#the dystopia wip

[bluberimufim]

Started writing a new WIP and half a page in, my POV character is already giving herself character traits I never planned out. 'Tis the magic of writing, I guess

[bluberimufim]

THIS IS THE PERFECT QUESTION FOR ME!!!!!!

I'm an artist and I use colour A LOT in my stories for Symbolism(TM). Colours always mean something in my stories. I never let the curtains just be blue.

Let's do a quick-fire round of all my WIPs! Oh boy, it's gonna be a rambly one!

I've talked about this a bit about "Black and White" but it's pretty much this: red is associated with (doomed) love and sexual attraction, which is why Lucille and August are both associated with it, being the love interests of Diedrich and Darius respectively.

Black and white, as in the title, represents a connection to the Man in Black and White, a sort of lovecraftian entity that people sell their souls to, which is something Diedrich, Markov, and eventually Darius have done. Diedrich almost exclusively wears white suits and is associated with snow and (white) dust. Markov used to be blonde and have blue eyes, but after being punished by the Man in Black and White, his appearance changed and now he has black hair, and he has one black eye and one white eye (which he covers with the eyepatch). Darius wears all of Alphonse's outfits but in monochrome, is associated with ink, and uses a black and white waistcoat as part of his costume when he sets out to start a solo career.

In the dystopia WIP, everyone is associated with a colour, but I want to focus on two pairs of characters: Veera and Alexis, and Cristover and Nester. These two pairs kinda have some parallels in the way that they're defined by colour.

Veera and Alexis are a couple. They fall in love when Veera is sent to kill Alexis. Initially, Veera sees Alexis as the person she hates the most (her being a traumatized veteran and Alexis being the owner of the army she fought in), and Alexis sees Veera as the hot new swordfighter joining their honour guard (because Veera is undercover). Veera is associated with red and Alexis with gold. As they fall more and more in love, their palettes start to mix - Veera wears more gold and Alexis wears more red. There's even a scene where Alexis only wears red, near the conclusion of their story (Veera never gets around to wearing 100% gold bc it's hard to draw and also looks kinda tacky with the type of outfits she wears).

There's even a scene at the beginning where Veera thinks something like "Alexis is like a diety. If I stabbed them through the chest, I bet they would bleed gold". And at the end of their arc, what happens? Veera stabs Alexis through the chest with a golden knife (made of all her melted military medals) and Alexis bleeds. Red, like a regular person.

Nester and Cristover are siblings, or at least that's what Cris believes. In truth, Cristover is the son of two of Nester's slaves servants, and when he goes to present himself as his long-lost brother, he instead gets identified to pay his parents' debt. Now, Nester is represented by silver and Cristover by green (the opposite of Veera and Alexis), and despite them getting increasingly close, Nester's palette does not budge. This is to demonstrate the master-servant relationship between them that Veera and Alexis never had, but also to show that Nester doesn't care about Cris. And Cris, meanwhile, gets all his colour washed away as his spirit is broken until the only colour on him are his bright green eyes, which he once thought were one of the defining traits that marked him as Nester's younger brother.

"Devourer of Souls" is a bit harder to answer for, since it's not as developed as the other two. But what I have is this: the Goddess of Time (she's 100% the villain, just to make things clear) is associated with red and white. She has two twin daughters, named Teo and Jane, which represent the characters of Snow White and Rose Red respectively. Seth, who hates the Goddess's guts, is represented by green - she lives in a huge field and her healing powers are nature-flavoured, she's a cottagecore girlie.

Anyway - sheesh, that was a lot of writing! Hope you liked the answer!

Blorbo Blursday #4

What color represents your character best? Is this their favorite color or something completely different?

[weepinwriter]

Road to Heaven is an 18+ Dystopian fic which takes inspiration from popular media like the “Shatter Me” series and “Hunger Games”. It may contain distressing content like major injury to the characters, character deaths, blood, gore, body horror, amnesia and optional sexual content. More specific warnings will be given at the beginning of each chapter.

You are inmate No. 1441, incarcerated in Tartarus, the most notorious prison on the continent. You find yourself imprisoned for a crime that you do not remember committing, leaving you in a state of uncertainty about your own identity and purpose. The first memory you have is awakening to the sensation of a gun being shoved into your mouth.

Within the grim confines of Tartarus, you have been branded as the most dangerous criminal, feared yet hated by both fellow inmates and prison authorities alike. It becomes clear to you that in order to survive and unravel the enigma of your past, escape from this formidable penitentiary is imperative. However, achieving freedom will not be an easy feat, as you must navigate treacherous encounters with some of the most malevolent criminals known to humanity. In your quest for freedom, you find yourself entangled in complex relationships with three significant individuals. Firstly, your cellmate, whose icy demeanor suggests a deep-seated disdain for your very existence. Secondly, your best friend within the prison walls, whose seemingly excessive friendliness may harbor ulterior motives. Lastly, there is the warden, whose overtly amicable nature masks a peculiar familiarity with your past. As you navigate the perilous labyrinth of Tartarus, your ultimate objective is twofold: to survive amidst the most notorious criminals and uncover the truth about your forgotten past. In a world where danger lurks at every corner, you must tread carefully, for the path to redemption and self-discovery is riddled with uncertainty and perilous choices.

