#ohhh this story is so GOOD. i LOVE how dark it is

[ilions-end]

i got a little mixed up so when i finished book XI i sat in chilled silence believing for several moments that THAT was the ending of the thebaid. just amazingly bleak. creon back on the throne ("a wretched end to the war: for him had the brothers fought!"), everyone else either dead or banished or fleeing.

i'm sure the real finale is gonna be neat (ie haunting and depressing), but join me in my world where, for a moment, THIS was the final verse of the epic:

Meanwhile, defeated Pelasgi [Argives] steal away from the walls of doom—no man follows his own leader, his own banner; they go, silent and straggling. No glorious death but a life of shame they cling to, and homecomings to make a man blush. Night favors the fugitives, holding them close in her welcome dark.

[ifyoucandaniel]

I want to thank you for making your list of recommended long batfam fics. I have been making my way through it and I am really enjoying them! ESPECIALLY cards on the table (I also love Dark Matter but I had already read it). Please let us know if you ever get more long batfam fic recs 🥺

okay so ive been waiting to answer this until i had gathered a good chunk of new long fics and ive been getting a lot of similar messages asking for recommendations, so here is another list of my fav long batman fics!

Jason and the Three Terrors by @cdelphiki, 220k, ongoing, T. if i can get you to read one thing, let it be this. ohhh my god where to even begin, this is a fic where jason stays with the league after his dip in the lazarus pit for a little while and winds up being charged with getting damian, his cousin, and his sister out of the league safely. this fic is just so fucking good, cdelphiki always writes such seamless relationship growth and watching jason go from "im dropping these brats off first chance i get" to "im a single mother of three and i need to provide for my kids" is phenomenal. 1000/10, the writing, the kids, the relationships, please do yourself a favor and read this.

A Collision of Masks by Movaz, 169k, completed, T. !! guys. this is such a good dick grayson-centric fic. this is set in an AU where batman never joined the justice league so the justice league knows very little about batman inc. and consequently dick never joins YJ so the YJ team is tasked with checking out a new hero called nightwing in bludhaven and police officer grayson is tasked with helping the team in their investigation :) really good fic exploring dick juggling all his identities and finally gaining people he can rely on! i actually did a bind of it so you know i love this story so much

Life Happens by @cdelphiki, 176k, complete, G. ok so this fic is probably one of the most beautiful stories of growth and love i've read. its about tim and damian being transported from their world into ours where they're only comic book characters and they start to build a life for themselves here. cdelphiki is one of the most amazing authors, im currently going through all of their works, but this one has just stayed with me and i dont think anyone should pass it up. watching tim and damian grow together and seeing damian have a real childhood and just the whole concept of life happening wether you want it to or not is so beautifully done. cannot recommend enough.

Honoring Promises by LananiA3O, completed, 14k, T. okay this isnt actually a long fic, but its one of my favorite fics ever and i need it on this list. if you're like me and you love UTRH aus where instead of sticking around as red hood after bruce threw a batarang at his throat jason fucks off and disappears to live a normal life, this is for you. from dick's pov, he realizes jasons last letter was a last attempt at reaching out and stalks him until he finds out what really happened to his little brother. i think about this every day and wish it was 10000 words long

The Time Before by @cdelphiki, 80k, completed, G. at this point this is basically just a cdelphiki fic rec lmao when i said everything by them was good, i meant that shit. this is a fic where jason is sent back into time when he was 9 years old but still has all his memories from the future. he goes to bruce for help despite wanting to do literally anything else and is surprised to realize maybe everything isn't how he remembers it 10 years in the future and maybe theres a chance he can go home when hes older again. once again cdelphiki hitting me in the feels with this one, really amazing study on how time and pain can change how you perceive and remember things and also just forgiveness and fixing mistakes and accepting mistakes were made. very good, highly recommend

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors by Sophene, 80k, completed, batlantern, T. I have no excuse for this, this is such a fun and funny fic i love it so much. basically HOA president single dad bruce with his 10 million adopted kids and then hal jordan moves in next door and plays his music too loud at 10pm on a school night and throws parties and bruce has a stick up his ass about it. i really really love the shift in hal when kyle comes to live with him as his ward (? i cant actually remember if hes adopted or just a ward) and seeing him finally understand why bruce acts the way he does when it comes to his kids. also seeing bruce just being a tired dad 90% of the fic when he isnt glaring at hal is so good.

Option C by CasualGeek, 78k, completed, T. this has, in my opinion, a very unique and interesting premise. basically, what if instead of becoming red hood, jason comes back to gotham and manages to get Joker put on trial for the murder of sheila haywood and get the insanity plea thrown out. really interesting approach to batman and joker and jason technically doing things through the legal justice system and what that means for him and the people around him. very good, read it all in one sitting

butcherbird, fly away home by e_va, 41k, completed, M. lost days jason todd loml! basically what if when jason was off on his world tour one of his tutors kidnapped bruce wayne and jason has feelings about it against his will. "what if lost days jason was stuck in the same room as a sick bruce for more than 10 minutes and actually had to talk to him without punching him" AU and i throughly enjoyed it. @darlingatlas recommended this one and she never misses with the jason recs

this kind of weather by r_astra, 55k, completed, T. this is the fic something in the static was originally inspired by and if you know me, i love that series, and i love this fic too. another what if jasons mom didnt die until later and social services gets involved before he can bolt and bruce seeks him out with some very interesting news. i love fics that display jason’s relationship with crime alley and him being one of them. very good, i love jason so much

ok now these aren't actually long fics but i need to get them out here because i love them so much and highly recommend!

To My Brother by a_silly_gander, 7k, completed, T. Lost days jason au where he starts sending post cards from his travels to dick on a whim while we follow his time away and the people he meets. i love this one so much, please read it if you love jason and dick, its so special to me.

Enhanced Fashion Sense is a Perk of Being a Cat by 12pt_timesnewromanfont, 23k, complete, G. selina breaks into drake manor to steal a cat artifact and accidentally meets the drakes ten year old son they left home alone. then she starts keeping tabs on him and eventually adopts him and makes him stray. i really love selina finding tim before bruce and taking care of him <3 10/10 i wish selina would adopt me

[hopelesslygaysstuff]

totally get it! that makes perfect sense, thank you for telling me :)

that sounds like a fire fic! i seem to have missed a whole chapter cause this is like the first time i‘ve heard about you writing this fic but apparently you‘ve mentioned lots about it already? 😭 where was my brain when i was going through your blog smh

ohhh how did you like wicked?

sooo i sm kind of having something i‘ve labelled christmas depression and wanted to ask if you maybe could write some headcanons?

wanda has a big family and every christmas they have these big gatherings you always see in movies. since reader is her partner she wants them to tag along. reader is a little reluctant to go, because their family never had these big gatherings, because everyone kind of hated each other. christmas was never something special for them, just a random day like any other, just with sone presents. wanda is determined to get them to like christmas.

reader had always yearned for these dreamy family gatherings at christmas, so their just anxious that they’ll fuck something up or something.

cause this is what happens in my family, and i am fucking YEARNING for one of those big gatherings from christmas movies. just ONCE IN MY LIFE PLS. it’s kinda pathetic but because i don’t have that, i hate christmas movies cause they make me get emotional idk

x🧡 omg this feels like the weirdest ask i’ve ever send. feel totally free to ignore idk

ofc! and LOL yes i've mentioned it a few times but dw i talk about a lot of things on here it's okay that you missed it!! and yeah... hopefully it should be done for you guys but idk how to continue the story to get to the smut part idk i'm losing motivation and creativity

I LOVED wicked omg i cried it was so good and i just love theatre in general so seeing that musical on screen in movie format was really exciting for me

I gotchu, darling.

Wanda is super gentle with you, but not in a condescending way, more of a romantic i-love-you sort of way

She makes you wear a matching sweater with her, yours is dark green and hers is dark red, and she puts peppermint mocha in your coffee with whipped cream on top

Wanda makes sure to include many presents for you, both for your own private celebration, and presents for you to open with her family.

She also ensured that her family members (who you've met many times before, and they absolutely adore you) get you presents

You were very nervous about buying presents for them, not wanting to pick the wrong type of gift, and Wanda helps you, assuring you that her family will love anything you get them

Wanda and you spend the day before the family get together watching Christmas movies and making cookies and sweets to bring over

She holds your hand the entire car ride over, singing along to the Christmas songs on the radio as you begin to relax, your matching red and green nail polish shining

Her family is as wonderful as ever, and you gratefully accept some peppermint schnapps in your hot chocolate as Wanda's mother winks at you and pours some in her own mug

Wanda prefers mimosa's, and her family does a huge toast before lunch to thank everyone for celebrating with them

The meals are delicious, candles lit everywhere and faint Christmas music playing the entire day, and the laughter and conversation never stops

You get overwhelmed a few times, your heart swelling with happiness and a slight longing and sadness that you'd never gotten to experience this before, and Wanda's father hugs you and tells you that you're already part of the family, of course you're going to be welcomed to every celebration

Of course, you cry after that, happy tears of course. Wanda hugs you right after her father lets go, and her mother comes up to rub your back gently (I fear I may also have family issues oopsie)

You can't believe the amount of presents you receive, and you blush at the gratitude her family displays when they open your gifts to them

The day ends with the little ones all put to bed, and the cookies and milk to Santa and carrots for his reindeer all set up by the fireplace. You and Pietro giggle as you take careful bites from the cookies and carrots, and he swallows half the milk before grinning at you with a milk mustache

You sleep over that night in Wanda's childhood bedroom, after watching a Christmas movie with the rest of the adults who were still awake, your heart full as you thank her over and over again

Wanda assures you that you're family, and you'll always have a place in their home for Christmas ♡

[s-4pphics]

no title just horny

i love kissing!!! there i said it!!! kissing is so hot n sexy!!! my secrets out!!! 

