#When once it finishes sealing the gaps in his power he is going to have some /words/ with Neah.

[darkspace7]

Overture

"A plucked note, a half familiar tune, it's okay if you don't remember the words- you will soon."

(Or in which Ichigo has a bad day, meets a guy with personal space issues and who looks way too much like his zanpakuto to be comfortable, and finds out reincarnation is also apparently a thing?) Words: 10572 Rated: Fiction T A/N: This is actually very old wip that I found in one of my old journals and simply decided one day to finish on a whim. I've always been rather fond of reincarnation stories and figured it would work out rather well here. Also honestly I just wanted to have an excuse for Ichigo being a salty little shit to someone. Anyway, I do not hold the rights for either DGM or Bleach because -let's be honest here- would I really be writing fanfiction if I did?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Overture"-noun: an orchestral piece that serves as the precursor to a larger musical composition; the start of something much bigger. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Sixteen…"

With a flash of steel viscera flew away, shattering into nothingness before it even had a chance to hit the ground.

"Seventeen…"

The thick blade of the khyber knife slid through flesh and bone with little effort, carving a path of destruction in its wake.

"Eighteen!"

The teen hefted the massive blade onto his shoulder and cast a glance back at one of the (un)fortunate few hollows that had managed to escape from the carnage. ' Though not for long… ' "Oi Ishida!" He called out suddenly, "That's eighteen now, how many have you managed so far?"

A bolt of blue soared past him, just narrowly missing by a small margin as it went on to pierce the mask of one of the more opportunistic hollows who thought they might be able to get a cheap shot or two in while he was distracted. "Perhaps you should focus on the task at hand instead of asking inane questions like who can kill the most hollows in one go Kurosaki." The bespectacled Quincy replied in a droll tone as he leapt back, ducking quickly in an effort to avoid the clawed swipe a low-level adjuchas before launching off a volley of arrows in retaliation. "And it's twenty-three if you must know."

"Damn." Ichigo turned away with a grumble but still felt the need to retort,"Yeah, well, you know we wouldn't even be out here in the first place with if a certain somebody hadn't shoved me back into that crate of hollow bait!"

"I already told you that was an accident! My arms were so full of stuff that I couldn't even see over them! How on earth was I supposed to know you were right behind the door? I may have talents that span across many fields, but you will be hard pressed to find being psychic among them." "Uh-huh, yeah, sure." Ichigo nodded entirely unconvinced, "Tell that to the hand you messed up!" He flicked said appendage toward the other teen. An action of which merely caused the other to roll his eyes. "It was just a small cut Kurosaki, stop being so melodramatic." "Melodramatic?!" The teen cried, "You're not the one who ended up taking an entire shelf down with him! I got dirt and god-knows-what in this damn thing. Do you know how much bacteria is in that shit? I'm lucky if it doesn't get infected!" A shout quickly cut both of them off and not a moment later it was followed with a large hollow being sent sailing past the taller teen. He blinked and turned to the source. "Hey how you holding up Chad?

"Fine." Yasutora Sado -or as he was known to his friends- Chad replied. "I managed to get thirty so far." His armored fist crashed through the skull of a still-twitching creature. "Though I think that was the last one."

The deafening sound of a garganta tearing through the night sky drew their attention upwards. Twin sets of bleached bone hands accompanied by the massive visages of their owners peered out of the void-like spacial tear. They stared up at the newly-arrived gillians for a second before Chad spoke up once more. "I might've been wrong." Uryu pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh.

"You know…" Ichigo eyed the gillians with a discerning look, "This feels suspiciously familiar for some reason." He turned to face his Quincy companion speculatively, "Didn't we have to do something similar to this the last time you decided to be an idiot?"

"Ugh, don't remind me." He grumbled, shooting the teen a gimlet stare. "Don't tell me you're thinking of rushing up and trying to knock them down from the bottom-up again are you?"

'Er well maybe not from the bottom-up anyway.' The substitute shinigami thought with a flush. "That was one time! And from what I remember, its not like your plan was any better!"

"Excuse me?" Came the indignant response. Ichigo's look was as dry as his words, "It involved tying my sword to your head and trying to shoot the damn thing down Ishida. I think that counts."

"Ichigo."

"What?" The teen turned to his tall friend who in turn made a silent gesture towards the general vicinity of the massive hollows, the other's gaze locked on something in the distance. Curious, he traced the path only to spot the telltale glow of a cero beginning to form on the leftmost gillian's lips. "Oh…shit." With that he moved.

Shifting into a shunpo, he flickered up and over to meet the threat. Zangetsu out and at the ready, he sent forth a nameless arc of energy directly into the large beast's face. The light of the cero dissipated as the gillian was knocked back from the sheer force of the attack. Incensed, the being let out an ear-drum shattering screech.

However, not giving it a chance to recover, Ichigo launched himself forward and swung. A fearsome cry ripped loose as the blade cleaved though the hollow's mask and eventually the being itself. "That's nineteen." He slid back, allowing the dissipating reishi of the newly purified beast to filter around him as he made to survey his newest target. "Now let's see if we can make it twenty."

A faint shimmering glow began to encapsulate the zanpakuto as wisps of power rose up to meet their king's demand. Slipping one foot back, he settled into a firm stance, braced the charged blade with a strong grip, and then uttered the two damning words, "Getsuga Tensh-?!"

It was then, at that very moment, he felt his power surge. Taken off guard by the unexpected ferocity he jerked and involuntarily released the charged attack. However he only had a split second to process this before it all went to hell. It was… odd, he thought with a detached air. There was the vague sense of his half-called attack coming forth to strike the unfortunate hollow with enough force that if the blast itself hadn't destroyed it then the resounding shockwave would have managed that thrice over. A searing throb pulsed through his arm as ringing echoed with an omnipresent chime in his ears. He thought if he strained hard enough that he could maybe make out the disant voices of his friends and the rush of wind flowing past him as he flew. And then suddenly the world shifted and he was falling and everything was beginning to lose focus and then- Darkness.

-------------------------------[ - XIV - ]------------------------------------ … … …? **…? It.. me, ****. Ca. ..u …r m. ..t? ***** y.u …d .. get up! ***..?!

"Damn it Ichigo wake up!" -------------------------------[ - XV - ]---------------------------------- Warm brown eyes flickered a bit as the lids hiding them cracked open- only to clamp shut seconds later with a pained hiss. He opted to remain like that as he took stock of his situation. He was obviously still alive if the general ache that seemed to run through every part of his body were any indication (and shit if it didn't hurt) and from what he could tell, he was sprawled out on on something hard and cold - the ground- presumably. His hand twitched and brushed up against something at his side. Curiosity taking precedence for the moment, he hazarded a glance around until his slit-eyed gaze happened upon the thing. It was his sword, somehow he had managed to keep his grip on the blade despite being tossed about like a ragdoll. Good to know.

"Ichigo!"

His head tilted towards the shout and the tension bled from his frame when he caught sight of who it was. "Hey…you okay?" The teen managed to grit out. 'Because I sure as hell am not.'

"Kurosaki." There was a flicker of relief behind metal-rimmed frames that was quickly asked by annoyance. "I think that question would better be directed at yourself." Reaffixing the sliding pair of lenses he continued on, "Seeing as I'm not the one in the crater right now."

"Ishida!" It was at that moment that Chad had finally managed to make it to the scene. As his attention flickered from the Quincy to a vaguely irritated-looking Ichigo then to the surrounding destruction he came to a conclusion of some sort and finally let his gaze come to rest on the fallen substitute shinigami. He took a step forward and asked, "What happened?"

With some difficulty Ichigo managed to push himself into a semiseated position. He looked up at the two perched upon the lip of the impact site with a pensive scowl. "I'm… not entirely sure." He admitted honestly, a hand raked through disheveled locks as he thought.

"It looked like you exploded."

"Yeah? That's a bit what it felt like too." The whole peculiarity pf the incident had left him with a bitter taste in his mouth (although that might've just been blood.) "It was weird. I was just doing as I normally do when out of nowhere my power just sort of… skyrocketed. Next thing I know that hollow is on death's door and my ass is being sent flying halfway across the city."

They were all silent for a pause, each lost to their own thoughts until Ishida decided to break it. "We should head on back, perhaps that shopkeeper can shed some light on things."

The black-clad teen snorted, "If you somehow think you can get him to drop that cryptic bullshit for two seconds then by all means go for it." He slowly began to pull himself up, grunting quietly from the effort.

"Do you need some help?" Chad -ever the reliable friend- offered.

"No, no. I got it." He waved him off and slowly managed to heave himself upright with Zangetsu acting as a sort of makeshift crutch. He successfully made it a step-and-a-half forward before his legs decided to give out on him and he crumpled. "Um maybe I don't have it…"

Ishida's brow hiked up slightly, "Oh really? I honestly couldn't tell." He drawled, earning a glower from the other teen. The bespectacled youth chuckled slightly as he bent down and carefully perched himself on the rim of the crater, his hand extended out towards his sometime friend/rival. Grumbling under his breath, the boy clasped onto the proffered limb with a firm embrace. And then it happened…

One moment everything was fine and the next second, right as Ichigo's made contact, the other's sleeve seemed to just disintegrate. A startled yelp escaped the Quincy as he jerked the limb from the other's grasp, the sudden loss of support sending the teen back down flat on his ass. He stared in a sort of horrified bewilderment as the other clutched at the pained limb and from where he was sitting Ichigo thought he could spot a welt of red stand stark out against pale skin. Appearing almost as if it had been seared there. His gaze flickered down to his bandaged hand, watching as the appendage trembled slightly when he made a fist.

What in the actual fuck?

Pain momentarily shunted to the back of his mind, he scrambled up the pile of rubble, taking care to maneuver around the duo as he hefted himself up and over the ledge. Wordlessly he met their troubled flickers with an uneasy gleam of his own. The same unspoken question passed between them: just what the hell was going on? Thankfully they were spared the issue of dwelling on it for too long when a distinctly familiar presence decided to make itself known. "Oh my, you boys sure know how to make a mess." The clack-clack of wooden sandals slapping against concrete came to as stop as their owner cast an impassive eye at the trio, namely a certain swordsman. "Well I suppose it's a good thing that my ability to conveniently appear at just the right moment is as impeccable as always. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Urahara-san, as much as we would love to stand around and discuss your frankly stalker-like tendencies don't you think there are slightly more pressing matters to attend to?"

The man's attention flickered briefly to the injured Quincy before shifting back to Ichigo. "Yes, I suppose so. Exposition time it is then." He affected an almost put upon sigh before sobering so fast it could've given a person whiplash. Leaning forward with his cane as a support he began, "I'm certain you can recall the actions of young Kurosaki-san of a few months prior. How in a desperate last ditch effort he employed the use of his final single most powerful technique in order to stop Aizen and ultimately save out collective asses, in spite of the supposed cost brought about by doing such a thing."

"Except that didn't happen." Ichigo said slowly, "The cost that is."

"Precisely. Which is in where lies the problem." The man's steel eyes glinted slightly, "With the use of that technique you should have immediately undergone the process of losing your spiritual pressure -and with it your powers- the moment you released the attack. But you didn't. Somehow the process was… circumvented -for lack of a better term- allowing for you to pursuit a third option and keep both your abilities and your spiritual energies, albeit in a slightly diminished state. Naturally, phenomena such as this bore further examination and I have to say," He pushed his hat back allowing for a better view, "The results were rather interesting and, sadly to say, inconclusive."

"These results wouldn't happen to involve things like, say, random power spikes and straight up disintegrating shit would they?" The brown-eyed teen asked lowly.

The blond nodded, "From what I have been able to gather I'd say its a bit something like this: imagine if you will, a system of pipes and valves. Normally you'd twist on the tap and water would flow through them with no trouble right? Now picture that those valves, for whatever reason, up and decided that they simply don't want to work properly anymore. What happens when suddenly there's all this extra water and nowhere for it to go? It begins to back up and flood the system, naturally."

He almost didn't want to ask but he needed to know, "And… what happens when the system is completely flooded?"

"Over time the pressure produced would escalate to a level far beyond that which is in any way safe and eventually the backlash would destroy the system entirely-" The blond's gaze traveled significantly to Ishida who continued to clutch at his wounded arm, "- along with everything else within a fourteen kilometer radius." The teen felt his blood become ice. "Oh." A bead of sweat dripped from his brow, "That's…not good." Was all that he managed to get out.

It was a bit before anyone could figure out just how exactly they were supposed to respond to that little proclamation when Ishida -ever the pragmatist- asked, "Is there any way to fix it and make it so that doesn't happen?"

For a brief second he dared hope but when the man simply shook his head his heart sunk, "While I do have some theories that could potentially bear merit, I'm rather reluctant to implement them, at least not until I can manage to extrapolate the underlying cause of all this."

As the incredulous disbelief, which had been progressively mounting throughout the duration of the the conversation, finally deigned itself to drag the teen into its murky depths a thought occurred to him and much like a lifeline he clutched onto it. "What about my body?" Could he even return to it in this state?

The man hummed thoughtfully, "You probably could try to go back to it, but unless you want first-hand knowledge on what its like to inhabit a body that's in the process of slowly being torn apart from the inside by its own spiritual pressure, then I'd advise against it."

'Well that answers that.' The teen grimaced, it was not a pretty picture and in all honesty he kind of felt like he was going to be sick. Having your own abilities suddenly decide you would look better slammed into the concrete and then being told that you were essentially a ticking time bomb that could potentially level half the damn city simply by existing would do that to a person he supposed. "Ichigo." He twitched. Raising up to meet the gentle giant's silent concern, they locked eyes for a moment before he looked away, unable to answer the question held within. Was he okay? Good question.

"I-" He swallowed thickly, noticing how his hands tightened around Zangetsu's grip. Only then he realized he had neglected to sheath the blade and immediately set about rectifying this. He hoped the others were unable to see the way his hands shook as he did.

(They probably could.)

He… He needed some space. To be alone so he could just think and attempt to process whatever the fuck was happening right now with his body, with him. And this is pretty much what he told the others. (And if he was alone then at least he wouldn't take anyone with him.)

Urahara met this with a nod of understanding, hands drifting to his pockets. "I have something for you," He dug through them, pulling out a stick of gum and a rubber duck to which he quickly dismissed and tossed away. "It's only a prototype at the moment-" An innocuous looking green stone of indeterminate construction (it almost seemed to contain an unearthly glow) quickly joined the pile, "-but-" followed by a traffic cone and a stop sign (How did that even fit…?), "-if it works…" then a ball of multicoloured rubber bands and a roll of bandages (which were spared a moment's glance then lobbed over to a thankful Chad), "-it should be able to open up a portal to Hueco Mundo for you to go through," And, finally, out slipped the palm-sized device. "You know, if you, well…"

He trailed off, finger hovering above the sole button on the device for a second before he pressed down. "The portal will only be able to stay open for about a minute on this end but that should be long enough for you to make it through if you hurry."

Ichigo nodded and shifted so now that his friends were the ones in sight instead. He opened his mouth to say something but got cut off before the words had ever reached his tongue. "Go." The tallest of the trio said, "We'll take care of things here." He made certain that they could see the thanks in his eyes before he turned away. Taking a fortifying breath the substitute shinigami stared straight ahead. Only a minute huh? He could handle that.

"Ah well I suppose I should be getting back to the shop. Come along now Sado-kun, Ishida-san."

A beat, then two, and then suddenly he was standing before the static-filled void between worlds.

"Urahara-san aren't you forgetting something?"

He took a step. "Huh? Oh right! Wouldn't want to litter would we? Now let's see, there's this and oh wow! Forgot I had that and… huh? Could've sworn there were two…"

The last vestiges of conversation drifted from awareness with a crack as the mouth of the portal came down behind him and he let out the breath he hadn't known he had been holding. Mechanically, he started forward, legs automatically propelling him towards that land of eternal night. Maybe on the way there he could think of some way that he might just be able to pull his sorry ass out of the proverbial fire this time, and maybe, just maybe there would be no one around to hear his frustrated scream.

------------------------------------[ - XIV - ]--------------------------------

The rhythmic patter of footfalls and unsteady breaths trailed along as he ran. The solitary sounds in stark juxtaposition with the oppressive nothingness was what had finally allowed for the shock to break and everything else settle in. How long had it been now? It was as if he had been on a treadmill, running endlessly yet never getting anywhere. But surely that couldn't be so, he must've made some progress right?

… Right?

He wondered if they managed to make it back to the shop yet. (He tried not to remember deep red in the shape of a hand -his hand- to not picture white-and-silver-and-blue wracked in pain -that he had caused- or recall warm brown, kind yet tinted with a solemn silence and it was his own fault goddamn it-) He hoped they had. In his distraction the walkway he stood upon began to slip back into the ether and caused the teen to pitch forward a bit until he managed to right himself and continue on. It was just a bit before thoughts once more began to drift.

His family…

A niggling feeling of guilt wormed its way up his chest and settled heavily in his throat. He had promised to watch his sisters since their father was out of town for the weekend but now how was he supposed to do that if he couldn't even get near them (or anyone else for that matter?) What if they weren't able to fix things and he'd never be able to see any of them again? Something cold slithered down and joined its fellow in the depths of his heart. He wondered if anyone had went ahead and even bothered to tell them anything. 'Oh god they haven't had they?'

(With a dawning horror he imagined the two girls waiting for him to come home as they always did only to come to learn that their older brother just simply wouldn't be coming back this time and probably never would again. Yuzu would be devastated which would set Karin off because nobody gets away with upsetting her twin like that and then she would try to hunt him down so she could kick his ass and he'd completely deserve it too because what kind of brother does that to his sisters? But it'd all be in vain because he'd be dead and-) He tripped and caught himself once again.

"…" This was taking a very long time. Surely he should've made it somewhere by now shouldn't he? Did he manage to get himself lost on top of everything else? Had Urahara's sketchy invention been a dud? He did say it was a prototype. (Or maybe it was never meant to take him anywhere in the first place and the bastard had left him to die like-)

He shook his head. Well wouldn't that be just perfect, being forced to spend the rest of eternity trapped in the void until either his power tipped past critical and took him with it or he went irrevocably insane from the the fact that he just couldn't seem to find the damned exit- oh.

As if summoned, a bright light slipped onto his visual radar and seemed to grow nearer with every passing second. He quickly stomped on the breaks and screeched to a stop just before it, having came this close to missing the mark completely. Taking a step back, the teen carefully peered out into the distance at the sea of sand below. Very distant. Man he was high up. "Hn a fall like that would've- oof!"

Something slammed into his back, knocking him off-kilter and sending him flailing through the open portal. Suddenly he was falling and those 'distant sands' didn't look quite so distant anymore.

Ichigo screamed. -------------------------------------[ - XV - ]------------------------------- … A****. … Wh. .re … ..ing? …? Yo. ..n't .. ..mfor…le ..ke .h.. .. .et up. (…Nngh.) Co.. .. .ow ..u .ren't ..ving up on m. .r. y..? (W-Who?) Do… yo. re…ber? (I don't…?) Sta.. .n .our ow. ..o .eet Al***, kee. m…ng for..rd wit..ut hesi..ti.n. Eve. .f .ts jus. one st.. at a t..e, walk. .ow enoug. lyi.. aro..d. Get up. (What?) Get up All- --------------------------------[ - XIV - ]------------------------------------ He inhaled sharply and was instantly rewarded with a mouth full of sand. Sputtering, he noted how this was starting to become a pattern. One that seriously needed to stop. He shifted around to lay sprawled out on his back, eyes clamped shut as his breathing evened out. Ichigo took a moment to just stay like that. God, everything hurt. With head turned a bit to the side he finally decided to open his eyes…only to find a face a breath away from his own. He swore.

"Well that's one way to wake up." The figure remarked dryly. Ichigo's mouth opened slightly before he paused then slowly let it fall shut. Brown eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he took in the figure that stood before him only to widen again when he drew back in confusion. '…Tensa?' He blinked. No, that… didn't make any sense. For a number of reasons, actually.

The first of which being the fact that -if his surroundings were any indication- he was not currently within his inner world at the moment.

(That is to say, if the place hadn't up and decided one day that it wanted to look exactly like the Hueco Mundo for no other reason than to simply make him confused.) Sure, there was the possibility that the spirit had decided to manifest into the physical realm for whatever reason but that just gave rise to even more questions. Like why was he even in that form to begin with? The last time he checked he hadn't entered bankai or anything like that so there was really no reason for him to be that way. Unless… whatever was going on was affecting his zanpakuto too? Hn actually… now that he looked closer there was a slight difference or two between the being before him and the spirit of memory. (But still the resemblance was uncanny.)

… And the guy was staring at him. Had he zoned out?

"You okay? You didn't hit your head there did you?" An eyebrow hiked up slightly but the expression was otherwise impassive. Yep, he had. But that was besides the point. The awkward silence stretched between them for a bit longer until the other finally asked, "You just going to keep sitting there?"

"Um…" He replied smartly.

Not-Tensa rolled his eyes and huffed. Hand extended, he proffered it for the other to grasp. When he made no move to do so he leaned forward"

"Ah don't-" -and firmly clasped it in his own. …What?

He hefted the balking teen up with ease, lips curved into a bland smirk as if he hadn't done something that which by all rights should've been impossible. Ichigo was certain he was gaping at the moment but seriously what the actual hell man? The way the other's eyebrow raised, as if to say 'what of it?' certainly wasn't helping matters any. Just who was this guy?!

Apparently either completely oblivious or someone who simply did not give a fuck to any kind of social convention if the way he now dragged him along was anything to go by. "H-Hold on a second! What the hell?! Let go!" Ichigo finally had the good sense to start struggling against the other's grasp but alas was unable to break free. Damn, the guy's grip was like iron. "Where are you dragging me?" That was definitely not a note of panic in his voice, nosiree. But the other merely ignored him as he hummed under his breath. The fingers of his free hand tapping rhythmically against his pants leg, as if they were sketching out a melody that only he were privy to. (He wondered briefly what that strange melody would sound like if it were played across the set of a fine ivory keyboard before he shook his head. Now wasn't the time for such things.) Abruptly the humming cut off. Then-

"What the hell is that?!" A doorway of ethereal white had flickered into view amongst the desert sands. The man's grip tightened as if sensing his suddenly renewed desire to abscond the fuck out of there and slowly began to drag him toward the light. It was at this point the teen began to struggle in earnest. Because okay, yeah, no. There was no way in hell he was going to let himself be placidly dragged along into whatever-the-fuck that was, weird zanpakuto doppelganger notwithstanding!

"Hey! I'm not-" A sharp tug had him nearly biting his tongue as he stumbled forward. Just barely able to catch himself in time and avoid a nasty spill he shot the man's back a dirty glare that sadly served to do little to help his predicament. He wasn't quite sure how but he thought he could feel the faint amusement bleeding from the man's frame. Asshole. And it was with that the struggling youth disappeared into the doorway of light. -------------------------------[ -XV- ]--------------------------------------- White.

That's all that he could see.

A empty town with white cobbled roads, white stone doors, white window frames, white wooden floors. Down a white hallway that lead to a white room with a white piano across from a white couch next to where he now stood. No matter where he turned there it was, that damned colour -or rather- lack of it. It sent a shiver up his spine. (A flicker of memory crossed his mind of a white moon in a dark sky across endless white sands; of long -short- red -black- hair and brown -black- eyes, crying, crying; of black cloth and white stone and white hands stained red red red- "Ichigo!" "*****!") He blinked. How had he even wound up in this situation again? Oh right, that asshole. He strained against the vice-like grip with a huff. Suddenly the death hold was dropped as his kidnapper made to brush past him. The man padded across to where the instrument lay and promptly claimed its bench as his own. Upon having been seated he turned and gave a gesture for him to do the same. He did, keeping his eyes trained firmly on the other as he slowly shifted Zangetsu from his holster to rest conspicuously upon his lap. The action and its clear intent seemed to evoke a small smile from the other.

"Way you were thrashing I would've expected to be held at knifepoint sooner rather than later."

An utterly flat stare. "It's kind of hard to hold someone at knifepoint when the one with the knife is the one being dragged along through god-knows-where by a weirdo with no concept of personal space boundaries. But something tells me you already knew that." He drawled.

A conceding nod. "But not impossible if one was truly inclined." Not- Tensa added, looking over at the blade with an almost appreciative eye. "Not that it would have done much with your current state being what it is at the moment." Bright eyes gave the teen's hastily bandaged hand a significant look. Ichigo -refusing to rise to the bait snorted. He shifted forward, letting the damaged limb splay against the flat of the blade and met the other's gaze.

"And just who are you to care about a thing like that?" The man smirked.

"Well, truthfully I've held many a title over the years, some being more…creative than others. But I suppose something to best suit the current situation would be…hm yes. You can call me, ****!"

… What?

A bead of sweat dribbled down the young teen's spine as the heavy feeling of something utterly foreign and cold settled down upon him. The man had clearly said something so why couldn't he…? Quickly schooling his features, the teen then asked in as nonchalant of a way as he could manage: "Could you repeat that? I didn't quite catch it the first time."

The other's brow furrowed, a faint glimmer of something flickered through his eyes before it was gone. Ichigo watched as he did as he was asked, observing how the man's lips went slowly through the motions again to say his name and…nothing.

Complete and utter silence.

Even though he should've been able to, even though he could almost taste the sting of syllables on his tongue, he just couldn't make out a sound. The other's expression was inscrutable, a carefully bland mask as he observed but the teen paid it little mind because that thing right there? That's what did it for him. More than the other's inexplicable resistance to whatever weirdness that was going on with him, more than the strange portals to stranger bleached ghost towns and their unnerving (familiar) emptiness, it was that: the silence where it should not have been. That was what scared him.

"Well, this is a problem." The man sighed, "Although not much of a surprising one." And then in an undertone, "You always did like to make things unnecessarily difficult."

That last little bit drew the teen up short, successfully dragging him out of the beginnings of a downward spiral that he nearly found himself in. At least for the moment anyway. "You make it sound like we're already well acquainted." 'And I know I've never seen you before in my life.' He thought to himself. 'So there's no way.' Right?

"In a way, yes." Before Ichigo could ask what the hell that meant the man suddenly sat back and slapped his hands together, startling the boy. "I have an idea! Why don't we play a round of twenty questions?"

Okay, what?

The confusion must've been apparent because he went on to explain, "Understandable that you would have questions about any number of things. Things that I may or may not hold the answers to, so what better way to solve this little dilemma than with a bit of back and forth hm?"

"Okay first off: I'm…pretty sure that's not how 'twenty questions' works-"

"Semantics."

"-and second, something tells me that you'd be getting a lot more out of this deal than I would." And I'm not quite sure how I feel about that to be honest.

It was brief but he caught the faint flicker of something in the man's eyes before it was gone with an apathetic shrug, "Fair enough. But honestly, what have you really got to lose at this point? I mean with your condition…" The other trailed off with a significant look and that made his hackles rise.

'Oh I can think of a few things.' He thought, having to bite back the retort. His hand twitched faintly at his side. While it was true that he could perhaps get some of his many questions answered such as: 'How was it that you were able to grab me without a thought while my friends couldn't so much as touch me without getting hurt?' or 'What exactly are you because I know for a damn fact that there's no way you could be a normal human being or even a spirit for that matter with that creepy vibe you're giving off right now,' and his personal favourite: 'Why the hell can't I hear your name?' but was it worth it?

Some nagging feeling in the back of his mind whispered no; that giving this zanpakuto lookalike could potentially do more harm than good. This was further exasperated by the sensation that he felt emanating off of the man, something not too dissimilar from the one that he received from that damned shopkeeper. And if there was one thing that he had learned for certain it was to always be on your guard whenever that mad scientist was involved. But, that being said…

"Alright." He shifted forward with an acquiescing tick of the head, "Let's see what you got."

The man visibly brightened, "Knew you'd come around eventually. So why don't I start us off with something nice and easy like… oh, how about your name?"

('My name? Oh, why it's-')

…? The teen shifted slightly, settling back into the stiff fabric of the cushions. An orange brow hiked up just a bit. "Shouldn't you know already?"

"Of course, but it'd be rather rude not to allow you the chance to introduce yourself don't you think? After all it is usually the first introduction upon which one usually draws their opinion of another is it not?"

"I guess?"

"…" A blank smile. Slender digits traveled along the flat of the knife, an arrhythmic beat tapped along in their wake. "…" "… Well?" "Well what?" "Aren't you?" "Aren't I what ?" "Going to introduce yourself?" The other stated plainly, as if pointing out the obvious.

'Seeing as there isn't much of a damn point why would I?' He thought with a sort of blank incredulity because surely the man had to have been fucking with him, but no, from the expectant gaze trained upon him he realized that the guy was dead serious. Weird. He vented out a huff and proceeded to -in the single most sarcastic and utterly done voice that he could muster- say, "Hello I'm-"

('-A***n ***k*r-') "-Kurosaki Ichigo and I'm-" ('-an Exorcist-') "-a Substitute Shinigami. I think its been a real pleasure to have been able to hang out in this creepy colourless ghost town with only my zanpakuto's weird doppelganger for company, how about you?" "…Somehow I doubt all that." Said doppelganger deadpanned. "And what do you mean weird?" He added as an afterthought. Blatantly ignoring this the teen plowed on, "My turn, so where are we anyway?"

The man ceased his muttering and turned to look at the boy, "Just for the sake of clarification: do you mean in general or-" a gloved hand waved vaguely at the space around them, "-the room we're currently in, or perhaps even-"

"Just answer the damn question!" Ichigo barked, his patience finally having snapped.

The man seemed to blink and give him another one of those curious stares before finally something shifted and his eyes lost that playful glow. It was a subtle change but a definitive one, having the teen subconsciously sitting up a touch with a slight frown as the sobered air settled upon them. A brief irrational thought had him wonder if, just perhaps, he might have said the wrong thing but he pressed on. After all, he deserved at least that didn't he? Besides, he had seen all kinds of weirdness so whatever the man threw at him couldn't be that bad compared to some of the other things he'd witnessed. Probably.

The other leaned forward, carefully pressing the fingertips of his gloved hands together, "Tell me boy, are you familiar with the story of Noah?" "'Noah?'" He questioned, tasting the syllables as they rolled across his tongue. "Vaguely." Was the orange-headed teen's answer, tone contemplative as he flicked through old conversations in his mind's eye. "It's a story from the bible, isn't it?" Upon the other's look he elaborated, "My friend, Chad, his grandfather was born in Mexico and raised to be Catholic so when Chad was younger the two of them spent a lot of time together at the local church where they would pray and sometimes read from the scripture. Apparently that story used to be one of his favourites. I remember him telling me about it."

Chocolate eyes lifted to meet tarnished gold and he had to blink, had they always been that color? There was something haunting about those eyes that held him. A soul-searing pair with an intense otherworldly quality, not quite unlike another pair that he knew of, albeit, without the inverted scelera and the wild madness he knew that lie underneath. Hopefully anyway.

Shaking off the mental image he continued, "It was about this guy, Noah, right? God was apparently pissed at the world because humans -unsurprisingly- turned out to be a bunch of jerks all except for this one dude. So god then tells the dude to build this giant ship thing and to load up his family and a zoo on it because basically god told him he was gonna go to town on everyone else and didn't want them caught in the crossfire. And so everyone but them died and the world reset or something like that." His brow furrowed a bit as he thought back to remember just what had been said, "Sorry, it's kind of been a while since I heard it." Plus there had been a bit of paraphrasing too but he had gotten the gist of it more or less. And what if I were to say that story, or at the very least an unbastardized version of it, was but all too real?"

He was silent for a moment, "I'd say: all stories have to start somewhere. More often than not it's the craziest ones that have a basis in fact." A pause, "And would it be wrong to assume you had something to do with it?" The following silence was confirmation enough.

"Would you be willing to share then?" As if sensing the stirring of uneasiness he quickly added, "If not everything, then what you can?" He knew first hand what it was like to have things that you wanted to keep to yourself, painful insidious things forcefully locked away so that you never had to see-think-hear of them ever again in the light of day. He understood. But conversely, he also knew the danger of silence.

"In time, perhaps. The past is… complicated. For more reasons than you know." He murmured quietly, appearing for a moment as if weighted down with some great unfathomable burden. And then it was gone, replaced with what was beginning to become a familiar mask. "Back to your previous question, this place-" a gesture to the space around them, "-was once our home, among other things. 'The Ark' we deemed it, home to the clan of Noah. And this very room in which we now sit?" A faint smile flickered into being as he turned back to face the piano, hand running gently over the ivory keys. Shadowed eyes stared into the mid-distance, attention snagged by something that only he could see. "Its center-" Golden irises side-eyed him from where he sat, "-or Heart, if you will."

Ichigo felt his bandaged hand twitch faintly as his own heart decided to stop and skip a beat. This gave him a moment's pause as there was no rhyme nor reason for the action. "Yeah?" He said with a mental shake of the head and attempted to distract himself from the peculiar behaviour, "And what did you do in here?"

"A bit of this and that. Play piano." The man shrugged, "Other stuff."

"This 'other stuff' wouldn't just so happen to deal with anything that might bring about the apocalypse now would it?" He had honestly been half-kidding but when the other didn't respond he felt a minor spike of alarm. Seriously? The teen cleared his -suddenly dry- throat and, as if without any input from himself, the following escaped his lisp, "Just what is the Ark?"

The Noah froze, hand poised above the keys before slowly it retracted and fell limply back to his lap. "It's… The best way to describe it would be 'a world between worlds'; a sort of in-between place with many 'doors' that could lead to anywhere and anything that your mind could think of, and even some it can't." His lips curved into a little half-smirk, "I suppose you could compare it a bit to something like the Dangai with a couple of senkaimon thrown in but better looking and with marginally less things that would try to kill you at the moment."

'Like a doorway…' Chocolate eyes widened, "That white gate thing in the desert." "Mhm." He nodded. "Then…that thing you were humming…the way your fingers kept twitching…" A keen gaze trailed along to the only other thing with them in the everpresent white. 'As if you were playing a song…' "The Key."

Ichigo looked at him, "Key?" "An audi-visual system directory entered into a specific frequency only accessible via the correct pattern being paired with a certain physical device i.e.: a musical instrument for example." "So play the piano open the door." He summarized.

"Basically." The Noah shot him a vaguely amused look, "What? You didn't think this thing here was just for show did you?" "Ah, no." He coloured faintly. Not gonna lie though, he had been kind of wondering what its deal was though. "So, like, can anyone control it if they had the passcode or is there something extra that makes it user-specific or something?"

He quirked a brow, "Why, curious?"

"No." Yes. "I was just wondering if you had to be a pianist or if anything else would do." A small shrug.

"And just what's wrong with the piano?" Was it him or did the guy almost seem…affronted? He returned this with a blank stare and a vague gesture to said instrument, "I can't play for shit. Any instrument really." He thought for a second, "No wait, I can play guitar. Sort of. Chad's been giving me lessons."

The musician matched this with a blank look of his own. "…Right. You know? It's not that hard. C'mere I'll show you." Ichigo almost got up to follow until he remembered his current predicament. "Actually, it'd probably be a better idea for me to just stay over here ya'know?" He absently toyed with the frayed fabric that wrapped around his left wrist. There had been no time to find a proper bandage so he had used a strip of Zangetsu's cloth and he hoped the sword hadn't minded too much, it had been kind of an emergency after all so probably not.

The Noah stared him blankly for a second before a light seemed to click on. "Ah right, I suppose some other time then." Yeah, if he could ever get that random disintegration under wraps then sure. But until then he was better off staying away from important looking things, or anything alive for that matter. He'd probably wind up accidentally burning some poor bastard's skin off when they tried to touch him like what happened to Ishida and…wait.

"Hey, how did you grab me?" Seeing the look of confusion he clarified, "Back in the desert, you dragged me here. How?" Because by all rights he shouldn't have been able to do so. Not-Tensa tilted his head to the side, "You mean how did I escape injury via that ridiculous and unstable mess that you call your spiritual presence? Oh don't look so surprised, it'd literally be impossible not to notice." Gold eyes watched the teen keenly. "I assume you have some clue as to what is going on?" "I know what its doing-"

(a surge of power, the sharp crack of a body hitting pavement, burning flesh and a scream-) "But not why." The Noah finished. "I might have a theory." He pointed to the wrapped fist, "But I'm going to have to see that first." Dark brown eyes turned wary as their owner gave a hard stare, finally -lips taught- he followed with a slow nod. The cloth came off with little trouble, its purpose having been fulfilled and thus reabsorbed back into the spiritual fabric from where it came. This continued on until the very last little bit peeled off to reveal- "What the actual fuck?"

Bizarre. That was the only way to describe it. That long messy cut he had received what felt like a lifetime ago back at the shop had sealed over with this strange thing. He could see small flecks of it scattered around the back of his hand, sinking into the tan flesh, corrupting it . Hesitantly he felt along the edge, taking in the smooth almost glasslike quality and ethereal sheen. It felt warm, almost- (Innocent) A set of gloves gently took his hand. He started. "Its just as I thought."

Ichigo tore his eyes away to gape at the Noah. "What?" "That-" A nod to the hand, "-right there is the reason for all your problems." He shot the hand a look as though it had personally offended him somehow. "The sporadic power swells and blockages, mood swings, hell even the fact that you've still been able to galavant about as a patron of souls in the first place. Its all because of this." He gave the stone a tap, eliciting a shiver. The teen was torn between asking how he knew this and telling the man to back the hell off because he was too close but was cut off when he began to speak again, "You've probably been subconsciously syncing with it for weeks and all it needed was a single opening and bam you're an Accommodator."

"Okay." He carefully pulled his hand out of the other's grip, "So what am I supposed to do about that?" He sat back on his haunches and appeared to think it over for a bit before pulling a face, "Well there's nothing for it." He sighed, scratching the back of his head with a gloved hand. "Unless you want to spend the rest of your short existance in isolation -haunted by the weight of your failures as you begin your slow but assured descent into madness and subsequent self-destruction- you have to synchronize with it." The resigned way he said it, as if he were being put upon by something truly bothersome, made the teen twitch just a bit.

"So saying I do this thing, what happens?" "Well, it should allow for things to reach a stable equilibrium…" "But?" He prompted. "I'm not going to lie to you, once you choose to do something like this there isn't any going back. Because if you successfully manage to come out of this there's a strong possibility that things are going to be…different. You're going to be different. Different in ways that not even I could foresee."

"I see." He shut his eyes for a moment. The faces of his family and friends flashed though his mind in an instant. Silently he clenched his fist. 'No going back huh?' His focus shifted to the blade sitting on his lap and he remembered the spirit's words. To hesitate and he would be stuck here, trapped at a crossroads until time claimed him. To go back was a death sentence for certain. So that only left one thing, to move on and keep walking forward. He opened his eyes and met the golden gaze head on with a level stare. "What do I have to do?"

"Just try to focus on your left hand. Now, do you feel the swirling energies there in the center trying to mix and incorporate with your own?" "…Yeah?" "Let it. Don't try to fight it. Accept it." It hurt. A gloved hand reached up to cup the pained teen's cheek and he opened his eyes (when had they closed?) His hand burned with something fierce wrenching soul-deep and he felt his breath get caught on molten gold and warm skin bleeding into inhuman grey. The Noah shot him a rueful smile. "Then you say the magic words."

Lips moved unbidden with a memory long forgotten, "Innocence: Activate." And the world flashed a dizzying whirl of grey-blue-green-white and then went dark. --------------------------------[ - XIV - ]------------------------------------ "It's time to get up now my little nephew, you've been asleep long enough. Get up Allen. Wake up." --------------------------------[ - XV - ]------------------------------------Waking up somewhere with a head full of memories that one had not had prior to falling unconscious was a hell in of itself and suffice to say he currently had the mother of all headaches. If it were not for the fact that he had sworn off alcohol both in this life and the last (and boy wasn't that a thought) he could've sworn this was what a hangover felt like. He bit back a groan. Where was he anyway? The last thing he remembered was the moonlit sands of Hueco Mundo before being dragged upon the Ark by his insufferable arse of an uncle. Who also knew that the Ark's reach appearantly extended into the afterlife and neglected to tell him. He'd have to talk to him about it when he was less annoyed at him of course because the Noah was kind of on his shit list at the moment. Afterall, not only had he somehow managed to disguise himself and convince him that he had been a sword spirit of all things, he had done so all the while binding up the true essence of his powers. Thus allowing for things to escalate so out of hand that he couldn't successfully hold back the flood anymore resulting in their impromptu powwow in the Ark. A perfectly reasonable excuse to be mad at somebody, right? And, okay so he might not've actually remembered him or his penchant for pulling shit like that at the time but now he did and it was the principle of the matter and seriously who the hell does stuff like that?!

"Someone who actually has a sense of self-preservation, unlike yourself."

