#once upon dreams and nightmares

[dark-dreams-anthology]

❧ Appreciation.

We would like to thank to all participants of this event for their hard work and/or speedrun abilities. This wouldn't be possible if weren't for you all! We hope that you have enjoyed this adventure and you want to accompany us in the next one!

Thank you so much for participating: @yuriko-mukami @solarstellarstar @mermaid--bride @bluebird-dolly-bride @blood--king @afra-blueraz @iricathel @lucidesunderstander @hanakohanabe @kindan-no-kanojo @sumire-bride

❧ Prologue

There was a time in which child eyes dreamed a world full of magic, in which, chevaliers with shiny armors will run their adventures to find out the princess pained for a curse. A world full of dreams to accomplish and there nightmares to impede it. In which everyone was the chosen one in their own story, which would be good or bad, in which a heart, beating by desires, bloomed in roses when they finally accomplished their dream and thorned in pain when they found trapped in a nightmare.

Children still dream, good or bad, even if their form is not from a child anymore. Dreams and Nightmares are not exactly like a shiny chevalier and a cursed princess. Although, we are here, those who write and draw new stories over old ones, which we loved there and we love still.

❧ Index

❝The Curse of the Blue Moon❞ (Red Riding Hood).

❝Swan Lake❞

❝Maria and the seven vampires❞ (Snow White and the seven dwarfs).

❝Thumbelina❞

❝The King Frog❞

❝Cursed Soul❞ (Maleficent).

❝The Beauty and the Beast❞

❝Cinderella❞

❝Lies of Hanocchio❞ (Pinocchio).

❝Corrupted Diamonds❞ (Aladdin and the marvellous lamp).

❝The sleeping beauty n' the awaken princess❞ (The sleeping beauty).

❧ Epilogue

Which the knowledge acquired by the moral of the fable, we are slowly demanding a final point. But, another question to be uttered is: if we brought to life again dusted stories from the past, is there really an end for dreams and nightmares?

↪Date of the event: July 25th, 2023.

↪Directed by: @dryams03 & @sauthorgod

[mermaid--bride]

Fairytale event

Story chosen: Snow White and the seven dwarfs

The sound of her high heels echoed through the dark halls as she marched towards the lab. Her black dress waving around her curves. Her lilac hair flowing behind her back. The red in her lips sparkled to the grim light of the candles as her determined eyes stared ahead, focused on her destination.

She was not happy.

–KARLHEINZ!! -She yelled as she bursted through the door in anger.

The king, however, remained unfazed. He calmly continued his annotations as his deep voice responded to her.

–Good evening, Cordelia. What brings you here now of all times?

The woman stomped his way in an attempt to bring his attention to her.

–You… You have been looking for another woman, have you not!?

–I beg you pardon. What made you come to such conclusion?

–Do not pretend like you’re unaware!! -She once again yells, throwing his papers to the floor. -I can see it in your actions. You are following the exact same pattern from when you chose those other two when you already had me!!

Karlheinz watched his papers fly from his desk and a sigh left his lips. He looked up at the woman before him with a soft smile, which contrasted with the coldness in his eyes.

–My dear… How many times must I tell you having multiple partners does not stop me from cherishing you?

–If that is so, why do you not come to me? Why do you always avoid our meetings!?

–I am a king, Cordelia. I have important matters to attend to and I cannot control when I might be needed somewhere else.

She frowned at his response. The anger in her chest refusing to subside. Slowly, however, a seductive look formed in her features as she let herself slide down onto his lap.

–Please… tell me who she is… -She requested calmly, taking him in her arms as her hands touched his skin.

–Why does that matter to you? -He asked, wrapping his arms around her.

–I simply wish to know… who is this woman who has caught your attention.

His eyes stared at her for a moment before mysterious words left his mouth.

–Her hair is half blue, like the waters washing over the dirt. Eyes dark as the deepest woods. Cheeks blushing as a blooming rose.

                                                        ~*~

Maria walked among the flowers, admiring the beauty of the royal garden as she moved in slow steps. She had no hurry. The castle behind her keeping the source of her fears hidden behind the sturdy walls. Her mind was lost in a multitude of questions as she tried to understand what she was brought here for. What terrors could be awaiting for her? Why did the most powerful of demons decide to bring her to his domain?

Those thoughts kept harassing her as she walked, unaware of the eyes which watched her from afar.

–Haah, why are we doing this again? -Kou asked his older brother, who stood next to him.

–The queen was clear with her orders. We must kill the woman and her heart as proof to our obedience. -Ruki responds coldly as he stared at their target.

–And since when do we follow orders from that old hag? -Yuma spit out, not caring for any sort of respect towards the woman above them.

–She is the wife of that man and therefore we must respect her… as unpleasant as that may be.

–I do not… want to kill… Maria… -Azusa complained quietly.

–Yeah, I don’t see why we have to do this! Wasn’t it that man who brought her here in the first place? -Kou agreed.

–This is a waste of time. -Kazemi said unamused.

–You have agreed to join us. You are here on your own accord. -Ruki says to the woman.

–Yes, but this is not part of our job. I say her let her go.

–You know it will be troublesome if we happen to displease that woman.

–I don’t care.

With those words, Kazemi made her way to the young lady, despite the Mukami’s protests, and smiled at her and told her about the queen’s plans for her. Seeing the fear grow in Maria’s eyes, she showed her a path through the woods she could use to disappear. Once she was gone, Kazemi hunted down an animal in the woods and collected it’s heart to show Cordelia instead of Maria’s.

The queen was pleased at first and showed her beloved king the trophy she had acquired. Karlheinz, however, chuckled at the sight, amused as he observed red blood in the box. His response infuriated Cordelia, who soon learned the heart’s source and the girl’s blood to be of a rare purple coloration.

In the meantime, walking deeper into the woods, Maria had started to feel hungry and tired. She did not stop to rest as fear held her hostage. She knew she could get lost in those woods, if she wasn’t already. The howls of wolves echoing between the trees did not help ease her mind.

It was then she sighted a crow up on a tree branch. Something about it caught her attention. It felt unnatural. Almost as if it knew who she was and what she needed. In fact it started moving as it looked back, as if wanting her to follow.

The mysterious bird led her to a strange house in the middle of the woods before flying away. Maria could only hope for this to be a good idea as she approached the house and knocked on the door. Who answered was a tall young looking man wearing glasses and an arrogant expression.

–And who might you be? -The man asked with an unamused tone.

The woman almost flinched at the coldness in his tone.

–My name is Maria… There’s someone trying to kill me. Is it ok if I hide here?

–Why would I allow a pathetic human such as yourself to hide in our house?

–Now now, Reiji, you shouldn’t be so mean to such a poor terrified woman. -A third voice said chantingly before Maria felt a cold hand holding her shoulder as a man in a fedora hat appeared behind her. -She smells so good… I’m sure we can make this situation beneficial for all of us, don’t you agree~?

The house turned out to be home for six vampire brothers and a recently turned woman. At first it seemed like everything would take a turn to the worst, but luckily they agreed on letting her stay as long as they could have her blood, although most of them ended up not taking advantage of the deal after noticing it’s exotic color and flavor.

The location of the woman soon became known to the jealous queen, who immediately sent the Mukami to investigate the place and kill her. The first to try was Kou. He showed her samples of a supposedly makeup line and purposefully held the powder against her face. However one of the Sakamaki soon showed up and chased him away before she could suffocate.

The second attempt was made by Yuuma, disguised as a wandering traitor. He offered her some of his vegetables, including an apple he made sure to poison beforehand. When she refused to have it, he tried forcing the apple into her mouth, but once again a Sakamaki showed up and chased him off.

The final attempt was made by Azusa. He stalked Maria for a while, waiting for the right opportunity to act. While she was by herself eating some cashews, he scared her with a loud noise, making her choke on the nut. She fell to the ground squirming, but this time no one came to her rescue as the young vampire left the scene.

The Sakamaki soon found the woman unconscious. Unable to find the source of the problem, they were ready to carry her inside when the king of founders showed up and demanded to know what they were doing to her.

–That is none of your business! -Yelled Ayato with an insult.

–The woman is in great danger. If you do not act fast, she will certainly die. Hand her over and I shall ensure she survives.

–My, how kind of you. And what makes you believe we would willingly trust our prey into your hands? -Reiji asked.

–That is your choice. However I assure you she will not survive otherwise.

Reluctant, the vampire brothers agreed to Carla’s terms. The founder soon managed to expel the cashew from Maria’s throat, allowing the air to flow once again, waking her up. The whole group celebrated and the queen never tried to kill her again, since the king had made sure to punish her for her attempts against the human’s life.

                                                       ~*~

–And that’s the end! -Maria said in a happy tone.

–How mediocre of you to give this a happy ending. -Reiji commented with a sigh.

–Eh?

–Teddy did not like the story… Why did you mention Laito and not us…? -Kanato complained.

–Because I’m her boyfriend, of course~! -The vampire in a fedora beamed, placing his arm over the woman’s shoulders.

–Well I thought it was a fun story… -Yui said quietly.

–Who asked for your opinion!? It would have been a much better story if Ore-sama had a bigger participation in it! -Ayato said.

–I would like to understand why you decided to include that founder at the end. His participation seemed quite out of place for the story. -Ruki pointed out.

Everyone kept commenting about the story in a big mess as Maria simply watched and listened. She sighed as a soft smile formed in her lips. She knew the story wasn’t great, but seeing how enthusiastic everyone was about it was enough to warm up her heart.

–Slut-chan~. -Laito whispered in her ear.

–Hm?

–You know, I only have one complaint about your little story…

–What is it?

–The kiss… Snow White was supposed to awaken from a true love’s kiss, was she not~?

