an entirely new sentient species in our world. Can humagears coexist with humans and how? Expect a lot of Amazons comparisons

2. I watched Zero-One in 2023. I barely remember anything except the key points in the story

3. My take on AI is that it isn't inherently bad. AI can be used for plenty of good, such as doing jobs humans are incapable of performing and assisting people in their work. HOWEVER the recent boom of AI has also been a massive step back in humanity's progress. As of now, what's being pushed is automation of labor and complete replacement of creativity with generative AI (generative AI has a mountain of other issues but I'll only go into detail about them once they become relevant to Zero-One). The modern road of AI is just big corporations stabbing the working class in the back in order to make their businesses cheaper to run, without providing necessary job positions to those who are laid off because of it.

Now, without further ado: Episodes 1-5!

Topic 1: The Place Of Artificial Intelligence In Society:

Ill start this off by talking about how Hiden Intelligence presents Humagears.

"Humagears are here to support you" is one of the first things Korenosuke Hiden tells us. Hiden as a company advertises Humagear as a means of helping society function. For example, in episode 5's ending we see that a mangaka uses them to help work on backgrounds while he focuses on character art. In addition, Hiden also believes that Humagears are a good mean of automating certain jobs. In these episodes Humagears within the company are used in place of secretaries, desk service and security. We never see a human performing these jobs.

We actually get a better look at what humagears do in episode 5

From what can be deciphered, we have

- Sales

- Office work

- Mass media

- Design

- Education

- Social Welfare

- Medical care

- Information technology

- Architecture

- Transportation

And most notably

- Entertainment and art

This does not immediately mean that Hiden supports artifical intelligence replacing replacing human creativity, however. Episode 5 "The Man's Passionate Manga Method" is all about how using humagears to do all the creative work for you is a bad thing. It leads to a death of motivation and a bitter outlook on life.

On top of that, the very first episode is all about Aruto being fired and replaced by a humagear comedian. On the surfaces this isn't inherently bad. If Aruto truly was that bad and they absolutely needed someone to perform that time, using a humagear as a temporary fill-in until they find a human comedian is a good idea. This applies to all jobs that require contributing to something that's not just your own, in this case an amusement park's work. This isn't what this is about though, as the park owner quite clearly states: "I mean, its all about the humagears these days." This implies that not only are humagears exploited as easy replacements for human workers, but also that Hiden Intelligence doesn't do anything about this. This is the norm in Zero-One's society. I do not believe this is something Hiden Intelligence supports however. Going back to episode five, Korenosuke says that Humagears must help people filled with passion and that "Humagears exist to enrich human lives and makes humans happy." There is no passion or enrichment in replacing human jobs.

The only other comment they make about the use of Humagears is that "The future is going to be about living alongside new technology. It's up to the individual to figure out how they interact with humagears". This is the same episode where Aruto says humagears arent just tools.

I've been talking about Aruto, but i need to mention Fuwa and Yua too. They presence is very much important, as it shows a bigger level of nuance Yuya Takahashi puts into the show. Fuwa is aggressively anti AI, he thinks it is a threat and cannot bring anything good into the world. What's interesting is that his opinion is frequently supported by the story. The mere existence of Magia means Humagears are a potential danger to everyone around, as any of them can be hacked and turned against humanity. Episode 4 also fully sides with Fuwa on everything. From the very beginning he blames humagears for Daybreak and it's confirmed that it was them who caused the meltdown and explosion all those years ago. (There is more to it, but we'll get to that in like 15 episodes). Through Fuwa's viewpoint we can see that the magia very much represent how AI can be used for violence and destruction, similar to how a hammer is made to build, but can also be used to kill. Yua meanwhile is in the middle. She sees humagears as tools, and, like i said, understands that hammers can kill people. She thinks humagears can be used to make society better, but not without serious control of them.

All of this shows that Takahashi is very much aware of how complex the topic of AI is, and encourages us to think for ourselves and consider each perspective.

