#wait. I don't actually want anything to do with the next DA game I don't give a shit. besides finding the old man necromancer cute

[meezer]

I'm always saying this

[mysteryshoptls]

2024-2025 Player Birthday Login Message Lines

These are all the messages that you get from the boys when you log in on the birthday that you set in-game from 18 Mar 2024 to 17 Mar 2025! For those that want to hear them, you can find them in the Archive, under the tab その他　→　監督生バースデー④. (This will not be in your game archives until the birthday you set passes.)

You can find the 2021-2022 Birthday Login Message Lines here! You can find the 2022-2023 Birthday Login Message Lines here! You can find the 2023-2024 Birthday Login Message Lines here!

HEARTSLABYUL

Riddle

Happy Birthday, [Yuu]. Thanks for always looking out for those two dorm students of mine. Actually, we're planning on hosting a reception this weekend at our dorm. I would like to invite you, as part of your birthday celebration. Heh. My apologies. Looks like that has caused you a little anxiety. No worries, I'll be beside you teaching you the proper manners the whole time.

Ace

Yo, [Yuu]. Happy Birthday― Mmkay, so let's get started on the birthday party. I'm just gonna pop on over to this one restaurant in town and nab some tasty-lookin' stuff! Just chill and wait here at Ramshackle... Hey, c'mon, I ain't tryin' to pull anything over on ya. Sometimes I just want to have a normal celebration too, y'know!

Deuce

[Yuu], Happy Birthday! Let me take you to go buy a prese... Eh? You're saying that I've already given you a present because I fixed the broken lights in Ramshackle the other day...? No way, you don't gotta hold back like that! I want to go all out for my pal's special day. That's what makes me happy.

Cater

[Yuu]-chan, Happy Birthday―☆ Did ya post on Magicam that it's your birthday? Oh, not yet? Then, let Cay-kun here with all his power and wisdom write a post for you! We'll attach a cool photo and some slammin' hashtags... Whaddya think? A perfect gift from me, or what?

Trey

Happy Birthday. So, about your present... I do have one. It's just... I was asking around for what to gift you and in the end, I couldn't really figure out what I should get... So in the end, after being at a loss, I ended up getting you this shirt. I look at it now and wonder what possessed me to pick this pattern... Yeah, I know, it's just laughable.

SAVANACLAW

Leona

Yeah, yeah. Your birthday's come 'round again, hooray. ...What're you doing, setting up a chessboard on the floor like that? You practiced just to win a game against me? Oho, so you're challenging me, then. Look at the pluck on this herbivore. So, what're you willing to bet, then? No way you're gettin' away with just a simple game after throwin' down the gauntlet at me like this.

Jack

So, it's your birthday today. Have you set up any new goals yet? What, you're going to surpass me in our classes? Heh, that's a hilarious joke. You really think you can beat me? But I'll take you on. If you get a better score on our next test, I'll get you some kind of present.

Ruggie

Happy Birthday―! 'N that means, I got you somethin' that's fittin' comin' from an upperclassman like me. Ta-da! A homemade fishing rod～ ...Ah, you totally just thought it's a cheap gift, didn'tcha! But this totally works! I know what it's like to go hungry too, y'know～ You're probably always goin' through things, so if you're ever in a pinch, make sure you use this!

OCTAVINELLE

Azul

A very Happy Birthday to you. Have you thought of a gift you'd like to get for yourself? Please, allow me to procure it for you... ...Oho, you have a keen eye to request something of that caliber. It may be considerably difficult to just anyone to acquire. HOW-EV-ER! If I were to handle it, that is a different situation altogether. I shall definitely make sure to retrieve it for you. Please wait expectantly.

Jade

Happy tidings for your birthday. I do hope this year will be another fruitful year for you. By the way, [Yuu]-san. Have you eaten yet? Oh, not yet, how wonderful. As a matter of fact, I thought I would treat you to something in my own little way. I only offer this with the best of intentions, of course. Fufu.

Floyd

Oh hey, Shrimpy-chan. It's your birthday today, huh. Mmkay, then I'll give you some snacks. I got these strange tastin' gummies, these wicked hard cookies, and some squishy jerky. Awesome, right? I got a ton, but all of them expire today, so. These are my presents to you, so you better eat them all without wastin' any, 'kay?

SCARABIA

Kalim

[Yuu], Happy Birthday! Here's your present, from me to you. Ahaha, did that surprise you? I tried making a pop up birthday card just for you. I also tried making a ton of paper flowers that we use during celebrations back in the Scalding Sands. Don'tcha think they came out real pretty?

Jamil

Happy Birthday, [Yuu]. It isn't much, but here's your present. Ramshackle is a fairly old building. I'm sure there are bugs that will find their way in and try to settle down here. However, if you use this, you can rid yourself of all of them in an instant. I can vouch for its effectiveness. Use it as soon as you can.

POMEFIORE

Vil

Happy Birthday, [Yuu]. ...You wish for me to come to your party here, at Ramshackle? And to top it all off, you've prepared a healthy menu just for me... Heh, how considerate of you. Very well. I suppose I can make an appearance out of respect for your enthusiasm. I do hope you're honored that I'll be there to celebrate with you.

Epel

Happy Birthday! I put in a lot of thought picking out a present for you. Here ya go, fingerless gloves! Nice design, right? Makes using your phone a lot easier, too. It'll make you look super cool, and the more you use it, the more comfy it'll feel. I hope you use it tons!

Rook

I've been waiting, Trickster. Waiting, that is, to celebrate your birthday with you. A spectacular day requires a spectacular memory. That is why I've come up with a wonderful plan of my own. First, we watch two back-to-back theater performances, then attend a poetry reading, and finally, watch a movie in the evening. There will be no time to rest. Come, we must quickly fly towards the theater!

IGNIHYDE

Idia

Kk, time to pretend we all get along and celebrate a birthday again... Eep!? D-Did you hear that just now...? Uh, so... Happy B-day, I guess... Soz, I don't have a present for you. Didn't even know it was your birthday... What, you're seriously just happy hearing me wish you a happy b-day? [siiigh] Nah, I'll order something small online and have it shipped to Ramshackle sometime later.

Ortho

Happy Birthday! Here's your present. Go ahead and open it! Hehe, you see what I did? I used a laser to engrave a birthday message on a glass tumbler for you. It was a little difficult fine tuning the power adjustment for the more detailed parts, but it came out pretty good, don't you think? I really hope you like it!

DIASOMNIA

Malleus

Child of Man, I see today is your birthday. ...Hm? What's the matter? You look a tad glum. Ah, I see, you are struggling to carry all your presents. Well, allow me to deliver them to Ramshackle with magic in your stead. No need to protest, this is an effortless task for someone like me. You should enjoy your special day to the utmost.

Silver

Happy Birthday. You're curious about this braided cord? It is your present. Lilia-senpai explained it to me thusly... If a string wrapped around your wrist or ankle snaps off on its own, then your wish will be granted. I strung this cord together in hopes that you may have your wishes come true. It may be a tad ill-shaped, but if it pleases you, it is yours.

Sebek

As I recall, today is your birthday... Hm? You want me to come to your birthday party? What poor semblance of a joke. I don't have the spare time to waltz into some human gathering like... WHAT!? MY LIEGE HIMSELF WILL ALSO BE THERE!? THEN SAY THAT FIRST! For goodness' sake, humans like you are just... so thoroughly thoughtless. Hurry and provide me the location and commencement time!

Lilia

Ooh, nice. So today's your birthday. Just look at how big you're getting. ...Khee hee hee. Don't look so downtrodden. It's just me pretending to be a doting gramps. The other guys in my dorm don't ever let me joke with them like that. And so, I have a present for you. Here, a CD of my performances, specially made! Take this and enjoy my raging screamo music with your whole heart and body.

OTHERS

Crowley and Rollo do not have new lines. Theirs are repeated from last year's.

Grim

Today's your birthday, huh. Happy Birthday to you! ...Huh? Do I got a gift for ya? What're ya even saying? Shouldn't ya be happy enough that you're my number one favorite henchie? Fiiine. Guess I can use my paws to pad you a massage sometime. Wouldn't want to hafta sit in a hard and uncomfy lap, after all!

Crowley

Ta-daaa! What do you suppose this could be? That’s correct, it’s an exchange coupon for use at the Mystery Shop! You have been a consistent helping hand, so… This is a special gift for you. Happy Birthday. Incidentally, that is only worth 500 madol (5 Thaumarks). It cannot be exchanged for something pricier than that. Please don’t hold it against me.

Crewel

It seemed rather rowdy in here, but now I see it was just you, pup. Are you excited simply because its your birthday? I see, well, in that case, I have a special present just for you. As for what it is... It is a special alchemy homework assignment. You should be happy; you'll be able to improve your skills even further with this, don't you think? Haha, Happy Birthday.

Trein

I hear it is your birthday today. Do continue to put forth your best effort in your studies as a student of academia. Allow me to gift you with some words of wisdom instead of a present, as someone who has been on this mortal coil slightly longer than yourself. Merely aging another year does not a mature person make. However, time spent on fruitful endeavors will always be of benefit to your growth.

Rollo

Whatever is the matter, [Yuu]-kun? There is a strange glimmer in your eyes… ...Ah, I see. Today is your birthday. A present? Hmph. I hardly think that it should be something you request of others… But no matter. Indeed, birthdays should be treasured. However, what would be an acceptable gift…? I am afraid I’m rather unaccustomed to this. I would hope I do not disappoint you with a poor gift choice.

Fellow

Oh, my, hello there, my learned scholar! I've been searching, and finally, I've found you! I was fervently hoping to wish you well for your birthday. Here, your present. ...As fellows lacking in magical abilities, we should get along together, don'tcha think? Happy Birthday! Fwahaha!

Requested by Anonymous.

[looooochie]

𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗸 + 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 | héctor fort

summary: hector fell for his friend's sister.

pairing: hector fort x guiu! reader

y/n your average teenage girl, her life was pretty boring, but there's one part about about it that wasn't boring.

Yeah, she was the younger sister of Marc Guiu. Yes. Marc Guiu Paz.

For some reason, whenever she was seen at the Estadi Olímpic, they always thought of Hector Fort.

Well, if anything, she and Hector were completely DIFFERENT.

You might think, Hector is into the type of girls who wear black, wear short dresses, makeup, yeah.

But, this is how Y/N's style is.

She liked the color pink, liked wearing pants most of the time. Liked Melanie Martinez, liked drawing, and vice versa.

But she was actually Hector's type.

Marc invited his teammates/friends over and everytime this happened, he asked her not to go in his room.

Well, let's see what happens now.

y/n's pov:

I SAT ON my bed, kicking around because my phone was dead, and I wasn't allowed to go in Marc's room.

But as you already know, I wanted to feel like a rebel, and sneak in there. I rolled on the floor, slithering like a snake out of my room and heading to Marc's.

Luckily, the door was slightly open so I could get in there. Without being noticed, actually.

From what I could see, Marc and his friends, were sitting on his bed.

Marc was the one playing the game and one wad sitting on his gaming chair, and the other was sitting on the floor.

I slither on the carpet amd get ready to scare my brother. God, I was gonna get him so good.

I popped up from behind him, practically jumpscaring him, and put my hands on his shoulders.

"BOO!" I say, as Marc gently screamed at dropped the controller, which paused the game.

He stopped for a few seconds before turning to me, looking pissed and he crossed his arms.

"Hermana, ¿no te dije que no entraras en mi habitación cuando mis amigas están cerca? (Sis, did I not tell you not to come in my room when my friends are around?)" he said, still pretty upset.

"Oh, entonces así será, ¿eh? ¿No puedo entrar a la habitación de mi hermano sin su permiso? Sí claro. (Oh, so that's how it's going to be, huh? I can't go in my brother's room without his permission? Yeah, right.)" I responded, putting an arm on his shoulder.

"Aquí hay algunas palabras simples. No entres a mi habitación cuando mis amigos estén aquí. (Here are a few simple words. Don't come into my room when my friends are here.)" Marc replied, slapping my hand off his shoulder.

"Ah, bueno, adiós entonces. (Oh well, bye then.)" I shrugged, and went on my way to my room again.

"Esperar! (Wait!)"

I look back to see Hector, it looked like he tried to get my attention.

"¿Quieres jugar videojuegos con nosotros? (Do you wanna play video games with us?)" Hector asked me, he then scooted up a little on Marc's bed and motioned for me to sit next to him.

Marc had his mouth open in shock. I smile and go to sit next to Hector, then Marc looked at me with an annoyed expression.

"Sólo tienes suerte porque Héctor está aquí. Nunca más volverás a sentarte en mi cama. (You're only lucky because Hector is here. You're never going to sit on my bed again.)" he said, glaring at me.

I simply ignored it, and began playing video games with Lamine, Pau, Hector and Marc.

2nd person's pov:

EVER SINCE THAT day, Hector somehow always managed to convince Marc to let him hang out with you. And you slowly started to develop feelings for Hector, it was a slow process.

I mean, who wouldn't fall in love with him?

He's got the face of a practical angel, brown hair, dark eyes, what else?

You were watching all of Melanie Martinez's music videos, on repeat to be precise. Then you got a text for Hector.

(DA HECK-)

Ey

y/n

sí?

meet me at the park

por qué?

come on, just do it

fine

You ran to the park to see Hector sitting there. You waved at him and he waved back at you and you ran towards him, and laid on the grass with him.

"So, what was so important?" you asked, sitting up on the grass.

"Uh y/n.. I have to tell you something." he replied, taking both your hands, and cupping them together.

You blushed, not having a clue what was happening.

"Look, I've been meaning to tell you this for a really long time. I'm sorry if it's too sudden but, I.. like you Y/N. You don't have to like me back if you don't I understa-" you cut him off by hugging him tightly and then cupping his cheeks.

"Yo también te amo, Héctor." you replied, and began kissing him gently.

You ran your fingers through his hair and his arms around your waist. This felt magical, amazing, good, the list is endless.

Hector and you pull apart, blushing madly.

"If you're wondering 'What am I gonna tell Marc' Don't worry amor, I'll tell him so you won't have to." Hector said.

"Gracias." you reply, and pull him into another hug.

y/n.guiu posted a story!

reactions:

marcguiu9 😨

vickylopezz._ 🤭🤭

tagging: @hectorth <3

[captain-mj]

I really hope this isn't too weird... I saw a tweet recently talking about a trope of "Just the tip" porn where they promise they won't put it all the way in and then do.

