#there's one specific detail in here that i really enjoyed adding. and i'm curious to see if anyone will notice it

[mars-ipan]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE VERY SPECIAL HAJIME HINATA !!!!!! new year's kisses for the birthday boy :)

[buildthoughts]

Snifferish Builds #1

Taking a dip into modded minecraft with Sniff's latest video! Specifically Chisels and Bits, which will probably show up in the future as I enjoy rats smp.

The windows and the moss and the wisteria on Sniff's cottage really show of the artistic strengths of the chisels and bits mod. Using round windows in contrast with the dramatic sharp shape of the roof helps push the cozy vibe. The lattice designs on the circle windows is so neat and keeps the pattern from becoming too repetitive. Sniff added a tiny stained glass arch above the door which adds a ton of personality to the build. Having windows cracked open and the wood chopping log also add extra life to the cottage.

Just inside the door, there's boots, a hat, and a backpack. Sniff built this cottage for themself and these extra lived in details add to the feeling that Sniff actually lives here.

Cozy is the game with this interior and I wish I could live here. Plants in every corner and a big bed with a library on one side and a sunlit art setup on the other? Dream Home.

Sniff's attention to shape and weight when it comes to sculpting cloth, like those curtains, is admirable. I love the pattern on the carpet but I'm pretty sure that's a default from one of her mods since Sniff didn't mention designing it (and she noted when she was bringing in previous models they've made like the bed). Sniff mentioned they like high ceilings, which was why they didn't do an attic. For my own person tastes, I'm more torn. Sniff ended up doing a loft which I think looks stellar, but the a-line ceiling in this section of the house, I'm less a fan of. I don't think I've ever lived somewhere with an a-line ceiling, so maybe that's why it feel off/unfinished to me?

Kitchen is cute! Love the stove, fridge and shelving! I like that the sink faucet's gold color matches the detailing on the stove/fridge. But something about the sink isn't doing it for me. I think it might be because its the least textured spot in the room? But porcelain is smooth, so a texture wouldn't make sense. I'd be curious what adding a little lip around the edge of the sink would do? It'd probably be too bulky and throw off the scale.

I just noticed that the stove wall is a different texture than the one by the sink. That's an interesting choice. In this image it didn't feel right, but I watched back her video and it looks a lot more cohesive in motion and adds some nice warmth to the room.

I couldn't get a good screenshot of the loft, but I loved the inclusion of a book press and the art desk. Adding a railing for safety, also very good.

A lovely build. The colors are warm and earthy. Chisels and Bits builders go off.

[bloodmoonlich]

Here is my artist swap album for you!

Like you said, let me know if this is a bad fit for you. Thank you for having some fun with me!

An artist I was surprised to not gain recognition was Sean Hayes and I love his album Run Wolves Run. He’s unconventional and has inspired me a lot!

The combo of the cover (a tender embrace to an animal that's lashing out) and the title (Run Wolves Run) makes me very curious. Oh and now I notice the fingerprint details like this is a beloved photograph

When We Fall In - Loved how this started with a burst of energy, the flow of the song is so nice and I really love songs that use repetition interspersed with new lines / twists, and love the way he sings "I am in (mmmmmmmm)"

Open Up A Window - There's kind of a sultriness to this that I like a lot, I'm really enjoying his style so far (saved both songs to my deep dives playlist)

Garden - Album has a great flow from song to song, I think this one is more an album song for me (enjoy in context of the album but not as much individually), love the little outro

Powerful Stuff - instrumental on this is soooo good, the way he sings "toxic turning, yearning, burning" omg my favorite

So Down - his voice has a really specific sound in this one idk how to describe it like it's textured? Adds a lot to the song I think, you got that moon in ya you're like the night sky 🌌 love that line

Gunnin' - from the first line I know this is gonna be my favorite, the rhythm of the lyrics is my fave for sure and the instrumentals are so catchy, yeah def my top song from this album so good

Shake Your Body - similar to garden I think the level of repetition makes this more of an album song for me but it keeps the flow going and works well

Me & My Girl - oh this feels like a vibe shift a bit to me, very interesting, I like that there's a story-like feel to.the start

One Day the River - I really like the nature themes and also the fact that this continues the river imagery from the last song but with a vibe shift again, run wolves run (roll credits!)

Soul Shaker - potluck romance ugh love that, this one is really pretty and I love the rhythm of the vocals, def one of my favorites, the instrumental solo around 2:20 so lovely

Stella Seed - the slow start to the album closer makes me feel things, love when an upbeat album closes with something much softer, so gorgeous and a perfect closer

Okay I'm not great with genres so I was reading his bio and it talks about blending a bunch of genres and I think that captures it. It all flows so well - a lot of "bounciness" and emotion in it, but also distinct feelings to the songs. The instrumentals are so fun and interesting. I keep thinking this with a full band live must be amazing. He also has such a specific style to how he sings lyrics and I find it so satisfying.

Definitely an album I'll come back to and added most of the songs to my playlist!!

[vampiriito]

Okay I just read the chapter

I really wasn't expecting the whole chapter all around one scene, and even tho it's not common and I usually never been a fan of this format, I really got hooked by this chapter. Maybe it's because the story is about sirens? Who knows. Or maybe your writing is captivating in any form? I don't know, all I know is that I really liked! So here we go to the chapter chat:

Jj sleeping on the couch and giving up his room for reader? I don't know why but that's cute and made me giggle. And it allows me to joke that they're not even a couple yet and reader is already putting him to sleep on the couch. And it's interesting how I usually tend to zone out while reading things because I can imagine reader getting to feel what is a fluffy bed for the first time and totally liking it. Feel like she... (Me? Man I never know how to refer to it) Is the type of girl that likes a spoiled human life once she gets one, that be with warm beds or good human food. Which, btw, did reader ate something between the two chapters or the pogues just sent her to bed with an empty belly? Now that I'm thinking that probably sounds like a weird specific question, but it just got me curious.

The dialogue about the shell-bra was so funny and intriguing and somehow cute at all once, and when jj said "do you know why I want you to take it off?" got me gagged and giggling, and that's coming from someone who can read smuts with a poker face, and oh boy my face when reader said she could eat him if he got in the water? I don't know if it's the expectation you put between them or if it's the fact that is two different species getting to know each other that makes it exciting, but everytime they even touch eachother I get a minor stroke. I was begining to get more frustrated than jj when all they kiss attempts were not happening haha - until it did, cause that was so fucking hot oh my god-

Reader is a real smart girl, just an afternoon with acess to pogues chats and jj's thoughts already made her practically fluent! And the detail of her being almost too inexperienced even in her mannerisms in firm ground while really confident in her natural element is a really interesting thing, specially because it really makes sense for things to be like this.

hi girly! a bit of an late answer, since i was packing for another trip, but, this chapter was focused on only one scene because i was building up to the kiss. to be honest i wasn't planning on making them kiss, but the temptation was too muchhhhh. i'm so sooooooo glad you enjoyed my writing! i always almost tear up when you guys tell me you like my writing because that's the thing i'm most insecure about when posting. the couch bit was so funny and small that i knew you'd like it! i like adding these small details since they add to the authenticity of the whole chapter. reader is most definitely spoiled since she comes from a line of sea nymphs with royal blood kinda. like her mom and grandpa are some kind of sea nymph royals so she LOVES comfort. (haven't figured that part of the lore yet.) and regarding your question about what she ate, yes she did they offered her a granola bar and a peanut butter jelly sandwich and since she's half human she had no problem ingesting it. but there's more to come regarding that. the shell bra bit was also funny to be and putting off the kiss was like my favorite part of the whole chapter because it showed how more fluent and easy it was for the reader to talk to JJ because she's in her element. that's why writing their banter was so nice especially with the mind reading in the mix. i'm planning on writing smut, but this is probably gonna be like summer was my first love and it's gonna be mostly fluff, until it won't. and then you'll probably explode when they actually fuck. and yes our reader is smart, even if she acts and speaks a bit stiffly while out of the water. she reads in english and has a small sense of what slang is. also she kinda knows how surfing works, given she'd watched JJ surf before ;). i wanted to combine her being helpless and smart at the same time, mellow and fiery in her own way and i hope i nailed it!💖💖💖

[p5x-theories]

FAQ

(last updated 4/14/25)

Q1: "Have you seen that the wiki/this streamer/etc. says this character's name is [X]?" / "Why don't you call [X] by their name?"

A1: To help avoid confusion (and save me from potentially needing to repeatedly rewrite and retag posts), this blog only considers a character's name confirmed when it has been spoken aloud.

Japanese names can often be read in multiple ways, and while usually fan guesses have been more or less correct, they aren't always, and it can cause problems when the wrong name catches on. For this reason, characters will be referred to by codename only, or a nickname if they're not a teammate, until their name is confirmed, though info posts specifically may mention a likely reading of their name as well.

Q2: "Which region version are you playing?"

A2: The Hong Kong/Taiwan/Macau one! This does mean my game updates are one week behind the mainland one, though, so I may not always be able to post detailed info on updates immediately.

I do datamine updates as soon as they're out, though! I may only have an account to play the Hong Kong/Taiwan/Macau version, but I don't need an account to download the mainland China version, so I can access the game files (to datamine them) as soon as they're released.