This is not proofread i did this in 10 mins sowwie

based on this and this LOL THE DARKNESS TOOK OVER

wc;cw: 1.2k, weed so dubcon!!, threeway kissing, hints at voyeur!ellie, dina’s so hot, i’m in love w them, descriptions of fucking MDNI!!!!, based on a true story UHHHH OHHH

you stubbed your blunt out on the ashtray as you rolled your eyes at the two idiots sitting in front of you. 

“sometimes, kissing is better than sex, youre just annoying.” 

you didn’t think inviting your two closest friends over to hotbox in your small bathroom would result in a fifteen-minute debate on how ellie thought kissing wasn’t that great. 

you continued as you filled your grinder, crushing your bud in preparation to roll up again, “you just haven’t kissed people that actually know how to kiss, end of fucking sto— “

ellie, leant back against your counter cabinets, stared at you with annoyance on her face as she picked at her lip, her eyes bloodshot. she cut you off, “bitch, that’s not true! my ex was a great kisser, it just didn’t do much for me when we were dating! there’s nothing wrong with that!” 

“you guys are blowing my high, shut the fuck up already,” dina cut in, propped back against the wall with a bored look on her face, her elbows resting on her arched knees. 

ellie turned to the dark-haired girl, “dude, it’s her fault! she brought it up!” 

your brows furrowed at her, “no the fuck i didn— “

dina snatched the grinder from you and grabbed a new wrap, “just make out.” 

“what?”

you and ellie stared at dina with shock-ridden faces, your red eyes peeled open as far they could be. 

did the fog surrounding you just get heavier?

“i said make out,” dina packed her blunt, completely unmoved by her proposition. “you both have points you wanna make, make out and decide who’s right. plus, i need entertainment for when i smoke this.” 

the misty bathroom was completely silent, your eyes wandering nervously, purposely avoiding ellie’s. you looked down at the furry rug as your face burned. 

you heard dina huff before she shuffled next to you, moving the ashtray to the side, and scooting closer to both of you. 

you finally looked up at her, finding that she’d been staring at you already. you saw her eyes flicker down to your lips before coming back up to meet yours again. you did the same as your gut swirled, butterflies in your stomach. 

“wanna show her how good it can be?” she whispered to you, and you saw ellie stiffen out the corner of your eye. she said nothing, and you nodded. 

she smirked, her relaxed body leaning in closer, so your faces were inches apart. dina licked her lips, and you felt your walls tighten when her tongue barely brushed against your lips. she brushed her nose against yours, and you both laughed quietly. 

she moved in like she was finally going to kiss you and your eyes fluttered shut, but she only brushed her lips against yours, making your breath catch in your throat. you felt her grin. 

you leaned forward, but she moved away. you could hear ellie’s breathing get heavier. you almost forgot

she was here. dina moved closer to you as you squirmed. 

you could barely get your whisper out, “please kiss me, pleas— “

her soft lips cut you off, molding against yours almost too perfectly. you released a pleased sigh, and you heard ellie gasp as she watched. 

you and dina’s kiss swiftly went from soft, curious pecks to deep, eager rolls of tongue, sliding across one another as your mouths moved in harmony. 

you both were making small noises in satisfaction, and you heard a hand come up to hold your cheek gently, dina’s thumb caressing your jaw. 

her hands were so soft, and she smelt like a rose garden. you pushed closer to her, your hand moving on autopilot and coming up to grab the back of her neck. you felt her move closer. 

you heard shuffling that wasn’t from either of you, and you smirked knowingly into the kiss. you think you got ellie; you hoped you got her. 

you felt a hand on your clothed thigh, rubbing it up and down, and you squeezed them together. your nipples were rock hard in your longue bra, and you brought your other hand up to massage them. you heard ellie whine to herself next to you. you gripped your tit tighter for her. 

dina sucked your lip into her mouth, her hand coming up to wrap around your neck, her thumb digging into the side of it before reconnecting your lips. 

you suddenly felt gentle pecks on your neck, her hand squeezing up and down your thigh. dina pulled away and released your throat, grabbing ellie by her small bun, pulling her off you and connecting their lips in a hot kiss. 

you shuffled closer to watch intensely, grabbing the back of their necks and holding them still. 

their mouths moved with urgency, like they wanted to swallow each other whole, wet smacks filling the room. you could see ellie releasing drool on dina’s tongue whenever it slid over hers, your tummy was in knots. 

ellie was so into dina, moaning into her mouth, touching her tits through her shirt, and you looked down to see her toes curling in her black, fuzzy socks. dina allowed ellie to do whatever, touch her wherever, lead the kiss how she wanted, and somehow she was still in charge. 

she pulled away gently, placing a hand on ellie’s shoulder to stop her from chasing her mouth, “wanna kiss her, baby?” 

ellie suddenly looked shy, her cheeks fiery red. she blinked slow like a kitten, and you saw her throat move when she gulped hard. 

dina smirked. “yeah? you can if you want to, she wants it.” 

you nodded quickly in agreement, luring ellie to kiss you with puppy eyes. you want her to kiss you dumb, kiss you brainless. you’re getting so wet, and you need her to fix it!

ellie leaned towards you, and you pushed forward in desperation, connecting your lips. she whined just as eagerly in your mouth, her legs squeezing together as she sighed. 

“so fucking cute. like that, babies? like kissing each other like this?” you heard dina purr gently in your ear, and you moaned for her. ellie was louder than you, more needy.

“yeah? needed this, huh? just wanted to touch each other?” 

yesyesyesyes, fuck yes—

ellie sucked your tongue into her mouth, slurping your saliva like she was thirsty for it. you moaned loudly when you felt her lips wrap around your muscle, moving her mouth up and down on it slowly. you had to stop your hips from bucking off the floor. she pulled away and smiled like a fox before reconnecting your lips.

you did grind into the floor when you felt dina’s mouth press against yours and ellie’s, all your tongues moving around together in sloppy flicks. all your drool was connecting your mouths together in weak strings and you needed to fuck them so bad, drill them both deep—

“m’so wet,” you heard ellie whisper against you and dina’s mouths, and you both whined in unison. 

you couldn’t stop the raunchy thoughts from coming to the forefront of your brain, glimpses of potential fucks in the shower, in your bed, on the floor passing in your mind like a racecar. 

… you needed to cum for them! you were going to cum for them!

[starlightshadowsworld]

Bsd except Francis adopted Atsushi. It was originally for Fyodor's plans and his own to find the book.

But as time went on Francis grew to care for Atsushi as his son.

The day he fled with Atsushi and disbanded the Guild was the day Francis saw what Shibusawa was doing to Atsushi.

Atsushi spent the next years growing up in a modest cottage on the outskirts of Yokohama. It was sometimes lonely but his parents were always around and Atsushi loved them dearly.

Zelda was very protective over Atsushi. He was her sweet boy, her light in the darkness. She taught him how to play piano, how to map out stars.

Her darling daughter was everything to her and so is her dear son.

Francis adored him, he taught him how to shoot and self defence. He encouraged Atsushi's love of reading and always bought him a treat whenever they went out.

Both of them were concerned about Atsushi getting a job at the Agency. Especially after hearing how he met Dazai.

Money wasn't an issue of course but both agreed Atsushi couldn't stay inside with them forever. And he really wanted to join the Agency.

Learning about the Presidents ability definitely helped. Prior to that Atsushi spent full moons in a large old barn with his father nearby.

Things went okay for a while, Atsushi was happy and visted home often. Telling his parents about his friends and his adventures.

And while, they were concerned at times they were happy for him. That was until news Atsushi had a bounty came out and it was set by the Guild.

Now Atsushi knew about the Guild. Francis had told his son everything after they left. Even the original reason for his adoption, feeling nothing but guilt and remorse.

To his suprise Atsushi just hugged him and said he was glad because now he knew for sure his dad really cared about him. He hugged him back "I do, I always will."

So news his old organisation was trying to kidnapp his son angered Francis immensely. And hell hath no fury like Zelda Fitzgerald, Francis she was going to kill Fyodor herself.

What a woman.

Atsushi was terrified and his parents reassured him no one was going to dare take him from them.

Francis decides to meet with Fukuzawa, knowing the Agency are investigating this and wanting to help any way he can.

"Apologies, but given this concerns one of our members I'd prefer if everyone was present. Is that alright with you?" Asked Fukuzawa and Francis nodded, taking a seat.

"Of course, it's good to know my son has made such good friends."

"Wait this is about your son?" Asked Dazai making Kunikida sigh loudly. "Dazai, did you not listen to me earlier?!" Dazai grinned widely "nope."

Before Kunikida strangle him, Francis snorted and both turned their attention to him. "So you're Dazai, that definitely explains a lot. And you must be Kunikida."

He went and pointed out each member, correctly identifying them from his sons descriptions. And well, he'd met Kyouka a few times because Atsushi bought her over for dinner.

She waved at him and he waved back.

"And I leave the best for last, my dear boy Atsushi." Atsushi ducked his head "daaaaddd not infront of my friends." But they both knew he didn't mean it.

"Ohhh do you're Atsushi's father" Said Dazai as Kunikida facepalmed. "That I am and proud to be" Said Fitzgerald before becoming serious. "The organisation known as the Guild was one I lead for a number of years."

He told his story, how he went in search of a guide only to find a child. One that wormed his way into his heart and how he'd fled with him.

"I dont know Fyodor's plans, but whoevers running the Guild now is definitely working with him. His organisation is the Rats in the House of Dead."

Kunikida was writing this all down. "Does anyone in your previous organisation keep in contact with you?"

"There's Alcott, Poe as well." At that Ranpo looked up, curious. "That wouldn't happen to be acclaimed author, Edgar Allan Poe would it?"

Francis nodded, suprised he figured it out. "Friend of yours?" Ranpo smirked "something like that."

The meeting soon came to a close, everyone promising to keep Atsushi safe and Francis hugged him goodbye. "He's in good hands" Said Fukuzawa when it was just them.

Francis nodded "I know, I just..." He watches Atsushi smile and laugh with his friends. "I lost one child, I can't bare to lose another."

"And you won't" Said Fukuzawa, something about that made Francis believe him. "If you find the bastard know my wife has dibs on clubbing him in the head."

Fukuzawa chuckled "I'll remember that."

Elsewhere Atsushi shows his friends a picture of him and his parents.

"... So Atsushi are you in need of another father?" Asked Dazai with a smirk. Atsushi beat Kunikida to the punch and shook his mentor fiercely.

"Dazai if you ever ask my mum to commit double suicide with you. I will burn your signed copy of the complete guide to suicide."

"Ah! Not my darling, alright alright I won't."

[frozenmoonshine]

How would TR boys react to you opening up to them about your abusive family

Characters: Mikey, Draken, Baji, Chifuyu, Kazutora, Mitsuya, Sanzu

TWs:

Mentions of traumatic experiences and abuse (nothing too explicit, but if the topic is upsetting for you, please skip this one!)

Insinuated hetero relationship in Baji's case. In other ones, no reader gender is mentioned.

MIKEY

He doesn't understand and can't quite relate, but he's supportive. He hears you out, listening actively, he's soft and loving, and offers moral and emotional support to the best of his ability. He keeps that confident, protective front, assuring you that he's not gonna let anything bad happen to you ever again, and that no one will ever hurt you in any way, as long as he's alive, but deep down he's now petrified with fear of him hurting you himself accidentally, or when he goes into the 'dark impulse' mode. He might get a bit distant for a while afterwards, or treat you like fine porcelain, until Kenchin and Takemicchi set his mind straight.

DRAKEN

It's really hard for him to relate, as he never had any family to begin with, but having heard your story makes him think that he was actually way better off that way, and should have never felt jealous of the kids who had parents! He'll try his best to understand what it must have been like for you, and he'll of course be considerate and empathetic.

"Sorry if my reactions are not appropriate or I don't know what to say, I just can't even imagine what that must be like! I don't want you to carry that burden alone, so please tell me what I can do for you!"

BAJI

Ohhh, he's having a rage fest on your behalf! Your own mother said that to you?! Did that to you?! Naaahh, he's not having any of that! Ryōko has always been strict and stern with him growing up, but no matter how bad he screwed up, she would never ever hit him, or call him names, or threaten to disown him, or anything of that kind. He'd be sooo pissed at your parents for treating you like that, you'd have to physically stop him from calling them from your phone and giving them a piece of his mind! When he's calmed down a bit he takes out his own phone and rings his mom.

"Hey mom, listen! You always wanted a daughter as well, right? How about I bring you one right away?"

"Uhm... Kei, are you aware of the implications of your words just now...?!"

"What. *shrugs* I would've proposed to you anyway."

CHIFUYU

He would just stare in shock, wide-eyed and completely perplexed. Is punching someone's parents ok, even if you've never met them before?! He's devastated and heartbroken by the thought of you going through such horrible experiences, and he's enraged that your own family did that to you. He's also afraid because he doesn't know how to react and how to comfort you in the best way, so in order not to risk hurting your feelings accidentally or triggering you, he just stays silent and pulls you into a loving, comforting embrace. He doesn't know how at this moment, but he will figure it out and make sure that no one ever gives you shit in any way ever again!

KAZUTORA (why is there no yellow highlight option?!)

Fully understands and empathizes 100%! Emotional, verbal, physical, financial... you name the type, he's seen and experienced them all! He'd be like your own personal therapist and support system, all in one! He'd listen carefully to you telling him what you went through and how you feel, and never push you to talk about stuff you are not ready to tell him yet. But he'd always make sure you know he'll always be there to offer comfort and support whenever you need it!

"You never deserved any of that, it was never your fault! You are worthy, you are good enough, there is nothing, and I mean, NOTHING wrong with you, you hear me?! You deserve every bit of love this world has to offer you, and I'll do my part as best as I can!"

*gives the warmest, softest, most protective hugs*

MITSUYA

He'd be a bit of a devil's advocate, telling you that you shouldn't harbor hate for your family, that you should try to look at things from a neutral perspective, to realize that they most likely didn't know any better, and that they had unresolved mental issues of their own, and that's why things happened. But his slightly unorthodox reaction actually helps you heal. He'd also be supportive of your decision to cut the contact with your blood family, as he'd more than gladly welcome you into his! Mana & Luna already count you as family anyway!

HARUCHIYO

Another one who would totally understand, and maybe even get lowkey triggered for your sake! If you still haven't gone no contact with your abuser(s), he'll push you to do it.

"Found family is way more important that the blood relations anyway, you cannot choose those. But you have me as family now! And Taichou, he's your family too! (in the good timeline, he instead says Senju is your family, too) And even Mikey and the rest of the gang, they all see you as family. You don't need those scraps back at your childhood home, stop letting them control you, they don't deserve a place in your life!"

[lesbianoms]

Hihi love your writing and was wondering (if you took prompts) to do more werewolf endo stuff?

Anon I am SO SORRY this took 80 YEARS TO WRITE 😭

It Started with a Sandwich

(Includes soft vore, f/f vore, kink, safe vore/endosoma, gentle/caring pred, werewolf pred, same-size) minors dni!!!

I didn’t know her that well, but she knew me. At least, knew of me.

My college had recently implemented a new kind of "supernatural studies abroad" program; currently, they only offered it as a J-term with limited spots. It served to both teach us about the history of other countries, and to satisfy anyone who was super into fantasy and folklore.

On the night of the deadline, just 5 minutes before midnight, I typed up a rushed essay on a whim... now, here I was, studying old European legends in Romania. It couldn't be helped. I'd always loved the strange.

The woman I watched from across the cobblestone street was our guide. She was not a professor at my school, or a fellow student, or anything like that. Born and raised in Romania, she had shown our small group around, pointing out the tall churches and the intricate, weaving designs of stone atop old castles. Crumbling structure. Old structure. Yet the way she spoke of the past somehow endeared me to it.

I won't deny it. As I looked at her— sitting in the empty outdoor seating of a deli, eating her sandwich— I felt really attracted to her. She was older than me, much older, I'd say about 35 or something like that. Early 40s maybe. Just from her deposition she seemed the type to have kids. A husband, a family.

Not that there was anything wrong with that, because my heart was all too familiar with the stupid, stupid tugging pulse of heartache. It came with the territory of being in love with women who were an entire lifetime away from me. But still, I wondered... would she see me?

My thoughts drifted to the sandwich in her hands. Another perk of being a college student is forgetting that you need to eat to keep your energy up. I thought about the places I’d seen along the route to the hotel: there was a ramen place, a burger joint… hm, “Romanian Ramen” had a nice ring to it. Maybe-

I froze as she looked up at me, and with an embarrassed turn of my head I realized that I’d been spacing out and staring at her the entire time. Ugh, I’m such a dork.

But when I glanced in her direction again, I was confused (and admittedly, a bit intimidated) when I saw her waving me over with a smile. I slowly slid off of the wall I was sitting on and walked over, compulsively brushing at my hair with my fingers.

I hope I looked good.

“Hello!” she said. Her voice was sing-songy, with a soft yet prominent Romanian accent. It radiated warmth. “Would you like to have lunch with me?”

~~~

I don’t remember how long we both sat there in that Deli, talking and laughing. As the time went by and the world around us changed from bright to dark, we seemed to be lost in ourselves.

She was easy to talk to. At first I’d felt like a bit of a geek sitting down and rambling on about whatever was currently on my mind, but she just sat still and listened. She would nod and look at me with interest, as she continued to devour her sandwich. I’ve never been the best at making eye contact with people, so while I talked, I found my eyes wandering down to her mouth as she chewed…

watching her throat bob as she swallowed…

It’s at this point in the story I need to confess something. I have a bit of a… strange “interest.” This is kind of embarrassing, but a necessary detail to the story-

-Oh who the hell am I kidding? Vore. It’s vore. I’m into vore.

So now, as you can imagine, watching her eat made me feel a bit flustered. I was ready to just ignore the feeling and continue on, but ohhh boy… I had no idea what was coming next.

Somehow, we got back on the topic of the program.

“So? Are you enjoying your stay in Romania?” she asked, licking her fingers. The sandwich was completely gone.

“Yeah! It’s a really cool place, with a lot of history. I thought the stuff you were talking about yesterday was really interesting.”

She giggled. “Real spooky, hm?”

“Oh, definitely.”

“The legends, they are my favorite part of living here. I’ve had an interest in the supernatural ever since I was young. When I was 18, my mother took me to Transylvania— it was a difficult trip to make, but I begged her to go— and, ultimately, I’m glad I did. Some of my best and worst memories come from that trip.”

I leaned back in my chair, a slight chuckle in my voice. “Did you want to go to Transylvania because of the vampires?”

There was a sudden shift in her demeanor after I said that. Her eyes looked sad as she smiled and continued her story.

“Well, yes and no. There was something needing to be done there. I had studied vampires before, and…”

She looked left and right, as if making sure nobody was listening to us from the shadows. I blinked in confusion, then watched her lean in and heard her voice drop to a silky whisper.

“Do you know why Transylvania is the vampire country?”

I shook my head. She licked her lips and continued.

“It is because they need a place to roost. They like old things. Old castles. They need a place to hide, yes. But they can't have Romania, because someone is already here.”

“Who?” I asked, my brow furrowed in confusion.

She grinned, and in the rising moonlight, her teeth shimmered like fangs. “The werewolves.”

~~~

It had been hours since I’d let her give me a ride back to her place; the full moon, in that time, had been tucked away behind the clouds. Still. She kept all the curtains closed.

She could tell I was nervous. Even though we’d both been very clear about boundaries and terms, my anxieties were not quite put to rest. I felt stupid for asking, but I also felt like I had to.

"So you're not going to kill me?"

She gave me a warm smile as she stood across from me. "I understand your concern. But I can safely say that no, I'm not in the business of taking any lives. I'm no loup-garou, darling."

“…But you are a werewolf.”

Something dimmed in her eyes, and I felt a little bad for being so pressing with all my questions. But if this was true, and it was all real… I needed to be sure that I wasn’t in any danger.

“In Romania, werewolves are protectors,” she said putting a hand to her chest, “I swear on my life that I will not harm you.”

My fingers drummed along the bed that I sat on, and I took a deep breath before responding with, “Okay. I trust you.”

An excited look lit up her face, as she began to take off her clothes.

I watched, enchanted. Enthralled, by the swiftness of her movements as she pulled her shirt off, revealing her bare belly to me. Even mostly empty, it still sported a bit of a round shape. She had a little paunch that just hung over the waistband of her underwear, straining against the elastic. I stared.

When I heard her giggle, I hurriedly averted my gaze from her stomach and tried, unsuccessfully, to make eye contact with her.

"You like what you see?" she teased.

I stuttered, "Wow... um, I dunno if this is a weird thing to say but your belly looks so... soft..."

"Years of good hunting will do that to you, love."

I didn't really want to think about what she meant, so I slowly shifted my position on the bed, fiddling with the trim of my shirt. Quietly, I asked, "Have you ever done this before?"

She smiled and shook her head. "No, never. But you're so small, I should be able to get you down easily. You're like a baby deer."

A hot flush spread across my cheeks as I hummed in satisfactory embarrassment.

"Do you look for baby deer when you go out hunting?"

"No, no! Of course not. That is... not for me. I prefer not to go after fawns. They are in the prime of their life, no? And it feels, for me at least, that it would be cruel to snuff them out at such a tender age."

“So, I guess I'm your first, then..." I chuckled.

A wide, warm grin spread across her face as she approached and sat by me. I felt her strong hands on my thighs. Her voice was sweet, and I shuddered at her hot breath on the side of my face as she leaned in to whisper her melody to me.

"My sweet, sweet fawn," she purred, "these lips and jaws will be so honored to have your small form pass between them, squeezed so snugly into my depths…”

She sniffed at me, licking her lips.

“You smell delectable. Oh, dear, if you could only know how hungry my belly is for you… mmm, yes~ I am quite looking forward to wolfing you down, and keeping you warm during this cold, blustering night.”

"Oh god," I squeaked. I was smitten.

The heat of her round stomach touched my skin like the sun. Tentatively, I reached up a hand. My fingers curled into hers as she took it, grasping it gently. She led my hand over to the soft swell of her belly and I felt goosebumps break through on my skin as I made first contact.

Much like her, the resonance of her stomach made me feel safe. It talked to me with a low and constant grumbling, the groan of a hunger aching to be satisfied. I felt her belly growl against my hand. Oh god, I could only imagine how it must feel to be in there. It actually made me lightheaded.

"Wow…” I whispered, pressing the palm of my hand into her skin. "Your body sounds beautiful."