Completely understand if this isn't something you're comfortable with! But I'd love a SoapGhost version (if you are cool, I might ask for other ships too)

Consent is dubious. Consent is shy. Consent is in the other room but they can kinda hear it.

Ghost was just fine with their current sex life. He gave Soap a blowjob or a handjob anytime Soap got hard. He'd think he'd would be happy about that. Unlimited pleasure with no need to give anything back.

But Soap was not. He was constantly begging Ghost to let him please him too. Ghost always brushed it off or insisted not right now.

Ghost was well aware if he actually told Soap no, he'd stop. He'd be upset, maybe a tiny bit of pouting, but he'd stop. Still, he let the little game continue.

Soap stopped mentioning it for a while. Funnily enough, he never sought Ghost out. If he really thought about it, all of their sexual encounters were initiated and started by Ghost. Ghost just didn't get off.

Soap had his fingers dug into Ghost's hair, panting and whimpering as he tried not to come yet while Ghost mused. His fingers were working him open.

In all honestly, he hadn't had sex in years. After Roba, he barely had a will to touch himself, let alone allow anyone else to touch him and see him so vulnerable. It took him this long to be able to do this. In his opinion Soap should be grateful instead of greedy.

Though, that wasn't fair. Soap hadn't even seen Ghost fully undressed.

Johnny sobbed as he came, throwing his head back. Ghost kept his legs open so he could keep going for another minute before puling away.

Soap groaned softly and his hips jerked. He looked down just fast enough to watch Ghost swallow.

"Fuck, Simon. Finally going to let me return the favor?"

"Nah." Ghost stood up.

Soap looked a tiny bit defeated before looking at the bulge in Ghost's pants. Quietly, he leaned forward, mouthing at him. "Don't you want something?"

Ghost felt his cock twitch. It was a pretty picture. But he grabbed his mohawk and yanked his head away. "Maybe later."

Soap made a sinful fucking sound. He ran his tongue along the bulge in Ghost's pants. "Thank you so much, Si." Ghost wanted to think it was his excellent head giving that he was thinking him for but it was instead the idea of later.

He just didn't get the big deal.

Ghost finally gave in though. As he always did when it was something Soap wanted. He found himself surprisingly less comfortable than he expected, but he only gave off confidence, refusing to have Soap seeing him anything but. The idea of Soap finding him weak was nauseating. He didn't want to mess up.

Soap didn't know yet that Ghost was going to give in that, so he started up on it. "If we did fuck, who would top and who would bottom?"

"Don't know."

"Guess we'll have to go by dick size. You know, its completely fine if you're smaller than me. Won't think any less of you." Ghost could tell it was supposed to be a joke but also reassurance. He rolled his eyes as he looked through his drawers for new boxers for Soap.

Soap sighed. "Simon, come on. It's not fair."

"To me?" Ghost unzipped his pants, being silent so he wouldn't know.

"To me! I like helping. I don't get why you're...." Soap trailed off. "ah..."

Ghost was big. He was well aware. Judging by the look on Soap's face, Johnny hadn't thought of that yet. "There. I'd top."

Soap nodded. "I can... use my hand?"

"Where did all that bravado go? Huh? Suddenly get nervous?"

Soap laughed nervously, proving Ghost's words. "Listen.... sure I can't top?"

"Your rules." Ghost started to fix his pants again, going back to his original idea of finger Soap until he came from that. He could let Soap think about it for a few da-

"Wait... I could blow you?"

"Soap, need you speaking the next few days. I've seen the way you handle fingers." Ghost rolled his shoulders. "We don't have to do this."

Soap groaned. "You have too much self control when it comes to sex."

"I get you off and then we can move on."

Soap swallowed and looked at Ghost's cock again. Ghost could see the wheels in his brain moving. He chewed his lip and it was already clear he wouldn't let this go until he got Ghost off.

"What if I promise to just put the tip in?" Ghost asked, curious on if he'd even go for it.

Soap thought about it. He wanted to please Ghost so much. "Yeah. Just the tip. Promise just the tip?"

Ghost laughed. "Yes. Just the tip. I promise." He doubted he'd have that big of an issue with it.

Soap was already prepped which is perfect. He laid back down and let Ghost get on top of him. Slowly, Ghost positioned himself. At this point, he was praying to himself that he wouldn't come immediately. It was definitely a possibility. Gently, he started to push in, feeling the tight walls around his cock.

Ghost hear the whine that came out of him and his eyes rolled back. It felt so good. He forgot how good it felt.

Soap groaned and clenched hard. "Fuck. You're so big. Feel nice?"

Ghost bit his lip to try to shut up and just nodded. This was so much better than he remembered. Soap always wanted more... It wouldn't hurt.

"Ghost? Wha-"

Ghost pushed in more, moaning properly. He whimpered. "Don't make me pull out, fuck, please don't make me pull out."

Soap panted. "Fuck, fucking hell. You're so big. How do you even...." He clenched hard and gasped for air. "I don't think I can fit it."

Ghost started to rock his hips. This is what he had been telling Soap no over? He started to work himself in deeper as Soap continued making sinful noises.

"Si, Simon, Simon." Soap bit his pillow and let Ghost keep going. He started to thrust in with no abandon, hearing Soap's noises being swallowed.

Ghost kept pushing. He knew Soap would tell him to stop if he actually wanted to. That's how they worked.

Ghost moaned when he finally bottomed out. "Fucking hell, Johnny." He panted softly as he started to fuck him. He never wanted to pull out. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Soap arched his back and let him keep going. Ghost heard, and felt, him come around him. He finished and came inside him.

Soap fell into the sheets and whimpered as Ghost pulled out. His hole gaped and Ghost groaned.

"Sorry."

Soap panted softly. "Don't worry about it. You can do it again, any time. I promise."

Ghost nodded and groped his ass. "I didn't mean to be so rough with you."

Soap moaned and pushed back against him. "Felt so good. So good." He relaxed into the pillows. "You got off right?"

"Yes, Johnny. Sorry for not asking."

"I loved it. Don't even worry."

[violetjedisylveon]

Birthday Celebration

Little Star chapter 10

Summary: it's Chao-Xing's first birthday! The entire mountain celebrates in Shuilian Cave. Featuring a cameo from 4 yo MK and his parents. And a secret third character

Word count: 4.4k

Warnings: pretty chill chapter honestly, until the end, then there's some death stuff and implications of unsavory behavior

A/N: MK is in this chapter, but he is described with feminine pronouns and the name Yawen because he is trans in all my aus. He's not figured it out yet.

Cracked Family AU Masterpost

____________________________________________________________________________________________

“Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know you wanted to offend a goddess on our daughter's first birthday!”

“It's not that big of a deal, Mihou, Nuwa doesn't expect anything from me. She doesn't deserve it either.”

Liu'er clenched his fists at the extent of his mate's ability to hold a grudge. He silently prayed their daughter didn't take after him with that.

“Put your problems aside and pray for your daughter’s sake.” he gestured towards Chao-Xing sitting next to him.

“Bà! Hi!” She waved happily.

“Chao-Xing, do you want Papa to sit?” Liu'er asked his daughter.

She nodded eagerly with a delighted squeak. He looked at Wukong, watching his mate fold to the power of their adorable daughter.

“Do it for her, peaches.” He said.

Wukong let out a loud, exasperated groan, he trudged over to their ancestral shrine. It was a very small shrine, they only had three parents between them, and only one of them was dead.

“It won't kill you to be polite.” He teased.

“I actually think it will.” Wukong shot back.

“So that's how you kill Sun Wukong. I'll keep it in mind.” He snickered.

Liu'er closed his eyes and let his hands rest on his thighs to pray. He heard his sunshine’s tail twitch in agitation. He didn't even need to look to know Chao-Xing had heard it too, he knew the little cub was waiting for the right moment to pounce.

“She's going to attack your tail if you don't stop that.” He whispered.

“Shouldn't she be praying too?” His mate muttered.

“Wukong, she's one year old and knows three words.” Liu'er flicked him gently.

“Hey- ow!” Wukong's retort was cut off by their cub pouncing on his tail.

Liu'er opened his eyes to watch his daughter play her favorite game. Chao-Xing viciously attacked her baba’s tail, clawing and biting with an unrelenting fury. Of course, she couldn't do any real damage, she was still far too small for that, but that sure as hell didn't stop her from trying.

“Alright fluff ball, enough of that.” Liu'er plucked his daughter off his mate's tail.

She gave him her cute pouty face, he tapped her nose lightly, her eyes crossed as she watched his finger.

“You can do it later.” He promised 

“Hey!”

“It's not my fault she likes to chew your tail more than mine.” He defended himself.

“Let's just get this over with.” Wukong sighed in defeat.

They finished up what should have been a much quicker prayer, but a certain rambunctious cub made it take a bit longer.

Liu'er scooped his daughter into his arms, she giggled happily when he tossed her gently.

“You are such an adorable distraction, yes you are.” He cooed.

She cooed back. He flipped the hood of her tiger sweater over her head, grinning at her giggle as she pushed it back out of her face.

“She likes that more than the boots.” Wukong commented with a chuckle.

Their daughter chirped insistently at them. She made her little “hungry” motion, tapping her stomach while looking directly at him.

“Looks like someone wants breakfast.” Wukong cooed, kissing the top of her head.

“Want some lychees?” He asked.

Chao-Xing nodded eagerly, Liu'er let his mate whisk their cub away from him off to the kitchen for her favorite fruit. He watched them go with a smile on his face.

Whoever let us have this, thank you.

“Bà!” Chao-Xing chirped for him.

“Coming!” He followed them into the kitchen.

He entered the kitchen to see his mate trying to cut up some lychees and kiwis while keeping their daughter contained with his tail. She was trying to sneak over to the fruit bowl, she looked at him hopefully once she heard him.

“Did you call your Baba on me?” Wukong gasped, holding his hand over his heart like she'd insulted his mother.

The cheeky little cub grinned at her father then wriggled free of his grip. She scampered across the floor, hiding behind his leg. He scooped her up with his tail around her waist.

“I'm not going to help you, your Papa is getting breakfast ready. Wait a little bit Lychee.” He told her.

The year old cub scowled at him, unhappily resigned to doing her time in air jail while Wukong finished cutting up her fruit. He released the little cub from her time out once his mate had set the bowl of fruit on the table for her. Chao-Xing eagerly shoved her little face full of fruit.

“She looks like you when you want peaches.” He commented.

“I don't look like that!” Wukong squeaked.

“Yes you do, peaches~” he teased.

Wukong covered his blushing face, Liu'er tried to hide his laughter. He didn't do a very good job.

“You're mean today, Mango.” Wukong complained.

“Pointing out the obvious isn't mean, Wukong.” he said.

“Bà!” His daughter chirped.

She was pointing to the living room where Ma was standing.

How did she-?

“How long have-”

“Long enough. You do know the whole mountain has been waiting for you all morning, right?” The albino monkey prompted.

“The whole mountain?” Liu'er 

“Yeah, pretty sure everyone is here.” Ma nodded.

“Can they all fit in the cave?” Wukong asked 

“The cave used to have a massive stone palace in it, we fit many more in there before it was destroyed. One thousand will fit just fine.” She said.

“Oh, right.” His mate mumbled.

Ma snagged a mangosteen from the counter. Liu'er cleared his throat awkwardly.

“I didn't think everyone would be so excited.” He said.

“You say that like you don't call yourselves grandpa Sun and Liu'er.” Ma popped a piece of fruit into her mouth.

“Of course, everyone is excited that your kid is having her first birthday.” She said.

“And it means we're one year closer to someone else being in charge around here.” She added with a snicker.

“Isn't that right, bǎo bèi?” she asked Chao-Xing.

The little girl chirped happily, reaching her sticky hands out to her aunt. Ma picked their cub up, tapping her nose lightly.

“Yes, you are going to be a great queen one day.” She said sweetly.

“Whoa, hold your horses, Ma, she's got a long way to go before that happens.” Wukong said, grabbing their daughter out of his sister's hands.

“Alright, I'll put my plots on hold.” Ma flicked his mate's nose with her tail.

“Now c'mon, we've got a thousand monkeys waiting to celebrate this little one's birthday.” She said.

The moment they stepped out of the house, a quiet chorus of cheers and congratulations came from the crowd. Chao-Xing squeaked, happily clapping her hands. Liu'er glanced down at his daughter.

“You're going to cause so much trouble today, aren't you?”

The cheeky cub gave him a big smile.

XXX 

“Shí Hóu, the cubs are getting awfully close to the food.” Liu warned.

The stone brain barely acknowledged her comment. In fairness to him, he was busy answering questions of their visitors.

Of the one hundred immortal demon monkeys who lead troops off of Flower Fruit Mountain, twenty had made the journey to visit, the other eighty had sent messages and well wishes to their king's daughter.

“They're going to knock it over.” Mochou sighed.

“I have a back up.” Liu told her daughter.

“We're going to need it.” Liang said.

The cubs were playing a very active game of tag or hide and seek, they were running all over Shuilian Cave, including right by where the food was cooking.

Lots of fruit and meat were being slowly roasted over a big very fire pit that she and all the other elders were staying far away from, several large bowls of soup were bubbling away, and they had seafood cooking on a separate fire pit for the sake of those who couldn't stand the taste of it. That was all most of them needed or wanted.

The majority of the troop didn't share their kings, or her, fondness for the more human foods they made. It was definitely an acquired taste. The most they would indulge in it was the occasional holiday or festival treat.

They grew enough of the human crops on the mountain that those who did like them, such as Liu herself, would have access to it.

The cubs were currently playing close to the cooking area, the cooks were hard at work trying to manage the rambunctious cubs. Chao-Xing was in the thick of it, the little shit was using her shadow to dodge and grab her friends, sometimes dragging them into the shadows with her.

It was adorable, but they were going to cause a problem soon.

But it's not my problem. Liu thought.

She spotted her old friend Min break away from the crowd of visiting elders.

“I’m gonna say hi to Min before that ends in disaster.” she gestured to the cubs.

Liang nodded and resumed her conversation with their cub.

“Hey Min!” She called out to the other monkey.

“Liu! How've you been?” The smaller monkey hugged her.

“Great, it's been going well here, how’s it been with your troop?” She asked.

“The troop is doing well, we had a very successful spring, we didn't lose a single mother!” Min said.

“That's great! How many cubs did you get?”

“Thirty in total, so far we've got twenty six.” Min told her happily.

“I wish their parents well.” Liu murmured softly.

“I’ll let them know.” Min said.

“What else happened with your troop?” Liu asked.

Min smiled, her tail swished excitedly.

“Liling is expecting, it was a job and a half convincing her to stay, she so wanted to come see the little ones.” Min told her.

“Will they cub be a spring or winter baby?”

“Early spring.”

“Then I'll have to come visit once the cub is born.” Liu said.

“Wonderful, I can't wait for you to see the troop.” Min grinned.

“Oh! How is RinRin doing these days?” She asked.

Liu rolled her eyes fondly at her little sister's mention.

“She's still living on the moon with Yùtù.” She said.

“That's great, tell her I say hi-” Min broke off with a startled yelp at the loud crash that came from the food area.

Liu turned to the source with a sigh. The cubs had indeed knocked over some of the food, luckily none of them were hurt or all that dirty, but it was a big mess.

“Knew it.” Mochou giggled.

Liang glanced at her with a knowing grin.

“Liu dear, didn't you place an order at that noodle shop?” she asked oh so innocently.

“I did. I'll go get it.” Liu said.

“Hey Mihou! Think you can open a shadow portal for me?” she called out.

The six eared monkey shot her a tired glare, he snapped his fingers and a glowing shadow portal appeared near her feet.

“Thanks! I'll be back in an hour!” She said before jumping into the portal.

She came out in Daiyu’s house, the dragon let her use her residence as a safe space to travel to and from the city. Liu quickly shape-shifted into her human disguise.

She checked her reflection, she was taller with a more human face, her shape shifting hid most of her primate features, her eye markings remained in the few forms she knew. She applied a glamor over pinkish red eye markings, making them look like the makeup humans wore.

Her hair was still thick and unruly, that had never caused her a problem before, the humans of this city were used to demons and demons glamoring themselves to make going about their daily business easier. Shape shifting was harder to master than a simple glamor.

With one last check, Liu stepped out of Daiyu’s residence into the busy streets of Megapolis.

The city was bustling with activity, people were running around getting ready for the upcoming Qixi festival. 

Soon, she spotted the familiar, adorably drawn sign of a pig chef holding a bowl of noodles.

Liu entered the noodle shop quietly. It was luckily empty aside from the pig, his mate and their daughter.

The little girl was coloring at the counter next to her human father, sticking her tongue out as she he concentrated on what was likely another drawing of the pig chef.

Yawen looked up at the sound of the door’s bell ringing and her big brown eyes brightened.

“Liu! Liu’s here Baba!” She tugged on her father's sleeve, excitedly pointing her out.

The scholar turned to her and waved, she took it as an invitation to come in.

“Hi Tang, how's the kid doing?” she asked him.

“I'm great!” Yawen said before her father could answer.

“Really? Wanna tell me while I wait?” She prompted.

The girl's eyes lit up, she practically shook with excitement.

“I turned four a few days ago! Dadsy made special noodles and then we went to the zoo! Tài pó and nǎi nai were waiting for us! We got to see the monkeys! They got a new baby monkey! It's a little baby with no parents cause they're dead and they brought him in and one of the mama monkeys adopted him and she's really protective and doesn't let people see the baby but she let me see him! He's a cute little baby!” Yawen said in one breath.

Liu smiled at the kid despite the poorly hidden nervousness on her father's face.

“That sounds like it was a lot of fun.” She said.

“It was! And tài pó took me to the gift shop and got me a monkey! I call her Coco cause she's fluffy and brown!” Yawen said.

She suddenly gasped and looked at Tang with big pleading eyes.

“Can I show her, Cocoa? Please?” She begged sweetly.

“S-sure! Just be quick.” Tang nodded.

Yawen squealed happily, the adorably pig ear shaped bangs that hung over her eyes flopped and bounced with her excitement. The little girl took off upstairs, promising to be back down soon.

Liu waited a moment to make sure the kid was out of earshot.

“I don't know what you're so nervous about, I'm a monkey demon ” She said.

“I didn't know how you would take it. I know most monkey demons don't like things like that.” The scholar explained.

“Hmm, fair enough.” she shrugged.

Yawen came running back down the stairs, she nearly tripped over her own feet in her rush down.

“Kid! Be careful on the stairs!” Pigsy called out from the kitchen.

“Sorry Dadsy!” Yawen shouted.

The pig chef muttered something about how reckless the kid was under his breath. It reminded her of Yuze quietly venting how accident prone Wukong and Ma were.

“Here's Coco!” Yawen shouted.

The little girl held the floppy monkey toy up to her.

“Coco is very cute.” Liu said.

“And I got this! Miss Yu let me pick from one her stones for free cause it was my birthday! I got this one! Isn't it pretty?” She shoved the object in her face.

The stone was cut into a six pointed star, the center of the star was yellow and it smoothly transitioned to a rich purple at the tips.

“It's beautiful.” Liu told her.

“Yeah! Miss Yu said it was super special too and that I always had to make sure it was safe!” Yawen said.

Liu glanced at Tang, the man just shrugged. She turned her attention back to Yawen.

“You wanna know something special?” Liu whispered to the little girl.

“What?!” She gasped excitedly.

“It's my niece's first birthday today.”

“Really?!?! That's so cool! We're practically birthday twins!” Yawen shouted.

“Yeah, it is cool.” Liu agreed

“Are you having a party?!” Yawen asked.

“Of course, I’m picking up the food for it.” She nodded.

“Speaking of food, your order is ready.” Pigsy said.

He set the large order down at the counter, Yawen gawked at the amount of food.

“Whoa, you have a huge family!” she exclaimed.

“Yep, sure do.” Liu agreed.

She picked the order up with little difficulty, amazing the little girl again.

“You're so strong Liu! I bet you're as strong as Monkey King!” She said.

Ah, there it is. The kid's fascination with her brother was adorable.

“Why thank you, Yawen.” Liu gave the girl a little bow, holding the flat of food with just one hand instead of two, eliciting a squeal from the child.

She turned to pay for her order with the current human currency, they changed so often it was annoying to keep track.

“Thanks for the food Pigsy, you're a lifesaver.” She told the chef.

“Just doing my job.” The pig grunted.

Gruff and tough as always. She liked Pigsy a lot more than Zhu Bajie.

“And it's always great!” She called out as she headed for the door.

“See you around kiddo.” She waved to Yawen.

“Bye Liu! See you soon!” Yawen called after her.

Yawen was one of the sweetest human kids she'd seen in a long time, she loved getting to hear the kid just talk about anything whenever she came by…

Though there was something less than human about her. She didn't feel naturally human. Something, on some level, was being hidden.

Seeing past the barriers others put up was not her strong suit, detecting that things were hidden was, and she could barely get a sense for it. It was so heavily hidden.

I doubt even Wukong could see what's underneath that. If I could get him to come here. She thought.

Her parents had to know, they were very quiet about where their daughter came from, she was adopted after all. Liu had managed to learn that Yawen was given to them for her sake, a conversation she was probably not supposed to have heard.

Whatever it is, she's lucky to have them as her parents. Yawen was a good, sweet kid, a home full of love was exactly what any child needed.

Maybe I can convince Wukong and Mihou to let me bring Chao-Xing here, I'm sure she and Yawen would be friends.

XXX

“Chao-Xing! You're making a mess.” Wukong scolded his cub.

The little monkey stared innocently up at him.

“Nice try, I know you understand “mess���.” He said.

She grinned and continued making a mess of her food. He sighed and went to pick her up, or he tried to since the little shit dropped into her own shadow and reappeared a few feet away. She still had the peach bun Liu had gotten from the mainland, and was still making a mess of it.

“You're going to get a bath later!” He threatened.

She giggled happily, making an even bigger mess with the bun.

“You like baths too much for a stone monkey.” He muttered.

He kept an eye on his cub as she ate and played with her food, he knew the second he looked away she would disappear. She couldn't go very far yet, it was still a hassle to track her down.

“Hey peaches, what do you think of the food?” His mate asked as he came out of his shadow.

“It's good, Liu likes the place for a reason.” he said.

“Honestly, I didn't expect Bajie’s great-something grandkid to be such a good cook.” Liu'er commented 

“What?!” Wukong sputtered.

“Yeah, Caihong told me when she visited, he got the shop from his grandmother I think.” Liu'er shrugged.

“That is a crazy coincidence.” Wukong murmured.

His pilgrim brother’s descendant made the food he and his troop were eating on his daughter's first birthday. 

“The sure universe works in mysterious- where did Chao-Xing go?”

Wukong snapped his head around to where he last saw his daughter, sure enough, she was gone. She left her peach bun behind. 

He transformed a few hairs into clones, they spread out through the cave. He heard the troop take notice of his clones.

“Shí Hóu? Something up?” Ba asked.

“We lost track of Chao-Xing.” Liu'er told him quickly.

“Oh, shit.” Ba said.

“She can't have gone far, she probably hasn't even left the cave.” Wukong said, ignoring how his heart started pounding in his chest.

“I'll let the troop know to keep an eye out for her.”

“Thank you.” He called after his brother.

He turned to Liu'er, his mate's beautiful ears were spread out to search for their daughter, the luminous petal-like ears created an ethereal glow around his moonlight’s pretty face. The echoes of the cave sometimes messed with his moon's hearing, and the amount of people in the cave could confuse him.

“Do you hear her?” he whispered.

“She's nearby, she hasn't gotten into any trouble as far as I can tell.” Liu'er said.

His ears returned to their neutral state, a much gentler glow came from the all hearing ears. He's so beautiful. His mate grinned smugly at him.

“Peaches, I know I'm pretty but we have a cub to find.” he said, snapping him out of his thoughts.

He covered his blushing face as he quickly walked away from his mate, it got worse when Liu'er giggled behind him. Ma approached him with a shit eating grin.

“Don't say anything.” He hissed.

“Why? Is my baby brother embarrassed by his pretty husband?” she teased.

“Stop! We have to find Chao-Xing!” He said.

His voice came out in a much… whinier tone than he would have preferred.

“Aww, Xiao Shí Hóu is embarrassed, poor baby.” Ma snickered.

“I hate you so much.”

“Love you too, xiǎo dí.” Ma flicked his nose with her tail.

“Now, stop being a flustered mess, we've gotta find your cub.” She told him.

“You're the one who-” she covered his mouth before he could finish.

“Zip. Find your kid.” She instructed.

He glared after his sister as she went off to search.

They spend the next half hour searching for Chao-Xing until they finally found her asleep underneath a cushion on the porch bench.

The little cub had tired herself out with all the mischief she got up to during the day. Wukong picked his sleeping daughter up, careful not to wake her, she was like her baba when she got woken up too early.

“Looks like this party is over.” Liu'er chuckled softly.

They bid farewell to their visiting guests and their troop, then headed into their home for the night.

They took Chao-Xing to the bathroom to get a quick bath. She woke up just enough to enjoy bath time, splashing around sleepily in the warm water.

Wukong swaddled his cub in a towel while Liu'er set the nest up for the night. She made tiny little squeaks and chirps at him as he dried her off, the towel was her least favorite part of bath time, she would rather air dry. Tonight she was thankfully too tired to put up much of a fight.

“See? Drying off isn't that bad.” He told her once he was done.

She gave him a tired pouty glare, too sleepy to make a fuss.

He brought her into their bedroom, Liu'er was already in the nest grooming his own tail. He climbed in, setting their daughter between them, she cuddled up in the blankets with a happy purr.

He ran a hand through her fluffy hair, he still couldn't believe she was a year old. Liu'er placed a hand over his own, their tails twirling together.

“We should probably take her off the mountain soon.” Liu'er murmured.

“Have your sisters been asking?” He asked.

“Yeah, RinRin and Yùtù too, they all wanna meet the baby.” Liu'er yawned, patting Chao-Xing lightly.

“That'll be an eventful gathering.” Wukong sighed.

“Hmm… shouldn't do it here…” Liu'er mumbled sleepily.

Wukong smiled at his mate, big gatherings like today tended to tire his moon out. He scouted closer, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

“We'll figure that out later, let's just sleep for now.” He whispered.

“M’kay… love you sunshine…”

“Love you too moonlight.”

XXX

The chained demon stirred at the cold blue fog floating into his prison.

“Witch.” the demon growled.

An eerie giggle came from the fog.

“Look at how the mighty have fallen.” Her voice rang out through the emptiness around the chained demon.

“You used to be a king, a conqueror, you had the lives of millions at your fingers, and look at you now, rotting in the underworld.” she snickered.

The demon growled at her. He was a prideful fool, but she could use him on the board. And if he got a little revenge on her enemies in the meantime, she wouldn't say no to that.

“I suppose you haven't heard, being trapped down here and all, but it's quite the talk of the realms.” she whispered.

“Today happens to be the very first birthday of the daughter of Sun Wukong and the Six Eared Macaque. Isn't that nice?” She prompted.

That got the chained demons attention. As an old foe of the Monkey King, and, well his disgusting affinity for the Six Eared Macaque she did not care for, regardless, he was an enemy of her enemy.

She could use him.

“Yes, they have a cub, the little princess has never left the mountain. She must be so much weaker than her parents, she's not solid stone after all.” She hissed.

The gears were turning in the chained demon's head, she had her claws in him, all he needed was a little extra push. His hatred for the Monkey King would drive him right into her clutches.

“Wouldn't you like to meet that weak little cub? I can free you.” She offered.

“What is the catch?” The demon hissed

“All I ask in return is that you free me when the time comes, you're free to do as you please until then.” She said.

The chained demon was silent for much too long for her liking.

“Well? Don't you want to be a king again? Don't you want to get back at the Monkey King who slayed you?” She prompted.

“You have a deal, Lady Bone Demon.” The once king said.

“I look forward to our partnership.” She said respectfully.

She ripped the demon’s soul from the underworld, she reforged his body, he had been dead long enough there was nothing but bones left of it. It would be a painful return, but necessary to ensure her destiny.

The demon King of Havoc had returned to the mortal plain, assured to wreck destruction upon the Monkey King and his family.

[ink-flavored]

OC Questionnaire Tag Game

I was tagged by two people for this one, so thank you to @leahnardo-da-veggie & @ink-enchanted!

Rules: Answer 3 questions in your OC's voice and then give the next player 3 different questions to answer.

I have six questions because I was tagged twice, so I'll put my answers under the cut and do everything else right up top

Tagging: @foxys-fantasy-tales @jezifster @bargainbincheese @friendlyshaped @saintarthur01 @hallwriteblr and anyone else who wants to play!

Your Questions

Do you miss someone?

Are you more selfless or self-centered?

How many hot dogs do you think you could eat in one sitting?

~

My turn! I'll answer these for Pride, Justice, Henry, and Priscilla.

My Questions

Which of the 7 deadly sins are you?

What is something you cannot live without?

If you are the "good guy", what, if anything, could make you switch to the "bad side"? If you are the "bad guy", what, if anything, could make you switch to the "good side"?

If you could wish for one thing, what would it be?

What is your most treasured possession?

Do you think you could win in a fight against your nemesis?

Which of the 7 Deadly Sins are you?

Pride: "You're fucking kidding me, right? Like, you're joking?"

Justice: "Uh... I don't like to think about it, sorry."

Henry: "Every man has his vice... Most people would guess greed, and I suppose they'd be onto something."

Priscilla: "Wrath. 💞"

What is something you cannot live without?

Pride: "Weed. It's proof that humans can do one thing right."

Justice: "People. The people I love. I wouldn't be anywhere without them."

Henry: "The farm. Percy'll get onto me for saying it, but I can't imagine ever living in any automobile-choked city again."

Priscilla: "I never go anywhere without the lovely engraved pistol Henry gave me for our first anniversary."

If you are the "good guy", what, if anything, could make you switch to the "bad side"? If you are the "bad guy", what, if anything, could make you switch to the "good side"?

Pride: "I'm gonna need the Big G to personally descend from His throne of gold and suck my dick before I even consider that. And I don't have a dick, so we're all gonna be waiting a long ass time."

Justice: "Depending on who you ask, I've already gone to the 'bad side', and the catalyst, for me, was trying to stop an injustice. To them, I prevented a good deed on purpose. I want to believe I'm still 'good', but I think it's all relative. No one wants to believe they're evil."

Henry: "Maybe if it ever stops being damn good business to be the bad guy, I'll hang up my hat."

Priscilla: "When the world gives back everything it's taken from me."

If you could wish for one thing, what would it be?

Pride: "I dunno... for my life to not suck?"

Justice: "Peace and understanding between people. It wouldn't fix everything, but it would go a long way."

Henry: "Enough acreage to board horses. Now that's good business."

Priscilla: "Darling, if you tell someone what you wish for it won't come true!"

What is your most treasured possession?

Pride: "Dante let me have some of their paints they didn't want. I've used them up now, but... yeah."

Justice: "My reading glasses! They don't actually do anything, but they're fun to wear."

Henry: "The dogs."

Priscilla: "This is cheating a bit, but our dogs are simply the most precious things I could possibly think of."

Do you think you could win in a fight against your nemesis?

Pride: "Abso-fuckin-lutely."

Justice: "I don't really have one. I guess the concept of injustice is my nemesis, in which case... I'm doing my best?"

Henry: "I'd rather not get close enough to find out."

Priscilla: "Oh, I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult. I've gotten this far, after all."

[cyborg-squid]

Veilguard is going to be real fucking weird for me, because like, I was 15~16 when Inquisition came out, and it was my first real experience being... super conflicted about a game/media. I subjected my dad and sister to SOOOO much rants about Inquisitions flaws (and merits as well). Mostly about the failed resolution of the Mage and Templar conflict. At the end of all things, I do like Inquisition, of course, and in large part due to Trespasser, but it wasn't exactly easy.

So with Veilguard, I was already let down once by the franchise, and that was with the work in itself; and now I know a lot more about how shitty and mismanaged of a company Bioware's been, and how they fired almost all of their good writers, and I see fans bring up a not insignificant amount of lore mistakes/retcons, and how talky the dev and/or PR team is being, and I see how fucking badly it wants to be the next Baldur's Gate 3.

And I know that the multitude of choices in Keep would be hella hard to export into a new game again (and it's note like the carryover into Inquisition was a smashing success either), but. Dragon Age and Mass Effect are known as sorta choice-based RPGs, and this isn't always a good thing, as I felt that even Inquisition had a fair amount of choices that don't really... do anything, that feel like they're there just for the sake of having them. There's some choices that you want to make, to have the ability to affect the world, and then there's some that the game forces you to make, that you don't want to (the Inquisition does NOT have any sort of authority over the Grey Wardens. Neither should the Inquisitor have any over Hawke or Alistair/Loghain/Stroud. That was a choice almost solely there for the 'players', yet makes little and less sense for the characters involved).

And then only ~3 choices will be present in Veilguard. and it makes you go "Ohhh, no one but me really cares about these choices then." Which has kind of always been the case, but it kinda smacks of. the current devs really just want to make their own thing with Veilguard; which does make an amount of sense given how the team has been switched up, and they likely want to make Dragon Age: Veilguard, not Dragon Age Origins+II+Inquisition. But in distancing themselves from these choices and worldstates, it feels like it's (like unintentionally, but I can't be sure) distancing itself from the rest of the franchise as well. And I might actually like that, if that was the case, in writing this out, I'd had that the thought that maybe Veilguard might be more appealing to me if it wasn't Dragon Age: Veilguard. But it seems to me now like it's in this really weird sort of Limbo, where it's not close enough to DA to be the game we've all been waiting for, but neither is it far enough away to be something truly new.

So there's a lot of things I'm pretty concerned about with Veilguard. and not pre-ordering it is a gimme, but for me, for the first time in a while, this really feels like a "wait and read the reviews" sort of release. Because, in some ways, if VG ends up being a truly bad entry in the franchise or something like that, I personally could live with Inquisition and Trespasser being my personal ending with the series. Because I'd rather go out on a high note (or at least a medium-high note) with Dragon Age than a low one. (though hopefully VG will actually be good and this bit here will all be moot).

God, posting several paragraph long posts about Dragon Age on my tumblr blog, it really is like I'm 16 again. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

(I also still think Dreadwolf was the better title)

[crest-of-gautier]

WE FUCKING GOT IT!!!!! after three hours i have 100%'d the group date cafe!

unfortunately, i think i was the one eating dirt from making yosuke into my destined partner... (though tbh i wasn't expecting much, it's yosuke, he was being yosuke and i'm not surprised, though it does make me wonder if he exhibits the same behavior to souji).

in any case, some notes about the second item that we got from the end of the dungeon... it won't be that coherent i'm still processing da information...

i have to say i was REALLY surprised with rei's reaction to zen opening the chest... like honestly that whole dialogue exchange was so intriguing to me! honestly, too intriguing, that i feel that i'll need a few days to process, let it sit, you know the deal.

the way where the items at the end of each labryinth trigger some form of memories to zen (but seemingly none for rei, albeit... rei's "memories" seem to be more gut reactions coming back than actual tangible information)... it really interests me!

i find it very interesting that zen mentions that the items belong to rei (niko the rabbit, as well as the toy ring). i'm going to operate on the assumption that what zen said is true because... to me, if you're amnesiac and slowly getting your memories back... i don't really see any reason to lie about it? if anything i'd imagine the other way to handle it would be to withhold the revelations you got (and ofc some other way of reacting that im probably not thinking of at the moment).

with this in mind, it makes me ask a few questions...

how did rei's belongings end up in the depths of the labryinths?

what is the significance of keeping these items tucked away and protected by the guardians? does zen and/or rei regaining their memories pose some threat to the state of the world/this distortion? (we know that it's finite, that's what margaret said) (i almost think that rei getting her items back could possibly heal the distortion, but not before zen and rei have a sob story once they both get their memories back? idk man i don't have much to work with)

the way in which rei reacted in this scene really struck me... i know i said that earlier but. damn. here's my livereact from obsidian because i was so. shocked. it felt really? refreshing? to see rei emote in such a way. but also mildly terrifying because she's been like " YAY FOOD! wait did you mean this food? (｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ" for most of the game so far. like holy shit.

rei's outburst is... a lot to take in, i do think that it gives some credence to my trains of thought that, hey! zen might be part of some kind of terrifying entity/the one that's created this distortion, if rei had such a reaction here. it really makes me curious how much emotion these next two items will stir up. will rei say more emotionally charged things? what other cryptic information will zen reveal?

i do like this direction though- that it's possible that even if zen desires to protect rei, and take responsibility for her wellbeing, zen pre-memory loss might've caused rei great suffering. it's a fun flavor!

i do feel that i tend to fixate on the question of "what is zen" a lot more than "what is rei," but. i think seeing that these items supposedly belong to her... and that elizabeth mentions that you wouldn't normally find living humans here... hm. i almost want to say that she's dead and that she died before the events of the game?

i liked that when chie saw the ring- she noted that it was a toy ring and that it's something you'd find at fairs. so it made me think back to the theme-ing of this world- how it's a cultural festival. i'm still not entirely certain of the significance but maybe it's something that rei wanted to see? or maybe she died here? idk. i don't really have a way to intuit rei's cause of death if she's... well, dead, but. i'm. definitely interested in seeing if there's (future) information i can use to figure this out.

OH and one last thing- i think it'd be interesting if whenever zen and rei get their memories back, they leave the party or are forced to by god knows what. unfortunately i don't think they'd do that because zen and rei, gameplay-wise, are the low-maintenance characters, but!! i'd love to be proven wrong (but i'd still enjoy them leaving the party lololol)

in any case!!! this was a good session of pq. i definitely want to play more and see what the other labryinths have to tell because i need more information in order to speculate. i think im at least 40% done with the game :D and it'll probably take me another 35 hours at minimum to finish this game, i think?

[kaija-rayne-author]

I’m also new to Dragon Age. I haven’t played the first two but I’m currently playing Inquisition. I should be finished by now but…I keep putting it off because I know the ending and it’ll make me sad XD

Yes…I am very much in Solavellan hell. Ironically I only started playing DAI because I wanted to write an analysis of Solas as a successful Twist Villain. Then the son of a bitch went and got me invested. I’m honestly so impressed with how Weekes handled his character. A weaker writer would have just let him be another MCU Loki Edgelord. Soooo glad that’s not what we ended up with.

I’ve been catching up on lore about the first two games because, thanks to my writer brain, I am an obsessive fan theorist XD

I just can’t not theorize. It’s so much fun. My fiancé and I (he’s played all the games) have been discussing theories left and right and there’s so much juicy potential for Dreadwolf. Like, dang. It’s going to suck waiting another year to see if any of those theories were close.

But mostly I just want to see Solas again and find out if we can save this idiot from himself 🫠

….also maybe from Flemeth.

I started playing DA in Aprilish of '23. I've had them forever, but just have never gotten around to playing them.

I had a friend who played suggest I play them all in order for story reasons and I'm glad I did. I'm debating restarting DAO, because I've read there's references all through the series to The Dread Wolf and I'm a sucker for more Solas anything 😅. (And desperate, not gonna lie.)

Solas really is a masterfully created character, such a fascinating blend of nobility, gentleness, and prideful flaws and gah!

I did the same thing 😅, kept putting off the end. I've actually played DAI 3 times now, my original Dorian Romance, then I got curious about what the big deal was with Solas. So out of curiousity (curiousity absolutely gets me into trouble, frequently) I did a Solavellan run. (Even knowing who Solas was!) And I landed myself on the Solavellan Hell train. I'm a writer and editor so I know all the tropes and can usually see the twists coming from miles out. Sadly, not a lot touches me anymore.

I honestly didn't think Weekes would add my heart to their very notched belt. But they're such a strong writer and made Solas so nuanced and interesting!

Weekes definitely impressed me on a professional level. Very, very few authors manage that anymore. (Do highly suggest reading the Dragon Age books too. Especially Weekes' Masked Empire. They give a lot more depth to the games/world. First book is a bit rough, but Gaider got better in the next two.)

I utterly adore theorizing and analyzing literature, movies, any kind of fiction, really. People sadly don't enjoy that aspect of my brain as often as I'd like.

I keep hoping my partner will play them. I really think he'd enjoy them. And he loves breaking stuff down as much as I do.

I'm trying to keep my hopes low for Dreadwolf, but yessss there's so much potential!

And I'm not buying the game unless I can somehow save Solas' dumb, stubborn, prideful ass.🤣

My third playthrough was 'make Solas hate me', and it was sooooo hard. I played a Qunari so I wouldn't end up Romancing the bugger again 😅. It was somewhat fun to antagonize Solas for a bit. But I was happy to finish it. The angry Solas lines in Trespasser are totally worth it.

TBF I only did the minimal necessary for the hate me run. I really didn't like him hating me 😅.

[greyeyedmonster-18]

I don't know if this is something you would want because of you being such a busy creature but I had a dribble idea that I thought would be funny and I'm actually not funny enough to write myself but I think you would be...

Might be a good one for Sirius and Harry (+Remus) Saturday?

The idea is that Remus and Harry take Sirius bowling for the first time and ultimately stitch Sirius up:

Letting him use two first fingers not two middle ones, waiting to see how long it takes him to notice

Putting the barriers up and down with magic

Or! Putting invisible barriers up for Remus and Harry and Sirius can't work out how their balls avoid the gutter

'helping' him and then stepping over the line with the sensors so his go is invalid

Forcing him to use the baby Ramo when he is rubbish

Not telling him about the ridiculous slippy shoes

Anyway... I've done this in an ask but PLEASE don't feel like you have to answer it or do anything with it or whatever but I thought ... You might.. like it? 🤷🏻‍♀️🙈

🧡🧡🧡

my lovely friend, this has been here for so long and i deeply apologize, i just wanted to make sure i did it justice. because this is a great prompt. (im going to leave all your bulleted options alone because they're brilliant, but uh...here's what i came up with)

--

There were still giggles from the back seat on the drive home, both Teddy and Harry giddy from junk food and an exciting afternoon at a muggle-bowling alley. Remus turned over in his seat to look at his boys, Teddy's face red from trying to muffle his laughter as Harry mimed something out, stopping when he noticed Remus's gaze.

"Did you two have fun today?" Remus asked innocently.

"Yes! We should go every week, Da!" Teddy exclaimed instantly feet kicking as he smiled. mouth full of holes where teeth used to be.

"My favorite part was when Dad--"

"No," Sirius said quickly, cutting Harry off, and the giggles started yet again. Remus turned back around to look at Sirius, who was white-knuckling the steering wheel, eyes looking determinedly at the road, "We're not going back there, and you're all having early bedtimes tonight."

"No, we're not," Teddy said instantly, and Remus snorted, "'Cause you already promised we could have pudding tonight before we left and that means we stay up. No take-backs!"

"Yeah, no take-backs," Remus confirmed, reaching over to put his hand on the back of Sirius's neck, fingers carding through stray curls that had fallen out of the knot on top of his head, "They probably won't even remember, baby. So many people go there, and it's so busy, they'll forget about it by next week."

"Babe. How often do you think full-grown men go down the lane with the ball stuck to their fingers daily?" Sirius asked, and the laughter exploded from the back seat again, their two boys not even bothering to contain their joy at seeing their father sliding down a bowling alley lane attached to his ball. Remus had to fight against his own laughter, letting it escape in tiny coughs at the memory of his husband sprawled in the middle of the lane, only feeling a little bad that the whole incident had happened because Remus and the boys had spent the entire afternoon preying on Sirius's naivety in a muggle establishment.

No, the holes are supposed to be tight, so you don't drop it, Dad. Harry had said, exchanging a mischievous glance with Remus as Sirius squeezed his fingers into too-small holes.

Yeah, just like that, its your first two fingers.

"I mean, I'm sure it's happened....at least once before," Remus offered, biting down on his lip, "It's just a game, baby, it's just fun--"

"Mhmm."

"You got 42 points!" Harry started, between his giggles, "So you only lost to Teddy by a little! And that's only..." Harry thought for a moment, "only like 10 away from 50!"

Remus could see Sirius roll his eyes behind his sunglasses.

"Need to do some more maths, I see..." Sirius mumbled low enough so Harry couldn't hear before exhaling, "Thanks, my love. I think I'll leave the bowling to all of you for now."

"At least they let you get a strike out of it," Remus shrugged, and by the way, Sirius's jaw moved, Remus could tell he was holding back a dozen swear words and smart quips he wanted to tell Remus.

"You're grounded." Sirius muttered, "No pudding, ever again."

"Sure baby. Whatever you say."

[boozye]

Dogi Maji Revenge

I don’t have time or energy to make another few pages comic for one of my absurd ideas right now. And I’ve been meaning to write more, so that I can get more comfortable doing it. So I thought I’d get 2 birds with one stone this way. This one is cheesy compared to the goofy comics I made, but it is a direct continuation from the last one (Dogi Maji 4) and also the last in the “series”.

You will notice it features the actual dialogues from the game in some parts, cause I have fun writting and thinking around that. I guess this could be considered my 2nd rewrite of some sort.

Thanks for sticking around for my shitposts 💖

FanMCDaniel(they/them) x Satan (either platonic or romantic, it is up for interpretation)

Warnings: None.

Words: 1307

______________________________________________________

Mammon: “Wait... this is serious! They clipped through a wall?! Can they even come back from there?”

Leviathan: “Oh, nah, no need to worry. We all get relocated by the entrance when a new day starts. And the day is almost over so, they don't have much time to mess with anything.

Besides, we are in the late game. They can't sabotage our progress unless they somehow get into the save file...”

Satan: “Hmm. So how do you know they won't get to it?”

Leviathan: “Because I've been keeping it safe! Heheheh!”

He proudly takes out something from under his desk, it's a device similar to a tablet with a hot pink case adorned with hearts.  

Levi: “Ta-da! And we can check our progress on it too! See?”

He taps on the device and brings up a screen with 4 bars, next to which is each of the player demon's faces. Each bar is only barely filled. But some are fuller than others. Mammon steps forward, and grabs it to get a closer look.

Mammon: “Hey uh... aren't these all very low?”

Levi's grin doesn't falter.

Levi: “Yeah, but I'm the highest.”

Lucifer, who with Satan looked at the screen over Mammon's shoulder, chipped in.

Lucifer: “Are you sure about that?”

Levi blinks, and yanks the tablet back.

Levi: “What are you talking about? I was the highest this morning when I checked!! BUT NOW YOUR PROGRESS DOUBLED SINCE THEN?? How did you do that?!”

The eldest looks smug, but for a brief second averts his eyes.

Lucifer: “It was probably because I helped them with something they wanted.”  

Satan: “How ridiculous.”

Then the bickering started, with Levi yelling about haxx and Mammon having assumed too much, trying to pry over what his older brother did exactly.

Quietly, unnoticed, Satan stepped back, and left the room. He was not in the mood to join their banter right now. Instead, heading to the library. Thankfully, there weren't any active NPC's there at this time of the day. So noone would bother him.

Sitting there for a while, he rumminated. It was a surprise how much it bothered him, but the image was clear in his recent memory. His bar was the lowest of all four.  

He told himself.

Satan: “It's just game stats and progress. Whoever they choose, we'll be out of this in a few days. They'll probably go with whoever comes first. I know they want to get out of here too.”

The daytime gradient in the sky gave way to the sunset one. Soon the day was over. As Leviathan said, Daniel showed up the next day, unscathed. During lunch, they bemoaned the little time they had to explore. But overall seemed more content, like they'd finally had some fun for the first time in their playtime.

Not long after, the last day of the game was upon them. The day before graduation. They all gathered in a classroom for a chat before the days end.

Lucifer: “Dani, no matter who you choose, you shouldn't have any regrets about it. In the end, this is only a game after all. So relax and pick whomever you like.”

Daniel just sighed and nodded, with a weary smile.  

Mammon: “... Lucifer, you're bein weirdly nice to Dani. What gives?”

Lucifer: “I want to get this idiotic game over with as soon as possible so we can get back to the real world.”

Leviathan: “You SAY that, sure, but perhaps it's all part of your plan to raise your intimacy score?"

Lucifer: “Think whatever you want.”

Satan: “...Dani. Do you have a second?”

And with that, they were about ready to greet the days end. Daniel, left the classroom, no doubt heading for one of their last walks on the premises, but stopped in their tracks.

Satan, who left the room close behind, had called them.

Daniel shrugged lazily.

Daniel: “Sure.”

Satan: “I feel bad, and I'm sorry.”

The human's eyes widened and met with the demon's.  

Daniel: “About what?”

Satan: “Lucifer and I are the reason you got caught up in all of this weird business. And before we go back to the real world, I just wanted to apologize for that. Well, see ya- “

He turned to let them be. But their voice chimmed from behind, with a tone he hadn't heard before, asking him to wait. They asked him to come have a chat one on one.

The two sat outside. Satan was thinking about when would be the next time he'd see them again under the "sunset" like this. But his thoughts were interrupted by his own curiosity.

Satan: “Did you have something you wanted to say?”

Daniel pursed their lips. And then talked. With a rarely seen earnestness.

Daniel: “You don't have to force yourself to like someone you don't, Satan. Lucifer doesn't see you as a child as much as you think. We both know he only wants to look good in front of Diavolo as his N°2, right?”

They are showing honest concern? A demon couldn' help himself.

Satan: “...Pff, what do you know, human?”  

Their eyes fell again briefly.

Satan: “...I'm kidding. Sorry, I just wanted to say that.”

Daniel smiled and snorted, leaning back on the bench.

They nodded and smiled.

Satan: “You're saying Lucifer doesn't think of me as a child? And he only acts like that because he doesn't want Diavolo to think less of him? I can't say I agree with you there, personally. But even so, you also said that I don't need to force myself to like someone I don't. Hmm...

That's a refreshing point of view. You are the first person who's ever said anything like that to me.

Hmph. And here you are, just a human... Thanks.”

Daniel: “Anytime. Thank you for listening.

I'll go on my walk now, okay? See you tomorrow.”  

Leviatan: “SATAN!! WHAT DID YOU DO?! YOU CHEATER!”

Daniel got up and waved for a bit as they walked away, without turning back. Satan thought he'd like to join. But he knew they'd been around people all day, and he had noticed how much it tired them. They probably needed the break. This would be the last time for a long time they’d be able to go on a walk by themself, once they all returned to the normal life in HoL.

He got up and headed back inside the building. A ruckus could be heard from the classroom they had left. Right as he was aproaching, it's door flew open. And out stomped Leviathan, looking grim. He noticed Satan standing there and yelled.

The blond blinked in surprise.

Satan: “Levi, what are you talking about?"

Envy incarnate lifted the save file device to his face, where all the progress bars had been before. He had completely forgotten about it by now.

Satan: “What's wrong with the file?”  

Leviathan tapped the screen exhasperated.

Leviathan: “DON'T PLAY DUMB WITH ME, LOOK!! YOUR BAR JUST TRIPPLED.”

He read the screen this time. The four bars were there like before. But now the one bar next to his face was the fullest.

His heart lept, but his mind and words focused on getting his older brother to stop screaming and not start breaking walls trying to attack him. Lucifer and Mammon dragged Levi back into the classroom to calm him down. They asked Satan to leave them for a minute, since his presence was clearly upsetting Leviathan right now. He gladly obliged and headed to the library for his last few minutes before the game's day cycle began anew.

Satan: Acknowledgement, and an apology. That was all you wanted, huh?

He sat there with a canned tea. Drinks weren't allowed in the library, but there is no need to worry about penalties right before the game ends.

He muttered to himself.

[maizumis]

— HAIKYUU BOYS HAVING A TEA PARTY WITH YOUR DAUGHTER

ft. timeskip!miya atsumu, bokuto koutaro, oikawa tooru, kuroo tetsuro, iwaizumi hajime

note: female reader ‼️ watch me write about dad!haikyuu all the moments I didn't have with my own sperm donor

MIYA ATSUMU after a long day at work, you were coming home a little more late than usual and as you were opening the door with a sigh, the first thing you listen is “PEASANT, DO NOT TOUCH THE QWEEN CWON”, yeah that’s definitely your daughter and your pretty sure that the “peasant” is your, oh so-called husband. Curiosity took the best of you, now you were behind your daughter’s door listen carefully what atsumu was saying to her, “WHATYA MEANT PEASANT? I WANNA WEAR A CROWN TOO YA KNOW!” your daughter gasps in disbelieve, “daddy, mom is da queen, I’m da princess and yer the peasant! And clearly, mommy isn’t here so don’t touch her cwon!” One thing you know is that you wouldn’t like to see and hear a screaming match between the peasant and the princess in question, thinking that stepping in is the best option, you said “what’s the matter in here?”, next thing you know, your daughter with his big brown eyes that she got from her father, comes running at you, screaming “momm- I mean queen! Yeah, queen! yer just on time for the tea party, this peasant needs to learn some manners” you picked her up, enjoying the way her little arms go around your neck, “yeah? What did dada do this time?” while her face is on your neck, she tells you with a whisper “psss mom, he is not dad now, remember is tea party time” and now with her voice a little more loud she announces to you what he did “he wanted to use ya cwon!  Literally had to scream at him cause of that! Peoples this time are onbelivabol” the las part coming with a sigh, “ugh I now right? Why don’t we teach him some manners then?” After a little thinking, your daughter tells you “uh-huh! Yer right my queen, now I will leave to the bathroom and come back to continue this celebration”. While she leaves, atsumu comes at you with a back hug asking if ya really taking her side? with a low tone, so you replied with “of course I’m taking her side, she’s a child, our child in fact” atsumu looks at you with big eyes and tells you “she is right, people these times are onbelivabol but I still love you my queen”, now facing him, noses and foreheads touching each other you whisper to him “I love you to my peasant” and after a little chuckle you continue “thank you so much for this”.

 BOKUTO KOUTAROU he always had tea parties with his daughter on Mondays after his volleyball practice with the MSBY. He couldn’t go to last week's party because of an away game, and he was devasted and promised her little princess that he would get her something. Now he is coming home from the airport with three Elsa dresses, one for his precious child, the other for his precious wife, and the last one for him, it was very difficult to find one of his size cause of his beefy body, but if he promises his little girl something, he is gonna make it without a doubt. “HEY HEY HEY! GUESS WHOS HOME” he screams while putting his suitcase down “HEY HEY HEY DADDY! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH! MOMMY IS MAKING DINNER WHILE I PREPARED OUR SUPER DUPER EXTRA TEA PARTY!!” he picks her up with one arm, making his way to the kitchen to involve you in a hug with the arm he had free “we missed you, kou” snuggling into his neck, and while his arm tightens around you he replies with a soft tone “missed my two girls too, so much” he puts her daughter on the floor again and tells her “missy I have a surprise for our tea party, why don’t you finish the preparations and then mom and I are gonna go there with dinner? Sounds good?” whit a little nod she answers with “yeah dada, that sounds good”. After hearing her enter her room you ask your husband what did he get for her, and when he tells you he didn’t get one, not two but three princess dresses you’re over the moon, the fuck you’re going to do with three dresses? you don’t question him and keep cooking as if you wouldn’t have to put on a frozen show in less than half an hour. “BABY IM COMING TO YOUR ROOM WITH HOT FOOD, BE CAREFULL” the little girl sees you in all your glory, with the most beautiful Elsa dress she ever saw “MAMA, WHY YOU DIDNT TOLD ME ELSA LET YOU BORROW HER DRESS? YOU'RE SO PWETTY!” laughing a little at her comment you decide that it was the best to tell her is a secret between adults, excited to see her reaction when her dad comes to her room with the same dress on him and a little one for her. “IM COMING IN!” your husband yells and your daughter’s eyes are the bigger you ever saw them, running like the flash to steal the dress that was in his dad's hands. “Daddy, that dress is so pwetty on you, and there's one for me! We are all matching! And now we are gonna have our four curse, ugh no, cruse, ump corse, mommy how do I say it?”, “course darling, four meal course. Now dada, why don’t you come to eat with us this fancy dinner?” after nodding and making his way to the both of you, bokuto thinks he is gonna ask for another kid one of these days.

[justafanficwriter123]

hello, bby! <3

can i get kai satou with f!reader, who is cold, but very protective for him, loves him so much and in the moment when he should die she's sacrificing herself for his life

sending love! ♡(> ਊ <)♡

I'm sorry this took so long. I had a lot of things to study for this week. Just today I had Biology and Serbian exam with more to go this week so there will probably be less fics this and next week. 🧡 Anyways happy Tuesday of 22.02.2022. 🧡

"Don't let it get the best of you"

Kai Satou x reader 🖤

Kai was a type of person you would never really try to build a relationship with if it was under different circumstances.

Your parents were quite found of the Satou family. Your father was really close to Mr. Gashu, so he had no second thoughts when taking up an offer Mr. Gashu made.

The heir of the Satou clan, Kai Satou was going to be your homemaker. You aren't sure why he of all people. Maybe he's getting replaced.

Kai was well behaved young man, about your age. You became quite found of him. You didn't know what it was that made him so appealing.

Was it his remarkable cooking? He did insist on making you your favorite meals. They always tasted delicious. He always cooked them the way you liked them.

Was it his senses of humor? He was actually quite funny, if you actually take the time to notice sarcasm in his voice. Not many people would pay attention to minor details, but you did. He reminded you of you in that sense. No one really knew how or what you were feeling.

Maybe what caught your attention was the light he views you in. He doesn't see you like everyone else. He doesn't see you like a heatless doll you behaved like.

He knows how it feels to hide your true emotion. He's doing it every time he sees you. He really likes you and feel strong affection for you.

One day he asked you out on a date. You were surprised to say the least, but you kept your cool and said yes.

Kai knew that you would bearly show any reaction, but that still made him nervous.

Your first date went great. You were enjoying yourself.

But before you parted ways Kai witnessed something he didn't think he would see so soon.

He saw your smile.

It might just be for a moment but a moment he will value for the rest of his life. You're expression was blank after that.

Little did you know it was all a part of a plan to bring your chances of survival down.

One day you were brought to a strange facility with your boyfriend Kai. You experienced something deadly called 'the first trial'.

You could have lost Kai if you were a tad bit slower.

You gave him a hug, which surprised him since you weren't the most touchy person.

*Slight time skip*

The bars that blocked off the blue room disappeared. You saw Kai and quickly brought him over to the dining room.

"Are you okay?" You said. You touched his body, checking for any wounds.

Kai was flustered but tried to keep calm "Yes, I am alright."

"I heard gunshots, what happened?" You questioned him.

"It was another deadly game. We all got out of it alive thanks to miss Sara." Kai answered your question.

*another slight time skip*

Kai is going to get voted if you don't do something.

He was the sage and you knew it. It came down to the design of the keymaster card. Kai didn't say anything.

It was now or never.

"Please wait!" You raised your voice "Please don't vote for Kai!"

"Miss/Mr/Mx Y/n, I believe you know there's no room for personal relationships. None of us want to do this ether." Sou told you.

"N-No, it's not that! I-" You started.

"There is no need to discuss this any further." Sou interrupted you.

Reko was mad at Sou "Let Y/n speak da*nit!"

"I'm convinced Kai is the sacrifice!" You said.

Silence filled out the room. Kai was shocked.

"Whazat?" Q-taro said.

"Y/n, please tell us. Why do you think that?" Sara told you.

"Because we have three people who confessed they are the sage, right?" You started "Joe, Kanna and Kai. Why would they tell us they are the sage when all of them know that it means we're going to vote for them?"

"This is pointless. Please just get to the voting." Kai interrupted you.

"I'm not done!" You said, sounding a bit angry.

"When asked about the designs, Kanna and Joe gave us an answer but sage cannot lie about their vision. That is the main reason we're convinced Kai is the sage, right?" You continued.

"What are you getting at?" Keiji asked you.

"Kanna and Joe lied about being the sage to protect Sou and Sara. All that proves is that they aren't the sage, not that Kai is." You said "And Kai not saying anything might be a part of his plan to get us to vote for him."

"You can't possibly know that!" Nao said panicked.

"Yes." You answered her "Yes I would because I am the sage. Sorry to keep quiet for so long."

"W-What?" Kai said.

"It's time to vote everyone." Miley said.

Everyone voted and you were chosen by the majority vote.

"Very well, I shall announce the results." Miley said.

Sara was the keymaster, Kai was the sage, Joe was the sacrifice and the one chosen by the majority vote was you.

"I-I don't understand. Why did you lie?" Kai asked you.

"Because I love you." You told him. "I needed to protect you at all cause. This game is deadly and I can't let you die. Don't let it get the best of you while I'm gone though."

[girl-in-the-tower]

CHAPTER I

Ramshackle Dorm - Birthday Party Venue

Kore: Woah, to think the ghosts would go all out like this just for today! Even though I told them that they didn't have to bother with it, they wouldn't listen, at all... It's... It's kind of embarrassing to be fussed over like this! If it was Grim I would have understood but this, uh...

Ah! And I'm supposed to have a guest over today as well! Hm, I guess some tea should be in order... maybe some cakes as well... I wonder if there's any sugar left...

Ace: Yo!

Kore: Ah, just a moment- Oh, it's just you, Ace.

Ace: Ha? What's that supposed to mean? 'It's just you'? It's super rude to greet your dear guest like this, you know?

Kore: Is that so? But calling you a guest is...

Ace: What's that?

Kore: Hm...

Ace: Well, doesn't matter because my feelings were hurt either way! So I'll help myself to this krumkake to make myself feel better! Let's dig in~

Kore: Hey, that- Aaah, that was meant to be for Grim. He kept complaining all day yesterday that he should have a cake all to himself too since it's a special day so I woke up extra early just to make it for him. Now he's gonna be mad...

Ace: Haa? A whole cake just for that furball? You've got to be kidding me!

Kore: What are you talking about? You know how much he likes krumkake.

Ace: Nah, I doubt there's really anything that guy won't eat... But that's not the point. You're spoiling him too much. He's gotten really fat, you know?

Kore: It's fine. I still make sure he exercises and he looks cute round like that too, so it's not a problem.

Ace: No, I definitely still think there's something wrong here. Mainly with your head.

Kore: Haaaaaaa, you wanna pick a figh-

Ace: Oh, I almost forgot! Here you go!

Kore: ... What's this?

Ace: Isn't it obvious?

Kore: Well... Huh? Wait a minute- That can't-!

Ace: Ta-da! It's a limited edition Griffons varsity jacket that's been all the rage with Magift meatheads like you~

Kore: No way!! This is- This is-

Ace: Cool, righ- Hey!! Don't jump on me like that! You almost knocked me off the chair!

Kore: Sorry, hahaha! I was so happy I just couldn't contain myself! To think that I would be able to actually get my hands onto something so valuable!

Ace: Yeah, we figured you'd like i-

Kore: This season has really been a blessing from above for them, you know? Everybody is in top shape and playing at their best! I heard their new manager actually made them go through this super difficult training regime that has been working wonders for them. Though it's only speculation so far!

Ace: Uh, Kor-

Kore: If you ask me, it's definitely also thanks to those new brooms that they ordered for the team. The wood is apparently from the Valley of Thorns and super-resistant so they go all out without worrying about breaking them. For the moves that the team is pulling, they really need that propulsion time! Even a second helps when you're in a headlock. I remember back in the vs Mandrakes game that they switched brooms in between-

Ace: Heeeeey! You Magift boar woman! Can you hear me?

Kore: Wh-Why are you yelling like that?! I'm right next to you!

Ace: Haaaa, when you start talking about Magift you might as well be in a completely different world... No wonder they all think of you as the Magift Encyclopedia. I bet you have hundreds of useless pieces of information like that stuck in your head.

Kore: You-! Huh? What's this?

Ace: A-Ah! That!

Kore: It's rice pudding- Ah! It's homemade from the Mountains!

Ace: Hm? Ah, ye-yeah... That came with the jacket...

Kore: Eh? They put pudding in jackets when they sell them?!

Ace: O-Obviously! Don't tell me you didn't know? Bwahaha, man, you sure are clueless...

Kore: ... It's my favourite flavour too...

CHAPTER II

Ace: Alright, next to the first question!

Kore: Eh?! Question?! Is this a quiz of some kind?!

Ace: I guess you could think of it like that, so anyway- Your first question as today's birthday girl issssss: "If you were stuck on a deserted island, who would you take with you?" Hm, here it says that you can't pick members of your own dorm, but given that you guys don't even have a dorm, I'm not sure that the restriction applies. Not that it matters since you wouldn't choose Grim anyway, right?

Kore: Huh? Why not?

Ace: You're serious?! You'd pick that furball?! Hey, we're talking about a deserted island here so think carefully! Don't you want to get off it?!

Kore: Well, obviously I would... But...

Ace: But?

Kore: I can do that on my own.

Ace: Huh?

Kore: Survival is all about securing shelter, food and formulating an escape plan. If it's a deserted island I assume there would be some fauna and animals too, so we could feed ourselves through fruit gathering and hunting. It might be hard if we don't have any tools, however, but I think Grim's claws would be sharp enough to cut through the skin and meat fairly easily. I make sure he takes good care of them after all.

Ace: I-I see...

Kore: If there's no drinkable water then we'll have to boil some from the sea in order to deal with the thirst. Grim's flames, when properly utilized, would be able to do such a thing. Not to mention that he could start fires to keep us warm at night and to cook food to sustain us! Also, it could be a great emergency signal if we end up at sea and need rescuing.

Ace: You want to use him as a flare?!

Kore: That sounds so mean! I would only do that as a last resort, however! Grim's pretty sensitive about having his belly scratched so I wouldn't do anything to make him uncomfortable like that!

Ace: Haaaa, I get it, I get it! So you're saying that the furball has his practical uses too. But I can't help but worry about some flaws...

Kore: Flaws?

Ace: No matter how much you feed that glutton, his stomach will never be full, you know! Whatever provisions you managed to gather, he's sure to inhale them with the first occasion!

Kore: Wah- That's a horrible thing to say! There's no way my Grim is so selfish!

Ace: My Grim?! What is he?! Your child?! And he's totally selfish, you know!!

Kore: HAAAAA?! ARE YOU REALLY PICKING A FIGHT WITH ME?!

Ace: Ca-Calm down!! I take it back, ok?! You can bring the furball with you!

Kore: Hmph.

Ace: Seriously, getting this angry over that cat...

Kore: Isn't that normal? Grim is my special person, after all!

Ace: SPECIAL PERSON?!

Kore: The person you care for a lot, like they're part of you, right? Like Cay-senpai said!

Ace: I-I see, so that's...

Kore: Being on a deserted island isn't ideal, but at the end of the day I know I can be ok on my own. Farmwork, housework - those are things that I'm used to from the Mountains. Life isn't so easy back home, but we all make do with what we can - magic or no magic. Even if I'm stuck in a bad situation, I can manage to get through so I don't need anybody else.

Well, that's what I thought before I came to this place anyway...

Ace: ...

Kore: Besides you're wrong about something!

Ace: Huh?

Kore: In order to survive it's not just physical attributes that are important, but mental ones as well. And in that case, Grim has the real trump card!

Ace: He-He does?!

Kore: Mm! You see, Grim, he... has the cutest paws and the fluffiest fur in the world!

Ace: HUH?!

Kore: Mm! Every time I feel like giving up or am reaching the end of the rope, all I'd have to do is give his paw pads a little squeeze or lay on his tummy and my mood would instantly clear up again! In a situation full of despair like that it would make a world of difference, you know?

Ace: SO HE'S THERE JUST FOR MORAL SUPPORT?!

Kore: Well, that too! It's important after all!

Ah, this pudding is really good actually...

CHAPTER III

Ace: Haaaa, I give up... Your boar mind is way too difficult to understand...

Kore: HUH?!

Ace: Anyway, let's get on with our next question and- Ah.

Kore: Hm? What is it? You suddenly stopped in the middle of the sentence. Did the falcon get your tongue, hehe?

Ace: It's a cat, not a falcon! And I only stopped because- uh...

Kore: What?

Ace: "You're offered the chance to pick another dorm, which one would you choose?"

Kore: ...

Ace: I swear, that Headmaster doesn't even think of these questions at all...

Kore: Yeah, there's no way I can answer that...

Ace: I figured. So instead! "Please share your opinions on the dorms!"

Kore: Ah!

Ace: Nice, right? You can definitely count on me when it comes to quick thinking, you know?

Kore: ... I guess.

Ace: You guess?!

Kore: I'll start with Diasomnia then!

Ace: Hey, don't ignore-

Kore: Hm, I'm not really sure about the atmosphere there but- Don't you think that their interior decor is pretty fancy? I haven't seen stuff like that in magazines for quite a while, so I feel like it's definitely something that must have required a lot of work! It's kinda dreary though, what will the windows not letting enough light and the greenery around it could stand to be looked after better, hm...

Ace: So you're only interested in the decor, huh? Alright, what about Ignihyde?

Kore: It's too technological.

Ace: Huh, I guess that you're right. For somebody like you, it would really be a struggle living there...

Kore: ...

It's even more depressing than Diasomnia, so I feel like I would be stuck in a bad mood without enough sunlight, you know? Though I must admit, it really is super clean inside! That's a very important detail! Clean homes are necessary for good health!

Ace: There you go again, sounding like a mom... Next is Pomefiore!

Kore: IT'S SUPER FLASHY!

Ace: I know~?

Kore: No, no, you don't get it! It's so flashy it actually scares me! All that pomp and glamour! The rugs themselves look like something from the fall collection that sold out about twenty years ago and the chandeliers are bound to be at least four times Theo's salary! Walking through those hallways is like stepping on opulence! A continuous loop of flashiness!

Ace: HEY! Get a hold of yourself! Let's go over to- Ah, Scarabia...

Kore: It's so hot there!!

Ace: Oh, yeah, you're super weak to heat so you'd definitely hate it there. Right?

Kore: Mm, hate is... I think that if it was the old me, I would never have even stepped in there. But now I feel like... Yeah! I definitely think that I can give it another try! Scarabia is pretty rich too, but it feels more homely? There's a lot of people gathered around and there are banquets and feasts pretty often too. It's always lively and warm... In a way, I imagine that's what a home would feel like...

Ace: ...

Kore: I can't say the same for Octavinelle however. Hmph!

Ace: Bwahaha, that's true. It really feels like you'd get scammed in there pretty quick.

Kore: Not even that! But building a dorm underwater? I admit the decor is pretty nice and classy, but the atmosphere is too cold! There's a lot of types that I can't get along with at all so it would definitely be a miserable time for me. No, I definitely don't want to set foot there ever again!

Ace: I totally get it~ All that commotion after the exams was enough for me too. Guess the same goes for Savanaclaw too, then?

Kore: ...

Ace: HA?!

Kore: I-I refuse to believe that anybody who loves Magift is a bad person!

Ace: There's that meathead in you talking again! Are you seriously that obsessed with it?! I feel like there's a sickness that applies in this case!!

Kore: He-Hey!! That's way too- I understand that what they did was bad, and I definitely haven't forgiven Kingscholar-senpai yet, but there are definitely good points to them as well! I think!

Ace: So you're not even sure?!

Kore: A-Anyway, as for Heartslaybyul-

Ace: Don't go changing the subject!

Kore: - if I had to pick that would be my favourite.

Ace: Huh?

Kore: I love Scarabia too, a lot, but at the end of the day all that rich atmosphere is scary. I really don't feel like I would belong there at all. I'd stick out like a sore thumb among everybody else - more than usual at the very least. But in Heartslaybyul, even if Rosehearts-senpai is strict, I feel like everybody is sort of content with the oddness. There's not much that stands out about it, but I think that's what makes it so appealing, you know?

Ace: ... So... what you're saying... Is that we're a shabby dorm full of weirdoes?

Kore: I-I wouldn't go that far...

Ace: But that's the gist of it, isn't it?!

Kore: Ummmmm...

Ace: ... Alright, I get it.

Kore: Huh?

Ace: You know, it just so happens that there's one more thing I have to tell you about.

Kore: One more thing?

Ace: Yup! You see, there's this tradition where the presenter has to give the 'gift of fortune' in order to make sure this ends up being a great birthday! And it just so happens that you're lucky enough to have me here today to deliver the goods~

Kore: Huh? What are you-

[SPLATTER]

Kore: ...

Ace: BWAHAHA, I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU JUST STOOD THERE LIKE THAT!

Kore: ...

Ace: Oh man, the look on your face is hilarious! Oh, let me take a quick picture to show the others too!

Kore: ...

Ace: Ok, so then- He-Hey! Don't- AUGH! MY FOREHEAD!

[tinyboxxtink]

"Black Magic" *Part 11*

Ooops I MAY have lied before....

More angst comin 'atcha babes.

I'm sorry. We're getting there, I promise. I just love watching you cryyyyy!!!

I'm just kidding I love you all please don't stop reading my stuff.

(fun fact these are Raul's actual hands! It's from a LOF promo. THE FINGIES THO)

Tag List

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@omgsuperstarg

@chasingeverybreakingwave

@gibbs274

@milkshqke

@wanniiieeee

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@objection-argumentative

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@sassyada

So weird note here it won't let me edit this post on my computer for some reason to add the link to the new chapter and it looks stupid in the app but whatever....I hate this place sometimes. 🤨

You went the next day straight to Rafael’s office, but when you walked into the DA’s building, it was empty. What the hell was happening? Has the whole world gone nuts?

Before you turned to leave, one of the other assistant’s came out of the public bathroom.

“Hey YN, didn’t you get fired?”

“No-- Yes-- It’s a long story,”

“Well either way, I thought for sure you'd be the first one over to the church,” She chuckled.

“I'm sorry, what?” You felt your heart stop.

“The church? Where your subject of obsession is getting married?”

“I'm sorry, WHAT?”

“People talk, Y/N. Word is you’re obsessed with Barba, screaming at him and his fiancée like an unhinged psycho,” She tried not to laugh at you.

“I…” You began to have another panic attack.

“He can't ..how did she...he CAN'T….” You started hyperventilating.

“Ooookay I'm gonna leave you here for your mental breakdown. She scoffed and walked out. You immediately bolted out behind her, dialing Maria’s number, thanking God she gave it to you the other day.

“Hola?”

"Maria he's….he's getting married,” You gasped for air.

“Y/N? What are you talking about?”

“Rafael….he’s getting…” You tried to breathe. “He’s getting married, RIGHT NOW.”

“That doesn’t make sense, Raffi would never rush into something so--”

“You said it yourself Maria, that’s NOT Rafael,”

“You’re right. Well if there’s any trace of my Raffi, there’s only one church he’d get married at. I’ll text you the address and meet you there.”

“Okay…” You started to cry as you caught your breath.

“Hey, mija don’t give up yet, it’s not over!” Maria assured you.

“Okay…” You breathed, and hung up the phone.

-----

At the church you and Maria dashed around to find the groomsman room. You found it and Maria guarded the door.

You busted in without knocking to see Rafael straightening his tie, his tuxedo jacket hung on the mirror. He turned and stared at you in confusion.

“I...I’m sorry sweetie, are you lost?” He had concerns in his eyes. Concern for a ‘stranger’. You hoped it was because he knew you deep down, but you also knew Rafael was just a wonderful man who cared for all.

“You can't marry her Rafael” You said breathlessly, tired from running around the church.

“I’m sorry, what?” He half laughed, grabbing his jacket to put it on. You put a hand up to stop him.

“Because you don't love her,”

“I don't? Really?” He gave you an amused smile.

“No! She's using some kind of spell on you.” You cried.

“...Okay, is this some kind of prank? Is this Carisi’s idea of a joke?” Rafael continued to laugh, looking down the hall to see if Carisi was waiting to yell “GOTCHA COUNSELOR!”

“No, look you have to believe me. She’s been giving you an elixir that makes you think you’re in love with her.”

“...Um, okay seriously, this isn’t funny anymore sweetie,” He stopped laughing.

“I’m not kidding!” You stomped your foot,

“Look honey I’m-- I’m sorry, you must be confused. Did you come here with someone or--?” He put on a patronizing voice.

“I’m not some mental patient Rafael, l'm Y/N! Don’t you remember me? Look at me!” You stepped in front of the mirror.

“....No, I can’t say that I do. Really sweetie you need to--”

“STOP calling me sweetie. STOP patronizing me, and fucking LISTEN to me!!!!”

“...Okay, fine. Then I’m sorry you crazy person, but get the hell out of my dressing room,” He turned serious.

“No! Look listen to me Rafael, you don’t love Liv. She has you under some kind of bat crap crazy concoction of spells to keep you under her control!”

“Okay you’re ACTUALLY insane, how the hell did you get in here?”

“I came with Maria,”

“Maria? How do you know Maria? Oh did MARIA put you up to this?! God I know she was pissed I told her not to come, but to send a mental patient--”

“I’m not a fucking mental patient!” You yelled.

“And I’M not under some kind of bizarre spell,” He yelled back.

“Ok then….why do you think you feel stronger and stronger about Olivia every day?” You asked.

“Are you kidding me? Um sweetheart that's what you call being in love. You fall more and more everyday.” he scoffed.

“Not like that and you know it.” You challenged. “It doesn’t feel like that, I know it doesn’t. I KNOW you find it weird,”

“You don’t know anything about me. I love Liv and--”

“Then why are you doing this SO fast?” You cut him off.

“Excuse me?”

“You barely proposed to her a few days ago-- which by the way, NOT your idea,” You rolled your eyes.

“Wow...you are really...are you stalking me or something?” He narrowed his eyes.

“No, but I know you. You wouldn’t just rush into something like this,” You told him.

“It’s not rushing, honey. We’ve known each other for YEARS,” He scoffed with a laugh.

“Then why? Why now? Why is it SO urgent that you get married RIGHT now?!” You stomped your foot.

“BECUASE I LOVE HER YOU FUCKING PSYCHO!!” He screamed in your face angrily.

“No, you don’t! You didn’t take her to Maria, you didn’t take her to your special place. But you took me,” You didn't back down, you matched his volume as tears lined your eyes.

“And why would I do that? Because I was in love with you? Did I just forget an entire relationship with someone I’ve never met?” He was still yelling.

“No I--” You looked down in shame.

“You what?” He crossed his arms.

“.....I used it first,” You said softly.

“Excuse me?“

“I used it first, okay?” You said tears in your eyes. “I used an enhancement spell on you that made you fall in love with me for a day,”

“Ohhhh I SEE,” he chuckled mockingly. “So what you’re really saying is Olivia is playing your game, just better?”

“NO!” You screamed. “No, the stuff I used only enhanced stuff you already felt. Hers FABRICATED them. And I only used them for ONE DAY, because I love you enough to not want to keep you for myself if it’s not real,”

“But you just claimed it was real,” he pointed out.

“I didn’t know that at the time-- LOOK,” You grabbed his hands. “The only thing that matters is that Olivia is trapping you,”

“With magic.” He looked at you again with amusement.

“Yeah…” You didn’t like this.

“That I assume she got from you?” He nodded at you.

“No she used black magic, I used good magic,”

“Oh right right, the good magic that manipulates feelings. Of course,” He nodded sarcastically.

“Dammit Rafael I’m telling you the truth! I know the real you is there, deep down somewhere. I know he is and I know how he feels about me.

“Right...look you need to let this insane crush of yours go, lady. I don’t know how you know who I am, but I have zero clue who you are,”

“That's not true. I know that's not true,”

“Oh really?” He laughed sarcastically.

“You look like a penguin,” You simply said.

“I'm sorry, what?” He continued to laugh mockingly.

“You look like a penguin,” You looked into his eyes, trying to distract him so you could pour the vial you had in your bra into his coffee next to the mirror.

So now you're just resulting to insulting me? Look you--- Oh my god what the FUCK are you doing?!” He grabbed your hand before you reached the cup. He held it and stared wide eyed at the pink vial.

“What the FUCK is wrong with you? Did...Did some criminals send you? The Diablos have pretty girls doing their dirty work for them?”

“What? No--”

“Ohhh wait,” He became sarcastic again. “So you try and counteract ‘Evil’ Olivia’s ‘magic’ with your own ‘good’ magic, is that it?”

“...I mean--”

“Alright I was tolerating you before, but if you don’t leave RIGHT now, I’m going to call security.” He swiped the vial from you and smashed it on the ground.

“NO!!!!” You dropped to your knees in devastation. That was the one thing-- the ONE thing, besides--- Well, there was no fucking way you were getting anywhere near his lips at this point. You racked your brain, trying to think of something, anything.

“....Your middle name is Eduardo,” You said softly, still on your knees.

“...What did you just say?” Rafael’s face went from amused to shock.

“Your middle name is Eduardo. You tell everybody that it's Antonio but really it's Eduardo. You don't want anybody to know your real middle name because it’s your father’s name,”

“How did you--” He tried to ask but you weren’t done.

“Eduardo used to beat you and because of that you hate him and you don't want anything to be associated with him.” You stood up, not breaking eye contact.

“....How the hell… “ He looked at you. “...You DID use magic didn’t you?” Rafael gasped.

“Yes but I--”

“You used magic to read my mind didn’t you? You used it to manipulate me and try and use my deepest secret into trying to make me think I loved you." He looked at you in disgust.

"No, it's not--" You tried to explain, but Rafael wouldn't stop.

"...That we had this perfect day together, that-- that what I bared my soul to you because I was so safe with you? So IN LOVE with you?" He spat.

"You ARE!!!!" You were crying now.

“Alright that’s it I’m calling security….” He muttered angrily.

“No! Wait, Rafael please...just….just look into my eyes,” you begged. Maybe if he stared at you, he’d remember that day when you held him and planted that memory. You went to grab his hands but he pushed you away from him.

“Get the hell away from me you psycho! SECURITY!” He moved past you and opened the door. “SECURITY!”

“No! Rafael! Please, oh god please, please PLEASE you have to remember. Remember I told you about my Broadway dream, just like yours” He was looking down the hall for a security guard, you were still yelling at him.

“Stop it.” He tried ignoring your words while looking both ways down the halls.

“...And and I told you about how my parents died and you said that you used to play and dance and sing at your abuela’s house because it was the only place you felt safe--”

“STOP IT!” He threw his hands over his ears.

“And then you told me that it wasn't until you met me that you felt that safe again. With ME!!!!” You were sobbing now, trying to get him to remember.

“SHUT UP!!!!!” He screamed, his eyes flashed a bright neon purple. Suddenly two men grabbed either of your arms and started dragging you away.

“Look, Rafael--” You fought the security guards.

"What?" Rafael held up his hand for the guards to stop and let you talk.

"Just answer me this: Even if, EVEN IF you think that I-- I used some mind control and 'took' that memory from you-- have you told Liv?"

"Told Liv what?"

"That story, that memory. Your real middle name!" You felt fresh tears falling, and you swear you saw the purple fade for a moment in Rafael's eyes.

"...Of course I have--" He shook his head with a sarcastic laugh.

"No you haven't. I know you haven't, because I straight up ASKED her what your middle name was, and she said it was Antonio," You smirked at him.

"Well, that's because I haven't had a chance to tell her--"

"You can lie to me all you want Rafael, but you need to really ask yourself why haven't you told her? In the YEARS that you've been 'in love'? Why have you never felt safe enough with her to tell her your deepest darkest shame? Does that sound like 'true love' to you? Does that even compute with what you THINK you feel about her?"

Rafael eyes darted back and forth, purple and blue swirled around violently as he took in your words. But he fought them, and shook it out of his head.

"Whatever, stop trying to play mind games with me you witch," He waved his hands for the guards to take you away, but you added one last thing:

“I’m going to go to your favorite spot in the city, the one place you go to when you’ve had a really long day or a bad day in court. If you go there, and I’m there-- you’ll know I’m telling the truth.”

“Yeah, OKAY. He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be busy getting married, psychopath,” He nodded for the men to drag you out but you broke free and walked out yourself, at least you’d have dignity.

You walked out of the church and broke down in tears. Both Maria and Chloe were waiting for you, they ran to hug you as you fell down sobbing.

“Aw honey, oh baby--” Maria held you while you cried.

“We--We have to go,” You tried to get yourself under control.

“Go? Go Where?” Chloe looked at you confused.

“Central Park,” You simply said.

You had to believe in your love now. That’s all you had left.

[franki-lew-yo]

I really hate 2d purists. No, not 2d animation. Not 2d animators.

2d purists.

The sad thing is it’s gotten to the point that I really cringe hearing any pro-2D sentiment at all. I hate the arguments I agree with because how often they're misused and weaponized by idiots.

Let me make my stance here clear - 2d is NOT appreciated and 3d is used for everything! The layman Karen-mom who doesn’t have an artistic bone in her body looks at stupidsmooth 3D Grubhub ads and assumes quality cause it “looks more real” (aka ‘rendered’). I know as much is true because I literally have a member of my family who told my sister and I that she thinks 3d is better (and also that she “tolerated THOSE movies for us kids”. Touching words. My sister was taking an animation course by the way). Combined that with the studios either using 2D for cheap stuff or finding good 2d animation too “costly”, I get it and I’m not even any animator. I'm just a worm an illustrator.

but holy HELL -

There’s a backlash from the artistic community that's it's own kind of insufferable and deserve to be addressed.

“(insert2Danimatedfilm) is better BECAUSE it's 2D!”

followed by: "Animation is a visual medium and the quality of the art affects how much the story means !!!!”  

Yes. Totally. Animation is a visual medium and the look and style is important. Sadly, people use this excuse to really obnoxious ends, insisting that design being pretty is '' everything ''. When you treat a movie more as a special effects demo I get why you talk about the artistry at hand; but I’m sorry, visuals are not the only thing important and it’s why I’m also getting sick of the sameElsafacesyndrome rants too! There’s this attitude that's reads as "but it LOOKS better fromaproductionimage/teasertrailerwhichapparentlyisindicativeof all themovieactuallyis so it MUST BE better".

-“3D should only be used to make things look realistic!”

I think I know the logic this criticism is made in response to, and that’s the Sony + Illumination films which look just as good in 2D as they do in three dimensions. I know it feels like people are twisting this medium to try and make it like a classic cartoon when by all means people can and would love a classic cartoon being a classic cartoon. That I get- From the unsung 2D animator’s perspective, that’s more than valid !

But it’s a huuuuuuge slap in the face to 3d in saying it should only be used for "realistic animation" because

1: It’s not like realistic animation could age badly or look uncanny in the next few years. It's almost like technology is constantly improving, which I guess 2d animation never did and it was always the same technique and quality as every film that came after it.

2: The industry does treat 3d as a magic-moneymaker for this reason. Just listen to these people call the 2019 LION KING “live action” as if they’re embarrassed to call it animation. It IS animation! It would be impressive if you acknowledged that what it is, but like the CATS, you basically are treating it as just a neato tool to better your live action and not it's own artform - which it is!

3: By this “three-deeonly gud when real liek in da toystories” non-logic I guess 2d should ONLY be for flowyflowy SPACE JAM cartoons and maybe some Disney*. Just that though. You can’t do anything more with 2d. It’s never supposed to be realistic I guess. Good thing Richard Williams only did 'toons' and just toons that’s why we need 3d in the world I guess.

Wait no - that’s stupid.

"I HAVE to see the “Land Before Time 14″ when it comes out! I mean it’s a 2D animated film!"

Lost in the aether that is Youtube comment chains removed from kid's videos is a stream of this very VERY stupid argument supporting the buying of the 14th LAND BEFORE TIME film because it’s supporting 2D. My sister and I can be found on that chain arguing against this stupidity. All you have is my word, but trust me: it really did happen.

I’m sorry but...no.

Unless you have a friend or a family member who worked on these movies there’s no reason to see this and ESPECIALLY no reason to insist it’s a win for the 2D community if you buy up this crap - and I'm not judging if you do like it, but come on! LAND BEFORE TIME 14 isn't where your money should go if you really like this medium.

What’s so infuriating about this argument is you can tell it’s made by nonanimators. Real animators will tell you to support their movies cause they want some respect for their artform which is why there’s such a push from the PRINCESS AND THE FROGcrowd that you SEE and LOVE every 2d thing out there, regardless of how good it is because any recognition for it is k i n d o f what they're after!

Kiddy sequel schlock isn’t even in the same ballpark as KLAUS or WOLFWALKERS; these films DID have very limited theatrical runs (Klaus so it could be nominated; Wolfwalkers in places where theaters opened up after Covid) and should have been supported because they were labors of love made by people who love animation.

As other people have already pointed out, one of the reasons for the lack of interest in 2000sera2D animation is that the only films released alongside critical+financial 3D hits were cheaper 2D films that either coincided with daytime tv shows or should have been just direct-to-video. It’s not to say art couldn’t come out of these flicks, but dayum if it wasn’t abused as much as the texture software that era's CG used... Point being, should the world ever go back to normal: If you hear about an out-of-town showing an acclaimed 2D animated film, make time to trek out and see THAT!

Don’t give your money to see yet another made-for-tv movie on the big screen because all that tells the studio is: “yeah 2d IS cheap and only good for cheap stuff let’s just keep it cheap. Only 3d is important 8D 8D 8D !!!"

“I don’t understand how it works. So it sucks.”

This text is from an ANIMATOR btw.

“I don’t understand how it works” and “it’s just some computer rendering” is the exact same wave of logic the people who prefer cgi use.

The plebian Karen I mentioned earlier? She understands the basics of 2D animation as much as you did from one of those cruddy flash classes you took in middle-school. She 'understands' the basics cuz she watched how it was made on the DVD features or maybe back on the WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY. To her, the illusion is broken and she’s not impressed by 'just some drawings on paper'. You, an animator, know the process is more complicated and is intrigued by knowing how it’s made - not bored or disinterested -

Neither you nor Aunt Karen have really good cg-animation software at your house and unless you ARE a 3D animator you probably DON’T know all the ins-and-outs of how these movies are modeled, rendered, and animated.

Aunt Karen is bedazzled by them cause she doesn’t know how it works and the technical aspect makes her brain hurt so it might as well be magic and she can feel like a cool kid sharing Minion-memes. Aunt Karen is the nonartistic type who just wants to feel safe. You're not. You want to feel challenged.

I get it: you’re pissed off cause you’re in a field no one, including Aunt Karen, appreciates; told to work in cg which it's an artform you didn’t devote your life to and told to learn it cause THIS style sells! 3D is everywhere and is starting to look like 'garbage' even if you don’t animate 3D models yourself you just KNOW, I guess. Besides, you know all there is to know about 2d!! You know all there is to possibly know about this artform and have to fight this 'war' against "r e a l" animation! And I mean even when 3d software is there to use, it's not like you can actually make anything worth while in it, especially not anything that transcends the medium. Right Worthikids?

TL;DR: This argument is basically just " BWAAAAH I’M NOT GONNA USE IT I HAVE STANDARDS (a chip on my shoulder cuz art should be what I deem it to be) "

“PRINCESS AND THE FROG is-”

There’s a reason I can’t say I truly like PRINCESS AND THE FROG even though it's not even a bad movie! Like, stop reading this and watch PATF if you haven't it's good. It's my 'FROZEN', in that; I see a lot of potential in it I just think it needs some serious rewriting and that bugs me. Always have felt that way, tbh.

I dislike this movie because the response from the animation community seems to be it was perfect and the Academy was just Pixar-crazy with UP ((ftr, the Academy IS Pixar’s bitch and I personally advocate a sequel be made to WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY about Mike Eisner’s sabotage of the 2D department at Disney which is still in place now!- but that’s a story for another day)). I’m sorry but UP was just a better story. So was CORALINE. So was FANTASTIC MR. FOX. Honest to god it feels like poor PATF is brought up as just a talking point and never for it's own worth as a labor of love - which it was! I'd like to honestly know: had PRINCESS AND THE FROG come out now and been cg if it would have even half the defenders for it because now it doesn't "look" like how a Disney movie "should" look...

If you like PatF more than the currant Disney lineup because of it's culture, it's music, it's feminism, it's black representation? Awesome. Great. Those things should be appreciated and I never want that taken away from you. But if you seriously think PatF is better just for how it was animated and looks - I lowkey may hate you.

“ALL OF DISNEY’S LATEST MOVIES SHOULD HAVE BEEN 2D! THEY ALL LOOK AWFUL IN 3D!! ALL OF THEM!”

TANGLED, FROZEN, and MOANA? Yeah. Sure. But um, e x c u s e y o u- WRECK IT RALPH sooooo doesn’t work in 2d! It could have used different between the various worlds but it’s about hopping through different video games. I’m also of the opinion that ZOOTOPIA and BIG HERO 6 are fine the way they are. Their 3d is awesome.

The latest fairy tale Disney films are really big on their place alongside the 2D canon esp in marketing. They keep trying to mimic 2D to varying results though I don't think it works as well as the movie's I'd previously mentioned. Me personally, I would love a mix of 3D and 2D technology, like if the backgrounds in FROZEN still got to be 3D but the characters were handdrawn and shaded ala KLAUS ((sweet sigh)). But even then are they truly unwatchable just based on how they're animated to you?

MOANA would have been incredible in 2D but for the record - I don't think it feels out of place in it's style. It reminds me more of a Pixar movie with the heart of a Disney classic which is it's own just as good.

“2D is the oldest form of animation and it’s being replaced.”

Actually, if we’re talking animation in film, stop motion is the earliest form of animation. The stop motion animated THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED and TALE OF THE FOX predate Disney’s SNOW WHITE. And yes: stop-motion IS still a form of animation even if it’s a serious of pictures taken of real life things and not drawings, so don’t you dare come at me with the "but that's not animated"/"Technically it’s LIVE ACTION" crap or I’ll envoke the spirit of Sandman to get you at night.

“Every animated film would look better in 2D! Even PIXAR would look better in 2D!”

Again, Stop Motion.

No, I mean it.

Lemme ask: Would ISLE OF DOGS or FANTASTIC MR. FOX carry any of the same effect if they were generic 90s toons? I know NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS wouldn’t. Christ, don’t even get me started on Svankmajer!

Sometimes the problem is that a movie is envisioned with a specific artform in mind. Pixar started out with toys and bugs for a reason and that’s cuz they were always gonna be a 3d studio and they needed to first overcome the placisity of the models. Over the years they’ve gotten really good at effects and blending unrealistic proportions with real textures (and also not so much- ONWARD and THE GOOD DINOSAUR really needed some different character designs and yeah, I do think would have looked better with a 2d artstyle, but not the ones they had in their films. THE GOOD DINOSAUR needed more realistic-speculative looking dinos and ONWARD needed a grittier HEAVY METAL/BLACK CAULDRON appeal to its designs.) My point being that the problems with these movies aren’t even inherently the animation as much as it is a problem of style. As someone who runs a group speculating different styles and designs for movies and tv shows I’m all for envisioning a 2D ZOOTOPIA or Bluth-inspired FNAF. That’s amazing!

But that’s also the talk of fan artists and nerds and not the professional artists working on visualizing their stories!!

Since I ate, slept, and breathed NIGHTMARE in my youth I’ll use it as an example: All the concept art ever done for TNBC was on paper and 2D was used in the final film. However, even when Tim Burton was thinking of making it just a tv special it was always going to be stop-motion. NIGHTMARE’s puppet cast do work very well in two dimensions, believe me, but the film was made as a love letter to Rankin/Bass and the art form of stop-motion. Skipping to another Henry Selick-helmed project (haha), JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH was also always envisioned as a multimedia film to give it a truly dream-like atmosphere. If you know anything about Henry Selick you’ll know he’s 1) a perfectionist, and 2) loves mixed media and different types of animation and puppetry at once. That’s why he was the perfect pick to direct TNBC at the time, why JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and CORALINE are so beautiful and why MOONGIRL, his only fully 3d film, doesn’t have the same appeal.

As for what films I couldn’t imagine NOT being 3D? Probably; 9, Padak, Next Gen, Soul, Finding Nemo, the Toy Story films, Wreck-it-Ralph (as previously mentioned), Wall.E, Waltz with Bashir, Robots, Inside Out, Arthur Christmas, The Painting, Happy Feet, Shrek, Enter the Spiderverse, Megamind… just naming a few here.

“I want a traditionally animated film [and by that I mean a 90s-Disney/Don Bluth looking movie] of ‘x'-popular live action/stage thing!”

Okay I’m cheating a bit but it’s my blog and so I’m gonna stick this one in because it’s related.

When I see musings about wanting live-action or CGI shiz to be in 2d again a lot of the time this argument actually boils down to " I want this to look like a 90s Didney movie ". Or, if it’s about animals - " I want it to look like a Don Bluth film! "

Like...there ARE other styles of animation out there...you know that right?

Frack, Disney themselves tried different styles throughout the 90s it’s just that the peak of the Disney renaissance films (LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN, THE LION KING) and the many imitators that followed tended to have the same look to them where only film/animation nerds kept watching into the era that was TARZAN, HERCULES, and ATLANTIS along with the kids. Aunt Karen wasn't singing Part of your World in the carride with you every day.

The Don Bluth argument is especially irritating because...what exact feeling do you WANT from a movie if it looked Bluthish? Each of the four ‘quintessential’ Bluth movies (NIMH, AMERICAN TAIL, LBT, and ALL DOGS) have such a different feel to them that’s complimented by that style; SECRET OF NIMH is a drama about wild animals trying to understand humans; LAND BEFORE TIME is even more squarely about an animal’s perspective as there’s literally no humans around; AMERICAN TAIL uses animals stowing away on the ship to tell a story about refugees; and ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN is ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN.

What the frack are you even asking for with that because I think there’s a certain flavor to the Bluth-styled oeuvre as well as the 90s Disney catalogue that would clash too much stylistically with some films.

Also come on! Like some Bluthian-style 2d would really fix THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS or SCOOB!, bite me.

I think this fixation solely on these two hand drawn styles and nothing else is based on nostalgia goggles, refusing to step outside the norm and discover different films and feelings than Disney and Bluth, and just preference. Goin back to NIGHTMARE there will always be a special place in my heart for Henry Selick’s stop motion, but I couldn’t imagine CHICKEN RUN or ANOMALISA in it's unique style.

Also I’m tired of every time there’s a "lets make an animatic to ‘x’ musical theater song" it’s reliably just Disneyesque or realistic. WHY envision an animated version of the show at all if it doesn’t have A STYLE to it??!?! I’m sorry but 90s-Disney does NOT fit CABARET!

“3D is so CHEAP now! Why can’t they just do 2D again?”

I think - on the cusp of the 2020s and the Grubhub hatedom, there ARE changing times ahead for 3d and 2d. The general public are starting to get tired of the same looking 3d films and wanting some 2d back, but they don’t have the best resources or opinions on animation to know what it is they want. Meanwhile, the animation community + industry is trying to figure out what to do and you have a lot of turmoil between the monopoly that is the industry, the high standards of the artists, and the mixed wants of the animation fanbase deciding what art needs to be.

It’s a tough business. And in the spirit of that tough business - maybe DON’T act like the means of a film’s production is solely your control, that you know best, and know definitively what the artists should have done....cuz you don't. Sorry my fellow criticalfanomanalysist-folks we DON'T and in an age of standom where fans and critics think it's okay to hackle indie animation studios about not getting their pitched cartoon out fast enough - we need to reserve these discussions to our circles and not treat them as gospel.

3d animation and 2d animation have to share this world. Stop acting like they’re either interchangeable in terms of budget, means of production, or artistry or that one has to be superior to the other.

The industry already says one art form is better (spoiler: it’s always live-action), we don’t need anymore of this purist garbage. Just stick to what you like while trying new things on the side. Be critical while also being compassionate. And remember: