#poll ended and sequel won

[dreamsinmoonlight]

(Welp the public have spoken: a sequel to Angel Cocoon will come soon

As for the person who sent me an ask, that will be coming after; it's gonna be....interesting

Feel free to keep sending me requests, I love the idea people think I'm actually capable instead of being the lump I am)

[woolmasterleel]

Dash is dead, post a super messy wip

[mononijikayu]

amnesia — ryomen sukuna.

“Are you… are you playing a joke on me?” Sukuna’s voice wavered slightly as he tried to comprehend the situation. “It’s me. Sukuna. We… we know each other.” You shook your head slowly, an apologetic smile tugging at your lips. “I’m really sorry, but I don’t remember you. I had a really bad accident a few years ago, and… well, I lost my memories. Amnesia. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

GENRE: alternate universe - modern au!;

WARNING/S: sfw, fluff, angst, romance, hurt/ comfort, post - break up, amnesia, hurt, physical touch, memory loss, sadness, pain, pining, slowly getting back together, light-hearted, happy ending, getting back together, depictions of amnesia, depiction of pining, mention of grief, mention of accident, mention of pining, ex-boyfriend! sukuna, amnesiac! ex-girlfriend! reader, domestic uncle sukuna!, nephew!yuji;

WORD COUNT: 9.9k words

NOTE: the entire chapter is a sequel to drunk tonight and is set five years later. sukuna won second place at the poll again and i feel like this is my apology for sukuna for always making him an angst main lead. this was inspired by a filipino film called amnesia girl and its a funny drama-romcom. its available on youtube, but i dont know if there's subtitles!!! anyway, i hope you enjoy this and i hope you know how much i love yall 🫶🫶🫶

ADDENDUM: so......so long sukuna??? (manga readers iykyk)

masterlist

kayu's playlist - side 1000;

if you want to, tip!

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HE LIKED TO THINK HE COUNTED THE HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN WELL. Five long and painful years ago, you and Sukuna parted ways in what felt like an explosion of unresolved emotions and unmet expectations. Your relationship had been a tempestuous blend of fiery passion and constant turbulence, a rollercoaster of intense highs and devastating lows. From the beginning, it was clear that both of you had strong personalities, often clashing in ways that seemed impossible to reconcile.

The reasons for the breakup were numerous and complex. There was the perpetual danger that came with Sukuna's world, a constant reminder that you were living on the edge, with no guarantee of safety or stability. His life was fraught with peril, and the reality of that danger had taken its toll on both of you. You both knew that living under such stress was unsustainable, and it began to fray the bonds that had once held you together.

Your expectations, too, weighed heavily on the relationship. You had dreams and aspirations that seemed at odds with the life you were leading alongside Sukuna. The demands of his world often overshadowed your own needs, leading to a sense of neglect and disillusionment. It felt as though you were always putting yourself second, trying to accommodate the chaos that was Sukuna's life while struggling to maintain your own sense of self.

Despite the chaos and the inevitable breakdown, there was an undeniable connection between you—a bond that neither of you could completely sever. It was a connection that defied logic, a thread that seemed to pull you back together despite all efforts to move on. Both of you had tried to let go, to walk away and start anew, but the lingering feelings and shared history made it nearly impossible to fully break free.

Sukuna, in his own way, struggled with this as well. Even though the relationship had reached its breaking point, he found himself unable to completely let go of what you had shared. He was deeply aware of the toll that the relationship had taken on you, and he knew that you needed to prioritize yourself, your own well-being, and your own path forward. It was a painful realization, one that left him feeling hollow and lost, but he was determined not to be the reason you couldn't move forward.

In his mind, letting you go was the only way to truly show his love for you—to give you the space you needed to heal and grow. Even if it meant enduring his own misery, he accepted that it was a sacrifice he had to make. He knew that holding on would only serve to drag you both down further, and he wasn't willing to be the obstacle in your pursuit of happiness.

So, as time passed and the separation became a part of your history, Sukuna endured his own internal struggle. He remained in the shadows of your life, silently wishing for your happiness while grappling with his own feelings of loss and regret. He respected your decision and tried to move forward, even as he kept a part of himself tied to the memories of what once was.

But even then, you were truly something that made his life more than it was. You were the blossoms of his youth, the hope and vibrancy that had once colored his world. Your presence had breathed life into the mundane, transforming his days from mere existence into something filled with possibility and wonder. 

His elder brother Jin had seen it all those years ago, recognizing the profound impact you had on Sukuna. Jin had often remarked on how you were a beacon of hope, a light that guided Sukuna through the darkest corners of his life. Your influence was undeniable, a force that had shaped him in ways he could hardly articulate.

Yet despite the depth of his feelings and the significance of what you had shared, Sukuna couldn’t escape the gnawing belief that he had ultimately failed you. He carried with him the heavy burden of the notion that he wasn’t good enough—never had been, never would be. The weight of this conviction was a constant companion, a shadow that loomed over every thought and action.

He remembered the countless moments of doubt, the times when he felt that his flaws, his imperfections, and the dangers of his world were too great a burden for you to bear. It was a painful realization, one that left him grappling with feelings of inadequacy. He wanted to be the person who could give you everything you deserved—love, stability, safety. But he feared that he fell short, that he could never truly be the partner you needed.

Even as he watched you move forward, find your own path, and build a life without him, he was haunted by the belief that he had let you down. He was acutely aware of all the ways he had failed to meet your expectations, to protect you from the chaos that had once defined your life together. He thought that perhaps he had been too caught up in his own struggles, too consumed by the demands of his world to fully appreciate what he had with you.

In his quieter moments, Sukuna wrestled with the idea that he would never be good enough for you, that he would never be able to offer you the kind of love and life you truly deserved. This belief became a part of him, shaping how he viewed himself and how he measured his worth. He felt that he had lost you not because of any one mistake or shortcoming, but because he was fundamentally flawed, incapable of providing the kind of relationship you needed.

And so, even as he grappled with his own pain and regrets, he couldn’t shake the feeling that you were better off without him. The memory of what you had shared lingered like a bittersweet echo, a reminder of what could have been and what was lost. He had to come to terms with the fact that he might never be able to offer you the life you deserved, and that acceptance was a hard, painful lesson he had to learn.

Sukuna's struggle with these feelings was a testament to the depth of his love for you, a love that, despite its imperfections and its failures, had once been a source of profound meaning and transformation in his life. Even as he moved forward, he carried the weight of this truth with him—a reminder of what you had meant to him and the painful realization that, perhaps, he would never truly be good enough to have you back.

Sukuna sat in the corner of the room, a half-empty glass of whiskey in his hand, as he listened to his friend's banter. The atmosphere was lighter than it had been in years. Gojo, with his usual grin, was recounting some ridiculous tale of his latest escapade, while Uraume, ever the quiet observer, occasionally chimed in with dry comments that had the others laughing.

But Ryomen Sukuna wasn’t really paying attention. His mind kept drifting back to you—to the way your eyes had softened when you told him you wanted to give “us” a real chance, to the way you’d leaned into him, trusting and vulnerable in a way that made his chest tighten.

“Oi, Sukuna. You’re….” Gojo’s voice cut through his thoughts. “You’re awfully quiet tonight, bud. What's got you all broody, huh?”

Sukuna blinked, realizing he’d been staring into his glass for who knows how long. He knows he spaces out when he’s thinking, but when he’s thinking of you — he suppose the time can go on and he wouldn’t even notice. He looked up to find Gojo’s bright blue eyes fixed on him, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. Uraume was watching him too, their expression unreadable but attentive.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.” Sukuna muttered, taking a sip of his drink. “Just thinking.”

“That’s a first from you, hm.”  Uraume teased, earning a snort from Gojo.

“Come on, spill it!” Gojo pressed, leaning forward with that infuriatingly playful grin. “Is it a girl? I don’t mind if it’s a guy, I know you swing that way too! Oh, wait… don’t tell me it’s the girl.”

Sukuna’s dark scarlet eyes narrowed at him. “What are you talking about?”

Gojo’s grin widened. “The one you’ve been moping about for the last five years. Don’t think I didn’t notice, Sukuna. You’ve been different at work lately—quieter, more… I don’t know, introspective.”

“Gojo–san’s right, Sukuna–san.” Uraume added, their tone softer. “You’ve changed. It’s like you’re finally letting go of whatever it was that had you so wound up.”

Sukuna leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of their words settle over him. He wasn’t used to being the one on the receiving end of their scrutiny, and he didn’t like it. But he also knew they weren’t wrong.

“Yeah, well……” Sukuna began, his voice rough, “I haven't seen her in a long while.. Five years, I think. But I heard…I heard she’s been around. She’s moved around town.”

Uraume raised their eyebrows. “Five years? That’s a long time, Sukuna–san.”

“Yeah. We were together throughout our senior high school and college. Then we broke up after we graduated.” Sukuna sighed, taking a long sip of his drink. The alcohol burned as it slid down his throat, but it did little to ease the ache that had settled in his chest. “It’s been a long time, but… hearing that she’s moved here just brings back a lot.”

Gojo’s eyes widened in surprise. “Was that breakup really that bad?” His usual grin faded, replaced by a look of concern as he sensed the gravity of Sukuna’s words. “What happened?”

Sukuna nodded, his gaze drifting away from Gojo’s intense stare. The room seemed to grow quieter as he delved into the past, the weight of his memories heavy in his voice. “We had multiple breakups. It wasn’t just one—there were several. But the last one was particularly rough. We both cried a lot, said things we didn’t mean. It was messy.”

Gojo leaned in, his curiosity piqued. “Why was it so difficult?”

Sukuna’s face tightened as he struggled to find the right words. “If I’m being honest, it’s my fault. I wasn’t secure in myself. I was jealous, possessive. I couldn’t handle the idea of her moving forward or being happy without me. And that jealousy, that insecurity—it hurt her more than I realized.”

There was a long pause as Sukuna’s confession hung in the air. Gojo’s usual bravado was replaced by a rare, contemplative silence. He took a moment to process Sukuna’s admission, trying to reconcile the man he knew with the vulnerability being revealed.

