#the fox mask is a nice touch too

[meownotgood]

NEW ART ALERT ‼️

I KNOWWWWW ABSBANSJSJSJSJSJJWW AAAAAKIIII!!!! HE'S SO BEAUTIFUL 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[heartfullofleeches]

"A tour of my room :)"

-

"Is it on? The red light is flashing so..... Hi! It's so nice to meet you whoever you are... My name is Y/n and..... This is my room! Red gave me permission to record this video after they told me what a camera is. My head still hurts a little from all the crying I had to do to convince them to let me keep this- but I'm okay! What should I show you first?....hm...."

You take a quick look of your surroundings - the hollow ping of metal hitting the poles of your bed catching your ear, steering your gaze towards your weighted wrists.

"My bracelets! Red gave them to me my first night home. The leash is to make sure I don't wander off. I used to do that a lot actually. It's long enough I can comfortably walk around the kitchen, the bathroom, and Red's room. Those are pretty much all the places I need to go. If I pull my bed away from the wall, I can almost touch the front-"

Knock- knock- knock-

Only three... Not them....

.....

"Moving on! As you can see under me, this is my bed. I don't use it much since Red likes when I sleep with them. If you look really close riiight there - you can see Red carved our names into the headboard. They've carved our named into a lot of things we own. I think it's their favorite hobby."

You point upwards at your caretaker's beautiful craftsmanship. Heavy pounds channels through the walls - the frame of your bed imitating the knocks at the front door as it taps your bedroom wall in an that dreaded sound-

Knock, knock, knock-

"Over here is my dresser, where I keep most of my things."

Sliding off the edge of the bed, you recenter your new camera towards your dresser. You knew Red cleaned while you were asleep so there wasn't much on top of the furniture besides a stuffed fox they gifted you your first night home, and a spool of wool rendered useless due to sharp tears in the fabric. There were some picture frames as well, but those were more for Red than anything. The less you had to see your face the better

"I really wanted to try knitting like Red does, but my claws always tear the wool. Next to that is Mr. Rabbit. Red said they got him when they were little and it helped them feel less scared - so they gave it to me to make me free better. I don't want to hurt him so he sleeps here. Above my dresser is the list of rules Red has for me. It's really short - because they said I'm a good person. Red is still teaching me how to read, but i still remember what they told me-"

You pick up the camera, angling it up at the tapestry as you speak

"No eating on the couch-"

"Clean your teeth after every meal."

"Ignore any voices that are not Red's."

"The only time you're allowed to enter the basement is if your teeth start to feel itchy."

"And lastly.... Do not open the front door unless you hear the special knock we created together."

The last one is easy to follow.

"Help! Please, somebody- help! My boyfriend is hurt, I can't stop the bleeding. We were attacked some maniac in this... fucked up mask. Please - open the fucking door!"

You walk to the opposite side of the room, facing away from the window.

"Red.... Red doesn't let me do a lot of things. They were so mad at me when they found me cleaning the storage closet, but their mood changed so fast when they saw I found this... They said it's a music player. I like when they play music from their phone. They said when I'm too scared to watch t.v in the living room to drown out the noises I can just play one of these these...re....reco...."

Knock.

"Go away!"

Go away, go away- Why can't they just leave you alone. Why can't they understand it's better this way? Whatever Red will do.... It's better than..... Red. Where's Red? Why aren't they home yet? You're scared. Scared of what you'll do. Where is Red? Red - Red, please come home. I'm so hungry.

Dinner... Dinner is right outside, but you're a good person - just like they said. You'll wait for Red. They'll probably be home at any second - cries that loud could be heard for miles in a place like this. You just have to wait.

"I.....I guess I just put the record in here, then. Red is gonna be so proud of me for doing this by myself. Thank you for everything you do for me, Red..... I hope you all liked my tour!"

[deviouz]

OKAY SO LIKE idk if you take requests anymore but I need this done so bad and I love your writing so like imagine Jason Todd being adopted and raised by Catwoman and the reader by Batman as robin like a girl robin and basically Jason needs info or wtv and he defeats the reader in a battle or something and handcuffs her and like seduces her for it and reader's usually had super high morals and stuff but she's like simping over him and melts for him practically but idk something like tht like cat women and Batman but roles reversed but yea

Totally get if this is like weird too much though lmao

here’s a lil drabble while i make my way through other requests <3 thank you lovie!! also, jason’s name didn’t really come up, so i guess you can imagine it as whoever? i did write with jason in mind though!! ;; soz

role reversal !

“Come on, I know you can spit it out. The old man can’t be that important to you.”

It was hard to fight off the embarrassed blush as you jerked your wrists from behind your back, the cold bite of steel a painful reminder of the predicament you had found yourself in. The fight was long and drawn out, having left both of you breathless for a while before your captor had gotten the upper hand. It was times like this you really wished you had paid more attention to your father’s teachings about how to get out of precarious circumstances as this one.

How the hell were you supposed to dislocate your thumb and slip out of the handcuffs again?

Being Robin had given you quite the ego. It hadn't really occurred to you that getting captured was a possibility. Batman had shown you every trick in the book on how not to get caught.

Your opponent was as sly as a fox, though. He was quick on his feet, definitely hard to defeat. It was when you had the upper hand, or believed so, that the rug was quickly pulled out from under you, sharp smile and all.

Silence would be your best friend. There was no way in hell you were going to divulge any information that could be used against either yourself or your family — you’d sooner die than allow that to happen.

It was when he had made way to pluck the black mask shielding your eyes did you move, head jerking to the side while a noise of disapproval escaped your throat.

“Don’t touch me.”

He kneeled before you, lips curled into a smirk as a hand trailed from your knee to the middle of your thigh. Your suit was thin, meant more for agility than anything. It was nothing compared to the protective kevlar of the Batsuit. Stealth was your strong suit, and it turns out lingering touches from a man clad in a catsuit was your kryptonite.

“Don’t be like that. We can have fun! I promise I’ll make it worth your time,” he practically purred, voice smooth and intoxicating. “Just tell me what you know.”

Had your heart always beat this fast? Did he drug you? Maybe it was the lack of sleep finally catching up, the deprivation rearing its ugly head at the worst possible time.

“I thought I told you not to touch me,” you quipped back with a clenched jaw. Hands balled into fists and eyes narrowed, you were a sight for sore eyes. “How about you take these cuffs off and we go for a round two, hm?”

He had the audacity to giggle like it was the funniest thing in the world. The hand on your thigh began to inch upwards once more.

“Darling,” God, did that sound pretty rolling off the tip of his tongue, “any round two that we have will be somewhere with some nice booze and a bed, and maybe with soundproof walls depending on how loud I can get you.”

You were stronger than this, surely. Anything to protect Gotham and the people inhabiting it. You wouldn’t lose your nerve to a man with pretty words knelt before you.

“I can give you what you want, you know. Think of it like a trade; you give me the information I need, and I’ll have you screaming my name for all of Gotham to hear. Fair?”

As his touch began to grow more bold, warm hands slowly parting your thighs as he moved in between them, you knew you had to act fast. Resolve could only last so long, especially when coupled with a nighttime job known as being Robin — you were long overdue for something devious and a long nap.

Mustering up what little restraint remained, your foot raised to kick him back, momentarily leaving him a breathless heap of muscle and suave on the ground before you.

“You really don’t listen well.”

[helluva-simper]

Tv static part 2

this is probably shitty but I just wanted to make sure y'all didn't think I was dead.

It was the next day. The room was dim and gray, blood was everywhere but that didn’t bother you. You stare blankly at the ceiling trying to find anything to entertain you.

“There are 750 tiles on the floor…” You mumble to yourself. Being chained to the wall was the worst, worse than your death but… not worse than this. You had an itch on your head. 

Usually when this happens you act like a normal person and scratch it but in this case, your hands were chained to the ground. 

You were trying everything but as you were trying to itch it against the wall, the embodiment of entertainment came its way. 

He walks in with his signature smile, leaning on the wall. “Looks like someone is getting needy~.” Alastor said.

You froze, slowly turning towards him, glaring. “I’m not- you freaking psycho!” He laughs. “If not then what seems to be the problem?” He asked. “Nothing! Just leave!” “Oh, you know I’m not going anywhere and if you keep stalling, I’m gonna think it IS that and-” Before he could utterly disgust you and finish that sentence you say, “I have an itch… on my head.” You jingle the chains showing that you couldn’t get it. 

“Aw, my little fox needs help from me?” Alastor mocks walking to you. “I didn’t say that. I don’t want an abusive, yandere, canabal touching my hair.” You reply trying to stay away from him, sadly to no avail. 

He grabs your chin, tilting your head. Before he could say anything you moved your head. His smile angers a bit as he grabs your chin again, tightening his grip. “Being stubborn again, I see.” Alastor spoke with a hint of annoyance in it. “The best form of entertainment, I say.” You said smirking.

As you attempt to move your head again, he pulls your hair. “Gosh darn it! Argh! Let me go you-” He covers your mouth with his hand while keeping a firm grip on your hair. “Language, my dear. I was trying to be nice.” Alastor lets go of your hair letting his fingers trail down to your neck gripping it slightly. He leans towards your ear and says, “Listen,mon petit renard. You acting stubborn was fun but I think it made you forget your place.” He says darkly. You shake your head left and right trying to get his hand off your mouth.

“You, my little fox, are a pathetic, wretched, disgusting demon who I happened to find an interest in, otherwise I would've left you to rot like the other demons. But you are still replaceable. When I get bored of you I’ll just find new ways for you to entertain me and I assure you, that’s worse than being locked up in a room.” he said. You grit your teeth in frustration, cursing yourself for the momentary lapse in judgment. Every fiber of your being screams to fight back, to break free from his grasp and unleash your full fury upon him. But deep down, you know that any resistance would only lead to more suffering.

Instead, you force yourself to adopt a facade of indifference, masking the turmoil raging within you. "Fine," you mutter through clenched teeth, your voice barely above a whisper. "Do what you want."

Alastor's grin widens at your surrender, relishing in the power he holds over you. With a cruel chuckle, he releases his grip on your neck and takes a step back, his gaze never leaving yours.

"Good," he purrs, the gleam in his eyes sending shivers down your spine. 

Before you can react, he reaches up with his free hand and runs his fingers through your hair, his touch surprisingly gentle despite the conversation you just had a few seconds ago.

After he was done he said, “Hm, I think that Charlie is gonna be a little confused if I’m here too long. I guess our little session will have to wait for tomorrow.”

preivous HERE!!!

Tag

@deepspace-diver

@taintedgenre

[sabrerine911]

Wolverine vs Deadpool colored (Marvel Earth-911b)

Saw the Wolverine and Deadpool movie the other day, really enjoyed it!

(had some small pet peeves with it but It definitely is my favorite of the Trilogy)

Overall it surprised me, I was expecting it to just be a bunch of neat cameos and fightscenes but I liked the plot quite a bit, it was super simple but it was fun to me.

Will throw in some SPOILER things here:

The Wolverine variants bit was really fun. AoA wolverine had NO RIGHT to be that cool, made me want a porper AoA themed movie

And as a huge fan of Patch I was happy to see that one.

