#the sphynx speaks

[the8thsphynx]

I don’t mean to alarm you, dearest, but there’s a cracked out white boy throwing it down sexual style

[kizzer55555]

DP x DC: The Most Dangerous Card Game

Ok so Danny has essentially claimed earth as his. And he is fully aware that there are constant threats to the planet. Now he can’t stop a threat that originates on earth (that’s something he’ll leave to the Justice league) but he can do something about outside threats. Doing some research on ancient spells, rituals, and artifacts, he cast a world wide barrier on the planet to protect it from hostile threats so they cannot enter. This will prevent another Pariah Dark incident. However, barriers like this come at a price. You see, there are two ways to make a barrier. Either make one powered up by your own energy and power (which would be constantly draining) or set up a barrier with rules. The way magic works is that nothing can be absolutely indestructible. It must have a weakness. The most powerful barriers weren’t the ones reinforced with layer after layer of protective charms and buffed up with power. Those could eventually be destroyed either by being overpowered, wearing them down, or by cutting off the original power source. No, the most powerful barriers were the ones with a deliberate weakness. A barrier indestructible except for one spot. A cage that can only be opened from the outside. Or that can only be passed with a key or by solving a riddle. So Danny chooses this type of barrier and does the necessary ritual and pours in enough power to make it. And he adds his condition for anyone to enter. 

Now the Justice league? Find out about the barrier when Trigon attempts to attack, they were preparing after he threatened what he would do once he got to earth. How he would destroy them. The Justice league tried to take the fight to him first but were utterly destroyed, so they retreated home to tend to their injuries, and fortify earth for one. Last. Stand. Only when Trigon makes his big entrance…he’s stopped.

The Justice league watch in awe as this thin see-through barrier with beautiful green swirls and speckled white lights like stars apears blocking Trigon and his army’s advance. The barrier looks so thin and fragile yet no matter how hard the warlord hits, none of his attacks can get through and neither can he damage said barrier. That’s when Constantine and Zatanna recognizes what this barrier is. Something only a powerful entity could create. For a moment, the league is filled with hope that Trigon can’t get through yet Constantine also explains that it’s not impenetrable. And clearly Trigon knows this too for he calls out a challenge. 

And that’s when, in a flash of light, a tiny glowing teenager appears. He looked absolutly minuscule compared to Trigon and yet practically glowed with power (this isn’t a King Danny AU though).

And that is when the conditions for passing the barrier are revealed. And the Justice realize that the only thing stopping Trigon and his army from decimating earth. The only way he can get through….is by beating this glowing teenager in a card game. 

Not just any card game though. The most convoluted game Sam, Danny, and Tucker invented themselves. It’s like the infinite realms version of magic the gathering, combined with Pokémon, and chess. And Danny is the master. So sit down Trigon and let’s play.

(The most intense card game of the Justice league’s life).

After Danny wins, this happens a few more times with outer word beings and possibly even demons attempting to invade earth, yet none have been able to beat the mysterious teenager in a card game. Constantine might even take a crack at it and try to figure out how to play. He’s really bad though. Every time this happens, the Justice league worry that this might be the time the teenager looses. Yet every time, he wins (even if only barely). 

Meanwhile, Danny, Sam, and Tucker have gotten addicted to the game and play it almost daily. Some teachers might seem them playing the game are are like ‘awww how cute’ not realizing this game is literally saving the world. Jazz is just happy they aren��t spending as much time on their screens playing Doomed.

[k1tty5]

they are precious to me

[tatangadragon]

can't believe this thang is what spawned my username.and not even on purpose

[astro-b-o-y-d]

If you think Bill Cipher has tall person energy, that’s because he puts in SO MUCH EFFORT to make you think he has tall person energy, which is a very short person thing to do.

[dragonballnewstar]

// Having to pull myself back because we're in the thick of designing a bunch of Yugioh ocs and I just.. REALLY like talking about our YGO rp akxbsbd

[lady-zephyrine]

Thinking about my gijinka AU for a moment, what if Halcandrans were more cat like a long time ago?

[minusgangtime]

Not my brain telling me to make a cat OC of a tuxedo cat and this breed-

-mod shelby

(Do it >:3)

[goldieclaws]

Even now I think about this book I had that was a landscape style and it had a ton of monsters in alphabetical order and a little blurb about what they were as well as a story about said monster.

I remember it had the Black Shuck (a personal favourite of mine bc we had a lot of ghost stories about it when I was at school), Sphynx (bc I thought she was pretty lmao), and a Yowie at the very end and I hated the Yowie most bc it's story involved eating a pet fuck u.

The brand/author also did another landscape style about dragons in alphabetical order too. The luckdragon stuck out most to me bc I always remember it not looking like Falkor from the movie of The Neverending Story bc he was smaller and purple/blue with no fur. The dragons also had stories to them and Falkor's/the Luckdragon's was him being trapped in a web but believing in his luck/positivity that he wouldn't die.

I also don't know if it was the same book I think it might have been entirely different, but I JUST remembered another childhood book of mine that was also mythical monster focused and it had little paper cut-outs or models of said monsters and I think it was heavily greek-based? Although maybe not bc there was a Bunyip on one page that was a two page illustration with all of the creatures in it. Pretty sure it did also have pop-up pages as well on said full-page illustrations.

I do feel with that second book the monsters were sectioned off to their origins (Bunyip was vibing in Greece for some reason tho lol) and god it's like a shot of nostalgia I WISH I could remember more about that one! A name or anything. Harpies and Unicorns stick out a lot in my mind about that one, as well as dragons potentially.

[the8thsphynx]

Hey, guys! I'm doing some research for a project for a class I'm taking, so if anyone who's an art museum lover could take a few minutes to fill in this survey for me, it would help out my studies tremendously!!

Thank you!!

www.surveymonkey.com/r/2TNQH8W

[holospikes]

fuck it (gives Blade 2 color palettes)

[notdysfunk]

Finally finished Sphynx's ref!!

Meet Sphynx! He's a DCA Eclipse modelled after the likeness of Sphinxs- He was made to sit in a Zoltar sort of machine, telling riddles for prizes to children. Nowadays, he is often 'Commissioned' between pizzaplexes to visit and perform his riddles- Usually during events. He's fairly wise, and often speaks in riddles when asking questions for advice or when asked for advice- But he IS capable of speaking normally. He cannot fly, but his wings help him jump around and be playful if he wants. He's fairly heavy overall, and pretty unbalanced in general- So he can't run easily either LOL The eye on the left side of his face opens when telling serious riddles, and he has a pattern of flapping his wings when doing so too. He's my baby boy I love him sm he's so silly

[nemo-writes]

⋆˚࿔ ⋆˚࿔ 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐞 ; 𝐬𝐢𝐱 𝜗𝜚˚⋆𝜗𝜚˚⋆

↣ pack!tf141 x witch!reader

↣ chapter summary; summoning her was a choice heavy with consequences. now, you're forced to confront buried loyalties and a steep price for salvation.

★ warnings; body horror, mommy issues

☆ story masterlist

Hours pass after the call, each second heavy with anticipation as you sit on the porch, nails tapping out a nervous rhythm over your knee. Calling her was a decision you didn’t take lightly, and now that she’s coming, you can only wonder how it’ll play out after all this time. You’d left, and now, after everything, you’re the one who reached out first.

Suddenly, the rumble of an engine breaks the quiet, and it makes you straighten immediately. A sleek, black Mustang pulls into the drive, its windows so dark they blend seamlessly with the car's polished frame. It parks beside your own truck and where Sybil is sleeping inside. You stand up, unconsciously straightening up and brushing invisible lint off your clothes.

The moment the engine cuts off, you feel your pulse kick up a notch, the anticipation turning almost to dread.

A tall and imposing figure steps out of the driver’s seat first. It’s König, towering as ever, his dark, broad frame cutting a familiar figure in the low evening light. He steps up to meet you and doesn’t speak right away. His eyes, visible through the thin slit in his mask, soften just a little, a trace of warmth amidst his usually stoic demeanour. Carefully, he thumbs your chin in a familiar and comforting gesture, before he steps back.

“It’s been a while,” he murmurs quietly.

You give him a small nod, secretly grateful for the reassurance he brings. But the spell of reassurance fades as he opens the back door. Out slinks Cath Palug, your Mother’s familiar, a sleek, pitch-black sphynx cat with eyes like twin pale green mirrors, large and unblinking. The cat stretches his lean, wiry body and pads gracefully from the car, casting you an assessing gaze with piercing intelligence. Cath Palug’s presence is a prelude to the inevitable, and you swallow, feeling the familiar pressure of old expectations closing in.

Then your Mother steps out.

She’s a striking figure, even more intimidating than you remember, her poise and presence as commanding as ever. Dark glasses cover her eyes, and a sheer veil drapes elegantly over her face. The rich red of her lipstick is perfectly applied, as are her sharply pointed black nails, all silent declarations of control and power.

The instinct to fall back into your old ways is overpowering, and before you can think twice, you take a single step forward, bowing your head as you take her outstretched hand. You press a respectful kiss to the ring on her finger, a gesture that feels as natural as it is jarring—old habits and all. She says nothing as you straighten, and though her eyes are hidden, you feel her gaze on you, sizing you up. The faintest smile touches her lips, cold and knowing.

“Hello, darling,” she finally says. Your pulse quickens as you nod, bracing yourself for whatever comes next.

Her gaze flickers over you, taking in every detail. “You look dreadful,” she says bluntly, the hint of a frown just barely touching her lips. “Haggard, exhausted. Stand up straight, would you? And explain the situation clearly.”

Her voice is clipped and unwavering, the very tone you’d grown up trying to avoid displeasing. The urge to explain, to smooth over any cracks in your composure, presses against you, and despite the bitterness it brings, you lift your head and straighten your shoulders, forcing calm into your voice as you begin.

“Yes, of course, Mother.”

As you start to recount the events, Cath Palug rubs briefly against her heels, tail flicking as it studies you with the kind of scrutiny that is all too familiar. Meanwhile, König moves ahead, his tall frame cutting through the space with purposeful strides. You can tell by his pace that he’s already in full guard mode, reading every shadow, every open corner for a potential disturbance.

You guide her through the entrance, and with every detail you recount, she says nothing. Her nose wrinkles as she surveys the house, one hand reaching delicately into her pocket to retrieve a crisp, black-lace handkerchief. She presses it to her nose, a distasteful sigh escaping her lips.

“Charming place they have here,” she murmurs, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Your beloved truly have a flair for neglect, don’t they?”

You clench your jaw, forcing yourself to keep your voice steady. “I asked them to stay on the far side of the house for now,” you reply, your voice laced with as much calm as you can manage. “They won’t interfere.”

Her critical gaze sweeps over you, and she nods, looking satisfied, as if you’d passed a test you hadn’t realised was still in place. “Good. That makes this far easier.”

As you reach the door to Leah’s room, she pauses, assessing the energy hanging thickly in the air.

“König,” she says, her voice softer but no less commanding, “stay back. Watch over us but don’t enter. I suspect whatever is inside may corrupt even the strongest minds.”

König bows his head, stepping back with the same silent grace he used upon entering. He positions himself just outside the room, gaze sharpening, vigilant and ready but out of view. As the two of you step in, you can feel her energy tense, the magic in her stirring to meet whatever lay inside.

You clear your throat and try to keep your voice steady. “It’s a parasite,” you explain, feeling the sting of her scrutiny with each word. “And it’s vampiric in nature.”

She waves a hand dismissively. “Yes, yes. The signs are practically screaming.” Cath Palug, hops into the bed and arches its back, sniffing cautiously as if tasting the darkness in the air, before hissing sharply at Leah and jumping back down. Your Mother steps closer to Leah, removing her glasses and examining her with an appraising look that makes your stomach twist.

“Beautiful,” she murmurs, trailing one long, black nail above Leah’s arm. “I can see why she was chosen. A perfect little target for something so vile.”

Her gaze flickers over to you then, sharper, assessing. Her eyes carry that icy, knowing weight. “Your situation couldn’t be more clear, either,” she says, her tone cutting. “Discarded, were you? Cast aside without a second thought, as if the love you poured into them was nothing compared to this... human.” She gestures toward Leah, her lips curled into a thin, humourless smile.

The truth in her words is a punch to the gut. Tears prick at your eyes, but you won’t let them fall—not here, not in front of her, not after all the years you spent learning to hold yourself together under her piercing gaze. You swallow down the sting, focusing on keeping your composure, just as you always had in the past.

Finally, she steps back, putting her dark glasses back on as her expression cools. “I’ll treat her,” she says, a glimmer of satisfaction in her voice, as though she’s won something precious. “But there’s a toll to be paid, of course.” She tilts her head. “You’ll return to the coven. That’s my price. Come back as my heir, and I’ll cleanse her.”

Shame curls tight in your chest, creeping into every part of you, but your thoughts linger on them—on how, despite everything they’ve put you through, you still love them. You remember when they were the ones who held you up, who sheltered you, loved you. For the memory of those days and the loyalty they once showed you, you draw a breath and nod, head bowed.

“I shall serve,” you say, the words heavy on your tongue.

A faint smile tugs at the corner of her mouth, and without another word, she turns back around to face Leah. Her hand hovers over her chest for a moment, then sinks into it as if phasing through mist. You watch, heart pounding, as her fingers disappear beneath Leah’s skin, moving with a surreal ease. She reaches deeper, her arm lost in Leah’s body until, with a sharp tug, she yanks her hand back out.

In her grasp is the parasite, writhing and hideous, a twisted, centipede-like thing. She holds it up, it's dark, slick body wriggling, as she flicks her wrist and tosses it into the air. Cath Palug leaps, claws extended and teeth flashing, catching the creature in one swift, lethal motion and dispatching it efficiently.

It’s gone as quickly as it appeared. And just like that, it’s over.

The tension in the room is palpable as Leah lies motionless on the bed, the air thick with expectation. After a heartbeat, she gasps and jerks awake, pulling you from your anxious vigil. Relief tries to settle in your chest, but it’s quickly swept away as your Mother’s elegant hand presses firmly onto your shoulder, steering you out of the room without a second glance at Leah.

Her work here is done, and by her rules, so is yours.

Stepping into the hallway, you’re met with a tense standoff. König stands, silent and imposing, facing off with Price and Gaz. Their expressions are tight, But when König's gaze falls on you, his stance softens, just slightly, allowing a gentleness to seep into his intense demeanour.

Words start to form on your lips—an explanation, a warning—but they’re forgotten as Price and Gaz push past you without a second glance, their attention fixed solely on Leah. The pang of their disregard twists painfully inside you, deepening as your Mother lets out a disapproving click of her tongue, muttering, “Predictable,” with cold satisfaction.

Yet König steps up to stand by your side. His eyes linger as he wraps one of his arms around your shoulder. As he holds you, his calm strength eases some of the tension from your shoulders. Gently, he guides you away from the room and the people who were once everything to you.

Before reaching the front door, you hesitate, glancing up at him with a thousand concerns flickering in your gaze. Your mind returns to Sybil still back in your truck. 

“Sybil… she’s—,” you whisper, unable to hide the worry in your voice. König’s eyes meet yours through his mask, understanding immediately. He gives your shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“She’s safe, meine liebe,” he murmurs softly. “Sybil’s waiting for us in the car. I thought you’d want her close.” His thoughtfulness eases your worry. “I know how much she means to you. The ward you left behind was sublime, as always.”

Your face warms at his compliment, and you start to thank him, but he hushes you gently, brushing a calloused finger over your cheek. “Let me take care of you,” he says, his voice soft yet steady, an unwavering promise.

It’s not unfamiliar, this caring side of him, but after everything, it still catches you off guard. He picks up your bag of supplies from beside the door, effortlessly slinging it over his shoulder before acknowledging your Mother, who watches a few paces away. She gives him a curt nod, a subtle approval that König returns with a respectful bow before leading you outside.

At the curb, he helps your Mother into the car first, Cath Palug jumping in right after. Then, he guides you into the back seat. Sybil, just as he promised, is curled up in the front seat. Relief sweeps through you as you lean forward, pressing a soft kiss to her nose. She lifts her head to gaze at you with sleepy, trusting eyes, her tail thumping faintly.

For once, your Mother remains silent, her face impassive as you reunite with Sybil. König watches you in the rearview mirror, his gaze holding yours for a brief, grounding moment before he starts the engine.

Just as the car pulls away from the curb, your Mother speaks, her tone as sharp. “Take us to Black Mous.”

The command strikes you like a shock, but you swallow any questions that rise in your throat. König’s eyes flick to her in the mirror, and he responds with his usual composure. “At once. We’ll be there shortly.”

. . .

The car stops smoothly at bar's entrance. König steps out first, opening the door for your Mother with a practised ease, her familiar jumping out behind her. She whispers something to König that you don't catch, and he nods solemnly before rounding the car to help you.

He then goes to your door, offering you a hand which you take with a soft thanks. His grip lingers on yours however. “Sybil and I will be right here.” His voice is soft, steady, even though you can see the slight tension in his jaw. He gently squeezes your hand before finally letting go, settling back against the car with folded arms and a watchful gaze even under the mask. 

With one final look, you follow inside after your Mother.

Inside the bar, the world falls silent. The regular patrons, familiar faces who would normally greet you with nods or smiles, freeze at the sight of your Mother. She strides forward with Cath Palug keeping pace beside her, his slitted eyes glinting dangerously.

“Everyone, out.” Laswell’s voice cuts through the silence, firm and resolute. She doesn’t need to repeat herself. Chairs scrape across the floor as patrons hurriedly exit, their glances lingering on the two of you before quickly darting away.

You follow after your Mother, feeling like a shadow—silent, resigned, and drawn along by her intense presence. She halts before Laswell, Cath Palug twisting around her feet, her movements slow and foreboding.

Laswell’s gaze flicks between the two of you. “To what do I owe this… visit?” she asks cautiously, her usual confidence strained.

Your Mother doesn’t waste a second. “The Le Fay coven withdraws its support. Effective immediately,” she declares, her voice cutting through the air like a blade.

Laswell’s face blanches, her mouth opening in protest. “Surely there’s something we can discuss—”

Your Mother raises her hand sharply, silencing Laswell mid-sentence. “Enough.” Her tone is cold, final. “I’ve seen the state of things. Your judgement is clouded, and this establishment has drifted too far from what it once was.”

For years, the Le Fay coven had been her most steadfast ally. They’d depended on her just as much as she on them—a mutual pact so deeply woven it felt unbreakable. And yet, here your Mother stands, wielding her power to sever it with a single decision. She speaks with the conviction of one who knows her word is law. 

There’s no room for Laswell to manoeuvre, no path to reverse what’s been done. You watch her expression flicker from anger to desperate resolve, and finally, to a bleak resignation. She glances your way, perhaps seeking some support. But before you can even gather the strength to respond, your Mother snaps her fingers, and the effect is instantaneous. 

Laswell’s pleading expression crumbles, her gaze clearing as though an unseen fog has lifted from her mind. “I… what—” she stammers, blinking rapidly, as if seeing the room and the two of you for the first time.

“Consider this a lesson,” your Mother says with a hint of a sardonic smile. She turns sharply, her familiar trotting behind her in perfect synchronisation. You glance back at Laswell, once your friend and confidant. The desperation painted all over her face is now replaced with stunned silence. 

Without a glance towards you, your Mother’s peaks. “We’re going home.”

Her words settle over you like a sentence to exile from this place you once thought of as your real home. Though she doesn’t say it, you understand—she’s making it clear: you’ll never set foot here again. You do nothing more than nod in silent acceptance. 

The price you’ve paid feels almost unnamable, yet you bear it without a word, quietly resigning yourself to the weight of the path you’ve chosen.

banner credit

[astro-b-o-y-d]

That Lilo and Stitch post from earlier made me think of my Mabel and the Demon Cat AU, and how I never got around to drawing a design for cat Bill

[amica-aenigmata-naboo]

Us

Astarion x Y/N - Drabble - 1K WC

Masterlist

Warnings: fluff, slight argument, make up, Astarion being sassy, Us being a cutie pie, pretty sweet, slightly steamy ending

-------------------------------

“Really? That’s what you want to bring on this grand adventure?” Astarion said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

You stood next to Us, the kind intellect devourer from the nautiloid. After finding it before you fought and defeated Kethric, you hoped it made it to your camp. You were honestly elated when you saw the little brain sleeping outside your tent.

“Yes!” You said with sincerity. “I want Us to stay. It’s no different from Scratch or the Owlbear.” 

Astarion threw his hands up, knowing he wasn’t going to win this fight. “When it eats your brain don’t come crying to me darling.” He yelled before walking into his tent with a huff. 

He had never yelled at you before and for some reason it brought tears to your already misty eyes. “Come on.” You said quietly to Us. It followed you happily to your tent. 

Once inside you changed out of your armor into your night clothes, relishing in the weight lifting from your body. Us seemed to wander your small tent, as if he was inspecting all your trinkets you had gathered on your way to Baldur’s Gate. “Do you like that one?” You asked, nodding towards the necklace it seemed to be “looking” at.

“Yes friend! Beautiful!” Us said with its regular enthusiasm.

You smiled, grabbing the necklace and sitting in front of Us. You held it out waiting for a moment before it started glowing. Dancing lights swarmed the tent, Us let out an excited shrill noise. 

—————————————

Astarion watched the beams of light escape through the cracks in your tent. When he crept closer he saw you and that blasted brain having a rather nice time, enjoying each other's company. After the necklace stopped glowing and your tent was once again only lit by candlelight, Us spoke.

“The vampire does not like Us.” It said,

You sighed, rubbing your hand over the puncture scars on your neck that you had come to adore. “He doesn’t understand you.”

“Enemy. He thinks Us is an enemy.” Us inquired, moving closer to you.

“Yes.” You said, looking down.

“We are not, you are our friend. All of you are Us’ friends.” Us said, one of his paws coming to rest on your knee as if it was begging you to believe it.

“I know, and I am your friend too.” You smiled, reaching out to pet them. “Astarion just has trouble trusting others.” 

“He trusts you?” Us said, yet it sounded like a question. 

You hugged your knees to your chest, “I think so. Regardless, I love him.” 

“Does love mean trust?” Us Asked.

You shrugged slightly “Trust…. It’s sort of the foundation for love I suppose.” 

“Maybe he will like Us more as Kitty!” Us said, altering its shape into a sphynx cat like the one from Last Light Inn. 

You let out a small chuckle. It was adorable how much Us wanted to be liked, you thought. “He’ll come around. Don’t worry, I won't let anything happen to you.” you reassured Us. 

Us returned to its original intellect devourer form. You laid on your bedroll, looking at the candlelight that was flickering on the ceiling. 

“You are exhausted. You should sleep! Us will go.” They said,

“You can stay,” you said, smiling at them. 

Us walked in a circle next to you before curling up at your side. For such an intelligent and typically frightening creature you couldn’t help but find them sweet. Just like the Owlbear. Just like Scratch. 

“Goodnight friend!” Us said.

You smiled, “Goodnight Us.”

-------------------------------------------

Astarion kicked a rock on the way back to his tent. He was jealous of a fucking walking brain. He knew you had a soft spot for the little bugger ever since he saw you with it on the nautiloid. He just found it odd and unsettling. Yet he had no room to speak - vampires are viewed in quite the same way. He sighed. If you loved Us he would just have to come to terms with that. He knew your massive heart would be able to hold room for everyone. 

-------------------------------------

As the sun rose, you watched from inside your tent as Us chased a butterfly around in circles near the fire pit. It was an endlessly curious little thing. Astarion blocked your view of Us as he walked up to you.

“I’m… sorry,” he said.

“How did that taste?” you said with a chuckle, knowing it was difficult to admit he was wrong let alone apologize for it. 

“Like vinegar,” he sighed. 

“It’s ok to not be overly fond of Us. But I do like them and want to keep them safe. They are different.” you said, squeezing his hand as he sat next to you. You both watched Us play with the butterfly. 

Astarion rubbed his thumb over your knuckles. “You’re right. I’m sorry for how I acted. Us has only ever helped you and for that I’m not only grateful but… I am truly sorry for how I treated them. If you trust Us, I trust Us.” 

You kissed him softly, “Don’t tell me tell them.” you said.

You both turned your heads to Us when they squealed in a high pitch. The butterfly had landed on them and they were beyond ecstatic. You smiled and laughed.

“They are… different indeed.” Astarion said with a softer tone.

Us wandered back to the tent, “Us made a new friend - butterfly!” it said. When they realized Astarion was in the tent with you they started to slink away cautiously. 

“Us,” Astarion said, causing the little creature to halt and perk up. “I apologize for how I spoke yesterday. You are welcome in our camp.” Astarion nodded at him, giving Us his seal of approval. 

Us shook with excitement, “Friend! Friend! So many new friends!” it said excitedly before traipsing off to run around camp with Scratch and the Owlbear who had both accepted Us immediately, creating an odd but cute little group of pets. 

“Thank you.” you whispered as you kissed over his cheek and down his neck. 

“Anything for you darling.” he smirked, pulling the flaps of your tent closed before he climbed on top of you, leaving a trail of kisses in his wake.

------------------------------

Naboo's Note:

Hello! A nice 1K for our favorite vampire. I also really love Us - quite possibly my favorite companion in the game pet wise. They're just so cute lol. Hope ya'll are well <3 XOXOXOXOXOXOX

[felinefractious]

Speaking of hairlessness the previous ask reminded me to ask. Does it cause any health issues in cats besides being cold/lots of yeast infections? In rabbits the symptoms of it range from mild to very severe depending on which gene is causing it (specifically there’s one gene that usually results in kits only surviving to up to a few months.) Was curious how’d they compare!

This is probably among my most controversial breed takes but… no, I don’t consider Sphynx to be particularly ethical.

I wouldn’t say they’re on the same level as “can’t fucking breathe” Exotics or “every moment is pain” Folds and obviously not anywhere near as bad as what you’re describing in hairless rabbits… but it’s (personally) still a hard no from me.

I wouldn’t consider yeast infections a minor or benign issue. Yeast infections suck, anyone who’s had one can tell you that. They’re itchy and uncomfortable and all around unpleasant.

A Domestic Shorthair comes in with a yeast infection and it’s a problem that you treat, a Sphynx comes in with a yeast infection and it’s a breed trait that yes you try to treat but understand it’s a uphill battle that’s not likely to completely resolve for an extended period of time.

Overproduction of yeast and hairlessness in cats go hand in hand.

Cutaneous carriage of Malassezia species in healthy and seborrhoeic Sphynx cats and a comparison to carriage in Devon Rex cats

Malassezia pachydermatis and M nana predominate amongst the cutaneous mycobiota of Sphynx cats

Without a hair coat the natural oils produced by the skin just sit there, which is why Sphynx cats require frequent bathing and wiping down. Skin issues are a practically a feature of the breed, no amount of bathing or wiping can replace the function of a natural hair coat.

Video of an 8 week old Sphynx being groomed.

The same thing goes for the ears and nail beds, they require very frequent cleaning but you’ll never be able to keep them as clean as a coated cat. The fur is there for a reason, it works 24/7 while manual cleaning is only present periodically.

They’re also more prone to ocular issues like corneal sequestrum and entropion, I would think this is related to the lack of eyelashes and eyebrow whiskers which serve to protect the eye from debris (similar to our own eyelashes) and alert the cat when something is near their eye and they should close it to avoid a jab.

Prevalence and characteristics of ocular diseases in Sphynx cats: A retrospective assessment (2012–2021) and comparison with non-Sphynx cats

This all tracks with my lived experience with Sphynx cats. This is a very popular breed where I live and we see them frequently. We see repeat, long-term Sphynx owners and we see new Sphynx owners.

I used to be fine with Sphynx cats, I thought they were just another breed with higher grooming requirements - not a big deal, many longhair breeds also have increased grooming needs! But working with them gradually shifted that opinion, and then I began to see these issues where I’d missed them before… how even breeding cats shared by their cattery often have black, dirty nails or how well-known Sphynx owners discuss dermatitis as just part of the breed you treat as needed.

I realized these issues are the rule and not the exception - and it sucks, because pretty much every Sphynx I’ve met has such a good personality. They’re awesome lil’ guys!

Anyways, these are just issues related to their lack of hair - it isn’t touching on other concerns like the insanely high prevalence of HCM in the breed.