#undine event

[pens-swords-stuff]

Am I allowed to participate in the secret admirer valentines thing even if I haven’t written a single word in what feels like 84 years 😭

Yeah, of course!

You're not any less of a writer just because it's been a while since you wrote �� even if "a while" really is 84 years. I actually don't believe that actively writing is a necessary criteria to being a part of the writeblr community.

But even without the broader commentary about what a writeblr is and whether you're still a writer if you haven't written in a while... I really could not give any less of a crap about when the last time you wrote is in terms of this event. I do not have a way to check, I am not going to check, and I really do not care.

Last year I had 123 participants in this event; could you imagine going through every blog to check if they've written in the past 84 years?? Nope, not happening. I do actually have a life outside of this website.

If you want to send and receive a nice Valentine's day message and spread some love and joy around, that's all that matters to me. So go ahead and sign up; no one is judging you for not writing in a while.

Come join the Writeblr Secret Admirer Event: Send and receive a Valentine’s day message!

[makeitlookdecent]

cousin antics

[sadlynotthevoid]

LCF AU in which Og!Cale, ever since he was a kid, can understand aquatic creatures. Not only the normal animals, not only the magic ones, but also the lake spirits that live in the forest near his home, the youkai that hides in the Ubarr territory's coast, the ghosts haunting a pirate ship, the undines he saw when his mom took him in a trip, all of them.

So, when he feels the lake spirit calling him one night in the bar, he stops mid-sentence, tilts his head to listen and leaves.

Once he reaches the lake— the dangerous one, not the poisoned one— the lady herself comes out to the surface to meet him. Long, translucid water snakes surround her and move in front of her, carrying a giant bubble with them.

"She worked hard for this life of yours."

The bubble floated towards the shore.

"So take good care of them. Prove him she was right."

"Who?"

His hand touched the sphere.

"Gods. Our Sea Goddess may not be a major god, but she's loyal and her love is as endless as the ocean. She won't allow the last with her blessing to be stepped on so easily."

That night Cale learned that his ability was a gift. A sign of the blessing that held his family once upon a time.

As soon as the lake spirit submerged again and the waters calmed down, the bubble exploded. It was a good thing that Cale had always been a creative mind, because he doesn't know how he would had managed to carry three men down through the mountain otherwise.

"Hahhh."

He only wanted to drink, cause a little fuss to ban himself from the next noble event. Why was that when he finally was starting to feel drunk for once— well, maybe he did wanted to get drunk this time, it had been a hard week, ok?— the universe threw him a new task.

Now he was trapped building a semi-sleigh with three unconscious men at his side. It just had to be Tuesday.

Bonus:

Back at the bar,

Cale: Harris Village? Why should my fa— *goes still*

Choi Han: (His fa?)

Cale: *tilts his head, brows furrowed in concentration* Huh. *Leaves*

Choi Han: ...what happened?

Bartender: The fuck I know. The Lord's castle is right at the end of that path. If there's something to report, go there and talk to the guards or Hans, the butler.

Choi Han: Thanks.

Bartender: Now get off if you're not going to drink. You're scaring my customers.

Beacrox, hiding in the shadows: *confused assassin noises*

[After Choi Han leaves]

Bartender: Phew.

Waitress: You okay, boss?

Bartender: I feel like I lost half of my life. Who enters into a shop holding a sword and covered in blood? Youth this days.

Waitress: I'm mostly relieved the young master left when he did. He had that look in his eyes, again.

Bartender: *gets stiff* Thanks grandma in the heavens. I'd have to close if that punk was killed here.

Waitress: Oh shush. You love him.

Bartender: He's a noisy punk. He comes, drinks some bottles, breaks something and then he's gone again. He's part of the bar routine at this point.

[izvmimi]

cw: reader goes to a high profile event with asta. reader is related to the silva family. characters, including reader, are referred to by nicknames. fluff.

One of your favorite but also somewhat exasperating things about Asta is the fact that his voice carries well when he wants it to, and now, as you try to fasten the last of your jewelry, a pale blue sapphire and diamond pendant that once was your mother’s and bequeathed by your father in the spirit of Undine, you realize he’s made it into your wing of the estate and is likely coming up the stairs.

He sings your name loudly and you can imagine he’d be annoying the more uptight maids at the main Silva wing, but the few servants that tidy up your home have already grown fond of him, and it’s soon that you hear a knock on your door from your father’s most trusted employee.

“Precious, your suitor is here, if you’ve failed to hear him hollering already.”

The two of you laugh, and you nod, grabbing a clutch from the edge of your bed and making your way out. Mrs. Doucevoie takes your hand and squeezes it, which makes your heart squeeze, before helping you down the winding escalier where Asta waits eagerly for you. He takes the steps by two on his way up and your maid rolls her eyes playfully before letting go of your hand and letting him take it. 

“You look amazing!” is the next thing to come out of Asta’s mouth.

Instead of saying thank you, in the true Silva way, you reply, “Would you be so bold to tell me if I looked terrible?” 

He looks quite dapper himself, hair smoothed down slightly into a softer silver coif, and a more ornate version of his usual squad cape draping over his left shoulder, lined with warm fur for the slight November chill, the aureate Black Bulls insignia stitched onto the left breast pocket of his high collared shirt. 

“Can’t say for sure given it’s never happened,” he replies with a wide grin.

You hate that he’s wittier than you simply by virtue of being terribly honest and straightforward. Scrunching your face, but inevitably too flustered to say a word back, you rummage into your bag instead to pull out a set of braided gold cufflinks.

“A gift.”

He blinks for a moment, but accepts them, thanking you with a kiss on your cheek, and you help fasten them onto his wrists. Taking your hand again more firmly this time, he bids the rest of the small crew of helpers in your estate adieu, and you wave yourself, the loose and sheer golden fabric overlaying the satin sleeves of your rose taupe dress reminiscent of wings, and you might as well be taking flight.

There is a carriage waiting for you just outside the estate which surprises you, and you can tell Asta is particularly pleased by his own foresight when he sees the look on your face.

“I knew you wouldn’t want to stomp all around the city in your high heels and would make a bigger fuss if I carried you, so…”

Pinching his cheek gently before you peck the other one, you thank him. He warms up to his ears as you pat the cheek you pinched, then make your way through the door he opens for you. The magical carriage takes flight, and soon you’re right before the Nest.

Today’s Magic Knight guards at the entrance of the once monthly engagement are members of the Green Mantises that appear far too excited for the job. It’s understandable, as budding journalists and image capturers conjure up magical paintings and other records of this month’s patrons and their dates, and the selected guards for this occasion will often get publicity in their own right, as well as the first look of the eligible selected ladies who present without partners on their arm.

This will be the first time you’ll be debuting publicly with Asta as your partner, and you know that all eyes will be on him as well. He takes this in stride, presenting your invitation labeled Raven to the guards and flashing them his charming smiles. They bow to the two of you, and you pretend you don’t see one thump Asta on the back cheerfully as you step ahead of him. He skips a few paces to catch right back up to you, his hand placed gently on the small of your back. It makes a shiver run through your spine, but you attribute it to the cold.

The Nest is particularly vibrant and embellished tonight -  

A once monthly event, exclusive to royalty, noblewomen, and women of otherwise great merit, handpicked by the Blackbird herself. You know her personally, and know that she is a lot more than the gossip she’s rumored to be, an actual personal informant of the current Wizard King without a malicious bone in her body. To others, she remains the mysterious cheery head of the Nest’s events and a formidable social force.

Soft power is real power, and the show of force tonight is less the amount of magic or anti-magic that runs in your veins, but your ability to charm and win over hearts.

Asta’s won over yours, and you hope he wins the remainder of the country’s hearts in due time. 

Tonight is open to members and their partners, and instead of games to keep the aristocrats entertained and talking over wine, cheese and fruit, and the bourgeoisie buzzing with things to talk about, the gala is more centered on courtship and networking. New links are formed in the winter Roost and new regulars are introduced.

