#the soulless merch was getting out of hand

[sleptokne]

thinking about the "show me how to dance forever" and the clues and stuff again and just ... that's Sleep Token. that's the band. that's the band making the whole fandom crazy, having us (jokingly...?) believe that we are cracking the code to the holy grail for them.

we're interacting. we're interested and engaging in the little bits of content we're getting, the mystery that is such a part of the band. interpreting and researching left and right.

and I just love it.

this is how you keep your fans entertained, not a soulless merch drop after another.

the last few weeks to months were pics and videos of the tours, which is great, but also a lot of (justified!) critique about the whole merch and comic situation. I saw it on my dash a lot and I agreed that this is sad and outrageous. because that's not Sleep Token.

it's the label that's currently trying to squeeze as much cash out of the fandom as possible. with very questionable merch items and prices... to put it gently.

and to see how much this small glimpse of what's to come this year has changed the vibe of the fandom (at least on my dashboard) is so refreshing.

you can literally see clear as day what the difference between a soulless label and a passionate band is, and it makes me believe even more that vessel put his foot down in terms of creative output and their music and everything it involves.

if the mystery isn't part of the merch, and RCA only sees a cash cow in the band, at least we can be certain that the band stays true to themselves.

and goddamn, let's crack the code to find the holy grail for vessel.

[milfygerard]

gerard way ur simultaneous love and resentment of popular commercial culture and ur place/complicitly in it is so INTERESTING can i PLEASE eat ur pussy

[cuckoo-on-a-string]

"Appropriate" responses to the Gaiman issue

TLDR: This isn't a Rowling situation, be wary of internalized purity culture.

He's a predator. I'm glad a proper journalist followed up where police have failed (and possibly given victims a better footing for future charges).

But I have a problem with the knee-jerk responses targeting the fandom.

Just to clarify, I'm not talking about insulting The Predator. This is about how you treat people who have/do/will enjoy the stories that unfortunately came into the world through his keyboard.

Fans aren't intrinsically evil/uncaring for continuing to participate in associated fandoms.

This is not another Rowling situation. Why? Let me clarify. The consequences of consumption are very different. Rowling is ACTIVELY using her popularity and income as a creative to target one of the most vulnerable minorities in the world. Buying official merch/books/movie tickets prove to the powers that be that she remains a good investment, so they'll give her even more money. This perpetuates the cycle - new movie/book deals, more income, more hate, rinse and repeat.

The push to avoid Rowling's work in full is driven by the fact that she has FACED NO CONSEQUENCES and is still powered by her creative properties. It's fandom/consumers trying to bring justice.

Gaiman, on the other hand, knew he was doing bad shit on some level because he kept his abuse hidden. His status and reputation let him get close to vulnerable fans and essentially intimidate authorities from going after a celebrity. He is FACING CONSEQUENCES. I would personally like to see criminal charges brought against him, but that's out of the fandom's hands. Things we could've influenced (his Disney deal appears to have gone to shit, he's been booted from the truncated final season of GO, and there's no news on Sandman 3) are already in motion. If his publisher doesn't drop him, I'd say avoiding his future works is beyond valid (I certainly wouldn't buy them). But I'm going to watch the new season of Sandman. And once I've taken time away, I'll probably finish my active fics.

"Judging" people who still enjoy his work stems from good intentions that grew out of the fetid ground of purity culture rhetoric.

Writing fanfic and enjoying shows that are already made do not make people soulless accomplices. The idea that unproblematic stories by saintly creators are the only things you're allowed to enjoy is not only flirting with censorship, but it's also impossible.

If you think people should have nothing to do with Gaiman's works, you better throw out anything Weinstein touched. That includes Jackson's LOTR trilogy, FYI. Also, anything his company officially produced (which still gives him money in some cases) should never, ever grace your screen. That includes some of the better Stephen King adaptations, The Orphanage (which was a breakthrough Spanish-language film in Western markets), The King's Speech, The Imitation Game, Woman in Gold, Paddington, and It Follows.

If you aren't willing to publicly announce your "disappointment" in anyone who continues to enjoy any of those films, then kicking up a fuss over how other people process and interact with problematic content from a fallen celebrity who is in the process of getting his dues is pure hypocrisy.

Personally, I'm maliciously complying with Gaiman's famous quote about how once a story is out there, it doesn't belong to the author anymore. Well said, Predator, these are mine now, and I shall fuck about with them as I see fit.

Attacking or snobbishly looking down your nose at the fandom also erases YEARS of beautiful critique and thoughtful exploration of existing, acknowledged problems in works like The Sandman.

People in these parts already know how to handle complex issues in complex pieces of media. Gaiman isn't our god. His canon is not our bible. He didn't teach us morality, as is apparently the case for a lot of people who grew up reading Rowling's works as a child.

If you have a problem with the censorship comment I made, I'd like to point out at least one writer friend is LEANING INTO the fandom as a way to process their own trauma. Suffice it to say they survived a very similar situation. They see it as empowering to take the stories away from the abuser and use the characters/settings to make something new.

I get the ick. I have it right now. But I'm not burning every copy of his work I own (full disclosure I have... *checks shelves* a copy of Neverwhere and The Sandman series). Doing so is totally valid, and if that helps you process and feel better - go for it!

But this is not the same as Rowling and the only ones you hurt by declaring your "judgement" is a complex group of individuals who are able to enjoy fiction, remain aware of potential social consequences, and found a place that doesn't align with your black/white morality.

With that said, judge away! I better not see any stories from Charles Dickens, anything in anyway associated with the Weinsteins, Nickelodeon shows, Charlie Chaplin references, or Francis Ford Coppola films touch your feed. If you scratch the surface, you'll find more things to judge others for enjoying, and they will inevitably find something to judge you for, too.

[runninriot]

written for the @corrodedcoffinfest prompt 'behind the scenes'

fun to be famous

wc: 1000 | rated: M | cw: language | tags: famous Corroded Coffin, musicians Jeff, Gareth and Frank, frontman Eddie Munson, model Steve Harrington, the 'struggles' and perks of being famous

Eddie hates photo shoots. Hates the clothes the stylist chose for him to wear. Hates having to pose like a soulless mannequin just to portray some bullshit cliché - surrounded by cheap props like fucking plastic skulls with red glowing eyes that look absolutely hideous. Really ruins the magic of the end result when you know what’s going on behind the scenes.

But he knows it’s part of the game, part of what makes people want to buy their albums, and merch, and come to their shows.

It’s a small price to pay, really, when put in perspective. Because what’s a few hours of being uncomfortable if in return, they get to live their fucking dream.

To be the rock stars they always wanted to be, playing sold-out shows in huge arenas, listening to massive crowds singing their songs back to them.

Still, he hates it.

Especially because they always put him upfront, always the centerpiece of every goddamn magazine cover, as if the other members don’t matter as much. It's stupid but his band mates never complain about it. And maybe he brought it upon himself for being a bit of an attention whore on stage.

It was never a conscious choice; he’s always just being himself. Sue him for looking damn fucking good in his mesh tops, and skin-tight leather pants. For loving to make the crowd go wild when he struts around with his pierced nipples out in the open, wearing a skirt that barely covers his best bits, and thigh-high boots.

He loves to be just a little extravagant and coquettishly playful when putting on a show.

That, and the fact that he's always been unashamedly open about his sexuality and his many hook-ups in the past, gave him a certain… reputation. And he’s completely fine with that, really, as long as the way they’re marketing said image doesn't take away from the really important stuff, which is and always has been the music.

They are good at what they do, all of them, didn’t become famous for nothing.

Jeff, Gareth and Frank are exceptionally gifted musicians. And Eddie doesn’t just say this because they’ve been his best friends forever. It’s a fact. And without them, Corroded Coffin wouldn’t be the band it is.

Eddie wouldn’t be who he is without them.

That’s why he wants to protest when the photographer suggests to do a few shots of just Eddie, to ‘give the people what they want.’, but his treacherous friends beat him to it, agree happily to step back and let them do their thing.

He’s told to sit down on some kind of makeshift throne like he’s the Dark Lord himself, while someone calls for someone else to ‘bring in the models’.

Eddie’s mouth falls open when he sees the two ravishing beauties that look like they’ve just tumbled out of a kinky fantasy. The girl is petite with big blue eyes and the cutest smile, her strawberry blond hair in a high ponytail, dressed in lace and leather, enhancing the perfect shape of her body. She’s gorgeous and totally his type, but-

It's the other model, the guy, who has Eddie's full attention. Because holy shit, that man’s a wet dream come true and for once, being in the spotlight doesn't seem so bad anymore.

Eddie thinks he might be in love.

The photographer is yelling instructions but Eddie can hardly hear what he's saying. He’s too distracted by the way the girl drapes herself lasciviously over the armrest on his left, making him feel hot all over with her closeness. And when the guy drops down to his knees in front of him, both hands on Eddie's thighs, looking up at him like he's a fucking God - Eddie forgets how to breathe.

He moves on autopilot, mindlessly following orders. Not once taking his eyes off the beautiful fucking good boy at is feet, thinking dirty rotten thoughts about all the things he'd do to him if this scenario was real and not just for reader-baiting purposes.

It all ends too soon. He could've done this for hours.

Eddie is in the dressing room when someone knocks at the door. And because he assumes it's one of his mates, he just calls for them to 'Come in!', unbothered by his state of undress, naked except for his underwear – nothing to hide once you've shared a tour bus so many times – standing with his back to the door, rummaging around in his suitcase for a fresh set of clothes.

"Sorry to bother you. I just wanted to as-ohmygod! I am so sorry! I didn't know you where-"

Eddie turns around so quickly it makes him dizzy, surprised to find not Gareth, or Frank, or Jeff but another a familiar set of eyes staring back at him.

It’s hot guy from earlier.

“You’re not a fan, huh?” Eddie asks with a cocky grin on his face, just a bit too proud of himself for how quickly he regained his composure. “Because if you were, you wouldn’t be so shocked to see me half-naked.” Eddie winks and pretty boy's face turns a deep cherry-red.

“No, I, uh, I mean, yes. I mean-,“ the guy struggles for words and it's so precious, Eddie wants to bite him.

“I wanted to ask you for an autograph.”

Oh please. Baby, you can have so much more.

“Tell you what, sweetheart. I’ll sign my name if you give me your number. How’s that sound?”

When Eddie reunites with his friends 30 minutes later, Gareth is immediately onto him.

“Please tell me you didn’t just fuck the model.”

“His name is Steve and you know what they say - what happens behind the scenes, stays there.”

“Literally no one says that. And you’re a slut.” Gareth laughs and Frank and Jeff agree.

They're not wrong, Eddie’s definitely a slut for Steve. And he can’t wait to meet him at the hotel room later to finish what they started.

[oshinohoshi]

Oshi no Ko chapter 166 thoughts - the end of all things

So uh... the only positive thing I can say here besides the beautiful Ai art is that I felt sad reading the page where Miyako was hugging Ruby. Everything else left me completely empty

This chapter is either:

A) A self-aware ending meant to show that life is suffering and the idol industry will suck out your soul if you let it

B) Outsourced to someone who skimmed OnK for 30 seconds on Wikipedia before putting pen to paper

It has to be A, right? You can't tell me that the same author wrote both of these pages without the right being ironic

But I don't think so because big brained Akane is the one clumsily narrating this crappy montage masquerading as a real ending

Aqua died for nothing. His sister is now a soulless cog in the idol machine

Ruby is mimicking Ai's speech - "Lies are an outstanding kind of love... We pile on the lies and no matter how hard things get, we sing and act happy onstage. It's a fun job!" But she forgot the rest of it: "Only, I'd like the 'being happy' part to be real. Nobody notices, but we have hearts and lives of our own. Happiness as a mother. Happiness as an idol. Normally you'd have to pick one, but I want both. Ai Hoshino is a greedy girl"

Ai wasn't only a misunderstood girl who worked hard to please her fans. That was a big part of her story but she also broke the rules to create her own family, her own happiness

Ruby, on the other hand, seems to have no real desires anymore, she's just following a path she believes her mother and Aqua paved for her. Never mind that Aqua only wanted it in the end because she wanted it and Ai just wanted her kids to be happy

You can tell that Akasaka is patting himself on the back for making a cyclical narrative where Ruby becomes Ai 2.0 by being commodified, scrutinized, and idolized like Ai was

But it's such a flimsy parallel when it comes to the theme of lies because lying to hide your grief =/= "lies are love" which was the only way Ai knew how to frame her genuine desire to love

And Ai's "I love you" to her kids was true whereas Ruby has swallowed her own lie that being an idol is fun even when you're just doing it to outrun your pain

What this chapter showed us is that the meaning of Ruby's life is to be Ruby of B Komachi and she was put on Earth to sing pop songs. Because that's what Ai did, right? If I remember correctly, her final words were "I'm so glad I got to be an idol #blessed"

My God was the Dome concert soulless. Miyako and Ichigo crying happy tears is a punch to the gut. Doesn't Miyako know her daughter is still hurting?

The last scene is so fucking depressing

Ruby, are you okay? Blink twice if you still remember your life outside the idol industry!

The last two pages work really well as horror. She has a brilliant smile but you can tell that she's dead inside. She's got more merch on her table than photos. Why doesn't she have a corkboard of family photos? Although I more or less have this Ai plushie and it's pretty cute so I'll give this a pass because it's hilarious

I guess the takeaway here is to live for others and life is painful so just grin and bear it. Oh yeah, and inspire other young women to join an industry where they get to act happy and lose their humanity. Cool

I mean I get that it's supposed to be about moving on with your life even while grieving and that's a good message, sure, but Aka's insistence on using the word "lies" multiple times as if saying it makes it make sense ruins the whole thing

The most insane part is that this chapter is a wholehearted endorsement of the lies sold by the entertainment/idol industry

I haven't even said anything about anyone besides Ruby because what's the point? Aka didn't have time to do justice to any of the characters I grew to love

It's clear something went wrong with the timeline of wrapping up OnK. No artist wants to execute a final chapter like this. I'm convinced the film reel edges are Aka and Mengo's way of telling the reader, "we know this is a shitty clips show so don't @ us on Twitter about it"

But it's so much worse than that. Aka really decided to tear to shreds everything he worked so hard on for 4 years. Damn

This is my favorite manga and I'll always love that it gave me Ai, my most beloved character of all time, but this leaves an extremely bitter aftertaste. It's really hard to believe that the same person who wrote vol 1 wrote this.

OnK has been pretty important to me. Reading weekly, chatting with fans, and reaching dangerous levels of Ai brain rot has actually been a helpful distraction. TBH I've been a little too invested in it but sometimes you need escapism. So it's crazy that I'm kind of glad it's over.

But this is why fanfic, fanart, and your own headcanons exist. In another universe, this manga wrapped up beautifully and I was depressed for weeks because I couldn't look forward to it anymore. In this universe, at least we're all suffering together here at the end of all things.

And at least the little Hoshino family is still adorable. Too bad Ai is dead, Aqua is dead, and Ruby desperately needs grief counseling. But NEVER MIND. Look at Ai's smile and the twins' faces. This was the Oshi no Ko I really loved.

[kingdomoftyto]

I'm crying laughing, the DVDs are even worse than I remember... Season 1's menus are silent with a single static jpg of the same key character art they use for everything else, and the episodes on the Season 2 discs don't even match what's listed on the box! Absolutely stunning lack of shits given. Truly unparalleled. But I really shouldn't be surprised given... well... everything about how this series has been treated since the very beginning.

Time for a quick ~✨PHANDOM HISTORY LESSON✨~ to give newer/less hyperfixated folks more context for why the graphic novel being as great as it is is such a HUGE deal:

Danny Phantom was one of Nickelodeon's MAIN cartoons, in its time. It was a central pillar. One of the top three or four of their lineup, which is saying something when the competition includes the cultural juggernaut that is Spongebob.

Despite this, and despite its superhero theming making it perfectly marketable, it got basically ZERO official merch.

What little we did get was often ugly and very, very cheap. The dedication at the start of the graphic novel that jokes about collecting the Burger King toys? That's because it was some of the most notable merch the franchise EVER had. (I sadly do not have any of it. There was no BK in my hometown. Here's a pic from the internet, though, to give you an idea.)

If you think I'm exaggerating about that being the most significant physical merch to come out of the series, consider that the first video game had an entire menu option specifically for the Burger King promotional tie-in:

That video game, by the way, was one of only two ever based on the show. The first was an adaptation of "The Ultimate Enemy" in the style of a short sidescrolling beat-em-up, and the second was themed around "Urban Jungle" and (as far as I can tell--I've only played the first couple levels) was an arcade-style scrolling shooter. Both were for the Gameboy Advance, and both are...... fine, as far as cash-grabby video game tie-ins to kids' shows go. This was pretty normal for the time, so I suppose we did okay in that department, actually. They're not GOOD, but they're playable and have at least a bit of effort put into them.

But besides those two video games (plus a handful of simple, long-defunct Flash games on nick.com)? In the decade and a half since the show ended?

Nothing.

No books, no games, no comics, no web shorts--unless you count mega-crossovers with every other Nicktoon (a la Nicktoons Unite), or soulless promotional material like "Fairly Odd Phantom" (which, trust me, despite being the first new DP animation in over 10 years was not even worth the effort of watching).

...I think there was a limited edition FunkoPop once?

So yeah.

A Glitch in Time is not just the first cool, well-made thing we've seen from the franchise in a while. It's the first THING we've seen since the show. PERIOD. And arguably the first worthwhile supplementary material to EVER come out of the show, depending on how you feel about those GBA games and the Nicktoons crossovers.

This franchise is widely beloved even now, almost 20 years after it first aired, and it feels like that fact is now, finally, FINALLY getting some official recognition.

PLEASE read A Glitch in Time. Tell other people about it. The series--no, the fans--deserve this (and more of this, if the folks in charge see enough of a response and decide to grace us with any followup). It's LONG overdue, but better late than never.

[elkkiel]

Regarding ST's merch, I think it's really obvious quality wise what merch the boys had a direct hand in and what merch is just RCA slapping ST's name and logo on something because they know it'll sell. The figurine and the constant HT/Spencer's drops scream RCA just trying to make a buck.

I think the big thing we can do as fans, or in this case consumers, is just be really picky about what merch we actually buy. Let sales numbers and the market talk for us ig (ew capitalism, but unfortunately that's how this works)

Things like the graphic novel? Hell yeah, support the shit out of that! We're out here Obtaining new, original stories made in collaboration with the band themselves, AND supporting art that aligns with the band's previously-curated brand image. Throw your money at that or hype it up online, since that's what we REALLY want to see from them. (even if it's too $$$ for many people. But, I get the sense that they wouldn't mind the pdf being shared with other fans lol. You can't tell me those nerds haven't read pirated manga/comics/books online before)

The low quality, soulless Licensed Products keep on coming because there's apparently a market for them. People will buy it just because it's ST, not because it's actually worth the money. As if it'll bring any value to their experience with the band. How many fans actually want a fuckin lava lamp, or any assortment of the hot topic merch that's just Vessel's face cheaply screenprinted on the front?

I think there's a lot of hype and market potential for their brand and likeness right now, and—for a corporate entity—it makes sense to flood the market like fucking Atlantic with whatever merch will sell. Voting with your wallet really does help. Not buying into the obvious cash-grab merch produces data that tells marketers that we're tired of it. It produces trend reports which indicate their current merch practices are becoming unprofitable to continue (oh, the horrors!)

Idk like I said last night, there seems to be a big disconnect between the band's history of being very selective with aesthetics/design, and whatever is going on right now. Personally, I'd much rather wallow in despair over sleeping through a relatively rare merch drop during European daylight hours. Because then at least the drop feels worth it, and fans who were able to buy merch will have a better, higher quality experience that actually aligns with their brand. Literally anything other than what we're seeing from them right now.

Sorry I just woke up not too long ago, so this might not read very clearly. I want to see my boys succeed and make a living off their art as much as anyone else, but surely there's a better way to support them.

[teacupballerina]

I'm writing World of Light as a screenplay (with plenty of extra prose that wouldnt be ok in a formal original screenplay because it's fanfic)

Adding in a few new things, namely a prologue that adapts the last issue of Super Secret Crisis War (the canon comic World of Light jumps off from) as a short intro to the story

Having to reinterpret it is making me CRASH OUT because the dialogue in this book just doesn't read like how the characters talk. You can occasionally hear it in their voices, but not always!

I love Super Secret Crisis War for the many Ws it gave us [can't spell sweetpea without W] but PPG in particular has this problem where you only ever see a flanderized, soulless and super basic version of them past like season 5.

All the later games and comics are like some executive trying to "write for kids" [Except Troy Little's IDW runs because he's goated].

And there's no tension in SSCW because the heroes literally never get a single scratch on them; all of the heroes are always getting their asses handed to them in their own media though! It's got the spinoff problem of "banking on familiar faces while having to reintroduce them" and the licensing issue of "Don't let them have any character development or moments or personality because what if it contradicts our strict branding (that puts reboot and classic clipart together on merch bc who cares)?" This ends up actually being relevant to how WOL plays out, but it's really just the result of some CN suit saying "don't show our heroes getting hurt even for one panel" like bro come on now.

It makes you really appreciate Amy Keating Rogers and whoever else was responsible for dialogue and delivery in the classic series. I know it's hard to nail juggling 13 characters in a 6-issue book, Simonson did ok but man the way everyone talks is nottt natural.

I'm gonna blame it on them all being in hyperspace and having temporary broad-strokes personality drift

[chenziee]

Keep you in my thoughts and books

Written for the gen side of the @newscoozines Halloween Zine! You can download the gen zine >here<, the shipping zine >here<, and the digital merch >here<!! All for free :D

Merry spook or something like that 🎃

[ READ ON AO3 | KO-FI | COMM INFO ]

—————

Halloween was the best, Linlin had always thought. Even as a child, it was the one night she could eat all the sweets she wanted without her parents scolding her. And she always got all the treats in the whole town. Everyone who tried to hold out on her got the trick.

Those were the rules, after all!

Linlin chuckled at the memory of her old neighbours’ garden getting ripped apart by her tiny toddler hands after they refused to hand over their candy. As if other kids needed them more than her. Ah, that was fun!

She didn’t have to do that now; now, she got everything she wanted and more.

Licking her lips, Linlin hummed happily at the sweetness of the chocolate on them; it was silky smooth, like the most delicious blood on her tongue. She would never get enough of it.

“Are you happy, Linlin?”

A wide smile appeared on Linlin’s face at the familiar voice. “Mother! There you are!” Linlin called, her voice full of joy.

Oh, how she’d missed the Mother—how long had it been? A few minutes? Hours? 

Or decades?

—————

“Mama, Mother Carmel is here,” the chess soldier said solemnly as he carefully placed the photo on the table directly opposite Linlin.

Linlin sighed, a soft smile pulling on her lips. She nodded, taking in the familiar grin immortalised in the picture frame; she could almost hear her kind voice whispering assurances in her ear. Merciful words of love and acceptance, the Mother’s presence itself full of warmth.

“President Morgans, isn’t that woman the human trafficker Mount—”

“No!” Morgans hissed immediately, cutting his employee off before he could finish.

Still, Linlin’s eyes narrowed, her gaze turning ice-cold. It wasn’t the first such preposterous slander… but it still enraged her every time. How dare these people accuse the Mother of such things? It was insulting to her memory—as well as to Linlin herself.

“M-my, Madam Carmel looks stunning as always!” Morgans hurried over, bowing slightly to the Mother before turning to Linlin. “I must say, Mamigo, your Halloween tea parties are always a delight!”

Linlin huffed; she knew full well what Morgans was doing… but she would allow it, just for today.

Today was a day for celebration.

Today, she could feel the Mother’s comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Maamamama! All thanks to my sweet children!”

Morgans nodded, making a show of looking around in awe. “I agree. The Minister of Candy outdid himself this time!”

Laughing, Linlin agreed easily—after all, it was Perospero who was in charge of the decorations; even the tables and chairs were made with his sculptured candy. She let her gaze wander around the elaborate setup, taking in the sight of her children and guests mingling. Most of the ornate chairs were unoccupied, their beauty on full display—

Suddenly, she froze.

At the table next to hers was a child; not one of her own, but one that was intimately familiar to her nonetheless. There was a crown sitting atop the boy’s blond hair, freckles on his nose, and dark circles underneath his eyes—eyes that stared directly at Linlin, cold and soulless, yet piercing.

Linlin blinked… and the child was gone, as if never there.

“Mamigo…?”

“Huh?” Linlin jerked, accidentally knocking her teacup over. Cursing quietly, she shook her head, forcing herself to focus. Whoever, whatever that was, he was below Linlin’s notice—and intruders could be taken care of by the security. 

A smile finding its way on her lips again, Linlin turned to face Morgans once more. “Ah, never mind, never mind!” She laughed, then snapped her fingers to get a refill of her tea. “I’m glad you’re enjoying the party, Morgans! Have you tried Smoothie’s Kirin drink?”

“Oh, yes! I must say, it’s quite delicious. You should tell her to sell it, you could make a lot of money with it! I’ll even take care of the advertising for you, Mamigo!” 

There was a devious spark in his tiny bird-eyes, and Linlin laughed loudly. “Mamamama!! You’re as much of a vulture as always.”

As Morgans defended his ‘business sense’ and ‘journalist’s soul,’ Linlin couldn’t help but glance back at the table next to them. Stussy was sitting in that chair now, another relic of the past… but she felt different.

Lillin dismissed the thought.

—————

Walking through the halls of Whole Cake Chateau after the tea party, Linlin clicked her tongue. She had told Zeus to go get some food delivered to her room ages ago but the thundercloud hadn’t come back, nor were her damn treats there! She should have sent Prometheus; he was such a good kid compared to idiot Zeus.

Now, where were all the soldiers and the homies? She was getting tired of doing her servants’ jobs for them!

“Homie—” she stopped, her irritated expression turning to one of confusion when she noticed the figure crouching on the ground. They wore a familiar hat reminiscent of a panda’s head, their figure slender and shrouded in shadow, seemingly melting into their surroundings.

The sight made Linlin pause for a second… but then a grin pulled on her lips. Finally someone who can deal with her damned food delivery.

“Poire!” Linlin called out to her daughter. “Go tell Streusen to send me a snack!”

Poire didn't move, not acknowledging Linlin at all.

Linlin’s eyes narrowed, her patience running thin. “Hey! Did you hear me, Poire?!”

Finally, the girl raised her head. The movement was slow, as if she were fighting some great force to do so… or was just too lazy to look at her own damn mother when she was talking to her. Linlin took a deep breath, an insult on the tip of her tongue—

But then, their eyes met.

It wasn’t Poire.

It wasn’t any of her children.

“What… are you doing here?” she asked in surprise, taking a step back.

The child didn’t respond to her question; the face of a half-mink simply stared back at her, eerily silent. His face was unmistakable—nose and mouth akin to an animal, fur growing where his hair should be, panda ears sitting proudly on top of his head. The round, light brown eyes that gazed up at Linlin were young and innocent but carrying the weight of resentment.

Linlin knew who he was… but it was difficult to believe.

It had been 61 years since she had last seen this child, yet he looked not a day older than he did back then.

“Where have you been?! You disappeared on me!” Linlin’s voice shook with a mix of emotion. She wasn’t sure whether she was happy… or beyond herself with anger.

And still, the child only looked at her, motionless.

It felt like hours before he opened his mouth the slightest bit, a single quiet word passing through his lips. “Why?”

Linlin blinked a few times, her brow scrunching up into a frown. “Hah?”

“Why did you do that to us?”

Linlin’s frown only deepened at the question—at the accusation. But, before she could respond or do anything, someone else called out to her, making her jump.

“Mama!”

Inadvertently, Linlin turned to look at the young girl approaching her. “Ah… Pudding.”

“Mama, are you alright?” Pudding asked, taken aback. She studied Linlin’s expression, then glanced around the hallway, seemingly searching for the source of her mother’s distress… but finding none.

Quickly, Linlin looked back at the half-mink child—but the hallway was empty; the boy wasn’t there anymore, gone like steam over a fresh cup of hot chocolate. Just like the Prince earlier.

“Mama…?”

Heaving a deep sigh, Linlin closed her eyes momentarily before shooting an annoyed look at Pudding. “What is it?”

Something dark flashed over Pudding’s face but it was gone immediately, replaced by her usual sweet, innocent expression and obedient smile. She gestured to the cart she was pushing. “Zeus said you wanted a snack so I brought you some cupcakes from Chiff—Mr Streusen and my special chocolate pumpkins!”

Oh.

Linlin’s mouth watered at the sight of the treats and in a split second, the encounter she had just experienced evaporated from her mind.

Sugar was all that mattered, after all.

—————

As she sat in her room with nothing but her tasty treats, Linlin thought back to the two boys she had seen today. They had both disappeared too quickly and suddenly…Was it because there were people around?

She supposed it didn’t matter anymore.

Not when she was sitting in her fluffy armchair, eating Pudding’s chocolate pumpkins, and taking in the unchanged faces of all her old friends from the House of Lambs. She hadn’t noticed them coming in, nor had she seen them sitting down on the floor around her, but here they were now.

And Linlin… was excited.

It had been so many years, years full of nothing but questions—and now, they were back.

Licking her lips, Linlin hummed happily at the sweetness of the chocolate on them; it was silky smooth, like the most delicious blood on her tongue. She would never get enough of it.

After all, sweets tasted the best when shared with friends, with family.

“Are you happy, Linlin?”

A wide smile spread on Linlin’s face at the familiar voice. “Mother! There you are!!” Linlin called, her voice full of joy. Oh, how she’d missed the Mother, how she’d waited to hear her voice again. “I knew you’d come see me, too!”

“I wish we never said ‘happy birthday’ to you.” The Mother’s voice sounded strangely cold; there wasn’t even a hint of a smile on her face.

Linlin tilted her head to the side in confusion, her eyebrows scrunching together slightly. “Because you disappeared right after?” she asked… then laughed, waving her hand dismissively. “Never mind that! You’re here now!”

“Linlin,” the only other girl in the group said softly.

“Linlin,” the fishman joined in.

“Linlin.”

One by one, the children called her name, their tones solemn and carrying a strange weight, until finally, it was Mother’s turn again. “Linlin. Look at them. Look at me. Look at us.”

“Hah?”

Linlin’s frown deepened, but she complied, studying her guests’ faces, their hair, their bodies, until she finally realised what the Mother was talking about. There were dark stains on everyone’s clothes. One of the children was missing an arm. Another was missing a leg.

There was a raw, fresh scar resembling a bite-mark running across the Mother’s face. It was still bleeding.

Linlin could swear none of it was there before…

Oh well!

“Maamamama!! You can go clean up in the bathroom, it’s past the door over there!” Linlin said, pointing to the back of her room.

The Mother was quiet for a moment, regarding Linlin as if waiting to hear something more—or something else entirely. Linlin didn’t know, and she didn’t care.

Taking a large bite of the next chocolaty treat, a wide, content smile spread on her lips.

She had waited 61 years for this moment. It didn’t matter to her what the children’s, or the Mother’s reason for coming after all this time was. She wasn’t letting them get away again.

Tomorrow, she would have her soldiers prepare secure rooms for all her friends; her kids could watch them, make sure they were comfortable—and not going anywhere. She was not letting them slip through her grasp this time.

Worst case, she would have Mont-d’Or take care of it with his books.

But, that was a problem for tomorrow; tonight, Linlin was happy, surrounded by the only friends she had ever had, eating the sweetest chocolate she had ever tasted.

—————

The next day, no trace of the Mother or the children from the House of Lambs could be found no matter how hard Katakuri, Perospero, and the others looked.

Linlin was left alone again, with nothing but a bitter taste on her tongue and eerie, bloody palm prints left all over her nightgown.

Next year, if they come by again…

Linlin would make sure to catch them and never let go.

[kamirappa]

Got a few neat items in the mail and thought I’d showcase what they are.

First up the two Sonic figures, a Funko Pop and a Nenderoid. I was able to find the Nenderoid for less than $100 on Mercari Japan, and thankfully it’s not a bootleg! Sonic’s spikes are nice and sharp, and the box uses circular stickers. Whereas fake ones have softer spikes and use regular scotch tape. The Funko Pop was one I’ve been meaning to grab, but I’ve been holding back until a hypothetical PaRappa Funko Pop would emerge, but that sadly has yet to happen (Guess Funko doesn’t like money). I know some people don’t like the Pop line of figures and their dead soulless eyes, I totally get it, some of them do look pretty bad (they did Buzz Lightyear dirty), but I think they have a certain charm to them.

Next are these two Lammy & Rammy Medicom dolls, these have been on my want list for years, but for whatever reason I never got around to buying them… until now! I do have PaRappa, Sunny, and Lammy’s on stage variant so with these two, my Medicom doll set is finally complete with all 5 figures.

Above it is a Coca-Cola handbag, I have the hand towel on me, so I’m still on the lookout for any other PaRappa x Coca-Cola items if there are any left. One of my goals is that if the World of Coca-Cola isn’t carrying any PaRappa items in their upcoming pop culture gallery, I might try and get my hands on a second one of these for the purpose of donating to them (if they take donations that is).

And right below are three rotating figures of Sunny, Pinto and PJ. There is also Uee which I have seen but never bought sadly. And going off the box, I’m pretty sure there might also be a Boxy Boy since the other five characters are also there. With these I can actually demonstrate how they work, basically you connect the characters together and you spin the gear on one of them, and they all start rotating and hopping. Sort of reminds me of how that Simpsons couch Burger King set works.

Lastly, here’s another one I’ve always wanted, a Dunkin’ Donuts PaRappa mug. I actually won two at an auction and currently placing a bid on the third, but so far Katy is the one that’s arrived first. Sunny’s mug just shipped out and I’m waiting to win PJ’s mug. From what I’ve read, you won these mugs by redeeming a number of Dunkin’ Donuts points, and you would receive a mug for free. These actually came in boxes and unfortunately I do not have the box for any of the mugs. I just got them on their own. However I can’t complain since I got the mugs for dirt cheap, at least by PaRappa merch standards (about $13 each). If you’re wondering about PaRappa, he’s actually on the other side of all 3 mugs. I might actually try and find a second Katy mug for me to actually use because Katy’s is easily my favorite of the three, her mood sums up my mornings perfectly and I love it!

[lonelywitchversion13]

The way the second I saw my narcissist trump supporting mother today she immediately went off on me for

1. Not going outside in -12 degree weather and plowing her trump prius out of the snow when it doesn't even start.

2. Coming into her work and embarrassing her bc I made a comment about the disgusting cult shirt she WORE TO WORK.

And then she started going off on me about her cult leader is president and SHE had to put up with four years of ME and Biden!!!!!!

And I'm just smiling the whole time. Because I don't like Biden. And I said "oh?? Yeah all my flags and merch really got out of hand oh wait. I didn't have any of those and never said a word about him. Interesting."

And she's just got this menacing angry soulless look on her face and her eyes are all dark and she just says "keep it up keep it up keep it up." And i said you came in HERE and started a problem. Not me.

"Stop with that stupid fucking looking on your face" and I said oh would you prefer I scowl at you??

And then, her tried and true response of "get out of my house" and I said don't worry, I'm going. And she just kept repeating that and I'm like yep. Don't worry about it. I'll be gone.

And she was just absolutely FUMING that she didn't get an argument out of me. She was trying SO HARD. She didn't want to leave my room because she didn't get the fight she wanted. 😂

And then 6 minutes later she yells from two rooms away "I love you"

Yeah? Do you? That why you voted for a rapist who wants to take my rights away?

Oh! Oh! She said "you'll see who is smiling when I come into your work and humiliate YOU" And I said you humiliate me every single day with your cult flags out front. You do your damn best because that is the only reason you have THREE of them.

And now she's in her room blasting news coverage of her cult leader.

But she loves me lololololol

[bulgasari-seo]

my (very first) kcon experience 🌱 with pics!

hello hello! this weekend i was in LA for kcon 2024 - read on for more ~

if you want to watch my vlogs, click here

kcon + the exhibitors

80% of the booths we visited were giving away free items, which was very cool! but every line was looooong. i think this is because there just wasn't enough exhibitors to take up the space - the convention center itself wasn't packed the way i've seen anime expo and lvlup expo. kcon itself was probably anticipating most people were showing up for the stages - i didn't watch these because variety content isn't really what i'm into kpop for.

i did not visit the samsung booth - from what i understood, this was the only way to access the kcon stage, which was sectioned off from the rest of the convention space. that booth was promoting samsung AI, and as an artist, writer, and designer, i am a generative AI hater. and yes, i missed out on seeing A.C.E. because of it, which sucks since i've been passively following their music since 2017, but i just can't support AI!

the shein booth had long lines all three days, and as much as i wanted to get the free accessories, the time in the line would not be worth it. if you're familiar with shein, you know it's nothing different from aliexpress, wish, or temu in terms of the variety of items offered.

we also got to see wooing by connie woo. my friend got one of the pieces of jewelry she made, and we listened to her talk about her story. i found it deeply inspiring, but also a little demotivating - as someone who wants to be part of the industry, as a designer, it feels like you need to know someone to get in. of course, every industry is like that these days, so i really have to work on getting more connections, but i just haaaaaate networking. it feels so soulless.

🔽 everything here are freebies from exhibitors, merch i bought, and fan-made freebies.

a special appearance from trainees?

on day 2, as we were entering the con, lots of people were gathered at the entrance. my friend got photos with a bunch of young korean guys in white shirts, and one of them handed me a package. inside was a diy bracelet and a photocard. (pictured above)

we looked them up, and they're called HinLove! they were promoting their upcoming debut. i believe many of them were contestants on boys planet, and they're from the same company as A.C.E..

on day 3, they were busking in front of crypto arena before mcountdown. those boys worked SO HARD in the sunlight, and they dance so well. it was a very interesting glimpse into the hard work that these kids put into making their dreams happen, and if anything, it's also very inspiring.

the stages @ the con

coming face to face with watching groups well, do fanservice was a little eye opening. i had a moment where i like, stepped outside of myself as a kpop fan, and looked at it from a normie perspective. i mean yes, it is cute seeing a hand heart every now and then, but to be praising these idols with such enthusiasm, for the bare minimum.. was.. well, interesting.

the red carpet stage was cool too, but it was scheduled so close to mcountdown that you would basically miss the entire pre-show if you wanted to see everyone on the red carpet. because of that, i didn't get to see quite a few of the younger rookies.

mcountdown

the whispers and conversations i could hear from fans were all saying that this was the smallest crowd they've ever seen, and that the lineup sucked. but are you kidding me?! this lineup was amazing!! i got to see many groups i started following in the last six months - boynextdoor, p1harmony, enhypen, and zerobaseone to name a few. tragically, keeho, leader of p1h, is VERY attractive, and that man knows how to work a camera. and i was right about hanbin being such a cutie IRL, too.. i now have merch of his, and i will be following his career for a long time.

listening to every group made me realize that i am indeed in ncity for life - their vocal colors across all units are unique. i feel like many of the groups that are trending right now all have similar vocals, which is by no means a jab at them - they're just not enough to overtake nct for me. like, you will be hard pressed to find someone who has a gorgeous deep singing voice like jae's, or the rhythmic rapping you see with marky. or even the roughness of yuta's roars!

nct 127 (what we were all waiting for)

oh, my boys...

the last time i saw them was five years ago, in dallas, on their first tour. even if they weren't complete, and haven't been for a long time now, it's more obvious than ever just how much they've changed as a group. they opened and closed day 3 of the show, and my boys johnny, mark, and jaehyun basically hosted the whole thing.

their stage presence is just.. otherworldly. you can tell every single one of them loves their job deeply, and the entire arena was neo city. i was so grateful for every nctzen that showed up to support 127, and i felt that i made the right decision doing the same.

i don't understand why sm is so intent on retiring them so early into their career - nct as a whole have such a HUGE global presence that just isn't tapped into. it's the reason that we're falling behind when we have to vote for music shows. it also doesn't help that many nctzens who spend all of their time online will turn on the members at the flip of a switch.. ncity is nct's second-biggest enemy, trailing behind sm themselves.

but i'm glad that nct never give up, and keep working their hardest. like i said earlier, it is deeply inspiring and makes me want to pursue my own dreams.

and who would i be if i didn't mention johnny?

oh, johnny suh.. this man. this lovely, lovely man. his energy was enough to light up the arena. he's been shining more than ever for this comeback, and it makes me so, so happy that the rest of ncity is finally seeing him.

there's a lot more i want to say about him, but that is neither here nor there. just know that i love him deeply, and will always support him, through thick and thin. i call myself the last johfam for a reason, after all. 💕

in conclusion...

a fire has been burning in my heart for the majority of this year. i found the home i'd been searching for my entire life in kpop, in ncity, in nct 127. and there is nothing more that i want than to contribute to the culture, be it as a fan, or as one of the many cogs that work behind the scenes of a comeback. kcon only added fuel to that fire, exploding into a brilliant flame of orange and blue.

for seven years, it's been my dream to work with nct on their album and merch designs. i lost my passion for design a few years ago, and now that it's finally back, i know what i have to do.

i want to create. and if i can't join the industry just yet, i'll have to make my own mark on the world, in my little corner of ncity. i have intentions to become an nct merch shop next year, if i can manage it. no, not if.. i'll make it happen.

one day, my talents will be discovered, and until then, we keep going. keep creating things that make me happy, and knowing that they'll make others happy.

forging ahead, in the only way i know how.

[also-fours]

If I had to choose, my cards are all on Gwen Stacy being in Spider-Man 2 and Insomniac is hiding her.

And I would be fine with that IF they do it well; give her an interesting story, different spider-bite origins and unique powers. They keep saying the Insomniac series is an original story in the Spider-Man franchise so BE original. Norman Osborn has lots of spiders in his secret lab - have her, I don't know, be an Oscorp scientist who willingly volunteers to be a test subject to get revenge on Spider-Man instead of 'oops she accidentally got bit like the boys what she gonna do?'. Her dad's a cop in the comics, so maybe have him be a victim of the Osborn rally bombing and have her hate Spider-Man for not being there to save him, setting her on her villain-to-hero era. Now THAT'LL be different and unique to the other Gwen's. Have her be what Miles could have been. Let me support a woman's wrongs.

i understand that but on the other hand: gwen has no powers unique to herself that'd make her worth including gameplay-wise

in the nicest way possible, her powers are just basic spider-powers, and i think adding venom as a playable character for the third would add so much more to it because last time he was playable in a fully fledged spider-man game, he was able to jump incredibly high, throw cars, break spines, and eat people

i could see the possible appeal of adding her story-wise, but this is a video game at the end of the day

also, the whole peter/miles/gwen trio has never really worked for me, personally, i've never seen the three of them have much chemistry at all and it just kinda feels like they're always put together for merch and having peter have wacky superhero friends instead of having them have an interesting dynamic

granted, they could *give* her that, like how ATSV made spider-woman gwen an actual interesting and great character for the first time in years, but, i dunno, i'm just not too confident in it, like i'm not confident in harry being venom

and yes, i know it feels like they're not being original, and instead just grabbing previous ideas and putting them together, and righting the wrongs of previous adaptations, but they are actually doing ideas that are either original or ideas that just haven't been fleshed out at all, so they're practically brand new

1. have peter and miles actually consistently work with each other

2. killing off aunt may and having it stick

3. norman osborn not being completely soulless

4. giving otto and peter a real mentor/student dynamic

5. mixing hammerhead and silvermane together

6. silver sable's entire sable international thing

7. tying mister negative with norman osborn

8. everything they did with the tinkerer (yes, it was the first game's story but worse but there was an original idea in there and an attempt to reinvent a boring character)

9. having miles adapt to a new town entirely with harlem

10. having a more experienced peter parker meeting some of his biggest villains for the first time

i feel like they've done enough to establish themselves as an original take already, it just *feels* the same sometimes because there are quite a few things carried over from previous adaptations

[spitblaze]

i was actually thinking about this kind of stuff awhile ago because of poppy and bendy where it feels like some studios are really trying to make monsters that are marketable for plushies and merch which one point i get i guess but on the other hand it's worrying that it seems like that's the big focus here and not making a good game with a cool story but making toys that kids would want

well the good news with those two you just mentioned, at least, is that beyond some initial hype, people seem to have not. yknow. bought into it too much. FNaF is overall more popular to this day, and like. who even remembers Bendy lmao

the bad news. though. is that capitalism is a monster too. one that sees things that people enjoy and cranks out soulless simulacra for money and brand loyalty.

all one can be asked to do to combat it is to champion better stories and help others analyze why the horror stories they love are so effective instead of immediately grabbing for the shiny new jumpscare toy.

[nothingmuchjustformybabu]

03.21.22

To the sunshine of my life,

I desperately want to write a love letter on my finest parchment, then tuck it into a hand folded envelope and fill it with pressed flowers. I want to seal it with wax and give it to you in secret, and watch you melt as you read what I’ve written for you. I badly want to make you feel my love as you open it. But for now, please settle with this virtual love letter.

Now, are you wondering why all of a sudden I wrote one for you out of nowhere? Well, it’s because I am missing you. You’re probably asleep now and dreaming of someone which I thought was me. But no, me writing a love letter to you is not just for an important occasion like our anniversary, monthsary, or even your birthday but as well as on normal days. Because even though it's just a typical day, I still love you wholeheartedly. Just how many different ways can I say I miss you? The beach is soulless without you. Yes, the sun still shines, but your radiance subdues without the reflection of your skin, and the sand dull without the weight of your body. Whatever happens, life goes on. But it is more beautiful with you in it. I remember back then you told me that staying is really hard. But will you ever stay anywhere for long? Because I think really, all cities are pale in comparison to you. The world is often ugly. But you, you are poetry. Like Mary Oliver wrote, the light of the world in the light of the world. You are exactly the poem I wanted to write. Yet, the greatest poet in the world could not write a single line more beautiful than you are. And who am I to try? As cheesy as it may sound, you, my love, is the fond object of my affection and my desire. You and you alone are the keeper of the key to my heart.

While you are still asleep, let me relive our memories. That way, I can feel that you are here with me. Ever since, I could remember my life has revolved around my studies and K-Pop. I never thought for a second that something, or someone would ever become just as or even more important. That was until I came across you. You started off as a lingering thought I couldn’t quite shake, then you quickly began to haunt my very existence. If you’d ask me, I still remember our first encounter detailedly like it was this morning. That’s odd because I don’t remember what the weather was like or what I was wearing yesterday. I can’t remember a lot of things and events but I can’t quite get over the first time we met. I can’t brush off the feelings you gave me or forget the sound of your voice. I can’t let go of the way you called my name for the first time or erase the picture of you smiling at me when I said hello on our first video call. I can’t ignore the sound of your voice replaying over and over again in my head or throwing away the words you said to me. It’s like the only thing I have left is my biased memory. My love, I really can’t wait to meet you. When I think of you, I think of us; our future. I have these thoughts with me, buying picture frames waiting to be filled and I'm willing to make space on my shelf for your books, merch, and funkos. We'll have breakfast together every morning and dance in our kitchen. I'll take you to all of my favorite places, and you’ll take me to yours. My body aches for your touch, but my heart and soul ache for your presence as well. I can only imagine that it must be what Heaven is like, because it is pure bliss. I wouldn't trade it for anything, or anyone. I will be meant for you, and you will be meant for me. I can't wait to meet you.

I will give of myself fully to you for all of eternity, whenever, wherever we can. Each small moment is a new beginning for me, and my heart seems to find many more new emotions of want, need, desire, friendship, companionship, and a deeper love than has ever been felt or spoken of by anyone, but you. I often wonder if ever in time were there any other two people who have shared such a perfect example of how love was meant to be enjoyed. Yet so many have not been as fortunate to discover, if they ever do at all. For I wouldn't trade places with anybody else in any part of the world right now.

I am most fortunate to have been so blessed with having found you and discovered what a beautiful, most precious human. Honestly, you have surpassed my expectations of what love has to offer this world, and you have shown me, and continue to show me new and more wonderful things about you and within you, I find all the more reason to keep falling more and more in love with you, in spirit, in mind and in heart and soul. I do not wish to ever share any part of myself with any other person for the rest of my time on this earth. I only want to love you, and will cherish each and every moment you are able to give, and I will hold these dear to my heart and take them with me to my grave. You have already given me the greatest gifts of all, and you do not even know it. You are all I will ever want, desire, and need for my life’s fulfillment. And though the miles may separate us, and time itself cannot give to us every second it has to offer, please know that I will always have this love for you and it is reserved for you and your touch only, and if I have to wait another 19 years to have my hearts desire, to have it is enough in itself, and it is a wait that I am willing to endure now and forever if need be.

You ignite a fire within me that I have never known and your written words stir such a whirlwind of emotion inside of me that I am nearly driven mad by my desire for you.

The amount of times you've unknowingly saved me on nights where I thought no one loved me and all I had to do was look at our texts to remember what you told me. The times when I was crying and I imagined you with me and holding me and whispering that it was alright and suddenly the tears slowed. The days where I'm so lonely and I feel like there's no point, and I look at pictures of you and I remember there is a point, and the point is to show you as much love as I can. All the times when you've saved me from hurting myself by simply existing. Such a beautiful thing. These are my favorite memories, and all are with you. This letter takes me far back, back to our tree, to our youth. When a girl of 16 wanted so much to tell you she was in love with you, but didn't really know how. For the past years you have haunted me. Those feelings you stirred within me have never left me. I cannot imagine the emptiness I would have, had I not met you. You are more desirable every time I see you again. Whatever spell you have put on me, please, never let me wake up. You are it for me, and you do for me, as no one else has ever been able to do. Yours always,

JM

[xdollydoodlesx]

… I made a Cuphead OC and I’m both impressed and concerned with myself. Anywho here she be~

A small group of Imps return to the Casino with their newest signed Soul Contract in hand only for them to begin fighting over who will hand it to the big guy downstairs… that ends in a tussle that leaves the Contract damaged and on a old merch cup that had been left to rot on the back area’s floors and before they could scramble to pick it up the precious soul is adsorbed making… the being shown below. First they considered just breaking them n reclaiming the soul but the thought of it possibly being permanently lost entirely leaves them with no choice but to keep them alive for the time being. Over time the group get’s a soft spot for them and after the wrath of fucking up blows over they n a few others decide to raise her themselves with… very mixed results.

Their ‘technically’ a small bit demon due to the DNA and festering magical residue that was on them during their birth and because of this they have some odd abilities, nothing like Cuphead or Mugman tho.

Like all things their cup was made in China, so yep they can speak some Chinese… mostly swears n mocking tho.

They are made of a more durable plastic material since they are a novelty merch thermos/cup so they can take more hits which is good since they can be quite rowdy.

Their body produces a sticky n sweet but also rather acidic liquid that often drips from their cracks-thankfully it doesn’t hurt themselves but their clothes tend to get stained n need repairs.

Their gloves have more tapered ends which work like decent claws and boy do they love using them, the vents n back areas are her playground n like the Imps who often have to shove them out of the worker’s sight in fear of discovery she is a mischievous bean with a very spoopy side… that odd seam on their mouth is actually a crack which they occasionally use when very mad to bite n scare others. Inside their are a surprising amount of spoopy teeth-like formations.

Personality-wise they are excitable, prone to bouts of anger, and LOVES causing mischief. They really like the Devil from the few times she managed to see a glimps before their Imp friend shoved them into a hiding spot… only they are around to push her around, otherwise your gonna loose a finger or two.. or a hand ^^’ Watching the happenings from their hiding spots they have learned quite a bit about those who enter n work at the casino, the games boring them with only the occasional brawl catching their interest.

They are eventually found by the Devil n after the Imp try not to have a Panic attack rather then show fear the girl showed curiosity n something else. Apparently they want a father figure n after showing off her abilities she now does her best to achieve it. Not many know her beside the higher ranking workers due to how unnatural the girl is… and lowkey dangerous. (yes she has bit King Dice for trying to give her a bath, no she has no intent on apologizing n will occasionally leave some of her goo on his cards~)

Now they have in a small room and can do anything as long as they stay hidden n not interrupt business too much, tho tbh they still use the vents n such. Upon learning of Cuphead n Mugman she, to sum it up, quickly decided that she wanted to keep their soulless shells as life sized dress up dolls… and chew toys. Yeah she does not like them at all.

Her tail is fully prehensile n flicks/wags when excited which is pretty often, thank god they aren’t sharp cus it hurt having them hit you otherwise.

She DESPERATELY wants to make her unofficial father/boss proud and will do just about anything to do it… tho she won’t harm the imps, maybe dress them up n do minor pranks but that’s it. Also she hates how mean the Devil can be towards the Imps sometimes but sadly won’t move to stop it unless 100% necessary, she would show her softer side afterwards for them to help the poor Imp feel better. Uwu (not many know this and she will hunt you down if she catches you talking about it!)

Sorry for the word vomit but this was surprisingly fun! Might use them one day 🥰 Don’t have a name for them yet so feel free to throw ideas!