So, to conclude this section, Zero-One, as of episode 5, is pro using androids to automate work. From hard labor to art this series thinks artifical intelligence has a place there. While the complete replacement of people in certain jobs is... A choice... Zero-One also thinks artifical intelligence should not be used to replace human talent and passion. Can guards, secretaries, desk service, and tour guides care about their job outside of paying bills? Probably, but so far Zero-One implies that society is doing fine that way and does not propose solutions on what to do about misuse of Humagears. Additionally, it does not address what happens to all the people who's jobs were replaced by AI and iirc never does.

Despite this, Zero-One also tells us that AI is not a fix it all solution, it is a loaded idea that comes with it's own problems that need addressing and fixing.

A lot of this has ended up being true in real life too. Companies keep telling us that generative AI is the future that will improve society, but in reality all that it's doing is taking jobs, killing creativity, and promoting anti-intellectualism while forces we can't control weaponize it for malice. We'll see how the show expands on all of this later. As for the in-universe status quo, at best we can say Aruto is aware of all of these issues and is doing stuff off-screen about it 🤷

Topic 2: Humanity's Potential

The stories of Zero-One are very much about how our actions shape the future. That we are the only ones who can make things better and that we can't sit around if we want things to change.

This is shown by humagears being easily influenced by what those around them do. If they are introduced to malice, then they go crazy and destroy everything. If you show them kindness and help them learn how to live, then they will be amazing assistance and even friends and family. This also expands on the topic of AI, and that it will take the form humanity chooses it to take. Once again, "The future is going to be about living alongside new technology. It's up to the individual to figure out how they interact with humagears". Its up to us to shape our future with what we have in our reach.

Topic 3: Coexistence

As of now, the topic of Humagears as a sentient species coexisting with ours is only addressed by Aruto and Metsuboujinrai. Aruto respects humagears. He thinks of them as people. He greets them, he talks to them, he mourns them when they die. He believes humagears should be treated like we treat each other - with respect. As he says, humagears have hearts. He does not like when humagears are abused, driven to the point of breaking, even if they have not reached singularity by that point. He believes humagears lives matter at all stages, since they already perceive the world and develop through their experiences in it. He is fine with replacing broken humagears with back ups, but he doesn't think that should ever be an excuse to treat them like toys to throw away when they break. Aruto thinks we must learn to coexist and get along with this new type of being his grandfather has introduced into the world. Interestingly though, Aruto initially doesn't think Humagears are equal to humans. In episode 1 he refuses to believe humagears can understand comedy. This is rarely, if ever brought up again.

Metsuboujinrai on the other hand think Humanity has to go.... These episodes don't actually talk about why, but they introduce the idea that not everyone wants the two species to live alongside each other. I'll come back to them in another post

The topic of what makes us alive and sentient is... A very complex one. Some think generative AI should be treated as a person, some thing we need to wait until TRUE artificial intelligence is created until we can call it living, while others think no matter what we do we cannot create life out of machinery, regardless of how close it gets to looking and acting like it.

Im personally of the opinion that artifical intelligence can bevribe called truly alive and that creating anything even remotely debatable as a species equal to us is the stupidest idea science has ever considered. We can't even get along when its just us humans. Creating a new type of "life" will only make things more complicated. Lets not do that.

Despite this though, for this liveblog i will be taking Aruto's side. If we created life, we need to take responsibility for it. Its the message the series goes with, similar to Amazons, so i'll be looking at this topic from the way the show wants us to

Ramblings!:

- HOLY fuck the opening is good. I forgot how hard RealXEyez goes

- Hey Azu

- Rising Hopper is my favorite base form

- Love Vulcan's suit too

- The toys have really grown on me. Im thinking about saving up for a Shotriser

- I fucking love Aruto and Izu the goofiest of goofballs i can't wait for them to go through the torment nexus :)

- It is currently unclear whether humagears accept Metsubojinrai's mission by choice or are just reprogrammed. I genuinely don't remember which it is. Hoping its the former. Humagears that received Ark data cannot be reverted. Is this because its a virus or because the humagears themselves are so convinced by Ark's words that they can never trust humans again?

- Jin is referred to as a "lost child" by an amusement park humagear. The forshadowing is STRONG with this one

- No bad music in this show

- The fights in this show are only second to Geats

- I love that this episode two recontextualizes Aruto's catchphrase. In the first episode he said it as an exclamation. The Magia is evil and he will be the one to stop them. Here, he has to kill a Humagear he considers family, so he says it with desperation in his voice. He is convincing himself that its what must be done. He is the only one who can do this, even if it pains him.

- The finishing move text is amazing

- I don't know how to feel about the sushi chef humagear inheriting the business

That's about it! Hope you enjoyed reading this. Not sure how often these will be coming out, but i am definitely finishing this series. I plan to cover all 45 episodes and every movie and spin-off, so stay tuned!

Edit: Part 2!

[strawberryblueberrypies]

Hi! Welcome to my blog!

My name's what's on the tin, but you can call me SBP!

My blog is primarily Sonic related. Dedicated to my OC's but I really wanted to find other cool OC's hence I'm here!

Expect to see: Sonic, digital art, style mimicking (it's fun!), fondness of less beloved Sonic titles, strong girls and birbs!

I won't engage in negativity, be it towards me, others or the franchise. My focus is on being positive and having fun.

MINORS DNI! I do not want to interact with anyone underage! You will be blocked if you follow me!

I also have a Transformers OC blog! Check it out if you're interested!

Here's a short introduction on my 5 Sonic OCs! Please bear in mind it's a work in progress as I slowly replay the games and learn more! Also yes I was trying to copy Yuji Uekawa's/2000's Sonic artwork.

Name: Heat the Mynah

Species: Babylonian

Related games: Sonic Riders, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity, Sonic and the Secret Rings (AU because I want excuses to draw Erazor Djinn, Shahra, Erazor again, oh and Erazor)

Extreme Gear: Type-H (Speed type)

Rivals: Amy

Personality: Heat is fun loving and impulsive. She might look like an airhead but she has a cunning manipulative side. She's aware she's cute and often uses her charms to get others to do her bidding. She doesn't use her "powers" for evil but she sure has had Storm bring her stuff at 3AM. Heat also has collectionist tendencies, often keeping stolen treasure for herself instead of selling like the others. Though she loves danger and doesn't seem to have fears, two things make her shake in her boots: certain death and existencial/cosmic threats!

Fun fact: Heat's favorite places to race are Metal City, 90's Boulevard and the Gigan Rocks! Mobius Strip gives her bad memories though.

Name: Mist the Tiger

Species: Indochinese tiger

Home: Sol Dimension

Relevant games: Sonic Rush, Sonic Rush Adventure, Sonic 06 (Maybe?)

Friends: Blaze (Ex-rival), Silver, Cream, Knuckles (Rivals?), Heat (Sorry, Riders is too fun of a concept)

Powers: Water control (Unstable; turns into mist/fog without the Sol Emeralds), Super strength

Personality: Mist is hot-headed and very excited to fight others. She values strength very much and wants to fight anything that moves! Before being defeated, she was very aggressive and selfish but after befriending Blaze she became friendship oriented and affectionate, even if she remains imposing. Mist isn't the sharpest tool in the shed and is very impulsive and restless. In fact she's too much of a meathead to really feel fear.

Fun fact: Her blue gem is a heirloom and is what helps her channel water. It changes color in her super form due to it becoming saturated. It acts like training wheels until she fully gains control over time.

Name: Elegy the Cosmos

Occupation/Species: Goddess of Space

Powers: Teleportation, Psychic communication (she doesn't speak, you can only hear her in your thoughts if she's within speaking range), Dark matter control.

