#is it illegal if they’re giving it willingly???

[sunnyupsidedown]

One day there’s going to be an investigative journalist obsessed with exy who decides to lookup the net worth of all the top exy players and discover they’re lower than expected.

Initially, they think, maybe they don’t buy a lot and keep most of their money liquid so it’s harder to track their net worth, but then they find out that nearly all of the exy players are generous philanthropists. Donating what they think is well over fifty percent of their income to various charities.

That’s their article, they think. Exy, One of the Most Charitable Sports in Modern History!

But then they start looking into it further and things start to look… suspicious.

Every single Edgar Allen exy alum donates to a mixture of the same ten or so charities. They are all lesser know charities that range from bringing exy to underprivileged communities to children with rare forms of cancer to environmental activism organizations.

Even the power trio from PSU, Day, Josten, and Minyard, have donated to a few on that list and their contributions significant. The difference between them and Edgar Allen alum though is that they also donate to causes not on the list and related to their pasts.

So they look into the charities more, looking at the mission statements, finding their financials, even volunteering at some of them. And they discover that things don’t quite match up. Yes the charities work toward the goals laid out in their mission statement, but the money they receive from the exy donations should vastly change their day-to-day operations.

And that’s how they find out that all those charities are a part of an elaborate money laundering scheme involving the top exy players in the world.

Shortly after figuring that out and shortly after connecting exactly who is doing the money laundering, they disappear without a trace.

[sara-scribbles]

The Thing About Strings

Fandom: Twisted Wonderland Idia Shroud/GN!Reader Word Count: 6,348 Notes: This is loosely based off the concept of red strings of fate Warnings: None

Idia isn’t sure what god he upset, but something he did must’ve pissed someone off because he’s currently being stared down by some very aggressive looking Savanaclaw students. Not in a million years would he ever leave the safety of his room to seek out someone from another dorm, especially one filled with muscle heads.

However, Ortho had asked him to help out a friend, and Idia couldn’t say no to his brother. The only downside was that his friend did not answer their phone, so he was forced to seek them out. It is somewhat of a comfort that his brother came with him, but he’s very much regretting his decision.

A wolf beastman finally comes forward. “Um, can I help ya?” He at least isn’t glaring daggers at him. Idia vaguely recognizes him as a freshman.

Ortho greets the beastman cheerily, “Hello, Jack Howl! We’re looking for (Y/N).”

His brows scrunch together as he speaks, “Oh… Think they went to the field to help Vargas. They left a bit ago, but they should still be there.”

“Thank you!” Turning to Idia, who’s sweating bullets while clutching his tablet for dear life, Ortho tugs on his sleeve. “Come on, let’s go to the field.”

He willingly follows, glad to be away from all that aggressive energy. They arrive at the field but don’t see anyone.

Ortho does a quick scan before pointing them in the right direction. “I detect a bio reading over there.”

Nearing the edge of the field that borders the forest, there’s a single person out there. Standing with hands on their hips, they’re busy studying a dead tree. There’s a handful of power tools nearby. They touch the trunk of the tree and seem to give it a push, but it doesn’t budge.

As the brothers near, you proceed to wrap your arms around the middle of the tree. With a deep breath and slight grunt, you rip the tree from the ground. Idia’s eyes nearly pop out of his skull as he stops dead in his tracks. Balancing the tree on your shoulder, you turn and nearly smack him.

“Woah!” Eyes widening, you manage to avoid giving the dorm leader a concussion. You set the tree down while still keeping it up from falling.

“Hello, (Y/N)!” Ortho greets, waving excitedly.

“Heya, Ortho.” You turn a concerned gaze to Idia. “Sorry, didn’t see you there!”

Idia’s mouth opens and closes without a sound. He just witnessed someone uproot a tree without much effort with their bare hands. And they’re acting as if it’s not a big deal! There’s a nudge from his brother that finally brings Idia’s scrambling thoughts to a halt.

He quickly types out something on his tablet. “Ortho said you had some computer trouble that even he couldn’t figure out.”

“Oh yeah!” You snap your fingers. “I recently got some kind of virus because someone idiot decided to download something illegal without checking to see if it didn’t have anything fishy.” You roll your eyes. “Last time I let anyone borrow my laptop,” you grumble to yourself.

Sounds fairly simple. “Do you have your laptop with you now?”

“No, it’s back in my room. Hold on, let me drop this off and we can head back.” Hefting the tree back onto your shoulders, you carry it off the field and to an area piled with similar dead trees.

“Did you take care of all these?” Ortho asks, he’s busy already scanning the material.

“Yeah. Vargas needed help, and said he’d give me some extra time off from class if I did this.” You drop the tree in the pile.

Your strength stats must be off the charts, Idia thinks while eying the uprooted trees.

“Alright, let’s head back to my dorm.”

Idia internally screams at the idea of going back to Savanaclaw. However, he follows behind without a word as you and Ortho chatter. It’s not odd for his brother to make friends, though you seem to be fairly close to him. Idia had heard about you a few times, but never gave much thought. As long as his brother’s happy, Idia let him live his school life unbothered.

Thankfully the crowd from before is nowhere to be seen. You let them into your room, which is very tidy. A small cactus sits on your desk bathing in the sunlight. You hand over your laptop once you unlock it.

“I hope my documents can be saved. Those are the most important things since I already have photos backed up,” you explain, taking a seat on your bed while Idia uses your desk.

Concentrating on the screen, Idia starts going through your systems. “Did you not have any AV software? Do you know where the virus was downloaded from?” he asks.

Rubbing your temples, you sigh, “I do, but it was turned off. Not by me! The idiot wouldn’t tell me what site it was from. I can only assume it was some shady site since all the history was deleted.”

“Don’t worry, (Y/N), Idia is the best at this,” Ortho reassures.

As he clicks through your files, he notes a very familiar one. “You play World of War and Cats?”

“Yeah, it’s something I play to unwind,” you chuckle, scratching the back of your head. “I know it’s an old game, but I think it’s still better than anything new that’s come out.”

“Totally! It doesn’t need to rely on loot boxes and RNG unlike the newer games! It’s noob friendly and they have so many login bonuses! Plus all the kitties are so cute!” Idia gushes, his eyes glowing.

A slow smile spreads on your face that quickly causes the words to die from his throat. “W-what’s with th-that look?!” he stammers out, suddenly finding interest in your desk.

“Just nice to hear from someone else who enjoys the game. Most of my friends have moved on to other things.” You shake your head. “Hey, do you wanna share handles? I’d love to do a raid if you’re up for it.”

Chewing the inside of his cheek, Idia glances at Ortho. His brother gives him two thumbs up. “S-sure… After I fix this.”

Turning back to the laptop, he pulls out a thumb drive. As he clacks away on the keyboard, you show Ortho a shelf filled with small succulents. “Jack gave these to me. I wanted something to brighten up my room. He said they’re easy to care for too.”

“Based on a few articles, succulents are very beginner friendly. They don’t need too much direct sunlight and just a little water.” Ortho inspects the plants. “These are very nice! It seems Jack made sure to give you the best ones.”

“Yeah, Jack’s a pretty sweet guy. I couldn’t ask for a better soulmate,” you say absentmindedly as you check the soil of one plant.

Ortho’s eyes widen. “Soulmate? You already found yours?”

You rotate the plants. “On his first day at NRC actually.” You glance down at your pinky. Though no one else can see it, a red string hangs from your pinky finger and trails along the ground before disappearing. “He was just as shocked as me,” you continue with a chuckle.

Idia’s nibbling at his lower lip as he listens to the conversation. Shoulders slumped, Idia thinks about the fact that he doesn’t have a soulmate. Of course someone like him wouldn’t have one, but hearing you gush to Ortho about your soulmate just reminds him of the sad truth. Sure not everyone has soulmates like him, but it feels like the world is doubling down on telling him he’s meant to be alone.

Not that he cares of course! He doesn’t need an RL relationship! Not one bit!

“...okay?” Your questions snaps him out of his thoughts.

“Huh?” He frantically looks between you and Ortho. You both stare back expectantly. “Uh… this should be fi-” He turns back to your computer but sees that his usual methods of taking care of a virus failed. “Eh? That’s not right…” He eans closer to the screen as he frantically types away.

“Everything okay, brother?” Ortho asks, concern seeping into his tone. He peaks over Idia’s shoulder, but the warnings don’t change.

“Impossible!” Idia bites down on his thumb as his program continues to fail at removing the virus. After a few more attempts, the third year sighs. Pushing away from the desk, he turns to Ortho. “We need to take a look at this virtus in more detail, Ortho.”

Shaking your head, you can only shrug. “Do what you have to. I mean if I can’t save anything, I guess a complete wipe is fine…”

“Don’t worry! We’ll get to the bottom of this,” Ortho assures as he takes your laptop.

Before Idia can leave, you hand him a piece of paper. “Here, my handle is on there if you wanna add me.” You smile at him warmly, but Idia can’t quite return the gesture.

“Ri-right…” He shoves the paper into his pocket before following Ortho.

---

Gloomurai has entered the chat

Anon123: hi!

*Anon123 waves*

Gloomurai: Hey. Is Muscle Red not on yet?

Anon123: He popped in a bit and said he couldnt make the raid tonight

Gloomurai: Oh k.

Gloomurai sent you a private message

Gloomurai: Is your computer doing okay still?

Anon123: yup! thanks to you, it seems to be working much faster!

Gloomurai: I got rid of bloatware. All those apps you dont use only slows down your processor lol

Anon123: i dont know much about computers, so im glad ortho recommended you! hes right that youre a genius

Gloomurai: hehehe well it wasn’t anything too difficult

Anon123: oh did you hear that theyre releasing a world of war and cats spinoff game!?

Gloomurai: OMG YES! I already preordered the deluxe pack! wheeheeheee!

Anon123: ooohhh lucky! my old system cant handle new stuff so probably have to wait :(

Gloomurai is typing…

Gloomurai is typing…

Gloomurai is typing…

Anon123: you okay idia?

Gloomurai: You could come play with me since its multiplayer. If you want! No pressure!

Anon123: really??? thank you so much!!! let me know when you want me to come over. ill bring snacks! :DDD

Anon123: whoops! Need to go. see ya later! :)

Anon123 has left the chat

---

Though Idia had invited you over to game, he’s a nervous wreck. Once Ortho learned that he had invited you over, he had been super excited. He knew his brother would be happy that he was getting along with you. Though you gave him your handle, it had taken Idia a week before he finally sent a friend request. After much prodding by Ortho, he bit the magic bullet and reached out.

You seemed fairly calm and relaxed despite being in Savanaclaw. It also helped that you didn’t glare at him or ask anything of him. Playing World of War and Cats, Idia found you were surprisingly good. Though it shouldn’t be much of a surprise since you did start playing at launch. So after a few raids you helped with, he invited you to raid with Muscle Red.

Thankfully everyone got along and synergized really well. Idia couldn’t ask for a better team to play. With his new team, he was able to clear a lot of raids in a short amount of time. Of course knowing you in RL sometimes made him feel a bit self conscious. Especially when he happens to see you around school.

