#thank you to the festival i worked at for reminding me of the existence of replay by iyaz

[lit-in-thy-heart]

sometimes you just gotta combat random anxiety with 2000s hits at full blast

[pastorfutureletthembe]

X

I have honestly so many questions, my artist heart is bleeding for you, sir.

Also, I'm aware that this is not canon and was created according to s1&2 impressions, but this object's design is similar to the one in LULL.

I wonder what it is and how it works 👀. The threads remind me of greek mythology.

I know it's purely fanon at this point but, just for fun because I'm always hungry for timey saucery:

If this kind of object existed in universe, what would the implications be?

It takes the threads from timelines or each timeline is a thread, and it makes all of it into a tapestry, right? That would be logical.

In the literal sense, a tapestry is a huge, often complicated picture woven out of cloth. So there are many many threads woven together in complex ways to make up a bigger picture. It is often used metaphorically to describe something complex with many parts, pieces, ideas, woven together.

But if so, it means the tapestry itself would already be done, and each timeline would be a pattern. The big picture would be key events common to each of them.

Or. If what we see is actually ropes made from threads and each rope is a timeline, the machine would undo and redo these ropes infinitely. Taking parts of each timeline and basically making a medley for the next one.

Would only one timeline be made at the time?

A complex machine like that would mean every batch would be made from several timelines. So there would be, for example, 12 timelines playing simultaneously and the machine would prepare the 12 following timelines using the current playing ones.

Fanon aside, the idea of an actual machine, concrete or liminal, in canon is an interesting concept to toy with.

Would it be a machine created by man or pre-existing in the cracks between time and space? Can it be controlled? Can it be influenced? Can it be broken? Why would certain people be able to connect with it through powers like Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang?

I still think their powers are about the impression of light in time and space, and if so, the machine would basically be like the sun, and those people would be gravitating around it. On a smaller scale, this idea is close to the Saturn imagery too, with its rings of dust. Saturn is the planet associated with time.

The position of Saturn's festival in the Roman calendar led to his association with concepts of time, especially the temporal transition of the New Year. In the Greek tradition, Kronos was sometimes conflated with Chronos, "Time," and his devouring of his children taken as an allegory for the passing of generations. As such, the Roman Saturn had similar associations. The sickle or scythe of Father Time is a remnant of the agricultural implement of Cronus-Saturn, and his aged appearance represents the waning of the old year with the birth of the new.

Mythology goes in this direction: using the old to make the new, transitions, destruction for construction, chaos to order.

Also, I hope they don't go there, but what if these powers were hereditary and came from a time when a group of rich and excentric people who created a machine to time travel? And this machine somewhat got connected to this liminal object like the one we see in the PV? And that's how they get extra.

Going back to headcanon territory more than fanin theories but what if one of these guys stole this machine to save his wife's life when others really just wanted to get richer and kill opponents? Haha

Anyway, all very interesting things to think about in a pure recreative context. I'm not saying that's what Link Click will become, again. I'm just saying GUYS WHAT IF THEY ACTUALLY WENT THERE? haha

Moar design explanation please, that's so interesting!! 😍✨

My brain is currently on fire. Thank you Link Click for feeding my tetris mind lmao

[pastelwitchling]

It's been a weird year for Alex.

***

              The holidays had snuck up on Alex. He was usually in more of a festive mood; he usually decorated the living room at least, he liked to bake holiday treats, liked to watch holiday-themed movies. It was the day after Christmas, and he ought to have been preparing for the New Year. He should’ve been setting new reading and workout goals, prepping a whole day out for him and Michael, a list of friends to see. Instead, here he was, in his office at Deep Sky, thoroughly . . . uninterested.

              Should it concern him that simple things which used to entertain him so much now barely sparked his attention or urgency? He’d been waiting his whole life to be free so that he could indulge himself in Halloween, waited to have something to be thankful for so he could enjoy Thanksgiving, waited until he had a special someone to shower him with Christmas love. Yet here he was, typing away at another coded assignment and all too aware of the fact that, had it not been for Michael, he probably wouldn’t have bothered with the large breakfast he’d put together yesterday for Christmas day.

              What was wrong with him? Had time really rushed by, or had Alex been so distracted with work and his own busy thoughts that he’d let them slip by? He stopped working, pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes until he saw stars in the blackness, his guilt too loud for him to ignore. The idea of not being in the mood for the holidays wasn’t nearly as troubling as the idea that he’d neglected to give Michael his best efforts this year.

              There had been no pumpkin-spiced anything, there’d been no decorations, no special cinnamon rolls, no cowboy Jack Skellington! The retrospection had been off and on for the past few months, whenever the silence was enough to alert Alex to his own doubts.

              Huh, you haven’t done anything for Halloween yet. Huh, you haven’t done anything for Christmas yet. Huh, you don’t have anything planned for New Year’s yet. Huh, you must not care about Michael enough to give him the festivities he’s never really had.

              Alex groaned, pressing his forehead to the cold glass and steel of his desk. “I’m a terrible husband,” he muttered.

              “Agree to disagree,” a voice said, and something in Alex’s chest settled. He looked up slowly, his vision still dancing with spots from how hard he’d been pushing his hands into his eyes. Even with his disoriented vision, there was no denying that Michael was beautiful, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, smirking across the room at Alex like he was always hungry for him.

              “Actually,” Michael pushed off the door, “let’s not. Tell me why you just that said very stupid thing, and I’ll remind you why it’s so stupid.”

              He plopped down on what Alex had now deemed his rolling chair, and slid closer, settling in like they were in their own living room and not a top secret office that shouldn’t exist on the millionth floor of a building that also shouldn’t exist. Alex couldn’t help the amused smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. It fell apart a second later, and he rested his cheek on the desk instead.

              “Has this year felt . . . weird to you?”

              Michael raised an eyebrow. “Is this a trick question? You know you’re married to an alien, right? If you want a divorce now, it’s too late, I own you.”

              A laugh bubbled in Alex’s throat, and he rubbed his face as he sat up. “No, Michael, I don’t want a divorce, and that’s not the kind of weird I’m talking about.” He sighed, lifting up his good leg onto the chair and hugging his knee.

              “I mean, like . . . fast weird,” he shook his head, hesitating. “Did you notice we didn’t do anything for Halloween? Or Thanksgiving? Christmas was yesterday, and . . . we didn’t do a thing.”

              Michael frowned. “I-I’m sorry, Alex, I didn’t think you wanted me to have anything prepared—”

              “No, Michael, that’s not what I’m saying,” he said quickly, not wanting Michael to blame himself. He shut his eyes, and huffed. “Damn it, I’m not making any sense. It’s just that I usually really get into the holiday spirit, and this year I just haven’t. I’ve imagined us spending Christmas together ever since we were seventeen, I imagined all the ways I would spoil you, everything I would give you because you deserve it.”

              “But you do spoil me.”

              “I didn’t this year!”

              He rubbed his eyes. Why were they burning? “I was supposed to give you everything, and I didn’t do any of it! I don’t know why, I’m not . . . I don’t think it’s my depression, and even if it was, it’s not supposed to last this long! It’s not supposed to ruin our holidays, I’m not supposed to ruin our holidays, I’m supposed to make every single one feel special, and I didn’t do a thing—”

              “Hey hey hey,” Michael took his wrists, gently tugging them down. To Alex’s surprise, he was smiling at him as though Alex were an adorable, stupid kitten chasing its own tail, sad when it couldn’t and not realizing why. “Baby, I love you so much, more than I will ever be able to express, you’re such a genius it scares me sometimes . . . but that is the dumbest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

              Alex’s lower lip trembled. “It is?”

              “Aww,” Michael cooed, brushing Alex’s lip with his thumb to steady it, but only making Alex want to cry more. “Yeah, beautiful, it is. You think I give a crap about some day on a calendar?”

              “Don’t pretend it doesn’t matter,” Alex said miserably. “You love the holidays.”

              “Wrong,” he said simply. “I love you during the holidays. I love how excited you get, I love how much you enjoy yourself with all the stupid decorations, I love how much you love it all.”

              Alex was helpless to stop the tear that rolled down his cheek. He whispered, “But you deserve the perfect Christmas, Michael.”

              “Baby,” Michael admonished, wiping the tear away, “every day with you is a perfect one. Christmas, to me, is having my husband happy and in my arms. It doesn’t get any more perfect than that.”

               His shoulders fell as he considered the sincerity in Michael’s words. He sniffled. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me this year,” he confessed. “I don’t know why I didn’t . . . feel the holidays more.”

              Michael shrugged. “I didn’t even remember it was Christmas until the pancakes with red and green sprinkles for breakfast, to be honest.”

              Alex huffed a chuckle, reaching up to wipe away another tear, but Michael beat him to it. He kissed Alex’s cheek, then his jaw, then his fingers.

              “So,” he grinned, “what do you feel like doing for New Year’s?”

              Alex thought about it, really thought about what he was in the mood for. Then, with a shuddering sigh, he quietly admitted, “I want us to have dinner together. I want to watch a movie with you on the couch. I want to kiss you and sleep with you and scream your name. And then I want to go to sleep in your arms and not move until Valentine’s Day.”

              Michael groaned, shaking his head, “What’d I tell you, Private? A perfect day.”

[thecutepoison]

I have been thinking about Ruben's summer hit, In Space No One Can Feel You Dying. We already know the song Ruben dedicated to Wanda at the festival was part of a ritual to get people infected with rage. It's very likely that his most famous work, blasting on every radio station, has a similar objective.

So let's go over the lyrics:

"Your boundaries slit my veins

Your no thanks killed my family

And when you asked for space

The space you made was outer space

Can you hear me screaming?"

My hunch is that these lyrics are from the Forgotten God's pov, addressed to Cassandra - perhaps Ruvina but less likely. I interpret this song as the God blaming Cassandra for their death. Please bear with me for a minute.

This entity changed aspects from a summer domain to something linked with rage, spite. That's probably when they ceased to be a giant deity and became a devil from the Nine Hells. We don't know why this happened exactly, but let's say this God felt so wronged by something that their wrath corrupted and distorted them to the point they became infernal.

I don't think Cassandra was happy about this change. And if this God wanted revenge, a reckoning and became a destructive influence on the world... Cassandra, even as their spouse, would not stand for it. So her lack of support (or even opposition) perhaps culminated in this God's death.

In first place, "Your boundaries slit my veins" reminds me of the glowing red veins those infected by the rage crystals have. Perhaps it's saying that they are wrathful by Cassandra's dismissal.

