#was actively losing it while working on this

[bittylildragon]

Your immune system is getting enough of a workout even if you wear a mask

For those of us who are still wearing masks to reduce the spread of diseases like covid-19, if you're like me, you've probably heard or been told some variation of "Your immune system is use-it-or-lose-it" or "a strong immune system is one that is regularly exposed to things" or whatever. It's scary, being told that protecting yourself from diseases short-term might weaken or destroy one of the core systems of your body long-term!

But there are a lot of reasons this is nonsense, starting with the fact that it's an idea which comes originally from antivax eugenics thinkers, so I'm not going to go into all of the arguments against eugenics and antivax thinking here. What I will instead say is that it demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of how human life works. So, for those of you who wear masks and are vaguely worried that your immune system will get decrepit because of it (or, for those of you who WOULD mask if you didn't think it would somehow weaken your immune system long-term), listen up.

If you don't wash your hands every single time you use the bathroom (yes, every time) your immune system is getting a workout.

If you don't regularly disinfect all of the countertops, doorknobs, light switches, and other commonly-touched surfaces you interact with, your immune system is getting a workout.

If you don't regularly disinfect your phone, keys, wallet, and other things you touch a lot while out and about, your immune system is getting a workout.

If you kiss people, especially on the mouth, (or if you do other more intimate things to them with your mouth), your immune system is getting a workout.

If you have certain types of acne, your immune system is getting a workout.

If you have pets and you don't wash your hands every time you touch them, your immune system is getting a workout. (Especially if you kiss their cute lil heads, your immune system is getting a workout.)

If you have kids or are around children regularly, your immune system is almost certainly getting a workout.

If you receive packages in the mail and don't disinfect them before touching them, your immune system is likely getting a workout.

If you don't actively disinfect fresh fruits and vegetables after buying them from the store (rather than just rinsing/scrubbing them), especially if you eat them uncooked, your immune system is likely getting a workout.

If you have allergies, your immune system is getting a workout probably way more frequently than you would wish.

Plus a hundred other small parts of daily life that are the same!!

My point here is that there are SO MANY WAYS that you're constantly being exposed to things that your immune system reacts to in big and small ways that you have an active immune system no matter what. You don't need to be afraid that you will get weak or whatever if you protect yourself and other people from the spread of airborne diseases by wearing a mask!

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Sometimes I wonder how Eric Venue would react when he finds what happened to Vil. His son has overblot, got kidnapped not so long after his overblot, got involved in fighting another overblot, and he got old. How is he going to think about all of this?

Based on what we've seen and heard of Eric, he generally presents as very charismatic and easy to talk to. I'm sure a lot of that comes from his career as a celebrity--he has to have good camera presence and communicate well with those in his industry + fans. However, Vil tells us that while Eric is usually amicable, he can be a very different person when it comes to work and business. We the players never get to view this serious side to Vil's dad; it's only ever alluded to or mentioned in passing. I'd imagine that this is the side of Eric that comes out when he learns that his precious son, the apple of his eye, went through so many grueling experiences.

As a father, Eric must know how hard Vil works for his beauty and his career. I don't see him as the type of person to go and blame others for Vil overblotting; I think he would always have had that worry in the back of his mind. That's why he actively tries to make time for his son, even with both of their busy schedules--because otherwise, Vil might not have those reminders to take time for himself. Learning that those fears have become a reality would have Eric worry even more. Anger and upset would be secondary to that; I genuinely don't see Eric as a belligerent/vengeful person or someone who would blame others for something ultimately Vil (and his spiraling emotions) did. (Yes, Vil is the result of people labeling him as something he's not, but you cannot truly blame a system or reasonably be mad at a vaguely defined group of people/the public.) I feel like he would be more upset that whoever's in power (probably Crowley, lol) didn't take more preventative measures or didn't intervene sooner. Maybe Eric would be sitting in a meeting with Crowley and demanding to know what steps the headmaster intends to take next to keep his son safe. Like, not shouting at Crowley but moreso directing a very cold, stern anger toward him. I don't believe Eric would do something scummy (such as threatening to leak this to the media) in order to make Crowley take action. Such a thing would be disastrous for Vil's reputation, and I believe Eric would want to respect his son's boundaries and not act in overprotective ways that encroach on those boundaries.

Everything that happens to Vil in book 6 would still cause Eric to worry, but I think this time there would be a more positive spin on the events. Yeah, he is still very concerned about Vil being kidnapped, fighting an OB, and then losing his youth in the process. However, I do think that Eric would be less upset about the kidnapping since no harm really came of it and Vil did consent to being studied. Ultimately, Eric would be proud of his son for surviving those ordeals and especially for being so heroic that he was willing to throw himself into literal Tartarus to save a classmate. I just see Eric smiling from ear to ear as he embraces his son, welcoming Vil back and telling him that he truly is the fairest of them all, both inside and out.

[zaunbinary]

something weird i see in discussions about jayce being manipulated is that he deserved it because it was easy (ekko being able to scam him as a kid) or that it’s okay because he deserved it. which is like a crazy thing to say about someone who is being actively manipulated. of course it seems like he’s “enjoying it” he doesn’t realize he’s being manipulated. and it may seem “easy” because jayce is very clearly a people pleaser. he is because he had to work for his position and he doesn’t want to lose it or lose the respect of the people around him because that’s what’s keeping him up. its brought up twice that he doesn’t haggle, that specific word. once by ekko and then years later by silco. while ekko saying it is supposed to be funny, there’s more severity when silco says it because it shows jayce’s heart. he didn’t haggle with silco when it came to the one thing silcos wanted his entire life. all of this makes jayce eventually standing on his business on season 2 and even in the council scene at the end of season 1 where he straight up says he doesn’t give a shit what they think of him so much more impactful. in season 2 he stands up for himself, he doesn’t haggle, he persists. despite everything, he keeps his promises to viktor, which is an incredible show of strength and love on jayce’s part.

[obeymeshallwedateaddict]

Alright so I've been working on some Christmas headcanons with the brothers and MC. What are they doing during the holidays? Well go ahead and find out. Enjoy! And Merry Christmas to everybody!

Contains: Brothers x GN!MC

You can find more of my work here: Masterlist

Christmas activities

1. Decorating the Christmas tree

The living room of the House of Lamentation. Boxes of ornaments, tangled lights, and garlands are everywhere. The chaos has already begun.

MC: "Alright, everyone, let’s decorate the tree together! No fighting, okay?"

Lucifer: "Yes. Let’s try to behave like civilized beings for once. This tree should look elegant and—"

Mammon: "Aw, pipe down, Luci. It’s Christmas! Elegance is overrated!"

Lucifer: glowering "How many times must I tell you not to call me ‘Luci,’ Mammon?"

Mammon: grinning "Relax, Luci. It’s the season of joy, remember?"

Lucifer: clenching fists "Oh I am very joyful. Now stop before I throw you out."

Leviathan: hugging a star topper "While you two fight, I’ll be putting the Ruri-chan star on top of the tree. Everyone knows it’s the best choice!"

Mammon: "Not a chance, ya nerd! The Great Mammon’s gonna top this tree with somethin’ shiny and gold!"

Satan: rolling his eyes "Can you both stop shouting? I’m trying to hang these enchanted book ornaments."

Asmodeus: hanging ribbons "Oh, Satan, let me help with those! And look at these pink ribbons, MC—don’t you think they make the tree look fabulous?"

MC: laughing "They definitely make it stand out, Asmo."

Beelzebub: munching on popcorn garland "Do we really need the garland? It’s better as a snack."

MC: "Beel! At least save some for the tree!"

Belphegor: sprawled on the couch "I vote we just leave the tree half-decorated and call it minimalist."

Lucifer: pinching the bridge of his nose "Belphegor, get up and contribute. You too, Mammon, before I lose my patience."

Mammon: "Lose yer patience? Ya already look like yer about to blow a gasket, Luci."

Lucifer: glaring "Mammon…"

Satan: smirking "You’re holding up surprisingly well, Lucifer. But I wonder how long that will last."

Satan and Belphegor exchange mischievous looks as they string up the lights, clearly plotting something.

MC: "The ornaments are up, the ribbons are set, and the garland… well, Beel ate most of it. Time to light the tree!"

Lucifer: "I’ll do it. It’s safer in my hands, considering the incompetence of the rest of you."

Mammon: "Oi! I could do it just fine!"

Lucifer: ignoring him "Here we go—"

POP! The lights explode in a burst of sparks, plunging the room into darkness.

Lucifer: visibly shaking with anger "…What. Happened."

Mammon: snickering in the dark "Nice one, Luci! Ya fried the tree!"

Leviathan: "This is why I don’t trust anyone with technology!"

Satan: barely holding back laughter "It’s a real mystery. Who could have predicted this?"

Belphegor: grinning "Yeah, who could’ve guessed Lucifer would mess up something so simple?"

Lucifer: voice rising "Satan. Belphegor. What. Did. You. Do."

Satan: innocently "Us? Nothing, of course. Why would you assume we had anything to do with it?"

Belphegor: smirking "Just a harmless little spell. It’s Christmas, after all. Gotta keep things exciting."

Lucifer: furious "You call exploding lights harmless? Do you have any idea how close you both are to being punished?"

Mammon: laughing "Oh, this is great! Ol’ Luci’s about to lose it!"

Lucifer: snapping "One more word out of you, Mammon, and I’ll string you up with the lights!"

MC: stepping between them "Okay, everyone, calm down! Lucifer, let’s just fix the lights and try again. No more spells, no more pranks, and no yelling. Agreed?"

Lucifer: taking a deep breath "Fine. But this is your last warning, Satan. And you too, Belphegor."

Satan and Belphie exchange smug looks but stay quiet as the lights are repaired. When they’re plugged in properly, the tree lights up beautifully.

MC: "Wow! It actually looks amazing. Totally worth the chaos."

Mammon: "Yeah, all thanks to me."

Leviathan: "No way! The Ruri-chan star topper deserves the credit."

Asmodeus: "Excuse me, but it’s my ribbons that make it sparkle."

Beelzebub: "Or the snacks."

Belphegor: "Or the hilarious prank that almost made Lucifer explode."

Lucifer: glaring "Belphegor, you’re testing my patience."

MC: laughing "But we all came together in the end, and that’s what matters. Merry Christmas, everyone!"

Everyone: "Merry Christmas!"

2. Building snowmen gone wrong

The brothers and MC are outside in a snowy courtyard.

MC: "Let’s make snowmen! I bet I can make the best one."

Satan: rolling snow "Mine will be the most refined. Like a true work of art."

Leviathan: "I’m making a snow Ruri-chan!"

Mammon: "Heh, mine’s gonna look like me. Everyone’s gotta see the Great Mammon in snow form!"

Beelzebub: stacking snowballs "Can I make one shaped like a burger?"

Asmodeus: "Mine’s going to be the cutest snow angel you've ever seen."

Belphegor: lying in the snow "I’ll just make an impression of myself. That counts, right?"

MC: "Actually, I’m going to make mini versions of all of you!"

Lucifer: raising an eyebrow "This I have to see."

Time passes as everyone works on their creations. MC’s miniature snow brothers are surprisingly accurate.

Mammon: "Hey! My snow version’s smaller than Lucifer’s. What’s the deal, MC?!"

MC: laughing l "You’re still taller than Belphie."

Belphegor: smirking "Barely."

Asmodeus: "Look at mine! It even has a stylish scarf."

Satan: "And my snowman is reading a book, naturally."

Beelzebub: admiring his burger snowman "This is making me hungry…"

Lucifer: "At least this is one activity where no one caused any—"

A snowball suddenly hits Lucifer in the face.

Mammon: snickering "Oops. My hand slipped."

Lucifer: wiping his face, glaring "Mammon…"

MC: grinning "Looks like it’s a snowball fight now!"

Leviathan: ducking "Wait, what?! I wasn’t ready!"

Snowballs fly in all directions as the brothers start pelting each other.

Satan: laughing "That’s for saying my snowman was boring!" throws a snowball at Mammon.

Mammon: "Oh yeah? Take this!" throws a snowball at Levi, but it hits Beel instead.

Beelzebub: grinning "You shouldn’t have done that, Mammon." lobs a giant snowball at Mammon.

Asmodeus: "Not my face! I did my hair and make up fabulously today! Don't you even dare ruin it!!!"

Belphegor: from behind a fort "Perfect for a target!" nails Asmo with a snowball.

MC: giggling "Lucifer, you’re not joining?"

Lucifer: grabs a snowball "If I must. Brace yourself, Mammon."

Mammon screams as Lucifer expertly pelts him with snowballs.

MC: "This is the best snow day ever!"

Everyone: laughing and dodging snowballs.

3. Wrapping Presents

The brothers and MC are in the dining hall with rolls of wrapping paper, ribbons, and tape scattered everywhere.

MC: "Okay, let’s divide the presents and start wrapping!"

Mammon: "How do ya even do this? This paper won’t stick!"

Leviathan: watching a tutorial on his D.D.D. "Mammon, you’re supposed to fold the edges first."

Mammon: "Yeah, well, why don’t ya fold your face, ya useless piece of junk?!"

Satan: wrapping perfectly "It’s not rocket science. Just follow the instructions."

Asmodeus: "Look at mine! I added a bow and some glitter. It’s fabulous, right, MC?"

MC: "Very festive, Asmo."

Beelzebub: holding an unwrapped box "Is it okay if I eat the cookies I was supposed to wrap?"

Belphegor: "You weren’t supposed to eat those. They’re for Simeon."

Beelzebub: "Oh…" sheepish grin "I’ll make more."

Lucifer: "How is it that every simple task turns into a disaster with you all?"

MC: "Relax, Lucifer. It’s Christmas. The mess is part of the fun."

Lucifer: smirking "If you say so."

4. Opening Presents

Christmas morning in MC’s room. The brothers are piled onto the bed, presents in hand, with wrapping paper already scattered everywhere.

MC: "Alright, here’s the plan! I’ll open your gifts while you open mine at the same time. Ready?"

Mammon: "Ya better love mine, MC! It cost a fortune—well, kinda…"

MC: opening Mammon’s gift "A gold bracelet? This is so beautiful!"

Mammon: blushing "Yeah, well, shiny stuff suits ya." opens MC’s gift "Wait, ya got me a new leather jacket? This is amazin’! Look, everyone, it’s got ‘The Great Mammon’ stitched on the back!"

Leviathan: "Move over, Mammon. It’s my turn now!"

MC: opening Levi’s gift "A Ruri-chan plushie! Levi, this is adorable."

Leviathan: opening MC’s gift "A limited-edition Ruri-chan figurine? This is peak gift-giving, MC! I can’t believe you found this!"

MC: laughing "I know how much Ruri-chan means to you."

Satan: handing over his gift "Here, MC. Unlike Mammon’s, mine didn’t involve a shady deal."

Mammon: "Oi!"

MC: opening Satan’s gift "A first-edition book of Devildom poetry? Satan, this is incredible. Thank you!"

Satan: opening MC’s gift "A leather-bound journal with enchanted ink? This is perfect. I’ll have to hide it from Mammon."

Mammon: "I ain’t gonna steal it—probably."

Asmodeus: dramatically placing his gift in MC’s hands "Now, darling MC, prepare to have your life changed!"

MC: opening Asmo’s gift "Skincare products? My skin’s going to look amazing thanks to you!"

Asmodeus: opening MC’s gift "A custom-made mirror? And it says ‘Most Gorgeous Demon’ on the back! You really get me, MC."

Beelzebub: grinning "Here’s mine, MC. I didn’t eat this one, I promise."

MC: opening Beel’s gift "A box of gourmet chocolates? Thanks, Beel. Oh, wait… there’s one missing!"

Beelzebub: avoiding eye contact "Uh… quality control?" opens MC’s gift "A custom apron that says ‘King of Snacks’? I love it! I’ll wear it to lunch today."

Belphegor: yawning, handing over his gift "Here. Don’t expect much. I was too tired to wrap it properly."

MC: opening Belphie’s gift "A fluffy blanket? It’s so soft! Thanks, Belphie."

Belphegor: opening MC’s gift "A pillow with my name on it? Perfect. I’ll take a nap to test it right now."

Lucifer: holding out a neatly wrapped package "Here, MC. Something worthy of you."

MC: opening Lucifer’s gift "A silver locket? This is gorgeous… and it has a protection spell?"

Lucifer: "Your safety is my priority." opens MC’s gift "A set of antique quills and ink? This is… exquisite, MC. You’ve outdone yourself."

Mammon: "Alright, but who got the best present, huh? It’s obviously me!"

Leviathan: "Uh, no. Mine literally has collector’s value!"

Asmodeus: "But mine makes MC even more radiant. Clearly, I win."

Beelzebub: munching on a chocolate "If we’re judging by snacks, I win."

Satan: "This isn’t a competition, you imbeciles."

Belphegor: smirking "It is now."

MC: laughing "Guys, stop! You all win. I love everything."

Lucifer: smirking "At least no one tried to re-gift something from last year."

Mammon: sweating "Yeah, uh… who would even do somethin’ like that?"

Belphegor: "You literally tried to wrap a pair of your old sunglasses, Mammon."

Mammon: "Shaddup, Belphie!"

MC: "Merry Christmas, everyone. You’re all ridiculous, but I wouldn’t trade this for anything."

Everyone: "Merry Christmas, MC!"

[randomyounglady]

On the topic of The Amazing Digital Circus, I need to talk about how amazing Kinger is as a PTSD representative, specifically relating to my own experience with PTSD-related memory loss. A lot of people I see try to connect it to his age, but I have to disagree.

I personally have extensive memory loss related to my PTSD. My brain throws out so much so quickly that I risk even losing some of the good times. I have to look at some of the pictures of my semester in Japan to remember it. On the other side of the coin, I have to look through things I wrote following the worst experiences I had under my parents' roof just so I dont risk losing the severity of it. While I know that their influence was terrible and even hearing my mother's voice when I wasnt prepared for it sent me into a paranoid spiral, sometimes the chronic pain (which, mind you, is also a manifestation of PTSD and anxiety) is enough to make me consider going back to them just to not put so much stress into the little work I can do. If I forget, I risk making everything worse.

Kinger is great because he shows how these sorts of mental relations can stay even if the direct memories don't. While sometimes it's a fight to remember for one reason or another, other times these memories (be they important or not) can show themselves in these sorts of lower level connections. Kinger may not remember all the events leading to his abstraction, but he can remember the last moment with his abstracted wife when darkness is involved, actively calming him down. I can remember the few quiet moments in my parents' house watching Majora's Mask videos in the kitchen after everyone was asleep by eating those microwaved taquitos, despite how rare they were.

It isn't a problem of age. It's a problem of PTSD. While PTSD is usually linked to remembering everything no matter how painful, the opposite problem also exists. Memories are eaten like a black hole unless you force them to stay. This is where Kinger sits in my mind. While age can also exasperate this, the lack of aging in the circus makes me think it isn't the aging making him seem spaced out and crazy to the other circus members. It's the PTSD eating all the memories. At least, that's my thoughts on it.

[irondadfics]

Heyo!

I'm looking for a fic where Tony and the avengers (not all of them but definitely cap, widow and i think rhodey) go on a mission but while out the jet takes damage and they lose contact with the tower.

Peter was rebuilding Jarvis for a birthday present, and when the jet lost contact, he freaked out and got Jarvis to work early to find Tony. By the time the jet is back in range, Jarvis has been searching, and Tony has just gotten comes back up. There's a super cute reunion at the end.

It was a short ficlet no more that 30k words but don't take my word on that.

If you could find it, I'd be super appreciative! I've been looking for jt for the better part of 2 or 3 years now! Thank you so much! <3

Sorry it’s been so long. We found a few fics where Peter fixes Jarvis. Could any of them maybe be your fic?

Collections by Angeeelatin

Peter liked to keep things. Or more accurately, just… never throw them away. It wasn't really to the point that he'd say he had a hoarding disorder. He was just fine with the idea of throwing them away. It's just… what a waste, you know? They’d find some use later on, he was sure. Naturally, this extended to his activities as a science nerd and, later on, his vigilante persona. This may or may not have… caused some problems.  Or: Peter Parker finding things to give to the Avengers in his pile of random things.

Mission Accomplished by Chaeyoung26090

It's Tony Stark's birthday. Peter Parker is in dilemma. One conversation with FRIDAY and he gets the best birthday present idea ever. The only question is, will he be able to do it?

A special gift by Dorthea

When Tony birthday roles around, Peter is invited. But what do you give someone who already had everything? After a few emotional moments in Tony's lab, and a mission were Peter finds 2 old Stark Server, the answer is easy. Even if it takes a lot of work to get done in time. Add some Genius Peter Parker, a sensory overload, some BAMF fighting, and we got a complete fanfic with all the best things.

Consider it an ice breaker by Lequia

In which Peter Parker makes Tony Stark feel things because of a belated christmas present.

[nemesis-is-my-middle-name]

updated and improved "all the fears want arthur lester carnally" list

just a general tally of influence/Marks arthur would have received if you were playing by TMA rules. enhanced with further contemplation and with some peer review from @luci-z-wont-shut-up thankyouuu

the eye

VERY dedicated private investigator. consistently more invested in Solving The Mystery than, like, Remaining Alive

was magic-stalked by the KIY and his cult throughout season 1

also kayne was watching his whole life and taking notes to roast him about his trauma later. apparently

something something metanarrative implications of an audience gathering around just to watch you suffer

the spiral

possessed by a god of madness (twice) (three times?) (possibly more depending on how you count?)

was held hostage in a fake dream-realm mental institution with fucked up architecture so one of the aforementioned madness gods could pry information out of him (which also gets cryptically described as "Here, there, everywhere, nowhere. Anywhere." which is sooo the spiral-coded)

relies on someone else to be his eyes so there's always the lingering background awareness that he may be missing or outright misrepresenting information & consequently he can't trust what he sees

the end

he's died.

multiple times.

there's also the omnipresent threats on his life but mostly just that. like. he's been The Ended. doesn't get much more direct than that

the stranger

i still think "losing parts of your body to another consciousness while they are still attached to you" is VERY the stranger type activities

the king in S1 turning any weak-willed bystanders against him so any stranger could turn into a threat without warning

also, the king and scratch posing as normal people, even people he knows sometimes!

orbited by a cast of nonhuman Entities remaking their identities into something closer to humanity for one reason or another (john, yellow, scratch, kayne) and frequently not quite hitting the mark (ty luci)

the lonely

general sense of alienation from his peers that started young and—just vibe checking here, just taking a general temperature—doesn't seem to have gotten much better over time

"I want him safe." / "You want him back." / "...Yes." <- guy who can totally handle being alone

john left and he went fully off the deep end in the span of like, a day

it's just one of those things that i think he hates and is terrified of but also is constantly haunted by

the desolation

the whole vibe of the death/destruction specifically of things that could have brought meaning to the world, or people who had a lot to live for and could have touched other lives and had an effect on others, is... um. (gestures vaguely at the. all of them)

will do LITERALLY ANYTHING to avoid losing anyone else.

also pain. i feel like pain takes a thematic backseat but it is still a part of the desolation and good lord is this man in so much pain basically all the time

one time he did an arson at an in-progress building site and left a guy bleeding out in the ruins!! desolation come get your juice

also independently invented molotovs so he could use them to kill a different thing which was perhaps divine inspiration straight from the lightless flame itself??

the slaughter

start with parker's death and just work your way down from there tbh

the butcher confrontation "Whose life did you take without provocation, without threat? Who did you kill that was innocent?" vs the slaughter's "random, senseless, unmotivated violence"

also knowing that pain and death are coming but not where or when or how. Yup 👍

just. in general. he has been wading through his own and other people's blood in equal measure since the start of the damn show

had to hide in a pit full of rotting corpses that one time

the vast

timelines! go confront how meaningless your entire life is in the face of the uncaring multiverse! have a quick crisis about it! fuck meaning!

i still don't have a whole lot for this one tbh

he can't stop falling off things obviously but i don't think he's particularly scared of that. i think he's resigned to it. balance is a fickle beast and he has accepted that it does not return his affections.

one time a kraken almost drowned him?

the buried

known claustrophobe!

almost got pinned in a cave, unable to move, on multiple different occasions!

this man and caves in general have a very very bad relationship. they keep making him be underground and then terrible things happen to him down there.

drowning goes here also :)

the dark

"Funny. Before all of this, I used to fear the dark. Not in any crippling way, but – but now it’s… well, now it’s no different."

used to be unnerved by the dark and now he is blind. checks out

also, the dark world. it's in the name, baby. that's more john's fear but i think it has to rub off on him at least a little bit

the corruption

eeeeverything that happened with the witch. she tried to use him to breed maggots. now that's what i call Corrupt™

horig, also

obsessive, almost self-destructive levels of devotion to an entity that killed his friend and wrecked his life. listen i'm supportive i think they're perfect for each other in an ESH way i'm just saying this probably also falls into the corruption's purview (ty luci)

ESPECIALLY considering john lives in his body like a parasite. not trying to be derogatory here but like, on an objective level. he is stealing his body parts. and arthur loves him. again, incredibly on-brand for the corruption

the web

he Doesn't Like Being Told What To Do >:[

ongoing vendetta against cult shit for this exact reason

the idea of not having fully free will seems to be very actively and deeply concerning for him

"I am the captain of my soul" and so on and so forth

got literally brainwormed by The Creature back in addison (twice!)

the flesh

Michael Fucking Faust

also, had to bite his own finger off before that. in case you needed or wanted some bonus points

the hunt

HOO BOY has he ever been Hunted. so many times by so many different things. take your fucking pick

also: "You are hunting." / "Predators need to be hunted." <- basically an active prayer to the hunt

this man is prey animal rage incarnate honestly. go!! lose yourself in the bloodlust!! kill them before they can kill you!!!!

john would really appreciate it if he was a little Less cozy with the hunt tbh :(

the extinction

i'm actually not counting this one bc it doesn't take avatars and also doesn't rrrreally exist yet

he's lived through a world war and a pandemic. how's that. i think that's as good as it gets.

CONCLUSION: i still think arthur should go shake hands with the vast and get carried off by a bird and hope that gets the rest of these assholes to fuck off. i think it's his best bet atp.

[inky-snowdrop]

Christmas with the Lin Kuei 🎄

(NOTE: I don't personally believe that the Lin Kuei celebrate Christmas because I headcanon that religion isn't allowed within the clan. The mindset of clan before blood also negates the whole family aspect of Christmas. HOWEVER I am making an exception for this list 🤍)

❄️ Bi-Han ❄️

Y'all... this man is not a Christmas hater (LET ME EXPLAIN)

Does he love Christmas? No. The fact of the matter is that Christmas happens during his favorite time of year: winter. Anything that happens in cold weather is decent in his eyes

He enjoys gift giving, especially when it's for Sektor and Sareena. Naturally he is a very observant person, so seeing the look of excitement on his significant others' faces when he gets them exactly what they wanted makes him happy

He's not really into all the family fun that's supposed to occur during the Christmas season (this man is NOT making a gingerbread house). He'd rather curl up near the fire and read a Christmas book (he enjoys A Christmas Carol because of the ghosts) with the people he cares about

DO NOT sing Christmas carols around him. DO NOT ask him to make it snow inside. He will actually lose his mind.

🔥 Kuai Liang 🔥

Kuai Liang is a Christmas enjoyer. He has a lot of positive memories associated with the holidays from when he was younger (playing with Harumi Shirai in the snow, decorating the Lin Kuei Palace with colorful candles)

Baking is one of his favorite Christmas traditions... Though he is an absolute fire hazard in the kitchen. He always ends up with burnt Christmas tree cookies that he absolutely smothers in frosting

Since Tomás has difficulties around the holidays, Kuai Liang goes out of his way to help him feel cheerful by including him in activities. They've spent lots of time doing childish things like building snowmen or decorating a tree in the forest with homemade decorations

Last minute wrapper. Motherfucker is awake the entire night on Christmas Eve trying to wrap all the gifts he got. He is often exhausted on Christmas morning... And some Christmas' he doesn't wake up before noon

When he moved to Japan to establish the Shirai Ryu, he took several of his old Christmas decorations with him. He hasn't touched them since

💨 Tomás Vrbada 💨

Tomás has... a complicated relationship with Christmas

On one hand, he has so many positive memories (both secular and religious) with his birth parents and sister during Christmas time... On the other hand he has so many positive memories of people that are no longer in his life

Regardless of how he feels, he tries really hard not to let his upsetment show. Whenever Kuai Liang asks him to bake with him or to build a snowman, Tomás always says yes. He doesn't want to bring anyone else down because of him

Tomás likes to watch Christmas cartoons like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Noses Reindeer. His absolute favorite Christmas cartoon is The Year Without A Santa Claus. He relates to how depressed Santa is.

Though he typically tries to avoid Bi-Han during the holiday season (why get kicked while he's already down?), sometimes he'll ask if he can sit with Bi-Han while he's watching a Christmas movie. That's the most time that they spend with each other without yelling at each other the whole year

⚙️ Sektor ⚙️

CHRISTMAS. HATER. An absolute Scrooge

There were too many times in the past where she was let down by her mother and father during Christmas time, so now she just hates everything associated with the season

She locks herself in the Armory, working on things she doesn't need to be working on in order to distract herself. She barely sleeps, she barely eats, it's mildly concerning how consumed she is by her work

Bi-Han recognizes that Sektor needs her space and tries to respect that as much as possible, but he still gets worried when she doesn't leave the shop for more than a week. Sareena will go into the Armory and pester Sektor all day, asking questions about different Christmas things until Sektor kicks her out

The only day that Sektor is somewhat present is Christmas Day. She will go sit with everyone while they open gifts, sipping her coffee as she soaks in as much of the moment as she is emotionally able to

🐝 Cyrax 🐝

Cyrax likes both the religious and secular aspects of Christmas. She is a Catholic, so she sets up a little nativity scene in her room every year

Being from Nigeria, she has a lot of traditions that she brings into the Lin Kuei from the Zaki. One such tradition is going on an annual hunt and competing to see who can kill the largest animal within an allotted time. The winner is blessed with good luck for the upcoming year and their catch is served at Christmas dinner

Kuai Liang LOVES this tradition and competes with Cyrax yearly. He has yet to beat her. In fact the only person that was able to beat Cyrax's time and kill was Sareena, who managed to bring down an Ice Beast within ten minutes

When Cyrax and Kuai Liang dated, they spent a lot of time walking in the woods and looking at all the tracks in the snow. This was also an excuse for Cyrax to cuddle close to Kuai to stave off the cold

Will often join Kuai Liang in his quest to cheer up Tomás, but she is also very aware of if Tomás is not in the mood and will back away. She often has to remind Kuai Liang to not be too forceful when he's trying to help

😈 Sareena 😈

LOVES CHRISTMAS!!! I mean, who wouldn't after being trapped in the NetherRealm with a perverted old Sorcerer for centuries?

She especially loves to decorate the palace in bright lights. Instead of using candles, she wants to go to the store and buy actual electric bulbs (not realizing that the Lin Kuei palace doesn't have electricity... But Sektor would figure out a way to make them work). She spends time untangling the lights every year and gets tangled up every time

She has a lot of questions about Christmas. "Who is Santa Claus? How does he see us when we're sleeping? Is he a sorcerer? How does he fit down the chimney? How does he not set himself on fire when he's in the chimney and the fire is lit?..." Bi-Han started ignoring her after continuously answering her questions for three hours

Is addicted to eggnog and actually enjoys Kuai Liang's burnt cookies

She's very bad at gift giving. One year she gave Bi-Han and Sektor each a dead rabbit. She didn't wrap them either, so their chamber smelled really bad for a couple of days and Sektor and Bi-Han had no idea what was causing the smell. Meanwhile, Sareena's looking mischievous in the corner and thinking "Hehehe they'll never guess what their gifts are! ;)"

[l-in-the-light]

I'm sorry, I had to. Signs governed by Air element (which Libra is) and Earth signs (which Taurus is), are known to be a *terrible* match in zodiac :d

Their communiction compatibility is a whooping 5% btw lol. 65% in shared activities, 40% in values and 25% in emotions. Their average compatibility is only around 33%. Not much, but there's something to work with ;)

Luffy and Law avoiding confrontation? Snort XD Many of those are whatever, but some really nail Lawlu's dynamics. They do throw each other off-balance (it's less visible for Luffy, but I believe it affects him too), but they can also work well if they're on the same page (and so far they always are).

Law is attracted to Luffy's stability and appreciation for balance and structure LMAO. Funniest thing I have read today :D

That being said, they're not the worst match made in hell. That would be Taurus and Aquarius. What saves Taurus and Libra's compatibility is literally the fact that both of them are watched over by Venus, also known as morning star (dawn connection, anyone??).

They love to woo and be wooed, making courtship a vital aspect of their romantic relationship. Since they share this desire, they fit well together. Taurus admires Libra’s charm, and if stubborn Taurus doesn’t get their way, diplomatic Libra can smooth things over to maintain peace. [that's freaking canon!]

Meanwhile, Libra enjoys the luxuries that sensual Taurus brings into their life. [like Sanji's cooking? Or Franky's robots? You betcha he does lol]

They also have valuable lessons to teach each other: Libra can help Taurus see different perspectives [sums up their Wano experience], while Taurus can assist Libra in overcoming their notorious indecision [Law is a bit indecisive at times, so that checks out].

Amen to that!

Also fun fact: Libras are said to be very social and flirt a lot (even when they have a partner, which gives Libra its bad fame of being a player. All air signs are judged this way😅). Enjoy the mental image, lol. To be fair, if Luffy's and Law's life situations would be different, they probably would show more of their respective zodiac traits. Luffy would seek stability over freedom (I bet his strong loyalty is making up for this), while Law would be more adventurous if he, you know, didn't lose every person he ever cared for in his life. Some experiences change people's natural dispositions.

Luffy is Taurus ♉️

Law is libra ♎️

Both Taurus and Libra are ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and harmony. This shared influence makes them highly appreciative of romance, sensuality, and the finer things in life. They are likely to enjoy creating a beautiful and peaceful environment together.

Taurus is grounded, practical, and dependable, providing a sense of security for Libra. Meanwhile, Libra brings charm, diplomacy, and an ability to see multiple perspectives, which can balance out Taurus’s more fixed nature.

Both signs dislike conflict and strive for harmonious relationships.

Taurus can be inflexible, while Libra may avoid confrontation altogether, leading to unresolved issues. It’s essential for both to communicate openly and meet in the middle.

Taurus and Libra can have a meaningful and harmonious relationship if they focus on their shared love of beauty, romance, and peace. While their differences may present challenges, their mutual affection and commitment to love can help them overcome most obstacles.

[graedari]

"When you think about it, Clu was really just like a neglected Furby." -@junppga, 2023

[theoldkyokodied]

Uploading all my Tomgreg art at once from the past few week before season 4 hits, who knows in what kind of mental state i'm gonna be once it does :')

[fighting-these-demons]

Divorce Saga Domon - A Haunted Honk Prequel

Hello Internet Stranger looking up G Gundam on Tumblr dot com!

This is an idea for a fic set in an Alternate Universe involving Queer Non-Canon Relationships between the characters of the series.

If you are not looking for this content please scroll on.

If you ARE looking for this content - and you're ok with reading my and other's Headcanons for this Alternate Universe I've haphazardly spun up -

Then go ahead and feel free to:

Check The Tags Of This Post For The Pairings

and click the Read More below!

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Ended up outlining a completely different fic as a Segway for an explanation instead of making progress on the Royal Flush Haunted Honk AU's Clown Motel Fic like I wanted to but uh....

For y'all's review for the AU: A Prequel Outline - Divorce Saga Domon

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Hey real quick - I'm thinking of maybe changing the timeline to 2 years post canon as opposed to 3 years and change post canon.

The reason being: I had a thought that this scene could either be part if the fic or if it's getting to big then it could be a stand alone tie-in prequel fic as part of this AU but - like

Immediately Post Divorce Domon Needs Space and runs off. As one does. And he runs to Earth because he just wants to Get Lost for a while.

He has Argo smuggle him out to avoid detection.

Argo has Andrew help stow Domon in a storage hanger of a Neo Canadian supply ship that's returning to the US - they have trade often enough and share agricultural resources - which leads to Domon ending up in New York when he hits Earthside pavement.

He's privately worked on his English the last couple of months and after being dropped in New York with a different hairstyle, outfit, and accent he's unrecognizable. 

He considers making his way west to get some solitude in the wilderness, but something about that initial plan feels off now that he's on the ground.

Chibodee is also Earthside for a special series of prize fights aimed at raising charitable appeal for the US in the eyes of Neo Americans.

Domon decides to hit up Chibodee for a fight on a day between matches hoping it'll clear his head and give him the clarity to decide on a course of action. What ends up happening is an unexpected heart to heart via blows and a breakdown.

Domon is happy for Rain and Kyoji, and he knows it's not true; but he feels like he lost a piece of himself when his relationship with Rain fell apart.

Domon's instinct is to run after that but Chibodee knows this city and Domon doesn't hide out for long before Chibodee drags him back to his place to stay and just "Chill out and breathe. You don't have to be anyone but yourself here. You can take as long as you need to find out what everything changing means for you." Friends and teammates stick together.

So Domon spends a few weeks with Chibodee sparring and hanging out in New York. Chibodee does a frankly awesome job at containing his feelings because he's focusing on Domons feelings and being a good friend first and foremost. Whatever he's feeling can wait until after Domon is done going though it.

There's a bit of a twinge in Domon's heart as he leaves that he can't really place.

After he returns to Neo Japan and gets settled back into life with his family, The Dreams start.

They're mainly set in New York. Small things first like noticing Chibodee's smile and his eyes. Then sparring sessions that begin to turn lurid.

He thought these kinds of dreams would stop after he was married.... he doesn't know what to do about this.

I just figure it gives more clarity and sense of time for the journey from Comphet Marriage Dissolution to Feelings to Confession. Idk.

But I got stuck on a bit and then had this thought and needed to get it down before I lost it and it was so long it made sense to make it its own post as opposed to several replies.

The Maize and Clown Motel will probably still be 3 years and change post canon for clarification.

@thedragonchilde @amplexadversary @youreaclownnow

[spotaus]

Hehehehehe

Dream being particularly spiteful in this one moment is SUPER important to me for the sake of showing just how much Killer is enduring to protect Nightmare, but also to show Night a side of Dream he hasn't gotten to see yet. All NIghtmare knows up until this moment is what little Dream has told any given one of his spies (plus Cross who was only there for about a week) and what he knows from childhood. This Dream? This Dream reminds him of when Nim used to get mad at a servant or a guard for slacking or spilling or being sloppy in a fight. This Dream was the one who smacked him in the skull with a bust and told him he hated himafter the coronation. This dream... well, this Dream was actively trying to kill his big brother, someone Nightmare once promised protection to. Someone he cares about. (And he hears whatever twisted narrative Dream attributed to his 'betrayal' at the coronation.) He hears it all, he sees a good chunk of it, and he knows he can't trust his brother not to kill.

And. Yeah, I'm never the best with injuries but I think that the heavy loss of mana AND blood would be something that would keep Killer DOWN down. like, paralyzed style~ And it makes the later bits all that more intense, AND acts as a reassurance for Dream because. well. no one would survive an injury like that even if they did get him to a healer. he could have a slow, agonizing, death instead! That works!

The shift in Dream, too, the moment he sees it's NIght! The pleading hardly even registers aside from, like you said, more reassurance that it really is his sweet brother! He doesn't care a lick about the actual pleading or distress. He'd tug Nightmare forward into his chest and pick him up in a hug (luckily for a beanpole he's strong (bow draw requires a lot of upper bodystrength)) and then start to leave, no matter how much Night is struggling and wriggling and crying! Night is weak and a gangly teen and Dream is a warrior who's been training for years with a VERY motivated knight.

And owieeeee. killer just having to watch as Nightmare is taken so easily. The- THE BROKEN MASK- Dude imagine how pathetic he must feel, laying there, bleeding out, Night's shattered mask discarded on the floor in the wake of Dream's attack? He failed to protect Night, and now even symbolically the world is taunting him by leaving Night's broken mask behind. (Two things Night trusted to protect him, both used and spent and not nearly enough to truly help him in any meaningful way-)

I know!!! I forgor he existed haha! And I'm glad we vibe with the new thought on where to Drop Error in and wth the staff was up to!

I love the idea that Error and Ccino are equally stubborn and czre about each other and the others enough that they just end up going together for the best of all involved- (Error wanting to protect Ccino because he knows he can't fight is SO adorable and fitting- same with Ccino wanting to keep Error out of trouble-) And ofc yeah. Ccino making it to Killer and immediately jumping into action while Error fawns at the situaiton.

Ohhhh having Error there gives this scenes SO many more posibilites too, just like you did with all of ur entire description of this scene idea. It was so so tasty. Error kinda blue-screening over the fact that. Wow. Killer's like *actually* hurt. This isn't Horror landed a punch so Killer got a bruise kinda hurt, this is Someone was aiming to kill kind of hurt. And he feels awful when Ccino asks if he can heal. He can only mutter a 'nothing strong enough'. Because, tbh, he's pretty sure even Geno would have a hard time with this one. This was something he'd heard of. A monster losing so much life-force so quick would only last minutes. He doesn't even notice Ccino trying to get him out of the room because, like you said, he focuses on potential threats returning. Dust's storm is still going strong, and he can basically feel the fight out front. He needs to stay and protect them, even if Killer looks horrible and Ccino can't seem to staunch the flow fast enough-

And then Ccino out of left-field with the prayer!!! Ur right, Night *was* the only god anyone in the country believed in. Ccino of all people dropping a prayer, when he'd denounced the belief that Nim, or Nightmare, or any of them were gods? Strange? Then he gets to witness the the equivalent of an eldritch being awakening and gently stablizing this very clearly dusting guy, before going back to sleep. All at Ccino's ask. And. 1) HOLY SHIT???? He is FREAKING right now. like. excuse him, he needs to go sleep for a century, why did the equivalent of a god (which he's highkey an aethiest) just awaken to heal the funny cat guy? like, he's not complaining, but he can'tquite process it. 2) Ccino's been cool in his book for a WHILE but suddenly he understands what that Rogers guy was on about, why he seems to respect Ccino so much, and why the others do too. Ccino can bring incredible things to fruition, and suddenly Error is even more thrilled to have Ccino as a brother-in-law one day. Y'know. After he confesses to Night and they fall madly in love. according to his plan at least.

He is NEVER mentioning it to anyone aside from Reaper for sure, and hearing that Life knows *something* is comforting, but Error just can't believe he got to witness such an ancient, ancient magic arise to care for that who Ccino cared for. Error also started putting things together and being more aware of the magic surrounding Ccino after that point when things calmed down. Ccino might have had weaker magic personally, but his aura seemed to be rimmed by that ancient presence. Very, very faintly. Like it was watching him. And Error only sees it because he knew it when it cast the spell. No one, not even Geno, would be able to detect it otherwise.

And. Y'know, Killer gasps awake and Ccino goes back to making sure he stays with them, and Error is still frozen just inside the door when the others burst in. Dust is immediately sent away again, Horror is in shock beffore getting over it to try and lend a hand. Error is horrified by Cross' state too, entirely incapacitated and, strikingly, he has very similar (though more concentrated) wounds to Nightmare, though they had obviously been less deadly and more draining.

And omg, the healers are 10000000% sure Killer should be dead right now, but- ur so right- Ccino IS a miracle worker, so they assume if anyone could've done it it'd be Ccino!!!! (Oh and Ccino trying to get Error out of the room so he didn't see Killer dust? Destroyed me, their friendship means the world to me-)

As before, I love everything about the pain=life and peace=death thing with that scene!!!! gnawing on it.... And the Tree just yanking him back like a teacher at the class bell "You're not dismissed until I dismiss you." style haha! But fr, shout-out to the tree looking at its favorite person and going 'alright, alright, I'll use up a hunk of my stored energy to save him because I can FEEL how much he means to you' and driectly channeling the sentiment straight to Killer-

And, I feel I must ask. Do we think Ccino cried here, when Killer woke up again? Or do we think it was only after he was stablizied by the healers and moved (ever so painfully) to bed and Ccino got news that Nightmare really was nowhere to be found? Do you think he had a cry-session at Killer's bedside? not loud, or even particularly teary, but a silent cry for maybe 5-7 minutes before he wiped his eyes, got up, and just tried to keep going? Because I love the potential of Killer seeing Ccino tearing up overtop him, but I like even more the idea of Killer seeing *Ccino* crack. Getting to be the one he shares that grief with. Even if Killer's barely conscious and can't talk, and Ccino says nothing? That he's not leaving Killer alone and discarded after his failure to protect the thing Ccino and himself loved the most? Nightmare? Okay-

Hooo boy, the Knights searching so hard for him. The broken mask in the room near Killer was a bad sign, but when they really couldn't find *anything* on where Night had gone, and with Killer still recovering enough to muster words, they just... had to try and act like everything was normal. Listen to Ccino (they know he's at his breaking point. They're pretty sure he hardly sleeps, because he's either with Killer or out and about making sure affairs are in order in Night's absence) and search for leads. Replay the events of the fight in their heads and regret not stopping Dream sooner.

Bonus????? :D

Okay. Hi. GENIUS. They don't got time to wait for search parties to hope and pray they find that stupid little place they're hiding Nightmare away. They need to find him ASAP. So, Error starts on something that was only a concept before, intended to help track the knights if they split on missions, or track enemies. This time, it'd find Nightmare. That takes a while. Longer than Error wants. Maybe a week. Week and a half? He's pulling his old all-nighters and weaving and intent-filling like there's no tomorrow and... by two weeks Error's barely half-way finished. It won't find Night at this rate, it would barely scratch 2 or three town out at its current size and power scale... And when he tell the others, angry and embarrassed and so so guilty, Dust suggests like you said, super-charging it! And Error runs the math for a deay (he doesn't want to risk destroying their only source of information) before re-inforcing it and letting Dust go ham on it!

And the way they locate it so quick? it's amazing... They're off and away in no-time!

The party is definitely Dust, Horror, Error, and Cross, but Cross had to fight the others to convince them to let him come. He's still all bandaged up and recovering from Dream, and he seems to flinch at the name, but he *knows* he's the only one who can hold Ink back properly. He's the only one, and the others know it too. Cross is very, very confident that Ink wouldn't fight him under fair circumstances, let alone while he's injured and able to talk to him as the others keep Dream and Ink occupied. So, ultimately, he's with them!

Also, addition: I like to think that Dust's storm faded a bit when they found Night's location. As in, Dust knew if he let it rage out of control that everyone would know they were coming, they had to be subtle on approach, not give them any time to prepare, to move, to endanger Night. So he seals himself up the entire ride. It's freaky, but understandable, and the other knights respect it. Horror remembers that this is exactly how Dust acted when he first arrived and his bands were removed. Very quiet, very tense, hidden under his hood more ferociously. He just needs to store it up so he can fry Dream to a fucking crisp. Or, y'know, short-circuit him for a bit.

Another Addition: I really love the idea of the gang getting SUCH easy access into the depths of the camp, and their speed, because of that thing you mentioned on the other post with them getting directions to Nightmare? I think on the road there, they ran into a group traveling *out* of Dream's camp to meet up with a supply run. Eclipse was the lead of this particular scouting party, and told his party to stand-down. He exchanged a brief word with Horror, being up-front in knowing they were there to retrieve Prince Dream's little brother. That the boy was *happier* with them, surely. (Horror clarifies they're indeed only there for their king. They don't intend to harm civilians. Eclipse mentions his family, Horror promises they won't be touched.) And he agrees to guide them in. Send his party on ahead to intercept the real cargo, and he leads in the knights. No one thinks anything of it when they see Eclipse leading the charge, and so they get easy access straight to their targets!

And ohhhh, the way the Knights handle their own battles this time!!! I think Ink was probably why they encountered first, and he made a ruckus that lured Blue and Dream out of the cabin, because Ink was... yelling about Cross? Not good! Ink being so very adamant about not hurting/fighting Cross, and Cross insisting that it was him or no-one. And, I mean, Cross had always been looking out for him from the start, that's what they did, protect each other! And Cross was hurt because of Dream and... well, Dream is his friend too but Dream *did* send Cross away and- Before he can really decide what he's doing, Cross totally yoinks control of his magic and manages to find a way to keep Ink in place beside him.

Dust is the funniest- And most justified- Dude was DONE. Dream only got a look at a horse skidding to a stop before him, a glimpse of Dust's pissed eyelights out of the shadows, and was fucking smited by the Fuck You Lightning bolt that Dust had been saving for him since Nightmare went missing. CRUMPLED. Like a sheet of paper. Instantly. That guy stood NO chance! (What- What if he has a cool lightning-scar after this? Maybe it eventually heals over, but it lingers for longer than usual because the intent behind it was potent. 'You made my family hurt, feel their pain ten times over and don't forget it.' y'know? He's very chill about sitting atop his (very unbothered btw) horse znd staring at Dream, a lil crispy, before standing guard till Horror or Cross could come collect him. (Dust ain't lifting that entire twunk, and his horse can't carry that much weight anyways, Horror's horse was the one pulling the cart-) ALSO!!! Remember how Dust's lightning kinda just his anywhere in a certain radius? He finally learned how to aim exactly! In the moment in seeing Dream again!

Horror... my boy... Love the picture of him rolling off his horse and full-sending it at Blue. Blue is slow to summon his hammer and even slower avoiding Horror's initial punch. (Plus, I imagine this is closer to afternoon, so Blue had already taken off his armor and hadn't thought to throw it on before rushing out beside Dream.) He gets a pretty bad hit right at the start, and when the lightning goes off it disorients him a LOT (I think the Knights are very very used to sudden flashes thanks to Dust's training) and Horror is able to get him down and cuffed. Which doesn't stop his physical strength, but Blue is no match for Horror without that boost from his magic weapon, and when he sees Dream in the family guy death pose, he loses concentration and panics a little (lot) and Horror is able to restrain him further.

Ink over here was talked down by Cross, even after the lightning bolt in the distance, and Ink agreed to wear dampeners willingly and go sit in the cart with Cross.

(At this point, I think everyone in the camp has been SO psyched out by Dream about the danger the knights bring, plus their leader is down, possibly fried and dead, Blue is restrained and looks scared, and Dust is still atop his horse and such a presence now that his storm was released and it had begun to rain a little. No one wants to try and fight the knights, and Eclipse is making a big effort to reassure everyone not to try and fight, or run, just stay sheltered. Anyone who gets close to the main clearing in these moments of Horror walking Blue along and hoisting Dream over his shoulder and loading them both into the cart? Dust gives them a little warning zap. And by that I do mean Fuck You Lightning or bones so close they probably gave someone a sun-burn or burnt fur.)

This is when Error had already rushed past, love the invisible detail, and he rushes towards the cabin, just to see Nightmare tug open the door, bundled in a bright yellow cloak, ad seemingly ready to rush out into the storm- Only, he crashes straight into Error who forgot he was invisible. They tumble over each-other onto the porch steps, and Error drops the spell, and- Yeah, that's his Nightmare, those beautiful eyelights and that worried expression. And he decides to confess while they're tangled up and hugging. And Night is just SO distraught because?? As we've sstablished, who confesses in the middle of a rescue??? So Error, realizing Night is tearing up and obviously also mad about the poorly-timed confession, and who's been through a stressful 2 and a half weeks, kinda half-picks him up like a wet kitten/half-urges him to stand and fast-walk and rushes back to the knights. Dust is still busy restraining himself, and now Cross is busy watching the captives (though with Ink chummy and Dream out, Blue doesn't have much choice but to stay), Horror is totally the one who takes Night into his arms and holds him tight and reassures him.

And when I say this bit made me nuts, it'm not lying, but like- Nightmare immediately breaking down finally upon Horror huggging him, and not seeing Killer but seeing the other three and apologizing so so much, and Horror filling in the blanks and explaining to him that Killer's okay? Mentioning Ccino and that calming Night a little??? Ough.. Peak.

And- and- Ccino night terrors. Oughhhh. Yes 100%, this guy definitely has them, and they are ROUGH. I love it-

Finally, your tags!!! very quickly!!

Ink seeing Dust come down for his shifts just being like, "hey!! Hey can you tell Cross I wanna see him? I'm bored and we haven't played [Insert Game] in forever!" and like. Cross obliges??? And he ignores Dream and Blue when they try to talk with him, and just has a decently good time hanging with Ink all things considered? Everyone is fascinated by their friendship, but they're a special combo of weird <3

Oh Blue... he's so precious, i love him.... (Trying to think if Night would put them in opposite-facing cells, so they can see each other but not reach, or side-by-side cells so they could talk better but not see each other or easily communicate non-verbally. Or. Put Ink's cell between them so they can't scheme anything w/o Ink being loud about it? Idk lol-) But he's such a loyal knight (lover- who said that??)

And Dream. That guy is NOT catching a break!!! Good!!! Dust purposefully lingering more often in front of/around Dream's cell because he wants to cause maximum discomfort. Maybe anytime Dream tries to start making excuses to bring up that stupid 'brain-washing' Dust uses those sparks, which shuts Dream up REAL quick. Dream does NOT get little mercies when Dust is watching.

And Dream's iconic blast to reality through Reaper- Yeah, no one clarified to him Killer being alive, so he totally thinks Killer's dead af, and Reaper doesn't correct him, just lays out the basics and says Dream should do some long. hard. thinking. (And it aligns with what Night had told him at the camp, but, Reaper, neutral party, yadda yadda-) And shout-out to Killer!!! He's coming down to tell Dust to swap out, but the guard's running late so he's watching for a bit, and Dream makes the most strngled little noise ever and immediately brusts into apologies- Killer telling him that straight to his face would be SO lovely. Goodness gravy I love these guys-

Okay I am SO sorry I think this one ended up being super long- just so many good concepts you shot back at me lol! And I am known to tangent away-

Hey! The ask!! Lets see if i can manage to type everything i thought about in the time i got my break!!

So. I got thinking. (This was also a half baked drabble idea but didnt feel like making it a full one so you are getting the idea like this!! >:D)

We spoke about how Killer would be guarding Nightmare in the raid where Dream manages to steal him.

The problem is. If Killer can still move this guy WILL throw himself at Dream to save Nightmare. Meaning that Killer has to be mortally wounded. (Also works with why Nightmare rushes to shield his older brother)

So we got Killer just laying in whatever room Nightmare and him ahd been in. Probably slowly bleeding out.

On one hand. You can have the Knights run in right after. But then what is stopping them from splitting up, one part staying with Killer and one part rushing after Dream? And it has been YEARS since Dream last visited the castle. He may not remember everything quite right.

So... in theory. It should take more time for the Knights to get to Killer. But Killer is mortally wounded.

So. In comes!! Ccino (my beloved).

Ccino had been going towards killer and nightmare after helping the servants and maids evacuate or go to the bunker.

He gets there to see Killer pretty much laying there dying on the ground, Nightmare no where to be seen.

What does he do?

Ccino's crisis management skills activate. He wants to find Nightmare but he has no clue of where Nightmare went and he has no way to fight whoever took him. Killer is in front of him actively dying.

He goes to Kilelr's side.

Killer, the romantic idiot, probably realises he is fucking dying. So maybe he is like. Maybe i can confess? (Add some extra angst and make it that the hit was by either his neck or spine or soul. Making him unable to communicate)

Ccino is trying to keep the wound closed but he has no healing magic. He doenst even have first aid kit on him beyond the bare minimum. What does he do?

Well... he knows there is one being still in the castle. He does a little prayer and asks for help.

For Killer? Killer is slowly falling unconscious. He tried to confess but cant speak. He cant even apologise for failing everyone and losing Nightmare. At least Ccino is here in his last moments. He isnt alone. So he falls asleep.

Maybe some warm light guides him. A familiar voice that was once a friend? He tries to follow only to be stopped. Stopped by something sharp and pulling him down. Back into the darkness. It feels like when he fell into a bush. The way those thorns prick his bones.

Killer at first tries to follow the image of his friend (were they his friend? They saved him right? So why shouldnt he follow them?)

Only to hear so soft. So quietly from the darkness. 'Please dont let him die...'

And that sounds like Ccino... so Killer follows that voice. Goes into the darkness and it feels as if he traveled through a overgrown forest with sticks and stuff all pulling on his limbs.

And he wakes up. His skull in Ccino's lap as Ccino keeps the wound closed and did the best first aid he did. Moments later the Knights rush in to assist.

(Yes. The tree pulled Killer's soul back to the living side while the memories of chara were trying to pull killer into oblivion and get him to die)

Okay that is all. I wanted to get that out of my system.

Okay. Hi. As always, losing my everloving mind over this. Gonna make a Cut so it's easier to scroll hehe-

First off, you are SO right about Killer fighting till he physically can't move. I think that the combat between Dream and Killer is actually decently drawn out, because Dream is kinda in a frenzy (Storm growing outside + just obliterated Cross as far as he knows) and as a mostly long-range attacker it was stupid of him to try and fight Killer alone in a confined space. Killer's fast, and has a lot more to lose if he loses this fight (Nightmare is still hidden but low key stuck, and Dream is very adamant about ending his life) so he gets up close and personal for a while and lands quite a few solid attacks. However, Killer has also heard about Dream. He saw the distress on his little face when Cross admitted who had sent him and why. How Nightmare refused to send an assassination party to end things prematurely. This is Night's brother, so Killer won't kill him. As much as he wants to.

This leaves him at a direct disadvantage, and anytime he backs off to recoup Dream shoots arrows at him. (I also think he took a couple on purpose, because where he'd hidden Nightmare was the trajectory and he couldn't block it fast enough). And then, I like to think that when Killer gets in really close one time, Dream summons his blades, the ones he was still a novice with. But! One of Them peirces Killer's outer ring of his soul, and Dream jabs upwards (kinda using his other hand on the hilt to have more force) and wedges it into Killer's spine just past his ribcage. When Dream does this it his the magical equivalent of a vein, and when he shoves Killer away and off his blade, the other can only stay upright for a few stumbles before he teeters and falls onto his back.

Soul out in the open, covered in wounds (I like to think Dream's arrows peirce and burn), and now bleeding and seemingly paralyzed, Dream pulls out his bow again, ready to shoot Killer straight in his target soul. But, he's still selfish, and he wants to monolgue a bit, curse Killer (who he believes has been controlling his brother for so long) and shoots his hand, then a gash in his neck from a well-placed arrow, until he can see that dusty layer rising on Killer's bones signaling it'll be a slow death.

But, when he finishes cursing out Killer, is ready to fire the final shot? Nightmare had been hiding in a wardrobe, when Killer had stopped talking he'd gotten worried and peeked out against his better judgement. Now, with the scene, he rushes into the crossfire and, like we've discussed, the arrow ricochets off the mask and knocks it off, revealing Night in his teen form.

And it's a quick pleading, a desperate little plea from Nightmare not to kill Killer, or hurt his knights or the people. To just stop. And Dream, after his moment of shock + probing Night's emotions to find this really is him, scoops him up. His intention was to finish Killer off, but the storm outside roars louder and he can feel a strong emotion hurrying his way, so he decides to retreat. Killer should bleed out anyways.

And now finally to your point!!! Ccino is absolutely the best option! The Knights have no idea what's happening inside, and all they can. Do to help is keep Blue and Ink occupied. Cross is down for the count and looking rough, and they just have to trust that Killer got Night out or somewhere safe. Ccino? Ccino finished his part of the job, efficient af, and is rushing to go find Nightmare and Killer. He doesn't know Dream got in, he doesn't know quite where they'd be, but he can kinda sus it out based on carnage and wet steps in the halls where *soneone* got it. If they did, Killer would probably be stalling with Night nearby.

And like u said, he gets there and finds Killer actively dying, and crisis management kicks in! Ough everything about this moment is so perfect... Ccino never learned medicine, and has no healing magic, so he can only make Killer a little more comfortable and put pressure on his wounds to try and stop the bleeding. And he *sees* that soul injury. No matter how well he staunches the blood flow with his apron, that would surely kill him without treatment. And Killer seems to still be conscious, but barely. He's fading. And silent, which is deeply eerie and Wrong.

And good gods. Killer wanting so so bad to confess because, he's gonna die anyways so he wants to get it out, but he Literally can't say anything?? Wauhh!!!!!

And Ccino reaching out to the Veing in the castle... praying, begging for Killer to be saved, because Ccino refuses to leave him alone, and also refuses to lose him. Killer was Night's first knight, the most important person in that kid's world (Ccino doesn't count himself). All the Knights rely on Killer for guidance and support. Ccino needs Killer in his life, this idiot, this criminal, is somehow one of his favorite people in this castle. Please, please, please don't let him go. Keep him here until help arrives. *please*.

And the Castle obliges. Not only is Killer the one who protected Nightmare, the prince who is restoring this land, but Killer is one Ccino values. Ccino is here, stopping his wounds, begging for help to save a life. He hasn't done that before.

And!!! The description from Killer's perspective!!!!! For all intents and purposes, it seems the warm friendly voice (Chara!!!) Should be the one he follows. It's gentle, beckoning towards a soft glow, it's peaceful. And then the tree's method of getting Killer back is to snag him. Darkness, unpleasant contact that stabs and pricks and scratches. It's not nice, it's not subtle, it's dragging him back into pain and agony of his injuries (even if it's not immediate). But Killer doesn't fight because he hears Ccino! Even if he doesn't process that it's him, it unlocks something in his core that makes him decide to take the hard route and push back through that dense forest until he's back to the living realm. Still on death's door, but alive!

Oh I love this visual so dearly, frothing at the mouth about it....

And ofc the aftermath. Dream couldn't find the main entrance, so he snuck out a servant's door and signaled from outside that he was ready to go. The militia (I think the guard was busy holding off militia members from entering the castle walls) retreats first, scattering into town and Rogers demands no pursuit, hold the walls strong. Then Blue and Ink narrowly escape by simply using Ink's magic puddles, appearing somewhere else in the city through a big enough rain puddle. (Though, miles out they're still dodging the occasional lightning strike).

Only after they're too far off do the knight rush back. Horror's got Cross (in critical condition due to a blow to the side of his ribs+spine but ultimately stable) and Dust leads the way to search for Night and Killer, also following the trail Dream had left, and... they find Ccino and Killer. Killer is very very much limp in Ccino's lap, they're basically sitting in a pool of Killer's blood, and Ccino upon spotting them rapidly tells Dust to go find a healer and bring them here. Immediately.

Horror sets Cross nearby and focuses his efforts on trying to help Ccino put pressure on Killer's wounds but he can't do much either.

But, y'know, the healers who have magic for it are able to stabilize him (they are flabbergasted that he's not dead) and Cross is alright too. Dust + Horror go searching for Night. Nowhere to be found.

[bitchthefuck1]

you know what, I actually will talk about this because it's bothering me. The issue with focussing so heavily on syd and carmy's potential for a romantic relationship isn't that there's something inherently unintellectual about romance or whatever, it's that a lot of people seem incapable of doing that without immediately flattening the story and ignoring or intentionally misreading any and all nuance for the sake of that romance. Every scene suddenly becomes about how it impacts their relationship, every analysis is done through a romantic lens, every frame or line of dialogue becomes about finding some easter egg or hint that "proves" these people should start dating. Their dynamic is absolutely a fundamental part of this show, but if you can only see it as a will-they-won't-they, you miss so much of what the story is actually trying to say with these two.

There are good versions of this story where their relationship is romantic and there are good versions of this story where it isn't, but as soon as you decide them being together is "the point," you lose the ability to actually judge the story for what it is, not what you want it to be.

[tanzdoesthings]

having an assignment where the whole topic is “is it worth it to suffer for art” is really making me think.

[rimouskis]

one of my best friends is about to have a baby today........... so weird to be on the periphery of something so life changing. I want to go "life is going to change forever" as if it hasn't already