#kyrie is questioning (in this anyways

[hopeinthebox]

tagged by the exceptional @cordiallyfuturedwight and @cosmicdreamgrl thanks ever so much my loves <33

now tagging some heroes @aprylynn @thvinyl @visionsofgideontheninth @hoseeok @btscontentenjoyer @jihopesjoint @monismochi @raplinenthusiasts <333 and everyone else

[elleaitch22]

Love on Fire

Chapter 5: Peanut

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd

A/N: I don’t know if I can write a story without angst. I’m so sorry for this chapter. Please don’t hate me. I hope (somehow) you love it!! xx Elle (ps, remember there is still a lot more story to go!)

Warnings: Fertility treatment, medical procedures, medical symptoms, bodily fluid (yay morning sickness)

Word Count: 3.5k words

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

Week 1:

The day after Azzi’s positive pregnancy test, she was back in Dr. Caldwell’s office. This time, her knee bounced with a quiet hope.

“Okay, hun. We’re just going to take a little bit of blood, and I’ll be out of your hair.” A sweet, Southern nurse stated.

For once, Azzi was happy to be suck with a needle.

“What are we looking for with the bloodwork?” Paige asked, standing next to their table.

The nurse retracted the needle and covered the wound with gauze. “Well, we just need her Beta hCG to be above 50. It should only take about ten minutes to get the results. Dr. Caldwell will be in with the results.”

The friends nodded as the woman walked out.

Their minds started racing.

Azzi thought about baby shower themes. She’d be six months around St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe something about being lucky. Should she find out the gender before the baby shower or let herself be surprised after birth. Maybe it could have pies. Like a little cutie pie?

She absentmindedly caressed her flat belly. Would she be one of those moody pregnant women? Gosh, she hoped that she wouldn’t have morning sickness, especially not the kind that lasted the whole pregnancy.

One thing she didn’t have to question was Paige. She’d been so patient over the last three months. She was always there with a snack or an uplifting remark, just to encourage her.

Paige thought about Azzi. She prayed that the levels would be what they needed to be. That this would be a healthy, happy, smooth pregnancy, giving Azzi the perfect little baby she deserved.

She thought about how gorgeous she’d be round with pregnancy. She wondered if she would get the same roundness in her face that she had when they were teenagers. She pictured her grumpy and glowing, trying to trick Paige into a foot massage, even though she knew Paige hated feet. But she would do it anyway. Because she was in love with her.

She pictured a little girl with big brown eyes and perfect ringlets, just like her mother. She pictured a toddler wobbling as she walked to hug Paige. A high pitched, perfect laugh. She would be perfect.

“So, I was thinking yesterday,” Paige started, breaking the silence, “If it’s a boy, maybe you can name him Kyrie or Klay. And for a girl, maybe Maya or Sue?”

Azzi slowly turned to her best friend, “You want me to name the kid after basketball players we’ve met once?”

Paige giggled, “Just wanted to lighten the mood a little. You seem like you’re in your head.”

A quick knock sounded at the door before it opened. “Congratulations Ms. Fudd!” The doctor smiled, the first time Azzi had ever seen the expression. “Your hCG is a 73, which is right where we want it to be. I’m not going to bother with an ultrasound today, because you won’t be able to see anything. You will need to come back in two days. So we can make sure your hCG is at least 146, alright?”

“Um, yes. Thank you. Is there anything I should be aware of?” Azzi questioned.

“Some of my moms are worried when they have light spotting. If you experience this, it is likely implantation bleeding. But it. should not be more than spotting. Call us if you have any concerns.” Dr. Caldwell answered.

Azzi nodded, “Okay. I’ll see you on Thursday. Thank you so much, Dr. Caldwell.”

“Of course. Congratulations, Mommies.” She said, heading out.

The room was quiet when she left.

Mommies.

Paige was reeling. Nobody had ever called Paige a mommy before. She didn’t know if she was even allowed to feel happy about being called that. It made her excited, hopeful.

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

Week 5:

Azzi had been on top of the world, and nobody knew why except for Paige.

Even with her mood swings from her progesterone pills, nothing every kept her mood down for longer than a couple of minutes.

Except now she was nervous.

Today, she would be going in to see her baby. She was cautiously optimistic. For every blog she’d read about IUI success, there were three more about loss. It was most common that a loss came before ten weeks, so they just had to make it that far.

She was sitting on the table with a paper gown. She wished Paige was with her so badly, but somehow, they had scheduled the appointment during one of her shifts. She was supposed to get off in time to meet her at the clinic, but a few minutes before Azzi left the bakery, Paige called to tell her there was a car accident, and that she would miss it.

The ultrasound technician came in with a small smile. “Good afternoon, Ms. Fudd. I’m Fiona. Today, we’re going to do a transvaginal ultrasound. Hopefully this will be your last one for a while.” She giggled. “Since you’re only five weeks, we aren’t looking for body parts or a heartbeat. I don’t want you to get alarmed.”

Warm gel covered the wand before Azzi was examined. Fiona hit a few buttons on the machine before turning the screen to Azzi.

“I know it doesn’t look like much now, just an oval, but that’s the gestational sac.” She gestured to a tiny dot on the side of the circle. “And that bright little dot right there, that’s your baby. It’s tiny right now, but it’s growing fast”

Azzi’s breath caught in her throat. She beamed and looked to the chair beside her. The smile faded a little when she remembered she was alone today.

She tried to hold onto the smile, but it tugged at the edges. Paige would’ve loved this. The wonder in her eyes, the “wow” whispered under her breath, the way she always reached for Azzi’s hand during big moments. And now, all Azzi had was an empty chair.

“I know it’s not really showing much,” Azzi started, “But do you think I could a couple of pictures to show my friends and family?”

Azzi walked out of the clinic with a huge weight lifted off her shoulders and six ultrasound photos ready for her to send to the family members who knew she was trying for a baby.

She wasn’t really paying attention to where she was going, just riding the high of another successful doctor’s appointment. So, it wasn’t really a surprise when she wound up outside the fire station.

Unlike the last time she was here, there was no one outside. A peak inside the doors showed the engine, squad, and ambulance bays vacant. She decided to wait a little while for them to return. Caroline told her to take the day and relax, so it’s not like she had anything important to do.

One of the off-duty firefighters, Chet, was sitting at. The front desk. Azzi gave him a small smile as she made her way to the kitchen. She hated cooking at the firehouse. Most times, their ingredients looked like someone went shopping after smoking instead of going with a list.

There were lots of cup noodles and buldak ramen. Bags of hot fries and takis. There was a defrosted pack of chicken breasts. Azzi could work with that. The pantry had barbeque sauce and honey.  Some chicken broth that had probably been in there for years.

Thirty minutes later, honey barbeque chicken and broccoli simmered while she waited for the rice to finish.

She walked around the firehouse tired, choosing to take a nap until the crew came back.

When the crew returned an hour later, they all saw Azzi’s black Grand Cherokee parked in the front. While the other members in the squad truck clowned Paige, the blonde was panicking.

Azzi hadn’t said anything about coming to the station today. She had her doctor’s appointment today, and Paige cursed herself for not being able to be with her. What if something happened, and she’d been at the station to find Paige, and she wasn’t even there.

The truck hadn’t even come to a complete stop when Paige was out of the truck. She didn’t bother to take off her turnouts or her boots. Her footsteps were heavy as she rushed through the house. Peeking her head in every room she passed until her eyes landed on the brunette.

She sighed deeply, hands on her knees. Azzi was curled up on the couch, eyes closed and mouth open.

Her hand automatically reached out to touch her face, but when her eyes caught a glance of her dirty hands, she jerked them back quickly.

“Azzi,” She whispered. Her brows turned down a bit, but no real sign of consciousness.

Before Paige could call her again, a yell rang out through the house.

“Ayo P-Ski! Tell your wife thank you for lunch!” Edwards exclaimed.

Azzi’s head popped up, looking around confused until her eyes landed on Paige. “You’re all dirty.” She blinked lazily, a small smile on her lips.

“Is everything okay?” Paige whispered, almost scared to hear the answer.

One brown eye squinted open, “Yeah. What are you talking about?”

“You didn’t say you were coming over. And I wasn’t able to come to the appointment.” She sighed, relieved. “How was it?”

Azzi popped up full of energy. “Oh! I came over so I could show you something!” She reached into her back pocket, wide grin on her face.

A black and white picture what thrusted in Paige’s face. She moved her head back a little. Her eyes darted up. “That black hole. That’s the baby?” She asked, breathily.

The brunette giggled, “No. That the sac that the baby’s in.” She pointed to a small circle in the black hole. “You see that? That’s the baby. That teeny little bright dot. That’s the start of it all.” She said warmly.

“Wow,” She breathed. “It’s just a little peanut.” She knelt before she even noticed. “Hi, Peanut, I’m Paige. I’m your – I’ll be your Paigey.” She stayed like that for a second, silent, reverent.

Her stance reminded Azzi of her praying over her abdomen before she gave her the trigger shot. That thought was enough for tears to flood her eyes.

“Paige are you –” Stewie’s voice sounded from around the corner. The tall woman was in the doorway before they knew it. Her eyes darted from Paige, to Azzi, to the small slip held in Paige’s hands. Her eyes widened as she gasped, “Azzi! You’re pregnant?”

Paige stood, body slightly angled in front of her best friend. “She isn’t telling people yet.” Voice clipped, but still respectful. “She’s only five weeks.”

Breanna’s hands raised in innocence. “No worries. I won’t tell anybody. I remember how private Marta was about everything.” She smiled, “Congratulations!” She walked back down the hallway.

“Go shower, P. I’ll let you talk to the baby before I leave.” Azzi ran her hand over the sweat-slicked ponytail.

“Okay, Peanut.” Paige smiled. “I just got back from a fire, so I’m all dirty. I’ll talk to you in a little while.” She pecked the smooth, tanned skin, before standing. “I’m so happy for you, Az.”

Azzi flopped back onto the sofa, watching Paige leave. That was…intimate. Paige protected her from Stewie, one of the nicest people they knew. Paige kissed her belly. Paige talked to the little embryo that had no ears to hear her. She knew body parts hadn’t really formed yet, and she still talked to the baby.

She was just so sweet.

So pure.

So good.

So easy to love.

And maybe that was Azzi’s problem.

She didn’t know how long she could hold it all in before bursting.

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

Week 6:

Azzi was six weeks and six days pregnant, only three more weeks until she stopped having to go to the clinic every week.

This time, Paige was able to be at the appointment, and she was practically vibrating with energy.

“Do you think they’ll do an ultrasound today or just bloodwork?” Paige questioned, pacing around the room.

Azzi’s eyes tracked her movements, stifling a laugh at her nerves. “No blood test today, just an ultrasound.”

Wide blue eyes locked onto brown ones. “I’ll get to see the baby?” Voice hopeful. “Like really see Peanut, not just a picture?” She questioned.

“Yeah,” Azzi grinned, cheeks red.

Paige’s whole body deflated. Not with disappointment, but quiet relief.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes before an ultrasound technician came in. “Oh, she’s back with you.”

Neither woman knew if she was critiquing Paige’s presence, but they didn’t care.

“Okay, you ready to see your baby?” She asked, rolling the ultrasound closer.

“Yes!” Paige exclaimed immediately, already leaning closer.

Azzi slid down the table a bit. She breathed in deeply as the woman inserted the wand. Brows twitching as she moved the wand inside of her.

“Hmm,” the woman said.

Azzi’s heart stuttered, “What do you mean?”

“I’m having trouble finding the fetus.” She murmured.

“What?!” Two voices called out.

Azzi shot up and Paige’s stomach dropped.

The ultrasound technician nodded absentmindedly. “Since the fetus is so small, it can be hard to locate.” She paused, moving the wand again. “Oh! There it is!” She said, cheerfully.

She pressed a few buttons before turned the screen to the duo. Another button push and –

Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.

“Is that the heartbeat?” Azzi said, voice shaky. Tears filled her eyes. That was her baby’s heartbeat.

The tech smiled kindly. “Yeah, that’s your baby’s heartbeat.

“Oh my God.” Paige whispered.

Anything else the ultrasound technician wasn’t heard. Paige and Azzi sat, hands wrapped tightly around each other. They were just listening to the thud of a quick heartbeat and watching the future on that screen.

The woman gave the two women a few copies of the ultrasound without talking. “Dr. Caldwell will be in shortly.”

The room was quiet when she left. Both women started at the papers they were just given.

Paige played with brown curls absently, and Azzi leant into the touch without thinking.

“Good morning. Based on the measurements, your due date is June 12, 2026.” She said, plainly. “You are almost seven weeks, so we will forgo the eight week scan, and I will see you when you are ten weeks. Do you have any questions for me?”

Azzi was looking forward to graduating from the clinic so that she could have a different OB, one who wasn’t robotic. “Um, is there anything I should be looking out for?” She questioned.

The other woman shook her head. “Limit your caffeine. You are aware that you cannot have deli meats, unpasteurized cheese, raw meat or sushi. Make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamins, folic acid, and progesterone daily. Your uterus is expanding, so you make experience some cramping and even light spotting. That is not concerning unless it is constant or heavy. If either of those things happen, go to the emergency room immediately. No vigorous activities you weren’t already doing.”

Paige was already typing everything into her notes app. Azzi glanced at her and almost smiled.

“Thank you Dr. Caldwell, I’ll see you in a few weeks.” Azzi smiled.

As Paige and Azzi walked out to the car, “Do you think it’s too early to tell Bob and Katie?”

Paige looked at her quickly, “If you want to, I think you should.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, “You never give me a straight answer with stuff like this.” She pouted.

“Yeah, because if you end up regretting it, you’re going to yell at me.” She laughed.

“Whatever,” Azzi crossed her arms over her chest. “Can you take me to the store? I want to get a few things so I can make a surprise box. Then, I’ll give it to them whenever.” She huffed.

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

Week 10:

Azzi’s boobs hurt. Her stomach hurt. She’d been cramping for the last week. Just light ones, nothing crazy, and no blood. She was always tired. She threw up all the time. She. Had no idea why they called it morning sickness if that shit can literally hit at any point in the fucking day. She was moody, and she couldn’t control it, so it made her sad.

But she was getting a little bump on her abdomen. Nothing crazy, but she noticed a tiny little mound on her previously flat stomach was she’d gotten out of the shower a couple of days ago.

She talked to her baby all the time, well, whenever she was alone, with Caroline, or with Paige. She talked about the dreams she had about being with Peanut. How she wanted to teach them how to shoot a basketball. How to bake cakes with a little extra love. How to read.

She talked about Paige. And how she didn’t know who Paige would be to Peanut, but that she would always be there. Always be Paigey. She talked about how in love she was with the blonde. How she would be the baby’s other mom in an ideal world.

She talked about everything with her baby.  Even though the baby couldn’t hear yet, the idea that she was talking to her baby was very comforting.

Azzi was doing light makeup in the mirror when she heard her front door open.

“Happy ten weeks Jazlyn!” Paige called as she walked in. Azzi heard her keys land on the kitchen counter and footsteps coming to her bedroom. “We’re going to be late.” She groaned.

Azzi was sitting on the floor in front of her biggest window, oversized hoodie hanging off her frame. “We still have ten minutes before we have to leave. You’re being dramatic.” She rolled her eyes.

It took her five minutes to pull on a pair of loose jeans to hide her bump a little. The cropped tank top was covered with a colorful pullover.

“See! I told you I’d be ready on time.” She beamed, walking into the kitchen.

“Yeah, yeah.” She rolled her eyes. “I brought kumquats and tater tots for your ten week snack. I hope neither of these make you throw up.” Paige grimaced.

Every week, since week seven, Paige had brought a fruit or snack the size that Peanut was. It was sweet, dorky, cute, and absolutely perfect. And Azzi loved it.

She came to kneel in front of Azzi. “Okay Peanut! Ready to get your picture taken?” She asked.

The appointment went smoothly, and the pair went out to lunch to celebrate Azzi and Peanut’s graduation from Dr. Caldwell to an actual obstetrician.

“Now that we have a real ultrasound, I think I can tell Katie and Bob.” Azzi smiled, looking at the printout of the little Peanut.

Paige scooted closer so she could look too. “Peanut really looks like a peanut now.” She laughed. “Look at Peanut’s big ass head. Definitely your kid, Az.”

Azzi rolled her eyes at the teasing. “Shut up. That’s a perfectly sized head.” She paused. “Peanut has grown so much since the last ultrasound,” She finished proudly.

“When are you wanting to tell them? We can have dinner over there on Friday or Saturday.” Paige sipped her lemonade.

Azzi thought. She had already made the announcement box. She ordered a onesie off Etsy that said, “Mimi and Papa’s Favorite Arriving June 2026”. She got these little, white, knitted booties. And the ultrasound was going to be the perfect way to finish the surprise.

“I think maybe Friday? We can stay over there as long as we want since we don’t have to work in the morning.” Azzi was so excited to tell them.

Paige nodded, getting her phone out to text her dad. “Alright. You got five days to change your mind.” She joked.

They both knew she wasn’t going to change her mind. They knew she couldn’t wait to tell the people who had been supporting her since she found out.

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

Week 10, Day 3:

Azzi woke up on Thursday in pain.

She’d been cramping for a few days now, but when she asked Dr. Caldwell, she told her not to worry about it unless it came with blood.

She’d been keeping an eye on how intense the cramping was, but this morning was much worse than she’d been experiencing.

The brunette took out her phone and texted Caroline and KK that she wasn’t coming in today, just to be safe.

She was nauseous. She didn’t know if it was because of the morning sickness or because of the nerves. Her boobs weren’t hurting as much as they had been.

Her cramping had spread to her lower back, and they ramped up in her pelvis. She took a hot shower, hoping it would help with the pain, but it didn’t.

She was heating up a muffin when she felt the first rush.

Warm. Like she’d just started her period.

She was numb, ears ringing as she walked to the bathroom.

Not just a few drop from spotting.

Bright red. Fresh. A flood.

She stayed, just sitting on the toilet unable to move. Ten seconds. Ten minutes. Ten hours. She couldn’t tell.

Shaky hands pulled the phone out of her hoodie pocket.

Princess 💗👸🏽👩🏽‍🍳: I’m bleeding. A lot

She sits there staring at the wall.

Paigey 💗🧑🏼‍🚒🔥❤️‍🔥: fuck. im otw

[kyri45]

✨ShadowPeach Bio Parents Bio AU Q&A! 25/02✨

Welcome to the Q&A! A space where I can answer related or similar question about the Shadowpeach Bio Parents AU! If you submitted your ask anonimously, then you’ll have to check the whole post if it’s answered here, if it’s not, worry not! Your asks might have been used for a future comic or just in the queue~

@esmailsadeh ha chiesto: Kyri I have a question...please don't end your amazing masterpiece (LMK AU) there are literally a ton of people that love it , so why must you end it? please reconsider for your fans >.<

The question is... why must I end it? Well cause it's a story and I don't like unfinished fics ahah.

@oddogoblino ha chiesto: Sorry, random dumb thought Think that Wukong or MK would go "kachow" when they're tryna look attractive for their respective partners? 😭 Imagining Macaque or Redson being really into admiring their partners just for their idiot to go "aha, ✨ Kachow ✨ " when showing off intentionally LMAO

haha well they could!

@meisawkwardashecc ha chiesto: Are shadowpeach switches?

Macaque is mostly the top

@anidiotkid ha chiesto: So, does Wukong or MK ever get cramps? And if so, how do they deal with it? (...totally not projecting here 😭)

yes they do! Wukong is a drama queen. MK will neglect his meds until he faints. (and then proceed to be scolded by Mei)

@captain-space-kin ha chiesto: Okay so, I happened upon the Shadowpeach bio parents au update today and then binge read the whole thing instead of doing college work. And I just wanted to say watching your art grow and change is really encouraging to me as an artist. I often times get stuck thinking my art isn’t improving “fast enough”, but seeing the progress you’ve made over the course of comic is really cool! And it also kinda making me want to try out making comics finally. Anyway! Love your art, and I’m very excited to see how the rest of goes!

Thank you!!

@itzlilith32 ha chiesto: Hello kyri, I just came here to say that I really love your Au. Lmk was already consuming my life since I discovered it like a year and a few months ago. And now I also have your Au consuming my everyday, but I wouldn't have it any other way. :3 I've discovered your au like between part 2 and 3 I think, so a while ago. And it's been the most fun rollercoaster of emotions I've been on. I like everything about it, from your art to the storytelling, I honestly can't put into words how much I love it ^^ Since we're in part 9, and the final from what you said, I wanted to say this. These past months have been wonderful, from discovering this au and seeing how it evolved, to now, where we're near the end. Although, correct me if I'm wrong, but I have a tiny bitty feeling that this is just the end of a big chapter. And I can't wait to see what happens next. :D 🫶

Awww thank youuu!!

@virtualjellyfishcolor ha chiesto: uh kyri…. did macaque hear all that…?like uh mk and redson..

Luckily his powers were still too weak. He most likely WILL hear what might happen in the future

@busterwarrior2099 ha chiesto: So what's going to happen to Li Jing and heaven now? Because I bet mk and the others are not going trust them again after the stunt they try to pull by kidnapping the guy who defeated the bull demon king,the lady bone demon,azure lion and prevented the world to end all because they learn about his heritage so yeah not a good impression at all

I have... plans.

@kid-of-chaos ha chiesto: Kyri will we get to see the mini monkeys at the Coronation or just around in general again I miss my gremlin friens :d

aww we can bring some of those little guys yes

@blairjojo ha chiesto: yo Kyri are u gunna make this into a full comic and publish it edventioaly (I need to buy it) @amyrosewithoutshadow ha chiesto: Hello! Brazilian fan here! How are you? First of all, love your art. Really, it makes me fell so safe and happy when I see it. Second, do you plan on doing a book or a web comic book with all the parts together when you end the Bio Dads au? I Would die for having the comic in hands and read it when I want and can. Thank you 💕

maybe, not now though (I don't have the time). I need mods and people who help me with the logistic first and a lot of planning

@lordmushroomkat ha chiesto: Your art is so genuinely great that I accidentally got invested in these fictional characters that I don't know just so I could see more of it. So like yeah, good job. I stumbled into it a few days ago and have re-read it like at least 3 times now and every time I get to the giant-kaiju Shrek 2-reference song-sequence I just feel an emotion that is very intense but that I have no idea how to quantify. I think the emotion is positive but there's also such a deep incredulity to it. It is glorious and unhinged and I am absolutely here for it. Loving whatever the hell this whole AU is, you have made me care very intensely about characters from a show I did not know nearly anything about. I've pieced together enough lore to understand enough of what is happening but you have made me want to actually watch the show.

awww tysm!!!

@gtuguzbuzbu ha chiesto: Will Wukong ever know what happened down there? Like he sorta knows that Mama got himself hurt but he doesn't know what exactly happened.

yeah Macaque eventually told him everything and he was condemned to 2 days in the hug-prison

@lordmageofart ha chiesto: Wait.. this instantly hit me but I have to ask! Is Macaque gonna Courtnap Wukong again? Will Wukong try yet fail to courtnap just to show Macaque he loves him? Or is it just going to be like a normal conversation like their normal people? (Probably won't be the last one but I still have to ask)

nah this time they just want to go straight to the point

@metalheaded-freak ha chiesto: Kyri, I just wanted to say… thank you, for creating the Bio Parents Au, it’s been such an emotional journey and honestly? If it wasn’t for you then I wouldn’t have gotten into the fandom the way I did. I guess what I’m trying to say is, you were the gateway for me to fully embrace this fandom and not be afraid to show what I do, so once again thank you!

Thank youu!!!

@classystudentmugdonut-blog ha chiesto: Hello I just want say I love your work I keep rereading it from the beginning even though I should be resting I got sick but anyways I want to who is YOUR MOST favorite in this lmk

MK. he is baby

@cranberrychaos ha chiesto: Considering you now got red bubble merch of the shadowpeach au... would you ever consider us paying to you to color in our favorite scenes from the comic? I got a couple I'd like to see colored and have in my house or wallpaper 😭

I don't take commissions

@redsontheredbull ha chiesto: Do you have a lady bone demon design?

mmm not really.

@astro-lmk-enjoyer ha chiesto: Do you think Red (or DBK) would get offended if people used cow/bull terms? Like bullshit? Or if they are driving and pass by a cow farm? Stuff like this pops into my head a lot and I wanted to know what you would think because all I can imagine is Red Son come face to face with a cow and it being so awkward 😭😭 Bye <3

mmm i think so.

Anonimo ha chiesto: I honestly think it would be funny to see how confused people would be if they just started being nice to each other, with no context as to how or why (Not like all their problems are fixed nice but just treating each other a bit better after their talk)

LOL i think everyone is either confused or glad they finally resolved their sexual tension

@roseltelle ha chiesto: Since Wukong is trans can he get pregnant too?!? Is this something he and Macaque have to worry about?!?

yes he can get pregnant.

@vivian-devoid ha chiesto: "kilani-123 ha chiesto:Does Mk know that Wukong and Macaque are still engaged?👀" WAIT WHAT?! I nearly choked on my water(stay hydrated) when the hell did this happen!?

the day before the brotherhood tried to take over heaven

@sleeo-goos10 ha chiesto: Hi kyri! Thank you for everything?! Just wanted to ask if you have other comics you plan on making once lmk is over aside from sky❤️

first i finish the sky comic, then I'll see

@violetcookie2007 ha chiesto: Do you personally have anymore nicknames for Shadow peach or Spicy noodles? I like all the ones you have in the comic and think they are all very cute and was wondering if you have any more. Also I love you art!

mmm not really. im open for suggestions

@gaybirdlovescrackers ha chiesto: How does it feel to singlehandedly keep a fandom afloat. To keep it trending by pure gay.

it feels illegal to hold this power

@steadylandface ha chiesto: Are we gonna get a Spicynoodles child in the future 👀

Yes, go watch Ninjago Pilot episode 1

@lonelydarkrai ha chiesto: Is there anyone dubbing your comics?

lots of folks are dubbing my comic.

@lordmushroomkat ha chiesto: I suppose now is as good of a time as any to wonder if this means Red Son has accidentally left his jacket with MK. Just like, as a concept.

oooohh yes

@nocturnaldaydreamer ha chiesto: Oh no, realized this a little while ago... But MK is not only the son of the Monkey King, but is gonna be crowned a Celestial Prince. Red Son and MK better be careful, there might be some crazies out there trying to Courtnap him...

Red son will be hissing like a cat to anyone who tries to come closer

@leve4ever ha chiesto: If season 6 comes out will you make more shadowpeach bio parents au?

yeah why not.

@nomadiclegends ha chiesto: 四耳孫小天 ...so is it pronounced "Sì'ěr Sun Xiǎotiān" ??? my mandarin's pretty weak sauce and I'm curious 😶

yes

@this-one-gay-person ha chiesto: For the LMK bio parents au is there like a specific post schedules?

every other day at 1Pm ET

@anxiety-beans ha chiesto: I need you to know that this comic is what converted me into a Shadowpeach shipper. It altered my brain chemistry, I swear.

let's goooooooo

@bonbonfoxyton ha chiesto: A little late asking this buut I'm curious, how did courtnaping go between macaque and Wukong exactly? Is it okay if you'd explain it, it's a 100% okay if you don't want to since I read your boundaries thing and everything to make sure your good with this question

I'll let the fans picture how it happened

@cutvdo ha chiesto: Have you thought of putting your fan comics ISAT: Sky CotL AU and LMK: ShadowPeach Bio Parents AU, on a different website? like tapas

you can't publish fan-comics on Tapas

@the-immortal-restless ha chiesto: Do you think that Macaque or Wukong’s hair ever falls forward? Like MKs does on purpose because style but like… Wukong and Macaque both have the longer fur so does it stay out of their face or does it fall forwards something in your au/opinion? (Petition for Wukong and Macaque to be Mukong… because if sun Wukong is swk then Mukong is MK!)

I think it could, maybe they use gel?

@wolfsbanex-x ha chiesto: KYRIII!!! Hello, I love your art so much. I just want to say that stream where you talked about motivation was very inspiring! I LOVE your comic so much, it’s been a shoulder for me whenever I have had a rough day. I hope you continue to gift us with even more amazing art (sorry if I’m rambling here). YOU CAN DO THIS!!! WHOOO!!!!☺️🥳

Thank you!!

@eneska31 ha chiesto: so we know when MK got his court napping thoughts, when did Redson get his? and can we see what happens in his POV in like a small comic at some point? p.s I absolutely love your art and this comic has brought me so much joy ☺️💛🐵

After MK called him beautiful

@factmeegg ha chiesto: Okay question, When first made this fan comic or whatever. What were your thoughts on this when you first started up to now?

that it would have been a really short and silly thing

@mischiefmelody ha chiesto: Question! Will MK be in his monkey or human form for his coronation? Either way he'll be gorgeous but I wanna knowwwww

He'll be in monkey form

cherrummi ha chiesto: After reading the latest update, I made an animation, but apparently asks don’t support video sooo here’s some key frames instead (I’m going to post my full animation in my blog, so if you’re interested you could check it out): Also: Will something like this happen in the story? 👆 How traditional is DBK and PIF would you say, comparing them to traditional human families? Could you give more insight on demon etiquette or courtnapping? Thank you so much for making art! It’s incredible! ❤️

uhh yeah in a way

they are very traditional, but they know when to put some traditions aside in sake of Red Son happiness

Courtnapping rooms are a must, old schools courtnapping usually last around a year but now days it's at best 2 weeks. The courtnapped person must consent and if not they can leave. The courtnapper must provide everything for their partner, including their hobbies, favourite food, family visits, etc… (it's basically a pre-dating very complex honeymoon

@huntershyperfixation ha chiesto: Your art is beautiful and the lmk fandom adores you ☆

ADFZBFD AGAER THANK YOU

@ithinkimprobablyweird ha chiesto: What is mk in the au? Like gay bi pan or something else?

Demisexual, trans masc, bi.

@cryptoknightpatch ha chiesto: Hi lol I’m curious did you come up with the court-napping idea by yourself or was it actually anything referencing Jttw?

it's a fan headcanon of the LMK fandom

@axtonorian ha chiesto: First up, I LOVEE YOUR ART Its really fun to look at and aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. Second I know Wukong had/has nightmares about Mk but what about Mac? And even if it all worked out in the end would his nightmares about those two get worse after everything that just happened?

he sometimes dreams of hurting him. a lot of cuddles ensue everytime he wakes up with wukong close by

@jinxdrawsstuff ha chiesto: Hi Kyri! Just wanted to pop in real quick and say thank you for your Shadowpeach AU <3 it’s getting me through my first college year, every update makes my day a lot better!

you're welcome!

[mizu-archive]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱₊˚⊹Reminiscence ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱₊˚⊹

(this is my first time posting a fic ) ( eng is not my first lang so yeah)

CHAPTER : 1

Dante x f!reader

Vergil x f!reader(platonic)

⋆˙⟡ —

Events take place after Dmc 5.

Dante and Vergil return back to Devil May Cry after slaying all the demons back at hell. Everything goes back to normal as the twins prepare themselves to face Mundus as their next challenge. Vergil tries to settle down to a more human lifestyle (w a lil struggle).

Reader is Dante and Vergil's childhood bestfriend and stayed with Dante after the fire at the Sparda house. Vergil feels a bit at ease w reader since she always understood him. Reader and Dante have been dating since dmc2.

Summary : Dante while fighting a demon, underestimates it and quickly and is put in a tricky situation, luckily Vergil is there to help his brother but the aftermath of it is entirely different as he never expected his younger brother to turn into his 8 yr old annoying self lying on the ground unconscious. What will u do when your boyfriend is suddenly the most sugar high energetic kid in the world?...

Warnings: none

. ✦ . 　୨୧ ⁺

It was around 7 in the evening when Kyrie and Nero arrived at the Devil May Cry Shop as you had invited them over for dinner. Trish and Lady were always ready for some delicious food , same for Patty, Morrison and Nico. Vergil was perched on Dante's chair reading a novel of some kind ( you knew it was romance but he would deny it anyway) when Nero and Kyrie arrived along with the others. Everyone settled in and small conversations started among them as they chatted about what they had been upto since the last month. " Hey where's Dante?" Nero asked out of curiosity. Before Morrison could answer Nero, Vergil beat him to it. " He's over town down near the lake" he stated blatantly and resumed his reading as Nero raised a questioning eyebrow at him. " Some man came by telling his kid went missing near the lake while playing and hired Dante for it , although he wasn't interested at first he folded the moment he saw a briefcase full of loaded cash on the table, the man must've been desperate to find his son but, alas..." Morrison said out aloud feeling remorse for the man that his kid would have been eaten by the demon most likely by now. " Well I'll be taking a portion out of that briefcase if u don't mind cause that dumbass still hasn't settled my debt." Lady said smiling while referring to Dante's debt yet to be paid to her. " He's gonna throw a fit when he gets home, I can already imagine him screaming atop his lungs" you said laughing with the others as you emerged from the kitchen holding a spatula dripping with the residue of whatever u were cooking. " Don't worry we'll coax him out of it by buying him pizza." Trish said while flicking through the tv to play something nice. Everyone agreed as they laughed ( expect Vergil he was more keen on reading his romance novel hehehe).

You were pouring some water into a pan when Vergil strided in the kitchen. " Need some help ?" He questioned in a gruff voice while glancing around . " Oh it's okay, Kyrie is already helping me with the chopping." " I ,see... When is Dante coming back." He asked sparring a glance at Kyrie cutting some carrots along with Nero yapping to her witha lovesick look." Well he should be home by now, one sec." You said fiddling with your phone in one hand while you were stirring the soup with the other. Dialing Dante's number you crossed your fingers secretly that he had paid his phone bills and sighed with relief when you heard it ring as you placed your phone between your shoulder and your ear while you busied yourself with cooking. Vergil leaned against the counter letting out a slow exhale. It was on the 7th ring that Dante picked up . " I-I ~huff~ aghhh, fuck you , h-hey babe I - kin--a caugh-- up! ~arghhh y-ou so--n o-f a b-bitch !" Dante screamed out although it was incorrigible as his voice broke off mid sentences due to the bad signal . Vergil could hear Dante's strangled voice even through the faint cackling of the tv playing in the background as he saw you visibly tense. " Huh?! Dante ?! What happened?!? I can't hear you? Are you okay?!?" You asked panicking as you dropped everything you were doing down on the counter. Vergil straightened up and followed you to the the living room as you put the phone on speaker after turning off the stove. " Hey , hey ! Dante can you hear me are you alright ?!?! You asked furrowing your brows as everyone's attention now turned to your panicked state and the phone in your hand. There was no response on the other line when suddenly the call cut out with a strangled groan. By this Everyone were anxious for Dante, before anyone could make a move Vergil spoke up the while picking up yamato and slicing a hole through the fabric of reality " I'm going after him." He said in a stern tone. Everyone knew no one could stop him besides it was best that he went, if he can't save his brother then who can. " Be safe alright." You said as vergil was about to step to the other side. Vergil gave a curt nod only turning his head enough for his side profile to be visible before he entered the portal.

. ✦ . 　୨୧ ⁺

Note: well this is my first time writing a fic and I hope you enjoyed reading this and please don't hesitate to correct me or state out my mistakes as english is not my first language, I've also not played the games but ik the whole lore. Will be updating the other chapters soon :)

[madabapf]

AHHHHH. U posted this in school.. and I literally started crying in class😔 my teacher thought there was something wrong with me

Anyways this comic brought me so much joy and happiness, and like kyri's comic, this has been a big part of my life, and now I can't generally live without ur comic....unless...*smirks* Your gonna make more???? Of another comic

But if u even start one, please 🙏 take care of yourself 😔❤️

oh my god 😭 i feel kinda bad but also this is a very big compliment LMAO

thank you so much this means a lot hehe <3

(@eerieqloss @lmkobsessedmoth)

i got a few questions about making a new comic; right now i don't have any plans (besides doing some drunkies extras), but if i get a good idea i'd love to! i'm not a writer tho, so this might take a bit haha

[devil-howl]

what do you think nero played his music on in dmc4. the game came out in 2008 and bluetooth was solidly a thing by 2004. ipod?

actually that makes me reallize so honestly most of the old tech that the DMC squad uses is probably outdated by DMC setting standards. They're all broke! After Nero and Kyrie's parents died, Credo took care of them. And I think he did his best, but they probably weren't loaded. They never went without, but getting the newest and best stuff was out of the question, and honestly they didn't mind. Nero is really resistant to moving onto new tech, and Kyrie understood the effort Credo had put into them in the first place, and if she did want something, she didn't mind working for it.

Even after then, Nero and Kyrie are functionally social workers! They're charitable! they probably don't have a ton of money to spare, and they don't mind, needs are met.

Nico is probably a geek about older tech, since it's the golden age of being able to fuck with what you own without being punished for it.

Dante is also broke, the man gives away a lot of his money and he is semi-unemployed! He does not give a shit about new stuff. Lady might have stuff but Trish absolutely does not care, she finds technology annoying at best.

Anyway. I feel like Nero had something like an mp3 player. He's still a music fiend [an absolute crime he didn't get at least headphones on his design in DMC5] and probably has a whole CD collection and SUFFERS when new music isn't sold on physical media anymore. He has an old flip that he specifically bought extra storage for so he can listen to it if he needs that support/comfort of his music. it's a little worse quality than his CDs, but he can deal. Hey, and he can record Kyrie saying nice things for a rainy day, when he's going to be gone for awhile and he doesn't want to wake her at 3am to hear her say "i love you, nero," in that voice that makes him feel all warm and fuzzy.

[Nico has probably stolen his phone to listen to these on more than once occasion. She, shockingly, does not tease him. 'Hey, she's a sweet thing, it'd comfort anybody.' Nero decides to not make an issue about it, but tells her to stop stealing his phone]

[meear]

umineko fans are the original "if you don't like it you just didn't understand it" people. I genuinely cannot think of anyone more annoying and obnoxious, except SNK fans, except not even them, because in Umineko's case that behavior is enabled by the author himself. It's crazy how a story that spent hundreds of hours discussing the value in several coexisting interpetations will have both characters and fans turning around and tell you that actually you're completely wrong for thinking a certain way

The crazy part is they don't even realise how their smug attitude about being part of R07's very special club of people who "have love" and the superior way they act about holding the true answer are EXACTLY the Erika traits they criticise in readers who don't think like them. "He spells it out but you still cannot see it? Lol" "are there still people who can't accept the literal canon answer? lmfao" "you know you're exactly the goats r07 wrote about right?" (Because r07 is a god who cannot possibly be contradicted, this is supposed to be the worst insult somehow) (these fans cannot seem to decide who the goats are an analogy for, considering they'll scramble to say they only represent the story's witch hunters as a criticism of true crime fans when you call out r07's arrogance, yet they'll smugly tell you you're just a goat when you question the story itself. Thank you, it's nice to know that Ryukishi wrote about me, but that doesn't answer the fucking question, Brian)

It's incredibly ironic. How did a story like Umineko create and encourage so many people to sanctify one "official answer" and taking any other attempt as an insult?? Like is anyone feeling how ryu07 completely fucked up at what he was trying to do?

"So I won't open the catbox and reveal what actually happened on the island." oh, that's cool, I actually really like that! I agree that ultimately the true events of that day are a pretty trivial part of the story, and it's way more interesting not to know - "anyway it's Rudolf and Kyrie and it happened exactly like so and so, and Shkanontrice did this and that".

... Okay, well I really wish that had remained a mystery forever, since the point was that any truth would've been anticlimatic, and the choice to reveal that genuinely kills a lot of what made Umineko's appeal to me, but I guess we can still have fun with EP1-4 and try several alternative theories for the sequence of events- "here's the manga explaining everything in detail and if you didn't get it have you tried maybe having some more love? It would be sooo clear if you had love lmfao. you literally cannot comprehend my work unless you have"

... I really wish that guy would stop making assumptions about the inner mind of complete strangers who read his work, but I do enjoy getting to choose an ending! it really fits in with Umineko's theme of choosing the truth for yourself and making your own path that you can be happy with, as long as you keep thinking- "the Magic ending is meant to be the true end btw. if you prefer the other one you pretty much have no heart lol, it's obviously framed like a bad ending and there's only one acceptable choice and one way ange can find happiness"

... man, I'm so bored. Why write a game like that and then make it so that some choices are better than others instead of letting people think for themselves? Why would you force an interpretation on people/Ange when I've been led to believe that the narrative was against that sort of things? You want to highlight the value in your vision of "magic", fine, but why am I the heartless bitch for disliking that perspective and even trying to see things differently?

Why would you write a whole game around the really fun concept of several tales happening at the same time and the existence of endless truths inside the same catbox only to open the catbox and tell me "NO, you need to think a certain way, and if you don't like my answer FUCK YOU"

I understand that maybe he just had a specific answer in mind but I'm sorry the way he write the ending simply does not match the vision he seemed to have in the earlier chapters.

I genuinely respect Umineko as a work, I think it's one of the most ambitious stories I've seen and there is some amazing writing in there, but if Ryukishi wanted to allow for people to keep thinking and discussing what it means, he has failed miserably and I'm not talking about confession of the golden witch, I'm talking about the way he and his minions have shut down any possible discussion under the guise of "you just don't get it" (rephrased to "you don't have love" to make it sound more enlightened) and it's soured my enjoyment of something that should've been an amazing story. What is even left to discuss here when everyone has pretty much already made up their mind?

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // thirty-six

next / previous / beginning

ELION: Rough night? KYRIE: Why are you asking? You already know. ELION: laughs Mm. Power like yours costs a pretty penny. Though, it’s not a rare gift, being able to force someone to do what you want. I can do that trick too. But mine is free. KYRIE: What are you suggesting? I walk in and threaten the Duke’s life? ELION: No, I’m suggesting I walk in and threaten the Duke’s life. KYRIE: No. And why are you so keen to help me, anyways? You didn’t hesitate at all offering to settle things with the King’s healer. What do you get out of it? ELION: What? Can’t I foster your favor without any ulterior motives? KYRIE: Wasn’t it just a few hours ago you were going on about “due respect”? ELION: Fair point. Let’s say I do want something from you. Are you willing to hear me out? KYRIE: I said I don’t want what you’re offering. ELION: Really? Come now. You know you can’t keep that spell up forever. Your mana will weaken, you’ll slip up, etcetera etcetera, and the Duke will go running his mouth about everything he remembers. KYRIE: If he remembers. He was pretty drunk ELION: So you’re banking on luck, then? KYRIE: sighs What more can Elora do to me? If you haven’t noticed, you’re already here. She can’t lock me up so long as the trials are on. ELION: And afterwards? KYRIE: She… wouldn’t do that. ELION: Are you sure? KYRIE: …No. ELION: Hm. I expect my offer is starting to sound more appealing. KYRIE: I don’t condone the use of violence to get what you want. I never wanted to hurt the Duke. ELION: And he won’t be. So long as he complies. And given that he seems particularly proud of himself, I imagine he’ll want to avoid pain as much as possible. A little threat never hurt anyone. KYRIE: And what do you want in return? I gave you my cooperation. ELION: Reluctantly, yes. But no. What I want has nothing to do with you. Not directly, anyways. KYRIE: So, are you going to tell me or just keep beating around the bush? ELION: The Witcher. What do you know of her home? KYRIE: Eira? Why do you want to know? ELION: What difference does it make to you? It’s a simple question. KYRIE: Nothing that outlandish can ever be simple. Besides, it’s no secret. She’s School of the Viper— ELION: Not that home. Where was she born? KYRIE: I don’t understand. Eira was born in a village in the far north. Near Tir Tochair. But she wasn’t raised there. She has no connection to the place, far as I could see. ELION: So it is… How curious. KYRIE: That’s it? That’s all you wanted? ELION: Yes. For now. KYRIE: Why her? ELION: She… reminds me of someone. Someone I once knew, long ago. KYRIE: What? Don’t tell me you have a heart under all that bravado. ELION: A heart? In this profession, hearts are nothing but currency.

[knaveumineko]

Umineko Episode 1 Blog: Second Twilight

those who remain shall tear apart the two who are close

This one should be a nice breather after the first case. At the very least, we saw the victims' faces, so we can confidently say that they both died. I dare say it's fairly obvious what the trick behind this locked room is, given our assumptions.

Before that, let's talk about that touching domestic scene between Eva and Hideyoshi that didn't happen. As great as their relationship no doubt is, this scene transparently only exists to justify the idea that these two can be classed as "the two who are close," so that Maria's ghost story will make sense. While Battler thinks that the witch story becomes a lot stronger after seeing this case, I think that this is actually where the whole performance starts to fall apart.

Notice that both Eva and Hideyoshi were killed using stakes. I think this is a little questionable. It makes sense for the later murders to share this commonality, since all of the lines in the epitaph referencing them fit the same "gouge the X and kill" pattern. This one does not. It doesn't even really fit the whole "tear apart" bit. They didn't get torn apart: they got impaled through the skull. You could maybe argue that they were seperated from eachother in the sense that marriage is 'til death do us part, but wouldn't it make more sense to just kill one of them and leave the other alive? Or to sabotage their relationship somehow? To me, it seems like these murders don't really fit the epitaph at all, and those involved in the witch conspiracy tried to hastily make it all make sense, or simply misunderstood what that line was supposed to mean in the first place.

If we want to get meta with it, the phrase "those who remain" is interesting. Who exactly is referred to? Those who are currently alive when the 2nd twilight rolls around? Or those who are left alive from the sacrifices mentioned in the previous line? I wouldn't put it past some mysterious riddle to play with wording like that.

The latter interpretation would seem to support my theory that Battler's parents are the culprits. They would fit the bill for "those who remain". We could speculate that Eva and Hideyoshi knew about the plot to kill Krauss, which is why they discouraged the others from investigating the crime scene in the storehouse too closely, and then told everyone not to come to their room. There, they waited for Rudolph and Kyrie to show up and let them into the room, at which point they ended up getting killed. The idea of all the younger siblings working together with respect to killing Krauss would also serve to explain how the killer got into the room, which should have been locked from the inside, although one could argue that the servants could talk their way into getting the door open. If nothing else, they could claim to be bringing dinner.

Anyway, let's give a big hand for good ol' Kanon. Not only was he the one who suggested finding Maria in the rain, after he unfortunately failed to notice her right next to him on his way to the guesthouse, and not only was he the first to discover the bodies in the storehouse, but now it seems he was also the first one to realise that Eva and Hideyoshi were dead and he went to the Storehouse (the one with the "corpses"? Hmm...) to retrieve the tool needed to cut the chain, which he had already finished doing before Natsuhi or any of the cousins could show up to witness him cutting the chain. Good old Kanon! What would we do without him? I guess we'll find out pretty soon.

It should be clear what I think of this locked room: the room was never locked. Literally the only reason we think it was is because the servants said it, and Maria bought the story and wrote it down, sprinkling in the detail about the magic circle mysteriously appearing to back up her magic theory. There is nothing impossible or magical about this case if we simply assume the servants lied about the chain being in the way and cut it in advance to make the story seem believable.

As a potential alternative to my fake corpse theory, we could argue that Kanon and Genji simply killed Eva and Hideyoshi themselves, since they don't have any kind of alibi. I don't think we can really pin down the exact culprit, unless we try to metagame it with the epitaph.

Come to think of it, did Battler actually see the crime scene personally? The wording is a little unclear. George did see it, though, so I think the broad strokes are accurate enough. The initial scene of the corpses being examined is notably 3rd person. I'm a little more inclined to believe the reality of this scene, given that Maria was there for it and I don't think she's the type who will just lie about things she saw herself, although we ought to doubt her speculations about what everyone was thinking.

I'll leave you with a quote that made me lose my mind on the reread:

Even Maria thinks this guy is full of it!

[2nd-drop-me-safely-in-this-hell]

🔞

"Monkey Business, Part III"

Characters:

Kyrie (Devil May Cry)

Nicoletta "Nico" Goldstein (Devil May Cry)

Nero (Devil May Cry)

Relationships:

Nero x Kyrie

Kyrie x Nicoletta "Nico" Goldstein

Nero x Nicoletta "Nico" Goldstein

Premise:

The trio plays a vulgar party game, and Kyrie discovers some things about herself.

Content Warnings:

Teratophillia

Sapphic awakening

Degrading language

Femdom

Spanking

Threesome

Author's Note:

Parts I and II can be found here and here respectively, though you wouldn't be missing that much context if you skipped them both.

Fun fact, this part was actually written before Part II.

Nero and Nico are trans in this story. Keep in mind that I am a cis(?) person writing this, criticism is welcome. Also Nero never grew back his hand in this story. Also Kyrie is chubby in this story.

It was a quiet evening in Fortuna. It was a school night, so all of the kids were in bed already.

The grown-ups were sitting on Nero and Kyrie's bed, simply chatting. Nico had taken the lead of the conversation as she flipped through her research files.

"Alright, Smash or Pass-"

"Nico, what the hell?" Nero grimaced.

"What? We're all grown-ups here. Ain't that right, Kyrie?"

"Uh, yeah..." Kyrie responded. "I don't think I understand the question, though."

"Oh, you haven't played Smash or Pass? Basically, you say whether or not you'd fuck someone or not."

"Oh..." Kyrie turned red.

Nero chimed back in. "Nico, I don't think Kyrie wants to play that, let's-"

"She can speak for herself, can't she?"

Nero scratched his neck. "Sorry. Uh, what do you think, Kyrie?"

"Uh..." Kyrie spoke very quietly. "I'll give it a try. I mean, if Nero doesn't mind..."

Nero sighed. "Oh, what the hell, sure."

Nico grinned. "Alright, Smash or Pass..." She pulled a photograph out of her folder. "Goliath."

"What?!" Nero nearly stood from his seat.

"Smash or Pass, Goliath." Nico repeated, with a smug grin on her face.

"Pass! Anyone in their right mind would pass!" Nero shook his head. "He was a demon! He was, like, three stories tall! And he had bad breath too... Ugh."

"Alright, alright, take it easy. Kyrie?"

Kyrie hesitated. "Pass."

Nico raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure!" Kyrie turned red again.

"That's because Kyrie's a sane human being, Nico." Nero chimed in. "Jury's out on you."

Nico scoffed. "Nah, I think she just doesn't want to make you jealous."

"Jealous? Of that knuckle-dragger? Please. He's dead, anyway."

Kyrie spoke up. "Do you mean that, Nero?"

"Of course I do."

"...Then I change my answer. Smash."

"What?!"

Nico laughed.

"I- I mean..." Nero took a deep breath. "I don't see the appeal, Kyrie."

"I don't know ..." Kyrie's face was redder than ever. "He looks kind of cute... I like his smile. And he's fluffy, too."

"But... He's very big."

"Yeah," Nico butted in. "Just what would you do with him anyway?"

"Can we change the subject, please?!" Kyrie hid her face.

"Alright, alright, my bad." Nico chuckled.

"I suppose you'd Smash him too, right?" Nero asked.

"Hell no! He probably smells like shit, just like you said."

Kyrie laughed, and her face cooled back down.

"Let's see, here..." Nico flipped through her files. "Wanna play another round, K?"

Kyrie giggled. "Sure. If you don't mind, Nero."

Nero shook his head. "Go ahead."

"Alright, then, Smash or Pass..." Nico pulled out a new photo. "Cavaliere Angelo."

"Oooh..." Kyrie all but whispered. "He looks kind of dashing."

"You think so?" Nero asked.

"Jealous, loverboy?" Nico teased.

"Shut up!" Nero tossed a throw pillow at her face.

"I mean... He makes me think of you, actually. Knightly, but... Dark. If that makes sense."

"Oh..." Nero turned pink. "So, you'd..."

"Smash." Kyrie turned pink too.

"Yeah, yeah, very cute." Nico said, failing to stifle a smile. "How about you, Nero?"

"Hard pass. Keep in mind who he was using as a battery."

Nico rolled her eyes. "Alright, imagine the sexy clone of your long-dead grandma is out of the equation-"

"Huh?" Kyrie blinked.

"-Smash or Pass?"

"Still Pass."

"Alright, fair enough. Actually, that gives me an idea..." Nico returned to her files.

"Wait, so Trish is a..."

"Yeah. She was made to lure Dante into a trap, but ended up joining forces with him instead. Or so she tells it."

"That's... Something."

"Alright, round three! Smash or Pass..." Nico drew the next photo. "Lady!"

"Ugh..." Nero rolled his eyes. "I'm surprised you didn't lead with that, you are obsessed with her. It's a little creepy."

"Liking naked ladies is creepy, now? We really are in Fortuna."

"Hold on, naked?" Kyrie's eyes were wide.

"What, he didn't tell you about how he held her naked body?"

"Nico!" Nero practically screamed as he turned red as a tomato.

"When did that happen?!" Kyrie was blushing herself.

"It wasn't like that! She was possessed by a demon, I killed it, and when it released her she was... You know..."

Nico chuckled. "Yeah, he didn't try anything, I'm just yanking your chain."

Kyrie shook her head. "Not funny, Nico."

"Sorry. But in the spirit of the game, tell me, Nero: Smash or Pass?"

"Pass."

"C'mon, can't you entertain a hypothetical?"

"No. Pass."

"Nero..." Kyrie leaned in close. "It's just a game. You can be honest."

"I am, Kyrie, And I pass."

"Okay. Why?" Kyrie asked. "She's in really good shape, and she's objectively very pretty..."

"Because she's almost old enough to be my mom, for one."

Kyrie nodded. "That's a pretty good reason."

Nico shook her head. "Weak shit. I'd Smash."

"She wouldn't Smash you, though." Nero retorted.

"But a girl can dream, right? How about you, Kyrie, Smash or Pass?"

"Pass. She's a girl. And like Nero said, she's a little too old."

"So, you don't swing that way, then?"

"Nico, you know I've only ever been with Nero."

"That doesn't answer my question, honey."

"I've never been with a woman!"

"I've never been with Lady, but I know I want to be."

"Nico, quit badgering her." Nero turned to Kyrie, and spoke softly. "Though, you said you had a crush on me before I came out."

"Well, yeah..." Kyrie whispered. "But I didn't date you until you came out."

"But you did have feelings, right?"

"Sure, but that's normal... Right?"

"Honey, it is not." Nico chimed in. "Congratulations, you're not straight."

"But..." Kyrie sighed.

"Kyrie, it's okay." Nero squeezed her tight. "It doesn't change anything."

"...Let's change the subject."

Nero nodded. "Okay."

* * *

The night went on. Kyrie had agreed to stay up, under the promise that Nero would walk the kids to school - he didn't need as much sleep as she did.

Nico was still leading the conversation. "-so, yeah, that's probably the stupidest thing I've ever built."

"Wow..." Kyrie turned to Nero. "Did it... Work?"

"Believe it or not, yeah." Nero nodded. "I mean, it doesn't do much that a regular fork can't, but it's perfectly functional."

"Amazing." Kyrie turned back to Nico. "You really are an artist."

"Aw, you're gonna make me blush." Nico responded in mock bashfulness.

Kyrie grinned. "Hey, Nero?"

"Yeah?"

"Smash or Pass, Nico?"

"Huh?! I thought we moved on from that!"

"Well, I'm in the mood again." Kyrie smiled with faux innocence. "So, Smash or Pass?"

"Yeah, loverboy, Smash or Pass?" Nico laid on her side, accentuating the curve of her hips.

"Kyrie, this is a little different than picking photographs out of a folder..."

Nico pointed "He didn't say pass!"

"He sure didn't." Kyrie giggled.

"Pass! I'm saying pass!"

"You want to fuck me so bad, don't you Nero?" Nico grinned, and wiggled her hips.

"No!"

Kyrie laughed. "Nero, you really haven't thought about it even once? I mean, it's only natural."

"Is that so hard to believe?"

"He's got a point, K. It's not like guys and gals can't just be friends."

"Thank you, Nico." Nero calmed down.

"It just so happens that your boyfriend wants my body."

"Ugh!"

Kyrie laughed out loud. "...It is a pretty nice body."

"You think so?" Nico further exaggerated her seductive pose. "So, Smash or Pass?"

"Well..." Kyrie blushed. "I'll admit, I've thought about it."

Nico nearly gasped, and her eyes went wide. "Tell me more!"

"Well-" Kyrie's attention turned back to Nero.

His arms were crossed, and he was looking away from the two women.

"Uh, Nero?" Kyrie whispered. "Do you want to change the subject?"

Nero sighed. "Maybe I should just... Give you two some privacy." He moved to stand up.

"Nero, wait!"

"Kyrie..." Nero leaned in close, and whispered. "If you want to flirt and screw around with Nico, that's okay. I trust her, and you."

"...You mean that?" Kyrie whispered back.

"I do."

"Okay... But, I'd honestly feel better about it if you were here. Would you mind staying?"

Nero smiled. "If that's what you want, Kyrie."

Nero sat back down, and Kyrie soon followed.

"Are we good?" Nico asked.

"Yeah, we're good." Nero nodded, and turned to Kyrie. "What were you going to say?"

"Well, I, uh..." Kyrie giggled nervously. "You're not like any girl I've seen before, Nico. I mean, I thought Nero was pushing limits when he started cutting his hair short and wearing pants, but you..."

"Go on..." Nico urged her.

"I mean, you don't leave a lot to the imagination, Nico. If the Order were still around, I think they might have arrested you! Not to mention, the tattoos..."

Nico grinned. "So I'm 'taboo'?"

"A little." Kyrie took a breath. "Back in school, girls who acted out got punished. They gave up on Nero when he started hitting back, but most of them got..."

Nico leaned toward Kyrie. "Got what?"

"...Paddled."

Nico giggled.

"Yeah." Kyrie smiled. "And I'll admit, I've thought about paddling you."

"Damn!" Nico whistled. "You've got a dirty mind!"

"...You're the one who gave me permission to call you 'bitch'..." Kyrie muttered.

"I was kidding when I said that! Mostly..." Nico tilted her head. "Do you want to call me 'bitch'?"

Kyrie tilted her head in turn. "May I?"

"Honey, you can do whatever you want to me."

"Whatever I want?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Okay..." She turned to Nero. "Darling, would you go bring me something to paddle our bitch with?"

Nero blinked. "Y- yeah, sure."

Kyrie glared. "Now, is that how you're going to address me?"

"Yes ma'am!" Nero jumped to his feet, and turned for the kitchen.

Kyrie grinned. "Good boy..." She slapped Nero's ass as he walked away.

"Damn, Kyrie, who knew you were such a dom?"

"Quiet, bitch." Kyrie's voice turned stern.

Nico fell silent.

"That's better." Kyrie's smile returned. She stretched her legs out in front of her. "Across my lap. Now."

At once, Nico crawled over to Kyrie, and laid across her lap.

"Good girl!" Kyrie reached under Nico's body, and unbuttoned her shorts, pulling them down, exposing her bare ass. "No underwear... Such a dirty bitch." Kyrie felt a certain organ poking her thighs. "And hard already, too..." Kyrie squeezed Nico's cock between her thighs.

Nico nearly let out a moan, but Kyrie held a finger to her lips. "Be a good bitch, and don't make a sound. Got it?"

Nico nodded.

It was at that moment when Nero appeared in the doorway, holding a wooden spoon in his hand. "Oh, wow..."

Kyrie turned to him, and smiled. "That's perfect! Bring it here, darling."

Nero stepped over, and passed it to Kyrie. She whispered into his hear. "I'd really like you to stay. Do you want to stay?"

"Anything for you, Kyrie."

"Good." She leaned down, and whispered to Nico. "Is it okay if Nero stays?"

Nico nodded.

"Good." She gripped the wooden spoon in her hands. "Now, tell me, bitch. Smash or Pass?"

Nero sat on the opposite side of the bed.

Nico looked up at Kyrie.

Kyrie paddled her with the spoon, provoking a yelp. "Speak."

"Smash! Without a doubt."

"I knew it. Keep talking, bitch."

"I'm living my dream right now. The only thing that'd make it better is if I could see your tiddies."

"Oh, really?" Kyrie undid one button on her dress. "I have three buttons left. If you want me to keep going, you're going to have to keep telling me your dirty little secrets."

"Uh..." Nico stalled.

"Speak, bitch!" Kyrie paddled her again.

"Uh, I- I didn't understand why people thought nuns were sexy until I met you!"

"Ooh, that's good..." Kyrie undid another button. "Keep going."

"Ever since that time I let you borrow my panties, I touch myself thinking about you in them almost every night!"

"Yes..." Kyrie undid another button. "One more."

"I, uh... Uh..."

Kyrie raised her spoon.

"I can't think of anything!"

"Too bad." Kyrie paddled Nico's ass.

Nico yelped, provoking Kyrie to paddle her again. "Don't make a sound unless I tell you to."

Nico nodded.

"Hm... Here's a question for you. Smash or Pass: Nero."

"Smash."

"Keep talking."

"What can I say? He's a hunk. And I hardly ever go for guys, so that's high praise. Though, most guys can't turn into demons."

Kyrie grinned, and turned to Nero. "Darling, answer me honestly. Smash or Pass: Nico." Kyrie paddled Nico's ass again. "And you remember to keep your mouth shut."

Nero hesitated, then sighed. "Smash."

Kyrie waited expectantly.

"Every time she tries to get under my skin I want to pin her down and fuck her. I want to put her in her place."

Nico's eyes went wide.

Kyrie grinned. "Good boy." She turned to Nico. "Listen close. Nero here is going to use you like the bitch you are. Only after you get him off, will I let you see my breasts. Am I clear?"

Nico nodded.

"Good girl. She's ready when you are, darling."

Nero took a deep breath and, after a moment's hesitation, unveiled his devil form.

Nico's eyes were transfixed on the foot-long cock that was already out of Nero's slit slit.

"Impressive, isn't it? Let's see which end of you he deems worthy of it."

Nero flicked his prosthesis, and summoned an all-but-obsolete Devil Breaker: Buster Arm. He positioned himself in front of Nico, and spoke in his distorted voice.

"Put those hands to work, bitch."

Nico firmly grabbed Nero by the cock, and began stroking his length. Her other hand went to his slit, tracing the edge of it with a finger.

Nero moaned.

"Good girl..." Kyrie gently rubbed Nico's ass. "He's been a good boy, hasn't he?"

"Yes ma'am..."

"But even good boys need to use a dirty bitch like you sometimes, don't they?"

"Yes ma'am..."

"That's right." Kyrie smiled.

Nero leaned over, and whispered into Kyrie's ear. "Make her talk back. Please."

"Of course, darling." Kyrie leaned down to Nico's ear. "Talk back to him, dear. He wants it."

Nico kept jerking Nero, but her lustful gaze turned to a grin. "Is this really all you wanted? Or are you too chickenshit to really fuck me?"

"Quiet, bitch." Nero growled.

"Or what? Face it, you're all bark, and no-" Nico yelped as Nero enclosed the metal claws of his Devil Breaker around her head, and pushed her mouth onto his cock.

"Shut up!"

Nico began sucking Nero's cock, slowly working her way to the base, with only some assistance from his metallic claw pushing her down his length.

"There's a good girl!" Kyrie chimed in. "Look at that, he loves it! Don't you, darling?"

"Yes, ma'am." Nero moaned.

"I thought so."

This continued for a while. Nico had made it a little more than halfway down Nero's length. His breathing was growing more erratic, and he began lightly thrusting back and forth between Nico's lips.

Kyrie leaned toward Nero. "Are you close, darling?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Is our bitch doing a good job?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Prove it. Dump the proof down her throat."

Nero started thrusting faster, and put his remaining hand on the back of Nico's head.

Kyrie leaned down to Nico. "Get ready to swallow, bitch."

Nero grunted and twitched as he began cumming in Nico's mouth.

Nico quickly began gulping down Nero's cum as fast as she could, until the flow finally stopped.

Nero paused to catch his breath, before returning to his human form, still fully clothed. He gently laid himself on his back.

"All better now, darling?" Kyrie asked.

"Yeah... I mean, yes ma'am."

"Good! You go ahead and relax, I'll take care of our bitch."

Kyrie turned back to Nico. "Good job, bitch! Are you ready for your reward?"

Nico was catching her breath herself. "Yes, ma'am."

"Alright, then." Kyrie undid the last button on her dress, and pulled down the neckline, baring her breasts. "Turn over."

Nico turned onto her back. As soon as Kyrie's chest caught her eye, her jaw dropped.

"Do you like them?"

"Yes ma'am!"

"Good!" Kyrie grabbed Nico by the hair, and pulled her face up in-between her breasts. "Do you like this?"

"Yes, ma'am." Nico said, though her words were muffled.

"Go on, really get comfortable."

Nico began nuzzling into Kyrie's flesh, and eventually, sucking on Kyrie's nipple.

"Mmm, yeah..." Kyrie bit her lip. "Eat up, bitch." Kyrie reached down, and began stroking Nico's cock. "Does this feel good?"

"Yes ma'am." Nico said, even more muffled this time.

"I'm glad." Kyrie began stroking her even faster. "Even a bitch deserves to feel good now and then. Go on, make some pretty noises for me."

Nico kept suckling at Kyrie as she moaned loudly, and bucked her hips into Kyrie's hand.

"Are you about to cum, bitch?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Nico cried out, as tears formed in her eyes.

"Go ahead, Nico. Cum." Kyrie pressed her lips to Nico's, and gently kissed her.

At once, Nico unloaded all over Kyrie's hand, moaning into her lips and squirming in her lap. When the climax ended, Nico rested her head on Kyrie's chest, and caught her breath.

Kyrie smiled. "Did you like that?"

"Kyrie, you're an angel... Thank you..." Nico said, breathlessly.

"No, you're an angel." Kyrie retorted.

Nico chuckled. "I ought to thank your boyfriend tomorrow morning."

Kyrie nodded "Me too."

"Though..." Nico looked down to where Nero was lying, now unconscious. "I think he got plenty out of this too."

Kyrie laughed. "Yeah. I think we all did."

[devilbreaker]

@smokinstyle said "have you been doing well since i saw you?"

he doesn’t really remember the last time such a simple question has been asked to him, in truth it’s not like he gets that many visitors here anyway, it’s always either the kids or some random person from the island that he doesn’t care to remember the name of.

but when julio ran home on a sunday saying that a man with a long red coat was coming to the island he couldn’t help but feel a childlike excitement.

did he come to visit him? does he have something he wants to do? is he finally going to have someone to bond with that could understand what he’s going through?

dante was a puzzling man in nero’s eyes at least, somebody that he couldn’t really comprehend at times but god was he cool. he still thinks about the fight at the cathedral, and all the other moments where he saw dante all these cool things. 

then there he finally is in front of him, nero really hasn’t changed in those few months, his arm on display since well he sure came directly to see him.

“oh yeah, yeah i’ve been doing fine!” nero returns back to feeling the same childlike excitement that he doesn’t even remember feeling truly, then he spots a brown box right behind him, trying his best to peak at whatever that was, not doing a good job at all of trying to be stealthy “um, yamato is still fine” he pats his side, he always goes out with it no matter if he uses it or not, he feels this need to keep it by his side, almost like it gave him that ounce of strength that he needs to get through the other battles and the next. “kyrie’s been doing fine i’ve been uh, taking care of the island, what’s that box you’re holding” 

yeah he really couldn’t help mention it.

[kyri45]

✨SBP: Second Star Q&A! 07/05✨

Welcome to the Q&A! A space where I can answer related or similar question about the Shadowpeach Bio Parents AU! If it’s not answered here, worry not! Your asks might have been used for a future comic or just in the queue~

@deadhope34 ha chiesto: Can Mei, Pigsy and Tang not eat a peach of immortality and stay like that by MK side without dieing? That was the reason Wukong became immortal in the first place.

not everyone wants to become immortal

@klownkatz ha chiesto: in the most recent second star update, at the end we see two picture frames. one has mks photo in it, decorated with clouds- his name means "little cloud"/"little heaven" if i recall. the empty frame is decorated with a moon and some stars- is this a hint to the new babys future name?

love your work! :D

who knows?

@sarahnoah ha chiesto: Hey Kyri, I've been following you for a while, I love you so much Lmk, and especially this wonderful ship, I honestly think I spent my days repeating your comic too much Besides reading, I imagined what the next chapter would be like, everything, until we reached this stage, a next baby, sir I screamed, I love how much you makes the story of Xiaotian, Wukong and Macaque, ahhh, seriously, create a universe that brings these problems that Mk goes through that the series doesn't delve into so much, or talk about, I hope that season 6 addresses it, but you know You are so amazing, I can't go on without praising you so much, you have helped me a lot lately, following you, always reading what you post, about your cat too, and the people who support you support, it's such a good environment, and unfortunately I know you intend to finish, I've already gotten used to what wonderful works need an end, and mainly something I really wanted to know is, "Will you maintain this relationship, between Wukong and Macaque", and mainly, about this point of MK having these traits of Ma Macaque, even though the Mk itself only has it because in its universe it would be a creation of both energies of the two, so it justifies it, but its next stories still deal with this idea. Anyway, it was just this that's it, thank you for everything, for being one of my biggest inspirations, I'm studying nursing, I'm still graduating, but I love art a lot and creating is something that fascinates me a lot, and always reading, repeating all the to make me feel happy, know that your stories bring me this, sorry for the huge text, just Thank you, thank you for being you, for being unique, and for creating all this, and for existing.☺️❤️🌷🥰

Hello! Yes I will keep their relationship in other stories. About MK, most likely I will stay with his canon appearance and lore.

@twilight-bai-he ha chiesto: Speed question Which Shadowpeach is healthier past or present 💝

present

@evil-monked ha chiesto: JUST ONE QURSTION Do you already have a name for the baby? I would love it if the name be Yinxing, for some reason 🤡 I LOVE YOUR AU

yes i do. no it's not Yinxing

@shadowgirl-17 ha chiesto: Hiiiiiiiiii big fan of ur bio parents comic .. I have a question it might be a bit weird but if the baby was born ( mpreg ) and not be a stone baby who would be the one to carry it? Wouakong or Mac????? Just being curious thats all.. BTW your one of my fav artist 💜🧡

Wukong

@coolshadowkiller99 ha chiesto: Do the bio parents ever dance together? May I please call them shimians if they do?

Yes. Yes you can

@roseltelle ha chiesto: Macaques whole thing is the extra ears and the super hearing. What if baby they of course love them to bits but imagine how much they would have to adjust and learning Chinese sign language.

I mean yes but they wouldn't be alone in this, there will be Pigsy and Mk to help them as well

@autism-autobot ha chiesto: Does baby shower mean another Tumblr Takeover?

Yes but it will be a while til it happens.

@shevijra ha chiesto: I have a question about the baby! The kid is not there, it's kinda its shell? I know that the stone cracked, but this monkey will also crack, showing the baby or will it just start moving on its own? I dunno how to interpret the stone animals. Wukong came from the stone egg, not stone monkey statue. KYRI HELP! How it happened? The stone melted, exposing the monkey statue or what?

Wukong came from a very big stone, who then cracked open, to reveal a smaller stone. The latter was then "brushed by the wind" and it formed to be a living monkey. So most likely the second stone wasn't monkey-shaped, but it's moslty an aesthetic decision (MK was a literal stone monkey when Nuwa created him)

@twilight-bai-he ha chiesto: Funny question but does Mamacaque have a chancla 🩴. I imagine he does 😅. I got this idea from @madabapf by the way

for meme reason let's say he does

@domin-ki ha chiesto: Hey will Bai he show up any time? Miss her 💕🥺

later yeah

@thelittlefireicebird ha chiesto: And now, what does Mk's room look like? Will he continue living in his apartment or will he go live with Redson and his family? This is something that intrigues me a lot about demons. They don't leave the nest; they make it bigger.

His room on FFM It's just the same, just slightly bigger. He still lives over Pigsy restaurant. Technically PIF already made his future room constructed but MK is not ready or doesn't have any plans to move yet.

@drpepperlover545 ha chiesto: (sorry if i'm bothering you but) I have a question, Is wukong the type of parent to freak out when the baby gets like a mid cold. Like the type to go to the store and buy every medicine there btw love your art.

Yes, but Wukong has mid knowledge on medicine and Mamacaque is almost an expert, so while he would worry, he would mostly hover them, he would know how to cure them, unless it's a rare, unknown demonic illness.

@angelroseanimator ha chiesto: Hey I love you art but goooood question Who gets to be the new baby God child all heads down on deck on get to being the grandmother or Granddad of wukong and macaque child

of course GuanYin will be the godmother. I don't know about Godfather. I suppose there will be multiple (like Tang, Pigsy, Sandy and Nezha

@roseltelle ha chiesto: Wait wait wait with MK becoming a celestial prince does that mean that he may be summoned for Celestial jury Duty on occasion.

haha yes he does. And Nezha has to try to keep him from talking too much at meetings.

[malviolet]

i have finished thinking about episode 2 and 3 for now....

there is more i could say but im kinda tired!

once again... major spoilers below due to what i know.

also link to my thoughts & theories for episode 1

onto my game thoughts...

cropped for readability.

It was pretty difficult to think of how you could kill 6 people like that... due to how Maria died in episode 4, I became convinced poison must have been mentioned at some point in order to follow Knox's rules. When rewatching a twitch vod.... i ended up noticing the BLATANT fucked up drink Kinzo was drinking in the beginning of ep 1 ch1..... and I then remembered "kinzo" also did Maria's trial in ep 4... and i thought that might have been Yasu poisoning her. ANYWAYS. it basically confirmed to me poison is viable, and thats where the idea of poison came from. Since, clearly, small bombs are out of the question....

Since analyzing episode 1, I had noticed that each episode has a family it focuses on. Episode 2s family is Maria & Rosa, so they are immediately suspicious to me, or at least Rosa...

And of course, Rosa was in the chapel, and was the only one who entered and left alive. So to me, it's clear Rosa is involved. With that, we must acknowledge that Genji, Kumasawa, Nanjo, and Maria all always seem to be going along with Yasu's plans in each episode. This is where Gohda becomes suspicious, as he goes along with the magic bullshit that happened in the servant room.

In episode 4 and 5, it becomes clear that anything that a group of people collectively agree upon will become a "truth" and can be illustrated in game as such. For example; in episode 4, Krauss & Kyrie, along with Shannon, Kanon, and Nanjo, all go along with the story of the chiester sisters arrows and pitfalls. None of this is real, but it's presented as real because they all agreed to go along with it.

Speaking of the chiester sisters, I forgot to mention I am almost positive they are just guns. IF true, it's interesting to note that one fo them are broken. Therefore, there's a broken gun? Perhaps this is how Rosa was unable to defend herself in the Garden against Eva despite having a gun.

ANYWAYS. to me it feels very obvious that Kanon killed Jessica and I don't think I even need to explain why i think that.

At some point Shannon made her way back to the servants room and killed Nanjo & Kumasawa; and then Genji & Gohda probably moved their bodies.

Later on Shannon kills both George & Gohda. Interestingly, Battler actually enters the room and physically moves Shannon's body to look at her wound! It's described somewhat oddly and I wonder if thats intentional.

Either Maria or Rosa planted the letter on the table and then accused Battler of being a wolf.

At this point, Battler leaves and becomes drunk. Whatever he views at this point should be considered unreliable. There's a possibility he also was poisoned based on my belief that the alcohol from Kinzo = poison.

Due to the massive damage to everyone elses body, I choose to believe they become involved in a giant fire or an explosion.

GAME 3

By far the most interesting and confusing one to me so far. I believe Yasu had a more hands-on approach this time around.

The 6 locked rooms were preformed by Shannon & Kanon. as they require you to do them in a specific order, this gives Shannon time to get up, run off to where Kanon is supposed to be, become him & be found, and then become Shannon again, and run back to the parlor.

For the second twilight; I believe Rosa strangled Maria; probably on accident. She became overwhelmed by Maria's tantrum and in her attempt to silence her, accidentally lost control and killed her.

I believe Eva is the most likely person to have killed Rosa here. Eva exited through her room window using Hideyoshi as an alibi. Becoming Eva-Beatrice is likely the instances of when she kills, and ofc, Eva-beatrice is shown killing Rosa. There is also the addition of having the gold motive. it could have been Yasu, but I think it probably was Eva.

The most confusing section is the mansion with Kyrie, Rudolf, Hideyoshi and probably Eva. Kyrie suspects Hideyoshi of providing an alibi for Eva and wants to confront him on it, so she uses the excuse of all of them being smokers to get him alone. Once again, the chiester sisters are almost certainly personifications of guns, so it's likely Eva or Hideyoshi shooting at them. The scenes with the stakes make a little less sense to me... thinking about it, this may be Yasu stabbing them or attempting to? Or in this instance, it may be Yasu, Hideyoshi, and Eva attacking Rudolf & Kyrie together? I find it very unclear. Anyways. I very much doubt Eva would ever kill Hideyoshi, so in that scene I believe it's like Kyrie or Rudolf who shoot him, who are then shot by Eva.

I cannot even begin to tell you what happened with Krauss and Natsuhi but I believe there is likely a time discrepancy? It would be difficult for Eva to kill them both by herself if they're both together or both conscious, so I think there's something weird with the time, or there's something else... I also have not noticed a rope that could be used for strangulation except maybe like a phone cord or something??? I have no idea what really happened to them.

George went out the window and someone locked it from inside; I don't feel like looked back and thinking about who but someone defiantly locked it. Anyways, he went to the parlor and Shannon "came back to life". She or Yasu then killed George before Shannon died for real.

I think there is some truth to the Kanon / Jessica scene, but if Kanon is dead... i dont really understand it I guess.

Yasu killed Nanjo. obviously.

And of course, Eva shot Battler.

I dont know what happened to Jessica, but once again, anytime someone is "chewed to bits" it basically seems to mean their body got completely destroyed. This HAS to be some form of explosion or fire.

Battler in general is somewhat suspicious to me in a metagame way due to how I think the accomplices work in this game. Plus the confusing fantasy scenes, I choose to believe he is even more of an unreliable narrator than usual. There is also that section on his tips screen mentioning Jessica that I have no idea what it means, but makes it feel like he did something to Jessica or whatever.

anyways...... thats my thoughts for now <3

[bilightningwhumper]

Alright, I know the other poll is still going, but which type of out of order scene you'd want to see for "Belonging with Nightmares"

(Not expecting this one to get as much traction, but hey, worth a shot)

MCs:

Minna- Clone 3 of 12, autistic and semi-verbal through echolalia Kyrie- Minna's best friend turned girlfriend from school, adhd and hyperverbal

Even with the scenes I have on the semi-spoiler list (link here), some of them have more than one way I could go, so part of this is to maybe figure that out. I've also got more I wrote on that list after I took a picture of it. Anyway, for more context, the Masterlist is up to date with related asks on it now, too.

Welcome to my current hyperfixation. Feel free (please, I wanna talk about them, lol) to ask me questions about the characters! I've got a couple ask games I've reblogged recently, too, if you want to use those.

[devil-howl]

Aftershock: Shear Stress - Chapter Five

Tags on Ao3!

◀ | ◼ | ▶

If something is going wrong with Kyrie, they need to find out what it is, and fast…

But what about the rest of the world?

What's going wrong with… everything?

—————————————————————

Kyrie woke slowly, looking over to Nero beside her. Reaching over, she grabbed at him, not trying to move him, but trying to get closer, pressing a kiss to his lips. Even asleep, he chased hers, trying to kiss more- deeper. Honestly, it seemed like Nero’s favorite thing was kissing. 

Well, that could be much, much worse. 

She kissed him for a moment, as he slowly lulled, and she patted his chest gently, sitting. He whined, like a puppydog being denied its treat. She soothed her hand through his hair, before getting out of bed. 

After all, someone had to make breakfast. 

As she went through the hall, she felt exceptionally more at peace, heading to the kitchen, thinking as she looked around through everything, they just got groceries in the last few days, so they could splurge a little…

… Maybe something classic. Pancakes, bacon, eggs? That sounded good. Oh, coffee. She walked to the coffee machine, cleaning it out before preparing it. Coffee helps. Kyrie preferred tea, but both were functional enough, and coffee was generally easier to make in larger amounts. 

As she got to work on the pancakes, letting the bacon cook in the other skillet, carefully keeping an eye on it as she flipped the cakes, she felt a pair of hands touch her hips- two hands. Not Nero. 

“Hey darlin’,” Nico said quietly, hugging her from behind, the soft feeling of the fabric rubbing against her back, “Breakfast?” She questioned, and Kyrie hummed.

“Yep. Guess I’ll be feeding you first, huh?” Kyrie asked, 

“I won’t complain,” Nico said, resting her chin on Kyrie’s shoulder, “Nero still sleeping?”

“I think so,” Kyrie said, “But he was starting to wake up.”

She could feel Nico’s grasp on her loosen, pulling away, before holding her close again, as Nico moved the bacon onto a plate with paper towels to absorb some of the grease.

“... He's been pretty stressed, lately. Been eatin’ demons.” Nico said, “I just felt like you should know.”

“... Demons? Like, demon meat?” Kyrie asked, voice low. Nico hummed, “... I suppose that makes sense.” Kyrie observed, “Especially with how much he hunts, it’s probably for the best.”

“I knew you’d understand,” Nico said, “He’s been stressed out of his mind about it. Feeling fucked up. I mean… I get it. It’s weird, but…”

“Well, demons eat demons all the time.” Kyrie observed, “But it seems worse?” She questioned, 

“I think he’s just got a whole lotta guilt about those things,” Nico said, “I feel bad tellin’ ya, but… I figured he knew if he told me, it’d get back to you eventually.”

“I know what you mean,” Kyrie replied, “He’s always had a… a complex.” 

“... Hm. That’s a way to put it. Gimme a bite of bacon?” Nico requested, opening her mouth. Kyrie giggled, and offered a piece, Nico taking a big bite, and taking the rest of it with her as she finally pulled back, giving Kyrie room to work. 

“Do you think I should talk to Nero about it?” Kyrie asked, and Nico looked at her, still chewing. “About the demon meat.”

“Oh,” Nico said, taking a moment to chew her food instead of talking like an animal, “I wouldn’t. Not anytime soon, at least. So it don’t seem too… coincidental.”

Kyrie nodded, “That’s what I was thinking,” Kyrie agreed, and Nico walked over, hugging her from the side quickly, 

“Because you’re a smart cookie. Anyway, I’m gonna go annoy Nero.”

“Be gentle,” Kyrie reminded as Nico made off down the hall. 

… Kyrie would feel bad, but she knows that’s just how Nico ‘plays’ with Nero. Like how two puppies will nip at each other while playing, even knocking each other in the name of fun. 

Nero did enjoy it. Well… Usually. It was good for both of them to get that energy out. 

Eventually, Nero did come out, though he was dead to the world as he shuffled through. Pretty standard, when he got home after rough missions, he slept like the dead and walked like it for the next morning. Nico got him to go to the dining table, sitting down as well. Kyrie walked over, setting a plate down in front of Nico, then going to Nero, pressing a kiss on his temple, 

“Let me get yours. And coffee.” She promised, and Nero grunted quietly, nodding a little, though he did smile at the affection, if just slightly.

Kyrie quickly whipped up his food, and set it down in front of him, as he nursed the mug of coffee like it was his only lifeline. To stay awake, it probably was. 

Nico was half through her plate as Kyrie was able to sit down with hers. That’s just how it went when you were the one cooking. 

“Man… I cannot wait until these demons finally hold up. I missed your cooking sooo much,”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” She said, smiling sweetly. “Oh, that does remind me,” Kyrie said, cutting the pancake to get a bite, “Me and Nero spoke last night.”

“Yuh-huh?”

“We wanted to check out the hell gate again,” She said, and Nico frowned, 

“Yeah, I’m not really sure what went on there. You did something?”

“She basically took on a Qliphoth root without knowing what it was.” Nero mumbled, waking up after a few sips of coffee. 

“So that’s what ‘brave’ meant. Ya sure it’s safe to be bringing her back? What if a demon pops up? A qliphoth… root, branch, thing, isn’t much, sure, but something like a- a fury could kill her.”

Nero grumbled, “I know. I’m going with for a reason,” He said, stern, bothered.

“Oh.”

“And we want you to come along,” Kyrie said, “As a control.”

“Me?” Nico asked, “I don’t mind, but why me?”

“You know how Kyrie normally acts,” Nero said, “Also, you can handle yourself in a pinch. We want to see if Kyrie is acting weird because there’s something going on with her, or if it affects normal humans.”

“... Is Kyrie not normal?” Nico asked, confused as she looked at Kyrie, 

“I’d certainly hope so,” Kyrie said, “but… Sometimes the line gets blurred. My… brother,” Kyrie said cautiously, trying not to upset Nero, “Wasn’t a demon, but he gave himself a demon form. I don’t think he would’ve done something to me, but with Fortuna being as it is, and the proximity… Maybe it messed with me, a little.”

“... My hope is that it just messes with people’s heads,” Nero admitted, “But we won’t know until we test it.”

“Aight, aight, I get it,” Nico said, nodding, “Yeah, sure. I’m good to go. Oh, while we’re here in Fortuna, we should fix the van up.”

Nero nodded, “Yeah… Schedule maintenance for your equipment, or it’ll schedule it for you.”

“Hey, that’s what I say!” 

“Who do you think I learned that from?” Nero asked. 

Kyrie could only smile as the two chatted. It was almost like squabbling, but he could tell it was fondness. There was no bite, no anger. More like… a debate, where the goal was to learn, not to win. 

They always were good for each other. Nico was a blessing, really. 

—————————————————————

Dressed, clothes running in the washer to switch when they got home, fed, and Kyrie watched as Nico was helping get the latch on Nero’s arm, waving around the devil breakers she wanted him to put on, trying to get him to spread his horizons, as he finally relented and she hooked one on, Nero hissing in pain as it connected through electrical pulses, the metal fingers bending as they finally connected as insured, Nico glancing down at it, making sure it was fully functional. 

“Alright,” Nero said, clenching the prosthetic into a fist, and letting his arm rest by his side, “Let’s get going, then. Kyrie? Nico?”

“I’m ready,” Kyrie said, fixing her boots, 

“Yup,” Nico said, grabbing one of Nero’s spare coats off the coat rack, pulling it on and zipping it up. Nero gestured for them to follow, Kyrie stepping away to turn the lights off and make sure everything was off, and then headed to the front door, Nero waiting patiently, letting her step out before he locked the door, shoving his hands in his pockets as they started walking, 

“Do you remember the way, Kyrie? I think following the path they went on as closely as possible is our best bet,” He said, and Kyrie nodded with a hum, turning to get walking. 

It was relatively peaceful- but a bit windy and chilly. Winter was starting to hit hard, nearly six months since the Qliphoth fell- just shy. Since things got… excessively busy. She sighed, remembering, mournfully, that Nero and Nico would be leaving soon. A small, selfish part of her wanted to force them to stay- or- hell- jump in the van with them, and refuse to leave. But she knew better. 

She always knew better. 

Sometimes she wished she didn’t. 

Though it wasn’t all terrible, as they walked, she started feeling that spring in her step. The plants were still prominent, powerful things, even with the cold, many of them continued to grow green, as though defiant of the upcoming Winter.

If it wasn’t so cold, she might try to find some grass, drag Nero and Nico with her, and try to play tag as though they were all kids…

Kyrie slowed to a pause, and Nero walked up to her, setting his hand on her shoulder, 

“Kyrie,” He said, gentle, “Talk to me.” 

“This is… like last time. Around here, I was… getting… I don’t know, hyper? I feel really energetic,” She tried to tamp down the excitement in her voice, in all honesty, it felt really good, but she knew better. This was not the time to get excited and make Nero more worried. 

“... Elaborate,” He requested, and Kyrie hesitated, embarrassed at the thoughts, innocent as they were.

“Uh… I… Want to run around, and I feel really energetic, uh…” She thought about how to word it, trying not to sound… Too childish, but it was hard to explain it any other way. “I just… I’d like to run around, and play tag and… roll around in the grass. Like kids.” She explained, Nero sighing. 

“At least it’s innocent. Trish made it sound a lot scarier than that.” Nero sighed softly, Kyrie wondering what she had missed. Or maybe Nero was just… worrying… Again. Though, she could see it- the corner of his mouth twitching, as though fighting a smile. “... We’ll do that sometime soon, alright? And we’ll bring Nico,” He said, glancing at her, “Hell, we’ll bring everyone.” 

Kyrie smiled sweetly, but then Nero’s smile faded, and he turned to Nico. “And you?”

“Nothin’ much. I mean, it’s a nice walk.” She shrugged, “Kyrie’s idea sounds cute, but I’m not feeling that.” 

Kyrie frowned. So that meant it was her? What…was wrong with her, then? 

“Kyrie, you just shot straight from here to the hell gate?” He asked, and she nodded, “Right, come on, then. Let’s just go towards it. Tell me if either of you feel anything,” He said, looking between Kyrie and Nico. He walked ahead, and Kyrie looked back at Nico, who just… shrugged, before following Nero again, staying a few steps behind at this point. 

As they got to the hell gate, Kyrie put her hand over her chest as Nico groaned, 

“Ugh… is it…smoggy?” Nico complained, “This place is killing my head.” She said, Nero glancing back, then to Kyrie, frowning, 

“... How are you feeling?” Nero asked, glancing to Nico, then back to Kyrie, already having his answer on Nico’s update. 

Kyrie didn’t reply immediately, looking past him, at where the Qliphoth branch had rooted itself prior.

“Kyrie,” Nero said, stern- or… concerned, really, forcing Kyrie to look at him again. “Talk to me.”

“... Compelled,” Kyrie said, blankly, and Nero waved his hand in front of her face, Kyrie finding it… impossibly hard to remain focused. What happened here? Did Nero fight here? How many times? How was the structure set here broken… what’s in the center?

Center. Center. Center. 

“Kyrie!” Nero snapped, his voice bleeding with worry, and she just barely managed to will herself to focus on his face, feeling a hand on her shoulder. Nico’s.

“I’m sorry,” She said, “It’s… It’s hard to focus,” She admitted, speaking slowly, stringing words together was a battle in and of itself. “I, uh… Feel compelled,” She explained, 

“To do what,” Nero asked quickly, trying to maintain the little focus she had at the moment. 

“...I… The center. The center of the gate,” She said, stepping next to him, pointing at the small hole in the ground, Nero turning around to look. She watched his eyes, seeing how he looked to the crumbled debris of the branch, and he signalled them to stay as he walked over, touching the dust and dried blood. 

“No sign of seedlings,” Nero said, standing upright, and looking at the hole. Using his boot, he rubbed into it, kicking out a little dirt to get a look at it, and her expression soured upon seeing nothing but… more dirt. He looked back to Kyrie, “Did that do anything?”

Kyrie shook her head, “No.” She said, hesitating, looking at him, asking if she can approach, and he nodded. She walks over, “I want to… tear it open,” She said, gesturing to the small hole. Nero hummed, 

“Tear it open? Like, rip up the grass and dig?”

Kyrie frowned, shaking her head, “No, I can’t describe it, it’s something… more. It doesn’t have anything to do with dirt or grass, I think… Just… I want to…”

She stepped forward, and Nero’s hand shot out, over her chest, stopping her from advancing. He grimaced as she looked at him- what was her expression? She had entirely lost track of her own facial expressions, and-

Even now, her face almost felt numb, she couldn’t even feel how she was emoting, reaching to her face, touching her lips. Mouth closed. Skin… tingly. 

Nero stared back at her, and at the hole, “Kyrie, listen to me,” He said, and she nodded as she looked at him, “Start… tearing it open. Do what you feel the compulsion to do,” He said, 

“Hold on, are you nuts?!” Nico said, stomping over to Nero, “She’s clearly outta her damn mind!”

“If we leave, we have to come back to find out what’s driving her insane,” Nero pointed out, “We’re going to be right here, aren’t we?” 

Nico sighed, “I just… This doesn’t feel right,” She argued,

“No, trust me, I fucking hate this,” Nero agreed, “But if you’re not being affected, but Kyrie is, then we have bigger problems.” 

“... Right,” Nico relented, begrudgingly, “... Go ahead, Kyrie.”

Kyrie nodded, as she walked to the circle, sitting on her knees. She placed her hands on the sides of it, thoughtful, trying to figure out what to do. Digging or fussing with the sod wasn’t what she wanted to do, and as she positioned her fingertips towards it, she furrowed her brows, looking at it more intensely- trying to find the missing ‘piece’ to what she needed to do. She needed something… sharper. Rigid. Maybe…

Claws? To sink in, narrow tips hooked so they could hit the same precise location…

Yet, two did not seem like enough. It would not be an even tear, nor would four. Six? Six sounded like a good number, and yet… She… She just had her hands. She did not have claws, her fingernails woefully unfit for this task, yet… it was driving her up the wall, this compulsion, screaming in her head, rattling her head in her skull, begging to to tear, but she simply couldn’t-

She needed it to stop, digging her fingernails into the dirt, feeling the grime lodge beneath her fingernails, yet the feeling disappeared, a woeful pain of being insufficient as she dug, trying to tear it open. Digging down was fruitless, and as she stabbed her fingers in, knuckle to knuckle, nail to nail, she tried to-

Just-

Tear it-

Open!

With a flash, she recoiled, scrambling backwards, anything to get away from the tearing- shredding. From the hole, there was a shining tear- red as fire, hot as hell, as a creature leapt from it, a split second before it closed, Kyrie staring at the creature. A long blade on one of its hands, it breathed heavily, visibly tattered and weakened, it’s venture enough to wound it- Tearing flesh in long strands, stretch marks so drastic the threads of skin and sinew unwinding, unfurled. 

“Get away from her!” Nero screamed, leaping at the beast, stabbing his sword into its back, as it rioted and threw itself around, too weak to fight back, hearing gunshots, Kyrie turning her head to see Nico on one knee, aiming as carefully as she could, landing bullets into its flank-

As quickly as it escaped, it collapsed, confined to death again. Or, perhaps, something else. Something worse. 

Nero panted, rushing to Kyrie, reaching to her, “Kyrie, Kyrie, you’re okay?” He asked, and she nodded, 

“It didn’t touch me,” She said, feeling… a loss, in a way. A disappointment.

“Good. Nico?” Nero asked, lifting his head, 

“Yup, I’m fine. Kyrie’s good?”

“She’s fine,” Nero sighed, “... What the hell did you do?” Nero asked, and Kyrie stared, empty. 

“I don’t really know.” She said, turning her gaze to the hole. The dirt. The mess. The urge was gone, but she felt… ashamed, as though she had done something terrible. Sure, summoning a demon was… bad, but it was only one, and it wasn’t even a hard fight, from the look of it. 

“... How are you feeling?” Nero asked, gently, “Do you still have that urge?”

“Not really,” Kyrie said, grabbing his shoulder to help herself stand, Nero not minding in the slightest. She dusted herself off, though there were definitely stains on her clothes from all this, “I don’t feel hyper anymore, either. It’s just… gone.”

“... That’s freaky,” Nico said, “So… Does that mean the Qliphoth broke into the Underworld, or somethin’?” She asked, and Nero stared at the hole, the torn grass and mess of dirt. Kyrie looked at her hands, grimacing at the dirt, and tried to wipe them off on her already-stained pants. 

“Maybe?” Nero asked, “But… that doesn’t make sense. The Qliphoth couldn’t break through itself. It needed a way in- sure, it was scary-strong once it did come through, but without that boost…” He shook his head, “Point is, no, it shouldn’t be able to do that.” 

“So did it plant itself here knowing it had the option to… Break through?” Kyrie asked. 

“I mean… The Qliphoth is still a plant,” Nico argued, “It probably just grew well here because there was a lot of energy.” She paused, suddenly, realizing, “Hey, speaking of energy, I don’t have a headache. Nero?”

“Huh?” Nero said, lifting his head, “Oh… Yeah. The demonic energy isn’t bad here, anymore,” Nero agreed, “... I don’t feel any coming in, but we’d need Trish to check. She’s better at that stuff than me.”

“Damn… did Trish and Lady have to leave? This would be so much easier with everyone.” Nico complained. 

“Not everyone can take off demon hunting,” Nero pointed out, and immediately grimaced, like he had just done something shameful, “... We’ve been in Fortuna too long, goddamn it.”

Kyrie frowned, “Too long? Are things really that bad on the mainland?” Kyrie asked, and Nero looked down at her, brows knitted together, a soft frown on his lips. 

“... Well, they’re not getting… worse,” Nero said, carefully. Kyrie glanced away- that meant that despite all four of them hunting, the numbers weren’t going down. 

“And… you still don’t know why this is happening?” Kyrie asked, and Nero shook his head.

“... Let’s get home,” Nero said, walking ahead, 

“Wait, hold on, are we just… gonna leave this? Kyrie opened a portal!” Nico hollered, following behind, 

“I don’t think it was her, I think it was the portal was driving her nutty,” He explained, and Nico shook her head, 

“But I wasn’t getting nutty!” Nico argued again, “We’re going back after all this effort?”

“It was a waste of time,” Nero insisted, 

“But there’s not much demonic energy!” 

“That isn’t necessarily a good thing.”

As the two bickered, Kyrie followed behind, watching. This wasn’t playful banter, and Kyrie knew why. It was… worry. Nero was shutting down, realizing he was making matters worse- or at least, he was assuming as much. 

As they bickered, Kyrie looked around, at the ancient plants that were distinctly odd- unfamiliar. Demonic, as they withered, as though the winter was getting to them, despite the generations upon generations they’d grown, and grown, and grown, 

“Nero?” Kyrie interrupted, as the two bickered, both Nico and Nero looked at her, as she looked at one of the old-growth trees. Staring at how its once-hardy bark was soft, and it began to go limp. “Is this a demonic tree?” She asked, as the two walked closer. Nero looked at Nico, who hummed quietly, 

“Ya,” Nico said, “It is. Why’s it dyin’? What did you do?” Nico asked, lighthearted with her accusation, Kyrie shook her head slowly at the poor timing of the joke. 

“... Maybe because the demonic energy is going down?” Nero questioned, “... Look, we’re not… getting anywhere with these questions,” Nero pointed out, “I want to get out of here before something else decides to maim us.” 

“... Kyrie, weren’t you hanging with a scholar?” Nico asked, and Kyrie nodded, 

“Katalina. Or… Kat. She’s around Dante’s age, but she’s nice.”

Nero looked back at Kyrie, but said nothing, as he continued to lead the three away, ignoring the demonic plants that were suffocating without the hell gate’s energy. 

“Does she know about hell gates?” Nico asked, “She might know what’s going on with Kyrie!” 

“And how do we know she wants to help us?” Nero asked, suspicious, “Look, I don’t feel like it’s a coincidence I haven’t met her yet. Besides, she just showed up considering herself a scholar? Anyone who's interested in demons hasn’t been a good person.” 

“I like demons,” Nico defended, and Nero groaned, 

“I don’t want to talk about this. We need to get home.” 

Kyrie stared at the ground for a minute, guilt hitting her chest, hard. She was the one who brought Kat into all of this, she was the one… who… 

…

The walk was mostly quiet. Nico tried, a few times, to bring life to the group, but she gave up once she realized Nero and Kyrie were a bit too… in their feelings to really contribute to the energy in the room. 

As they got home, Nero had gone to wash some more laundry, after all, they had to make sure it’d last awhile before they needed to stop again. 

… One night, and one day, and they’re already leaving. Kyrie kept her thoughts to herself- this wasn’t uncommon, but more now than ever, she didn’t want them leaving. 

Was this self inflicted? Both suffering from not wanting to give up a dying home, but also suffering from loneliness? 

Instead of thinking about it too much, she decided to pack them a few meals they could heat up easily. There were always leftovers, Kyrie struggled to remember how much to feed everyone. Nero was eating less- his cheeks thinner than she liked to see, Nico still ate reasonably, but with less people around… Sure, they’d be getting a larger mass of groceries on the mainland, but she wanted to what she could… what… little… she could do… 

Well, she was always happy to share leftovers with those in Fortuna, when she had to go out and help. 

… Go out and help. 

“Oh, shoot,” Kyrie whispered, drawing Nero’s attention where he was lounging on the couch, waiting for the washer to finish up, and for Nico to finish on the van. “I forgot, I need to go help out in Fortuna. We’ve been needing to re-locate our supplies…”

Nero frowned, his voice soft, hurting, “You’re leaving?”

Kyrie was quiet, for a moment, almost contemplative. Was it wrong to feel… vindicated? The first time Nero had to see her leave, to know what it was like, every time he left?

But, in all honesty, she really had to go. They had reserves, but they really couldn’t be wasting time, and she had entirely forgotten to go after their excursion. 

“I’m sorry,” She said as she walked over, cupping his cheeks and giving him a kiss on the forehead. 

Nero sighed quietly through his nose, “Say goodbye to Nico, she’ll give me sooo much shit if you leave without giving her a hug.”

“Where is she?”

Nero nodded towards the garage, Kyrie nodding, grabbing Nero’s hand, squeezing it gently, before stepping away. 

As she headed into the garage, Nico was underneath the van, a definitive sound of flowing liquid, 

“I can’t hear ya, give me a sec!” Nico hollered over the glugging sound. Kyrie waited, zipping up her coat and making sure her shoes were comfortable. Nico rolled out from beneath the van, sitting up, “Hellooo beautiful, what’s up?” Kyrie flinched as the headlight had shone right into her eyes, Nico quickly turning it off, chuckling nervously at her little mistake. 

“I have to go help the remaining people in Fortuna. Our stock is getting destroyed by vermin,” She said, and Nico sighed, pushing to stand, holding her arms open. Kyrie laughed softly, and hugged her, despite the stench of oil on her.

“Just stay safe, okay? Neither me nor Nero wanna hear something bad happened to you.” Nico said, and Kyrie nodded confirmingly, giving Nico a kiss on the cheek, Nico beaming with a wide smile at the gesture. 

“I will. You two stay safe. Have fun hunting.”

Nico chuckled, “It’s gettin’ old, but I bet I’ll find a way to spice it up. Maybe I just gotta start throwing dynamite.” She laughed, and Kyrie stared at her, searching her face for some hint if she was being genuine or not. “... Nero already made me promise not to make bombs.”

Kyrie exhaled, nodding, “Okay… good. But I’m sure you will find a way to make it fun,” She agreed, “I’ll see you soon?”

“Soon as these demons let up,” Nico huffed, “... See ya soon, sweet thing.” 

Kyrie waved, leaving the garage and stepping through the living room, stopping by Nero to give him one last kiss, decidedly ignoring that she could still taste his breakfast when she kissed him, and instead leaving to go ahead. 

As she walked, she realized her ankles weren’t hurting how they used to, nor was her back aching. A small blessing, maybe it was… psychosomatic? Having Nero and Nico around made her feel better, short lived as it was… 

… But if things continue as they are, nothing will change. Rare moments, where she has her beloveds in her home, safe, comfortable. 

Unfortunately, things are doomed to change. 

As she got to Fortuna, she had received a few letters from a family deciding to leave out of fear. She smiled- wishing the best for them. If only she could’ve said goodbye, but she understands many fear telling her in person. It’s not as though she’d stop them, far from it, but…

Maybe it was her own attachment to Fortuna, that made everyone hesitate. Leaving without saying goodbye. Notes, letters, sometimes they’d disappear without saying anything at all. 

It hurt. 

But that was familiar, now. 

What was scarier was when there was no one left to leave. 

Kyrie looked at the center of town- all that was left, really. Not many people out and about. Hushed whispers- no doubt, they’ve caught wind that something was going on, now that Kyrie was gone so much. 

Despite it, she put on a bright smile, as someone came up to her, explaining the issue they were having with their supplies. Immediately, Kyrie had gotten people rallied to start transferring it- a painful task, but when it was this urgent, they really knew they had to get it done, fast. 

That’s if… they didn’t give up, and weren’t in the process of moving. 

After the long haul of boxes, trying to salvage what they could, Kyrie remained behind, trying to see what she could save from what was damaged, and what was entirely lost.

At some point, she heard boots tapping on the ground, and she turned back to see-

“Oh, Morrison,” Kyrie said, willing a smile. Morrison shook his head, clicking the roof of his mouth, 

“Don’t be all chipper, Miss De Vico, I know things are hard,” He sighed heavily, “I’d ask if you have a light, but I know you don’t like smoke.”

“... I’ll light you on the way out,” Kyrie offered, and he nodded, 

“That’d be appreciated. But I’m unfortunately not here just on pleasantries. I got some news,”

Kyrie frowned, “Just rip the bandaid off.”

“You got a month before the mainland cuts off utilities to Fortuna.” 

Kyrie’s eyes widened, “I- What? Why?” She asked, and he shook his head, 

“They say it’s too much of a drain on finances. I think they believe if they pay Nero more overhead, they can get more work. We just don’t have the resources, but they don’t listen. Saying they’ll get the army involved.” A fruitless task- an entire squadron could only kill maybe a dozen empusa’s, or one fury, with countless injuries and casualties… Those resources could be used for such better things… 

Kyrie looked away, “But what about the people still in Fortuna?” She pleaded, soft, 

“There’s survivor shelters on the mainland. Don’t think that Fortuna are the only people who’ve suffered,”

Kyrie nodded, “I know… I just… They’re seriously giving us a time limit? Is there nothing we can do?”

“I tried to argue, but there’s not much I can really do,” He said, “Unless the demons finally stop breeding like bunny rabbits… We’re stuck.”

Kyrie looked away, taking a deep breath, her heart pounding in pain, loud enough she could hear the whistling of her veins in her ears. Blood flowing. 

Stuck. 

And here she is, surviving, when there’s nothing she can do to lessen the issue. She just… sits there. Surviving. Paperwork. But that’s not what needs to be done. This is an issue that needs to be solved, that needs to be fixed-

And she-

And she can’t even do anything,

“Hey,” Morrison said, gentle, “Hey, come back to me here,” Kyrie’s eyes focused on his face, and she let out a tense exhale from her nose. “I know. It hurts. I figured you’d rather hear it from me than get a cutoff notice.”

Kyrie nodded, “... You’re right, you’re right. I appreciate it, Morrison. I appreciate… everything. Really.”

“And, another bit of news, but I’m sure you guessed… reports aren’t coming down. Trish and Lady are trying to pin down a source of the demons, but they’re spotty, so it’ll look like it’s worse, just because they’re not hunting right now.”

More for Nero and Nico to hunt. 

She sighed. 

“... I understand.” Quietly, she stared at nothing. 

… Where they’re coming from, huh?

“Morrison, before you go,” Kyrie said, “Has anyone talked to you about Kat? Anyone of us,” 

Morrison cocked a brow, “Kat, huh? Where’d you hear that name?”

“She’s here in Fortuna, I think. Not sure where she went. Maybe back to the mainland. She said she was a scholar, and she said that she did some work with you.”

Morrison hummed, “That’s true, I do know her, Katalina. Lovely lady. She is a scholar, or… maybe an enthusiast is better. Bit unprofessional when it comes to her studies, but she’s smart.”

Kyrie exhaled, good… 

“... But,” Oh no, “I’ll warn you, I don’t always do business with the best people in the world. Now, I’m not saying she’s some evil thing… but some caution will do you good. You don’t hire a saint to catch a sinner, after all. Usually her contracts are just third parties who look her up asking for help she can’t offer… but you never know.”

Kyrie nodded, 

“I understand. Thank you.” She said, sitting back down, then pausing, “Oh, your light, here. Uh…” Kyrie searched for a moment, finding a mostly empty lighter. Morrison chuckled, and pulled out a cigar, holding it out to her, as she let it sparked a few times- before it finally lit, burning the tip, and Morrison held it to his lips, taking a long inhale, and exhaling through his nostrils. Like an angry bull, but Morrison was the furthest thing from that Kyrie had met. 

“Thank you kindly,” He said, “I’ll be in touch for gettin’ people moved. Don’t be fussed if I don’t answer immediately, we’re all busy. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

As he walked away, she took a step, prompting him to look back at her over his shoulder, 

“Could you,” Kyrie said, “Send Kat my way? She was looking at the Order’s old research documents, and I need to talk to her,” She said, and Morrison nodded, 

“I’ll ask her, but no promises. She does what she wants,” He said as he finally walked out, letting the door to the makeshift storehouse close. 

For a moment, Kyrie stared at nothing.

… If there’s less demons… 

She stands, and fusses around to find some paper, a pin, and a pen, writing down her request, and walking outside- just remembering to lock the storage. 

As she walked, she pulled out her phone, dialing a number. 

“... Hey, Patty, sorry for the late call… Can you help me with something?” 

—————————————————————

Tag List: @deathby-procrastination @licantropa @constantlyfeelsick @kdkovacheva

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // seventy-two

| @maladi777

next / previous / beginning

HIGH PRIESTESS: I don’t want to have to resort to threats, Kyrie. You leave me no choice. I wish you would understand I only do what I do to protect you. KYRIE: You’re protecting yourself. I wish you would just say so. You’ve only ever had influence because of us. But I expect no better from the Church. HIGH PRIESTESS: And what do you mean by that? KYRIE: I— ASTER: Well, pardon the interruption! KYRIE: Aster? ASTER: The door was unlocked, so I let myself in! Hope you don’t mind. Anyways, I’ve got to speak with Ol’ Saint Sees-A-Lot, so if you’ll excuse us… HIGH PRIESTESS: Wait— ASTER: Sorry! Very important Chosen business! Quite private! Toodles! ASTER: Well, that was quite the confrontation. Sure glad we got outta there when we did! KYRIE: I’m… confused. You needed to speak with me? ASTER: Oh that? Just a ruse to get you out of there. You know, I’m not usually one for eavesdropping— I pride myself on minding my own damn business— but I couldn’t leave you in there with that old beastie, could I? Us orphans have to stick together! KYRIE: You were just… helping me? ASTER: Not exactly the damsel saving type, but if the opportunity arises… KYRIE: In that case, thank you, Aster. Can’t say I don’t appreciate it. ASTER: Ah, just in the right place at the right time. Though, never cared for people like your “mother”. Something, something abuse of authority… But it’s especially unpalatable when that abuse comes at the expense of her own child. KYRIE: I doubt Elora ever saw me as her son. A prop, certainly, a meal ticket… that’d be more apt. ASTER: Oh, I don’t doubt that. Though, she’s hardly the first cleric with questionable morals, especially if our theories about the whole affair are correct. KYRIE: I didn’t think you were so invested. ASTER: I wouldn’t say that I am, but it’s sort of hard not to care when these people keep clipping my wings at every given opportunity. I wasn’t even supposed to be here, you know! KYRIE: sighs Aster, you know that’s not true. You’re Chosen for a reason. ASTER: No need for the sympathetic monologue, Your Grace. I believe you believe that. But the fact of the matter is, what I really want is to get the hells out of this place, and I’ll only manage that if we get to the bottom of this mess. My money’s on the eleven of us figuring it out before those poor sods. KYRIE: I don’t disagree at all. ASTER: Mm, well, then allow me to pass on the word. The Valkyrie is organizing a shindig tonight. We’ve all been invited, but I expect I’m just the first to get to you. KYRIE: How very Åse of her… KYRIE: Thank you again, for the message and for… that matter. ASTER: No need to thank me, Your Grace. It’s the least I could do.