"Your no thanks killed my family" may be an accusation that Cassandra's refusal broke their family apart. In the sense that she destroyed their sacred marriage and fractured the quartet of seasons of the giant siblings. The cycle is incomplete because summer is dead.

Then, "And when you asked for space the space you made was outer space". I'm pretty sure outer space means the Astral Plane, where the dead gods lie. So, basically, it's saying you abandoned me and let me die.

The title of the song, In Space No One Can Feel You Dying, is referencing Obliviate Mori, since no mortal is aware that this God is dead on the Astral Plane because they can't even remember they existed.

Lastly, "Can you hear me screaming?" Sounds to me very omnious, like a threat. Will you continue to ignore my pain? I am coming for you.

What do you guys think?

[ikeromantic]

Tinsel

Ikemen Advent prompt featuring Yukimura (and Sasuke)! approx. 600 words.

“You want to do what?” Yukimura frowned at Mai and Sasuke. 

“We’re going to put a Christmas tree up,” Sasuke said again, completely unhelpfully. 

Mai nodded. “It’s a western tradition from the modern day but I think it will be fun! We can decorate a tree and get each other gifts . . . you’ll like it, I promise.”

Yukimura rubbed a hand over his face. “Sure. Fine. Let’s get it over with. What do you need?”

A little while later, with a list in hand, Yukimura, Sasuke, and Mai headed to the Kasugayama market to pick up dried berries, flowers, glass beads, and ribbons. He was trying to imagine how all that would look on a tree in the castle garden. An evergreen, they’d said. “Are you guys sure about this,” he asked again. “I mean, it sounds pretty dumb.”

Mai grinned and bumped him with her hip. “You’ll just have to see it, I guess.”

“Hey, watch what you’re doing, boar woman,” Yukimura said, without any real heat.

“It might help if we describe it.” Sasuke pushed his glasses back on his nose. “We’ll wrap the tree in strings with the beads and berries and flowers. It will be very colorful and festive.”

Mai nodded. “The more colors the better. It’s just too bad we don’t have any lights. Or tinsel! I loved that stuff when I was a kid.”

“I liked it too. The way it glimmered in the light. Like little streaks of starlight caught in the branches.” Sasuke’s lips quirked up in one of his barely-there smiles.

Yukimura rolled his eyes. “Tin sell?”

The ninja shrugged. “It’s not made of tin, despite the name. It was thin strips of reflective plastic, more like a fabric than a metal. It was supposed to imitate snow or ice, though I never thought it looked like that.”

“Some things just don’t exist in this time.” Mai gestured to a market stall. “Oh look! Those will be perfect.” She tugged Sasuke over to peruse the dried flowers.

Yukimura still didn’t really understand, but his friends look so excited. He liked seeing them happy. It made him wish sometimes that they hadn’t had to give up everything in the world they knew to be here with him. Despite the fact that this kris-mast tree was a pain, it was well worth it to see them so full of excitement.

When they got home, Mai picked out the best tree in the castle garden and they set about decorating it. Despite Yukimura’s skepticism, it actually looked pretty good. Not that he would admit it. The bright flowers and berries looked nice against the dark green foliage, and the glass bits caught the evening light. 

“Wow,” Mai sighed. “It really reminds me of home.”

“Same.” Sasuke put his arm around Mai and settled the other across Yuki’s shoulders. “Thanks for making this happen. I don’t know what I would do without my BFF and the love of my life.”

“Yeah, yeah. Knock it off already,” Yukimura pulled away, though he regretted it. 

Mai gave him a knowing smile. “Now all that’s left is to get each other a gift. I hope you have some ideas.” She winked.

Yukimura had no ideas. Zero ideas, even. Gifts were not his strong suit. He supposed he could get them candy. That always worked for Shingen. Or sake? The kind Kenshin liked. Maybe a book? Kanetsugu liked books. None of it quite fit though. He wanted to get them something special.

And then it hit him. The tin-sell. Shiny. Like fabric. Thin enough to hang on the branches. Yuki sped to Yoshimoto’s quarters. It didn’t take long to get the art-lover on board. 

The next morning, Mai and Sasuke went out to the tree to put their gifts beneath the boughs. The evergreen glistened in the early morning light, bedecked in thin strips of silvered silk. It caught the sun, glimmering like starlight. Like icicles. Like the smiles lighting his best friends’ eyes.

@candied-boys @queengiuliettafirstlady

[notasapleasure]

Opening sentence meme

Tagged by @colleybri thank you, lovely! :) I think I got tagged in this last year, and my number of fics/their variety hasn’t exactly changed much since then, but hey ho! A reminder to me - and some background for newer friends here - that I do sometimes write things that aren’t just the same Brassian smut again and again…

Nevertheless, the first 6 are all Brassian, all the time. Look, I know what I – and about three other people – like, and I’m just going to keep finding ways to bake that cake again and again until Tony Gilroy ruins my fun (lol good luck Tony, canon is whatever I feel like).

1. don’t need any help to be breakable

The trip to Morlana One had been uneventful.

Not strictly doing anything different from ‘Counting on You’, etc. (#3 below, see also #6), but specifically exploring the facet of Brassian that might exist in a world where the alibi was true, ish, only ‘helping Cassian back to his chair’ was a euphemism for punching him. Finishing this was a challenge to myself, and I did it, so I’ll carry on being smug about that I guess.

2. The world turning at his pace

It should have been a simple job.

One-shot van sex AU. No I don’t need to explain myself and I won’t.

3. Counting on You

The rain on Ferrix is heavy when it arrives.

Needed to keep scratching the itch of ‘Only ever just one night’ (below, #6), so this is the outlet I use mostly when I just need to write some Brassian filth. Theoretically working towards a ‘five times they X, one time they Y’ format. Eventually.

4. The Saga of the Coal-biter and the Skraeling

I was born the year Erik the outlaw discovered Greenland.

My beloved cuckoo-child that’s an excuse to process all those years of research while being self-indulgent about the blorbos. As if it wasn’t going to be niche enough, Brasso insisted he wanted to tell it in the first person.

5. Escape velocity

Cassian is working his way through the crowds at Cavo's.

Ok, this isn’t really the same Brassian fic as always, it’s the most wholesome thing I’ve written for the pair, which is tragically ironic given I’d just ‘met’ @r0b0tb0y and decided to inflict a birthday gift on them. I owe you tentacles, buddy.

6. Only ever just one night

There isn't really a knock at the make-shift door.

My first Andor fic! That I swore I wouldn’t write. Then swore would be a one-shot. Then spent ages imagining a sequel to that seemed like too much effort to write. So instead I wrote variations on it again and again.

7. Whumptober 2022: ‘You better start talking’

Francis Crawford was sitting outside Kings Cafe in the bright grey light of a crisp autumn day in Glasgow.

I did a whole set of Whumptober fics for my 1980’s rock band AU for The Lymond Chronicles (a series of historical novels set in the 16th century), and didn’t actually finish uploading them to ao3 (they're all over at @theartistknownaslymond), but this is the most recent one I uploaded. Game of Kings setting, Will Scott trying to get his confession.

8. Whumptober 2022: Blood-covered hands

When Francis came round, he was on his back in the middle of the floor.

Lymond band AU, prequel-era – got to account for those galley scars somehow!

9. Whumptober 2022: Forced to Kneel/’Hold them Down’

Francis' usual pre-gig routine was always disturbed when he was at a music festival.

Lymond band AU, Disorderly Knights – Francis having a bad day in a tent, no whipping posts needed!

10. Whumptober 2022: Toxic/Withdrawal

"Eurgh, Pippa I feel like shit..."

Lymond band AU where Joleta survives (an overdose rather than a stabbing in) Disorderly Knights.

Patterns

So I evidently love a short, sharp introduction. One of the only bits of writing advice I ever remember receiving was about writing a pithy first sentence so I guess that tracks - though this isn't done consciously at all.

I think I'm always trying to convey some relatively straightforward piece of setting detail and if possible smuggle in a question at the same time (why's the door makeshift, why was that guy an outlaw, how's there a story if things were uneventful). I want the reader to experience something sensory if possible - the sound of rain/crowds/a knock/a music festival, or the afternoon light in Glasgow, or the disorientation/unease of arriving in the middle of something - while also having a fairly clear picture of where we are temporally or geographically, or which characters are there and whose perspective we've got. You can't always get all that in a single sentence but I like my opener to fill as much as possible in using as few words as possible - or that's what I'd say if I was bullshitting an essay on it for a class in the morning :)

Tagging - though no pressure as I don't know how recently you might have done this or if you have time: @boatcats, @elwenyere , @faceofpoe , @r0b0tb0y , @stripedroseandsketchpads , @batri-jopa and anyone else who likes, feel free to say I tagged you!

[hobbysognodilibri]

Finally have Jiahui's cerished items!!!

(with a little story as an extra about the first item)

Scarf: The worn out piece of fabric used to be a vibrant dark red, almost purple, but decades of use lead to the color fading, and the material thinning. She wears it with no less pride, as what was once a testament of the love her parents shared, became a testament to the love they feel for her. A simple reminder that they exist and that they care about each other, even when they’re so far apart.

Camera: an old, but no less functional camera. It was a gift from her parents on the day she passed her entrance exam for the Academy. Ever since that day, the trusty object has followed her on countless explorations, and still keeps many fond memories, both of extraordinary adventures and of domestic instances of her life.

Notebook: a small notebook, on each page is a sticker and a small note. Every sticker is a gift from a different kid who wanted to thank the “nice researcher who always tells all those amazing tales”. She’s cherished every single one of them, and kept them in a small notebook, with written the name of the kid and the occasion in which it was gifted. She hopes that as they grow up they’ll stay as curious and eager to learn about the world around them.

.

The story about the scarf.

.

Jiahui was almost 4 when she learned of her mother’s job. To be fair, before then, the barely even cared. The only thing she knew was that her mother was rarely home, and her father had to take her around while he worked and took pictures of pretty places.

She found out during a trip to Jinzhou, her father had to turn in some pictures and no one in Taoyuan was able to watch over her, so he decided to simply bring her along.

It was her first time in the city, and the big streets, the amount of people and noise got to her at first. But soon enough she got used to the vibrancy of the place, and did everything she could to escape her father and explore her surroundings.

It didn’t go well, her father caught her every time.

But at least he promised her a snack after he was done with his job.

Minutes (or even seconds) seemed like hours to the little girl, who could do nothing but wait, sitting on the floor next to her father.

Then a deep voice interrupted the monotony of the conversation.

“Haoyu! Here for the pictures of the mines? Oh, is that your daughter? What a sweet little thing”

“Ming Yu! Ah it’s been so long!” The two men hugged, then Haoyu turned to his daughter “Yes, you have yet to meet. This is my daughter, Jiahui. Jiahui, this is a friend of papa, Ming Yu”

The little girl waved to the man.

“Hello! Do you also take photos?”

“Ah, yes, your father and I have been working together for quite a while now… Do you want to see some of my photos?”

Jiahui nodded, and eagerly listened to the man telling the story of each pictures, all just detailed enough for her to picture it in her head, but not so much as to bore her.

“And here,” he pointed at a small cave, barely visible in the picture, “I was suddenly attacked by the TDs! It was scary, but luckily the Midnight Rangers were nearby and they saved me”

“What’s the Midnight Rangers?”

Her father, finally done with his job, re-entered the conversation.

“They’re like super heroes. They protect the people from the monsters”

“Really?! That’s so cool!”

“Yes” her father smiled as he picked her up “And did you know that mommy’s one too?”

“Woah! She’s a superhero?! Is that why she’s never home?”

Her father blanked for a second at that. His first instinct was to deny. Her mother wasn’t always away. She always came home for the Moon Chase Festival. And she was home for at least a weekend every month. Except she hadn’t been home in over three months for various emergencies. So much so that their not-even-4-years-old noticed.

After a bit of hesitation, he answered.

“She’s often away on super important missions, that means that she’s super important! We should be proud of her.” He smiled encouragingly, obviously avoiding the issue.

Jiahui nodded, smiling. Though that smile… it reminded Haoyu of the ones he always gave her when she asked about her mother.

He quickly tried to change topic.

“Ming Yu, sorry to cut this short, but I promised this little thing that I’d buy her a snack before going home, and it’s getting quite late”

His friend immediately understood the man’s intentions, and smiled encouragingly “Sure, we’ll catch up another time.”

And after a quick hug, and a small wave from Jiahui, the two started walking towards Panhua’s restaurant.

..

It wasn’t until that evening, as Haoyu was putting his daughter to sleep, that the topic of her mother came up again.

“Papa?”

“Yes?” he was praying she’d ask him to tell her another bedtime story – the fourth of the evening – but he knew better than that.

“When will mommy be back home?”

The man sighed. If he was being completely honest, he didn’t know. She should’ve been back home seven weeks ago, but then a message informed of an emergency on the front that required all possible help. Then she should’ve been back two weeks ago, but an emergency rescue mission took far longer than expected. And now he struggled to believe that “the next weekend” would be the answer.

Despite that, he smiled at his daughter

“They said she’ll be home next weekend, it’s only a few days from now.”

The small girl nodded, but she didn’t even bother to force that smile she gave him earlier that afternoon.

“Papa?”

“Yes?”

“I miss mommy”

Haoyu fought off the tears prickling at his eyes. He always boasted proudly about how mature his daughter was, but looking at her now, tears trailing down her cheeks, lips pushed in a small pout… she looked exactly like the small child she was.

He didn’t hesitate to hug her, wrapping her in her arms and holding her to his chest, as if shielding her from any bad news that could possibly hit her.

Sweet nothings murmured against her hair, he hugged her tightly as she clung to his shirt, afraid he’d leave her too.

After what was a well needed cry for the both of them, Jiahui was on the verge of falling asleep, clearly tired out by all the emotions of the day.

Haoyu got up from her bed, still cradling the little girl to his chest, and walked to his – and his wife’s – bedroom. He rummaged through one of his wife’s drawers, and pulled out a purplish scarf. He remembered buying this for her during one of their first dates, and she’s worn it nearly every day ever since. It was a testament of their love for each other, and now their daughter.

He wrapped the piece of fabric around his daughter, as a makeshift blanket, and kissed her head.

They fell asleep like that, finding comfort in each other until the day the woman would finally come back.

[jukti-torko-golpo]

Kolam : Part 1

So this is my first PS fanfic.... A two-shot. Kinda ended up long. I hope people like this. I do not know if this turned out well. I had a lot of fun though.

It was day 1455 of Arulmozhi pretending like she does not exist, she had cried herself to sleep and woken up with a splitting headache, the kingdom was gearing up for festivities and she was entrusted with the duty of decking up the palace. There was way too much noise everywhere to help with her headache and she had to use every ounce of her energy to focus on a work and get it done. So our doe-eyed docile damsel was a volcano about to erupt for the day.

Vanathi was trying to finish an elaborate Kolam at one end of a corridor. She was almost done with the job and at her wit's end. That is when Universe orchestrated the volcanic eruption.

The Chola prince and his newly found confidante, a certain Vana Prince, rushed through the corridor and before our hero could stop himself, he stepped on the Kolam and ruined a part of it. He froze.

Vanathi's eyes snapped to the ruined bit of the Kolam. It was one thing to ignore her during conversations but ignoring her entire existence and work while she was sitting there was a new low.

She stood up sharply and the expression which crossed her face reminded him of sudden tempests in calm seas. He had no idea from where did this inner poet wake up in him but he was kicked out of his mind very promptly by the sight of Vanathi striding towards him. With a short seething 'Ilavarasar...' she shoved the bowl of rice flower into his hands and marched off leaving behind two dumbstruck princes.

And the sound of a pair of anklets approaching just signalled the second onslaught of the storm.

'What has been happening here, Thambi? Where did Vanathi go? Thambi...' she trailed off when her brother turned towards her with a bowl in his hands and a messed up kolam at his feet.

'First you annoy me the entire morning delaying all my plans, then you mess up my uyir thozhi's work!! What has gotten into the both of you?? Have you forgotten your age Thambi?? What is this mischief that you are stirring up? Are you imagining yourself as Maya Kannan just because there will be a play...' a livid Kundhavai thundered.

'What Maya Kanna?' Arulmozhi was really confused now. 'Nothing...' pat came her reply trying to cover up what she had just blurted out. 'Vanathi was working with a headache and you ruined her work!' Kundhavai swiftly changed the topic.

'How would I know Akka? I was running thanks to you and I didn't notice the kolam,' the prince said as guilt started settling in his mind. He had no idea about the head ache part. 'I...well..I am really sorry,' he mumbled. 'TELL THAT TO VANATHI, THAMBI...UGHHH,' Kundhavai whisper-shouted at her brother.

Now begins a new adventure for our dashing Chola scion...apologizing to a certain woman for whom his heart acted very weirdly and he could not point out how and why it was weird to save his life. He walked to the chamber of the royal doctor and asked him to prepare some medicine for curing headache. With great impatience he waited for the doctor to be done with making the balm for the Ilavarasi.

He took the perilous nerve-wracking journey to Vanathi's chambers very uncertain of how she will react. He stood in front of her door and with a sheer lack of better judgement and and his brain ceaselessly rehearsing what to say, he walked in without announcing himself.

The curtains were drawn and the few rays of sunlight that could enter the room lit it dimly. 'Akka I am fine. Just a bit of headache. I will join the preparations right when this headache goes awa...,' the princess had been lying with her face buried into her pillow. She turned towards the door as she was speaking and she FROZE. Her anger had subsided and now she was very aware of the fact that she had stormed off from the very person who was now standing at her door.

Seeing her shocked and flustered face Arulmozhi panicked and launched into and apology while Vanathi started her own stream of apology. In her haste to get out of her bed she almost stumbled over her own dress and her cheeks reddened immediately. 'My apologies Ilavarasar, I will move the curtains...it is too dark,' she said as she drew the curtains open. She winced as her headache flared up due to the light.

'I don't mind the drawn curtains at all, Devi. I know that you have a headache. I have bought some balm for you from the doctor. please apply it. You will feel better.' These words from the prince made her face grow warm. He had thought about her? This was not a dream right? The Arulmozhi Varman had brought medicine for her? She extended her hand for the bowl rather bashfully. 'Thank you, Ilavarasar. I am very sorry for acting like that before. It was very wrong of me to speak to the Prince like that. Forgive me,' Vanathi said as her eyes teared up with guilt.

Her tear filled doe eyes sent a strange new ache to his heart and he said, 'No Ilavarasi it was my fault. I should not have ran into your hardwork. It was such a beautiful design. I will now take your leave and let you recover from the headache. I hope you will forgive me and join the preparations soon. I cannot wait for the festivities to begin.' Arulmozhi departed leaving a tear-choked Vanathi in her room.

After almost two hours of rest after applying the medicine Vanathi woke up. She emerged out of her room feeling much better. She was determined to finish the kolam this time. She made her way to that corridor and the sight that greeted her left her surprised ever so pleasantly. The ruined part of the kolam was fixed, maybe with slightly wobbly lines but fixed. And there lay beside the design Arulmozhi's ring. Maybe he had opened it while fxing the design and then forgotten about it. Vanathi picked up the ring, held it close and smiled to herself. She then happily completed the design and set off to return the ring to it's glorious owner.

Arulmozhi was reunited with Vanthiyathevan and they were overseeing the decoration of the palace courtyard. He raised his hand to direct one of the decorators and noticed that his signet ring was gone!It was his favourite ring. Where could he have left it? He was about to excuse himself and go looking for the ring when a soft voice called out 'Ilavarasar!'

'Aaah how is Maya Kanaa feeling now?' Vanthiyathevan exclaimed. She grinned up at him as he patted her head with affection. Maya Kanna? Again? Since when did the two of them get so close? Why was his heart acting in the weird way again after seeing her smile? What was up with everybody going Maya Kanna around him?

'I am sorry Kamsa Mama. I should not have stormed off from there,' Vanathi apologised to Vanthiyathevan, her voice laden with sincerity. Why Kamsa Mama? This was all too confusing. The dramatic Vana Prince feigned being deeply hurt by Vanathi's behaviour but Immediately dropped his charade when she pouted and said,' Anna please don't do this. I am already really sorry for behaving that way.' She took a quick glance at Arulmozhi and blushed deeply. His heartskipped a beat. But why? ' I am fooling around, little one. How can your Anna ever be angry at you?' Vanthiyathevan laughed and patted Vanathi's cheeks before he was called by someone to check a certain flower arrangement.

Vanathi turned towards him and her blush deepened. She was desperately trying not to make eye contact with him. Arulmozhi had given up hopes for his heart as it was wildly acting weird now. 'Ilavarasar I have something to give you...' she started. She held out her hand and on her palm was his ring. 'You had left it near the kolam,' she added coyly. 'Thank you, Devi. I was about to go looking for it.' Saying this he reached for the ring and his fingertips brushed on her palm. Her hand shook ever so slightly at the contact and she took off the moment he had taken the ring. She suddenly turned, walked up to him and mumbled a very shy 'Thank you for fixing the kolam.' This time she took off for good before could say anything.

Why did he spend the rest of the day twirling the ring in his hands and thinking of two shy doe eyes? Why did his heart start acting all strangely? Why did he find himself smiling when he thought of her blushing face? Why was she called Maya Kanna? All these questions swirled around in his mind. Would he never find the answers out? Or would he find them out very very soon?

@nspwriteups @thelekhikawrites @whippersnappersbookworm @harinishivaa @thirst4light @yehsahihai @nirmohi-premika @shaonsim I do not know who else to tag. Please tag anyone who you think would like to read this. And please leave your reviews.

[alittlebitofquirk]

Note: This is more of a reminder to myself that I am doing better than last year.

Seeing this post made me realized about where I am in life now. I guess I wasn’t paying enough attention to notice that I’m already at a phase I’ve been dreaming of for years. Seriously, I used to wonder, “When will it get better?” But looking back to a year ago, I can confidently say that I’m in a much better place—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

I’m living on my own with my 4 baby cats (they’ll always be my babies)

I can afford meals that were once out of reach

I’ve been able to do grocery shopping at least twice a month now, which is something I couldn’t afford before

I've paid all my bills— electricity, water, internet, rent (even the bills on my parent's house)

I can now buy my cats’ necessities and pay for their vaccines and vitamins regularly

I’ve started paying off debts I accumulated in the past years while living with my fam—slowly but surely

I’ve purchased furniture that matches my aesthetic, making my home feel more like me (next on my list — need to replace my AC to an inverter one)

I finally tried laser hair removal (a long-time goal!)

I’ve stocked up on essentials for daily living, from hygiene stuff, detergents, to foods

I’ve begun house renovations and hope to start gardening soon to grow flowers and plants (I want to wake up feeling excited to water them!)

I bought my first Kalimba after years of wanting one, and I didn’t have to compromise on the design because I know that I have the budget for it (It’s a cat-shaped acrylic and so cute!)

I bought a walking pad so I can walk even while working (as an introvert, I just can’t seem to muster the courage to go jogging outside. Please—I know I need to work on this next year, and I will!)

I’ve collected beautiful, functional ceramic tableware (even though my cats broke a few—it’s okay).

I finally bought a projector I’ve been eyeing for years!

I finally got my very first luggage! I couldn't buy one before because it's so expense ahk

I’ve treated myself and my family to new shoes and bags

I attended several music festivals this year, but I might need to take a break from them next year. Funny enough, I saw Gloc-9 and Chito Miranda more times this year than I managed to catch up with my high school friends lol

I’ve been to a lot of places and tried restaurants I’ve always wanted to visit. I even went to a bar for the first time this year—such an amazing experience! I’m so thankful for the supportive friends I have who never judge me for not having the same experiences that they do

And beyond the material accomplishments:

I’ve grown mentally and emotionally stronger. This year has shown me the value of letting go of relationships that weren’t right for me, even though it hurt (as it should, because you care enough for it to hurt). Those experiences pushed me toward the right direction, and I’m grateful for the growth they brought me

I’ve deepened existing friendships and learned how to prioritize meaningful connections over shallow ones (sad to say that I had to end a few bonds but that's life— it's okay move on from relationships that you've already outgrown)

I learned to embrace patience and self-compassion, realizing that not everything has to happen at once—it’s okay to move at my own pace

Looking back, I’m really happy with how far I’ve come. Here’s to keeping the progress going and to being kinder to myself next year!

[justanotherprettyapollodevotee]

Polytheist & Pagan Asks - @khaire-traveler 🫶

🙏 - Which pantheon(s) do you actively worship?

i worship the Greek pantheon!

🌞 - Which deity(s) are you closest to/do you worship the most often?

as you can probably tell from my url, i’m an Apollo devotee :) i’m closer to him than i have been with any other deity, and i worship him every day.

✨ - Do you believe in patron deities? If so, do you have any that you know of?

i do, and Apollo is my patron! i found this out a year or so into worshipping him, and it brought me so much joy honestly 😭

🌍 - Which pantheons do you believe exist?

this is a tricky one! in my practice i exclusively worship the Theoi, however i’m not sure on the existence of other pantheons as i can’t speak for them. however, i firmly believe that people’s personal experiences have to be considered, so i’d probably say that i believe there’s truth in every religion. my main focus will always be the Theoi though, so i don’t really dabble or look into much else beyond interest.

📜 - Have you ever made an oath, vow, or contract with a deity? If yes, how did it go (you don’t have to share)?

i have not! my relationship with Apollo is very personal between him and i, and i’ve never felt as though i needed to make a “contractual agreement” in order to feel his love or demonstrate my devotion. lots of respect for those who have though!

📿 - What are three things you’re grateful to your deity(s) for?

1) his understanding and care when i don’t want to be understanding or caring towards myself. 2) his support on my journey, no matter the path i take. 3) his presence, and the signs he sends me exactly when and where i need them

🖋️ - If you could say anything to your deity(s) right now, what would you most want to say?

just a very simple, always appreciated “i love you”. because i truly do, with my whole heart.

💌 - What is your favourite form of deity communication?

my favourite (and go-to when i really need to talk with Apollo or get advice) is oracle cards, but i also appreciate dream messages!

🎭 - What is an emotionally impactful or a silly worship-related experience you’ve had?

a silly little one: i went shopping with my parents a few years back, and just before i left i was praying to Apollo about wanting to find something to honour him but not being able to afford a statue. i was in the kids section, looking for a little something for my little sister, and then i saw a mini figure and practically felt Apollo tell with excitement. it was a yellow care bear with a sun on its belly, no bigger than my hand, and now instead of speaking to a statue of Apollo when i’m at his altar i talk to a little yellow care bear that he wanted me to get for him 😅

❤️ - What’s one memory of your practice that you reflect the most fondly on?

there are so many memories, but one of my favourites is when i was really struggling mentally after being rejected from my dream drama school. i prayed and sent thanks for the opportunity to audition, but i was absolutely devastated especially because i’d worked so hard. i’d finished crying and was about to settle to sleep when i felt almost like blanket of warmth wash over me, and i swear to this day i “felt” a hand against my back. i really needed that, and i’m forever grateful to Apollo for loving me and knowing exactly how to look after me.

🥂 - What is your favourite devotional act or offering to give?

being a musical theatre student/actress, i devote every show i perform in to Apollo, which is one of my favourite ways to worship him. i also sing a LOT whilst divining/using oracle cards, so that would be a close second. in terms of physical offerings, i’ve always adored the “i’d give you my last ____” sentiment, so often if i’m having a snack like an orange, or a pack of sweets, i’ll give him the last bit of it as a reminder of my devotion.

🎉 - Do you celebrate any festivals? If so, which ones?

i don’t really! i celebrate the traditional pagan holidays (lammas, imbolc, samhain, yule, etc) but none really in regards to my deity worship.

🫂 - Do you syncretize any pantheons with one another? If so, which ones?

i don’t 😅

🔮 - Do you delve into topics like the occult or the mysteries? Do you do anything esoteric?

i am hugely into the occult, especially the paranormal and things like that. before i discovered spirituality i was a ghost hunting girl through and through, and i’ve never lost that fascination with the occult!

⭐️ - What is something you wish people outside your practice knew more about?

the fact that our mythologies aren’t meant to be read like the Bible and taken completely literally! a lot of them are products of their time, as well as teaching lessons and humans reflecting their own flaws and features onto divine beings.

📖 - Do you like the way your pantheon is most often portrayed in media? Why or why not?

not at all :( between lore olympus, percy jackson (which i love, don’t get me wrong), and portrayals of Greek mythology throughout the years, it can be so difficult to worship online or in public when people have extremely stereotypical views on the Gods. i understand consuming that content - you do you - but i wish people would seperate the real Gods from what they see on TV.

🏛️ - Do you have a favourite statue or temple to your deity(s)? If so, which ones?

i’m wracking my brain but i genuinely can’t think of a favourite, i adore them all 😅

🔥 - Do you have a favourite myth or tale from your pantheon or others?

the tale of Apollo and Hyacithus always makes me bawl, but i love it - it’s a tale of true devotion and love.

🧭 - What led you to your practice?

i was very into Greek mythology as a child, and my parents said when i was little i used to leave little gifts and have conversations with the Gods. i started worshipping the Theoi around halfway through high school when i researched into witchcraft after going to a fair near my house, but i like to think they’ve always been with me :)

🧿 - Did you have any spiritual beliefs before discovering your current practice?

i did! i’ve always been a believer in energy/divination/witchcraft/paranormal etc, and i was a practicing witch for a few months before i stumbled across hellenic paganism.

🪽 - Do you believe in angels and/or demons? If yes, do you worship/work with any?

this is a bit of a weird explanation but bear with me. i don’t believe in angels and demons in the biblical sense, but i do believe in non-human spirits that either have so much positive or negative energy attached to them that they achieve a demon or angel like status. so like a haunted house may not have a demon in it, but it may have a spirit that is so dark and powerful that it appears like a biblical demon.

🪄 - Do you practice witchcraft? If yes, do you keep it seperate from your deity worship?

i do, however i practice much less than i used to because my main focus is paganism. but sometimes i will invoke Apollo or other deities for spells (with their permission and after giving them offerings ofc).

🪦 - Do ancestors or human spirits play a big role in your practice?

not really - i’ve never felt much of an ancestral pull spiritually and i have a lot of respect for spirits so i prefer to let them be rather than actively involve them in my life.

🐾 - Do animal spirits play a big role in your practice?

nope!

🌱 - Does nature - plants, nature spirits, etc - play a big role in your practice?

i don’t particularly invoke nature spirits, however when worshipping Apollo sometimes i’ll devote time spent in nature or connecting with the sun and the elements to him.

💀 - Do you believe in ghosts? If yes, have you ever had an experience with one?

absolutely i do! i’ve had many many many experiences, but one of the most notable was in my house. i was watching a horror film (i’m a massive horror film fan) and the TV remote was on the arm of the chair i was sitting in. out of nowhere, the volume started going up - i had it on 23, and it turned all the way up to 100. the remote was completely still next to me, and when i picked it up to turn it back down NONE of the buttons were working. after about a minute, i managed to turn it off and my dog started barking. i called him and he started coming down the stairs, but stopped halfway and yelped - his body moved back up a step like he’d been kicked. he then sat on the top step and refused to come down, even when i held his favourite treats out in front of him. terrifying 😅

☄️ - Do you believe in astral travel/the astral realm? If so, have you been there before?

i believe in the steal realm, but i don’t think i’ve ever been there; it’s not particularly of interest to me to visit it, so i’d much rather hear other’s experiences and research rather than attempting to get to it.

(disclaimer: these beliefs are completely personal to me. if you disagree, that is perfectly okay and i’m glad that we all have the freedom to explore and worship in our own way <3)

[gulliblelemon]

You get a music-themed collection of these questions: 🎵🎤🎧

Have a lovely day💜💜

Yay music questions! I listen to so much music. Thanks, Lia!

🎵 favourite artists

At the moment: UPSAHL, Dua Lipa, girli, FLAVIA, aespa

🎤 have you been to a concert

Yes! Lots and lots. I used to work at a gig venue in a fairly big city and got to see lots of great things accidentally (whilst getting paid 😎), I’ve also worked at a festival and at some outdoor arena venues. But I’ve also been to lots myself. Mainly 00s indie bands in my teens and 20s. And a few festivals too. I haven’t seen any live music for over 10 years because life happened. So obviously I’m travelling abroad to see Omar in a couple of months! 🤩

🎧 last song you listened to

(it has to be noted that this is why I’m so lucky to have @iwouldnevergetintofanfic reminding me that romantic songs do in fact exist 😅)

Thanks for the ask! I hope you have a lovely day too 💜

[just-a-carrot]

HELLO CARROT!

Given how apparently I’m immune to playing OW games without recording them now, you’ll audibly hear my thoughts within the next few weeks (I’m posting tomorrow because I’m an absolute maniac), BUT I WANNA SAY THINGS HERE BECAUSE APPRECIATION CAN’T WAIT THAT LONG!

Also Merry Christmas! It’s midnight when I’m writing this, so ‘tis the day of caroling and festivities and woah. Or happy holidays if you don’t celebrate!

Back to the Our Cinderella topic, I have only played Genzou’s route as of now (I’m sure that’s hardly surprising, he is my fav), but the others are next. Their time is coming. They cannot escape. SO SPOILERS FOR GENZOU’S ROUTE!

First off, I saw you included the little dancing in front of TV Iggy pose and the joy I felt seeing it was off the charts. I kept bringing it up, I was very happy. And seeing Iggy moving about was really cool in general, even without the novelty of seeing a suggestion I made exist in the game.

NEXT UP! Genzou drunk singing is an image I didn’t know I needed, thank you for the visual and the brain food. BUT ALSO I HAVE BEEN CONNECTING JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR SONGS TO OW FOR SO LONG AND HEARING THE MUSICAL BE MENTIONED BY GENZOU THREW ME FOR A LOOP. Great musical, very nice. Last Supper reminds me of Genzou and Orlam. Judas’s voice in general reminds me of Orlam. Musicals and OW can further connect in my brain hobby drawer.

The text interactions in general were really funny, actually. I liked the absolute chaos that was Iggy and Genzou’s text conversations, I was laughing while trying to read a lot of the time. I remember the aforementioned drunk singing conversation and the puddle one both got me pretty good while I was reading, and it was overall fun to see more lighthearted conversations from the characters, even if it’s in a different universe from the main canon.

To end things off, ‘cause again 1) I haven’t finished all the game’s routes yet, and 2) you’ll be able to hear my thoughts in the moment if you choose in future anyways, I wanna mention the version of Cinderella Bucks tells at the end? I can’t get it out of my head. When I was thinking about the game after having just played it, my mind kept flashing back to CinderJesus. It absolutely decimated my brain function, but in a very fun way. More slice-of-life Bucks, please, she’s peak comedy.

Very fun game, 10/10, very sad I couldn’t buy the Kirby in the first playthrough but it’s on my to-do list, aaaand yeah! Thank you for making this! I loved every minute of it, and I’m really excited to play the remaining routes once my irl festivities are over.

sob this is so sweet! 😭💕 i'm excited to watch your playthrough too -- things are a bit overwhelming in general for me right now as i'm still with my family and doing a bunch of things, but even if i'm unable to find time this week i will for sure watch once i'm back home next week. i'm really happy that you're enjoying it so much already tho ahhhh and that you're finding it so entertaining 🥺

i'm glad you liked the poses i had so much fun with them and also using some of the suggestions to add more! and LMAO JCS is a musical i grew up watching (my parents used to play the original album in the house lol) so i get the songs stuck in my head a lot, hence why it randomly worked its way into this (among many other random silly little references or inspirations from my own life hahaha). that is extremely funny to me 🤣

i'm glad you liked the convos they were the epitome of silly. and also bucks's part hahaha. i was half-worried it would end up being too ridiculous and random for people because it just got so weird in places hahaha

thank you so much for this lovely message and all of your thoughts and for playing the game! 🥺💕 i look forward to watching the playthrough so i can see all of your reactions in real-time lakjdfs

[star-wars-writing]

The Twilight Prophecy - Shadows of Soluna: Echoes of a Forgotten Unity - Prologue

A/N: "Hello, Guys! I know I said I would wait until I got some response before continuing, but I kind of wanted to put this prologue out there to give the story more of a back story. Thank for those who've read the story and for joining me on this journey through the world of Soluna. This chapter continues to weave the original tale of Crown Prince Cody and Crown Prince Obi-Wan with inspirations from the Star Wars universe. As always, your support and feedback mean the world to me.

"Copyright Notice: The original elements of this story, including the Kingdom of Soluna, its lore, and original characters, are my own creation and are © Love_of_fanfiction here on A03 and Star-wars-writing on Tumblr. These elements may not be reproduced, copied, or used in any form without my express permission.

The Star Wars characters and universe elements included in this story remain the intellectual property of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or Disney. This fanfiction is a non-commercial work created for entertainment purposes only and is not officially affiliated with the owners of the Star Wars franchise.

Please respect the rights of all creators and do not replicate or use any part of this story for commercial purposes. Let's continue to enjoy the world of fanfiction responsibly and respectfully. Thank you!"

Now let's start the story.

In an age now lost to the history of time, the illustrious Kingdom of Soluna stood as a paragon of unity and grandeur. Nestled in a world where the rhythms of day and night were harmoniously intertwined, Soluna was a realm where the natural cycle of the sun's rise and the moon's ascent were celebrated as the lifeblood of existence.

Soluna, sprawling across diverse landscapes, was a kingdom of breathtaking beauty. Its heart, the city of Lumina, was an architectural marvel. The buildings, crafted from stones that seemed to absorb the essence of the skies, shimmered in the daylight with hues of gold and amber and radiated a soft luminescence under the moon's gaze. The streets of Lumina, paved with cobblestones of moonstone and sunstone, sparkled, leading the way to bustling marketplaces and serene gardens alike.

The people of Soluna were a vibrant tapestry of cultures, each contributing to the kingdom's rich tapestry. In the day, farmers toiled under the benevolent sun, their fields a testament to the kingdom's fertility, while artists found inspiration in the warm hues of the afternoon. As night fell, astronomers and poets sought the wisdom of the stars, their works a celebration of the moon's mystique.

Soluna's rulers, the Solar Monarchs and the Lunar Regents, governed with a balance as seamless as the cycle of day and night. Their reign was marked by festivals that celebrated the duality of their domain – the Solstice of Sun, a jubilant carnival of light and warmth, and the Equinox of Moon, a reflective, ethereal gathering under the night sky.

The Royal Academy of Soluna, a revered institution, stood at the confluence of science, magic, and philosophy. Here, the brightest minds delved into the mysteries of the natural world, their discoveries a tribute to the enlightened spirit of Soluna.

Yet, beneath this facade of peace and prosperity, a shadow loomed. An envious sorcerer, coveting the kingdom's harmony and power, unleashed a malevolent curse. The curse fractured the very essence of Soluna, tearing apart the balance that had been its foundation. In an instant, the kingdom was split into two realms – one bathed in perpetual daylight, the Sun Court, and the other shrouded in eternal night, the Moon Court. The memory of their shared past, of the unity that once was, vanished, leaving behind a void filled with discord and longing.

The once-glorious Kingdom of Soluna faded into legend, its tale a haunting reminder of the fragility of harmony. As the Sun and Moon Courts evolved independently, the echoes of their common legacy dwindled, leaving only a whisper of the unity that once graced their lands.

This is the forgotten tale of Soluna, a kingdom where day and night once danced in unison, now a lost chapter in the history of time, waiting to be rediscovered and restored by those destined to reforge the broken bonds.

In the era when Soluna thrived, the royal family was revered not only for their governance but also for the unique traits that some of them possessed. At the heart of Soluna's lineage was a rare and revered characteristic – the blessing of dual-sex, an embodiment of the kingdom's cherished balance of sun and moon. Not every monarch was graced with this trait, but those who were, were celebrated as living symbols of Soluna's harmony.

King Orion, the last ruler of united Soluna, was one such individual. A leader of unparalleled wisdom and compassion, Orion's dual-sex nature was seen as a perfect harmony between masculine and feminine energies, a physical manifestation of the balance that he so tirelessly worked to maintain in his kingdom. With hair that shimmered like spun gold in the sunlight and eyes that held the depth of the night sky, he was a figure of awe and reverence.

Queen Althea, his consort, was a woman of profound intellect and grace. Her keen mind was matched by a heart full of empathy, making her a beloved figure among the people. Her long, raven hair was often adorned with silver and gold, symbolizing the unity of day and night that Soluna cherished.

Together, Orion and Althea had three children, each inheriting different aspects of their parents' qualities. Prince Solaris, the eldest, was a vibrant and charismatic leader, his features reminiscent of the sun's fiery glow. He was a skilled diplomat and warrior, his presence commanding yet warm.

Princess Lunara, the middle child, possessed a serene beauty and a deep connection to the mystical arts. Her intuition and wisdom beyond her years made her an invaluable advisor in the royal court. Her silver-blonde hair and moonlit eyes were a testament to her affinity with the night.

The youngest, Prince Eclipsion, was a harmonious blend of his siblings' traits. With a keen mind and a compassionate heart, he was the embodiment of balance. Eclipsion's unique nature, showing traits of dual-sex like his father, made him a symbol of Soluna's core values.

In the royal palace, a grand structure that mirrored the kingdom's splendor, the family's interactions were a microcosm of Soluna's ideals. Discussions at the dinner table were lively, with each member bringing their perspective to debates on governance, culture, and the future of their realm.

"I believe we must expand our trade routes to the Northern Territories," proposed Prince Solaris during one such discussion, his voice confident and persuasive.

Princess Lunara, always thoughtful, responded, "We must consider the impact on the local cultures. Our goal should be harmony, not dominance."

King Orion listened intently, his expression a mix of pride and contemplation. "Your points are valid," he said, his voice a soothing blend of authority and gentleness. "Soluna thrives not by imposing but by understanding and integrating. We must find a balance that honors our values and respects others."

Queen Althea, observing the exchange, added, "And let us not forget the importance of nurturing our own arts and sciences. Our strength lies in our ability to create and innovate."

Prince Eclipsion, quietly absorbing the discussion, finally spoke, his words reflecting his innate wisdom. "Perhaps we can find a way to blend these approaches – to expand with mindfulness and foster growth within."

The royal family's dynamics were a testament to their leadership – diverse in thoughts and opinions yet united in their love for Soluna and its people. Their discussions often extended beyond the palace walls, as they engaged with scholars, artists, and common folk alike, ensuring that every voice was heard and valued.

In the once harmonious Kingdom of Soluna, a sinister presence lurked in the shadows, biding its time. Darth Bane, a Sith sorcerer skilled in the dark arts, harbored a deep-seated disdain for the peace and balance Soluna represented. In his eyes, only in chaos and destruction could true power thrive. His heart, a void of darkness, sought to unravel the fabric of harmony that held Soluna together.

One fateful day, under a sky where the sun and moon hung in uneasy truce, Darth Bane made his move. With malevolent intent, he approached the grand gates of the royal palace. The guards, sensing an ominous aura, stood tense and alert, but they were no match for the sorcerer's dark powers.

In the royal hall, King Orion and Queen Althea, along with their children, were caught unaware. The family, a symbol of Soluna's unity, could not fathom the depth of the darkness that was about to befall them. Darth Bane, cloaked in shadows, stepped into the hall, his presence a chilling wave that washed over everyone present.

"Your reign of false harmony ends today," Darth Bane declared, his voice a sinister echo that filled the chamber. Before anyone could react, he unleashed his curse, a maelstrom of dark energy that enveloped the royal family and the palace.

King Orion and Queen Althea, caught in the eye of this dark storm, could only watch in horror as their world unraveled. The curse struck with merciless precision, tearing the very essence of Soluna apart. In an instant, Prince Solaris and Princess Lunara found their minds clouded, their memories of the unity and love within their family twisted into visions of division and rivalry.

Darth Bane's dark magic spun a deceitful narrative in the minds of the royal siblings, convincing them that the Sun and Moon Courts had always been at odds, that their destinies were to rule separately and in conflict. Prince Solaris, his thoughts now shrouded in the illusion of perpetual daylight, became the King of the Sun Court, forgetting the ties that bound him to his family. Princess Lunara, her mind veiled in the eternal night, ascended as the Queen of the Moon Court, her silver hair a trait revered in this new, divided reality.

The once majestic capital, Lumina, now stood as a ruin on the divide of day and night, its history and purpose lost to the curse's fog. The people of Soluna, now citizens of two separate realms, gazed upon the ruins with no recollection of their former unity.

King Orion and Queen Althea's fate remained shrouded in mystery, their end a tragic chapter in the history of Soluna. Prince Eclipsion, the youngest, disappeared amidst the chaos, his fate unknown, fueling whispers and legends among the people.

As Darth Bane retreated into the shadows, his curse complete, the Kingdom of Soluna faded into a realm of divided memories, its once glorious past now a forgotten dream. The Sun and Moon Courts, each cast in their respective lights, began a new chapter, unaware of the unity that once defined them, their future entwined with a prophecy yet to unfold.

In the wake of Darth Bane’s malevolent curse, the once-unified Kingdom of Soluna fractured into two isolated realms: the Sun Court, ruled by King Solaris, and the Moon Court, under Queen Lunara’s reign. The siblings, their memories altered, their hearts veiled in darkness, became strangers to one another, each leading their courts in isolation, disconnected from their shared past.

The Sun Court, bathed in perpetual daylight, became a land where the sun’s relentless gaze hardened the hearts of its people. King Solaris, once a prince known for his warmth and charisma, transformed into a ruler whose judgments were as scorching as the sun’s rays. The palace, once a beacon of balance, now stood as a fortress of light, its walls reflecting the unyielding nature of its inhabitants.

In the Moon Court, night reigned eternal, casting the realm in a serene yet somber glow. Queen Lunara, whose wisdom and intuition were once celebrated, became a figure of mystery, her rule shrouded in the silent contemplation of the moonlit skies. Her court, a reflection of the night itself, was a place of quiet strength and hidden depths.

As years passed, the void between the Sun and Moon Courts grew, fueled by forgotten kinship and a growing sense of otherness. The common heritage of Soluna, once the cornerstone of their civilization, became lost in the mists of time, replaced by a narrative of division and rivalry.

Skirmishes along the borders became frequent, as misunderstandings and fear bred conflict. The Sun Court’s warriors, equipped for battle under the blazing sun, clashed with the Moon Court’s sentinels, masters of the night’s shadows. Each encounter left a scar on the land, a reminder of the harmony that was lost.

In both courts, the people’s hearts ached for a peace they could not remember. Whispers of a time when sun and moon were one lingered in their songs and stories, like echoes of a forgotten dream. Yet, these tales were regarded as mere fables, the wishful thinking of those who yearned for an end to the strife.

King Solaris, sitting upon his throne, his features cast in sharp relief by the ever-present sunlight, often found his thoughts wandering to the Moon Court. A sense of longing, unexplainable and deep, tugged at his soul. “Why does the night seem so familiar, yet so distant?” he pondered, his mind clouded by the remnants of the curse.

In her palace, Queen Lunara gazed at the stars, her expression a tapestry of melancholy and longing. “There’s a sorrow in these stars, a tale of loss,” she mused, her heart echoing a grief she could not fully comprehend.

The prolonged period of conflict and mistrust between the Sun and Moon Courts wove a tapestry of sorrow and longing, a tragic consequence of Darth Bane’s curse. The once-great Kingdom of Soluna, now divided and forgetful of its past, stood as a land where day and night were no longer in harmony, but in silent contention, yearning for a unity they could no longer remember.

Years wore on, deepening the rift between the Sun and Moon Courts, as their forgotten unity became little more than a legend. The once harmonious Kingdom of Soluna was now a battleground for two opposing realms, each under the shadow of Darth Bane’s curse, oblivious to their shared heritage.

One fateful day, the Sun Court, led by King Solaris, marched upon the Moon Court’s borders. The sun blazed fiercely in the sky, casting a harsh light on the armored warriors, their swords and shields glinting ominously. King Solaris, astride his majestic steed, his armor reflecting the ruthless sun, wore an expression of grim determination. His once compassionate heart had turned steely, hardened by years under the unrelenting sun.

In response, the Moon Court’s defenders, shrouded in the protective cloak of night, emerged silently. Queen Lunara, a silhouette against the moonlit backdrop, stood atop the ramparts of her fortress. Her eyes, reflecting the cool luminescence of the moon, were pools of sorrow and resolve. Her warriors, adept in the art of shadow warfare, readied their bows, the silver arrows aimed at the approaching Sun Court army.

The battle that ensued was a tragic spectacle. The clash of swords and the twang of bows sang a discordant melody, a lament for the lost unity of Soluna. The ground, a witness to this strife, was marred with the scars of battle, the soil drinking the blood of sun and moon alike.

In the midst of the chaos, Solaris and Lunara found themselves face to face, their swords crossed. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met, and a spark of recognition flickered, quickly smothered by years of enmity and the sorcerer's curse. Words were unnecessary; their blades spoke for them, each strike a painful reminder of their division.

Around them, the battle raged on, the air filled with cries of anguish and the clash of metal. The once-peaceful land of Soluna was now a witness to the sorrow of its rulers, a canvas upon which the tragedy of forgotten kinship was painted in stark hues.

As dawn broke, marking the end of the conflict, both courts retreated, leaving the battlefield littered with the remnants of their clash. The cost of their division was etched in the faces of the surviving warriors, their eyes hollow with the weight of loss.

King Solaris, returning to his sunlit palace, felt a heaviness in his heart, a sorrow that the light could not dispel. He wandered the silent halls, haunted by the moonlit eyes of Lunara, a nagging sense of something lost lingering in his mind.

Similarly, Queen Lunara, amidst the quiet of her moon-drenched chambers, pondered the day’s events. The sun’s relentless blaze in Solaris’s eyes haunted her, a reminder of a connection she could not grasp, a puzzle whose pieces lay scattered in the shadows of her memory.

In their separate realms, Solaris and Lunara grieved for the unity they could not remember, the harmony that was once the foundation of their existence. The battles and strife, while momentarily ceasing, left a lingering question in the air – a silent longing for a peace that seemed as distant as the forgotten days of Soluna.

Years trickled by like grains of sand in the hourglass of time, and with them, the era of King Solaris and Queen Lunara faded into history, giving way to a new generation of rulers. In the Sun Court, King Yoren ascended the throne, a ruler whose very presence was like a soft dawn breaking the darkness. In the Moon Court, King Yoda took up the mantle, a sage whose wisdom was as deep and vast as the night sky.

King Yoren, unlike his predecessors, bore a heart not hardened by the perpetual daylight but warmed by it. His rule was marked by a gentle strength, a desire to see beyond the blinding light of day. He was a man of medium build, with hair that captured the hues of the morning sun and eyes that reflected a sky free of storms. His reign began with a vision of peace, a longing to bridge the chasm that had long separated the Sun and Moon Courts.

In the Moon Court, King Yoda's presence was as calming as the cool touch of moonlight. His wisdom, accrued over decades of study and reflection, brought a renewed sense of purpose to his people. With a stature small yet commanding, and eyes that twinkled with the light of distant stars, Yoda spoke with a voice that resonated with the ancient truths of the night.

In the privacy of his solar chambers, King Yoren often found himself gazing at the horizon, where day met night in a fleeting embrace. "The time for endless conflict has passed," he mused aloud, his voice echoing the resolve in his heart. "We must seek understanding, for in the light of the sun, all shadows are cast away."

Similarly, in the Moon Court, King Yoda pondered the future in his observatory, surrounded by star charts and celestial instruments. "In the cycle of the cosmos, balance is the eternal truth," he whispered to the night. "We must extend our hand to the Sun Court, for in the darkness, even the brightest star seeks companionship."

The desire for peace sparked a series of secret missives between the two rulers, each letter a tentative step towards understanding. Their correspondence, carried by trusted envoys under the veil of secrecy, wove a delicate thread of hope between the two courts.

As word of this budding alliance spread, it was met with mixed reactions. In the Sun Court, some praised Yoren's vision, while others, steeped in the old ways of rivalry, voiced their dissent. "To extend a hand to the Moon Court is to forget the battles fought under our sun," argued a sun courtier, his words a reflection of the lingering mistrust.

In the Moon Court, Yoda's councilors debated in hushed tones. "King Yoda's wisdom has always guided us," one advisor remarked, her voice laced with cautious optimism. "Perhaps it is time to step out of the shadows and embrace the light of peace."

Amidst these discussions, both Yoren and Yoda remained steadfast, their conviction unwavering. They knew the path to peace was fraught with obstacles, but the vision they shared – a vision of a world where the sun's warmth and the moon's grace coexisted – was a dream they dared to nurture.

In time, this dream led to the first historic meeting between the two kings, a clandestine summit under the stars, at the very ruins of the once-great capital of Lumina. There, amidst the whispers of a past long forgotten, King Yoren and King Yoda stood face to face, the first of their kind to seek a harmony that transcended the division of day and night.

Their meeting, though shrouded in secrecy, was the first flicker of a flame that promised to light the way for both courts – a flame that held the potential to dispel the shadows of war and illuminate a path to a united future.

Under the cloak of night, where the stars held court in the sky, the ruins of Lumina bore witness to a historic meeting – the first of its kind in centuries. King Yoren of the Sun Court and King Yoda of the Moon Court, each a ruler in their own right, stepped into the hallowed grounds of what once was the heart of the unified Soluna. The air was thick with anticipation, and the ruins, bathed in the soft luminescence of the moon and the residual warmth of the sun, seemed to awaken from their long slumber.

King Yoren, dressed in robes that captured the warm hues of the sunrise, approached with a respectful nod. His expression, usually serene, was etched with the gravity of the moment. "King Yoda," he began, his voice steady yet imbued with emotion, "I stand before you not as a ruler of the day, but as a seeker of peace. Our realms have been divided for too long."

King Yoda, his stature small but presence immense, met Yoren's gaze. His eyes, mirroring the depth of the night sky, reflected a wisdom born of years spent under the moon's watch. "Indeed, King Yoren. In the cycle of night and day, there lies a harmony we have forgotten. It is time to remember and rebuild."

The ruins around them, remnants of a time when day and night were one, stood as silent witnesses to their dialogue. Yoren and Yoda walked amidst the fallen columns and broken archways, each step a symbol of their journey towards reconciliation.

"The people of the Sun Court are strong and passionate, but in our unending day, we have lost sight of the stars," Yoren confessed, his gaze lingering on a fragment of a sunstone. "We need the wisdom and perspective that the night brings."

Yoda nodded, his hands clasped behind his back. "And the Moon Court, though introspective and resilient, yearns for the warmth that only the sun can provide. Our strength lies in unity, not isolation."

Their conversation meandered through the possibilities of a joint future, a tapestry of ideas and hopes. They spoke of joint festivals to celebrate both the sun and the moon, of exchanges of scholars and artists, and of trade routes that would benefit both realms.

As dawn approached, painting the sky with the first light of day, Yoren and Yoda stood side by side, watching the horizon. The symbolic merging of night and day in that moment was not lost on them.

"We stand at the brink of a new era," Yoren said, his voice imbued with a newfound resolve. "A truce between our courts is but the first step towards healing the rift that has long separated us."

"Let this dawn mark the beginning of our journey together," Yoda added, his voice soft yet firm. "A journey towards a peace that honors both the sun and the moon."

The establishment of the truce, there amidst the ruins of Lumina, was a promise – a promise of a future where the Sun and Moon Courts could coexist in harmony. As Yoren and Yoda departed, each returning to their respective realms, the first rays of the sun mingled with the retreating night, a symbolic reminder of the unity they sought to achieve.

Their meeting, though kept secret from many, laid the foundations for a slowly blossoming relationship between the Sun and Moon Courts. It was a testament to their wisdom and the realization that in unity, not division, lay the true strength and prosperity of their realms.

In the aftermath of the historic meeting at the ruins of Lumina, King Yoren and King Yoda began the delicate task of nurturing the fragile truce into a lasting bond between the Sun and Moon Courts. This journey, paved with cautious optimism, was a testament to their shared vision of a harmonious future.

King Yoren returned to his sunlit palace, where the walls echoed with the memories of endless days. In the grand council chamber, bathed in golden light, he addressed his advisors. "We stand on the cusp of a new dawn," Yoren stated, his voice resonating with a quiet yet unmistakable determination. "The Moon Court is not our enemy; they are our counterparts, integral to restoring the balance that Soluna once knew."

His council, a collection of seasoned diplomats and warriors, exchanged glances. Some bore expressions of skepticism, their minds shadowed by generations of conflict, while others looked intrigued, their curiosity piqued by the possibility of change.

General Arcturus, a veteran of many sunlit battles, voiced his concern. "Your Majesty, the Moon Court has always been shrouded in mystery. Can we truly trust them?" His tone, though respectful, carried the weight of years of distrust.

Yoren’s response was thoughtful, reflecting the depth of his conviction. "Trust is like the dawn. It begins with a mere sliver of light, growing steadily until it illuminates all around us. We must be the first to extend this light."

Meanwhile, in the Moon Court, King Yoda convened a similar gathering under the soft, ethereal glow of moonstones. The atmosphere was one of contemplative silence, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the Sun Court.

"Change, like the phases of the moon, is inevitable," Yoda spoke, his voice a calm, guiding force in the dimly lit chamber. "Our path forward lies in harmony with the Sun Court. This is the way to true wisdom."

A murmur ran through the assembly, a mix of surprise and contemplation. Lady Celestine, an advisor known for her insight, shared her thoughts. "The night has always been our ally, but it has also kept us in solitude. Perhaps it is time we step into the light of new possibilities."

As months turned to years, small yet significant steps were taken. Joint festivals were initiated, celebrated on the borders of the two realms. These festivals, a blend of sun and moon traditions, became a symbol of their growing unity. People from both courts mingled, sharing stories and customs, and discovering the beauty in their differences.

Trade routes were established, allowing the exchange of goods and knowledge. Sun Court’s merchants brought the warmth of the sun in their wares, while Moon Court’s traders offered the cool wisdom of the night.

Cultural exchanges flourished, with artists, scholars, and musicians crossing the borders to share and learn. In the Sun Court, the melodies of the night played by Moon Court musicians captivated the hearts of many, while in the Moon Court, the vibrant colors of Sun Court's art opened new vistas of expression.

King Yoren and King Yoda continued their correspondence, each letter a reinforcement of their commitment to peace. Through these letters, they shared not only the progress of their endeavors but also the challenges they faced, forging a bond of mutual respect and understanding.

The gradual process of building trust and cooperation laid the foundation for future generations. It was a testament to the belief that unity was not only beneficial but essential for the prosperity and well-being of both realms. In this journey, the Sun and Moon Courts slowly rediscovered the harmony that was once the essence of Soluna, illuminating a path towards a future where day and night could coexist in peace.

In the unfolding tapestry of the Sun and Moon Courts' history, the lineage of rulers bore the responsibility of upholding and nurturing the delicate bond established by King Yoren and King Yoda. Following Yoda's wise reign, the Moon Court was guided by King Dooku, a ruler of sharp intellect and a commanding presence. Dooku, though a man of more stern disposition than his predecessor, recognized the value of the alliance with the Sun Court. He continued the tradition of cultural exchanges, though with a more strategic approach, ensuring the Moon Court's mystical and intellectual heritage was preserved and respected.

In the Sun Court, after the era of King Yoren, King Jaster ascended the throne. He was a leader of valor and strength, with a charisma that shone as brightly as the sun itself. Jaster's rule was marked by a period of expansion and prosperity. He took to heart the lessons of cooperation with the Moon Court, fostering trade relations and joint military exercises that strengthened the bonds of trust and mutual reliance. Jaster, with his vibrant energy, brought a new dynamism to the Sun Court's interactions with their nocturnal neighbors.

The subsequent transition of power in the Moon Court to King Qui-Gon was a return to the more introspective and philosophical approach of King Yoda. Qui-Gon, a thoughtful and wise ruler, married the serene and insightful Lady Tahl. Together, they embodied the tranquility and depth of the Moon Court. Qui-Gon's reign saw a resurgence in the arts and sciences, with a focus on understanding the natural world and the cosmos. His gentle guidance further solidified the Moon Court's reputation as a realm of wisdom and introspection.

Meanwhile, in the Sun Court, the transition from King Jaster to his son, King Jango, marked the continuation of a vibrant and powerful dynasty. Jango, much like his father, was a ruler of great courage and determination. His marriage to Queen Seraphina brought a blend of warmth and intelligence to the Sun Court. Under Jango's rule, the Sun Court continued to flourish, its people basking in the prosperity brought about by ongoing peace and cooperation with the Moon Court.

The births of Crown Princes Cody and Obi-Wan during the reigns of King Jango and King Qui-Gon, respectively, were celebrated with great joy in both courts. These princes, born into a legacy of burgeoning unity and cooperation, were seen as symbols of the enduring alliance between day and night.

In these years of gradual rapprochement, the birth of the Crown Princes in both courts marked a new hope. In the Sun Court, Crown Prince Cody was born under the auspicious first light of dawn. His first cries were met with the jubilation of a kingdom that saw in him the future of continued harmony. Cody grew under the relentless sun, his personality a reflection of its brilliance and clarity.

Similarly, in the Moon Court, the birth of Crown Prince Obi-Wan was celebrated under the soft glow of a full moon. His arrival was heralded as a sign of enduring peace, and his upbringing was imbued with the mystique and calm of the lunar realm. Obi-Wan matured into a thoughtful and introspective young man, his demeanor as soothing as the moonlight.

The parallel lives of these princes, born into a legacy of burgeoning unity, were destined to intertwine. Their upbringing, though separate, was underpinned by the same principles of understanding and cooperation that their forebears had championed.

As they came of age, the hopes of both courts rested on their shoulders – the expectation that they would carry forward the work started generations ago, and perhaps, bring about the fulfillment of a harmony that had once been the essence of Soluna.

A/N: Now I will wait before continuing this story, I did want to give you some backstory to the idea I have here. I would love to hear all of your thoughts, suggestions, ideas and comments you might have. I look forward to know what you think, and if you would like to read more about this story I've started. @swfandomevent @swfanfics @codywanbingo

[akehoshimystar]

Chapter 1

Yukimura: Sorry to keep you waiting. What can I do for you today?

Ito: I'm a bit concerned about the colors and the tips of my hair. I thought I'd get a redone.

Yukimura: Okay! It's already winter, so I'll try not to make it too short.

Ito: That would be good.

Yukimura: Leave it to me.

Oh, welcome! Please sit down and I'll be with you in a moment.

Christmas songs have been played endlessly in the store. It's gotten busier than usual.

Ito: It seems busy.

Yukimura: Christmas is coming soon, so a lot of girls come before their dates.

Ito: I see. Is Christmas also a busy day for you? 

Yukimura: Yeah. That’s the peak season for you. I like it when they go out with their hair done and ready, though.

All the customers are both excited and nervous, it’s definitely the day a hairdresser's skill is put on full display.

So, that’s what Christmas is like for me!

How about you, Ito-chan?

Ito: (Though I do have plans outside of work...)

As for me….. I'm still working as usual, so I'd say I'm pretty similar to Yuki-san.

Though I wouldn’t say it’s exciting, it’s the same as usual…

But seeing how the town gets more festive, it’s a good reminder that Christmas is coming. Then again, that's about it for me.

I may have enjoyed it a lot as a kid, but….. I don't remember it that much anymore

Yukimura: I see. I'm looking forward to it either way. Don't you think Christmas has the power to make you feel that way?

Ito: I guess….

(Christmas, huh... All I feel is how the past few years have flown by.)

The next morning, when I went to work for my shift at the cafe, Akehoshi-kun had already finished getting ready.

Akehoshi: Good morning~

Oh, did you cut your hair? It looks so fresh and shiny.

Ito: Thank you.

(As expected of the ace of the Simulation Dept.... He notices even the little things.)

Akehoshi: Are you doing yourself up for Christmas?

Ito: Not really, I just happened to want to trim it. But the hair salons certainly do seem to be busy with that kind of demand.

Is the Simulation Dept. also busy during Christmas?

Akehoshi: Yeah. Everyone's schedule is packed.

But rather than seeing it as a workload, since everyone seems to be a little excited for it, I'm kind of looking forward to it too.

Kamiya: Good morning. Wow, you two are early!

Tomose: Any problem with bringing in the ingredients?

Ito: Good morning. All the ingredients have been brought in without a hitch.

Tomose: I see, thanks.

Akehoshi: Is Tomose-san in charge of the kitchen today?

Tomose: Yu will be coming later. He has an errand to do so he's going to arrive a little late.

Akehoshi: Got it. So it’s a two-man job.

Kamiya: There's a Christmas event nearby this week.

Since it’s very likely that many of those customers will turn up here, Tomose-san came to help out on short notice, right?

Tomose: Yeah.

Akehoshi: Christmas is really full of events everywhere~

Ito: It's a busy season after all.

Akehoshi: What are your plans for Christmas?

Kamiya: I haven’t really thought about it yet.

Tomose: I don't have any work scheduled.

Akehoshi: ……That's all?

Tomose: Yeah.

Akehoshi: Well, I kinda figured you two wouldn’t have plans for dates or special events…

Ito: I used to get presents from Santa when I was a kid. And a Christmas party was like a big event back then.

Maybe this is what it's like once you become an adult.

Kamiya: If Santa Claus handed out presents to adults saying "Merry Christmas!”, I think they’d all be elated still.

Akehoshi: Maybe he really exists. We just haven't met him yet.

Tomose: Does that mean Santa Claus exists in Japan?

At that moment, my phone suddenly started vibrating. I looked at the screen and saw Kosaka-san's name. I gave a slight nod to all the boys and signaled that I need to take this. Then, I took a step away and pressed the call button.

Ito: Hello.

Ai: "Are you free after the evening of the 25th?"

Ito: 25th? Nothing at the moment.

Ai: “Be mindful of your schedule, if there’s a chance that you will have a plan, I won’t force you.”

Ito: It's okay.

Ai: "……I see."

"Then go out with me on that day. I'll contact you later with details."

Ito: All right.

As soon as I hung up the phone, I added it into my schedule for the 25th. My eyes naturally fell on the plan for the 24th. Now my Christmas plans for the 24th and the 25th are filled. I couldn't say for sure if either of them was work, but I was pretty certain they weren't dates. When I saw Shido-san’s name on the schedule, I naturally recalled a conversation from a few days ago.

Kyoya: Yashiro-san, are you free on the night of the 24th?

Ito: (24th...  A special request for the Negotiation Dept.?)

Yes, I'm free.

Kyoya: Great. Would you care to join me for dinner?

Ito: Eh?

Kyoya: Oh, perhaps you can't go?

Ito: Ah, that's not it. Uhmm, this is about a job for the Negotiation Dept., right?

Kyoya: Oh, I see. I’m not surprised you’d assume that.

But no, it isn’t. Feel free to decide what's most convenient for you. If you like, please join me.

Ito: (I can choose whether to go or not, huh? But I don't really have a reason to refuse...)

Then, I’d love to.

Kyoya: I'm happy to hear that.

Shido-san smiled as if he hadn't even considered the possibility of being turned down.

Chapter 2

[redsoapbox]

AS THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT, THE AMOUNT RAISED BY HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY INDIE CHRISTMAS III STANDS AT £2,573. THE OVERALL TOTAL RAISED FOR ALL THREE VOLUMES IS NOW £8,373. THANK'S TO EVERYONE INVOLVED. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

So, it's 2024. My three-volume collection of original "Indie" Christmas songs Have Yourself a Merry Indie Christmas has raised an overall figure of £8,373 for Crisis at Christmas. After originally reaching an agreement with Crisis for two-years, I can announce that the agreement is now open-ended. This means the albums will remain on sale exclusively at Bandcamp and any money raised each Christmas going forward will go straight to Crisis homelessness charity - Together we will end homelessness . So while there will be no more volumes, just one or two tweets form the likes of Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin and Ellie Goulding (all are Crisis celebrity ambassadors/supporters) can draw the albums' attention to thier 50m followers. The potential for these albums to raise tens of thousands of pounds is there for all to see. At this stage, only 0.00000001 % of music followers know that these albums exist, so I will be thinking of ways to attract the interest of the movers and shakers named above (Crisis' strict rules do not allow me to enlist their support through Crisis, as HYAMIC is not an official Crisis project). I'm hoping that a review of that rule in the future will enable the albums to reach a much wider audience.

Aside from raising the maximum funds possible for Crisis, my other aim, as a music fanatic and journalist, for curating Have Yourself a Merry Indie Christmas was to compile an album that might be regarded the best ever Indie Christmas compilation of all time. I was determined about that from the start and that is what drove me to listen to thousands of Christmas songs (more than 50% from artists that I had never heard of) throughout 2022/23. In doing so, I soon realised that while there were hundreds of exhilarating Xmas songs scattered about the UK, Europe, America, Australia etc, (and thanks to Christmas Underground – We are the War on Christmas Music) I was now very much on their trail, there was hardly a decent Indie Xmas comp to be found anywhere (A Very Cherry Christmas being a long-running exemption that proves the rule).

The most common Xmas album was a label compilation. Someone at a major label would be tasked with cobbling together Christmas songs that bands had recorded down the years. Not much quality control went into those, with honourable exceptions, so strong and weak songs tended to be meshed together under the festive banner. A similar thing was happening with charitable compilations. I've lost count of the number of well-meaning comps I listened to that barely yielded one or two quality tracks. Again, there was the odd exception to be found here and there. I was determined to only target songs that I fell in love with, there were many, many good songs that didn't make the cut for HYAMIC.

Christmas Underground's view that 'Have Yourself a Merry Indie Christmas Volumes 1-3 are a guidebook to an alternative universe of Christmas music that few know exists', together with the verdict of Wales Arts Review that HYAMIC was 'the ultimate alternative Xmas album' suggests that I achieved my ambition to curate a work that would be part of peoples' Christmases for years to come. The sensational reviews the albums received are laid out in full here - A REMINDER OF THE INCREDIBLE REVIEWS FOR HAVE... (tumblr.com)

The albums can be downloaded here - Music | Various Artists (bandcamp.com)

Thanks to all the contributing artists, the labels that generously participated (not everyone was keen - one manager of a group complained 'You do realise that we're trying to make money', proving the spirit of Col. Tom Parker was alive, well and stalking indie land), the writers, bloggers, radio presenters etc who championed the albums from start to finish. Happy New Year to you all.

[full-potential]

Embracing the Present: A Christmas Day Journey to Your Full Potential

Merry Christmas, dear readers! On this serene and joyful day, as the world sparkles with festive lights and hearts brim with cheer, I invite you to pause and ponder the profound gift of existence. Today isn't just a celebration of traditions; it's a reminder of the immense potential each of us holds within. The Blessing of Being Think about it: just by being alive, right here, right now, you are blessed. Life is not merely a series of events; it's a canvas for potential, waiting for your brushstrokes. And on Christmas, a day symbolizing hope and renewal, what better time to recognize this gift? Mindfulness: Your Anchor to Now In the hustle of holiday festivities, our minds often race to the 'next thing' - the next meal, the next gift, the next gathering. But true joy lies in the present. Mindfulness is that gentle hand on your shoulder, bringing you back to 'now'. It's about savoring each moment, each breath. Breathing: The Simplest Gift Breathing might seem too simple a gift, but it's the essence of life. I encourage you to try 'breathing packs' - take a deep breath, hold, release, and feel yourself become more anchored in the present. This practice is a gateway to clarity and calm, a tool to bring you back to the here and now. The Power of Thought: Neuro-Associative Linking Our minds are powerful landscapes. The paths we tread in thought are the ones we forge in life. This is neuro-associative linking - the principle that what we frequently think about, we begin to connect with. Be mindful of your thoughts; they are the seeds of your reality. Choosing Your Links What do you want to be linked to? Joy, success, love, peace? Your thoughts are not just fleeting whispers; they are architects of your destiny. Use this Christmas to start a practice of mindful thinking. Focus on thoughts that align with your deepest values and aspirations. Letting Go: The Path to Mastery To master your mind is to learn the art of letting go. Let go of wandering thoughts, let go of bodily tension. In their place, choose to refocus on positive visualizations and processes that align with your goals. Conclusion As we celebrate Christmas, let's embrace the present moment. It's in the 'now' that we find the strength to shape our destinies. Through mindful breathing, conscious thinking, and the practice of letting go, we step closer to realizing our full potential. Thank you for joining me on this journey of reflection and growth. As we move forward, remember that these practices are not just for Christmas Day, but for a lifetime of fulfillment and purpose. PS This blog post is a blend of my personal reflections and the efficient assistance of AI technology, working together to bring you insights for a more mindful and purposeful life. Read the full article