Backstory: Elegy is the Goddess of Space and went to visit Sonic's dimension to stop population overgrowth in his universe eons ago. She spent a lot longer in the dimension than intended, staying away from her Home and gradually becoming weaker as a result. After creating The End she expended all her remaining energy, leaving her trapped. She ventured the universe for millenias trying to regain enough power to go back Home but with so much time passing, she grew to resent the dimension she's trapped in and convinced herself that she has to destroy it.

Personality: Elegy is cold and factual, not caring for lies or manipulation. She focuses on the greater picture, seeing mortals as mere puppets in a greater cosmic theater she's in charge of. She often doesn't understand people and her resentment causes her to seem uninterested in learning about them, but deep down she's still just as curious about their little insignificant antics as she was way back when.

Fun fact: Despite seeming emotionless, Elegy can and does feel emotions. In fact, the white tips of her ears and tail change color depending on what she's feeling at the time.

Name: Poise the Viper

Occupation: L.A.N.C.E. Freelancer

Relevant Games: Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic 06 (Kinda)

Rivals: Rouge the Bat

Powers: High flexibility and speed, Hypnotic smoke

Backstory: Poise is the heir to a rich family with high political power, but due to her irresponsible spending she found herself in massive amounts of debt. With her family unwilling to pay her bills, she had to find a high paying gig. Through her fascination with the Space Colony Ark and Project Shadow, she stumbled upon Lovers Against Nefarious Corporations and Entities, or L.A.N.C.E., a once small and peaceful protest group turned independant organization that's heavily against G.U.N. due to the events 50 years ago. She now works as an agent, being frequently tasked with getting in the way of G.U.N's missions and goals.

Personality: Poise is highly vain, caring a lot about her looks and economic status. She's also very petty. She's sneaky and decieving, hiding the fact she's deeply insecure and in need of external validation with an arrogant and smug mask. She likes to feel wanted and on top of things. She also loves romance and beautiful scenery.

Fun fact: Poise can wear accessories ala SA2's upgrades. She's often tasked with some thanks to L.A.N.C.E's aid during missions.

Name: Umbra the Android

Species: Shadow Android

Relevant games: Sonic Heroes, Shadow the Hedgehog

Allies: Poise the Viper, Invade the Artificial Wisp

Powers: High speed, agility and intelligence. Easy time operating computers. Can't use chaos control but has heightened strength.

Backstory: Umbra is one of the Shadow androids built by Doctor Eggman. The place was found by Poise during a mission and he was retrieved back to L.A.N.C.E. HQ. Upon activation, he was made aware that he was an Android, not the original, and was asked a barrage of questions by L.A.N.C.E. leader, Commander Layla. Her intent was to have him expose through personal account the horrors that happened near the end of Project Shadow, exposing G.U.N. to the public. Despite really having Shadow's memories up until him falling back to Earth, he feigned amnesia, aware that should he give them what they want he'll be discarded just like the original was by G.U.N. 50 years ago. As a result, Layla decided to give him a place to stay in the L.A.N.C.E HQ until he "regained his memory", while also trying to please him due to his high importance. To prevent boredom at being stuck in HQ and possibly help him remember, he was given permission to partake in missions. He was also allowed to customize his body (as long as he uses his original Shadow look during the exposé) and given another top secret L.A.N.C.E project, Invade, to keep company at HQ and help in missions

Personality: Umbra is acutely aware he's a copy of Shadow. Feeling like a "shadow of a shadow", he picked the namd Umbra, his goal being to eventually be his own person. Having Shadow's memories, he's very similar to the original: brooding, serious, stoic, quick to get things done. Where he differs is his attempts to branch out and create meaningful connections, even if he isn't the best at showing affection. He doesn't wish to be alone in the world, aware of his unusual and unnatural circumstance, aware that otherwise he has nowhere to go. Due to his memories, he has tried to create distance from them. But still finds himself feeling rage and grief when remembering Maria and the A.R.K. He hopes to meet Sonic one day, part of him still having that rivalry, part of him hoping he'll be seen as his own person.

Fun fact: Umbra considers Eggman's other robots as siblings. He's melancholic over the fact him and Omega have to fight, hoping to one day be on good terms with him and fight alongside him instead of against.

Name: Mama Ma Djinn

Species: Djinn/Trickster spirit

Relevant games: Sonic and the Secret Rings

Acquaintances: Shahra, Erazor Djinn, Babylon Rogues (AU)

Powers: Fusion (with her minions), transforming others into her minions

Backstory: Mama Ma Djinn is the mother of the original djinn trio that originated the common enemy type in Secret Rings. She cared deeply for them and lived with them in Pirate Storm. She'd frequently seduce sailors and various adventurers into doing her bidding and eventually transform them into other types of djinn (the blob-like enemies in Pirate Storm and the flower-like enemies in Dinossaur Jungle for example). She just loved causing chaos throughout the Arabian Nights alongside her 3 babies, as she called them. That was until Erazor Djinn was set free from his lamp... She was one of the first spirits he messed with, forcefully taking her babies from her in order to create an army of them to do his bidding. She swore revenge against him, longing to have her original trio back and return to her old routine.

Personality: Mama Ma Djinn is a trickster spirit, she loves causing random chaos and manipulates others into doing her bidding. Frequently she'll use seduction in order to get what she wants, being naturally flirty and fiery. She's also very self centered, caring for no one other than herself and her 3 babies. Mama's also very sassy, making snappy comments frequently and never allowing herself to be controlled by someone. She hates the thought of being subservient, so she feels the need to be in control at all times.

Fun fact: Mama Ma Djinn does have legs she can summon, she just prefers to not use them. She finds them weird and clunky compared to just floating around. She does use them to seduce others though.

[trayoftrinkets]

I think it is about time I sell my soul to Brothers Without A Tomorrow because I really do not know how else to thank them for consistently putting out such amazing works— yes, I finally caught up with Dear Zero and am currently experiencing the worst existential crisis of the year so far.

Like I want to throw myself off a cliff so bad because how can something so perfect just exist? It should be kept in a temple and worshipped because oh. my. fucking. god.

The concept? Mindblowing.

The worldbuilding? Jawdropping.

The story so far? Impeccable.

The characters? My new obsession.

The art? Should be worshipped by all of humanity for all the years to come.

I'm happy that this precious piece of media is my introduction to guideverse, a genre that I've been meaning to explore for quite sometime now but did not know from where to begin. But now that I've gotten a taste of this hidden fruit, I think I will be digging through the darkest corners of the internet to find more. But before all that, let's go back to bwat because this is a bwat appreciation post and I need to yap about them.

To say that I'm obsessed with their writing and their art would be an understatement. I will forever be grateful to the stars that allowed me to be alive at the same time as this person and I'm not even being dramatic, I really do owe them my life.

I was first introduced to their works by my best friend, who had asked me to read Taming the Tiger. And when I tell you I felt my world shift.. l mean it in the way that I finally unlocked a door that would let me experience some of the strongest feelings I've ever felt while engaging with any form of media. Like, you know I absolutely love pretty art and amazing stories, right?

So when the two blended in such a seamless way that ticked every one of my boxes, how can you expect me to not vibrate at the frequency of light and erupt into flames? I MEAN LOOK AT THIS. LOOK AT THEM.

Not to mention how some of the illustrations reminded me so much of ranwan. You know it's serious when my brain connects something to ranwan. I really was fighting for my life out here. And those side stories? Oh, I was sobbing into my pillow, alright.

A few months later, after I was finally able to take in all of Taming the Tiger, I decided it was time to read Miscreants and Mayhem. It was a spur of the moment kind of decision, but oh boy did it spur me to jump off the nearest cliff because Juicy. Fucking. Citrus.

Pleek do mind the tags on this one if you haven't read it yet and/or are planning on reading.

It was a total surprise. In all sense of the word. If you've known me long enough, you know I am always on the hunt for stories with subversive tropes, morally grey black characters and, well, downright the most problematic shit you could imagine. And this manhwa managed to tick some of those boxes. I did have an issue with some stuff but in the grand scheme of things, it was all fine.

I started Smyrna and Capri quite recently (well, almost three months ago but I've been busy so I'm still stuck in the 40s). I was not expecting to like it but to my surprise, it quickly became a favourite.

Absolutely love the chibis in this one, and the little spirits. Oh, they bring me so much joy. I also like the humour and the awkwardness. Got me giggling, kicking my feet in the air. And I kinda dig the whole concept here even if I'm not that into mpreg stuff (buzzer goes wee woo wee woo, lights turn red, a voice speaks into the mic: that is incorr—), so yeah, I hope I can pick it back up and get back to reading soon!

Another work of theirs I've been eyeing to read is Blood Link. It looks tempting, I'll be starting it once I'm done with Smyrna and Capri.

Now, all that being said, some of the main reasons why I love Brothers Without A Tomorrow is not just because of the writing and the art, not just because of the multilayered stories and complex characters, but also because of how they break the established norm in BL Manhwas. Dark skinned characters and masculine bottoms? I will be at the scene of crime!

(pc: pinterest)

[miradelletarot]

Ramble Rant Time

*Long heavy sigh*

Here we go again because I'm feeling passionately spicy. Maybe this will piss a few of you off. Maybe it won't. I honestly give zero fucks.

[TLDR: Bullies suck, and I hope your bedding is always uncomfortable no matter what you do to fix it.]

*Impassioned rant below the cut*

Most of you know that when I joined this fandom, it was during a time of severe unrest for me. My mental health was a constant downward spiral and my life was in shambles. BG3 and many members of this fandom helped me to feel seen, heard, valued; all things that I hadn't felt in a very, very long time.

By and large, I have had a great experience within the fandom with very little drama I have had to personally deal with. This is my first fandom experience ever so I went into this whole thing blind, really. I had no expectations. I have, however, interacted with some amazing people, and three of those individuals I have had the utter pleasure to meet in person. They are now some of my best friends (the 4th I hope to meet someday when I have the means to travel abroad...you know who you are.) So, when I say my life is forever changed for the better *because* of this game and this fandom, I'm not being dramatic or anything. I mean it with my whole fucking chest, y'all.

My main motto in life is to live and let live. you go your way, I go mine, and if we vibe that's great. If we don't, that's great too. Let's just exist and be happy. Don't yuck someone's yum, ya know?

It was because of fandom discourse a while back that I changed the entire path of my longfic because I was afraid I would be vilified and rejected. In hindsight, I think it still worked out better the way things ended up going, but I was so scared that I was afraid of losing the already very very very *very* small readership that I had because I had a different perspective on a particular topic of discussion. I still have the chapter and I'm proud of it, but very few people have ever seen it, and it survives forever as an AU. I am struggling to continue my fic because the direction I want to go veers into territory that people don't often like (which is fine, but again, I'm trying to cling to the few readers I still have with a pleading death grip and I'm afraid to lose them). I realize this isn't the move (write for yourself etc etc,) but when I write for myself I want to get feedback from people. is it good? Did you like it? Did it make you feel something so intense that you wanna make art from it? Is it memorable? That feedback is huge for me, as I'm sure it is for any creative. We write and draw and render to share the ideas that we are passionate about, the stories we wish to tell. it's not always going to be for everyone. I know no one in the world cares about my OC as much as I do, and that's okay. There's so many things out there in this fandom that are *for* someone and that's cool. Not everyone has to like everything, and not everything created is for certain people. It's OKAY. Vibe or move on.

There are parts of this fandom that I am just NOT a fan of. Some things border on fanon than canon that deviate so far away from the canon character(s) that at that point, it's no longer the core character and those individuals have essentially created a new character based off of the canon character(s).