She flashed a coy grin at me. “The moon is up now.”

~~~

I watched in a mix of fear and admiration as she transformed. Bones shifting and cracking into place, ears and jaw muscles elongating… despite the awful noises, it didn’t look painful. I’m sure she was used to this.

The top of her wolf head and the tips of her ears just barely scraped the ceiling, and she stared down at me with a lustful glow in her eyes. A sharp-toothed smile curled across her muzzle, but instead of being scary, the expression actually made me feel kind of warm inside.

She licked her chops and beckoned me over with a clawed finger. My eyes widened as I watched this movement; her beastly demeanor, infused with all the graceful nuances of a human woman. Even now, it makes for a pretty picture in my mind.

Looking into her eyes, I knew that I was safe with her. I stared up, now pressed against her furry, somewhat swollen belly. The noises coming from inside were downright monstrous. I felt my core heat up, the sensation delving lower all throughout my body, as I slowly began rubbing my legs together. In sure she must have seen how excited I was, because at that moment, she opened her jaws wide and lowered them down onto my head.

Her tongue curled against my face as I entered the slimy cave, whimpering at the feel of so much warm and gooey saliva assaulting my senses. It seemed that first taste was all she needed for instinct to take over.

The gulps were loud and thick, occurring in rapid succession, and I didn’t have any time to think as I was swallowed up by the undulating movements of her gullet and sent down into her powerful stomach. She slurped on my body and growled as the last of me disappeared into her. I’m sure that, despite my size, I made a prominent bulge in her throat…

I could hear only my own breathing for a few seconds as I curled up in the fetal position— welcomed into my new snug home for the night— and then a meaty squelching from underneath me caught my attention, bubbling up into a series of digestive groans. I felt them echo all around my body, and I moaned, all inhibition drowned in that pool of warm acids.

I felt my sleeping bag shift, heard a big slosh of fluids as she flopped over on her side. She was panting and whimpering… I assumed with pleasure. A shrill bark left her jaws and she rubbed at me, pushing against my form, being sure not to hurt me even as she kneaded her prized catch. Me… a prize… I’d never felt so honored to be won as the shifting walls of her belly began to claim me. And as her stomach squeezed me, I came.

I have no idea how long we stayed like that, me and her. Her wolf gut made for a comfy pillow as I yawned and drifted off to the sounds of indigestion I was giving her. She moved towards her bed and tenderly squished me against the mattress, which made me wriggle and squirm. No harm came to either of us as we snuggled together in the most intimate way I know.

I think that overnight, my clothes melted. Or at least, most of them. I remember receiving a text from her days later that my panties were stuck in her intestines. I still don’t know how that happened, but admittedly, it was kind of hot. I got a little wet while I was responding to her.

I’ll never forget my trip to Romania, for several reasons… though if I had to pick one, I’d say that it was because of that stunning tour guide, and her beastly appetite that I had the honor of sating. And to think, that it all started with me watching her eat a sandwich… 💖

[ipatrichor]

dead boy detectives episode seven thoughts

hey what if i cried. what if I lay down on the floor and curled up in a ball and wept and wailed my little heart out?? what then???

ohhh my god. oh my god. i've said like twice now that this show keeps giving me everything i've ever wanted but it just keeps being true!!! i'm going to sob how does every episode just keep getting better How do the writers know exactly what i want and then do it better than i thought of are they in my head??? oh my godddd this episode was devastating

hey i'm gonna cry. what do you mean edwin died scared and alone so he made sure charles didn't. that's devastating actually!!! he died in the dark and he was scared and he had no one, so he brings charles a lamp and answers his questions about ghosts and reads him a detective story with silly voices. what the hell that's so. i do not have words for this it hits so deeply!!! edwin is so deeply kind in a way that doesn't always come across because he's also a prickly bitch, and i love him so much holy shit

hell was genuinely so unsettling what the fuck. the spider MADE OF DOLL HEADS(??!!!?!?!?!?!) was bad enough, but it was such an incredibly good choice to have it appear empty on the way in and only be able to see all the suffering on the way out. it really upped the creep factor in the first part, and then really made the escape feel frenzied. very well done!! the imagery was insane, i really Believed that this was Actual Hell

actually on that point. there was one detail that meant so so much to me, in a way i'm not quite sure how to explain but will give my best effort. after edwin's conversation with simon, after they reach some kind of closure, the blue light implying that simon is able to move on in some way and maybe leave hell... if someone wasn't raised christian & subsequently deconverted idk if that stands out to anyone else, but. okay basically there's a conversation about how hell, by definition, cannot be just because it's infinite punishment for a finite crime. and that wasn't necessarily the point of the scene, but as someone who's been doing a lot of unpacking stuff around this recently it just. it hit hard man. in a good way! that scene actually means so much to me... god this whole episode is fantastic

crystal confronting daniel!!! my god i am so proud of our girl!!! yess take your agency back and regain control of your life!!!!! also jenny frequently being annoyed by crystal but still following her to a spooky abandoned area with a knife just so she won't have to face her abusive ex alone... god i love jenny. like yeah she's abrasive and kinda a dick but also she truly cannot stop herself from providing support to these two weird as hell teenagers living above her shop.

AND NIKO!!!! god niko was absolutely brilliant this episode... absolutely the mvp of the entire show goddamn, she really read the rules and made that the night nurse's problem <3 i love that for her so much. however i will say something has been worrying me. that magic 8 ball that's supposed to tell you when you're going to die has apparently been consistently saying 'outlook not good' and it's been mentioned twice now. and given that this show doesn't establish things like that and let them go to waste... i am Concerned. not to mention, the scene where it was her and the night nurse talking about zombies?? like idk it could be nothing!!! but also that is classic foreshadowing so i am simply concerned!!!

alright i got most of the immediate thoughts CONFESSION SCENE. HOLY SHIT. okay so i know i'm not super into confessions and i tend to nitpick when fictional characters behave certain ways pertaining to romance depending on whether the narrative promotes it or not (yes, i have a complicated relationship with romance, it came free with the demiromanticism. but also my partner is amazing so if written characters aren't that's just kinda a skill issue? lol). ANYWAY. this scene though was amazing. edwin tells charles how he feels, putting no pressure on charles to respond or feel the same. and charles clearly isn't sure how he feels- it doesn't seem like he's ever thought of edwin in that way before, and he's awkward about it but still assures edwin that even if he doesn't know if he can return those feelings, edwin is still incredibly important to him and nothing's gonna change that.

god it's just. such a good way to handle that scene!! literally everything i hoped for ^^ even if charles doesn't feel the same (which i didn't think he would given they've been hinting at romance with crystal and not building romantic feelings towards edwin the same way they've been building edwin's feelings for him but as always who knows) he still reaffirms how much he cares about edwin, because like i've been saying they're the most important person to each other and it truly does not matter if it's platonic or romantic!!!

i also love how well this lined up with established characterization haha. like, of course charles made a deal with the night nurse and leaped into hell headfirst and alone to rescue edwin, he's impulsive even when he isn't emotionally compromised and he'd never abandon his best mate. of course niko tries to connect with the people around her and ends up being incredibly helpful with a unique insight, that's what she's been doing this whole time! of course crystal runs off to find her own way to hell after being stopped from accompanying charles, she hates feeling useless and consistently endangers herself for the sake of her friends. of course edwin tries to convince simon to escape hell with him, he's heartbreakingly good and has spent the whole show trying to help people no one else can. it's all so... god, they are who they are and i love them so much

anyway i will leave u all with a funny thought i had. i haven't engaged with the fandom outside of my pal noble sorry if this is a joke everyone is already making

the cat king: i'll be here waiting when he escapes hell again, god i'm such a romantic meanwhile, charles breaking into hell:

[uenodivision]

Rap Guerrilla (Remix) (Great Eight Ver.)

[Kai, Ren, Chinami, & Sanyu:]

This is Hypnosis Mic!

[Ririko, Yuuya, Mina, & Kanon:]

Are you ready? Then let's go!!

[Great Eight:]

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

[Kai:]

The DJs on the decks, bringing music back to life

From opera to turntables, I've conquered every strife

Changing the game, feel the spirit in the sound

For my family and Japan, Veenyle will always stand his ground

[Zakari:]

Icarus in the sky, taking risks to feel alive

Luck is on my side, just watch me soar and dive

Spreading my wings, I've no fear of the fall

In this game of life, believe I'm gonna bet it all

[Mireya:]

Hey yo, nightlife queen, I'm the Gypsy in the scene

Vegas to Roppongi, my Palace still reigns supreme

Overcame my past, now I'm shining real bright

Fuck with me or my family, you'd better be ready for a fight!

[Ren:]

In this city of mine, dark romances come out to play

Kobe Division: Lovesick, we'll turn the night into day

From strumming for change to dreams that fiercely grow

I'll pave my way to the top, let the legacy of Vox show

[Kaiji:]

Crafting dreams with flair, and cosplaying with style

Oh, you're feeling cute? Well, let me charm you with my smile

Fair warning, fuck with Jinx, and bad luck will knock on your door

It's not temporary, but a curse, always coming back for more

[Max:]

In the wild woods, where the deadly shadows creep

Ōkami the Wolf is here, with the many secrets I keep

I may have lost my past, but I've found my call

In this deadly game, your death, I will not forestall

[Kai:]

Music is our bond, but the battle inevitably draws near

[Ren:]

Respect in both our hearts, but it's time we face our fear

[Kai:]

Each beat that we drop is just another story to tell

[Ren:]

May the best team win, let's give them all hell!

[Kai:]

The darkness blinds us, but in the distance, I see one light

[Mireya:]

Together with our family, we wield this one mic

[Zakari:]

Live the best you can; you only have one life!

[Zakari & Kaiji:]

Never gonna stop, we're never gonna stop (Hey!)

[Kaiji:]

Look around the town, there's so many bright lights

[Max:]

Who will be the one to seize Glory's spotlight?

[Ren:]

Enough talk and words. It's finally the show time!

[Leaders:]

We'll take you to the top

Welcome to the DOPE World!

[Chorus:]

Hypnosis Mic, do or die

