#mysterious origin “ink and silver��

[yabutsuba]

EMS Stage 1

[robin-evry]

Oooooohhhhh saw the robin yuu post, now how about a traveler yuu more specifically a lumine yuu that gets isekaied to twst?

Sure thing, ask and you shall receive

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐑!𝐘𝐔𝐔 𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐖𝐒𝐓☀️🌙

A traveler from another world who had their only kin taken away, forcing them to embark on a journey to find The Seven.

NRC unofficial errand runner, traveler!yuu will accept any task or any errand as long as it comes with a price or it comes from the good of their hearts.

Academically traveler!yuu would be pretty much an average student, their grades are not bad as well not the top of the class, just basically in the middle.

Don't underestimate or try to downgrade them, by far one of the most powerful or not the most powerful and skilled warriors in NRC, Lilia admits himself saying that traveler!Yuu is not someone you should underestimate, he could tell they are a warrior even more skilled than him, sebek of course rejects this idea and challenges them and loses badly after a few seconds.

It's unclear whether or not traveler!Yuu is a human or not because they're not originally from this world. Many students have debates whether they are or not and when asking them what they are, they always shrug it off and continue on their business. Their age is also a mystery do they carry the appearance of a young adult their age has suppressed a human And there's a popular rumor that they are older than Lilia himself like a thousand years older than him.

During the dwarf mine cave moment with the ink monster chasing behind them and their friends to get the stone, traveler!Yuu summons their sword and strikes it down with ease.

Traveler!Yuu have the unique ability to use as well to copy peoples magic by just touching the person as well observing small amounts of mana from people but it usually causes no harms to anybody, they use Carter's unique magic by accidentally bumping into him during lunch, as well the ability to purify things from blot.

They are on a journey of looking for their sibling who they got separated from in this world. Lilia seems to know about them since during his youth he mentioned a person similar to traveler!yuu as well in the text book mention about a strong warrior and by far having abilities suppressing anyone in this world dating back a few hundred years ago.

Works at mostro lounge as a part time job, but Azul has been trying to convince them to work full time, bro is so desperate to hire them. During work hours Traveler!yuu will help Floyd clean the place or as well run some errands with jade.

Very popular in NRC, other than their title of being errands runner. They are very popular in school for being one NRC most trustworthy student and friends. They go gargoyle exploring with malleus, sword training with sebek and silver, help paint the roses with Carter, etc. traveler!Yuu is a trustworthy companion in NRC.

Tales are told across the world many adventures and accomplishments of a powerful and courageous hero that once passed in this world, that looks identical to them but suddenly disappears and their whereabouts is unknown ( their sibling )

The first years are usually people they talk about their adventures, traveler!Yuu is also pretty smug after listing all their accomplishments like aiding in the defeat of an ancient sea god during one of their adventures and the first years jaw drop the floor meanwhile their 😏

Trey, Jamil and them would cook together occasionally once a week, traveler!yuu would start to learn exotic delicacy from Jamil and learn how to bake sweets with trey. Even tho they do have some ups and downs in their skill but they are learning.

Jamil and traveler!yuu originally get along with each other, whether or not Jamil is too busy dealing with kalim he will ask traveler!yuu to do the errands for him, he started to abuse this ability more often asking them to run errands because he doesn't feel like it, but was asked to stop by grim because traveler!yuu has become more exhausted.

Grim asks Crowley to tell the entire school to stop relying on traveler!yuu so much it has become a burden towards. Grim cannot stand his favourite henchman coming back home exhausted and drained it's now officially forbidden to ask for traveler!yuu to run your errands. Vil also personally asks travelers!yuu to stop students doing other people's work since it's their own responsibility not them. Pomifiore has already established this rule because vil realized his dorm started to slack off and have more free time. And if there was anyone that is persistent on having traveler!yuu to help them, they will stop by rook and him.

Crowley was also devastated by this decree because he was also using them but look his precious student is tired of Always helping other people he has no choice so he put up the decree, how gracious and kind hearted man he is meanwhile grim looking at him with a 😒

Everybody in the school knows that traveler!Yuu is by far from being weak, they possessed stamina that suppress most of the students as well skilled in hand to hand combat. Not to mention their unique ability to copy and absorb magic. Not to mention their physical abilities also suppress some non-human abilities. During flight classes instead of using brooms traveler!yuu occasionally use their wings to fly around ( their wings during the game's first cutscenes ) it's pretty for them to pop up their wings tho only a few students have only seen them. During free times epel is approved to be trained by them in hand to hand combat by traveler!yuu.

Some troublemakers once challenge traveler!yuu on a spar but lose to them in a blink of an eye, very respected by the savanaclaw dorm every time when traveler!yuu walk by them, they will greet them with respect like a leader. Occasionally also have spars with the savanaclaw students including jack meanwhile Leona and ruggie watch from the side, ruggie has been teasing about Leona getting on a spar with them but he will shrug it off excusing himself saying he doesn't have the time, deep down Leona knows he will be out best by traveler!yuu but He also started to suspect them to have the potential of taking down malleus which he hopes one day will happen.

Some students started to suspect that they might be aliens that are similar to arch angels but it's unclear, many students Described traveler!yuu is very symbolic to a star, they will shine light upon those who need their guidance and they shine eternally bright in the night sky similar to how traveler!yuu shine bright in NRC.

It's unclear why they are still at twst, but it's related to finding their sibling who they lost during one of their explorations together. And by far their search has been non stop and after their graduation from NRC whenever or not their planning on graduating or dropping out Traveler!Yuu is planning on traveling the world of twst to find traces of their missing siblings.

[cutmyheadoffplease]

<.+*In my pretty little novel world*+.>

•Hi-Hi!! This is my first time writing anything so I really hope you will like it... Please tell me what I can improve!!

Warnings!: long(?), slightly cliche at the beginning of the action, fluff, death (if you squint)

Feat.! : gn reader who likes to write mysteries x protagonist, detective Rui Kamishiro

Heavy droplets of cold water began to knock on the foggy bedroom window in such a melodic manner, that almost resembled a lullaby. The sky's original azure colour faded into Prussian blue as it fell asleep, covered by a blanket of grey clouds laced with lilly-white silver thread. The soft sound of a pen moving with a sleepy grace on a notebook. Smoky ink slowly sinks into the lined paper with ease, words appearing, the story's new chapter forming before your very eyes. The silence broke abruptly by a short yawn that escaped your lips. Weights began to attach to your eyelashes slowly forcing your eyes to close... No... You couldn't stop.. the idea filled your mind .. you must put it on paper... You must... The words began to grow foggy. Finally after struggling for a good minute.. maybe two... or.. you couldn't remember.. all that mattered was that you were now in a sound slumber, head resting on the half written pages.

Your eyes opened at an unhurried pace, a familiar sight greeting you. It wasn't a place you ever saw.. yet it felt so well known. It was the world of your novel after all— PARDON?! How did you get there?! Interesting... Maybe ask someone from your novel for information..? Ah yes there seemed to be a young man somewhere in front of you.. he looks polite enough so it shouldn't be a problem.. right? You raised yourself, wabbling slightly as your legs straightened and began to make your way to the person you saw. Hearing the sound of your footsteps, the guy turned towards you. His face made you stumble back, he wasn't ugly, goodness no. He was the protagonist.. Kamishiro Rui.. a young detective who has the ability to talk to ghosts. Rui tills his head as he looks at you, before questioning in a velvety voice that dripped with curiosity.

"Forgive me, but may I ask your name?"

"Y/N. My name is Y/N." You answered almost automatically, as you dusted your shoulders, a look of confusion painted on your face

"Y/N, huh? Interesting.. I'm Rui, Rui Kamishiro. It's a pleasure making your acquaintance, Y/N~" Rui smiled politely, putting a hand on his chin his hand tilting his head a little too the left. Before you get a chance to reply, your mouth opens, but the detective's voice spoke yet again, the undertone of curiosity still present deep down, but he was now more serious.

"I have a case to solve... So you're either gonna help me or not get in my way."

You nod slowly, before murmuring a quiet "I'll help..". You glanced around, looking at the scenery you came up with... The jewels of emerald sewed to the tree branches, dancing under the calm, whispered song of the wind. In-between the leaves, small wildlife played with sinless glee. Petite birds joining the gentle breeze's orchestra. Your eyes trailed to the grass, that rustled under your steps. You tried to take another step, but a set of hands grabbing your shoulders stopping you from moving.

"Stop right there. You were going to step on my dear crime scene, fufu~"

Rui said chuckling innocently, forcing you to turn around to face him, a cute little feline-like grin written all over his face

"Now, now, I'm going to do my job, hmmm... Let's see what we have here—"

"The culprit is that guy..."

you said pointing at a random bystander, who in all honesty seemed slightly nervous, fidgeting with a leaf. Rui looked at you confused by how you already knew the criminal. He stares at you with pure confusion, the detective blinks a few times and turns to some air.. the place where the victim's ghost was, most probably, staring back at Rui with the same confusion. Rui spoke again with a serious voice.

"Who are you, y/n...?"

•Can you tell this is slightly inspired by "The mentalist" & Poe's ability from bsd?