Fully customize your MC. Choose your pronouns, sexuality, appearance and more. Take control of your interactions with the characters and experience the world of Elysium City through a personalized scope.

Romance one of the 7 RO’s, and if you are charming enough, fall in love with any two of them. The four possible poly routes available are: The Cellmate and The Friend, The Warden and The Master, The Protector and The Master, The Cellmate and The Rebel

Struggle against the evil that wants you dead and uncover secrets about yourself

Accept your identity as an Esper and rediscover your powers, or completely reject them

Master your ability of Conscious Manipulation and perhaps learn a few things about yourself unexpectedly

Choose to make allies within Tartarus or antagonize them. Your choices have consequences

Lead a dying rebellion against the Hightable or join them as an equal

There are a total 7 romance options, each with their own personality and a story along with dark secrets for you to uncover

Survive

1. The Cellmate [f/m] | Enemies to Lovers

Subject Name : Twenty

A palpable enigma surrounds the inexplicable disdain they harbor towards you, leaving you to ponder if your past misdeeds have sowed the seeds of their ire. Your questions remain unanswered, rarely do they grace you with a response, and when they do, it arrives veiled in hateful glares and a tapestry of venomous words. The origins of their animosity remain shrouded in silence, with fellow inmates mirroring their reticence. Only when they are complaining about the prison's wretched conditions and the Warden's despotic rule do they momentarily shed their icy facade, revealing hints of vulnerability and human emotion. When they do smile, albeit rarely, it is a fleeting moment of breathtaking beauty. If only you could find the courage to tell them that.

[ Number 1579 is an S rank Arcane Tendency Esper with the Cryokinesis ability. They are under Libra’s Jurisdiction, and thus only follow orders coming directly from them. ]

Other Tropes : Emotional Scars, Nobody thinks it’ll actually work, Hate Sex

2. The Warden? [m] | ???

Subject Name : Nikita

There is an uncanny familiarity surrounding him, leaving you torn between the unsettling grip of dread and the elusive allure of desire. He claims to know you personally. Apparently the two of you were close friends before The Incident. Yet, when you press for details, he skillfully redirects the conversation before your emotions can catch up. "The past is but a fleeting shadow," he says, "no need to talk about something that can't be changed. Besides, you wouldn't remember anything." Evidently your memories had been erased. The question of who hangs heavy in the air, but his response remains enigmatic, offering only a mirthless smile.

[ Nikita is the Warden of Tartarus, the Reformation Asylum in Sector 10, 8th District. He is under Scorpio's jurisdiction. ]

Other Tropes : Slowburn, Betrayal, Puppy play

3. The Friend [f/m] | Friends to Lovers

Subject Name : Victor (m.) | Vanessa (f.)

A compassionate and devoted companion, V. shines as a beacon of light in the desolate depths of this grim abyss that became your world. From the moment you opened your eyes, they extended a helping hand, guiding you through the labyrinthine complexities of Tartarus and easing your transition into this unfamiliar realm. Unfazed by the venomous whispers that tarnish your reputation, they remain steadfastly by your side, unwavering in their loyalty. Their warm smiles and whimsical wordplay serve as a balm, mending your wounded spirit after every bitter clash with Twenty. How fortunate you are to be blessed with such an illuminating presence, brightening the shadows that consume your existence.

[ Number 1339 is an A rank Catalyst Tendency Esper with the Illusion Manipulation ability. They are under Scorpio’s Jurisdiction. ]

Other Tropes : Partners in crime, First Love, Good people get good sex, Slight yandere

4. The Count/Countless [f/m] | Forbidden Romance (relationship history can be friends with benefits)

Subject Name : Emir (m.) | Evara(f.)

A remarkable visionary and an exceptional entrepreneur, E. stands as an unrivaled figure in the illustrious realm of Elysium City. Holding the distinction of being the youngest Grandmaster in history and amassing unparalleled wealth, they reign as the CEO of the renowned Quinn Industries. E. is adorned with numerous titles within the esteemed echelons of society, serving as an icon of inspiration and a beacon of hope, while simultaneously arousing envy in the hearts of many. An arrogant and proud individual, their ugliness is conveniently covered by their astonishing fortune, combined with innate brilliance, seems almost mystical, as if destined for greatness from their very birth. Within Elysium City's grand social tapestry, few possess the persuasive prowess to sway the decisions of the Hightable itself, yet E. stands tall even among this select few. As an eligible bachelor, their daily inundation of love letters and marriage proposals is a testament to their allure. And yet, amidst all this splendor, it is you who has found a place of interest in their extraordinary life.

[ E. is a part of The Senate and thus does not fall under any District's jurisdiction. ]

Other Tropes : Belated love epiphany, Billionaire, Power play, Daddy/Mommy kink

5. The Master [f] | Forbidden Romance

Subject Name : Leo

In her calculated pursuit, you find yourself ensnared. Your allure captivates her discerning gaze, for you possess what she desires most. You are the coveted object of her desires. In this strategic game, you are but a pawn, a possession within her calculated grasp. Yet, curiously she maintains a measured distance. Her reason? She eloquently articulates, “Witnessing the growth of one's possession is a fascinating phenomenon.”

[ Leo is the Master of {DATA REDACTED}. They are the Ruler of the 5th District. ]

Other Tropes : Secret Identity, Second Chance, Blood play, Begging

6. The Protector [m] | Bodyguard Romance

Subject Name : Caesar

A battle-hardened soldier, Caesar bears the scars of a lifetime spent serving the FAE and the city. With an intimacy unparalleled, he has danced with mortality on numerous occasions, making death a companion rather than an adversary. Yet, behind that facade of strength, Caesar is a fractured soul, haunted by insecurities and a self-destructive nature. His journey, filled with shattered dreams and the weight of his daughter's aspirations, has brought him to the edge of despair. The immortality he once embraced now feels like a curse, a harbinger of misfortune that has become synonymous with his presence. In his eyes, he sees himself as not a protector but a bearer of ill fate. However, the stars, in an unexpected alignment, have granted him a final purpose: to protect you. Beneath the intimidating exterior lies a gentle giant, yet one plagued by a profound sense of self-loathing. He grapples with the belief that his very existence is a catalyst for tragedy, a vortex that draws calamity toward him and those he holds dear. Intrigued by this complex guardian, you see the duality within Caesar — an attentive and understanding individual burdened by the weight of his own perceived malevolence. As you navigate through the intricate layers of his psyche, perhaps you could help him ease his suffering, even by a little.

[ Caesar is a registered S rank Endura Tendency Esper with the Regeneration ability. He comes under Leo’s jurisdiction. ]

Other Tropes : Beauty and the Beast, Single parent, Stop calling me daddy

7. The Rebel [f/m] | Enemies to Lovers

Subject Name : Gael (m.) | Gwendolyn (f.)

You betrayed them. Or perhaps it's the other way around? You do not remember. The trust you once held dear has been shattered, and now you must face the price for your misguided beliefs. Like a fool enchanted by deceit, you must bear the weight of your choices. Remember this lesson, for betrayal's toll is a heavy one to pay. Proceed with caution, lest you become ensnared in the web of your own treachery.

[ There is no known information on this individual. Extreme caution is recommended. ]

Other Tropes : Amnesia, Revenge, Redemption, Breathe play

Links

[ DEMO ]

[ PINTEREST ]

[ THE DISTRICTS ]

[ THE HIGHTABLE ]

All asks and reposts are welcome 😁!

[evermount]

Evermount is a dystopian IF that takes inspiration from movies like "Don't Worry, Darling" and "Maze Runner." (18+)

Every day's the same: you wake up, you brush your teeth, you step into the shower, you get out, you make breakfast, you clean, as a homemaker does, and then, at exactly 12.10—not a second earlier or later—there's a knock. You then step out of the house and into the streets: the Mingle.

It's compulsory.

It only happens in pairs—everyone has a designated friend. And you're no stranger; you have one too—you are one too.

You walk, you talk, and you spend the majority of the day together—two hours minimum outside, gazing at the endless rows of pale houses in the neighbourhood; for the rest of the time, before it's time to prep dinner, you're free to do as you please with your friend.

That's Evermount.

Blue-suited guards stand in every corner, but they're no threat—you're under threat. And this is how you keep safe. It's necessary; the council said so themselves. Under no circumstances shall Evermount be left, ever. So, no one has, and no one intends to.

Why would you? It's peaceful—you're at peace. You have your spouse, and you have your house; everyone's happy. This is all you've ever known.

The Spouse [f/m] | Enemies to lovers

Every day at 7:00, you wake up, arrange breakfast on the table, wrap up the leftover dinner, and position yourself on the front porch, holding their lunch bag against your chest. The kiss is so swift that you hardly process it, and then they're gone. You wave, with a smile on your face, as you watch their car merge into a stream of Chevrolet Bel Airs—supplied by the council—all heading to work. In the evening, you share dinner, in silence. They don't talk much—only when there's company. Sometimes, it feels like you don't even know them.

The Officer [f/m] | Friends to lovers

Their eyes scanned yours, filled with concern. A deep crease cut straight through the centre of their brow, marring their otherwise smooth face. Their lips moved hastily, and they clutched your hand, but you felt yourself slipping away, slowly. "I promise, we'll find you." Those words are so strange, you recall them, every day. But that's all. You don't remember the date, the time, or why. A figment of your imagination, maybe? You see them in your dreams. Yet you don't know who they are—if they even exist.

The Voice [f/m] | ???

You're. Not. Crazy. But someone who isn't you speaks inside your head. To you. They'd lock you up for that. Take you somewhere far away. But you feel the exact same—you're no danger. So, you don't tell. You just keep acting as you are.

The Friend [f/m] | Forbidden romance  (relationship history can be an affair)

Your partner in crime, as some might say. They're your friend—you've been assigned since the beginning. But they were already living here, long before you and your spouse moved into the neighbourhood, before you two were assigned together. They talk a lot, more than your spouse. They like you, and you like them. That's what friends are supposed to do; that's what the Mingle is for—it's bad to feel alone, and the council doesn't want that.

The Council Member [f/m] | Forbidden romance

"Don't trust them," the voice warns. Your eyes narrow at them; the area under their eyes is hollow, worn, riddled with fine lines. They expel an exhausted breath and reposition the tie that's wrapped around their neck, way too tight. They look the part. They look like everyone else in Evermount, yet they're not: they're in the council, they're above you.

DEMO (TBD) 𖤓 INTROS

reblogs are appreciated!

[moonwoodhollow]

let's see if I can finish this before Valentine's Day!

[bluberimufim]

💖 Convinced this wheel loves me because HOLY SHIT THIS IS THE PERFECT CHARACTER FOR THAT

You see, Alexis's whole arc is realizing that "oh... maybe I should, like... think about other people". Baby's first morality crisis (they are 41 years old).

On one hand, I think they'd consider it. Like, yeah, they may die, but they might also get a Cool New Ability! That's pretty cool! It's novel and Alexis (at least flashback Alexis) wants nothing besides entertainment.

But I think they'd ultimately let it go. Alexis isn't particularly ambitious. In fact, all their ambitions are outsouced to the war council. All they care about is swordfighting, sex, and champagne. They don't even care about being good at swordfighting. It's just something fancy rich people do. It's a stressless hobby.

Literally one of the reasons Veera initially hates them (even more) is that they don't care about anything. She thought they were an evil, sadistic war general, but in truth they're just some incredibly bored billionaire who barely knows the enemy's name. They live for hedonism and hedonism alone.

Flashback Alexis would probably try to force one of their (multiple) lovers to eat the chocolate. Just for fun. Whether they get a new ability or die isn't of much concern to them. They just wanna be entertained.

Post-canon Alexis would also yeet the chocolate at someone else, but it would probably be Nester. In a kind of "get your head out of your ass through chocolate magic and become a decent person or die, bitch" way.

God. I love Alexis.

Expect the other challenge to be coming some time soon.

Magic Advent Calendar

Day 6 and 7 - The Concentration and Maybe Poison Chocolates

I regret to inform you that I forgot my tablet, so I cannot upload the image of the day chocolate for the time being. Just know that one of them was a nice Potion bottle

Today's chocolates are two! The first one is the CONCENTRATION CHOCOLATE, and it has a nice green filling. The second one is the MAYBE POISON CHOCOLATE and it has a delicious pink filling.

As the calendary revealed

💖 Pink filling = something fun will happen to your OC's

💚 Green filling = this chocolate is for the writer. It will give them a nice boost to complete a little challenge

💙 Blue filling = this chocolate wants you to have fun with a mutual! Something nice is in store for you

Today's challenge/question/game is as usual under the cut

Today both you and your OC of choice are going to have something to eat! Your chocolate is so delicious that gives you an immediate concentration boost. You want ti write and you want to do it now. Go put a 10 minutes timer and write wathever comes to mind, or add words to a project of yours!

Bonus: share what you have written!

Your poor blorbo of choice is instead tasked with a moral dilemma. They are told that the chocolate may or may not contain a small dose of Poison, however they are also told that if someone eats it and survive, they will gain an ability of their choice: be it super intelligence, strenght, invisibility, whatever they would prefer. However the person who told them this is an unreliable narrator. What does you OC do? Do they eat the maybe poisoned chocolate? Do they gift it to someone else? If so, who and why?

Taglist: @dyrewrites @unclear-contributions @sm-writes-chaos @frostedlemonwriter @fyoliars @bluberimufim @cheeto-flavoured-pasta @aalinaaaaaa @thegodsaredead @excessive-vampires ask to be +/-

[route-to-eutopia-if]

Route to Eutopia - New WIP IF

DEMO(28K) I CHARACTER DOSSIERS I PLAYLIST (TBA)

You have one year left to live.

But are you afraid of dying? Probably not. Since you don’t even know how to live your life. You have been hidden away from public eye since young. And the only friend you have is an Alter, humanoid species born to only serve other people and nothing else. Alters live so ‘people like you’ could live.

That makes the two of you. Alive. But never here. Never lived.

If opportunities arise, would you take a chance to change it? Only you can answer.

In a world where feeling nothing at all is better than letting your emotions rule over you, your choice to break those rules and make a change will paint a new shade of history that no one ever could. 

Hidden behind shut doors to live your quiet life as a secret child of Bastien Palmer, Sole Leader of Eutopia paradise, you never experience anything except for repeating the same old routine your entire life. You are the existence which should not be known, not just for the reason that you are the byproduct of your father and his secret lover. But also because of your frightening ‘Alter-like’ eye color, most of it is silver like any Stargaze–but nevertheless… tinted shamefully by crimson streaks.

You are told to stay away from public eyes for the sake of Palmer’s reputation in which you feel obliged to. However, your life of peaceful solitude will never be the same again after tonight…

Route to Eutopia is a violent dystopian loosely-conceptual interactive story where you are a bystander surrounded by The Chosen One of your own choice. You are to designate whether this story will head towards the direction of mutual peace between Alters– a human-like species believed to be plagued by uncured disease since birth– and Stargazers —a group of survivors whose ancestors once lived on a faraway planet before an inevitable disaster occurred and forced them to flee into another dimension, or towards a doom fate that cannot be reversible.

To be noted; RtE is a heavily-relationship based game (not necessarily in platonic/romantic sense) each of your interactions with any character will determine the tone and purpose of their motivation. Any choice you have chosen, make sure to embrace the consequences of your action at your own expense.

With that being said, it is also worth mentioning that you don’t need to engage into a romance or specific relationship with any character to complete the story.

RtE also rated 18+ for strong language, suggestive contents, disturbing topics such as racism, sexism, discrimination against queer people, explicit descriptions of violence, murders, drug use and sexual behaviors of certain characters with optional intercourse scenes.

Setting

RtE takes place in a post-apocalypse society where the concept of time is lost and any history known was only speculations at best and rumour at worst. Trying to maintain their sense of utopia, Stargazers built and operated their space colony as a temporary base for self-preservation (in which only fews know details about) called ‘Eutopia’. 

In this dystopian paradise people’s sole purpose of living was fixated on surviving. And in order to do that, the whole population creates a solid ground rule not to let themselves ‘feel’ about other emotions that do not serve for public favors. Hence, you will be challenged to adapt to several situations and handpick the best flavor of your actions based on the emotions you have learnt or developed from your surroundings.

Who do you play as?

For now, you will be playing as a secret child of Bastien Palmer, the leader of Stargazers who already has a wife and two other perfect children, your younger sister and brother. Ones you have never interacted with nor you ever get the chance to.

MCs subjectively considered a white sheet which you can paint anything on by your preferences. Explore the world full of colorful emotions or bottomless pit of numbness by your own choices. 

But remember, Eutopia is a place where everything goes according to one simple rule ‘To survive’ hence the marriage between a man and woman will be set as the norm and only truth, and someone who will state otherwise must face and suffer the ugliness of social standards accordingly. However, I do not encourage any transphobic/homophobic behavior of the characters in this story. Please kindly be assured of that.

There might be a chance where you can start off as other characters, that is, however, still a subject-to-change matter as of now.

Introduction to the Chosen Ones [ ROs]

**Please be aware of mild spoilers below**

Vegaris (M/F) 19 Star-crossed lovers or Nemesis route, The Rebel.

They would do anything to survive, even if it means to betray the only person who trusts them deeply… like you.

Vegaris is an Alter who has so many sides hidden behind closed doors. Unpredictable, cunning, hot and cold are the words that describe them best. Due to their traumatic childhood (much like other Alters on Eutopia), they have a deep-root hatred for Stargazers. Although they were brought in by your family and treated almost the same as one of your father’s own kids. They still witness the unfairness of being an Alter in society and never afraid to point the wrong in other people’s doings. 

Their usual mask, however, is one where you cannot crack open that easily. They always remain calm and composed in front of you, and only show their fangs when circumstances arise.

Dana/Darren Regency (M/F) 22 Childhood friends, Forbidden route, The Face.

For a person who seems to be easy to read as much as an open-book, they sure talk with silence better than with their own voice.

A poster girl/boy for Regency Academy. Your former childhood friend (for some unknown reason, they're trying their hardest to avoid you) and an only child to the Head of Deans at Regency, Sandalphon. They are the precise image of how one should raise a Stargazer. Being a honor student. A model citizen. And a perfect ideal partner. They are assigned to be married with the most capable genetic-wise fiancé. As popular as they appear to be to the public, their private life (as private as it can be) is still a gigantic loophole for most imprudent reporters trying to catch even just a glimpse.

It seems like what they are trying to avoid is not just you, but the entirety of Eutopia.

Sandalphon Regency (M/F) 40 Age-difference, Single-parent route, The Pacifist.

Do you believe in something just because it's true, or it becomes the truth only when you believe in it?

Sandalphon is the most powerful influence among the deans of Regency. A group of people that has control over governing matters even beyond that of Bastien Palmer, the President. For Sandal, they are anything and everything people could ever ask for in a Regency. Kind, generous, well-versed with every branch of knowledge in the universe. Never wrong in anything. And never judge anyone based on their bias.

If only people knew the truth, they’d probably beg to differ.

