#predictable stories can get tedious

[bookwyrminspiration]

“she had gathered up the matter of Ortus Nigenad’s soul and not been able to choke him all the way down” “there had been another girl who grew up alongside Harrow—but she had died before Harrow was born”

[personasintro]

I realised something.. when we readers get everything like both protagonists' pov, it gives away most of the plot. Like girl we know what both of them feel and it's just tedious to see them struggling and read more. Mh hasn't given away anything from Jungkook's side so it's hard to predict what's going on. I mean we are on ch-60 but we don't know what's gonna happen to them hence the theories (more fun yayyy).. We're constantly on the edge to know more and crave more crumbs we get with those theories or these asks hehe.

We're just suckerss mimiii. I'm super fan of your writing style. Although I'm straight but can I marry you virtually💍

Sometimes his pov is in there but it’s not in everyone’s face and I love the way this story is written. And by that I mean I love that it’s more from y/n’s side so you can get a great opportunity to maybe feel some of the stuff she feels and that not everything is perfectly clear, and as a reader you’re not just there to read a perfectly clear story but you’re pulled into it! I don’t know if that makes sense 🫣

Huge thanks to everyone who even spends their time making theories and just chatting about this story. You guys made it far more special in everyone’s heart and not just mine 💗

[charmandabear]

Office Hours - Chapter Two

Summary:

You really want to get Astarion back for making you feel so flustered, but as a result you find yourself in a bit of an uncomfortable position.

Pairing: Astarion/F!Reader Rating: E Word Count: 3.7k Tags/Warnings: unprotected p in v sex, under-the-desk blowjobs, semi-public sex, vampire bites, modern au, college/university au, urban fantasy, enemies to lovers, poor gale doesn't deserve this

Oh shit she's writing? I had like six other things planned but I can't keep away from this world. Once again thank you @zipzoomzaria for the beautiful screenshots and also the inspo for Professor Astarion, and @aw11tht33tha for the beta!

You don't need to have read part 1 for this part to make sense, but it does help.

Read on AO3 ~ Masterlist

Ever since you slept with Astarion - or, perhaps more accurately, he fucked you mercilessly over his desk - you haven't been able to get him out of your head. It's been a little embarrassing, frankly. Every time you pass him in the hallway, a single glance over those round wire frames has you suppressing the moan that bubbles in your throat. One whiff of his fragrance and your pussy clenches in a Pavlovian response.

You're standing in front of your mailbox in the main office, reading some memo from the chair about season selection for next year. It's always a tedious process where no one can agree and you somehow all end up with shows you hate.

You smell him before you hear him, and you can feel your ears grow hot. He comes up behind you, standing closer than is probably necessary, and reaches above you to empty his own mailbox.

“Pardon,” he says politely, but you feel like he’s going out of his way to brush against you. A shiver runs down your spine as he very gently grazes the back of your neck while shuffling through the papers. 

He turns and starts chatting amicably with Grace. How can he stay so cool when you're practically in shambles? You pretend that you're still reading the short memo just to collect yourself. When he finally leaves the main office, you manage to turn around and imitate some semblance of a normal person. Grace catches your eye and frowns.

“Are you feeling okay? You're looking a little flushed,” she asks, genuine concern coloring her voice. You twist your face into a smile, hoping that it reads like gratitude rather than annoyance.

“Yeah, I'm fine, thank you. Probably just a little dehydrated,” you say, putting a little extra rasp in your voice to sell your story.

“I’m about to leave for lunch, I can grab you something from the student union, if you're thirsty.” She smiles sweetly, fully unaware of the double entendre.

“I'm good, I have some water back in my office. I appreciate the offer, though.” The smile is now plastered to your face as you move to leave the office. You bump into Karlach while trying to make a hasty exit.

“Gods, soldier, you okay? You look like you just got out of a sauna.” She claps you on the shoulder and your knees buckle. The technical director had spent 10 years in the army, so you can't really fault her for the nickname, or the smack to the shoulder, for that matter.

“Just a little thirsty, is all,” you reply, continuing to scoot your way out of the office. 

“Yeah ya are!” She points two finger guns at you and flashes a big suggestive smile. You freeze for a half second, then realize she’s making a generic lewd joke and not pointedly calling you out for your current condition. You awkwardly finger gun back as you finally slip through the doorway and book it to your office.

You sit down at your desk and grab your water bottle, taking a long sip. It's unbelievable how much of a hold he has on you. What you wouldn't give to be able to fluster him as much as he does you. Have him struggle for words. Make him look like an idiot in front of your colleagues.

You think back to your bathtub fantasy from a few days ago. You could not have predicted the dynamic more incorrectly. You really thought that you'd be the one in control, that you could have him coming undone for you. The image of him whimpering beneath you still sets your heart racing, though it can't be further from the truth. Your breath hitches slightly as the scenario plays out vividly in your mind, like your own personal erotica.

“It must be rather exciting, whatever's got your blood going that way.” His sultry voice interrupts your debaucherous thoughts and you yelp in surprise. You glare at him leaning in the doorframe, hands in his pockets and collar casually unbuttoned, looking like an absolute treat. He chuckles and saunters into your office, settling into one of the chairs across from your desk and crossing his lithe legs. Despite your newfound attraction, he's still an arrogant little shit.

“I thought you couldn't come in uninvited,” you scowl, keeping your voice low for fear of someone overhearing.

“I don't recall being invited last time, but you didn't seem to mind,” he says with a laugh, and you squirm under his piercing red gaze. “Regardless, the rule only applies to homes, not individual rooms within a public university.”

Your frown deepens, unsure if he's being condescending or not.

“Is there something I can help you with, or are you just here to frustrate me?” You lean back in your chair and cross your arms, trying to imitate his casual authority. You're not terribly successful.

“You seem to be doing that perfectly well yourself, the way I could hear your arteries pumping from down the hall.” His smile widens, flashing just a hint of fang, and your resolve weakens. He stands and stretches his arms above his head, his shirt raising just enough for you to see a sliver of porcelain skin. You’re positive he’s just doing this to annoy you.

“Well, when you have a free moment, stop by my office, I have something to show you,” he drawls, an almost bored lilt coloring his tone. “And do try to keep that pulse of yours under control, it’s distracting to the point of vulgarity.” He glances at you over his glasses one more time before retreating into the hall again.

You cross your legs, trying to ease the ache between your thighs. He's absolutely insufferable. And he’s so much worse now that he knows he has this power over you.

You gather your materials for Voice and Speech, plotting ways to enact your revenge.

***

Against your better judgment, you find yourself walking toward Ancunín’s office after class. You take a moment before knocking on the door, smoothing down the front of your dress and tousling your hair to give it a little more volume.

Suddenly the door opens and Mol comes barrelling out in a huff.

“D’you believe this berk? Gettin’ on my tail for ‘academic integrity.’ Ain't nobody more integrous than me!” she grumbles, adjusting her bag angrily. She turns her heated gaze to you.

“Can you talk to your boyfriend and tell him to leave me alone?” she spits and you splutter involuntarily.

“Mol, we’re not–”

“Come off it, miss. Everyone sees the way you look at ‘im. Just work your magic so I can get back to gettin’ a college education.” And without another word, she's off. You blink, trying to make sense of what just happened. Are the students talking about the two of you?

Shaking your head, you knock on the door frame as you walk into his office. It's just as cozy as last time, warm light emanating from lamps in every corner to compensate for the blackout curtains over the windows. Honestly, how does anyone not know he's a vampire? You can almost hear his excuse, something about how “direct sunlight is ruinous to one’s skin.”

“Destroying students' lives by keeping them academically honest?” you smirk as you gently close the door behind you with your foot. He takes off his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose.

“I swear, that girl is too clever for her own good. I'd almost respect it if she didn't get on my last nerve,” he sighs, putting his glasses back on and glancing up at you. His expression softens for a second before quickly shifting to mischievous. You slide over to him, leaning against the edge of his desk as you face him.

Any animosity you may have held dissolves as he looks up at you, his hand absentmindedly stroking your thigh just under the hem of your skirt. You shiver as you try to keep your voice steady.

“You said you had something to show me, professor?” You emphasize the title with the gusto of a young porn star. He smirks and pulls you down until you're straddling his lap. You wrap your arms around his neck and grind your hips into him, feeling the beginnings of an erection. He lets out a little puff of air that can almost be mistaken for a moan. He buries his face into your tits, running his nose along the neckline of your dress and slides his hands under your skirt to cup your ass. You breathe in sharply, your breasts rising to meet his lips.

Then a knock at the door.

You both freeze and stare at one another. You hear a muffled voice on the other side.

“Dr. Ancunín, do you have a minute? I have something extremely important to tell you,” Dr. Dekarios from the School of the Weave shouts through the door.

Astarion instinctually replies, “Just a minute!” and the two of you share a wordless exchange.

-What the fuck are you doing?

-I don't know, I panicked!

-What am I supposed to do?

-Hide, perhaps?

Without thinking you slide off his lap and under the desk. Just in time, too, as Dr. Dekarios doesn't wait for Astarion’s permission to open the door and waltz right in.

“Dr. Ancunín, thank goodness, I hope I'm not interrupting anything.” You can hear the Arcana History professor rush in and eagerly sit down in the red velvet lounge chairs across from Astarion’s desk. You groan internally as you realize that you might be stuck here for an unbearably long time.

“Actually, Dr. Dekarios, I was on my way out,” Astarion says as he starts to stand before quickly reversing that decision. You realize with a smug sense of satisfaction that he’s still slightly aroused.

“Completely understand, I'll keep this brief, then. So, the other day, you and I spoke of the use of bardic magic and its position amongst playwrights in Renaissance England.”

“Yes, I recall,” Astarion responds through gritted teeth. He sinks back down in his chair,  resigned to sitting through this conversation.

“And how it was common practice at the time to use magic from the college of swords as decreed by Elizabeth? Ben Jonson, Marlowe, Beaumont and Fletcher, they all used college of swords magic.” Dr. Dekarios’ voice increases in pitch with his excitement. You suppress a sigh, preparing yourself for a long wait in this cramped space. It’s not particularly comfortable, especially with trying to keep out of the way of Astarion’s long legs.

Although…

You might not have to keep out of the way. Maybe if you just… brushed your hand along his leg…

Astarion coughs to hide the sudden intake of breath your touch causes. He crosses his legs and you smile knowing it's to give himself a little reprieve. A feeling you know all too well.

“Yes,” Astarion says, his voice frustratingly steady, “I recall your enthusiasm in telling me this.”

You're trying to read his response. Is he into this? Is this a game he wants to play? You test your luck again, dragging your fingers up his thigh more deliberately. His leg quivers and he shifts his posture as the Arcana professor continues.

“Well, I had a thought. Consider this: Shakespeare brought about a major shift in how we think of the Western theatrical canon as it pertains to bard magic, correct?”

You scooch forward and press your tits into his knees that are now pinched tightly together. You slide your hands up his inner thighs, prying them apart slightly. You lean into his legs further as your hands continue their journey upward, squeezing as they get to the top of his thigh.

He kicks suddenly, a soft thump into the back of the desk. Is he telling you to stop? You pull back and glance up at him, the top of the desk obscuring most of his face. He's stiffly nodding along to Dekarios’ rambling.

“And remind me, what other major storytelling convention did Shakespeare also shift during this time?” You honestly can't tell if he’s actually asking, or giving Astarion a mini exam in his own specialty.

You wait for a response from him. He lets his thighs fall open and gently nudges your hip with the side of his shoe. No, his foot.

This mother fucker is playing footsie with you?

Oh he is definitely into your little game.

You push his legs open again, this time sliding your hands all the way up to his cock, and you feel it twitch beneath the wool of his pants. You gently stroke him and his hips give a subtle twist into you.

“I'm not sure–” Astarion begins, but stops short when his voice cracks. You nuzzle his bulge,  running your lips across it as it hardens. You slip a hand under him and give his balls a gentle squeeze. You can hear his breath stutter, but it's unlikely Dekarios can as he quickly answers his own question.

“The humors, correct? My understanding of non-magic literature isn't fully up to snuff, but I am correct in remembering this, yes?”

You lick a fat stripe across the fabric and you hear a metallic click above your head, like his watch just made sudden contact with the surface of the desk. You can imagine the veins in his hands bulging as he clasps them together tightly.

“Hm, no, ah yes, you are correct. Most English Renaissance playwrights understood characters as a balance or imbalance of the four humors.” Astarion manages to keep his voice relatively even, and you know you need to up your game. You reach up to undo his belt buckle as quietly and efficiently as possible. Luckily, you’re able to hide the noise within Dekarios’ exclamation.

“Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking! So, hear me out. What if these two shifts were related? In moving away from college of swords magic, Shakespeare felt less constrained by the four humors. Or perhaps the other way around?”

You reach into his pants and free his cock, now fully hard, and tease your fingers along his shaft. His hips buck a little more forcefully, as though controlling his movement is growing more difficult. You grip his pelvis tightly, holding it in place, and relishing the fact that you have the control for once. You flick the tip of your tongue across his slit and his hips twitch again under your hands.

“Could be…” is all Astarion can manage to reply. Hopefully at this point Dekarios is in a full-on oration and he won't need to contribute much, if at all.

You pop the head of his cock into your mouth, working the underside of it with your tongue. You clamp your arms down on his thighs, pulling them closer to you and pushing them into your tits. Your inner thighs grow damp as your own arousal quickens. You squirm as a miniscule moan works its way into your mouth. Not loud enough for anyone to hear, you hope, but you're certain that Astarion can feel the vibration because his hips jerk again. His torso and face above, or at least what you can see of it, gives little away.

“And this could even,” Dekarios continues, showing no sign of awareness of anything else happening in the room, “signal the shift into realism, could it not? Beginning with Shakespeare and culminating with Chekhov and Ibsen in the nineteenth century?”

You take in more of him, relaxing your tongue and letting him fill your mouth, discovering his taste. He almost lifts off his chair in his attempt to thrust into you, and you use it as a way to take him in deeper. Your jaw is beginning to ache with how slow you're going, but it's worth it to feel Astarion’s frustrated discomfort.

You can hear him take a slow breath before speaking again.

“You know who would absolutely love this discovery of yours?” His voice is low, smooth, as you bob your mouth on his cock. “Tav, the classical theatre professor. Her office is right down the hall.”

You choke and he deftly covers the sound of your gag with a cough.

“Bless you,” Dekarios says after a fraction of hesitation. He continues as though there was no interruption at all.

“Then I shall share my findings with her! Down the hall, you say?”

“Room 208.”

“Excellent!” Dekarios stands and you wrap your hand around the base of Astarion's shaft, letting some saliva dribble out of your mouth to lubricate it. You can hear the wizard quickly make his way out the door.

“Gale!” Astarion yelps as you twist your hand and swirl your tongue in tandem. He clears his throat and corrects his decorum. “Dr. Dekarios, the door, please.”

“Oh, of course! Apologies,” he says with slight chagrin, and then you hear the latch on the door click. Astarion rolls his chair back and grabs your hair, pulling you out from under the desk.

“You saucy little minx,” he growls and you stumble forward and into his lap, your lips crashing into his. He easily tears through your leggings and underwear, exposing your dripping cunt to the open air.

This man is wracking up quite the clothing bill.

He slides two fingers into you, roughly stretching you out and you groan into his ear. 

“You didn't seem to mind,” you manage to squeak out, repeating his words from earlier with significantly less dignity. You grind onto his fingers with his cock trapped between you, and your clit slides against his shaft. Another shuddering breath rockets through you as your whole body clenches around him.

He yanks his hand out of you and you whimper at the sudden emptiness, but you don't need to wait long for him to grab your waist and sink you down onto his cock. You can feel the skin toward your perineum tear slightly but the stinging pain is nothing compared to the delicious stretch that comes with him bottoming out. He shoves his fingers in your mouth and you arch your back into him, the taste of your own juices flooding your tongue.

He keeps his other hand firm on your lower back as he thrusts up into you. You cling onto his neck, pulling his mouth toward your breasts as they rise and fall with your stuttering breaths. He takes his hand away from your mouth and slides the hem of your dress all the way up to your chin. His lips latch on to your nipple poking through the soft cotton of your bra.

“Gods, fuck,” you groan as you continue to roll your hips into his, and he flicks his tongue against your tit. You push down even further onto him and pull the cup down, pushing your now bare breast into his teeth. His eyes flicker upward, glasses sliding down his nose slightly. You bounce harder on his cock and grip the back of his neck tightly.

“Fuck, please, bite me,” you whine, aching to feel every part of him in you. He doesn't need to be told twice and he sinks his fangs into the sensitive flesh around your nipple. You cry out but try to stifle the noise by pressing your open mouth into his hair. You can smell that citrusy fragrance he wears and your fingers claw into him.

He sucks your blood out from around your tit, and with every swallow he laps his tongue against you, over and over. You're certain his devil tongue will be your demise.

Your pace increases and it becomes harder to suppress your moans. You clamp your mouth shut and bury your face into his ear. He releases your breast and roughly kisses you to keep you quiet, the taste of iron filling your mouth.

You come with an explosive cry that gets swallowed into his kiss. As you're still riding the wave of your orgasm you can feel his, his hips rutting as his dick throbs with the pulse of his semen.

The two of you finally slow, the sticky mess between you squelching lewdly. You listen intently past the sound of your heavy breathing to try to hear any indication that someone overheard. When you deem it safe, you let out a sigh of relief that dissolves into giggles. He drops his forehead into your shoulder as the hem of your dress gets overtaken by gravity and slides down your front

You disentangle yourself from him, wincing slightly at the feeling of him sliding out of your sore pussy. You get a better look at him, your blood still smeared on his lips and chin, his now-flaccid dick slumped above his waistband. You're certain you can't look much better, dress rucked up around your waist, hair mussed and sticking every which way. 

You methodically put yourselves back together, Astarion stuffing his wet dick back into his pants, you straightening your dress and hair. You catch his gaze again and somehow he still manages to make you blush, his crimson eyes peering over his frames. He reaches out to tuck a wayward lock behind your ear.

“Maybe next time we’ll have sex in your office,” he chuckles. You swat his chest playfully only to find yourself drawn into him, not wanting to pull your hand away. It's strangely romantic, and if you were able to think clearly, his hands snaking around your waist might bother you. But your head is still spinning and your cunt is still throbbing with the aftershocks of your orgasm, and little could upset you right now.

That is, until the doorknob turns and Dekarios pops his head back in.

“Looks like she’s not–” His voice dies off quickly when he realizes what he's walked in on. He coughs, mumbles an incoherent apology, and backs out quickly.

“I swear to the gods I'm getting a scroll of arcane lock for that damn door,” he growls under his breath, and you lean your forehead against his chest in deflated embarrassment.

[dawnbreakerluna]

I really like this theory! Because I was thinking the same during the last few chapters when we finally get a glimpse of Sylus and MCs memories. This is the link - https://x.com/millecreupe/status/1813809147508613476?t=2YsqG032kliHKY18Z4QKZg&s=19

The way I'm so dedicated to this cause that I ended up making a Twitter account just to view this.

Let me preface that I am a bit freaked out right now because everything OP wrote about in this thread is pretty much accurately aligned with every specific detail I've predicted/theorized about Sylus and his purpose of changing fate/breaking cycles/etc. I've delayed making any posts about lore because I genuinely don't want to go back into the story chapters to take screenshots and shit, it's very tedious to me LOL 😭😭😭😭😭 I promise I remember what I can, even if it's not miniscule details, I just take away the important things!

(Side note: I've previously predicted/prophesized things before that have come true & I'm a little spooked by it. I don't like to put things out there unless I'm super passionate about a subject LMFAO)

[Warning: VERY LONG info dump/theory post ahead!]

Often when it comes to unveiling or creating monsters, there is always a price to pay. That's the common formula for any story involving someone who has an alternate form or is on the verge of becoming something non-human. It takes a special kind of trigger - often, it's intense emotional states - to unleash a creature or be granted a uniquely regal power. (ex. Eren from AoT, Nero in DMC5, Ignis in Final Fantasy 15)

I'm going to follow the evidence listed in OP's thread for my references + additional responses to the thread that are relevant, which I will link here for easy clickback! (Thank you so much again anon!)

I want to dive into one of the examples I listed first before I proceed. (Light spoilers ahead, and iffy details since it's been so long since I played the game.) While Ignis doesn't have an alternate form whatsoever, there's a DLC in FF15 where you have the opportunity to play as him during the climatic event of main story. Essentially, this would involve Ignis changing the planned fate of the protagonist where he would end up sacrificing himself in the very end to save his world and his people. Ignis pretty much defies that fate, going against godly forces and sacrificing a part of himself that ends up changing the canon ending. In short: Ignis saves the protagonist, everybody else, and everything's great. Yay!

I'm a broken record at this point by saying Sylus' involvement is going to defy fate and interrupt the timelines. TLDR; He's going to ultimately save MC from her curse and break the cycles, no matter the cost.

First, let's discuss Sylus' Evol (power). Energy manipulation can mean a lot of things, though as far as the story has shown us, this means he can bend anything/anyone at will through energetic binds. Also, he can know someone's deepest desires, which is activated when his right eye glows.

At a certain point in Chapter 9 (or 2.1), Sylus mentions something about the MC's Evol being weaker/not as strong as before. While we know Energy Resonance is the MC's power, there seems to be something more at play when it comes to it. It's a likely possibility that the MC herself is more powerful beyond resonating with others, perhaps to the point of causing re/destruction.

I like what OP says in part 3 of the thread: "I assumed MC didn't kill him but instead resonated with Sylus, making his self healing ability double in power, AND at the same time directly **pouring the energy of her aether core into the core the he would be implanted, forcibly reshaping a "heart" in his body."

[Previous quote was in alignment to: "Sylus turned into a wanderer. And if mc died and didn't kill him there, he might completely turn into a wanderer..."]

It's hard to deter me from the belief that in the flashback we saw towards the end of 9.2 that Sylus was literally in a Wanderer form. The arm that moves and reaches out to MC is a lot bigger than her own and when looked at closer, you can make out a textured hand with claws. You can see his palm held out faced upwards, and a weapon floating(?) just atop the center of it.

[10/25 UPDATE: The last time I touched this post was back in July, LMAO. This has been sitting in my drafts for months, but now with the Sylus Translation Project, I'm happy to add it to this mini dissertation.]

Here are some points from the Reddit post that struck my interest the most:

[Changed Facts] Changes how Sylus's powers work: specifically, there are invisible shackles inside of his body that prevent him from absorbing even more power. There is not a tether that prevents him from "tapping into" more power. This is a fundamental power difference and has created a complete misunderstanding about how his powers truly work amongst English-only speakers in the global community.

[Missing Fact] Sylus's Aether Core works by him invading and taking over consciousness; he does not merely perform basic mind control, it's actually far more insidious and terrifying.

[Power Nerf] Sylus's powers are actually described as "all-powerful and all-encompassing" but this was somehow reduced into merely blocking exits.

I encourage you to read the entire post in full, for it shifts so much about Sylus' character. Though for me personally, it only justifies all my speculations and conclusions about his character even beyond mistranslation. I will repeat myself over and over and OVER again: Sylus is beyond powerful, way more than we even know and I'm honestly just waiting for Infold to do something to show this grand transformation or show of power.

With these fixed translation points, it makes sense why he's so desperate to resonate with MC. A few comments on the Reddit post have the same speculation I did that it's possible him and MC have the same Aether Cores in their bodies. [OP responded to a comment with: "MC hears things like "Devour," "He's yours," "It belongs to you," I almost wonder if it's actually because they share two halves of a single Aether Core…"] [[THIS I AGREE WITH HEAVILY.]] If this is the case, I don't doubt that Sylus knows this, but he would rather MC find this out on her own due to some morale of integrity, building her inner strength, etc.

TLDR; Her resonating with him would unleash those shackles. I also don't think it's amiss that MC also has some kind of shackles, but that's just me thinking of other possible scenarios. Everything is so vague with this story because we've only been fed so much tidbits.

But one thing's for sure... I really, really think these two are the true fated pair, to a certain degree. And why it's difficult for them to resonate is due to the fact that they both wield a power that can shift the world, the universe... everything altogether.

[doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou]

Canis Minor

Prophecies (1)

> larissa weems x fem!reader

> requested? no!

> content/warnings: angst, mentions of attempt su*cide

> a/n: Canis Minor has one myth that includes Icarius, his dog Maera, and his daughter Erigone, that's the story I decide to use here. Anyway, here's the song I played as I wrote this one. The Prophecy by T.S

Hand on the throttle Thought I caught lightning in a bottle Oh, but it's gone again

“Surely you know, Tish? I cannot lose her. I cannot lose this chance.”

“Apologies, Ris. But my knowledge about visions ends here. I do not know anymore.”

Hearing the sound of lightning crackling, Larissa sighed as she closed her eyes. She really thought Morticia had the key to unlocking the reason for the incident; maybe, just maybe, Larissa could retrieve your memories of her. Of both of you. Yet, for the nth time this week, her hopes have been crushed.

Groaning, Larissa reached for the wine bottle in front of her, not minding as the calling orb rolled down from the table to the floor. At this point, she couldn’t care less of whatever objects littered her office. Her sole priority was giving you back your memories, no matter what it took. 

“Wait for me, my love, please. I’ll come back to you.” It was like she could hear you say those words to her. She pursed her lips as she stopped her tears from trickling down her face as she drank the entire bottle of wine. 

Pad around when I get home I guess a lesser woman would've lost hope A greater woman wouldn't beg But I looked to the sky and said

It was midnight when Larissa decided to leave the confines of her office. Without any eyes judging her every move, she could walk freely, think freely, and reminisce freely. Finding herself on the highest floor of the school, Larissa observed the maps you drew for the students one tedious day.

“It is given that astronomy is hard, for some people, but not for me.” You paced around the room, locking eyes with most of your newest students. Seeing them cower beneath your gaze always made your first day, yet you can't help but think how many students have gone past you and not a single one has said anything bad behind or in front of you.

As you neared the board in front of the class, you saw five students with their eyes drooping, almost as if they had to sleep. So, you slammed your hands on your desk, chuckling when you saw the same five students sitting straight up with shocked faces. 

Smirking, you shook your head and grabbed the numerous scrolls in the bucket on your desk. “These,” you opened one and showed it to the class, “are maps. Study them after class, and we will have a discussion of the different constellations and how they became constellations.”

You clapped your hands, and one by one, all the scrolls floated towards each desk. “Now, who knows the story behind Canis Minor?”

“Canis Minor…” Larissa looked up to the sky, trying to find the first constellation you taught your students. “There you are.” Locking eyes with the stars, Procyon and Gomeisa, she walked towards the edge of the balcony and gripped the railing hard.

“I know only one of the myths surrounding you; I'm here to request that you not take her life the same way that myth ended. Grief is difficult, yet I know I can be the shoulder she cries on.” Blinking away her tears, Larissa bit her lower lip. “I know she decided her fate on her own, but I want to redirect that. I do not care if she saw every single one of my futures, and when she saw she was not part of any, she would leave whatever we had behind.” This time, Larisss let her tears fall down. “I want her to be part of my future, I need her to be part of my future. I do not care that every single one of my predicted future does not include her, I will make one for us. That is how I want my future to be. How I need it to be.”

Larissa felt her knees grow weak, and this time, she let her weakness overcome her. “Please… ”

Please I've been on my knees Change the prophecy Don't want money Just someone who wants my company Let it once be me Who do I have to speak to About if they can redo The prophecy?

“Grief does things to people no one can predict.” With light emitting from your quarters, Vlad could only hide his emotions behind his 10th glass of bloody Mary. He stood up to close his office curtains, yet when Vlad saw Larissa kneeling down on the balcony of the astronomy tower, he shook his head.

“Only you and Larissa can redo your fates, now that the cards are on the table.”

[penguinlop]

Holy heck. I read your piece and I just had to comment. Your Yandere Alhaitham piece is so good! Your word choices are exquisite, and your descriptions are amazingly detailed. I fell hook, line, and sinker into the story. And the twist at the end was so well executed. I saw it coming and it was so satifying to read, even if I did feel bad for poor reader.

As I read that ending, I did wonder if in some alternate universe (I didn't start Sumeru's archon quest yet), the knowledge capsule reader took was all about Alhaitham, and Alhaitham used that to keep the reader at his side. Instead of reader finding out about him watching them, I imagine it would go the other way, where reader believes Alhaitham would do nothing wrong to them, and Alhaitham uses that to manipulate the reader into falling deeper into him. Lol.

All in all, this is an excellent piece. I look forward to more of your writings.

WOW this was just an incredible message to read! ♡⸜(˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝ This almost made me a little emotional ahhhhh Thank you for taking the time to write such a precious message !! I'm glad you liked the twist at the end but ikr poor reader Alhaitham is just too smart even in canon fr 

But I love your au idea a lot omg I think I love it a little too much haha

These are just a few thoughts of mine! 

cw: GN reader, yandere themes, manipulation, mentions of stalking

Link to my actual fic: https://www.tumblr.com/penguinlop/723237974841622528/yandere-alhaitham-x-reader?source=share

I can imagine Alhaitham being meticulous in crafting this faux knowledge capsule. It has to be perfect. Alhaitham knows exactly every memory he will put into this canned knowledge. He needs it to be mundane enough, filled with tedious meetings and detailed manuscripts to depict his life as the Scribe to make you relaxed, almost bored. Yet sprinkled in has to be just enough childhood memories, eccentric tales, and his day-to-day pastimes. It will leave you intrigued, desiring more. Everything is so calculated, so pristine. Another crucial factor is that he will make sure that the knowledge capsule is completely filled to the brimmed so your mind will be utterly exhausted, leaving you easy to manipulate. Hours and hours of memories of him crammed into your mind in mere seconds will leave you so tired that you will have to lean on his shoulder, thus strengthening your bond. 

There are two main scenarios that Alhaitham predicts. 

The first one is that since Alhaitham centers everything to be just about him and everything to be overall rather ordinary, you feel more safe with him. Every aspect you love about him is just magnified to the max, and because you will still think your stalker is out there, your love for him keeps growing—that desperate need for a safe haven is found with him. You are much more clingy and affectionate. In your eyes, Alhaitham is no predator but a protector. Now, you will quickly approve of ideas you thought were too haste before, such as moving in together. Living together means getting to know so much more about you. Alhaitham can't wait to capitalize off of this. His actual knowledge capsule about you will be constantly updated. Perhaps he will even have to have an entire collection of canned knowledge dedicated to you. 

The second one is that you will fear for your relationship and push everything under the rug, becoming paranoid that Alhaitham will find out about you going through his knowledge capsule, especially when you know he works under the Sages and is privy to confidential information. You become so worried and corrupted, like the scholars who lose their sanity while trying to attune themselves to Irminsul. You feel so guilty that you rummaged through his private belongings and were too curious for your own good, especially when it turned out to be so "innocent." The paranoia truly is parasitic. It feasts on everything, like disgusting mold and mildew. Alhaitham makes sure you are the penitent sinner in this scenario. When you leave Port Ormos and return to Sumeru City, you must constantly be on your best behavior for him wanting to ensure he doesn't leave you because you are scared for a life without him. From your perspective, all Alhaitham has done is treated you well, and you crossed him. This only worsens when Alhaitham rises in the ranks after the final Sumeru Archon Quest, as you feel he is so much better than you in every way conceivable. Alhaitham wastes no time tugging these insecure strings. Moreover, Alhaitham will feign being busy when you want to confess what you did, or if you finally do, he will bluntly shrug it off and say, "Why are you so worried about something like that? You have better things to worry about." It will leave you oddly comforted yet humiliated that you became so restless over how you thought he might react. In the end, all he did was shrug it off. How low did you think of him? This abysmal hole Alhaitham put you in just keeps on growing and growing. 