•Thank you so so so much for reading this whole fic!!! I know I already said it, but please tell me what you think can be improved and if you found the concept interesting so I know if I should make a part two or not. Thank you so much, again, for reading it and I hope you enjoyed it!! Buh-bye!♡

[paradise-and-cola]

[Image description: three character profile cards for the Monster of the Week tabletop game system. Each card has a drawing of the character, their first name, their class name, their stats, and some descriptions. The last names are redacted with black ink strikes.

Card 1 shows Pause, of the Mundane class. Pause wears a short sleeved red shirt with blue highlights, beige shorts, as well as a red, white and blue bracelet. He has square glasses, and two small feathers are tucked behind his ear.

Pause’s stats are: Charm +2, Cool +1, Sharp +1, Tough 0 and Weird -1. His description reads:

- works a regular 9 to 5

- had a completely supernatural-free life until a woodland cryptid collided with his car

- now travels with Beef and Etho, solving paranormal mysteries all around Canada

- the designated driver

- is the only one in the group who can pass as a "normal" person. don't let appearances fool you, though, he's just as unhinged as the other two

End of card 1.

Card 2 shows ?????? (six question marks) also known as Etho, of the Monstrous class. Etho wears a green jacket over a grey shirt, grey jeans, black boots, as well as a headband and a scarf over the lower part of his face. The jacket has patches of the Canadian flag, the meme rabies pride flag, and a simplified cryptic creature. There is purple skin discoloration on the left side of his face and his left hand. In his right hand, Etho is holding a wrench.

Etho’s stats are: Charm 0, Cool -1, Sharp +2, Tough -1 and Weird +3. His description reads:

- a literal cryptid from the Canadian wilderness. normally a shapeshifter, Etho's been stuck with this half-human, half-monster appearance ever since Pause hit him with his car

- is weirdly good at car maintenance and engineering in general

- needs to feed on blood to survive. Beef, being a butcher, provides him with enough animal blood to sustain him for now... but ultimately, human blood is a much tastier snack

- immune to garlic, silver bullets etc, but is badly allergic to carbonated drinks

End of card 2.

Card 3 shows Beef, of the Flake class. Beef wears a blue baseball cap, a light brown coat, a black shirt, grey pants and black boots.

Beef’s stats are: Charm 0, Cool +1, Sharp +2, Tough 0 and Weird +1. His description reads:

- a butcher by day, a wannabe paranormal investigator by night

- (he's not very good at either)

- knows a lot about the supernatural in theory, but had little field experience - until an old friend called him about hitting something not quite human

- the others live with him for now, since Pause is from out of town and Etho never had a home to begin with

End of card 3. End description]

Here they are, the three heroes of the Monster of the Week Team Canada AU!  I’ve never played the game myself, but I think these three would make a pretty fun monster-hunting, mystery-solving team. I briefly considered making Beef an Expert class, but if you’ve consumed any Team Canada content, it makes it very hard to call them experts on anything...

This is technically for @shepscapades’ hermit redesign challenge, but I’ve deviated from the original prompt quite a bit (the prompt was DND characters and I’ve boldly chosen a different TTRPG system) so I don’t know if I even qualify for this week. Regardless, I’m very happy with this AU. Check out this little introductory comic I’ve made for it, if you haven’t yet.

[hplovecraftmuseum]

To continue with our exploration of Lovecraft and the Captain Nemo character from Verne's 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' and his later 'Mysterious Island' novels, Nemo is also identified as an Indian nobleman named, Prince Dakkar. Shown below is an actor dressed as Dakkar/Nemo. Curiously Lovecraft's fictional alter-ego (Randolph Carter) appeared in the Lovecraft, E. Hoffmann Price collaboration, THROUGH THE GATES OF THE SILVER KEY as a turban wearing high-caste person of Indian origin too. This individual identifies as 'Swami Chandraputra'. In actuality this is only a disguise to hide the insect-alien body that Randolph Carter is now sharing an existence with. Yeah, it's complicated! With the photo of the Nemo character below is an ink illustration of the insect revealed beneath the Indian gent's mask and turban in the Lovecraft/Price tale. The drawing was done by Richard Gilman Huber many decades ago. (Exhibit 577)

[presleyhearted]

Yours Truly - Chapter 1: Make a Wish

・❥・Pairing: Elvis Presley x original female character

・❥・Genre: slow burn, mystery, angst, fluff.

・❥・Word Count: 4.1k

・❥・Summary: In which a 21-year-old girl suddenly finds herself having consecutive dreams of a particular rock ‘n’ roll star whom she has never met and who died 45 years ago.

・❥・ Ratings & Warnings: SFW. But a brief mention of a sexual topic (nothing extreme), curse words.

| chapter index | prologue | chapter 2

--

NOVA 

When things appear to be blissful and tranquil, that can be snatched away from you in an instant. 

"I knew I'd find you here," A confident statement followed by a sigh, not long after. The empty seat beside me creaks by the motion of being pulled back, as the person occupies it. I observe this in my peripheral vision, but my eyes are fixated on the pages and it's ink in front of me. 

My unchanging position quickly goes noticed by the person beside me, as their hand appears right in front of me - right in the middle of the words that my eyes are drinking in. 

"Luke!" I exclaimed, quickly turning my head towards him. My voice seemed to alert the librarian, as she shushes me very abruptly, a firm glare in her eyes. Both Luke and I mouth a 'sorry' before I turned to glare at Luke. 

He threw his hands up in defence, a grin etched on his lips from the success of disrupting my concentration. 

"I just had to," He shrugs, "your eyes were practically glued to that book."

"But rightfully so!" I flipped the book to show the front cover to him, pointing my finger at the title as if to say matter of fact. 

Luke frowns, confusion wiped his features, "I don't get it." 

"Hamlet. Shakespeare? For our assignment?" 

He snaps his fingers as his mouth utters the realisation, "Oh!" 

I nodded and shook my head, "Exactly." 

"When's the deadline?" He inquiries, a slight panic in his tone - but not quite. Luke was always that person that did not have one single panicky bone in his body. Instead, calmness ran through his veins. Very laid back. Too much, I sometimes think. 

"In three months."

"You are crazy, you do know that right?" Disbelief is written all over his features. 

"Hmm. is that a rhetorical question?" I asked, a smile playing on my lips. 

I do understand Luke's friendly concern over my perhaps 'extreme' attitude of studying. I start an assignment as soon as the professor announces it, never wasting any minute. It allows me the time to construct a first draft, then edit it, then write a second draft. The second draft I find is the midway of the getting that final draft perfect. Precisely on point. 

"Anyways, " I begin, "to what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?" 

"Two things." 

"Good or bad?" I tilt my head at him. 

I met Luke two years ago at the very start of my life as a university student. It was orientation day, and it wasn't anything entirely unique - we were stood next to each other in the line to get our ID's. I made a comment about the scorching heat of the sun, and he turned around to inquire whether I needed to borrow any sunscreen. A very odd way to start a conversation. We later found out that we shared one class together, Creative Writing. From then on, we hung out and naturally formed a friendship. Although, we couldn't be more different in some cases. 

This may be one of those cases. 

He grinned playfully, "Depends on what your definition of those are."

"I know we never share the same definition of either of those." I squinted my eyes at him, smiling. 

"Touché."

"I like him." Luke stated, all the humour from his face has vanished and in its place is a dawned realisation and an unmistakable fear. There is no exaggeration when I say that Luke and I are polar opposites. He always took the leap into the unknown, never over-analysing possible outcomes - he just goes for it. Never a silver of fear and panic in him. 

So to see that very rare emotion clear in his face - I knew that my friend was in a delicate state. 

"Who?" I asked. I already had a gut feeling on who he was referring to, but to hear it from himself would confirm this. 

"Matt." 

I felt my heart sink for him. Luke and Matt began a friends with benefits situation, no strings attached. In our generation, that type of arrangement was not uncommon - and yet, I still worried for my friend, as I recall when he brought it up to me a year ago. Luke may be a very laid back person, full of spontaneity and fun - but he is prone to being caught up in the web of infatuation, very quickly and deeply. On the other hand, I knew Matt. Not closely, but enough to be aware that he is not a relationship-type of guy. So, I warned Luke about this - warned him that the no strings attached situation has its risks. An emotional risks that has the possibility of ending unfavourably for him, so this confession from Luke spikes up that worry that I felt when he first told me about their arrangement. 

"Oh, Luke," I reached my hand out to lightly touch his arm, not wanting to say anything much yet. I wanted to give him the time to process his thoughts and voice them out to me. I needed to listen first. 

He shook his head, "F.uck, I know. I remember you warned me about this. It was going as it usually is, Nova. Then. . . I don't know, " His eyes drift away from mine, as if recalling certain moments. 

Luke proceeded to tell me certain instances where Matt would cross the boundary of the 'no strings attached' situation. Simple, yet it's an intense touch of one's mind. Gestures and actions that two people in relationship would do, a romantic couple. He then continues on to tell me that he finally confessed his feelings to Matt, but has been successfully avoiding him ever since then. 

"I feel like s.hit, Nova." He groans, "I unloaded all of that to him, and ran for it. But I just don't know what else to do. I told myself I'll never find myself in this situation, and yet here I am." He mumbles the last part of his sentence, head in his hands on top of the library desk. 

"Hey," I shake his shoulder comfortingly, "there's absolutely nothing wrong with running away. You did the hardest part Luke, you've got to give yourself credit for that." 

He sighs, "Credit for what?"

"Being damn brave enough to tell him about how you feel, am I right?"

