#murr loves attention

[bookdragonquotes]

[noxcomnia-a]

@jiwone // walpurgis 2023 festival // starter call (open!)

HE'S YOUNG BUT HE IS CERTAINLY TALENTED. It easily caught your eyes since you have quite the eye for details! And this guy must as well with how maticulously his performance was. Performing for other mages is one thing... Even at times like this, there is strangely enough trust among them all to gather and make merry despite the fact that they kill each-other and eat their corpses any other day of the year. It seems, however, that he put a lot of effort into his performance! Has he been practicing? Or maybe he is normally a performer. He has a bit of a western charm, but doesn't seem as if he was born there. Hmm, how strange! You are so curious-

"     HEY, HEY HEY!     "     It's really rude to suddenly yell at a guy as he is getting of the stage, yet here you are- floating in front of his face now, upside down. Yet your faces as mere centermeters apart from one another. You stare in his eyes before laughing.     "     Hey! I wanna know more about you! Your performance was interestin', So let me ask you some questions!     "

[causenessus]

love notes

part 0.18. MAKING MAC AND CHEESE AT TWO IN THE MORNING?

"this spot, it's all for you even if you don't come tonight, it's still for you. i stand by my reasons for wanting you, i wanna do right by you. baby baby baby, i want it to be different with you."

from different this time by corenelia murr

she greets him at the front door, dressed in a ragged hoodie and sweats. he looks just as messy in his own pair of gray sweats and a black t-shirt. they’ve known each other for too long; neither of them could care what the other looks like.

“oh my god,” she says, staring down at his hand, “you brought four boxes? i love you.”

he gives her a tired grin, eyes drooping but at least he attempted to comb his hair back at some point in the day. he looks like he’s finally recovered from however much he drank last night. “man, that onigiri did nothing for me today, bokuto stole like almost half of my food and then we were all running around. just thought i’d bring extra in case we’re still hungry.”

she follows him into the kitchen after she locks the door behind them, a spring in her step. she's happy to have someone to spend time with; she loves her roommates, of course, but she’s honestly glad atsumu’s the one who responded to her texts. her own group chat is so focused on her and rintaro that atsumu feels like the only close friend she has left who isn’t extremely involved with the situation–at least from her point of view (rintaro would disagree. atsumu’s a thorn in his side).

there’s nothing wrong with her friends looking out for her, she knows that. and in a way, it feels like the worst has already passed after what happened at onigiri miya: rintaro remembered his promise from the previous night, and now she feels a little bit more ready to confront him about their relationship. but, she also wants a moment where she doesn't have to think about it.

even her head is wrapped up thinking about the situation right now, so she’s glad to have atsumu as a distraction to keep her mind from wandering.

“oh? who are these from?” he asks, looking at the lilies placed on the middle of her counter. he passes by them as he wanders around her kitchen, opening every cabinet in search of a pot. she only watches, amused at the way their roles have switched. she’s often the one cooking for him, it feels nice to have someone else doing it for her for once.

her attention is drawn back to the flowers in front of her. the rosy pink color the petals have bloomed into never fails to catch her eye. she’s not sure if rintaro knew they would be pink when he bought them on new year's eve, or if he’d just grabbed the first bunch he’d seen. “they’re from rin,” she answers, cheek resting in her palm as she sits at the table of her kitchen. after overcoming the initial hurdle of calling him his first name, she finds it easier to say, and she likes how it rolls off her tongue.

“rin?” atsumu repeats, turning to give her a surprised look, brows raised with a teasing grin. “you’re calling rinnie poo his first name now?”

she snorts at the name, “rinnie poo? is that what you call him?”

“on special occasions,” atsumu replies, turning back to the stove where he’s boiling water before he reaches for one of the boxes of mac n’ cheese, turning it onto its side to read the instructions.

“how cute, maybe i’ll call him that one day, just to see how he reacts,” she laughs to herself, imagining how his brows will probably knit in concern and shock, hearing the nickname from her.

“it’s cute you’re calling him rin now,” he responds, and she thinks he actually looks quite at home, cooking in her kitchen. she’s not entirely sure she would trust him to cook something more complex, but at least he knows how to make the basics; maybe she’ll bother him about coming over late at night more often. “how’re you guys doing? if you don’t mind me asking, i feel like it’s been pretty chaotic in our group lately, or maybe that’s just my half, but osamu’s definitely been going crazy over you guys.”

she hums in thought at the question before he adds onto it, “you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. suna get’s on my ass sometimes for being nosy, even though he’s the same exact way.”

“no, it’s fine,” she says, still thinking. perhaps she needs to pull herself together. if everything in her life is going to keep bringing her back to this problem, she needs to stop avoiding it. “we’re good, i guess. i don’t know– i’m sure it’s obvious to everyone how much i like him, and everyone’s trying to convince me he likes me back but i’ve just been scared to ruin what we have in case they’re wrong. i’m starting to believe them, though.”

she watches him navigate around her kitchen, looking through their fridge for a carton of milk, and then a strainer. she decides to help him and points out where it is, and he has a minor accident while trying to strain the boiling water. the steam hits his skin and burns it, causing him to curse loudly and he almost drops the pot. she thinks for a second to take back what she said about him making a good cook, and she hushes him, trying to hold in her own laughter while they both sit in silence for a second, trying to make sure they didn’t wake up any of her roommates. then, before she knows it, he’s sliding a bowl of pasta across the table as he stays standing right across from her, placing his forearms on the counter and leaning forward as he digs into his own bowl. “well, then i’m not sure if this is any help but i’m pretty fucking sick of you guys too,” he says, shoving his spoon into his mouth.

she can only blink, hand frozen in air at how blunt his words are. when she doesn’t respond, he looks up and stops chewing. “oh, sorry– not like sick of you guys but if we’re all just giving up and telling the truth: no shit yeah he likes you. maybe it’s our twin intuition and ‘samu’s frustration is rubbing off on me but sometimes we see you guys together and it’s like ‘oh my god! why haven’t you guys kissed yet!’ you know?”

the only thing that comes out of her mouth is a surprised fit of laughter, “no? i mean– i guess i can see how it’s been frustrating for you guys now but i’ve been struggling with this for years so think about how i feel! it’s hard for me to trust that he actually likes me back after so long. and even now everything he’s doing is confusing me. i don’t know what to make of the fact that we’re calling almost every night, and when you guys got drunk last night, he almost made it seem like he’s been making the art he’s been sending me. you know about that, right? every time you guys go on an away game he sends me some pictures of the art he finds when you guys are wandering around or sneaking out.”

atsumu scoffs, pushing around the food in his bowl with his fork like he’s been doing for the past five minutes; he looks like he's on the verge of falling asleep. “well that’s stupid,” he starts, before he pauses to yawn. “i can’t believe you believe that. like, it’d take a fuckton of luck to just ‘stumble upon’ so much of that kind of art.” 

she tilts her head, brows furrowing, “why are you saying stumble upon like that?”

he finally looks up at her, giving her a face as if this should be easy for her to understand, “because he is making art for you, duh.”

they stare across the table from each other in complete silence, and his fork clatters onto the surface of it as he goes completely rigid before slapping a hand over his mouth another second later, “i wasn’t supposed to tell you that.”

she’s speechless, unsure if she should be more surprised about the fact it took her this long to find out or about the actual fact itself. “rin’s making that art purposely for me?” she asks, trying to make sure. “he’s making art and then sending it to me pretending that he hasn’t made it?” atsumu only looks back down at his bowl awkwardly, trying to avoid eye contact with her.

“atsumu,” she says, standing up out of her chair, not even thinking about how loud it screeches against the ground. “you have to tell me!”

“no, no, i can’t. it’s not my place!–”

he exclaims as she grabs hold of his shoulders, trying to shake him (in reality, she’s the one being shaken back and forth while he stands there like an immovable rock), “atsumu! please! did you just say he's making art for me?”

he’s looking left and right, anywhere but her, mouth running off numerous incoherent excuses before they both stop dead cold in their tracks at the sound of another voice.

“god you guys are so loud, what the fuck are you– atsumu? what the hell are you doing here?” they both turn slowly, facing the black-haired boy who's just walked into the kitchen, eyes squinting in the light.

“making mac and cheese at two in the morning?” atsumu tries to answer, sounding unsure of himself at the sight of his volleyball captain.

“omi,” she grabs his attention instead, hands dropping from atsumu’s shoulders, “is rintaro putting up art for me in other cities?”

perhaps she should take advantage of people who’ve just woken up or who are on the verge of falling asleep more often; they become so much more honest, “huh? yeah he is. like every single night we’re in another city. i’ve given up trying to stop him– oh fuck.”

atsumu lets out a sigh, knowing there’s no use trying to deny the fact now while she has the biggest smile on her face, running to hug omi, whose frozen in place. “i can’t believe you guys have been hiding this from me for so long! atsumu, you need to come over more often.”

she removes her arms from around omi’s neck, still looking up at him with a grin on her face as he looks back down at her, eyes boring into her. “what are you gonna do now?” atsumu asks from behind her, and she turns back to him, coming back to her seat at the counter.

she takes a moment to think about the question as omi comes to stand by atsumu on the other side of her, joining the conversation. “i don’t know, this is so much to take in, thinking about everything he’s sent me before,” she rambles, playing with her fingers as she thinks before she looks back up at the two boys in front of her. “but you guys aren’t joking? he’s really doing that? all for me?”

omi nods, running a hand down his face like he’s still waking up while she can’t help but let out a little squeal. atsumu only sighs. the sleep has definitely left his eyes, and he's fully awake now.

“i think i want to talk to him– and confess. or something. it’s the least i can do with how much he's already done for me. i’m the one who just hasn’t been reading the signs. but god, how am i supposed to bring it up after so long?” 

“i mean, we can all meet up again. you can see for yourself how specially he treats you, and then maybe you can pull him to the side and confess your love for him while we all stand there awkwardly,” atsumu shrugs, yelping when omi hits him while she lays her head on the counter with a tired sigh.

“no, i don’t think i can handle being around him again until i confess to him. it was already so hard just seeing him today,” she responds, stretching out her arm to fidget with atsumu’s keys, which he threw onto the table when he first walked in. she rubs her finger along the jagged edges of a bronze one when suddenly it makes her think of something. “oh, i think i got it!”

the two boys in front of her look at her, brows raised as they wait for her to continue. and she tells them the plan.

prev. | m.list | next

extras <3

i've very subtly mentioned how yn's lowkey gonna confess to rin :)

or at least where they're going/what they're going to do <3

two chapters left!!! i'm going to cry </3

tsumu obviously is calling y/n pretty platonically. sorry i'm a whore

he's so domestic pookie core <3 i have to say it again!!! i really ate when i said it the first time

they're just very chill friends. like i don't think anyone else paired up would make mac n cheese together at 2 am. maybe osamu for yn but that's it <3

i reread this written part like four times so i'm sorry if i missed any typos 😭😭 i tried i really did

taglist: @0moonii @iluvmang @bluebeanbee @wyrcan @oyasumeii @zumicho @gyuijns @nbcvs @milkteade @eggyrocks @guitarstringed-scars @makkir0ll @mylahrins @cherrypieyourface @vivian-555 @sharkerino @r0seandth0rns @staileykout @lunavixia @thvvluvr @elliott0o0 @wolffmaiden @rockleeisbaeeee @toges-cough-syrup @cnnmairoll @ryeyeyer @hibernatinghamster @localgaytrainwreck @lemonocity @bows4life @sereniteav @madiexuberant @eclecticeggknightpsychic @phoenix-eclipses @sonicsolos @httpakkeiji @brkfclub @snail-squasher @starry-magicshop @cr4yolaas @kitnootkat @zzzlevislothzzz @iluv-ace @iluvaquaphor @stayyyyyyyyyyyy21 @applepi25 @twiishaa @girlkissersco @sleepystrwbrryy @encrypta

[bubblyqueer000]

Can you write sfw and nsfw headcanons of Taka with an Ultimate Actor s/o? 👀

He’s my babygirl 😫

Kiyotaka Ishimaru x Ultimate Actor!GN!Reader

He issss!!! I wuv my pathetic blorbo!!

Man, this shit reminded me of my first time. I literally lost my virginity while impractical jokers played in the background. AND it was the ep where Murr's punishment was a prostate exam. So I was getting stuffed while Sal was in the background like 'LMFAOOOO IT LOOKS LIKE HE'S SUCKING ON A LEMON' dog that shit made me wanna die. He called me mommy tho so it was pretty dope. C:

TW//NSFW

♡ You and Taka had known eachother before you got together. 

♡ He had bothered you multiple times due to school absences when you had to prioritize your acting career over school work.

♡ “Y/N! Where have you been? You have missed three classes this week!”

♡ “Oh, I was at the movie shoot. Did I miss anything important?” 

♡ “W-What?! Every day of school is important!” He insisted. 

♡ “Jeez, alright calm down! It doesn’t matter if I skip class as long as I practice my talent! Everyone knows that!”

♡ Oooh, Taka did not like that answer. 

♡ That night, the two of you argued for hours in the halls, until it was late at night and some students yelled at you both to shut up.

♡ The next day, you were in your dorm practicing lines for the different projects you were acting in when you received a knock on your door.