The youth started. Well 'started' is a bit of an understatement, more like: jerked up and awake with a yelp before getting immediately slammed with a vicious wave of vertigo sending one careening head-over-heels to the floor. He cracked an eye open and stared blearily up at the ceiling. Allen (or was it Ichigo now? Urgh, this was gonna get confusing…) stared blankly at the familiar walls painted black in the pre-dawn hour. His room, he was in his room and that was his bed that he had just fell off of like an idiot. Vaguely he felt the Noah's amusement filter through the back of his mind. The bastard was laughing at him right now.

Muttering a few choice words under his breath, he leveraged himself up and ran a hand through his already disheveled hair with a sigh. Had he woke anyone else with that little spill just now? He froze, taking a second to listen and see if he could hear if either of the girls had stirred. (Sisters! He had sisters!) Hm, seems like they were still asleep. Good, it was still kind of early after all. Satisfied with his assessment he allowed himself a moment to simply not think and just take everything in and confirm that, yes, this was indeed his room that his mortal body was now currently in. How did he even get back here anyway? He had the sneaking suspicion that his uncle had something to do with it. Well there was no sense beating around the bush. "Neah?" He asked catching the other's attention, "Did you do something to me?"

"Now what makes you think that?" He made sure the other could feel the flatness of his look. "You honestly think I would take advantage of your indisposed state to 'borrow' your body for my own personal use? Why Allen I'm almost insulted-" Yes, because you've done it before. Multiple times. "-really, have you no faith my nephew? For shame."

"Neah what did you do ?" The youth asked with a growing sense of alarm.

"Oh, nothing." A nonchalant shrug, "By the way did you know Kisuke's shop has a rather impressive stock of sweets? Some of them I haven't even seen in centuries! Apparently Tessai likes to custom make them in his free time, not something people really take the time to do anymore these days you know?" Whatever alarm he had felt had multiplied tenfold as the other blithely went on. "Oh he left you a note by the way."

"What?" "On the back of your hand -no not that one the other one- yes your right." He flipped the limb over and blinked at the messy scrawl in what looked to be (and knowing the blond probably was) permanent marker pen. From there he began to read: "'Ichigo (or whatever relevant name you may now go by), after you left for your understandable and completely justifiable alone time it was brought to a general concensus that I, being the bright and incredibly humble shopkeep that I am-" He had to snort at this, "- would be the one to help find a solution for your little problem. (It should also be said that your friends can put up quite the convincing argument expessially when aided by Inoue-san's intriguing and -dare I say it- somewhat terrifying imagination.) And I was all set up to do so until -imagine my surprise- I found that the problem had up and resolved itself! Naturally my curiosity was piqued and it was only with the apperance of a certain somebody that the questions I had were oh so graciously answered. He was even willing to indulge the curious scientist in me for a bit!-'"

"What?!" The teen hissed, stopping himself for a second as narrowed eyes stared down at the scribbled text. The Noah of course offered no explanation and he sighed. Resigning himself to a month's worth of paranoia and check-overs in order to see if the two madmen had done anything else to him.

A mental nudge drew his attention back to the note, "'-So it was upon further examination that we found with the assistance of the substance (of what I'm now informed is to be known as Innocence - fascinating stuff really-) now present in both your physical and spiritual bodies there was created a sort of stabilized equilibrium so that you are no longer in danger of a catastrophic meltdown, congrats! Oh and I'm not mad at you for what happened to my shop and the Innocence samples, the data you provided was more than enough to cover what you owed for the damages.'" He twitched ever so faintly.

"Don't forget the post-script!" 'There's more?' He flipped it over to his palm, "P.S. Tell your uncle I said hi! He's given me such great ideas and that Tessai's always willing to talk over tea again. Oh and enjoy the new hair, it looks quite good on you! Bye-bye~ Kisuke'" He let the hand fall. So he wasn't a ticking time bomb anymore, that was good. But the thought of his uncle and the dubious shopkeep being anywhere remotely near one another caused him to shudder.

"Oh come on, he's not that bad." His uncle chided.

"Yes he is and so are you. You're both horrible, horrible monsters who thrive on chaos and destruction and proceed to drag anyone unlucky enough to be within blast-radius down with you via your own personalized brands of insanity." He intoned flatly, "And what did he mean hair?!"

"Now before I say anything I don't want you to freak out. It was a bit of an unexpected side effect from the transition but don't worry you look fine. And, hey, it's not like you're a stranger to having weird hair." "Neah you are terrible at reassuring people now what happened to my hair?" He attempted to tug at the short strands to no avail. "You might've gone a bit prematurely grey but like I said its not that much of a big deal. It isn't completely white, just… most of it." He was quick to offer.

"My hair's white?" Again? Damn it all, of all the things to carry over. He'd already been through this once with certain people (who shall remain nameless) calling him 'strawberry' he didn't need to be 'beansprout' as well. He groaned softly and flopped back, arm shielding his eyes. At least he hadn't been cursed with a lack of height this go around like a certain snow-headed captain that he knew.

He lifted the arm and stared at it. Tired eyes traced the contours of the reddened flesh as he slowly flexed, watching as the embedded stone glimmered with its own quiet light. A small frown graced his lips. This was quite the fine mess that he had gotten himself in wasn't it?

What was he supposed to now? Sure he could always dye his hair but what of his arm? Long-sleeved shirts and gloves would only work for so long and what of his personality? You can't exactly hide a whole lifetime's worth of memories and experiences forever, not without having those close to you start to worry. And it'd be an icy day in hell before he let something like that happen. So they'd have to come up with something to keep them from freaking out…and then what? Once everything was said and done where did they go from there? What was there for a once-exorcist turned-substitute-shinigami and the Noah that he housed who just so happened to be his past incarnation's adopted uncle? "Well whatever there is we'll just have to persevere through it for better or worse. Besides it isn't as though you haven't had your own fair share of problems before, now have you?"

He had a point. He just had to keep walking huh? The youth's lips curved into a bittersweet smile. Yeah, he could do that.

#DS7's Log #-carefully adds to the archive- #Bleach Fanfiction #D.Gray-Man Fanfiction #Second Verse Same As The First AU #Just reposting this because I feel a little less self conscious about my work than I did back when I first took it down. #Also this seems to be actually pretty popular??? Which is absolutely wild if you ask me. #Playing fast & loose with canon because I can and will do as I damn well please and may my only own hubris and eventual pc problems stop me #Honestly the whole reason this exists is because I love weird reincarnation crossovers and that Tensa tangentially looks like Neah. #And there's no reason /whatsoever/ that Neah/Tensa so happens to resemble Yhwach. Mhm definitely a coincidence yessirie! #>:3 #Neah and Urahara get along like two territorial feral cats that would just as well as set the world on fire for kicks. #Don't worry. Actual Zangetsu is still there. #He was just sort of in the background taking a long nap from their stint with Aizen until that Innocence smacked him awake. #When once it finishes sealing the gaps in his power he is going to have some /words/ with Neah.

[myeolines]

still haven't finished totk bcs i keep getting busy w uni but i kinda just wanna rant about the main plot line lol

The continuity issues of this game is frustrating if you try to mince the main plot, shit just doesn't add up. As fun the open worldness is, being able to solve the puzzles any way you want, it feels as if they had to cut corners when it came to the plot 💀 Like it's some afterthought djsbdkwnkdns Having cutscenes fully voice acted has so much emotional power, like I kinda wish they made the most out of it jdjsbkwndke

I've read here in tumblr before about how it's as if the original direction of the zonai shifted, because I do remember Rauru's hand being creepy. And then the game releases and he's apparently a good boi! But it's fine, sometimes art do be like that it just takes a whole new direction. But the way they interweave things w botw is very inconsistent. Like they could have really did more with it yanno

Personally, it would have been better if we didn't start the game exploring the ruins ? the castle depths ? idk what's it called but like, we got to experience following Zelda as she puts in the effort of "restoring Hyrule". We get to see the glimpse of their life together after the calamity.

The thing is, does Hyrule need to be restored? Most specifically, the castle. Also it makes me wonder how people reacted seeing what seems to be the princess of legend come back, the princess they've heard from their grandparents. But I guess it's easy to interpret it with Zelda being vital to their worshipping of Hylia. And Hyrule Castle seems to serve as a seal for Ganon, and for more generations to come

It would have been more meaningful to see beloved characters from the series intermingle with the new characters. Though the new characters look cool, they also feel so out of place. I get that Penn replaces Kass in terms of role but it would still have been fun to see Kass just chilling at home. It would have also been fun to see Zelda and Kass interact, after all Kass' teacher is the court poet that regularly accompanied the princess. They could reminisce the stories of the past... Kass going "Ah, my teacher used to tell me stories of (this and that)" and Zelda enthusiastically recalling these stories... It would also have been cool to see how the whole Zonai Survey Team was formed. Since Tauro was a solo explorer and his passion for field research is what made Zelda choose him to be the leader of the survey team, it would have been nice to have a neat little side quest of getting to know the guy. Same goes for Yona. It would have been less surprising if Link and Sidon were penpals and they'd regularly write to each other, Sidon would recount some childhood memories with Yona. If maybe we were there to welcome Yona as she arrived, her introduction would have felt smoother? I'm not against the idea of Sidon and Yona but their relationship feels so abrupt HABSJABDKANDK Would have been fun to see how Sidon slowly realized he loved Yona, something like that.

I'm really digging the idea that totk zelda should be playable. Totk's story is more about her dilemma. It would have been more meaningful experiencing the Dragon Tears memory as Zelda, we get to move around as her. I mean, she's apparently the strongest Zelda in the series I think it would have been so monumental.

But back to the actual story, it could have been more... Though it's fun seeing that Link isn't as alone anymore, teleporting to Lookout Landing always feels nice because I know that's where Link's friends are, I just wish Zelda had more screentime.

Thankfully the fandom has people rewriting the story to fill in the gaps so that's what I'll be busy reading once I finish the game to scratch the itch that is inconsistent storytelling sjbskdnsns that's my totk rant for today 😘

#a lil myeo rants #totk #spoilers #for those who still havent finished the game #which is also me

[spacewhorl]

Lacuna pt.1

Lacuna: an unfilled space or interval; a gap.

Pt. 2

——

Twenty years ago, a great evil was sealed away. After all the years, the magic finally broke, releasing them once again.

——

When Valdis awoke, it was to light shining in through the cloudy stone above them. Arms straining, he pushed the heavy lid off his… bed? No, coffin. Why was he in a coffin? Why was it inscribed with markings? All questions he could not find the answer to in his hazy mind.

Swinging his legs over the edge, he set his bare feet onto a carpet of moss.

——

When Aiyana was called to once again face Valdis, the Earth Render, she was not expecting to find an ice-white husk of his former self eating a loaf of bread on the edge of a desolate town’s fountain. He still wore those same torn and blood-stained robes but now they starkly contrasted against his ashen skin. Her and her three companions, the guardians of the realm, watched him with swords and spells drawn.

“Did he know any illusion magic?” Callium asked, eyebrows drawn in.

“Not much-” Gladr closed his open fist, letting the strands of his spell flow into motion, “but we can’t take any chances.”

Tendrils of arcane energy stretched taught around Valdis and his body froze. Eyes blinking up, he looked towards the group.

There wasn’t a monologue. No ‘So you’ve come to face me’s. Only silent confusion and fear flicking across his features. He didn’t even seem to fight the spell as Aiyana walked up with Mage Silencer, the shackles made to stop magicians, just looked almost… sad when she took the half-eaten loaf from his unmoving hands.

The shackles clicked into place around his hands and there was feeling like a pressure change as the spell holding him dispersed. She expected an illusion to melt off, for him to return to looking like he had during that last battle. Instead, Valdis just looked small and frail.

Without looking away from the chained mage, Aiyana shouted back to the group, “Cuffs are on, you can approach. Anything he cast should have faded.”

Soon the whole group chatted around her.

“His bindings shouldn’t have broken this soon,” Callium stated.

Aster twirled a dagger around her finger, “He was quite powerful when we bound him, maybe his magic wore away at it?”

Valdis reached downwards, causing Aiyana to yank his hands upwards.

Gladr watched the mage with a neutral expression, even as he reached again for something next to him. Carefully Gladr knelt in front of him and placed his hands on both sides of Valdis’ head, who flinched back. Both of their eyes went white and the other three stood back.

They knew what Gladr was doing: searching through the mage’s mind. After a while, Gladr’s brows creased. When he finally pulled away, color returning to his and Valdis’ eyes, he picked up the forgotten loaf; looking over it he then placed it in the pale hands of the mage, who accepted it with eagerness.

Aiyana glanced to Gladr, “What did you find?”

“This isn’t him anymore,” Gladr responded quietly, “most his memories are gone.”

The others responded in a surprised chorus of exclamations.

Gladr watched the mage chow eagerly on the bread, “When I made his binding place, I tried an experimental spell. I didn’t know if it would work, let alone that it would drain the bindings.”

Bristling, Aiyana spoke with enough ice to freeze summer, “You did it anyways, even after I told you not to experiment?”

“We both know we were unsure if it would bind him for long, let alone at all.” Gladr bristled back.

“That’s all done and dusted, past’s the past-” Aster stepped in between them, dagger flashing, “we have him here and now, weak. I say we just finish him off.”

Callium grabbed Aster’s hand as she went to press a knife to Valdis’ throat. Valdis jerked back, straining against Aiyana’s hold on him.

“You heard Gladr, he’s not the same person.” Callium said forcefully.

“We can’t just let him go, he killed hundreds, Callium!” Aster growled.

“Valdis did, not him!”

“Enough!” Aiyana ordered, “We’re taking him with us until we figure out what to do with him. Gladr ready us for teleportation.”

With a quick sketch of chalk and some magic-infused words, the group of five vanished in a wink of light.

———

Pt. 2

#fantasy #writing #original story #part 1 #please tell me if I made a grammatical error

[ayylmaoasdfghjkl012023]

bro i wanna draw the most unhinged aether proto-protagonist possible. give that boy a grin. no light in his eyes. bro is constantly thinking the wrong way but doing the right things to advance the storyline, bro is self aware, bro does not care.

I know canonically he's like the warmer guy but damn just because a character's nice doesn't mean they can't be mean as hell. Wanna push that up to 10. Only things Aether really needs is getting clues to his sister and finding out how tf to get outta this stupid realm that sealed his shit off and wasting his time. Bro don't wanna bother with the narrative and masks up with smiles when necessary for money, information, and ease of way.

Would probably get a spark in his eye from watching the faceless hordes he's helped explode into fire and heavenly judgement then go and raze over the ruins again not because he's buddy buddy with the system administrators but because he knows he's playing easy mode in a game where he's been playing outside the screen. Just a schadenfreude thing after the sunken cost fallacy of seeing the world he's obligated to save be a real piece of shit.

but then also like lumine as like that kinda gap moe sorta protag that's come in the trails of her brother and is figuring out stuff on the second run of the simulation. She'd definitely give mercy reluctantly. Loves the feeling of getting over gods. Cold but actually the better of the two both combat-wise and personality-wise, but that doesn't make her that kinda naive kinda main character that just does whatever for whatever whoever says what. Energy saver.

Still like her brother would forget every face that came her way except for the useful ones, and try to get to know them to tell a good story once that's all they have left of their time travelling around. Girl exploring the ruins of past civilizations and thinking about the taste of her own dissolved home in the back of her throat, the riveting revulsion of total freedom as the last light in a sea of candles. The power that remains, sealed away by tyrants that can only smile when they meet the end of her blade.

Double agent Lumine going over voluntarily to the Abyss and allying with them from convenience, manipulating the logic of the world to her benefit. Tired but kind to non-human creatures that might make her run around for years to fix things others have broke but have the best foes to fight, because only with the things like Aranara and Melusines can she show her true self as that otherworldly alien no human can understand, not even the Vision wielders to a certain sense. Wanders the deep lore areas of the continent to absorb more about the conflicting logic of the world, the idea of samsaras something that she wants to toy with.

dawg I would draw the fuck outta that if I got good bro it would be so crazy trust trust trusstttttt now just gotta wait for the game plot to actually finish so I can like see how it actually is lmao

#genshin impact #genshin traveler #going insane #back on my bullshit au wise

[globalhint]

Man United 0-3 Man City: Haaland scores again

Man United 0-3 Man City: Haaland scores again. Living rivals Manchester United were humiliated in an ugly home loss, while Manchester City secured derby day ecstasy thanks to a double from Erling Haaland. The world of football turned to Old Trafford for the 191st Manchester derby, the first since Pep Guardiola's team duplicated their 1999 triple crown. Although Haaland's spot-kick and uncontested header sealed the 3-0 victory, City's domination was much more evident than the score indicates. Haaland then fed Phil Foden. Erik ten Hag's United, who have already dropped five of their ten Premier League starting games, saw an abrupt end to an unimpressive three-match winning run in all competitions. Midway through the first half, Haaland gave City the lead with a penalty given following the A purported Rasmus Hojlund tug on Rodri was observed by VAR. Haaland scored another goal thanks to ragtag defending, capping a lopsided victory that Foden sealed with a late flourish. If Andre Onana hadn't made his saves on a day when United supporters jeered Ten Hag for starting Hojlund instead of Hojlund, it would have been worse. Last Sunday, United paid tribute to the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton once more, and it was an awful way to cap off an emotional week. The red-and-blue supporters cheered together prior to a contest that City controlled right away. With just eight minutes remaining, Foden scored a strong header that Onana blocked after Kyle Walker nodded back Rodri's diagonal ball looped upward and, but for Haaland's efforts, would have been carted home by the goalie. It was a let-off, as Jack Grealish was denied by Onana prior to City being given a penalty. VRA When a free-kick was finished, Michael Oliver told Paul Tierney to go to the pitchside monitor to look into a possible pull by Hojlund on Rodri. Eventually, the referee pointed to the spot, and Haaland maintained his composure to send Onana spinning around and wheeling off in celebration in front of the enraged home crowd. The Old Trafford crowd were silenced by that gut punch in the 26th minute, which gave City the upper hand. Away supporters even made light of the atmosphere, comparing it to that of the Etihad Stadium. For the remainder of the opening frame, City dominated as they pressed for For the rest of the first half, City dominated play as they pressed for a second goal that few could dispute, but United had two significant chances to draw even. Hojlund eventually cut back for Bruno Fernandes to rifle over after roaring onto a stray ball and rounding Ederson. The youthful attacker could have wished, in retrospect, that he had fallen following John Stones' powerful build-up defence. In stoppage time, Marcus Rashford's first-time sweeping ball put Scott McTominay behind to take a touch and clear a strike that Ederson had pushed over, bringing United even closer. The noise level inside Old Trafford went up after that, as did Onana's superb save of Haaland's close-range header. Though it appeared to be a moment that may change the game, the City Sharpshooters would never be without a second chance. Following a trade of efforts between Fernandes and Foden, the visitors took advantage of United's weak defensive structure when Bernardo Silva flicked a cross to an unmarked Haaland, who finished at the far post. ALSO READ Rugby World Cup final: South Africa defeats New Zealand in a brutal match A small group of jubilant City supporters screamed, "Mind the gap, Man United," when Onana stopped Grealish from adding to the header in the 49th minute. The away supporters were still making their voices heard, and as Haaland went down, claiming a penalty, the attacking midfielder for England curled over a cross-shot. Rashford's deft touch and strike over the goal's face gave United a fleeting glimmer of optimism, but City soon resumed their attack. In order to prevent Haaland from finishing his hat-trick before Ten, Onana spread himself wide. The choice by Hag to switch Hojlund for Garnacho was greeted with a chorus of jeers. Grealish's deflected attempt went wide, and in the 80th minute, Onana was eventually defeated once more. This time, the supplier was Haaland. Onana deflected Rodri's shot into the path of the striker, who then passed it in for Foden to score. As some United supporters started to leave early, the goal scorer attempted to add an overhead kick. Few could blame them, considering the dismal performance on their side. As the clock ticked down, all they missed was petty jealousy. source credit Read the full article

[danidrabbles]

OCTOBER 12: EXHIBITIONISM

Notes: I got so fluffy yesterday, and even though I loved that, I thought I should slip back into my online kinky writer persona. You know, keep up my reputation. So, it's AU time! Teacher/student AU, to be precise — age gap fans, come get y'all juice!! I'm excited to post this piece. I've discussed it with some of you (paging @highsviolets), and some of you have read it (paging @javier-pena and @frannyzooey). I'm still not sure if it really fits this prompt, but once again: My Kinktober, my rules 😊

Pairing: (professor) Din Djarin x (student) f!reader

Rating: Explicit (18+!)

Word count: 1.5k

Warnings: teacher/student relationship, age gap, by default that also means power imbalance vibes, (sloppy) oral (m receiving), choking, deep throating, degradation, 1 "little girl". Help, I feel like I forgot something... I will add if I see anything more, or do let me know if you see something you want me to add.

--

“Breathe," he instructs gruffly.

He — Professor Djarin — Din (he prefers to be called by his first name — on most occasions) pulls away, and with a nod, you do as he instructs.

In through your nose, out through your mouth.

It's accompanied by a small wheeze, and he chuckles darkly, making you look up at him. His tall, broad frame dwarfs you, even more so from your spot on your knees, and already you feel yourself grow impatient, eager for more of him.

“Good,” Din murmurs, guiding himself back into you before letting go of his cock and brushing a stray hair from your face. “Let’s go again,” and he’s barely said the words before his hips begin moving again.

back and forth, back and forth, back and forth

Your nostrils flare as you try not to gag every time Din fucks into your wet, warm mouth. The head of his cock knocks against the back of your throat, rivulets of spit leaking from the corners of your mouth. It drags a deep, strangled groan from Din’s throat and his hand balls into a fist, pushing it against his lips to muffle the rumble of sound.

A hand at the back of your head forces you to stay in place, stealing your breath. Your own hand reaches up to curl around what can’t fit into your mouth, trying to pull yourself back, in vain, when it becomes too much.

Din lets you sputter for a second—he likes the brief panic in your eyes, you think—before taking pity on you, pulling his hips back.

You gasp for breath as his cock, slick with your spit, slips from your mouth once more. Thick threads of saliva bridge your lips to the tip of his dick, and your eyelashes flutter as a swipe of your tongue breaks your connection to him.

The professor's chest heaves under his button-up as he reaches down to fist his cock, stroking himself to the sight of you; the spit on your chin, the swell of your tits and the hard peaks of your nipples on display where he's rucked up your sweater and bra.

He'd done that after he dragged you to the university library when he finished the English class you attend, after he guided you to your knees somewhere between the bookcases in the back--people rarely got back here, but rarely didn’t mean never, and the fact that he’d risk it… it made you want him even more.

"You want to tease me, girl?” he’d growled as he pulled himself from his slacks. “Open your fucking mouth."

Yeah, maybe you shouldn’t have brought a lollypop to the lecture. Maybe you shouldn’t have put on a show in the front row, slowly pushing the strawberry-coloured knob around in your mouth, rolling the treat over your tongue and hollowing your cheeks as you pulled it from between your lips with a wet smack.

But maybe this is exactly what you wanted.

"C’mere,” Din says now, bending at the waist and grabbing your chin. “Let me have a taste,” he adds, before sealing his mouth over yours. His tongue flicks out to lick at your lips, collecting the sugary taste of the candy and the bitter taste of himself, before opening your mouth with his and feeding it back to you with a push of his tongue.

Despite the things you two get up to, this makes your cheeks colour with something rosy. Arousal blooms between your spread thighs, making you forget the ache in your jaw, the burn of your knees, the tears pricking your eyes and streaking your face.

“You look so pretty like this, sweetheart,” he all but whispers against your lips. “Always my good little girl.”

With a nod you sit up straight for him, pushing your chest out as you do. "Only for you, sir," you rasp.

Din loves it when you say that, and the look he gives you after the title falls from your mouth—the corners of his eyes crinkling, his lips pulling into a smug, cock-sure smirk—makes him look almost painfully handsome; aged, sure, but only a little—just enough.

Just enough to still look incredibly sexy like this, his slacks hanging open, his underwear hooked under his balls, his tie crooked and his reading glasses dangling precariously from the pocket of his shirt that's unbuttoned down to the middle of his chest.

Just enough that he knows just how to please you, how to put you into your place, that the thought of how he fucks you makes your cunt throb with the need to be filled by him again—

Later.

"Please, professor," you say softly as your eyes fall back down between his legs. "Can I have more?" And with a wet sound, you open your mouth, unfurling your tongue for him and showing him what you want.

He gives you a soft sound from the back of his throat when he cups your cheek, strokes the apple of it. "Of course, pretty thing."

He wastes no time, feeds his cock back to you all at once with a thrust that pushes your head against the books behind it. With a harsh suck, you hollow your cheeks, looping your tongue around the thick of him until he pushes in far enough that all you can do is stroke along the underside of him.

Above you, Din’s hands curl around the dark wood, head hanging between his shoulders as he watches your lips stretch to take him. He pulls back with a hiss before pumping his cock back into your mouth, and growls and throbs when you gag.

"Come on girl, take it," he encourages. "You've done it before."

You did, god, you did. But your head is spinning now, you’re so turned on it hurts, and you give in to your instincts. With a fumble, you reach between your legs to press your fingers against your clothed clit. It makes you moan, the short flood of relief making your throat relax, making him slip all the way inside.

"Shit—That’s it, that's good, there you go,” he coos, hips jerking against your face and forcing your nose to press into the coarse, dark hair at his base. “There you f-fucking go.”

He’s everywhere; his scent, his voice filling your ears, the weight and taste of him on your tongue. It’s a lot—it’s too much—and as you desperately hump your own hand and continue to hollow your cheeks around his shaft, you come. It should be humiliating, the rush of slick wetting the fabric under your fingers, the desperate whine cut off by the tip of him—the tip of your professor’s cock—wedged in your throat, the possibility of someone catching you like this, willingly on your knees for him—but it isn’t. It’s all so exciting, forbidden, deliciously taboo, that it only makes your orgasm crest, and rise in intensity.

“Did you just… Fuck, baby, you did, didn’t you?”

The sound of his voice is taunting yet almost proud, and it makes another muffled sound rise from your throat, moaning at his words as much as at the lack of oxygen.

“You’re so fucking needy; desperate little sl—” Din cuts himself off with a choked out groan. “I’m gonna come,” he announces, pulling himself from your mouth and stroking himself furiously. “Gonna fill that pretty mouth, sh-show me your tongue, sweetheart, now.”

In your daze, the sudden rush of air filling your lungs, you catch his words a little too late, making the first spurt of his come land on your chin, but then you’re catching on, sticking your tongue out for him. The hot ropes of milky-white liquid land on the slick muscle, pooling in the middle. When he's through, you swallow him down with a sigh, collecting some of what didn't reach your mouth on your finger and letting it slip between your lips.

The man in front of you curses at the sight of you, another bead of come welling up, and lightning-quick, you latch onto the velvety head of his cock with a firm suck for a final taste of him. He pulls away with a warning sound, overstimulated as he slowly softens.

"Here," he says, reaching in the pocket of his slacks and presenting you with a handkerchief. "Get cleaned up."

As you use the cloth to swipe the sticky evidence of mischief from your face, your neck, he tucks himself back into his underwear, fastens the button on his pants, and straightens his tie. You think this is it, that you have to wait before having him again.

But then he's speaking.

"Get up," he says, a hand closing around your arm and hauling you up, spinning you with ease until you're facing the books.

You heave a soft moan as your nipples brush along the spines, and your throat burns with use when you dare to get a little louder as he presses you up against the shelves, his chest glued to your back. His free hand sneaks down the front of your jeans and his lips find your ear as his fingers slip between your folds,

"I wanna feel how wet that little cunt is from sucking my cock."

--

Thank you for reading! Tomorrow we have... maybeee... probably... possibly... Cockwarming 🤔 Who knows! Guess you've got to check in tomorrow to see if I stick to this choice 😌 Oo sign up for my taglist so you'll get notified!

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#kinktober 2021 #dani writing #din djarin #din djarin x reader #din djarin x you #din djarin au #the mandalorian #the mandalorian x you #the mandalorian x reader #fanfic #pedro pascal character fanfiction

[i-got-these-words]

Short Midnight Drabble ~

[Content warnings: Excessive drinking; dubious consent; victim self-blaming; jealousy; explicit sexual content; explicit language.]

The rhythm in his head had but one name. Tequila.

Guan Shan winced as a shooting pain lanced through him, striking dead centre in the space between his eyes like a rusty nail trying to screw its way through his skull. His heavy and only-somewhat-cooperative tongue rolled around a tart curse that would have had his mom smacking him upside the head and scolding him six ways to Sunday.

Fuck a cheese grater. Where was he?

Prying his eyes open, Guan Shan squinted into the dimly lit room, thankful that someone had had the foresight to draw the vertical blinds closed. The scintillating shimmer of a spring dawn spilt through the narrow gaps, casting the room and its slumbering occupants in hues of cerise and new beginnings.

Guan Shan didn’t recognise them, and he sure as fuck didn’t believe in new beginnings. Or second chances. He was forced to clench his teeth against a wave of nausea when he tried to sit up, his body stiff and protesting. He took a few steadying breaths through his nose as the rusty nail asserted itself once again, burrowing deeper and laying claim to his alcohol-addled brain.

The room was littered with the usual post-party detritus, but in place of ransacked snack bowls, disposable red cups and crushed beer cans, there were half-empty food platters, fully empty champagne bottles and a slew of personalised confetti.

It came him to then—Jian Yi and Zheng Xi’s engagement party.

He instantly regretted coming. Then, just as quickly, felt bad for even thinking it; Jian Yi was the closest thing Guan Shan had to a friend, even if Guan Shan would never admit it. But then he remembered how, in the face of his hesitation, Jian Yi had assured Guan Shan that he wouldn’t be attending. After all, he was halfway across the globe and had already sent his apologies and felicitations in the form of an outrageously luxurious RV disguised as an engagement gift.

Shit.

Guan Shan needed to get out of there.

He took his time levering himself to his feet, swaying a little as the room spun. Gingerly, he lumbered past the handful of dozing guests, most of them more scantily dressed than they had been at the beginning of the party, limbs twisted around a partner—or partners—a piece of upholstered furniture, or a bottle of top-shelf liquor.

The air was thick with the scents of warm, canoodling bodies, an eye-watering floral fragrance someone had drenched themselves in the night before and the lingering traces of eau de fuck mist. Wrinkling his nose, Guan Shan scowled at the thought of partygoers going at it right there in the living room whilst he was passed out drunk on the couch. What happened to having some goddamn decorum?

Meandering out into the hallway in search of his chukka boots, Guan Shan rubbed his temples and wondered if it was too early in the day for the Sunday trains to be running. He considered getting an Uber back to his place, but he was trying to save up—for a wedding gift, a fucking suit because the one he owned was only fit to be worn at funerals, smart shoes that hadn’t been bought at a thrift store, and a round or two of over-priced drinks at the joint bachelor bash Jian Yi was already twittering about.

Fuckin’-A. He’d need to budget more tightly than he already had been, but he consoled himself with the option of selling the suit and shoes second-hand post-wedding and making up for the difference by picking up a few more shifts at the restaurant.

And making do with less than three hours of sleep a night.

Putting his monetary worries to one side, Guan Shan spent the better half of a minute getting tangled in the loose end of a congratulations banner that had come half-undone from the wall. As he passed the kitchen, he caught the time on the microwave’s digital display: five fucking am. The first train wasn’t due til half six.

Mood souring, Guan Shan ran a frustrated hand through his shorn hair, a little stiff and sticky from the product he’d fingered through it last night. His stomach lurched when he noticed the wretched bottle of jalapeño-infused tequila on the breakfast bar and he wondered why he’d thought drinking himself to oblivion would be a good idea. Not only had it been one of his more foolish decisions, it hadn’t even fucking worked.

Guan Shan could remember, clear as day, how his mouth had dried up and his heart had dithered like a fucking damsel in distress when he’d spotted He Tian sauntering through Jian Yi and Zheng Xi’s verdant backyard. With his signature cocksure swagger, He Tian had garnered the attention of many a guest sprawled on rattan garden furniture. Guan Shan had envied them their insouciance as they sipped chilled champagne from sparkling glasses and got their fill of a fabulous ass furnished in dark denim. Guan Shan, on the other hand, had ensconced himself in the kitchen in an attempt to avoid crossing paths with his ex.

That, too, hadn’t fucking worked.

With an hour to kill, Guan Shan found himself in the guest bathroom, splashing his face with arctic-cold water in the hopes that it would chink away at the haze of his hangover. In anticipation of having overnight sojourners, Jian Yi or Zheng Xi—more likely the latter—had stacked a pile of sealed toothbrushes and bottles of mouthwash on the window ledge.

Guan Shan felt marginally human after he’d scrubbed his teeth and freshened up. He chanced a look in the mirrored cabinet above the sink and grimaced. His rose gold hair, which had been a deliberate mess of spikes at the beginning of the night was now nothing short of a grooming disaster. His cheeks were flushed from the cold wash, masking the dusting of freckles on his face that bloomed and waned with the seasons. Normally a blazing liquid copper, his eyes were a dull brass, tarnished by too many shots and not enough winks.

The mouth-watering aroma of morning coffee wafted through from under the bathroom door and Guan Shan hoped whoever was up was brewing it strong. He was downing a couple of Advil he’d filched from the small cabinet when he noticed a bruise peeking out from the collar of his shirt. He leaned closer to the mirror, trying to get a better look.

Motherfucker. It was an honest-to-fuck hickey.

As his already-shit mood took a nosedive, Guan Shan ground his molars, the flush on his cheeks deepening with anger. Who the fuck had put it there? And when? Guan Shan couldn’t remember making out with anyone last night and, given that he was fully clothed sans shoes, the necking session had probably not gone past first base.

Probably.

Had he been so blitzed out that he couldn’t remember letting someone suck a bruise on his person? Fuck.

Fuck!

Guan Shan’s ire took an ugly turn. He shouldn’t have put himself in that fucking position. He should’ve known better. Seeing He Tian had fucked him up and Guan Shan had responded by getting shitfaced.

Eyes stinging, Guan Shan swiped viciously at his face with another palmful of frosty water. Just as he turned to the toilet and unzipped his fly, the bathroom door swung open.

He Tian paused in his stride to blink at Guan Shan. Then proceeded to make his way to the sink.

“Do you fucking mind?” Guan Shan growled, ignoring the way his insides squirmed at the sight of a sleepy-looking He Tian: softly tousled locks, a rumpled silk shirt and black boxer briefs that were so tight his dick was one cough away from indecent exposure.

Opening the cabinet and rummaging through the contents, He Tian mumbled a curt, “Nope.”

Guan Shan knew he was on the verge of snapping, and he let his anger simmer to a boil as He Tian popped the cap off the Advil container and knocked back a few pills. When he was done guzzling a mouthful of water right from the tap, his gelid grey eyes slid to Guan Shan. He Tian lofted a dark brow and the motion shouldn’t have been as sensual as it was.

“It’s not like you haven’t pissed in front of me before,” He Tian mused. “In fact—”

“Finish that sentence and you’ll be shitting out your own teeth for the next year,” Guan Shan snarled.

A smirk ghosted He Tian’s lips and the challenge in his eyes made Guan Shan’s stupid heart stutter like a gin-soaked queen in stilettos. “—I distinctly recall how much it turned you on.”

The illusion that he had any self-control around He Tian shattered as Guan Shan pivoted on his heel and plunged towards the taller man, fists raised and powered up.

But He Tian was ready for him. He’d always been fucking ready for him.

Guan Shan’s knuckles barely grazed the hard-lined jaw it was aiming for as He Tian swiftly dodged to the side. When Guan Shan brought up his left elbow to ram it into He Tian’s obscenely, perfectly straight nose, He Tian ducked like he was made of liquid and not the stacked muscle Guan Shan knew was rolling under that naturally tan skin. He Tian countered with a friendly jab to Guan Shan’s kidney; it wasn’t meant to hurt, and it didn’t. But it did momentarily surprise Guan Shan and He Tian predictably took advantage of his hesitation.

The bathroom cabinet shook as Guan Shan’s back collided with the tiled wall.

He Tian closed in on him, outstretched arms boxing Guan Shan in from either side and leaving He Tian wide open to a counterattack, one that they both knew wouldn’t come.

Guan Shan blamed his sluggish reflexes on the hangover from hell and, this close up, he could see that He Tian hadn’t come away completely unscathed either from a night of liberal drinking and liberal morals.

His eyes were rimmed pink, half-lidded and weary. His weekend stubble was a velvet shadow that would have taken a younger He Tian a week to grow out. His post-party redolence was a mixture of faded cologne, the spicy notes of celebratory fizz, and a familiar musk that reminded Guan Shan of lazy mornings in bed, sun-warmed sheets, and an intimacy that didn’t involve swapping spunk.

Guan Shan’s throat tightened like a vice when he spied the flecks of dark red on He Tian’s crumpled white collar, and the grisly bite mark on the side of his neck that was responsible.

“I’ve barely said two words to you and you’re already trying to break my face,” He Tian drawled in a voice that was as deep as it was dark, and made all the more dangerous by a disarming smile. “What crawled up your ass this fine morning?”

Read the full fic here: Love Bites and Bruises

#19 days #19 days fic #fanfic #fanfiction #drabble #tianshan #he tian #mo guan shan #love bites and bruises

[ignisnocturnalia]

I think I've figured out how I want to write these (Exposition/mini story, when relationship is established HCs actually start) based on a previous statement I made, also ANOTHER REQUEST! All headcanons are placed at the back of the story part. Let's get this ball rolling!

Crow x Reader

"Now, if he ever flies too far from the nest?" Spider leans forward, "Boom." Your stomach made a flip at the kingpin's explanation, and you've never been more uncomfortable to have your Ghost out in the open. Some part of your mind is saying 'Who cares? That's the man that killed Cayde', but another half is saying 'He has no idea. It isn't fair to judge him for something he can't remember'.

That meeting had happened an hour ago and you couldn't get his dumb gray face out of your head. He looked so.. sad. Regardless, having a Ghost rigged with explosives did not sit right with you at all. Spider wanted you to help him with his Wrathborn problem? Sure, alright. When all of this was over, you knew exactly what you wanted your payment to be.

One large change about the new light that you've found impossible to ignore is diminutive he is. His commentary after successful hunts and small chats after a lure upgrade is administered are curt. Even more surprising is his willingness to present mercy to the corrupted Fallen. He is nothing like Uldren.

Acknowledging this division between his past and present self is when you start to realize that you like working with him. A lot. Probably more than just work, but will you admit it? No. Besides, you tell yourself, he really doesn't look like he's searching for a relationship while figuring himself out.

Petra often asks why you've taken to visiting the Tangled Shore so frequently now, and everytime you scramble to spit out an answer, something stupid like "Spider has a good deal running right now". In some part, it's true, since when you're not hunting Wrathborn you're showing Crow how to do Guardian stuff and explaining Last City life to him. His calm and curious demeanor is extremely cute, and the velvet sound of his voice does not help.

When Spider has both of you run point on a mission you always look to the rafters of the building to try and see him or listen for his steps. He's annoyingly good at stealth. The only time you ever had to be stealthy was in the Gorgon's lair and the Pleasure Gardens. You wish you could speak to him unfiltered; if Spider ever discovered your crush he wouldn't let you hear or see the end of it.

As the months dragged on and you came closer to catching the High Celebrant, you caught yourself anxiously wondering what lie at the end of it all. What if Spider didn't let you take him? And if he did, would Crow stay with you or do his own thing? Greedy little thoughts ran through your head as you thought of all the times you shared together, both of you visibly happy in your eyes.

As much as you'd like to live a runaway life with him and hope he felt the same, you knew it was wrong. He'd get restless, and you'd start fighting. Whatever he chose to do, is what you would let him do. Osiris has taken notice of your feelings, and the knowing glances he gives when no one else is looking sets your face on fire, acting like he doesn't have a thing for Saint always writing those letters when he's on death's doorstep; dramatic is what you say.

Soon enough, all of your close friends can tell you like someone, but they simply can't figure out who. Ironically, the day you work up enough courage to ask him to be your partner is the same day he pins the location of the High Celebrant. The morning is tense, and just getting ready for the big fight is sending energy through your body. Crow, on the other hand, seems much more grim. It makes sense, really; you're the one who's been slaying gods over the years.

You're guard is quickly brought up when Spider summons you for a talk in the main room. You listen to his next words with a fierce intensity.

"Do not let him so close, or spoil him with pretty dreams. Kill the High Celebrant. Break Xivu Arath's hold over my Shore, and you can claim any prise in my lair as your reward. You'll have earned it."

Hiding a smile, you nod and make your way to disembark on your mission; looks like you won't have to ask.

The Dreaming City was as mystical as ever, and you vaguely wondered if Petra had seen you come in. Making quick work of the scarce Hive, you found yourself in Harbinger's Seclude. The massive Cryptolith was impossible to miss, and a full body shiver racked you as you approached it. This was it.

Stabbing the lure into the roots, Crow's voice filled your comm channel.

"Ha! Tagged it! It's bleeding energy and on its way back to you." Your heart jumped at his excited tone. Nobody had any business being that cute. The trademark screech of a Hive portal drowned out all noise, and your next big fight ensued.

The next period of time was spent chasing the Celebrant through realms, until, that is, it sealed the last portal. Osiris had given weak condolences, but you weren't going to give up on Crow. Not today! The blight high above you twinkled teasingly as frustrated tears swam over your eyes as you attempted scrambling up the large Awoken statue, just barely missing the hand and falling back to the ground uselessly.

The silence was becoming overwhelming, deafening, even. Osiris continued to tell you to return to fight another day, but he was too important for you to just leave behind.

"Maybe there's enough Hive magic left in the lure to find another way through!" For once, your Ghost didn't parrot the obvious; you almost wanted to kiss him. Turning around with a new fire, you thrusted your lure into the crystalline floor over the last trace of the High Celebrant's blood. Sure enough, platforms much like those of the Dreadnaught revealed themselves over the edge of the bridge.

You wasted no time, racing over every gap and closing in on the blight. Palpitations overtook your heart when Crow's voice returned to the feed, spewing some kind of death message. Death wouldn't take him. Especially not if you had anything to say about it.

Jumping through the portal, you recognize the bitter feelings of anguish. This is exactly how you felt when Sundance's light washed over the Prison of Elders. Not again.

By the time you see the High Celebrant, all you're seeing is red. Faintly, you remember how Drifter said the Hive in the system were scared of you; good. They should be.

Bullets fly and the ether sings with each corrupted Fallen whose head flies by your gun. If you weren't so pressed for time, you would've strangled the Wizard that had your sought after stolen Light. Standing in the pool of green magic, you turn a furious glare on to the Celebrant and unload your heavy straight into its bony head. Something inside of you lurched in desperation to finish the kill when it summons a portal, trying to make for a retreat and trapping you at the center of the room.

"Crow! The portal!"

"I see it! Now finish it!" Just as he says those words, the trap falls and the portal across the room implodes, sending the High Celebrant to its knees. Your body erupts with power as you descend upon the Hive that killed Sagira and nearly killed Crow, sending it off with your super into the abyss.

Heaving a sigh, your brain finally has a chance to clear with no more present danger. In fact, your chest swells with affection as your Ghost confidently speaks of his trust in Crow followed by his reply.

"It's been an honor, Guardian."

Finally leaving the location, Celebrant head included, you decide to sleep on your short trip back. Your Ghost wakes you up before you land, and when you transmat your eyes immediately fall on Crow, who is safe and sound. Behind your helmet, you smile wearily at the former prince.

The moment you step into the Spider's lair, the air is thick with tension. You can tell the kingpin is pleased to have the Shore cleansed of Hive corruption, but also upset that he has to give up one of his prizes.

"It's done." You say firmly.

"So it is... so it is," he leans forward in his seat with a leer, "All right, Guardian. As promised, you can have a prized bauble from my lair as compensation for your... heroics." The last word rolls off his tongue with a quiet distaste, and you have no problem returning the feeling.

"I want... him." Jerking your head in Crow's direction, you can feel the energy crack through the room.

"Cute. Real funny." Your brows crease in impatience at his dismissive snicker.

"You said anything in the room." You do your best to keep your eyes off of Crow; a distraction now could be bad news. Spider lets out a terrible laugh as his guards step forward, readying their spears.

"Oh... You really want my little bird," he puts an uncomfortable amount of importance on the words "really want", "Fine. You can have him." The large Fallen turns his gaze to Crow, mockingly waving his arm upward.

"Fly away," he looks back down at you, "and get the hell out of my lair."

No further instruction is needed as you and Crow make your leave. As you exit the safehouse, both Glint and your Ghost come out.

"Now what?" Glint looks to Crow for an answer. The reality of the event settles on the Awoken, and he looks at you in a way he hasn't before.

"Why would you do this for us?"

As a formality, you've never taken off your helmet around Crow. He'd never seen, or even had an idea about your face, until... now. The tear streaks from the mission are still on your face, slightly visible in the dim light. Walking over to him, you slowly bring your eyes up to his. He doesn't move away, but you do notice with a flash of hope that a blush is starting to grace his cheeks at your proximity. Clenching your eyes shut, you close the gap between you two and press a kiss to his lips.

He freezes for a moment before placing his hands on your shoulders, and you pull back afraid that you've just made the wrong move.

"I... uh." His eyes dart here and there before settling back on yours. His face straightens out, and then he hesitantly leans forward into your range again. This time, he's the one kissing you.

Both of you leave the Tangled Shore together.

Relationship HCs

He never fails to pick you up during your special brand of greeting, which is running straight at him and jumping into his arms. You even do the little spin around like those movie couples

He's okay with subtle PDA like handholding, but nothing too extreme such as kissing in front of others; he prefers to keep more intimate moments between you and him

Surprisingly eager for cuddles with you at the end of the day

He will let you indulge yourself by doing stupid things every once in a while, like seeing how much whipped cream you can put in his mouth before he can't take anymore

There are times when you just talk about random stuff because he knows you like the sound of his voice

He usually has to calm you down whenever another Guardian stares too long. You see it as a threat, and you're ready to defend your glowing boyfriend with your life

When you're not busy with Vanguard tasks, you're bringing him to the planets that weren't swallowed by the Darkness and showing him the layout, along with whatever endemic life is present

He becomes enamored with Earth's crows, which you had expected

Whenever he has visions of his past, he'll tell you and you do your best to fill in with rudimentary details such as location or time; you hope he never remembers the moment when you had to kill him

You especially love playing with his hair, it's nearly softer than silk and you are intrigued by the white streaks at the front of his cut

Both of you will decide to sit down every once in a while and just touch each other's face; you prefer running your hands along his jawline and cheekbones while he'll brush just under your eyes and along your temples

Dates can range from a quiet, romantic dinner to hunting down large and difficult quarry

Whenever you find a Golden Age waltz piece, you bring it to him and give it a listen; these sessions always end with you two dancing and swaying with each other

Truly, a couple of many talents

NSFW 👁👄👁

The first time you get anywhere close to the act he's so unsure of himself you both stop and instead explore each other at the surface level

No matter how many times he sees you nude his face is a blushing mess everytime

The first few times you take the lead, but once you both get over the fact that you've exchanged pleasantries he's the one who figures out he likes to be dominant in bed

He's vocal to an extent, mostly heavy breathing/moaning and grunts to let you know exactly how good you feel

He's super into bondage (who would've known?) whenever you're the one tying him up

He always prefers the ability to see your face, and whether it's because he can see your face contort in pleasure or because he can lock with you in a heated kiss, you can't tell

His sides are usually ticklish, but they act more like erogenous zones when both of you are deep into it

He starts out rough since he isn't used to this kind of activity at all, but over time he finds a balance between being gentle and absolutely blowing your back out

He's likely to caress your arms and waist the whole time to add another sensitive layer to your already overstimulated body

He also likes draping his body over yours, and with how hot his chest is and the press of his lower body? You're not arguing

Once you finish, he either goes straight to sleep while huddling against you or you convince him to get up so you can shower together

I have 2 asks for Drifter HCs, but I'm implementing a personal/request system so I can keep my monsterfucker train going. The next HCs I'm releasing are for Nokris, then I'll do Drifter HCs, and for now my last personal writing will be for Ghaul

#destiny 2 #relationship headcanon #crow x reader #destiny spider #osiris #saint 14 #cayde6 #uldren sov #destiny crow #petra venj #xivu arath

[ireallylikejonouchi]

𝙽𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚑𝚢𝚘𝚗 𝚗𝚘 𝙼𝚊𝚐𝚘 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠

Written and drawn by Shiibashi Hiroshi, Nurarihyon no Mago is a manga series that ran in Weekly Shonen Jump with 210 chapters, 25 volumes. It’s about a Japan that has a massive Yokai underbelly, consisting mostly of yokai yakuza clans that run certain parts of Japan. The protagonist, Rikuo Nura, is the third heir of the Nura clan, kingpin of Kanto. His grandfather is the legendary Lord of Pandemonium, the yokai Nurarihyon, but Rikuo is only a quarter yokai, having a half-human father and a full human mother. As a child, Rikuo thinks yokai are the coolest thing, but his classmates mock him for this, not believing that they exist, and finding it even weirder that someone could admire them. Rikuo is told that it is his destiny to take on this role, and that he cannot live a human life. Hearing stories about evil yokai who enjoy making humans despair, Rikuo decides that yokai are terrible and he wants nothing to do with them. When Rikuo’s classmates are attacked by some rebellious yokai from the Nura clan, who are unhappy about their new leader being a quarter-human child, Rikuo awakens to his yokai blood and transforms in order to defeat them. He decides here that he will become the third heir in order to subdue yokai that would bring terror to humans with his “Fear,” the power system of the series.

With the synopsis out of the way, from this point on there will be spoilers. Be wary. I’ll try my best to spoil only what’s necessary in order to get my point across.

The beginning of this manga takes its time setting up character dynamics with short story arcs, as well as establishing what the yokai of the world are truly like with various examples of opinionated yokai antagonists. Some consider it boring, and I can understand why, but I think it pays off very well. The characters are incredibly likeable and fun. Even the ones that don’t have very much development are still a joy to see on the page when they show up. Rikuo himself is simultaneously a complicated character and a very easy character to follow. The first chapter takes place a couple of years before the second one, and his childish judgement to go from worshiping yokai to hating them is intentionally so. The story is about his growth. Rikuo is told that he must take on this role, he denies, but eventually accepts under his own terms, and for his own reasons. This ultimately sets up what his character arc will end up becoming, as one of his final conflicts at the end of the story sees him battling against another half-yokai, Abe no Yoshihira, who believes it is his duty to follow his evil father’s plan because of his "cursed” mixed blood. Rikuo doesn’t simply reject this title, but he also doesn’t accept out of obligation. He accepts this as an opportunity to bring about change. The change he wants slowly evolves from protecting humans to bridging the social gap between human and yokai so that they may find peace together. Fate shouldn’t be fought against or ignored, but you must make whatever you can out of it. Rikuo feels that connecting human and yokai is something only he can do as a half-yokai, so he feels a responsibility to carry this out, yet it is also what he truly believes in and wants. He is a leader because he was graced with the opportunity to bring about a better world. Your fate is only what you perceive it as. The final villain Abe no Seimei believes that human and yokai are fated to be at odds forever, and that influences his evil plan to purify the world. Both are believers of fate to some extent, the message isn’t something as simple as “defy fate” or “there is no fate,” which I appreciate. This manga is very good about exploring all facets of the themes it presents, which I will give more examples of shortly.

The power system is an interesting one. To quote the wiki, “ Osore (畏, Fear) is the term that denotes the unique skills and traits of each yōkai. It refers to the "fear" of the unknown, an emotional reaction produced when the yōkai represent themselves as "monsters". As yōkai first existed as creatures who induce fear in humankind, the general concept of "fear" revolves around being feared and respected by humans and making them feel small and weak. It involves exerting a wall of pressure to make one's presence feel larger than the actuality. When done correctly, this also creates a change in the mood and surrounding air - as seen whenever a dense fog appears when a Hyakki Yakō gathers in the series. Itaku states that Osore only applies to scaring humans.“ Fear is an inherently negative word, especially when associated with demons. However, Rikuo is proud of his fear, despite scolding yokai who scare humans. Fear in this manga is not quite so black and white. Rikuo’s form of fear is reverence, admiration. He considers this to be a form of fear, and he is indeed proud of the awe he is able to inspire within his followers as well as his enemies. Rikuo is able to use a power that comes only thanks to his human side, letting a yokai haunt his humanity while keeping control with his yokai half, performing Equip and gaining that yokai’s powers, but only if they entrust themselves to him. It is the ultimate representation of the Fear that Rikuo believes in. For the core power system of the series to have such a double meaning about it speaks to the coming complexities, and it is incredibly fitting for this story, as I hope to convey.

Fate, lineage and connection to history are the main themes of this manga. Many of the characters in the story are tied to tradition before it starts, and have to be brought out of that by Rikuo and his progressive mindset. One’s blood is used to portray this theme in an interesting way. Rikuo’s father, Rihan, describes him as a symbol of hope for the future. Rihan longed for a world where human and yokai could get along, yet he came into constant conflict with both evil yokai and evil humans, as his son Rikuo would soon come to do as well. Rikuo loved his father, and carries on his dreams. However, similar to his “fate” of leading the clan, his respect for his ancestors is well-informed by his individual beliefs, and not from any kind of feeling that he MUST do what his ancestors wished. Abe no Yoshihira failed here, becoming a slave to his perceived fate. Hagoromo-gitsune, the main antagonist of the Kyoto arc as well as Abe no Seimei’s mother, was tied to her blood relations as well. She did everything for her son, who was soon to be reborn again into this age. She had her own image of an ideal world, erasing humans and making a world full of yokai, but she didn’t consider her child’s ideals, which she could have presumed from Seimei’s suffering he received when both human and yokai betrayed him. Seimei is born and casts Hagoromo-gitsune into hell, declaring that he will purify all life from the world, as neither human nor yokai can be trusted. Abe no Seimei is the agent of fate, declaring that all living things on Earth have doomed themselves to a fate of death thanks to their own horrible and greedy nature. Abe no Seimei is a half-yokai himself and he has found solace from neither of those sides. Rikuo, however, does not give up. He equips himself with the true fear of this reality that places him in-between two worlds, unable to fully enjoy life as a human or a yokai, refusing to resign himself as Seimei did, and instead fighting against the fate Seimei enforces by bringing together humans and yokai, including Hagoromo-gitsune, in order to seal the final blow against him.

You may be wondering what it means that Rikuo was able to finish off Seimei by fusing with his mother. Well, you see, Hagoromo-gitsune is sort of, in a way, Rikuo’s mother as well. You see, before Rihan had a child with Rikuo’s mother, he was married to another woman, Yamabuki-otome. For context, Abe no Seimei is a man who reincarnates throughout generations, as does his mother, Hagoromo-gitsune. Some time after Yamabuki-otome’s death, Seimei used her to take revenge on Rihan for disrupting his plans, by reviving her as a child and turning her into the host of the yokai Hagoromo-gitsune, sending her with false memories and subliminal orders to kill the man she loved when she was alive. Once she had killed Rihan, her human self hid itself away in despair and Hagoromo-gitsune was able to take control of her body for good. In modern times, after being cast into hell by Abe no Seimei, she is revived by Nurarihyon in anticipation for the final battle. After encountering Rikuo and his burning feelings in Kyoto, she had regained her human memories before being struck down by Seimei. Upon her most recent revival, she found she had feelings for both Rikuo and Seimei, and considers both to be her children. She regrets that her feelings for Seimei had ended up being met with treachery, and she goes to confront him. When she hears his full plan, she decides to do kill him herself, though she fails. She feels it her duty as a mother to make up for not understanding his suffering earlier, as it’s now too late to reason with him. Hagoromo-gitsune’s progression comes from her ability to find love for her yokai followers, considering them to be her children all the same as Rikuo and Seimei, and learns that she should have seen this love all along rather than being blinded by her obsessions with her blood son. Once again, she values her children and the blood she shares with them, but she is only able to find happiness when she realizes that the feelings she has for them don’t have to be restricted to only them simply because they are her kin, and similarly she does not need to follow Seimei’s plan just because she thinks it’s what a mother “should” do. Fusing with Rikuo is the culmination of this. While Rikuo is technically her kin, as Seimei is, we see through her arc that she has matured and learned to spread her love. So even though without context it would seem that she simply went from one child to the other, we can see the complexities of this and see how it relates to Rikuo’s arc, accepting something not out of obligation, but from your own will. 

By coming to a true understanding with the woman that Abe no Seimei had discarded, his mother, and her doing the same, an act that seemingly defies their fates (Rikuo’s fate to be a cold yokai ruler and Hagoromo’s fate to be a slave to her child’s whims), they’re able to defeat him and sever fate itself.

The Hundred Stories Clan Arc is one that I really appreciate for showing me how truly interesting Rikuo was as a character. I hadn’t realized it up to that point, and it’s clear why. His characterization and progression is subtle. The text doesn’t tell you how Rikuo grows, the art and his actions do. When humanity told of Rikuo’s half-yokai status is convinced that he must be killed for the safety of Japan, Rikuo is forced to face the fact that the humans he wants to protect are not perfect, and have as many imperfections as yokai do. Humans can be greedy, they can do horrible things when they’re afraid. In a backstory, the leader of the Hundred Stories Clan is shown to be a despicable human from Japanese history named Sanmoto Gorozaemon, who takes control of yokai to secure his political and social power, and turns himself into a yokai in order to secure that power. When a member of his clan is assaulted by humans who don’t care about the harm they’re causing, some of them even reveling in it, through facial expressions we can see him struggling with the thought of killing these humans to end the conflict, or out of revenge possibly. Shiibashi leaves this to the reader’s interpretation and it works wonders, he has no internal monologue relating to this feeling and nobody points out that he seems crazed or anything. It’s some panels that you could easily miss if you’re reading too fast.

In this panel, we are shown his reaction to a female yokai appearing and tormenting the humans that were tormenting him and his clanmate just moments ago. Even when he showed such rage at the humans, seemingly almost snapping, he decides he needs to stop the yokai from killing them. However, the expression on his face conveys perfectly how complex his emotions are over this. Despite how confidently he’s saying he needs to save them, his face almost looks like he doesn’t want to. Of course, he overcomes this and saves them for the sake of his dream.

It’s clear to see the moral dilemma he’s going through and it’s conveyed entirely through art and subtext. This is confident storytelling, and not to mention incredible artistry. Shiibashi has a certain maturity and respect for the reader that is hard to find in Shonen Jump manga sometimes.

Rikuo’s fight against the yokai artist Kyosai in this arc is notable for being similar to what I just described from the beginning of the arc.

Kyosai has an interest in turning human women into yokai using his painting techniques, including one of Rikuo’s classmates. Enraged, Rikuo engages him in combat with his newly acquired Attack Mode, which switches his Fear from a defensive technique to an offensive one, and changes his hair from white with black underneath it to having half of his hair being black on one side and the other being white. As the fight progresses, Rikuo is continuously injured and decomposed by Kyosai’s abilities, burning his flesh and scarring Rikuo black.

Rikuo’s deteriorating mental state during this arc is conveyed visually through his design, with both the way he is inked as well as his literally evolving design, his new transformation. He’s never had to confront these kinds of humans and yokai before. This leveling of suffering is new to our middle school-aged protagonist. After Kyosai is defeated, his momentary rage subsides but he is still scarred, physically and mentally. Encho, the acting leader of the Hundred Stories Clan, betrays Sanmoto’s reincarnated brain for personal gain, confusing Rikuo who is already in a fragile mental state. He struggles to comprehend the enemy, as he had been forced to face humans that he wanted to protect, yokai that despised those humans, and even his own best friends. Once again, exclusively visually conveyed and up to interpretation.

At the end of this arc, he accepts the help of his friends, his aide Yuki-Onna, and equips with her, washing himself of the stress he’s in and covering him in a beautiful veil of ice. His design goes back to normal in order to show this, and get across just how much his friends mean to him, in a truly impactful way that really strengthens the theme by giving real weight to his connection with both his yokai and human lives.

Every arc is strong in its own way, I simply wanted to discuss the few that best show what I’m trying to say. I hope you now understand why I love this manga so much and why I think you should read it. I promise the things I’ve spoiled here are only a fragment of the whole experience, and your appreciation will only grow as you experience the full context by reading the manga. If I got across what I wanted to, then you understand that this manga cannot be explained as much as it can be experienced. There are probably more things that I never noticed, maybe you’ll discover those before I do.

This manga is an ode to the future, to humanity. We can overcome our differences and coexist. Perhaps all it takes is for one person to take the fear that we as people feel in our daily lives onto themselves. The fear that there can never be change, the fear that our road only ends in sadness. The fear that our history defines us. The fear that we must conform to our duty. The fear that accepting a duty strips us of individuality. The fear that we can never bring these conflicting aspects of our mind together and find inner peace. The fear that we can never bring the conflicting aspects of people together and find true peace amongst ourselves. Not many people can overcome that fear, but he who is truly strong is he who equips that fear. He who takes that uncertainty of the future and uses it to empower himself and push for that change he wishes to see. This review is my ode to the man who was able to understand what makes people who they are and didn’t let that fear consume him. The man who equips true fear. Thank you for reading.

