#though flips aren't among them

[ozzgin]

[Baki Masterlist]

Yandere! Pickle x Reader

"Was that Hanayama on the phone?" you inquire slightly distracted. "What did he want?"

"I'll explain more on the way, (Y/N). I know it's a bit sudden, but we should hurry."

Baki grabs your wrist with gentle confidence and begins to sprint lightly, allowing you to match his pace.

"What the hell? Did something happen?" you increase your speed without complaints, though you'd like to know why you just started running like a madman.

"Remember that caveman we saw on TV?"

"Pickle? Yeah, how is that-" your mouth hangs open for a few more seconds as you process the information, and as everything finally clicks into place you furrow your brows at the young boy. He quickly turns his head to glance at you and flashes an apologetic smile.

"I just wanted to see him with my own eyes. Aren't you curious, too?"

You press your lips together and just look ahead. When Baki is like this, there's no point in arguing. The two of you have developed this dynamic of a little brother looking for trouble and the older sibling going along with it, too softened by their affection to say no.

You assume you've reached your destination when a large group of men are standing close together, observing something in frightened silence. You push past them and notice Hanayama, standing casually in front of the large man that's been making the headlines for the past days. Your eyes trace the heavy dents and cracks left in the asphalt, somewhat regretful for missing the event that caused them.

Pickle turns around, following Hanayama's gaze. Among the terrified expressions there's a small boy grinning with excitement. Next to him is an even smaller human who immediately reminds Pickle of the woman that had approached him upon his arrival. His eyes widen as he takes in the soft features and smooth frame. The tiny human returns the stare, although with detached indifference. Pickle can feel his heart throbbing loudly in his chest. He doesn't sense any fear and that entrances him greatly.

"Hey, come on, don't be like that." Baki snaps him back to reality. "I've been looking forward to seeing you, you know? I wanted to meet you so badly! When I heard you escaped, I asked Hanayama to keep an eye out for me."

Pickle extends his fist, seemingly unimpressed by the monologue, and Baki doesn't hesitate to return the gesture. Within seconds Baki finds himself flipped upside down, but he quickly readjusts himself and lands safely, struck with amazement.

"Isn't that aikido?!" you gasp in disbelief, sharing Baki's reaction. Pickle immediately picks up on the fact that you've observed him and a satisfied smile appears on his face. Were you impressed by his newly acquired skills? Whatever bizarre techniques these humans were throwing at him weren't hard to decipher nor reproduce.

Pickle's musings are interrupted by a strong kick to the face. Baki barely manages to contain himself. He's panting and sweating with feverish anticipation.

Before Pickle can react, the tiny human swings her arm and whacks the boy behind his head.

"Oi! What's the matter with you? This is the kind of face you make when seeing your girlfriend, not some random museum exhibit. Tone it down or I'll let Kozue know what kind of pervert she's dating!"

"It's not like that!" Baki rubs his freshly earned wound in embarrassment. "And you didn't have to hit me that hard. You're going to scare Pickle off."

The large prehistoric man watches the exchange. He doesn't understand what they're saying, but the body language indicates that they're close. Are they mates? He becomes slightly irritated at the thought. He wants to know the pretty looking human better, but it now seems there's an obstacle in the way. He'll take care of it.

***

Pickle starts walking away, guiding his new friends down the busy streets of Tokyo until they reach the underground arena. Despite Tokugawa's anger upon finding the escape artist, you whistle in admiration. You wish you had this kind of spatial orientation.

"So, what is it you want to do now that you've brought us here?" Baki is the first one to break the silence.

"Baki, isn't it obvious what you're gonna do here? You know what's done here, don't you? He's picking a fight with you!" Tokugawa exclaims, the scolding attitude from a moment ago long forgotten.

The light above you is abruptly dimmed and you look up to see that Pickle is somehow standing inches away, towering over with a wide grin. How did it bypass your attention? Tokugawa lets out a yell of surprise; Hanayama and Baki immediately switch to a defensive stance. They didn't expect this.

"W-what is he doing?" the old man mumbles in fear.

Pickle places a heavy hand on your head and ruffles your hair lightly. You stare in confusion, unsure how to react. He bends over for a brief moment and inhales in rapid intervals, as if inspecting your scent. Once satisfied, he growls at you - perhaps in an attempt to communicate - and turns back to Baki.

"Is it possible he likes (Y/N)?" Hanayama hums, weighing his thoughts.

"In that case, maybe he sees Baki as his rival?" Tokugawa points out.

"Hmmm. Then it should make this fight even more entertaining." Hanayama continues.

"I'm in the room, you know? You're talking as if I'm some meat on display." you groan in annoyance.

"Sorry, sorry, (Y/N). We'll clear things up with Pickle after this, alright? Until then let me have my fun, please~" he pouts and looks at you with pleading eyes.

The large man grinds his teeth in anger as he's witnessing this clear display of disrespect. He's just announced his intentions to claim you, and this human half his size is mocking him in plain sight. He'll make sure he never gets up again. With a thrust, he lands his foot on Baki's chest and sends him flying into the public seating. The poor young boy gasps for air and passes out almost instantly.

Pickle begins to approach him in heavy, menacing steps. Hanayama raises his arms in his signature stance, pondering whether or not to interfere in someone else's fight. You don't share his battle etiquette and plant yourself in the path of the Jurassic man.

"That's enough. You've won." you claim in a low, assertive demand.

Pickle puckers his lips in surprise and curiosity. His eyebrows are raised and he stops to consider. Are you trying to protect your mate? Do you not understand how these things work? He's stronger and therefore entitled to his prize. Why wouldn't you want a partner that's more capable of protecting you, anyways? It makes no sense.

He gently presses your shoulder in an attempt to move you out of the way, but it doesn't seem to do much. He increases the force to the point he can feel your arm muscles contracting and flexing, though you still don't budge. His mouth opens slightly and he lets out an inquiring growl.

Looking into your eyes, he catches a glimpse of the same determination he saw in the man he fought recently. A smile widens on his face, revealing his polished fangs. To think that such a small body is holding so much tenacity. He's very proud of himself for finding a fitting partner.

You haven't attacked him so far, so he guesses you've reached a similar conclusion. You're probably asking him to let the feeble human live with his loss. He can, of course, show this courtesy for your sake. He lifts you by the waist and holds you above his head. He can finally take his time admiring your features. He wants to etch them into his memory, down to the finest detail.

"Well...that stopped him at least." Tokugawa comments with his arms folded, standing awkwardly before the bizarre scene.

"I doubt he'll harm (Y/N), so let's get Baki out of here." Hanayama climbs up the stairs towards the unconscious boy. "Can we leave you alone with Pickle for now, (Y/N)? I'm sorry for putting you into this situation."

"I should manage", you sigh in defeat. Once again you're left to deal with the mess. You pat Pickle's head in an attempt to secure your safety even further. The large man is elated and lets out some high pitched sounds that reverberate across the arena. He even dares to wonder if his awakening was something meant in order to meet you. That's how he feels right now, at least. A fateful encounter with his lifelong companion, regardless of where this strange new life might take him.

"Ooh, Professor Payne won't be happy about this..." Tokugawa laments, following Hanayama.

***

"I'm glad you're finally done with your Jurassic adventure", you tell Baki as both of you stroll through the city.

"I'm a bit salty I didn't win, though." He slouches dramatically and you laugh at his theatrics.

"You're never satisfied with anything. You should be grateful you didn't end up like Retsu, Katsumi or Jack." you place your index in front of his face, pretending to lecture him.

"By the way, did you see the latest news? They want to put Pickle back to sleep. What will you do?"

"Me? What business do I have with it? I had him attached to my hip this whole time, I can finally catch my breath."

"It was your one and only chance to have a boyfriend!" Baki teases you with a wink. "Poor Pickle is probably going mad looking for you now. Don't you want to at least say goodbye?"

"If I go say goodbye I won't leave again, so no thank you."

You slow down as you reach the intersection. This is where you usually part ways, so your conversation has come to an end.

"Well, it was nice hanging out with you. I'll see you around." the boy waves as he continues to the left. You check the time on your phone and stretch with a yawn. You can't wait to have a proper sleep.

You arrive at your apartment and fumble with your pockets to find the keys. When you glance at the lock, you notice a massive shadow looming over the entire wall. You step back instinctively and realize that whatever is creating the shadow currently stands behind you. Two arms sprawl out and twist around your body. You're overwhelmed by a now familiar smell.

Pickle rests his head on yours and closes his eyes. Oh, the absolute terror he went through when he realized you were no longer with him! The helplessness of not being to communicate this disaster to the confused humans in white coats, staring at him without the slightest idea. How did not a single one of them comprehend that his partner vanished? He'd trashed the place over in a blind rage and turned the city upside down in his desperate search. He never felt so vulnerable and naked and weak. Thankfully, he knows your scent so well that the smallest hint of it can get him running.  

But alas, you're here now in his arms and he vows to never lose you again. He doesn't know where he is or what this reality means, but he has one certainty he can cling onto. That you're all his, until time freezes over again.