A second of silence. 

"Right. I've got to agree with the voice of reason, I guess." A smile slowly breaks out from him, attempting to lift himself up from despair. 

"Which I am?" I gestured to myself, smiling. 

"From day one. " He sits up, "I want to know what Matt says, but I also don't want to ever know. F.uck. Why is adulting like this? Ever since I started my twenties, life has been putting me on maximum level of danger-type of emotional rollercoasters. " Luke chuckles. 

"Yeah, I get you. But we can only control what we can. No use trying to hold onto things that was never in our hands in the first place." I shrug.

"You know what? Instead of reading books, you should write your own. Like 'Nova's survival guide to life.' or some s.hit." Luke jokes, using his hands for dramatic effect. 

I laugh and shake my head at his ridiculous idea. 

"What? I will bet my left nipple that there will be hundreds lining up to grab a copy of that. You have always been the wise one out of us two." 

I continue to shake my head and dramatically sigh, "I just like being prepared."

Luke snorts, "Uh-huh. But. . ."

"Yeah?"

"Your birthday is in less than twenty-four hours." 

"I am aware of my own birthdate, Luke." I chuckled, but I know that he is indicating to something more with it. 

"What I meant to say is that now you are turning twenty-one. . . maybe just be a little reckless. Don't think, just do." He shrugs. 

I tilted my head forward and he laughs, "Nah, not anything f.ucked up!"

Luke looks around our surroundings, "Libraries and books and being five steps ahead is cool, but don't be too busy looking ahead to notice what's right there in the corner of your eye."

I'm quiet for a moment, but quickly respond to Luke with a smile, "You should write your own book, you know. Like a survival gui-"

"Oh, shut the f.uck up!" He laughs. 

--

The remaining hours of me being twenty years old flashed by like a speed of light. 

I am now stood in front of my full-length mirror in my bedroom, self-consciously turning from left to right and right to left - in attempts to be satisfied with how the birthday dress feels hugging my body. It was a dark purple mini dress that reached my mid-thigh, with long sleeves that covered my arms. I rarely wear dresses in all honestly, only in certain special occasions. There's that silver of self-confidence that beats against the currents in my subconscious mind, creating a friction on my mental image of myself. 

After all, we are our own worst critic. 

My usually straight dark hair was done in loose curls, and I finished my look with a necklace my mother gifted me in advance and the earrings that my grandmother passed down to me a while ago. I always went for the simple makeup, often worried that I'll end up going overboard and looking absolutely ridiculous. So, to ease my worries, Luke's sister came over earlier to fix my makeup into something fancier, but suitable for the occasion. 

Before the conversation with Luke in the library yesterday, I already had preconceived thoughts on the matter about me trying to be 'a little reckless.' I have the habit of journalling quite often, a cathartic way to organise my thoughts and hopefully, makes some sense of it. Like I said before, we are our own worst critic. Although I am firm in my ways of being cautious and wise, the thought of being outside of those lines has crossed my mind more than once for a while now. As the weeks came closer and closer to my 21st birthday, that topic did spin in my head and cluttered the blank pages of my journal. 

When you are a kid, you gaze up at grown-ups in awe and wonder and you can't help but be desperate to grow up. There's that rush and thrill in growing up and being as 'cool' as them. But as the years of your life slip past you and you become older and older as years go by - you shake your head at that naive mind of younger you. How could they possibly think that being an adult is full of pure happiness and magic? 

And the crazy thing is, I did not realise how special it was to be a child - until childhood was over.   Now that I am in my early twenties, the more frightening it is becoming that adulthood can be emotionally abusive and there is that worry of not quite being right. I can be rational, but also feel like an inner child still. A true tug of war where we never truly know who will win. 

But I have concluded this - once you enter adulthood, it seems as though the years past by in a blink of an eye. And I do not want to find myself in a position in the future where I am attacked by this crushing regret that I did not experience life enough. So, I plan from now on, on my first day of being twenty-one years old - I will try my best to take a step outside my lines of logic. Be spontaneous. 

But just like any habit, it is easier said than done. 

I take a deep breathe in attempts to pause my thoughts and exit my bedroom door. I am quickly greeted by a chorus of 'Happy Birthday to you' by family and friends, quickly surrounding me. I smile gratefully, walking slowly towards the table. 

"Make a wish, Nova." My mother says, a bight smile on her face as she shakes my shoulders encouragingly. 

I close my eyes, blocking all the people around me and focus on one particular wish - 

I wish to finally let myself live spontaneously. Nothing extreme. Just something to help me take that first step out. Whatever it is. Send it to me, please universe. 

And with that, I open my eyes and blow out the numerous candles on the luscious red velvet cake. A pattern of applause erupts around me, and the loud music resumes with Luke being the main control of it. 

A little later on, Luke approaches me with a grin on his face, "how does it feel being twenty plus one year added to your life?"

"Weird. But I've made a decision." 

This captures Luke's attention, he looks at me curiously, "Oooooh, a decision on what exactly?"

"What we talked about in the library."

Luke's eyes widen in happy realisation. 

"Yes, that. I. . .I need to be more out there. You are right." I smile at him. 

Luke envelopes me in a tight hug, "I am so happy for you! This is revolutionary, Nova." 

I chuckle at his enthusiasm, and I am about to respond to him when something catches the corner of my eye. 

Some sort of glimmer of faint light that danced from outside the living room window. It was faint and vanished just as quickly as I noticed it. It made no sense since it was night time. It was not the type of light that came from a car's headlight, a streetlight, a flash from a phone - or whatever else. It was a light that had a glimmer to it, almost the type of glimmer you find in animated fairytale stories. 

I blinked and the light was no longer there. Tiredness might just be creeping into me. It was already 11.30PM, as the clock hanging from the wall reads. 

I broke away from the hug with Luke. 

"Have you opened any of your presents yet?" He asked. 

"Not yet."

"Ok, ok good. But we all know mine is the best." He flips his imaginary long hair in a dramatic motion and laughs.

"Of course." I roll my eyes playfully. 

Luke picks up some of the opened birthday cards, "But you've opened some birthday cards I see. Did any cash fall from any of these cards?" He whispered in a conspirator way. 

I chuckle and whisper back, "Yes."

"B.itch you better share. I am broke."

Before I could respond, Luke's curious tone stops me, "Oh, this one's different." 

I looked down at the envelope he is holding. It was a red envelope, but the red was quite faded and It had a small rope that tied it together. I furrowed my eyebrows in curiosity, It felt out of place and it wasn't just because of its color. But there was something else I couldn't quite put my finger on. 

"It's giving me vintage vibes." Luke says. 

Precisely!

"I was just about to say that it looks out of place."

"Hmm, maybe from your grandmother?" Luke shrugs. 

I shake my head, "I don't think so. I've already opened her birthday card for me." 

Without a second of hesitation, I take the envelope from his hands and open it in almost a frenzy. A state of curiosity overpowered me, but then there was confusion. As I peeled open the envelope with my hands, I am met with a blank white greeting card - its front and its inside is blank. No text or illustrations at all. None.

"There's nothing." I state, flipping the card back and forth as if it will magically make a difference to its blankness. 

"You've got to be kidding me," Luke says as I hand it over to him.

"I don't get it." I furrowed my eyebrows. 

Luke walks over to the source of music and turns down the volume, "Hey everyone!" everyone in the room, which is roughly only about 20 people, turn to him and stop dancing - probably in hopes to receive an explanation on why the sudden pause on the music.

"Apologies for interrupting! I just want ask who out of you all has gifted the birthday girl this blank card in this vintage-looking envelope?" He yells, waving the teared envelope with the blank card in it.

Everyone exchanges quizzical looks and shaking of heads. 

"No? No one? Okay then." Luke gets down from the chair, and resumes the volume of the music. He walks over to me and hands me the envelope with the card, "Either one of your cousins is playing a prank on you or no one really has a clue." 

"Well, it would've been nice if there was at least one letter on here. Just anything really. But I doubt it's any of my cousins, they've all collectively just greeted me over the family group chat. " I chuckle. 

"Oh well, after that shortly-lived adventure - I am starving. I think it's time we go get ourselves another slice of cake." He hooks our arms together and pulls me along with him towards the cake on the table. 

"I agree." I grin.

--

Not long after, perhaps around midnight - my guests started to say their goodbyes and head home. The energy of the party has withered down, and myself included - needed to get some much needed sleep. 

"I hope you've enjoyed your birthday, sweetheart." My Mother says, giving me a hug at the front door of my apartment. 

"I have, Mom. Thank you so much." 

"We'll text you once we get home, kiddo." Dad says, smiling at me as he gives me a hug. 

"Okay. Love you both!" 

Both give me wave before turning around and stepping out the front door. I shut the door and lock it, turning around myself and sighing in tiredness. 

"I honestly have no idea how you manage to party throughout the week." I admit to Luke. 

Luke and myself shared the apartment, so naturally he was already lying on the couch. 

"Coffee, Nova. Coffee." He shortly replies.

"Seriously though. My energy is already drained and that wasn't even a crazy party."

Luke sits up and starts to clean up the table, I shortly join him but he promptly stops me from doing so. 

"No way. You are the birthday girl, go get some rest. "

"Are you sure? I can help, it won't ta-"

"Dude, seriously. On the rare occasion that I do clean, which is right now, take advantage and just run." He shrugs. 

