#rapid relic run

[blueberrypancakesworld]

Dark flames, dark hearts and dark love

Maegor x sister!wife

warning : Maegor is his own warning, mentioned miscarriages, comfort, blood, murder, targcest,smut nothing too explicit, obsession, yandere, no use of Y/n

Summary : Maegor the Cruel a man she loved, but a husband she learned to fear when his mind, soaked in madness and prophecies, began to trap her in a cage of blood and gold…and yet at the end of the day, she always showed her love until the day blood stained the stones of the castle and she had to make a demonstration.

info : Maegor the Cruel I think he could have been a good king under different circumstances. But it wasn't like that and now we have the monster and our husband have fun reading :)

masterlist

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dark clouds seemed to lie over Dragonstone for the last few weeks, the great castle, the fortress of dark stone and surrounded by mist, had a household that twitched and retreated hastily into the shadows as soon as its king and lord of Dragonstone passed through the corridors of his castle.

Heavy boots pacing the corridors and rooms when he was angry at the actions and inabilities of others to calm down, dark black and blood red clothing that blew in the wind the exact same color as his mother's.

The Dowager Queen Visenya Targaryen who had given birth to two children her first son Maegor and her daughter the Flame of Dragonstone, the Red Jewel or the Gentle Queen a young woman who took after her Aunt Rhaenys rather than her mother her brother or her father.

But as gentle as she was, she had pure Targayren blood flowing through her, light hair almost white, violet eyes and her dragon Dreamfyre a dragoness to match, but there seemed to be something slumbering in both of them too, a violence that rarely showed itself.

But above all she was the last wife, according to the tradition of her house she had married her brother on the full moon of last winter in the hope of giving him a pure heir, the miscarriages his queens suffered all mistakes that should not have happened women who were killed and never the fault of the king that could not be.

,,I know you will give me an heir dear sister…none of these whores will be able to harm you” he had promised her before the bed ceremony he had kissed her lips gently with his promise before carrying her to his room, the dragon emblems and valyriscene relics surrounding her as he took her, fires from the torches illuminating both their bodies.

Blood stained her thighs as he took her virginity, kisses of certainty warped to brief cruelty as the dragons worlded and danced, surrendering as they should. Violet eyes looked at each other soaked in lust and pain she had to learn to love her brother in this way, learned from her mother she knew she would rule westeros with him in the hours they slept together dream, lust and the reality they woke from at dawn faded.

Several moons passed and even when he visited her bed he kissed her and praised her with words of warning so often he was away on crusades and war left her with the fear of losing him, so afraid that she would lose him that she initially wanted to visit him with Dreamyfre but her mother forbade it. ,,My precious daughter, with his seed in you, you should not put yourself in danger,” she said and laid a hand on her cheek before the older girl turned to the council in her son's absence.

Not hearing the rapid beating of her daughter's heart, she made her way back to her room with the red gemstone diadem, her hand on her stomach full of fear and ignorance, afraid of the other “queens” around the child. The son who came back, bloodied and victorious, turned to face her in her room.

She could smell the scent of smoke and blood of death clinging to him, laying down her needlework with her heart beating wildly she came towards him, hearing the clanking of armor as he eased it away from him, rough hands coming to rest on her hips and running over her body, ,,I long for you,” he growled a voice filled with lust he tried to take her lips as she avoided him.

She felt his grip tighten it wasn't the first time he had been rough and he had never hit her but until when would this last instead she had to give him the news she was heartbroken about, ,,My king…this morning the master he-he said I was with your child” she admitted wincing as he abruptly let go of her his stature changed from relaxed to tense. Didn't he want her? Was she not good enough for him? Was she the worst of the women he had…didn't he want a child from such a marriage?

She was about to speak his name when he suddenly startled her to her knees, she wanted to back away for fear he wouldn't be able to restrain himself but he only said, ,,Don't you dare move” and he gripped her hips painfully tight as he pulled her to him, pressing his head against her middle, inhaling her scent, lustful and aroused but in his eyes as he looked at her she thought she saw satisfaction next to these excesses.

He put his ear to her belly and though it was still moons too early he seemed in his delusion to feel a child kicking, ,,The prince who was promised my dear wife you are the noblest thing I possess forever” he murmured she had never heard him like this, so rough and gentle to her, so absent and so distant he frightened her, Maegor frightened her for the first time because she didn't know how far he would go.

But he didn't leave her room, instead he grabbed her arm and made her walk beside him to the council to announce the news, knowing that this announcement would reach the other “wives” with intentions other than joy and goodwill.

Her mother was positively ecstatic at the tidings and she thought she even saw a glimmer of tears as Visenya stood by the fireplace, but above all she had never seen the Dowager Queen so proud. Thus, Aegon's blood continued to flow even under these conditions, but the other wives, who mostly kept to themselves in their chambers or castles with their families, wished her well with venomous envy.

,,Fearful whores, they know what value you now have for him and the kingdom,” said the Targaryen and turned to her daughter, whose belly was now slowly rounding out after more time had passed; soon further tests and examinations by the masters would reveal the sex, even if Visenya and Maegor knew it would be a boy.

A boy, the prince of the realm, ,,They are still his wives, my husband will still show them mercy,” she said, still feeling his lust for her as he visited her more and more often now, his gaze caressing her cunt so as not to harm the child and feeling her belly while death still seemed to surround him.

But this gaze, the gaze that frightened her every time, full of obsession, as if she were nothing but there for him, did not disappear, on the contrary, it seemed to increase. But as often as she asked her mother for advice, told her what Maegor was like, she interrupted the subject so harshly, saying that this was the love of pure dragons, but could it be love? Wasn't it perhaps madness?

At her words, Visenya laughed amusedly and turned her off, ,,Oh child how naive you still are, what do you think all this world is made of? Out of conciliation and forgiveness….no-no this world is made of blood and death and that's how it will end,” she told her daughter before leaving the queen alone in his leisurely late hours to attend to the council.

Her heart pounded with incomprehension, she had only exchanged a few words with the other women, had been pitied at first and had received words of courage here and there but now, now those words were poisonous and painful.

,,He will protect us” she murmured and placed a hand on her stomach before she settled down after drinking her tea and decided to go to bed But who will protect me from him? was her last thought as the fire burned out and she lay under the warm furs and blankets, her eyes closed and drifting off to sleep.

Sleep came over her, a deep sleep in which she did not notice how a few hours at the hour of the wolf shadows approached her room, shadows of anger and deathly lust towards her.

Her mind immersed in dreams of fire and death, of burning banners and sinking families, the pregnant woman moved slightly in her sleep, her hands clutching the blanket as if she needed a shield to cling to.

Dragons screeching and spitting fire over Dragonstone, Balerion's roar echoing through the nact and Dreamfyre's flames shooting into the air as the door to her room opened and the shadows flitted in. Shadows of magic infused with the blood of single covenants approached her bed, barely visible hands tampering with the furs and dekcne, the cool night air and burnt down fire no longer warming the queen, the light film of sweat on her skin like a thousand tears as a blade threatened to pierce her body.

Whether it was premonition, the bond with the dragons or a mother protecting her child as she woke at the last moment and cried out, the blade slashed her arm that she had raised in defense and tried to scurry out of bed while Dreamfyre was raging outside and she screamed for her guards.

In the dim light she still managed to see them, those shadows, that dark blood magic knew it was a matter of moments how her fate could turn…but then the flame in her fireplace suddenly leapt to life seeming to give her a moment to bypass the shadows and rush to the door as she saw the torches when she saw him.

,,Maegor!” she shouted his name as his arms enveloped her, he himself still in simple clothes with Darksister at his side ready to defend her ,,Who was it?’ he demanded to know, pushing her behind him as he called his guards into the room but they found nothing ,,Shadows-shadows Maegor they tried to kill me…they tried to kill our child" she stammered.

Tears had welled in her eyes as she felt the pain of the wound now full and the blood already a small pool on the floo …they wanted to kill our child” she stammered tears had welled up in her eyes as she felt the pain of the wound fully and the blood was already forming a small pool on the floor.

The hours that followed, full of excitement and worry, he had sent his wife to the master, Visenya stayed with her while the king “interrogated” one after the other who could have committed this atrocious act, but not once had he shown her devotion and concern only his violet eyes had shown a fraction of concern when he had seen the blood on her clothes and placed his hand on her stomach before he had disappeared.

,,Something must be done, they will hang for what they have done,” her mother murmured in agitation and she was afraid that the queen dwarf would still overstress herself but the pain inside her, in her heart and in her belly made her worry even though the master had told her that the child had not lost anything, she did not know if this was true.

,,Maegor, mother he avoids me…I was afraid he would take care of the child and not see me” she admitted her worries and took another prescription tea to calm herself down and stay strong despite the deep scarring wound and Visenya turned to her daughter a hint of affection suddenly appeared.

She saw the gentle look, the slight smile as her mother took her hands, ,,We dragons are gods dear and your king is his father come again, with fire we have taken our throne…with fire you will have to take yours lay down your title and become what you were born to be” she reminded her daughter of what they were, of the rulers they have become through their greatest strength.

Dragons

Perhaps it was her own desire to finally rise to her mother's greatness in life, to finally be equal to her husband, or perhaps it was her own madness and overflowing softness that she evaded as she walked out of the room, the black and red dress pulling at her body, and she took herself to the council to be the dragon her husband had always seen in her.

,,I want to be alone with my husband the king right now!” she commanded, feeling that sense of enough as the men filed out of the room, Maegor giving her a waiting look as she went to the head of the table and presented him with a parchment, a parchment with six names, a parchment with six offerings she wanted.

Maegor's interest showed as he read the names and placed his hand on her wound but gently almost carefully, ,,My dragoness has licked blood if it is your wish then grant it I will regard you with the utmost respect as the royal couple we were always meant to be” he made her understand as his rough hand moved up her arm, caressing her cheek and he pulled her into a kiss knowing that she herself would carry the scent of fire around blood.

That very night, in the courtyard of Dragonstone, Maegor, his sister-wife with Dreamfyre and his six other wives found themselves crying and begging for mercy from one or the other, but they were all to blame, they were all to blame for the attempted murder of her and her son.

,,You are all regicides for the attempted murder of me the only queen of the kingdoms and his prince, for too long I have shown you mercy with poisonous hope you have taken advantage of me and now you bear the consequences at the hands of a goddess!” she exclaimed and Dreamfyre rose into the air the wings seemed to howl around the castle like the winds of death.

Balerion roared his approval and Maegor's devotion to her grew with each passing second. He had found his true queen, his true love and his dragoness…his only true goddess good enough to rule in his place.

,,Dracarys” she spoke the Valyrian words and the fangs of her beloved Dreamfyre took hold of the six women now screaming in pain as they burned to death by dragonfire while she watched, Maegor a hand on her belly where the promised prince was but her violet eyes reflected the fire of Targayren madness as she finally saw the destiny she was destined for at her brother's sete as queen over all of Westeros and far beyond.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ps : I had so much fun writing for him that maybe I'll write more and see

[dualumina]

A Quick Full Guide for getting Gold in

Lowland Shore: Harvest Shore Salmon Run!

~~~

Update! So it's been brought to our attention that the race event, has a significantly longer timer to achieve gold than the adventure does, assuming you show up right before the race starts.

It's possible this is a bug, so it might be patched out in the coming future. It's also possible that Anet will change the gold requirements to be less strict (we've never heard of this happening before, but who knows.)

Either way, at the time of editing this (September 7th 2024) the below guide still applies for the adventure!

Further update: The latest GW2 update actually added extra time to qualify for Gold, so you may not need all the expensive gear to achieve it. If you're still struggling, pre-booning will still offer a decent headstart, even if some class traits might not work in fish form.

Best of luck out there, fellow salmon! 🐟

Before even starting the race, you'll need the right stuff to have a chance of succeeding.

Equipment:

Get at least 1 or 2 of Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew

Equip 6 Superior Runes of Speed

Equip a Relic of Speed

Build:

There are several things you'll want on your build to make your life as painless as possible.

Adrenaline Regeneration

Vigor Source

Movement Speed Increase

Pre-Race Boons

The main boons you want to give yourself are Swiftness, Vigor, Quickness/Alacrity, and Superspeed. Other boons may or may not be necessary depending on your class.

As you may have noticed, this is all stuff available on an Engineer (Mechanist with Tools and Alchemy trait lines). Because that's the class we decided to first try this race on.

Thankfully we're feeling generous, so here are the best builds for all other 8 classes. Usually there's only a few critical things you need in each case, so if something isn't specified, just pick whatever.

Mesmer:

Dueling > Mental Gymnastics Chronomancer > Time Marches On Signet of Inspiration, Well of Action, Time Warp Focus (Temporal Curtain)

Elementalist:

Water > Soothing Disruption Air > Zephyr's Speed > One With Air Weaver > Woven Stride Ether Renewal, Unravel (Water), Cleansing Fire, Signet of Air Staff (Air > Windborne Speed)

Necromancer:

Blood Magic > Banshee's Wail Soul Reaping > Speed of Shadows > Eternal Life Harbinger > Twisted Medicine > Deathly Haste Spectral Recall, Signet of the Locust, Elixir of Anguish Warhorn (Locust Swarm)

Revenant:

Retribution > Enduring Recovery > Unwavering Avoidance Invocation > Rapid Flow Herald > Core Value > Draconic Echo Legendary Dragon Stance (activate and consume all skills, starting with Facet of Chaos)

Guardian:

Honor > Vigorous Precision > Purity of Body Virtues > Absolute Resolve > Power of the Virtuous Firebrand > Archivist of Whispers > Swift Scholar > Stalwart Speed > Loremaster Mantra of Potence, Advance!, Signet of Mercy, Feel My Wrath! Tome of Resolve (Chapter 3)

Warrior:

Defence > Last Stand Discipline > Warrior's Sprint > Doubled Standards Bladesworn > Swift As the Wind Combat Stimulant, Signet of Stamina, Banner of Tactics, Frenzy, Signet of Rage Warhorn

Ranger:

Wilderness Survival > Natural Vigor Skirmishing > Tail Wind > Primal Reflexes Soulbeast > Live Fast > Essence of Speed > Leader of the Pack Water Spirit, Signet of the Hunt, Quickening Zephyr, Griffon Stance, Strength of the Pact! Warhorn (Call of the Wild)

Thief:

Acrobatics > Expeditious Dodger > Feline Grace Daredevil > Physical Supremacy > Unhindered Combatant Haste, Signet of Shadows

(Thief is weirdly low on options it seems)

Okay and of course Engineer was already covered earlier

Race:

So you've got your gear, your build, and now onto the race itself. First off, here's what you need to know about your skills that aren't obvious at a glance.

Dash!

This skill works noticeably differently depending on where you're located. When you're in deep water, the skill works just fine. On land, it's similar enough to not worth mentioning. But if you're on the water's surface, to the point that your skills aren't listed, for the love of every god don't use the dash! You will get no benefit except wasting your stamina.

If you don't see your skills just don't press 'em!

Flop!

Flop is the most versatile skill at your disposal, and has drastically different effects for different situations. If you're in deep water, then using flop will yeet you to the water's surface. This can be handy for needing to get up to checkpoints in shallower water quickly. If you're already at the water's surface, then you'll go straight up... usually. This race is a bit finicky at times. If you're on flat land, you'll also go straight up. Thankfully it's pretty consistent. However if you're on an upwards slope, or close enough to one, then you will go up it at record speed.

A prime flop location

Glub

Glub :3

Now go out there and get glubbin'!

[creepzkilla]

[BRIAN THOMAS, TOBY ROGERS, TIMOTHY WRIGHT x FEM! READER]

chapter warning. gore, death, mutilation, maggots, talk of killing an animal, gutting an animal.

wc. 7860

authors note. this fic gonna be long asf so buckle up. sorry its lowkey boring up yk its building suspense. any questions about the fic or concerns please submit an ask!

important, read. even though this is implied to be a female reader that has she/her pronouns, I suggest downloading this extension for Microsoft edge to replace [Y/N] as your name and to replace she/her with your preferred pronouns to make you feel more comfortable if you do not identify as a female.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏: 𝐇𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐀 𝐒𝐘𝐑𝐉𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄

meaning. a mushroom that grows over decaying bodies

As the sun rose above the eastern horizon, casting its golden hues across the land, a lone car ventured forth on the winding roads leading to Grove, Oklahoma. The engine purred softly, its rhythmic hum blending harmoniously with the melody of nature. With the sounds of soft rock and country preoccupying the silence that the car held in its void. The silence was filled with the songs of Linda Ronstadt, and Deana Carter; two maestros of musical storytelling, graced the airwaves, serenading the passenger with a poignant repertoire of cherished memories. The tunes resounded with the recollections of sun-drenched summers spent in the Western fields, where her mother's berry farm unfurled its emerald charm.

[Y/N]’s mind wandered back to the days when the weathered white barn stood as a sentinel, and the family's nearly antique truck nestled alongside, an endearing relic from bygone eras. Each note carried her back to the sight of verdant paint curling and surrendering to the passage of time, revealing glimpses of raw metal beneath. She vividly recalled the delicate act of running her nails over the lifted layers of paint, peeling them away one by one, as if uncovering the hidden stories embedded within the truck's weathered facade.

In nothing but her nightgown, [Y/N] ventured out, her bare feet delicately dangling just beyond the worn-out Ford logo adorning the truck bed. Wandering through the fields, she traversed the rough terrain, her feet bearing the brunt of her barefoot journey. The berry saplings, a recurring sight in spring and summer, had now blossomed, displaying their succulent fruits as late summer approached. Yet before their transformation, the bushes stood tall, their leaves pointed and vigorous. Her path, confined to the Western fields, beckoned her toward the barn. Basking in abundant sunlight, the western expanse fostered accelerated growth, causing the saplings there to sprout thorns at a rapid pace. As a consequence, the girl’s feet endured the accumulation of mud and crusty blood, an undeniable testament to her traversing the formidable fields.

With dirtied feet and a stained nightgown, she embarked on her ritual every morning, just before the sun's radiant glow graced the sky. Ascending the antique truck, she found her perch, eagerly awaiting the mesmerizing spectacle of the sun's rays stretching across the vast expanse of land. Yet, amidst this ethereal beauty, her heart danced with anticipation for a different kind of awakening.

As the first glimmers of light began to peek over the horizon, a familiar melody filled the airwaves, heralding the start of a brand new day. Soft country tunes, like those sung by Tanya Tucker and The Judds, tenderly embraced her senses. However, her ears strained for one particular tune, a treasure she yearned for each morning at 8 AM.

And then it happened—John Denver's timeless classic, "Take Me Home, Country Roads," resounded through the airwaves, soothing her soul with its heartfelt lyrics. Sitting atop her vantage point, she became a symphony of joy, her voice bursting forth despite its imperfections. With every note, she poured her heart into the song, her little lungs valiantly attempting to reach every high and low.

Though [Y/N]’s singing may have lacked finesse, it mattered not, for her spirit soared with unbridled enthusiasm. Without pausing for breath, she sang the entire composition, as if on a sacred mission to carry its melody across the rolling hills and valleys. In those precious moments, the world was her stage, and she, the star of her own enchanting performance.

 Queens ensemble of trumpets and brass instruments harmoniously faded into a gentle hum, merging with the engine's subtle vibrations. With every turn of the wheel, a captivating journey unfolded, transporting her to an enchanting realm where time lost its urgency, and the world transformed into a vibrant symphony of colors.

[Y/N]’s grip on the steering wheel remained relaxed, a testament to her confidence in navigating the road ahead. However, the weight of exhaustion was evident beneath her eyes, concealed by bags that hung like heavy burdens. Her gaze alternated between the winding road and the small, blaring red text of the clock on her car monitor: 7:59 A.M.

Anxiously, her fingers drummed against the supple leather steering wheel, mirroring the racing beat of her heart. Her eyes darted back and forth, desperately seeking confirmation of the fleeting minutes. As the hum of the engine threatened to engulf her senses, its dominance was suddenly overpowered by the opening notes of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

In that moment, her attention was captivated by the red letters once more, and they revealed the time: 8:00 A.M. A gentle hum escaped her lips, akin to a sigh of relief, as she muttered along with the song's lyrics, embracing them with unwavering devotion. Without pausing to catch her breath, she sang along, infusing her voice with the song's nostalgic melodies.

The road stretched out like an asphalt ribbon, carving its way through sprawling meadows and rolling hills. Fields of emerald green extended as far as the eye could see, adorned with delicate wildflowers that danced in the gentle breeze. The air, crisp and invigorating, carried with it the scent of earth and the promise of new beginnings.

As the car glided forward, the scenery unfolded like pages in a vivid tapestry.Towering trees lined the roadside, their branches stretching toward the heavens like ancient sentinels. Leaves shimmered with a kaleidoscope of autumnal shades, painting the landscape with fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. The trees seemed to whisper secrets to one another, their rustling leaves creating a symphony of nature's own design.

The road wound its way up and down gentle slopes, revealing panoramic vistas that stole the breath away. Mountain ranges stood majestically in the distance, their peaks kissed by the wisps of ethereal clouds. They stood as guardians of the landscape, their stony faces etched with the stories of ages gone by. But nothing could compare to Grand Lake. 

The bridge, spanning what felt like endless miles, gracefully arched over the water, its reflection shimmering in the gentle waves. As if in a dance, a multitude of boats navigated the water's expanse, trailing wakes that glistened in the crystalline depths, mirroring the celestial azure above and the passing cars on the bridge. The radiant spectacle transformed the water into an irrefutably luminous spectacle. It seemed as though liquid silver veins intricately intertwined with the land, carrying the harmonious melodies of life and the captivating tales of the creatures that resided within its mysterious depths. Geese gracefully etched invisible patterns against the vast canvas of the heavens, casting a mesmerizing spell on the onlookers below.

The scratching of gears wound up, blending into the symphony of sound, as the window glass slowly rolled down. The mechanical protest produced a terrible screeching sound, reminiscent of an animal's anguished cry, piercing the air and capturing her attention. Her eyes widened, captivated by the scene that unfolded before her.

Inhaling deeply, she savored the dewy summer air that gracefully entered her lungs, infusing her with an ardent fervor. Each breath became an embrace of life itself. The atmosphere, cool and revitalizing, carried a tangible energy, blending the essence of earth with the promise of new beginnings. The aroma of raindrops and freshly cut grass intermingled, filling her senses with a harmonious fragrance that evoked a sense of contentment. As she exhaled, a sigh of satisfaction escaped her lips, releasing any lingering tension—contentment.

The car engine purred in agreement at the sight of landscape, the tranquility of and complete beauty was simply enchanting.  

In a graceful display of poise and determination, she effortlessly steered the sleek vehicle away from the confines of the bustling main road, opting instead for a captivating detour onto a secluded single-lane path. As the tires glided over the uneven terrain, the verdant canopy of lush green forests enveloped the winding road.

Along this path, a humble dirt road emerged, veering away from the well-trodden route. Its weathered surface, pockmarked and rough, dictated a slower pace, Each jolt and tremor sent ripples of anticipation coursing through her veins, heightening her senses as she pressed on with unwavering resolve.

Gradually, the path unveiled a breathtaking vista, an opening that seemed to materialize from the very fabric of a storybook. A small pond, its crystalline waters shimmering under the gentle caress of the sunlight, beckoned with an irresistible allure. Nestled harmoniously by its side, a resplendent cabin emerged, a captivating testament to rustic beauty.

The cabin, although once a haven of tranquility, now appeared as a relic of forgotten memories, as if time itself had woven a shroud of neglect around its weathered exterior. Weeds triumphantly sprawled across the surroundings, their emerald tendrils dancing in the wind, while determined vines conquered the cabin's weathered facade, gracefully ascending its walls in a seemingly eternal embrace with nature itself.

In this serene tableau, the intrepid traveler found herself drawn to the essence of this forgotten refuge. Its dilapidated state only served to enhance the mystique, inviting her to uncover the tales that lay dormant within its timeworn walls. She sensed that beneath the encroaching foliage and the fading echoes of life, whispers of untold stories and echoes of forgotten laughter still resonated within, yearning for someone to listen, to breathe new life into their cherished existence.

As the shadows danced amidst the rustling leaves, she stepped out of her vehicle, her footsteps cautious yet filled with reverence as the gravel beneath her crunched. The air seemed to hold its breath in anticipation, as if the surroundings acknowledged her arrival, recognizing the significance of this encounter.

As her boots pressed against the gravel roadway, their crunch merged seamlessly with the harmonious of natural sounds that enveloped the picturesque surroundings. Advancing towards the cabin, each step resonated through the ancient floorboards of the front porch, releasing a melancholic creak as if the timeworn planks were exhaling with a subtle sigh. Weathered by countless footsteps, the wooden planks bore the indelible marks of their enduring journey, their once vibrant hue now transformed into a rich, dark oak shade. Inhaling deeply, she absorbed the essence of the place, her hand gravitating toward the doorknob of the screen door. For a fleeting moment, her gaze caught the old rocking chair, swaying gently in response to the playful caress of the breeze that meandered through the air. Finally, [Y/N]’s turned the the doorknob as the screen door creaked open—exhaling.

 She inhaled, the sharp fragrance of pine and bleach wove its way into her senses, its pungency tugging at her  nostrils. Their potent combination was not without consequence, for it provoked a reaction within her, eliciting a gentle scrunching of her nose. 

The house exuded an eerie aura of both familiarity and enigma.  She found herself standing in an expansive, open area cabin, devoid of hallways, which seemed to beckon her further inside. With each step, the immaculate cleanliness of the interior revealed itself, creating an almost surreal ambiance.

Her eyes were immediately drawn to the second floor, with its single set of stairs ascending like a mysterious gateway to another realm. On the ground floor, to her right, lay a quaint and compact kitchen, an intimate space that appeared to have witnessed the preparation of countless meals and conversations with its worn down appliances. 

To her left, the living room stretched before her like a tapestry of memories. A comfortable couch adorned the space, an inviting haven where the occupants must have spent many hours engrossed in captivating tales or deep contemplation. In front of the couch, the heart of the room resided—a grand fireplace. Its flickering flames cast dancing shadows on the walls, seemingly whispering forgotten secrets.

Perched atop the fireplace, an old flat screen TV served as a window to the past, where characters from era that might have come alive came alive, momentarily escaping their scripted confines. The juxtaposition of the antiquated screen and the modernity it once represented painted a vivid portrait of the house's intriguing history.

Yet, despite all the intriguing elements that adorned the room, her gaze eventually shifted downward to the very foundation of the space. The wooden floor bore the weight of countless footsteps and stories, its grainy texture inviting her to feel the past as she walked upon it.

In the realm of her consciousness, she possessed an intimate knowledge of the house's history. In the era preceding her own, her beloved grandparents had entrusted its care to a man of enigmatic nature, one by the name of Willard Tucker. The townsfolk, adorned with tales and whispers, had deemed him a peculiar figure, cloaked in the shadows of perceived insanity. Yet, the precise details eluded her, veiled behind a shroud of uncertainty. All that remained were fragments of narratives whispered through the winds of time—stories suggesting that the man, his heart shattered by the loss of his wife, had departed for the fertile lands of West Virginia, seeking solace within the embrace of family ties, all while taking up farming.

She had guessed that Willard was the reason for the foul smell of cleaning products. Cleaning and scrubbing off residue so as to not leave it behind for the next tenant. That being her—a girl from small town Kansas in the depths of the west. However, she secretly cursed Willard for using so much of the cleaning product.

Upstairs and to the left, In the midst of simplicity, her bedroom exuded a quiet charm. Nestled against the wall, a regal queen-sized bed commanded the center stage, flanked by two modest nightstands. On the left, a generous window framed the wall, revealing a glimpse of the  wooden sanctuary beyond.

As she gazed through the window's translucent pane, a tingle of anticipation caressed her being. It was as if the wistful tendrils of nature, woven into the fabric of the scene, beckoned her. The sheer simplicity of the room was deceptive, for within its unassuming boundaries. A shiver traced its delicate fingers along her spine, electrifying the air with a gentle chill.

She shook it off as paranoia. 

As she ventured into the confines of the bathroom, her delicate fingers gently placed the small pills of respite into the trinity of mirrors ensconced within the cabinet. Ambien, a faithful companion in her torment against insomnia, found solace in this sanctuary. The affliction had haunted her since the early years of her high school debut when a merciless onslaught of ghastly nightmares infiltrated her slumber. Rarely, she could sleep without nightmares, rarely she could sleep at all. Not through a full night at least. In a valiant attempt to retain her grasp on reality, she adorned her abode with vibrant beacons of guidance, neon yellow sticky notes that served as simple reminders.

Before she placed the pills in their place, with meticulous care, she tenderly appraised the contents of each vial, her discerning gaze fixed upon the pills nested within. Twelve, she confirms. Retrieving a vibrant yellow sticky note from her pocket from her linen jacket, her blue pen danced across the note, etching the numbers upon the labels of both bottles with blue ink. 

Nestled gently beside the cabin lies a quaint garden, albeit a modest one, marred by a profusion of resilient weeds. Throughout her family’s lineage, they had cultivated a bounteous farm teeming with an abundance of blossoms, nourishing produce, and succulent fruits. This trio, her mother, father, and herself, helmed a "berry utopia"—an expanse of verdant fields, stretching across countless acres, brimming with an assortment of fruit:  blueberries, blackberries, vibrant raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries—each variety harvested with unyielding dedication.

As her gaze fell upon the  garden, now overrun and wild, a surge of nostalgia washed over her like a familiar melody from a song. The sight evoked memories of her home, where there were fields upon fields of saplings of fresh berries. Determination welled up within her, fueled by a profound sense of connection. With resolute certainty, she understood that this hallowed ground deserved to be restored to its former glory. And then this became her mission.

With a hum, she nestled into the plush embrace into the seat of her car, releasing a wearied sigh that spoke volumes about her exhaustion. The weight of countless sleepless nights seemed to settle beneath her eyes, casting shadowy hues that deepened with each passing moment. Her gaze drifted toward the console, where a vibrant neon yellow sticky note had found a temporary perch upon the sleek gear shift. Delicately scripted upon its surface were two simple yet poignant words: "Call Mom."

A flicker of recollection sparked within her. Reminding her of the promise she had made to her worry-laden mother. A call was expected, an assurance of her safe arrival. Jane, her mother, possessed a peculiar knack for turning fret into an art form, yet in her own idiosyncratic way, her daughter desired nothing more than the act of vanishing without a trace.

In the tender embrace of  Jane’s watchful care, her protective nature has forever been her daughters steadfast companion. Jane ardently desired for [Y/N] to remain by her side, nestled within the sanctuary of her love, tending to the bountiful fields of the farm until the end of days. Undoubtedly, affection for her only child knows no bounds, yet an undeniable sense of confinement subtly gnawed at her being. 

Since the untimely demise of [Y/N]’s beloved father, a transformative shift enveloped her mother's being. Like a shadow cast by the moon's gentle glow, she became an ever-watchful sentinel, closely monitoring her daughter's every step with unwavering dedication. Her love took on an armor of protection, shielding [Y/N] from the world's perils with an intensity that left her in awe. The mere notion of forging friendships seemed inconceivable, friends were near to few, yet she made it through. 

As she embarked on her journey to the store, a fleeting thought of reaching out to her beloved mother danced in her mind, promising to materialize into a heartfelt conversation once she fulfilled her immediate errands. Before delving into the realm of garden essentials, a trusty blue ballpoint pen found its place in her hand, etching a list: a delightful assortment of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and  blackberries. A sudden mishap tainted the pristine clarity of the yellow paper, as her thumb inadvertently collided with the wet ink, obfuscating the very last word with an smudge, rendering it a mere blur, without her noticing

The jingle reverberating through the air above the door was no delightful melody, but rather a haunting creak that sent shivers down one's spine. As the door swung shut, it unleashed a piercing screech, its brass hinges groaning under the weight of accumulated rust. In that moment, it seemed as though a flurry of white paint chips had erupted into the air, propelled by the force with which the door had slammed shut. She was consumed by a wave of embarrassment, cast her gaze around, desperately seeking an opportunity to offer a timid apology to the cashier. Regrettably, the name tag affixed to the cashier's uniform bore the name "Ranae Reeds," yet the older woman remained oblivious to the commotion, deeply engrossed in the captivating narrative of her newspaper, so captivated that she spared not even a passing glance.

The quaint little store exuded an ambiance both intimate and grundgy. Its petite dimensions were adorned with luminous streams of yellow light, gently cascading overhead, a mesmerizing sight that lured a vibrant array of insects, their presence immortalized by a delicate layer of expired life at the base of the ceiling fixtures. Amidst this glow, a second source of illumination emerged from the rear of the store, emanating from the flickering glow of the freezers, whose contents contained nothing but dairy products.

Four rows stood in perfect formation, each aisle beckoning with an irresistible allure. Yet, it was the initial 3rd island that caught her attention. Like echoes from her college days, these rows overflowed with an abundance of budget-friendly delights, an ensemble of delectable junk food.

On the 4th and final row, she found what she needed; seeds.  She picked up a variety of packets of seeds, holding the small packets between her fingers. Blueberry, Raspberries, and strawberries—She was missing one thing

She nestled her hands into the cozy refuge of her coat pocket, avidly searching for that elusive neon yellow sticky note. Days of inadequate slumber had exacted their toll, leaving her mental acuity adrift in a sea of drowsiness, a constant companion to her weary mind.

The yellow paper must have slipped out somewhere. 

As she turned to retrace her steps, her gaze fell upon a figure standing a few feet away. Dressed in a dark hoodie that seemed to swallow his form, he was an enigmatic presence amidst the mundane shopping atmosphere. His face was partially concealed by a dark yellow hood, casting intriguing shadows upon his features.

She hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should approach him. But something compelled her to step forward, her curiosity overpowering any apprehension she might have felt. With a nervous yet determined smile, she approached the figure.

"’scuse me," she began, her voice tentative but polite with a southern accent slipping through her lips. "I seem to have dropped something, and was wonderin if you happened to see a yellow sticky note?"

He turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting hers through the darkness of the hood. His gaze was intense, as if trying to unravel the secrets hidden behind her words. Without a word, he bent down and picked up the stray yellow sticky note from the floor, holding it out to her.

Relief washed over her as she accepted the note, feeling a strange connection form in that brief exchange. "Thank you lots," she said, her gratitude evident in her voice. "I wouldve been lost without this."

As she looked up to thank him, her eyes widened in surprise. The hood that had previously obscured his face had fallen back, revealing his features in full. His brown hair was unkempt, falling across his forehead in a disheveled manner, matching the roughness of his beard. There was a weariness etched into his face, as if he carried the weight of a world unseen.

His eyes, though tired, possessed an unmistakable glimmer of something deep and complex. They held a mix of vulnerability and strength, as if he had seen things that most could never comprehend. The lines around his eyes spoke of experiences that had left their mark, making him seem older than his years.

He was quite handsome, [Y/N] thought.

A ghost of a smile played upon his lips as he nodded in response to her thanks, acknowledging her gratitude. “Ain't no trouble.," he replied, his voice a low rumble that held a hint of grave and southern twang. "Happy to lend a hand."

Silence hung in the air for a moment, as if both of them were caught in a suspended moment, each waiting for the other to break the spell. It seemed like the man found himself unable to tear his gaze away. 

‘Dude, fucking break eye contact, this is getting weird’, She thought as an awkward frown formed on her face.

Her eyes flickered to the red gallon he held in his hand, the word gasoline emblazoned across it. Questions formed in her mind, but she hesitated, deciding against asking him directly. There was an unspoken understanding that some things were better left unsaid.

Instead, she mustered a smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Well, thanks again," she said, her voice warm with sincerity. "It was nice of ya to help me out."

His lips curled into a slightly deeper smile, a tooth gap evident, a hint of something genuine breaking through his stoic demeanor. "No worries," he replied, his voice tinged with a quiet appreciation, before going back to looking at the seeds. 

The way his lips curled into a grin, sent shivers down the curve of her spine. Though his smile, expansive and brimming with teeth, held a peculiar detachment within the depths of his eyes, a dissonance that left her unsettled. His lips, etched into a smile, never reached his eyes. Like an emotionless facaque. He had something of a crooked grin, skewed in its authenticity, that just didn't seem right Deep within her core, an unsettling awareness resonated, silently cautioning her about the man before her. Still, an irresistible force tugged at her very being, pulling her closer to his presence.

She glanced down at her yellow sticky note for the last item, only for the blue writing to be smudged. 

“Fuck.”

The man couldn’t help but notice the frustration on her face as she stared at the yellow sticky note in her hand. The item she had written on it was smudged, rendering it illegible. He cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence that had settled between them in the garden aisle at the back of the store.

"Hey again,  uh... , 'scuse me for interrupting but aah couldn't help but notice yer frustration. Do you still need a hand?" The man had asked, his voice gentle and concerned.

Startled by his sudden address, she looked up, her eyes meeting his. She blinked a few times, trying to regain her composure. "Oh, hey. uh... i was just trying to remember what i needed to buy," she stammered, a hint of embarrassment displayed on her face. 

He nodded, understanding the struggle of forgetfulness. His gaze fell upon a rack of seed packets nearby. "Well, if yer open to suggestions, there's this type of berry seed that might do the trick.  They're strong and grow plenty. Might just be what ya searchin for.”

She hummed, her eyes widening as she turned her attention to the seed packets he indicated. She scanned them, reading the descriptions and imagining the bountiful berries that could grow from them. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Imma give em’ a try," [Y/N] replied, grateful for the suggestion,"Thank you."

He reached out, plucked a seed packet from the rack, and handed it to her. Their fingers brushed briefly, a fleeting connection that sent a shiver down her spine. She accepted the packet, feeling the weight of the possibilities it held.

"Yer welcome," He had said with a genuine smile that still didn't reach his eyes. "Aah sure hope they bring you a fruitful harvest." he laughs.

As she held the seed packet in her hand, she couldn't help but be struck by a sudden curiosity. "Do you gotta a garden?" [Y/N] laughed, “You sure seemed to know lots bout’ plants and whatnot.”

His smile faltered slightly, and he glanced away for a moment. "Well, I used to have one," he replied softly. "But things shifted ‘round, and aah had to leave it behind… but ah’m fixin’ to start a new’un.” He drawled out with a smile. 

Understanding flickered in her eyes, and she nodded in sympathy. Sometimes life forces people to leave behind things they hold dear. It reminded her of something, but she just couldnt put her finger on it. Before she could delve further into the subject, his phone buzzed loudly, interrupting their conversation.

He fished it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen. A serious expression settled on his face as he answered the call. His voice was barely audible, and he moved away from her, creating a physical distance between them.

She watched him, a mixture of caution and curiosity mingling within her. His hushed conversation gave away little, leaving her to wonder about the nature of the call. 

As the call ended, He turned back to face her, his eyes filled with a mixture of apology and urgency. He didn't say a word but mouthed a goodbye, his hand waving gently in farewell. Without another word, he swiftly made his way out of the garden aisle, leaving her standing there, holding the seed packet in her hand.

“I wish i would’ve at least gotten his name.” [Y/N] hummed, rubbing the packet in her hand. She really hopes that the man was right about this seed packet.

She read the packet again, more carefully. The packet read Boysenberry. A cross between  a raspberry, blackberry, dewberry, and loganberry. She could make this work. The picture showed something like a blackberry , yet it was enlongated and a deep red, almost black color. The description read that when freshly picked, it tasted like a sweet blueberry with a tangy aftertaste. 

[Y/N] grabbed a few more more things: 2 bags of fertilizer, Top Soil, and Green gloves

She sighed, walking towards the front desk, flashing a soft smile towards the cashier, Ranae Reeds, she recalled. The woman’s name tag was worn around the edges, with her name partially faded. Much like the name tag, Ranae was a little worn around the edges. With her gray roots, her deep smile lines told tales of a younger, happier her.  

Ranae Reeds delicately placed her magazine, adorned with the captivating headline, "Infamous Serial Killer, Jeffery Woods caught," on the polished surface before her. [Y/N]’s eyes beheld the image of a man whose countenance bore the unmistakable evidence of two hauntingly deep gashes etched into his cheeks, and a profound sensation seized her being. The spectacle unfolded before her like an eerie tableau—an unsettling tableau that seemed to suspend the very breath in her throat. Its sheer grotesqueness sent tremors coursing through her, causing the hairs on the nape of her neck to rise in response.

Ranae cashier merely looked at the younger girl, almost with sympathy.

The cashier took the seed packets with a shaky hand, her golden bracelet jingling  as she scanned the packets of seeds with a ding of the scanner, “I ain’t neva seen ya round’ before.” Ranae spoke with assertiveness and confidence, surprisingly, as her stature was rather petite and she seemed to be soft-spoken. But that was in fact not the case.

[Y/N] was taken aback by her sudden curiosity, she blinked and said, “I just got ere’ this morning, moved in today.” She rocked back and forth on her toes and heels, eagerly wanting to leave already.

Ranae looked at her up and down with a bored expression on her face and asked, “Where yer from girl?” Her lips never moved from the straight line that almost seemed to be formed. Her freckled hands grabbed the fertilizer as she scraped the bag of pellets across the scanner, never taking her eyes off of  [Y/N].

DING. 

“Oh, aah’m from Kansas. Born n’ raised.” [Y/N] didn't have a Southern dialect—well, not anymore. It only slips out on occasion, particularly when talking to someone else with a southern twang. Her momma and daddy always had a thick southern voice, as they were both from Texas and moved to Kansas. 

Kansasans don’t exactly have an accent, besides not pronouncing the “R” in words. Yet, they got a way of speaking that you can clearly tell their from somewhere in the West.  If you went south, close to the Oklahoma border, the accent would get thicker as you went. 

Ranae hummed, almost like she had something to say, yet she bit her tongue. She scanned the items slowly, like she was purposely taking her time.

[Y/N] shook her leg rapidly, impatience growing within her as she watched Ranae struggle to bag the items in a brown paper bag. 

DING.

“My PawPaw and MawMaw died recently, so I inherited their cabin down by Grand Lake,” She said in attempt to fill the silence that annoyed her so much, in hope to pass the time. [Y/N] has always been rather extroverted, starting conversations with strangers she didn't mind, it was this silence that ate at her. The silence was bugs crawling underneath her skin, like roaches gnawing at her veins as they swam in her blood. 

Ranae merely hummed again, scanning an item, completely uninterested in the  conversation at hand, letting silence fall over the conversation once more. The silence was only broken by tapping of [Y/N]’s leather boots, which were worn out and needed replacement. 

“A man named Willard Tucker used to live there—“

DING.

“Ya best be careful round that house,” Ranae suddenly spoke up, her brown eyes boring into the girls, a serious expression took over her features,“There been rumors bout’ some folks down by those parts doing god knows what.” The woman's veiny hands wandered through the bag of fertilizer in search of the bar code.

[Y/N] stiffened at her sudden demeanor. “I see,” She watched intensively as Ranae scanned the last item before bagging it into a brown bag and pushing it towards [Y/N].  

Y/N smiles, “I’Il be sure to be careful—“

“And ya best be careful round that man that was in ere’ earlier. Aah’ve seen him do some suspicious things with those little friends of his.” Ranae cut her off once again, except her loud and apprehensive nature was no more; instead, it was quiet, and she was talking merely above a whisper. 

“He’s up to no good, girl.” Ranae’s eyes once again, bore into [Y/N]’s with a sense of urgency and protection. Ranae reminded [Y/N] of her mother, Jane. From the way, she spoke with a protectiveness of a mother to her veiny freckled hands that trembled constantly. 

DING.

[Y/N] hummed, taking the brown bags underneath her arms hastily, “I will don't worry.” She reassured Ranae with a tight-lipped smile, before pushing through the door that opened with a groan.

The smell of summer once again hit her, and she inhaled the sweet, tangy air. It was humid as well, the weather was hot and sticky. [Y/N] was used to it from being on a farm for all of her life, yet she never really enjoyed it. Her dad, Steve, enjoyed the heat, he loved it. He would always drag her out of the house when it was well into the 90’s.

She really misses her dad.

[Y/N] threw the brown bags in the tail bed of her 1995 Ford 150. She slid into the plush fabric of her seat, shutting the car door behind her as she slumped against the leather steering wheel. 

“Why in the hell is it so damn hot?” 

She peeled herself off of the steering wheel, her head heavy as drowsiness took over. partly from the lack of sleep, and the warm sun that scattered it’s light against her face.

She shoves the old, almost rusty, key into the ignition, turning it to start the car. The car sputtered, before failing to start. [Y/N] sighed, before trying again, turning the key in the ignition. Yet again, it groaned and sputtered with a metallic scratching noise that sounded like nails on a chalkboard. 

It was an old truck, a gift for her 16th birthday. Painted a dark red that rusted around its silver rims, the truck was a relic, almost like a family heirloom that her family passed down from one generation to the next. It was frequent that the truck wouldn't start, constantly breaking down from a plethora of problems. It wasn't just one problem with the truck, but everything. The engine, the ground cables, the filter, overheating-- the truck almost had every problem in the book.

“I swear to fucking god,” She turns it for the third time, Please, god, start.” She pleaded as the engine sputtered once more, before roaring to life with fever. 

[Y/N] slumped her head on her steering wheel once more and said, “Thank you,” She kissed the leather steering wheel, thankful that the universe had answered her pleas. 

With the roar of the engine [Y/N] peeled out of the small parking lot of the Grocery Store.

Within the forgotten garden, an eerie silence lingered, broken only by the faint rustle of weeds that thrived unchecked. Like rebellious tendrils, the vibrant greens stretched beyond the confines of the patch of tilled earth, entwining their wiry strands with the blades of grass and any unsuspecting object within reach. Mushrooms and fungi covered the garden like a blanket, growing in mass abundance. This unruly congregation of vegetation and fungi seemed to possess a will of its own, reclaiming its dominion over a forsaken realm. Amongst the overgrown foliage, unseen insects and arachnids sought refuge, their presence betrayed only by an occasional scuttle or a shimmer of silken threads. Camouflaged amidst the verdant chaos, they patiently awaited their next unsuspecting prey, ready to seize upon any who ventured too close. 

As the sun descended in the western sky, its golden rays extended through the dense foliage of towering oak trees, painting a mesmerizing tapestry of light and shadow. The ethereal dance of illumination and obscurity enveloped the scene, amplifying the eeriness that permeated the air. The songs of robins and mourning doves serenaded the somber landscape, their delicate melodies contrasting with the ominous backdrop. Amidst the rustling leaves and trilling birds, She heard the distant grunt of a white-tailed deer. And as the final rays of sunlight retreated beyond the horizon, they bathed the discovery in a soft, eerie glow, accentuating the unsettling sight before the witness's eyes.

[Y/N] glanced at her phone, which glowed an illuminating white. She looked at the white numbers that read: 6:00 PM.  

She stretched her limps as they  ached from hours of being hunched over digging to completely remove the wild grass and herbs that grew. Her arms gave a satisfying crack, just as her back did in response. She had napped for a satisfying 7 hours,only waking a few times. [Y/N] was suprised that she was able to nap in general. She was content and fully recharged. On the downside, she probably won’t be able to get any rest tonight. 

At least she'll be able to stay awake binging Netflix.

With a determined grip, she thrust her green gloves into the yielding earth, their fabric sinking into the damp soil as she uprooted the herbs with a swift, purposeful tug. As she pulled, the tips of her gloves absorbed the essence of the earth, their vibrant hue now tainted by the stubborn remnants of the earth's bounty. The once-pristine fingers of her gloves were adorned with a telltale shade of brown, evidence of their close association with the soil. And beneath the surface, her nails bore the weight of the garden's secrets, caked with a fine layer of dirt that clung tenaciously to the thin, porous material. 

[Y/N]’s mind wandered as she aimlessly dug through the soil, ripping the herbs from their roots like tendrils. Until her hands gripped something that squished beneath her fingers.

She gazed down, her eyes widening in pure horror, as a gut-wrenching sight unfolded before her. In her trembling hands, a writhing mass of maggots squirmed with repulsive vigor, their pale bodies contorting and intertwining in an unsettling dance. The pungent stench of decay wafted through the air, assaulting her senses and threatening to overpower her resolve. As her grip tightened involuntarily, the soft flesh of the larvae ruptured, smearing her trembling hands with a sickening mixture of viscera and fluids. The once-innocent soil beneath her feet became a graveyard for crushed worms, their slimy remnants mingling with her fingers, an unholy stain that marked her as both witness and participant in this grotesque scene. 

[Y/N] let out a blood churdling scream as she stumbled backwards from her squatting position, landing on her backside. She frantically swiped her hands together to get the maggots off as they fell into the grass beside her. 

The squirming maggots, now a grotesque spectacle in the dew-kissed grass, seemed to writhe in agony. Their once pale, plump bodies were now stained crimson, their delicate flesh bearing the gruesome evidence of their fallen brethren.  Each wriggling creature fought desperately, their tiny frames flayed violently as they were torn away from their decaying feast. The gore of destruction painted the once vibrant green blades of grass a haunting shade of red.

“What the actual fuck?” 

Laying where [Y/N]’s gloved hand dug, was a mound of dirt that maggots swarmed, their white skin hiding beneath the dirt.

[Y/N]’s curiosity peaked exponentially as she moved closer to the mound, dirt staining her knees brown. Her gloves dug through the maggots filled mound, her stomach filling with uneasiness as they glided through the soil.

Suddenly, her hands struck a soft, pudgy, material. [Y/N] dug through the dirt to fully uncover the mound, and as maggots crawled anxiously around her hands, she recoiled in disgust. She was sure it must be a dead animal, and the land must have grown around it, right? 

[Y/N] knew the stench of death, and didn't partially mind the sight of dead animals. Her father, Steve, was a frequent hunter of deer and other game, to which [Y/N] accompanied him. Steve had taught her from a young age how to field dress a deer. Hanging the deer up by its hooves to a tree, she remembers taking her father's hunting knife and running it down the belly of the animal-- very gently to not puncture the belly. Scooping the contents of the deer out, leaving the inside of the deer completely bare. That was the easy part. Now to field dress the deer, was a tedious and lengthy process, using the tip of her knife to slowly peel the hide off of the animal. Hours would pass in the blistering Kansas heat and wind. It was revolting, yet she grew accustomed to the sight.

For her 13th birthday, she was gifted an old 22. rifle from Steve—an old gun that needed to constantly be cleaned and scoped in. The bullets weren’t made for large game such as deer, but they did work on prairie dogs that plagued cow farmers' fields. Eventually, she got a .300 WIN MAG, which now sat below her bed.

She had guessed the rotting carcass of an anwinsle from the potent smell wafting through the air. An unmistakable and haunting odor tainted the air, suffusing every inhalation with a chilling foreboding. It was the stench of death, a macabre orchestra composed of decaying flesh and the ghostly remnants of blood.  

As she slowly uncovered the mound, it became more and more apparent what the mound was. Her hands swiped away the last layer of dirt and maggots to reveal the form underneath the soil. 

[Y/N]’s features contorted with sheer terror again, the lines of his face etched deep with despair. The pallor of her skin turned with goosebumps, a stark contrast to the clammy beads of perspiration that clung to her furrowed brow. Eyes wide, they became twin portals to the void, reflecting the depths of her fear—paralyzed.

A corpse, abandoned to the earth, lies in a state of advanced decomposition. Its once vibrant form is now a haunting testament to the inevitability of mortality. The body, stripped of life, is a pillar of grotesque transformations. The flesh has given way to a grotesque canvas, with patches of decomposed tissue revealing glimpses of bone beneath. The skin, mottled and discolored, hangs loosely, tattered and ravaged by relentless decay. Time etched deep crevices into the once-familiar countenance, obscuring any resemblance to the person it once was. Swarms of maggots and other scavengers feast upon the remains, their writhing presence further amplifying the scene's repulsive nature. 

 Bile crawled up through [Y/N]’s as she doubled over, vomiting into the grass next to her. Food chunks and liquid sprayed the green grass a vomit brown. A tremor coursed through her trembling frame, betraying her tenuous grasp on composure. It was in this harrowing moment that horror unfurled its chilling wings, casting an indelible veil upon her face—a blanket of anguish. The very air seemed to quiver in the presence of such raw, unadulterated fear, as if nature itself recoiled in silent reverence for the intensity of her terror. 

She had torn off her gloves as she scrambled across the grass, grabbing her phone, in an attempt to distance herself as much as possible from the corpse. Her surroundings seemed to spin as the drum of her heart overtook her hearing as well as the sound of the dial tone. When did she call 911?

“This is 911, what’s your emergency?” A woman's voice came from the other side of the phone. Calm, and tender, her voice was comforting. Yet her voice was almost muffled as [Y/N]'s heartbeat filled her eardrums.

“I," [Y/N]'s breath was shaky, quiet as she spoke with a sense of urgency, "Would like to report a dead body."

tag, @rat-briccs-trauma, @strawberrie-fluff, @spookyravioli @darkovergrownforestnymph, @urmomisaqt420 @yipeeesstuff

.@qupiikaaa @fynnwolff

[typezerostudios]

New Omashu

The Great Flood all but wiped out the Fire Nation in a single tremendous surge. The rest of the world flooded, but it was gradual, taking days, weeks, or even months to drown the earth beneath the waves.

Omashu had been conquered by the Fire Nation, but when they saw the approaching waters, having read the reports from their failing Navy, they chose to abandon the city, writing it off as doomed. They saw the laughter of the imprisoned king the braying of a madman, certain that the city and all it's citizens would sink beneath the waves.

They were half right.

King Bumi proved that the line between genius and madness is thin, if it exists at all. Omashu sank, but beneath the earth, the entire city relocated building by building, leaving behind only the greatest structures, each of them sealed against the rising tide. The ruins of Old Omashu still peek above the waves, a relic of an older age, but far beneath is the city of New Omashu.

It is a dark kingdom, illuminated to twilight by countless glowing crystals. Every sound echoes through the streets and against the ceiling, giving the impression that the city is whispering to you, if you could only make out the words. Combined with the Labyrinthine passages used to navigate the city (often changing as an earthbender decides a new passage would be easier than walking around) and visitors find the entire city unsettling.

Its denizens have long grown used to the new environment, memorizing enough of the streets that they can find their path one way or another, their eyes so used to darkness that many find the surface blinding. To be a citizen of the Earth Kingdom is to learn to adapt, to persevere in the face of adversity, and no place has done this better than New Omashu.

The King's Garden

A vital part of New Omashu's culture and survival, the King's Garden is a vast, underground forest, illuminated by glowing crystals harvested from their ancient mines. New Omashu was built around it, as it serves the vital function of purifying the air to ensure the city's survival.

Not one to have only a single purpose behind his actions, Bumi also seeded the forest with edible plants, even bringing in some animals to create a new ecosystem. While most food is provided by specialized farms, no one in Omashu ever goes hungry, for the King always provides a meal from his garden.

Only one building has been built inside of the garden, a modest sized house built of the finest materials, built by Bumi himself. While far too small for the necessary bureaucracy of running Omashu, it makes for a pleasant vacation home. Some say that King Bumi buried himself beneath it, meditating until the return of the Avatar, but every ruler since has insisted this is just a story, though it doesn't stop young earthbenders from seeking it out to see for themselves.

The Spires

Old Omashu was not entirely submerged, and even now, the spires serve two vital purposes. Most obviously, they act as a connection to the surface world, enabling trade and communication. A more subtle purpose is the circulation of air between the surface and the city. While the King's Garden provides sufficient air to survive, many citizens are reassured by the access to fresh air, and the residences closest to them are a highly sought commodity.

The Old Mines

Old Omashu was known for its extensive mining, and this did not change with the founding of New Omashu. If anything, the mines were reinvigorated by the transition, as the demand for more housing, farms, and other infrastructure motivated the rapid excavation of the surrounding earth.

Modern mining is planned years in advance, not just for the acquisition of resources, but for future expansions of city. The type of mining is determined by what the space will be used for once all mineral wealth has been extracted. Residential areas are generally placed in the remnants of strip mine projects, the vast open space giving the illusion of an open sky, while limited mining projects are used for various industries once mining is completed.

The Tunneler's Guild

Originating as scouts for the Mining Guild, the Tunneler's guild has grown into its own entity. Most are employed to dig tunnels to survey the earth surrounding New Omashu, but when there are no jobs available, or they find themselves bored, they dig for their own amusement, and to discover what lies beneath the earth.

It takes years to become a certified tunneler, as the dangers of venturing beyond the city are as numerous as they are deadly. Badger Moles are the most obvious, but pockets of toxic air, tunnel collapses, or even getting lost are far more likely. The greatest fear is a breach of the sea floor, opening up New Omashu to a new flood. Every Tunneler is trained in civic engineering before they are allowed to venture out, and the tunnels are always sealed behind them.

Despite the risks, it is a lucrative career path, as there is always a need for more space. Many Tunneler's have even founded their own satellite villages, hollowing out a smaller space for their families and friends miles from New Omashu, expanding its influence while also allowing them to live on their own terms. Often times these self appointed chiefs are ordered back to Omashu, not to be punished, but to incorporate their homes and expected growth into the long terms expansion of New Omashu. Several districts are named after the Tunnelers that founded them decades ago.

Reclamation Faction

Despite the success of New Omashu, many people long for the open skies. In recent years, this faction has grown louder, advocating to raise Old Omashu above the waters to reclaim their ancient home. Some of them harken back to the nostalgic days of endless sky above them, while others say that New Omashu is unsustainable, and will inevitably collapse, flood, or face some other grand disaster.

While lacking the legislative power to force a return to the surface, their rhetoric is beginning to ring true to many citizens, particularly due to mining delays resulting in less living space for all.

The Green Sun Project

Conceived in the early days of New Omashu, the Sun Project was put aside in favor of more pressing needs, but it has seen a revival as a consideration to the Reclamation Faction. It is simple in it conception, create a massive glowing crystal, and move it across the cavern ceiling using earthbending to replicate the passage of the Sun.

While sound in theory, there is endless bickering about the practicality of performing this on a daily basis, and the risks of a cataclysmic failure should it ever come loose. A secondary proposal would see it installed as a fixed position, integrated into the foundations of Old Omashu to connect them to the old city, but even this would represent a massive investment of time and resources.

The Spirit of Omashu

No one knows of this spirit. Any sighting is treated as a trick of the light, or hallucination. Anyone claiming to hear its voice has an overactive imagination, giving life to the endless murmurs of the city. There was no spirit of Old Omashu, why would there be one here, in a place that did not exist a hundred years ago?

They would be wrong. The Spirit of Omashu is young, not even fully aware of the world around it, but it hears the words of every citizen, it feels their movement like blood through its stony veins, and its fitful stirrings over up new fissures that help Omashu grow.

No one knows what form the spirit could take, but it hears the whispers and prayers of New Omashu, and it learns. Someday it will open its eyes for the first time, will provide its answers to the questions asked in the darkest corners, and Omashu will change.

Notable Figures:

Lord Lee

Steward of New Omashu until the heir apparent reaches maturity, Lee was in charge of agriculture division before his ascent, and longs for the day when he can return to it. Lee in invested in preserving New Omashu until better minds can take it off his hands. He initiates few expansions, choosing instead to invest in quality of life improvements. His pet project is the floating gardens, a series of boats tethered to Old Omashu and filled with soil to bolster their food reserves and reintroduce sunlight dependent foods to their diet. While it will take years for it to reach fruition, he is confident that it will benefit New Omashu without rocking the proverbial boat.

Chief Engineer Badook

A former Tunneler, Badook expects people to do what he tells them or to leave. While this has caused a rash of infighting in the Engineering, it has also led to a host of radical new proposals, as people previously stymied by the bureaucracy simply bring their plans to him for review. Not that any of them have been approved, he is far too busy developing his own vision now that he finally holds the reigns.

For the moment, the engineers are gridlocked, unable to make progress. It is likely that Badook will be replaced in the near future, by the Steward or an ambitious underling. Without an outside voice, or apprentice with more integrity than sense, who is willing to force him to look at the problems, this future grows more certain by the day.

Len Shao, Face of the Reclamation

Len Shao hates her life in New Omashu. She hates stubbing her toes every five minutes, she hates algae loaf, and she hates when people tell her to just get used to it.

She longs for a different life, and her great grandmother's stories of life in Old Omashu gave her a window into what it could be like. She joined the merchant's guild to see the surface, and while the sun was blinding, she had never seen a more beautiful sight. (The painful burns it gave her she could have done without, but there's no such thing as something for nothing.)

She had petitioned the New Omashu council with countless proposals to make Old Omashu part of the new city. The expansion of the merchant fleet. Walls like Ba Sing Se to reclaim the old city. Opening a shaft to allow real light into the Garden. Almost all of them have been met with the same condescension, assuring her that the city will be reclaimed once the Ocean's Wrath is spent and the waters recede, but it has been a century. The world will not go back to how it was, and they need to accept that.

Now, she seeks to bring others to her view of life, and their voices are growing louder, angrier. She wanted to live on the surface, but some say the only way that will happen is if New Omashu were to fall. The thought scare Len Shao, but people listen to her less and less as their movement grows.

Admiral Wong Despite her title, Admiral Wong has little to no power. The New Omashu fleet is limited to a few merchant vessels, and the majority of their forces are allocated towards the army. As the ranking naval officer, she is still entitled to sit in the King's Hall, and with little concern beyond when the next shipment will come in, she watches, she listens, and she learns.

She learns the petty disagreements between the guilds and the bureaucrats, she spots the cracks in the foundation, that could turn into great faults in their society. She sees how she could turn them to her advantage, if she really wanted. After all, how much power could she exert on them?

And a part of her wonders if New Omashu would be better off, if someone more willing to hold the reins of power were in charge. Lord Lee is doing an acceptable job, but he doesn't have the will to improve the city. Wong has the will, she simply lacks the power, but it would be so easy to acquire, and it would be for the greater good of New Omashu.

[novankenn]

Jaune 1/2 (v2-2)

Pyrrha: Jaune!

Jaune: WHAT?

Pyrrha; I know you’re upset, but don’t break your scroll! I don’t have one, remember?

Jaune: And why is that? Oh, yeah you smashed it against the wall…

Pyrrha: To keep you from running around shirtless as a girl you PERVERT! Now stop squeezing your scroll!

Jaune looked down at the scroll in her hand, and instantly relaxed her crushing grip. The spider web of cracks crossing the collapsible screen, proof of just how hard she was squeezing the device.

Ozpin: So I take it we have a deal? Also, please keep your scroll in good condition, Ms Arc. It was provided to you by Beacon… so it is considered school property.

Jaune: Fine.

Ozpin: Now, if there is nothing else pressing…

Jaune: There WILL be hot water, right? As soon as I get there?

Ozpin: Yes. Glynda is preparing a thermos as we speak.

Jaune: Good…

Jaune tapped the icon to end the call, and stuffed the damaged device into her pocket. She gave Pyrrha a look and waited.

Pyrrha: What?

Jaune: Which way?

Pyrrha: What do you mean, which way? 

Jaune: Well, do you think I know? I was dunked into a mudhole!

Pyrrha; Well, I don’t…

Jaune’s scroll dinged. So she pulled it out… and saw a single text message.

Ozpin -> North.

Jaune: Guess we are going North.

Without a pause, Jaune took off, surprising Pyrrha with her pure speed. Realizing she was being left behind, she took after her “fiancée”. Jaune didn’t run in a straight line, instead she leapt about, using her momentum to bounce and leap off the various tree trunks. Not to be out done, Pyrrha followed suit. They were making great time, chewing up the distance, until an Ursa appeared before them.

Pyrrha: JAUNE!

Jaune didn’t pause her rapid advance, in fact she shot past the feel beast. Pyrrha had been sure the massive grimm would have swatted Jaune from the air, so she had pulled Milo from her back in sword form. As she barreled towards the beast, she was shocked to find it frozen in mid-swipe. Not wasting the opportunity, she passed by it, removing its head from its shoulders.

From the clearing, the fell creature was standing beside a pair of figures watched as a pair of reddish streaks flew past their opponent. A second later, the monstrosity evaporated in a cloud of black smoke.

????: Awe! I was going to ride that one!

????: It’s okay, Nora. There are sure to be more, around.

Nora: Are you sure, Rennie?

Ren: We’re in a grimm infested forest. I’m sure.

Nora grinned at her nearly lifelong friend. She had a plan. A wish that this forest could make a reality. Tightening her grip on her hammer, she rushed forward into the undergrowth, intent on making that dream a reality. Ren however held back for a few seconds. He knew there was nothing in this place that was any real danger to Nora, so he took a moment to contemplate what he just witnessed.

Ren: I know there were two of them, and they were fast. The first stunned it, and the second dispatched it. Interesting tactic. I wonder who they are?

With that thought, Ren dashed off in pursuit of his partner.

As Ren chased after Nora to assist her in crossing off an item on her bucket list, Jaune and Pyrrha reached the clearing. Jaune paused at the edge of the expanse of dirt and stone. She was trying to figure out where the relics would be. Pyrrha was beside her a moment later.

Pyrrha: There!

Jaune: Chess pieces? What the hell type of relic as that?

Pyrrha: What did you think the relics would be?

Jaune: Old vases, or ancient scrolls. Like, you know, actual relics.

Pyrrha: Do you REALLY think that Beacon’s staff would put anything that valuable out here in the middle of nowhere for an admissions test?

Jaune: Well… when you put it that way.

Not wasting another breath on speaking with Jaune, Pyrrha rushed forward snatched the first piece she was close to, and rushed past Jaune back the way they had come.

Jaune: Hey! Wait for me!

==\ Episode List /==

[dutchessofcaladan]

Pirates of the Caribbean: Wrath of the Kraken

Chapter 1

Chapter 2! I hope you guys are enjoying this story! As always, thank you to @phantomoftheparadise0002 for beta-reading this!

Summary: When Jack recruits Smith to help him find the lost relics of Cortez, their mission doesn't go as planned when they run into terrors and joys from their past, ultimately witnessing the resurrection of the Dutchman...and her beloved Captain.

TW: Slight Violence

Looking up at the night sky, Smith carefully watched the stars.

"Captain?" Murtogg question, standing as straight as a board.

"Aye?" Smith didn't take her eyes off the stars.

"I was wonderin' if Mullroy and I could, uh, releave you of your current duties as helmsman."

Smith sighed. She knew Murtogg wasn't doing this out of the goodness of his heart. When she became overly tired or stressed, she had a habit of snapping at anyone who even breathed to loudly.

Nodding, she beckoned him to the wheel. "Follow that line of stars there." She ordered, indicating the "map". "Do not change course until we reach the island at that point there." She pointed to the last star.

"Aye." Murtogg nodded as Smith descended the stairs and entered the Captain's Cabin.

Smith stumbled slightly as she attempted to not trip over the piles of treasure that littered the cave, her and Hector's swords clashing with Jack's.

Placing the stolen coin in his hand, Jack sliced his palm, allowing his blood to seep onto the coin before tossing it to Will.

Noticing this, Smith and Hector aimed their guns at Elizabeth, who was running their way.

Freezing at the sound of a gunshot, Elizabeth's eyes went wide.

Knowing they hadn't fired, Smith and Hector looked at Jack, who had his gun aimed at Hector, a cold look of revenge on his face as the smoke cleared.

"Ten years ye carry that pistol and now ye waste you're shot." Hector taunted, gun still aimed at Elizabeth.

"He didn't waste it!" Will shouted from atop the treasure mound where the chest sat.

Hector and Smith watched as he dropped the remaining coins into the chest, blood dripping from his hand.

Elizabeth smiled at her lover, amazed at how he and Jack were able to outsmart Barbossa.

Dropping his weapons, Hector opened his coat, he and Smith watching as a river of blood seeped through the thin fabric of his shirt.

Smith's heart thundered in her chest as a wave of tears flooded her eyes, her body refusing to move.

A mix of emotions flitted across Barbossa's face. Relief. Shock. Acceptance. "I feel," he breathed, "cold." As the word left him, his body fell limp against the heap of treasure behind him, an apple falling from his hand into the crevice between the rocks.

Dropping her weapons, Smith fell to her knees at her dead lover's side. "No." She sobbed, placing her hands on his chest and shaking him. "You're gonna wake up, right?" She asked, her tears beginning to spill onto the blood-stained fabric. "You have to wake up."

Once the realization of what had happened set in, she slowly turned to Jack, her breath coming out in short, angry huffs.

"You." She growled. "You will pay for this."

As she reached for her pistol, a white hot pain ran through her. Looking down, she saw the blade of a sword poking through her stomach.

As the sword was removed, Smith's corpse fell back against Barbossa's, revealing Will, a bloodied sword in his hand.

Jerking awake, Smith felt of her stomach, expecting to feel the blade of Will's sword, but finding nothing at all. Taking a few deep breaths to steady herself, she stood up from the bed and went to the window, looking up at the stars.

"Stole him heart, you did."

Jumping, Smith turned to face Calypso.

"What?" She panted, failing miserably at calming her rapid heart.

"Barbossa." The Goddess stated bluntly. "Him told me. Him told me all about you." She smiled.

"What did he say?"

"Not'ing to personal." Calypso reassured. "It after he t'reaten me. Say if I do not bring you back he drive a sword t'rough my heart." Placing a hand over her heart, she put on a pained expression. "I tell him I bring you back. Not because of his t'reat, no...because man cannot live without him heart. If man try to live wit'out him heart-"

"It will turn him into a monster." Smith finished. "Like what happened with Davy Jones."

"You will not speak dat name!" Calypso roared, a look of great pain on her face.

"But it's true, isn't it?" Smith moved closer. "You took away Davy Jones' heart by cursing him to be Captain of the Dutchman for so long. You took him away from the thing he loved most...you."

Straightening her posture, a look of fear on her face, she vanished as the seas became rough, dark clouds blocking the stars.

"MAELSTROM!"

Smith ran from the cabin and into the pouring rain, instantly becoming soaked as she stared at the swirling pool in front of them.

"JACK!" She screamed. "IT'S CALYPSO!"

As soon as her name was uttered, something began to rise from the maelstrom. A ship.

Recognizing the now visible bow, Jack and Smith ordered their crews to steer the ship away.

"HIGH TO PORT! GATHER WAY! KEEP HER TRIM!" She ordered.

The ragged sails of the drenched ship were beginning to become visible.

Running up the stairs, Smith pushed Murtogg, taking the helm. Turning the wheel sharply to the left, pulling the Revenge out of the maelstrom.

Panting, Smith watched as the rest of the ship emerged from the swirl of water.

Jack's eyes widened in horror. The name Dutchman the only thing leaving his lips.

[msookyspooky]

My mom after we watched Near Dark pointed out how arrogant the vampires are and yeah they are but that's the most human way of reacting to being turned

IMAGINE if you had super strength, lived longer than anyone, always young/young-ish, could be shot and just spit the bullet out, could feel pain from injuries but walk away, have senses us humans can't comprehend, you're like a GOD. In fact, holy relics don't hurt them. They might as well be Gods in their minds. Of course they're arrogant.

In fact, their arrogance is their downfall. If Severen would've just shot Caleb or snapped his neck instead of toying with him. If Jesse would've shot at Caleb more or DB would've slit his throat instead of letting him run.

Their arrogance is both a natural reaction to a human becoming something more and a curse. Living so long, never dying, no sickness or changes, healing forever, never changing, death every single night to the point you grow desensitized from humans and empathy, seeing everyone you care about die from your human life, seeing the world changing to something unfamiliar like living in a movie reel. Almost like dissociation in a way.

Or dealing with what Homer had which was even more cruel.

They stuck together out of loneliness because arrogance and loneliness are synonymous sometimes. Why would they be social around humans aka walking food that has no comprehension of life the way they do? All they have is other vampires like themselves.

In a way, I think they wanted to die deep down inside even if they still had basic survival instincts to survive. They knew eventually they would die. Maybe even prayed for it in a world they live in. Only turning others to spare themselves of the lonely ache of living forever.

It's why they all accepted death easily because they got edged by death nightly and it was finally a change. A release. Severen lived for danger and he finally got the ultimate thrill while going out not back down from avenging him and his 'family'. Homer died because the loneliness was so obvious in him if he couldn't groom Sarah to be his then he had no reason to go on. Jesse and DB had each other and without Homer and Severen they only had each other and it was clear as in love as they were that wasn't enough. They would go out like Severen did trying to take Caleb down with them because if one of them was seperated, say, DB wasn't in that car with Jess; he would've sped off to any barn or building even a home he could to seek shelter and reunite with her.

But no. They had each other after so long of trying to be a family. DB lost Homer who is heavily hinted to be the only child figure she has and needed. Jesse and her lost Severen who was a good friend and Jesse's little brother figure that reminded him of his human life so he lost his brother twice in a way. They had NOTHING so if they die together after night after night of either living like a rapid dog or living like God then so be it.

Yes their arrogance was their undoing but so was their collective issues/loniless with such a drawn out life.

[scorching-passion]

Closed Starter for @ghostofnibelheim

It had taken some time to pinpoint the exact location of the general down here in the deepest recesses of this old forgotten place. Hard to believe that ShinRa would simply abandon such a prominent relic of its history nestled within the scenic shadow of Mount Nibel. 

Alas, they had, and left it to fester and crumble in favour of pastures new, or so it would seem. The place reeked of mildew, the old furniture, once ornate and pristine simply rotting in haphazard piles in the corners of each room. Memories had been made here once, the rapid evolution of a humble business now established at the very epicentre of the mako metropolis virtually on the other side of the world; an empire as it were, where both men and monster would tremble beneath the mighty weight of the president's wrath. 

Some days Roche could find pride for his service within the company, where his deeds were deemed to be good and just - exacting the will of ShinRa to bring prosperity to the lives of all men. 

Others, like today, that pride would shrink like a lonesome flower denied the fruitful light of the ancient sun. A shadow cast the moment he’d spied the plaque framing the summit of the stairwell in Nibel’s reactor; JENOVA. 

Sephiroth had not been himself since, and the Second liked to believe that he knew Sephiroth quite well, though perhaps not as well as he’d like. Still, enough to know there was something dark and unsettling rattling deep within the silver SOLDIER’s psyche. So thankful had he been upon the First’s fitful vanishing act that the villagers ran their mouths as one would run a motor, so little time had it taken for him to find his commanding officer, nay, his friend, holed up in this forgotten library. 

Like a moth to a flame, Sephiroth was drawn to tomes and the knowledge they gifted.

Needless to say, that one Second Class SOLDIER was not the type for delicate entrances, tramping through the dust crusted hallway, the dirt crunching beneath each heavy boot, like a man on a mission - not quite as far from the truth as Roche would certainly like to admit. 

“My dearest friend!” With a wide sweep of both arms he bellowed only from the other side of the expansive desk of which Sephiroth had perched; his back to him, so broad of shoulder, hunched and tense with whatever burdens would ail him. Clear as day to ascertain this man was not feeling well even without the local folks’ input. 

“A mighty fine fare you so sorely missed. Our hosts certainly noticed your absence, as did we!” There was no malice nor mockery in his tone, perhaps an unintentional edge of concern but given the biker’s sheer volume and incessant jubilant nature there was no doubt the latter would simply go unnoticed.

[cutekittenlady]

Tumblr Plays Pokemon White 2 - Part 10

Been running around Castelia Sewers and realized I'd never been in HERE before. Huh, maybe I should give it a shot.

Ohhh a cave. And as we all know where there are caves there are....

Well, yes, pokemon, but I was gonna say treasure. Sweet Rich Treasure. Of money. For me to find.

Or strange middle aged men.... that too.

After beating up the two middle aged man and one strange lady I caught a woobat and roggenrola for the dex before leaving to heal up my pokemon and get more supplies. Turns out Polux has the Run Away ability which makes getting away from unwanted wild pokemon battles way easier.

While putting Roggenrola in the box I saw it was holding an item; an everstone. I decide to pocket the thing just in case I might need it later.

((I buy some super repels to use in the Relic Passage. Drilbur won the encounter vote for this area, but they only appear in dust clouds and if I encounter a pokemon before reaching the dust cloud I lose the encounter. So I plan to use the repels to try to better my chances. Plus dust clouds can sometimes just have items like shards.))

Ohhh a Drilbur! These guys are pretty tough!

I start off with Polux and have him use a sand attack to lower drilburs accuracy. Aries thunderwave wont work this time to incapacitate the opponent since I'm pretty sure Drilbur must be a rock or ground type or something. I use sand attack several more times just to be sure and then ahve him use bite however Drilbur still manages to dodge and still manages to hitwith a mudslap lowering Polux's accuracy.

I send in Bentley in the hopes of landing a leech seed. WIth that I should be able to chip away at Drilburs health to make them easier to catch. Once Leech seed lands I send Polux back in and have him use quick attack. This gets Drilbur in the yellow and another leech seed gets their health even lower. I decide to try and use a heal ball this tiem around so that I can add Drilbur to the team right away. I only have one heal ball though, so its a risk.

I throw the ball but drilbur manages to get free. So much for that idea. Another leech seed gets drilbur in the red. I really want to catch this pokemon so I throw a great ball. Its the highest grade pokeball I've got and in the red like this its my only chance to catch Drilbur.

But Drilbur breaks out AGAIN! Leech Seed lowers its health a bit more. Now its only a sliver! One more leech seed is bound to take Drilbur out. This next great ball HAS to catch or else we lose the encounter!

I ready the ball.

I throw.

It shakes. Once. Twice. Thrice.

CAUGHT!

Phew this one was quite a struggle.

I opt to name her Dusty after the cloud of dirt we found her in.

NOw though I have to check her nature! After such a long hung and a difficult catch I REALLY hope shes compatible with the rest of the team!

Here we go, check the gangs natures...

Now checking Dusty's...

Serious! Looks like Dusty's here to stay!

I take a moment to check her moves and ability. She has Sand Rush which means she'll move even father in a sand storm! Something that is bound to come in handy in future. She also knows Rapid Spin, Mud-Slap, Fury Swipes, and Metal Claw which gives us some decent type coverage.

Welcome to the team Dusty!

Before leaving the relic passage I catch a Timburr and Onix for the Professors dex as well as a grimer out in the sewer. Checking the dex I can see that those are all the pokemon available in this area at the moment, so with a sigh of relief I had back to the pokemon center for a MUCH needed shower.

----

Alright after that shower I think its finally time to move on!

TO ROUTE 4

Oh god its the weirdo sewer guy. Aaaaa he's standing he front of the only road out of Castelia. Well the only road I walk on anyway. (Perfect urban planning my ass)

Maybe I can just slip past him? I mean he only saw me once, surely he won't be able to recognize me after only seeing me once in a dark dank sewer right?

SONNNOVA- Look buddy I don't have any loose change. I have some... water bottles? You want water bottles? You can't have the lemonade though. Thats mine.

... Pokemon being a euphemism for...?

Whoa whoa! I didn't say anything about cooperating!

Does it? I literally just caught it.

Hey, it's more than YOU have chump!

(Why am i getting so defensive with a weirdo sewer guy?)

.... That has GOT to be your real name because I can't imagine anyone picking it as a pseudonym. Also putting on a lab coat doesnt make you a scientist.

And this guy just goes off talking about how the "theme" of his research is 'bringing out the power of pokemon'. I don't really know what hes talking about because I tune him out. I really really just want to get past this guy.

So I hum and nod along and next thing I know I've agreed the battle the guy! He says he'll be waiting for me on Route 4.

CREEPY

I need to stiff one to settle my nerves.

I down the lemonade, get a couple of water bottles for the desert and then nerve myself up.

When I woke up today to beat up an artist and explore a sewer, I didn't think I was going to have to deal with someone wearing a weird hair piece cosplaying a scientist and living in a sewer but here I am.

[maswartz]

After Salem

All concepts are free for use with credit given.

(Plot diverges after V7)

In the final battle with Salem the heroes combine the power Ruby’s silver eyes with that of all four maidens to purge her of the Grimm essence and manage to get her to admit that she’s moved on from her daughters deaths resulting in her losing her immortality. Aging thousands of years in seconds she was soon dust. However before her defeat Salem managed to unite the four relics. The Brothers had returned. Displeased by the conflict still existing they were about to judge humanity as irredeemable when the heroes convinced them that humanity was not that far gone. Listening to their argument the Brothers agreed that humanity was neither worthy of them returning nor did they deserve extermination. Thus they returned to the stars. Before leaving however the God of Darkness left a gift. One in every five hundred babies born after this day would have the gift of magic. In time the four maidens would create the Seasons Academy to teach these new magic users how to use their gifts. Magic users have weaker semblances so the scales are not too unbalanced. Magic users are given the title of Wizard or Witch and act like Huntsmen, protecting the people of Remnant from the always present danger of the Grimm. The Huntsmen Academies lowered the age requirements after Salem’s final plan involved destroying many of the minor academies. In the following years much has changed. One such change is that Menagerie is now an official kingdom. Technology has advanced at a rapid pace, trains using anti gravity technology connect most cities. As a result trips that would have taken days now take a matter of hours. Due to this more and more cities rise outside the kingdom borders. The heroes of team RWBY and JNOR and their allies have all begun new lives after the fall of Salem.

Ruby and Oscar are married with four children. Ruby now runs Petal Storm, a weapon repair and modification store with Nora while Oscar writes books about the past Ozes.

Maria Pine-18 Lyme Pine-16 Sunny (M) and Luna (F) Pine-12 year old twins.

Blake and Yang are married with two adopted children. Blake works to help Faunus equality across Remnant while Yang helps design and test new vehicles for the SDC. Tawny Belladonna-Xiao Long-18 Vivi Belladonna-Xiao Long-17

Weiss and Jaune are married with three children. Weiss took over SDC and is working to undo the damage done by her father while Jaune teaches combat at a local academy.

Nichole Schnee-19 Maple Schnee- 13- Named in honor of Pyrrha. She inherited her mother’s singing voice and has a huge love of music. In fact she wants to enter the music industry rather than become a Huntress. To her relief her parents told her they’d support whatever decision she made. William Schnee- 10- A curious young boy with an interest in science. He loves touring the various SDC research labs with his mother. He discovers his semblance allows him to summon defeated Grimm and possess them. This does leave his body vulnerable. Close friends with his cousin Talos Schnee

Ren and Nora are married with three children. Ren is the mayor of a rebuilt Kuroyuri while Nora runs Petal Storm, a weapon repair and modification store with Ruby.

Balder Ren-17 Nezha Ren-16 Sif Ren-15

The headmasters remain a part of Oscar’s inner circle however with the fall of Salem their mission is now to continue to guide all of Remnant into everlasting peace and preventing future disasters.

Beacon

Headmistress- Glynda Goodwitch- The first headmistress of Beacon. Once Beacon was rebuilt the decision to name her headmistress was unanimous. 

History- Dr Bartholomew Oobleck- Still his energetic self always eager to share knowledge with anyone willing to learn.

Grimm Studies- Peter Port- Still bombastic and passing on his wisdom and experience. Head of Security- Gordon Ryder- Gordon’s semblance allows him to create orbs of aura that act as his eyes and ears. He is capable of creating multiple orbs and has them placed around the boundaries of the campus. However while keeping track of them he often loses track of what’s happening around his own body.

Origin- The Headless Horseman

Combat Instructor- Paulina “Babe” Bunyan- A bull faunus, her semblance allows her to spot the weak point in things or people which allowed her to help her lumberjack father when she was a child.

Origin- Paul Bunyan

Airship Piloting- Skye Gale- When he was younger his hubris caused an airship crash that nearly killed him. After recovering he set forward to teach others to learn from his mistake.

Origin- Icarus.

Wilderness Survival - Forest Mann- The son of explorers who perished during a jungle expedition his semblance and basic wilderness training allowed him to survive. His semblance allows him to copy the traits of nearby animals. After making it back to civilization years later he began teaching others how to survive the wilderness.

Origin- Mowgli/Tarzan

Beacon Teams Fourth Year

Team MNTY

Maria Pine- Growing up Maria couldn’t help but feel like she was in the shadow of heroes and legends and as a result she grew insecure. Her desire to prove herself “worthy” eventually results in her being injured on a training mission. After that she admits her insecurity to her parents and her team who help her grow past it and see her own self worth. Like her father Maria can use magic. Appearance: 18 years old. 5ft 8in- Brown hair to shoulders Hazel eyes Outfit: Light red top with maroon corset. maroon shorts. Light red tights with green vine design, roses on knees. Maroon fingerless gloves up to elbows. Green vine design on gloves. Maroon boots. Half length version of Ruby’s cloak in maroon. Emblem: Three roses on a single stem, one white, one red and one maroon Emblem Location: Back of cloak Aura Color: Maroon Semblance: Stat Boost- Allows Maria to boost a single stat (speed, strength, stamina, etc) Weapon: Rose’s Thorn- Kusarigama with extending chain. Gun built into the end.  Partner: Nautica Waves Origin: Rose Red Nautica Waves- The daughter of fishermen she grew up on the water most of her life. Resourceful and daring, she won’t give up until all options have been exhausted. Appearance: 19 years old. 5ft 6in. Short dark blue hair. Blue eyes. Shark Faunus- Shark gills allowing her to breathe under water. Outfit: Teal wetsuit with wave pattern, armor plating on shoulders, elbows, knees, torso. Optional flippers. Emblem: A series of waves descending in size Emblem Location: Shoulder armor Aura Color: Teal Semblance: Hydrokinesis- Can control water as long as it’s in liquid form. Can even shape weapons out of it. The more water she controls the more aura it takes. Weapon: Ebb and Flow- Twin pistols modified to shoot water. Using her semblance she can boost the power of the water to the point it can cut through metal. Carries a dagger called Shark’s tooth as a back up. After a few missions begins using a harpoon as her main weapon to conserve on water. Partner: Maria Pine Origin: The Little Mermaid Theo Schwartz- Due to a less than stellar home situation he attempts to defuse tense situations with humor. He believes in being prepared and carries many tools and items in his hat including a set of throwing knives, tents, medical kits, food and water. Not to mention his team’s ammo. Appearance: 18 years old. 5ft 9in. Short black hair. Green eyes. Cat Faunus- Cat whiskers. Outfit: Black pants. White shirt with black dress coat. Red bow tie. Tall hat with red and white stripes. Emblem: A hand reaching into a hat Emblem Location: Back of coat Aura Color: Ebony Semblance: Hat Trick- A pocket dimension inside his hat where he can store and retrieve any inorganic item he wants. Weapon: Cat’s Cane-  A hook style cane with a built in grappling hook and gun. Partner: York Letterson Origin: The Cat in the Hat York Letterson- A firm believer in the phrase “Knowledge is power” York is almost always reading. He is eager to learn and teach as much as he can and often volunteers to tutor other students. When he has free time he can often be found in the library. Appearance: 18 years old. 5ft 5in. Long green hair reaching down his back. Often in twin ponytails. Green eyes. Outfit: Dark green pants. Light green button up top with a pocket on the upper left breast. Dark green armor over the shirt with light green pads on arms and legs. Pair of reading glasses. Emblem: A head of lettuce Emblem Location: Shirt pocket Aura Color: Green Semblance: Prehensile Hair- Can control and use his hair as weapons or extra arms. In a pinch can even shoot strands like darts. If the hair is cut it will regrow to normal length within days due to all the aura inside it. Weapon: Close Shave- A pair of blades with gun barrels in the tips. Blades can be combined into a scissors form. In scissors mode it can be thrown like a boomerang. Partner: Theo Schwartz Origin: Rapunzel

Team NGHT

Nichole Schnee- From a young age her parents made sure she knew that her name made her no more important and no better than anyone else. She is kind and generous and always looking for ways to help others with the Schnee fortune. She’s very aware there’s still plenty of damage to undo from her grandfather. In battle she will often target powerful or unique Grimm to add to her semblance.

Appearance: 19 years old. 5ft 10in. Long light blue hair in double ponytails. Light blue eyes.

Outfit: Light blue dress with white fur pattern trim. Dress ends little above knees. Blue and white stripped stockings. Light blue boots. White gloves. Armored breastplate, armor on lower arms and shins. All armor is ice themed.

Emblem: Schnee snowflake with a sword resembling the sword part of Crocea Mors

Emblem Location: Knee and elbow armor

Aura Color: Light blue

Semblance: Grimm Aspects- She summons pieces of Grimm to use herself. She can call on the wings of a Teryx or a Nevermore, the claws of a Sabyr, the armor of an Arms Gigas, punching power of a Beringel. Like normal summons if they receive enough damage they’ll dissipate.

Weapon: Cyros- Icicle themed javelin that doubles as a rifle. The shield part of Crocea Mors.

Partner: Guile Widows

Origin: Christmas Elf

Guile Widows- A cunning strategist who excels at using his enemies own actions against them. He prefers to lure targets into his webs and let them tire themselves out trying to escape.

Appearance: 19 years old. 6ft. Black hair with eight dreadlocks, four on each side. Brown eyes.

Outfit: Black cargo pants with a mild webbing pattern. Gray shirt with black straps from backpack forming an “X”. Fingerless gloves.

Emblem: Eight eyes, top pair are farthest apart and bottom pair are closest together.

Emblem Location: Bandana

Aura Color: Black

Semblance: Aura Webs- Webs that can catch, contain, or even act as nets.

Weapon: Spider’s Bite- Twin curved swords with guns in the hilts.

Partner: Nichole Schnee

Origin: Anansi

Hunter Python- Strict and serious he considers being a huntsman too serious to joke about. To his dismay his partner Tawny has made it his mission to get him to laugh at least once a day. Hunter is very reluctant to use his semblance due to its nature. However if lives are at stake he will do so with frightening effect.

Appearance: 18 years old. 5ft 11in. Brown hair. Snake Faunus- Snake eyes, yellow with green pupils.

Outfit: Green boots with a snake skin pattern. Yellow-green cargo pants. Yellow shirt under a green hoodie. Yellow-Green armor with scale pattern over hoodie.

Emblem: Stylized snake head

Emblem Location: Pockets of pants

Aura Color: Yellow-Green

Semblance: Hypnoeyes- Can command people to do things. Stronger commands require more aura and concentration and a command too far removed from what the subject would normally do will not be followed. When activated his eyes glow green. Requires full eye contact

Weapon: Serpent Staff- Staff that can separate into chain linked segments. Can also shoot from the mouth of the serpent.

Partner: Tawny Belladonna-Xiao Long

Origin: Kaa

Tawny Belladonna-Xiao Long- Adopted when he was 6 years old. Hyperactive, full of energy, eager to make new friends. Inherited Yang’s love of puns.

Appearance: 18 years old. 6ft 2in Scruffy orange hair, brown eyes. Tiger Faunus- Tiger tail.

Outfit: Orange sweatpants and orange top with baggy sleeves. Black patches stripe all along outfit. Armor on knees and elbows.

Emblem: A tiger pouncing

Emblem Location: Back of shirt

Aura Color: Orange

Semblance: Rebounce- Allows him to jump, leap, and bounce incredible heights and land from any height without injury.

Weapon: Tora Tearors- Clawed gloves with guns built into the hand guards.

Partner: Hunter Python

Origin: Tigger

Third Year

Team VBAT (Vibrant)

Vivi Belladonna Xiao-Long- Adopted when she was 5 years old. Very self conscious about her appearance after bullies at the orphanage convinced her that her birth parents abandoned her because she was ugly. Her mothers and brother spent years trying to get her to understand that she is beautiful on the inside and the outside. After being named a team leader she gradually gains self confidence.

Appearance: 17 years old. 5ft 11in. Long dark black hair. Purple eyes.

Outfit: Long purple robe with a hood she uses to cover herself up. After she gains self confidence she switches to a more streamlined version without a hood.

Emblem: A pair of wings overlapping each other.

Emblem Location: Back of robe

Aura Color: Purple

Semblance: Energy Ripple- Sends a burst of energy in a direction.

Weapon: Tempera- Staff with fire dust on one end and ice dust on the other. When used with her semblance she can create waves of flame or frost.

Partner: Terry Braun

Origin: The ugly duckling

Balder Ren- Though serious around most people when he’s with family and friends he opens up and loosens up. As a child his parents would call him their little Sunshine.

Appearance: 17 years old. 5ft 9in Dark orange hair with a pink ribbon tied in it. Blue eyes.

Outfit: Sleeveless green robe with golden sash. Magenta pants. Both have a sun pattern.

Emblem: A stylized sun

Emblem Location: Back of robe

Aura Color: Golden

Semblance: Light Burst- Absorbs natural light and discharges it. Depending on the amount of light stored it can stun or temporarily blind. Weaker grimm may even be destroyed by a strong enough burst. As he evolves his semblance he can direct the burst instead of releasing it in all directions. Even storing it in the form of light armor.

Weapon: Stormbringer and Stormbreaker- Twin hook swords with guns built in.

Partner: Alison Eirian

Origin: Balder

Alison Eirian- An optimist often lost in a daydream, her mind wanders easily. She enjoys seeing the bright side of even the darkest situation. However she does take her duties as a Huntress seriously. Tries to get Terry to smile more.

Appearance: 18 years old. 5ft 10in Blonde hair in a ponytail, blue eyes.

Outfit: Long cobalt dress with silver armor plating on the front. White stockings with blue shoes. Silver gloves.

Emblem: A mirror

Emblem Location: Back of gloves

Aura Color: Cobalt

Semblance: Reflection- Allows her to enter any reflective surface. Inside the reflection is totally silent. She can travel to other reflections as long as there’s no obstacles in the way.

Weapon: Full Deck- sword that appears to be made of a deck of cards, shifts into gun mode. Also carries reflective cards to use as emergency reflections.

Partner: Balder Ren

Origin: Alice in Wonderland

Terry Braun- Growing up on the streets led him to adopt a tough cynical persona. His new friends convince him that there’s more than one kind of strength. Very protective of those younger than him. Tries to get Alison to be more realistic.

Appearance: 17 years old. 5ft 11 in.Scruffy brown hair. Brown eyes.

Outfit: Brown boots, brown shorts. Brown t-shirt with torn vest.

Emblem: A howling wolf

Emblem Location: Back of vest

Aura Color: Brown

Semblance: Howling Wind- Can create powerful wind with his breath.

Weapon: Howling Hatchets- Twin axes with guns built into the handles. Can combine to form a shotgun.

Partner: Vivi Belladonna-Xiao Long

Origin: The Big Bad Wolf

Second Year

Team JNGL

Jim Peaches- Analytical and strategic he is highly skilled at coming up with plans that utilize the strengths of his teams. He has a fondness for insects and is known to talk to them when he thinks he’s alone.

Appearance: 16 years old 5ft 5in. Short brown hair, pink eyes.

Outfit: Tan pants with peach shirt. Tan shoes. Peach longcoat. Pink tie with insect designs (grasshopper, centipede, ladybug, spider, earthworm, glowworm)

Emblem: A peach with a bite taken out of it

Emblem Location: Belt buckle

Aura Color: Peach

Semblance: Peach Protection- Creates forcefields over himself. Can extend to include other people. With practice he learns to create smaller ones to throw as projectiles.

Weapon: Peach Pit- Mace with detachable head. Gravity dust built in allows him to launch and recall the head.

Partner: Nezha Ren

Origin: James and the Giant Peach

Nezha Ren- Eager and impatient he’s often the first to race into a battle. He enjoys moving fast and hitting hard. As a child his parents would call him their Moonbeam.

Appearance: 16 years old. 5ft 6in. Short black hair. Pink eyes.

Outfit: Amber sleeveless vest and dark orange cargo shorts. Armor plated elbow and knee pads. Orange goggles

Emblem: A burning wheel

Emblem Location: Knee pads

Aura Color: Amber

Semblance: Speed Rails- He creates rails of aura in the air to run on boosting his speed as he pleases. Only Nezha can interact with the rails, all others will simply pass through them.

Weapon: Stormlillies- Twin chakram that turn into shurikens.

Partner: Jim Peaches

Origin: Nezha

J.J Grayson- He is used to people mocking or underestimating him due to his weight and bulk. However he isn’t bothered by it because he knows it’s mostly muscle instead of fat. His teammates all find him awesome. He’s the powerhouse of his team and will put himself between them and danger if it keeps them safe. Likes to call Lyme “Sprout”

Appearance: 16 years old. 6ft. Bulky build. Mostly muscle instead of fat. Short gray hair. Elephant Faunus- Elephant Ears.

Outfit: Necklace with a black feather on it. Gray boots. Gray baggy shorts. Gray sweatshirt.

Emblem: Elephant head

Emblem Location: Front of sweatshirt

Aura Color: Gray

Semblance: Flight- Can fly as high or as fast as he wishes.

Weapon: Stampede- Spear that turns into rifle, spear tip splits to reveal barrel.

Partner: Lyme Pine

Origin: Dumbo

Lyme Pine- Calm and caring he enjoys nature in all its forms. A love of plants lead him to study botany, he can even use plants and herbs to create medicine in a pinch. He acts as his team’s medic. Likes to call J.J “Big Guy”

Appearance: 16 years old - 5ft 3in. Short blackish hair, silver eyes. Slight tan from extended time outdoors.

Outfit: Green overalls over a light green top. Brown gloves with floral pattern. Dark green boots.

Emblem: A pinecone wrapped in vines

Emblem Location: Front of overalls

Aura Color: Lime Green

Semblance: Aura Vines- Can create vines made out of his aura. These can be used for extending his reach or in combat. As his semblance grows he can add thorns to the vines.

Weapon: Harvester- Pitchfork with guns built into the points. After it jammed during a training mission he has Harvester upgraded to a rail gun with two settings, small beam (the two middle prongs charge it) and large beam (all four prongs charge it)

Partner: J.J Grayson

Origin: Jack and the beanstalk

First Year

Team SNST

Shiro Shishi- When Shiro was a child his uncle a crime boss named Kuro Shishi decided to cut loose ends. After personally stabbing Shiro’s father Kin Shishi in the back he sent a trio of assassins after Shiro, leaving the boy for dead. Fortunately a pair of drifters rescued the boy and helped him recover. The pair were retired huntsmen and they trained him until he was accepted to Beacon.

Patterning himself after ancient warriors he read about as a boy Shiro is honorable, courageous, and a great leader in battle. He does however have a bad habit of starting inspirational speeches when they aren’t required.

Appearance: 15 years old. 5ft 2in. White hair and golden eyes. Lion Faunus. Lion’s mane.

Outfit: White samurai armor with golden accents. Armor has a lion theme.

Emblem: A roaring lion head

Emblem Location: Center of chest armor

Aura Color: White

Semblance: Power Roar- Creates an omnidirectional shockwave.

Weapon: Lion’s Pride- A katana with a lion’s head on the hilt. Can shoot from the lion’s head.

Partner: Sif Ren

Origin: Kimba The White Lion/The Lion King

Noah Rhythm- Growing up in a family of traveling musicians taught him two things, one was the importance of music, the second was how to ward off the creatures of Grimm. After arriving in a village for a show only to discover the villagers slaughtered by the Grimm he swore on the spot to become a huntsman.

Appearance: 15 years old. 5ft 3in. Light purple hair and eyes.

Outfit: Dark purple shoes. Light purple tunic. Purple cape. Light purple alpine hat with dark purple feather.

Emblem: Flute surrounded by music notes

Emblem Location: Back of cape.

Aura Color: Light purple

Semblance: Animal Melody- Can use music to communicate and command animals. No effect on faunus. His flute isn’t required to use his semblance but it amplifies it. Uses it to ask animals for intel when arriving in new places or to get a bird or squirrel to give Tomi a ride.

Weapon: Pay the Piper- His flute shoots blasts of sound like Flynt’s trumpet

Partner: Tomi Tumbleweed

Origin: The Pied Piper

Sif Ren- Curious and always eager to learn new things once she gains an interest in a subject she won’t stop until she knows everything about it. As a child her parents would call her their Shining Star.

Appearance: 15 years old 5ft. Long light orange hair in ponytail to her left side. Blue eyes.

Outfit: Dark pink dress with dark green accents. Armor on legs and along left arm and shoulder. Green quiver on back.

Emblem: A green lily within a pink circle

Emblem Location: Shoulder armor

Aura Color: Magenta

Semblance: Alliance- the more friends and allies fighting by her side the stronger her aura. She channels the extra aura into her arrows

Weapon: Stormpiercer- A bow and arrow. The bow splits into twin daggers based on her grandfathers and her arrowheads are infused with dust.

Partner: Shiro Shishi

Origin: Sif

Tomi Tumbleweed- The child of tailors they grew up helping their parents with the sewing. They love to keep up with latest fashions even if they know they could never afford any of them. Despite some initial confusion their team fully accepted the fact they’re non-binary.

Appearance: 15 years old. 4ft 11in. Short blonde hair. Yellow eyes.

Outfit: Tan shoes with yellow socks. Yellow shorts. Tan shirt with yellow suspenders.

Emblem: A needle and thread

Emblem Location: Buttons of suspenders

Aura Color: Tan

Semblance: Shrinking- They can shrink to a minimum of one inch high. Their strength remains the same as when they are full sized.

Weapon: Needle point. A rapier that can shoot from the point.

Partner: Noah Rhythm

Origin: Tom Thumb/Thumbelina

Other Beacon teams: LAVA, TIDE, CLWD

Haven

Headmaster- Ghira Belladonna, took over informally after the battle of Haven and made official around a year later.

Combat instructor- Lewis Clementine- Lewis’s semblance, Be like you, allows him to copy another semblance for a maximum of one hour. He was one of the first students of Haven after the battle of Haven, as an Orangutan faunus he has Orangutan arms. His weapon, Jungle Justice is a shotgun with a bayonet blade between the barrels.

Origin- King Louie

Nature Studies- Buck Woods

Origin- Bambi

Team DMND (diamond)

Dawn Diamond- Believing that sugar coating things doesn’t actually help Dawn tends to be blunt and cutting though she sincerely means well. She refuses to give her team a command she wouldn’t follow herself.

Appearance: 19 years old. 5ft 6in. Medium length aqua colored hair. Dark blue eyes

Outfit: Dark blue boots, light blue pants. Light blue see through top with dark blue tank top underneath. Dark blue gloves

Emblem: A diamond

Emblem Location: Pants pockets

Aura Color: Diamond

Semblance: Lullaby- When active creates a field around her that makes people drowsy. Direct contact induces sleep instantly.

Weapon: Beauty Sleep- Chain with a dart on the end shaped like a diamond- Can be charged by dust, fire engulfs it in flame etc

Partner: Dinah Crystal

Origin: Sleeping Beauty

Zoe Midas- A party girl who enjoys a good time. Knowing that her teammates despise being in the spotlight she delights in drawing all the attention to herself.

Appearance:  19 years old. 5ft 8in. Blonde hair to shoulders. Yellow eyes

Outfit: Gold knee high boots, gold shorts. Gold sleeveless top, gold elbow length gloves

Emblem: A golden hand

Emblem Location:Back of gloves

Aura Color: Gold

Semblance: Midas Touch- Turns her body into gold. Maintains strength, speed, agility.

Weapon: Golden Tonfa- Twin Tonfa with a blade in one end and a gun in the other.

Partner: Natalie Jade

Origin: King Midas’s daughter

Natalie Jade- One of, if not the smartest student at Haven she comes up with many of her team’s strategies. After meeting Team MNTY on a mission she grows close with York.

Appearance:  18 years old. 5ft 5in. Short dark green hair. Green eyes with jade colored glasses.

Outfit: Jade boots, jade colored sundress with light green leggings.

Emblem: A group of peas

Emblem Location:Boots

Aura Color: Jade

Semblance: Tracking- Small pea sized aura spheres she can place on a person or object and track them.

Weapon: Peashooters- Twin pistols- Default, rapid fire, charge, bouncing shots

Partner: Zoe Midas

Origin: Princess and the Pea

Dinah Crystal- Shy but skilled she prefers to let others hog the spotlight. She works best when she feels like nobody is watching or judging her. Her teammates try to help her overcome this.

Appearance: 18 years old. 5ft 6in. Long cyan hair light blue eyes. Swan Faunus- Swan wings, allow short distance flight.

Outfit: Crystal colored ice skates (blades retracts) with light blue leggings. Crystal minidress with matching gloves

Emblem: A stylized swan

Emblem Location: Front of minidress

Aura Color: Crystal

Semblance: Ice Rink- Creates a coating of “ice” for her to skate on.

Weapon: Swan’s Grace- A naginata with a gun built in along the back of the blade.

Partner: Dawn Diamond

Origin: Swan Lake

Other Haven teams: SLME, FLRE, CAVE Atlas

Headmistress- Robyn Hill, after the fall of Ironwood Robyn was placed in charge of Atlas Academy allowing her to lead a new generation away from the military and teach them how to act like proper Huntsmen.

Combat instructor- Shelly Verde- Back in her academy days Shelly was partners with Harriet Bree and watched in horror as her friend became the terrorist known as the Snow Hare. Her semblance allows her to create a field that slows down those within it. She uses twin hard light shields as weapons.

Origin- The Tortoise

Aquatic combat- Myrtle Hopper

Origin- The Frog Prince

Team MRBL (marble)

Megara Bronzen- Highly competitive and eager to prove her strength, her teammates will often have to intervene on her behalf. She believes that the strong have a moral duty to protect the weak.

Appearance:  19 years old. 6ft. Short brown hair and brown eyes.

Outfit: Bronze sandals with bronze shin armor. Bronze chest armor with bronze armor plates on forearms. Golden lion paw design on shoulder armor. Helmet resembles a roaring gold lion with her face in the mouth. Gold colored cape with fur texture.

Emblem: Two fists punching each other

Emblem Location: Inside of cape

Aura Color: Bronze

Semblance: Titanic Strength- Super Strength

Weapon: Titanic Gloves- Twin gloves, when activated they project hard light images of larger fists. Blasters built into the palms

Partner: Bea Steel

Origin: Heracles

Richmond Clay- He has a strategic mind and tends to observe his enemies before engaging them. He plans every move in a battle and is often frustrated by his teammates more headstrong approach.

Appearance:  19 years old. 5ft 10in. Brownish red hair and brown eyes.

Outfit: Clay colored tunic with brown boots and gloves. Armor on forearms and legs. Brown shawl over left shoulder.

Emblem: A shield

Emblem Location: Shawl

Aura Color: Clay

Semblance: Master of all- Masters any combat style he witnesses.

Weapon: Ancient Shield- Arm mounted shield with gun built in. Shield has a hidden dagger for close range combat.

Partner: Elric Limestone

Origin: Gilgamesh

Bea Steel- Always eager for a fight she’s often the first one into the fray. She is skeptical of the motivation of others after being used by a bandit she thought was a friend.

Appearance: 19 years old. 5ft 9in. Short black hair with hazel eyes. Scar along right cheek.

Outfit: Gray boots with silver shorts. Silver top with chest armor. Chainmail armor on legs and arms

Emblem: Her swords crossing blades

Emblem Location:Middle of chest armor

Aura Color: Steel

Semblance: Aura Sword- Charges her swords with aura launching it as beams or as slashing waves

Weapon: Monster’s Bane- Retractable swords on the back of her arms with guns in the tips

Partner: Megara Bronzen

Origin: Beowulf

Elric Limestone- As a result of his semblance he tends to push himself beyond his limits. His teammates scold him for putting himself in such danger as well as for taking unnecessary risks.

Appearance: 19 years old. 6ft 2in. Light blonde hair with red eyes.

Outfit: White boots, red chain design wraps around white pants. White shirt with red crack pattern. Arm guards.

Emblem: His sword surrounded by flame

Emblem Location: Arm guards

Aura Color: Limestone

Semblance: Reforged- When his aura shatters it returns stronger for a few minutes before breaking again. Can be reforged multiple times in a row but this taxes his body greatly.

Weapon: Fafnir’s Fang- Longsword with fire dust built in.

Partner: Richmond Clay

Origin: Sigurd/Siegfried

Other Atlas teams: GEAR, LAZR, BOLT

Shade Headmaster- Otto Dune, A dog faunus, friend and ally of Professor Theodore, he took over after Theodore retired.

Combat instructor- Henry Ferro- He believes that many are too reliant on their semblances and instructs his students to treat their semblance as a last resort instead of a crutch. His own semblance allows him to turn off other semblances temporarily. He is armed with a mighty steam powered hammer.

Origin- John Henry

Animal studies- Rosemary Shepard

Origin- Mary had a little lamp

Team OSIS (oasis)

Oliver Richards- An introvert who believes in preparing for the worst case scenario. At first he would allow his fears to get the better of him but with the help of his team he’s more calm and collected.

Appearance: 18 years old. 5ft 7in. Olive green hair with green eyes. Rooster Faunus- Rooster crest, when his semblance detects danger the crest stands up.

Outfit: Olive green boots and shorts. Open green vest with feather like tassels hanging from the back

Emblem: A rooster head

Emblem Location:Back of vest

Aura Color: Green

Semblance: Danger Sense- Always active, sometimes overreacts to mild danger.

Weapon: Daybreak and Dawn- Twin war fans. When folded act as guns.

Partner: Selena Grey

Origin: Chicken Little

Selena Grey- An extrovert always open to trying new things and exploring new places. She tends to make a new friend everywhere she goes. Anyone who wrongs one of her friends has wronged her.

Appearance: 18 years old 5ft 11in. Brown hair with hazel eyes. Cow Faunus- Cow horns

Outfit: Brown leather boots, cow skin pattern pants. Brown leather jacket over a cow skin pattern shirt.

Emblem: A cow bell

Emblem Location: Badge on jacket

Aura Color: Gray

Semblance: Gravitas- Controls gravity. Can increase or decrease gravity in a localized area.

Weapon: Steer Striker- Two pronged pitchfork with gun in the head between the prongs

Partner: Oliver Richards

Origin: The Cow Jumped over the Moon

Izumi Tentomushi- A technical expert she’s always tinkering and inventing new gadgets. To her dismay she often doesn’t have access to the best tools. She created her weapon, the B.U.G as a child.

Appearance: 18 years old 5ft 4in. Dark red hair to shoulders, maroon eyes. Ladybug Faunus- Ladybug antenna

Outfit: Black crop top with red dots. Unbuttoned red vest over it. Black shorts with red dots. Red goggles with bug eye design. Backpack containing B.U.G

Emblem: A stylized ladybug

Emblem Location:Back of vest

Aura Color: Dark red

Semblance: Bug Burn- Creates ladybugs out of her aura, upon contact they burst into flame.

Weapon: B.U.G- Battle Utility Gear. Ladybug styled drone with camera and laser. Goggle interface.

Partner: Trey Silva

Origin: Ladybug Ladybug Fly Away Home

Trey Silva- Despite being born blind they would receive optical implants that would allow him to see. The implants enhance his vision beyond what his natural vision would have been. Though he will sometimes turn them off to prevent overstimulation.

Appearance: 18 years old 5ft 8in. Short white hair with white eyes. Optical implants are size of reading glasses, when turned on the lens is white. Mouse Faunus- Mouse tail

Outfit: White boots. white shorts with white shirt. White poncho covering his head.

Emblem: A mouse with a double shadow making three

Emblem Location: Shirt

Aura Color: White

Semblance: Triple Trouble- Creates two copies of himself capable of acting independently of himself

Weapon: Triple Threat- Sword that splits into three segments. First third turns into a dagger, second remains a sword, third turns into a gun.

Partner: Izumi Tentomushi

Origin: Three Blind Mice

Other Shade teams: BRIK ,STRM, PTAL Seasons

The current Maidens

Spring- Raven Branwen- After the battle of Haven Raven lost everything, her tribe lost all respect for her, Taiyang rejected her, she had nowhere to go. Eventually she decided she needed to redeem herself and began spying on Salem’s forces delivering vital intel to the heroes.

Summer- July Storms- When the heroes arrived in Vacuo they befriended sisters June and July Storms. They soon discovered that June was the Summer Maiden. During a battle with Cinder June stayed behind to buy the others time to escape. Once they were safe she called down a bolt of lightning to kill her before the powers could be stolen. Her sister was the last one in her thoughts so July gained the powers and has been the Summer Maiden ever since.

Autumn- Emerald Sustrai- In a fit of rage Cinder revealed that she never truly cared for Emerald as anything more than a pawn. Broken Emerald fled Salem’s fortress with Mercury. They joined the heroes to save their own lives from Salem and Cinder’s wrath. During a battle Emerald used her semblance to distract Cinder long enough for Ruby and Jaune to kill her. Her last thoughts were of Emerald so the power of Autumn went to her.

Winter- Penny Polendina- After the fall of Ironwood many Atlesian soldiers who were loyal to him and the ideal that “Atlas Will Prevail” deserted and formed an underground cell known as the Frozen Soldiers. Lead by Harriet now known as Snow Hare (the only Ace-Op who refused to surrender) they will stop at nothing to bring down the other Kingdoms. Penny has devoted much time and effort into stopping their plans.

Mortimer Mono- Mortimer was the first child publicly known to have magic after the God of Darkness returned it to the world. As such he became a celebrity and the first student of the Maidens. He’s since become a student teacher and often joins teams in the field.

Appearance:  21 years old 6ft 2in. Short black hair, blue eyes.

Outfit: Yellow boots, long red pants. White shirt with black jacket over it. White gloves.

Emblem: Three interlocked circles in an upside down triangle

Emblem Location: Back of gloves

Aura Color: Monochrome

Semblance: Imaginary Arsenal- Can call forth a copy of any weapon that has ever existed on Remnant, however he does not gain knowledge of how to use the weapon. As a result he tends to only call forth simple straight forward weapons. The copies are monochrome in color

Weapon: No personal weapon.

Origin: Mickey Mouse

Support spells- Belle Leaf

Origin- Tinkerbell

Team ECPS (eclipse)

Ember Drake- A pragmatic battler, prone to bending the rules to the breaking point. As far as she’s concerned when it comes to battle anything that keeps you alive is allowed.

Appearance:  18 years old 5ft 10in. Bright red hair with orange spikes in a flame pattern. Bright red eyes.

Outfit: Dark red boots, light red leggings with flame pattern, dark red shorts. Light red mesh top with flame pattern over a dark red tube top. Split cape along back, dark red on outside, light red on inside with flame pattern.

Emblem: A dragon shooting flame

Emblem Location:Back of cape

Aura Color: Red

Semblance: Breath of the dragon- Fire breath

Weapon: Dragon’s Staff- A bo staff with dragons carved on it with fire dust. Each end can shoot flame. Splits into twin clubs. When the clubs are focused on a single point they charge a fire ball

Partner: Mike Canary

Origin: Dragons

Mike Canary- Though he lacks in physical strength he is a skilled archer and has incredible accuracy. He prefers to fight foes from a distance rather than up close.

Appearance: 18 years old 5ft 9in. Blonde hair and yellow eyes.

Outfit: Yellow sandals, yellow toga. Yellow handband

Emblem: A stylized canary

Emblem Location:Button on toga

Aura Color: Yellow

Semblance: Siren’s Song- Different volume has different effects. A quieter song will boost the aura of those who can hear it. A louder song results in a sonic scream.

Weapon: Final Reprise- A lyre that turns into a bow and arrow

Partner: Ember Drake

Origin: Siren

Pearl Unos- Kind and caring she loathes hurting other people though she will make an exception if others are in danger. She will sometimes over extend her semblance trying to help as many people as she can.

Appearance:  19 years old 5ft 7in. Pink hair in ponytail, pink eyes.

Outfit: Pink boots, white skirt down to knees with pink leggings. Pink top with white sleeves.

Emblem: A unicorn

Emblem Location:Skirt

Aura Color: White

Semblance: Purification- Purifies and heals others

Weapon: Horn of light- A dagger that extends into a spear with a hard light tip. The tip can be shot off and either reattached or replaced.

Partner: Sora Tori

Origin: Unicorn

Sora Tori- Proud, boastful and arrogant he tends to rub people the wrong way when they meet him. However to those he considers his friends he is loyal to the bitter end.

Appearance:  18 years old 5ft 5in (5ft 10 in with the shoes) short blue hair with blue eyes.

Outfit: Brown platform shoes, blue kimono with armor plating on legs and chest. Arm guards. Bird mask.

Emblem: A whirlwind

Emblem Location:Arm guards and leg armor

Aura Color: Blue

Semblance: Whirlwind Slash- Covers his sword in a whirlwind

Weapon: Kaze Katana

Partner: Pearl Unos

Origin: Tengu

Other Seasons teams: GLTR, EBNY, STAR

Other Teams

Team ARMR is among the best Huntsmen teams in all of Remnant. Lead by Adrian Cotta-Arc their biggest claim to fame was protecting a village from a stampede of Goliaths. Team ARMR is a team many students at the academies wish to be like one day. Off the battle field the team enjoys a mutual romantic relationship with each other. Adrian Cotta-Arc- The leader of Team ARMR Adrian gained the nickname “The Golden Knight” from his semblance’s appearance. He forged his twin swords himself seeking to follow his uncle’s example. Appearance: 23 years old, 6ft 2in. Short black hair, brown eyes. Outfit: Tan cargo pants with silver shirt. Gold and silver armor along legs, chest and arms. Emblem: Two swords crossed over a shield Emblem Location: Center of armor Aura Color: Gold Semblance: Aura Armor- Turns his aura into solid golden armor Weapon: Wave Cutter and Stone Splitter- Twin blades with a gun in the tip. The blades can combine to form the King’s Blade. King’s Blade can be a great sword or a double bladed sword. Partner: Gwendy Roots Origin:  King Arthur Gwendy Roots- A free spirited squirrel faunus who is at home in the treetops. Gwendy loves nature and is often bothered by how much progress tends to invade it. Appearance:  24 years old, 6ft. Long brown hair in braids. Hazel eyes. Squirrel tail. Outfit: Brown cargo shorts with brown crop top and green vest. Emblem: Acorn Emblem Location: Back of vest Aura Color: Brown Semblance: Green Thumb- Controls plants and can use her aura to boost their growth. Weapon: Ivy’s Vine- Whip sword Partner: Adrian Cotta-Arc Origin: Queen Guinevere/Hazel the squirrel Meryl Sparx- Eccentric and friendly, Meryl is one of the rare few who were already born when the God Of Darkness returned magic to Remnant gaining the power in the process. Appearance:  23 years old. 5ft 8in. Purple hair in a pixie cut, yellow eyes. Outfit: Purple sleeveless sundress with striped purple stockings. Long purple gloves with star pattern. Emblem: Shooting star Emblem Location: Stockings Aura Color: Purple Semblance: Astral projection- She can project her spirit outside of her body, however it is immaterial and cannot cross a certain distance from her body. Weapon: Shooting Star- A scepter she uses to focus her magic Partner: Lance Riverson Origin: Merlin Lance Riverson- Lance was jealous of Adrian at first due to him being named leader and receiving the credit for victories. In time however he grew to respect Adrian for his strategy and strength. Eventually he confessed how he felt and the team entered their mutual relationship. Appearance:  24 years old. 6ft 5in. Long blue hair to shoulders. Blue eyes. Outfit: Cobalt pants with chainmail sections over it. Cobalt short sleeve shirt with chainmail over it and chainmail sleeves. Cobalt gloves Emblem: A flowing river Emblem Location: Back of gloves Aura Color: Cobalt Semblance: Aura Charge- Channels his aura into any object he is in physical contact with boosting its power. Weapon: Lanceshot- A lance with a shotgun barrel within the tip. Partner: Meryl Sparx Origin: Lancelot

Team MNMT A team of Huntsmen permanently stationed in Mountain Glenn to defend those excavating/rebuilding it.

Montgomery Sarsen- An older huntsman from Atlas who picked this job as a sort of working retirement. To his dismay it’s more work than retirement.

Appearance: 40 years old 6ft 2in. Short gray hair. Brown eyes

Outfit:Light gray vest with dark gray top underneath. Gray cargo shorts with brown boots.

Emblem: Stacked stones

Emblem Location: Back of vest

Aura Color: Gray

Semblance:Stone Avatar- Channels power through stone to create hands and arms, at strongest can create stone avatars to fight alongside him.

Weapon: Drill Dagger- Drill like sword that rotates. Two dust cartridges can be inserted at once for a spiral effect.

Origin: Stonehenge

Nubia Sandstone- A young huntress from Vacuo who grew up exploring ruins and imagining what the people who lived there were like. She enjoys helping the excavating process.

Appearance: 24 years old 5ft 6in. Brown hair in braids. Brown eyes. Outfit: Yellow Crop Top with Yellow shorts. White body wraps cover most of her torso and parts of her arms and legs. Emblem: A symbol resembling the Eye of Horus Emblem Location: Both legs of her shorts Aura Color: Sandy Yellow Semblance: Sandstorm- Allows her to control sand, she cannot create sand so she carries jars of it. Weapon: Shifting Sands- A staff that doubles as whip. Has a gun built into the tip. Origin: Pyramids

Frida Mint- A huntress from Vale with a background in engineering. She volunteered for this assignment to help rebuild the city better and safer than before.

Appearance: 27 years old 5ft 4in. Light green hair in ponytail, dark green eyes.

Outfit: Spiked tiara. Green sandals, light green dress with dark green cloak over it.

Emblem: A burning torch

Emblem Location: Back of cloak Aura Color: Mint green

Semblance: Pyro- Can control and manipulate flames but cannot produce them

Weapon: Scorch Torch- A torch infused with fire dust that converts into a gun that shoots fire dust bullets.

Origin: Statue of Liberty

Ta-Kai Zongse- A huntsman from Mistral who is the descendant of some of the lucky few who managed to escape from the doomed city in its final days. He volunteered for the assignment in hopes of finding closure for the family left behind.

Appearance: 19 years old 5ft 5in. Light brown short hair, brown eyes

Outfit: Brown boots with dark brown shorts. Button up light brown top.

Emblem: Wall

Emblem Location: Back of shirt

Aura Color: Light brown

Semblance: Barrier Wall- Creates walls of aura.

Weapon: Modular Staff- one end gun other end can form hard light weapons, blade, ax, claw, etc

Origin: Great Wall of China

A few years later:

DUSK Baise Dewei - Dewei is very protective of others to the point of putting himself between them and danger trusting his semblance to protect him. He tends to overestimate how much he can handle and underestimate how much his teammates can handle leading them to consider him over protective. Appearance: 15 years old. 5ft 3in. White hair, grey eyes. Outfit: White kimono with gold trim, sash and belt. White shorts with gold trim. White boots. Emblem: Prism Emblem Location: Sash Aura Color: White Semblance: Invulnerable- Invulnerable to any attack they see coming. Weapon: Prism Breaker- Short sword, handle extends to form spear, gun in hilt Partner: Lapis Urbain Origin: Five Chinese Brothers Lapis Urbain- Lapis is highly determined, once she sets her mind on a goal nothing less than success will satisfy her. Though she does sometimes get tunnel vision requiring her partner to cover her back. Appearance: 15 years old. 5ft 4in. Brown hair, blue eyes. Outfit: Blue overalls with light blue top underneath. Blue cloth hat engineer style. Light blue handkerchief. Emblem: Front of a train engine Emblem Location: Hat Aura Color: Blue Semblance: Engine Charge- Charges her aura as they run mowing down anything in their path. Weapon: Punching Pistons- Piston like gloves that boost punching power. Built in guns. Partner: Baise Dewei Origin: The Little Engine that Could Sunny Pine- Sunny is serious and task orientated, always trying to think about the mission at hand. He often attempts to reign in Kiriko’s pranks and keep her focused. Appearance: 15 years old, 5ft 3in. Dirty brown hair brown eyes. Outfit: Red toga with upper left of chest uncovered revealing gold top underneath. Red shorts with gold trim. Crimson gloves and boots. Crimson headband. Emblem: Stylized sun Emblem Location: Headband Aura Color: Crimson Semblance: Aura Sight- Can see aura, can also be used to detect Grimm by their lack of aura. Weapon: Solar Shields- Twin sun shaped shields which shoot disks of dust. Partner: Kiriko Bark Origin: Apollo Kiriko Bark- A trickster who loves pranks. Though Kiriko would never pull them on missions she does require some reminding to keep her mind focused. It often falls to Sunny to do so. Appearance: 15 years old. 5ft 4in. Brown hair, brown eyes. Racoon Faunus, racoon tail. Outfit: Brown short sleeve top with elbow length brown and white striped gloves. Tan shorts with knee high brown and white striped socks. Brown boots. Emblem: A smiling racoon Emblem Location: Back Aura Color: Brown Semblance: Tanuki Trickery- Disguises herself as any object, masking emotions and aura. However she cannot copy the function of an object and her tail is always visible. Weapon: Pogoagogo- Pogo stick that doubles as a rifle. Can shoot while hopping or convert into full rifle. Partner: Sunny Pine Origin: Tanuki

OPAL

Ophelia Oakley- Ophelia is honest to a fault. She’ll tell the truth to someone even if it hurts resulting in many considering her blunt. As a result of her semblance being always active it’s hard to hide things from her.

Appearance: 15 years old. 5ft 2in. green hair, green eyes, pigtails, one with gold ribbon, the other silver

Outfit: Dark green sleeveless top with dark green shorts. Gold armbands with silver trim and silver leg guards with gold trim.

Emblem: Crossed axes

Emblem Location: Chest

Aura Color: Dark green

Semblance: True Sight- Can see the truth, seeing through illusions. As it evolves she can sense lies.

Weapon: Silver Truth and Golden Honesty- Twin axes with a gun in the head of each. Can combine into a double headed axe.

Partner: Lewis Almond

Origin: The Honest Woodcutter

Titus Pear- Titus is a gentle giant. After an incident in his childhood he made a vow to never attack another person again. Thus he tends to focus his strength on the creatures of Grimm leaving any human threats to his teammates to deal with.

Appearance: 15 years old. 5ft 7in. Black hair, light green eyes.

Outfit: Light green shirt with dark green vest. Light green pants with dark green boots.

Emblem: A silhouette of a person

Emblem Location: Back

Aura Color: Light green

Semblance: Gigant- His aura grows into a giant humanoid that mimics his movements, the larger the giant grows the more aura required.

Weapon: Giant’s Hammer- A hammer that can be charged by dust to create shockwaves

Partner: Luna Pine

Origin: The BFG

Lewis Almond- Lewis is extremely punctual, when he makes a schedule he’ll stick with it. He tries to keep the other members of his team on schedule to varying degrees of success.

Appearance:  15 years old. 5ft 5 in. Blonde hair, grey eyes Rabbit Faunus- Rabbit feet

Outfit: White button up top with black vest and white jacket. White pants.

Emblem: A stopwatch

Emblem Location: Back of jacket

Aura Color: White

Semblance: Time Out- Freezes time for fine minutes max. Time frozen is impacted by size and number of targets in the field. When the semblance is turned off time snaps forward to match the rest of the world.

Weapon: Timekeeper- Stopwatch that doubles as a yo-yo, can be charged by dust

Partner: Ophelia Oakley

Origin: White Rabbit

Luna Pine- Luna is kindhearted and gentle. Due to her semblance she is often uncomfortable in large groups and prefers to be alone or with smaller groups of friends.

Appearance: 15 years old. 5ft 3in. Dirty brown hair in ponytail, brown eyes.

Outfit: Blue toga with upper right of chest uncovered revealing silver top underneath. Blue shorts with silver trim. Navy gloves and boots. Navy headband.

Emblem: Stylized moon

Emblem Location: Headband

Aura Color: Navy

Semblance: Reading Motion- Can read body movement. With practice she can predict an opponents next move.

Weapon: Lunar Staff- Long handled double sickle which unfolds into longbow.

Partner: Titus Pear

Origin: Artemis

[v3joker]

[Game of Dice] Joker Skills

*Originally made to post to my YouTube community as each week I put something about Game of Dice there. This is also posted here, to Tumblr, to archive it.

Almost every Joker character (character with a hidden skill) has their skill based on an existing skill. Some just exist on that Joker skill, not as a regular skill. I usually explain new Jokers' skills by saying the name of the existing skill rather than explain what the skill does, since it's easier to say the name of the skill. :)

Anyway here's a list of all the Jokers with what skill it's based on cause I love having random knowledge for this game. Even the ones not based on skills.

[~☆~]

Ion

Phantom (Puppet/Chaotic City): Big Fish

Prince (Prince's Dignity/Insight): Color Finale

Mary

Wintry (Heaven's Blessings): Celebrity's Visit

Phantom Thief (Phantom Thief's Trick/Phantom Thief's Fancy Trick): no exact skill, but could be based on Knife in the Dark without JOY steal

Halloween (Candy/Halloween Magic): Smashing

Deadly Bunny (This Way, Please/Your Table is Ready): Exceptional Choice

Black Rose

Wintry (Speed UP/Can't Follow Me): High Jump

Card Queen (Greetings from a Magic Cat): Birthday Party

Bosun (Oppress/Overwhelm): n/a

Tora (& Tori)

Onmyouji (Onmyodo: Confuse/Exhaustion): Shiver Me Timbers!

Rudolph (Surprise Entry/Gift): Home for Newlyweds

Rica

Rockstar (Rica's Dimension Shift/Rica's Teleport): Dimension Shift

Goddess of Love (Love Melody/Serenade): Yikes! Crocodile, but upgraded

Raven

Beast (True/Forever Love): Skydive, w/ double summon

Lynnway

Baseball Girl (Swing/Full Swing): Nano Warp Machine

Stella

Cosmic Girl (Space Travel/Exploration): Strange Pipette, w/ summon

Rabbit Hacker (Keylogger/Dropper): Gotcha!

Doria

Undercover (Emergency Custody/Violent Criminal Arrested): Mirror Mirror

Sharon

Mechanic (Sharon's Calculation/Victory Formula): Let's Count (Hello Kitty collab skill)

Archaeologist (Relic Thief/Power): Interception

Sophia

Unicorn (Unicorn Gravitation/Magic): Retribution Reverse

Isabelle

Noble (Isabelle's Day/Isabelle's Special Day): Come Over Here

Gothic (Ghostly Greetings/Touch): Touch of Succubus

Sailor (Sympathy/Special Sympathy): Song of Mermaid

Anthony

Queen of Hearts (Heart Beam/Queen's Heart Beam): Critical Hit, w/ summon

Space Pirate: no exact skill but could be based on Strange Pipette and/or Home Run

Kai

Guardian (Judgement/Divine Judgement): Gravity Field

Honor Student (Wisdom/Experience Drain): Life Drain

Demon (Skill/Power Drain): n/a

Lucy

9-Tailed (Ready to Feed On/Bon Appetit): Invisible Hand, w/ Stop!

Mouse King Lucy (Building Mouse Village/Kingdom): Spartan Training

Prince

Mad Hatter (Teatime/Sweet Teatime): Divine Protection

Delinquent (Focus/Man-to-Man Block): Spotlight

Liz

Cheer Leader (Lucky Cheering): Master Navigator

Tomboy (Full/Pinpoint Dash): Hidden Quest

Alice

Hong Kong (Awakened Alice!): Symbol of Wealth

Hong Kong II (Happy/Sweet Snack Time): Counterattack

Beautiful (Splendid/Shining Beauty): Don't Stand in Front

Ling Ling

Goal Keeper (Nothing get pass me/Nothing can pass me): Knife in the Dark

Sky Warrior (Warrior Stance/Victory Pose): Excellent Choice

Magical Girl (Magical Awakening/True Power of Magic): Critical Magic Show

Dr. X

Original (Gravity UP): Yikes! Crocodile!

Lightning God (God's Wrath/Punishment): n/a

Captain (Rear/Surrounding Pursuit): Mischief of Spirits

Refia

Original (Counterattack): Counterattack, w/ can't takeover

Detained (Mental Interference/Control): No Escape

Soldier (Doll Escort/Protection): Music Start

Kaito

Original (Rapid Growth/Data Manipulation): Rapid Growth, w/ can't takeover (whole game installation)

Darkened (Spreading Darkness/Crawling Chaos): Broken Brake

Yuki

Original (Ninjutsu: Slow/Onmyodo: Blizzard): Slow

Yukata (Take This/Taste This): Switch, w/ Steal Prop *Blizzard is supposed to have Ninjutsu as the prefix, but it has never been fixed. So it has Onmyodo like Onmyouji Tora

Heidi

Original (Climax/Encore): Leave it to Fate (Climax), targets up to 3 cities at higher grades

Fairy Queen (Blooming Dream/Dream in Full Bloom): Christmas Miracle

Reapercy

Original (Checkmate/Golden Checkmate): Curse (Checkmate), Girl Crush

Pool Party (Come on In/Come Here): n/a

Devil Reapercy (Rogue/Outlaw): Solitude

Gray

Original (City Shooter/Sniper): Steal Prop, w/ summon

Space Police (Police Officer/Investigator): Every Inspiration

Howl

Original (Wolf Summon/Big Game Hunting): Retribution

Puppeteer (Trap Hole/Endless Trap Hole): Maelstrom

Fia

Original (Fan Meeting): Doll Fishing

Sea Fairy (Let's Play/Have Fun in the Water!): Domino

Magical Girl (Magical Refraction/Reflection): Time Rewind, no Panda installation

Fairy Dancer (Fairy Dance/Eye Catching Fairy Dance): The Solitude of Glamor

Ren

Original (Meditation/P.T): Power Up!

Magic Cat (Spell of Destruction/Apocalypse): Ch.1 Renaissance/Ch. 2 Destruction

Rosé

Original (Sharp/Harsh Lash): Charming Rainbow

Devil (Bewitch/Beckon): Charming Rainbow, but upgraded

Sun Knight (Sword of Victory/Sword of Promised Victory): n/a

Rina

Original (Joyful/Blessed March): Speedster

Angel (Song/Blessing of Angel): Color Sync

Moon Archer (Piercing Arrow/Mirage Piercing Arrow): Curse of Clown

Ballet (Attitude/Arabesque): Poisoned

Yura

Original (Butterfly Dance/Blue Butterfly Dance): Push

Christmas (Yura's Gift/Sincerity): Sweet Trap

Gothic (Flutter/Crystal Light Butterfly): Psychokinesis

Pierre

Original (i love cakes/I love anything sweet): Charming Bubble

Winter Festival (Baker's/Pierre's Gift): Santa's Gift

Agent (Good Will/Samaritan): Give and Take

Violet

Original (I Got You!/Don't Move!): Girl Crush

Seaside (Hydro Pump/Cannon): Self-Defense

Saint (Authority/Splendor): Girl Crush, but it also decreases character & dice abilities (Energy Drink [Goods])

Scarlett

Original (Locating the Target/Target Located): Come With Me

Seaside (Hang out with me!/Let's play!): Thief Target Area

Witch Trainee (Scary Prank/Dangerous Prank): Signal

Leo

Original (Secret in the Hoodie/Weapon in the Hoodie): Hexcraft

Young Master (Young Master's Mischief/Weapon): Demon Invasion

Villain (Breakdown/Wide Breakdown): Ocean Party

Fairy Knight (Impressive/Flashy Swordsmanship): Event for You

Kara

Original (Warning Shot/Suppressive Fire): The Art of Theft

Great Witch (Magic Concentration/Discharge): First Place Dash

Hera

Original (Black Hole/Super Black Hole): Besiege

Circus Master (Continuing Show/Express Night): Double Trap

Sora

Original (Hero Power/Just Power): Guardian of Justice

Dreamman

Original (Give me strength!): Symbol of Wealth

[princessmacedon]

where the spirit meets the bone

Scarcely do they escape one nothingness ere they are brought into another. Laughter, uncanny and sharp, echoes from on high as it demands an answer of all of them:

"Where do you belong?"

Harsh lights flicker into existence in rapid succession, yet their illumination brings little life to… wherever this is; Maria isn’t sure anymore. What she does know— or note— is the sense of unbelonging, the too still-ness. That, and the fact that their parties have been reunited on what seems more alike to a theatre’s stage than anything else. 

“We found you!” She calls to the others, though found is only the least ill-fitting word. The worry that dogs her heels pulls her only a half step forward, leaning in the other group’s direction but unwilling to let go of Tiki. “Are you all alright?” 

(Her gaze flickers toward a bright, unnatural marking crossed upon the floor nearby.) 

“That…” 

(—Isn’t what matters most to her right now.)

Despite her call, the others do not answer, though she can hardly fault them for it. Three years of such excursions have not left her any less surprised by the threads that tangle in the skein of reality -- or at least they do not affect it much. And besides, Maria can still see herself that for the most part, those present look to be in fine physical health -- can feel it herself, even, in the weight now absent from her steps, the aches vanished from her body. What stays with her, however, is Tiki, gripping her hand like a vice and pressed against her side in search of such comfort as Marth or Bantu might offer her, though the cleric is not so well practiced in giving it. 

She draws on memories of what soothed her, then, when the nightmares were too much. "Tiki," she says gently, lowering herself to one knee, looking up with calm adoration as a brother might. "I'm here with you." Her hands tangle into a reassuring, kinder grip around the little dragon's own, and she smiles with such warmth as a big sister would. "...Won't you take a walk with me?" 

And so they do; Maria speaks in soothing tones as they pass each and every answer by, though she steers well clear of that distant crimson stain. There are considerations to be made, and even more so when her dear, sweet friend sticks like honey to her side. Who they are here, in this moment -- who she refuses to let them be... 

She draws to a stop in that cross-marked doorway, still holding fast to Tiki's hand. The others, too, disperse to the different answers laid out before them, and at some point Hilda joins the two of them. In time, it becomes still again, and even the most minute actions become larger-than-life in this unmoving toy town.

And then a burst of violent motion shatters the stillness of the set; Maria pulls Tiki closer to her, watching in dismay as some among them are punished for their answers even as she shields the younger girl's eyes herself. Yet she has nothing with which to heal them, and what if they would be punished for abandoning their 'places'? What if Tiki follows her? The cleric hesitates, eyes flitting across the group. Her gaze lingers lastly on Laslow, a hand pressed to her stomach in silent question, concern writ clear for what seems a bleeding wound (she never knows anymore with these expeditions). Do you need help? It asks him. I'll come running if you do. 

Even then, her weight shifts forward, desperate. Torn. More than once, her foot shifts forward. Then comes the gifts -- the props, as the voice puts it, familiar in her bitterness. She promises them whatever they pick, so long as they suit it... but that's the problem, isn't it? 

Maria does not think again of the lance or the swords (one of them she even recognizes as Princess Corrin's blade, glimpsed in the skirmish at Nahan); only fleetingly does she consider the tools, though they would prove useless in her hands, and the relic, whose price she suspects she would be loathe to pay. Longest of all she lingers on the axe, a note of tenderness plucked upon her heartstrings for thoughts of her brother and her sister, her heroes now and always -- but the axe does not belong to her; it never has.  That leaves her, then, with the intangible. Maria chooses nothing, the seeming emptiness, and the most familiar of all things that she wields.

The correct answer, it seems, leastwise according to their captor's judgement. Thus it is her reward to stand there empty-handed as Laslow and Farina turn their weapons upon themselves, no doubt pulled like puppets upon their strings. Scarlet dances along the blades' edges, then disappears once more, leaving the two of them with naught else than blood-soaked palms. Beside them, something sings discordantly: the shattering of glass, shards lancing through Hilda's hand. Instinct guides the cleric's hand toward her, fingers ready to wrap gently around her arm.

It is not to be; in an instant, they are separated once again, that same laughter echoing across the empty space in acrid notes, but what Maria keeps hold of is its familiarity. It does not exult in its declaration -- not enough. The weight of realization aches within her chest no matter how her hand seeks to soothe it, fingers wistfully digging into fabric, their trails the points of wishing stars gathered in her heart. "...But Aphie was my friend," she murmurs softly. It is not a rebuttal-- it is not anything that can cut through the suffering that spurs their storyteller onward-- but it is the truth. 

"Do you understand the role you play?"

She rolls her digits as she thinks; the motion keeps her thoughts here, where she might do something, light and shadow playing across each of them in kind as the shadow of the sword stretches long across her stage. Full well does she see the way her so-called 'role' has played out across this story, how it reflects the girl she was during the wars, the girl she might still be now: tender-hearted, naïve, helpless -- the girl who needed to be protected, who needed to be saved, though she wishes she hadn't. And it is part of her, but it is not the whole of her. 

In a way, Maria has always known the role she plays, long before she understood anything else. Before she knew her herbs and poultices, she knew all of the bedtime histories that set Michalis' eyes a-sparkle; before she knew her letters, too, she knew how to make Minerva laugh. She was always meant to believe in them, even when they gave up on themselves; she was meant to keep them safe in the way that she could; she was meant to love them.  It is who she chooses to be, always. And, though there is a tinge of sorrow to it, she smiles as she approaches the mannequin; quietly, she imagines that it is Aphie, and hugs it, her arms reaching around to lay gently, soothingly on its back.

(Not all such gestures come too late, she tells herself, even as her heart bleeds. Too often they still do.)

Perhaps the pieces shift, or perhaps they are transported elsewhere -- Maria isn't sure, but as the lights turn, her body follows them all on its own. A town, a scene, its narration distantly unclear as though she listens from underwater. Her mind spins as her feet thunder; this is a story. She thinks of Rusalka. The villagers-- we have lived here all our lives. An unnecessary detail, a tale played out upon knowing minds. Something is being told to us. 

She thinks of Rusalka. 

Then Byleth stands opposite of her, a blade drawn, and still her body does not move as she wishes. But it is alright. Her arms wrap around him as she had yearned to do back in Nahan, the memory of her brother's shield still vivid, warm, and bright. Thank you, she wants to say. I'm so happy you're safe, she longs to tell him. Yet even her jaw remains still. The lights flicker off. In the endless darkness, she wishes she might hug him tighter, that they might both remember they are not alone. She cannot; the scene changes again. 

And her body belongs to her once more, thrown forward at once to hold Tiki in her arms, against herself. The blood is warm through her dress -- and, though her magic still abandons her, at least she can shield Tiki's eyes once more, lest they meet with the glassy emptiness in that of the corpse before them. Though it keeps the company of lifeblood and the grave, it belongs to neither, just as they do not belong to it. And the voice asks again: "Do you recognize Daria?"

Daria. She does not think they ever learned the name, but as her thoughts race through her memories, she thinks it must be someone the three of them know. Perhaps the girl, then? The one on the cart, the one who talked with-- The cleric blanches, eyes darting hither and thither, but she does not find him. 

...She holds Tiki closer still. And then: 

"...Princess Corrin... were you there in Rusalka?"

Perhaps it is because she thinks too often of Aphie, but she is trapped in the thought like a snare. The voice is too familiar, and it tells them too much, the same lesson imparted again and again: you cannot escape your roles. 

Then if Daria, too, was confined to her role-- a victim, a sacrifice, a loss-- the tombstone ill fits her. Such love as she deserves would not be afforded to her by those who would rob her and so many others of the chance to feel it once more. Her gaze lingers on the goblet then, a scant single drop of blood remaining. The blood and bodies of the innocent make a fine feast for the devils that linger in dreams, as Maria is well aware; if this was Daria's role, she has no doubt that this is all that remains of her. After all, look how much of the corpse is wasted -- look how it bears a bow to defend itself, as if they would have ever been granted that hope! But... she thinks of Rusalka. 

"The goblet," Maria says suddenly, "is what's left of her in the story... isn't it?" 

Yet the corpse before them still breathes, living only by the barest definition of the word -- it breathes. Where all the other pieces in this sorrowful play have been mannequins and props, this body is tangible. It is the enigma of the stage-- and, she thinks, the point of it. Gingerly, she passes Tiki into Corrin's care, lilies blossomed in the scent of rust upon her shirt. 

She kneels before the corpse, her hands clasped, eyes closed. Perhaps it is true that she has always been naive, but she wishes no other way to be. 

"...Is this your Daria?"

The corpse's hands begin to move -- pale, withered things that play the bow's string in larghissimo. Maria's fingers remain threaded, the horizon of her eyes touched with a quiet sorrow as she prays to Naga, to Fódlan's Sothis, to whichever deity watches over the dreamers come and gone that they might have their well-earned peace. She does not know if they are answered, but the arrow never comes. ...Only a voice and her question, no longer from the empty heavens, but from in front of them. Her form is indistinct, but her words clear and sharp. 

"Escape one eternal punishment," the voice answers, and in it, Maria hears sorrow. "Trapped by another." The clarity returns: "Do you know who I am?"

And perhaps it is not by her name itself, but somehow, Maria thinks she might. At the very least, she feels the pieces of the puzzle are in their hands, if only they can put them together the right way. Most glaringly of all, the voice-- the girl-- is not a stranger to her. No, she remembers her in the aftermath of Rusalka: the girl between the glimpses of rubble and the clatter of cans, the voice that fairly trembled with rage as she swore she would kill her one day.

"...everyone," she begins, her head turning only slightly -- enough to indicate she speaks to her companions without turning away from the bodies before them. It feels... disrespectful, somehow. "Do you remember the dreamers in Rusalka? They dreamed, and they waited... I think..." A pause; the next words, spoken softly: "...they're precious to her.

"Her family," Corrin answers her, the rhythm of her words bespeaking hesitance. "We... While everyone slept, we met someone similar, but..." A pause. "That dream ended, I thought."

"Where do her illusions end." Ephidel's voice cuts cleanly through the both of them. "Even she cannot escape them."

Plainly, their thoughts are on the cusp of unity, but Maria cannot speak with such surety as Ephidel can. Though her heart still bleeds when she remembers it, in the end, Maria still thinks of Rusalka fondly-- thinks of Aphie fondly. The place itself was steeped in sorrow, the full extent of which she was not privy to. 

"What if there are other dreams?" It comes as a whisper, tentative. "After we returned, I dreamed of someone else -- someone who thanked me, and..." Rose colored eyes rise to look at the figure before them, silhouetted against the light tangled in the mist. They had wished to kill her, too, but this she keeps to herself, lest it be a dream the others were not 'favored' with. "...that was after. After Aphie... and the others..." The sigh that slips quietly past her lips speaks for itself.

"This person," Corrin begins again, in the wake of too-telling silence, "Princess Maria, do you recall if they sought... revenge?"

The truth is not something that can be escaped, and Maria is not in the habit of telling lies. What she says, she believes. It is as simple as that.

But neither is it that she fears revenge (indeed, perhaps not as much as she should; be mindful of death, she must remember, for one day it will keep you.). Rather, she is scared that they will lose the woman before them now, for even if she sows her understanding in hatred, even this can be a bridge. Yet conflict is a cycle, and when lives are the coins with which men barter, they are loathe, understandably, to lay down arms. They do not have to forgive; they do not have to forget. It only has to end... and she hopes, likely in vain, that it will not end in blood.

"...They did," she admits, voice quiet.

"And that is her." Ephidel says the truth the others do not wish to speak. "This is her revenge."

Where words fail her, she hears Corrin's voice rise again above their gloomy mire, so much more than the nothing the woman declares them to be.

"It was your family we killed in Rusalka, wasn't it? You escaped, and you waited for your revenge, luring us here by making us fear for our own families. You wanted us to feel even an ounce of your grief." (How long had she waited for them to wake up? And since when had she known they never would?) "And you brought us here to kill us for what we took from you."

"Not yet," she answers, and therein lies the proof of their suspicions. "You have succeeded in entertaining me, but that is not why I will let you live for a while longer." The light fades-- she fades-- and when she speaks again, it is once more from above. Distant. "My family was fated to die either way. You will die because you are sheltered by the foul beast that condemned us for who we are. But not yet. You have bought me time, at the cost of my energy."

Even the darkness grows smaller, sticking to Maria like mud.

"Pasithee is my name, child of Celephais and Keranes."

She cannot so much as see her hands in this pitch void, let alone everyone else. Tiki, Corrin, Ephidel-- even Daria is gone. Pasithee asks one final question:

"Do you know where you are?"

So it is her. Maria feels at once like she has learned so much, and yet nothing at all. Her hands fall to her lap, still clasped, just as her gaze rises above. 

"The foul beast...?" It is murmured mostly to herself, thoughts treading across intertwined knuckles. When it comes to the high powers of Fódlan there are many, both political and magical, but one who shelters them, children of this land and strangers both? She can only think of one. 

Her throat tightens, her thumbs cross; this isn't the time. Pasithee's question rings out in the darkness, endless and yet echoing across a stiflingly small space. The feeling was far from unfamiliar, albeit she had never felt it with such acuity. At the least, she had always had stone beneath her palms and soles.

 "Hello, Pasithee." A smile curls across her lips like the frond of a tender fern, and her heart yearns to see, to understand, regardless of whether the attempt is futile. And besides-- how long had it been since she last heard her name? It must have been an age. She speaks in earnest: "I'm glad to meet you." 

And now to answer the million-gold question: where are they now? There is nothing telling left to them-- not the props, nor the stage, nor even light itself. The loneliness is cloying. Is this, too, part of her story? She wants to understand. 

"Is this..." The cleric turns the words over on her tongue, as if she might slough away their rough edges. "...your second 'eternal punishment?'"

There is no answer. There is nothing. And like Pasithee must have been all these years, she is alone.

[soletlunasims]

Synopsis:

This level is comprised of a rapid changing landscape. While there are 3 locations on this level that feel familiar to the Frontrooms and seem to remain constant, the rest of this level can be extremely dangerous. Dictated by a clock tower that has a clock with no human conception of time, the level changes into various settings or, more accurately, time periods. These settings tend to be familiar to time periods found in the Frontrooms but there is often a mythological element to them. This level varies in danger depending on the space you are ported to due to varying entities and conditions. The rapid changing makes this level extremely disorienting and near impossible to navigate. There is an odd symbolic language written throughout these settings that can be found on pretty much anything from the ground to walls to small objects. The symbols closely resemble Cretan Hieroglyphs. M.E.G. is working diligently to safely explore as much of this level as possible as there is still much to learn.

Current discovered settings include: The Red Isle (Depicted) Acropolis Eternal Desert Twilight Mountains Tartarus

Entities:

Shades- The most prominent entity in Ad Memento, these inky black figures resemble uncanny humanoid figures and will vary in temperament depending on the setting. The weakest of the shades often resemble that of a standard adolescent humanoid. The strongest can be dangerous enough to level buildings in one swing. Intelligence varies from the most simplistic animal-like to that of a standard human. Depending on the setting, several thousand shades can appear on the level. Other times it may be no more than a dozen.

The Automaton- Originally thought to be created specifically for this level by an ancient civilization to maintain the clock tower, M.E.G. has changed the classification to a special (Eta) Class 7 Entity. This entity is made up of metals, pistons and gears. Perhaps one may describe its aesthetic as reminiscent of steampunk. It seems to be very protected by its body which works as an armor for its processor or 'brain'. Once thought to be incapable of thought, the entity is actually far superior in intelligence than even the smartest human beings to ever live. The Automaton has etchings about its body in symbols, when translated, seem to be the Greek and English for 'Time'. This entity is very dangerous. It is stronger than the strongest shade.

Bases, Outposts and Communities:

M.E.G Expeditionary Site 86400- The M.E.G. base dedicated to understanding how time and space works within this level and contributing to how time and space works for the entirety of the backrooms. Made up of 45 researchers who take turns leaving the safe area the base is located at to explore the level itself. Grotto Dwellers- A primitive group of human settlers who live like cavemen in the other two safe areas. They live off of the abundant vegetation of the safe settings when they find themselves able to access them. Though, they haven't been a thriving group since it is estimated that there are only 90 left of the previous 140 accounted for. They are known to be hostile so, contact is not advised. They once worshipped a broken gear dubbed 'The Relic' which came from the clock tower after it broke off some time ago. Thought to be a key to getting to this level's sublevel: Ad Memento.1., M.E.G. is now in possession of this 'idol'.

Entrances:

There is a 1 in 150 chance to come here from any point in the backrooms if the Wanderer is either holding an object related to or thinking about time OR the Minoan civilization. On level 0, finding an unusual wall consisting of cracked marble or another metamorphic rock is known to bring you here if you run into it. The chance of even finding this wall is slim, though. 0.05% of Wanderers ever reported finding this wall.

Exits:

Reaching and interacting with the clock in Ad Memento will bring you back to one of the first nine rooms. Touching the 'Relic' will transport you to sublevel: Ad Memento.1.

Link to the Wikidot:

Ad Memento | Backrooms Wiki | Fandom

[typezerostudios]

I mean, you say that, but it looks like I'm the one doing all the work.

In other news: to celebrate Halloween, I give you: NEW OMASHU

New Omashu

The Great Flood all but wiped out the Fire Nation in a single tremendous surge. The rest of the world flooded, but it was gradual, taking days, weeks, or even months to drown the earth beneath the waves.

Omashu had been conquered by the Fire Nation, but when they saw the approaching waters, having read the reports from their failing Navy, they chose to abandon the city, writing it off as doomed. They saw the laughter of the imprisoned king the braying of a madman, certain that the city and all it's citizens would sink beneath the waves.

They were half right.

King Bumi proved that the line between genius and madness is thin, if it exists at all. Omashu sank, but beneath the earth, the entire city relocated building by building, leaving behind only the greatest structures, each of them sealed against the rising tide. The ruins of Old Omashu still peek above the waves, a relic of an older age, but far beneath is the city of New Omashu.

It is a dark kingdom, illuminated to twilight by countless glowing crystals. Every sound echoes through the streets and against the ceiling, giving the impression that the city is whispering to you, if you could only make out the words. Combined with the Labyrinthine passages used to navigate the city (often changing as an earthbender decides a new passage would be easier than walking around) and visitors find the entire city unsettling.

Its denizens have long grown used to the new environment, memorizing enough of the streets that they can find their path one way or another, their eyes so used to darkness that many find the surface blinding. To be a citizen of the Earth Kingdom is to learn to adapt, to persevere in the face of adversity, and no place has done this better than New Omashu.

The King's Garden

A vital part of New Omashu's culture and survival, the King's Garden is a vast, underground forest, illuminated by glowing crystals harvested from their ancient mines. New Omashu was built around it, as it serves the vital function of purifying the air to ensure the city's survival.

Not one to have only a single purpose behind his actions, Bumi also seeded the forest with edible plants, even bringing in some animals to create a new ecosystem. While most food is provided by specialized farms, no one in Omashu ever goes hungry, for the King always provides a meal from his garden.

Only one building has been built inside of the garden, a modest sized house built of the finest materials, built by Bumi himself. While far too small for the necessary bureaucracy of running Omashu, it makes for a pleasant vacation home. Some say that King Bumi buried himself beneath it, meditating until the return of the Avatar, but every ruler since has insisted this is just a story, though it doesn't stop young earthbenders from seeking it out to see for themselves.

The Spires

Old Omashu was not entirely submerged, and even now, the spires serve two vital purposes. Most obviously, they act as a connection to the surface world, enabling trade and communication. A more subtle purpose is the circulation of air between the surface and the city. While the King's Garden provides sufficient air to survive, many citizens are reassured by the access to fresh air, and the residences closest to them are a highly sought commodity.

The Old Mines

Old Omashu was known for its extensive mining, and this did not change with the founding of New Omashu. If anything, the mines were reinvigorated by the transition, as the demand for more housing, farms, and other infrastructure motivated the rapid excavation of the surrounding earth.

Modern mining is planned years in advance, not just for the acquisition of resources, but for future expansions of city. The type of mining is determined by what the space will be used for once all mineral wealth has been extracted. Residential areas are generally placed in the remnants of strip mine projects, the vast open space giving the illusion of an open sky, while limited mining projects are used for various industries once mining is completed.

The Tunneler's Guild

Originating as scouts for the Mining Guild, the Tunneler's guild has grown into its own entity. Most are employed to dig tunnels to survey the earth surrounding New Omashu, but when there are no jobs available, or they find themselves bored, they dig for their own amusement, and to discover what lies beneath the earth.

It takes years to become a certified tunneler, as the dangers of venturing beyond the city are as numerous as they are deadly. Badger Moles are the most obvious, but pockets of toxic air, tunnel collapses, or even getting lost are far more likely. The greatest fear is a breach of the sea floor, opening up New Omashu to a new flood. Every Tunneler is trained in civic engineering before they are allowed to venture out, and the tunnels are always sealed behind them.

Despite the risks, it is a lucrative career path, as there is always a need for more space. Many Tunneler's have even founded their own satellite villages, hollowing out a smaller space for their families and friends miles from New Omashu, expanding its influence while also allowing them to live on their own terms. Often times these self appointed chiefs are ordered back to Omashu, not to be punished, but to incorporate their homes and expected growth into the long terms expansion of New Omashu. Several districts are named after the Tunnelers that founded them decades ago.

Reclamation Faction

Despite the success of New Omashu, many people long for the open skies. In recent years, this faction has grown louder, advocating to raise Old Omashu above the waters to reclaim their ancient home. Some of them harken back to the nostalgic days of endless sky above them, while others say that New Omashu is unsustainable, and will inevitably collapse, flood, or face some other grand disaster.

While lacking the legislative power to force a return to the surface, their rhetoric is beginning to ring true to many citizens, particularly due to mining delays resulting in less living space for all.

The Green Sun Project

Conceived in the early days of New Omashu, the Sun Project was put aside in favor of more pressing needs, but it has seen a revival as a consideration to the Reclamation Faction. It is simple in it conception, create a massive glowing crystal, and move it across the cavern ceiling using earthbending to replicate the passage of the Sun.

While sound in theory, there is endless bickering about the practicality of performing this on a daily basis, and the risks of a cataclysmic failure should it ever come loose. A secondary proposal would see it installed as a fixed position, integrated into the foundations of Old Omashu to connect them to the old city, but even this would represent a massive investment of time and resources.

The Spirit of Omashu

No one knows of this spirit. Any sighting is treated as a trick of the light, or hallucination. Anyone claiming to hear its voice has an overactive imagination, giving life to the endless murmurs of the city. There was no spirit of Old Omashu, why would there be one here, in a place that did not exist a hundred years ago?

They would be wrong. The Spirit of Omashu is young, not even fully aware of the world around it, but it hears the words of every citizen, it feels their movement like blood through its stony veins, and its fitful stirrings over up new fissures that help Omashu grow.

No one knows what form the spirit could take, but it hears the whispers and prayers of New Omashu, and it learns. Someday it will open its eyes for the first time, will provide its answers to the questions asked in the darkest corners, and Omashu will change.

Notable Figures:

Lord Lee

Steward of New Omashu until the heir apparent reaches maturity, Lee was in charge of agriculture division before his ascent, and longs for the day when he can return to it. Lee in invested in preserving New Omashu until better minds can take it off his hands. He initiates few expansions, choosing instead to invest in quality of life improvements. His pet project is the floating gardens, a series of boats tethered to Old Omashu and filled with soil to bolster their food reserves and reintroduce sunlight dependent foods to their diet. While it will take years for it to reach fruition, he is confident that it will benefit New Omashu without rocking the proverbial boat.

Chief Engineer Badook

A former Tunneler, Badook expects people to do what he tells them or to leave. While this has caused a rash of infighting in the Engineering, it has also led to a host of radical new proposals, as people previously stymied by the bureaucracy simply bring their plans to him for review. Not that any of them have been approved, he is far too busy developing his own vision now that he finally holds the reigns.

For the moment, the engineers are gridlocked, unable to make progress. It is likely that Badook will be replaced in the near future, by the Steward or an ambitious underling. Without an outside voice, or apprentice with more integrity than sense, who is willing to force him to look at the problems, this future grows more certain by the day.

Len Shao, Face of the Reclamation

Len Shao hates her life in New Omashu. She hates stubbing her toes every five minutes, she hates algae loaf, and she hates when people tell her to just get used to it.

She longs for a different life, and her great grandmother's stories of life in Old Omashu gave her a window into what it could be like. She joined the merchant's guild to see the surface, and while the sun was blinding, she had never seen a more beautiful sight. (The painful burns it gave her she could have done without, but there's no such thing as something for nothing.)

She had petitioned the New Omashu council with countless proposals to make Old Omashu part of the new city. The expansion of the merchant fleet. Walls like Ba Sing Se to reclaim the old city. Opening a shaft to allow real light into the Garden. Almost all of them have been met with the same condescension, assuring her that the city will be reclaimed once the Ocean's Wrath is spent and the waters recede, but it has been a century. The world will not go back to how it was, and they need to accept that.

Now, she seeks to bring others to her view of life, and their voices are growing louder, angrier. She wanted to live on the surface, but some say the only way that will happen is if New Omashu were to fall. The thought scare Len Shao, but people listen to her less and less as their movement grows.

Admiral Wong Despite her title, Admiral Wong has little to no power. The New Omashu fleet is limited to a few merchant vessels, and the majority of their forces are allocated towards the army. As the ranking naval officer, she is still entitled to sit in the King's Hall, and with little concern beyond when the next shipment will come in, she watches, she listens, and she learns.

She learns the petty disagreements between the guilds and the bureaucrats, she spots the cracks in the foundation, that could turn into great faults in their society. She sees how she could turn them to her advantage, if she really wanted. After all, how much power could she exert on them?

And a part of her wonders if New Omashu would be better off, if someone more willing to hold the reins of power were in charge. Lord Lee is doing an acceptable job, but he doesn't have the will to improve the city. Wong has the will, she simply lacks the power, but it would be so easy to acquire, and it would be for the greater good of New Omashu.

Avatar AU where Aang wakes up after 200 years in the iceberg, and 100 years after the Fire Nation completely fucks up the world.

The land is burned to a crisp. The moon is dark. The weather is out of wack. Angry spirits roam the wild, seeking vengeance against humanity for what they've done.

And yet despite everything, people still survive in the wasteland and ruins.

It's too late to save the world, but it's not too late to fix it.

(also instead of steampunk tech elements, it's atompunk elements)

[devopssentinel]

DevQAOps in the Cloud: Leveraging Cloud-Native Tools and Services

Cloud-native technologies offer a wealth of opportunities to streamline and enhance the QA process, enabling teams to deliver high-quality software at unprecedented speed and scale. This fusion of cloud-native tools and services with the principles of DevQAOps is revolutionizing how organizations approach quality assurance in the cloud. Embracing the Cloud-Native Advantage for QA Cloud-native technologies, such as containers, microservices, and serverless architectures, have transformed the way we build and deploy applications. These technologies offer unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and resilience, allowing teams to respond to changing demands and deliver software updates more frequently. However, this rapid pace of development also introduces new challenges for QA. Traditional QA practices often struggle to keep up with the dynamic nature of cloud environments. Manual testing can be time-consuming and prone to error, while on-premises testing infrastructure may not be able to scale to meet the demands of cloud-native applications. Cloud-native QA addresses these challenges by leveraging the power of the cloud to automate and streamline testing processes. Cloud-based testing tools and services can be easily provisioned and scaled on demand, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure investments. These tools also offer advanced features such as parallel test execution, intelligent test orchestration, and real-time test analytics, enabling teams to test faster and more effectively. Key Cloud-Native Tools and Services for QA A wide range of cloud-native tools and services are available to support DevQAOps practices. These tools span various aspects of the QA process, from test automation and environment management to monitoring and observability. - Test Automation Frameworks: Cloud-based test automation frameworks, such as Selenium Grid and Appium, provide a scalable and flexible platform for automating tests across different browsers and devices. - Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) Platforms: Cloud-based CI/CD platforms like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, and CircleCI enable teams to automate the build, test, and deployment process, ensuring that every code change is thoroughly tested before it reaches production. - Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Tools: IaC tools like Terraform and AWS CloudFormation allow teams to manage their testing environments as code, ensuring consistency and reproducibility across different stages of the development lifecycle. - Monitoring and Observability Tools: Cloud-based monitoring and observability tools, such as Datadog, New Relic, and Dynatrace, provide real-time visibility into the performance and health of applications running in the cloud. This enables teams to identify and troubleshoot issues quickly, ensuring the highest levels of availability and reliability. Implementing DevQAOps in the Cloud: Best Practices To successfully implement DevQAOps in the cloud, organizations should consider the following best practices: - Start with a clear strategy: Define your DevQAOps goals and objectives, and identify the key metrics you will use to measure success. - Choose the right tools: Evaluate and select cloud-native tools and services that align with your organization's specific needs and technology stack. - Embrace automation: Automate as many QA processes as possible, including test execution, deployment, and monitoring. - Foster collaboration: Encourage collaboration between development, QA, and operations teams throughout the development lifecycle. - Prioritize security: Implement robust security measures to protect your cloud-based testing environments and data. - Continuously monitor and improve: Regularly review your DevQAOps processes and tools, and make adjustments as needed to optimize performance and efficiency. The Benefits of DevQAOps in the Cloud By embracing DevQAOps in the cloud, organizations can reap numerous benefits: - Faster Time to Market: Cloud-native tools and services enable faster test execution and deployment, accelerating the overall development lifecycle. - Improved Quality: Automated tests and real-time monitoring ensure that software is thoroughly tested and potential issues are identified and addressed promptly. - Increased Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud-based testing environments can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing demands, providing the flexibility needed to adapt to evolving business requirements. - Reduced Costs: By leveraging cloud-based resources, organizations can avoid the upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses associated with on-premises testing infrastructure. - Enhanced Collaboration: DevQAOps fosters collaboration between teams, leading to improved communication, knowledge sharing, and ultimately, better software quality. DevQAOps in the cloud is transforming the way organizations approach quality assurance. By leveraging the power of cloud-native tools and services, teams can automate testing, streamline workflows, and gain valuable insights into software quality. This not only leads to faster delivery of high-quality software but also empowers organizations to stay ahead in today's competitive landscape. Read the full article

[devopssentinel2000]

DevQAOps in the Cloud: Leveraging Cloud-Native Tools and Services

Cloud-native technologies offer a wealth of opportunities to streamline and enhance the QA process, enabling teams to deliver high-quality software at unprecedented speed and scale. This fusion of cloud-native tools and services with the principles of DevQAOps is revolutionizing how organizations approach quality assurance in the cloud. Embracing the Cloud-Native Advantage for QA Cloud-native technologies, such as containers, microservices, and serverless architectures, have transformed the way we build and deploy applications. These technologies offer unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and resilience, allowing teams to respond to changing demands and deliver software updates more frequently. However, this rapid pace of development also introduces new challenges for QA. Traditional QA practices often struggle to keep up with the dynamic nature of cloud environments. Manual testing can be time-consuming and prone to error, while on-premises testing infrastructure may not be able to scale to meet the demands of cloud-native applications. Cloud-native QA addresses these challenges by leveraging the power of the cloud to automate and streamline testing processes. Cloud-based testing tools and services can be easily provisioned and scaled on demand, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure investments. These tools also offer advanced features such as parallel test execution, intelligent test orchestration, and real-time test analytics, enabling teams to test faster and more effectively. Key Cloud-Native Tools and Services for QA A wide range of cloud-native tools and services are available to support DevQAOps practices. These tools span various aspects of the QA process, from test automation and environment management to monitoring and observability. - Test Automation Frameworks: Cloud-based test automation frameworks, such as Selenium Grid and Appium, provide a scalable and flexible platform for automating tests across different browsers and devices. - Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) Platforms: Cloud-based CI/CD platforms like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, and CircleCI enable teams to automate the build, test, and deployment process, ensuring that every code change is thoroughly tested before it reaches production. - Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Tools: IaC tools like Terraform and AWS CloudFormation allow teams to manage their testing environments as code, ensuring consistency and reproducibility across different stages of the development lifecycle. - Monitoring and Observability Tools: Cloud-based monitoring and observability tools, such as Datadog, New Relic, and Dynatrace, provide real-time visibility into the performance and health of applications running in the cloud. This enables teams to identify and troubleshoot issues quickly, ensuring the highest levels of availability and reliability. Implementing DevQAOps in the Cloud: Best Practices To successfully implement DevQAOps in the cloud, organizations should consider the following best practices: - Start with a clear strategy: Define your DevQAOps goals and objectives, and identify the key metrics you will use to measure success. - Choose the right tools: Evaluate and select cloud-native tools and services that align with your organization's specific needs and technology stack. - Embrace automation: Automate as many QA processes as possible, including test execution, deployment, and monitoring. - Foster collaboration: Encourage collaboration between development, QA, and operations teams throughout the development lifecycle. - Prioritize security: Implement robust security measures to protect your cloud-based testing environments and data. - Continuously monitor and improve: Regularly review your DevQAOps processes and tools, and make adjustments as needed to optimize performance and efficiency. The Benefits of DevQAOps in the Cloud By embracing DevQAOps in the cloud, organizations can reap numerous benefits: - Faster Time to Market: Cloud-native tools and services enable faster test execution and deployment, accelerating the overall development lifecycle. - Improved Quality: Automated tests and real-time monitoring ensure that software is thoroughly tested and potential issues are identified and addressed promptly. - Increased Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud-based testing environments can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing demands, providing the flexibility needed to adapt to evolving business requirements. - Reduced Costs: By leveraging cloud-based resources, organizations can avoid the upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses associated with on-premises testing infrastructure. - Enhanced Collaboration: DevQAOps fosters collaboration between teams, leading to improved communication, knowledge sharing, and ultimately, better software quality. DevQAOps in the cloud is transforming the way organizations approach quality assurance. By leveraging the power of cloud-native tools and services, teams can automate testing, streamline workflows, and gain valuable insights into software quality. This not only leads to faster delivery of high-quality software but also empowers organizations to stay ahead in today's competitive landscape. Read the full article