#nurarihyon no mago #nura: rise of the yokai clan #manga analysis #manga review #shonen #shounen #manga #manga art #rikuo nura #hagoromo-gitsune #abe no seimei #weekly shonen jump #review #i hope i didnt ramble too much

[tiecladartist]

Okay, spoilers beneath the cut because I have some issues with Rise of the Titans.

Tales of Arcadia is one of my favorite series ever. It handled the "Kid is the chosen one" situation brilliantly, every character had depth (even characters like Steve, Eli, the teachers, etc). Theme was expertly handled with each part of the series. Destiny, heroism and sacrifice for Trollhunters; Family, duty and home for 3-Below; Legacy, prejudice and family (again) for Wizards. Every season brought me to tears, made me laugh, made me fear for the safety of the characters and want good things for them after watching them sacrifice over and over again. It is a comfort show for me and always will be.

Now, the movie...

So, I don't think it was bad. I also don't think it was good, unfortunately. The animation took a bit of getting used to after bingeing everything else leading up to this, but I can't deny it was incredibly beautiful. It was especially nice to see places other than Arcadia and Akiridion-5. It started off strong with the train fight, and admittedly there were a lot of scenes I quite liked during the movie. But, just the scenes. I liked moments, but overall it didn't come together quite as well as the shows did.

The biggest factor is likely time. I doubt making this a movie was the initial plan since I know production companies enjoy snubbing out strong series for various reasons. Honestly, I was surprised we got an "ending" at all based on the trends of recent shows being forced to wrap things up prematurely. Even Wizards felt rushed compared to the others and as a result a lot of interesting concepts were brushed over quickly. I mean, I for one would've loved to see more Camelot "filler" shenanigans since those less plot-heavy episodes that we had throughout Trollhunters and 3-Below helped us explore the characters and grow to love them, and we didn't get quite as much of that with Douxie, Archie, Lancelot, Charlemagne, etc. But I digress, this post is supposed to be about the movie, not Wizards.

So yeah, I think Rise of the Titans should've been a show rather than a movie. We could have more time before Nari is captured, focusing on the "where are they now" of all the characters after the year we skipped. Jim gets to cook and eat human food after losing that passion when becoming a troll, adjusting to being human again! Maybe him and Toby talk about Barbara and Stickler being together and how it's kinda weird (Toby could compare it to having conflicting feelings over his Nana dating an alien). Krel and Aja have a call about how it is being the Queen and Steve interrupts because he misses Aja. Perhaps we hear Eli in the background doing something related to the "Secret weapon" and the call gets cut off quickly because this leads to a small disaster on Aja's end that she needs to go fix. Claire is practicing her magic with the help of Zoe while Douxie is off with Nari. NARI AND DOUXIE INTERACT WITH EACHOTHER AND WE ACTUALLY GET TO SEE IT! (Like, I know that they were travelling together for a year and that that is why Douxie is sad when Nari dies, but it didn't impact at all outside of empathy because there was no emotional investment on my end towards their friendship). But yeah, we get to see what's going on with everyone, and then perhaps this first episode ends with the reveal of them being ready for a plan of sorts (luring the arcane order and cutting off their magic. That wouldn't be revealed though). Cut to the Arcane Order in their super secret clubhouse saying they're close to finding Nari and you get a decent cliffhanger.

Episode 2 would start with the train fight and go fairly the same way. We see Jim struggling with fighting with no armor. Or perhaps he has akiridion armor, but it's too rigid or keeps malfunctioning (doesn't fit, so to speak). Only difference is that Jim's arc wouldn't be about whether or not he's still the trollhunter, because we've been through that already and he knows. I could get having moments of doubt, but his full on denial was kinda out of place after everything he went through. Instead, it could be that he feels useless due to now being a burden in a fight. Or perhaps instead he's wrestling with guilt. He's blaming himself since the arcane order got the seals due to them trying to rescue him. Maybe both? Maybe he even misses his troll body and feels that he's too weak now. Yes, he's still the trollhunter, amulet or not, but he's feeling less and less capable of answering this particular call, and that bothers him. He doesn't want to be a burden after all. Fight ends with the train crash, arrest, Douxie swapping with Nari, all the same.

Now, this is where things would go very very differently. Have more time before Douxie and Nari switch back. Let the Arcane order monologue a little more. They want to reset the world because the balance has been shifted? Cool! Tell me more! Did they used to try to get along with the humans? Did they try diplomacy in the past only to fail due to the stubborn humans, and that's why they've decided to take drastic measures? Or if not, explore why they believe they're the ones allowed to decide the balance is off. Is it because they're powerful? Or how long they've been on Earth? Did they reset it in the past and thus know through experience? I don't mind not knowing, since not everything needs to be spelled out for the audience, but there was potential to make them characters rather than obstacles, and it wasn't really utilized to its full potential. Allow Douxie to pick their brains a little instead of immediately swapping him and Nari back and only succeeding in delaying things a few more hours. Hell, if it was a TV show I honestly would've had one or two episodes before doing that while we address how that initial failure (and the fact that magical creatures/aliens were revealed to the world) affected everyone.

Maybe I'll go through and like, actually plot out episodes and stuff, but since I only just finished watching, here's just some various things I'd change:

-Get rid of that whole Steve pregnancy. That was just out of place and rather than the "comedy" breaking the tension, it shattered it completely and distracted from everything. If you wanna explore his father-based character arc, maybe have him and Aja discussing the fact that now that she's queen, she'll need heirs. And maybe Steve isn't sure he could be a good dad due to his history with paternal figures. You could even have it that he's taking care of Nari while her and Douxie are switched, and that leads to a situation where he helps her out and realizes he may be a better dad than expected. Or perhaps Blinky gives him paternal advice. Or Strickler. Or even BARBARA AND JIM like, Steve couldn't be worse than Jim's dad, and letting Steve and Jim bond over that would be nice. There was so much potential, but instead, Steve was reduced to an out of place running gag instead of getting a resolution to his character arc. And hey, if you wanna keep the whole male akiridions give birth thing that's cool, but it's gotta be done in moments where it won't distract. Or, you could even have it be that it means Aja and Steve need to adopt because uh... she's inorganic and he's organic? His body likely isn't actually built for akiridion childbirth despite the movie glossing over this fact? And maybe Steve has mixed feelings about someone else being the dad of his kids, but Coach and him talk about how Coach isn't his biological dad, but that doesn't mean he loves Steve any less.

-GIVE DOUXIE MORE SCREEN TIME! Seriously, had this been a show he would have the most potential for character growth out of everyone. His series was the shortest, so really all he got was a confidence boost and moving past needing Merlin's approval. But there was so much to explore with him still. What was up with that extreme burst of magic after Merlin's death that was never brought up again? How has he been mentally handling singlehandedly guarding Nari against the Arcane order for a year? Once he and Nari switch back, does he feel guilt over not being able to protect her? "Merlin wouldn't have failed like that. He kept her safe for thousands of years, I lasted a little over one". Perhaps, in his constant desire to prove himself to the people he cares about, he takes risky moves to try and save Nari again and make up for his mistakes, similar to how Jim was acting in the movie. Eventually, when he and Nari meet up again when trying to break her controlled state, Douxie is apologizing and talking about how he wants to make things right. He sees Nari as a friend; as family, just as much as Archie, and he doesn't want to lose her like he lost Merlin. He doesn't want to lose anyone else (which would make Archie getting stuck in the other Trollmarket, and Nari's sacrifice even more painful later on if that still happened).

-Krel, Eli and Stewart also needed more time. I get it was a movie, so time was short, but still. Krel's entire thing is that he grew to see Earth as his true home, and we didn't get to address the fact that he was immediately at risk of losing it at all. Not to mention the sheer amount of stuff he'd built for everyone. Like, could you imagine an episode where, to break up the tension (in a proper way, not a weird pregnancy way), in the midst of everyone trying to figure out how to stop the titans, Krel has overworked himself fixing and managing everyone's tech. He has to spend a day resting and disasters ensue as no one knows how to fix any of the stuff he usually manages. Like the tech keeping Camelot afloat, for example. Stewart and Eli could be the ones that end up stepping up to fill the Krel sized gap for the day.

-And I know that these fillers would lower the tension a bit, but like, having the titans need to charge up after awakening (like, absorbing elemental energy or something), or perhaps making the Arcane Order have to collect certain things to break the seals in the first place that they had on their fortress but lost when that was destroyed , or any other kinda obstacle to give time between the train fight and the Titans waking up would give time for less plot-heavy, more character focused episodes. And even after the titans wake up, they were moving super slowly and walking across the planet. It's not like they'd be short on time despite the movie making it seem like walking from china to america was a short jog at most.

-Don't give Toby the amulet. Don't get me wrong, I love Toby very much and literally bawled out loud at his sacrifice scene. But like, it made no sense to give him the amulet? Jim doing everything again with years of Trollhunter experience would help solve a lot of problems from his first go around (and I'm not fully on board with the whole time reset in the first place. Resetting to the start of the movie, or even just the fight with Bellroc would be better). Jim knows the burdens of being a trollhunter first hand, and you really think he'd be okay dumping all that on Tobes? Toby, the guy completely content with being the wingman and helping the people he cares about. Toby, the guy who never worried about not having a grand destiny up until the movie. The guy who in his biggest dreams was a Duke, not a king. I think Toby was well aware of how important moral support is and wouldn't see it as a lame superpower. But even if he did, in a tv show they could explore that in a way where he comes to learn just how much that moral support does for his friends. And if you still want his moment of glorious sacrifice (because I count that as one of the well done moments), then do that! But rather than going back in time to save everyone, make it so they sacrifice the stone to turn back time a bit. Risk their victory to try saving Toby. Have them fight Bellroc together instead of it being just Jim, because it's trollhunters, not trollhunter. It always has been, always will.

-And if you're like "But if they don't go back then Strickler and Nomura stay dead!" Then how about they don't kill them for shock factor in the first place? Have Strickler badly injured instead, because by god Barbara deserves some happiness. And think of the potential scene of her treating his wounds, and the two of them think about how things have changed since that visit to trollmarket when they were both hurt. About how Strickler stuck around, and when Barbara thought she'd lost him it scared her. How she's sick of almost losing everyone she cares about. She could talk a bit about Jim's dad then too, and it could be revealed that Jim was outside because he was going to check on them, but stopped when he realized they were talking. And then later on, he asks about his dad, admitting he overheard, and we get that conversation they had in the movie. And if you keep the Nomura sacrifice, give her more of a moment ffs. Like, she deserved better! Have the death be a sacrifice to save someone else instead of just "oops I got caught and I'm in the sun now". Make it deliberate. Make it her decision after a life of serving others. Finally, she got to be the one in control of her fate, and she chose to protect the people she cared about.

There's so much more I could say about this and the potential that was killed by the lack of time, but this is getting long and I should probably try actually doing the work I need to do today.

Edit (Because this just popped in my head and I need to add it).

THEY WERE LITERALLY AROUND THE ROUND TABLE! THE NINTH CONFIGURATION (which like, screw that there are more than 9 heroes here to save the day) WERE THE NEW KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE. They were there to protect the world, and like... did the bond between Lancelot and Steve just not exist anymore? Did that get timeline erased too? Could you imagine Steve fighting to protect the world, doing his best to protect the people he cared about so that he never loses someone like he lost Lance again? He gets to keep his promise to carry on the legacy of the Knights even after they died. THE POTENTIAL WAS THERE!!! THE SET UP WAS THERE!!! BUT NO! WE GET MPREG STEVE INSTEAD!!

#tales of arcadia #trollhunters #3-below #wizards #toa #toa trollhunters #toa 3below #toa wizards #rise of the titans #toa rise of the titans #rise of the titans spoilers

[sola-whumping]

Umbran, Febuwhump: Memory Loss

Cw: begging without relief, it’s so sad, memory loss, I cried while writing it, emotional whump

Nox had passed training, now only the final touches had to be put in place before he was truly a pet. He had been through the loyalty test and been branded, he had been taught all his commands but he was a bit slow on some of them still. He had been with Gabrial for three months and today was his last day- being himself that is.

Today Gabrial planned to make future training easier on him. He would seal away all his old memories, everything that made Nox himself, and start over. Of course, he would leave subconscious mentions of Nox’s commands- but that was all. For everything else Nox would start over completely.

Gabrial had just finished preparations, a soft nest, some blankets, and warm tea. Things Nox loved, that he might not see again after today. Resetting a pet was something stressful on the creature, Gabrial wanted to make it as gentle as possible on him. He wasn’t completely cruel after all.

He would explain what was happening as it happened, not before. He couldn’t afford Nox getting overly stressed and messing everything up. He walked along the hall, deciding to take Nox through the garden, rather then only through the building. This was his last day after all, he wanted it to be nice.

===============================

Nox had been resting against the wall when Gabrial came to get him. He was nervous, being taken from his cell was almost never a good thing. Gabrial wouldn’t tell him where they were going or what they were doing, only commanding him to follow along.

Surprisingly, he was lead outside into the fresh air of the garden. Gabrial stopped. “You can stay for five minutes and then we keep walking” he allowed.

Nox trilled excitedly. He loved the garden! It was the only place he was able to see grass and feel wind in his wings and just- exist without worry. He admired the flowers, sitting by his favorite bush and running his hands through the grass. He would have laid in it, if he thought that was allowed. Around him, all the plants seemed healthier just by being near him. The young Fae could help them grow, and he did when he had energy to spare.

All too soon his time was up. Gabrial called for him to follow again and he had to leave. He wished the plants goodbye, telling them he’d see them again soon. He didn’t know he was lying.

He didn’t look back once he was inside, just following obediently. He was surprised a second time when Gabrial brought him to a room with a nest and blankets. It was warm in here and everything seemed soft.

He didn’t question anything when he was given permission to lay in the nest and make himself comfortable, he only burrowed into it with a happy chirp. The blankets were so soft and he was tired. He closed his eyes and just rested as Gabrial started to card his hands through Noxs hair.

Nox started to feel more relaxed after a minute, melting into the soft attention. He was happy and he had been having a good day today, he even got to see the garden! He almost never got to see the garden.

Soon enough he started feeling light, like there was too much air in his head and lungs. He felt oddly aware but comforted. It was strange to feel something other then fear. That’s when he noticed something different, gaps in his memory. He couldn’t remember the color of the halls, but he knew everything else. He tried to think of the past few weeks and found similar lapses.

At first he didn’t think much of it, assuming he was just tired or it was an effect of the torture. Gabrial did love to mess with his head so he wasn’t too alarmed.

He relaxed again when the feathers along his jawline, under his chin were scratched. He tilted his head and purred happily. He didn’t even notice when his wrists were restrained with enough give not to stop movement but just enough that he couldn’t leave the nest.

That’s when it really started. He could feel the moment Gabrial started striping him of his memories. He could feel them being pulled out of his head and Away with each stroke of fingers through hair. He didn’t know what was happening, just that something was.

“What- what are you doing?!” He sounded frightened and more then a little startled. He didn’t feel right. Something was wrong and he knew it was intentional. He felt weird but couldn’t place why.

“I’m taking your memories, try to relax, it’ll be over soon I promise” Gabrial soothed, swiping a thumb across his cheek to catch a tear that was falling.

“No- no stop- stop it!” He grabbed Gabrial’s hands, trying to force them away from his head but Gabrial was quicker, forcing him to physically weaken with his power. All Nox could do was hold Gabrial’s wrists while they held his face. He could pretend it made a difference, but he had no power to stop anything that was happening to him.

“Shhhh go to sleep noxie, close your eyes and rest. You don’t have to be afraid here, you can wake up and be happy and not remember ever being bad” Gabrial held his face, shushing him and trying to calm him down.

“No- please- let me stay” he could feel his memories leaving him. Everything that made him him was being ripped away. If he didn’t have his memory, was the person that would survive this him? He decided it wasn’t. “Please! Gabrial I’ll do anything- master” he tried to plead but all he could feel was cold sharp regret. He had already forgotten so much. He didn’t remember what he had forgotten but it felt important.

“Please” he cried, sounding so small and terrified. “please I don’t want to die- I don’t want- I won’t be the same.. I just want to stay- I don’t-” He realized he’d never see his favorite flower again. He’d never see the sun or the moon. He’d never hear another bird sing and he’d never feel the wind in his feathers. He wouldn’t see another sunrise or another leaf fall or feel running water in his hands. He wouldn’t see the golden sunlight or listen to what humans call ‘music’. He wouldn’t have his favorite food ever again- would he have a different favorite? Would he know why he likes what he likes? Would he ever feel grass again?

“Please don’t kill me-“ he looked up at Gabrial and for a second he was in awe. “You’re beautiful- I love you- I’m sorry” he was trying to reach out in any way he could in his last moments. He wanted to say something kind. He wanted to be remembered. He wasn’t going to be remembered. He wasn’t even going to remember himself.

He was going to die here. His mind was going to die here. “I don’t- I’m sorry, Gabrial I’m so sor-rry” he sobbed, grief raw in his chest. He felt big tears roll down his cheeks as he lost more of himself. He grieved for a life not yet lived. He was so young. He hadn’t even learned to fly. “Please- please don’t kill me yet- just one more day” he pled, hoping against hope. He prayed to all the gods he didn’t believe in that there would be mercy, just wanting one to hear him.

He didn’t want to die here. Just- just one more day so he could appreciate waking up in the morning and knowing his name- knowing his name... He didn’t know who he was. He didn’t know his name.

He was dying and he couldn’t remember his name! He was being killed. “Please! Just- just a few more minutes stop!” he cried. He didn’t- he didn’t remember the visit to the garden. He didn’t remember what he had been told when he laid down. He didn’t remember laying down. “I’m sorry- I just want to live” he felt dizzy and sick and horrified that this was happening.

He didn’t know what he had missed. He tried to remember and brought back.... nothing. Nothing but the grief of losing who he was. His mind was a wreckage of agony and anguish, there was no other way to describe the utter sense of loss he felt.

“You’re alright little bird, it’s alright.. I’ve got you” a soothing voice spoke, shushing his cries of fear. They held him in their arms, rubbing his back and hushing him as he sobbed. They cradled him in their arms, making all the hurt better. He didn’t even know why he was upset, just that something felt wrong and it scared him.

He was offered peach tea with honey, and coxed to drink it to help with his sore throat and to ease his headache. The one that came from crying. He was shushed the whole time and helped to drink. It tasted wonderful, he loved it. It was the most beautiful thing he’s ever had. Blankly he realized he didn’t know who he was. This was the first thing he could remember, being held in someone’s arms with the taste of peach tea in his mouth.

“Hello, my name is Gabrial, and you are called Nox”

✨Masterlist✨

Taglist:

@haro-whumps @poisoned-by-royalty @sunset-avenuer @wide-awake-but-comatose @whumpsy-daisies @misspelledwitch @string-of-broken-hearts @captainseconds @febuwhump

#mental whump #memory loss #Febuwhump #begging without relief #all hurt no comfort #febuwhumpday24 #emotional whump #torture #begging #loss of identity #whump #whumpee #whumper #gabrial is annoying #nox has done nothing wrong #poor noxie #whump prompts #i cried while writing this #there’s so many emotions and all of them are SAD

[gumnut-logic]

Daily Dose of Thunderbirds

I absolutely adore this moment where John pulls up the EMP and zaps the Zero XL (Eos will probably never let him forget it - hence why he wasn’t immediately in the cockpit in the scene afterwards - he was checking on Eos). ::wonders if it might be lying around somewhere as a gif that could be gazed at extensively :D ::

But this moment, Virgil and John together like we’ve never seen before (though I have to say that John obviously knows Two well...what don’t we get to see????) Both professional, smart and powerful. It is just great to see them together.

Also headcanon - the EMP was installed after the episode ‘Chaos’ where it was obviously a gap in their toolkit. Brains would have been very annoyed and patched that gap asap.

Aaaah, what am I doing? I’ve written this all in a fic. Have a excerpt of Thunderbird XL (it’s unfinished, but still has a few interesting bits in it).

-o-o-o-

Two was so familiar it hurt.

One was his daydream, but Two was his reassurance.

Virgil didn’t say anything as he helped him through the corridors. A mop of black hair was his only sight as he looked down at the big man under his arm.

The shoulders supporting him were far broader than he remembered. It slowly began to sink in exactly how much he didn’t know. The uniform was familiar. The green baldric and kit. The tools were new and Jeff frowned at them as if to accuse them of betraying his faith in his knowledge. Why Virgil felt he had to carry a screwdriver around with him everywhere, he had no doubt his son could tell him if he asked.

But he didn’t.

They arrived at the room he expected and it was with some relief that it was what he expected.

It wasn’t until Virgil velcroed him to the bed that he saw the dent in the ceiling. “How did that happen?” It was out before he could think twice.

Virgil looked up from the tray of supplies that were not designed for an antigravity environment and frowned at the bulkhead above them.

“Oh, the exo-suit.”

“What was the exo-suit doing in here?”

Virgil pulled out a palm scanner and began a methodical examination. “Got myself trapped in it. Tried to get myself out. Didn’t go well.”

Jeff stared at the side of his son’s head, but didn’t ask the obvious question as Virgil stared at the hologram of a very battered old body above the bed.

Virgil’s hitched breath was the only sound in the room.

“I-I need to give you some supplements. A painkiller would probably be a good idea.”

“No, son. I can last a little longer. Need a clear head.”

Brown eyes caught his for just a moment before looking away. “There isn’t much else I can do until we get you to a hospital.” Virgil turned away, once again fiddling with equipment, unwrapping a hypodermic needle and fussing with a small bottle of liquid. “This is a basic dose of necessary vitamins and minerals.”

Virgil’s eyes were on anything but his father and the hologram above him.

Jeff reached over to one of the many patches on his suit and unwrapped the seal on his arm. “You’ll need to secure it again.”

His son blinked but said nothing, administering the dose to his father and rebinding his suit with tape. “We need to get you a new uniform.”

“It is enough for the moment, Virgil. We need to get back up top and get out of here.”

He saw the hesitation flicker across that longed-for face. “You’re lying down on one of the medbeds in the cockpit. You’re going to let the medscan finish so when we reach home, we have enough data to know what we have to do.”

Jeff eyed him. The changes were subtle. The confidence level was much stronger, more assured, despite the situation.

“Virgil, we need you up here.”

John’s voice would forever be music to his ears.

“FAB.” A swallow, and Jeff could see his son visibly gather himself. “C’mon, Dad. We have a rescue to complete.”

Detaching him from the bed, Virgil again wrapped his arm around his father and helped him through the great green ship.

Both Gordon and John were in the cockpit. The medbed had already been deployed and was ready waiting.

It very quickly became clear that he had no say in whether he was going to lie on it or not.

Virgil’s directions stood for no argument and to be honest, Jeff didn’t really want to put up a fight, but there was so much to see! After so long alone with only rock and the same broken ship to stare at, everything was so rich in colour.

And his sons. His beloved sons.

He watched their every move, part of him still unable to believe that they were really there.

Virgil fussed, obviously fighting his own demons. Gordon chattered incessantly, but Jeff was so happy to hear and see him, he had no protest.

And John, his saviour…Jeff had never been one for the musical arts, that was always Lucy’s department, but to hear his boy’s voice free of static and interruption…

Reality threatened to fracture.

So, he obeyed his worrying sons and lay down on the medbed. Gravity, wasn’t a factor at the moment, but when they reached Earth it was going to be a definite problem.

Reached Earth?

He swallowed a lump in his throat as Virgil was finally urged to the pilot’s seat and the great ‘bird around them came to life.

He had to see this, so he sat up on the bed and watched.

John contacted the Zero XL. The name of the ship that had brought his boys here felt wrong, as if he had been aboard the Titanic and was now being saved by the Titanic II, but the moment the ship answered…

Brains.

The joy in the man’s stuttering voice had Jeff’s heart stuttering along with it. Not only had his boys come all this way, but Brains as well?

The Brains he knew wasn’t a physically active man. His specialities were academic. He had never been comfortable in space or even aboard the Thunderbirds he had designed, yet here he was, out here where literally only one man had gone before.

Jeff’s heart swelled almost to breaking.

John cut off the connection and that voice was gone. Only to be replaced by those of his sons as they coordinated the return trip.

Scott was clearly in command, but Virgil had his own responses and John was sharp and sure. Gordon sat back quietly, his stream of excited words apparently spent, but his posture was active, as if he was ready to move at a moment’s notice. He turned, looked at Jeff and smiled, his eyes glittering in the overhead lighting.

It became apparent very quickly that his boys’ skillsets had advanced considerably while he was gone.

Which really? Was to be expected, but time and memory were two different things.

The red of Thunderbird Three coasted effortlessly between spinning and colliding rocks, One and Two following best they could.

“Who taught Alan to fly like that?”

Gordon snorted. “He’s pretty much a natural.”

“Dad, you need to lie down flat and let the medscan finish.” Virgil threw it over his shoulder and Jeff got the impression that if the man didn’t have to fly his ‘bird, he would still be fussing.

“You sound like your Grandma.”

His mom.

Mom.

Virgil’s tone lightened and his voice was grinning. “Yeah. Who is always right.”

Hmmm. Perhaps some things hadn’t changed.

-o-o-o-

He did lie down eventually, if only to stop his second eldest from fretting. Gordon turned around at one point and whispered that if he didn’t do what Virgil said, things could get scary. Apparently, he was speaking from experience.

So, the medscan was completed and the nagging stopped.

But then they arrived at the Zero XL and Brains refused to respond. It appeared that his Titanic analogy may be far too possible.

Was fate really going to do this to him? Dangle rescue and then snatch it away?

And leave his boys stranded with him?

Then International Rescue responded.

Situation called, examined, orders issued, resolution found and executed.

A moment of panic to a moment of shocked stillness. The Zero XL floated silent in space, the emptiness eating it with its lack of light.

For all its nomenclature, the ship looked nothing like its predecessor.

Was that Thunderbird Five on its bow?

“Thunderbird Two, I need options. How do we get onboard?” His eldest’s son’s voice was a balm against the emptiness. “The docking ports are still closed.”

“I’m working on it, Thunderbird One.” John’s voice was ever so calm. The communications expert flicked a switch on the dash. “Eos, do you read?”

“I’m here, John. Though I would appreciate you never doing that again.”

His son sighed. “You were safe, Eos. We’ve gone over this before.”

The female voice was strident. “That is all very well for you to say, you weren’t the one being shot at.”

Jeff frowned. Who else was aboard the Zero XL? The voice was unfamiliar and sounded very young.

“We have a time limit, Eos. Do you still have access to the Zero XL’s systems?”

“Some. You did do damage with that little trick.”

“We need to dock, Eos.”

“Do you have the password?”

“Eos!”

“You did say I should work on my humour.”

Despite the playful tone, it appeared that Eos knew what she was doing as the Xero XL at least partially came to life, sections opening. He watched as Alan slid Three into a port at the rear. One settled into something similar, and then Two slipped under the ship’s belly and docked with a soft thud.

Virgil spoke briefly with Alan and his ‘bird was secured.

The moment Virgil was out of his pilot’s seat, he was beside Jeff, unstrapping him.

“Gordon, meet with Scott and secure the ship.”

“FAB.” The aquanaut’s eyes sparkled at Jeff again as Gordon briefly touched his shoulder before turning sharply and leaving through the rear door.

John was still sitting in his chair, speaking to the woman who continued to be both efficient and difficult.

“Who is she?” He said the words quietly, but Virgil heard him, his head coming up with a small smile.

“She’s Eos. John can fill you in.”

“Okay.” There was obviously a story there. “So, what’s with the EMP weaponry?” He arched an eyebrow.

Virgil’s smile vanished to be replaced with a frown and he looked down. “Brains designed it after the incident with the GDF’s rescue robots.” He cleared his throat. “A lot has happened.”

Quiet. “I’m sure it has.”

His son’s frown was targeted at the bed’s readout before Virgil reached over and lifted Jeff gently off the mattress and set him floating vertical again. “How does that feel?”

Jeff smiled just a little. “It does the job.”

Regardless, Virgil slipped his arm around his waist again and led him out of Thunderbird Two.

The difference between the interior of Two and the Zero XL was vast. He went from reassuringly familiar to alien in moments.

He missed the green immediately.

“Who built it?”

“Mostly Brains.”

“Mostly?”

Virgil didn’t answer and Alan joined them, again reaching out to hug Jeff, chattering just as happily, if not more than Gordon earlier. Virgil didn’t join in, but neither did he let go.

And then they were at the bridge of the ship. Virgil let him go and Brains was smiling up at him. It was so good to see him.

“It’s good to see you, Jeff.”

His own name forced his heart into his stomach. The man was an older version of his business partner, but his expression, his complete lack of stutter…it had been eight years, but Jeff Tracy had worked so many hours alongside this man, he knew him.

And it wasn’t him.

There was only one person it could be and for a split second, part of him wailed at the injustice that Gaat had followed his sons out here to corrupt these moments as he had corrupted everything else ever since he had met the man.

“It’s good to see you, too.” And he offered his hand.

As Gaat reached to shake, Jeff could see fear in his eyes. Perhaps that was what kept the bastard going all these years. A need to prove that he wasn’t afraid, that he wouldn’t run again when faced with the one man who had managed to prevent him from succeeding all those years ago.

The grip of his limp hand closed the deal.

Jeff spun the man around, wrenched his arm up his back and shoved him face first into the bulkhead.

-o-o-o-

Thunderbird X & Thunderbird XL

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #thunderbirds #John Tracy #Virgil Tracy #TBDailyDose #nuttyfic reblog

[cheri-translates]

What would you vote as the spiciest date for each boy?

Hi Anon~ I’ll respond with two dates per guy - one already released in EN, and one from CN.

🌶 Heavy spoilers under the cut because I included the spicy moments in detail, so don’t continue if you’re averse to that! 🌶

[Note: I compared the official English translations with the original Chinese versions and realised that the former is a little lacking... so I translated the spicy scenes so you can enjoy them as the writers intended ^o^ ]

-

🌹Victor🌹

[ EN: Dazzling Date ]

An urgent kiss clogs my unfinished words. His breath has never been closer to me than it is right now. 

His lips uncontrollably demand for more, and the fingertips clasping my hair grow tighter and tighter, like a net catching its prey. 

As though worried that I would drown in this sudden deep kiss, he leaves me a short time to breathe.

Victor: Since you’re clear-headed, remember everything about tonight.

While speaking, he hooks his index finger through his neat necktie, loosening it along with the buttons on the collar of his shirt. 

His refined muscles are unobstructed under the moonlight, and he immediately catches my distracted gaze. 

Victor: You're still in the mood to look at other things?

Looking at his chest muscles is obviously the same as looking at him. Looking at his face is also the same as looking at him. Why is he so...

Without leaving me room for sophistry, he places one hand against the side of the pool and continues the interrupted kiss.

His breath lingers in my mouth, as if wanting to take care of every inch of my sensitive skin. 

Unlike the first ravaging kiss, this kiss is like a chronic poison, making one sink deeper and deeper, unable to escape. 

He gently and domineeringly plunders the last trace of air in my chest, leaving me no choice but to reach out and grab his shoulders to get him to stop.

Yet, he just holds my waist and takes a breath, then continues that wild yet not unpleasant kiss. 

Only then do I understand the look in his eyes - a strong emotion called “possessiveness”. 

Bubbles are still gurgling in the pool, but they do not muffle the slight sound of water between our lips and teeth. Although the sound is very soft, it stimulates all of my nerves, and every cell is infected with Victor’s breath. 

🌶

The Great Victor losing control because of MC? Yes PLEASE.

The Great Victor loosening his tie? Yes PLEASE.

The Great Victor claiming his territory? Yes PLEASE.

-

[ CN: Sleepless Night Date (灯火夜无眠) ]

He leans closer, rubbing the tip of his nose with mine. Then, his warm thin lips trail slowly from my forehead downwards…

Victor’s breath encases my entire body. He plants scalding kisses on every inch of my skin, making me tremble as I hold onto his cuff.

MC: V-Vic-

He swallows the remaining syllable before I can finish.

This time, his soft lips seize mine, prying my teeth apart and diving right in.

He takes my breath away. In the midst of our breathing, what surrounds the tip of my nose is the unique taste belonging only to him…

After a long while, Victor finally ends his deep and searing kiss.

I clutch onto his arm, my chest heaving as I struggle to catch my breath.

His lips once again brush my nose and cheek gently, like a dragonfly flitting across the surface of water. He looks into my eyes.

I see myself in his pupils, red-faced and misty-eyed.

🌶

I’m weak for the transition from heated kisses to light, fluttery ones

Papergames even turned the CG into a gif because a still picture is unable to contain the spice

-

🎐 Gavin 🎐

[ EN: Blind Date ]

Before I can scream, Gavin’s warm breath brushes my face. 

Followed by his soft, scalding lips sealing mine.

MC: ...oh...

The kiss is very powerful and rough, as if trying to draw all the oxygen from my lungs. 

I feel like I'm about to suffocate. My legs become soft, and I slide downwards with my back against the wall.

Gavin holds me by my waist with one hand while pressing the back of my head with the other, deepening the kiss...

Just when I think I’m about to die, he moves his lips away slightly, his deep eyes gazing at me.

MC: ...Gavin...

Gavin: What’s wrong?

MC: [pushing Gavin shyly] ...this is a public place.

Gavin hugs me even more tightly, resting his chin on my shoulder...

MC: Gavin... let me go...

A warm breath caresses my ear. It’s a numbing feeling, as though thousands of ants are crawling into the bottom of my heart...

🌶

The tension built up over the course of the entire date was 💯

Gavin can just stand in the middle of nowhere and I’d still find it spicy

-

[ CN: Late Autumn Date (秋深之约) ]

I look towards Gavin, lightly tugging at the corner of his shirt. At the same time, I gently bite his lip, wordlessly expressing the feelings in my heart at this very moment.

As though punishing me for my mischief, his eyes narrow slightly. With a hand on my cheek, he presses my entire body onto the piano.

MC: …

I close my eyes, holding onto his solid arms. I lift my head to welcome his lips, savouring his unique breath.

The person in front of me has shed off the roughness of youth, leaving behind only the purity of youth. He often makes me forget that he once used to be unrestrained like the wind.

He has a body that is stronger than everyone else’s, a tough soul, a will that is as firm as steel, and a heart full of tenderness – it is soft beyond compare.

I cling to his waist tightly using my calves, wanting to brand every part of him into my heart.

🌶

Poetic spice. Yes.

-

🌻 Kiro 🌻

[ EN: Stardust Date ]

His hair, slightly drenched in sweat, brushes the tip of my nose. What follows is a sudden kiss.

The soft and blazing tip of his tongue launches a slightly rough attack, making me press my hands against his chest. Yet, I am unwilling to push him away. 

Just a few steps away from the stage, fans are still shouting for an encore, but I can no longer hear their restless cries.

All that descends into my ears is the rush of breaths.

Our disorderly breaths entwine, and we inhale and exhale over and over again, bringing along with it a brief sense of hypoxia. 

I feel dizzy and am unable to think of much anymore. My mouth is agape, like a stranded fish craving for more oxygen.

He takes the opportunity to fill in this gap. Starting with a restrained light peck, he observes my reaction bit by bit before gradually deepening the kiss.

Every cell in my body seems to be tinged with his scent. I can’t help but pull myself closer to him, wanting more, demanding more.

He responds passionately, a light crimson under his quivering eyelashes. Drenched with sweat, he looks handsome and cute.

-

🌶

I’d say this is the second spiciest date that has been released in EN so far (with Victor’s Dazzling date as the reigning champion). Good job Kiro.

MC demanding for more? Yes PLEASE.

-

[ CN: Variety Show Date（综艺之约) ]

The fingers on my back follow the trail of water and snake downwards. Blazing heat follows his movements, gradual yet eager, as they flow over every inch of my skin.

His breath lays siege, filling every crevice in my body, wet and lingering.

Even so, Kiro is not yet satisfied. His arms hold me even tighter, and he uses his fingertips and lips to hold me prisoner in this secret corner, and I am unable to withdraw.

Kiro: Miss Chips, you belong to me. So, I won’t let you escape this time.

His searing breath takes over mine. I am unable to tell if it’s water droplets or sweat that slowly trickles down our tightly-pressed skin.

In our misty vision, dots of starlight pass through the trees, and are scattered across the surface of the water. Suppressed gasps diffuse near our ears, and are amplified by our senses.  

The water sways continuously like a tide, gently wrapping two hearts that are about to merge into one.

And the breaths of the sea breeze render the night even more blurry.

-

🌶

I’m just going to assume they did the deed in the lake which is highly impractical but somehow v e r y sexy.

-

🦋 Lucien 🦋

[ EN: I haven’t read his EN dates... ]

[ CN: Warm Morning Date (暖晨之约) ]

The hand that had lightly lit a cluster of flames on my skin earlier finally lands on the back of my head with certainty, causing me to lift my head slightly.

This time, I cooperate and close my eyes.

An undisguised possessiveness spreads to the adjacent skin. In the midst of our entangled breaths, every suck and tender bite are his branded markings.

Soothed by each other’s temperatures, our hearts beat at the same frequency.

🌶

Not as spicy as the dates from the other guys, but I never pegged Lucien as one who leaves love bites so it was a pleasant surprise :>

-

Unfortunately Shaw doesn’t have any spicy dates... yet :’)

#mlqc spoilers #mm spice #teatime with cheri

[authorialarcanist]

Monster Collector (Tales of Symphonia)

Summary: When Lloyd and Colette drag the party off to complete the Monster Book, Raine can't help but wonder about what her students are thinking.

Written for Colloyd Week 2021 Day 2: Sidequest.

Gen, crack.

—

“Lloyd, watch out!”

“Right!” Lloyd leapt out of the way of a hammer blow from a massive bear, forewarned just in time by Colette’s shout. “It’ll take more than that to beat me, you know! Hurricane Thrust!” Air burst out from his sword in every direction as he jabbed back at the bear, sending it stumbling away. “Thanks, Colette! It’s open now!”

“Right!” Colette darted forward, multicolored wings carrying her to her target before it could regain its balance, and plowed headfirst into its fuzzy stomach. Nonplussed by the impact, the monster closed its arms to catch the girl in a painful bear hug, only for Colette to raise one of her chakrams in celebration, leaving a deep gash in its face where it had leaned in. “Yay, I got something! Okay, Lloyd, that’s everything I can get from this one!”

Lloyd pumped his fist, and shouted “You two can finish it off now!”

Raine Sage, half-elf teacher and current world-saving tagalong, raised an eyebrow at her compatriot. Zelos shrugged back.

“I don’t get it any more than you do, but I guess we’re doing this! Get ready!”

“I suppose it’s just as well… Now!” Raine raised her staff above her, and light gathered around Tethe’Alla’s Chosen.

“Plasma Blade!” With a shout, Zelos charged at the bear sword-first. Raine’s magic propelled him easily into and past his target, causing it to collapse to the ground in pain. To add insult to injury, a bolt of lightning struck its prone form a moment later, bringing the battle to an end.

“Annnd… there we go! Colette, what did you get from it?” By the time Raine looked back at her students, Lloyd had already pulled out a red book and a pen, and was examining some sort of herb Colette was holding out to him. “Alright! That’s one more down!”

“That’s great, Lloyd!” Genis, Raine’s younger brother, ran up to Lloyd from where he’d been waiting in the back line. “Only… Does that mean you’re going to tell us what we’re actually doing here, now?”

“Hm?” Lloyd looked up from putting the finishing touches on the book. “What do you mean?”

“I mean here, Lloyd!” Genis splayed his arms wide, and gestured at the mountainous terrain around the group. “You dragged us to this random patch of mountain, and never told us why!”

“Oh! Right! Whoops, I forgot about that!” Lloyd scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Well… Colette, why don’t you tell them?”

“Uh-huh!” Colette stepped forward with a wide smile. “See, when we were in Izoold the other day, I heard a rumor that there’ve been sightings of a reeeaaaally big doggy up in these mountains! Apparently it’s been scaring goatherds and stuff! And there’s only one more entry we haven’t filled up in the Monster List, so I thought maybe it was the one we’re missing!” Lloyd nodded along beside her, and held up the empty page in demonstration.

Raine gave her two students a flat look. “…Lloyd. Is that really why we’re here?”

“Yeah! I mean, it’s really close to done, so we wanted to fill in that last slot!”

Raine sighed. “I’m loath to say this, since you’re apparently invested in your schoolwork for once, but… is this really the time? Aren’t there more important things we should be doing right now?”