“That’s a lot to carry,” Gojo said finally, his voice softer than usual. “But it sounds like you’re taking responsibility, which is more than a lot of people do.”

Sukuna’s expression was a mix of regret and acceptance. “Yeah, well, it doesn’t change the past. I know I hurt her, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to make up for that fully. But seeing her again… it’s brought everything back. The pain, the regret, and the memories of what we had.”

Uraume, who had been quietly listening, spoke up, their tone gentle. “It’s clear you’re still affected by this. Maybe it’s a chance for you to make things right, or at least find some closure. People change, and sometimes, revisiting the past can help us understand ourselves better.”

Sukuna nodded, though his expression remained somber. “Maybe. I’m not sure what will come of this. I just know that seeing her again made me realize how much I still care, how much I’ve changed, and how much I wish things could have been different.”

Gojo leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. “It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and maybe this is a chance for you to show her the person you’ve become. It might not fix everything, but it could be a step toward healing—for both of you.”

Sukuna’s gaze softened, a flicker of hope in his eyes. “Yeah, maybe. It’s worth a shot.”

The room fell silent, the playful atmosphere dissolving as the weight of Sukuna's words sank in. Even Gojo, who was usually quick with a joke or a teasing remark, seemed at a loss for what to say. His usual bravado was replaced with something more thoughtful, almost solemn, as he processed what Sukuna had just revealed.

For a moment, the only sound in the room was the soft clink of ice in Sukuna's glass as he set it down on the table. He could feel the eyes of his friends on him, but he kept his gaze fixed on the drink, not ready to meet their concerned looks just yet. The silence stretched on, thick with unspoken emotions.

“I hope the best for you, man.” Gojo finally muttered, leaning back in his chair as he exhaled slowly. His tone was softer than usual, lacking its typical teasing edge. “You deserve to be happy too.”

Sukuna snickered. “You must be drunk being this nice to me.”

“Hey! I am nice at all times.”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that.”

Uraume, who had been listening quietly, leaned forward slightly, their expression gentle and understanding. They had always been more in tune with Sukuna's moods, more aware of the nuances in his behavior than Gojo, who often masked his own sensitivity with humor.

“If you bump into her again, though….” Uraume asked, their tone devoid of judgment, only curiosity and concern. “Would you try and talk to her, then?”

Sukuna finally looked up, meeting Uraume’s gaze. There was a hesitance in his eyes, as if he was still grappling with the reality of it all. “Yeah,” he said, his voice low, almost as if admitting it aloud made it more real. “I would. In a drop of a hat.”

The confession hung in the air, heavy with the weight of all the unspoken feelings that had built up over the years. It wasn’t just the fact that you had come back into his life; it was the realization that despite everything, despite the time and distance, Ryomen Sukuna had never really let go of you. He had buried those feelings deep, tried to move on, but now that you were here again, they had all come rushing back to the surface.

Gojo watched Sukuna carefully, his usual smirk gone, replaced with a rare expression of empathy. He knew Sukuna better than most, knew how much pride had always driven him, how hard it had been for him to admit his feelings even when things were good between the two of you. For Sukuna to open up like this now, it meant that whatever he was feeling ran deep.

“I get it.” Gojo said, his voice unusually quiet. “I mean, you guys were… well, you were everything to each other. It makes sense that she’s still on your mind.”

Uraume nodded in agreement. “It’s not surprising that you still think about her, Sukuna–san. What you had wasn’t just something you can forget, even if you wanted to.”

Sukuna’s jaw tightened, and he looked away, staring off into the distance as if trying to collect his thoughts. “It’s just… weird.” he finally said, his voice thick with the frustration he’d been holding back. “I’ve been trying to move on, to put all of that behind me. But I just….I want to see her again. Even just one more time.”

Gojo leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he regarded Sukuna with a serious expression. “Maybe you’re not supposed to forget, man. Maybe this is your chance to figure out what you really want, to make things right.”

Uraume added quietly, “It’s not too late to change the narrative, Sukuna. If you still care about her, if she’s still on your mind after all this time, maybe there’s something there worth exploring.”

Sukuna closed his eyes for a moment, taking in their words. There was truth in what they were saying, and he knew it. He had spent so long trying to bury his feelings, convincing himself that it was over and done with. But the truth was, he had never truly moved on. And now, with you back in his life, even in this new, unfamiliar way, he couldn’t ignore the pull he felt toward you.

When he opened his eyes, there was a resolve in them that hadn’t been there before. “You’re probably right.” he admitted, his voice steady. “I’ve been running from this for too long. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I need to see this through. I owe it to myself, and… to her.”

Gojo’s grin returned, but it was softer, more genuine. “That’s the spirit, man. You’ve got this. Just… don’t screw it up this time, okay?”

Sukuna let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. “Yeah, I’ll try not to.”

Uraume smiled softly, a rare display of emotion from them. “We’re here for you, Sukuna–san. Whatever you need, just say the word.”

Sukuna nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he wasn’t alone in this. With Gojo and Uraume by his side, he knew he could face whatever came next, even if it meant confronting the feelings he had buried for so long.

One more drink and  the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, the tension that had hung in the air slowly dissipated. But the resolve in Sukuna’s heart remained, stronger than ever. He knew what he had to do, and for the first time in years, he felt ready to face it head-on,

As the night wore on, Sukuna couldn’t help but think about the future—about what it would be like to build something real with you this time, something lasting. The thought scared him, but it also excited him in a way he hadn’t felt in years.

Maybe, just maybe, this time he could get it right. And with Gojo and Uraume by his side, he knew he wouldn’t have to do it alone. But the hour is late. And they’ve got things going on in their lives too. So they pay their bills and wave him goodbye.

As he watches his comrades pair off, he is forced to confront a painful truth. Despite years of searching, no one has been able to replace you. The women he's met, the flings he's had—they were all distractions, mere shadows compared to what he had with you. Each time he tries to move forward, your memory pulls him back, the echo of your laughter, the way you challenged him like no one else ever did, and the warmth you once brought into his life, all refuse to fade.

In quiet moments, when he's alone, Ryomen Sukuna wrestles with the possibility that his true love, the one person who could truly understand and match his intensity, might have been you all along. The very thought frustrates and angers him, but deep down, he knows it's true. The idea that you could be happy with someone else, that you could have moved on, is a bitter pill to swallow.

But what can he do? Could he really go back to you after all this time, after all the hurt and pride that kept you apart? The thought of reaching out, of admitting that he hasn't been able to stop thinking about you, is terrifying in its vulnerability. Yet, the more he tries to resist, the more he finds himself wanting you back in his life.

Sukuna has always been a man of action, but this...this is different. It's not about power or control; it's about something far more fragile—his heart, his pride, and the chance of losing you all over again. The question that haunts him now is whether he can swallow that pride and take the risk, whether he can open himself up to the possibility that, just maybe, what he’s been searching for all these years was right in front of him all along.

And that possibility, terrifying as it may be, is the only thing that has ever truly scared him.

Sukuna's inner turmoil grows as the days pass. The world around him, once filled with the thrill of battles and the allure of endless conquests, now feels hollow and cold. He notices how his friends look at him, their eyes reflecting pity and concern. They know him too well, aware that behind his sharp words and defiant attitude, something is eating away at him.

He tries to brush it off, burying himself in work, in fights, in anything that will distract him. But no matter how hard he tries, his thoughts keep circling back to you. The memories come unbidden—your smile, the way you used to tease him, the way you understood him in a way no one else ever did. It's maddening, the way you haunt him, and yet he can't bring himself to let you go.

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IT WAS UNEXPECTED. It was that sort of day once again. Sukuna found himself in charge of his energetic nephew, Yuji, who had just been picked up from school. With his brother Jin and sister-in-law Kaori and Choso tied up with commitments for the weekend, Sukuna was left to manage Yuji. Given that he didn’t have to hit the gym or deal with work obligations that day, it seemed like a manageable task.

Ryomen Sukuna’s house was usually a quiet refuge from his chaotic world, but today it felt oddly empty. He doesn’t really like decorating that much, mostly because he has no time and mostly because he really doesn’t feel like it. But his nephew doesn’t seem to mind it every time he’s here. If there was something to distract the brat, then he doesn’t pay attention to everything else. Well, that and food. As he settled Yuji into the living room, Yuji’s curiosity quickly turned to hunger.

“Uncle Sukuna, I’m starving.” Yuji announced, making a beeline for the kitchen. “Do you have any natto? I could really go for some.”

Sukuna blinked, momentarily confused. “Natto? I don’t think I have any. Let me check.”

He shuffled into the kitchen, opening the fridge and peering inside. His search yielded nothing but a few cans of expired beans and a half-eaten pizza box. Sukuna eats out most of the time, because of work. If he does buy anything, it would be from the last time Yuji was here. And that was….a while ago. And just as much, there was no natto in sight.

“Uh, brat, I think we’re out of natto.” Sukuna said, returning to the living room with a sheepish grin. “And it looks like the rest of the fridge is pretty bare.”

Yuji’s eyes widened in disappointment. “But I was really looking forward to it!”

Sukuna rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry about that. Looks like we’ll need to go out for groceries. How about we make it an adventure?”

Yuji’s face lit up at the prospect of an outing. “Okay! Can we get some ice cream too?”

Sukuna chuckled, relieved that Yuji’s mood had brightened. “Sure, ice cream it is. Let’s get going before your hunger turns into a full-blown meltdown, brat.”

As they left the house, Sukuna and Yuji made their way to the nearby supermarket. Yuji’s excitement was palpable, his small hands gripping the shopping cart handle as he eagerly pointed out various items he wanted to add to the list. Sukuna, trying to keep up, found himself both amused and exasperated by Yuji’s relentless energy and enthusiasm.

In the aisles of the supermarket, Sukuna pushed the cart while Yuji darted from one section to another, collecting snacks, fruits, and—of course—several packs of natto. Sukuna grabbed a few essentials and, true to his word, added some ice cream to the cart.

As they approached the checkout line, Sukuna glanced at Yuji, who was happily munching on a sample cookie from the store. The small bit of chocolate on Yuji’s cheek made him look even more cherubic and endearing. Sukuna’s lips twitched into a small smile, a rare moment of warmth slipping through his usually stoic facade.

“You know, I think I might need to keep a better stock of food for next time,” Sukuna said, his tone light.

Yuji, still with cookie crumbs on his face, grinned up at him. “And more natto!”

Sukuna couldn’t help but chuckle. The idea of having to stockpile natto just to keep his nephew happy was a new one, but it seemed like a worthwhile endeavor. He ruffled Yuji’s hair affectionately, feeling a soft, genuine affection for the boy.

“You’ve got it, brat. More natto it is.” Sukuna agreed, a rare, relaxed smile on his face.

As they loaded their groceries onto the conveyor belt, Sukuna glanced around, realizing how normal and mundane the experience was compared to the high-stakes, dangerous life he usually led. The simplicity of shopping for food and sharing a lighthearted moment with Yuji was both refreshing and oddly comforting.

Yuji, ever the energetic child, started pointing out items in the store with increasing enthusiasm. “Uncle Sukuna, look! They have those gummy candies you like!” 

Sukuna gave a half-hearted, amused shrug. “Sure, toss them in. I guess I can indulge a bit today.”

As they made their way through the aisles, Yuji chatted away, filling the silence with stories about school and his friends. Sukuna wasn’t really paying attention, his mind elsewhere, when something—or rather, someone—caught his eye.

There, at the end of the aisle, stood a familiar figure. The sight stopped Sukuna in his tracks, his eyes widening in disbelief. It was you.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. He watched as you browsed through the shelves, seemingly lost in thought. Your presence, once a distant memory, felt so strikingly real that Sukuna’s heart skipped a beat. The years seemed to melt away as he took in the sight of you.

At first, he didn’t recognize you. It was just a fleeting glimpse, the way your hair caught the light, the familiar way you moved. But then, as you reached for something on a high shelf, he saw your face, and his heart stopped.

It was you.

He couldn’t believe it at first. He thought maybe it was someone who just looked like you, or perhaps his mind was playing tricks on him, dredging up memories he’d tried so hard to bury. But the more he stared, the more certain he became. It was you.

Yuji, noticing Sukuna’s sudden pause, looked up. “Uncle Sukuna, what’s wrong?”

Sukuna swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure. “Uh, nothing, brat. Let’s just finish up here.”

But his gaze was fixed on you, unable to look away. You hadn’t noticed him yet, and Sukuna fought with the urge to approach you, unsure of what to say or do. The familiar mix of excitement and anxiety churned within him, a reminder of the past he had tried so hard to reconcile.

Yuji, still unaware of the significance of the moment, tugged on Sukuna’s sleeve. “Uncle Sukuna, can we go over there? I want to check if they have those chocolates I like!”

Sukuna nodded absently, allowing Yuji to lead him towards the end of the aisle where you stood. As they drew closer, Sukuna braced himself, trying to steady his racing heart. He needed to act normal, to approach you calmly despite the flood of emotions.

Without thinking, he handed the shopping basket to Yuji and began walking toward you. The world around him seemed to blur, the noise of the supermarket fading into the background. It was just you and him, the years that had passed suddenly meaningless.

When he reached you, he hesitated, unsure of what to say. His mind raced, a thousand questions and emotions fighting for dominance. He hadn’t expected this, hadn’t prepared for the possibility of seeing you again. But now that you were right in front of him, he couldn’t just walk away.

“Is that you?” He finally said it. He finally said your name. He could feel his entire body shake from nervousness. He didn’t notice until he said it that his voice was rougher than he intended.

You turned to him, blinking in confusion. Your eyes met his, and for a brief, electrifying moment, Sukuna saw the spark of recognition. It was fleeting, but it was there—an almost imperceptible flicker that hinted at a shared past. But then, just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by a polite, detached expression.

“I’m sorry, but…” you began, your voice soft and apologetic. “Do I know you?”

The words hit Sukuna like a punch to the gut. The confusion on your face made no sense to him; how could you not remember him? The realization was like a cold wave crashing over him. He scanned your face more closely, noting the faint scar near your temple and the way your eyes seemed to search his face for something familiar but found nothing.

“Are you… are you playing a joke on me?” Sukuna’s voice wavered slightly as he tried to comprehend the situation. “It’s me. Sukuna. We… we know each other.”

You shook your head slowly, an apologetic smile tugging at your lips. “I’m really sorry, but I don’t remember you. I had a really bad accident a few years ago, and… well, I lost my memories. Amnesia. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Amnesia. The word hit him like a ton of bricks. All the anger, hurt, and regret that had simmered in him for years suddenly evaporated, replaced by something he couldn’t quite name. You didn’t remember him. You didn’t remember anything about your life together, the love you shared, or the pain that had driven you apart. He stared at you, struggling to process what you’d just told him. The person he’d spent years trying to forget had forgotten him completely. And it hurts. It burns. It…it kills him.

Sukuna’s heart sank as he struggled to process your words. The memories of the past, the shared moments, the intense connection—everything seemed to blur together in a confusing haze. He tried to hold onto the hope that maybe, somehow, there was a chance you might remember him later, but the reality of your situation was clear. You had no recollection of your time together.

“Right…” Sukuna muttered, his voice thick with emotions he didn’t quite know how to handle. “No, it’s… it’s fine.”

“I just… I feel like I’ve upset you,” you mumbled back, your eyes filled with sincere regret. “It’s been like this for a while. I’m really sorry.”

“No, no… it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. It was my fault,” Sukuna said, shaking his head, though the words felt hollow against the weight of his feelings.

You nodded, your gaze sympathetic. “No, please. It’s not. I understand. It must be hard to run into someone who doesn’t remember you. I’m truly sorry.”

There was a quiet moment between you, the weight of lost memories hanging heavily in the air. Sukuna, feeling the sting of both your absence and the reality of your condition, struggled to find the right words. He wanted to bridge the gap between what had been and what was now, but he found himself at a loss.

Before you could turn away, Sukuna took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak. “Um… could I… could I have your number? Maybe… maybe we could talk sometime. If you’re okay with that.”

You looked at him, a flicker of surprise crossing your face. For a moment, you seemed to weigh his request, and then you nodded slowly. “Sure. I can give you my number. I’d like that.”

As you exchanged contact information, Sukuna felt a mixture of hope and apprehension. The act of sharing numbers was a small step, but it felt significant. It was a bridge to the possibility of rebuilding a connection, even if the past was shadowed by the uncertainty of your memory.

“Thank you,” Sukuna said quietly, his voice carrying a note of genuine gratitude. “I appreciate it.”

You gave him a warm, understanding smile. “Of course. I’ll be happy to talk whenever you’re ready. It’s… nice to have some help with my memories, even if it’s just a little.”

Before he could speak, Yuji tugged at Sukuna’s sleeve. “Uncle Sukuna, can we go home now? I’m tired.”

Sukuna glanced down at Yuji and then back at you, his heart heavy. “Yeah, Yuji. Let’s head out.”

As Sukuna began to walk away, he felt your gaze on him. The pain of seeing you again, only to find that you had no memory of their shared past, was almost too much to bear. The bittersweet encounter left him with a mix of longing and resignation. You smiled at Yuji and then to him. Yuji grinned back at you and waved back. 

“Take care.” you called softly as he left the store with Yuji. Sukuna gave a small, subdued wave in response, his mind reeling from the encounter.

Once outside, he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Yuji, noticing his uncle’s somber mood, looked up with concern. “Uncle Sukuna, are you okay?”

Sukuna forced a reassuring smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, Yuji. I’m fine. Just… a little surprised. Let’s get home.”

As they drove back, Sukuna’s thoughts were filled with the echoes of the past and the present reality. The encounter had stirred up old feelings, and the realization that you had lost your memories of him was both heartbreaking and profoundly unsettling. Yet, despite the pain, there was a strange sense of closure, as if seeing you again, even under these circumstances, had helped him come to terms with the unresolved aspects of their past.

As you walked away, Sukuna stood there, frozen in place, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Yuji came up beside him, his eyes wide with concern.

“Uncle Sukuna, are you okay? Who was that?”

Sukuna glanced at Yuji, then back at the aisle where you’d disappeared. He didn’t know how to answer that. He didn’t know how to explain that the person he’d never been able to forget had forgotten him entirely.

“That,” Sukuna finally said, his voice hollow, “was someone I used to know.”

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HE DOESN’T REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED AFTER. The days that followed were a blur for Sukuna. But he couldn’t help it.  Your encounter in the supermarket had shaken him in a way he hadn’t expected. He tried to push it aside, tell himself that it didn’t matter, that you were just a part of his past. But every time he closed his eyes, he saw your face, the way you looked at him with no recognition, no anger, no pain—just blank politeness. It haunted him.

Yet, fate seemed determined to keep throwing the two of you together. A few days later, he saw you again, this time at a coffee shop. You were sitting by the window, a book in hand, oblivious to the world around you. Sukuna hesitated, debating whether to approach you, but before he could decide, you looked up and caught his eye. There was that same polite smile, and he found himself walking over to you before he could think better of it.

“Hi again.” you said, looking up at him with that same soft, apologetic expression. “We keep running into each other, don’t we?”

“Yeah…..” he replied, his voice rough. He wasn’t sure what to say. The awkwardness between you was palpable, the weight of the past pressing down on him in a way you couldn’t feel. But you didn’t know that, couldn’t know that, so you just smiled and gestured to the seat across from you.

“Would you like to join me?” you asked, your voice gentle, offering a small, tentative smile as you gestured to a nearby café table.

Sukuna hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn’t sure what he was doing or why he was putting himself through this, but there was something about being near you, even if you didn’t remember him, that soothed the ache in his chest. 

“If you wouldn’t mind.” he finally said, his voice betraying the mix of emotions swirling inside him. He sat down across from you, the familiarity of the scene almost too much to bear. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to walk away. 

You giggled. “I don’t mind. Not at all.”

As you both settled in, the air between you was filled with an odd mix of tension and familiarity. You began to talk—small, inconsequential things at first. You mentioned how you liked the café’s atmosphere, how it had become one of your favorite spots since you moved here. Sukuna nodded along, trying to focus on the present moment rather than the flood of memories threatening to overwhelm him.

“You know….. “ you said after a moment, stirring your coffee absentmindedly, “it’s strange. I feel… comfortable with you. Like I’ve known you for a long time, even if I can’t remember it.”

Sukuna’s breath caught in his throat. He wanted to tell you everything—to pour out the years of pain, regret, and longing he had carried since you’d been apart. But he knew it wouldn’t be fair to burden you with memories you didn’t share anymore. So instead, he offered a small, wistful smile. 

“Maybe it’s just one of those thing.” he said softly, his eyes searching for yours. “Some people just click, I guess.”

You nodded, your gaze lingering on his face as if you were trying to piece together a puzzle. “Maybe. But still, it feels nice. Like I can trust you.”

Sukuna swallowed hard, forcing himself to keep his emotions in check. “I’m glad,” he said quietly, his voice betraying the depth of his feelings despite his best efforts. “I’d like to be someone you can trust.”

The conversation shifted to lighter topics after that, and the tension slowly eased. You talked about your life, your work, and the things you enjoyed. Sukuna listened intently, hanging on to every word, savoring the sound of your voice even if the stories were new to him. 

As the minutes turned into an hour, Sukuna found himself relaxing. The ache in his chest dulled, replaced by a warmth that he hadn’t felt in years. It was as if, for the first time since you had parted ways, he could breathe a little easier. There was no rush, no pressure to define what this was or what it could become. Just the simple pleasure of being in your company again, however different it might be from the past.

When you finally stood up to leave, Ryomen Sukuna felt a pang of reluctance, but he knew this wasn’t the end. You had exchanged numbers, after all, and there was a possibility that this could lead to something more. 

“I’m really glad we ran into each other.” you said, giving him a sincere smile. “I hope we can do this again sometime.”

“Me too.” Sukuna replied, his voice thick with emotion. “I’d like that.”

As you walked away, Sukuna remained seated for a moment, staring at the now-empty chair across from him. Despite the uncertainty of the future, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was his chance to make things right—to show you the kind of love and care he should have given you all those years ago. And as he left the café, he found himself smiling, a feeling of lightness in his chest that he hadn’t felt in far too long.

Like the wind, the days brushed by into weeks, these accidental meetings became more frequent. He’d see you at the park, at the grocery store, at the small bookstore you frequented. Each time, you greeted him with the same warmth, and each time, he felt the walls he’d built around his heart start to crumble a little more.

It was during one of these encounters, when you were sitting together on a bench at the park, that Sukuna realized something had changed. He wasn’t just dwelling on the past anymore. He wasn’t just seeing you as the woman he used to love, the one who’d left him behind. You were still that person, but you were also someone new, someone who’d been through their own struggles, their own pain.

And he’d changed too. He wasn’t the same man you’d walked away from five years ago. The anger, the recklessness, the pride that had once driven you apart had mellowed. He’d grown, learned from his mistakes, and now, sitting beside you, he realized that he wanted to make things right.

There was one afternoon where after you’d both finished your coffees at that familiar café, Sukuna finally found himself gathered the courage to speak again. He’d been thinking about this for days, the words tumbling over and over in his mind until they felt like second nature.

“Hey….” he began, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant, “I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”

You looked at him, curiosity flickering in your eyes. “What is it?”

“I know you don’t remember me, or anything about… us, but I want you to know that I’m not the same person I was back then. I’ve changed. And I want to try again.” He paused, searching for the right words. “I want to make things right for you.”

There was a long silence as you absorbed his words. He could see the confusion in your eyes, the way you were trying to piece together something that felt like a missing puzzle in your mind. You wanted to know what it was. How to be complete, and yet you didn’t know how. Not even if your past thought he was what complete was. Finally, you spoke.

“Sukuna, I… I don’t know what to say. I don’t remember anything about us, about our past. But I can see that this means a lot to you, and that you’ve been carrying it with you for a long time.”

You paused, looking down at your hands, and then back at him. “I don’t know if I can ever get those memories back. But I do know that I enjoy spending time with you, that I feel comfortable around you. And maybe… maybe that’s a good place to start.”

His heart leapt at your words, hope flickering to life in a way it hadn’t in years. This was a second chance, an opportunity to rewrite the story that had once ended in heartbreak. He didn’t know what the future held, or if you would ever remember what you once had, but for the first time in a long time, he felt something close to peace.

Sukuna reached out, his hand brushing against yours, and you didn’t pull away. “Then let’s start there, hm?” he said quietly. “No pressure, no expectations. Just… us.”

You smiled, a genuine, warm smile that sent a wave of relief through him. “Just us,” you agreed.

And for the first time in five years, Sukuna felt like he was finally on the path to something real, something lasting. It wouldn’t be easy, but he was determined to prove that he could love you the way you deserved—this time, the right way.

As the weeks turned into months, Sukuna and you continued to meet, slowly rebuilding a connection that had once been lost. Each encounter felt like a tentative step forward, a cautious yet hopeful attempt to bridge the gap that had formed between you over the years. Yet, instead of the intense and sometimes overwhelming passion that had defined your past relationship, there was a newfound sense of calm and understanding between you both.

There was an ease between you now, a natural rhythm that felt different from the intense, almost chaotic bond you’d shared in the past. In the beginning, it was subtle—a shared smile over a mundane joke, the comfortable silence that fell between you as you walked side by side, the way your conversations flowed without the need to fill every gap with words. The pressure that once loomed over your relationship, demanding definitions and clarity, had dissipated, leaving space for something more genuine and unforced.

You found yourselves slipping into each other’s lives in small, almost imperceptible ways. Sukuna would pick up your favorite coffee without being asked, remembering the way you liked it just by heart. You’d invite him to a quiet dinner at your place, cooking together in the kitchen as you talked about everything and nothing. There were no grand gestures or declarations, just a quiet, steady presence that felt reassuring and right.

This time, there was no rush, no urgency to define what you were to each other. It was as if both of you understood that whatever this was, it needed to grow at its own pace. You’d learned from the past, from the way things had unraveled before, and there was an unspoken agreement that you wouldn’t make the same mistakes again. You allowed the relationship to unfold naturally, letting each moment build upon the last, like carefully stacking stones into a tower that could withstand the test of time.

Sukuna, too, had changed. The man who once wore his emotions like armor, who had always been so guarded and intense, was different now. There was a softness to him that hadn’t been there before—a willingness to listen, to be patient, to let things unfold without forcing them into place. He no longer felt the need to control every aspect of his life, and that included his relationship with you. He had learned to let go, to trust that if this was meant to be, it would be.

And in that trust, something beautiful began to grow. Your conversations deepened, moving beyond the surface-level topics that had once dominated your interactions. You talked about your dreams, your fears, the things that kept you awake at night. Sukuna shared pieces of himself that he had kept hidden for so long, opening up in ways he never had before. And you, in turn, felt safe enough to do the same.

There were moments when the past would resurface, like shadows lingering at the edges of your newfound connection. Memories of heated arguments, of painful goodbyes, would flicker in your minds, reminding you of how things had once gone wrong. But instead of letting those memories drag you down, you faced them together, acknowledging the hurt while choosing to move forward.

It wasn’t always easy. There were still days when doubts crept in, when the fear of repeating past mistakes threatened to pull you apart. But each time, you chose to stay, to work through it rather than run away. And with each challenge you faced, the bond between you grew stronger, more resilient.

Sukuna, who had once been so afraid of vulnerability, found himself looking forward to the moments he spent with you. The walls he had built around himself slowly crumbled, replaced by a quiet confidence in what you were building together. He no longer needed to prove himself, to assert control over his emotions or over you. Instead, he allowed himself to simply be—with you, in the present, without the burden of past regrets or future expectations.

You, too, noticed the change in yourself. The tension that had once gnawed at your heart, the constant questioning of whether you were enough or if this was right, had eased. You felt more secure, more at peace with where you were and where you were going. You trusted Sukuna in a way you hadn’t before, not just because he had changed, but because you had changed too.

As the months passed, the connection between you deepened, solidified by the quiet moments of understanding and the shared experiences that had brought you closer together. There was a sense of contentment that neither of you had anticipated—a feeling that, for the first time in a long time, you were exactly where you were meant to be.

And so, you continued to meet, to grow together, allowing whatever this was to take shape in its own time. There was no rush, no urgency, only the quiet certainty that what you were building was worth the patience and the effort. You both knew that the past would always be a part of you, but it no longer defined you. Instead, it had become a foundation upon which you could build something new, something lasting.

In each other’s presence, you found a kind of peace that had once seemed elusive, and in that peace, you discovered the possibility of a future that was not just better than the past, but truly, deeply right.

Sukuna found himself looking forward to your meetings, the mundane moments that had once seemed trivial now holding a new significance. Whether it was a simple walk in the park, browsing through books together, or sharing a meal, these moments began to stitch together a new story between you, one that was quieter, more deliberate, and infinitely more meaningful.

But beneath the surface, Sukuna wrestled with his own emotions. The more time he spent with you, the more he realized just how much he had missed you—how much he had missed being close to someone who truly understood him. Yet, there was also the constant reminder that you didn’t remember him, that the memories of your past were locked away, possibly forever.

One afternoon, after you’d both finished a long walk along the river, you sat together on a bench, watching the water ripple in the sunlight. The conversation had lulled into a comfortable silence, and for a moment, Sukuna just watched you, taking in the way the light caught your hair, the serene expression on your face.

“Can I ask you something?” Sukuna finally said, breaking the silence.

You turned to him, nodding. “Of course.”

“Do you ever… feel like something’s missing? Like there’s a part of you that’s still out there, waiting to be found?”

You considered his question carefully before responding. “Sometimes.” you admitted. “There are moments when I feel like I’m on the edge of remembering something important, something that’s just out of reach. But I’ve learned to let go of the frustration. I’ve had to accept that those memories might never come back.”

Sukuna’s heart clenched at your words, the weight of your shared history pressing down on him. He wanted to tell you everything—to pour out the story of your love, the highs and lows, the way you had been everything to each other and how it had all fallen apart. But he held back, knowing that it wasn’t his place to force those memories on you.

Instead, he reached out and took your hand in his. “I don’t want to push you more than I already did.” he said quietly. “I just want you to know that I’m here, whatever happens. I’m not going anywhere this time.”

You squeezed his hand, offering him a gentle smile. “I know, Sukuna. And I appreciate that. I’ve come to trust you, even if I don’t remember our past. What matters to me now is the person you are today, the one I’m getting to know all over again.”

Those words gave Sukuna a sense of hope he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time. He was no longer the man who had let his pride and anger destroy something precious. He had grown, learned from his mistakes, and now, he had a chance to show you that.

As the days passed, he became more intentional in his efforts to be there for you, to support you in ways he hadn’t before. He listened when you spoke, offered comfort when you needed it, and gave you space when you needed to process your thoughts. There was a quiet strength in the bond you were forming, a steady foundation that was being built brick by brick.

One evening, after you’d invited him over for dinner, you sat together on your couch, a comfortable silence settling between you after a long day. Sukuna glanced at you, his heart full of things he wanted to say but didn’t know how to put into words.

“I’ve been thinking….a lot.” you said suddenly, turning to face him. “About us.”

His breath caught in his throat, but he stayed quiet, waiting for you to continue. He could feel his heart pounding, the silence between you filled with unspoken tension. You looked at him tenderly, and those eyes—those eyes he had once loved so fiercely—held a warmth that stirred something deep within him. But this time, there was something different in your gaze, something he couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t the same love he remembered, the love that had once consumed both of you. It was softer, more distant, as if it had been tempered by time and the loss of memories.

Sukuna wasn’t sure what that look meant, but he longed for the days when your eyes had been filled with nothing but love for him. He yearned for the intensity, the passion that had once been theirs. But deep down, he knew those days were gone, that you had changed, just as he had. And even though he wished for the impossible, he understood that the love you had once shared might never return in the way it had before.

And yet, he couldn’t stop himself from hoping, from wanting you to look at him like that again, to feel that love again. But he knew, with a sinking certainty, that it was unlikely. Maybe this was his punishment, the price he had to pay for the mistakes he had made, for the years he had spent without you. Maybe fate was just that cruel, giving him a second chance only to remind him of what he had lost.

“I don’t remember our past, Sukuna.” you said softly, breaking the silence. Your voice was gentle, but there was a sincerity in it that made Sukuna’s chest tighten. “But I do know that I feel something when I’m with you. It’s not just comfort or friendship… it’s more. I don’t know how to explain it, but it feels right, being with you.”

Sukuna’s heart swelled with emotion, a mix of relief and longing coursing through him. He had waited so long to hear those words, to know that there was still something between you, even if it wasn’t exactly what he had expected. It wasn’t the grand declaration of love he had secretly hoped for, but it was something—a spark, a glimmer of the connection that had once bound you together.

He searched your face, looking for any sign of the emotions he had once known so well. But all he found was that same tender expression, tinged with a hint of uncertainty. It wasn’t love, not yet. But it was something. And for now, that was enough.

“I’m glad you feel that way.” he said, his voice thick with the emotions he was struggling to keep in check. “I don’t want to rush things, or push you to remember something that might never come back. I just… I want to be here with you, whatever that means.”

You nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “I want that too, Sukuna. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’d like to find out—together.”

He felt a weight lift off his shoulders, the heavy burden of his regrets and fears easing, if only a little. This was far from the ending he had imagined, but it was a beginning, a chance to rebuild what had been lost. And maybe, just maybe, if he was patient and if he allowed things to unfold naturally, there could be something new between you, something that was just as meaningful as what you had once shared.

As you both stood there, the world around you fading into the background, Sukuna couldn’t help but think that perhaps fate wasn’t as cruel as he had feared. Maybe this was his second chance—not to reclaim the past, but to create something new, something even better than what had been before. And for the first time in years, he allowed himself to hope that this time, he wouldn’t let it slip through his fingers.

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epilogue 

A few weeks after your heartfelt conversation with Sukuna, you find yourself at a park on a sunny afternoon. Sukuna had asked you to meet him there, mentioning that his nephew, Yuji, would be joining. You had heard a lot about Yuji from Sukuna—how the kid was full of energy, always getting into something, and how Sukuna had taken on a sort of protective role in his life. You were curious to see this side of Sukuna, the man who had once been all sharp edges and intensity.

As you approach the park, you spot Sukuna first, sitting on a bench with a somewhat exasperated look on his face. Beside him is a young boy, who is clearly trying to balance on the back of the bench with one foot, arms outstretched like he’s performing some kind of circus act.

“Careful, you brat.” Sukuna warns, his tone stern but not unkind. “You’re going to break your neck.”

Yuji, grinning from ear to ear, just laughs and hops down with a flourish. “I’m invincible, Uncle Sukuna!”

“Yeah, well, let’s not test that theory.” Sukuna mutters, but there’s a fondness in his voice that catches you off guard. “Your mom and dad will kill me.”

You approach them, smiling as Yuji notices you and waves enthusiastically. “Hi! You must be the one Uncle Sukuna’s always talking about!”

“Yuji!” Sukuna snaps, looking mortified. “I do not—”

Yuji doesn’t miss a beat, cutting him off. “He totally does! He’s always like, ‘I wonder if she’s gonna remember me today,’ or ‘Maybe she’ll cook something nice again.’”

Sukuna groans, rubbing a hand over his face. “Kid, do you ever stop talking?”

You can’t help but laugh at the exchange, and Sukuna’s embarrassment only makes it funnier. “Nice to meet you, Yuji!” you say, crouching down to his level. “Your uncle’s right, though. You should be careful on that bench.”

Yuji shrugs, his smile never fading. “Uncle Sukuna’s always careful too, even though he acts all tough. But he’s really soft, especially when I get hurt. You should see him panic when I stub my toe.”

“Yuji!” Sukuna’s voice is a mix of frustration and resignation, clearly regretting bringing his nephew along.

You stand up, grinning at Sukuna. “I see you’ve got a little soft spot, huh?”

“Don’t listen to him.” Sukuna mutters, glaring at Yuji, who just laughs and runs off toward the playground. “He’s a menace.”

“Sure, sure.” you tease, nudging Sukuna lightly. “But you love it.”

Sukuna sighs, watching Yuji with an expression that’s a mix of exasperation and affection. “Yeah, well, someone’s gotta keep him out of trouble.”

You slip your hand into Sukuna’s, squeezing it gently. “You’re doing a great job, Uncle Sukuna.”

He gives you a sidelong glance, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. “Don’t start calling me that too.”

“No promises.” you reply, laughing as you both watch Yuji play, his laughter filling the air. It’s a side of Sukuna you never expected to see, and you find yourself growing more and more fond of the man who, despite his rough edges, is soft in all the right places.

[seventeenlovesthree]

Original Poll: [X]

Concept Art: [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X] [X]

Idea descriptions under the cut:

Idea 1 – Digimon “Slice of Life” Adventure: It’s been several years since the eight Chosen Children and their Digimon partners defeated Abaddomon and returned to the real world safely. Things have been mostly peaceful since then – aside from having to navigate through early teenage days with their little monster friends. While Yamato’s and Takeru’s parents have reconciled and moved to Shimane with their sons, Jyou is busy trying to apply for early management classes in Tokyo. He is profiting off Mimi’s connections at Tachikawa Technologies, as they both start to make serious plans for their careers in business. Koushirou is heavily involved there as well, as he is not only being provided all kinds of technology by Mimi, but also applying for an internship at the company – all the while him, Sora and Taichi try to get through school, family relations, Digimon shenanigans… And weird occurrences that still seem to disturb the “digital peace” of modern Japan. While they haven’t been able to return to the Digital World, Hikari is still able to feel the connection between the worlds that may or may not have an impact on life as we know it…

Idea 2 – The True Meaning of Team Light and Team Hope: Ever since the Chosen Children have returned to the real world, the memories of their past adventures have left a peculiar impact on them. Not only do they still have visions of Digimon appearing in the real world – which “normal humans” don’t seem to notice –, their connection to the other world and each other has never been stronger. Hikari is the first to notice that she is having similar dreams as Taichi, almost like an otherworldly experience, as she is starting to sense his feelings – as well as Sora’s and Koushirou’s. Slowly, but steadily, the four realize the increased mental and emotional connection among them, which seems to increase with time – all the while Takeru experiences the same with Yamato, Jyou and Mimi. Awkward realizations and emotional outbursts aside, they soon have to face the fact that there is more to the true meaning of their Crests than they were told. New secrets – and new evolution opportunities – will be uncovered…

Idea 3 – Multiverse Gate Hopping: Upon improving their “secret technology base” at their clubhouse at school, Taichi, Sora, Koushirou and Mimi are very invested in exploring the network further, discovering new gates and opportunities to use them for “real world gate hopping”. They are not aware that bugs in the network have been noticing their interferences and their goal to find a way back into the Digital World… So when Taichi actually manages to locate a gate to a parallel world/universe, he and Agumon get sucked in and end up lost between the worlds. Thus, the others have to come up with a plan to bring him back. Little do they know that they’ll be forced to jump right into the multiverse themselves to save their own timeline…

[justahumblememefarmer]

Ultimate Doctor Who Poll Round 1 - Matchup 19

Episode Summaries under the cut

105: Last Christmas - Season 8 Christmas Special: The Doctor and Clara are asked for help by Santa Clause, and head to a base at the North Pole. At the base they meet several scientists who are dealing with dram crabs that sense thoughts and attach themselves to people's faces, putting them into a dream state while it eats their brain. Clara is attacked by one and is trapped in a dream with her deceased boyfriend, Danny. The Doctor attaches one to himself to join her dream and get her to reject it as fake, waking them both up and destroying the crab. Symptoms of being victims of the dream crab still affect everybody, and the Doctor determines that they are all in a shared dream state, he and Clara were just in a lower layer.

They all wake up again, and the Clara figures out that they are still dreaming. They fight off dream versions of themselves, and wish for Santa to save them. He rescues them in his sleigh and they begin to remember their real lives, slowly disappearing as they wake up in the real world. The Doctor goes to visit Clara, discovering that 62 years have passed for her since he last saw her. Santa appears and reveals that this is one further dream, and they wake up. The Doctor invites Clara to travel with him again, and they take off in the TARDIS.

137: The Shakespeare Code - Season 3, Episode 2: The Doctor takes Martha back in time to see one of Shakespeare's plays. He announces a sequel to his play Love Labour's Lost to be Love Labour's Won which is known as one of Shakespeare's lost plays. The Doctor and Martha go to visit Shakespeare and he is very taken with Martha. They also find that Shakespeare is immune to the Doctor's psychic paper. The owner of the Globe Theater shows up, angry that Shakespeare announced the sequel would be performed the next night, and cancels the performance. One of the maids, an alien witch in disguise overhears this, and with her mothers, create a voodoo doll of him and drown it, killing him.

The Doctor and Martha investigate the strange death, and retreat back to their room at the inn. Shakespeare stays up to write, and the witch Lilith enchants him to write a strange paragraph into his play. The inn keep walks in on them and the witch shows her true form, scaring her to death. The Doctor and Martha come running after hearing the scream. Lillith is seen flying away on a broomstick by Martha. Figuring that Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre are part of the witches plans, they track down the architect, who has been locked up in a madhouse.

The Doctor helps the catatonic architect regain his lose memories, and he reveals that the witches influenced his construction of the Globe and drove him mad once their use for him was done. One of the witches, Mother Doomfinger, appears and kills the architect. The Doctor works out what species they are, and names Doomfinger as a Carrionite, injuring her. He explains that Carrionites are a lost race of aliens that use an ancient science based on the power of words. They also work out that they plan to use Shakespeare's words and the construction of the globe to restore their species.

They confront Lillith who makes Martha faint by naming her, and makes a voodoo doll of the Doctor, knocking out one of his hearts, then leaves. Martha restarts his second heart, nd they make it to the theatre as the play ends, with the Carrionites portal being opened and beginning to swarm. They tell Shakespeare to improvise a verse to get rid of them, and he closes the portal, retrapping all the Carrionites and destroying the pages of his play.

[moonshine-nightlight]

Potential Long Stories

hey, while looking to next year, i have a number of long story ideas i'm considering and i'd like to gauge y'alls interest in them and see if there are any top contenders since i'd likely only be able to work on one for the next year or two (similar to how Nothing's Wrong with Dale was posted)

these are all just the top ideas i'm considering at the moment and are subject to change when i get back to writing in Spring 2024, but i really want to know if any of these grabs ppls attention as often more interest in a story motivates me to write more!

see under the read more for summaries of each story in the poll

if ur interested in more than one, vote for your favorite and mention the others in the comments/tags!

See this post for a poll on short vs long stories!

See this post for a similar poll on short stories!

see below for summaries and minor details (titles subject to change - but i'm also lazy and hate titling things so maybe not)

A Perfectly Ordinary Research Position: You'd nearly given up hope finding a research assistant position at your new university, but there is one. The professor has apparently gone through four research assistants in the past year and he’s in demonology, but you're desperate. One hasty proposal for a linguistics demonology minor and an application letter later, you find yourself accepting the post. Now you only have to get up to speed on demonology and juggle your own studies with your duties as his assistant. If only the professor wasn’t quite so old and eccentric, constantly changing his mind and personality by the hour. Why, it’s almost as if he’s more than one person. No matter, you'll figure out a way to handle it all. You have to.

Not a direct sequel to Dale, but takes place in the same universe around the same time; ReaderxMaleDemon

Shadow Diplomacy: You’ve been Shaodd’s assistant since he came to your town to Arbitrate a land dispute that was threatening to escalate to violence years ago. Still, you’re used to everyone paying him attention and disregarding you to some extent, no matter that Shaodd always treats you with respect. This kingdom has finally crossed the line, by barring you from the senate entirely. You’re not sure what you thought Shaodd would do in response—but to say you’re his spouse was not at all on the list. Now you’re stuck acting as a married couple while untangling the mess of a situation these people have found themselves in. You can’t help but think how much easier the charade would be if you weren’t in love with him.

Fantasy; ReaderxEldritchEntity

Patronage: You can’t believe it’s come to this. Your country had finally won the war only to fall on desperate times while trying to recover. Your king, a foreigner in all but on paper, is the one who decides a sacrifice to the country’s patron deity is called for and what more worthy sacrifice could there be than his queen? Unfortunately for him, while the sacrifice works, your patron appears before you can die and he says that since you were the sacrifice, you are the one he will defer to. From figure head to divinely backed, can you lead your country back to prosperity?

Fantasy; ReaderxMaleDeity

Tailor Made: You volunteered to accompany the five students who won the contest for free prom outfits, offered by a local high-end tailor shop. You’re braced for someone fussy and quite frankly a snob, but Calvin is not what you expected. He’s sophisticated, but kind—effortlessly setting your students at ease and making everything go smoothly. After everything, you find yourself striking up an odd friendship with the man. You don’t understand why you feel so comfortable around him, but you don’t want to question it. If only you couldn’t tell he was keeping secrets. Will they drive you apart or bring you closer together?

Modern w/secret demons&angels; ReaderxMaleDemon

Imposter Syndrome: It seemed like a tedious but straightforward job at first. Twelve technicians, with a crew of the long-haul vessel brought out in cyro to restore a large mining rig that had malfunctioned. Yeah, the fact that everyone who’d been manning it had died was spooky, but the medical team had already cleared most of that out. The most annoying part was that you were going to have to be in a full suit since the long-hauler didn’t have enough oxygen to restore it to the rig. Then Crewmember Redman found Crewman Chroma’s dead body and worse yet, there were still 12 technicians accounted for. The logs were no help, everyone was on the roster in the system except you all remember the right number. But you hadn’t met anyone before you were put to sleep for the trip. Problems only mount when not only do you fail to identify the impostor, but crewmembers keep dying. Will you be able to figure out who’s killing off crewmember’s before you’re the one in their crosshairs?

Science Fiction; ReaderxAlien

[gintrinsic-writing]

Vampire Hyrule won the poll, so here's a small sequel! Based on this. CW blood, implied blood drinking.

--

At the top of the hill, a battle was being fought. A cacophony of shouts, bestial roars, and clashing steel filled the air. Blood ran red and black, wetting steel as often as it did claws. But at the bottom of the hill, where the grass was speckled with pillowy clover, Legend stood frozen in fear. 

“Don’t worry,” Hyrule murmured, carding his fingers through Warriors’s bloodied hair, and Legend wondered with no little despair how he’d never before recognized that melodic tone for what it was—a croon. “I’ll take care of him.”

“Thanks, Hyrule,” Time answered with a nod, already turning back toward the fight. He took several steps before he realized Legend wasn’t following. “Vet?”

Warriors had once admitted to Legend that his nightmares were plagued by betrayal, that it had taken him weeks of exposure to the other heroes before he felt comfortable enough to truly rest. Now, under the hand of a different kind of monster, he sat unconscious against a tree—head lolled to one side, expression slack as if at peace. It sent a shiver down Legend’s spine. 

Hyrule watched Legend carefully. His fingers rested near Warriors’s throat. “You should hurry. The others need you.”

He needs me, Legend thought, tightening his grip on his sword, and—and was it his imagination, or did Hyrule’s magic pulse threateningly?

Time glanced between them in confusion, brows furrowed. Had he noticed? “I know you’re worried, but he’s right, Legend. The others are outnumbered. Let’s go."

“He’ll be fine,” Hyrule reassured, staring solely at Legend as he slowly unwound the scarf from Warriors’s neck. To anyone else, it probably looked like a gesture meant for the Captain’s comfort. 

Legend’s mouth went dry. Should he say something? Would Hyrule harm Warriors if he did? Would Time even believe him? 

Someone yelped from atop the hill—Wild, if Legend had to guess. Time cursed under his breath and took off without a backward glance, armor clinking loudly. 

Legend still couldn’t bring himself to move, not when one of his brothers was defenseless. “I know what you’re planning. You’ve been different lately. Aggravated.”

“As practiced as I am at starving, it does tend to bother me,” Hyrule answered with an amused huff. “Call it a character flaw.”

“He’s injured.”

Hyrule sighed. What little mirth he’d carried vanished. “Yes, I’m aware. And I offered to heal him, remember? Have you lost all faith in me?”

Legend laughed before he could help it. It was a broken sound. He blinked back the grief that followed. “Yes.”

Hurt flashed across Hyrule’s face, there and gone again. “Well.” He shrugged, clearly not willing to say more on the matter. He tapped a finger against Warriors’s throat—against the steady pulse there. “I can smell their blood, you know. Wild’s hurt. Four and Twilight, too. You really ought to leave me be and help them.”

Legend exhaled sharply, worry picking away at his confidence. He cast a quick glance back toward the top of the hill, but he couldn’t see anything past the sunlight glinting off of Time’s armor and the screeching moblin who stood in the Old Man’s way. 

“Ledge,” Hyrule murmured, and there was something unnatural in the cadence of his voice, even more so than usual. “Go. Help them. Warriors will be okay.”

And in the end, Legend did. In the end, Four screamed, and the scent of blood was strong enough even for a Hylian to notice, and Legend sprinted into the fight because it was six lives versus one, as much as the comparison truly and utterly sickened him. In the end, after all was said and done, the heroes descended the hill to find Warriors awake, if bleary-eyed and weak. 