The short wolverine felt a bit undercooked and the Wolverine v Hulk one was hype as hell. (also love Cavilverine, wish we had more different actor variants tbh, wanted to see how Tom Hardy would look)

(and lets not forget the crucified by the Reavers one, such solid visuals there)

I was super dissapointed on how they treated Sabretooth, I knew from the trailer they wouldve gone for the one shot joke, I was sniffing super hard copium that they wouldnt go for such a lazy joke but...it happened exactly as I feared(the furiosa joke was fun at least tho)

All the fights were really fun, really happy with the easter egg appearences of the old FOX variants. And holy shit Chaning had no right to be such a cool gambit, his face looks a bit too puffy for my tastes Gambit-wise, but the moves and the voice/accent? Loved it, Happy he got something since they butchered his solo Gambit movie chance.

Really happy we got to see Laura again(altho I did hope she would get an outfit similar to Evolution, but hey, glasses were a nice touch.

As much as Im a fan of black leather/unmasked wolverine (blame that on Wolverine's Revenge XD) this was the best they could do for comic accurate Wolverine, and Im happy he used the mask at the end.

Overall, as a Wolverine fan, was very happy with the movie.

And I really hope we dont get too much of good ol Hugh in the future, I really dont want him to risk ending on a low note.

On a side note regarding the actual piece - Earth911b is an alternative Marvel universe I made up like a decade ago with my takes on the characters.

[hilkaro]

I've played through the DLC for TPoF countless times. Eventually, after some time, I unlocked an achievement I had no idea existed - called Real Simp. I completely forgot about it, but when I wanted to play the game again next time, alongside the memelord mode, another one called Simp Mode appeared. I turned it on, and OH MY GOD, IT COMPLETELY CHANGES THE GAMEPLAY! I don't know about other characters, but with Fox, everything is better.

At the beginning, of course, there's the auction where you beg the announcer to take you every time you have the chance. Then you wake up in a bunker, and that's when the real rollercoaster begins. From my experience, I can immediately say that Chat doesn't matter at all, only Fox's points matter. I'll give you a brief walkthrough in case you haven't unlocked it yet.

Warning: spoilers ahead!

You wake up in the bunker, it's dark, you're tied up. You make noise and catch Fox's attention. Nothing changes here, but your thought process is… significantly different. Someone is in front of me. I focus my gaze and see my favorite beastkin. He looks great, only he wears a mask covering his handsome facial features. Too bad, a great pity.

Fox asks how you feel and if you remember anything. You get several options, including a new one to click on: I meant your bedroom. This leads to a dialogue: You: (sigh), I don't want to be rude, I really appreciate that you fulfilled my request and took me, but I meant your bedroom more than this musty basement. He is silent for a moment, looking at you, then bursts into laughter.

It's the standard text about not worrying because you made the choice to be his co- star. You look around, see cameras, he says no one has ever asked to go with him before. Then you notice the lingerie he chose for you, praise it, and he's happy, standard. For a while, nothing changes; you choose the option to Stay quiet, then Put it back. Fox turns to the cameras and talks to Chat.

This wasn't what I expected from our first night. I'm a little disappointed, you think bitterly.

Let's move on to the foot and there's a slight difference here. Fox: She's gotten nice and wet… What do you think Chat? You (smiling weakly): I'm nice and wet, not only there But Fox rudely interrupts you by sticking his finger into your wound.

Still nothing changes. When you get a choice, you click on Beg him to stop. He cuts you with a knife until you bleed, you cry, standard. At WoundFucker's request, Fox starts choking you, but before you choose the Please, I don't want to die option. He chokes you with a cable until you pass out, then he smashes your face on the concrete, great.

The next game is a gun blowjob and here you have to click Obey confidently, because this time Fox forgot to do the poll. So you do your thing, looking deep into his eyes, he touches himself , nice time. Everyone is impressed by your skills, so you survive, but it's not over yet, because the icing on the cake awaits you. AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Once Fox holds your poor eyelids, a new narrative emerges. I know well what will happen next…. And you can select the Open Mouth option, but it only lasts for a few seconds, so you have to be quick. Once you manage to click it, this appears: I open my mouth and stick out my tongue. He must be surprised by my reaction, because the grip of his claws on my head weakens and I manage to squeeze my eyes shut at the last moment, just before his cum lands all over my face and hair. But not in DAMN EYE! Fox is a bit surprised, ends the stream and you pass out from blood loss.

You wake up in a cell. He speaks to you with ordinary words. You look around and express the hope that now that you've performed so well, Fox will finally take you to his home. He just laughs and states that you now work for him. He's about to leave when you stop him and choose the option: Please stay, I don't want to be alone. Fox tilts his head, with a half-smile, remains silent for a moment, and exits without a word.

Then, you sit in the cell and contemplate. All narratives about the eye are, of course, omitted. You worry that perhaps you didn't try hard enough, considering Ren didn't want to take you home. Since you care so much about him, you decide to give it your all the next time you see each other.

Finally, they come to you. You dress up in a sexy mesh outfit and decide firmly that you'll survive this stream too. When given the option, you choose: Please go easy on me, and Fox likes it. He's about to start when someone asks: What happened to her? And Fox tells and shows everything. Fortunately, your eye is intact.

You move on to the soldering game, and when he asks you, you confidently reply that it's a soldering gun. You're not stupid, duh. Fox burns a heart on your back, and when he shows it on the camera, you comment aloud: You: Wow, it looks great, much better than a tattoo. Fox: I'm glad I fit into your tastes, darling.

Then you let him set up your arm without any protests, standard.

And the sex scene. Not much changes here except when Ren wants to put a tentacle dildo in your mouth, you have a time-limited chance to click: Open your mouth. Probably just to score points with Fox. Of course, while you're at it, you're pushing against him with all your might, in fact, you've been dreaming about him fucking you. It's a bit shame to be in front of the camera and with that collar with needles, but you don't complain, you take what they give you.

After everything, perhaps the biggest change. Because there's no longer an eye operation. Instead, there's a game with a nail gun for questions and answers. The first question is, of course, about Fox's name, and here, a window appears WHERE YOU CAN TYPE YOUR OWN ANSWER! There's no other option; you type REN HANA, all in capital letters, because you're so excited to finally let it out at this moment. He looks at you carefully, averts his gaze, and… shoots!! Shocking. Here, I think there may be several reasons for doing so. Firstly, theoretically,you don't have the right to know his name as MC, and maybe it unsettled him, put him on high alert or something. Or it could be an option that it was a warning shot. Ren didn't want to reveal his identity to Chat. Generally, the matter is a bit strange because if you answer all the questions correctly, he shoots a nail into the middle of our forehead, killing you. Okay. Some sample questions: What is today's date?, Whose father is my most loyal patron? And the question about the last letter of the alphabet, but it's time-limited. If you answer this incorrectly, Fox mocks you. After this wonderful game, you are forced to remove the nail from your body, which is quite painful but concludes the second show. You lose consciousness.

You have various dreams, when a touch wakes you up. Fox strokes your head. The beginning of the conversation is the same, there are no texts about the eye prosthesis because you have that eye. You ask: Why are you helping me? He explains that Chat loves you, but it is picky, and you may not survive for long. You relax and gaze at him, and he points out that it's not very polite. You ask, Who did this to you? He responds in the usual way. But your reaction is different. You: Are you sure? Fox: About what? You: That if it weren't for that person, you would be in exactly the same place doing exactly the same thing as now? Fox measures you with a probing look from half-closed lids and says it's time for him. Then you have the option to click: Hug him. You do it, and he looks at you surprised. You ask him not to leave yet because you don't want to be alone. He also lightly hugs you and strokes your head. After some time, you drift away.

And the ending. THE BEST.

You wake up in a bright room. Apparently, someone's bedroom. You feel an electric collar around your neck. Fox appears, wrapped only in a towel, wet hair, bangs falling on his forehead. He pins you to the wall, his eyes glowing, and says: I decided to keep you for myself. You're mine.

[ikeromantic]

Nokto, Townsquare, Eggnog

A sweet ache from the teasing twin. Approx. 1000 words of Nokto and a night he'll remember. IkePri New Years Event story!

Nokto spun the Belle and caught her, drawing her along to the rhythm of fiddles and hand drums. This was no courtly dance with elaborate footwork and orchestral tones. Tonight was a raucous party of masked nobility and commoners, ringing in the new year with a round of drunk merriment. 

He felt the thick sweetness of rose liquor on his tongue, and the beads of sweat beading on his forehead beneath the blue fox mask he wore. Despite the cold night air, he was warm. Warm inside and out, and it had little to do with the activity and more with the company.

The Belle laughed in his arms, holding tight to him as he lifted her up. He could see her smiling beneath the white rabbit mask that covered most of her face. “Ahhh, Nokto! Put me down!” 

“I’m not Nokto tonight,” he reminded her with a smirk. “And you’ll need to ask nicely . . .”

She giggled and adjusted her mask. “Right. Let’s see . . .” Her lips parted, the pink tip of her tongue poked out for a heartbeat - just long enough to give Nokto some wicked ideas. “Oh, prince of foxes, would you kindly please set me down? I need to fetch a drink and sit for a moment. Please.”

“On one condition, my little bunny.” His smirk widened into a grin. “You drink with me.”

He could almost hear the unseen rise of an eyebrow, and the sudden tension in her frame. “I . . . ok, but don’t think I’m going to end up in your bed.”

“Again.” Nokto chuckled. “Would that be so terrible a way to start this year?” He set her on her feet, his hands skimming lightly over her hips. There were hundreds of women at the celebration tonight. How was it that he only wanted this one, the one that said no? He felt a tightening in his chest, an strange and unfamiliar heaviness. 

Her fingertips brushed his cheek. “Are you alright?”

“Hm? Yes. Of course I am.” He forced his smile to return. “Ridiculous question.”

“Ok. It’s just . . .” She bit her lip, continuing only when he said nothing into the silence between them. “You looked pained. For a moment.” The Belle gave a slight, uneasy shrug. 

Nokto ruffled the hair at the nape of her neck. “Your imagination is impressive.” His hand lingered for several heartbeats. She felt warm, and her hair was soft as sin. He realized he wanted to kiss her. To lean close and taste her lips. But if he did, she would leave and he . . . he swallowed the desire, forcing it down. “Come on. Let’s find something good.”

He grabbed her hand and led her through the throng to one of the market stalls. He bought her a hot cider and for himself, mulled wine. Then they sat at a low bench nearby, where they could see the town square fountain. 

The spray of falling water caught the lamp light, glistening like flecks of gold in the night air. Heatless embers that hung for a moment in the dark before disappearing into the pool below. “It’s really beautiful.” The Belle leaned against him, her mouth curved in a sweet, gentle smile.

Nokto looked at her, feeling that tightness again. His heart strained, too fast, too hard, his blood felt thick and too warm. Heat radiating from every part of him that touched her. “Beautiful,” he echoed, the word catching in his throat. He struggled to find the suave and self assured gallant he presented himself as, but that prince was nowhere in evidence. He felt laid bare, exposed, his emotions bubbling to the surface no matter how he tried to push them back. 

