#lays down face first

[decaeysa]

He appears much the same as he always does, with a ripple of shadow like silk sheets being tugged, but when he materializes everything is wrong. His eyes shine a bright blue, his lips are twisted into something that might have been a grin once, and his hands are blackened almost to the elbow, like he dipped them in ash. Kayn takes a step, and a moment later he's behind her, trailing his fingers — now free of Rhaast's corruption — along her shoulder and down her arm.

"Rhaast is dead," he murmurs, and something dark lives in his voice now. "I killed him myself, and now his power is mine." -- @umbane

her skin prickles at the strange touch that follows the usual journey kayn's fingers would take across her skin. she can't explain how she knows the difference [ had she no other senses to see him for what he was, she would still recognise him by touch alone ] when it is very much him, but there is a distinct strangeness to the sensation as he touches her. it's cold. not icy, but has a distinct lack of warmth that she can only chalk up to a lack of light. her eyes widen as she realises the transformation that has befallen him as well as what it means.

she fumbles for words to express the sheer shock and horror that roots her to the ground but leaves her jaw slack, mouth hanging open as no sound dares to escape her. even when he's fully materialised the shadows still cling to him -- she could swear wisps of them tangle within his hair, that his veins ripple with something other than blood under the ashen skin of his wrists.

it dawns on akali just how close they have become over the seasons : this had started as nothing more than a distraction, a social encounter that didn't drain on her as much as everything else. they'd never set out to enjoy each other's company so much as tolerate it. but they'd never turned each other away. how could she when he was the only person that actually understood her? even shen couldn't claim that.

it's near impossible to remember anything from the past few months that doesn't include him. what began with the occasional chance meeting had eventually led to more calculated affairs, and then...

" shieda. "

she doesn't want to think any more.

no matter what he's become, it's still him.

right?

her gaze meet his new eyes, desperate to find something she recognises in the empty coldness. the distinct lack of humanity in them scares her more than the accursed red that rhaast had given him. even that felt more human than this...

a hand lifts as though she's about to rest it upon his jaw but she falters -- she doesn't know why. she's happy for him, or at least that what she desperately keeps telling herself. he's no longer struggling, but ionia doesn't seem to be in any less danger now that the darkin has gone. now it just faces a new threat.

a threat she's chosen to ignore this entire time.

she steps back to free herself of his touch and the chill that surrounds him.

" I'm proud of you. "

and she is. of course she is. he's no longer suffering, no longer fighting a battle that no human could wish to face. she's been with him through some of his worst moments, held his hand through even the most painful of nights. no one in their right mind could ever wish for him to suffer for even a minute more, to watch him fight for control of his own body -- away from a darkin no less.

but what is one person's suffering compared to that of many? there's no denying the danger that presents itself before her.

fear turns to anger inside her chest, her body and mind transmuting the foreign emotion into something that she understands. something she can use. akali shakes her head -- half in disbelief, half scolding herself for letting herself get so close to one of them.

" so... so fucking proud of you. "

further steps are taken away from him, fingertips shakily resting on the hilt of her weapon. there's no way she can fight him now. there's no use in it. no one knows where she is or what she's found. it doesn't stop her, doesn't calm the fire that burns her throat. tears burn her eyes but she can't look away.

" you did it, kayn! now you're zed's perfect weapon. the shadow order's finest, the thing they're going to use to tear ionia apart. "

[asks-n-trolls]

Should hopefully see a dent in commission work queue once I finally get to the weekend

[butmakeitgayblog]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! AGATHAAAAAAAAAAAA ANDDDDD RIOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! KISSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Listen to me

They didn't have to kiss for Rio to claim her.

After centuries of stealing power and evading the end, Agatha Harkness chose to surrender herself and give up her mortal life by devouring her lover's lips. She chose to die by claiming Death's kiss.

That wasn't required, yet that's exactly how Agatha chose to bow out. How they both chose to end it, simply because they wanted to kiss that badly and melt into each other in those final moments.

How am I supposed to be normal about this

[derelictwreck]

psychonauts is a good series

[slutdge]

day 9,047 of the dont kill yourself challenge

[fear-no-mort]

btw i loved this so much i love it when rick gets super excited about something and his first instinct is to include morty in it by venting his excitement through stuff like grabbing him and shaking him around and getting up in his face. it’s a really subtle demonstration of like oh that’s how you know you really love someone and it means a lot to me . and also the fact that in this case what rick is getting SO worked up about is the fact that he’s gonna be spending time with morty

[onigiriico]

Amane audio drama (t2) - English TL

[ links: Spotify | Youtube ]

So much religion talk in this one. So much. I typed so much stuff into DeepL my JP keyboard app crashed at some point, but! it is done at last! 🎉 As always, if you've got any questions or find a mistranslated line, you can find me on Twitter or send me an ask (and in case you've got some money to spare & feel like supporting me extra, you can also find me over on Ko-fi)! But, without further ado:

⬇️ translation under the cut ⬇️

(Es enters)

E: Prisoner no.8, Amane. It’s time for your interrogation. Let’s talk for the first time in a while.

A: Warden.

E: What is it, Prisoner?

A: We've been disappointed by you.

E: Hah?

A: Even though we could sense the possibility of the new world we desire here in Milgram… and in you.

E: I don’t care how much you look down on me. I told you that won’t work.

A: Furthermore, you may say incomprehensible things, such as us “not being forgiven”...

E: Oi.

A: But we are generous. For now, let us make some time for a conversation with you. After all, our history is one that is built on dialogue.

E: Oi. Listen to what I’m saying.

A: What is it?

E: Amane. Don’t think you’ll be able to lead the conversation with that total change in attitude. Is it the result of the judgment that you’ve ended up like this?

A: “Like this”?

E: The dazed look in your eyes. The atmosphere around you. The way you speak. In comparison to the first trial, it’s like you’re a different person.

A: Hm.

E: Everyone who was unforgiven told me they heard voices judging their sins. They’re experiencing a lot of emotional stress as a result. Were your changes influenced by that as well?

A: Hah? Those stupid voices, huh? Yeah. I have heard them as well. However, such things do not pose a major problem.

E: What?

A: We have firm teachings. We have a clear and noble faith. No matter what kinds of things other people might say, these things cannot be shaken.

E: Faith… That would be referring to the religion you believe in, right?

A: Yes. It seems like the power Milgram holds is real. Did you have a look as well? At our faith.

E: Yeah. Though it was a depiction of a fairly small group of people… I’ve judged that your murder was the result of religion – of faith.

A: It wasn’t murder. It was merely a punishment in line with our doctrine.

E: So it’s not a sin, you mean?

A: Is faith a sin?

E: Faith itself is free. I’m not religious myself, but I understand that some people might be saved by it.

A: Hm. Is that so? Are the prisoners who weren’t forgiven feeling lost right now? Maybe they need our faith as well.

E: I’d rather you spare me the missionary work inside the prison.

A: Faith is free. It exists for people who are feeling lost.

E: … We’ve digressed. So – just what are you right now? You’ve been saying “we” this whole time. Does that mean you are not Amane Momose right now?

A: Right now, I am both Amane Momose and I am not. I am speaking on behalf of our faith. I am speaking as “we”, who believe that dialogue and warnings are in order since you made the misjudgment to not forgive us.

E: So you’re saying I’m talking to the very concept of your faith right now?

A: We don’t mind you thinking of it that way.

E: Huh.

A: Well then. Let us warn you once again. Warden. You judged that Milgram couldn’t forgive us, correct?

E: Yeah, that’s right.

A: As stated previously, our actions were in line with our doctrine, and thus cannot count as sins. Thus, Milgram is in the wrong.

E: You’ve killed a person.

A: In line with our doctrine.

E: You understand that you’ve broken the law, right?

A: We’ve talked about this before. There are things more important than the law. That would be our teachings.

E: I won’t acknowledge you turning such selfish rules into a standard of judgment. I won’t allow it. End of story.

A: …

E: Both religion and faith are free. However, a doctrine can’t become a universal standard of judgment.

A: You fool. Isn’t Milgram trying to enforce a new standard of judgment precisely because laws cannot guide this world onto the right path? Are you still being weighed down by the law?

E: As someone who’s just the warden, it’s not exactly my ambition to know about Milgram’s philosophy. It’s not because it’s against the law – but as Milgram, your murder can’t be forgiven. I judged it that way. That’s all.

