#this was not in order bc i organized it from the lightness to darkness of the picture

[stillundefeated]

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RED Secret Messages

[salamiimommy]

Im_Sorry_Buddy’s description for as many of the designs in FTFO as I can find rn bc I need to keep them all together in one place for reference so I might as well share it for anyone else

Any edits I make to the original text will be shown in [these] yes I have been updating it, last combed around chapter 5 while also updating with the latest chapters. Buddy has confirmed this post is accurate !!

[MAJOR DESIGN SPOILERS MENTIONED. marked with **. it’s organized by character with their first outfit on top and changes after in order to how they appear. pls be careful looking through if you’re new.]

[Ink is first and he has. a Lot of outfits so there’s a HUGE chunk of text to scroll past to get to everyone else LOL. Broomie is second]

First, some heights. The tallest Gang member is Horror (4ft 10 inches), then Nightmare (4ft 9in, though his tentacles make him seem larger than Horror), then Cross, Killer, and Dust (4ft 7in), then Ink is the shortest (at about 3ft 8.5 inches). Of the Sanses, only Outertale Sans is shorter than Ink (at 3 ft 5inches).

Error is a couple inches shorter than Cross, Dust, and Killer at 4ft 04in (because Error 404 joke). Dream is approximately 4ft 3in (my headcanon is he’d get taller than that if the Multiverse wasn’t so negative. Plus Nightmare has 500 years on him). Blue is 4ft 7in. Red is 4ft 6.5 inches just to make him mad that Blue is a little taller than him. Core Frisk… is 4ft. (Yes, they are actually taller than Ink. Yes, I did a double take when I realized that. The fandom has lied to me.)

[The Papyri] average around 6.8 to 7.2 ft. Edge looks even taller than he actually is because of the heels on his boots. I will say that Toriels are taller than the Papyri at maybe about 7.5 to 8ft. Other than that, I don't have exact numbers in mind, heh.

[the website I used made the Sanses all child models bc they’re so short wHEEEEEEEZE also like it states the Paps n Tori heights are the averages, different AUs are different heights. also also the rectangle in the back is Broomie's height]

Ink:

Ink sleeps in pajamas that are a lighter shade of brown. It’s a standard long sleeve button up pajama shirt and pants.

Ink's soul has the appearance like broken pottery. There are visible gouges where he dug his fingers into his soul.

Ink has had a couple different outfits. His former "hanging around the Castle" outfit was a too big brown long sleeve and loose brown pants (that did resemble the pants the Comyet Ink used to wear except they were completely brown and went all the way down to his feet). Those clothes were destroyed when Error grabbed him in chapter 6 (where Ink spent chapter 7 wearing Killer's too-big coat) so [then] Ink [was] borrowing one of Cross's black long sleeves and another pair of brown pants (these have more of the "pleated" design of Comyet Ink's new pants and also go down to his feet) .

[CH 12 HT!Toriel visit] “He was happy to choose a cyan hoodie and dark blue joggers. Well, he was happy except when it came to choosing the shoes.”

[CH 26 Ccino visit] “His black turtleneck, pants, and green vest” [from his Arc outfit.]

[CH 27 onwards was a black long sleeve shirt, pleated brown pants, and his scarf with the hood.]

[CH 32] “[…] wear his brown scarf and hood, along with his loose brown pants. […] Aster had apparently brought along a black tank top for him. The tank top fit well enough and the collar was high enough that it lay under the collar of his scarf but it obviously did not cover his arms, […]Doctor Toriel stepped out before returning with a pair of long fingerless brown gloves.”

[CH 44] “[…] a light green long sleeve, his hooded scarf, and a pair of dark brown pants from the drawer right beside him.”

[CH 45] “[…] his hooded scarf, a comfortable black long sleeve, his light green [cargo] pants, and a brown satchel with a long strap. He hung the satchel cross-body over his shoulder”

[CH 46 around the castle] “[…] a pair of rather short brown shorts, leaving […] much of his femur uncovered”

[CH 46 Ccino visit] “[…] a turtleneck that matched the light green interior of his hooded scarf and brown pants”

[CH 46 Sciencetale visit] “[…] his comfortable black long sleeve and the detachable light green pants-to-shorts he preferred.”

[SHIELD OUTFIT] A long purple cloak with a hood that, when up, almost covers his face (meaning his eye lights can glow from beneath the shadow of the hood). It's more off of his face when he's curious and excited, but falls further over his face when he's scared or uncomfortable. The purple cloak has a silver clasp in the shape of the Delta Rune. Underneath the cloak he wears a silver tunic, black belt, and purple leggings. His boots are black and go up just to his “calves”. When Ink is Shield, he covers the ink splotch on his face with white paint.

[Ch 26 he added]”[…H]is scarf (minus the hood, which was tucked into his satchel) around his neck. Its ends were folded in so they did not hang out of the bottom of his brown coat.”

[ARC OUTFIT:] Whenever Ink needs to publicly work for Nightmare, he wears an outfit with a bit of a steampunk aesthetic (as “encouraged” by Nightmare so that when people look at Ink, they don’t think “medic” or “healer”). Nightmare wants Ink to keep his identity (and the fact that he’s the Gang's medic) a secret so he wears a mask outside of the castle. The mask appears to be made from brass and copper metal that’s been painted black (with the exception of a few accents). It covers his face while his hood covers the rest of his skull.

The mask is fashioned after a mix of a gas mask for the bottom half and steampunk “brass goggles” for the top half. It is all one piece and the way the “metal” is crafted makes it looks like an owl’s feathery face. Ink’s eye lights are not visible through the goggles and the dark lenses (plus the shadow of the hood) makes it seem like he is constantly giving what I call the “Sans's empty socket glare”. The bottom half of the mask has two “valves” for exhalation and inhalation that are actually functional (cleansing the air he breathes), but are flatter and are symmetrical, unlike real world versions tend to be. There is a bit of metal between the valves that looks like an owl’s beak. The bottom is mostly black with some brass accents for the bottom half. He can easily remove the mask to reveal his face and replace it in a moment’s notice.

Ink wears a brown steampunk overcoat with a hood. Seven black buttons go up his chest (to the left side of his sternum) to close it. Under the last button, the fabric opens up in an upside down “v” shape, preventing the coat from covering the fronts of his legs. The hem of the “tail” of the coat falls just below the backs of his knees. The collar of the coat covers part of his neck. Around his left forearm is what looks like two black snake designs wrapped around his arm (like the snakes wrapped around the Staff of Asclepius).

Under the coat he wears a dark green vest (It was the only big bit of green that Nightmare allowed because he really doesn’t want Ink to even be associated with green magic.) Under that vest he wears a black turtleneck undershirt that nearly goes up to his chin. His pants are black, and tuck into brown boots. (Ink ditches the boots whenever he can).

Over the coat, Ink wears a thick black belt that has many pockets on it. Every pocket has a unique symbol and every one is filled with medical supplies like bandages, healing food, several antidotes, etc. Attached to his right thigh is a small satchel with more medical supplies. In the small side pocket of the satchel (this one is to the front so its easiest to reach), is [REDACTED]. On his left thigh he wears what looks like a long brown holster that goes down to his knee. Seven pockets go down it in a line. Inside are… you guessed it: more medical supplies.

Ink wears black gloves that leaves just the tips of his fingers exposed. The back of the right glove gets what looks like a bronze analog clock sewn into it. The tops of his fingers are exposed so he can more easily use his magic to heal others and [fix codes]. They’re reinforced so he can grab a blade without it cutting right into him.

[Ink now wears the scarf as well, minus the hood, with the ends folded so they do not hang out of the bottom of the coat as of Ch 27.]

[SCARF in CH 26] “The hood was attached by a few buttons that were the same shade as the rest of the fabric, letting them blend into the scarf and make it appear to be one solid piece. The outside of the hood was brown. Its interior was a light green, like the color on the pinkies and sides of Prism's gloves. It was also the color that Ink's eye lights often turned when he used green magic.

The brown scarf's tails were long enough that the ends still hung down by the bottoms of Ink’s calves after he wrapped it around his neck. The hood hung loosely around his head but stayed up even when he moved around. The green interior of the hood was clearly visible, contrasting the exterior nicely. The "collar" was loose around his neck but thick enough to easily cover the new marks that had been scrawled onto his bones.

If Ink wanted to, he could detach the hood and tuck in the ends to wear the scarf under his Shield cloak. He could even wear it hoodless with his Arc outfit if he wished.”

[INKS FINAL OUTFIT in CH 47] Ink's new brown coat was shorter than his old Arc one, with the straight hem stopping at just below his pelvis.

There were only four black buttons holding it closed instead of the previous coat's seven, though Ink found that he also liked how it looked when he left it open.

Even when fully buttoned, the coat opened up just below his collar bone, leaving a standing collar up top instead of an attached hood and revealing a bit of the light green turtleneck that safely covered the tattoo-like marks on his neck and sternum.

[…] an upright light green heart was embroidered on the shoulders of the coat, subtly indicating his profession as a Healer. Just beneath those hearts, cut-outs ran from his shoulder to above his elbows and revealed a matching green interior.

He traded his old black gloves for longer black ones with stitching designs that matched the light green of the interior of his scarf, his shirt, and the medical hearts, leaving the tips of his fingers and thumbs exposed and the black double-clock on the back of the hand. His wide, pocket-filled black belt also remained, as did the brown holster of pockets down his left thigh. His brown satchel was moved to his right hip, now hanging crossbody instead of being attached to his right thigh.

The black pants he designed had zippers hidden under small bits of overlapping fabric up around his femurs, which gave him quicker access to the area if needed. He could technically turn the pants into a pair of shorts with two unzips but Ink was hesitant. He was too uncomfortable with the idea of showing the binary code marks on his bones to consider something shorter like Prism's overalls, even with the thigh-high brown sock providing an extra layer of coverage on his left leg. Like Prism and many other Inks, he chose a design that left his heel and toes bare. Unlike Prism and many other Inks, the tight-like sock had a swirling green design down its outside.

Other than the pant leg, his prosthetic was bare, allowing a bit of the design to be seen due to his abhorrence for shoes. Maybe it was due to the presence of the colors (instead of white) but Ink was much more receptive to showing the prosthetic off than any of the marks on his bones.

Ink's Arc mask was attached to his belt and hung near his satchel, out of the way but within reach just in case.

His hooded scarf completed the outfit, with Cyan and Gold once again taking up residence at the ends of the tails. Broomie floated at his back, with the tip of their handle pointing out beyond his right shoulder while their black brush flicked close to his left ankle.

[**CH 41 Ink’s right leg has been cleanly amputated] “above his knee, halfway up his femur.”

[**PROSTHETIC in CH 46] The prosthetic resembled a skeleton monster's right leg with several notable differences. The socket was a bit wider than the bone to fit his stump and provide support. The pylon beneath the knee resembled leg armor more than a skeleton monster's individual tibia and fibula. The basic shape and outline were a similar thickness to his bone leg though.

The mechanical foot part was currently covered by the shell that went over it. Based on the images that Doctor Toriel had shown Ink, there were distinctive joint areas for the ankle, knee, and toe beneath the casing. […] the toe was one unit meant for balancing, support, and propulsion.

The base of the prosthetic was colored a medium shade of gray […] while the design on the casing was one of the simpler ones.

The prosthetic covers were the same style for the entire leg and foot. They had the appearance like jagged light green lightning or filled cracks in repaired pottery, which stood out sharply and boldly on the metallic black background. The moment Ink had seen what was labeled as a "kintsugi-inspired" design, he knew that was the one. The green not only matched his eye lights, his magic, and the interior of his scarf, but the 'filled-in' look of the pattern reminded him of his soul.

Broomie:

Cross:

Cross [used to wear] his old Royal Guard uniform from Xtale. He has his scar, and his eye lights are usually both white. They do not turn red no matter how angry or emotional he becomes. His bone and knife attacks are tinted purple.

[CH 14] “His jacket was different. It was just a couple alterations. A black X-like design on the shoulders of both white sleeves. The large white X-sash was now black. Along the bottom hem of the white jacket were simple black cross-stitches. It was little things but the decals broke up the white in his outfit.”

[CH 45 pjs:] “Cross had grabbed a plain black tank top and loose black sweatpants.”

[CH 46 Ccino visit] “[…] he changed into a black hoodie and pants instead of wearing his more recognizable outfit.”

[GUARD OUTFIT] […] a set of silver Royal Guard armor and a purple cloak. A large Delta Rune is emblazoned on the chestplate in black. The armor also comes with a silver helmet but he did not wear it on the [first] Aftertale mission. When he is acting as Guard, he either covers his scar with white or wears the helmet to hide his face.

[**CH 37] “[…] vertical cracks split the bones by his eye sockets, resembling the scars of his creator. His eye lights burned a volatile purple, their form shivering like they were struggling not to change shape. [CH 38] […] glowing purple cracks on his skull looked like a Gaster’s scars.”

[**CH 42 has healed the scars completely]

Dust:

Dust wears the standard Sans outfit but it looks like its a paler color in places because of all the monster dust. His shoes are gray for that reason. Dust always has his gray hood up unless it’s knocked off his skull. Unlike Killer and Horror (and Cross), his hood does not have fur. He wears his Papyrus’s tattered scarf. His eye lights have a blue center and a red ring around the outside. They can occasionally turn white if he’s feeling peaceful. His bone attacks are indigo, leaning more towards blue than purple.

Dust sometimes sleeps in a light blue t-shirt and dark gray pajama pants with a drawstring. Other times he forgets to change and plops into bed in his usual t-shirt and shorts.

[CH 46 Sciencetale visit] “[…] he pulled at the hood of the hoodie he was wearing. He had seemed to like the dark indigo color[…] Dust's scarf was tucked into the hoodie, leaving only a small bit of the collar visible. A pair of sunglasses covered his distinctive eye lights. Black sweatpants and sneakers completed the outfit.”

Dust Papyrus:

To Ink, Dust Papyrus looks like the barest outline of a ghostly shape of the head, scarf, and hands of a Papyrus. He’s extremely faint and blurry, with binary codes making up his outline.

[**CH 46] “[…] ghostly gloves gained a red color and an equally ghostly skull took form. Finally, [Ink] could clearly see Phantom Papyrus.”

Killer:

Killer also wears the standard Sans outfit except his undershirt is a black turtleneck and his hood has fur on the rim. His soul is usually visible in the form of a red target. When he goes Stage Three, it blurs and thick black liquid pours from his eye sockets and mouth. He never has eye lights. His knife attacks are red while his bone attacks are tinted gray. [Liquid Determination leaks constantly from his eyes.]

He tries not to sleep so he does not change into pajamas.

[CH 4 comment] Killer's Stages are inspired by something he has in Something New/"Killertale". Long story short: "Stage One": Killer is pretty much Sans. This Stage does not happen anymore. "Stage Two": Default Killer. "Stage Three": Killer is out of control and will attack anything. "Stage Four and Higher": run.

[**CH 26, Killer can now renter Stage 1, though he has not done it in yet. Liquid Determination is also not constantly leaking from his eyes. CH 27:] The black marks beneath his eye sockets were thin enough that they could be mistaken for drawn lines.

[**CH 44 showed that the liquid Determination is still affected by his emotions:] “Killer glowered at him. The black lines beneath his eye sockets thickened a little.”

Horror:

Horror has the usual Sans-style outfit. His has fur lining the hood. Horror’s jacket is a bit tattered and shows signs of being torn and sewn back together in a couple places. His left eye is not his own one, he took it from a dead guard in his AU. It’s is a glowing red iris and can go out like most skeleton eye lights. His bone attacks are tinted a faint red. [Horror has two eye lights regularly, just one of them is. big and red.]

Horror has pajama shorts and a t-shirt but he often forgets to change into them. (He’s trying to teach Ink to be better than him at it). [CH 45] “Horror was in a gray t-shirt and black shorts.”

[CH 36] “…those unsettling, mismatched eye lights.” [CH 40] “His right eye light returned with his health (and his hope)” [proof for two eye lights]

Nightmare:

Nightmare doesn’t change clothes. He is his goopy octopus self. When he is particularly angry or in a “mood”, his aura is much darker, like he’s surrounded by shadows.

[**CH 28] “His form rippled, and suddenly he did not appear to be made of black sludge. Instead it was like he was glitching darkness, his form flickering and rippling at its edges as his eye light thinned to a slit and and his fingers sharpened to claw-like points. Ink caught a glimpse of his teeth and was horrified to see they were unnaturally pointed[.]” [His eye also glows a toxic cyan and he smiles with too many teeth. And his tentacles are unmoving most of the time.]

[**CH 37] “Corrupted's grin grew wider, revealing that his jaw had indeed become unhinged like it was broken.”

[**CH 40] “The shadows that held Ink barely resembled Nightmare anymore. He had merged with the darkness, leaving only a toxic eye light visible as his presence expanded […] smoke-like tentacles […] his sharp-toothed smile, which was far too big to fit on Nightmare's face without breaking it apart, oozed with black sludge.”

[**CH 40 returns him to his regular goop form.]

Dream:

Dream has his “current outfit” (the one with the yellow jacket-tunic thing). In the present he always looks tired and has shadows under his sockets.

[**CH 37] “Actual fire rippled in its wake, burning a violent gold. Four wings tore themselves free of Dream’s back, twisting and writhing like each individual feather was made of golden flames and his facial structure was lost in shuddering fire. His eye sockets filled with fire, burning away his eye lights.

[…] Although Dream’s mouth stayed visible through the flames, his teeth sharpened and his fiery grin grew so wide it froze on his face, unable to falter. The fire was such a thick covering over the remainder of his skull that an initial glance made it seem like that smile was all that was left of his face.

His clothes did not burn but they too became flames, curling and lashing in the air like they were mere moments from bursting out into a firestorm and consuming everything in sight, Dream included. Only his circlet remained solid, incandescent upon his fiery head like a halo that matched the glowing intensity of his wings. It was as though the sun itself had taken the form of a dreadful Angel.”

[**CH 39 returns him to his regular intact outfit.]

[**CH 43 sees a peek of] “…a bit of his collarbone that was blackened like it had been burned by flames,” [we don’t know the extent of the burns]

[**CH 45] “The burn scars were actually one big scar centered on his sternum, right where his soul rested. The bones of his sternum, clavicles, and frontal ribs were blackened like charred wood with a thick, circular shape in the middle. Tendrils spread out like wisps of flame, giving the scar an appearance like a black, stylized sun.”

Blue:

Blue is more “Swap” than “Blueberry”. His kerchief is a darker blue color, and he wears a black-gray Royal Guard-inspired “battle body”, blue gloves, and blue boots. His eye lights are also blue. They become blue stars if he is happy and plain white if he’s terrified. His bone attacks are tinted blue.

[**CH 38] […] the slash through the heart sealed, leaving a deep scar much like the one [Ink] himself had gotten from Horrortale Undyne's spear.

Error:

[CH 2] “[…H]is tear marks stained red-purple by the blood that ran from his sockets.”

[Ch 7] “[…] a bit of a black skull and a single haunting red eye socket was visible. A distorted, yellow-ringed blue eye light stared down at them, observing them in silence, before it shrank to a deranged pinprick.

Black, dust-covered skeletal fingers grasped the edge of the portal, not reacting as the edge cut into his hand and what looked like glitching blood dripped down his phalanges.

His black jacket was torn, with the blue ends of its sleeves splattered with monster dust and specks of brownish-red dried blood. His pants were even more discolored, more gray than black and so stained by what must be blood that they clung to the red bones of his legs. One of his shoes was gone, and the strip of fabric around his neck (which might have been a scarf once) was so tattered it resembled a bloody blue bandage more than anything else. Even with his blue-lined hood pulled up over his skull and covering his face in shadow, he was easy to identify.”

[CH 20] “Error's skull stopped melting but the damage was done. Almost half of his head was gone, leaving only his eye light and a bit of his jaw untouched on that side.”

[CH 22] “[…H]is eye lights, which glowed so brightly they almost looked poisonous.”

[CH 48] “He had also fixed and washed his clothes. […] his scarf was no longer torn.”

[**CH 22] “Most of his mandible and zygomatic arch had been repaired. The hole in his skull wasn't anywhere close to being closed but although the tangle of codes in his skull were still horribly warped, more of the bits that were Error's own were visible.”

[**CH 37] “[…] a jagged scar that went from the top of Error’s repaired eye socket, up his forehead and over the top of his skull, and back around to the front through his jaw, where it curled back up and ended at the bottom of his eye socket. It marked exactly where the damage had once been.”

Geno:

[CH 29] “Geno mostly resembled the average Sans, except for the red scarf, melting eye socket, minor glitches, and the large gash across his chest. […] A line of red dripped from Geno’s mouth.” [The glitches around Geno’s eye can come and go, either on command or due to his emotions (negative emotions adding more glitches).]

[**CH 35] “Geno's chest wound seemed a bit less severe and there wasn't a trickle of blood coming from his mouth anymore.”

[**CH 36] “[…] heal the slash across his chest. His eye socket remained melted”

Fresh:

Prism:

[CH 12] “The other Ink still wore mostly brown, but the outfit was much more elaborate than the simple brown pajamas Ink currently wore. The biggest things Ink noticed were the sash of colored vials across the other's chest and the giant paintbrush at their back. And the reflection had a lovely brown scarf.” [He writes on his scarf like og!Ink]

Solus:

[CH 21] “This Ink's outfit was similar to Prism's but with one distinct difference. Part of the "collar" and ends of his scarf were the deep blue of an integrity soul. The other Ink's sleeves and pants were also torn, revealing most of his arms and sections of his legs.

Black marks were visible all over his bones, with a few peeking up just above his scarf. They weren't simple binary codes like Ink's own marks, he realized. They were scars. Physical scars that someone had painstakingly carved into the other Ink's bones […] curling up his jaw and chin.”

[CH 24] “His brown sleeves were mostly gone, showing most of his arms, while his pleated brown pants were torn enough to reveal bits of his tibias, fibulas, and femurs. His ripped pant legs were uneven, their bottoms stained with a black liquid that could be ink or his own blood. The brown leggings Ink wore under his pants were absent from Solus, leaving the bottom parts of his legs and his feet completely bare.

[…] One of his eye lights often shifted color and shape whenever he blinked, sticking mostly to pastels or a stoic, guarded gray. The other was always the deep blue of an integrity soul no matter what emotions he felt or what shape they became.”

Other canon content for handy reference:

Cross is afraid of cows

Spaghetti is (probably) Ink’s favourite food

Ink scratched himself to the point of bleeding while stuck in his AU

[CH 24] ‘Solus’ did not speak much, instead preferring to use sign language and gestures. When his hands weren’t moving in small, careful motions, they held onto the blue edges of his stained and torn brown scarf or clung to his equally battered and scarred version of Broomie.

[CH 40 Broomie’s magic is…] black for portal creation, which would be useful if Ink's own magic was blocked off again. Brown for shielding simply because Ink liked brown, yes? Purple for enhanced durability to allies. Cyan for non-harmful entanglements. Blue for damage to moving targets. Green for Broomie's own regeneration capabilities only, unfortunately. Yellow for precise distance shots. Orange for damage to targets that were still. Red for purely corrosive splatters that could melt through flesh and bone- and Corruption. [Ink only has black and green magic.]

Broomie is referred to with they/them pronouns

Paprika loves dino egg oatmeal, like UT!Papyrus

Only Ink, Broomie, and Dust can see Phantom Paps. Only Dust can hear him.

If you have any links to other comments Buddy has made about any designs, or other quotes from the text, pls link them so I can add them ty !!!

[makoredeyes]

Keep it coming you say? 👀 I saw that tag! I'm ~quite~ bored, so here's a couple questions/whatever they're considered, lol.

Yes, flattery will get me very far here, indeed! To where? I do not know, but whatever, compliments! You deserve them. I'm rather sure my friends are tired of hearing me go on and on about destiny characters, ':)

How's your writing wip's going so far? I'm waiting very (im)patiently for any updates, I've totally not re-read everything forty-two times.. hope their all going well!

A little self indulgence here, but I like to think Andal Brask was the Hunter Vanguard when Osiris and Saint-14 were in, because.. come on, I'm rather sure the time frame adds up. I like to believe before, because their dynamic just seems really fun to me. Lots of great opportunities. (I partly blame that one fanart sylenth-l made of Andal and Osiris for this, it was really funny). What do you think their dynamic would be like?

What do you think it'd be like if the Iron Lords mysteriously came back alive? 👀 I'm talking, SIVA couldn't actually kill them because their ghosts hid in the light in their bodies, and SIVA only goes after non-organic materials right? Maybe it couldn't work it's way into the light, and as long as their ghost + light are intact, = alive. But *only* after the Warmind managed to get control over SIVA and free their physical bodies from harm? It's a thought I had, influenced by a few fics but I quite like the idea. Just imagine, a ghostless, lightless Osiris receiving word that maybe, they weren't as dead as he thought they were. Or Fel and Timur coming back only to realize what happened to Osiris?? Poor Sagira?? Learning lady Efrideet's alive? 👀 (Is that her name?)

Or perhaps, In this one fic, it's Timur and his special, take over your will little stunt he has, was keeping SIVA at bay, I think that's pretty neat too! So many possibilities! (If you were the one that wrote these, I hope you see this as a compliment cause I am not about to go dig through Ao3 to find them xD)

Either way, it'd be like a modern!au of the iron lords, for them at least, hah (I can just imagine Gheleon having a mental breakdown that their memorial involved fighting one another)

I can't really think of anything, but rest assured I will *probably* be back once I'm dome tormenting my poor boy Tevis

Ahaha yeesss YESSSS I feed me I'm such an attention whore lmao RIP XD. (fr tho bless you ;_; )

I am writing! There are longer gaps between posts rn because I have lots going on in my life, but also, because I am working on many fics at once. I counted the other day I have 26 WIPs but six I am actively working on in concert - three for Housefire that are all directly intermingled plot and timing-wise to the point where I'm not even entirely sure what order I'll be posting them in yet, another chapter for Things Found (I am trying to stay 2 chapters ahead with that to make sure I have a cohesive story for it), and two XXX stand-alone one-shots! I should fish out another teaser for everyone soon. I think it'll be one of the one-shots that makes it out next tbh they're the furthest along. But the naughty stuff is also the slowest to get written bc I yanno...can't write that stuff at work, etc. haha. But I've felt a new wind of motivation lately for writing and am picking away at these projects pretty regularly. <3

I'm going to admit I am not very well-read on the hunter squad in general, BUT iirc I believe Andal was Vanguard during the City Age. He was definitely around as I recall his presence in the comics. The problem with that time is that Osiris was largely absent. This was when the Cult of Osiris was gaining traction, and Osiris' obsession with the Darkness and the Vex was really heating up. He was neglecting his duties to the Vanguard (with Ikora often standing in as proxy for him) and he wasn't really paying attention to anyone else. Like. At all. There was a lot of unhappy tension even with Saint at that time. Andal, by all accounts, was a damn good fella though, and while I think just about everyone nettled Osiris, Andal also stuck up for him where he could. Even if Osiris couldn't appreciate that in the moment I'm sure he would come to later. I look at Osiris and see him as he is now, with some hard lessons learned and some hard losses under his belt, realizing a little too late some of the damn good souls he had in his court, Andal included. All of that said, 100% in a lighter, easier setting, a free-spirit like Andal (and/or Cayde...heaven forbid them both together!) would drive a stuffed shirt like Osiris up an absolute freaking wall with pure comical results, hands down.

(a side note, a brain storm, an insane thought that just poisoned my brain - a sweeter moment hidden from time: Andal's guitar and this gift of song Saint has hinted Osiris has....??????! I'm not melting it's just hot in here, right???)

As for Ironsbane and SIVA... I have INDEED put an awful lot of thought into this. Quite a lot. So much. I have my own ideas on ways to circumvent the disaster, O Reader Mine, but you're going to have to wait a while longer for me to write it. :3 (Housefire is, after all, ultimately, a fixit )

*but no SIVA attacks whatever it is programmed to, organic or not: and Rasputin set it on hundreds of Iron Lords and wiped them all out with the sole exception Efrideet and Saladin with the directives “REPLICATE, ELIMINATE, IMMUNIZE” it was not what SIVA was made to do but he deliberately repurposed it into a weapon. (I could go on for years about Rasputin and his darker epochs, but especially his misappropriation of SIVA lol)

** Your mention of Timur and his spooky skills DID remind me of another fic I need to get back to as well OTL TT_TT I still have requests I took in January I have yet to complete. At this rate it's going to take me all year to get them all done and by then I'll be taking more aahaha whuups.

[star-junk]

Only Bones

Rating: Mature

Pairings: Alastor x ReaderOC, Vox x ReaderOC, Future Lucifer x ReaderOC

Second Person POV, Change of POV, Slow burn (or fast burn - really moving through the plot quickly), please forgive the typos.

Warnings: Dark Themes: Altered state of consciousness, possessive behavior, mention of dv, non-con elements in the future, cannibalism and just things not being nice--it's Hell.

General Notes: Still not sure if Alastor will remain ace within the confines of my story. Also, operating under many assumptions for Season 2 so walk with me on this one.

Ch 2 Notes: I know nothing about TV production so I'm just winging most of this bit. Also Kudos to you if you know the song used on this chapter. Continuing with the breakneck pace bc otherwise I'd spend 5 more chapters setting shit up.

Chapter 2:

You're packaging the last bit of the pies into neat little boxes. These are smaller than the regular size you sell at the shop, they were a pain to cut but the buyer did offer to pay extra for the commission and well, how could you say no to that? They ordered every kind you had too, including the herb and cheese ones - had to pay Kory, the local smuggling succubus, extra to get the three different kinds of cheeses you needed.

The water with the devilfoot root comes to a boil, you hurry over to take it off the stove before the root disintegrates making the whole thing undrinkable. Pouring it on a separate container to sift the bits that did come off, you then add the crimson scarab from the jar of crimson scarabs Jo catches for you—and that should do it: Your very own calming remedy!

You close the old almanac gifted to you, placing it back into your tote bag to close shop too. Jo was long gone for to rest as instructed to be up for an early start tomorrow. 

Covering yourself with your old worn shawl, you adjust your tote bag underneath to brave the elements for the short trip back home. This part of the city was usually quiet compared to others, but you could never be too careful. The dagger in your bag is always accessible if you needed it—and you had needed it before. 

As you walk you’re already thinking of tomorrow, of the financial possibilities if the buyer likes the pies and they ask you to keep coming back. You might be able to reach your goal sooner than you think and though you know you shouldn't get too excited, a glimmer of hope still shines within you.

Your steps feel that much lighter over the filthy city concrete below.

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

You hold on as Jo makes a sharp turn. “Are you sure you don’t want some of my tea? You seem nervous.” 

“Nah, I’m good.” He replies. You know he's a bit of road demon but today he seems more on edge, he’s also way more chatty than usual. “So anyway, I told her she needed to get real for once and… “

You take a big gulp from your thermo letting him talk through his nervousness as VoxTek Tower comes closer. It was visible from the third floor of your apartment complex and it always seemed like such a distant aspect of life here in Pentagram City, so inconsequential to your own afterlife—but up front? You can literally feel the corporate presence sucking away your soul.

You’re directed towards the back once you pull up, and are given directions to the studio coordinator who made the order. 

There’s chaos all around you when you pull up, huge props and costumes wheeled to and from. Groups of technicians with lights and camera in tow. People with phones and clipboards shouting orders. Your van and cart of pies oddly fit right along the organized mayhem. 

“This is kinda cool.” Jo says hauling down one of the carts. 

“Right?”

Both of you do your best to avoid running into anyone on your way to the elevators, which are thankfully big enough to accommodate the carts.

The 13th floor is just as busy as the ground floor, maybe even more. You attempt to follow the sign that reads: SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE WITH FYTOR when a horde of demons rushes past you. 

“He’s here!” “Shit, do we have everything ready?” “If anything goes wrong, I … !” 

Jo glances at you and you shrug until you see him.

Vox, the CEO and owner of the VoxTek Enterprise.

He made sure his image was unavoidable if you resided in any part of the Pride Ring, more so than any of the other Overlords if you were one to keep up to date. 

“Wow.” Jo says.

And he’s right, the Overlord has so much more presence in person, towering over those crowding him.

“Woah there, no pictures, no pictures.” He says while fixing his coat, all long limbs and charisma. “I’m here on business, my valuable employees.” 

“And so are we.” You remind Jo, who continues to gawk at the Overlord.

“I’ve seen two Overlords in less than a month, it must be a sign or something, Nuria.” He says, glancing back.

“I hope it's a sign for wealth.” You reply.

Soon you’re at the back of the set, speaking with Myrna, the bizarre horse-snake chimera mix. “This all of them?” She asks with the same thick southern accent you heard on the phone.

“Yes, ma’am, all hundred of them.” You answer. Jo is ready with receipt and pen. “Now if you could sign here just to verify our delivery.” 

She ignores you as she grabs one of the pies, taking it out of its tiny box eating it all in one bite. You and Jo look at each other, unsure now if you’ll be paid. This wouldn’t be your first time, not because of the quality of the pies but because it was Hell and people were generally assholes, specially when it came to paying up sometimes.

“Oh Goodness Gracious!” She finally says, turning around to sign your form and grabbing another pie from the cart. You breathe easy again. “Set them over there, sugar.”

“A pleasure to do business with you!” You offer a smile and a handshake. “We hope we can continue catering your events!” 

“Of course!” She responds already walking away ignoring your hand. You sigh, so much for networking. 

You get busy anyway, moving some things around in the already lavish snack table to make room for your delivery Upon seeing who was visiting, the elaborate set up made sense. “I think we’re going to need another table.” You finally admit defeat after playing tray tetris, some stuff looked too expensive to touch.

“Let me see if I can find someone.” Jo offers.

And you’re left there to wait while he does that, that's what you liked about Jo an observant self-starter, you should look into increasing his pay soon. You're thinking that watching the crew work, it really does take a lot of manpower to get production on air. You kind of wish you had been invited to the ‘Yeah, I Fucked Your Sister So What?’ Set instead. It was your guilty pleasure, putting it on as background noise while you worked on the pies for the following day. Maybe you’ll get lucky and see one of the actors on your way out. 

“Homemade pie?! It’s been decades!” A crisp male voice says from behind. 

Great, a potential customer! “Oh, our shop has been op— “ It’s Vox, the very CEO you saw on the halls before. He's leaning over the table taking in the smell.

“Are you the owner?” He asks sizing you up, his eyes going from your horns, face, body and finally settling on the wings at your hips. He quirks a brow at the sight, you hide them further back, a knee jerk reflex whenever people looked at them too long. You hated them.

“I sure am, sir. A pleasure to meet you.” You extend a hand out before he comments on the wings.

He takes your hand, doing a little bow to meet your eyes. “Well I do love a woman that can cook!” You do your best to keep the frown off your face. But aside from that, it was truly impressive to see the Overlord up-close. The light from his screen engulfs you in the low light of the set as his upper body tilts closer and you have to squint to keep the light from hurting your vision. “One so pretty as well. Are you one of the guests. What do you go by, doll?” 

“You’re too kind, sir. Nuria is the name. And no, sir, we're just here for delivery.”

“Vox, Sir! We were looking all over for you. The producer is eager to meet you.” A crew member emerges from one of the curtains. “Follow me, please.” They urge.

“Of course, of course. My apologies.” He answers, brilliant smile back on. “But I hope to see you around, Nuria.” He says letting go of your hand with a wink and a light sting of electricity from his body to the underside of your wrist. Your hand pulls back startled, he chuckles as he struts away.

Jerk, you murmur under your breath.

Jo comes back a few moments later dragging a large folding table borrowed from somewhere. 

“Let me give you a hand!”

You finish fairly quickly after that, when Myrna comes back again, taking the last bite of her second pie and seemingly ready for a third one. “You’re welcome to stay if you’d like.”

“Really?” Jo chirps. And you don’t have the heart to say no, your wrist still tingling from her boss' "greeting."

You’re herded to a corner though, where several screens show different angles of the set. One screen dictates what’s to happen at which times intervals during the show. One segment draws your attention. Special Guests, it reads, the name of the performing musical group - and then a live performance of a song you immediately recognize.

Sudden screaming from one of the hallways leading to another part of the studio has you and Jo glancing around. There’s the sound of slamming doors and objects being thrown around followed by a string of swears accompanied by several footsteps running towards the source of the screams.

“What the fuck is going on now?!” Myrna screams into her headset as she follows the chaos.

“Maybe it’s time we skedaddle?” Jo suggests scratching his cheek in mild concern.

But now it’s you who doesn’t want to leave. “We’ll be fine, Jo, besides I really want to see this.” You point to the screen. “Mamá Tozi, my grandmother, used to play this song all the time when I was little. It’s an oldie but a goodie, didn’t expect to see it here of all places.” You explain. “Want me to teach you how to dance cumbia?” 

“No?“ 

Too late you’re already grabbing his hands, placing them in position. “Let’s see, it goes 1, 2, 3… Nunca es suficiente para mí… ” You step forward, tilting one hip to the side and then to the other. It’s a bit difficult without the actual beat of the song but you manage following your own, “Tan-tan-tan, tan... “ Jo tries his best to follow along. “Porque siempre quiero más de ti. Yo quisiera hacerte más feliz.” And then a hum for the parts there’s no words for. You move his hand while keeping the other in a loose grip so you can do a half twirl and return to position, then motion with your hand for him to do the same. He follows through and you giggle as Jo rolls his eyes but continues to follow along. “Mi corazón estalla por tu amor. ¿Y tú que crees que esto es muy normal? Acostumbrado estás tanto al amor.”

“You know the song?” Myrna asks out of nowhere, you let go of Jo's hands (you hadn't notice when she came back.) “Have you performed before?” She presses.

“No… ” She didn't need to know about your previous stint at the Feisty Minx.

“Well there’s always a first time for everything.” Oh you did not where this was going.

“Turns out the vocalist for our scheduled group is feelin’ a little under the weather t’day, and by that I mean she’s too fucking wasted to even stand up, so we’re gonna need to improvise.” We? Who’s we? “Our CEO is here.” Our?

“Well I do wish you the best of luck and would you look at the time, Jo, we should be driving back soon.” You say looking at the black screen of your phone, then search for Jo’s hand again to get out of there as quickly as possible. But Myrna’s talons snatch your arm first. 

“Hey!” Jo tries to reach for you, but she easily pushes him back with the other hand. 

“You’ll do just as well.” She sneers.

“There’s no way you think I’ll get out there to put on a performance! Are you nuts?!” You drop the professional act, glaring at her instead - trying not to wince in pain, her grip hurts.

“I don’t think - I know you will.” She says, you’re standing on the tip of your toes with the way she continues to hold onto you. “Or there won’t be any payment for the order, AND I’ll make sure to run your little shop’s reputation to the ground. Would that be enough motivation for you?” 

“Oh yeah?” Jo speaks up, “You don’t know who you’re messing with!” Myrna hisses at him as response.

“I want triple the pay for the pies.” You say before Jo says anything else. There’s no need to involve Rosie.

Her eyes narrow. “Whatever.” She says and calls for a dressing room assistant. 

“Nuria, but… “ Jo whispers.

“It’s okay, I’ll be fine, and we’ll make a killing on this one.” You smile as Myrna drags you further back. 

__________________________________________________________

He sits right on the front row.

Fights the urge to yawn while waiting for the next section as his employees scamper behind the camera. Someone offers him a second cup of whiskey which he takes without even looking to see who is offering it, he should really try to make an effort to actually engage with them. It was easier to win them over with feigned kindness than by force (though his peers would disagree). Especially now that they had the entire playing field to themselves.

It was the reason why he was there at all. To ensure the 'magic of TV' ran smoothly for captivating quality content. Their plan to monopolize Hell depended on them capturing as much support from the public as possible, by any means necessary. Indeed, with the battle against heaven broadcast he could feel himself growing in influence and power as every wretched sinner tuned in to watch. So strike and improve while the iron is hot was one of his many mottos.

It’s all he thinks as he watches the Host announce the next performer.

The lights dim as the cameras focus on the stage.

The lively melody of a trumpet is followed by the rest of the band’s instruments as flood lights cast over the vocalist at the center of the stage.

A tight sequin dress glimmers with the curve of her swaying hips, her shoulders also moving to the beat of the music.

But then she sings and suddenly it's the most interesting thing he’s seen all week. 

“Oh thank fuck!” Vox overhears one of the producer’s heads loud-whisper to someone on his right. 

“ Y tú te vas jugando a enamorar. Todas las ilusiones vagabundas que se dejan alcanzar.“ Her voice young and smooth in Spanish, he understands very little but knows them to be of a romantic melancholic nature. She spins, grabbing one of the trumpet players to accompany her on her dance and her solo dance from before flourishes with the new companion.

“Who’s that?” He finally asks, curious.

“She’s ah… an up and coming artist.” The producer’s heads answer in unison, then go over his notes to look for her actual name. The CEO watches as the ratings are directly sent to his screen. 

“Oh yeah?” He says taking a swing of his whiskey, liking the data he’s receiving.

“Nunca es suficiente para mí. Porque siempre quiero más de ti.” Her voice rises without losing the harmony in it, the musicians behind her faithfully follow her rhythm, nearing the end of the song. The numbers on Vox’ screen hit are all time high for the month, impressive considering this show’s underperformance in ratings.

“Wowowee!! How do you like them apples?” Fytor, the Host, gestures for a round of applause that goes on for some time. Someone whistles in admiration. “Los Demonios Azules!! Premiering our cultural segment, everyone.” He says for one last round of applause before the cut. 

And just like that, the vocalist who sang with such charm and charisma only moments prior drops the microphone and yanks the colorful fur wrap off her shoulders to throw it on the floor as well. Vox barely catches the moment she also yanks the gloves off her hands, stomping off the stage in a petty tantrum that could rival one of Val’s. 

“Well, looks like your little variety show gets to survives another year!” Vox remarks as he gets up from the chair. Both of the producer’s heads beam at the news. “Now if you’ll excuse me.” He says, adjusting his clothes in place before zapping himself away from the set to the dressing rooms.

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

You’re taking off the gaudy and incredibly heavy earrings you were made to wear when a spark of electric blue appears behind you and you get up alarmed holding onto the dresser behind you. “Holy— “

VoxTek’s CEO materializes before you. 

“Greetings, my dear!” He smiles, “I don’t believe we were introduced.” 

The initial shock wears off quickly. “Yes we were!” You tear the humongous blonde wig off your head, then smear part of the makeup off with one hand. 

There is a pause where only the muffled screaming of the neighboring dressing room is audible. The band you performed with was infighting over the close call they had thanks to their drunken vocalist. 

“The pie girl?!” He asks incredulous after a moment before doubling over in laughter as if you just told the funniest joke he'd ever heard. Your fists tighten at your sides.

“Is everything ok in there?” Jo asks knocking at the door. 

“Yeah, I’m fine. Be there soon, just taking care of a new fan.” You shout, voice dripping with sarcasm. You’re angry at being made to perform like a little wind up monkey but him laughing over it infuriates you even more. “Your bitch of an employee, Myrna, threatened to withhold my pay for the pies if I didn’t replace the singer.” You struggle to untie the gladiator shoes. How the fuck did they tie these damn shoes on you?! “Your guests suck, by the way.” 

“My sincerest apologies, my dear. I’ll make sure you get paid, money is not an issue.” He says going on knee to undo the knot. You pause, surprised by the gentleness in the sudden action. He takes all the time in the world taking off the shoe, then motions for the other foot placing it over his knee, no minding soiling his very expensive looking trousers.

“Ever thought about a career on television?” His tone is casual as he works.

“No, sir,”  You reply, all anger fizzled out, but quick to take your foot back, “I already have a contract with someone.”

The expression on the screen changes, now intrigued. “Oh? And may I know who the lucky demon is?” Hoping the answer will deter further questions you answer truthfully. 

“Rosie.” 

His screen glitches for a second, distorted static repeats the name. “Ro-rosie? Cannibal Town's Rosie? You don’t say!” 

You immediately sense that might have been the wrong answer, having forgotten the intricate web of relationships Hell’s Overlords maintained - and if his reaction was anything to go by, Rosie might not be someone he particularly cares for, for whatever reason. 

You reach for your clothes inching towards the door with the sequin dress still on, you don’t want to find out what else he might say. Or do over the new information. 

“Yes, sir, now if you’ll excuse me.” 

He slams the door shut when you open it and for a moment prickling fear overtakes you. Shit. You’re too scared to meet his eyes, feel him instead stand very close to you, but then the tie holding your wings together at your back to hide them comes off.

“This one hid from me.” You don’t need to see the cocky smile displayed on his screen as he speaks, “Here’s my assistant’s contact if you ever get tired of making pies, doll.”

“Thank you, I appreciate the offer, sir” You whisper, tone calm despite the lump in your throat, taking the card offered. 

Jo straightens up when the door opens. You school your face into neutrality so as not to freak him out. 

“C’mon, let’s go.” 

Though you’re sure he catches a glimpse of the CEO as the door closes behind you.

________________

You work in silence for the rest of the week, the small tv in the shop’s kitchen remained disconnected, missing several episodes of Yeah, I Fucked Your Sister, So What? Testament of the bad taste the trip to VoxTek Tower left in your mouth. But it was nothing a good bath of crushed roses and herbs couldn’t fix. You had Jo do the bath too to make sure las malas vibras didn’t linger, even if “This is Hell, Nuria, we are all made of bad vibes.”

And before you knew it, Rosie’s new shipment arrived and that occupied your mind instead.

“No heads this time, Theo?”

“Nah, old hag Susan got it in her head that she wanted to start a forever soup business. Rosie would only let ‘er have the heads though.” 

“I see.” Works for you, that was the least favorite part you liked to work with, all that hair and eyeballs… made it hard to pretend it was sinners—not just regular game meat. Some things you don’t think you’ll be able to get used to no matter how many years passed down here.

You worked quickly, more than usual, finding yourself eager to see Rosie. Maybe out of some odd need to feel reassured under her protection. Which is how you found yourself at her place in less than two days.

You’re almost done at the Town’s plaza uneasily distributing the pies, without major incident. They listen, for the most part, Susan giving you a bit of a hard time but Theo was there to reinforce authority where usually Rosie would be the one overseeing the distribution. Today though, you were told, she was entertaining important company.

“Well, that’s the last of them.” You keep one for Rosie. Theo walks you to her place, chatting about the colony’s new found reputation from dangerous bloodthirsty savages to dangerous heroic bloodthirsty savages. 

“I’m sure that’s gotta count for something, Theo.” You nod along as you walk up to Rosie’s.

“Nuria, my precious girl!” Rosie calls out as soon as you enter her place. She’s coming for a hug, you barely have time to move the pie out of the way as she smothers you into her bosom. She seems more cheery than usual. “Come, come. I want you to meet my friend.” She says pulling you along to a table at the back. You don't think much of it this time either - as she's always trying to get you socialize more.

“Alastor, honey, this is Nuria! The girl I told you so much about.” 

Her long fingers wiggle as she motions to the man sitting by the table.

Alastor? Oh but that can't be...

You're frozen, pie in hand as the Radio Demon himself stands, the shadow covering his form dissipating to reveal his tall slender form. 

So this was The Important Company. 

“Charmed!” He smiles, the crackling static of his voice immediately setting you on edge.

Rosie's hand at your back gently pushes you forward to respond.

“Likewise, sir.” You manage, taking his hand in greeting. The handshake is solid and unexpectedly friendly.

"Oh now, Nuria, is okay—he doesn't bite, for the most part!" They both chuckle at the shared joke. You force yourself to chuckle along too.

“I stopped by your pie shop the other day, but it was about to close I’m afraid.” Of course, you heard all about it from Jo.

“Ah y-yes, my assistant did mention it. But please do visit again, we do make a couple of extra pies for special clientele.” You had to, some people didn’t take no for an answer.

“It wasn’t necessary, I was just passing by and the smell got my attention. It worked out for the best, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to try them in such good company.” He motions to Rosie.

“Oh Alastor, there you go again.” She says absolutely smitten. “Let me make us some more tea now that the refreshment is here. I mean the pie, Nuria, don’t fret.” You laugh; ha-ha! Yes, funny.

“Well then,” Clearing your throat you set the pie on the table, “it’s been a pleasure— “

“Aht, aht aht! I know what you’re about to do, dear, and I’m not having it.” Rosie’s hands rest at her hips. “Sit down, you’re a guest today.” 

“Oh but I… “ You shut up when she levels you with a look, not quite threatening yet, but getting there. You have never taken her there. Still, “I can help prepare the tea, I know this great recipe— “

“Sit down.”

You sit on the nearest chair. 

“Be right back~!” She shimmies away to her kitchen.

So you’re left alone with her friend. You knew at the periphery of awareness of the rumors about Rosie and the Radio Demon being close, but you never expected, nor in all honesty wanted, to run into him or any of her acquaintances. In and Out was your tried and proven method of operation. It had kept you safe, figures the one time you decided to stay at the VoxTek Tower you would—

“Lovely weather we’re having today.” His static voice takes you out of your thoughts.

“Hm? Oh yes, quite nice, I mean as nice as it can get.” You answer. 

“My, Rosie was not kidding when she said you were a very new here.” He observes, and you’re not sure how to take that. “How are you finding the new lifestyle?” He asks, tone polite.

What an odd thing to ask, miserable of course - everyone was miserable down here, but you get the feeling he wasn’t looking for honesty as much as just conversation. So you oblige. “Well, all things considered. It’s not too bad I suppose. I haven’t been purged yet so there’s that.” 

“Ah, an optimist, a rare breed. My cat could learn a thing or two from you.” He says crossing his legs.

“Your cat, sir?” 

“Please, call me Alastor, we can’t be that far apart in age when death came to us.” 

True, but calling him solely by his first name felt odd with the way he talked and just his general seniority over you in hell. “Um, what year did you… erm pass? if it’s not too rude to ask of me?”

“1933! And what a year it was.”

Oh wow. “That was during the Great Depression, am I correct? My grandmother was born during that period in history, quite amazing when you stop to think it.” 

“Well I have been called old in nastier ways I suppose,” He laughs, your hand covers your mouth.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult.”

“Oh it's quite alright, I was merely messing with you!” He chuckles, “It sounds like your grandmother was very precious to you.” 

“Of course, my grandmother was a very wise woman, though I think most would say that about their mothers.”

“And you would be right, my dear, mothers, grandmothers, matriarchs—all irreplaceable pillars of support in a decent society.” He responds and maybe you were being way too dramatic when Rosie introduced you to him.

“Tea is ready~! I hope both of you are getting along.” Rosie sings-songs with a tray of freshly brewed tea. 

“We’re getting along just fine.” Alastor replies. 

“Good, good.”

You busy yourself with helping Rosie cut the pie, serving two slices, relieved Rosie thought to bring cookies alongside the tea so you would have that instead. 

“I hope it’s to your liking.” You serve Rosie’s guest first as she watches on, pleased.

“I’m sure I will, dear.” He replies. And it’s so strange how different, how normal, he actually is from the rumors on the street. They made him seem almost otherworldly even by hell’s standards. 

“Delicious as always, Nuria.” Rosie exclaims at the first bite. You smile in response. “Go on, Alastor, give it a try.”

He follows suit. “There has yet to be the occasion where you have been wrong, my dear friend. One can still taste the panicked screams.”

Now that made him sound closer to the stories about him. “Thank you, sir.”

“Oh she calls you ‘sir,’ Alastor, isn’t she precious!” She says pinching your cheek. 

“I already said there’s no need. But I do appreciate the good manners.” He replies before taking another bite of the pie. “You know Charlie has been talking about a Grand Re-opening ceremony for the Hotel. I think these tasty treats would do a wonderful addition to the event!” 

You almost choke on your tea.

“My Goodness, you are right!” Rosie’s dark eyes set on you expectantly. “What do you say, Nuria?”

Clearing your throat, you think of the nicest way to refuse. “I’d love to but I think we’ll be taking a break from commissions for a bit.”

“Oh? But didn’t you just get a really big one from VoxTek?”

You cough to clear your throat, oblivious to the way her guest’s eyes narrow at the mention  “Yes, well… “

“Don’t tell me they didn’t pay you!” You can hear Rosie’s mood quickly souring, her demeanor darkening.

“No, no! On the contrary, they paid me thrice as much but—hm. I should, maybe I should start from the beginning.” So you tell them how your little jokey-joke dance forcefully landed you in front of the cameras and consequently with an offer by VoxTek’s CEO himself to work for his company, omitting the specific detail of how the offer was extended to you. “The whole ordeal was very degrading to be completely honest. I’m just thankful Jo and I were able to leave in one piece.”

“Ha! Why this sounds like the plot of a spicy novel!” The Radio Demon chuckles bemused. “A regular girl’s break into stardom by a sudden twist of sheer luck!” Rosie swats at him with her fan when she sees you’re not laughing along this time.

“Alastor, can you not this once?” After glaring at him she turns to you. “That’s terrible, darling! I’m sorry that happened. But do let me know if they ever give you any more trouble.” She says placing a hand over yours.

“Thank you, Rosie.” You already feel better about telling her about the ordeal, all you needed was to feel safe. “I think I got it for now.”

“That’s my girl.” 

“Well rest assured, Nuria, Charlie has far more class than the demons at the Vee tower. I can arrange for a visit if you’d like. I think it would benefit you as Rosie tells me you're saving up to move out of Pentagram City, though I can't imagine why anyone would want live away from such wonderful daily entertainment.” Oh wow, Rosie really did talk a lot about you. “Think of it as helping a friend of a friend.” His face and eyes are all sweet charisma, they look almost genuine. And you wonder if he’s only nice to you due to his friendship with Rosie or because he really is just like that with some people. “The reward could be handsome, she is the Princess of Hell after all, I’m sure you’ll be able to name your price once you charm her.”

Oh boy, the delivery van will be due for maintenance soon too…

“Does she have a date for the re-opening yet, sir?” 

Both Rosie and her guest share a smug look of triumph. 

[inklores]

miguel o'hara── a study in security

it's really funny how most of my finals this quarter have me reading so many pieces that relate with the fics i'm writing and the characters i have brainrot over. i'm reading chapter 6 of eva illouz's book, "why love hurts," and the section about how love and security can't always co-exist hit me... because that is exactly how miguel o'hara regulates his life and shapes his influence within the spider-society.

"Security is often seen as incompatible with passion, or even as leading to its demise. But I would argue that this need for “security” and/or for “adventure” is not an invariant constituent of the psyche; or if it is, then security and adventure take on changing shapes in different cultural structures. They are also outcomes of the social organization of the psyche. Security derives from the capacity to control and to predict one’s environment; adventure, by contrast, derives from feeling challenged, either in one’s social identity or in the ways in which one knows how to do things." (Illouz, 219).

rewatching atsv and i notice just how locked and authoritative miguel runs his facility. micromanaged down to the knick-knacks hobie swipes. the differences in lighting and color theory with how miles & the gang associate with different spider-people, being lit in white and warm shades... then we meet miguel and he is in pitch dark with reddish and deep blue undertones. his character design is similar to the spot, where the sketch design is still visible amidst the rendering and coloring. this color palette carries with him and it sucks all his interactions in with it. from berating gwen after miles escapes to watching archival footage of his daughter, it's so deeply rooted that breaking out of that sphere will quite literally destroy what little he already has left and what he managed to preserve.

the man is STRESSED. we see that from his design to his dialogue. he believes he is single-handedly keeping the multiverse together and he expresses it multiple times. he thinks he can't have comfort and duty at the same time, believing that is what it means to be spider-man. it takes away his humor too, pointed out by peter b. when he says all spider-men are supposed to be funny. the only time he really shows any sort of wit is when he interacts with lyla and maybe jess, but even then, it's so dry and sarcastic. (save his interaction with baby mayday bc that man is also a father.)

but he's "okay" with this great responsibility. this is his security because it's what he's able to control when once, he wasn't able to control anything and it left him so badly wounded that it isolated any possibility of change or evolution for the order of things. when miles left, he shouted, "ALL HE HAD TO DO WAS LISTEN!" and then a softer, almost baffled and frustrated, "why didn't he listen...?"

illouz talks about how visual stimulations or even the presence of something we can hear or see can shape or crush the way we look at ourselves.

Research on the impact of media images on how individuals perceive their bodies suggests that images of perfect bodies have negative effects on self-esteem and self-concept because watching these images suggests to people both that others can achieve them more easily (competitiveness) and that others view them as important (normative legitimacy). Media images thus become a source of disappointment through the implicit mediation of what we think they say about others’ expectations of us and about their achievements compared to ours. Widespread images of love may instill ideas that others achieve love when we do not, and that achieving love is normatively important for successful life. (Illouz, 220).

hobie mentioned it before we officially meet miguel. he says miles seemingly has it alright with his parents and stable family life. and someone like miguel, who keeps a watchful eye over everything that goes on with spidermen, knows that. and he's jealous of it, i would argue. he believes as spider-man, there is a required sacrifice or weight of loss to carry.

while it is a very recurring trope with every iteration of spider-man that's been watched or read, miles has felt loss and loneliness. but he hasn't felt it in the way miguel has because what miguel went through is so singular and unique to him. the only ones who may understand what that would feel like would be gwen or even pav, seeing their dimension and/or livelihood beginning to crumble.

but miles has everything... and is also spider-man and i just know that burns miguel. it's not what he believes should be the order of the "spider-man journey," even though happiness and responsibility can and has worked together. example, peter b. and his daughter.

it's inconceivable for miguel to think something or someone can deny him or run the other way. because everyone is primed to understand that it's his way or quite literally, the destruction of everything. nobody can suggest another way. nobody can say no. aside from the doomsday vibes, miguel is also objectively scary when he’s genuinely angry. not even irritated or annoyed. irate. he’s also colossal. he’s mr. property damage. this need for control and this ability to maintain it under his thumb fuels his antagonistic relationship with anomalies or things he sees as a threat to his security. he doesn't like to be challenged, he likes to be listened to because he knows how the multiverse works and what can come out of it if even a single spider-person has a foot out of line.

and with all the hints left over at the end of the film of how miguel may be wrong, that there is a way to fix the multiverse while protecting the people they love, there will be some serious fractures to his security and everything will open up once again.

[i-writes-things]

I am requesting specifically bc you said it was okay!!! I would DIE for a Wanda or a Natasha x teen sister reader where r just wants to do normal fun teen things but bc Wanda or nat hadn’t done anything like it when they were teens they like freak out over anythinggggg (being 5 mins off curfew or missing one lesson at school automatically means being kidnapped by a villainous organization ofc ofc) idk if that idea makes sense but I have many thoughts and a bad way of saying them so if it doesn’t then please tell me and I can fix it!!!! Love you appreciate you stan you and your works theyre my silly little comfort scenarios ur so important to me n the world OKAY BYE LY

FunDeadly? Detours...

Omg this is so sweet WHAT! Thank you very much! I appreciate you for supporting me! :)

Second addition in the MARVEL EVENT

We started light today. Tomorrow not so much...

"It's fine, they know where I am at all times anyway."

Joking around down the street with your backpack on you walk towards the arcade. And spend the afternoon there.

-

"JARVIS! Where is she?"

"Whom are you talking about?" His crackled from above. Like everyone assumes God would talk to them.

"Y/N! She- she said 3:15. That's when she would be home every day. By then I'll be snacking in the kitchen. That's what she said. I remember."

"Miss Y/n is currently at the MorrisHead Arcade."

"What?"

"You need some back up?" The red head walked in.

"Let's go! Jarvis, where at this place is she?" Her loud footsteps echoed down the hall, mirroring her fast heartbeat.

"In the back, near the concession stand."

"No one takes my little sister." Her red powers flared in her eyes as her and Natasha left to get Y/n back. Little did they know.

-

Beep boop beep bop boop boop beep

"Hahhahah!" You leaned back, laughing at your friend, who was pointing out an Avengers poster on the wall. The artist had given Steve more nose than face.

"I am so taking a picture." Peter started to pull out his phone and walked over as a guy behind the counter with a yellow and red striped hat, came up with two paper plates and the smell of good pizza.

"Order for Spiderman!" He said, sounding like an ex-surfs up dude.

You took the plates as you heard a girl with the same striped hat yell out for Iron Man's order, which made a group of kids race around you toward the concession.

"Hey Pete, do you think that Wanda and them get paid for all the advertising they get legitimately everywhere." He was giggling at his phone as you shoved his slice of pizza into his hands. You had to talk over all the screams. Little kid screams with pizza in your mouth and cheese not wanting to stop you turn your head toward the front. Peter gave you a look. His spider-sense.

"Wah?" You said.

"Eat your pizza and get ready to save the day." He stood and started to cautiously walk around. Wiping your hand from crusty pizza bits, Peter jumped onto the ceiling. Just his spidy mask on. You froze. You had made it into the spotlight, and it blasted into your dark adjusted eyes.

"Y/n!" You heard her voice the second she said anything.

"Natasha? What's going on?"

"Where the hell have you been?"

"What?"

"3:15? My ass!" Her voice turned into a shout.

"Put the gun away!" You whisper-yelled at her. "There's kids here, one, and two, what is going on?" You asked astonishingly confused.

"We came to..."

"To...? What?"

"To save you." Wanda finishes.

"Save me? From what? From King Kong? Or the Leap Frog? Or Wreck-It-Ralph? Maybe Mrs. Pac-Man was holding me hostage!" You were so stunned that they acted like everything was literally life or death.

"That's not funny."

"You could have died."

"How? I am 10x stronger than everyone here. Besides Peter."

"Peter's here?"

"Where is that spider monkey?" Natasha muttered, putting her gun away and realizing the laughter and safety of the place.

"Did you ask him yet-"

"Shhh! What are you talking about!"

"Ask Peter what?" Natasha took a step towards you.

"Nothing." You glared at Wanda.

"You want to ask Peter nothing?"

"Yes. Can we go?" You said.

"I want to try the Pac-Man game." She stepped up to it, getting her powers out and at the ready.

"Wands, no. Oh my gosh. This is gonna take forever..."

"Wait but what did you want to ask Peter?"

"Yeah?" Peter's high pitched voice came from the ceiling as she firstly was going to cheer Wanda on but also is wondering about Natasha's question.

"Aaaa! Peter you can't do that!"

"Do what?" He quickly flipped back on the ground, removing his mask and shaking his hair, like a scene from a movie.

"We're cheering Wanda on. Right. Right. Wanda go right. Not- You got it."

--

"Y/n!!!"

"What are you doing here?"

"Get out here now." Moving out of your seat, and having a pretty awkward walk to the hall as Natasha had told you off infront of everyone.

"Take me to Miss Jefferson. I want to know why she marked you absent," She checked her phone. "42 minutes ago."

"What? No. I have math class. I don't want to miss anything. It wasn't Miss J's fault."

"Oh?"

"Well..."

"Where were you then. Y/n?"

"Nowhere."

"That's not a place I've heard of."

"I skipped, okay!"

"You could have died!"

"Not everything I do is going to be an apocalyptic event."

-

@ravensinthedaylight @may-z3 @youre-a-total--poser @betzabobababi @book-place @scarthefangirl @darkstar225

[nomsfaultau]

(Potentially) Daily ask №

PS. Potentially cause I probably won't stick to it

So, I was sitting on a lesson and then I realised that you allowed me to send you asks so I wrote out whatever questions came to my mind about Fault.

Wilbur edition!

His legs rearrange to be the highest individual in the room, yes? Is the hair or hats included in that? What if I wear an absurdly tall hat? Will he be taller than it or than my actual height?

He controls darkness or is darkness what I got out from your shitposts. What if I shine a really bright light on him. Okay but what if I go brighter. Or even brighter.

Do only his legs rearrange themselves to be taller? Does his torso stay the same? Does he occasionally look like a beginner artist who hasn't gotten the hand of proportions yet drew him?

If there's an illusion but he doesn't know it is one, will he be taller than it?

You said that he controls the darkness and all things that crawl in it. Moles technically crawl in the darkness. Can he control them? Mole pet when?

Would he and Nico di Angelo from Percy Jackson and the Olympus get along?

I've noticed that he doesn't get as much content as the other blorbos? Is there a reason?

The "Foreign no matter where he goes" post made me sad. The guy deserves a home even if his literal being won't allow it apparently. Can I hug him and how likely am I to die if I do that? Spontaneously hugging and asking first both possibilities included pls ^^

Okay that's all beeyeee

I am enthused to answer any questions and absolutely no pressure at all to ask them!

It goes to biological height not clothing, so a hat or stilts wouldn’t change his assorted height. Although doesn’t tend to count hair. It typically works mostly on humanoids who have matter but he can will it work on say The Blade, who at some point jokes that Wilbur’s height does not take into account his crown of bone-antler things. At which point yes it does screw you and it always has, mildly rewriting everyone’s memory of how tall Wilbur is. It’s a very mild and mostly useless form of magically controlled information.

He has a void on the left side of his face where shadowy eldritch monstrosities come out of. Wilbur can’t entirely control them especially when scared, but can give orders that may be followed or bargains that have to be followed but cost him something. They deffo get worse at night, and you’re on the money! The voidlings despise concentrated light. They do fine in normal light conditions, but flashlights and spotlights they don’t appreciate and will avoid, usually by fleeing into Wilbur’s face or risk dissolving. Wilbur himself is not harmed since he’s made out of flesh and bone (and arguably accurate organ arrangements). Hence the Foundation trapping it in very bright light 24/7. Godflame, which is what Philza is made of, is so anathema to the void that if it intersects with void shadow they both annihilate one another bc it’s a universal paradox to be in one place. Wilbur despises flashbangs in particular, but also doesn’t like complete darkness bc it can’t trust the void completely.

His proportions do not change at all! Which can look very silly. This is roughly its proportions when taller than The Blade.

(From casefiles again)

4. The height thing is not very controlled by him and would not work on an illusion. At which point Wilbur would like deduce the creature before him isn’t made out of matter.

5. It has some degree of control over shall we say capital Darkness that specifically comes from the void in his head and that are still connected by shadowy tethers to the void. Wilbur could potentially try to?? Manipulate the mole??? It would difficult as they don’t have a very robust language system but they are eusocial so I assume they have some level of communication. Since Wilbur can speak all languages it could potentially have rudimentary communication with the mole..? Honestly he’s more likely to eat it than keep it as a pet alas. He’s rather pragmatic, and feeding something that serves no purpose doesn’t make sense to a guy who’s spent most of his life on the verge of starving. Uh. Tommy excluded of course. 6. Well they’re both certainly edgy shadow guys for sure. Wilbur at least wouldn’t be racist to him once he realizes Nico is only half human. Potentially bonding over wrestling with powers, and not feeling like they fit in anywhere. Wilbur would probably think him stupid and gullible for falling for Minos’ manipulations tho, and wouldn’t cut him any slack for being young. 7. My focus on each of them sorta shifts around. I’m a bit on the Tubbo area atm though it’s about to transition to be more The Blade heavy. The first arc of section 2 was rather more Wilbur centric, with him on his own trying to defend the ‘kids’ and making some bad decisions in the process via deals with the devil. There’s lots of fun to be had with it in the future, particularly in section ~4 but also five main characters is a bit of a juggle sometimes. And also while SCP Wilbur feels distinct to me from the actual guy, it’s still sometimes hard to work with him because of his progenitor since I want the character to be fully unbiased when I’m writing it. 8. Part of Wilbur’s arc is to stop pretending it prefers life on the run and really does want a home. Not that living in a society is really possible, but it’s not called found family for nothing! It’ll have to be something made. And Wilbur is of a personal philosophy where he doesn’t kill anyone unless he thinks they’re about to kill him. Very golden rule, if often very vicious bc it doesn’t control the void completely. So, you’re very unlikely to die from a hug! If given a spontaneous embrace it’d probably be a little startled, but try to keep it brief since it doesn’t pass for human under close inspection and would prefer to avoid anything that could mean the Foundation finding it. If asked, he’ll probably calculate the risk of discovery versus social friction leading to greater attention, and accept the hug for appeasement. Since Wilbur really mostly hugs Phil, he’d likely find it surprisingly cold, and be perhaps too affectionate since he doesn’t know the typical level of affection for an embrace between strangers. It would probably be trying to gauge what gambit is being used by you, since it isn’t familiar/trustful of kindness from strangers. Suave and flippant on the surface, but mentally running around in circles trying to figure out what your angle is. Wilbur likes to pretend he’s always on top of things, but a combination of poor memory and lack of socialization mean he’s usually scrambling to figure out what’s happening lmao.

[lansolot]

lansolot my theater and classical literature enjoying blogger on my dash DO YOU have any favorite monologues from shows or books or anything else that you would like to share about

thank you so much for this ask! this’ll be quite the messy post, so do forgive me for that. however, i will make an attempt to organize it! also, i do apologize for any grammar or spelling errors i make. i’m half asleep at the moment

— 1

i could go on for hours about this play as it’s such a favorite of mine. i’ve already gone on a long tangent about horatio and hamlet in the past, so i’ll at least try to make this little ramble hamlet centered. despite how often i see people complain about how hamlet isn’t a good play and that shakespeare is too difficult to understand, i think that people should at least try to understand his works. especially hamlet, as i personally think that it’s an incredibly influential play of his. even though hamlet’s classic “to be, or not to be” soliloquy is quite popular, it’s incredible that it’s so popular and commonly studied by so many people. words love to fail me, but what i’m trying to say is that there’s something beautiful about literature written so long ago being so widely adored, related to, and studied by people today. it’s so fun seeing others relate to characters like hamlet and get all giddy when reading said books and realizing that hey, this character written about over 100 years ago is quite similar to me!

— 2

the amount of symbolism in the picture of dorian gray makes me insane. the amount of nature symbolism? the fact that basil is what oscar sees himself as, henry is what the world sees him as, and dorian is what oscar wishes that he could be in a different era? i could go on about this for hours if my words weren’t failing me

— 3

listen. i do not play about religious themes and, as you all know, symbolism, metaphors, etc. i don’t know many people that care about this book, but i’ll be rambling about it anyways. the death of ivan ilyich is FULL of symbolism. first off, whist. in the death of ivan ilyich, various characters play whist in order to escape from matters they deem as bothersome or dull. ivan ilyich plays whist to forget about the pain he’s in, pyotr ivanovich flees ivan’s home quickly to play whist and distract himself from the solemn atmosphere of ivan’s funeral. characters play whist in order to distract themselves from suffering, death, and monotony. it’s, as i see it, a representation of the more “trivial” activities that ivan and those around him participate in to flee from a life that’s lacking of enjoyment and liveliness. also, ivan being compared to a phoenix? a creature that shines brilliantly, returns to ash, then returns back to life? the fact that ivan lived his “golden days”, fell ill, and in the end, passed away and saw light instead of dark? god, this book makes me ILL. don’t even get me started on the fact that the chapters grow shorter as ivan dies to show himself slowly nearing his demise. and the fact that the number 3, a number heavily used in the bible, is so commonly used in the death of ivan ilyich, but especially during the last chapter? the fact that biblically it can represent a new life and resurrection… and the way that ivan ilyich resorts to god in his final days… and also, the fact that the saying “it is finished” is referenced in the books ending… someone please stop me from rambling too much. none of this makes sense bc i’m so tired but that’s ok

[corvusunnx]

uhhh ig ill post my little fanfic and see how it goes

im obssessed with rain so i need to write about him. im already on the third chapter but i dont want to post everything all at once 😭

uh,, edited this bc i COMPLETELY FORGOT TO ALSO POST THE FIC HERE (under the cut)

Y/N's POV

i've been a sibling of sin as long as i can remember. copia took me in when i was young, raising me alongside other siblings. they've all helped me grow as a person, some more than others, but they all care about me, and i care about them just as much. one in particular, sister carie, has been nothing short of a mother for me. she's always been there for me and was always there to teach me what was best, and went easier on me than i've ever been towards myself.

"y/n! are you almost ready?" her voice passes through the cracks between the door and wall, a gentle knock rattling the door ever so slightly.

"almost! I promise I'll be out in a second!" i rush to change into my uniform, an elegant black and white outfit which resembles that of a nun. today's the day a new ghoul is summoned, and dew will finally become a fire ghoul. my heart pounds with excitement. once i rush out to the hall im greeted by the ever so kind and smiling face of carie. i look around, seeing brothers and sisters alike, walking through the halls, chatting about what they think the new ghoul will be like. the new water ghoul.

"I bet he'll be just like dew, charming and talented!"

"I wouldn't mind a tall water ghoul for once"

"do you think he'll be friendly?"

all sorts of guesses and questions fill the usually silent halls, echoing from the floors to the giant stained glass windows. the colors and pictures in the thick glass sparkle in a way that almost seems magical. i can never seem to get tired of them. carie takes my hand and leads me to a room that i've never been to before. it's dark once the two of us enter, not a window nor light hanging from the ceiling. the dim lighting from a few candles is all i see, carving out copia's face from the shadows. dew stands beside him, his back straightened and his hands held behind him. his tail is motionless behind him as he stands, not even moving his chest as he breathes. it's like he's a statue.

i find my way to a seat with carie and chat quietly as everyone else makes their way to the room. once the last few people arrive and seat themselves copia begins to speak, raising his hands as animated as ever. his hands swing in the air with his words.

"hello everybody, I'd like to welcome you to yet another summoning!" He bows and soaks in the cheers and clapping of the audience. some ghouls sit in the front, just as stiff as the way dew stands. they all remind you of a gargoyle, the way they stay unmoved once ordered to do so. "tonight, ifrit is being replaced as fire ghoul by our dear boy, dewdrop! not only that, but we will be getting a new water ghoul!"

once again, the siblings erupt to screams and cheers in response to copia's words. its almost deafening, but you smile and join the madness. copia first decides to transition dew's element from water to fire, which honestly suits him better. he draws blood from the ghoul, who doesn't even move as to wince. the only movement from him is a slight involuntary twitch of his tail, as a response to the pain. the blood begins to trickle down his arm as copia steps away.

copia gestures for ifrit to join, now standing to face the smaller ghoul, not nearly as still and postured as dew. copia then traces blood from ifrit, then mixes it with that dripping from dew's arm. though ifrit is unbothered and is given permission to walk back, dew is unable to stand as still as before, shaking, and even groaning and yelling from time to time. he tries his best to show the pain he's in as little as possible, trying to keep his dignity and ego intact. flames burst around him, smoke filling the room. his growls are still heard despite him being completely unseen.

after what seems like forever he finally calms himself, exchanging nods with copia and sitting down. his body is still trembling from shock, and ifrit nudges him and shoots a finger gun in his direction. i can almost see the proud smile through his mask. dew looks a bit relieved as he sits with ifrit, his tail now swaying behind him.

"alright! round of applause for the little guy!" everyone claps, and dew turns his head to see everyone. his eyes light up as he watches the various smiles and waving hands in the air, the siblings cheering and shouting his name. he feels special, and proud to be a new fire ghoul.

"now... what you've all been dying to see." copia pauses for a moment of suspense, scanning around the room for all of the excited and overjoyed faces.

"the summoning.. of our new water ghoul!"

he walks to the pentagram drawn into the floor and recites chants he's memorized from before. some siblings join eagerly, almost in attempt to boost some chance that they will get a ghoul close to what everyone wants and hopes for. a glow which resembles that of fire shines from the ground and it opens, a figure crawling from the space. no growls or screeches sound from the creature, which catches a few people by surprise. most of the time ghouls try their best to intimidate and inflict fear upon humans, but this one is quiet and calm. his eyes glow blue, a pretty and bright one, like that of a clear ocean's water. his body is covered in fins and gils, and copia hurries to cover him, since he doesn't have any clothing.

"cover yourself, newbie! you don't want to put on the wrong kind of show." copia laughs, getting a few chuckles from the crowd. he throws a pair of sweatpants to the new water ghoul, a quiet smack before it falls to the ground in front of him. the ghoul quickly listens, pulling on the loose pair of pants just before the smoke can clear and show too much of him. his face is an almost greyish blue color in embarassment. is that what it looks like when ghouls blush? i think to myself, my eyes frozen on him. he has long, dark hair, but not as long as dew's. his eyelashes are thick, perfectly framing his big, beautiful eyes. a tooth hooks on to his bottom lip as he stands awkwardly, still proccessing everything that is happening.

"say your name for us, newbie!"

"rain..."

"louder! this is a big room!"

"my name is rain."

"give it up for rain!"

just as always, the siblings, and this time the ghouls all cheer and applaud the new water ghoul. he stands awkwardly beside copia, not quite knowing what to do. many siblings rush to greet him, some with gifts in hand and some not. the majority are intimidated and just turn to leave, which is expected when a hellspawn is literally summoned before your eyes. carie and i typically work with the ghouls, so of course we have to run over to him and introduce ourselves. we are the last of the siblings to greet him so the ghouls all stand close behind, waiting to say hello to their new bandmate.

carie is the first to speak, bowing to rain politely.

"Hello rain! I'm carie. me and my friend here usually help around with the ghouls, so you'll be seeing us a lot." she smiles and gestures to me as she speaks. her voice is as soft as her personality, one that you could never get tired of listening to. her hand gracefully sways as she points to me, like a leaf dancing gently in the wind.

"uhm.. hi." his nervousness tugs a small chuckle from me while i walk closer to properly say hello. i bow to him once the two are done greeting each other, putting on my most welcoming face. i grab his hand, already extended for a handshake. he's extremely skinny, the grey tone in his skin has a hint of blue in it. his gils are absolutely beautiful. i shake his hand with slight eagerness in my eyes, beginning to speak.

"I'm y/n. I hope I'll get to see you a lot in the future."

"yeah." his face serms to turn into a deeper blue than the rest of his skin, but it's hard to tell from the dark lighting. dew makes sure to be the first ghoul to greet him, pushing past the others and making his way right beside me and carie.

"enough of the humans. us ghouls are the ones you're gonna be spending the most time with." dew paces around rain, as if observing him. "hmph. I guess you'll be an alright replacement." his tail brushes against rain's arm as he makes his way back to where he was before, standing in front of the new water ghoul.

"alright, y/n. let's head back and let them get to know each other." carie smiles.

[hallowed-nebulae]

I am very curious about the worldbuilding you have around the Foretellers within Tempest-verse and silver drips from aching hands! What was the inspiration behind that? Any fun facts you can tell us about them?

i have calc hw and a forum for intro to film due so i may not be able to answer this the most thoroughly but i will do my best

okay so my initial thought for the foretellers were: "how can i make them people but Off". i don't remember the actual initial thought but like that's the vibes. they have only one body fluid that acts as blood, tears, etc etc. i figured, if we have creatures with only a heart (heartless, pureblood), a body and soul (greater nobodies/lesser nobodies) and a body and heart (corpses. a body without a soul is a corpse) i figured we should have something for a soul and a heart. thus we have the Foretellers technically being formless

uhhh lemme pull up my specbio real quick

they don't have organs! most organs at least. they've got a brain and such, but anything else isn't needed so their "bodies" don't have them. that said, if they can fit something in their mouth then they can eat it (since a Foreteller's body will just kinda absorb it until it's dust or such).

they're made of Only light and thus darkness sickens them and Nothingness outright kills them. the only way they can survive the nobody-ifying process is if they have a host they're latched onto (like luxu with braig's body).

in tempests verse (less sure of silver drips, been a hot sec), the master of masters made Foretellers in order to try and artificially create Reginae (a type of god who are born from dead beings that are reborn into their divinity). unfortunatelly you cannot make a reginae, it's up to Fate and Miracles (the two inherent forces within that reality), so MoM failed and that's why the Foretellers are kinda fucked up. too divine to be normal but not divine enough to be divine. their hearts feel all Off, and their keyblades feel that way too if you were to hold one. exceptions are if you're bequeathed a Foreteller's keyblade bc then it sorta fits into your heart's personal little resonance so that you're not discomforted by it.

(brain is an exception since, within tempests verse and silver drips, he's luxu's twin and thus their hearts' resonances are similar enough that No Name does not adjust. unfortunately this means brain does somewhat experience the Effects of holding a piece of a not-god in his heart, without that bit of filter to protect it. alas)

foretellers are INCREDIBLY possessive of what's theirs. they also tend to adopt. the unions were formed by the Foretellers just, adopting large droves of children who were yet-to-be-claimed. Foretellers also have a little heirarchy, so they'll fight Foretellers of an equal or lower standing in case of dispute over territory, but if a Foreteller of higher standing takes something then they won't do anything about it. i don't have this heirarchy worked out but it's within the larger divine heirarchy that exists, which will get elaborated on at some point

Foretellers are fun bc they're one of the first bits of alucinari i made, but now they tie in to a lot of my fun little interconnected multiverse of aus for various fandoms. so much lore on Miracles and gods and such is gonna be revealed in my crystal verse eventually (lore and rambles and stuff on my characters for that is located at @crystal-verse ; k'pheli himself is Miracles, aka the Shattered God, so there's lore there by necessity)

anyways this went off on a tangent but i hope it was at least entertaining to you! i don't know exactly how i got here but i am enjoying my worldbuilding. v fun.

(for those who know ffxiv: a Foreteller is more similar to a Lightwarden than an Ascian, but also more similar to a Reginae than a Lightwarden. Unlike Vauthry, a Foreteller could claim to be divine and be somewhat correct, rather than entirely uncorrect.)

[darrengrave]

Help I accidentally started rewriting a sequel trilogy to star wars in my head bc I hate disney

So Lucas actually wrote an outline for the sequels and what we know of it is a MUCH more natural progression of the story. Luke is attempting to rebuild a jedi order, while Leia is attempting to rebuild a republic, but neither are going to happen overnight. The galaxy has fallen into chaos and crime lords are vying for power in the vacuum as the republic organizes. Scattered empire influence remains to be squashed, and somewhere in those circles of crime syndicates lies a much darker influence - Maul. None of this is me - it's all Lucas. I wouldn't change a bit of it.

Leia and Han Solo have 3 children, as they did in the eu sequels - twins Jaina and Jacen Solo, and the youngest boy, Ben Solo. All 3 are studying under Luke, and they each possess unique skills. Jaina is a remarkable pilot and mechanic like her father, uncle, and grandfather, but she tends to prefer machines to people - they're simpler and easier to understand than the complicated emotions and drives of people - and can seem cold as a result, even though it aids her understanding of the force through humanizing droids and lower life forms. Jacen is strongly gifted in the force, but that talent makes him arrogant and easily bored and frustrated with training, like his grandfather, not aided by a brackish rogue spirit like his father. One thing everyone can agree on is both twins have their father's mouth. Ben is wise beyond his years and has a natural affinity for jedi teachings and politics, like his grandmother, mother, and uncle, but is stubborn and possesses his mother's righteous temper, and can sometimes even seem authoritarian when frustrated enough. None of them are very good at following rules and often wind up in wild adventures when they find reasons important enough to break them. Very much a 2 boys 1 girl trio to follow through the story (reflecting Luke, Leia, Han/Anakin, Padme, Obi wan/ what they half heartedly tried to do with Rey, Poe, and Finn)

Luke has studied ancient jedi texts ("the sacred texts!"), reviewed as much surviving documentation as he can of the jedi order of the old republic, and is slowly encountering more and more force sensitive children. But putting that all into practice, he is quickly realizing the pitfalls that led to the destruction of the jedi order and struggling to grapple with them. How do you a train a new generation without tearing them from their family? How can he forbid attachment when he himself holds so tightly onto family and friends? How can that be a path to the dark side when that's exactly how he stayed in the light and redeemed his father? He finds himself growing angry with Ben Kenobi and Yoda, who often visit during his regular meditations. He doubts his wisdom, fears he's accidentally leading his students down a darker path, and wonders if the jedi should remain extinct after all, and if their teachings should die with him.

Darth Maul is growing old, and knows his crime syndicate will crumble with infighting upon his death, and sith teachings while die with him as well if he doesn't find an apprentice to pass them down to. While he couldn't enact revenge against Kenobi for the loss of his legs directly, the perfect revenge against Kenobi's last surviving apprentice, and the last remaining jedi at that, would be to corrupt and steal an apprentice from his own lineage.

Sensing the trouble, Anakin has one last lesson to teach his son. They haven't spoken since his death. They haven't seen each other since the celebration following the Battle of Endor. Anakin is unlike the other masters who've learned to retain form in the Force. Luke senses this, but is much more interested in his insight into the failings of the Jedi order and how that led him to the Dark Side. Anakin sees many forces repeating themselves in similar ways, but the nature of the Force is cyclic. It's always trying to keep a balance. The only way to avoid the worst of history is to retain its balance. To retain balance in the Force, one must embrace all sides of it.

It's here Anakin demonstrates what sets him apart from the other Force Ghosts - he's a master of the Dark and Light sides, and while his intentions are wise and good, he is not afraid to use Vader to drive home a hard lesson. It's only through a fight Vader can reignite Luke's conviction, and with it the unwavering hope that redeemed his father. The jedi were wise but closedminded, and that blinded them to basic truths and let to tragedy. If this new jedi temple is to survive and avoid the mistakes of its predecessors, it must take lessons from both sides and embrace a balance, especially if Luke is save his niece and nephews from a fate like Anakin's.

Also Boba Fett survived and took over Jabba's territory, but has a vendetta against Han Solo and wants that man's head on a platter (or re-encased in carbonite). While Han's past as a smuggler provides needed insight for the republic into criminal circles, he's a particularly wanted man.

Leia's a tragically hands off mother by necessity with the state of the galaxy, though she loves her children fiercely. It's an easy decision to leave them in Luke's care, away from the worst of the conflict, and hopes to be able to bridge the gap when her responsibilities allow. In a brief quiet period of following the Battle of Endor, Luke began to train her first, realizing Force sensitivity is a large part of what makes her such a naturally fierce politician. Leia had to stop to take charge, though not before acquiring a few jedi skills, such as being able to attune to her senses purposely or employ a few mind tricks, that help her in the political and military arenas (perhaps even how to swing a light saber in a pinch - because let's face it, we've all wanted to see her wield a saber).

[kayberrie]

Lore dump for this new War Torn AU under the cut hehe

So the main premise of this au is that the Clone Wars never ended, which is why my working title of the War Torn AU, bc the galaxy is being torn by war. 

Basically the prequels play out exactly like the movie, right up until the end of Revenge of the Sith, along with some background action during Clone Wars.Two main things change: anakin’s arc, and Five’s quest. 

During the clone wars, instead of just running, Fives calls upon his ex-commander, Lady Tano. She can’t prevent his inevitable confrontation with Fox and Rex, but she can secretly prevent the bullet from lethally hitting him, effectively faking his death. Fives tells her about the control chips, and while she chooses not to directly involve herself, she does send him to Lux Bonterri, who decided to help work on a cure for the chip, or at least a way to loosen it’s hold (don’t come at me for the Lux thing, I just think that he should have more screen time and I haven’t watched CW in like two years. Ahsoka, disturbed by this information, goes to Bo Karan earlier than in the original timeline, and convinces her to allow Ahsoka to use Mandalorian resources for humanitarian efforts. I think that because she’s still struggling with her complicated relationship with war and fighting she’s originally be opposed to the idea of rejoining the war effort,. She would try to focus more on the peacekeeping role of the Jedi, even though she doesn’t think of herself as one. 

Timeskip to around Season 7: Fives catches word of the bullshit on Scako Minor, and realizes that Echo is alive. He wants to contact Echo, but realizes that he’s not in a spot to do it without risking his ally’s efforts (btw they’ve pretty much developed the cure by now). So he contacts Ahsoka, who’s about to speak with the Jed about Maul and Manalore. He asks her to take him along, so that he has a chance of speaking with and persuading Rex. She agrees, and he also gets her to talk it through with Anakin. After their discussion, Ahsoka realizes the identity of the Sith controlling the senate.

She goes and tells Obi wan, and together they confront Anakin and convince him to not do anything rash, effectively holding back his dark side turn for now.

Meanwhile Fives confronts Rex and Echo (he didn’t join the Bad Batch), they get told the truth, and Fives shows them the chip-cure that all clones need to be exposed to. They have a huge speech in front of the 501st, who are convinced (not easily).

They have to go back to the plot, though, and Anakin is wrestling with his feelings the whole time whist saving the Chancellor. When he doesn’t kill Dooku it raises suspicion from Palpatine, but he doesn’t act on it for his master plan is almost complete. Ahsoka’s story is mostly the same, save for the speed of it. With the entirety of the 501st fighting with their whole hearts, Ahsoka, Rex, Fives, Echo, and Bo apprehend Maul, although Jesse is left in rough shape. Lux and his ‘rebel’ organization meet them on Mandalore and equip all of the 501st with th cure. They then take off and try to spread it as quickly as possible to the rest of the clone army.

Anakin, brash as ever, decides to confront Palpatine in lieu of the Jedi Masters, while Obi wan lets them know about the chips and the Sith. Palpatine plays with Anakin, but once he realizes that he’s been pushed towards the light, he becomes angry, and basically kidnaps Anakin. After that he enacts Order 66. Unfortunately for him the 501st managed to cure a good chunk of the Army thanks to Plot Holes. About of a 1/4 of all Jedi do die, though.

The Senate realizes that the war was not what they thought after the Jedi reveal most of the truth. Bail is elected to Chancellor, and Padme worries about her husband who’s currently being held by Darth Sidious. The facade of the ‘separatists’ falls away and is revealed to the Empire, looking to take over the galaxy. In response the Republic begins using civilian soldiers, the Jedi fighting to retain control over the Clone Army (for fear of generals like Pong Krell taking over) but resolving to fix the issues and darkness within their temple first.

After this I’m not sure exactly what happens, but I do know a few things

Anakin has to struggle with his darkness and the manipulation/torture Palpatine puts him through while being captured.

Ahsoka rejoins the Jedi and leads the Reformation movement, fighting to alter their code into one that better represents the core values of the Jedi

She also accepts the title of General, leading the 501st in Anakin’s absence, and becoming a renowned leader/fighter/peacekeeper

Obi wan is promoted to Grand Master and has to struggle with the influence of power and how he wasn’t able to recognize the influence of the Sith

The clones grapple with the implications of their chips and their place in a world with dwindling need for them

Padme must raise her children and fight for the rights of all Republic soldiers.

Anakin turns into a Winter Soldier-esque weapon for the Empire??

Skywalker twin bullshit

This is all subject to change and shamelessly fan service (it’s me, I’m the fan), so I’ll stop yapping now and start hyperfixating about this AU

Design sheet for my new Star Wars AU :)

I’ll rb with the details, but can we just appreciate my girl for a sec?

[faithstrxng]

headcanon

Lyra is very into the origins of the Jedi Order, particularly the Je’daii. So it follows that that her interests center around Tython as the pivotal center of the beginning of the Jedi Order, rather than other worlds that have their own stories as being the location of the first Jedi Temple such as Ahch-To, Coruscant, Jedha, and Ossus.

When she was young she would fantasize about travelling into the Deep Core to see Tython for herself, to experience how sensitive and strong in the Force it was, and seeing the moons Ashla and Bogan that inspired the earliest understanding of the Light and the Dark.

[arthenaa]

LOVE IN THE DARK

RENGOKU KYOUJURO X READER

Summary : Saving your life by turning you into a demon by Tamayo, she offers your services for intel to Kagaya Ubayashiki who warmly accepts the offer. You come to the Demon Slayer headquarters at night to deliver information when you bump into an all familiar Flame Hashira.

content : gender neutral, angst w fluff, canon divergent, ppl being mean bc ur a demon , u look at ubayashiki as ur father figure aw

Everything feels .... heavy.

You could remember the feeling of being cold, the smell of blood and how heavy your body felt. You tried opening your eyes, warm light seeping into the darkness. Suddenly a pair of cold hands gently hold your shoulders.

“Easy. Yushiro grab more bandages and one of my stashes from the lab.”

Your eyes slowly open, trying to focus your gaze on the woman beside you. The last thing you remembered was when a strange man suddenly attacked your family. Your oldest brother screamed at you to flee as that man bit into his arm. You could only run in fear, blood trailing behind you. You weren’t even sure if it was yours.

“W-Where am I?” You whispered. Your throat was sore and you felt like a train ran into you. The woman gently pats your forehead, a smell lulling you to a state of calmness. Another person suddenly walks into the room, carrying what you suspected was what the woman ordered. The man settles beside her as he hands her a suspicious container. 

“Drink first. I’ll explain later.” She smiles before helping you sit up. You weakly grasp for the container, surprising yourself as you gulp it down like you haven’t drank in days. You wipe your lips after but shock only fills your brain as you look down at the red tint on your wrist. 

“W-What?”

“You were almost dead, dear.” The woman mumbles as she sets the container to the side. “I had to do what I can to save you. I’m Tamayo and this is Yushiro. We found you outside our place all bloodied and near death.”

“What did you make me drink?” You whisper as you look at her with fear. The panic creeping back in. You glance towards the mirror situated at the front of the bed, your eyes were different. You felt different.

“Blood.” Tamayo gently grasps your hand. “Human blood specifically. I turned you into a demon with my own and we had to make sure that you were neutralized before feeding you.”

You could only stare at yourself as Tamayo continues to explain what happened and what attacked you. You felt empty. You didn’t feel like yourself. This woman had saved you by turning you into something that if you told someone you’d probably think you were crazy.

“I know you’re feeling confused and shocked about everything but do not worry.” Tamayo’s eyes were warm despite her cold temperature. “I’ll be here to guide you through it.”

You could only bask into the warmth of her expressions as if its the only thing convincing you that you were alive.

_______________

“This is them young master.”  A demon slayer mumbles as he goes into a protective stance in front of a raven haired man. You look at the man with lifeless eyes as you kneel in front of him.

“You’re the Y/N Tamayo spoke of, correct?” His gentle voice felt like a soft breeze that blew against your skin. This man was the leader of an organization that had its primary goal to destroy people like you. Demons.

When you were able to properly recover, you had tried your very best to make yourself useful for Tamayo. She had saved you and even kept you under her wing when you didn’t have anywhere to go to. You were mostly her errand runner. You collected the blood donations from those who were willing to give and even gathered intel on the current whereabouts of certain demons. Recently, Tamayo had been in contact with the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. You weren’t sure what it was until Tamayo came up to you for a job. 

“You have to provide Kagaya Ubayashiki information about the locations of the Upper Moons. If possible, even Muzan. You’re under their radar so I think its possible.”

You feel the dangerous auras of the soldiers standing beside him. “Yes. I’ve done side jobs for Tamayo that require gathering information. I’ll try my best in helping you with your plans.”

Ubayashiki smiles. “Then, I’ll expect you around from here on out, Y/N.”

_______________

You had returned from gathering intel regarding the whereabouts of 2 lower moons when you heard of the existence of another demon in the headquarters. You tightly grasp the handle of your wagasa as you lean against the wall, listening in on the conversation between two Kanoe ranked slayers. 

“Apparently the Hashiras had a meeting with a member of the corps who had his sister turned into a demon. Even with the scent of blood, she didn’t attack anyone.” One slayer mentioned. You look down at the ground, surprised at the news. Even you, who drank only when needed, still salivated under the scent of blood. Which is why Tamayo had given you a handkerchief that had a scent blocker. It helped you on many occasions. 

You went on to deliver the information to the young master. You had closed your umbrella off when a sudden eerie feeling of someone standing behind you. You turned around as fast as you could, eyes widened with fear as you looked at the culprit in front of you. Flaming locks of orange and a wide eyed gaze, the Flame Hashira himself stood before you. The Hashiras were aware of your existence but disapproved of it. The master himself was the only reason why you were able to freely enter and exit the premises and with the existence of another demon in the headquarters, the Hashira felt more dangerous than ever.

“F-Flame Hashira.” You tried to mumble out as your eyes immediately looked down to the floor by instinct. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

A long silence. You could feel the cold wind of the night brush past you. The intensity of his stare prickling your skin. The man leans down causing you to look up at him.

“For a demon with superhuman abilities, you seem awfully unaware of your surroundings.” He smiles before leaning back up. You bite your lip in embarrassment.

“I-It’s because I trusted the master enough to know that I will not be harmed by your people.” You reply. Rengoku crosses his arms in a calculative stance. 

“And if I cut you down right here right now?”

You stare at him, analyzing his body language. “You’re not like that I believe. I’d be convinced if it was the Wind or Snake Hashira however you only battle when there is a need or urgency. My existence may pose a harm to your beliefs but I have not done anything to warrant your blade against my neck.”

Rengoku continues to stare at you for a while before bursting out, laughing. “I can see why the master protects you. The existence of two demons inside the headquarters are sure enough of a headache however if it grants us victory then so be it.”

He gently pats your head before walking away. You could only stare at the space he once was when you hear your once dead heart beat again.

_________________

“Your Ms. Tamayo’s informant?” Tanjiro smiles on his bed as he gently pats the small demon on his lap. You look at the gentle sleeping form of his sister before looking up at him.

“Yes. She asked me to visit you and inform her of your current state of health.” You reply. Tanjiro had asked to be moved to a private room with closed curtains so that his sister may freely move around during the day. It was currently night time but convenient since there weren’t any people around. Tanjiro nods in understanding.

“I’m doing alright. I was surprised to know that a demon had already been working for the corps. I was scared that they’d harm Nezuko but I’m relieved.” He sighs as he continues to lull his sister to sleep. “How about you? How are you feeling?”

It had been awhile since you had a normal conversation with someone other than Yushiro or Tamayo. One that didn’t involve demons and slayers. One that asked how you were too. You gently chuckled at the question while the young boy tilted his head in confusion. “I’m doing alright. No need to worry about me.”

Tanjiro hums before grinning once again. “Rengoku-san mentioned you once in passing. He visited me a few days ago, curious about Muzan’s whereabouts I believe and then he said, “I do remember a person who also visits during the night. I believe you’ll be well acquainted with them. They are quite adorable.” Word per word!”

Tanjiro looked quite proud of himself for remembering the ever energetic man’s words but you could only look at him as if he had grown another pair of eyes. “He … called me adorable?”

“Mhm!” Tanjiro hums. “He said you reminded him of a turtle I think? Or was it a dog …. “

Certainly enough, you could feel a phantom heat surge through your cheeks. You stand up from your seat, bowing towards the siblings. “Take care, both of you. Thank you for the opportunity.” Then you bolted out of the room, leaving the young slayer in confusion.

________________

You could feel the death stares of two Hashiras stabbing the side of your head. 

Ubayashiki had encouraged you to join the meeting as you had valuable intel to share. He had called the Flame, Wind, Snake and Water Hashira over for a debrief. They hadn’t expected you to join.

“We can do well without a demon informant. For all we know they could’ve been an informant of Muzan too.” The Wind Hashira, Sanemi grumbles. Obanai grunts in agreement. You try to make yourself as small as possible on your seat beside the door. 

“This demon is a valuable asset to our plans. Most of your missions and the information we gathered are all thanks to them.” Ubayashiki calmly replies. 

“With all due respect Oyakata-sama, I agree with Sanemi. They may have contributed a lot but we’re almost done with our plans. We have to discard this method now before anything goes wrong. We don’t even know if they’re under the control of Muzan.” Obanai responds. The Water Hashira stays silent but with the amount of experience you had in knowing body language from gathering intel, you knew he was on their side. You glance at the Flame Hashira who still had a neutral expression. 

“Tamayo had assured us that there is no influence of Muzan on Y/N and so far, they have not exhibited behavior that would allow expulsion or harm from our side.” Ubayashiki argues. The young master glances at Rengoku who has been uncharacteristically quiet the whole time. “Kyojuro? Your thoughts?”

Your head bows down with a feeling of dread down your neck. Somehow, you were afraid that Rengoku would take their side. Your fingers grasp the fabric of your pants tightly.

“They’ve proved themself useful so far and we’ve come such a long way because of them. I don’t think it would be wise to remove them.” Rengoku looks at you with an uncertain emotion in his eyes. You look up at him in surprise. 

The three scoff in silence while the young master smiles. “Then the matter is solved. Onto the main course of this meeting. Y/N?”

You let out a shaky breath. 

Why were you glad? You knew that ever since you had turned into this, people would treat you differently and yet the warmth that evokes from Rengoku made you feel normal again. Once the meeting had ended, Kagaya had asked you for a short talk. The Water Hashira had remained to keep watch of the young master but far enough for both of you to talk. You stared at the cup of tea that one of his children had offered you.

“Has everything been faring well for you?” He asks as he gently raises his cup to drink. You gently hum in response. He smiles before placing the cup down. You stare at his features, taking note of how his illness had begun to spread. It only felt like yesterday when you met the young master, eyes still clear and his expressions less painful. “You worry for me.”

Your eyes widened. “How did you-”

“You always stay quiet when you observe. You take your time and then you make your move.” He mumbles as he looks to the open space to the side of the room where the garden is situated. A breeze flows past him, his raven locks gently moving back and forth.

“It’s spreading faster.” You bite your lip as you begin to acknowledge the feelings of fear. You had grown rather attached to the man who sits before you. Not in a close type of way but just his existence. It calms you the same way your father did. Losing him felt like you were losing family once again. “I-If we could just ask Lady Tamayo and the Insect Hashira then-”

“Y/N.”

Your body tenses at the stern tone. You look up at him hesitantly but the man only flashes you with a soft smile. 

“It’s best not to worry about the impossible. It’ll only confuse you even further.” Ubayashiki smiles. “Live your life, Y/N.”

____________

“Ah, the informant. We meet again!”

The Flame Hashira himself had yet again appeared before you. Just like your previous encounter, after gathering intel you had visited the Master’s headquarters to deliver the information. When you turned to a corner, it took you by surprise to see the flame user. 

“Lord Rengoku.” You bow in respect. The Hashira laughs softly.

“No need for that. You make me sound like I’m my father.” He smiles. He looks out at the night sky. “I know you’re on your way to deliver information. May I be granted permission to escort you?”

You sigh before nodding. It was no use in saying no to this man. His entire existence seemed impossible to say no to. The Hashira gleefully walks beside you as you both make your way to the Master’s chambers. 

“Forgive me for asking but why do I always see you here at night?” You glance at him curiously. He hums softly, thinking of his answer.

“No reason really. I just like to make rounds during this time. Keeps me alert.” He replies. You nod in understanding.

“How about you? You always seem to carry an umbrella around but as far as I know you gather information when the moon is up.” He asks. Your hand feels heavy as you hold your wagasa in your palm. 

“It’s also my weapon. It makes using my abilities easier.” You reply with a gentle smile. When you first discovered your demon art, it surprisingly harmed you. The power to wield frost really got out of hand as you’d almost freeze a room or someone by accident. Even yourself. Yushiro attested to this. Yushiro and Tamayo helped construct a medium that would help you control your powers. You were really grateful for them helping you out.

Rengoku stops in his tracks causing you to stop as well. Just like in your first meeting, he had begun to stare at you again. “Lord Rengoku?”

He lets out a breath as he brushes a stray strand of hair that fell against your cheek. “You don’t look like one.”

Your breath hitches. “Huh?”

“You don’t look like a demon.” He mumbles quietly before moving his hand back. Your eyes look up at his unreadable face. You wanted to ask more. Why did he say that? What did he mean? But all of that was cut short when one of Ubayashiki’s guards had called you. You both spend a few minutes of silence together before Rengoku bows slightly then leaves. Once again, you stare at the space where he once was, unable to grasp the intentions of Rengoku Kyojuro.

_____________

“I’m here on Oyakata-sama’s orders.” You stand before Kanao, the Insect Hashira’s tsuguko. She had been guarding the front gate, wary of your arrival before finally letting you in. You had been here in direct orders to deliver a sample of an antidote to Shinobu herself. The Insect Hashira was working all night so this was a perfect chance to accomplish what you had been ordered. You entered the Butterfly estate with hesitant steps. The woman who ran this household had used her medical expertise to give demons the most painful death possible. She was one of the people you didn’t want to be on the wrong side of …. Although technically you already are. Kanao leads you to a living area where three young girls greet you. 

“The Insect Hashira informed us that you’d be visiting with the package! She’s not here right now but she’ll be arriving soon. We were tasked to deliver this to her room.” One of the girls said. You nod before carefully giving the sample to her. “We’ll be right back.”

The three of them run off to deliver the package leaving you with Kanao. You spare a glance to the young tsuguko who only stares ahead with an unreadable look. Both her and the Insect Hashira have the same expression. You were about to comment on it before a loud shatter is audibly heard from where you are. Kanao flinches in worry before dashing off to where the sound is. You follow carefully from behind, curious as to what happened. Before you could see what it was, the familiar scent of blood began to waft around you.

Oh no.