We’ll snatch the top clean, we’re the rap guerrilla

We’ll show you what’s what, so ride on

We are the No. 1 hip-hop tribe y'all!

[Great Eight:]

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

[Kira:]

On this stage again, justice is in my sight

Uncovering truths, even through the darkest night

I may have left the army, but my mission remains the same

Harm either of my sisters, and you'll catch the Huntress' flame

[Chinami:]

Though I'm blind, I see the future, quite clear as day

I've no time for games, so please step out of the way

Life's a journey, and I refuse to dwell on the past

Pay heed the words of Oracle, only the true will last

[Taria:]

What's up, bitches?! The Misfit is here to play!

Ra-ta-ta, dance or get the fuck out of my way!

First opponent? Good, step up! Come on, don't be shy

You got something to say? Well, c'mon, I'm ready to fly!

[Sanyu:]

In Fukuoka's heart, where the outcasts play

MC Rogue here, redefining the way

Normal's a lie, society's cruel jest

Rejecting their norms, we're the ones truly blessed

[Tasuku:]

What's up?! The One-Eyed Bastard's here, cards in my hand

One glance from this eye, and you'll quickly understand

Fate's a joke. Thanks, but I'll make my own way

In the casino or in life, Katame is here to stay!

[Ming:]

Ah, the children, how sweet and pure

Innocent hearts, their love is the cure

Good child, good child, Miss Ming's here to call

For you and my family, I'll rise and protect you all

[Chinami:]

We stand for our cities, our families to defend

I bear you no grudge, but in this battle, I will not bend

[Sanyu:]

With strength and resolve, we will win the day

In Fukuoka's name, MIHANASA will slay!

[Chinami:]

The darkness blinds us, but in the distance, I see one light

[Kira:]

Together with our family, we wield this one mic

[Taria:]

Live the best you can; you only have one life!

[Taria & Tasuku:]

Never gonna stop, we're never gonna stop (Hey!)

[Ming:]

Look around the town, there's so many bright lights

[Tasuku:]

Who will be the one to seize Glory's spotlight?

[Sanyu:]

Enough talk and words. It's finally the show time!

[Leaders:]

We'll take you to the top

Welcome to the DOPE World!

[Chorus:]

Hypnosis Mic, do or die

We’ll snatch the top clean, we’re the rap guerrilla

We’ll show you what’s what, so ride on

We are the No. 1 hip-hop tribe y'all!

[Great Eight:]

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

[Ririko:]

Pushing forward, shining bright, we're here to light the way

2Cute's here, bringing joy, making marks every day

With BittASweetZ, the three of us, together, we'll definitely go far

No matter where we are, we'll shine just like a star!

[Shu:]

Lock-on, eyes heavy, but I'm still in the game

I'm running on fumes with no sleep, but it's all the same

Curtains rise, narcoleptic will push through the night

For my team and city, I'll fight, though I'm losing the light

[Alice:]

Cherie on the mic, designs in my heart

Beauty begins when you start to play your own part

In BittASweetZ, we find just where we belong

Together we're strong, our dreams will carry on!

[Asahi:]

(That's right!)

Crafting dreams with care, bringing joy to all to share

Feeling hungry? I'll cook some treats that are oh-so rare!

Springtime blossoms, wishing and bringing hope that is anew

In this battle, I'm SWEET-T. And I'm coming straight through!

[Yuuya:]

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step

Stop midway and turn around? That, I will not accept

With deer guiding me, through the forests we roam

Just follow ARROW's lead, and we'll soon be back home

[Saigo:]

In the dark shadows where the undying truth unfolds

Tsukumogami's here, with many stories that are untold

Forsook my wealth. Why? I don't need it to survive

No matter the perils, Miraitabi will thrive

[Ririko:]

The darkness blinds us, but in the distance, I see one light

[Shu:]

Together with our family, we wield this one mic

[Alice:]

Live the best you can; you only have one life!

[Alice & Asahi:]

Never gonna stop, we're never gonna stop (Hey!)

[Saigo:]

Look around the town, there's so many bright lights

[Asahi:]

Who will be the one to seize Glory's spotlight?

[Yuuya:]

Enough talk and words. It's finally the show time!

[Leaders:]

We'll take you to the top

Welcome to the DOPE World!

[Chorus:]

Hypnosis Mic, do or die

We’ll snatch the top clean, we’re the rap guerrilla

We’ll show you what’s what, so ride on

We are the No. 1 hip-hop tribe y'all!

[Great Eight:]

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

[Mina:]

Do you copy, can anyone hear me calling right now?

Who am I, and why was I made in this horrible way?

'Mina Murray, will you continue to scrounge like some scavenger?

Or will the light of the sun do away with you, someday?'

[Elliot:]

Placing my words with care, I hope that they all rhyme

In Nature, this is where Nanashi finds his time

In this world of chaos, I quietly hope to seek and find

The love for all Earth's creatures, the most noble kind

[Yorii:]

Oh yeah, it's going down now, feel the beat that's in your feet

Sireen's here, making music that's oh-so sweet!

In this life we have, we'll sing every day

Come on, forget your worries; let's just dance and play!

[Sakura:]

Looking down on you, I sneer at your pathetic sight

In Shizuoka's underworld, Renegade owns the night

You fucked with the Kito-gumi? Bang! A bullet to your head

Let that be a lesson: oppose me, and you'll end up full of lead!

[Reika:]

In the shadows, wealth and power I claim

You may call me Belladonna, try to remember the name

With poisons and charm, I rigged the entire game

That's why no matter the opposition, I won't ever be tamed

[Kanon:]

Look at you, another failed experiment in my sight

Mz. Hyde's vengeance, no sentiment, just might

Chuohku's lies, I'll expose them all with precision

In this lab of revenge, you will all fall to my vision

[Mina:]

You think that you know me bitch, but I will not be denied

Come near me and my brothers, and I will bleed you fucking dry!

[Kanon:]

Better fit for experiments, what an angry, rabid dog

In the grand scheme, you're barely worth to be called a cog

[Mina:]

The darkness blinds us, but in the distance, I see one light

[Elliot:]

Together with our family, we wield this one mic

[Yorii:]

Live the best you can; you only have one life!

[Yorii & Sakura:]

Never gonna stop, we're never gonna stop (Hey!)

[Sakura:]

Look around the town, there's so many bright lights

[Reika:]

Who will be the one to seize Glory's spotlight?

[Kanon:]

Enough talk and words. It's finally the show time!

[Leaders:]

We'll take you to the top

Welcome to the DOPE World!

[Chorus:]

Hypnosis Mic, do or die

We’ll snatch the top clean, we’re the rap guerrilla

We’ll show you what’s what, so ride on

We are the No. 1 hip-hop tribe y'all!

[Great Eight:]

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

[Kai:]

Roppongi's light, we shine so bright

[Ren:]

In Kobe's heart, we own the night

[Chinami:]

Ota's wisdom, guiding our fight

[Sanyu:]

Fukuoka's strength, we'll set things right

[Ririko:]

Nakano's charm, with dreams in sight

[Yuuya:]

Nara's journey, our path is tight

[Mina:]

Setagaya's mystery, hidden from light

[Kanon:]

Shizuoka's power, the Great Eight's might!

[Chorus:]

Hypnosis Mic, do or die

We’ll snatch the top clean, we’re the rap guerrilla

We’ll show you what’s what, so ride on

We are the No. 1 hip-hop tribe y'all!

[Great Eight:]

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

Hey! Whoa-oh-oh oh-oh-ohhh

@kobedivision @ota-division @fukuokadivision1 @nakanodivision @naradivision

@setagaya-division @shizuokadivision

[cozage]

Hello, I saw your event. Can I request a bedtime story with Sanji or Zoro where reader can't sleep without a bedtime story?Thank you and Happy birthday 🤍

This is a request for my Sleepover Event, send me one too! :) 

A/N: This is so cute and I imagine this happens early in the friendship/relationship

Characters: reader x Sanji

CW: implied WCI Spoilers

Word count: 530

Fairytale

You had been tossing and turning for almost an hour now, trying to drift off to sleep. You hated keeping Sanji up with your constant movement, but you just couldn’t get comfortable.

“Sanji?” you whispered. You knew he was still awake; his thumb was still rubbing against your arm, trying to soothe you into sleep. 

“Hm?”

“Can you tell me a story?” you asked. 

“A story?” he questioned. His voice was groggy. He had probably been on the verge of sleep several times before you had woken him up by your movement. 

“Any kind of story. Maybe it’ll help?” 

He hummed, thinking for a moment. 

“Once upon a time, there was a prince. He was a bit different from his brothers and sister, and they bullied him relentlessly.”

“How was he different?” you interjected, peeking up at him. 

You could feel him tense, thinking of an answer. “His siblings were…special. They had magical powers that made them stronger than any normal human. But the prince didn’t have those powers.”

“Why didn’t he have them?” you whispered.

“I dunno,” he admitted. “It’s just a story I’m making up.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll listen now.” You snuggled in close to him, closing your eyes to listen. “How did they bully him?”

“Oh, in the normal way. They beat him up, and ruined his creations, and they locked him up in the basement and pretended he never existed. He was trapped down in the dark, with nobody but the mice to talk to. He was utterly alone.”

You listened to his fairytale of a story about the hardships the little prince endured. Sanji was always such a romantic, over-exaggerating life and the experiences this imaginary boy was going through. He was so descriptive that you couldn’t help but be impressed by his storytelling abilities. 

“He escaped, though. With the help of his sister. He ran away from his family and he never looked back. He freed himself and found a new family to love. The end.”

“No,” you mumbled softly, almost asleep. “That’s not how stories are supposed to end.”

Sanji looked down at you, alarmed. “What do you mean?”

“He has to go back and beat them,” you said. “He has to take the throne and help the people.”

“Ohhh,” Sanji purred. “I see. Well, the good news is that the king was actually not a ruler of people. He was a conqueror.”

“That’s worse.”

You felt his had stop rubbing your arm. “Is it?”

“Mmmhmmm.”

Sanji sighed. “Well, how about this? The prince wanted nothing to do with his family or the throne. His family became a simple legend, withering away into nothing but stories. The prince, though, made a name for himself. He supported the family he loved and kept working at his passions. And he found people who loved and accepted him for who he was instead.”

It wasn’t the ending you wanted, but it seemed good enough for the prince. You were on the edge of falling asleep, so you didn’t object to his fairytale.

[bi-buckrights]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Tagged by the lovely @hippolotamus thank you my friend 💕

How many works do you have on ao3?

Just 12! I started writing almost a year and a half ago and I am very slow lmao

What's your total ao3 word count?

204,888

What fandoms do you write for?

Just 9-1-1! Honestly haven't felt the urge to write for any others.

Top five fics by kudos:

Bottled Poetry

Pick a Star on the Dark Horizon (Follow the Light)

You and Me Here (underneath the mistletoe)

Home is Just Another Word for You

Kiss Me Before it's Over (If Only for a Minute)

Do you respond to comments?

Yes!! Comments make my day so I love responding to them! Although I am very far behind...

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I have to have write happy endings so I can't really answer this 😂

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Also difficult to answer since they are all happy endings... but I think that Pick a Star on the Dark Horizon (Follow the Light) has the most rewarding happy ending after all the angst I put them through 😅

Do you get hate on fics?

Mehh I've gotten a few somewhat rude comments but thankfully nothing notable

Do you write smut?

I dabble... particularly in my FWB baseball au 😏 and my upcoming pirate au 😌

Craziest crossover:

I don't foresee myself writing any crossovers asdkfjh

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of...

Have you ever had a fic translated?

I don't think so, but I would be honored if someone wanted to translate one of my fics!

Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

No, my writing schedule is too unpredictable and I feel so bad if someone is relying on me 😭

All time favourite ship?

Buddie!! Obviously. But I have been loving Bucktommy, and Destiel will always have my heart.

What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I don't know if my beloved wedding fic will ever return to from the war... Different first meeting, Buck and Eddie reunite at Madney's wedding.

What are your writing strengths?

Umm. uh. pass? I honestly dont know adsfkjh but I like writing multichapter fics and weaving the different parts of the story together (idk if I'm any good at it though lmaooo)

What are your writing weaknesses?

Actually writing... asdfkjlh

Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

I've never added it but I know if I ever needed to include it for any reason I know I could consult my lovely spanish speaking friends <333

First fandom you wrote in?

9-1-1!

Favorite fic you've written?

ohhh not to be repetitive about this fic but probably Pick a Star on the Dark Horizon (Follow the Light), my army marriage of convenience au which is very personal and special to me ❤️

Tagging @monsterrae1 @prettyboybuckley @rogerzsteven @loserdiaz @saybiwithme

@spotsandsocks @eddiebabygirldiaz @hoodie-buck @exhuastedpigeon @bidisasterevankinard

@bekkachaos @loveyouanyway @elvensorceress @spaceprincessem

[masterfuldoodler]

ACKKKK BEAM OF LIGHT STRAIGHT FROM THE SKY HAS YANKED YOU OUT OF UPUR LIFE!!!!! 

You land in a tangle of limbs at the feet of a fictional character(s) from a piece of media you love in their world. As they give you a look of bewilderment and then do whatever thing that character would do, you just simply know a few things: 

you got yoinked into their world for a Higher Purpose, to help their story turn out better and save as many people as you can from whatever bad fate they got in the story. You got there shortly before the story begins, and will be there until it ends before going back to our world, and no time will have passed there so no one will worry about you. And it’s also certain that while you’re there you have gained whatever skills/powers/magic/etc needed to stay alive (if it is a dangerous media like that), and unless you don’t do something stupid like jump in lava, you’ll be okay. Effectively, you have become one of the characters yourself but with lots of knowledge to use at your disposal and do whatever you will. 

What is going down? And… what do you think YOU will learn from this miraculous experience? How will you change? 

(go wild this is supposed to be crazy and awesome hehe)

Ohhh very interesting situation! This has been kinda haunting me all day because I have no idea. I'm getting hung up on all the questions lol. Which story? Which character? Am I completely myself or is this some in-world version of me? I've been being very difficult alskfhskd Gonna do a keep reading link and then rambles about my thoughts.

Okay so for media I guess let's go with Kingdom Hearts, it's probably my favorite. Also for the setting of just,,, appearing and tumbling at the feet of the character is a very KH kinda thing. Donald and Goofy fall on top of Sora, so that's a kind of thing that Sora could roll with. So now I join the trinity team, and following clause two I would have magic or a Keyblade so I could fight Heartless, probably magic. Since I'm not good at sword combat, I wouldn't be doing well lol. But then my goal is to save as many people as possible, yeah? So now I'm in a bind because what do I do about plot heavy deaths? I'm in a trolley problem suddenly. If I let him die then three other people are able to come into the story, if I save him those three people cease to exist. Also the death isn't permanent so I guess let it happen? What about Riku? Do I stop him from going down his dark path? If I do stop him will he still come out of stronger on the other side? Will he figure out how to balance the Darkness without the trials? I couldn't just tell him how to do it, so I think it would be better for him to go through it.

When I was trying imagine it I kept running into the problem that I'm following along with a paragon character lol. He's doing all the saving already, so there's nothing much for me to help with. He's probably saving me. If the goal is to save people then let's try a story where things go bad and there's no one to fix it. Maybe Birth By Sleep, Dark Road, or Union X. Still KH so people popping up isn't weird.

Starting with Birth By Sleep, there's a lot that could go better. And I can show up at Land of Departure and become one of Eraqus' pupils. The thing is though, I don't know how I could convince any of the characters to not make their mistakes. I might be able to get them to talk things out better, but a lot of the root problems I can't do anything with. I can't get Terra to change his mind on things because he's going to believe what Eraqus says over me. And I can't change Eraqus' mind because I'm too young. If I said that Xehanort was definitely evil would Eraqus actually believe me? So I think I'd end up doomed to watch the tragedy unfold anyway. Or maybe maybe I convince them all to not go to the final show down. There's a slim chance this is doing anything.

Okay how about Dark Road? This one I might have some success in! Maybe if Baldr was able to talk to someone he wouldn't have snapped so much? Unclear how far gone he is, but maybe there's a possibility! If not, I am dying and everything is going exactly the same.

Union X? Yeah sorry, I don't think we can live laugh love our way outta this one. I really don't know how to fix this situation, it needs so much help but they are so doomed. Maybe maybe I could convince people to not go to war? Unclear how successful that would be. I could try to get the Foretellers to stop fighting, but yeahhh I'd have to befriend them all and that could take awhile.

Conclusion! I feel greater how heavy is the weight of sin and the curse upon us, and how we are doomed to fall and die. I might succeed at saving a few people, but my attempts to stop mass loss would be frustrated as everyone seems doomed to fall. I'm having a horrible time. :D 👍

[lunarleonardo]

I'll be honest, I am VERY behind on love letter 😅 I've been meaning to catch up for a couple months now, but Pressure has a grasp on me that will not release

Dude, I think you have your own sub fandom that chews up your AUs like they're their own original stories lmao/lh

PRESSURE REFERENCE!!!!!!!! PRESSURE ROBLOX!! PRESSURE PRUESSURE !!!!!!!!! pandemonium my #1 fav PRESSUREROBLOX PRESSURE

So hey fun fact I've been having a Pressure brainrot maybe hyperfixation idk for like a few weeks now and! After Love Letter is finished, I plan on writing a oneshot of Shuichi, Kaede and Kokichi doing a Pressure round. It'd be the first crossover fic I'd be posting publically but by posting things publically it gives me an obligation to finish it which I find extremely joyful so I reeeally really reaaally wanna write this (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠) it'd also be my first oneshot so. :P i mean come on I have the power as an author to make Kaede fist fight a wall dweller and I will be DAMNED if I don't take that chance /j

Also... Yeah. I've picked up on that (⁠个⁠_⁠个⁠) I'm not quite sure how it happened, but I'm glad it did. I've got to meet a lot of really cool people, and I've made a really really good friend from it too (⁠ ⁠╹⁠▽⁠╹⁠ ⁠) I've never been active in a fandom like this before, so this is really good experience for me in gaining more confidence in myself and getting used to talking to people. AND It's been letting me improve on my self-discipline and responsibility, which is something I'd struggle with a lot ^^"

Seeing everyone create things based on what I have done-- sharing memes and art, assigning music to my stories-- has been an experience like no other. As a bonus, it's all with my favorite characters from a game that I absolutely adore (even with it's fuckin christmas list of issues lmao)!! I'm so grateful for everyone who has given me support or put their own time into things I've made. It has genuinely made such a huge difference in my life and I cannot describe how thankful I am for that (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

I have no plans to stop writing. I have a lot of plans for future fics (that I have to grit my teeth and write one at a time or else none of them will ever be finished ಥ⁠╭⁠╮⁠ಥ) and I'm excited to share them, even if they are extremely different from what I've previously written. So far I've been sticking to the Ultimate Academy, but I want to try to spread out a bit ^^ We'll see what happens I suppose

Again to my "subfandom" if thats what we're calling it, thank you so much for all the love and support!! Those words have probably been said a million times by anyone with an audience ever but I really do mean it. All I ask is that you're responsible with what you share from my fics (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠) I am aware of how dark they are and that the content within it can be disturbing to people so please just be careful. Thank you ^^!! 💕

Also!! I do have my own original storiess and OCs and stuff. Just a handful of them, but they're there :P one's an Undertale OC, I have two danganronpa ocs (they're in love), I have my stupid wolf guys and also that One Guy who isn't necessarily a DR OC but is involved in DR because they kind of blew up a DR universe and adopted/kidnapped Shuichi...yeah uh we can save that one for another time (⁠＠⁠_⁠＠⁠;⁠) and by another time i mean Never (unless someone asks about it for whatever reason bcus that is the rule i have set for myself. That rule exists because i was petrified of "letting the attention get to my head" but nowadays it just feels like a pillow i can fall back on to avoid feeling stressed about interacting with people xD)

ohhh that is a. Long post Sorry for the long ramble!! /gen I took adderall and I'm feeling very rambly and happy. It's a very falling feeling it's very strange (⁠⊙⁠_⁠◎⁠)

[goldyluna]

What is/are your favorite trope(s) in books/fics/movies?

Ohhh, I have a few favorite tropes! I will go at random order

1. DEATH GAME

One is obviously a death game. I like watching, reading and playing mostly anything with this trope. I also am making my own list of the death game medias I know of/finished, because one friend proposed that idea to me :3

This friend also addicted me to a graphic novel with the same trope: Geis (or another new name of it: Curse Of The Chosen) so I'm trying to spread the world of godly art and story

Thanks @five-crows-in-a-trenchcoat (sorry for the tag lol)

But I just think that's a really good psychological trope, letting us see how others could behave in dangerous situations. It makes you think and in general it is a really interesting concept for me

2. TIME LOOP/TIME TRAVEL

I always liked time loops, oh my god. Time travels are also good but mostly I search for time loop content. There is just so little of it! Or maybe I just saw what I could... Or I am really bad at searching lol

But yeah, every type of loop is perfect. Horror time loop where you die every time, romance/comedy time loop where you think life is just trying to make a clown out of you, action time loops where you have to save someone. No matter if in fanfiction or in a movie or in any other thing. Give me all of them!

That's why I have one time loop au! At least here on tumblr

With time travels I am obsessed with the "fix it" type of fanfics. I love reading how other people write stories from the beginning with a character that wants to change the dark future

3. ISEKAI/REINCARNATION

Oh, getting transported to another world, you are my beloved! I think this hiperfixation started with Sword Art Online and it stayed. I love stories about characters that suddenly wake up in another world!

And yes, this trope maayyyy be really repetitive sometimes and characters may look really similar to each other... But that's my guilty pleasure to devour it all

I also love when our main characters reincarnate as some known villain... Ugh, it hits so well. They usually act so nice and make so many good changes even if it wasn't their plan lol

4. ZOMBIES/APOCALYPSE/DYSTOPIAN WORLD

Wanted to break them up into their own points but eh, no, thank you

I love all of them but it is sometimes so hard to find something I really like with these topics! But I think my favorite tropes show that I like when there is a real struggle lol

Make them all squirm and fight for their life hahaha!

5. WEAK BECOMES STRONG

Also kinda a guilty pleasure of mine. There is just something satisfying in seeing them change and reach their goal

6. REVANGE

Who doesn't like a good revange? It also is so satisfying to see the bad guys getting all the bad karma back!

And I guess there are some other tropes that I really like... Like a bad guy becomes not so bad or sth, but for now I can't think of anything so I will end here!

[sundove88]

DBZ: Waves of Freedom AU FAQ + Q&A:

Btw, these are just for fun- but feel free to submit any asks about my AU and the fanfic in the ask box!

Q: I’ve noticed many similarities to The Little Mermaid. Is this an actual adaptation or just a modern retelling?

A: Yes and No! I actually took inspiration from both the Disney movie and the original tale by Hans Christian Andersen. I also got inspired by DBZ, Brother Bear, and maybe even Mermaid Melody Pitchi Pitchi Pitch to make the story. Instead of going with the straightforward plot of the mermaid going on land to find love, I decided to have the main protagonist become a merperson and escape a life of surpression and shape their own destiny. Also, it’s basically the TLM but told from the POV of Eric, who is now promoted to the main character instead of the secondary one. And let’s be real here, the original story’s been almost done to death (No offense), and I wanted to do something fresh and new.

Q: Frieza is incredibly different in this story. How did the Emperor of Universe 7 end up being adapted into a tyrannical CEO in the fanfic?

A: I actually took elements from Triton (The authoritarian figure) and Ursula (The manipulative antagonist), as well as elements from his own character, like his charisma and merciless demeanor, especially when he drops more work on Vegeta like a bombshell in Chapter 2. Btw, his design is his Society Survival Saga design from Super Dragon Ball Heroes, but more elaborate to reflect that he’s a controlling CEO. Bonus points if he’s stroking a kitty cat.

Q: A detail I’ve noticed in the fanfiction is that it also centers on environmental themes, given that the company in the story is called Empire Oil Drilling Corps. Are there any other moments of this?

A: Yes! Frieza’s company claims to be helping the environment, when they’re really not- they’re actually planning to drill for oil and possibly harm the ocean, while the merpeople care for their home and take great joy in seeing it happy and healthy. It’s called Empire OIL DRILLING Corps for a good reason.

Q: What made you want to design the dual land and sea forms of the characters?

A: I wanted the characters to traverse worlds without being bound to a singular form, and I got inspired by H20: Just Add Water for this! To put it simply, duality is a massive theme in the fanfic, and so is balance. The land forms reflect the roles of the cast and are often comfortable to walk in and wear, while the sea forms take inspiration from various sea creatures from beneath the waves- or the Disney version of The Little Mermaid for Goku and Vegeta! In short, duality and balance are two sides of the same coin- one can’t exist without the other. Darkness and light, good and evil, black and white, and of course, Land and Sea.

Q: How did you develop Atlantis and the underwater + land worlds?

A: I took pages out of The Little Mermaid’s Atlantica, Aquaman’s version of Atlantis, Abzu, and Endless Ocean to get a feel for the undersea world. Each district in the now reborn city beneath the waves is named after a water deity in mythology, like Mazu (Chinese) and Chalchiuhtlicue (Aztec). But there are tons more, and the ocean dwelling part of the cast resides in homes across the city. And as for the land world aka Scalefall Bay, I got inspired by stories of various totalitarian regimes, such as 1984 and The Hunger Games, to get a feel for what Vegeta’s life on land is like. Monochrome and drab colors are used to convey a life of uniformity and oppression, as opposed to the bright and colorful realm beneath the surface of the ocean, where merpeople are free to be who they want to be.

Q: Did you have anything planned for the fanfic that sadly got cut?

A: Ohhh boy, do I have a ton for you! Let’s see, we have some scenes like an undersea race across the coral reef between Yamcha and Krillin, a flashback to Kid!Vegeta when he got the abalone from his dad, an entire subplot involving The Pride Troopers (Who are part time anglers and conspiracy theories who believe merpeople are real @thunder-jolt for the idea), another subplot in which Chi Chi’s worries come into play, you get the idea. Heck, I even had various ideas for the transformation Vegeta undergoes in Chapter 5 (Including one inspired by when Majin Vegeta did his Final Explosion to take out Majin Buu) before I settled on one I was satisfied with. Also, he was going to have more accessories in his merman form- jewels, pearls, armbands, pendants, earrings, tail anklets, and maybe even a tiara of sorts. But in the end I chose to just give him the water lily hairpin and the bracelet- both from Chapter 3. There was even a subplot where Zarbon became a siren after being all like “I’ll take the treasure instead!”, when he’s asked by Frieza to bring Vegeta back.

Q: Are there any cameos and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the story?

A: Yes! When Goku is explaining about merpeople society and how that every time they breach the surface, they always see something that was never there before; you can see Caulifla, Cabba, and Kale resting on a sandbank gazing out at a massive seaside city, Videl perching on a rock in the sunset, Yurin swimming up a river to see the various foundations lining the banks, the Kamikaze Fireballs (Ribrianne, Kakunsa, and Rozie) on the back of a whale gazing towards the clear night sky, and Broly, Cheelai, and Lemo watching the aurora borealis on an iceberg- and they’re all in their Mer forms. And it’s not limited to other characters from the Dragon Ball universe; too. Chris Sabat (Current Dub Vegeta) and Brian Drummond (Ocean Dub Vegeta) both make cameos in a cafe, and some of the Easter eggs are like when in Bulma’s lab, you can easily see a snowglobe with the Atlantica castle in it.

Q: Do you have any sequels or spin offs planned?

A: Not really, for now. But then again, you can always and I mean always insert your OCs and maybe some other characters into the story and see the world of Waves of Freedom through their eyes. It’s totally up to you. And like the ocean itself, the possibilities are endless, with the expansive world building, the cut content, and the diversity of the cast; your ideas can reach as far as the depths of the ocean and as high as your own imagination.

[nikethestatue]

Curious on your thoughts on how you would change ACOTAR if you could, like character paths and story beats and plots and what not, what would you change?

Ohhh interesting question! Thanks!

I would keep all the characters gray. Especially the male characters, such as Rhys, whom SJM tries to make a cinnamon roll. We fell in love with the dark and diabolical Rhys, and many others. Let's keep them that way. Nothing is being added to the story by making them 'good'.

MORE MAGIC. For a magical world, there is barely any magic and it's jarring at times.

If someone is 'the most' ANYTHING, I would need to show their The Mostness. You cant say that Rhys is the Most Powerful High Lord in history, and the guy doesn't know about a C-section and can't daemati the crap out of some people who deserve to be daematied. Also, stop asking for 'permission'. He didn't ask Lucien for permission. Why ask Bryce? Stuff like that is pretty illogical.

Not sideline Feyre. It's nice that she is painting and doing things with kids, but it's very 'First Lady' kind of a position when she is supposed to be an active ruler. Again, going back to the magic thing--make her consume and absorb huge amounts of info, history, traditions, customs and politics and actually understand the people that she is ruling over.

Resolve that ridiculous thing with Mor, Az and Cassian. Enough already.

Go back to the sisters and rework their origins. Nesta was 'angry' and Elain was 'lazy' isn't enough. Show what they've done when Feyre was hunting. Make them robust, multi-dimensional characters. Show their struggles. Show different paths of how they chose to deal with poverty and social fall.

Make the sisters --aka all 3 sisters--work with each other. It's nice to have friends. It's nice to have great friends. Nevertheless, they have each other and I need to see more from them. Less 'big gestures' and more genuine love and care.

Only Emerie reaches the top of Ramiel and wins the BR.

By now, we need to understand way more about the next villain, why he is so scary and what the stakes are for everyone.

Rework the Nessian relationship. Make it more substantial, emotional and supportive. Make Cassian more multi-dimensional. Show his struggles in regards to his relationship with Nesta and with Rhys and the difficulties of balancing love and duty, history and desire.

Set up Elain in HOFAS. Make something of her Seer abilities. Have her warn that something is coming from a different world. Make her a part of the whole story.

The pregnancy plot was ridiculous. Scrap the whole thing.

Execute Madja for high treason.

Give everyone freaking NAMES: LoA, mom and pop Archeron, nameless Vanserra brothers, Rhys's parents. Anyone who plays an actual role should be named.

Finally, going back to magic: make it consistent and sensical. What is High Fae? What is lower Fae? What differentiates them? Why can Lucien winnow a bit, the incest twins can't winnow at all? What powers do they all have? How do they manifest? What is Truth? What is 'fire'? Is all magic naturally given? Do they need to learn any magic? What is 'snapping' of the bond like? If you are a High Fae are you automatically born with certain powers and certain magic? How do you acquire it? Is there cardinal magic? How does healing work? Who can do it? Why?

Keep track of how you age people and don't be all over the place with teens and 75 year olds and 500 year olds and 900 year old all acting the same way. It doesn't make sense.

Take the readers to different Courts and make them interesting. Like why does Day have a THOUSAND Libraries and Dawn has literally only one palace and nothing else?

How do you keep your capital city a secret for 5,000 years? When there is actual trade and ports and all that with other parts of Prythian?

Why did Amarantha want to model UTM on the Night Court?

Please deal with the Illyrians already.

I can go on, but I think this is a good start.