#not a theory but more of a concept i think....

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

imo the glasses on the new guy are a nod to jack’s eye sockets LOL but i def think it would be interesting if his design incorporates elements from characters other than jack because there’s so many cool designs in the movie. also the way i thought he was ace in black and white what with the skeleton costume and that fuckin ass grin haha

[Referencing this post!]

I think that's totally possible too! The glasses could be interpreted both ways, maybe even at the same time. The lenses are definitely big enough to invoke Jack's large eye sockets, but the style just so happens to also invoke Dr. Finkelstein's goggles (albeit the size of them is much smaller). I did see a theory that the new Halloween character isn't twisted!Jack at all, but rather twisted!Dr. Finkelstein, since he could count as a "villain" in the original film. The suit and gloves are very "Jack", but some people have pointed out that the glasses, the headpiece, and the teeth also match up with the doctor's. ashfbaiyldbas THAT WOULD BE FUNNY IF IT WAS TRUE... Turns out everyone was thirsting for the grumpy old man/j The suit and gloves, however, is most definitely more Jack-coded. I think it's still too early to tell right now; we'll have to wait and see how they present him in future content. However, I still do personally think it's more likely to be Jack just because he is much more iconic.

ADLHBAFSOYASIYFA YOU THOUGHT THAT WAS ACE/?????? ? ? ???? ? Ain't no way he got that drip... 😭 (I mean, the new character did drop on Ace's birthday in Japan so I can sort of understand the confusion??) I wonder if the new guy will have a mischievous, kinda cocky personality like Ace?? Aaaah, so excited to learn more about him...

The concept of a white-haired Ace makes me think of an AU where Ace and Deuce aren't knocked out by Styx agents in book 6 and are able to follow Yuu and co. to the Island of Woe. Maybe instead of Riddle getting drained of his energy, it's Ace (and thus he is the one who emerges with white hair, not Riddle).

[ryuzakistoe]

The Red String (Isagi Yoichi x Fem!reader)

fluff, fem!reader, some mentions of the bllk plot

a/n: I absolutely love the red string theory I think its so beautiful 🤧❤���

The red string theory is a beautiful concept often used to symbolize fate, indicating that there is someone out there connected to you by the same string.

No matter where they are, whether they are at opposite ends of the world, in different states, or right beside you, eventually, your lives, hearts, and souls will become connected by an invisible red string, binding your destinies together. It is a wondrous and beautiful thing.

It's truly one of the most enchanting ways to become intertwined with someone, becoming a unified whole, fully aware that from now on, your lives will be forever connected. The belief of that truly fascinated you.

Well, it did fascinate you.

Here you were, resting by a bench at a nearby park, mulling over the recently shocking events.

Your boyfriend—well now ex-boyfriend, decided to break up with you as it was ‘for the best’,

How could it have gone to this conclusion? Was it something you did that upset him?

You could've sworn that your relationship with him was healthy, while he himself proved it was not.

It was pretty idiotic of you to believe in the 'red string' theory and expect it to come true, especially when you thought he was the one.

This only existed in fairytales, you should've known better.

As you were overwhelmed by all the negative thoughts and sadness, you seemed to be oblivious to the presence that was now walking up to you.

“Hey, you okay?”

You quickly whipped your head up to the source of that voice as you were met with a boy who seemed around the same age as you in a white, soccer tracksuit. It also looked like there were fresh tears in his eyes…or were you imagining it?

“Yeah, yeah, I'm fine,” you mumbled as you wiped the warm tears with your sleeve. You felt embarrassed to be showing your tears in front of a stranger you just met.