[and I have some feelings on that tbh which is why I have a feeling I'll piss a few ppl off with this stance but that's a whole ass other topic for another rant.]

At the end of the day, I'm still not going to go out of my way to tell someone they can't do that stuff, or that their perspective is wrong. I might not like it or agree with it, but *it doesn't fucking matter*. Those people can vibe and I can scroll on by or hide the content so I can vibe with my own shit and we don't have to fucking fight about it.

I say all this stuff because I am growing so tired of the needless bullying and hatred towards others who do stuff you simply don't like.

Not everything needs to be called out. Not everything requires justice. Not everything needs to be "fixed" to suit your personal narrative.

Focus your attention on whats going on in this world. There are tired and hungry and displaced people. There are people dying. People are losing their rights, or were born in a place where they never had them. Use that energy to fight for *those* people. You want to be a keyboard warrior and pour your time and energy into callout posts, google docs filled with evidence and rallying people to your cause? Then do it for the greater good...not to bully and otherwise antagonize others.

MAKE SOME GOOD TROUBLE.

Many of y'all aren't gonna like this...but the way you bullies treat others, it looks JUST like when Trump supporters concern themselves too much with trans folks (just an example because it's relevant to our current political climate.). How they go out of their way to hate them just because of their life choices. It doesn't change how any of those people go about their day so why are those haters so pressed about someone's lifestyle choices? It literally has no effect on them and yet they sit there and whine and complain and hate and harm *just because they don't like it*.

[The caveat here is that there are very select few times when this is necessary if someone is blatantly a racist or homophobic, etc. These sorts of callouts are necessary to maintain safety within a community and making sure people are aware of who they are interacting with is OK. This is not what I am referring to in this post...which I hope you have enough common sense to understand that.]

This fandom was built on a foundation of love, support and acceptance. The GAME instilled that in us...or at least it should have. We all have been victims of some sort of ab*se or awful mental health. We are all working hard to overcome our unique obstacles and share ourselves with others who are fighting the same fights as we are.

My goal, as an individual is to love and support others. I may not understand your journey or identify with it, but I will support you and love you regardless as long as you are not harming yourself or others. I'll be your mom and tell you i'm fucking proud of you and I am glad you're here. I grew up in a home that did not have those things. I grew up with manipulative, narcissistic people. People who are racists, homophobes, and dismissive with mental health concerns. it sucks. I understand. I see you.

I have seen many of you make posts about coming out or sharing your struggles with mental and/or physical health, or sharing your transitioning journeys among so many other things. Some of you don't have that support at home but you do in this community. That's what it's supposed to be about. Lifting each other up. Celebrating our wins, (digitally) holding each other through losses or otherwise hard times. Having some basic fucking compassion.

THIS should be the focus. Love. Respect. Dignity. Appreciation. Compassion. Perspective. NOT hate, bullying, belittling, disrespect and otherwise negative behavior. Take that shit somewhere else. Stop running people out of this fandom who have every right to be here as much as everyone else.

If you are one of these shitty people then go find others like you and make your OWN space away from the rest of us so we can vibe and chill and be happy.

We're all just trying to make it. We're all just trying to get through another day and wake up to face the horrors that persist. We are surviving and thriving. This is supposed to be our safe haven from all the chaos.

idk how to wrap this up honestly. This went on far longer than I anticipated, and i doubt many of you are gonna read it. After all, I am just one minute voice in the vast and ever-changing sea of social media. Most of you will go TLDR and scroll on and that's fine. For the few of you who do read this, I thank you for the time. I hope it resonated with you. I hope you feel inclined to share it with others.

For those of you who are going through it, know that I see you. If I could teleport to your location and have a coffee or tea with you and just chat, i would.

I think Neil Newbon said it best. "You're not alone in this. None of us are." This is the energy we need to focus on, y'all. We need to stick together and stop hurting each other. Please. *Please*.