Last year’s Roost you were arm in arm with your cousin Nozel Silva against your best wishes, and today you come with Asta, who holds your hand eagerly and delighted. You'd have been concerned about the buzz around this, but the vibrant host reassured you that no one would dare cause a commotion.

The Blackbird announces each guest by their invited name, and both you and Asta grin at her in unison as you make your entrance.

“We welcome the Raven and her lovely guest Asta of the Magic Knights, Black Bulls!”

She’s positively glowing from the Master of Ceremony’s seat, and you can spot her own date, Captain Yami Sukehiro, a few paces away and seated, watching the two of you.  You’ll tease both of them about how they managed to get him into a formal outfit but for now you manage a polite wave at everyone as you finish your entrance and get seated. Asta’s excitement has him practically bursting at the seams, and he’s bent over, elbows resting on his knees while he asks you if you want anything to drink. 

“We have to wait for everyone to sit, Asta,” you remind him, and he frowns, but there’s poured sparkling water in the table setting and he offers it to you before downing his own glass.

More guests arrive - Robin who hails from the Forest of Witches, the captain Vermillion on her arm (or rather his hers), Harpy of the Silver Eagles with a date who seems to be being dragged along questionably willingly, along with her younger sister Swan of the Black Bulls with Yuno Grinberryall, Vice Captain of the Golden Dawn; Dove who is the newest addition to the Nest and practically flies down the staircase, mysterious and gorgeous in her own right, but will surely pick a suitor soon; and Hummingbird who comes down the stairs, her eyes lost in those of the vice-captain Vermillion’s.

The seats fill sequentially, as the Blackbird smiles and clasps her hands together in glee. 

The Roost is filled and the doors close, the lights dimming, and the feast begins. 

Asta provides you with drink and dance, and enthuses you as you glide through the groups, playing nice with a couple of ancillary members of the magic parliament (but not too nice because you remember their willingness to put the object of your affections to his death), catching up with Swallow and Finral in advance of their soon to be wedding.

The Blackbird has somehow convinced Yami to dance and you find it hilarious until Asta pulls you to the dancefloor as well and you’re side by side, twirling with him, as Asta and Yami find themselves back to back.

“Not a single damn comment.” Yami warns him.

Asta laughs. “Can I at least tell you you’re at least lighter on your feet than I expected, Captain Yami?”

The two of you twirl and you find yourself back to back.

“Did you see Finch and Nacht in the corner?” you ask.

Blackbird giggles, “I’m surprised he even came to be quite honest with you.”

“Finch is persuasive when she wants to be. And so are you with Captain Yami wearing sleeves for once.”

Yami and Blackbird switch places suddenly for Yami to grunt at you.

“Watch it, you’re still under my jurisdiction until the end of the month,” he warns, and Asta switches places with you.

“She’s behaving,” he says with a smile, as you remind him he’s not your keeper. He dips you suddenly and you gasp. 

“Are you sure that’s true?” he asks, while Blackbird whistles which makes your face warm even worse.

Asta has you lightheaded as he brings you up but he doesn’t dare to kiss you in public even if he wants to, even if you can tell the desire to by the flutter in his lashes. You want to as well, but you’re quickly dispelled by the clink of glasses. The Blackbird moves far too quickly at times, by virtue of her Movement Magic but also because she is light on her feet and soon she is at the center of the room.

“Please let us know if you have any needs and thank your servers. We hope you’re having a lovely time!”

You are absolutely, you think, as Asta takes your hands again, kissing your knuckles, and asking you if you need another drink. You shake your head and place your hands on his shoulders.

“Let’s continue to dance.”

Your waltz continues under the watchful eye of the Blackbird and the rest of the Nest.

[pomegranatesandtangerines]

My immediate thought with the isekai was how is the reader helping? I doubt that whatever threw them into the world of Dungeon Meshi was kind enough to give them a weapon or gear. So it's just some normal human with probably basic strength and no outstanding skills. Would the group even let them join?

The other dilemma I thought of was how much impact does the reader make on the story? Intentionally or otherwise. Me, personally, I would let events unfold as close to the story as possible. Even if it's bad things (ex: marcille pouring boiling water on the undine) since some of them are needed for character development. Now that's just me. So what do you think about that conundrum?

this is something I kinda struggled with coming up with ideas with ngl

but ive given it some thought I think the role reader would play depends on at what point in the story they are brought into

I feel that if they are brought into Dungeon Meshi as a baby or child, they would be able to make a much bigger impact on the story

in this instance they would be one of the main members ( with Laios and Falin ) before everyone else even joins and also I feel that this route would give them the time to learn how to fight and use weapons

however if they appeared in that world when the main plot line would begin I feel that they would serve a role similar to Senshi which is knowledge about the dungeon. they could act as a guide

the point that would be the most difficult to join the group would be when nemari, Toshiro, and Falin were still a part of it. I think that if they joined in that instance they probably would not be able to join the group, they could however try to join Kabru's group

now for how big of an impact I think that ( at least in how write it ) the reader would like you said let things happen in cannon, as most of its necessary for character development

also I feel that they'd want to just go along with it. like they want to be there for the characters and be a support system for them, but other then that they decide to leave the plot alone

but reader would still unknowingly impact things but would not be aware of it

( manga spoilers under cut )

like what if, instead of Laios, reader caught the winged lions eye

what if their wish and desire to know about this world to truly be of this world was unlike anything the winged lion has ever seen, and it craved to have it

just a thought :)

[felixcloud6288]

Dungeon Meshi Chapter 37

I don't think harpies are the actual focus this chapter

Last chapter, Kabru was attempting to sweet-talk Laios so he could find stuff out about him. But now that Laios has admitted to committing a crime that will make him an international criminal, Kabru's next move was to smooth talk his way into getting on Shuro's side.

At some point, Laios did manage to tell Shuro that Kensuke is a monster.

I don't think Kabru plans on telling anyone about what Laios's party did. He understands that Laios is a good person but either doesn't understand the consequences of his actions or doesn't see why he has to follow arbitrary rules. However, Kabru will probably try to use the knowledge as a bargaining chip. He wants Marcille to know that he knows.

Does magic leave some light residue traces on the staff or is it something like certain growths could only have happened because Marcille used black magic?

The harpies falling in the background during Marcille and Chilchuck's conversation is a funny event. It stops being funny when Hien is the one who falls.

Leave it to Laios to see the situation and think Falin looks super cool.

I think Falin is supposed to be a hybrid of her body, the red dragon, and whatever type of dragon this is from the title image.

The red dragon didn't have wings and navigating the fifth floor was difficult for it because it could barely walk through the streets. Giving her wings would let her more easily traverse this and the fourth floor if necessary.

Falin body overall seems to be smaller than the red dragon's. At the very least, she's likely much lighter than it since she can stand on the rooftops. It probably would help with navigating the dungeon, because again it had a hard time walking through the streets.

Falin's human body is also bigger than before. She's wearing Laios's spare shirt and it was originally too big on her. But now it's very tight on her. Compare her to this panel from chapter 28:

I remember how everyone was excitedly talking about Falin breasting boobily when this scene was animated.

Oh sure, Holm is allowed to have an undine combat familiar, but when Laios keeps a living armor in his sword....

Marcille has trauma.

The spell Falin used to kill the undine was definitely some form of ancient magic, but the characters she spoke were more similar to the characters Marcille uses in her normal magic. It would be interesting if modern alphabets are modifications of the ancient language alphabet. Maybe they even used the same general incantations, but used a different magic formula to define where the mana comes from.

Falin and Laios had dogs growing up. I want to say that this moment was Falin's human self influencing the dragon to want to pet Kuro.

"It's just a monster" is becoming a recurring phrase. Laios and Senshi both love monsters and wish they could live in harmony with them and nature. And they both nearly lost their lives because they put their trust in Kensuke and Anne and were betrayed.

Falin has gone one step beyond that and actually become a monster. Laios wishes this meant he could reason with her, but she's just a monster.

I want to argue that this panel was in Laios's head. He's trying to steel himself to kill a monster that looks like his little sister, but when he sees her face, he sees the person who would call him "big brother Laios."

Again, everything about Kabru's fighting style screams "Assassin". He literally took off his armor so he could sneak up on Falin unnoticed. And at minimum, Rin knows that's what he is because she was casting magic as a diversion.

back

[nottoxicfr]

Here's the deal. I'm stuck in a tug-of-war about Dizzy's storyline because I keep reading about how people feel specifically about her rapid aging.

The tug-of-war is about how I genuinely understand how having her age normally could lead to a more impactful story for her but also I don't think it would.

The biggest change it would cause is stretching out her estrangement from humanity, which is a major event in her life and in the story. That's why humanity celebrating her as the Queen of Illyria is so cool! She did it! She found acceptance!

At the same time, I think her rapid aging is kind of important to her character? It's a core part of understanding what Dizzy is all about. A major part of Dizzy's story is that she is at the whims of a body she doesn't understand. That's the major reason why she went with Ky in her story! That's why it's so important to see she has Necro and Undine under control (mostly).

Spreading her story over two decades kind of dampens the rapid trauma that Dizzy goes through? Part of why it's so bad is because it happens over a short period. She rapidly outpaced everything and everyone she knew, which is what led to her feeling that she could never belong anywhere. She didn't really understand why and no one could give her an explanation.

I enjoy the themes in Dizzy's storyline, so I like what her aging does to serve that. I think it's meant to be a very sad thing that happened to her. It's kind of uncomfortable.

[aiizenn]

jjk college majors pt. I

geto: ࿐ creative writing

── geto has a way with words. he expresses himself so much through writing. geto’s the quiet one out of the duo. with every extrovert friend there’s an introvert. give him a pen and paper or a laptop and he’ll stay alone for hours. his go-to place is the small antique café hidden between clock selling buildings—cozy and quiet. perfect for him. although he’s doesn’t talk much in class, he’s the professor's favorite. always leaving them in awe with every report/paper. geto would write you adorable poems every month. for valentine’s or your birthday he’d write you a letter in the most romantic way. using old looking paper, with cursive writing. it'd start with, "my angel" or "my dove". did i mention he has a talent for drawing? in the corner of the letters he’d always draw small doodles. or maybe add little stickers he thought were cute and you’d love them. "are those my initials on the wax seal?" "mhmm, customized for you and for you only, pretty angel." "i love it, thank you suguru."

sukuna: ࿐ history

── sukuna would definitely fit within the history major. he enjoys learning about how the world came to be. the causes behind events and how some are being repeated. sukuna would leave everybody astonished as he answered and elaborated to every question in class discussions. to him history is not just a major but a tool. it can be used as guidance on conflicts that are going on about in present times, he likes to connect events and ramble about them. you’ll be in the library together studying and he takes out a book called “history in quotations” and talk about how important figures within different time periods are alike yet so different. “doll, did you know that sojourner truth and harriet tubman met in the summer of 1864?” he enthusiastically whispers. “imagine two of the most impactful women in history within the same room?. . .powerful.” after finishing he’d realize and apologize for rambling for the umpth time. you’d give him a kiss on the cheek “it’s okay, i like it. it’s something your passionate about. plus it’s cute ‘cause your eyes twinkle.”

choso: ࿐ art

── choso is very much on the edgy side. like geto he’s quite but expressive. . .through art. to specify—sculpting. choso is big on marble sculpturing. he finds it so fascinating being able to make something out of a ‘rock’. he’ll spend time in the library reading books on sculpture; wanting to get better at it. choso looks at classical art pieces like ‘david’ by michelangelo or ‘undine rising from the waters’ by chauncey and takes inspiration. he’ll have a small notebook with him and sketch down his ideas or thoughts at any moment. in the process of learning, his first “real” sculpture was you. he had taken a picture of you when you guys were on a date, catching you at one of your most beautiful moments. he’d spent hours in the workshop trying to perfectionate the model. after weeks working on it, he finished. choso covered your eyes as he took you to the workshop. “where are we?” “you'll see, ready…1…2…3” your eyes open and are met with a very breathtaking statue of yourself. you were flabbergasted. “it’s me!” you exclaimed, looking at him. “you know what the topic was?. . .one’s most ethereal view.”

@aiizenn ₓ˚. ୨ৎ

[heyyallitsbeth]

Ghost of You

The sun beamed down on the two lovers resting on a giant mushroom top in Alfheim Online. They had been working on clearing a bunch of side quests with their party that day. But to one of the two, it felt off. His movements were sluggish, his body disconnected from the avatar it resided in. To most, it would seem normal, his movements still had the disciplined form of someone who had spent his life training in combat, despite him giving up the sword in the real world long ago. But to his partner, both in combat and in soul, she could tell he was struggling. 

“Kirito, are you feeling alright?” The autumn-haired girl stoked the dark hair of the noir boy who laid his head on her stomach.

“Hmm? Yeah everything’s fine Asu, why?” While his demeanor was calm, she could tell there was something eating him up inside.

“Honey, I’m your wife, and your partner too. If there’s anything troubling you, I’ll be right by your side to fight it with you.” The raven haired spriggan closed his eyes and weakly smiled. He knew that Asuna was his true other half, a partner in life and in love, but he was worried about something that might tear them apart.

“Asuna… I need to convert my account over again. I might be gone for a bit, so if you could… While I’m gone, please give Yui and Strea twice the amount of love as normal.” He thought of his daughters, and hated the thought of needing to leave them behind for any time, but he knew there was something he had to face alone.

“Of course honey, but call them every night at least okay?”

“Heh, been doing that since we escaped SAO. I can promise that won’t change one bit.” But some other things might.” He left the thought to himself, he wasn’t ready to commit to any real change, but he needed to see the truth for himself.

“Do you need me to look after Excalibur for you? You lost most of your items the last time you converted over…”

“Haha, nah that’s not an issue. Sinon's already got that covered, after all, it’s her sword, she just knighted me with it.” He laughed seeing the flustered face of his wife, even though their situation was more open and fluid than most, she still got a little jealous of the girl’s hanging off of him, especially the teal sniper who taunted the two of them the most. “And if she converts, it should default to Yui now since she’s taken my inventory any other time I convert.”

“Alright, we should get back to the others to continue the quests now, good chance for you to say bye before you log off for a while anyway.”

“Of course. Dontcha go marryin someone else without my permission first~”

“H-hey!”

“Oh come on, I’ve seen how Liz stares at ya Asu. I’m sure she’ll take great~ care of you while I’m gone~” He giggled, imagining the sight of his wife and Liz locked in an embrace together.

“Even if she does, you’ll still always be my beloved partner, promise~”

“Heh. Didn’t take much convincing- you’re so cute.”

The spriggan rested on the undine, never wanting to leave her. But today, he needed to face his fears. Alone. A mission for the solo player. 

…

A year prior, an event stuck itself to Kirito’s brain like a parasyte. He could never fully escape the thought of it. He had logged into Gun Gale Online in order to investigate the DeathGun case. Due to the gacha system that determined avatars in the game, Kirito had awoken to the sight of his hair in his face. Long streaks of grey locks adorned him, framing his soft face. Staring at his reflection in the windows of nearby shops in the dark brutalist environment, he noticed things in himself he was afraid of. His figure was soft and feminine, far from the typical soldier of this world. It was not too dissimilar to his real life appearance, but the pronounced hips and narrow shoulders made him shift in place uncomfortably. He stared at his visage, noting he looked as if he was Sugu’s big sister instead of her big brother. He slowly met his own gaze. His eyes had always been a dark grey, something his adoring sister always teased him for, calling him a zombie with the dead gaze that adorned him. But that day he saw something different in them, where a blank glaze once covered his view, there were now highlights visible for the first time, and a deep purple hue that left him breathless. He grasped at his chest over his heart and was hit with a deep pain, and an even deeper longing. But he had to move forward, he had a mission.

A week ago Kazuto had been out with his sister Suguha, though they were only related tangentially as cousins. That became something Kazuto had become fixated on, as throughout their day out, multiple people had stopped them, asking if they were twin sisters. Kazuto didn’t look his age due to his years in Sword Art Online, his body permanently stunted by his inability to move for so long. But he was really wondering if he truly looked that similar to Suguha because of it. He recalled that as he was young, they were confused for twin girls all the time, but they were younger then… It made sense right? Kazuto stole an old skirt from Suguha’s closet one day as she was out practicing kendo. She hadn’t worn it in years, he figured she wouldn’t notice if it were gone… He slipped it on and stared himself in the mirror that spanned the back of his bedroom door. Despite the clear difference in their “endowment” Kazuto had seen as bright as day the connection. Even if his chest wasn’t voluptuous, even if his hips weren’t as pronounced, he saw the obvious connections between him and his sister. His face was soft and round like hers. And in the center of it all, he saw it again, his dead eyes replaced with the loving purple gaze he’d seen back in Gun Gale. He threw off the skirt in a fit of anger at himself. He stashed it beneath his bed, he didn’t wanna look at it. But… his heart longed for something regardless.

Today, as Kirito logged out of Alfheim Online, he converted his account over to Gun Gale Online once more. He needed to spend more time there… She needed to see herself again. 

…

A dark raven was prone atop a clocktower, aiming down at the streets below. Through the scope of their Hecate sniper rifle, they could nearly see the stubble on the men in the party stories below them.

BANG!

A single clean shot had decimated two of the party members.

“I’ve gotten good with this thing… heh.” The shadowy figure smiled to themselves as they lined up another shot. “Maybe now I can give her that duel I promised…”

BANG!

A full party wiped in such a short amount of shots. Too easy. The slender gargoyle on the roof brushed their long locks behind them, the deep grey shimmered with silver highlights despite the soot and ash coating it. Suddenly, they heard someone ascending the wall in front of them. They prepped their shot, but they were caught off guard by a blur of seafoam green, before their eyes met a familiar smiling face in their scope.

“Hey Sinon, come here often?” A playful taunt escaped their lips.

“Yes actually, I do believe you’re in my spot after all Kirito.” She giggled, a sight Kirito had grown to love as Sinon had opened up more and more. “I’m surprised you’re using a real weapon instead of wildly flailing your photon sword about.”

“Oh you just miss seeing me with my sword in my hands dontcha?” Sinon blushed and angrily pouted, another adorable sight. “Well, my lovely partner here in GGO taught me so much, I figured I’d honor her by using the same weapon as I practiced. I need to give ya a good duel sometime after all.~”

As he grew closer to each of his friends, the one-sided teasing evolved into a playful banter between them, learning how to push each and every one of their buttons.

“So that’s why you left ALO huh? Trying to get a headstart on training for our next B.O.B. huh?”

“I think you’ve got years ahead of me Sinonon~ One week away won’t save me. But truthfully that’s not the full reason.” Their eyes shifted away from Sinon, and towards the floor before smirking and shaking the thought away.

“I’d hope so, it’d be such a shame if my Star-Crossed Soldier was training without me~” She playfully pouted at Kirito.

Ever since the last B.O.B. ended, article after article dubbed the two winners as the Star-Crossed Soldiers, after Kirito’s embrace with Sinon in the trials, their close encounters in the cave and Sinon’s literal fiery embrace at the end to claim their tied victory. Liz had given Kirito an earful before the articles came out with how close he’d been to Sinon, but after the nickname appeared online, Kirito became convinced Liz and Asuna would actually kill him. Up until Asuna proposed the poly arrangement at least.

“Jeez, don’t let Asu hear you callin’ me that, otherwise I won’t be the only one getting pierced by her rapier.”

“Oh don’t worry, I’m not lookin’ to get inbetween ya- in that way at least~” The look she gave Kirito with that comment seemed to literally take health off the poor player.

“Anyways, why’re you here if not to train to win over me?”

“...” Kirito shifted his look away from her, and with that motion he accidentally revealed the accessories adorning his hair. Sinon snickered.

“Ah, I see you’re just here to play dress up huh?” Her eyes wandered and looked over the rest of the boy. He still had his trademark carbon fiber cloak, but now his outfit beneath was…

“Kirito… is that my outfit in black and silver?”

The noirette blushed a vibrant crimson, and smiled.

“I think there’s someone you need to meet Shino.” The girl was surprised by Kirito’s use of her real name ingame. He typically tried to refer them as their avatar’s name. This was deeper, this was personal to her. 

Shino grabbed the hands of the shadow before her and looked into it’s eyes.

“I think I know who you mean.” She smiled with pride as they drew closer. “What’s your name? Who is my partner in this world?”

The eyes of purple and blue had met, a synthetic gaze between them escalated into a whirlwind. In a moment, they were back in that cave again, holding eachother close, the heat of their bodies pressed against eachother.

“In this world… And all others… My name is Kiriko.”

With those words, Sinon saw Kiriko revert back to how she saw her initially. Another girl, just like her.

They spent the next week training for the upcoming B.O.B. ingame, and shopping for Kiriko in the real world. The night of the battle, Kiriko had stayed at Shino’s apartment, so they could celebrate their victory.

…

A flurry of gunshots was silenced by the cruel end of a photon sword. Despite her training with a sniper, Kiriko decided to return to the classics for most of the match. Her and Sinon made for a perfect duo as front line and supporting fire. Her favorite moment had been when Sinon and her had been cornered, with Sinon facing her while she had her back to two enemies. Sinon fired at Kiriko, and she split the bullet just like in their trial duel, with the two pieces finding their home in the skulls of their attackers. It was a game now, just for fun, and they wanted to perform.

“I suppose that is the last of them huh?”

“Suppose so.”

The two stood against the other, scratched, bruised, covered in virtual blood of both their own, and of others. And now with all cameras on them. 

“You ready to give the girls at home a show Kiriko?”

They smiled devilishly at each other.

“Always.”

In a swift movement, Kiriko removed her heavy black cloak, revealing the matching outfit with Sinon’s own. It was practically bikini armor, except for soldiers instead of for knights, despite Sinon’s insistence it wasn’t. Sinon revealed a photon sword of her own, and as the cloak hit the dusty ground behind Kiriko, both lept towards eachother with fire in their eyes. The clash of purple and green blades sent small debris around them flying, each strike was more powerful than the last. But it was less of a duel, and more of a dance. Every movement, despite the power, was elegant, with perfect footwork and seamless motion. They circled eachother, blade against blade. With every strike forward, the other responded with a dodge and their own strike. Neither had grazed the other, only their sword’s connecting the two. The chorus of slashes against slashes sent both blade’s flying, as Kiriko caught Sinon’s and Sinon caught Kiriko’s, and they continued their masquerade. They drew closer and closer together, despite the blade’s repelling eachother, their bodies had called to eachother. In a flash both lights extinguished, and the two embraced. They smiled at eachother, aware of the camera right beside their faces. They closed their eyes and their lips clashed against eachother. Love blooming on the battlefield. Sinon pressed Kiriko’s blade against her back, and ignited it, impaling the two of them together, as they tied another B.O.B.

…

The pair awoke from their brawl back in the real world. Both had imprints on their faces from where their Amusphere’s had sat on them. They giggled to eachother as they traced the marks, holding eachother’s faces. 

“I’m glad you got Asu’s approval before all that, I know that Liz’ll still tear both of us apart though” Sinon snicked, imagining the pink leprechaun’s stunned face watching their dance.