“You sure? Wanna talk about it..?”

~~~🌷~~~

You couldn't believe it. What suddenly overcame you to vent all your emotions and thoughts onto this boy?

Though you couldn't lie…it did feel good to let all these emotions out.

“Wow…sorry ‘bout that. He seems like a real ass.” isagi spoke as he listened to your rants.

"Yeah…it was out of nowhere—oh sorry for unloading all of this on you out of the blue. I just realized you probably have a lot on your shoulders already." You apologize, feeling a wave of guilt.

Isagi shook his head, “Nah its alright. What I went through can't even compare to what you just endured.” Isagi spoke.

Feeling a bit curious, you decided to ask, “Really? What happened?”

Isagi let out a quiet sigh as he replied, “Well, I lost a pretty important soccer match.” isagi mumbled as he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck.

“You're right, that can't even compare to mine.” you joked as a small chuckle slipped past your lips.

Isagi’s gaze shifted towards you before he also let out a small laugh.

Something about that laugh of yours…was somehow alluring to Isagi.

The sight of your smile and the sound of your laughter seemed to suit your face much better than the frown you wearing earlier. That's what Isagi believed.

You looked beautiful—gorgeous even.

After the laughter subsided, isagi decided to speak up, “well, that match did determine if I was going to nationals or not.” he uttered.

“Oh uh Really? Sorry about making that joke then— i take it back..” you muttered, feeling the guilt once more.

Isagi chuckled dryly and reassured you that everything was fine, saying, “mm no, no, no—its fine really.”

With a nod, you spoke, “oh alright then.” Although, despite his words, you still felt a lingering sense of guilt.

The conversation soon drifted into silence as the both of you just sat there.

Surprisingly, the atmosphere wasn't awkward, it was comfortable—relaxing even.

After a couple of seconds Isagi decided to break the comfortable silence between you, “Well then, its best if i get going. Its already getting late. You should head home too.”

You gazed up into the sky as you took in the scene. The sun was almost dipped beneath the earth as the sky morphed into layers of orange, red, and yellow.

“mhm alright, It is in fact getting late.” You smiled as you stood up from the bench.

“Yeah, make sure you get home safe uh….” Isagi trailed off as he realized he never got your name.

“Y/n. Y/n L/n.” You replied, finishing Isagi’s sentence.

“Isagi Yoichi.” He hummed as he also recalled he never told you his name.

Isagi said his goodbyes and began to leave, but then he abruptly turned back. "Oh, wait L/n!" he called out.

“hm?” You hummed as you turned your body around to face him as your name was called out.

“If you ever need to talk to someone again, ill be here! In this same spot at the same time!” He offered.

You smiled, “okay! Ill keep that in mind Isagi!” You replied back as you sent him a wave before walking away.

Maybe you’ll consider that offer.

~~~🌷~~~

After some careful contemplation, you made the decision to return to that exact location.

There was something about Isagi Yoichi that lured you in. You felt a strong desire to learn more about him.

So there you were, waiting on the same bench at the time he said he would visit.

He hadn't arrived yet, so you decided to wait a little, assuming he was running late.

…

Time ticked by and he still wasn't here. Did he stand you up? Did he lie?

No, he doesnt seem like that type of guy to do that. Although…they do say to not judge a book by its cover.

What if he's actually a bad guy? What if he joked about all of this? What if he never truly cared about your problems? What if-

“Oh hey L/n! Sorry I was a bit late. Had soccer practice.” Isagi chuckled as he hurried over to you.

Huh, guess all your ‘what-ifs’ were really just ‘what-ifs’

He really did keep his word.

You sent a smile down his way as he also returned your smile with a warm one.

“Thats okay Isagi.” you spoke as he took a seat next to you.

…

The conversation between the both of you was rather enjoyable.

Both you and Isagi found the both of you conversing about your hobbies, dreams, likes, dislikes, etc.

You and Isagi grew to learn more about each other as the hours passed.

You learnt about Isagi’s passion for football meanwhile Isagi learned about your passion for becoming successful in life.

You became more attracted to Isagi, as Isagi became more attracted to you.

Isagi would treasure every smile you gave when he made a subtle joke or showed interest, and you would do the same.

You would treasure the way his face converted into pure happiness as he talked about football and other hobbies he enjoyed.

You found it…cute.

“So L/n, what school do you go to?” Isagi asked as this sudden question popped up in his head.

”Oh I actually go to Ichinan High School” you responded.

Isagi’s eyes widened in shock and excitement as he also coincidently went to that same school.

“Really?! No way! I go to that same school too!” Isagi grinned as his eyes lit up in delight and eagerness.

"Really?! How come I never see you around then?" you asked, feeling a surge of excitement upon learning that he also attended the same school.

“Uh well… I really don't know.” Isagi sheepishly grinned as he rubbed the back of his neck.

You giggled at his excuse and aloofness as you found his answer somewhat funny and dumb.

That sight of your smile—Isagi loved that.

He couldn't recall when he started to feel himself craving your smile.

But every time you did, all he knew was that it made him feel all warm inside. He loved that feeling.

If Isagi could, he would want to keep that smile plastered on your face all the time. But for now, all he could do was cause that smile to form on your delicate face.

“Hey L/n, what classes do you have? I could try to meet up with you.” Isagi smiled as he was internally thrilled.

After telling him your schedule, Isagi started planning out where and when to meet you in the hallways or classes.

“Yeah that could work.” you nodded as you both agreed where to meet.

~~~🌷~~~

Every day, you and Isagi began to hang out in school.

He would walk you to class and walk with you to the cafeteria. He would basically walk you anywhere he could. Although Isagi would be late to most of his classes.

But it was worth it if it meant Isagi could be near your presence and smile at all times.

Day by day, both of yours and Isagi’s feelings for each other would grow stronger and increase significantly over time.

Even the slightest physical touch would send you both into a blushing mess.

This went on for weeks until Isagi got sent a letter about a soccer program from “Blue Lock”

…

“When are you leaving?” you asked, feeling upset at the thought of Isagi leaving you.

“In couple days.” he sighed as he placed the letter down.

Isagi couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with a sense of pity and guilt by the look on your face at the idea of him disappearing for a while. And by a while, I mean months.

“Listen Y/n, if you don't want me to go then I won't-”

“No Yoichi. I want you to go. I want you to pursue your dream.” you sadly smiled as you cut him off.

Isagi asked with a hint of uncertainty, carefully studying your expression for any signs of doubt or hesitation. “Are you sure?”

“Im sure.” you nodded as you held your smile.

Isagi's face lit up with a warm smile as he wrapped his arms around you in a tight, heartfelt hug. "Thanks, Y/n," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

You reciprocated his hug as a you felt a few tears trickle down your face and onto his shoulder.

“I'm gonna miss you Yoichi,” you muttered into his shoulder as he held you tightly.

“I'm going to miss you too Y/n,” Isagi quietly whispered as he rested his head on top of yours.

~~~🌷~~~

The day came sooner then expected as Isagi was preparing to leave.

"The bus will be arriving soon, huh?" you said, attempting to engage in casual conversation with Isagi.

“Yeah in a couple minutes.” Isagi nodded as he looked at his phone.

The tension in the air became awkward as the both of you stared at each other, your eyes reflecting the sorrow you held.

“Y/n…if you really don't want me too-”

“No Yoichi. I want you too.” you spoke sternly as you cut him off once more.

Isagi smiled at your words as the bus soon arrived.

As the bus came to a halt, Isagi faced you once more, “Y/n, when I come back, I'll become the best in the world. That's a promise.” he confidently grinned.

“You better keep that promise.” you chuckled as you watched him board the bus.

As Isagi was heading inside, his next actions and words left you in a state of shock, catching you off guard with his intentions.

“I love you Y/n.” Isagi smiled as he gave you a quick kiss on the lips and boarded the bus.

You were startled by his words as you watched the doors close, your eyes widening in surprise.

Did you hear that right? Did that really just happen?

Isagi glanced at you through the window and couldn't help but let out a smile laugh at your reaction.

You looked adorable is what Isagi thought.

The bus soon left as it was heading to its destination.

What the hell.

You slowly brought your fingers to your face as you softly touched your lips.

Warm.

Your lips were warm.

Now, you knew you weren't just hallucinating or imagining it. It happened. It actually happened.

He kissed you.

Not to mention he even said he “loves you.”

You couldn't help but feel a bit upset but excited and happy by these actions.

Happy by the fact he confessed his love for you but sad that you didn't get the chance to tell him how you felt.

Well, now you had an idea: the next time you see him, you would get back at him.

“Damn you Yoichi…” you smiled.

~~~🌷~~~

A couple months passed as it was announced Blue Lock was versing U-20.

Now this was a match you definitely wanted to see.

After all, Isagi would be there. But also, they would be up against U-20, where THE Sae Itoshi would be playing.

You wanted to see if Isagi really improved and kept his promise. And, of course, that could only be proven if the U-20 was defeated.

…

The crowd erupted into roars and cheers as both teams emerged onto the field.

Your eyes immediately scan for a familiar patch of dark blue hair, and once you find him, you notice that he looks more…serious.

Well, I mean who would be serious in a match like this?

Starting off, the U-20 seems to have taken the lead as Blue Lock starts to fall behind.

Soon enough Blue Lock catches up.

You couldn't help but scream with the crowd. This was more exciting than you had anticipated. The final outcome of the game left you feeling anxious. You really hoped Blue Lock would win.

And win they did, with none other than Isagi Yoichi scoring the final goal.

The crowd erupted into cheers as you screamed along with them, overwhelmed with joy.

After the crowd dispersed, you chose to remain in order to meet with Isagi.

After a couple of minutes, you see him emerging from the building. His eyes light up once he sees your figure up ahead.

“Y/n!” Isagi yelled as he ran up to you and embraced you in a tight hug, lifting you off the ground while spinning you around in his arms.

“Im so proud of you Yoichi!” You exclaimed as he spun you around before finally placing you down.

“Did you see that goal Y/n?!” Isagi excitedly spoke as the sparkles in his eyes never faded.

“Mhm! I did Yoichi! You’re amazing!” You nodded, your grin never faltering.

Isagi held a looks of longing in his eyes as he embraced you in yet another hug.

“I missed you so much Y/n.” He whispered as he held you close.

“I missed you too Yoichi.” you breathed out as he held you tightly.

Isagi reluctantly let go before a small blush coated his cheeks.

He looked off to the side before quietly mumbling, “So…did you think about it…?”

You raised an eyebrow at him before finally realizing what he meant.

“Oh, you meant that day at the bus?” You asked as you saw Isagi nervously nod.

…

“Sorry Yoichi…”

Hearing those words made Isagi’s heart drop; it felt like his insides were being twisted.

Did you not feel the same way?

Isagi stood motionless as his face paled. He felt himself grow cold as he replayed your words. Was this really happening?

He stood on the brink of tears for what seemed like an eternity before finally managing to utter a few words, "I understand, Y/n..."

Immediately regretting your actions you began to tell him the truth.

“No no no—i was just playing Yoichi! I feel the same way! I was just getting back at you after what you did on the bus!” You quickly spoke as you began to reassure him.

Isagi released a deep, heavy sigh, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. It turned out that it was all just a playful joke.

Isagi enveloped you in another hug, relief evident in his voice as he spoke, "Thank goodness, Y/n. I was genuinely terrified. You have no idea."

"Yoichi, I'm truly sorry! I promise, I only did it to get back at you," you exclaimed quickly as Isagi let go of the hug and flicked your forehead.

You let out a groan as you held your forehead, “Yoichi what the hell?!”

“I love you Y/n.”

You paused.

The unexpected comment caught you off guard, especially considering he had just playfully flicked your forehead.

Although you didnt hesitate as you replied back.

“I love you too Yoichi.”

~~~🌷~~~

It’s been many years now as you were now living your life with Isagi Yoichi.

In his presence, you experience an unparalleled level of joy that you have never felt before.

He was your other half.

Your Yin and Yang.

Your soulmate.

But you like to believe that it was he who was at the end of the other string.

You were certain that he was the one you were destined to be with. There was no doubt in your mind about it.

The red string intertwined your destinies, uniting the two of you in an unbreakable bond.

Perhaps you were meant to meet him on that bench.

Perhaps you were meant to befriend him.

Perhaps you were meant to fall in love with him.

Either way, the string served as a powerful symbol, intricately weaving your paths together, as if it were written in the stars that your fates were entwined.

The two of you are nothing without each other.

The two of you were meant to be together.

At least, thats what the red string elicited.

a/n: this was rushed omg and I couldn't find a song to match as well😢

HES SO ADORABLE THOOO OMGGGG

[mooshs-crack-headcanons]

So I'm going to throw out a question to you guys:

Out of them which do you think is the companion that's going to be super-duper-trooper important to the plot? Your Morrigan/Alistair, your Anders, your Solas, ect. It's obviously a theme with each game.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying they're more important than one or the others what I mean is which one of these guys let's say if you romance and just by playing the main plot and focused on nothing else that romance is going to severely hurt as like a consequence from the narrative? Or the main narrative that adds so much more depth to the romance?

So far I have three possible picks of who I think it's going to be:

#1 Harding. What exactly that freaky dwarf magic is and that one silver surfer concept art the offical Twitter shown scares me. And there's a theory going around relating to Solas and Dwarven magic so that could be a big main narrative tie.

#2 Darvin. Warden. Blight. Blighted Gods. Yeah.

#3 Lucanis. Spoiler speculative reasons why I think this just to be safe I'm not going to share BUT of what's been officially shown Spite, the spirit (when has ever a spirit inside a living host went well?) SCREAMS ticking time bomb.

And I don't think it has to be just one, for example in Origins both Morrigan and Alistair fill this role well and both can end really tragic depending on your choices, but I think it'll be only one since that's been the somewhat trend since 2. But hey maybe, and I encourage it, that might change and we get several heavily tied in romances with the main narrative but who knows, we wait for October.

[strewwwberry]

I'm obsessed with shen yuan being shen jiu's reincarnation for so many reasons

- finding out would lead to many mental breakdowns

- shen yuan being a born hater is suddenly explained

- shen yuans and shen jiu's personalities are actually very similar when you take away external factors:

Shen yuan is a hater and tends to do before thinking, especially if that's insults, so does shen jiu

Shen yuan gets oddly obsessed with things, so does shen jiu

possiveness in shen jius case would be learnt behavior from having nothing, which I can easily imagine shen yuan doing the same if he grew up with nothing (which he very much didn't experience having been second gen rich kid, which even having at the very least material things, he still shows signs of posseviness with Luo binghe at times, and again, even with his internalized homophobia!)

Being weird with relationships, im not elaborating

Trust issues brought on from ASSUMPTIONS, these motherfucks assume so much! And I can't even blame them because their assumptions make so much sense in the context they're given! But give it a bit more thought alongside action outside of just asking since they clearly love men who struggle to communicate (well done binghe for growing in that aspect) so thats just a no go

So much more tbh, and I'm not even doing this in a theory way because these two being parallels is probably (don't quote me on this coz I actually love this theory but also don't care enough to defend it in any way and them being parallels is a kinda gut wrenching shit I need lol) more canon accurate, with like everything that I'm not gonna get into rn or I'm gonna cry so sue me (don't actually, I'm broke)

But yeah I love this concept smm!! Which I find funny coz I'm a scumcum lover, sy is sj child/sibling/twin/parent/disciple/shizun/probably more, and I dunno what that says about me nor do I care 😙

[hiseyeisonthesparrow]

Hi! I’ve been learning more about Mormonism lately, and I know that Mormon progressives like you definitely exist. However, I’ve been finding it really difficult to understand how people can reconcile their faith with the verse 2 Nephi 5:21 without believing in white supremacy. I understand there are theories about it being metaphorical, but I’ve been having trouble understanding them. If you could offer me some insight, I would truly appreciate it! Thank you in advance.

Thanks for your question! I am unfortunately painfully white, so I may not be the most experienced of people to answer this lol. I'll give it a shot though!

A big tenet of our faith is finding trustworthy sources for questions we have. One of my favorite sources on this topic is a video my dad sat all of our family down and made us watch when we were young*: a talk given by a Black religious scholar called "Blacks In The Scriptures: Skin Color & Curses". It's 45 minutes long, but if this is something you're serious about learning about, you should watch it. You can even 2x speed it if you'd like. You can find it here.

A common archaeological theory is that the Lamanites married, had children with, and culturally assimilated into more of the indigenous population, leading to darker skin. Another idea is that the Lamanites used body paint or decorations that darkened their skin, which would explain the darker skin but not the curse aspect.

Even if the "curse of blackness" is literally about race -- which I doubt it is -- it doesn't mean that, in our gospel, dark skin equals evil.** As the Nephites grew in power and resources, they became prideful and stopped believing. The Lamanites did begin to believe and even became more righteous than the Nephites at one point. As a religion, we also believe that man cannot be punished for the sins of their fathers, called generational sin [see Article of Faith 2]. Those blessed with melanin are no better or worse than any white folk -- all souls are alike and equally capable of exaltation.

[When you look, we have far more scriptures about all people and races being equal than we do about curses of black skin.]

I will be the first to admit that our religion has not had... the best relationship with race. On an episode of Brothaz in the Foyer, they shared this idea that "[Even] outside of church... any organization that's over 100 years old is gonna have some type of history around racism or prejudice." [Side note: that video is also an incredible resource! I would recommend watching it. The Brothaz share their perspectives and experiences regarding race in their religion, and I think it's a helpful resource even if you're not struggling with this concept. It's good to branch out and hear experiences from minority groups in the Church.]

To be entirely honest, I don't entirely understand 2 Nephi 5:21 myself. There are many parts of my faith that don't quite make sense to me, with my earthly mind. Expecting that every member of the Church has to understand and be an expert on every part of our religion is like expecting that every person who loves dinosaurs has a perfect explanation on whether or not there is evidence for a feathered Tyrannosaurus Rex. Not understanding a "curse of blackness" doesn't undermine the idea that I believe in a God who sent a Savior who died for my sins and wants me to return to him. Just because I don't know if T. Rex had feathers doesn't mean I don't believe that dinosaurs existed, you get me?

Anyways, I know I didn't quite answer your question, but hopefully the sources I shared with you can help you come to a conclusion about this [I don't feel experienced enough on this topic to share my own opinions lol, I'll leave it to the theologians of color to explain] And, I might mention, although it's very forward of me to say so, that you could pray about this issue. You don't have to, of course, but it's always an option to anyone struggling with anything ever. Who knows -- you might learn something! :}

Thank you for your ask!

*I grew up in a STAUNCHLY anti-racist household -- went to Juneteenth celebrations, attended protests, met and served friends of color, etc. -- so making the 7 year old learn about Hebrew idioms about race was not too weird for us

** The doctrine, at least, does not say anything about white supremacy. That doesn't mean that members can't misinterpret gospel doctrine and be horribly racist. I have heard of encounters with many a racist Mormon, and my heart aches for all those who have been prejudiced against at the hand of racist Church members.

[mumblesplash]

don’t you hate it when your civilization flees deep underground to escape the wither only to find yourselves trapped down there with something even worse. anyway surprise! i can still draw

[nenoname]

stan twins the canon cptsd brothers i will always think about all your unaddressed issues that would make perfect plot fuel for your spinoff

and also the whole 'stan getting that poem by bill via a website which contrasts with bill getting one from the axolotl via a website' foreshadowing thing

like idk i would love something like su future but like more optimistic, aka not an accumulated breakdown that has to be mostly resolved off screen at the end :/// but something thats being kinda addressed throughout? (although would love to see one of them turn into a monster thats always fun lol)

stan having severe issues from his dad and those years of being homeless that we keep on getting more info on but never really getting confronted on (the drifter catalogue and tijuana incident...), him being completely alone for like twenty years when running the shack before soos comes along to the point that 1998 is noted as his low point, and him not really learning about bill+what he did to ford until ages after he killed him if he ever did get the full context

while i think amnesia and everyone seeing him as a hero actually helped with stan's 'i'm a worse version of my brother' thing its still a lingering issue too and we now got him being insecure over his own hands

ford being immediately thrown from 'being tortured by bill' to 'being stuck in the multiverse and being chased by bounty hunters constantly', him fully expecting himself to die when destroying bill, and him only now being safe for the first time in 30 years ....relatively safe, he's still in constant danger because of course he is

idk in the end the series wants them to be happy and they deserve it, its why i wasn't too worried about the book being like 'ooh bill is back!! and the book is haunting ford' thing cos i knew they'll be ok

[annakwashere]

Remember that one crack theory I menationed? Well…

There. I predicted out the biggest plot twist of Deltarune chapter 7 and figured out the mistery of Starr park, now Toby fox + team and Supercell can stop working on their games and rest. No need to thank me

Bonus doodle of Ralsei if his scarf was like Edgar’s

Random tought but I think Edgar is to Brawl what Berdly is to Deltarune

[cubikzoa]

What if Eldritch madness is like swimming in the ocean. What I’m saying here. Is that unknown knowledge is an ocean that goes down forever. You go down too deep too fast, the pressure crushes you. You come back up too quickly, you die of blood oxygenation. Some people don’t even have the strength or presence of mind to ever surface again. You have to learn how to dive safely. How to swim well. You have to be perseverant and always strive to do better, and to be aware of the danger and past follies of others. If you know the particulars of it like your own name, and have your goals in mind, you should be alright, but the ocean is still an unpredictable force of nature. If you choose to take the plunge you’d better know how to swim.

Anyways do you think this means that since Eldritch beings might be unfamiliar with human stuff it would be just as freaky and confusing to them as their stuff is to us. Like Cthulhu sees a juice box and is like “What the actual fuck is that”

[wheucto]

anyways. the "hell" in BFDI is not actually hell but rather an afterlife which resembles hell in looks. the only people who went there were people who died in trash compactors in the charades challenge, and nickel suggets that because they died in a similar manner they were sent to this afterlife. that implies that afterlives seem to be based on how you die, and this is the "crushed in a trash compactor in the charades challenge" afterlife.

[ihassheepquake]

So Tatooine has gotta be some weird Vergence right? If we're going with Mae & Osha were able to be born/conceived with magic because Brendock is a Vergence (it wasn't strictly said but it seems pretty obvious), then the same is likely true about Anakin but it wasn't magical intervention but rather the will of the Force itself. Or at least wherever he was born has gotta be a Vergence (if I remember correctly, he wasn't actually born on Tatooine in Legends but I don't think that's been explored in canon).

[note-boom]

Something about bsd abilities and trauma and also literature as escapism to face reality better. Something about Atsushi's fantasy being all about strength and self healing and a rampaging "beast beneath the moonlight" when reality forces him to rely on others to heal and emphasizes his empathy and "weakness." Something about Dazai's escapist fantasy and character trope as something "no longer human" when he actually is very much human. Something about Yosano's fantasy being a world where "thou shalt not die" when reality keeps making her face death. Something about Kunikida's desires to be a "lone poet" against the world with just him and his ideals realised when reality is full of people he can't abandon. Or Kenji escaping into a world where he is "undefeated by the rain" and putting his entire soul into living that dream out. Or Akutagawa being (philosophically) consumed by his "rashoumon" when reality shows he doesn't always have to devour and overtake....

[fromtheseventhhell]

Calm as still water, a small voice whispered in her ear. Arya was so startled she almost dropped her bundle. She looked around wildly, but there was no one in the stable but her, and the horses, and the dead men. (Arya IV, AGOT)

---

The one-armed woman died at evenfall. Gendry and Cutjack dug her grave on a hillside beneath a weeping willow. When the wind blew, Arya thought she could hear the long trailing branches whispering, "Please. Please. Please." The little hairs on the back of her neck rose, and she almost ran from the graveside. (Arya III, ACOK)

---

Gooseprickles rose on Arya's skin, and for an instant she felt dizzy. Then, so faintly, it seemed as if she heard her father's voice. "When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives," he said. - That night she lay in her narrow bed upon the scratchy straw, listening to the voices of the living and the dead whisper and argue as she waited for the moon to rise. They were the only voices she trusted anymore. (Arya X, ACOK)

Arya + Having a physical reaction to "hearing" the dead

[summertimemusician]

Linktober (Shadow) 2023

Spirit

Welp turns out my exam season throughly steam rolled through my general Linktober plans, so you get this VERY late thing for now folks who find this, at least until I decide whether to continue this until I finish it even though it's no longer Linktober or if I'll make whatever other stories come later their own thing after exam season is over (mostly because the original for this one is my preferred draft, and that I feel the one for the Link/Dark Link prompt would be kind of wasted if it just sat there collecting dust cause I worked hard on the tension and horror there lord darn it, along with a few others mainly involving Fae Hyrule, Twilight, Time, First, among other Links like Legend, Sky, Warriors, just all of the boys, I wanted to give them all proper spotlight and still want to do that in any way I can). Welp. *Downs coffee like a shot* Also really need to find out how to make a Masterlist on mobile, figure out how AO3 works and answer asks.

Anyway, not really any warnings this time besides Reader Not Being Okay (par the course really) and angst.

As always can be read as either romantic or platonic, Reader is gender neutral on purpose, technically is meant to be read as either Hero's Shade Time x Reader or First x Reader mainly, but you can interpret it as any Link really lol

Good reading!

This corner of Faron Woods was quiet this time of year.

The woods were solemn in this Hyrule, the sliver of moonlight barely enough of a guide through the mist, it was silent but for the soft padding of animals through the underbrush and the howl of a wolf in the distance (not Wolfie's, not musical enough). The stars were your only company as you were separated from the group, the air was cold agaisnt your skin as you attempted to find your way.

Being alone in the forests of Hyrule never spelled anything good for anyone, but as you felt the brush of a hand tenderly twined in yours, the ghost of leather and the faint clinking of steel, and a faint glow of pale gold and ivory cutting through the veil of the night, mindful of roots you may trip onto and never flickering too far out of sight you couldn't feel safer, even  if instead something like melancholy threatened to lock your throat with the chains of silence, you felt as warm as the soft twilight glow and as frigid as ice, frostburned with the bitter cold of your own warring emotions.

You can't help but chuckle a bit whille holding a old scabbard close to your heart, it's a wry sound, "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

There is no answer, of course there isn't, but you don't mind, you know he'll listen, thorns wrap around your heart and crawl up your throat, the smell of lilies and steel coats and sticks in your throat like honey, or maybe blood, "... I didn't think you'd show up, you know? I always considered the possibility but..." You trail off, you feel something brush your side, you can only see him in the corner of your eyes or with a passing glance, there but not, existing but gone, so you keep your eyes on the road and in the flicker of light, so you carefully don't look to your side, you don't think you could contain the shaking in your heart otherwise, to stare at inevitability and prophecy, "... I know, I know you're fine. At least for now, I apologize for all the trouble I gave you."

'It's alright. It could never be a hardship aiding you.', the voice echoes in your ears, and you swallow thickly, breath hitching, the warmth of the sun in the fields of Hyrule, the wind caressing your hair, the song of the animals in Faron Woods, someone holding you carefully, fondly. The warmth of your hand in his. Not really here, but not gone either, more feeling than true echo.

You chuckle, and try to pretend it's not a bit breathless, something like a wounded keen, "... You're too kind. Too, too kind, thank you."

Spirits in Hyrule never spell anything good, in this wild land of light and shadow in a gestalt of divinity. There are some exceptions though, even if it hurts to witness then. So you follow him through the dark, certain that as you've guided his way once, he'll lead you now to where you need to go.

----------------------------------------------------------

... The clearing he leads you to is open, but by no means truly quiet among the trees, there is no peace to be found for the armored skeleton here. You choke on sorrow, on unfinished business, on the cruelty of being brought to ruin and being denied peace, and you stumble towards the familiar figure, almost in a trance as your vision blurs, roots and thorny vines wrap over rusted armor and a thorn cape, the skeleton's void sockets piercing through your soul, illuminated by the solemn gaze of the wretched moon and it's uncaring maids of honor in the stars.

You fall to your knees near the decaying skeleton, biting back against the wounded sound that attempts to leave your throat with enough strenght to bleed, you lay the scabbard by his side with a bouquet of lilies and shiver at the gentle, phantom touch, so soft, so loving it almost leads you to ruin all over again.

'... It's foolish to grieve for someone who isn't gone yet.' the thought comes to you, yet you can't help it. You still hurt for him, you still hold onto the fury at the heavens themselves for denying them quietus. For denying them rest over and over and over again. To watch this cycle and be helpless to stop it all due to the will of uncaring gods.

Alive. Dead. Alive. Dead. Denied full rest over and over again, to watch the chance at rest to the kindest of souls found in this world you found yourself in.

You barely register the touch to your cheek, ephemeral as it is, as you can't help but shed tears, can't help but grieve. Because if you don't, who will?

You know by now that some wounds can never heal, some rifts can never be mended. Even with the guarantee of cyclic, eternal rebirth, some things never return to how they were. And reminding yourself of this inevitability to them will never not hurt, even if you know it's futile to blame anyone but the one god who started this, and maybe the goddess who stood complacent to it. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth that it'll one day come to this, that the frost of death and the sharpness of pain will leave a mark the sands of time can't scar over.

You reach a trembling hand towards the one in your cheek, try to find catharsis in the remains of decayed, dead yet ever eternal, ever growing love. And you breathe.

'We'll meet again. So do not mourn for me, please.'

You don't think you could deny him if you tried. Not when you know he's trying to soothe you, to thaw your sorrow. To allow your heart's healing to fallow.

"We will, I know. I'm sorry for making you worry." You chuckle, leaning into the cold, trying to brand the memory of the shadowed, but not gone love given to you so you can return it in kind. Just until you meet again, just until you can give all you can to his not yet decomposing self, grasping onto what remains of him, "I love you."

'I love you too. Until we meet again.'

The cold is gone, the echo of love leaves. And you breathe, and pretend you don't feel empty.

(When you see Link again, reuniting with the Chain on the next day's twilight. You hug him as tight as you can, and hope you he doesn't notice the tears in your eyes. And that you don't feel the lingering traces of a frigid embrace.

When no one is looking, you wave goodbye to the shade. And pray he dreams of warmer days until he finds quietus.)

[aroaessidhe]

2024 reads / storygraph

Babel-17

sci-fi set in a future in an intergalactic war facing unknown beings only known as ‘invaders’

when a new code from the enemy is discovered, a poet/linguist/cryptographer is asked to try crack it - but quickly realises it’s a language

she assembles a crew to travel to the war yards to study the language, and discovers that learning it changes the way people think and interact with others

explores linguistic relativity

queer and polyamorous characters

[nadiaerre]

“You know Mozzie is an orphan. An orphan's gonna wonder about his parents, so he imagined they were spies. Occasionally, something happens that triggers Mozzie to revisit his childhood. When Ellen told me my Dad was corrupted, I ran from the truth and it became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Mozzie tells himself these stories to maintain his faith in the world. His faith, however limited, is all that separates a man with a conscience from a man without one.”