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roryacker · 4 months ago

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WereGhost part 4

writing is under the cut as usual <3 couldn't force the art out, for some reason my brain won't let art on my phone happen, I've been trying for days it just ain't workin, and I have gifts to finish working on so PC is a no-go. Still! Writing!!

I do oddly feel more confident about posting things if there's art with it? Like I faked myself out trying to post this one 3 times and kept adding more thanks to that because I was like "wait no not good :("

Maybe because art's like. My thing. But screw it, if I'm getting over my anxiety I'm hitting all the weird triggers, it's a silly werewolf AU I don't think people care if one part has art or not

Simon doesn't like how Johnny smells. He was fine before, but since that morning the older man left with him in such a hurry he's smelled different. To a normal person that wouldn't matter, but werewolves aren't exactly normal folk, and smell is a very important part of their routine, Simon's especially.

Simon was familiar with Johnny's scent before- warm and herbal, a comfortable smell that Simon wasn't afraid to admit was soothing. It's probably part of why he's stuck around. Since he got back, since the anxiety and stress faded out, he's smelled different. It changed. It was faint, but there- something odd and flowery. Simon knew he didn't like it, but he wasn't entirely sure why. Maybe it's the fact it changed at all, maybe it's what it might signals, to hell if Simon knows.

Johnny, from there, starts going out more often, for longer, starting at earlier times, and the scent only gets stronger. It mixes with his original one, shifting and changing, and Simon hates it.

He especially hates it when Johnny comes home in the middle of the day, just once, and immediately gets to shoving Simon under the bed, blankets and all, muttering out something about not being prepared and needing Simon to sit still and be quiet for a while- Simon growls and snaps at his feet, though his teeth never connect, but begrudgingly does as told, ignoring the way his heart thuds in his chest and ears flatten to his skull. After a bit, cleaning up and trying to make the place look nice, it seems, sweeping fur off of the bed and floor, Johnny leaves, and Simon is left alone, confused and quite frankly tired, watching the door shut from the little space under the blanket hanging off the bed.

By the time a few minutes pass, he hears the front door open, and another voice starts up. It's not the older man, it's not Johnny, it's new and unfamiliar, soft and feminine, and Simon can feel the fur on his neck raise at the sound. Oddly, he feels threatened. He doesn't like the new voice, doesn't like the scent that follows, doesn't like how it's the scent that's been drowning out Johnny's for weeks now. But he sits there, tense and uncomfortable, listening to them talk in the sitting room. He doesn't like it, but he does it, if only so Johnny doesn't change his mind about all of this and kick Simon out after all.

It lasts for a few hours, Simon unable to fall back asleep, until he hears the door open and shut again. He thinks Johnny might have left too, but no- footsteps come up to the door, and he steps inside the bedroom, crouching down with a sigh.

"Think she likes me, Ghost. Might be the one, aye? Just have to see what to do about you, then..."

His heart sinks at the words, but doesn't reply- just growls lowly and shifts his weight, curling up further to avoid looking at the man.

"Aye, I know. Yer feelin' grumpy. Sorry."

Johnny tries to drag him out from under the bed, gripping the blankets tight, but Simon fights, of course. He can't go one day without being stubborn, especially not when he feels so personally wronged.

"Jesus, fine. Stay under there. Don't make a mess."

It continued on like that for a few days. Long, uncomfortable, grueling days, where Simon slowly began to set up a little den under the bed. It was nice and dark, so at that point it was really just instinct drawing him into it, pushing and arranging the blankets into a cozy little spot for himself. Eventually he manages to fall asleep even when Johnny has his bird over, as much as he might not like it- Johnny slides a plate of food under the bed to try and keep him from getting snappy, not that it ever works, and it becomes another routine.

Simon as tired of it the moment it began, but he tolerates it anyways, just to avoid being thrown out. His leg's mostly healed, and he knows he needs to leave, get out into the forest again, get back to his normal life.

But he doesn't want to.

He gets cooked food, he gets the warmth and comfort of soft blankets that smell pleasant- they're the only thing that don't have that new scent on them, at this point- he gets to sleep in peace without having to worry about wolfhounds scenting him out or humans coming across him, doesn't have to worry about any other predators trying to get a meal out of him, there's no hiding, there's no running, no wasted energy... but he can tell Johnny knows he's healing. He leaves the bandages on longer and comments on the progress he's made, and at this point Simon knows that if he doesn't leave on his own Johnny might just toss him out anyways.

The thought makes him uncomfortably bitter, a sour feeling that wells up in his chest and leaves him feeling nothing short of sick.

He tolerates it all for a few more days, making the most of it, and then watches intently as Johnny leaves, one morning slipping out from under the bed to watch him from the doorway as he leaves, locking the front door behind him. He loafs around for an hour or so, then shifts, standing on unsteady legs and adjusting to the feeling of being human for a bit- as close as he can get, anyways. Simon finds himself staring at a window for a long while, facing the woods.

With a sigh, he steps closer and pushes it open, and crawls out, shutting the window behind him and shifting back so he can break off into a run. He regrets it the moment he's outside, the air frigid and uncomfortable against his fur, feeling like needles against his skin, but he doesn't have much of a choice at this point. He does it himself or Johnny will do it for him, maybe throw him outside in his sleep or something. He's careful not to leave any prints, stepping lightly and never lingering in one spot too long. The beartrap that got him into this mess serves as a marker, telling him where to go, and from there it's just a matter of following old paths, and by the time night starts to fall he's found it again. His scent has faded from months of inactivity, but it's his territory all the same.

Suddenly it doesn't feel like home at all, but he reasons that it won't be come a few weeks, anyways, when the wolfhunts start again the second the town's dogs start to catch his scent, and he'll have to leave all over again. He curls up in a familiar hollow, surrounded on all sides but one so he can't be reached or found quite as easily, and falls asleep with the lingering thoughts of fleeting warmth and soft fabrics on his mind.

#WereGhost #Werewolf Ghost AU #Werewolf Ghost #cod mwii #cod #call of duty #call of duty mwii #simon ghost riley #john soap mactavish #werewolf au #werewolf #no art for this one #Writing #ghoap #soapghost #ghostsoap #modern warefare ii #AU

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themarydragon · 14 days ago

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I have not seen (or maybe I missed) any comments or thoughts you had about Veilguard. Anything you would share with us?

I've had 4 complete playthroughs and I'm sitting and thinking about exactly what I want to do for #5 before I do my deep-dive, note-taking, re-read the books, Gwen's worldstate (Pillars of Creation) playthrough.

I actually loved it. Prepare for giant block of text.

Was it without flaws? Absolutely not. Its Bioware. They'll be pallbearers at my funeral, ya know? But I try not to dwell on the negatives because I honestly never thought we would actually get this game and it's 1000% better than nothing.

But the high point for me are the things we always bitched about in the old games getting fixed. The different backstories MATTER in the dialog. Elves know things human don't, there's unique dialog choices for the origins that give you different relationships with the companions. Remember how much we bitched about Lavellan asking "who's Mithal?" Not this time! (Unless you, the player, don't know and need the option) Now we have a Watcher!Rook talking shop with Emmrich!! Is it perfect? Of course not! Satisfying? Fuck yeah! It also means it's the very first DA game I finished, immediately started over, finished, and immediately started over. And each playthru was different enough to keep me completely invested.

The 3 classes feel different. Rogue and warrior play completely different, even on story-mode difficulty. I had a learning curve, going from warrior to rogue, that I hadn't had in awhile.

All the classes have at least one mechanic that feels FUN. Shield bounce OP.

Skipping over the story bits I WILL be fixing (spoilers for Pillars but you know the Varric reveal is getting fixed, and where the fuck is Hawke), there were some really tasty lore bits. The connection between the Tevinter gods and the Evanuris was something a lot of us had guessed, but I didn't QUITE get right. The evanuris/elf origin gives me a lot to think about RE: force ghost Leliana, or Cole, or the saving Wisdom quest for Solas in DA3, or SANDAL, etc etc.

But the Blight. The Blight!

We knew it was connected to lyrium and the titans, and that did not disappoint. Making it Madness instead of evil? The Blight having been sealed away with the Evanuris before implies it is sealed away with Solas now (Blighted Lavellan as bioware canon?) and your captured companion getting healed gives HUGE implications for the titans and the Wardens.

Can the titans be healed? Is that what Lace and Valta did? Can a titan bond with a dwarf and have their madness healed? Since Lace can dream AND have titan powers, is she evidence one of the titans has been reconnected with their dreams? Is it the titan where her rage manifested? THAT heart is HER heart? Maybe! The fanfiction options are endless. If the Blight is titan madness, what does even one 'healed' titan mean for the wardens, for the Song? For the Calling? New flavor for why they are Called to the Deep Roads, and why embracing the Blight = extended life!!!!!!!

And the zones. Nevarra? Worth the price of admission. Running around Arlathen, also great. The titan/mountain in Lace's missions? Jaw dropping. I played on my too-old PC and then switched to XBox and my mom would sit on the couch and watch and I would take her on tours and I got to explain this whole world I've had living rent-free in my head, to my mother, and I CANNOT begin to tell you how great that feels.

The ending Battle setup was so good, honestly. I get a little choked up watching my allies fall in to fuck shit up with me. Everybody getting a little moment of badassery also super great. Vorgoth wrecking the juggernaut is just *chef's kiss*

I could keep going, believe me.

I've been kicking around posting my fav romances but I've got 2 left (the spouse has multiple playthroughs, too, and I got the benefit of watching his choices play out) and I can't choose between Neve and Bellara and I don't want to go too deep into detail without weighing in on my girls. I adore them all.

But the best? its Davrin, btw. Davrin is incredible. 10/10 no notes gonna smooch again. Emmrich also top-tier and Taash the surprise "oh shit I didn't think I flirted that hard but LETS FUCKEN GO" to round out the top-3. My whole first Rook was DESIGNED to smooch Lace and honestly it was not as satisfying as watching her with Taash. (Get there faster, Lace) Same argument with Lucanis, it just felt unrequited to me, esp with how hard he & Neve flirt (comparatively, too). YMMV of course, we all go for different things in love and life.

Anyways yeah I loved it. Finishing my ME fic(s) before I go asshole deep into my DA universe extensions.

And no I won't go off about the things I hated because life is too short to focus on the bad. That's why I write... to fix the shit I didn't like. As always, Bioware gave me plenty of things to write about.

#dragon age #veilguard #da4 #da:tv #watcher!rook in Knuckles' world #gwen's rook is a shadow dragon #focus on the good bits #is some of it bad? yes #could I fix several complaints with ONE LINE OF DIALOG? also yes #that's really infuriating to me- that they could have made it a LOT better with VERY small fixes #but we did get a game!#and I choose to be happy about it #answered ask #ask

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lopposting · 1 year ago

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DLC interview notes Compilation + speculation

[Please note, these are all rough translations]

Compilation of links I found of director choi discussing the DLC, from as way back as 2022.

It looks as though, as of 2022, the DLC would pertain to the world of Pinocchio, and we probably won't see Oz related stuff just yet as teased by the Dorothy appearance in the end cutscene. Given that the DLC is slated to be released soon-ish, we can assume that it's been planned far in advance and that the 2022 interview is relevant to the content of the DLC that will be released this year [Just my assumption].

Q. You reinterpreted the fairy tale ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ as a cruel fairy tale. Do you have any plans to release other fairy tales in DLC form in the future? [Choi Ji-won] Rather than thinking about another fairy tale, the DLC plans to unravel Lies of P's world as originally conceived. We are not immediately thinking about expanding the fairy tale with new material or new IP. Of course, if there is an attractive fairy tale, there's no hesitation in choosing it. Gametok (KOR) [2022 Oct 17]

The worldview envisioned for Pinocchio is vast. I want to show a lot of what has been prepared through DLC. Rather than a new fairy tale, I want to [elaborate on the world of Lies of P]. However, if there is an attractive fairy tale there's no hesitation. We are fully willing to consider it as a next project. gameabout (KOR) [2022 Oct 11] (Nearly the exact same answer)

gamey (KOR) [2022 Oct 17] (from the same event/panel probably. Maybe this is just the exact same answer processed through different media outlets? I'm not sure)

DLC has been in preparation for some time. Plus, talk on expanding on the story elements in the main game, and pretty much confirming it will expand on "truths" that were not covered in the main story:[LETS GOOO]

Q I’m curious if there are any plans to add DLC or PvP content. A General Director Choi Ji-won = DLC has been in preparation for some time. The 'Lies of P' worldview that was thought of at the beginning of development is much more extensive, and we plan to unravel that part through DLC. The main theme will be the journey to find the truth and explore the world that was not covered in the main story. PvP content is not being considered. dailygame (KOR)[2023 June 9]

(Again, it seems like there is more to the story than what was really present in the final game.)

[Note!!: This may not confirm PVP content is not being considered *for the DLC*? This is what I think is a pre-release interview and he may be referring to PVP not being in the main game. I'm not sure. Although, I don't see PVP being added given LOP's linear style.]

I notice he mentions story in many cases when talking about the DLC. This makes me think that the DLC will be primarily story-focused:

gamey [KOR]

pinpoint news [KOR][2022 oct 17]

[from the director letter video, while talking about the DLC.]

- DLC를 통해 콘텐츠를 추가하거나 스토리를 확장할 계획이 있는지? 최지원 PD: 지금도 DLC의 구상을 하고 있다. 제대로 된 이야기가 보장된 작품을 만들고 싶은 욕심이 있다. 이 세계관과 관련된 다양한 이야기를 더 확실하게 확장하고 싶기 때문이다.

- Are there any plans to add content or expand the story through DLC? PD Choi Ji-won: We are still thinking about DLC. The ambition is to create a work that guarantees a proper story. This is because [we] want to expand more clearly the various stories related to this [world/universe]. gameabout

"I'll put it this way: there are more stories I want to tell in Lies of P, so I hope [it] does well." gamesindustry (ENG)[2023 Sept 20]

As of August 27 2023, he mentions that DLC has already gone into production (sportsseoul)(KOR):

More notes: LOP's development time was supposedly remarkably tight. It seems like it had a development time of roughly three years? LOP had tight goals and a very tightly focused scope (no multiplayer) to achieve that timeframe [also just a good article below]:

"South Korea belongs to the PC package and console game barren land" - article

Again, please note these are rough translations

The full list of links I found of LOP team mentioning the DLC below (also just a ref for myself):

gametoc

gameabout

pinpoint

sportsseoul

inven

dailygame

gamey

#lies of p #lop #lies of p spoilers #spoilers #speculation #DLC #lop dlc #director choi #interview #translation #compilation #lop irl #lop bts #jiwon choi #liesofp

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wanderingaldecaldo · 10 months ago

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WIP Wednesday/Whenever

Tagged by @togepies @theviridianbunny @ghostoffuturespast @aceghosts @corpocyborg

A very short WIP Wednesday post, [almost] on Wednesday itself. I just wrapped up the jeans and chaps, and I was preparing to go out of town for a week plus, but that fell through. I wasn't planning on jumping into any new modding projects since I was going to be away from my PC, and I was actually looking forward to doing some writing. Maybe I'll still do a self-enforced modding break.

Anyway, I am working on a new mod that I'm very excited about... I jumped into UV textures finally and started working on transferring Tsarev's male v body hair to fem v.

That's right, body hair on the female frame at long last.

I've spent so many hours in the last two days working on this unnamed guy. He very quickly became my most modded OC. I've been wanting to make a Mox guy for a long time -- in fact I'd planned on using the Atlas body -- but instead had the inspiration to use the Flat Chest again and I'm sooo happy with how he turned out. He's so very pretty, and I already have a few ideas for him, just not a name lol.

Tagging back everyone above who tagged me plus...

@streetkid-named-desire @blackrevell @breezypunk @kdval @rosapexa

#cyberpunk 2077 #unnamed mox dude #that's actually his folder name lmao #he's had one for like 9mo or so?#wip wednesday #wip whenever #mods i made

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pip-n-chips · 2 years ago

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The Harper pregnancy asks got my brain juices flowing so please indulge me for a hot minute.

What if PC got married down the road and it turns out that her spouse is infertile. Spouse seems blissfully unaware and PC thinks it's on her end it out so she approaches Harper for help. Who initially sees this as an opportunity to just make some more cash via pictures or videos (the way he does during his Friday visits in game) and test some new fertility drugs he's cooked up. While she's happily taking them, Harper is looking through his list of regulars to find matches who look closer to PC's spouse. Can't have the kid looking TOO different, right? And he prides himself on providing excellent service.

He starts inviting her over twice a week under the guise of treating her infertility while in reality, he's hypnotizing her and letting her get fucked by his regulars. Really, just a way to make some quick cash. He's not TOO emotionally involved in this.

But our good doctor pretty much starts salivating when PC does end up pregnant and shows up for regular check ups. He cannot stop touching her belly, maybe shows her how to knead her breasts to help with lactation later on, takes so many measurements and asks invasive questions, is just a general creep who is quickly becoming obsessed with having PC carry his kid. He's so mad at his past self, he should have been the one to knock her up, everything else be damned. He can hypnotize her still, sure, and he does so (rubbing his dick all over the curve of her belly. Making her use her growing breasts. Having her bounce on his dick later on and Harper rubs his hands all over her, he cannot get enough) but it's just not the same.

So when PC shows up again a year or two after having the first kid, looking down and miserable because her and her spouse have been trying again but it seems the treatment needs to be reapplied, Harper jumps on the opportunity. He becomes obsessed the second PC says 'We'd like to have another baby'. He acts all sympathetic and soothing and reassures her that he will look into it again, to please come back in a week. Because he wants to prepare for this properly. Meanwhile, his mind switched to the fast lane and his thoughts are racing. No way he's contacting his regulars again. This time, it'll be his child. He can potentially explain away the looks by going 'PC is an orphan, maybe the kid got their looks from PC's parents' and he is curious to see how his child's pregnancy data/stats would compare to the other one but that's when it hits him. He can give PC stronger meds. Give her additional shots. She could have twins. Maybe triplets.

Harper's hand is down his pants before he can stop himself.

He'll fuck her so well. Fill up her aching, empty womb, again and again and again. Maybe hypnotize her and make her stay after hours so he can truly indulge. Take a video of her sitting on an examination table, legs spread and gaze glassy. Harper instructing her to say things like 'I'm going to be impregnated by Doctor Harper today. I couldn't be happier' or 'Doctor, please, come inside of me.' She'd look so pretty and big and she'd have to visit him so often to make sure the pregnancy is progressing as intended. He might get to indulge himself every day. Take so many pictures. Let his hands roam, chart every inch of skin and jot down the results. Get his mouth on her breasts. He really could induce early lactation this time around, drink her creamy milk, get samples for his research.

Harper cannot fucking wait.

The next appointment PC shows up for, Harper's waiting for her with a smile and some very good news. (And maybe, just maybe, he is already planning her third pregnancy.)

holy shit, anon

Harper isn't the only one salivating anymore cuz hot damn

#i love hearing y'all's thoughts and writing and stuff!! its like youre knocking on my door and giving me free food #and this food is VERY VERY tasty #degrees of lewdity #harper the doctor #ask #anon #others writing #cw pregnancy #thirsty #hnnnnnnnnnghhhhhhhhh /positive

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hushravengoobertown · 3 months ago

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-----In the Dark and Blue-----

3/?

February 14th, 1999: 04.00: Cycle 2

The indifference strikes again, the Ocean of Höllvania drowns anyone and everyone who can't keep their head above the waves.

(sorry this took so long, work+EEPY = unproductive)

On a damp and cold morning, clouds looming above. Amir and Kintsugi coiled up in a big, fuzzy blanket. Nuzzling each other as they binged some ‘Warrior Queen Zasta.’ Neither could sleep last night as the adrenaline from their previous mission kept them up. Amir snuck some kisses on Kintsugi’s cheek. Her flushed face was hidden by the light from the TV. “I got a mission with Arthur today, my dear.” Amir’s eyebrow raised but then a big giddy smile revealed itself. “Ooh that's alright Sugarcube! I have to prepare your gift anyway~” her light laughter soothed any anxiety he held. “We're going down to the Harbor this time. Scaldra are getting desperate and are asking for supplies from other nations.”

Amir’s eyes widened, tightening his grip around her a little bit. “That's new… we're really driving them in a corner now huh?” She chuckles, pecking his forehead. “We'll get it done before you're finished with your plan~ I'll make sure of it!” Amir’s eyes met with hers as soft laughter filled the room. “I'll hold you to that Babycakes, just be careful okay? That place is… funny, I know! Very close to the ocean, the waves can be dangerous on days like these.” He gazes out the window, frowning, it was already raining pretty hard, no sign of stopping. She cups his cheek, facing him towards her, their lips softly pressing against each other. “I'll be okay, Zoomy, I promise.” leaning her head against the crook of his neck, she reassures him softly, gently caressing his arm. Both relax in each other's embrace as the next episode of Warrior Queen Zasta plays.

—

They were half asleep when Quincy and his band woke everyone up. Not even the backroom was safe from his shenanigans as the loud banging on the wall shot them up. “Nnuuuugh, sometimes I really wanna deck his stupid face-” Kintsugi nuzzles his arm as he haphazardly rubs his right eye with the palm of his hand. “Mmm time to get ready for the day!” He jumps up giddy, stretching as Kintsugi follows shortly after. “Don’t peek in Aoi’s corner for a bit- it's where the surprise is okaaaay?” He quickly pecks her cheek, sprinting away soon after. Her gentle laughter fuelled his desire to make this the best day ever.

Kintsugi still had some time before needing to show up so she cleaned up in the bathroom, got some fresh (waterproof) clothing on and fed her kavats. She prepared her arsenal for the day, nothing like the good ol’ reliable Boltor, Sicarus, and Glaive to get the job done. All the small chores were finished for now so she went to boot up the POM-2 PC. Holding a groggy sigh, she'd type to greet Arthur.

Kintsugi-Genesis

“Hey, Arthur I'm pretty much ready whenever you are. What's the plan?”

Broadsword

“Gotta wait for the morning fog to roll in. Should provide us enough cover around the place to make it quick and painless…. For us at least. Heh.”

Kintsugi-Genesis

“Sounds good to me, let's make sure their dates cry tonight.”

Broadsword

“...I should not have laughed at that as much as I did.”

Kintsugi-Genesis

“lol I'll get you a beer when we're done.”

Broadsword

“Cheers. I'll text you when the fog is thick enough.”

Kintsugi-Genesis

“^⁠_⁠^”

Broadsword has logged off.

She leaned back on her council chair she brought from Duviri, hands on the back of her head as her gaze diverted to the floof of Amir on her bed, then up outside, rain tapping the window. The ominous winds outside felt like some kind of warning, spiking her nerves. “The Ocean… dangerous when stormy and yet this will be the first time I'll see it. Perhaps I'll be a lil extra careful for Amir… What do you think, Kalymos?” her quiet purrs approached, nuzzling her leg as Kintsugi scratched behind her ears. Her anxiety was broken by Kalymos’s presence.

—

The silence was cut by Amir’s sudden appearance, his figure at the door frame of the loft. “Hey hey hey! My Void Kitten~ Arthur told me that we'll be heading to the Harbor together!!” Kintsugi cocked her head in confusion. “Really..? Arthur seemed pretty excited to actually go on a mission with me for once… why the sudden change?” Amir nodded and approached Kintsugi “Would it be so surprising that he forgot that it was Valentine's day and panicked! You should have SEEN the look on his face when he approached me and told me he learned it only after texting you hahaha!” Kintsugi wheezed, slamming her palm on the table. “What about what you're planning…?” He nodded “Aoi and Eleanor are helping Arthur finish what I started, it's only fair since he's sending us out in the rain haha!” Amir held his hand out and she softly chuckled, taking it. “So will this be like… a beach date?” she'd chuckle sarcastically, rolling her eyes. Amir would take her hand to kiss it. “Of course, Mon Cheri~” Kintsugi was happily bounding down the stairs ahead of him, whistling old Duviri tunes while retrieving her arsenal. What she didn't see was the inky eyes and horrible creeping smile that plastered his face behind her.

—

Amir and Aoi began setting up a couple of chairs and a fancy table. Amir realized he never actually had that ‘Fancy romantic date, wine and schmoozing included.’ with his love, he wanted to show her what a real one was. Aoi agreed with him too, helping him get it set up for Valentine's day. They'd place some privacy walls around the room to keep the place hidden from prying eyes. Aoi held a small radio in hand, flipping between frequencies to find the old timey stations. A knock was heard behind the walls. “Oi fam, got your lux and tie.” Quincy chuckled, as Amir parted the walls with a big dumb smile on his face. “Ohmysolthisisperfect!!! I owe you at least 2 favors for this.” Quincy laughed, patting the speedster on his shoulder. “Nah brother, for som’in like this? All I want is you being your best self, slay that tux, please yo girl… and one favor.” Amir rolling his eyes, punches Quincy’s collar bone playfully, before pushing him out of the room. “Thanks man… means a lot.”

Aoi and Eleanor sat doing each other's make-up, Amir huffed, his gear scattered on the floor, he'd start fixing his collar, staring at himself in a cracked mirror. He admired a black velvet tuxedo covering his shoulders. Black slacks wrapped around his thighs and legs beautifully, a maroon tie with a little lightning bolt pin by the knot covering a white undershirt trying desperately to contain his chest. Nice buttoned cuffs enhanced the details around his wrists. He carefully fixed any creases or wrinkles around his arms and his neck. Quincy did an amazing job finding one that was tailored, let alone fit him.

“She'll like this… yea, she will, I know she will…” his heart was racing nervously, the suit tight around his Warframe body, this was definitely not as easy let alone comfortable as portrayed in those cheesy rom coms he used to binge. “Welp, no going back now.” He took a solid moment to breathe, walking around the corner towards Aoi and Eleanor. Their gazes quickly met his visage. “Oh my Sol…” Eleanor dropped her jaw a little in astonishment. “AMIR YOUR SO HANDSOME WHAAAA-” Aoi jolted from her position, a giddy smile on her face. “Sugi is absolutely going to lose her mind when she witnesses you darling.” Eleanor happily replied. “Y-you really think so?” Aoi jogged over to pat his back, “We know so. Amir.” her smile widened, a nervous but content chuckle escaped Amir, admiring himself.

A sudden knock on the privacy walls, Arthur inviting himself in, he'd notice two scornful gazes and an embarrassed Amir. “Oh… sorry… you… look great, Amir.” Arthur smiled lightly, trying not to pay much mind to his rather upset sister and former girlfriend. “What brings you here brother, we're in the middle of something quite under wraps you know…” Eleanor scoffed. “...I know I'm sorry, but I cannot get a hold of Drifter, she wasn't in the backroom. I assumed she was here with you lot?” Amir’s heart dropped. “S-she isn't here…” Amir somberly responded, Aoi frowned slightly. “Eleanor, are you able to get a poke on her whereabouts?” Arthur crossed his arms, his tone a bit more serious now. “Hmmm… Let me see…” her focus shifted, for a moment closing her eyes. Her eyes widened terrified. Cold gasps escaping her.

“She's… heading for the docks-” she gasped again “There's… another guiding her, it looks like… Amir” everyone's eyes widened in shock. Aoi’s expression soured, Arthur's eyebrow raised, Amir started anxiously pacing. “Howisthatpossibleimrighthere-” his breathing unsteady. “Its… it's the Indifference!- That THING is with OUR Drifter!?” Eleanor's desperate voice shifted the mood aggressively, completely overwhelming emotions washed over Amir, tears started streaming down his face. He held his heart as another panic attack took over every nerve in his body, a cold dread completely strangled his mind. All he could hear was his heart racing. “NOTAGAINNOTAGAINNOTAGAIN…” His knees buckled as his hands grasped his hair, desperately trying to breathe.

Aoi rushed out to prepare the Atomicycles. Eleanor held Amir's shoulder’s trying to calm him down. Arthur’s expression was stoic, he calls for Quincy over the radio, telling Lettie to remain to keep the civilians safe. “We need to leave. Now. That thing is with her, if we don't stop it, we might as well be dead.”

—

Kintsugi crouched with her Glaive in hand, signalling to Àmir, he dove into the fog, Scaldra screams faded, she approached the docks, waves splashing against the concrete. “I don't see anymore Scaldra, seems like we got them all…” no response. “Amir? You okay?! Are you hurt?” A horrible laugh echoed in the mist, the waves seemed to crash louder.

“Ỵ̸̡̛̐̎́͝o̸̝̐ų̵͊̓̿̕r̵̛̪͂̒̈́̈́̕ ̶̡̟̬͖̋́͐͒͝d̸͙̠̉̏̓͑̈́̇a̵̖͔͚̤͛͛͛̄́ḿ̸̘̏̔͊̔̈́ń̷̠͚̘͇̳e̸̝̭̦̯͐d̷̳̬́͒̃ ̴̺̟̖̓͂̑̓̀̍m̴̫̝͌a̸̡͈̜̎̉̒͗́͝ͅṇ̷̘̭̎͋̐̐́ ̴̪̦̞̀̈́̚ͅg̸̙͔̃o̷͔̊͘t̷̳̬̗̫͍̣͌͑̌ ̷̫̈́͂̃̈́̉̕i̸̠̗̐̆̎̕ň̸̠̇͘ ̸̘̭̘́̈͋͋̇̕m̷̰̽̌̒͊ͅy̷̢̞̽̽̇̕ ̵̗̺͓̼̒̉͒̇w̷̬͇̅̓͗̀͘͠a̷̛̤̪̝͌́͘ẙ̸̠̀.̵̹̦́̓͆̉͠ ̶̥̹̱͔͋S̴̨͍̈t̴̻͕̙̬̾̿͝͝e̸͎̿̏̈́a̸̬̖͛̂̀͝l̴̦̰̹͙̗̟̍͗̈́̃͝ỉ̵̼̓̒̇̈́̚ñ̶̯͙̫̈̀̚ģ̵̙͒̓̉̾̕ ̴͍̱̘́͛y̷̲̭̦̖̘̐̓ͅȯ̶̘̤̬̫̞͋̌̊̓û̷̢̩͉͜ ̴̤̓̓f̵̢̰̥͈̃̆͂̕r̴̜̳̫̰̓́̾ơ̶̡̡̞̪̺̓͋͝ͅm̴̨̨͈̫͕̆͘ ̵̭̱́̽̿̂̂̚y̵̨̱̣̤̔ö̷͓͈̦́̈́̌͘u̴̡͍̥͍̝̾̓͊r̷̗̥̬̣̮̈́͆ ̴̢͈͕̞̌̈́͛͐͌͝b̴̲̝̈́e̵͈̱͇͂̀̂l̴̡͔̮̈͌́̿̐a̶̮̿͂͊ͅţ̸̮̙́́̆͌e̴͖̰̞̎̈́͐͝͠d̶̗͚̙̝͚̱̾́̿͠ ̴̡͎̮̗̦̗̅̿̀͘f̷̠́̍̚͠á̵̞̻͈̙̜̱͋t̷͕̟̤̰̖͝ę̸̢͕̍̒͌͒.”

“YOU- I WON'T LET YOU HURT HIM-” the Indifference cackled, revealing itself, a horribly twisted visage of Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝ mocked her. Kintsugi shot at the mirage, it faded, void tongue clawed at her mind getting louder and louder. She grasped her head in agony.

“Í̵̻̺͎̣̲̺̖̻̈́͒̎͑̾'̸̢̠̠͐̒͂̓̆̓͘͝ͅl̴̟͇͊̍̐̐l̷̝͕͇̍̆̌̿̐̅ ̷͕̻͋̑̎s̷̛̖͔̩̱̒ḧ̵̙̻͍̼̭́̆̎̅̎͒͊͜ơ̴̩͍͕̿͑͋̆̓͘͝w̵̧̱̙̳̰̙̘͚̑̿ ̵̧̛̯͓͍̠́́̓͒͠y̵͍͙̭̱̙͑̾͜͠ő̴̧̭̦̐̂ư̸̢̨̬̭͙͎̘̰ ̷͚̮̣̳͙̚ͅa̴̠͆͛͝͝n̶̟̍̆͐̀͘̕͠ ̶̣͂̓̋͆O̸̱̜͓͇͓̮͒͊̎̃̃̓̚͝c̷͔͓͌̾͐͛ͅe̸̪̐ḁ̴͔̮͠n̷̝͎͈̥͖̪̆̈̚͝,̷̲̓̐̊̐̈́̅ ̷̹̗̍̈̀̚̚͝ṱ̷̡̝̠͌͐̈́̇͑̌͐͝ḩ̸̢̢̱͚͇̑ĭ̴̛̻͚̫̱̣̳̯̂̚ş̸͔͕̰̦̔͗̂ͅ ̴̲̬̝̅̿̚ẗ̷̫́̒̐̓̚͝i̷̙͈͙̘̱̮͊̍̃̃́͊͛̕͜m̷̢̯̗͉͙̙̟̑̓̿̿̒̎̚͘͜ḙ̷̼̲̻͖̝̔͌͆̐.̸̫̪̎͝.̴͈̣̤͙̪̥̰͇̌̏.̶̝̮̌ ̴̡̧̢̱̖̄ͅ”

̶̄

“̷̨̠̺͚̮̺̣͎͊̎̑̑͘Y̷̨̬͙̥͍̹͓̾̔͆̏̉͝Ô̶͉̻͛͛Ū̸̯͐̔̀̀̈́”

̴̟̣̬̮̞̊̇͂̋

“̸̳̩̞̳̹͝W̵̨͈͒̍̊Ỉ̶̢̡̭̯̙̠̼͎̐̋̓͋͠L̶̨̝̇̒̕L̸̳͚̖̾̊̏̄͛̈̽̊”

̴̯̠̬̫̦̰̮̑̆̆̓̄͆͘

“̴̼̝͗D̴͎͇̹̈́͆͊̎͝R̶̢͈̤̬̯̯̿̏͌̀̐́̿ͅO̸̧̦͇̰̼͖̺̘̔̔́̐̽̔W̴͔̖̓͌̓́̿̃͒͠ͅN̷̡̙̖͈͎͉͌̇̃̊͑͊.̵̥͍̪̭̬̮͊̀̔̿”

Her screams attempted to drown out the murmur. To no avail, while struggling to keep herself sane, the pain crumbled her strength. Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝ coiled his void-touched hands around her neck, her face, her eyes. It suffocates her. “Amir… h-help… me-” An inky black gaze and cursed smile is all she witnesses before her consciousness failed her.

—

The Atomicycles roared in the storm, Amir's feet pounded against the wet roads. Everything was a blur, not even Eleanor’s brain hugs could soothe his terror. “What is it doing to her? I thought… Why today?… P-please…” his words spilled, was it tears, or the rain streaking his face. The others were barely able to keep up with his increased speed. “Am- slo- -wn” Arthur's voice was barely legible, the radio’s signal disrupted by his speed and the storm around him. He couldn't stop, he wouldn't stop. He needed to save her. That thing had her again. “Please don't be too late pleasepleasepleaseplease-” the docks soon came into sight, Amir was way ahead of the others, the Atomicycles still roared in the distance. He prayed to Sol for once, that she wasn't a corpse by the time he arrived.

The fog was thick, frantically searching around, it was quiet, too quiet. The fog suddenly parted a bit in front of him, Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝ revealed itself. Fury boiled in Amir's body. Tasting iron in his mouth he tensed himself for a charge.

“A̸̯̟̽h̷̜̾͗,̸̰̒̓ ̸̗̇ͅa̷̢̿ḧ̶̼͙́͆ ̴̯̅a̸̮̠͋̐h̶̠̏!̶̼̾͋ ̴̙̉̈́Y̷̛̘̭ọ̷̃̇ũ̷͍͓ ̴̻̂c̵͉̙̈a̵͓͎͒̀n̵̞͊̂'̶̫̽ṯ̵́ ̶̰͆͠d̸͖͈͛͘ò̷̘ ̶͚̂̎t̸̢̋ḧ̶̜̣͌a̵͎͌t̷͕͑͐.̴͓̰̍̕.̴̢̯͝.̴̯̽̂”

The fog parted further revealing Kintsugi hooked loosely on an old crane, chained, rocks dangling below her. Waves crashing fiercely below like maws that want to consume every aspect of her.

“Y̵̛̬̱͛͐̀̑͛o̶̧͓̖͔͔̔͐̈́͛u̶̝̘͂͊ ̶̖͑̕ͅḣ̸̠͍̭̕â̸̙̘̞͗̈́̋̊̇ͅṽ̷̜͉̟̳̹̇e̴͎̓ ̴̧̞͎̩͍̀̉͠͠m̸̨̧̛̪̯ŏ̵̤̟͋r̶̗͓͇̺̺͋͜ę̴̤̫̮̠̗̈́ ̷̨̡̱̞͕͔͝͝p̵͚̥̗̫͑̈r̶̭̤̣̬̂̓ë̷̻̺͔̳́s̸̨̢̮̘͉̉͂̆s̷͚͇̳̜̐̃̌̀́ì̵̛̖̠̭̯̽͋̆͝n̵̥̫̝͂͛g̴̜͇̈́͝͠ ̸̺̙̪̓̄͌ͅm̸̡̡̟͑a̷̖͓͇̠̺͋͑̃̅ͅt̷̨̧̛̝̫̙͒̽͠t̸͇͖̟̞̺͑e̷͙̲̍̒r̶̝̺͊s̷̘̤̦͒̃̀͜ ̴̨̙̤̭͛̈́͒͝t̶͓̩̣̋͌͗͋̏̕ȍ̷͓̜̋̾̎ ̵̞̽a̸̢͓̻̳̪̯̓̋́̇̚t̶̛̝̣͗̉͒́́t̵̢̻͈͐̒̚͝ë̴̤́n̴̡͎̘̦͍̑͒́̉̏d̶̙̘͛̑͌ ̴̝̈̄͛̄͂͘t̴̛̼̔̌̆͝o̴̡͇̬̗̮̾̌͒.̶̡̈́͊.̸̛͉̻̊̈́̈́̃̈.̸͍̻͉̟̾̆̀”

Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝ bellowed again, it's wicked smile coiled around its face once more, snapping its fingers. The hook screeched, unlatching, Kintsugi was free falling towards the murky depths.

“H̸̭͉͙͉̍̈́͘͝a̵͚̬̮͒͂͝p̵̼̱̿͜͝͝p̵̥̪͐̇͘ͅy̶̗̯͔̪̏̀ ̸͕̠̋̽̊̓V̷̡̿͐̍̾a̵̧̱͙̍̃ĺ̶̺̮ͅè̴̘̏͊̆ṇ̷̡̞̭̇t̸̮̪͕͍̏͑̔̓i̸͕̋͒̒n̸̬̭̜͆e̴͎͙̳͐̃'̴͉͒̔͑̾s̴̡̬͕̜̍͑ ̴̻̝̓d̶̘̘̒̋̎͝ā̷͓̙̄̎y̶̮̬͚̼̆̄̔͠.̶̙̂́ ̵̦͔̩̿̓͒̕.̵̝͝”

Time slowed around Amir, he charged, not at the Indifference, but the ocean, diving in he saw her faint light sinking fast. He frantically swam down, every muscle in his body screaming, the currents making it seem like he was getting nowhere, air bubbles from her fading image the only thing guiding him further.

—

“Amir, AMIR- DAMNIT! signals dropped…” Arthur and the others quickly leaped off their Atomicycles, Aoi and Eleanor quietly conversed, readying their weapons. “Quincy, go far, covering us from a distance, the last thing we need is all of us to be trapped here with that thing without backup.” Quincy nodded, slight concern crept over his face. “You sure ‘bout this, your maj? Gonn’ have to post pretty far to getta half decent shot.” Arthur nodded. “Those are your orders, Quincy, now go.” Quincy sighed, getting back on his Atomicyle, riding off. “Aoi, make sure the Scaldra aren't making a surprise tour of the place, Eleanor, on me, can you get a read on Amir or Drifter…?” Eleanor's focus tightened, her head throbbed at the Indifferences presence. “I can't see or hear anything from them. The Indifference must be close by… lurking like a predator stalking its prey brother… it's waiting for us…” Arthur shuddered, grasping his Skana tightly, muttering to himself. “Sol damnit…”

The docks were completely coated in fog, the waves crashing against the concrete and metal of the abandoned sailboats. Arthur took a deep breath, the air heavy with some kind of miasma, Eleanor choked, a horrible presence rapidly approaching, like a tiger lunging on its prey, “ARTHUR-” a silver set of claws slashed at his chest throwing him back into some rusted crates, Eleanor hissed as Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝ turned it's attention towards her, black inky eyes meeting her feral purple ones. Sense seemed to have disappeared from her as she viscously growled. “STAY AWAY, DEMON, YOU WEAR HIS FACE BUT I KNOW YOU AREN'T HIM-.” Arthur's stance recovered, quickly launching himself forward with his exalted blade, Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝ mocked them as feral screams and animalistic retaliations coated the fog in miasma and blood.

Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝ bellowed once more, staring down at Arthur and Eleanor's wounded body.

“W̶̧̜͔̬̿ô̴̞̝̤̹̔ǘ̶̜̫̣͑l̶̻̽͝͝d̴̬̪̼̍͊͊ṉ̷͔̽͝'̸̩̣̥̀̈́̉̚t̵͚̐̅̀ ̵͚͒̄́i̶͙̩͇̠̓͑t̷͕́ ̶̞̦̂͘b̸̖́è̴̘͍̙̙̑̒̕ ̶͍̦̺̬̂a̵̼͆̓̈́ ̵̢̀̅̇s̴͖̐͒h̴̨̓̓̀a̸̢͓͔̳͋̽m̴̡͍̊̃̆͠ȩ̸̡̙̟̏͘,̵͓͚̈́́̓ ̵̯̓̓̓͛i̵̧̎̄͝͝f̷��̨̰̹̆̈́ ̴̪̣̤̅͠ÿ̴͇̩ǫ̴̨̦̉̎̎͝u̷̽̏͘ͅ ̷̝̹͈̔l̶͖̯̏̉͆͘o̸̎̀̽ͅs̷̛̲̹̘͕̄͊t̷̺͈͒ ̷̡͑ŷ̸̬̥̍̑o̵̟̒u̸̝͉̗̞͝r̸͚̲̳̗̓͌̾ ̵̘̿͛̈́͆͜a̴͙͍̹̔́̏̂b̶̰̤̮̒i̷̭̺͒̍͌̌l̵͎͔̹̲̀͗̀î̶͎͉̟̔̅͝t̵̨͇̖͙̄̿̓y̸͖̺͌̃ ̷̫͒t̶̢̮͍̺̾͐o̴̭̜̽̾͌͝ ̴͓͈́̕̚d̸̢͇̦͔̓̉̌͒e̵̱͍͠f̷̡͓͇͂͒̽̕e̶̗̪̊̔̆n̵̗̽ͅd̷̯̥͇̈ ̷̨̡̙͈̾̋ý̸̨̟̄o̴̧̥͑̆̀ủ̴̩̬̏r̵̗̐̌s̷͉̈̈e̸̯͝l̸͕̂́̒v̶̮̥̺̰̑̽ě̷̗̣̠͒s̶̡͚͗?̵͖͂̿̕”

Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝ snapped his ethereal fingers, Eleanor screamed as her body went limp, Arthur forced to kneel, his body no longer able to stand. His voice croaked. They were both bleeding out and their healing factor was gone. Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝’s smile, wicked and all powerful, the demon had their souls poised before it.

“Ḱ̶͜ḭ̸̱͠l̵̺̺̐͝l̵̰̣̆i̸͔͑͠ṇ̵̔g̷͇̃͜ ̶͚͘4̶̹̀ ̵̯͒̏b̵̦́͜i̶̩̕r̷̖͠d̵̛̤s̷͇͇̈́ ̸̠́w̷͇͕̓i̶͍̓̚ṯ̸̝̃h̶̡̗͆̊ ̸̩̺̓ó̵̭̮̽n̷̮̄e̷̝͆ ̶͙̥͝l̴̤̼̈i̸͕͔͑e̸͓̾͒.̴̡͒̊.̴̭̋̒.̶̖͂͗ ̶̼̿C̵̳̖͌̀ọ̷͔͒u̵͈̗̽l̷̛̤̼̑d̷̗̔͝ ̷͚̹̓t̶̹͐̓h̶̗͂̈́i̸̠͘s̸̘̩̾̕ ̸̢͐͌d̴̻͒á̶̧̙̆y̶̹̏͐ ̸͔̿g̴̺̦̍ḙ̸̅̂ṱ̶̱̈́ ̶̩̤̇̎ā̴̤̳̊n̸̩̲͂y̸̝̌ ̷̧̑͐b̴̘̟̕è̷̳̭t̴̞̚t̸͔̏ȩ̸͕̽r̴͎͌͐~̴͓̱͆”

It cooed, mocking, wheezing, the murmur laughed with it, like a horrible comedy becoming so right. It didn't know that a scope had its head in sight.

—

Amir's lungs were already burning, he desperately ignored his need for air, he was so close to her body, he could almost reach the chains, he had to break them with what little strength he had left. “No.” All too familiar voices echoed in his mind. All his horrible emotions, grasped at his nerves. “You can't live with yourself if you let her die” anxiety whispered, he grasped the rusted chains holding her down. “You NEED to BREATHE!!” fear screamed. His muscles burning, attempting to pull the chains apart that were bounding her to the depths. “LOOK AT HER, SHE IS GONE AND ALL YOU WANT TO DO IS DROWN US!?” Anger hissed. This pushed Amir over the edge, snapping the chains with ease.

“Give up. You won't make it to the surface with her…” depression sobbed. He grasped her limp body, clawing the horrible currents upward. He felt his body weakening, not just from a lack of oxygen, yet his energy levels dropped drastically and suddenly. He felt the Void trying to pull him down. “NO” all the voices in his head yelled in unison. “SAVE US SAVE HER SAVE US, SAVE HER.” The surface was visible. Yet his vision dimmed, hallucinations started taking hold. His pace weakened. His fading consciousness glanced down at Kintsugi, her warm body pressed against his chest. The only warmth he felt in this entire ocean. Golden threads appeared around and above him. Spiraling upwards, showing him memories of them. Safe, warm, peaceful, the voices in his head quieted. “just a little further…” Kintsugi's voice soothed his mind. His vision darkens, letting the light of the threads pull him upwards.

—

Quincy poised himself, he was considerably far from the Harbor. An old office building he decided to make a nest in. He sighed, the fog still covering the docks. He positioned his sights towards a miasmic cloud by a crane structure. “fuk… haven't had a shot like tis’ in years… not the good kind either.” he muttered to himself. The miasma parted slightly, revealing the Indifference, hovering over Eleanor and Arthur's body. “Maj?! Why ain't movin’ cuz!?” His scope revealed the Indifference stepping closer, grinning at the now bleeding Arthur. “Fuk, fuk, okay… this shot finna be a nat 20 roll it has to be-” Quincy found himself sweating for the first time in years, if he didn't land this shot they'd be dead down there. “Steady… steady… damit steady-” he felt his heart panic a bit, his sights shaking a bit. “this- … I owe the speedster a lot of apologies.” Quincy took another deep breath, remembering Kintsugi comforting Amir, remembering the breathing exercises she taught him. “I owe him another round of F&F, Maj another beer, Eleanor an apology.” he stabilized his scope on the fading figure of the Indifference. “I owe Aoi 7 favors… Lettie a lot of silence.” He scoped in as far as he could. His shot couldn't be any clearer and yet, it truly was one in a million if he landed it or not. “I owe Drifter…” he poised, and let the shot ring out all around him he witnessed as the bullet blew the head right off the indifference, its skull wispy and sprawling in the air around it, like stained glass and light. “I owe 'em nothing, they's forgiven me, betta be alive is all I want.”

Ȑ̵̩̂̐̌̇ì̶̛͇̖̘̼̞̈m̷̨͉͇̙͋̔̇͐͑a̶͓͎͓̣̔͝͠͝'s body fell flat, the fog and miasma fading, the clouds parting slightly. Aoi rushed up to Arthur and Eleanor breathing labored. Lifting Arthur against a crate and tending to what little wounds remained on Eleanor “I couldn't move at all… what happened to you here!?” Arthur grunted. “mnng, explain later, find Amir and Drifter…” Aoi frowned, “How..?” Eleanor piped up somberly, “They're beneath the waves…” Arthur slumped, Aoi gasped, utilizing her returned strength she'd mold the metal around her. Scanning the waves for any signs of life.

—

Was this some horrible nightmare? Tricks his mind conjured? Just this morning they were binging his favorite season of Warrior Queen Zasta. It all happened so fast, golden light swirled, he felt his arm being pulled. Breaching the ocean's surface, Amir gasped finally, his lungs burning from the water and fresh air clashing, pulling Kintsugi's body up over his shoulders; he struggled to keep both their heads above the surface. The waves crashing over him like wolves pouncing on meek prey, he couldn't see where they were, but one thing’s for certain, the currents pulled them both far from shore. “H-HELP-” another wave stifled his cries for help, he paddled fruitlessly towards some land, the distance was furthered with each kick, with each stroke, he couldn't keep up much longer. He felt sudden jolts, his powers came back. He screamed as he threw a bolt of electricity in the sky, begging for someone to see them. Another wave sent them both beneath the surface, his strength was waning, another bolt casted upwards.

“-mir-” his name echoed in the distance. Was he hallucinating again? “AMIR-” louder now, it sounded like Aoi with no other options he screamed. “OVER HERE- GUUHG.” surfing on a makeshift metal board, Aoi formed a metal rope. “GRAB ON GOT IT!?” she launched the metal rope, Amir reached for it, the metal coated his wrist and solidified, he was being pulled to shore. His exhaustion setting in he whimpered. “Sugi… isn't… breathing.” He croaked out between gasps. “We're almost there, stay with me Amir got it? We still have that fables and frontiers game to play!” her humorous trill encouraged a laugh from him, yet it was weak. He wasn't worried about that right now.

It felt like an eternity, but they arrived back on shore. Aoi gently let Amir down, his knees unable to lift himself, he softly placed Kintsugi on the cold concrete. Her face was ice cold, her body completely still, no breathing, Arthur and Eleanor recovered most wounds they endured all they could do was circle Amir and a lifeless Drifter.. “H-Hey Sugarcube… p-please wake up…” Amir's voice trembled, tears pricking his face. He'd caress her cheek gently. Nothing. “N-no… please…” he pulled her close to his chest, begging her to breathe, nothing. “I… I can't… lose you…” he started rocking slightly, hot tears drenching his face. “Amir… there's… nothing we can do now…” Arthur sounded like he was going to cry himself. It wasn't the first time yet, it's been a while. “I.. I can't accept this, no. I WON'T-” His sudden electric lashings startled the group. Eleanor patted her brother’s shoulder and they'd back off. Aoi kneeled beside Amir, he'd shove his face on Kintsugi's chest, sobbing, turning into wailing, and then suddenly, silence. He noticed her hand twitch from his electricity. “I… can save her-” a somber croak.

Amir shifts his body, lying her flat on the ground, rubbing his hands together rapidly. Placing his hands on her chest he’d huff.

-ZZZAAP-

her body recoiled harshly, before going limp again. He'd witness her legs twitching.

“...Again.”

-ZZZZZAAAAP-

a little longer this time, her body violently reacting, limp again. He could have sworn he saw her arms move.

“AMIR WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Arthur screamed trying to reason with Amir. He'd rush over, yet Aoi gasped his arm and shook her head.

-ZZZZZZAAAAAPPP-

Nothing, her chest was… burning. It was time to stop now. “I… I'm…. Sorry….” He gently caresses her body, coiling her in an embrace.

“W-we were just enjoying Warrior Queen Zasta th-this morning…” he pressed his forehead against hers, his heart heavy with grief and sorrow. “I couldn't s-save you in time, why did it all have to go wrong?… i-” a hand cupped his cheek, his eyes shot open, meeting Kintsugi's gaze. “...i'm right here my love…” tears were streaming down her cheeks. Amir wailed in relief, pressing his head into the crook of her neck aggressively, her embrace wrapping around his soggy head. “I'm here. I'm right here. Shhh….” The storm let up above, golden sun rays peeking through the clouds.

—

The group arrived back home. Lettie immediately demanded what took them so long. One look at Amir and Kintsugi told her everything. “Xipe Totec and a dance with La Flaca…” she'd tend to Arthur's wounds as Quincy, Aoi and Eleanor discussed what happened. “Amir…” Kintsugi limped towards him, tugging him towards the backroom. “Rest..?” Amir nodded somberly. The mall fell silent unfortunately Valentine's day ended in dread and sorrow.

The backroom was quiet, Amir and Kintsugi unclothed, cradled in each other's embrace, neither wanting to let go of each other in fear they'd be taken again. “Rima was… terrifying.” Amir finally broke the silence. “It… laughed at me, before I dove in the ocean…” Kintsugi shuddered. “I'm not sure what it did to me… but it was incredibly painful-” Amir tightened his grasp. “I won't let Rima ever, EVER touch you again.” A small whimper left Kintsugi. “Oh- are you okay!? where does it hurt!?” Amir's posture immediately jolted when he traced the scars around her chest. He immediately knew why she was hurting… “fuck… that's… that's really bad, god I'm so sorry…” she frantically shook her head, cupping both his cheeks, kissing him. “No… you saved me, they're just a bit tender, I'll heal, love.” Another moment of silence filled the room. They shifted themselves again under the covers this time, exhaustion finally settling in. “I'm scared.” Kintsugi whispered. Amir held her face close to his, a soft kiss planted on her lips, his gaze met with hers. “I am too, but... we can fight this... together.” she'd relax in his embrace, their breathing synchronizing, golden threads danced above their minds, falling asleep peacefully.

#warframe 1999 #amir beckett #drifter/amir #amir warframe #amirbeckett #warframe amir #warframe #Kintsugi-Genesis Fics

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inkofamethyst · 4 months ago

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December 28, 2024

Am setting up my new laptop and I'm liking it a lot!! I actually don't find myself minding the silver very much. It's giving sleek, it's giving Star Trek (I was afraid it would give 'toy'). I'm trying to see if I can switch to using Microsoft Edge instead of Chrome.. not hating it so far after a couple of hours of setup. Trying to de-googlefy at least a little (though I don't think I can handle the inconveniences of using Firefox rn).

I have lots more setting up to do to prepare for using it as a bioinformatics machine, but I'm extremely glad that I don't have to deal with any of the partitions nonsense that has plagued me for years on my old laptop (which I'm using to write this (at least, part of the) post). Lots to download, lots to log into, lots to set up (some for work, some for fun (I think I'm going to finally, finally buy minecraft on the PC)), but now I don't have to worry about running out of space to add new things. And even though it's technically a slightly older model, I'm hoping to get a minimum of four good years out of it. Now that I am more experienced with these machines, I may be able to stretch it to six or seven like I did my first ever laptop (I'm loosely aiming to build my own PC after I graduate and would rather not also have to buy a laptop around the same time, if I even still need one (ugh but actually the summer after I graduate is supposed to be a new instrument summer.. yikes yikes yikes I guess I gotta get a well-paying job then (and one where I'll have time))).

It's a cute little thing, I may get a smaller backpack. Will likely bring both laptops back to school for next semester, but if I come home for spring break I might bring the big one and leave it here as a Home Laptop. If not spring break then my first summer visit.

Anyway this is all great timing, as several of my keys have become temperamental over the past year or so, with some of them cutting out with increasing frequency.

To completely switch gears, I've been watching more Bicolline videos and aaaaaaa!!! I might watch some of Mariah Pattie's videos on how she conceptualizes her capsule wardobe designs so I can focus on how different parts of the kit should fit together, allowing me to key into the most important elements first while ensuring that they all fit together at least somewhat cohesively. I have these grand ideas for embellishments and trims and embroidery, but those details can take as long as garment construction, especially when done by hand. So I have to prioritize. How about this: I will aim to complete a basic capsule kit in one year, so by January 2026. If I'm able to do that, I will spend the following six/seven months embellishing and making more intricate pieces. I also need to find good shoes.

[next day, on the new laptop!]

Potentially a new plan: found out that my city is going to have a (its first?) fantasy ball/gala in a couple months and ohhhhhh my goddddd I want to go sooooo baddddd. If I went it would mean that I either need to get my blue velvet dress altered or buy a new dress that's more on theme or make a dress. Leaning towards options one or two but we'll see. There's a UK company that throws a few of these balls a year and it's definitely a dream vacation of mine but this may work for now! Won't buy a ticket for at least another few weeks though so I can decide whether I actually want to go (and so I can check back on whether the event gets a bit more hype (I know the first of any event can be a bit rough, but! what if it's magical?)).

Today I'm thankful for the love of my grandmother's dog. She's so lovely. I love being loved by her.

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dungeonsandkobolds · 6 months ago

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hii, do you have any tips for someone that’s playing and dm’ing for the first time? my friends and i finally agreed to play but none of us have ever actually played dnd and i’ll probably be the dm so do you have anything for me? thanks a bunch

Ooooh exciting!

Here's some thoughts (sorry for mistakes, I'm typing this on my phone on a train)

1. Have a Session 0 where you explain to them the vibe of the game and build your characters together. Make sure everyone has built a character that will want to engage with the story. Hash out any ground rules you'd like to have.

2. Being a DM is like any performance - things will go wrong, but only you know how things are meant to go. No one else will realise when things have gone off track, so don't panic (it happens to every DM) . Just roll with it, I'm my experience things get back on track eventually.

3. You're meant to be having fun too! (I'm serious) If you're not that's a good point to check in with your players and problem solve how yall can contribute to a great table

4. Everyone at the table is a team (unless you've clearly set out it's DM vs players in session 0, which I probs would recommend for your first campaign). With this in mind, everyone should be contributing to things running smoothly.

5. Getting into the role play side of things will probably not happen immediately. It's hard to focus on being your character while you're still learning the ropes. This is fine!! I've been playing with the same group since 2016 and it's only like since 2021 where we've really hit our stride on role play (we play fairly infrequently tho)

6. Combat will probably be unbalanced for a bit. The Challenge Rating system is a useful guide but how things turn out will definitely depend on your players. It'll take you a bit to tweak to your tables' dynamics.

7. If you don't want PCs to die, have a plan (no I'm serious). Have a TPK plan as well. It doesn't have to be elaborate, could be a local healer or a character's god. Many new DMs accidentally kill characters. Tell your players they have this plan so they're not afraid to take risks, learn and experiment.

8. At the end of the day these are your friends. You should all feel comfortable communicating with each other if things are going wrong/things could be better. Encourage feedback. Encourage feedback on things that are going well also! Sometimes it feels like you're DMing into the void so knowing they're enjoying sessions is very useful.

9. Ultimately it's your table. You can prepare and look at heaps of advice online but it's up to you what you use. You'll discover your own unique style of running things - don't fight it to fit into what you think a DM "should be". There's not one right answer. There's you, your table, and how you enjoy playing.

Hopefully this is helpful! It's turned into a long post haha. I wish you the best of luck and hope it's awesome!

#dnd #dungeons and dragons #dungeonsandkobolds #dm #dungeon master #ask #dm tips #long post #anonymous

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mostlysignssomeportents · 4 months ago

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Picks and Shovels Chapter One (Part 5)

Picks and Shovels is a new, standalone technothriller starring Marty Hench, my two-fisted, hard-fighting, tech-scam-busting forensic accountant. You can pre-order it on my latest Kickstarter, which features a brilliant audiobook read by Wil Wheaton.

This month, I'm serializing the first chapter of my next novel, Picks and Shovels, a standalone Martin Hench novel that drops on Feb 17:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865908/picksandshovels

The book is up for presale on a Kickstarter that features the whole series as print books (with the option of personalized inscriptions), DRM-free ebooks, and a DRM-free audiobook read by Wil Wheaton:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorow/picks-and-shovels-marty-hench-at-the-dawn-of-enshittification

It's a story of how the first seeds of enshittification were planted in Silicon Valley, just as the first PCs were being born.

Here's part one:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/09/the-reverend-sirs/#fidelity-computing

Part two:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/10/smoke-filled-room-where-it-happens/#computing-freedom

Part three:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/11/socialism-for-the-rich/#a-lighter-shade-of-mauve

Part four:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/13/wanting-it-badly/#discovering-e-discovery

And now, onto part five!

“You gentlemen must have customers who do accounting,” I said. “They know your systems. They know accounts. Why not use someone you already have a relationship with? Someone from the family, as you put it?” I loved solving puzzles; it was what made me both a programmer and an accountant. I had flipped into puzzle-solving mode, and was looking for loose ends where I could begin the untangling process.

The three men looked at each other, then away. This wasn’t a question they wanted to answer.

“When it comes to our customers,” the rabbi said, “we want them to feel . . . safe. We don’t want them to think that the business is being distracted by foolish disputes.”

“We don’t want them to be tempted to take sides,” Father Marek said, and I thought he was being a lot more honest than the rabbi. I could imagine that plenty of people would choose three young, pious women over these three old, feuding, rich clerics.

I could tell that the bishop and the rabbi both resented Father Marek’s answer and were barely keeping themselves from telling him so because they both knew it would make the situation even worse. That was okay. I had the lay of the land.

“I think I understand.” They shifted, looked at each other, at me. They were worried. They thought I might say no. They didn’t have a plan B. “It certainly presents a fascinating technical challenge. My only concern is that it sounds very time-consuming and I have a lot of work right now, honestly. Some days, I feel it’s more than I can handle.” I enjoyed watching that land, seeing their incipient panic. These three weren’t so tough. After all, they’d been made fools of by three cloistered, sheltered young women around my age.

“The job is well-compensated,” Bishop Clarke said. He smiled. All those teeth. “After all, the alternative is a costly, drawn-out lawsuit, and even if we win, all it will accomplish is a shutdown of CF. If you can help us bring them into the Fidelity Computing family, we’ll not only save the lawyer bills, we’ll all make more money. We’re prepared to pay to make that happen.”

“I normally bill my freelance work at twenty-five dollars an hour.” It was a breathtaking sum and I’d had to practice saying it into a mirror so I wouldn’t look ashamed when I named it. I watched them freeze up and do some mental math, contemplating how long it would take to review the documents on ten boxes’ worth of floppy disks.

Bishop Clarke’s smile strained wider, looking like it might be hurting his face. “That’s a very reasonable rate, but we had something else in mind—we thought we might align all of our incentives by offering you a share of the bounty of a successful outcome.”

I regretted coming. What a waste of time. I was only twenty-one years old, but I knew better than to sign up for a commission. Who did they think I was, one of the rubes they got to sell printer paper for them in return for a dollar on every box sold? I almost walked out. I didn’t, though. I had to hear this.

“Could you explain how that would work?”

“You get twenty-five percent,” Father Marek said, staring hard at me. “A quarter of their projected annual revenue, based on the figures you pull out of those files.” He nodded minutely at the tower of floppy disks, not taking his eyes off mine. “Our sales are already down a thousand dollars a month. You figure out how much they’re making every month, figure out how much they’re growing every month, multiply it by twelve, and then divide it by four, and send us an invoice.”

“No matter how much it comes to?”

“No matter how much it comes to,” he said. “Like you said, it’s a lot of work.”

I mulled this over. There was a catch. What was it? I got a hunch.

“No matter what the outcome?” I asked.

They looked at each other. “No,” Rabbi Finkel said. “No, the deal is for a portion of a satisfactory outcome. If your work makes us money, then you make money.”

“And if it doesn’t?”

The rabbi smiled. “I’m sure you’ll find the information we’re looking for,” he said. “We know they’ve broken the law and we know the evidence will be in all those files.”

“But if I can’t find it, or if it’s not enough to convince them to settle and sell?”

“You get nothing,” Father Marek snapped. “Nothing. We win, you win. We lose, you lose.”

I decided I liked him the best of the three. He wasn’t trying to hide who he was or what the situation was. He made it clear he didn’t think much of me, but at least he thought enough of me to give it to me straight. I got the impression that Bishop Clarke would knife me in the heart without losing that amazing smile, and that Rabbi Finkel would murmur reassurances as he gave it a twist. Not Father Marek. He’d give me an honest snarl as he did it.

I had been ready to do it a minute before. Now I was ready to walk. My short time in the Bay Area had made it clear that I wasn’t going to get stock options in the next Apple Inc. just because I kept their books, nor was I going to be able to command giant amounts of money just for showing up and creating the foundations of some hot company’s big product, like Art.

But if there’s one thing I’d learned from accounting, it was that companies didn’t pay you if they didn’t have to.

“I’m sorry, gentlemen—Reverend Sirs—but I think this won’t work out. There’s just too many ways this could go wrong. I could do my job perfectly, put hundreds of hours of work into it, and you could fail to accomplish your merger due to factors beyond my control.”

Their faces turned to stone. They glared at me. The rabbi opened his mouth to say something, but Father Marek silenced him with a pointed throat-clearing. Bishop Clarke turned on his smile. Father Marek gathered up his notepad and put his pen in his breast pocket and slowly climbed to his feet. He was taller—far taller than I’d guessed. He had legs like a cricket’s, they just kept unfolding. I had to force myself not to flinch as he shifted toward me.

“Marty,” the bishop said, “I completely understand, really I do. But there’s no need to give up hope. We’re reasonable people. Perhaps you would like to make a counteroffer?”

I nearly left. But for a moment there, I’d felt close to the dream of Silicon Valley—the riches, the fame, the power to change so many lives. “What about . . .” The rabbi and the bishop leaned forward. Father Marek perched on his long legs and folded his arms. “What about my hourly rate, or twenty-five percent of whatever I make for you, whichever is greatest?”

“What about whatever is least?” the bishop fired back. His smile never wavered.

Check out my Kickstarter to pre-order copies of my next novel, Picks and Shovels!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/14/contesting-popularity/#mister-25-percent

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gefdreamsofthesea · 7 months ago

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So funny story but one time I decided to surprise my players post character creation with a campaign based on the brand new D&D book I had just bought and I'd always wanted to play:

Curse of Strahd

Now, I know, CoS has (or used to have) some very specific requirements in order to vanquish the titular vampire. It's also pretty unforgiving, but my players were pretty experienced and met the victory conditions (and if not I was prepared to bend the rules).

Well one of the players freaked the fuck out like "I'm scrapping this character and starting a new one from scratch" and then the group dissolved.

Now I realize that example is a bit extreme but I also recommend talking about theme and setting so you do not have players saying "I want to play a character without magic" in a game where the central premise is that the PCs are witches who have sold their souls to demons (another true story).

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crapeaucrapeau · 1 month ago

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2, 6, 11, and 13 for the ME ask. 😏

Thank you for asking me !

2. What’s your favorite part of the trilogy?

As in, which game ? Or which part of a given game I think is strongest ?

For the latter, it's indisputably the resolution of the Mordin/krogan/genophage plot, which is heartbreaking whatever you do. Trick Weekes at their finest, no notes.

For the former, you're asking me which of my three children is my favorite but (sorry @average-mako-enjoyer) I'm going with ME2. Full disclosure, I'm fully onboard with the analysis of the late, lamented Shamus Young, who argued (rightly, I believe) that ME2 is basically filler as it doesn't advance the plot of the OT past the end of ME1 (thereby preparing the clusterfuck at the end of ME3 from lack of set-up), and that it significantly veers off the themes and preoccupations of the original Mass Effect (though I would argue, sometimes for the better).

Yet at the same time, this is a game which isn't supposed to work that catches lightning in a bottle because it's entirely structured on the mechanics of the final Suicide Mission, which itself hinges on the players caring about the companions enough that their deaths would be a loss. And it works, because the companions are fucking amazing. I really like it when a game or a story has a structure uniquely suited to its needs, which is why I'm kinda skeptical when BW tries to systematize ME2's structure to other games (e.g. Loyalty missions in MEA ; while I'm all for personal missions exploring the lives and perspectives of companions, ME2's LMs work because many of them can be significantly failed (usually - but not limited to - by not doing them) and have immediate consequences in the game itself).

But I'll be honest : the real reason I love this game so much is how much we learn about the galaxy. I love how the Terminus Systems are retconned ; I love how we really get into the darker side of the galaxy in a partial deconstruction of the previous game (much like another all-time fave, KOTOR 2), and how we see various people being people outside of the Citadel (which, in ME1, could get very Babylon 5-stilted at times). I fucking love Legion and the new perspective on the geth. I love everything about Mordin. I love the variation in the Loyalty Missions, how (gasp) sometimes there are some missions with no combat ? I love the lore. I love the humor. I love the Suicide Mission's music. I really love that we do gain one significant insight into the Reapers as a species, which is that we are material for their reproduction, which really emphasizes for me the cosmic horror of it all (try and tell someone the best possible use for them is as proteins for a sperm packet). (Conversely, I can't stand the final design for the Reaper larva, especially when I've seen other concepts artists were cooking with).

6. Who was your romance interest? If you changed it, why?

Here is my shameful answer : for medical reasons, I have never been able to play a single Mass Effect game. I have therefore never been able to commit to that personal choice : romance. Which is fine, because until fairly recently I was more interested in the universe than the characters.

I used to be a big Shakarian fan, partly through osmosis (and gorgeous fanart), partly because Garrus is completely unhinged and goes through a corruption arc that is not so much resolved as sidestepped in ME3 (hence my personal headcanon that, in a post-ME3 setting where there's no Shepard, he becomes a Spectre but full Saren). I suspect the broad appeal of the romance for others is that this is a man whose life purpose is to go Punisher but who is always immensely respectful (and at times subservient) to the PC (a woman).

But overall, I've largely stepped away from concerning myself with the romances. I'm largely neutral toward most, with some who are serious NOPE for me (typically : Liara or Tali, which I find unhealthy in ways I do not find sexy). This probably largely boils down to there being no Commander Crapeau Shepard.

11. Any particular memorable quote and from who?

I'm basic, but Javik's. I don't even need to quote it to you.

13. What was the perfect ending for you and why?

I'm an absolute, unabashed fan of the Control ending, who I think most people don't care for because it's TIM-coded.

Synthesis irks me the wrong way because you don't know what you're doing and you're imposing that choice on literally everyone. I'd say the fact it's clearly the Catalyst's favorite option makes it bad, but really, this would be the good ending only when we had any thematic and narrative momentum to build on, Casey.

Destroy is an easy way out. The scorched earth solution. No Reapers, no problem, right ? You just need to kill EDI and the geth, but Shepard gets to live at the end, so that makes it okay I suppose.

Seriously, this solution manages the feat of both proving the Catalyst right (organics can only survive by prioritizing their own survival over that of synthetics) and actually doing nothing at all about the cycles the Catalyst harps on (because synthetics will reemerge in the future, and then you're fucked, son), and you've just implicitly given the Catalyst the vote of confidence for their opinions. What ? I think I'm more offended by the ending's popularity than the ending itself. It's a Pyrrhic victory, but is treated as 100% good because Shepard breathes at the end. Damn everything else.

Control, though. Now this is an ending that takes up the theme of Shepard's sacrifice to its limit. Not only can we expect wildly divergent futures based on Shep's personality (as seen in the subtle changed in Hale's/Meer's voiceover, and how great is it to hear them have the last word ?), which is fanfiction fodder, but more importantly, this is the best ending for everyone that isn't Shepard and their crew. Every species lives to the end ; no one gets fundamentally altered in ways that are unknown and horrific ; Shepard-controled Reapers speedrun the galaxy's reconstruction, minimizing loss of life after the war ; and at the very least, people get breathing room to try and find a possible alternative to the Crucible's shit choice. There is only one (1) person who is fundamentally impacted by Control, and that's Shepard. Shepard is God, but Shepard is gone. They endure as something profoundly different from what they were, in a monstrous form, both literally and theologically. Their apotheosis is, in a way, worse than death. They have to be the hero forever, and they can't even do it as themselves or with the people they love. It would be horrific for their squadmates, it's absolutely the choice a hero should take if they're defined by their ability to give up everything for the sake of everyone else. No, I won't be taking any questions.

#mass effect #about crapeaucrapeau #mass effect 2 #control ending

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