#oh to escape from everything and start anew

[jade-efflorescence]

monarchs are right about migrating actually

[whohasfourthumbsand]

hey kiddo - it's Slipshod, from MSMC. look, I don't usually reach out to folks like this, but... we gotta have a talk about GRAE. the more I learn about them, the less comfortable I feel with you trusting him as much as you do. I get it - you love your vlad (and GRAE) dearly, but there's something about 'em that just doesn't sit right with me

I hope you can forgive me for this, but I did a little snooping into your records from IPS-N, and what I found there was... questionable, to say the least. apparently you and GRAE (the records call him "TR-GRAE", which is either his full designation or an error) were taken into custody in the aftermath of a planetary collapse - does the name Leicester ring a bell at all? it's not one I'm familiar with, but then again, I can't imagine many people do know about it, if that caliber of disaster befell it

according to the files, you were 10 at the time you were taken in. this strikes me as a HUGE red flag - that's awful young for anyone to be messing around with an NHP, especially when the records say you were already treating GRAE like family when you got picked up by IPS-N. I don't know how long you two had been interacting for prior to being found, but - I don't know. this all just rubs me entirely the wrong way. the records don't say if GRAE was in cascade or not when you two were found, only that it was - direct quote here - "stable and fully compliant with IPS-N" when you were brought in

also, on top of all of this - GRAE has never once spoken publicly on here. not once. you say he's been really quiet lately, but to us, he's never spoken at all. it's like - oh, I don't know - he's in your head or something. it's really uncanny; if the records hadn't validated him as being real, I'd have thought you were making him up - er, no offense to GRAE. (or you, for that matter)

anyways, the reason I bring all of this up - I really don't think it's a smart idea for you to try and check your mech's serial number. the more I read about you and GRAE, the more it feels like there's a massive piece of the puzzle missing - and that you might not know as much as you think you do about not just GRAE, but your own history as well

old NHPs are on an entirely different level of consciousness compared to our modern ones (not to mention extremely dangerous), and if you really did find GRAE hidden down there in the depths of your planet prior to IPS-N getting involved, then there's almost certainly a history there that you haven't been told about. the choice is ultimately up to you, and if you think you can live with the consequences of whatever you find, be my guest. all I ask is that you at least think about it first

stay safe out there, kiddo. please.

-- Slipshod

+ ...it feels like.. such a stupid idea now.

+ It's such a trivial thought- checking your mech's serial number, I mean. You take a peek into an inanimate object's history, read a few dated files, find a photograph or two of battles you didn't even know happened- and then you close the tab, either burdened with the discomfort of knowing your hands rest where some ancient angatonist's did- or content, satiated by the mundanity of your discoveries. This isn't the sort of thing that life-changing discoveries are supposed to come from, right?- You aren't- you aren't supposed to question everything over some outdated, poorly-kept book-keeping-

+ ..I remember Leicester. I was born there. I had- a family, there. A real one, not that "found family" rhetoric some squads proclaim, or a test tube, or a printer. I remember what the air smelled like, the color of the sunrise, the crunch of the gravel underfoot. I wasn't ten when Leicester collapsed. I was seven. + Carina was our opportunity to escape. To start anew. + GRAE has- always been here, with me. Always. I cannot remember a single part of my life where he hasn't been there, present, comforting, reassuring, infallible- And yet I know he wasn't, logically he couldn't have been, not until the city came down.

+ I won't check my serial number. + I know better; I know some crises are better saved for rainy days.

+ I don't know enough about NHP to make heads or tails of any of what you're saying- My default response to troubles like this is to ask GRAE for advice or guidance, but he- he's never told me anything I didn't already know. I bring him with me everywhere, we talk constantly, I-- + I haven't felt lonely since we met. + Isn't that a good thing?

[sourcedfrom-az]

Escape.

G. Curly's Uploaded Memories (1/3)

___

"Captain?"

"Uhuh?"

"… You completely blanked out. Are you getting enough sleep?"

"No. Damn. I'm sorry, Anya. Its been like this for -"

"An entire month."

"Yeah. I'm sorry. Did I do good?"

"Its the same answers as last week, Captain… I'd wish you open up."

"Look, as long as I'm fit to fly in the eyes of my nurse."

"Oh, stop it… I don't want… him to hear it."

"…"

"Jimmy? He's not that nosy. He's probably taking pictures of the fucking cockpit."

"I'd like to steer on the safe side, yes? Plus… it's been a bit strained recently…"

"What did he do now?"

"Not what he did… he's just… I don't find him appealing outside of... what we do. I just can't…"

"Oh.. Anya, you shouldn't have to feel that way. I'm sure he's not doing it on purpose."

"Uhm… I feel comfort there. He at least makes it safe for me. But… he thinks I do these evaluations for fun and believes my job is just so.. easy. Outside of the sleeping quarters, there doesn't seem like a want for him. He's not... pleasant."

"I'll do the psych eval for you."

"Huh?"

"I, uh, can do Jimmy's eval. That would make you feel better right?"

"… Yeah. It would probably eliminate the comment he made last week about 'finding himself sexually excited at the sight of cartoon horses'."

"Haha! He's really shooting himself in the foot. Give me the board, he won't try any bullshit with me."

"..."

"Thank you, Captain."

"For this, or?"

"For... keeping me and Jimmy's business wrapped. Pony Express would kill us.. it would destroy everything we worked for if the higher ups found out... and I don't have much money left."

"Anything for you, Anya."

(memory gap.)

"This vent is fuckin' collapsed, kid! Do you want to get cooked?"

"But… you can fix it, right? Just up and crawl?"

"…"

"…?"

"Captain, give me the axe."

"Woah, woah, Swansea. This is already dangerous, just don't hit the pods again and you're fine. Chop the rest of the stuff."

"Loud and clear.."

(memory gap.)

"She diagnose you with 'fully sane syndrome' or something?"

"What are you taking a picture of?"

"Co-pilot does have to submit attached photos when the ship is damaged. It's protocol..."

"Hmm."

(memory gap.)

"How are you though? Off the record..?"

"I'm actually enjoying it.. It's.. comfortable. We're in control, there's space to make moves."

"Didn't think you'd find that in a freighter pilot position, though. What, with how you struggled on Earth..."

"Haah, yeah. It's nice to feel as if you're a leader for once. All I ever hear is how great you are, and honestly, it's kinda annoying. So what's up?"

"Huh?"

"You can't sleep, you don't smile as much, you don't look the same. Your feet are in cement while you teter on the edge of the lake."

(memory gap.)

"You've reached the highest rung on the ladder and you can't seem to figure out what ladder you're supposed to be on."

"..."

"Still a real long way down from the top of the ladder, whether you fall or climb a new one. You're thinkin' its too late to start anew. All while I'm chasing the ladder you chose to no longer climb."

"Something like that... but hey, hey, hey.. Jim, I believe in you. I always have. Here. On Earth. Doesn't matter."

"Write that shit on the psych eval -"

"Ahah.."

"A message? That's my cue, I'm only co-pilot. See you later, Curly."

"Yeah... yeah..."

(memory gap.)

"Oh god no.. Fuck, fuck, fuck... No no.. Not now, not here. Should I turn us back? Should I.. we need the money... Anya needs the money.. Jimmy needs a home... Swansea needs retirement. I.. I need to tell them. Oh god.."

[idalynsskyrimdiaries]

So, I had a dream about Skyrim, specifically the Thalmor. Nothing like this has ever happened because I rarely dream about the games I play, but oh my goodness, I can't keep this inside.

Content warning for (slight) violence!

I was a prisoner of a Thalmor troupe. It was me surrounded by hulking grown men, I assume they were Nords, walking in chains back to back. I did not get a good look at the area we were trudging in and did not know how I got captured, as the dream started off with me just being shackled. We can just say we were near Whiterun, traveling to Haafingar towards the Embassy dungeon. The Thalmor group that had caught us walked alongside us all to make sure no prisoner escaped, or at least attempted to. I mostly kept my eyes forward, not trying to piss off the troupe and the prisoners chained to me.

I do remember shedding a few tears as I kept walking as everything felt so real. I really felt like I was going to die. I also caught a glimpse of the Thalmor justiciar wizard leading the troupe, and he looked terrifying. Speaking of that bastard, he was the only one who kept picking on me to stop tripping over the many stones that were on the road. He even threatened to have my feet cut if I could not walk properly. The one person who came to my aid every time he had an issue with me was a female Thalmor soldier who was right next to me within the line.

She is the one person I remember most in this dream. I believe she was a bit more pale in comparison to the other Altmer within the group, and she had light golden eyes. I could not see much of her hair underneath the black and gold elven helmet she wore, but I could tell it was blonde. I'm not good at describing appearances that well. Just know that she was very pretty. She was the only one who was looking out for me, always taking up for me whenever I accidentally messed up the walking rhythm by tripping on another rock. Her primary excuse for me that I remember was the Nords were incompetent when it comes to how they structure their own province, and she even found it hard to walk properly on the stony paths. That one shut up the justiciar.

Towards Markarth, which I was surprised that I managed to get a good look at, our group was ambushed by Stormcloaks. The chains were broken throughout the violence, and I managed to run as fast as I could. I knew people were dying, I did not know who exactly was dying as I did not turn around to see more carnage, I just knew people were dying. I ran as long as my legs could take me and ended up collapsing near a river. The only person who had survived that entire thing was the Thalmor soldier who looked out for me during my capture. Of course, I was ready to use my wrist shackles as makeshift maces to bash her head in, but she stopped me. She assured me that I was in no danger, informing me that she did not have the desire to imprison me. Her entire band of Thalmor was dead, including her leading justiciar. She did not know of the other prisoners' statuses, as she, too, ran away in the midst of the violent ambush.

After she removed the shackles from my wrists and ankles, she confessed that she did not want to go back to the Embassy empty-handed. She even came clean about her just not wanting to go back entirely, as she was tired of serving such a hateful order. Wherever I wanted to go, she wanted to follow and start life anew. I was hesitant at first, but something told me that she was being genuine.

Right when I accepted her request to have her travel with me, the dream ended. My chest feels so heavy because why did it have to end before the fun really began? That's not fair! Is this what they called "doomed yuri"? Maybe? I don't even know anymore, I just miss her.

Anyways, thanks for reading my cringe. If you're a fanfic writer, just take the concept. I'm not gatekeeping at all. If I drank alcohol I would have definitely just put on Mitski and went to town with some wine just to forget her. (I'm being a little dramatic here 🤣)

[rottenpumpkin13]

Ok now I'm imagining Vincent and Lucrecia running away together to the cabin that Aerith's parents were at and just awkwardly running into each other like:

Lucrecia: Oh Professor Gast... I haven't seen you in a while. And is that the last Ancient?

Gast cautiously: It is... and she's my wife now.

Lucrecia: Oh thats amazing! I'm currently expecting. *She pats her belly.*

Ilfana: Oh thats wonderful do you know what it is yet?

Lucrecia: (Untraumatized) Ah not yet, it's still too early.

Vincent giving a death glare to Gast: Don't tell Hojo we're here.

Gast now relaxing noting that they are in similar positions of running away from Shinra: We won't tell if you don't.

The two couples choose to remain together for the sake of their own safety. Ifalna and Lucrecia carry their pregnancies to term, they all successfully hide for several years, allowing Sephiroth and Aerith to begin to grow up together. But despite their efforts, there is no corner of the planet where Shinra's won't find them.

In a fit of rage, Hojo kills Gast and subjects Vincent to experimentation, who then meets his fate in a coffin beneath the Shinra mansion. Ifalna, Lucrecia, and Aerith become prisoners, while Sephiroth reluctantly undergoes his long overdue SOLDIER training. This Sephiroth is unyielding, not as easy to manipulate had be been raised in the confines of the lab. Sephiroth defies Hojo and Shinra, complying only when threatened with harm to Ifalna, Aerith, and Lucrecia. How can he not resent Hojo and the organization that brought about Gast's death and his father's vanishing?

The day arrives when Ifalna and Lucrecia are determined to escape. They orchestrate a plan to flee with the children. But tragically, their attempt results in the two women's deaths. Elmyra Gainsborough takes in the orphaned Sephiroth and Aerith.

Years pass, Sephiroth and Aerith grow as siblings with an unbreakable bond. Shinra still tries to coax Sephiroth to join their ranks, but he still harbors an unyielding resentment towards Shinra for what happened to their parents. But there's still Vincent. Lucrecia had always told Sephiroth that his father could be alive, and if he was, he'd be in Nibelheim. Sephiroth holds onto that shred of hope, and decides to set off to Nibelheim in pursuit of Vincent.

Little did Sephiroth know that he would come across Lucrecia Crescent encased within a Mako reactor. He's in disbelief. How could this happen? How could Shinra go this far? How could they do this to his mother?

Seeing his mother in this way sparks something dark within Sephiroth. The hatred he's been harboring for Shinra reaches a boiling point. Even "Lucrecia" agrees that he should start by burning everything in sight that has Shinra's influence to the ground. Start anew. Purge the planet of this evil.

So he starts with Nibelheim.

[jerzwriter]

It always starts somewhere...

This is my entry for Day one of @choicesjanuary2024 January Challenge. I hope you enjoy it!

Book: Crimes of Passion (post book 2) Pairing: Trystan Thorne x Carolina Rose Category: Fluff with a dash of angst Rating: Teen Words: 1,200 Summary: It's a tradition. A day Carolina always looks forward to, even if it's filled with bittersweet memories. But tonight, the tradition starts anew, with Trystan by her side.

Darkness had already enveloped the city as Carolina drew the curtains. Her face bright with anticipation, she gazed out her bedroom window onto the street below. There was only one thing on her mind as she mindlessly twirled the crystal flute of Chardonnay in her hand, nearly forgetting it was there. But the moment she remembered, she eagerly brought the glass to her lips, savoring the rich, oaky flavor as it swirled over her tongue, warming her more than the roaring fire ever could.

Despite the dipping temperature, she slipped off her cardigan and tossed it on a nearby chair. Eyes still focused on the freezing pavement, and she couldn't help but smile. This wasn’t the first time she had practiced this ritual; it was practically as old as she was, even its practices had been amended over the years. The ceramic mug her father bought for her when they saw Annie was no longer in her hand. The delicious aroma of the hot cocoa that had filled it was also gone, just like her father, who once sat at her side.  

The unwelcome visitor was drawing near. Sadness, reaching in and gripping her as it often did made her eyes flicker away, but she turned back with determination. No! Sadness and despair would not win today; not on a night as special as this. Her fingers traced the rim of the crystal chalice that her father had used years before. The only one she’d consider using today.

“Ves eso, Papi?” she whispered into the deafening silence. “Any moment now.”

He must have entered quietly, or perhaps she was too distracted to hear him because his breath was warm on her neck and his arms gently encircled her waist before she heard a sound. Then, she had to laugh. Was she even a detective after all?

“What will be any moment now?” Trystan whispered, brushing her hair to the side and placing gentle kisses on her freshly exposed skin. She leaned into him, a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding escaping her as she melted into his arms. Just like that, all was right with the world.

“Mi Vida,” she smiled. “This is a very important night.”

His eyes widened for a quick moment... concerned he had forgotten an important date. Then, his expression softened as he recalled the stormy forecast.

“That’s right,” he grinned. “The first snowfall of the year.”

“Mmm hmm,” she nodded. “More importantly, our first snowfall together.”

“I see you have your father’s wine glass,” he smiled. “And the curtains are drawn, so you have everything you need.”

She gently placed the glass on the table beside her and turned to face him; her eyes lingering on his moonlit features. “At least I do now." Her lips moved toward his, claiming them as her own in warm, comforting kiss.

“Mmm-mmmh,” he simpered before playfully pulling away. “Oh, no, Lina. No way. I’ve been waiting to participate in this ritual for some time, and I will not allow you seduce me away from it.”

She strolled toward the old mahogany sideboard with a chuckle. "Oh really," she said, pouring another glass for her love. A playful smirk tugged at her lips when she placed it in his hands. “Then you’ll need this... if you plan to do it right."

He nodded with approval upon taking a sip. “This is quite good; I suppose the seduction could wait.”

“How noble of you!” Carolina teased.

“But, of course! I am a prince, after all.”

Shaking her head with delight, she fell into his arms and and Trystan tried to determine if that sound of her laughter had become his favorite melody of all. It was undoubtedly in his top three, each spot now claimed solely by his Carolina. But his body tensed as he realized her laughter had turned to tears that dampened the crook of his neck. He clasped the sides of her face, worry weighing on his features.

“Hey, hey,” he whispered, gazing into her tear-filled eyes. “Are you all right? I thought this was a happy tradition?”

“It is,” she sniffled, wiping away her tears. “But it’s different now, and it’s my first time sharing it with you.”

“Is that OK?” he asked. “If you’d rather be alone...”

