#the stronger the hate;; open starter

[maskednihilism]

Tag dump

[edenmemes]

baldur's gate 3 starters (part 1)

part 1 / ? .

❝ a less trusting person might think this all sounds very suspicious. ❞ ❝ you say all the right words, but i’m not sure you mean the right things. ❞ ❝ i know somewhere quiet. somewhere intimate. somewhere we can…indulge in each other. ❞ ❝ eugh, don’t be nice to me. it makes me want to be nice back. ❞ ❝ we needn’t be enemies. there’s plenty of those to go around already. ❞ ❝ there’s a steeliness to you, an unwavering tenacity in the face of, to be frank, quite dire odds. ❞ ❝ even the waves of fate can break upon the shores of will. ❞ ❝ i appreciate anyone that opens a conversation with threats of bodily harm. ❞ ❝ oh, you know me - ever the optimist. i’m trying to focus on the positives. ❞ ❝ i’m not easily impressed by people, but you’re stronger than i gave you credit for. ❞ ❝ there’s an air about you. something alien. ❞ ❝ loosen the grip on your pride for one blasted moment, won’t you? ❞ ❝ it’s been a long time since someone stuck their neck out for me like that. ❞ ❝ there’s something odd about this village. people skulk around like they’ve something to hide. ❞ ❝ you know, if you want to spend time with me, you only have to say so. ❞ ❝ i want to know what the world sees when it looks at me. what you see. ❞ ❝ what’s better than a devil you don’t know? a devil you do. ❞ ❝ you must know that you’re…that you’re very special to me. ❞ ❝ the gods are nothing if not vindictive in their vengeance. ❞ ❝ stay with me a while, will you? day will come all too soon. ❞ ❝ here’s my little treat with their cheeks all flushed. ❞ ❝ i am terrified. i will not claim otherwise. ❞ ❝ my apologies. i’m not quite myself yet. i had the strangest dream last night. ❞ ❝ we didn’t die today. tomorrow, perhaps. but not today. ❞ ❝ leader’s need to make tough decisions. we do what we must. ❞ ❝ i think that unknowable powers come with unknowable consequences. ❞ ❝ i’ve had a lifetime’s fill of watching little men puff themselves up with grand titles. ❞ ❝ in these times, all we can trust are the blades in our hands. ❞ ❝ it’s not easy to turn away from one you once loved. ❞ ❝ much has been promised to you, hasn’t it? but what has been taken from you? ❞ ❝ damn it all. i can do nothing right - not a damn thing. ❞ ❝ every instinct i have tells me that nothing’s changed. that i’m still just a means to an end. ❞ ❝ do not speak of a story you only know the half of. ❞ ❝ i dreamt every night that you’d come back to me. that somehow it was all a nightmare dawn would undo. ❞ ❝ when the time comes to strike, you must take it. for there may be only one chance. ❞ ❝ your eyes. there is pain, endless and deep. but also devotion - blazing like the sun. ❞ ❝ you’re adorable even when you’re teasing me. ❞ ❝ i don’t need your help, and i don’t need your pity. ❞ ❝ i’m more than what i was. and i’m not afraid of anything any more. ❞ ❝ i said exactly what i meant: i love you. you should never, never doubt that. ❞ ❝ this is all like some sort of terrible dream. but it’s real, isn’t it? ❞ ❝ there is no redemption. can’t you see? it is too late. ❞ ❝ i don’t know that it was brave. i just know that it was right. ❞ ❝ you took those bastards down like it was nothing. it…was amazing. ❞ ❝ they underestimated me. so they paid the price. ❞ ❝ we fight, we die, and we just hope that when our time comes, there is someone else to take our place. ❞ ❝ unfortunately for me, you’re my friend. rescuing you from mortal peril is my right. ❞ ❝ what did you think i was going to say? 'oh, come here, i'll kiss you better'? ❞ ❝ flowers are so overrated. they're bright, gaudy, and almost never make good poisons. ❞ ❝ i’ve been lied to, my whole life. and i was gullible enough to just believe it. ❞ ❝ you know, i never pictured myself as a hero. never thought i'd be the one they toast for saving so many lives. and now that i'm here…i hate it. ❞ ❝ you know, i feel a connection between us. like we're two souls walking the same path. ❞ ❝ the forgiving sort, are you? you should be careful. plenty would take advantage of that. ❞

❝ it’s as if god made you just to ruin me. ❞ ❝ perish the thought. every word i said was nothing less than true. ❞ ❝ you have a manner of irresistible desperation about you. i like it. ❞ ❝ i got my eye on you. you got the look of a troublemaker. ❞ ❝ i’m starting to think you’re my guardian angel. ❞ ❝ it seems you know me better than i know myself. ❞ ❝ you…you have no idea what you’ve done. ❞ ❝ they say madness and genius are separated by but a hair’s breadth. perhaps the same is true of madness and stupidity. ❞ ❝ oh, it’s you. don’t you get tired of telling people how to live their lives? ❞ ❝ good morning! thank you for not killing me the other night. ❞ ❝ when the time comes to strike, you must take it. for there may be only one chance. ❞ ❝ it is good to savour the moment of victory - but pace bg3 syourself. our fight is just beginning. ❞ ❝ i was too hasty to judge you. i thought you were witless, gutless, unimpressivably bland… ❞ ❝ yours is the first happy face i’ve seen in a good while. ❞ ❝ when hope has been whittled down to the very marrow of despair – that’s when you’ll come knocking on my door. ❞ ❝ thank you, my friend. maybe we’ll meet again, in another life. ❞ ❝ you’ll regret sticking your nose in my business. ❞

[goodnightmemes]

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER SENTENCE STARTERS

❛ I'm sorry for your loss, your...your losses, rather. ❜

❛ Nobody gets away with anything. Not really. ❜

❛ Don't lecture me about family values. You're just as shit in that department as I am. ❜

❛ That day was the last day we were all in the same place. Alive. ❜

❛ They will love you because I love you, and the only thing stronger than love is how scared they are of getting cut out of the will. ❜

❛ And most people go their whole, wasted, stupid lives without one minute of true resolution. Not me though. ❜

❛ You know what a resolution is? It's a deal you make with the future. ❜

❛ The people in charge of making us healthy make us sick. We cheat the dying. We fleece the poor. Promote the racist. Let the demons run amok. This world needs changing. ❜

❛ You're supposed to be shadowing me. Shadows don't fucking talk. ❜

❛ This is beneath you. And you're going to kill it. But you're better than all of this. And the minute you figure that out, you're going to be unstoppable. ❜

❛ There's no such thing as a step back. You go forward. If you hit a brick wall, you don't go back, you go through. ❜

❛ Nearly realized is the sweetest. It's better, I promise, in the moment just before than in the moment after. ❜

❛ You are consequence. And tonight, you are consequential. ❜

❛ You are a pretty, pretty little thing. ❜

❛ You wonder why people hate us. This is why. ❜

❛ Everybody knows that edible arrangements are what you send to people you hate. ❜

❛ If you start thinking this is reality, you'll just slip into the abyss. ❜

❛ We can talk about it after because I've had a shit day and I really just wanna starfish and forget the world. ❜

