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1kook · 4 years ago

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skirt chasers - drabble iii

this a skirt chasers drabble in case u couldn't tell uhhh here’s i and ii lol

summary; “I think the alcohol broke my amygdala. Your epidermis looks pretty today— did you use that toner I told you about?” warnings; alcohol mention, tit sucking, unprotected sex, use of the pull out method, uhh making out??? ratings; mature (18+) misc; educational abolitionist!jungkook, drunk jk, mentions of throwing up lol, jk is an anatomy frEAK, more skirts, more jk has questionable kinks wc; like barely 2k

notes; i wrote this in like 40 mins bc i couldn't stop thinking about STIMBO jk from skirt chasers and how cool he is enjoy xxxx also i barely rmr shit from anatomy bc it was the worst course of my life so pls bear with me

His first mistake is getting drinks with the boys. You like to think you know your boyfriend pretty well, know what he’s good at, where he excels, where he thrives, and well. Drinking doesn’t rank too high on the list.

Jimin calls a little past midnight. “Kook’s on the table,” he slurs into the phone, too loud and too sloppy for a Wednesday night phonecall.

“Ha?” you mumble back, rubbing your eyes until you see stars. The room is dark, practically spinning from how out of it you are. Chaeyoung is dead asleep in her room, so even whispering feels like a crime. “Where are you guys?”

Some bar on the south side of town, that strip where all the newly turned twenty-one year olds go to get wasted. Jungkook’s supposed to be studying for some big exam he has on Friday— at least, that’s what he told you —so it takes a few minutes of convincing on Jimin’s part until you’re shrugging your coat on, blindly navigating through your apartment for your keys and wallet. You briefly consider taking an Uber, but ultimately decide you’d rather get stabbed to death on a public bus so at least your family can sue the city afterwards.

Jungkook is indeed on the table, except the table has long since tipped over. So now he’s just sprawled across some dirty bar floor, puppy-soft head of curls spilling over his forehead. He’s so cute, so adorable. You want to kill him. “Up,” you command, channeling the strength of twelve football players to haul your beefy boyfriend off the ground.

“Baby,” he beams, looking at you but not actually looking at you. “I think the alcohol broke my amygdala. Your epidermis looks pretty today— did you use that toner I told you about?”

You don’t even know what that means, can’t even question him, because then Jin is angrily yelling at you to cover his tab. You pay with a stiff middle finger, flail the three dollars in your wallet at him, before sweeping away your poor damsel in distress. “You’re supposed to be studying,” you huff, can’t even be mad when he stops to throw up in a bush outside the bar. You’re so embarrassed, pretend you don’t know him as you pull up the bus times on your phone.

He’s huffy by the time you get on the bus, sniffling against your neck as he cries about his common hepatic portal vein thing— you don’t fucking know.

Chaeyoung isn’t too impressed with you when you bring him home, dump him on the couch while she steals your AirPods from your room. “Explain yourself,” you demand, and his head rolls back.

“I hate school,” he complains, slaps a hand down against his forehead. You’re certain he’s concussed himself this time. Then he’s bending over, head held between his hands. “Wanna cry.”

You sigh, kneeling in front of him. “You’re almost done,” you comfort him, hand on the back of his head. He’s so sweaty, and smells like all his friends colognes at the same time. “You’re smart, baby, you can do this.”

Your words have the opposite effect, because then he’s rocking forward childishly, nearly rams your skulls together and kills you. He’s reached the point of his insobriety where he’s too sad and huffy to think, sadly leaning against your shoulder as if that’ll somehow solve all his problems. You doubt it will, but there’s really nothing much you can when Jungkook reaches this point, so you settle on softly patting the back of his head until the fool is fucking snoring against you.

Chaeyoung blesses you with her divine retribution the next morning by using up the last of your body wash, and then you’re left to deal with a hungover Jungkook on a Thursday morning. You’re pretty sure he had a class that morning, but he wakes up too late for you to even try to convince him to still go, and then he’s moping on your couch in last night’s clothes. You’re getting ready for your internship, blouse half buttoned, pencil skirt wiggled up to your waist.

“Abolish exams,” he mutters, numbly staring at the ceiling as you wipe his face with a cleansing towelette. He doesn’t seem remotely interested in the shower or the pancakes you made, which lets you know this is a much more serious issue than just a drunken episode. “Aren’t they stupid?” You nod. “Sure, test me on every damn thing we’re learning right now as if science isn’t always changing and I’ll have to keep learning anyway.”

He looks over at you, under-eye bags absolutely horrendous. “Tests are stupid,” you agree, and it seems to be exactly what he wants to hear as he sinks into your arms, face buried in your chest. “Too stupid for smarty-pants Jeon Jungkook.”

Jungkook groans, flops over you on the couch all smelly and gross. “They test you for memorization and not comprehension,” he adds, finally wiggling out of his stinky clothes.

With Jungkook, you can never tell where things are going. One minute he’s cursing the education system and the next he’s kissing along your neck in his rambling fury. “As if I these materials will somehow become nonexistent once I’m working,” he huffs, hands on your thighs. Your breath hitches in your throat, fingers digging into his biceps as he mindlessly kisses down the valley between your breasts. “Shit’s so fucking stupid,” he spits, bunching your skirt around your waist.

“Jeon—“

“I’m just trying to be a fuckin’ pediatrician, for fuck’s sake,” he growls, hastily undoes the front buttons on your blouse. Your black bra comes into view, heart pounding in your chest as Jungkook makes quick work of reaching behind and undoing it, pushing it away, and cupping your breasts in his palms. He guides one of your legs around his waist, tucks it around him as he gets to work raining down kisses on your tits. “So pretty, doll,” he murmurs, pretty pink lips leaving smooches down your chest.

You bite down on your lip, watch through hazy eyes as those big doe eyes flick up at you, tongue swirling around your nipple. “N— Not tired anymore?” you pant, hands in his hair. It’s still dry and knotted from last night’s adventures, but you don’t mind. Not when Jungkook’s hard cock is flush against your thigh.

“Nah,” he confirms, rolling his hips forward against your core. Oh he was horny horny this morning. Or was he angry horny? You don’t care, either way you were winning. “I serenaded you last night, y’know?”

You snort, but it morphs into a whimper when he captures your rock hard nipple between his perfect teeth. “Not a serenade,” you whimper, fingernails running along his scalp, “if I’m not there.”

Jungkook leans back, lets you breathe for a second as he unbuckles the front of his pants, jeans pulled down around his thighs. And of course he’s hard as fuck by now; this was Jeon Jungkook you were dealing with. He could get it up and going in two seconds flat at the mere sight of your collarbones. “You were there,” he insists, capturing your hand in his all romantic like until you’re flustered and shaking him off. He levels you with a cheesy grin, presses your palm against his chest. “Here.”

You gag. “That’s disgusting.”

Jungkook laughs, all squeaky and airy because he’s never given a fuck about looking cool in front of you. His next words only prove your point. “Why? Don’t like being nestled against my left lung and esophagus, all sexy like?”

You roll your eyes, tug your panties aside to give him a full view of what his dorky anatomical talk has done to you. “Dick me down or go away,” you say, pointer finger nudging his chin up when he stares too long

He snaps his teeth at you, almost bites your finger, the fuckin’ weirdo. “Sassy today,” he teases, presses the tip of his cock against you. Both of you groan, watch as he glides himself up and down your folds, angry mushroom head pushing against your clit. “Always so wet for me,” he mumbles shakily, eyes zeroed in on your wet folds and how slick they feel against him. “Didn’t stretch you out again.”

“Yo— You’re mean about that anyway,” you pant, pulling him closer by those firm ass cheeks of his. “I can tell when you’re using me as a reference model.”

Jungkook gasps as if he’s genuinely scandalized by your claim, follows your wordless command and finally lines himself up with your quivering entrance. “I’m a hands-on learner,” he offers, his cheeky smile still on his face until he finally sinks into you and his features twist up all pretty. “Your pussy’s just so pretty, baby,” he grunts, hand on your hip.

Your face feels warm, from the pleasure that rolls over your body and the vulgarity of his words. “Shush now,” you say, try to sound strict and in command, but he’s got his other hand cupping your jaw, looking at you like you’re a goddess and not some dorky college student in their even dorkier internship uniform.

“Temptress,” he mumbles, pushes past your clenching lips until he’s flush against you, your walls spasming around his cock because he just feels so good. “Tried to sneak past me in that tiny skirt.” He draws back, lets his swollen head catch at the entrance before sliding back in, pace slow and sensual, too intimate for some random Thursday morning. “Little doll just needs to be fucked in the morning, doesn’t she?” A pitiful whimper catches in your throat, eyes rolling to the back of your head with every glide of his dick back inside of you.

“N- Not my fault you have naughty eyes,” you whimper, hand coming up to bite at your knuckles as Jungkook continues to fuck you so sweetly. “Fuck.”

Jungkook ducks over you, wavy hair tickling your forehead as his hot breath fans across you. Smells like the mouthwash you made him take and hints of last night’s alcohol. “Can’t help it,” he husks, capturing your lips in his. Sloppy and wet, tongue clashing with yours as he guides you along, hips slowing to rhythmic ruts that have you moaning after each roll.

A few drawn-out thrusts later and you’re coming, body so sensitive this early in the morning, and it certainly doesn’t help that Jungkook looks like that (sweaty and worn, dark eyes watching you writhe beneath him). Surprisingly, it takes him a few more rushed thrusts before he follows, barely managing to pull out in time before his sparkling cum is splattering over your tummy and the skirt bunched around it. “No,” you whine, melting into the couch. “Jeon, this is my only one,” you complain, rubbing a hand over your eyes as if that’ll somehow make your legs work again enough to push him off.

Jungkook says nothing as he tucks himself back into his boxers, chest heaving from exertion as he crashes back onto the couch. “Liar,” he responds after a moment, out of breath and half asleep again. He’s still technically hungover. Hand lazily drawing circles on your knee as you sit up, wiggling your skirt back down. He gives you this indecipherable look. “I hid the other one under your dresser.”

You smack his arm. “Why the hell would you—“

He tackles you back into the couch, presses the stain into your skirt. It must feel gross against his naked tummy, but Jungkook doesn’t seem to care. “Makes me too horny,” he announces, pout pressed against your neck. “I had a teacher fantasy the other day. Did I tell you?” You roll your eyes, resigning yourself to this new life squashed beneath your boyfriend. “You were my high school anatomy teacher and I failed, so you made me stay after school for supplemental lessons—“

“That’s an abuse of power,” you point out, back to carding your hands through his now sweaty and greasy hair. “And you would never fail an anatomy class, that’s literally your comfort area of study.”

“Listen,” he stresses, lifts his head until he’s peering at you with these humongous Bambi eyes. “You spanked me and—“

“Go get my skirt.”

#bangtanhq #networkbangtan #jungkook smut #jeon jungkook smut #jjk smut #jeon jungkook fic #jungkook fic #bts smut #jungkook x reader smut #jungkook x reader #sc universe #skirtverse #mine #skirtfic

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mythicandco · 3 years ago

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Dungeons and Dragons Adventures (Part Two, but there was never a Part One)

My character is a 13 year-old tabaxi wizard named Bird on a Bush. She’s really smart and charismatic but also extremely dumb.

There’s also Mirage (also thirteen), a tiefling wizard with a raven familiar named Sinzile; Tirion, another tiefling (except he’s a paladin) who is basically the unwilling chaperone of the group; and Chad. He’s a six-foot tall living rock. The party calls him Bastion or “The Rock” depending on who you ask because no one actually knows his name. He doesn’t talk. Everyone relies on him to wreck our enemies because half of the party is just teenaged wizards. And wizards... are wizards.

Anyways, the session started off right after a particularly bloody battle. Chad had just smashed an enemy into a wall with his hammer, and internal and external organs were everywhere. And I do mean everywhere.

Tirion’s player (bless his soul) decides it’s a good idea to “look at it to see if it’s a map.” This is the very first action anyone takes in this session. The DM, already knowing this is going to be a chaotic session, sighs and tells him to roll a d20.

Natural 20.

I could not make this shit up if I fucking tried.

The entire group starts cracking up, save for the mildly horrified DM, who quickly thinks of a way to salvage the situation. Tirion squints closely at the splattering of blood and guts on the wall and can make out the outline of a map. Apparently somebody had drawn a map on the wall earlier and when most of it was watched away, some parts are slightly stickier than others and some of the shards of bone and brain matter from our fallen enemy stick to the places were the outline of a map used to be. Tirion hastily scribbles down his findings to show to the party.

The “meat map,” as I’ve begun calling it, ends up fueling the rest of the session.

On our way to the closest X marked on the map, my character, Bird, starts humming some mindless, mildly infuriating tune. Mirage, annoyed, orders her crow familiar (Sinzile) to shut me up. It works, and the DM doesn’t even make her roll a die. Bird only ends up with a few scratches, no mortal injuries.

(Note: Mirage doesn’t actually know my character’s name. They keep calling her “cat lady,” “cardinal,” “songbird,” wren,” etc., literally anything other than her actual name.)

Once the party arrives at where we assume the X to be, Mirage sends Sinzile to “look out for anything unusual.” (Remember that wording; the DM uses this vagueness against us on multiple occasions.)

Sinzile comes flapping back frantically, and Mirage uses Share Senses to investigate. It’s a fucking scarecrow. The bird saw that the wind was making it move unnaturally and had a panic attack. The party laughs it off and salutes the DM’s wonderful sense of humor.

Meanwhile, Bird on a Bush decides it’s a brilliant idea to try to climb up onto the dilapidated farmhouse out front. I don’t roll high enough on the first try, but Bird is determined to give into her cat instincts and tries climbing again. This time, she manages to make it to the top, but immediately afterwards falls through the roof and, because she’s a wizard, knocks herself unconscious and breaks her tail.

Curiosity had, almost literally, killed the cat.

Luckily, Tirion comes to the rescue and heals my character right up, along with basically a death threat telling her not to do something like that again. Bird is in too much pain (broken tail, remember?) and too in awe of Tirion’s magic to actually pay attention to what he says.

There isn’t anything majorly exciting for a while after this, but Mirage comes up with the brilliant idea to climb up onto the Rock’s shoulders, since both Mirage and Bird are very short. Bird, eager to climb something new, has the Rock lift her up onto his shoulders, were she proceeds to become a neck pillow for the next two hours.

Tirion almost steps into a bear trap when the party investigates the barn, and also witnesses a barrel of wheat turn into rye for literally no reason. There was an inside joke I must’ve missed, because everyone else cracks up.

When the second battle of the campaign starts, a ladybug that flies onto the table and crawls around a little bit. Like, an actual ladybug. We joke that there’s a rat scuttling around outside. When the ladybug flies away, Tirion sees a rat sprout wings and take off. It’s actually a little worrying, because that’s the second hallucination he’s had in the past twenty in-game minutes.

Also, it turns out the raven was right. The scarecrow comes alive and attacks the party, plus a ton of ghouls. Everyone panics, and the DM grins smugly as we all wish we’d listened to the bird.

During the battle, an already-injured Bird on a Bush decides it’s a brilliant idea to use Burning Hands to set a barrel of alcohol on fire. The only issue? It explodes while she’s only fifteen feet away, and she falls prone. The Rock also falls over from the blast, and may I remind you this is the tank of the team. Curiosity (more like plain old idiocy) kills the cat, Part Two. Bird takes some serious damage from a ghoul and nearly dies. Luckily, the rest of the party dispatches the enemies fairly quickly and after a long rest, the tabaxi ends up being okay save for an awkwardly-twisted tail.

The next day, the party decides they should go to the next X marked on the map. Bird suggests they dig a hole to make sure they didn’t miss anything, and the other party members agree. The Rock spends the next hour digging a twenty-foot deep hole until the DM promises us there’s nothing buried underneath the ranch, so please stop digging.

We stop digging. Bird goes back to her place on the Rock’s shoulders just as it starts raining. She is no longer a neck pillow, but a wet rag.

The party comes across a group of civilians just as one of our players has to leave. The session ends just before the confrontation.

#dungeons and dragons #meat map #story #writing #tabaxi #tiefling #warforged #original universe #dnd #d&d

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celestial-archer · 4 years ago

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A Lady’s Tail Chapter 4

AO3

Ainz followed the angel leading them through the forest. The angel walked very stiffly almost like a robot. Interesting. The archangel of flames he was used to never walked. They always floated or flew through the air. They were also not covered in many different colored gems or had the assassin and ninja classes. The angel race was rather varied however. Victim was an angel and looked like an unborn fetus. Luci★Fer had the appearance of a decaying doll. Was the difference customization? The angel had to be a player’s customized NPC. After all, there were almost no players from Yggdrasil that didn’t know of the guild. Ainz kept the hope in his heart that the player was one of his old guildmates. Out of the three female guildmates, Ankoro Mocchi Mochi was the most likely. She had the tendency to create eccentric NPCs. It wasn’t too much of a stretch to assume that she had created this angel. There were very obvious contradictions but he stubbornly refused to pay them attention. It was Ankoro. It had to be. He would see her.

Ainz shifted his attention from his thoughts to Narberal and Aura when they appeared next to him. They glared daggers at the angel’s back. Narberal inconspicuously leaned slightly closer to him and whispered.

“Momon-san, should we take the chance to attack now that his guard is down?”

“Call me Ainz. I’ve already dropped my disguise so there is no need to call me Momon. And no attacking. There’s no need to restart the hostilities.”

Narberal nodded and silently retook her place behind him, but Aura was not as easily convinced. Her voice trembled with anger.

“Ainz-sama! Shouldn’t we punish him for trying to hurt you? Anyone who attempts such should be given the worst possible punishment!”

She emphasized her last words by raising her hand and clenching it like she was crushing him in the palm of her hand. Ainz softly laughed and reached his hand out to pet her head.

“Your concern is appreciated Aura, but it’ll benefit us more if we just wait to meet his ‘lady’. Be patient.”

Aura reluctantly conceded and joined Narberal behind him, still staring intently at the angel’s back. She didn’t quite pout but the discomfort of the situation was very evident on her face. It didn’t matter to him though. He wasn’t going to let anything sabotage the reunion with his friend.

The anticipation and excitement was slowly killing him. He had been in this new world for a while now and, while he enjoyed being with the NPCs, he dearly missed the company of his guildmates. It had been so long since he had seen them. It was a lucky enough occurrence to have met with Herohero before the shutdown. Now it was basically a miracle to meet one of his friends again.

Ainz smiled internally, but there was a single thought bearing down on his good mood. What would happen once Ankoro found out about the things Nazarick had done? With her positive karma, would she start to hate him? He didn’t want that and would avoid it with all his might. If giving up everything Nazarick had worked for until now was the solution, he’d do so without any hesitation. But would that even be enough? What if she didn’t forgive him? What would happen if she looked at him as a monster? How would the guardians react to that? Would it split Nazarick?

The image of a clearing about twelve feet in front of him gave him a distraction. He hurried his steps, for once not worrying about the NPCs’ image of him. Even if Aura and Narberal thought less of him for his haste, he wouldn’t care. What mattered was seeing his friend again. Whatever happened, he would work through it with Ankoro and they would be comrades once again. He passed the angel easily. The sounds of Aura and Narberal following behind him were audible, but he didn’t give it any notice. This was it! This was the moment he would no longer be alone. The moment that would make everything ok. The moment that would cure his worries. The moment that would give him hope for the future and the rise of the guild of Ainz Ooal Gown.

The clearing was within a few feet now and a figure shrouded by the bushes was visible. He was so close! The leaves parted easily with a wave of his hand and the figure became clear.

“Momonga!”

A figure that was not Ankoro Mocchi Mochi yelled out with a voice that was also not Ankoro’s. Ainz froze in place staring at the figure.

Not Ankoro.

The sounds around him deafened leaving only the barest whisper of the wind. Devastation, anger, sadness, swirled inside him like a storm, then nothing... His emotion suppression crushed his emotions into dust, leaving him feeling like an empty husk and, for once it felt like a blessing.

________________

“Momonga!”

Kelpie couldn’t help herself when Momonga revealed himself. All the excitement and suspense exploded out of her in the form of a shout. He was here! He was actually here! It was almost too good to be true! She snickered at him freezing the moment he saw her. She had done the exact same thing, but it was still amusing to see him like that. What she wouldn’t give to know what he was thinking at that moment. He was probably just as excited as her since they both found a friend in this new world.

Narberal, aura, then Goren appeared a few moments after Momonga. It was so cool to see Naberal and Aura in person! She wondered if this was what people felt like seeing their friends’s kids all grown up. It wasn't that long ago she had seen them in Yggdrasil. She glanced over to Goren to gauge his impression of them, but his expression was just as stoic as always. Probably should have expected that from someone with stationary facial features and no mouth. Hopefully in time they would become amiable with each other if not friends.

She looked back to Momonga but he was still frozen in place. Seems like the surprise had been bigger than expected. She should break him out of his stupor. With a chuckle she slithered over to him and reached out to touch his shoulder.

Boom

Aura’s whip slammed into the ground where Kelpie had just jumped away from.

Clash

Goren slashed his dagger towards Aura and was parried by Narberal’s sword. All three of them stayed a safe distance away with their weapons drawn crouched in an attack stance. Aura snapped her whip taut threateningly and shouted.

“How dare you try to touch him?!”

Kelpie lazily stared at Aura. It seemed like Aura didn’t remember her, a little disappointing. It had just been a quick meeting in Yggdrasil though, so it made sense. She waved at Goren.

“Stand down, this is all a misunderstanding.”

He glanced between her and the two NPCs, calculating the risk of following her orders. After a moment, he dropped his battle stance and went to Kelpie’s side, keeping his eyes on the two. Kelpie smiled and nodded towards him in satisfaction, then turned her attention back to Aura. She got as close as Aura allowed, which was a few feet, and lifted her hands to show she was unarmed.

“I’m a friend of Momonga and Zoba. I met you and your brother a while ago. I tried to touch him because he seemed very shocked by my appearance.”

Aura stared at her blankly then blinked her eyes and relaxed the grip on her whip for a second, before tightening it and narrowing her eyes.

“You could be lying to us! You could have done something to him to cause this!”

Kelpie couldn’t help but smile at her. She always had a fondness for kids and Aura was just super adorable.

“Ok why don’t you ask him yourself? I promise I didn’t do anything.”

She kept her hands up in full view as she said this. Aura glared and glanced between her and Momonga.

“Narberal go confirm that Ainz-sama is ok.”

Aura kept her eyes glued on Kelpie as Narberal moved to Momonga’s side and softly called out to him. With a jolt, Momonga’s red eyes brightened in awareness and he looked around. He coughed into his hand and waved off the concern of Aura and Narberal.

“Ah forgive me, I got lost in my thoughts. Aura, you can relax. She means us no harm.”

He gave Aura a pat on the shoulder as he passed by and approached Kelpie.

“It’s been quite a while hasn’t it?”

He opened his mouth in an attempt to show a friendly smile but without facial muscles, it gave the impression that he wasn’t finished talking. Kelpie raised one eyebrow with a smile.

“A while? It hasn’t been that long. I mean I saw you at the shutdown... Wait no, I forgot that I didn’t message you. Well before that it had been like maybe two weeks? It wasn’t a long meeting per se, but still a meeting. So about three weeks counting the time we’ve been here. But i’m so happy to see you! I was worried I was gonna be here with only Goren to keep me company.”

“....You’ve only been here a week?”

“Yes? How long have you been here?”

Momonga looked off to the side with an unreadable expression, thinking about something. Just looking at it gave Kelpie the sense of something deeply disturbing him. She reached a hand out to comfort him, but he sighed and straightened up before she could.

“Is there a place we can talk privately?”

“Uh yeah, absolutely. Follow me and I’ll take us there. Goren, lead Aura and Narberal to the guest’s lounge.”

“Excellent.”

________________

The room Kelpie led Momonga to was the designated meeting room. It was furnished with a long dark treant wood table with padded chairs around it. The room had been built only for the aesthetic. There weren’t many people she was friendly enough with to show her base, let alone have a meeting with. Normally she would have led Momonga to the lounge so he could be comfortable but with their NPCs and the seriousness he showed, this room felt more adequate.

She looked at the wall in front of her. The indent was easy to find, but she hesitated to push it. The realization hit her that she had never shown him her base before. She was very proud of her base and everything that was in it, but it could be seen as ugly to Momonga. Afterall, he was the guildmaster of the greatest designed base in all of Yggdrasil. It was impossible to find one more ornately decorated. Hers paled in comparison to it.

She glanced behind her to see his reaction. Her voice betrayed her, letting out a small yelp when she did. Momonga was staring directly at her and appeared confused at her peeking. Turning back towards the door, she tried to pretend nothing had happened.

“Is something wrong?”

“No! Nothings wrong haha.”

Ok, so he didn’t look like he was judging her base. This was good. She was good. She clenched her fist tight and finally slid her hand into the indent. The door opened easily but instead of it being silent like usual, the stone scraping on the floor was so loud and horrible it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. Fuck, did he hear it too? She hoped not.

She slid to the side and gestured for him to go first, anxiously following him when he did.The door slid shut behind them, still audibly horrible. Momonga took the opportunity to drop down into the closest chair and roll his shoulders back. Kelpie copied him, taking the chair next to him and relaxing into it. Maybe both of them were anxious.

She gave him a crooked smile.

“You’ve been pretty stressed huh? Makes sense though. When I first arrived, I couldn’t help but freak out. I even ended up passing out after…after a panic attack.”

She narrowly avoided telling Momonga about the massacre of the village. If possible, she didn’t want to let him know anything about her new violent tendencies and eating habits.

“Yes, it's certainly been an interesting adjustment. It’s actually near impossible for me to freak out. I have an emotional regulator that suppresses any strong emotions I feel.”

“Really?” Kelpie asked in interest, “That sounds both useful and annoying. I’ve dealt with muted emotions before and it’s not always the best.”

Kelpie took a moment to look Momonga over. His skeletal face was still emotionless. Of course it was, There were no muscles to contract and show a change. She imagined herself smacking her forehead. Still, it felt like there was some lingering negativity hanging over him.

“Are you doing ok? If I can do anything to make things better, just let me know. I promise to do so with the best of my abilities..”

Momonga opened his mouth to say something, then closed it. He visibly mulled something over in his mind, then spoke tiredly.

“Yes, I’m ok. I’m just...happy to see you.”

It was obvious that he was leaving something unspoken but didn’t point it out. It was likely just as obvious to him that she was doing the same. They stared at each other, then looked away as an awkward silence took over the room. What should she say to him? There was so much but so little to say. I’m happy to see you too, but also terrified that you’re here. I’ve done things that would make another sick and enjoyed it. By the way, I have a prisoner in one of these rooms that I plan to eat later. She puffed out a laugh then pretended it was a cough fit when Momonga glanced at her.

“I-”

“How-”

They both spoke at the same time, cutting each other off, and creating even more awkward silence.

“You-”

They cut each other off again and stared at each other. Kelpie began chuckling and Momonga followed suit until they were full on laughing. With a smile, she motioned her hand for him to go first. Momonga opened his mouth in a smile and asked.

“How did you end up here? You said that you’d be here for a week, but i’ve actually been here with all the NPCs and the tomb of Nazarick for around two months.”

“What? That’s so weird! Um well, I didn’t really do anything special. I was just waiting for the countdown to end and, when it did, my avatar became my actual body. I could feel things and move my body freely. I found that Goren had become alive and that the base had been transported to a random mountain by a forest. I really don’t know how it happened.”

“Goren? Is that the angel that led us here?”

“Oh yeah, haha I guess I never really showed him to anyone except Zoba. He’s my NPC. I made him from a world item.”

Momonga caressed his chin.

“Interesting. I also ended up here after the shutdown ended. Nazarick was moved to grasslands. Neither of us seems to understand what happened or why we came at different times.”

“Seems so,” Kelpie laughed happily causing the corner of her eyes to crinkle. “How has it been with all the NPCs of Nazarick? Goren has this extremely elevated view of me. Get this, he considers me some kind of goddess. In his mind I can do no wrong. It's ridiculous, I've literally fallen unconscious in front of him.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah! Can you believe it? How could someone see me as something as all powerful as a goddess.”

“No, not that. I can believe that. Those in Nazarick act the same exact way. But you’ve been vulnerable in front of him and he’s still as revering?”

Kelpie peered at him with an eyebrow raised.

“Yes?” She said, purposefully extending the word in confusion. “I’ve tried to get him to stop being so strict and awe-inspired all the time but no such luck. I’m pretty sure it makes him happy, so I’ve just been treating him the way he wants to be treated.”

“Huh.”

Momonga peered off to the side with his hand on his mouth, deep in thought. She tilted her head and stared at him, trying to understand what he was thinking about.

“Why did you want to know?”

He turned his head a small amount to look at her, answered her, then focused back on his thoughts.

“It’s just related to something i’ve been contemplating for awhile. Give me a moment.”

She nodded and waited patiently. A minute passed when he suddenly stood up.

“Alright, I want to try something. Would yo-”

A loud scream of pain and anguish echoed through the cave, cutting him off. A very sudden and unpleasant realization hit Kelpie. Shit, shit, shit, shit, no no no no no! He can’t find out about this. Momonga quickly turned toward the direction the sound had come from as she rushed towards the door. He started to ask her what was up, but she dashed out before he could finish. There was no way she was gonna try to explain this. Covering it up before he could find out would be for the best.

She pushed her body as fast as it would go down the hall until she reached the guest’s lounge. The door ground loudly against the wall as she threw it open with all her strength. Large splinters of stone cracked off and flew in all directions. She shoved her head into the room but it was completely void of people. An angry hiss, sounding closer to glass shattering than a snake hiss, burst from her throat. Fuck! Where had they gone?

She shouldn’t have left punishing the thieving bastard to Goren! Her fist slammed into the wall, leaving a large indent in her anger. Now she had no clue what room the man was in and couldn’t silence him. Her nails dug into her skull as she pulled her hair in frustration. There were so many rooms where the man could be. He could even be in one of the empty rooms. She shouldn’t have left the man alive! If she had killed him, she wouldn’t be in this situation. She gnashed her teeth together and tried to think. Where would Goren have taken him? Think, think, think.

Suddenly, bony hands grabbed hers and pulled them away from her skull. Her shoulders sank with disappointment and she looked up to see exactly who she didn’t want to. Momonga’s face was leaning over hers. She couldn’t see it, but she knew he was scrutinizing her facial expression that was scrunched up with fear and anger. Momonga released a sigh and, still holding onto her hands, moved to be in front of her. This wasn’t what she wanted! She didn’t want him to find out! She harshly yanked her arms away, trying to escape, but he just tightened his grip in response. Defeated, she let her head hang down limply, avoiding his eye contact and hiding her shame.

“Tell me what's wrong.”

She flinched at the solemn seriousness in his voice.

“Momonga...I...I can’t. Please don’t ask me that.”

Small tears rolled down her cheeks as a harsh tightness squeezed her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. She couldn’t tell him. She just couldn’t. His grip loosened at her statement and she tried to pull away slowly so he wouldn’t notice. About half of her hand slipped out of his when he grabbed her wrists again.

“If it was any less serious I would wait until you were ready to tell me, but,” He pulled her up by her arms so she was looking at him again. He shook his head, then her left hand to bring her attention to it. “You made yourself bleed and didn’t even notice.”

Now that he mentioned it, she could see blood coating her fingers. There was a lot and she started to feel the pain. The top of her head was incredibly hot and stung like salt poured onto a wound. There was even a small trickle of wetness trailing down the side of her head. How deep had she cut into her skin? She squeezed her eyes shut, then took a shuddering breath and opened them to stare into Momonga’s eyes.

“I don’t...know what to say. I just can’t tell you. Just, please.”

She released the sob she was holding back. Heavier tears slid down her face and fell onto the floor with a soft plop. She shoved her face into her bicep to silence her wails but the muffled sound was still fairly audible.

There was a moment of awkwardness as Momonga stood there in uncertainty. He fidgeted nervously before he gently let go of her wrists and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. Caressing her head lightly, he whispered.

“Hey, it’s ok. I’m sure we can figure it out. You uh can take the time you need. It’ll be ok.”

Surprisingly the bony arms around her felt warm and comforting. Her eyes burned as the tears flowed faster. It was so shameful to have him comfort her. If he knew the horrible things she had done, he wouldn’t even want to touch her. He would throw her away in disgust and she wouldn’t even blame him.

They stayed there for several minutes until the last of her tears ran dry. She gently pushed him away and he let her without any resistance. Embarrassed, she turned her head to the side, sniffling, and refused to look at him. Momonga pulled a handkerchief out and held it out for her. Without turning her head, she moved her eyes to look at him. His mouth was halfway open in a sort of small smile. A watery laugh escaped her. She forgot how cute he could be sometimes. She ran a hand through her hair and winced at the stab of pain that hit her. Right, that. She pulled her hand away to examine it. There were only small clumps and flakes of dried blood, so it was safe to assume the wound had clotted. She took a deep breath in, then let it out before finally turning back to Momonga and gently taking the handkerchief with a small smile. Her fingers brushed out the wrinkles before she blew her nose into it.

“I bet I look so attractive right now,” She joked, carefully putting the handkerchief away and striking a silly pose.

Momonga froze a moment before bursting out laughing.

“Absolutely, second to no one!”

Kelpie joined in laughing for a few moments before her smile turned sad again.

“...Is there anything I can do to make you forget all of this?”

“No,” Momonga replied shaking his head, “There’s obviously something deeply troubling you and, as your friend, I can’t just ignore that.”

He reached his hand out to pat her head, but retracted it, remembering her injury. He pulled a potion out from his inventory and poured it onto her head. The red liquid pooled on her head, then evaporated with a green glow, knitting her skin back together. Once it finished, he pet her head soothingly.

“You didn’t even think to use a potion on your injury.”

His voice was full of concern causing her chest to tighten uncomfortably. She brushed his hand off with a grimace and ran her own through her hair to fix it.

“...I would have with time. You’ve been here longer than me, old man. You know more.”

Momonga gave her a pointed stare and sighed.

“I’m not that old and you’re deflecting.”

Kelpie opened her mouth to dispute him, but closed it after seeing his expression. There was an aura of sterness around him. She gave in with a quiet voice.

“Alright, I’ll be easier if I were to show you. I hope you won’t hate me for it.”

Now that she was calmer she could think more clearly. She didn’t know which room the man was in, but she could easily find out. She took out a message scroll and burned it, sending the message to Goren, making sure to speak soft enough that Momonga could not easily overhear.

“Goren, I need to know where you are keeping the man we captured.”

The reply came immediately.

“Yes, my lady. It is the room to the left of my quarters. I’m currently there with Aura and Narberal, would you like me to come escort you?”

“....Repeat that.”

“Yes, my lady. It is the room to the left of my quarters. I’m currently there with Aura and Narberal, would you like me to come escort you?”

She stared blankly at the wall as she internalized his statement. Goren was at the torture room with Aura and Narberal. Aura and Narberal, who were the NPCs of the Great Tomb of Nazarick and reported to Momonga. Kelpie covered her face with her hands and screamed internally. She wouldn’t even get the chance to show him first and explain herself.

“Kelpie?”

“My lady?”

Both Goren and Momonga spoke at the same time, concerned about her silence and behavior. She tilted her head back and took a deep breath. Things kept getting worse but she could do this. She already cried all her tears so she was good on that end. The only thing that could go wrong was never being able to interact with Momonga again. Why on earth would she have to worry about that?!

“Hahahaha yes, I’m fine. Perfectly fine, 100% fine. I don’t need an escort. We will be there soon.

“Understood.” Goren said before the message ended.

She twirled around to face Momonga and gave a large forced smile.

“Shall we get going then?”

________________

“...Yes.”

Ainz answered her with some hesitance. He wanted to bring up the forced cheer she was forcing on herself, but if he did, it might just distract both of them again. It was both frustrating and worrying to have so much happen in so little time. A part of him whispered if it had been any of his guildmates that had come here, he wouldn’t have so much trouble. He’d know the right thing to say and would be able to help. There would be more trust between them and more familiarity. It was a selfish thought that he couldn’t get rid of. It hung above him everytime he spoke with her. Everything would be easier if someone else had come. Ainz smiled bitterly and shoved the thought to the corner of his mind. It would be better if the thought stayed off to the side indefinitely.

Kelpie began to move down the hallway and he quickly followed after her. Her gait was more awkward than earlier. She held herself very upright and straight, similar to how he walked as the ruler of Nazarick, except it looked very unnatural on her. He didn’t know her as much as others, but he knew a good amount of her personality. She was very headstrong and casual. She walked with purpose, but also with a relaxed posture. The only times she walked like that was when she felt she was walking to some sort of guillotine. Not a walk of shame, but a walk of stubborn pride in the middle of doom. He recalled a story he heard her tell in the past of how she had gotten in trouble with her boss. She thought she was gonna get fired the next time she came in, but didn’t want to avoid it. So the next time she came in, she walked with her back straight and with purpose. If she was gonna get fired, she’d do it while being brave. That same fear and bravery showed in her current posture.

What was making her feel so trapped and terrified? Was it him? He hoped not. He didn’t want the awkwardness and avoidance to continue. Letting her continue this way and eventually avoid him was not an option. He would not go back to the loneliness of being only Nazarick’s ruler.

Kelpie suddenly stopped in front of him and he did the same. She turned to the side and stared intently at the wall. It looked the same as every other wall except for the small indent that was on every other door. He moved around her to see better, but didn’t notice anything worth giving her pause. Ainz didn’t have the intelligence that Demiurge or Albedo had, but he was still smart enough to notice signs of hesitance. Similar hesitance to what he displayed before meeting the guardians. She didn’t want to go inside. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder and asked.

“Would you like me to go first?”

Her eyes stayed locked on the wall and her fists trembled from the strength she gripped them with.

“...No. I can do this and I will.”

She took a deep breath while tilting her head back, then let it out. He resisted the urge to pat her back. It would likely not be helpful to either of them. Her eyes opened and she surged forward. The door slowly slid open and the thick scent of iron wafted out. Metal? Right, she had the blacksmith class, but why would she be worried about showing him a smithery?

She motioned him forward and he did so, stepping into the room. The first thing he noticed was the much stronger scent. The second was the NPCs gathered in the middle of the room. The last was a huddled figure the NPCs were gathered around. A huddled figure dripping with blood with his eyes rolled back in unconsciousness. Ainz froze staring at the scene. If he had eyelids, he would be blinking repeatedly. Of all the things he expected to be in the room, this was the most unlikely of all.

But really, didn’t it make sense? Ainz began to chuckle, then full out laugh, drawing the attention of all the other inhabitants. Of course! He knew her character had a low karma just like he did. Not as much as he did, but still low. Why hadn’t he thought of this? He had also done absolutely evil deeds, he should have recognized a scream of pain. His emotions numbed back down as his emotional suppressor hit him. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, he really hated that thing sometimes. Aura captured his attention with a yell as she motioned him over.

“Ainz-sama, you should see this! Narberal and I have never seen this before.”

Ainz smiled and came to see what she was referring to, leaving a shell shocked Kelpie behind him. Aura beamed at him and pointed to an object within the angel’s hand. His name was Goren if Ainz remembered right. He was holding a bright purple gem within his hands. Ainz stroked his chin with interest.

“Tell me about it.”

Instead of Aura responding as Ainz expected, Goren spoke.

“It was given to me by my lady. I do not possess a high enough level to know its name, but I know it attacks a person’s soul. We’ve been experimenting with it on this man.”

Ainz’s eyes lit up with interest and delight. The collector in him was fascinated at the rare item.

“Hoh? That’s a Spectral Amethyst. I’ve tried several times in the past to get one but was never successful. It's quite amazing that Kelpie was able to get one.”

Aura and Narberal immediately set their sights on the gem, intent on trying to get it, but Goren pulled it away and shielded it from view.

“I apologize but it was a gift from my lady. I will not give it away.”

Ainz was filled with mirth at the statement. Of course! He wouldn’t give away such a valuable item either.

“Don’t worry. I won’t try to take it. I’m simply curious about the effects of the gem and why you have the man tied up.”

Goren gave a nod and brought the gem closer to Ainz so he could see it better.

“Understood. We’ve noticed when we bring the gem in contact with his body and have the intent to harm, he receives excruciating pain. If the intent is missing, it does nothing except steal the man’s body heat. It took a full minute of contact with intent for the fool to pass out. He’s tied up because he dared to cheat my lady. She has been gracious enough to let me punish him with the stipulation he be kept alive.”

Aura piped in with Narberal nodding in agreement.

“It’s been very interesting! I think Neuronist would find it especially so.”

“Very informative. Why does the man need to be kept alive? Does he have valuable information?”

“That is because my la-”

“Goren!”

Kelpie’s voice cut off Goren’s words and all eyes turned to look at her. She flushed red with embarrassment and tried to brush off her outburst.

“Ah ahem… I will explain the rest to him. Ainz, would you follow me?”

She didn’t wait for an answer and simply slithered out the door. Ainz silently applauded her choice. He didn’t want to explain things to her in front of the NPCs either. He stepped out to see her leaning against the wall with one hand covering her red face. Her voice was choked like she was about to cry again.

“I, well, the truth is… the truth is Ihavetoeathumanoidstolive”

Her face was scrunched up tight when she rushed the last words andAinz stared at her in confusion. The words had garbled together, so he wasn’t able to understand it.

“I couldn’t understand. Could you repeat that?”

“I uh said that I um have to eat humanoids to live.”

Her voice lowered to a whisper at the end but he was able to understand this time.

“Really?” He asked with an amazed tone.

“Yes, uh I think it's from being a man eating naga. I tried it out and can’t eat other food...Wait, why aren’t you upset with me??”

Her voice was incredulous as she asked but Ainz couldn’t do anything but smile in response.

“I was worried about the same thing actually. I’ve probably done things worse than you have and thought you may hate me for it.”

“What? I, I guess you also don’t feel guilty about what you’ve done either.”

“No, not really. I know the human side of me would be disgusted but I just don’t feel anything about it.”

Kelpie shifted her eyes away.

“I don’t feel guilt, but I feel regret? Sadness?Some kind of way I don’t know how to describe. There are so many new emotions that I don’t know how to deal with or categorize. I feel so lost. I thought when you found out, you’d be disgusted and never want to see me. Maybe there was even a part of me that wanted it, so I could actually feel bad about it.”

Her breathing quickened and she clutched her throat at the beginning of a panic attack. Moving quickly, he pulled her into another hug and rubbed her back soothingly.

“I can’t claim to know what to do about everything, but I know that things’ll be easier with the two of us together. We’ll figure it out. Ok?”

Kelpie nodded into his chest and he ignored the wetness on the front of his robe.

“Once you feel better, how about you come with us to Nazarick and officially meet the NPCs? I’ll properly explain things so you won’t get attacked again.”

Kelpie laughed and leaned back to look at him.

“I don’t know, it keeps my skills fresh”

Ainz opened his mouth into a large grin.

“In that case, i’ll have them all attack you at once. See how long you last.”

“I said keep my skills fresh, not murder me.”

They both smiled at each other, then began to laugh. Kelpie let go of him and lightly slapped his arm.

“Thanks Momonga.”

“You’re welcome, though i’ve actually changed my name to Ainz Ooal Gown.”

“Pff well aren’t you the little narcissist? Naming yourself after the guild.”

“I uh well i just thought it would help others find me, you know?”

Kelpie laughed harder and gave him a soft smile.

“I do, thank you...Ainz.”

#overlord #oc #my oc #kelpie #a lady's tail #chapter 4 #my writing

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ut-sudden-changes · 5 years ago

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Deltarune Chapter 2: My take

I made these awhile ago but never found the right time to post them, and since Toby has already posted stuff on twitter about his plans, I thought I might as well. This is just a fanfic basically, obvious Deltarune Chapter 1 spoilers in bound.

Chapter 2 would start off with Kris waking up and easily getting out of bed, they flash a smile at the still trapped soul which you control and leave through the door. After a few seconds you can oscillate between left and right to eventually topple the wagon over, opening the cage door and letting you escape. You can’t change rooms due to just being a soul, so you move the soul under Asriel’s bed, now in control of your new vessel.

Asriel’s old plush, Snuffles. Obvious everyman reference in design also. As you make your way through the house, there’s a little escape gameplay element where you need to leave without being noticed by Toriel. Snuffles is hard to control, and can occasionally flop over if moved too fast. It’s made obvious that this is not a preferred vessel but currently it’s the only option you’ve got.

Your goal is to take back control.

Managing to leave the house, you shamble your way but collapse in front of the gated entrance to Noelle’s home, some time passes and Noelle finds your plushy bottom fallen on the street.

She’s wondering who lost their toy, and thinks the kid who lost this must be feeling pretty sad right now. She briefly mentions having to go see Kris and Susie since they want to show her something, and so she doesn’t have the time to find the kid who owns this. She thinks aloud about bringing this to the lost and found at the police station.

Noelle carries the plush to the police station, Undyne opens the door, Napstablook can be heard telling her that it isn’t office hours but Undyne tells them to sit tight since it’ll be quick. Noelle says she wants to hand over the plush to the police since somebody lost it. Undyne replies something like “Hell yeah! I’ve been wanting to buy a new punching bag!” This throws Noelle off and she reconsiders handing you to the police and instead is walking closer to the school while still holding on to the plush.

As she is walking, a familiar theme can be heard getting louder and louder, until BAM. Noelle loses her balance, falls, and the plush flies out of her hands and into a bush. She is knocked out.

Who is the person who accidently knocked her out? Why it’s the average at best Papyrus!

Papyrus drops Noelle off at the clinic to heal, but accidentally (or maybe not) keeps the plush. The scene jumpcuts to Papyrus in the school in the classroom full of random cards. He puts Snuffles down next to the Seam plush, and starts cleaning the room up, talking aloud how he’s doing a favor for his brother. He talks about how his brother is going to be starting a new job as a teacher here, making a callback to the line “haven’t you heard of a guy with multiple jobs?”.

Kris comes into the room, this is the hangout session they promised to do yesterday. Papyrus introduces himself, and Kris actually talks.

Papyrus talks abit about himself to liven the mood. Kris talks about how it’s a good thing that everything is being moved into a single place, but mentions how they hope nothing gets lost. As Kris looks through the items in the room, they pause when they end up at Snuffles. They ask Papyrus where he got this plush, Papyrus responds saying he picked it up from one of Santa’s henchmen, Kris mentions how “odd” that is-- this is their brother’s favorite stuff animal. It’s a precious family heirloom. One would perish the thought of breaking into the Dreemurr household and stealing this prized possession which holds so much value.

It might end up horribly if that person didn’t consider the consequences of their actions.

Papyrus laughs it off, and thinks that they’ve spent enough time cleaning the room. Sans can do the rest himself! Papyrus asks if Kris would want to go on a picnic with him in the other part of town, Papyrus being the amazing friend candidate he is had a picnic prepared filled with his favorite dish-- pizza.

Kris humbly denies, saying that they have prior plans with a few friends but hopes Papyrus goes anyway just to enjoy themselves and possibly see some more of the town.

Papyrus is disheartened but says it’s fine. The scene jumps to Papyrus having a picnic set in the park, and Papyrus starts talking to Snuffles. Papyrus is talking to the plush as if it were alive, like you would a stuffed teddy bear, and the Player is able to answer prompts to imply emotions. Each time you answer a question, Papyrus drinks some more orange soda, and when he’s gouging around in the picnic basket to try and find some you are given control over the plush again.

You move closer to the water, and there is somebody waiting for you.

Not a single word is spoken. You know what you have to do. You have an appointment you promised yesterday to be at.

The sound of the engine roars to life, and you dash off towards the center of the lake.

The riverperson speaks:

“Long ago...

Two races ruled the earth.

But you already knew that, right?”

You’ve reached your destination, a decrepit island, overgrown but showing signs of life. There is a giant concrete structure, the only identifier being a sign which says “LAB”. You enter, a display monitor shows a camera feed focused on Snuffles. You move forward and in the center of the room there is a pool, Snuffles is frozen in place. Bubbles appear. More bubbles. And slowly from the murky depths....

Rises exactly who you needed to see.

With the help of your new friend, you manage to enter the Dark world.

You control the Everyman as you make your way through the Labyrinth, a Dark World filled with fish life, anime references, dog food, and a floating head who calls itself Your Only Friend. Eventually as you continue to explore, you end up on the opposite end of an encounter with Kris, Noelle, and Susie. Lancer and Ralsei are with them. You fight back but are defeated, torn to shreds, Kris dealing the killing blow. Everything fades to black as the classroom fades into view.

Susie wonders what the hell happened, they didn’t seal off the fountain of darkness that popped up in the Labyrinth... did they? Noelle then suggests maybe the plush itself was the source of Darkness. Kris says “Good riddance.”

The camera pans upwards into the black part of the room, black fading in to cover anything still visible.

You are back at similar sequence to the start of Chapter 1.

CONNECTION HAS BEEN SEVERED.

A VESSEL IS REQUIRED TO CONTINUE.

CONTINUE?

Y/N

If you select N, this pops up

“AND SO THE WORLD STOPPED SPINNING.”

and the game closes itself.

If you select Y, this pops up

“DON’T YOU HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO?”

Asgore’s flower room fades into view. He’s watering the flowers and taking every care of them. The destroyed Snuffles is seen in the other part of the room. He pulls out a needle and thread.

“Asriel’s going to be here any day now... Seeing Snuffles in this state would leave him with a lot of heartache...”

Asgore goes to the plush and you can see him start to repair it, facing towards the wall.

The golden flower in the center of the room starts to shake.

A red soul appears above, and descends into the flower.

The flower shakes. It convulses violently.

And you’re exactly where you were meant to be.

[ END CHAPTER 2.]

#Deltarune #Deltarune Chapter 2 #Fanfic #Kris #Papyrus #Noelle #Onionsan #Susie #Riverperson

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toonpunk-game · 4 years ago

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GMs only 1: Some Basic Characters

Psst! Hey, this post is for GMs only: specifically, it’s a bunch of advice on how to use the characters outlined in my previous post about characters. We’ll be posting these separately, so as not to ruin the surprise for our readers--who definitely exist, there are definitely more than 2 of, and are not at all figments of my imagination brought on by my desperate desire for acknowledgement by someone, literally anyone, who is not one of my parents.

BEING PAPA MALORN

Papa Malorn never wanted to be a mob boss. In fact, he wanted to be a police officer when he was younger. The bombing changed him forever: he spent his youth on a quest for revenge, and when it was over he was a hard man with an empire at his command. He started down the road to infamy on the day his parents’ killer was sentenced: his name was Bartosz Juspeczyk, and he was innocent.

Thomas knew William Hackerschmidt killed his parents: while in the hospital, Hackerschmidt visited him and revealed his affiliation with the Zamboni crime family—who, he claimed, had masterminded the Malorns’ deaths for refusing to enable the Zambonis’ black market shipping. While Hackerschmidt extended an offer of employment, Thomas rebuffed him harshly. Three days later, Juspeczyk was falsely sentenced to death; and Thomas was livid when the District attorney categorically refused to re-examine the case. That was when Thomas resolved to take justice into his own hands—and though it took him decades, he eventually earned it.

The specifics of his career need not be dwelt upon. What must be understood is that to him, crime was only ever a means of revenge: everything he did, he did to hurt the Zamboni family. He attacked their members and burned their businesses; he founded a gang of his own, and steadily grew it into an empire; and he even funded Ariel Levitt’s mayoral campaign.

Now, two years after destroying the family, he looks at his empire as more of a business than anything else. He does not really consider himself a mafioso, even though that is what he is. If asked, he will describe himself as an anarcho-capitalist: he provides services that the government cannot be relied upon for, and does well by doing good. His hatred and distrust of the established system is so great that he truthfully believes this: in his eyes, his augmentation smuggling is a perfectly reasonable alternative to expensive legitimate channels; and his protection rackets ensure safety that the police and fire departments can’t or won’t provide.

AS AN ALLY OF THE PLAYERS

Papa Malorn is a simple man with simple rules: “if you don’t interfere with my business, I don’t kill you.” Players will find him to be amicable and open-minded. While he fiercely defends his employees and those he is paid to protect, he is unusually moralistic for a mob boss—to the point that he has made several non-competitive decisions regarding other criminal organizations in Saskatoon for the sake of keeping his employees out of harm’s way. That being said, he is also a man of ambition—and he fully intends to run the city one day.

He is an ideal source of employment for players who are embroiled in the underworld, but not necessarily wicked people. Malorn might hire them to do something as morally grey as foil an arson attempt by a rival gang, or bust up a drug dealer who has been dealing to children. Perhaps he might even be called upon to provide manpower for the players’ heist, or discretely leverage his connection to Ariel Levitt to make key evidence against the players disappear.

AS AN ENEMY OF THE PLAYERS

As simple as he is to have as an ally, Malorn is even simpler to have as an enemy. There are several behaviors he considers worthy of enmity: specifically stealing from or bringing harm to his friends, employees, or protectorates. If someone interferes with his business then he will, quite simply, try to destroy them. He will not beat around the bush, and he will not take his time: as soon as he learns who has wronged him, and where they can be found, he’ll send a few lads over with pistols and pipes to stove their head in.

If the players should prove better than average at resisting his henchmen, Malorn has several other tricks up his sleeve: he will hire mercenaries or other toonpunks to dispatch them, and if all else fails he’ll show up and do some ass kicking himself.

BEING WALKER STONE

Being Walker Stone is a very simple thing: be hardnosed, be unyielding, and be singularly devoted to the greater good. Despite his past as a villain, he means what he says about his motivations and his intentions: he opposes crime and wrongdoing. Do not mistake him for a Javert, however: his only goal is to ensure the health and well-being of as many people as possible, and he sees the law as the most efficient way to do it. It is nothing but a tool to him, and if it stops being the best way to ensure safety in Saskatoon, he will bend or even break it.

It is this fact that has placed several skeletons deep in his closet for the enterprising player to find. He has broken several major regulations during his time as commissioner, and he keeps these secrets buried deep—though perhaps not deep enough to evade keen-eyed investigators. First and foremost, he has cheated his continuity test: by recording the answers he gives on the test and leaving them as a coded note to himself in his journal, he has been able to successfully create the illusion of being identical between incarnations, regardless of how each one changes over time—an illusion that has allowed him to maintain his office even between deaths.

His second great secret—though this one is far less actionable—is that he has a very low opinion of Mayor Levitt, and considers him a mere pawn in his plans for the city: a smiling face and trustworthy image to which he can affix himself, and nothing more. Unbeknownst to him, Levitt thinks much the same—and is in fact a secret criminal kingpin, who cleverly uses Walker to further his own nefarious designs. A clever GM can leverage this dynamic numerous ways.

As a character, Walker is quiet and thoughtful—he likes to have as much information as possible before committing to any action, no matter how minor. When he speaks, he will be to-the-point and blunt, perhaps even standoffish; he does not like to repeat himself, because he is secretly ashamed of his lilting Southern drawl. Bear this in mind when writing dialogue for the character.

AS A FRIEND OF THE PLAYERS

Walker Stone, even though he is a stubborn police officer, is more likely to be a friend of the players than the Mayor. Despite running on the same anti-crime platform, he is not above cutting corners in the name of justice: he will tolerate vigilantes, spies, or thieves working in the common interest (but never admit so, obviously). If the players are particularly outspoken against organized crime, or even a particularly immoral corporation, Stone might even contract them for work the police cannot legally handle—though he will no doubt insist that the operation remain bloodless, and that the player characters minimize collateral damage.

He might be a valuable asset to player characters who work for justice, even if they use slightly illegal methods. As a GM, you might have him deprioritize ongoing investigations into the players’ capers, or deliberately slow police response times to their crime scenes. However, it is easy to lose his loyalty, and difficult to maintain it: if the players begin killing police officers, Stone will turn on them in a heartbeat; and it is entirely possible that a nefarious enemy might uncover his connection to the players and take measures to have Stone ousted from his position.

AS AN ENEMY OF THE PLAYERS

For murderous or chaotic players, Walker Stone is a dangerous foe. He does not abide killers, anarchists, or rabble-rousers. He does not despise their crimes per se, but rather what they represent: criminals like these are a threat to his vision of a safer Saskatoon. He does not take his work personally, but nevertheless pursues it with the compulsive obsession of a perfectionist. If the players earn his ire, they will find him to be ruthless, and utterly implacable: they can expect the police to shoot on sight, and shoot to kill. No matter how many times they kill him he will keep returning to command, more determined than before. Killing him will prove borderline impossible—removing him from power will be much easier for your players to attempt, in that it will merely be very difficult.

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vulturnus · 4 years ago

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Obey Me AU, idk if you can consider it horror or not but who knows

CW for death, body horror, the usual

So maybe, the MC is killed in a sudden accident and sent to the borders of hell. As you initially enter, they wonder what they could’ve done to deserve hell as a punishment, but are at a loss since they find it impossible that minor actions such as being rude or stealing could have caused such a fate. As they enter they are swept into a large mass of other recently dead, only to be met by the Avatar of Pride and the Prince of Devils, who welcome their group to hell. They can not be saved, and their only way to maintain some livelihood is to better their fellow guests and lower level demons by stealing and the like as those who rank higher such as other avatars are seperated. You can still feel tired, hungry, hurt, but you can’t die or disappear. If one would want to escape you’d need to get past the seven avatars, but each one is rather ruthless and have no qualms about issuing the most severe of punishments. IE. you are fed to a sea creature, and spend an eternity being eaten regenerated and re-eaten again for defiling the seas of devildom or being frozen for eternity.

The angels would have larger role, as Simeon serves as a figure who comes to devildom in search of another in secret. Luke, as he’s a child, doubts the decision of god far faster and made the mistake of openly defying a superior, resulting in him being cast out. Simeon is trying to in secret bring him back as even if the celestial realm is strict it’s far better than the darkness of hell. Essentially the idea is if you can overcome the seven avatars of hell then you must have redeemed yourself and deserve to be saved should any angel care enough to bring you back the rest of the way.

Simeon offers his help to the MC in bringing back Luke to the celestial realm, and in turn if he can escape with Luke, will being both of them back to heaven. That said it means the MCs mission is harder than before.

The MC along the way asks Luke questions about why the two of them could’ve gone to hell, what the celestial realm is like, but realizes that they can’t find real happiness in either—that said escaping hell is still the only option they have as otherwise is unbearable.

In order for the two of them to escape however, the MC must either gain the respect of, befriend, love, or kill the demon of each layer to escape. The order is the same as normal, from youngest to oldest Belphegor + Beel , Asmo, Satan, Levi, Mammon, Lucifer. The benefit is that they would be more willing to help the MC to escape in the small ways they can. Belphegors layer is covered in an atmosphere of CO, Beels smells of sulfur and makes the MC horribly hungry but everything there is rotten and would mutate the MC as a result. As the fruit trees appear to bear more and more ripe fruits, you reach Asmos layer, the barrier having bushes of pomegranate plants. I don’t want to touch asmo he sucks. Satans layer is actually calm, as he takes no pleasure in torture he’d probably follow the player around and ask them to explain both heaven due to never being there and the human realm and what being human is like. That said the only way to Pass is to escape an endless tower that’s maze like and keeps changing. He won’t help minus a clue or two if he likes you. I like to envision it being surrounded by a moat. At the edge of Satans layer is the sea of devildom that ends his areas mass of limbs fighting and trying to get an Luke and the player under the water— that then clears into the endless ocean of Leviathan’s layer. It consists of jellyfish whose tentacles are replaced with limbs and the heads of jellyfish that appear like faces. There’s larger and larger beasts the closer you get to leviathans island which appears to be covered in shripwrecked items. I like to think there’s numerous bridges that branch out but are crumbling with one of them leading to mammon, who is a common visitor to see if Levi found anything interesting. That said I can’t think of anything for his layer and lucifers yet. So hmm..

#4116.txt

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andrewmoocow · 5 years ago

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Gravity Soul chapter 13: Return to the Falls, Trust No One? (originally posted on August 12, 2019)

AN: As Doctor Stephen Strange once said, "We're in the endgame now." I'd like to thank everyone who has stuck by me since Thanksgiving 2017 as I laughed, cried, cheered and felt myself die inside while this saga progressed. They always say parting is such a sweet sorrow, and I have a feeling it's going to be even more sorrowful for me since this story holds a special place in my heart as a crossover between my favorite anime and one of my favorite cartoons. But enough sentimentality, let the final battle against KISHIN CIPHER begin.

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There was dead silence in the now red-lit forest of Gravity Falls. Kishin Cipher's fortress the Fearamid continued to hover above the Oregon town that barely had any life left inhabiting it now that the townspeople were either transformed into building blocks for his throne or hiding in the shadows.

However those shadows would finally see a beacon of light shining nothing but hope upon the desolate village in the form of the Mystery Meisters returning to the falls at last. Out of a portal came Dipper and Mabel first, their bond broken and repaired within the span of a few hours after the boy went out of his way to save his sister from the grasp of Kishin Cipher and Anti-Mabel.

Next came Stanford Pines, Maka Albarn, Black Star and Death the Kid along with their respective weapons Azusa Yumi, Spirit Albarn, Tsubaki Nakatsukasa and Liz & Patty Thompson. "This is it everyone. Beyond these woods, our final battle with Bill and Asura awaits." Ford boldly declared. "Is everyone ready?"

"I definitely am. And I'm ready to save Soul as well." Maka responded willing to risk her life for the sake of her Demon Scythe. "As am I dudes. We're coming for you Mr. Pines!" Soos added also ready to rescue his father figure and former boss Stanley Pines. "We haven't got a moment to lose, but I suggest we find shelter before he finds us." Franken Stein suggested turning his screw while Wendy, Crona, Ox, Kim, Kilik, Gideon, Pacifica, McGucket and the rest of the team followed behind. "Any ide-"

"Mystery Shack." the kids stated in unison before Stein could even finish. "Well aside from the fact that that's where we stayed at last Weirdmageddon, there's also a mystical barrier made out of unicorn hair protecting it from weirdness." Dipper explained. "Wait, unicorn hair?" Black Star wondered. "Tell me more!"

"How about later? We gotta get moving!" Mabel said racing to find the Shack. The group then followed the sweater girl but without their knowledge, an Eyebat peered at the party before flapping its wings and soaring to the Fearamid.

The eye creature entered the pyramid and faced its master Kishin Cipher as he schemed on his human throne. "Okay, gimme reports little guy!" he commanded the Eyebat with a poke of its cornea. It rumbled a bit before a holographic image of the Mystery Meisters running away from him. "Well well well, can't say I'm not surprised!" the Dream Kishin commented with a sneer. "Now we can finally start the welcoming party!"

His minions all assembled before their master and took a bow as Kishin Cipher gave orders. "Okay, I'll need all of you circling the town in search of any survivors!" he stated. "Arachne, Shaula, Mosquito, Giriko, Shifty, you follow those mortals and terminate them! Henchmaniacs, blow that cabin to bits and take out anyone inside! And Horsemen?"

"Yes Master?" the Madness of Greed formerly known as Grunkle Stan wondered planting his sword in the ground while his eight-legged horned possum Shanknir scampered to his side. "I've got a special assignment for all of you. I need the four of you to fight alongside me in the eventual big showdown. You up for it?"

"As always mighty God of Weirdness and Madness." Medusa Gorgon, the Madness of Wrath, answered loyally. "And I trust that you in particular won't try to turn on me and take my power?" K.C told the witch. "I sincerely promise you that I have no ulterior motives."

"Very good." Kishin Cipher smirked, feeling ready to destroy all in the fated clash.

"We should be getting close everyone, I can smell the cheap money." Dipper stated hiding in the bushes as he spotted the tourist trap from afar. "It feels like it's been so long since we've last seen that old place."

"Really? Cause it felt like we've spent an entire night searching for Pacifica and then a few days in Death City." Mabel added stacking her head on top of her brother's. "Well no matter, we're finally home." Ford continued stepping out of their hiding spot to knock on the door. "HALT! WHO GOES THERE?!" a familiar voice screamed. "Can you shut it Rumble? You'll get us caught!" another exclaimed harshly. "Besides, who knows who it could be?"

"Is that Eruka?" Dipper muttered in shock. "And that other guy sounds really familiar." Soos replied. "But let's barge in just to be safe!"

"That is rather rash and could be dangerous, but okay I believe you." Maka stated preparing to bust down the door. "Let's do this."

Battle cries were all around as the Mystery Meisters charged into the Shack with weapons raised high and a little resistance within the hovel roared as well. There were however a few familiar faces among the resistance's ranks. "Eruka, Free?" Dipper and Mabel exclaimed in unison. "Kids?" the frog and wolf responded just as stunned when the Multi-Bear stepped out of the bathroom. "Just so we're clear, we're all out of toilet paper." he announced amidst the awkwardness. "Did I miss something?"

"Are you making yourself at home Stanley?"

Stan sluggishly smacked his lips with a grumble and slowly opened his eyes to discover that he was now in a black and red room with a lamp as its only light source and a choppy record player nearby. Stan was bewildered as last he remembered, he & Soul sacrificed themselves to protect their loved ones and converted into minions of Kishin Cipher. He decided to get up from the chair he was sitting in to get a better look, but instead found himself chained to it. "Let me ask you again. Are you making yourself at home Stanley?"

"Hardly!" Stan exclaimed struggling to break out of his chains. "Where am I and who are you anyway?!" he asked. "Oh pardon me sir. Allow me to introduce myself." the voice's owner, a fine-dressed imp with a wide grin on his face, apologized. "I am the little demon now residing in your heart after you accepted the Black Blood within you."

"Hey, doesn't Soul have a weird little man kinda like you inside of him?" Grunkle Stan asked. "And why am I in this Sunday best getup?" He then brought attention to his current attire of a tuxedo with a red bowtie and a diamond ring on his finger. "Though I do like this ring."

"Why it's simple. As a fellow host of the Black Blood, you are one of four people forced to serve your new master. Though only one wasn't unwilling." the Ogre explained snapping his fingers to reveal the other hosts; Preston Northwest, Soul Eater Evans and Medusa Gorgon. Medusa was the only one to not be restrained to a chair, implying that she was the willing one.

"You won't get away with this you crimson cretin!" Preston shouted before the Ogre made a gag appear with another snap of his fingers. "Oh you Northwests don't know when to quit or shut up." the demon commented. "He's right you little twat, the twins will find a way to save us!" Soul added just as defiant. "Just why are we all here?"

"The master simply wants us all to be in better harmony." Medusa explained picking up a violin from a table out of two other instruments. "Make your choice." she commanded allowing the captives to get up from their chairs to choose. "I call dibs on the saxomaphone." Stan declared snatching the brass instrument. "Guess that leaves me with the clarinet." Preston added picking up his chosen woodwind. "But what about the boy?"

A spotlight shone on a grand piano behind Soul. "Of course." the scythe muttered sitting down and preparing to play. "But still, what's with all the harmony crap?" he asked the ogre. "Even though you are completely powerless to stop everything that you're perfectly aware of, there still has to be teamwork amongst Bill's slaves." the imp remarked. "NOW PLAY!"

The three unwilling Madnesses slowly warmed up under the watchful glare of Medusa who began expertly leading the way on her violin. Soul unwillingly but just as beautifully followed up with his piano while the Gravity Falls citizens just awkwardly looked at each other. "Do I see reluctance?" the Ogre snarled viciously electrocuting the two. "PLAY!"

"Okay, keep your pants on Lucy!" Stan growled playing the saxophone while Preston began his clarinet. Although their number was a nice piece, it symbolized how the three males were completely reluctant to serve Kishin Cipher.

"So that's the whole story?" Dipper asked Eruka while the group sat around a campfire inside the Mystery Shack that the resistance against Kishin Cipher had made their homebase. "Yeah, when we found your weirdo little house, there were already a few other people taking shelter as well." the frog witch answered. "Yeah, and a ton of strange characters too!" Free added. "Like those minotaur guys, the little dwarves, a couple of video game characters and whatever that bear is supposed to be!"

"Hey for your information Bigby, we're gnomes! The dwarves hang around in the mountains." Jeff exclaimed standing up next to Free. "But what of the strike force Death sent in?" Kid wondered twiddling his thumbs. "Most of them didn't make it." Sid stated. "Justin tried to kill that monster, but he was made a part of his creepy throne. Djinn Galland, Tsar Pushka, Feodor, Tezca Tlipoca and Mifunewould meet the same fate."

In a dark corner, Zubaidah & Enrique comforted a grieving Angela while Dengu & Alexandre leaned on the wall with Pitt colas in hand. "We're trying to do the best we can to fight back, but Kishin Cipher is pretty much all powerful." Mira explained. "The only thing that can keep us safe from him now is that unicorn hair shield keeping his powers at bay."

Suddenly rumbling footsteps sounded outside the Shack. "Uh guys, we got a situation!" the resistance's lookout, the wax head of Larry King, announced. "Those Henchmaniac guys are heading straight for us! And I am honestly surprised it only took them until now to find us."

"Everybody, battle stations!" the dating simulator character Giffany shouted taking position at a nearby window as the Henchmaniacs finally arrived with Moonlight, Kaguya, White Rabbit and the Black Clown leading the way. "Come out come out wherever you are." White Rabbit chimed in a sing-songy voice. "Your hair shield may not be penetrated by us, but we will find ways to penetrate you."

"NONE SHALL PASS!" Manly Dan screamed putting up his dukes. "You're only just making us want to tear you all to bloody shreds even more." Paci-Fire boomed telepathically. "Why the hell are we only cowering inside the Shack when we could be out there kicking their asses?" Black Star asked. "Also, what kind of monster is that ugly baby?"

"We're just not ready yet. Our forces are strong, but we still need something even stronger to stand a chance." Candy answered. "Candy's right you guys. We need to save Soul, Stan and Mr. Northwest if we want to save Gravity Falls. They're part of that big wheel Ford talked about." Maka responded. "Exactly, but how can we rescue them in their current states?" Stanford pondered. "By the way, do you think they can hear us?"

"Yes, yes we can!" Pyronica called out, causing the polydactyl author to angrily pound the wall. "Dammit!" he groaned agitatedly. "Well, time to cut things short. Kid, Kilik, Wendy & Dipper, you're all coming with us." Black Star declared. "The rest of you hit the deck!"

"Are you truly sure about this kids? These demons may look rather ridiculous, but judging by their apparent connections to Bill they must be insanely powerful." Stein observed. "We have to do this to protect the Shack while the rest of you think of a new plan." Kid replied beckoning Liz and Patty to his hands. "You're right. Stay safe out there." Maka promised the tourist trap defenders.

"Hey Henchmaniacs, we're right here for you!" Dipper announced grabbing Excalibur on his way out the door. "Well look who we have here, the master's favorite Pine Tree." Kaguya purred. "He always has talked about how much he hated you the most."

"Listen you creeps, just tell us where Soul & Mr. Pines are or you'll go from monsters to targets." Kid threatened. "We're basically saying prepare to get wrecked you rejected Pokemon!" Wendy added tossing her axe at one of the demons aiding the monsters. The creatures were silent for a moment and then, roared before charging.

"Incoming!" Kilik declared yanking Paci-Fire's binkie out of his mouth and stabbing him in the eye with it. Kid meanwhile shot right through Keyhole's namesake forehead at Lavalz. The amount of bullets put through the lava lamp creature's body were so plentiful, they put him on the brink of death. "Please boy, I beg you to have mercy!" he begged the son of Death. "I can do whatever you please! I'll be your servant, I'll turn on my fellow demons to assist you, just please don't kill me!"

"You know, come to think of it." Kid contemplated before a shadow rose from behind him. "This was all a trap and there's someone behind me, correct?" he wondered aloud shooting Amorphous Shape in the eye without even turning his back. "Now Dipper!"

Dipper cut Amorphous Shape to pieces while the creature's guard was down and he screamed loudly as he was reduced to just his soul. "Aw snap, he just killed Morphy!" Kryptos shouted. "This one'll be for him you freaks!" Pyronica shouted lighting her fists aflame. The opposing sides charged while everyone else in the Shack concocted a plan of attack.

"So I suggest we try using a human sacrifice." Stein revealed. "I like it!" Soos agreed. "No, I don't think that will be necessary." Maka rejected the idea to everyone's dismay. "We need an approach that'll involve everyone of us working together."

"OOH, OOH, OOH! I GOT ONE!" McGucket cried raising his bandaged hand. "All right, what do you got Fiddleford?" Stein asked the rich hillbilly. "Giant robit! We already did something like that last Weirdmageddon!" Fiddleford answered excitedly. "Funny story, that's almost exactly what we did when we fought Asura." Azusa stated. "Coincidence, I think not."

"But how are we going to get one? Especially in a place like this?" Crona wondered. "We can use whatever we please around town. Like we said, worked last time." Wax Larry King answered. "Is anyone else going to question why this wax head can talk?" Sid offhandedly pondered. "Whatever, let's get moving!"

As for Dipper's group, they were all backed into a corner by the surviving Henchmaniacs. Lavalz, Paci-Fire, Keyhole and Hectorgon had now joined Amorphous Shape in being destroyed, but their friends were now even more furious and taken them all down. "Well Dipper, where does this fit into our battle plan?" Kilik grunted awaiting his fate. "I'm sure something will turn up for us." Dipper replied optimistically. "Is that so?"

Standing before them, Arachne had just joined up with the former Nightmare Realm prisoners alongside Mosquito, Giriko, Shaula and the Shapeshifter. "And where were you this whole time?!" White Rabbit exclaimed hotly. "We were simply biding our time. Besides, it was fun seeing the children try oh so desperately." Arachne added. "And speaking of which..."

"Don't even think about trying anything funny with us or the Shack!" Wendy threatened. "Is that so little redheaded bitch?" Giriko snarled menacingly. "Well let's make a compromise. We'll do something funny with your little friends who are no doubt trying to escape."

And indeed Giriko was right. Maka was leading a group of the survivors out of the Mystery Shack consisting of herself, Bud Gleeful, Thompson, Ox, Sid, Mr. Poolcheck, Tyler, Free & Dengu. However the party would immediately be blocked by the Shapeshifter. "Stop, right, there. Which one of you wishes to die?"

"Hands off you glowing bastard!" Free snarled baring his claws. "Aw, poor little Free. It seems that you couldn't stand being a pariah for what you did to Maba, so you decided to betray your master for these weaklings she wants destroyed."

"For your information Xenomorph, Medusa was kind of a pretty awful boss and we just moved to a different one." the wolfman responded with a stupid grin on his face. "Can you not doom us right now?" Mr. Poolcheck and Thompson said in unison. "As you did serve Kishin Cipher, it is most unfortunate for you that I must slay you to prevent the rebels from gaining any information on him." the Shapeshifter deduced preparing to strike. "Make your last wishes."

"Stop right there!" Maka cried pointing her father's weapon form at the alien creature. "I won't let you harm anyone here today. I bet you won't even last until tomorrow to come back and kill us all!"

"Very well, then we'll strike again within two days!" the Shapeshifter replied. "How about three?!" Black Star butted in suddenly. "Four!"

"Five!"

"Six!"

"Seven!"

"MAKA CHOP!" Maka cried smacking Black Star on the head and knocking him out. "Tomorrow it is then." the Shapeshifter declared. "Okay everyone, pack it up! We can start again the next day!"

"Aw man." the rest of Kishin Cipher's present minions groaned like disappointed children. "SUPER anticlimactic." Kaguya complained. "I know right?!" Giriko replied. As the monsters began to leave, the rebels raced back inside the Shack to form a plan.

"So what were you doing out there leading those guys?" Ford asked Maka. "We were coming up with attack plans while Dipper was out fighting and someone made the suggestion of turning the Shack into some kind of robot."

"That's exactly what we did to beat Bill last summer!" Mabel exclaimed. "Exactly!" McGucket added. "Seems like we made it safe to go outside again, so let's get to work." Tsubaki stated. "But where can we find what we need?"

"Don't worry everyone," Dipper announced. "Mabel and I know where."

One montage of working hard on the resurrection of the automated tourist trap later, the rebels snuggled up underground in Ford's laboratory watching for signs of trouble. "Status update: K.C's forces have kept their word." Tambry announced peering through the periscope disguised as the totem pole outside the Shack. "Good work, we still got time left." Ford applauded. "Time left til we can get Stan and Soul back."

"And my father?" Pacifica asked innocently. "Sure, him too." the scientist answered. "Can't you show her a little sympathy? Her old man is currently forced to fight for an all-powerful demon thing and even showed willingness to help us before that, yet you still have that grudge against him." Liz stated. "Yes I apologize for being a bit insensitive, but the other two are still most important." Ford claimed. "Now then, have we worked any kinks from the last time?"

"Well, definitely got more unicorn hair to fully shield us." Candy stated in the midst of cutting Celestabellebethabelle's mane. "And it can fly now too!" Grenda exclaimed. "Is there anything this town can't do when they come together?" Melody said.

Meanwhile in the attic, Maka gazed out the twins' bedroom window at the blood red sky in silence. "Don't worry Soul, we'll be there for you soon."

"Did we hear you talk about Soul?" Mabel asked suddenly interrupting their older friend. "Gah, you guys!" Maka squeaked. "Aw don't be so skittish Maka, we just got a little feeling you like him." Dipper replied. "As in, like him like him." Mabel added beaming which made the scythe Meister blush like mad. "Oh quit blushing, you know too!"

"Okay, you got me!" Maka finally gave in. "I really do like him. He may be rather distant and cold, but he's just that much of a loyal friend who would do anything to protect me!" she confessed to the twins. "That's why I'll protect him in exchange, and maybe we could finally make music again."

"And you've been hiding these feelings for how long now?" Mabel asked Maka again. "I mean, I've heard that you two often argued like you were married or something."

"But let's try not to hyperfocus on that for now, cause I've also heard that if you do so, you can get distracted a bit too much and even get mad when people try to keep you away from your-" Dipper responded before Maka shushed him. "Okay okay, let's just keep up the fight against Kishin Cipher. Hopefully no one heard us."

"I did." Soos stated suddenly appearing by the door. "Don't mind me dudes, I just knew it from the moment we all first met."

Meanwhile at the Fearamid, Arachne was forced to give Kishin Cipher the bad news about the results of the attack.

"YOU DID WHAT?!" the Dream Kishin screamed loudly, causing enough vibrations to cause miniature earthquakes. "YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT YOU LOST MOST OF MY MEN TO A BUNCH OF PUNY MORTALS HIDING IN A CABIN, AND THEY MADE YOU AGREE TO TRYING AGAIN TOMORROW?! HOW STUPID CAN YOU ALL BE?!"

"My sincerest apologies master, we just arrived too late." the Spider Witch revealed bowing to the ground with her two subordinates and youngest sister. "But still, we might as well prepare for the final battle." she assured him. "You got a good point there Rachney." Kishin Cipher agreed spawning a wineglass filled with time punch. "In that case, I propose a toast! First one goes to absent maniacs."

The army of demons began mourning for the fallen Henchmaniacs while holding their own wineglasses. "Morphy was just too young!" Kryptos bawled into Pyronica's cape, blowing his nonexistent nose on it. "Did anybody else catch the lava lamp guy's name?" Moonlight asked Xanthar, who simply replied with a shrug. "This one is for you Keyhole." 8-Ball declared drinking the glass and tossing the time punch away hard enough for it to explode.

"But I would also like to propose another one." Kishin Cipher solemnly stated when his mournful expression turned into a fierce sadistic grin. "TO OUR ONCOMING VICTORY!" he cheered tossing his glass to the ground and smashing it underfoot. "MAZEL TOV TO ALL OF YOU! MAZEL TOV!"

The otherdimensional freaks began cheering for their master as his speech continued. "I'd like to thank all of the following for helping us make it this far!" Kishin Cipher announced splitting himself into Bill Cipher and Asura for the first time in what felt like ages. "First off, I'd like to thank my number one fan here for making a deal with me to exact our revenge!" the Kishin exclaimed fistbumping the dream demon. "And I'd also like to thank that pigtailed scythe-bearing brat for giving my new partner here that stupid courage punch!" Bill responded. "Without her, we wouldn't have met and become an unstoppable team!"

The duo merged back into Kishin Cipher who picked up a microphone while a large projector screen appeared behind him. "And in addition, we are also thankful for all the idiots that led themselves to their doom!" The screen began picturing many of the Dream Kishin's enemies and all they've accomplished in accidentally guiding the monsters to victory while the minions continued cheering. "It brings a tear to all three of my eyes to see so many freaks of nature all under one roof to celebrate the coming end of the universe! Especially you creature with like eighty-eight different faces! There, are you happy now?!"

"Actually, I've grown an eighty-ninth face!" the aforementioned multi-faced trog declared revealing a very handsome face to have sprouted. "Oh my, look at that thing!" Kishin Cipher exclaimed revealing the face's turquoise humanoid form. "Isn't it just dashing?!"

The creatures began oohing and aahing at how bizarrely attractive the new face was before Kishin Cipher returned to his speech. "As I was saying ladies, germs and unspeakable horrors of all shapes and sizes, this is it!" he declared making double peace signs over a podium while the projector screen made a large portrait of himself appear. "Tomorrow is the day that sanity goes completely down the shitter and pure madness reigns supreme! How excited are you!?"

"VIOLENTLY!" his army chanted arming themselves with torches, pitchforks and all sorts of stereotypically uber-violent tools. "And how bloody will our enemies' deaths be?!" Kishin Cipher continued. "INSANELY!" the monsters screamed pumping their fists. "Yeah, that's all I wanted to hear!" the leading abomination shouted raising his arms. "Come on everybody, let's get weird!"

Elsewhere in the Fearamid, the Four Madnesses meditated while their harmony exercises continued. The horsemen sat in utter silence until the Madness of Greed opened a single eye. "Kids."

The next day, all was silent once more in the forest. That is until a large mechanical being ambled among the trees, casting a shadow over the flora. Metallic footsteps thundered while leaving large car-shaped footsteps behind until finally, the Shacktron 2.0 reached the clearing where the Fearamid was situated. "Are we ready everyone?" Ford asked taking the pilot's seat. The rest of the rebellion nodded in response while preparing for war. "Good. Time to make our claim."

A large megaphone placed at the deck of the Shack was turned on by Dipper before he spoke into it. "Kishin Cipher, this is the Mystery Meisters telling you to surrender now and give back our friends or prepare to fight!" the boy threatened with an amplified voice. However, there was no answer. "D-Did he just give up already?"

"I'll say." Kishin Cipher sarcastically answered while suddenly appearing in front the young Pines brother and giving him a scare. "Long time no see Dipper, been a long while since we had a one-on-one chat!" the Dream Kishin casually greeted his archenemy. "And did you lose weight or is the stupid cosplay just throwing me off?"

"It's not stupid cosplay, my sister had it specially made for me!" Dipper declared defensively clutching onto his scarf. "Oh come on brat! It's too obscure, too ugly! I don't know which is worse!" K.C continued insulting making his hand violently detach itself. "I might just split a seam now if I don't die laughing first!"

"Not if we have the last laugh! NOW!" Dipper commanded allowing the rest of the crew to start firing all sorts of weapons at the Dream Kishin. "You can't break the Shacktron this time, we got unicorn hair from head to toe now!"

"Oh my, you're actually giving me a challenge?" Kishin Cipher quizzed while his forces spawned behind him. "Well what're you waiting for mortals?! Come and get me!"

"This is it everyone, we can do this!" Maka exclaimed taking control of the Shacktron 2.0. "Keep firing at them all!"

"But Maka, we can't just blast cannons at him forever!" Tsubaki advised. "You ready Black Star?" she asked her Meister holding out her hand. "Like Hell I'm not!" the ninja responded taking up arms and leaping outside the Shack, clashing blades with the Madness of Greed. "Been waiting for a proper rematch old man, haha!"

"Bah, you are simply a child dressed in a silly outfit. In fact, you are all children in silly outfits compared to us and our master." the old man in the golden armor scoffed taking out the Shadow Weapon Meister and making him fall to the ground. "NOOOOOT SIIIIILLLLYYYY!" the teen shouted faceplanting into the dirt. "Wait, are these clothes really that stupid?"

"Is there any way we can free Stan, Soul & Mr. Northwest without K.C getting in the way?" Dipper asked Stein. "The freeing our friends part is quite simple Dipper, we call it Chain Resonance where our souls must be on an equal playing field to do great things." the scientist proclaimed. "The keeping Kishin Cipher from interrupting part is much harder."

"How about the important guys, that's you guys, take on the Madnesses while everybody else keep the big guy at bay?" Free suggested warding off the Eyebats with his ice magic. "Good idea Free, and good luck too." Dipper agreed. "Okay everybody, we're gonna tackle the Madnesses ourselves!" he announced to the Mystery Meisters currently not occupied with fighting the monsters while Black Star crawled back up to the Shack. "Any last words before we go?"

"I got one." Pacifica stated turning to her mom. "Mother, I promise we'll bring Dad home."

"I love you." Soos said to Melody. "I know."

"If I don't come out of this alive," Gideon announced to his father and Ghost-Eyes. "tell my widdle ol' story."

"No offense to any of you guys," Azusa said to Ox, Harvar, Kilik, the Pots, Kim, Jackie, the NOT class girls and Hiro. "But you didn't do that much. Like I said, no offense."

"Eh, I'm used to it." Hiro replied giving a salute to the Mystery Meisters. "Now godspeed, all of you."

"Thanks everyone." Dipper said gratefully taking Excalibur by the hand and putting him in the sheath Mabel made for him. "And don't worry Stan, we'll be here."

"Hey hate to interrupt, but do you think these outfits look kinda dumb?" Black Star asked. "We don't have time B-Star!" Mabel exclaimed hurriedly. "Mabel's right, let's get a move on!" Maka announced arming herself with her father.

In the distance, the Four Madnesses were now benched after Greed's brief clash with Black Star watching their master take on the Shacktron from the Fearamid. "When do you suppose we shall strike once more?" the Madness of Sloth snarled biting on the tail of the eight-legged possum Shanknir. "We'll come back once Kishin Cipher is done with the mortals." the Madness of Wrath stated. "But speaking of which, I can sense a certain few of them coming our way."

"We've got you now Medusa! Release our loved ones, and others, or else!" Ford exclaimed leading the Mystery Meisters in cornering the four Madnesses. "It's absolutely hopeless now for all of you." the Madness of Envy purred menacingly while spinning his scythe. "Soon, Kishin Cipher's madness shall flood this town and once we bypass the barrier surrounding this town, we'll move onto the rest of reality as well."

"Barrier?" Marie asked turning to Ford. "That's the law of weirdness magnetism, whatever bizarre thing comes in can't get out." the author briefly explained. "But it seems that through Kishin Cipher's unlimited power that I'm sure he keeps pulling out of his behind, he won't need a special equation I've memorized to lower the shield around town."

"Doesn't matter if he's able to do that anymore, since our lord can warp all reality to his whims." the Madness of Sloth stated. "But enough about him, let's kill you!" The Northwest-turned-beast summoned his giant bell and slammed it onto the ground, creating a small crack in the floor of the lair that began getting larger. "Just wait til this hole begins to get larger and soon you'll fall headfirst on the ground below! I hear mortal brain-matter is delicious this time of year!"

"Listen daddy, I know it's still you underneath that hideous body!" Pacifica called out. "Please, just do anything to tell you still recognize me! I'll even take you ringing that stupid bell again if it means I'm still seen as your daughter!"

The Madness of Sloth prepared to smack his bell again before the girl's words reached his ears. "Pacifica?" he grumbled mid-attack. "He's open, now!" Maka shouted slashing the monster across his face with her father. "You brat!" the slovenly monster roared. "Black Star, tie those three up and we can begin!" the Scythe meister commanded the ninja who readied his chain scythe and lassoed up Sloth, Greed & Envy. "Dipper, did you bring the journal?"

"You bet I did!" Dipper proudly declared fishing Journal 3 from his backpack. "The three of you into position and get your wavelengths rolling!"

"Okay, this is it." Kid remarked as the three formed a circle around the three captured Madnesses. They began forming a connection with their soul wavelengths that built up a forcefield surrounding them. "No, you won't get away with this!" a frantic Medusa howled trying to stop the Resonance, but the barrier had other plans that caused it to send her flying toward her master's throne.

"Everyone, together!" Ford commanded placing his hand on the combined soul. "Wait, is this even possible?" Crona asked the author. "I honestly have no idea, but let's just improvise." Stanford answered while the rest of the group placed their hands on the soul. "Dipper, if you please."

"You got it." Dipper declared opening the journal with his free hand and beginning to read. "Videntis omnium. Magister mentium. Magnesium ad hominem. Magnum opus." he began chanting and everything took on a brilliant cyan glow, from the Mystery Meisters' eyes to the soul surrounding Maka, Black Star and Kid. "Habeas corpus! Inceptus Nolanus overratus! Magister mentium! Magister mentium! MAGISTER MENTIUM!"

In a similarly-colored explosion, all were fast asleep.

In a pitch black ethereal realm solely inhabited by three pillars with stained glass portraits depicting the trapped trio, Dipper & Mabel landed on the one depicting their lost great-uncle. "This has to be the place, especially with all the quiet Latin chanting around us." Dipper declared adjusting his cap while Ford, Wendy, Soos, Black Star & Tsubaki landed behind the twins. "And that must be Stan over there!"

Indeed, the boy was right. However, Stan has now been regressed in age in this spiritual plane with his only companion being a silhouette of his father in front of them. "Wait, I remember this! It's like when Crona chatted with his shadow in his soul!" Mabel exclaimed trying to walk towards the shrunken Stanley, when suddenly the shadow blocked her path. It remained completely silent for what seemed like hours before pointing at the group with a earsplitting loud, unearthly shriek while the three pillars rapidly drifted apart from one another.

On the pillar inhabited by Soul, he was currently held in a straitjacket with the Little Ogre holding him on a leash when Maka, Spirit, Crona, Marie, Stein, McGucket & Gideon. "What have you done to Soul you scarlet shithead?!" Spirit screamed preparing for a fight. "What have I done you may ask?" the Ogre snickered while the Latin choir was now backed up by a choppy record player. "Why, I'm simply helping your friend follow his destiny."

"Well what kind of destiny is forcing him against his will to serve a monster?" Marie argued. "Why not just ask the boy." the imp chortled letting go of the leash he held on Soul. "Now go on my boy. Show them how much the master has improved you."

"Like hell I-" Soul began trying to resist control before Ogre pulled hard and electrocuted him. "Make it stop! Just make it stop!"

And finally on Preston's pillar, he was tied to a fancy chair with his head forcefully bowed down while faced by his daughter along with Azusa, Kid, Liz & Patty and Blair. "Dad, can you hear us?" Pacifica called for her father. "What brings you here daughter?" Preston glowered in defeat. "Don't you know that I am beyond redemption?"

"Don't be like that daddy, it's like what Grandpa Auldman said! Even the blackest of hearts have a speck of light within." Pacifica tried comforting Preston, but her hand was slapped away by the bandage tendril of Kishin Cipher. "No no no Llama, YOU shouldn't be like that!" a figment of Bill Cipher scolded the blonde. "It was thanks to me your family was able to rise to the top, but then your generation just had to screw everything up! Need I remind you?"

With a clap of his hands, Bill conjured up a giant bell to threaten Pacifica with. He began ringing it violently, forcing the girl to stand down. "Wait, you're afraid of a bell?" Kid asked her. "Pavlovian conditioning." Preston grumbled. "My wife and I basically made her our bitch with that accursed bell. Go on, shoot me now and end this. All of you know I deserve it."

"No, we haven't lost yet!" Pacifica cried trying to resist the bell and slowly marched towards her dad. "Our...family...name is broken!" she growled in her struggling. "And I'm...going...to...FIX IT!"

"How are you fighting back?! It's like he said, you're his bitch!" Bill screamed continuing to ring even louder before Kid and Azusa shot at him. "And you're all pretty much Shinigami's bitches too, having to do the dirty work while he lazes about because his stupid soul protects that even stupider city!"

"I don't think so Bill." Kid scowled. "Now Blair!" he commanded the cat, who let out a loud "Halloween Cannon!" and blasted the bell out of Bill's hand. "This isn't over you all!" the triangle screeched angrily while fading away. "I'm only a figment of his mind, preparing all of you for the real deal!"

As soon as the imaginary Bill faded, Pacifica made a beeline for her father's prison and released him. "P-Pacifica?" Preston stuttered before his daughter hugged him tight. "B-but why? Bill was right, I was a monster!"

"I know you are, but you can be something more." the blonde said softly. Suddenly, the spirits of every Northwest before them appeared lining up beside the two and facing them. With soft smiles, the ancestors vanished just as quickly as they materialized, leaving a fade to white behind.

"More firing, more! More!" Grenda hollered as the Shacktron soared around the now giant Kishin Cipher like a biplane, continuing to shoot at the monster while he waved his arms around trying to swat them down. "Uh gang, don't think we're gonna last any longer out here!"

"Don't lose hope everyone! The unicorn hair will protect us!" Sid exclaimed while in command of the flying hovel. "Though I'm mostly saying this because I've already died before. The rest of you might not be so lucky, not gonna lie."

"If that's the case." Wax Larry King solemnly declared turning to Hiro and Dengu. "Then gentlemen, it's been an honor." He grabbed a violin with his teeth and began playing it with the bow he bit down on, before a large crashing sound was heard. Appearing from the distance was Death City itself, now with its own set of limbs equipped with larger copies of Death's gloves.

"Are you kidding me right now?" Kishin Cipher began chortling at the walking city. "I mean, what's a literal walking town gonna do to-" Before the Dream Kishin could finish, the Death City Robot gave him a fierce jab to the eyes. "THE HELL?!" he screamed falling to the ground. "Seriously, is that you in there old man?!"

"You bet it is Cipher!" Lord Death called from the Secret Vault where he piloted the machine. "Time for us to settle the score, and this time this shall be the day your madness ends forever!" The mobile city then held out its hands and scooped up Kishin Cipher's unconscious form. "Special Attack:" Death announced. "COFFEE TABLE FLIP!"

"SO AWESOME!" the boy band clones Sev'ral Timez cheered. "Who digs giant robots?!" Hiro exclaimed. "I dig giant robots!" Nate replied. "We dig giant robots!" Chutzpar added. "Chicks dig giant robots!" everyone else answered in unison. "Nice!"

Back in the mindscape, Soul and Stan were the only ones remaining of the present Madnesses. The shadow form of Filbrick continued his horrible shrieking for another few seconds before abruptly stopping. "Is that your old man?" Black Star asked Ford. "Exactly Black Star. Though he was most certainly a hardass in life and not very kind towards Stan, he was a very mediocre guy very deep down." Ford answered. "Allow me to make peace with him."

The author stepped forward towards the facsimile of his long-deceased father and extended his hand out. "Hello there dad, or at the very least some spawn of Hell taking his form." he greeted Filbrick. "It's me, Stanford. I know this may seem like much, but could you please kindly let my brother go free so that he can join us in saving reality from utter destruction?"

"Not impressed." Shadow Filbrick snarled glaring at his descendants. "Not impressed with what?" the six-fingered genius asked. "With what you've become." Filbrick answered. "Look at you my son. Workaholic, haughty, unforgiving."

"That's all in the past!" Ford argued. "Okay, maybe I'm still a little too focused on my research, but still you have no right to call me out like that!"

"You tell 'em Ford!" Mabel exclaimed before Shadow Filbrick forced a barrier around the others and another over Stan. "They are insignificant, especially to you!" the shadow stated. "Your family is suffocating, correct?"

"No, stop all these lies at once!" Ford continued shouting. "You should watch your tone around your father!" Shadow Filbrick scolded. "I thought your brother was the only ignoramus between you two, but it seems you're just as foolish!"

Stanford didn't say a word after that, except for the growl he let out as he clutched his father's faker's neck tightly. "You take that back about us you faker!" he roared. "I know what you are, you're nothing but a manifestation of our negative emotions!"

Suddenly the barrier lowered around the rest of Ford's party and prepared for a fight. "Get them!" Shadow Filbrick choked commanding an army of duplicates. "Black Star, help me here!" Ford shouted to the ninja. "Yahoo, a chance to show my skills at last!"

"Finally time to put "that" to good use." Tsubaki grinned before they declared in unison, "Let's go, Soul Resonance!"

Tsubaki's weapon form changed from a chain scythe into a katana blade and then into a kunai that Black Star used to create afterimages of himself while running circles around the Filbrick shadows. "Try and catch me suckers!" the man who would surpass God cried out brashly. Sadly for him, the shadows were able to find out which was the real one and apprehend him, snatching Tsubaki away. "Don't worry, I got this!" the Shadow Weapon Meister declared preparing another move. "Ultimate Move: Black Star Big Wave!"

Black Star zoomed in for the kill, elbowing his partner's captor in the back while forcing his palm out, creating a large electrical force in the shape of a star that dissipated the shadow and freed Tsubaki. "And now, onto you!"

Jagged black lines began decorating Black Star's face as his sword finally shattered the shield around Stanley, and the de-aged grunkle looked up. "Black Star, what're you doing back here?!" Stan cried trying to protect himself from the scrambling shadows. "Just saved your life kid. Come with us if you want to live some more!" Black Star exclaimed taking the boy's hand as Stan slowly began returning to his normal age. "Yo Dipper, Ford, we got Stan!"

"Excellent work you two! Now let's finish this." Ford congratulated the pair letting go of his father's impersonator to prepare for the final blow. "Everyone, mobilize!" he commanded standing alongside his returned brother. "Good to be back in the fold poindexter." Stan said with his voice returned to its normal gruff octave. "And thanks for helping me out there kid."

"You're welcome old man!" Black Star replied beginning to charge towards Shadow Filbrick alongside the Stans & Dipper. "Now let's end this!"

"What are you doing?!" Shadow Filbrick cried out in horror before Dipper and Black Star's souls formed a connection. "Twin Blades of Legendary Justice!" the two boys announced their new attack as they stabbed their enemy in the chest while the Stan twins punched him on both sides of his head. "Y-y-y-y-y-you haven't won, YEEEETTTTTTT!"

Those were the final words of the fake Filbrick Pines before he exploded into pure light that covered the entire mindscape, along with similar blasts coming from the other two pillars.

"Oh geez, what happened?" Stan groaned slowly getting up off the wet ground and noticing the sky was a beautiful blue. "And where are we? Are we dead? I was betting on biting the dust like a hero."

"I don't think we're dead Grunkle Stan." Dipper stated gazing at Tsubaki standing nude, glowing and covered with black stripes in front of a large deer-like creature colored black with white markings. "Everyone, this is the will of my clan." Tsubaki introduced the creature who glared at the three Pines. "I see you have taken on a pupil of your own my camellia blossom." the will of the Nakatsukasa clan remarked gazing at Dipper. "And it seems he wields the legendary sword Excalibur."

"Yeah, good observation there." Dipper remarked. "So are you going to like, bless me or something?"

"Such a modest young man." the Will of Nakatsukasa commented. "Reminds me quite a bit of Masamune before his fall." he added turning to Tsubaki. "A little, I guess." the young woman replied stepping down to look at the boy. "Are you ready for the next phase of training?"

"Uh, uh, yeah?" Dipper stuttered while he face turned red from trying not to look at Tsubaki's spiritually bare form. "Hey guys, am I late?!" Black Star hollered rushing towards the group. "Hey, we gonna knight Dipper or something?"

"Sure, go ahead Black Star." Dipper answered proudly before the ninja summoned his sword and knighted his newfound equal with it. "Hopefully you can be just as badass as I someday."

"You got it." Dipper answered his new brother in arms with a firm handshake and the realm went white once more.

"Please Maka, just kill me and put an end to this! It's the only way I can be free of him!" Soul begged his Meister as the Little Ogre continued pulling on his leash. "Just do it!"

"No Soul, I can't!" Maka cried. "I won't let you die like this, not after all we've done for each other." she stated letting a few tears fall. "We may bicker a lot, but you've done so much for me. I'm your partner, best friend, closest confidant. And maybe we could be something more."

"Called it!" Marie cheered. "Oh, my baby girl!" Spirit replied feeling proud of his daughter. "Wait, when was that a thing?" Gideon wondered. "Bah, don't think the power of love can stop me!" the Ogre scoffed yanking on Soul's chain even harder, the pain forcing him to change into his Madness of Envy form. "Now my slave, finally destroy them!"

Maka armed herself with her father and got to work on trying to free Soul. However for the latter, he had a scythe of his own that is pretty much an exact double of his weapon form. "So it's come to this old friend. Scythe to scythe!"

"Meister to weapon!" Maka replied clashing blades with Soul. "Soul to soul!" Their weapons collided and ground against each other, causing sparks to literally fly. As for the rest of Maka's group, they were forced to fight more shadows similar to Shadow Filbrick.

"We need to find a way to get Soul distracted so that we can save him!" Stein exclaimed while taking command of Marie and fighting back-to-back with Crona. "Anyone have ideas?"

"Why don't we, I don't know, get 'em to kiss?" McGucket suggested. "But how can we do that?" Crona wondered. "Simple, just gotta shove 'em into each other!" Ragnarok suggested. "But we'll have to take out all these first to make more room and make things go smoothly."

"And where have you been this whole time?!" Gideon asked Ragnarok. "You've barely been useful to us for most of this journey ever since we left for Death City!"

"Hey, shut up kid!" the Black Blood sword argued just as McGucket split them up. "Alright you two, let's just get a move on."

"It's like my master said, the power of love is fruitless against me!" Soul hissed proceeding to gain the upper hand on his former partner. "What makes you believe I can be cured?!"

"Because she's got help!" Crona declared trying to push the Madness of Envy towards her. "Quick old man, start playing!" Gideon cried shoving Maka forward. "You got it!" Fiddleford exclaimed beginning to play a romantic tune on his banjo while Stein cleared out the remaining shadows. "What trickery is this?!" the Ogre yelled as Maka & Soul began slowdancing. "Don't fall for that music, just kill them all!"

"W-what are you trying to do Maka?" the final Madness asked slowly beginning to turn back into Soul. "Remember how earlier I said we can be something more?" Maka asked softly. "Well it's because, I do kinda have a crush on you. I mean, after all we've done for each other I'm surprised you haven't admitted that either."

"Yeah, gonna be honest, I do too." Soul confessed. "Even this music is something we made together, isn't it?" he asked slowly bringing his partner in for a kiss. "Yeah."

"NO! NO NO NO! I can't be foiled by the power of cliches, what will Master Cipher think?!" the suited imp panicked trying to separate the newfound lovers. "Well we think you need to go." Crona snarled shoving him off the pillar and into the inky blackness below. "I know he'll get you for all of this!"

As Maka and Soul finally kissed, the mindscape went completely white.

"Yeesh, couldn't wait until after we saved the world, huh?"

When the pair broke, they found themselves back in the Fearamid with the entire Mystery Meister crew, plus the recently returned Stan and Preston, surrounding them. Spirit burst into tears about his daughter finding love, Mabel & Marie highfived each other for a match made and Black Star gave his buddy a thumbs up. "My man!"

"Everyone." Soul gasped looking at them all. "And Mr. Pines too!?" he exclaimed staring at Stan. "Yep, in the flesh Sharkbait." Stan cackled and took a deep breath. "Real nice for us all to be back together."

"So where do we go now?" Preston nervously asked and Dipper, Maka, Mabel & Soul looked onward at Kishin Cipher being double-teamed by the Shacktron and the Death City robot. "Kishin Cipher." they declared in unison.

Speaking of which, Kishin Cipher found himself backed into a corner by the two mechanized homes. "So, any suggestions my surviving goons?" he asked the remains of his army. "Well, it seems you can't directly hit the Shacktron." the Summerween Trickster analyzed. "So we must hit something with it!" Wax Sherlock Holmes added. "Like the other robot!" the Flying Dutchman concluded, which gave Kishin Cipher an idea. Shrinking down to regular size, he warped above Death City and extended his arm into its underground to seize Lord Death from his current hiding spot. "Not so all-powerful and all-knowing now, aren't you father?!"

"If this is part of another scheme, that's not going to happen!" Death shouted smacking Kishin Cipher in the face with his glove while being held by the antenna on top of his head. "I'll let you run free, if you hand over my soul." K.C. offered threatening him with an energy blast on his middle finger. "Or perhaps you'd much rather prefer being murdered on the spot in front of your soon to be dead son!"

"I'd never!" the Death God refused. "Well, suit yourself." the Dream Kishin casually answered carelessly dropping Lord Death on the ground from high above before his arm next searched the Death Room, eventually finding Asura's soul buried underneath one of the crosses within.

"Come to papa!" the monster announced swallowing the soul whole and beginning to get more stronger. Tiny bat wings emerged on his head which became more angular & chiseled, his arms more comedically muscular and the bandages forming into demonic wings. "And now for the main course!" he roared excitedly grabbing Death City by the large rock formation underneath and smashing the Mystery Shack into pieces, potentially killing everyone inside. "Oh no, I murdered everyone you love! Ah, don't be a bunch of sadsacks, cause you'll be joining them pretty soon!"

The Mystery Meisters stared in shock, horror and sadness at what just happened. Soos started crying uncontrollably at the possible loss of his fiance, Preston futilely reached out for his wife, Ford dropped to his knees in defeat and everyone else was in mourning.

All except for the Mystery Twins and Maka & Soul, who were absolutely furious at Kishin Cipher. Dipper held Excalibur tightly while tears leaked from his enraged eyes, Mabel stuck to her brother's side, Maka simply glared and Soul clenched his fists in fury.

The final battle for the fate of all humanity has finally begun. And in the distance, a certain clergyman stood atop a tree watching with a wolfman.

Hey there boys and girls, sorry this took so long! I just got tied up with so many things that this chapter took me nearly most of the year. But hopefully this is all worth it, even with some parts feeling rushed in my eyes. Is the resistance truly dead and has Kishin Cipher finally won?! Well, I guess the final line might make it pretty obvious. Join us next time for the epic final clash where the fate of Earth and all reality shall be decided.

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aumultiversedesign · 4 years ago

Text

Enemies and Non Enemies

Creatures

They will attack the player so the player needs to defeat enemies to level up and get items from them. I want to use the levels up for the spells they use and watch as the spells get stronger and bigger. The enemies that will attack the player.

Enemies

Timburfangs (Wolves)

They are bush creatures they blend into bushes and they will attack the player if they get to close. They are hard to find but there can be seen with their eyes that can give them away.

Males:

Have tree branches on there back and bushes to make a back mane.

Females:

Have the same branches on there back but less bushes on their back but more on the tail.

Young pups:

Born with no leaves on them as they grow leaves on them with glowing blue eyes then turn yellow.

Type: Grass

Stonebreakers (Bears) I change the name will change in the game.

They are stone creatures that lives in a rocks and mountains some times they live in caves in forests. They are very strong and hard to hit with the stones blocking there weak spots.

Males: they have sharp edges on their stones and claws they have bigger horns on their heads.

Females: With sharp stones same as the male but small horns on their heads.

Young cubs:

Rocks on their bodies and loves to play hide and seek that they learn to hide from predators but they stay close to the mother as the father goes get food for them.

Type: Rock

Stump Phantom (Unknown tree creature)

They get very aggressive when a tree is getting chopped or destroyed they will attack and stalk the player if they are not careful. They are hard to see but they will show themselves to attack anyone that hurts the trees.

They are friendly to players if they leave them and trees in peace.

Male:

They are taller and have vines on there arms and legs. They have yellow eyes

Females:

They are smaller and the vines are on their arms legs and tails. they have green eyes with bugs around them that glow in the dark.

Young stumps:

A new sprouting growing with a flower is know that a baby is there and needs to stay away from it the parents will be around to protect their baby. They will have the same as their parents but with a flower on their heads female get light colour and males dark colour.

Type: Grass/Ghost

Gem Crawler

They will attack the player if they have an item with gems on them. But they will attack the player because the character has a necklace that have a gem on her neck.

Male

They have large crystals on their back and small crystals on their tails and taller. They go out of the caves at night to steal shiny things they find and take it home to hide.

Female

They have short crystals on their backs and crystals on their tails. They go out like the males but they can find gems more then the males do. When they are near a gem their crystals glow and they dig to get them.

Pups

The females holds their cubs like they protect a gem. They are like gems with different colour to them but they stay near their parents in fear they would be taken away from other Gem Crawlers.

Flesh Terror (Rats)

They are rat creatures but have a nasty bite that can burn the creatures and players flesh that will melt the skin off it’s prey’s body and gets to the bone they scratch, and tail attack but the have a deadly bite that can kill (player can avoid if they are careful.)

Male

They are bigger and more aggressive to the player every time they get it the want to bite that can end badly to the player.

Female

They are less aggressive but they are when they have pups with them to protect from the player and creatures. They find food to feed their pups and find whatever they find in garbage, forests, farms, etc.

Pups

They have more poison in their fangs and have the strong sent of rotten meat that puts off and run away from the smell.

Type: Poison

Non Enemies

They don’t attack but try to get away or defending themselves the player can indirect with them with items they will be calm around the player. I want the Non Enemies to help the player with finding things and scare away higher and dangerous creatures that the player can’t win.

But they some will attack or not help the player and can sent the player to dangerous places. This happens if the player not nice or help them when they need them.

Creatures

Seekertails (Cats)

They are cats with psychic powers that can see in the future and they can be pets but they have a desire to move thing in and out of the house and knock thing over.

Males:

They have 3 tails and likes to hunt explore and sleep

Females:

They have 2 tails like the males they do the same but they have a bit more power in them they like to lift things and keep thing as they like that makes their owner mad.

Kittens:

They have 2 or 3 tails as they are shown if they are females or males they will be blind but they use psychic powers to find where they are. That can cost problems for the owners as thing move and the parents try to keep them safe from anyone who dares to touch them.

Type: Psychic

Blood drainers (Ravens)

They are birds that are everywhere but these birds get attracted to the sent of blood and they drain from wounded creatures or people if they don’t clean it. They eat berries but blood is there favourite drink is blood.

Males:

Have sharper claws and teeth they are bigger then the females but are most territorial then the females.

Females:

Same as males but smaller and they are protective to their chicks and will find food and make nests with sticks and bones.

Chicks:

Hatch with black and gray colours with blood of the eggs they eat meat and eyeballs from creatures that are found by their parents.

Type: Flying/Dark

Riverwings (Crows)

They are different to Blood drainers they live in places that is wet and damp. They eat fish, berries, damp moss and fungus. They feathers drip with sticky black mold water that gets stuck on other creatures they will get sick if they don’t clean it off.

Riverwings they live near the swamp water on the trees for there chicks to dive down and into the swamp to get the drips on their wings.

Type: Flying/ Water

Flowerlanes (Rabbit)

They are friendly but very easy to get scared and hide away. But they help the player with berries that are safe to eat. They are flower creature they can change in to a flower to hide away from the dangerous creatures.

Males:

Darker colours and pellets on them and fur colour. They have longer claws and teeth to them. They rather fight then flight that can give them scares that can ruin their pellets to hide from the creatures.

Females:

They have lighter pellets and fur colours but they have speed and small claws that can quick attack enemies and run away to hide.

Kits:

They will have flowers on them as they grow they will bloom in different colours and styles that suits them.

Type: Grass

Snowdeer (Fox/Deer)

They are a mysterious creatures that have powers that they are hard to find in the wild. They are powerful creatures and are very rare to see in person creatures try to attack them but ending up losing them, can’t remember what they where doing or to disappeared and found in strange places.

Males:

Taller then the females longer antlers they are hard to find same as the females its hard to find

Females:

Shorter then the males and smaller antlers unknown to the world.

Pups:

Pups don’t have antlers in them but as they grow they will start to grow out of their heads

Type: Fairy

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megacircuit9universe · 4 years ago

Text

Uprising

SAT JUN 06 2020

Since I last wrote, the George Floyd protests that began in Minneapolis, and spread to other major US cities over many nights, has now turned into nothing less than a new civil rights movement, in 2020 going under the banner of, “Black Lives Matter,” which began as a hashtag in 2013 after the shooting of Trayvon Martin... and which was subsequently shouted down by two counter movements, “all lives matter,” and “blue lives matter.”

BLM had inspired some demonstrations in the 20-teens, but remained mostly a social media movement, occasionally getting some mainstream press.

At the time of my last entry, as I said, the protests were about George Floyd, and holding the four officers responsible for his death accountable. And there was progress when all four officers were not only fired, but arrested and charged, with varying degrees of murder or manslaughter.

But because these charges took so long to materialize, the anger of the crowds did not immediately evaporate. Protests continued, and continued to filter down to the smaller towns in every state... even as they grew bigger in Washington DC outside the White House.

Trump actually holed up in the bunker beneath the white house for a night or two, with all the lights off above decks, while men outside worked day and night to build a wall around the compound.

But, he was criticized for this massive act of cowardice in the media, and was given the nick name, “Bunker Boy,” which enraged him.

So... on Monday, June 1st, after giving a blood curdling speech about how all the protesters were basically terrorists, and how, if governors did not dominate them, he’d send in the military to do so for them... he unleashed a small army of law enforcement and paramilitary goons on Lafayette square, in the middle of the afternoon (broad daylight once again), hours before curfew, to brutalize and drive back the crowds so that he could walk across the square to Saint John’s Church for an unplanned and pointless photo op, in which he held up a Bible, weirdly, saying nothing.

Amazingly, that Bible did not burst into flames in his hand... which speaks to Yaweh’s restraint... though word is he did strike two national guardsmen with lightning just tonight.

The peaceful, law abiding protesters were gassed, pepper sprayed, beaten back by officers with shields and batons, and further intimidated not only by a cavalry of officers on horseback, but also by and extremely low hovering army helicopter, which could easily have crashed and burned at such a low elevation with so many obstacles like trees and power lines nearby.

Last entry, I had said that Trump and his junta were too shy to go full dictator, but this act, last Monday, demonstrated to the nation and the world, that, in his mind at least, full dictator is not off the table.

This move, on Trump’s part, was met with shock and horror on all sides, and lead to General Mattis, his former National Security Secretary, who resigned late last year, to publish a scathing op-ed, in which he not only called Trump a threat to the constitution and democracy, but reminded the US military they... need to not be taking unconstitutional orders from this ass hole.

His words were praised and echoed by many on the right, and many more on the left who normally don’t like to agree with Mad Dog Mattis.

Joe Biden’s numbers rose in the election polls, in all swing states, and turned a few solidly red states into swing states... just as Allan Lichtman’s keys would seem to have predicted.

And lastly, Trump’s dictatorial stunt, crystallized the protest movement into the full blown, new civil rights movement that it’s become today. The Black Lives Matter movement is now stronger, more organized, and more determined than ever to fight for systemic change.

It’s more than just George Floyd and four guilty officers now. This is about systemic racism, police brutality, and anti-fascism.

(It’s also secondarily about the wealth gap and the total failure of those in power to keep us all comfortable enough not to bother taking to the streets.)

Rather than backing down, people all over the country are going out in greater numbers... better prepared for the attacks of the police. And armed with their smart phones, videotaping events live, and streaming them to the cloud for the world to see in real time.

They are exposing the fact that most of the fires and property damage, such as broken storefront windows, are being done by the cops themselves... as helped along by white nationalist citizens trying to blend into the crowd to cause mayhem (shades of kristallnacht, but for two weeks and counting).

Much of the looting too, is being done by opportunists who are traveling long distances to exploit the mayhem in local municipalities they’ve never visited before in their lives, much less reside in.

Peaceful protesters are getting much more savvy, not only about exposing these bad players on video, but sussing them out before they can strike. And they’re getting more savvy about protecting themselves, with padded motorcycle jackets, goggles and other measures to mitigate teargas and pepper spray, bluetooth devices, scouts and lookouts to maintain situational awareness.

It’s definitely worth noting here that all the 2nd Amendment nuts, who for decades have justified their right to bear arms citing exactly the scenario we are now seeing, in which the government becomes tyrannical... are nowhere to be found in this confrontation. They, in fact, are siding with the fascists in power... because... racism.

Back to the BLM movement...

BLM has now (thanks to Trump) passed the tipping point at which it can be put down by force. Too many people are involved, and they have too much support, both at home and abroad (78% support domestically, as gauged yesterday).

To put it another way... the effort now required by those in power to quash this movement, is too drastic to be practical.

Why? Well, they are desperately clinging to a stock market bubble right now... which is being inflated by optimistic speculation in the face of all that’s beset the nation... that everything will get back to normal in a year.

Killing protesters, or disappearing them is out of the question... it will only bring more unrest. Confiscating smart phones, in order to quash the videos of police wrongdoing... out of the question, because smart phones are economic tools used to make purchases, view ads, pay bills, etc.

Internet black outs... out of the question, for the same reason.

Anything that threatens to pop that delicate stock market bubble is instant death for Trump and his junta.

And even if they don’t pop that bubble... every day the BLM movement gains more steam... with people out of work, out of money, stuck at home because no progress has been made with virus testing and contact tracing... the junta still moves ever closer to the end of their reign.

Talk now is not only that Biden’s numbers are climbing... but that Republican control of the Senate is also on the chopping block this November.

People have not forgotten who impeached this guy last November... warning us about the danger he posed... and who blocked his removal from office back then, just before Covid19 reared it’s ugly head in China.

Who voted to acquit Trump?.. the same ones who oppose stimulus checks now, and who continue to enable all of the needless suffering and hardship we, as a nation are enduring together in this moment.

Even if these Senators break from Trump... which most are yet unwilling to do... we still remember how they failed us at that critical juncture, when he could have been removed in advance of the national crisis.

We still remember how they brushed aside warnings about how history would remember them... at best, not giving a shit about history... but often with mockery, that such a warning had any teeth at all.

We still remember...

We...

...not just the political junkies who always pay attention... but now the ones who, at the time, had better things to focus on.

The Millennials, who though they’d finally recovered the ground they lost in the Bush years, and were about to try and settle down to own homes and start families.

The Zoomers (or GenZ) just graduating high school, and just starting college, thinking the economic nightmare suffered by their predecessors could not befall them too.

Together, these two youngest generations of voters, who had been the most apathetic, but have now become the most activist... outnumber, by percentage of population, the boomers in their own activist hayday of the 1960s.

And unlike the young boomers of old, who were at odds with some of the Silents, and all of the Greatests... Gens Y and Z have nearly full support of X, and growing support from the aging boomers, who, as of late, have been asked to sacrifice their lives for the economy.

This is a moment in American history like few before it, in which revolution is now pregnant.

But at the time of writing tonight, I still believe it will be a mostly peaceful revolution... sweeping Trump and his junta out of power this November, and establishing some meaningful and lasting reforms in the aftermath of the nightmare they visited upon us, these past four years.

That’s all I have to say about things for a Saturday night.

It’s time for bed.

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payment-providers · 5 years ago

Text

New Post has been published on Payment-Providers.com

New Post has been published on https://payment-providers.com/why-libraries-are-giving-up-on-late-fees/

Why Libraries Are Giving Up On Late Fees

It has happened to all but the most organized among us. We’re minding our own business, cleaning out a closet or reorganizing the bookshelf, when it suddenly thrusts itself upon us.

That lost library book we had almost managed to convince ourselves no longer existed. The book that became the second reason we’ve avoided going to the library since the waning days of the second Bush administration. (The first being Amazon, of course.)

At this moment, every library delinquent faces the same dilemma: return the erstwhile book, or put it back in whatever box it came from and pretend this whole unpleasant incident never happened. Weird questions start running through one’s mind: “Does the library stop trying to collect the fines at any point? Does compounding interest accrue? Can they charge a fine that exceeds the book’s replacement value? Can I be arrested for holding onto a library book for over a decade? Do I need a lawyer?”

As it turns out, library fines, generally speaking, don’t become a major financial hurdle. According to recent reports in The Wall Street Journal, the average fine is about 17 cents per day that a book is late – and are capped at $5, $10 or the cost of the books borrowed. But, as St. Paul Public Library Director Catherine Penkert told the publication, it’s not just about the money.

It’s the shame of having to face a librarian and sheepishly have to pull out a dollar bill and admit you are not able to handle the simplest possible adult responsibility.

“I didn’t even want to tell you, ‘I have fines,’” Penkert told the Journal of what she normally hears at work while collecting library fines from friends and family in the community, who usually wear a rather pained hangdog expression.

But perhaps the scourge of library fines is migrating to the past. This week, Chicago became the largest metro area to officially say no to library fines – joining St. Paul, Minnesota; Dallas, Texas; and Oakland, California – in what has become known of late as the library fee amnesty movement that has been quietly (they are libraries after, all) picking up steam in 2019.

Because libraries need customers to keep coming in – and they have been finding out in recent years that a late fee and a disapproving librarian create a very bad customer experience … but one that is pretty easily rectified.

Why Libraries Are Killing the Fines Nationwide

In a digital world – where most of the classics can be downloaded for free, reference books are rapidly becoming a tool of antiquity and digital streaming has largely eliminated the need for a physical hub for free access to entertainment media – libraries are struggling to bring users in the door. One apparent solution, according to Curtis Rogers, a spokesman for Urban Libraries Council, is to get rid of the things that are actively driving people away.

“We’d rather have you come to the library and engage in our services,” Rogers noted.

Catherine Penkert concurred, noting that in a world where consumers have a lot of choices when it comes to reading materials – many of them free – making the library an unpleasant place to be is far from an optimal strategy.

“All the rules that we have, and the fines and the fees, they’re making libraries really hard to deal with,” she said. “Putting everybody in this spot where they’re going to be fined to death is not helpful.”

Moreover, libraries can’t back up their fines with much in the way of force. In the not-too-distant past, they have been known to play hardball – they would hand unpaid fines off to specialty collection agencies that dealt purely with library fines. Customers who didn’t cough up the money owed could actually see their credit score take a hit, and find themselves locked out of things like car loans or even mortgages, simply because an overdue book situation got way out of hand. These days, however, that is a much, much less likely occurrence, and the credit bureaus do not use library data or parking tickets to generate consumers’ scores.

Incidentally, most people don’t actually know this, according to Equifax – which means they get a lot of questions from panicked library delinquents worried they are about to be booted from mainstream credit markets.

“The topic has come up so frequently that we decided to include it among our credit myths,” said Nancy E. Bistritz-Balkan, spokeswoman for Equifax.

The specialty credit collectors for library fees still exist – but in 45 states, they are unable to put the fine data onto a credit report. And even in the states where they are allowed to do so, they usually don’t.

Unique Library, based in Indiana, is one such specialty credit firm. As a rule, they do not try to wreck library patrons’ credit – instead, they employ what they call a “gentle nudge” policy, aimed at inspiring people to either return their books and pay the fine, or just buy the book. They claim to have collected more than a billion dollars in fines and late fees for overdue materials on behalf of nearly 2,000 libraries in five countries.

Will Getting Rid of Overdue Fines Save the Library?

It is probably a lot to expect that removing overdue book fees – and the anxiety surrounding them – will utterly solve for the library’s problems in the modern world. There are plenty of people who fail to visit the library every week not because they owe money, but purely due to lack of interest and an abundance of other options.

But as avid payments peeps, we can’t help but observe that dropping the fees is often an effective method of boosting consumers’ enthusiasm, which is why it’s a method that is popping up more and more often.

Over the summer, Discover captured a lot of headlines and attention with the announcement that it was dropping the fees on all of its deposit accounts – including fees for insufficient funds and excessive withdrawals, as well as penalties for falling below minimum balances and making stop-payment requests. The elimination also extends to charges for monthly maintenance, checkbook orders or replacement debit cards.

“Helping our customers lead better financial lives is at the heart of everything we do, whether that’s removing fees, offering industry-leading rewards or consistently delivering distinctive customer experiences,” said Arijit Roy, vice president of deposits at Discover, in the release. “Removing all deposit account fees was an easy decision for us based on our commitment to offer the most rewarding banking products in the industry.”

Affirm’s Chief Product Officer Jack Chou told Karen Webster in a conversation last year that in attempting to build an honest and transparent financial company, fees were the first thing on the chopping block, because at the end of the day, they just lead to consumer confusion and anxiety. When there are hidden and built-in fees, Chou noted, the customer never really knows what they are going to pay, and thus is always just a little uncomfortable.

“The one thing we kept hearing from customers over and over again,” Chou said, “was that their trust in our brand went beyond that loan they got that one time.”

And, while the issues of a library are in many ways different from those of a POS lender or bank, one can see how the issue of trust is a common thread. The customer who doesn’t trust herself to return a library book – or the process of being fined for it – will start avoiding the library. The Wall Street Journal had story after story about people who checked out a book in their youth, got hit with a fine along with library failure shame, and then never went back to the library.

The customer who goes in and believes there is no way going to a library will end in anything but a peaceful afternoon of reading, on the other hand? They might actually make the journey – or at least not reject the possibility out of fear that they won’t be able to make eye contact with the librarian.

And at least the early data on the subject bears that out: Since St. Paul, Minnesota killed overdue fines, some branches have seen a double-digit percentage increase in circulation. Citywide, circulation is up nearly 2 percent – which may not sound like much, but it is the first increase the city has seen in 10 years.

And, it seems, patrons are not failing to return the books – or at least no more so than they were before.

——————————–

Latest Insights:

Our data and analytics team has developed a number of creative methodologies and frameworks that measure and benchmark the innovation that’s reshaping the payments and commerce ecosystem. The September 2019 Mobile Order-Ahead Tracker, serves as a monthly framework for the space. It provides coverage of the most recent news and trends as well as a provider directory that highlights key players across the mobile order-ahead ecosystem.

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chvrchesrp · 7 years ago

Photo

Welcome to CHVRCHES’ eleventh event!

This event is our fourth missive event, which means a little bit of what happens will be assigned to your muse. Since we’re fresh off the heels of a heavy, location-based event, this one actually isn’t in a centralized location at a certain time all together... it’s “normal play,” but things aren’t as your muse left them when they entered Hotel California. You will be given 2 ‘tasks’ to accomplish as you see fit. This event has only this one part.

The date stamp for the dream portion is the overnight between Friday, July 21st and Saturday, July 22nd. (You don’t have to stop writing established HC threads.) Please do not make timeline threads dated after August 26th, which will be the next event.

Exhausted from what feels like only 8 hours, everyone, finally out of the hotel, makes their way home. Their tech is still acting up, not yet giving updated information, and folks wind up in bed around three in the morning. While they believe they are going to bed during the small hours of June 25th, in truth, it’s the wee hours of July 21st. As they sleep, everyone has the same strange dream—

In your dream, you see a tree; it bears 12 different types of fruit, but each time you try to focus on one, it shifts colour, like light through a prism. The tree itself seems to glow with its own light, but that doesn’t make the tree feel like a good omen; instead, there is something about the tree that invokes the feeling of vertigo. Like, if given half the chance, you would fall toward it on your knees. It’s a feeling between awe and confusion. The bark of the tree, if you look closely enough, isn’t inlaid with gold nor silver: instead, it’s as if all the words ever spoken are written upon the wood, making its curves and shadows where the words grow denser: all the wisdom of the ages.

The leaves shine as if to heal, the air is sweet and fragrant, the roots grow strong and thick into the ground where a river meets it on either side. Perhaps you are in a plain; perhaps you are in a garden; where the tree is doesn’t matter. Everything in the dream pales in comparison to this tree. Giving in to the vertigo, you fall into the tree itself, becoming a part of its trunk, another word on its bark, and you can see out into the world. It’s as if you are on an altar, privvy to things unseeable otherwise—is this how energy senses? is this how the universe sees?—and looking out, you see 3 bright spots. The longer you focus on a bright spot, the clearer it becomes. Each, a grail.

Slowly, the brightness fades. The grails have seemed to—disappear off the face of the earth. You are spat out from the tree, back to whatever setting, the sense of vertigo gone, and as you are whooshed backward, you can see 3 pinpricks of light emerging—but not a sense of where, on a map, they might be. As you re-orient yourself in the dream, the tree seems to no longer be a tree, but instead just a plain bush, the same sort of bush you might see on your way to work, of little to no consequence at all—until it bursts into flame. Suddenly, and very surely, you have the sense of not being alone. You turn to one side, only to see another version of yourself.

The other you seems curious at first, with the wayward innocence of a puppy, going to touch your face—only, it reaches through your face and into your skull. It tries to know what you know, but you push it out; in that moment, you also got to see a glimpse inside of the other-you’s head. It feels like one of Famine’s manifestations, the sort you encountered in the Hotel rooms, and it wants to take over your life. It already has. It’s running your life for you. All it needs to do now is remove you from the life its stolen to stay seamlessly in it. A dark version of you, a minion of something far worse than you.

You scream. You shake yourself awake, unsure what to make of all of this, perhaps, looking to those you know, those around you, to discuss it with.

When they wake, it is July 22nd. Their phones are working again. They realize they spent far longer in Hotel California than they’d ever imagined. What felt like 8 hours in the Hotel turned out to be about a month in the real world. But how do they still have apartments? How do they still have jobs to attend? How is their life running without them in it for a month?

Feel free (we encourage) to make threads trying to determine the meaning of the shared dream. It might take awhile to sort out, but yes, all of the Grails are gone from where ever they might have been—so if your muse had one, feel free to make a thread to check on it, only to find that it’s gone.

You are also free to make “normal” threads from here on out and continue plotting in your usual way. What has changed in the world around them, as they rejoin it, is that each muse now has an “evil double” version of themselves that Famine manifested. That “ED” has assumed your muse’s life. Your muse shows up to work? ED is already there. (For example.)

The only muse not affected with an ED is Pestilence, who will get to fuck with all of these folks as she sees fit, get her kicks perhaps deliberately “killing” (more on that later) the wrong people, and perhaps a head-start on Grail finding.

MUN TASK ONE:

Encounter your muse’s double.

It’s up to you where and how your muse encounters their double. The extra fun piece of this is, as writers, you also get to write your evil double. So you can have threads as your muse, and then also as your ED muse interacting with others. Please put, in the Subject of your threads, [ED] to mark that it’s an ED for clarity.

Feel free to explore what the ‘evil’ version of your muse would be like! Yes, even you, Satan, should be able to find parts of you to make worse. (And remember, evil can present as a number of personality traits; the thing is the ED has evil motives, but many methods, to allow you creative spectrum.) The ED knows some, but not all, of the facts about your muse. (That’s why we had you do Challenge 23 to help brainstorm some of that!) It’s also important to keep in mind that the ED is trying to both:

Pass as close as possible to your muse while having evil motives

And trying to kill your muse so it can assume your muse’s life

Your ED does have all the abilities of your original muse, except 1) ED angels/demons cannot hear prayers and 2) ED angels/demons can be killed like a human; it doesn’t require a Grail.

How the ED is trying to kill your muse is also up to you. It doesn’t have to be stabby-stab; maybe they’re trying to poison your muse, or trying to stage a series of unfortunate events to take the suspicions off themselves. You do not have to write [ED] threads if you don’t wish to. You do have to still have your main muse meet and/or engage with their ED, however.

MUN TASK TWO:

Kill your muse’s double.

Doubles can’t be killed by the original muse. In order to stop the ED from taking over your muse’s life and killing your muse, your muse will need to enlist help from someone to take out their double. Since all muses have EDs, they’ll be pretty familiar with the predicament, having to do the same thing for themselves.

Your task is to create a scenario in which another muse has to decide whether to kill OM (Original Muse) or the ED. (Another reason we had you do Challenge 23, of course!) This does not have to happen the moment your muse wakes up, but can happen at some point over the course of the month. You’ll be carrying on other normal-style threads at the same time as your OM or ED.

The “kill scene” scenario can be a thread with someone your muse knows well, or it can be with someone they don’t know well—after all, while we are planning the scenarios, it might be quite sudden or abrupt for them! We want you guys to have fun with this and get as creative as possible.

A few muses will be incorrectly “killed”—that is, the OM “dies” instead of the ED.

Those muses are:

Dom, Paul, Zack, and Noah.

As such, those listed above might want to create scenarios in which their muse is being judged by someone who doesn’t know them as well as they’d hoped. Or, perhaps their ED succeeds in killing them. Or, a situation where an amused or cruel other party might intentionally choose to let the ED live as opposed to the original muse, as a point of humour or contention—especially if under the understanding that the “death” might not be a true death, as follows:

When an ED or and OM dies, it’s not actually a realistic death. No matter how the ED is killed, it should just turn into ash and dust once it “dies.” When an OM dies, it looks like they just become dust particles and ‘flicker’ out of existence, insinuating they’re not actually dead, just somewhere else. If you are the player of one of the dead original muses listed above (thanks for volunteering as tribute!) you will get to continue to thread as your ED until the August event.

When an OM flickers out of existence, a business card from Delirium will be left behind in their place for the muses left to read:

8/26. COME MEET YOUR DOOM OR IT WILL COME TO YOU.

#chvrchesrp #lsrpg #original rp #literate rp #bio rp #event #missive event #event 011 #murder tw #death tw

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unknought · 8 years ago

Text

Entering the park, you strip away the layers of your vision.

Gone is the default public layer which would tell you where you are, what time it is, what the weather is going to be, where to walk to best avoid crowds. Gone is the layer provided by the park specifically, which would attach to each bird and tree a label indicating its species and providing various fun facts, and which would show you the history of each bench and sculpture. Gone are the social media layers giving windows into the lives of your friends, gone are the couple of augmented reality games that are normally an ambient presence in your life. You keep on an emergency layer, so that if someone needs to contact you or there's a disaster, you'll know. But otherwise reality is stripped down to its bottom layer, the shared physical world you can't choose to opt out of.

You sit down on a bench. Nearby, on what used to be a basketball court, a group of teenagers is playing a game. With all your layers off, you can only see half of what's going on: You can see the players running around, but not the game world which coordinates and motivates their actions. Judging by their yelling and their gestures, you infer that they're working together to defeat some large monster by casting spells at it.

One of the kids crouches and then jumps eight feet straight into the air. You're not old, but you're old enough that this seems strange, all these human bodies doing things that human bodies can't do. It's often said that such augmentations are improvements on evolution's work (the less blasphemous cousin of an older boast) but you know that that's not really true. Modified bodies like the child's consume more calories and are more damage-prone. In an environment like the one their ancestors evolved in, they would probably have starved to death or been immobilized by injury. Now, food is plentiful and deadly injuries are rare, so such concerns are less of an issue. It's not that augmented bodies are better than unmodified ones in an objective sense, just that they're optimized for a drastically different world.

For all the yelling of the children and chirping of the birds, there's a certain quietness to the world stripped bare of its extraneous layers. Watching a small flock of birds peck at birdseed someone scattered in the grass before you arrived, there's a certain… You don't want to say realness: You know better than to pretend that the things that happen in the other layers are unreal, and you've only recently kicked the habit of calling the base layer “the real world”. You don't want to say authenticity: You're pretty sure those are starlings, you know the whole stupid story of how they came to be in North America, and there's nothing authentic about it. But there's a concreteness, at least, in knowing that those birds exist for everyone in the park, and not just for you.

There's a woman walking slowly through the grass, intent on something you have trouble deciphering. She's middle-aged, slightly gaunt, with long messy brown hair. She's wearing grass-stained blue jeans and a ratty jacket, and she's carrying a trash bag. She keeps kneeling down, running her fingers through the grass, picking things off the ground, and putting them in her bag. Your first guess would be that she's picking up litter –good for her!– but she's being so meticulous about each little patch that she could never hope to cover a significant area. And it doesn't look like she's trying to: She's moving in a slow straight line, picking things up from a narrow strip only a couple feet wide, and ignoring everything outside the strip.

She sees you watching, and smiles and waves. You smile back and then look away, embarrassed to have been caught staring. But you keep finding yourself looking back. Her trajectory will take her within ten feet of the bench you're sitting on. She's not walking straight toward you, so it isn't creepy, but the fact that she keeps getting closer makes her difficult to ignore.

“You're probably wondering what I'm doing!” she half-shouts, once she's close enough to you. You hadn't intended to ask, but it's hard to deny that you had been wondering. You give her an expectant look.

“I'm clearing a fairy path! A small one, admittedly. Over there is a thorn bush,” she points to a rosebush a hundred feet away, “which the fairies use as a home. Over here is a fairy ring, which they use for dances and meetings.” Indeed, there's a circle of white mushrooms half-hidden in the grass behind the bench.

She seems harmless enough, and you don't have anywhere to be, so you decide to humor her. “Why do you need to clear the path for them? Couldn't they do that themselves?”

She drops her bag on the grass, bounds over to the bench, and sits down next to you, clearly thrilled to have an audience. “Actually, no! They're not very good at affecting human things, like litter. As for why I do it, the traditional reason is to prevent them from retaliating with blights and abductions and so forth. But I doubt these ones have the ability to do anything that serious. I'm mostly just doing this because I want them to be happy and successful.”

You're still trying to figure out whether this is a strange joke or she actually believes what she's saying, and apparently it shows on your face, because she chuckles a bit ruefully and says “You don't believe me. I can't blame you! I don't think I would believe in fairies either, if I couldn't see them for myself.”

This doesn't make you any less confused, but at least there's an obvious next question. “You can see fairies?”

“Yes, I've always been able to. I was the youngest of four children –I had two older sisters and an older brother– and before any of us were born my father promised his third daughter to a fairy prince, not as a bride but as a possession. I don't know what he gained from the bargain. The fairies wouldn't tell me, and Dad died before I was old enough to ask. But I'm guessing it was my mother's love. Very few other things went right in his life, and apparently a lot of people were surprised when she fell for him.

“I was born belonging to the fairies, with one foot in their world and one foot in ours. During the daytime my life wasn't too different from any other child's. I could see goblins out of the corner of my eye and fairy writing in the arrangements of flower petals, but I still went to school and had friends and enemies and crushes. But every night I was taken away to the fairy prince's palace.

“There I was taught to sing and dance and tell stories, and I was told that my role was to bear the fairy prince a child. If I could not provide him a child, I would be given up to the fairies' Hunt. If I could, I would be treated like royalty for the course of my pregnancy, then the baby would be taken from me and I would be given up to the fairies' Hunt.

“On my… I hesitate to call it a wedding night, but on the night my father's sale of me was to be consummated, the prince asked me to tell him a story. The story I told is not one which would interest you –just the mundanities of my daily life, my siblings and friends and classes– but it was strange to him, and I told it well. He fell asleep with his head resting in my lap.

“I tied him up with his own belt, held his own knife to his throat, and made him promise to let me go, to leave me and mine alone, and to never take human girls unwillingly again. 'Why didn't you kill me?' he asked. 'I've killed girls like you before. I was going to kill you. Why let me live?'”

She stares off into space. “'You're beautiful,' is what I told him. I know that sounds stupid, but that's just because you didn't see him for yourself. I could describe him to you –the flowers in his hair, the luster of his skin– but it wouldn't make any sense to you. If you had seen him, you would understand how beautiful he was, and how he was beautiful, and why I couldn't destroy something like that.”

She pauses, watching for your reaction. This is all a bit more than you bargained for. It seems to go beyond mere superstition, but other than the content of what she's saying, there's nothing to make you doubt her sincerity or her sanity. But there's something infectious about the narrative she's spinning, that makes it easy to play along.

“So why are you helping them, then?” you ask. “I would think that after an experience like that, you would want to have as little to do with fairies as possible. But you said you were clearing the path for their benefit.”

“It's the same reason, really,” she says. “They're beautiful, and we're killing them, and I can't bear to let that happen. I'm trying to save them from us.”

She pauses for a few seconds, thinking. “Do you know what a fairy is?” She doesn't wait for an answer. “A fairy is a thing which is diminished. They used to say that fairies were angels or devils which had been trapped on Earth. They used to say that fairies were old pagan gods which had been demoted to things to scare children with. They used to say that fairies were an older race of people who had once owned the land but had been driven into the shadows and under the hills by invaders. They were right. When the Victorians reinterpreted fairies as mischievous little sprites instead of the dangerous otherworldly beings they had been in the past, they were right. For all of human history we've been pushing the fairies deeper and deeper into the dark corners of the world, weakening them, and they're running out of places to hide.”

“What are we doing to diminish them, though? I've never fought a fairy, I'm pretty sure most people haven't,” you say, a little more belligerently than you intended. “Is it just like a Tinkerbell thing? Every time someone says 'I don't believe in fairies,' one of them dies?”

“No… It's not really about belief, at least not human belief. The world is made up of multiple stories of how it might work. These stories aren't always consistent with each other, and sometimes there's friction where two stories clash and the universe has to figure out how to resolve a contradiction. There used to be many stories and many peoples, existing not exactly in harmony but in something like balance. But there was one story which was so totalizing and convincing that it nearly convinced the universe that it was the only one. That story has had many parts: The development of iron tools was one, which struck the first major blow against the fairies for control of the world. Monotheism as the backbone of the great Christian and Islamic empires was another. More recently, and more powerfully, was the Scientific Revolution.”

“You're anti-science, then? Narrow-minded scientists are removing all the mystery and magic from the world?”

“Not at all! Science is a beautiful thing, and I appreciate modern medicine and conveniences as much as anyone else. But science seeks to obtain a coherent understanding of how the world is; it leaves little room for contradictory stories. When you use experiments and observation to ask the world what the answer to your question is, you cannot help but whisper in its ear that there is a single answer and that all others are false.”

“So science is mapping all the dark corners of the world and leaving less and less room for the fairies to hide in. Isn't what you're doing hopeless, then? Soon there will be nowhere left to hide, and they'll go extinct.”

She grins unexpectedly. “Nope! The modern world is driving them out of their old hiding spots, but it's starting to make new ones for them. All they need to do is survive long enough to make the transition.” She gestures at the basketball court, where the teenagers are still performing impossible acrobatics in response to something you can't see. “Look at them. Look at their willingness to accept a world that isn't real for you. Look at what they can do, think about the modifications that have been in the news lately: lizard people, flower people, people with wings. Soon many of the more humanlike fairies will be just another face in the crowd, and they'll be able to walk among us freely.”

She looks suddenly shy, for the first time since she started talking to you. “Would you like to see them? The fairies?”

Confused, you nod.

“Turn on your public layer,” she tells you.

You do, and she sends you a short message: The name and password to a layer of the park hidden from public view. Both appear to be random twenty-character strings of alphanumerics; nothing that anyone could possibly hope to guess. You turn on the hidden layer.

The air is filled with pollen or spores in half a dozen colors, so thick that the sun is partially blotted out. The trees visible in the base layer are still here, but their trunks extend impossibly far upwards, their tops vanishing into the cloud of pollen. On the fairy path there is a procession of moths with two-foot wingspans, crawling from the ring to the bush single-file and in time, alternating black and white. On the far side of the basketball court there is a towering humanoid creature, twelve feet tall, whose skin is mostly gray-brown and covered in snaking roots, but whose head is many-colored and shaped like the flower of a gigantic orchid. A seven-foot python with ice-blue human eyes lies curled around the far leg of the bench. It makes eye contact, then swiftly begins to uncoil and slither towards you.

You turn off the layer in a panic. The woman looks at you, crestfallen, and without saying a word stands up, walks back to her bag, and resumes her task.

This doesn't prove anything. It's barely even evidence. Anyone could set up a private layer with whatever they wanted on it. The animation was pretty good, but maybe she's an artist, or has an artist friend, or downloaded the art for somewhere. All this shows is that she or someone cared enough to set up the layer. It's certainly not enough to show that your whole worldview, your whole metaphysics is wrong.

But still. Next time you visit the park you check for the hidden layer. (Your name and password combination doesn't work, so either the login information has changed or the layer is gone entirely.) And you pick up the shred of candy bar wrapper lying in the mushroom circle. Just in case.

#fiction

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laurawritesandgames · 8 years ago

Text

Taken

Ashley was meeting a client who wanted to buy one of her “new” smartphones when she saw the cat. She was heading toward the field by the beach when a sneeze made her stop and look down.

The orange-and-white cat crouched in a nest of moss and feathers beneath a bramble patch, ears back and eyes wide. The wind had blown cattail leaves from the pool nearby, which had caught in the brambles. It looked almost like a little roof. The cat sneezed again. Eyeing her, it hissed and lashed its tail. Through the rain, Ashley could just make out green mucus dribbling from its nose.

Mittens had died two months ago; she still had all his things. She might even still have some antibiotics for his chest infection, too. Ashley Woods was a criminal, but she wasn’t a monster.

“Hey there, kitty,” she cooed. With one hand, she texted her client that she had a family emergency.

She had her burglary gloves on, so it was no problem to reach into the brambles and grab the cat. The poor little guy yowled and lashed out, but she held it close to her chest.

“It’ll be okay, sweetie. It’ll be okay.”

The Ruler stepped out from behind the cattails as the Longpaw’s monster ran away, and the Enforcer followed.

“Shit!” the Ruler snarled, fur bushed up. “I wanted that one!”

The Enforcer didn’t say that you were supposed to fight for things you wanted. The Ruler would spit and yowl for a while, then he’d forget all about Shorthair.

“You have another,” the Enforcer said, thinking of Longhair, who was picking weeds with It in the old Longpaw garden.

“A fat piece of fluff with Stonepath-kill for brains!” The Ruler began clawing apart Shorthair’s nest.

The Enforcer went to doze under one of the spruce trees, out of the rain. He awoke to a cry of pain.

“You don’t get to tell me what we do!” the Ruler snarled.

By Shorthair’s old nest, Longhair was backing away from the Ruler. “You’re—you’re right, Ruler. I’m so sorry. But we need Feath—Shorthair. She’s a good hunter.”

“She’s lost to us now. Even if she came back—” he glanced at It “—she’d be useless.”

It was pacing beside the Enforcer’s sleeping place. When the Ruler turned his attention back to Longhair, It leaned in and muttered, “I didn’t like Shorthair. She thought she was better than us, you could tell.” His ear-stubs perked. “Now Longhair won’t always try to run off and talk to her all the time!”

Sometimes, It could be such a kit. “Don’t get too attached.”

His eye widened. “I’m not,” he whined.

“Where are you hurt, Enforcer?” Longhair called to him.

“Hurt?”

“He’s fine,” the Ruler said. “The Longpaws just bruised him a bit, that’s all. They didn’t even touch me. He’s so fat, he can’t dodge as well as I can.”

The Enforcer was surprised his brother hadn’t said they returned from a hunt and found Shorthair gone. Was he trying to impress Longhair? Why bother?

Longhair gasped. “You fought Longpaws and escaped untouched? Ruler, don’t you see? That means only you can save Shorthair!”

The Ruler’s ears perked forward, and the Enforcer began to get a little worried.

“You’re so clever, so quick, and you know Longpawhome.” Longhair leaned into him, eyes wide.

He held her gaze for a few heartbeats then looked up the hill, to Longpawhome, his tail tip twitching. “A ruler looks out for his subjects.”

“We’re not going to find her,” the Enforcer said. “There’s no trail.”

The Ruler mrrowed. “We’ll ask other cats, Enforcer. It’s called in-ves-ti-ga-ting.”

The Enforcer hissed. “They won’t talk to us.” Had he forgotten why they had to leave Longpawhome in the first place?

The Ruler unsheathed his claws and slashed at the air. “Then we’ll make them, you idiot! I’m sorry you have to keep listening to this dog-brained piece of shit, my dear,” he said to Longhair. He raised his tail. “Come along, everyone. We’ll shelter in the Cat Garden while we wait for the clouds to clear.”

“Oh, thank you, Ruler, thank you!” Longhair purred, though she stopped when the Ruler nuzzled her cheek. “I—I know you’ll find her. I just know it.”

They were leaving now? In this weather? “Fuck that.” The Enforcer sat down under his tree.

The Ruler snorted at him. His gaze locked on the Stonetrail up to Longpawhome, pupils widening. Fur rising, he started running. Longhair followed close behind. It yowled “Wait for me!” and bolted after them.