In conclusion, Alhaitham always wins somehow. 

Thank you again for the message! It really made my day!ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ̀ˋ

[rebelumbrella46]

HOTD 2x05 - SPOILERS

As a fan of House of the Dragon, I'm disappointed by the characters' lack of depth this season. Their clear motivations and predictable actions make the story drag.

I expected this season to explore moral ambiguity, especially with Team Black versus Team Green. Instead, both sides feel one-dimensional. Aemond and Daemon are becoming cartoon villains, while Rhaenyra is a goody two-shoes. Baela, Corlys, Rhaena, and even Heleana are sidelined.

For example, what was that disappointing five second scenes between Aemond and Heleana, i thought the promo photo meant that we were going to get a scene that hinted at a complex dynamic that's now forgotten. The potential conflict between Heleana and Aemond's relationship that seemed to be hinted at in S1 and Jaehaerys' parentage. Instead we got a unnecesary scene that looked pulled out of a anime, just so we can see Aemond having his villain moment.

The Daemon/Alyssa scene in Harrenhal felt unnecessary. While Game of Thrones had similar moments, what purpose did it serve? Introducing Alyssa Targaryen, one of my favorite targaryen women, in such a way feels like a missed opportunity. The initial shock value quickly fades into absurdity. The hallucinations were intriguing at first, but they've become tedious. Time to move on.

Corlys offering Baela the Driftmark heirdom? Her cool 'I'm blood and fire' moment followed by a swift exit felt forced (and cringy). Yes, she's channeling her inner Daemon, a true Targaryen. Bu there haven't been scenes that convince me Jace and Baela truly desire marriage. They seem closer to friends or cousins (understandably, having grown up together and actually being related). But power, potentially through Driftmark, is so important to have considering that we are fighting for a queen on the Iron Throne.

Sunfyre's death? I sincerely hope Cole simply believed him dead and left him behind. Sunfyre is crucial to the plot. Please don't deviate from Rhaenyra's death in Fire & Blood. It's a pivotal moment for her son, Aegon III, and a fascinatingly horrific demise.

The loss of Rhaenys, arguably the show's most captivating figure, is a significant blow. Daemon and Aemond, who shouldered the narrative last season, are now falling flat as one-dimensional villains. I do have to say, Jace was really good in this episode.

In conclusion, we have a wealth of potentially fascinating characters who could enrich the story, but it's become clear that, sadly, even Rhaenyra isn't compelling enough to carry it alone. Here's hoping, as always, that tonight's episode offers her a chance to truly shine.

House of the Dragon's potential is undeniable, but to truly capture the complexity of Game of Thrones, it needs to delve deeper into its characters (and give them all their own stories beyond the "I want Rhaenyra on the Throne", "I'm team black" or "I'm team green")

Simple good versus evil isn't enough.

[flowersofstarlight]

Okay so, @themisfitmouse explained what McBasilRocks said and finding out about the Original storyline of Epic Mickey 2, and reposting what the original plot was, I was shocked by the fact that Prescott was supposed to die in the second game, which sounded dark and insane. The Mad Doctor was supposed to be possessed by the Shadow Blot as they transformed into some kind of a monstrous, abomination creature would be interesting. And the fact that Oswald was supposed to gain a heart of his own after he and Mickey defeated the Mad Doctor and the Blot sounds a lot better than the second game’s ending.

While I still love and enjoy Epic Mickey 2 as much as the first game, there are many things that I hated about and wish we could’ve gotten the original plot that @themisfitmouse said. Epic Mickey 2 would have been greater and I think it should’ve been a little darker, not too dark at least from the concept art for both games. It also made me question why they made The Mad Doctor sing the whole cutscene when he’s on screen.

The story in the second game is poorly put together, lacks consistency, and very predictable on who the villain is. It seems like there was no thought put into it and they only did it to get a younger audience, even though most people who played Epic Mickey weren’t little kids. I also feel like the Mad Doctor is kinda pathetic. I feel like him gone for good would be a better ending than in the game. I honestly didn’t care much about the Doctor, so I think the original plot would’ve been better.

I really hate what Disney did to Oswald in the second game. He went from a well developed character to one of Mickey’s dorky sidekicks. They really didn’t take him seriously and made him idiotic. Throughout the game he’s praising the Mad Doctor, saying that he trusts him and instantly believes he’s changed.

But they really made him not learn his lessons or forgot that the Mad Doctor BETRAY him and choose to side with the Blot in the first game. In the cutscene, when he and Mickey find out what The Mad Doctor was really planning, Oswald acted shocked and said “I can’t believe the Doc lie to me.” And I was like, “Dude! He literally betrayed you in the first game and destroyed the Mean Street while singing!” It really disappointed me and I’m sure the Oswald Fans would agree.

I really think they could’ve made Oswald a bit serious, smart, and not trusting the Mad Doctor easily even though he’s giving him a chance. They could’ve made Oswald not trusting him fully, and is suspicious what the Doctor’s up to, to keep in eye on him a little bit and trying to find secrets while Ortensia and Gus create a machine that can transport Mickey back to Wasteland to find out if the Mad Doctor is still a threat. But again, they really made it so predictable in the game, it was really obvious that the Mad Doctor is still evil and lied that he changed. And then Oswald’s only concern is that people aren’t paying any attention to him. Like what exactly did you think this was going to happen when you and Mickey are on an adventure to find clues?

And the other thing that annoys me is the Mad Doctor is the only one singing the whole cutscene while on screen. I really don’t understand why they made him sing instead of just talking like Mickey and the others. I don’t see the point of why singing is necessary. It would’ve been better if he didn’t sing.

While I never played the second game, I did hear that people complain about the gameplay, sidequests and puzzles. I heard that it was tedious, confusing, and too difficult to figure out. The bosses were easy but also tedious.

The only few things I like about Epic Mickey 2 is the animation, the voice acting, Oswald and Mickey’s friendship, and Gremlin Prescott. What I like about Prescott is his personality, his voice fits his character, he has a unique design compared to the other gremlins, and I found his motivation and becoming an enemy is well written and thought out well. In fact, I think he could’ve had redemption after helping Mickey and Oswald defeat The Mad Doctor by dismantling his machines in the final battle while Gus frees Ortensia and the others.

I feel like they could’ve wrote Prescott to be a sad, prideful and bitter character to redeeming himself by helping the duo by distracting the Mad Doctor in the final battle to give them the opportunity to defeat the Doctor. I imagined at first Prescott thinks he doesn’t deserve forgiveness and is accepting whatever punishment they’ll give him, but Mickey sees the good in him and gives him a second chance. Oswald and Gus agreed, and while both of them forgive him, he still needs to atone what he has done and fix the projectors, help rebuild the town, and other things that got damaged by the earthquake that the Mad Doctor caused to bring the Shadow Blot back to life. Prescott would be surprised and may never understand why or how Mickey and the others would forgive him and have faith in him after everything he has done working with the Mad Doctor.

But I also think he would have been a great surprise villain and that would have made him an even better villain than the Mad Doctor. He has the perfect motivation and was tired of feeling under appreciated by Gus and the other Gremlins and wants to prove that he’s better and more intelligent then them, which I think makes him a better villain.

So yeah. That’s all I want to talk about Epic Mickey 2. I’m really excited to see Epic Mickey: Rebrushed! The gameplay and animation looks great, they’re fixing the camera that people complain about in the original first game and I heard they’re adding new skills for the remake that might be for combat and puzzles, which sounds cool.

I’m also wondering if the cutscenes will still have 2D animation like in the original and have actual voice acting in the remake instead of just dialogue. If that’s not the case, then I guess it’s fine. Anyway, to those who are Epic Mickey fans or enjoyed the games, let me know what you think in the comments or reblog it, because I am curious what you’re excited about the Epic Mickey remake and my thoughts about Epic Mickey 2.

[itsbenedict]

Games I Played In 2023 And Whether Or Not I Thought They Were Good (Part 1/4)

Once again, a year has passed, and I spent a considerable chunk of it on video games! Here's what I thought about [e: some of] the ones that I played.

1 - [2] - [3] - [4]

Potionomics

This game is- well, I've never played a Recettear game, but apparently it's a Recettear knockoff? You run a potion shop, and you hire adventurers to go into dungeons to get ingredients for your potion shop, and the whole thing's on a timer where you have to pay off a big debt by the end... apparently there's a formula it's aping that I'm unfamiliar with.

But it's very fun- it's got two main unique mechanics, one of which is a potion-brewing minigame about balancing ingredients in certain ratios which is challenging- and the other of which is an STS-style deckbuilder card game where you haggle with customers in lieu of combat. Both systems have a lot of depth and interesting options and I enjoyed them a lot.

Other standouts: the cast of support characters you can rank up social links with are great (love love love the coffee-addled workaholic moth girl and the comic relief cat pirates with a surprisingly dark backstory), and the fully-animated 3D character portraits are really fun and expressive.

Nitpicks: the time system having one time block reserved for the hour it takes to go home after visiting town is... an awkward choice (holdover from the Recettear structure they're aping?), and lategame you kind of cap out in potion-making capacity and it becomes kind of tricky to progress. Also the story's kinda predictable and the villains who don't later become party members are paper-thin.

Horizon: Forbidden West

God this game pisses me off.

Horizon: Zero Dawn, its predecessor, was a fun open-world game about hunting robot dinosaurs and uncovering the surprisingly elaborate story behind why there are robot dinosaurs. I enjoyed it a lot!

Forbidden West has everything Zero Dawn had... and also mountains of tedious cruft to pad out the game's runtime which all infuriates me to no end.

The story is still quite good! And the robot dinosaur fighting is still quite good! Those are the important parts, and they nailed them... but I have complained at my friends for hours about the bafflingly bad design choices that plague every other aspect of this game constantly. It's... there's so much, I want to like, make a video going into the details, but in short...

The cool and versatile weapons from the last game have been split up into piles of slightly-different weapons with different elements so you have to carry around and upgrade ten times as much crap and are forced to spec into a build that locks you out of effective experimentation

Every little noncombat action in the game has some very realistic and pretty AAA graphics animation that takes too long and wastes your time constantly during basic gameplay and kills flow dead

The very cool procedural climbing mesh thing... gets arbitrarily turned off in inexplicably oiled-up puzzle ruins that very badly want you to push a crate around in every way it's possible to push a crate around in order to waste the maximum amount of your time

Cooking "system" which is the most comprehensively useless thing anyone probably spent dozens of hours implementing in their video game

Item wheel that contains every consumable item in the game regardless of whether you currently have any and is basically unnavigable during tense situations like, say, combat, when you need it

So many repetitive sidequests about some poor fucker who went missing and might be in danger and is every single time dead to a bunch of robot dinosaurs obviously. Lot of missions designed to kill time rather than show you something cool or have interesting story.

There's a lot to like and it's super cool but god there's so much to be mad at. Respects the player's time 0%. I'm gonna go off about this more later for sure.

Disco Elysium

Oh my god, this game. It's... really something. You might be familiar with it from memes on Tumblr, about its comically inept slash deranged protagonist and his partner with the patience of a saint- but it's doing so much more than I expected from the out-of-context screencaps.

Like- yes, it's fucking hilarious. I love that about it. But it's also this incredibly detailed work of worldbuilding that creates this whole setting that's doing... some wild stuff. Like, you've maybe heard it's very political? Well, it is, but about weird alternate universe sci-fi politics that sort of halfway resemble our own, and it's thought through all of these invented social dynamics. And it's got a great sense of atmosphere- it knows when to be funny and when to be solemn and how to blend the two for maximum effect. It's a dark comedy, but it's all built on a dead-serious reality and a really effective story.

And- it is a murder mystery game about solving cases! It works very well on that level! It manages to be open-ended and let you solve things in a variety of different ways using this complex RPG stat system of creatively-designed psychological stats, while making sure the central whodunit (and a bevy of fascinating satellite mysteries) stays on track. Extremely good on a game design level.

(also some shit happens in this game that i was not at all expecting and can't even go into without spoilers, but- but holy fuck, the way this game opens up and the things it manages to hide in plain sight... just mind-boggling. incredibly impressive.)

Tunic

Speaking of hiding things in plain sight- neither this nor Disco Elysium came out this year, so I can't call either of them GotY, but... if they had, I'd have a hard time deciding.

Tunic is incredibly clever. On the surface, it's an isometric soulslike thing with a low-poly Zelda-y aesthetic... but there's not just the surface. There's layers and layers to this thing. The first layer it hits you with is that most of the game's UI is in a made-up rune script, which you have to learn, which is a fun challenge and caused me to spend a few hours making a tool to catalogue and decrypt the damn thing- though I eventually learned to sight-read it. But that's just- that's like, the tip of the iceberg, the most obvious twist to what this game is.

There's, like... I don't want to spoil what there's like. The whole thing is about peeling back the layers and figuring out which seemingly arbitrary aesthetic choices were secretly meaningful, and seeing how the game transforms as you figure out the different sorts of secret structure layered on top of each other. It's actually best compared to The Witness, although there's still a pretty meaty and challenging action-adventure game to tackle while you're uncovering the hidden patterns and deepest lore. It's a fascinating intellectual challenge and highly recommended to anyone who likes giving their noggin something to chew on.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Man, so... this game is very impressive, but it's in a weird place due to some awkward design decisions and cut corners.

This is a direct sequel to smash megahit Breath of the Wild... sort of. It's very weird what it's doing. It really wants to be a self-contained thing, to the point of throwing out major setting elements and story concepts from BotW entirely so it can do its own thing... but on a mechanical level, this is the same game, with some very cool new mechanics and a cool-ish new story bolted on.

(Said story... it has one extremely cool plot twist that's also a gameplay twist, delivered effectively in a nonlinear way that creates this great sense of dawning comprehension. Otherwise... kind of a nothingburger. Ganondorf is boring and has no coherent motivation, there's no explanation or real plot relevance to the [spoilers] that seem like such a central thing, and... the whole thing revolves around a technologically advanced precursor civilization that's completely different from the technologically advanced precursor civilization established by the last game, of which all evidence has been meticulously scrubbed from the world to... I guess avoid confusion? The one huge central plot beat really works, and the rest is... low-effort nonsense.)

So, mechanically... the developers made this very odd choice to... have the game take place in the exact same map from the first game, except warped and remixed by geologic upheaval just enough to force the environment designers to redo every bit of landscape more or less from scratch. Like, all the same recognizable locations, but a step to the left. In theory, not a bad idea- but then they layer on top of that a threefold expansion to the world.

TotK has three world maps- Hyrule, the sky (full of floating islands now), and a third spoilery area that's the same size as both of those. The game's economy is thus weirdly trifurcated- crucial resources are located in all three areas, so you need to go up and down and up and down a lot. And so is the game's content- there's a roughly comparable amount of stuff in BotW and TotK, but TotK splits it across three maps, making each area feel largely empty, with a lot of wasted space.

This effect is especially noticeable in Hyrule, which... if you've played BotW, you won't really find anything new there. It's all the same places with a few tweaks, so there's not much sense of discovery if you played the original. There's a bunch of landmarks and areas that exist purely because they were there before and it'd be weird for them to disappear... except now instead of some secret or loot there, there's just nothing. Wasted space. And both the sky and the other new map are pretty homogeneous and unrewarding to explore once you've seen the four or five types of things they have to offer- they're mainly made up of recycled assets.

TotK is... I think strictly better than BotW, with more content and more fun core mechanics, but it's a worse experience than BotW if you played the first one. If you haven't played BotW, Hyrule will still be fun to explore, and you probably want to jump straight to TotK.

-

I'm... gonna have to break this post up to get to the 21 other games I played this year, otherwise it's gonna be stupid long and take forever. Stay tuned!

1 - [2] - [3] - [4]

[sunpoffin]

A little continuation of my kamuegi AU based off of @theamityelf 's tags and agere Izuru AU!

Fluff under the cut 💕

After coming back to himself and surveying the state of the room he was in, several things are immediately clear to Izuru. First and most obvious is that he doesn’t know how he got here. The light coming from the window outside slants across the floor, casting late afternoon shadows. Izuru has lost several hours. Second, the damage in this room was done by none other than himself. The footprints kicked against the wall fit his own shoe prints perfectly and line up with someone his height. And the blows have caused dents in the iron rebar behind the plaster that are proportional to his own power. (Though used recklessly, thoughtlessly, not a focused attempt to destroy the wall.) The blinds have been pulled down and scattered, the table in the room flipped over, gripped so harshly that the metal edge of it was deformed into a cast of the inside of a fist. Laying his own fingers into the divots proves that this too was Izuru’s doing. As he breathes, taking in all of this, a few strands of his hair stick to his face. Reaching up, Izuru finds that his cheek is wet with the remnants of tears.

It's as though he just had a child’s tantrum fit.

In tandem with that thought, a memory comes to him. Izuru is sitting in a car, in the cabin rather than as cargo for the first time in his conscious existence. The blanket he was given because Izuru was ‘only wearing a hospital gown’ still rests over his shoulders, the fingers of one hand idly tugging at an uneven seam. Naegi Makoto sits across from him radiating unnecessary worry, Izuru’s eyes tracking the world moving past them even as Naegi speaks.

“...I don’t want to overwhelm you or anything, so just say so if you’d rather not talk about this stuff right away,” The sound of a seatbelt creaking as Naegi leans forwards, an unconscious sign of sincerity. “but just in the interest of being completely honest with you, we did look into your background a little... We’re still trying to find out where your family is, so if you have any idea wh-“

“Hinata Hajime’s family is not my own. I do not remember the life of the person who inhabited this body before me, nor do I have any desire to return to it.” Izuru answers him, his eyes tracing over a mountainside of dead trees and exposed rock. The layers in the cliff face tell a clear story of erosion due to a lack of plant life buffering the runoff, the brush and trees having died off due to pollution. In the end, just as Izuru assumed, this world of despair was every bit as predictable as the supposedly hopeful one before it.

“You... only remember the Hope Cultivation Plan?” His voice is gentle, more of that worry bleeding through his attempt at neutrality.

“No.” Izuru doesn’t try to look back at the window, resigned to finish this line of questioning. “The Hope Cultivation Plan has been completed. I woke up in captivity and have remained so. First under the ownership of Hope’s Peak, then the Future Foundation, and now you have me.”

“Kamukura-kun... You’re not an object. I’m not planning on keeping you or anything close to that. You can stay with us for as long as you want, of course, but no one is going to stop you from leaving. I promise.” Because it would be tedious to explain to him that Izuru was always capable of freeing himself, he stays silent. That doesn’t seem to stop Naegi from continuing though.

“It’s alright not to know what you’re going to do next. You’ve got options. Staying here, or we could help you with getting a spot in one of the more established settlements, or even going off on your own. You’ve... apparently only been alive for two years and you’ve spent all that time in a cell pretty much, so I get it if this is a lot.”

“Two years, ten months, and nine days.” Izuru corrects him. “It’s closer to three years.”

Three years old.

It does not escape Izuru how his current circumstances, losing his memory for a short window of time within which he seemingly developed a different personality, compares to Fukawa’s experiences. It could very well be that Izuru, having been completed entirely within captivity, is not suited to this life. He cannot experience emotions like others do. Being presented with choices that mean nothing to him because everything is the same... is pointless. In that case, perhaps this is evidence of a new self coming through? A self which is more adaptable- a child. Izuru sweeps broken glass off the desk and begins to write.

In the end, Izuru favors brevity, noting down the basics of his situation, how this child should comport themself in order to be safe, and the locations of the hiding spots that Izuru plans to build for them within Naegi’s headquarters. He folds up the note and stows it in his shirt’s breast pocket, a small fold made on the outer edge so that it will be ever so slightly uncomfortable and therefore noticeable to the child.

With that, Izuru makes to clean up the mess the tantrum caused. Logically, Izuru understands that if he is right... Then suddenly being saddled with a child with limited self-control and access to his own abilities will make things difficult for him. Whoever this other presence in his mind is, they are a weakness. And any outgrowth of weakness from him should be pruned off. Realistically, it should have ended up as a hunk of grey matter on a surgical tray while Izuru was still in the process of being formed. Izuru’s body draws backwards and his head dips forwards, his hair falling over his forehead and across his face.

No. He does not want to destroy this presence. His teachers cut away Izuru’s emotions and stifled any pleasure Izuru could have gotten from making or realizing his own goals. This was because Izuru was meant to be a tool, something to be used for hope. The new presence within him, this child... is not like that. They very clearly feel. They very clearly need support and protection and care. They are lost, and lashing out directionlessly because of it. They have not mapped out the world through points of pain or boredom and won’t know that it will be necessary to defend themself. In that case, Izuru will provide the care they need.

As he exits the room, Izuru notes the small noises that tell him people are still in the building. This despite how the hallways are clear, and the main door leading outside the building has been propped open. Pointedly, Izuru ignores this. If Naegi wants him to leave, he will have to be more direct than that. These headquarters have made for a convenient place to rest, and will double as a safer place for the child personality. And until Izuru is ousted more forcibly, he will make good on his promise and fashion a few hiding spots for the child to escape to.

When Izuru next surfaces from a haze over his mind, he finds himself in one such hiding spot. The blanket he set down for the child to cover themself with if they chose, was all bundled up into a ball in Izuru’s arms, his fingers sunk deeply into the fabric. Taking account of his body, Izuru notes his steady heartbeat, his relaxed muscles, his renewed energy. Good. The child took some time to rest. And seems to be comforted by the act of holding soft things... One hand moves to his breast pocket to retrieve the note, this time smoothed of the fold that Izuru put into it earlier.

Spreading the paper out, Izuru sees that the back of it has been written on. It’s... his handwriting but not. It’s sloppy and quickly written when Izuru’s script was perfect and had no flourishes at all. Several places in the paper have also been punctured mid-character as though the child forgot themself and applied too much pressure. In the letter, the child thanks Izuru for building the hiding spots and for leaving snacks. That they liked the doughnuts especially and are there more? That hiding was alright but they were very tempted to talk to the other people living in the building. Why is it bad to talk to them? Why are they living here if it’s dangerous? They made a lot of loud noise while crying and that they’re sorry for making a mess. Will Izuru write back? Is it okay to go outside? They know things that they don’t remember learning about and they want to, quote, ‘meet a bird.’ The letter ends abruptly after that.

For a long moment, Izuru just holds the letter. Then he carefully folds it up and puts it in a different pocket. It occurs to him now that he has something he wants to keep, that he could store the letters between himself and the child somewhere in the room that Naegi gave him. Though the child asked many questions, Izuru has questions of his own. His head buzzing with ideas, Izuru returns to his room. He wants to bake for the child if they like sweets. He can gather materials about birds, or make them puzzles to entertain themself with while they hide. If they like to eat sweets, would they also enjoy baking? Where would they want to go if these headquarters aren’t ideal? Would they like a new name? Would they like Izuru to name them?

While Izuru sews them a plush rabbit to hold while napping, he thinks of even more questions. He notes them down carefully between sewing, and writing out recipes for macarons and lemon pound cake and flan, and finding a book of baby names to leave for them. Izuru Kamukura, stripped of kanji, of any ties to family, was an appropriate name for Izuru. Perfect, remote, with nothing to do with humanity. But this child is a person. They feel, they want, they are capable of change. They should have another choice besides Kamukura. They should have every choice. Izuru will ensure that they do.

After a while, a rhythm develops. Izuru gathers things for the child in the hiding spots he built and in his room, (as time wears on, it’s apparent that Izuru’s room won’t be intruded upon and that it’s safe to lower his guard there somewhat.) And the child, sometimes calling themself Izuru as well, sometimes Kotaro, or Hinako, or Usagi- they haven’t settled on a name yet... But little Izuru, will regale him with everything that they did while ‘awake’.

It's a comfortable enough pattern that when one afternoon, Izuru finds himself slowly coming back to consciousness while curled up on a couch in the lounge room, he can’t put his finger on what’s wrong right away. Until gentle fingers stroke through his hair and Izuru sits bolt upright, eyes wide and heart thundering in his chest. Naegi Makoto’s hands hover in the air above his lap where Izuru was just resting, his expression one of such bafflement that Izuru almost can’t consider him a threat at that moment. His features soften from shock into gentle concern. “Usagi-kun?”

Izuru shakes his head.

“Izuru-kun?”

Izuru shakes his head again.

“...Kamukura-kun?”

After a few beats of silence from Izuru, Naegi speaks again. “Sorry about surprising you like that. I didn’t mean to touch you without permission. Are… you okay? Toko sometimes gets a little disoriented when she switches, so it’s alright if you want to rest here. O-or if you just want to in general! I really don’t mind.” He sounds very genuine. Izuru has not moved from his spot pressed up against the far edge of the couch, the armrest digging into his lower back.

“Why are you talking to them?”

Naegi’s brow furrows in confusion. “What?”

Izuru is focused on Naegi and on the exits and on taking inventory of himself to assure he is unharmed. “The child. Why are you talking to them.” Izuru’s throat feels tense and he would correct it if there weren’t other, more important things to focus on. “I don’t interact with you because you make no demands of me. But if you were to ask me for something, I would do it. I instructed my other self to refuse any of your requests if they really do want to speak with the other people here. So why are you being kind to them? Manipulation is not necessary. It would be much faster to simply ask me for whatever you might need.”

For an unknown reason, Naegi looks hurt. “Kamukura-kun... I’m nice to them because everyone deserves kindness. Everyone should have someone safe they can go to. And if I can be that, even for a few people, then there will be a little less loneliness in the world.” He blushes, seemingly self-conscious. “…That and I really do just want to make friends with you.”

“You want to be my friend?” The answer is a reflex, more than a conscious decision. Slowly, Izuru is putting things together. Little Izuru felt safe enough to sleep around Naegi. On the TV, a documentary on sea creatures plays- his other self has mentioned an interest in starfish before. And the blanket that was covering Izuru a few moments ago, is patterned with little rabbits.

Naegi smiles. “Yeah, with little Izuru and with Kamukura-kun, both. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way though, you can still stay here as long as you want. You really don’t need to do anything for me...”

The thick feeling in Izuru’s throat is becoming painful. But he no longer feels as though Naegi is a threat.

“Thank you.” He says it carefully, like stepping out onto a sheet of ice that he isn’t completely sure will hold his weight. “…If that is the case, then I will watch the rest of this here.” Izuru announces. “to see what my other self likes about it.” It would not make sense to draw away now. Izuru was just asleep and if Naegi wanted to harm him, he would have done so by now. Which is why it’s perfectly logical for Izuru to stay. And then, afterwards, to follow Naegi into the kitchen and bake the cookie dough that he had made together with Little Izuru earlier.

[your-divine-ribs]

Ice Cold Part 7

Words: 2.8k

“Maybe I didn’t make myself clear… I’m the jealous type” 💙

Ice Cold Masterlist Main Masterlist

I slammed my hand down on the desk, my anger borne out of the frustration I felt at being temporarily pulled out of the field. I knew this kind of investigative work was key, but if the adrenaline wasn't flowing through my veins whilst I was in pursuit of my target I didn't feel alive.

I should have just been thankful that the convoluted and quite frankly far-fetched story that I’d fed Paul had been digested and believed, but I was restless, the ache inside me intensifying as I flicked through files containing photos of Van.

"Is this really necessary?" I addressed my boss as he came to a stop behind me, peering down at the photo I held in my hands. "I mean you and I both know I'm better when I'm out there."

He let out an audible sigh, pulling out the empty chair next to me and sitting down, leaning into me, hunched over, like he didn't want anyone else to hear the conversation.

"You were lucky the last two times, but one day your luck's going to run out. And I don't want to be the one responsible for sending you out there when it does."

Now it was my turn to sigh. "It kinda comes with the job. If I'd wanted safe and predictable I would have gone for a job in bloody accounting or something!"

He chuckled but it was short-lived, replaced by a stern kind of seriousness as he replied. "Don't underestimate the good work you're doing here. If we can get inside McCann's head we can calculate his next move. It's the only way we're going to stand a chance of catching him. It's like chasing a bloody ghost. He's running rings around us."

I pulled out a file on possible targets, leafing through. There were a lot. "This is impossible... Where do I start? I just don't have the patience for this. Please Paul... I know I fucked up... again. But it'll be the last time."

Paul got to his feet. "I must admit, you're the only one who's actually got close to him. But it's too soon for you to be out there. I don't know what he's playing at but I don't like it. Holding you hostage to try and make a deal?" He huffed. "He doesn't make deals. No... there's something else... there has to be. I just need to work out what it is..."

He looked off into the distance like he was searching for an answer there, and I was just relieved he couldn't see the heat that had risen to my cheeks from the lies I’d spun him.

"I'd getter get on anyway..." I mumbled, head down to pore over the files.

Paul walked away, still muttering to himself.

The long days sitting behind a desk weren't the only tedious parts of the job I’d been temporarily assigned. I had to face night after night in my pokey flat rather than staying in various hotels, with nothing but the television and a bottle of wine for company.

This wasn't me. I didn't do Saturday night TV and an an early night. I was restless, and by my second glass of wine I’d picked up my phone, opening up the Tinder app.

The first twenty profiles I flicked over were no-hopers. Hmm... this one had potential. I paused to read his bio. Looking for romance... Fuck that! I scrolled past thirty more, sighing and reaching for my wine again.

Oh... now this was more like it. He had an angular face and hair that hung long around his ears. Blue eyes. I held the phone away, scrunching up my eyes. If I squinted hard enough he could almost pass for...

Stop it Lyla!

What the fuck was wrong with me? I had to purge myself of this sordid fantasy before something bad happened. And this would probably be a good start. Within ten minutes I’d connected with 'Andy' and arranged a meeting at a pub in the city centre within the hour.

I shot upstairs to the shower, grabbing my razor to ensure sleekness everywhere and then I was poring over my underwear, choosing a sheer black lace set and slipping a tiny figure-hugging black dress over the top. I adjusted my cleavage in the mirror, taking in my smoky eyes and my cherry red lips, puckering up and blowing a kiss at my reflection. A little fizz of excitement shot through me as I stepped into my heels and made for the door.

The pub was loud and busy and my heart sank as I walked in and recognised Andy sitting at a nearby table. He shot me a wide smile with dazzling white teeth and stood up to greet me, air kissing me and hugging me warmly in an all too familiar way. He was certainly a good-looking guy but he just looked too... nice... clean-cut. I smiled sweetly at him, noting his eyes flitting down to my cleavage before he asked me what I wanted to drink. Well, at least that was a good start. God, why were men so easy to read?

Within half an hour we’d settled down with our drinks and were chatting easily. I’d spun my usual web of lies, telling Andy I had a dull job in marketing and my hobbies were shopping and watching Netflix, and he'd preened and postured about his senior role in investment banking, flashing his Rolex and the thick wad of cash in his wallet as he'd offered me yet another drink. I just went along with it, biding my time, fixing him with that wide-eyed slightly vacuous look as I hung on his every word, playing up to his ego.

I sighed as he got up to go to the bar, scrolling through my phone. It was always the same. Men were so... predictable. Most men anyway... Not like Van.

I couldn't help it. I flicked through my gallery, scrolling through the pictures of Van that I’d saved from recent assignments. Shit... the way even looking at a photo of him made my belly flip and heat radiate through my body.

"I thought we should move on to champagne next..." The voice snapped me out if my daydreams and I hurriedly locked my phone and looked up to see Andy hovering over me with two champagne flutes and an expensive looking bottle.

"Ooh lovely!" I injected fake enthusiasm into my voice. "Are we celebrating then?"

Andy flashed me his pearly whites as he took the seat next me this time rather than the one opposite that he'd been occupying. "Well... let's just say it's not every day you swipe right on a girl like you Lyla. I'll be honest with you. Most girls I've met up with just seem interested in the contents of my wallet. You seem... different. I know we've literally only just met, but... I don't know... there's something about you that intrigues me. I want to get to know you better."

My smile didn't match the sinking feeling in my gut. This was the last thing I needed when I was simply after some no-strings attached fun. I obviously needed to take a different approach.

So I fixed Andy with a steady gaze, slipping my hand on to his upper thigh under the table, squeezing it gently. "Look Andy... don't take this the wrong way... you seem like a really great guy... but I've just come out of a relationship. I'm really not looking for anything... serious. Can't we just have a bit of fun tonight?"

"Oh... errr... yeah...." Andy faltered, glancing down at my hand which was inching higher and higher as I spoke. "It's just that you seem like such a nice girl..."

Nice? I caught my bottom lip in between my teeth, leaning into Andy, my hand slipping up to his inner thigh right between his legs, making him jolt.

"Maybe I'm not such a nice girl..." I whispered breathily into his ear.

I heard his breath catch in his throat and smiled to myself. "Shall we go back to mine?" I purred.

Andy's eyes widened and he looked flustered for a moment, his mouth opening and closing rapidly. God, I hoped he wasn't one of those weak men...

I closed the distance between us both quickly, pressing my lips to his, felt him shiver beneath my touch. When I pulled away he was still looking shell-shocked but now wearing a slick of my glossy lipstick.

"I... err... yeah… sure… we can go back to yours... I just... errr... I'm just going to the gents okay?"  He stumbled to his feet and I drained my glass, tapping my nails on the table top... waiting.

My phone vibrated and lit up with a text notification, and I casually picked it up. It was an unknown number. Probably just some junk or a wrong number. I opened the message...

Lyla you ARE a bad girl...

Fuck! Anxiety ripped through me, my heart almost short-circuiting. My mouth suddenly went dry as I craned my neck, looking around the crowded pub, searching every face I saw and drawing a blank. Then I realised I was sat near a large window and I turned in my seat to look out. It was hopeless, the light from inside the pub made it impossible to see out into the night. However I could imagine how clearly I was lit up to anyone looking in. Like a shop window with the goods on display.

"Shall we go?" Andy's voice made me jump and I whirled around. Suddenly the prospect of stepping outside with this almost-stranger didn't seem so appealing. If Van was lurking in the shadows... but that was a ridiculous notion. Wasn't it?

"I... errr... I need to go and... use the ladies before we go..."

Now it was my turn to stumble over my words. I shot up out of my seat on shaky legs, grabbing my bag and coat and making for the door which led to the corridor where the toilets were located. I came to a stop, rapidly typing in a reply and hitting send.

Where are you?

I breathed deeply, willing my heart to slow down as I suddenly saw the tell-tale dots appear on the screen that indicated a reply was being typed.

Maybe I didn't make myself clear. I'm the jealous type.

"Shit!" I mumbled under my breath, starting to pace up and down the corridor.

I considered my options. I could ignore Van and take Andy home, try and act like my life wasn't really spiralling out of control at the behest of this dangerous man I hardly knew. Or I could ditch Andy and go home alone. Be a good girl... for Van. But then what?

I acted without thinking, glancing back once but then walking purposefully forward, pushing through the fire escape located at the end of the corridor and out into the night.

It was cold now and my breath came in frosty plumes. I shrugged into my jacket and made for the street, stealthily creeping past the open pub doorway so Andy wouldn't spot me.

The city centre was busy, full of groups of late-night drinkers, all going about their business, raised voices, smiling faces, not a care in the world apart from where their next pint or cocktail was coming from. I, on the other hand, was hurriedly making my way down the high street, glancing furtively around, checking the shadows in every shop doorway as I passed. I was shivering and it wasn't just from the chill evening air.

Maybe I should text him... or call... I quickly dismissed the idea. What a ridiculous thought! A dangerous assassin wanted in several countries and here I was, entertaining the idea of encouraging him. And to what end?

I knew what I should be doing. He'd left himself wide open contacting me on a phone number that my team could trace within minutes to a precise location. They could handle the trace whilst I called him... maybe I could keep him on the phone until one of the team could swoop in and capture him. Dead or alive. This could all be over tonight. But I didn't.

I was only five minutes from my apartment now so I picked up the pace. I’d left the hustle and bustle of the city streets behind and I was in a quiet residential area. My heels made loud clip-clop noises on the pavement as I pounded along, my breathing coming hard and fast, fear and anxiety spurring me on to get to the safety of my home as fast as possible.

I suddenly heard loud heavy footsteps behind me, and a strangled cry erupted from me as I stumbled to the side, my stiletto heel catching on a crack in the pavement.

"You alright love?" The male voice sounded right next to me and I looked up to see a young man dressed in running gear jogging on the spot.

Relief flooded me. "Yes... yes... I'm fine. Thank you." I blurted, then just as he was about to take off I called to him. "Um... excuse me? Gosh I am so sorry but I think... I think I'm being followed. Would you mind just walking with me? I only live on the next street."

The words tumbled out without me even thinking about them and I shocked myself. I’d trained with the best. Learnt the techniques to incapacitate much bigger, stronger people than Van. I’d come up against heinous gang members and murderously aggressive killers twice my build and still brought them to their knees. There was just something about Van that made me feel like a frightened little girl.

The kindly jogger agreed, chatting animatedly all the way to the end of the road, but it was a one-sided conversation. I was too busy glancing around, hoping I wasn’t leading this poor, unsuspecting man into some kind of danger.

There it was. My apartment block, right up ahead. The lights glowing from behind the curtains and blinds looked inviting. A safe haven.

"This is me... thank you so much! That was really kind of you!" I gushed to the man.

"That's okay love! Done my good deed for the day. Don't like to see a lady in distress! Are you sure I can't walk you to your apartment?"

"No... no it's fine... honestly," I assured him, forcing a smile. "State of the art security here. No one gets in without the key code!"

"Well if you're sure... goodbye..." And then he was off, waving goodbye.

I swiftly turned and pressed my key fob against the panel, simultaneously keying in the code, heard the quiet bleep and the catch engaging. My heart beat wildly as I pushed through the door, then I slammed it quickly shut, a sense of relief coursing through me as I looked out into the dark night. Safe at last.

My heart rate was already slowing as I called the lift and got in, hitting the button for floor number 7, resting my back against the wall and tipping my head back. I was covered in a light sheen of perspiration from my fear and exertion and I pushed my hair back, fanning myself with a hand.

The lift arrived and I cautiously peered into the corridor before stepping out.

Don't be silly Lyla, you're safe now.

I’d worry about the fact that Van may have potentially followed me and now knew where I lived tomorrow. He likely already knew anyway. Maybe I could go and stay with my aunt... my mum was out of the question but my aunt was nice and undemanding. She'd understand. I’d not seen her since... I pondered this as I fished my apartment key out of my bag and pushed through into the dark hallway, flicking on the light. Was it July? No... August. It was November now. Oh well, she knew I wasn’t one for staying in touch regularly. My mind was whirring with thoughts as I started down the short corridor to my kitchen....

And froze in my tracks...

The first thing I noticed was the faint smell of cigarette smoke. I stood stock still, hardly even daring to breathe, my ears straining to pick up the slightest noise. There was none. But there was that feeling, that spine-tingling sensation of a presence, the fine hairs raising on the back of my neck. I knew I wasn’t alone.

[irrevocably-delicious]

Not to sound like a complete bummer, but I can’t believe that FF7 rebirth received such high scores from critics.

The story is wonderful and every time it turns into a linear game, I’m having a great time.

But the open world stuff is… so bad. Like it all feels like such classic open world rookie mistakes. Navigation is a mess, there’s loads to do, but a lot of it is boring and repetitive. So much of it feels like padding to just prolong the runtime. The maps don’t show elevation and if they do, you run into so many invisible walls or impassable areas. You get a chocobo that can glide off of ledges, but only the clearly defined ledges square Enix has made for that purpose and you can’t freely glide to whatever cliff you want. So it’s still linear? But in the worst way.

But occasionally these dumb tedious little side missions will give you an emotional moment. So you find yourself suffering through hours of bullshit in the hopes that Cloud and Aerith will take a selfie together again. There’s no way to predict which side quest is going to give you a cool moment, or just waste your time.

I’m only up to cosmo canyon so no spoilers please, but man this is a frustrating game. The story and characters are so wonderful. I really wish they kept it as just a linear game. Every time we do a story section I like it so much more. This game will probably make me cry! And then I’ll never replay it again.

[cursmudgeon]

This is so crazy to me because that is like the one place where you just objectively can't put ai. It wouldn't work. There's no way to make it work. Like fuck them for trying to put it anywhere in the pipeline at all but storyboards are the last place you would ever want it. I'm a firm believer that no matter where you put AI tech in art it's at best going to give you something mediocre and difficult to work with. It's just too much of a black box with too few direct controls. But there are some applications where I can at least see the argument. Background painting for animation is an amazing and complex art form but I can understand how you could use AI to get something mediocre but serviceable by generating a full render based on a sketch. Inbetweening is tedious and while I'm sure AI wouldn't hold a candle to a human for subtle acting I can see where someday you might be able to create a better version of auto-tweening that could handle more complex timing. Hell, clean up and coloring are both slow fiddly tedious processes that would make sense to cut corners on. Again I think cutting any of those jobs is a lazy and poorly thought out idea that you'd only pull if you're creatively bankrupt and only in it for the money but I can see how it would actually save money while still actually making something that resembles a show you could watch. But storyboarding is the one thing that this kind of statistical model will never be able to do. Statistical learning models cannot comprehend things, they don't know what a story is. They can't even tell a knock knock joke let alone a compelling story because they have no way of remembering the events that have happened in the story already or understanding that the pixels and words that they are assembling even relate to the concept of an event. They mash phrases and colors into something that vaguely resembles other stuff that they've been told contains keywords. That's it.

But you expect me to believe you're going to get one to understand enough film language to tell a compelling story over a thousand separate images while consistently keeping the characters believably in the same space and recognizable? And it's gonna do that faster than a person doing thirty second sketches? Nah. I don't buy it.