Q3: "Who are your favorite characters?"

A3: Overall, my favorites are Tomoko and Kiyoshi! Right now Motoha is specifically my favorite story teammate (though I'm very excited for Aran!), and Miyu and Riko are my favorite navigators. My favorite thief designs are Moko, Key, Rin, Yuki, and Bui, and my favorite Persona design is Aura! I also really like Awilda, Leucothea, Prosymna, Nemertes, Gorgyra, and Calliope.

On that note, my favorite P5 characters are Akechi and Sumire, heh! Ann and Yusuke are also right up there with them.

Q4: "Do you play other gacha games?" / "Are you familiar with [X] gacha mechanic?"

A4: Haha, nope! I actually hate gacha systems, refuse to play any other gacha games, and am only putting up with this one because I'm otherwise very curious about the game and enjoy the characters. The gacha's still driving me crazy, though. I hate having to worry about getting a character before their banner ends, especially since I refuse to spend any money on the game.

That said, I do have friends who play gacha games, so I sometimes ask them about game mechanics if I'm not familiar with them. I also do at least pay attention to how people describe this game in relation to other gacha games, with the hopes of more thoroughly understanding the things I'm explaining here.

Q5: "Do you think a collab will be updated at the same time as the story?"/ "Do you think this character from another Persona game will be added with the next update?"

A5: The game developers have said that the game updates will follow a loose pattern of: story update -> event update -> gameplay update. Story updates include things like new parts of Palaces and story teammates (for instance, when Miyazawa's Palace and Soy were added in Version 1.1), whereas so far event updates have mostly added new parts of the collabs (for instance, the Museum Chapter and Yusuke were added in Version 1.3.1, and the Bank Chapter and Makoto were added in Version 1.3.3), though there have been other events like the Summer event and the Spring Festival event. Gameplay updates add onto side quests, Confidants, plus other existing content, and generally focus on gameplay fixes.

For this reason, it seems very unlikely that a new part of the any collab will be added at the same time as a new part of story, and this also goes for adding other Persona game characters and story teammates. I may be proven wrong in the future, but I'm just going off of what the devs have said so far; I'd expect a new story teammate to only be added in a story update, while event updates and gameplay updates have only ever added new Phantom Idols.

Q6: "Is there somewhere I can download this character 3D model you posted about/another model I've been looking for?"

A6: Yes! I have all the playable characters (from both P5 and P5X), the Palace rulers, Merope, and a few others here: https://mega.nz/folder/gjs0kJRa#5D3n3B11cOpT1Xp3VQIIKA

If the character you're looking for hasn't been added yet (I may forget to add someone sometimes), or isn't in the folder at all, just send an ask or message! If you send an ask, please don't do so anonymously, just so I can reply privately and make sure you get the model(s) you're looking for.

Q6.5: "What about this particular outfit for Wonder? Can you post screenshots of the model/send it to me?"

A6.5: Unfortunately, those are just named with numbers in the files (either wonder_normal_01, 02, etc. or wonder_autumn_01, 02, etc. for pajamas), which makes them a lot more trouble to dig up! If you ask during the update that added them to the files- I'll always post the icon for the outfit set- that makes it a lot easier, so I may be able to get it for you, but otherwise the answer's usually going to be no. I'm sorry for the inconvenience!

I can usually get screenshots of the outfit in-game, so that's an alternative option, but there are some cases where the outfit hasn't been added to the game yet. Feel free to ask, though! Just check out the tag for wonder outfits first to make sure I haven't already posted it.

Q7: "How do you datamine P5X? I want to try it myself!"

A7: I explained my process here (if you're having trouble getting the vFileContentExtract tool to work, check here), though feel free to ask any follow-up questions about it if you have them, and I'll do my best to help! I actually learned everything I know about datamining just for this game, so I try to make the tools and steps as accessible as possible for anyone else who's interested, heh.

And if you ever happen to spot anything I missed in the files, please, send it my way! I'm just one person, I sometimes miss a thing or two. The more people looking, the better!

Q8: "Do you have a list of all the combat roles? I see they're individually explained on the character info posts, but I was hoping to read all of them in one list!"

A8: Say no more, here you go:

Resist: good at targeting single enemies (Wonder (Janosik), Fleuret, Mont, Bui, Sepia, Messa, Skull, Queen, Dancer Mont, Violet). This tends to manifest as followup attacks that hit one target, or status effects/damage buffs that apply against specific targets.

Control: good at dealing with groups of enemies (Closer, Summer Motoha, Joker, Panther, Fox, Noir, Lion Dance Rin, Crow). This tends to manifest as lots of multi-target attacks, and bonuses for using those attacks in certain ways.

Surrender: focused around applying debuffs to gain an advantage (Key, Rin, Vino, Howler, Matoi). This tends to manifest as a focus on a particular status effect, and the ability to do extra damage/effects to enemies once they're inflicted with it.

Rescue: focuses on healing companions (Cattle, Summer Tomoko, Marian, Mona). This has so far always included at least one healing skill, but often other healing abilities can be triggered as well.

Superior: good at buffing teammates and improving their effectiveness (Moko, Leon, Riddle, Chord, Ceaseless Wind, Turbo, Luce). This has so far always manifested as unique buffs/status effects, sometimes becoming fully triggered by additional conditions.

Defense: good at protecting teammates and keeping them alive (Soy, Yuki, Cherish). This tends to manifest as shield-focused abilities, but Soy instead draws fire to himself, and buffs the team's max health temporarily.

Elucidation: the designation used for navigators (Wind, Okyann, Puppet, Phoebe, Oracle, Ange). This obviously has a wide array of specific applications, but tends to revolve around unique buffs or debuffs that the navigator can grant/inflict, and obviously each navigator has their own fights/team compositions they're most suited for.

[More questions may be added as they get, uh, frequently asked, haha!]

[rottenbrainstuff]

Love & Deepspace Caleb storyline thoughts:

Holy shit so much to get through. Main story updates, free myth chapters, new cards, man.

Yandere is typically not my jam at allllll, but similar to what they did with Sylus, they've taken the standard trope and really expanded on it and made it quite interesting here. I'm really quite impressed with this game. I haven't played a lot of recent otome games, I admit. The ones I used to play were very old, very simple, very expensive, and pretty poorly written. It's so crazy to me to go from that to everything they're doing here.

I guess that's why I get so incredibly salty about people whining about what content they feel should be in the game, and especially the folks absolutely losing their shit over baby's first yandere, even to the point where it was making me upset - like, all these young kids with these incredibly conservative talking points who don't even realize it, because they use therapyspeak to make it sound woke(tm) - but... when I think back, it really is nothing new at all I guess. People go insane when presented with moral ambiguity and dark topics. Shit, some people can't even get their brains around goddamned children's cartoons. It gives me flashbacks to the reylo antis who told us we were degenerates for enjoying an enemies-to-lovers trope, gives me flashbacks to all the nasty Steven Universe discourse. I just wish they weren't so goddamned loud, I guess. I try to look around in the tags cause I want to see fans sharing thoughts, and I see some of the stalest discourse. If you don't like something, great, awesome, I do not give a shit. But no one cares about or wants to hear your moral judgement.

One last thought - I have seen an awful lot of discussion about what age groups this game is appropriate for, and some extremely wild things being said. Look, the bottom line is, the age ratings games have in the app stores are not made up on a whim. They are based on rules that outline what types of content will get what rating. If you take issue with how the ratings system that gets applied to ALL GAMES works, that is a totally separate discussion that you are free to begin somewhere else. Why are you clogging up the tags of this game specifically? Go take it up with the app stores.

Anyway, here's some thoughts.

....I'm getting a vibe, and I sincerely hope I'm wrong, that a lot of fans don't understand the symbolism behind apples and why it's Caleb's motif. I mean. It's a biblical reference, representing forbidden knowledge, and original sin. The fact that Caleb's story also has a dude with a... weird snake thing going on could arguably be related as well. Maybe. I... I hope you knew that. It's an extremely classic reference. This is why it's so important to learn, and read, and always be curious, and yes especially about things that are old and dry and boring. It creates this broader, richer appreciation of things, like adding extra colours to a limited colour palette. That one card (that I don’t have yet) that has a clip of the two of them about to bite into the apple together… holy shit.

Ooooof, guys, oof. Usually I try not to be an asshole about the english dub of things, but in this case, because it's AI (yes it is, please see my older post where I went over this in detail) I don't feel quite as bad in saying, ugh. Caleb's english voice. It's so bad, you guys. The voice they picked does an ok job as the teasing older brother in the very first intro chapters, but UFFF is it ever poorly equipped to do the sterner stuff. Please, if you only play the english, do yourself a big big favour and give the japanese audio a try (can't speak for the other languages cause I haven't played them). The japanese VA is great. He's done a lot of voice work as side characters but is Tuxedo Mask in that Sailor Moon Crystal series, so there's that. I've seen lots of people mention that they gave it a try and liked the japanese voice a lot better, please please check it out. Check it out just to prove me wrong! Fuck you, I like the english voice, it’s the best, well great! Listen to the japanese just to be able to tell me how stupid I am, then.

Anyways, because I am playing the japanese audio, I have noticed something that amuses me - the english translation has completely scrubbed every mention that they are adopted siblings. I mean obviously it can't remove the actual plot, but what I mean is, in the japanese audio MC is constantly referring to Caleb as her brother, whereas in the subtitles, it gets changed to "my childhood friend", "that guy", "that man", "he", etc. Caleb also sometimes refers to MC as his younger sister, which gets changed to "she". It is so DESPERATELY trying to understate their relationship. And it's funny, even with this sanitization of the translation, people still get weird about it. We truly are a very fragile culture, aren't we.

(another translation note - during the interrogation, after one of MC's responses, Caleb says "smart move" in english, but in japanese he says "good girl" instead, which I feel the fans would have preferred - odd choice there.

Caleb's story and character are a lot more interesting than I thought they'd be, and kudos to Infold for making a yandere character that I actually understand and even enjoy without my skin crawling. I gave it all an honest shot but it seems Sylus is still my ride-or-die. The monster that's tame ONLY for the main character is so specifically and utterly my jam. But! I support the Caleb girlies. Enjoy!

I am so, SO intrigued by the "coming soon" that remains at the bottom of the character list. Who on EARTH could that be??? There's no one left from the intro chapters who got cinematic animation but no romanceable character yet, and Infold has really covered all the basics now when it comes to what otome game stock characters are left.

I think back to all the old games I played, and really I feel like the only character who is missing is the younger childhood friend, who knew the MC for a long time but was never taken seriously as a viable romantic interest, sometimes because the relationship was so strictly platonic, sometimes because the character never saw the MC again, or sometimes because there is memory loss fuckery. This character is younger than the MC, or at least, younger than all the other guys, and usually their plot involves wanting to be taken seriously and trying to show the MC that they measure up, and (sometimes) make her remember how they knew each other. But I mean. We already have two childhood friends, and we have memory fuckery with every character's story, I don't think there's really any room for this character now.

Some folks have said maybe it would be one of the secondary characters from one of the guy's plots, like Dr Greyson or Thomas or whatever. I DID play a game once where each romance option also had a kind of friend character, and once the main characters were all introduced, they made kind of a special bonus where you could romance those friends if you wanted. The secondary characters in this game ARE suspiciously attractive, so who knows. My gosh though wtf, that would be so many characters in the wish pool. I wouldn't like that. Would it be a separate pool? How many characters does Infold typically add to their games? If it’s a large amount, how do they manage it? Man, I have so many questions.

(it would be neat if it was one of the girl characters - like Jenna - but I don't have any hope that will ever happen)

Maybe the last one will be some totally weird off the wall character, an alien emissary straight from Philos or something. It's definitely intriguing.

Did you guys notice that that bulletin info post thing (that you might have missed, because I never read them myself, usually) that came out with the period tracker is more informative than anything I was ever taught in sex ed class?

Anyways. Phew! So many updates. Caleb is a super cool take on the yandere trope, too bad I am absolutely married to my tame monster. This game is insane. I'm so happy it was recommended to me.

[seducemefanficsandheadcanons]

since you were begging for asks earlier, heres a curious one. let's say Seduce Me gets remade with updated art and updated writing, etc etc. if there was one thing you'd want changed and/or added, what would it be? and while we're at it, is there anything specific you'd want to stay as is?

Oooooh I like this one!!! I love the game, but there are definitely things I wish were done differently. (Other than the obvious like typos and glitches)

It's kind of long, but here you go:)

I personally really enjoyed the art, but I do wish the boys sprites had gold eyes when enthralling MC. I think it would have been a nice detail.

I would love to see the backstories fleshed out more. Michaela Laws said that things in Damiens backstory for example, that she didn't include (how much worse can it get😭) I think it would be really nice to get more details for the boys and the grandfather's background.

I'd like the story to be longer, like more individual scenes with each incubus before the big confession. I enjoy a fast burn but DAMN.

And more scenes with all of them. I love the brother's dynamics, and I wish we saw more of them together.

Maybe an ending where she let them stay without dating them. It doesn't necessarily have to be a poly ending (though I think many people including myself would enjoy) but they all become MC's found family.

Option for a male or gender-neutral MC.

More Malix in general. He is an incredible character who adds so much to the game, and his VA is uber talented. I saw on Michaela's Tumblr that she originally planned for Malix to attempt to burn down the mansion, and this would be so freaking cool! I wish we would have gotten this.

Less copy and paste, which I feel is a given.

I'd really like it to be NSFW if I'm being honest. Like, the sex scenes don't even have to be voiced (Though no one would complain if they wereeee) but like the writing aspect of it would be really nice.

I think MC's grief should be explored more. I discussed this with someone recently about Mika sleeping in her grandfather's room right after his passing, and I feel like maybe her grief was almost skipped over.

I think it would be nice to see MC being a college student rather than high school, but being as the second game is already made and has an established age, this probably wouldn't be possible.

More discussion of magic, and MC's ability to use magic.

Things I'd like to stay:))

First and foremost, VOICE ACTORS!!! I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate the VA talent in the game. I genuinely can't see another actor playing any of the incubi, Malix or Diana.

I really enjoy MC being a bit snarky and tough, but not so brave that it becomes unrealistic. Like she isn't Oh My GaWd ThErE aRe HoT gUyS but she also isn't like "I can do this easy and could fight this on my own!" because she knows it isn't easy and does recieve help from them.

Simon tabby. I don't feel I need to elaborate this.

The original scenes where MC gives her chosen incubus energy. Like, I'd like them to be more unique to the incubus BUT I don't think locations should change, and the art could still be similar to the last time.

I like how Diana comes across as a villain in the first game, and I don't think she should be changed. The second game was her redemption ark and changing her in a rewrite would make it less...redemptiony.

MC fighting Lissete. Favorite part of the game. (Though, I do think MC should have gotten like, suspended at the very least.)

I might think of more, but these were the ones I could think of right now. Thanks for the ask!

[8bitsupervillain]

Higurashi When They Cry Hou Ch. 5 Meakashi pt. Final

Because I have the brainrot I read the "why hello there" in the Ewan McGregor Obi-Wan Kenobi voice. I know I've used the phrase to be silly before, but you know what the real tragedy here is? Since this is an alternate ending written years after the fact I doubt we'll ever learn who it is Keiichi saw that day.

Although I guess you could view this as the universe righting itself and making sure that Keiichi dies in July 1983 like he was supposed to. Of course then you have to ignore Mion surviving, but details. Also this isn't Final Destination so...

At risk of sounding controversial I like this bad ending better than the actual ending for the chapter. I know that it probably doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of the series, but I like the new mystery of who killed Keiichi. It's kind of abrupt how it ends, but to be fair I didn't expect them to craft out a whole elaborate equally as dense ending for what's supposed to just be a bad ending. When the police raided the torture basement I figured that was about where the ending was going to stop if I'm honest. Maybe one or two additional screens about how Shion killed Keiichi and Mion, and then herself. I enjoyed the additional forty odd minutes of a new just as good ending.

Finishing the chapter you unlock a couple of post-game TIPS as well as the Staff Room.

Man, you and me both Kumagai. This TIP I feel was added to drive home the point about Shion and Mion just in case you didn't quite get the point. Which I admit maybe I didn't, or maybe I was just arguing against the twist because I didn't care for it.

This however was just a bonus little TIP I think. An introduction to a character who wasn't really in the chapter at all. There's really nothing to give me this feeling but I get a similar feeling looking at Akane Sonozaki here that I got looking at Kasumi Sumadera from Umineko. A character that I think might bear more significance to the overall plot than they actually do. Although now that I think about it Kasumi might be a sneaky little reference to the characterizations of Shion and Mion from Higurashi. Admittedly though this is just me reaching. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious what Oryou did to have to remove her own fingernails.

Lastly there's the Staff room.

Despite my complaints and what I fear may have come across as extreme negativity towards the chapter as a whole I quite liked Meakashi. The positives outweighed what are some hyper specific complaints I have about the narrative. Plus despite Satoko existing in this chapter to literally just be a punching bag I appreciated the new information we got to learn about all of the characters. Sure some of it might just be rehashing information we already knew (Satoko enduring extreme abuse/murder in an effort to try to bring back her brother, Rena seeming to know more about the spiritual/supernatural nature of the curse of Oyashiro). But I thought learning about the various intricate issues Shion has was worth it even as I found myself becoming less and less sympathetic towards her and her motives as the chapter went. Also despite not actually learning much new information about the curse killings I thought it was interesting to learn about how devoted the villagers are to the religion. In addition to how after Shion had killed or kidnapped the heads of the three families the curse killings seemed to have stopped entirely.

I know that the second half of the series is referred to as the Answers Arcs, but I think Meakashi did a decent enough job in seeding some more mysteries than it answered. Things like the motive behind Rika trying and failing to assassinate Shion. The fact that Oryou was also trying seemingly in vain to figure out who was behind the curse killings. Is the curse of Oyashiro real, and if so is it the phantom footsteps that followed and led to the demise of multiple prominent characters. What did set off the volcanic gas incident from Tatarigoroshi, was it truly divine in nature? A freak geological incident or something else? What actually happened to Satoshi? Multiple characters think he's dead but there really isn't any definitive proof one way or the other. Were the events of chapter four really just extra background exposition, or does it actually have larger relevance to the plot? Are the Sonozakis actually an evil iron-fisted criminal syndicate? That sort of thing.

At any rate, I'm very interested in the next chapter. I get more excited when I'm moving on to new stuff I know absolutely nothing about. Also if the question arcs are anything to go by this second chapter (chapter six) will probably be the best of the bunch.

[uroboros-if]

The demo is amazing!! I am in absolute awe of the art direction and the mechanic of look feels so cool and unique. And really gives this agency of truly looking more at something specific.

Your writing was very beautiful and the theme felt very poetic and intricate. I can't wait to see more!

All the ROs sound intriguing from both romantic and platonic points of view. I'm also really interested in the world itself and how it works.

I also adored the start of the game and how seamless the character creation felt, I particularly enjoyed how each color was described poetically in a sentence! Really made me realise this was a deity and not a normal human.

All the options felt well-thought out and I adore the titles the deity can have! And the little symbols next to them were unbelievably pretty! I think music could be a beautiful touch as well, but that is probably a lot of work and maybe you don't want music in it at all. Either way the game was really great!!

I think it's unfair some anons complain about what is the main premise of the story - the MC being seen as useless god. That is like going to a pizza place and complaining you don't like pizza. Just go elsewhere, anon, no one is keeping you

Thank you for sharing your work! I can't imagibe the amount of time it took to make the demo so beautiful both to look at and to read. I'm really curious about the plot going forward especially with the last two scenes of the demo!!

Waa 😭😭!! This is SO much praise. I feel so seen, since you went through the effort to appreciate every little thing, and that is so amazingly profound. Reading this has me emotional again 😭 Pretty much everything I hoped people would notice and appreciate is here! I have said these over the past few asks, but I'll rehash them again more briefly:

I'm glad you liked the looking mechanic, I wanted to make the act of reading more interactive (—well, more interactive, for an IF)! My writing is a bit over-the-top and purple prose, but I hope that sold the ethereal/divine vibes better! I'm also glad you appreciated how I incorporated the character customization, I wanted it to be more organic!

I have definitely contemplated adding at least some sound effects. BGM can be a little distracting for reading depending on the person, but maybe a slight ting whenever you picked a choice, or at least going into the codex may be unintrusive? :) I'll see what I can do!!

I will write more as far as people's complaints on MC being useless—not to defend myself, but to share some thoughts on it. Normally I wouldn't, but I think it's poetic irony. To put it briefly, though: a BIG point of the game is that the MC gets judged by people who don't know them and make assumptions about them. It is funny now that the IF and the MC get judged by people who make assumptions about them, too.

I welcome any criticism, especially since one of my fears is being in an echo chamber that I'm entirely deluded about my writing ability! (So if anyone has any, DM me or send an ask, let's have a discussion!!) However, it's not right to judge something or someone harshly without making the effort to understand.

vakarianxx, I am so so thankful for all your kind words, and for going into extraordinary detail about everything!! Your opinion on it is worth far more than anyone who didn't even read it, so I trust you on this!!

[drimareuniverse]

Looking for a creative writer/storyteller

Hello! I'm Jay, I'm a non-binary artist and I'm looking for a creative writer that can help me write stories for my pet project Drimare Universe! Particularly my Webcomic and Visual Novel.

More details below, all help and sharing is appreciated!

The Drimare Universe is a world located within the dreams of humans, and the Drimare are its main inhabitants spread through various different regions.

It's composed of smaller stories focused on specific groups of characters (Like how Marvel has Spider-man stories, Iron-man stories, etc.) The general tone is a fun modern fantasy slice of life type.

I've been working on the project on my own for the past 10 years, and although I have a lot of lore and character info written down, when it comes to writing stories themselves, my skills are lacklustre. I finally accepted that I need someone that could help me with that, so here I am!

I keep most of the character info and lore archived on its wiki here if you're curious to learn more about it.

My current two projects that I'm looking for help on are a Webcomic and a Visual Novel, both of which are on hiatus because of my difficulty and general dissatisfaction with my own writing :(

I basically have loose plot points, certain scenarios, conversations and ideas, and I need someone that can tie those things together in a satisfying narrative way.

You don't have to work on the comic AND visual novel, but I am looking for help in at least one of those projects.

General requirements

Be over 18 years old. I'm 23 and not comfortable working with minors.

Be LGBTQ+ friendly! A LOT of the cast is LGBTQ in some way and certain characters focus a lot on topics of gender and sexuality so the more you know about the topic, the better :)

Have the patience to learn about my characters and world's quirks and lore lol! I'll try to explain things as best as I can! Bonus points if you have weird ideas yourself.

Basically, you write, I give my input, and then we use the finished script for the comic and/or visual novel.

You will be credited!

As for rates, my budget is small so let me know how much you charge! I'm somewhat of a writer myself and I don't feel comfortable having someone work for free, but I also have no idea what people usually charge for stuff like this. I can also offer my art in exchange if the person is interested/comfortable with that! Examples are on my DeviantArt as well as other links found on my profile.

I'm looking for someone I can work with for the long term so expect me to be a returning client if I enjoy your work! :) Ideally, I'd like to make a team eventually, but a writer is the priority atm.

I don't really have a set deadline so don't worry about having to finish things by specific dates.

It's my first time trying to commission someone for writing so I apologize if my etiquette is off, I'm only experienced in art commissions. I have no idea how I'm supposed to commission writing so I'll just describe what I'm looking to get below.

For the webcomic

Drimare Universe is the first official webcomic series based around the world of Drimare Universe, focusing on the origin story of the two siblings Zelly and Blade, as well as other characters they meet throughout their journey. It's set roughly around 10 years before the current timeline.

Available to read on Tapas here

It's an origin story for two siblings, followed by episodic stories of them meeting other characters from the cast and learning about the world around them. It's sort of built like a cartoon show, with more serious episodes, others more light-hearted, some important one, etc.

There are only 13 pages in the first episode so far, but I'm unhappy with the current script for the rest of the story and need help with it.

I'd like for someone who is actually good at writing and having better ideas to give it a look and either suggest things that could work better or straight-up rewrite it from scratch but better

The other episodes only have the general main plot points written down, with further episodes still being in a draft phase (I got so caught up with my writer's block with trying to figure the first two episodes, that I haven't been able to focus on the following ones)

***

For the visual novel

Drimare Universe Friendsim, is an ongoing Visual Novel project that will feature various characters from the Drimare Universe series, it is currently being developed on Ren'Py and free to download on the DU Friendsim itch.io page.

It is heavily inspired by games like Hiveswap Friendship Simulator as it follows a similar concept of a Human protagonist meeting various cast characters in order to form friendships with them.

The series will be released in various volumes, each one focusing on a specific character, with the events changing depending on the player's choices.

Available to download for free on Itch.io

It's about a human dreamer character who wakes up in the dream world and meets respective Drimare characters.

If you've played Hiveswap Friendsim or Pesterquest, it's the exact same concept. YCH protag meets characters in a very Isekai inspired scenario. It's like a dating sim, but friendship focused instead.

Unlike the webcomic, which takes place in the past, this visual novel takes place in the current timeline. Also unlike the comic, the visual novel is not canon.

Each volume is focused on MC (Who is referred to as "Dreamer") meeting a specific character, with other secondary characters making appearances as well.

There are two volumes available so far, each composed of one short story.

The tone is playful and comedic, I guess "quirky" could be a word to describe it. But still capable of having its serious moments,

Each volume has three endings. A short bad ending, a neutral ending, and a good/true ending. (The length and amount of endings can be flexible)

You don't have to know how to program visual novels or anything like that, I just need help with the stories. I'll be in charge of adding the writing to the game, animating the sprites accordingly, etc etc.

Apologies for the long text, I just want to be sure people understand exactly what I'm looking for! Ideally, I'd love to find someone that could share my passion for creating content for this project, but for now, I'll just settle for just finding someone at all lol

You can contact me through PMs here, though I also accept messages through Twitter DMs or Discord!

Twitter - https://twitter.com/NE0Nbandit

Discord - Jay 🌸🌊#9625

Thank you for taking the time to read this! <3

[malmuses]

Hello Mal, how are you doing? I hope things have gotten better for you on the real life side of things. I'm going through some rough times too, so at least the company is good! I wanted to start by saying that your fics have single handedly gotten me through the most turbulent transition period of my life. I'm almost completely finished with your works on AO3 and your storytelling... *many many many chef kisses*. You are easily one of my favorite writers. I love your writing style, ...1/2

...2/2 your characterization, and how well thought out each story is. Each fic is like a decadent treat for my brain. I was curious, as a fellow writer, what your writing process is like. I've tried a few different methods but was wondering what works best for you! I hope the rest of your 2020 is full of peace and love. Also, I apologize in advance for the spam of comments you are about to receive on AO3. I finally have enough spoons for it!

I’m pasting these into one so I can put the answer in one place! (Tumblr is so awkward sometimes.) Sorry to hear you’ve been going through rough times too! There’s a lot of it going around this year, so I think we have plenty of company. In fact, I think the whole world just needs to lower its expectations and standards this year. Woke up? There’s the first gold star of the day. It's only up from here. I’m so glad that you’ve been enjoying my stories and so flattered that you say they’ve helped you so much...*insert feelings gif* I always tell myself when I write something: It’s okay if not everyone likes it. It’s okay if some people hate it. Nothing is for everyone. I just want one person to *love it*. Then I’m totally at peace. Now, if that person is just me? If I’m the only one that loves it? That’s also cool. Each story comes from a different place. My long-winded point, though, was that you basically just validated the existence of my entire catalog of fics so far, so thank you xD Your question about my writing process though - I’m happy to answer. But of course, first, I have to insert the usual disclaimer that as with most creative endeavors, there is no ‘right’ way to do it. I’m sure you know that, but sometimes I think people underestimate the depth of that truth. Each person has their own unique way of doing things. The struggle is sometimes finding the particular way, or combination of ways, that work for you. There’s definitely no harm in sharing what works for me though, in case anyone else can take anything from it. I’m someone who writes multiple things at once. Some people can’t do this or don’t want to, which I totally understand. For me, this is how I (mostly) avoid any kind of writers' block. If I’m stuck somewhere, I switch projects for a day or two. I do usually still have one main project I’m working on, but I usually have at least three others, often at various stages of the writing process. This keeps me in more of a flow state so I keep going with things, and allows me to write every day. It’s a habit. Now, I’m not saying breaks are bad, and everyone should write every day. I just find that for me, breaks should be deliberate. They should be true, chosen breaks, not because I just...drifted into one.

As you can probably tell from all that, I’m very much a planner and outliner. I outline...a lot. I’d be happy to talk more about my particular outlining process on Tumblr someday if anyone wanted. But, basically, I start with a general idea, then break it down into different story beats, so I can see if there’s something missing or too much of one thing. Then I fill in the gaps, then start breaking each overall ‘part’ of the plot into scenes, etc. Chapters come last. In terms of numbers (I get asked this one a lot), it does not matter how long your chapters are. What matters is that the chapter length feels right for the pacing of the fic, in my opinion, and I really think that is something that just comes with practice and knowing your own writing. Shitty advice maybe, but just the truth as I see it. A lot of it comes down to practice and finding what works for you.

Once I have an outline, I generally write linearly. Some people can jump around a lot. That’s a bit of a last resort for me if I’m stuck on something, or alternately if a scene steams into my head fully formed I will write it...with the understanding that I will probably have to change chunks of it when I reach it. It’s just the way it goes.

Now, when I say I outline in detail (there are literal spreadsheets)  that doesn’t mean that I magically only write exactly what’s in the outline and I stick to it. An outline can be a guide, not a rule. Sometimes stories take you places, and generally, I find it's better to listen to what the story wants. If my story starts going somewhere else or introduces something I don’t expect, I often revisit my outline and think, “Okay, how can I work in this new thing so that it follows the plotlines and arcs I already have? Am I adding to what I have or just distracting from it?” Most often those answers are obvious to me, but sometimes it’s good to ask someone else. A friend, a trusted beta. (I could talk a whole lot about betas and how that works for me, too, in addition to outlining).

I pretty much zero draft my fics. By that, I mean that I will start writing, and I won’t go back and do very much editing until the end. I will, each writing session, go back and read what I wrote the day before. Get into the zone. And sure, I’ll fix something if it jumps out at me - but that isn’t the purpose at that point, and most things won’t jump out, because it's too fresh. My brain knows what I meant, so it autocorrects for me. 

Leading into editing, it’s a two-step process for me. Once my zero draft is finished, I go back to the beginning and go through. This is where most of my developmental editing happens. (Another thing that probably needs more detail...different types of editing.) Once I’ve done that (usually during that pass, I’ve added words) I then put the fic aside. For as long as possible. At least a month, if I can swing that. (Bang deadlines sometimes cause issues if it's a fic for a bang, but I try). 

Once that time has passed, I can come back to it with fresh eyes. I’ll see the mistakes much more easily, then. This is where more intensive line edits happen, where SPAG happens, where I insert anything I made note of during my first pass if I needed to foreshadow anything more, that kind of thing. 

For a WIP, I do these edits chapter by chapter as it posts. For a Bang fic, obvious I have to do it all in one go. Due to the way I write, if you see me start posting a fic -- that fic is already finished, or in rarer instances (for work that was more time-sensitive) partway through the second draft or so. Oneshots are a little different (and I’ve had some oneshots that turned into chaptered fics of their own accord) in that they are just shorter and less intensive and often only have one main plot thread, so they’re a lot easier to do. I can get one drafted, edited and posted within a few days usually, depending on length.

How much do I write? Depends on the day. I have a high-stress finance job, two kids, and write a mixture of original fiction and fanfic stuff. So sometimes it's more than others. Bad day? Maybe 1,000 words. Good, average day? 3-6k. High pressure? Well, last year's DCBB I wrote in just under three days. It was 25k at that point. I have no tips for speed beyond learning to type fast, LOL!

Okay. I’ve probably bored you, and anyone else who had to scroll past all this, to tears. This is way too long. But even so, more specific questions, I’m happy to answer.

Good luck! Best advice? Just write. Write. Write. "Write a million words, then throw them away” is a changeable quote attributed to several authors but all it comes down to is...practice. Find your own vice and way of doing it. In a million words time, you will be a different writer than you are now, guaranteed.

Mal <3

[gayliensav]

Oh, Baby, I am a Wreck When I'm Without You

I need you here to stay.

Post-canon, Adam and Michael get the ending they deserved.

Read on AO3

Staring down at the key in his hand in disbelief, almost with a little bitterness too, Adam Milligan let out a laugh.

“It’s not a joke, Adam!”

Adam looked up at his brother, Sam -his only living brother at this point, apparently- blue eyes swimming with tears, “You think this is funny ?” he snapped, “You think giving me this is going to fix anything?”

Sam took a shaky breath, “I’m not trying to fix anything with you, I know that’s not possible. But I...I can’t stay there, not without Dean, or Cas, o-or Jack. I can’t do this anymore. And...you’re John’s son too, you have just as much of a right to the bunker as we do. You might as well use it.”

Adam stared down at the key again.

“Do you really have anywhere else to go?” Sam asked bluntly.

Adam glared at him, “I would if you idiots didn’t let Michael get killed.”

“Michael let himself get killed by going back to Chuck!” Sam yelled at him, “Get it through your head! The minute you were gone, he went back.”

Adam gripped the key tightly then, shoving it in his pocket, “Thanks,” he snapped, “For the place. But I’m not talking about this with you,” he said, starting to stalk away.

“Adam,” Sam called after him.

Adam stopped, but didn’t turn around.

“For what it’s worth...I’m sorry for your loss,” Sam called to him, “And...for everything else. I know it’s not worth anything, but I am.”

Adam pulled his coat tighter around himself, “Yeah...you too,” he mumbled, hurrying away.

.............

Adam turned the light on in the bunker, listening to the place start up again. A part of him wondered how long it had been off before Sam finally tracked him down, but the other part of him didn’t really care what his brother was doing anymore.

He couldn’t bring myself to care about much anymore.

“What’s happening, Michael?”

“I...I think my father is destroying humanity. Adam, I-“

“It’s getting dark.”

“Adam, I’m so sorry, I love you.”

“Mike-“

“Adam!”

.............

Adam stared at himself in the bathroom mirror. He didn’t look like himself, not anymore. He’d spent the few months before Sam tracked him down just drifting from place to place without any real destination in mind. He didn’t have anything now, at least before he’d always had Michael.

He had dark circles under his eyes and his hair was grown out slightly and it was a mess. Adam swore that his hair lost a little of its brightness without Michael.

A lot of things lost brightness without Michael, actually.

Adam felt his eyes sting with tears again and he gripped the sides of the sink, taking a few shaky breaths to try to stop himself from crying. It was useless though, he found himself crying at least once a day.

He felt so empty, so lost. He didn’t know what he was supposed to do without the archangel who had been with him for what felt like over a thousand years.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. They were supposed to have a life together, out in the woods in a small house away from anyone that could find them. They were supposed to have each other.

Adam felt a sob rip from his chest and he slammed his fist into the mirror.

................

Adam was lying in a bed -alone, per usual- he’d claimed in an empty room in the bunker. He was staring down at his now-stitched and bandaged hand, cursing his sudden humanity that gave him injuries.

That really stung.

So did humanity, really.

Adam closed his eyes, despite knowing that he wouldn’t get more than an hour of sleep.

..............

Adam was unsure of the actual timeline of his relationship with the archangel Michael. They’d talked, on occasion, while they were in the cage. He knew it was probably around the hundred year mark before they actually got more in-depth with their talks, until Michael was more curious about him than Adam was about the archangel.

The two hundred year mark, Michael was falling. He was calling him “love” and “dear” when he spoke to him and they held hands all the time. Holding hands with an archangel’s smaller version of a true form would seem weird to most people, but not to Adam. He clung to the light of the archangel like a lifeline and Michael did the same.

The three hundred year mark, Adam was quite enjoying himself, for it being Hell. At least he got an archangel boyfriend out of his shitty deal with Heaven. He spent most days with his soul wrapped in the warmth of Michael’s Grace, listening to stories about the beginning of everything.

“Your soul is so beautiful, love.”

“When we get out of here, we will be together, dear. It is only a matter of time.”

“I will keep you safe, my love.”

“My Adam.”

“I love you.”

............

Adam’s eyes snapped open and he stared up at the ceiling. He glanced over at the clock and sighed.

Yeah, he was right about that hour of sleep  

...........

He ended up in the bunker’s library, surprised about the sheer amount of books in it. He looked at the titles in various different languages, his hand stopping on what he recognized as Enochian.

Being bonded with an archangel for a thousand years at least had some benefits, he had time to learn the language.

Adam pulled the book from the shelf slowly, going over to one of the chairs and cracking it open. The spine cracked as it opened, making Adam think it probably hadn’t been opened in years.

His eyes drifted over the text, absorbing the Men of Letters findings about angels, most importantly the archangels.

It seems archangels require someone descended from Cain and Abel to actually have a vessel able to withstand them. All other reported vessels have deteriorated over the years.

Adam’s breath caught in his throat as he got lower onto the page.

Angels are not sent to Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory after their deaths. It is reported they are sent somewhere else, somewhere Empty. Below is a spell that has worked on many occasions for a vessel to awaken an archangel, specifically. Do not attempt this without knowing what you’ll possibly unleash by doing this and do not attempt this without a proper vessel available.

You’ll need the following: Salt, blood of a nephilim biologically related to the angel you are contacting, your own blood, a cloth, and something to start a fire.

Adam stared down at the page, his hand shaking a little.

“I have a nephew, apparently. His name is Jack.”

“How do you know?”

“I can sense him, that Lucifer had reproduced.”

Jack. Jack had to still be alive, right?

Adam flipped through the pages rapidly, hoping he could find something on summoning a nephilim, but it didn’t give him much other than some details on nephilim.

“Okay,” Adam took a shaky breath, “Okay, fine,” he said before closing his eyes and praying.

“Jack, I...I hope you can hear me. My name is Adam, I was Michael’s vessel. I need your help,” he peeked an eye open, “C’mon, man, Heaven owes me at least that much.”

There was the sound of a rush of wings and Adam opened his eyes to see a teenager standing in front of him.

“That was easier than I thought,” Adam mumbled.

“I...usually keep a line of communication open to Sam, in case he needs anything. I must have accidentally left that line open to any relatives following Dean’s death,” Jack said quietly, “How can I help you, Adam?”

Adam grabbed the book quickly, stumbling a little as he did. He walked over to the table, putting the book down and opening to the page, “I’m going to bring Michael back.”

“I...do not know if that’s a good idea,” Jack said softly.

“He had trauma, Jack, he was abused by his Father for eternity. Please,” Adam choked out, “He made a mistake, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve a chance at life.”

Jack stared at him, tilting his head, “You love him.”

“So much,” Adam whispered, “I genuinely...don’t know what to do without him,” he smiled weakly, “We were going to have a life together, you know. A normal one, with a house just to ourselves,” he felt his eyes fill with tears again, “He’d probably loved to have been able to actually be an uncle to you.”

Jack suddenly waved his hand and conjured up a knife as well as a bowl, “Here,” he said softly. He cut his hand and Adam watched in shock as he dropped the blood into the bowl. The wound closed up after a few moments right before his eyes.

Jack smiled, “Everyone deserves a second chance, Adam Milligan...my uncle included.”

“Thank you,” Adam choked out, “Jack, thank you so much.”

Jack nodded and smiled, “If you ever need anything else, you know how to contact me. Good luck, Adam.”

Then he was gone.

Adam stared down at the bowl for a moment before quickly snatching it along with the book like it would disappear if he left it for too long.

.......

So that’s how he ended up here, making a circle of salt on the floor of his new bedroom on the floor. He was moving carefully, checking back at the book every few moments to make sure he was doing everything perfectly.

Adam set the bowl down then, along with everything else that had been on the list. He kneeled down, glancing over at the book that was sitting beside the circle as he did.

Adam grabbed the knife, wincing as he cut his own palm, watching his own blood drip down into the bowl. He quickly wrapped it in a bandage after to stop the blooding.

He dipped the cloth in the bowl Jack had used before putting the now bloodied cloth into the metal bowl and sitting it down, looking down at it.

“Well,” Adam whispered, lighting the match, “Here goes nothing,” he said before dropping it onto the cloth, watching the bowl light up almost immediately.

He closed his eyes then, starting the spell. It was long, he had to look down at the spell in the book a few times for help and was almost sure his poor pronunciation would ruin the spell.

He took a shaky breath as he finished up the spell, “...qui dormiunt, ad dominum formosum. Nexus noster, restitutus est. Surgas ex abysso, in lumine existas!”

The fire went a little brighter and then a rift opened on the wall, to Adam’s shock, making him fall back a little. The black void opened and light started to glow.

“Michael...Michael, it’s me, it’s Adam,” he said quickly, recognizing the archangel’s true form anywhere.

A misshapen hand, one glowing blue, reached out to him. He almost stumbled to get to him, linking his hand with his form almost immediately.

Nothing happened.

Adam took a shaky breath, “You actually need an official yes again, halo? It’ll always be a yes for you.”

Then Michael’s form slammed into his body and the portal closed. The human stumbled back, falling onto the bed as he felt a familiar warmth go over his entire body. He got dizzy and he knew it was because Michael was so excited.

“Adam...my Adam.”

“I’m here,” Adam breathed out. His vision was sharper again, like he could see the dust particles in the air, and he could hear the lights buzzing, but didn’t mind it. He was used to it, he was used to being a little not human while being Michael’s vessel.

“You’re here,” Michael repeated in his head, his true voice just a little too loud in Adam’s head out of his excitement, reminding Adam of an oversized, overpowered golden retriever.

“I am,” Adam laughed, wetness stinging his eyes again.

“My Adam,” Michael said, curling his Grace tightly around Adam’s soul, trying to get impossibly closer than he already was, protectiveness radiating off of him, “You’re here. You’re alive. ”

Adam pushed back a little with his soul, like he was trying to wrap around Michael’s Grace as well and Adam felt more happiness radiating from the archangel.

“My love,” Michael whispered, “It’s so good to see you again.”

“Never do that again, okay?” Adam asked, “We’re never separating again. Ever.”

“Not for the rest of eternity,” Michael agreed, “And maybe a little after that.”

[nekomapi]

chp 1 🎶 a light in your eyes that keeps shining

Shouto stared at the keys in front of him; the black and white rectangles blurred together as he spaced out. He had been running this piece all afternoon and he couldn't be more bored with it if he tried. Each time sounded just as good as the last, but he kept on practicing- leaving no room for the possibility of error. Less errors meant less scolding from his father.

His instructor didn't have any clients this afternoon and told him he could use the piano for as long as he wanted. He took lessons here twice a week when his father had other obligations and couldn't supervise, which also meant he never had much time for himself. Luckily, these two days were such a breath of fresh air from the usual routine that he always looked forward to them.

He let out a heavy sigh as he stretched his fingers and his arms. It was so peaceful; the warm sunlight pouring through the windows, golden hues illuminating the shiny surface of the grand piano. The whole room bathed in incredible warmth, something his house felt completely devoid of.

He couldn't remember how long he had been sitting there, but it felt like hours. He yawned as he glanced at the clock, his eyes slowly trailing over to the mahogany drum set that stared at him from the corner of the room. He had looked at it longingly for about 6 months, ever since he started his lessons here. There were so many different components and they seemed so complex, like a different world he was unaware of.

His curiosity itched to no end and he finally gathered the courage to walk over to it, grazing the drumhead with his fingers as he sat on the stool. His teacher had gone on an errand and he knew she wouldn't be back for a little while. Picking up the black wooden drumsticks, he started tapping gently on each piece to test the different noises they each made. After a few minutes of self-containment, he couldn’t help but let loose. He banged the different sized drums, smashed the symbols and kicked the bass pedal intermittently, with no direction and no sheet music to follow along with. It was the most exhilarated he had felt in a long time. He played with such enthusiasm that sweat started to accumulate on his brow as he lashed about without a care in the world. He didn't notice this rarity himself, but throughout his messy performance, his face was plastered with a playful grin. His focus shifted upwards as his eye caught a glimpse of a figure and he jumped up, almost tripping over the bass drum. A young girl was leaning in the doorway, her arms crossed and a smirk playing at her features. She couldn't help but find his clumsiness amusing.

Locking on her gaze, he instantly recognized her from the family photos on his teacher's desk. It was her daughter and he didn't know much about her, besides the few details she had mentioned to him in the past. Apparently she was exceptionally talented in multiple instruments and attended a very esteemed music academy in the city. The way she always beamed when she spoke of her, made it obvious how proud she was, and that shamefully always stung him. The only pride ever displayed from his father never felt out of love and his mother, well she was a different story.

"I... I'm sorry I uh...shouldn't have-"

She interrupted mid-sentence, holding up her hand and walking towards him, "Don't apologize! I'm the one who should apologize for startling you during your performance." She smiled and jokingly added," I'm going to guess that was your first time playing? If not, well then my mother might have lost her touch."

"That was the first time." He stood up straighter, trying to play off his embarrassment by transitioning into his usual stoic gaze. "I was just... curious is all."

"Ah. Well I have to say, you look good back there."

"Thanks," he mumbled, his cheeks feeling hot as he put down the drumsticks and started to back away from the drum set.

"Whoa, not so fast." She was at his side quickly and pushed him back towards the seat. He looked at her, confusion written on his face as he sat back down. She picked up the drumsticks, effortlessly twirling one around in her fingers. "Consider this your first lesson." Something about her made him feel at ease and he couldn't think of an excuse to refuse. He nodded in agreement and she grinned.

She didn't waste any time before naming each component and explaining the proper technique and form, including fixing the way he held the drumsticks. He admired how she spoke with such emotion, using her hands when trying to emphasize her opinion and the way her eyes lit up when she rambled on about what aspects she thought were the most important in order to be a good musician. It wasn't just her bright green eyes or that faint smell of gardenia that reminded him of her mother, but it was that burning passion towards music which was so evident in their words and motions. He longed to have that kind of burning emotion towards it as well. He soaked in every word, not wanting to forget a single thing she said--- or how her hair glistened against her smooth, freckled skin.

After going over the basics for about twenty minutes, she demonstrated a few basic drum beats. Once she ran through them a few times, she handed him back the drumsticks, gesturing for him to try. He followed her instruction, recreating the beat under her guidance. It wasn't hard for him to catch on. She stood back and watched as he seemed to effortlessly repeated the sample over and over, even adding in little changes while increasing the tempo each time. It was wildly impressive and after a few minutes, she spoke again. "Can I ask you something?'

"Go ahead," he responded, still focused on keeping a beat.

"Do you actually enjoy playing piano?"

He stopped and turned to face her. "What makes you ask that?"

"Well, I heard you playing Einaudi earlier, many times through I might add. And don’t get me wrong... you play wonderfully! Probably with some of the best form I've ever heard from someone our age. It's just... it sounded a bit— robotic, or like it wasn’t coming from the heart." She pushed herself off the wall and walked to the other side of the drum set. "Listening to you play just now, and before when I came in and interrupted you, something just feels different. It's like I could finally hear you in it."

"But you've only just met me..." he stated bluntly. "How could you know something like that?" There was no doubt that he was experiencing a bit of freedom in himself today, but her analysis suddenly had him feeling a little exposed and embarrassed. These unexpected emotions were new to him.

"I'm sorry... it was just a feeling I had. I didn't mean to pry." She fell silent for a moment, having felt slightly bad for how he reacted. She chuckled in hopes to lighten the mood. "I guess with that rad hair you just totally have that whole badass drummer vibe going on." She leaned back, framing his face with her fingers and staring at him through the opening. "I mean, who wouldn't want to be the next John Bonham."

"John Bonham?"

She gestured towards a framed record on the wall behind him, feeling thankful to change the subject. "Only one of the best drummers to ever grace the face of the earth." She walked over to her backpack and pulled out her phone, unraveling the headphones wrapped around it. She tapped on the screen a few times and then handed it over to him.

His tone was quizzical as he read off the name, "Fool in the Rain by ...Led Zeppelin?"

"Have you really never heard of them?"

Shouto shook his head and her mouth dropped.

"Alright well... take it all in buddy," she motioned towards the ear buds.

He put them in his ears, pressed play and stared down at the phone as the song started. It didn’t take long for him to be hooked, zoning in on the drums and how they effortlessly worked with the other instruments to form the melody. His head started to move with the beat, following along with its rhythm. He could identify the specific sounds of each component he had learned. It's like something clicked and he understood when she had said that a good drummer can make all the difference to how the song comes together. It was the first time he had actually "heard" a piece of music. Don't get him wrong, he knew the piano could be an incredibly moving instrument, but nothing had ever spoken to him personally like this. The song was about halfway through when it suddenly paused.

"Uh, someone named ... Boomer is calling." He handed her the phone.

"Oh!" she said, glancing up at the clock as she scrambled to answer.

‘What kind of name is Boomer?’ he thought.

"Hey! Sorry if you've been waiting, I lost track of time. I'll head over n--- ....I SAID I WAS SORRY....... It's none of your business ya punk! Just chill out, I'll be there soon!" She groaned in annoyance and ended the call, "I gotta go."

She walked to where a few guitars hung on the wall and took down a black and white Gibson, placing it in the case that was on the floor beneath it.

"You play guitar too?" Shouto asked. He wasn't really surprised as his teacher had already told him in the past that she played multiple instruments. He didn't know why but for some reason he wanted to continue being in her company for just a little longer.

"Among other things, yeah. I get bored if I stick to one thing for too long."

"Dividing your efforts into multiple instruments has to make mastering one pretty difficult," he stated matter of factly.

"I think you and I may look at music a little differently. I don't play an instrument with the need to master it. I play because of how it makes me feel. I let the instrument guide me where it needs to go, not the other way around. I guess, I just don't see the point in doing something if it doesn't set my soul on fire, ya know?" She zipped up the guitar bag and walked back towards him, holding out her hand. "I'm Ronnie by the way."

He walked around the drum set and shook it. "Todoroki, Shouto." She was staring at him intensely, making him shift uncomfortably. "What is it?" he asked a bit harshly, feeling conscious about his scar.

"Oh! Sorry- ha! I was just admiring that rockstar hair of yours again." She flashed him a rock and roll sign, though he didn't understand the gesture. It wasn't just the hair that had her mesmerized, but the smooth, burned skin around his eye. She felt sad that she found it so beautiful, without knowing what kind of pain was behind it.

"Thanks? I guess." He looked away, putting his hands in his pockets.

She smiled. "It kind of reminds me of Christmas morning." He looked back at her, his cheeks feeling warm again.

"Well, I guess I'll see ya around, Shouto."

His mouth went a bit dry at the familiarity and he nodded. "Yeah. See ya."

She turned and walked out of the room. He listened as the front door opened, feeling an odd knot in his stomach as it closed. He grasped at the sensation over his shirt and went over to sit back down at the piano. He couldn't pinpoint what exactly this feeling was, but it had made him feel SOMETHING, so he relished in it. Grabbing his phone from out of his pocket, he opened up Apple Music and typed in a song. He closed his eyes, his lips twitching up slightly as "Fool in the Rain" started to play through the speakers.

_________________________

♫ music selection ♫

Ludovico Einaudi - Nuvole Bianche

Led Zeppelin - Fool in the Rain

this was the first chapter of my abandoned BNHA music AU (+ a few HQ!! crossovers)... but i think it works as a cute standalone piece. recently been debating on resurrecting this fic or just using the existing material for hcs or scenarios... hmmm 🤔

xo n.pi

[judaluffy]

uhm hi im kinda new to the fandom so I'm not really sure with almost everything that's happening but all i know is i love love love the series so far. To make this short in order to save time, I just wanted to ask in what order should i read/watch bsd? I'm on chapter 45 in the manga and I'm not sure what to do exactly after finishing it someday. Can you give/suggest me an order or list? Thank you very much!

Hello Anon-san! First of all, welcome to bsd hell!

The manga is a very nice start. In bsd there’s many things apart from the anime and manga so I am gonna explain shortly what each is together with my recommended order of reading/watching. So...

BSD Universe Guide

1) Manga (79 chapters so far, updating at the start of every month)

2) Anime ( Season 1, Season 2, OVA(Hitori Ayumu), Movie (Dead Apple), Season 3)

3) Novels (Only the first 2 novels are released in english. Some of the others might be translated online or there might be reviews. I’m gonna list them here together with alternative ways to learn the gist of their stories)

a) Dazai’s Entrance Exam (This one has been added in the first season of the anime, just with another timeline. It’s the Blue King/Messenger story. In the novel, the events happen 2 years before the anime timeline so Atsushi isn’t there and Dazai is a newbie fufu if you can get your hands on it though, then do so, it’s funny)

b) Dark Era (This one is depicted in the first 4 episodes of season 2. Some details have been changed and obviously the novel is better but you can understand the story just from the anime.)

c) Planning of Atsushi’s Entrance Exam + Founding of the Agency (This has not been shown anywhere. There should be translations/reviews online though. You can ask me for help finding them ^^)

d) 55 minutes (A completely new story in the current timeline. It’s fun and all but you don’t miss on the story so much even if you don’t read it. Again, if you can find it either online or when/if it’s released in english, do read it! It’s nice!

e)Dead Apple (Now this is just the scenario of the movie in novel form. You don’t have to read it to understand the story or anything.)

f) BEAST (This is an alternative story where Atsushi is in the Mafia and Aku is in the ADA, it doesn’t have anything to do with the original plot. But if you are curious, here’s a summary of it I had written while reading it.)

g) Fifteen (Dazai and Chuuya’s meeting story. It has been animated in the first 3 episodes of season 3 but there’s many parts that were cut and/or changed. You can read my summary/review of it here.)

4)BSD wan! (manga) Idk if anyone’s still translating it currently but there are many translated chapters and it’s hella funny and if you enjoy some comedy then you should totally read it!

5) Dead Apple Manga (It’s updating online in japanese currently. Idk if anyone’s translating it but it follows the events of the movie mostly so there’s no urgency to read it. But there are some extra scenes that are based off of an originals story for the game)

6) Bungou Tales of the lost (Mobile game, there’s also an english version. It has most of the stories and some few original scenarios like the one I mentioned above.)