You have to look after him, Grey Bear. The Enforcer flinched at the memory of Mom’s voice, quiet and desperate. We’re family. Only we can understand him. The world can be so cruel.

Having these stupid she-cats around kept making him think of Mom. The Enforcer couldn’t wait until they were gone.

With a sigh, the Enforcer heaved himself to his paws and started after the Ruler and the others.

Player’s Note: I could’ve just taken a screenshot of a random townie, but I said ‘No, let’s embrace the Simsness of it all.’ So, yeah, the burglar that robbed Terrell’s house (Terrell being the hidden owner of these cats) gets a guest spot in this instalment.

#sims 3 warrior cats challenge #ts3 #sims 3 screenshots #sims 3 story #warrior cats fic #Warrior Cats #ts3 simblr

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screamingtofu · 8 years ago

Text

First d&d session is complete

Guys, holy shit. D&D is so fucking fun. We only had 3 people show up due to conflicting schedules, but we pressed on anyway and bud, let me tell you we went for 6 damn hours and it didn’t feel like it at all. Gonna put the rundown under a read more because it’s a decent chunk and I’m tired.

The npc guide finds me in shackled in prison and says they’re looking for people who want to help and protect others, Eridol immediately insults him before pointing to his holy symbol and mentions anything is better than staying in jail again. So they go off and end up bickering outside a church because the guide is being a cryptic bastard and Eridol is both amused and annoyed at the lack of straight answers. The NPC who Eridol now knows is named Core wanders into the church looking for another player character who we find. He’s a charasmatic fuck of a dragonborn paladin called Draccus who joins us only after he gets up us for loitering outside the church (Bitch, it’s my church too. Calm thy scaly tits). We all then go off to get a horse each and travel into the forest to find our last member of this merry band, a hobgoblin fighter called Olgum/Olgrum depending on who you talk to who had been living out in the forests for like 40 years … he’s basically hobgoblin Danny Trejo and sounds like Dr Claw from Inspector Gadget.

After a heartfelt speech from Core of “If you come with us, you can kill lots of things” we wander back to the horses. Simple math check, we only have three horses. As soon as we get there Core and Draccus both jump on and start riding away, as Eridol is standing there really thinking about how this hobgoblin said he wanted to eat him he mentions that he’ll just walk … only to be picked up by the scruff of the shirt and put neck deep in a drawstring food bag that was on the horse. Eridol was not exactly pleased with this but it works. After about an hours ride we come up to the first quest npc, big stocky dude called Heinrik, who runs a carriage company running stock between towns but has recently suffered attacks while travelling in the forests. We take off with his carriage, Eridol thankfully riding shotgun and not in the food sack anymore before stopping for the night about a third of the way through the forest.

Olgum gets the scent of a boar from earlier and wanders off to hunt it, he follows the scent to a stream and decides to cross it and finds a dark mound moving slightly, mostly obscured by the shadows. After about 20 minutes of him being gone Eridol and Draccus (Who at this point, Eridol is just calling Drac … much to his dismay) decide they should go and find him, they follow him to the stream and because Eridol is the only one with dark vision, he’s the only one that can see that yeah the boar is there, but so are the 2 wolves eating it. Eridol tells Drac before yelling for Olgum and nearly murdering one of the wolves with a sacred flame. The light from the attack is enough for Olgum to get his bearings before screaming “He’s mine”. In that moment the non singed wolf took him down to 2 hp with a single attack because we’re all squishy babies. Drac seriously considers tossing Eridol across the river because it’d be above my head but reconsiders and crosses the waist deep water for him and throws a javelin at the injured wolf … and spit roasts it straight through the back of the mouth as it was lunging for Olgum. Olgum just straight up decapitates the other wolf in one swing before Eridol casts a healing word on him and we take the boar and wolves back to camp. Drac skins the wolves and the hulking hobgoblin that Eridol is just calling Olga now is expertly butchering this pig. like damn it is a work of art. Once he’s done he throws both Drac and Eridol a boar leg each. Drac being a shit uses his flame breathe to sear it and digs in. Eridol goes and grabs some spices and rolls a fucking nat 20 on the cooking check to make the best roast ever before he hacks the best part of and gives it to Olga just as an acknowledgement that this meat based friendship was going amazingly

So we wake up and continue on our way, Olga and Core riding up front, myself riding shotgun with Heinrik and Drac on rear guide. I see a blur of red sitter past in the bushes and inform Heinrik who gets his crossbow and I ready my hammer and shield.Olga hears goblinspeak in the bushes before 2 rocks come whizzing at us, one pings off my shield and the other clocks Core right in the back of the head. While he’s dazed, Olga whips a hatchet through a kobold’s head and runs off to melee with a goblin, I cast shield of faith on Heinrik because that seems like a good idea before jumping down and running towards another kobold. Core shoots off a pretty limp ray of frost at one of them. This giant fuck of an orc runs out, takes a heavy crossbow bolt from Heinrik, Slashes the fuck out of Heinrik before seeing Drac and taking a bonus action to run to him. It’s at this point Drac notices what the fuck is happening because he got a nat 1 on a perception check and then a 2 for initiative. Drac dismounts his horse and disarms the orc … he literally sliced one of his fucking arms off mid swing and it just goes sailing into the forest before the orc passes out from shock. The kobold near me sees this and tries to nope the fuck out and I crack his skull open as a reaction before casting healing word on Heinrik because he was fuuuuuucked up. Olga decapitates the currently sole goblin as it was on it’s knees begging for mercy.

Now the combats over, we see Core running to give the orc a potion because Heinrik wanted him alive. Eridol gets there first and casts spare the dying while we rope up and shackle the orc before we throw a potion down his throat. At this point Eridol wanders off to find his shield and the orc arm but Heinrik grills this dude for info about his missing supplies and daughter. The orc laughs before mentioning they were going to rape the daughter and she would birth a fine litter of babies for them … at which point Heinrik got angry and the orc lost his head. Eridol is just in the background carrying this orc arm that is bigger than he is, looking at all the tattoos and decides he really wants to keep one of them so he flays the skin to get this really ornate pirate ship tattoo off the arm, before moving the Orc’s body off the road and getting back on the wagon. Olga, Drac and Eridol are just covered in blood and gore from the fight and sa they make it to the outside of the town that currently doesn’t have a name a very fresh faced guard in the militia sees us and asks for the gate to be opened. Once it’s been opened he stands at attention, mostly for Core and also because Eridol has his rank insignia on his armor. Eridol fiddles with the orc arm that he’s been carrying this whole time and uses it to salute the two guards, one of which just loses is and starts throwing up, which causes the other one to see what’s going on and starts dryretching as well. Good times.

We get inside and all kind of wander off while Core goes and does his governmental duties. Drac immediately goes to church and prays and talks to the abbot about a map he found and is directed to an in called the Golden Ales. Eridol goes and finds a tanner and is pointed towards the creepiest motherfucker you could ever see. I’m talking if someone took Serverus snape and just stretched him vertically. On top of this fucker instantly knowing that I was giving him orc skin, I swear he orgasmed a bit when I told him I had “an armful” more skin. Eridol probably just made a deal with fantasy buffalo bill to occassionally drop off strange and exotic skins … but hey, that’s a thing. I then made my way to the church and prayed to my god for the not exactly friendly deaths before leaving with Drac to go find the tavern.

Olga on the otherhand finds the tavern on his own and almost starts a fucking brawl with the owner because he asked for the most expensive booze there, didn’t pay and then threatened everyone in the bar … which caused the owner to bring out his goliath cook/lover who Olga then called a pet which escalated things even further. This is where Drac and I find the place, walk in talking about how cool it was when Drac de-armed that guy to complete silence and 8 shock collared orcs about to jump Olga. Eridol walks straight next to Olga and buys a drink for Olga and himself which cost most of his gold but seemed to deescalate the situation. Drac being all goody too shoes doesn’t like the look of the collars and immediately tried to free one of the orcs before getting zapped and warned by the owner that the collars are there for a reason and if you remove it, it’ll be bad for you for worse for the orc … who would die. Drac comes and joins us at the bar and he and the owner have a tense conversation about freedom and rights before the owner takes a liking to him for his resolve and goes to get some fancy booze. Eridol takes the time to jokingly call the goliath who we now know is called Juriel “tiny” and Juriel takes that as Eridol is insulting his manhood. the owner comes back and pours this fancy booze for everyone and we talk and drink for a while before someone orders some meat, at which Juriel lights up and goes back to the kitchen for 20 minutes before coming back with a raw venison steak for Olga, a nicely cooked steak for Drac and 2 roast chickens, a full side of potatoes and roast vegetables for Eridol. Eridol immediately lights up because holy shit this is the best looking chicken he’s ever seen and just really trying to make the goliath feel good.

Then guess who takes a great big bite and rolls a fucking nat 1 on a constitution save. Eridol goes pale as a sheet and is retching while he eats some of the chicken. All the while just professing to Juriel how it’s so good and he should be proud. So everyone keeps drinking and we get the information we need before retiring back to the rooms. Olga gets a room to himself, Eridol is fast asleep on a childs cot in Drac’s room before Drac gets tired of the frankly loud snoring and pungent smell from Eridol who is still absolutely covered in blood and gore and pushes Eridols cot out into the hallway, who at some point ends up underneath it with a leg sticking up out of one of the holes.

#d&d #first session #shenanigans #eridol trahaearn-edryd #tiny gnome son #eridol #drac #olga

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imyourliquor-youremypoison · 8 years ago

Text

Play Me (Skam - Chris x OC) Part 3

Pairing : Chris x OC (name’s Elin)

Synopsis : Player 1 meets Player 2. The score is tight.

Word count : 2.8k

Warning: sexual behavior

Part 1 - Part 2 <<<< >>>> Part 4

MASTERLIST

“I was waiting for a good occasion to use this one.”

“C'mon,” she said, not commenting on the cheesy line he just served her. “Give me this, the ice's melted,” she told him, taking back the bag. His eye seemed to be normal again, at least it didn't swell too much.

Chris reminded her that he had to leave and get home. He had promised he would watch after his little sister tonight so his parents could go to the cinema. He saw her expression change when he mentioned his family, as if she thought he would just go home and play Xbox or go partying as soon as he left.

“Do you want a clean shirt?” She asked.

“And wear something one of your one night stands forgot? No thanks,” he declined, a bit offended that she would want to lend him that.

“No, dummy,” she said, smacking his head. “I have a couple men shirts because I sleep in them.”

“Shouldn't this be the other way around? You're supposed to wear my clothes,” he told her playfully as they exited the bathroom.

“Do you want it or not?” She insisted.

“Yeah, alright. Can't hurt to not be covered in blood when my mom's going to open the door.”

He winced at the thought, as if he had bitten in a sour lemon. He didn't go so far as so follow her in her room, though it was not the lack of envy that made him stay in the living room/kitchen. She came back with a black X-Men shirt, and Chris gave her a pointed look. She shrugged as if saying 'What? Can't a girl sleep in her comics merch?' and he put it one. It was a little too large for a fit guy like Chris, but it was soft – and it smell sweet, which didn't hurt.

“Alright, thank you for everything,” he said, smiling – maybe it was the first time it wasn't a forced smirk with obscure motivations. “I should be home on time if I walk through the park and-”

“What are you talking about?” She laughed, as she grabbed her coat. “I'll drive you.”

He seemed taken aback and didn't answer right away.

“You're hurt and stubborn like you are, you might get into another fight if I let you out alone,” she explained. He could tell it wasn't the real reason.

He gathered his wits and said, “You just really want to know where I live!”

“Guilty,” Elin laughed.

It was hard to word how fucking pleased Chris was to be able to make her laugh and not just receive bitter snarls and icy answers from her. He felt like he was the winner today, no matter how broken his face. The two of them drove quietly, just listening to Elin's music and relaxing after an eventful afternoon. Chris thought of many things to do, or say, but he didn't find any. Were he with any other girl, he's slip his hand on her thigh, or sweet talk to her, but not with her. She wasn't there yet, she was... something between a friend, a rival and a girl he wanted to sleep with. There was no word for that, and there certainly wasn't a relationship advice book that covered their situation. He would simply have to figure it out himself.

Soon, they were parked in front of Chris' massive house. And despite the ridiculous size of it, the first thing that Elin noticed was...

“There aren't even any bushes! Who doesn't have bushes in their yard?” She asked him, puzzled.

“My parents apparently,” he laughed. “Thanks for the ride.”

When he opened the door to get out, Elin did the same.

“What are you doing?” He gave her a confused smile, hoping she would say something along the lines of 'i'm coming inside with you and we'll have wild, fun sex all night', but that was aiming too high, even for Christoffer Schistad.

“I'm saving your ass, one last time today,” she said, gesturing him to come. They walked up the paved path leading to his door step and she rang the bell.

“Are you sure you've never been here before?” He asked.

Elin smiled but the door opened before she could say anything. There stood a woman wearing a stunning evening dress, and busy putting on an earring.

“Ah Christoffer, you're here! We thought you forg-” she stopped when she saw him, her eyes switching between his face and the girl standing next to him, most definitely wondering where she should start.

“Good evening Madam,” Elin said when no one seemed to be willing to start this conversation, least of all Chris. “My name's Elin, I go to school with Chris.”

“Oh... Well, it's nice to meet you. I haven't met any of Chris' friends beside William, it's good so see he has more than one,” she teased her son, and Elin decided she liked her. “Dear god, what happened?” She suddenly asked, apparently having recovered from the initial shock.

“I-” he began, but truly, he didn't know what to say.

“It's my fault,” Elin said, making him almost twist his neck when he turned to her, trying not to look too surprised in front of his mom.

She looped her arm around his and looked up at him before continuing, “a group of boys were following me in the street and when one of them grabbed me by the arm, Chris stepped in and it turned into a fight,” she explained, her voice smooth and natural, as if she had practice the lie.

No one could tell she was lying. Chris' mom ate up her words, looking fondly at her son, like a proud mother would.

“I was lucky he was early to our date,” she then declared and this time Chris had to put actual efforts into playing cool. “I patched him up the best I could, I hope he's not late, he told me he was watching his sister tonight?” Elin said, her voice laced with affection and care. He had never heard her use this voice with anyone.

“Yes, but we can stay home if-”

“No!” Chris exclaimed. He had to speak or this conversation would keep deviating and they didn't want their lie to be put to light, now would they? “No, it's fine. You and dad go see that movie, I'm fine. Elin did a great job,” he said, placing his hand over hers and gently stroking it.

“I'm glad you're both safe,” his mom said. “I'll go get your dad and we'll be on our way. Of course you can stay Elin.”

“Thank you but I still have work to do.”

Chris couldn't believe how genuinely sorry she looked when saying that, and even though it was hard for him to admit it, there was no denying that he might just have found his master in the art of lying.

“I'll go now,” she said to Chris, turning to plunge er eyes into his but letting go of his arm. She brought her fingers to his face and gently bushed her fingers against his cheek. “Take care alright? I'll see you in class.”

This was not going to end like this, he thought. If she was going to mess with him like this in front of his own mother, than so be it, but she wouldn't be the only one having fun, even if he couldn't exactly complain.

“Sure, sleep tight, don't work too late,” he ushered against her ear before placing a swift kiss on her lips. She didn't pull back but he saw the surprise and the outrage painted all over her features as she began to walk away, going back to her car. This brought back his infamous smirk. He was proud of himself. She was going to run him over with her Range Rover, but it was worth it.

Within the five minutes span that lasted the conversation between Elin, Chris and his mom she decided that maybe she did hate him after all. This presumptuous little shit just never lost his bearings, if she wasn't on guard at all times, he was going to swoop her off he feet – with or without her permission. Elin figured it would be counterproductive to kill him now that she had healed him, but she would take revenge otherwise.

The next morning she woke up to “When I first saw you I looked for a signature, because every masterpiece has one.” For some reason, it angered her. Who did he think he was? He couldn't be so hot and cold all the time, it was messing with Elin's head! And when Elin's head was a mess, she had one solution: sex. It worked all the time. For starters, she will stop talking to Chris, for anything other than to crush down his hopes of ever jumping her and drag him for using cheesy pickup lines. She got up, showered, and then texted back.

To Ultimate Fuckboi™:

You're not supposed to touch the art.

From Ultimate Fuckboi™:

But I can admire it from afar...

To Ultimate Fuckboi™:

Or you could just fuck off and find some other girl to bother

The last one was a bit harsh, and Elin hesitated before sending it, but she needed him to understand that she wasn't in the mood. She was furious, she was upset beyond words and the worst of all was that she had no idea if it was because she hated that he kissed her, or because she liked it. She will figure it out eventually, in the meantime she wanted nothing to do with him.

Unbeknownst to her, on the other and of this exchange was a startled Chris, who wondered what he did to make Elin mad like that. He was about to ask her if everything was okay, but the way she dismissed him so rudely vexed him and he decided against it. Fuck her! Fuck it!

Whatever happened between them yesterday was clearly over, and frankly, neither of them could tell if it really happened like they recall it, or if they imagined it all.

Another Friday night, another party. Almost a week since the last time Elin and Chris talked. Chris had settled down from his fit of anger and had resumed this daily pickup line routine, in hope to get a positive reaction from the girl he was so desperately running after – because what else should he call it? It did not elicit anything positive, day after day, she kept on turning him down and demolishing his cheesy puns and food-related compliments. Sometimes he waited until first period to text her something like “Did you go to bed early last night? From the looks of it, you got your beauty sleep,” or “There must be something wrong with my eyes, I can't take them off you.” But she only looked at her phone with disdain and scoffed before ignoring the text. She always ignored it for an hour or two before giving Chris the time of her day to answer him. If she thought he was going to give up, Elin was gravely mistaken.

And apart from this new found icy atmosphere between them, Chris was also constantly reminded of her because his mom asked him news. How is Elin? Will she come by again? Are you dating? It drove him up the wall, and he spent most of his time at William's just to avoid those questions.

When Friday came around, he thought it was his chance: Elin would be here, at Eva's, she would have to talk to him at some point, right? She wasn't going to walk away simply because he wanted to make conversation.

What Chris didn't expect was that she would be so hard to find. She kept slipping between his fingers and he was growing tired of chasing her around the entire fucking house – which as just so fucking big! They could have been playing chase in a maze and it wouldn't have much different from what they were doing know. He had seen her talk to boys and girls and laugh and drink – mostly drink, actually, Chris never deemed her to be the drinking kind, at least not like Eva, who was already dancing very suggestively and laughing out loud with her friends – but there she was, Elin and her new best friend, the bottle of vodka black dangling from her hand like another limb.

“Elin!” Chris called her, and when her venomous stare met his, he froze on the spot.

An emotion so powerful it set every last fiber of his being on fire washed over Chris, and suddenly, a surge of frustration and pettiness made him do what he would later regret: he grabbed the girl on his left by the waist and spun her around, immediately giving her an open-mouthed kiss, without detaching his eyes from Elin's cold ones. The girl turned around before he could see the hurt in her expression and stormed out of the room. The air was suffocating, there was too many people and she wasn't drunk enough to witness Chris suck off this random girl's face.

“Fuck him!” She swore out loud, screaming really. Yet nobody heard her, the music was loud, people were drunk off their asses and too busy grinding their fellow dancer to notice the little tears at the corner of her eyes.

Elin wiped them away, not caring about smudging her makeup. A little distraught, the girl realized her bottle was empty, and she headed toward the kitchen, grabbing a glass that stood on the counter and downing it, then she refilled it with anther liquor. She had no idea what it was, she couldn't focus enough to read what was written on the bottle, but it burnt her throat and did its job. The world was spinning around her, and the faces were too blurry to recognize any of them: which was the whole point, she didn't want to see Chris anymore, even if she had to go blind to achieve that.

“Elin! What are you doing!” Noora came out of nowhere and swatted her drink out of her hand, letting it stain the floor. “You'll end up at the hospital if you keep this up!”

“I'm fine!” Elin said, proud that her voice wasn't slurring. “I'm good now, I- I'm perfect,” she giggled. “Hey, have you seen... what's he called again?”

“Chris?” Noora suggested, crossing her arms over her chest and giving Elin a pointed look.

“Chris who?” Elin asked, all giggles and pretend-carelessness. “Not, that guy with the hair, and- and he's kinda tall too, you know which one!”

“This cut down exactly zero guys Elin, they all have hair,” Noora replied in a motherly tone. “Stay here, I'll get your coat and I'll bring you home.”

As soon as her friend left her, Elin ran the other way, as fast as her heels and the sticky floor allowed her to, and when she stepped out of the kitchen she bumped into someone.

“Easy there!” A boy's voice said, and she left two hands on her shoulders steadying her.

“Thank you!” She cooed, already leaning in, oblivious to who it was. “I love you,” she said, the alcohol making her emotions increase tenfold. She vaguely remembered the boy laughing and then dragging her behind him, and then everything became a blur. That is until she felt her back being pressed into a mattress, and the familiar weight of someone on top of her. Elin kept on giggling and tried to touch the guy but he grabbed her by the wrists and pinned them above her head. He wasn't being cautious and although she was far too gone to protest, she didn't enjoy what he did. It hurt a bit and it made her sober up rather impressively fast. When her eyes came into focus, the only thing she could see was Chris.

Chris standing in the door frame, a red cup in one hand, the other on the doorknob, and a look of complete and utter betrayal and disbelief on his usually attractive features.

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