Hyrule looked better than he had in weeks, but Legend thought he was the only one to notice. Their traveler fluttered from hero to hero, healing what he could, playing the perfect part of a concerned brother. He fluttered like some fairy, like some bat, like some virus within an oblivious body. 

Legend spent the evening pondering the merits of fire, and of fratricide.

[bracketsoffear]

Was there any book that lost on a second round or further (so no eligible for the Redemption bracket) that you personally thought deserved better?

Well. Basically every Doctor Who book, for starters, but that's just because I've read most of them. mmm.

Stranger: This one did qualify for the redemption poll but then immediately lost again, so I'm counting it: The Frandidate. I loved that series, and the idea of constructing a politician persona that then subsumes your own identity and desires to what is most electable at that moment really deserved more attention. Should it have swept? No. But it should've at least won one round.

Desolation: Scorch Atlas deserved to go all the way. I fuckin' love ergodic literature.

Spiral: Flatland, though I prefer its spiritual sequel, Flatterland, by Ian Stewart.

Hunt: Rogue Male deserved to go up against The Most Dangerous Game

Vast: OF THE CITY OF THE SAVED SHOULDA BEEN A SEMIFINALIST. That book gave me the heebie-jeebies and an existential crisis. The Nothing Equation deserved to sweep, but it's my own fault for having it up against Kaleidoscope so early.

Dark: FEAR OF THE DARK MY BELOVED

Web: No, actually. I have some gripes about round 1, but I won't get into them before the redemption tourney.

Corruption: Eater of Wasps definitely deserved another round at least. Some of the grossest imagery I've ever read, and the fire extinguisher scene should've given it an edge.

Flesh: Chicken, Chicken. That book fucked me up as a kid. My favorite Goosebumps book. I get why it didn't beat Island of Dr. Moreau, but in my heart it deserved to.

Slaughter: In the Blood should've beat Hunger Games. The horror of the Hunger Games, to me, is less to do with the violence as violence, and more to do with the Eye and Web aspects of how they have to make themselves appear, have to debase themselves, have to make a story in order to appeal to the Capitol and the viewers. In the Blood is much more directly about rage and violence and the terrible toll they take.

Buried: Lungbarrow. Should've been a semifinalist at least.

Lonely: Not really.

End: Antsy Does Time should've beat The Graveyard Book. I don't think it could've gotten farther than that given that it would've been up against Shadows from the Walls of Death, but it did deserve another round.

Eye: The Watchers and Harriet the Spy.

Extinction: Silent Spring deserved to be a finalist and Plutopia deserved another round

Other: THE CROOKED WORLD THE CROOKED WORLD THE CROOKED WORLD THE CROKED WORLD THE CROOKED WORLD THE CROOKED WORDL THE CROOKED WORLD

[dc-polls]

"That Really Happened?!" DC Comics Tournament Entry #36

Baseball Game to Save Two Worlds

[ID: Comic title page for Young Justice titled "Baseball Field: Myrg or There's a Saga Born Every Minute". The Young Justice team stands near a baseball diamond in uniform while large cyborgs also stand at attention. Arrowette says, "Of all things to dream, it had to be that I'm in a sequel to that lousy movie with what's-his-name, the basketball player, and those cartoon guys." /END ID]

What Happened?

The story starts off with the Young Justice Team (1998 version, not the show) finding out their friend Doiby really misses his wife(?) Who is on his home planet. The tram decides they are going on a road trip through space in Bart's space ship that he won from the Prince Ali Ben Styne (this is a whole different adventure) to go meet her and help them reunite. Only to find out when they get there Doiby is a wanted criminal and they almost get shot out of the sky but before they can, Lobo (yes the Actual Lobo The Space Biker he was a part of their team at that time) blows up the space cop car before they can get shot. There are more cops who escort them to City Hall and the only reason Lobo doesn't blow them up is because Tim Drake puts his foot down and Tim Drake is one of the few beings in the universe that Lobo actually Listens To. Anyways, turns out the planet was invaded and taken over by an asshole named Prince Marieb and forced Doiby on the run so he could marry his wife. Halfway through kicking the Prince out, a new set of aliens shows up called The Slag, Masters Of THE GAME. Which turns out to be BASEBALL. The crew has to play them for the fate of Doiby's planet and if they loose the whole planet gets blown up. Also, the Slag decide, "eh, fuck it. This game is for Earth too kids because clearly if you're good enough to represent this planet you can represent your own too at the same time." And now Earth is on the fucking line. Over Baseball. Their baseball game lasts for three full chapters and is honestly quite exciting, even if the team is implied to have won via cheating. Also the Prince Asshole is implied to be in jail and Doiby gets back with his wife who is actually Queen Of The Planet. Oh and they don't even get to go home after all that, no the Super Cycle opened a boom tube the team got sucked into that lead them to New Genesis where they got to meet The new gods and Lobo got into a really intense wrestling match with Big Bear, followed by The Super Cycle falling in love with New Genesis's Super Cycle. Also Suzie, aka Secret became friends with The Real Actual Darkseid while they were there. But technically, that's a whole different story ; )

--

Tournament polls will be posted after all entries are up. As always you can find all posts related to the tournament using #dc-polls-trh

[nostalgia-tblr]

Currently reading a book about Queen Jane (don't worry I already know this Does Not End Well) and this may be the one time when Mary Tudor's stubbornly sticking to her guns until everyone around her Sees Reason actually works. Though not quite, I suppose, since it didn't take long for her to get the throne. But! Someone else made a decision that affected her life and she went "Get fucked" and insisted she was still queen of England* and won! Sadly I remember it being mostly downhill for her from here but still! She won a thing!

Jane's problem partly seems to be that the public phone-in vote for "Who Should Be Queen?" is running the one everyone's long been assuming would be queen against an unknown who was only added to the poll so there'd be some Drama created by the idea that the favourite might not win. Otherwise Mary's fans might not bother to pay £1 to vote for her, and then where would we be? (Answer: poorer, and in a reality where there were phones in the 16th century.)

John Dudley has a lot of sons, I bet Henry 8th hated him. At least one of them dies in this story, and it's weird that the highlight here is the occasional glimpse of the son you know from books about Elizabeth 1st, who also hasn't done much in this tale but ooh it's another Celeb Cameo when she pops up to claim to be too ill to travel!

Actually I was surprised by how late Dudley & Co left the "capture the two people ahead of Jane in the line of succession" part of their plot, but I suppose they didn't know when Edward was going to die and if you move too soon everyone's just going to ask "Why have you put the princesses in the Tower? Are you doing a sequel to Richard 3rd?" which would be Awkward AF at the very least. Especially if Edward then somehow didn't even die. But anyway they did leave it a bit late and were left in an "oh shit, the other queen can move across the board in any direction" panic.

It's quite shite for Jane, really. She didn't want to be queen anyway, she just wanted to read books :(

(*she's also claiming to be queen of France and Ireland, as was traditional, but those are... "less fact-based" we might say.)

[yen-sids-tournament]

Disney Sequel Movies Final Results

Congratulations to "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" for being our ultimate tournament winner!

We would also like to congratulate "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride" for winning the Animated Sequel Tournament!

Both of these movies are fantastic in their own right but also masterfully continue their original story into the next phase of their worlds. Well chosen, voters.

Thank you to everyone who submitted movies, reblogged/commented/liked our posts, and voted in the poll(s). Without your engagement, we would've stopped a while ago.

Below are our final thoughts from this tournament:

First things first: we absolutely thought Cinderella 3 was going to win it all. It would be interesting to see how Cinderella 3 would do up against Dead Man's Chest. Would it be closer? or would Cinderella get crushed worse?

Speaking of Cinderella 3, the Animated finals was so close! The first half of the week C3 managed a small but consistent lead over LK2. Then LK2 fans were mobilized and suddenly LK2 was miles ahead! the last two-three days C3 fans managed close the gap. It was like there was a steady ratio of votes that had been disrupted by the mid-week spike. We firmly believe that had the poll been open for another day (even half-day) C3 would have taken the title back. Alas, LK2 won fair and deservedly by 17 votes.

On the other side, Thor: Ragnarok got further than we though considering the number of people who disliked it in the first round. We were pretty sure it would be taken out by Spiderman: No Way Home. But winning there pretty much guarenteed it would beat the DCOM film.

Speaking of DCOM, we had no idea High School Musical 2 was so popular! It's our favorite of the HSM group, but we were thinking the more recent Descendants would be more of a challenge.

Another close race was Pirates v Princess. There PotC won by just 18 votes. We had expected it to be a close one. This was also the poll we anticipated it most likely for people to bring the actors into the debate to persuade. As great as it would have been to see praise of Julie Andrews or Keira Knightly or Orlando Bloom or Chris Pine we want to thank everyone for not using us as a place to debate the personal actors involved in the films.

Going off on actors a moment, how many of you all know that George of the Jungle was recast for the sequel?

We would also like to highlight that the top four submissions we received were Cinderella 3 (top), The Lion King 2 (second), The Little Mermaid 2/The Lion King 1 1/2 (tied third).

(We had structured the bracket so those four would have the best chance to face off. But Kronk happened (in the best way))

In fact, Cinderella 3 was the first submitted, had 3 of the first 6 submissions, and was almost able to book end by almost being the last submission too. (C3 also had enough submitted propaganda that rounds 1 and 2 are different where everyone else is working with the same)

The most submitted Live Action sequel was The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

As for a lesson learned: We know the way a ballot/poll/tournament is structured will inherently impact the results. We don't think we will set up the first round like this one's again when there's less than 64.

Now for the standard disclaimer: with the exception of 1 or 2, all the propaganda used was not created by ourselves. The words were pulled from the google form, the gifs are from the search here, the videos were from youtube.

Finally, for those of you anxiously awaiting everyone's favorite color:

Half of y'all like the blues/purples! Blue is slightly more beloved on it's own

about 7% of you picked the wrong answer (black) but none of you picked the other wrong answer (white)!

We gotta acknowledge the call out for Teal specifically. It aint blue, it aint green!