[reidsaurora]

"Overnight" ~ S. Reid

Summary: When Spencer offers to clear out a drawer for Y/N in his dresser, it has him explaining some things he'd been hiding from her.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x GN!Reader (i think? i don't remember using pronouns in this lol)

Word Count: 814 why is she so short

Content Warning: allusions to sex but nothing in detail, mild mentions of nudity i guess, this whole fic is basically aftercare lol, lmk if i missed anything!

Genre: Fluff, what else did you expect out of me?

Extra Notes: i truly meant for this to be posted on time, i'm so sorry guys

Based On the Prompt: "The Things In That Drawer" from this year's @domaystic prompts

Originally Written: 05/08/2023

Beta Read By: @dungeons-are-too-cold (i love you literally so much)

Criminal Minds masterlist can be found here!

Nothing could get Spencer Reid in a sappy mood like a night of slow, passionate sex. Something about moments like these—the way he showered you in kisses, the sweet compliments he'd give you, the love he'd show you—just felt right. Like his embrace was exactly where you needed to be.

Spencer's hand settled on the soft skin of your hip, drawing various shapes with his fingertips. Your head rested against his chest, your hand moving up to his tummy. He placed a soft kiss on your hair, the scruff of his five-o'clock shadow scratching against your forehead lightly. "I love nights like this," he told you.

You craned your head to face him, kissing his cheek. "I do too. I just hate that it always ends so quickly," you said, thinking about the work nights where you had to head home early, not quite ready for the night to end but knowing that you needed to go home for a change of clothes.

"You know," he said, pausing to flip the two of you over, his body hovering over you, "I could always clear a couple drawers out for you."

Your eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. You'd been hinting at the idea for a while, lamenting about needing fresh panties or complaining about missing your skincare regimen. But Spencer hadn't seemed quite ready to take that step yet, so you didn't pressure him.

"Wait, are you serious?"

He nodded, bending down to kiss you on the lips this time. "I'll even let you pick out which one you want."

You practically pushed him into the floor as you jumped up. Spencer chuckled as you ran over to the dresser, pulling his boxers back on.

You pulled out the second drawer, where you knew his tee shirts were, grabbed one of his giant ones and tossed it on. "Any of them?"

"Mhm," he hummed, walking over and settling his hands on your waist. "Whichever one you want."

You considered it, eventually deciding on the bottom drawer. "What about-"

"Wait, Y/N, don't-" he shouted, reaching out to stop your hand.

He was too late, though. You pulled open the drawer, revealing an entire drawer of nerdy memorabilia. The lightsaber was the first thing that caught your eye, followed by a sonic screwdriver, and a couple geeky Pop Figures, among other things.

"You have a lightsaber," you examined.

Spencer scratched awkwardly at his neck. "Yeah, I guess I do."

You grabbed the lightsaber from the drawer, your face lighting up as you turned it on. "You have a lightsaber!"

He chuckled as you poked him in the ribs with the lightsaber. "You're having too much fun with this."

You set the lightsaber down on top of the dresser, turning back to the drawer. Next, you pulled out the infamous Jason Voorhees mask, holding it in front of your face. "Please tell me you've scared your coworkers with this."

Spencer let out another chuckle, taking the mask from your hands. "I got Morgan with it one time. He nearly choked on his coffee."

You continued snooping through the drawers, sifting through Polaroids of Spencer and his friend Penelope at various conventions, some D.C. comics, and a couple signed posters. Your heart nearly flipped when you spotted a picture of him dressed as the Joker. "Who did your face paint?"

"You're loving this, aren't you?"

A squeal escaped your lips as you threw your arms over his shoulders. "Spence, this is adorable! Why would you hide this from me?"

He sighed, somewhere between relieved and exasperated. "I didn't want you to think I was weird. I mean, I'm a grown man and I have a collection of legos and Batman comics?"

"Spencer, I think it's cute that you have something you love so much. You don't have to be afraid to show how much you love and support it."

He bent forward to kiss you again, pulling your body flush against his. "You really mean that?"

"I mean, any man that has the balls to wear makeup like that in public is sexy in my book," you kidded.

Spencer diverted your attention back to the drawer, pointing his chin toward the dresser. "Is that really the drawer you want?"

"Does it come with all the nerdy memorabilia?" you teased, poking his chest.

"In your dreams. I spent good money on those things." He rolled his eyes, leading you to the bathroom. His hands were warm and big on your bare skin, the feeling absolutely heavenly. He placed a trail of kisses along your shoulder up to your head before hooking his chin over your shoulder.

You lifted your head to face him, kissing his jaw. "Hey, does this mean we can go as the Joker and Harley Quinn for Halloween?"

"You know what? I think that might just be something out of my dreams."

-> taglist: @lowsodiumfreaks67 @drayshadow @alexxavicry @nomajdetective @kbakery @leigh70 @darkloverfox @sammyrenae68 @cherrycandle @asgardprincess97 @gh0stgurl @esposadomd @randomwriter1021 @eddieharrington @lunar-affection @givemeth @lavhoes @rhyanishere @cat-lockwood @danielle143 @marsmallow433 @handsupforamiracle @topguncultleader @mente-sindescanso @reverieofmgg @spencer-reids-adventures @ah-blossom @encyclo-reid-ia @reidselle @thevisionthedream @dungeons-are-too-cold @wwwonzeee @louderfortheback @reidsbookclub @annahalstead5021 @cwritesforfun @soapiebear @maelartasch @buckyyyismahhlife @cynbx @hellooitsrose

[moronkombat]

Hey! Could I get some headcanons about how Syzoth would be as a dad? I seen that you aren't well so take as long as you need to do them. I hope you feel better soon! 💚

tw: pregnancy

Syzoth is ecstatic at the news of his partner's pregnancy. He couldn't be hearing happier news

Actually breaks down into a sobbing and crying mess on his knees

The tears are for both joy and despair. He rejoices over this new found life but also apologies to the family he had failed to save

Loss is not unknown to him and he will never be able to truly live with the knowledge of his family's death. It is simply a part of him now

While he may, at times, feel conflicted about the pregnancy (feeling guilty for being too excited), Syzoth is, overall, in good spirits

He uses a lot of that guilt as motivation to protect his partner and their unborn child

Speaking of which, Syzoth is often worrying about your health and safety. He is terrified something horrid will befall you and your vulnerable growing child

Syzoth hovers around you frequently. At times, it feels as though he is standing right on top of you with how close he is

Truth be told, he doesn't even notice how clingy he is being with you. Wherever you go, he will follow

You need to get up and get something from the next room? Syzoth is your shadow. You want to take a bath? Now Syzoth does too. There is no alone time

Speaking to him about his worries has him apologizing but unsure of what to do. He is just so terrified of tragedy happening

He would really value a partner who understands this and accepts his methods, however overbearing they may be

Now, when it comes to the symptoms of pregnancy, Syzoth is at a loss

It is exceptionally different than the process he is used to but Syzoth is curious and motivated to learn

Finds it odd that a baby is carried inside until birth and questions how that can even be comfortable

His partner would laugh and tell him it's not exactly comfortable and something in him seems to flip

Never does he want his partner to be unwell so he tries his best to comfort you throughout your pregnancy

These attempts are...mildly successful. While he tries to cook for you, he is very much so not great at it

When he wants to rub your feet, he's a bit too stiff and rough or flat out ends up tickling you

He begins to feel quite down on himself for being unable to help much but he will be reassured by his partner

Obsessed with your stomach from the very start to finish. He is always hugging you around your waist

His favorite place to be his right next to you, arms locking you there

Eyes are closed and a cheek is pressed against a stomach that seems to grow more with life each day

He listens and waits, hoping maybe he will hear the soft chirping of his child. It is what he's used to after all

Instead of sounds there are sensations. The movement of your child shifting or lightly kicking is felt for the first time

Both you and Syzoth feel it together. How could you not? He is always clinging to you

His eyes widen and he looks to your stomach, puzzled. The wide eyed expression is...quite cute you think

Through a small laugh you tell him that he felt the baby kick and Syzoth is just in awe of how wonderful that is

He's quickly asking when the baby will kick again and you almost don't have the heart to tell him you aren't sure

Syzoth loves to lay his palm against your stomach. He feels connected to the baby when he does so

He will often hum very lowly as he rests his head against your midsection; a behavior that is popular among his kind

Syzoth would explain that the humming of a parent will sooth offspring while they grow

As delivery draws near, Syzoth becomes increasingly worried and agitated

He begins collected blankets, pillows and even debris from outside in order to build a nest as he is nervous about the baby being warm and having a place to sleep

Syzoth really fuses over making this little nest, wanting everything to be perfect. You decide to wait and tell him about the crib you ordered

When the time comes, he is a mess. He's pacing back and forth, terrified if you will be okay

The child between you two is...a hybrid and he isn't sure how easy the delivery will be on you

Labor is long and arduous with scares coming and going but all of those seem to dissipate when a small but strong cry is heard for the first time

The doctors let Syzoth hold the baby for a moment and he can't comprehend the small infant in his arms

He stares down at their screaming and wiggling form before he feels dampness at his cheek

He's crying, he's sobbing and then he is smiling. Syzoth holds your baby so close to him and says "I'm your dad! I'm your dad!" again and again

The doctors feel remorseful having to take the infant away and Syzoth is basically looking over their shoulders as they work

Syzoth would rush to his partner's side "Did you see? Did you see him? He's perfect, he's so wonderful!" and now he is crying again

All he wants to do is take you and your newborn home, bundle you two up in a nest and watch over you

Well, it turns out with Syzoth being the one bundled up and doting over the baby while you watch contently

Syzoth absolutely adores his child and is seldom to leave their side, humming next to them while they sleep and watching over them too

He thanks you over and over for giving him a family again. He tells you that he will never let you down

When the baby isn't sleeping, Syzoth is usually carrying them around. If he can't hold them then he will put them in a little makeshift wrap around him

You find the sight endearing and make sure to take lots of pictures of them

Syzoth wants to bring the baby absolutely everywhere you and him go. He is eager to show his child the world

His goal is to keep his family safe and happy. Nothing will ever stop him from that

[makingspiritualityreal]

Nakshatras Embodying Planets

It is a less known fact in the astrology community, even among those that have dipped into Vedic Astrology, that Parashara names certain Nakshatras as homes to deities, that represent specific planets. Each Nakshatra is represented by a Deity or a group of them, but not every Deity is linked with a behavior of a planet commonly known to mankind.

In practical terms, if your Moon is placed in one of these Nakshatras, the placement of the relevant planet will become very important in your life, almost as if your Moon Nakshatra fuses with the Nakshatra of how the Deity's ruling planet is placed in your horoscope.

These Nakshatras aren't in any way "superior" to others, simply more straightforward in their expression. Note also, that this situation becomes relevant only if the Moon is in the given Nakshatra, as the Moon represents the native's basic state of mind and state of being.

Mrigashira - The Embodiment of the Moon

Even though classically the Moon's favorite Nakshatra is Rohini and its exaltation point is Krittika, Mrigashira is the one represented by the deity of the Moon. So if your Moon is in Mrigashira, all the aspects of the Moon and its house placement will become crucial. You will also embody Lunar energy the strongest of all the zodiac, even as a man. The Moon is comforting, devotional and sensitive but fickle and clingy if the Moon is placed in a challenging position. It becomes imperative here to realise the value and strength of one's attachments.

Pushya - The Embodiment of Jupiter

As the house of Jupiter, Pushya Moons need to have a role teaching or giving in some way. The spiritual duty here is to practice sattva, spiritual satisfaction and purification from desires of Rajas and darkness of Tamas. That is accomplished through practicing generosity. Relatively the easiest placement from this list, as even a challenged Jupiter will have something to give. The struggle may come if other placements overcome the native and they become too greedy or completely loose purity of heart, but it takes a particularly difficult chart to accomplish that, where trauma can cause a person to lose their desire for energetic sacrifice for a higher purpose.

Ashlesha - The Embodiment of Rahu

For those with Moon in Ashlesha, Nodal stability becomes extremely important, as they are dealing with the fickleness and intensity of the Nodes daily. The Nodal influence can make these individuals extremely magnetic, but also cause darkness and ignorance, that they have a task to break out of. It also amplifies their desire nature, making it more difficult for them to meet their needs in a straightforward way. Using tools of psychology and spirituality is necessary for these people to find inner balance, and a strong Rahu here will ultimately ground itself. On the flip side, these natives may also be prone to addictions out of compensation, as they struggle to deal with their difficult inner world.

Magha and Uttara Phalguni - Embodiments of the Sun

If your Moon is in either of those Nakshatras, the Sun's position will become particularly important in your chart. Solar qualities will be particularly strong in you, such as healthy pride, integrity, independence but also lack of respect for opinions of others. Naturally, the Sun's position will modify the results you get. If the Sun is strong and well placed, it bestows the native with an honorable character and natural authority. If the Sun is struggling, the insecurity of the native will come out making them harsh and unfair.

[fuctacles]

a boy worth fighting getting trampled for

"trampled" for @corrodedcoffinfest BF event | T | 856 | Corroded King (implied and open for interpretation) | no cw | Black Friday, banter, open relationship, polycule-ish, appreciating Steve Harrington moment, canon-ish universe

"Was it worth it?"

"Yes!" Gareth and Jeff nod in unison.

"No," whines Eddie, thumbing at the rip in his beloved t-shirt. 

"Eh..." Doug makes a so-so motion with his palm.

Steve sighs. When they asked him for extra muscle on Black Friday, he should have expected an outcome like this. The whole band is brandishing various injuries from being trampled by other shoppers, the worst of which was Gareth's allegedly sprained ankle. He wasn't fussing about it only because a. his mother was a nurse and would look at it as soon as she was back, and b. he kind of deserved it. 

"Well, show me the loot, then," Steve says with a raised eyebrow, crossing his arms. The only thing he's seen so far was a shiny new amp he had the misfortune of carrying from the store to his car. 

Eddie digs through his pockets to brandish about half a dozen tapes, none with a cover Steve would recognize. He seems proud of his haul but sours under the unimpressed stare he gets. 

"I got a few vinyls for my folks," Doug shows off his findings, and Eddie scoffs loudly when he gets an approving smile from Steve.

"That's nice," he says. 

Gareth redeems himself by showing a gift for his sister, while Jeff bought probably two dozen string packs for his guitar. 

"Okay, these aren't actually as stupid as I thought," Steve admits reluctantly, sitting on a stack of tires. "Except for you," he points at Eddie. "You have a shitload of tapes already."

Eddie huffs, now him being the one to cross his arms. 

"Sorry, we're not showing what we got for you."

The rest of the guys start shushing him immediately, Jeff even going as far as throwing a string pack at his head. Eddie maturely flips them the bird. 

"You got me stuff?" Steve asks in surprise. 

"Duh," Gareth scoffs, and Jeff flicks him in the ear for it. "Ow! What was that for?!"

"Be nice, idiot," Jeff chastises him. 

With a roll of his eyes, Gareth turns to Steve. 

"You're basically a part of the band, we figured it would be nice," he shrugs. 

"But I'm not—"

Doug interrupts him before he can go further with his usual protests.

"You do a lot of the heavy lifting, you co-wrote two songs, and consistently charm venue managers into giving us gigs," he lists off on his fingers. "You're basically like Corroded Coffin's manager, so shut up."

"Yeah, you also give the best blowjobs," Eddie grins, because he loves to ruin a moment, and immediately shields his head from any missiles Jeff might throw his way. But the guy only hums in agreement. 

"That's true," he nods, making Steve flush pink. 

"Well, uh... thanks, I guess," he smiles, a little taken aback. "Waiting til Christmas might kill me, though," he admits with a chuckle. He's always been that kid who looked through all the nooks and crannies of the house to find the gifts early, too curious to sit around and wait. 

The band exchanges thoughtful looks among themselves; they nod and they shrug.

"I guess you can pick one," Jeff decides for all of them. 

Steve's eyes widen. 

"You all got me something?!"

"We couldn't agree on one thing," Doug sighs like it's a topic of a tiring debate. Which, knowing them, might have been.

Steve hums thoughtfully, looking over each of the boys as if his mind wasn't already made. He points his finger, feeling childishly powerful.

"Eddie. You gotta redeem yourself, man."

Eddie rolls his eyes but doesn't protest. He bends over the back of the couch to reach for his backpack, and Doug immediately grabs onto his back pocket with a sigh, so he doesn't topple over and add to his injuries. Once Eddie falls back on the cushions with a huff and fixes his hair, he pulls out a familiar packaging. 

Steve looks unimpressed. 

"If this is your way of redeeming yourself—"

But after brandishing a can of Farrah Fawcett hair spray, Eddie keeps pulling out more hair products, shampoos, and conditioners that are always sold out whenever Steve tries looking for them.

"Okay, fine. Consider yourself redeemed," he says reluctantly, and Eddie beams at him. He stands up to walk up to him and kisses him softly on the lips before squeezing in to sit between him and Doug. 

"See? Every time!" Gareth throws a hand towards them "He weasels himself out of anything!" 

"It's the dimples, I'm telling you." Jeff shakes his head in disappointment.

Steve, his arm already slung over Eddie, motions for Gareth.

"Well, come over and I'll kiss you too. What? You sprained your ankle and can't walk? Aw, what a shame."

Gareth hisses at him and shows him the finger, which Steve mirrors while making kissy faces. Eddie just preens under his embrace, content like the cat that got the cream. 

"Next year just please plan it better. Wear protective gear and stock the fucking first aid kit."

"You wear a fucking—"

Gareth is interrupted by Jeff's arm putting him into a headlock. 

"We will," he agrees for him. 

regulars: @blasvemous @wheneverfeasible @phantomcat94

[venerablemonk27]

Now that spring is here, we're starting to see some changes in the local bird population. New faces are starting show up, and even the year-round species are out singing and generally being visible. There's territory to claim and potential mates to attract, after all. But while many species are just arriving or passing through, one that's dear to me is just about ready to depart.

[ID: A male Dark-eyed Junco stands in the newly-revealed grass and dead leaves. Juncos are small birds, about the size of a sparrow. This one is the slate-colored variety, with a dark grey head and upper body, contrasting with bright white underparts. He's facing the camera and looking slightly to the left. His eye is dark brown, nearly black, and his triangular bill is pale pink. End ID]

The Dark-eyed Juncos are strictly winter residents of southern Wisconsin, preferring to nest in Canada, the Northeast US, and parts of Appalachia. This past weekend, I could tell they had migration on their minds.

[ID: Another male Dark-eyed Junco, standing among dead twigs and sunflower seed shells. This one is darker grey in the head and breast, with lighter grey on the wings and a bit of rust color on the back. End ID]

For most of winter it's fairly common to see a solitary Junco or pairs or small groups picking through the snow under the birdfeeders in our backyard. But now they're forming a flock of at least 30 birds, foraging together and singing their loose trilling song. It's as if they know they have a long flight ahead, and every moment of daylight must be spent filling the tank and gathering their compatriots.

[ID: A male Dark-eyed Junco forages in the twigs and leaves for scattered birdseed. Juncos scrape at the ground with both feet simultaneously in a little hop, then inspect the freshly-exposed ground for tasty morsels. This one is mid-scrape, with debris flying around it. End ID]

So I decided to sit on the deck with my camera for a while to bid the Juncos farewell until next winter. I've been scattering seed back there every so often, and the other birds aren't exactly neat or careful when digging through the feeder above. As such, the Juncos have lots to choose from while poking around between the squirrels and the Mourning Doves. Once I sat down, they didn't seem to mind me at all.

[ID: A female Dark-eyed Junco inspects the ground for bits of seed. The females are distinguished from the males by their paler grey upper parts, sometimes with more brown and tan shades mixed with the grey. End ID]

Though, the birds did seem to mind when my kid joined me on the deck, brandishing his bright green snow shovel. They scattered to the trees or the fence and stayed there until I convinced him to put the shovel away in favor of coating the deck boards in a thick layer of sidewalk chalk.

[ID: A female Dark-eyed Junco sits on a wooden fence, waiting patiently for the danger posed by a nearby four-year-old to pass. The wind is catching the white feathers on her left hip and flipping them up like the flounce of a skirt. End ID]

As the sun sank lower in the sky, I figured I better get dinner started. I spent another minute or two listening to the evening birdsong before capping my lens and helping to knock the chalk dust off my kid's coat and pants. This sudden activity caused the Juncos to scatter once again. Have a safe trip little ones. I'll see you when the snow flies.

[ID: A female Dark-eyed Junco stands in the dirt, looking at the camera with head cocked to one side, as though she's wondering what this person finds so interesting about her. End ID]

[interstellarsystem]

i have a question- you dont have to answer it- but how do you know if you're a fictionkin/otherkin/alterhuman? Im pretty sure i am but want to know a bit more/double check. Thank you -K <3

Hey, hopefully we can help, haha. Just a quick thing we want to clear up first--otherkin/fictionkin, nonhuman and alterhuman are not synonymous!

Otherkin: Identifying as something nonhuman.

Fictionkin: Identifying as a fictional character/species, can be nonhuman or human.

Nonhuman: Identifying as nonhuman. Otherkin are nonhuman, but there are other experiences that make one identify as nonhuman as well.

Alterhuman: Having an identity that does not follow whatever society deems to be "normal". This can include otherkin, nonhumans and fictionkin, but also experiences that don't involve nonhumanity, such as otherheartedness and systems! This is an umbrella term!

Anyway, onto the actual question:

In the end, all boils down to "do you identify as [thing]". This can be explained differently for a lot of people, and can be experienced in a lot of ways--but if you can say "I am [thing]" unironically, that's some form of nonhuman identity. Honestly, it's more than enough to at least try the label on if you wanted. List under the cut, this is kind of long haha.

Signs of being Otherkin

There's a few. Not all of these are exclusive to otherkin identity, and not every otherkin needs to have them.

Shifts

Shifts are changes in your perception of yourself, or your surroundings. They can be both voluntary, or involuntary--or even a mix of both. Involuntary shifts tend to be more indicative of a kintype, though. These can be things such as:

Phantom shifts: feeling limbs or body parts (fur, snouts, teeth) that aren't physically there.

Mental shifts: shifting more into the mindset of the thing you identify as. This could mean adopting more behaviours from your kintype, or thinking more like them.

There's other types of shifts, but those are the most common.

Dysphoria

Species dysphoria is a common experience among otherkin. This can include:

Disliking, being uncomfortable with or hating being referred to as human. Phrases like "you're only human after all" are uncomfortable.

Not liking looking in the mirror because your body is too human.

Not liking certain parts of your body, and wishing you had nonhuman features instead.

Feeling the need to run on all fours, or fly, or do certain behaviours that aren't "acceptable" or don't work with your current anatomy, and being distressed that you can't.

There's a lot more things that can cause dysphoria, this isn't an extensive list.

Euphoria

On the flip side, you can also get nonhuman euphoria! This can include:

Loving being referred to as a "creature", or as an animal--even jokingly.

Feeling more "yourself" when in certain environments--nature, some place that reminds you of home (even if it's not your actual home), in the water, etc.

Wearing animalistic clothing such as paw-print gloves/socks, a tail, animal ears, beaks or other masks, etc, and enjoying these immensely + feeling like you're more "yourself" with these things on.

Wearing clothing that reflects your potential 'type.

Once again, not an extensive list.

Urges

Otherkin can have all sorts of urges related to their identity. These can be:

Hunting, the need to stalk and catch prey.

The urge to eat raw meat wherever you see it.

The urge to eat very quickly.

The need to flee when seeing predator animals even if your human body is not at risk.

The urge to take flight when hit with a gust of wind, or when birds fly off in groups around you.

For fictionkin or other non-animal otherkin, being drawn toward certain hobbies or actions your potential 'type would have taken.

And so many more.

In the end, you don't need any of the above to be otherkin, other than to identify as something other than your physical body--though you can have both at the same time. But I figured listing out some examples might help anyway.

Good luck with your questioning, anon!

[desmond69miles]

Was reading the Jacob x Reader with a vampire lover and I swear, I'm tempted to send a series of mythical races s/o and the Twins reaction to them 🧍🏽‍♀️

( just bc it would be funny af 😭)

Someone suggested a vampire lover for Jacob, matching the Victorian Aesthetic and what-not, but HEAR ME OUT: Werewolf Reader ✨

Like, maybe they could be one of the Rooks (?), and they start to date Jacob (don't wanna separate the canon Evie x Henry), but the Twins start to notice s/o 's oddities and discovers they have a furry buddy among them (?)

Just an idea, stay safe and your work is great! Keep going with it! 🩵

It's currently hot as balls inside my house but freezing cold and snowy outside so I'm choosing hypothermia instead of hyperthermia.

Anyway, thank you, Anonymous, for your request. My God, I love supernatural reader x character stories. They're pretty much one of my favorite things to write.

I made it so you (reader) are kind of like - how do I explain this - energetic dog who bites by accident but is very loving. ALSOOOOOOOO I've made you a werewolf that turns into a wolf, not like the Sims 4 werewolves or Karl Heisenberg or whatever you want to use as an example.

[-: Jacob steals the hearts of all of his Rooks, men and women alike. When he caught wind of a rather rough-and-tough new member of his gang that climbed the ranks rather fast, he had to meet you and found himself rather caught in your behaviors. At first, he thought you were a little strange, but hey, aren't we all? He admired your passion.

[-: Evie would like you, too. She'd be the first to come up with the theory that you weren't exactly human. I mean, when you smile, you show off those sharp teethers, and they aren't precisely human (nor is your craving for meat and the crunch of bones or the occasional wet dog smell). Evie wouldn't bring Jacob in on this for a little, though.

[-: There wouldn't be actual evidence - nor the thought of lycanthropy - until the pattern of your disappearance during the night or at full moons. There could be a few ways that the twins find out, such as...

A) Jacob is curious about your post-nine P.M. vanishing and decides to follow you out of the train. You lead him to an alleyway - he watches you from the rooftops- and Jacob swears he saw you shift into a giant wolf before prancing down the street.

B) Evie finds your book on Lycanthropy Traditions and Culture, flips it open, and finds a letter from... pack... leader? She's confused and inquires to Henry about her findings, and Henry suggests the idea of being a werewolf. They both confront you and feeling somewhat cornered by the Assassins, you come clean. That immediately explained a lot of your actions and your desire for pets by Jacob, and Evie lets you tell her brother on your own time. Although, Evie would keep a watch just in case you decide to maul her brother while he's sleeping.

[-: It definitely gets normalized among the Rooks for a huge wolf to walk in and sit on the couch.

"Welcome to the rooks!"

"Thanks, Jacob."

The door swings open, Jacob scratches your ear

"...Why do you have a wolf?"

"They're our guard dog."

[-: Cue the constant agony for the twins. HAIR, EVERYWHERE! Those were Evie's new sheets, and you got hair all over it. Jacob's hat? It's designer with real wolf fur. Henry's books? Bookmarked by your coat. Do expect at least Jacob to buy you a steak once in a while if you let him de-shed your wolf from time to time.

[quitealotofsodapop]

I don't really remember why I made this but I think I was thinking of potential pokemon teams for the Pilgrim's at the time of the Journey (so not a complete tram because they aren't complete themselves)

Ao Lie

• Rapidash

• Keldeo

• Kingdra

• Cyclizar

Tripitaka

• Espeon

• Rabsca

• Ninjask

• Shedinja

Baije

• Farfetch'd

• Slowpoke

• Oinkologne

• Poltchageist

Wujing

• Lotad

• Golduck

• Urshifu (Rapid)

• Politoad

Wukong

• Infernape

• Ogerpon

• Annihilape

• Lilligant (Hisui)

• Zorua

Honestly, the ones I picked kinda make sense.

Tried my best to manipulate the Pokemon Trainer Card Maker + Imgflip Meme Generator to make this a reality. I've discussed my previous LMK/Pokemon thoughts before with the non-canon trainer cards provided around S2.

Ao Lie: Best horse-dragon lad. Def loves his horse pokemon - probably didn't even catch them, Rapidash and the "odd Ponyta" added themselves to the Pilgrim's "herd". Cyclizar likely thinks Ao Lie is another of its kind, since he too is a dragon/transportation vehicle. Kingdra I feel is a guard pokemon given to Ao Lie by his family after he was put on parole. Added a little Dratini since I feel that he'd naturally attract wee baby dragon-types to him.

2. Tripitaka: Ofc he gets Bug & Psychic types. Tripitaka would start out with only unevolved Pokemon in his team, as he had just been inducted as a monk. His Munna/Musharna is a typically pokemon among monks - they naturally produce calming vapors that aid meditation. He received an Eevee as an "official" starter pokemon when he was chosen for the Journey, but it doesn't evolve until the monk genuinely befriends his travel companions. He is confused by the Nincada and Rellor bug pokemon that attached to him, but others think they're ok. Psyduck is his oldest Pokemon - it found him on the river when he was a baby and dragged him to the monks at shore. Psyduck is able to anticipate the Headache Sutra and counters Tripitaka's incantation when he tries using it.

3. Zhu Bajie: Honestly originally gathered most of his pokemon to eat them or use them in his cooking. Except for Oinklonge; she's his pig-mom (he was born from a normal pig after all), and she loudly argues with him when he's acting rude. He tried catching Slowpoke and Farfetch'd for their meat, and Poltchageist since he though it was a normal teacup, but was quickly outmatched and too impressed to actually eat them. The Swinub (based on a wild boar piglet) he found on accident while living in the mountains pre-Jttw - it thinks he's their mother.

4. Sha Wujing: Wujing's is a little hard to determine as we don't get a lot of time with him on a personal level, even in the book. His Jttw-era team would def be more combat-focused than say Sandy in the modern day. The Urshifu (pretty genius idea since it's based on taichi and taoist lore) I feel he obtained as a cub/Kubfu that wandered by his river. That Kubfu saw him as it's master, hence evolving into Urshifu's Rapid Strike (Fighting/Water) form - it's still devoted to Wujing as a student. Lotad, Golduck, and Politoed are all pokemon partially based on Kappas/water demons, so it makes sense that they'd hang around Sha Wujing for company. I added Lapras since, as ride pokemon, they and Sha Wujing literally carry the team.

5. Sun Wukong: Infernape is an obvious choice since it is Wukong, though perhaps he obtains it as a Chimchar - a baby monkey pokemon that recognises that this Big Monkey stuck in a rock isn't doing so good and tries helping him by offering him fruit. Wukong adores his little firey subject and is a little shocked to see how they look when fully evolved/grown up. Annihilape is a macaque pokemon who's gone beyond angry and is a vengeful ghost - perhaps joining Wukong in their shared character development in finding calm after the War. Ogerpon is an interesting but fitting pokemon, as it's a mischievious demon that turns out to be more of a protector than a threat despite it's negative reputation. On the flip side is Pecharunt - the Peach pokemon, which I feel Wukong more so helps Ogerpon defeat rather than catch. Pecharunt is almost a manifestation of how seeking power and immortality poisoned Wukong's life and relationships, and he hates that it's ultimately just a baby. In absence of legendaries, Wukong would have all the horsey pokemon, esp Mudsdale. Liligant is also an interesting pokemon as it's a "noble onion" - perhaps a Noble pokemon recognising a fellow royal? It's also a vegetable not allowed be consumed by buddhists XD. The Zorua is obvious - Wukong is a shapeshifter, and the little fox demon reminds him of Macaque... that is if it *isn't* already Macaque thinking he's being smart disguising himself as a Pokémon.

ty for sending these ideas in btw!

[monstersdownthepath]

Monster Spotlight: Liminal Sprite

CR 2

Chaotic Neutral Tiny Fey

Bestiary 5, pg. 158

These little ladies are afflicted by an absolutely bizarre curse, one which prevents them from ever sleeping inside a building or outside in the open. Thus, as their name suggests, the Liminal Sprites must find transitory places that are neither inside nor outside if they wish to actually rest, but there is also a loophole that allows Liminal Sprites to sleep anywhere that's both inside and outside. Thus, these moths are drawn to civilization, as human construction has created marvels such as porches, bridges,, stairwells, gazebos, vehicles of every description, and hallways which connect two buildings together. Liminal Sprites which end up trapped out in the wilderness must find hollow trees, caves, or even animal dens before they succumb to exhaustion.

Why they possess this strange and paradoxical curse is anyone's guess, as who or whatever placed it upon them is either long gone or no longer known. It may be, as most fey curses, a form of punishment that afflicts their entire bloodline, and whether or not they deserve it is determined entirely by whether or not you've been targeted by their pranks. Liminal Sprites are among the Fey breeds who love, love, love interacting with/pestering mortalkind for their own amusement, taking in all the local news and gossip from their hiding places or shrouding themselves with their 3/day Invisibility while using their extremely swift 60ft fly speed to flutter around busy markets, theaters, and other places of congregation so they may passively absorb whatever's going on in their city. They become sponges for the who's-who in the city, the He's and She's of the he-said-she-said games, though how they use this information is entirely up to them.

Unlike their fellow social butterflies (pun intended), the Danthienne, Liminal Sprites aren't compelled to stir up trouble for the sake of it. Some lean towards Good, using their powers to cause fouler sorts of people to make fools of themselves, while others lean towards Evil and humiliate anyone trying to make their lives better. Most, however, flip flop back and forth depending entirely on whether or not they like a given individual and can be a boon or a bane. A Liminal Sprite wishing to ruin someone's speech can use Fumbletongue 3/day to turn their next 1d4 rounds of words into meaningless babble, or use their at-will Daze to make someone freeze up entirely as though claimed by stage fright.

To anyone they wish to help, Liminal Sprites may use Memory Lapse 3/day to erase a mistake from the mind of an onlooker, or use their at-will Prestidigitation to make their lives a little bit better overall, but more importantly they may sit on the shoulder of their new friend and offer kind advice. Their witty Repartee allows them to take the Aid Another action with Charisma-based skill checks and add +2d4 to the result instead of the normal +2 up to three times a day, meaning the target can get anywhere from +2 to +8 in their attempts to beguile, bluff, or boast past another... or +2d4 to Performance and Use Magic Device checks.

Liminal Sprites are performers themselves, and take little seriously. This, they're able to use Versatile Performance to substitute Bluff and Intimidate checks with Perform (Comedy), which they have +8 to, because c'maaaahn, c'mahn, they're just little guys! they're so little! AND it's their birthday! you're not gonna hit a little guy on his birthday, are ya? But you can't let that routine work on you, or they'll go right back to scrambling your speech and mucking up your memory. Fittingly enough, the book states people wanting a Sprite gone often turn loose animals that their performance won't work against and their magic won't affect, because a trained dog can sniff them out even after they've turned invisible. A dog might have a hard time surpassing the Sprite's DR 5/cold iron, but being chewed on and thrashed about by an animal still hurts even if it doesn't do any damage to the little Fey, so it's still a surefire way to make the Sprite abandon its home in your porch.

No, they're not really a danger to your dog, either. The only damage a Sprite has is its tiny rapier, which deals 1d3-1 damage, so it's only a real hazard if it leads your pooch somewhere dangerous, or if it uses Prestidigitation to skunk-spray the dog. Really, the best part about it is that it condemns the Sprite to madness if it can't find somewhere else to sleep fast enough. A more kind-hearted soul can easily make a Liminal Sprite kind as well, leaving offerings of food and keeping the Fey company each night out on their porch, and a caster of 7th level or higher who's willing to work around their unfortunate resting restrictions can even take one on as a Familiar! Fun fact: Extradimensional spaces fit nicely into the Sprite's curse loophole... Just make sure enough air gets in.

Or, y'know, you could just let them use your tent like a normal person. Not as funny, though.

You can read more about them here.

[stabbyfoxandrew]

Hi Aerie, mer roadtrip please?

WIP Wednesday (9/11) | Mer Roadtrip AU (Part 63)

Andrew leads them deeper into the store to stand in the back corner where his bare feet will hopefully not be a problem. He’s almost overwhelmed with all the options surrounding him but he finally starts flipping through a rack of tops. After a half dozen, he stops abruptly.

Andrew gestures to Abram's bag. "How many outfits have you got in there?"

"Uh, eight. Six t-shirts, two long-sleeved ones, four pairs of shorts, two jeans, and two sweatpants," Abram recites, then he breathes and adds, "Plus ten pairs of underwear and socks."

Andrew locks that information into his mind and nods before continuing to rifle through clothing displays. Twenty minutes later, he's walking out of the store with eight t-shirts and a set of black and white striped armbands. They're not his first choice, but they're better than the stripes that are currently occupying his forearms. 

Next, the two of them head into another shop where Andrew grabs several pairs of jeans, a couple cargo shorts, and a couple sweatpants. He also selects a couple packs of underwear and socks. Then they're off to find shoes. Andrew ends up with two pairs, which makes Abram grimace. Just to be contrary, Andrew grabs a pair of sandals as well and waves them around triumphantly.

"Aren't you going to get yourself some shoes?" Andrew asks, nodding down at Abram's pathetic sneakers.

"No, I don't need—"

"Bullshit. Get some goddamn shoes or I'll do it. And I don't know even your size. I'll just buy some useless ones and make you cart them around in your bag." Andrew threatens, making Abram's expression pinch up. Andrew sighs. "Listen. I know I'm blowing all your money, but you need shoes. How can you run away without good shoes?"

After a moment of worrying his bottom lip, Abram wanders off towards the sneakers and comes back a few minutes later with a shitty, cheap pair that will disintegrate before they get out of the store. Andrew shakes his head.

"Try again. Look for some that aren't made of tissue paper and chewed gum. I'll wait here."

Abram huffs, an angry little sound, and disappears again. While he’s gone, Andrew goes to sit down on a small bench. After scuffing his disgustingly gritty feet on the carpet, he slips the sandals on and stands back up. Much better. Andrew starts to hide the price tag among some shoe boxes, but Abram pops up beside him and stops him by snatching it out of Andrew’s hand.

“Don’t shoplift.” Abram says lowly, glancing side to side for witnesses. “We’re a pair of unaccompanied teenagers, with no one to bail us out. It sucks to pay,” he glances down at the price and grimaces, “thirty dollars for a pair of flip flops, but I would rather pay with money than jail time.”

“Fine, goody two shoes,” Andrew scoffs. Then he notices the sneakers Abram has clutched to his chest now. They’re much different than the ones he had earlier. They’re orange for one thing, almost neon, with blindingly white detailing. They’re hideous. But they’re actually a name brand. “Are they on sale?”

Abram lights up. “Yeah, they’re half off. How’d you know?”

Andrew just shrugs. "Any other stores you wanna hit up?"

"Uh," Abram thinks for a moment. "I'm not sure if they've got a drug store here."

"You don't want drugs, Abram. I've been on them. Not good." Andrew says. Though going without them was worse, for a while. Abram just rolls his eyes.

"I don't want drugs. I need hair dye and bandages. And I think some Ibuprofen might be useful if we get into scraps." Abram says. Andrew doesn't bother pointing out that Ibuprofen is, in fact, a drug. He just nods to himself. Hair dye is a maybe, because Andrew remembers seeing a sign for a  beauty store at they were walking through. Bandages and Ibuprofen may have to wait. He tells Abram as much and the other boy nods.

[art-blogge]

Unscheduled Update

"You'll be traveling by Warp Train," had been Vergilius' entire explanation before kicking everyone off of the bus. No one seemed bothered by this, but Dante couldn't help but hesitate. They'd spoken to the team's W Corp identities- They had a reason to be concerned. Didn't monsters roam those trains?

They grew even more concerned when Faust stopped them before boarding.

"Faust needs you to wear something, Dante," she stated. When Dante leaned down, she flipped open the panel on the back of their head and plugged something in.

"Consider this mercy, Dante. The last thing Faust needs is you overloading your memory card and brain."

<"Huh? Huh??"> Wasn't this a ten second trip?! If Dante was concerned before, now they were downright terrified.

Don Quixote eventually dragged Dante onto the train, being the only one actually able to catch Dante when they attempted to flee the situation. She was unfortunately Very Fast, and Dante was Not. They continued trying to escape as Faust handed some paperwork to a nearby W Corp employee before boarding the train. Everyone involved completely ignored Heathcliff's repeated attempts to playfully shove Meursault onto the tracks.

Yi Sang lightly patted Dante's shoulder and said something to them, but Dante processed none percent of it in favor of dreading the trip. They could only manage to weakly tick <"Okay…"> in response to whatever Yi Sang had said.

"I shant wait for our due arrival!" Don cheerfully announced, dragging Dante into the waiting train. There was nothing Dante could do to stop her- They had the Captivity debuff and couldn't take action until they were released. Around them, the other Sinners picked seats and sat down with far less concern. It was only a ten second trip, why would seating partners matter?

"Faust has something important to say," Faust plainly stated, turning around in her seat to see the other Sinners, "Faust hopes you are prepared for what is to come."

Well, now Dante felt even Worse™. Whatever was coming was bad enough that it warranted Faust warning not only them, but the other Sinners too. They couldn't help but shudder in their seat.

"Why is my seat glowing?" Sinclair quietly asked.

"What the hell is this glowy shit?" Heathcliff loudly asked.

As general unrest rose among the Sinners, Dante glanced towards their own glowing seat, which soon enough died down. They didn't get to comment on it themselves though- The train began to move.

"Ten seconds!! Count!!" Don exclaimed, and Dante opted to humor her by counting down. When they reached zero, they looked around. The train was still moving. Had they miscounted? How embarrassing for a clock to miscount. Dante opted to try again, pushing the idea of things going wrong out of their mechanical head.

"Thirty seconds now," Meursault stated, preventing Dante from making a third attempt, "We have not arrived."

"We aren't going to for quite a while," Faust stated, standing up from her seat and smoothing out her coat. "It's ten seconds in our world. WARP Corporation uses an alternate dimension. Faust recommends getting up and meeting other passengers. It is going to be quite a while. Faust knows this, of course."

Faust then ignored all other questions and left the train car, leaving the other Sinners scrambling to figure out what was going on. Dante opted to tune the Sinners out in favor of gripping their own head in panic. Dante should have paid more attention to the W Corp identities whenever they spoke to them! Why else would Meursault's W Corp identity speak about personally collecting body pieces?

"M-Manager Esquire, wh-while I am impressed with thy feat of strength, please do release me..!!"

Dante hadn't even realized that they'd started clinging to Don like their life had depended on Don suffocating and immediately released her. Oops.

<"Whatever you do, Don…">

Dante didn't get to finish speaking again, fully due to Don running out in excitement to meet other passengers (and probably start a fight). This needed to stop happening. What kind of Manager doesn't even get to finish their own sentences? At this rate, they wouldn't even be able to finish their own thou--

----

--ghts. One moment everything had been fine, the next there was a large splattering of blood on the wall in front of them. Dante blared in alarm and jumped out their seat, wildly looking around. They hadn't SEEN anything happen, so where had that come from?!

"Faust predicted this as well. Welcome back, Dante."

Dante whipped around (a little too fast) to spot Faust leaning against the opposite wall. She'd been injured in the.. What, past ten minutes? That Dante hadn't been looking, and her hair was a mess.

"Do not attempt rewinding here. That may interfere with W Corp's technology." Before Dante could even consider responding, Faust added "Faust feels it necessary to inform you that it has been a full year."

A brief pause for Dante to numbly nod. A… A whole year? Just like that?

"Faust's device is working as intended. Full prevention of memory card overload. Faust originally wanted you in first-class so that you could sleep though all of this, but your head is incompatible with the pods."

Dante could feel the clock hands starting to spin with their own mounting confusion. There was a time and place to panic and this was not it. This was not it. This was absolut--

----

--ely not it.

<"Wait.">

They were staring at a bloodied ceiling now, the only sounds being the train moving and the dripping of blood. Dante didn't want to look away from the ceiling. If the CEILING was covered in blood, how was the rest of the train car?

"W.B.," Ryoshu hissed from nearby, and Dante couldn't help but jump again. Again with the being startled by someone speaking to them! This was already getting old.

"I have created true art, Dante. P.W.I." (Please Witness It.)

Okay, they were about to see gore.

<"Thanks for the warning,"> they ticked, before turning their head to the side to peep the horror.

It was far more gore than Dante had been prepared to see. A mess of moist entrails and limbs were carefully pinned to the wall and nearby seats, matching a Ryoshu that was primarily a walking mass of fresh meat. The worst part? Everything pinned to the walls and seats were still very much moving. Hands were trying to free themselves and each other from oppressive nails. Organs pulsed rhythmically, glistening in the flickering florescent light. Ryoshu simply grinned. Dante felt their stomach swirling and quickly looked back at the ceiling.

<"Very nice, Ryoshu,"> was all they could manage before needing to repress the urge to vomit- Not that they could. Could the next year come any faster?

----

Apparently, yes. The ceiling was suddenly clean again, and the nausea had subsided like it had never been there to begin with.

<"What this time…?">

Sitting up and looking around, Ryoshu's makeshift art exhibit had vanished and been cleaned up- and so had any other blood and viscera in the train car. A welcome relief, but that managed to only concern Dante more. People had definitely been here and Dante hadn't been aware of it… Had anything happened to them during that time?

Dante very carefully inspected themselves and their clothes. Beyond the dried bloodstains on their uniform, nothing seemed off. Good. That's how they liked it. The little bit of dried blood was tolerable and could be dealt with later. Dante then thought about leaving the train car. They hadn't seen outside of this car yet, but this seemed like the safest place to be. Combined with them repeatedly fainting, it was probably for the best that they stayed put.

They could get used to this. It couldn't be much longer-

----

-Pain pain pain pain pain PAIN!

Dante failed to hold back a blaring scream of agony. This was worse than anything they'd felt before. Even reviving all twelve Sinners from complete annihilation didn't hurt this badly! Fearful, Dante attempted to sit up and look at themselves.

Guts and gore were familiar to Dante, but not… Not their own.

They'd been torn to shreds. Only some of their torso and left arm were still intact. The various organs Dante couldn't name were still moving, even with some of them scattered about the floor. Their own heart started beating faster and faster, speeding up with their own mounting horror.

<"HEEELLLP!!"> Dante screamed, alarms blaring so loudly that it hurt.

They couldn't see it, but they heard a door open. Okay, good, help had arrived…

----

Their vision was suddenly assaulted by all sorts of colors. Something was in front of them, unmoving. The pain had not ceased, either. It had actually gotten Worse in the interim and Dante couldn't help but make a pained whine.

Everything shifted. More colors and oddly enough, chunks of meat. Another shift, and they realized they were being carried. What kind of Abnormality had them?? Where were the Sinners? Smeared on the walls of other train cars, probably. Either way, things were not getting better. It's not getting better! It was now worse!

Dante shuddered, and things painfully shifted yet again. They hurt so badly that they couldn't even process the voices they were hearing. They were dead. They were so, so dead….

--------

"-Nine, ten!" Don cheerfully counted, and the train came to a stop.

"That wasn't so bad," Sinclair muttered, worming his way out of Rodion's arms. Don turned to Dante to tell them the ride hadn't been so scary, but Dante had either fallen asleep or fainted within those ten seconds.

"Faust figured this was a good time for a system update," Faust stated, calmly reaching around to pull her device out of Dante's head. "My fault."

Several Sinners complained about this, not that Faust really cared. She knew the device had done its purpose, amd she had no intention of explaining its real purpose. Instead, she gave a single order.

"Meursault, could you carry them?"

Without comment, Meursault went and picked up their Manager. No response of any sort. They really were out cold. Meursault took a few moments to consider the best way to carry Dante, extra consideration being given towards their head and neck. In the end, Meursault opted to just carry them in his arms, their head against his upper arm.

"Could you take any longer?" Heathcliff teased, not expecting an answer.

"This is the safest way to carry them in their current state," Meursault began, watching Heathcliff carefully to gauge if he should keep speaking. No negative response, so he proceeded to explain his thought process. It was too late to stop him now.

--------

Dante woke with a start, half-prepared to scream. A sharp inhale and... This was a different ceiling.

Still deep in Panic with negative sanity, Dante flung their arms around whoever it was sitting next to them. A Sinner was alive! Human!!

"Good morning Manager Esquire!!" shouted Don Quixote from her place on Meursault's lap. She thought absolutely nothing of the situation and moved to hug her beloved Manager Esquire. Meursault himself didn't move, currently being held captive by his Manager. He also stayed quiet to let Don Quixote keep yelling.

"It truly hath been a ten second journey! We were tasked with observing thy reaction to thee upping of dates?"

She seemed unsure about that last part, so Meursault took over explaining.

"Faust stated you were given a data update during our trip and that you needed to be watched in case of negative effects. You do not seem well."

Dante stared at them, still shaking. What? What?

<"What? That can't be what that was….">

They ignored Meursault repeating what he'd said. It'd been far too real to just pass off as a side effect from some update. Anyway, Faust had never given them an "update" before!

<"Faust said it was to stop my head from getting fried…. And that if I'd b-been in first class, it wouldn't have worked right…">

The slight stutter in their ticking betrayed how scared they still were.

"Correct."

Faust had leaned into the room, her face neutral as always. Dante whipped their head around to look at her so fast it hurt their neck.

"Your current head did not play well with the Warp Train. You are unharmed and the Sinners are unharmed."

Dante didn't respond to that. They knew what they saw. They knew what Faust had said thirty seconds into the trip. But did Faust?

Perhaps not. They'd have to ask the W Corp identities more questions later. More detailed questions. Perhaps they could try asking that poor W-Corp employee Abnormality the next time they saw it. It couldn't hurt to try.

"I do believe we shalt use this Warp Train again!" Don Quixote announced cheerfully, and Dante couldn't help but immediately blare that they refused. Absolutely not! Never again!

[mysticstarlightduck]

Personality Through Quotes Tag

I was tagged by @illarian-rambling (here)! Thank you so much (:

MY PROMPT WAS: "A quote about siblings"

YOUR PROMPT IS: "A quote about their relationship with money (in the past and nowadays)"

I'll go with the main cast of "Of Starlight and Beasts" for this one!

Corah: "Oh I wish I had siblings! I've always wondered what that would be like - I mean, I've seen enough siblings around that I have a rough idea, but that's always such an individual experience. It would've been cool to have someone my age, other than just regular friends, around at all times. Though I'm sure we'd have driven Dad crazy with our antics if that was the case - I was chaotic enough on my own (giggles)."

Arammys: "The bond between siblings is among one of the strongest there is, and often one of the purest. At least that's what I...think - in my intuition, I mean. I haven't had any progress in recalling my memories, so I can't speak of my own experiences with siblings - if I had any at all - yet. But something tells me that my intuition might be right, at least in my case. At least I hope so and I want to remember whoever they were, or are."

Eidan - "I didn't have any siblings or parents, but my older cousin fit both of those roles perfectly throughout my childhood - he was the closest thing I've ever had to a true family. We didn't have much - we often had nothing at all - but we had each other, and he always kept me safe, and was always there for me when I needed him the most, even if we sometimes annoyed each other to no end. And though he was not my brother by birth he was by choice - and I just wish I had known how lucky I was before it was all too late."

Masen - "You know, having siblings ain't what it's cracked up to be. Especially if you have a twin. Yeah, it's all loyalty and mushiness until they've got something else they want to achieve - and that something's more important than you. Then they stab you in the back when you least expect it and run off with the people with the money into a perfect new world where you're not invited - Yeah. (shrugs awkwardly) I realize this got a bit too specific, my bad."

Kyran - "What even is there to say? You're born, and so are they, you grow up trusting one another until they start hanging out with shady people and become someone you barely recognize, and then you annoy the hell out of each other and don't speak for the next five years. Oh, and then they blame you for leaving them when they were the ones who made that mess to begin with -"

Elias - "(Without a drop of emotion in his voice) My siblings are the reason I truly believe I will have gone fully grey before 30. I'm almost certain they're trying to make it a competition. They're twins. I do not know where I went wrong with my life but here we all are. Now pass me the rum."

Tomasa - "I don't have any siblings, Gods know Ma had enough trouble keeping me in line when I was a little ankle biter. But I've been told having 'em is like flipping a coin. You are either best friends for life or want to kill each other. Sometimes both, from what my friends tell me, ha! I don't really fancy having any siblings of my own, if I'm being honest - but having someone I could prank 24/7 does sound really tempting. I guess Arammys will have to do (laughs, already plotting her next prank on the poor, unsuspecting mage)"

Nimwen - "I've learned your true siblings aren't always those you're bound to by blood. They may be, sure, but not always! Sometimes, the strongest family bonds are those we choose, bonds nurtured like a small weed that grows into a mighty tree - and I personally know that to be one of the most important truths of life. "

Rin - "I never really cared for that. That's just another word - and that's it, a word. Most bonds are a fantasy made to comfort the hearts of the common folk from the harsh truth. Real people are fickle, they don't care for you when they've got no use for what you have to offer. My Nest surely didn't. (There's a moment of pause and a sense of sorrow behind his eyes before he shakes it off with a sly smirk, hiding it) But who cares for that sentimental junk. Besides, gold's a much more reliable company, don't you think?"

Leora - "Family is the most important thing in the world - by blood or by choice it matters not as long as the sentiment is there and it is pure. I would do anything for my siblings and I know they would do anything for me. I know this all too well. Where we come from, you learn to make your actions and your words count - you never know what tomorrow might hold and you must cherish those you hold dear, always, because they can be taken from you. At least, that's my perspective."

Florynce - "Mine have been dead for many years now. I remember all of their names." (You think she's about to say something else about them, but she changes the subject so jarringly you almost feel whiplash) "I don't wanna talk about that. Do you want to see this cool bug I found? It's glowing."

Tagging: @mk-writes-stuff, @eccaiia, @the-ellia-west, @memento-morri-writes, @little-peril-stories, @littleladymab, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @talesofsorrowandofruin @doublegoblin @oh-no-another-idea @cowboybrunch @ybotter @thepeculiarbird @crowandmoonwriting @your-absent-father @rickie-the-storyteller @jasperygrace @jay-avian @saltysupercomputer @winterandwords @autumnalwalker and OPEN TAG

[decapitated-sticker]

WHAT THE FUCKKKKK

No bcs I could litterally go on a rant on why bfidi/bfdia are sooo much better than bfb and tpot (IMO) cuz what the actual flip

Ermm so for starters bfdi is litterally the starting off point!! You don't have bfb or tpot without having bfdi first. And it's the only season so far the finished like an actual season with all the original cast members not being split up.

I love bfdi/bfdia BECAUSE of its like,,,rawness ig?? Like how organic it is. The two shows are passion projects and you can tell!! Not to say that tpot and bfb aren't, but they kind of loose some of that raw value that you find in bfdi and bfdia. And ik some people are like "oml it's just ur nostalgia🤓 he he hem hem" like yeah, I first watched bfdi/mainy bfdia when I was a kid and though the memories of it aren't clear, they are still prominent. I litterally started saying "jk kidding" because of pencil. (Among others quotes) And I feel like I still remember those quotes and little scenes now because they're just more memorable!! And that's bcs they're just better imo!! And i think theyre better because of how much creativity was poured into it!!

I don't wanna be that person that hates on new fans but like, alot of them tend to shit of bfdi and bfida and it's just so infuriating because those are the ones that are a product of true passion and creativity!! and yeah, maybe the humor isn't funny to you. Ok, whatever. It was a long time ago. And maybe the dialog is too "cringe" for you. Ok, I get that. Again, this was back in the 2010s. But it's being able to push past that and recognize that the two shows are just a product of true imagination and hard work is most important!!

Just going on a tangent here but object shows to me are expected to not be produced Iike a regular cartoon and have some errors and mistakes in them because that's how you know it's all just for fun. And I just feel like bfb and tpot loose that. Its fun, but it's not bfdi/bfdia fun. And I think this is because it became more of a career than a little side thing. Which sounds weird because it would be a dream to make object shows full time but then it's not something you can escape to anymore. IDK IF THIS MAKES SENSE BUT I HOPE IT DOES LOLOL

But yeah, disregarding bfdi and bfdia and calling them worse than their newer counterparts is disregarding what brought tpot and bfb to life in the first place.

EDIT: I also would like to add that I'm not hating on anyone who likes tpot or bfb more!! Not at all!! It's more so the people who love the newer two so much that they hate on the ogs!! And uhh since this post seems like a big new gen hate post, I'll also add that I love bfb and tpot as well! Obviously not as much as bfdi and bfdia, but I really enjoy how the two newer shows actually like, have deeper character developments! I loved watching characters I grew up watching get more screentime AND more depth!! Erm maybe I'll make a post on what tpot and bfb do right and why I think ppl like them more lolz

Anyway bye!!!!

NOT A HATE POST PLZ PLZ DONT TAKE IT THAT WAY😭😭😭

[like-sands-of-time]

Do you think the writers realized that the way Gaius was flipping back and forth between "Merlin you're overreacting/seeing things that aren't there/trying to change the future" and "Merlin the situation is dire/this is definitely what's happening/you alone must do this ~dangerous~ thing"

Combined with the way he is a known sorcerer, not only to the court but to the king, kept like the other magical artifacts for times of injury to the royal family that his magic might be useful

Combined with the way this man picks and chooses when to help magic users escape Camelot unharmed or when to stand by and see them captured/killed

Combined with the way he gaslights the shit out of morgana even after he knows Merlin and Morgana know of her powers

That it All equates to a massively manipulative person????? He's doing everything he can to survive, damn the very real shit going on around him. Oh what's the best course of action for another child of magic born to the same lady Vivienne who's first child you snuck out of camelot? Keep her in the dark, keep her fearful and unaware of her dreams and her powers, but yeah she's Evil now because she chooses to see the good in magic and the evil in the king for killing it (which is just another plot issue but whatever nows not the time).

We can only imagine what Camelot looked like in the days of the dragons and all other magic kind, probably a lot healthier, more vibrant, more prosperous. Nevermind that Gaius got to spend his whole youth with that prosperity, Morgana (and Merlin) surely can't miss something she never had!!!!!!!!!!!

And Merlin! Sure he takes Hunith and Balinor's boy in, because he needs an apprentice, because the circumstances line up, because destiny, whatever the reason. And he cares about Merlin's life enough to sacrifice himself multiple times (only because Merlin is Emrys the god among men, immortal, sworn to serve Arthur the once and future king for all of time) But he does not really help Merlin in the following ten years. The boy who came to Camelot, the opinions he held, the care he had for others, that boy is lost or warped more like through years of Gaius' (and Kilgharrah before they just like changed his personality) careful commentary undermining Merlins beliefs and changing his actions. Then when said actions obviously work out poorly(think, self fulfilling prophecy episodes, episodes where Merlin is convinced to outright lie to Arthur's face, etc) then it's Merlins fault and Gaius is there to comfort him and then they share a funny little moment and everything's fine !!!

Like, did the writers mean to write it like this because ho-ly shit! That's how it reads every single episode. Merlin the young warlock would not have done these things. The boy he was in season one? When confronted with admitting his magic(the thing he was so self conscious of, but so proud of at the same time) or lying to Arthur to his face he would have spoken the truth. Gaius (and Kilgharrah) turned him into a man deceitful manipulative tool, bent on controlling Arthur without ever telling him the truth and letting him make his own mind.

Because that Arthur, the Arthur of season one, would have taken in the knowledge of both Merlin his friend, and morgana his sister, and stood up for them, helped keep them safe, accepted them and their magic. That Arthur clearly loved morgana and Merlin above all else, even though he struggled with saying it, he proved it in his actions. Merlin (through his mentors) TURNs Arthur from magic, when he was willing to save Mordred, willing to sympathize with magic users, to see their worth, to spare them if they did not commit crimes, willing to accept the help of a foreign mage in the caves, and willing to question his father To!! His !! Face!! About the knights code.

You're telling me Merlin would forget about these things, would lie to Arthur that Morgause lied, when he could have just said, hey she showed you your mum, but killing your dad isn't the answer. How FUCKING hard would that have been? This show made Merlin a bad guy, a man against his own kind. that's the real tragedy. Merlin, emrys, would never do these things in season one. He had to be convinced by his mum not to tell Arthur after will died. He was willing to share. The show themselves didn't want it, because it provided comedy(how does Arthur not see!!1!) And angst (how does Arthur not see !?!)

[lorkai]

*･゜ﾟ A/N: I warn y'all right away that I will not pay for therapy for anyone who reads this /j. But fr I had to write this scenario even though I was crying while I was writing lol. (I'm tagging you because I think you'd like this @lemonandlime22 @sweetbydarkness )

*･゜ﾟ Warning: Angst, Hurt/No comfort, character death, idk how to write the ending so it was kind of open ended.

"Photos are amazing, aren't they?" Lilia's voice was lost in his labored breathing. His throat burned and his lips trembled the more time he spent looking into the faces of everyone he'd ever lost.

All those people he would never see again. All those people he saw swallowed by the earth. All of them preserved in those almost yellowed pages, smiling, laughing or celebrating some achievement, so oblivious to the events that would lead them to their deaths.

And among them, Lilia noted with an ache in his heart, was his boy. Silver smiled as he held the hand of his beloved and also human, Yuu. They made an amazing couple and their wedding was so beautiful that Lilia found himself dreaming of that day. If he closed his eyes now he would see it all play out in his mind again, how he helped Silver choose his suit and write his vows, and how he guided Yuu down the aisle, handing them to his son, with a big smile on his face.

The fae sat in his armchair for hours, flipping through each page and reliving each memory. Memories of when he enlisted to serve in the Briar Valley Army, memories of the first friends he made, and then the precious memories of his dear son with such expressive eyes and goofy smile as just a baby.

Silver was like having an anchor that reminded him that there was still good in the world. He was a smiley baby and his laughter was so infectious that Lilia found himself laughing rather than lecturing him after every prank young Silver pulled off. He even remembers what Malleus and Silver's awkward interactions were like.

He missed his son very much. Lilia supposes that as an immortal, he should be used to death and all the feeling because he's seen it many times, he's seen nations rise and die, he's seen many important people etch their names into history and then return to earth, but still his eyes filled with tears with every page he turned. And he couldn't stop. He needs to see him again, he needs to remember every little thing because if he doesn't remember, he's afraid he'll forget.

Just like he forgot several other people.

"He wouldn't want to see you so worn out." A sober voice sounded in the room, deep, carrying a pain just like Lilia's. And Malleus with a face closed from any emotion sat back on his heels in front of Lilia and his hands gripped the album the older fae was staring at so earnestly, gently trying to pry it out of Lilia's hands. "Silver would probably say you need to get some rest. He'd hate to see you crying and isolating yourself here, and you know it."

Lilia let out a long sigh and looked away from the picture of his son with his first sword. Instead, he focused on the thunder falling over the starless sky, it seemed that even the night felt gloomy and the tiny raindrops adorned the cold windows like tiny crystals. He wanted to touch them, he almost touched them, but finally he decided to hold Silver's necklace between his fingers since it was one of the last memories Silver left behind.

"The pain of losing a child… Can you imagine, Malleus?" Lilia asked after remaining silent for a few seconds. "It's like losing a part of you and you know there's no way to get that part back, so you just wish that at least you had gone with it."

Sobs erupted from his throat and Lilia doubled over, trying to hide his face in his hands. And Malleus wrapped him in a strong hug, trying not to show how the death of his brother and friend affected him as much as it did Lilia. He needed to be strong for both of them.

For a good eighty years Malleus and Lilia watched Silver and Yuu grow old happily together. Ephemeral, their life spans so short. They were two bright, kind, amazing humans and they would miss those two dearly.