#these two are forever immortalized TOGETHER in so many ways and will continue to be

[dae-seeme-rollin]

TIL that the Mars Perseverance has parts named SHERLOC and WATSON

[kaeso4ka]

You ask for help and help comes

Pairing: yandere Optimus Prime x human! reader

“Is it free here?”

You nodded, moving aside. You didn't look at him, didn't look away from the deserted-literally deserted-streets of Jasper.

The unknown man, however, was not embarrassed by the silence; he continued cheerfully.

“You're in a bad mood...”

“From a bad life,” you sighed heavily, finally turning to the person speaking, ‘what do you want...?’ you trailed off towards the end.

Sitting next to you was a rather innocuous looking man in his thirties, with an interesting haircut and wearing a balaclava. It was as if he didn't fit in, stood out, was... lighter than the hot, blazing sun.

“I just noticed you weren't feeling well, so I thought I'd come over,” the man turned his face to you fully, smiled. Kind eyes looked attentive but not clingy, “you need help.”

The man spoke ultimatum, but the soft tone of the man speaking made you feel...cozy.

“I do. But no one can help me with my problem,” you smiled weakly at the other's naivety, ‘my name is Y/N,’ you added for some reason after a short silence.

“My name is Yeshua. What makes you think no one will help you?”

The name, as well as the man's appearance, seemed... vaguely familiar. Like you had seen him once before... or had you only heard the name? But the fact was, there were hardly many people with that name in the United States.

“I'm in very big trouble on a galactic scale,” you wanted to say ‘literally,’ but you held back. The phone beeped, attracting attention.

You reached into your bag, lighting up the display... Of course. Optimus. And turned the phone off.

“Do you believe in God?” Yeshua nodded at the bag, from which, between everything else, a small icon peeked out. The icon was indeed quite small, shabby from time, but it still showed Jesus looking on it with humble serenity.

You carefully took out the icon, twirled it thoughtfully in your hands.

“I bought it... A long time ago,” you fell silent, and then, on regaining your composure, answered the question, ”I don't believe in God. I know there is one.”

You yourself were surprised that you had chosen to talk about such a strange subject with this strange man. Why God at all?...isn't this Yeshua a sectarian?

“I agree with you, there is a God. But then why do you think no one is helping you?”

“Because... I don't know. God works in mysterious ways, right? I mean, if it wasn't for God, would I be here? Besides - besides, you're about to come under the jurisdiction of another God - Primus, “here let's think about it. God is he is God to us humans. What if I become, let's say, an alien? And aliens have a different God. And that's it, no one will help me...”

That's silly. You glared at the man, realizing that you were talking nonsense to him.

Yeshua, however, did not look judgmental, bored, or surprised. He looked sympathetic.

“Don't you know that the human Soul is immortal? Once in the world, it remains forever until it is called into the kingdom. No matter what shell hides it,” Joshua smiled at you so brightly and kindly that your heart snapped with a feeling of warmth, ”just as a Cybertronian will not have a Soul if he uses a holoform.”

“Yes...,” you cut yourself short halfway through. “How do you know...?”

The puzzle in her head came together instantly, as if doused with ice water. You wanted to ask a question, so simple and stupid, but you didn't. You stared silently at the man in front of you.

“Do not fear the inevitable, but also do not fear the impossible,” Yeshua rose from the pew, bowed politely, ”I know, among other things, that there are only two types of beings in the universe, regardless of race: the good and the good-but-unhappy. But this is not forever. One day we will all appear There and everyone will be forgiven. The unhappiness will be gone.”

“I wish I could live to see it...” you smiled sadly, ”but what are millions of years compared to eternity There?”

Yeshua smiled, and you understood that smile.

“I have to go.”

You tried to smile back, but it didn't come out well, so she just nodded.

“Goodbye.”

As the departing Jesus became a dot on the horizon, you rose from the pew. Pretty soon there was no one left on the hot Jasper street.

[streets-in-paradise]

Third Fate - Achilles x Fiancee!Reader

Requested by Anon

" Hey, I found your tumblr and I'm loving what you do here, mostly troy. I don't know if you're getting requests, but if you are, you can make one for Achilles based on that scene where he's told he can go and win glory in battle and have his name spoken for centuries or he can stay and be loved, have children, wife? I would love to see Achilles receive more love, with a wife and children. Feel free to make any changes you want, thank you very much in advance."

Hi, anon! I got this way sooner than what i expected because I was really in the mood to write it. The bittersweet mix of angst and fluff was exactly what I wanted to get into this week. Hope you will enjoy it :)

For a lenght concern i kept it in a pre war, pre marriage discussion of the prophecy. If once you read it you happen to like what i wrote here let me know and I can post a continuation showing what happens next ( i originally planned to do so, but it became too long so i prefer to save that for a second part)

Word Count 3.200

Warnings: Standard Achilles sexyness ( no smut, but if you watched the film you understand what I mean with this.) Some aspects of both, the canon of the film and the source material it is based on, were changed to fit the request in my envision of the story.

Summary: Terrible news disrupt the eve of your engagement to Achilles. He is called to fight in Troy and the spectacular war that the gossip foretells seems to be the destiny of greatness he had always dreamed with, but the price he has to pay for it is his happiness with you. The three days ultimatum Odysseus gave him is his moment to decide, but he won't do it without you.

Note: Inspired by two prompts by @creativepromptsforwriting

Prompt 1014 - " Well, the prophecy was a bit unclear about this part."

Prompt 1010 - " Let's not worry about the future. Let's just take this one kiss at a time."

"I like how that sounds."

Tags: @mysticaldeanvoidhorse @helie-brain

There was no easy way for him to explain to you what he had just found out. After Odysseus arrived bringing the news of the war in Asia you were already sad thinking of the distance that would keep your fiancé far away from you for an uncertain amount of time, but the real hardships surpassed your expectations. The whispers of fame claimed the conflict escalated enough to become the greatest war your world had ever seen, but you still imagined it as one war like many others he fought before. No matter the challenges found in battle, Achilles would always return to you. 

Except that he wouldn’t,not from Troy. His mother told him of an old prophecy announced before his birth assuring that war would be the peak of his consecration as a hero, but the price for this glorification was his death. From this fact fate allowed him only two options of choice. He could either stay in Greece and be loved during his lifetime knowing history would forget him, or go to Troy to make his name immortal facing his doom. 

To the end of his tale all you could do was cry, convinced that you were losing him forever. All your plans faded in just one instant, the life you dreamed together was gone. 

“ I’m not dead yet, look at me.” He sweetly mocked you. “ How can you be so sure already that I’m here to tell you I’m abandoning you to get myself killed?” 

You could tell he was trying, but that wasn’t making it any better. 

“ If you don’t go, you will regret it. “ Was your dry comeback. “I know you, Achilles. You live to fight, staying away from the battlefield feels to you like a punishment. I can never keep you for long, not even when war calls you to fight other greeks. Why would it be different this time? You were born for this war, not to labrate the fields and raise goats. If Troy is the fate of greatness that you deserve, I can’t ask you to abandon this life purpose for the sake of our wedding.” 

Despite how much he loved to see people worshiping as a hero, he was very aware to be a man in your eyes. Your approach was realistic and showed how well you knew him, much better than some of the men bleeding with him in war. If you fell for him, you did it knowing what to expect. Begging him to change his nature to fit the requirements of peaceful domesticity was never in your plans and you wouldn’t try it even if you were desperate. 

That didn’t mean he wouldn’t be able to surprise you on occasions, exactly as he did when he proposed to you freshly arrived from the victory against King Triopas and his giant Boagrius. 

“ Do you think I wouldn’t give it all away for you? Then I guess you don’t know me as well as you claim. “ He teased you with insistence. “ I can do well raising horses, I have some magnificent ones already. Do you know that horses are one of the most remarkable exportations of the trojans? If their city gets sacked by greeks and I manage to buy a few of theirs to mix with mine we would get an excellent rare breed. “ 

You cleaned your face and warned him against the mockery. 

“ Don’t play with me! With the memories of your proposal still fresh, fate demands me to let you go. Being your wife is my dream, but I can’t have you knowing I would be destroying everything you worked so hard for. The immortality of your name is a cause bigger than me, the happy marriage we could have had or the children I could have given you. It can’t be a coincidence that this war gets unleashed precisely now, just as we are taking the first step to formalize our union.” 

“ They are pressuring me to choose, it’s true, but the load of this decision lies in the fact that I want both more than anything.” 

Achilles interrupted himself to take your hand, inviting you to abandon the distance you were forcing ever since he began to explain the situation. 

“ I need you by my side, it’s the only vulnerability I have ever allowed myself. A glorifying death doesn’t scare me, but surviving far enough without you would be torture.” 

Your lips parted in sincere amazement for that confession, so unusual of him. 

“ A slow agony. If the war doesn’t kill me first, lovesickness will.” He continued. “ The comfort of lonely men fighting in foreign lands is dreaming with their distant wives at night, the hope of returning to them makes life bearable. I would not have this, from the moment I would board my ship I will be aware you are lost to me. All I would have is the wound of my pierced heart still bleeding love for you and plenty of time to wonder how wonderful it would have been to make you mine… Sooner or later I would lose my mind. Knowing glorious death would be the only comfort already promised to me, I would roam the battlefield searching for it. It’s most likely I would perform incredible acts worthy of being remembered, but I would do it as the insane man who is desperately looking for the warrior meant to kill him. The poets would write for centuries about the madness of Achilles.” 

“ Aren’t they singing that already? Many people have described you as a madman.” You teased him, unsure of how to comfort him. “ Not that I mind, but that is a fact.” 

“ They have no idea, unfulfilled passion would consume me in such an incredible way that Paris would feel a reasonable man hearing about me.” 

He dragged you even closer so he could hold you in his arms and you fell for his touch chuckling sweetly. 

“ Would you be competing against both princes at once while fighting the trojans?” 

“ The warrior prince and the lover boy wish they could compare to me, I win in each one of their expertise areas. “ He followed your provocation, then whispered at you. “ I fight as fiercely as I love. “ 

You bit your bottom lip to avoid an audible response, but your flustered face was speaking for you. For an instant you felt as if nothing had changed between you and you have never heard the terrible omens. 

“... Maybe that’s why no woman is meant to have you, the great goddesses would be jealous. “ You theorized out loud while caressing his cheek. “ It’s too much, like Icharus flying too close to the sun… Although I would be lying if I deny I would gladly burn and fall for you.” 

Achilles stopped the flow of words taking your breath away with kisses that numb your senses, but not your mind. He had the habit of expressing important things in short, ambiguous phrases or not saying anything at all. When the hungry kissing began to escalate and you felt his hands roaming the sides of your body you understood that was his answer. If he would be saying goodbye, he would at least try to keep himself distant to make it easier for both of you. Given that his involvement on the war would ruin your chances to formalize, he would be encouraging you to find someone else. 