But secretly, while we might say purple when asked, we agree with the 2.5% of y'all who can't decide.

[masked-alien-lesbian]

Hi! On the series mentioned on the sequels poll who did you romance?

hello! Hope you're doing well anon! 🎵

The post anon is mentioning is this one

TRR: Hana Lee always! ❤️ She's my forever obsession! My absolutely end game, my wife till the end of time lol

Desire & Decorum: Annabelle Parsons ❤️ my 2nd favorite playchoices LI, I dare say if D&D had as many books as the TRR, she may even had surpassed Hana 🫣

Blood bound: My first play through I romanced Kamilah but Lily has been my LI ever since then.

It Lives Series: In ILITW, I've romanced Stacey once but choose Ava always, love my witch lol. In ILB, I've flirted with Danni but I've chosen Imogene every time. In fact I think I haven't took every diamond scene with Danni or done an end game with her. I may do that next time I read ILB.

Endless Summer: I've flirted with Quinn but Estela is my end game LI, but I've only read the entire ES series once so maybe I'll choose Quinn if I ever reread the series again.

High School Series: I've romanced Maria once but I always choose Emma in my other play throughs. In HSS:CA, it's the same with Rory and Skye. I've romanced Rory maybe 1 or 2x but Skye is my usual end game.

Blades: My elf mc romanced Imtura, Nia and Valax but I gravitated more towards Imtura and Valax. Then I created an orc mc that romances Nia and Valax. I'm wondering if I want to create a whole other mc just for Valax lol, but that's a lot of mcs for me 😅

In my tags I brought up Baby Bump so ofc I chose Myra Dixon, Clint was sweet but Myra won me over rather quickly.

[smolvenger]

Hey guys- which WIP should I focus on to share and publish first of those that are rough drafts right now? For some reason, Tumblr won't let me do polls, but they are, so far-

Chapter Five of A Court of Mischief and Purpose- Loki x fem! Reader. Where Reader finds out why these various men are here and learn more about what is happening in Asgard, including the familial politics of the royal Asgardian family. This makes Loki open up to you about one of his insecurities. (some hurt/comfort with some angst)

The Tavern Prince- Prince Hal x fem! Reader. You are appalled at your betrothal to the wayward Prince Hal who prefers seedy company to court. But to convince you otherwise, one day he sneaks you out for a day in Eastcheap to the Boar's Head Tavern (a bit of angst but some fluff...and the end will have smut, hehehe)

After the Battle- Sequel to The Battle of Agincourt with Henry V/Fem! Reader. You are relieved to find out your dear husband, Henry V of England, has survived the decisive battle against the French and won. You reward and celebrate that by fulfilling a promise and waiting for him in his tent... ;) (fluff and smut, ya know)

Taglist: @evelyn-kingsley@jennyggggrrr@five-miles-over ) @fictive-sl0th@ladycamillewrites@villainousshakespeare@holdmytesseract@eleniblue@twhxhck@lokisgoodgirl@lovelysizzlingbluebird@raqnarokr@holymultiplefandomsbatman@michelleleewise@wolfsmom1@cheekyscamp@mochie85@muddyorbsblr

[redrascal1]

The future of the Skywalkers is not Rey

Disney are....angry.

They decided to get rid of the Skywalker family, and move forward with new characters. One character in particular: Rey.

She was the protagonist of the ST. We were meant to fall madly in love with her. We were meant to see her as the 'champion' of the ST, the hero, the one everyone was cheering for.

And at first...we did.

Daisy is a fine actress, pretty, charismatic and engaging. Her background as a lowly scavenger meant that audiences could identify with a 'nobody'. I liked her. Many liked her.

And then....Kylo Ren took off his helmet.

From the moment these two first faced each other, the screen lit up. The chemistry between them was electric. Reylos saw it. Critics saw it.

And Rian Johnson saw it.

I think the best description of Rian's film comes from o0-snowdrop-0o

Both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi built up a beautiful romance plot between two, mistreated lonely souls who were destined to be together. 

Their unconditional love supposed to bring balance to the Force. Create balance in the Galaxy.

 Rian Johnson made a masterpiece. 

His film was full with mythological, fairy tale-alike elements. No wonder his movie is the most beloved one of the sequels trilogy.

No wonder why George Lucas called it beautifully made.

Rian introduced this connection in a unique, gorgeous way. Their force bond was a blessing. It made possible for Ben and Rey to reach out for each other through time, through space to give comfort, show love for one and other. Their romantic relationship was deep, sensual, spiritual, gentle and innocent. 

Couldn't put it better myself.

The relationship between protagonist and antagonist was the heart and soul of the trilogy. Most of all, the incredible sexual chemistry between the two actors. TLJ received a tremendous amount of critical acclaim, developed all of the characters beautifully and set everything up for what should have been a spectacular conclusion to the Skywalker Saga.

And then we got...TROS.

Ben Solo's redemption thrown in as an afterthought, purely to save Rey. Adam's screentime cut. All of the cast reduced to utter ridiculousness.

All to push...Rey Skywalker.

Disney wanted us to fall in love with Rey. Instead the audience fell in love with Kylo.

Which is what lies at the heart of their disgraceful treatment of Adam and his character.

Finn fans hate reylos. After Ben was killed off several of them voiced their delight at the prospect of a Finn/Rey romance. But, it wasn't because of them that Disney killed off Ben. It wasn't because of some weird notion that 'reylo is a white supremacist ship' (quote from Medium).

It's simply because in a poll asking viewers who they wanted to see the most in TROS was won by Kylo/Ben.

By a landslide.

Kylo Ren - 80% of the votes

Rey - second at just 5%.

Even people who disliked the ST consider Adam to be the best thing about it. He gave a sensational performance, despite Disney wanting us to despise him by having him kill his father. When he won that poll....they were furious.

So, they have done everything to destroy the affection people still have for the character.

Pointing out that he 'had to die because of what he'd done.' Nonsense.

'Once Upon A Time' featured several characters who had done worse but got their 'happy endings'. And don't even get me started on the Netflix film Damsel, where a mass murdering female dragon is allowed to live and even befriends the heroine, because at the beginning her daughters were killed by a king. Just as Ben was the victim of abuse, abandonment and brainwashing for most of his life.

Disney want to push their new agenda: women rule.

Women rock.

Women are far better than men

Women don't need men.

Look at their recent offerings. The Acolyte features a predominantly female cast with one even giving birth to twin daughters 'through the Force'. Willow was supposed to be about Warrick Davies's titular character, instead it was about two female protagonists. Even Marvel movies, the company owned by Disney, are making films all about women.

Problem is...this is not what women want.

The Acolyte is failing in the ratings. Willow was cancelled after just one season. The Marvels, about three female superheroes, was a flop.

And..guess what? A survey has discovered that the most popular shows among women aren't Willow or The Acolyte...they are Mandalorian and Andor.

Women want to watch hot, sexy men like Diego Luna and Pedro Pascal. And quite a few LGBTQ+ viewers do, as well.

WE don't want Mary Sues we can't identify with. We want strong women who also have a heart. And yes, we want to see great male characters. Characters like Luke and Han, and Lando.

Like Ben.

Rey has been destroyed as a character. Disney, refusing to see what they've done, intend to carry on her story as 'Force goddess' no matter what.

Obviously they have money to burn.

[game-boy-pocket]

And so there ends my run of Super Mario RPG. One of the only runs I'll ever get to finish on a cartridge from my childhood. This didn't take long, cuz I started playing it not long after I got my SNES. I stopped playing in Monstro Town because of all the bullshit happening in my living situation, I decided to pack it up early to be ready to move. If I ever play this one again, I just might see if there's any good romhacks or an MSU-1 version. Cuz i've played this one a million times already, did I mention I went through a period where this was one of the only games I had to play and I lived way out in the country with no friends nearby and nothing for kids to do? It was either this, Mario World, or a handful of games I wasn't that keen on, so I played a ton of Mario...

This time I decided to beat the game using Mallow and Geno. I normally switch to Bowser and Toadstool almost immediately as I get them, not because I didn't like these new characters, but this was the very first time you could have Bowser on your side and that was such a huge deal at the time, and Toadstool is just a very overpowered healer. It was tough but I managed to do it... and the secret Final Fantasy Boss as well.

... Mallow actually won by the skin of his teeth, only because he had the secret Lazy Shell armor that makes most damage meaningless.

Anyway..

Man I wish I could just make newer Mario fans understand why this was so special and why it's worth fighting for the likes of Geno and Mallow to be staples of the greater Mario universe even if only in spinoffs... it's not just some annoying boomer pick for Smash Bros, it's something old time Mario fans like me hold dear because for a brief time it kind of defined Mario's world when we previously only had a bunch of brick blocks to work with. I want a remake or a sequel so badly, especially now that they're not really making more traditional RPGs anymore... Anyway.. I guess now i'ts time to move on to EarthBound as my next RPG since they managed to tie in that poll I did... though I also kind of feel pokemon Crystal calling me.

[everybody-loves-purdy]

Since Riverstar has won the SE poll I really hope the Erins may do another Dawn of the clans arc and call it Rise of the Clans or something. A Moth Flight kit, a Thunderstar kit, and a Skystar kit are right there as potential protagonists.

I just don’t know where the present day timeline might go after this arc, especially with the books being named after each clan, the titles alone make it feel like end of era stuff yet we’ve got confirmation another arc is on the way.

As for plot for a dotc sequel arc? Well nobody’s favourite villain Slash and his gang are still out there, they could potentially make some kind of return as better villains. Apprentices are still not yet officially a thing. If it takes place after Shadowstar died then perhaps one subplot could be Ravenstar navigating being a leader and trying to live up to his fellow leaders, who unlike him are all founders. Also maybe the foundation of the dark forest could be something to try to explore. Or obviously something completely new, the potential is almost limitless here given that these are pretty new groups establishing themselves so there is undoubtedly politics frequently at play within the clans and with the cats that dwell outside them and don’t take too kindly to the recent settlers.