“Hehe, yeahhhhh. Just because me and Asuna are poly doesn’t mean the jealousy’ll ever just up and leave. Liz is probably upset that I managed to steal both Asuna and you for myself.” 

“Oh I think she’ll be more jealous of me, after all, I was the first one with the new girl in the group.” She laughed at the thought, knowing all of the girls’ not-so-subtle-crushes. 

“Oh yeah, speaking of, I guess tonight they all get to meet Kiriko at the party in ALO huh?”

“As long as you’re not nervous, and I’ll be there supporting you always.”

“With you by my side, I’ll always be ready. Let’s hop over and meet them.”

An evil grin reached Shino’s lips.

“Welllllll you and I both need to transfer our accounts back over, so you should set that up real quick.”

“Right, right of course. Better not keep them waiting-”

Kiriko turned away from Shino to her laptop, starting the slow transfer of their accounts. With her attention away, Shino slipped out of her top and pajama bottoms, and waited for Kiriko’s full undivided attention.

“Alright we should be good in around twenty minu- HUH!”

Kiriko’s face was lit ablaze by the sight of the scantily clad girl infront of her.

“Hehehe, whatcha waitin for? I know we got the cash prize, but it’s time for our real~ reward now.”

She unbuckled the back of her bra and let the garment slip down, exposing her modest, but perky chest with a light bounce.

“We won’t keep them waiting long- but I already told Asuna- I get first dibs tonight- which means I get first ever dibs on Kiriko~”

She pounced on Kiriko, pinning her to the bed. 

They showed up in Alfheim, an hour later than everyone expected.

…

Sinon entered the main living space of the home their party had shared. Luckily everyone was enjoying themselves already, but she still stammered out an apology for being so late. 

“Jeez, is Kirito not coming?” Liz said in a huff. “I suppose he just doesn’t wanna show after that little stunt you two pulled.”

Sinon blushed heavily, knowing that stunt was far from the worst thing they’d done. Asuna crept behind Sinon and pulled her in, kissing her on the cheek.

“Mwah~ That’s for stealing away my poor innocent Kirito~” She playfully toyed with the cat, happy with the new arrangement they’d found. But the cat’s face lit up, imagining how there was no innocence left in either of their bodies laying beside eachother in the real world. She shook the thought away.

“Hehe, just borrowing her~ she’s yours again tonight”

The party went silent

“HER?!”

As if on queue, a new cait sith appeared from the door. She was adorned with a black cloak and risque armor set. Her signature long grey hair fell down her back, looking just like Kirito in GGO. And she could barely look up at the party as she announced “H-hey everyone. My name’s Kiriko…”

Before anyone had the chance to say anything, Asuna, Yui and Strea all embraced the girl.

“Yayyyyy I get two mommies now!” Yui cheered

“Ah well that explains the armor choices…” Leafa sputtered out.

“We leave Sinon alone with Kiriko for a week and she comes back a girl… Yeah that tracks actually.” Liz was practically beaming.

“I was wondering about Kiriko’s choice of attire in GGO… But now I can’t wait to see her choices in here~” Philia dreamed of all the different event cosmetics and rare treasures Kiriko could now be adorned in.

Silica and Argo were hovering around the new cait sith in their presence. 

“So was I the only one who suspected Kii-gal was a girl?”

“Maybe! But now I get an adoptive big sister!” 

“Hey! Kiriko’s my actual big sister!”

“We can share!”

The crowd started talking inbetween themselves, talking about all the fun things they can do now that Kiriko’s a girl, and Asuna took this as an opportunity to pull her to the side.

“So this was what you were worried about earlier huh?”

“I was worried that you’d leave when you found out what I’d been going through… I’m glad I can still be yours.”

“Oh honey… I love you, husband, wife, partner, I didn’t fall in love with a boy, I fell in love with you. The hero who saved us from Aincrad, and the caring parent to our kids. This is just a new side of you I get to love, and I’m going to love every second of learning about you Kiriko. Now ummm. After the party can I head over? It’s been a bit since we um.”

“Heh- about that… If you wanna head over, you’ll have to ask Shino if she’s okay with you staying…”

“Sh-Shino? Are you diving from her apartment?”

“Hahaha, well, she did call first dibs…”

Asuna laughed and pulled Kiriko into a kiss. She was glad that Kiriko was still hers, even if she was being shared between a few others. Since for the both of them, regardless of all the others they would come to love, they were still that happy couple from back in Aincrad, soulmates from then, to forever.

[not-that-n]

I read like all of Sleepless Domain yesterday and it was pretty good, its one of those stories that I know will really resonate with some people even though it didn't with me. Don't take that comment wrong, I think the comic is great and has some pretty amazing ideas, I love the world it presents and I love how the characters inside it act in relation to that.

I like all those things about magical girls being celebrities and how that's a purposeful way of making the concept feel more abstract and surreal to the average public so that girls don't hesitate to participate in such a life threatening job and how the general culture of the place sees magical girls and their organization, but I think the most compelling aspect of the comic was how different circumstances, mainly the presence of a support group, affect two people that went through the same tragedy.

If this sounds interesting to you, please go read it, it is a pretty good story that I know will resonate with some people incredibly deeply. That said, beware spoilers below

Tessa if my favorite part of the comic because of how that character reflects Undine's situation. While Undine still is hurting the loss of her three friends she takes action, while shy she still tries to better herself, to make new friends, to make new relations and get help, it is stated that she goes to therapy something that seems, well, logical considering what she goes through but outside of that she shows progress in trying to move on from this tragedy. She keeps hidden a lot because, well, of course she does, talking about such a traumatic event is incredibly hard specially if you think that opening up might put your friends in danger, but even though she is scared of this, she does open up, to Kokoro and then to her other, new friends. She is afraid but she works to Kokoro, she accepts her proposal to participate in the training club, she is afraid but she makes new friendships.

Its also important to mention Kokoro and just how much I like her as a character, originally I thought she was just too emotionally intelligent and that it made Undine's journey a bit more plain but that's kinda the point. Kokoro's character is about how a single person can change someone's life for the better through kind acts. She does struggle like everyone does, she is insecure and she went too through a great loss. She keeps somethings bottled up because she is afraid of making things about herself, of being annoying to the people she wants to help. But she still opens up to Undine, afraid of course but she does it. She makes the club a friend group and everyone ( except one character ) is better for it. Kokoro made the club a support network for everybody involved and that's incredibly cute and heartwarming, this one person made the world such a better place for most of her friends as a result of being so kind.

Then, as a parallel, you have Tessa's story. Instead of, like Undine, trying to get help and establish new relations and a support group, Tessa isolates herself, not letting herself move from that tragedy. She makes new friends, Rue (I won't talk about Rue much but she is amazing) and the whiteboy she likes (I forgot his name lmao) but never really opens to them, every time someone tries to get closer or make a friendship with her, she runs away and even with Rue, someone she actually used to hang out quite a lot and were friends if not really close, she still keeps at an arms length, never talking about her issues, never opening up. When Rue attempts to get closer, Tessa ends up hurting her, saying some (in universe) horrible things to say and breaking that friendship, she is constantly avoiding Undine, not answering and purposefully calling at a time she knows she won't be at home, and when they meet up again she is distant, not opening up, waiting until she goes away to showcase any feelings of discomfort as showcased by the comic panels only beginning to shatter when Tessa is alone.

And I find this such an interesting juxtaposition of characters because Undine tries to move on, she does feel horrible about it, saying that she feels like things are finally becoming normal when after such a tragedy things should never feel that way, she like Tessa feels like she shouldn't be moving from that moment of loss, that doing such isn't grieving correctly her friends. But unlike Tessa she doesn't let those feelings win mainly because when she doubts, Kokoro is in there to help her, to lift her up, to be the shoulder to cry on. While Tessa just goes to the cemetery every day, never opening up, lying to people about her situation and just further isolating herself.

When Rue, after all that happens, still tries to do the right thing, recognizing both that there's no excuse for Tessa treating her that way but that she is going through something incredibly hard, and asks her if she is ok, asks her, in a way, to open up about her feeling so she could help, Tessa again says no, she says that she is fine and only wanted to be alone in that moment, that she didn't mean what she said. Something that actually might not be completely bullshit, she probably never doubted Rue's magical girl ability and wanted to be alone, to isolate herself even more, and just said that so Rue couldn't get closer, and I find interesting that Tessa, in a way, said the truth to justify the pretty obvious lie that she is ok.

I just really love this, presenting two different, opposite outcomes of how people deal with tragedy makes both stories feel both more heartwarming and more tragic, when you read about Tessa you remember Undine's story and, knowing that Tessa could be going through that, it feels like adding salt to the wound because you know she can be in a better place, and while reading Undine's story you always have Tessa's on the back of your mind, feeling more heartwarming because you know how her friends helped her and what would happened if they didn't.

[myndless88]

An Undine's Kiss

This was drawn for a one hour event on Twitter (I wish they still did those).

Undine are basically a type of water creature of European folklore. They are primarily female, but males do exist. They are said to have beautiful singing voices, are quite human-like in appearance, and have immortality. However, they lack a soul. But once they marry a human, they acquire a soul. It comes with a price--of course--for both the undine and the human they marry. For the undine, their life is shortened on Earth. As for the human...they run the risk of death if they are unfaithful.

I thought it'd be cute to have Kuroko as an undine just chilling in the lake near Kagami's castle. Kagami hears Kuroko singing one day as he's taking a stroll. They meet, fall in love, get married, Kuroko gains a soul, and so on and so forth. And I doubt Kagami would have to worry about dying because I know he'll be faithful to Kuroko.

[pens-swords-stuff]

[Event] Writeblr Secret Admirer 2023

THE EVENT

Welcome to the FIFTH annual Writeblr Secret Admirer event!!

Let’s spread some love and positivity on Valentine’s Day! This is an event where we are going to send and receive some secret admirer messages to people’s ask boxes.

By signing up, you are agreeing to send someone a really nice and loving ask on February 14th, 2023.

I, Undine (@pens-swords-stuff​) will be assigning you a person to send a secret admirer message to via asks.

I will also be assigning someone to send YOU a secret admirer message, so you’ll have something to look forward to on Valentine’s Day.

There is no particular criteria about what you have to send, as long as it’s kind and positive. It doesn’t have to be romantic or anything, just send them something nice! Some potential ideas include: sending them compliments; telling them that they’re amazing and loved; comment something you love about their blog; send them a sweet Valentine’s day poem, the options are endless and the only limit is your creativity.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Complete this survey. It basically just asks you to put in the Writeblr URL you would like to participate with for organization purposes, and a couple other reminders. If you do not complete this survey, you will not be signed up for the event. So be sure to fill it out!

Reblog this post to spread awareness!

RULES

Your ask box must be open!

By signing up, you are promising to send someone a secret admirer message. This is all based on the honor system, and it will not work if people don’t send them. Please make sure that you are committed to this event.

You must send your ask in on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.

No hate or negativity of any kind! Send only nice things!

You can send your ask anonymously, or not. It’s up to you!

When you receive your ask, please post and publish them on your blog with the tag [#writeblr secret admirer] so I can check that people have received them, and to spread the love!

Please follow my blog (@pens-swords-stuff​). Important updates will be posted here, and the tagging system is unreliable at best. It’s the only way to make sure you’ll see important announcements.

The deadline to sign up for this event will be on February 13th, 5PM CST.

Assignments will be given randomly, and will be sent out prior to Valentine’s Day. Depending on when you sign up, you may receive your assignment today, the day of or anytime in between. Be sure to keep an eye out for it in your inbox, be patient, and to make a note of who your assignment is!

If you have any questions, please check out the FAQ here.

For anything not covered in the FAQ, please send me an ask.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone, I hope you’ll consider joining and spreading the love!

Even if you decide not to sign up, I would love and appreciate a boost!

[heyyallitsbethfanfic]

The Ghost of You

The sun beamed down on the two lovers resting on a giant mushroom top in Alfheim Online. They had been working on clearing a bunch of side quests with their party that day. But to one of the two, it felt off. His movements were sluggish, his body disconnected from the avatar it resided in. To most, it would seem normal, his movements still had the disciplined form of someone who had spent his life training in combat, despite him giving up the sword in the real world long ago. But to his partner, both in combat and in soul, she could tell he was struggling. 

“Kirito, are you feeling alright?” The autumn-haired girl stoked the dark hair of the noir boy who laid his head on her stomach.

“Hmm? Yeah everything’s fine Asu, why?” While his demeanor was calm, she could tell there was something eating him up inside.

“Honey, I’m your wife, and your partner too. If there’s anything troubling you, I’ll be right by your side to fight it with you.” The raven haired spriggan closed his eyes and weakly smiled. He knew that Asuna was his true other half, a partner in life and in love, but he was worried about something that might tear them apart.

“Asuna… I need to convert my account over again. I might be gone for a bit, so if you could… While I’m gone, please give Yui and Strea twice the amount of love as normal.” He thought of his daughters, and hated the thought of needing to leave them behind for any time, but he knew there was something he had to face alone.

“Of course honey, but call them every night at least okay?”

“Heh, been doing that since we escaped SAO. I can promise that won’t change one bit.” But some other things might.” He left the thought to himself, he wasn’t ready to commit to any real change, but he needed to see the truth for himself.

“Do you need me to look after Excalibur for you? You lost most of your items the last time you converted over…”

“Haha, nah that’s not an issue. Sinons already got that covered, after all, it’s her sword, she just knighted me with it.” He laughed seeing the flustered face of his wife, even though their situation was more open than most, she still got a little jealous of the girl’s hanging off of him, especially the teal sniper who taunted the two of them the most. “And if she converts, it should default to Yui now since she’s taken my inventory any other time I convert.”

“Alright, we should get back to the others to continue the quests now, good chance for you to say bye before you log off for a while anyway.”

“Of course. Dontcha go marryin someone else without my permission first~”

“H-hey!”

“Oh come on, I’ve seen how Liz stares at ya Asu. I’m sure she’ll take great~ care of you while I’m gone~” He giggled, imagining the sight of his wife and Liz locked in an embrace together.

“Even if she does, you’ll still always be my beloved partner, promise~”

“Heh. Didn’t take much convincing- you’re so cute.”

The spriggan rested on the undine, never wanting to leave her. But today, he needed to face his fears. Alone. A mission for the solo player. 

…

A year prior, an event stuck itself to Kirito’s brain like a parasyte. He could never fully escape the thought of it. He had logged into Gun Gale Online in order to investigate the DeathGun case. Due to the gacha system that determined avatars in the game, Kirito had awoken to the sight of his hair in his face. Long streaks of grey locks adorned him, framing his soft face. Staring at his reflection in the windows of nearby shops in the dark brutalist environment, he noticed things in himself he was afraid of. His figure was soft and feminine, far from the typical soldier of this world. It was not too dissimilar to his real life appearance, but the pronounced hips and narrow shoulders made him shift in place uncomfortably. He stared at his visage, noting he looked as if he was Sugu’s big sister instead of her big brother. He slowly met his own gaze. His eyes had always been a dark grey, something his adoring sister always teased him for, calling him a zombie with the dead gaze that adorned him. But that day he saw something different in them, where a blank glaze once covered his view, there were now highlights visible for the first time, and a deep purple hue that left him breathless. He grasped at his chest over his heart and was hit with a deep pain, and an even deeper longing. But he had to move forward, he had a mission.

A week ago Kazuto had been out with his sister Suguha though they were only related tangentially as cousins. That became something Kazuto had become fixated on as throughout their day out, multiple people had stopped them, asking if they were twin sisters. Kazuto didn’t look his age due to his years in Sword Art Online, his body permanently stunted by his inability to move for so long. But he was really wondering if he truly looked that similar to Suguha because of it. He recalled that as he was young, they were confused for twin girls all the time, but they were younger then… It made sense right? Kazuto stole an old skirt from Suguha’s closet one day as she was out practicing kendo. She hadn’t worn it in years, he figured she wouldn’t notice if it were gone… He slipped it on and stared himself in the mirror that spanned the back of his bedroom door. Despite the clear difference in their “endowment” Kazuto had seen as bright as day the connection. Even if his chest wasn’t voluptuous, even if his hips weren’t as pronounced, he saw the obvious connections between him and his sister. His face was soft and round like hers. And in the center of it all, he saw it again, his dead eyes replaced with the loving purple gaze he’d seen back in Gun Gale. He threw off the skirt in a fit of anger at himself. He stashed it beneath his bed, he didn’t wanna look at it. But… his heart longed for something regardless.

Today, as Kirito logged out of Alfheim Online, he converted his account over to Gun Gale Online once more. He needed to spend more time there… He needed to see himself again. 

…

A dark raven was prone atop a clocktower, aiming down at the streets below. Through the scope of their Hecate sniper rifle, they could nearly see the stubble on the men in the party stories below them.

BANG!

A single clean shot had decimated two of the party members.

“I’ve gotten good with this thing… heh.” The shadowy figure smiled to themselves as they lined up another shot. “Maybe now I can give her that duel I promised…”

BANG!

A full party wiped in such a short amount of shots. Too easy. The slender gargoyle on the roof brushed their long locks behind them, the deep grey shimmered with silver highlights despite the soot and ash coating it. Suddenly, they heard someone ascending the wall in front of them. They prepped their shot, but they were caught off guard by a blur of seafoam green, before their eyes met a familiar smiling face in their scope.

“Hey Sinon, come here often?” A playful taunt escaped their lips.

“Yes actually, I do believe you’re in my spot after all Kirito.” She giggled, a sight Kirito had grown to love as Sinon had opened up more and more. “I’m surprised you’re using a real weapon instead of wildly flailing your photon sword about.”

“Oh you just miss seeing me with a sword in my hands dontcha?” Sinon blushed and angrily pouted, another adorable sight. “Well, my lovely partner here in GGO taught me so much, I figured I’d honor her by using the same weapon as I practiced. I need to give ya a good duel sometime after all.~”

As he grew closer to each of his friends, the one-sided teasing evolved into a playful banter between them, learning how to push each and every one of their buttons.

“So that’s why you left ALO huh? Trying to get a headstart on training for our next B.O.B. huh?”

“I think you’ve got years ahead of me Sinonon~ One week away won’t save me. But truthfully that’s not the full reason.” Their eyes shifted away from Sinon, and towards the floor before smirking and shaking the thought away.

“I’d hope so, it’d be such a shame if my Star-Crossed Soldier was training without me~” She playfully pouted at Kirito.

Ever since the last B.O.B. ended, article after article dubbed the two winners as the Star-Crossed Soldiers, after Kirito’s embrace with Sinon in the trials, their close encounters in the cave and Sinon’s literal fiery embrace at the end to claim their tied victory. Liz had given Kirito an earful before the articles came out with how close he’d been to Sinon, but after the nickname appeared online, Kirito became convinced Liz and Asuna would actually kill him.

“Jeez, don’t let Asu hear you callin’ me that, otherwise I won’t be the only one getting pierced by her rapier.”

“Oh don’t worry, I’m not lookin’ to get inbetween ya- in that way at least~” The look she gave Kirito with that comment seemed to literally take health off the poor player.

“Anyways, why’re you here if not to train to win over me?”

“...” Kirito shifted his look away from her, and with that motion he accidentally revealed the accessories adorning his hair. Sinon snickered.

“Ah, I see you’re just here to play dress up huh?” Her eyes wandered and looked over the rest of the boy. He still had his trademark carbon fiber cloak, but now his outfit beneath was…

“Kirito… is that my outfit in black and silver?”

The noirette blushed a vibrant crimson, and smiled.

“I think there’s someone you need to meet Shino.” The girl was surprised by Kirito’s use of her real name ingame. He typically tried to refer them as their avatar’s name. This was deeper, this was personal to her. 

Shino grabbed the hands of the shadow before her and looked into it’s eyes.

“I think I know who you mean.” She smiled with pride as they drew closer. “What’s your name? Who is my partner in this world?”

The eyes of purple and blue had met, a synthetic gaze between them escalated into a whirlwind. In a moment, they were back in that cave again, holding eachother close, the heat of their bodies pressed against eachother.

“In this world… And all others… My name is Kiriko.”

With those words, Sinon saw Kiriko revert back to how she saw her initially. Another girl, just like her.

They spent the next week training for the upcoming B.O.B. ingame, and shopping for Kiriko in the real world. The night of the battle, Kiriko had stayed at Shino’s apartment, so they could celebrate their victory.

…

A flurry of gunshots was silenced by the cruel end of a photon sword. Despite her training with a sniper, Kiriko decided to return to the classics for most of the match. Her and Sinon made for a perfect duo as front line and supporting fire. Her favorite moment had been when Sinon and her had been cornered, with Sinon facing her while she had her back to two enemies. Sinon fired at Kiriko, and she split the bullet just like in their trial duel, with the two pieces finding their home in the skulls of their attackers. It was a game now, just for fun, and they wanted to perform.

“I suppose that is the last of them huh?”

“Suppose so.”

The two stood against the other, scratched, bruised, covered in virtual blood of both their own, and of others. And now with all cameras on them. 

“You ready to give the girls at home a show Kiriko?”

They smiled devilishly at each other.

“Always.”

In a swift movement, Kiriko removed her heavy black cloak, revealing the matching outfit with Sinon’s own. It was practically bikini armor, except for soldiers instead of for knights, despite Sinon’s insistence it wasn’t. Sinon revealed a photon sword of her own, and as the cloak hit the dusty ground behind Kiriko, both lept towards eachother with fire in their eyes. The clash of purple and green blades sent small debris around them flying, each strike was more powerful than the last. But it was less of a duel, and more of a dance. Every movement, despite the power, was elegant, with perfect footwork and seamless motion. They circled eachother, blade against blade. With every strike forward, the other responded with a dodge and their own strike. Neither had grazed the other, only their sword’s connecting the two. The chorus of slashes against slashes sent both blade’s flying, as Kiriko caught Sinon’s and Sinon caught Kiriko’s, and they continued their masquerade. They drew closer and closer together, despite the blade’s repelling eachother, their bodies had called to eachother. In a flash both lights extinguished, and the two embraced. They smiled at eachother, aware of the camera right beside their faces. They closed their eyes and their lips clashed against eachother. Love blooming on the battlefield. Sinon pressed Kiriko’s blade against her back, and ignited it, impaling the two of them together, as they tied another B.O.B.

…

The pair awoke from their brawl back in the real world. Both had imprints on their faces from where their Amusphere’s had sat on them. They giggled to eachother as they traced the marks, holding eachother’s faces. 

“I’m glad you got Asu’s approval before all that, I know that Liz’ll still tear both of us apart though” Sinon snicked, imagining the pink leprechaun’s stunned face watching their dance.

“Hehe, yeahhhhh. Just because me and Asuna are poly doesn’t mean the jealousy’ll ever just up and leave. Liz is probably upset that I managed to steal both Asuna and you for myself.” 

“Oh I think she’ll be more jealous of me, after all, I was the first one with the new girl in the group.” She laughed at the thought, knowing all of the girls’ not-so-subtle-crushes. 

“Oh yeah, speaking of, I guess tonight they all get to meet Kiriko at the party in ALO huh?”

“As long as you’re not nervous, and I’ll be there supporting you always.”

“With you by my side, I’ll always be ready. Let’s hop over and meet them.”

An evil grin reached Shino’s lips.

“Welllllll you and I both need to transfer our accounts back over, so you should set that up real quick.”

“Right, right of course. Better not keep them waiting-”

Kiriko turned away from Shino to her laptop, starting the slow transfer of their accounts. With her attention away, Shino slipped out of her top and pajama bottoms, and waited for Kiriko’s full undivided attention.

“Alright we should be good in around twenty minu- HUH!”

Kiriko’s face was lit ablaze by the sight of the scantily clad girl infront of her.

“Hehehe, whatcha waitin for? I know we got the cash prize, but it’s time for our real~ reward now.”

She unbuckled the back of her bra and let the garment slip down, exposing her modest, but perky chest with a light bounce.

“We won’t keep them waiting long- but I already told Asuna- I get first dibs tonight- which means I get first ever dibs on Kiriko~”

She pounced on Kiriko, pinning her to the bed. 

They showed up in Alfheim, an hour later than everyone expected.

…

Sinon entered the main living space of the home their party had shared. Luckily everyone was enjoying themselves already, but she still stammered out an apology for being so late. 

“Jeez, is Kirito not coming?” Liz said in a huff. “I suppose he just doesn’t wanna show after that little stunt you two pulled.”

Sinon blushed heavily, knowing that stunt was far from the worst thing they’d done. Asuna crept behind Sinon and pulled her in, kissing her on the cheek.

“Mwah~ That’s for stealing away my poor innocent Kirito~” She playfully toyed with the cat, happy with the new arrangement they’d found. But the cat’s face lit up, imagining how there was no innocence left in either of their bodies laying beside eachother in the real world. She shook the thought away.

“Hehe, just borrowing her~ she’s yours again tonight”

The party went silent

“HER?!”

As if on queue, a new cait sith appeared from the door. She was adorned with a black cloak and risque armor set. Her signature long grey hair fell down her back, looking just like Kirito in GGO. And she could barely look up at the party as she announced “H-hey everyone. My name’s Kiriko…”

Before anyone had the chance to say anything, Asuna, Yui and Strea all embraced the girl.

“Yayyyyy I get two mommies now!” Yui cheered

“Ah well that explains the armor choices…” Leafa sputtered out.

“We leave Sinon alone with Kiriko for a week and she comes back a girl… Yeah that tracks actually.” Liz was practically beaming.

“I was wondering about Kiriko’s choice of attire in GGO… But now I can’t wait to see her choices in here~” Philia dreamed of all the different event cosmetics and rare treasures Kiriko could now be adorned in.

Silica and Argo were hovering around the new cait sith in their presence. 

“So was I the only one who knew Kii-gal was a girl?”

“Maybe! But now I get an adoptive big sister!” 

“Hey! Kiriko’s my actual big sister!”

“We can share!”

The crowd started talking inbetween themselves, talking about all the fun things they can do now that Kiriko’s a girl, and Asuna took this as an opportunity to pull her to the side.

“So this was what you were worried about earlier huh?”

“I was worried that you’d leave when you found out what I’d been going through… I’m glad I can still be yours.”

“Oh honey… I love you, husband, wife, partner, I didn’t fall in love with a boy, I fell in love with you. The hero who saved us from Aincrad, and the caring parent to our kids. This is just a new side of you I get to love, and I’m going to love every second of learning about you Kiriko. Now ummm. After the party can I head over? It’s been a bit since we um.”

“Heh- about that… If you wanna head over, you’ll have to ask Shino if she’s okay with you staying…”

“Sh-Shino? Are you diving from her apartment?”

“Hahaha, well, she did call first dibs…”

Asuna laughed and pulled Kiriko into a kiss. She was glad that Kiriko was still hers, even if she was being shared between a few others. Since for the both of them, regardless of all the others they would come to love, they were still that happy couple from back in Aincrad, soulmates from then, to forever.

[gear-project]

Annon-Guy: Dizzy's a lot more confident in herself now. Aside her change in clothes, her posture and general behavior is more in reign. She doesn't freak out or is scared anymore it looks like.

Even when she checks on her opponent in one of her round victory Animations, she keeps calm nor does Necro try to bar her.

I guess becoming queen must have taught her to keep calm.

Her interactions are really good (missed opportunity to give her a May, Johnny and Potemkin interaction), but interestingly, the only characters she doesn't smile around are I-No and Chaos, which makes since considering how I-No treated her and how much of a wild card Chaos is.

Wven her interactions with Necro and Undine are wholesome, like them helping Dizzy with groceries (while, trying in Necro's case) or them taking one for Dizzy in Bone Crushing Excitement. Even the victory Animation is cute.

On the subject of groceries, Dizzy once frequently bought food supplies from Jam Kuradoberi, that is, until she accidentally sneezed and destroyed Jam's Restaurant (GGXPlus story ending event, may or may not be canonical). Jam was compensated for the ordeal, however.

As for Dizzy's development... there's a lot to discuss: her new responsibilities as a Queen, how others acknowledge her and her position, and how everyone else in the world will see her.

Vialattea as a Kingdom is new to GG's political history... and it's hard to view it just from what we've seen of Illyria and how that superpower was established in the span of 3 years.

Granted, we still barely know anything about Eastern Chipp Kingdom as well... but unlike them, Vialattea has the distinction of being a nation that grants citizenship to Gearkind... and not all humans may approve of it.

Even Goldlewis questions why someone like Dizzy would stick to her guns in the face of such dire opposition: a world that only sees Gears as "Weapons" and not "People".

But even Politics is not something Dizzy herself is used to dealing with, let alone juggling her duties as a mother to her family.

Fortunately, Dizzy is not alone in her fight... and there are people (human or otherwise) who support her as well.

Maturity is one thing, but being able to connect with and inspire others is another... charisma, in other words.

It's not just that Dizzy is given this position because of who she is... she was put in this position because of what she wants and what she seeks, but also because of how she influences others around her.

She wants people to share their happy futures with one another, with no misunderstandings, though some may not be able to see the future in the same light she does (A.B.A. included).

As A.B.A. says "So long as it's fun" she'll watch Dizzy's "future" unfold.

[pretentious-art-love]

Book Reviews #7 - Undine by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué

Undine is a novella from 1811 that tells the story of a water spirit who marries a knight, Huldbrand, to gain a soul. It's filled with poetic descriptions and a magical atmosphere. The plot is basically about marital affairs: one knight falls in love with a girl, then misses his previous girl, making one sad and then the other. It's more style than substance, really.

Narratively, it's fine��you have to take it seriously to feel the pain of the broken hearts and misery, but if we're being more cynical, it's just a story about a guy being terribly indecisive. Where the novella really shines is in its poetic descriptions and magical atmosphere. It feels like an epic poem in prose form. The two main girls are imperfect, and the characters aren’t exactly lovable, but the story blends fantasy in such a beautiful way that it makes me breathe in deeply. The idea of Undines is beautiful, and the mix of banal events with surreal storytelling makes it an immersive, charming read—kind of like Dracula, but with romance instead of terror.

6/10

[the-geek-librarian]

Undine: Ok. Everyone new rule, from now on we will NOT be referring to traumatic events as and I quote:

Undine: Patrof, having your father physically and mentally abuse you and your mother from a very young age as a skill issuse on his part

Patrof:..... fuck-

Undine: Gajah, having your mother dying of illness and leaving you an orphan as mager L

Gajah:...

Undine: Sarado, Smurki and Floga your good

Sarado: Nice

Smukri: Thank god-

Floga: Sweet

Undine: Now, LOLOPECHKA RUNNING OUT OF A WINDOW WON'T SAVE YOU GET OVER HERE-

Lolo halfway out of the window: YOULL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE