#she is NOT Tails's sister. she's his friend. but she has the ATTITUDE of a Cool Big Sis trope character

[sage-nebula]

Not every positive platonic relationship is siblings. Sometimes people are just friends. Best friends, even! But just friends.

[blu-ish]

Just finished reading and gosh I love this so much. (lemme write an essay about it lol)

LONG ASS POST HSJHSJSH

She is so testing Sonic, using his own morals-- his own PROMISES against him. Because if Sonic says she and Kit can have a second, even third chance... everyone's gonna follow along because he's Sonic. If I was the villain I would use that against the hero too.

He's just gonna end up bringing everyone down with him BECAUSE he believes, because he thinks its the right thing to do.

But here's the thing, he knows its complete bullshit, I 100% got that vibe. He understands somethings up, that it's too easy, hell after experiencing Surge's meltdown while trying to drown him while electrocuting him, there's no way that didn't leave an impression on Sonic about her. (along with a few internal burns lmao)

It's the same thing with the whole Mr. Tinker (Eggman) incident, sure he really DID lose his memory, but Sonic AGAIN forces his ideals and morals onto everyone else for the sake of believing he could turn it around, and his actions affect everyone. (Gawd, Sonic and his problematic savior complex coming to bite him in the ass hsjhsjs it's so good im sorry)

He refuses to change that "second chance" mindset. He's not changing it because of ONE or even TWO bad times that it didn't work out in his favor. Even when they break his trust.

And Surge HATES it, she hates how stupid and naive Sonic is for believing all that, so she's gonna use it against him. To make him a hypocrite, to prove he isn't Mr. Perfect.

Sonic continually emphasizes how some of his friends tried to kill/waste him once or twice before, just to prove his point. But here's the thing, sure Sonic had some role in how they changed but most of that CHANGE was made by THEM not HIM. He can't force them to change, they did that on their own.

Knuckles realized he was being tricked, so he CHOSE to help Sonic and Tails. (He is the guardian of the master emerald after all, that's his JOB, he wasn't just beating Sonic up for the hell of it.)

Shadow's memory was altered, he was grieving, a traumatized kid who was just dealing with Eggman so he could watch the planet explode even if he went down with it. But he wasn't doing it for the hell of it either, he did it BECAUSE he thought his dead sister WANTED him too, to get revenge for her death. Shadow was always kind, he was kind to Rouge, Amy reminded him of Maria, Sonic was there to SHOW him he had a choice, to remind him the world was worth saving, instead of destroying it. EVERYONE helped, not just Sonic. Shadow CHOSE that. (even if he eventually FORGOT thanks SEGA lol)

Surge doesn't have that, she doesn't have the genuine motive to change and I don't think she ever will. (or that she necessarily needs too but I could be wrong ofc) Kit is following her, because he was brainwashed into it yeah (So has Surge into hating Sonic), but that's all said and done, its not "reversable" that's their genuine feelings now-- as awful and terrible as it was for Starline to do that to two freakin kids.

Now she want's to know where she came from, she wants to know the truth, and she's again, following someone's orders to do so. But that's HER choice, she doesn't CARE if it affects others because she feels that no one cares enough about her or Kit to find them after they lost themselves anyways.

But her ultimate goal, is to prove Sonic WRONG, to END him and his "I can do no wrong/everyone likes me" attitude. I for one am hyped to see where they take this next.

[meowsgirldrawing]

Obey Me Next Generation Idea(aka-My au)

What about poly Au with the bros? I assume with demon culture, MC having kids and the bros all being the dad wouldn't be too surprising as I think monogamous relationships are seen just the same as polyamorous. Like neither really matter honestly in a "oh this is a big deal/drama!" Sense.

Plus its the 7 lords, they can do whatever the fuck they want

I know MC is mostly human but I think having kids is still possible as they got magic plus their pacts with the bros might make them stronger. Plus, historically, woman have been able to have multiple pregnancies, like more than 4 at least, so still- not impossible.

Just let me have my next gen shenanigans

ONTO THE KIDS PLEASE AND THANK YOU

Varya (1st Born) (she/her)-25

Daughter of Mammon

Is more demon than human, possibly the most demon out of the kids.

Holds a very smiley but deadly aura around her.

Seems the opposite of Mammon in behavior but you can tell by her subtle acts towards her family, shes his kid alright.

Is the type of person to shake a person's hand but hold a knife in the other.

"Looks like a cinnamon roll, can kill you"

Lights up at the mentions of crocheting, dogs, and weird but oddly alluring creatures around Devildom.

She does have a small habit of gambling when out with Mammon, but is actually able to keep her wins because no one expects it through her gold-winning smile.

Mess with her family and its on sight.

Lilith the 2nd (3rd born-1st triplet) (she/her)-21

I headcannon Lucifer to at least be the only one to name their daughter after their sister. Not to replace, never, but to honor her.

Is in a strange middle between Half demon-mostly demon

Sweetheart by default

That big sister you can always talk to and she wont judge.

Will make passive agressive remarks when peeved off.

Definitely denies acting like Lucifer yet can do the stance-arms crossed and glare- exactly like him.

Even does the whole hand chest like him too. Shocked look and all.

Calls all the brothers papa but Lucifer father, not as a distance way but thats just how she's always been.

Theatre kid- almost always lead.

Anna from Frozen vibes at times.

Hopeless romantic too.

Basically Lucifer if he actually showed more emotions.

Daddy's girl 100%

May or may not be in a secret relationship with Diavolo's heir👀

Rhomb(2nd Born) (he/him)-23

Son of Leviathan

Named after the Loch ness Monster

A nice balance between human and demon

But has "mutations" that make him have scaly patches on his body, his tail out almost 24/7, and bad eyesight.

Stern attitude most of the time.

Big bro protector

Tallest of all the kids

Softer on the younger kids but will smack a bitch if they act up.

Cant play video games much cause eyes so turns to more physical games that include puzzles.

Likes games with strategy to follow like War tanks, or chess. Is the type to make a DnD game the best cause he makes amazing stories too despite not reading much.

Likes mystery shows too and tries to figure it out before the answer is revealed, could go on rants about why. Gets it right 11/10 times.

If Leviathan wasnt his biological dad, people would believe he was Satan's kid.

Doesnt like cats tho.

Quinn (4th Born- 2nd Triplet) (He/they/doesnt care) (21)

Asmo just thought Quinn was a pretty name so picked it lol.

Also a nice balance between human/demon. Tho his wings stay out constantly.

Very much vibes from that yellow bird in Rio.

Laid back personality but is an outgoing dude.

Also very protective of their siblings, and will not hesitate to cut a bitch.

Isnt as flamboyant as Asmo but does have a just as great fashion sense.

Has a hard time dating as people automatically assume hes just like Asmo so will try to date him for that reason only.

Love his dad but hates the reputation he gets because of being said son.

So he resorts to just sticking to his siblings or the few friends he trusts.

Besides MC, is the second most popular face to pop up on Asmo's Devilgram

Fucking adores axolotls for no particular reason, just loves them to no end which Asmo makes sure to get many axolotl themed plushes, shirts, etc. for him.

Libbey(Liberty) (5th Born- 3rd triplet)(she/her)-21

Another balance between human/demon, maybe a tad more on the demon side.

Tho, also has "mutations" like very enhanced hearing.

Bookworm to the max

Loves reading dramas and fantasies, but seems to enjoy multiseries more than stand alone.

Very quiet and shy kid of the group.

Sometimes cant even talk so signs instead because earaches or headaches.

Likes cats but perfers reptiles more.

Has a small turtle in her room from the human realm, set it up beside her bed and everything. Their name is Casey after one of her favorite human novels she read.

But despite all this, isnt called the daughter of wrath just for nothing beside biology reasons.

Is like Satan 2.0 when pissed, she wont yell or scream but you can just tell from the drop of room temperature and the subtle tilt of her head.

Her eyes glow an electric green when shes pissed.

Had more anger issues when younger, but cause Satan knew how to handle his better now, taught her how to aswell.

Satan is probably the main one to understand her issues with such a problem, despite being more mellowed out now that shes older.

Is definitely a cryer when really angry tho.

Ryder(6th Born) (1st twin)- 19

Ngl, everyone was surprised that they had twins. Including Belphie himself.

But then again, they did have triplets before them so....eh?

Ryder is a tad more human than demon, but still powerful enough to have his own demon form like his older siblings.

His tail is seen smaller than Belphie's, and a bit thinner too.

The sloth genes affact him only so much, making him more likely just want to procrastinate then outright not do anything.

He honestly enjoys the human world more than Devildom, mainly cause everything is less..hectic per say.

Hes the type of brother/older friend that will cover for ya if you have to hide something but will subtly suggest how to fix whatever their doing.

Like one time Quinn came home slightly tipsy and past curfew, and he snuck them into his room. Though he scolded them in the morning, he covered for Quinn at breakfast, saying they ate too much sugar last night, thats why hes queasy and has a headache.

Quinn did fix that habit up quick after Ryder threatened to leave him on his own next time it happened.

Calls everyone bro or dude, no matter their gender.

Gen z vibes too in most areas.

Has a fixation with cow bells for some reason, likes the noise is all he can say.

If he were told what Belphie did to their mom/human parent way before they were born, he says "Cowabummer" while screaming inside.

River(7th born-2nd twin)(they/them)-19

How is this Belphie's kid?

Too hyper, tad crazy

Probably has ADHD, who knows.

While Ryder is the slightly responsible twin, their the reason why Ryder needs to be said twin.

Their just about the same range of human/demon as Ryder, can have a demon form, but only uses it to fuck with people than to actually be scary with it.

They may have alot of power, but their personality alone can kill people.

Is the type of kid to crawl on the ceiling when they were 2.

Is also the type to hop outta window to get to the lower floor faster. Thank Belphie for their demon powers otherwise we'd have another Lillith situation.

Has scared even Lucifer at one point, has made him yelp out of surprise. Will not go on how, no matter how much Papa Satan and Belphie ask them. Just has a toothy grin when they ask.

When calm, is actually a pretty chill dude. They like odd patterns and get fixated on the most random things.

MC gave them one of those sand timers that you flip to restart and when she came down to tell them food was done about 2 hours later, she found them sitting on the table, holding it while watching the sand go down. They use it now to relax and focus on when overstimultated or just having too much of a fuzzy head.

Has spent nearly a how week with Leviathan because they got hooked on one anime with him. Now has frequent solo movie nights with him cause.

"They're tad confused, but got the spirit"

Literally had to have someone (Rhomb) explain to them what the LGBTQ+ letters meant. Legit thought it was just new alphabet pattern, was still happy to find out what it all means.

If you told them what Belphie did to their mom before they were born, they'd think it as a joke. Dont tell them otherwise or they will cry.

Frankie(8th Born)(She/her)-16

Everyone thought that she would be the biggest child when MC was pregnant with her, since y'know, it was confirmed Beel's kid.

Yeah, she came out small. Like scary small for a baby.

It was then everyone knew she would be the most human. Has a little demon in her, but clearly not enough to have a demon form nor mark.

Lucifer's wallet cried in relief.

She does eat a good bit more than the average human but overall, nothing compared to Beel.

She does adore sweets to the max, especially gummies. Give her some and she'll love you forever.

Sweetest little sunshine in the world, everyone adores her. If they dont, then they will soon.

Shes like Mirabel in encanto, kinda wishes she had more demon powers but is still overall happy with who she is.

When her a Beel are with each other- OH MY DIAVOLO, THE CAVITIES PEOPLE GET- TOO DAMN SWEET AND PURE

Like big papa Beel and his sweet little girl all smiley and pure. Best father-daughter relationship out of all the siblings and fathers.

Shes kinda like pinkie pie from MLP but like more hyper as fuck. Can and will speak so fast when excited that it just comes out as squeaks at that point.

Since her more human side, shes more likely to stay in human world when their mom is on Buisness there, so she has alot of human friends.

Shes in gymnastics, which definitely helps keep her figure more smaller despite all the sweets she eats. Does work out with Beel too.

Mess with her and you have a whole army on yer ass.

"Bounce to the beat of my own drum!"

You can just tell how much I love this dear. HA

[luci-luck]

Earth “ponies” go first! MASSIVE autism dump comin’ atcha live

TW: ableism , grief , parental death (just in case the tags failed)

This is more so for me but I still wanted to share 🫶

Sandstone (Pinkie):

- b i g puppy energy

- Built for work but prefers to play

- Has crystal pony genes but depression makes them subdued. Can only go full crystal mode in a moment of pure and raw jubilation.

- after constantly being told who she’s supposed to be, they rejected the idea of labels entirely

- no labels for gender or sexuality means loving Pinkie does not impact your sexuality score!

- (intersex is not about gender but biological sex. That being said many intersex people use intergender as their gender as it relates to their experience as an intersex person.)

- deals with internalized ableism due to conservative fillyhood environment. Feels bad when they need to ask for help/support. Got herself an unofficial certificate in psychology so he can be his own therapist (it doesn’t work out)

- Parents would totally support the pony version of Autism Speaks just saying. Pinkie’s dad thinks neurodivergency is curable with hard work and the right attitude whilst her mom mourns the loss of her son after the diagnosis.

- ADHD makes xeir rejection sensitivity off the charts

- Internal battery runs on the company of others so can’t ever live alone.

- Had problems with food insecurity

- Relies on sugar as a steady supply of dopamine

- Can have moments of poor motor control. Clumsy

- Eyesight is bad but doesn’t wear glasses. Afraid that ponies will start thinking he is smart and they will expect even more from him. (In human world she wears contacts)

- Feels embarrassed being high support needs and just wants to be treated like everybody else. Hates when xer parents call her “special”

- Also hates being infantilized but is not confident in their decision making

- Xe is a sensory seeker unlike the rest of their family who are all sensory avoiders. Sisters compromise and try to meet his needs. Pinkie in turn tries to be mindful of their touch aversion but finds it hard sometimes. “Everypony’s just so scoop-able!”

- Trained Gummy to “stay”. Is very proud of his emotional support gator

Applejack:

- Is incredibly strong for her size

- feels like she has to constantly prove herself worthy of taking over the farm. Has gotten into arguments with Big Mac about overexerting herself

- Is a hinny (donkey mom and stallion dad) (ofc hinnies are supposed to have tails more like horse but I love the lion tail on AJ so 💁‍♀️) (I said mule in ALT text because most people don’t know what a hinny is)

- Because of this, she is more calm under pressure and thinks more logically

- has major depression from grief and ptsd (duh)

- Isn’t used to being in a stress free environment so she creates the stress

- Likes running the apple stand but certain families trigger her

- Obsessed with anything from the past generation. A time when her parents were young and happy

- Can be a bit insensitive to other’s problems and wants them to “put on their big girl pants” like she had to.

- Feels like she has to fill in the roles her parents used to do. Especially so Applebloom and Granny don’t have to stress over as many things.

- Was in the process of cutting her mane when she remembered that AB liked to braid it so she stopped half way.

- Is the mom of the friend group. Makes sure everyone’s needs are met before tending to her own. (Which is bad btw)

- Has problems with insomnia but getting better.

- Struggles with OCD and will repeat unnecessary tasks if she believes it will help protect her family

- Has an emotional support dog named Winona who also reminds AJ to take breaks 🐕‍🦺

- Sees no point in getting her chronic pain checked out. Will hopefully change her mind in the future. Wears leg braces to ease the soreness.

- Got diagnosed later on. Grief masked her autistic traits.

- Also has a hard time asking for help but has gotten better after she found out that Applebloom has been internalizing that mindset. She must lead by example

- Stick around long enough and she’ll happily invite you over with a hot cup of cider 🍺

- (Other people tend to fall in love while getting to know someone. Demiromantics however need to get to know the person first and then develop romantic feelings later)

- Thought she wasn’t capable of developing crushes until she got to know Coloratura.

[warrior-cats-rewritten]

Anthro!AU. There's no real timeline for this.

Names follow 3 formats. Let's grab... Dovewing!

Dovewing is also called Dove, Miss Wing, and Dove Wing.

Turtle Tail is also called Turtletail, Miss Tail (or Miss T) and Turtle.

Cats like Millie or Snake will sometimes take last names, but highly prefer their single name.

Bramblekit absolutely took a cookie when offered while he was at Frostfur's house, thinking they were chocolate chip, only to get oatmeal raisin. He hated it but was too polite to spit it out.

Snowbird cut Ratscar off from seeing his nespring when she found out about his connections to a cult called The Place of No Stars.

Blossompaw and Briarpaw regularly swam in a river nearby their house, with Bumblepaw on watch for anyone coming who might get them in trouble.

Briarlight also put flame stickers/decals on her wheelchair. She sometimes rotates them out for seasonal stuff, like holiday themed ones. She put a weed sticker on it once for 4/20 and Millie threw a fit over it.

During the nasty custody battle between Goldenflower and Tigerclaw, Swiftpaw told Tigerclaw he never wanted to see him again, he would rather be dead than have his father hold any custody of him.

Smudge regularly visits and babysits Squirrelkit and Leafkit, he wishes Firestar would move back to Kittypet Town, but understands that his best friend is happier in Clan City.

Leafpool was in a very bad situation when she was pregnant with her triplets, as Crowfeather left her with nothing when they broke up. She pretended that she was going to be a surrogate, as Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight were having trouble conceiving. That was the lie.

Squirrelflight works as a professional chef. Ferncloud works as a stay-at-home mom but makes plush for her friends and their kids, as sewing is her passion. Thornclaw is a PE teacher. Ashfur is a drama teacher. Brambleberry is a chemistry teacher. Leafpool is a doctor. Cinderheart is a receptionist at the hospital Leafpool works at.

Hollyleaf and Cinderheart were "borderline dating" for MONTHS before Jayfeather snapped and screamed at one of them "just spit it out already!"

Jayfeather is a programmer, and works at making more video games and controllers accessible to blind folks like him! He works with Snowtail (Snowkit) who also works helps out gamers who are HoH.

Scourge is a lawyer, who helps Firestar find the evidence that Tigerstar murdered Redtail during an election.

Turtle Tail is preschool teacher, and works with Sorreltail and Snowbird. They work together at Kit School in Sanctuary Lake Elementary School/Preschool.

Clan City has 5 main districts, for the 5 Clans. Everyone is generally very proud of their home and where their family came from, and xenophobia seems to be on the rise... Many come over, but just as many are driven out by the harsh attitudes of the locals.

In another time, there are more districts. Jingo District, Blood District, and Warrior District. There is also Mountain City, and Gorge City where people in the Sky District lived for many years following a massive disaster that forced everyone to evacuate, they lived with the locals there for years, giving a mjor economy boost to a dying city, and caused quite the controversy when they left.

Guardian Village is nearby as well, traditional people who live amongst ruins, as well as many dotted Sister Settlements, where a semi-nomadic traveling group sets up camps. There is The River Kingdom, a valley where a group of secretive cats live in peace, also called The Park by outsiders.

In another time, the 5 founders of Clan City, Skystar, Thunderstar, Windstar, Shadowstar and Riverstar, settled there together after disaster swept the area. Shadowstar came from Mountain Village, plauge causing some cats to leave for hope of a better life, Windstar came from a village on the Moor that was destroyed by wildfires with her fiance Gorse Fur, Skystar came from what would later become Rogue Town, bounced through orphanages with her brother Fox, Thunderstar was born to 2 Mountain Cats, Clear Sky and Bright Storm, soon after arriving in the area, and Riverstar came from the River Kingdom to escape a flood with his young niece Flutter.

[superluigiglitchy]

Just finished rewatching SMG4 What-if? and now im having feelings

aka Fuzzy Meggy au based on that fucked up Fuzzy Desti au @duckapus made where Mr. Grizz found Desti's body in the ocean and decided to do the trial runs for the fuzzy ooze which brought her back to life but fucked her up BIG TIME but like its Meggy instead (here)

(Long post ahead)

a few things before I start explaining away

Since Meggy's death each member of the gang have started wearing an article of orange in they're usually outfits (Saiko's twin tail ribbons are orange, Tari has an orange arm band on her hoodie, Mario has an orange Inkling patch stitched onto his overalls etc.) as a way to commemorate her

The three pieces of Meggy's head gear went to Luigi (beanie), Mario (headphones) and Tari (goggles) all three of them guard these pieces with they're lives

So many people blame themselves for Meggy's death that it can give someone chronic depression (read: me) but here's a few people of note

Axol: Despite the reassurances of the gang (including that of Desti's) Axol deeply blames himself for not knowing that Francis had made another Sephiroth and being able to erase it before it went and killed someone

Paige: Since their older sisters death they have double down on being the NSS's Captain and have worked harder than ever before much to the other agent's worry and concern, they have sever survivor's guilt an a guilt complex and as much as the other agents and cuttle fish try to help they either outright refuse or avoid them however that may change soon during the NSS's exploration of the ancient human settlement known as Altera

Tari: having lost her best friend and in the throws of grief she decided to learn to be stronger earlier than in canon with the help of Saiko surprisingly out of everyone she seems to have gotten a control over her grief, she still deeply wishes Meggy were still here with them but she knows that's not possible however she's been having strange dreams lately of her late friend but surely those are just that, dreams... Or are they?

Luigi: Since Meggy's death he has learned to not be as much of a scaredy cat and to pull his weight around in the team he still deeply misses her but he also acts as a rock for whenever the grief of the others gets too much for them, Especially for Mario however he like the others misses her greatly and often tries to 'think like Meggy' as he puts it when stuck in a pickle

Mario: Out of everyone he has the most grief over the lost of his best friend and sister, because of this it was like a switch was flipped and now he acts more subdued and not as chaotic (think of him as a mix between his memey self and pre-smg4 self) (which deeply disturbs everyone, even Peach surprisingly enough) however he is still the Avatar of the universe so he still gets dragged into insane adventures because of it only with a more subdued attitude and more responsible and smart (again deeply disturbs everyone) he often wonders that if he didn't instigate the anime challenge would none of this have happened? Luigi tries to assist him in processing the grief and guilt and help with his depression but it doesn't seem to be quite working

Desti: she is currently on the hunt for Sephiroths head and to get revenge so she has too much anger right now to process her guilt and grief which can rival even Mario's if not surpass it

Peach: since the fiasco of the anime arc Peach has become more thoughtful to others and careful in her decisions regarding Mario's antics and feels responsible for this mess having happened (she WAS the one responsible placing the ban in the first place) she acts much like her canon self here, everyone has mixed feelings over her however, Saiko especially who personally blames Peach for what she sees as causing the death of her friend Saiko hasn't really expressed this as not to aggravate the others but Peach sorta knows with how often Saiko shoots the Stink Eye at her

And that's about it now onto the au itself

During Splatoon 3's story mode (or at least this universe's version of it) the NSS find themselves stalked by a cat-like creature covered in scars and brown fur

(honestly they wouldn't really have noticed if not for Captain 3 halting everyone from moving pointing out that they were being watched by something and ironically enough the thing showed itself) shockingly though it began to smother Captain 3 with affection and purring like crazy much to Paige's annoyance and confusion and Callie and Marie's amusement

Callie: hehehe, it looks like it likes you captain

Paige being smothered with affection furiously by a purring cat creature: I am aware of that agent 1- HEY NO LICKING!!

Anyways now the NSS has this weird ass cat thing that's very clingy to their captain (the amount of black mail Andi has now is insane) and seems to have grown a liking to Andi as well ironically enough and ends up helping in the space battle quite a lot

Meanwhile as this is happening harbor and 8 end up helping Desti who was on the back ropes to defeat Sephiroth (much to her reluctance and stubbornness) and ends up taking her back to homebase cause 1. Cuttlefish were worried sick about her and 2. They ain't letting her disappear for several months again and it's here where they find out about the giant cat monster thing that the NSS have came to call Fuzzball instead of Subject 001 (which was the codename Mr. Grizz gave her) who takes an extreme liking to Desti MUCH to her confusion

Desti being cuddled to death by Fuzzball: what the fu-

Paige covered in orangey brown fur: you get used to it

Anyways something something the NSS and the smg4 crew have they're monthly meet up with a giant fuzzy cat thing in tow and because of E. Gadd shenanigans they find out that Fuzzball is actually Meggy *insert moment of disbelief and tear it filled moment here along with a bunch of reactions*

So anyways thanks to a combination of E. Gadd, the NSS, some help from Marina's memeverse and memery fuckery cause why tf not, they are able to find a cure for fuzzification for both the affected octarians and Meggy

But because of how long she's been trapped in Grizzco. and how long she's been experimented they weren't able to cure her all the way so now she's a cat bear squid human thing but that's just fine by the gang because they'll always love Meggy no matter what and BOY did they miss her

Bonus Megdesti:

[silent-raven13]

A cute little doe

(AU: Centaur world! Miles is a deertaur and Hobie is a centaur, Shire horse breed centaur to be in fact. No Spider-man in this magical world)

Hobie, a strong tall centaur had been hiding the bushes watching, his black tail flicks side to side as he watches with so much anticipation. His black hairs shines by the sun showing off its lovely coat. Gwen a horsetaur with beautiful blond coating being a Akhal take horse breed, she went over to check on her friend. Hobie being a much taller, more lean centaur has no shirt but only arm jewelry, he sticks his head in the bushes as he continues to watch.

Gwen crosses her arms with a head tilt at her friend, she wore a tank top with a silly face on it. Their town has been filled with new comers due to being Spring, a lot of centaurs form a community to watch each others back and stick together. Since she's almost the same age as Hobie, she had to make sure where he was going every morning.

Ever since, a new group of deertaurs came into the land, Hobie seems to wander off. It's not like he never done it before, but this time he seems to off. He stares into distant with a flustered look on his face, and often mutters, "Sunflower or cute lil doe."

It kinda freaked out their roommate, Pavtri seeing how he woke up to Hobie drawing a deer tail, too. Freaked him out for sure. "What are you doing, brother Hobie?"

"Eck! Huh!" Hobie quickly shot out of the bushes trying to pretend everything is fine, "What do you mean, sister Gwendy?" His eyes avoiding her own blue eyes, he's sweating bullets. "Ummm, ahh. Hmm, nothing particular."

This made her blue eyes slightly wide, noticing her friend's attitude completely changed into a shy nervous person. "Okay, something is really up then? Let me see." She pushes him back to look over the bushes.

"Ack, wait!" Hobie got nudge in the stomach making him wince back, while Gwen went over to peek.

To her surprise, she saw a little doe from afar, it's a deertaur sniffing at a bush filled with blueberries. His big Honey-brown eyes gleams at the sweet fruit, his deer ears lift up with joy. Then, he took a bite of blueberries being in love, his smiles is like a ball of sunshine that got Gwen squinting at how brightly he smiles. Not to mention he had pretty Sunflowers in his hair and wrapped in a vine around his lower half of his body.

"So, it's that little deertaur you been checking out. Why not talk to her?" Gwen grins widely, "She's cute."

"I think it's a boy... not that I care about their genders, but it seems like it." Hobie looks bashful, he had one hand on his move being shy. "I tried, but one time I went over and the moment he saw me, he freaked out and ran."

"Ohh, he looks a lot like a little doe! Hmm, what if I go over there with you?"

"What? No-no, it's fine. I don't want to scare him!" He quickly said with his voice sounding sad. "I terrified him last time."

Gwen rubs her chin, she watches the little stag munching on some blueberries, "Oh! I got it." Hobie listens to her plan.

The little deertaur was busy sniffing some blueberries to see if they weren't poisoned or rotten, he could smell the sweet ripe berries. His ears lifts up with joy, and his little deer tail wiggle a bit, his front hoof tapped the ground a sign he's joyful to eat some berries. "Ohh, mmm." He took a bite feeling the sweet tart of these berries, making him cup his own face by the delicious treat.

His kind have come a long way for safety from humans, they were in a nasty battle and many had decided it was best to move. Humans are foul, mean creatures that only care about themselves. They frighten him to the bones, his mind drifted off with purple stain on his lips from the ripe fruit.

"Hi-hi!" Then his daydream broke when a centaur with blond hair, pale skin and blue eyes jump in his sight.

The deertaur jumps being startled by the female centaur, "Yeep!" He quickly cover his face being scared, his whole body quivers in fear.

"Hey, don't be scared. I heard about your group and what ya'll went through. Sorry, to hear about moving away from your home. I am, Gwen! I wanna be your friend!" She places her hand on his shoulder, she got a look of him. This deertaur had more of deer features like his nose is black, his eyes are big and his fur goes pass his low abdominal. He is a little cutie.

"So-sorry," He speaks in a shy soft tone, this time showing his face looking bashful, "I'm... I'm Miles."

"We're gonna be great friends, hehe. Oh!" She turns to the side, "Hobie bring in the gift! Hurry up!"

Miles turns his head around he spotted the tall centaur before him. This one is so huge, he practically looms over him. He never felt so small, he quivers a bit having his first instinct to run away but seeing Gwen made him have a bit of courage. "Eep!" Came out of his mouth as he went behind the blond centaur being scared.

"It's okay. This is Hobie, he may look tall and scary but he's a cool guy!" Gwen said seeing the deertaur hiding behind her back, it's cute to see him being so afraid especially when his little tail perks up from any emotion. "Hobie, show him the gift."

The dark skinned centaur was too busy loving the way the deertaur was being so cute, that little tail of his has such a charm to it. "Uhh, right." Hobie holds a basket with delicious treats like fresh cut grass, acorns, nuts, fruits and corn.

This made Miles' black nose wiggles at the delicious smell of corn and grass, his eyes closed as he follows the scent. Hobie stood like a statue seeing the deertaur being so damn cute, he wanted him to get near him. To be able to comfortable in his presence. Miles sniffs the basket smelling the grass, "Ohh." His eyes half opened being so innocent.

Gwen giggles seeing her friend being so flustered, he looks like he's about to fall over. "Mm, apples my favorite." Miles took a bite bites from the basket already munching on the treats. "Mmm." He holds some fresh green grass to eat.

Hobie and Gwen awed at the adorable deertaur, the way he eats is so cute. "How adorable!" They said together.

Once Miles finished eating his part, "Is it... is it, okay I take the rest to my family?" His Honey Brown eyes on Hobie with such purity.

"Yeah, it's fine."

"Thank you!" He smiles widely having this bright glow. Hobie and Gwen couldn't face just innocence. "Hm? What's wrong?" He asked.

"Nothing. it's just your so adorable." Gwen mutters feeling her heart pound at his cuteness.

Hobie nodded. Miles giggles before circling around them, mostly Hobie being curious. "You're so tall! My dad is chief of the herd and I thought he was the biggest."

"This buck right here!" Gwen smirks with her elbow jabbing in Hobie's side, "is one of the tallest among our age group! And he doesn't have a mate."

"Gwendy! Stop. I'm not the only large one. Our herd's leader is... quite massive." Hobie crosses his arms with a frown.

Miles' ears went down seeing how this is his shy personality, "Oh." His eyes droops with a glisten shine to it, it's like he's ready to cry any moment, but that's one of his features. Holding the basket as he circles Hobie again, this time sniffing him. "You don't have a mate, yet?"

"No, he's single."

Hobie sighs, "I don't believe in mating, or..." He stops himself when the deertaur came close to sniff his chest, "I mean... I don't necessary believe in most of our customs."

"Oh... that's too bad. I'm looking for a mate." Miles seems to already be attractive toward the dark skinned centaur, his eyes soften, "But after the battle against the humans, I don't think I'll be worthy being mated."

"Huh, why not?" Gwen gasps.

"I'm a bit smaller than most stags in my herd, and it's not really ideal!" Miles's lips quivers with big teary eyes, "Everyone mistake me for a doe, too!"

The two tries to calm him down. "It's because you're so cute!" Hobie added, "A lad like you being this adorable. They'll be stupid to not pick you as a mate..."

Gwen points out, "Miles, are you planning to be with a doe?"

"I wanna fall in love... I don't care who!" Miles nodded, then he turns his upper half to look at his tail, "I believe in being with someone by the heart," as he fluff his tail, "but most stags in my herd are all about getting the best. I hope with your herd I can find someone."

"You will! And it's this guy right here!" Gwen patted Hobie's back.

Hobie shouted, "GWEN!"

"What?" Gwen went over to Miles, "He's been eyeing on you ever since you got here."

"Gwendy! Don't tell him that." Hobie pitches his friend's cheeks.

"OWWW!"

Miles gasps out loud then look flustered, "Really? I'll be honest, when I first saw you, I thought you look so cool." That made the two centaurs stop playing around, they froze. The cute deertaur holds the basket while his shoulders lifts up being nervous as he talks, "I thought you were very handsome too. I thought no one wants to be my friend since I'm a deertaur and look like a doe."

Hobie quickly went over to Miles, his hands on his shoulders, "You shouldn't view so badly on yourself. So far, talking with you, you seem like a great person. Me and Gwendy would love to be your friend."

"That's very nice of you." He smiles at Hobie, "Do you guys wanna pick some berries with me? I'm planning to bring some to my mamí."

"Sure!" Gwen said, "Oh, you know there's sweeter berries over here by the river. It's so good."

"Oh, we can go there. My family love berries!" Miles end up holding Hobie's hand being more bold, "Is it fine if you show me the way?"

Hobie quickly nodded, he felt his whole body warm by the single touch of the deertaur, "YES! I will!" He own long black tail wags back and forth, somehow it went over Miles' little tail.

This made the small centaur smiles at him, only for him to lean on Hobie's chest, "Your very kind Hobie. I hope we can be great friends."

"Me too, Sunflower."

Gwen giggles seeing the two already close, "Mission complete." It won't be long till those two will become mates just in time for Spring festival, too!

[geekthefreakout]

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was great, y'all: A Review

Spoiler Free: This movie was utterly sincere, and that was refreshing as anything. No meta-humor, no self-referential nonsense that would make it feel like it was embarrassed to be what it was. The characters were great and stand-out. The party as a whole struck the perfect balance that made it feel as chaotic as an actual DnD campaign would be. The humor hits pretty much all of the time, with several laugh-out-loud moments and many more little chuckles and smiles.

The story is simple, but feels true to a campaign as well. You have the main quest and the side quests. The rules around magic are fairly well defined. Their are a couple of elements regarding character arcs and story that could have been tweaked or added in that might have made it feel more complete or satisfying, but nothing huge. I found it to be emotionally satisfying, at the very least.

You can tell that there was a lot of love put into this movie. The cast are all having the time of their lives, and it's important (to me) to note that the VFX team never skimp on any character/species detail. The halflings are appropriately proportioned to the world and people around them. The tiefling (though a little tame looking for a tiefling) maintains having a tail in every scene, without them making a big deal about the fact that she has one.

This is a great movie for DnD fans. If you are not familiar with Dungeons and Dragons or TTRPGs in general, however, I still don't feel you will be missing much. It's an adventure fantasy, and a very accessible one at that, with found family and the power of self-respect and love driving its core.

8.5/10 for me.

Spoilers under the cut- and it's LONG, so be ready for that.

SPOILER TIME BABYYYYYY. This will be a breakdown of the movie's plot with my own insights- sometimes I will use DnD terminology as in my head I was imagining each roll of the dice. Scroll down to the end if you just want to see what I would have changed about the movie.

The way we are introduced to our two primary main characters, Edgin and Holga, is very fun. We meet them in a prison as they acquire a burly new cellmate, who they each deal with in ways that make it very clear who and what they are- Edgin being a smooth-talking, rakish Bard with a devil-may-care attitude, and Holga is a blunt yet loyal Barbarian with a love of potatoes who was exiled from her clan for falling in love with an outsider. We quickly segue into their escape from prison at their pardon-hearing, where we get to learn their back story: Edgin was once an honorable man and a Harper (an order who fights against evil while asking for nothing in return) who lost his wife to a Red Wizard attack and decided to cast aside his oath and honor both to become a thief.

He has a daughter who survived that attack, and Holga has helped him to raise her. Refreshingly, there is absolutely zero sexual or romantic tension between Edgin and Holga, who he refers to explicitly as being like a sister to him. They wound up in jail when on a quest to rob a vault which contained a Tablet of Reawakening, which Edgin planned to use to return his wife to life. They were betrayed by the witch Sofina (played with maximum menace by Daisy Head), who captured them in a time stop. Edgin entrusted the tablet and care of his daughter to his friend and party-member, Forge the rogue and con.

They escape on the wings of an unfortunate judge named Jonathan, who is an Aarakorca, despite the fact that Edgin totally passed the charisma check and the panel of judges were actually swayed to approve the pardon. This is when I knew I would love this movie.

Holga and Edgin set out to reunite with Kira (Chloe Coleman, who does great but is noticeably much lighter skinned than the actresses who played her as a baby and toddler), Edgin's daughter. Their daughter, really. They find her with Forge (played with delightful charm and sliminess by Hugh Grant), who has risen to become Lord of Neverwinter. She is angry with Edgin for abandoning her, because it turns out the Forge has been feeding her quite a different story for what the primary objective of that fateful quest was: she thinks they went after a Tablet of Riches. Edwig tries to explain himself, but Kira (who is happy enough to see Holga, at least) won't listen, saying that the bigger problem is that Edwig keeps speaking like it wasn't his fault. Forge, still in league with Sofina, has betrayed them, and secretly sends them to be executed, at which point Holga does that which Barbarians do so well and they escape, now with a new mission: to take down Forge and Sofina and rescue Kira from their clutches.

They set out to build their party, first picking up their friend Simon the Sorcerer (played adorably by Justice Smith), a half-elf whose self-doubt and bumbling ways often inhibit his ability to do more than cantrips reliably. He was also betrayed by Forge, but managed to escape and has been in hiding. He helps lead them to their next party member, a Tiefling Druid named Doric (awesome job, Sophia Lillis), who is also a wildshape. She distrusts humans, who have always let her down, but is loyal to the wood elves who took her in and whose lands have been under attack by Forge. Simon explains that he had once attempted to court her, but she said that his lack of self-esteem just made her sad. Thankfully, this romantic subplot, should it count as that, takes up very little space in the narrative, which is part of why it works so well.

Using Doric's wildshape abilities, they are able to learn that Forge has revived a kind of gladiatorial game intended to bring the city (and the city's riches) together, and that the vault which presumably holds the Tablet of Reawakening is protected by magic that is far too powerful for Simon to counter without the Helm of Disjunction. We also get more glimpses of Sofina's power here- she is able to sense Doric and nearly captures and kills her on a fast-paced chase through the city where Doric changes from fly to mouse to cat to bird to deer in order to escape. Finally, the viewers get to see (though the party doesn't) that Sofina isn't just a witch- she is a Red Wizard and Thayan too, and she plans to turn Neverwinter's people into members of the Red Wizard's undead army.

Simon doesn't think think that taking down Sofina is possible, as he wasn't able to match her magic before and doesn't feel that he's improved. He insists that magic cannot be used to solve every problem, his own magic least of all. Attuning to the Helm alone might take them years, even if they do manage to find it. Edwig insists that Simon is underestimating himself, and advises him not to tell the party of his doubts to keep up morale.

After an amusing diversion to Holga's ex-husband, Marlamin the Halfling (played by Bradley Cooper) and then to a sacred burial ground of her people to discover the fate of the Helm (DnD magic rules are used to great effect here), the party learns that they must seek out a Thayan named Xenk Yendar (played by a hilariously sincere and smoking hot Rege-Jean Page), a renowned Paladin that everyone except a disgruntled Edgin has heard of. Xenk runs a vibe check on Edgin, and apparently detects a Good alignment. He agrees to help them get the Helm, on the condition that Edgin swears to redistribute the wealth in Forge's vault to the people of Neverwinter and that he holds on to the Harper book- a book which Edgin had thrown onto his wife's funeral pyre after he forsook his vows as one. "You may have forsaken your oath, but your oath has not forsaken you." Xenk says to a stubborn Edgin.

We also learn that Xenk escaped the Red Wizard's take over of the Thayan's by the skin of his teeth as a child and lost his parents to it. This flashback helps the viewer (and the party, though they don't quite figure it out until later) what Sofina is planning for Neverwinter- releasing the red blight of death (honestly I cannot remember the real name, but it's an evil red cloud that turns people into red wizard zombies). We see here that the Blight has an area of effect, and that managing to get just outside of it is what saved Xenk from his parents' fate.

While retrieving the Helm, the party runs in with Sofina's cronies. Xenk takes them out in a fantastic display of badassery, but it cannot last long- it takes more power than what Xenk has to kill that which is already dead, and they begin to rise. However, they quickly cease being the primary threat, as their chaos has awoken a dragon. Hilariously, this is not the dragon seen in so much of the promotional material, but rather a very pudgy one, who still manages to wreak quite a bit of destruction with its large body and fire breath. Here we get to see some uses of the Hither-Thither staff, which Holga had believed was a walking stick she'd taken for her ex-husband. It allows Simon to open portals, as long as the destination is within 500 meters and a place that he can see. Edgin's brains are put to good use as well, as the party escapes the dragon with the helm.

At this point, Xenk leaves the party despite many requests for him to stay because he is much more capable than they are, telling them that it is not his quest, but theirs. There is a very funny moment as they watch him walk away, where Edgin notes that he walks in an unnaturally straight line and wonders if he will alter it to go around a rock in his path. He doesn't- he walks straight over the rock. That's paladin symbolism for you. Simon attempts to attune to the Helm while the party takes a break on the beach, but finds he is consistently repelled by a vision of his ancestor, who was a great Wizard and tells Simon that he is not worthy of wielding the helm's power. Edgin urges him to keep trying, but after several attempts where the Helm literally blasts itself off of him, Simon turns on Edgin and rants that he told him from the outset that he couldn't do it and that it wouldn't work, but Edgin refused to listen, and that Edgin is doing what he always does- making plans that don't work and then blaming other people for it. While Holga takes this in stride, Doric and Simon are both very angry. I was afraid for a moment that this would be one of those times where they split the party for Drama, a trope that I *hate*... but I needn't have worried.

Edgin then makes a compelling speech about how they are all failing in some way, and that they have to keep failing, because the moment that they fail and give up is when they really fail. He gives several examples about the rest of the party, and when Simon presses him about his own failures, he calls himself the King of Failures. He's failed as a father, as a husband, as a leader. He reveals that the Red Wizards that killed his wife were only able to find her because of a treasure he took while he was a Harper, not knowing that the treasures had tracking spells on them. It was his fault that his wife was killed in the first place. But Edgin can't give up, he says, because if he does then it will have all been for nothing. He then sits down to think of a new plan. Charisma check passes, because the party rallies behind him.

The party plans to use the Hither-Thither staff to get into the vault, figuring that if they leave a portal open on a piece of treasure, it will go into the vault and they will be able to get in that way. Edgin also suggests that they take the Helm as well and that Simon try again, saying that he actually does believe Simon can do it, because when it's do or die he always comes through. "You're at your strongest when you think you're at your weakest" he tells Simon.

They get into the citadel with a great scene wherein Edgin seems to distract the guards with a song on his lute- an excellent use of your bard and a chance for Chris Pine to show off his vocal charming chops. It turns out to be an illusion cast by Simon, however, who looses hold of it as he gets his foot stuck in a pothole. The way the illusion starts to skip like a broken record and then distort in disturbingly cartoonish ways is done very well by the actors and the VFX team, and certainly got a laugh in the theater.

After running through Plan C (which is the same as Plan A, but plan A has a stink on it) and Plan D (the same as plan B, but plan B has a stink on it), the party almost succeeds, but Sofina and Forge outwit them. Anyone who has ever played DnD or any TTRPG for that matter will be very familiar with how these plans come together, fall apart, and then come together again. The portal doesn't let Doric into the vault, but under the arena, where the treasures are being loaded onto a boat. She is knocked out and captured.

Simon manages to get to the vault and, faced with death should he fail, he puts on the helm and stands up to the vision of his ancestor, saying that he IS worthy of the power and he's sick of being told he is not. The vision turns into one of Simon himself and congratulates him- he has attuned successfully. He uses the Helm to cancel out the magic on the vault and to repel the guards attacking him, only to find that the vault is empty. He and Holga are captured.

Edgin finds Kira and explains to her that Forge has been lying, that he wants her to come away with him. He makes a pretty perfect apology, acknowledging that the Tablet of Reawakening was about getting back his wife rather than Kira's mom, as Kira had never known her. Unfortunately, this apology is wasted, as he is actually talking to a disguised Sofina, who captures him. Forge assures him that Kira is safe and will continue to be, as Forge really does care for her as if she were his own, but that Edgin has to die. Edgin asks that rather than being executed, the party be allowed to participate in the games that will be beginning shortly, to give them a chance. Forge is reluctant, saying that it would be kinder to just kill them now, but Sofina insists on granting that request, presumably so that she can take them into her undead army when she unleashes the blight.

The party enters the maze in the arena where the games are taking place, with Simon and Doric inhibited by magic-suppressing cuffs. They face monsters and other traps, but with each of them playing to their strengths and with Doric managing to lose her cuff, they make it to the center. Edgin finally makes a successful Detect Trap and recognizes that they won't be safe there, and Doric is able to get them out with some clever shape shifting and modest risk taking.

Combining their information, the party realizes both what Sofina is planning and what Forge is planning. Forge doesn't intend to stay in Neverwinter- he plans to let Sofina do her evil thing while he makes off with Kira and the treasure, which is why it was stored at the docks under the arena rather than in the vault. Interestingly enough, Sofina is completely aware of this, but has no interest in stopping him. In fact, she is so annoyed by him that she just wants him to get on his boat and leave. This is a rare example of two villains who have completely different motivations and goals, but whose plans align just enough to have them work together. There is no betrayal between them-- they each act exactly as the other expects them to, and they aren't bothered by it. The only problem is that it leads to there being two climaxes, and one is more rushed than the other.

The party is able to stop Forge at his boat, where he immediately threatens Kira's life if the party doesn't give him his treasure. This speeds Kira along to realizing that he has been the bad guy and to forgiving her father. They overpower Forge and seem to be making a getaway when they notice the signs of Sofina beginning the Blight. Edgin remembers his promise to Xenk, and has Simon use the Hither-Thither spell to send all the treasure on the boat to come spilling out of a hot air balloon, thus redistributing it to the people and sending the citizens of Neverwinter out of the arena to catch the falling treasure, and therefore outside of the Blight's area of effect. Forge regains access to the boat just in time to see all of his loot falling away from it, leaving him in despair.

That's the first climax, and at this point everyone's character arcs are mostly resolved. Simon is more confident, Kira is happy to be with Holga and Edgin again, and Edgin kept his promise. They have thwarted Sofina's plans. But, Sofina's still alive and kicking and we haven't had that boss battle yet, so time for Climax #2!

As Sofina rages, Edgin tells Kira to use a pendant that Holga had stolen for her when she was younger to stay invisible, hidden, and safe during the fight. Sofina rains fire down on the party, but Simon has Taken a Level in Badass and is able to match her for a short time. Doric transforms into an Owlbear to act as the Hulk of the group, and Holga proves herself proficient with several weapons. Edgin, who isn't much of a fighter, does get a few hits in with his lute (love that for him, though). It's a fast-paced fight, with every member of the party contributing, and which thankfully DOESN'T adhere to DnD rules (combat system not good for narrative storytelling). However, Sofina goes down pretty easily. For just a moment, it looks like all is lost as Sofina uses her time-stop, which Simon says he is still unable to counter... except it's all fine. Kira (little rogue in training that she is), manages to slap a magic-suppressing cuff onto Sofina while she's invisible, because as it turns out Simon WAS able to counter the time-stop. Owlbear!Doric then Hulksmashes Sofina to death (I murmured "puny god" to myself in the theater) and the day is saved... except that Holga has been mortally wounded.

If you're like my brother and I, you probably called back when they first confirmed that the Tablet of Reawakening still existed that one of the party was going to die and that they would use the Tablet (one use only) on that party member rather than on Edgin's wife. You might have even called it being Holga, which I did around the time that she mentions having dreamed of being buried in a sacred burial ground with her tribesmen, despite having been exiled. It's very predictable- but that's not always a bad thing.

Edgin and Holga sing a drinking song as she dies, with Kira sobbing and holding her, saying that she needs her. Holga tells them not to mourn, because she's happy to die a hero- that's her character arc, minimal though it has been. Edgin pulls out the tablet and reminds his daughter that they can only use it once- and of course she nods, because to her Holga is the mother she's known. The tablet returns her to life, and everyone is happy and it's very heartwarming.

From there, it's a quick wrap-up. The former Lord of Neverwinter, who was kept in a coma by Sofina, wakes up and grants legal protection to Doric's people and their lands. The party all receive medals. Doric acknowledges that humans are not all bad, and also agrees to let Simon have another shot at courting her now that he's got more confidence. Forge, holding on to the one piece of treasure he hadn't lost, is captured by Xenk, and we end on him trying to convince the same judges at the same prison Edgin and Holga were at in the beginning that all turned out for the best, and he's done a lot of reflection and so should really be pardoned.

He does NOT pass the charisma check. And that's it, really, aside from a funny mid-credits tag.

So, I think I went over most of the things that I loved already. Here is WHAT I WOULD CHANGE:

I think Forge turning on Kira happened very quickly and didn't fully make sense, outside of being a vehicle for getting her to trust her dad again very quickly. I would have preferred for Kira to be more of a character with more agency. To this end, I would have had her use her invisibility pendant (which she has the whole time and says that she often uses to sneak around the castle) earlier. She could have realized that Sofina was a Red Wizard, or overheard some pieces of the puzzle that may not have clarified everything for her, but at least sewn the seeds of doubt. That, or had her flat out not believe that Holga and Edgin would leave her a second time, even if she is still angry at Edgin.

I might also try and consolidate the climaxes a bit more- while I think Forge was a fun villain, thwarting him and Sofina so separately makes the fight with Sofina seem a little extraneous, though the movie's fast pacing helps with this.

Doric is mostly a static character- she's a lot of fun and I enjoy her, but she doesn't really have much of an arc. She has a goal when she joins the party, and at the end of the movie that goal is achieved.

Holga's arc gets less attention than it should- she doesn't really change throughout the movie either. I would have liked to see either someone for her tribe or her ex-husband there at the end when everyone was getting their awards, so that she could have made good on showing them what she was worth. (That said, I thought it was great that there weren't any bad feelings between her and Marlamin, who has moved on from her but genuinely wishes her happiness).

Finally, my brother noted (though I myself didn't really have this problem) that Simon's Badass Level Up at the 11th hour felt disengenous, because it's one thing to say that he has trouble with big magic because of his poor self-esteem, and quite another for him to suddenly be able to match Sofina's might. His spells are not as impressive as hers, but he does hold his own, with the party also serving as distractions to her.

And... that's the review. Hope you liked it.

[nagirambles]

How do you think Erza's relationship with Natsu and Gray changed post-Tower of Heaven arc? I know we see it in small ways (i.e. Gray being more open with her in one-on-one heart-to-hearts, Natsu trusting her to win her fights and live in the Battle of Fairy Tail arc, etc) but I was wondering if you had any specific headcanons I guess. Thanks :]

I wonder how long this ask has been in my inbox... sorry for taking so long! I think you might not even remember this ask either, but I'll answer it anyways, thanks!

Now-

I guess the most notable one would be that Erza goes from being the strict mediator of Natsu-Gray fights-- into someone that actively jumps into fights, too. She drifts from her role as the stern, serious knight into a playful enabler. I think this also happen because Lucy is in the fray now. I like to think that as a child, she was always put into the role of the mature, selfless, protective big sister of the group, and so continued it in Fairy Tail all the way to Phantom. After that (after she learned that she doesn't need to lead the battle, doesn't need to sacrifice, doesn't need to be strong, because she can be protected too by her friends--) she learns to let loose and be as cheeky and playful and whimsical as she likes. Like the young girl that used to want to do silly things like fly in the sky on a witch's broom, after TOH, she lets herself play and have fun. Her barrel-surfing at the bar during GMG is a good example.

Another point is her attitude towards love. (I have mixed feelings about Erza becoming local wingwoman in canon, but let's not talk about that today.) Before TOH, she didn't seem all that interested in romance anymore because of what happened to Jellal-- maybe a passing fancy, a sort of 'hey, that's cute' or 'oh, you're a couple, good for you' kind of detached attitude towards it. But after it, I'd love to think she starts jumping into being supportive of romances around her. She's much more perceptive to love between others because she's been holding back her own for so long thinking it was impossible, and she doesn't want anyone else to go through the same pain she did when the world kept getting in the way of her and Jellal's relationship. She naive and innocent, but when it comes to love, she's aware. She knows Alzack and Bisca like each other--- everyone does! She talks to Gray about returning Juvia's feelings. This insightful nature in Erza, borne of being heartbroken many times before--- is why Jerza's the only big four that actually have a long, genuine talk about how they want to advance their relationship each step of the way. This makes Jerza the most well-handled of the big four in my opinion. Not perfect, but it's a rocky, painful relationship that actually feels in some way like a realistic progression between two people trying to take a step towards a future together, considering if they're ready for a relationship before progressing.

Alright, enough Jerza, next.

Following on that Gray point. I really love the way Gray and Erza have a relationship where they truly let their hearts open to each other. Before TOH, it seems as if Gray is always chasing after Erza. From childhood, to TOH, Gray is always going after her, trying to break through her facade of strength to get one over her. It evolves into care after he sees her cry. Erza doesn't start returning this until Galuna, when she point her sword at him and threatens his loyalty Fairy Tail if he doesn't stop. She didn't try to see his perspective, and he threw it all back at her with the threat of 'kill me, then'. That was likely the first instance Erza truly felt Gray actually angry at her. He's been cranky, childishly competitive, and fearful of her--- but never so disappointed and broken. She sees Gray's anger with the same shock as Gray did, when he saw Erza's tears when they were young. Natsu's absent during their backstories, so Erza and Gray are the ones to hear each other out, (including Lucy, our insert character) and they are the ones to truly stand by each other and understand each other in their most vulnerable moments. They fight to get to that point in each other, and to me, they feel closer than they do to Natsu, even though Natsu is undeniably a third piece in their puzzle. It's just a sense that they always go together in a sentence, even though they're not a parallel like Natsu-Gray or Lucy-Levy. Even in Edolas, they come as a set piece naturally, as the two reliable saviours that show up in the nick of time. TOH is where Gray's chase for Erza finally reaches her heart. That's where the pinnacle of the Gray-Erza dynamic is reached, and they become a pair of perfect deuteragonists to Natsu and Lucy.

I'm sorry, as usual, I ramble too much and fail to answer the question.

I do think the easiest way to see changes in Erza after TOH is by how she really becomes a little more 'lax' in things. She joins them in messing around--- first seen in Fantasia, when she pulled out the gothloli. What she chose to show the world wasn't armour, which she's most proud of, she easily sheds the shell around her heart and puts on something silly, something she knows the general public will go crazy for, something brazen. And for some money she doesn't really need. It's just mischief, and she continues this trend into her fight with Evergreen, where she doesn't actually punish her for what she did. Even though she had all intentions to go through with consequences back on Galuna with Team Natsu, enough to abandon a crisis so they could learn their lesson about betraying the guild master. Evergreen truly betrayed the guild master, but she gets off with a slap on the wrist, because Erza learned the value of life, of unconditional care for friends, and being betrayed by Jellal didn't dull her ability to have grace for her enemies and forgive them.

Back to the point about Erza being the big sister, protector. She was the Jeanne d'arc of the tower-- the leader of the charge, the one that had to fight so everyone could continue, the one that motivated the battle to the end. Even though she didn't want to fight, she selflessly fought, for everyone's freedom. This continues all the way to TOH, but we most prominently see it in the first few arcs. She hears of a rumour in a bar and leads a team out to fight Eisenwald. She didn't have to, but she did, because she knew someone had to. She threw herself in front of Jupiter knowing it was reckless, and came back to fight Aria, too. She was ready to die when Jose had her. TOH even more so. She always charges ahead, thinking she was the strongest and thus she had to. But in Fantasia, that changes. Here, she willingly back down against Laxus despite knowing she was a much better fight--- she entrusts the role to Natsu instead, because she's learned that she doesn't need to fight the biggest enemies anymore. She knows she can fall back and watch someone else do the job instead. If that isn't growth from the pacifist that was forced to be Jeanne d'arc, I don't know what.

Alright, that was long. Glad to be back!

[bxllevy]

"Y'ellooo!! You seem new. Hey, why don't you hang a bit? Let's get to know each other; I'm Ivory, Ivory Belle! But, Ivy will do. That's what all my friends call me anyway, heh. And youuuu are? Don't be shy, I don't bite! Unless you want me to, that is."

rules and character info below the cut :)

SONIC OC 🗣️🗣️🗣️ she is almost two years old I'm gonna sob

RULES !

no explicitly sexual actions towards Ivory, mod is a minor in high school !! suggestive things like jokes and I guess innuendos and all that junk is fine,, but no trying to implicitly be sexual, y'know?

don't be a dick, we're just having fun

(note: Mod has around 5 years of roleplay experience, and is a writer; roleplay style is and can be flexible depending on the type of roleplay, the second-person's preferences :))

CHARACTER INFORMATION

Name:

Ivory Belle

Animal type:

She was supposed to be like a red panda... but now she's pink and silly so pink panda, I suppose

Any powers?:

Similar to Silver; Psychokinesis !! The usual stuff along with opening portals at will (just to get from one place to another)

Backstory (just a little rundown):

Ivory's always been one for an adrenaline rush, even when she was young. She grew up with her little sister, Evelynn, and their mother. New additions would be added to the family, however, when their mother encountered two foxes alone in the rain, offering them a home of which became permanent, and adoption was inevitable. One adventure went poorly, with the four siblings forcing themselves to separate — Ivory and her older brother finding themselves under the willing, yet rather reluctant order of Dr. Robitnik himself. This wasn't permanent, as working with the doctor led them to discover the whereabouts of their little brother, who had been taken under the care of a blue hedgehog. Inevitably, they disbanded themselves from the evil mastermind, and the story takes on from there.

Canon Relationships:

(NOTE: if chosen to roleplay with other canon-character-centered roleplay blogs, feel free to disregard some of the things stated within the relationships of those characters. Feel free to start as strangers if not friends, let alone close friends or family.)

Xavier Prower - Older brother by adoption, and her go-to partner in crime. Though he oftentimes acts exasperated and maintains a more sassy and nonchalant attitude, he still takes up offers to get into random bullshit with his sister. ... As long as she's safe, of course.

Evelynn Belle - Younger sister biologically—and while the gap is only far two years, with Ivory obviously being the oldest, it can be said that Evelynn is a bit more responsible than Ivory. That doesn't mean the little witch (taken after their mother) won't get into a few things...

Miles "Tails" Prower - Baby brother, whom of which she adores. Enjoys bringing him random parts to use on inventions, and listens to him as he talks in languages she will never understand (science). Reminds her of Robitnik, though cuter and not evil.

Eggman - Former boss, whom she's on decent terms with. "Decent," as in, "oh, of course I won't be late to the tea-date this Friday. Did you have a movie picked out already or are we just talking?" When with the "Hero" side of the team, she'll fight Eggman with them, but she's more taunting... Kinda like Sonic, but on a less personal level.

Sonic the Hedgehog - Respects, mostly because he's not opposed to get into trouble with her. Quite close, and they've eventually picked up the name "Disaster Duo" overtime as adventures dwelled on. Also respects him for taking care of Tails for a few years, of course.

Amy Rose - Extremely close - like the big sister figure she never had. Absolutely adores Amy, and isn't afraid to show it. Even when Amy's chasing her with a giant hammer to get her to chill out... they're pretty awesome together.

Shadow the Hedgehog - Respects... But unintentionally gets under his skin. She just thinks he's really interesting. Apparently, she's considered lucky—the blue blur envies her ability to get close to Shadow without a harsh quip. She still oftentimes gets scolded and brushed away, though.

Silver the Hedgehog - Best friend. Sparring buddies. Platonic soulmates (aside from her and Amy). The contrast in personalities, mixed with a lot of commons, is absolutely amazing to her, and often enjoys gardening with the white hedgehog. Holds him to pretty high regard.

Personality:

Mostly upbeat and optimistic, despite also being a realist. Very cheeky, yet kinda tired most of the time. She's content sitting in one place doing nothing, but she doesn't prefer it. Can absolutely be serious, but on rare occasion does she actually get scary. One of the times being when a couple of jerks started messing with Amy while she was babysitting Cream ... Just a look sent them running for the green hills.

Extra info:

She's British 😞😞😞😞☹️☹️☹️🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁😔😔😔😔😔😭😭😭‼️‼️‼️‼️ also runs a little cafe as a past time !! enjoys baking

DOODLES !!!

Sinic snd ivoru 🙈

ivy <33 (+ alt hair color)

Xavier :3c

sonk

and an old wip of ivory exe comcept

[inlovewithgreta]

you are my sunshine

Larissa Weems x Fem!Reader

Chapter One

Being the eldest sibling in the Addams family, you were always the one with the most responsibilities. The first one being protection.

If Pugsley was in trouble, you would have to step in and help.

On the other hand, if Wednesday was causing mayhem, it would be up to you to clean up the mess to prevent expulsion. However, piranhas in a swimming pool full of teenage boys was something you could not clean up.

Which is what led to today's main event.

Traveling to Nevermore.

You sat next to Wednesday on the lush red seats, staring idly out the window and watching as you drove past the stunning array of fall colored trees.

A flock of birds hitting the windshield snaps you out of your daze, bringing you back to the reality of your parents serenading each other from the seat across from you.

It's as if Wednesday had the same thought as you, you both turning to look at each other with matching looks of disgust at the sound of them kissing during the old tune.

You couldn't help but roll your eyes as this has been going on for hours between the two. Yes it irritated you, but it was mainly because you've never felt how they feel right now.

Wednesday does her best to not speak to the duo when they begin talking to her, but it doesn't last very long before she sharply elbows you in the side.

"Ow, what—"

"Y/N," The pig-tailed girl cuts you off, "Please remind our parents that I'm no longer speaking to them."

She eyes you, then them, then returns her focus back on you in a not so subtle 'go on' gesture that makes you sigh in annoyance.

"She says—" Gomez cuts you off with the gentle raise of his right hand.

"Thank God," You whisper to yourself, thankful you don't have to be the messenger.

Pugsley giggles to himself, always finding some kind of amusement in nearly everything you say or do.

You reach behind you and fluff the boy's hair, messing up his usually perfect dark strands.

"Y/N. . ." He drags out your name with a groan before fixing the new mess you made atop his head.

Gomez had since turned his attention back to the young girl while you were focused on teasing the boy.

Their voices get drowned out to the best of your ability but come to a halt when you notice a stern look from your mother.

"What?" You question.

"Your father is trying to talk to you."

Gomez speaks up when you look over at him. "I said, our little viper is going to love Nevermore, isn't she?"

"Oh, she's gonna have the time of her life." You try your best to hide your sarcasm but Wednesday always saw right through you.

"It's the perfect school for her." Morticia adds.

"Why?" Wednesday starts with her cutthroat attitude and that's when you know to turn your attention back to the scenery outside, knowing exactly where this conversation was headed.

They go back and forth while you sit and watch the leaves gently fall from the golden colored trees.

You were surprised that Wednesday even got into the vehicle in the first place but knowing she was backed into a corner, she knew her little tricks couldn't get her out of this one.

"Maybe you'll even make some friends," You hear from your soft spoken mother and force yourself not to laugh at her words. It's like they don't even know their own daughter.

"I don't do friends." Wednesday cuts back.

"It's where your sister proudly graduated top of her class and where I fell in love with your mother."

The two lean in, about to kiss each other once again before getting cut off just before their lips touch.

"You guys are making me nauseous." Wednesday eyes them down.

"Don't worry, that'll be you one day, sis." You couldn't help but tease the young girl.

Pugsley has his small giggle fit as usual.

"I highly doubt that." She replies in nearly an instant.

"Darling, you got yourself expelled, we had no other choice," Morticia starts, "You would've had an attempted murder charge on your record!" She goes on, her voice getting drowned out by the thunder roaring above the gloomy clouds as rain starts to drop from the sky.

There was something about rain and rowdy thunderstorms that always fascinated you.

"We're here!" Pugsley exclaims from the front seat.

Both you and Wednesday whip around in your seats just in time to see the old steel gates that read 'Nevermore Academy' open to allow you passage onto school grounds.

Rain gently patters against the car as you drive down the long entrance. Numerous gargoyles on stone pillars greeted you as you drove past them.

Your eyes are quickly met with the ginormous school ahead of you. Bricks and windows lined the outside walls of the building, and the roof was built with the most intricate design.

Lurch parks the car at the front entrance, allowing you, Wednesday, and your parents to get out of the car.

"Oh, now this brings back memories." Morticia smiles at Gomez as the four of you stand at the grand entrance.

"The best memories, mi amor." Gomez smiles back at her and kisses her cheek.

Standing before the building in front of you had memories of your own time at the school flooding back to you. Some were good and some were bad, but none of that mattered now as you were about to make more memories of your own.

You try to calm your racing thoughts as you open the tall doors in front of you and make your way to meet the Headmistress of Nevermore Academy.

—

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[magician-kitty]

Here Comes a Thought

Days have passed since her encounter with The Lady Bone Demon, MK's behavior has changed since then. She hasn't been sleeping, due to the constant night terrors. She hasn't been eating, giving the bags under her eyes.

Not to mention she's been ignoring everyone.

The others tried talking to her but she would always say "Don't worry about me" but they weren't buying it.

"MK, please come out, you haven't been out your room in days," Mei called out through the other side of her door, MK didn't respond. "Please! We're all worried about you especially Mr. Tang and Pigsy." Mei said trying to get her friend to come out, but she got no response.

Mei sighed in defeat. "MK, I'm always here for you, just remember that." Mei said before walking away.

She headed back into the kitchen where the others were waiting. "Is she okay, is she coming out?" The little one, Savage asked. Mei shook her head, ruffling his head. "Sorry Savage, she still won't budge." They all groaned.

"I don't get it, why is she acting like this?" Tang questioned. "Yeah, She's never acted like this before." Pigsy said crossing his arms.

"What can we do then?" Savage asked, fiddled with his tail a bit, his sister rubbing his back in comfort.

Mei hummed in thought, an idea suddenly came to her head. "I got it! I think I know how we can get her out." She exclaimed.

Tang raised a brow. "How exactly?" He asked Mei, who only grinned. "I need to make a phone call."

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

Meanwhile, MK sat in her room with her headphones on trying to block out outside noise. All of a sudden MK's bedroom door was knocked down, startled, she looked to see it was Red Son standing by the doorway his arms crossed.

"Noodle Girl!"

"Wha-Red Son? what the hell are you doing!?" She yelled.

"I was told that you're not in the best mood, and I intend to fix that." He told her, before she could say something he grabbed MK and lifted her up, bridal style.

"What, hey what are you doing? Put me-" She was cut off when he teleported out of her room, with her still in his arms.

MK groans and open her eyes, she gasped as she looked at her surroundings. "Wha..." She trailed off. She was standing in the middle of a Flower field near the mountains, nowhere else in sight.

She turned to Red Son who was standing in front of her. "Red, what is this place?" She asked, still amazed in awe. The fire demon raised his hand to silence her, silently took her hands and guided her to sit down.

"So, What is it?" He asked with an irritated huff.

"What are you—?" She looked at him with a confused expression.

"Your depressing attitude is starting to get annoying," Red Son grumbled. "So let's make it simple and just tell me what's wrong, so I can return you back home."

MK hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "I...I just feel like such a total failure. Every time I try to do something right I just gunk everything up," She looked down at her hands, clenching them tightly. "I try and I try, but...nothing is good enough."

MK sobbed a little, looking down at her lap, "I just feel so—"

"You feel like an utter disappointment?" He finished for her, frowning. MK was shocked at his response but silently nodded.

He wiped away her tears, he then folded his hands. "Try to clear your thoughts, empty your mind." He instructed. MK was confused by this, but did what he told. "I'm not really sure how this will help." She folded her hands, positioned herself in a meditation position.

"It will, meditation teaches us calm, focus, how to harmonize the wild energy and emotions that are burning within us," He explained as fire flickered out of his hands as he twirled it.

"Wow.." MK stared in awed, she's never seen him so calm and collected.

"However, in your case. You're off balance."

"Im off balanced?" She questioned. He nodded.

"An imbalance mind can cause you to lose touch with reality, see things that aren't there, and eventually fall apart. To find balance, you must understand your feelings. To understand your feelings, you must see them clearly without running from them."

"And this will help for sure?" She asked.

"Trust me, it will. Now close your eyes," He instructed. "Breathe.."

"Okay..." MK did just that, closing her eyes, taking in a deep breath before slowly exhaling.

"Here in darkness, everything's okay. Listen to the wind and let them fade away. Here Comes a Thought."

Take a moment to think of just

Flexibility, love, and trust

Take a moment to think of just

Flexibility, love, and trust

Red Son sighed as MK glanced up at him for a moment, the dark stripes under her eyes, her cheeks stained with tears. The fire demon softly smiled again before MK looked back down in sadness.

Here comes a thought

That might alarm you

What someone said

And how it harmed you

The fire demon reminisces about how difficult it was for him growing up, his constant tempers, loosing his father, watching his mother struggle to hold up the family name all by herself.

No matter how much he tried to help, it just...wasn't good enough.

Something you did

That failed to be charming

Things that you said are

Suddenly swarming and, oh

The little prince would sit in his room, angrily crying to himself in a corner, feeling useless, unworthy, and unwanted.

You're losing sight

You're losing touch

All these little things seem to matter so much

That they confuse you

That I might lose you

He shook away the memories, extended both arms out, butterflies landing on each hand. He smiled. MK stared in awed, then one landed one her finger. She had a nervous look on her face, Unsure of what to do.

Take a moment remind yourself to

Take a moment and find yourself

Take a moment to ask yourself if

This is how we fall apart?

But it's not, but it's not, but it's not, but

it's not, but it's not

Red Son shook the butterflies off him and held his hand out for her, MK slowly grabbed it, letting him help her stand up. Red smiled when she stood, he held her face in his hands, wiping away her tears with his thumb. Which made her smile, leaning forward to hug him.

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay

You've got nothing, got nothing, got nothing, got nothing to fear

I'm here, I'm here, I'm here

"Run while you can, destiny will always catch up."

Lady Bone Demon's voice echoed in her head, causing MK to flinch, releasing herself from Red's embrace. MK held her head low, eyes shadowed.

Here comes a thought

That might alarm me

What someone said

And how it harmed me

She recalls what happened back in the Spider Queen's lair, How terrified she was when she saw her, how she got inside her head.

Something I did

That failed to be charming

Things that I said are

Suddenly swarming and, oh

Why couldn't she do anything right, if it wasn't for her hair sample, Spider Queen wouldn't have almost taken over the world, she'd let that key get stolen and the city almost got destroyed because of her.

MK held her head as her a she was surrounded by a swarm of butterflies, and not in a good way.

Maybe Monkey King really did choose the wrong successor?

I'm losing sight

I'm losing touch

All these little things seem to matter so much

That they confuse me

That I might lose me

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, MK turned around to see Red Son, he sees her worry and he smiled, "It's okay, I'm right here." he said in a soft tone and wiped her fresh tears and pulled her back in for a hug.

MK slightly blushed at him, a small smile on her face.

Take a moment remind yourself to

Take a moment and find yourself

Take a moment and ask yourself if

This is how we fall apart?

He stands up in front of MK, extending his hand. His face feeling red with nervousness and excitement. MK cocked her head to the side in confusion, then realizing that he meant, She felt heat rise to her cheeks, she nodded and takes MK by the hands as they begin to dance.

But it's not, but it's not, but it's not, but it's not, but it's not

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay

I've got nothing, got nothing, got

nothing, got nothing to fear

I'm here, I'm here, I'm here

Red Son grasps his right hand, linking his with hers and raises it in the air. His other hand wrapped around to MK's waist. He pulled her in close with a grin.

MK squeaked at the sudden gesture. Red Son chuckled to himself before started to lead them in a slow dance.

And it was just a thought, just a thought,

just a thought, just a thought, just a thought

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay

They spun around together, laughing together. Red Son twirled MK and from there.

We can watch, we can watch, we can

watch, we can watch them go by

From here, from here, from here

Finally, Red Son dipped MK, he looked into her eyes. Those big, beautiful, deep brown eyes that made his heart melt as MK smiled up at him. He wanted nothing more to look at her gaze and hold her for the rest of his life.

Take a moment to think of just

Flexibility, love, and trust

Take a moment to think of just

Flexibility, love, and trust

They finished their meditation session. MK opened her eyes, slowly exhaling. Feeling all of her emotional baggage was somewhat being lifted.

"Feel better now?" He asked her, she nodded.

"Yeah, I think so," A smile graced the teen's face, and she leaned onto the fire demon's shoulder. "Thank you, Red Son."

Sparks flew from the demon's hair, as a red hue coated his face, he gulped. "You're welcome." He leaning into her embrace.

The two sit there in silence, staring off into the horizon. Red Son glances away, then back at MK, he opens his mouth to speak, though nothing comes out.

He couldn't hold it in anymore. He has to say something now.

"I...I have to say something."

"Hm, What's wrong?" MK looks at Red Son, curious on what the he wants to talk to about.

Red Son was sweating bullets and was a nervous wreck on the inside, "Ever since I met you I've been...having these unnerving feelings," Red Son eventually admits. "And it so very frustrating."

MK blinks, a blush coming to her cheeks at what she thinks Red Son is saying.

"Red I think—"

"When I came to your house after the invasion with The Spider Queen and so rudely...kissed you..." He trailed off.

"Red Son.." He interrupted her again.

"I meant I shouldn't even have done such a thing, I didn't even asked if you wanted too! I just let my feelings get the be feelings get out of hand..."

"Red Son..."

I admit it! For I-I was I who have been sending you all those gifts, the flowers, the poems, and that Monkey King plush you've been wanting." He stared at the ground, eyes shadowed as he was trembling slightly. MK stared at the nervous demon, Her eyes slowly began to sparkle, a blush slowly formed in her cheeks.

"Red I think you're—" He continued his confession/rambling again. Her eyebrow started to twitch a bit in irritation.

He clenched his fists tightly to the brink on whiteness. "I can completely understand if you're not interested and don't return them but I just couldn't hold it in anymore." He stated, looking up at her, his face now as red as his trench coat.

"So just do us both the trouble and reject me already—" The Monkie kid cuts off the rambling demon by roughly grab him by his mouth.

"MMPH!?" He muffled against her hand.

"You know for a so called villain, you talk too much," MK released her hand from his mouth, giving him a smile. "I like you too." she says, moving her hand to rest it on his cheek.

"Y-You do?" MK brought her hands out to cup Red Son's face, gently thumbing his cheeks. Red Son nuzzled into MK's touch.

"Yeah, but...This is moving a little too fast for me."

"Oh," Red looked a little disappointed, but recomposing himself. "I understand. If that's the case...Can I, take you out to dinner?"

"...Yeah, I'd like that."

[smol-lydia]

Salty Sweet: Viktor x Fem!Reader, SFW

Summary: You are set up on a blind date by Jayce’s sister, no matter how many times you tell her you have no time in your busy academic life for dating. Both Talis’ are determined to prove you and Viktor wrong, and you hate that they just might be right.

A slice of life fluffy oneshot that’s anime/school inspired that was heavily inspired by this recent anime artwork of Viktor that you can find here!

A/N: just a note that Jayce’s sister is absolutely a kogal/gyaru Aka a school gyaru and my OC is a jirai kei girl because my j-fashion bullshit strikes again. No y/n here; reader has a name! Hope that isn’t too off putting

“I don’t do blind dates!” You hang off the stairwell railing like a monkey—unbecoming as a senior and part of the student council but you’re feeling some kind of way, your twin tails dragging on the ground.

“He’s sweet, I promise! He’s my brother’s best friend.”

Your friend pulls up her loose socks—she’s a walking dress code citation, with her loose socks and false lashes and heavy tan and makeup, snapping her gum. You and her could not be more opposite.

“Yua, why do you do these things to me?” You right yourself and adjust the collar on your sailor blouse.

She blows you a kiss. “Because I love you.”

“Sounds more like hate to me,” you grumble.

“Oh, stop being such a sourpuss.” She bumps her hip against yours. “You’ll like him, I promise. And I’ll be on the other side of the cafe the entire time, making sure nothing goes wrong.”

“Spying, more like.”

“Spying, looking out for you, same diff!” Yua takes your hand to pull you along. “Now come on, Miss Sourpuss! Let me at least do your makeup before we head out, kay?”

Your stomach churns with nerves, as though you’re heading to an execution. You might as well be, as far as you’re concerned. “Aren’t we gonna get in trouble for ditching our last study period?”

Yua shrugs her shoulders as she pushes open the restroom door, the small space occupied by fellow delinquents in a cloud of cheap perfume and illicit cigarettes. “Hasn’t stopped us before. Besides, we gotta get you looking cu-yute for this date!”

You manage to convince Yua to go easy on the makeup. While her gyaru style is perfect for her, with her brash personality, that confidence and self assured attitude that certainly seemed to be a hallmark of the Tallis family, it feels foreign to you.

You’re the quiet, unassuming type. Still, she manages to coax you into some pink lip gloss, and you brush out your hair, retying your signature twin tails and bangs.

“Don’t you want to do something different?” Yua asks, pulling an energy drink out of her backpack to sip on.

You shake your head. “If he doesn’t like me as is, then what’s the point? I’m not going to pretend to be someone I’m not. Who is this guy, anyway?”

“He’s in my brother’s class, 77-B.” Yua’s twin brother, Jayce, always ended up in the opposite class as her, an effort by teachers to keep the two apart.

It rarely worked, but it was still a tactic that was attempted year after year.

“And?” You pull out the clothing Yua had requested you bring today. You had wondered why she had asked this of you at the time—now you knew.

“His name is Viktor. Quiet. Keeps to himself mostly, except for Jayce and another girl in the class, Powder.”

You feel something stir in your chest at the mention of another girl and you try to shake it off; you can’t be feeling jealousy over a girl you don’t know, about a date you never met, a date you are reluctant to go on. You were being ridiculous and all the cigarette smoke must be going to your head.

You slip your dress over your head, balling up your school uniform to put in your knapsack. Normally you would fold your uniform neatly, but you’re feeling agitated. Your dress is a dusty rose, with black bows, the epitome of the jirai fashion you wear whenever you’re off school grounds.

Stupidly, you find yourself wondering if Viktor will like it.

You fiddle with your hair in the mirror, butterflies forming in the pit of your stomach. “What made you think we would be a match, then, hmm?”

Yua shrugs her shoulders. “You both got that sensitive melancholy loner thing goin’ on. And Vik doesn’t waste his time with idiotic people.”

You frown at your mirror self. “Well, thanks for not thinking I’m an idiot, I guess.”

Yua snaps her gum. “I only speak the truth, sweetness. Now let’s go get you laid.”

“Ew. Don’t say anything like that again.”

—-

The ten minute walk to the cafe that Yua chose for this little tete a tete seems to take forever, at least to you. Your heart is hammering wildly in your chest, and you wipe your sweaty hands on your skirt for what feels like a hundred times.

This shouldn’t be as intense as it is but only Yua knows the truth: you haven’t been on a date at all. Ever. Eighteen years old, a senior at the Academy, and you kept your nose solidly to the grindstone, focused on academics and extracurriculars like Student Council.

You told yourself you didn’t have time for dating. Plenty to keep you busy, lots to concentrate on without the distraction of pesky feelings getting in the way. However, you could barely admit to yourself that you froze up when it came to asking anyone out: how could your classmates do this with such confidence and ease?

Keeping Yua around was more than a breath of fresh air; her wild and bright attitude forced you to step out of your comfort zone sometimes. Like right now.

She took a seat at the back of the brightly themed cafe, a popular hangout for Academy students, winking at you over her fashion magazine. Not long after her twin joined her, and you rolled your eyes. Great, Jayce was here to witness your humiliation as well.

You debate pulling out your phone for something to do to pass the time, but decide against it. That would look rude, wouldn’t it? Instead you settle for staring down at the scratched wooden table, years of wear and tear in small notches. Fascinating.

The sound of clicking against the tiled floor catches your attention and you briefly look up. The stranger is tall, impossibly so, lanky and leaning on a crutch. Sharp cheekbones that could cut glass, thick, untamed coffee-colored hair that you want to sink your hands into. And oh gods his eyes: the most delicious shade of warm honey, framed by thick, dark brows, a small beauty mark under one. Despite his pensive gaze, there’s a kindness lurking beneath that has you melting. Between that and the second beauty mark above his lip, you’re a goner, those butterflies multiplying, warmth pooling at the pit of your stomach, an insistent throb of arousal between your legs.

You’ve never been hit by your hormones this badly this quickly and it’s enough to make you want to run and hide. Instead, you find yourself frozen to your spot, mouth slightly agape until you remember how your jaw works to close it.

This cannot be Jayce’s friend.

And yet, he looks at you with some kind of expectation, finally speaking in a soft accent that has you falling even deeper under this enchanted dream-spell.

“Sasha? You are Jayce’s sister’s friend?” Apologies if I am mistaken. I was told to look for someone with your description.”

You nod, and try desperately to recover your voice. “Y-yes.”

Well, it’s a start.

“May I sit?” He asks.

“O-of course.” You wish you could stop stammering. He’s just so beautiful you find the words dying on your tongue. Mouth dry, you lick your lips and try to force the words anyway. “You’re Viktor, I assume?”

“Yes,” he replies. He puts his school bag on the ground, and rests his crutch against the back of the chair.

You take a deep breath, exhale slowly. “It’s nice to meet you. Even if this whole blind date thing got sprung on me all of sudden.”

As soon as the words leave your lips you regret them. Way to let him know you didn’t want to date him! He probably gets that all the time with his disability, and you feel like the scum of the Earth. His leg, in a metal brace, doesn’t bother you in the slightest, and you hate yourself for seemingly implying otherwise. Spots of color appear on your cheeks, not out of flustered blushing, but embarrassment and frustration at yourself for once again putting your foot in your mouth.

Much to your surprise, Viktor gives you a shy smile. “You aren’t alone in that experience. The Talis clan can certainly be…persistent.”

You roll your eyes. “That’s a word for it.”

Viktor chuckles and the sound is music to you, sending a swooping sensation down through your body, your entire world off-kilter.

Get it together, Sasha. You’re being ridiculous.

You’re desperate to have something to focus on other than how badly your body craves him.

“Do you, um, want to order?” This cafe had one of those tablets mounted to the side of the table, where you can place your order and pay with ease.

Viktor nods, and you both lean in to look at the screen, succeeding only in colliding your head with his.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” You rub the sore spot on the side of your head and look at him from under your dark bangs.

“It’s quite all right,” he says with a wince.

“I’m a mess.” You don’t know why you’ve said that, but it’s honest and you’ve already made several mistakes so you figure there’s no way this date is going to be a success.

“If that’s what you consider a mess, I would say you’re actually doing quite well,” Viktor replies wryly.

This time the flush on your cheeks is absolutely because his words have you flustered, and it takes you a few seconds to recover.

“I can order you whatever you want,” you offer. “So I can stop causing you bodily damage.”

That earns you another chuckle, and he asks, “do they have sweet milk?”

“I think so.” You punch in a few things on the touch screen, and sure enough, sweet milk. You wouldn’t have pegged Viktor as the sweet tooth type but it’s endearing. “I guess that’s something we have in common.”

You order a parfait, one of those with lots of whipped cream and fruit, a cute marshmallow animal on top. You know that girls are supposed to be self conscious about eating on a date, but you don’t care. You’re hungry.

As you both wait for your orders, the conversation picks up to your studies and you find that this is where you and Viktor truly connect; his face lighting up as he describes his senior project.

You haven’t found anyone else with the same love of knowledge as you, even if it’s in different subjects: Viktor is science and mechanical focused, whereas you excel in the study of the mind itself.

“I'm curious as to what makes people respond the way they do,” you say, talking with your hands, as you often do when you’re excited. “Especially in cases of extreme behavior.”

“Extreme behavior?” Viktor takes a sip of his sweet milk.

You point your spoon at him. “You know. Things such as lust killers, that sort of thing. What drives someone to that point.” You lick some whipped cream off of the spoon and noticed Viktor’s eyes on you as you do.

Quickly, his gaze flits away and there’s an awkward pause. You swallow your treat.

“So, what are you excited about?” You ask, warmth creeping up your neck and into your face as you notice Viktor gazing at your lips again. You hope you don’t have whipped cream stuck in the corner of your mouth again.

“Uh. Yes.” Viktor launches into an explanation of something he was working on with Jayce, and you listen, chin in your hands, spoon placed back in the parfait dish.

You don’t understand the math or the arcane Viktor is describing but you could listen to him talk all day; you realized with a thump in your chest that you could easily become addicted to spending time with him.

Damn Yua for being right; she would never shut up about this.

And watching Viktor speak in and of itself was distracting, with the way his amber eyes lit up with a spark of passion, the beauty mark near his top lip even more prominent as you focus on his lips. You find yourself wondering what it would be like to kiss him, and blush, wishing you could crawl under the table and hide forever. Gods, this is hopeless.

“Sasha?”

“Hm?” Your name sounds so good in Viktor’s accent, like a warm hug.

“Is it all right?”

“Huh?” You blink, uncomprehending, and Viktor flushes.

“I was, um, wondering if I could try a little of what you ordered. I really enjoy sweets.” He says this last part with a small part of what sounds of shame, and that won’t stand. There’s not much left in the dish anyhow, and you push it in his direction.

“Please, go ahead!”

He takes a small amount on the spoon and slips it into his mouth and dear gods you didn’t know someone licking a spoon could get your mind going in a completely different direction until now. He closes his eyes while doing so, as if he’s savoring the sweetness, and you find this so impossibly cute that your heartbeat picks up.

He smiles when he finishes, and puts the spoon in the empty dish. “Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Viktor glances over towards the back of the restaurant, and you follow his gaze. Jayce and his twin sister are sitting at their table, trying not to be obvious but clearly are. Viktor sighs.

“Um, Sasha….you are free to say no of course…but would you like me to walk you home? Maybe get some….distance?”

You nod eagerly and reach for your soft jacket that’s draped over the back of the chair, the black one with the hood that had the bunny ears and ribbon edging.

Viktor stands, makes a small wince as he stretches his leg with the brace, which he quickly covers with a neutral expression. You step back, intending for him to walk first, but he makes that gesture with his hand indicating he wants you to walk ahead, so you do.

As you do so, you can’t help but notice how elegant his long, slender fingers are.

The near-winter air is crisp and you shiver a little as you both begin to walk down the street.

“Are you cold?” Viktor asks, and you shrug.

“It’s not a big deal. I’m only a few blocks away from my building.”

Viktor gives you an incredulous look. “Are you certain?”

You look up at him, your heart racing. He’s leaning on his crutch with one hand, looking so impossibly handsome in his school uniform that it hurts and you’re afraid if he touches you, you might implode. Behind him, the maple trees flash a brilliant red, like fire.

You stick your hands in the pockets of your bunny jacket. “Uh-huh. Yup.”

Viktor seems almost….disappointed? At your response, and continues the walk down the street. You have to race a little to catch up with those long legs of his.

“I like this time of year best,” you offer as a concession.

“That does not surprise me,” comes Viktor’s clipped response.

Nothing else for three blocks and you’re sweating bullets. Oh god, oh fuck, you’ve really screwed this one up. In your nervousness you’ve probably got him thinking you don’t like him. And now there’s no time to correct this misconception as you’re in front of your apartment building.

“Viktor—“

Viktor won’t look you in the eye. “It was nice to meet you.” Cold. Distant. You can’t stand this. He’s holding his hand out to shake, and you’re trembling as you take it, every nerve in your body screaming at you to stop. And yet your tongue is stuck to the roof of your mouth and you feel stupid and stuck, your platform Mary Janes plastered to the sidewalk as he turns away.

No, no, no.

“Viktor!” You somehow stumble around your thick tongue. “Wait!”

A pause. He doesn’t turn around, but he stops walking, and you’ll take it. You move with every ounce of strength, a courage you don’t have, skidding in front of him. Even in your platforms, you still aren’t quite tall enough and you have to stand on the tips of your toes, grabbing onto his waistcoat to pull him towards you.

“Sasha?” Those honey-whiskey eyes widened.

“For someone so smart you don’t get it, do you?” You whisper.

Who is this Sasha, bold, drunk on wanting? You don’t know and don’t care as you plant a hard one on him. For a brief moment, Viktor stiffens up in shock, but he quickly relaxes into it, wrapping his arms around you as he kisses you back, lips soft against your own.

When you part for air you’re both giddy and dizzy.

“They’re never going to let us live this one down, are they?” You ask.

Viktor’s hands are on the small of your back. “Not in the slightest.”

[akirakirxaa]

trick or treat!

[Trick or Treat Fanfic Writer's Edition]

The other day in the Swap discord we were discussing WoLKids and these Hyth x Akira x Emet children hopped into my head and didn't leave for like a week until I actually made little character blurbs for them. To be clear, while I have decided who fathered who biologically for the sake of what they look like, they all three raise them together of course. Kore (pronounced Kor-eh), pictured left, is the oldest of the two, and while she inherited the sparse scales on her ears, the red highlights in her hair, and her stature from her mother, she's otherwise almost the spitting image of her father Hades. More than that, she also inherited a lot of his attitude. She tends to be more of a solitary creature, and struggles to connect with kids her own age. She's very responsible and is quick to tell someone when they're doing something they shouldn't. As she grows, this becomes a pressure she puts on herself to do great things to live up to her parentage. Kore has a quick temper, most especially if someone mistakes her for being the youngest child based on her height compared to her younger brother. Despite said brother annoying her at times, and despite her struggling to show it, she dearly loves her whole family, and woe befall anyone that upsets or threatens any of them.

Kytos (K-eye-tos), pictured right, is the younger of the two, and is a more even split looks-wise between Hythlodaeus and Akira. He has smaller horns and tail than most auri men, and his only scales otherwise frame his face. He has his mother's eyes, and his father's hair and carefree attitude. Kytos is a social butterfly that makes friends easily and also isn't afraid to...bend the rules on occasion for a good cause. He endlessly pesters his sister, but only because he loves her, and does in fact know when to back off and leave her be. Kytos, ever since he was small, has been an absolute mama's boy. That's not to say he doesn't love his fathers and respect them, but he's always reached first for his mother. Despite his large stature, he's a gentle giant and has never shown any proclivity towards more combative pursuits.

Thanks for the ask, and I hope you enjoyed these new characters I've built. :3

[2n2n]

tsym for your little nightmares post ! i really like your theory on how mono is the one shaping the city and the events of ln2, just to save six from it all. it makes so much sense and i wanted to see this kind of interpretation for so long.

in regards to the loop, these always make me so confused. what started the loop, in your opinion ? i was debating this with my sister (v much team mono did no wrong) who argues that six is the one who started the loop/turned mono into the thin man by abandoning him. Six wouldn't have dropped mono if he wasn't the thin man, imo, but mono wouldn't have become the thin man if six didn't drop him ? so is it like the snake biting its own tail ? time shenanigans make no sense to me.

thanks...!!! Awe I'm glad to uhm provide some thoughts... I don't see a lot of interpretations that align with my own understanding so, I put out there...

In regards to the loop.... after really observing the Signal Tower Six's attitude... I would like to say that the loop is a product of both Mono and Six's tacit cooperation, and you can't blame one or the other for the creation or propagation of it, or see it as something one subjects the other to exactly (though I do like to bully Mono for being so overbearing... you kind of cannot ignore it LOL).

Crucially, I don't think there is a version of Mono that isn't the Thin Man, I don't think there is a Mono who can exist without the Signal Tower keeping him together. He controls the frequency, he is always at its heart. I would at least wonder to myself, if it's possible that the child Mono we see is entirely a construct of the Thin Man, a memory or idealization of himself only? Thinking 'Mono became the Thin Man' could be as true as 'the Thin Man makes the Mono persona'... if the general theme of the game is escapism, Mono could be his escapist fantasy, where he isn't a monster, but a hero.

Not sure there is a Six who really exists outside of Mono, though...

Given that this world is a kind of ~dream, I don't see Six and Mono as having 'come from' some sort of particular place and had to make their way to this loop per se; I don't see either of them having, families, friends, other lives or histories outside of this (in THIS world ... they could have er, previous human lives, but are now in this liminal space of their nightmares, without any legacy. We know Six doesn't recognize where she has woken up). Though the first permutation I imagine could have had different details, aesthetics, but the same narrative beats.... ... gradually warping into the extremes of now. Honing, maybe, you could say.

Maybe Mono came into this world simultaneous to the Signal Tower, or maybe he is the reason it exists, maybe it is in some way key to how he got into this nightmare space, at all. Maybe Six and Mono are souls naturally drawn to one another, and maybe they can't do anything to avoid that. The outcome is an inevitable product of the two of their natures interacting, maybe. Maybe one could imagine that Six would rather not be beguiled, or Mono would rather not be abandoned, but there is some part of them saying "again, again, again" when given all the information. Six will lead herself through the Maw, Mono will lead himself to the Tower's body.

I think the sense of bleakness in the ending is kind of ... misleading. I think this is a kind of escapism fantasy, for both Mono and Six. I don't think either of them want to abandon it in any meaningful way or avoid it; Six may temporarily leave & react to the reality of Mono as the Thin Man, but she comes back to him after the Maw. The Thin Man seemingly knows exactly what Six will do, but he encourages Mono's skill with tuning the frequency, until he is competent enough to take over the Tower... I think, they both long for that togetherness, even if they can't figure out how to make it last.

How to sum it up. I guess I think both kids are equally twisted LOL. I've kind of fancifully thought of it lately, that Six's soul maybe waited in a purgatory until Mono found his way here, until the Signal called for her. I think they would both be aimless without the other... or perhaps, not have enough sense of purpose to enter or persist in the nightmare space for very long. I would imagine you just become an irradiated shadow child if you aren't imbued with enough purpose, drive, substance ... I would assume most children falling into this world are too hopeless, helpless, churned into residue, energy, a resource, whatever, to keep this world turning, immaterial, but Mono and Six are different, and through that, persist. I don't think it's a bad thing, somehow.

Weirdly the writer talks about things like the children representing hope. So I want to think about that more than the impression of a grim fate. So, their connection started the loop.

[astramachina]

Cast Intro - Part 1

On the topic of The Unbinding, here's an obligatory cast intro post. Let's kick it off with the Mile High Paranormal team and their totally ethical, authentic and not at all predatory ghost hunting methods. (And a secret fifth member under the cut.)

Nicolás "Nick" Miller - creator and producer; our arguable protagonist, staunch skeptic

Kimberly "Kim" Miller - current ghost host; Nick's sister, skeptic who really wants to believe

Jonah Robinson - cameraman and tech guy; avid believer

Jess Davis - second ghost host and researcher; avid believer

↓ continue reading my post boy (gn) ↓ (it gets LONG)

Shannon - former ghost host; deceased

The MHP began as a podcast where Nick and Jonah talked about their favorite spooky stories during the tail end of their college careers. After a period of fierce debate (and friendly blackmail), Nick and his friends decided to take a more visual approach. After all everyone's doing YouTube nowadays, so why shouldn't they?

Nick - Take at least five different complexes, throw 'em in a jar, shake them around, and then let them sit until pickled. Do Not Open under any circumstances. Oh, the jar fell off the shelf and shattered into a million pieces? Boom, those rank insides mixed with glass shards are Nick Miller in a nutshell. He's a control freak. He's terrified of an uncertain future. It's him and his sister against the world but Kim is engaged to a very nice man with a solid head on his shoulders and Nick is terrified that the only family he has left will abandon him forever. His friends are outgrowing the YouTube thing, and he has no other marketable skills. I wouldn't call him an unlikeable protagonist, but for someone in his late 20s he really has some serious growing up to do. For being someone hyperaware of choices and consequences, he does play it real fast and loose with the lives of his teammates (and his own), even after facing life-threatening repercussions. He also seems to think that getting himself killed will solve everyone's problems. Because he's an idiot. Also because he thought with his nonexistent dick a little too hard. He sees one attractive dead guy executed 130 years ago for utterly heinous crimes and he goes utterly gaga. | Theme song? You betcha.

Kim - If "eldest sister syndrome" had a face, it'd be hers. Externally, she looks and dresses like one of those high school goths that wrote poetry about wanting to be a vampire during lunch period. (Think if Zak Bagans were a girl.) Internally, YouTube was fun, but she would like to put her degree to use and earn a stable income without having to put herself (and her friends) in grave danger. She also doesn't want to keep stressing the fuck out of her boyfriend. Nick is unstable, neurotic, and has a vicious inferiority complex, but enough is enough and she is ready to stop playing the role of mom. Kim's ability to switch masks is the core of her extroverted nature. One moment, she's a goth diva with an attitude problem (her favorite host persona), and the next she's helping little old ladies who look at her weird cross the street. She is the solid foundation the team is built on, despite what Nick likes to think, and removing herself from the equation means the inevitable crumbling of their internet empire. | Her theme song. She's vers when it comes to genre.

Jonah - Anxiety 101. He's so very smart and that is a detriment to his very existence. Him and Nick have been BFFs for a hot second, but as of late he's been having second thoughts about their relationship. Sure Nick stands up for him whenever he has an episode or can't properly articulate what he means, but Nick's tendency to put their lives in the line of fire for content is something even Jonah can pick up on. The soft, big and burly type, Jonah is the one to run damage control when things get heated between the members of MHP. He will not hesitate to carry people to wherever they need to be, but he will also not hesitate to throw hands if anyone gets stupid and makes a snide comment about how high Nick's voice is or looks at any of the girls wrong. He's also a hopeless romantic. Guy swears he's sooo straight, but on more than one occasion he's been caught staring at the innkeeper a little too sultrily. | Everyone gets a theme song.

Jess - Three things you will find in her backpack at all times: an old iPod, chapstick, a shock blanket. For being a ghost host, girl will jump ten feet in the air if she so much as hears a wood board creak. Because of this, she's basically the comic relief of the show, but she is also the most earnest when it comes to investigations. That's because she blames herself for Shannon's death. She is so riddled with guilt that she wants to believe that ghosts are real, if only for the chance to reach out to Shannon and apologize for the death she did not deserve. Extremely introverted, she was originally the location scout and researcher, working with Nick behind the camera to bring the show to life. Once they found themselves a host short, Jess was promoted to co-host alongside Kim. This has made her surprisingly popular among viewers, mostly due to ragebait courtesy of Kim's persona being flippantly rude towards Jess during investigations (think Aaron Goodwin if he were a girl). IRL they're super close friends with nothing but utmost respect for each other, but anything for the clicks. | Her anthem basically.

Shannon - She's dead. Hope this helps. How did she die? You'll need to read the book to find out. ;) | I WILL share her theme tho.