7) BSD Gaiden (A completely side story featuring completely other characters but in the same universe. Ango appears in it. Tsujimura, who appears in the movie, first appeared here. And actually also meets Chuuya in it.) Now this has both a novel and a manga. If you are interested, you can find part of the manga translated online.

Okay I think that’s all. Just the manga and novels are enough to enter the BSD world but if you wanna get in deeper there’s many things you can do. If reading is to your liking then take the time to read some of the books the original authors had written. No Longer Human is awesome for example XD

I hope this was enough answer to your question ;; Feel free to ask me if you need help with something more specific too ^^ I’m happy to help bsd buddies!

[lecliss]

OwO For that ask game - F (What’s the longest you’ve ever been in a fandom?), I (Has Tumblr caused you to stop liking any fandoms, if so, which and why?), O (Choose a song at random. Which ship or character does it remind you of?), T (Do you have any hard and fast headcanons that you will die defending? ), Y (What are your secondhand fandoms (fandoms you aren’t in personally but are tangentially familiar with)), and I'll stop here before I ask you the whole alphabet bc I'm curious ashdkaldhsjdh

Lmao thank you buddy for adding the questions so I wouldnt have to go back and forth cuz I use mobile 😔

F - The fandom for that would be Naruto. If I remember correctly the first fanfic I read was for Naruto and that was probably when I was like, 10 or 11 I think. Couldve been younger tho?? It's always hard to remember specific things that far back, lol. And I'm still in it now as you can tell, so that's likely around 11 years and still going. I'm not leaving and no one can make me leave!! 😂

I - Does stop liking imply having liked it all??? Idk, if it doesn't then who cares. This is probably the closest I've got that I can think of anyway. So, you know how some media attracts the same group of people so you've got some fandoms being filled with the same people that almost all like the same two or three or so pieces of media? The Servamp fandom is very chummy with and shares many people with both the Haikyuu and Bungou no Stray Dogs fandoms. I don't care for Haikyuu at all and I'm kinda interested in BSD, but not enough to bother getting into it. So so, back before Tumblr mobile could let you filter tags like it can now, since I followed a lot of Servamp blogs, I had to see a lot of Haikyuu. And except for a few small exceptions, I generally hate sports animes. A new season either started or was ending and I was forced to see so much fucking Haikyuu. Oh my god, so much Haikyuu. And I hated it. Ya know like the more you see something you don't care for the more annoying it slowly becomes? Well, for some people. So I just loathe seeing anything even remotely Haikyuu related now. No offensive to the show, but there's just an association there in my head now cuz I didn't wanna unfollow my Servamp mutuals for it, but I couldn't stop seeing it then either. So in a way, both the Haikyuu and Servamp fandom on Tumblr ruined Haikyuu for me before it even had a chance. Now thankfully I can have it filtered, and the reason I mentioned BSD at all is cuz the same thing almost started happening with that too, but then I could also filter that so now it won't get ruined for me in case I ever do decide to check it out.

O - Maybe not random cuz I've been looking for a chance to bring it up forever now, but Drive By(too lazy to look up by who) has always and will always remind me of Flint x Volkner(also too lazy to look up the ship name lol) cuz I used to be addicted to that song and was really into that ship at the time so that's all I thought about while listening to it. I don't even remember what specifically I would think about with them, but knowing me probably an AU scenario that I've long since forgotten, lol.

T - FUCKING THANK YOU LUA! People can pry 1/4th Australian Aboriginal Jim from my cold dead hands, holy FUCK!!! I don't care if I'm seeing things that aren't there, Jim is part Aboriginal to me and I will die on this fucking hill. I will!!! Also, homeschooled O'Brien. I've got some old discord convos about it with a friend that I'd have to go searching for to remember the exact details of the proof, but I swear it makes so much sense!!!! That is also a hill I will just die on and no one will be able to remove my corpse from it. These are my hills, these are where I live and die.

Y - Uuuuhhh, not sure how much counts as what, lol. Mmmm, perhaps cuz of the Servamp fandom I know a few things about BSD despite, as mentioned, me never actually partaking in it myself. Oh, oh, oh and also She-Ra. Definitely seen enough of that all over Tumblr to have some small opinions and know the overall plot and enjoy some fanart despite never watching it either. And before I started watching it myself, Atla also qualified, altho I watched most of Korra, but I don't see that nearly as much as the original series. And if series within series count then Yugioh Zexal as well, since I've never watched more than the first episode in English and the first manga volume, but I know plenty of the plot(even if the more I find out the more confused it makes me, lol).

Thank you again buddy! I wouldn't mind you sending the whole alphabet either, lol. They're all good questions. I'll send you some too after my guild battle in like an hour, I gotta go prepare.

[bullsseye]

ohhh may i ask what you didn't like about the first season? fyi i never read the comics and i think the story kinda dragged at times (esp. abt the hazel&chacha bits??), and ik i'm gonna be lynched for this but i think ellen page was pretty meh as vanya...but since you've read the comics i'm curious abt what you think

yes, you can absolutely ask but the answer may be long...and keep in mind this is from the perspective of someone who not only has read the comics, but has been completely enamored with them since ‘07...i’ll start with hazel & cha-cha since you mentioned them and because it’s a Big One for me. (this is going under a cut because it’s long as hell, and i’m prone to rambling)

steve blackman, the showrunner, was so excited to bring H&CC into s1 and yet what he essentially did was create two OC’s. on one hand, i get. in the comics they have very little depth, but the few key traits they do have were essentially erased. they became bland, joyless versions of some of the most iconic characters in the whole series. the more time i spend with tuatv the less i give a sh*t about hazel/agnes (and it was already part of the show that dragged for me). i’m annoyed they massively revamped these characters, but i’m disgusted by the way they made the White Man redeemable and Loving and Soft, while focusing on the hyperviolent, revenge-seeking black woman trying to ruin the Quirky White Indie Couple. i’m annoyed they ruined the love and camaraderie between comics H&CC in favor of a forced romance subplot that they used to fill time. i’m mad that hazel got a second chance and a few layers worth of depth while cha-cha started and ended with “she likes murder!” with about one second worth of deeper characterization before it gets shit on again. either give both characters the same care and attention or keep them both as Gleeful Assassins, prioritizing and humanizing the white man while reducing the black woman to harmful tropes at the same time without even hope for something more is UGLY.

moving on to vanya because you also mentioned her (and i’m bitter) i love ellen page and i think she did an amazing job in the show. and i like tv!vanya for what she is, but it didn’t feel much like vanya to me and while i work really hard to keep the show separate from the comics and enjoy both for what they bring to the table, i wish i saw more of that character on screen. that’s essentially the base of a lot of my issues with the show as a comics fan...in so many ways it doesn’t /fee/ like the comics at all. and that’s a bummer for me, because i spent over a decade imagining what this adaptation would look like. i could go into detail here and make a list of specific things that disappointed me re: character details, personality changes, world building, etc. but it would be long and tedious and it’s just as easy to say that it wasn’t what i hoped it would be. (not that i don’t love the show, i do!!!! but coming from this specific perspective, some of these things are just hard to accept, and a lot of the changes i’m just not a fan of, no matter how hard i try to be. some of them make sense and some of them just didn’t need to be done imo...). overall i feel like the show lost a lot of the magic from the comics, and certainly much of its uniqueness.

as for some Bigger, more Tangible issues i have with the overall narrative of the show itself:

dave. listen, i was ecstatic when i read that klaus was going to have a canon boyfriend, but this isn’t what i expected nor what i wanted. you want to talk about Bury Your Gays? this is a pretty significant example, and dave doesn’t even have any actual characterization out of fanon and/or what the actor had to make up for himself to give any semblance of life to that relationship (or the idea of it). in the end he was simply fodder to klaus’ arc and while i respect any/all fans who try to salvage this and make the best of it, it really did Nothing for me at all besides make me angry.

EUDORA PATCH. similar to above, another example of a harmful and ultimately unneeded trope to fuel diego’s pain and personal tragedy which he’s already full up on. another new addition to the story i was excited to see on screen that really just ultimately left me bitter.

to be fair, both of these could be fixed or at least revisited via time travel, but i’m still cautious about being hopeful. i feel like the chances of seeing dave again might be higher than that of patch bc of certain details of the Dallas arc that might land them back in the 60s, but STILL. a season with this kind of thing back-to-back just ain’t cute.

on a different level, i have such a big problem with how the plot is revealed in this show, specifically re: pogo. let me say this, if your entire plot can be avoided by ONE CHARACTER revealing some truth then it’s...Not Great...and the fact that pogo has THREE bombshell pieces of news that are littered off one after the other and significantly drive the story just feels lazy, frankly. and the more i watch it the more i hate it. (also i feel like they missed the opportunity to make the audience really /care/ and /feel/ for pogo. maybe instead of all that time with hazel/agnes they could’ve added in more flashbacks to reveal character rs’s for ALL the kids and their parents/guardian figures hmm just a thought...)

give me time and i can think of more, but i guess (barring some of the more petty issues i have regarding certain choice changes from the comics) these are mostly the Big Ones i feel toward the show.