#maybe in a few years ill be like oh god these were inside thoughts to be shared only with a therapist im sure on some level i think that but | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sundayworshipper · 11 months ago

Text

*~Orthodoxia

«Sunday x Gn! Reader»

🪦| SFW, Angst, Undefined relationship, can be read as romantic/platonic (bed sharing, cuddling)| WC: ~11K

⚰️| CW: Inspired by the song Orthodoxia by Guchiry, misplaced religious worship (fictional religion), Sunday is a priest and cult leader, Small town cult setting AU, Third person prose (reader is referred to as [Name]), Major character death, Minor character death, Murder, SH? (Sunday), Allusion to suicide, Graphic descriptions of violence, Non sexual grooming, A bird dies, Ena=God, Gopher sucks ASS, mostly Sunday angst with reader being there sometimes, English isn’t my first language, non chronological, first fic ever （╹◡╹）

Credit for the commandments to Guchiry

A/N: This is so long 💀.. There’s a few plot holes? and the writing is kinda repetitive but i spent too long on this not to post. Extra warnings, beta read but not proofread, reader char is intentionally bland, not canon compliant/OOC-ish ∩^ω^∩.

EDIT: Oh god this got much more attention than I was expecting. I am (slowly) working on rewriting it 🤍

1. God’s great grace is given to those who are completely faithful.

Sunday inhaled deeply while tugging at his pristine white glove in an attempt of straightening it. In his mind, he looked like a complete mess, completely unfit for a High Priest. His Master and founder of the One True Religion, Gopher Wood, had recently taken his last breath, finally succumbing to the horrible illness that had tormented him for years. As his adopted son, the gray-haired halovian was to take on his duties post-haste. The young man only took half a day to compose himself enough to make a public statement. He probably would have taken longer, had he actually cared to pretend to grieve.

Upon deciding he was satisfied with the state of his attire, Sunday stepped out of the sascrity, taking his place at the pulpit. The gazes of all of his Master’s- no, his own followers, locked onto him, confused and impatient to hear the reason for Mr. Wood’s absence at yesterday’s service.

The man smiled, hoping that the way it didn’t reach his eyes wasn’t very obvious. After a few moments, he just decided to close them.

The fear of rejection by his followers felt as if it was rapidly piercing holes trough his insides, however, he knew that THEY wouldn’t fail him when he needed THEM most. After all, the first ever thing taught to those interested in the religion, is that good things come to those who believe.

2. Only the high priest is permitted to take God's name in vain.

“Fuck! God fucking damn it!” An unfamiliar voice screamed from an alleyway, which Sunday was just about to pass while on his routine walk. His wings twitched, and the ones on his torso tensed. He contemplated if this even counted as a violation of the second commandment, as the use of the words ‘God’ and ‘Lord’ had less restrictions than the uttering of the true name of the one they were referring to. He also thought about the possibility that ‘God’ was the three-faced idol the next town over worshipped, that maybe one of them had snuck in. He ultimately decided that using any heavenly title accompanied by such words was disrespectful, and he’d try to steer the speaker onto the right path, be they a follower of Order, Harmony, or something else entirely.

Despite the amount of information he mulled over, he really didn’t spend long thinking before rushing into the alley.

“Are you alright?” He inquired to the person that had emitted such obscene words just moments ago. Their clothes didn’t reflect those of a citizen in this town, nor the neighboring one’s. They whipped around to face him, wearing a frightened expression.

“Ah..Huh?” The emotion of surprise seemed to overshadow that of fear. Sunday gave an amused smile at this.

“Do not be afraid. I am Sunday, messenger of Ena. I heard you…Cussing, earlier. Judging by your attire, you are a foreigner, which explains that. However, I feel as if I should inform you that such an act is quite worrisome here.” He could no longer suppress his giggle, which confused the stranger.

“What’s so funny?”

“Hmm..Do not worry. Mind telling me how to address you? And, if you’re comfortable, what brings you here?” Sunday stepped closer, and leaned in towards the person.

“I’m [Name].” They replied, taking a step back. After spending a moment deciding whether or not to reveal the circumstances that led up to them ending up where they did, they concluded that he was trustworthy.

Sunday listened, and considered their words carefully.

“I see. Since you have no home, would you like to live with me, for the time being? I’ll help you find a job. All I ask is that you attend church and clean up after yourself.” He offered his hand, wings relaxing.

[Name]’s breath hitched. It wasn’t like they had many choices… If they stayed on the streets, they’d most certainly die. If they went with Sunday, the outcome had a slightly lesser chance of being the same.

After thinking very carefully, they took Sunday’s hand wordlessly.

3. Those who do harm to God's messenger, the high priest, will be expelled.

As much as Sunday wished he could forget the worshippers of Xipe existed, trade between the two towns was beneficial for everyone. After the death of Gopher Wood- who refused any sort of contact and terminated the transaction of goods-, Sunday begrudgingly sent one of his trustworthy followers to request that the old commerce deal be reinstated. And so, it was.

To the average citizen, all seemed well. However, Sunday could notice the way everyone that interacted with Xipe’s Worshippers on a regular basis attended church less and less often. He tried to brush it off as them being busy with such an important new task. This was until, on the seventh day’s service, the holiest of all, one of the traders defied the rules and interrupted Sunday’s sermon by standing directly next to him. The halovian’s heart skipped a beat, but he simply smiled.

“Good sir, are you not feeling well? This is not an appropriate place for you.” He placed a gentle hand on the trader’s shoulder. His kind act was met with a harsh slap which resounded through the entire chamber. However, his smile did not falter.

[Name], who had been sitting in the front row of pews ever since Sunday ‘rescued’ them, stood up, as did the woman next to them. They wanted to separate the two, but the priest extended a hand towards them as a sign to stop.

The atmosphere was painfully tense and uncertain, until the merchant reached into his pocket to retrieve his dagger. He then pressed it to Sunday’s throat, finally causing his expression to shift.

“You bastard… You rotten, filthy, deceptive scoundrel! You lied! All you and your good-for-nothing father have ever done is lie! You will pay for this.” The trader hissed, preparing to slice the man’s flesh. Sunday’s eyes narrowed as he effortlessly ripped the knife from his hands by the blade, cutting deep into his own palm. He then tossed it to the side, and grabbed the traitor by the neck.

“Tsk..What a shame. You were quite valuable.” He shook his head disappointedly before dragging him outside.

No one dared to follow… Except for [Name]. Before anyone could tell them not to, they sprinted after Sunday, finding him kicking his attacker in the stomach repeatedly just outside church doors. [Name] gasped, but they were cut off by the disgusting feeling of bile rising up their throat. This caused Sunday to turn his head. His eyes were wide, however, a disturbingly sweet smile stretched across his features. He delivered one final kick- to the chest this time- and quickly closed most of the distance between him and [Name].

“You shouldn’t have followed me. But, I suppose it’s my fault for not teaching you what to do in such situations.. I’m sorry you had to see that.”

[Name]’s eyes darted between the priest and the corpse he had just created. They soon murmured the first thought they could muster:

“Your hand..”

“I will be fine. Go back inside, and stay put. Service will resume shortly.” He smiled before promptly walking out of sight.

[Name] considered running for their life as far away from this town as geography would allow. However, something was holding them back. After taking a minute to process, they re-entered the church, earning dirty looks from the other members. Only the woman that had stood up alongside them earlier spoke to them.

“Don’t do that. No one wants to see what happens to those who get ‘expelled’.”

4. It is the high priest who is the rightful successor to God’s will.

Despite it not feeling like such, Sunday was once a child. He had a family as well, more or less. Although thinking of Gopher Wood as his parent made him feel sick to his stomach now, a brief period of time where this wasn’t the case existed.

After the traumatic loss of their parents, Sunday and his dear sister, Robin, were sent to an orphanage much like any other unfortunate soul in the same situation. Robin thought they’d be adopted within the year, but Sunday was already planning the way in which he’d make a living for himself the moment he became an adult. He’d save up any and all money he didn’t use strictly on survival to be able to sustain his sister when she reached the age of eighteen as well, he thought.

In a surprising turn of events, a man from a small, far away town, visited the orphanage only three months after the siblings’ arrival. He smiled the instant his gaze landed on them. Originally, Sunday thought it was because of their shared, relatively uncommon species, but he’d later come to convince himself that Gopher Wood saw something in them that day.

In what had to be record time, he had legally adopted them. As they rode the horse carriage to their new home, Robin snuggled close to her brother, and whispered an optimistic ‘I told you so’. Sunday simply smiled, for the first time since the death of their mother.

The first day felt like the most fun a recently orphaned child could have. They were given various sweet treats by their new neighbors, and a tour of the town. Everyone seemed to dote on them, which almost made the young boy finally lower his guard fully. He thought he was safe at last, and could heal.

Big mistake.

That very night, Sunday was ripped from bed by his eerily silent ‘father’. Before he could even ask what he was doing, a hand had been slapped over his mouth. He, being docile and untrained at the time, allowed himself to be molded like clay.

In less than an hour, Sunday had been exposed to things that would shatter the mind of most children into pieces. At the end of his extensive explanation, Gopher took Sunday to the dark, empty church, where he forced him to kneel in front of the altar. Because he hadn’t succumbed to the information that he had to forcibly ingest, Gopher considered him a worthy heir, and introduced him to Ena as such.

And yet, that was not the point where he stopped seeing that man as family. In fact, he never saw anything wrong with that behavior. He always felt so proud to be chosen, entrusted with such an important position.. Gopher said he was special. Smart. Nearly perfect. He was everything he could’ve ever wanted in a son. The knowing glances they exchanged as Robin discovered the surface rules of the religion at the pace that everyone else except for him did made Sunday feel good.

For about a year, Sunday loved his life. He felt as if he finally had a purpose..

On the night of a seventh,going into first day of the week, in the latter half of November, Sunday found himself choking back tears on the bathroom floor, knees hugged tightly to his chest along with his discarded shirt. Gopher Wood, that monster, sat behind him, trimming away at the child’s lower wings. When he was done, he’d move on to permanently tainting them black, like his own.

‘The truest act of devotion’ he called it. To prove their loyalty to Ena, high priests had to discard something they held dear at a young age.. For halovians, their wings were naturally their pride and joy, so, the dark haired man picked those for him. Sunday asked to be allowed to choose something, anything else, but his request was declined.

Of course, this wasn’t any form of religious practice. Gopher had made it up to further mold his poor victim into what he needed him to be. Every time the boy dared to show any feelings regarding that action, he reminded him that as the high priest, all his actions were carried out trough God’s will.

Sunday never wore a base layer of clothing that didn’t almost perfectly match his new wing color after that. He felt hideous, and he’d rather have people think he lost his wings completely than show off the cruel defilement he’d endured.

Since then, Sunday could no longer see him as a father. Of course, he still respected and obeyed him, as not doing so would be disrespectful to THEM, too. After all, priests were naught but a mirror of their God’s desires.

5. God’s teachings are the divine providence of this world.

Sunday tossed in bed, wings wrapping around his face as he groaned quietly. He was tormented by thought, and couldn’t sleep.

Upon the passage of one hour, he rose from his spot, and slowly stepped out of his room. [Name] slumbered on his couch, as they had since the first time Sunday brought them home. He felt bad for not being able to provide them a proper bed, and made a mental note to work on that soon. After all, it wasn’t like it cost much, or… anything at all. He was just a very busy man.

The priest then stepped on the single creaky floorboard in the entire house, alerting his roommate.

“Sunday..?” They yawned, rubbing their eyes as they blinked them open.

“Ah. I’m sorry that I woke you.”

“It’s alright,, but what are you doing up so late? And why are you going out?”

“Mm. I need a walk, to clear my head. I’m finding it hard to rest well tonight.”

“Me too. I barely even fell asleep a few minutes ago, and it was so light.” [Name] stretched their back as they spoke.

“I see. Do you want to join me?” He offered, and the other person excitedly accepted, standing up and almost stumbling. Sunday caught them, helping them to stand better. They gave a grateful look in response.

The two then exited the house, the cold night breeze gently biting at their skin. They set a comfortable pace as Sunday directed them to the woods across the river that served as town border. [Name] hadn’t gotten the chance to go there yet, as it was ill-advised to venture too far from the town.

“Are you sure we should be doing this?”

“Don’t you trust me? Do you think I’m going to murder you for your sins?” Sunday smiled, turning his face away so [Name] couldn’t see.

“I do! It’s just that… Wait, have I sinned?”

“Of course you have. You are still new to our religion, you’re bound to make mistakes. Even devout believers sin sometimes, but God forgives all, therefore so do I.”

“Do you sin?”

“Me? No. Sinning would be disgraceful to our Lord. I mean, if even the high priest doesn’t carry himself as THEY intended, how would any normal person be inclined to either?”

“True.. Doesn’t it get exhausting having to be perfect all the time, though?”

“Not at all. Do you know the fifth commandment?”

“God’s teachings are the divine providence of this world?” [Name] cocked their head at him, almost tripping on a fallen branch in the process.

“Very good. As the high priest, I have to know these teachings better than any other mortal. The stronger one’s knowledge, the stronger they feel God’s love.”

“Oh. I never thought about it like that.”

“Well, now you have.” He halted, left arm occupying its spot behind his back as usual. [Name] stopped as well, confused.

“Why’d you stop? Aren’t walks supposed to be continuous?”

“Yes…Would you mind pausing here for a moment? If I’m not mistaken, this is the clearing I used to come to for respite when I was a child. I have no time for such things anymore, but it brings me a sense of nostalgia.”

[Name] nodded, and awkwardly walked closer to Sunday. There didn’t appear to be any sitting spots, so they just took a moment to appreciate nature’s beauty.

Not much time later, Sunday decided it had gotten far too late to be outside any longer. As they trekked back home, the priest noticed [Name] become slower by the second. He offered to carry them, and in a moment of exhausted weakness, they accepted. They’d soon fall unconscious in his arms.

The following morning, [Name]’d find themselves in Sunday’s bed, with him nowhere to be found.

Confused, they stepped into the living room. Sure enough, the man was curled up on the couch.

6. To disobey God is to deviate from Paradise.

[Name] was integrating nicely into the town already. While trying to decide what job they should try land, they picked up gardening as a short pastime. Sunday had graciously lent them a patch of his backyard to plant things in, so long as they managed to keep it free of weeds. They agreed, and were doing a great job so far. The first thing they tried was strawberries, as it was the optimal season for planting them.

[Name] decided to ask the neighbors to see if anyone had any runners they could borrow.

“Hello!” They waved at an older lady who was conveniently planting something in her own garden. She lifted her head, smiled, and waved back.

“…Ahem. I was wondering if you had any strawberry runners? I want to grow strawberries… I don’t have any money right now, but I’ll pay you for them someday!”

“Ah, such nonsense.. Since Mr. Wood saved us, money is obsolete.”

“Huh? Then why do people still have jobs?”

“So they don’t get bored, of course! If you’re worried about payment, pay with a favor. Give some to Mr. Sunday when they’re ripe. I’m sure he hasn’t had strawberries since Miss Robin… Ah, nevermind, I’ll fetch ‘em for you.” The lady hobbled into her house, leaving [Name] confused. They made a mental note to ask Sunday about this ‘Robin’ someday.

The woman soon returned, and handed the runners to [Name], eagerly.

“Here you go, dearie. Give some to me too, if I’m still around by then…” she chuckled, trailing off into a cough.

“Don’t say that.. But, I will! Thanks so much!” They waved again, and sped off to plant the strawberries.

About three months later, the fruits were ripe. [Name] was utterly delighted… They looked absolutely perfect, as if it was obvious from a glance that they had the perfect texture and amount of juice. They quickly collected them all in a basket, and ran inside, where Sunday was actually home, for once. [Name] was happy about this, and hurried to separate the basket’s contents into bowls. The priest tilted his head at them, curious.

“I see you’ve made good use of the land I gave to you.” He hummed observantly.

“Mhm! I couldn’t have done it without the grandma across the street, though. I have to give her a portion back, but.. She asked for something else as payment.”

“Oh?”

[Name] handed Sunday a full bowl, happily.

“She wanted me to give this to you! She said you probably haven’t eaten any since some Robin something something..”

Sunday froze, and his breathing paused abruptly.

“Who’s Robin anyway? It sounds like you know her…”

“Robin is a sinner who denied our Lord’s presence in her life. She is where she deserves to be right now.” His voice had a weird edge, almost as if it was breaking.

“She’s not someone you should concern yourself with again. Ahem; thank you for the gift. It was very thoughtful of you. Send my regards to the neighbor, too.” He left, strawberry bowl in hand.

[Name] frowned, dejectedly dragging themselves and one of the remaining strawberry bowls to the neighbor’s house. She was in the yard once again, so they just walked up to her.

“Ma’am! I picked the strawberries today!” They handed her the dish.

“Thank you, dear. You gave them to Mr. Sunday too, yes?”

“Of course. He said to give you his regards. But, something weird happened. When I asked him about Robin, he just said she was a sinner. That wasn’t much of an answer, so could you tell me more, please?”

“Really? Hm. I wouldn’t expect him to be that cold towards the memory of his own sister…”

“…What?”

“I’ve said too much. Please leave.”

[Name] frowned, but did as asked. It was taking them some time to accept the fact that there were certain topics everyone seemed to get tense around..

7. To harbor doubts about God is to suffer the disintegration of thought.

Gopher Wood always despised the neighboring town, in which he was born, raised, and first established his religion. He hated not having control over every single atom there, so, he left. However, he wasn’t always completely unwilling to maintain a cordial relationship with them.

When his daughter, Robin, reached the age of twelve, he assigned her the role of ‘peacekeeper’. She was to befriend politicians and people of note, engage in the culture there. and report any intel she could’ve gained back to Gopher, who would then try to usurp the town and convert its residents to worshippers of Ena, ergo himself, by commandment fourteen.

By her 13th birthday, Robin’s reports suspiciously all turned into ‘They didn’t tell me anything’. The high priest soon grew skeptical, and ordered Sunday to get an answer out of her by any means necessary.

And so, he did.

He approached her door, taking note of the unfamiliar tune she appeared to be loudly humming. Due to growing older, they now had separate rooms. This didn’t help their relationship whatsoever, as their paths in life were already pulling them apart.

“Sister?” He knocked.

“Come in!” She called out, ceasing her singing. Sunday did, avoiding her gaze.

“I need to talk to you about something.”

“Sure. Sit down.” She gestured to the empty spot on her bed, next to herself. Sunday shook his head, which felt like a dagger being pierced trough robin’s heart.

“Oh. Okay… What did you want to talk about?”

“Master ranted to me earlier about the lack of new information regarding the neighboring town lately. I found this weird, so I just wanted to ask you about it. Please be honest with me, are you hiding something?”

Robin’s eyes widened, before drifting downward. She dipped her head in a slight nod.

“Brother… I’m sorry, I meant to tell you earlier, but I feared your response. I..” she inhaled, then exhaled. “…I worship the Harmony.”

Sunday stared at her with the most disgust his face had ever held. He began to slowly shake his head.

Robin stood, paced over to him, and grabbed his hand, holding it close to her chest.

“Please, just listen to me. I discovered something that will change your view on-“ She trailed off as she met his gaze. It was evident that there was no possible way to reason with him. At that moment, it didn’t feel like she was even looking at her sibling; but rather, at the man that destroyed him.

Defeated, she let go of his hand, and sat back on her mattress. As she watched her beloved brother leave her room, she accepted that her days were now numbered.

8. To blaspheme God is to deny one's own existence.

Robin wore a gentle smile as she was walked down the path to a completely empty plain by her brother. The girl was dressed in pitch black robes, a symbol of her betrayal and a way to make her death far more painful. And yet, she didn’t seem all that bothered.

“Sunday..” she hummed.

“You’re not supposed to speak.”

“I’ll be dead soon either way. What’s one more sin?”

“…”

“I love you. Please don’t blame yourself, I forgive you.”

Sunday didn’t reply to this, and pushed her towards her final resting place.

“Press your back to the stake, please.”

Robin obliged, placing her hands behind the wooden pole as well, without even having to be told. Sunday, under the watchful gaze of Gopher Wood, tied them together, then her torso to the stake.

A citizen then dumped the wood Gopher had hand picked the day prior as the fire fuel to Robin’s feet, before backing up. As per the high priest’s request, Sunday was to light it.

The heir felt nothingness rip and tear away at his being. As his Master placed a flaming torch in his hand, Sunday thought about all the things he wanted to do right now. He wanted to cry, but that would be ‘disgraceful’. He wanted to grab his sister and run, far away from here, and start a new life together, but they were just children, with a horde of angry, violent adults behind them. He wanted to fall to his knees and scream in despair, but the raven-like man behind him would definitely punish him severely for that. As his legs trembled, threatening to give out, Sunday wondered what the worst consequence could even be. Upon remembering the ruined state his wings were in and that he had another pair in an incredibly visible location, he took several deep breaths to calm himself down.

“I’m sorry.” He mouthed, before pressing the torch’s tip to the firewood.

9. God sees, but THEY never save.

Sunday inhaled deeply, eyes shut. The winter air numbed his lungs, allowing the cold to overwhelm his body. He felt no pain, or any physical sensation at all. He simply felt like pure consciousness.

“Brother!” The worried voice of his sister called out to him. Alarmed, he exhaled, and ended his meditative state.

“What is it?” He questioned, tone unusually flat.

Robin held her hands out to him. They contained a baby dove. It was barely even covered in pin feathers, meaning it couldn’t have been more than seven days old.

“I was walking to Mr. Gary’s farm because I promised to help feed his animals, but i found this hatchling crying by a tree… I can’t find its nest, or parents, b-but it’ll freeze to death if we don’t do something!” She sobbed. Sunday examined the tiny avian closely.

“Yes…I do suppose the best course of action would be to raise it ourselves.” He crossed his arms.

“Why do you sound so hesitant..?”

Sunday was worried about what his Master would do upon discovering the animal. He wondered if its wings would be clipped, like his own were. The boy pressed a hand to his mouth in thought, eventually settling on the conclusion that there would be no reason to commit such act, as it was only done to himself so he could prove his worth to Ena.

“Fine. Give it to me.” He demanded, and the girl obliged.

The siblings rushed back home, where Robin filled a shallow bowl with warm water. Sunday placed the chick in it, but held on, just in case. It let out chirps of increasing volume, which the boy found endearing. He soon let go, stroking under the bird’s chin instead. Robin gasped, and leaned in closer to observe this. Her brother interacting with animals was a truly beautiful sight.

“How long will it take until it’s grown? I can’t wait to teach it how to fly!” She smiled widely, blinking up at Sunday.

“Huh? Why would we do that..?” He raised an eyebrow.

“So we can release it?” Robin now looked confused.

“What? You can’t be serious. What even is the point of saving it now if you just want to send it to die later?” He pulled the bowl closer to himself, protectively.

“It won’t die! It’d just be cruel to keep it inside for the rest of its life!” She argued, straightening her posture.

“It will.”

“No, it won’t!” The girl gripped the edge of the table. Sunday pinched the bridge of his nose, and turned his back to her.

“Fine. If you insist, you’re now responsible for its well-being until the end of the next week, when you must release it into the wild.”

“Fine.” Robin huffed, and pulled the bird and its makeshift bath back towards herself.

Seven more days passed, in which the dove grew out all the needed feathers for flight. Robin was absolutely ecstatic, and dragged Sunday outside.

“Okay..How do we do this?” She asked.

“What, you made a decision that could be the difference between life and death for another living being without any research?”

“Well, when you put it like that-“

“Do you admit defeat?”

“No! I know it’ll survive! Just tell me how to help it fly.”

Sunday simply shrugged, which upset Robin. After some contemplation, she placed the dove down on the ground, and held her breath waiting.

The bird soon spread its wings, and departed from the ground. The young girl squealed happily, and watched with wide eyes. She then turned, grinning triumphantly at her brother. It was then that she noticed the tall, dark figure looming right behind him.

“Master? What brings you here?”

Gopher Wood simply smiled eerily, and Sunday grimaced, eyes fixed on the now flying dove. A chill of deep dread struck Robin’s spine, making her turn again… Just in time to see the razor sharp talons of a raven dig into the body of the smaller bird. Right as its beak was about to rip flesh off, the girl ran into the house, sobbing loudly.

Sunday and Gopher kept watching. The scene was horrible, gory and disheartening, to say the least.

After a period of silence, the boy spoke up.

“That was a trained raven.”

“What a keen eye.”

“…Why? Robin didn’t have to see that. She’s just a child.”

“I disagree. It was her choice to free the dove, wasn’t it? She has to learn that her actions have consequences, and that defying the concept of order won’t get her anywhere.”

Sunday wordlessly nodded, before walking off.

On the way to the clearing he’d claimed as solely his- which he only turned to when he was having ‘sinful’ ideas that he felt too scared to even think about in the confines of the city- he wondered if Ena would really want one of THEIR creations to suffer, just to teach another a valuable lesson. He then considered that THEY might not truly even care about anyone and anything at all. If he could see and intervene in anything happening in the world, Sunday would try to save every being. But, in the end, he was not God, and THEY were.

10. God listens, but THEY never speak.

“Father..” a weak voice on the other side of the confessional threatened to break. Sunday straightened his posture, as he instinctively always did when spoken to, even if he couldn’t be seen.

“Speak your sorrows, child of the Order.”

“I can’t take it any longer. It feels… It feels like my prayers are falling on deaf ears. My life has only been spiraling into misery… Hell, even a sign would help loads!”

Sunday closed his eyes, thinking deeply.

“I understand how you must feel. However, you should know THEY don’t often give ‘signs’. You may share your troubles with me, and I promise to try my hardest to help you.”

“You’d really do that?”

“I would.” He nodded. He’d trained himself to be aware of his body language and what every single difference in stance could be interpreted as. So, he applied that even when alone, hidden, or in an otherwise casual situation.

“Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you… May I ask a question first?”

“Hm?”

“Do THEY give you signs? Speak to you? Anything at all?”

The halovian fell silent. He didn’t know. Ever since he’d taken over Gopher Wood’s duties, he felt like a failure for being ‘spiritually disconnected’ from the Lord.

“The answer is what you think.” Was what he settled on.

The person on the other side sighed. The next time they spoke, their voice sounded muffled.

“I’m a murderer. I don’t deserve to live. Do you think THEY would forgive me if I..”

“Don’t say that. You are stronger than you think. Why do you consider yourself a murderer?”

“I had an argument with my little sister. It was over something so stupid, I don’t even remember what it was. I was so angry that I pushed her. She hit her head on the kitchen counter, and… oh god. There was so much blood. I saw her brains, Father. I will never forget the sight. I see it every time I sleep, every time I close my eyes, every time I see things that remind me of her. Please, how do I make it stop?” They sobbed.

Sunday was silent, eyes unfocusing as the vivid memory of Robin’s body being charred alive by flames tore its way out of the corner of his brain he’d banished it to.

“Father?”

“…Apologies. That is a lot to process, I was thinking of the optimal way to help. How long ago did this accident happen?”

“I don’t know. It could be anywhere from a few days to several months. After I buried her, everything’s been a blur. She was everything I had left… i hate to think that if I treated her nicer, showed her how much I appreciate her; if I tried to understand her better and didn’t let my emotions get the better of me, she’d still be here.”

“Yes.. You said you buried her body?”

“I did.”

“Where?”

“…”

“I see. You don’t have to tell me. I can feel that you are genuinely remorseful. Fear not, the Lord will forgive you, and I’m sure your sister would too. As for the mental scarring, I can only hope that your confession has lifted some weight off your shoulders. You are not alone. If you ever feel as if you need to take drastic measures, I hereby permit you to seek me in my free time. Your life matters, and I’d rather a slight inconvenience to myself than lose another life. It gets easier, I promise. Hardship is the key to happiness.” Although he was saying all this, he barely even believed or understood himself. He’d never had anyone comfort him when he was in a similar situation, nevermind attempt to help him. When he tried to turn to Ena for solace, he was only met with silence… Which was to be expected. However, the toll it took on him was greater than he could’ve ever expected. In any case, he hoped he’d helped the member of his community, even slightly.

The sound of the fabric belonging to the other person’s clothes could be heard- presumably them standing up. It was then followed by footsteps. Sunday groaned loudly once he figured they’d have long exited the church, and placed his face in his hands. This was going to be a long day.

Upon returning home way past midnight, Sunday looked uncharacteristically horrible. His eyes were bloodshot, his wings drooped pathetically as he slouched, including his ‘deformed’ second pair, which usually stayed tucked into his coat.

“Sunday!” [Name] ran to the door as soon as it opened. As they bore witness to the state of the halovian, they fell into baffled silence. He blinked blearily, far too tired to be embarrassed.

“I’m sorry. Go to sleep.” He mumbled, trying to push past them and towards the couch, as the two had traded sleeping utilities after their late-night walk.

“No! Are you okay?”

“Excuse me?”

“You look horrendous. I’m worried.”

“Thanks.” He deadpanned.

“I obviously didn’t mean it that way. It’s just not like you to be so… improper. Woah, wait, you have four wings!?”

“I don’t want to talk about either of those things. Please move, I’d really like to sleep.”

[Name] frowned, and instead of letting Sunday go to sleep on the near back-breaking couch when he was clearly in no condition to, they intertwined their hand with his, pulling him towards the bedroom. Before Sunday had the chance to protest, they’d reached their destination.

“What are you doing?”

“What, you said you wanted to sleep.”

“Are you implying you want to… share a bed?”

“Yeah! That’s not sinful, right?”

“I suppose not.” Sunday gave up.

“Great. I’ll let you change, call me back in when you’re done.”

Sunday didn’t know what had happened to him by the beginning of the next hour. He found himself cuddling his housemate, face buried in their chest as their fingers carded through his hair. If he wasn’t so far gone, he would’ve felt shame to the depths of his bones.

As [Name]’s breathing and heart rate slowed steadily, so did their hand. Sunday smiled, slowly shifting their position until they’d fully swapped roles. While he appreciated being on the receiving end of affection for once, it was just his nature to want to return any kind act done for him.

He draped a wing around their body, figuring he’d finally found a use for the unsightly body part.

11. God knows, but THEY never teach.

Sunday’s hands balled into fists at his sides. He’d been staring at the glass casing containing the stone slate which the commandments had been first carved into for what must’ve been many hours now. He read them over, and over, and over, and over… Despite the fact that his mind was already similar to the slate, in the sense that the words had been permanently etched into both. Every day, he could feel himself growing more and more…Hateful. And so, he decided connecting with the Lord again would be the best course of action.

Unfortunately, he was wrong. As he obsessively examined and carefully thought over every word of the sacred obligations, he could only form more and more questions… More anger. More doubt. The contradictions between several entries now seemed painfully obvious. For example, it was specified that the high priest was the exception to commandment two, but no such thing exists for the numbers nine, ten and eleven… But, communication between God and the high priest was supposed to be the basis of the religion.

As the gears in Sunday’s brain turned, he began to laugh. How could he have been so foolish? These were all just lies. Lies made up by a selfish man who desired nothing more than to rule the whole world by himself. As his laughter grew, so did his fury.

Sunday dug his fingers into the side of the glass; fragile, as all things in this forsaken town. If everyone was under the permanent illusion of safety, why was there any need for precaution? It was so bad, that nobody locked their doors anymore. No one would want to break into your house and kill you, after all. The most likely murderer was the person you trusted enough to live with. As these realizations plagued his mind, Sunday’s hands only gripped the long since shattered shards of glass tighter, and tighter. It hurt so pleasantly right now. Although, soon enough, he dropped them in favor of grasping the stone tablet itself. As he turned around, his eyes darted through the church. He needed something to break it with.

After looking for a considerable amount of time, Sunday decided he’d just fling it at the wall.

As the glorified boulder was about to leave his hand, he hesitated. What if he was wrong? This definitely had to be a misunderstanding. Maybe he just wasn’t open minded enough to understand the deeper meaning of the commandments. After all, every older resident seemed so happy living the way they were. The younger generation- including himself- would grow into doing the same, surely… God is good, Sunday thought.

God is loving.

The priest lowered his hand slowly. He rotated back to his original position, regret filling him at the sight of the broken display and bloodied glass scattered across the floor. If he were to look into his hand, he’d notice the crimson seeping from his open wound was quickly transferring to the commandments.

Sunday closed his eyes, breathing deeply. He just had to clean this up, find a replacement case, and no one would ever know. His sin could stay between him and the Lord, forever.

As for understanding all the contradictions, he was now sure that he just had to try a little harder. After all, God doesn’t teach. For a start, this probably meant THEY wanted THEIR subjects to learn from their and others’ mistakes throughout their life.

Yes, this had to be the solution. This was nothing but another trial for Sunday to overcome; a test of faith.

12. The entire Word of God is passed down through THEIR oracle, the high priest.

In an extremely rare occurrence, Sunday had found himself with a few hours of free time on his hands. He decided to spend one of them browsing the local grocery store, deciding on what snack to purchase for [Name], as a token of appreciation. He hadn’t asked them about their tastes outright, so he was attempting to piece them together from the few, yet valuable conversations they’d had. This was proving to be a more challenging task than expected, but he wasn’t about to give up.

“I believe this is what you’re looking for.” A voice coming from Sunday’s right spoke sweetly. He turned his head, confused. Before him stood a person, with an appearance so strikingly out of place that he managed how they even managed to make it into the city. They had white hair, parted into short twin tails on either side of their head. They also had long curtain bangs, however, the upper part of their hairstyle didn’t even utilize as much as half of their locks. The expanse of white fell down to the floor, dragging along it whenever they moved. They wore simple, yet eye grabbing make up, which nicely complemented their tanned skin. Their eyes appeared to naturally stay shut for the entirety of Sunday’s examination of them, not displaying any of the twitching that the eyes of a normal person forcing them to stay closed would. What was really out of place, though, was their clothing. They wore a tight, black dress which was about as long as their hair. It was rather revealing, especially in the chest and leg area. Whilst the town Sunday lived in didn’t exactly enforce ‘purity culture’ anymore, it was still unusual to dress immodestly. Additionally, the sort of corset piece wrapped around their midriff and neck appeared to be real gold, solidifying their status as an outsider. The followers of Order weren’t exactly wealthy, as money had not been used since the founding of the religion, and Gopher Wood considered the concept to be inherently unfair. Of course, this didn’t stop him from continuing to hoard any currency he came across, to be able to afford imported garments and accessories of the finest quality for only himself and his children.

“Pardon?” He narrowed his eyes, inspecting the item. It was one of the choices he’d been considering for [Name]’s snack, although he was still second-guessing himself.

“This is their favorite.” The foreigner extended their hand further, as if urging him to take it.

“What are you talking about?” Sunday was becoming uncomfortable.

“[Name]? Your.. Friend. This is their favorite. You are looking for something to get them, no?”

“Hah..I see. You’re one of Xipe’s slaves.” He chuckled bitterly, and grabbed a duplicate of the item they were holding off the shelf.

“I’d strongly urge you to return to your home, if you know what’s best for you. Good day.” He turned to leave, but a hand as cold as death itself gripped his wrist with a hold that would be sure to cut off his circulation if it was kept too long.

“Is this all the thanks I get? You would’ve spent another hour deciding if it weren’t for me.” The person pouted in mock offense.

“Stop. Get out of my mind, please.” He tried to pull away, to no avail.

“And what if I don’t? Are you going to call upon Ena to save you? Oh wait..” They laughed.

“Tsk…Do not use THEIR sacred name with such mocking purpose.”

“I really don’t get what you see in THEM. I mean, THEY’RE such a deadbeat! The Great One would never let THEIR subjects suffer.”

“Says the one whose idol abandoned THEIR town without leaving as much as a divine messenger.”

“Hm? But I am the High Priest.”

“High Priest? My a-.. ahem… That does not sound very likely. Clearly, you’re blessed in some form, but knowing Penacony, they would hold a week-long festival in your honor if you gave substantial proof of this. Who are you, really?”

The person smiled, and let go of his now bruised wrist. They’d still not opened their eyes once.

“Oh, would you look at the time. Well, I should get going. Until we meet again~” they waved, and walked away, humming an awfully familiar tune.

Sunday would then stand in the middle of the aisle, snack in hand as he tried to make sense of what had happened. He wondered if the person was trying to convince him to turn to the Harmony, or just teasing him. What’s worse is that if it was the former, he believed he might’ve actually considered.

The halovian soon dragged himself home, deep in thought. As he opened the door to see [Name] sitting on the couch as they had been doing more often lately, Sunday smiled. He sat next to them, far closer than usual.

“…I got you something.” He handed them the snack. [Name] gasped quietly.

“Ohh.. Did you know this was my favorite? Thank you so much!” They hugged him.

“Really? Must’ve been a lucky guess. In any case, consider this payment for the strawberries.” Sunday shut his eyes. Perhaps the worshipper of Xipe wasn’t all that horrible.

13. God’s aims are the aims of the world

Lately, Sunday had been frequenting the church in the dead of night. Since the meeting with the strange worshipper of Harmony, he’d been questioning his faith more than ever before. A part of him struggled with the same urge to run that he’d felt in Robin’s final moments. However, instead of his fear of angry, violent adults holding him back now, it was the fear of repercussions for becoming one.

He considered himself weak minded. He knew very well what he was getting into before accepting the position of high priest. He knew he’d have to murder and hurt, and yet… He never truly could. A secret Sunday swore he’d take to the grave, was that he never truly punished traitors as God commanded. Even after the incident with the tradesman, the worst he could muster was kicking him into unconsciousness and dropping him off into Penacony’s territory. That very night, he prayed to the God he himself had just betrayed, that the man was taken to a hospital. In his heart, Sunday still believed that if he were to implore the Lord to forgive those who turned away from them, THEY would.

Sunday had what one might call a heart of gold. He wanted the best for everyone, even if it directly contradicted the teachings of his Master, and the undeniable holy rules given to the world by God. However, his constant desire to help came at the cost of his own sanity- fact which he was acutely aware of. He considered it a small price to pay for the joy of others.

In his mind, he was responsible for the actions of each and every one of The Order’s followers. If they sinned, it was purely his fault for not managing to stop them. He’d be the one spending eternity in the burning embers, while any who sinned under him and died before he did, would be forgiven and led to the peaceful afterlife they strived for all their lives. If he’d explain this to any sane person, they’d most likely immediately pick up on how specific, flawed, and barely comprehensible his logic was… Unfortunately, he never would.

“You look tired.” The sickly sweet voice of the strange worshipper called from behind Sunday, making him halt.

“I know for a fact that I locked the gates.” He crossed his arms, but didn’t give the person the pleasure of looking at them.

“What can I say, I have my ways… Anyway, I don’t think burying yourself in your delusions is very healthy. You should rest.”

“I must say, you’re very bold. You simply can’t hold yourself back from insulting the Lord in front of THEIR messenger, hm?”

“I am simply stating a fact. You’re starting to doubt THEIR very existence, and you know that. If you acknowledge your situation, why do you still choose to indulge?”

Sunday did not speak for a long period of time.

“If you truly were a High Priest, you’d understand. God is all I have. I’ve invested so much time into becoming what I am now, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself otherwise.”

“And you still don’t follow the very principle that supposedly founded your religion. Clearly, deep down, what you want is to help everyone. You’d be well suited for the Harmony…”

“No. The harmony dictates that everyone must live through trial and error. That’s such unnecessary suffering, that can simply be avoided by protecting everyone.”

“Learning through mistakes? Isn’t that what you ultimately decided Ena’s ideal was, when you noticed people making mistakes over and over again, even when the whole point of this religion is to establish ultimate control and peace to the point where people will actively seek out pain to break the monotony?”

“…Then, I was mistaken. I never saw the similarities to the Harmony before. I pray THEY can forgive me as I try to truly understand THEIR commandments once more. Thank you for telling me this. I shall… Become a better fit for my role, through any means necessary.”

“Really? Or will you do as you’ve always done, and continue to refuse to harm anyone as your God dictates?”

“…Even if I were to do that, which I will earnestly try not to, the spiritual consequences would fall onto me, solely. I’m the one not doing my job, I-“

“Sunday! When was the last time you’ve uttered or thought something that makes any sense, at all!? Look deeply within yourself, you’ll realize how absurd you’re being.”

The halovian simply smiled. Perhaps, long ago, that would’ve been true. However, that was no longer a possibility. Any time he’d come to the same realization, his being would instinctively suffocate itself with a half-hearted explanation that would seem plausible enough at first glance, until he’d begin to deconstruct it, at which point the process would repeat.

The stranger’s expression shifted into a sorrowful one. They’d really tried to help him, but he was truly too far gone.

“I see. I hope your soul will someday be able to find peace.” They left, giving Sunday the opportunity to continue destroying himself in peace.

14. God and the high priest shall be regarded as one and the same.

Gopher Wood’s amber eyes intently observed Mikhail. His head was informally resting on the table, wings fluttering in anticipation as he waited for his ally to finish reading the documents he’d presented him with.

“So? What do you think?” He finally spoke, having grown impatient.

“I’m not done yet..”

“Well, you’ve read most of it. What do you think so far, then?”

“I didn’t know you had such little patience, Mr. Wood.”

“Yes, yes..Well, now you know.”

“I don’t consider it appropriate to share my opinion on something that I don’t fully understand. I ask that you continue waiting.”

“Fine.” Gopher scoffed, and stood up.

“I’m going to get another drink. Want anything?”

“No, thank you.”

Mikhail sighed as he continued reading. Him and Gopher had met just over three amber eras ago, under inexplicable circumstances. At the time, it seemed they had similar ideals for the future of Penacony- a beautiful town, ravaged by an unfortunate dispute. The two quickly struck up a friendship, or at the very least, a cordial working relationship. At first, they agreed that their end goal was to join The Family, a union of towns and cities who worshipped a god known as Xipe and believed in the concept of Harmony. The men slowly gained the respect of most Penaconians that, too,wished for peace, who allowed them to become something akin to a two-person government.

After all that, they successfully completed their goal. Although, soon after, Gopher began acting unusually. He distanced himself from Mikhail, only talking to him to ask odd questions, such as ‘if he ever wished the entire town’s residents could be puppets’. The blue-haired man grew incredibly concerned for his partner’s wellbeing, but could never reach Gopher to speak to him about this topic.

A few days prior, he had invited him out to drinks to discuss ‘an exciting new discovery’. They now found themselves here, Gopher having handed Mikhail a folder full of papers, detailing the proof of the existence of another deity before Xipe. THEY were known by the name of Ena, and represented Order, which was awfully close to the concept of Harmony, besides the awfully concerning attitude towards those who desired to follow their own path in life.

Just as Mikhail finished reading, the halovian returned.

“Are you done yet?”

“Yes…?”

“Wonderful! So?”

“I’m… Not quite sure I understand. Do you want to leave The Family and pursue this religion? Do you even have any current proof this, ‘Ena’ even exists..?”

“Oh, THEY don’t!” He giggled, joyfully taking a sip of his wine. Just as Mikhail was preparing to open his mouth, he continued:

“Not anymore, at least. But if we can make people believe THEY do, we’ll have them wrapped around our fingers. They’ll just do anything we want under the guise of religion. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? There can truly be peace upon Penacony.”

“…How drunk are you?”

“Plenty.”

“You’re not thinking straight. That would never work, it’d just be defying human nature. Besides, if the ones who continue trying to end our lives for opposing them can’t even agree with Harmony, what makes you think they’d want to obey the words of an imaginary God?”

“Oh, them? They have no place in Penacony either way. If I were to execute my plan, I’d be doing a great favor to everyone.” He grinned.

“That’s enough. Get up. I’m taking you home, and you’re going to sleep off all that wine.” Mikhail stood, tossing the documents into the nearest trash.

“I know what I’m doing, my dear Misha. I’ve been fantasizing about this since before we even met… It’s my greatest wish, and what’s the best for Penacony- no, the world, even! Why must you be so cruel~?”

“…You’re not who I thought you were. Why.. Why would you even say that?”

“Mm.. Tell me one thing, then.” He rounded the table, until he was face to face with Mikhail. He then grabbed the collar of his shirt, and pulled him even closer, grinning. “How long do you think a society under the Order’s rule will last? Hell, even with the most haphazard basis I can throw together in one night?”

“Don’t-“

“Answer me.”

“…A decade, at most.”

“Very well.” Gopher hummed, and let go.

“I say… Triple that, before it spreads to Penacony. At least a century after that until the downfall.”

“What are you planning to do..?”

“You’ll see.”

“You’re,, a psychopath. This will never work! Even if it somehow lasted for your entire lifetime, you’d never find a successor gullible enough to extend your little cult’s existence for that long.”

Gopher’s smile widened sinisterly.

“Cult? I prefer the word social experiment. Anyway, I should get going now. I heard the next town over has little contact with outsiders, and I’d like to get there before that changes.” He turned, and began to walk.

“Until we meet again, Misha.”

15. God is absolute.

After his second encounter with what seemed to be Xipe’s chosen one, Sunday felt completely drained. He hadn’t fully felt like a living, breathing entity since he was maybe six years old, but the mental haze that affected him worsened with each significant event that happened to him. He stumbled home at the same time that the sun began to peek over the horizon.

Despite the fact that he returned to sleeping on the couch after the night him and [Name] cuddled, he didn’t feel like sleeping alone at this moment.

Following several minutes of hesitation, Sunday opened the bedroom door, cautiously stepping in. Of course, his friend was sleeping peacefully, and luckily for him, deeply. The man stalked over to the closet door, which had been divided into halves to accommodate both his and [Name]’s clothes. He quickly discarded his current outfit, changing into a simple t-shirt and sweatpants. The shirt rode up his stomach slightly, as he hadn’t ever found the time to poke wing holes into his casual garments; therefore, his wings were just hanging naturally.

He slowly sat down on the unoccupied side of the bed, pausing to see if the sleeping person would wake. When they didn’t, he made himself more comfortable, even pulling half of the blanket over himself.

That action caused [Name] to turn. Sunday was preparing an apology speech for waking them, but they were unbothered. They grabbed his arm, snuggling it. The halovian took a moment to process, upper wings tensing in surprise. He was still not used to being touched, but he’d feel too bad pushing them away. So, instead of getting any rest, he just awkwardly stared at them for hours, frozen in place.

Finally, [Name] yawned, attempting to stretch. They were stopped by the sensation of a warm, solid object being held between their arms. When their eyes shot open, they barely stopped themselves from screaming at the sight of Sunday, who looked at them with a tired frown.

“Sorry,, I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just feeling unwell, and I thought…” He didn’t finish his sentence.

“It’s alright. I’m just, a little surprised. You don’t really seem like the type of guy who’d enjoy this kind of stuff.”

“‘Stuff’…?”

“Yeah. You know, like, closeness.”

“Really? Hm.” He turned his head away, deep in thought.

“I guess you’re right.“ He nearly whispered, pulling his arm away.

The silence that followed was painfully awkward. So much so, that [Name] decided to speak the first thought that came to mind:

“Can I touch your wings?”

“Sorry?”

“I want to touch your wings. They look super fluffy.”

Sunday narrowed his eyes, wondering where they obtained such courage. A halovian’s wings were just about sacred, and most only allowed those closest to them to do as much as stare at them for extensive amount of time. And still…

“You may. But, please be careful. They’re very sensitive, and tear easily.”

“Wait, really? I wasn’t really expecting you to let me..” [Name] was dumbfounded.

“I suppose so. The idea doesn’t make me uncomfortable, as I… Truly appreciate you. It feels like you’re the only person that has seen me as human in an embarrassingly long time. This is the least I can do to express my gratitude.” He leaned in closer, extending the wings on the side closest to [Name]. They didn’t speak, only reaching out to pet the wing sticking out from under his shirt. Sunday was surprised, as he figured they’d first pick the carefully preened, pristine, and intact wing on his head.

“It’s so soft..” they gasped, brushing a finger along the trimmed edge of the appendage. They then moved on to his upper wing, scratching behind it like one would with a cat.

Sunday metaphorically melted, gently collapsing onto [Name]. His eyes closed contently as his roommate continued their exploration of his features.

Unfortunately, their happiness didn’t last long. The distinct sound of wood being axed through snapped both people out of their relaxed state. Sunday jumped out of bed, and out the bedroom door. The sound was coming from the front entrance- which was stupid, as it was unlocked, much like any other door in the town. He crossed his arms, glaring at the widening hole in his door.

Upon completely decimating the wooden structure, a furious mob of followers of the Order barged in, carrying pitchforks and unlit torches. Sunday blinked in disbelief, if only for a couple seconds.

“You liar… Murderous whoreson of a cunt! How could you… How? Do you even realize how many people have lost or wasted their lives on your fuckass cult!? You will pay for this!” A man near the front screamed, spit flying onto Sunday as he did so. He wiped it off his face, giving his subjects a tired smile.

“My children, please. This must all be one great misunderstanding. I urge you to lay your weapons down, and explain to me what crime exactly you think it is that I committed.” He clasped his hands together, eyes closing inoffensively. Once again, his communication attempt was met with a slap.

“Misunderstanding? Hah. Tell that to The Devil! Tie him!” The man ordered, in response to which, the follower of Harmony stepped forward, rope in hand. As they stood parallel to Sunday, they opened their eyes for the first time. The blue outer ring transforming into a deep purple one didn’t look the least bit human, and neither did the grey sclera. If anything, such colors more closely resembled the written description of Ena, if only reversed.

It was then that it clicked.

Sunday began to twitch, in what seemed like the unfortunate moment where the psyche of a tortured man finally shattered. Hell, maybe that was accurate. He soon began to laugh, louder than he ever had before.

As he found himself preoccupied with that, Xipe gave him one last pitiful glance.

“I’m sorry.” THEY mouthed, beginning to bind his arms and wings.

[Name] gripped the edge of the bedroom doorframe. They had been observing for the entirety of the conflict, frozen. Perhaps, if the sea of people didn’t extend well past the confines of the house, they would’ve tried to help Sunday.

“See? He’s gone far past mad- Wait, should we do something about [Name]?” A villager questioned another, causing Sunday to cease his laughter.

“Absolutely. Burn the entire house down, everything he’s touched is tainted.”

“Are you insane? They’re pretty new. What do you think are the chances that they knew?” A third chimed in.

“[Name] didn’t know. It… It was all on me. I’m the one who lied to you. I deceived each and every one of you in pursuit of control. I corrupted the pure intentions of Gopher Wood, and, I ended his life via poison. I am the only culprit.” Sunday tensed, frantically looking around to see how many people believed his faux confession. Of course, only the first sentence was even remotely true. However, if he were to die today, there was no reason to drag the dead and the innocent along with him.

The villagers fell silent, looking between each other in a silent discussion.

“I believe him.” Xipe said, tugging on Sunday’s binds as THEY lead him towards the door, clearing a path through the mob.

The crowd followed, much like a herd of sheep would. This left [Name] alone, and confused.

When the silence became deafening, they hurried to follow. They figured that even if they couldn’t physically be that close to him during whatever was going to happen, then being there at all might make Sunday feel less alone. Even if what he’d confessed was true; which they didn’t fully believe, he did save their life. This was the least they could do for him.

Tears rolled down Sunday’s face, shining golden from the bright sunlight seeping into them. He was awarded the courtesy of choosing when he’d be ended, and he picked sundown. He’d been nailed to a cross, through his hands, wings, and shoulders. The fallen priest was in utter agony, and yet, he was quite alright with this.

Xipe took the same role Sunday had all those years ago; the killer. The villagers were seething, and craved nothing but blood. So, they all collectively decided Sunday was going to be nailed, burnt, and finally shot in the neck. Xipe offered THEMSELVES as executioner. No mortal deserved to have to live with the fact they were the direct cause of another human being’s untimely demise…

As THEIR lit torch approached the kindling, Xipe gazed into Sunday’s eyes once more. They smiled. It was barely visible, yet earnest.

Sunday returned the gesture, inhaling the last breath of fresh air he’d ever take.

[Name] kneeled in front of the charred, bloodied, and decaying corpse of Sunday. They didn’t even think he saw them in his final moments, ergo, they exposed themselves to his disgustingly brutal end for nothing.

They dipped their head, placing the bouquet of wild flowers they’d picked from the clearing which Sunday introduced them to, at his feet.

“Do you want to bury him?”

“…What?” [Name] turned, recognizing the voice as Sunday’s executioner.

“You cared about him. I doubt you want him to publicly rot for..What, a decade?”

“Yeah.”

“Stand. And take the flowers. I’ll carry him.”

And so, they did. In the same clearing the flowers had been picked from, [Name] and Xipe had buried Sunday. They didn’t mark his grave, deciding to finally let him rest.

“So? What will happen now? To everyone in the town, I mean. I don’t know about anyone else, but I have nowhere to go, and a town without a leader is a town without laws. But they’re all so violent…”

“Hm..Penacony has a place for all. Even with their violent tendencies, they can learn and grow.”

“So, why couldn’t Sunday?”

“Despite not knowing what he even believed in, Sunday thought he was nothing without Order. No matter what anyone could ever try, he’d refuse to change. It’s unfortunate, but, he should be allowed to make his own choices.”

“…But that’s so unfair.”

“Being forced into obedience would be equally unfair, no? Sunday died on his own terms.”

“I guess. It’s just, sad.”

[Name] received no reply. They felt as if the other presence had suddenly vanished, but didn’t bother to confirm this.

They laid down next to Sunday’s resting place, closing their eyes. They still struggled to comprehend how their life had taken such a horrible turn so quickly.

It didn’t matter now. [Name] yawned, rolling over onto the side they were most comfortable on. Upon waking, they’d set off to Penacony, where they would find a job and make a living for themselves. But tonight, they just wanted a semblance of a proper farewell to the cozy lifestyle they had grown so accustomed to, and to the man that made it all possible.

#sunday x reader #sunday x you #sunday x y/n #sunday honkai star rail x reader #sunday hsr #sunday hsr x reader #honkai star rail fanfic #sunday fanfic #hsr x reader #honkai star rail x reader

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olympeline · 9 months ago

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(Part 6 of my Catch the Queen USUK omegaverse/cardverse AU!)

Last time a sickly young Arthur’s true identity was revealed to Alfred in a suitably (🥁) dramatic fashion. And as bad as his secret coming out was, at least Arthur could finally explain to Alfred why he was so terrified of being found out. Alfred had the Talk after he saw the family cat getting “friendly” with some of the neighbours’ kitties. So he knew what sex and heats were all about. He knew from school that the Queen of Spades was an omega and the King was an alpha and it was their job to rule and have lots of babies. Knew but never thought about it much. The fate of the throne-bound King and nest-bound Queen were just more Adult Things: boring to young Alfred.

Not any more. Not with Arthur clinging to him, near tears, and begging Alfred not to tell. Not to make him go back. Arthur had always been tough and fiery. He was a kid who lived in the woods by himself for months for Spades’ sake! To see him frightened like that had Alfred almost crying himself. But then Arthur fell into another choking fit, coughing up blood onto Alfred’s nightshirt until it’s splattered red, and as Alfred held him he felt something start to change deep inside. Arthur was someone he’d come to love, even if in just a childish, puppyish way. Alfred is a hero at heart. He wanted Arthur to be safe. He wanted to protect him. A little of his future second sex starting to show? Maybe. But that’s just how Alfred is anyway, you know? So he held Arthur close and rubbed his back until he stopped coughing - yeah the roles have really switched here lately, heh - and said he wouldn’t tell. Arthur made him promise, swear on his life, and only calmed down when Alfred said the words. Arthur trusted him: he knew his friend was honourable.

After Arthur fell into an exhausted sleep, Alfred lay awake thinking. Arthur needed a doctor but any doctor would obviously want to examine his chest. Yeah, no good. Big predicament there. Alfred could only think of one answer: he’d have to find a way to cure Arthur the way Arthur helped him. A magic cure for a magic illness. Alfred had no magic skills but Matthew was coming home and his brother had just started learning to be a mage. Maybe Mattie would have some ideas? It was a childish hope but what other option did Alfred have? When Matthew did come he was ecstatic to see his twin restored but surprised at how down Alfred was. Alfred explained the situation with as few details as he could, making it seem as if Arthur was a simple runaway rather than an escaped Queen. Matthew was suspicious because what ordinary nine year old runaway was that powerful? But he agreed to try and help anyway. Arthur still slept with Alfred most nights and Alfred had forced him to spend the rest of his time in the Jones family stables. Arthur refused to be in the manor house during the day while the servants were awake, so it was the best compromise they could come to. For a brief period Arthur lived up in a corner of the hayloft. It was risky - there were always stable hands around - but Arthur was beyond staying in the woods. He spent most of his time in feverish sleep, waking up to suffer through coughing fits or to eat whatever Alfred brought him. Fading fast but still so, so stubborn. That’s Arthur for you. He’s a proud, obstinate character at the best of times and always struck me as getting a hundred times more when he’s frightened. And he was more frightened of being the Queen of Spades than anything.

Alfred brought Mattie to see Arthur and it didn’t go well. Arthur was spitting mad from the moment Alfred woke him up and he saw his friend wasn’t alone. Alfred had taken his promise to mean not tell any adults who would take Arthur back to the palace. Arthur took it to mean not tell anyone about him, not even Alfred’s own twin. They had another bad fight (poor Matthew standing around in the background just so awkward oh god) and Arthur pushed himself too far for the last time. Had himself another fit and this time it just didn’t stop. Alfred held him as he vomited gouts of blood onto the stable floor but no, the voice was wrong. It was Matthew holding him - Arthur couldn’t tell at first as preoccupied with dying as he was - but Alfred had gone. Then suddenly he was back and not alone for the second time: he’d brought help in the form of their local doctor. Yes, Alfred broke his word. It killed him to do it but the writing was on the wall. There was no way Mattie could fix whatever this was, and Alfred wasn’t going to let Arthur die, promise or no promise.

Didn’t stop Alfred’s heart breaking at the sheer look of betrayal Arthur gave him as he was carried away. Alfred held his bloody hand as long as he could, tears falling the whole while. He wanted to keep his word, to protect Arthur, to be his hero. But how could he? He was too small. Just a frightened child, so far out of his depth.

“I’m sorry, Arthur. I’m so sorry…”

Those were Alfred’s last words to his best friend. Of course Arthur’s Mark of Spades was discovered and he was immediately taken back to the palace. The Jones family had been good to the doctor - who had treated the twins’ mother before she died - and he kept Alfred safe by lying and saying Arthur was found by chance. Fortunately the palace accepted this falsehood as the court officials were so distracted by their Queen-in-waiting being at death’s door. It took a full team of elite healers from the Kingdom of Hearts (the Suit with the most powerful restorative magic) to patch the tear in Arthur’s soul and save him. And even then, even with all their skills, the mages of Hearts couldn’t banish the after effects completely. Arthur grew up slighter than he should have and still spit blood on the anniversary of the day he healed Alfred, but these drawbacks were manageable. The greatest cost wasn’t physical but mental: Arthur lost his memory. Magical wounds are strange and, for whatever reason, healing this one robbed Arthur of all his months on the run. When he finally woke up, weak as a kitten, there was nothing but a grey fog. Maybe sometimes a fragment or two: golden hair, the scent of a sickroom, the feeling of someone holding him tight, bright, joyful laughter, but that was all. Arthur was saved and the price he paid was forgetting Alfred completely.

But Alfred never forgot Arthur. How could he? Arthur was his best and dearest friend. Since the day Arthur left, Alfred never stopped missing him. Never forgot that he had to break his word to save the boy he’d come to love. He heard about Queen Arthur’s amnesia through the local gossips but it didn’t dent Alfred’s desire to see him again. To someday get back to Arthur and help him. He never forgot how scared Arthur was, how much he wanted to escape the oppressive life of the Spade Queen. A life Alfred had returned him to. Matthew told his twin (correctly) a thousand times that he wasn’t to blame. Alfred was only a child when it all went down! Besides, his actions saved Arthur’s life. How could he have possibly done anything else? Any reasonable person would have done the same. Alfred heard him, accepted the logic of Matt’s words, but the guilt gnawed at him even so. So Alfred trained hard and, with the help of his super strength plus his own sheer grit and determination, became the heroic knight he always wanted to be. One who helped the helpless and defended the weak. One who would one day travel to the palace and see Arthur again.

And there you have it! That’s the USUK backstory of this AU. That sunshine knight who caught the undefeated dark Queen? Turns out the knight’s shock victory was only possible thanks to the two great gifts - health restored and unnatural strength - that the unknowing Queen had himself bestowed on him, years before. Not to mention the long buried feelings that made Arthur’s magic turn traitor and stopped him harming a hair on Alfred’s golden head. Even to save himself. How’s that for some bitter irony for you? Poor Arthur. No matter what the universe, his bad luck is truly in a class by itself 😂

(End of Part 6! Can you believe this was meant to be a short AU with like, two parts at most? Oh lord, lol. And if you’re wondering why Alfred chose to duel Arthur if he knew how much Arthur didn’t want to be a caught Queen? Well, fear not because all that and more will be explained. Next time 😉)

#hetalia #usuk #hws america #hws england #aph america #aph england #cardverse #omegaverse #my posts #catch the queen au

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darksturnioloqueen · 3 months ago

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TreeHouse Chapter 6

"He Was Just A Childhood Best Friend; They Never Really Last Anyway"

Summary: Sienna goes back.

"A friend is one soul dwelling in two bodies."

⚠︎ This Fic Series will NOT be for people with triggers. This Fic Series will have very descriptive moments of abuse. ⚠︎

Please Read At Your Own Risk.

⚠︎ Trigger Warnings: fainting, talk of eating disorders, anger, angst, crying. ⚠︎

Sienna POV:

It couldn't have been him. There was no way, after all these years, he would reappear. He looked at me like he was looking right through me. His eyes were void. My Chris would never have eyes like that. The joy and life inside of him were so energetic it was almost impossible. That boy seemed saddened and dead inside.

"How come you never told us about him?" Julia asked as we walked to our following classes.

"He was just a childhood best friend; they never really last anyway." I tried to shrug it off, but the truth was I couldn't stop thinking about him. His hoodie was up, so maybe I had just imagined him to be who I wanted. Julia went to her class, leaving me behind with my thoughts. My next period was English. I debated skipping it because I couldn't focus much anyway. I just wanted to go home. I felt sick to my stomach. My parents would never believe me if I told them Chris was back. Was he... Was he back? I walked into class, and there, in the third row, next to the window with his hood up, was the boy again. We locked eyes just like on the bus. He slowly pushed his hood off of his dark brown, moppy head. His icy blue eyes, still cold, looked directly at me.

"Sienna." My vision was becoming blurry. "Are you okay? You look sick." I felt absolutely ill.

"No, I... I mean, yes. I am." I started to feel woozy.

"Please take a seat next to Christopher," the teacher said. I felt the name take every last breath out of my chest. My legs fell out from underneath me, and I felt a slight breeze as my body slipped through the air.

"Oh my god!" was the last muffled thing I heard before everything went black.

****

"Honey, are you okay?" I opened my eyes and blinked a few times. I was in a little makeshift bed with my parents beside me.

"We are right here, Sienna."

"Mom?" I started to sit up.

"The school called. Your teacher said you passed out at the start of class today."

"How are you feeling?" The school's nurse came in asking.

"I'm good." I took a deep breath and looked at everyone's faces. My mother's expression was the most worried.

"Why do you think you passed out? Have you eaten today?" The nurse asked. I knew it had to do with him, but I couldn't admit that, at least not to them.

"No."

"It could be some low blood sugar or low pressure, maybe." The nurse grabbed a cuff to latch around my arm. "Well, get you something from the cafeteria, and you should be good to go—unless you want to take the rest of the day off." Yes.

"Mom?" I knew if I asked her, with her worry, she'd say it was okay.

"She'll come home with us today." She stuck up for me. I couldn't be in school anymore. I had too many thoughts and questions about him. After all these years he pops up in school? Why? Most importantly, how?

"That's fine. I'll go email your teachers." The nurse smiled and walked to her desk. I couldn't understand why he looked just like Matt or Nick or why his eyes were void and emotionless. I wanted to talk to him, but I couldn't believe he was really him. My Chris left. He left me behind and never bothered to explain. My confusion was slowly turning into anger. The more I thought about the past and how long I held onto him, the more the anger bubbled inside of me.

"All set?" My dad asked the nurse.

"Yup. Try and get some rest Sienna." She smiled softly at me. I walked out to the car with my parents.

"You have never passed out before. Have you not been eating for a while?" My mom asked.

"What?" I was confused.

"Are you not eating to become, like, skinnier?" Dad tried to ask in a way I'd get it.

"What? No! I just missed breakfast today." I lied again. The car ride home was short.

"We have to go back to work. You gonna be alright?" Dad kissed my forehead while I lay in bed.

"Yeah. I'm just going to take a nap." I covered up.

"Make sure to eat something when you wake up." Mom left the door open a tiny crack even though I'd be home alone. I listened to them go and stared off at my wooden white door. I tossed and turned, just thinking about him. I sat up and looked out my bedroom window- the tree house. Surely, if it were him, he would meet me there.

I got out of bed and slipped on my short furry boots. I gripped my phone in my hand and walked out the sliding glass door. I couldn't believe it, not until I knew for sure. Having the name Christopher could have been a complete coincidence. I also don't recall my Chris ever having any brothers. They never played Transformers and Barbies with us. I looked up at the rotting platform, neglected for years after I gave up. I felt a lump in my throat slowly forming. I gulped it down and gave the rope ladder a little tug to ensure it wasn't rotting. It was firm. I stepped on one rung and waited for the snap, but it didn't happen. I looked up again and sighed.

"Fuck this," I muttered, getting angry. Chris just disappeared and then suddenly reappeared, and for what? I started ascending the ladder until I got to the hole to enter. "Fuck him," I whispered angrily. I climbed up in the tree house. My eyes were closed. I was almost afraid he would be here. What would I even say to him? What would he say to me? I slowly opened my eyes and was instantly met with more disappointment. "Typical." I sighed. The inside of the tree house was dark. The weather-warped wood was molding and rotting in a few spots worse than others. The once bright pink fuzzy shag carpet was now matted and sun-bleached. All the vibrant colors I remembered were now ghostly grey versions of themselves. Everything changed the day Chris left. My whole life lost its color, and I was fine pretending up until now until he came back just to remind me of what he took when he disappeared. The lump in my throat breached the surface, and I let out a little sob. My eyes followed the emotional train I was riding being back in the tree house, our tree house.

I blinked fast a few times, feeling the tears slip a little quicker. Once my vision wasn't bubbly, I looked around again. I saw her. She was sitting in the corner where I had left her that night. I crawled over and picked her up. I pinched her pink frilly dress. I looked at my attire and noted that the plaid pajama pants and white shirt I changed into for the nap I was supposed to be taking right now didn't match. My tears started falling again. I tasted the salty, warm water on my lips. I threw her hard to the other side of the tree house. "Why did you leave?" I cried a little louder. I heard a strange buzzing noise and immediately closed my mouth and halted my sobs. I glanced around to see a Transformer struggling to light up. I crawled over and picked it up. I noticed my Barbie, who disturbed Bumble Bee's slumber. I picked her back up, feeling instant guilt for throwing her. Nine-year-old me would have never mistreated her like that. I clutched them both to my chest and continued to cry. "Please, be him." I quietly sobbed to our childhood toys. "Please be my best friend."

#victim!chris #victim!chris x nessie #victim!chris treehouse #nessie treehouse #treehouse

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mekatrio · 7 months ago

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ANYWAYS before i do um whats apparently the good end?? true end??? aka doors 5 -> 8 -> 6, this is what i think of every character..

1 -> FAWKINGGGG WEIRDO like seriously seriously ok first i thought maybe ace is a weirdo scientist who knows more than he lets on maybe hes an insider for zero or something but also like.. he has said some very weird stuff like during the search for ace hes like 'why wouldnt you think snake and clover are siblings? oh yeah bc they dont look alike' and also ohhhh my god i swear hes said something else that was rly weird but i cannot for the life of me recall what it was. but essentially the two weird things hes said gives off the air of like. a dude who knows jackshit abt the world.. like hes a test tube baby fresh out the tube or something idk. which again is even more weird considering how like... how to say.. like hes manipulated the events of the game a lot yknow like he was adamant in making sure that ppl dont suspect one another of being zero 🤨🤨🤨 and then he goes and drugs himself so we go in doors 3 7 or 8 without him, and if i go into door 1 he'll reveals that he knows junpei's trick w the paper and just then he went off somewhere with lotus leaving me to be SLAUGHTERED by clover like hes sooooo weird whats his deal. hes also really funny too HAH like an old man loser but srsly i dont completely trust him in the slightest i still think hes involved w snake's disappearances somehow mmhm

2 -> snake is cool as fuck like such a chill guy im sooo sad i can only do two rooms with him b4 he fawking disappears so i really am suspecting that he is inside of that coffin and ill get to do room 9 with him clover and seven pleaseee please please. other than that like I dont knowww i dont know why he disappeared.. his outfit is kinda similar to the man w the 0 bracelet so like Maybe that means something yknow i think it might mean something hmm both him and clover were previous subjects of the nonary game 9 years ago so maybe he knows his way around the ship and knows like secret passages or whatever? and also like... if he is in that coffin then whos the dead person in the shower room?? so mysteriously mysterious

3 -> funny as fuck guy who BETRAYED ME but really i wonder whats his deal huh. shockingly learned that he had a sister in the prev bad end and also hmmm its seems veryyy likely that he was another test subject too just like clover and snake. but yet they dont recognize one another as such which is ? alsooo just theorizing but i feel like him + clover + junpei + june are the same age and related to those missing children somehow and also i wonderrrrr if his sister is the girl who died hmmm? ive said multiple times like what if the one who died is akane's twin or something which yeah i think is still plausible but santa has had a few random instances of being pretty melancholic which makes me wonder if he was close to the girl who died or something yknow... also like what was that whole thing abt the black and white santa like seriously What was that it made me laugh but also ???? to me it feels like its continuing the theme of theseus' ship that has been recurring in this game 🤔

4 -> im still befhwefbjfe from the latest ending like myyyy goodness i was genuinely surprised by her tenacity to kill people cold bloodedly like goddamn. its not too surprising but its still??!? pretty surprising?!??! i still think shes a kind and cute girl but like yeah idk what else to say abt her umm i wonder if her and snake are actually siblings yknow... hmm......

5 -> THE PRESIDENT OF WEIRDO CENTRAL like seriously he might be the weirdest one of them all he reminds me of phoenix wright in the way that theyre both protagonists who i play as and yet i barely know a thing abt and i have a feeling that junpei knows more abt things that r going on than i as the player do.. cuz like firstly hes had all those rando joker moments and also hes kinda had like???? weirddd reactions to things?? like these

and not just that but also like jfc i barely know anything abt his past.. ive already said this but it bears repeating but srsly why did he grow apart from akane! they both like each other so... what happened!!! OH and also in room 8 him and lotus have a weird exchange where junpei is like 'What The Fuck Is A Wireless Display' and honestly idk whose the weird one in that situation like is it lotus for working w wireless displays or is it junpei for not knowing what that is. idk when this game was released and whether bluetooth was a thing yet. whatttt is with this dude

6 -> vice president of weirdo central... kinda not really. but yeah ive already commented on her a lot and i dont rly wanna repeat myself so to keep it brief maybe shes got a twin who died + shes probably one of the kids who got experimented one + her random fevers might be her remembering something the way seven remembered shit (or maybe shes like junpei and is also in whatever this time travel thing is??)

7 -> similarly to akane ive kinda already said everything i find weird abt this guy the main thing being that its kinda suspicious how the doors he leaves unlocked are the ones that lead a trail to a dead body w a bracelet like Hmmmmm okkk

8 -> these are getting shorter cuz im getting hungry LOL but shes also another person ive commented a lot on. i started off thinking she was a weirdo scientist involved w the nonary game and while i still think shes a scientist of some sort, the torture room revealed she didnt know abt the nonary game her children went thru which makes me change my mind. wait also omfg why the hell is there a torture room on this boat. i guess this is the gigantic (war ship) huh. ALSO who killed her in that ending huh! i feel like its ace tbh cuz the game said 'the person who would gain the most from getting lotus' bracelet killed her' and seeing ace has the lowest number while lotus has the highest like doesnt that make senseee. but yeah as of rn i think her outfit means she has some sort of connection to alice (maybe shes researching her?) and i still think shes a #LadyInSTEM

9 -> and whats this dudes deal huh..... he probably knows zero well in some way.. but other than that i dont know a thinggg. but also yknow considering that clover (and meee) think that snake is still alive somehow in spite of that exploded body, and that i think snake is the one banging on that coffin, this would then mean that body in the shower room is a "fake" somehow.. and wouldnt that mean that the body of the 9th man in the 5th room corridor also be a faked one somehow?? and maybe just maybe the 9th man is the one who killed us in some endings... maybe.. idk... itll be very junko enoshima if thats the case lol. but yeah i still have my thoughts on him.... HMMMM

#999 lb

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filmfirecr4cker · 2 years ago

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twin peaks notes!!!

okay so these are all my notes and thoughts on the pilot and the first episode :3 enjoy.

pilot:

“it (the story) encompasses the all. it is beyond the fire, though few would know that meaning”

“laura is the one”

god josie is actually so beautiful

sarah's paranoid has everyone caught off guard. i wonder if she knows something we dont

i love the choice they made having pete’s pov of finding laura be shot handheld. it makes it so much more off-putting and found-footagey

I LOVE LUCY SHES SO CUTE

sheriff harry truman you are so beautiful to me <3

poor andy :(

the shot of the palmer’s stairwell is so off-putting i love it

AUDREYYYYY god shes so cunty

the way leland holds onto harry’s jacket was such a good character choice

goddd shelly is so gorgeous

all the ladies are so beautiful lets be real

shelly and bobby are linking

bobby and laura were dating

laura was 17 when she died

i like the detail of aurdey changing from her oxfords to red heels when she gets to school

james’s goofy ass haircut.. like girl whatever

the last time mrs. palmer saw laura was 9pm

she had just come from bobby’s

laura’s phone rang sometime that night

the wide shot of the pulaski girl walking across the bridge is so fucking good

james said “laura was the one” which is probably referencing the fact that she was the one for him but its also an echo of the log lady said in the intro as well sooo

AHHHHHHHHHH SPECIAL AGENT DALE COOPER FBI MY POOKIE BUTTTTTTTT

oh my god i love him so so much actually

i like how harry and coop meet at the end of the hallway and walk towards the camera and then the camera starts moving with them

coop is actually so funny i love him. him and his trees

you can tell harry fell for him right when he asked about the firs BWHAHAHA

while they were in the elevator, there was a man with one arm

ronette repeated “dont go there”

laura was dr jacoby’s patient

laura’s parents didn’t know she was seeing him.. i wonder why?

i dont know if this was intentional or not but while dr. jacoby was talking to coop and harry, he was touching the hula girl on his tie under her skirt. idk i just noticed it and it weirded me out. fucking freak

laura had a letter "r" under her nail on her ring finger. it seems like the killer is leaving a clue maybe??

apparently this is something coop has seen before

snake and donna are dating

laura’s last diary entry was “asparagus for dinner again. i hate asparagus. does this mean ill never grow up? nervous about meeting j tonight.”

i love how lynch creates the atmosphere of twin peaks. it feels wet and cold

“tell harry i didn’t cry.” oh andyyyyyy he’s so sweet. poor thing

the video tape of donna and laura is so cute

coop is so good at his job. thats my man

“you didn’t love her anyway” YEAH GET HIS ASS GET HIM

audrey loves to cause problems on purpose and i support her

snake and that gayass pose he does up against the wall

laura was cheating on bobby with james

donna definitely had feelings for laura and she fell into the trap of being in love with her best friend then hooking up with the boy she was with to feel close to her “i wanna kiss his lips bc they taste like you” kind of vibe yk?

love all the shots of the woods

did ronette escape or was she let go?

the found laura’s half heart necklace and a note that says “fire walk with me” written in blood

james has the other half

in the deposit box they found a flesh world magazine with ronette’s picture circled inside it and about $10,000 cash

and there’s a pic of leo’s truck in the mag as well

leo is shelly’s abusive ugly fucking husband. i hope he dies

shelly is cheating on him with bobby

the actor that plays leo is so bad LMAOOO

the snowshoe rabbit :((((

coop is so fascinated by the flora and fauna of twin peaks and i love how he tells harry all about it (asking him questions and stuff). its so sweet

andrew packard was josie’s late husband who died in a boating accident a little over a year prior and he was katherine's brother. josie ended up inheriting everything that katherine would have so i guess that explains why she has a stick up her ass...

log lady is here!!! love her

harry and coop are literally “me and the bad bitch i pulled by being autistic” LMAOOOO

i love harry sm. he's always looking out for everyone; hes such a good sheriff <3

teresa banks was the case that coop had mentioned earlier that made him think that laura’s death was connected somehow

donna’s sister harriet is so cute. her being a poet and everything

bobby is so annoying smhhhh

“oh we’ll find her. dont you worry about that.” now why would you say it like that TO HER DAD YOU FREAK oh my god boys are so fucking stupid and creepy

i wonder why snake and bobby are called “mutt” and “jeff” by joey and scotty????

ed and norma are having an affair and it seems like they’ve had feelings for each other for a while

norma’s husband is in jail for manslaughter (yikes bitch)

oh coop is whittling i love him :((

HIS LITTLE THUMBS UP GOD

he’s by best friend guys like actually

“you think they spotted us?” “gimme a donut.” LMAOOOOO LIKE???

laura was wrapped up in some fucked up stuff apparently

“i knew her more that she thought i did.” ughhhhhhhhh kms

bobby killed somebody!!

OOOOO THEY KISSED DONNA AND JAMES KISSED!! god it kinda was gross like they were literally eating each other’s faces BWHAHHA

they buried their half of the necklace

bobby is such a punk bitch

OH MY GOD WHY DOES HE HAVE THOSE FUCKING CRAZY EYES DAMN

james looks like a cornered dog

awww doc hayward and donna’s relationship is so sweet smhhh

lucy is such an angel with her little donut buffet

EWWWWWWW WHY ARE THEY (snake and bobby) BARKING FUCKING TWEAKERS GODDAMN?!??!??!

josie and harry are so so cuteeeeeeee i love them

harry literally pulled the baddest bitches in the entire show

katherine is plotting evilly in her armchair WITH MR HORNE

god i love how foreboding the shot of the palmers stairwell is

someone found the necklace donna and james buried and it looks like mrs. palmer had a vision about that or something??

lots of cheaters in this town LMAOOO

"it's beyond the fire" and "fire walk with me" what is the fire???

episode 1:

“behind all things are reasons. reasons can even explain the absurd.”

HIS ASS IS UPSIDE DOWN LMAOOO

his fucking sock garters COME ON

“diane, it struck me again earlier this morning. there are two things that continue to trouble me and im speaking now not only as an agent of the bureau but also as a human being. what really went on between marilyn monroe and the kennedys? and who really pulled the trigger on jfk?” LIKE BITCH!!! I HATE HIM (affectionately)

coop is so real for being transfixed with audrey bc me too

laura tutored audrey’s brother johnny

johnny is said to have “emotional problems” bc he’s 27 and in the third grade. im assuming its some mental disability

audrey said that “emotional problems” run in the family

audrey you are so strange girl. love you tho

i love how everybody in the station has donuts in their mouths LMAOOOO

i also love how coop says "three for three" after he sees andy, lucy, and harry all eating donuts

laura’s cause of death was blood loss

leo has a big old blood stain on one of his shirts :0

EW YOU FREAK LET GO OF HER GOD

his nasty ass ponytail fucking barf

laura was doing cocaine

james has been the only one who seems to have been the most honest whilst being interrogated (yk excluding the part about the locket)

laura, bobby, and snake have been in cahoots with leo. im guessing it has to do with drugs

laura’s video played again and it stopped on a frame of her face and her voice whispered “help me”

big ed is james’s uncle

harry knows about ed and norma

someone drugged ed at the roadhouse

coop has some of his FBI guys coming down to examine laura’s body

ed gave a little gesture to hawk when he returned james back to him, which hawk mirrored back to him. they seem to be touching the side of their eyes/temples? and wiping down, like a tear maybe??? what’s up with that?

james’s mom is out of town

HEHEHHEHE HARRY CALLING THEM SHERLOCK AND WATSON

pete and josie have a sweet relationship too :((

pete kind of reminds me of my dad a little bit

laura helped josie with her english

she aid that the last time she saw laura, she was upset about something but they didn’t talk about it. laura then told josie “i think i now understand how you feel about your husbands death.” whatever that means

katherine is such a cunt i hate her so much

of course cooper would know what shenanigans means

katherine is cheating on pete with benjamin horne. gross.

she and mr. horne are trying to bankrupt the mill. he also suggests that they burn it down

EWWWWW OH MY GOD HES KISSING/SUCKING HER TOESSSSS NOOOOOOOOO

so donna went over to the palmer’s house, and sarah suddenly hallucinated and thought donna was laura. then she saw a creepy guy crouching and looking up at her from a bed? and promptly started freaking out

rosette worked at the horne’s department store as a salesgirl at the perfume counter and joked it was “the sweet job she ever had”

the one armed man is back!!!

“laura died two days ago. i lost you years ago.” mr. horne said this to audrey and it gives us some insight into their relationship (i hope they elaborate on this more in the future)

okay so it looks like bobby comes from a religious and military home

his father is def the dominant head of the family. he has a strong presence and his wife seems to be more meek compared to him. very “good christian wife” core. thats not a dig at her, she seems sweet enough, but when general briggs slaps bobby for putting a cigarette in his mouth at dinner, she does nothing about it

laura helped norma with the “meals on wheels program” that laura helped organize. she really does seem like such a golden child

the log apparently saw something the night laura died

god, the way shelly’s face dropped when leo asked about his shirt gave me chills

laura recorded tapes for dr. jacoby

“i just know im gonna get lost in those woods again tonight. i just know it.” (laura on one of her tapes)

she also mentioned a “mystery man”. i wonder if its the creepy guy sarah hallucinated or something

ohhhhh so it was dr. jacoby who found the other half of the necklace

#thats all for today!!#very excited to continue my viewing #twin peaks #laura palmer #special agent dale cooper #sheriff harry truman

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echantedtoon · 2 years ago

Text

Demon Bride Ch35 When In Rome- Or A Demon Dimension

(Warnings!!: Mentioning of death, illnesses, suicide, killing and abandonment in Akaza's backstory. ALSO DB Akaza's backstory is changed slightly to fit the au surroundings more.)

"You're really sure you can walk by yourself? You fainted for a few minutes." A blue tipped hand gently held your head, concern in those golden blue eyes. "Are you sure you don't need a doctor? Or want me to carry you? Or some water-"

"Akaza. I'm perfectly fine now. As long as you don't push me into your chest again."

"Is that it? Did I accidentally smother you making you lose air?! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I forget my own strength sometimes."

"You didn't squeeze the air out of me so calm down.. Although you might've smothered me a bit."

You had thankfully survived your 'death by abs' encounter Akaza gave you you, although it did take you a few minutes to recover but now you were here standing with the last remains of red fading away from your face as you dusted yourself off and took a giant breath before turning back to the one green eyed demon who never stopped smiling in that spoiled-suck up smug 'i think I'm better than you' way. His old features made him look much older than Akaza but not as old as Mr. Hantengu. He looked to be maybe in his late forties if you had to go by human years. He bowed to you again never losing that greesy smile.

"I don't believe I had a chance to introduce myself."

"No." You shook your head no. "You haven't. Who are you?"

A proud hand pressed against his chest. "I am Kakski. The head caretaker and supervisor of the Kizuki Dwell and the man who makes sure every inch of this magnificent place is run smoothly. And just let me say that it is so lovely to finally have a proper resident to care for again." He sighed in tired form. "So far our only occupant has been Mr. Hantengu but it can be rather difficult to deal with him."

You gained a surprise look. "Mr. Hantengu is here?"

"He was brought here by Lord Muzan's orders to live out the rest of his days in comfort retirement," Akaza explained making you look at him. "Only the Twelve Kizuki and their immediate family are allowed to stay here. Since there's no one to take care of him at home anymore with all his sons busy, the Master thought it was best to move the old man here for better care." His eyes narrowed. "That being said, I Hope you've been treating your elders with the proper respect."

Kakski made an audible gulp smiling nervously at the frowning Lord before him. "O-O-Of course we have. N-N-Nothing but the best for our Lords' families!"

"I should hope so. I'd hate to see what would happen if his sons or the Master found out any of the former Kizuki weren't getting the proper respect they deserved. Hmm. In fact, while I'm here I might as well see Hantengu and congratulate him on his retirement."

"N-N-Now?! Ah! I mean of course!" He bowed deeply to Akaza. "I would be delighted to escort you inside. P-Please follow me."

You blinked at Kakski turning to gesture you all inside and only started walking after Akaza went in and disappeared through the door with Rui shimmying I'm behind him. You slowly followed inside and paused. Your eyes widened. Your head shook and you blinked again at what you saw.

Oh my gods...

If Kyogai's mansion was classy and if the sanctuary at the Entertainment District was fancy then this layout beat both of them out of the running by being ABSOLUTELY HIGH CLASS ROYALTY. Everywhere your teeny eyes looked it was like they had been dipped in liquid gold and saw only a king's luxury of a home here. Tall halls polished so much it left literal long reflections of you in every wooden surface. Paintings so big they were at least three humans long and one human tall depicting the most beautiful scenes captured expertly in paint. Random furniture made of the darkest wood carved with patterns into every inch of it. Vases made of procelyn infused with jewelers. Chandeliers of pure gold. Rugs handwoven by weavers with such skill you thought they were paintings laying on the perfectly polished floors. Your jaw dropped and eyes nearly popped out of your skull at at least ten men and women stood on each side of the hallway before bowing in perfect sink with smiles plastered on all their faces. But what shocked you the most was how beautifully dressed they all were.

The women (with all different demonic features ranging from horns to wings and everything in-between) were all dressed up in beautifully patterned silk kimonos in every bright color of the rainbow, and hair and make up done up in the skill of an Oiran. The men weren't as dolled up as the ladies but they all looked fairly strong, fit, and all wore matching silk black robes so smooth not even a wrinkle was present.

''Welcome Lord and Lady," they all spoke at once in that bow and big smiles.

You were astonished to say the least before you slowly looked back to Kakski and noticed a yellow skinned old woman of similar age stood next to him in matching clothing but still filled up like the other women. "Who are these people? Are they related to the Kizuki too?"

Kakski laughed making you frown. "Oh my Lady. You have such a sense of humor. Of course they don't live here. These fine young men and women are just a small handful of the servants who will serve you here."

Your eyes widened looking between this old couple and the other demons. "These people are servants?! ALL OF THEM?!"

"Of course! But only a handful of our staff is here. There's many others who're busy working right now."

"What exactly do these people do?" Apply make up? Gospel? Oh don't say they were all concubines of some kind!

"Oh the usual. Cook, clean, serve whomever stays here, some even clean the pools of water and feed the koi-"

"They cook and clean while dressed beautifully as if they were attending a ball?"

Kakski paused for a moment before a grateful look passed over him and he pressed a hand to his chest. "You think our staff is beautiful?! Why that's such an honor to hear from the first Lady we've had here in three thousand years!" His one eye closed in pride. "Yes. Our staff takes pride in how EVERYTHING looks perfect here. The floors, the pools, and even including ourselves. Nothing but the best FOR the best. Our looks should match our work."

"But isn't that a little unorthodox? Working in such fancy attire?"

"But of course. All of our staff are from noble family lines, it's a great honor to be able to work here so close to the Kizuki." He proudly held up a hand. "Not only that but they are all highly educated in reading, writing, maths, and human culture! So they should have no problem interacting with you."

What were you? Some kind of alien?! You supposed he meant that as some kind of comfort but it came off as more of a brag. "Who's the woman next to you?"

"This lovely woman is my beautiful wife Yoko~," Kakski purred and just stared in a loving way at the woman next to him, "She's the head maid you know.~ And gets lovelier every single day I bask in her presence.~ My daughter takes after her you know.~"

"Kakski, stop. You're embarrassing the both of us," she chided with a small push to the man's chest but she didn't stop smiling. "You're wasting their time on your rambling as well."

"Forgive me. I couldn't help but introduce them to the most beautiful woman since our first Queen.~" You didn't know whether to feel happy that this skeezy demon had at least one good thing to say about him or feel annoyed at the whole situation. "But you are right. I'm getting too distracted. I'll happily escort Lord Akaza to Former Lord Hantengu's dwelling. In the meantime I'm sure my wife would be happy to show Lady Y/n here to her room." He then bowed. "If you would please follow us."

You glanced in question at Akaza who just nodded back. "Go ahead. I'll be back to check on you in a little while."

With nothing else to do right now you'd follow this Yoko person and see what was in store for you.

"Follow me, My Lady," the older woman spoke with a bow. Her tone was less greasy but it still held that suck up element to it which made you frown as she turned and began stepping down the corridor and with a final look at Akaza you followed.

Rui followed behind toddling along with his arms full of the knick knacks you dropped. It felt very strange to you walking past the rows of men and women that still smiled at you. The strange arrangement of this place was so baffling to you and you just stepped in here. They had noblemen and women as servants to other noblemen and women. It was so strange to you but you supposed this was more of that cultural difference between humans and demons. You only began to see more royal like halls littering ever direction you took and it ...

You turned your nose up at all of it.

What was the literal point of all of this? The fancy things that sparkled and shined were only just that, things to be looked at and admired. It held no real value unless you sold it and made money for use. What was wrong with just a small house in the country side, maybe a small garden, with just maybe a few animals to keep you company. Maybe you'd even settle down and have a small family of your own once you're done traveling and seeing everything you wanted too see. Of course you'd have to figure out what to do about this entire demon fiance situation.... You'd ask to talk with that Muzan guy and his wife. If you spoke to him about your feelings he'd have to call the whole thing off, and with his wife there he wouldn't be able to get around the topic.

...Hmm. You wondered how exactly you could call off all of these engagements? You could probably return these 'gifts' back to everyone and tell them no but there was a few problems with that plan. The first being that even IF you told them you didn't want to be married or courted that might not stop them from trying anyways. You remembered when you were very blunt and honest with Kaigaku and he still insisted on making you wear the magatama charm as a courting gift and still refused to let you go easily. On top of that both Kyogai and Akaza gave you gifts too despite agreeing to not wanting to court you either. Perhaps if you just spoke to Muzan's wife? She seemed like a very sensible person . You were sure she'd be able to straighten things out. The question was how were you going to get her attention?

"Oof!" You bumped right into Yoko when she stopped and Rui bumped right behind you blinking.

She only smiled at you. "We're here, Lady Y/n." She gestured to the shiny polished sliding door. "Won't you please come in? We've been preparing it for days hearing about your arrival days ago."

"Oh, swell," you mumbled deadpanned.

Still Yoko smiled at you grabbing the door. "Don't worry. We've ensured that the room was nothing but comfortable with you in mind. Come." With that she slid the door right open.

You stared. Rui stared peeking around your legs. Yoko smiled proudly at herself.

.....What the hell was THIS?!

You face dropped as the first thing you saw was a giant vanity complete with a giant mirror and stacked with make up and at least eight different perfume bottles. Instantly you felt yourself groan and cringing at just the memory of that stuff caking your face. Next to that was an extremely lacy pink colored futon and surrounding the room around those two things were just..well...Hmm. What was the best way to describe all this??

Overly exaggeratedly girly.

Seriously?! How could one room have ten vases of flowers, such frilly decor, and enough bright colors to outshine a rainbow?! You could only stare at it before furrowing your brow and you couldn't help but think that this room would be better fitted for someone like Mitsuri or that Oiran you saw.

".....You must have the wrong room. There's no way THIS is mine."

"Oh but believe me it is!," Yoko insisted walking inside, "I understand you must not be used to such things. Here you have everything a young lady of your status could ever need! The bathroom is just through that door there." She gestured to a door on the opposite side of the wall. "Ooh. And here we have my favorite part of any ladies room." She excited cooed before just walking over to another door and pulling it back to reveal clothing. LOTS OF CLOTHING. So much it looked like it would spill out of the closet at any moment. "We didn't know your exact size so we just gathered various things but there's so much for you to chose from. So many gorgeous shoes and dresses to chose from."

You stared. War flashbacks of being squeezed into too tight shoes so tight they literally hurt when you even stood and forced into so many layers of clothing you felt like you were inside a volcano and make up so sticky that your face felt like it was clay clung onto your face and your hair pinned up so tight it hurt your scalp passed through your mind. And your eyes widened.

"So what do you think? It's absolutely delightful isn't it?"

"........I need a major change in rooms. NOW."

And that's how you were taken to a much LESS eyesore of a room and was fitted with still fancy but less of a nightmarish eyesore. It was about as fancy as the room you stayed in at the red light district but that was ok. Currently you were quite content with the room which just so happened to have a connecting room for Rui to have his own space. Although right now he chose to lean against your back sitting down and reading a book in his hands.

"I don't understand. I've never seen a woman who turned down every luxury she could ever want so fast." You paid no mind to the demon staring unbelieving at you. "Denying yourself of so much."

"I prefer simple clothes like the one I'm wearing right now. Not to say I don't appreciate all your hard work, but I just prefer things my own style," you explained calmly. The small pile of 'gifts' right beside you. You'd even taken off the sash and necklaces tied around you added to the pile. "Also I don't need or even want servants to dress me up in the morning. Im more than capable of doing that myself."

"But-"

"No butts. Butts are for sitting on." You sent a frown her way. "Do you even know how disturbing it is to sleep and then wake up to a total stranger in your room? Furthermore do you know how much creepier it is for that stranger to try to bath you and dress you up like you're a doll?" You gave a shudder. "Im a grown woman and I can take care of those things myself." Rui tapped you on the back and you gave him a look as well. "..And I didn't want anyone invading Rui's privacy as well. He can look after himself mostly and I'm going to be right here if he needs anything else."

Yoko slapped a hand to her cheek. "You don't want ANY servants?"

"Well.... I'll still need someone to clean our rooms and bring us food but that's all we'll need you all to do." You waved a hand at her. "If I need anything else I'll ask someone for it."

Yoko looked about ready to faint but was stopped when loud footsteps approached the open door and a moment later a large figure appeared. "You've only been here for a few hours and already you're causing such a stir up." Yoko jumped and everyone turned to Akaza standing in the doorway looking amused. "The servants are already in shock at your refusal of so many gifts."

"Akaza!" "Father!"

Rui was first to respond to the tall demon by standing up and running up to the grinning man, grabbing at and tugging his pants leg. "I have an entire room to myself. We can share the space so Mother can have her own courters."

It made Akaza chuckle and pat his head. "That's nice of you to offer but I can't stay for long. I'll have to go take care of some of Kokushibo's duties since he'll be extra busy. That'll be all you can leave us now." Yoko only nodded before walking away.

"How's Mr. Hantengu?"

Akaza nodded. "He's doing just fine. They're treating him well enough, although he keeps asking for his children. *sigh* What a mess everything is. It'll take a while to clean everything up."

"Is it that bad?"

"No. Worse." He counted on his fingers. "There's the rebuilding of the Tsuzumi Mansion, AND we have to clear out all the trees in the Yokai Forest that was destroyed in the fight between those assholes and Kaigaku. And then once all the dead trees ARE cleared we have to replant new ones to replace the damaged ones. Then there's the matter of the responsibilities."

"What responsibilities?"

He groaned allowing his shoulders to drop. "Kokushibo will be too busy with everything else for his regular duties, so until he's able to finish it, I'll be responsible for all of the things he'd usually do. Which means I won't be around to help you for a long while."

Your face dropped at this and so did Rui's. "What? That's not fair!"

He shrugged. "It's the way of the Kizuki, but that's not the reason why I'm here. May I come in and talk to you?" Oh right. Akaza wouldn't come into any women's room without direct permission. That's why he still stood outside the doorway. So you nodded and he stepped in, tail sliding the door behind him. "Thank you. I understand if this is very sudden. B-But I wanted to make my intentions clear." You only watched as he kneeled to sit on his knees in front of you. Rui patted along, looked over Akaza.... before sitting in the same position Akaza did. He noticed the pile of 'gifts' right next to him, plucking out the pink beaded anklet of his he gifted you as a necklace. "I see you've seen my gift. ...What do you think of it?"

You blinked glancing at his legs to notice the missing anklet from his right leg. "...I think it's very beautiful and very nice of you to give to me, but I thought we agreed that I didn't really ask you to marry me and it was all a misunderstanding.''

"We did agree on that, and I know you really didn't ask me to marry you at all."

"Then why did you give me your anklet? Was it just to make the others back away?"

"Well...I did do that as a way to protect Rui and yourself, but there's another reason for it." You jumped and your eyes widened as his hand gently grabbed one of yours and a sheen of pink spread across his face. "The second reason is because....I-I love you, Y/n. I love you, and I've never felt this way since Koyuki."

"Koyuki?" What was 'Koyuki'? Was that a name? Who's name was that? "Who's Koyuki?"

"She is my ex fiance." Your eyes widened and blinked surprised at him. "There's no need to worry. She's....been deceased for quite some time now." Golden blue eyes looked towards the side and his ears dropped at the mention of her and the increased squeeze of your hand had you knowing he tensed up some. "... That's..what I wanted you to know."

"Akaza...I'm so sorry." Your hand squeezed his back and you leaned your head to the right to try to look at his face but that only resulted in him squeezing his eyes shut. "What happened?' He was eerily quiet and didn't move to which you grew more concerned. Perhaps it was too touchy a subject. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. You don't have to tell me anything."

He still remained quiet but slowly spoke. "If...I tell you-" he still didn't look up or open his eyes, but gave a shaky exhale that shook his entire body. "... I'll have to reveal a part of myself to you that would scare you away...and...I don't want to lose someone else important to me."

"I can handle it, and I promise I won't judge you for anything, Akaza. I always keep my promises but that choice is completely up to you. I won't force you to tell me anything unless you want to."

He still remained silent and just sat there for a moment. "....I wasn't meant to be a demon."

You blinked. "What?"

"I wasn't meant to be human. My mother was demon, but my father...was a human." He finally opened his eyes and looked at your confused eyes. "Heh..Of course you would be confused. Let me explain. Demons and humans are never meant to have children together. Whenever they do have a child together it always results in human children. Only one percent of those children are actually born demon....I guess I'm a part of that percent."

Well you were surprised by that biology lesson. Did Akaza feel guilty about being born the way he was?

"My mother passed away long before I could even walk as an infant," he continued making you jump back to him, "But...I don't really remember my father taking care of me." His brows furrowed in a way that made him look like he tried to remember something that wasn't there. "For as long as I could remember it had always been me taking care of him. ...Maybe that's why I can't remember any childhood."

"Was he very old?"

He jolted blinking at what you said. "Huh? Oh..N-No. It was actually the opposite of that. He was...always very sick. I couldn't always afford the medicine he desperately needed. Too many people and not enough money to go around... That's how I got myself in so much trouble. In order to get any medicine for him I had resorted myself to stealing. Which ... wasn't a good idea in hindsight." A free hand rubbed his neck ashamed. "A demon child stealing didn't really help with my reputation of looking monstrous...I must've shamed my father so much thinking back on it."

"Oh, Akaza. I don't think he would've. I can't say that what you did was a good thing, but it was the only way you could get what your father needed. I don't think any father would be ashamed of their son trying to help him."

"Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know... Maybe it was too much stress for him. Maybe he couldn't take being sick anymore. Maybe I did shame him too much. But, for whatever reason, he took his own life." You leaned back a bit wide eyed as Akaza once again looked down at his lap guiltily. "I'm... ashamed of what I became after that. You see..If they didn't think I was monster before, they sure did after. In my rage and grief my stupid younger self picked many fights, I nearly killed many people, it was only when Koyuki's father stopped me did my senseless rage end."

Rui felt himself getting tired and his eyes closing. It's been a long day for him and it was getting harder and harder for him to stay awake.

"Is that...how you met her?"

He slowly nodded before giving a sad chuckle. "It's really funny now looking back on that moment. I must've looked absolutely scary to everyone being a demon and fighting everyone left and right. Then this cheery man comes along all smiles and takes me down in under ten minutes. I'd give anything to see my younger me's dumb face in that moment. He's... actually the one who took me in and gave me a job, and a home, and what purpose I could have. And..." You watched him immediately blush and look away embarrassed. "Gods...I wished you could've met her. She was so .. beautiful. She was the kindest, softest woman I've ever met. She didn't even seem to mind my appearance...AH!! STUPID!!" He slapped himself making you blink and Rui sit up again blinking sleepily. "Here I am wanting to court you and I speak of another woman! How shameful of me."

You blinked...then you giggled at his obvious blushing face making him flush a deeper pink. "Not at all. I think you're really cute when you talk about your family. I really like Koyuki already." You smiled wider. "She sounds like such a beautiful woman. No wonder you fell in love with her."

Your words only turned the deeper pink to a shade of red before he swallowed and frowned again. "Yes...From there he trained me as his own and, for a while, life was...better. Not perfect but better. You see...Koyuki much like my father was very sick for most of her life, but I never once complained. She was worth the effort I soon found out. I had everything a man could want. It was actually Koyuki's father who had the idea of engaging us and passing on his dojo to me once he retired.....I never should've left them alone."

That grim look of his was back and your smile slowly faded. "...Akaza?"

"...They were poisoned. Murdered." His free hand cracked the bones inside as a fist formed and veins popped up all along his arms. A hiss escaped his throat as his his fangs grit together. "I HATE them. I still hate every single one of them. They took them both away from me."

"Them? Them who?"

"A rival dojo at the time. They were the ones who poisoned the water supply. T-That's how they took her from me." The grip tightened up as he tensed up more. The chest rising up and down faster with slightly heavier breaths. "Everything I ever had...all of it was just...gone." Don't cry don't cry don't cry. "And I killed them. One by one. They dropped like flies. All of them. I made them suffer for everything they did. If the innocent couldn't have life then neither could they. I killed them!....I-I....killed them..." Fluffy pink lashes welding up with tears looked at your stunned face. "....I killed them...Y/n... I'm a murderer and I..I don't think I could hide that from you." His chest heaved. A small little figure snored happily away pressed into his soft side. It's his fault that the kid was here. "...It's my fault. All of it..and it's my fault he's here. It's my fault he's fatherless." A free hand reached up to cover his eyes. "I killed him."

"Who?"

He choked. "Rui's Father. Im responsible for his death." A sob finally choked from his throat. "I-....I have nothing to say that would make that fact ok."

Purple eyes widened. "Akaza."

"I know..I shouldn't cry-"

"What? No!" He was surprised by the strength that freed your hand from his but .ore shocked at the hands that grabbed his cheeks. You had to stand in order to look him in the eyes with a stern look. "You should be able to cry. You went through so much heartbreak and got so much stress built up on your shoulders already. Who wouldn't cry if they lost so many people you loved? I would be concerned if you didn't cry."

Shiny tears clung to that pretty pale skin as he stared at you. Fluffy eyelashes almost losing their fluffiness from the water. "I'm a..man... we're not supposed to-"

"Bullshit! Crying doesn't make you less of a man. People cry for all kinds of reasons. Some people get so stressed out or frustrated they cry. Some people cry because they're so scared they can't help it. Others cry in anger or when they get something in their eyes. Some people can cry crocodile tears even." He nearly sobbed as a thumb wiped away one tear coming from his eyes. "But a lot of times... People cry when they're sad or heartbroken. And why shouldn't they? It's healthy and good to cry every so often. For men and women. And you know what...I like you when you cry." He blinked as another hand wiped as his cheek. "I like you when you smile too. Or when you get angry. Or flustered. Or when you're sad. Showing so much makes you so strong. So don't be afraid to cry, especially for someone you loved to much. I would NEVER think of you as anything less than who you really are for that." You made to clarify firmly. "I love that about you. I love you for you. So go ahead and cry."

At first he didn't react...just sat there on his knees looking up at you for a moment before his lips quivered and eyes crinkled up. Leaning forward, the Upper Moon Three pushed his face into the green cloth of a kimono, two arms wrapped around the torso of the woman in front of him. And the muffled sobs of the demon echoed throughout the room from Akaza's heaving lungs. Two smaller hands soothed the crying running along his hair and upper back. It could be a small gesture but to him..it meant so much. Slowly minute after minute passed and slowly, slowly things calmed down. The heaving stopped. The sobs stopped. The tears even stopped. But the grip on her like a lifeline remained. Until the head looked back up as two soft hands placed themselves back on those cheeks.

"Y/n.."

A face closed in. Purple eyes widened in shock. And a small seal of love was proven. And a promise was mumbled from his kiss.

"I promise you I will protect you. I will be the best father I can be for Rui." Golden blue eyes narrowed. His hug increasing slightly. "And I promise you...I don't plan on losing more people I love so easily.''

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divorcingjimmatthews · 2 years ago

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season 2 episode 5 reactions as i watch

huge spoilers obviously

(this is mostly for myself to have somewhere to scream as i go, its LONG AF youve been warned)

RANDALL IS SCARING ME SO MUCH LIKE PLEASE DONT BANG ON STUFF WHAT IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY MAKE THE TALISMAN FALL I AM HAVING A HEART ATTACK WITH THIS SCENE. RANDALL STOP STOP STOP YOURE GOING TO DIE DUDE

(straight up cant watch the rest of the episode because i paused it and cant bring myself to unpause lmaooo. from ends here for me i guess)

ok its over thank god

JADE STOP DRINKING SOMEONE HELP THIS MAN. hes even sleeping with the fucking journal like please he needs 20 interventions

also dammit he actually moved to the bar i accidentally manifested it LMAO

can the show please stop torturing this man with the hallucinations please and thank you

TABITHA IS IN MAMA WOLF MODE LETS GO

boyd defending sara... knowing what happened to his wife and what she did... oh man. this hurts. knowing tabitha also lost a child before turns the intensity of all this to eleven millions

LMAO ok someone calling tabitha out for her basement hole and its consequences at long last. i love tabitha but like it has to be acknowledged

"That part i cant help you with" dang Good Line

honestly cant even imagine how sara is feeling i dont know what id be doing in her situation like just watching it stresses me so much.

ETHAN BABY :'(((( im sobbing

KRISTI IS SO PRETTY oh my god i am so bisexual right now. she cant just do this. the shirtttt. i think im seeing the sweetest and most beautiful woman in the world

dhsjfhsh marielle doing the same thing with the shirt that i had the reader do in my fic i cant even

"For a long time it smelled like you. Now it just smells" i laughed so hard

"Youre still you" 🥺

SARA GIRL WHAT ARE YOU DOING ARE YOU TRYING TO GET K oh yeah wait she probably is

oh its her house ok god i thought she'd gone to the matthews'

NEW HOUSE WHO DIS

cant belive an extra got one of the few houses this is so funny to me for no reason

this scene gosh. ouch. ouch. im taking 2 damage per second watching this episode

JADE. the bottles. jade my beloved this is point of no return level stuff. mrs Liu please come get him home

VICTOR

victoooor

"You dont look good" im losing it

thank you victor

victor 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 i love him. the sweetest

JADE IM GOING TO STRANGLE YOU DONT BE LIKE THISSS

"WAIT" i fucking cant i love this man

"This took me all fucking night" jade never stop being the funniest mf on the planet please

jim calling tabitha tabby is so sweet it got me

"Faith. In you" oh boy. Oh man. Oh boy oh man. This scene. How is this show hitting every singe fucking note.

donna brought up abby omgomg

OK BUT CAN YOU BLAME HIM FOR WANTING TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE THIS TIME

(maybe)

(arghhhh this is so hard)

"only monsters live in the woods" ethan i love everything you say. go my boy

(sara voice) okay

"The trees theyre changing" i love how victor is 100% harmless but could NOT be any more ominous lmaooo

CAR GRAVEYARD

"When i was alone i moved the cars because i didnt want to see them. Theres a lot more behind the rocks but those were already here" GODDAMMIT

no but victor is literally the sweetest man on earth. you were rightfully angry victor !! jade now you apologise.

"okay" ill kill him

victor sitting on the car 🥺🥺🥺🥺 im going to cry

what a scene. my god.

SARA HAS ONLY BEEN THERE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS?

"Do you live here in town" ELGIN i love you

poor julie if she knew her crush is out there flirting with the local murderer

"I like what i like and i like owls" based. thats me writing 300 jade posts per day

oh boy this scene (me about every scene)

"THAT PART ALWAYS SEEMED A BIT LIKE WISHFUL THINKING TO ME" im. ill be processing for 3 years

"Did you do something that needs forgiving?" elgin my sweet boy

jim rightly proud of his badass kid

"you put hate inside me" :'(

is she gonna give her her stuff damn shes too nice

a part of me is feeling like shes gonna smash it tho lmao

SORRY FOR DOUBTING YOU MRS LIU

i am starting to assume that everyone forgot about tobey so jade is never even gonna know that it was sara lmao

KENNY

oh my god kenny

im hurt seeing him so hurt

TOWNSPEOPLE CAN WE GIVE KENNY A BREAK OVER HERE PLEASE WHAT R U STARING AT HES VERY RIGTHFULLY MAD HE HAS EVERY RIGHT

oh elgin

elgin youre too sweet

elginnnnn

everyones gonna hate you elgin 😭😭😭 i am suffering for you

KRISTI BECAME EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL THIS IS NOT A DRILL

now please do jade

"KRISTI WHERE ARE YOU GOING BABY STOP"

KRISTI NO NO NOOOOOO

i love her so much

"People liked him, then he changed" dont do this to me

"I am at the end of my rope" oh god

TABITHA??????

holy fucking shit im going to die of heart attack

this doesnt have captions i dont know what the creepy ghost children are saying

I WAS LITERALLY THINKING I WISHED TABITHA AND JADE WOULD INTERACT AND LOOK AT THIS NOW

i knew jim would not vote box lets goo

BOYD WHY

Randall ????

OKAY that tabitha and marielle scene from last episode was bothering me so much i cant believe i didnt think of this

what an episode my god

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hazbinextgeneration · 1 year ago

Text

Demon Bride Ch35 When In Rome- Or A Demon Dimension

Last Part Here:

https://www.tumblr.com/hazbinextgeneration/737875109290835968/demon-bride-ch34?source=share

First Part Here:

https://www.tumblr.com/hazbinextgeneration/709087246035337216/demon-bride-ch1?source=share

Next Part Here:

https://www.tumblr.com/hazbinextgeneration/739243731322060800/demon-bride-ch36-demons-are-strange?source=share

(Warnings!!: Mentioning of death, illnesses, suicide, killing and abandonment in Akaza's backstory. ALSO DB Akaza's backstory is changed slightly to fit the au surroundings more.

Also genuine question. When I write the ending should Y/n adopt Zohakuten as well?)