#my path not taken my mirror image

[chikkenhawke]

more of andre, who has a nemesis now

[valtsv]

The Silt Verses, Season 2, Chapter 12, "So I'll Bear It Trembling Onwards" // The Silt Verses, Season 3, Chapter 4 "And Where Once Its Howling Forebears Walked"

[mimir-anoshe]

I love that ARCANE is using the MAJOR ARCANA for symbolism.

Chefs kiss.

These are Sevika's tarot cards from season 1.

The Magician (upright) overlapping Death (upright).

Foreshadowing? Oh hell yeah. But its only now after S2 Episode 6 do I understand what they might actually be foreshadowing. People may have talked about this before, so I apologise if this is similar to anyone else's meta. These are all my own thoughts, I usually just watch arcane and don't dabble into the meta but this season has me feral and I just rewatched season 1.

SPOILERS for Arcane S1/S2 below.

I just want to prologue this post with a note about how I've noticed even from season 1 there are thematic parallels and linear symbolism being afforded between Jinx and Viktor. Others in the community have too I'm sure. Its strange. I thought it was interesting in S1 but didn't deep dive into it, but S2 has driven headfirst into it and its making me go "oh... oh ok." Even Viktor in S1 noted Jinx's genius, and in another timeline perhaps Powder would've been a student of Viktors had fate not set them on parallel paths. Two children of Zaun, both mechanical/scientific geniuses. One physically disabled whilst the other mentally disabled. One who "escaped" and was given a chance, rising to the top only to create something that would be used for harm. Fighting that fate at every step. Whilst the other trapped at the bottom of the barrel, forced to use her gifts to become a weapon herself. Such GOOD story writing.

So now let's think about the art of the cards, because in tarot, even the symbolism of the specific art is important. Its why an artists interpretation of a major/minor can be so crucial to a reading.

Here's a figure map I made earlier.

Lets begin with Death.

Thirteenth of the Major Arcana, a "significant transformation and the end of a phase in life." There is death and rebirth symbolism all over arcane, but let's take a closer look at the symbolism mirroring the art.

Figure 7&8 - The one who has "died" a skeleton/skull laid down and being "imbued" with something as something else is taken away.

See that the imbuing focuses on the "chest" area.

It's quick, but it flashes briefly when Viktor is being imbued with the Hexcore. He canonically dies "the skull" and is reborn with the Hexcore on an "altar"/table.

Same with Jinx. Canonically "dies" and is reborn laying on an "altar"/table using shimmer. Purple being used as the visual thread between shimmer and the arcane of the hex; a colour imagery representation of "magical" alchemical/arcane power turning them into something beyond human.

Singed and Jayce. Two hands of death, giving and taking life as if they were a God. One using shimmer, the other Hextech thats imbued with shimmer. Messing with the balance of life and death.

With Viktor, the energy is transferred straight into his chest, just like on the card.

So now we've established the parallels to the death tarot, lets look at The Magician.

The First of the Major Arcana, "the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, and the ability to manifest one's desires."

Viktor is the Magician. No doubt. He connects the physical and spiritual world of the arcane, he brings people back from the brink of death, as he was. He manifests his desires through the use of the hex, the arcane. And the dude just looks like a mecha wizard.

Though if you want it to be even more obvious.

Figure 3 - The Third Arm/Third Hand.

The image below is "The Machine Herald" Hero from League of Legends. This is the hero Viktor is based upon.

He canonically has three arms, same as the Magician in the card. The Magician is Viktor, Viktor is the Magician. The Magician is the Machine Herald.

The Magician overtakes/overlaps death. But Viktor by episode 6 still doesn't quite resemble the machine herald from the games. There's no third arm... Yet. So the Magician in the card isn't Viktor from episodes 1-6, this is the machine herald who comes after the one killed in episode 6. Another Rebirth is set to happen for Viktor.

Figures 1 &2 - White mask. Red/pinkish eyes.

Hmmm... Red/pinkish eyes are associated with shimmer. And a white mask, of the machine herald? The mask of a messiah. That the hextech Viktor will most likely also be imbued with shimmer like Jinx, to become the true "machine herald." Messiahs of the hex, monsters of the shimmer.

Its also worth noting that both Jinx and Viktor are framed as messianic figures of Zaun in this season. One the fighter who will rally together the undercity and free Zaun from its oppression. The other a healer and a saint like figure who will free the Zaunites of their suffering and lead them into a better future.

Jinx wanting peace - represented by Isha - and Viktor's dream of peace and healing for Zaun - represented by a lot of things including healing Vander - are metaphorically and literally killed in episode 6. Funnily enough, one symbol of peace killing the other (Isha and Vander - Child and Father). After all, peace and violence are two sides of the same coin, as are Viktor and Jinx. Or should I say, two sides of the same cog...

Figure 4&6 - The Cog shaped Hole in the Magicians chest/The Cog Coin and Jinx's cog.

"I understand now. The message hidden within the pattern. The reason for our failures in the commune. The doctor was right. Its inescapable. Humanity. Our very essence. Our emotions... Rage. Compassion. Hate. Two sides of the same coin. Inextricably bound."

In episode 6, whilst Viktor is explaining to Vi about what it will take to heal Vander, Jinx is sceptical. She doesn't even believe in herself as a messiah, so this "hero"? This "saviour" coming along to solve their problems? To fix things? When all she can do is break everything around her, jinx her own family, destroy? She's scoffing at Viktor sure, but she's also scoffing at herself. Mirroring. People treat her like they treat him, so to believe in him as a saviour means she would have to look into the water of that well and face her own reflection. And Viktor sees right through it, the pretence, and he sees her potential.

Knowledge is a paradox. Jinx wants to stick with what she knows, to destroy instead of to build, to "Watch it all burn." Or ignore the plight of Zaun, so she can live peacefully with Isha. Jinx - Powder - is choosing to remain ignorant to what's right in front of her. Right up until the moment Isha dies.

In the scene earlier in the episode, Jinx accidently destroys a bit of the well, releasing a cog that falls into water. Cogs have been symbolic of Viktor healing people throughout this season, using cogs to "Build."

Powder was thrown into water just like that cog by Silco, and reborn as Jinx. But its not Silco that picks up this cog. Its Viktor. He holds the potential of his creation in his hand, and in paradox, holds Jinx's destruction. Viktor holds Jinx's potential. He's literally holding the two sides of Jinx/Powder in his hand, her - their - fate. Just like Jinx, Viktor has the equal capacity to destroy, and if he is reborn as a weapon later on, perhaps that cog represents Jinx being reborn too. As a creator. A builder.

He holds onto Jinx's cog all the way through the rest of the episode, balancing that potential, that fate, of creation and destruction in his hand. Right up until the moment he dies, and the coin/the cog falls, sealing their fate. His death causing the deaths of Isha and Vander too.

So we've established that the story is viewing cogs/coins in a similar light. We've also established the show is linking Viktor and Jinx through the symbology of the cog.

This is reiterated in the symbolism surrounding the Tarot cards. Around the cards are coins that take the shape of cogs, the currency of Zaun. Fate - coin flips - and cogs, gods and machines. Deus Ex Machina, that is what Viktor is to become, and Jinx creates destruction using machines. She's an inventor, just like Viktor and Jayce. A creator and a destroyer. A god of the machine.

So how does Figure 6 - the coin cogs - relate to Figure 4? The hole in the Magician's chest.

On the Tarot Card, the Magician has a circle in the middle of his chest. A hole. Just like the hole Jayce puts through Viktors chest at the end of Episode 6. The one that kills him.

But if you look closely at the image above, it might be a stretch, but to me, the striations on the inner ring look very similar to those of a cog. The hole is what kills Viktor. Cogs have been given visual symbolism for healing, and are also associated with Jinx's potential for creation. Its a stretch, but it could potentially be foreshadowing Jinx using her abilities to heal Viktor; to build instead of destroy. We've already seen Jinx do it once with Sevika, by "building" her a new arm.

I also find it interesting that we're shown Jinx using her talents to build someone a new arm, and Viktor - the machine herald - still has yet to acquire his third arm. Perhaps he doesn't make it. Perhaps Jinx does?

Maybe, just maybe, Jinx - Powder - is the one to fix Viktor, and flip the cog of fate once again.

Now in Episode 6 we already get foreshadowing that it'll be singe - not Jinx - who saves Viktor by imbuing him with the ultimate shimmer from Warwick/Vander - stabilising him. He says it in the episode, but Viktor refuses to sacrifice Vander in the name of creating the ultimate weapon of destruction.

"It would destroy him."

Viktor's potential for destruction goes hand in hand with Jinx's.

Its even foreshadowed in both the cards. The red/pink eyes of the machine herald foreshadowing shimmer. And the shadow being imbued into the chest of the dead skeleton (Viktor) looks an awful lot like Warwick; the beast that traps Vander.

So why am I talking about Jinx saving Viktor if I'm so certain its Singe? Well I'm certain Singe will bring Viktor back to life, to be used as a weapon. That seems like the most likely outcome.

But like Viktor was saying about Vander "He's not a specimen, he's a man." Viktor was doing everything in his power to save Vander's humanity. So yes Singe will bring the machine herald back most likely - even if I think it'd be thematically cool for it to be Jinx - but I think Jinx will save Viktor. Save the man, the humanity. Be the big fat hero.

Jinx was a girl imbued with Shimmer, and despite having monstrous abilities and doing monstrous things, her humanity has still survived.

I could be wrong, I most likely am, but the the thing that's getting to me is this...

Figure 5 - The Broken Infinity.

At the centre of Viktor's chest, in the middle of Jayce's death blow and Jinx's cog of creation & destruction, is a symbol.

Now a diagonal infinity symbol is associated with the Firelights. Ekko. The boy who shattered time.

Broken Infinity? Shattered time? Seems to go hand in hand.

Though Ekko's symbol is a whole infinity, more akin to a Z than an ongoing X.

There are plenty of theories Ekko will play a role in Viktor's fate and the fate of everyone by rewinding time somehow. And the multiple shots of the coin rolling support that to an extend. Rewind time, change fate, change the flip of the cog. And I agree, I think Ekko is going to have a role to play. But there's also another character who fits with this symbol, who uses shimmer to move faster than humanly possible and defy fate time and time again. Who is the fulcrum of fate in the eyes of the story, the catalyst of everything. And only one character who has solely been associated with a broken infinity symbol before.

Jinx. That's Jinx's symbol. Her champion tag.

Jinx's symbol, right at the centre of Viktors chest. And this line to Jinx from Viktor...

"You have much to offer this commune, Powder. Your talents could be used to build instead of destroy."

And the line from Singe, about Viktor's fate being tied to the commune. Viktor IS the commune, he's the centre of it all. The one who can make the dream of Zaun - Vander's dream - a reality. And that line foreshadowed Jinx using her talents to help the commune. To help Viktor.

Hell, she was technically the reason he "died" in the first place. She fired the rocket that nearly killed him. Wouldn't it be poetic story telling if she was the one who saved him in the end?

I can't wait for Saturday.

I believe whatever happens, Viktor and Jinx's fates are inextricably bound.

[lu-is-not-ok]

I rember my friend group once discussed if the wound cleirid event/abno fits Hong Lu

What's your opinion on this?

Hm... Let me see.

The main theme I can see in the abno is fear, sorrow, and the images the mind conjures because of them. Notably, the way the coffin turns out to be empty if the check to open it succeeds, but full of wailing people if it fails. The text in the successful check mentions feeling sympathy for whoever might be trapped and how each undone knot accompanies some sort of negative emotion, none of which happens upon failure.

This similar theme can also be seen in the removed third option for the event, where on failure the arm that grabs the Sinner and the undone knot both disappear "like mirages".

Another theme is entrapment and abandonment. There's a lot of focus put on the fact that the reason the coffin is bound up is to keep whatever is inside from escaping, and that whatever is inside is "trapped". The successful skill check text also puts an emphasis on the being inside, the one that persumably is the owner of the arms, pleading to not be left behind, yet also being thankful for being left alone.

There is also the whole thing with there being multiple people trapped inside the coffin, and how it grabbing someone upon failing the check to leave it be appears to steal their voice, with the victim being described as "speechless" and what happens being that "A familiar note is added to the coffin's wailing". In a similar vein, succeeding at undoing the knot causes the one doing so to weep alongside the wailing. A theme of one's voice joining the multitude, whether by choice or by force.

So....

There's definitely some things you could connect to Hong Lu here. The themes of entrapment, the confusion between what is real and what isn't, even the idea of many being trapped in one coffin could be connected to two in one if you fancy the theory. The bit with the arms pleading to not be left behind but at the same time being thankful for it especially resonated with him I think, the way he appears to want to reach out for help by alluding to his horrible homelife, but also constantly deflecting any attempts by others to dig deeper. Plus, there's also the jewel motif with the beetle found inside the coffin.

That being said....

I honestly feel like Wailing Coffin might be an Abno that represents the Sinners as a whole. The arms reaching out of the coffin are very reminiscent of the arms that reach out from the gates of hell when we see Dante revive Sinners for the first time proper in Canto 1. The way one's voice is taken in by the wailing could represent the way Dante's voice was not only literally taken, but also the way their ticking guides the Sinners down the right path, out of their suffering. The only way the wailings within the coffin are freed is through feeling their suffering, again, very reminiscent of Dante's role with regards to the Sinners.

There's always a level of vagueness when it comes to Abnormalities that only have a Mirror Dungeon event, but I think that's my final take on it all until we learn more.

[tragicallyuncreative]

Johnny looked at me quickly. "I didn't mean nothing. I meant, well, Soda kinda looks like your mother did, but he acts just exactly like your father. And Darry is the spittin' image of your father, but he ain't wild and laughing all the time like he was. He acts like your mother. And you don't act like either one." -The Outsiders, Chapter 5

~

It’s funny, because Darry emulates his late father in so many ways (not just in looks and a shared name), despite trying his best to create his own path and not live that lifestyle. Don’t get him wrong, his father was his hero and he admired him beyond words, but didn’t want to struggle the same way his father did. He didn’t want to be stuck in a town he hated, break his back in construction all day for 20+ years, only to barely keep his family afloat and above the poverty line, and to have people look down on him despite trying his best. He wanted to be more, to get a degree, a high-paying job, be able to live comfortably, and yet here he is, stuck working for the exact same construction company his father did his whole adult life to keep a roof over the boys’ heads, always worrying that it’ll never be enough, secretly ashamed of his social status.

Soda, on the other hand, mirrors his father not in looks, but in personality and strives to live just as he did. He recognized from a young age that, like his father, his brain didn’t work the way his brothers did. Nothing came easy to him academically, but he doesn’t see why that should hold him back. After all, his father dropped out in 6th grade, and led a life that Soda views as nothing but successful: a steady job he enjoyed, a beautiful family that despite not having the latest car or fanciest home, was full of love, and a carefree attitude that kept him young at heart. What Darrel Jr. saw as a hard, sad, dead-end life, Soda sees as everything he could hope for. So while his brothers mourn what they view as the only way for Soda to lead a successful life (education), Soda embraces the opportunity to do something he truly loves, work he takes pride in, despite others not understanding. Why should he spend time trying to be good at something he’s not? He can earn money and contribute to his community and build up his trade career. He’s happier at the DX than he ever would be in school, just like Darrel Sr. was working in the cornfields of his adopted parent’s farm all those years ago in that little one-road town in Texas that was ravaged by the Great Depression. And when the Vietnam War breaks out, Soda jumps at the opportunity to again mirror his father in what he sees as the bravest and most noble thing a man can do: serve his country. His brothers and friends beg him not to enlist but he does, full of pride as his hair is buzzed and dog tags are placed around his neck, joining his late father’s, the ones he hasn’t taken off since the day of his funeral. On the first day of boot camp, he stands straight-backed and determined, ready to serve, to defeat the enemy, just like Darrel Sr. defeated the Nazis in 1945.

~

Hi! I have so many headcannons for The Outsiders universe rattling around in my brain, and I can't always share them fully in my stories, so I figured it's about time I started to share them here. Stay tuned for the backstory of The Curtis Parents, Darry and Two-Bit's friendship, and The Mathews Family. Enjoy!

[sunderingstars]

☆━━━━━ ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☾ ◯ ☽₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ ━━━━━━☆

✩ ‧₊˚ ⌞ SIMULATED UNIVERSE ⌝

sampo analysis m.list

— what the stars reveal: interpretative analysis, elation!sampo & doll!sampo, theory, op trying so deeply & calmly to keep it together and not look like a conspiracy theorist

— word count: 3.9k

— overview: (as of 2.6) a look at the aha stuffed toy, curio hacker, and the *perfect* grand challenge simulated universe occurrences!

☆━━━━━ ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☾ ◯ ☽₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ ━━━━━━☆

✩ ‧₊˚ ⌞ AHA STUFFED TOY ⌝

This one’s a doozy, folks! As much as Curio Hacker gets passed around as a pretty obvious Sampo Occurence™ (which it is, don’t get me wrong), I feel like Aha Stuffed Toy includes just as, if not more, lore implications as to who and what Sampo might be. So, here I am to give the breakdown:

Recurring references to currency, including gaining, losing, and most notably, dispensing it. Starting with the base occurrence, we can see that the toy is said to reward you more gold coins the “worse the beating is.” This is further shown by the tiers of Cosmic Fragments awarded to the player depending on what option they choose and what percent they happen to get. Part luck, part choice, Aha Stuffed Toy makes a clear connection between violence and money.

As for Sampo, he is the character most associated with both Elation and the transactional nature of currency, so I find this an interesting connection. Additionally, the Sampo of Finnish mythology was known for “dispensing” wealth (in this case, gold & Cosmic Fragments) onto others!

Being made in Aha’s own likeness. As detailed in my Aha Splash Art Analysis, I find similarities between Sampo’s character model and the silhouette in Aha’s splash art. While I used to attribute this to a more directly Aha!Sampo theory, I am beginning to think this may be explained by the occurrence here. If Sampo, as a toy or otherwise “creation” of Elation, were to have similar features or even be the spitting image of Aha’s silhouette, any connections between their appearances would add up.

It would also make sense why Sampo gives the Express itself a wide berth — Pom-Pom may be familiar with Aha’s physical form from Their time on the Express, and may even be reluctant to believe Sampo is a different being despite sharing the same physical appearance.

Elation path option. Heading into Swarm Disaster, this is where things really start to heat up. This is probably the most “crazy red string theory” my brain gets, since there’s so much to unpack here! It’s important to note that since this is an Elation path matching an Elation occurrence, I’m more inclined to view this as our best source of understanding what’s truly going on. Starting with the options themselves, they are split cleanly in half (a 50/50 if you will). Similar to the base occurrence, Cosmic Fragments are either gained or lost depending on chance.

The text when Cosmic Fragments are lost is, well, very Sampo-aligned in my opinion. The doll, breaking the 4th wall into self-awareness, turns to look directly at you (the Trailblazer; potentially even the player of the game) and brazenly steals your currency. Moreover, the text before making the decision mentions that “only Aha knows the secret…” — Huh! Interesting! Although I am very worried about the doll’s head blowing up in the second option, it still serves as a link to Sampo’s penchant for including bombs in his kit. Overall, this is the part of the occurence I associate most with Sampo, from the stealing of currency to the self-awareness to the hint that his identity may be some secret that only Aha knows or is able to reveal. 10/10, no complaints!

Erudition path option. Erudition is also interesting, since it gives you the option to dismantle the toy, immediately giving you Cosmic Fragments. This mirrors (in a general sense, with some liberties taken) the destruction of the Sampo in Finnish mythology, as well as connects once again to the idea of being bestowed wealth. 

Venting of extreme emotions. As with the “made in Aha’s own likeness” line, I find it interesting that the doll is not only specified to have a direct purpose, but that that purpose is to… well, basically be a glorified punching bag. In an occurrence, this isn’t a huge deal, given the player probably has a passing thought of “oh, Aha’s being silly again” then continues on their way. However, if we think about the probability of these toys being real and potentially a character we know, things get trickier. Suddenly, this isn’t a fun “joke” where some pre-recorded inanimate toy acts as a stress ball, but the horrifying reality of a self-aware, sentient being who can likely feel every hit it takes — a joke taken too far, if you will.

This makes me feel much more out-of-my-depth when considering Sampo’s unknown backstory, since it may be much more traumatic than we’ve predicted so far. Also, if anyone in this game comes across as a “glorified punching bag,” I’m sorry Sampo, but my mind is immediately going to you. I’m still sad about it, though. :(

The goading. Similar to the venting of extreme emotions, this occurrence very much goads the player into getting more and more violent with the doll. “One more? There is so much frustration in your life, after all” makes me feel so yucky. Like so yucky. It almost feels like Aha (despite not being involved in the quality control process) is absentmindedly trying to push us directly towards messing this poor doll up more!

It makes sense, though, that most of our in-game dialogue with Sampo is mean or simply doesn’t have a “nice” option then — it may be Aha’s way or a result of Sampo’s own existence pushing us into that “frustration,” into that want to vent our extreme emotions.

The embedded chip. In addition to being a quite common mantra among Elation entities, the chip sticks out to me through its unique use of blended third-person references. It doesn’t feel exactly the same as when Aha refers to Themself directly in third person, but it does have that slippery feeling of the “in-between,” of a doll so at a loss for autonomy that it has no choice but to play the pre-recorded message of an entity it is bound to through no will of its own.

In a way, Aha!Sampo could still work with Doll!Sampo, albeit in a more roundabout way. Perhaps, beyond sharing physical similarities, there is also a kind of mental or referential similarity passed down through osmosis whenever a doll is created in the likeness of its creator. Perhaps, this likeness even transcends appearance.

Integer overflow. Nothing specific to say, other than that it is a useful connection to the more tech-minded “Curio Hacker” occurrence, with Aha Stuffed Toy mentioning “manufacturers” / “systems to store virtual data” and Curio Hacker mentioning virtual avatars and data forms.

Bonus: Sampo’s head-to-body ratio (despite being like every other tall male character’s body, yes, please just let me be crazy) matches with the idea of a doll whose body is several times larger than it’s head — I mean look at that man, he’s beefy and tall!

Bonus-Bonus: The voyeurism of it all definitely makes the situation more fucked up! Like imagine being this doll, already born into an existence purely for the sake of getting pummeled around like a kickball, and your creator makes it abundantly clear that They want to see this happen to you! With their own two (or many, or zero) eyeballs! I’d cry, that’s for sure.

Overall, this is a lot. This is definitely a lot. I have more I could say, but to mitigate the risk of devolving into crazed rambling, I’m going to let this section speak for itself and move on to “Curio Hacker.”

✩ ‧₊˚ ⌞ CURIO HACKER ⌝

Divergent Universe Additions:

A lot has already been said about this occurrence, so I’ll keep it short and sweet: the “blue-haired being” is a direct connection to Sampo (who is often referred to by his blue hair in a similar way) and the self-aware nature of its actions (knowing it’s in a game and trying to replicate Curios) also matches with Sampo’s general self-awareness as a character. Now, with that out of the way, I’d like to continue into a more niche discussion — that of the Curios the hacker gives us.

Organic Heart

Story: What sticks out to me the most about the text here is the merging of two distinct objects — an apple and a heart — into a single, new existence. I think there’s something to be said here about Sampo’s potential identity; his merging of Nihility and Elation, Masked Fool and voice of reason, mortal and immortal. The combination of two separate entities into one until they are unable to be distinguished from one another, folding into each other until they are both a sum and a subtraction of all their parts, hopelessly melded into a new, unique form of existence, not a heart or an apple but a heart-apple, an apple-heart, the fruit of an organ and blood mixed with seeds mixed with juice, the crunching of something not entirely edible, not entirely rotten. Something that, according to the story, still can’t be fully defined.

Gold and Gears: In Gold and Gears, the function of Organic Heart is to remove the golden dice face for four turns, then grant two cheat attempts. This matches up with both the implications of a “hacker” — someone who cheats the system by default — and Sampo’s generally shady demeanor, always trying to find a loophole he can squeeze through. The interesting part of this is the presence of the golden dice face, particularly the removal or hiding of it for a specific period of time.

If we are continuing based off the assumption that Sampo is the hacker and the Curios give hints about his own identity, this would mean he isn’t just powerful, he is ultimately powerful. The golden face is the absolute highest the dice can go, meaning the equivalent in-universe is likely Emanator or even Aeonic status. As such, it seems that Sampo may be sacrificing, removing, or hiding this power intentionally to gain something — likely a sort of universe-breaking “cheat” to circumvent whatever he wishes.

For Doll!Sampo, this may mean escaping his own purpose or reason for existence, Emanator!Sampo may wish to be free of Elation entirely, and it is likely his wishes have something either to do with protecting Belobog, protecting himself, or, if he is very pissed off at a certain Aeon, perhaps even the murder of a god.

Divergent Universe: Organic Heart’s Divergent Universe function also adds a bit of information to this theorizing, as it increases the challenge points gained (thereby increasing the rewards and how much you “win”) while causing you to take more damage at the same time. This seems to have similar implications as Gold and Gears, implying a “reward” and a “cost” closely dependent on one another. You may be receiving more “power” and more rewards, but you are also at higher risk of dying due to taking more damage.

For Sampo, this ties in to the aspect of weakness, of trading his power for some kind of “win” if he can just survive long enough to get there. Furthermore, it implies a state of vulnerability, some kind of existence where he no longer has the full protection he used to. Much like the player who takes the Curio, he likely has to be very careful about what he involves himself in, lest he meet a premature end.

Mysterious Magnetism

Story: Interestingly enough, I find Mysterious Magnetism to go quite well with Organic Heart. There is yet again a theme of combination, this time with the Fog of Thought and Rain of Sensation (perhaps alluding to the creation of Sampo as a sentient being — thought and sensation are unique to those who are aware of their own existence) being pulled together into a lens. While Organic Heart represents the more, well, organic side of a being, Mysterious Magnetism dwells in the imperceptible; thoughts, sensation, color, and magnetism are all far more conceptual than apples and hearts. 

The “magnetic field” mentioned is also interesting, since it is said to “disturb the senses,” which Sampo very much does on a regular basis (appearing and disappearing out of thin air, not leaving footprints, misdirection, etc.) — in fact, Mysterious Magnetism seems to imply that this is a byproduct of his existence. Despite being created by the Riddlers (a faction of the Enigmata known for obscuring language), the resulting experiment simply is. This may be similar to Sampo’s own existence, where his, well, mysterious magnetism, is simply part of who he is or how he was created rather than a conscious effort on his part to achieve it. 

I also find it interesting how the Riddlers had to eventually stop because they became more and more uncertain of its “necessity” — this could, in my opinion, imply a “leaving behind” or abandonment of Sampo as a character as well.

Keyword Note: “Revelrous” implies there may be a bit of Elation involved. A little easter egg in the story, if you will.

Gold and Gears: In Gold and Gears, Mysterious Magnetism creates Elite Domains out of Combat Domains, then grants Cosmic Fragments after two of those domains. Much like Organic Heart, there is a rigor present here, an upping of the stakes for greater rewards. What would be effortless is made difficult, but if the player survives they are rewarded for their troubles. Once again, this may point towards Sampo’s exchanging of a price for a reward, a stripping away of his power that makes everything — especially combat — more difficult, but that will eventually reward him what he wants.

Divergent Universe: The occurrence here follows a slightly different “give and take” track, less focused on rewarding something after hardship, but more on gaining and losing in the same breath. Interestingly enough, the gain here is at the beginning rather than the end, awarding the player 50 Cosmic Fragments every time they enter a domain but making them lose just as much once they win a battle. 

This could be seen as the nature of currency exchange — a central part of Sampo’s character — as something that gives and takes in equal measure, or it could also be seen as a means for him to avoid conflict. Perhaps whatever plan or deal he has strongly discourages fighting, likely because of the higher stakes involved or lessened powers he has. As such, it could be seen as “losing” in general for him to engage in conflict, since it might strip away even more of his already-fraying status.

Other Notes: It’s interesting that the hacker is attempting to replicate Herta’s Curios. Given that it gives us two very specific Curios, I wonder if those are the ones it’s trying to replicate? If so, why? I’m inclined to believe Sampo may be attempting to circumvent his own fate or state of being as a doll/toy, but it could be to save Belobog or someone else for plot reasons as well (or maybe even kill Aha Themself; Aeon murder isn’t off the table, after all).

I also am intrigued by “hacker” being in quotations. Paired with the “don’t ask me who I am,” I’m reminded of the toy’s secret that only Aha knows — perhaps Sampo simply doesn’t wish to reveal himself to us here, or perhaps there’s a deeper reason his identity is obscured. Basically, it comes down to the age-old question: Won’t, or can’t?

Overall, Organic Heart and Mysterious Magnetism sum Sampo up pretty well to me: an organic being straddling the grey area between different existences, as well as an indistinct combination of concepts capable of self-awareness and magnetic thought. In my opinion, these Curios point towards heavy themes of creation, combination, and being discarded, as well as the exchanging of one’s own power for a greater benefit (or “cheat”) later on. 

My pet theory combines both the Aha Stuffed Toy occurrence and Curio Hacker, seeing Sampo as a toy created by Aha in Their own image, a combination of mortal and immortal existence meant to be beaten and bleed wealth, who seeks to free himself from the purpose of his own existence through sacrificing the very power that was granted to him with it — likely Emanator or some equivalent status — while hopefully protecting those he cares about and even getting back at his creator at the same time (otherwise known as Doll Theory).

✩ ‧₊˚ ⌞ THE *PERFECT* GRAND CHALLENGE ⌝

When paired with both Aha Stuffed Toy and Curio Hacker, The *Perfect* Grand Challenge begins to paint a bigger picture. Here, a toy is once again mentioned (Aha and the Elation path seem to have a strange fixation on dolls and toys), this time as a “clay doll” trapped inside an arcade machine alongside other gacha prizes. You play through the arcade machine much like the occurrence, deciding which toy to pull and how many attempts to make. Here are a few of my notes:

Prizes: The prizes within the arcade machine include “trendy gachapon figures, ether orbs, and clay dolls,” although there are only two specific ones available: “popular gacha toy” and “clay doll.” I find it notable how the clay doll is emphasized here; despite being part of a three-item list at the beginning, the options are basically simplified down to “clay doll” and “everything else.” Additionally, the clay doll is the only item to have an extended description in the occurrence, which I will explain later.

Rewards: Each reward operates in probability, with the clay doll having a 50/50 for a regular vs. negative Curio, and the gacha toy has a 40/60 for a regular Curio vs. nothing. If we are looking at this occurrence within the context of the other two, the “clay doll” seems somewhat similar to both the Aha Stuffed Toy and Sampo himself, operating on chance to give the player either something helpful or harmful, to give or to take. Additionally, it fits with the Sampo of Finnish mythology, not having an option to not give — it must give, that is its function. And so it does.

Perfectionism: It’s a bit odd how perfectionism is a major theme of The *Perfect* Grand Challenge (hell, it’s even in the name)! I never thought of Elation as being closely intertwined with being “perfect”; in fact I always considered it to be the more chaotic of the Paths. However, there’s no escaping the fact that this occurrence not only shares the same cover art as other Elation occurrences like the Aha Stuffed Toy, but it also shares similarities like the clay doll, fun game, and “playful” programmer. 

So, my main question now is why? If we assume these occurrences are a manifestation of the Paths, then perhaps a subsection of Elation includes perfection. Another option is that the presence of an Erudition option points to a co-mingling of different Paths into something specific like perfection. Or, it is entirely possible that perfection is a natural emergent of Elation that we simply haven’t seen yet. Although Sampo and/or Aha don’t strike me as “perfectionist” types, there’s enough we don’t know about them that makes me think “huh, maybe they really do have some of that going on.” 

If we do, for a moment, entertain the idea that Aha may be a perfectionist in some regard, we can easily make connections between the other occurrences — for example, Sampo as a creation may have been abandoned much like Mysterious Magnetism in Aha’s pursuit of the “perfect toy”; Aha may have created toys in Their own image in the first place just to attempt a more “perfect” existence for Themself; Sampo may even be seen by Aha as in some way defective, leading to feelings of betrayal and hatred (or the opposite, Sampo being perfect enough to garner a god’s favor, which may not be a good thing when it comes to Elation).

There’s even the chance Sampo was created by another Path like Erudition (although that would cause a conflict with being “created in Aha’s likeness”) that may be more susceptible to latching onto perfection. Since the Riddlers (Enigmata) are also mentioned in Mysterious Magnetism, I wouldn’t put it beyond them either. Who knows, maybe he was a pet project collab between Aha and another Aeon!

Note: Who is the “perfect man”? Great question! It could fit in as Sampo with the idea of him sacrificing something for a reward, potentially “embarking on a challenge to become the perfect man” or it could fit in as Aha creating toys, being the “perfect man” that needs a “clay doll” like Sampo. “A perfectionist wants them all” could even allude to greed on either end, reaching beyond what is necessary in the pursuit of perfection. Or, it could be something else entirely. Who knows!

Text: As mentioned earlier, the clay doll has quite a lengthy (and worrisome, if we are comparing it to Sampo) bit of writing here. Most of the other writing sets up the scene (establishing the arcade game, the playful programmer, the game having a catch, etc.) but the clay doll is by far the most detailed and intensive play-by-play we get.

The other gacha figures either rise with the claw or drop, but the clay doll is different. If you win it, you get a short line of text with everything else, but if you lose… well…

Yeah, that’s definitely a lot! The main comparison I see is to the Aha Stuffed Toy occurrence, with the toy’s head blowing up (“the head of the doll has blown up” is actually the specific Stuffed Toy line!) and the clay doll’s head exploding with “fireworks bursting out from the head”.

Both of these events happen during extreme emotion, with the toy being created with the intent of venting emotion on and the clay doll exploding when you “lose your patience” and “give the machine a vicious kick”. With such an emphasis on the clay doll and its links to not only the stuffed toy, but to the programmer from Curio Hacker, I am officially inducting The *Perfect* Grand Challenge into the Sampo-Aligned Occurence Hall of Fame! 

I feel like this can slot in with my Doll Theory as well, taking my already mentioned timeline and adding the idea that Sampo is one of many attempts at a “perfect” recreation of Aha, one that is likely trying very desperately to escape from the dehumanization and danger of his kin. After all, two Elation-coded dolls exploding by the head in separate occurrences is not a fun precedent to follow!

Note: I mainly compared Sampo to the clay doll here given its similarity to the Aha Stuffed Toy, but it is entirely possible he is the programmer as well — hell, with the implications of Organic Heart he may as well be both!

Additional Note: There seems to be some connection between the Erudition and the Elation here, with the Aha Stuffed Toy occurrence’s only Path options being Elation and Erudition, as well as The *Perfect* Grand Challenge including an Erudition option despite having such heavy Elation influences. Creation, experimentation, and combination are in and of themselves a very Erudition-coded activity, though those very same concepts can also be creative and fun in the vein of the Elation.

Additionally, the story of Mysterious Magnetism (linked to Sampo who is very much linked with Elation) mentions the Riddlers conducting their experiment to “combat the determinacy of Erudition”. Just food for thought!

Bonus: This mention of the Aha Stuffed Toy in the Flea Market occurrence! Don’t mind me, I’ll just be crying at the “asking to be hit” part. (Also, four destructible Curios makes me think in plurality, meaning there are perhaps quite a few “stuffed toys” out there. It also implies awareness and the ability to communicate, making the toy much more likely to be a sentient / intelligent lifeform.)

Also this screenshot I caught of both occurrences & the man himself!

Okay, that’s all I have!

☆━━━━━ ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☾ ◯ ☽₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ ━━━━━━☆

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ જ⁀➴ thank you for reading to the end!

☆━━━━━ ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☾ ◯ ☽₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆ ━━━━━━☆

© analysis by sunderingstars. do not copy, repost, translate, modify, or claim my work as your own.

[witch-hazels-musings]

Hi, Hazel! Could I have a Curse Ritual for Ayato with the cedar, hellebore, cinnamon, and angelite items please? >:3c Thank you! Looking forwarding to seeing the results, ehe!

Cedar (betrayal), Hellebore (anger, wrath), Cinnamon (love, prosperity), Angelite (gentleness, healing) Ayato x gn reader | Curse Ritual warning: angry ayato, reader is hurt (non-specific but not having a good time), its been a while so I hope this sounds like him (also this is kinda short - I'm sick T.T)

"Master. Master Kamisato, please wait-"

"Remove yourself from my path," Ayato's voice stilled the frantic bustle circling him, arms out as if to take away a perceived burden. Their eyes drifted to the body in his arms.

"Master, there is no need to take it upon yourself to handle these matters," the attendant appeasingly explained and took a step toward him. "Allow us to take th-"

"Withdrawl."

"Sir?"

"Step back," Ayato said but it came through as a warning as he slowly turned his attention to the bowing, trembling attendant. You groaned, whined. "I will not repeat myself," he added, violence flashing in his eyes.

The attendant looked at the others, each held their head dipped in deep respect. With reluctance, they returned to the shadow of the hall, Ayato's lingering on them until their position mirrored the other's subserviant acknowledgment.

Ayato continued down the hall, determination in every step. "Bring me a healer."

---

You hurt. Everywhere. It hurt to move, to lay still, to turn your head and open your eyes. You moaned and felt something cool against your cheek.

"Pace yourself," the voice said. Ayato's voice. You turned into the sound. You heard footsteps and the world tilted. "Enter."

A mixture of shuffling feet, clanging metal, and rustling fabric filled your ears. You winced in pain, relaxing slightly when gentle fingers glided along the side of your head.

"Did you find them?" Ayato asked coldly.

"Our searches have come up empty, Master. Several scouts are still loo-"

"Did I not task you with apprehending those who have slighted the clan? I have no objection to finding another should my demands be too difficult for you."

There was a heavy pause. "N-No, Master. We just -"

"Just what?" The stillness of the room was filled by your ragged breathing. You shifted but the pressure made you regret it. "Here's a suggestion: do not return until you have satisfied the requirements of your mission. And when you do, keep them healthy for me."

"Y-yes, Master." Whoever they were, they were gone as quickly as they came, returning the room to an eerie silence.

Ayato ran his fingers through your hair, across your brow, and carefully turned your head. A wash of blooming flowers and cool water filled your nose. You wanted to reach out to it but found your arms too heavy.

"I was neglectful," Ayato said but his voice sounded distant, like he was somewhere in the garden behind shoji doors. "It was never my intention to allow you into this world, for you to be thrown into the undercurrents of petty power struggles. I was careless."

His touch was soothing. You mumbled - or at least you think you did.

Heat washed over your face so you opened your eyes as wide as you could and saw his blurry visage in them. His face, inches from your own, eyes closed, cheek glistening in the moonlight.

"Fret not. I will not make the mistake again."

"A-Ayato."

"I am here my love. I am here," Ayato whispered against your brow and kissed you tenderly until your eyes closed. And he waited. Waited until a healer arrived, sat, unmoving while they tended to your wounds, and still he waited. Waited until new of your attackers returned to him so he could show them what happens to those who betray the Kamisato clan.

Thaumaturgy Anthology (October 11-13, 2024)

This event is based on spells and rituals. Inspiration does not equal understanding; liberties have been taken. All content is owned by Witch Hazels Musings, theft of these images and stories will result in immediate action.

[jr-acrux101]

Carousel Meeting

Summary: The 3 times Mike schidmt almost met you but didn't, plus the 1 time he did

Word Count: 1.9k

Can be read byself or as a prequel to my carousel series.

Tags: fluff, accidental meeting, soft spot for Abby

༻﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊﹊༺

⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅┅⑅

(Before FNAF movie)

The first Mike saw you, your back was turned. You had you l/m/s hair down. You were wearing blue washed jeans that flared slightly, a cream colored knitted pullover and a brown leather jacket.

He had heard your obnoxious laugh from the back of the line in the fair. He saw you lightly push your friend, and she laughed as well.

Abby's head popped to the opposite side, and saw your face.

'Pretty.'

Mike had turned away, not wanting to be seen as a creep for trying to stare at your face.

Right as you were next the ride broke. Your friend groaned as you shrugged. Mike was being dragged as Abby whined to go to a different ride. As he turned down to tell her to wait, your shoulders bumped.

Unbalanced you fell on you friends, laughing harder. Mike yelled a quick 'Sorry,' as he was dragged off.

He a faint 'Sorry,' back. When he turned to face you, your friend blocked your image, the two of you not being able to see each other's face.

The next time you two missed meeting each other was the very next day again. Mike had promised Abby to take her everyday for the weekend to the fair.

You and your friend returned to the fair, after working for 2 weeks straight because a coworker quit, you finally got the weekend off to recharge and see your friends. This time your friend brought her boyfriend to go on the scary rides with you since she felt bad for always chickening out.

The three of you stopped by the darts and balloons, pushing them both out of the way. First try got the second biggest prize of a fox plush. On your next try you heard a little girl gasp.

Abby was looking with amazement at the plush purple bunny on top hanging.

"Want to try?" The carnival person asked.

Abby shook her head no, "I don't have enough."

Your heart broke a little. Getting the next 3 in a row, you won. Jumping up and down your friend clapped and hollered while her boyfriend rolled his eyes at the two of you.

"Whatcha want?"

The little girl was still there just watching now. "That one." When you got the plush and turned to her, she eyed you warily.

"Here, I already have the fox." She took it hesitantly.

You gave a warm smile as your friends tugged you to the duck ring game. You waved bye and she waved bye back and dashed to a man wearing a hoodie. You saw the curly hair from behind, and turned away.

Abby rushed to Mike, excited to show Mike the plush.

Mike gripped her firm and held her tight. For a split second he felt like he was a kid again seeing his brother get taken.

"Abby! You know you're not allowed to run off like that! Why would you do that?"

"I only went right there." She pointed to the booth across from where Mike was sitting.

He turned to answer and phone call from his security guard co worker and Abby was gone for a minute with him frantically searching. When he tried to call out, nothing came out. He started to have a panic attack. And there she was.

When she re-appeared he almost threw up. He crouched down and noticed the blue plush.

"Who gave that to you?"

"Some girl won two in a row and she let me have it because she had a fox one!" Mike's eyebrows furrowed but nodded.

"That was nice of her…"

Abby nodded her head. "Don't run off again Abby. You could've been taken. " 'Too.' It was unspoken but Abby understood.

"Sorry Mike."

"Come they have shaved ice with your favorite flavor."

She beamed again and hopped while pulling Mike.

The third time the paths almost met but did not was in the house of mirrors. Mike was against it but Abby coaxed him with the 'pretty please' 'cherry on top' and puppy dog eyes. He rolled his and followed behind Abby.

He watched as she hit her head, trucked by the mirrors, she glared and huffed as Mike laughed at her. He dropped the plush as he was laughing. The duo didn't notice til after outside.

As luck had had it, you noticed the plush when you made it to the half-way mark. It reminded you of the little girl and wondered if she hit her head and dropped it. You chuckled at the thought of that and took it with you.

Abby was crying as Mike promised to get her another on.

"Abby come on I'll buy or win or whatever it is again."

The tears fell and she shook her head no, "No she won it for me! She was nice and gave it to me because she knew I wanted it and I lost it." She sobbed and her hand made it to her eyes.

Mike groaned, "Okay Abby I will go back, " he scanned the crowd and saw a group of police officers walking by.

"Hey! Excuse me!"

They two men and women turned around, the red headed men raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry to ask but do you mind watching her real quick? I dropped her plush in the maze and she doesn't want to go in with me again to look but still wants me to. It'll be like less than 5 minutes, I just don't want her by herself." What he assumed was his sister with the matching hair and last name, nodded.

"Yeah that's fine, we are waiting for our co-worker to be down in the restrooms right there."

Mike thanked them and dashed in after giving the young teenage girl 3 more tickets.

A minute had passed as Mike went in, and then you popped out finishing it, with your friends trailing behind you. You scanned the area and saw the little girl crying with police around her. 'Is she lost?' You said 'be right back,' and headed that way.

"Excuse me?" The police, trying to calm her down, turned to look at you. Abby looked up with teary eyes and saw you. She ran and hugged your leg.

"I lost Mr. Bunny. I'm sorry!" She wailed and cried.

"Hey hey it's okay no need to cry. Look I found him, he's waiting to hug you again." She gasped and dove into a hug with the plush.

The cops looked at you questioningly. You noticed their gaze and explained. "I won it earlier and she really wanted it so I gave it to her, I already won the fox, I just like playing the games." They nodded, a little more at ease with you. As you turned around you crashed into a blonde girl, with a police uniform. She dropped her corn dog on the floor.

"Oh my god I am so so sorry. Here let me get you a new one."

"It's fine. My fault for not paying attention and whatnot."

"No really let me get you a new one." She hummed as she wiped the little crust of the corn dog off her. Before going off with her you turned back around. "Okay I gotta go but be careful okay. Are you waiting for your mom or dad with the police officers?"

She nodded and pointed to the mirror maze. "My brother is in there trying to find Mr. Bunny."

"Okay okay good. I'll see you around, be sure to keep Mr. Bunny safe and close at all times, okay?"

She gave a watery smile and nodded. You gave her a pat on the head and waved goodbye to the group. Mike dashed out if the maze as he saw a blonde and h/c go by.

Abby was finally smiling and laughing and holding the plush again.

Mike was confused, "Abby, how did you get that?"

"Oh the girl who won it was in the maze too! She came right out when you went in and gave him back to me."

Mike stared at her and then the police who nodded along. The woman spoke, "She was a nice young thing who made sure the little was okay, even offered to buy our co-worker her food after they bumped and it spilled."

'What the fuck?' Mike nodded at the story. "Okay Abby, say thank you to the officers who were watching you and let's go."

The siblings thanked the officers and went their own way, as your friends whisked you off after apologizing to the young police officer again.

The time the paths crossed:

Your friend rolled her eyes as you sat on the bench.

"I'm tired. I just wanna sit down."

"You can sit on the carousel!"

"No, aye you go take her already. Shoo."

Your friend rolled her eyes as her boyfriend shrugged.

"Pick her up."

The two of you stared at her, then shared a look.

'Is she for real?'

'I think so.'

"Y/n I'm dead serious."

"Please let me rest! You've dragged me around the whole day, my social battery is at zero, let me recharge." You begged, if needed at this point you'd get on your hands and knees.

Your friend sighed and nodded. "Fine, rest and draw or whatnot."

Mike and Abby argued for a bit about Mike going on but with the whole tired from work thing Abby went by herself. A nice couple helped her on the horse, Mike motioned to the bench you were at, letting Abby know he was there watching. Abby waved and hugged Mr. Bunny.

Mike noticed the girl sitting there, she was slightly hunched over and what looked like drawing.

Mike cleared his throat and the girl slightly jumped. She looked wide eyed at Mike, who couldn't help but think 'Pretty.'

"Yeah…?"

"Sorry um do you mind if I sit? My sister is over there and I want to watch her." He waved toward the carousel moving.

"Yeah that's fine, go ahead." Mike sat, and tried to focus on the carousel bit his eyes would slide over the girl next to him.

She was pretty, with her h/c and big e/c eyes. She had long eyelashes and pink pouty lips.

Mike's eyes dragged down her figure and noticed thick thighs. His eyes quickly shot up.

'Focus on Abby not the hot stranger next to you.'

To you though Mike looked bored and to be in his own world.

'Just say something!'

"So how old is your sister?"

Mike turned his attention towards you, "She's 8."

"Hmm. That's such a great age to take them places, since they'll actually remember it."

"Yeah, I guess so."

'I guess hes not much of a talker.'

'Are you serious? You couldn't add more to the conversation?'

"Do you have any siblings?"

You turned to him and gave him a smile. "No vut I have a younger cousin I grew up with, he's like my little brother basically. I was going to bring him but he got in trouble for fighting."

Mike smirked, "Fighting?"

"Yeah, one of the other little brats was bullying this one quite girl with braces. And it turned physical."

He cocked a brow, "And he got punished?"

You leaned in a little closer, and Mike subconsciously did the same. "Just for 2 days, hos mother just doesn't like fighting period. But she's letting me take him for the last day of the carnival and then to go get ice cream and waste the day away, basically."

Mike nodded along, "I guess that makes sense. No parent wants to see their kid fight and possibly get hurt."

"Yeah, she also wants me to stress the importance of no physical fights. Since, he listens to me a little more."

"That's nice." You hummed in agreement.

When the carousel stopped, you got up slowly, and you ripped a piece of paper out.

"Uh here." Mike took it slowly and you walked off to greet your friends, off to the next attraction. Mike eyed you as you left, eyes trailing up and down.

"Maybe fairs aren't so bad." Mike muttered to himself. Abby came running, excited riding the carousel. And Mike was excited too, he got a girl's number.

"Was it fun?" Abby nodded yes and hugged Mr. Bunny.

"Alright let's go it's past your bedtime." Abby gave a dejected look but nodded nonetheless.

'Hey, it's the guy from the carousel.'

'Which one?'

'Just kidding! I swear!'

He huffed a laugh out loud. And Abby looked at him funny as he was disturbing drawing/cartoon time.

'Real funny.'

'I am known to be somewhat of a comedian.'

'Somewhat?'

'Can't always be making jokes.'

As the texting continued, Mike Schmidt was saved under "Carousel Boy ♥︎"

Mike would never admit it, but before getting your name and before the second date, you were under "my carousel girl."

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

I feel like mile wouldnt text at first but since he thought you were hot and checking you out he'd do it as like a let me have 1 thing "selfish" attitude but then realizes that fuck hes in to deep like by the secind date. In the carousel series, Mike still doesn't know lol he just thinks you and abby clicked bc abby wanted to have a secret between the two of you.

I lied again yall 😪 couldn't help myself

Taglist: @stinkii-boii @hellothisisprincesskitty

[lisacomeuseucu]

An Adventure from Another World | JJBA PART3 X FEM!READER

Prolonged

After a car accident, his body and consciousness are taken to the universe of his favorite anime, an event considered miraculous in the eyes of many.

The alarm sound starts ringing, the thin and frantic sound of a clock that comes automatically set on the device on the desk beside the bed. I try to force my heavy, sleepy eyes to open, but it’s a task quickly failed, so I stretch my hand like a snake and reach for my phone. "STOP" – the huge option appears on the screen. Even in my drowsiness, I manage to have a bit of awareness and click the option.

With supernatural force, I force my body to sit up on the bed, my feet feeling the completely cold floor. Time to get ready to catch the bus, I think, remembering the bus ride I have to take. "What a drag..." I whisper to myself. I get up toward the small bathroom in the room, turn the faucet to release the water, and splash it onto my puffy face. I quickly turn it off and open the compartment behind the mirror, grabbing my toothbrush and toothpaste. When I close it, I see my reflection. Dark circles around my eyes show the tiredness, the few white hairs from stress appear in my hair, even though I’m still too young to have them. Facing the sad reality of a humble, working-class person isn’t the best thing in the world. You know you deserve better than this.

I make circular motions all around my mouth, my teeth, gums, and tongue, spitting all the contents into the sink and quickly cleaning it as I rinse my mouth. After changing my clothes and putting on my shoes, my phone starts ringing again, alerting me that it's time to be at the bus stop. Damn! I need to be quick, I put my phone in my bag, sling it over my shoulder, and hurry out of the apartment. If the bus stop were closer, it would have made things so much easier! Even though it's early in the morning, the city is already filling up with people, which disrupts my path. Looking at my phone, I realize I'm extremely late. Oh no! No!! My eyes still fixed on my phone, I ignore everything around me, even the voices of people that seemed desperate. My body warms up, and my eyes begin to burn with a flash of light coming from my left side. The two shining orbs completely capture my attention, like a deer in the middle of the road, so bright and intense like the sound, getting closer and closer to me, which was strange. Wait... I'm crossing! My eyes widen like a doll's eyes, too late to do anything, the sensation of something hitting me in the waist and stomach strikes me hard.

Purple, pink, blue, green, yellow, white. These are all the colors that dominate my vision. Panic floods my body as I realize that instead of falling onto concrete ground, I am falling into a completely colorful and bizarre abyss, as if it were a galaxy full of shining stars. As I look at my body, I notice that strangely, I seem to be turning 2D? Lines from a drawing outline my body! A scream escapes my mouth as I desperately look at my hand, like in a cartoon, not children's drawings, but in the style of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure! When I look up, I get startled by the bright light in front of me. As my eyes adjust to the brightness, I start seeing things more clearly — a sink, that's what I'm looking at, and my hands are gripping it to maintain my balance. How strange... I think, furrowing my brow. I begin to look forward slowly, fear and hesitation accompanying me in this moment. When I gaze into the mirror, I see an image of myself, but not my normal image. It's a version of me from the JoJo universe, right in front of me. "YOU ARE BETTER THAN THIS" each word written across the mirror.

･:*:･ﾟ★｡･:*:･

"Okay... I got run over by a car and for some miraculous reason, the gods decided to be nice to me and let me live in this damn anime. Ugh..." I say to myself, my hand runs across my face until it reaches my hair, squeezing and lightly pulling it. "The good part is that it's my favorite anime, the bad part is that it's JoJo! How am I supposed to participate if I don't have a Stand?! It would make more sense to let me die than to live as a background character." I stomp my foot on the ground like a spoiled child, until I notice a note lying on the floor. Curious, I pick up the paper to read its contents.

"Cigano Deck Card 36

THE CROSS

The card of The Cross symbolizes sacrifice and the struggle necessary to overcome difficulties. However, this card also carries a message of spiritual growth and redemption, showing that suffering can be a tool for achieving transformation."

So I have a Stand represented by the Cigano deck, and we're in the third part of JoJo, where Stands are tarot cards. A sly smile escapes in the middle of my thoughts, the idea of not being a background character making my whole body stir. "Well then, show yourself! I need to figure some things out about you!" I say aloud in an attempt to manifest it, a foolish action that incredibly works. Right in front of me, I see the figure of a large, muscular female body, a cross design covering her entire chest in a beige tone, while the body is covered with ancient runes in golden color. Pieces of fabric that cover parts of her body are dark, contrasting with the light beige and golden colors of my Stand. Her eyes are human-like, and her hair is loose, floating in the wind. If you look closely, there's a faint light around her that makes her look majestic.

"Shit, now the snake's gonna smoke."

[waywardwizzard]

Art and fic for @alto-tenure for the @plgiftexchange. I hope my secret buddy likes the gifts <3

(Fic under the cut! And please, for the love of puzzles, click on the image for better quality)

Flora watched as St. Mystere grew smaller in the distance, disappearing into the hills as they turned a corner.

She'd miss the little village, of course she would, but part of her was glad to see it go. It felt right in a way a lot of things haven't these past few years.

The Professor caught her eye in the rear-view mirror and winked, nodding at something the boy (Luke. His name was Luke. She wondered if he was his son) said.

Another thing that felt right. She was glad that they were the ones who had found her.

Settling back into the seat of the funny little car, she watched the scenery fly by and let her mind drift back to all the others who had come to the village.

‐

The first, she remembered, had been an odd pair.

They had landed just outside the village late one night, their small plane comically gaudy against the calm countryside even in the moonlight.

At first she thought she had dreamt it, the sound of thrusters shutting off, the soft whisper of voices tugging at her consciousness as she fell deeper into sleep, but then she saw them cross the drawbridge as soon as the sun rose. 

The one had worn a mask that obscured half his face, a cape and feathers obscuring almost everything else, and he had swept over the bridge and into town like he owned it. His companion had followed more sedately, like a parent keeping an eye on their child. 

Grief had welled up then, it still did, threatening to drown her, but she had swallowed it down. It didn't do well to dwell on things like that.

The longer it had taken them to find the Golden Apple, the more and more irritated the Phantom look alike had grown, his voice sometimes carrying far enough up her tower that she could hear him from the other side of the village.

It was funny how oblivious he had been, now that she thought about it. 

More than once she had walked past him without her disguise on and in the end he hadn't even blinked when she gave him a puzzle in her disguise! That was when she decided it was good enough to work. His friend (father? He looked old enough) had smiled though, a knowing twinkle in his eyes that had told her the disguise maybe wasn't that good but it was all she had to use. She was thankful that he hadn't said anything.

It had taken her an embarrassingly long time to realize that their hearts weren't entirely set on just finding the treasure itself.

The feathered man (she never learned his name, what a shame) had kept muttering about a man named Hershel and how he 'couldn't let his brother best him yet again, Raymond!' and 'wouldn't it be the perfect way for him to find out?'. 

Raymond had given him a look and they had left it at that. They had left the village soon after; the man running for the gate as if one of Bruno's robot dogs was at his heels, Raymond already starting the engine.

She never found out what it was that he wanted his brother to find out. She hoped the man had found a way to tell him after all.

-

The next people had come a few hours after the plane had flown away. 

With bags packed to the brim and precariously balanced on the roof, a car had puttered up the winding path, stopping just before the edge of the river bank.

Three people had tumbled out, their voices loud enough to easily carry all the way over the river and to the secret platform she'd found while exploring the sewers. 

The red-haired one had bounced around between helping the other two, all the while babbling about finding the treasure in the same way Bruno talked about cogs and machines.

"I can feel it," he had said. "We're close."

"We haven't even started looking, Randall."

"Oh, come on, Henry! Where's your sense of adventure?"

The third person of the group, a woman, had sighed fondly and grabbed the both of their hands. "Don't start, you two. We need to find a place to stay and unpack all this before nightfall."

It had taken her a lot quicker to realize that they also weren't just looking to find the treasure.

They had talked about places called Stansbury and Monte d'Or, about forgiveness and things she hadn't even tried to understand. (She still didn't understand all of it. Maybe she should ask the Professor one day).

"If I can find this," Randall had said one night, a few weeks into their stay, "then maybe I'll find the part of myself that I had lost down there."

"Maybe you've already found it," Angela (at least she had learned everyone's names that time) had said and in the early light of dawn she'd watched as Angela and Henry each took one of Randall's hands.

Not even a week later they had repacked and re-stacked their luggage and were driving off into the distance.

She had been left with the vague feeling that Randall might have found what he'd been looking for even if he hadn't found the treasure.

-

The last person had left almost as soon as he had arrived, two years before the Professor and Luke had come.

He had ambled into the village, bowler hat on his head and a polkadot tie around his neck that reminded her of Matthew.

Not even a week into his stay, he'd rushed off again, a note clutched in his hand, muttering something about some or other box.

She hadn't heard the name of the box because he'd walked into her on his way out, but he'd given her a sliding puzzle in apology and she had left it at that. It had nothing to do with her and sliding puzzles were her favourite, after all. 

The puzzle was made out of a dark wood, intricately carved with flowers and golden vines that twined around the edges. She'd solved it in less than a day and found a tiny apple blossom inside along with 50 picarats. It had been the most she'd ever got for a puzzle.

-

Now that she thought back about it, it seemed like a lot of people had been looking for a lot of things that had not been the treasure back then.

As her eyelids grew heavy, the warm sun and the gentle rocking of the car lulling her to sleep, she absent-mindedly wondered if any of them had found what they'd been looking for in the end.

[we-ask-beforewe-bite]

Levis: I don't need illusions. I want the Gale standing right in front of me. Gale: Are you sure...? I could conjure up any sight that you could dream of, and a few you could not. I could use the Weave to make us feel sensations beyond reckoning. I could do more than woo you. I could wow you. Levis: You don't need to impress me, Gale. I'm no deity. Gale: Yes, you are. Trust me, I would know. Let's do it your way then. So long as it's with you.

[ Full transcript ⇩ ]

Gale's Mirror Image: Good evening! I am here on behalf of Gale og Waterdeep. He wishes to extend you an invitation for a private conversation in a more suitable locale. Levis: Very well, show me the way. Gale's Mirror Image: Gladly. Simply follow yonder path and soon you will find him. Gale: I love this time of night. There's an almost reverent silence that accompanies the peak of darkness, when you'd almost believe the dawn will never break. The cradle of eternity. The timelessness of lovers. That most beautiful of fantasies. Levis: You seem especially philosophical this evening. Are you all right? Gale: I will be, soon. I am perhaps just one hard day away from being without any troubles at all. This may be my last night alive. I wanted it to be under a canopy of beauty and wonder... and with company to match. I thought this place might bring me peace. I thought it might make the weight of what I must do feel a little lighter... but I'm not so sure. Levis: Are you not afraid? Gale: Afraid? No, I am terrified. But fear or courage or reason cannot change the charge I've been given. There is no point running from the inevitable. Better to meet it, on my own terms. Levis: You sound sure in your course of action then. Gale: Resigned to it, rather. But that is not to say I am without fear. Far from it. Stay with me a while, will you? Day will come all too soon, even in this place. Levis: I'm not going anywhere, Gale. I'll be by your side, whatever dawn brings. Gale: One moment with you could sate me for a lifetime, and prise the fear from my heart. I'm so very glad you came, to share this with me. I know this is all unreal, but I created it for you. You must know that you're... That you're very special to me. If things were different, if we were home, I'd have taken the time to do things properly. To say it all better. But time is short. I'm in love with you. Levis: I'm in love with you too. Gale: Thats a relief. It would be a shame to spend my final hours making an ass of myself. Levis: You're a good kisser. Gale: And you're a bad liar. I lived the life of a hermit for sometime before I met you - safer for all, but not conducive to pleasures of the flesh. I want it to be perfect - to bond with you in the way that gods do... intertwinning our spirits in visions of the Weave. Levis: I don't need illusions. I want the Gale standing right in front of me. Gale: Are you sure...? I could conjure up any sight that you could dream of, and a few you could not. I could use the Weave to make us feel sensations beyond reckoning. I could do more than woo you. I could wow you. Levis: You don't need to impress me, Gale. I'm no deity. Gale: Yes, you are. Trust me, I would know. Let's do it your way then. So long as it's with you. A small gesture towards your comfort.

[naffeclipse]

I saw all those harpy Penguin posts and was like "I wonder if I could help or add something" when I noticed you wanted a name for it. Idk if you already have one but here is the essence of it I have so far in general.

Cardinal Instinct, or also words or phrases and concepts such as Nature vs Nuture, Core Instincts, Celestial Alingment, Harmonic Convergence.

Cardinal because it means most important or fundamental, and it is an aspect of the Zodiac signs with Cardinal, Fixed and Muted nature's based on the cycles of seasons and their phases of the start, the intrinsic bulk and the transitional conclusion.

It also is a play on Carnal, similar to how Apex Polarity is both a play on the phrase Apex Predator and Polarity with Polar, or maybe even also just with the Poles. It is also a reference to Cardinal directions, which are the defined and known directions on a compass, they are the familiar and known paths that are often taken because they form our understanding of the world and everything in it. But although they are the most formal they are most certainly not the only ways.

This references how Eclipse and PenguinHarpy!Y/N are both following their Instincts but also are in a situation where they are coming into question. They are both trying to care for the babies, but Penguin Y/N shouldn't by the technical detail of them not being Harpies but Orca Mer young, while it makes more sense for Eclipse to be compelled to tend to them. But Eclipse Is also bending the situation when he refrains from just following that direct line of instinct, naturally arriving at the typical bloody conclusion.

While nurture is what compelled our Harpy Y/N to take these 2 baby mers under their wings literally, it's up to Eclipse to either follow the vein straight to the scent of blood at the end or deviate from nature's course and answer in kind. The heart flows both in and out, and it's nature is as entrenched in its deep and darker reaches as it is swathed in the warmer and brighter patterns where the light touches.

But we all know at the end of the day if Eclipse gets what he wants he's taking a birdie home along with the two newly adopted children.

On another note I also did ponder over the concept of Sun and Moon being in the same universe as Apex Polarity, and my interpretation/idea was Sun being a Beluga and Moon being a Narwhal. Beluga fits Sun's personality quite a bit, but I will admit I cannot imagine how the heck you'd be able to fit that goofy-ass horn on Moon. I just wanted to mention this for the mental image of magical sea unicorn Moon and musical sea canary Sun for fun.

I love Cardinal Instinct! It flows well, has lots of thought and meaning behind it, and mirrors the structure name of Apex Polarity! I'd love to use that for the AU title if you don't mind!!! The dynamics of Orca!Eclipse and Penguin Harpy!Y/N are so well defined and explored within a few paragraphs, I'm in awe!

(He's absolutely taking a birdie home along with his babies)

That's so cute!!! A natural musical ability and a beautiful white and yellow tipped tail for Sun, and a majestic tusk for Moon with a tail of deep blue mottled with white markings like stars! I'm pondering some kind of sea shell or maybe even twisting his tusk into a head cap instead of a large canine tooth.

Regardless, these two would be much more mild-mannered with our lovely photographer, though no less interested in Y/N.

Excellent thoughts all around; I'm chewing on your every word!

[1800i-dont-write-fanfiction]

(14) wife guy p.2

Perhaps now she calls another her heart. I would not fault her, not truly; I have given her little choice but to move forward where I could not. I should not care what path she walks, for I have no claim on her, but denial falters beneath the agony that consumes my own. I would never begrudge her such happiness, even as it leaves me unmoored and untethered to the life I once wished for. The possibility taunts me. My regret is not merely for what I have done, but what I could not do. 

What I feel for you will never change.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

My thoughts had been disturbed, more so than usual, since my confrontation with Elgar'nan. The Veil should have fallen by now, yet I remained ensnared by the very mechanisms I wrought to subdue the Evanuris. I now pace this cage of my design, a construct born of desperation and rage. It is the embodiment of choices unmade and regrets too great to bear.

Irony, it seems, is not without its victims.

Elgar'nan—the All-Father, destroyer, embodiment of wrath. Beneath this, I glimpsed his torment—a mirror, perhaps, to my own. What of the twisted reflection I might become, should the loss of my purpose turn passion to ruin? I am not like him. 

“The only reason Mythal joined you was that she knew the monster you would become if left unchecked,” I had said, fury trembling in my words.

“Only the first time, Dread Wolf,” he laughed then, his voice rich with cruel amusement.

Mythal's betrayal, his claim to her allegiance—it shattered the very foundation of what I fought to preserve beneath the weight of my belief in her. I had placed my faith in her goodness and strength, and now I stood exposed; bare to the sight of my own ruin. How much of his words bore truth? In serving her, had I not unwittingly destroyed what little of her spirit endured?

And what of Ellana? If he truly held her, what torment might she endure in his custody? She had been ensnared by my folly, caught in the web of my deceptions. Leaving her was a choice I made, blinded by my arrogance that such an act might protect her from harm.

No, I chose to shield myself from her. 

What does he want with her, I wondered, shame twisting into something suffocating. She, who had looked upon me with unwavering adoration, now stood as a target for his wrath, her connection to me a cruel tether. The image of her suffering under his brutality was a wound I could not afford to acknowledge. Not now.

A single thought truly sickened me, yet I could not dismiss it entirely. Not because it carried truth, but because I so longed for it to bear even the faintest possibility. In fact, the impossibility was clear, and the space between us, whilch I so mournfully imposed, hollowed me further with each passing year. My resolve had been unwavering then, even as she begged to follow. Once I had allowed myself the indulgence of dreaming—a vision so tender and fleeting it scarcely seemed real. A future with her where the weight of my mistakes held no power over us. Then, perhaps, there would have been a child. 

What have you done, Vhenan?

Is the life Elgar’nan claims more than mere fabrication? Does it stand as proof of a future from which I am forever barred? I am powerless to untangle the thread of ideas rapidly taking shape, yet I cannot look away for the very notion shatters me. Against all reason, it too draws me nearer. Would she cradle this life as tenderly as she once held my name upon her lips? Would this child’s laughter carry the same warmth that lit her features? How I would have cherished such a creature, not for strength or power, but because it would be ours.

Perhaps now she calls another her heart. I would not fault her, not truly; I have given her little choice but to move forward where I could not. And yet, that thought gnaws at me further. I watch her in dreams still, though nothing I have glimpsed suggests she has taken a lover. And yet, the very absence of such signs leaves my thoughts no less unguarded. I should not care what path she walks, for I have no claim on her, but denial falters beneath the agony that consumes my own. Those few agents who remain offer only fractured glimpses; I know it is better this way, or rather, easier. To see her whole, to know she has found peace in the world I tore apart—it is both a balm and a torment. I would never begrudge her such happiness, even as it leaves me unmoored and untethered to the life I once wished for. The possibility taunts me. My regret is not merely for what I have done, but what I could not do. 

What I feel for you will never change.

[sparrowrye]

A Little Something….

Update + Snippet

Greetings my little devils. Thank you, as always, for being so persistent in your patience with me! I’m hitting quite the writer’s block as I start the transition between DEMI DEMON and a new Alastor x Reader story.

It’s a late Spring cleaning for us! Expect pinned posts to be rewritten, new pinned ones to come out (super excited about some of these), and a few polls about the current or new story.

Part 15: boiling blood is half written and boy is it spicy 🌶️ I’ll update you when I’m close to posting it

As a little gift for your patience, here’s a snippet I wrote awhile back. It was the first part of a random story I had and the inspiration came from these images (at the bottom) on Pinterest - my unhealthy addiction

Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My hands gripped the edges of the stone sink as I sucked in a shaky breath. My legs were ready to give out at any moment. My recent patient nearly died and it had taken nearly all my energy to bring him back from the land of the dead. He was a fighter and his memories alone were enough of suck the very life out of my lungs; memories that were familiar to me.

I splashed my face with the ice cold water before I could trail down that dark path. My bones ached, a migraine pressed at the front of my head, and my throat was horribly dry. I gulped down several mouthfuls of water before looking at myself in the mirror.

My eyes were red and chronic dark circles under my eyes dragged my skin down. I looked half dead, which to be fair, wasn't really far from the truth. I grabbed the small towel and dried my face. I kept it pressed against my eyes, enjoying the only clean and sand-free thing I owned.

When I looked back in the mirror, hoping to see a slight improvement in my features, I noticed a dark figure in the doorway.

I spun, hand extended. A silver blade flew from my sleeve and buried its tip in the stone. I instantly recognized the tall ears, skinny cane, and red coat. His lips pulled back to reveal a yellow-teeth smile. His head remained still as his eyes glanced over at the knife a few inches from his face.

"Was that out of respect or inaccuracy?" he asked.

"What do you think?" I lowered my hand and took two steps back.

"Good to see you haven't lost your touch." His sharp claws tapped his cane one at a time. He brought a hand up to examine the knife still buried three-quarters of the way in the stone. He recognized the art of the handle. "Or my gift."

"Weapons aren't allowed in this settlement," I justified. "It's the only one I have." I mentally kicked myself. I had just admitted to being defenseless.

He grabbed the handle and pried it out of the wall with one swift pull. He examined the blade in his hand, glancing up to look at me briefly through his red hair. Had it gotten darker? "Come, dear," he curled the knife in his hand and turned away, "we have much to discuss."

I clenched my hands into fists at my side. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

"We're not going anywhere," he said over his shoulder so nonchalantly, "but it's rude not to entertain a guest. Especially at such a late hour." I followed to the entrance of my room and watched him lean against the wall closest to the stove. "You remember how I like my coffee."

"At such a late hour?" I mocked, taking only a few steps from my room.

"I have business to attend to at the Hive. Traveling at all hours of the day gets us there sooner." His eyes glanced briefly at the stove as an incentive.

I swallowed on nothing. "I'm not going to entertain you after you nearly killed me and Creo when we escaped." The memory of my brother and I trying to make our escape had always burned in the back of my mind.

Alastor gave a fake gasp, still sporting his stupid smile, and put a hand on his chest. "I did not try to kill you..." His smile molded into a smirk. "That was the attempt before your successful one."

"We almost died on that cliff!" I took a daring step forward.

He shrugged and put both hands on his cane, swiveling it around in front of him. He cocked his head to the side. "It did what I wanted. You broke your foot and couldn't attempt it again for weeks."

My voice dropped an octave. "You did more than just break my foot while I was stuck with you."

"May we have this conversation over coffee? I am so very tired and we have much to discuss." He lifted the knife from his cane and spun it once in his fingers, eyes glancing sideways at me. I knew what he was implying.

I pulled in a deep breath then I crossed the room to start the coffee. The embers in the stove were enough for the dry weeds to catch flame. I closed the metal door and brought out the coffee pot. I dropped the powder in and put it on the stone plate over the fire.

"What do you want?" I asked, turning to lean against the adjacent wall so I could have him in my full sights. My arms crossed my chest protectively.

"Tell me about this life of yours." He gestured to the small cave.

"It's simple and perfect. Wouldn't want to ever leave it."

"Why's that? Surely you're bored here."

My heart was beating in my ears now. "I'm not leaving. And neither is Creo."

"Quit being so defensive, my dear." He pushed off the wall and swung his arms dramatically. "We are merely two acquaintances catching up after a seven year parting."

I couldn't abate the nausea that was creeping into my throat. I was so nervous it was making me sick. "Is that we are?"

"You don't believe so?"

"'I am the master and you the servant. Heed my words carefully,'" I repeated the phrase that had haunted me for years.

"I recall saying that within the first year of you joining me," he sounded unfazed. "Our dynamic changed as the years went on."

"Careful, Alastor," I dared to say his name in such a casual manner, "someone might think we're lovers."

He closed his eyes with a soft chuckle. Being lovers had been insinuated by the warriors after my first two years with him. He had always kept me at his side and put aside time to find ways to enhance my magic or my vision seeking. It had never been anything more than rumors. Eventually they were silenced when Husker, the captain, earned enough credit among the ranks for them to believe him when he said Alastor and I were master and student, not lovers.

When Alastor opened his eyes again they were already looking at me. "I must say, I do enjoy seeing this new you. Not as timid and afraid as you once were." It took him three steps to cross the small kitchen and stand an inch from me. He towered above me like he always had, making me shrink under his daunting shadow.

"W-well, I've grown," I replied. "Seven years can do a lot for someone." I leaned against the poorly melded counter, nails scraping the stone on either side of my hip. His familiar, overpowering scent of smoke and incest filled my nose. It made the world kilter to one side.

"Indeed it does. Perhaps you will hear me out then." He leaned down so our faces were inches apart. My back was hurting from bending it so far over the counter in an attempt to keep the distance. I casted my eyes down at my hands on the edge of the counter, at my shirt, at anything other than him.

A blade snapped up in my vision. I let out a gasp as the edge barely caught my nose. Cold claws grabbed my wrist and wrenched it off the counter. His red, beady eyes stared back at me, focusing less on the knife and more on my eyes. It was hard to breathe.

The knife dropped into the palm of my hand and I flinched. My eyes darted down to the weapon as he gradually moved closer, red hair brushing against my cheek. What was he going to do? I've seen him rip someone's ear off before. Nothing but red filled my vision as he pressed me further into the counter. His breath was hot on my ear.

"The coffee is boiling."

He abruptly straightened up and took a single step back. I sucked in fresh air, eyes jumping from him to the kettle. The sight of the brown liquid spilling on the hot stone pulled me out of my daze. I grabbed the pot and put it on a single plate full of cold sand to keep it from toppling over. I slipped the knife into my sleeve holster and brushed past him to grab a mug, careful not to actually touch him. I drew in another deep breath.

The kitchenware was stored in a cabinet further from the stove, also dug into the rock. We had only two mugs - for two people. They were probably the finest, straightest thing we owned. They were a cool, maroon color and had a wide base.

I grabbed the two mugs and poured a full cup in one and half in the other. I made sure to use the non-chipped mug for him. When I turned to hand it to him, he had already seated himself at the living room table. His legs were folded neatly under him and his staff resting not too far. I hated when he moved silently - it was unsettling.

Biting the inside of my lip, I passed over to the carpeted area and placed the mug in front of him. His eyes examined the simple mug before bringing it to his lips, taking a long inhale of the steam. His eyes flicked up to mine as I pretended to take a sip of my own cup.

"Your taste in coffee has sweetened," he remarked into the mug, finally tasting it.

"Creo doesn't like the dark brand you drink."

"But you do."

"Not anymore." I placed the warm mug on the table and leaned on my elbows. I pressed my hands against the hog mug in an effort to keep myself from fidgeting.

"Your elbows, dear," he corrected.

I had half the mind to ignore him but the last thing I needed was to give him a reason to be angry or annoyed. The uneasy feeling in my stomach grew as I pulled my elbows off the table and tapped a finger against the clay cup.

"Why are you here?"

"I told you," he glanced at me briefly over the rim of the mug, "I have an audience with Lucifer in the Hive."

"No. Why are you here? It's not like you to be away from the front lines and when you do you're quick to get back. So why bother stopping in a small, unimportant village?"

His smile quirked to the side. He placed the mug down, using his pinky finger to keep it from hitting the table too hard, mostly out of sheer habit since the table was covered in rugs and wool.

"Perceptive, as always." He placed his hands in his lap, back straight and manners reigned in perfectly. "Well, my dear, I had a vision of this very conversation. I planned my route to the Hive and stopped only at the nearest villages that I knew had their residents living in stone."

A vision. How developed was that skill, now? He had them quite often when I was with him but now it's been seven years. Surely he developed that skill exponentially. Is that why he hadn't flinched when I threw my knife?

"Most villages live in stone," I said, unsure of what to say.

"Not anymore, my dear. They have no need to be with the Humans securely behind Sharptooth's pass."

"Then why look for me? Why waste your time going to villages to find me? Surely you've already found a replacement healer for your army. That wouldn't be very smart of you if you hadn't."

"Indeed I did." He lifted the mug to drink again. He must be pretty tired if he's drinking sweet coffee.

"So then why are you here talking to me?" I asked again. He took his time, eyes closed as he drank the thick coffee, and let the silence hold over our heads. I could remember how uncomfortable it once made me when he created prolonged silence. I felt it creeping back into my bones, struggling to shove it down and stare at him until he was ready to speak again.

Finally he lowered the mug. His claws stayed wrapped around the handle as he placed it on the table. "I had not intended for you to stay away for so long. My spy's past caught up to him and died on his mission to follow you. I intend to bring you back."

There it is. I knew what he wanted but hearing him say it still hit me like a train. My hands pressed into the mug so hard that I worried it might crack and shatter. Fear gripped my shoulders and held my spine in place. His eyes stayed firmly locked with mine as I struggled to find my words. I had to pry my eyes away from his and stare down at the dark liquid.

But did he say...

He had let me stay away? Did that mean he had let me escape on purpose? How long was he planning to let me try to make a life on my own before roping me back in? Who had been the spy?

"I will not be going back with you," I said slowly. It felt like I was standing in the center of a metal rabbit trap, the claws ready to snap up and decapitate me. "I fought tooth and nail for this life, for Creo. You won't take it from us."

He let out a sigh, his smile still pressed in his cheeks. "Is it really one you wish to risk your safety, your brother's safety, over?"

"Yes."

"Why?" He tilted his head so his ears waved. He lifted the mug to his lips again, eyes never once leaving mine. He sounded genuinely interested in my answer.

My palms turned up to the ceiling, mouth moving but no words coming out. How could he be serious? My life was hell with him and his army. He knew how to twist my thoughts around so I went the other route. "Creo's life isn't being threatened. He's not at risk for dying from a Human attack. And he's not being influenced by the tough, respect-less army lifestyle.”

"You view it as respect-less?" He sounded surprised, curious even, at the term.

"Among each other," I revised, "I don't want him adopting their behavior." My back was starting to hurt.

"He is not six years old anymore," he lowered the mug just enough to say his part, "he's now, what, fourteen?”

"Sixteen," I answered. "Still an impressionable age."

"Most people his age have their occupation or are married. It appears he has found his occupation." He glanced around at the various gadgets and inventions littering the place.

"He's finishing his childhood since he didn't have one."

"He's a man, my dear, no longer a boy."

"My answer is no. We are not coming with you."

He placed the mug down. "Then leave him. I only need you."

"We don't separate."

He broke his manners by placing his elbow on the table and leaning his chin on the back of his hand.  "You realize you are the one who makes these things difficult? I am not to blame anymore."

"We are not going with you," I punctuated each word. "You will have to drag me by my teeth." Even as I said it, I wish I hadn't. I knew he would do it if it came to that. He wasn't above anything.

"How unfortunate." He grabbed his staff and stood. I was faster, on my feet in an instant and ready for him to do something dangerous. "You've lost your good manners in my absence."

He looked to the front door as two men burst through it, dragging Creo's hissing form. They were dressed in red and both held a struggling arm. One of them had a tight grip on the back of his neck. Creo dug his feet into the ground and tried to wrench himself free.

The men forced him onto his knees and the one man pulled on his hair so he was forced to look up at Alastor. The Demon took a single stride to stand above him. "My my, you've grown quite a lot," he crossed his arms and leaned heavily on his red cane, "You were barely past my knees last I saw you. Do you remember me?"

"Should I?" Creo hissed when the man pulled tighter on his hair.

"Indeed. That burn mark on the back of your neck is my crest." He reached a single claw around to press on the spot under his long hair. Creo's eyes fell to me. "You belong to me."

"He doesn't know how to fight like your warriors," I said, voice echoing too loudly off the walls. Alastor straightened up and turned his head just enough to look at me out the corner of his eye. "He has no use for your army."

"No use? I see a bright mind eager to explore his skills and limitations." He looked at the random metal objects and inventions lying around the cave. "I could easily provide materials and guidance to a gifted inventor."

"Neither of us are going with you." It didn't sound as firm as I wanted.

His eyes found mine. "I am gracing you with one more opportunity, meerkat," he used the condescending nickname. "Return with me willingly and I ensure Creo stays out of my ranks and out of harm's way. If I have to...drag you back by your teeth...he will remain on the front lines." He leaned his cane sideways and watched, waited, for my answer.

Why hadn't I received a vision about this? I had lost touch with that skill since leaving Alastor but surely my mind would've predicted this? Would've saved me? Yet I had no vision. I was standing before Alastor and about to determine how my life, and Creo's, would go. Why could I never keep either of us safe? Why was it so hard to keep our lives secure? To give us a normal life?

Alastor was uprooting us. We had found a place to let our roots grow but he was pulling us up as if the soil had been sand this whole time. He was taking us away from a shady, moist area and placing us in a plant pot in the middle of the desert.

I didn't know how to feel. I was at a complete loss. My heart felt like it had been wrenched out. I had believed wholeheartedly that I had managed to evade him, to finally outsmart him and hide away. Our city was far from the front lines and he had no reason to be so far back into Duner territory. It was thanks to his audience with the King that he had found me.

"What do you say, my dear?" He stepped closer and the sound of his cane tapping the stone sounded like a key locking the cage door.

There was no debate. Alastor had spent half his life fighting, meaning I wouldn't be able to beat him in a one on one fight. Even if I had a chance, I didn't want to bank Creo's safety on it. If I fought Alastor and lost, he would put Creo on the front lines. I may never see him again. I lowered my head, staring at the tip of his black boots.

"Okay."

"What was that?" He took another step forward. It felt like the corners of the room were darkening.

"I will go with you."

He stepped closer still, claw coming up to push my chin up. His red face was clouding my entire vision and his canine teeth poked out of his lips in an ugly smirk.

"Willingly?" he pressed.

"Yes," I clenched my teeth in a snarl but it was far from one. He raised his eyebrows and examined my face with half lidded, knowing eyes. My lips closed over my teeth. "Yes, Alastor."

He hummed in satisfaction. "Come dear, show me that lovely smile. You know you're never fully dressed without one!"

[xx-psych0-rabbit-xx]

Re: the zan post and her projection, i'd love to hear abt that one👀👀👀👀👀q

YEAH IVE BEEN WANTING TO TALK ABT THIS

so basically smth that becomes v notable looking through the in character tweets by zan regarding the other dream friends, is shes v competitive n has quite the ego abt herself:she can recognize n acknowledge others skills rly well but her conclusion is either "well im better (angry)" or "well im better (excited to beat them)", this gets taken to a new absurd when introducing adeleine, where she immediately starts talking abt how shes hiding behind her canvas like a child n therefore does not know ~the path of strength~ n can never beat a ~battle-hardened warrior like herself~, n then she proceeds to keep downplaying adeleine even when shes showing new skills n seems excited to fight her after noting ado n ribbon were dancing around like its showing her some kind of lesson.generally she seems to take anything she perceives as weak or cowardly rly personally

so i was thinking like.i feel theres smth to be said regarding her strength fixation? when you take her backstory of having attempted suicide at a young age into account? suicidal ppl often feel helpless n weak, specially when theyre again, v young, so i could def see this all started from her trying to cope w that through just becoming the strongest n most confident, specially when her role in the cult was hyness' choice, so hed likely be giving her a lot of positive attention from succeeding in combat, smth she seems to rly want (from one of her playable screens) bc she absolutely adores him n would consider his opinion n approval like holy words (kanji used in jp straight up implies she idolizes him n generally anything regarding her feelings on him is so extreme in the original text lol)

so her issue w adeleine is just.ados a weak child who hides a lot, which feels like looking at a mirror to her bc thats her spitting image of when she was like that, which zan absolutely despises bc she spent so long "fixing herself" from that n the only way she can rly process this is by projecting n thinking theres smth inherently wrong w adeleine so she keeps bringing it up n up n how much better she is until she.i dont know honestly i doubt shes going anywhere w this beyond trying to make herself feel better by deciding to fight her lol.iirc adeleine has a splash effect w some of her attacks which zan is extremely weak to bc shes literally kept alive by electricity so i doubt ados in any real danger of getting beaten up

which brings me to smth i wanted to bring up bc as always extremely amusing zan has this huge ego shes a super strong warrior when her boss fight is designed to have multiple oversights regarding safe spots or spots where shes vulnerable to attacks n in the jp pause screen its said she uses her speed to "toy" w her foes like shes so sure shes got this shes messing around for her own amusement n she throws a huge fit when she loses n blows up the station w the cults own allies inside n laughs at your face abt it.thats just so funny oh my god.shes not even as good as she claims n shes a violent sore loser abt it

oh n ig this makes her weakly calling to hyness for help when she loses the second fight hit even worse since shes so confident shes so strong but at this state shes resorting to believing hell save her again.thats lovely

tl dr zan partizanne wants to beat up a child bc like most kirby characters she has a weird ego but shes getting mentally ill abt it.idk sorry ado but hyness hasnt complimented her in like a week n shes getting unstable

[anqelblccm]

BLESS  MY  HEART  —  a  song  about  someone  navigating  deep  emotional  pain,  hidden  struggles,  and  the  fine  line  between  sanity  and  madness.  through  a  journey  of  transformation,  isolation,  and  longing  for  connection,  the  protagonist  ultimately  faces  a  revelation  of  betrayal  —  serves as a pre-release single for HERO's upcoming mini album.

the  music  video  for the single was  released  in  three  parts during the month of june,  each  one  telling  HERO's  story  through  his  point  of  view.  the  first  part  —  THE  ENCHANTED  FOREST  —  focuses  on  his  initial  encounter  with  the  surreal  landscape,  the  emergence  of  the  wolves,  and  the  beginning  of  his  quest  for  understanding.

THE  ORACLE'S  GUIDANCE  —  HERO  seeks  counsel  from  the  enigmatic  ORACLE  who  resides  within  the  ancient  tree.  this  segment  explores  HERO's  confrontation  with  his  inner  demons,  symbolized  by  the  monstrous  wolves,  and  his  transformative  journey  through  the  mirror-like  portal  guided  by  the  ORACLE.

the  final  instalment  of  the  trilogy  —  DAWN  OF  A  NEW  BEGINNING  —  depicts  HERO's  return  from  the  mystical  realm  with  newfound  wisdom  and  clarity.  this  showcases  his  emergence  from  the  forest  at  dawn,  the  blossoming  of  the  ancient  tree,  and  his  acceptance  of  the  challenges  and  possibilities  that  lie  ahead.

the music video analysis.

( PART ONE )

on  an  ordinary  winter  night,  HERO  found  himself  alone  in  the  middle  of  a  desolate,  snow-covered  forest.  the  snow  wasn't  the  usual  white  but  shimmered  in  shades  of  blue  and  gold,  casting  an  eerie,  ethereal  glow.  HERO  had  no  recollection  of  how  he  got  there  but  felt  a  strange  pull  as  if  something—or  someone—was  guiding  him.

as  he  walked  through  the  forest,  the  snow  began  to  melt  beneath  his  touch,  turning  into  golden  droplets  that  evaporated  into  the  air.  the  cold  should  have  bothered  him,  but  instead,  it  felt  oddly  comforting.  the  forest  was  silent  except  for  the  soft  crunch  of  snow  under  his  feet  and  the  distant,  haunting  howl  of  wolves.

HERO  ventured  deeper  into  the  forest,  and  the  trees  seemed  to  whisper  secrets  from  the  past.  he  stumbled  upon  a  clearing  where  spectral  images  of  his  memories  floated  around  him.  he  saw  himself  as  a  child,  laughing  and  playing  with  friends;  he  saw  his  first  love,  a  girl  with  bright  eyes  and  a  radiant  smile;  he  saw  moments  of  triumph  and  sorrow,  all  swirling  in  a  ghostly  dance.

he  reached  out  to  touch  one  of  the  images,  and  it  dissipated  into  golden  dust.  a  sense  of  longing  and  regret  washed  over  him.  he  realized  these  memories  were  not  just  from  his  past  but  fragments  of  what  could  have  been,  paths  not  taken,  dreams  unfulfilled.

( PART TWO )

HERO  followed  one  of  the  paths,  his  heart  pounding  with  anticipation.  the  tree  in  front  of  him  was  unlike  any  he  had  ever  seen;  it  radiated  an  aura  of  wisdom  and  power.  at  its  base  sat  an  old  woman,  the  ORACLE,  her  eyes  blindfolded  yet  seeming  to  see  everything.

"why  have  you  come,  seeker?"  she  asked  in  a  voice  that  echoed  through  the  forest.

"i  don't  know,"  HERO  replied  honestly.  "i  feel  lost."

the  ORACLE  nodded.  "you  are  here  to  find  what  was  lost  and  to  understand  what  lies  ahead.  the  wolves  are  your  fears  and  doubts.  to  move  forward,  you  must  face  them."

as  if  on  cue,  the  wolves  began  to  transform.  they  grew  larger,  their  forms  shifting  into  monstrous  versions  of  themselves,  each  representing  a  fear  or  regret  that  haunted  HERO.  one  snarled  with  the  face  of  betrayal,  another  with  the  visage  of  failure,  and  yet  another  with  the  guise  of  loneliness.

HERO  knew  he  had  to  confront  them.  drawing  strength  from  deep  within,  he  faced  each  wolf  in  turn.  the  battles  were  fierce,  both  physically  and  mentally,  as  he  wrestled  with  his  inner  demons.  with  each  victory,  the  wolves  shrank  back  into  their  original  forms  and  then  into  harmless  golden  dust.

exhausted  but  triumphant,  HERO  turned  back  to  the  ORACLE.  she  gestured  to  the  tree,  and  a  mirror-like  portal  appeared  on  its  trunk.  "step  through,"  she  instructed.  "your  journey  is  not  yet  complete."

with  a  deep  breath,  HERO  stepped  through  the  portal  and  found  himself  in  a  surreal,  dreamlike  realm.  the  sky  was  a  swirl  of  colours,  and  the  ground  beneath  his  feet  felt  like  walking  on  clouds.  here,  time  seemed  fluid,  and  the  laws  of  physics  didn't  apply.

he  encountered  versions  of  himself  from  different  points  in  time,  each  offering  insights  and  lessons.  some  were  younger  and  more  hopeful,  others  older  and  wiser.  they  guided  him  through  the  realm,  helping  him  piece  together  the  fragments  of  his  soul.

( PART THREE )

in  the  heart  of  this  realm,  HERO  found  a  radiant  crystal,  pulsating  with  energy.  as  he  touched  it,  a  wave  of  clarity  and  understanding  washed  over  him.  he  saw  his  life  in  its  entirety,  the  interconnectedness  of  every  choice,  every  regret,  and  every  moment  of  joy.  he  understood  that  his  journey  wasn't  just  about  confronting  his  fears  but  embracing  every  part  of  himself.

with  newfound  wisdom,  he  stepped  back  through  the  portal,  returning  to  the  forest.  the  ORACLE  was  gone,  but  the  ancient  tree  now  bore  blossoms  of  gold  and  blue.  the  forest,  once  eerie  and  desolate,  was  now  vibrant  and  alive  with  the  promise  of  new  beginnings.

as  dawn  broke,  HERO  walked  towards  the  edge  of  the  forest.  the  first  light  of  day  painted  the  sky  in  hues  of  hope  and  possibility.  the  wolves,  now  gentle  and  watchful,  followed  at  a  distance,  no  longer  symbols  of  fear  but  of  guardianship.

HERO  whispered  to  himself,  "oh,  bless  my  heart,"  feeling  the  strength  and  wisdom  he  had  gained.  as  he  stepped  out  of  the  forest  and  into  the  rising  sun,  he  knew  that  he  was  ready  to  face  whatever  lay  ahead.  his  journey  through  the  mystical  forest  had  transformed  him,  and  he  was  no  longer  the  man  who  had  entered  it.