I laugh because it is true, Luke was a rather messy person. He was not extremely messy. But let's just say he does get lazy when it comes to the action of cleaning his surroundings. 

So, in this case, he does have a point.

"Okay, fine. Thanks, bestie." I give him a side hug and walk towards the stairs. 

Once I reach my bedroom, I fight the urge to just plop down on the bed. I change into comfortable pyjamas, remove my makeup and place my jewellery on the dresser. 

I yawn as my body finally greets the bed, I pull the duvet cover over myself. My gaze momentarily meet the journal on my nightstand, which reminds me of blank pages that I could fill to chronicle the events of today. But my fatigue is overpowering that action. 

The blank pages make my mind revisit the same state in which the birthday card had, the one that was found in that vintage-looking red envelope. It was strange and made no sense at all. Surely, if it was a prank - then there would be some kind of joke written on the card. But there was nothing on there. 

Nothing.

I feel the waves of fatigue slowly take control of my body, and I allow it. My body finally relaxes, as I am lulled into the hopes of a pleasant dream.

There is such serenity in the silence that greets you when you take a break from the world, and get that few moments of sleep. Some dreams I remember in vague details, others I do not remember at all - as if I did not dream at all and just slept in nothingness until the morning sun greets me. 

My trail of thought is disrupted by the screeching sound of train tracks, I jolt awake with wide open eyes in panic. The sound is so vivid that It is possible that it is coming from just outside my apartment, which is impossible since I don't live anywhere near a train station. 

It takes me a few seconds, but my eyes drink in my surroundings. To the right of me, a wide window that is speeding past the scenery of its exterior. My hands instinctively touch what is beside me - It seems that I am sat on a soft, blue plush wide seat. I already register my surroundings, but my brain cannot fathom the possibility of it. 

I am on a train. A moving train that is going on to I don't know where. But the wooden furnishings of the train compartment make me believe that something is out of place. It all seems so new, but so old at the same time. Like an air clinging onto the past. But not quite. 

"I found you. . . finally." A voice says, in a tone of sheer relief. 

I freeze. My head turns to the source of the voice. The source being the man sat on the seat opposite to me in this train compartment. My eyes drink him in - a wave of thoughts crash through my mind. 

His eyes are unmistakably beautiful. The color blue have never looked more ethereal, and the depth of his gaze made anyone maintaining eye contact with him re-adjust themselves. My throat felt dry all of a sudden. His strongly carved-out jawline was a perfect match for the deep cheekbones that adorned his face. A face that seems impossibly symmetrical - sculpted like the Greek gods one would hear about. His black hair felt into place deliciously against his tanned skin. His lips was curled into that infamous smirk to nicely add onto his overwhelmingly attractive aura. 

It would be impossible to not know who I am facing. 

"I. . .how? you?" Words fail me as I point at him. 

He shakes his head, an amused chuckle escapes his mouth, "Hi, honey." He says, that deep southern drawl prominent in his tone. 

I take a deep breath, "You're. . . him. Elvis Presley." I could not believe the words coming out of my mouth. 

He nods, that smirk of his still very much there, "Yes. Yes I am. " He swiftly gets up, "Hold on." 

He leaves the compartment and shortly returns with a glass of water, "Thought you might need it, darling."

He hands it to me and I gladly accept with a 'thank you', but my brain cannot comprehend the situation. While I'm drinking the water, I cannot keep my eyes off him - his aura was intensely surrounding me, but also the flood of questions that my brain begs to be answered. 

His blue eyes never left mine, with the depth in his gaze - there was something else. There was a sense of disbelief I see in them, but pure joy mixed in too. 

He leans in slightly and with a smile softly says, "I'm glad you're awake, Nova."

next chapter

[morganaseren]

((I'm finally back with part 2 of this post for @illusivesoul! Sorry that this took so long again, friend! 😅))

Pairing: Morrigan/Niamh Cousland/Bethany Hawke

AU: The Poets Must Be Out for Blood

---

Kieran was a blessed boy.

Curiosity had originally surrounded him during his initial appearance in court. He'd been a mere babe then, balanced on his mother's hip as he idly gummed on the wing of a stuffed griffon toy while he stared with wide-eyed wonder at Orlais' marble and gilded halls.

Morrigan drew no end of suspicion and fear with her presence. She was an extension of the Empress' power and so was capable of sowing fear into enemies and the occasional unruly ally alike. Her son, however, was quite the opposite in demeanor. Even with his youth, he had somehow drawn several prominent members within and without the empire into his orbit.

Knight-Enchanter Bethany had been a fixture within the Imperial Court for the better part of a decade, serving less an advisory position to Celene as her mentor Madame de Fer did but was no less a protector. She also seemed to have some familiarity with Morrigan--one that hadn't been denied but neither woman seemed willing to elaborate further upon. Her protection had also extended to Kieran, for she often watched the boy when business required the Arcane Advisor's--admittedly exceptional--expertise elsewhere on the Empress' behalf.

It wasn't odd to find the two wandering about the Royal Gardens in the early afternoon, either strolling through the sprawling landscape, his small hand clasped excitedly in hers, or gathering herbs within it as he focused on the task with child-like determination.

At the end of the day, Kieran was always delivered safely back to his mother's side by the ever gentle and watchful Knight-Enchanter. The process was repeated on enough of a regular basis that those within the Imperial Court began speculating upon the relationship between the two women, especially when the boy had grown old enough to form words. It was perhaps no surprise at all when he had eventually taken to calling the Knight-Enchanter Maman--the Orlesian name for one's mother.

That, of course, had set a number of tongues wagging among the nobility. Speculation began anew with fervent intensity, especially as they turned their attention to Kieran's physical features. His eyes were the perfect mirror to his mother's--a distinct and piercing gold--but while his hair was the same dark shade, it was... different in texture. While it wasn't quite a match to Bethany's tighter curls either, it was at least closer to hers in appearance than Morrigan's own.

As both women were powerful mages, it didn't seem so farfetched an idea they might have conceived him together using magic. Thus, the mystery of Kieran's absent "father" seemed to have been solved.

...at least until another two seasons had passed.

---

"Sire!"

The word rang across the promenade with barely-contained enthusiasm as the toddler took off from his mother's side and that of his Knight-Enchanter guardian to run toward the figure standing in the midst of the curious crowd.

The woman in question wore the familiar blue and silvers of the Grey Wardens. The intricately-crafted steel pauldron that sat atop her right shoulder--depicting a griffon with its wings extending upward--indicated her prestigious rank among the Order while the fur mantle of the cloak upon her opposite shoulder designated her Fereldan heritage. Even beneath the light of the mid-autumn day, however, there was a specter-like quality to her eyes with how pale they were--a paleness that was further enhanced by... familiar feathery tresses framing her face. Granted, one eye was half-obscured by an ink-black fringe.

...Not unlike Kieran's own forelock in appearance, some realized, utterly mystified.

"Hello, my Little Lord," she said, scooping the boy up into her arms when he was within reach, their kinship all too apparent now beneath the many watching eyes. "Have you been behaving for your mother and Bethany while I've been away?"

A tittering giggle met her inquiry as he wrapped his arms around her neck, tucking his face against it as if to hide the sound of his mirth. A dark brow arched at the gesture, but there was little denying her indulgent smile as she languidly strolled toward the women in question.

"Your laughter tells me 'no,' which means I'll hear no end of your activities from them both soon enough..."

Although seldom a seen presence in Orlais, those who knew anything of the Fifth Blight were familiar with Niamh Cousland--younger sister to the Hero of Ferelden and was also the country's own Constable of the Grey.

Like both Bethany and Morrigan, she was another powerful mage--one who was very capable of tearing the heavens asunder if rumors were to be believed. The watching nobility couldn't help but think them to be true as they felt the aura radiating from her--less the respective spring breeze and burning heat of summer of the Knight-Enchanter and Arcane Advisor and more akin to rolling thunder enrobed in a winter's kiss.

The theory they'd had regarding Kieran's parentage was then further turned on its head as they regarded the three women--clearly comfortable and content in one another's presence.

Had his actual conception been borne of the Arcane Advisor and the Warden-Constable, or was he perhaps an... intriguing combination of the three?

Either theory filled them with discomfort, for there had admittedly been discrete talk within the upper echelons of Orlais to use the boy against the Arcane Advisor, especially when the woman so easily foiled any subtle plots against Empress Celene. However, with the new evidence presented before them, it now seemed... an ill-advised idea at best. For the Warden-Constable whom had struck the killing blow against the Archdemon and the two women who held back the tides of darkspawn threatening to overwhelm them all... Well, what threat could a mere mortal soul hold in comparison?

So, yes, perhaps it was better that the boy was left alone when it came to any matters concerning The Game.

[penhero]

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[kultklassickiller]

Wisps of Obsession Ⅳ

Summary:

Legend said on a night with a full moon along with a lit candle you could call on anyone. I didn’t know if I believed that back then but now I know for sure it’s true. He shows up on a full moon night just to stake his claim before the shadows call him home.

Willow.

A name etched into my essence with his bare hands..

Pairing: Jeff Hardy/Willow the Wisp x Nyx Gordan (Black OC)

Author’s Note: This one is a dark romance with Jeff’s alter, Willow the Wisp. Apparently he’s bringing it back so that will be. I love psychological thrillers so much of this is focused on that aspect. Hopefully I will do it justice. Very excited for this!