“No, no!” She grabbed his hand and held it against her heart. “I’ve done this alone for years now, ever since my father died. Honestly, I never thought I'd share this with anyone else again, but now... I can't wait to experience this with you by my side.”

He pulled a chair closer to the window so they could sit without missing a thing, then motioned for her to sit on his lap. “I’m glad to hear that,” he assured. “Because there is no place I’d rather be.”

“So, how does this work?” He asked, getting down to business. “Do we do anything special while we wait?”

“Nope, we just keep watch. Whoever spots the first snowflake has to yell, ‘Look, it’s a blizzard!’ and then we share a toast.”

“A blizzard?” Trystan chuckled. “Carolina, a flake of snow does not a blizzard make.”

“Of course not, but it is how each one begins. Everything has to start somewhere, and that’s what makes it so remarkable. We watch one single snowflake fall to the earth, so innocent, so insignificant on its own, but when we wake up tomorrow the city will be blanketed in snow, and you and I will know, that it all started with that one little flake we watched together.”

She could feel him swallow as he gently turning her chin his way. “Everything starts somewhere,” he whispered. “And we never know what beautiful places it might lead.”

The world fell into slow-motion as their lips came together. The familiar, sweet taste filling their sense as everything else fell into the shadows. He pulled her closer, as her fingers ran through his hair, and the rest of the world was lost.  Neither knew how long they stayed like that, but they couldn't forget Trystan's childlike gasp when he briefly opened his eyes.

“Look," he pointed with exasperation. "It’s a blizzard!” A solitary silver flake glistened in the streetlights as it slowly twirled down to the street below. They jumped to their feet, foreheads pressed against the cold glass, unwilling to miss a moment as it descended to the earth.

“It is! It’s a blizzard!” Carolina squealed, grabbing their wine glasses to propose a toast. “It’s our first snowflake, Trystan! The first snowflake has fallen, and with it, a new chapter begins.”

“To new beginnings,” he smiled, reaching out to caress her cheek one more time before they emptied their glasses. Side by side, they watched as more flakes fell, one by one, until a whispy, barely there sheet coated the sidewalks.

“You see, it’s happening!”

“It is," he smiled. "I dare say that we will wake to that blanket of snow tomorrow."

“We will,” she beamed. "But until then, I was thinking I'd like to get under the blankets with you. Are you in?"

Trystan took Carolina in one arm, as the other hastily pulled the drapes closed, a devilish glint in his eyes.

"I am so in," he smiled. "Look at us, sharing new things every day."

"Yep," she agreed. "One day this will all be old hat... we'll be some old couple boring those around us with stories of all the blizzards we've watched begin together. Hopefully, you won't grow tired of it by then."

"Are you kidding? Each snowflake is different, no snowstorm the same... and every day is a new discovery because I fall in love with every little thing you do."

A/N: Incorporated all 3 parts of @choicesjanuary2024 Day 1, though, I cheated and didn't use the sentence as the first line! Also participating in @choicesflashfics, prompt "I fall in love with every little thing you do."

@choicesficwriterscreations Tagging others separately.

[snekkyfics]

so i've been getting more into hermitcraft/traffic bc of my brother and ALSO i just needed something to write bc I'm trying to form a habit and writing something weird that I will never finish is better than not writing at all

worldbuilding notes at the end

~~~

And the universe said I love you

No. Not to Philza. If there was anyone the universe hated-

And the universe said you have played the Game well

He hasn’t- he couldn’t. If he had played the Game- games – well he wouldn’t be standing here. Sword and bow and golden apples and everything a player wishes they could have when they started anew.

It’s nothing Phil wants. It’s nothing Philza would need. He enjoys clawing creation and achievement from the untouched earth the intended – ancient – way. It is life to him but not anymore.

Standing here, at what’s left of that hallowed little world spawn, that one innate weak spot in the Code, isn’t even anything so dignified as to be called retreat.

This is escape.

And the universe said everything you need is within you

Oh by the gods, oh by Her let that be true. He’s not made a life for himself by breaking the Game – the Code. And at least not without accomplices, friends, an invitation to wear like a badge of protection as he did what no non-player, godling or not, was ever meant to do.

Server-hopping without a hub stop is hard enough, taboo even for Players. Phil...

Phil is risking a lot. A potential hundred thousand eyes. A war. Just to escape this hell-spawn server.

And Dream’s gone now, so is that damned Novellus he let lock and rule the server. Peaceful times are sure to visit now, he could stay on in that little cabin in Her forest and it’d be a hell of a lot safer than trying to leave with no real destination in mind.

But Wilbur’s gone now. And so is Ranboo. And Niki. And Fundy. And Techno’s fucked off – he’s sure to return, but for now he’s fucked off all the same.

Phil’s been sitting in a cold cabin, counting his own heartbeat for weeks now. There’s nothing- nothing left here. Not for him.

Leaving – risking what he will risk – could never be crueler than an empty meeting room and silent pine and a bag of cookies so long gone stale in a chest somewhere-

In spite of himself, Phil distantly hopes beyond hope that he can find Wilbur again- hold him again, maybe – that maybe just once the universe will love him-

And the universe said you are not alone

He’s not- not ever, in a way. And may She curse him it’s not enough anymore. She can be fickle, like that. Or perhaps killing a god, inconsequential as they may be, upset the cosmic balance enough for Her to abandon the server – and him.

But in no small part is he setting out to find Her, to hear Her voice again – he may have begged and screamed and taken apart Her forest, a gift willingly given – but the his determination now and his vitriol then are guided by the same, deep, ache.

If it is in Her power, let his aim be true.

By Death and Blood and Sea and Sky and Void, let him touch the grass somewhere he can take roots and grow again, where he can feel dirt and rock once more under his fingernails and be alone and at peace.

And the universe said I love you because you are love

The universe does not love him. And Philza is not love. He’s never had the chance to read the poem – no matter if he shredded the Code with his bare hands, it is not meant for him – but it is a strange comfort, another shameful hope.

He’s heard them talk about it, players hardly need to be prompted to recount the peace, the motivation, the joy at hearing the ‘voice of the universe.’

And well, Phil supposes he could use a bit of all three right now.

And the universe said the darkness you fight is within you

If he were still young enough to be sentimental, he might take one last look around at this thrice-damned server. But he’s not and he doesn’t. He knows who he loves – his wife, his son, Techno, a handful of others – and they are not here. Beyond that, it is only the material, and the material never lasted long enough to matter.

Instead he prays, he pray harder than he can call to memory, to whatever half-friendly god’s name comes to mind, as he folds one last bit of arcane magic around his wedding band and torn wings and begins to reach deep, deep, deep into the white-hot Code-

And then he’s gone. Into the horrible not-Void between worlds and high above the true darkness and Her-

And then he’s scrabbling along the walls. frantic, desperate, reaching back as often as he dares to make sure his precious, precious inventory is coming with him, but never more for a second as he clips small errors in the Code – entry to a new world – again and again and failing, failing each time to grab hold-

He’s taking too long, he’s reached too far, he’s going to fall and there are far more unkind things in the Void than there is Her-

Someone is going to see, he needs somewhere- anywhere-

Eyes graze his back, distant and barely there but Phil’s sure and he’s slipping and-

One last reach, hard and forceful and fuck the whole cosmic world much see him right now but it doesn’t matter because he touches something and grabs and pulls-

Back, back through burning Code and Walls and all the things that he was never meant to touch or understand or breach and oh does it always bring Phil a rush of euphoria each time he so blatantly shoves a fuck you to the little manufactured gods of the Players-

And then he lands. Hard enough to bring him to his hands first and then onto his stomach, jaw rattling and legs screaming.

-but he is warm. There is- there is sun above him, and grass below him, and he smells dirt and open air and there’s fucking birdsong-

And he holds his breath and waits, clinging to his blessedly heavy inventory and the shrouds of magic he tries to pull tighter around himself.

If he was seen – if they actually saw him and who he was – surely, surely they would come. Surely-

They have have arrived by now. Surely. Surely.

But it stays quiet. Nothing but the birdsong and the wind in the leaves and Phil barks out the ugliest, roughest laugh of his life.

It worked. Oh, something out there must love him, if only the little bit it took to get him here.

New. Bright. And there’s soft dirt and grass under his fingernails as he pushes himself to his feet, looking around at the warm, untouched welcome of his new world spawn. Still gossamer and perfect and waiting for him-

And oh, maybe he is a touch sentimental. Maybe he will end up building something here, just to remember how wonderful it is to feel warm and hope again-

Then there’s the snap of a branch. Footfalls, heavy enough that Phil doesn’t think before summoning his bow to his hands, doesn’t wait for a rattle or a groan before spinning around-

-and looks down his arrow at a man. Short and unarmored and a Player-

“What the hell-”

Surprise may have loosened Phil’s fingers, but it is something deeper, something akin to the pulse-racing instinctual need to survive that steadies his hand and aim and puts an arrow through the throat of the- the Player-

-who gurgles and rasps and falls back, eyes blown wide with shock and fear and pain and dying, frozen in place as the blood seeps from the sucking wound and his mouth-

-and Phil, who is equally frozen, stuck staring at the Player on his world-

-but it’s not his world, not if there’s a Player - oh fuck, Players, are there more of them-

This was supposed to be escape, not- not-

Phil can only watch the man, dark and bloody and scared and hope beyond fucking reason for this one boon, this one chance-

He finds himself coming closer, contemplating sticking another arrow between the man’s eyes if only to find out sooner, although that same anxiety also stays his hand as he crouches down next to the dying man.

Phil’s- well, Phil’s a bit experienced with death. Another shallow breath, a few fluttering heartbeats, that’s all this man has left. Bleeding out all over the brilliant green grass and still staring at Phil with a fearful befuddlement that might tug at the heartstrings of anyone else.

And, predictably, in the next moment, he’s gone. The light out in his eyes and fully slumped on the ground.

And then he’s gone. Dissolving in strings of Code and leaving the remnants of an inventory behind.

And Phil- Phil’s holding his breath again, and not so much praying but begging, begging just for this-

He can always feel his connection to Her. He has always felt the little somber tug whenever someone truly dies. Well- when a Player gets sent to their hub.

If Phil has Death here, if he has meaning, he has a chance.

But the tug never comes. And Phil’s mouth goes dry, and the warmth disappears, and the Player is waking up in their bed and Phil is-

Phil is fucked.

It’s a very numb sort of battle-instinct that has Phil reaching out around the fading cold of the Player’s communicator, soon to fade back to their side, and it’s already ephemeral in his shaking hands as he hurries to check the chat log even as the screen drips away into Code-

[server] BDoubleO100 was slain by P⍑/~⍑/ꖎ/-ᔑ

And the universe said you are not separate from every other thing

~~~

"oh how original DSMP x hermitcraft" um actually yeah I'm picking on philza for this and also Techno but only kinda bc once again: i will never finish this

however I am VERY open to writing different assorted scenes if this gets any interest

anyway anyway WORLDBUILDING UNDER THE READMORE ALSO POTENTIAL SCENES I MIGHT RIGHT IF PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED

with special note to @/aard_rinn over on Ao3 who inspired both this story and some of the worldbuilding

ANYWAY basically my MC worldbuilding as a whole for fics comes from the idea that the in-universe lord of minecraft all took place long before it was wrangled into a game for Players (<- more on them in a sec). The Ancient Civilization and the ruin of the Nether and the Ancient Cities all happened long before the Devs made the post-apocalypse into the Game made specifically for Players

Its not clear where Players came from (or where any life came from) but they are the Devs' favorites. the entire Game is tailored to them. Players can hop between worlds, alter Code, and respawn. All Players were originally human, but due to gene-mixing with npc hybrids a Player can now look like just about anything

NPCs, who are any sort of non-human non-Player, are the same level of sapient BUT have none of the world-hopping-death-defying perks of being a Player. Death is final for them and world-hopping is both nearly impossible for them and generally frowned upon by the Game's design. They CAN however have babies with Players and all children of Players inherit the Player status, which is why we see both hybrid players and hybrid players who are only a "little bit" a hybrid

Phil and Techno are not Players. they are about as 100% avian and piglin as you can get. They are, however, hand-picked by Primordial gods

Gods have basically three classes. You have the Primordials (Lady Death, the Sky Gods, Totem Magic), which have existed WAYYYY before the Ancient Civilization even. You have the Novellus (Watchers, XD, the general fuckery on Empires) who are "natural" (not Game-made) gods attracted to the Game after it's creation (there were no Watchers back when there was nothing to watch). And then you have the Devs, who hold all the real power over the Game. And all three classes h a t e each other. The Primordials hate the Devs for "defiling" their world and attracting the Novellus and the Novellus hate the Devs and Primordials for hindering their fun and the Devs hate both because they interfere with their Game but aren't powerful enough to actually kill them.

And by association the Devs also hate Techno and Phil for using their godly powers to do things they should not be able to do. They can't die (although they also can't escape a world by dying), and they can world hop by calling upon powers older than the Game and Code and also they can just generally call on powers older than the Game and Code. This makes them a cog in the Devs' machine but they can't really do much to stop them without starting a war that they might not win, so they grumble, and would DEFINITELY start some shit if emduo ever did what Phil does do in this ficlet (not only hopped, but hacked a server), but have generally allowed them to live their little troubled lives

(and yes, if they had ever found out what deals Dream was making with XD he would have been in HUGE hot water. like he was not supposed to do that.)

As for the specifics of lore in the story:

-Phil is able to keep his inventory because, well, he's hacking the Game anyway, and also he's not even technically a part of the Game

-being not part of the game Phil has never heard the End Poem and I decided to use it a little creepily here bc of that fact (something so comforting to Players would be jarring for someone who's old enough to remember when the Devs were still fighting to keep their rule)

-Phil was literally just reaching blind and ABSOLUTELY some cosmic fuckery was going on and also Admins generally expect Players to be hackers so let's just say Phil kinda just Jesus Walked right through the Hermitcraft door

-Phil doesn't get a "player joined world" message because: he is not a Player. He only shows up in Bdubs' death message because he's still technically there and the Game had to report cause of death. This didn't happen on the DSMP because Phil was welcome and made a part of the game

-Only Players spawn with comms, so Phil isn't going to have one until one is made and given to him

-Phil does NOT know where he is nor does he recognize who Bdubs is. He definitely know what Hermitcraft is (he's VERY much avoided it) but also in-lore I don't think Phil especially would know every single person on there much less be able to immediate recognize names he probably heard in passing. as of right now he is Lost Birb

-Phil is also semi-fucked and once he figures out where he is he's gonna freak because not only is Hermitcraft full of Novellus but it also has direct a line as you can get to a Dev. and he is a lone soggy Birb who's married to the most infamous Primordial goddess who is also the main one the Devs fucked over with their respawn mechanic

-additionally: he's currently freaking out because in a world with respawns (endless respawns but he doesn't quite know that yet) death has no meaning. He has 0 godly help here and also: he can't leave unless he hacks his way back out so. he stuck and also has already engaged hostiles

ANYWAY SCENES I ALREADY KINDA HAVE PLANNED THAT YOU CAN IDK VOTE ON

-Oh i definitely will probably write anyway Phil figuring out he's on Hermitcraft and just how fucked he is. I say he takes out False, who he recognizes from general PVP badassary, and goes "ah. i'm doomed"

-and get ready for birb-to-birb communication bc Phil's actually gonna get help from Grian (and yes this just an excuse to write a parrot character i LOVE parrots). With this being vaguely season 6-ish (i will figure it out as i write further) Grian is both new and bc of the Watcher disaster doesn't have a noticeable Player status. Now both him and Phil can sense something Off about the other but also: they are just birbs and Phil is very, very lost and also running from 2 kinds of law.

-Techno showing up. Like he 100% thinks his BFFFAEAE is being held hostage on a server full of unfriendlies and ho boy is he showing up Murderous

idk you can also give me suggestions i am no expert around here

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

Heeey mousey! (◕ᴗ◕✿) I just have a random idea.

How would the adventurers, mages, or even their spouses react to the Farmer, who used to be a former assassin from a powerful mafia? Their parents used to work in the mafia as a powerful duo couple, but they had to resign for their family. However, the mafia didn’t like it and they killed the parents. Then, the mafia gave the Farmer a choice – either they join or else the mafia would kill their siblings. As the eldest, the Farmer had to join to protect their family. Years have passed since then. The Farmer has grown stronger and smarter, and has now devised a plan to escape the mob and leave the country with their siblings. They now live in Stardew Valley, leaving their old life behind in hopes of starting anew.

Yeaaaah, I have these thoughts about it and I just imagine the Farmer, want to forget everything but random mafia people are appearing in the valley and they had no choice but to tell the truth.

Oh, another question with an interesting scenario 👀 It's actually pretty cool to think about how the residents of Castle Village will react to people, things, and events that came from big towns, like Zuzu City. Hope you don't mind if I make only mages and adventurers this time. Nice to see you again, btw, and thanks for the ask! 🫰💕

_________________________________________

Farmer thought Isaac would express his disgust after the truth, but to their surprise, the adventurer began to respect them. Taking on all the dirt and hatred to protect the people you care about isn't something everyone is capable of. He's not an idiot and knows perfectly well that circumstances forced them to be a member of a criminal organisation (but will definitely scold their late parents for their selfish act). Isaac has few connections, but if Farmer needs to protect their family - they can count on him. However, he still gave fair warning that if people call for a fair trial for all mafia members, Farmer must also be prepared to be held accountable, for justice is blind.

Magnus knew it all. Don't look at him like that, Farmer. He is a wizard after all, quite skilful too, and at the first meeting he honestly said that he saw their past and future arrival here. It's not Rasmodius' fault that Farmer didn't believe him then. But he doesn't blame his young friend/adept for the crimes they had to commit out of their own free will. Farmer is very brave, protecting their loved ones from bad people. Magnus will help Farmer if any of the mafia members come to the Valley to find them and their family members.

Camilla's shocked look might fool Farmer and others, but the witch already knew everything. The young, talented Farmer had come to the Stardew Valley with their siblings, become a protector of people from monsters, helping the Castle Village as well - of course Camilla, with her boundless curiosity, had dug into Farmer's past. Really sad, but she admires their willingness to protect and abilities. This could really come in handy for her... Ah, don't let Farmer's worry about the mafia, they're definitely not coming to the Valley. And the recent news of mafia members being arrested/murdered/missing has nothing to do with her*chuckle*.

Yoba have mercy... Farmer has had to face hardships since the childhood, with no way out to escape and save himself and his siblings... Alesia is shocked to realise just what kind of scum there are in the world, forcing a teenager to do their dirty work. The sniper has seen a lot of things, but something like this... She doesn't blame poor Farmer for having to pay for their parents' mistakes. If any of the bastards come to the Stardew Valley, Farmer can count on her bow. And if the law is still merciless to Farmer for their past, Alesia will at least help their family in any way she can.

Jadu is completely baffled and speechless. So much information piled on his head... Farmer is a... wanted criminal? But they were left with no choice. Was there really no other way to escape from mafia and save their loved ones? No, the young wizard doesn't judge them, he has no right to judge Farmer and their unfortunate situation. He knows that Farmer's have grown up pretty quickly and now live in the Stardew Valley peacefully, away from those bad people. Just... if something happens, tell Jadu, okay? He'll try to help them and their siblings, not wanting to see his friend in trouble.

So that's what Farmer meant by telling Lance that they and their family came here "to escape their past"... He's genuinely sorry that his dear friend and fellow adventurer had to deal with the mob out of choice. But also infinitely glad that they were able to finally break the chains and escape with the rest of their family. The galant adventurer doesn't judge them for their past, knowing full well that they were trying to survive and protect the people they holds dear. Lance doesn't visit the Stardew Valley that often, but if he spots someone suspicious, he will warn them and stop the criminal.

[shreddedhumanity]

── .✦  Rainy Evenings ♡

𖥻 Pairings ; V/GN Reader, V/You.

𖥻 Content Warnings ; Fluff, no gendered pronouns are used, somewhat angsty, no use of Y/N, spoilers for the fifth game (not in depth but it gives you a general idea).

𖥻 A/N ; Okay the V brainrot is real, I love this boy so much you have no clue. This particular oneshot gave me a bit of trouble, but I wanted to get it out because I’ve had the idea all week. I hope you all enjoy! It’s a bit short and rushed, but I think it holds up nicely regardless.

V found himself adrift in thought, the warm embrace enveloping his body unable to tug him from the labyrinth of his mind. The timer on his life had long surpassed its expiration mark — granting him a feeling of grief, agonizing the truth he was acutely aware of. A question he allows to circle within his thoughts, as it was only a mere question as to when he would revert to his former self, for he was only a trifling fragment within a scheme that was — oh so perfectly — crafted.

The mellow rain pitter-patters along the window, creating a faint background euphony that brought him consolation — yet couldn’t divert him from his impending calamity.

You worry for him, though remain reticent, relishing in the warmth of his arms encircling you. You lay nestled within his sprawled out figure — fanned out on the couch within the main lobby of the Devil May Cry office, observing the weather outside. While the moistened and frigid world outside mattered not, for his figure wraps securely around you, shielding you from the crisp outdoors.

The tranquility is a welcome relief, in contrast to the habitual near deafening noise it was filled with. In spite of his ceaseless uncertainty, V beams down at the figure in his grasp, your face veils within his vest as you rest atop him. To express that he loves you was unable to convey his fervent adoration for you. From the beginning, you occupied his side, confronting the maelstrom of issues that had been thrust upon you – you held steadfast, the proposal of fear ostensibly not an acquainted concept to you.

“My little wanderer, how I adore you so,” his voice interrupts the silence, hand escaping his side, and instead, caressing your hair in tender strokes, “my reverence for you has no limits.”

“I love you too, V.” Your response was brief, as there were not many words to offer him, your mind devoid of proper thought.

“What is on your mind, my sparrow?” The pet name left a soft crimson simmering along the skin of your cheeks, hands grasping along his ebony, leather coat.

“When you go,” you continue, absorbed in reflection — your words come out faint, your mind clasping against the words you spoke, “what’s going to happen?”

“Ah, questioning our relations, yes,” he ponders for a moment, contemplating his answer, “for that, I can grant no balanced answer, though rest assured, I will still yearn for you all the same, dear.” His attempts at comfort settle your nerves, “I will remember you, while not as precisely as before, nothing can change the love I have for you.”

You understood its truth, and awaited the inevitable outcome that would follow suit. Once it occurred, and all was said and done, you would continue your journey throughout life without his presence, instead in place of another.

“I’m going to miss you, V.” The rain would roar up, dark streaks gusting against the window with a harsh force, as if understanding the circumstances enclosing the building. “You mean everything to me.”

“I will miss you as well.” His gaze seems elsewhere now, instead seeking out the window, viewing the storm alight anew. “Please remember, regardless of what happens between us two, you will remember how dearly I care for you so.” His tone carried no torment, no dejection, as you had been informed of all this from the start, but as his time candidly neared, it felt as if you’d been jabbed with a brute force.

“I’ll remember.” Your voice is tender as before. “I’ll remember you, V. No matter what.”

The storm clamors outside, deafening out the remaining musings. He holds you close, a small peck meeting your temple, before resting his own against yours.

“I love you, my sweet wanderer.”

[cnnmairoll]

Last Tune

Track 02: Alexandra, Reality Club ; Playlist (masterlist) Suna x Reader

The next song on the playlist began to play, "Alexandra" by Reality Club. You couldn't help but smile, remembering the moment Suna dedicated this song to you. He had a peculiar way of expressing his feelings, always wrapped in layers of his dry humor and calm demeanor. The acoustic guitar's gentle strumming filled the room, bringing back the memory vividly.

-

Just like a certain motorbike gang from charming or you’re looking for the old ultraviolence, you’re trouble. Yes I knew right from the start.

-

You were both sitting on a park bench under the moonlight, the cool breeze rustling the leaves around you. It had been one of those nights where you both felt the need to escape the noise of school and life. Suna had texted you earlier, asking if you'd like to hang out. You agreed without hesitation, knowing that any time spent with him was always soothing.

He pulled out his phone and played the song, the first notes immediately catching your attention. As the lyrics began, he turned to you, his usually unreadable eyes now filled with a soft, almost nervous glimmer.

-

And the labyrinth I thought I knew, rearranged to shape anew at amazement of the excitement that once rang true.

-

"You know," he started, his voice casual but his gaze intense, "you're a lot like Alexandra in this song." You raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. "My name isn't Alexandra, Suna," you teased. (I'm sorry if it is 😭)

He chuckled, a rare and precious sound. "I know," he replied, "but you're still my Alexandra. You're trouble, in the best way possible. You turned my world upside down, rearranged it."

-

And if I was a fool for you, I’d wait 500 million hours on a park bench out on the moon.

-

You felt your heart skip a beat at his words. Suna wasn't the type to openly share his feelings, and this moment felt incredibly special. He looked down at his hands, then back at you, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I'd wait for you, you know. Even if it meant sitting on a park bench on the moon for a really long time."

-

But in full view of what you are, oh. Just like a feline with multiple lives, she lost a couple but she used to have five. A saviour of mankind.

-

He continued, "You have this resilience, this strength. Like a cat with multiple lives. You've been through a lot, but you never let it break you. I admire that about you."

You felt a blush creep up your cheeks, the sincerity in his voice touching you deeply. "Suna, that's…" you started, but he gently interrupted.

-

And if I was a fool for you, I’d wait 500 million hours on a park bench out on the moon.

-

"Let me finish," he said softly. "I know I'm not the easiest person to read, but… I want you to know how much you mean to me. You're my rock star, my goddess." He paused, his expression softening even more. "I fell for you, even before I really knew you."

-

But in full view of what you are, you’re a goddess you’re my rock star.

-

The song reached its chorus again, the words echoing the depth of his confession. You felt a lump in your throat, emotions swirling within you. "Suna… I don't know what to say," you admitted, feeling overwhelmed by his honesty.

He smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made your heart flutter. "Just say yes. To us, to this," he gestured between the two of you. "Let's give it a shot."

-

I fell in love with Alexandra even though I barely met her. Even though we’d break our hearts before we’d even start.

-

You nodded, tears welling up in your eyes. "Yes, Suna. Yes, to everything." He reached out, gently wiping away a tear that had escaped down your cheek.

-

And if I was a fool for you, I’d wait 500 million hours on a park bench out on the moon.

-

The song played on, a backdrop to this pivotal moment in your relationship. Suna's hand lingered on your cheek, his touch comforting and sure. "We'll figure it out," he said, his voice steady. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together."

-

But in full view of what you are, you’re a goddess you’re my rock star.

-

As the last notes of the song faded, you leaned into him, feeling the warmth and security of his presence. It was a night you would always remember, the beginning of something beautiful and uncertain, yet undeniably yours.

[arrow-translates]

Break Outta Here TRANSLATION [1Nm8]

【KEI】 【ITSUKI】 【ROKUTA】

(See end for translation notes.)

Return to blank

1Nm8

Now, kaboom,

it’s crashing down

I’m standing atop our dreams left in rubble

Pay close attention, 

this new world we’re building, you know it’s no joke

Ayy, bringing our ideals to life,

the scales of justice, tipping like a see-saw, in constant imbalance

(Escape) from this stagnant world

Look,

I don’t pin my hopes on imperfection

Before emotion starts to creep in,

my hardware shuts down all on it’s own

Incompatible

That’s my inherent mindset

Take these efficient internal specs,

and my tech and put them in my pocket,

then I take off

Paint all the walls anew and start over

Tear it all down and build it up again everywhere

We have no choice but to fight, so let's prove ourselves,

and break outta here

Break outta here

Break outta here

Break outta here

Break everything and 

return to blank, ah ah ah

Now how ya feel?

We’re here to rescue you all

And scrap and build

Hear our inevitable flow

Who’s gonna kill?

This world already twisted beyond repair

Break everything and

return to blank, ah ah ah

All I want is good vibes, 

and to make some good music,

that brings everyone closer

Oh, and I want karaage!

Yes I want it

Pick it up with my antenna,

if it’s fun, who cares how many terabytes?

My storage space is a black hole,

so give me more, I want it all

Don’t wanna be a stereotype,

or end up as someone’s puppet

Now there’s nothing I could ever want

Spinning a tale with our soothing melodies

Inefficiency will always get you tangled in a mess

But don’t lose your composure, it’s not funny

So we’ll start anew, tear it down again

You try, but you can’t measure it, you got it

Paint all the walls anew and start over

Tear it all down and build it up again everywhere

We have no choice but to fight, so let's prove ourselves,

and break outta here

Break outta here

Break outta here

Break outta here

Break everything and 

return to blank, ah ah ah

Now how ya feel?

We’re here to rescue you all

And scrap and build

Hear our inevitable flow

Who’s gonna kill?

This world already twisted beyond repair

Break everything and

return to blank, ah ah ah

How ya feel? Still unseen,

our new world, scrap and build

What goes around comes around

Happiness is the best feeling now!

Time’s over, feel my aura

How’s that? Come closer

Sitting in my throne, my words like blades, 

piercing right through you

We’ll purify everything

It’s no doubt

Break outta here

Break outta here

Break outta here

Break everything and 

return to blank, ah ah ah

Now how ya feel?

We’re here to rescue you all

And scrap and build

Hear our inevitable flow

Who’s gonna kill?

This world already twisted beyond repair

Break everything and

return to blank, ah ah ah

–

♡ TRANSLATION NOTES ♡

[1] Before emotion starts to creep in, my hardware shuts down all on it’s own

Lit. Before unstable emotions enter my field of view, my existence shuts itself down

Couldn't get the 'existence' part to feel natural at all, so I've kept with the technology theme this song has in the translation to convey the same message.

[erabundus]

anonymous &&. said... I love seeing Ren’s interactions with characters from other worlds. Would Ren travel to worlds outside of Teyvat if given the chance?

oh  he  absolutely  would  —  not  necessarily  for  the  purposes  of  meeting  anyone  else,  though.  (  i  think  we  all  know  just  how  much  ren  loves  socializing  at  this  point.  )  he's  expressed  time  and  time  again  that  he  sees  teyvat  as  a  prison,  and  generally  doesn't  elaborate  much  more  beyond  that.  the  thing  about  ren  is  that  while  he  is  very  straightforward  and  honest,  he  also  lies  a  lot  by  omission  —  or  by  purposefully  leaving  out  crucial  bits  of  information  that  lead  others  to  draw  incorrect  conclusions.  so  while  he  talks  about  teyvat  as  a  prison  and  those  who  inhabit  it  as  prisoners,  it's  incredibly  easy  for  one  to  assume  he's  merely  being  his  usual  dreary  self  and  speaking  in  metaphor.  however,  he's  being  completely  serious  —  teyvat  IS  a  prison,  and  he  would  absolutely  try  to  escape  it  if  given  the  opportunity.  (  grab  the  handful  of  people  who  matter  to  him  and  LEAVE.  )  scaramouche  basically  wanted  to  raze  everything  to  the  ground  and  start  anew;  ren  just  wants  nothing  to  do  with  it  anymore.

i  feel  like  in  general  ren  is  someone  who  is  well  aware  of  a  lot  of  absolutely  crucial  information  about  the  nature  of  the  world  that  may  drive  others  to  a  full-blown  existential  crisis  —  but  he's  at  a  point  in  his  life  where  he's  been  so  battered  and  burnt  out  by  his  own  trauma  that  he  doesn't  have  it  in  him  to  care  much  about  the  bigger  picture  anymore.  the  stars  are  fake  and  other  such  pleasant  reveals,  but  that's  someone  else's  problem  to  worry  about;  he  needs  to  focus  on  sorting  out  the  mess  in  his  own  head  before  he  can  even  consider  getting  worked  up  about  that  again.  it  ties  into  how  he's  an  incredibly  selfish  person  at  his  very  core.

it  also  doesn't  help  that  teyvat  is  genuinely  NOT  made  for  him.  it's  a  world  where  everything  is  temporary  —  even  those  who  are  purportedly  immortal  will  erode  eventually.  meanwhile  he  is  a  being  specifically  created  to  resist  that;  at  the  end  of  everything,  ren  will  persist  when  the  oceans  dry  up  and  the  mountains  crumble  down  to  smooth  earth.  whether  he  wants  to  or  otherwise.  (  that  element  of  existential  horror  is  always  lurking  in  the  back  of  his  mind.  )  it's  a  fate  he  is  as  terrified  of  as  he  is  quietly  resigned  to  it  —  because  unless  he  can  find  a  way  to  escape  teyvat,  escape  this  fleeting  prison,  he's  bound  to  be  trapped  when  it  all  eventually  comes  to  an  end  around  him.  his  mind  perfectly  preserved,  his  body  effectively  unkillable.  it's  a  reoccurring  theme  that  he's  neither  mortal  nor  god,  but  rather  something  that  holds  qualities  of  both  while  being  entirely  unique  in  his  own  right.  he  doesn't  fit  in  this  world;  he  was  purposefully  made  to  get  around  its  laws.

i  think  he  would  ultimately  be  a  lot  happier  anywhere  other  than  teyvat  —  beyond  the  immortality  issue,  there's  also  the  plethora  of  horrible  experiences  that  haunt  him  at  every  turn.  the  difficult  part  is  actually  getting  there.

[stitchthesewords]

Any specific part of Iskall and Vault Hunters that you are feeing particularly normal about? Because I am very normal about the names of vault gems and vault gem ores. Also Iskall and the Vault Hunters sounds like a really cool band name.

Alas, dear anon, I have taken my Total Normalcy in a completely different direction. Observe.

Etho's hand was soft where it found itself just under the hem of Iskall's shirt. This was home. This was familiar. He nudged Etho's mask down, eyes tracing over the scar that went through his lip before leaning in for a kiss. Etho's lips were soft, pliable, and all Iskall could her was that his beard wasn't too itchy.

The cold seeping out from his gut was like waking up because he started falling. The familiar bite of something sharp buried in his stomach as the eyes of his loved one stared back at him. For a moment he couldn’t process anything but Etho’s face. A whimper made itself known past his lips, unable to ask the question he so wanted the answer to; ‘why?’

Iskall collapsed, the ground never coming to meet his body. Instead he fell past a cascade of familiar faces, familiar hands, feeling as cuts rained down upon his body as the hermits had their fill for blood. That was the only reason he was here. Bloodlust.

Iskall sat up in his bed, the quiet and desolate moon casting long shadows on the room. He clutched his chest, the other hand coming up to rub over his good eye. These nightmares were depriving him of much needed sleep. Ah well, there was always another day as he crawled free from the comforter to begin anew. To find better comfort in the arms of his lovers.

----

“You look exhausted,” Etho said, huffing and pushing some of Iskall’s hair out of his eyes. A tired chuckled pushed out of Iskall and dissipated into Etho’s chest. Iskall pressed his head just up into Etho’s neck, just a bit, feeling the soft fabric of his mask/shirt rub against his forehead.

“I feel exhausted, I suppose,” he replied. Iskall cleared his throat and turned to press a kiss into the underside of Etho’s cheek. “And - while this has been nice, I really need to get back out there...there’s so many missing still, and – Bdubs and Cleo need more materials to make half this base even useable.” He sighed and tried to lean away from Etho, but that masked man’s hand found its way to the back of Iskall’s head and held him in place.

“We’re all capable of doing things on our own, Iskall...You don’t have to do everything. Let them work, let yourself rest just a little bit longer.”

“The longer I rest, the longer someone stays trapped.”

He moved, just slightly, in Etho’s arms to look at the man’s face. Even with his mouth hidden, Iskall could see how worried he looked. “You won’t be any good to someone exhausted in one of those vaults...The two of us barely made it out when you saved me, how are you supposed to help someone in the state you’re in. Rest, let them build, let us work, let us help,” Etho shook his head as he spoke, his mouth pressed into Iskall’s forehead and the words escaping around the skin. Iskall took a deep breath, angry that he couldn’t really argue with that logic.

“...Only for a bit. Only for a bit, until I feel like getting back on my feet,” he muttered. Etho shuffled to free one of his hands and pull his mask down, wanting to kiss Iskall without the barrier in the way. He was beautiuful, was all Iskall could think as Etho dragged him up to give him a real kiss, one with all the love and support pulled into it the other man could muster.

He ended with his head rested on Etho’s shoulder and the sound of Cleo and Bdubs working outside broken up by the sounds of wind and wildlife before finally closing his eyes and letting himself be taken by warm, comfortable slumber. The first real sleep Iskall got since this ordeal began

----

"Wh-BDUBS- Oh my god-" Etho untangled one arm from where he pulled Iskall to safety in order to wrap it around Bdubs. His moss cloak was tattered and it looked patched up, but as far as Etho could tell, bdubs was okay. The shorter man scrambled to press as close to him as possible and it registered, as everyone talked over each other, that bdubs was thanking Iskall like his very life depended on it. Iskall, slumped into Etho's side, gave a small smile and a thumbs up. "I had to keep him from going into the vaults," Iskall muttered into Etho's shoulder. Etho couldn't answer, mouth blocked by bdubs's own, two small hands cradling his cheeks in desperation

----

"I'm going with you! The vaults can be run cooperatively and we have a better chance with two people going!" False snapped a stick and threw it over her shoulder as she spoke, watching the two ends disappear into the vault portal she blocked Iskall from accessing. "Then two people might die instead of just one! There's no point-" iskall huffed, trying and failing yet again to move around her. False was quick, stepping in from of him and shouldering him back from the portal. "Not gonna work on me, bud. I know what I'm getting into! I have all the same supplies you have. Let's do this together." False blew some hair from her face as Iskall started to argue. She felt the need to roll her eyes, looking back at the multichromatic swirls emminating from the portal itself. It felt like she was looking at her own stomach. With a deep breath in, iskall still trying to argue with her, she turned on her ankle and dived through before he could stop her.

[rachell-redacted]

Reason I hate The Theory of Everything Machine plot device in TTP2:

1. It postulates a lot of difficult philosophical questions, often doing this last minute and\or haphazardly. For this I assume that if there's no in-game discussion of the statement we should take it as lore accurate. So, let's go. Having the theory of everything assumes the universe is cognizable and follows some sort of logic. Both are big ifs in the real world and we are loosing freedom of interpretation on this.

Moreover, Athena says she can calculate anything besides human behaviour, which means that being sentient is something transcendental in this universe. If we run the numbers it turns out robots/humans must work outside of physics for this to be true and oh boy. For one, it's a huge thing to imply five minutes before the ending. Also remember the game's name? The Talos Principle, a philosophical doctrine that says you are a machine tied to the material world? Yeah, this goes out the window with clear signs of dualism being true in this world. Way to go, dear writers.

2. The theory of everything takes away robot\human agency. This is a short one. The physics is solved! Its universal manipulation is achieved! That's it, science as a field goes out the window too, no more scientific research, no nothing. Maybe someone can do Somnodrome research, but with it being mostly complete (by Athena)... uh oh.

3. Discovering the theory and making it work makes Athena a literal goddess. She has no chance to escape her Founder narrative because she literally is the chosen one, the specialest girl alive. She is the one who started the new race. She is the one who started the civilization anew. She had solved physics, she had created the first child. She literally robbed her fellow robots of scientific work and of any chance to make an impact here by running away and keeping her research secret. Why? Because the plot needed magical construction powers. Way to go.

As it stands Athena looks like the only sentient one, and all of her creations are just talking puppets because in a thousand years they were unable to do what two and a half people did in like what, hundred years? Great decision.

4. Magical theory of everything looks bad for the message of the game. Ttp2 is intentionally as hopeful and un-nihilistic as possible. It is a message, not a question, and it wants to tell us that the change and positive growth are possible. But it does this using an all-powerful macguffin which undermines the message significantly. The robot society didn't find the solution for their problems together — Athena did. The society haven't decided if it's good enough to use it — 1k did. So game's own message, the thing because of which the theory of everything even came to the plot, goes out the window (again).

No one will solve climate change for us. No one will stop all wars by pressing a button. Painting a picture where utopia is possible only if magic is discovered is dystopian in itself. It's ironic, because the first game was so good with this! IAN project was a last ditch effort to save humanity by hundreds of people and it worked! Solo Athena with her magical theory just looks bad.

5. The theory of everything plot concludes in forced, no-impact endings. The trichotomy is a lie! With this particular solution there's absolutely no point in choosing anything in the end. It just doesn't matter in the long run! If you choose to leave the machine be, someone will just get inside and make it work because they can. If you destroy everything... guess what, Athena is alive and the physics was solved! Someone will get the Somnodrome tech, kidnap Athena and take the schematic for the machine from the source :) While someone else will work their shiny metal ass off and recreate everything because it was shown to be possible and requiring two and a half people to achieve. Also they have scans.

I think that's enough for now, no one will probably read this either way. But if you did, thank you for coming to my Ted talk. Turns out I'm still amazed by how fumbled ttp2 feels.

[reinathevocaloid]

A Giramie Playlist!

Centuries - Fall Out Boy

Some legends are told Some turn to dust or to gold But you will remember me Remember me for centuries

King - Lauren Aquilina

You've got it all You lost your mind in the sound There's so much more, you can reclaim your crown You're in control Rid of the monsters inside your head Put all your faults to bed You can be king again

War of Change - Thousand Foot Krutch

Wait, it's just about to break, it's more than I can take Everything's about to change I feel it in my veins, it's not going away Everything's about to change

Road Not Taken - Stray Kids

I go on a path that has never been stepped on Not the main path, but my own Even if I can't see the future anymore I'll step out, throw myself out fearlessly Run and run without a regret Even if it's suffocating, I will never stop

See Who I Am - Within Temptation

See who I am Break through the surface Reach for my hand Let's show them that we can Free our minds and find a way The world is in our hands This is not the end

Flares - The Script

But did you see the flares in the sky? Were you blinded by the light? Did you feel the smoke in your eyes? Did you, did you? Did you see the sparks filled with hope? You are not alone 'Cause someone's out there, sending out flares

Spider - HOSHI

Can't breathe When you look at mе, when you look at me I shiver all over When you touch me, when you touch me You tie me up like a spider We're tangled up, we can't escape Like a spider, I enjoy this puzzle Pretend to hate it baby, I still like it baby

Spit It Out - IAMX

When you're in pieces Just follow the echo of my voice It's okay Tune into that frequency

Heavy In Your Arms - Florence + The Machine

I was a heavy heart to carry But he never let me down When he held me in his arms My feet never touched the ground

Can't Pretend - Tom Odell

Love, I have wounds Only you can mend You can mend, oh, oh, oh I guess that's love I can't pretend

Dusk Till Dawn - ZAYN & Sia

I'll hold you when things go wrong I'll be with you from dusk till dawn

Umbrella (Cover) - All Time Low

When the sun shines, we'll shine together Told you I'll be here forever Said I'll always be your friend Took an oath, I'ma stick it out to the end Now that it's raining more than ever Know that we'll still have each other You can stand under my umbrella

Stay - The People's Thieves

I'm only Just strong enough I'm Just strong enough I'm Slowly sinking through the ground below So hold me Just long enough to Just long enough to Show me How to find my way back home

The Author - Roosberg

If you feel like a stranger in your tale, not much to offer Yeah, know that you're the one to change your story Change your story Yeah, you're the author for it Change your story, write your story

Ready Now - Dodie

You saw through me All this time I'd forgotten People are kind I was hurting And you knew So you showed me What to do You said, "I will listen Tell it all When you're finished We'll talk more" But I didn't know how So we took it in turns And to my surprise We found my words

True Colors - Kesha and Zedd

All my life, one page at a time I'll show you my, my true colors No-no, no-no, I won't apologize For the fire in my eyes Let me show you my, my true colors It ain't your rainbow

The Quiet - Imogen Heap

In the time that it takes, for a smile to cross the room In the time that it takes, to be finally understood In the time that it takes from being one of us to two It's the time it takes the moon to rise, we can start anew, let's win at life again Oh silent world, rest assured that love lies beyond words

[vampire-chokehold]

land of monsters and gods

preface the thing lay still

▶ Her eyes were still open. It was, in fact, the only thing she could move at that moment. The pain was immense, and she had no breath left. Everyone was dead, although there was only one death that truly mattered to her. In front of her, after the direct and forceful strike of Akko wielding Santa Markovia's femur, Strahd had fallen to his knees. With the little strength he had left, he transformed into mist to return to his coffin, where, with a stroke of luck neither of them had, he would regenerate and end the battle. Sweat on his forehead dripping on either side of his face, his previously tied-back hair dishevelled and blood-soaked, strands sticking to his forehead. Remnants of other people splattered on the once immaculate armour, blood tracing constellations on the gleaming metal. His defeated figure, agonizing, the incessant gasps to cling to what was already impossible. She couldn't erase the image from her mind.

Then, footsteps shattered the silence in the tower. She knew it was the moment, but she was surprised when she saw Akko's figure looming over her. She couldn't see him well because her eyes were filled with tears. And his were too. Were his tears of sorrow? Or were they also of anger, like hers? He should have been happy, ecstatic, beside himself. Finally, all the promises would be fulfilled. Forgiveness was his forever. Why was Akko crying? Why was he looking at her like that?

They locked eyes for a few seconds, silently conveying all the things left unsaid. She didn't apologize, she had no kind words for him. Only curses escaped her. If she could have bitten her own tongue, she would have poisoned herself. He didn't apologize either for what he was about to do.

Akko pulled out the stake that Ezmerelda had given him. The wood felt smooth in his hand. He brought the tip close to the vampire's chest and held it there, their gazes still lost in each other's eyes. He hesitated, oh how he hesitated. She had been his friend, his adventure companion. They had experienced the worst moments of their lives together, as well as some of the best. But hesitation could never turn into forgiveness because she was stained with the blood of too many people.

A lightning bolt split the sky in two, and for a moment, the darkness in Barovia turned into light. She felt the thunder reverberate inside her as if it had shattered her as well, the shockwave reaching the ends of her body. Her fate was the same as Strahd's; their deaths had been sealed practically from the beginning. Everything had to have an end in order to start anew. They were bound together forever.

A sharp pain began to well up from her chest where her heart no longer beat. The stake had plunged deep, tearing through her skin. The blood remained still as if nothing had happened. As if every cell in her body was on fire, she felt her skin peel away and dissolve, her muscles and bones disintegrating. Akko took a few steps back, leaving the wood to sink into her body. A single tear slid down her face and onto the satin pillow of the coffin. Absolute and complete silence.

Nothing remained of what had once been the tiefling.

The horror that she had been was no more.

Akko leaned over to look inside the coffin. A dark silver ring with a ruby at its centre shimmered almost magically. When he held it between his fingers, he saw thick blood within the precious stone. A symbol of eternal love, a love that had to be destroyed at all costs. He tucked it into his pocket. It was not a decision to be made without consulting his friends.

On his way to the door, he noticed the book resting open on a worn wooden table covered in torn and crumpled papers. He approached hesitantly because he knew it was not the time to investigate, but curiosity had always driven him to make questionable decisions. In cursive handwriting, he read the first lines of what seemed to be a diary.

PÉNTEK, TWELFTH MOON, 735

With his hands on my shoulders, we gazed at the picture of our future unfolding before us. In the darkness of the night, the campfires were mere orange dots scattered among the mountains. Silence reigned, but the next day the roads to our castle would be filled with all kinds of voices. Some would exclaim with joy, others with terror. I would hear yours among the rest of the commoners and instantly know that you had come to kill me. Hatred and rage are hard to swallow; they are always heard in words.

Nadia, will you come to my wedding too, or will you flee as you always do when things get ugly? It's okay; you don't have to be ashamed of your cowardice. I am too, a coward. My life has been a continuous forward escape. But that ends tomorrow. There is no more path to tread, and this time I won't jump off the cliff. I am ready to embrace my destiny.

"I'm proud of you, Vepharlim. I've finally found someone on my level. There are no more doubts. It's you."

He didn't want to read any further. His friend's words pierced his gut like thousands of knives. In that instant, he decided that his friends wouldn't know about the existence of that tome. The wound that Vepharlim had left in their hearts would take time to heal, but with her death, it had already begun to mend. Akko took the diary and put it in his backpack.

For the first time in a long while, unafraid of what awaited him outside, Akko left the tower, leaving behind a coffin that would never be occupied again.

A FEW YEARS LATER

Waterdeep hadn't changed much despite the years passing quickly and without respite. Its streets were still bustling with people of all kinds, regardless of the time, and the Yawning Portal Inn was no exception. Inside, people drank and chatted, laughter and commotion filling the place with a cheerful atmosphere that was always well received by both customers and staff. It seemed like it was going to be a calm night.

At a table near the door, Akko had left a jug of mead and a book with pages tinged red. He wrote thoughtfully along the edges of the pages with barely legible handwriting. His free hand held his head, the hair that was now slightly longer falling between his fingers. His glasses were starting to slip down his nose a bit. When he lifted his head to adjust them, he saw a diverse group entering the inn. Instantly, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He saw Nadia, Sabriel, Galánidas, and even Vepharlim in them. The group of boys and girls came in laughing, with the one in the front recounting a tale that the rest found terribly funny. When they sat at one of the more secluded tables, a man with a questionable appearance approached them.

Akko had unconsciously followed them with his gaze. Intrigued, he stood up to eavesdrop on their conversation. He could only catch the last part when the man asked them to take a carriage to Barovia. Those words sounded too familiar to him. A succession of images began to appear in his mind, memories of what felt like a past life. It felt as if it burned him, so he took out the ring he had worn around his neck since that day when they managed to break the curse. He took off the pendant and examined the ruby very carefully. It was empty. The blood that had once filled the stone was no longer there.

His chest tightened, and he heard Nadia's words in his head. Perhaps they should have listened to her and destroyed it as soon as it came into their possession. Was it possible that the curse still haunted the poor inhabitants of Barovia? Had it all been in vain? No. Even if the curse had returned, there was no reason to lose hope. He now possessed not only vast magical knowledge but something even more valuable: Vepharlim's own words. He took out the diary that had always accompanied him, just like the ring, and slammed it on the table in front of the group of adventurers.

"If you're going to Barovia, I'll accompany you. But first, you have to read this tome. It is of vital importance that you do."

One of the girls looked at Akko very seriously and dragged the diary towards herself. Its brown leather cover had slightly bent corners from use. She looked back at Akko, who hadn't averted his gaze and now had both hands resting on the table, expectant. She opened the diary and began to read.

masterlist