 He was pulling up your skirt slowly, evidently searching for the heat underneath. The opposite of what you would need from him if he would be about to leave you, so you stopped him right away because you realized what that meant. 

" This isn't the time to act impulsively. I know you love me as strongly as i love you, but you have to choose what truly matters the most to you. If you decide to stay, others will be making history and maybe the pleasures of the thalamus will not be enough to cure the resentment for what you will be missing. Think carefully, hearts can change and the future wife you adore now can one day become the load that brought you down. " 

Although a sensical objection, that didn't seem to preoccupy him much. 

" Never, you were made for me. The omens were very clear, staying grants me a blissful life with you for the price of letting my name fade. I have only two options: be loved and forgotten or waste my life following the fool's orders until death will reward me with immortal glory. Between spending the rest of my life with you or with Agamemnon, I think it's clear where I would rather be. "

The sacrifice was too great, ultimate proof of his love for you. Behind that relaxed phrasing Achilles attempted to de-dramatize giving up his biggest personal dream for the one you shared, what you still considered wasn’t fair. 

Responding with an equal offer was not only what your heart began to crave, but an alternative solution neither of you had considered. 

“ There has to be another way, your mother never said what I must do in all of this.” 

He wasn’t sure of where you wanted to point, but began to suspect it. 

“ Well, the prophecy was a bit unclear about this part.” 

The mischievous happiness renewed in your eyes let him know you had just found hope in the most insane of places. 

“ Don’t give me that look, this is what happens for leaving you a while alone with Odysseus! Now you think you can outsmart destiny and find me a third end.” 

You smirked with pride before presenting your idea. 

“ I can’t interfere with yours, only my own. If no part is clearly stated for me in this sacred command sent to you, then nothing stops me from choosing one. Instead of having you abandon your dream to stay with me, I’ll follow it with you.” 

His eyes were wide open staring at you, disbelief making him feel you were then playing with him. 

“ Are you telling me we could just get married and board the ship to Troy the morning after our wedding night? What kind of honorable nuptials would that be? When all the wives of the country would be giving their farewell to their husbands, would you follow me like slaves are meant to? War holds no virtuous position for a woman to occupy, it would be a stain to your reputation your parents would curse me for. “ 

“ If your baby cousin can go, so can I.” You justified yourself.” To stop me you will have to stop Patroclus and we know that is not going to happen.” 

The exactitude of your threat made him feel frustrated. Not because he wouldn’t love having you with him, but since he was refusing to publicly humiliate you like that. All Greece would know you were going to be the only wife following her husband to Troy for unexplainable reasons and they could judge your morals. Decent wives were meant to wait for their husbands and take care of their homes, not let passion distract them from their social duties. War camps were masculine places meant to be despised by the women, since their only female presence was typically in a state of degradation. Besides, Helen had already caused a moral breach shaming the greek concept of marriage and that was the reason pushing the fight. People would be judgemental of your relationship, they would question you for immorality and him for lacking authority to make you stay like a normal wife should. 

He wasn’t thinking about him anymore, of protecting his name and the weight of his masculine prestige. He was extremely worried about you and the consequences it could bring when he wouldn’t be there to protect you. 

“ Do you sincerely want to go to Troy and watch me die?” 

“ It’s still better than watching you sail knowing you will never come back.” You terminated in response . “ I have heard the city is built to withstand a ten year siege, enough time for us to have a life together before destiny will reclaim you.” 

Arguing with you was hard, even if the idea was insane you would find ways to make it sound logical. 

“ A camp on the trojan beach is no place to start a family. “ He replicated softly, just letting you know he was trying to make you understand you couldn’t ask that. “ What are we going to do when the children come? Because they will, eventually. If you become my wife no omen of death is going to stop me from making love to you.” 

You smirked innocently, ready to deliver a justification. 

“ I'm not naive, Achilles! Do you think I don’t know what happens in those camps? Captives get pregnant all the time, so it's not impossible to go through it there. It may not be ideal, but I can make it. If you would leave me here and break our relationship to protect me from your fate, you could still put a baby inside your finest war trophy girl.” 

“ And who said I’m leaving?” He questioned you. “ I’m not doing it and I am not breaking up with you. Now stop with this nonsense, my wife can’t be giving birth surrounded by death.” 

“ But trojan women can? Because births aren’t going to stop there. “ You insisted, sitting near and acting as if you were two civil parts on a trial. “ Hector has a baby boy, if he can be a father in this mess so can you.” 

The provocation made him hold a groan, but he turned back and kicked the nearest surface as a frustration release outlet. 

“ It’s different for him, his wife is a princess and they have a city to defend. “ He tried to articulate in fast speaking, doing all he could to not show signs of anger growing because of your stubbornness. “ I don’t want you to have the life of a war captive, to denigrate yourself for me.” 

It was very sweet, you were feeling his pain but he had to understand yours too. 

“ As long as you are still breathing I will not accept a life without you. When the time comes I will embrace grief, but I’ll cry for you as your widow. In the meantime I don't want no one else, I’ll have the ground of your tent as thalamus and I’ll have your children.” 

He gave a few steps towards you, presenting one more solid concern. 

“ What will be of all of you when I'm gone?” 

That should have been a strong preoccupation making you desist, but it didn’t. 

“ We will be alright. They will inherit your share of the sacking, we know your death is linked to the fall of Troy so I can assume we will win something. Given that the House of Aeacus would possess fresh new heirs to renew the bloodline, I may even be able to bargain with Agamemnon the throne of Phthia for one of them. He hates you, but he would not be politically capable to refuse if you become the maximum fallen hero of the war he just won.” 

At that point he felt true powerlessness because he just couldn’t convince you out of it for your own good. 

“ They can’t grow in a warzone, think of the ruthless people they will become.  Those kids would not know any better until it would be too late for them. I don’t want a soulless soldier as heir, people saying Achilles’ son has surpassed the brutality of the father.” 

“ Let our little monsters run free through the camp, they will turn out fine if we guide them right. “ You imagined out loud, not scared at all by the dark warning. “ I can’t wait to see them messing around, you will be in tears the first time one of them will grab a wooden sword trying to copy their father.” 

Illusion was starting to make his negative stance harder to maintain, he loved what you were saying. It sounded so wonderful that he couldn’t help find some sensical feeling in it. There was only one detail you haven’t solved for his resistance to fall completely. 

“ How would I fight the enemy worried for you? You will be the only married woman around thousands of men and although I'm terrifying to most of them, I can’t keep control at all times. Some of those men will not be myrmidons, they will not know who you are.” 

“ That’s the best part: I’ll keep Patroclus bussy.” You announced with excitement, knowing well he wouldn’t resist it. “ I know you don’t trust him in an open battleground yet, but he would not accept being left behind so you have to take him or he would never forgive you. With me on board you have a safe mission to give him that would keep him away from combat but still make him feel a hero. By the time you will judge him ready to charge into battle my presence will be naturalized and his vigilant eye won’t be needed anymore.” 

Hope was truly hitting him because he started to feel as if the crazy plan could work if you all would make it work out. Most of the persons he loved the most could be with him for the rest of his lifetime, making the surviving gap before the consecration worth living. His little cousin, his best friend and his wife along with his future children all gathered like some warrior family. 

A taste of happiness before the end, walk the two roads simultaneously into a third fate. 

“ Blessed be your stubbornness, you wonderful woman! “ He praised you, surprise making his attitude switch as he rushed towards you. “ How can you be in every detail? You are insane, but I love you. I don’t deserve you, I can’t believe this.” 

He made you smile and by that point you knew you were about to win. 

“What exactly? My incredible ingeniousness, my gorgeous looks?” 

“ That you love me so much, '' He admitted, then picked you up bridal style. “ That you will be my wife and I will brag about having you to both greeks and trojans. I will not rest until you will be the most honored person in that camp alongside me, your sacrifice will be part of my legend and maybe that will be my start to repay you. “ 

His immense gratitude was making you chuckle due to the unusual intensity, but he wouldn’t stop. 

“ I’ll love you to my last breath, I promise you that.” 

You were all smiles while caressing the strands of hair falling at the sides of his face. 

“That’s all I want. No other payment you can offer matters to me because my will for sacrifice comes from love, just like yours.” You purred blissfully. “ Let’s not worry about the future, let’s just take this one kiss at a time.” 

Mesmerized as he was, he replied against your lips. 

“ I like how that sounds.” 

[bones4thecats]

Champa🧨fluff?

DBS! Champa Fluff Quote ; "Why Them?"

Character: Champa (Dragon Ball Super) Requester: 🧨Anon A/N: You are now 🧨Anon. Now, enjoy <3 ⚠️ Spoilers/Trigger Warnings for: Pure fluff for our chonky god of destruction ⚠️ P.S: The Reader is like Champa (a cat), but is based on a Birman

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Champa ══════════════════════════════╝

🧨 You and Champa had been together for many years, about 2 million to be exact. How have you lived so long? You may be asking. Well, you were blessed with immortality and forever youth by Zen'o, who began to see you as a motherly-figure centuries prior and wanted you to be by his side forever

🧨 You were by no means as powerful as the young Omni-King, but you could pack a punch with your shapeshifting and time-manipulation abilities. And that was one thing that Champa admired about you, your strength

🧨 When he first asked you out, you were shell-shocked. You were close to many of the Gods, creation or destruction, but you never expected that one would like you in any way beyond the friend-zone

🧨 Due to the shock and uncertainty, you said you would go out with him, but it was not the start of a relationship. You wanted to make sure that your feelings were aligned with his own, to which he was fine with

🧨 Champa had taken you to get something to eat back in his universe, Universe 6. You found the universe to be sad and beautiful looking in a unique mix, and the people who made you both your food were happy that they did well. They didn't want their planet destroyed because of a mishap...

🧨 He doesn't admit it, but he acts a lot like Beerus in his own ways. Such as; they do not like it when their S/O is not happy, it makes them either uncomfortable (due to not comforting others in the past) or they panic because of said issue

🧨 Speaking of Beerus, it was a very fun first meeting. And I mean that

🧨 Champa had mentioned the other cat many times, to which you always smiled and swayed your tail in interest. You weren't that close to Beerus, he was more of a loner out of the other Destruction Gods, but, with Champa's help, you wanted to get to know the purple feline

🧨 You both had arrived in Universe 7, and you were overjoyed to see Goku and his oldest son, Gohan. They both grew up in such horrible situations, and witnessed so many tragedies, but that didn't stop them from being good people, which you admired so much

🧨 Your boyfriend was not amused to see how close you were to the two, so, in his natural jealous-state, he was walked up behind you and hugged you from behind. Smiling as your ears puckered up and your pupils went from wide to normal as he nuzzled into your neck

"Wait-wait-wait! Are you guys?!" Goku asked, a giddy jump coming out.

"You'd be correct. But don't tell Beerus yet, we'll tell him later." You replied, feeling Champa nod in your neck as you chuckled.

"Your secret is safe with us, right Dad?" Gohan asked, looking at Goku, whom just nodded and smiled before running off to his daughter-in-law, Videl, and granddaughter, Pan.

🧨 The rest of the day went well, even when Beerus and Whis arrived, which made you feel more at ease, but felt more anxiety settle in your mind

🧨 Champa had told you that he was going to speak with his brother alone, saying it was more of a brother-to-brother thing to explain. To which you nodded and continued to play around with Pan

🧨 Beerus was laying in a hammock that was set up by the shade when he heard his brother approaching him. He opened his eyes and sighed, sitting up to ask his brother what he wanted

"I just wanted you to know what me and Y/N stand at. You are my brother... somehow..."

"I should be saying that. And if it's that you're dating, I know. Goku wouldn't stop raving about it earlier."

"That little- wait. You're not mad?"

"I don't really care, to be honest. But, I need to ask you one thing."

"What?"

"Why them?"

🧨 Looking over at you as you picked Pan up and tossed her in the air towards Piccolo, who was waiting to catch her and toss her up to Goku then back down and up again in a telephone-game set-up

"Why anyone else when they exist?"

[mapofthemazeinthemirror]

TXT with a vampire significant other

warnings: vampire reader, mentions of mortality?, blood not mentioned :)

note: I don't know where they come from, but the vampire thoughts keep coming! More Beomgyu x vampire reader on my 18+ nsfw blog!

☆ gender neutral

Even after you've been together a few years, you still catch Soobin admiring you as if he's smitten; your beauty and grace never wear off for him, and he still gets a little flustered and stuttery. You know he would spend every second of the rest of his life by your side, but you still want him to properly live it, not hide away with you all the time. So you let him introduce you to his friends, hard as it is for you to be around humans, and tag along to spend time with them for as long as you can stand. You find it gets easier each time, and more worth it to see your boyfriend laughing and enjoying time with his buddies.

Though Yeonjun knows you can't cry, he seems to be tuned in to your emotions. It's as if he can sense when you're upset. He knows you're older than him—though you've only given him a ballpark figure of just how many years you've seen—but, you're still his baby. He never lets you wall him out; even if you think it's too disturbing for a human to hear or he won't be able to understand, he wants to try. As the only person who knows your true nature, he wants to be someone you can open up to, tell all your secrets and fears to. He feels he can take it, because he loves you.

Beomgyu wants to hear all the stories—the real, true ones, not legends and lore that he can find on the internet that could just be foktales—and he wants to hear them from you. So many late nights are spent talking, Beomgyu mostly listening and throwing out questions and comments to your information. He listens so intently, eyes growing wider and wider, wrapping you even more around his little finger, especially when he breaks into an impressed smile during your recounts of things you've seen or done. When it's very late and Beomgyu refuses to sleep, too enthralled by the conversation, you retort to a little trickery; you gently brush your fingers through his hair over and over until his eyes start to grow heavy, continuing to talk in your quiet musical voice, until you've lulled him off into a deep sleep.

Taehyun has always been the strong one, but with his vampire partner, he often forgets that he's weaker and more vulnerable. Despite his love being immortal, he still acts in a protective way of them; walking on the side of the sidewalk on which he can shield them from threatening looking oncoming foot traffic, doing the heavier and more dangerous jobs around the house. It's natural to him. He doesn't even consider the fact that you don't need him to do these things. He won't admit it, but he's a little embarrassed that you can lift him off the ground with such ease.

Huening Kai is big and clumsy, while you are graceful and dexterous. You're always catching things he knocks over or drops before they can hit the floor, Kai apologising every time he notices your quick save. You just kiss his cheek and reassure him with a smile. The two of you are so in love, and Kai can't help but think about the future—the one where you live forever and he doesn't. It pangs his heart, the thought of you moving on and finding someone else after he's gone, and he often has nightmares about it. It takes a while for him to come clean about the context of the dreams you wake him from, and you're quick to make him understand that falling in love is not something you do often, with vampires or humans. It's just something that happened because you happened to meet him.

written by mapofthemazeinthemirror - do not repost my work in any form

[0nlythrowharrybeaux]

The Divine Feminine II - Welcome to Hell (Sneak Peek)

Guuuuuys I was supposed to post this for Halloween but could not finish it since I had a busy weekend and then a busy workday today! However, here is a sneak peek! Hopefully I can finish writing it in the next few days and post it all!

Read: The Divine Feminine** - Amidst his sadness after his wife leaves the Underworld, Hades (Harry) encounters a human woman who brings him to his knees.

No warnings for the sneak peek:)

WC: 1.1k

“You’re everything.” He mumbled against her ear and she tangled their fingers together, “Wish you could be with me forever.” He sighed.

This made her smile. Y/N had never really felt like she had a place in the world. She had always struggled to fit in, to find a place in it where she felt like belonged completely, maybe she wasn’t meant for this earth? But she had no idea what Harry’s world was like. She was curious, but she also realized that in order to be down there she’d have to die and she didn’t want to die. Not yet at least. There were so many things that she still wanted to do and experience…like tornado chase, travel to Europe, or see her favorite band live at least once. As much as she had grown to love him, he was Hades. He transcended time, he was the god of the underworld. He was the ruler of the afterlife, the highest judge in the universe, at the end of their life every single being answered to him for the way they’d spent their time. He was justice. He was vengeance. He was a god. It baffled her that a being as simple and fragile as her could even catch his eye.

“You shouldn’t think so highly of me, love.” He spoke quietly and she smiled.

“And why not?” She inquired.

“You’ll make me too arrogant.” 

“As if you needed any help with that.” She quipped with a grin and he swatted the side of her thigh quickly and she giggled. "You should stop hearing my thoughts." she reminded him.

“I want to show you my world. Everything that I can offer you whenever you’re ready to join me.” He said, completely ignoring her little reminder because of course he was going to continue reading her thoughts.

“What if I’m old and gray by then?” She questioned and he squeezed her tighter.

“I can become old and gray too or restore you to whatever age you desire to be.” He said and she hummed.

“That’s fascinating.”

“It is.” He agreed, “You know, there’s…a spell that can grant you temporary immortality. I could learn more about it and perform it on you, that way you can see everything there is to see.”

“Hmmm… a vacation to hell? Sounds nice.” She said teasingly and he chuckled and kissed her bare shoulder.

“S’paradise too, you know?” He said.

“I thought that was Olympus.”

“No, that’s where most of the other deities live.” He explained and she hummed in understanding.

“Is it dangerous? The spell?” She asked.

“I don’t know, I’ll have to consult Hecate, she’s one of the goddesses that also dwells in the underworld. That’s her area. We can weigh out the pros and cons together.”

“Alright, it’s worth looking into I think.” She decided, “And what about your wife? The first day of Autumn is just two days away.” She pointed out and he hummed.

“I’ll talk to her. Tell her about you. I think she’ll be glad that I’ve found someone other than her to keep me happy.” 

***********

Every time Persephone made her descent back to the realm of the Underworld Hades would throw a bash for her. It was an absolute lavish feast and everyone was a huge part of it, Admittedly, Hades had been very distracted with his favorite, little human so he only had two days to plan this feast whereas before he encountered Y/N, he’d begin planning at least a month in advance.  As soon as Hades arrived back in his realm one of his fellow deities conjured themselves.

“Are we having the feast or not?” Thanatos asked.

“Yes. I know I’ve been gone a lot-”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got it. The dead remain dead, all is in order.” He assured his friend and Hades smiled.

“Thank you.”

“You deserve this. You never have your fun.” He said and Hades chuckled.

“Let’s ummm, make this feast more intimate, yeah?”

“Alright.”

“And ummm, let’s search through Elysium and the Meadows for some musicians. Just the better ones.” Hades said and Thanatos nodded.

“Nyx and Erebos did start setting up the great hall in their home a few days ago.”

“And your brother?”

“Wandering about the world. After you were gone more than a week he also took a leave. We shouldn’t count on him for any of this.” Thanatos said of Hypnos.

“Alright, fair enough.” Hades chuckled.

“I must tell you, Persephone is a bit…unsettled.” Thanatos warned. 

“Why?”

“Hecate overheard Eros bragging about “striking the ruler of the underworld with his arrow to fall in love with a human”. Boastful little prick…” he huffed and Hades sighed, “Ever eager to gossip, Hecate mentioned this to Persephone, or so I’ve been told by Hermes.” Thanatos explained.

“Unbelievable.”

“I told them it was just Eros being a prick. We all know how bitter he still is over Persephone’s rejection all those millennia ago…” 

“Can I be honest?” Hades said and Thanatos nodded.

“Of course.”

“He’s not just being a boastful prick…I think he succeeded.” Thanatos was shocked to hear this. 

Anyone who knew the pair knew that the one with an unwavering and undying devotion in this marriage was Hades. He never even thought to gaze upon another being. And anyone who knew Persephone knew that despite her mostly pleasant and benevolent manner, she had inherited the jealously and wrath of her father, Zeus. She could be cold and senseless in her wrath. Hades knew this and it worried him for Y/N.

“If what you say is true then your human is in danger.” Thanatos said solemnly.

**********

Hades had been unsettled after his conversation with Thanatos. He had mentioned to Y/N that he would be rather busy until Persephone’s return and she fully understood this, but he needed someone to protect her from any possible attacks that his wife might hurl at the unsuspecting and fragile human who had his heart. 

Typically he would call on his own wife or Hecate when something or something required the utmost protection, but these two were the ones who’d been consorting all summer long and likely had turned against him to some extent. Persephone was reasonable, maybe he could convince her to not harm Y/N. But what worried him was that she was all alone on earth without anyone there to guard her. Hades wasn’t all that excellent in his practice of spells, but he did find himself at his altar, performing a spell for Soteria - the spirit of deliverance and protection - for Y/N. Being Hades, the spirit realm was always more susceptible to his wishes. And it gave him peace to know that his offering was accepted. 

[hisui-dreamer]

through the endless daydream (part 2)

Pairing: Lilia Vanrouge x gn!reader

Synopsis: There is a rumour that there is a hidden advisor of the Draconia family, who has guided the ruler of all fae for years. They say he is the one responsible for the peace established between humans and fae. What they don’t know, is that he has been doing so for millennia, cursed by the gods to be immortal as punishment for his crime of killing a human who was beloved by the gods—his very own lover, for whom he must forever repent until he can be killed by his true love.

Tags: angst, character death, brief suicidal thoughts, loss, historical, war, bot proofread

Word count: 4.4k+

Notes: I am honestly in disbelief of how long this fic is getting, but hopefully my motivation doesnt fade and I can finish it. By the looks of it, it'll be one chapter? ehehe

Part 1 ✧Part 2 (you're here)✧Part 3✧Part 4 (coming soon!)

Lilia had hoped the two of them would stay at the orphanage together and live their lives caring for the children while secretly caring for each other as lovers. It was the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, one filled with love, trust, and a newfound sense of joy. But fate had other plans in store for him, which was made clear to him in the moment.

"Lilia, my dear general,” the Fae King greeted Lilia with a warm smile, but it quickly faded as he got straight to the point. “I'm afraid I have some grave news to share with you," he said.

The throne room was decorated in a gothic style, with black stone walls and ornate carvings that seemed to watch him as he walked. The room was filled with a solemn atmosphere, the only light came from the flickering candles with green flames scattered throughout the room. At the end of the room, on a raised dais, lay the Fae King's throne, carved from obsidian and adorned with sharp spikes and intricate, twisted patterns. Lilia had been in the room many times before, he remembered the times when he discussed war strategies with the Fae King, the times when he gave his all for his people, and the times when he made choices he wasn't proud of. This meeting would be different than any other he has had before, and the ominous atmosphere of the throne room only added to his apprehension.

Lilia had been washing bedsheets by the river when the guards of the Fae King approached him. His expression unreadable, he asked, "What brings you here?", trying to sound casual, but his voice was tense.

The guards relayed that the King summoned him to his court. Lilia could only accept, knowing that a summon from the Fae King was not to be taken lightly. After quickly casting a spell to teleport the laundry back to the orphanage, he closed his eyes and concentrated, the air around him shimmered and distorted. The trees and riverbank of the human world faded away, replaced by the familiar sights of his homeland. The sound of rushing water was replaced by the quiet hum of magical energy, and the air smelled of burning candles and fresh roses. He was in front of the King's castle when he opened his eyes once more.

Lilia knelt before the Fae King, his eyes fixed on the ground as he spoke. "What is this news you speak of, your majesty?" He sensed that the King's sudden seriousness might indicate that something was amiss.

The King replied in a low, menacing voice, "General Vanrouge, I have decided that we will wage war on the humans once again."

Lilia froze in shock as he heard the words. He had hoped that the days of war were behind them, that they could all live in peace now, and that he could continue enjoying his peaceful life with his beloved. He knew he couldn't bring himself to do it again, to face the devastating consequences of taking countless lives once again.

"Your Majesty, another war? Why must we continue this cycle of violence? Is there not a better way to coexist with the humans? We have already lost so much in the last war. Can we not find a peaceful solution?" Lilia pleaded.

"Peace? With those filthy humans? They will never stop until they have wiped us off the face of the earth. We must strike first, and strike hard," the King scorned in disgust.

"But your Majesty-"

"Silence, general," the King's face contorted in rage, his brows furrowing. His entire body tensed as he pounded his fist on the armrest of his throne, staring daggers into Lilia. You dare defy me? You forget your place as my general and my subject!", he hissed, resonating around the room with all the authority of a king.

Lilia kept his head low and continued to kneel. Knowing the King's temper well, he knew it would not be wise to provoke him further, but he knew he had to make a choice. Either he would obey the King's orders and risk losing everything he had grown to cherish, or he would defy him and face the consequences.

"Your Majesty," he replied steadily. "I cannot in good conscience wage another war on the humans. We have already caused them enough suffering. I will not take part in this war,"

The King's expression darkened. "Do not question my decisions, Lilia. You are a loyal subject of the Fae Kingdom and you will do as I command."

Lilia stood his ground, even in the face of the King's increasing wrath. "I am not just your subject, your majesty. I am a living being with my own conscience and beliefs."

The King’s eyes narrowed to slits as he glared ferociously, "What changed? What has caused this shift in your loyalty?"

Lilia hesitated for a moment before answering, "I have seen the good in humans, your Majesty. They are not all evil, and they do not deserve to suffer because of past grievances."

The King scoffed, "Is it the human you've gotten close to who has led you astray?"

Lilia was taken aback by his words, instinctively looking up, realising that the King had been keeping an eye on him in his travels. Quickly straightening his posture, he met the King's gaze head-on. "No, your Majesty. The human has only shown me kindness and compassion. They have nothing to do with my beliefs."

The King stood, his height towering over the general, step by step walking closer to him. "You have become soft, my general," he said with disdain. "You are a hypocrite. You have always despised humans, you were at the battlefronts annihilating the human forces, yet now you protect one of them. Have you no shame?"

Lilia looked directly into the King’s eyes as a shiver went through his body. "I have come to learn that my past actions were mistaken," he replied. "I no longer wish to continue down the path of destruction I once walked on."

The Fae King sneered. "Mistaken...", he spat. "Humans are nothing but weaklings. They are not fit to be with our kind. You have betrayed your people, Vanrouge. You have betrayed your King."

Lilia could tell from the force his boots hit the ground that he was furious as he continued walking closer, his eyes cold and calculating. "If you do not wage war on the humans, then there is only one other option," he said. "You must eliminate the source of your weakness. Kill the human."

Lilia's body shook with horror at the King's words. He felt sweat gather on his palms, his breath quickening.  After a few moments of silence, he spoke up, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Please, my King," Lilia said, desperation creeping into his voice. "I cannot do what you ask of me. I cannot harm them."

The King's eyes narrowed, "You will do as I say, or you will suffer the consequences. You are my general, and you will not show weakness. If you fail to end their life, then rest assured my dear general, I shall finish the job myself. Your disgraceful actions shan't taint our reputation as Fae."

Lilia felt a tear escape his eye as he realised the gravity of his situation. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts; he wanted to stand up to the King, to tell him that he wouldn't kill the human, that he wouldn't wage another war on the humans. But he knew deep down that he was too weak, that he didn't have the strength or the power to take on the King and his army as he was.

"I understand, my King," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lilia felt a cold shiver run down his spine as he rose from his kneeling position and turned to leave the throne room, knowing that he had just sealed his own fate.

He had no choice but to obey. And he only had himself to blame.

The moon was full, casting an eerie glow on the buildings around Lilia as he trudged towards the orphanage, feeling the weight of his mission heavy on his shoulders. Pushing the door open, he quietly crept inside, making his way through the dark corridors, the only sound being the soft patter of his feet.

Finally, he arrived at the room of his beloved. Lilia took a deep breath and raised his hand to knock, his sword held tightly in his other hand. But when stood there, the reality of his task hit him like an immense wave, making his resolve waver as his mind raced with conflicting thoughts.

"I can't do this," he whispered to himself. "I can't... take their life."

Just as he was about to lower his hand and turn away, the door creaked open, and his beloved appeared, confusion etched onto their face. The moment they caught sight of his sword, fear flickered in their eyes.

"Lilia, what are you doing?" they asked, stepping back.

Tears welled up in Lilia's eyes, blurring his vision. His sword shook as he tried to steady himself. "I... I have to do this," he stammered.

His beloved's expression turned to one of horror and disbelief. "You can't be serious," they gasp. But as they look at Lilia, they see the turmoil in his eyes and the way his hand shakes. "Please, tell me what's going on."

Lilia closed his eyes in an attempt to blink away the tears. He tried to push the sword towards them, but his hand refused to move. "I can't do it, my love," he cried out. "I love you too much to hurt you."

As Lilia looked into their eyes, he knew he could no longer hide the truth from them. "Beastie," he whispered, "I have to leave. The Fae King wants you dead, and I've been ordered to kill you. I can't disobey him."

The human was stunned, their body trembling in shock. "You... you have to kill me?" they echoed, their voice unsteady as tear began to flow freely from their eyes.

Lilia nods, his tears of sorrow continued trickling down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Beastie," he sobbed, taking their hand into his. "I never meant to hurt you. Please forgive me, it's all my fault."

As Lilia stepped closer, trying to see their expression through his blurry eyesight, he was surprised to see acceptance in their eyes. "Lilia, it's okay," they said softly. "I understand."

Lilia stopped in his tracks, his grip on the sword tightening. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was the person he loved, and they were accepting their fate. "I can't do it, Beastie," he said, his voice breaking. "I love you too much to hurt you."

Their gentle smile, filled with care and affection as it always had only made Lilia's heart ache even more. "I know, Lilia," they said, their eyes filling with tears, their lashes wet and clumped together as the tears overflowed onto their cheeks. "I know... I love you too."

They stepped closer to him and wrapped their arms around his trembling form, forcefully leaning in and mashing their lips onto his. Lilia could only stand there frozen, eyes widened in surprise at their sudden actions. He felt as a warmth seeped onto his hands, and it is only then he realises what they have done.

He pulls back immediately, looking down at his hands coated in red, the scent of iron thick in the air. The sword is lodged deep into his beloved's chest.

"No, no, no," Lilia cried, his mind racing. "What... what have you done...? What have I done?"

All too soon, their strength began to leave their body, causing them to stumble forward. Lilia rushes to hold them in his arms, cradling them tenderly as he feels their life slipping away. Despite years of fighting on the battlefield, unwavering in the face of death, he now felt overwhelmed, the prickly sensation in his heart more intense than ever before.

"I did it for you," they whispered weakly, their breaths becoming shallower by the second. "I couldn't bear the thought of you having to choose between your duty and your love. This way, you don't have to."

Lilia's heart shattered as he heard their words. They had sacrificed themselves for him, and now he was left to face the repercussions alone.

"Why did you have to love me?" Lilia whispered, droplets of tears falling onto their face. "If only- If only I hadn’t gotten close to you..."

As Lilia turned towards them, he was met with a gaze filled with love and forgiveness. Their hand reached up and tenderly cupped his cheek, his tears leaving a moist trail on his skin as they wiped them away with the palm of their hand. "It's okay, Lilia," they whisper. "I forgive you."

Their words of comfort fail to bring him relief however, knowing that his actions have caused irreparable harm. If only he could turn back time, undo everything that led to this moment. Perhaps if he had not met them that fateful day, not stayed with them, not fallen in love with them, they would be living a peaceful life, never to be endangered by him. But it is too late for his regrets now.

"Lilia?" they murmured.

"Yes, Beastie?" he whispered, choked with emotion.

"I love you," they said softly, their arm lost its strength and began to fall to their side, but Lilia cupped his hand over theirs, holding it in place. "Will you… sing for me?" they whispered, eyes fluttering closed.

Lilia lifts his tear-streaked face to meet their gaze and nods solemnly, taking a deep breath. He holds them close and sings a lullaby, a melody that brings peace and comfort to even the most restless soul. The very song that he used to sing for them in the forest under the moonlight.

“Through the endless daydream,

I saw you on the way back.

There I walked with you in my arms.

Through the blurry darkness,

who's veiling on the twilight,

we've been far away from my fears...

Hush, now my angel,

I will always be with you.

In your pretty smile,

in a glow of tears,

out across the frosty night,

I'll be there with you...”

His voice is soft and choked with emotion, his heart breaking with each passing moment. But he continues to sing, pouring his love and sorrow into each note as the song echoes through the room, soothing and peaceful. It's as if time had stopped, and nothing else mattered in that moment.

As the song came to an end, his beloved took their final breath and passed away peacefully with a gentle smile, content in the arms of their lover. Lilia embraced them tightly, tears cascading down his face like rain, grieving the loss of his beloved. His hands trembled as he struggled to accept the reality of what had just happened. Despite his promise to protect them, he had taken their life. He had killed the person he loved most in the world, the one who had accepted his fate with open arms. He had failed them, failed himself, and failed everyone he had ever cared for. Lilia's heart felt as though it was being ripped from his chest as he let out a heart-wrenching cry filled with agony. He had never felt so alone in all his centuries of existence.

He had distinguished the only light in his life.

Nothing else mattered anymore.

For what reason could he live on, in a world of darkness without his dearest star?

In that moment, he made a decision. He couldn't live with himself anymore. He didn't want to live in a world without his dearest human. Eyes devoid of light, the same full red that stained his fingers, he pulled out the same sword that had taken his beloved's life and pointed it to his heart, ready to take his.

Suddenly, a gust of wind shook the entire room, and a bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree, splitting it in half with a deafening crack. A loud roar of thunder followed, halting Lilia in his actions. And then, he heard a voice—not from the Fae King, nor from his human, but from someone far more powerful.

The voice resounded throughout the sky, "You have taken the life of our beloved child. You have been bestowed the punishment of immortality. You will live forever, unable to die until you have atoned for your sin. You will wander the earth alone for centuries, seeking redemption for your actions. You will only be released from your curse when your true love ends you," it declared. With another roar of thunder, the gods disappeared, leaving Lilia alone.

Lilia felt a rush of power surge through his body. He closed his eyes, feeling the energy course through his veins, and he knew that he was no longer a mere mortal. His senses sharpened, and he could feel the world around him in a way that he never had before. The colours seemed brighter, the scents more potent, and the sounds clearer. At first, the sensation was overwhelming, and he clutched his head hoping for it to stop. But then, as he steadied himself, a sense of clarity washed over him. He would never be able to join his dearest in the afterlife, forever haunted by the memory of their death. He wondered how he would survive without them, how he would endure the weight of his guilt and the emptiness that now filled his heart. He wished with all of his being that he could turn back time and undo everything, but it could never be possible.

Lilia carried their lifeless body to the field where they first met, and with trembling hands, he dug a grave for them. As he placed them gently inside, he covered them with earth and flowers, whispering promises to them all the while.

"My love, I'm so sorry. I failed to protect you," Lilia said, his voice shaking with emotion. "But I promise to make it right. I'll honour your memory and ensure that your kindness lives on. Beastie, I'll love you for all eternity."

Lilia then made a vow to make amends for his past mistakes and to honour their memory by living a life of compassion and kindness towards humans. "I'll spend the rest of my immortal life working to make the world a better place and to make up for the pain I've caused, a place where innocent souls like yours wouldn’t be caught in war," he declared to the empty field.

And the first step he must take, is to stop the incoming war.

Once again, Lilia stepped foot into the King’s palace. This time, he had nothing to lose, nothing to fear. Lilia's heart was heavy as he approached the Fae King's palace, but he knew that he had to do what was right. He was determined to make things right, no matter the cost. He had to challenge the King and put an end to the cycle of suffering that had plagued their world for centuries.

At last, he arrived at the throne room, where the Fae King sat on his throne, surrounded by his courtiers. Lilia kneeled as was customary, his head nearly touching the ground, but his presence exuded power.

"Fae King," Lilia said, his voice steady and clear. "I implore you to cease your plans for another war."

"You dare challenge me, Vanrouge?" the King asked, his voice heavy with disdain. "It seems you have learned nothing from your lesson."

"I have learned that I cannot sit by and watch as you continue to put innocent lives at risk," Lilia replied, his voice steady despite the fear that threatened to overtake him. "I will not stand by while you inflict misery upon the humans," Lilia answered, unwavering as he rose to his feet. "For too long, we have lived in a world of violence and pain, of hatred and fear. It is time to put an end to it. I challenge you to a duel, Fae King. If I win, you will obey my orders as an advisor to the royal family. If I lose, I will serve as your general in this war as I had previously"

The King laughed, a cold, cruel sound that sent shivers down Lilia's spine. " A mere traitor and oath breaker challenging me? You are a fool, Vanrouge," he mocked. "But if you wish to die, then I will be happy to oblige."

With a wave of his hand, the King summoned his weapon, a sword of black iron that glinted with malevolent energy. The courtiers rushed to get away from the battle that would surely threaten their lives. Lilia drew his own sword, the same one that had been cursed with his immortality, and prepared himself for the fight of his life.

The two began to circle each other, their swords clanging against one another as they clashed. The battle was fierce and brutal, with both combatants fighting with all their might. Lilia was faster and more agile than the King, but the King's dark magic was a powerful force to be reckoned with. The clash of swords echoed through the throne room, and the air crackled with energy as the two opponents battled on, but the fate of the duel had been decided from the beginning. With his immortality, Lilia could continue to fight forever. Indeed, he would feel the excruciating pain of his injuries, but they could not end him. For hours they battled, until the fatigue finally weighed down the King, and Lilia saw his chance. The King had lowered his guard for just a moment, and Lilia seized the opportunity, his sword poised at the Fae King's throat. The King was defeated, and he knew he had no choice but to obey Lilia.

"Please, spare me," the King begged, panting for air. "I will do anything you ask."

"You have lost, Your Majesty," Lilia said, extending a hand to help the fallen King to his feet. In complete contrast, Lilia seemed completely unaffected by the long duel. "It's not too late to make things right. You can use your power for good, for the betterment of our people."

The King groaned. "Yes, yes, I will. Just spare me, please."

Lilia sheathed his sword. "The war ends today. And if you or any of your followers break your promise, I will be back to finish what I started."

The Fae King nodded, acknowledging his defeat, and Lilia walked away with a sense of victory, knowing that he had achieved what he had set out to do. From that day on, Lilia served as the royal family’s most trusted advisor. He would attend council meetings, offer wise counsel and guidance to the rulers, and utilise his expertise and knowledge to steer them in the right direction.

For centuries, Lilia dedicated himself to rebuilding the relationship between humans and the Fae. He worked towards negotiating peace treaties and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the two groups. As time went by, Lilia's efforts bore fruit. Humans and Fae started to interact more and more, and the tensions began to ease. Lilia watched with satisfaction as the world he had known for so long began to transform for the better.

Over time, Lilia became a trusted advisor to many rulers, and he played a key role in shaping the destinies of countless Kingdoms and empires. He used his knowledge and experience to prevent wars and conflicts, and he worked tirelessly to promote peace and unity among the people.

As Lilia walked through the bustling streets of the human city, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. The world had changed so much since 5000 years ago. Humans and fae now lived together in harmony, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. It was a far cry from the war-torn world he had known long ago. Humans and fae were no longer at each other's throats, but instead living side by side in peace and harmony.

He marvelled at the sight of humans casually using magic to go about their daily lives, the fae mingling freely with them. The once-gothic buildings of the fae had melded with human architecture to create a unique, vibrant landscape.

Yet, as he looked around, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness. Despite all the progress made, he was still an outsider, a being that had long outlived his kind. He had seen so many faces and places come and go, while he remained a constant presence.

It was then that he heard a delicate voice singing, a voice that he believed he would never be able to hear ever again. He turned around, scanning the crowded street, but couldn't see them anywhere. He wondered if he was imagining things or if it was just someone who sounded like them.

But then, he heard it again, and this time he recognized the tune.

"But if I know you, I know what you'll do

You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream..."

It was the song they used to sing to the children at the orphanage. His heart raced with excitement and anticipation as he followed the sound. Upon arriving at the source of the singing, Lilia discovered a small park where people were enjoying the sunny day. In the centre of the park, he saw you sitting on a bench surrounded by children who listened to your singing with rapt attention. Lilia's heart swelled with emotion as he watched you. Your appearance had changed, but your eyes were just as beautiful as ever, and your singing was as angelic as he remembered. He longed to run to you and embrace you, but he hesitated, not wanting to disrupt the moment.

Instead, Lilia stood back and watched you from a distance, basking in the joy of hearing your voice once again. He knew he could not approach you, lest he ruin your new life as he had done before. As the song came to an end, Lilia took one last look at you and the children and turned to walk away. Suddenly, a hand reached out and grasped his wrist, and Lilia halted in his steps.

"Wait! Sir!" you said, looking at him with a perplexed expression. "I've seen you before. In my dreams! Have we met before?"

Part 1✧Part 3✧Part 4 (coming soon!)

[the-monkey-ruler]

what’s the difference between celestials, yaos, and w/e monkey king is

Oh wow there are so many things that are different.

I guess it's important to start with celestials/deities.

I am going to start by saying I am going to be talking about Eastern Heaven where it is based more in Chinese folklore and the Daos rather than Western Heaven where it is more in Buddism. (Yes there are different Heavens and they are slightly different but still together)

I think the biggest confusion I've seen when it comes to Westerners seeing learning about Chinese Heaven is that no one is born a celestial, not really. Celestials were all human at one point and they way that they get to heaven is that they have to earn it. None of this 'your dad/mom was a deity and thus you have immortal blood in you' no, none of that. That is what immortal schools are for. And really anyone can be an immortal in theory it just... hard. Because you have to be an immortal first before being a deity. Usually, in these cases, you would find an immortal teacher to show you how to cultivate via the Dao and hone your skills to be forever young, educated, enlightened, and skilled.

This could take hundreds if not thousands of years and even then you might just always be a student working under your teacher if you are slower to master these crafts or gain merit.

Hence why Wukong being an immortal in only ten years or so is such an unspeakable feat.

So even if you do become immortal and get the 18 or 36 transformations (these are standards in celestial soldiers) you still do not get recruited into heaven.

And yes you have hired into heaven to be a deity. Another difference I see people get confused a lot. You can't just take a role, there has to be paperwork, recommendation, even an internship depending on who recommended you, very business-like.

Which is why Wukong giving HIMSELF the title of Great Sage in Heaven was slanderous as... it's like walking into a business and telling them you are their new hire for a position they didn't even have or need. Not only bold but also slightly delusional.

Anyway either the immortal teacher will recommend you to heaven or you will be recruited via your merit and given a position. Thus you are given a title and finally able to be a deity. Each deity has had to go through this, working their way up the ranks over hundreds of years to get their merit. Some immortals never even get celestial titles, rather staying on earth to continue their cultivation and having a large amount of respect for their merit but otherwise forgo a god/goddess position to focus on their own studies.

Which is also why Wukong having a lowly position for his first job in heaven isn't unusual as he would have had to work his way up but that didn't really happen.

That is the basics of deities are there are some outliers (Li Nezha being a good one) but I hope that clears some things up.

Yaogaui or Yao in general are a different matter all together.

Yaoguai 妖怪 is a generic term for monsters or strange creatures. 妖怪 is a compound word consisting of two Chinese characters: 妖 (yāo), monster or demon and 怪 (guài), strange or unusual (as an adjective) or monster/unusual creature (as a noun). Both, when read as individual words, signify and connote strangeness.

妖 - (1) strange, uncanny (2) bewitching, seductive (3) eldritch

怪 - (1) monstrous, anomalous, (2) unnatural, (3) freakish

However, the 妖 often partake or share in the essential nature of an animal or a plant (a vixen, a snake, a butterfly, or a tree or a flower), is capable of assuming human or near-human form and of wielding supernatural powers, as well as developing other abilities due to Daoist cultivation.

From what I can tell it's more like objects/animals/ or even ideals trying to become more sentient and therefore than on the forms of humans as they achieve higher thinking

"when people lack constancy or engage in strange or abnormal behavior, then this leads to the emergence of the yao" ("人弃常则妖兴").

There are two types of Yao from what I have seen.

Cultivated creatures - living creatures and inorganic substances other than humans will also cultivate qi (mana/energy), wisdom, or look completely similar to humans through years of cultivation. Such a situation has always been called "成精 (Chengjing)", "Yaoguai" and "Yaojing" are most often called such creatures, and only a few are called "仙 (Xian)" They skip the reincarnation cycles as only Humans are allowed to cultivate and therefore they very being goes against nature.

Demoted gods - some gods were relegated to the mortal world and became Yaoguai because they violated the laws of heaven. The most representative ones are Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing. In addition, in the Journey to the West in the heavenly court, there are also some people who violate the laws and deviate from the mortal, but privately descend. Many of them are waiters and mounts around the gods, such as the Golden and Silver Horned Kings of the Taishang Laojun, Yellow Robe Demon, which was originally Kui Mulang, Maitreya Bodhisattva's Yellow Brows Great King, Manjushri's Azure Lion and so on.

There are two ways for Cultivated creatures to be created.

Years of cultivation

Eating humans

Cultivated Yaoguai are often oppressed after cultivation as they are going against the laws of nature either way. Most start with personal cultivation to gain sentience but soon give in to eating humans as a faster and easier way to gain more power and their desires. They are either captured by Taoists or priests, or immortals, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas want them to go on the right path and remove their cultivation, allowing them to have a chance to reincarnate into the next life and be human.

In addition, there is a saying that "Dharma cannot be rectified for a thousand years, and you do not learn the wild fox Zen for a day. (千年不得正法，不學一日野狐禪)" The energy and skill created by the cultivation of species and the set of practice methods they teach will also be regarded as evil. Gong, those who learn it, will also be harmed by it similar to how when Wukong learned the Taoist form of immortality from Puti he was to be sent three punishments and killed by Heaven, thus him learning the 72 transformations in order to escape his execution by nature.

Not with Wukong... that is where things get tricky.

But he is, and always will be, the exception to the rules.

Wukong is to play as the discontinuous creature that is both Yao and Deity without really losing either status.

He was born from a rock that has cultivated, a born Yaoguai however he also gained the Way becoming a deity and later on a Buddha.

He is considered to be something that can be in both the demon world and the heavenly world, a strange fixation where he can easily travel between both worlds and still not be accepted in either case.

This is where his species as a celestial primate is called into question, as he is considered outside the ten natural things on both earth and Heaven.

In short, he is taking the cake of being the most unique monkey.

There is so much to be said about how Wukong is to be seen as a combination of these tropes, that his very being is ambiguous and anomalous in the role he plays within the novel where he goes against the heavens but also goes against demons, working for both yet yielding to neither as well. He is a walking, talking contradiction.

And I think this shows how the heavens and earth are also a connection within Chinese lore. There is always a cycle of translations, reincarnation, and cultivation where demons are trying to gain a higher form os Self but are also actively working aginst their mission by not submitting to the cosmic order to achieve true self. Wukong has been able to cross that barrier of being both a demon and a god without having to loose what it means to he his Self and how the journey is to show his entire character growth of coming to accept his "Self" eventually leading to his enlightenment.

It is even to be pushed that Wukong is not just a Yaoguai or a Deity but he is also Human as well. That he learns what it means to be human on his journey and that is what makes him so reliable to audiences is that humane nature of self-discovering that any generation can relate to.

There is a lot more to be said but I think I have talked a bit too much about the subject overall at this point.

Hope this helps!

[dracocheesecake]

Beside The Lake

Summary: Daiyu Long tells Kai a story. What is hidden within, however, is lost on him.

"My family has a story about how we got our name," Daiyu said.

It had been sudden and arbitrary. Kai glanced at her from the corner of his eye. He had a stick in hand, and was using it to poke at the algae that was growing on the surface of the lake with the typical thoughtless violence of a child.

"Hm?" Both a curious grunt and sanction to continue.

Daiyu looked down and stirred the water with her tail.

"Once," she began, "long ago, there was a deep, dark pool. Inside the pool lived a dragon with scales as dark as the depths she swam in, and she was as ancient as those waters, for she was immortal. For years she hid herself from all other eyes- except for two.

For everyday, in the early light of dawn, a young water monitor would come to swim in her pool. He was fast and graceful in the water- almost as much as she. She liked to watch him, looking up at the glittering surface from the depths as his lithe form seemed to dance sinuously through beams of sunlight. Everyday, without fail, he would come, and everyday, she would watch him, floating closer and closer- but never close enough to reveal herself.

But one day, he saw her. She knew it, and yet instead of diving down into the darkest fathomless depths to escape his gaze, she swam to him. They swam together from that point onward, and never again was the pool a lonely place.

Years passed. The dragoness stayed always and forever the same. The lizard did not. If you know how age touches any mortal, you will know how it began to touch him.

The dragoness knew that soon he would go the way to the other realm, as so many before and after him had and would. But he had touched her heart and soul as no other had before; she could not live out her endless existence without him in it, he who had made it worthwhile.

And so she shed her immortality, and for him became a mortal water monitor, living out the rest of their shared life together- and it was a very long and happy one, as their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren can all attest. That is why we are known as the Longs.”

Daiyu's voice faded. Silence echoed over the still lake. Kai broke it by snorting.

"Wow. She was stupid," Kai said.

Again, there was that echoing silence, this time veiled by Daiyu’s simmering disappointment. Her tongue flickered in and out.

“...She did it because she loved him,” she said, for now keeping her tone calm and even, as always.

Kai nodded. He stirred the waters below them with the stick, creating a small slimy whirlpool and sending it over to gently entangle the end of her tail.

“Yeah, I got that part,” Kai said, “and it was stupid, to trade her immortality. Now she’s dead, too.”

Daiyu clenched her jaw. Her claws started tapping against the wooden dock beneath them. “Yes,” she agreed, “but only because she realized that a life without love in it, even an endless one, wasn’t worth living. The point of the story-”

“I know the point of the story, and it was stupid. You don’t need to explain it to me,” Kai said, his tone taking on a slight edge in his budding irritation. He looked back over the lake, tapping the stick he held on his knee.

"I guess I couldn't expect you to understand," Daiyu said. There was bitterness in her tone she didn't try to hide.

Kai turned and looked into her eyes. His were as cold as the water, and hard as ice.

"No," he said, "I understand better than anyone what that is. That's how I know."

His words were raw and his voice dark. It froze her silent. That hard gaze held her, and in that hold came the realization. He had been hurt by something similar but wrong, centuries ago, and even endless age had never healed the wounds. The understanding, silently reached, kept them as statues. They stared at each other for a long moment, until Kai broke away.

But before he had turned his head to resume his scry of the lake, she had noticed something- shining, wet glimmers in the corners of his eyes. He sniffed, once.

"...Anyway, I hope we're both smarter than that, now."

Daiyu didn't respond. She knew she wasn't, but she wouldn't argue with him, knowing already what he would say.

[tgrailwar-zero]

"Goodnight, Masters! Rest well!"

As you said goodnight to KUKULKAN, you drifted into unconsciousness.

Darkness. Nothingness.

Quiet... before the sound of footsteps.

Distant, yet near.

Not a dream, but a memory. Faded, but clearer.

Followed by a smell.

...The smell of blood permeated the air.

Corpses, slowly decaying away into data lay strewn across the streets, as bloodstained footsteps wandered forward. The source of the carnage came from one Servant.

An ASSASSIN, his blade drenched red.

He stepped in front of a glowing form.

The LAIR SERVANT.

The gaze of the LAIR SERVANT was intense. His voice tried to keep calm, but wavered ever so slightly.

LAIR SERVANT: "So, that's why you ended all of those lives? To draw me out?"

The ASSASSIN chuckled, the red glow from his eyes piercing the LAIR SERVANT.

ASSASSIN: "…'Lives'? These are a bunch of ones and zeroes that you're playin' dolls with. Killin' them was nothin' like killin' a person- twice as boring and nowhere near as hard. C'mon, you brought them back before-- do it again. I'll do it as many times as it takes, before you burn out your mana on that punk-ass Noble Phantasm of yours."

You could feel the hatred burn from the LAIR SERVANT as he raised a hand, a divine light shimmering from it.

His anger had reached its peak, and now the wrath of a Divine Spirit was imminent.

LAIR SERVANT: "This paradise… this Solar Cell… you Interlopers have come to selfishly destroy it. Destroy this paradise where nobody has to die! A place where I can forever develop the heights of my medicine, and create a true elixir of immortality!"

The LAIR SERVANT continued to burn, a divine flame sourced from a cursed bloodline beginning to leak out from his body. This was desperation. He had wasted his energy throwing wave after wave of Shadow Servants, and then reluctantly the undead corpses of the villagers that had been killed in a ploy to force the LAIR SERVANT's hand. It was an intense brutal strategy that resulted in plenty of wanton 'death', however- it was effective. And now the LAIR SERVANT, either too weak or too sentimental to conjure up the decaying data around them into more undead, was on his last legs.

However, it would be hard to tell with just a look.

ASSASSIN: "What a shame. I figured you'd have noticed by now. Thanks to my Masters, the more blood you throw at me, the more revitalized I become. Sorry."

The ASSASSIN took a step forward, fully unsheathing his blade. The mana around him distorted, burning with an otherworldly intensity. A faint form shimmer behind him, the intensity of two, burning Spirit Origins intertwining and fighting for the same cause, allowing his shine to match up against the divine light of the LAIR SERVANT.

This whole time, while the LAIR SERVANT had been trying to wear down ASSASSIN, the opposite had happened. ASSASSIN was growing stronger and healthier, staying in peak physical shape after each kill. …You're recalling something about ASSASSIN's condition…!

[ This is T-SUMMONING ] [ T-Summoning is a trait inherent to your Master status, due to the protocol you went through to reach the Solar Cell. Fusing two Spirit Origins together to create a more powerful Servant. The resulting Servant possesses the highest statistics of both fused Servants, however this power comes at an intense mana cost. This can either be ended once the Servant triggers their Noble Phantasm, runs out of mana to supply the boost, or can be stopped manually. However, either a contract needs to be made with both Servants, or a Servant's Spirit Core is captured before it's destroyed. Additionally, the maximum HP and MP is raised by 2! ] [ ASSASSIN is currently equipped with the 'PHANTOM COUNTESS' Spirit Core! ]

This was it.

The LAIR SERVANT was in your way, but once he was killed, that would be one more key- and one more path opened to the Solar Cell Core.

ASSASSIN: "Alright, Masters. Time to end this!"

( '5-option polls' function similarly to 4-option polls, with the fifth option usually involving triggering or cancelling a specific skill. If the 5th option doesn't win out, the voting percentage for that option will be evenly dispersed among the first 4, and then the success results will be calculated like if the poll had only 4 options. )

SERVANT: SLAYING ASSASSIN

T-SUMMONED: [PHANTOM COUNTESS]

Strength: C Endurance: D Agility: A (Raised from B) Mana: C (Raised from E) Luck: D (Raised from E) NP: B (Raised from C)

HP: 7/5

MP: 9/7

Maximum Damage (Strength): 7 (Increased due to the amount of blood present!) Maximum Damage (Mana): 7 (Increased due to the amount of blood present!)

Skills:

Man-Slayer (A) - A sword skill specialized in cutting down humans.

Mind's Eye (Fake) (C) - The skill to avoid danger through pure intuition.

Swordplay as Swift and Powerful as a Falcon (A) - The renowned, unmatched, unique swordsman style of ASSASSIN.

Torture Technique (A) - The deep understanding and precise execution regarding methods of torture, when using torture tools, the efficacy is increased.

Bloodsucking (C) - The act of absorbing another's blood to restore one's own vitality.

Bath of Fresh Blood (A) - This Servant becomes even more effective when drenched in blood.

[wanderingmind867]

Following the Crisis, god revokes the Phantom Stranger and Destiny's powers, terrified of having them make humanity equal to him. Intimidating the other gods of the universe into not giving the stranger and destiny any sanctuary, the only place they can safely hide out is with Madame Xanadu at her in greenwich village.

This would be the backstory for the solo book about the stranger, destiny and madame xanadu fighting for answers that the universe seems to be desperately hiding from them. This series would feature all the phantom stranger's old supporting characters. Doctor Thirteen and his wife (who are still skeptics, but who still try to help the stranger find answers), and Cassandra Craft (who successfully manages to score a job with Madame Xanadu, learning magic and serving as her assistant).

But the book would eventually lead to the creation of a team like the justice league dark (and that team might become the focus of the book instead). I don't know if they'd go by that name explicitly (we may use a different name not so explicitly associated with the Justice League), but they'd come to exist. A team of five initial founders, who pursue answers to all their troubled existences together. These five founders are as follows:

The Phantom Stranger: Twin Brother to Destiny, god punished these two for being too intelligent, granting man knowledge that made god fear they would eclipse him in power. As punishment, he killed their whole community and wiped their memories. Then he cursed the stranger to wander the earth forever, never having a home ever again.

But now the stranger is freed from the curse. He remembers his past, although he's lost most of his powers. He's now just a simple magician with the same amount of strength as a mortal like zatanna, but he's still on the hunt for answers as to how to regain his lost powers and take revenge on god.

Destiny: Twin Brother to the Phantom Stranger, god punished him just the same way he punished the stranger. Except instead of cursing him to wander the earth forever, Destiny was cursed to never leave a musty old house at the edge of infinity. From that house he would read and guard the cosmic log. He would never be freed of it, as god had him permanently shackled to the book.

But Destiny is finally free of the log. His shackles are gone, and he's free of that horrible house! But just like his twin, he's lost his many great magical powers. He's pretty much just a normal mortal again, but that doesn't mean he's stopped looking for answers. He will get answers as to what god did to him and his brother, and as to how they can get their powers back.

Madame Xanadu: Born Urania Kothari, the woman who'd become Madame Xanadu was originally just a romani woman in europe. Her mother was a skilled sorceress, and she was the product of her mother's brief affair with a demon. She never had any real interactions with the demonic side of her family, but she did learn magic from her mother. And her half demon heritage meant her magic skills were somehow even more powerful and potent then her mothers. She was a skilled sorceresses and dealer with the cards.

But one day, she fell in love with the child of a priest. When the community found out, her mother and her love were both burned alive. Urania was almost killed too, but a god took pity on her and saved her by giving the gift of immortality. He also gave her a new identity as a fortune teller in colonial america, allowing her to blend in and escape her fate. Now she uses her magic powers to help all those desperate souls who come to her shop.

When the phantom stranger and destiny are stripped of their powers, only Madame Xanadu is willing to take them in. She allows them to continue their quest for knowledge from her store. She's their immortal guardian, ensuring god doesn't touch them and harm them before they can get answers. She's also the closest thing this team has to a leader.

Cassandra Craft: Cassandra Craft was a blind girl with the power to sense things and see them the way they truly are. A psychic of the highest order, Cassandra was the first person in centuries to befriend the phantom stranger and try travelling with him. He tried to reject her by faking his death, not wanting her to hold a candle for him (an immortal wanderer who could never return her love).

Cassandra and the Stranger have moved on from any romantic attraction nowadays, but they're still very close friends. And when the stranger lost his powers, Cassandra sensed it. She felt something strange happen to her friend, and she trailed his psychic emanations all the way to madame xanadu's shop. She insisted on helping the stranger and destiny discover their fates, and she successfully scored a job as madame xanadu's assistant. And meanwhile, she's in training to become a powerful sorceress in her own right.

Deadman (Boston Brand): Boston Brand was a circus performer gunned down in his prime. But instead of being allowed to rest, some eastern deity named rama kushna forced deadman to stay on earth and hunt down his killer. They wouldn't let him have eternal peace until he did that. So for years, deadman was forced to hunt down his killer, all in the hopes that he'd finally be allowed to have some form of eternal rest.

But the funny thing is: even after he finds his killer, rama kushna refuses to let him rest. No, they turn him into their virtual errand boy! Trapped on earth doing inane things for a god is not how Boston Brand wanted to spend his afterlife, but here he is! Sometimes he's downright suicidal, just wanting to have rest. But since he's a ghost, he can't even have that! No, he's cursed to wander earth forever, always invisible to the naked eye. He's seen so much…and he just wants some goddamn rest.

So when he heard about the stranger and destiny being stripped of their power, he decides he wants to at least check on them and try to help them (seeing as the stranger had helped him multiple times in the past). But Rama Kushna wouldn't let him visit them, since they wanted to stay in the good books with the god who cursed them. But deadman could care less about rama kushna, at this point. He goes to see them anyways!

But in going to see the stranger and destiny, rama kushna exiles him too. Nanda Parbat will never be open to him if he continues aiding the stranger. But deadman could care less. At least the stranger seems to care about him! Rama Kushna is the jerk that's kept him eternal rest for decades! They can go to hell, for all he cares!

So these are the five founding members of the justice league dark (or whatever i would want to call this team). They'd meet other people in the supernatural world too (etrigan might become a member later, for example), but these would be the core five. The ones we always see. A tight knit team of people just looking for answers, and a sense of peace.

[dramarants]

trying to come to terms with the bewildering final 10 minutes of tteotm:

first and foremost, undeniably, the technical and narrative execution this ep was choppy, weirdly paced, ambiguous (not in a cool OE way, just literally hard to follow - how are we in the tomb, why is she back in devil bride attire, where did the scale in the last shots come from, why did qingyu's fucking hair need to turn blond, pang yizhi what did you finally understand cuz I sure as hell don't??) and left a lot of loose threads. with all the build up to his sacrifice, you want some sort of twist or surprise but nothing comes. the ending is so abrupt and this is always and forever gonna leave a bitter taste in my mouth.

the last eps especially emphasized legacy and, with li susu returning as a goddess, I must assume the immortal realm learned the truth about ttj's sacrifices and believed it. ttj gets his roses.

I'm gonna pretend ttj explained the zhaoyou situation to her too

in fact if we're in imaginary land jiwu grew the fuck up and, upon realizing the depth of ttj's friendship in spite of everything, becomes riddled in guilt for a while and fiercely protects ttj's memory

a child!! literally how to carry a legacy and memories into future generations

ttj's destiny was to suffer and resent the world + give up his body and soul to carry out the devil god's will

instead, he embraced the light, learned to cherish the world, bore other's resentment in his final trial (strength that I sure as hell don't have! even saving jiwu from himself!) he remained in control of himself, choosing to sacrifice his body to stop the devil god's plans

the love was there and for once, to break a cycle of pain and sin, overcome the consequences in the mortal world, for ttj and lss, it was fucking enough!

by destroying the evil bone in his final moments he prevents the devil god from ever returning, truly the world's savior

his death was mostly on his own terms, with purpose he didn't have before

saving a part of his divine essence in the scale to continue to protect susu was a full circle moment

in fact ttj embodies mingye in a ridiculous number of ways by the end, from his actions to his values down to his clothes, yet another way to stick it to the devil god fate

he looks at peace in his last shot during the battle and in the scale

they had to cut scenes and therefore couldn't elaborate on the post all-in-distress world

or dedicate the 30s it takes to show him regrow from the scale or something lbfad style 🤧

it seems like he could hear susu when she was speaking to the kid? so he can follow his wife and daughter's lives knowing he's loved and respected until his return that I am headcanoning??

by being in the scale, he keeps his promise to stay by her side forever and accompany her in moving forward through parenthood and the ordinary life he dreamed of

in fact ttj never has to defend himself or put up with bs again, his fight is over and he gets to watch a harmonious world that he and susu made possible

susu my girl, having faith in him and understanding everything immediately and wishing to meet him again

bearing the cross of the only living god and continuing, again, their legacy, protecting their love and the world

she was ready to die with him!! like!! fuck till death do us part I'll share your burden let's embrace and face the end together!! a sparkle bathed version of ttj trying to die with her in ep 29!!

nothing can come between them anymore they fricking ensured that

plus them in the heavenly realm, the only two gods existing, removed from the world and basking in that moment where the devil god no longer exists and it isn't a dream 😭

the tomb scene was so heartbreaking in the good way

these characters have been on such an incredible, unhinged journey and looking back, there's so much more to unpack and appreciate

ugh it's not a bad ending cuz it's sad, I mean how many of us predicted he'd die for the greater good a long time back, it's just the way it ultimately played out was... somehow disappointing

but you know what I enjoyed the path here so much and can imagine their path ahead enough to forgive it and continue loving tantai jin and li susu and tteotm overall anyway

[motionjames]

Writing this here since it might be (thematic) spoilers, this is just an insane ramble regarding my creative process as I continue working on Sorekara. Anime catholocism that devolves into poetic drivel.

Whenever I start a story, I always decide exactly how it will end: "the two will say goodbye with a kiss. they will never see each other again. and so it goes." That sounds sort of sad but the truth is that I dont understand why people who love each other have to be together forever. I understand why people would want it, but is it always necessary? Isnt it enough to carry the memory...?

For numerous reasons, I've always struggled to experience time in a linear fashion. My affection for some one will be as bright as the day I met them, even if I havent seen them in years. I have difficulty telling when I'm dreaming and when I'm awake at times, and I sleep entire days away and work through the nights. My love and bitterness never fade. Time isnt so much as a consistant flow as it is a sequence of frames I can revisit at any time, tracing the lines and feeling the feelings anew. That's right, life is a sequence of many pictures, physical and real and undying. That's what I think about often.

So when writing stories I think often of goodbyes. They can take the gifts with them and continue to collect the memories. As I continue filling in the picture of Sorekara, the more I see how it's a story of taking and giving and faith and time.

We have a man who has so much love and nowhere to put it. We have a creature that is defined by emptiness. We have a sequence of tragedies that live fresh as the day they were carved and there is no way of reversing them. But there is still a kindness that prevails thanks to the gifts theyve recieved: a matchbox of melodies tucked into the breast pocket; a hand with a heartbeat; a shoulder to lean on; a paper flower; a mural found; a phantom revisited; a promise of something that can never come true. Each gift solidifies that moment in time. The man believes in a false miracle and one day, despite its impossibility, his friend becomes it. The roles reverse. A man who learns how to accept a miracle, and a person who learns how to give.

My sister asked me if there was a common theme in my work ("besides trains!") and I thought about it for a minute. I said, "maybe the message is that God is real but He has abandoned us...but maybe the real God was the people we met along the way?"

It's the same in Prayers: a girl presents an impossible promise and boy who desperately needs it believes her. There's a quote from a later on--

"A lie is a just a promies for the future I wish you could have!"

Does this make sense? I'm going on all over the place now. But to sum it up, my characters are keen to believe the lies others feed them because those lies are wonderful gifts. Everyone is so keen to give something to each other because their stop is coming soon. Everyone believes in angels because the world would be wonderful if they were real-- the kinds with feathers and halos, not the ones that exist within their reality. Even the angels want to believe. So everyone survives through fabricated fantasies. But because of others, a sliver of that fantasy can become real. A paper flower, painted red, held between the fingers. My gift to you. My little bit of godhood.

So time continues, and the two travelers say goodbye with a kiss. They will never see each other again. But the memory can be revisited, and in that immortal frame-- in the space eliminated-- time stops-- the image is burned into the mind-- the two powerless souls created a miracle-- in the image, there was something higher than God. It was something only a human can make.

The moment passes. But it never really dies.

"My little bit of godhood. That's my gift to you."

[xnecromantia]

“ if i were to kiss someone, it would be you. “ (from Erik? Totally okay if you're not feeling it!)

A Hundred Kissing Prompts II Accepting

"Did you know that today marks another century of us knowing each other?" The Wytch mentioned happily, his arm linked through Erik's own as they walked alongside a riverbed. "We are older than this very river, and yet you look exactly the same as when I first met you." A laugh escaped him as he looked up at the other male; neither a wrinkle or grey hair to evidence the passage of time. His features remained soft and his eyes retained the kindness that instantly soothed a troubled soul. It was no wonder the deceased trusted him. Although his own appearance never changed with age, Mortis' heart had -- sorrow taking hold and revealing itself in the form of tired lines underneath his eyes. It was an impossible change for an immortal - to be affected in such a human way - but the events of Shademarsh had altered him.

Coming back to Erik and the sanctuary he offered had helped to mend the wounds he received from that night, alleviating the darkness and bringing light back to Mortis' soul. Patience and reassurance made it easier for the Wytch to smile each day, to laugh and engage in conversation; a gradual healing process to retrieve who he once was. And he was forever grateful for that.

"I wanted to commemorate our friendship by making you a gift." Since Shademarsh, his desire to create had disappeared -- but now he had somebody to create for. A chance to express his affection in the form of handmade jewellery. His coven often gifted pieces to those they cared about, taking months to make with how intricate they were. No two designs were the same, making them highly unique and custom to the person they were made for. Pausing in their walk, he retrieved a small pouch from the pocket of his hoodie and held it out for Erik to take. Tipped over, a silver ring fell out; a series of overlapping bands that twisted into a beautiful pattern. Between the bands, glass was set and contained a whirlwind of colourful specks. "Wait -- look," he added enthusiastically as he gently tapped the ring, which caused the specks to shimmer and dance. "I infused a bit of magic into it, so it will never dull." He explained, pausing as he allowed the other to try it on.

"I wish I could give you more, but I hope this token shows how much I appreciate you, Erik." Mortis continued, reaching out with both hands to hold one of his. Drawing it towards his own cheek and resting against it, he smiled up at the fairy. It was the same hand where the Wytch had placed a Mark of Friendship on Erik's little finger many centuries ago, mirroring the same place he had his. "Even after our time apart, it was like I never left. You gave me sanctuary without hesitation. I was hurting, but you made everything better. You mean a lot to me, cara--"

'--if I were to kiss someone, it would be you.'

The words were clear as day, spoken inside his mind. It was a moment or so before he comprehended what happened, and when he did, Mortis huffed out an amused laugh. Did he mean to share his thoughts with him? "I heard that." He squeezed Erik's hand lovingly, eyes aglow with gold. All he could do was smile, chest feeling fit to burst. Placing both hands on Erik's shoulders, the Wytch gently pulled him down until they were level. "If I were to let someone kiss me..." he started, before leaning in and pressing their lips together. It was short - sweet - but the message was there. "...it would be you."

[db2k]

hi i'm reading Animal Triste by Monika Maron right now, and I want to write down my notes here because why not

this part here is one of the many lines i highlighted in this book, and i kind of arranged(?) what i wrote on my notebook. there're no spoilers and this is not a book that a spoiler can ruin. if you've read it before, youre sooo welcome, please write a comment if you feel like it. but, even if you've not read it, its not important, we can talk. thats all ig :)

I don’t believe in the glittering, pain-driven narratives often told about love. There’s no such thing as "eternal happiness." No one will live forever with their great love. Desire for another person, in my opinion, inherently brings a profound sense of longing. If two people finally come together, they must either find new ways to keep love alive or settle for a kind of love that carries less intense yearning. I think the core emotion is longing—this might even apply to platonic forms of love. In those cases, longing is likely the primary motivator as well. Ultimately, it’s distinct from familial or friendly love, but I can’t quite pinpoint what makes it so intense.

I first encountered the idea that love requires reinvention or a kind of dynamism in one of ContraPoints’ videos. This perspective reframes love as not something static but as a constantly evolving, living process.

Here, the author emphasizes the tragic and desire-driven nature of love—a love strengthened by death and "impossibility." Love isn’t merely about happiness; it’s also shaped by loss, absence, and the shadow of mortality.

The dinosaur metaphor in the text reflects the view of those who perceive love as a powerful yet extinct phenomenon from the past. (This is a view I don’t agree with, just like the author.) The paradox is this: by contemplating love’s impossibility, people immortalize it while simultaneously clinging to a myth of "incompetence." This myth is perpetuated by unhappy individuals who either never experienced pure forms of love in their youth or whose relationships were shaped by an early fear of death. But love is tied not only to death but also to transformation.

This duality of love—expressed through opposing ideas—renders it both a memory lost in the past, like the dinosaurs, and a phenomenon constantly rediscovered. I don’t think people are "bad" at love (and anyway, it’s not a matter of skill). Instead, they learn to adapt to love’s "finite" nature and the challenges of attaining it—perhaps intertwined with the drive to long for the impossible.

In the end, I believe love isn’t a myth but rather a kind of "continuous evolution".

[elliscousland]

[ CARESS ] for sender to kiss one of receiver’s scars (maybe the ones on his face yknow……….) || @malurged

it is the sort of night where ellis is glued to vespin's side. the faster they barreled towards their fate, the more special these moments became. every day felt like a step closer to death & that made life all the sweeter. tonight, ellis had stayed up late with vespin. they lay on the grass together & ellis shared stories of constellations his father had taught him, rambling half the night away. he had scarcely noticed the moon inching its way across the sky, instead focused on the endless legends immortalized beyond it. ( stories he had tried to live by. stories he couldn't. ) it must have been charming, or maybe it was love… but ellis' arms ended up wrapped around vespin, holding him close.

peace was a rare indulgence on their stony, winding road & ellis thought that perhaps they had found it tonight. just for a moment or two or three. vespin steals one of these moments.

vespin presses a kiss to ellis' cheek, where ellis' hound had left his mark. fergie had always been an ornery beast, since the day ellis had met him & had left many marks on ellis' body. he then presses his lips to the marred flesh of ellis' newest scar. it stretched across his nose, a remnant of the night ellis' family had been betrayed. if he hadn't been so light on his feet, a traitor's blade would have taken his nose or perhaps even his life. but instead, he lived for his survival to be cherished. a quick kiss on his brow & then to the corner of his mouth & each of the scars on ellis' face were shed a ray of vespin's affection.

ellis cannot help but chase the final kiss, stealing one of his own from vespin's cracked lips. he's never felt quite so treasured, quite so seen & there is something captivating about it. emotion forms a knot in ellis' throat & he struggles to find words for a long moment. so instead, he presses a kiss to the marred corner of vespin's mouth & then his cheek & then his jaw. there were many scars to revel in, every forgotten story of vespin's survival, but he pauses & holds his hand at vespin's cheek.

" if only tonight could last forever, " ellis muses, swept up in a wave of sentiment. he knew it wouldn't & the sun would rise tomorrow & they would continue to survive. or not. but at least they had tonight.