Sweat begins to form against your forehead as you lean against the wall, hands trying to grab the handkerchief. You couldn’t find it. Where is it? Where the fuck is it-

The smell begins to grow stronger and saliva begins to build up in your mouth. You look up at the scene before you and your eyes grow in shock. One of the girls had broken an empty vial since there was no evidence of spilled liquid around, injuring their hand. The other two had the injured girl wrapped in their arms in a protective stance as Kanao stood in front of them, sword unsheathed. 

In such a short amount of time, they had turned against you.

You felt disgusted by yourself.

You tried to explain yourself when a sudden burst of force knocked you towards the wall. You couldn’t even process the second it happened. A sudden rush of pain bursts through your arm. Your arm had broken and the wall behind you had been damaged by the force. You grunt in pain as you try to understand what happened then you see it. You see the dangerous glint in his eyes. The Flame Hashira was suddenly in front of you, blade turned towards you with a hostile stance. You knew that if you had tried to move, you would be dead.

You could feel yourself choking up the feeling of pain and sadness. He looked at you differently now. Moving as slowly as you could with a broken arm, you bow with your head against the floor. “I-I do not have any intentions of harming anyone. Please forgive me.”

There was no reply. They do not trust you.

With a shaky breath, you decide if this is where you’ll die then so be it. “If you wish to strike me for my behavior go ahe-”

“Stop.” The gentle voice of the Insect Hashira had startled everyone in the room. You made no moves to lift your head from the floor. Rengoku glances at his comrade before lowering his sword. “What are you doing here, Kyojuro?”

The girls slowly become less tense as they see the head of the estate. Rengoku smiles at Shinobu. “I was sent here to come get you once you were able to receive the sample. Seems like I was too early.”

Shinobu nods before glancing at you. “Leave. You’ve done your job.” Then she turns to her apprentices. “Come. I need to patch Aoi up and talk to the four of you. Wait for me outside Rengoku.”

You nod before moving yourself up and trying your best to bolt out of the estate as fast as you can. As you walk down the step of the stairs, a hand grabs your wrist. Smelling the familiar scent, you don’t turn around. 

“I’m sorry.”

You look back towards him with a sad smile. “It’s alright. I’ve learned to accept the moment I turned into this that I’d always be faced with hostility. You acted because it was your duty.”

You pulled your wrist away from him before disappearing into the night, failing to notice a sad pair of eyes lingering on your form. 

_________________

It was done. It was finally finished.

What you all had worked so hard for.

Muzan was dead.

And aside from that, Shinobu and Tamayo had been able to create an antidote that turned demons back to humans. You had helped in delivering the antidotes to all those who had been affected. There were many losses but now the air felt lighter. 

You place a bouquet of flowers on a grave before making a short prayer. A breeze of air brush past you, gently tousling your hair. You had missed the feeling of the sun against your skin. You stare up at the cherry blossoms moving against the wind, a gentle smile on your lips. 

“You still seem to be quite the same, you know?” A familiar voice startles you from your peaceful reverie. You look to your side to see a familiar face. The face you’ve grown to miss so dearly. You had sobbed so much when you saw his injured form rushed into the Butterfly estate. After losing an arm, he still looked quite handsome. He places another bouquet of flowers beside yours, looking down on it with a gentle smile. “He sure is proud of what you’ve done.”

You both stare at the Ubayashiki family grave in silence, allowing the sounds of nature to do the talking. Your comfortable silence was then cut off when Rengoku clears his throat.

“I’m still sorry for what I’ve done back at the estate. I really should’ve just tried to understand the situation. I knew you wouldn’t do that and yet-”

“Rengoku.” You smile. “It’s alright. It hurts but I understand why you’ve done it.”

He nods, still not quite convinced that you’ve forgiven him. You laugh softly at his expression before holding his hand. “You really made me feel normal through all the times we interacted. I’m glad we had the chance to talk.”

He smiles. “Me too. I felt like I was just a normal guy talking to you. I strangely didn’t see you as a demon.”

“Well I’m really not a demon now am I?” You squeeze his arm in a joking tone. He laughs at your joke before silence ensues between the both of you again. You stare at each other with a fond look. 

“If I knew that all of that would come to this. I should’ve taken the chance to get closer to you.” Rengoku whispered. You tilt your head in curiosity.

“What do you mean?” You replied softly. Rengoku steps closer, brushing a stray strand back against your ear. He smiles.

“Will you allow me to get the chance to know you once more?” He presses a soft kiss on the back of your hand. “Properly this time.”

Your cheeks heat up at the gesture before nodding. “I would love to.”

This time you knew that you wouldn’t have to hide in the dark anymore.

[reloha]

@neoputo: #omg i never thought abt it like that#they really are a jock and a nerd#but also its funny how the first impression is crowley as the jock and aziraphale as the nerd#i mean i think both are both and thats the fun of it#theres white in the black and black in the white and they really do compliment each other#i really love their dynamic#the whole shades of grey thing i love it

There’s white in the black and black in the white.

This is essentially the yin and the yang. The small circles in each half represent this, the elements of one inside the other.

(Note: I'm just using some of the Wikipedia article for this, but obviously one would go to other sources for deep research. Wikipedia is more of a source for finding sources, really.)

Yin and yang (/jɪn/ and /jæŋ/), yinyang,[1][2] or yin-yang[3][2] is a Chinese philosophical concept that describes opposite but interconnected forces. In Chinese cosmology, the universe creates itself out of a primary chaos of material energy, organized into the cycles of yin and yang and formed into objects and lives. Yin is the receptive and yang the active principle, seen in all forms of change and difference such as the annual cycle (winter and summer), the landscape (north-facing shade and south-facing brightness), sex (female and male), the formation of both men and women as characters, and sociopolitical history (disorder and order).[4]

Taiji or tai chi (simplified Chinese: 太极; traditional Chinese: 太極; pinyin: tàijí; lit. 'great pole') is a Chinese cosmological term for the "Supreme Ultimate" state of undifferentiated absolute and infinite potential, the oneness before duality, from which yin and yang originate. It can be compared with the old wuji (無極, "without pole"). In the cosmology pertaining to yin and yang, the material energy which this universe was created from is known as qi. It is believed that the organization of qi in this cosmology of yin and yang has formed many things.[5] Included among these forms are humans. Many natural dualities (such as light and dark, fire and water, expanding and contracting) are thought of as physical manifestations of the duality symbolized by yin and yang. This duality lies at the origins of many branches of classical Chinese science and philosophy, as well as being a primary guideline of traditional Chinese medicine,[6] and a central principle of different forms of Chinese martial arts and exercise, such as baguazhang, taijiquan (tʻai chi chʻüan) and qigong (chʻi kung), as well as appearing in the pages of the I Ching.

The notion of duality can be found in many areas, such as Communities of Practice. The term "dualistic-monism" or dialectical monism has been coined in an attempt to express this fruitful paradox of simultaneous unity and duality. Yin and yang can be thought of as complementary (rather than opposing) forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts.[7] According to this philosophy, everything has both yin and yang aspects (for instance, shadow cannot exist without light). Either of the two major aspects may manifest more strongly in a particular object, depending on the criterion of the observation. The yin and yang symbol (or taijitu) shows a balance between two opposites with a portion of the opposite element in each section.[citation needed]

In Taoist metaphysics, distinctions between good and bad, along with other dichotomous moral judgments, are perceptual, not real; so, the duality of yin and yang is an indivisible whole. In the ethics of Confucianism on the other hand, most notably in the philosophy of Dong Zhongshu (c. 2nd century BC), a moral dimension is attached to the idea of yin and yang.[8]

Yin and Yang on Wikipedia

"You don't just see things in black and white. Sometimes, you've just gotta blur the edges."

[oibkenobi]

why i don't accept the sequel trilogy

that's so dramatic, and it's more to do with the whole "i get to cherry pick what star wars is to me" than anything particularly blasphemous about the sequels. and i swear this is the only time i'll be talking about the sequels on my blog. so here's my criticism of the sequels, just based of their premise.

one thing i always look for in media, and am very picky about, is that they're telling a story. that means that, from the beginning, good media has a cohesive narrative that it's telling. i find that, in a majority of situations, once (mainly about tv shows) pass that original premise and don't end the story then and there, it no longer is good, because the story it was made to tell is done, so adding new stuff on will

1) never be as good as the original story [because when you're making some media with a premise, you're building things around that story, i.e. here's the hero, the villain, this is the journey this character goes in, their arch, et cetera, whereas if you're working past that story, those characters and setting no longer make sense. i feel like it has to do with people liking the characters and setting they've made, but it is no longer the organic path they were meant to go on. not to name drop, but I feel this is where shows like the 100 and tvd ended up -- actually most of the cw, whereas something i've seen that does this well is uk tv shows, like derry girls, where they had three seasons of 6 half-hour episodes, and ended it at that when they story had reached its end] 2) bring down the quality of the franchise as a whole [the story is over, and then this happens, oh and then this, you're stretching something as far as you can to milk it. if you're ok with doing that, you're going to end up in a position where you feel like you have to keep on generating and extending that idea, just to get as much as you can out of it, and it's not going to be good anymore]

now, for all the criticisms of the writing of star wars *cough* dialogue *cough*, what george lucas is (and this is all my opinion so i don't want anyone to give theirs cause that has nothing to do with mine) excellent at are these overarching, cohesive narratives. he developed really great characters with compelling stories.

the main one we see is the overarching one of lucas' star wars: the fall and redemption of anakin skywalker. the prequels showed anakin's fall from chosen one, and the circumstances that led him to the dark side. the original trilogy tells the story of his son trying to be like his father [ie a jedi] while also choosing a different path [not making the mistakes anakin did, choosing the light], and working with his friends to stop vader and, as a consequence, bring him back to the light. it also ends with the defeat of The Evil, and there aren't many stories you could make past that one once that happens.

or, the chosen one falls to the dark side, then with the help of his son, he is able to return to the light and end the sith, like that whole prophecy said. evil is defeated and good wins. (and ofc it's way more nuanced than this, but i'm trying to really simplify to illustrate my point)

that's a cohesive narrative, and the story ends in a way that makes sense. and this is why i don't like the sequels, just based off their premise.

and then evil comes back anyways and they have to fight them again, and then the original heroes die and then palpatine is alive again.

just from the premise of the whole first order and resistance, aside from just being pretty lazy rip offs of the original trilogy, are trying to extend the story beyond its natural end. if that was the story they wanted to tell, why not make the disney trilogy take place during the empire? [i mean obviously bc disney just wanted the money] because it doesn't fit into that narrative, it just and then-s it.

There are definitely more stories that could be told in that same universe that aren't carbon copies of the originals, star wars: visions does a great job with all the premises they create, most of which might have evolved into an incredibly compelling disney trilogy that would make sense with the existing canon.

[self indulgent what i might do while keeping some elements of the disney trilogy, to follow, a very half-formed idea, can skip for more of my critique bellow]

instead of the first order, as this new giant/overwhelming evil like the empire, perhaps it's about hunting down the fringe remaining parts of the empire, and that's what the "first order" is, a wannabe empire that does evil on a smaller scale [like a bunch of gangs who raid and attempt to attack innocent worlds, but don't have a military], but still pose a real threat [and there wouldn't need to be a rebellion resistance, because that's already been done].

they don't need a menacing inhuman figure at their head (snoke = bad copy of palpatine), or a giant superweapon (i mean come on, just make it a third death star, if you're copying own up to it). instead it could have been a story on a smaller scale; a main issue brought up in the prequels especially is the neglect of smaller worlds and the outer rim. those could be what the first order is targeting, enough of a nuisance that jedi are sent to deal with them, but not so much that the new republic need to get involved. that way it resolved that problem that no one else seemed to care about, which is what i think the jedi order should be. i saw a post somewhere [and pls lmk if you find it], but it talks about how being a jedi is an act, it's a choice. like when f saves the village in the village bride, even though she's alone, because it's the right thing to do. or like in kenobi, when nari risked exposure to help the saloon owner, because that's what jedi do. idk that's just what i thought of on the spot.

but that brings me to another thing, it makes no sense to me that there are suddenly no more jedi again. like even if all of luke's students died [stupidly, it was stupid], this is luke, a new hope. he'd teach more. he cares so much about the jedi, it gave him a purpose, it helped him and he gets to use it to help people. to have the jedi be wiped out again is just laziness. there's nothing special about being The Only Jedi, being a jedi is unique on its own, and i think especially with how the ot and pt didn't really have jedi working together, that might have been something interesting to show, especially as a contrast to the order of old. it also might have been an intersting parallel, the first order as a fringe group vs a new jedi order, as sort of a rematch of the prequels, demonstrating how luke's new order is changed from the old one, and how the evil of the empire, no matter how persistant, could never pose a true threat to the jedi. after all, the jedi were only wiped out [withholding arguments as to how they were overly political and weaker than they should have been], because the sith played dirty.

speaking of sith, the nights of ren could be this sort of wanna be sith, the same was the first order is a wanna be empire. they wouldn't be Sith, because the last of the true sith had been defeated, but instead the latest attempt at it, while being their own distinct entity.

but as a final note, where the ot gang would be should have been drastically different, to make people who spent their whole lives fighting to defeat an evil, only to have it come back, then die, is a shitty message and not what the characters deserve. let luke be the wise master at the head of the order. let leia be a political mover and shaker, still fighting for good [also let her also be a jedi just as a treat for me]. let han still be trying to do good, even if he roles his eyes a bit while doing it. let lando be there, because he was just as essential as the others and billy dee is the best. but also, let them be together, show that they're still friends, that they're happy. write about a new generation that has benefited from them, but don't do it at the expense of the characters. just anything else from what it was; a mess with no cohesive, overall narrative.

[self indulgence finished]

i've seen people try and breakdown the overall narrative of the "skywalker saga" [which is a name i hate btw], and they'll literally say but/and then when they get to the sequels, because it is an unnecessary add on. there was an ending, it was a party on endor, and it was hopeful and wonderful and there was nothing more that need to be added on. so for me, the main issue is that the sequel trilogy was unnecessary.

but it doesn't stop at an unnecessary add on, because, if you're going to call it an overarching saga, to argue that the sequels are a necessary continuation of the story, it kinda means that one of lucas' trilogies becomes irrelevant.

the narrative is no longer about the fall and redemption of anakin skywalker, because he has nothing to do with the sequels. it has to be something else. for example, if we're going to say that the "skywalker saga" is about the rise and fall of the sith, specifically palpatine, from power, then the original trilogy doesn't really matter anymore, does it? it becomes a bit of a detour, because nothing of consequence to that narrative happens. you could literally take it out, and it still makes a cohesive story.

or, if we're going to say it's about the struggle to defeat the evil of the empire, then the prequels don't fit in that narrative either, do they? we don't need to know how the empire came to be, if the story is about how difficult it is to rid the galaxy of evil. so difficult that it's a constant battle, et cetera. so those can go...

do you get my issue?

of course the easiest remedy for this, and the one i'm sticking to, is just completely ignoring the sequels, because they're not necessary, and sort of ruin the other two.

of course there are many issues i have with the content of the sequels, mainly to do with what i think is really out of character behaviour, but i think that this remains my biggest issue.