#lucky cat themed titles

[ethies]

bwww ... does the knight of space mind coming up w lucky cat themed names , pronouns && titles ? ^^ ( if not too much or you do not feel comfey doing the lucky cat npts , pronouns that r similar 2 she / her or he / him would b nice too :3 )

hello ! here are some names , pronouns , and titles for you ...! this divine being thanks you for requesting , schy had lots of fun writing these out ^^

𓇼 . . lucky cat names : luckitty , fortune , fausta , faustette , faustina , felicity , kismet , kizzy , kit , katte , whisker , calico , callie , cheshette , cheshire , mewlina , meowli , mitten ( s ) , lioness , lionette , sylvie , sylvester , purrlina , purrette , nepeta

𓇼 . . lucky cat pronouns : mew ﾉ mews , purr ﾉ purrs , mrr ﾉ mrrp , mao ﾉ maos , meo ﾉ meow , whis ﾉ whisker , lu ﾉ luck , for ﾉ fortune , fa ﾉ fate , paw ﾉ paws , fu ﾉ fur , paw ﾉ claws , mrow ﾉ mrows , leap ﾉ leaps , pitter ﾉ patter , cat ﾉ nip , hi ﾉ hiss , ble ﾉ bless , chan ﾉ chance , des ﾉ destiny , :3 ﾉ :3s

𓇼 . . lucky cat titles : che who meows / mews / purrs / etc , this lucky feline , this fortunate kitty , the one who prospers , this cat of fate , the one you have met by chance , che who ' s luck flows like a river , cher luck , cher kismet , che of unmeasured fortune , this cat who walks with luck on cher side , the feline who is made of luck , one who is the most fortunate , che with strong destiny

𓇼 . . she he pronouns : shy ﾉ hyr , schy ﾉ schyr , sh<3 ﾉ h<3r , shx ﾉ hxr , sae ﾉ saer , shwe ﾉ hwer , sh! ﾉ h!r , sh? ﾉ h?r , sh* ﾉ h*r , sh♡ ﾉ h♡r , se ﾉ shim , hy ﾉ hym , hy ﾉ hymn , hey ﾉ hem , h<3 ﾉ h<3m , hx ﾉ hxm , hae ﾉ haem , hwe ﾉ hwim , h! ﾉ h!m , h? ﾉ h?m , h* ﾉ h*m , h♡ ﾉ h♡m , he ﾉ her , she ﾉ him , e ﾉ im , e ﾉ er , her ﾉ sim

please Enjoy these ...! the One Who embodies purity Worked very hard On Them ... v? is especially Proud of the titles ! ae Hopes they are all to your satisfaction , and this Sea creature thanks You for Requesting ! ^^ che may be Replaced with Anybeings Individual pronouns , as always~

[marauders-brain-rot]

Friday the 13th

A jegulus one-shot, 807 words, silly and goofy and fluffy, wanted to do something for Friday the 13th because I actually really love it and this is what I came up with

James was absolutely ridiculous, a fact that Regulus should have been used to as his boyfriend of four years, and yet was exasperated by on an almost daily basis. There were the little things James did simply because he noticed something and wanted to be kind, wanted to make Regulus feel special. It started with Regulus waking up to find his favourite tea, not coffee because Regulus didn't like coffee, and a raspberry scone warm and under a stasis charm next to the bed. Then he found little notes, always in different places and a new one every day. 

‘I love you’ said one stuck to the bathroom mirror, ‘I’m so lucky to call you mine’ said another nestled atop Regulus’s favourite jumper in the drawer. Somehow after three and a half years of writing these little notes every day, he managed to always find something new to write and a new place to hide them. Next came the random books James would find in whatever shop he wandered into and thought of Regulus, leaving them on his bedside table with a note scribbled on the title page about a passage he’d flipped to randomly and thought Regulus would really like. 

There were the elaborate birthdays, always an event and each one bigger than the last, something he’d started before they’d even gotten together. The holiday’s were an even bigger affair, James having learned early on in their talking phase that Regulus adored the holidays, he always made a grand show of decorating every inch of every room he thought Regulus might ever go in. Their anniversaries had of course been no different, James always needing to find a way to top what he’d done prior, Regulus was certain he’d run out of ideas for that one, possibly around their twentieth. 

The most ridiculous however, absolutely had to be Friday the 13th. Regulus had mentioned one time, exactly one and very early on in knowing James, that he liked Friday the 13th and something about that had stuck with James. Every time one rolled around, he treated it like their own personal holiday and went about making a big deal of it. He woke Regulus with thirteen kisses, gave him thirteen more throughout the day, told him thirteen things he loved about him, got him thirteen gifts, littered Regulus’s path with thirteen ‘unlucky’ things, got thirteen bottles of wine, picked out thirteen different thirteen themed foods, invited thirteen friends over for a themed party, put on a muggle film called Friday the 13th, got him a baker’s dozen of his favourite donuts, danced with him to the thirteenth hit song of the year, twirled him around thirteen times in total and finished the night with thirteen minutes of alone time for the two of them where he held Regulus in his arms as if he were the most precious thing in the world.

This time was no different, however he still managed to be shocked. The morning had started off normal enough, as normal as you could get with James Potter at the helm of the day. He’d been awoken by his thirteen kisses, given a reason James loved him, handed a gift of thirteen books, and his breakfast in bed of thirteen types of fruit as well as the traditional English spread. By all accounts, he thought it would be not very different from all the others. Oh, how wrong he had been. 

He never could have expected thirteen black cats to greet him in the living room. 

“Jamie?” 

“Yes love?” James asked, wrapping his arms around him from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder. 

“Why are there thirteen cats in our living room?” 

“They’re one of your gifts! I know you’ve been wanting a cat, and black cats are your favourite, and all of these babies were in shelters and probably wouldn’t have found good homes, and you’re the best home I know.” James kissed his cheek before pulling away, a broad grin on his face. 

“What are we going to do with thirteen cats, Jamie?” He knew James couldn’t have thought this through, he rarely did. 

“We’re going to love them of course!” 

“And why did you feel the need to get me thirteen cats this time around?” He couldn’t help but shake his head in exasperation and admiration of the handsome, wonderful, incredible idiot he’d fallen hopelessly in love with. 

“It’s our thirteenth Friday the thirteenth, I had to make it special.” James answered, giving him his first of thirteen kisses he’d receive throughout the day. 

“You’re so lucky I love you,” Regulus replied, unable to hide the smile spreading across his face. He was wrong though, James wasn’t the lucky one, Regulus was, and as long as James loved him he would never be unlucky again. Even on Friday the 13th.

[aestrayla]

the forbidden book ft. satan

summary: you accidentally opened the forbidden book of cat transfiguration ft. satan x gn!reader (inspired by that one om audio of satan and mammon lol)

cw: slight suggestive themes (like 1%), mostly just fluff! minors may interact.

word count: 0.6k

a/n: this is my first time writing a fic so if it's terrible i apologise in advance. constructive criticism and tips are most welcome.

being the sneaky little human you were, you were tiptoeing around the house towards the library. you were tossing and turning in bed all night unable to sleep, so you decided to pick out a book that might help put you to sleep.

it was far past curfew, and you were terribly afraid of waking anyone up because a grumpy, half-asleep demon didn't sound like much fun at all to deal with and you most definitely didn’t want to get scolded by lucifer.

after entering the library, you chose a selection of books you wanted to read and settled into one of the chairs. the heat from the fireplace provided you with pleasant warmth as you took one of the books and placed it onto your lap. the book had no title, but a single picture of a cat printed onto the cover.

you flipped open the book and to your surprise, found yourself buried under the book you had just opened. as you turned to face the room, you noticed that it grew much larger than you had remembered. 

suddenly, you hear footsteps approaching. because you didn't have time to hide, your only option was to crouch behind the chair's armrest in the hopes that it would act as some form of cover.

"hm? what's this?"

unfortunately, it was pretty obvious that you were there because your tail was peeking out from the chair.

as the footsteps came closer you heard a sharp gasp.

"i-is that... a..."

satan had discovered you skulking behind the chair's armrest.

"how cute!"

he immediately grabbed you by your sides and lifted you into the air. while hovering over him, he pulls you into his lap while taking a seat in the chair.

even though you were aware of his obsession with cats, you had no idea how much worse it was when he was alone.

you began purring as soon as he started to stroke your fur. as much as you didn't want to, you had no control over it.

"who's the cutest little cat?" he cooed.

he stroked you delicately, moving his hands from your back to your cheek. your head began to tilt and rub against his hand.

you didn't want to enjoy this but the brushing through your fur felt so good.

"i don't know how you got in here but you're lucky i found you. if someone like lucifer had found you, he'd probably throw you out. not that i'd let that bastard anyway, you're just so adorable!"

you got up from his lap and climbed further up his body. your paws began to knead at his chest as you pressed your little head against his cheek.

he let out a few soft chuckles, "that tickles!"

after some time, his eyes began to fall heavy and his hands began to slow down. you moved in closer to feel his warmth and found that you were starting to nod off as well.

POOF!

you immediately removed your head from the crook of his neck in embarrassment. you didn't expect to transform back so quickly.

his eyes shot open in surprise as he paused to look up at you with wide eyes, one hand was tangled in your hair while the other rested at your waist. his eyes travelled down from your face.

your hands were rested against his chest and your legs were positioned beside his waist. you had him straddled beneath you.

you felt a rush of heat against your face as a faint smirk began to form at his lips.

"well, what do we have here?"

©2023 aestrayla. do not modify, copy, translate or share.

[spacetimesally]

A private desert hangar seemingly abandoned, but in full working order, catches this cat's curiosity, while simultaneously, although unknowingly, becoming the prey in a sophisticated cat and mouse game, and being lucky all the while to have 9 lives, in, 'Dogged Determination' (see, I started with cat nonsense, and I subverted your expectations by giving it a dog-themed title, it's like episode 8 all over again, thanks ryan johnson)

Here's the original from whence we started

[yourdarlingness]

✦ Lucky cat ~ themed　names — prns — titles

╰　requested by @luckykonekoo !

NAMES ︙　lucky . luckiette . luckiess . luckeine . luckitty / luckitten . luckita . fortunesse . fortunette . fortunia . serendipity . serenity . sereniesse . sereniette . serene . chance . chancy . chanciene . chansiette . chanceia . charme . charmie . charmette . charlita . charmin . lumeow . lucoine . lucoinette . lucoiness . purrie . purrlita . purriane . purmew . purmewin . fluke . fluky . flukitty . flukiene

PRNS ︙　mew / meow . paw . lu / luck . luck / lucky / luckycat . purr . coi / coin . fu / fluke . che / chance . se / ser / seren(dipity) . mrrp . bell . yae / yarn . kit . 🪙 . 🧶 . 🐈 . 🐾 . 🔔

TITLES ︙　the lucky/luckiest cat . the cat who brings fortune . the kitty's eternal luck . prn whose luck is everlasting/eternal . the kitty cat . the heaven-sent cat . prn whose life is fulfilled . the cat's peaceful life/day

[sing-in-me-oh-muse]

Writer Highlight from Writers Sanctuary

Each month on Writers Sanctuary, a Discord server that nurtures writers of all kinds, highlights a writer and asks them questions about their writing process. This month's writer is Chai_ki!

@Chai_ki

Ao3 Profile: Chai_ki

Works:

Fervor Lullaby was fun to write and it honestly just flowed. I think that’s why I like it so much.

Can I Take Your Last Name was my first attempt at humor and I had a ton of fun writing it.

The Cadence of Leaves was my first multi-chapter fic and even though I haven’t posted in a while, I’m on track to finish it!

What is your writing process? How do you approach a fic or original work? (e.g. Are you a Pantser? Plotter? Do you focus on dialogue before description? etc.)

Pantser, now there's a great term! I would have to say that I am definitely more of a pantser but occasionally will try to plot. Most of the time I just write as things come and hope it all flows well. 😅A lot of my ideas come from music. I usually can imagine a scene in my head during a song and then that scene grows (if I'm lucky). Original works have been hard as I have a tendency to want to over-explain things and feel like I can't get the characters back stories across well enough. That's one of the reasons I love fan fiction, those reading already know the characters so I can just dive right into the story.

What was your first story and why did you finally decide to write?

Ooo this is hard. My first ever story was one about cats I think. It was in 1st or 2nd grade. I've had random other stories since then. My first Miraculous fic was titled "Affinity" and I first posted it on Amino. It's one I would like to rewrite (and finish) at some point, but I have a few other projects to finish first. I have always loved to write and as stated in answer 1, I struggle with over-explaining my characters. I fell in love with Miraculous and then found out there was this entire community of writers and realized I had found my version of heaven. That was in 2018 and since then writing for the fandom has been one of my most relaxing hobbies.

Where is your favorite place/time/conditions to write?

This one is easy, mostly. I can honestly write just about anywhere - so long as I don't have other responsibilities to attend to in the moment. I prefer to have music playing, usually it's songs that have inspired my current work, but I can write without it as well. So long as the ideas are flowing, I'm able to write!

What is your favorite pairing, platonic or romantic, and why?

Fandom specific would be the love square. I honestly can't really say why, I just know I adore them. I think a part of it is because I see bits of myself in each character, both in cannon and fanon. I also love the dynamic between Alya and Marinette. Alya reminds me of my best friend of 25 years in so many ways and I find I end up writing from personal experience with them. In terms of anything other than my own writing, I enjoy a variety of parings and ships and enjoy seeing how other creators bring them to life. (Not fandom specific I have a few parings that I'd consider an OTP, but that would make this answer way too long. 🤣)

Do you have any thematic elements you’re interested in or that consistently show up in your writing?

To be honest, I haven't thought much about themes in my writing. I suppose my main theme is cutesy love stories, friends being there for each other. Stuff like that. I'd love to get good at writing adventure or humor, but I'm not sure I'm there yet. I do have a WIP that is an adventure story. The prompt is a Goonies/National Treasure AU I was given in the MWG for December's event. I'm struggling with it, but I also enjoy the challenge. One of my favorite tropes is friends to lovers and I feel like I use that in every story I've posted so far.

How do you deal with writer's block?

Music. Just about everything comes back to music for me. Sometimes I get disheartened if I'm stuck but I've found that listening to music, be it a new song, band or old favorite always sparks something creative.

What do you do if you have too many ideas?

I feel as though that's a normal state of living for me. 😅At any given moment some idea for something is floating around in my mind. (Along with a constant radio of song.) If one idea really sparks an interest I will hyper fixate on it, otherwise they live in my head, rent free. Truthfully, I should be noting them down somewhere...

You said that Fervor Lullaby (which is adorable) was fun and easy to write because it "just flowed." How long did writing the one shot take in that flow tate, and have you ever been able to get back into it for any other pieces?

Thank you! 🥺 Fervor Lullaby took about 3 hours in total to write. I saw the prompt and the ideas just kept coming. Ironically this story didn't have a song to spark it though I found a very fitting one to go with it once it was done. Sadly, I haven't been able to get back that fast of a flow since then and IRL stuff has limited my writing time significantly over the last 6-ish months. I hope to get back into writing more now that things have slowed down a bit. Seeing other creators is always inspiring and I am grateful for the Miraculous community!

---

Join Writers Sanctuary today and sign up to be highlighted on Tumblr and the server!

[shikantazaart]

"Lucky" by NFT Murder

Introduction: In the constantly evolving realm of contemporary digital art, the piece titled "Lucky" by the avant-garde artist known as "NFT Murder" emerges as a distinctive commentary on cultural iconography and post-modern aesthetics.

Composition and Color: At first glance, "Lucky" captivates the viewer with its bold use of contrasting colors. The vibrant hues of green juxtaposed against the burnt orange background not only catch the eye but create an almost ethereal ambiance that seems to oscillate between the surreal and the tangible. NFT Murder's deliberate choice to incorporate neon shades rekindles memories of 80s and 90s pop culture, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

The main character, presumably "Lucky" the cat, dominates the center of the canvas, strategically placed to anchor the viewer's gaze. This is further complemented by the recurring motifs of spectral figures and eerie apparitions which orbit around the feline protagonist.

Symbolism: "Lucky", marked by its crossed-out eyes, is both whimsical and mysterious. This duality, combined with the symbols of bats and ghostly creatures, exudes an aura of mysticism and perhaps a hint towards the ephemeral nature of luck itself. The presence of the word "Lucky" emblazoned atop the cat's hat serves as a poignant reminder of the work's central theme and raises questions about the very nature of fortune in today's fragmented world.

The skull, another prominent motif, may signify the transient nature of life, while its playful rendering contradicts the traditional macabre association, suggesting that there's beauty to be found even in the darker facets of existence.

Technique: NFT Murder showcases an adept mastery over digital techniques. The textures, especially evident in the strokes that outline the figures, exhibit a raw, almost graffiti-like quality. This could be seen as a nod to street art and its inherent counter-cultural ethos, reinforcing the artist's position on the fringes of mainstream acceptance.

Conclusion: "Lucky" by NFT Murder is a testament to the artist's ability to meld traditional symbols with modern digital techniques to produce a work that resonates on multiple levels. It's a celebration of the past, a commentary on the present, and a prophecy of a future where digital art blurs the boundaries of what's real and what's imagined. In its entirety, "Lucky" stands as a vibrant beacon in the ever-expanding universe of digital artistry, beckoning viewers to both reminisce and reimagine.

This piece is currently on show in the Shikantaza Secrets 001 Exhibition, details can be found here:

[dappledpaintbrush]

Good day, I hope that you are well;

Do you ever happen to ponder what the writers' room must have been like for Super Paper Mario? "Yeah, you know our main Wahoo go-lucky happy Mario protagonist? Yeah, well, let's make a game where he isn't relevant at all, make it touch relatively dark themes and we make my intricate and deep teenage Original Characters the real main characters with an extremely intricate plot that you wouldn't expect any game of the brand we are known for to have"

The game is so...Jarringly out of place, it's...Fascinating-

Nintendo has a few of these very large art books (Eg. Zelda and Mario Odyssey) where they go over all of the development work, conceptual stages, writer material in excruciating detail- It would be amazing if there were one of those for this particular game-

It's a shame that there isn't a lot of beta material released for this title other than some early Nastasia sprites, early animations (eg. The Dimentio Walking one and the Super Dimentio unused mouth animations) and Flip Folk character designs (And of course the early cat build) I can imagine a lot of work was put into the game's writing- I find the geometric designs to be extremely fascinating for multiple reasons too, symbolically and visually, but that's a discussion for another day. Are there other beta materials I seem to be missing?

My apologies for the long "ask"

Have a nice day.

Hello!! I hope all is well too :]

Oh my god I think about this SO MUCH. Like. One, how did they come to the conclusion this story is what they’re gonna go with, and two, how did it get approved? I’ve heard SPM be described as a “bad fanfiction,” and honestly, take “bad” out and I agree. This game strays so drastically from the norm that it does feel like a fanfiction (in the best way possible). I wonder how much DIDN’T get approved that is now lost to time.

I’ve been on many hunts for any beta content, but all I can find that is reliable is stuff from The Cutting Room Floor. It honestly upsets me. I feel like this game deserves an art book regardless of whether or not I personally wanted one. The design of SPM is incredibly creative and one of the first of its kind. The character and level designs themselves (because they really are unique), the constant references to technology in an era where it was becoming increasingly more apart of every day life, and the thought process behind implementing 3D into a 2D space are all things I want to know the details behind SO badly. Of course art is important in every video game, but in the Paper Mario series, the game almost revolves entirely around the art and design choices, and SPM is no exception. I would also go even more crazy for a book or even any information at all about the writing process, but I’m not sure how much of that has survived. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of it has to come from the writers’ own recollections. Hell, who even knows if any concept art is around anymore either, unless they kept it in a filing cabinet somewhere (or, if it’s all digital, they actually kept up with the files).

The cat build is very interesting to me because we have NO idea what it was for. Was it for another game? If so, what is it doing in SPM’s files? Is it for SPM? The “3D world builds” that were also found imply SPM was originally not going to be a side scroller and instead, you’d be able to roam around like you do in any other Paper Mario game. Unless those world builds were for the cats only- which again, were they for SPM or something else?? WHAT WERE THEY DOING THERE?? EXPLODES!!!!! AND YES!!! THE SYMBOLISM FOR THE GEOMETRIC SHAPE DESIGNS IVE HEARD ABOUT THAT SOMEWHERE. GOD ITS SO GOOD . CHEWS ON MY ARMS.

And to answer your question, there’s definitely more beta material out there, but none come to mind at this moment :O

And don’t apologize!! I love longer asks! I enjoy discussing this game with people a LOT

Have a good day to you to!! :D

[kisilinramblings]

asking for a writer friend... can you give us possible Ladybug Hero names? for a male ladybug?

He's a teacher and he already has a different monicker using a different powerset and he first became a hero back when he was a highschool student.

He was also not very bright when he was a student. He's more of a friendship monster and would rather befriend everyone he meets.

Also possible hero names for Ladybug + Cat unified hero names??? They kinda wrote it in a way that he was forced to unify the ladybug and cat miraculous.

Hmmm... Well, I dunno about suggestions, but I can offer some tracks to look for based on canon.

There are the characters whose hero's name is rather simple and is just based on what Miraculous they are using like Ladybug, Chat Noir, Papillon, Eagle. Some might specifies a species or add a little color to their name (i.e. Tigresse Pourpre). Or, in the case of Monarch, the species name also contains a double meaning. Monarch being a type of butterfly and a title to the sovereign head of a state.

Other are inspired by the power. Traquemoiselle, Multimouse, Polymouse and Parque Écarlate (Scarlet Fate, Joan's superhero name) check out for this.

Some prefer to go with a feature from their animal theme. Like Carapace which is the shell name of the turtle.

Characters who are attached to their ethnicity and culture may go with their name in their first language or inspired by it. Like Rena Rouge and Ryuuko.

Or like Queen Bee, Coq Courage or Catwalker/Patte de velour, their hero names is influenced by their personality or who they wish to be.

They are character who takes inspiration on mythology for their superhero name. That is true for Mayura, Minotaurox, Pégase, Roi Singe.

On the more creative sides, we have portmanteau (Flairmidable, Traquemoiselle, Minotaurox) or pick the species and simply add a suffix (Pigella, Caprikid, Viperion, Vesperia, Bunnyx).

With that in mind, what can be considered for a male ladybug superhero?

Well, there is of course the French word for Ladybug (Coccinelle). I however wouldn't reduce to Cocci because it could sound to similar to Coccyx which is the name of the tail bone. Still, fun fact! The term Coccinelle derived from the latin word Coccineus which refers to the the bug's scarlet color. So that's a start (as well as explaining why Joan is refered to the color instead of any bug species).

Also, your friend could always refer to the bug nature of the Ladybug. (Coccinellidae / Coccinellid, Beetle, Coleoptera, Coléoptère) or its features with the spots.

The Power of Creation itself is themed around luck and fate. Because of this, the Lucky Charm is also mysterious in how it works and can feel really random and impredictable. I imagine your friend can look for English words refering to chance but in case they need some french words inspiration, here some :

Aléa (means unpredictable event either good or bad. Often seen in its plural form ex: Les aléas de la vie. The term is also found in the word "Aléatoire" (random))

Augure (litt. Omen. Can be both good or bad).

Chance / Chanceux (lucky)

Destin (fate)

Veinard (word comes from a very familiar dialect. Means lucky).

Prospère (prosperous)

Those word can be a start to come up with a portmanteau or either had a prefix, suffix, adjective or little title.

Outside of that, I haven't found any legends or myths about ladybugs. Aside that little story from the 10th century on how ladybugs got associated with luck.

Although, in terms of pun, in the song When you're evil by Voltaire, there is a verse where the singer say :

To the gentlemen, I'm Miss Fortune To the ladies, I'm Sir Prize.

So, I don't know about you, but I think that pun was clever. Dunno if it could apply to a Ladybug holder though.

Hope that helps!

Also, everyone, feels free to add suggestions to this post if you have one.

[fabseg-creator]

Miraculous: Tales in the Opposite Universe (Inversed Personas AU): Chapter Two part 6

This story is a fanfiction (Not an official script for an episode of the TV show). Some characters result from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir (original title: Miraculous: Les aventures de Ladybug et Chat Noir). It contains some original characters (OC) but they're fanon. All rights reserved to ZagToon.

Part one two three four five

At the rusted ship Liberty where the Thrower shoots many summoned projectiles on Wayhem who dodges its all. Meanwhile, the brown boy begins to exhaust. The villain throws a trash bin with his slingshot and manages to hit the latter's shoulder. That's causing Wayhem's fall on the ground. Ouch !

W (thinking): "I can't keep up. He's going to crush me the face. If I had Tikki with me. If I had still my earrings…"

Th: "I will teach you how to not interfere on my business, you dick. It's between Adrien and ME."

W (breathing): "I know Adrien is an unpleasant guy. I even berated him for his actions, but he has a good side on him. He makes efforts for changing himself."

The Thrower enrages because of his enemy's words.

Th: "Adrien is a bastard. You dont have to defend his foolish dude, Wayhem."

W (smiling): "If you think about him like that so you'll never learn to better know."

Just as he was going to shoot one last time, he is suddenly stopped by a moving staff that destroy the projectile due to the impact.

Th: "Hey !! What's wrong…"

The Thrower is surprised. Ladybug and Alley Cat stand up in front of him. While the villain is watching the two superheroins, Wayhem manages to escape and find a hideout before he joins the Resistance group.

Th: "Alley Cat and… (to Ladybug) Who are you, 'black and red' girl ?"

Ladybug: "I am Ladybug. I want to say you: Cease your attack and let's talk together."

Alley Cat: "Seriously ? I have a better line. (to the Thrower) Cease your attack against the music party. These kids were just purring.

Th: "Where is Adrien ?"

AC (exposing her tongue): "Go to find him yourself."

The villain becomes mad that he shoots on the superheroin duo. The battle has begun. The Ladybug-Alley Cat pair and the Thrower fight each other by punching, kicking, sending magic attacks, staff hitting and yo-yo spinning.

LB: "We must destroy his slingshot, Alley Cat."

Th: "You two are really troublesome, ladies."

AC: "Hey ! I'm a cat. Not a lady. It's time to beat you up. Cataclysm !"

Alley Cat summons her power of Destruction.

LB: "That's too earlier. Damn ! Lucky Charm !"

------

At this moment, a butterfly-themed supervillainess watches the battle from the rooftop of a building behind a fireplace. She is on the other side of the Seine: It's Lycène Bleue but, this time, she has a different look (she has red black-dotted parts on her villain's outfit). She has already unified Ladybug and Butterfly miraculouses.

She waits the right moment for catch Alley Cat off guard.

Lycène (thinking): "The Thrower is a good distraction. If he resists long enough, Alley Cat could accidentally make a mistake with her Cataclysm. If her and the other parallel Ladybug holder manage to defeat him. I'll use the plan B."

She watches her yo-yo and she smirks before stealthily moving to the ship and hiding behind.

------

Back to the battle, Ladybug and Alley Cat had just taken advantage on the Thrower. The villain is immobilised by the Ladybug's yo-yo. Alley Cat puts her Cataclysm on the slingshot and destroys it where the akuma emerges from. Ladydug prepares his yo-yo.

LB: "No more evil-doing for you, little akuma."

She purifies the dark butterfly turned back into white. Bye bye, little butterfly !

AC: "That was easy, ma Lady."

LB: "Yeah. Bien joué ! (thinking) And no need to call me 'ma Lady'. It's Cat Noir who says that."

They bump their fists each and other for celebrate their success while the deakumarized ginger boy is confused saying "Where am I ?".

The red black dotted superheroin is going to throw the Lucky Charm (that's a towel) in the air for fix it all but she suddenly stops.

AC: "What's wrong, Ladybug ?"

She thinks about a detail. Wait a minute !

LB: "This battle was too easy and too fast. Something is suspicious. My Lucky Charm hasn't been useful yet."

AC (slightly teasing): "If you say it. I go to jump for verify where Lycène could hide while you clean dishes."

Alley Cat jump at the bow of the ship and…

AC: "YAAAAH !!"

Alley Cat's scream alerts Ladybug. She turns her sight to the bow. Ladybug is suddenly horrified: Lycène holds Alley Cat as her prisoner. She has trapped her in a red black dotted barrel filles with glue. The now red-and-purple (instead of blue) butterfly villainess is satisfied of her plan B.

Ly: "It's useless to go to a hidden place, Catgirl. You cannot Cataclysm two times before detransformation. The only remain miraculous for accomplish my wish is mine."

AC: "Screw you, Lycène Bleue !"

Ly: "I am not Lycène Bleue anymore. I will…"

Ladybug throws her yo-yo for attacking Lycène forcing the latter to dodge and land on the quai. Her heroic action moves her adversary away from Alley Cat.

LB: "Don't make bad things to my teamate, Lycène."

Lycène/Coccilycène: "I am Coccilycène now, Ladybug girl from another world. Alley Cat is already trapped in my barrel and I will take her ring once I make you bite the dust."

LB: "Cat Noir will coming for stop you."

CLy: "We'll see that."

The two fighters each have their earrings that are ringing. They had already both summoned the Lucky Charm. They each have four minutes before detransformation.

They spin their yo-yos and they exchange yo-yo attacks each against other. This time, it's between Ladybug and Coccilycène.

One minute passed and the two fighters are in a tied score. Meanwhile, that could change. Their yo-yos already got intertwined. While Ladybug thinks of how to use the towel, Coccilycène has an idea.

CLy: "You're talented and skilled, Ladybug. Despite I've got more one miraculous than you, I praise you."

LB (a bit of amazed): "You praise me ? (sarcastical tone) Don't try to distract me."

CLy (teasing): Your Cat Noir is still late. I'm thinking what if he's sleeping in a tree."

Coccilycène takes a look on the Ladybug's towel/Lucky Charm.

CLy: "Do you will use tour towel for do cat grooming ? Alley Cat will need it and Cat Noir too."

While the red-purple villainess tries to gain some time for her future strike with her cane-sword on her back, Ladybug looks on a group of teenagers who are behind a pillar of the quai twenty meters from the back of the villainess.

LB: "Of course, Cocci. And it's you who will help me for that."

CLy: "(thinking) Sound like crazy. (talking, amused) I would like to see that."

She exits her cane-sword from behind her back with the left hand. With her sword, she rubs along the thread of her yo-yo and then she grinds the yo-yo like a fishing rod. Ladybug is like tracted (her yo-yo is still intertwined with the Coccilycène's other) in reason of this enemy's unexpected move but she resists by holding the line as possible.

LB (thinking): "Damn ! If I drop now, I will be disadvantaged and nobody can't stop Lycène. Where are you, Chaton ? Now !"

While Ladybug still struggles for not letting go, she watches the group (leaded by Nino) who is silently advancing behind Coccilycène: Each teenager (plus Adrien and Wayhem) is equiped of a paintball rifle. She smiles.

CLy: "Why are you smiling ? Have you lost your mind, Ladybug ?"

LB: "I don't send the message to you, Cocci."

CLy: "What message ?"

LB (to the Resistance group): "NOW !!"

The Resistance group (Nino, Alya, Ivan, Mylène, Luka, Juleka, Rose, Adrien and Wayhem) instantly shoots on Coccilycène. The latter is surprised, shocked: she is hit almost every way and she looses all her weapons (yo-yo and cane-sword). "AAARH !!!"

Ladybug throws her yo-yo for immobilise the destabilized and dirty painted villainess. Adrien comes from behind their enemy and removes the earrings to her. Back into Lycène Bleue, the butterfly girl turns her eyes on him.

Coccilycène/Lycène Bleue (perplexed): "Adrien ?!"

Impressive and stoic, The boy glares the villainess. And the Wayhem-related Tikki appears.

W's Tikki: "Oh… I thank you, young boy."

LB: "Bien joué, Adrien. Remove her Butterfly miraculous too !"

At this moment, Lycène struggles in the Ladybug's yo-yo's thread, picks up her sword and she escapes from the thread to the Ladybug's astonishment.

LyB (enraged): "The battle isn't over yet, you morons !"

LB and the Resistance group (thinking): "Oh, no !"

An feral Lycène is going to take Adrien as hostage. Suddenly, Alley Cat surprisely attacks the villainess by barrel-rolling (but she still trapped in because of the glue). The Catgirl hits the Butterfly girl. The impact is so important Lycène is sent in the air.

LyB (shouting while falling): "I CURSE ALL OF YOOUUU…"

She falls into the Seine.

Resistance members watch on the Seine for verify where the villainess could reappear.

For Ladybug, it's time for fix it all by throwing the towel.

LB: "I understood how useful my Lucky Charm has been as a towel now. Miraculous, Ladybug !"

And all damages are reverted. The stage is repaired, Alley Cat is freed from the glue and, today, Tikki is safe kwami: The Ladybug earings from this universe have been retaken from Lycène Bleue.

After the incident, the reunion can finally resume. But before, some teenagers interrogate Adrien for knowing why he has actes like a hero. Ladybug, Alley Cat, Adrien and Wayhem decide to reveal the whole truth: They have confessed Ladybug and Cat Noir come from a parallel world. Germaine is called Marinette like MDC and Nathan is Adrien and the two come from a parallel world too.

Wayhem has confessed he's Rouge Chance. With his Tikki, he publicly transforms in front of his friends before detransforming.

W: "Meanwhile, Lycène Bleue knows my real identity. I will no longer Rouge Chance. I say to all of you: Good luck for the future."

He returns the earrings to Alley Cat the guradian of the Miracle Box (from this world, of course).

The ginger boy even apologized to Adrien for have purchased him in last day. (even if he can't remember his own akumatization).

GiB: "I sorry for having misjudged you, Adrien from another parallel world. It sounds crazy you came from another world like exactly look like the prankster Adrien who annoys us."

A: "Don't worry. I don't reject you."

GiB: "You're so kind. Wayhem is honest too. If Adrien has a good side, I invite him to a Bike race."

A: "Cool."

About revelations, Ladybug didn't have revealed her identity as Marinette or 'Germaine' and Adrien have prevented to confess to be Cat Noir. Result: These people believe they are 'four' from the previous world about to be teleported by Voyager.

Previous

Next

[purplechaosguardian]

Imaginary Friends

Cesar has a best friend. Said best friend is an eldritch abomination with origins beyond our comprehension

CW for eye injury, mouth injury. An alternate dies because it’s a bitch

It was an afternoon just like any other. Yet another day was spent trying and failing to make friends, and Cesar sat dejected on the couch, Momma running her fingers through his hair and comforting him the best she could. “Don’t worry mi hijo. I’m sure you won’t have to wait much longer. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend.” If that was true, why did no one want to be friends with him? Cesar shifted in his seat, but decided to force that thought back down. Momma smiled. “We can still make this a good day. How about I put Sesame Street on for you, and we have empanadas for dinner?” Cesar raised his head. “Potato ones?” Momma cooed, kissing him on the forehead. “Of course mi chiquito lindo.” She turned on the TV before heading to the kitchen, the sound of various dishes being pulled out of cupboards and the commercials announcing that an episode was about to start filled the silence.

The theme song began playing, showing the colorful puppets going on various adventures with kids around his age. He frowned at kids in little groups, some holding hands. Suddenly, the sound cut out. The color was next, and the picture slowly faded away into TV static. He was just about to call out for Momma when music began to play. There was a title card too.

The Might of the Subconscious.

“Can you hear me? Hello? Can you hear me?” A face soon appeared on the screen, two small white circles for eyes and an even bigger one for the mouth. Cesar crossed his arms and huffed. “Hhhheeeyy this isn’t Sesame Street!” The face continued, Cesar’s comment going ignored. “Oh, hello! Now, you may be thinking ‘who is this voice speaking to me through my television set?’ Well, let me introduce myself. My name is Stanley.” Despite it not being the show Momma promised, Cesar smiled. He liked Stanley, he was nice! “My name's Cesar!” The corners of the face’s mouth curled slightly upwards. “That’s a very nice name, and it is very nice to meet you. Consider me a friend, because I might consider you one too.” Cesar squealed with delight. He never had a friend before!

“I like having friends. How many friends do you have?” Cesar drooped, his loneliness hitting him full force. “I don’t have any.” “That is nothing to be ashamed of. Once upon a time, I didn’t have any friends either. But then I learned something wonderful: I can make friends appear out of thin air.” Cesar ran up to the tv, small hands pressing against the cool glass. He could make a friend? Just like that? “What was that? You want to know how? Well, I can tell you, but you have to promise me that I am one of your friends first.” Cesar nodded hard and fast, sending strands of hair bouncing this way and that.

“Great. First we must consider what makes up a good friend. What do they sound like? What do they look like? What colored eyes do they have? Do you have a friend in mind?” “Yeah!” A friend that always existed in Cesar’s head, always providing warmth and comfort during the bad days. Quiet and gentle, and he liked reading and playing games and drawing. And his favorite food was pizza! And he likes cats and his favorite color is blue and-. “My, you have thought a lot about this friend, haven’t you? Wonderful job. I think it’s time for you to finally meet that friend. Now just close your eyes and think really hard about your new friend.” Cesar shut his eyes tight, and focused harder than he ever had in his life. A few moments had passed, and then a thud came from somewhere nearby. “Can you keep a secret? I think it worked. Your new friend is somewhere in your house. Now it’s up to you to go and find them.” Cesar let out an excited yell and bolted from the living room, too caught up in his joy to notice that the tv had switched itself off.

He ran from hiding spot to hiding spot, trying to find his new friend. They weren’t under the kitchen table or in the basement or behind the shower curtain. He even held his ear to Momma’s bedroom door. Nope, nothing in there. He then ran to his room, swinging the door open. And there his new friend was, a boy his age sitting cross legged on his bed. Pale skin, fluffy brown hair, a face covered in dark dots. A blue t-shirt and gray shorts and white socks. The friend smiled shyly and waved. “Hi Cesar.” Cesar couldn’t contain himself any longer and ran to his friend, jumping onto the bed and hugging the other tight. He couldn’t stop giggling and eventually the friend joined in. He pulled away only slightly so he could take a proper look. “What’s your name?!” The friend sheepishly smiled. “I don’t have one. Do you have any ideas?” Cesar hummed, trying to think of a good name, mind eventually wandering back to a book his class was currently reading, and one of the main character’s friends. He was smart and funny and Cesar’s favorite. “How bout…Mark?” “Mark…Mark…” The friend slowly sounded out the name, as if he was testing how it sounded. A grin quickly spread across his face “I love it! Thanks Cesar!” Cesar laughed and grabbed the newly named Mark by the hand and ran out of his bedroom, enjoying the feeling of not being so alone anymore.

——

It’s a warm summer day a few years later, the air is sweet and fresh, butterflies and bumblebees gather in Cesar’s mom’s garden, and with school out of the picture for the next couple of months, it was the perfect scenario for kids their age to run free and play to their heart's content for days on end. Which was what they were doing right now.

It was a battle to end all battles, Mark’s sound barrier breaking race car versus Cesar’s dinosaur that can shoot lasers out of its eyes and flames out of its mouth. The car dodged the lasers and swerved around flames so hot, they melted the buildings surrounding them. The car jumped off a skyscraper, using a pile of rocks and chunks of concrete as an impromptu ramp. The car was just allowed to land on the dinosaur’s head and-Mark snapped back into reality, staring into the woods a few yards away with an unreadable expression. Cesar blinked, trying to figure out what caught his friend’s attention. “Marcador? Are you ok?” Mark paused, smiling down at Cesar and handing him the car. “Yeah, don't worry about it. Wait here, I’ll be right back.”

The woods were cooler compared to where he had been moments before, the shade from the trees blocking out the sun. There were beams of sunshine that still poked through the foliage, but only became darker and colder the deeper the young boy went. It was completely quiet too, no birds chirping or little squirrels running through the treetops, not even the wind rustling the leaves. Complete and utter silence. That was, until Mark picked up the sound of crunching dead leaves and breaking twigs, and only getting closer. Mark turned around, only to be met with…Cesar. Mark sighed, exasperated but fond. “Sar, I told you to wait for me. It’s dark in here, you could have hurt yourself.” Cesar tilted his head, the smile never leaving his face. “Why would I ever listen to something like you?”

Mark took a step back, eyes scanning Cesar’s face. “…what are you talking about?” Cesar giggled, hollow and empty and cold. “You’re one of them, aren’t you? You always were, and you always will be one of them. No matter how many games of make believe you play.” Cesar’s smile grew too wide for his face. “How long before you finally kill me, Mark? Before you kill my mom? I know you think about it. It’s in your nature, that’s why you exist. That’s why he allows you to exist.” Mark felt his stomach turn. He picked up a stick, and jammed it into Cesar’s eye. There was the horrible sound of screaming, Cesar’s screaming, that slowly transitioned into TV static. The form followed suit, Cesar melting away to reveal a black, lanky figure. Dark red liquid dripped out of the wound, as it wrapped a hand around the stick, desperately trying to pull it out. Mark wasn’t quite satisfied with his work, so another stick found its way into the other eye. The thing screamed once again, stumbling around and trying to hold onto trees for support, liquid pouring in rivers down its face. If it hadn’t tried to imitate his best friend so poorly just seconds ago, Mark would have felt bad for it. It grabbed him, and Mark could feel its claws sinking into his skin. “You cannot run from what you are. Everyone will know. Your little pet will know, and you will be abandoned. Pray that he will be merciful enough to allow something like you to join us once agai-.” It was cut off by Mark shoving a hand into its mouth, then the other. He wasn’t going to kill it, absolutely not. Too much blood and the noise was probably going to scare the real Cesar. But Mark couldn’t let it walk away and tell the others. Not without sending a message, at least.

He began pulling down, ignoring the shrieking and keeping one hand in place to prevent it from biting down. There was only the sound of wet tearing, before the jaw came free, landing on the floor with a wet smack. It stared down at the jaw in shock before back at Mark, now only pitiful wheezes and hisses coming out. It ran deeper into the woods, leaving a trail of red liquid in its wake, the rivers turning into waterfalls. Wind rustled through the leaves, birds sang, and squirrels were arguing over nuts and berries. Mark stood there, listening to make sure it was truly gone, then back outside, letting out a sigh of relief when he could still hear Cesar’s heartbeat, strong and relaxed. He quickly walked out of the woods, not wanting to worry anyone or draw attention to himself, but also wanting to leave as soon as possible in case it decided to come back.

Cesar was still there, playing with the discarded toys and in his own world, completely oblivious to what had just happened or the danger he could have been in. And despite everything, just the sight of his best friend was enough to make Mark smile. Cesar turned around and let out a horrified gasp, and it was only then he realized he was covered in the alternate’s blood. “No, Sar, I’m ok.” Cesar grabbed his hand dragging Mark behind him, the toys completely forgotten. “Don’t worry Mark, we have band aids at my house!”

Cesar would later realize the toys had been left behind in his panic, only to find them on his porch the next morning.

——

The rain has been pouring outside nonstop and Cesar is running around excitedly. Momma is letting them take over the living room tonight, which means watching movies until the sun rises. Or until they both fall asleep. Whichever comes first. He’s grabbing all sorts of soft things-pillows and stuffed animals and blankets-while Mark has been tasked with gathering snacks from the kitchen. He ran out of his room, giggling and arms overflowing with the results of his search, the pile so big he could barely see over it, and there was a trail of things that had fallen off left behind in his wake.

He entered the living room, only to find it not only devoid of snacks, but Mark was standing in front of the TV, staring at the static with the angriest glare Cesar had ever seen on him, clenching his teeth and fists so tightly that Cesar was genuinely surprised neither was bleeding. “…and I don’t care. Hurt him, try to go after him again, and you’ll have to deal with me.” “…Mark?” “Cesar.” The other boy turned to look at him, wide eyed like he had been found with his hand in the cookie jar, and the static suddenly went away, changing to a local news channel. “Mark, are-are you ok?”

Mark snarled at the tv, before grabbing one of Cesar’s hands in both of his. “Cesar, promise me you’ll never go near one of those again. Please.” Cesar blinked, having to take it all in, a million questions forming in his head. Mark’s face was one of pure desperation and fear, a stark contrast to the calm, neutral expression he almost always wore. Mark was never scared of anything, unflappable even. Cesar doesn’t know why he was talking to the TV, let alone what would be enough to frighten someone like Mark, but he’s determined to give his best friend peace of mind. He nodded, placing his free hand over Mark’s. “I promise.”

Kids started going missing a week later.

——

Cesar never really noticed how strange Mark was. Sure, he could be a bit morbid at times and wasn’t quite as social or eager to fit in as the other kids their age, but that didn't mean he was a monster or something. If he was being honest, it was just one of the many things he admired greatly about him. Even if Cesar had forgotten how they had met, he knew his best friend had seen the best and worst parts of him, and accepted Cesar all the same. He was a good person. Which is why the comments of their peers were making his blood boil.

“Seriously Cesar, why do you bother hanging out with that freak?” A girl drawled, blond curls bouncing up and down with her movements, almost as if nodding in agreement. “He doesn't act like the rest of us, he's just creepy. He’s only going to drag you down with him, y’know. That’s all dead weight does, anyway.” “She’s right, people like Mark aren't going anywhere.” Another kid, a boy with black hair added. “Everyone knows you feel bad for him, and it’s great you want to make him feel like he can have friends, but you have to draw the line somewhere.” Cesar squeezed the pen so hard in his hand so hard that it was beginning to crack. “I don’t feel bad f-.” The black hair boy apparently decided to ignore this very obvious sign of Cesar about to lose his shit. “Come on, he's so fucking weird. You do realize he’s probably going to wind up killing som-.”

That would prove to be the final straw, as Cesar couldn’t hold himself back from punching the kid in the nose, seeing red and crimson covering his hand. Everyone gathered around in a circle, cheering and screaming as if they were watching the cage fight of a lifetime. Someone must have intervened and tore Cesar off the bastard, because the next thing he knew he was waiting to be let into the principal's office, knuckles wrapped in bandages and pressing an ice pack to a nasty bruise on his cheek. It was basically routine at this point, with the principal giving Cesar that same old robotic speech about solving his problems with words instead of violence that he heard a thousand times before, and Cesar would retort that if the principal really wanted him to stop fighting people, she should do something about the student body always ganging up on Mark because how’s what they’re doing any better? And she would sigh, clearly exhausted, and while Cesar would be given detention for the next week and yet another empty promise that something will be done about Mark and the other kids. He would never be kicked out though. Everyone knows a kid being punished for protecting his friend would only give the school a bad image.

“Sar?” Mark is cuddling with him on Cesar’s bed several hours later. “Your pulse started racing. You ok?” Cesar turned so that the two were now face to face, Mark looking soft and concerned, and Cesar could feel the frustration and anger melt away. He smiled and grabbed Mark’s hand, incredibly warm meeting icy cold. “Yeah, don’t worry about it Marcador.”

Fuck those kids. What did they know?

——

Cesar stretched, feeling his arms pop. It had finally been their senior prom, a night he had been looking forward to for years. He couldn’t say the same about Mark, who Cesar had more or less dragged to this event against his will, and had been complaining about his tie strangling him since they arrived, seeming more than happy to finally take it off, tossing that traitorous piece of blue fabric over his shoulder. “Ugh, thank fucking god! I felt like a Christmas ham.” Cesar rolled his eyes, draping an arm over Mark’s shoulders. “So you’ve said. Several times.” “Shut the hell up Torres.” Mark giggled, leaning into Cesar, a huge smile spreading across his face.

The sun had gone down hours ago, but the sky was still filled with all sorts of colors, and stars twinkled above them. It wasn’t too hot or too cold, crickets sang and street lamps were turning on, bathing the sidewalk in bright light. By all accounts, it was a perfect evening. Cesar had suggested cutting through part of the woods instead of walking the long way home, and Mark agreed, if only to get out of the rest of the suit faster.

The woods were incredibly dark, and Cesar would have been unnerved if he hadn’t crossed it thousands of times over the years. It was unnaturally quiet though, the sounds and light from the town outside had quickly faded out. It was still kind of peaceful, and Cesar found himself letting his guard down. Meanwhile, Mark seemed to be on edge, eyes darting this way and that. Cesar was just about to ask him what was wrong when something came lumbering out of the undergrowth. A little fox, bright orange with a white tipped tail. Cesar let out a happy squeal at the fluffy creature, while Mark sharply inhaled, shoving himself in front of Cesar. He was just about to ask what was wrong, but when he took a second, longer look, his expression morphed into one of horror.

The fox didn’t have a lower jaw and its eyes were gouged out.

It crept towards them closely, clearly preparing to pounce. Not that it actually got the chance, since Mark slammed a thick tree branch on its head. The fox stumbled around, seemingly in some sort of daze, and Mark took the opportunity to drag Cesar and sprinted away through the undergrowth. Cesar’s skin and clothes were being torn up by thorns and roots and rocks, but everything was happening too fast for him to even notice. They were almost out of the woods, he could see streetlights leaking through, almost like heavenly light. It was only then Cesar could hear something rapidly approaching them from behind, and Mark letting go of his hand, to grasp his shoulders.

“Cesar. I’ll take care of this. Do not stop running until you get to your house.” Cesar blinked. “What? Mark-.” The other boy shoved him towards the exit. “Now!” Despite not wanting Cesar not wanting to leave his best friend behind, self preservation took over, nearly tripping over rocks in his haste. That was until he heard Mark yelling. Yelling that turned into static. Cesar turned around to find that it wasn’t the fox attacking them anymore but a lanky black figure, looming over Mark and pinning him to the floor with one hand, the other slicing through his skin, dark liquid seeping into his clothes and into the dirt.

It loomed over Mark, an almost excited look in its eyes, until a rock hit the back of the alternate’s head. Another hit its chest. Cesar managed to hit it in the face for the second time before it leaped off of Mark towards him, and it was only then when Cesar realized he was all out of rocks. He was staring up into its blank wide eyes, frozen and unable to try to do something else. One hand grabbed the alternate by the side of its head, then the other. The alternate screeched and squirmed, scratching at the hands and even more liquid flowed, but Mark barely acknowledged his new wounds. If anything, his smile grew wider, too wide to be considered human, almost splitting his face in half. “I think I was way too nice last time, don’t you?” The alternate didn’t get a chance to answer, as Mark snapped its neck and the body fell limp, and was thrown on the floor.

Mark breathed heavily, staring over the body of his kill, before more rocks flew through the air and pelted him, and he could feel dark bruises begin to form on his face. “Huh?” Cesar let out a guttural yell, pinning Mark to the floor. “Cesar!” He didn’t respond, simply pulling back his fist and socking Mark in the jaw, again and again. “Cesar what the fuck!” Cesar’s fist shook, so he seemed to settle for grabbing Mark by his shirt. “What did you do to him?! Where is he?!” “What are you-?” “I saw the smile!” Cesar leaned over, and Mark could see the all too familiar rage in his eyes. He just thought he would never be on the receiving end of it. “Cesar it’s me!” Cesar’s expression wavered, but Mark could still feel his hands wrap around his neck. Yeah, time to try something else. “Hey do you remember when we played when we were kids? Your favorite toy-it was the dinosaur. I always had the race car, a blue one.” Cesar’s eyes went wide and he immediately let go of Mark like he burned him.

Mark picked himself up, only to see Cesar’s hands were shaking. “Sar-.” “You’re one of them?” One of them. He always was one of them. How fucking stupid did he have to be to think he could be anything else? Mark hung his head, too ashamed to look his best friend in the eyes. “…yeah.” “I don’t-I don’t understand. I’ve known you my whole life, I don’t-.” Mark leaned forward. “Do you remember how we met?” Cesar racked his brain, seemingly becoming distressed when he couldn’t recall. “That’s what I thought. Cesar, you created me. Well, you and-.” Mark paused, drawing two small circles for eyes and a mouth underneath it in the dirt. It looked vaguely familiar to Cesar. “-him. He had the material, and you molded me into what you wanted.”

Cesar looked more tired than anything else, and Mark was kicking himself for not telling him the truth earlier. “Let’s just-let me walk you home. You need to be patched up, and it’s gonna be a bad idea to hang around here.” Cesar stared at him for a moment, then wordlessly nodded and started heading in the direction of his home. Mark subconsciously reached for Cesar’s hand, and the other boy yanked it away.

The walk back was tense, even as they were bathed in the streetlights once again, and the atmosphere remained as Cesar patched himself up with the first aid kit, while Mark stood awkwardly nearby, unsure of what to say or what to do with himself. “Just uh..tell me what you need me to do, and I’ll do it.” Cesar sighed and dragged a hand down his face, the most exhausted he’d ever been. “I think I need you to be quiet.” Mark nodded, wringing his tattered clothes in his hands. “…ok.” Cesar ran his fingers through his hair and stood up. “I’m going to bed and actually try to process all of this. Feel free to take the couch or something, I don’t know.” Mark turned away, an even smaller ok coming out. Cesar fought down the urge to comfort him. Instead he went to his room, put a pillow over his face, and yelled into it as loud as he could.

——

Cesar kicked off the blankets with a frustrated huff. He had been tossing and turning all night, but sleep always seemed to evade him. He let out a sigh, flopping over to stare at the alarm clock for what seemed like the hundredth time. 3 am. God fucking dammit. He got out of bed, cringing when his feet met the cold floor and wrapping the warm blanket around himself to spare the rest of his body the same fate. Might as well get a glass of water. Had to be better than just lying here and waiting for sleep that would never come.

He slowly crept out of his room and towards the kitchen, mind slowly becoming more functional and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as he got closer and closer to this destination. That was, until he noticed a blurry figure on his porch. He normally would have panicked, especially after the events from just a few hours earlier, but he could still see the tattered clothes from just a few hours before. Was Mark outside? It was freezing out there! He’s not human, the voice in his head added, he’s probably fine. It’s not your problem. But before Cesar could process the thought, he had already unlocked the front door and stepped outside.

“Mark?” Mark flinched, turning around to make eye contact with him. Cesar could see dried tear tracks on his face, but chose not to call attention to them. “…hey Cesar.” Maybe he was still exhausted and not thinking straight, but he sat next to the alternate. “You know you don't have to stay out here all night, right? I don’t want you…to freeze to death or anything.” Mark didn’t take his eyes off the road in front of them. “I just want to make sure it’s gone for good. Or it didn’t call for backups or something. Did not do all of that for it to come back for round 3.”

The silence was uncomfortable, and Cesar shifted in his spot, wincing when he spotted the dark blotches on the side of Mark’s face. “…sorry.” Mark looked confused but only for a moment, chuckling quietly when he realized. “Nah, don’t worry about it. It’ll be gone in a couple of hours. Honestly it means a lot you would beat the shit out of an Alternate for me.” “Why wouldn’t I?” Cesar scooted closer, and he could see Mark smile a little. “Are…are all Alternates like you?” “What do you mean?” “Like…” Cesar gestured aimlessly. “Soft and squishy and emotional.” Mark scoffed. “I’m not soft.” “Mark, you once cried because you saw a dog that was “too dang small”. Seriously though.” Mark shrugged. “Kinda? Like, it’s kinda rare, but it’s also more common than you think. We’re just made to mimic humans on the outside, but I have heard of Alternates being able to actually experience emotions if they have strong connections with humans.”

Cesar finally took his eyes off the front yard and looked at Mark. The other boy was curled up in a ball, shivered and had a tiny smile. Cesar’s eyes gazed down to his blanket, before tossing one part of it over Mark’s shoulders. He blinked, confused. “…Cesar-?” Cesar scooted closer, already feeling the cold air sting his skin. “C’mooooon you’re letting the warm ooouuuuutttt.” Mark laughed, wrapping his end of the blanket around him. Cesar sighed, resting his head on Mark’s shoulder. Despite all the revelations, Cesar found himself still trusting Mark. It might be a bad idea, but all that time they spend together, every vulnerable moment Mark was present for. Maybe he was an Alternate, but he was also his best friend, his little brother. Surely if he wanted to hurt him, he would have done something by now?

Suddenly, a thought occurred. “Mark..” “Yeah?” The other boy replied drowsily. “You only come to my house and you’ve never mentioned your’s, and you've been on your own so…have you been sleeping outside this whole time?!” Mark snapped up, rubbing the back of his neck and sheepishly chuckling. “Uhhhh…maybe?”

Cesar stood up and grabbed Mark by the hand, dragging him inside the house and into his room, and pushed Mark on to the bed before flopping on to it himself. Mark laughed, turning onto his side so he was looking at Cesar. “What’s that for?” “You’re staying here tonight. And we’re gonna talk to Momma tomorrow when she gets home. You’re gonna move in with us.” He could hear Mark let out a surprised squeak. “You don't gotta man. I’m fine right now. I don’t want to bother you or your mom. A-.” “Marcador, Momma adores you and you know it. We have a guest room that no one uses. It’ll be fine.” Mark smiled, sinking into the blankets, sleep overtaking him quickly. “Thanks Cesar.”

Cesar relaxed, feeling exhaustion spread over him like a warm blanket, pulling Mark close. Mark’s hair was just as fluffy as the day they met, and he could see the freckles that were scattered across his face. He still had his dress shirt on, the blue fabric torn, and Cesar made a mental note to lend Mark some of his clothes in the morning. He yawned, slowly and blissfully slipping into unconsciousness.

Yeah. It was all gonna be fine.

[tiffanylamps]

3, 5, 6, 29?

Turnip, so, I meant to reply to this hours ago, but then I got bought a burger and ate like... half of it... and had to sleep it off. But I am here now, half awake with a very upset cat to keep me company. Thank you for sending me this, I hope my answers are of interest 😊 The ao3 ask game

3) What work are you most proud of (regardless of kudos/hits)? This is a little hard to answer because I find small accomplishments in everything I write (I need about 3 months of distance to see the good in them, but I do see it eventually haha). But I think the one I should single out is my first fic in... 4 years... Indoctrination. I have tried to read it since publishing and gave up because I don't like the way I wrote that story. But I had given up writing in this style (fiction, 3rd person) for 4 years, sooooooo🤷‍♀️no wonder it's not the best During those four years, I had been mainly writing poetry/more introspective pieces, so Indoctrination is a massive accomplishment that I am proud of... even if I don't think it's all that good haha

5) What work of yours got more feedback than you expected? Easy, 3am. I didn't expect anyone to comment on that piece because it's not.... it's not. But I did receive some positive feedback and had interesting discussions with people, which was nice 😊

6) Favorite title you used This is also hard because giving my fics titles is one of my favourite parts of the writing process. I really like finding something that will highlight one of the main themes of the story. I normally do this through lyrics or quotes. Okay, I can't choose, so I'll just give you my top three (in no particular order): . Your Love's Whore (named after the song Your Loves Whore by Wolf Alice, which inspired that fic. I'm not linking that fic because I don't like it anymore haha)

In Another Moment Named so because of this quote:

“In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again.”

- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

. courage to make love known Named so because of this quote:

“...Who could refrain, That had a heart to love, and in that heart Courage to make love known?”

― William Shakespeare, Macbeth

29) Favorite line/passage you wrote this year? I already answered this here. But I will give you a handful more from unpublished works. oh ho ho ho, aren't you lucky? (smh at myself)

Dong Sik bruises Joo Won's poor lips with a kiss, closing both their eyes for good so that look dies between them. Had he by some miraculous sequence of bad decisions slowly ruined this boy? Was his sorrowful plight a contagion? Was it fungi in the wood that rots from within?

-

Joo Won wishes for rain, a torrential downpour. With only rain can he be cleansed. Maybe if he were to embroider his wounds, he can be beautiful again. He knows he’s a liability and not an asset, but how glorious it was to finally not be needed; Dong Sik would be proud. He’s finally learned how to survive.

-

It was a breath of fresh air after a year of cigarette smoke and car fumes.

He knew they looked good together. Joo Won was able to make him laugh and he didn’t mind some of the man’s more annoying quirks. He thanks Dong Sik for that, the older man really set the standard for what Joo Won can now tolerate. The first few weeks of their casual fling were easy, the librarian enjoyed showing Joo Won the town he grew up in, and Joo Won enjoyed learning new things.

They had kissed a few times, mostly just sweet pecks on the lips or a kiss on the cheek. The first time they kissed for real, Joo Won tried everything within his power to not compare. But he knew deep down he didn’t get the same rush as he did with his last par… But that was a good thing, he convinced himself and slipped his tongue in.

-

Joo Won never felt more like dust upon long-forgotten trophies. Once interesting, once beautiful, once a useful item to paint the picture of excellence for a dynasty he brought down to the ground. Kill the boy to become the man. Slay the father to be cleansed of his sin. That man looked like his father. 

He’s a show dog, wasn’t it about time someone put him down? He can’t compete, so what was his use?

-

Dong Sik is his Elpis and Joo Won wants nothing more than to love him.  

It was shocking to him that this decision didn’t feel rash. He knew it was right. Dong Sik deserved to be loved, even if he had a flock by his side ready to do just that. It doesn’t matter, Joo Won decides, he’s willing to try. He hesitates to believe he’s worthy as one of those who loves Dong Sik, but the older man says his name so sweetly and looks at him like Joo Won is the missing piece of a puzzle, the finishing touches of gold thread in his tapestry, the subject of his masterpiece.

Everyone must feel this way under Dong Sik's genuine smile, he had that ability to make anyone feel like they were the only one that matters. Joo Won knows this. He knows better now but it didn’t stop him from vowing to make himself beautiful for Dong Sik's portrait.

-

Joo Won gives his lofty attention to the couple adjacent to his right, the good-looking woman was still whispering in the man’s ear. He was definitely enjoying whatever it is she was saying if his clear arousal was anything to go by. “Inspector Han,” Dong Sik's voice is close to his ear again and Joo Won suddenly understands the state the man is in. 

Dong Sik seems very pleased with himself and Joo Won knows what he’s going to have to do. He scoots himself along with the pink leather until his broad shoulders are shielding Dong Sik from the couple, which he seems to enjoy if his smouldering smile is anything to go by. He’s like a lioness taking a drink at the watering hole and Joo Won is the crocodile stalking in a shallow grave.

-

“I got a lot in return.”

For once Joo Won’s eyes did not look through him - into him - with a dismissive roll or a suspicious scowl, nor do they plead, beg, or cry from the pain Dong Sik created. Instead, they blink and well with understanding. He looks away and his body softens with the heaviness of knowing. 

Finally.

-

Love isn’t a craving. It isn’t a hunger pang that can be satisfied with a good feed. It isn't whimsy that is silly and vacillating, wandering from the urges of the ego to the wanting of the carnal. Nor is it the remedy for loneliness. It’s heartbreak, a bittersweet yearning for something you do not have. The desire to be with the one that compliments you on a level that goes beyond the temptations of guilt, lust, or notions as fickle as happiness. Love is the bonding of souls combining their fears, woes, passions, ambitions and strife- it is irrevocably unifying yourself to another with the hopes that it will last.

Love is fleeting and all-consuming. It’s the need to reach out and touch what could so easily slip into the abyss. It is unavoidable, glorious, and so frightening. More real than a spiritual awakening, more devastating than a missed opportunity. It is nature. It is natural. It is the knowledge that even though it will end (as all things do), whether that be from heartbreak or death, no matter how much that pain frightens you, you are still willing and wanting. It is the absolute trust that you will endure whatever you may face with your partner’s aid, together as a unit, beautifully pushing forward. 

That’s how he knows he doesn’t love this boy. You trust those you love. Nor does he love him back. 

Oh god, what has he been doing?

- Okay, I'll leave that there, as the list is getting a bit ridiculously long. Those are parts from just two fics that I wish to complete one day because I love them so much. They're definitely my longest wips (as in, it's taking the longest amount of time to complete them). Anyway, I hope this was interesting! ttfn 😊

[albertonykus]

Doraemon Movie Review: Nobita's Space Heroes (2015)

What is Doraemon? The title character of the Doraemon manga and anime is a blue robotic cat from the 22nd Century who keeps an array of high-tech gadgets in a portable pocket dimension on his belly, and has traveled from the future to improve the fortunes of a hapless schoolboy named Nobita. Although relatively obscure in the English-speaking world, Doraemon is a Mickey-Mouse-level cultural icon in East Asia (and some other regions, too). The Doraemon franchise was a big part of my childhood, and there are still elements of it that I enjoy now.

Doraemon has released theatrical films almost annually since 1980, most of which involve Nobita and his friends (kind Shizuka, brash Gian, and crafty Suneo) getting swept into adventures thanks to Doraemon's gadgets. Despite being of potentially broad appeal to fans of science fiction and animated films, there are very few English reviews of the Doraemon movies, so I'm embarking on a project to write about all the films that have come out so far. Good luck to me…

Movie premise: Nobita and his friends film a superhero movie, but are then mistaken for actual superheroes.

My spoiler-free take: An entertaining premise held back by a mediocre story and characterization.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT

Review: Right off the bat, the premise of this film is an appealing one. Considering that this group of kids and their robot caretaker have saved the world multiple times over, they’re practically an honorary superhero team already. Give them actual superpowers, and you have a recipe for a fun movie.

In practice, well... the best thing I can say about this film is that it’s a pretty good ensemble showcase for the protagonists. Every member of the main cast contributes substantially during the action scenes here (except for Nobita until near the end, but being something of a failure is one of his core character traits). Having the main characters sing the show’s theme song is also very cute (though I’m even more delighted that they would end up performing the iconic theme song of the classic anime series a few years later).