♡ As expected it was Taka who burst through the door and pushed past you. You braced yourself for another lecture but it never comes. 

♡ “Y/N! Great news!” 

♡ “Um… What?”

♡ “I just decided I’m going to help you with your homework! Clear your desk!”

♡ Bro INSISTED upon it and he wasn’t taking no for an answer. 

♡ Begrudgingly, you allowed him to help and the two of you spent hours doing missing homework and studying.

♡ You hated every moment of it. 

♡ That is until he wanted to study Japanese.

♡ It was still pretty boring until he realized that you were paying very little attention, and his eyes wandered over to one of your scripts.

♡ “Hey! We’re studying public speaking at the moment! Why don’t you read this TV script to me!”

♡ “I… Can’t do that. I signed an NDA.” 

♡ “That doesn’t matter! I don’t watch TV!” Taka explained. You hesitate for a minute and then decide it couldn’t hurt as long as he tells no one.

♡ The two of you read the script all night and the next day, you’re suddenly best friends like Taka and Mondo.

♡ Months later, the movie you had been missing class for was released and you invited Taka to the premiere.

♡ It was the first time that Taka saw you in formal wear. Before then he already had a tiny crush on you, but after that, he knew he was in love.

♡ From there, he decided that decided that that was the day he would confess to you.

♡ Shortly after the movie, the two of you rode back to class and he realized that he was running out of time. Taka was a nervous wreck the entire time and finally, it was time to say good night, and he still hadn’t told you.

♡ He walked you to your room and… That was it.

♡ It was ten minutes when you got the knock on your door. Some of the other students were at the premiere so you figured that it was just them coming to congratulate you. Instead, standing at the door, was your very sweaty friend Taka, now half undressed only in a dress shirt, loosened tie, briefs, and a pair of socks.

♡ “Um… Hi Taka… Are you-”

♡ “Y/N! I… I’M… SO!” He says, between heavy breaths. “I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU!”

♡ And that was the start of your beautiful relationship. :3

NSFW:

♡ Taka isn’t interested in anything that’s not completely and totally safe, legal, and consensual. And man, does he get embarrassed about this kind of thing. 

♡ When you two of you first had sex it was in your dorm room and it was super vanilla, but also very passionate.

♡ So much kissing, hand-holding, praise, and even eye contact after a while!

♡ Taka didn’t realize how much he liked sex until after he did it with you. Although, that doesn’t say much since you were absolutely his first time.

♡ That said when you started getting busy with what you were acting in at any given time he would often visit you on set and wait for you in your dressing room. Then when it was empty… Yeah, you know where this is going lmaoooo

♡ It took Taka a long time to be comfortable because, even though a dressing room you practically own isn’t public, he sees it as very taboo.

♡ He would never admit it but he even found it kind of thrilling.

♡ Regardless, he always prefers having sex in one of your dorms, because it usually means you can take your time and you don’t have to worry about anyone hearing who might not want to.

♡ Okie that’s it! Wuv u :3

[ariicandy]

Hi. In a previous VNC request, I read that you are sick. Hope your day is going better now

What if the reader and Noe are in love with each other. But the reader is always flirting with everyone. And so Noe does not understand that she is in love with him

Fluff please

Noé x Reader But Reader is Always Flirting With Everyone

This is super cute I love this I hope I did justice to your request!! :D also ignore how lazy I didnt want to make the header cool looking 😞 and I’ve been better thanks 4 your concern!!

<3 ~ when noé figured how he liked you, it was when you were flirting with him on a pick up line, [good pick up line here], or he was probably talking about you messing with him and asked vanitas what is love like that eps. He rant on how he felt about you, feeling fuzzy and warm being near you or talking to you, saying how beautiful,pretty or handsome you are, like how love at first sight hits him from how memorizing you are.

<3 ~ His chest might get tight because of you always flirting with everyone before he knew of his feelings, he never knew why because he never felt this way with anyone so its completely new to him. Once he knew of this feeling of love, he tries to ignore that feeling and vanitas might tease/make a comment about it, “Ooo noé needing a little attention~” he sometimes won’t say directly about him being jealous but that’s rare. It might only happen is noé is gonna do something for him later that day/did that thing already.

<3 ~ He might give you more attention, I mean MORE since he already does give you his full attention than vanitas, he’s kinda mad about it lol. To the littlest sounds you make he turns to look at you and see what your doing, doesn’t matter if your doing the simplest thing like wrapping something, he will turn to watch you. Murr sometimes goes to you do noé can watch you pet him/try looking for him. Due to his constant state of annoyance, he kinda prefers being with you than his owner, its kinda sad but noé sees it that his cat has adapted to his crush’s heart so it’ll be easy for him to get along without trouble.

<3 ~ Noé will probably only confess when every single one of his friends, probably mainly vanitas, to tell you about his feelings cause they told him on how you also like him they totally didnt do a mini rant on how they said you talk about him everyday that gave him confidence on telling you his feelings all that he needed was a good place and time. He was thinking REAL hard for the perfect place, since he goes over France he might have some places he has spotted wonderful in mind, so it’s a tuff decision on these spots he thinks are good. In comes Amelia on her way to help noé! He wanted to be mean and pick a non-wonderful place but didn’t work with him since vanitas actually found it a good spot.

Now will you accept noé’s confession of his love to you??

— ˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ —

[mirikitakato]

[Translation] Reflections of the Moon in the Teardrops of Pavone: Episode 8

Cain: ...Murr, isn't there any way to save him?

Murr: Not while he's alive. Angelo is completely integrated with the Taboo Peacock. Their bodies have fused into one life. If you tear him out, what's left of him will be a corpse. He will have to live in this state, neither human, fairy, nor plant, until the tree rots. There's nothing we can do.

Akira & Cain: ......

Cain: But... at this rate, the credit for the Taboo Peacock antidote will all go to Keith.

Angelo: ...Keith?

Murr: Keith announced your research under his own name. It seems he hasn't made the actual antidote yet, though. Maybe he sneaked into the research lab after you became like this.

Angelo: ...Oh, well. Whatever, that's fine with me.

Akira: What...?

Angelo's eyes, despite his casual tone, held a surprising coldness.

Angelo: Murr, you're right. My precious Taboo Peacock doesn't need to be loved in this world. It's enough for me to love it. The antidote... maybe that's what changed Keith too. I shouldn't have made an antidote that would erase this child's individuality.

Murr: ...

Angelo: So, I don't care what happens to the antidote now. More than that, look at me now. I became one with the being I love... Isn't this the greatest happiness?

Murr: You're wrong. This isn't what you truly desire. Your deepest wish is for the antidote to be readily available and for everyone to love the Taboo Peacock. That's when you'll experience the greatest happiness. But the research is incomplete. No one has been saved by this medicine yet. Escaping into this fantasy while the work is still ongoing is a disservice to yourself. Angelo, where is the antidote?

Angelo: ...Ugh.

At Murr's words, the Taboo Peacock leaves that were sprouting from Angelo's body shook. Despite the Taboo Peacock leaves quivering at his words, Murr directed Angelo's attention to his own pocket.

Murr: That's the pen I gave you. You weren't robbed of everything by the con man. You could have made money selling this. But you didn't choose that method. Why is that? Did you value me more than the Taboo Peacock? Was it harder to be betrayed by Keith than to be hated by everyone for the Taboo Peacock? Hiding and burying the antidote - do you have no regrets about making that choice?

Angelo: ...Ughhh. You're noisy, noisy, noisy...!

Dryad: ...!!

Cain: What's that? The tree is shaking again...

Bradley: ...! You lot, get out of here!

Akira & Cain: Ah...!

Cain and I are lifted into the air by Bradley's hand around our necks. The next moment, spikes like stakes began to shoot out of the ground one after the other.

Akira: Ugh!

The sharp tree branches grazed the soles of my feet. I couldn't even imagine what would have happened if Bradley hadn't helped me.

Cain: Thanks, Bradley, you saved my life.

Bradley: Hmph, if you're grateful, just hang on here like a docile kitten.

Murr: Oh? I made you mad. Am I not good at persuasion?

Akira: Eh?

Cain: You were persuading him?! I thought you were provoking him.

Bradley: Screw this, let's get out! I'm just gonna get screwed over if I stick around. C'mon, Murr, grab my arm!

Akira: But how can we leave...

The moment I voiced my doubt, Murr, who had grabbed Bradley's arm, created a pepper spray with magic.

Murr: Brad, here goes the seasoning!

Bradley: ...Achoo!

[Scene changes]

Keith: ...Are you okay over there? You crouch down in the corner... and you look pale.

Angelo: Oh...I'm sorry. I'm in the way, aren't I? I came looking for sponsors, but I don't usually come to places with this many people. Maybe I should say I got drunk and leave...

Keith: ...Well, you’re definitely in the way.

Angelo: ...! I-I'm sorry...

Keith: So let's go.

Angelo: Eh...?

Keith: I know a place with fewer people. I'll take you there and you can rest.

Angelo: ...... You're kind...

Keith: Huh?

Angelo: I'm so lucky to meet someone so kind like you. I didn't get a single sponsor... But still, I'm glad I came here today because I met you.

Keith: …… ...Haha!

Angelo: U-uhm…? Did I say something strange?

Keith: You did. To be so touched just from meeting me... ...What a strange guy.

Keith: ......

[Flashback ends]

Bradley: ...Achoo!

Akira: ...!

Murr: Escape successful!

Akira: So that's what you meant!

Cain: Your injury is really convenient!

Bradley: And always a bit annoying, but oh well. I guess it's useful.

Murr: You're lucky, Bradley! If you'd escaped into the fireplace, we'd all be doomed!

Akira: We've been separated from Shylock and the others, so let's get back into the research insitute quickly...Oh.

Keith: ...Ah, you guys are...

Murr: Wah. Keith is still here!

Cain: Keith? That's...

Cain's expression shifted upon hearing that name. Before us stood none other than Keith.

[Scene changes]

Riquet: ...! The Taboo Peacock…!

Oz: 《Vox Nox》

Mitile, Rutile, Riquet: …!

Mitile: Thank you, Lord Oz.

Oz: I have cast a barrier around me. Do not leave my side.

Riquet: Yes…!

Rutile: But suddenly, the branches have turned into whips and... what on earth is happening?

Shylock: ...Murr, what on earth did you do in the tree?

Murr: Wanna know?

Shylock: …!

Riquet: Murr!

Akira: M-Murr…you..are…too fast…!

Bradley: Look, the Sage is gaspin' cuz you're movin' too fast.

Cain: We finally back…Is everyone safe there?

Mitile: Sir Sage!

Rutile: Mr. Bradley and Mr. Cain too...!

Shylock: I’m glad you’re okay. Thanks to Oz's barrier, we’re safe.

Oz: ...Sage, are you alright?

Akira: Yes! Thanks to you all...!

Mitile: ...Oh, that person is...

Keith: ...Uhm...

Rutile: Mr. Keith...

Cain: ...I brought him.

At Cain's words, Rutile and the others exchanged glances. Their expressions show that they, too, had learnt of what happened between Angelo and Keith.

Riquet: Cain, the Taboo Peacock told us. Keith is...

Cain: Oh, I know too. That's why I asked him to go with us.

Riquet: Why...

Cain: Because if he misses this chance, he might lose the opportunity to face Angelo forever.

Keith: ...

Cain: As an outsider, I have no intention of telling Angelo to forgive you, or you to apologize to Angelo. …But if the burden of regret has whittled you down to this, there might still be a chance for redemption. I too, had a strained relationship with someone I admired... And by the time I wanted to talk to him again, it was already too late.

His profile held a quiet pain, as if someone just touched on his unhealed wound beneath his skin.

Cain: If you want to face the consequences of what you did to Angelo, now is the time. I'm probably overstepping my bounds here, but this is what I think.

Mitile: Cain…

Keith was looking blankly at the swaying Taboo Peacock.

Keith: ...Is that really Angelo...?

Cain: Yes. After being deceived by you, his precious friend, he lost hope in this world...and had became one with the tree. There is no way to separate them and save him now.

Keith: ...Because of me...

The tree grazed Oz's barrier. At that moment, the Taboo Peacock's leaves erupted in a cascade of shiny purple drops. Falling like a mesmerizing rain, the liquid was revealed to be the Peacock's nectar. They looked like tears that could no longer be held back.

Riquet: It’s like…the Taboo Peacock tree is crying...

Shylock: ...Oz, what should we do now?

Oz: ...Seal the Taboo Peacock's movements and cast a purification spell. Step back, everyone-

Murr: Don't step back! Before that, there's something I want to test out. I want to know what conclusion Angelo came to in his research.

With that, Murr pulled out his broom, ready to rush out of the barrier at any moment.

Akira: Murr?!

Episode 7 | Episode 9

[irlcats-bracket]

Bracket 1 Round 1 Poll 7

The Murr vs Fiona vs Marble

please consider each cat carefully! don't vote just because they're famous

THE MURR

This is submitter's grumpy old man. He turned 12 years old in March. He's clingy and always is around submitter no matter what. He goes to kitty daycare and CAN behave on a leash. He has no teeth, he lost them randomly one day. Also if submitter yells he wakes up immediately and starts attacking whatever they yelled at. His favorite toy is a 2 ft long string toy and a small little crabby. He also used to climb around in walls.

has propaganda:

FIONA

cringefail and doesnt use a water bubbler. was initially submitted by someone who her owner doesn't know because she was in cringefailloser tournament. i just checked and she was tragically crushed by robby rotten. sad.

upd: was submitted by TWO different people and also by her owner as a part of the trio which i missed. in spirit of cheating allowed i'll just let her have both this spot and team spot fuck it what can i even do here she is already announced

MARBLE

tiny goblin who chewed so many cords it cost submitter hundreds of dollars in replacement. the most loving baby ever. loves to kiss fingers. cuddles constantly but also bites submittter's ass if she wants attention or to steal their chair. the prettiest kitty in the world

[cainluvr69]

Main Story 2 Chapter 20 - The Willingness to Lead (First Half)

Previous Chapter

1 - What You Can't Live Without

Eva: Listen closely, child of Bain.

Bradley: My name's Bradley. Get it through your skull already, Eva. Remember it, and I'll make it worth it.

Eva: Fufu, what an impudent little brat. Well then, I'll be sure to remember you. Listen closely, Bradley.

Bradley: Yeah.

Eva: We are Northern wizards. We bear strong and free souls. And so to live with strength and freedom… You mustn't have something you cannot live without.

Bradley: Something I can't live without?

Eva: Yes.

Bradley: Even like a magical focus?

Eva: Yes. Though you may love it as though it were an extension of yourself, you must always be ready to part with it. Both you and I are proud and solitary kings. No matter how many things we encounter capable of moving our hearts. For should your heart be stolen by someone else, you will become their prisoner.

Bradley: Prisoner? You mean just havin' something irreplaceable in the world at all makes you one?

Eva: Here in the North, acquiring something we value the same as our own lives turns that something into a chain, binding us. Just look at Oz. If there is nothing to move your heart, there is nothing you need pay heed. He has the most isolated heart in the world. And because of it, he is invincible.

Bradley: What about you, Eva?

Eva: Excuse me?

Bradley: Would you be able to get rid of something even if you loved it more than anything?

Eva: Of course. Do you really think I would be controlled by the likes of my own heart?

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: Oh, my beloved… If it were for you, I wouldn't mind changing the very nature of my soul. As long as you are always yourself, it doesn't matter if I'm no longer me.

Shylock: … I'm aware love afflicts both fools and the wise equally, but… It's still quite a sight to see someone like you throw away your pride with such vulgarities. Changing your soul isn't a gesture of love or adoration. It's an expression of dependency, is it not?

Murr: I'm fine with being dependent. Belonging to the one you love is happiness, don't you think? I don't need an immutable soul. Protecting your heart as it is is a lovely thing. Persistence is a beautiful trait. But if change is unnecessary, then that would mean both you and I wouldn't need companionship in this vast galaxy of ours. If the friction needed to polish a gem is unnecessary, then the collision, collapse, supernova, and subsequent birth of the hundreds of millions of stars shining above us is also unnecessary. I want you to hurt me and in doing so, bring something I've never noticed before to my attention. I want you to show me things I don't yet know about, leave me scared and anxious…I'd enjoy that kind of surprise. I love this beautiful world. My hands will not reach to the stars above… So I am always thinking of them.

Shylock: … Though I'm sure this will come as a disappointment… I don't know anyone who shines as brightly as you.

Murr: Ahaha. Truly, what a disappointment.

Shylock: …So please… Don't say you'll change the essence of who you are…

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: What a fun day today has been. I'd be happy if you felt the same. Zara.

???: I won't forget today until the day I die. Because of dear, kind Aria, I was able to make the best memories I shall ever have in my life…

Rustica: Let's make more wonderful memories together. As my beloved Aria's elder sister, you are my elder sister as well.

???: …

Rustica: And we are both wizards, as well. I was raised freely and unhidden in the Sapphire Castle. So, Zara. One day, you too, shall have your freedom…

???: Lord Rustica. Please let me see your face one last time before you leave… Please, closer… So that I may engrave it into my eyelids, that I never forget it.

Rustica: Please, feel free. But you needn't engrave anything anywhere. I will still come to see you regardless. As often as you wish, as long as you still desire it.

???: …Thank you very much. But, I already… Please don't say such kind things to me. I'll become more wicked by the day. Had I never met you… Had the flame of desire never ignited in my chest… I could have loved both Aria and this world.

Rustica: Zara?

???: …Such beautiful eyes… Kind eyes, in which only a beautiful world exists… From the day you were born, you were beloved by all, blessed like the protagonist of a fairy tale. Living a life unhurt, unafraid, never faced with anything filthy or unclean… I am sure your beautiful soul, Lord Rustica, will never change, no matter what the world may offer you.

Rustica: Zara. You are also beloved and celebrated, you know. I love you. And I know Aria does, too.

???: … …I love you too… …Lord Rustica…

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: ……

Cain: Owen…

Owen turned his face away, without even a smirk on his lips. I glared at him. I didn’t think I could do anything else. I couldn’t see what expression Arthur was making right now. It’s not as if I couldn’t see him because of my injury from the <Great Calamity>. But I felt so guilty, the kind of guilt that can’t be properly formed into words, that I couldn’t bear to look at him. That was when I realized something. I was trying to come up with some sort of excuse for all of this. What the hell am I doing?

Arthur: It’s alright. I have an escort. Ah, right there.

Arthur glanced over towards me. Owen was still not looking at me, his arms crossed–I’d never seen him act like this before. And then, I saw him sneak a glance at me. I just kept glaring at him full force. I’d never wanted Arthur to see me like this. I hated Owen as much as I hated myself. But for just a moment, I saw something I couldn’t put a name to flickering in his eyes. That just made me feel even more guilty, and I didn’t know why. It was as if…I was seeing the little Owen because of how messed up things had gotten. But soon enough, he met my glare with his own equally sharp one. Like a beast.

Cain: (If he’s making that kind of face, he has to be the real one.)

Arthur: Alright, thank you. Owen. Could you come here too, please?

Arthur took one of Owen’s arms and together, they came over to me. I had no idea what to do. Owen didn’t, either. All I could do was steel myself and look up at Arthur. He…wasn’t looking at me with contempt, or even disappointment. He was in his blue training outfit, and his clear blue eyes were sparkling. Seeing him like that…I felt my face turn grim, and I started to yell at him.

Cain: Artie, what are you thinking? Only high ranking military officers are allowed in here! Grunts like you should know their place!

I lightly knocked Arthur away and then jabbed my finger towards his chest. The worst thing that could happen here would be anyone else here finding out who Arthur really was. I was just trying to get him out of here safely. He looked startled at first, but upon realizing what was going on, decided to match my pace.

Arthur: My sincerest apologies. However…

Owen: You don’t need to apologize, Artie. Just sit down right there. Next to Sir Knight.

Owen roughly forced Arthur down next to me. The women and officers I’d been talking with quickly moved out of his way. It was me, Arthur, Owen, plus the women by me and Owen. That was our current lineup.

Woman: Have a glass. One for you, too.

Owen and I were handed glasses while we glared at each other over Arthur’s head. I asked him something, keeping my voice low.

Cain: What are you trying to pull? This is a dirty prank.

Owen: Hmph. The only one playing around here is you. If you’re really so sure of yourself, then surely you can keep doing the same in front of Sir Prince?

Woman: Prince?

Owen’s slip of the tongue stabbed a bit of fear into me, but he simply crossed his legs and smiled at the lady next to him.

Owen: I’m talking about myself. I’m the prince of the Cerberus Kingdom. And I’ll bite your throat out.

Owen had meant it as a threat, but because of the alcohol, the woman took it as a joke. She blushed, and then tilted back her head and presented her neck.

Woman: Ooh, how scary. But I don’t mind if you want to eat me right up.

Owen: Are you stupid? You’d get along great with Sir Knight. I’ve fed him to my dogs before, too.

Cain: Come on…

Right as I was about to argue, Arthur suddenly moved to look at me. He took up my whole field of vision, the only thing I could see.

Arthur: I need to talk to you. Err, rather, I have something I’d like to speak with you about, Sir Cain.

Cain: What’s up, Artie? Is it something so important you had to talk to me here? It’s already late. Kids should be in bed by now.

Arthur: Kids?

Arthur raised one eyebrow. I think…I made him a little mad.

Arthur: It’s an important conversation regarding your honor, Sir Cain. You are a very devoted person, but should you have betrayed yourself to that end…

I saw pale fingers extend past Arthur’s cheek, and then Owen grabbed Arthur’s face and forcibly turned his head. He murmured something into Arthur’s ear. They glanced at me during their quiet conversation, leaving me completely baffled by their newfound…familiarity. This couldn’t be anything good. I suddenly felt restless.

Arthur: …Understood.

While I was being set adrift in a sea of confusion, Arthur simply nodded, and moved away from Owen. This time he got closer to me, putting his arm over the back of the sofa. Arthur’s lips approached my ear. His hair and skin smelled of expensive perfume, the kind that no amount of effort could hide. The idea of having a one on one talk with him was making me just a little bit nervous. Over Arthur’s shoulder, I could see Owen. Arthur whispered into my ear.

Arthur: …Please don’t do anything that would deprive you of your knightly spirit.

I didn’t know how much he’d heard from Owen, but the sincere and earnest tone in his voice made my chest ache. As Arthur pulled away from me, I whispered something back.

Cain: …Don’t misunderstand. I’m trying to win over the Western military to get information on Nicholas. It’s dangerous for you to be here. You should leave immediately. Oz and Riquet should still be…

I glanced up, and my words trailed off on their own. There were heavy footsteps making their way towards us. They were even and composed, like those of higher ranked or commissioned officers. The lively atmosphere around us had become tense. Maybe the general they’d talked about earlier, General Barnett, was here.

Gilles: ……

If it was the Western general, it was entirely probable that he knew what Central Country’s crown prince looked like.

Cain: (I can’t even imagine how things will blow up if the prince of an unfriendly neighboring country is found in a military club.)

I immediately pulled Arthur closer to me, my hand on his back.

Arthur: …Wha–?!

Cain: What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well? You must’ve drank too much. We should get you on your way quick. Owen!

Owen: Excuse me?

Cain: Take care of Artie for me. Or at least take him to the inn.

Owen narrowed his eyes at me.

Owen: And why do I have to do what you tell me to, Sir Knight?

Arthur also looked up at me, frowning a bit.

Arthur: I am still not done talking with you.

I wasn’t listening to either of them. I was busy worrying about if General Barnett was here, and I picked up the book I’d dropped earlier with one hand. This was a popular novel the general liked. I’d been reading it aloud to try and catch his attention. That was the plan, at least.

Cain: Sorry, but please, I need you both to leave. I need to read this book.

Arthur: Right now?

Owen: Why?

Cain: Because the general likes it. He’ll be excited if we like the same things, right?

Arthur: Do you like it, Cain?

Cain: Well, I haven’t read it yet…

Arthur: He won’t be happy if you’re only pretending. When he realizes you’re lying, he’ll only be sad about it.

Arthur’s words reminded me of my mom, and my heart clenched in my chest. I shook my head, a bitter taste at the back of my throat. I glanced around, and then murmured something to him.

Cain: …You and Oz are no good at telling lies. That’s why this is something I have to do. I’m doing what I do best.

Arthur: Trust isn’t something so easily won. Trust balanced on top of lies will come crashing down when it’s most important. If trust is lost on the battlefield, then who can you entrust your life to?

I felt like he’d just punched me in the face. Exactly like Arthur had said, morale dropped under leadership that couldn’t be trusted. Everyone put their life on the line for their pride and sense of justice at some point. And if you weren’t sincere about it, all you’d get is corrupted authority and false justice. That’s why you can’t just start running forward. Arthur’s eyes held the same noble look I’d seen in the portraits of previous kings in Granvelle Castle.

Arthur: Cain, you are my knight. You don’t need to concoct any devious plots.

My heart was wavering in my chest. I wanted to live up to Arthur’s pure, unsullied feelings. But… I think someone who betrays those feelings would serve him better. Nicholas and the white-haired woman. The sunken Adams Island expedition. Should I just give up and try a different method of attack? My honor doesn't matter. What even is true devotion? What would Leno or Shino do if they were in my place?

2 - Touched by the General's Words

I stole a glance at Owen. He was frowning, and then he sighed as if to say “Well, there’s no helping it.” He reached over Arthur and put his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me closer. And then, he whispered something in my ear. Owen’s voice was oddly shrill, as if he was embarrassed about something.

Owen: Hey… If it’s the only way, then. I’ll kill the Western general for you.

My eyes widened. Owen frowned, making a weird face, like he was trying to hide his embarrassment. He was messing with his bangs like he was annoyed, but he was eyeing me with a certain sense of pride.

Owen: But only for tonight, okay?

My blood drained out of my face and I shook my head.

Cain: Don’t even think about doing something like that. It’d become a massive diplomatic issue.

Owen: …Hah?

Pretty sure Owen thought that he was offering to do a good deed, which was why he was so embarrassed about it, but it was still undeniably an offer of assassination. A Northern wizard killing the Western army’s general in front of Central’s prince was just a recipe for disaster.

Cain: You don’t need to come up with any plots, just take Arthur and…

Owen: Plots? I’m saying I’ll help you, and you say I’m plotting?

Cain: I’m grateful for the offer, but right now, your talents aren’t really what I need here.

Owen’s trunk appeared out of nowhere. I looked up at the ceiling, and then tried again.

Cain: I said not right now, right?

Owen: I’m going to turn you to stone. I don’t take orders from anyone.

Woman: D-didn’t he just pull that trunk from nowhere… Was that…magic?

Owen smiled threateningly at the pale woman.

Owen: That’s right. Didn’t I tell you? I’ll bite your throat out.

Arthur: Could you kindly stop, Owen?

Woman: …I–I’m not scared! I’m not scared of wizards. There are so many officers from the Magical Weaponry Division here. Everyone, please…!

Cain: Let’s calm down! Owen, put your trunk away! Absolutely do not open it!

Owen: …Don’t order me around!

Arthur: We’re not giving you orders. Neither Cain nor I are trying to subjugate you, Owen of the North.

Arthur placed his hand on Owen’s arm, and then he looked up at me.

Arthur: This goes for you too, Cain. My desires are not meant to be chains. They shouldn’t keep you from listening to your heart.

Those painful words felt so good. My heart. My thoughts and feelings could change everything. And how easily mine had been changed. What could I do with these feelings?

Gilles: And what is going on here?

Owen and I stood ready at the same time. We didn’t even have to say anything. Both of us were prepared to guard Arthur. I couldn’t see who had spoken. But I could tell enough from the air around them. This was General Barnett. The cheery, drunken sense of relaxation in the club had changed. Not in a bad way. There wasn’t any fear shooting up my spine. But all the soldiers in the room remembered something now that he stood before them. All he had to do was stand in the same room as them, and the Western army’s soldiers remembered their pride. Their spirit. I hadn’t even seen his face, and General Barnett had already overwhelmed us. If he was this charismatic on a normal day, I wondered how far his leadership would take him on the battlefield. Speaking as a soldier from the neighboring country? I wasn’t looking forward to seeing it.

Cain: …My apologies for disturbing you. I am Cain, a former knight of Central Country.

I smiled amiably and held my hand out to him. I could only wonder if he’d accept it. But I only had to worry for a couple seconds. A large hand grasped mine moments later. The same moment, a tall, capable-looking young man appeared in front of me. He had the sociable, reliable air of someone you could call an ideal commanding officer.

Gilles: Gilles Barnett, at your service. Would those be your friends?

Still feeling the strain, I introduced the two of them.

Cain: My subordinates. Artie and Wen.

Owen: You’re a wizard, aren’t you.

Owen announced that right to General Barnett’s face. It caught me off guard for a moment, but I knew why he’d felt that, so I explained it to him.

Cain: Don’t be rude, Wen. Watch your mouth. This is the man who leads the Magical Weaponry Division. Using that many mana stones can make someone have the same presence as a wizard.

Owen: Mana stones…? …Just how many would you have to use to feel like that.

Owen smiled a thin smile at him, the expression dripping with malice and hatred. But General Barnett was unmoved. His eyes moved to Arthur, and he gestured for him to sit down.

Gilles: Please, sit.

Arthur: Thank you, sir.

Although Arthur took a seat, General Barnett did not. Instead, he sat down next to me, taking the place of a woman who had gracefully offered up her seat. His leisurely manner was also a smart one. And it wasn’t like he was trying to intimidate or overpower us. It looked like he was being considerate of us.

Gilles: You said you were a former Central soldier, didn’t you?

Cain: Yes.

The general smiled at me, friendly-like.

Gilles: As the general of Western Country, I could call myself its greatest hero, but surely that means little to a Central knight. From Central’s oldest knight to its youngest trainee, each one is fearlessly brave. Now that’s true glory. They don’t get ahead of themselves when victory’s in sight, and that’s how the names of so many heroes have been engraved in their history. And you are one of them. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Cain: Ah… Thank you very much. I’m undeserving of such praise.

I knew it was nothing more than flattery, but my chest was still full of emotion. Even the general of another country saw the same splendor in the Central knights that I’d admired ever since I was little. Arthur’s eyes also glowed with the praise.

Gilles: And that is?

The general gestured towards the book next to me. Seems like the story about him liking this series was true. Finally, I could work on fulfilling my intended objective here. I picked up the book with vigor.

Cain: A book from a series I like. I’d heard that you enjoyed it as well. I was thinking of reading some aloud, if you’d be fine with that.

The general smiled at me, and I looked over my shoulder towards Owen.

Cain: Wen. Cover Artie’s ears for me, would you?

Owen: What? Why?

Cain: I’ve got a feeling there’s going to be some events that children shouldn’t be listening to.

Arthur: You keep calling me a child, but I am no longer… I am not a child, Sir Cain.

Owen: I’ll let him listen. Give us a tale so terrifying it gives Artie nightmares.

Arthur: No matter how terrifying a story it is, it won’t keep me awake or give me nightmares. Because I am not a child.

Cain: It’s not a scary story. Well, it shouldn’t be…

I remembered the bit I’d read just before as getting a bit…spicy. I glanced over at the general. As if the friendly air he’d had earlier had been nothing but a lie, he was now completely filled with bloodlust.

Cain: Is… Is something wrong, sir…?

His eyes met mine and slowly, slowly his head turned to join them.

Gilles: That book is a stellar adaptation… Don’t speak of it as if it’s some vulgar, tawdry product.

Cain: Ah… Um…

Gilles: The play it is based on is an action/adventure coming-of-age story centered around the friendship of a landed noble caught up in an inheritance dispute and one of her maids. In any case.

Cain: Yes.

Gilles: The two protagonists fall in love with a traveling merchant, and both compete for his affection in further more impossible ways. You said you liked it, didn’t you?

Cain: Uh, yes.

Gilles: To be frank, I am absolutely appalled. No further conversation is required.

Cain: W–wait! My apologies. Let me be honest. I'm…

Gilles: The Sage’s wizard, Cain Knightley. And that would be another Sage’s wizard, the Northern wizard Owen. And this gentleman would be… No, enough with names.

The general had been looking at Arthur when he said that. Arthur, however, took a deep breath and said his next words very pointedly.

Arthur: Please, allow me to introduce myself. I am the prince of Central Country, Arthur Granvelle. My apologies for being misleading with my identity, General Barnett.

The general’s eyes widened at such a forthwith introduction. For the first time in this conversation, he was shocked. After carefully observing his surroundings, he simply shrugged his shoulders.

Gilles: …My sincerest apologies. I had not heard you would be visiting. Had I been aware, I would have knelt before you. To do so now would be, well, conspicuous.

Arthur: Let me apologize as well. I was distracted.

The general smiled at Arthur’s immediate apology. He leaned forward, lowering his voice.

Gilles: …Please listen without showing surprise. Important citizens of my country have of late been collapsing with sudden illness. Their health worsens very quickly, and as it stands, it is doubtful they can even make it through the night. Were it to be known that a foreign dignitary is visiting me during this plague, it would draw suspicion. Please, leave as soon as you are able.

Arthur: Western country’s dignitaries…

Gilles: I cannot speak further than this. You understand, yes?

Arthur: Yes… Thank you. However, may I ask one thing?

Gilles: You may.

Arthur: Why did you warn me?

Gilles: I’d rather not cause problems for myself by complicating things with easily-rectified matters.

The general smiled calmly. His manner was arrogant, but Arthur’s eyes were happy all the same.

Gilles: You are young, and there is still hope in your heart. Though we may live in a broken world, I keep faith that it shall one day be beautifully reborn. I would rather do you a favor of something more valuable than saying your name too loudly and bringing both of our nations trouble.

Arthur: My thanks, General Barnett.

Gilles: Please, just call me Gilles. Now, I would not say this is advice, per se… If you have no urgent plans, I would suggest staying in the City of Fortune for the moment.

Cain: Why?

Gilles: A coronation ceremony shall be held on a day very soon from now. I believe the Sage’s wizards were also given an invitation.

Those words alone told me everything I needed to know about the state of the West’s dignitaries, and which among them had fallen ill. Western Country was a monarchy, after all. It seemed we’d arrived at a very delicate time.

Gilles: Well then, I shall take my leave. May there be good company on your way home.

With a bow, the general began to walk away from us. I was after him in a flash. He was a fair sort of person. I needed to do something to get rid of the guilt of lying to him.

Cain: Hold on.

Gilles: What?

Cain: …Sorry for lying to you. Err, my sincerest apologies, I mean.

His shoulders shook with laughter. At least the look on his face meant I hadn’t insulted him.

Gilles: What a very Central thing of you to say. No, it was quite fine. Why were you trying to gain my favor?

Cain: Huh?

Gilles: You pretended to have read a book you’d never touched for the sake of my favor, to the point of troubling your comrades.

Cain: That’s, well… I really do apologize for that. I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Gilles: It certainly seems that way. I’ve yet to meet someone from Central who enjoyed deceit. Nicholas was the same way.

My eyes widened the moment I heard Nicholas’s name.

Cain: You remember Nicholas?

Gilles: Of course I do. He was once a hero who stood as Central’s head of knights. It was quite exhausting having such a great man foisted onto me as one of my subordinates.

After that bit of complaint, the general smiled at me.

Gilles: I heard a bit of you from him. He called you the kind of genius that only comes around once every thousand years. Nicholas had been quite proud whenever your name was brought up. It was clear that he loved Central Country and Central’s knights from the bottom of his heart. What happened to him was very unfortunate.

The general put his hand on my shoulder. The sudden rush of emotion in my chest was so strong, I could feel my breathing waver. Even if he had fallen as something evil, Nicholas had once been someone I admired. Hearing words of praise for him made my chest tight. Even though I’d tried to convince myself there was no other choice, I’d always hated how things had turned out. If the reason that the gallant knight I admired had become a villain was because I’d cornered him, then didn’t that make me the evil one? The general shook his head, as if to reject the self-hatred I’d never voiced aloud.

Gilles: My only complaint is that you led the knights after someone like Nicholas had been driven out. You’re not the kind of person who would be here to try and gather information. The right person for the right place, after all. Though it’s true Western Country tends to discriminate towards wizards, we are still generous enough to welcome the philosopher Hart to the royal palace with open arms. Those from Central are less sociable. The generosity seen when the King of Knights Alec established that country alongside wizards is nowhere to be seen. The current system in place only shames that sincere warrior. You don’t need to look at me like that. If you’re going to turn your sword on anything, turn it on the system.

This foreign general’s words were like a guiding light that had saved me. Perhaps they were simply honeyed words to win me over. But I wanted to think they were true.

Cain: Thank you very much, sir.

Gilles: Even wicked customs can be changed that way. Should your revolution fail and you go into exile, I would gladly welcome you to our country.

Cain: I’m not planning on abandoning my country. I am a Central knight.

The general smiled warmly at me.

Gilles: I thought that’s what you’d say.

Cain: General Barnett. Did anything strange happen to Nicholas during his time in this country?

Gilles: Why do you ask?

Cain: I heard that he headed an expedition to the sunken Adams Island. He wasn’t exactly a man who was fond of the sea. But if he left anything behind that might tell me what his goal was, then…

Gilles: I see. A very Central expression of camaraderie. I’m fond of Central’s knights because you’re all like characters in a book. Now then, regarding Nicholas… Although he was one for etiquette, there were times when he crossed the line when it came to me. I imagine he couldn’t forgive himself for it.

Cain: I see…

Gilles: Oh, but there is one thing I recall. He once asked me if I was an avid reader. Specifically, he asked if there were any accounts handed down through Western legend of an account of a "walking Hell".

Cain: A walking Hell…?

Gilles: Yes. I’d never heard of something like it. What about in Central?

Cain: This is the first time I’m hearing of anything like it, too.

Gilles: I see. I apologize, but that’s as much as I can offer.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: A walking Hell… I’ve never heard of it, either. What about you, Owen?

Owen: Who knows.

Arthur: Perhaps you keep it within that trunk of yours?

Owen: Sure. Want to take a peek, Sir Prince?

Cain: Knock it off, Owen.

Owen: Hmph. So you failed to become a villain, Sir Knight. Well, it’s just a matter of time. I’m looking forward to seeing it happen.

Cain: …tsk, he’s gone… God, he’s so…

Arthur: Owen was worried about you, Cain.

Cain: As if.

Arthur: That was why he came to me. …Am I wrong?

Cain: You’re wrong. Maybe he’s not as awful as I thought, but… He’s still awful. Don’t let him fool you.

Arthur: You think so…?

Cain: …A walking Hell… Sigh… All that work, and that’s the only clue we got.

Arthur: We did get to meet with the Western general, thanks to your infiltration. Thank you, Cain.

Cain: Arthur… No, I should be the one thanking you.

3 - The Child Beloved by the Sun and Moon

Liliana: …

Old man: …Please… Please, I beg you… I haven't breathed a word about you to anyone… I promise you…!

Liliana: When has a child of man ever fulfilled their promises?

Old man: Eek…! Someone…! Help me! Please…!

Liliana: Cease this fruitless resistance. Do you really think you can escape me? I gave you happiness, did I not?

Old man: Ahh… My body… I'm wasting away…like I'm dying… …ahh…my arms are turning into branches…

Liliana: You have fulfilled your role. Now, sleep peacefully.

Old man: ……

Liliana: …Haah… That went well. I'm so sorry, Albert. But I'd rather not meet with him while looking like an old man.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …Zara… She's a witch who was raised in secrecy, like I was…?

Kelvin: …Your family hid you, too?

Chloe: Yeah… Since if they knew I was a wizard, all of our relatives would hate us…

Kelvin: Hmph. Then let them hate you. People who hate things they don't understand are all boring people, anyways. Besides, they don't hate wizards. They just mistrust them.

Chloe: Mistrust…?

Kelvin: That's right. They suspect us when things go missing, or if something breaks. Or when something bad happens to someone who's usually lucky. They think to themselves, "Couldn't this be because of the strange powers those wizards have?" It's hard to trust something they can't see for themselves, after all. Mistrusting things they can't see is pretty easy for them. They do it with kindness and friendship and things done in good will, too.

Chloe: …But… Rustica trusted me. Ages ago while I was still doing sewing for my parents' shop, I came up with this embroidery concept. Like, if I did this and this and put it all together, how'd that look? And just like I thought, it turned out absolutely beautifully.

Kelvin: Amazing! You've got a real knack for that kind of thing, don't you?

Chloe: Ehehe! Thanks… You're a kind person too, Kelvin. …But my sisters thought there was no way I could've come up with it on my own. They thought I'd seen someone else's embroidery work and copied it.

Kelvin: That's horrible. How could they?!

Chloe: Well, I was used to it… But Rustica trusted me. He said, "That's amazing, Chloe." I couldn't prove I came up with it on my own, but he didn't doubt me in the first place. It was the very first time I looked at my own embroidery and thought, "He's right. It is amazing." I was so happy and proud of myself. All because Rustica trusted me…

Kelvin: That's who Lord Rustica is, after all. He doesn't mistrust anything. He thinks this world only consists of love and peace. That's because Lord Rustica has only ever known kind and happy things in his life.

Chloe: …I don't think it's possible to have only known happiness, but… I still think I get what you're saying… Rustica never has a bad thing to say about anything. He's very good at finding a silver lining in everything. Even if people trick him or treat him badly, he never says anything about it. I always thought it was weird, honestly. I wondered how he could be like that. But… Is it really possible to live while only knowing kind and happy things…?

Kelvin: He did it. It was possible for that family back then.

Chloe: That family back then, huh…

Kelvin: For the Ferch family that lived in the City of Fortune's Sapphire Palace. Rustica was born to the Ferch family at the height of their prosperity.

Chloe: The Ferch family?

Kelvin: They were Western Country's most dazzling and prosperous aristocrats. They had even more power, politically speaking, than the Western royal family did, and nobles and merchants from around the entire continent did business with them. They amassed wealth from around the world, built the Sapphire Palace, and hosted dinner parties every night. Western Country's important talks about things like war, taxes, and politics weren't discussed at the royal palace, but at Sapphire Palace.

Chloe: So, like, they were more important than the king?

Kelvin: Their power grew from their successful business ventures. Especially with their investments in transcontinental transport. The ones who originally planned, implemented, and maintained the road that runs from Western Country, through Central, all the way to Eastern Country were the Ferches.

Chloe: That's amazing!

Kelvin: People even whispered that the Ferches' divine protection would keep them safe from anything dangerous that came down from the North. The Ferches were beloved by the royal family, the commoners, the nobility, even scholars and artists alike. And that was why when a wizard was born to them, he received nothing but blessings.

Chloe: And that was Rustica…?

Kelvin: Yes. I still remember what the people in the City of Fortune called the baby born in the Sapphire Palace. The child beloved by the sun and moon.

Chloe: (…Ahh, it's unbelievable��) (Rustica and I are as different as night and day…)

Kelvin: Until I met Lord Rustica in person, this was what I thought about the heir to the Sapphire Palace: What do they mean, beloved by the sun and moon? He's just some spoiled brat who got raised up to be selfish and covetous and never had anyone say no to him. And then I actually met him, and Lord Rustica couldn't have been more different than that. He was kind, sincere, humble… He was so generous I actually got worried for him.

Chloe: …I understand… That's the same Rustica that I know…

Kelvin: Haha… It's been so long since I saw him, and he hasn't changed a bit. …His eyes are still so clear… I can't even count how many times I felt ashamed of myself in front of those eyes. I was irritable, skeptical, stingy, pessimistic…

Chloe: Kelvin…

Kelvin: …I wanted to become a musician. But I was scared of putting on a poor performance and getting laughed at… Every time I found a musician to try to apprentice with, they'd cruelly mock me. They really were the worst. Even though I really just wanted to listen to music up close and touch an instrument for myself. I encountered Lord Rustica for the first time while I was traveling, as he was playing a flute, and I laughed at him. What's up with this?! What a weird-sounding song! What a bizarre melody! But he just smiled at me and said, "That's not true. It's a lovely song. Why don't you try to play this flute, too?" And for some reason, when he said that to me… For the first time in my life, I said that I did, I did want to try playing the flute. And I meant it completely. I have loved Lord Rustica ever since.

Chloe: …

Kelvin: And Lord Rustica loved me, too. It was as natural as the fact that candy made from sugar is sweet that people loved him, but he loved them in return so easily. He had an unshakeable faith in himself, but he never strayed from his kind, considerate nature. He freely gave his possessions, his time, and his love to anyone who wanted them.

Chloe: (…That's true for me, too… I'm just one of the people he gave those things to…) (Rustica is a very, very special person to me, but…) (To Rustica, am I…?)

Kelvin: Hey, are you okay?

Chloe: Ah…

Kelvin: You're looking kind of pale. Maybe it's just because of the moonlight, but…

Chloe: I'm fine… Ah… Wait, I need to go find Rustica! He was with me until just a little bit ago.

Kelvin: I know. I could feel his presence… Where is he now?

Chloe: W-well… A wizard I've never seen before suddenly showed up and then vanished with him.

Kelvin: Huh?! Did Zara take him?! Even though she hasn't so much as laid a hand on him before now…

Chloe: Why did Zara turn Rustica's bride into a songbird? If Rustica went through something terrible because of that witch, then… If I were to defeat her, the witch controlling Western Country, would that make Rustica happy…?

Kelvin: Lord Rustica would… I don't think he would be happy with that, no matter who it was.

Chloe: …

Kelvin: You'd just make him sad. So he has no choice but to forget things like that.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: …

I was in a room that smelled absolutely lovely. It was a fine perfume, the sweet, refreshing scent of flowers blended with burnt sugar. I felt oddly nostalgic being wrapped up in that aroma. It was a sweet and gentle atmosphere, one of sadness tinged with joy. The windows of this room were also lovely. Through them I saw a magnificently built palace, backed by the pre-dawn sky. I felt a bit sleepy, so I thought I'd lie down for a bit. I undressed, leaving my clothes scattered untidily over the floor, and suppressed a yawn. And then I thought to myself, something seems off. If someone saw my clothes on the floor like this, I knew what they'd say.

???: You can't do that, Rustica. They'll get all wrinkled like that.

Rustica: Oh, my apologies.

I apologized to that someone and folded my clothes. I couldn't quite place what that someone's name was. I found a brush, and brushed out my hair. I heard the voice of someone who had talked to me while brushing my hair, from sometime before now. It smelled the same now as it did then. Sweet, refreshing flowers and candy. Flowers dancing gently in the breeze. Small, purple flowers. Gemstones glittering brightly. A delicate porcelain cup…

???: Rustica. My angel. Everyone fortunate enough to meet you is blessed. Your eyes are pure and innocent. Your heart is serene and unselfish. You understand the underpinnings of this world. It is possible that in the future, you may hear thoughtlessly said words, words not worth hearing. But please, you mustn't criticize the people who say them. There is no reason for you to take offense to them. Those who are so poor of heart are those pitiful, those not blessed with good fortune. Those who are well-loved, however, are earnest and virtuous. You must extend your hand to them without hate, without hostility. Kindness and compassion are paramount. As those of high status, we have a responsibility to learn proper ethics. My sweet Rustica. Please extend your love to everyone you can. This way, everyone will be happy.

The sky began to brighten. A veil of navy and violet fluttered at the hem of the night sky's dark dress. Birds began to sing their lovely morning songs. My eyes were on the verge of falling shut. I laid down on the bed. I laid down on the bed, and I was happy. Being able to sleep for as long as I like made me feel free and peaceful. Liberated. I began to hum a song, and fell asleep to that same song of my own making.

✦✧☾✧✦

Aria Mastandrea was the princess of Western Country as well as my fiancee. I have loved her since the day we first met. She was like a little sister. We were often told we suited one another. We were very happy together. Aria loved the sound of my harpsichord, and I loved the stories Aria would tell. Aria spoke to me often about the things that she loved. Brightly colored pastries, wax seals, bluebirds that pecked at flower petals, buttons with gold around the edges, the royal palace's gardens. His Majesty the King, her Majesty the Queen, me. Her favorite chamberlain, Francesca. The lizards that would appear by her window on rainy days. However, she was lying to me. I knew Aria loved more things than that. I saw her once, as I was walking through the palace garden, contemplating something very deeply. I saw tears in the corners of her eyes as she stared at the garden around her, her gaze very earnest. As if she were committing a sin.

Rustica: Why are you crying?

And Aria replied, She was afraid. She had never disobeyed her parents before. But she was disobeying them for the very first time, right now. Please, she pleaded, take the secret I'm about to tell you seriously. Being told something like that made me quite nervous. For I had never had a "secret" before. Under the boughs of a tree, with no one else around, Aria told me something in little more than a whisper. She had an elder twin sister. Her name was Zara. But twins in the royal family were considered unlucky. And because of that, the twin who was born a witch was forced to live in secrecy. She lived in a tower on the palace grounds. Once, she had asked to look out from the top of that same tower.

Rustica: I remember that. You said you wanted to look at the birds perched by its window. But there were no birds to be seen.

Please forgive me, she said. I lied to you. I wanted to show my beloved elder sister the man who would become my husband.

Rustica: I see, so that's what it was. Your sister lives in that tower…

I have a request, Lord Rustica, she said. I'll never ask you for anything more in my life, so please. Please take a walk through the gardens with Zara, dressed in my clothes, as though she were me. If you can, please take her outside the palace walls. Zara has never been past them before.

Rustica: In other words… I should take your elder sister on an outing somewhere? I would be happy to.

✦✧☾✧✦

Liliana: …

Rustica: …

Liliana: …He's asleep…

Rustica: …mm…

Liliana: …

Rustica: …I don't want to get up yet… Chloe…

Liliana: …

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …So Rustica's just going to keep forgetting things forever? One day he'll forget me, and the Sage, and everyone else…

Kelvin: That's right. Like how he's forgotten who I am.

Chloe: Isn't… Isn't there anything I can do?

Kelvin: Can you really say something about it? To Lord Rustica? Can you tell him that the bride he's looking for is already dead? That he's the one who killed her?

Chloe: …uu… I don't want to…

Kelvin: Exactly. Because if you tell him that, the current Lord Rustica will disappear. The happy nobleman, the child beloved by the sun and moon, will vanish. I never want to see Lord Rustica suffering like that again, wailing like he was no more than an animal…

Chloe: …

Kelvin: …I need to go. You never know when or where the witch is listening. I'll be avoiding this place for the time being. You should do the same.

Chloe: Wait, Kelvin…!

Kelvin: Take care of Lord Rustica.

Chloe: Ah… …He disappeared… …If I tell him the truth, the current Rustica will disappear… …Then… Who is the real Rustica…? Will he really be happy continuing to search for a bride that no longer exists…? But…I don't want Rustica to remember…something so horrible… … I need to find Rustica… …This isn't the time to be moping. First off, I need to find Rustica… …I need to help Rustica. I at least owe him that much! …Oh, I should tell Master Sage! They said they were going to Cortes Palace, and then heading to the royal palace… If the witch is at the Western royal palace, then that's the first place I should look for Rustica. I need to hurry…!

4 - Dawn is Coming

Shino: This is…

Bradley: …

The spirits definitely felt like Western ones. I didn't feel any hostile intentions from the bone monsters surrounding us. Figaro was still actively wary of the guy with Murr's face. Mithra seemed unhappy with traveling through a door in space that someone else had made. Nero was out like a light again. I didn't know if his condition was stable or not. I wanted to get him properly treated as soon as I possibly could. And Shino was on edge, supporting Heathcliff on his shoulder and fidgeting like he couldn't decide if he wanted to stick close to Nero or to the curseworker. He had the most repressed bloodlust out of all of us right now, even counting the bone freaks.

Bradley: Stand down, Eastern tiny, Mithra.

Mithra glanced over to me, moving only his eyes.

Bradley: Don't make 'em underestimate us.

That was all I needed to say. Mithra focused his attention on what was in front of him, which was impressive, given his short attention span. The guy with Murr's face smiled.

Murr: Welcome. Please, use this manor as you will. I'll arrange for medical supplies to be brought to you shortly. You have many injured, after all.

Shino: You think you get to say that…?! All of their injuries are because of those damn things standing next to you!

Heathcliff: Shino…!

Shino's eyes were blazing with fury for the things that had put his comrades into this state. I could still feel traces of the curseworker's protection magic on him, and he had the guts to try and fight his way out of this. His courage was downright admirable.

Figaro: Get them to me immediately. As well as several people familiar with medical training.

Figaro's voice was calm, but it was steeped in a very obvious, very deadly anger.

Murr: But of course. I'd love to help you myself, but tragically, there is somewhere else I need to be.

Figaro: And where would that be?

Murr: I need to greet the Master Sage.

Figaro frowned, and I wasn't feeling any more happy about that than he was. I didn't want this Murr getting anywhere close to the Sage.

Bradley: (Should I get Mithra to go with him? But if I do that, then we won't have enough people here.) Bradley: (I'm pretty sure this is one of those actualized shards of Murr's soul I've heard about. And the shard was probably attached to that cat of his somewhere.) (Should I shoot it? If I do, how would the bone freaks react?)

While thoughts like that were chasing themselves in a circle in my head, Figaro handed the unconscious Faust off to Lennox.

Figaro: Sorry. I know you're hurt, too.

Lennox: No, it's fine…

But in the next moment, Figaro's magic focus, his orb, appeared at his hand.

Bradley: (This guy's got a short fuse too, huh.)

I was sick of him doing things that reminded me of how the twins wanted to run things. Even if they act like they're sensible, they jump the gun way too damn fast. I held Nero tighter in my arms, and my next words were very pointed.

Bradley: Yo, Southern doctor. You've got wounded to be lookin' after. If anyone's gonna be doin' anything right now, it's gonna be me.

Mithra: I'm going to be the one to take them down. All of them.

But Murr wasn't intimidated.

Murr: Did you enjoy it that much?

Figaro: Then hurry it up. I want to get to treating my patients. I'd rather not get attacked while I'm busy tending to them, so finish things up before that happens.

Murr: If we were planning on attacking you, we wouldn't have brought you here.

Bradley: What do you want with the Sage?

Murr: I intend on collecting all of the Sage's wizards here. Ah, of course. Perhaps I shouldn't have gone about this in the middle of the night. Is that why you're suspicious of me? Things that could happen innocently during the daytime can become perilous in the dead of night. This, too, is a captivating aspect of…

Mithra: <Arthim>

Blue flames raged out of Mithra's crystal skull alongside a furious blizzard, and the shape of Murr in front of us was annihilated. Me and Figaro were both left completely speechless. The cat that had been at Murr's feet leapt away, escaping as far from us as it could. And then, above the now distant cat, Murr once again flickered into view.

Murr: Goodness. Northern wizards have such short tempers. Hey, hey. Can you get close to those people over there again for me? Don't be scared. Please, I'm begging you…

Mithra ignored Murr distantly grumbling to himself and turned to face me.

Mithra: I'm going to go get the Sage.

Bradley: Sure, good plan. You know where they are?

Mithra: If I feel for their presence, yes. Well, I'll be going now. I have a feeling they're here in Western Country.

Having said that, Mithra glanced down at Nero, who was still securely in my arms. I was instantly wary of him. It was more instinct than anything.

Mithra: Is that person dead?

I didn't know what exactly he meant by that, but it still put me on edge. He better not tell me to give him Nero's stone.

Bradley: He ain't dead. He's too stubborn for that.

Mithra: Is that right? Thank goodness. Shino asked me to save him.

There was no possible way I really just heard him say something so…human. The concept alone was completely alien to Mithra of the North--he wouldn't even consider it. Mithra was still staring at Nero, and there was even a smile on his face.

Mithra: Anyway, I'm leaving now.

Bradley: Yeah, thanks.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra was gone, leaving behind only the night breeze. I raised my head, and my eyes met Figaro's. He was as shocked as I was by how Mithra was acting. We both looked away without saying anything.

Figaro: Let's hurry. This way, Leno. Heathcliff, can you walk?

Heathcliff: …ah, I'll be fine.

Shino: You can lean on me. How's Faust?

Lennox: His breathing is shallow. We need to get him laying down as soon as we can.

Shino: Bradley!

Bradley: I'm coming! Nero's still doin' fine.

The jet-black night sky was starting to turn blue around the edges. Dawn was coming. The time Oz's magic would return. Even if the bone freaks attacked us after the Sage and the lil' ones joined us here, everything would be fine. I noticed myself feelin' relieved about that and felt a sudden sense of dread. There's no goddamn way I was feelin' relieved about Oz's continued existence. Maybe I was dreamin' or something. I needed to walk around or somethin' to make sure I was actually awake. The amount of people that could actually be saved was limited. I needed to prioritize and cut the rest off. I glared at the air in front of me, and started walking.

✦✧☾✧✦

Rutile: It's almost dawn…

Oz: So it is…

Rutile: Mitile and Riquet are both asleep. I'm sure they must've worn themselves out.

Oz: … Why…

Rutile: Hm?

Oz: Why would one give birth?

Rutile: … I…haven't given birth…

Oz: Yes… Of course not.

Rutile: Ahaha… Are you talking about my mother?

Oz: Correct.

Rutile: Do I really resemble her that much? Although I've been hearing that ever since I was Mitile's age.

Oz: You do not. However, there are traces of her in your countenance. The two of you can be…difficult to distinguish.

Rutile: That's an interesting way of putting it. …Were you close with her? My mother?

Oz: No… I had no particular interest in her.

Rutile: …

Oz: Given we have the opportunity, there is something I'd like to discuss with you.

Rutile: What is it?

Oz: … Is there anything… You would not want children to know of…

Rutile: Is there perhaps something you don't want to tell Lord Arthur about, Lord Oz?

Oz: …

Rutile: Ah… Sorry. That was just what came to mind.

Oz: … We should have talked more.

Rutile: You mean with my mother?

Oz: Yes. She talked often.

Rutile: Ahaha. I know all about that.

Oz: …Every time someone used their words with me, part of their heart entered mine. I disliked that.

Rutile: …

Oz: And yet, as I think of her now, I believe that perhaps I should have listened to what she said more attentively.

Rutile: …Why did you dislike it?

Oz: …Yes, why did I… Because I could not understand them. Even if I attempted to, I could not. Consequently, I did not wish to hear the words of others. I do not understand myself, either. And so… I have no words with which to describe myself. Putting myself into words would be inherently inaccurate. That things would always be conveyed inaccurately…left me weary.

Rutile: …

Oz: …Why are you crying?

Rutile: …I'm sorry… It's just, I think that…I must be the same way…

Oz: You talk frequently, however.

Rutile: Ahaha… But…I really do think I'm the same as you. I want to properly listen to people, I want to properly speak to them… But I can't understand what they're trying to say, and so I can't properly convey what I want to, either… …And so I hurt them and get hurt in return…even though I want to be kind to them…

Oz: I see… If it is difficult for someone as kindhearted as you, then I am sure it must be a trial all must face. Though she had a wild temperament, you are kind.

Rutile: You're a kind person too, Lord Oz…

Oz: …That is incorrect.

Rutile: You did great at talking with me, too. I understood what you wanted to tell me. I want to think that I understand…

Oz: …This is something Riquet has said to me. "I feel the same way."

Rutile: Huh…?

Oz: …The sky grows bright.

Rutile: Does this count as dawn?

Oz: Not just yet.

Rutile: Maybe you'll be able to do it if you try. Could I ask you to do that?

Oz: I shall.

Rutile: Then please sit down right here. That way if you fall asleep and fall over, you won't hit your head.

Oz: Here?

Rutile: Yes! Well then, take it away!

Oz: … <Vox…> Snz…

Rutile: Ah!! It really was a bit too early…!

5 - I Don't Want to Lose Anyone

I was flying through the night sky with Shylock, Murr, Gregory, and a piece of Murr's soul. Although we did return to Cortes Palace, none of us could relax, so we departed again after leaving a message for Chloe and Rustica. I was traveling with Western wizards, but no one said a thing. Having been overtaken by my exhaustion from everything that had happened that day, I was nodding off on the back of Shylock's broom.

Murr: You're falling, dear Sage.

Akira: ……ah!

I startled Shylock, and he turned to face me. He narrowed his eyes a bit and smiled.

Shylock: My apologies for not realizing. I suppose a trip like this is a bit taxing for a regular person such as yourself, Master Sage. I can use my magic to ensure you don't fall, but if you'd prefer, shall we find somewhere to rest?

Akira: I'm fine. But, um, just in case, if you could make sure I don't fall…

Mithra: <Arthim>

Just then, I heard a familiar voice. A door suddenly opened in the night sky, and then, there was Mithra.

Akira: Mithra.

Mithra was as relaxed as always, but when he saw Saku-chan, his face twisted into one of blatant distaste.

Mithra: That thing's still clinging onto you.

Saku-chan didn't mind, though. It was just nudging my shoulder with its nose. Mithra came closer to me and shook his hand a little, like he was trying to get something off of it. Gregory took to the air.

Mithra: There's more of you than I was expecting.

Gregory: Wah, watch out--!

Mithra: And I believe this is the one I missed my chance to kill earlier.

Murr: By any chance, are you referring to me?

Shylock: Murr was almost killed?

Murr: Ooh, by who? By Mithra? By Oz? Or by you, Shylock?

Akira: H-hold on, Mithra. Don't throw them off.

I held Gregory and the shard of Murr protectively in my arms, and then asked Mithra a question.

Akira: Do you mean that you tried to kill a shard of Murr's soul? Where did you meet him?

Mithra: A shard of his soul? Oh, now that you mention it, I do think I heard something about that before. No wonder something seemed off. He was on top of a cat.

Akira: A cat?

Murr: Sounds fuuuun! I want to ride on a cat, too!

Murr: I'm glad to hear that shards other than myself are enjoying their lives as well.

Shylock: You killed a shard of Murr? Did the Murr you killed return to the shard? Or did it destroy it permanently?

Murr: Ooh, what an eager student you are, Shylock!

Murr: Are you planning on composing a thesis on the subject?

Shylock: Be quiet, Murr. Mithra, what happened to that Murr?

Mithra: He was riding on top of a cat. He said he was going to go greet the Sage, so I came here to get you instead.

Mithra was frowning. It seemed like something unpleasant had happened to him.

Akira: Why were you and a shard of Murr fighting?

Mithra: He set bone doll monsters on us. Faust and Nero almost died, and Heathcliff and Lennox got done in, too.

Akira: Huh…?!

My mind went completely blank. My heart started pounding in my chest, and my vision started fading around the edges.

Akira: Wh…why…

Mithra: Like I said, we were attacked by doll-like, bone monster-like things. I won, of course.

And now Faust and Nero were almost dead, and Heath and Leno were badly hurt… Their smiles popped into my head. The idea of losing those smiles scared me so bad I wanted to scream. We'd encountered all sorts of dangerous situations before. I always knew that them losing their lives was a real possibility, and yet I just sent them out with little more than a "Take care." Not a single time had I ever been prepared to face the prospect of them actually dying.

Akira: (What do I do, what do I do, what do I do…)

I was so scared and confused I could hardly breathe. Without even thinking about it, I grabbed onto Mithra's arm.

Akira: Did…did you save them?

Mithra: Probably. Figaro is with them.

Akira: …Haahh…

My sigh of relief came from the very bottom of my heart. And yet at the same time as that relief, I felt my stomach twist itself into a knot and my fingers start to tremble. I was told they were almost dead, and then only seconds later, I was told they were going to be okay. But it had felt like an eternity. There were tears in my eyes, ready to fall.

Akira: …sniff, thank goodness… Can I see them? Can you take me to them?

Mithra: Of course I can.

Mithra was looking straight at me.

Shylock: Master Sage…

Shylock tugged me closer to him. The moment I relaxed, I'd started to slip. From within my arms, the shard of Murr started to speak.

Murr: The probability that these "bone doll monsters" are artificial wizards is very high.

Shylock: Artificial wizards? Are you saying you made a wizard? How could you create something like that all over again…

Murr: I didn't make them. But the plans for them were in my laboratory. It seems someone found them and perfected the concept.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra opened another door in the sky. Gregory whispered to me, worried about how pale and shaken I must've looked.

Gregory: Are you okay?

Akira: Yes…

Though he was in the shape of a bird and all he had for a face were his beak and his round eyes, I still felt like he'd smiled gently at me.

Gregory: You're a very kind person. The Sage's wizards must be happy to know how much you care about them.

But of course I did. If even a single one of them were missing, I wouldn't be here right now. I was able to live in this world only because each and every one of them had helped me. I didn't want to lose any of them.

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra took us to a room I'd never seen before.

Figaro: Master Sage.

Akira: Figaro…

I wanted to say something to him, but the sight of his fingertips stopped me. They were stained crimson. I looked down and saw Faust laying on a bed, covered in wounds.

Akira: …!

I had to put a hand over my mouth to keep myself from screaming, and that startled Gregory, who took to the air. Seeing what looked like a bird, Figaro drew the bedsheets over Faust's body.

Figaro: What a pretty bird. Or, a person? Sorry, but I'm in the middle of treating patients right now, so you'll need to wait outside.

Akira: S-sorry. Figaro, Faust is going to be okay, isn't he?

Figaro's eyes met mine and he nodded, his smile a reliable one.

Figaro: Of course he is. He's got Dr. Figaro by his side, after all.

Akira: Thank goodness… Thank you so much!

There was a gentle kindness in Figaro's hazel eyes. And maybe it was just my imagination, but he seemed happy, too.

Figaro: Yep. Just leave everything to me.

Akira: What about Nero? Is Nero okay, too?

Figaro: As long as he rests. If he strains himself, he'll lose his life. He's through the room on the other side of the hall.

Akira: Thank you! I'm going to go check on him.

Figaro: Ah, don't walk around on your own. Shylock, could you go with the Sage?

Shylock: Of course. Does that mean this place isn't safe? Or, unsafe enough that we can't let the Sage be on their own.

Figaro: That's right. I'll explain what's up later. Mithra, I need you to fetch Rutile next.

Mithra: Excuse me?

Figaro: We don't have enough hands here, and I want to check up on Nero and Heath, too. He should be somewhere here in Western Country.

Mithra: I refuse.

Figaro: Why?

Mithra didn't respond. I looked up at him, and he was almost pouting.

Akira: …Did you two have a fight?

Mithra: He's a pigheaded jerk.

Figaro: Come on, Mithra. I need you to hurry. And while you're at it, can you track down Oz, too?

Mithra: Absolutely not.

A voice called out from my breast pocket.

Murr: I shall assist you.

I blinked, and my pocket Murr was full size again. When Mithra and Figaro saw him, their faces turned grim. Murr's bright eyes narrowed to slits as he smiled at them.

Murr: I am still a doctor of medicine, you know.

The shard of Murr reached his fingers towards Shylock's hair and stole Shylock's hair tie, just like that. Shylock frowned at him, looking annoyed. As Murr tied his hair back with his purloined hair tie, he addressed me.

Murr: Shall we go, Master Sage?

I pressed my hand against the shard of purple sapphire in my pocket and nodded. Just before we stepped out, I looked up at Mithra.

Akira: Are you sure you won't help us with Rutile? Mithra…

Mithra: …

Mithra was still pouting, his lips curved down in dissatisfaction. He sighed, but he was being reluctant about it.

Mithra: Just this once.

Akira: I'm sorry for the trouble. But thank you.

Mithra: <Arthim>

Mithra disappeared into a door through space. Shylock stepped toward me and put a hand on my back. The nimble, catlike Murr was about to follow us so he didn't get left behind, but Figaro called out to him.

Figaro: Murr, hold on.

Murr: What, what?

Murr: What is it?

Figaro: Err… That's rather troublesome, isn't it. Could the one that's Shylock's dear pet stay and help me? You are a doctor, aren't you?

Murr: I mighta forgotten how to be?

Figaro: I'll tell you what you need to do. Ahh, just when I was getting a feeling of deja vu, instead it turned into Dr. Figaro's Classroom…

Figaro grumbled to himself, looking bitter. It seemed like it had been a long time since he'd taught healing magic, down in the South.

Lennox: Excuse me. --Master Sage.

Just before we could step out the door, Lennox stepped in before us. His clothes, too, were stained with blood. He noticed me before I could figure out what to say and smiled at me.

Lennox: Don't worry, they're just scratches. Please look in on Nero and Heathcliff. What kind of bird is this…? I don't think you should bring the bird with you.

Gregory: Yes, that's true. Master Sage, I shall leave your side for the time being.

Lennox's eyes widened when he heard Gregory speak. Figaro smiled bitterly, even as his hands moved swifly and skillfully.

Figaro: You should at least be able to identify the presence of a person turned into a bird. Faust is going to scold you.

Lennox: That's true.

Their quiet words sounded like prayers. Both of them were waiting for the moment when those prayers would be answered and Faust opened his eyes again. They had faith that moment would come.

✦✧☾✧✦

I went to the room Nero was supposed to be in with Shylock. Shino was already there. The moment he saw the shard of Murr, his expression changed. His scythe appeared in his hand and flashed across the narrow room. Murr only got a second to dodge. If he'd been even a moment too slow, his head would've separated from his body.

Murr: It seems I've earned quite a bit of resentment.

Shylock: As you always do. Shino, this shard of Murr is one we found in the Royal Botanical Gardens. This shard is different from the one that attacked you Eastern wizards.

Shino: …

Shino eyed us warily, trying to confirm what Shylock had said. It was very easy to tell from the sharpness of his gaze and his lack of composure that something terrible had happened. Shino was a proud wizard and a stranger to cowardice. Any other time, I would've seen a grin on his lips as he boasted about what he'd done. Instead, his whole body was tense. Something had happened that needed him to be that on edge, ready for anything. He let out the breath he'd been holding, and his scythe disappeared.

Shino: Sorry. Sage, come sit with Nero.

Nero was tucked into a bed, his eyes closed. I watched Nero's face quietly, but Shino muttered something.

Shino: Figaro said Nero's wounds were the worst out of everyone's. We were only saved because he took the first hit and told us what to watch out for.

Shino was staring straight into my eyes.

Shino: Be sure you praise him a lot when he wakes up.

Akira: I will… Shino, did you not get hurt at all? Even though I sent you somewhere so dangerous…

I'm so sorry. I'm so, so, so sorry. Right as I was about to say that, I remembered what Bradley said to me. I couldn't look apologetic if I was going to give them orders. I needed to be proud of them for what they've done. Be proud of him… What should I say to tell him I'm proud of him? As I thought that, I looked at Shino, at his expression that he was trying so, so hard to keep even. And then I realized something. Faust and Nero had both been badly wounded, and Heathcliff had gotten hurt, too. Right now, Shino was struggling helplessly with something worse than I could ever imagine. When he'd swung his scythe at us just moments ago, he'd been trying to protect his comrades, all on his lonesome.

Akira: Shino… Thank you. Because of you, Faust, Nero, and Heath all came home in one piece. The fact that I can come see them all is all because you were willing to put your life on the line for them. I'm glad you were there for them, Shino. …I'm so, so glad…

Shino's red eyes looked up at me, startled. His gaze trembled, the rippling of the ocean at sunset captured in his eyes. It was the expression of someone very close to tears, even as he smiled at me. But he was so proud and fearless, he wouldn't admit that.

Shino: Yeah, well.

My eyes started getting hot, so I averted my gaze. Instead, I looked down at Nero, still sleeping. I couldn't say I liked seeing his sleeping face like this, though. His skin was so pale it was hard to believe he still had blood pumping through his veins. It hurt to look at him.

Akira: You, too… Thank you, Nero.

My voice was trembling. Shylock gently put a hand on my shoulder. His eyes were closed, and he murmured into my ear.

Shylock: Are you alright, Master Sage?

Akira: Yes… Shylock, Murr. Can I can leave Nero to the two of you? I want to see Heathcliff. Shino, is it okay if I do that right now?

Shino: I'll take you there. Shylock, take care of Nero.

Shylock: Of course. Shino, please stay at the Sage's side. If anything should happen…

Shino: I know. Don't worry. Bradley's here, too.

Akira: He is?

Shino: He was here until just a second ago. After we swapped off, he vanished. So he could keep watch from far away, he said.

Akira: From far away…

Shino: He'll be acting as sniper if anything happens. You should be glad a bullet didn't pass through your skull.

The shard of Murr simply shrugged his shoulders. I looked outside through the room's window. I could feel someone out there, watching over us, protecting us. Even if we were far apart, he would protect me. And he was still much closer than any god was.

Next Chapter

[inviiberu]

{Unexpected Memories and Hospitality} - Shylock SSR Card Story Translation

‧͙⁺˚･༓☾ Shylock's 2023 White Day SSR ☽༓･⁺˚‧͙

Ft. Akira and Murr as... cats?

Thank you so much @amorest-viesse for proof reading <3

Chapter 1

While strolling through the Blue Rose Garden with Shylock, we stumbled upon a rest area with a beautiful view.

Shylock: What do you think, Master Sage? Would you like to relax a bit here?

Shylock: If you'd like, you can take the sofa there.

Akira: Thank you very much. In that case, I'll take up on that offer.

As I sat down on the sofa, a man pushing a trolley with a pot of tea on it walked by.

Server: Would you like a cup of tea? This rose-tea was brewed using the very pride of our garden; the blue rose.

Akira: Huh? T-thank you very much.

Shylock: Thank you very much, Murr. That's very considerate of you.

Akira: Huh? Murr??

Server: …

Particles of light started swirling around the man and the next thing I knew he had turned into Murr.

Murr: Wehehe, busted!

Akira: I didn't notice it was you at all! Why did you disguise yourself like that?

Murr: I saw some people servin’ the guests earlier and I thought it looked like fun!

Shylock: It was certainly a sight to see you pour tea with such courtesy and sophistication.

Murr: That was me, but it wasn't rea～lly me... was it?

Murr: Perhaps the answer is right in front of our eyes! Come on, Master Sage! Drink some of your tea!

Akira: R-right… Huh?

Just as I bring the cup to my lips, the tea flies out. Then, it starts swirling around me as if it was dancing.

Akira: T-the tea?! It's dancing?!

The liquid floats around in the air, transforming itself into different shapes. I blinked repeatedly as the tea moved like it was alive.

Murr: A tea greeting to you, Master Sage! It's a treat from me!

Akira: Amazing!! And kind of cute too.!

Shylock: Fufu, all this spinning about is fine, but… I’d much prefer to savour the scent of the tea as opposed to watching it dance.

Shylock murmurs as he turns his gaze towards the flying tea.

Shylock: Why don't you take a rest in a teacup like the quiet, reflective surface of the water at night.

As if prompted by Shylock’s words, the tea slowly returned to its teacup.

Chapter 2

Shylock: Now then, Master Sage. Kiss it goodnight.

Akira: S-sure…

Akira: (Kiss it goodnight? Does he mean to drink it?)

Akira: …Mmph! It’s super tasty…!

Murr: Do ya like it? What dance would ya wanna see next?

Shylock: Dancing tea is nice, but if you’re up for it, how about some blue rose cake?

Shylock: You can only find such fine decorations hidden within this garden. They'll be sure to please, Master Sage.

As Shylock spoke, he lifted the clear tray cover by the teapot that Murr had brought.

Akira: Woah, it looks just like a jewellery box… It’s so beautiful.

Shylock: Allow me.

Akira: Thank you very much…!

With an elegant hand, Shylock cut the cake with a smooth stroke. His sophisticated movements fit perfectly with the gorgeous atmosphere.

Akira: (That’s just like Shylock. He always pays great attention to detail. I wonder if it’s okay for me to just be sitting here…?)

Murr: Hm, Master Sage? Are ya feelin' nervous?

Akira: Ahaha, well… It does make me a bit nervous to be treated so well in a place as beautiful as this.

Shylock: There’s no need to worry. People are here to relax with their loved ones.

Shylock: Master Sage, please enjoy your time here to your heart's content.

Akira: Thank you very much. I guess…

Akira: (I said that but…)

Shylock: ...Your expression remains the same.

Shylock: In that case, why don't you learn a little something about being carefree from a familiar figure and let loose for a bit?

Akira: A familiar figure...?

Shylock: Yes. Close your eyes, Master Sage.

Akira: Sure…

Shylock: 《Invibelle》

Shylock: … Now then, open your eyes again.

Akira: (...Hm? This..?)

When I opened my eyes, the world seemed much larger around me. As I was about to ask Shylock what he had done…

Akira: Meeoow. … Meo-?

Murr: Master Sage turned into a cat! Meow!

At Murr’s words, I quickly looked down at my body and noticed it was covered with fluffy fur.

Shylock: Fufu, cats are masters of doing whatever they like no matter where they are, no? I thought that if I turned Master Sage into one it would help them relax.

Akira: Meow!? (Huuuh!?)

Chapter 3

Shylock: While the Master Sage is always adorable, I must say, this form is quite cute as well.

Shylock smiled as he slowly bent down and gently stroked my head.

Akira: Meeooow…

He strokes my head with such expertise that I can’t help but start purring.

Akira: (It feels nice to be petted. Cats have it good…)

Shylock: Fufu, oh my.

Murr: Ah that looks so fun, Master Sage! I want to be a cat too!

Murr: 《Eanul Rambul》

Akira: Mya?!

Murr: Meow Meow!!

Akira: (Murr really became a cat!?)

Murr: Meow meooow!

Akira: Meeow…

Murr began to happily chase me around, and for some reason, with my newfound cat instincts, I enjoyed it as well.

Shylock: Oh my, this…

I stopped when I heard a voice above me, and Shylock bent down to stroke my head again.

Shylock: That might be a little too much.

Shylock: My dear kitty, would you like to play with me next?

Akira: Mya?

As Shylock offered his hand to me, I found myself reaching out as if giving him a pawshake. Suddenly, my whole body begins to glow.

Akira: Mya.. Ah.. Am I back to normal?

Murr: I’m back too! Well then, let’s add the finishing touches!!

Murr: 《Eanul Rambul》

Akira: Woah, fireworks…!

Shylock: 《Invibelle》

As the fireworks exploded, their falling sparks transformed into blue roses. It was magical to see the petals fall down as if they were colouring the sky.

Akira: How lovely…

Shylock: Then, Master Sage. Did you enjoy our hospitality?

Akira: Yes! It was a lot of fun… Did you two plan this ahead of time?

Murr: What what? What are ya talking about?

Shylock: It appears our hearts resonated with one another, and all we had to do was listen.

Shylock: Though… I suppose Murr gave me the idea.

Shylock: Master Sage, why don't I treat you to something special next time, just you and me?

Murr: Ah!! Shylock is trying to hog Master Sage all to himself!!

Shylock: Shh.

Shylock lightly teases Murr who responds with a laugh.** Looking at the two of them I can't help but laugh too.

Akira: Ahaha, I’m looking forward to it!

Then, with Shylock leading the way, we began to walk through the garden as flower petals danced all around us.

[senseless-wanderings]

A Sense of Wanderlust (name still pending)

Senseless Wanderings was not an iterator known to panic.  Even in the most dire of situations, when anyone else would be frying their circuts from worry, Wander would always take it one step at a time.

This was not one of these times.

They've walked to the end of the line, each step only delaying their doom.  And although they've kept up their facade of calm, in truth they're panicking more than they've ever did before.

Their systems were quickly overtaken with rot in a few cycles.  All it took was a slight slip up their projects.  One that went unnoticed until it was too late.  One that also happened to be a strain that grew suspiciously fast.

Around a hundred cycles after they discovered the tumor that infected them, and the stuff was already in their chamber, crawling down their umbilical arm.

An orange furred slugcat knawed angerly at it.  Wander's little helper.  Its mane flared up in a brilliant burst of flame, and Wander sheilded their puppet's eyes from their spot on the chamber floor.  When it died down after a few seconds, and all that was left was ash stained on their now sleek fur, Wander noticed with slight glee that the rot had retreated a few feet.

"Thank you, Ash.  I appreciate the effort."

The slugcat chirriped happily, before crawling into their lap to realish in the attention.  A ping followed by a shudder of their can interrupted their short snuggle session.

1682.759 - PRIVATE Senseless Wanderings, Silver Lining of Cycles

SLC: Wander? You still okay? SW: Still kicking. SLC: Oh good, I was worried I wouldn't get to say goodbye. SW: We've already said goodbye a million times already. SLC: I know, I know.

Another shudder wracked their can and pain flared through their body.  Wander looked down at their companion in concern.

"Are you still sure you don't want to evacuate?  This fall's gonna hurt." Ash blinked back up at them before knocking their foreheads together and purring with a small "murr."

"Haha, okay. Thank you." Another ping.

SLC: Is there really nothing we can do? SW: Unfortunately, you and I have already tried everything short of ripping me off my umbilical. SLC: That isn't too bad of an idea actually. SW: Haha.

A third shudder followed by even more pain and a loud creak.

SW: I'm sorry love, I think this is goodbye. SW: I love you.

A final shudder, pain, and long creak that slowly grew to a loud whine.  The floor started to give way below the two in the puppet's chamber.

Two last things were heard before they fell.

A ping.  And a snap.

Pain ran through their puppet as they plummeted.

~

Message for @nerdydowntherabbithole :

Hello! I'm the anon that had brought up sibling dynamics between slugcats and then asked if you wanted to see my fic so far! Here it is lol! Feel free to suggest writing tips if you'd like!

[flovverworks]

' mrrr ' s in akira hands - seox <3

"Ah—"

It happened before once, with Murr. Ignoring personal space and vying for attention, meowing and smiling and living so freely Akira found it difficult to keep up, because the next second he was already off in search of something else.

How cute.

But the laughter they would have greeted Murr with wasn't there. A moment's pause, eyes widening so slightly, before a fond smile settles. Huh, so something like this could happen too... Like polar opposites, for where their dear friend caused a whirlwind wherever he went, this one...seemed a lot more stand-off-ish (and, maybe, even a bit shy...!) and far from the type who'd be so in love with the moon his soul shattered. Appearing when they least expected it (but, well, more of the people on the ship had that ability), portraying an aura similar to that of the mysterious, cool and handsome young man in books they've read and...right now, purring.

Did he feel safe then, on this ship? Not like the stray cats who carefully moved beneath their hand, instead reminding them of the old lady's cats who greeted them by the door when they were visiting.

It's feels a bit strange with the earlier embarrassment of the request still lingering, by no means had they anticipated a reaction like that. (They don't dislike it, though.) He must be well-liked. Charming voice and a feeling of adoration when watching him, could they ask him if they could do this again, maybe...?

[your-favorite-spyho]

Ask or.. whatevs. 🍬

Admin is @silvireal

Lyra Luther Murr (1921-1944) Former WWII German soldier, specifically a spy. In Hell continued his career as a mercenary spy. Knows everything about everyone, from Heaven to the Ring of Sloth. Checked into the Hazbin Hotel to spy on the princess on Lute's instructions, but quickly became friends with other residents and refused to continue the mission, staying in the Hotel of his own will. Died of bleeding after being shot while trying to protect Adina from being expelled from Heaven. Got redeemed and is currently in Heaven.

Has a twin sister, Vienna (@your-favorite-therapist), an employer, @theleviafun, and a crush, @seraphim-adina.

Some friends he cares about: a bunch of his unnamed double dead army mates whose birthdays he still celebrates, Levis, Wrangler, @ask-sadie-morgan, @exorcist-timpani, @exorcist-ava, @askthefivefallen, @sinner-peyton, @seraphim-sarai.

Current story <current status: updating...> :

Leedina ("First and last" | The truth (1 | 2) | Badminton with Sadie | Coping mechanism | Don't bother | Play date)

Lutual Statement

After a pretty rough week with a lot going on, the Lutuals have decided that moving forward we will be a bit more selective regarding certain things. We love sharing our characters and developing new and interesting storylines for people to read and interact with and want to continue doing so while protecting ourselves and our mental health.

Please see below on the things we expect moving forward.

Asks, anon or not, will be deleted on sight and the sender blocked if they fall into any of the following categories:

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Hate Speech - the Lutualverse is a fun spinoff of the Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss settings and isn’t the place for social or political commentary. We’re just here for the various shades of queer relationships; if you’re not, kindly move along.

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To better form a cohesive, consistent universe with multiple storylines, the current Lutualverse is a set roster you can find here, all of whom have been vetted as 18+. As the blogs, storylines, and shows are 18+, it is recommended that minors do not interact.

Also, it has come to our attention that some blogs are claiming to be part of the Lutualverse despite not being official members.

While we appreciate that people enjoy our work, we DO NOT appreciate being impersonated or having unaffiliated members claiming to be part of our canon.

At the time of writing, the ONLY Lutuals are as follows: @joyerisjoy @able-juice @silvireal @texanredrose @kambiteydragon @moreaustars @xxcrazylutexx @canibalistic-brownie @greybazzy @seecatrun @pseudobun @atttwoood @paperroxas

Our recently updated roster of characters on our Lutuals page of the Wiki lists all the OFFICIAL blogs we have can be read here (https://lutualverse.fandom.com/wiki/Lutuals).

Any new blogs or members will be announced by ONE OF US and will be LISTED on the Lutuals roster.

Any unaffiliated users claiming to be part of our verse WILL BE BLOCKED.

Again, we would like to stress that we enjoy the interaction and support. This is to protect us and better craft compelling stories. Thank you for your understanding.

-The Lutuals

[your-favorite-therapist]

Hello darling, are you lost? 🌸

Admin is @silvireal

Vienna Murr (1921-1944) WWII German paramedic and arms factory worker. In Heaven, accidentally learned from Adam about the extermination, hence was offered to be a personal weapons' designer and exorcists' therapist.

Has a twin sister, Lyra (@your-favorite-spyho), and two partners, @exorcist-timpani and @exorcist-ava.

Current story <current status: updating...> :

Lute's therapy (1 | 2) Vexorcists (Timp&V | Timp&Lee | Timp&Ava)

Lutual Statement

After a pretty rough week with a lot going on, the Lutuals have decided that moving forward we will be a bit more selective regarding certain things. We love sharing our characters and developing new and interesting storylines for people to read and interact with and want to continue doing so while protecting ourselves and our mental health.

Please see below on the things we expect moving forward.

Asks, anon or not, will be deleted on sight and the sender blocked if they fall into any of the following categories:

NSFW - finding the characters hot is fine! Telling the mods what you want to do to those characters sexually is not!

Violence - show typical violence may be part of storylines or backstory to inform characterization! Graphically describing violence you would like to see done to the characters doesn’t! To vent frustrations with characters, please throw a bible at them; the mods will get the message just fine.

Hate Speech - the Lutualverse is a fun spinoff of the Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss settings and isn’t the place for social or political commentary. We’re just here for the various shades of queer relationships; if you’re not, kindly move along.

Spam - many Lutuals utilize their queues for asks and submissions; if you sent it once, we probably got it and will answer asks and post submissions in due time. Sending more than once will just confuse Tumblr and annoy the mod.

To better form a cohesive, consistent universe with multiple storylines, the current Lutualverse is a set roster you can find here, all of whom have been vetted as 18+. As the blogs, storylines, and shows are 18+, it is recommended that minors do not interact.

Also, it has come to our attention that some blogs are claiming to be part of the Lutualverse despite not being official members.

While we appreciate that people enjoy our work, we DO NOT appreciate being impersonated or having unaffiliated members claiming to be part of our canon.

At the time of writing, the ONLY Lutuals are as follows: @joyerisjoy @able-juice @silvireal @texanredrose @kambiteydragon @moreaustars @xxcrazylutexx @canibalistic-brownie @greybazzy @seecatrun @pseudobun @atttwoood @paperroxas

Our recently updated roster of characters on our Lutuals page of the Wiki lists all the OFFICIAL blogs we have can be read here (https://lutualverse.fandom.com/wiki/Lutuals).

Any new blogs or members will be announced by ONE OF US and will be LISTED on the Lutuals roster.

Any unaffiliated users claiming to be part of our verse WILL BE BLOCKED.

Again, we would like to stress that we enjoy the interaction and support. This is to protect us and better craft compelling stories. Thank you for your understanding.

-The Lutuals

[bluebellswood]

MVs plan list

priorities

Fly me to the star (mhyk) - before anime; jan 2025

Checklist (heathshino)

RPG (wxs)

for funnsies idk

yona yona dance (<- still deciding if i wanna do it with caiowe too)

Hanasato Attention ✨ (Kisagari Attention)

on hold

Yuukei Yesterday (emunene)

Unfriendly Hater (bradnero gakuen AU)

Say you love me (leoizu)

delusional projects

Yobanashi Deceive (figaro)

Outer Science (Murr & Akira)

LoveIt (caiowe)

Done

My R (Leo)

Tsukasa's Theory of Happiness (Tenma Tsukasa)

My bread was burnt to a Crisp (Murr and Snow)

Monday's Melancholy (TsukaRui)

Dropped

Rolling Girl (Leo)

Watashi no Tenshi (Tenma siblings)

[blastikmusik]

sunny side down 648

Cornelia Murr & Alice Boman - Heart of Scorpio Zooey Celeste & Tei Shi - Big Trouble Laetitia Sadier - Une Autre Attente Grand Eugene - Celle-Là Loving - Blue Mad Marty - I Live Like That Anna Ternheim - Dancing With Tears In My Eyes j ember - Hummingbird Bored At My Grandmas House - Inhibitions Midnight Cathedral - Another Life Blanco Niño - All The Wine Aure - The Line Katy Kirby - Party of the Century Nico Days - LIAR Horsebeach - In The Shadow Of Her GlassEar - The Model Pure Bathing Culture - The Chalice Parekh & Singh - Je Suis la Pomme Rouge | Live Performance

[satocidal]

oooOOooo ascendant, descendant, cancer, n leo (if you want 🫶🏾)

Hello hello hi murr<3

ascendant ⇢ do you believe in love at first sight?

Nope Lmao. I feel like you possibly cannot until you know the personality right? Like sure I don’t have a decent perception of ‘love’ but first sight thing just doesn’t make sense to me because like however pretty, sometimes you just cant vibe with a person. So yeye, I mean I understand finding them beyond gorgeous but ykyk

descendant ⇢ what kind of people do you usually attract?

Either very similar to me, or like the quiet kinds. I’m not particularly “the extrovert of the group” but I have my fair share of being loud or obnoxious moments maybe? I mean I’m not shy and I do speak and crack jokes—just not until I have to and all in all, I’m nice to people mostly until I have a reason to be otherwise. And I have realised every person who I’ve attracted or even been close with? All of them shy and quiet little bitches who don’t even bother talking to people when they need it—and everyone has so much to say under their breath when they don’t like someone it’s hilarious. But yes—mostly this.

leo ⇢ do you like being the center of attention or do you prefer to go unnoticed?

I’m very very guilty of needing to be the centre of attention. Like not in a negative light ofc, and especially in terms of academic validation or from teachers and in class. It’s just, I like making myself known and that I’m just better than others(does it show that I’m a gojo/hawks/dazai kinnie🤭)

cancer ⇢ do you want to start a family in the future? how many children would you like to have?

Push a kid out of me? 😭no thanks. Them breeding kinks only look cute in fics. But but, I wouldn’t want kids at least until I was 32. First a decent career and money and to be settled and then maybe, a kid (not even two). I’m so much more into the idea of adoption too—(be a menace and adopt 17 and then make maze or smn and when i die the maze will lead them to my fortunate)

Astrology game!!