Her fingers brushed the edge of his chin as she reached to fix his hair. “Your bangs,” she said by way of explanation. He could feel her light touch against his scalp, the edge of his ear, as she tucked the hair into place. And then, unexpectedly, the drift of her fingertips trailing down his cheek. Her thumb skimmed the edge of his bottom lip. 

He froze, unable - unwilling - to move. If he said anything, if he reacted, he knew she would flee. Even his breath stilled, crystalized in that moment of unhoped for touch. 

The Belle’s breath was shallow, her expression impossible to read behind her mask. “S-sorry.” She dropped her hand to her lap. “I thought you had a - a bit of wine. On your lip.”

“I haven’t taken a sip yet.” His voice was rougher than normal, a predatory edge to it. 

“Oh.” She cleared her throat. “Must have been a shadow.”

“Must have been.” His lips curved into a teasing smile. “Perhaps I should look for a little shadow on your face as well?” He leaned closer, pretending to inspect her lips. He curled a finger beneath her chin, brushing his fingertips against her throat. This was more like it, he thought. The game of seduction, moves he knew all too well. Want without the ache for more. 

All he wanted was a kiss, he told himself. His pulse beat wildly in his throat as he felt her breath on his cheek. 

“Nokto.” Her voice was as warm and sweet as summer honey. An invitation and a warning. 

“No. Tonight I’m the prince of foxes and you are the bunny queen. Noone will care if we . . . if we kiss.” His lips were almost touching hers, the air between them thick with tension. 

The Belle’s lips quirked in a small, half smile he felt rather than saw. “No one?”

The bands in his chest burned, knotted around his heart. A tangle of emotion. Nokto knew she was right. He knew, and yet. His lips met hers, a crush of soft flesh that tasted of apples and spice. His tongue parted her lips, delving deeper, teasing. 

There was nothing but her, his Belle. The feel of her hands gripping his shoulders, her lips moving hungrily against his. The scent of her, the taste of her, the feel of her body pressed tight to him. A thousand kisses, and there was never one like this. One that set his blood on fire and his heart ablaze. One that eased the aching emptiness and filled the dark places in him with light.

[poison-nekomimi]

You know what, I am doing a part two to my "GD levels I either haven't drawn yet or haven't made a final design for" Probably not as exciting as the first but let's go.

First all the main game levels:

Fingerdash: The icon for this level looks like a stupid lizard so I decided on a fire breathing mutant lava chameleon. He probably has those two spinning fire things from the level as his weapon. He also tried to flirt with the insane difficulty icon once and they were not amused. (Fingerdash is in a weird relationship with two other levels as well)

Clubstep: He not only has an army of clubstep monsters but he is also a weird monster thing. He uses a bat with spikes as you can see in the image.

Electrodynamix: A disco dancer who is known for dancing with glowsticks. She constantly gets accused of secretly being a demon but she denies it every time. The image below is just a work in progress but I thought it would be a good time to show it.

Hexagon force: Robotic bee that uses a sword.

Dash: Acts as the mascot. Can't decide on his weapon yet but he's a fox because reasons.

I only have one random demon today

Acheron: Not sure about her weapon but I know she's not very nice. Because the song is thermodynamix she's constantly in fights with electrodynamix. Also she eventually gets with kenos who I only have a vague idea of a design for.

Not levels but:

Difficulty faces: All the difficulty faces are servants/assistants and they do a lot of work to keep everything in order and help with events. They all wear masks that look like the in game difficulty faces and MOST people have never seen their actual faces under their masks. They kinda get bullied a bit but it's okay because they get their revenge though we won't touch that yet (kinda already did in a previous post actually)

So I actually want to put effort into designing and writing the difficulty characters. I kinda have some random ideas like insane having a rock/punk style or easy demon having some sort of pop star theme. Or some personality stuff like hard being the most timid and constantly struggling with their weapon, normal just being a total troll, stuff like that. I'm trying to restrain myself from talking too much about them but if you want to know more about them as characters then I can go on :3

Well, that's all. Hope you enjoyed. If I feel like it I'll make another dump post. There's so much to talk about and I can't contain it in just one post. I'm sure you'll find it all entertaining :)

[jack-bytez-genuine-corner]

Long rant about losing faith in humanity under the cut

So I think the thing that really makes this election hurt for me so much is that the RNC has blatantly, patently evil for the 26 years I've been alive. Lied to start two wars for oil. Lied to justify torturing random farmers half way across the world and then tried to justify that after getting called out. Killed privacy via the PATRIOT Act and then siphoned more power to the President for war with less oversight. I still thought the average voter was still good at heart and maybe misled or ignorant of what was happening.

In 08 they hung Obama effigies from trees, made arguments to white wash and justify neo Nazis. Just evil, heinous shit, but I was 10 and kept thinking that it was just a small group of horrible people and everyone was still good at their core. 16 I was more baffled and even more confused cause Trump wasn't even using dog whistles like the racists of old and the misogynists of yesteryear but just BEING racist and sexist and people voted for him. I really just clinged on that maybe most people were so brainwashed by Fox News and so out of touch that they didn't get it. I felt a little sympathy for Trump supporters who died of COVID cause he told them not to mask. A bit of schadenfreude when auto workers who were pro Trump got their factories closed due to the trade war with China over steel, but still I felt a little bad for them... Except for the one lady who said Trump isn't hurting the right people.

In 2020 I thought we had people actually come to their senses. That it wasn't normal for someone to steal 3 SCOTUS seats, get a million people killed needlessly, who spread so much hate and violence and supported an insurrection cause he was too hurt that he lost. For a hot minute I felt like maybe people were looking at real info and learning and voting for what's best for them and their community vs just believing whatever lies Trump says. In 2022 I'm a bit miffed that Republicans narrowly won the house but ya know, that's how the US historically is, incumbents lose seats no matter how good their policies and work are, just look at Obama and the ACA that saved millions of lives and so many Democrats lost their jobs over it.

But in 2024 I'm just certain people aren't good at their core anymore. We're just animals who are innately selfish and greedy. That lots of people are willing to memory hole the million+ killed by COVID and millions more disabled cause it's all about them. That they didn't view the blatant bigotry and racism and sexism as a red line but an acceptable trade in exchange for nice lies about how a single fat con man will make everything better. And I guess I really don't know how to cope with that. I'm extremely pissed at myself for ever believing that people were naturally good, instead you really do have to treat us like animals and lead people by the nose, strongly, just so they can learn basic things, and if it's something they are wrong in it'll be even harder. Like who knows how many people are going to die when Republicans lift restrictions on Israel, back out of weapons for Ukraine, start trying to force family separations and start up concentration camps for brown kids again, how many jobs will be lost and how child starvation will spike again just like it did last time. Like it hurts to even think about.

It's not like people didn't know either, everyone knew, it's been front and center for years and no institution did anything to stop him or Republicans who blatantly broke the law and caused so much damage, and when it came down to the average person millions sat out the election, full well knowing that millions of people in the US and abroad could very well be harmed and killed by Trump and they didn't bother to get out of bed. Even worse, you had people who claim they care about Palestine or claim they care about the economy or about woman vote for a party that clearly doesn't view any minority as people and wants to actively hurt women, hurt Muslims, hurt Palestinians and hurt the poor. I don't even know what else I or anyone else could have done to inform people that this election was literally life or death and not choosing was just as bad as voting to harm millions of people. But instead we're just so selfish and sexist and racist that no amount of blatant, shameless evil was enough to vote for someone who, even flawed, would have caused infinitely less pain and suffering.

I truly just don't know how to cope with it. I don't want to live in a world where I really do just believe that the average stranger is so innately selfish and lazy that they can't even imagine doing the bare minimum, or god forbid, WANTING to harm millions of people. I want to live in one where I'm back at thinking that people, deep down, are good natured even after they've done bad things or have been so brainwashed but this election is just undeniable proof: People only care about what gets them ahead and they don't care who gets hurt as long as they get assurances that it will be them who gets ahead, even if the person giving those assurances is someone they know is a liar. It's just sickening to think about.

[kitsunexkang]

tiktok | eri & kang

for: @eri-mergo

"Right. Making money is difficult." Eri touched the other's hand, bestowing him with a blessing. It was the least he could do after losing control of the wind. Plus, Kang seemed like a very nice young person (everyone here was so, so young). He shouldn't need to struggle so hard for basics. The blessing would make money find him. It wasn't much. But it was better than him struggling all alone. "Well, I hope things get better from now on. Hopefully you can get monetized on Tiktok and make a lot of tips dancing."

Eri watched the video, something like horror coming upon him. He danced like he was... possessed. Like there was something demonic in him. The look on his face as he went through the moves was an eerie, feral mask. He could only recall being happy that he'd gotten the body to dance. But evidently that wasn't the emotion that came out in the video. How were the humans not afraid of him?

"I- I guess I am wild." Great, Kang called him, but he didn't feel like it was. Still, he forced himself to smile. He was genuinely grateful to Kang for including him in this Tiktok thing. "Thank you for helping me out! This was a nice and fun thing to do. And now I know that my old body can still move."

Eri looked at Kang's phone again, still stuck on the image of himself. "Do I... do I look like that all the time?" He asked, unable to help himself.

“Yeah. It’s pretty funny, isn’t it?” Kang laughed, not thinking too much on how Eri was dancing as he simply accepted the man for who he was and how he moved. It was pretty amazing to watch the more the video kept repeating.

“Hey, I’m glad you enjoyed it,” the fox spirit grinned. “And well, these cameras show us what we look like all the time, so yeah, I suppose. Unless you mean the dancing because I think that’s special,” he teased.

[hannah-heartstrings]

I was tagged by @druidx to make an oc in this picrew. Actually there was a choice between picrews, but I just had to pick that one, it's too cute.

So here's Lecrinn:

She's a sweetroll topped with cinnamon and strawberries.

(Actual Lecrinn for reference)

Mostly I was trying to make it match her color scheme. The paper's supposed to be her leather armor, with the black ribbon being that strap that goes across the front. I thought cinnamon might match her hair, and the strawberry her red hood.

But also being sweet with a touch of spice seemed to fit her. And she loves strawberries.

Plus there's the cinnamon roll meme. XD

The wooden plate fits the colors nicely but was actually picked to represent the Waterfront, where she grew up.

Two bonus versions I couldn't resist making:

This one seems to be masked with grayish fox icing.

And I laughed when I clicked on that option. The lines imply to me that it's trying to attack me, like I'm being threatened by a cupcake, which is probably what it feels like to be threatened by Lecrinn.

Tagging: @emeraldhazeart @aroaceamyrose @babyblueetbaemonster @inkysqueed @ff2-soda-pop if you guys want to, plus anyone else who does.

[junkydrawr]

More Snively fic!

This scene is wedged in after fishing with Sonic and Sally but before gardening with Melinda. A few other scenes (not posted) take place in between as well and this scene also references other non-posted earlier stuff. Also, there is reference to the SatAM episode 'Sonic Conversion' (where they attempt to build a deroboticizer).

After Snively had woken the next morning and gone to the loo to do his business, he entered the kitchen. Instantly his caution radar went up. Bunnie wasn't preparing a meal. She was pouring their coffee into two canteens.

"What's going on...?"

"We're having breakfast in the pavilion."

He retreated to the couch, yawning. "Mmm. I'm actually rather tired still. I think I'll go back to sleep."

"Oh no, you don't. Yer comin' with."

"I'd rather not."

She slung both canteens over her shoulder. "That's nice. Ah don't care. Ah'm hungry, so let's go."

He flopped back onto the couch.

She sighed. "Don't be a stubborn git. Get up or Ah'm gonna drag you there by the hairs."

He growled. "You wouldn't dare."

"Ah wouldn't?" She laughed; he heard her metal feet getting closer. "Just try me, Sugah."

He didn't move.

He felt her furred hand grip his forearm and pull.

"Stop it!" He squealed. "Don't touch me - I'm tired! Just let me stay here!"

"Snively, stop that! Gosh, yer bein' stupid. How old are you, anyway?"

He sat up, lip lifted in a snarl. "Old enough that I don't need Mother Rabbit pulling me out of bed. Maybe you want to wipe my ass, too?" He grabbed his bag of clothes and stormed towards the bathroom.

"You don't need to take a shower!" She yelled through the door.

"Yes, I do!" He took his sweet time bathing and getting dressed.

They walked silently to the pavilion, he trailing behind the Mobian. Watching her hips sway, the fluffy puff of tail. Pondering, not for the first time - her luck for getting rescued before her nethers could turn to metal. He imagined she would've died quite quickly then - her body unable to purge the organic waste.

I doubt she sees herself as lucky.

He entertained the idea of sneaking away but then she turned to assure he was coming. He twisted his lips. They came to the meeting area and he beheld the core Freedom Fighters seated at the biggest table, an array of breakfast before them.

The skunk let out a huge groan as the two sat down. "How am I supposed to eat now, with that bloody stench in the air?"

Sonic chuckled.

Snively bristled. "Come off it, rodent. I don't smell. I've just showered."

"That makes it worse. At least the dirt helps mask it a little." Geoffrey held his nose.

"You smell like an armpit that's been sweating for a week straight." Snively sniffed and looked over the food. Bunnie handed over his canteen of coffee.

Sally let out a sigh. "Good morning, you two. Can we not start the day off with bickering?" Her stink eye settled on the skunk. He smiled coyly, tipping his hat.

Snively reached over the table for a blancberry muffin. Bunnie filled a bowl with sliced fruits and berries and slid it to him. "Eat somethin' good, Sugah."

He tried to ignore Geoffrey and Sonic's snickering. He wouldn't admit, but he enjoyed the fruit quite a bit. There was a certain...immediacy to it, a freshness that was never present in the dehydrated foods of Robotropolis. He popped berries into his mouth, savoring them between swigs of coffee.

The Mobians chatted about inane things. The weather. The current chores they were assigned to. Apparently, they operated on some kind of rotating schedule, when they weren't terrorizing Robotropolis. He tuned out, staring over at the path that led to the ring pool.

The chipmunk, Rosie, was leading some of the children down the path. The two-tailed fox turned and waved at them. They waved back. Snively took a bite of the muffin.

Sally sighed and Sonic patted her back. She picked up a small curl of paper, fiddling it between her fingers. "Sir Charles is still working on accessing the Command Room ducts. He's been spraying the metal grates with the Krudoz solution."

Rotor nodded. "How's it going?"

"They're corroding more slowly because of the coating over them. But we'll get through." She looked at Snively. He sipped his coffee, avoiding her eye.

"What can you tell us about those snake bots?"

He shrugged.

"You built them, didn't you?"

"Yes. What's there to tell? They're patrol bots. Robotnik never listened to me when I said the ducts needed to be protected. So I remedied that."

"They have some kind of tranquilizer in their bite?"

He nodded, helpless to the sneer that began to curl his lips. "Effective, wasn't it?"

"You had to run and let your uncle out to help you, so no," said Sally.

Do not react. He took a bite of the muffin, extra big. More time chewing, more time to bitchslap his rage back into its corner.

"Is there any easy way to deactivate them? It's too dangerous to throw Krudoz bombs inside the duct. Might eat the floor away right from under us."

"Not really. Maybe you could use a recording of my voice to tell them to stand down. They only respond to me. Robotnik and Naugus don't know about them."

"Yeah, that could work. We'll record you later. Have Sir Charles try it out." She looked over the group. "Once we can spy on the Command room again, we'll do our trial attack."

Snively ate another piece of fruit. It had a fibrous texture, a taste like coconut and strawberries. He tried to ignore a sudden spike of nausea. Attack. Missions. Despite his efforts, he had to set the fruit down as his belly lurched.

I...I can't go back there.

"W-w-what..." He cleared his throat. "...what kind of trial attack?"

"Don't worry, Sugah, we ain't needin' you for this one," Bunnie said, nudging his arm. He jumped slightly at the touch.

"We're planning to hit a factory. Just a test to see how Robotnik and Naugus retaliate without you there."

Snively grunted. "Ah. This paltry shit again."

The predictable frown arrived on Sally's face. "What?"

"This small fry nonsense. Let's blow up one factory. Let's shut down the generator for a couple hours." He yawned. "Let's just be a pain in the rear rather than inflict some serious damage. The SWATbots and their terrible aim caused more problems."

She scoffed. "We can only do so much at once. The longer we stay in Robotropolis, the higher the risk we get caught. And we aren't an explosives factory. We don't have some huge stockpile of bombs."

"Then build up until you have enough to actually do something. Do you know how annoying it was to constantly rebuild trifling things after you wrecked them? Like having a child make a mess right after you cleaned up."

Geoffrey snarled. "Why don't you shut it? Nobody asked your opinion."

He gave Bunnie a sidelong sneer. "Then why am I here? I told you I wanted to stay in bed."

"There's another reason we can't just blow everything up, Snively." Sally blew out a long, aggrieved sigh. "You know that."

He took a swig of coffee. His mind was blank. It couldn't be for fear of ruining anything. All their outdoor statues and monuments were long destroyed.

"I'm sure you don't care, of course, but...we do." The Princess's voice was a degree above frozen.

Another swig, and a shrug. He hoped to look apathetic rather than clueless.

"I don't think he gets it, Sal." The hedgehog scowled.

"The roboticized!" Sally exclaimed. "We have to be careful. That's why we don't target certain buildings. That's why we can't just 'blow everything up'."

Oh. Snively set down his coffee. "Why bother? They're a lost cause."

Sonic and Sally had a matching fire in their eyes. He heard Bunnie hiss beside him.

"Yo, my Uncle Chuck ain't no lost cause! Even if he can't get his body back, he's got his mind! He's alive!"

"We're working on a deroboticizer. We had some luck, but it didn't take."

An insidious chuckle escaped him. The heat level was rising at the table, but he uncapped the fuel anyway. "I highly doubt that."

His thoughts drifted to the massive shell of wires and glass in Robotropolis. How far along was Robotnik in building it? And then powering it, with energy far beyond what these animals had at their disposal?

They do have the power rings though...

He couldn't much ponder that, with Sally murdering him with her gaze. "I don't know why you're laughing. You don't know the progress we made."

"Heh. Then tell me."

She recapped their 'success story' and he shook his head. "Sounds like all that happened was the nanites created a superficial skin of flesh over the existing metal. But without anything to sustain it...it literally rotted away." He ate another berry. "Hardly a rousing victory."

For a moment, he basked in wicked satisfaction. The Princess's gaze dropped, crestfallen. Silently, she nibbled on her toast.

"Yo, that isn't cool, Snobley."

"What isn't cool? Breaking your bubble of delusion?"

"Oh mah stars. Snively, that's enough." Bunnie nudged him.

"I'll break your stupid nose!" Sonic jeered, his threats intertwining over Geoffrey's: "Oh, I'll break you, mate." Snively resisted the urge to yawn again. Julian had made worse threats before breakfast.

"They aren't a lost cause." Sally set down her toast, voice dark with ire and rising steadily. "It doesn't matter about our setback. We'll keep trying. When we bring Robotnik down, we'll have all the resources we need. And if we can't deroboticize them...we'll free their minds. They aren't a lost cause!" Her fist slammed the table.

"Sir Charles has been the only breakthrough in eleven years." Snively shook his canteen, hearing the unfortunate slosh of one last swig remaining. "But...good luck. I'm sure you'll do it. Somehow."

"We'll do it, Snively. We took Robotnik down, took you down. Destroyed the 'great' Doomsday machine. We got my father back. Look at our track record - look at yours. Why should I even care about the words of a failure?"

His teeth grit behind his lips. He fumbled for words cruel, vile... he ached to cut the grins off Geoffrey and Sonic's face, scalpel digging in deep, smell the blood. Instead, he sat, quivering with the want of violence.

"Believe what you want," he finally spat. "I've seen what overconfidence brings to an arrogant fool."

"So have I. Which is why you're sitting here, eating breakfast solely at our mercy." Sally wielded that scalpel with her eyes. The snickering from the men continued.

He jumped as Bunnie's hand touched his arm. "Come here. Ah want a minute, Sugah."

He pulled his arm away, but stood. Anything to get away from the vermin.

------

Bunnie led him out of earshot - well, unless she screamed at him - to the edge of the pond's path. Being this close triggered the urge to head down and smoke.

"What was that all about, Sugah?"

"Just doing what I do best." Snively ignored her narrowing eyes. This was such a bore.

"Being a right git is what you do best?"

"Yes. Amid dispensing a dose of reality."

"It ain't reality."

"It is. You delusional fools just don't want to hear it. Everything is sunshine and roses with you." He rolled his eyes.

"And what's so wrong about tryin' to be positive? Ah know you ain't got much practice, livin' with Robotnik and all, but you could try it for once." She placed a hand on his arm and his skin crawled.

The mention of Julian brought that wretched bastard's face to the forefront. The bitterness inside him simmered. Came out in a hiss, boiling hot. He wrenched away. "Quit touching me, animal!"

A flurry of emotions whipped through her face. Surprise, anger. He braced himself for the punch. But the last emotion settled and it rankled him even more. Empathy.

"Ah know what yer doin'. Puttin' on a front. Actin' tough because yer scared to let us in. Scared to even try makin' friends."

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." He laughed. "Make friends? Words of a failure? I'll break your stupid nose? Yes, I'm truly feeling the kinship, Mobian."

"If you didn't bite like a little snake, if you weren't such a prickly little cactus all the time -"

She should've been a poet.

"I'm not in need of 'friends' like those." She'd forced him to come to this stupid breakfast, forced him to sit with the fleabags. Brought up Julian. And even worse, she was still hitting him with those dewy eyes of hope and compassion. Such things deserved to be crushed underfoot. They were nothing but luscious fruits brimming with poison.

"...And what a joke, to think any of you are actually friends. Your situation is what created your supposed bond. Would you really be friends with a boar like Geoffrey?" A dark sneer cut his face. "Would an uppity priss like Princess Stick-up-the-ass even look twice at a twangy bumpkin like you?"

"Don't talk about her like that," Bunnie growled, and her metal fist clenched by her side. He watched it, a strange rush of eagerness flooding his veins. Oh, to break down Miss Rabbot's facade of saintliness. Make her give in to the urge to brutalize. It surely must reside beneath that sugary exterior.