Maybe they are just good at hiding beneath that gentle facade, maybe a calculated mind with strings to pull works best with neutral suggestions... who knows?

One more hidden character will be revealed in the demo, Into the Madness route, The Savior.

[ Classified info. ]

**There will be two sub ROs and flings to be introduced later in the story.**

More info will be announced.

Demo 1st update : 24/01/2024 Chapter 1 (28k codes excluded)

Datalog is completed roughly til the end of the story. Coding and polishing will certainly take time. Any more updates will be announced solely on this blog.

Reblogging is appreciated. Thank you!

[theeccentricraven]

The 15th Day of Writemas🎅🎄🤶🍒🤍

Another merry day of Writemas is here! Thank you @agirlandherquill for setting up this tag game/writing prompt/writer challenge for the holidays ❤️To find the rules of this tag, go to the invitation post. Today on Day 15 I chose the setting prompt "A stage". I figured I would use it to rewrite this scene from my YA Dystopia The Blood Cleaners. I was able to greatly improve this scene from the previous version. 👩‍💻

_________________________________________________________

Miriam’s gig was a family lounge. The tables and chairs were mostly filled by surfacer families. Administrators wore suits and dresses. Accountants and operations agents dressed in “business casual” attire. Some wore the surfacer version of uniforms for law enforcement officers, teachers, doctors, and couriers. Their children wore no uniforms, clad in jeans and cotton t-shirts.   

Justin quickly noticed the difference between the warm, homely surface lounge from the cold, rusty tunnel lounges. He sat in a booth with Elena and Joselyn. They were a peculiar group in the crowd, no doubt perking curiosity over the two tunnel street cleaners and farmer girl. 

A skinny dark-haired man sat at a piano, playing a few folk tunes. He entertained the first hour as the patrons ordered their dishes. When the servers had served most of the patrons, the piano music stopped. The pianist stood up and held a microphone. 

“Hey, mis amigos! We’ve got a new dancer here tonight. You’re sure to love her!”

Miriam’s wobbly feet walked on the stage . She wore the lounge singer uniform for a girl her age - a pink dress with puffy sleeves and a skirt that went down to her knees. Her brown ringlets fell to her shoulders. Her feet fit in rhinestone covered pink slippers. The patrons applauded. Miriam looked down, hiding her blushing.

She turned her eyes to the booth where Elena, Justin, and Joselyn sat. Elena put her hands to her lips. Justin smiled and waved. He gave a thumbs up and mouthed, “You’ve got this.”

Miriam put on her grin and curtseyed. 

The pianist played the familiar tune of Corpa’s anthem. Miriam skipped on her feet and let out her tap dancing skills. She sang.

“We weep the tears of the wrongs we carry,

By our ancestors long ago. 

In the cruel wasteland there's a light of hope,

By the hands closing over our sorrow.

Our fathers break the chains,

Freeing us from pain,

Destroying misery and woe.

We build a new life,

Free from angst and strife,

Where the fathers would have us go.

May Corpa be a land of prosperity,

Kept by the hands of our fathers.

They give much to us and so we give back,

By our sacrifices and our labors.

Our fathers break the chains,

Freeing us from pain,

Destroying misery and woe.

We build a new life,

Free from angst and strife,

Where the fathers would have us go.”

She ended with her arms open wide. 

The patrons applauded. 

Miriam smiled as she skipped off the stage to backstage.

Elena’s face was bright, possibly because of the bowl of chicken soup, but Justin could tell Miriam impressed her mother.

“All of that practice paid off,” Elena said. 

“She’s good,” said Joselyn as she cut her chicken. “How often will she work here?”

“Once a week,” Elena explained. “She still has to go to school when it’s in session and work as a cleaner, but she will get to perform here every Saturday night. Possibly a couple of other nights when school is not in session.”

“I hope she doesn’t work too much,” Joselyn said. 

“I would never let her,” said Elena. “Between Miriam at this joint and Justin as a blood cleaner, we’ll make end’s meet, but I don’t want to lose either of you in the process.”

“Hey,” Justin spoke up, “Miriam knows what she’s doing and so do I. Not to mention, working at this joint will help her score entertainment positions in the aptitudes. She could get here full time.”

Joselyn rolled her eyes. “Unless the Fists say they don’t need any more entertainers.”

 “She’ll prove herself,” Justin said confidently.

“It won’t matter,” Joselyn said, looking down at her food. “Only they can choose her future. They won’t let it be what she wants if it’s not in the best interest of Corpa.”

Justin leaned over to Joselyn’s ear and whispered. “Jos, be careful what you say in a place like this. Someone could hear you.”

She whispered in his ear. “I’m far from what the law calls usurpation. People complain about the Fists all of the time.”

“You’ve heard the horror stories,” Justin added. “I’d never sing the anthem unless I get paid like Miriam, but if things stay as they are, they won’t get worse.”

“I know it could be worse,” Joselyn whispered back. “I don’t think we need to use that to dismiss when the Fists fall short of the promises they make in that anthem.”

“I hear you,” said Justin, “but they’re not our ancestors who dropped the bombs and they keep the lils from consuming this place.”

“Have they really helped with that?” Joselyn said quietly. “Or are they taking credit for our work?”

Justin  shrugged. “I don’t know Jos. It’s just….I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Joselyn smirked. “Jus, you worry so much about me. I should be worried about you.” She sipped her drink of cola while eyeing him.

“Hey,” Justin said grinning, “we’ll go break the rules on our own time.”

“Now, Jus! Shhhhhhhhhh!” she put her fingers to her lips.

Elena cocked an eyebrow as she looked up from her plate. “What are you two talking about?”

“Nothing,” Justin snickered as Joselyn chuckled under her breath.

Miriam walked up to the table. Her dress and smile glimmered under the ceiling lights.

“Miriam!” Justin declared. “You rocked!”

Joselyn clapped. Elena opened her arms. Miriam hugged her.

“I'm so proud of you,” Elena said. “I wish Deirdre were here to see you.”

“I feel like Deirdre is here, Mamá,” Miriam said.

“Oh, I feel the same,” Elena said as her tears fell to Miriam’s shoulders.

Justin looked around, wondering if any of the teachers nearby would step up to remind that spirits and ghosts don't exist. Miriam stepped up to him with arms extended. He opened his arms as she hugged him.

“Thank you big brother,” she said as she dug her face in his shoulder.

____________________________________________________________

Tagging!

@sleepyrxsetea @edstoriesblog @thecomfywriter @pen-for-sword @toribookworm22

@sunflowerrosy @furrywrit3r @wyked-ao3 @selenekallanwriter @drchenquill

@revenantlore @whatwewrotepodcast @jay-avian @constellationandcompendium @olivescales3

@ryns-ramblings @primroseprime2019 @illarian-rambling @kaylinalexanderbooks @kitty-is-writing

@kitkins13 @buffythevampirelover @willtheweaver @poethill @acmartin

@apolline-lucy @elizaellwrites @gioiaalbanoart @orphanheirs @pluppsauthor

@cowboybrunch @leahnardo-da-veggie @dandelion-jester @aalinaaaaaa @faeriecinna

@brynwrites @somethingclevermahogony @rickie-the-storyteller @raevenlywrites @winterandwords

@happypup-kitcat24 @the-golden-comet @ddgraywrites @autism-purgatory @mxxnwishes

@tildeathiwillwrite @screamingatanemptyroom @kbwritesstuff @spookyceph @pluto-murphy-writes

@talesofsorrowandofruin @kaylark @sleepywriter00 @americanfemcel @fairy-tales-of-yesterday

@inkednotebook @the-letterbox-archives @laureleavess @simonnebethel @forthesanityofsome

@melpomene-grey @creatrackers @stephtuckerauthor @theink-stainedfolk

@g0ttest0d @infinnative @little-peril-stories @lyneidas @late-to-the-fandom

and Open!

[bluberimufim]

I feel like I always answer with Markov but that's genuinely the best answer. He literally stabbed a man in the neck with a letter opener. And also he works for a god that consumes people's souls, he's probably done questionable things in multiple countries.

Also the main cast of the dystopia WIP all spend most of the story running from the law, so I guess them. But Markov is funnier to me.

Your next question is: which of your ocs is more likely to pull 2 all-nighters in a row?

And I shall tag: @macabremoons, @cheeto-flavoured-pasta, and @leisoree!! Have fun!!!

OKAY!

WRITEBLRS if you're seeing this, you're legally obligated to reblog with an answer, and then a new question for the next person!

Here's the start:

Which of your OCs is most likely to punch somebody in the face?

[bluberimufim]

Badly Summarized WIP poll

Thank you @joswriting for the tag!! I've been seeing this tag game go around a lot and I've wanted an excuse to try it out for ages!

I only really have, like, 3 actual WIPs, but I'm gonna include two others because I get sad when polls only have 3 options. I've vaguely talked about these before, but I'm not actively working on them.

I think it's very clear what the non-main WIPs are lmao

Generally open tag on this one, but I also wanna tag, in particular, @ellierenae, @macabremoons, @full-on-sam and @hallwriteblr (no pressure tho)

[anominous-user]

headshots from a Thing i'm working on

[mysticstarlightduck]

Unusual Associations Tag!

Thanks for the tag' @thecomfywriter (here)!!! I'll go with Damon Vaille from Scrapyard Boys for this one!

Seasoning: Coffee or Basil

Weather: A warm summer night at 3AM with a pitch-black sky lit up by orange street lights

Color: Graphite Grey

Sky: Comforting night skies, either smoky in the middle of a city or starry in the middle of nowhere

Magic Power: Umbrakinesis/Shadow Manipulation/Shadow Waponry Generation, Teleportation, Augmented Speed, Night Vision

Plant: Pastel pink roses

Weapon: Bare fists, baseball bat, shadow weaponry, pocket knife

Social media: His setting's version of Youtube and Spotify

Candy: Strawberry & Cream candy

Fear: Being unable to protect his friends/losing his loved ones, being forced to obey his worst enemies, being forced to relive the past

Method of long distance travel: A beat-up hover-car

Art style: Cartoons

Stationary: Stickers, scrapbooks and paint

Celestial body: Blue-Straggler Star

Tagging (gently): @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart, @ray-writes-n-shit

@the-golden-comet, @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid

@topazadine, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams and OPEN TAG

Taglist for Scrapyard Boys below the cut 🧪

Scrapyard Boys Taglist (-/+): @ray-writes-n-shit, @sarandipitywrites, @lassiesandiego, @smol-feralgremlin, @kaylinalexanderbooks,

@diabolical-blue @oh-no-another-idea

@cakeinthevoid, @clairelsonao3, @sleepy-night-child

@thepeculiarbird

@the-golden-comet, @urnumber1star, @ominous-feychild, @anyablackwood, @amaiguri, @lyutenw @finickyfelix

@thecomfywriter, @the-letterbox-archives, @differentnighttale

@wyked-ao3

Let me know if you'd like to be added!

[weepinwriter]

“Immortality feels more like a curse when you believe your very breathe is laced with ill fortune. I, the shepherd of tragedy, carry the heavy knowledge that my touch may be more of a curse than blessing.

Name : Caesar

Age : He is in his mid thirties

Appearance : Caesar is a tall, imposing man of 6’3”. Everything about him is monochrome – from his dark blue eyes and messy tousled gray hair, black eyepatch over his right eye, pale, almost ashen skin, and all-black outfit. Befitting of his battle-hardened gaze, he boasts a well-toned, muscular body that is often hidden by his clothes but is no doubt scarred. Caesar is half blind, having lost his right eye to a terrorist attack five years ago.

Personality : Caesar is a very charming and sweet person, albeit a little clumsy and awkward around crowds. He’s sharp and his experiences as a commander has given him enough skill to deal with troublesome people. Despite being a workaholic who works overtime to the point of sleeping in his office and not returning home for days, Caesar is a neat freak. He does not tolerate disorder at all and will actively try to tidy things up even if not required. Around his friends Caesar may be a sweetheart and charming commander, but during duty he is cold, cruel and calculative. He shows no mercy towards law breakers and delinquents and will not hesitate to execute the more serious offenders on the spot by the authority given to him by the Master of the 5th District. Yet underneath his tough exterior lies a broken man with a past filled with death. His apparent immortality has made him believe that he is the bearer of death and misfortune. His silent self loathing of himself doesn't help the issue as well, making him a highly dyfunctional yet sophisticated individual to deal with.

Background : Not much information can be acquired on this individual as all data is heavily regulated and censored. All that is known to the public is that he came from an upper middle class family from the 5th District. The subject joined the FAE (Framework Against Evil) at the age of 18. The family went bankrupt soon after following an acquisition of their business by the Quinn Industries. The subject is a widower with a single daughter, age 10. Remaining data cannot be retrieved.

Likes : Gardening, his job, pastries, white roses, reading, the sun

Dislikes : Darkness, failure, disorder, unnecessary skin contact

Pet peeves : Interrupters, people who beat around the bush unnecessarily, bad public manners

Trivia :

Adores tea; literally needs to have someone swap it out with water so he doesn’t end up getting no sleep with how much he drinks it on a daily basis.

Almost surprisingly, he likes to read storybooks as well–yes, like the type that young children read, because he finds them calming and entertaining.

Enjoys rainy days, but likes clear days a bit better as the sunrise and sunset are stunning to look at and watch

[gothic-lottie]

WIP tag game

Thank you for tagging me @myokk @theladyofshalott1989 @rypnami @dom1re

Alright, so I have a few…

Caira Elixus from my Draconic Dystopia project

My current chainmail belt projects

A bit of next week's chapter and the sketch from earlier in that chapter

My sewing repairs pile and my next projects: replacing a bad wasteband little Lottie did and up cycling a dress I thrifted.

This tag game was a few days ago and I'm too tired to figure out who hasn't been tagged. If you haven't yet, do it! I wanna see it!

Also, here's a picture of my sister's kittens that we were watching.

[bluberimufim]

My son Cristover!! Look at him!! He looks so baby!!!

(His outfit has literally nothing to do with my design for him but I still love him a lot)

And now, I will very softly tag @sm-writes-chaos and @macabremoons. Have fun!!

found this lovely picrew and wanted to start a chain! make your wip's main character using this picrew

this is rowan from nova futurum

gently tagging: @wingedcatastrophe, @intothesparrowverse, @aether-wasteland-s, @scribbling-stardust, @lucylyricism, @stesierra, @your-absent-father, @ruinmegently, @ntzsche9, @palebdot, @holdmyteaplease, @halfbit, @floweryprosegarden, @daughter-of-inklings, @fire-but-ashes-too

[akimartistdude]

Weaver. (work in progress)