–Not in the original story…

–Is that so? But isn’t that version much better~? How about next time we make this into a play? I will be the prince who will awaken you with a kiss~.

– … That actually sounds fun… -She replied with hesitation.

–Doesn’t it? Shall we start practicing~? -He chuckled as he slowly leaned closer to her. -Now, Snow White… close your eyes for me~.

[solarstellarstar]

Once Upon Dreams and Nightmares: Swan Lake

Tysm @bluebird-dolly-bride for this opportunity <3 Super fun to participate in!

Text version:

WHITE SWAN ODETTE- SOLAR

-Gentle, sweet and noble.

Princess of the Swan Maidens: Odette, or in this universe, Solar

Cursed to glide on the lake by day, she can only dance on two feet by night

She is the centre of a group of maidens, who have similarly been cursed

Despite her condition, she adores the sun 

Especially when it begins to rise, even though it’s a ticking time bomb to her routine magical dungeon

Solar has eyes for a certain prince that she can only watch from afar as she stays afloat

Until one day, her path crosses with the golden prince’s

Smitten. She is.

The only way to break the curse is true love

So whenever the sun sets, she seeks the prince- hoping to get his eyes on her

And for some time, she does

Until an evil lookalike seeks to take her place…?

[Images to be added]

BLACK SWAN ODILE- LUNAR

Bewitching, shrewd and pretentious

Daughter of Enchantress Aurelia Kanemoto

Odile. Or in this universe, Lunar

She is a willing thrall for her mother, although she possesses a mind and ego of her own

She is everything Solar can’t be… including a star

But when it comes to the golden prince, Lunar misses it. Quite significantly.

Aurelia’s plan? Magically disguise her daughter in Solar’s human appearance to deceive the prince

Can’t be too difficult to pull the act off, Lunar is of a similar skillset to Solar anyway

She meets with the golden prince, under her mother’s spell

It works. The prince is bewitched. And vows his love to her. Not to Solar, to our Odile.

Devastated, the princess of the swan maidens leaves everything behind

And she plunges into the lake. Forever locking her fellow maidens in their eternal prison.

[blood--king]

The King Frog

DDA-Event: Once Upon Dreams and Nightmares.

Transcription:

Once upon a time, there was a girl who enjoyed a luxurious life. Her family had a good position, they all lived in a huge cottage house surrounded by vast terrains in which she always could run, have fun, play with her pets and paint under that starry sky. Even so, something intrigued at the young girl: afar of the fence that bordered her lands it was a dense marsh which curiously attracted her every time she was near of its limits. She came up to her parents to ask for permission to go afar the fence, they, fearful, warned the girl that she never should approach the marsh.

“Legend says that long time ago, a king asked a witch to bless one hundred women, to grant that each one of them would give birth to a son of his, his desired was conceded but his destiny was sealed: once the sons grew up, they fought to death each other for the privilege to be on top and supersede their father. The wish of the king to expand his domains, condemned him and his kingdom to fall. Legend said that the nature devoured his castle and now, in that exact marsh, the king is still trying to acquire by any cost one hundred new sons to erect his kingdom once again”.

The little girl understood the warning her parents gave her and stopped to approach the fence. But one day, distracted, she was pursuing a beautiful butterfly, she wanted to catch it inside a glass to paint it and let it go once she ended up. But, running after the flutter of the winged insect, she tripped up and fell at the other side of the fence, she rolled up in the floor and before she even had the chance to notice it, she was right in front of the marsh entrance. What once were only whispers brought by the wind was now a loud hypnotic calling. The young girl couldn’t resist the temptation and even if the fear took control of her senses, the curiosity made her move her feet. She walked through the woods and the mud until she reached an immense lake. When she arrived, all sounds of the marsh stopped; it was like all animals and insects wanted to be quiet. The only sound that could be heard was a croak without visible providence. From the apparently calm arouse an unexpected sound behind her: A predator? A huge animal with fangs and claws? Was it the king of something else? Was this the end? The curiosity left immediately her body and the fear pushed her to swim inside the lake. Unfortunately for the little get, exhaustion dominate her before she could even reach the other side, the horror frozen her and the tension made her sink. When her little body touched the bottom, she couldn’t believe what her eyes were witnessing: there, sat in his throne consumed by the nature, a man of long locks and green skin wearing a crown. The king was still present. Everything was real. Suddenly her instincts overcame any other emotion, curiosity or fear faded away and only left her desire to live, swim, run and run even faster for her life.

Even stronger was her astonishment when the corpse opened his eyes and stared at her.

Full illustration:

[yuriko-mukami]

What made you chose little red riding hood for the event?

Thank you for the ask, Anon.

At first, I had trouble thinking about which fairytale I would want for Yuriko since there are many great ones. I went through several options and talked about it with my friends.

It was @ruki-mukami-dl who suggested Little Red Riding Hood, and after giving it some thought, I decided it was actually a very good option for several reasons. I do like the story, and it was easy enough to fit in Yuriko's backstory but also in DL.

While the wolf is usually the bad guy, the hunter the hero, and the grandmother an innocent victim, I wanted to write my version a bit differently, giving them different roles...and well, another ending. Also, the recent DL merch line with priest outfits twisted my brain and it was possible to fit in this story too.

So, Little Red Riding Hood simply felt like the perfect choice for me.

[avionvadion]

Eleanora is going to be teaching all the boys the lyrics and moves to This Is Halloween and she's putting Sebek in the front of it all because he's the only one who actually made it to the hill and talked sense into Skully. XD

He is the best boy. She might actually ask the Mayor if he can make a "best boy award" because it be Sebek. Malleus is pouting, but he knows Sebek deserves the praise. Little does Sebek know, this event most likely earns him the honor (cough punishment cough) of being Eleanora's bodyguard via Malleus' orders.

Also, Skully is going to be the missing son of the "Halloween King" in my fanfic so he'll be very much alive.

For those curious (I'm taking many creative liberties with these events, goodness gracious) about the timeline: Skully happens in November. We meet Fellow and Gidel in October, but they don't join NRC until January because Fellow needs time to think about and realize some stuff before catching Kalim and asking if his previous offer was still open.

...Fellow is going to be Vice Dorm Leader. NO LISTEN OKAY HEAR ME OUT, IT MAKES SENSE.

He and Eleanora actually have a lot in common. Charismatic, are usually able to talk their way out of most situations, oldest of the group, big sibling figures, kind of jaded, and are both struggling but doing their best to survive despite circumstances and are incredibly extremely broke. Also his coat matches the Ramshackle blue and he has the little hat. He'd be able to keep Skully and Grim in line when Eleanora isn't there, and Gidel already listens to him! It just makes sense, y'know? XD In like the goofiest way. Also they both have canes.

...Honestly surprised no one's asked why El has a cane yet. I mentioned it before, but nothing. Hmm. Oh, well.

Also I might have drawn Gidel a bit too small since I headcanon him around ten or twelve-ish, but he is probably malnourished so him being shorter than he actually should be checks out.

Fellow is doing his best given he probably found Gidel when he was a teenager and the tiny child was probably a toddler then, but if tiny child doesn't get enough to eat (and we know there are days the two of them go without eating, based on the SSR vignette) then tiny child isn't gonna grow properly. So he being smoll makes sense.

CAN WE PLEASE MENTION THAT FELLOW PROBABLY CUTS GIDEL'S HAIR HIMSELF!??? LOOK AT THE BACKS OF THEIR HAIR. (Not in my drawing because it's my first time drawing them and I definitely got some of their hair wrong, so look at their actual official art) THEY'RE SO SIMILAR. FELLOW BE CUTTING GIDEL'S HAIR AND TRYING TO TEACH HIM WHAT LITTLE HE KNOWS OF THE ALPHABET/WHAT LITTLE HE KNOWS HOW TO READ AND PROBABLY JUST SAW THIS TINY TODDLER ON THE STREET AND WENT, "Okay, you're my little brother now" AND DECIDED TO RAISE HIM. THAT'S SO FREAKING CUTE. OH MY GODS.

Anyways, I love them. :3

The only one not going to be allowed at Ramshackle is Rollo XD boy tried to KILL Eleanora's dragon boyfriend. She has a grudge. Oh, he wants to be a visiting student? Hell nah. Screw you, Crowley, go ahead and blackmail her, she has Poma and Divus on her side. Rollo can find somewhere else to stay.

NO ROLLO IN RAMSHACKLE, SHE HAS A SWORD IN HER CANE AND SHE WILL USE IT ON HIM. (Thanks Ortho.)

[demiepilled]

The one and only Margot Robbie 🤍🤍

[hersurvival]

City streets rapidly claimed,

An intersection moved in upon by rebels,

Guns and dogs and trucks,

As I am in the middle of crossing the street.

Grabbed, dragged, abducted.

A warehouse filled with girls,

Taken. Same as me.

These are trials, competition,

Impress the boss, their leader,

You will survive.

But what am I if not a caretaker?

Time's up and I've helped everyone else

Except myself.

And as the guards come round

To make their judgment,

The panic of being a disappointment,

Of not being perfect,

Has me collapse.

A man straddles me

As I am hyperventilating,

Shoves two fingers under my ribs,

Demanding I focus, sharp pain.

In and out, too bright,

Somehow too dark.

I lock eyes with two girls up high,

Attempting to escape through a vent.

And what good am I if not to protect?

What more can I do as diversion, distraction,

But stop breathing all together.

[au-yuukiemcee]

The Thorn Queen, Yuuki Draconia. -Afraid to lose the woman he loves, Malleus Draconia finds a way to keep her bound to him... for eternity.

[inevitablemoment]

Okay, so the combination of Smosh/StarKid brainrot and listening to various iterations of the musical Once Upon A Mattress has given me an amazing idea...

Angela Giarratana as Princess Winnifred!

PLEASE MAKE IT HAPPEN, PLEASE!

[ladywatereton]

✨Once Upon a Dream✨

Happy Brazilian Valentine's Day💖

🎥 The Sleeping Beauty (1959)

🎶 Young & Beautiful, Lana Del Rey.

📼 RedaDoodles (YouTube), MacMooney (YouTube).

[iricathel]

Once upon dreams and nightmares... 🥀

Event hostess @bluebird-dolly-bride

Far, far away, in a place where no other man set foot on a land rich in fronds, lived a young boy in an ancient castle bathed in gold.

Spoiled child, gluttonous for power and control to the point of becoming the nightmare of the workers.

Ungrateful brat, as some would say behind their young master's back.

Do you remember, when you almost blinded a servant?

Do you remember, when you punished the butler's son to starvation for grabbing one of your toys?

Do you remember, when you threatened to execute the cook if he used an ingredient that you disliked again?

Time heals all, but so powerful was the malice in the boy's heart, that once he reached adulthood he became completely sick with his darkness.

Some blows were heard at the huge front door, and for the first and only time, the young nobleman decided to open his entrance by himself.

"An apple, just buy me a single apple to feed my family, please sir." An elderly man sobbed, barely able to hold the mentioned fruit firmly in his wrinkled hand.

"Save your words, old man. Who do you think you're talking to? That thing doesn't even resemble a fruit." The raven-haired man spat, fixing his contemptuous gaze on the offer. "

"So give me a little help, then. My family will always be very grateful to you."

A bitter laugh splashed over the old man, poisoning his ears with that teasing smug.

"Your family will be grateful to me? And how that will benefit me? Go back the way you came, old man. I don't want to see your drooping face peering through my windows again, nor your calloused and heavy feet dragging on my marble floor."

Loud rumbles resounded in the sky, and soon it was covered in black clouds, blotting out any sunlight.

A strong and cold wind blew, and to the surprise of all present, the old man was turned into a white-haired youth with a chiseled face to resemble the very own gods.

"For your insolence and cockiness, you will have to learn a lesson. So much evil inside you must be reflected as the devil on the outside equally. Loneliness will be your sentence, because all your close beings will have been objectified. In order to find a cure, as well as two twin seeds of this apple, you will have to find your own reflection before the apple rots into mere rubble.

Be smart, child, and keep close to that person who understands you because it will be the one who can accept your seven hells."

Damn curiosity, and damn her stubbornness.

For having played with the same fate, the young blonde found herself trapped in the Beast's clutches. Rusty bars imprisoned her like a caged bird.

"You were guided to this place in order to carry out your mission. I waited for the return of the burning rays of the sun, and the green meadow returning to dye the borders of my home."

The Beast spoke, leaning against the iron bars to look at his encapsulated rose.

"With your stay here, I will guarantee the eternal upkeep of the apple and—"

"You'll still be a horned beast, excited to see a red apple like a little kid getting candy. Stay delusional, maybe that way you won't go crazy."

The Beauty with the same arrogant poison bathed the Beast.

They were two sides of the same coin, because it didn't take long for the young woman to show how conceited and proud she was.

A reflection of the same face began to be seen.

The same melody being played by two different instruments.

The Beauty and the Beast, would be forever depending on the existence of the other, for the end of time.

[hellfireeddiemunson]

missing carnivale lecroux today

[hayanahed]

Emergency: Help Evacuate My Family From GAZA WAR

Dear Humanity,

I'm Haya from Gaza , from a family of 8 people: my parents, two sons, and four daughters (two of them suffer from allergies).

I've witnessed the evidence of the tragedy that has struck our lives in Gaza, where my family and I have survived amidst numerous previous wars. But today, we face the most dangerous and fierce battle in the current war. The urgent need intensifies for us, as we have nothing left and are unable to secure our basic needs such as food, water, and safe shelter.

Here is our story - On October 7th, our lives changed forever, my family and I evacuated from northern Gaza to southern Gaza, hoping to return soon, but it wasn't meant to be. Our home was surrounded, burned, and then completely destroyed, Our home, once a fortress of hope, now lay in ruins, a stark reminder of our shattered dreams.

The night before we left from the north to the south was terrifying. Shelling sounds were everywhere, making a loud noise that felt like it went through our souls. Every explosions shook the ground like earthquakes, sending shockwaves of fear through our trembling bodies. filling us with fear. The air smelled of destruction and blood, making it hard to breathe. When dawn came, we saw the devastation around us, realizing our home was now a symbol of loss and despair.

We ran into the streets and with each step we took into the unknown streets, we felt as if we were plunging deeper into the abyss of our shattered existence, leaving behind everything we own in our home: Clothes, important official documents, the car, and literally it's almost everything - the enormity of our loss weighed heavily upon us.

Our home it was where we found hope, safety, and made precious memories. Losing it felt like losing years of our lives, leaving us adrift amidst the wreckage of our shattered existence.

A brief video depicting the devastation that struck our home and our entire neighborhood in Gaza.

Desperate Plea: Escaping Gaza's Allergy Nightmare

I, Haya, suffer from severe allergy to penicillin-derived medications, and my sister, Amal, also suffers from severe allergies to medications from my family such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

These allergies create a deep sense of fear and anxiety for us, as we live in a constant state of tension and fear of anything that may require a visit to the hospital. We fear being given inappropriate medications due to the unavailability of suitable treatments in Gaza because of war or lack of awareness and not informing the doctor of our allergies, which could lead to serious consequences threatening our lives.

MY Father Income

Our dreams are heading towards oblivion in the labyrinth of an uncertain future

My story, along with my siblings, represents a united team of four individuals, three of whom are skilled programmers and one graphic designer. We work as freelancers in the world of freelancing.

As for my younger sister, she is a student studying at the College of Architecture. She has always carried a big dream in her heart, a dream of being part of changing Gaza, of making it more beautiful and better. She looked forward to the day when she would receive her degree and start building this dream. But the beginning of the war changed everything. The destruction of infrastructure and universities cast shadows of despair over her dreams.

When I think of my brother in Belgium, I can't help but feel deep sadness. He has been suffering from unbearable anxiety and insomnia since the outbreak of the war. Sleep eludes him at night, and his physical and mental health collapses under the weight of these heavy burdens, negatively affecting his performance at work. Problems and challenges pile up in front of him without the slightest opportunity for rest.

We all feel psychological pressure and extreme anxiety. The war hasn't been limited to external attacks but has deeply infiltrated our daily lives. We search among the rubble for a little safety and the basic resources for survival. Every day comes with a new challenge that we must overcome.

As we sway amidst the rubble of shattered dreams, our souls wrestle and our hearts beat strongly challenging the ravages of war.

Our parents earnestly seek a way to rescue us from this hell, feeling the heavy responsibility for every moment we spend under the shadows of fear and destruction. They dream of a safe place where they can build for us a better future, filled with security and hope, for we deserve life in all its meanings of comfort and peace.

Perhaps this fundraising campaign represents a light in the midst of darkness, it is indeed the only hope we cling to firmly.

I appeal to the world as a whole to hear my cry and the mournful cry of my family in Gaza. We need the helping hand that reaches out to wipe our tears and build a bridge to safety.

Your donation is not just a donation; it's an opportunity to rebuild life and brighten a better tomorrow. Be part of our hopeful story, for we need your hand to start anew.

The purpose of the fundraising campaign

The goal of this fundraising campaign is to rescue my family - my parents, my siblings, and me - through the Rafah Crossing to Egypt, which currently requires $5000 per person. This campaign is our only chance to stay alive, and I humbly request your assistance at this critical time. I will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses, committing to transparency and clarity.

All of our important links are here https://linktr.ee/hayanahed

Verified by :

⭐️ operation olive branch, number 26 on their spreadsheet. (On Master list)

⭐️ Project watermelon,line 249 on their spreadsheet. Or you could see it as number 212 here is the photo for more clear proof

Thank you for your kindness and support.

.جزاكم الله خيراً

yours sincerely;

Haya Alshawish.

[grainsofexcellence]

Update!

In comes Regina in the AI generated world! :D Let's see how Emma handles that.

Summary:

Emma Swan couldn't sleep before the D.A.R.A. protocol. Years of insomnia just faded away when she first plugs into the AI and its world. The intelligence quickly falls for the caring blond and develops a sub protocol just for her, Regina. Regina is a subsegment of D.A.R.A. and her one job is to please Emma, but when the blond is less than willing to throw her life away for Artificial Reality, D.A.R.A. must create a body.

Enjoy twists and turns as Emma and Regina navigate what's real and what's meant to kill them in this cat and mouse game that warns about: what happens when AI gets too powerful? ... and how can we save ourselves.

[yuriko-mukami]

Once Upon Dreams and Nightmares

Event organized by @bluebird-dolly-bride Story beta read by @ruki-mukami-dl Also thank you for your help @mermaid--bride

Download the PDF version from here: The Curse of the Blue Moon

Text version under the cut

The Curse of the Blue Moon

Run, run, Lost Boy For your love has spirited away Run, run, Lost Boy For your lily has been trapped in the Land of the Fae Run, run, Lost Boy For your moon is about to fade

Once upon a time, there was a town that people called the godless one. Stories told that the town was filled with terrible creatures of the night and even the church there had made ties with the darkness. Were those only rumors or not, nobody knew. 

In that town, lived a girl with hair like fluffy clouds and blue sky and eyes like sparkly ocean in the sunny weather. The girl was called Tsukino Yuriko or, as her mother used to whisper in the evenings, the tiny lily of the moon. Yet, ever since she had passed this world, no one had used such a name for the girl anymore. These days she was living alone with her father, Tsukino Keisuke, in their tiny house. While she did all she could to please the man, she had a nagging feeling that nothing was ever good enough. Without her mother, their family was broken and she didn’t have the means to fix it again.

And little did the girl know that behind her back, her father had made his own arrangement. Never had anyone told the tale to Yuriko, but before she had been born there had been another: a boy with equally cloudy hair with blue strikes and teal-glimmering eyes. But the boy had been taken by monsters and never brought back. The same monsters that had later claimed the girl’s mother. 

So, behind the scenes, Keisuke had searched for the solution, wishing to get back his little boy who had been spirited away. And found the answer he finally had. The key had been already placed in his hands, and the useless daughter had turned into golden treasure. By giving her away, Keisuke could redeem forces to fight the monsters and bring back the child he missed so much.

So, came the day when Keisuke called out for his daughter, handing her a blue hood and a basket filled with offerings.

“You are to go to the church and bring them these, for they have promised to give our family a great blessing for that.” 

“But… umh… should I really go? You are much more important than me, Father.” The girl lowered her head, not believing she was suitable for such an important task. 

“Be a good daughter for once and do this for me.”

“Yes… Father.”

And the girl dressed up in the blue hood and took the basket, heading out towards the church. But the road was long for her tiny feet. She decided to walk through the park for that made at least a bit of a shortcut. 

The night was already closing in, the blue moon sailing to the sky and painting everything with cerulean silver. Soon, someone stepped in her way, blocking the path.

“Livestock should not wander too far from their home at this hour. They might run into something dangerous.”

Glimmering eyes peered at Yuriko who pressed the basket against her chest as her heart drummed against her ribcage. “Umh… but sir, I have an important task to do for my father.”

“I see. For livestock, you seem to be well-mannered at least.” The man stepped closer, yet stayed in the shadows. “May I ask what kind of a task has your father given you?”

“I’m to take these offerings to the church and they will give him a blessing for a better future.” Yuriko beamed. Perhaps this was the way to make her father accept her once and for all. 

“Hmm, if you are wishing to guarantee the blessing, you should bring some flowers to the church too. Those are usually appreciated and will make the priest favor you.”

Tilting her head to the side, Yuriko took in the words. She didn’t have much money on her but surely it was more than enough to buy flowers. And if that was the way to make things happen in the right way, then it was worth her little savings. Anything to bring happiness to her father.

“I thank you for the advice.” As Yuriko bowed her head, a soft chuckle reached her ears. When she raised her gaze again, no one was standing on the path. Had she imagined everything or not? She did not know but since she was determined to succeed with her task, she took another turn and hurried toward the flower shop before it would be closed for the night.

🌕

So, it was the truth indeed as the vaguely familiar voice from the darkness had told to the vampire. His beloved lily had forgotten him, chased into a trap like a little innocent lamb. But he was not to give up, never would he allow the church to have its way with this beauty who belonged to him and him only.

All too well the vampire knew that if he waited a moment longer, the beauty would be handed into the arms of another to suck dry and to be used. He wouldn’t have that. She was his possession, his great love, and promised to him for all eternity. This nightmare would not win. No one else would not claim what was rightfully his.

The vampire would play the game and take the price. So, he hurried to the church and sneaked in, searching for the father who would welcome the young lady with open arms and fill her mind with lies before sending her to her doom.

The priest didn’t know what hit him. Soon, he was drained with only two punctual marks. Hastily, the vampire freed the man from his clothes, covering himself with the robes of the priest. And not a moment too soon, since the hinges of the door were singing for the arrival of his prey.

🌕

Yuriko stepped into the dark and gloomy building she hadn’t visited before, wondering if this massive place could truly hold the answers to her father’s prays. But she had never been the one who would defy her own parent, so she did as she had been told and walked in, pressing the gift basket — now, filled also with white lilies — against her chest.

“Come in, dear Child.” The priest stepped from the shadows, his voice carrying a familiar tone. Yuriko couldn’t tell where she had heard it before. The man was tall with ruffled hair, yet the church was so dimly lit that it was impossible to make out the details.

“Good evening, Father. Umh… I have come as my father has told me, bringing gifts and asking for a blessing for my family.” Roaming closer, Yuriko held out the basket with slightly shaking arms. The priest picked it up, peeking in it but then setting it on the wooden seat row next to him. He closed the space between them, snatching Yuriko’s chin and lifting her head.

“Look me in the eyes when you speak to me, Child.”

“Umh… Forgive me, Father. I dare not, for I have been taught that a good woman always keeps her gaze down.”

A finger, radiating cold, slid along Yuriko’s chinline. She found herself unable to turn her gaze anymore as the deep oceanic eyes captured her attention. The priest was young — probably not much older than she. But soon, her attention was drawn elsewhere, to a white lovage dotted with crimson.

“Father, are you all right? Why is there blood on your collar?” Yuriko heard how her voice echoed in the church, walls quietly repeating her words.

“Oh, why indeed?” the priest repeated. “For giving shepherd’s blood so that Devil may not spill yours.”

Yuriko blinked, not completely understanding how and why exactly was shepherd’s liquid of life given for her sake. Yet, she dared not to ask. But when the priest smiled at her, another question lingered on her lips.

“Oh, Father, why the blood has painted your lips as well?”

“For I have drunk it to save your soul, Child.” The smile turned into a smirk, revealing the sharper corner teeth Yuriko had ever seen. Fingers dig into Yuriko’s cheeks as the priest forced her face to rise up again. The hood glided down, setting free her white and blue curls. There was something slippery curling in her stomach, yet she could not stop the question from escaping her.

“Oh, Father, why do you have the teeth of the beast?”

Another smirk. An arm enveloped Yuriko’s waist, pulling her against the priest’s chest while a musky scent filled her senses and the oceanic eyes made her prisoner of the waves rising deep within her. She pressed her palms on the man’s shoulders but was unable to push as if all the strength had run from her body.

“For so that I can devour you completely.” Cold lips pressed on Yuriko’s, turning her world upside down. It was like this man tried indeed devour her soul through her mouth, sucking her bottom lip as the sharp teeth graced it. Her fingers curled and, instinctively, she grabbed a hold of the priest’s robes, gaping against his mouth, knowing this was not something a good girl would surrender herself into. But she was glued into this moment of pure desire, wanting to give herself there and then without understanding why were her mind and body suddenly singing foreign songs of bliss and pleasure.

The tidal wave of realizations washed over Yuriko. She couldn’t explain it but she knew that she had kissed these lips before. She had given her everything to this man in another life. She belonged. Not to this place, not to this life but in these arms that held her now.

“Ruki…” A quivering whisper floated between them.

But the answer never came.

Clever you are, Lost Boy For you know how to play But are you strong, Lost Boy? For still haven’t passed the day Sneakiness isn’t everything, Lost Boy For all is gone if you don’t slay

The front doors of the church were banged open and a shadow with a long cape stepped in the frame. As the blue moon climbed on the sky it painted the figure with its cold light and glimmered on the blade on their hand. 

Yuriko gasped as Ruki pushed her behind his back. Even through the priest’s robes, it was obvious how every muscle of him tensed. The air was thick with the energy. It tickled Yuriko’s nose as if it was about to explode any second now.

“Disgusting monsters, you dared to step on the holy space. This will be the end of you!” As the man darted in he rose his blade, his eyes glistening with blind rage that knew no reason.

“Yuriko! Run!” Ruki pushed the young woman toward the altar, dashing at the man right after. Moving faster than Yuriko could distinguish, Ruki pulled out a knife and met the blade with it in a swift shift. Sparkles danced in the dim church hall as the edges chafed against each other.

Glued to her place, Yuriko pressed her hand over her gasping mouth, her nails digging crescents onto her cheek. Would Ruki win? 

I can’t watch this!

Finally, Yuriko was on the move. She lifted her hand as her feet beat the floor. With every hasty step, she called out the flames from deep within her. And at the moment when she was by Ruki’s side, the blue fire hit the other man’s cape, flaring it… no… consuming it at a faster pace than Yuriko had even imagined!

The man backed down, yelling, almost like foxtrotting through the church, spreading the fire with him. It caught the wooden seats and colorful tapestries within minutes, painting everything with azure and absorbing all in sight as Yuriko stared. Had she caused this? Destroyed this building?

“Yuriko!” Cold digits clutched Yuriko’s wrist, hauling her into Ruki’s arms. “We have to go. Now!” Before she realized it, Ruki had hoisted her in bridal style and was rushing out, leaving behind the pyre that used to be the place for prayers.

Yet, this was not the only change since the whole world around them was grumbling. As the ground shook, the trees started to fall and the blue moon sank into clouds full of bolts of lightning. 

Ruki didn’t stop. Yuriko clung to him, holding onto his neck like there was no tomorrow — and for a while, she believed that it was so. This was it. The end without a new beginning. The final period of their lives.

The clouds descended, covering everything around the couple with thick mist. Still, Ruki kept going, for there was nothing to lose anymore. For Yuriko, he was all she could see but she didn’t need anything else. While she did not know what had happened and why they had ended up in this place, all she cared about was the love of her life who was once again embracing her.

With a few more steps, Ruki swooped them through the mist. Puffing, Yuriko gazed around. The mist was gone, and so was the church as the familiar gate rose before them. The Mukami manor.

Ruki placed Yuriko down only to snatch her into a hug, sinking his face into her hair and inhaling deeply.

“My angel…”

“Ruki…”

Good job, Lost Boy For you found your power Be proud, Lost Boy For you claimed the price at the right hour Love now, Lost Boy For you have eternity with your flower