He cast an eye to the meeting table, still within sight. The occupants were watching them.

All I need to do is push a few buttons...and bam. She'll go off like a bomb.

"Oh and why not? She's just a bag of lies, like all of you. Filling you with this nonsense. Why do you even want to be deroboticized, anyway?" He reached forward, flicking a fingernail with a 'ping' against her metal shoulder.

She bit her lip. "It...it ain't just about me."

"But it mostly is. Admit it."

"No, it ain't!" Her voice rose. But her eyes were going glassy, gathering tears.

This was like a child's game and he basked in the pettiness of it. "How can it not be, Rabbot? You want to trade your best asset just to look 'pretty' again."

A small cry escaped her. Her metallic fist raised up to her breast, tightening. Ready to launch. He goaded further, dug in.

"Come on, Rabbot! Do what you do best. Use that fist!" He took a step forward.

She drew in a breath and slowly that hand unfolded. The empathy was gone at least, replaced by disappointment and a wayward tear. She wiped it, turned away. "Ah'm going back to breakfast. You either come or don't."

She left him standing there with his cheek tilted, waiting for the blow that never came, the sick want of it gurgling in his gut like reflux. He watched her go back, watched all the eyes staring at him, waiting for him to move.

Fool. You look like a fucking fool.

He turned and headed for the pool, with not even a cigarette to fill the hollow inside.

----

Bunnie returned to the table and took a long drink of coffee, composing herself.

"Snively's not joining us?"

"He ain't ready to be civil yet, Ah guess." She slowly chewed one of the fibrous fruits. Her mind was in the past, to the day she thought she'd been deroboticized, just for a short while. In all the commotion with Chuckie reverting back to Robotnik's slave, she hadn't had much time to grieve. Late that night, crying in the shower, she'd noticed a sludge, a congealed film over her robotic parts that smelled terrible. She'd scrubbed and scrubbed, sobbing until long after the water was cold.

Without anything to sustain it... it literally rotted away.

She swallowed hard, feeling her throat close.

"You're too soft on him," Sally said.

She quietly cleared her throat. "Y'all can't expect him to change overnight..."

"Hey. You alright? What did he say?"

"Nothin'. Just bein' a git. Ah can handle it."

"Maybe he should go back to the jail," Sally said. "We gave him freedom too soon. He hasn't earned it."

"Maybe you should just give him a good beat down," Geoffrey waved a piece of toast. "That's how Robotnik kept him in line."

"Do Ah look like Robotnik to you?" Bunnie snapped, her voice turning bitter. "Other than my metal arm, of course. Ah don't know, maybe Ah am closer to him than anyone."

"Bunnie..." Concern wrinkled Sally's brow.

"Maybe he's right, ya know. About the lost cause."

"Yo, that stupid dweeb isn't right about that!" Sonic was up in a flash, sitting next to Bunnie and putting his arm around her. "Like Sal said, once we get the city back, we got all the tools we need. And we got Uncle Chuck. He ain't gonna stop until he figures it out."

He gave her a shake until she finally cracked a small smile and a nod.

"Mon cheri! My sweet!" Antoine and Rotor came up then, the coyote handing a flower to Bunnie. He gave Sonic a dirty look. The hedgehog returned to his seat.

"What took you so long?"

"That automatic vacuum I made for Ant had a little...glitch." Rotor sat down. "I had to help clean up the mess it made."

"I am thinking...the robots you make for me are curse-ed," Antoine said.

"Seems that way." Rotor chuckled.

"More like you're cursed," Sonic amended with a smirk.

As Sonic and Antoine bickered, Sally looked to Rotor. "You're starting to clean the workshop and storeroom today, right?"

Rotor wilted. "Yeah. I'll be done... maybe two years from now?"

"I was going to have Snively help Rosie today. But I think you could use it more. Would you be all right with him helping you?"

Rotor waffled uncertainly, then nodded. "Yeah. I guess so."

"All right. Good." She smiled, and then her eyes drifted to Bunnie again. The rabbit looked away, but unlike Snively, she felt no ire for the compassion in her friend's eyes.

But she did feel shame.

----

Snively smiled, then did a quick lookabout to make sure nobody saw him smiling. He'd taken off his boots and waded into the cool waters. A patch of clay made a wonderful burrow for his feet. He wiggled his toes into it, smiled again.

The last time he'd willingly swam was sometime in his childhood, before coming to Mobotropolis. Father had often had meetings with other stuffy bigwigs at the lakeside. Young Snively had kept himself entertained wading and floating (and sneaking alcoholic drinks when he could).

I've forgotten how pleasant water is. He did a pivot, his hands trailing through the coolness. When he came to face the path, Sally was standing there. Shit. He didn't drop the smile fast enough.

"I saw," she said. "You're finally smiling, now that you went and hurt Bunnie's feelings, after all she's doing for you."

"Yes, I'm a 'right git'," he said. Smiled again, just to annoy her. "Maybe you should exile me from the village."

"I can exile you back to the jail cells."

"Whatever pleases you, Princess." He waded out further, turning his back to her. Any deeper and he'd get his rolled-up pants wet.

"It would please me if you did something constructive today. Not wandering around and getting yourself beaten up again."

He smirked, looked over at her. "You really shouldn't blame the victim, Princess."

Her eyes went dark. "You are not the victim, Snively."

Such a priss. It was a joke. She's as humorless as Uncle.

"I am being constructive," he said to her continued glare. "I'm taking a mental health day. That's important, right?"

She gave an exasperated headshake. "You need more than a day. But...speaking of health, I want Doctor Quack to examine you. Make sure you're ok."

A screeching laugh burst from him. "Did you say Doctor Quack?"

"Yes, Horatio Quack, our doctor-"

He put a fist to his mouth to stop the mad giggles. "Haha...Q-q-quack...oh, you people are hilarious."

"We'll get you in today," she said and his giggling finally quelled.

He sloshed a hand, perturbed. A Mobian poking and prodding him? Asking questions about old scars? No thanks. "I don't need an exam. I'm healthy. I've been injected with a zillion nanites over the years."

She ignored that. "After that, I want you to help Rotor. He's going to start organizing his storeroom. It's a big job."

"But I'm forbidden to go in there." He shook the wrist with the tracker.

"And who forbade you? Come on. Let's see if Quack can see you."

He took a step back. "I'll help Motor, but I'm not going to your quack of a doctor."

"Yes, you are. Come on." Her hands went to her hips.

"No."

"Snively, don't think I won't come in there and drag you out."

That brought enticing thoughts of how she'd look with her fur plastered to her skin. Another step back. "You're welcome to try."

She growled, eyes flashing. "Or maybe I'll go fetch Daddy. Do you want him to get involved?"

He stiffened. "You...you don't have to get him. I... I just don't want to be touched by some weirdo. If I was sick, I'd tell you." He widened his eyes, stuck out his bottom lip.

She groaned. "Fine. You can go to Quack tomorrow."

That isn't going to happen. If I can push it back one day, I'll push it back another. Indefinitely.

He waded towards shore. He'd gotten his pants wet after all. Sally griped while he took his time putting on his socks and boots.

----

They headed through Knothole. Cresting a small hill, they came to a strange octagon-shaped building plated in metal. On one side was a long, low building, on the other was a hut. The hut door opened as they came near, and the pudgy walrus emerged.

"Uh, hi guys."

Sally unclipped her computer. "NICOLE, disable location 'Rotor's workshop' on Snively's tracker."

"Disabled, Sally."

Rotor stood near the door of the metal building. "Might want to stand back."

When the door opened, Rotor dived to the side. Like a flood, a mixed assortment of junk came flowing out. Metal scraps, robot parts, wires, tools. When the tide settled, it revealed the storeroom was still crammed floor to ceiling.

Snively kicked aside a broken screwdriver. "Hoarding issues?"

Rotor rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, you never know what you need until you need it."

Snively's foot found another item. A rusted and dented head of an old caterkiller robot. He snorted, gave it a good boot. "Is everything in here as useless as that?" He turned to Sally. "I've changed my mind. I don't want to help with this."

"I don't recall this being a voluntary assignment." She patted Rotor's arm. "Good luck. And you let me know if Snively is misbehaving."

Rotor blushed. "Sure, Sally."

The Princess left. Snively watched her, then cast a side eye to the walrus. He was watching her too. Did everyone around here want a piece of squirrel?

"Better get started. I mean, this is gonna take more than one day anyway, for sure. I'm gonna get some tarps so we can organize things."

Rotor headed towards the long building, which Snively assumed was the workshop. Not that he cared. The walrus's back was turned.

Perfect opportunity to escape. He's too fat to catch me.

He tried to forget that the walrus had caught him before.

Snively spun around and hurriedly skittering away. He got to the small hill. At the bottom, Sally Acorn stood with her arms crossed.

He came to a stop. Slowly, she unfolded one arm and aimed a finger back towards Rotor's hut. Her eyes were murderous.

Rotor was laying down the second tarp when Snively returned. He didn't say a thing, just pointed to a stack of tarps. With a grunt, the Overlander took one, shaking it out and laying it aside the others.

"Come on, this is gonna be fun. Who knows what we'll find?" Rotor smiled unconvincingly.

Maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe I can find things to disable this stupid tracker. Snively's eyes brightened at the thought.

Sally will most likely have you frisked, you know.

A dirty little smile touched his lips. Well. Then I better fill my pockets.

Rotor looked over with a frown.

Then again, I imagine it'll be Tuna-breath here doing the search.

He leaned down and hooked a finger in the caterkillers's busted-out eye socket. "So, which one is the trash tarp?"

-

Four hours later, they had items on every tarp...and had barely made a dent into the contents of the storeroom.

Rotor uncertainly looked down at a jumble of frayed wires. Snively swiped it from his hand.

“That is absolute garbage.”

“But I could salvage a few of those wires, I-”

“You've got enough wire to encircle the bloody planet!” Snively whipped it towards the trash pile.

“Yeah...I guess so.” Rotor observed a piece of pipe next. “Hmmm. Well, it's a litle rusted, but-”

“Trash.”

With a sigh, the walrus chucked the pipe at the trash tarp. He yawned then, rubbed at his eyes. “All this sorting is tiring.“I'm beat. Think I'll pick this up again tomorrow.” 

“Fantastic. Well. Goodbye.” Snively bent over and dusted off his pants, then turned to walk away.

“Um...wait.” Rotor wrung his hands. “Do...do you want to help me tomorrow?”

Not particularly, he wanted to say. Of course, if he didn't, Sally would probably find something even more irksome to occupy him. He blew out a breath.

“Think you can sneak some drinks over here?”

“Like...alcoholic drinks?” Rotor frowned and shook his head. 

“You're no fun...” Snively sighed, looking over the tarps. Even the 'keeper' piles were absolute junk.

“It's ok. I'll see if Antoine is free.”

At that moment, Sally approached. Snively grit his teeth; he had been hoping to escape before she showed up. 

“How are things going? My goodness, Rotor, was all of this really in there?”

“This isn't even a quarter of it,” the small human grumbled. 

She gave him a dark stare. “And how were you today? Did you behave yourself? Rotor, how was he?” 

“I was an angel,” Snively simpered, batting his eyelashes. 

“I don't know what that is,” Rotor said, scratching his head. “But...um...yeah. He was really helpful. Don't think he wants to come back tomorrow though.”

“Well...” Sally smiled sweetly. “Isn't that too bad. Same time tomorrow, Snively.”

He grumbled. “Yes. Well. See you then, Motor.” 

“Um...It's Rotor...”

“...Whatever.” Again, Snively made to leave. Sally put her hands on her hips.

"Wait a minute. Take off your boots and socks. Turn out your pockets."

Snively squeaked, putting a mock-abashed hand to his mouth. "Why, Princess! Shouldn't we have some privacy before you remove my clothes?"

"You wish. Do it, or I'll have them removed in front of the whole village!"

"What's with you animals and stripping me?" He mumbled.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing." He grunted as he crouched to take off his footwear. No contraband there. His pockets came out similarly empty. You must think I'm truly stupid, Miss Priss, to steal on the first day.

She didn't know about his underwear either, apparently. Bunnie hadn't laughed about it with her?

Good. The perfect hiding place for me. Albeit a little uncomfortable.

She scanned him with NICOLE then, checking for any electronic devices or trackers. Satisfied, she beckoned him to follow.

--

"Am I released from my servitude?" Snively asked as he trailed her down the hill.

"For today." Her eyes narrowed. "It's dinnertime. Bunnie is eating with Sonic, Antoine and I, just so you know. You're on your own."

His stomach grumbled right on cue.

She smiled, bereft of humor. "Apologies go a long way with her. She won't go demanding them, but believe me. It'll help."

He mumbled under his breath. "I'm not apologizing for being right."

She tilted her head. "I can't understand you when you mumble like that. Speak up."

He shook his head.

She tossed her hair, sniffed. The epitome of snobbery. "I doubt it was worth hearing anyway. Stay out of trouble."

Yeah right.

----

He swung open the door to Bunnie's, pausing in the threshold. The place was quiet. If she was eating with her friends and hadn't invited him, she must still be sore from the truth beatdown.

"Oh please," he muttered. "If I bawled every time Robotnik said something mean, there wouldn't a speck of dry land on the planet!"

There was leftover noodles and vegetables from last night in the cold storage. But when he opened the door, the noodles were absent. His stomach growled again. She must've taken them to the dinner.

"Shit." He twisted his lips, went to the window to peer in the direction of the mess hall. No amount of hunger would force him in there.

I take it she doesn't want me here tonight. He sighed, searched the fridge again and found nothing tempting. He took a packet of smoked fish from the pantry and left. One stop at the jail to retrieve the hidden cigarettes he'd stolen from Geoffrey and then he was at the pond, lighting up.

In between puffs, he ate the fish. It was salty and strong. He made a face, thoughts going to Rotor. And then to the piles of things... There had been wires. Magnets. Batteries. He lifted his wrist, eyeballing the tracker.

I know I can disable it. Might need some kind of shock protection to wrap my wrist. In case there's some kind of anti-tampering failsafe in there. He wouldn't put it past Sally.

He'd wait. See what else emerged from the depths of the storeroom.

His thoughts then turned to the Freedom Fighter's pointless mission. It would be curious to see how Robotnik and Naugus were faring without him. Terrible, I'm sure. I was the city's heartbeat.

He stretched out his feet, looking over the pool. The remembrance of the water sliding on his skin, cool as weightless silk. He shivered, contrasting it to the oppressive clouds, the perpetual twilight of Robotropolis, all waters rancid and vile. The noise, the smell, the acidic sting in the air.

He started a little at his thought.

I don't miss it.

A light drizzle started. He, wedged against the tree stump, was mostly protected from it by the swaying leaves above. It felt nice after the work of the day, regardless.

It carried on for a long while. He guessed he'd been here an hour, burning through two more cigarettes. Nobody came down to swim. The sky shifted to a darker blue, the light waning.

He burped and it tasted like fish. Yuck. He was terribly thirsty. He stood and went to the shore, crouching down to cup his hands into the water. But as he went to drink, he froze.

The water in the middle of the pool was...bubbling? He opened his hands, letting the liquid slip through, and retreated several paces. Brow wrinkled, he stood warily.

Now a light was shining up through the depths.

What in the bloody hell?

A loud whoop startled him. It sounded like a hurricane was headed down the path. The blasted hedgehog. Quickly, he ducked behind one of the trees.

The hedgehog zoomed out onto a log that overhung the pool. Snively had never sat on it for fear of falling into the water (or getting knocked in by that mutant fox). He stood, his sneakered foot tapping. The turmoil of the water grew, the glow became so bright Snively had to squint, his eyes watering.

From a tower of water, a sparkling gold ringlet arose. A power ring! Sonic grabbed it, quickly tucking it into his knapsack.

Snively's mouth flooded with saliva, his brain awash in sycophantic thoughts, tingling with the serotonin rush. Oh, if I could get that for Uncle, he'd be so pleased with me, it would make him so happy, I must get it-

Sonic zipped away. The glow faded, the pool fell dim in the waning daylight. A mosquito bit his arm, breaking him from his stupor.

He blinked away after-images of the golden ring. The rush vanished, replaced by the sourness of loathing. He set his nails into his arm, twisting the skin, pinching hard enough to dig red crescents. You stupid sod. You absolutely pathetic... You are not Robotnik's bitch anymore...!

He emerged from the trees, gazing forlornly at the dark waters. His stomach rumbled from the fish. More mosquitoes swarmed him. It was nearly night and he was without a haven.

He dropped his arm, let it swing, feeling the weight of the tracking bracelet.

...No...you're not Robotnik's slave anymore. Now you're just the chattel of these damned animals.

----

He wandered the darkening village aimlessly.

There was no masochistic way he was going to stay at Geoffrey's again. He ended up back in the prison hallway, but once his teeth began chattering, he abandoned that idea.

Feeling frazzled, he wandered again before pausing before Sally's hut. Lights were on inside. She moved past the window, with NICOLE in hand, her mouth yammering.

"Any excuse to hear the sound of your own voice," he muttered. A dark smirk spread on his face as he watched her pace. Various fantasies he'd entertained on long hours of security played through his head.

A sudden breeze cooled the rising sweat on his body... A strange wind swooping over his left side. He turned to look and his scream was only stifled by a gloved hand clamping over his mouth.

Sonic drew back his hand when Snively was done squealing. The hedgehog's quills were on end. "Just what you doin' out here, Snerdly, peeking at my girl? "

"Uh... N-n-no." Snively cleared his throat. "I uh...need a place to sleep tonight."

Sonic's smile was vile. "You sure the heck ain't sleeping at her house."

Snively couldn't help the rising sneer. "Someone is insecure..." He cleared his throat again. "Very well. Do you have room?"

"Nobody is roomin' with this ole hedgehog. And if Bunnie kicked you out, then you probably deserve to sleep on the ground tonight. Ciao, Sardine-breath." He zoomed off, the blast of wind knocking Snively on his ass.

"Pfft." He dusted himself off. "I should go charm the pants off the Princess just for that. Well, if she wore pants..."

He moved on, pausing outside a hut with immaculate flower bushes. He could almost smell the cologne that permeated the house like cat piss.

Why not. He knocked on the front door. After a moment, it opened with a blast of scented air.

"Good evening, Antoine. Is there any chance I could sleep here tonight?"

Antoine gave a smary, sweet smile. "Why, Snipley. I love having zee guests." He stepped back, beckoning inside graciously.

His bullshit meter dinged, but Snively went in anyway. Antoine reached past him to shut the door, and the smile dropped from his face. His whiskers quivered.

"You fuel. You dare to come here after you have upsetted Bunnie!"

Snively groaned. "My goodness, you animals are such gossips. Do you ever just keep things to yourself? We got in an argument -"

He was cut off by a fist to the chin. "Ow. Damn it!"

"Be glad I do not skewer you!" The fox hissed and pulled Snively from the door by the shirt front. "You are not even fit to sleep in my rosebush, connard!"

Snively yanked away and fumbled for the doorknob. He backed out onto the stoop. "Mange de la merde," he sneered, relishing Frenchy's surprised look before the door was slammed in his face.

He twisted his lips as the cool breeze blew across his bald head. Wandering again. Geoffrey and his friends were smoking by the pool now. That was a no go. He thought of asking Rosie. Maybe going back to Rotor's? He sat in the pavilion, but the roof overhead didn't alleviate the chill. I should have grabbed a blanket before I left Bunnie's...

His aimless feet took him to the object of his thoughts. He gazed upon Bunnie's hut.

I'll do what Sally said. I'll apologize. Grovel a little. She'll lap it up.

A strange pang radiated through his chest. It's not like you don't deserve to grovel. For what you said.

He scowled hard, imagining himself squashing that stupid feeling under his boot. I didn't say anything untrue! And these animals have caused every one of my broken bones. They can get stuffed.

He drew in an angry breath and stopped himself from knocking on her door. Instead, he opened it and stepped in, expecting to be instantly reprimanded.

She was not at her usual spot at the kitchen table or rocking chair. The lights were off except for her bedroom, where the door was ajar. He heard her voice.

Well, she isn't with Antoine. Unless he beat me over here?

Light on his toes, he snuck to the door. As he peeked in, he heard her mummer.

"Yer a monster."

He froze.

She was turned away from him, standing before her mirror. Her jumpsuit was a purple lump on the floor. He drew in a breath. With the reflection, and his position, he could see all of her.

"Ya know they think it too. Ain't just him..." She continued to beseech her glassbound twin.

She was the antithesis of Sally's slim, athletic form. The rabbit's hips were full, breasts heavy and soft.

His breath caught, not for rushing blood or rising lust, but for what lay hidden beneath her clothes.

Where her robotics meshed with her flesh, on arm and legs...ropey scar tissue edged the metal like rocks on a shoreline. He imagined a foreign body lodged in flesh, and the body encapsulating it, protecting itself from further harm.

Her body didn't much care for the invading metal, I suppose.

The process is supposed to be seamless. Sir Charles intended to save mangled limbs, replace worn out body parts. There should be no ill reactions with the flesh and metal.

...Yes, but Charles never perfected it. He gave up at the first setback. His silly idealism couldn't handle sacrifices that have to come with advancement...

His musing was derailed by a soft, pervasive sound. He refocused his hazy eyes, saw her hands lift to cradle her face and stifle her weeping.

He backed away from the scene. You did that to her. 

He moved quietly to the door, through her cozy, secure home. It was warm. It was safe.

Did what to her? Gave her powerful limbs that have helped her people? But she's not as pretty anymore?

He eased out the door, frowning and curling his lip, dredging up bitterness to combat the unease.

She has it good. All these animals have it good! They could live here hidden, forever in peace, but they chose to fight. That's on them!

He closed the door quietly and stood out on the stoop. The night breeze quickly chilled him. Or perhaps the coldness was coming from within.

It doesn't matter. Say you're sorry, just to get back in.

He stood there, idiotic, with his fist raised.

I'm sick of saying sorry.

The night deepened. The moons were mere slivers. Another gust made him shudder. He knocked on the door.

There was no answer and he knocked again. Finally, he saw her shadow behind the small window. She opened the door. Clothed again, her eyes were bright yet tired, her headfur freshly combed. She scowled.

"Ahh, so you finally crawled back here, huh? A mite too cold out there, Sugah?"

With this shit on, it is.

He held his tongue, plastering on a meek smile. "Miss Rabbot, allow me to apologize. I was out of line."

Her scowl took on a dark edge. "Since when do you care about that, now that yer uncle ain't here to knock yer block off for it? You get to say exactly what's on yer mind now, don't you?"

He cleared his throat. "I say things I don't mean."

She narrowed her eyes. "Yer nothin' but a lyin' snake. Ah think a little cold air could do ya good."

He opened his mouth, then closed it. A stab went through him at the accuracy of her words. Normally, the disdain would be received with relish, a satisfied rush. That he meant enough to evoke such ire. But the thrill didn't come. He took a step back, lowering his eyes. "Very well."

He didn't look back as he started to walk away.

"Snively, git back here."

He turned, confused. She beckoned inside.

"Ah didn't say to stay out there."

He silently headed in and sat awkwardly on the couch. She turned on the kitchen lamp. Her bedroom door was open, the interior still illuminated.

She put a kettle on for tea and then leaned her back against the counter.

"So you didn't mean what you said, huh. Well, then, Ah'm curious. What do ya think Ah do best, if it ain't hitting thangs with my metal fist?"

He hadn't prepared for this pop quiz. "Ahhh...cooking? Being...nice?"

She laughed, a short cynical sound.

"Nobody around here is...nice like you," he continued, lamely.

"Now you're tellin' fibs. Don't look at me and lie, tellin' me Ah've got a greater value beyond these metal parts. See, yer the only one who's come out and said it outright."

He thought of Securitybot #002. His friend and guard, but still only so because it was programmed to be. He could make another just like it, and another.

"Robots are a dime a dozen."

She frowned.

"Your parts are a convenience, but are they necessary? Are they something Motor couldn't duplicate? Or he could build an actual robot to work for you."

"So yer saying Ah have no use."

He drew in an irritated breath. Maybe sleeping outside was better than enduring this prattling. "So you're saying, if you hadn't been roboticized, you'd just be sitting back?"

She turned to get teacups and tea. Pouring, her voice was hard. "No, Ah wouldn't, but Ah wouldn't be much use either. You said it. All Ah'm good for, as Ah am now...is for these." She sighed and brought the tea to the table. "Come and get a cup."

He stayed on the couch, his body stiff. He felt clenched as a turtle in its shell, his insides burning with acid. I don't owe her anything, I don't owe her shit.

I didn't ask her to take me in. She did it to look like some shining knight, to wave her supposed mercy under everyone's nose.

She sat down. "It's nice and hot and you still look cold. Yer shivering."

It's why she didn't hit me. Keeping up the guise of a saint. It must be what she's doing. Who does anything nice for free..?

He felt locked. Inflated with vitriol. He growled, unable to withstand it. She needled him in a way Julian hadn't managed. "I said it to anger you. Hurt you. I said it because I knew it would!"

She lifted her cup and blew over the top.

His muscles relaxed enough for him to move. But he was wary. Maybe she wanted him over there so she could toss the scalding liquid in his face.

She took a sip and nodded. "That's obvious, Sugah." She patted the tabletop.

He came over, cautious, perched on the edge of the chair. She set down her cup.

"Relax. If Ah'd wanted to hurt you, Ah would've thrown ya clear out the door. Maybe a good kick to yer skinny rear."

The steaming liquid flowed through his cells, easing the chill away. He sipped for a long while. Keeping his mouth occupied seemed wisest, but when it was finally free he muttered. "If it's obvious...then why do you take it seriously? The things I say...? It's what I'm best at. Being a 'right git.'"

She leaned back. Shaking her head, her lips pursed. It was the type of look he'd imagine from Sally, that condescending disappointment. "You might be from Robotropolis, but you ain't a robot. Yer not an automaton. Are ya?"

He took a sip.

"You choose to say thangs. Nobody makes you. Ah'm askin', are you a robot?"

He didn't answer. I might as well be.

"Tell me why Ah shouldn't take it seriously, when you choose yer words calculated, on purpose...to do damage?"

He couldn't tell her why. There was no why. She was wrong. He was a shell on strings, each being yanked by the emotions inside. Hate dark as a thousand nightfalls, the bitterness of a million lemons, the anger deep enough to fill an ocean trench. He was nothing but a corpse being kept alive by those things, moving, talking, for their whims.

She got up and rummaged in the cold storage and he continued to sip, staring blankly at the tabletop. She set down saucers, forks and a cheesecake.

"Ah'm cravin' a snack. You?"

He shrugged. His sweet tooth rarely turned down sugar.

She cut two slices.

He silently cut off a small piece and let it melt in his mouth. The weight of her eyes was on him.

"Still waitin' for an answer."

"What do you want me to say?" He mumbled. "I...hurt people. It's...what I do. Would you blame a thorn for scratching you? Snow for making you cold?"

"No, but you ain't some inanimate object!"

He swallowed hard. "... But... It's... I can't say anything I haven't said. I... I don't know how to be any other way. This is why...I..."

And now anger rose up. How dare some fucking animal make him feel like this! Fumbling. Apologetic. Demanding of him, as if they had a right! Expecting him to engage in their foolish sentiments and sunlit lies! He set down the fork with a clink, hissing. "...this is why I just want to be bloody left alone."

He stood up, intending to retreat to the couch and the impenetrable shield of a blanket pulled over his face.

"Sit down. You better not be wastin' that cake."

He stood there, breathing like a bull.

"Sit that scrawny butt down!"

He dropped back into the chair.

She smiled slightly and ate a piece of cheesecake. He gripped the fork and glared at the delectable treat.

"No need for you to be mad, Sugah. You get a warm couch and cake. It's rough, Ah know."

She must be practicing sarcasm with Sally. He ate another piece. It was really good, but his enjoyment was muted. He almost wished he were back in the infirmary, drowsily listening to the beeps. Hopped up on meds, eating the Medibot's cherry gelatin with whipped cream. It had been strangely peaceful, he thought. Devoid of humanity and warmth, but devoid of anything cruel either.

Heaven, I guess. I didn't know what I had.

That almost made him laugh.

Bunnie sipped tea and ate her cake quietly for a few moments. Finally she spoke. "You ever heard of Robo Rage?"

He shook his head.

“Yeah, it's when the roboticized snap...when they start chantin' Robotnik's mantra and tryin' to capture or hurt us. They ain't people no more. Ah mean, we've really only seen Sugah-Chuck regain his will. And he slipped up a few times, before he got it back fer good. A few times, he tried to capture us, drag us to Robotnik. Villagers started callin' it 'Robo Rage'. That snap, that mindlessness.”

I'd just call it programming, Snively thought. But whatever.

Bunnie continued. “They don't want him here when he comes. They hate that he knows where we live. Many of 'em think it's only a matter of time until he turns on us."

He assumed 'Sugah-Chuck' was Sir Charles. He took a sip and didn't say anything. He doubted the robotic hedgehog would turn on the Freedom Fighters. Regaining his will had broken the programming. Broken programs didn't repair themselves.

She slowly licked cheesecake off the fork, lost in contemplation, and he had to look away. It was making him sweat again.

"Yer probably wonderin', what's my point? Well, Ah'm just the same to so many of 'em. I see 'em watching. Waiting for the day when I'm gonna snap and they can finally say 'we told you so, ya'll never should've let her live here. She's a monster."

He mumbled through a mouthful.

"Haven't Ah told you to stop muttering like that?"

"They sound like bloody idiots."

"Oh yeah?"

"How are you going to snap? And Sir Charles... He's gotten his will back; he's no longer under Robotnik's control."

Those green eyes were keen. "Sounds familiar, Snively."

He snorted and held up the wrist adorned with the tracking bracelet. "My will is hardly free. I was stopped from going where I wanted, remember?"

She ate the last of her dessert slowly. Setting down her fork, she brushed off her hands. “Fine. If you want to pretend yer a little robot...no accountability....just doin' what yer told...then Ah'll do it. Ah'll tell you what to do.”

He grunted.

“If you want to think that all Ah care about is my looks, and that's why Ah want to be normal again...then think it.”

He stuffed in another piece of cake.

“Say whatever you want to me. Ah can take it. Maybe yer just sayin' what everyone really thinks. That takes some nerve, that does.” Her eyes packed a punch nearly as hard as her fist. “But when it comes to Sally-girl, you're gonna stop. She's got a lot to worry about and you just do yer best to make it worse! Give her a break.” "

"I will if she does." He curled his lip.

"Ah mean it."

Her gaze pierced him. He tried to meet it, defiant, but his eyes dropped first. He saw her robotic hand on the table, imagined the scars under her clothes.

He took a breath. Mumbled, because she didn't like it. Because he didn't like the way he felt. "I'll try."

--

A/N: Ok, so I wrote the talk at breakfast and then the last bit with Snively and Bunnie eating cake separately, then I tied them together. I hope it didn't across disjointed. Anyway, I don't know how I feel about this whole scene, it seems boring to me but hopefully you all liked it. Meh!

[yusuke-of-valla]

Costume dialogue for Berry Blast Brigade because I do what I WANT

Shujin:

Kasumi: Hey the Shujin Academy uniform! I read about this school! They have a really good sports program, and one of their alumni even went to the Olympics! ... Say Hamu-nee/Mina-nii, think Sumire and I can go there some day?

Hamu-nee/Mina-nii, that's the Shujin Academy uniform, right? You look so sleek in it! Like you're real fancy Tokyo kids!

Sumire: The uniform from Shujin Academy? Kasumi's mentioned that before I think. Um, I t-think it's pretty nice, do you think I look ok?

Oh onee-chan/onii-chan, that's the uniform from Shujin Academy, right? It looks good on you! Though I think you can pull of anything.

Naoto: Shujin Academy's uniform, hm? It's quality material, it must be a good school. I've read some interesting things about the principal online...

Aneki/aniki, you're wearing the Shujin Academy uniform. It certainly gives off an aloof air I think, like it's meant to blend into the background.

Yusuke: oh so this is Shujin Academy's uniform! The patterned pants are a nice touch, though the blazer makes me a little hot. Is it ok if I take it off?

Onee-san/onii-san, is that the Shujin Academy uniform? You look great! Is it easy to run in? It's not to thick is it?

Yasogami

Kasumi: Yasogami huh... that's a school in Inaba, right? I think I'd get bored living in such a small town, but I think the outfit is cute!

Hamu-nee/Mina-nii, are you wearing the Yasogami uniform? You guys really make something as plain as this look so awesome!

Sumire: Oh this Yasogami high uniform is nice. I wonder what it'd be like to go to school in a small town like that.

Onee-chan/onii-cham, you're wearing the Yasogami uniform, right? It looks really good on you. The material's sturdy, is that because small towns are dangerous or something?

Naoto: Oh, this Yasogami uniform is surprisingly comfortable. I might need to roll up the pants a bit, but I think it suits me

Aneki/aniki, you're wearing the Yasogami uniform. Is there a reason why you chose it? Are you particularly interested in Inaba?

Yusuke: this school is Inaba right? I hear they're well known for their local pottery. I read a fascinating book on it in the library and... oops, sorry I didn't mean to ramble.

Onee-san/onii-san, that's the Yasogami uniform I believe. The design is very simple, yet still flattering! You look great.

Phantom Thief Outfits

Kasumi (Sophie): Oh this Phantom Thief outfit is so cute! I look like a marshmallow! And it's so easy to move around in! Too bad the mask is weird...

Hamu-nee/Mina-nii, Oh I see you're in your Phantom Thief outfit! So cool you're like a real gentleman thief! Is it fun to have the cape whoosh behind you?

Sumire (Violet - modified to have extra tights and smaller heels): Wow this Phantom Thief outfit... hehe I look like a professional gymnast huh? Like I'm about to put on a show! L-let's go! I feel really fired up in this!

Oh, onee-chan/onii-chan, I really like that Phantom Thief outfit of yours! It's kinda like the one I have isn't it. Hehe it's nice we match!

Naoto (Wolf): I'm wearing the Phantom Thief outfit like you asked but... why? Thieves are the natural enemies of detectives, I'm not interested in running around dressed as one. W-well sure I guess it is a little cool...

Aneki/Aniki, I see you're wearing the Phantom Thief outfit. I'll admit it's stylish, but you do know someday if you commit a crime like theft I'll be forced to arrest you.

Yusuke (Fox): thanks for the Phantom Thief outfit onee-san/onii-san! When we have time I want to sketch out this mask later. I feel like my persona likes it too.

Onee-san/onii-san, your Phantom Thief outfit... oh I mean you look good in of course but something about it... I don't know if it quite suits you. O-oh I'm sorry, ignore that! You look cool.

[booksandchainmail]

Pale 4.8

oh fuck yeah flashback! This addresses something that I was thinking about with the class list last chapter: Lucy being listed as a Faerie swordfighter when we haven't actually seen her do/learn any of the fighting.

“You had another style when you dueled me, distracting the goblins from Brie Callie.  Changing weapons.”

no idea if this is the route Lucy's training is going to take, but I could see a path where the Kennet Trio, at least in combat, focuses on fluidity. Thinking back to descriptions of Verona using glamour to switch forms in mid-motion, or Avery using the rope to jump around the edges of a battle. Add in Lucy swapping weapons mid fight, and you've got an adaptable team. It's a very cool visual to me.

“You.  You specifically, there’s something else there.  You should run, you should call for help, you should be visible, you should defend yourself.  Except, for Lucy Ellingson in particular…” “Except… if you always run or walk away, if you always take that sensible course, if you defend yourself, and they, the worst people, they’re always on the offense?  Looking for fights?  It feels like I’m, we’re, ceding too much ground.”

Adds an extra layer to her frustration at having to be the practical one, urging the others to be careful when that's not what she wants either

I’ve talked with Avery at length about who she wants to end up becoming.

don't like that! especially since he's shaping both of them to be warriors

“If we had the summer I’d annoy you into breaking loose,

so the exact opposite of what she was trying to do in Ray's class

A picture.  Lucy with the fox mask on, surrounded by rolling smoke.  There were swords and daggers lying around.  It had been done in watercolor.  Her hair had pink to it.

someone has to have made fanart of this

Wary, she held out a hand, and she accepted the glamour.  It was like dust, but heavier, and it felt like cold metal that had just the edges heated by sun.

it would be very cool to wield the dangers her Sight shows her as weapons

She moved her hands with care, drawing out a sword.  It was crude and lacked detail, and the edge was wobbly.  But it more or less lined up. When she looked down, the sword was refined, accurate, detailed, with touches of rust and cracks here and there. There were others in the background, too.

UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS

For most purposes, this is something good to set up, if you have the time.  It gets faster to set up each time you do it.  If you don’t like the arena you’re fighting in, decide the arena.

so a Reality Marble? Or, if we're going PGTE instead of F/SN, a domain

Another apartment draws all the pests in the building to it. They pile up into a roughly human shape, go through their day, boot up a laptop, work an eight hour shift as tech support.

insert joke about cs/tech support here

he is in the midst of making a play for the Blue Heron Institute while simultaneously reaching out for Kennet. He thinks I have something secret and essential to my power there. A power source, a key contact, or whatever else.

wildly theorizing here, but what if Bristow is right? There are a lot of mysteries going on in Kennet, and we don't know who's behind anything. Admittedly it would be weird for any of the Kennet Others to be working with an outside practitioner, but I don't think it's out of the question

“It’s nice to be on the other side of this, as an observer while someone else is dealing with the threat of things being metaphorically set on fire,” Nicolette said.

Nicolette is great

[days-until-burnout]

🎨 Day 9 (d) -

Characters - Etho/Joel Words - 595 Time - 15 mins Content - Hermitcraft | fluff

What is Joel supposed to do when Etho has him trapped (not really) (he is being dramatic) (he can escape at any moment) (he is stronger than Etho after all) between the wall and his (firm? Can he say firm? Would it be weird if he ‘tests’ it out? Just, a little touch, a tiny little push against his chest, just to test. To make sure, and confirm if he can call Etho’s chest firm. That’s weird, right? Probably) chest? (Okay, well, not exactly, his tail, how own, not Etho’s, he doesn’t even know if Etho’s tail has the dexterity (is that even the right word?) to fold over between them, but yes, his own stand in between them, the only thing between them, and it’s not much) (Or anything, his tail is pretty fluffy, very fluffy, squashed between them like nothing.) 

Joel flirts. Because that’s a normal thing to do with one’s friend (friend? Obsessor? Obsessee? Is that a word? Look, don’t ask too much of Joel, his brain is working overtime as his mouth is spouting even dumber thing). 

“Can’t get enough of me, huh?” “You are obsessed with me, Eefo. I see you sneaking about. You’re not sleek, pretty clumsy for a fox.” “What? Like my face that much? You’re gonna wear my beauty and handsomeness with your staring, you creep.” “Anyways, don’t you have anything to do? Hermits and all that, I would’ve thought you would be too busy to hang around me. I’m just that cool, aren’t I? Just can’t help yourself.”

And Etho’s hand is on his chin, making him look up (he’s not blushing, nope. It’s just hot, very hot day today, the sun doing its very best to set everything on fire) (like their ship, oh! That’s something he hasn’t thought about in a while. He wonders if Etho thinks about it, if at all. If Etho thinks about their time together) (Joel does) (sometimes) (well…) (more than sometimes, a lot of times, all the time, even; in his defense, it’s hard to not think about it when his former companion and soulmate sticks about so often, so it’s not his fault he thinks about it, it’s Etho’s fault) (yup) (yup, he decides it’s Etho’s fault, all of it). In the meantime, his mouth is still moving faster than his mind, probably spewing more nonsense he’s tuned out himself already (look, he is stuck with himself for the rest of his life, he can be a handful, even to himself) (it’s fine most of the times, not today though, because Etho is here, and everything is Etho’s fault, which means that there is something wrong, and it’s Etho’s fault somehow).

“Oh, you wanna kiss me so bad,” he taunts with a smirk, and Etho’s thumb tugs at his bottom lip. It’s not fair (or maybe it is? What even is fair? And why the hell did he even say that? Unprompted and without reason. He has truly lost it, like he thought, not fun being stuck in his head).

“I am going to.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

And it’s so very unfair, because Etho’s lips are nice (when did Etho take his mask off?) (ah, whatever, that’s not important, Etho is kissing him!). Soft and familiar, honey sweet which is very interesting (he hopes it’s from his honey shop, he will be very, very disappointed if Etho got his honey elsewhere, and Etho will hear about it).

Anyways, Etho is kissing Joel, and after a while, that’s enough to finally shut his brain for the next hour or so.  _____

this for sure is a wackier writing 'style'. dunno if i like it or not, but eh, the point of this is to not overthink and just write lol tis fun, and i dont hate it, and honestly, with art, thats all you can really ask for sometimes also (someone count how many times ive written also in my posts lmao) cookies for everyone who reads my rambles. you the real ones

I can't stop

[yessadirichards]

ReviewIn 'Still,' Michael J. Fox movingly tells his story

LOS ANGELES

I've always liked Michael J. Fox and always will. I suspect most people feel the same way.

That's surely partly because, as Marty McFly in “Back to the Future" and Alex P. Keaton in “Family Ties,” Fox was a fixture of so many childhoods. But there's also a way that Fox remains forever boyish — a charming pipsqueak, a plucky kid with a touch less confidence than he lets on. His sheer geniality and universal appeal has remained indomitable, even in the face of a degenerative brain disorder.

“I'm a cockroach,” Fox says in Davis Guggenheim's glossy, entertaining and often affecting documentary, “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.”

In Guggenheim's film, Fox recounts his life, career and arduous battle with Parkinson's disease, with which he was diagnosed at age 29. The documentary, debuting Friday on Apple TV+, does this through candid on-camera interviews with Fox along with narration read by the actor.

And while there's footage of here of home movies, much of Fox's life story unspools on screen. Along with bits of reenactment, Guggenheim uses clips of Fox's film and TV series to illustrate his off-screen life.

And this is surprisingly effective, in part because Fox's screen presence has always been so genuine. Actors aren't the parts they play but I think they always exude something innate about themselves. And more than that, a surprising amount of Fox's life has really happened in front of cameras. He met his wife, Tracy Pollan, on “Family Ties”; she played a love interest. His first symptoms came during the filming of “Doc Hollywood.” And for years after Fox's diagnosis, he masked his increasing tics on “Spin City” by fidgeting with props.

But dramatizing Fox's life like this can also feel like a shallow gimmick. Instead, the most memorable images in “Still” are those of a present-day Fox in frame, speaking straight into the camera. The effects of Parkinson's are visible but so is the jaunty, self-deprecating actor we've always known. After the continual mussing with his still-handsome head of curls, Fox begs the primpers to stop. “At at certain point, it is what it is," he says.

Again, it's hard to shake the feeling that the Fox we see on screen is the real him.

“Still” frames Fox's story, maybe a little too neatly, as an arc from headlong movement to stillness. Fox's rags-to-riches rise in Hollywood was meteoric and head-spinning. The Alberta-born actor landed “Family Ties" while penniless and negotiated from the payphone of a Pioneer Chicken. From there on, it was movie deals, women and Ferraris.

The diagnosis knocked Fox sideways. The doctor, he recounts, laid out the odds: “You lose this game." But after a period of heavy drinking, Fox says the disorder, despite sending tremors through his body, made him more present, stiller. Pollan and their children are surely a big reason for that. Fox is never so endearing as when he's extolling the level-headedness of his wife: “I could be the King of England and she would be her. I could be Elvis and she would be her.”

“Still” finally makes you realize that even Fox's likability can be a burden. Being widely beloved while suffering through debilitating pain is another layer to his Parkinson's journey, one rarely so intimately observed. When Guggenheim follows him out of his Upper East Side apartment in Manhattan, the difficulty Fox has just walking is as apparent as his abiding will to remain a man of good cheer. After a stumble near a fan on the sidewalk, Fox brightly jokes: “Nice to meet you. You knocked me off my feet!”

“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” an Apple TV+ release is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language. Running time: 94 minutes. Three stars out of four.