The amount of bullshit you have to do to convince the black box to put the correct character on the left side of the screen facing the right direction in one image would already be more work than doing rough thumbnails of the whole scene. There is so much specific problem solving that has to go into making a storyboard. We have a hundred years of highly specific cultural baggage that defines how we interpret films. No generative statistical training model will ever be able to do that because they are just not remotely capable of understanding what they're making. They aren't and can't be conscious entities with the ability to interpret meaning, no matter how many objects they can recognize or words they can predict would be likely to follow other words. At best you'll wind up with a jumble of blobs that vaguely resemble the compositions of other films thrown together in an order that makes no sense and some poor worker who you've demoted to a revisionist position will have to sort through them and try to turn them into something that makes any sense and it's going to be slower and worse than if you'd just paid someone to do it right the first time.

If this is true and there are executives who think this is going to happen, they're gonna have a bad wakeup call when they realize their expensive machines aren't capable of more than the visual equivalent of word salad.

[0fps]

zzz chapter 1 cunning hares spoilers/review under cut

NEKOMATAAAAA 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

actually caught me by surprise how much i liked this story chapter. was it predictable? yes. cliche? yes. but damn did it get me, largely in part to the cast of characters and overall artistic direction and delivery. the comic-book styled narration alone has me more invested in the story than any hyv game has ever made me, and i think a lot of is has to do with being able to actually see a scene dynamically unfold as opposed to a bunch of characters just standing around and talking until you get to the one or two token animated cutscenes.

character-wise, sure i can agree that most of them are pretty one-dimensional but the way they play off each other is genuinely so fun and the banter and dialogue feels very natural. helps that the english dub has been fantastic so far. i genuinely did not expect to like all these characters as much as i do, and i really can't wait to meet all the other factions now. even fairy, the mis-countdown bit actually gave me a good laugh.

i will say that zzz's approach to its story definitely feels much more "slice of life" and although there are hints of a larger overarching plot in the background its not really a focus especially in such early chapters. so i think big plot and lore-enthusiasts aren't going to find much satisfaction in the story, and just more generally i can understand why people would find it boring.

part of it actually reminds me a lot of gintama which is just plain idiocy 80% of the time and then you have the serious arcs which really really hit. but it's definitely one of those "you love it or you don't" type of shows (for the record i'm in the "love it" camp), and i can see zzz doing something quite similar.

the main thing i don't like is the tv exploration gameplay. it feels tedious for the most part and you're just trying to get through it quick to get to the next combat section. it's not even that visually appealing to look at. i kind of hope they find ways to optimize or limit it or do SOMETHING to make it more fun. the "dungeons" in general also feel pretty repetitive already. the combat also feel ridiculously easy right now but its kind of still the tutorial chapters, so i'm hoping for harder stuff later. i'm still having fun with it either way so whatever lol.

[ruvviks]

so. that song and cassidy. what's the story 👀

HEHEHE THANK YOU FOR ENABLING ME >:^) so the thing with cassidy is that he got in a very bad accident when he was younger which has left him with a lot of cybernetic bones and a fucked up nervous system. every single touch that he doesn't expect is processed as pain by his body which is why he HATES being touched and generally keeps his distance from other people

after his relationship with reid ended (badly) he did not get in another relationship for many many MANY years (and it takes him a contract and a year of unsuccessfully hunting down a target to even meet his new love interest) and despite telling himself he was fine all by himself he did very much yearn to have a deeper connection with someone again and actually let someone close to him

when will i feel this // as vivid as it truly is? // fall in love in a single touch // and fall apart when it hurts too much

cassidy in his assassin years (think 2076-era and the start of 2077) is very lonely and numbed by everything and he's running mostly on autopilot. his world looks bleak and desaturated and he often feels like nothing around him is even real

can we skip past near-death clichés // where my heart restarts, as my life replays?

this one is interesting because to me it describes the moment where he finally snaps out of autopilot which is described at the end of chapter 3 of the fic i once started writing for him. he basically gets in a motorcycle crash and suddenly everything is different but also not

all i want is to flip a switch // before something breaks that cannot be fixed

describes cassidy's silent desire to be able to actually live his life again before his autopilot state pushes him too far down a path he doesn't want to follow

rain or shine, i don't feel a thing // just some information upon my skin // i miss the subtle aches when the weather changed // the barometic pressure we always blamed

once again describing cassidy's longing for being able to connect with his surroundings again, but also from a later perspective when he's looking back on all the time he's lost to running on autopilot

invisible machinery // these moving parts inside of me // well they've been shutting down for quite some time // leaving only rust behind

cassidy has so many cybernetic bones and maintenance is a tedious and tiring process and he knows that he could essentially crumble apart so easily still. he could die at any given moment and probably won't live a very long life because of his condition and chronic pain and he's very aware of it but can't do much about it

well i know, i know the sirens sound // just before the walls come down // pain is a well-intentioned weatherman // predicting god as best he can // but god i wanna feel again

he has so many inner struggles about his boundaries and his needs and how to get what he wants and needs without causing himself more pain in the progress. eventually he gets it by the way he gets his happy ending!! but it takes a while to get there and definitely not in the way he was expecting it to happen

down my arms, a thousand satellites // suddenly discover signs of life

to me this part describes the single touch mentioned at the start of the song which he shares with someone and suddenly everything clicks together and he is no longer in pain. gentleness received from someone he never thought he would get that from given the circumstances but at the end of the day it makes sense because if you spend so long trying to kill each other you know exactly how to touch the other to hurt them but you also know exactly how to touch them to not inflict any pain at all

[xviistrings]

kotohime palace rulers ranking (wakaba included)

oh no, being asked for my opinions on the palace rulers, whatever shall i do...

KOTOHIME'S TOP 9 PALACE RULERS!!! WHO IS MARUKI

at number 9 we have the one and only kunikazu okumura!

probably the most predictable outcome, but can you blame me when he has an atrocious palace design, terrible writing as a character both in that arc and in haru's confidant, unsavoury memories of a certain cat... i mean, it wasn't really kuni's fault that morgana ended up stealing haru's spotlight to have his moment, but the writers know what they did

okumura's saving grace is that 1) he has enough backstory provided for me to do whatever i want with him in rsau and 2) he's pretty handsome

at number 8, junya kaneshiro!

now don't get me wrong, i love kaneshiro. i think about him allllll the time and he's THE bro in rsau (i can't go a second without mentioning it sorry) and also suguru's implied romantic interest cough cough

but... uh... :')

his palace is just as annoying. the only bonus it has is better music. makoto's awakening is also super sick, but this ain't about her

i get that he's got a fixation on being rich but it's a little comical how much he talks about it. like. he LOOOVES money. money money money. and hes purple fly hitler. who loves money

coming up on number 7 is yaldabaoth

cool twist. cool ending. cool whatever. but youre not my kitten baby (he actually is a kitten in rsau. or is he a cobra? kuni calls him a zebra)

at number 6 is wakaba isshiki!!!

who are you

at number 5 we have........ masayoshi shido!

was THAT predictable? i didn't think so!

you might think that from the amount of posting i do about how deeply i desire him carnally i must be a big fan, right? well. eh

playing through his palace was tedious and longwinded and dull when it wasn't plot-related. the whole "oh, kaneshiro and madarame actually knew shido and were sucking his dick the whole tiiiime" thing is also completely unnecessary and never gets mentioned again. nobody even talks about it. you probably didnt even remember it until i mentioned it again

shido is still cartoonishly evil like okumura is, but he gets bonus points for not trying to be made into a sympathetic, hard-working and misunderstood dad in akechi's confidant (and at least we actually get to see him show feelings towards things, even if it is just hating children and monologuing in his office)

also hes kiiiiiiiiiind of the tritagonist in cnau but we aren't going to talk about that.... yet..............

idk. i like shido but there's people who are better

making it into number 4 is futaba sakura!

i really like the twist on the concept of palace rulers actually. not every person with distorted desires is a bad person; instead of sabotaging others, futaba is self-sabotaging. but with a change of heart, that little shut-in is able to get back up and live life to the fullest!

now in the top 3, i give this spot to ichiryusai madarame!

the palace ruler with a canon deadname...... our trans icon 🏳‍🌈

he's what okumura wishes he was. this single father can do it all! he can paint, love, steal, emotionally abuse, he's a man of many hats without mastering anything!

if theres anyone who i love picking apart the brain of more than kaneshiro, it's madarame. he hates himself so much that it loops back around to having a huge ego. he was jealous of yusuke's mother and the talent she held that he let her die just so he can be validated boohoo

madarame thinks hes only worth what he creates, and being yusuke's only authoritative figure, imprinted that mindset and behaviour onto him. he actually sees yusuke as his son and loves him deeply but hes soooo dependent on him in multiple ways and without him he literally crumbles. madarame is pathetic and helpless and i love him

in 2nd place is sae niijima!

you know her. i know her. we've seen that section of the story. soooo good. banger palace theme, pretty environment, attractive lady, hoo-wee!

seriously, she has great development. sae never actually gets a change of heart, she changes on her own because she remembers she's here to protect what she really cares about; justice. she comes to be one of the few adults the phantom thieves can genuinely place their trust in. theres a bonus chapter in mementos mission where sae looks at buchimaru slippers because they remind her of makoto. and thats after she roundhouse kicks a purse-snatcher in the face while wearing high heels.

she's also the one who won the hottest palace ruler poll by a longshot so. you go girl!

and at long last... number 1 goes to......

SUGURU KAMOSHIDA!!!!!!!

i wanted to get a bunch of pictures of him for this but he's actually so hideous i legitimately got freaked out

he's my meow meow who did nothing wrong (he did everything wrong) and hes just a baby (literal abuser) and youre all just mean (he deserves worse)

they wanted to write a piece of shit and they did it. and they did it well. i can't think of a single reason why someone would like this guy. and thats exactly why i like him.

kamoshida was conditioned to believe that his actions had no consequences and therefore he could do whatever he wanted. people would cover it up. they'd keep their silence. his reputation is great enough that everyone is too worried to topple it because it might crush them when he falls. he doesn't need to be two-faced when they've already seen the other mask. hes the greatest introductory to the story and themes of persona 5 ever and i would not have it any other way

kamoshida is a SHIT BAG. he makes me legitimately sick to my stomach in a way the other characters just dont really do. i mean the mementos palace did a pretty good job of making me think about what im doing with my life so props to them, but like i said just looking at kamoshidas face made me feel uneasy

also i wrote a oneshot about him and kaneshiro fucking and there was the swag mention of the lingering guilt he experiences in the back of his mind every time he hurts someone because he is still a human after all

he's the protagonist in rsau and he's my favourite test subject for different kinds of pain and anguish. suguru kamoshida numba one 4eva. i hope he dies