❛ Don't talk to me until I've come at least twice. ❜

❛ I love how deliciously, pointlessly mean you lot can be. ❜

❛ You still didn't need to come here though. It could have happened quiet. Peaceful. In bed. But I guess it's got to happen like this. ❜

❛ It's amazing how far you can get on denial. You know why so many people use denial to get by? Because it really fucking works. ❜

❛ You can't enhance this image? You see it all the time on TV. They hit a button, it enhances it. ❜

❛ I don't even own anything funeral black. ❜

❛ Satin is silk for poor people, no one should wear it to a funeral, unless they died in it. ❜

❛ Nobody knows they're the fall guy until they're falling.❜

❛ Women are the natural leaders of the species. Ancient Egypt had it right. ❜

❛ Okay, just because the door's open doesn't necessarily guarantee you a seat at the table. ❜

❛ You're not who I thought you were. ❜

❛ I really didn't want to think it, but...you're all fucking monsters. ❜

❛ Watching you shit on your principles would have been worth every fucking penny. ❜

❛ The mind of guilt is full of scorpions. And I wouldn't wish their sting on anyone. ❜

❛ Don't have to be smart to be dangerous. I'm not scared of rattlesnakes 'cause they're so smart. ❜

❛ You're so out of touch with your human side...you can't even listen to anything outside your own head. ❜

❛ I haven't seen you sleep in like...I mean, it's been a fucking long time. Like, horror movie long. ❜

❛ Life is insane. It is madness. The sooner you understand that, the better off you'll be. ❜

❛ The world might not be safe but listen to me, and listen carefully. I won't let anything happen to you. ❜

❛ All these terrible things and I thought, that's when people come together. But we've never been further apart. ❜

❛ Tell me it's worth it. Tell me you know the risk and I'll be there with you. I'll back you up. Just tell me. ❜

❛ Shut your mouth, get your shit together. The fuck is wrong with you? ❜

❛ Men, when they think they're immortal, all they want to do is fuck. When they figure out they're going to die, all they want to do is fuck. ❜

❛ It just makes you think, you know, life is so fucking short. ❜

❛ You don't have to be a tyrant, but if you don't want to be consistently cruel, then you have to be sufficiently brutal at least once to establish authority. ❜

❛ I thought it was an act. I figured you just played the housewife so you could keep a roof over your head. Spread your legs or suck his dick twice a week and you're set. You never have to work a day in your life. And I thought, "Good for her, she found her angle," but...this is really you. Isn't it? ❜

❛ Words got us into this, words can get us out. ❜

❛ You're a collection of impeccable, elaborate masks in orbit of a stunted heart. ❜

❛ There are certain things one shouldn't have to face in life. Time enough for self-reflection after. ❜

❛ I don't normally like to get my hands this dirty, but honey, you earned it. ❜

❛ I see you now. I look at you and I see... You. The poverty of you. ❜

❛ The real world is Darwinian. Survival, chaos, power. Leverage. ❜

❛ You feel it. In the air. We're sitting outside of time and space. ❜

❛ This is the moment luck meets opportunity. ❜

❛ In the ancient world, we'd seal this with blood, or spit. And then later, papyrus. But, a deal's a deal all over the world. ❜

❛ We're a... virus, I think. People, I mean. ❜

❛ But everyone loves something. And in that love there's collateral. ❜

❛ I say this with love. Let it go. Let it all go. ❜

❛ So I say, we stand tall and proud. Bill's come due. Let's not hide here in the basement like we've got something to be ashamed of. No. Not us. You and me against the world. ❜

❛ It may not have been perfect, but you can't say we didn't change the world. How many people can say that at the end? ❜

❛ I knew I would climb to the top of the tower on a pile of corpses. ❜

❛ It don't matter in the end why you did any of it. I don't fucking care why you did it. We don't want your confession, or your rationale, or your explanation. ❜

[dreamtydraw]

Hi ! Can you tell us more about what kind of dynamic Corvus has with the other LIs if you played their route ?

okay so i took to play everyone's route ( except Cirrus chapter 2 ) so I can finally answer ! I'll start from the worst relationship to the best relationship Corvus has with the Lis ( fun fact you can notice how comfortable they are with them based on how much Corvus is willing to show their appearance )

For starter Corvus fear Cirrus like a wild rabbit would fear any predator. They are NOT comfortable around him because of the fact he's showing up as a sort of superior authority that makes them feel extremely vulnerable and because they constantly fear that someone could use them, the gut instinct of fear push them to AVOID Cirrus. If I want to explore Cirrus route I would make up another character because this two are not compatible.

Now Oleander and Corvus is a particular relationship- There isn't more honest than someone who dislike you and Corvus dislike him, more precisely they dislike how amused he seems to be from their torment. This weird relationship of hate is mixed with a sour strange need of validation, Corvus despite their inner monologue of discomfort do enjoy Oleander's company and is willing to offer more loyalty than they claim they would. I don't really know how Oleander view this relationship as for now I kinda have a hard time understanding his personality, so maybe i'll develop it once I have a better grasp of who he is as a character.

Francesco is a breath of fresh air for Corvius. They abandoned their whole guard because their heart wants to believe on a stranger kindness and they genuinely enjoy spending time with him, it helps forgets about death. Even if their motive aren't all pure hearted, Corvus do see in Francesco a friend. They like the way he approach the world and his strange mannerisms. The relationship is ambiguous as they both share mixed signals of interest but as for now ( so beginning of the story ) it's casual on Corvus side ( but I do hc the theorie that Francesco might know mc from outside the mountain and already likes or have stronger feeling toward them than we know. So he surely like them way more than platonicaly and is overjoyed to spend time with them. )

Now let's dive straight for them, hey should make out- that the understanding everyone around them have of what Corvus and Keir relationship might be. The worst situationship to witness, they both fumble at each other attempt to take that step in the relationship and the slow burn is a bit too burning for how slow it is.

Now outside of the romantic aspect, I do like their relationship in the fact they don't really share the same morals but respect the one the other share and are open to understand it. It's rare to find someone who you feel at ease despite your difference and it offer instant where you can see things from another point of view. Corvus is literally an enjoyer of material collections who do not want to be seen as kind for the fear of being used by others while Keir does not find interest in owning more than necessary + actively do goods to help others. They complete each other in a way that don't stop them from being who they are individualy and I swear to god i am a big sucker for Moon and Sun themed pairing okay-

Also on a more developed part but Keir's route is the most fitting route for Corvus because it force them to go against one of their insecurity which is the idea of being used + not having any worth. In this branch of the story Corvus find a purpose and something that makes living worth it when they enjoy the fruit of helping a community.

Thank you for reading this far ! It's not super detailed but that really because I wait for more materials / understanding of what I could use from the game to build Corvus relationship with the lis !

[beyondspaceandstars]

Paint 'n' Sip

Relationship: Bucky Barnes x Reader Warnings: N/A, just all fluff! Summary: You convince your boyfriend Bucky to go to a paint and pour with you. A/N: so this is part of my attempt to post the writings I originally posted on ao3 before I made this account so this is a pretty old one-shot (ao3 says 2020 but I feel like I wrote this before that lmao) however I did go through and edit it so it's a bit stronger than it was before! please enjoy, it's a super simple little fluffy thing :)

Masterlist

"Doll, come on…" Bucky sighed as he gripped the event flyer in his hand. You were sitting on the couch, watching, while Bucky was planted in front the kitchen island.

You just came in the room minutes ago with puppy dog eyes in full swing and a pout as sad as you could muster. Of course, your boyfriend immediately knew something was up, but he gave you the benefit of the doubt and read the flyer you were shaking about. You had got yourself cozy on the couch and waited for his reaction. As predicted, he wasn’t a willing participant.

"What?" You frowned. "It’ll be fun."

He shook his head and turned to you. "Painting and drinking wine? Sounds more like a girls night activity."

"Well," you sighed and crossed your arms, "none of my friends are available, so I thought my wonderful boyfriend who loves me so much would go with me." You tried to keep your face as serious as possible, but it was difficult thanks to Bucky’s expression which told you he wasn’t that convinced yet.

"Doll, seriously, of course I love you, but I draw the line somewhere."

You groaned and got up from your seat, making your way over to your stubborn boyfriend. He placed the flyer on the counter and opened his arms to engulf you. Despite your slight annoyance, you accepted. You were always weak when it came to him holding you.

"You’re being a bit dramatic about this," you said as you gently ran your fingers through his hair. "It’s just a bit of painting paired with some wine sipping. What’s there to really hate?"

"Well, for starters, I’m not much of an artistic guy—," you rolled your eyes, but he continued, "and it’s gonna be full of moms."

You couldn’t help but let out a laugh. "Moms? You think it’ll be full of moms?"

Bucky gave you a look, eyebrows raised. "Wine and painting? Sounds like a mom activity."

You shook your head. "I’ll have you know, this is a very trendy thing trendy adults do."

Now, Bucky was the one laughing. "Oh? And we’re so trendy?"

You lightly hit his arm for that comment. "Come with me and you’ll see that it isn’t so bad."

He truly couldn’t say no to you. And you both secretly knew it.

Saturday night had finally rolled around.

You sat at your vanity touching up your makeup while Bucky lounged on your shared bed. You kept sneaking glances at him through the mirror, taking notice of how he had freshened up a bit more than usual. His jeans hugged him in the right places and his hair was done well. It warmed your heart to see the effort he was trying to put in for you. Even if it was just a night of painting and drinking, it was still a night out with each other.

"You almost ready, hon?" Bucky asked as he kept glancing at the clock on the wall. Your reservation was at seven and you were sure going until the last possible second with your makeup.

"Oh, sure, sure," you waved a hand in dismissal. "Just let me put on lipstick."

"Lipstick?" Bucky frowned. "That just means you won’t let me kiss you."

You let out a laugh, trying to stead your hand as the scarlet color coats your lips. "You can keep your lips to yourself for a few hours."

Your boyfriend mumbled something under his breath then whisked you out of the shared apartment.

You both arrived in just the knick of time. After checking in and grabbing your drink, you two found the only open seats. They were in the middle of the room. And they were nicely situated between two groups of excited, bubbly women.

It didn’t go missed by you that Bucky was the only guy that and from the frown forming on your boyfriend’s face, you realized he noticed at well. You did your best to hold in laughter. He would probably bug you endlessly for this one, and you knew it.

"I think you owe me for this, sweetheart." Bucky muttered as he stared emotionless at the blank canvas propped up the table.

You glanced down at your sorted paints and brushes. "Maybe this will allow you to find your inner Picasso."

Bucky let out a humorless chuckle before taking a big gulp of his drink.

While your boyfriend stewed in his grumpiness, you decided to eavesdrop on the ladies around you two—partially desperate to prove it wasn’t just moms here. You quickly found out that the women on your side were college students out celebrating the end of finals. There was, also, what looked like, a bachelorette party going on a few tables in front of you. You were just about to tell Bucky he was wrong about the clientele when the women sitting closest to him started talking about their children's soccer games. As if on cue, Bucky shot you a look.

"You so owe me for this," Bucky whispered to you. You had to cup your hand over your mouth to stop yourself from roaring with laughter.

The room died down when the instructor introduced themselves and began the class. The painting on tonight’s agenda was a simple sunset with a forest landscape. It sounded quite cute and may even make a nice piece for over your dresser, you thought.

As you got into the painting, you kept glancing over at Bucky. To much surprise, he was extremely concentrated on his canvas. Every brush stroke was done such precision and no move was done unwisely. His drink was even going untouched, completely forgotten about as he was consumed by paint. Your heart fluttered at this sight.

Turning back to your canvas, you tried to match his precision. The blending of your sunset wasn’t exactly up to par, but you thought if your stubborn boyfriend could get into it, you could too. It was your idea after all. How were you doing to be shown up by Mr. Grumpy over there?

Eventually, the instructor concluded the session and everyone around you was quick to show their group what they had done. Plenty of wine had flowed as well, probably contributing to the frenzy.

You stared at your sunset and were a bit…unimpressed. It was alright for a beginner, you figured. You turned to ask how Bucky was doing but your words died on your tongue when you saw his final painting. Bucky’s was the completed opposite of yours… It was like a whole new world. The detail, excitement, colors, everything… The care and concentration he had put into it didn’t go unnoticed. Everything flowed so gently and beautifully. To say you were amazed would be an understatement.

"Buck, that’s…incredible." You were in awe. Bucky glanced at you and a slight blush creeped up on his cheeks.

"You really think so?" He asked.

You nodded. "We’re gonna have to hang it up when we get home."

He chuckled and asked if you ere ready to go. You agreed, deciding it was time to free home.

With both paintings in one hand, Bucky used his other to intertwine your fingers and swung your arms back and forth gently as you two walked back home.

"I’ll be honest, I had a good time tonight," Bucky admitted.

"Really?" You giggled. "I hadn’t notice at all. I thought the canvas would combust from your intense stare."

He bumped his side into you lightly. "I was just… really into it. We gotta paint more."

"Oh, no, not we." You shook your head. "I think this is your hidden talent."

Bucky started to blush again and looked away toward the street.

"I mean it, babe." You mumbled, rubbing patterns on his hand with your thumb. "I think it could be good for you. Therapeutic, maybe."

His walking speed was slowing down a bit. You were looking at him while his eyes were trained on the pavement.

"Only if you promise you’ll hang up every painting I do."

You smiled at the comment. He started picking that talent up from you—making some lighthearted comment even in the slight serious of times. The fact he even considered it made you feel all fuzzy. You couldn’t wait to see what he could do with a full set of acrylics.

"It would be an honor to display any of your paintings."

He gave you a peck on the cheek, now making you blush as you continued your way home.

[roleplay-evil]

Little Miss + The Struggle Starters

"You should have done yourself a favor and died while you had the chance."

"I think that's a really great idea I'm not gonna try."

"You have me now. You can trust me."

"Why did you leave me behind?"

"What are you doing? Open the door!"

"If you can move, leave. Trouble never comes alone."

"Why won't you make this easy?"

"I helped you, now you help me."

"I'm sorry! Just help me out."

"You should forget about me. Find a new friend."

"I'm fine. I won't stop until I find [name]."

"I'm all alone now..."

"Let's press on while we can."

"Look, I get it. I won't be a burden."

"Stop whining, keep working."

"I don't want your help, I can find them myself."

"I think we're winning."

"You're stronger than that now."

"It's very important to get there before sundown. Otherwise, the monsters will have you for dinner. Yum yum yum."

"Wow! Educational."

"This building looks promising. Think there's anything inside?"

"[name], I don't think I can go on any longer..."

"This is so exhausting. You should just give up."

"Who cares? You need to worry about [name]."

"They're the only thing left in my life that's good."

"[name] was always the one who knew what to do."

"Forget about the past. Just focus on what's ahead."

"Well, thanks for scaring my appetite away."

"We've got what we need. Can we call it a day?"

"They've always been there for me. I won't abandon them!"

"Let's go find out what happened to [name], huh?"

"Less talking, more paying attention."

"A monster. What do we do?"

"Another one of these fuckers?"

"Run. Absolutely do not try fighting it."

"I'm not afraid. They can't hurt me."

"Watch it. There's another one up ahead."

"That doesn't leave us a lot of time."

"Fuck, I hate using guns."

"You like my special weapon? Use it wisely."

"Are you gonna let me shoot them or do you want to complain some more?"

"I didn't leave [name] behind! I would never!"

"I'm here, baby. Please be alive."

"What if [name]'s the whole reason you're alone?"

"I'm not crazy, I just don't want to be alone anymore."

"Maybe you should just let them go."

"It'll kill you if it sees you."

"I can't find [name]. They're my friend."

"It won't see me. I'll be careful."

"We're not gonna last long in a rat run like this."

"It's so dark in here."

"Stay right where I can see you."

"But it's too dangerous!"

"Don't you love me anymore?"

"I'm probably dying."

"Shit, are you getting worse? Need some water?"

"Along the way, I saw lots of dead bodies."

"Now tell me why you're so upset."

"Gosh-arooney, you little bitch."

[notstilinski]

The Fall of the House of Usher Starters !

Taken from the Netflix 2023 series, The Fall of the House of Usher! Some of these have already been edited. You can change them however you see fit! There may be some light spoilers present!

“Listen, I’m sorry… For your loss. For your losses, rather.”

“Have a glass. See what a few years of your worth tastes like.”

“Don’t lecture me on family values. You’re just as shit in that department as I am.”

“The gates are always open but that doesn’t mean you answer the phone?”

“Don’t mention them ever. They don’t exist. Do you understand?”

“They will love you because I love you, and the only thing stronger than love is how fucking scared they are of getting cut out of the will.”

“All good. Right behind you.”

“You guys, we should really get together more often. It’s just a balm for the soul.”

“You know what a resolution is? It’s a deal you make with the future.”

“You’re basically 80% cum, I can fucking smell it on you.”

“Jesus, (Name), when you get going, you get going.”

“The oven mitts come off and the nail polish goes on.”

“It’s better, I promise, in the moment just before than in the moment after.”

“You are consequence, (Name). And tonight, you are consequential.”

“You are a pretty, pretty little thing.”

“Opportunity doesn’t give a fuck what you’re going through.”

“(Name), damn it, everybody knows that edible arrangements are what you send to people you hate.”

“If you start thinking this is reality, you’ll just slip into the abyss.”

“You shouldn’t be here and you don’t have to be here. That’s all I was saying.”

“It’s amazing how far you can get on denial.”

“Christ, no one knows they’re the fall guy until they’re falling.”

“Don’t complain about the drugs.”

“He throws us the food and watches us fight for it. You know that.”

“You’re not who I thought you were.”

“I didn’t want to think it but… you’re all fucking monsters.”

“Don’t have to be smart to be dangerous.”

“You gotta be smart. You have to realize, you can’t trust people. Not you. Not anyone.”

“Don’t stand there and look all hurt, you asshole! You think I don’t know?”

“Shut your mouth, get your shit together. The fuck is wrong with you?”

“Both of us lucky in one way, at least. Got good people at home who love us anyway. Let’s not let them down.”

“I trusted them, so I trusted you.”

“All of the best of (Name) without… without the broken heart.”

“You don’t have to be a tyrant, but if you don’t want to be consistently cruel, then you have to be sufficiently brutal at least once to establish authority.”

“I’m sorry. Why the fuck would you do that, sweetheart?”

“No, I’m afraid you’re ringside for my reckoning, old friend.”

“You’re a collection of impeccable, elaborate masks in orbit of a stunted heart.”

“You’re a monster, you know that?”

“Should’ve died here, honey. It would have made you an honest person.”

“You only ever wanted to be loved by them. You only ever wanted their approval. And it’s still no fucking excuse.”

“If I die, this stops?”

“Outsourcing intimacy.”

“I look at you and I see… you. The poverty of you.”

“We’re a… Virus, I think. People, I mean.”

“It’s a slap on the wrist that comes with a blowjob.”

“I say this with love. Let it go. Let it all go.”

“I knew I would climb to the top of the tower on a pile of corpses.”

“Because it don’t matter in the end why you did any of it. I don’t fucking care why you did it.”

“We don’t want your confession, or your rationale, or your explanation. So take all that with you, why don’t you.”

[nissho-ku]

— yoichi isagi used to be human once.

as human as one could be with the power of mediocre magic. a gift bestowed to scant few people from the deities known to take upon the form of dragons. born into a family of non-sorcerers, yoichi had to keep his talent hidden from others as the village they lived in had outlawed magic and the family had no money to move them somewhere safer for their only child. how yoichi wishes he could go back to that time; before he had accepted traversing with a troop of treasure hunters, promised enough money to move his family and some to hold them steady if he would use his mediocre skills to help them obtain a stone said to have been dropped by the deities themselves.

yoichi remembers the feeling of betrayal well. the scent of his own blood filled his nostrils as the head of the group, kaiser, had laughed at yoichi and his naiveite. all too trusting of a random group of strangers to imagine they would ever let him get a pay cut. he remembers the attempts to wrestle the stone from his grasp, his brain fighting him, imploring him to think of a way to save himself and get as far away as possible. without thinking, he took the stone to his mouth, swallowed it, and everything went dark.

that was the last thing yoichi remembers before a burning inferno was in front of him. horrified at his surroundings, he tried to escape, to recollect his thoughts and emotions, but all he could hear being cried out was ‘monster! you're a monster!!’

and perhaps he is, yoichi thinks to himself; weeks later and huddled in a nicely kept shrine, observing his human skin mottled with gradient scales covering bits of his legs, arms and hands with wounds leaking blood attempting to hide the vibrant blue. from what he could gather, due to swallowing the stone, he'd somehow been able to transform himself into a dragon, it seems. he could not go home like this, unless he wanted to bring trouble to his parents. he hated making them worry as well since he has not been home in a while. however he had bigger things to worry about as of now.

yoichi could hear the murmurings of people outside; he could smell them, a crowd of them gathered and clearly disturbed by his presence. he wouldn't fault them if they were on the verge of grabbing pitchforks and chasing him away, but a new scent catches his attention. it smells strongly of the sea; heavy in salt, pungent enough that it makes isagi want to cover his nose. but the smell gets stronger and stronger, until the closed doors of the shrine open and a tall man enters. yoichi bares his teeth, body tense even though he is in no shape to defend himself. he is too weak to use his magic but he would surely put up an act against these humans.

this one doesn't look scared of him. “get away from me if you know what's good for you,” he hisses. it's weird, he thinks, how calm this sea smelling human is in the face of a monster.

@maxstats / dragon tales starter!

[smokeybrandreviews]

Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku

Dragon Ball Daima is over and it was a surprisingly fun little romp. I have my issues (Goma is a trash final boss, Arinsu was a waste, and the ending was disappointing), but for the most part, Dragon Ball GT 2.0 was a solid outing. I didn’t expect to like that sh*t as much as I did because I hated the chibi angle of GT. I understand why it was there, the creators wanted all of the action of Z but the fun shenanigans of the OG Dragon Ball, so de-aging Goku made sense. But the entire idea of doing that and maintain his current, absurd, power level was a non-starter for me. Like, Kid Goku had to go Super Saiyan 3 to beat that General Rilo guy, which means that asshole was as strong as Buu. F*cking ridiculous. Or, as much as I like Super Seventeen, there’s no way two Seventeens are stronger than Super Baby 2. That’s f*cking ridiculous. Daima kind of corrects those mistakes.

Chibifying the Z-Fighters weakens them considerably. They are still mad, crazy, powerful, but nowhere near the strength they have as adults. That, and they all have to relearn how to fight with their newly shrunken forms. That makes sense. It explains why post Z Goku would have trouble fighting the Tamagami idols. No one in this world is stronger that Buu so an adult Piccolo could take everyone. Hell, even the new Majins are weak as f*ck. The biggest issue I had with GT was that insane power creep and Daima got rid of it in the opening episode in a way which made sense and instigated the plot organically. I’m not saying everything was executed so smoothly, a lot of the touring episodes felt like forced filler, especially early on before they got that first Dragon ball. Still, I loved the addition of Panzy and Glorio, even if they were just thinly veiled Pan and Trunks pastiches. I even enjoyed the canonization of those two forms, even if the greater fandom has issue with them.

Ultra Vegeta 1 was destined to be canon. I remember, years ago, in Budokai 3 I think, Vegeta got a Super Saiyan 3 variant. It was mentioned then that he didn’t take the form often because he found the power boost to stamina loss ration unwieldy, like the Grade 3 Super Saiyan form. It’s why you don’t see him using Super Vegeta anymore either, not after he achieved Super Saiyan 2 off-screen. It never occurred to me that Vegeta just didn’t reach the third form. How could he not? Especially after how frustrated he was he didn’t get to fight Goku in that form. Vegeta definitely achieved that sh*t at some point and wrote it off as something to use in a proper fight. The drawbacks just weren’t worth it. Which makes Ultra Ego look even worse. I understand you need a GoD version of Ultra Instinct but that? That’s what you landed on? Word? A glass canon, really? Just like Super Saiyan 3. Too much show, not enough substance.

Look, it’s not hard for me to accept Super Saiyan 4 as canon. That sh*t is dope. But outside of that, of course it. I hear rumblings of Daima’s place in the series and it’s obvious that sh*t fits right between Super and Z. Cats are asking why he didn’t use that form against Beerus and he simply can’t use it outside of the Demon World. It took Neva basically unlocking Goku’s potential mid flight with Namekian demon magic, for him to even achieve that form. Him doing it again without that initially power-up, is no different than Goku mastering God Ki while fighting. The difference being Demon magic need Demonic energy in order to be utilized. Since Goku fought Beerus in the Mortal Realm, he couldn’t achieve Super Saiyan 4 and Super Saiyan God is a more powerful form. Didn’t make sense to go backward once Goku’s had achieved godhood. It’s wild to me that this is a point of contention because, even in GT, it took a bunch of Buttz waves to even start the transformation. That’s dumb. GT was dumb. Tying Super Saiyan Four to the Demon Realm is smart. Daima is smart. And it is canon.

Dragon Ball Daima is definitely canon. It’s the last work Akira Toriyama had a strong hand in and fits pretty well into the timeline. Plus, it expands the cosmic lore the back end of Z hinted at, and Super based its entire premise around. Obviously, there are plot holes. Dragon Ball is notorious for those but do we need all the answers spoon fed to us? Most of these things are easily answered. Pansy and Glorio went back to the Demon Realm after a visit to their Mortal one. Super Saiyan Four only works in a world with Demon magic. Hell, Daima even explains why the Nameks are so hard to find in Super; They went back to their home world. Obviously, not everything fits together perfectly. We never got our fusion with those bugs, but, for the most part, Daima is more than a well-executed gaiden tale full of fan service and redemption. Daima is everything GT wanted to be but couldn’t. It builds the world out perfectly, I love the addition of the creation lore and, even more, the fact that Vegeta gets even more development. That man loves his wife, let me tell you!

[occasionalrpmemes]

Amigo the Devil: Volume 1 Starters

sentences taken from the 2015 album. edit as desired. warning: this one does NOT pass the Hayes Code lmao. content includes, but is not limited to: sex, violence (both domestic and otherwise), alcohol, strong language, religion, general moral degeneracy, et cetera

It's all for you.

I'd rot in hell with you, if you'd just ask me to.

Come on, believe me, follow me home, there's no judgement here.

Take the shot.

This night is going to end horribly for someone.

I'm not so much afraid of letting go as much as scared of giving up.

Open up to me.

The Devil came and sold his fucking soul to me!

If I've hurt you, please forgive me. Love makes you do funny things.

This fire feels so real.

Don't say a word, my darling. I know how you feel.

On rainy days, we'll drink until the gray is left in nothing but our hair.

I know you want it, too.

I'll lay by your side 'til everything is rotten through.

Tonight, we'll celebrate life! Eat the best food and drink the best wine.

I hope your husband dies.

Are you feeling upside down or even empty inside?

Meet me down by the bar. We'll go and take this drink out to the stars.

Death is just one moment.

Some people follow rules, some people go around.

As an elephant, I'm only really relevant when I'm standing in the room.

I am the son of an asshole.

No one deserves my world quite like you do.

I'm not so much afraid of being alone, just kind of feel I've had enough.

God knows I'll do what I need.

These hands are stronger than you're led to believe.

We'll never have a house to decorate, a place that we can call our home.

If I can't have you, nobody will.

There's only one thing in this life that makes us living.

I want to be where all the stupid shit I say sounds so romantic and true.

Live with me in this sin forever.

There's nothing left to lose, 'cuz I've already lost it all.

Tonight, I'll follow you home and start up a fire that'll keep us both warm.

Hang around, let down your hair.

So you should start to undress and just… try a little less.

Now you're with this asshole- you expect me to believe it's gonna last?

Let me have this dance with you.

Your eyes look like diamonds still stuck inside the mines.

When your tongue is putrid and your skin is sagging down, I'll stick around.

It's true, I hate everything but you.

We'll laugh a little, drink a little, see what you're made of.

All the bridges in the world won't lead you back to fix what couldn't be erased.

This fairytale just ain't coming true.

I'll drive my car like I stole it, drink at the bar like I own it.

These wrinkles are the maps of all the places we went no one else would dare.

I'd rather have a reason I should stay.

There's always gonna be a better high, and a lower down.

We take things a little far, but you couldn't name a place I wouldn't go with you.

I'm capable of making you disappear.

I have a couple different faces if you need a place to hide.

The time we spent together when the light was out became my thought of you.

I am the agent that decides your fate.

There's only one kind of people in the world: people who die!

It doesn't matter what you've heard or if you're good or bad and everything between.

I love the shitty things we do together.

It's been a while since I've held anything as close as I have you.

I'd like to live my life just like a dog. Humble as can be and unconditional in everything I love.

I'll make you famous one way or another.

Home is the last place that I'd stand to be with anyone but you.

I'd crawl in bed with you. Even in someone else's blood, on top of someone else's love, in the worst motel we find.

This life is a maze with only one way out.

Every dime spent is worth looking good- and that's Hollywood!

They'll write about our story here for years to come and maybe even more, cuz there's never been a love like this before.

I'll cut to the chase, just don't try to leave.

Trust me, I'm not jealous, I'm just hoping that he really messes up.

When I had you near me I just couldn't think of anything to say, but now that I'm alone, I got the perfect things to tell you everyday.

We'll leave the world the way dreamers do.

All the parties we can throw - we'll dress like anything we please!

All the distance that we've spent apart will never have to mean a thing. Every mile I traveled was to find the perfect stone to fit your ring.

Living in the moment's hard when everything I want is in the past.

When the night falls, out comes the terror.

Your heart will always have a place to live with nothing left to be.

[whosxafraid]

She's A Rolex

Starter requested by @ifyoucatchacriminal

Banging.

That's the first thing that should have told him something was fecking wrong. But up until three seconds ago he was dead asleep--closer to the actual than the metaphorical to boot. And now he's shuffle footing it to his front door. Half fell down the god damn steps before getting to the lock. Half a dozen curse words not in English before he's slinging the god damn thing open. Green and off yellow going wide as he stares down at the face staring up at him.

"Watch?! Lass, wha--?"

No time. Let me in.

And he's on alert in a fraction of a second. Gaze tearing from her to the outside. The outside where the rain is coming down in sheets. The scent of everything sub-duded. Muted. Muggy if he had to put a word to it. And he hates that. Hates that in spades. But where scent is not helping him sight and hearing attempt it. But there's too much movement from the rain and too little of it anywhere else. And its roaring like a dragon thrice pissed. So it's with only so much caution that the door slams shut behind her. Every lock from the top to the bottom shoved into place.

And hand that only dares hover at the small of Watch's back as he ushers her through the space he uses as a garage. Passed the SUV, van, and motor bike, all unmarked, all unassuming and as black as the void in which they sit. Onward up the steps he directs until the next door behind them is pulled closed. And from there she sheds shoes and socks while he takes her coat.

His guest allowed to venture out into the living room of his abode. A living room buffeted on two sides by floor to ceiling windows. Similar sized bookshelves that stand upon either side, in between and along the length of the opposite wall. Watch moving to collapse upon the couch at the center of the view while Luka digs up a towel, blankets, something to eat and drink. And by the time it is all said and done? She looks far better than she did when the banging began.

"Ye go' toi'me now, lass?"

She nods. A breath taken. A wary look at the windows. He knows she knows nothing can touch her here. That glass has stopped stronger things than sniper bullets in and outside of this zip code. And while he will close the blinds if she asks...

I'm being...watched.

He doesn't smile. Not a single lick of amusement to what should have been a slightly funny inside joke to break the tension. But now isn't the time for jokes and there's the slightest chuck of his chin to get her to continue.

I don't know how...or by who...hell I don't even know when it specifically started. I just....things weren't...things haven't been where I put them. Every time I leave the house it feels like there's someone right behind me but every time I try to catch them...

Hands come up as she shakes a frown from her features.

I thought it might have been the nymph you said lives in the tree in my court yard--she's been acting weird. I thought maybe she was sick but she wouldn't talk to me. And then two nights ago...

She wanders away from whatever she was going to say, and he has to redirect. The slightest nudge of a finger against tea mug in her hands now, because anyone that knows Watch? Knows her germophobia cannot handle being touched.

S-sorry uh...t-two nights ago--this is going to sound insane but I--I was working and... I swear I felt someone touch me, Luka. I felt the warmth of their hand the weight of it but the second I turned around...nothing. Nothing but this gut wrenching feeling I was exposed. Exposed like I was in Pa--Paris. I wasn't followed...I checked and rechecked and rechecked again just like you taught me.

And that is all he needs to hear. He promised her what happened to her in Paris would never happen again. And he meant it. It wouldn't. Watch had nearly died that night, and it was not something Luka O'Rian was going to allow to happen twice. And he tells her as much, before getting up. Moving to one of the windows. Phone pulled from a pocket, a number dialing as it settles at his ear.

Because Watch isn't his only "friend" and if there's one thing that all six foot ten and red hair of him is good at? It's finding people that don't want to be found. Especially when they're a threat to his employee and by that measure his own livelihood.

[ammy246]

While Narusasu will always be my otp, if I had to choose for Sasuke to end up with a woman, I would've picked Hinata over Sakura. Yes, it's true they never really interacted. However, there is a lot of potential.

Hinata lost Neji while Sasuke lost Itachi. The two of them could've met at the graveyard, and bonded knowing there's someone out there who understands what they are going through. Hinata was never shown to have a grudge against Sasuke for everything he has done, and she was also never one of his obsessive fangirls so he'd be more open to talking to her than other women. Hinata is the head of her clan yet is not as strong as Neji was or her younger sister Hanabi, so perhaps Sasuke would help train her. Hinata would be calm and easy to talk to, allowing Sasuke to feel comfortable and maybe even open up to her after awhile. As time passed, he'd think "what was the dope thinking ignoring a beautiful and strong woman like this?" and that's when he'd realize there was more to his feelings, and start suppressing them, because how could someone so good possibly love him? Meanwhile, Hinata would realize she was thinking about Sasuke way more than Naruto and enjoying the time she spent with him. She'd also grow protective and hate when her friends hate on him for having been a traitor, and they'd point this out to her, making her realize how much she truly loves him.

Now I'll address the elephant in the room; Naruto Uzumaki. Hinata confessed to Naruto, however he never addressed those feelings, or showed signs of returning them. Hinata felt awkward, and didn't confront him. However, Sasuke eventually convinced Naruto to stand up because he hated watching Hinata be sad over this unrequited love. Naruto admits he was never in love with Hinata and viewed her as a friend, but has feelings for Sakura, and never confessed because she still loved Sasuke. Sasuke says he does not love Sakura and convinces Naruto to consider confessing to her. Naruto agrees, and apologizes to Hinata for not being in love with her, and hopes for her to find someone who makes her happy. Hinata is sad the man she loved rejected her, but says "Ok" with a smile on her face, and tells Naruto to do the same. Sasuke is there for Hinata as she cries, and resents his best friend for making her cry, but realizes he is just as guilty for how he treated Sakura, making him resolve to finally end her delusions of falling for him. He eventually does confront Sakura, which results in her punching him in the face for all the pain he ever caused her, then running away. She later on apologizes for this, but he forgives her, because he knows he did more than enough to deserve it. Things stop being weird between them, and two eventually start becoming friends. Naruto eventually confesses to Sakura, and the two later on reveal to Sasuke and Hinata that they are together.

Hinata and Sasuke would grow closer overtime. The two would be hesitant at first; Sasuke didn't know how to love while Hinata was afraid her new love would be doomed like her previous. Sasuke felt like he didn't deserve Hinata, and Hinata was afraid to get too close. They grieved together, and started healing together. Eventually, the boundaries between them began to close. Hinata's happy someone returns her feelings while Sasuke doesn't have to keep his walls up around someone for a change. The two are inseparable, and other people are starting to notice.

Many villagers would not approve of their relationship- at least at first. For starters, Sasuke would really have to prove himself, because the Hyuuga would not want a traitor marrying into the family. They would eventually consider it, because the idea of a Hyuuga/Uchiha child would be really appealing. They will also notice how Sasuke has been a good influence on Hinata, and that she has grown stronger because of him, which redeems him in their eyes. Hinata may not marry Naruto which would've been preferable because of his Hokage status, but she married a strong and capable man who helped her become strong and confident as opposed to weak and shy like she once was and If they had any children, they would certainly become the most powerful in the village. As for the general citizens, they would not be trusting of Sasuke at first, but Hinata would help appease them, especially since the marriage would be willing and not arranged. How could Sasuke Uchiha be a monster if someone as lovable as Hinata Hyuuga loved him and was happy by his side?

The two eventually get married, and have a child. Their child grows up to be one of the most powerful ninjas the village has seen in centuries, and restores honor to the Uchiha name while leaving a good legacy behind for the Hyuuga. As parents, Hinata is kind and encouraging while Sasuke is quiet but guiding. The child would be judged for being an Uchiha but praised for his Hyuuga side, and their goal would be to make everyone accept both parts of their bloodline. Sasuke would eventually advise them on the Uchiha clans past failures and do his best to ensure his child never falls to the darkness while ensuring they had parents to come home to. Hinata would do her best to help them become a leader, and ensure they knew how to be strong when it counted most, but also kind to those around them.

[goodnightmemes]

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER SENTENCE STARTERS (part one / ep1-4)

❛ I'm sorry for your loss, ...your losses, rather. ❜

❛ Nobody gets away with anything. Not really. ❜

❛ Don't lecture me about family values. You're just as shit in that department as I am. ❜

❛ The gates are always open, but that doesn't mean you answer the phone. ❜

❛ That day was the last day we were all in the same place. Alive. ❜

❛ That is a brave and thoughtful thing to say. Especially if you want to get written out of the will. ❜

❛ I don't give a shit about the world. ❜

❛ The prenup's like a fucking phone book. ❜

❛ You let me move in, but you won't let me meet your family? ❜

❛ I'll freeze their fucking head and give it to my father on a platinum plate. ❜

❛ They will love you because I love you, and the only thing stronger than love is how scared they are of getting cut out of the will. ❜

❛ We really should get together more often, it's a balm for the soul. ❜

❛ And most people go their whole, wasted, stupid lives without one minute of true resolution. Not me though. ❜

❛ You know what a resolution is? It's a deal you make with the future. ❜

❛ The people in charge of making us healthy make us sick. We cheat the dying. We fleece the poor. Promote the racist. Let the demons run amok. This world needs changing. ❜

❛ If you could catch them all, take all of it, all the greed, the foulness, the rot in the world and sit down across from it, what would you say? ❜

❛ Was it ever going to be enough? ❜

❛ You're supposed to be shadowing me. Shadows don't fucking talk. ❜

❛ This is beneath you. And you're going to kill it. But you're better than all of this. And the minute you figure that out, you're going to be unstoppable. ❜

❛ We all, all of us, know pain. It's the great equalizer. ❜

❛ There's no such thing as a step back. You go forward. If you hit a brick wall, you don't go back, you go through. ❜

❛ Tell me, and don't lie. Is it everything you wanted it to be? ❜

❛ Nearly realized is the sweetest. It's better, I promise, in the moment just before than in the moment after. ❜

❛ Things like this, all things, in fact, have consequences. ❜

❛ You are consequence. And tonight, you are consequential. ❜

❛ I've always liked the bad boys. Got a weakness, I suppose. And you bad boys... you always just loved me. ❜

❛ You are a pretty, pretty little thing. ❜

❛ Say what you want, he was one of us. He didn't deserve to die like that. ❜

❛ You wonder why people hate us. This is why. ❜

❛ Everybody knows that edible arrangements are what you send to people you hate. ❜

❛ Did he mean it or is it just the edibles and the pot and the speed and the wine and the coke and the pills talking? ❜

❛ If you start thinking this is reality, you'll just slip into the abyss. ❜

❛ Dad decided that I belong in a room of smoke and mirrors, and I'm like a ceiling fan and I spin and I spin and I spin and I don't go anywhere. ❜

❛ Wow. I don't know who wouldn't want to be ringside for that, but no, I'm gonna let you grieve yourself into a coma by yourself. ❜

❛ We can talk about it after because I've had a shit day and I really just wanna starfish and forget the world. ❜

❛ Don't talk to me until I've come at least twice. ❜

❛ I love how deliciously, pointlessly mean you lot can be. ❜

❛ You still didn't need to come here though. It could have happened quiet. Peaceful. In bed. But I guess it's got to happen like this. ❜

❛ I'm sorry. It's not personal. It's just, well...Here we are. ❜

❛ It's amazing how far you can get on denial. You know why so many people use denial to get by? Because it really fucking works. ❜

❛ What? Don't like it? Cut me out the fucking will! ❜

❛ You can't enhance this image? You see it all the time on TV. They hit a button, it enhances it. ❜

❛ I don't even own anything funeral black. ❜

❛ Satin is silk for poor people, no one should wear it to a funeral, unless they died in it. ❜

❛ You know what? Fuck you if you think that, 'cause I would bleed for this family. ❜

❛ I will knock your goddamn lights out, you raise your voice at me. ❜

❛ Nobody knows they're the fall guy until they're falling. ❜

❛ Hey, I was hoping for some drugs. Sorry to be blunt about it, but that's it. I want some drugs. ❜

❛ Maybe you're right. Maybe I should take a break from the drugs. ❜

[phoenixduelist]

@memcria , for Esmeralda based on the August 20th starter

Slight trouble was stirring at the Austro-Hungarian borders as the Queen decided to send a mock invite to the previous oppressors to join her in celebrating Hungary's independence. Petty? Absolutely. Was everyone in Buda laughing at her audacity? Of course. Perhaps even the Ottomans had a chuckle, considering how their ambassador accepted her offer with surprising amount of respect. He was probably already drunk somewhere, after all, Buda wasn't exactly new to them.

That being said, the castle doors opened wide for anyone wishing to spend the day there, she was quite sure it was Count Bélássy who fainted upon announcing. Merchants filled streets and castle alike, most of their products free or cheap, as they had been paid previously by the Queen. Harvest flourished despite the recent wars waged, she saw no downside of feeding the lower classes and paying for the merchants' craft upfront for a seamless celebration.

Performers could be found at every corner, dancers, storytellers, actors, musicians, and of course fencers. The swords were blunt, therefore Rozália would've taken no delight in the activity; she had her own attraction for the old times' sake, not involving dull blades. The Queen of course refused to sit and smile nicely throughout the whole day, itching to move, mingle, to have an unfiltered opinion on how people were feeling and how they saw her.

Continuing King Matthias' infamous peasant disguise which sparked many folk tales, she followed in his footsteps steadily, ditching the crown and jewels something more simple. A flowing blouse with bright red roses sewn up to the shoulders, high waisted fitted pants with a leather underbust corset, two swords sewn into the material, completed with simple knee high riding boots. The only accessory was the swordbelt, although that was more like a part of her. Her hair kept short and unruly, a little blessing in disguise in the summer heat.

Especially when she spotted some extremely elegantly dressed ladies violently fanning themselves. Well, she said the castle is open for everyone. Maybe they were scared of her lurking, waiting in a dark corner. The thought brought a deep chuckle from her, they weren't so wrong after all.

Rozália was pleased to see her orders being followed, both regarding food and allowing in whoever wished. She adored dancers, meanwhile she wasn't bad, the shimmering ebony haired woman was obviously more talented and head turning. While all eyes followed the graceful woman's form, some ladies stomping onto their husbands' feet for looking bordering on disrespect, Rozália slipped most of the sum she decided to carry with herself into the pot.

She was magnetic, no reason in trying to deny the fact. She didn't perform because she had to, because she wanted to; that was brighter than the sun glittering on the Danube. Therefore she waited a respectable time after her dance ended and the crowd was distracted by a new attraction.

“Pardon me, Miss” her rich voice cut through the blur of the background noise with confidence, the accent stronger than usual as a result of not using the language in a while. Maybe she didn't speak English...nevermind, she will try Spanish and Italian then.

“You must have heard this from many before, allow me to add the truth to the pile: I haven't seen a lady finer than you in this city. Kingdom, possibly.” petal lips smiled softly, hiding its thorns within. Rozália had no intention to hurt or even to frighten her, quite the opposite. Maybe it was better she probably didn't recognize her, she would've hated if she felt threatened into keeping her accompanied if she didn't wish to.

“May I be so bold to ask for your name?” the Queen bowed slightly before returning to her full height, no doubt imposing by its own, along with her build “Of course, I understand if you don't wish to share. In that case, I will leave for you to enjoy the festivities in peace.”

[sonicasura]

I think you misunderstood something. These people aren't told that their loved ones have been used for inhumane experiments, the Defense Force knows better than that.

What I meant with what little they are told, is the death of their loved one and that the wrapped bodies can't be unwraped due to the advance decomposition the bodies are currentlyu in. Its been months since they died after all, so not a lot is very intact to say the least. Nor pleasent to look at. Not to mention the smell.

And they are also given some false information as well. Mostly to keep questions to a minimum, along with giving the grieving some closure and knowning that whoever took their loved one away and caused their deaths is going to be dealt with as soon as possible.

And what you said about their bodies being too messed up to survive without help? Thats pretty much what would happened if allowed to live. And they had to do a lot more begrudging autopsies then you'd think. Sure the organisation kept their documents, files, notes and so on pretty updated and organize which made it easier to figure out who was who in the long run. But DNA samples was needed to make sure they had the right person and sometimes the only way to get some was to open the body.

And yeah it really takes that long of time for Isao and all the higher ups to really come to a decision. Theres a lot things to consider and despite Isao's hate for kaijus, he understands that theres a lot more going on and that Kafka is far more a victim than a monster.

It does not stop Isao from ordering a series of special tests and various other tasks so they can get more accurate info and facts for said decision. But the general makes sure that all of this are under stric supervision and humane as possible. Not to mention that any scientist has to get his and several other high command approval for it to happen.

And as time will show that ever since Kafka came into the Third's custody, more of his older self is slowly returning, along with other things that makes things clear that he is not a lost cause and can become an asset for them. And a few other officers in the Thirds becomes close enough to Kafka that they too can keep him calm when Mina is not around.

Soshiro and Okonogi is of course part of this small group.

As for how Kafka looks like now? For starters his a lot bigger than canon. About three to five meters tall at the most for now, with bit a slightly more thicker build to properly support his body. He also walks on all four as well, but can walk normally as well after some traning as Kafka kinda forgot how to do that thanks to all his been through.

As for other alterations? He has indeed a bladed tail, or tails rather. Seven intotal that are attached a little higher up than the usual tail spot, with no added poison or other nasty surprises for now. Though the blades are sharp enough Eiji's battle armor is going to have a hard time staying intact. Kafka is more than happy to wear special made sheaths for his tail ends as the blades themself makes even the himbo weary. Not to mention he gets nervous when people gets near the blades themself as he does not want to accdently hurt or kill them with the blades.

Though Soshiro can't help himself with having the occasional blade fight with the tails. They pose a very intersing challenge for the man and it helps Kafka getting more control of the limps as well.

He also sports bone armor plates around his body too. But most of it is found around the tails to keep the blades inplace and around his limps. His torso spot some too, though smaller and in places that protects the more vulnerable parts on both the front and back. His neck area is also protected by these bone plates too.

His head and face is also a little different too. Kafka sports a few extra pairs of horns than in canon. All horns also have different sizes, with the biggest being ram like and used as such too. The demonic mask like features are stronger too and he has more cracks as well. And the teeths are a bit more numerous than in canon as well.

I figured as much. Thanks for the clarification.

It probably took quite the amount of work for Kafka to mentally begin to recover much less trust other officers. Won't be surprised if he had multiple rough nights at the beginning and still does but on a lesser scale. His room was no doubt customized for comfort since nobody wants to risk triggering Kafka by putting him in a sterile or blank room.

Quite the big guy as I can imagine his size also brought some issues. He probably looked a lot more intimidating once he relearned to walk on two feet. Though I wonder if Kafka also has speech problems considering his isolation and no doubt altered vocal chords.

My brain conjured up the ridiculous image of his tail sheathes during the early spars with Soshiro being made from foam or the equivalent to reinforced pool noodles. He's probably very insecure about wielding the blades against an actual person so it would be best to take it one step at a time. Let Kafka work up to them.

[lolatulips]

OOOH ASKS ARE OPEN ummmmm what are crystal's feelings towards marie?

oOOF-

Pfft okay let me start by saying you picked maybe the most complicated question for me to answer hehe but I shall try my best!

Alright, so, for starters, the last time Crystal saw Marie was when they were both 17, with them now both being 26. The end of their relationship... wasn't exactly a great one, Crystal cut ties thinking negatively of Marie and vice versa.

Now, with Crystal able to look back on things through an adult lense, she can see that things aren't exactly as black and white as she once thought them to be, that there are many more layers to somebody than just "Nice" and "Mean", "Good" or "Evil". Even though Marie was no longer a part of her life, she couldn't say she didn't still think about her, wonder how she was doing, hope she was doing better after all the years that passed. Even despite everything, she couldn't bring herself to hate Marie.

Once she does find out that Marie is working at the same hospital she is now a patient in, Crystal will wish to extend an olive branch, to talk, to start from the beginning with Marie and try to make things better between them both. They aren't kids anymore, what mattered back then shouldn't have to matter now, and even if it's impossible to truly go back to how things once were, she still wants to try and be her friend. Kindness is stronger than holding a nearly decade-old resentment, that's what she feels anyways.

Marie's working in the medical field now, that must mean she holds at least some desire and wish to help people get better. That means it shouldn't be too hard to get her to understand, right?... Right?

Thanks a bunch for the ask! Hopefully this answers it pretty well!