#they don't magically fix me or anything but help me to push away the most awful thoughts that usually make me spiral

[sealeneee]

siiiiiiigh

[aaami]

got a diagnosis for severe depression and idk it feels kinda relieving to see that, since my anxiety likes to make me think i'm just faking everything :')

[littlegaalaxy]

A Sweet Enchantment in the Depths

♡⃕ Relationship} Jade Leech x Fem!reader

♡⃕ Summary} "You meet Jade, he ends up falling in love with you, and ends up feeling super protective over you"

♡⃕ TW.} Yandere; obsession; possessiveness; stalker and super protection

♡⃕ Notes} English is not my first language, there may be mistakes. I’m sorry for anything. Jade is a little ooc.

You had never imagined that your life would take such a huge turn when you were transported to a magical and strange world like Twisted Wonderland. Initially, I was lost, not knowing anyone and trying to understand the dynamics of that strange school called Night Raven College. As a small and naive girl, you often ended up being pushed from one side to another by situations, but you always managed to find a way to get out unharmed.

However, that changed when you met one of the Leech twins.

Your first interaction with Jade Leech was completely unexpected. You had gotten lost in Octavinelle's water gardens, distracted by the vibrant colors and the fish swimming in the clear waters. He appeared out of nowhere, tall and imposing, with a polite smile, but one that hid something strange.

— Did you get lost? — Jade asked, his voice calm but penetrating, as if he could read all your thoughts and fears.

— Ah, y-yes… I think I took the wrong path… — you replied timidly, your big, innocent eyes trying to find an escape route.

— It's dangerous around here for someone like you, you know? — He took a step forward, bending down to get closer to you, his eyes half-closed with a peculiar shine. — Small, fragile and so… vulnerable. —

You swallowed hard, feeling your heart beat faster. There was something about him that drew you in, like a tide pulling you under. Jade always maintained that polite smile, but his eyes analyzed your every move, like a predator studying its prey.

From that date on, Jade made a point of "taking care" of you. He always appeared when you needed help most, whether it was to guide you through the corridors or to get you out of embarrassing situations. However, as time passed, you began to notice that Jade was always around, even when you didn't call him. His words were always kind, but his intentions seemed increasingly difficult to decipher.

— You are such a sweet and carefree girl… — he whispered one day, while they were alone in the library. — I wonder how someone so innocent survives in this world… —

His cold fingers slid down your arm, and you felt a shiver run down your spine.

— Don't worry, [Name]. I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you. —

Despite the calmness in his voice, there was a tone of possessiveness that made you uneasy. He always knew where you were, what you were doing, and he seemed to show up at the most unexpected moments. You even tried to move away, but it was as if Jade always found a way to be close, like a shadow.

One night, as you walked through the dark corridors of the school, you felt that has was being followed. When you turned around, Jade was there, his smile darker than usual.

— I was worried… You've been moving away from me, [Name]. It makes me…uncomfortable. — His voice was now almost a threatening whisper.

— J-Jade… I just… wanted some space… — your voice shook, and you took a step back.

In an instant, Jade was in front of you, holding your arm firmly but without hurting you.

— Space? — He tilted his head, as if he didn't understand the concept. — Oh, you're so adorable when you try to resist, but you know, don't you? No one else can take care of you like I can. — His eyes fixed on yours, as if he was hypnotizing you.

You tried to pull your arm away, but he wouldn't let go.

— I will never let you get hurt, [Name]. Because you… — he lowered his face until his lips almost touched your ear — are already mine. —

His words carried a poisonous sweetness, and you realized that no matter how much you tried to escape, Jade Leech would always be there, watching you, protecting you in his own sick way, and slowly enveloping you in his possessive depths.

And the worst of all? Part of you was beginning to wonder if you really wanted to escape…

<3

[morningstargirl666]

hie!! obsessed with your fic and while (patiently) waiting for updates, i have THE biggest craving for fics with the same vibes as your fic & The Wolf by yokan. for instance, fics with caroline in NOLA with lots of mikaelson family dynamics and just her being around them or being considered as a part of their family. i'm lowkey a sucker for found-family kinda tropes if its not obvious lol.

i haven't read alot of kc fics yet so honestly just hit me with any fic!! popular or underrated everything works since i'm technically very new in the fandom! :D

thankyou for the recs in advance!!

Thanks so much! Specifically NOLA fics:

Blood and a Quick Murder (and isn't that how it always is) by KS_Caster

After a magical accident turns Caroline into a human, she discovers that her values don't match up with her friends' like she thought they did. She discovers that some choices are permanent - and some aren't. Oneshot - complete.

Whisper To Help Me Remeber by LaLainaJ

Put down by Tristan Klaus waits. And plans. Once awakened he's thrilled to set out and get revenge. A wrinkle forms when he hears news of Caroline, and is told that she's been working for his enemies. Klaus is determined to find out why, and soon learns that something is not quite right with her. He'll fix it, whatever it takes. Uses TO characters but ignores most TO canon.

Like The Sun Shines by LaLainaJ

"Klaus finds himself blinking down at his phone for an embarrassingly long length of time while he filters his brother's usual nonsense and the pertinent information sinks into his brain. Caroline is in New Orleans." It's an average Wednesday in NOLA until it isn't.

Fallen by klarolineepiclove

Caroline Forbes was a woman with a secret. Running from a shattered past, she settles in New Orleans, determined to disappear in the crowds and chaos. When her path continually crosses with the Mikaelson family, her plans go awry. When she finds herself drawn to the charasmatic Klaus, she begins to wonder: How far can you run before the past catches up with you? AU/AH Klaroline

Break Your Promise by Fearfrost

"What can I do?" He breathed. He knew in that moment listening to her fall apart hundreds of miles away he'd do anything she asked. "Break your promise."

Wicked Schemes by willowaus

Old family secrets lead Caroline on a journey of self-discovery and into the dark underbelly of New Orleans as Klaus works to reclaim his kingdom and rebuild the family he's slowly destroyed over the centuries. A TVD/The Originals crossover.

Someone's First Choice by unpublishednovelist

How many times can Tyler put their relationship on hold, ignoring her calls and hiding in the mountains of Appalachia, before Caroline finally snaps? He's pushing her away. Who could blame her for being pushed to something else? Someone else --- A rewrite of the TVD S5E1 scene where Tyler leaves Caroline yet another stupid message about how she's not the most important thing in his life.

throw roses into the abyss by marxandangels

Throw roses into the abyss and say: Here is my thanks to the monster who didn’t succeed in swallowing me alive. Caroline goes to see Klaus in New Orleans after her mom's death, humanity free. That choice changes her life from the foundations, every single brick of it --- I think that the whole humanity switch thing is the dumbest plot device in TVD, but also the most interesting. What is humanity, really? What are the edges of it? What would it /actually/ mean to be able to turn that on and off?

Not NOLA, but the Mikaelson family dynamics are off the charts:

not for him a watery grave by MyLadyElise

He's saved her life, more than once. Doesn't she owe him the same? An alliance, a rescue, a race against time. A possibility. Hope. AU after Season 3: Before Sunset.

Persistence of Memory by perfectpro

Caroline comes to New Orleans, nervous to see Klaus after their last argument. As it turns out, she doesn't need to worry about him being angry. He doesn't remember the argument. After all, how can he when he doesn't even remember who she is?

a vampire, a brother, and a pack of wolves walk into a bar by banazie

In which Kol angers a pack of wolves with moonlight rings, his girls’ night out with Caroline is ruined, and Klaus feels particularly dagger-y.

where the heart moves stones by darkness_shows_the_stars

Caroline’s planned college experience in New York, so far away from her magic-infested hometown, keeps getting interruped because the Originals have apparently decided that her dorm room is free game. Getting away from supernatural drama was so much easier in theory.

the fate makes for a lousy poet by darknes_shows_the_stars

It is not unheard of. Soulmates born too far apart to ever meet. Caroline did her research thoroughly. It’s just rare. And for all that she’d known her entire life that her fated other half was dead long, long before she was even a gleam in her mother’s eye … it’s unfair. --- Everyone is born with a soulmate. It just so happens that a millennium divides Caroline from hers.

There's tons more. Search through my fic rec tag in my tumblr archive if you want more fic recs, or browse my AO3 bookmarks, I've answered a few asks like this one ✨

[preciouslittle-bhaalbabe]

Astarion was sitting by the fire, drinking from his glass when Durge stumbles over and sits next to him.

A: Everything alright darling?

Durge (slightly drunk): No. It's her.

A: Tomie? What did she do now?

D: She's lovely, and she cares about me. And I want to hold her.

A: Well, yes. But why is that a problem?

D: I'm terrified that I might kill her.

A: *laughs* Wouldn't be the first time.

D: What?

A: Some time ago, when we were first travelling together, I had just been freed from my old master. One of his rules was that we weren't to feed on thinking creatures. I had to know. So I tried biting her while she was asleep. She woke just in time to catch me over her body.

D: What did she do?

A: Told me to ask her first. So I did.

D: Did she let you feed?

A: Of course, the sweet thing that she is.

D: And then what happened?

A: I killed her.

D: ...Oh.

A: She tasted incredible. Instinct took over, my jaw locked. I drained her completely until she was gone. She didn't fight or yell. She trusted me blindly, and it killed her. I knew if she stayed dead the others we were travelling with at the time would probably either kick me out or kill me. So I managed to bring her back with the help of a spare scroll of revivify.

D: And? Was she angry?

A: Oh yes. She punched me right in the face. Broke my nose.

D: Right...How is this helpful?

Astarion smiles and takes another sip out of his glass.

A: After everything I've put her through. All the fighting, all the pushing away, all the times I tried to manipulate her. All the times I told her she was nothing to me. She still stayed. She even pacted herself to me and gave me magic. She loves with an intensity I have never seen in anyone else. She gives everything she has. She never once tried to "fix" me. She just loves me regardless.

D: I just don't want to hurt her.

A: Then don't. And if the urges prove too much, come to me. I can help. So can she, by the way. She has delt with me at my worst. At my most starved. When I was nothing but instinct and hunger.

D: Right, thank you, Astarion. I never expected us to get along if I'm honest.

A: *chuckles* I like you well enough. And if there is anything I've learned from travelling with that woman, it's that she is a being of love. As much as I wish to keep her to myself, it's simply not in her nature. I know that she is mine. She tells me every day. You do not threaten that. To be loved by her is an honour. I only ask that you cherish it.

D: I just hope I can get this under control. I don't want to be...Whatever this is.

A: You're not alone in this, none of us are. We can even compare notes if you'd like.

D: Hm...By the way, what you're drinking, is that her blood?

A: Naturally.

D: ...Can I try it?

A: Absolutely not.

[thegnomelord]

feral Mage reader that sees the ropes under Price's clothing and can't help but stare at it all day, but being the cocky bastard he is, he refuses to admit how turned on it makes him when confronted by price

Price Does Shibari

CW: NSFW but no sex, shibari and rope bondage, teasing, military inaccuracies. Shitty and quick but god the brainrots are killing me. Price's chest is like this, ass like this

As a mage, you are many things, chief amongst them — Arrogant. Price is everything you aren't: calm, tactical, humble, and most of all patient. He knows just how impulsive you are and makes it a 'fun' game of riling you up and seeing how long you can go before your arrogance breaks and you're on your knees begging for him.

On the nights you spend in his room you usually wake up first, but this time when you roll over to get a final snuggle with him you find his side of the bed empty. Rolling back over you look around and your blurry eyes settle on his back. God every part of him is your favorite but his back does things to you, the strong muscle shifting beneath his skin with every motion of his arms, the way you can follow the trail of sparse dark brown hair from his shoulders and down his spine to his thick arse and thighs.

But as your vision clears you notice something else; Rope

It's the same color your eyes were before your magic gave them an unnatural glow. The ropes start at mid thigh, tied firm to make his thighs even more plush and squeezable, going up his legs to meet more rope like a garter belt. Knots are tied from his balls up his perineum to crisscross just below his tailbone, going above and along the crease where his arse meets his thighs. It hides his hole but you can't complain when the knots spread and push his cheeks out, giving them better definition that has your hands twitching for a squeeze.

"Did I die and go to heaven?" You can't help but say, shamelessly and obviously groping your cock over the bedsheets.

"Peter would never let you past the gates." He snorts and turns to you, his attention fixed on wrapping the ropes. But he smirks when you feels your eyes take him in.

The ropes wrapping along the crease of his hips come up to wrap and crisscross near his dick, making it stand out. Your eyes trail up, following the intricately tied knots up his torso, the rope bright and vibrant against the backdrop of his dark body hair. You almost swallow your tongue when your eyes arrive at his chest. The ropes tied in more knots create tight triangles around each pec until they're pushes out and perky, creating a diamond shape just bellow the start of his sternum and disappearing over his shoulders.

"Wha'd I do to deserve this?" You ask as you drink him in. You would never have the patience to do something like that, but good god does he look good in this.

"Nothing." He smirks, arms flexing so the rope strains against his muscles and pushes his chest out even more.

Your danger senses should have been triggered there and then, but then he was bending over to grab his pants off the floor and the ropes were spreading his asscheeks wide and you could just about catch a glimpse of his hole beneath the knots and your brain was leaking into your cock.

"You didn't do anything." He continues, and a disheartened noise escapes you when he hides his perfect arse in his pants that are just loose enough to hide the ropes when he stands still or doesn't bend too much. "Doin' this for me sweetheart."

"Liar." You accuse, pushing away the sheets so you can properly grope your cock — a half hearted attempt to tempt him into returning to bed. "You're not seriously going to-"

"Don't forget you have recruit duty today soldier." He cuts you off, a downright evil look in his eyes when he puts on a tight shirt and then a standard issue jacket. "Stop wastin' time with your cock in your hand and get up already."

You barely manage a response before he's going out the door, pausing only to bend over at the last second to tie his shoes and make your eyes go to his arse when the pants strain to contain it.

The day is complete hell for you and Price joins you for the majority of it. You don't take it out on the recruits. You definitely don't target any recruit that eyes Price's chest a second too long(even when you do the same), especially when Price crosses his arms and pushes his chest out and you can just imagine those ropes leaving red lines across his skin and perking his pecs up. You certainly don't throw a ball of magic at the recruit who stumbles face first into Price's chest while doing ash magic training.

It's made even worse for you when you're called for a general meeting for battle strategy and you're standing behind him. Even when you try your eyes still go down to his arse when he bends over the table to point at something and his arse fills out his pants and that has your cock filling with blood faster than anything.

"Mage, are you listening?" Price barks and throws a look over his shoulder, bringing everyone's eyes to you.

"Yeah," You grunt, trying not to draw attention to your predicament. "I'm paying attention."

"Paying real close attention." Gaz snickers next to Soap, their amusement intensifying when you glare at them.

Price continues as if nothing's wrong, going over battle tactics and terrain as if he's not wearing ropes instead of underwear under his pants, as if his chest doesn't push out more than usual when he crosses his arms, as if he can't feel your burning gaze at his back. When the meeting ends you stick around while the others leave, letting your eyes firmly fix on his backside.

"You're awfully distracted today sweetheart." He smirks, turns to rest his hip against the table and cross his arms.

"I'm attentive enough." You argue, trying to appear dismissive. Sometimes your pride is a real killer.

"Mhmm." He hums, "And your lil'lad is definitely not tenting your pants." Price is mean, knows exactly when you try to deflect and is quick to point it out.

"You're imagining." Huffing you wave him off, shifting from one leg to the other to put the pressure of your pants off your poor cock. Your cock's been half-hard for at least half a day, your body begging to feel him— to pull him by the ropes on his chest and kiss him till you're both breathless —even when you stubbornly hold on.

"I'm imagining. Is that so?" He tilts his head, a smug little smirk on his lips. "Well, then you'll be happy to know you're doing graveyard shift with me."

Fuck. A full night of just doing paperwork with him, knowing what lied beneath his clothes, sounded like hell and made heaven sing in your blood. "Lovely."

"Yeah, ah' thought so." Price smirks, turns and bends over the table to grab some documents. You swallow hard when his ass pushes out against his pants, you can just about see a bit of rope peek beneath the material. "Get back to work." He says with a smirk as he stands up, walking away with a seductive and hypnotic sway of his hips.

You're not at your breaking point just yet...

But you're close.

[summers-art]

I know there’s some good Metamy juice in it so I’m gonna ask an explanation for Love Like you please.

🎵Song #35 Love Like You by Rebecca Sugar 🎵[Full playlist]

YEAAAA! We're at the end so what's more fitting than to have a literal end credit song to wrap everything up with? This one is specifically from Volume 2 which is different, it has this longer intro which I love the build up for and though not all the verses but the ones that are there are the most important so it's still perfect lyrically. I also mentioned this in the prev post but I also just really wanted this song bc of how it sounds musically. I have my playlists on repeat and this song flows very well back into Song #1 Digital Love which was epic, the ride never ends baby!!!

SO! Before we end the story there has been a time skip from the prev song #34 Too Long, that's the only way that song makes sense to me, as things seem to finally look bright again. Overcoming the strings and wires, if not fully then at least enough to feel like Metal is at the place he wants to be, which would then be with Amy. This song is sweet but it's not like a "I'm 100% fine and everything is okay now" way, the past hasn't been magically erased and there is still work to do after all. But at least it's hopeful! Though I love my drama, angst, divorce and bittersweet endings I decided to go with something more positive here... I can't help it that I am a true hopeless romantic at heart 🩷🥹

LYRICAL BREAK DOWN BELOW 👇

I just want to push again on the build of this song, I LOVE THE AMBIENCE, THE VIBE. The slow build up is so tasty, literally half of the song is just instrumentals until the lyrics finally kicks in 1,5 minute in after this building crescendo it's awesome. Also the dolphin cries in the bg are so funny, I love you whoever mixed this, that's so epic.

I always thought I might be bad Now I'm sure that it's true 'Cause I think you're so good And I'm nothing like you

I like that the first lines are already like a sledgehammer to my heart. Like OOOOKAY BESTIEEEE, yea you kind of did do all that horrible shit as part of the villain team and being a pawn for Eggman and almost ending the whole world as Metal Overlord or whatever- BUT COME ON, IT'S OKAY BABY GIRL DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF. It's totally okay to commit all those crimes because you looked cool while doing it, just look at Neo's highlights they slay 💅 (I'M JOKING, MAYBE)

Also comparing yourself to Amy Rose is just asking yourself to lose tbh. She is a beacon of pure love and hope, stubbornly and fiercely so, she's so awesome. No one does it like her. I wouldn't say they have nothing in common, but from Metal's view there might be little to nothing (because you're gay and putting your crush on a pedestal, girl...) The only way to fix this; time to learn some compassion!!! Download it, google is free 💾

Look at you go I just adore you I wish that I knew What makes you think I'm so special

CRYING, PUNCHING THE WALL, CRIES MORE 😭😭 Amy is so stubborn of course she wouldn't be the first one to give up on someone. Metal has tried and failed and tried and failed- and yet here she is! Still by his side!! I don't think he could ever really figure out exactly why she would do that, but it certainly means the world to have someone who refuses to give up on you. Eggman is also stubborn, but the "love" he gives feels very conditional and well- artificial? Compared to what she would be able to give.

I also think that any previous jealousy or doubt that Amy was just dating Metal Sonic because she couldn't have the Real Sonic (eluded to most heavily in #8 Washing Machine Heart: "I know who you pretend I am / Do mi ti / Why not me?") have been wiped away at this point. Spending enough time with Metal it's clear they are two different people who are both worthy of love in their own way for being who they are 💙

If I could begin to do Something that does right by you I would do about anything I would even learn how to love

There is something about Amy specifically befriending robots that is just really cute to me, starting all the way back with Gamma. Girl has a heart so big she can turn the machines into people capable of love. She has the power of love and incredible violence with her hammer on her side. Iconic, tbh 🙂‍↕️

"I can fix him" actually succeeds in fixing him. LMAO, nah its not that simple. I think Metamy could easily slip into that trope, but I would argue that here it's more that it's more about inspiring someone to be better. Like the lyrics say that about making better choices and taking action, instead of someone else fixing their messes and forgiving every single wrong doing that would actually make them not have to change their previous behavior at all.

When I see the way you look Shaken by how long it took

HEY, THERE IS THE THING I TALKED ABOUT BEFORE so I'll just keep it brief! A callback to Tomorrow Comes Today as well as Too Long, the two songs before this. Which also!! Makes the timeskip thing also makes the most sense. ...How long is the timeskip? Shit, idk, however long I need it to be 🤷 I'm open for suggestions lmao, but leaving it up in the air is fun so anyone can decide on how old the robot yuri should be. It ages like a fine wine, I think.

I could do about anything I could even learn how to love like You You You You

Crazy thing with this version of the song, and not just the intro, is that it SKIPS the line: "Love me, like you" but I think it's kind of appropriate here tbh. Self-love is important, and tying it with Metal's whole identity crisis arc makes sense and here it hasn't been completely resolved even at the end of the story. That is something that still needs work because that shit takes time especially, after all the shit they've been through. A relationship might not magically fix it but I don't think it will hurt it either. Like, I kinda hate the saying that at least floated around when I was growing up about "Ooh, you need to learn to love yourself before you can love others <3" like... HUH?? As if people who are struggling with mental health and/or trauma that makes loving yourself difficult can't be allowed to fall in love or be loved in a relationship, like lol, lmao even, miss me with that shit.

Metal continuing his arc about finding an identity outside of Sonic sounds like something that Amy could help with a lot, like- GIRL SHE'S BEEN THROUGH THIS CIRCUS BEFORE. She was obsessed with him too after all and had to learn how to grow more independent. ALSO, I like to think Amy has some issues of her own with abandonment. Despite being so outgoing and loving she carries her own insecurities about "What if my friends are only friends with me because of Sonic? What if they don't actually care about me or want to have me around?" - which I don't think is true (Amy's friends love her very much), but how true something is doesn't always solve the problem if it's all in your own head, y'know? And though Metal might learn to tolerate Sonic's existence I still think he would hate him enough to make a fear like that a complete non-issue for Amy. So they could help each other a lot with their struggles me thinks, and that's sweet. Love that for this ship 🩷💙

These cartoon animals can be projected onto with so many real life struggles HAH, it makes them so #relatable. I love art, I love playing with my touys, we're having fun here 🫶😌 and I think I'm done rambling about why I love these two and this song for them heheh. THANK YOU TO WHOEVER ARE READING ALL MY RAMBLES, I HOPE YOU HAVE FUN WITH ME ❣️

[gaiathemuse]

I've watched Mouthwashing playthroughs and what's caught my eye is the whole "hero" title. To me, a hero is someone who protects the people with what little power they have, a do what is necessary to protect cause no else can or will. They can be flawed but overall good people at their core or willing to be good. (And if I can insert my bias,Ratchet and Clack, and Sir Daniel Fortesque are good examples of this).

But to Jimmy, a hero is someone who gets respected and rewarded, with all their sins forgotten. So what does Jimmy do when he's faced with his own actions? He makes a problem to "fix." But it doesn't go as planned because Jimmy was never good at planning in the first place. He most likely wanted Curly to do the work, while he plays background. But Curly is incapacitated, and Jimmy is forced into that role and he learns it's actually hard.

Cause being a hero actually requires hard work. They help others cause someone needs to and most times want to. When danger arrives, they're in the frontline. Yet when Anya needed help with giving Culry meds he bullied them both. When Anya and Curly were in "danger". Let's knockout Sweans with a cocktail and make Daisuke go up the vent. Daisuke is hurt? Well let's use mouthwash (even though Anya said not to) cause we don't have disinfectant anymore. Jimmy fails all these things miserably.

Because a hero solves a problem that takes place, not "fix" ones they've made. Problems can be solved, but they can't always be fixed. Curly's own mantra proves to be his demise as he assumes anything can be "fixed". He may have fixed alot of problems Jimmy caused in the past, but what he did to Anya won't magically go away. Curly sees the "best" in Jimmy despite all his actions proving otherwise. Almost like a hero who still thinks their friend turned evil can change. A trope here that's flipped portrayed as a flaw, rather than a strength.

As everything unfolds, we see Jimmy get more manic, constantly saying he can fix it, he can fix it. He will fix it. He can still be a hero. He's trying to convince himself at this point cause everything around him proving otherwise. In his hallucination with Curly, he still thinks they both (cause Jimmy thinks they're partners in crime and Curly is now unable to tell him otherwise), can be heroes. That twisted party segment was probably his last ditch effort to play up this role he made in his head, but he even fails at that (which is the point) cause he didn't earn a proper one.

And the major question anyone would would ask at this point is: Hero of what? Who is Jimmy saving at this point?

Judgment Day with Polle was reality shattering the image Jimmy made up. He tried to have a whole hero speech as if he's psyching himself up to be the underdog who saves the day against the impossible. He use of Anya's quote as if she was some friend/lover or voice of reason he's followed this whole time will be his final push to victory and not someone he abused and ignored until it suited him. And its funny cause if anything, it's that final quote that pushes him to his end. Polle challenges him. "Why are you still concerned with Curly?" As Swansea said, Curly was Captain. Captains go down with their ships. Heroes sacrifice themselves for others. Curly was dead to rights.

So who is Jimmy saving?

And only then does Jimmy realize he's not the hero. He can't be. Again Heroes aren't known for fixing problems they've made. If he goes in the cryopod, He'd have to take responsibility for what he's done. Ironically something he chastised Curly for. Having to take responsibility for what Jimmy's done, even though he knows it will all fall on him anyways. He wouldn't have crashed the ship if it didn't. He wouldn't have taken his own life either, cause then he can't control the narrative that way. You get no rewards for that. He'd be labeled a coward not a hero. Something he was running from the whole time. It wasn't until he was given the ultimatum: Be your twisted perception of a "Hero" and take responsibility or die a coward, that he takes this route. The only thing he fixes in the end is the roles he assigned. He's not the hero, he's a coward and dies as such.

[coeluvr]

Don't mind me, I'm just imagining my MC writing letters to her family to help deal with the grief. She also ended up befriending a murder of crows in her melancholy, so she kinda wanders around as an omen of death. Anyway, how are you doing?

Scenario Questions:

How would the ROs react to finding MC hiding from people during a party and crying alone? (in the crush stage?)

How would the ROs (and others) react to finding a box containing letters to MC's dead family? How would they react to finding letters addressed to them? confession letter that was hidden away because mc is too afraid to say anything?

Also, how would Helios feel if he ran into MC one morning (they have a relatively positive acquaintanceship) and MC says, "Good morning, Sunshine!" without thinking-- then becoming a flustered mess.

Thank you for this story. I quite like it so far. I don't like to admit it, but a big factor of why I like this game is the angst. I want soft and healthy relationships, but that will take quite some time to reach if at all. Anyways, thank you again. Take care <3

Hi, anon!

This is kind of funny because I wanted to start chapter 2 with journal pages so the player could pick choices to describe how the last few years were, I think I'll do it for chapter 3 so... 🫣

I'm doing okay, hope you're doing well!

I'll do the first prompt then slowly do the others (I am very slow...) 💗

Also, I'm certain most people who like my IF live for angst because that's honestly the main tag of this story, happiness is nonexistent.

Fadiya

Fadiya had been searching for MC for a while, growing increasingly worried as the party continued without them. When she finally found them, her heart ached at the sight of their tear-streaked face. She knew how crushing it could be to feel alone in a room full of people. Fadiya approached MC with a softness in her eyes, her words carefully chosen to offer comfort without pushing too much. As she sat beside MC, Fadiya couldn't help but feel protective of them, as though they were a small bird that needed shelter from the storm.

For as long as you need me, I will be here.

Helios

Helios kept a respectful distance, not wanting to intrude on their space, he knew he couldn’t erase their pain but he hoped to offer some solace.

Leaning against a nearby pillar, Helios observed MC silently, his heart aching at the sight of their tears. His hand twitched, an instinct to reach out and offer comfort, yet he hesitated. His mind was conflicted, torn between his desire to be there for them and the boundaries that he had established.

But even as the dichotomy of his feelings warred within him, he couldn’t stop himself from crossing the line.

Let me be selfish just once.

Hunter

Hunter had been making their rounds around the party when they caught sight of MC, huddled in a corner and crying silently.

They knew that they couldn't fix everything, but they were determined to at least make them smile. As Hunter approached MC, their charming smile was in full force. They knew that laughter was the best medicine, and Hunter was more than willing to be the court jester if it meant bringing a smile to MC's face.

It wouldn't solve everything, but seeing the smile on MC's face was worth more to Hunter than anything else.

Let me take your mind off your troubles, even if it is just for a moment.

Soarine

Soarine had been scanning the party when she noticed MC's absence. Her heart sank when she found them, hiding away and crying.

Without hesitation, Soarine approached MC, she had always been good at comforting others, and with MC, it came naturally.

With a gentle smile, she began speaking, her words flowing easily from her lips despite how. She didn't have any magic words to make the pain go away, but she hoped that her words could offer some sort of comfort.

You are not alone, I'm here for you.

Vincent

Vincent had always been the type to let his actions speak louder than words, and this situation was no different. As he approached MC, he could feel his heart racing with worry for them.

Though he was terrible at comforting others with words, Vincent knew that sometimes the best comfort was just being there, a solid presence for someone to lean on.

He didn't say anything, didn't try to offer empty platitudes or meaningless comfort. He simply stood beside MC, a wall of unwavering support, offering his silent presence as a reminder that they were not alone.

You can rely on me.

[allmyhomieshatelawns]

Alright. ALRIGHT FINE. I’m caving okay. I’m caving to the Trolls brainrot. It’s too good okay. It’s been lifting my depression. Sue me. Please don’t, I don’t own anything and have very little money. So I’ve been devouring all I can on here about the various AU ideas, headcanons, etc. now I’m gonna actually contribute some and break my lurking status in fandoms lol. So here are some scattered thoughts, things I’d change for my AU, working stuff out. Etc. yes, it’s a Feral!Branch AU.

Wanna do me a Feral!Branch AU bc I like feral bitches So Much.

Also like… why did they leave right before the ceremony for Trollstice…? Why didn't they leave the night before, under the cover of darkness? So I'm fixing that. No more Putt-Putt trolls unfortunately, but hey, Viva doesn't get torn from her sister!

Most of the village thinks Poppy has been eaten at the beginning because Chef had wanted to snatch her early to make sure everything was perfect. However, Branch had attacked Chef, sending both he and Poppy to the ground. That's how he has her at the beginning, that's why he's the one keeping her safe as they escape.

Disco merged w Pop trolls decades ago, their ancestors being the glitter trolls.

• Trolls are magical creatures, the guardians of their style of music.

○ Most of the time they use this music to keep the Spirit of Hope flowing throughout the world.

• They have tails and claws and fangs, which varies with what type of troll they are.

• They can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Eggs are sung into existence either way though

○ Asexual reproduction happens on purpose only, there's a magical rite they go through to help themselves conceive with the Spirit of Music (Yep. You heard me. They're fucking a Spirit.)

§ This process is much easier than sexual reproduction, but still takes a lot from the laying parent

○ Sexual reproduction also only happens on purpose. The couple, or thruple in some cases, will combine their hair, locking it together, and consuming each other's DNA, then singing the egg into existence.

§ This process can take a few hours, and takes a Lot out of the parents.

• Eggs can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to hatch, depending on the strength of the parents, however a long hatch doesn't necessarily mean the trolling within will be weaker, especially if they're able to have that time to develop.

• Trollstice has been going on for 100 years.

○ It started as just the bergens going ham and slaughtering everyone, before both the king of the bergens, and the king of the pop trolls, came together.

○ The king of pop was given two choices:

§ We [the bergens] will eat all of your entire people, wiping every last one out.

§ Don't leave while we build a cage around your tree to keep other bergens out, and you'll only be eaten once a year. Every year. Forever.

○ Immediate annihilation, or generational trauma? Yeah the king chose trauma. He was eaten for his efforts, once the cage was completed. He was the first troll eaten for Trollstice.

• King Peppy is that king's grandson,

○ he watched his father come into power and how horrible it all was, the terror of knowing there was a death day coming around the corner

○ Not to mention the bergens that would try to skirt the cage and reach in for any stragglers.

○ So King Peppy decided that he wouldn't do this, he would save his people.

• The plans for the escape from the Troll Tree started before Peppy was even crowned, the hollowing out of the tree and mourning as it slowly died, despite their magic hiding the worst of the effects.

○ The tunnelling takes more than a decade, but finally they make it out.

○ King Peppy pushes away memories of his first daughter, knowing that she would have to have been captured and likely eaten already.

○ It was too painful to think about those they lost that night.

How being feral works here:

• More in touch with wilder aspects, sharper senses for one, all heightened to be vigilant of danger.

○ This can easily lead to overstimulation, since sharper senses mean more sensitive. A loud bang hurts like being slapped, sudden light is like being stabbed, etc.

• Denser coat of fur

• Longer, sharper claws and fangs no matter what type of troll, this shit will get larger and more dangerous

• These trolls tend to end up on the shorter side, either from malnutrition, the walking on all fours that is common as a feral, or something else like having to hide to start with.

• Become feral by isolation, got nothing to do with colors

• More skittish for sure, more willing to go for violence

○ Will roughhouse for fun

○ Will also take long naps in the sunshine, just like a cat, ears fully alert, but able to relax in the soft warmth.

• Difficult to speak, more accustomed to growling, hissing, purring, silence, etc.

• Ferals can sing however, not with words since they can't really speak

○ It's a haunting sound, usually double-toned with a Deep Bass Rumble

• The magic ferals can do is also more 'primitive' but only in the sense that it's pretty strictly some form of deep nature magic, or some kind of knack that they have.

○ For instance, Branch is stupid good at digging homes and making them safe, why? He's got a sense of it. He's got an extra sense that tells him where to put dirt, how to mix in the water, where to support what, where not to dig, where there would be water underneath, etc. He's just good w the ground in general.

• Nesting is more important to ferals than other trolls. A feral's nest is their sacred Safe Space, if you are in their Sacred Safe Space, then you had better've been fucking invited there because you won't make it out of the nest intact.

• Grooming is more intensive of course, they're out in the wild, and the wrong scent could lead a predator to you.

○ To be groomed by a feral means they care deeply for you, and they're trying to keep you safe and clean

• Once you go feral, like, you can kinda get reintroduced to society and all that, but the physical changes won't ever go away

• Ferals hibernate in the winter, growing an extra dense coat of fur and blubber to last them the long three months of snowfall.

• Usually takes a couple of months of being completely alone to go Full Feral, if with like, one other person, it takes about a year to go Full Feral with them.

○ A community can go feral, depending on circumstances and numbers.

§ More likely that a community goes partially feral, not as wild as fully feral, but much more wild than a non-feral troll community would be, less focused on the party vibes

But yeah that’s what I’ve kinda got knocking around in my noggin, if anyone wants to gush w me, please feel free. I will gush about these stupid fucking trolls for hours without taking a breath. They’ve hooked their damn claws into me.

[soulren]

There's bad places in the world, you know. I heard an old man tell me this, through a migraine aura so bad I felt like the sun was coming straight towards me and me alone. There are bad people in the world, he said, but those were simple. Thoughts and bad ideas, childhood shit that was never worked out curled like uncut fingernails into harm. Bad places are dramatically different. Somewhere you feel short of breath, for no reason at all. Somewhere a detail sticks out, unnerves you where it really shouldn't. Your feet crunch heavy in the snow beneath a bridge where someone spray-painted the words "daddy longlegs" into the wall. The second "l" is faded. The paint is thin, black. Too thin. They must've done it from afar, or had a lot of control. Thinking about those details helps you. You can almost pretend the cold on your skin is the only sensation the darker and damper parts of your brain is sending. Does it remind you of the attic? Most kids have an attic. Not their own, not their attic or your attic. The attic. The one they went up into with a friend or all alone, at a house that might've been their parents or someone else's. Back when every shadow and around every corner was a place that imagination flooded and grew like mold-filled maple syrup. The attic where one might race down, swearing that they heard something stir, that they saw a shape. The details are embellished later. And when something bad finally happens in that place, no matter how small, even if just a feeling, some small part of you blamed the attic. Blamed the bad place. Where nothing quite sat right, for a reason you just couldn't place. A place where you'd feel uncomfortable breaking the silence, or fixing the noise. The man I mentioned at the start didn't tell me all of this. He didn't have too. Just a bit. Enough to get the mind rolling. Now I'm saying just a bit more. Pushing the ball down the hill. Into the thicket where you worry you'll see eyes. Past that one tree that feels wrong to stare at in the field, even during the day. Away from that alley you'd rather not cut across even though you're big and grown now. Through that one spot on the train station where you imagine someone once got into a fight, surely. That'd explain that feeling. We like to imagine we'd recognize the supernatural. That we'd be able to point it out, to articulate it. That somewhere there's a big book that'll give you the locations of impossible places, people in busy hats and creatures with strange patterns in their fur. But for something to be wrong, to defy the natural, it would have to be outside our perception. When we look up into the sky our eyes do not affix onto dark matter. They see the stars. We love their beauty, are terrified by how they die, and use them to navigate. We don't see into the black holes, the pockets of nothing. We often like to imagine that in times before there were people who wielded magic, waved their hands or used what we now know to be science to solve things. But there were most certainly others. The tunnel rats. The ones who ran off, who stayed close, who noticed just a bit more, thought about things in just a bit of an odd way. Who noticed the bad places, felt unsettled by them. The truly wise to the unknown of the world aren't those who peer with magnifying glasses, or those who shake sticks in the desert, or anything in between. It's the ones who keep their mouths shut, absorb and shake at odd feelings they get up high on planes or in front of a row of pines stretching back deep into the mountains. Or above a grate between two apartments with a grey stain on one wall. The ones who, every time they get a feeling they haven't found in any dictionary yet, even the ones passed down by grandparents far more into the esoteric than them, despite a quiet and tentative desperation, silently hope that this isn't it. That this isn't the time when it happens, when it comes. When they see. When they realize. The ones who have no idea what "it" is. The ones who, though they may keep looking at them from afar, avoid the bad places.

[bitchy-peachy]

Tired and ranting with some profanity in other languages. Kids beware cos I curse and insult people under cut. Also mentions of suggestive content. Stay away.

Blocking every Harris hating eye sore and every dumb greedy spambot crosstagger spamming up every tag I visit. No, your bare pasty concave ass doesn't have anything to do with a random fandom tag people of all ages (including children) visit, you desperate puta pendeja. Deja de fastidiar. No quiero verte el hoyo sucio.

"böse Frau" *spits*

"Grosseiras" *more spitting*

I don't support all women if they do shit like this in tags kids can frequent and also don't flag their gross shit from kids. Same goes for the dick pics that aren't properly tagged and flagged (although I see mostly female images getting crosstagged in random ass tags. Like what does your shaved pussy have to do with Sailor Moon and comedy movies? You are annoying)

Also (regarding politics) insulting us for who we vote for ain't gonna win us over for your shitty "3rd party candidate" that has Trump's lawyers coddling her and has her worshipping Putin. Or your child support evading candidate you're trying to tokenize and there's the other one that is full commie... and that's all. Which makes me laugh since conservatives dismiss her and just call Harris a commie. They're such morons that they wouldn't know what the meaning of the word is if a cactus with the definition of "commie" was shoved up their asses.

I would have voted de la Cruz if she had been better prepared, had a chance of winning and wasn't pushing faith based politics when I don't support religion in any branch no matter how much I agree with said religion, Not even my own religion. Government should be unbiased when it comes to religion even if we don't agree with them. She's all over the place and isn't winning in anything.

None of your "suggestions" are working unless getting another Trump win is what you're after cos that's all you want.

We know you're helping him.

You "one issue voters" think shit is magically fixed by literally throwing your vote away outta hatred, some moralistic bullshit or other or getting Trump back in cos you thought your life was better with him around when you were still unloved worthless losers nobody liked even then.

"Oh they're anti genocide!!!!"

Just cos you're morons doesn't mean the rest of us are. Also most of the accounts pushing this bs are into eating shitty diapers and sharing their wives like complete cuckholds with their friends and other shit even a freak like myself raised some eyebrows at.

One guy was even stroking something-something over a truck while he called me evil for supporting Planned Parenthood. Your truck ain't giving you mini trucks with headlights with your eye color, ridiculo.

You guys make me look like an angel and I'm a Dom into whipping naughty consenting adults that ask me nicely. I bet the truck didn't consent after your attempt at a failed bukkake tsunami cos you couldn't get even 1 or 2 loser friends to help you jizz a vehicle. (overshare I know but consent and trust is a good thing which is why I'm pissed my non-consenting eyes are seeing your damn genitals in tags. I have rules and just because you don't doesn't mean I shall tolerate you.)

PS: asking for money with pictures stolen from news articles in other countries will also get you blocked. You think we can't back google search, scammy shits? A lot of you are stealing pictures from Syria. Can't stand your annoying asks and stolen content and repetitive copypaste. Idgaf how mean it looks. I donate to charities directly, not this shady crap that was flooding me with 30 asks every 48 hours that were almost all copypaste with repeated pictures in separate accounts. I turned my asks off due to that shit as well as the fake Palestinians and fake poc telling me to kill myself for not letting their orange geriatric papi win. Fuck off, we all know you're maga.

[depressedchocolatecookie]

Hey. It's been a while. It's been three years. In those three years, life changed. A lot. My depression is gone. I'm not a depressed chocolate cookie anymore. Actually, my depression didn't stem from my mental health so much as it did from my overall health. Who would've known? I stressed myself enough that my thyroid was and still is eating itself up. I'm a year or two away from losing the whole gland just by stress alone. Well, anyways, that was the culprit behind the depression. It was horrifying to be in that space mentally and physically. Feeling like a zombie walking around, with no energy, restricting my food intake just to gain more weight, losing strength, losing hair, breaking nails, having dry skin, not sleeping well, having basically no bowel movements (sorry for the TMI) and of course, having all of those struggles be constantly criticized as laziness for not taking care of myself, for not working out, for not properly washing my hair, for not using enough lotion for my skin, for not glowing as my peers in high school did.

It was exhausting, numbing, and my family continuously refused to get me therapy. Until, they did get me therapy. I didn't do much there. I didn't get better there. My therapist was a fresh out of school one and she didn't help much. But she did give me some tools, and I found out about my thyroid while in therapy so she helped with that a bit as well. But hey, life didn't magically get better when I started fixing up my hormones right? Yeah, it's been a year and a half since then and they're still not doing what they should completely.

Then, I also got a chronic illness. I got Crohn's disease. All within a month. My doctors couldn't diagnose me, they were kinda sucky at their jobs. I had to go out of the country and get a great GI who eventually helped. From then on, it's been visits to the hospital to get my biologics medicine every other week and handfuls of medicine and vitamins daily. It's an exhausting disease, but now I know I'm not crazy and lazy. (Doesn't stop my imposter syndrome though hah.)

And then I got into college. I got into the Academy of Arts, and I'll be playing my muse, my violin, forever now. It makes me happy. I also met the most beautiful, handsome man there. And yes. We are happily in love and he is the love of my life. He keeps asking me to marry him when we're out of college. He prepares me food. He gives me back rubs when I have cramps and foot rubs to relax me. He kisses me every time he passes me. He comes to pick me up whenever he can even though it's making extra work for him and we don't have drivers licenses. He tells me he loves me all the time and stands up for me when needed. He doesn't push me away when upset, and he never gets mad. He doesn't make me do anything when I tell him no. He's kind and caring and loving and tender and gentle and cares for me as I was the most fragile glass in the world. His kisses melt away my worries and his hugs provide a safe space. It's been almost eleven months since we've entered this relationship. All the pain, sadness and numbness was worth it. Since now I have him. He's worth it all.

Maybe I should change my username now. That phase of my life is over. I think from now on I'll love everything and romanticize everything because oh God how it's divine to drown in love. I'm still grieving the life I've lost due to my illness, but I have people by my side who love em and are fighting it with me. So I'll be okay. I wish to love the way my people love me. I wish to give more love than I could ever receive. I want to make the world a place my depressed self wanted to live in.

[mushroommanchanterelle]

OC Questionnaire #3

Thank you very much @elizaellwrites for tagging me! Sorry it took me so long ^u^ Here's answers from my favorite character from each project I'm working on. Ruth Pothec and Magnus Experah from Fault Lines, and Kage Coronoctis from Nocturn, and Saffron Bechamel from Funny Chef Game.

Question 1: Have you had your heart broken? Ruth: "Of course I have. That's just part of the mortal experience isn't it? Loving, then getting hurt? Makes us stronger or something." Magnus: "Not by a person, but yes. I've been crushed under the overwhelming weight of illness and personal responsibility. I've never dated before if that's what you're asking. It's of no interest to me. Leave it to Pothec and Theodorre." Kage: "I don't have a heart anymore! It's made of rock now I think? Pretty hard to bust open. I USED to have one, but I think my brother'll get mad at me again if I start talking too much." Saffron: "Yeah, but I was a kid, they were a kid... Teenage stuff. First love is always so...sweet I think is the word. I was in college. First year. I mean, I dated in high school too, but you don't... you don't really have full understanding of your feelings when you're that young...oh to be young and dumb and in love again..." Question 2: What is your biggest regret?

Ruth: "Not staying by my sister's side. When she...when...it was... She was alone. She was alone in a hospital on the other side of the world. I wasn't there for her. I couldn't bring her back. If I could just...turn back time... I'd be by her side, holding her hand so she wouldn't be afraid..." Magnus: "I...there aren't many things I actively regret. I think...pushing Theodorre away when he needed me most. Yes... I regret that. Theodorre is kind, and gentle, and sweet, and yet I shoved him to the side to focus on some...spite driven passion project. I hurt him in my arrogance, and worse yet, he forgave me as soon as I came crawling back without so much as a raised tone. He's too good for me. He deserves better." Kage: "Regret? My older brother...the one that's the doctor, not the one that helps me with monarch stuff...he's always saying I'm not capable of regret. I think if I was... I'd regret not spending more time with my sister and mom. I don't think I'd change anything other than reading and drawing and spending our days together..."

Saffron: "Spending thousands of dollars on fancy chef school to learn things I could learn by watching idiots cook on the internet."

Question 3: What is your greatest ambition? Ruth: "To bring my sister back. For real this time. Not just some magic-stuffed corpse. I want the real Hope Pothec." Magnus: "My greatest ambition is to get my name written and immortalized in scholarly history. I want wings of schools, no, entire schools dedicated to me in my honor. I will stop at nothing to achieve this greatness. It isn't a matter of if, but of when."

Kage: "I think I just want to be happy. I want a family. I want friends who love me. My biggest ambition is just to live." Saffron: "I already achieved my greatest ambition. I won the Warden Games and became the Universes Greatest Chef. Now, I run the games with a few other folks who won it. It's a good life."

Question 4: Do you believe in the afterlife? Ruth: "If I want to believe I can drag my sister's soul back into the living world, I have to. I don't know what it looks like, but it has to exist somewhere." Magnus: "That's...not a question I'm equipped to handle. I try not to think about death or the uncertainties that lie beyond. I'm not sure why, but the thought makes my chest pound and my breathing difficult. I'd like to end this conversation immediately." Kage: "I RUN the afterlife. That's what this place is. It's where you go when you die." Saffron: "I'm...not sure. Probably? But everyone I know who's come back from the dead has had different experiences so who knows what that's all about." Question 5: What is your proudest moment? Ruth: "Fixing Theodorre's arm. When we met, his prosthetic was leaking magic, and he was riddled with tumors and skin lesions from the radiation. Advent helped me work on the prosthetic arm and eye, and I healed his...side effects. I wasn't sure medicine was the route I wanted to really spend my life on until that moment." Magnus: "I haven't had one yet. Nothing in my life is worth pride until I've achieved something that puts my name in the history books. Until then, I'm worthless. Anything I do is unremarkable and deserves no recognition until the Board recognizes my talent." Kage: "I made a painting for my two brothers last week. It made them so happy that they sat with me for dinner. I think that's the proudest I've ever been of myself!"

Saffron: "Winning the Warden Games. That stupid game show was the culmination of a life's work at cooking and baking, and I did it all alone and in a wheelchair. Nobody can take that feeling from me, even if they tried. I've never felt that capable in my entire life." Tagging: @omniblades-and-stars, @korblez, @interstellar0range826, @kashi-chan98, @goodluckclove, and anyone else who wants to play c: Your questions for your OCs are

What is the greatest secret you keep from your loved ones?

If you could rewrite one moment in your life, what would it be?

What is your happiest memory?

What is your strongest, most unshakable belief?

What is the dumbest thing that's ever happened to you?

[f4nd0m-fun]

I was inspired

Ivy is my Durge who, in my writings, is 'cursed' in that she's neither divine or mortal yet both and om to of that is 'unbalanced' unlike demigods, so she requires life force to keep her divine side stable so it doesn't eat up her mortal side (Bhaal got a dragon blood sorcerer instead of a dragonborn). She sees what's going on with Gale, makes an assumption, and gives him a minor panic attack.

Gale had killed before. Never on purpose without necessity, but this had been a home chilling incident, one of the only times he'd left his tower since losing Mystra's favor. Perhaps even now she was laughing at him, at when one accidental touch drained someone of their magic, and all but bound their soul to him, or at least a piece of it. He really wasn't sure, and it was only his desire to fix things that led him down necromancy, but to no avail.

But the orb was always yearning, always pulling on the magic around him. Until the Nautiloid had snatched him up, he'd stayed isolated, lest he harm another again, but that took a toll on his own from. Even now, standing in camp, his deathly pallor was hidden by glamors so carefully crafted that maybe not even another archmage could see through them, at least not immediately. His hands were wrapped in bandages, then covered with gloves, a cloak wrapped around him in an attempt to hide his sickly frame.

Although, at least he wasn't dead, like the fellow who was carefully dumped in front of his tent seemed to be, the way it laid being almost like a display of reverence. He knew Ivoria was often kill happy, but she had never brought anything to the camp before, unless he just never noticed something strange with their supplies - he goes to the gods she had never done such - but perhaps this man had wandered in and gotten attacked for his curiosity?

"You're back! You've been feeling so unwell lately, I was about to go looking for you, I really don't want to drag you back..."

Ah, and there she was.

"By the way, do you like your gift?"

Gale's hand tightened around his staff a little. "... what?"

"Your gift." She gestured at the figure.

No... there was no way she knew about his past. And, if she did, why even bring it up? "I... did not realize..."

She seemed confused at his stressed reaction. "I saw the artifacts weren't helping as much, I thought grabbing someone with strong magic-"

"My dear... don't think," he all but snapped, albeit quietly.

She opened her mouth to respond, only to pause as she realized just how stressed his reaction was. "... Gale..? I'll... take him out of camp..."

He didn't respond, Rights swirling.

She inched closer.

He barely noticed her as his panic swelled, the horror of what he had done those years ago mounting again, no longer a faded memory of trauma.

She grabbed his hand, something he'd never let her do before, and she wasn't entirely sure why until she felt how much that cursed orb was tugging at her.

He pulled way, only to stumble and almost fall.

Ivoria caught him and helped him inside his tent, where he couldn't quite see the person.

It took some time, but she eventually managed to help him calm, at least for the most part, just being there for I'm and trying to be a grounding voice.

But Gale pushed her away once he was to his senses.

"Gale-"

A shaky breath. "I don't want to hurt you, and... you need to-"

She grabbed his hand before he could finish, and lightly squeezed it. "I think it'll take a lot to harm me."

Ivy tried to crack a small smile, but Gale wasn't having any of it as he pulled away again. "I hurt someone, before I had fully isolated myself... a random person, just an innocent seeing me almost fall." He shook a little. "My curse, the orb, it hungers and it won't stop..."

Ivoria gently placed a finger to his lips, resulting in him talk to pull away again. "I've done worse on purpose, but both were for survival." Having grown up the way she did, at just what little she could remember, meant she had a hard time figuring out just what was appropriate to say and do, but she certainly tried her best.

"You-" Gale paused, the first word barely out of his mouth, before shaking his head. "Just... please get him away from my tent..."

Ivy worried for him, but choose not to press the situation, instead brushing her fingers through his hair before standing up to move the figure. With a glance behind her, she quietly whispered an affirmation to him. "I love you, I want you to know that I'll do anything for you."

Gale didn't respond.

Gale sketches for my next render, I might try a new paint style and will definitely add more details later.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about Gale as a necromancer, who's body is rotting from the orb and only keeping his appearance up with the Weave. My inspo is from the Sandman comics, @/GarnetDawn's rendition of Gale's arcane hunger, and Eternals from Divinity.

[britishchick09]

The Great Train Adventure: A Wadlow Sibling Fic

happy birthday to harold jr! this special fic starring him took 5 days to write (august 7th to the 12th)... and it's different from any i've done before! :o enjoy!

harold jr. loves playing with his train, but he wants more than just the living room. he dreams up a scenario full of stones, sisters, bandits... and lots of adventure!

 “Choo choo! Here comes the Wadlow Express!” Harold Jr. Wadlow announced.

A silver train zoomed down the tracks. It wound its way down before stopping abruptly. A huge hand was in its way!

“Oh no!” Robert exclaimed. “How will the train get around?”

It poked the hand a couple times.

“I don’t think that’ll work.”

“Get out of the way, Mr. Hand!” Harold Jr. said. “Please?” The hand barrier lifted. The train zoomed down the tracks before coming to a halt.

“We’ve arrived at Alton Station, folks!” Harold Jr. announced in a slightly deep voice. “This is your captain, Harold Wadlow, speaking. Have a great day!” Robert chuckled. “That sounds more like an airplane pilot.”

Harold smiled as he let go of his toy train set. “It’s always fun to go around the tracks, but I wish we could go around the world.”

“Around the world? That would take an awfully long time. Although it would probably be faster than eighty days.”

“I mean go somewhere other than the living room floor! Like when we went to Chicago last winter.”

“I remember that. You wouldn’t stop talking about the train trip when we got home! But then you moved right onto airplanes.”

“I love planes, trains and automobiles! But I love trains most of all right now. It would be so much fun to take another trip on one,” Harold Jr. grinned. “Or maybe an adventure! One beyond our imaginations!”

He moved a black box forward and flicked a switch, causing the train to move on its own! It was powered by electricity. He watched the train loop around the shining tracks as he began a new journey…

...

 It was a sunny summer afternoon. A sleek, modern train sped along the tracks.

A girl in an old-fashioned burgundy dress frowned as she rapidly waved a hand fan back and forth. She moved it away from her face while saying, “I do wish it wasn’t so stuffy in here!”

“Oh, Helena, you’re always complaining!” a girl with sausage curls said. “Crack a window or something.”

"Oh, I can't possibly do that. It would mess up my gloves."

"Well, I don't think it's too bad."

Helena looked down at her sister. “You’re still young, Bettina. You don’t know what it’s like to be a lady like me. All these buttons to button and corsets to lace!”

“I lace corsets and button my buttons and I’m perfectly fine,” Bettina said. “You’re just fussy.”

Helena crossed her arms with a frown. “I am not stuffy!” “Just this morning you said my curls weren’t tight enough. And here you are fixing the bow on my dress!”

Helena took her hand away from Bettina and looked out the window.

“Air troubles?” a deep voice asked.

The sisters looked up, seeing a tall man.

“Yes, it’s horribly stuffy in here.” Helena said. “Even though I’m perfectly fine!” Bettina added. “And it’s ‘terribly’. ‘Horribly’ seems too strong.”

“We can take care of that…” the man said with a smile.

He pushed a button on the ceiling. Air floated down onto sisters!

“Wow!” Bettina exclaimed. “Is this train magic?”

The man chuckled. “No, it’s air conditioning.”

“What an amazing thing! I wish we had this back in-” Helena stopped and gave a sheepish smile. “Thank you…”

“Mr. Roberto,” the man said with a smile. “I’m very glad I could help make your experience better. Would you like anything to eat and drink? Our specials are lemonade and soda.”

“A ham and cheese sandwich with soda for me!” Bettina replied.

“Tea sandwiches and lemonade for me,” Helena said. “Those won’t get crumbs on my new dress or harm my teeth.”

The sisters squinted at each other.

“Sandwiches and drinks coming right up,” Roberto said before going over to the aisle across from them. “And would you like anything, sir?”

A boy named Junior looked up from his book. “I’ll have a glass of lemonade. Or maybe a soda. Or both!”

Roberto chuckled. “Coming right up.”

Junior set his book down. This was his first time traveling alone. He was nervous, but so far everything had gone well. Conductor Wadlow had let him pull the whistle! Now, he looked out the window.

“I wonder where we are.” Junior said out loud.

“We’re in northern Arizona,” Bettina replied. “I’ve been following the route on my map the whole time!”

Junior leaned forward, smiling at the friendly girl. She held up a map of the United States and pointed at Arizona.

“Wow, I thought it would be like the desert!” Junior remarked. “Most of this state is nothing but a dry wasteland,” Helena replied. “But it’s nice up north,” She leaned back with a sigh. “I’ll be happy when we finally get to California!”

“California? That’s where I’m going! I’m visiting my friend, Ralph. I live in Illinois, so we’ve been pen pals up until now,” Junior replied. “Where did you guys come from?”

“From the-”

Helena gave Bettina an unladylike nudge and said, “From nowhere in particular.”

“But it’s a long way from home, that’s for sure!” Bettina added before giving a sheepish chuckle.

Just then, someone pushed the train car doors open with a cart. It was Addina the waitress.

“I have two orders of sandwiches and three orders of drinks,” she said as she stopped the cart in between the sisters and Junior. “Made with love, of course!”

Junior was handed his glasses of lemonade and soda. He took a sip of one, then the other. He decided that they tasted better separately!

"Mmm, delicious!" Bettina said before taking a big bite of her sandwich.

"How not ladylike!" Helena sniffed disapprovingly before telling Addina, "Thank you."

Addina smiled. "You're very welcome. Call if you need anything else."

She exited the passenger car. As soon as the door closed, a scream could be heard! Harold Jr. nearly choked on his lemonade in surprise. He and the sisters looked over their shoulders, watching as Addina stumbled backwards into the car. The cart was shoved aside, but it wasn't her doing...

"Take one more step and the giant gets it!" a rough voice said.

Out came a man wearing a bandana and a cowboy hat, both in black.

Helena raised her eyebrows and began to rise from the seat.

"Stay down!" the man ordered, pointing his switchblade at her.

Helena sat down, trying to keep her voice calm as she asked, "Who are you? What do you want?"

"I'm The Bad Bandit," the man said. "And I want something you have."

Junior didn't have anything valuable in his suitcase. He looked over at the sisters. Their blue eyes were fearful. Now that they were wider, he could see a speck of gold in them.

"Whatever it is, I'm sure we can get it without any trouble," Addina said. "Now if you'll just sit down and-"

The Bad Bandit's mouth couldn't be seen, but Junior could tell that he was frowning.

"I don't play nice,” he growled. “Not after what happened. Now if you'll get outta my way, we'll get this done a lot quicker!"

He brandished his switchblade again, pointing it at Addina's neck. Junior jumped up and grabbed her hand. She stepped near the seats, moving away from the bandit. Then she rushed into the seat in front of Junior, who confronted the bandit.

"Just tell us what you want," he said. "Then everyone can stay safe."

The Bad Bandit narrowed his eyes. "I want..."

He lunged towards the sisters. Bettina grabbed Helena's fan and whacked the bandit with it, sending him to the ground! She pointed it at him and said, "No one touches my sister except for me, you hear?"

The bandit made another move, but Junior tackled him to the floor! He looked into the bandit's eyes for a moment, noting that it looked like a speck of dust was stuck in them. Then he saw a shiny object tumble out of his pocket. Junior picked it up. It was a purple stone.

Helena gasped. "Why, that's-"

Junior didn't hear the rest of her sentence. After absentmindedly rubbing his thumb against the stone, he appeared outside of the train!

"Ahhh!" Junior screamed.

He was holding onto the windowsill of the train. The window jiggled, moving alongside his hair, which whipped through the wind.

Helena opened it. She took a deep breath, enjoying the air for just a moment before calling, "Grab my hand!"

Junior took her gloved hand. She and Bettina pulled him into the train. He collapsed on the seat in a huff.

"What in the world just happened?" he asked.

"Helena saved your life!" Bettina replied in amazement.

"It wasn't entirely ladylike, but I couldn't leave you hanging," Helena said before shutting the window. "How in the world did you get out there?"

Junior felt the stone in his pocket and took it out. "I rubbed this and the next thing I knew, I was dangling!"

Bettina took the stone, gazing at it in awe before fishing through her dress pockets. "I knew it looked familiar…"

She held out an identical stone!

"Where did you get this?" Helena asked the bandit.

"I've had it for years," he replied before telling Bettina, "As long as you've been around."

Bettina frowned. "You don't know that. You don't know me!"

"You don't know me... but I do."

"Of course you do..." Junior smiled. "You're related to him!"

Bettina gasped. "What?"

"Oh my!" Addina exclaimed.

"H- How in the world do you know that?" Helena asked, her voice shaking slightly.

"I thought I saw some dirt in his eye... but it was really a speck," Junior said. "A speck of gold!"

“Just like our eyes…” Helena whispered.

She slowly walked over to The Bad Bandit.

“Helena!” Bettina exclaimed, reaching out to grab her sister’s arm.

Helena moved her arm and stood in front of The Blue Bandit. She slowly removed his bandana and hat. Hair just as blonde as the sisters and eyes just as blue and gold greeted her.

“Eugenio?” Helena whispered.

The Bad Bandit’s eyes sparkled as he smiled. “Helena.”

Helena grinned and gave him a hug. “Oh, I never thought I’d see you again!”

Addina wiped a tear from her eye as Roberto ducked into the car. He silently sat in the nearest seat and watched the happy scene.

“How do you know him?” Bettina inquired.

Helena let go of Eugenio. Tears were in her eyes as she looked at Bettina and said, “This is our brother.”

“Wha- We have a brother?”

“Yes, you do,” Eugenio said. “I left when you were just a baby. But it wasn’t on purpose!” He looked at the stone Junior held. “That stone is responsible.”

“He disappeared and we had no idea where he went,” Helena said. “We searched for years, but it seemed like he was gone for good…. until I found our stone in the attic. As soon as I saw the missing half, I knew what had happened. That’s when I knew we couldn’t stop searching for him!”

“Then you taught me how to use the stone,” Bettina remembered. “And we’ve been traveling ever since. I had no idea the person we were looking for was our brother!”

Helena nodded. When she looked at Eugenio again, her expression had changed to annoyance.

“I didn’t expect him to be such a jerk when we reunited!”

Eugenio flinched. “I’m sorry! I’ve been traveling through the decades trying to find you! It’s been hard adjusting to life in the future,” He lowered his head with a sigh. “I guess that jaded me.”

Junior’s eyes widened in surprise “Wait, did you just say… ‘traveling through the decades’?”

The siblings looked at each other. “You might as well know,” Helena said. “We’re from the nineteenth century.” “The stone helps us travel through time!” Bettina added.

“That’s why life’s been so hard for me,” Eugenio said. “It’s tough adjusting to the future multiple times. I had to relearn everything. I tried going back home, but the stone sent me further along! It was so frustrating…”

Helena put a hand on his shoulder. “Life will be a lot easier from now on. You can leave your life of crime behind and live with us.”

“We’ll go home together!” Bettina exclaimed with a grin.

“Yes…” Eugenio ruffled her curls. “Together at last.”

...

 The siblings reconnected throughout the rest of the journey. Junior was fascinated by their stories, especially Eugenio’s.

The train arrived in California all too soon. Junior followed the siblings to a secluded area in the station.

“Thank you for reuniting us,” Helena said. “I never thought I’d see my brother again!” Junior smiled, lowering his head as his face warmed bashfully. “It was nothing.” “Even though it was everything,” Eugenio ruffled his hair. “Thanks a lot, kid.”

Junior raised his head and said, “I wish we could keep in touch somehow. But you’re going to a different century!” “Oh, I don’t think that’ll be a problem,” Bettina held up the stone. “We have a little help!”

Junior grinned. “We’ll meet up as soon as I’m home! See you then!”

The siblings said their goodbyes. Then Bettina and Helena held onto Eugenio as he rubbed the stone. A second later, they faded away. They had returned to the nineteenth century.

Just then, Junior heard a voice call, “There you are!” “Ralph!” Junior called back.

He ran over to his pen pal and gave him a hug.“How was the trip?” Ralph inquired. “Was it fun?” “Oh, was it ever!” Junior replied. “It’s a trip I’ll never forget!”

...

 “When Junior came home, he found something waiting for him at home. It was a stone! Now he could visit the siblings, too. They remained friends for the rest of their time,” Harold Jr. concluded the story. “The end!” Robert clapped. “That was a great story!”

They heard sniffles and looked over their shoulders. To their surprise, Betty, Helen and Eugene were leaning over the couch.

“You’re crying over that?” Eugene asked Helen.

“What? It’s a beautiful story about family!” Helen gave him a look. “Don’t lie, you got a bit emotional during the reveal.”

“I didn’t expect the sisters to be related to The Bad Bandit!” Betty remarked.

“Even though we’re related in real life?” Eugene asked.

“Well, the rules of Storyland don’t apply to real life. It was such a great twist!”

“Looks like we have a storyteller in the house.” Robert said, smiling at Harold Jr.

“I have more train stories if you want to hear them.” Harold Jr. said.

“Yeah!” Betty exclaimed, rushing to her brothers.

She sat beside the toy train. Helen and Eugene followed her soon after. Then Harold Jr. flicked the train’s switch, sending the siblings on a new great adventure.