Warnings: None.

Disclaimers: This work of art is fictional in nature including the original characters created by me. I do not own any of the existing characters or lyrics from songs referenced in this story. All rights belong to their respective owners with the exception of my original characters. This work is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to cause harm.

Want to read from the beginning? Click Here

The days after Willow’s visit stretched on like a taut wire, every moment vibrating with an unspoken tension. Nyx’s once quiet apartment now felt alive with an energy she couldn’t explain. Shadows seemed to cling to corners longer than they should, stretching and distorting as though they were watching her. Whispers teased the edges of her hearing, faint murmurs that disappeared the moment she tried to focus on them. Her nights were restless, her dreams haunted by glimpses of dark eyes and a voice that reverberated through her mind like a low hum.

But she wasn’t ready to acknowledge it—not fully. The sight of Willow’s name etched on the window had been wiped away the next morning, yet the memory of it burned vividly in her mind. She told herself it was nothing, a trick of her tired mind. Stress. It had to be stress.

Still, the journal’s presence gnawed at her. Kayla’s abandoned curiosity now felt like a weight Nyx couldn’t shake. The journal seemed to demand attention from its spot on the counter, its leather cover catching the light like it had a pulse of its own. By the third evening, she could resist no longer. She poured herself a glass of wine, sat at the kitchen table, and opened it.

The pages were filled with frantic handwriting, the ink uneven and jagged as though written in haste. At first, the entries seemed disjointed—ramblings about dreams, shadows, and a man who visited under the full moon. But as Nyx read on, a clearer picture began to emerge.

Nyx’s grip on the journal tightened, her heart pounding in her chest. “Decide what?” she muttered aloud, flipping to the next entry.

The words left a chill crawling up Nyx’s spine. She closed the journal abruptly, her reflection in the kitchen window catching her attention. For a moment, she swore she saw movement behind her, a flicker of something dark and alive. But when she turned, the room was still.

Her breath came in shallow gasps. This had to stop. She couldn’t keep letting her mind spiral like this. She needed answers—real answers.

☂︎

The next morning, Nyx stood outside a small metaphysical shop on the edge of town. She hadn’t been inside before, though she’d driven past it countless times. The faded sign above the door read Luna’s Haven, its paint peeling and edges weathered. The window displays were crowded with crystals, tarot decks, and dreamcatchers that swayed gently in the breeze, almost hypnotic in their movement.

Taking a deep breath, Nyx pushed the door open. A bell chimed softly, and she was greeted by the scent of burning sage and something floral. Soft instrumental music played in the background, blending seamlessly with the air of mystery that filled the room. The shelves were cluttered with jars of herbs, stacks of books, and shimmering stones. Everything seemed intentionally placed yet chaotically magical.

Behind the counter stood a middle-aged woman with silver hair pulled into a long braid draped over her shoulder. Her dark eyes were sharp and calculating, locking onto Nyx as if she had been waiting for her.

“You’ve brought something with you,” the woman said, her voice calm but deliberate.

Nyx hesitated, clutching her bag tighter. “I don’t know what you mean.”

The woman tilted her head slightly, her gaze unyielding. “You’re not sure if you believe yet, but you’re starting to. That’s why you’re here.”

Nyx’s stomach churned. “I just… I found this journal,” she said, pulling it out of her bag and placing it on the counter. “It talks about someone called Willow the Wisp. Do you know anything about him?”

The woman’s expression darkened as her fingers traced the journal’s cover with care. “Willow,” she murmured, almost to herself. “A name older than the trees, older than the shadows themselves.” She looked up at Nyx, her eyes narrowing. “You’ve said his name, haven’t you?”

Nyx swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “It was just a joke. I didn’t think…”

The woman sighed, her hand resting lightly on the journal. “He’s not one to be trifled with. Willow doesn’t come for nothing. When you invite him, you bind yourself to him. And he’ll take what he’s owed.”

“What does that mean?” Nyx asked, her voice rising slightly. “What does he want?”

The woman’s gaze softened slightly, though her tone remained firm. “That depends on you. Willow is a reflection, in a way. He feeds on what you offer—your fears, your desires, your doubts. But it’s never something small.”

Nyx’s pulse quickened as the woman pushed the journal back toward her. “You’re tied to him now. The more you resist, the harder he’ll pull. My advice? Be careful what you give. He’ll take it all if you let him.”

“Is there any way to stop him?” Nyx asked, her voice trembling.

The woman hesitated before reaching under the counter and producing a small amulet. It was silver, etched with intricate symbols that seemed to shimmer in the light. “This won’t break the bond, but it will help you see clearly. Sometimes clarity is the first step to finding control.”

Nyx accepted the amulet, its weight reassuring in her hand. “Thank you,” she said softly, though the woman’s words offered little comfort.

☂︎

By the time Nyx returned to her apartment, her head was spinning. She placed the journal back on the counter and stared at it like it might spring to life. The shadows in the room felt heavier now, and she could swear the air carried the faint scent of smoke.

A knock at the door startled her, and she jumped. Heart pounding, she opened it to find Kayla standing there, grinning and holding two iced coffees.

“Miss me?” Kayla asked, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. Her gaze immediately landed on the journal. “Oh, good, you still have it. I’ll take it back now.”

Panic flared in Nyx’s chest. “Actually,” she said quickly, stepping in front of it, “I’ve been reading it. It’s… interesting.”

Kayla’s eyebrows shot up. “You? Reading about urban legends? I thought you didn’t believe in any of that.”

“I don’t,” Nyx said, forcing a laugh. “But it’s kind of entertaining. You know, like those cheesy ghost hunting shows.”

Kayla eyed her suspiciously. “You’re acting weird.”

“Just tired,” Nyx said quickly, grabbing the journal and tucking it under her arm. “How about I hang onto it a little longer? I’ll give it back once I’m done.”

Kayla frowned but eventually shrugged. “Fine. But don’t ruin it or anything. That thing’s a relic.”

As Kayla turned her attention to the iced coffees, Nyx let out a shaky breath. For now, she had managed to keep the journal. But the next full moon was only days away, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep her growing fear at bay.

[inkintheinternet]

The Modern Alchemist

By Arjuwan Lakkdawala

Ink in the Internet

It is said that the arrow of time always travels in one direction, time and the events that unfold in it are linear. The First Law of Thermodynamics states that the energy in the whole observable universe is the same, except it changes its state, like when you burn firewood and it turns to smoke. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that Entropy increases and is irreversible, like when you break an egg, and that systems always go from orderly to disorderly.

And then there is the matter of reaching equilibrium, like when you pour milk into a cup of tea, the milk will flow through it till it is evenly spread.

When scientists study any phenomena, the wisest know that the main objective should be to find principles and laws about how a certain entity, or system functions, this is very difficult, and could be considered the greatest secrets of the world as we know it.

Why the fundamental laws are so elusive and mysterious we don't know, but it is clear that whenever scientists were able to establish (even if to a certain percentage) a law or principle, it was a catalyst for inventions, technology, and scientific developments.

The history of scientific studies dates way back to a branch of the science of the time called 'Alchemy" originating from the Arabic 'Al Kimia." In present day Arabic the word means 'Chemistry.'

Historical records state that Alchemy very likely started in Egypt and Arabia, and then the knowledge was passed down to Rome and ancient Greece, and then to the west. However, whatever were the scientific endeavours of the original Alchemists, it became generally indistinguishable from the other non-scientific ideas and theories that are part of Alchemy.

Western medieval Alchemists had three priorities; Find the Philosopher's Stone - which they believed has supernatural powers, find the Elixir of life and youth - possibly using the stone, transform common metals into silver and gold.

While these are fantastical aspirations, somehow the experiments that the ancient Alchemists did with the elements, was the start of sciences like pharmacology, metallurgy, and chemistry.

I do think there is a linear learning connection throughout the past centuries, and into the future, perhaps a pattern of the methods of discoveries, or fragments of information that will fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

In this century scientists and thinkers are the Modern Alchemists, and chemistry is the real scientific Alchemy.

But do we still try to attain things that seem on the boundaries of the supernatural - while I was going through the collection of H.G. Wells books, I read The Invisible Man, a masterpiece like his previous books that I have read.

(Spoiler Alert)

In the science fiction story he explains invisibility through chemistry, and I have seen various movies with similar ideas, the most memorable to me is the beloved Walt Disney classic: 'Now You See Him, Now You Don't,' and the Hindi classic: Mr. India.

In the first it is invisibility through chemistry, and in the second it's invisibility through the bending of light.

The two movies sum up the whole business of hypothetical invisibility by light and chemistry.

My interest sparked by Wells and the movies, I found invisibility really interesting to explore scientifically and I did a web search.

A 2022 Big Think article came up in the search, titled: 'Invisibility Cloaks Are Not Just Possible, But Are Becoming Reality'

Feels like the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, or the Elixir of Life (Modern Alchemists at work)

Perhaps this is a pattern of human curiosity that won't stop even at what appears (or literally doesn't appear) impossible.

The writer mentions science fiction invisibility in Star Trek, and goes on to explain a scientific project involving cutting edge technology, materials, and lenses.

The aim of the project is to combine "Metalenses with Metamaterials"

Metamaterial will be engineered using nanotechnology to bend light, while the Metalense will pace the wavelenght speed of each colour of light (invisible in white light) to appear again as white light after passing over the Metamaterial.

To give a more precise description:

The reason is that each colour of light has its own speed, and this is why a prism is shaped to split white invisible light into a rainbow because they don't travel through the prism at the same speed. The Metalense will balance the speed to equilibrium and so it will appear as white light again. 

When travelling in a vacuum the different wavelengths of light can travel at the same speed but not when going through a medium.

We are in 2024 so I'm guessing the "invisibility cloak" which I think will be like the one in Harry Potter, is still in the making, pretty much like Alchemists trying to turn common metals into gold.

When it comes to nature camouflage is the closest thing to invisibility so far discovered.

The relation of colours, wavelengths of light, and nano structures will require volumes of books, but I have a few fascinating brief examples. The colour blue that we see is an illusion caused by nano structures, and most of the time in nature when you see blue it is iridescence, and not a pigment, it generally doesn't exist as a pigment like the other colours.

Bats hunt moths with radar like sound waves that detect them, so to counter this there are moths with hairy coating which deflect the sound waves - making it invisible to the bat.

In technology stealth planes are designed to deflect radar detection like moths, so they are invisible to radars.

However, I found more astonishing than all this was the creation of light by chemistry; such as bioluminescence and chemiluminescence. The first happens in living things, and the latter in non-living.

Light of this type is 'cold light' (very low heat.)

But how is it used for camouflage - well here comes the Hatchet Fish, it has organs that create light and point downwards, so that its silhouette against the surface of the ocean is camouflaged (in this case called counterillumination) as sunlight, and predators swimming below cannot distinguish it. Organs like these are called 'photopores.'

Another sea creature the Brittle Star uses the bioluminescence it can make in a rather ingenious type of camouflage or a decoy, that is when it is threatened by a predator it detatches a glowing arm (which it can regrow) and leaves the predator following the arm while it sneaks away.

The sea cucumber detaches its luminescencent parts on other fish, so the predator follows the glowing fish instead of it.

Bioluminescence is produced by the compound luciferin; with a chemical reaction either with the enzyme luciferase or the chemical photoprotien.

An example of chemiluminescence is the element phosphorous, officially discovered by the German alchemist Hennig Brand in 1669, when he was trying to create the Philosopher's Stone, he named the element from the Greek meaning "bearer of light" because it glowed. White phosphorous is highly flammable and toxic.

Glow-in-the-dark toys and products have phosphor. How it glows is like this: when light is shone on phosphor, its electrons get excited and are dislodged from their 'ground state' to 'intermediate state' and when they return to the ground state the energy of this is emitted in the form of the glow, it is more precisely termed 'electroluminescence.'

Arjuwan Lakkdawala is an author and independent science researcher.

X/Instagram: Spellrainia

Email: arjuwan.writer@gmail.com

Copyright ©️ Arjuwan Lakkdawala 2024

Sources:

Flights of Fancy by Richard Dawkins

Big think - invisibility cloaks are not just possible, but are becoming reality, ethan siegel

Royal society of chemistry - what is alchemy

NIH - National institute of general medical sciences, biomedical beat blog, phosphorous: glowing, flammable, and essential to our cells, abbey bigler-coyne

Britannica - philosopher's stone, written and fact-checked by the editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Britannica - alchemy, pseudoscience, robert p. multhauf, robert andrew gilbert,

Fact-checked by the editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Ocean conservancy - here comes the hatchet fish, billy unotti, former communications assistant

National geographic, bioluminescence

Science direct - chemiluminescence, and overview,

Science world, chemical light reactions

Secondary article, the science behind glow-in-the-dark toys

[yabutsuba]

[maguro13-2]

Legacy of Shinra Reboot ~ Origins of the Ink Demon Chapter 1 Remake Pt. 17 ~

Maka Albarn : *snoring*

??? : Maka...

Maka Albarn : Huh? Who's there

??? : It's me, Maka...

[Echo Night - Beyond/Nebula : Track 16]

Maka Albarn : Who...is that?

(An astral projection of Maka's Mother appears)

Maka's Mother : Maka...I've waited a long time.

"Maka's Mother : The Mysterious Woman"

Maka Albarn : O...Okasan?

Maka's Mother : I've waited for my return. I have been observing this planet for many years. You have grown stronger even if you live for the ones that you love you dearly.

Maka Albarn : You've been watching over me this whole time? But you left me with dad and me. I thought you divorced him after he was with any woman.

Maka's Mother : Not divided, I am with your other father, Phanto.

Maka Albarn : Phanto, my other father?

Maka's Mother : He was the one who gave you your powers and I witnessed the horrors of unleashing it. I took good care of you and had both equivalent exchanges to give half of my life to and they half of theirs to me. See this pendent that I gave it to from your father. It was a gift for when you became 13.

Maka Albarn : This pendent? I wonder what's inside of this thing.

*click*

Maka Albarn : *gasps in shock* Huh? Is this...this is a photo of me and who is that looks alike me, with the silver hair?

Maka's Mother : That is your sister, Moirai.

Maka Albarn : Moirai, My sister?

[Echo Night - Beyond/Nebula : Track 17]

*flashback*

Maka as an infant : (crying)

Young Moirai : Don't cry, your big sister is here for you! I will help you out. I'm always here and I will save you. Fear not as the great Moirai, will save you.

Maka as an infant : (stops crying, giggling)

Young Moirai : Just let me help and you will stay by my side. That's what sisters are for, Maka.

*flashback ends*

Maka Albarn : I remember, that was the day I was born outside of earth in the summer of 1991. Moirai was there for me and my family, both you, dad, and Phanto, they were all here by her side.

Maka's Mother : You have a good memory, the one that you can never truly forget your past. This is how you were sent on earth to protect those that needed this Planet's safety. But I'll be sure that I will meet you in my return.

Maka Albarn : Your return? How do you know that you're gonna return to meet me in all these years and how are you going to explain this?

Maka's Mother : There will be plenty of time before this planet will be in it's eternal fate when darkness will be unleashed. Farewell, Maka. We will meet again.

Maka Albarn : Okasan, don't go! Okasan!

(the projection vanish)

Maka Albarn : *waking up from dream* Okasan. I humbly owe your gratitude. So it's been like this for over a year since the day I was born from another planet. Jupiter, that's the name of the other planet. Even though, you are still alive. I can't wait to see your face again.

Moirai Albarn : Thanks for that, Maka-chan. You even remember her. Not even you can think about it, maybe it's just your luck.

Maka Albarn : Why thank you I--Oh hey, you are--(gets her head covered in a bag)

(scene changes)

*splash*

Maka Albarn : Augh! *Coughs out* Where am I? What's going on here!? I don't remember where I am?

Moirai Albarn : Nothing's too much from me, just a one of a kind person.

Maka Albarn : Hold the phone, you are Moirai Albarn correct. The wielder of the scythe, right?

Moirai Albarn : And also Wielder of the blade.

Maka Albarn : You're one of Phanto's kin aren't you?

Moirai Albarn : Nice of you dropping the context to crack the case, Maka Holmes. Or should I say Sherlock sister?

Maka Albarn : *in realization* What the-?

*flashback showing a Young Morai and infant Maka*

Maka Albarn : I remember now, you are my sister!

Moirai Albarn : Checkmate.

Maka Albarn : What are you doing here at a place like this? Just a friendly reminder, how did you even know it was me?

Moirai Albarn : Because you are the one who always stay by my side, you, mom, and our two dad's. So it's been a while that I was able to meet you again.

[Echo Night - Beyond/Nebula : Track 13]

Maka Albarn : Our parents?

Moirai Albarn : You remember them. Mom and our two dads were always been together like this. But still, we are still together as twin sisters, you and I aren't so different after all. Possibly, everyone thinks that I am human, but I'm also Phantonian. Our other father is the ruler of the moon and Earth as well. The name's Phanto, the man who gave you your own blood magic powers.

Maka Albarn : Phanto? Wait, Phanto who?

Moirai Albarn : Don't remember, He came to this planet just to meet Mom and your dad, but he's also our father. We are sisters related by blood.

Maka Albarn : Nothing's too fragile is there, can't believe anything, it's warmth feeling bathes my heart in a crimson light. I feel no sympathy of whether was I drawn into the darkness. I got scared, I don't know who I was before. You simply got a good memory tho.

Moirai Albarn : True that. There's something that you should never tell. Are you really going back to be a hero of Soul Eater? The world of that story is just your imagination, a part of your dream, those don't exist in the real world. The boy who created Soul Eater was still alive and yet his story is still a dream. Heck! The entire Ohkuboverse was all a dream and even lord death himself, who appears to be a heartless,

Maka Albarn : A heartless?

*image shows a Darkside with Lord Death's face on torso*

Maka Albarn : So...Lord Death... isn't Lord Death? Who was he? Why was he here? Why would Shinra created him in the first place

Lord Phanto III : Because he was only an illusion, the Lord Death you know was just a Dokeshi pretending to be him. A charlatan in sheep's clothing or even a wolf can eventually do that.

[Dr Tenma's theme plays]

Maka Albarn : What? Who's there?

*Instant Transmission*

Maka Albarn : Lord Phanto!

Lord Phanto : Hello, Dear Maka. It's been ten years since you unleashed the powers of your blood magic. Capable of humanity's liability from Shinra Kusakabe, you even would be able to still be on your feet again.

Maka Albarn : On the contrary, I did apprehend my test of becoming something that is true. But what do you know about it? Did something happened to this world or is it something that knows about my ancestry.

Lord Phanto : I know, it's the power of our kin. Shattered Resonance, the power to unleash a deadly force that is deadly to all living things that live on earth. Soul Resonance was a liability in both dreams and in reality, Shattered Resonance is the real thing, but Soul Resonance was only a technique powered by Shinra Kusakabe's dream.

Moirai Albarn : Say no more, father. Soul Resonance was just a dumb technique. Powers like that don't exist.

Maka Albarn : Doesn't exist?

[Echo Night - Beyond/Nebula : Track 7]

*multiple images flashing rapidly*

Maka Albarn : Aaaah!

Moirai Albarn : Sister!

Maka Albarn : (holds head in pain) *THUD!* No! My story, my life, my courage...

*more images flashing rapidly*

Maka Albarn : Everything is a lie! *Energy charging*

Lord Phanto : Yes! Show your true power of what you really are. Your anger, your sadness, and your hatred. You are beginning to become even stronger!

Maka Albarn : Why...Why?!

Moirai Albarn : Sister!

*DBZ SFX : Energy flash+powering up*

Moirai Albarn : Sister! You...Your powers can you make that strong. I just got a lay a hand to it, sister. You might be so lucky after all. With that, you will become an unstoppable killing machine! What do you say about that?

Maka Albarn : Can't say for sure, this is the power of my full potential ain't it? Feels good on me, but I wonder if could use it wisely.

Moirai Albarn : You can. But after all of this is over, we will have treats to celebrate.

Maka Albarn : Why did you exist to be having this kind of power? How can you say that Shattered Resonance exist as a power system?

Moirai Albarn : It happened only to girls. You are the one ain't it? So what do you need is that this kind of power that allows you to kill people. Only Targeting on the hearts of others?

Maka Albarn : What? Anyone is either or insane, how can anyone use this stuff to destroy people?

Moirai Albarn : Smart thinking sis, but I best to let you know that people who wanted to hurt you so bad, because I wanted to keep you safe and Makoto was there for you, the boy who saved your life is alive.

Maka Albarn : Makoto is alive? But that amout of energy I killed everyone, but he saved me with the powers of the vibes. He helped me calm down and made my life easier, but the only thing is that my powers are deadly to humans, could that ring a bell?

Moirai Albarn : Could be. Sister, how about it? I challenge you to duel, this is only a test to figure the capabilities of your profound powers. I'm not gonna lay a finger on anyone else, so it'll do, but I might lay one on killing those who dare lay a hand on my sister. So that is why I am not going to kill you, I am really needed to be in top shape.

Maka Albarn : Don't need anything, but sure, I'll take whatever challenge that I got! And it's not gonna be that easy.

Moirai Albarn : Alright then, I'll be your opponent of today and tonight. No changes asked, yep. We are gonna party like it's 1994! *summons blade*

[Stand on the Edge by Mitsuharu Fukuyama & Jun Senoue]

Maka Albarn : Woah! Freaky! It's color matches as the Demon Scythe. That's called the Demon Blade right?

Moirai Albarn : It's a sword and it's our people's blade. The scythe you wield suits you well if you were sword wielder. The first one who will win this duel is the winner.

Maka Albarn : I hope you're ready for it, sister. Cause it's your goal, that's your will of accepting my fate to Soul Eater, so If I'm ready to beat this challenge then you gotta prove it to me. I hope this fight is worthy enough to challenge my own sister. I would be honored to bestow this day of night and our night shall be ours.

Moirai Albarn : The honors is all mine, Sister. Now then...Time to get settled! I won't be holding be back. It's do or die, Maka Albarn!

Moirai Albarn : Just say when, Moirai. You're going down! Here goes nothing! *pulls out her demon scythe* This is a job for scythe wielder Maka Albarn! And I'll prove it to you that I am the best there is!

"A duel between two sisters has finally met their fates."

"Only comprehends to the powers of Heart and Soul."

"And retaliate with the kindled light."

"Two souls destined to meet at once."

"This is the duel between a sword and a scythe".

~ Scene 16 : Sisters Between Bonds ~

[agentrcmedy]

@peacereflected​ | starter

“Sh-Hill? Romanoff?” The static response that met her on the end of her earpiece was more deafening than a thunderclap of lightning close by as she glanced out from her hideout tentatively. There was no sound of gunshots, no scuffling or grunting of people fighting. Eerily, she could hear nothing but her own sharp breaths as she tried not to panic. Where did her team disappear to? She could not remain in one place for too long, as this mission was particularly dangerous for someone not well versed in offensive combat. And...well, Mel was not versed in any type of combat except self defense when her life was on the line.

Surreptitious as her lithe figure slunk along the wall in shadows, keeping her dark chocolate gaze constantly sliding back and forth at her deathly still surroundings, she tightened her trembling grasp against her handgun. She had originally protested against using a weapon, normally being the healer of her team, yet the other women had insisted considering she was not yet fully trained from the assassin and S.H.I.E.L.D. commander. She would thank them later if the three of them got out of this mission in one piece.

Her feet faltered as her abilities picked up a strange energy, nearly robotic in form as it sought out targets like a tiger in the underbrush of the jungle stalking its prey. Why she chose to follow the energy, she did not know. Instinct pulled her in that direction, and as she peeked around the corner, she looked upon a man clad in black and silver, mask and scruffy chocolate hair shielding his features and ensuring his identity remained a mystery, his daunting metallic arm inked with a red star. Who on earth was this man, and what was he hunting? Pressing backwards into the shadows, she remained concealed as she gazed upon him, slowing her own breathing and trying to remain stock still and calm on the other side of the corner.

[timelessamritsar]

Sushma Rapolu, Hyderabad

Catalogue for Art Expo-Amritsar Spring 2023

(15 june - 30 aug) | Curated by: Vulcan Art Gallery | 📍Timeless Amritsar,8, Queens'Road, Amritsar

Artist statement

This is Sushma Rapolu an Indian Artist Belongs to Hyderabad, India and I’m a self-taught Artist. I usually work on acrylic medium. My Art work includes- Kerala mural, Madubani, contemporary, pencil art, Abstract Resin, Texture, Fluid, Alcoholic Ink, Oil paniting etc I always paint impressionistic and surrealistic way. I feel a moment or visualize some ideas and paint it so that, others can also feel the same. Art for me is pure form of emotion. I personally believe, whatever you feel, the mood and atmosphere, the inner mind starts developing that strongly into a painting. If you can feel the subject, it becomes easier to paint. I don’t Levy any rules and regulation for my artworks. It happens many a time when I just follow my instinct, impulse which arouses me to paint. The painting captures my flowing life- energy through all those strokes and colors. It’s like a meditation.

-sushma rapolu

Chess KING, with Gold & Silver Leafs

Acrylic with Gold & Silver Leaf on Canvas

48 x 36 in

₹77,999/-

King – A true King is always a King.So, What is your Description about King?

Colorful Life

Acrylic on Canvas

24 x 24 in

₹24,999/-

Showing Abstract with Candy Bright colors which makes you feel pleasant, “ Make your Life colorful.”

Amritsar - Golden Temple

Acrylic on Canvas

32 x 26 in

₹59,999/-

One of my favourite Painting, Here I'm trying to show Golden Temple with Unique look surrounded with different kinds of flowers and peace Nature.

Guitar & Piano Gold Leaf Art

Acrylic with Gold Leaf on Canvas

48 x 36 in

₹84,999/-

Guitar & Piano Art is made with Gold Leaf, which is representing the Precious of music

Shree Yantra

Acrylic on Canvas

30 x 30 inches

₹53,999/-

Sri Yantra, also known as Sri Chakra, is a complex sacred geometry used for worship, devotion and meditation. Yantra means 'instrument' or 'machine' in Sanskrit. This sacred symbol is in use for thousands of years, and its origin is clouded in mystery. Also The Sri Yantra is the symbol of Hinduism, which is based on the Hindu philosophy of the vedas. The Sri Yantra is the object of devotion in Sri Vidya. The Shri Yantra represents the evolution of the multiverse as a result of the natural Divine Will of the Godhead Aadi Paraa Shakti.

Support Partners for Art Expo - Amritsar Summer 2023

Anil Stores | Bharawan Da Dhaba | Bon Gateu Cafe | CASA Furnishings | Coffee & Bagels Cafe | IBT Institutes | Pink Peggy Cafe | Rai Language Academy | Tile World | Timeless Asthetics

[stevenuniverse-described]

[Image Description: ten digital drawings of original designs based off of Steven Universe.

The first drawing depicts Olivine named "Peregrine", a tall, squarely-built Gem with forest-green skin, long black hair partially pulled back into a loose bun, and an upside-down, triangular gem on her chest. She is wearing a buckled shawl with a cowl-like collar over a set of robes resembling a lab coat with black gloves and boots. There are wrinkles under Peregrine's eyes.

Peregrine stands upright, with her left hand raised at a ninety degree angle and a stern expression.

The second drawing depicts Peregrine in the same form with the addition of a plague-doctor's mask and a long, prod-like weapon with wires attached to the glove on Peregrine's left arm.

The third image depicts an Angelite names "Kiki", a lean Gem with a Lapis-Lazuli like build. She has grey-toned, light-blue skin, a round gem on her chest, and dark-blue hair with a white streak pulled into a high ponytail. Her bangs cover her left eye and a transparent monocle has been placed over the other. She is wearing a stiff, sleeveless dress with a buckled vest over her chest and blue stripes running up the hem. Detachable sleeves have been affixed to her upper arms and a pair of white wings protrude from her back.

Kiki stands casually, setting one hand on her waist with a small smile.

The fourth Gem depicts Midnight Sapphire, a short, aristocratic Gem with grey skin, dark-lavender curls underneath a wide-brimmed hat decorated with flowers and a draping veil, and a faceted gem at her throat. She is wearing an elaborate, Victorian-style gown with a large ribbon tied around her waist and floral attachments.

Midnight Sapphire stands regally, angling her body to the right.

The fifth drawing depicts an Angelite named "Empyreum" and a Selenite named "Elysian" regarding each other coldly.

Empyreum has periwinkle skin, pale-purple hair pulled into a tight bun, and a stiff dress. The skirt has geometric patterns running down the center and the bodice is a dark, inky color with puffed shoulders and loose sleeves draping from the elbows. The dress has silver accents matching the round earring and halo around the left side of her head. White wings protrude from her back.

Elysian is a tall, skinny Gem with light-blue skin and a tall, pointed hood covering her head. She is wearing a set of blue, striped robes that taper into a thin end with silver accents and loose sleeves.

The sixth drawing depicts an Amazonite named "Lady Tempest", a regal Gem with elbows that split into two arms on each side, turquoise skin, and hair split down the center into dark-turquoise and teal. Each color is styled into a thickly curled section laid over her shoulders. She is wearing a dark blazer over a white blouse and a knee-length skirt with heeled boots. She is balancing a lacey parasol in the crook of her right arm.

Lady Tempest flashes a catty smile, angling her parasol over her shoulder and gesturing with her left arms.

The seventh drawings depicts skinny Carnelian named "Plume", with dark-orange skin, a gem on her forehead, and shaggy, maroon hair with orange bangs and lock strands of hair laid over her shoulders. She is wearing a red bodysuit with long, dark sleeves covering her left arm and upper torso and knee-high boots. She is holding a jagged Halberd pole arm.

Plume regards the viewer sternly, gesturing to herself with one hand and holding her weapon with the other.

The eighth drawing depicts a Richterite named "Chatelaine"- a lanky, aristocratic Gem with grey-blue skin, indigo hair styled into long pigtails with a witch's hat with a long, drooping tip and silvery jewels hanging from the brim. She is wearing a ruffled, peplum dress with a dark, ink-blue corset and puffed sleeves that flare at the wrists.

Chatelaine grins mysteriously, waving her left hand and holding a sparkling wand in her right. The underside of her hat and the shawl draped around her arms reflect silvery stars against saturated indigo stripes.

The ninth drawing depicts Benitoite, a tall, imposing Gem with dark-blue skin, wavy hair, and a long, rippling veil secured to her head. She is wearing a set ofvoluminous, ornate robes with geometric designs and a pattern resembling windows along the hem.

The tenth drawing depicts Benitoite in the same form but the designs on her robe are glowing cyan. Swirling balls of light surround her form and the outline of a glowing eye can be seen underneath the shadow cast on her face by the veil.

End Description.]

a bunch of gem character designs w varying importance

[ticklishraspberries]

Such A Nerd (Dipper, Pacifica)

Summary: While poking fun at Dipper about his nerdiness, Pacifica discovers a new thing to tease him about. (Based on an anonymous prompt! This fic can be interpreted as platonic or a ship, up to you, I wrote it pretty ambiguous on purpose. Anyway, hope you enjoy it!)

After the events at the Northwest mansion, the Pines twins realized that Pacifica was actually…kind of cool. Sure, she was still pretty stuck-up, arrogant, and occasionally quite mean, but she was also funny, adventurous, and had a secret soft side that very few people got the chance to see.

And while she still put on a high and mighty act about it all, Pacifica actually found herself visiting the Mystery Shack often, because she truly enjoyed spending time with Dipper and Mabel, who were like the first real friends she had ever had.

Mabel, who had put their silly rivalry behind her long ago, was over the moon to have a new friend to talk about the girly things her brother couldn’t understand. They talked about fashion, and Pacifica even admitted that Mabel’s knitted sweaters were quite cute, which prompted her to knit a custom purple sweater just for Pacifica, which she pretended to hate but secretly wore all the time.

And while Dipper liked to pretend it wasn’t a big deal, he was clearly happy to have her around, too. Fighting a ghost together was a sort of bonding experience that you just couldn’t brush aside, and so he found himself growing more and more fond of the blonde girl as the summer days went by.

That afternoon, Mabel had run off with Candy and Grenda, leaving Pacifica and Dipper alone at the Mystery Shack, sitting on the couch in the living room, watching television.

Well, Pacifica was watching the television. Dipper was scribbling away in his journal, filling in information about the ghost he had encountered in Pacifica’s mansion, and how Pacifica had so bravely defied her parents to defeat the vengeful spirit—

Beside him, Pacifica peered over his shoulder, and scoffed. “You know, most people attempt to entertain their guests,” she said, but her words lacked their usual venom.

“You can always go home if you’re that bored,” he replied simply.

She huffed, but stayed put on the couch, just like he’d suspected. “You are such a nerd.”

Dipper ignored her, writing a note about how the silver mirror was only a temporary solution, contrary to the author’s original findings. However, his concentration was quickly broken when Pacifica’s elbow nudged him in the side, making him draw a stray streak of ink on the page, a soft yelp of surprise escaping him.

Confusion overtook Pacifica’s face. “Did I hurt you or something?” she asked, clearly unsure how her touch had caused such a dramatic reaction.

Dipper flushed. “No, you’re fine, you just startled me,” he said.

At that moment, Mabel burst through the door, her two friends right behind her. “Dipper, you are such a bad host,” she said, shaking her head. “Hey Pacifica, want a tip on how to make my brother less boring?”

Pacifica perked up. “Absolutely.”

“Mabel, don’t,” Dipper warned.

“He’s probably the most ticklish person on the planet,” Mabel proudly announced. “Have fun!”

And before Dipper could say a word, she scampered off to the attic, giggling with Candy and Grenda the whole way.

“Oh, is that why you freaked out when I touched you?” Pacifica asked, a smile twisted on her lips.

The journal was suddenly forgotten as Dipper brought his hands up to guard his body, already beginning to giggle in anticipation. “Uh, okay, so maybe I lied,” he said. “But you should really just take Mabel’s word for it, you don’t have to try anything.”

“Oh, but I’m so bored,” she teased. “You’re my new source of entertainment!”

With that, she easily pushed Dipper’s hands out of the way and prodded at his stomach curiously. Unsurprisingly, her childhood had not included much roughhousing or playfulness, so she was only partially sure that she was going about the whole thing correctly. However, it seemed like it was working, because Dipper immediately curled in on himself, giggling like mad, face flushed a bright red color.

Pacifica was enjoying the power trip the playful attack gave her, watching her new friend squirm beneath her fingers. Usually, Dipper was more stoic and serious than his bubbly twin, and it was nice to see him let go and laugh. Especially because the sound was so sweet, all hiccupy and hysterical. Pacifica couldn’t think of a time she had ever laughed that hard in her life, and the thought would have saddened her if she wasn’t so focused on switching her tactic to squeezing at his sides, doing it gently as she wasn’t sure what pressure would be appropriate.

Clearly, it was working, because Dipper’s laughter continued, and he pushed at her arms uselessly. “Pacifica, please!”

“Please what?” she asked innocently.

“Cut it out!”

“Alright, I’ll stop…If you stop being such a nerd and actually do something fun with me,” she replied, latching onto the bottom of his ribs and scribbling her fingers.

With a squeal, Dipper’s hands grabbed onto her wrists for some kind of tether to distract from the sensation. “Okay, okay! We can do whatever you want!” he cried.

Pacifica grinned triumphantly, slowing her tickling fingers, but Dipper didn’t let go of her wrists right away, making her stomach flutter.

As he caught his breath, Dipper eventually let go, but stayed slumped against the couch. “I am going to kill Mabel for that,” he said.

“Please, I would have found out eventually,” she replied.

He gave a shy chuckle. “I guess so, yeah. Anyway, what do you wanna do now?”

Pacifica hummed. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. “Why don’t you show me some of that nerdy journal of yours?” she suggested, surprised at herself even as the words left your mouth.

Dipper seemed equally as shocked, but excited nevertheless. “Really? I mean, you don’t just have to say that, if you’re not interested.”

“I know, dummy, now just show me before I change my mind,” she said, but she was smiling.

And so, Dipper took Pacifica on a tour of the aging pages of the journal, through all the drawings and writings about the creatures that he and Mabel had encountered, and as he spoke, Pacifica found herself completely fascinated by his stories, and happily rested her head on his shoulder while she listened.

“You’re such a nerd,” she said at one point.

“Hey, you wanted to hear about this,” he replied. “Maybe you’ve just been holding out on your own nerdiness.”

That earned him a jab to the side that sent him into a new fit of giggles, and while neither of them wanted to admit it, they each thought that the other was pretty cool.