Still Idia found it easy to converse with you through chat. You basically acted the same way when he met you. Though he came off a lot more confident in chat, you never made a comment. And even better, you never made it a thing to approach him in school. You did give him a smile whenever you saw him, but that was the extent of your acknowledgement.

“They’re here!” Ortho’s voice broke Idia from his internal panic.

Chewing on his thumb nail, Idia mutters, “Is it too late to say I’m sick and cancel?”

“Don’t be like that, brother! They’re really nice and have been super excited to play this game with you.” He gave his brother a supportive thumbs up.

“R-really? Did they say that?” Who on earth would be excited to spend time with him?

Ortho nods enthusiastically. “Yup! They mentioned it a few times when I saw them around the school.”

There’s a knock on the door. “Idia? Ortho?” your muffled voice sends his heart rate up and his palms begin to sweat.

“M-maybe this wa-was a bad idea…” However, Ortho decides to open the door. You’ve been standing in the hallway long enough.

You step inside the room with two bags in hand. “Hey! I stopped by Sam’s and bought a bunch of snacks. Ortho mentioned some of your favorites, so I bought a little of everything!”

Between Ortho’s enthusiasm and your excitement, Idia feels like he’s being attacked from both sides by the sun. It’s too bright!

“Where do you want these?” You hold up the two bags.

“You c-can put them on the b-bed. Or whatever…”

Though he would typically play on his computer, he didn’t have another chair for you. Instead he and Ortho had rigged up a holographic screen. His floor isn’t the most comfortable, but it provided room for both of you. Plus there’s enough room for him to put a good amount of space between you.

Ortho quickly leaves to do his rounds and Idia is left alone. You settle down on the floor no problem and open a bag of fruity gummies. Sitting down but making sure to leave a good amount of space, he boots up the new game. You grab a few more snacks and put them in the middle.

“I’ve been keeping myself away from spoilers, so I don’t actually know what the game is about,” you confess. The theme music starts playing.

“It’s similar to the original except we get to play as the cat companion and no raiding. I’ve already decided which one I want to be as well as my stats. Maxed for both efficiency and ultimate cuteness!” He grins widely as the character screen comes up.

“So many kitties!” you gush. “How am I supposed to pick one?”

“I know right?! I mean this calico is adorable but there’s something majestic about the Scottish fold.” Idia shakes his head in dismay. “Even though I know which one I’m going for, they made it really difficult.”

As you select your cat and start tweaking the stats, you sigh. “I wish I could have a cat. But I’m allergic. Just being in Trein’s class causes my eyes to water and itch.”

“Ugh, that sounds like a terrible bane.” He can’t imagine not being able to be near cats.

You finish with your character. “Guess pictures and games of cats is as far as I’ll ever get.”

“...”

---

“Morning, Idia,” you greet him in the hallway.

He’s dragging his feet to gym class. There’s no one else in the hall. “Uh, hey.” It’s the first time you’ve verbally greeted him.

You seem to notice his hesitation. “Sorry, I thought that since we’ve been gaming for a few weeks, I could greet you aloud. I didn’t think you’d mind since there’s no one around.”

He quickly shakes his head. “N-no problem! I mean, if you wanna say ‘hi’ I don’t really mind.” It’s not like many people outside his dorm greet him to begin with.

“Really? Great! You know I would like to be friends, outside of gaming that is. But you’re under no pressure to accept that!” Your earnest gaze is a lot for him.

“You want to b-be friends with m-me?” he asks, shocked and a little concerned.

Nodding, you smile brightly. “Of course! You’re pretty fun to be around. Plus, I enjoy our gaming sessions a lot.”

It’s true Idia has fun when you come over. You even moved on to other games to play together. There’s something comforting about your presence. You’re not demanding or overbearing. You seem to be keenly aware of Idia’s comfort levels and stay within the zone. You never pushed him to do more than he wanted to.

A hand waves in front of his face. “Earth to Idia. Come in, Idia.”

“Idon’tmindbeingRLfriends,” he mutters quickly.

It takes you a second to understand his mumbling. Once you do, you smile so brightly he feels like he needs sunglasses. “Alright!!!” you cheer, but quickly cover your mouth as your voice echoes down the hall. “Whoops…”

He surveys the area, but it doesn’t seem anyone heard you. Honestly, he can’t understand why you’re so excited. It’s not like he’s a S tier friend to unlock. If you became friends with someone like Vil, that would be something worth cheering about.

However, he can’t bring himself to say the words out loud. Not when your eyes glimmer with excitement and you smile like that. And maybe deep down, he’s a little flattered.

---

“Hey, can we stop by my room? I forgot to water the plants this morning,” you tell Idia.

He merely nods and follows your lead. Walking into the Savanaclaw dorm is still terrifying, but he’s gotten somewhat used to it. As long as he stays by your side, most of the dorm members don’t give him a single look.

You were headed to Idia’s place to study, but had to make a couple of stops. In your room, you grab the small watering can and fill it up in the bathroom sink. Idia stands by the doorway as you water the plants and give them a few encouraging words.

“Excuse me?” Someone coughs from behind Idia, causing the third year to jump out of his skin. Clutching his tablet to his chest, he stumbles further into your room.

“Uh, sorry…” the intruder apologizes while rubbing the back of his neck.

Looking up from the plants, you wave. “Hey, Jack. What’s up?”

“Just wanted to return your notes. They were really helpful. Thanks.” He hands over a worn black notebook.

“No problem! Runes can be tricky but once you have the basics down, it gets easier.” You place the notebook on your desk. “What do you think?” You gesture to the shelf of plants. “They look great!”

Jack presses a finger in the soil of one pot. “Yeah, you’re doing a good job. Just remember to rotate them every so often so that each side gets some sun.”

“Right, I remember you said that. What would I do without your green thumb? You’re a lifesaver, Jack!” Nudging his arm with your elbow, you give him a teasing grin.

The freshman coughs, looking away. “You’d figured it out eventually. You’re smart and resourceful on your own.”

Chuckling, you set the watering can back in its place. “Anyways, I’m going to head out. I’ll see you later, Jack.”

“Sure. See you tomorrow morning?”

“Bright and early!” As Jack leaves your room, you turn to Idia, who was watching the exchange silently. “Alright, I’m all set. Let’s get going.”

Leaving Savanaclaw, you walk through the halls of Ignihyde. “Whacha thinking about, Idia?”

“What are you doing early tomorrow?” he asks through his tablet.

“I sometimes join Jack for a morning run. I haven’t been keeping up as of late since I’m usually too tired from our gaming session. But Jack made me promise to go tomorrow,” you explain. “He said I’m losing my form, which we can’t have since my dorm participates in spelldrive

“He’s your soulmate, right?”

Arriving at his room, you drop your backpack on the floor near the bed. “Yeah. Jack’s very sweet despite his gruff exterior. I couldn’t have asked for a better one.”

“...”

As you pull out your materials to study, Idia silently watches. There’s something twisting his insides. Watching as you and Jack causally talked reminded Idia of where he stood in your relationship. For many, their soulmate would always be number one. Idia didn’t mind. At first.

The more time he spent with you, the more he wanted your time. And maybe he’s reading too much into it, but your interactions with Jack are playful, almost flirty. Usually he’d cringe at the normies having banter and then ignore them. With you, he can’t ignore it. There’s an obvious affection in the way you speak to each other.

“Can you go over summoning with me?” you inquire. “I just can’t get the symbols and positions right.”

Deciding not to dwell on whatever he’s feeling, Idia joins you on the floor. “First, that’s wrong. Noob mistake. You need to…”

---

“Meowww!” The robotic cat purrs as it rubs against your leg. With a sleek black and electric blue design, the robotic animal is rather cute.

“And it’s solar powered,” Idia explains, finishing up his little show and tell. Though it looks like a tornado hit his room, you’re too busy cooing at the cat to notice.

Picking up the creature in your arms, it curls into your hold. “This is the cutest kitty ever! You’re amazing Idia!”

Rubbing the back of his neck, he can’t quite meet your gaze. The edges of his hair are a light pink. “Eh, this is nothing. I could put this together while playing DDR.”

“If you can do both then you’re definitely a genius.” You chuckle as the robotic cat continues to purr. You hand the creature back to Idia, who doesn’t take it. Instead, he taps its nose, which turns off the cat.

“Keep it. It’s yours.”

Eyes widening, you look at the cat and then back at him. “Are you sure?”

“From one cat lover to another and all that.” He tries to come off as nonchalant and wonders if he succeeded.

“Thank you so much, Idia!” You hug the cat closer to you while beaming at him. Just having your bright smile directed at him sends his pulse into overdrive. You set the cat down. “Hey, can I give you a hug?” You always ask before touching him. Even when he declines, you don’t make a big deal about it.

He agrees with a quick nod.

You slowly and gently wrap your arms around him. “Just let me know if you’re uncomfortable,” you tell him.

Your hugs are full and warm. It almost feels like he’s being wrapped in a weighted blanket. It feels nice. He tentatively relaxes into your hold. In these moments he can almost forget that you don’t have a soulmate.

---

“W-what ar-are you do-doing?!”Idia screams. Despite his feeble movements, your hold on him doesn’t loosen. “I-I ca-can wal- ouch!”

“You can definitely not walk,” you say firmly. Carrying Idia bridal style to the nurse's office, you sigh as he proceeds to continue his whining. You ignore whatever he says.

“It’s not like I hurt myself that badly,” he grumbles.

Giving him a glare, you shake your head. “You fell down two flights of stairs and flat on your face. And you broke your tablet,” you pointed out. “Would you rather I bring you to Ortho?”

Idia shuts his mouth. Knowing his little brother, he’d react even worse. You arrive at the nurse’s office without much incident. While he’s being patched up, Idia is forced to lay on the cot.

You chuckle when you notice his miserable expression. “Don’t be like that. You’re acting like you just pulled on the wrong character banner.”

“This is worse.” His frown deepens. “...never mind that’s still worse.”

Shaking your head, you ask, “Hey, do you want to do a gaming session tonight? It’s the weekend~”

That seems to make him forget the current situation. “There’s a special raid where we can only get the limited five star dragon scale armor. Are you geared up?”

“Yup. I’ll bring snacks!” You glance at the clock. “I should get to class. I’ll let Ortho know you’re here. You give one last wave before heading to the exit.

You hear Idia complaining, “Just leave me like this…” as the door closes. He’ll be fine.

Later, you’re carrying a handful of bags filled with snacks from Sam’s. You easily navigate Ignihyde to Idia’s room. Knocking on the door, you let yourself in. “Hey, I may have gone overboard on the snacks, but we should have enough to stay up la-” Your words cut off once you take in Idia.

He’s laid out on his bed with his leg propped up on a pillow. The thing that made you stop is the sling his right arm is in. “Uh… didn’t you just sprain your ankle?” Ortho is fluffing up Idia’s pillow.

“Hello!” Ortho greets.. “Idia did sprain his ankle when you last saw him. However, he decided not to wait for me to pick him up. Because of this, he fell down some more stairs and sprained his arm,” he explains with a deep sigh and shake of the head.

“Oh… So I guess no gaming tonight?” You hold up the bag of snacks.

Idia pulls the cover up over his face. “Leave me in my misery. This is why I don’t leave my room.”

Setting the snacks down on his chair, you glance around before your eyes land on his bookshelf. “We could binge movies instead,” you suggest.

The covers lower enough that you can see his eyes. “...are you sure?”

“Yeah, why not. Why don’t we watch Creepy Hollow? You were raving about it a few weeks ago.” You pull the DVD from the bookshelf.

Perking up, he sits straighter. “You’ll love this! The Pumpkin Knight costume is peak design! And the twist is just so satisfying!” he babbles.

As you put the disk in the DVD player, Idia scoots closer to the wall to make space for you on the bed. Ortho settles down on the floor leaning against the bed once he makes sure Idia’s leg and arm is properly set. You grab the snack bags and lightly throw them at Idia.

“Acck!” One smacks him in the face.

“Whoops…” You bite your lip to keep from laughing. Idia gives you a dirty look as you make yourself comfortable. Pulling your legs up against your chest, you grab a random snack to open.

The night turns into a movie marathon. Before every new film, Idia has to talk about it and hear your thoughts. There are so many movies that you lose track of time. By the time 4 AM rolls around, you’ve both fallen asleep. Somehow you’ve managed to move from the foot of the bed to the head. You’re curled into Idia’s side. The flame haired third year sleeps on his back with his mouth slightly open. Despite his sprains, he’s dead to the world.

Ortho peers down at the two sleeping figures. He pulls the covers over them. Smiling to himself, he’s happy to see his brother being so comfortable around someone else. “Sweet dreams,” he whispers.

---

“Big brother, you can’t avoid them forever,” Ortho says.

Idia pulls his hood over his head. “Yes I can.” He leans forward as the screen of his computer flashes.

The younger Shroud hovers behind his chair. “Idia, just talk with them. It’s not good to bottle up your feelings.”

“I’d rather die,” he mutters.

Sure it had been a week since the movie incident where he woke up cuddling with you. Sure it’s been a week since he freaked out and shoved you unceremoniously out of the bed while also hurting his sprained wrist. Sure it’s been a week since he last spoke to you, doing everything possible to avoid you. But Idia feels it’s justified since he was caught cuddling with you like some love-sick normie.

You did text him an apology even though it wasn’t your fault. Your last text was from three days ago where you were checking in on him. Idia had left you on read. But you seemed to get the message that he needed time alone and stopped messaging him. A part of him was relieved, but another part felt bad for ignoring you.

Maybe you weren’t embarrassed to wake up cuddling him, but he was and is mortified. He wishes the earth had swallowed him at that moment. Idia will begrudgingly admit to himself that he likes you. But that’s something he planned to take to his grave. However, it seems Ortho’s figured it out. And though his little brother is happy, he seems to have forgotten the one big glaring reason why he can’t tell you.

You have a soulmate.

Idia may have looked into Jack a little more once he got to know you better. And he may have seen that the first year is pretty smart and likable. And he may be a little jealous that you two get along and seem close. There’s no mistake in his mind that you and Jack would make a good couple. Just standing next to each other, you both just look like you fit. You and him? Wouldn’t go at all!

“Idiaaaaa!” Ortho shakes his chair causing him to lose focus. “I won’t allow you to wallow in self-pity!” Crossing his arms, he gives the older Shroud a glare. “You don’t know if they don't like you. Just because someone has a soulmate doesn’t mean they’re bound to end up together. There’s a 47% chance they’re just friends.”

Setting aside the controller because he knows Ortho won’t leave him alone, Idia spins around in his chair. “What do you expect me to do, Ortho? This isn’t some shojo manga where the loser confesses to the popular student and they magically end up together!” He throws his hands up. “I’m an NPC while they’re the main lead. And Jack’s the love interest that’s been fated since birth!”

Shaking his head, Ortho sighs. “You have to at least try, big brother. Are you really okay with never letting them know how you feel?”

“Yes.”

“No!” Ortho makes a big X with his arms. “You’re supposed to get fired up after my rousing speech! If you can’t do this for yourself, do it for me!”

“Ortho…” Idia can’t ignore the pleading look of his brother. “Fine!” Throwing up his hands, Idia gives in.

“Yaaaay!!” Doing a little jump, Ortho pulls Idia to his feet. “Let’s go!”

“Now?!”

“Yes, before you change your mind!” Idia is unceremoniously dragged out of his room.

Outside on the field, Ortho gives Idia a reassuring pat. “You’ve got this, brother! Just pretend your on your way to the last level of a super difficult dunegon.”

“…right.”

“You’re super awesome!”

“…yeah…”

“Who can dual play two shooter games at once?”

“Me…!”

“No one has beat your DDR score in the last three years!”

“Yeah!”

“Go!”

---

Seeing you and Jack laughing together, Idia is reminded that you have a soulmate. A strong, buff, kind, hardworking, good looking soulmate. Compared to Jack, he’s trash. There’s no chance you’d ever look at someone like him when the universe literally made your perfect match.

Despite his initial bravado and confidence boost from Ortho, every fiber in his body screams for him to run. He should just slink back to his room and stay there. Forever. Just as he’s about to turn around, you spot him.

“Idia!” calling his name, you exchange a few words with Jack before jogging over to him. The smile you give him sends his heart into overdrive. He’s suddenly feeling sweaty and jittery. It would be so much easier talking to you through text or voice chat. Especially now that he’s caught these disgusting normie feelings!

“Idia! How have you been?” you ask, head tilting to the side.

How he wishes he brought his tablet! “I-I wa-wanted t-t-to talk…” The urge to melt into his hoodie is strong.

Glancing behind you, the other members of the team are idly chatting. “Sure. Do you wanna head to my room? I was about to go back.”

He nods mutely. As you lead the way, Idia can’t help but admire your form. His face heats up when he realizes he’s staring not too discreetly. If anyone were to see him, they’d probably think he’s some creep! Hands stuffed in his pockets, he nervously clenches and unclenches his fingers. Arriving at your room, it’s the same as always except for one little change. The small robotic cat he had made sits right on your desk.

“You kept it…” he mumbles in awe.

“You made it for me, so of course I’d treasure it,” you tell him matter-of-fact.

His heart does another weird flip-flop. Because of you, he’s having heart problems at a young age! “Uhhh…” Real smooth Idia! He mentally facepalms himself.

Sitting down on the edge of your bed, you gesture to the desk chair. “Do you wanna sit down?”

Usually you’d pat the spot next to you, but you’ve been keenly aware of Idia’s growing discomfort. Giving him some space would be for the best. He gratefully takes the seat.

“So what’s going on, Idia?” you ask, your tone gentle.

Whatever he had practiced flies out of his head. He stares at you blankly. You wait patiently as he tries to gather himself. Finally, you realize he’s not getting anywhere. The obvious signs of distress on his face intensifies. He’s visibly sweating.

Pulling out your phone, you stand up. Walking into your bathroom, you close the door. The sound of the lock clicking in place snaps Idia out of his stupor. Sitting in your room alone, he starts to freak out.

Did you leave because he’s being too awkward? He ruined everything by being a weirdo! What now?!

Before he can start spiraling, his phone rings. Answering without looking, he shakily takes a deep breath. “Ortho?”

“Try again!” you voice chirps through the earpiece. Bewildered, Idia pulls the phone away from his ear to look at the caller ID. Sure enough, it’s you. Calling from the bathroom.

“Idia?” He hurriedly puts the phone back to his ear when he hears you calling for him. “You still there?”

“Y-yes!”

He can hear you laugh. “I thought I lost you for a second. So, what’s going on with you?” Your casual tone causes his body to relax just a bit.

Palms still sweaty, his heart starts to slow to a more normal pace. “I-I was just thinking… Can we play a game tomorrow?”

“Sure!” you agree happily with no hesitation.

“And the day after?” He pushes past his nerves.

“Of course.” Again no hesitation.

Getting a little bolder, he confesses, “I want to game with you all the time.” He holds himself back from asking you to be his player two. That’s way too cringy even for him!

Your soft laughter fills his ear. His heart does a somersault. “I’d like to game with you all the time too, Idia. I’ve been wanting to for awhile now.”

Heart soaring, he quickly comes back to reality when he spies the shelf of plants. “...what about your soulmate?”

“Well, Jack’s a wonderful soulmate.” There’s a pause, then, “But I can only see him as a lifelong friend. And the feeling’s mutual.”

“Huh?? B-but he’s got everything! The entire package! He’s literally your custom made sim!” Oh how he’s screaming at himself to shut up!

“Just because Jack is my soulmate, doesn’t mean I have to have certain feelings for him. A soulmate doesn’t dictate your choices. At least not for me,” you explain.

Even though you’re not in front of him right now, Idia wants to hide so he can scream in peace. This is too much for his poor heart. It’s like a final scene from one of his dating games but much better because it’s real.

“Idia?”

Pulled out from his internal thoughts, he nervously swallows. “S-sorry! A-are you sure? About me?” One last chance to back out. He can pretend this conversation never happened. Sure he’ll hole himself up in his room for a long time. But he’ll get over it. Eventually. Hopefully.

“Are cats cute? Is Premo the best idol group?” The door to the bathroom opens. Stepping out, your radiant smile almost turns him into a puddle of goo.

He remains frozen in the chair as you close the space. Hovering over him, you end the call before setting your phone on the desk. “So, Idia, I have a question for you.”

“Y-yes?” he squeaks. The ends of his have turned a pale shade of pink.

“Would you like to be my player two?” you ask with a grin. It’s so cringe but when it comes out of your mouth, it’s the most romantic thing he’s heard. And he’s played a lot of dating sims!

“Yes!” Though he usually doesn’t like people crowding his personal space, he wants you closer.

Bending down, you press a soft kiss to his forehead. His hair explodes into full on pink. He can feel your laughter against his skin. He isn’t sure if he can handle another kiss before dying. But it wouldn’t be such a bad way to go, he decides.

Instead of doing anything more, you pull away. “We’ll have plenty of time for more,” you say with a wink.

A little disappointed, an alarm rings, breaking the mood. “Whoops, that’s me. Sorry!” You quickly shut the alarm off. “Do you want to do a raid now??”

“S-sure.” Once you’ve gathered your stuff, you lean over and kiss him on the cheek. He lets out an ‘eeep’ as his hair once again burns pink.

“Like I said, plenty of time for more~!”

“S-so embarrassing,” he mumbles as he follows you out.

As you walk side by side, he notes you act as if everything is normal. No mushyness except for that one kiss before leaving your room. He’s relieved there’s no PDA, but the more he glances at your hand, the more he wants to hold it. You move closer to him and hook your pinky with his. His heart beats rapidly.

There might not be a red string connecting you to him, but Idia decides that he doesn’t care. He’ll decide his own fate, red string or not.

[bonefall]

It feels like one of those riddles. How do you seat the dark forest demons at the dinner party where they’re all happy? Yes, you must include all of them. No, there is only one table. Leopardfoot wont do sitting near her father or Pinestar. Ryewhisker and Cloudberry must be sat together. Darkstripe is cooking.

Sounds like a fun logic puzzle lmao. I have to be quiet for the next couple days because I'm studying for some exams so, here, I'll give you 12 dramatic Dark Forest demons and you can play around with it.

(Elder Bones rolling out the CRT TV on the big-metal-rolly thing and bonus credit worksheet because he has to be his own substitute teacher that day)

Maximize happiness by scoring yourself with this; Seating next to a requested cat is +1. Seating next to a disliked cat is -1. Penalties and bonuses stack.

Givens;

The layout is a circle

There are 10 seats, and every seat must be filled.

Darkstripe is cooking next to Seat 1, he does not occupy any of the 10 seats but cannot be moved.

Cats; (Closest political ideology next to name. TL = Thistle Law. FA = Fire Alone. O = Other)

Darkstripe HT (Tigerstar's bumbling ex-minion, finally finding himself in death) He will only interact with the cat in Seat 1. Ideally, he would like to be next to Leopardfoot or Ryewhisker. He dislikes any Thistle Law supporter that is not Leopardfoot.

Cloudberry FA (An ancient conscientious objector who was forced to witness her love become illegal after her mate died defending her) Must be seated with Ryewhisker. Likes Pinestar, Morningstar, and Houndleap. Will fight any cat who doesn't like Morningstar.

Ryewhisker FA (Ancient conscientious objector who died defending his lover) Must be seated with Cloudberry. Likes Pinestar, Morningstar, and Darkstripe. Doesn't want Houndleap seated next to Coudberry. Can talk about collecting blood syrup.

Morningstar FA (Pacifist leader of ThunderClan, violently overthrown by his Cleric) Just wants to talk to Pinestar, comforted by Ryewhisker, appreciates Cloudberry but her aggression gives him anxiety so he will get a -1 if seated next to her.

Thistleclaw TL (Father of a hateful ideology, left StarClan in protest of Bluestar's acceptance) HATES any cat who is not from ThunderClan and also Morningstar, AND anyone who does not support Thistle Law. Likes Adderfang and Leopardfoot.

Adderfang TL (Mentor of Thistleclaw. Left StarClan with him.) Easily annoyed by "weakness," including non-violent cats. Does not want to talk about cooking.

Leopardfoot O (Mother of Tigerstar who followed Thistleclaw into the Dark Forest after Bluestar's trail) Doesn't want to be seated next to Thistleclaw, Pinestar, or Adderfang. Likes to talk about food.

Pinestar FA (Condemned for leaving his Clan to become a kittypet.) Does not want to be seated with anyone who was part of ThunderClan in his lifetime.

Snowtuft TL (Damned self willingly after killing children in the Crusades, from ShadowClan) Will discomfort any cat who had children. Does not like talking about politics. Has a good pudding recipe.

Houndleap FA (Damned for siring a ton of HalfClan kits) Will inevitably flirt with a cat on either side of him, "neutralizing" a character of your choice, but causing no impact on the character on the other side as if the seat is unfilled.

Leopardstar O (Bludgeoned to death by Mistystar after encouraging the second rise of Thistle Law in RiverClan.) Disavowed TL and doesn't want to hear anything about it. Also hates FA cats. Dislikes any cat who was damned for a non-violent crime. Likes to talk about carp recipes.

Fenneldust O (A girlie from ThunderClan with a penchant for dying, walked into the Dark Forest willingly with her friend Batear) Brings up whatever politics will piss you off the most, unless you have something food-related to talk about. Will die halfway through the night and be replaced by the cat of your choice. Every point of annoyance she wracks up will become a positive point when this happens. Any positive points she wracks up will remain, unchanged.

[decentishoutsidersthoughts]

A Hunger games AU?!?!

You are so evil and devious and cruel…

Give me more

I was gonna talk about all of book 1 but the reaping kinda got long so here’s my thoughts on the reaping day

So the Curtis gang all grow up in district 12 and if you thought they were poor before, they’re like barely surviving now. They died when Darry was 16 in this tho. Darry does a LOT of illegal hunting to keep them alive. He makes Soda come with him a lot because if something happens to him he wants them to like- not die-

The rules of these games are that they pull a guy and a girl but anybody can volunteer for anybody

Darry did everything he could to keep his brothers safe while he was a teenager. Soda wasn’t allowed to take out tessera, but when Darry turned 18, there was nothing else to do. They’ve both determined Ponyboy will NEVER take one out. So if I did the math right Soda should have 8 entries and Ponyboy has 2.

Ofc it doesn’t end up meaning much anyways because the time comes and Ponyboy gets reaped. Darry legit almost passes out and Soda is frozen for a couple seconds. But after a couple seconds he comes back to himself and without thinking he volunteers

Ponyboy freaks out, and Steve is like ‘what the fuck are you doing-‘. Darry doesn’t know how to feel ngl but he isn’t surprised. Honestly though nobody in the gang has any hope in Soda, they’re trying to pretend they do though

That would be the end of it, but when they ask for volunteers, who else steps up by Steve Randle. Soda immediately panics and begs him to take it back but Steve already had his heart set on this and there was nothing anyone else could do.

Goodbyes are…a lot. Soda was crying even before he made it into the building, and it got worse the second he saw his brothers. Ponyboy shouted at him for a little bit before curling up in his arms and sobbing. 

Darry was straight to business. He told Soda to stay away from people and hide for as long as possible. He told him not to worry about him and Ponyboy, that they would be fine and waiting for him if he came home. If.

Finally Darry pulls him into a hug, telling Soda how much he loves him. Then, the three minutes are up and Ponyboy are dragged out of the room. Ponyboy fights, and manages to crash into Soda’s arms one more time before he’s dragged out. Soda cracks open the door and peeks out, immediately shutting it when the last glimpse he gets of Darry is his holder brother crying.

Dally, Two, and Johnny all come in at the same time. Two and Johnny don’t say much, just wrapping him into a hug. Two starts to promise that he’ll be okay,  but Dally yells not to say that

Dally proceeds to tell him he’s fucked once he’s in that arena. Once the games start there is absolutely nothing he can do for himself. So, he needs to make every second before that count if he wants to stand a chance. He’s handsome, he’s charismatic, he can get the audience to fall in love with him and that’s what he needs to do. He’s about to tell Soda something else, but time runs out and they’re dragged out of the room before he can.

His next visitor is a shock to him. Paul Holden, who’s the mayors son, comes in and calmly sits across from him, they make pointless conversation until Soda asks why he’s there. Paul says he doesn’t know. They sit in silence for the rest of the time, and Paul leaves willingly when the time comes. As he’s leaving he tells Soda his brothers will be fine, and that they’ll eat as long as he has something to say about it

After that Soda just spends some time alone trying to compose himself. At least for the moment, he makes peace with the fact that he’s probably going to die next week. His sadness turns into anger at Steve

Eventually he gets taken to the train, on the way him and Steve walk by eachother. They don’t talk but the tension is already there. Steve hadn’t cried at all yet, his dad didn’t even come to see him and the gang already knew what he was doing and didn’t try to talk him out of it. (Darry had come in crying, and thanked Steve once he learned of the plan. Steve promised to bring his brother home)

These boys tear up the food table in the train. They both feel super sick after. They meet their mentor and escort though. Their mentor is a drunk like Haymitch is, and Soda takes it as the first of many signs showing how absolutely fucked he is.

Neither of them like the escort much. Steve hates her and Soda thinks she’s well meaning but she also keeps talking about how lucky they are to be here. Eventually they both just leave and are left alone in the hallway.

They have the first genuine argument they’ve ever had. Soda yells at Steve for putting himself at stake like that, and for putting them into a situation where they have to compete for their lives. And then Steve says that they’re not competing because they’re getting Soda home, and that just makes him more upset

The fight ‘ends’ when Steve says it was Soda’s fault they’re here anyways cause he’s the one who volunteered first. Soda asks if he should’ve just let his little brother die and Steve doesn’t respond. Soda storms off to his room, Steve goes to his, and this time they both cry into their pillows. 

[niallhoranhasthat1thing]

I just finished watching All The Light We Cannot See and I need to rant cause I’m loosing my damn mind.

First off, they took the character names and minor plot points and created their own story with them so at that point just crest something else and if you cannot handle showing the nuance of Werner’s character then you are not the right person to adapt this.

This is going to be filled with spoilers so be warned now.

Werner is a German boy who lives in an orphanage with his younger sister and one day he stumbles upon a radio and falls in love with it. He fixes it and him and his sister Jutta start learning about science and what Germany is actually doing by listing to a French broadcast. Two boys in his orphanage join the Hitler youth and Werner scared for his and Juttas safety destroys the radio which leaves Jutta furious with him. But it’s already too late. His entire town knows how capable he is with a radio and the nazis come for him to put him in a school. Werner who is very much living in a fantasy world in his head believes he will go to this school and will learn and learn and learn and by the time his finishes the war will have been lost and he will never have to contribute to anything, he may even win a noble prize. Jutta still furious with him has this conversation with him

and that’s the last time she ever sees her brother. Werner leaves willingly and you as the reader understand why, you know that if he were to refuse but him and his sister would be killed. You understand it and you even justify it.

Once at the school he meets Frederick and you instantly don’t want to like any of those other boys because they’re not like Werner, he’s there without having a choice. But you learn that Frederick is there only because his father is a high ranked nazi and his mother is waiting for the Jew up above them to be taken away so they can get the top apartment and they made sure he got into the school despite not being able to pass the tests to get in. One night the boys at the school are sent outside in the cold winter to torture a prisoner with cold buckets of water. When it’s Werner’s turn, he does it despite not wanting to and you understand it. He doesn’t have a choice. He would be killed if he refused. Once it’s Fredericks turn he refuses to throw the water. He’s beat and beat and beat. Everyday he is beaten worse and worse until he gets brain damage. Frederick had a choice. He chose the possibility of dying over throwing away his morals. Werner didn’t do that. Because of that your views on Werner begin to change.

Werner ends up going into the field to find illegal radio broadcasts, and while he himself never kills anyone he is directly responsible for many deaths. He ends up being sent to Saint-Malo to find Marie-Laure and her uncle and tracks them down instantly and upon seeing her he decides he’s not going to turn them in. To speed this along Werner ends up saving her life during the siege and they spend a few hours together where in his head he creates this fantasy of them living happily ever after which is juxtaposed with Marie-Laure allowing this German boy to wear her uncles clothes but knowing damn well that he’s not going to be able to hide his German accent. They part ways with Marie-Laure not giving him a second thought because she only wants to go find her uncle. Werner ends up dying a few days later.

You then go over to Jutta who along with the other girls form the orphanage have been sent to Russia to help the war efforts and when Germany looses the Russians take it out on the German women. She learns of Werner’s death and it doesn’t phase her. You fast forward to the 70s and Jutta is a married math teacher with a son, who is so deeply embarrassed and ashamed of her brother. A German man shows up at her door once day with a bad of her brothers belongings and it takes her weeks to open it. Upon opening it she finds the very notebook she had sent Werner to remind him of who he was. She opens it and is reminded of her brother’s innocence and decides along with her son that she is going to go to France to find out what happened to Werner. Jutta eventually finds Marie-Laure and her first thought upon seeing her is that her brother hurt her. Through the conversation Jutta is finally able to mourn her brother and realizes that it’s a lot more than bad vs good. But Marie-Laure is still conflicted with her thoughts on the German boy who saved her life. He doesn’t fit on either sides of the war.

You then jump to 2014 where Marie-Laure finally comes to terms with her thoughts on Werner.

Jutta and Marie-Laure’s feelings on Werner are also the readers feelings on him. The show completely stripped those feelings away. Werner in the show is a perfect human being and everyone forgives him within minutes of meeting him. Marie-Laure even kisses him and then fears for his life and wants to sneak him out of the city and meet up later so that they can spend their lives together.

Werner is such a complex character who you are so desperately rooting for while also feeling completely torn on him. The show is not willing to crest that conversation and beats you over the head with how good of a person Werner is, they rip Juttas character apart in order to make Werner more likable.

I don’t understand how this was made the way it was, I’m honestly still in shock. I had to laugh multiple times through out watching. I knew this show was in trouble as soon as I seen it was only 4 episodes. I hope one day this book gets a second chance and is made by people who understand the material.

[nataliasquote]

I Know What You Are (teaser)

I apologise for how long it’s taking me to get a new fic out. I’m so bad with procrastination that I’ve left all my university work until the last minute so that’s taking up a lot of my time. In the meantime, here is a sneak peak at my next post… enjoy

500 words

-⧗-

“I thought interrogations were supposed to be your thing, Natasha.” The way her name dripped off her tongue was like sweet honey and Natasha clenched her jaw, eyes fixed on the woman prowling in front of her. Sure, she could get out of the ties around her wrists, but something kept her there. A desire to learn more about her. “You gave up pretty easily.”

“You know damn well I didn’t give up,” she spat, glaring up at the woman who was now standing so close their legs brushed. “I came willingly.”

“Oh I know,” the woman said with a smile, tracing the sharpness of the redhead’s jaw with her knife. “You can’t resist me.” Her Russian accent was thick and had Natasha completely transfixed. The tip of the knife trailed down to her collarbones so gently. “I didn’t think it would take years though.”

“I knew where you were.”

“You break my heart.” There was a mischievous sparkle behind her eyes and it frustrated Natasha to no end. “Guess you thought you were too good for me now, huh? All caught up in your Avengers business and no time left for me.” She pouted like a child.

Natasha looked up at the dim light above her head before answering. It was cliche really, tied to a chair in the middle of a damp room with only a single string bulb as a light source. But the woman before her was far more calculated than she ever let on, so Natasha knew it was part of some much bigger plan.

“Well I can’t exactly have a coffee with the enemy,” she said sarcastically. “The Avengers would take you in if you stopped murdering people for no reason.”

“Ha!” She spat out, turning back around to face Natasha, her knife spinning casually between her fingers. “Avengers. What a pathetic excuse for an organisation. You think they mean well, and that’s just adorable really.”

“They’re not pathetic.” If there was one thing Natasha was protective about, it was her family. “Take a look at who you work for, you’ll find some pretty pathetic business going on there.”

Y/n’s eyes darkened. “Hydra is not stupid. At least our scientists actually do something useful instead of pottering about building metal suits.” A jab at Tony Stark. Classy.

“Yeah sure, if you call illegal human experimentation ‘useful’.”

Y/n let out a soft laugh. “Don’t get all big and bossy with me,” she replied, watching as Natasha’s stony expression cracked slightly. “The twins signed themselves up, I did nothing.”

“You lured them in.”

“What can I say, I’m irresistible.” She winked at Natasha and disappeared into the shadows, leaving a very disgruntled redhead alone.

To say she was the most annoying person Natasha had ever met was a severe understatement. That woman got under her skin and just festered there, and no amount of focus would ever make her go away.

[terabyteturtle]

Fighter #15 - Ice Climbers

- These two are Ski Ball champions. Their secret? Instead of using their hands to throw the ball, they whack it with their hammers. It's strange, but somehow it works.

- To help save on air conditioning, these two will use their icy moves to keep the mansion cool during the summer.

- These two are the reason that there is now a playground on Smash Mansion grounds.

- Nana and Popo always help each other reach high places. Who needs a ladder or step stool when they’ve got each other?

- When winter arrives, these two could not be more excited. They absolutely love sledding, eagerly building small snow hills outside to slide down. They’ve even gone indoor sledding numerous times, going down stairwells instead of hills. It’s honestly a miracle that neither of them have suffered serious injuries.

- If it’s snowing outside, they’ll hold snowflake-catching competitions, in which whoever catches the most snowflakes on their tongue within three minutes wins. The current champion is Yoshi, whose record is 32 snowflakes.

- Nana has a small crush on Ike, which causes Popo to become protective of her whenever he’s nearby.

- As soon as December 1st comes around, these two immediately start decking the halls of the mansion with Christmas decorations. They have a whole checklist of Christmas-related things that they do each day to keep holiday cheer flowing throughout the month.

- Back in Smash 4, they were kicked out for illegal teaming. Master Hand declared that it was unfair for the two of them to be fighting as a pair, as it technically gave them an advantage. He gave them the option to fight separately and keep their spots on the roster, but the siblings refused to be apart. When Ultimate came around, the fighters felt it wasn't the same without them and begged Master Hand to bring them back.

- Sometimes, Nana and Popo will switch parkas just to mess with the other fighters. Most of the veteran fighters (from 64 to Brawl) can tell who’s who at this point, but folks from Smash 4 onwards can’t figure it out.

- Pit (and, by extension, Dark Pit) is the only Brawl fighter who can’t differentiate between the two. Pit just can’t spot any differences between the Ice Climbers and is beginning to think that there are none. Dark Pit, meanwhile, knows deep down that there is a difference between them, but because Pit can’t figure it out, he can’t either. This makes him extremely frustrated.

- They are the only kids that will willingly eat their vegetables.

- They fight better together. One can’t focus on the battle without the other by their side. By themselves, they’re anxious and frantic, and matches are significantly tougher. Together, they feel more comfortable against their opponent. Master Hand recognized this and, after doing some thinking, figured that allowing them to fight together would make it fairer on their end. This is what ultimately brought the Ice Climbers back to Smash.

- They're siblings with curious tendencies; of course they've tried the classic “two kids in a trenchcoat” trick to get into places. Popo's usually on top, while Nana gets stuck carrying him. Their disguise is good, but unfortunately for them, they're not very good at acting like adults.

- The cold never bothers them. Nor does the heat, apparently. With Samus’ help, they’ve installed temperature regulators within their parkas. Their parkas make them feel safe and snug, which is why they rarely ever take them off.

- Nana has a little doll that she always keeps with her, tucked safe in her parka pocket.

- Nana has a lot of crayons and markers, which Popo usually ends up stealing. One time, her box of markers went missing, and she caught Popo trying to lick them. When asked why, he said he wanted to taste colors.

- Because their heads are usually covered by their parka hoods, it’s easy for them to lose track of how long their hair is getting. Every so often, Bayonetta will give them haircuts.

- Link got Nana and Popo sand seal plushies for their birthday, and they’re both in love with them. Nana’s sand seal is best friends with her little doll.

- Nana has a big appetite, often ordering meals twice as big as she is.

- These two are twins, but Popo is five minutes older than Nana. Despite this, Nana is slightly more mature (emphasis on slightly).

- They love ice cream and, like Kirby, are immune to brain-freeze.

- Nana likes making rock pets for those she really cares about. Remember Donkey Kong’s pet rock Dwayne? That was a gift from Nana. She’s currently working on one for Ike, which is taking her a while because she wants it to be perfect.

- These two are best friends with Ness and Lucas. Whenever they’re all together, wacky shenanigans are bound to ensue. Throw Kirby into the mix and it gets even more chaotic.

- The Ice Climbers are terrible at high-fiving. They can never get it before the third try. Either they miss completely, or they’re slightly off-center and it makes them annoyed.

- Some of the assist trophies really scare them. If they get folks like Mother Brain, Metroid, or Andross, they'll freak out and hug each other.

- These two have run Arcade Bunny’s claw machines dry. For whatever reason, Popo is incredibly good at them and has won nearly all of the plushies there. This has become incredibly handy for gift-giving on special occasions.

- Although they love working together, they also have an intense sibling rivalry. Popo’s usually the one who starts it, saying things to rile up his sister and make her take up the challenge. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, they'll always find a way to make a competition out of something.

- When it comes to cooking, they love helping out! Just tell them what you need them to do, and they'll do it as best as they can!

- The Ice Climbers know a ton of recipes, including one for an amazing vegetable soup.

- When Popo originally met Falco, he thought he was a blue condor and tried to hitch a ride on him.

- Their favorite song from the Smash soundtrack is Ice Climbers (Brawl). They love that there are multiple stages to the song, which they feel reflects their similarities and differences as siblings.

[alarrytale]

Sony Music and Sony Entertainment are owned by the same corporation and it would reflect badly on all of it. I’m not saying that there’s no shitty business practices, or even that they’ve done unethical things, but the things that are being claimed Sony Music has done to Larry I don’t see how Louis and Harry could not easily sue over that. I’m no lawyer so I can’t fully but it is doubtful to me they can’t sue for say, being forcibly closeted or trying to pressure Louis into signing a birth certificate, etc. Coercing someone into doing these things is one thing and a whole other conversation, but doubtful to me they’re legally bound to do them.

Hi, anon!

I don't think i agree. I don't think people will stop going to a Sony produced movie, not buy PS5 or buy a Sony TV because Sony Music Entertainment forcibly closeted Harry Styles. They're all separate companies with the same owner, Sony. It's not like Sony is putting extra pressure on Harry if they don't sell enough TVs.

I've said many times before why H and L can't sue. They willingly signed a contract that states that Sony can do whatever it takes to make them big and earn them money. Sony own the names, likenesses, voices and personal histories of the 1D guys and everything they do while under a Sony contract, forever. Sony can use that material however they want, even if it's false, embarrassing or damaging. This is not illegal, as long as the guys signed it knowingly and willingly, and as long as Sony does it with the intention of furthering their careers and make them money. Sony's first right of refusal clause in all their recording contracts makes it so that Sony won't let anyone leave if they can match the offer from another label. They will never let Harry leave as long as they can control him like they already do and as long as he's profitable.

So if Sony says, Harry we're going to give you a womaniser image to make it look like you have sex appeal and make you attractive to women, and at the same time make people think you're straight, because out gay men don't appeal to het women who wants to marry you, Harry can't do shit about it. If they say, Harry you have to pretend to date CF to make you look like a womaniser and to create buzz for txf (she's under the same contract ans probably had little choice herself). People will watch the show if there is a scandalous relationship between you and CF, there is nothing he can do to say no. If he refuses he's in breach of contract, that he willingly signed, and will probably be banned from the music industry forever. Sony is powerful enough to do that. If he refuses they can ruin his image more. More damaging stories in the press. All press is good press. As long as it gives them attention and make people aware there's an album out, they can drag his name through the mud along with all of his family and friends.

If Sony says Louis, we will create a baby scandal around you to get attention on our new 1D album, make you look straight and make it look like you're not in a relationship with Harry, there is nothing L can do. Both L and H can try to bargain and trade off and say, no i'd rather fake date that person or do that instead, and Sony can say yes or no. Sony can also say, if you refuse to do this or that Louis we'll make Harry get engaged. Louis might then say, alright i'll do the baby scandal. Sony might later say, oh btw. Now that it's out that you're going to be a father, we've actually signed with that family and a baby is being born that you'll have to pretend is yours. And Louis will be shocked and in disbelief. It's already out that he's going to be a father, but he probably thought it would all end with a DNA test when the kid was born. Pretty sure he didn’t think he signed up for 10 years of playing a fake dad back in 2015, and how damaging that would end up being for his own solo career.

As long as Sony can prove that H and L signed these contracts willingly and that it's the best course of action to advance their careers and make them money, H and L won't have a case. It's not about right or wrong, it's about what's legally allowed or not. It's a corporation and Sony is treating H and L like corporations. They're a brand that needs to be protected. They've invested in said brand and expect returns on their investment. Using their control over their images, they indirectly control their closets and their public lives.

H and L (and the rest of the 1D guys) are legally bound to this contact saying Sony can do whatever they want. They signed it. Sony has played their cards so well that H and L are backed into a corner. Even if L isn't with Sony anymore, he isn't free of the consequences of what Sony made him do. He isn't getting radio play, he's still saddled with a fake baby and his boyfriend is still under Sony. I honestly think all of 1D are still under Sony, since they're on hiatus and not disbanded. I think Sony still controls their images, either directly under the 1D contract or indirectly though the image clause.

It's fine if you believe this isn't possible, but i think you are too unimaginative about how Sony can go about making this all happen and resulting in what we're witnessing today. I also think you are too hung up about things being illegal or legal, instead of looking at it as Sony having certain powers within the contract and them forcing H and L's hands by backing them up into a corner. If you think Sony is powerful, multiply it with ten.

[aogram]

Temperamental Alloy - (Prisoner 003) Qibra First Trial Voice Drama

Heavy footsteps, and a door swings open. Someone sits down in a chair. The person across from them grunts in acknowledgement, but doesn’t say anything.

Qibra:

…

Verus:

…

Qibra:

…

Verus:

…

Qibra:

…What is it?

Verus:

What is what?

Qibra:

We havin’ a staring contest or something? Aren’t you supposed to be asking me questions?

Verus:

I was waiting for you to speak first.

Qibra:

Whatever. Just get on with it.

Verus sighs.

Verus:

I should have known they wouldn’t all be as cooperative as the first two…

Qibra:

I’m not exactly interested in having a conversation with the bastard who put me in this musty place.

Verus:

Good thing I’m not the person responsible for this, then.

Qibra:

Great. So whoever put us in here just sent a lackey. Wonderful. You got a complaints department? A little box where we can write down our grievances? Can a lawyer get me out of here? 

Verus:

The answer to all of those questions is no. 

Qibra:

Of course I can’t expect the lackey to have any useful information.

Verus:

I wouldn’t call myself a lackey. I’m the Warden. Verus.

Qibra:

Um. Not calling you that. Anyway, no lackey willingly says they’re a lackey. But you fit the description.

Verus:

How, exactly?

Qibra:

You’re following the orders of what someone tells you while not knowing a thing about the purpose behind them.

Verus:

What makes you think you don’t know the purpose of all this?

Qibra:

I looked at you for about two seconds, and could tell you’re about as confused as the rest of us.

Verus:

…I suppose I am following orders, but I know what I’m doing.

Qibra:

…Okay. Prove that by actually getting information out of me, then.

Verus:

I will.

Qibra:

Good. What are you gonna use? The spiked chair? Stretching rack? Iron maiden? Or maybe you’re just gonna waterboard me. Ha.

Verus:

What makes you think I’m going to torture you?

Qibra:

..It was a joke, idiot. That was why I laughed at the end. Ha. Ha.

Verus:

You said that with a completely straight face.

Qibra:

Yeah, that’s why it was funny. Deadpan. It’s good for card games, too.

Verus:

Your delivery is terrible.

Qibra:

Shut it, lackey. Gods, I try to lighten the mood a little bit and you just shut it all down. Go ahead and ask your stupid questions. I know that’s all you do.

Verus:

Stupid questions? Did Ralis tell you that? Or Renata?

Qibra:

Oh please, that knight barely talks to me. It was the Gith.

Verus:

Oh. …What did he say?

Qibra:

He just, y’know, described the type of questions you gave him. 

Verus:

So you assigned the ‘stupid’ part to the questions yourself.

Qibra:

Yeah, well, he described them, and they sounded stupid.

Verus:

…This is getting nowhere. Just answer what I ask of you.

Qibra:

Never said I wouldn’t.

Verus:

So you were just making a scene for no real reason, then.

Qibra:

I’m just statin’ the truth. That’s all. Get on with it.

Verus:

Name and age?

Qibra:

Qibra of Elderport. I’m 17. 

Verus:

17?

Qibra:

Goblin lifespans, dumbass. 

Verus:

Right. Sorry. I did a lot of research in the library before starting these interrogations, but there are surprisingly few books on goblin culture. 

Qibra:

Yeah, there wouldn’t be. People don’t seem to care about the “lesser races.” Not that I give a shit about goblin culture. Don’t know anything about it.

Verus:

So you weren’t raised among your kind, then.

Qibra:

Nope. Grew up in the city. With all the quote-unquote “civilized” people.

Verus:

So what’s your occupation?

Qibra:

I’m a blacksmith. I make weapons and armor. Pretty good weapons and armor.

Verus:

Hm. And what do you think of life here?

Qibra:

Like I said, I don’t like it. This place is stupid. 

Verus:

Stupid?

Qibra:

Yes. Stupid. And probably illegal.

Verus:

Illegal?

Qibra:

Detaining a bunch of people in a creepy castle for an indeterminate amount of time. That’s like, 3 different crimes, I think.

Verus:

It’s also illegal to kill someone.

Qibra:

There it fucking is. The ‘ohhh, you killed someone’. News flash. I didn’t.

Verus:

So you’re saying you shouldn’t be here?

Qibra:

No shit. I don’t think any of us should be here, actually.

Verus:

Why do you think that?

Qibra:

Well, besides the fact that this is massively illegal and unethical, it’s also just stupid. I don’t know if this is a thing in whatever place you’re from, ass-imar, but where I come from there’s this thing called, uh, nuance. You know, the gray area. The line between good and evil. Black and white. All that shit.

Verus:

…I know what that is.

Qibra:

Well, does the asshole who put us here know? Because all this innocent or guilty, absolved or condemned shit seems awfully black and white.

Verus:

Look, it’s my job to judge you based on your sins. Not ponder the reason this place exists in the first place.

Qibra:

My situation is a whole lot more than just whether or not I murdered someone. You can’t just judge me one way or another.

Verus:

I can. I will. That’s why I’m here. To see if you deserve to be absolved or condemned.

Qibra:

Ugh. Bastard. How about this: neither. Yeah, I did something bad, yeah, someone died, but does that mean I murdered someone? That I’m a horrible person? No.

Verus:

Everyone here killed someone.

Qibra:

So then what’s the point in judging us in the first place? If we’re all murderers?

Verus:

Some of your reasons may be forgivable. 

Qibra:

Oh, cut the crap. There’s nothing to forgive if it wasn’t murder in the first place.

Verus:

So are you saying you should be absolved?

Qibra:

Well, no, of course I’m not innocent! I don’t deserve total absolution! I was responsible for someone dying! I wouldn’t even forgive myself! But I’ve got too much going on for it to be a matter of innocent versus guilty.

Verus:

Is it now?

Qibra:

It is. That’s what I’ve been saying for this whole fucking talk. Listen up: I’m at fault. I can’t go free. I need to make some form of penance. If this were Elderport, I’d be given some minor sentence that I’d happily see through with. But I’m not a killer. So I can’t stay here forever and endure whatever fate that awaits me after you judge me like I’m some villain.

Gears grinding as the platform lowers.

Verus:

Time’s up. It’s time to get down there. I would have liked to be able to ask you more questions, but since you insisted on wasting so much time, I suppose that will have to wait.

Qibra:

You wanted my thoughts, and you got them.

Verus:

I barely got any useful information out of you.

Qibra:

Too bad.

Verus:

You know, all of this attitude isn’t going to make me want to absolve you.

Qibra:

Absolve, condemn. Absolve, condemn.. Gods, do you only know two words?

Verus:

They’re the only two words that matter in this situation. Now I suggest you cooperate and let me view the vision.

Qibra:

You fucking bastard…! Take this!

A chair falls to the floor and light footsteps are heard running towards something, only to abruptly stop.

Verus:

You can’t attack me.

Qibra:

Gods damn it… You can’t make me go down there… you just don’t get it…

Verus:

Well, we’ll see.

Qibra:

I’ll make you get it… I swear on my life…!

Verus:

Calm yourself, Prisoner 003. Get down there and get ready to sing your sins.

---

Read Qibra’s first trial MV Transcript here

Vote here

[pastriibunz]

A GIRL, A GHOST, AND A GENERAL - EPISODE THREE: LESSONS IN BEING HUMAN

McNamara and Max, with their combined years of experience, try to teach Kai how to be human (a concept that, apparently, Kai doesn’t believe in).

Kai was a confusing creature.

She spoke more formally than any 17 year old McNamara and Max ever knew.

She was smart, clearly. A bright kid.

But she was clueless.

“So, wait, you guys willingly get into metal death traps, with other metal death traps speeding down what’s practically a lawless barren landscape?!” Kai questioned, terrified.

McNamara nodded. “That’s driving.”

“It’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be.” Max said.

“HOW ARE YOU ALIVE?!” Kai shouted.

Max laughed. “You have no clue how life works, huh?”

Kai shakes her head. McNamara sighs. “I’ve tried to explain life as one of us to her on multiple occasions, but…it doesn’t go well.”

Max shrugged. “Well, why not try again! I mean, I’m here, I’m like, updated course material.”

McNamara blinks, considering it. Kai perks up. “Ooh, are we gonna play school?”

Max looks towards McNamara. “I dunno, are we?”

McNamara thinks for a moment more before nodding. “Why not, sure.”

Kai squeals excitedly and Max cheers, as McNamara wonders how good of an idea this was.

“Welcome to your lesson on how to be a functioning human being!” Max said with a grin as he scribbled ‘How 2 b human’ onto the chalkboard in the middle of the room. 

Kai grins and claps. “I can’t read that!”

“Your handwriting is completely illegible.” McNamara says.

Max shrugs. “Eh, doesn’t matter. My name is Professor Maxwell-”

“You’re having too much fun with this.” McNamara interjects.

Max shushes McNamara. “Sh-sh-sh-shaddup. It’s keeping her engaged and not yapping about how humans aren’t real.”

Kai nods. “It is!”

McNamara sighs. “Carry on then.”

Max grins. “So, the first thing on the chopping block is our social lives.”

“Uwaoooh!” Kai says in awe.

Max doodles a crappy image of a traditional three person family. “So, in a traditional human family, there’s a mom-”

Kai corrects him. “Mama.”

Max nods. “Mama, and a dad-”

Kai corrects him again. “Papa.”

“Papa. A mama, a papa, and a kid.” Max finishes. “But, the cool thing is that every mama and papa started out as a kid with their own mama and papa!”

“But, as far as I know, my papas just spawned in.” Kai says.

“That’s because your family is weird.” Max says matter of factly.

“Oh okay.” Kai shrugs it off quickly.

“Anyways, there’s also other family dynamics, like sometimes there’s multiple kids, only one mama or papa, or maybe two mamas, or two papas.” Max says, drawing out the different dynamics.

“If there can be two papas, why can’t I have four- or five- papas and sometimes one mama?” Kai asks.

“‘Cause your family is weird. One, one of your papas changes between mama and papa almost daily, two, all your papas are brothers, three, it’s just weird.” Max says.

Kai nods. “Gotcha.” 

“And then there’s friends.” Max drew out himself and two other boys. “Back in Hatchetfield, I had two friends: Kyle and Jason. They’re cool. Anyways, friendship looks different for everyone. Sometimes it’s being assholes to each other, sometimes it’s talking for a long time, or sometimes it’s sitting quietly together.”

Kai raises her hand and shakes it around. “Can it be giving big ol’ hugs and maybe a smooch every so often?”

“You’re so weird, man.” Max says, chuckling. “But, yeah, if you really want that. Don’t do that to me, though.”

Kai nods. Max continues. “Also, there’s these things called social cues. You clearly have no idea what they are-”

“Uncle Mac! He’s bullying me!” Kai whines. 

McNamara shrugs. “It’s true, though.”

“I know! I’m offended because he’s right!” Kai says.

Max cackles. “Anyways, they’re things that almost every person understands.”

Max starts to doodle out certain social situations as he talks. “Like, don’t touch people without permission, give people personal space, don’t talk over people, don’t talk for too long, wipe your face, chew with your mouth closed, don’t say things that could hurt people’s feelings, sit up straight-”

“Too many!” Kai shouts.

“That’s just surface level stuff!” Max says.

She groans, flopping onto her back. “You guys are confusing. I don’t wanna be a human.”

McNamara sits down next to her. “Most of us don’t. Most of us are confused by ourselves.”

“And then there are people like me who totally get it and make fun of the people who don’t.” Max said with a shit eating grin. 

Kai glares. “You’re an asshole.”

Max burst out laughing, and McNamara immediately covered Kai’s mouth. “Don’t say that around your papas.”

Max roared with laughter as Kai looked confused. “Why?”

“It’s not a nice word.” McNamara said.

“KAI, SAY ‘FUCK’!!!” Max said in between cackles.

Kai starts. “Fu-!” McNamara clamps a hand over Kai’s mouth.

“Max, you ought to stop teaching her swear words.”

“Why?! It’s hilarious!”

“It’s gonna get you killed. Again.”

“Eh, worth it.”

Kai giggles and pulls McNamara’s hand off her mouth. “You guys are confusing. But I like it.”

“I like you guys.” She says with a smile.

Max smiles back and hooks an arm around McNamara’s shoulder. “We like you too, Kai.”

[dorianwolfforest]

To comment on what an Anon said about grinding, like the daily quests are great and all, but i would love if they had more dailies where you unlock them after you reach a certain rep level with a group. Like in Tailtop village, would love more dailies there. Or even if thy allowed you to unlock a secret questline if you reached admired with a certain factions. Such as if you reach admired with the Warriors, Mystics, and Foresters, it gave you a secret questline where you unite all three herds or something. Just a little more variety for those who don’t like to grind to get clothes or horse tack, but rather like to grind to unlock content.

Regarding the SC, maybe increasing the allowance really isn’t the issue, it’s the fact that theres no other way to get them besides purchasing them or the allowance. Like i would watch adverts or buy merch from them if it gave me SC’s. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think having ads in game still gives them money. That way both parties are happy mostly.

SSE could even set up a shop, where if you buy like 50 dollars worth of merch, you get 50 star coins deposited into your game. But it could be like only with purchase 50 dollars and over, and then 60 dollars = 60 SC - 100 dollars spent at the store = 100 SC. And maybe additionally there could be a thing to where if you finish all the achievements in game, you get 400 star coins for free.

If I had a penny for every time someone described wanting a feature in sso that already exists, I’d have two pennies. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice. Getting quests for completing rep already is a thing. You do unlock more dailies by wrapping up reputation. You’ve just played for so long you’ve done it already.

What you’re describing would still end. You’d finish the special secret quest and that would be All. Back to “no content”. And you’re continuing to ignore the fact that SSE are constantly adding more long term quests for old players, instead going “But there is no content!” because the game isn’t perfectly tailored to your preferences. They’re adding new stuff for older players this month! That will give us something to grind! You’re going to get content!

The SC thing is just bad. I’ve played several games where watching ads and doing things for premium allowance was a thing, and other than purchasing it that was usually the only way to get free premium currency. Unlike SSO that gives a big sum of theirs away For FREE, other companies will have you preform “actions” to gain premium currency. This can be watching ads, but more often than not it’ll be something actively harmful like “go to this gambling site and gamble for the free $20 dollars we’ll provide you with, and you can get the equivalent of 25 SC!” And that’s not. Good. Also illegal in Sweden. You’re not allowed to bake ads into gameplay in any way and you are not allowed to show children ads. They’re very serious about it over here. Children’s shows aren’t allowed to break for any kind of ad, and ads aren’t allowed to target them.

Giving SC for ingame things has never been a thing and it will probably never be a thing. Like I said, SSE are an incredibly ethical company when it comes to premium currency. Not only do they offer lifetime subscriptions, something any other company would never touch with a five pole, they also give their premium currency away for free, which few companies would willingly do. They are actively losing money every single week! It’s a wonder they’re still up and running, and instead of yelling at them for not doing enough, they should be heralded as an example to other game studios to prove that it is possible to survive with lifetime subscriptions and giving away in-game currency.

The merch thing they’ve done before. They used to sell magazines with SC codes, which was cool. Unfortunately I don’t think their focus is on merch, so it’s kind of a moot point. Cant give SC away with merch if there is no merch.

[fedzkun]

Sorry if this sounds weird but would you be willing to talk about a more wholesome version of the Izuku is allmight’s son au? It’s just so sad that things would end up that way even though he got the best dad might ever 😭😭

Izuku is All Might’s son au 5+ HCs post

The thing about All Might being Izuku’s biological son is that it removes the Found Family aspect of it for me, and I didn’t just want to rehash everything fluffy about their canon mentor-mentee relationship but in somehow a more familial manner.

In any case, my rule of writing is that the wholesome part of a relationship shines brighter when it is tested by darkness. So, I’ll try to mitigate the downer ending note of the last post:

The problem with Izuku having grown up in an environment that embraces him, as well as the heavy legacy that he stands for, is that Izuku never really got exposed to the inequalities of Hero Society. He hasn’t gotten the “Not all men are equal” epiphany yet. Being recruited by the HPSC gives him the opportunity to do so. Growing up, Izuku has been conditioned with the mindset that HPSC is good because every Pro Hero follows them, and only his father All Might seems to have a problem with the group.

Izuku and All Might had a bitter argument that ends with All Might kneeling on the floor, soaking his son’s shirt with hot tears as he embraces him and sobs. Izuku had never seen his father panic and breakdown like this before. Still, All Might says that it’s too late to back out anyway, and simply asks Izuku to remember a mundane code that will allow All Might to rush over to him and get him out whenever Izuku needs out.

At first, Izuku’s training with HPSC was designed to lower his guard down. They spoil him, they were kind to him. Izuku had been spoiled all his life, so he didn’t realize that gifts this time came with strings. Once, they gifted Izuku his own hero costume. Then, they asked him to disperse a ��violent rally” being held by mutant-Quirked people (it was peaceful). Izuku didn’t want to seem ungrateful, so he did so by arresting the leader as instructed. It was a jarring and brutal wake up call when the mutant leader was treated like a villain by the law enforcement, despite the leader having willingly offered himself to Izuku gently clicking handcuffs around his wrists. Izuku tried to speak up in defense, but his HPSC handler steered him away from the cameras, since having All Might’s son declaring support for the mutant-Quirked would be damaging to the image that the HPSC is trying to project.

After the third time this happened, Izuku started to catch on that the HPSC is guilt-tripping him. He started to refuse the gifts being given to him. Prepared for this scenario, the HPSC reveals that they’ve kept hostages around (like the mutant leader) so that Izuku would continue to obey their orders. They’re not repeating their mistake with Nagant. Izuku broke down when he had to level the homes of mutants who were illegally settling at a private property.

They also monitor Izuku’s communication devices. Only then did Izuku realize why his father asked him to make a mundane code. Izuku sent a message: “Please remember to wipe dust off my All Might display, Dad. Thank you 💚”

Not long after, Izuku woke up to the sound of windows breaking. Outside the room provided for him in the HPSC building, a helicopter was waiting for him. His father All Might has a hand out, waiting to catch his son. Inko was the one piloting the helicopter. They’ve also brought back-up to rescue HPSC’s hostages so that there’s nothing to hold Izuku down.

[percontaion-points]

The Chemist chapter 27

Click to see the rest of the snark & image descriptions

Chapter 27

“Because the bad guys might be torturing Kevin for information as we speak,” Val recapped. She used the patient, humoring voice people used with very young children and the elderly.

I’m sorry that you find the entire situation amusing. But people are literally trying to kill both Kevin and Julie. Your lack-of-concern has been noted, but dismissed due to strong evidence to the contrary. 

 She couldn’t even go back for Lola—Kevin had picked the boarding facility. 

I 100% promise you that the US government does not give a shit about a goddamned DOG. (I say this as a dog lover and owner, but you know it’s true.) 

Furthermore, Kevin is not going to randomly give up the address of the dog kennel under torture. 

“Give me ten more minutes,” she said, then she put her head down on her arms and concentrated once more.

Chapter 27 summary: Back at Val’s apartment, neither Daniel nor Val believe her. Julie is able to eventually convince Daniel by leaning hard on the emotional aspect of potentially losing his brother. The two of them go upstairs to get packed up to leave, but Julie mainly lounges on the bed and thinks about what their next move should be. This takes up so much time without actually going anywhere, but what else is new in this stupid book?

When they’re downstairs, they find Einstein. The dog is dirty and panting heavily; wherever and whenever he lost Kevin, he clearly walked back to the last known place of safety. Julie takes the dog back upstairs, where it convinces Val of the danger. Everybody knows that Kevin loves his dogs, and wouldn’t willingly abandon them. 

Despite the fact that the clock is ticking, Julie decides that now is the best time to listen to today’s recordings and to check the tracking device on Carston. He was called in around 3 AM, which is about 3 hours after Kevin left the apartment. He also takes a call from his daughter, who is upset about needing to take her own daughter to the zoo without “grandpa”. Julie is disheartened when he promises his daughter that he’ll be home by dinner, although thinks that it could also be simply appeasing her and making empty promises. 

As Julie thinks about this for a bit longer, she comes to the conclusion that what Carston is doing, torturing somebody that the government randomly decided was a liability based on zero evidence, is illegal. (Whether this is true or not is beyond me. I’m simply going off from what the story is telling the readers.) And this puts a fire in her to make sure that Carston can’t hurt anybody else simply because they were doing the job that he asked them to do. 

[hyaenidaed]

Development . Twin Verse with @kaiibacorp

TWIN VERSE TWIN VERSE. So me and Dia thought of things, angsty things. (tw for child abuse)

Rico is the younger twin to Ruggie, and they were both born in the Afterglow Savannah. The two of them were separated not long after Ruggie would start living in the slums. They had both been living on the streets together, learning the tricks to surviving, but had gotten separated once their deadbeat of a father found them. He randomly grabbed at a twin, taking Rico away from Ruggie, and leaving the afterglow all together.

Rico, of course, resisted, but was beaten into submission by his father multiple times during the trip, and then used to con people into helping them with money and other items his father would ask for to treat ‘his poor injured son’.

Eventually the two settled into the slums of Agrabah. It was only slightly better than living in the slums of the Afterglow. On the one hand, he had a roof over his head (most of the time), but on the other hand he was at the beck and call of his horrible father. Sometimes he didn’t get to sleep in the house because he ‘didn’t earn it’ that day, same thing for meals. His father had also not bothered to realize which twin he had taken, and didn’t call him by his name - instead calling him ‘zero’. Others in the slums started calling him that aswell, both because they thought it was legitimately his name, or to use it against him in an insult. He didn’t bother to try and convince them otherwise, as anytime he tried to tell his father different he was met with a slap, so eventually he stopped trying.

So just like his brother, Zero learned how to survive, just under different circumstances. He became craftier, manipulating others into giving him things through sweet words. He had learned to pickpocket, sure, but he always found it more satisfying when someone parted ways with something willingly, having been completely deceived by him.

He developed his unique magic ‘ Sleeping in the Elephant Graveyard ‘ at some point before attending NRC. The ability is that he can fake his own death. He uses this against his father out of desperation, having finally hit his breaking point after getting his invitation to NRC. His father refused to let him go and locked him in his room with barred windows and no way to escape. He used his ability to appear dead when his father came to give him some food, and went to get the police. When he returned with the police however, Zero was gone - and what the police found was evidence of all the illegal activity that his father had been involved in. So as their father was taken away, he disguised himself and waited outside the slums for the carriage to come and get him.

After being sorted into Scarabia, he started to live pretty comfortably. He decided to go by the name Bishop Ruggeri, bishop based on a chess piece and his last name a small reminder of his brother who he never forgot. He never imagined to meet his brother in one of their classes together.

Things between Ruggie and Bishop are...tentative. After a rather awkward and emotional reunion, they traded notes on their survival tactics and swapped stories. Shared their unique magic with eachother and general information on who they were now. However they both have a difficult time connecting on certain things. They’re both from rather rough backgrounds and despite being twins, they have a hard time instantly trusting the other. They’re still closed off and do their own things, but there are some (Kalim, it’s Kalim) who would like to see them act like proper siblings again. Will that ever happen? Find out on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z

[pokemonbiologyirlthetabletop]

Oranguru (#765)

Oranguru oranguru

General Information: The first Pokémon to ever achieve the status of Equivalently Human, Oranguru are a single staged normal/psychic type Pokémon, who do not particularly care for each other’s company. While kind and benevolent with their intelligence, even using their wits to care for the sick and injured of other Pokémon, they are rather lofty and unagreeable sorts when it comes to their interactions with humans. And honestly, who can blame them?

They average at 4’11 feet (1.5 M) tall and 167.6 pounds (76 kg).

Habitat: They are found in jungles across South Asia and the pacific islands.

Life Cycles: Orangurus become reproductively mature at 15 years old. Female Orangurus typically have 1 baby every six to nine years, often there is an older sibling to help socialize the younger one. Young Orangurus disperse from their mothers at 11 years old. The males do not typically contribute to the parenting, only the females. Orangurus have been known to live as old as 100 years old

Behavior: They are solitary Pokémon who do not care for each other’s company and will establish superiority by a battle of wits. They will provide food and medicine to injured Pokémon, despite not being particularly active Pokémon. Oranguru are also known to use human tools, including Pokeballs, and will sometimes give other Pokémon orders. Their attitudes are rather lofty toward others, making them difficult for trainers to handle. If an individual lives near a beach, it will sometimes venture there to match wits with Slowking. Additionally, Orangurus can have the ability Telepathy (meaning some of them are literally telepathic), and even wild Oranguru have clearly demonstrated a capacity to learn human sign languages and can understand human speech and writing. The only thing stopping them from learning to verbalize human speech is a physiological difference in voice box structure, so they stick to sign languages and telepathy.

Diet: Fruits and leaves, with a strong preference for figs.

Conservation: Endangered

Relationship with Humans: Oranguru was the first species to ever be entirely legally recognized as Equivalently Human in all respects. The matter was actually brought to the Supreme Court of the United States, and the case won in an unprecedented 13-0 (Yes, 13) decision in 1988, heralding a huge victory for Pokémon Rights Activists and establishing the legal precedent for Equivalently Human. The landmark victory set the standard around the globe, and legal activists used the framework set in the SCOTUS case to win similar landmark rulings in their own countries.

Because of their legal status as Equivalently Human, Oranguru habitats have been protected the world over, thus protecting millions of acres of rainforest under varying restrictions (depends on the country). Orangurus also have, by default, the Freedom To Be Left Alone, and thus it is illegal for trainers to capture them unless it is explicitly consented to (paperwork is required as proof), but not illegal nor unethical for Rangers to use their stylers on them when necessary. Pretty much the only reason they exist in captivity is when they’re being rehabilitated or unable to return to the wild. And yes, should an Oranguru seek to become a part of human society (including: it joins a trainer willingly) it has the full legal capacity to become a citizen and participate in human politics, should it so desire. Despite the broad legal protections that Oranguru experience, there is still lots of illegal logging, poaching, palm oil plantations, and the works that often bypass defanged environmental laws. There is a “captive breeding program” that exists, but it’s purely for conservation efforts, and instead consists of thriving population of Orangurus who live in a large heavily guarded top secret wildlife sanctuary, and special Pokémon Researchers observe their behaviors and give them the space to exist freely, happily, and reproduce. Sometimes individuals are then used to help repopulate wild populations.

Many ancient and indigenous cultures even thought of Oranguru as the “people of the forests”, seeing them as human.

Classification: They have the uncreative scientific name of Oranguru oranguru. They are distantly related to the other primate Pokémon.

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Hey guess what, if you like my stuff, this is my website where you can find other Pokémon I've written on and more information about the game that I’m slowly making! Check it out! I write books sometimes too.

[variousqueerthings]

The queen is dead

 The queen is dead it’s time to mourn No more comedy, no more sports No more fun or gatherings for the hoi polloi No more peasantry pleasantries now Nothing to do but mourn the sow As this stale system is passed to her firstborn

 The queen is dead it’s time to grieve No more hospital appointments to make We cancelled on your grandma for the dead queen’s sake No more vaccines just more queues We’re told access to healthcare must be harder to abuse (who’s getting premium healthcare in this economy we muse?) No support, just be grateful and grovelling for what you receive

 The queen is dead and she’s not the only one  But we’re not allowed to stop our lives for them They’re only killed by systems we can’t condemn If only they’d been born as rich as she If only we didn’t have the fucking monarchy If only blank signs weren’t considered treason If only we weren’t afraid to die this winter season We can’t blame the queen if she wasn’t literally holding the gun

The queen is dead, but what is sadder? We have to see her face everywhere, lest we forget our place While she and her twisted family take up the airspace One law for the rich, another for the poor Violate young girls, what is the law even good for? Did we elect king whatshisname? Is that illegal now to say? Will that get us charged by the clown courts today Now the queen is dead and the laws are getting madder

 Now the queen is dead, queen of hot air Corporations say her name like she invented the Big Mac Nintendo, sex toys, theatre, playmobile and the union jack Fly it at half mast, only do and say what’s allowed Remind the populace to keep its heads bowed The queen is dead, no I don’t have the decency to care

 The queen of hypocrisy is dead, does she deserve respect? I’ve been mourning the deaths of people she didn’t give a fuck about She never read their names in her new year’s speech, why should this drag out? Tell me one thing I should be grateful for, what did she ever do? She was healthy and wealthy and inherited people and countries too Count her accomplishments in all the lives her family wrecked

 The queen is dead, and so what? We should put her body in exhibition Send her to Egypt, to Greece, to India, witness her decomposition Send her on another world tour, post her no-return Let others grind her down to ashes, wonder just how well she’d burn Send her first to Kenya, let them spit on her corpse for free The queen is dead, so what? Toss her right into the sea

 The queen – have you heard she’s dead, there’ll be a quiz How much about her privileges are really known? And what is that about secret funds? What is that – no inheritance tax? What is that about the price of her throne? What is, what is, what is -- (don’t look too closely, she’s got secrets that old, dead Liz)

 The queen is dead, the queen is dead, the queen is long overdue And now she’s dead the only thing worse is her name invoked by you You stop petitions, you waive our rights, you sneak violations right through Yes, the queen is dead, long live the queen - (Restitutions for crimes as yet unseen A crown with a peculiar sheen As if her legacy could ever be clean) - in the parasitical poisoned mouths of those who love to misconstrue What I mean when I say, “the queen is dead, hooray, yippee, woo-hoo!” So to those seeking a different view, who wonder why the queen should be taboo:

 Instead of mourning the old bag, here’s some alternatives - Vandalise her statues, boo the so-called king Help your local foodbank, don’t become right-wing If a country’s population is dying of the cold If we can’t afford to eat, if we’re letting down the old If our entertainment forces us to bow down to the queen Think about why our priorities are so obscene If the newspapers combined issue royalist support Question what other points of views they willingly distort It’s a symptom of a global violence, so keep the borders open Trust that helping others matters, please don’t stop hoping And lastly don’t vote for the conservatives