#my inner archivist is crying

[capinejghafa]

I just sat here taking notes on the history of where I work (a book written by some 3rd party/a friend of the community)... and I'm so mad about it bc how do you write the history of a community and have the gull, the au-fucking-dacity, and not write dates or even the year of when it happened 🫠 who was that for exactly?

[aerialflight]

Fic Recs (cause it's always nice to give a shout out and get people into things I'm into rn)

[The Magnus Archives] (I recently finished the podcast and I fell into a hole for a while so here you go)

Sing a Song of Sixpence by Kaiel

Ship: Jon/Martin

In which Jonathan Sims is a Siren, and he fails to notice any new abilities granted to him by the position of Archivist. Or really anything about the Entities at all.

Takes place in season 1 featuring Jonah Magnus’s slow decent into madness

(The new mythology interwoven with tma's worldbuilding is so freaking good and I love how all the characters change and develop because of these changes. Also, f you Elias)

Along Came a Spider by Dribbledscribbles

Ship: implied Jon/Martin

Sasha James is the Archivist, as expected. Martin Blackwood is menaced by Jane Prentiss, as expected. Elias Bouchard weaves his web, as expected.

All goes as it should.

At least until something calling itself Jonathan Sims steps in.

(Web!Jon in this makes me want to weep, it's so freaking good. A pretty long, very excellent oneshot on what could've happened if Jon got taken by the web when he was a kid. And Sasha as the Archivist is ALWAYS so cool, we love her in this house.)

A Break in the Clouds by Ash_Rabbit

“I’m eight.” the kid sniffs as if eight was any different from four, maybe not an unspeakable horror then, just a regular horror. “And I heard that the Magnus Institute deals with-” his little nose scrunches, cute. “-spooky things.”

“Do you have a-” he cracks a grin, and then rethinks it as small hands tighten against their burden.”-spooky thing to deliver?” gods he hopes not, it’s bad enough when adults walk in and lay out all of their baggage, but for a child-

“There’s a spider in this book.” the kid says solemnly, raising his textbook sized parcel. “It ate Evan Pritchard.” a bloody fucking Leitner. Of course an eight year old would find a murder spider book. “This seemed like the best place to bring it.”

(I never thought about what the Original Elias could've been like AND NOW I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT BECAUSE OF THIS FIC. I LOVE HIM, HE'S COMPLEX AND HE CARES AND JON CARES AND THEY BOTH CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER. THIS IS THE CONTENT I WANT, OMG. Also, Jon being even smaller than usual is adorable, so cute. No wonder Elias wants to hug him, a LOT.)

See the Line where the Sky meets the Sea by The_Floating_World

Ship: Jon/Martin, Jon/Oliver Banks

When Jon is a child he looks into the infinite abyss of space. The Vast looks back into him.

(One of my all time fave fics in this fandom, no questions asked. I have reread this three times and am open to doing it again, god. Vast!Jon, such a concept. It's written so beautifully and the relationships Jon develops, so good. ugh. My heart. Please please read.)

Sweet As Roses by Prim_the_Amazing

Ship: Jon/Martin

“Come in, Martin,” he says, not looking up from his notes.

“Hi, Jon,” he says, and Jon stops writing at the sound of his voice. “We’re out of the green tea, but we’ve got lemon?”

Jon looks at him. Martin smiles at him in his usual tentative way as he sets the mug of tea down on Jon’s desk. Heat spikes so sharply in his gut that he twitches with it.

“Thank you, Martin,” he says, mouth dry, and he stands up.

“Oh,” he says, sounding almost surprised. He smiles again. “No-- no problem-- um, what are you--”

Jon takes Martin by the shoulders, leans up on the tips of his toes, and kisses him.

(You have no idea how much I howled through this fic, my god. *buries face in hands* The number of times I wanted to cry from sheer hilarity and horror reading this good lord.)

Things Could Always Be Worse by theOestofOCs

Ship: Jon/Martin, Georgie/Melanie

Sometimes, the most horrifying thing of all is what might have been.

Somewhere, Jon could swear he heard a crowd laughing.

Or: in which Jonathan Sims is forced to swap places with his alternate self—a tall, chivalrous hero extraordinaire, who knows neither fear nor nuance—and is sent to the aggressively straight alternate universe the Magnus Archives was never meant to be.

“Whatever place this is,” Jon announced, “I just want to be sure it knows I hate it.”

(I will say this once, THIS IS THE MOST CURSED THING IVE EVER READ EVER. Like holy hell. I can't believe this thing exists. please read it oh please please please)

-

[Supernatural]

heard from your mother (she don't recognize you) by Schmuzz

Ship: Dean/Cas, Jessica/Sam

A man named Cas wakes up in 2003 with no memories, but he's able to piece together a few things:

1. Supernatural creatures exist, and most of them will hurt innocent civilians if he doesn't stop them; 2. He has abilities that no human hunter should have, but he knows enough about human hunters to keep that to himself, and finally; 3. He keeps running into another hunter named Dean Winchester, who seems to be about as lonely as he is if he's willing to put up with those former facts long enough to help Cas unravel the mystery of who (or what) he really is.

For his part, Dean's still (not) dealing with Sam's departure to Stanford, and figures distracting himself with a bit of mystery and intrigue is as harmless as it gets, right? Right.

(THE fic I'm most into right now, been following this from the very start and it's AMAZING. Cas has agency and is making friends and S1 Dean is growing out of John's influence and is becoming a Person and the both of them first being friends then more. The slow burn as their relationship develops, SO GOOD. SO SO DAMN GOOD. *screams* Seriously one of the best spn fics I've read in a long, long time.)

anamnesis by cenotaphy

Ships: Castiel/Dean, Sam/Eileen

Chuck is depowered, Jack is the new god, and the world is free. Dean and Sam get into the Impala and chase down the miles on an endless highway, and their story is finally, finally their own to follow. At least, that's what Dean tells himself. But the diners and motels and painted interstate lines are blurring together and the smallest details keep catching at his brain like tiny fishhooks and he can't quite shake the feeling that not everything is exactly as it should be.

* Fix-it/alternate series finale. Canon-compliant through the end of 15.19.

(THIS IS THE FIC THAT GOT ME THROUGH THE FINALE OKAY. WHY COULDN'T THIS HAVE BEEN CANON. It's Disturbing and honestly plot-wise this makes more sense. Why couldn't we have had this. *screams*)

-

[Avatar: The Last Airbender]

where the stars do not take sides by WitchofEndor

Ship: Sokka/Zuko

When Azula is nine, she becomes an only child. She hears the Fire Lord call for Zuko's life, and in the morning, her mother and brother are gone. Azula may be young, but she isn't naive. She knows what happened to them.

Which makes it all the more surprising when Azula tracks the Avatar down and fights his group of peasant friends, only to find herself staring into an eerily familiar face.

(The fact one of the tags in this fic is, "Sibling Dynamic: Fucked Up But Wholesome" should give you an idea what this fic is like. Chaotic as HELL and I just love Azula here, she loves Zuko so much in her messed up way and Zuko loves her back in the exact same way lol. It's batshit and I am Here For This.)

-

[Naruto]

Eclipse by AislingRoisin (JayBird345) for HybrisAnaideia

Ship: Nara Shikaku/OFC

"In life, it's easier to remain stagnant and wallow in your troubles. But life isn't merely about continued existence, nor is it meant to be gone through alone."

(This is a fic that's slept on and I NEED people to read this. A self-insert fic that I find really interesting in its approach and the worldbuilding for the post-third war shinobi world is fantastic. I feel like there's a certain pattern with self-insert fics, not that is a detriment in any way to how much I enjoy them, so this fic feels fresh to me in a way I haven't read in a while. I am waiting eagerly for this to get updated! Please read!)

On Freedom and Other Formalities by iaso

Ship: Kakashi/Genma/OFC

When push comes to shove, Hiwa Inuzuka doesn't go down easy. Reborn into a new, dangerous world? She puts her past life as a spy to work. Thrown into a war? Hiwa does her duty, for Konoha. And when she's forced into an arranged marriage? All there is to do is beat them to the punch and get married first. Thankfully, Genma Shiranui is willing to lend a hand. Literally. SI/OC

(Listen, LISTEN, it's about the slow burn, the longing, the communication (it both has and hasn't and isn't THAT great??), the messy way you fit three very different people together, it's so freaking good! Also, Kakashi is so Chaotic here this is my fave characterization of him, you can't change my mind. And Genma is a Good Boi who is Doing His Best, along with the Self-insert character who I LOVE SO MUCH, SHE'S FANTASTIC FNEIWOPAF. Sped past this fic in the speed of light, I could not stop reading!)(Honestly, read all of the author's fics, they're all really REALLY good!)

Building a Castle by WhisperingDarkness

Without needing anyone to tell her, Sakura knew that talking to someone no-one else could see or hear would make her weird. It would draw the bad kind of attention to her, something people could make fun of her for.

She didn’t like being weird, but she did like the voice. Her inner voice was helpful and it was a part of her that had always been there. The idea of it not being there would have been so much weirder than anything else.

It was during her first year at the Academy that Sakura realised the voice was not in her head at all, but that it came from a cloudy shape floating next to her.

(Basically a short-ish retelling of Hikaru no Go. Only with more Shogi and Nara and Ninja's)

(Sakura can see ghosts (I'm noticing this is a popular trope for her) and it's really cute haha! Her relationship with Tobirama is sweet and I just enjoyed reading this so much.)

-

[The Magicians]

So Long (And Thanks For All The Books) by IncompleteSentanc (Erava)

Ships: Quentin/Eliot, James/Julia, Quentin/Margo/Eliot

When Quentin is told Julia wasn't admitted to Brakebills, he realizes he has a drastic decision in front of him. If he tells Julia about magic, he'll have his mind wiped as well as hers. But he can't just leave her behind, either. He can't lose his best friend, and he can't let her life a life with her magical potential stolen away from her.

So he makes a third choice.

(Really, and I mean REALLY well-done canon divergent fic, this is the Quentin & Julia friendship fic I have been looking for forever. It explores so much of what could've happened and I just love Quentin here, I really really do. Characterization done so right. I also recommend the author's other works too. Been a follower of them for a long time, they're great.)

-

[Game of Thrones]

The Road to Victory by writing_as_tracey

Too late in preparing for the Night King and the Long Night, the last stand at Winterfell is close to falling. Bran takes desperate measures to ensure victory, and Jon, Sansa, and Arya pay the price for it in a time unfamiliar to them, on the cusp of another war. [GoT, time-travel fix it]

(I swear, this fic made me laugh so many times, all the Stark are BAMF and fantastic, and Rhaegar gets Wrecked lol. It's crack btw, and the plot goes in directions you'll never guess and it's amazing hahaha!)

-

[Haikyuu!!] (I am very very late to the fandom but here I am)

Ballare (To Dance) by MidnightSparks

Ship: Iwaizumi Hajime/Kageyama Tobio/Oikawa Tooru, and platonic Kageyama & Kentarou (really love their friendship)

Kageyama’s first love is volleyball. His second, however, is ballet.

In one world, Kageyama Tobio is left behind by his parents. In this world, the existence of soulbonds keeps Kageyama’s parents in Miyagi and leaves Kageyama in the care of his grandma and grandpa.

(In which soulmates exist and that changes everything and nothing at the same time.)

(*buries face in hands* I have fallen for this ship so hard and I can't get out fudge me. I understand now. Their DYNAMICS FIEWONPAF)

Kings of Tomorrow by bokubroya (liarielle)

Ship: Kageyama Tobio/Oikawa Tooru

On the eve of Tobio’s 16th birthday, he counts down the seconds to midnight, and emerges with Oikawa Tooru’s name on his wrist.

It’s been two years since then, and Tobio thought they had an understanding. A silent, never spoken about understanding that this thing between them is nothing, and they’re going to pretend it doesn’t exist.

Of course, it’s just like Oikawa to change the game and leave Tobio wondering what comes next.

(I am WEAK for soulmate fics between these two, I don't even really like soulmate fics half the times what is WRONG WITH ME-)(Please suffer with me, I'm begging you. Its a good fic, thumbs up.)

-

[Crossover]

Honey and Magic by JustARatherVerySillyWriter, White_Squirrel for Super Carlin Brothers

Fandoms: Matilda (yeah you read that right), Harry Potter

Everyone knew Matilda was a rather extraordinary child, but even she didn't know she was a witch. Matilda Honey receives her Hogwarts letter in the year of the Triwizard Tournament, and soon, she will leave her unique mark on the magical world.

(Do I even need to explain how amazing it is to have Matilda in the wizarding world? And Matilda is a HUFFLEPUFF AND I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL THIS FIC IS GREAT PLEASE READ!!!)

An Eye for an Eye by DpsMercy

Fandoms: The Magnus Archives, Welcome to Night Vale

In which Jonathan Sims is not from the UK but instead, if you took his origins and turned them sideways twice then flipped them over, he technically would be from the US, the town of Night Vale specifically. Elias can’t do shit about it and gets a headache and slowly creeping madness instead.

(Look, I know probably everyone has read this because if they haven't, what have you been DOING with your lives??? Jon interning at Night Vale is Incredible, nothing phases this man, it's Delightful. I laughed so many times reading this, I'm not even kidding right now. Read or perish.)

The Favour by R_Cookie

Fandoms: Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Ship: Original Percival Graves/Harry Potter

Percival is ten years old when his grandfather tries to tell him that he's ensured the greatness of the Graves legacy for him, that he ought to be eternally grateful - but the explanation is hijacked by a stranger who manages to intimidate Chester Graves with an ease never seen before.

or: Hadrian (Harry) Potter is the Master of Death, who grants Graves a boon. Nobody could have known that the Deathly Hallows didn't turn you so much into the 'Master of Death' as into the anthropomorphic personification of Death. And so, Death becomes Percival's guardian angel, and Percival does not spit out his cereal.

(Look, I don't know how I stumbled back into the FBAWTFT fandom either, it just happened and I'm grateful for that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have found this amazing fic. Their relationship is slow and strange and I just love how Percival is characterized here. Also, one of the tag promises that it deviates from canon so I am really, really excited for that! XD)

baby that's what i do by natanije

Fandoms: Naruto, Katekyou Hitman Reborn!

"Are you telling me," Hidan exclaims, incredulous, "that you collect money all this time to give to orphans?!"

Kakuzu pauses. He blinks a few times.

"Huh. I guess I do."

(Tsuna reincarnates as Kakuzu and it's HILARIOUS. HE'S SUCH A MOM HAHAHA)

[theoriesontheory]

Pause: Basquiat and 100 gecs, name a more iconic duo I’ll wait.

In the process of researching a topic, sometimes a random thought will come into my head. Often, they are flights of fancy, a random rabbit hole that will distract from my work. Alongside this though, they occasionally add some extra context or a new way of understanding that I keep in the back of my mind while I work. This is one such flight of fancy. 

Jean Michael Basquiat is an African American artist who rose to popularity at the forefront of the neo-expressionism movement. 100 gecs are a music duo who rose to popularity at the forefront of the hyperpop movement. 

Image 1: Basquiat painting In Switzerland, 1983

Image 2: 100 gecs on stage in Wisconsin, 2020

Neo-expressionism was an art movement that arose at the start of the 20th century, depicting real and recognisable subjects (like heads and bodies) ways that rejected traditional standards of composition and design, were brittle in emotional tone – reflecting the world in which they were created, and an inherent tension between fun playful presentation of objects with a sense of inner disturbance, tension, ambiguity and alienation. (Britannica, 2019) 

Hyperpop is a genre that arose in the early parts of the 21st century, using real and recognisable forms (pop hooks, 808 drums, love songs) in ways that reject the traditional standards of composition and production, are extreme in emotional tone – reflecting the world in which they were created, and an inherent tension between fun playful presentation of lyrics with a sense of disturbance, tension, ambiguity and alienation. Or at least I think it is. Listening to the music I hear so many things I recognise and am familiar with like samples from well-known and niche TV shows and video games. I also hear songs that I understand and resonate with, more so than in other genres. I hear songs about love, loss, victory, rock bottom, drugs, sobriety, partying, crying, friends and isolation. I hear something that I can resonate with. Obviously while the genre is rooted in pop the production and construction of the songs is far from any ‘normal’ pop I have come across. A reviewer for pitchfork described the music as genre blending, a stacking of genres and sounds at their peak and extreme in it relatability, nostalgia and hookiness. (Patel, 2020). The nature of this taking elements from elsewhere at their peak results in a sound that in some way is always peaking, even in the quiet moments the auto tune or 808s are usually there or there is an unnaturally fast rhythm in some percussion which is reflective of the world we live in now. Content is getting shorter, tik tok and Facebook memes are the primary way we not only get entertainment but learn about more longform entertainment and so every second of a hyperpop track can in theory be in that small clip because it’s all so full of energy. The inherent tension is the most interesting part for me, while the production and musicality and performance and general feeling of the songs is often a party at the end of the world, the lyrics and stories being told are often at the extremes of emotion, a place I think all can acknowledge is not a healthy place to be all the time. While the songs feel light and fun and funny some of the lyrics are so infused with passion or anger or sadness that the two can almost exist in a harmony, one extreme balancing and highlighting the other. 

Looking specifically at Basquiat I learned that he took much inspiration from the things he was fascinated with as a child, comic books, textbooks, walking around museums, all of which he carried with him mentally and physically to use as reference for his work. In one video of the artist his work was describes as a cutting up and remixing of materials, informed by his current circumstance. (Saggese, 2019)

100 gecs described themselves in an interview as archivist fans, (Patel, 2020) fans who take all the pop culture and references that they like and cut them up and put them in their music. From the genre shift to hardcore at the end of ‘Money Machine’ to the use of a guitar riff from another popular tik tok song (Scotty Doesn’t Know – Lustara) the sounds and inspirations heard in a single 100 gecs track tells a story about the artists and their experiences. 

In closing this thought experiment, seeing hyperpop as the neo-expressionism of the 2020s, I can’t help but look at what happened to neo-expressionism after its rise in popularity. I found a newspaper article from 1986 declaring the death of neo-expressionism. Essentially what it came down to was an oversaturation of the market and many practitioners were seen to be trying to cash in on the popular media of the day. (Brenson, 1986) I think that the same worries could be held about hyperpop today. Now more than ever we see major labels and corporations trying to cash in on the hot sound of the moment and as a result many young producers are trying to make music to get on the right playlist and get signed. At the same time there are producers who are just making the music they like and trying to find communities of people who like what they do. Basquiat once said “I don’t think about art when I’m working I try to think about life.” (Saggese, 2019) and Laura from 100 gecs said “What we try to do is be honest, give ourselves to the thing that we're doing and not feel like we have a persona as much as just being ourselves.” (Moen, 2020) 

While the same dangers of commercialisation and oversaturation exist, I choose to remain hopeful. That while in the current, late-stage capitalist, internet age, commercialisation is unavoidable, but that doesn’t discredit the art that is being made because it is a honest reflection of the artist’s lives. 

References:

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2019, November 7). Neo-Expressionism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/Neo-Expressionism

Moen, M. (2020, June 24). Skrillex Interviews 100 gecs About the Future of Music. Paper. https://www.papermag.com/100-gecs-skrillex-pride-2646244919.html?rebelltitem=140#rebelltitem140

Patel, P. (Interviewer). (2020, November). Pitchfork Review: 100 Gecs and the Mystery of Hyperpop. [Audio Podcast]. Get Wired. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1UnB4gNxTsInfjur0iVXEP?si=NXGfknGtTqSId4z-XhKNeg&dl_branch=1

Saggese, J., M. [TED-Ed]. (2019, March 1). The Chaotic Brilliance of artist Jean-Michael Basquiat – Jordana Moore Saggese. [video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX02QQXfb_o

Images:

Image 1: Basquiat in Switzerland, 1983  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/see-jean-michel-basquiat-masterpieces-close-online-exhibit-180975416/

Image 2: 100 gecs on stage in Wisconsin, 2020 https://www.emmiemusic.com/concerts-2/100-gecs-the-sett

[kravitzz]

Podcast Recs 2019

Hey there! I’ve updated my list of podcast recommendations for 2019. This includes anything from my top favorites to stuff I haven’t gotten around to listening to yet! For a more up to date version of this list, please go here. 

 * = Favorite! ! = Caught Up # = In progress + = Need to listen

Fiction: *! Wolf 359: Starts off as a goofy space station slice-of-life comedy and spirals into something way, way deeper. Great characters, fantastic plot, and a really great concept overall. *# The Penumbra Podcast: A couple different plots, but primarily a futuristic space noir story. Really cheesy but in the best way, also super LGBT and fantastic and it just makes me so happy. # Beef and Dairy Network Podcast: Just a completely normal podcast about the inner workings of the beef and dairy industry. Nothing weird here, not at all. # Hello From The Magic Tavern: A podcast transmitted from the magical land of Foon! Really chill and funny improvised stuff # King Falls AM: A fun paranormal radio show sort of deal. I’m not far in enough to describe it better. # EOS 10: Doctors in space! It’s gay and funny and suspenseful, I adore the hell out of the writing.  # The Bright Sessions: Superhero therapy! Incredible character building, really cool show. # Within the Wires: I’m only an ep in and uh. I have no fucking clue what’s happening but it’s cool as shit so far.  # Everything Is Alive: A podcast where a guy interviews inanimate objects! It’s interesting and fun. *# Welcome to Nightvale: A classic! A radio show in a desert town that’s much odder than it seems.  # Done Disappeared: A parody of true-crime investigation podcasts. Dumb and funny.

+ Jim Robbie and the Wanderers + Dopple Avenue Hurt + The Thrilling Adventure Hour + Wooden Overcoats + Ars Paradoxica + The Far Meridian + The Strange Case of Starship Iris + Girl In Space + Inkwyrm + Immunities + Mission to Zixx +Kaleidotrope +Midnight Radio

Horror: *# The Magnus Archives: Jonathan Sims, head archivist of a paranormal research institute in London, reads the statements of people who have experienced horrifying things. Things go south very quickly for him and his assistants. HEAVY trigger warning, since it includes lots of the typical horror things such as gore, bugs, cannibalism, etc, but if you can handle it, I highly recommend this show. The writing and characters are so good. *! SCP Archives: Performed readings of different SCP stories. If you like SCP, this show is really good! # Alice Isn’t Dead: A fantastic spooky adventure with a gal trucking across the U.S. to find her missing wife! Made by the Nightvale folks, and it’s really intriguing and well produced. # The NoSleep Podcast: Different horror stories from r/nosleep, acted and read aloud. Varies in quality, but is generally pretty good! Gets better in the later seasons. # Limetown: A well-known faux-journalism horror story. The first season is very good, I haven’t listened to the second yet. # Mabel: It’s been a while since I listened to this one, so I don’t remember much other than it being very, very spooky. # The Black Tapes: The ending isn’t good, but the rest was great. They’re apparently continuing, so hopefully the ending will be fixed.

+ The Blood Crow Stories + The Alexandria Archive + TANIS + Rabbits D&D/Actual Play: *! The Adventure Zone: Look. You know this one. An actual-play podcast that starts off slow and picks up really quickly. 80% comedy, 20% plot, and 100% amazing. Balance is the first campaign and is D&D and a mix of fantasy and sci-fi. *# Critical Role: I’ve been riding with this show for years now, but I haven’t actually listened to the podcast format of it! The show itself is fantastic though, so I’m still recommending it. Follow the in-progress D&D adventure of a bunch of great voice actors. Sorta the flip of TAZ, in that it’s like 80% plot and 20% comedy. Also 100% crying. Their first campaign is complete, and they’re currently partially through their second. # Godsfall: A pretty rules-heavy DND podcast. Really really well produced. # Friends At The Table: Not really far in enough to make much judgement! + Heroes and Halfwits + Tabletop Champions + Join the Party + Dames & Dragons + Bombarded + The Mortal Path + Dnduet + The Venture Maidens + The Broad Swords + Six Feats Under

Nonfiction: # Wonderful!: Happy and pure, Griffin and Rachel Mcelroy talk about things that make them happy. I enjoy listening to random episodes when I need a pick-me-up. # Oh No, Ross and Carrie!: Ross and Carrie go around and investigate different fringe science, paranormal, and spiritual things. They’re super fun to listen to! + The Worst Bestsellers + Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men + Mysterious Universe + Bunker Buddies + Imaginary Worlds + Conversations With People Who Hate Me + Dead Pilots Society + Harry Potter and the Sacred Text + Storybreak + Shmanners + Positiviteeny! + Still Buffering + The Supermega Podcast Comedy: *# My Brother, My Brother, and Me: Really good goofs and advice from the Mcelroy brothers. It’s so good. # Sawbones: Medical history with Sydnee and Justin Mcelroy! Sydnee is an actual doctor, so it’s a wonderful combo of dumb humor and really good information. # My Dad Wrote A Porno: Title kind of says it all. Very, very funny. + What Should We Draw? + Revisionist History + Hardcore History + More Perfect + Making a Podcast with Myself True Crime/Supernatural: *# My Favorite Murder: True crime and murder stories, as told by some very cool and funny ladies. They’re like my goth comedian moms. # Heaven’s Gate: A podcast about the cult Heaven’s Gate. Only 10 episodes, really interesting and well produced. # Lore: I listened to this forever ago and loved it! Really good paranormal and spooky stories. # And That’s Why We Drink: Em and Christine talk about the paranormal and true crime while getting drunk and chatting about their lives! They have a great dynamic and it’s just a fun comfy show to listen to. + Judge John Hodgman +Spirits + Blurry Photos + Expanded Perspectives + Wine and Crime + Cabinet of Curiosities Journalism:

*# 99% Invisible: Beautifully written and edited journalism about design and life. I love the hell out of this podcast. *# Reply All: Journalism and weird stories about technology and the different ways it affects us. I highly recommend listening to episode #102 and #103, Long Distance, if you want an incredibly interesting story about spam callers and trying to hunt them down. # Ear Hustle: Stories about the life of prisoners, made by a prisoner! Really interesting journalism. # Setting the Record Queer: A queer interview show. Pretty new but really fun! # Twenty Thousand Hertz: A podcast about sound design and things relating to it. Very well produced and interesting. + Family Ghosts + Ologies

[what-even-is-thiss]

Off of Land, Out of Water, Part 2, Help

It’s part 2 of the mer au. Let me know if I need to add warnings. 2,721 words

Abstract: Logan and Virgil relearning some things.

Part 1 Next

2. Help.

Virgil held onto Logan’s arm for a while at Logan’s insistence.

“You didn’t sleep, you shouldn’t be swimming much.” he had said.

For once Virgil didn’t protest.

They got to the school, a low building in more shallow waters where people went to memorize the history of merfolk. Undersea people had no written language so a select few with good memories were chosen as young children to learn trade secrets, history, how the systems of government worked, and yes, any interaction they had ever had with humans. Logan was appointed as a a history scholar but always felt he would be better at memorizing things found in science and math and magic. The masters had insisted, however, for whatever reason, that he learn history. So that is what he did. The names and places of all merfolk from the central Atlantic region, their ancestors’ place of origin, their previous migration patterns, the major things that happened in their politics and history were all in his head. Soon, if he passed this test, he would work as an archivist. Keep relics safe, answer merpeople’s questions about their family history when they came to the school. When he’s older he’ll take on an apprentice and teach them everything he knows. Literally. All that was ahead of him though. For now in this moment he had to start reciting.

And his chest was feeling weird.

“Virgil, I don’t like to use this word more often than I have to, but my chest feels weird.” Logan said casually as they waited outside the stone exam room where people had carved many pictures in the stone walls of teachers being eaten by sharks or stabbed with spears.

“Your chest feels…. weird?” Virgil asked.

“Yes. Strange. Odd. Queer.” He also made a low humming in his throat in mer language to further solidify his point that whatever he was feeling definately wasn’t ordinary.

“Like are you anxious?” Virgil asked, a horrible note of hope in his voice.

“Hardly.” Logan said. “I know everything I should. But my lungs, my inner gills, I…”

Virgil suddenly grabbed Logan’s arm and started pulling him away.

“Virgil! The test!” Logan exclaimed.

“No time for tests! Your stomach is going to start hurting soon! I knew it was you. I just knew it. Oh God, why did it have to be you?” Virgil said.

Logan swore very loudly with a whistle and a click as his stomach started hurting just as Virgil had predicted. His head went light. People made extremely disapproving noises as Virgil pushed them out of the way. They knocked a decorative rope made for graduation season and New Years off of a building. Virgil was moving upwards at a dangerous pace, somehow not bothered by the change in pressure, his black and grey scales and pale skin both began to reflect real sunlight rather than the bottled kind.

“Virgil take me to a healer!” Logan called, trying to fight his way out of Virgil’s grasp.

But it was no use. Even on Logan’s best day and Virgil’s worst Virgil was still stronger, bigger, and had a much tighter will than him. His fear made him unstoppable. Logan could vaguely hear shouts and other confused noises behind him as his skin began to feel gross. Just really, really gross. The shimmering light of the surface became visible. Everything was expanding too quickly. Somehow Virgil didn’t slow down. His desperate grip on Logan’s arm began to draw blood. Logan’s stomach reached critical levels of pain. Oxygen bubbles began forming in his lungs.

“Surface… too… fast…” Logan managed. His vision went blurry.

He blacked out.

……….

“Keep walking, Virgil.” dad said. “The car’s that way.”

“Dad… it…” Virgil started.

He fell to his knees.

“Verge!” his mom yelled.

Through his blurry vision Virgil thought he could see her straight curtain of bleach blonde hair. The boardwalk was hard and yet somehow soft under his knees. 

“Mom, what’s wrong with him?” Virgil heard his brother say.

“Be quiet, Roman. We need to think. I told you we shouldn’t bring him to the ocean until he’s grown. I told you!”

“I told him to not touch the water, Jen!” 

“What…” Virgil tried. “My stomach… Mom?”

He fell fully onto his side. His lungs were starting to burn.

“It wants him now, John! There’s no one around! That witch made sure of it! Do it!”

“This wasn’t supposed to happen yet! He’s only thirteen!”

“Look at him! The ocean doesn’t care! Do it!”

The air suddenly felt very dry despite the sea spray around him. For some reason Virgil knew this had to do with when he had stood in the waves despite his parents’ warnings. Though why suddenly being sick would be related to that he didn’t know. He felt his heart increase to a dangerous pace as some arms belonging to he didn’t know who began pulling his clothes off of him.

Virgil cried. But he couldn’t cry. Some hands, he didn’t know whose, threw him into the air. He felt water engulf his naked body. He couldn’t move his legs apart. He gasped in a mouthful of salt.

He blacked out.

……….

Logan opened his eyes and tried looking around. Everything was heavy except for his lungs which were horribly light. It was almost as if they didn’t exist. His body hurt. The surface under him was hard. All he could see was blurry grey shapes.

“Vir-gil?” he asked. He tried to whistle out his friend’s mer name but found that he couldn’t. His mouth felt strange. His hair felt strange. His skin felt strange. His tail felt… His…

“H… huh?” he asked nobody in particular.

A hand on his back helped him sit up.

“They’re called legs.” said a familiar deep and ominous voice.

“My teeth are…” 

“Not pointy. Take it slow. It’s hard to adjust.”

Logan ran his tongue along his teeth. Most of them were flat. They had become… what’s the word? Omnivorous? Flat? Annoyingly small?

“I’m going to put something on your face now.” Virgil said. “I borrowed them from my younger brother. They’re his old prescription. It’ll be better than nothing.”

Virgil carefully put some kind of glass and wire thing on Logan’s face over his eyes and Logan stopped seeing a blur and finally saw his friend’s face. His black hair wasn’t floating around, nor was it plastered to his head with water. It was dry. Before now Logan hadn’t even known what that word truly meant. He ran his fingers into his own hair. Dry. He looked at Virgil. Down his body. He was…

“You are…”

“Human. Yeah. Try looking down.”

Logan looked down.

“Okay clearly that isn’t natural.”

His friend laughed. “You said you know how full mammals reproduce.” Virgil said. He lifted up his shirt and pointed to the large inverted scar on his stomach. The one Logan had asked about every time he’d seen him for the past ten years. “That’s how I got this scar. From being born. We call it a belly button. Or, a navel I guess.”

Virgil jumped up and went to what Logan recognized from drifting junk he had seen in the ocean to be an ice chest. He looked around and saw that they were under a cliff face, or he assumed it was a cliff face from carvings he’d seen. He also slowly realized that he was physically human now and that according to what he’d heard about human customs....

“You need help putting these on?” Virgil asked, pulling some clothes out of the ice chest.

“Most likely. I’ve never had to… um…”

“You’ll get used to it. Don’t try to understand anything yet. Trust me. It isn’t worth it.”

Virgil gently helped his friend into a pair of boxers and some jeans. He brought out a polo shirt.

“You’re about my younger brother’s size so I brought some of his clothes. Hope you like polo shirts. That’s basically all he wears. Well, except for things with cats on them.”

Virgil instructed Logan on how to put a shirt on, helping him put his arms through the holes.

“Now, before I see if you can walk, word to the wise, don’t take your shirt off in front of people. Almost every human that has ever lived has a belly button, and you don’t.”

“Why?” Logan asked. “What is any of this? What is happening? What are you?”

“Okay, L. Clearly you were lying when you said that you know how mammals reproduce. I’ll have the talk with you later. I’ll have a lot of talks with you later. For right now, I’m gonna help you stand.”

……….

“That’s it. Put your entire body into it.” she encouraged.

Virgil clicked out her name angrily and huffed, but he moved his tail nonetheless.

“That’s good. You’re getting better at pronouncing my name!” she whistled.

“I’ve been thinking about a human name for you. I decided. I’m gonna call you Val in human.” Virgil said.

“If that makes you feel better. I don’t need a human name though.” Val said.

“Am I done yet?” he asked.

“Do you think you can swim next to me?” she asked.

“Ugh, fine.” Virgil spat. “You’re too happy.”

“So you keep telling me, guppy.”

“I’m already an adolescent!” Virgil hissed, showing his teeth.

Sometimes instincts really did override what he’d learned as a human. Even though he was, for all intents and purposes, physically a merman now, he did age a bit faster than other merpeople. A merman his age would normally be figuring out social rules and not have any hormones to speak of. The equivalent of a human nine year old. Virgil, on the other hand, was now supposed to be learning how to be an adult, which he couldn’t do when he didn’t know how to move around or speak in full sentences. He was supposed to be wrestling his younger brother and defending him from their mom, going to his older brother’s music recitals and hating it, learning how to cook from his parents, crying over final exams, worrying about which high school he was going to. Watching Gators football games and cursing as he stabbed himself in the eye with a mascara brush for the first time. 

But instead it was like he was a toddler all over again.

Val and Verge swam slowly together in silence to the edge of the reefs where her house was, dangerously close to human civilization. Virgil was exhausted.

“Why am I even here? Why can’t I just stay human?” he asked as she held him tight when he was ready to sleep.

“It’s because of what came before us, guppy.” Val said, running her fingers through his hair. “It’s just something you got caught up in. I’ll tell you soon.”

……….

“I am so heavy.” Logan said, rubbing his injured knee.

He had knees now. He… no, don’t process that. Save it for later.

“Everyone’s heavy. It’s just more obvious on land.” Virgil said, holding his hand out again. 

Logan took a deep breath of briny sea air and pulled on his friend’s hand. He managed to stand with some help.

“We can carry you to the car if you can’t make it.” Virgil said.

“No. Cars sound horrifying and I’d rather know that I’m able to get away from it. And your brothers. They don’t sound agreeable. Let me go.” Logan said.

“Alright, but I hope you know that almost nobody learns to walk in one day.” Virgil said.

“I’m not a child!” Logan exclaimed.

“Yeah that’s what I said too.” Virgil said as he let go.

Logan looked down at his feet now trapped in things called “tennis shoes” and took a breath.

“Just focus on not falling down.” Virgil said.

“You’ve already said that. And I have a good memory. I…”

“Yeah, I know L. Just look up. Look at me. Step forward. Just one step for now.”

Logan looked up. Virgil was a lot bigger than him even as a human. It wasn’t fair. None of this was fair. He wanted to take a step towards Virgil to point at him and tell him that this wasn’t fair. He tried to do that but took two steps and fell into Virgil’s arms instead.

“Further than you got last time.” Virgil said.

“You’re never this patient.” Logan grumbled into Virgil’s chest.

“I have a long term memory, you know. Swimming isn’t easy to learn as an adult. Or a teenager.” Virgil said. “Come on, we’ve got another hour before they get here. Maybe I can see you fall face first into the rocks a few more times.”

Logan tried standing up again.

“Virgil, how long were you… before we met?”

“A hundred days.” Virgil said. “Just living with Val, learning how to exist again. It was another year after that I got to visit my family again.”

Logan took a step forward.

“I can’t wait a hundred days. Much less a year.”

He took another step forward. Then another. Then he fell over again. Virgil caught him before he hit the ground.

“Well at least you’re giving me a good arm workout today.” Virgil grunted, lifting his friend up again. “God, Patton is rubbing off on me. I just looked on the bright side of something.”

“I don’t know who that is, but he’s clearly corrupting you.” Logan paused. “That was a joke.”

“I know, dude. You don’t have to tell me every time. He’s my younger brother.”

He sat Logan down on the rocks.

“Well I suppose I know where you go when you leave without any warning now.” Logan said, rubbing his face underneath the glasses. He clicked his tongue in a small curse. Some equivalent to “Crud” or “Shoot.” in mer speak.

“Yup.” Virgil said. “Florida. Lucky you.”

“That sounded suspiciously like sarcasm.” Logan said as he rubbed his suffering knees.

“It was.”

……….

Virgil focused on breathing slowly. He swam up cautiously.

“You’re shaking, buddy. Come on, you’ve been growing. They’re gonna want to see that.” Val said.

“I can’t.” Virgil said, stopping suddenly. “I can’t.”

He turned around. Val grabbed him by the arm.

“Hey, you survived the first day of school and talked to the elders. You can do anything.” She said.

She gently ran one of her hands along his neck and to the base of his spine, a gesture he recently learned was used to soothe people when they were nervous, especially between parents and children. He nervously flicked his tail at that realization. How did Val see him, really?

“They’re your family. They want to see you.” she said. “It doesn’t matter what you’ve become. And next year? You’ll get to visit them properly. Go on.”

She gestured upwards. Virgil swallowed.

“Alright, but I won’t like it.”

“Sure you won’t.”

He swam cautiously upward on his own. It had been so long since that day at the boardwalk where everyone had suddenly disappeared and his stomach had started hurting. The day he had been thrown in to appease the ocean and hadn’t seen his family since. How much did they know? How could they forgive him for not listening? How could he forgive them for not telling him why he couldn’t touch the water? Could he explain everything to them? How he looked like a freak even down there? How badly he wanted to come home? How badly he wanted to stay?

He caught sight of the correct pile of rocks and aimed for it. Two almost familiar figures were peering into the water. He broke the surface.

“Virgil, baby!” his brothers were pushed aside and almost fell into the water as his mom knelt and hugged him around the neck.

Virgil blew the water out of his lungs and smiled with all his teeth despite how embarrassed he was at the size of them. He saw his dad standing behind them and when it was his turn he hugged even harder. If merpeople could cry Virgil knew he would be doing it.

“Hi dad.” he whispered into his father’s shoulder. “Hi.”

Patton and Roman both smiled at him from behind their parents’ tearful babbling. Roman gave a wave. The same one he did whenever a piano recital was over. Virgil sighed. It was alright.

[chubbyooo]

Blurred Lines: Cursed Past Chapter 58 - The Archives

hey all sorry for the weird break I got a little sidetracked but here’s the last part of Kavaraa’s life gets turned upside down :P

Kavaraa learns what this pilgrimage has all been for

the familiar feeling took Kavaraa and suddenly she was sitting at a long table, on the other side was the form of Avulo Bysh. All this time she had been talking to her ancestor without even knowing she dounted he knew either, she looked around they didn’t seem to be on a planet this time but on some kind of asteroid. She could see stars all around her swirling in the depths of space, she was about to question how they could breath here but she doubted logic applied to these holocrons. 

Kavaraa tried her best to refocus just get this information and then they could go back to the ship then you can decompress, Avulo smiled at them “well congratulations on making it through the last trial” he paused looking away “I do apologise for whatever you had to see in there but we had to test if you were able to face your inner demons” Kavaraa nodded she didn’t entirely agree with their methods here but wasn’t gonna argue

Theron however didn’t seem too pleased “that was a little more than ’facing our inner demons’ why would you do that to people” Avulo frowned looking at them solemnly 

he cocked his head “I’m afraid it’s necessary for archivists to be able to face that sort of thing, as many of the secrets we keep have the potential to induce such visions” Kavaraa had to admit that was not the first time she had experienced visions of the past but never so vividly before. Theron seemed somewhat satisfied with that if a little grumpy

Kavaraa spoke up “so we’ve heard that term Archivist since this is the last trail are you going to tell us what that means” Kavaraa had to admit this pilgrimage was starting to agitate her

Avulo sipped his tea “yes it does I’m going to explain the secret force archives” he paused putting his cup down “as I’m sure you realised, long ago a Jedi was fascinated with the exploration of foreign planets and among this journey he came across the planet of Vallereth a planet surrounded by many moons and coated in potent force energy, and residence to a seemingly dead civilisation” Kavaraa felt her excitement rise she glanced to Kormel who looked equally giddy. Avulo continued “it was unclear wether the dead civilisation was good or bad but what was clear was that much of this would need to be recorded to understand that fact” Kavaraa frowned Avulo had previously talked about how many secrets were transported here. “the Jedi had created a safe environment for force potent artefacts where they couldn’t hurt people on one of the moons, but upon studying the planet further it was found that the atmosphere and air was deadly to people even with biohazard suits” Kavaraa’s eyes widened that couldn’t have been a normal atmosphere maybe it was force related. Avulo sighed “but none the less the jedi had constructed a safe environment for dangerous artefacts and the jedi council at the time needed somewhere to store artefacts and thought it best to store the most dangerous of the ancient secrets away from where impressionable padawans train” Avulo chuckled “I have to say I don’t blame them for that one, still it was agreed and only the most wise of the jedi were chosen to transport and watch over these dangerous artefacts” Avulo paused smiling “one of which was me” Kavaraa was stunned she guessed it all added up but had the jedi always kept this a secret

Kavaraa frowned “how come none of the jedi since then have spoken of this?” Kavaraa had to admit it sounded like the jedi to keep secrets but still

Avulo nodded “due to the nature of what we were keeping we decided it was best if only jedi grand masters were aware of this secret, as far as I’m aware that is how it still happens” Avulo held his chin “although it may have changed for all I know, it was also decided the way we found new members would be through the pilgrimage. Although difficult it would ensure they were of strong will and would not be seduced by what they were there to protect” Avulo took a deep breath “ok I think that’s everything, I hope I didn’t forget anything” Kavaraa chuckled this was all so complicated she wouldn’t be suprised if he’d missed something

Kormel raised his hand “so um mister Bysh what do we do now” Kavaraa felt herself wince with the name

Avulo smiled “well first of all congratulations on completing all the trials I’m so glad to see new archivists” Kavaraa couldn’t help but smile

Theron frowned “I may not be a full on ‘archivist’ but you can definitely trust me to keep the secret” Kavaraa chuckled Theron was probably keeping 100 secrets already with his slicing ability

Avulo nodded “that’s fine I pretty much have to trust you at this point so you know don’t tattle, anyway now you should find a new star map and a pair of goggles in the room you were in, the map will lead you to an area and the goggles will show you a beam of light to a shrine. Activate it and it will lead you a bit closer to another and soon enough you will have arrived” Avulo chuckled “don’t worry this bit is easy it’s just to make sure it couldn’t just be found without the necessary knowledge” Avulo smiled again he really did like smiling didn’t he

Kavaraa nodded “thank you so much for your help Avulo I um-” Kavaraa paused should she say she was related to him? he was just a holocron construct right

Avulo sipped his tea “sorry if that was a lot of information, I hope it’s all clear and that the archive is still ship shape” Kavaraa didn’t know how to bring it up

Kavaraa stammered “uh um no it’s not that I think I may be uh your ancestor” Avulo’s eyes widened as a big smile crept across his face

Avulo beamed at her “oh that’s wonderful I’m glad my family is still involved” he joked “don’t tell the other jedi that I have a wife it’s top secret” Kavaraa chuckled she was pretty sure they hadn’t found out and it was a stupid rule anyway

Kavaraa smiled “I’m uh proud to continue your legacy and I’ll do my best” Avulo nodded back Kavaraa could feel herself breathing heavily

Avulo took another sip of tea “I’m sure you will and it was so nice to meet you all, goodbye for now” Kavaraa was about to speak again but she felt herself pulled back out of the holocron and into the temple.

Kavaraa hung her head and took a deep breath this was a lot she just had to get back to the ship, she saw Kormel pick up the aforementioned goggles and map as Theron came over and took her hand 

“you okay Kav?” the concern was clear in his eyes she didn’t blame him this would be a lot for anyone

Kavaraa nodded “yeah I’m ok you know it’s just a lot to process” Theron nodded leading her out of the chamber

They made their way back through the temple and came to the holorecorder, Kavaraa decided it was best to take the recording with her it wasn’t exactly for anyone else after all. 

They left the cave returning to the ranch but Kavaraa had to have another look in the house just one more, she looked around the house she could’ve grown up in. It would all have been so simple and peaceful certainly a far cry from a servant life, maybe she’d have learned how to wrangle Thantras or at least how to keep them alive. She made her way to what she assumed would be her room, she walked to the bed leaning on the bed post and sighing. 

Kavaraa spun the mobile maybe she had seen this before she just didn’t remember it so well something about it seemed familiar, it would have been interesting being a girl from a ranch certainly a lot less expected of you than the chosen jedi Basen’thor. Kavaraa was suddenly startled as the bed post snapped beneath her causing her to stumble onto the bed, she began to quietly sob this life was gone it was as simple as that...

[selenecrawford]

Selene Crawford: The Spitfire

Thank you for checking the first post. Had fun writing so now decided to write a bit more. I hope you guys like it. Selene is a complete bag of surprises. Comments appreciated. Thanks.

  Three months had passed since the day of the interview. Selene managed in an unexpected way to secure the job. Sometimes she still found it hard to believe.  Looking back, she went back to the phone to work non stop while Mitsurani, Hideoyoshi and Nobunaga look in silence how she managed 5 of the six agendas like it was fanning with paper fans. Her dexterity and organization impressed them. Until, Mitsuhide and Masamune arrived at the same time.

The two men stopped at the sight in front of them. A girl with a pony tail, shorts and tank top while the three other men were observing with their arms crossed. Selene took a look at the new pair who arrived and a couple of mixed signals hit her. Mitsuhide took an openly examination of her from head to toe making Selene uncomfortable. But  it was Masamune's appreciative whistle that made her blush completely and mortified her the most. Both men were wearing expensive suits, being royal blue,yellow and black predominant with Masamune and white, pale blue and gold for Mitsuhide. Selene found the pressure of silence too oppressive, feeling uneasy she concentrated on finish organizing the agenda and the Outlines for at least 2 days.

(It's the best I can do since it seems it won't work at all.) thought Selene a bit disappointed.

“So,...” she couldn't continue because her stomach decided to make a huge rumble.

It took two seconds for Masamune start laughing out loud.

“So Lass I guess someone is hungry uh? Let's talk about this over lunch. There is plenty for everyone.” he said starting to move to the kitchen on the second floor of the place.

Looking at the others Selene decided to follow them. Mitsuhide passing casually by the desk took the stapler in a smooth yet stealth mode that made Selene question how reliable was him. Based on feeling the vibes alone, he was the most frightening for her. While Masamune was just pure energy spilling from his body. A small sensation like a tingle of excitement started to ignite inside of her.

(Call down girl, too much testosterone is not good. This is just a nice dream. Enjoy the food then go home.) she thought while following the group.

Masamune liked her the moment he saw her in front of the desk. She was concentrated writing until a pair of emerald eyes looked at him. He noticed her surprise for a brief seconds which then he let out an appreciative whistle. He noticed the change almost immediately. She blushed but also a hint of hatred and stone were replaced by the surprise shine of her eyes.

(At least now I know the face of that lovely voice.) he thought.

Breaking the ice he invited her after her stomach rumbled loudly making her look down at the desk while turning into a dark shade of red. He couldn't help it and laugh out loud. He started walking to the kitchen where he put the food on plates and fix the table. Everyone sit and after giving thanks all started to eat except Selene.

It was the first time since she could remember she was on the same table with other people to eat. The feeling was warm and comfortable. A lump on her throat was forming but she decided not to start crying. These men are nothing to her, if she start to cry it will be the same as admit defeat.

-Remember never show your weakness. It will be your doom.- the words of her Professor reverb on her mind once again.

Taking a deep breath Selene started to eat small bites. She was eating one a bite at the time. Concentrating on not letting these men see her scared or sad. She kept facing down her plate, not looking at them. This gave them the opportunity to give some glances. It was Nobunaga who at least spoke.

“Does dressing like this was part of your strategy when you came to the interview?”

“No Sir, I received a call from Mr. Ishida indicating that my interview was today. I was occupied with some personal business and I couldn't coordinate to present myself on a more suitable attire. The logistics were impossible at the moment. So I decided to risk this and see what this could lead me.” Selene stopped eating. The tension took her appetite away and she sensed Masamune's eyes on her.

“Ok, is it possible for us to get a background check on you?” next question was from Hideoyoshi who was looking at her on guard stance with his arms crossed.

“ No problem, you might need to contact Juvenile court in order to get my file. When I was 15 I blew a car and into pieces. I was reckless and after that I cleaned my act. Officer, Lance Kincaid was in charge of my case. After that I went cleaned until today. If there is any other rumors about me was before that age.” taking a look at the same she could see they were weighting the options. But Mitsuhide's small smile made her take note that this was indeed a man with whom she must be extra careful. Masamune on the contrary seemed excited his blue eye was shinning. While Hideoyoshi almost choke on his drink and Mitsurani just apparently crashed.

(Might as well give this the finishing blow now.) with that inner thought Selene took a deep breath and started talking.

“Let's see, I'm an orphan since 6 years, old. This scar is from the accident that took my parents. After being in prison decided to clean my act and be a model citizen. 3 weeks ago my ex left me and I lost my job, my credit and my life. So now all I'm asking is a place to work. I used to be archivist for Fitzgerald's  until  3 weeks ago. I didn't got a letter of recommendation. In this case I can propose a trial time of at 3 months and if you don't like my performance I'm out. Also, so we can clear this out once and for all. I love to bake sweets, and this is how I see you.” Starting from the left she pointed at Nobunaga.

“You are the Boss, the second in command (Hideoyoshi), The Unaware Brain (Mitsurani), The Wild Card (Masamune) and the Snake (Mitsuhide), and I fee like I'm missing someone but eventually I will get it. Well, if this is all I will take my leave, you know my number. It was a pleasure to meet you all and see you. Thanks for the food by the way.”

Selene stood up and was starting to leave when she heard Nobunaga's laughter. She stopped walking until the laugh fade.

“I never seen someone so daring in my life. We know Kincaid, so we can check you. And I want you here tomorrow 8 o'clock sharp. At the office. Just make sure to look more professional. Let's see how you can handle the pressure.”

Selene didn't turn back, she simply managed to say a “Yes Sir.” Before leaving.

Stepping out of her memories,  Selene went back to work.  She never noticed a pair of red eyes looking at her while she was working. Nobunaga, smile softly at the sight of his new employer. She was full of surprises but also she was a complete contradiction. Strong, with some cracks on her armor. She called Masamune a wild card but she doesn't understand she also came like a complete force of nature and managed to land the job. So far she was working, even beyond her job expectations and the office was running like a perfect oil machine. Sitting back into his desk he turn his chair, to face the city he sworn to protect. Perhaps, all what they need was a little feminine touch to complete their team.

@datemasamunemaiwaifu @colivara @unstoppablelinda @mikamiw @ikesenhell @la-piperina @jennacat84 @yeshasays @valfraeyja @elievalentine

[glassbones-sys]

meet the system

date: 4/16/2022

about the system as a whole: 

traumagenic system, body is 23 and transmasc, dont gatekeep or fake claim, everyone here just wants to have access to the internet themselves and have a safe space, be kind to them please. we dont like drama but some of us dont care about speaking our minds or sharing our opinions. be nice and we will be nice to you.

credit to the picrew artists we used in our faceclaims!! (@hunbloom & lmk if you know the other artist!)

follow our dni please and read our carrd (linked)

ratgodling.carrd.co its mostly about Bug’s accounts as the host, but there's a section on all of us.

About the headmates:

🦴we use the tag #🦴 when theres alot of us fronting, when were talking about the system as a whole or when were unsure who all is fronting. please call us as a whole Bones and use he/they/it pronouns!

🐛Bug- he/they/thou/it+neos, im the system host/core/daily manager/regressor, im autistic, hard of hearing and other comorbidities. i age regress and queer & polyamorus and love writing. my tag is #🐛

🛡️Axelia- my nickname is Axe. i use he/they pronouns and am amab nonbinary. i am the system cohost/ISH/guardian/gatekeeper/protector/ <swordsperson>/architect/archivist/caretaker. i love reading and learning. i run the memory library and help the trauma holders process and hide bad memories. im very protective of the system. im deaf in one ear and neurotypical. my tag is #🛡️.

🦈Milo- he/they/it/void/ghost/mur/kill/blood/shark/gore pronouns, im the avenger/former persecutor & perpetrator/anger holder/aggressor/cynic, im a ghost pirate with pseudomemories, i have bpd & psychosis, i love true crime and hate daily functions, im ace and demiromantic  but hate most people. my tag is #🦈

🐇Delwyn- they/it/snow/bun/cry are their pronouns, they are completely mute, they hate typing and will often have another headmate do it for them, they are 4 and are the system's worrier/trauma holder/syskid/drowser/companion, they hate loud noises and bright lights and struggles alot with depression and SPD. their tag is #🐇

⭐Glamrock Freddy- i like to be called superstar or micheal. my pronouns are he/it/bot/glam/bear/ cub/kid/smile/hope/star/glitch. i am the caretaker/debugger/comforter/temp-host/hyperfixation host/guilt holder of the sytem. im a introject and like talking about my source but not certain things. i am autistic and tic often. i also have manic depression. i love kidcore/nostalgiacore! my tag is #⭐

🌞Sundrop- Hiya! my pronouns are they/it/bot/sun/caffeine! im the daycare attendant who often runs things during the day inside the sytem! i work as the system's caretaker/soother/ISH/emotional processor/fixkeeper/spoon generator! i am autistic, have adhd, ocd and tics! i LOVE fizzy drinks and energy drinks!! i love helping the other headmates keep track of their hyperfixations and interests! im apart of an inner system with moon called the solar system, hehe! <3 my tag is #🌞

🌜Moondrop- hello. my pronouns are they/it/bot/moon/melatonin. i am an ageless robotic daycare attendant. i act as the sytem's caretaker/drowser/ISH/nightmare holder/dissonaut/nightwatcher. i help the sytem fall asleep when its difficult, and i store the really bad nightmares or the traumatic bits of them in Axe's memory library. im apart of the solar system with sun, they came up with the name. im also autistic and have adhd, ocd and tics. i am also narcoleptic. both sun and i like source talk to an extent but too much freaks sun out and makes me uncomfortable. my tag is #🌜

💋Inku/Ink- hi doll~ my pronouns are they/shae/it/lust/ love/doll/toy. im an ageless s3x spirit. my roles are s3xual alter/s3xual trauma holder/Hyperérosian (hypers3xual alter)/Janusian (s3xual protector & perpetuator). im omnisexual & nonbinary. i have HPD and OLD. my tag is #💋

DNI:

endogenic systems, anti-antis, proshippers, fake claimers, anti-introjects, anti-nonhumans, anti-fragments, anti-syskid, anti-agere, anti-petre, anti-system, (acno)map/pedo/supporters, ageplay/supporters, mik, pro-ana/mia/ed/sh, anti-lgbt, NPD demonizers, BPD demonizers, yandere sexualizers and demonizers, OLD demonizers, HPD demonizers, trauma sexualizers, ableist, classist, racist, loli/shotacon/supporters, anti-blm/pro-alm/pro-thin blue line, autism speaks/SIA/TY babies supporters & trump supporters

[masterlistcrawford]

Selene Crawford: The Spitfire

Three months had passed since the day of the interview. Selene managed in an unexpected way to secure the job. Sometimes she still found it hard to believe.  Looking back, she went back to the phone to work non stop while Mitsurani, Hideoyoshi and Nobunaga look in silence how she managed 5 of the six agendas like it was fanning with paper fans. Her dexterity and organization impressed them. Until, Mitsuhide and Masamune arrived at the same time.

The two men stopped at the sight in front of them. A girl with a pony tail, shorts and tank top while the three other men were observing with their arms crossed. Selene took a look at the new pair who arrived and a couple of mixed signals hit her. Mitsuhide took an openly examination of her from head to toe making Selene uncomfortable. But  it was Masamune’s appreciative whistle that made her blush completely and mortified her the most. Both men were wearing expensive suits, being royal blue,yellow and black predominant with Masamune and white, pale blue and gold for Mitsuhide. Selene found the pressure of silence too oppressive, feeling uneasy she concentrated on finish organizing the agenda and the Outlines for at least 2 days.

(It’s the best I can do since it seems it won’t work at all.) thought Selene a bit disappointed.

“So,…” she couldn’t continue because her stomach decided to make a huge rumble.

It took two seconds for Masamune start laughing out loud.

“So Lass I guess someone is hungry uh? Let’s talk about this over lunch. There is plenty for everyone.” he said starting to move to the kitchen on the second floor of the place.

Looking at the others Selene decided to follow them. Mitsuhide passing casually by the desk took the stapler in a smooth yet stealth mode that made Selene question how reliable was him. Based on feeling the vibes alone, he was the most frightening for her. While Masamune was just pure energy spilling from his body. A small sensation like a tingle of excitement started to ignite inside of her.

(Call down girl, too much testosterone is not good. This is just a nice dream. Enjoy the food then go home.) she thought while following the group.

Masamune liked her the moment he saw her in front of the desk. She was concentrated writing until a pair of emerald eyes looked at him. He noticed her surprise for a brief seconds which then he let out an appreciative whistle. He noticed the change almost immediately. She blushed but also a hint of hatred and stone were replaced by the surprise shine of her eyes.

(At least now I know the face of that lovely voice.) he thought.

Breaking the ice he invited her after her stomach rumbled loudly making her look down at the desk while turning into a dark shade of red. He couldn’t help it and laugh out loud. He started walking to the kitchen where he put the food on plates and fix the table. Everyone sit and after giving thanks all started to eat except Selene.

It was the first time since she could remember she was on the same table with other people to eat. The feeling was warm and comfortable. A lump on her throat was forming but she decided not to start crying. These men are nothing to her, if she start to cry it will be the same as admit defeat.

-Remember never show your weakness. It will be your doom.- the words of her Professor reverb on her mind once again.

Taking a deep breath Selene started to eat small bites. She was eating one a bite at the time. Concentrating on not letting these men see her scared or sad. She kept facing down her plate, not looking at them. This gave them the opportunity to give some glances. It was Nobunaga who at least spoke.

“Does dressing like this was part of your strategy when you came to the interview?”

“No Sir, I received a call from Mr. Ishida indicating that my interview was today. I was occupied with some personal business and I couldn’t coordinate to present myself on a more suitable attire. The logistics were impossible at the moment. So I decided to risk this and see what this could lead me.” Selene stopped eating. The tension took her appetite away and she sensed Masamune’s eyes on her.

“Ok, is it possible for us to get a background check on you?” next question was from Hideoyoshi who was looking at her on guard stance with his arms crossed.

“ No problem, you might need to contact Juvenile court in order to get my file. When I was 15 I blew a car and into pieces. I was reckless and after that I cleaned my act. Officer, Lance Kincaid was in charge of my case. After that I went cleaned until today. If there is any other rumors about me was before that age.” taking a look at the same she could see they were weighting the options. But Mitsuhide’s small smile made her take note that this was indeed a man with whom she must be extra careful. Masamune on the contrary seemed excited his blue eye was shinning. While Hideoyoshi almost choke on his drink and Mitsurani just apparently crashed.

(Might as well give this the finishing blow now.) with that inner thought Selene took a deep breath and started talking.

“Let’s see, I’m an orphan since 6 years, old. This scar is from the accident that took my parents. After being in prison decided to clean my act and be a model citizen. 3 weeks ago my ex left me and I lost my job, my credit and my life. So now all I’m asking is a place to work. I used to be archivist for Fitzgerald’s  until  3 weeks ago. I didn’t got a letter of recommendation. In this case I can propose a trial time of at 3 months and if you don’t like my performance I’m out. Also, so we can clear this out once and for all. I love to bake sweets, and this is how I see you.” Starting from the left she pointed at Nobunaga.

“You are the Boss, the second in command (Hideoyoshi), The Unaware Brain (Mitsurani), The Wild Card (Masamune) and the Snake (Mitsuhide), and I fee like I’m missing someone but eventually I will get it. Well, if this is all I will take my leave, you know my number. It was a pleasure to meet you all and see you. Thanks for the food by the way.”

Selene stood up and was starting to leave when she heard Nobunaga’s laughter. She stopped walking until the laugh fade.

“I never seen someone so daring in my life. We know Kincaid, so we can check you. And I want you here tomorrow 8 o'clock sharp. At the office. Just make sure to look more professional. Let’s see how you can handle the pressure.”

Selene didn’t turn back, she simply managed to say a “Yes Sir.” Before leaving.

Stepping out of her memories,  Selene went back to work.  She never noticed a pair of red eyes looking at her while she was working. Nobunaga, smile softly at the sight of his new employer. She was full of surprises but also she was a complete contradiction. Strong, with some cracks on her armor. She called Masamune a wild card but she doesn’t understand she also came like a complete force of nature and managed to land the job. So far she was working, even beyond her job expectations and the office was running like a perfect oil machine. Sitting back into his desk he turn his chair, to face the city he sworn to protect. Perhaps, all what they need was a little feminine touch to complete their team.