However, the overall story comes across as rather haphazard. Like several other Doraemon films that I don’t rate highly, parts of this movie’s plot rely on incredibly convenient coincidences. For example, Nobita happens to stumble into the heart of the villains’ lair (losing the superhero suit that grants him his powers along the way), where he passes out. When he wakes up, he happens to overhear a minion explaining the villains’ plan to a clueless colleague nearby. (Nobita sure was lucky that they didn’t choose to pass by when he was still unconscious!) Meanwhile, his super suit happens to get picked up by Doraemon and Shizuka, who were investigating a completely different location at the time.

Then there’s the fact that during the final battle, several main characters gain power-ups with little explanation, in some cases barely struggling to defeat enemies that had previously bested them easily. The most we get is an offhand line from Doraemon saying that the protagonists still hadn’t used the “full power” of their super suits by that point. You’re telling me that none of them, not even impulsive, belligerent Gian, had tried using their suits at full power, despite encountering potentially life-threatening situations? I find that difficult to believe.

In addition, the movie has trouble providing closure to major plot elements. Most notably, what became of the villains in the end is never addressed. They are defeated in battle, yes, but then what? Did they get imprisoned somewhere, or are they free to sneak off and continue their nefarious deeds elsewhere? Another example of a forgotten story thread concerns the argument that Doraemon and Gian have in the beginning over who should play the heroes’ leader in their movie. Suneo convinces Gian to stand down by telling him that they can simply request the burger-shaped robot directing their film to edit Gian in as the leader during post-production. One might expect this little scheme to come up again later, if only as an ending gag, but nope. In fact, the entire filmmaking subplot is essentially forgotten about once the actual superhero antics begin.

Speaking of the Burger Director robot, he forms a bond with Shizuka reminiscent of her relationship with the Underwater Buggy in Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil. (In some ways an appropriate parallel, given that the Burger Director represents another instance where one of Doraemon’s gadgets is a full-fledged movie character.) However, whereas the Underwater Buggy warmed up to Shizuka specifically because she was nice to him, the Burger Director does so because... he favors girls, apparently. Okay then. This development certainly doesn’t result in any payoff comparable to the ending of the Underwater Buggy’s arc.

Another odd bit of characterization is that Shizuka acts offended when the others praise her super-suit-augmented strength. Other entries in the franchise have shown that Shizuka strives to maintain a “refined” image of herself, but if there’s anything that image consistently doesn’t include, it’s coming across as weak and delicate. This is the same girl who thought that beating up a gorilla with Super Gloves was thrilling, after all.

Star rating: ★★☆☆☆

[a-trying-writer]

considering i finished the hh fanfic, house cat, on my ao3 i might just post the bullet points here, of used and unused ideas, for fun. probably for future use. we will see.

[Cat gets recognized by the person that ran her over. They have a panic attack in the background.

Dave says to Cat, that she doesn’t belong.

Cat and Dave have a spat, which may Veronica intervene, and tells Dave that he is wrong.

Cat appreciates Veornica’s kindness, but takes Dave’s words to heart. Still works despite it, but can’t focus.

Goes home to Maison to talk. And most importantly, asks to hold his hand. They do.

But will it change the outcome?

Cat will become unsure about her place in the valley.

Hence the theme of being an outsider, such as the original title.

Make any changes if needed, but keep focus in these ideas.

Future note: Maison knows about Cat’s want to move and travel. She’s not good at keeping secrets from him, though, is it really a secret, if it is intentional?

Lots of things and ideas to be think about.

“Home Is...”

“Where the Heart Was.”

Cat becomes lovesick.

Veronica knows, Dave finds it disgusting to see someone fall for a REALTOR, but keeps it to himself.

Cat becomes touch-starved.

Cat clings on Maison.

But does she go through with it?

Or does she get scared?

Cat sees a romantic comedy movie and gets conflicted about love, due to a wedding scene.

Is her relationship with Maison considered as such, or is it too late?

What is Maison’s thought about her?

Can they fall in love?

She isn’t sure what to do or how to feel.

But maybe they can figure something out.

But will it change the outcome?

No.

Cat will still leave because she is an outsider. And she herself doesn’t feel happy, even if the feeling is requited.

Cat doesn’t belong to Maison, nor vice versa.

So her decision will be made in the next chapter.

The fate of Veronica and Lucky will also be in question, and may leave.

For another story will begin, separated from the fanfic.

Which is still a wip.]

the results werent perfect, but i had fun. and im excited to see what the future has in store for the series. but thanks to personal conflict, i thought it will be for the best i just create something original for my own sake. i love the game and i love the character a lot, but i cant rely on another's idea for long. but i love to talk about it and come up with theories still. there is so much to think about and i loved exploring something new as scared as i was to share it.

i hope to see more hh fanfics too, because the art ive seen on twit is great. i wish it was a little more pop on tumblr. its a short funny horror game. but im rambling.

catch ya around folks.

[dxppercxdxver]

ask game:

oh your itg mention is cool bc my music app previously said the first verb was my song of the year before I listened to another song that was the title theme of a video game 56 times, but anyways onto the number ask game:

(I am interested in the responses to all of them, BUT I recognize that’s not the spirit of the game so I’ll only give a few)

8, 9, 12, 19, 16

— moon 💡 (get it bc the lightbulb is on)

in the green my beloved in the green <333

8: game of the year?

i have Two answers!! stardew valley for how it let me hang out with my wife, and where the water tastes like wine for the Vibesssss

9: best month for you this year?

june!! my boyfriend came over from london and we hung out with all my friends and it was so so so so nice :)) also december, because after a shittacular year i've been having a Lot of lucky breaks these past few weeks

12: talk about a new friend you made this year

oh hmmm. made a couple friends at school, but that was mostly last year?? ig i've been talking to @venomroses a lot and they're really cool and fun :))

16: post a picture from the beginning of the year

this is a picture of my cousins’ cat, the man!! she kept me company while i was dying of bronchitis and i love her very much

19: what're you excited about for next year?

starting my job!! going to college!! going to london to see my beloved wife!!! lots to be excited about!!!!

[arwainian]

My Reading This Week

formatting changes, what do we think about italics for book titles and authors to set them apart from what I write about them? (maybe i should try color coding?)

Lots of reading this week because I had half the week off to go home for the holidays, but honestly I spent more time crocheting than reading, which I won't complain about

Finished:

Boy Oh Boy by Zachary Doss

recommended to me by @unfathomabletortoise , and I'm still rotating the themes and such of it around in my head. one that was on my mind this week was where your boyfriend lives literally inside your body. the like... "oh i'm so close to you, i'm with you all the time" but really you're not close at all you're just being used. but ALSO the intimacy of loving someone so much, physical affection as the closest substitute we have to unzipping someone else and living inside them... much to think about. as I said on my Twitter thread, I may recommend this collection to my queer scifi teacher from a few years back

Ambrosia, edited by Tab Kimpton & Jade Sarson

started reading this a while back! i will keep most of my thoughts on this private ;), but i will say I'm glad this exists

Started and Finished:

Lucky Charm by Chase Verity

this was cute, but just. so short. too short. like how short it was really worked to its detriment because I think it could have really benefitted from taking more time to flesh out the characters and their relationship. i really enjoyed the concwpt though and it made me want to look into deaf silent film stars (have yet to do so, someone remind me)

Mob Psycho 100, Vol. 9 by ONE, translated by Kumar Sivasubramanian

mp100!! i just. really like this manga. i dont have many longering thoughts from this volume except just like excitement at its existence and god i love reigen and mob and this was fun to read even if i already watched the anime

Daniel Cabot Puts Down Roots by Cat Sebastian

i was about to say i thought i didnt have much to say about this one. but then i remembered that actually i do, i even started my brand new reading journal saying stuff about it: this was cute and sweet and low stakes! i am technically in the acknowledgements of this book by virtue of being in the author's writing discord server, which she mentions! I will say, there were a few too many [typos/apparent name mix ups/one instance where a character says "fifth disease" in a bit of dialogue which was clearly just meant to be a placeholder for an actual disease to add to the list] for me to fully overlook, so i got a little bit frutrated. doesnt take away from the good character work, but did give it a bit of an unfinished feeling

Uncommon Charm by Emily Bergslien & Kat Weaver

like the above this book is more quiet vignette and low stakes character work than plot-y plot, but this book just hit Perfectly for me. i think because i loved the narrator/pov character so much. i am gently shoving this novella into my bf's hands when i next see him.

Ongoing:

Blood Sisters: Vampire Stories by Women edited by Paula Guran

La Dame by Tanith Lee Chicago 1927 by Jewelle Gomez Renewal by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Blood Freak by Nancy Holder The Power and the Passion by Pat Cadigan The Unicorn Tapestry by Suzy McKee Charnas This Town Ain't Big Enough by Tanya Huff Vampire King of the Goth Chicks by Nancy A. Collins Learning Curve by Kelley Armstrong The Better Half by Melanie Tem Selling Houses by Laurell K. Hamilton Greedy Choke Puppy by Nalo Hapkinson Tacky by Charlaine Harris Needles by Elizabeth Bear From the Teeth of Strange Children by Lisa L. Hannett

I said last week that I had trouble sitting down and reading multiple stories from this in a row, but that was not a problem for me this time! as of writing i only have five stories left to read from this anthology, and those amount to less than 100 pages.

i've idenfitied a repeated theme (though not one present in even half the stories here) of several lady vampires presenting a sort of 'to defeat a predator you have to become one' rape-revenge sort of monster hunting fantasy. like i said, this is FAR from a uniting theme, but its an interesting motif. also several stories deal with very predatory vampires without being the above, and having read Dracula earlier this year i appreciate vampire fiction grappling with the themes of vampirism and sexual assault that were set up in the classics