A: …

E: Milgram… denies your doctrine.

A: If you do not adjust your way of thinking… we, too, will never be able to forgive you.

E: Heh.

A: What’s so funny?

E: What do you mean, “we”? You’re making me laugh. What you’re doing is just plain murder – no matter whether we’re talking in general or according to religion. It’s murder.

A: …!

E: Understand that. Amane Momose. It’s not “you” (plural) who killed someone – it’s you (singular). Don’t look away from your own actions by playing pretend!

A: … Ha…haha…! - You’ve insulted us… [You’ve insulted] God…!

E: So what?

A: This is unforgivable! I won’t forgive you! (screams)

(Amane tries to strike Es, but gets stopped by the barrier)

E: I’m telling you it’s impossible for prisoners to attack the warden.

A: I won’t forgive you…! I won’t forgive you!

E: Did you get those scissors from the storage room? Were you never taught that you’re not supposed to use those on people?

A: In light of our doctrine, your insult to us is more than enough to warrant a punishment! I won’t forgive you! I won’t forgive you!

(she tries and fails to attack them again)

E: Well… it’s in vain, so you might as well just listen to me like this.

A: I won’t forgive you! I won’t forgive you!

E: Prisoners can’t attack the warden. This is one of Milgram’s core rules, though a certain guy with multiple personalities slipped past it.

A: I won’t forgive you! I won’t forgive you!

E: Which means that Milgram doesn’t decide who the prisoners are based on their body, but based on their mind. If the mind is a different one, the rule doesn’t apply. It bothers me that it has a loophole, but…

A: I’ll kill you…! I’ll kill you!!

E: Thanks to this defective rule, we’ve now confirmed this: the you holding those scissors right now isn’t a god or a concept. It’s Amane Momose herself.

A: … I’ll…!

E: So, what you’re doing right now really is just a game of pretend. This is stupid.

A: …

E: This is the head-on battle with Milgram that you wanted.

A: Shut up…!

E: What’s wrong? Have you ended up wanting to be treated like a child after all?

A: Shut up!!

E: In fact, if you ask me, the fact that you are a child has a lot to do with this matter.

A: …!

E: No matter what you do, no matter how grown-up you behave – you’re a child. That’s an unchangeable truth.

A: You’re a child, too!

E: Wrong. I’m fifteen, so I’m an adult in Puerto Rico and Haiti. You’re twelve, so you’re a child no matter the country.

A: …!!

E: Hehe. You look angry.

A: I don’t.

E: You do.

A: I don’t!

E: Well, either way is fine. In the end, there’s two main reasons as to why children get reduced sentences under the law – the possibility of reformation and the influence of the environment, I believe.

A: …

E: In this case, it’s mainly the latter. I’ve said this before – during childhood, the things that the parents teach a child have a great impact on them, and the environment one grows up in has immense influence as well. A child who is born into a very religious environment will grow up believing that those are the rules of the world.

A: What are you trying to say?

E: In other words, they will turn their faith into their entire life – feeling as if their doctrine is the whole world.

A: …

E: Previously, you objected to being considered [mentally] underdeveloped based on your age. I suppose you were right about that. Your self really is fully developed. However, that self is one that was built in a particular environment, isolated from society.

A: …

E: That’s exactly why… We have also speculated whether this really was your crime, or that of your parents – of your surroundings.

A: …!

E: But as I said before, there’s different ways these components could have worked together—

A: “We”? What’s “we”? Are you not just “I”?

E: … I…?

A: Aren’t we the same? Me and Warden-san. You know, I’m aware that I’m out of the ordinary. That my environment was peculiar, and that everyone [else] is normal.

E: Amane…

A: In fact, there have been people who said that to me. I’ve been told things like, “You’re being deceived.” “You can still make it right now.” “You’re crazy.”

E: …

A: You are treating me as a child after all. Because I’m a child, you believe that I must have been brainwashed. It’s not like that. I, too— children, too, understand everything! Please don’t just decide that people must be unhappy.

E: …

A: I’m happy that I was born to my parents! It was a bit difficult, and it could feel restrictive sometimes, but I’m really happy that I could grow up on such beautiful teachings! I want to live this way!

E: Is that so…

A: You call that brainwashing, don’t you? From my perspective, you also generally oppose religion based on your personal values. Why can that be blindly trusted just because you’re more people?

E: I got what you’re trying to say.

A: It’s only natural that we, who weren’t acknowledged as a society just because we’re fewer in numbers, would view the possibility of a new world through Milgram as a dream.

E: Yeah, I’ve got it! Still, I won’t recognize your doctrine. By my standards, a doctrine that approves murder cannot be forgiven!

A: Yes. I’ve understood that.

E: Milgram is a three-trial system, though. I’ll be watching and listening to the footage from your mind for now, going into deeper depths this time… and if I feel something there, I plan on firmly accepting that.

A: Facing me head-on, is that right?

E: Yeah. That’s it.

A: If you end up deciding not to forgive me – not to forgive us –, then I will not forgive you, either.

E: Yeah.

A: Ah… no, that’s wrong. I will not forgive you (plural).

E: Wha—

(machinery whirrs, bell rings)

A: “Don’t look away from your own actions by playing pretend” – that’s my line. Warden-san, it’s not just you; it’s all of you. You all said you wouldn’t forgive us. We’re meeting each other on eye level. You all won’t be allowed to not get your hands dirty.

E: … What are you saying…?

A: What could it be? Warden-san, you were the one who said “we”, so…

E: (falls to their knees) … My head… Huh…?

A: Oh? Do you have a headache? Are you alright, Warden-san?

E: …

A: Do get back up by yourself, alright? That’s a trial given to you by God.

E: (heavy breathing)

A: Both pain and illness are trials. According to our teachings, those who run from them are the worst evil there is. That’s one of the four great principles. No matter who you are, that cannot be forgiven.

E: What are you…?

A: Oh – speaking of which, there is one among the prisoners right now. An evil existence that’s trying to steal people’s trials away from them.

E: …!

A: Shidou Kirisaki… His actions violate our rules. I have given him a warning. If he continues, I suppose it will be inevitable for me to intervene.

E: …!

A: Or… could it already be too late?

E: Shut up!! (hits her) … You’re getting ahead of yourself…!

A: Using one-sided violence… that’s unfair of you.

E: Shut your mouth…! I am the one casting the judgements here!

A: Hehehe. And how does that set you apart from us?

E: … I told you to shut up… Listen to what I’m telling you.

A: Hehe… This is nice. If the world you’re striving for is admirable in my eyes… That is to say…

E: Prisoner no.8, Amane… Sing your sins…!

[peacockrulz]

Funny stuff happens on twitter sometimes dkslfjsdlkf

[willowser]

Omg! Now my thoughts are plagued with roommate touya. He listens to you rant about the craziest things, takes your car to the shop when you don’t want to deal with the weird mechanic men, you cook dinner for the two of you (because he burns everything) and just eat and watch movies together 🥺 and maybe, MAYBE cuddle

roommate touya is truly so special to me he is like The Guy 🥺🥺🥺 he will GLADLY let you rant about whatever !! 🥺 just like you'll do the same for him !! 🥺 and he definitely knows a guy who knows a guy who can take a look at your car 🥺 but he'll go that way you don't have to deal with him 🥺 WAAAHHHHH it's like you reached into my brain you GET IT !!!!

[giddlygoat]

being adhd is crazy ill spend all day worrying that i’ve forgotten something, triple checking my calendar and my messages to make sure i haven’t missed an appointment or left someone hanging, and it still happens anyway. incredible

[burningcomputerpersona]

i almost forgot i caught a pick at sad summer fest!!!

[decaeysa]

what does your heart look like?

a compass that doesn't waver.

you are someone who is certain of what you want. maybe you always have been, or maybe you made a discovery that you haven’t been able to tear your eyes away from. your heart is set and certain. you fight endlessly for your goals. above all else, you know who you are and what you are trying to achieve. just be careful not to tear yourself or others apart in pursuit of your ideals.

[madsmilfelsen]

so anyways Rust met Claire when she proctored his GED exam

[sntoot]

youve hardly changed to my eyes

[seeking-elsewhither]

devastating news: I am required to give a little speech

[piningpercussionist]

Here's Kim Pine smoking weed

And here's her smoking w the DHCs. Brought to you by Discord Shenanigans and my Unhinged Mind