“Eh. Kratos can wait!” Lloyd waved his left hand dismissively. “I mean, he’s like a thousand years old or something, right? A couple days should be like a minute to him! We can go and break Origin’s Seal once we’ve finished up with this!”

Suddenly, everybody jumped at a loud crashing sound. They turned to the source, to see Presea standing over a felled tree. The trunk was now bridging a gap that led to the path further up the mountain. “…Getting the Eternal Sword, and reuniting the worlds. Is less urgent than filling an empty page…?”

“I mean, yeah!” Lloyd nodded without a trace of irony. “Who knows what this place’ll look like once we’ve reunited the worlds, right?”

“Uh-huh!” Colette quickly backed him up. “And anyways, once we go to meet Kratos, we’ll have to deal with—mmmph!” Lloyd quickly covered her mouth. The two shared a meaningful look before he let go. “…Um, whoops! Ignore that, hehe!”

“Alright, what are you two hiding from us? Annnd… yoink!” Taking advantage of the brief distraction, Zelos leaned over and snatched the Monster List out of Lloyd’s free hand.

“Wh- hey! Give that back!” Lloyd dove at Zelos, trying to grapple for the purloined book, but his face met the ground instead as the Chosen leapt out of the way.

“Let’s see, here… No. 234, Meredy… No. 235, Abyssion, man that guy was an asshole… No. 236, Z—“ Zelos cut off with a choking sound, all the blood draining from his face.

“Hmm? What is it, Zelos?” Raine walked to Zelos, intending to check the list herself.

“…Hey, Lloyd? Hunny? Bud?”

Lloyd gulped. “Y…yeah?”

“Why do Ihave an entry in the Monster List?”

“Ehe…heh…”

Raine leaned over Zelos’ shoulder. Sure enough, there it was: a little, surprisingly well-drawn, sketch of Zelos facing the reader with orange wings spread behind him. Located at the Final Seal… Strong against lightning and light elements… Drops… “Zelos, were you hiding a Mystic Symbol from us?”

“What? No!” Zelos dropped the book in a panic. “I haven’t got anything like that, promise!”

“Hrm. Nevertheless, this is certainly odd. Lloyd…” Raine wheeled on her student, the righteous fury of a scorned teacher at her fingertips ready to be called. “Have you been writing fake entries to fill space…?”

“Wait! Hold on, Professor!” Colette stepped in front of Raine, shielding Lloyd from her wrath. “Lloyd hasn’t been cheating, I promise! It’s just… a reeeally long story, okay?”

Raine held Colette’s gaze for several long moments, but the girl didn’t seem to just be covering for Lloyd. Raine sighed. “Fine. But we’d better get an explanation once this is over, alright?”

“Ehehe…” Colette wilted and gave a sheepish smile. “A-anyways, let’s just keep going. We still need to find that doggy, right Lloyd?”

“R-right!” Lloyd, climbed back to his feet, and grabbed the Monster List from where it lay. “Come on, everybody! I’m pretty sure we’re almost there!”

Raine watched with a pensive expression as he clambered over the felled tree. Her students had changed a lot over the course of their journey, but… she wondered if they’d changed faster than she’d realized.

———

The group was resting at the peak of the mountain. After much searching, they’d at last found their errant beast; now, they were just waiting for Genis to prepare a meal to restore their energy.

Raine watched as Lloyd and Colette dance around, twirling each other by both hands and singing “Hun-dred per-cent! Hun-dred per-cent!”

Regal sat down next to her. “They certainly seem to be enjoying themselves.”

“Yes.” Raine nodded absent-mindedly. “For all that they’ve grown, I suppose they arestill children.”

“Hm.” The two sat and watched in silence for a moment before Regal spoke again. “You’re still thinking about what happened earlier, aren’t you?”

“I am,” Raine replied. “Did you notice? Those two are incredibly in sync when they fight, like they’ve been fighting together for years instead of months. And… Every so often, I’ve noticed them looking at each other and giggling, like there’s some secret that only they are privy to.”

“…” Regal raised his eyebrow. “…Are you certain they’re not just—“

“I thought that at first, too! But now, I’m not so certain. I just… I’m their teacher. It’s my job to notice and step in if they’ve gotten involved in something strange.”

“It’s a good impulse, Raine.” Regal awkwardly shifted his handcuffs so he could pat her on the shoulder. “But… those two have proven themselves time and again, right? That’s why we’re following them.” He met Raine’s eyes, a serious expression on his face. “As adults, it’s our shared responsibility to be there for them, yes. But it’s also our responsibility to recognize when they’re starting to spread their wings and fly without our help. It’s our responsibility to trust them, and give them space, when that time comes. Whatever those two know, I don’t believe they would ever use it for ill.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Raine watched as the two in question grabbed Sheena and pulled her merrily into their dance. Whatever was going on there, they clearly still cared about all of their friends being happy. Maybe it was time to sit back, and simply have faith in them.

…Lloyd’s face, grinning sheepishly every time he’d gotten wrapped up in some prank or work-avoiding scheme gone awry, flashed in front of her eyes.

Alas. It seemed that the habits of a teacher would not so easily fade. “…And if they areusing the power of the Eternal Sword to transcend time and space in order to turn their homework in on time?”

Regal coughed. “Then that sounds like it would be a disciplinary question for their instructor to deal with. Mirage!”

Raine’s jaw dropped as Regal’s form rapidly vanished into the distance. What happened to their shared responsibility as adults? “Regal Bryant, you get back here this instant!”

#tales of symphonia #colloydweek2021 #lloyd irving #colette brunel #raine sage

[hirokiro]

Roleplay Snippet: Trippy Tea Party

(Raff the Vampire is myself, Yumi the demoness is my friend’s) "Would the blood have to be given indefinitely over and over, or is there a point he'll be satisfied?"

He knew the answer was no, but he took the tea, and waited for an answer. Like hell he was going to drink.~

-"To be honest with you, I am not sure. I despise him greatly and well.. demons are rather greedy creatures more often than not and he is no different." 

The tea was very warm and smelled of ginger and lemon. "So with that in mind I think it would have to be indefinite until I figure out how to truly kill him. But unfortunately I cannot just go to a priest or priestess whenever he wakes and have them get rid of him for me. For obvious reasons." The girl frowned. "Sometimes it makes me want to not be a demon."~

-"I could walk up to one. Inadvertently through a guy I know with the town guard, who's probably on slightly better terms with them since he's a law abiding citizen. Or probably knows a guy. If not I can bribe someone to-- oh my god I'm actually considering this."

He looked at an unspecified location with a perturbed expression on his face. The habit of coming to the rescue had kicked in again.

If you offer to bleed for her, mate. Check into an insane asylum. Never again after those sending stones.

He needed a stiff drink, but there was just tea so he drank without remembering to be cautious.~

-The demon just chuckled, sipping her tea happily. "Well. I guess I'm happy you're taking it into consideration. But don't get too worried about it right now. He won't be back for at least three months with how beat up he got." 

The tea scolded his mouth as it had the witch. Hot drinks don't discriminate. Everyone gets a mouth full of ouch. *"Do you have any means of communication? I could probably send you a message when I need the assistance. 

-Ouch Tea... why'd you drink it man? If she drugged it...

It was as if she had read his thoughts. Or knew, asking about communications. Had she possibly been investigating him? Searching out the perfect patsy to rope into all this? Following the patterns of his life, she could figure out he was always ready to aid a woman in need, save a damsel in distress, a bit stupid sometimes. He didn't imagine her a damsel in distress for a second. She was dangerous. Some demons like Willow were good people. Most, not so much. Like Vampires.

"I do not." he said with false wistfulness, "Three months gives time though. I am in the middle of... helping someone else with a problem. I imagine it'll wrap up within that time, but, hard to say. And I do in fact have to get back to it." he stood.

"So perhaps you can toss a rock at my window some night. I stay at the Westside bounty-bar most of the time. Until that time, so long and stay out of trouble, eh?"~

-The tea was sweet and powerful, but... well... He did start to feel a little off after drinking it. Her eyes now made sense. Her brew was drugged, but it was simply how her tea was made. She enjoyed the colorful effects it had. 

"That's quite alright.. It's nice to hear there is still good out there in this city. As for time constraints, I wouldn't worry much about finishing quickly. Even if time draws near I will try my best to delay his arrival." 

The demoness grinned, and her green marks glowed like beacons. "Oh... But trouble likes to find me. It's much more fun than simply sitting around." 

His body suddenly felt weak and heavy as the twisty colors began to pass through his eyes and change the way they looked. "Did you like the tea by the way? It's been known to have some rather... interesting effects on people." Yumi giggled, seeing his eyes change. He'd find it very difficult to stand at this point.~

-He had done it, he was right about the tea but in a moment of stupidity he slipped up. Do not eat the food of fey, do not drink with demons... Just walk as far away from her as...

But he couldn't quite make anything cooperate. Took a wobble step, stumble, brace against the near wall, sliding down, trying to reach for his gun, shoot the bitch.

"Wh... what did you... do to me!?" he asked tightly. Things reeled, he couldn't tell if he hit the ground or was still struggling to stand. It was all twisting and spinning and kaleidoscoping like haywire. Nerves were on the fritz. Felt hallucinogenic and if he was not extremely afraid of where this was going, if for some strange reason he was in a controlled environment and took it willingly, he might have sat back and enjoyed it.

-She couldn't help but giggle, seeing his sway and panic. Once a demon, always a demon. She enjoyed seeing reactions as most of her species did. 

"I simply let you drink some of my tea, my sweet." The tall lady stood to her feet and simply took his firearm and cleaver off him, setting them to the side so he wouldn't start slashing about wildly or firing shots into the open air. 

"I made your eyes rather beautiful, if I do say so myself." As he was braced against the wall it made it easy for her to close the gap of space and take his shoulders softly. She wanted a close look at his eyes, finding them so very wonderful. 

"I believe I forgot to mention. It's been a rather long time since I've had any blood in my system and... well... Considering that is probably the way I'm going to keep that damned demon away from me and your city, I might as well get used to it again." She flashed her sharp teeth for a moment. It was normal for their teeth to be stabby and she made use of them. She leaned in and took a light bite of his neck, most definitely breaking his bubble. Surprisingly, Yumi wasn't violent and did the bare minimum to break his skin open and get at his blood.~

-He could vaguely see her beyond it all, but looking into her eyes made it worse. So much worse. He tried weakly to shove her off but got one hand on her arm for a moment before that flopped right back down.

Eyes widened as she spoke of blood. He tried again to fight but his muscles and nerves were in fact having fun without him.

"Don't don't do-hhha!" and she bit him. He was expecting a lot of pain. But this wasn't so bad. Still she was on him and he couldn't fight her off. How much was she going to take, would she kill him? Would she leave him or drag him off somewhere, a prisoner for her own uses?

He tried to focus on Willow, Namu, and Lily. He had to get back to them... they... they needed...

But the focus faded and the colors took over, only a vague sense of pain, of blood leaving his body and strange sensations all over and in his head.~

-What he saw was at least beautiful for those who loved colors moving in strange and mind bending patterns. 

Her arms stayed on his shoulders, keeping him still. She slightly feared if he wasn't held onto, his body would slump and he'd smack his head. 

"Relax.. I'm not trying to hurt you. If I wanted to, I would have already. Maybe I'll even let you have some? If you want." She would drink for a little, often taking breaks to make sure he wasn't losing too much and so she didn't become sick from the rich stuff. 

Yumi finished taking from him and sealed his wound with a spell. But she did leave a little mark on his neck, showing someone had been taking from him. "Still awake?" The demoness backed from his neck to see if he was asleep or not.~

-Rafferty was lost in it all. At some point the biting became sweet pain, the dizzy light headedness from losing blood was incredible, paired with the hallucinations. He wanted to bite back, have blood, a mutual exchange. Maybe even make out. He didn't know.

He was panting and gasping for blood near the end, fangs elongating, trying to find a warm neck but he couldn't see, couldn't lift his hands and grasp for her. Yumi was pretty much the only thing holding him up anymore.~

-The girl kept his steady and held up, knowing he was probably a bit dazed. The drink would be at its strongest now. Yumi's body had become used to its effects but still got a high and lightshow from it. 

"Heh.. You know, you look kinda cute all looped up." She gave him a look before taking his hand in return. Guessing he was in fact hungry, she led him to her neck. For safety reasons, she took a seat and brought him down. She probably wouldn't be able to stand soon especially since Rafferty would probably take more blood than her. 

Willow and Namu were getting slightly worried about Rafferty, but just guessed he was taking longer to find the demoness. He would have called if she was captured…~ -Sinking, warmth, the touch of skin and that beating of blood. For a moment he tried to drag himself back, feeling the wrongness for a moment, but then he bit gently despite himself, felt that warm liquid pouring into his mouth, and all was wonderful again.

It felt right to go slow, along with the strange rhythm of the lights, mellowing out. He did not have much before he could no longer function. He let go and felt a faint cry for help, a sort of strange noise of bliss squeezing out instead, and then his head lolled to the side and he passed out.

#vampire demon demoness trippyteaparty teaparty roleplaysnippet

[the-melting-world]

Defining Moment | “Esmerelda”

~ In which Kipling, Ozy, and Khleo unlock a very powerful Door…

@arcana-echoes

This 🕯 is scented with “Esmerelda” by Ben Howard

~ 2.3k words

On the days when the umbras are permitted to venture off the temple grounds, Kipling, Ozy and Khleo visit their favorite reef.

***

(Ozy’s POV)

Ozy and Kipling sat on the edge of the cliff that stretched over the shallow reef. The sun was warm enough to make every limestone, salt-slick surface sparkle. The shallow waters sloshed and undulated across a rare spectrum of turquoise transparency. 

“Let me see it,” Ozy said with his usual over-eagerness.

Kip bristled at his impatience, but only a little before handing over her pocket journal of micro-poems. Ozy took it and devoured Kip’s progress with hungry hazel eyes.

He softly read it aloud, his voice radiating calmness and reverence.

Earth took you far But never forget Water brought you here We all start somewhere

Kip self-consciously reached for her ghost lock. “It’s not done yet.”

“But it will be someday,” Ozy said, his voice easing back into something more breezy and content. Then he soured Kip’s mood by adding, “Just as soon as you have something worth saying!”

She snatched her journal from him and set it off to the side. “That’s the last time I show you anything.”

Ozy grinned, knowing that most certainly wouldn’t be the case. The silence was interrupted by the sound of a Door opening. Ozy and Kipling turned to see Khleo stepping out from an immaculately formed portal. He didn’t, however, close the Door properly. Instead, he let it slam shut as soon as he passed over the threshold. 

Ozy had warned Khleo before that this was very dangerous. Perhaps Khleo couldn’t be bothered with exhausting his arms by sealing off the portal when he barely had the strength to open it in the first place. Ozy studied Khleo’s slight upper body with concern.

I told him not to go opening portals without me and Kipling there. Why doesn’t he ever want to listen?

Ozy decided against bringing it up. The day was too perfect and he didn’t want to ruin the mood of either of his friends. So the three umbras sat together, engrossed in their light banter and easy talk. They brushed elbows and flicked each other’s ghost locks to prove their various points. They complained about the heat while simultaneously expressing their gratitude for the sun. And when they decided that it was too hot for them to bear, they stood up on the rock and peeled the clothes back from their swimsuits underneath.

Ozy caught the way Khleo stared at Kip while she was preoccupied. It was a look that Ozy had seen on Khleo’s face a few times before and sometimes Kip even returned it. Ozy found this puzzling, but not enough to compel him to investigate further. Right now it was merely a curiosity that he pulled out and observed from time to time. Let Kip and Khleo have their lingering, heavy-lidded stalemates to themselves. Grey magic and the gaps that Ozy still needed to fill was what generally occupied his thoughts.

For now, however…

“Let’s jump into the water on the count of three!”

Ozy just wanted to live in this moment with all of his mind and heart and body. He took Khleo and Kipling by the hand. Despite Kipling’s protests and Khleo’s fragile frame, Ozy happily swung them forward as he leaped off the rock. Together in the air, there was an instance before gravity claimed them where there was nothing but salt and sun and bliss.

Ozy’s descent was clean and acrobatic while Kip and Khleo spiraled chaotically into the lagoon like orphaned kites. The three of them were swallowed up by the shallows where they splashed and played until Khleo and Kip wandered off on their own, as they were often prone to do.

Ozy let them go, content to float on his back and be alone with the warmth of the shallows and his own thoughts. He gave the easy current permission to drag him under the shade of the one of the many cavernous pockets where the water cooled under his toes.

Ozy opened his eyes to see if he recognized this cave. It would have looked like all the others... 

If not for the ancient glyphs pulsating on the walls.

***

(Khleo’s POV)

Khleo finished tying the cowrie shell necklace for Kip. When he leaned back to take in his handiwork, he cursed under his breath. “Damn. I didn’t make it long enough.”

Kipling shook her head as her fingers drifted up to inspect the choker. “No, it’s perfect.”

Khleo tried not to let his relief show as he helped her off the rocks and back into the water. 

He shrugged. “It’s not like you can’t find a dozen of them at the straw market, but… shells look good on you and I just thought –”

Khleo lost his train of thought when Kip tucked a finger behind the twine of his own necklace and pulled him off balance. But she caught him and brushed her lips against his chin.

“I’ll never take it off,” Kip whispered into his skin just below his lips. Then she let go and backed off before Khleo could take it any further.

“Kip, wait.”

She was already underwater, swimming towards the reef bed. Khleo took a deep breath and followed her. The umbras navigated the shallow reef like they were born right there between the corals. They had been to this spot so many times, swam these warm, tropical waters so much that their eyes no longer burned from the salt. 

Kipling led Khleo into the deeper parts of the reef where the stingrays and greater fish carried on with their lives. Khleo recognized where they were headed – a hidden grotto that they had discovered years ago. 

They resurfaced in a place where the surrounding rock curved into a dome ceiling high overhead, making it the perfect echo chamber. Khleo and Kipling used to prop up on the walls and spend hours shouting nonsense and badly memorized songs just to hear their own voices comically bounce and resonate off the glossy, concave rock. 

Today, however, they didn’t rush to create silly echoes. The grotto was deep enough that they had to steadily tread water in order to stay afloat. Holding a steady gaze took some effort. The umbras fell into a slow, natural orbit around each other.

“So,” Khleo said, “what were you and Ozy talking about?”

Kip shrugged. “A little poetry. You would’ve hated it.”

Khleo lightly splashed some water in her direction. “Hey. I don’t hate poetry. I just think it’s really…”

Kip smirked. “What? Stupid?”

“I was going to say boring.”

They both broke into laughter, their voices delightfully reverberating throughout the warm grotto. 

“I’m glad you warmed up to him,” Khleo said after the giggling spell wore off. 

Kip floated a little closer. “You know at first, I couldn’t understand why you wanted us to be friends with him. And the only reason I even tried was for you.”

“I know,” Khleo said softly. There was a pause that he tried to fill by going in for a kiss, but he snapped out of it when Kip made a flustered noise before continuing on with her point. 

“I get it now. Why you brought Ozy over to us. You care about people... animals too. Especially when everyone else around them doesn’t.” 

Khleo paid close attention to the way Kip’s syrupy brown eyes took in his features – his wet curls, the army of freckles across his nose, and his lips, slightly parted in uncertainty. 

“And I think that’s what I like the most about you, Khleo.”

Finally, she let him kiss her. Khleo couldn’t always find the right words to express what he felt in his heart the way Kipling could. He didn’t have a mind like Ozy. But what he couldn’t say on his own, he could show. Whatever he could not solve in the moment, given time, he could prove himself. He always found a way to take the things that were supposed to be far from his reach. 

When it came to Kipling, Khleo never needed to prove anything. She kept every secret he ever had. She made him think before he broke a rule, but still loved him through his recklessness. At least, Khleo hoped it was love. He wanted it to be love. 

The chamber echoed with that kiss, so easy and wet and safe. The two umbras would have kept going if they didn’t need to keep themselves afloat.

“Kip?” Khleo whispered. “I have to tell you something.”

Kipling withdrew some, the longing in her eyes shifting to concern.

Khleo clarified, “There’s nothing wrong, but what I have to say…” he glanced at her necklace. “It’s important.”

Kip’s smile came back. “Okay.”

Khleo steadied himself with a deep breath, but before he could speak, the cavern roared with the familiar sounds of a portal unlocking overhead. Khleo’s stomach dropped just in time for Ozy to cannonball directly between him and Kipling.

For once, Khleo was not happy about Ozy’s arrival. Kip was a lot more expressive about how she felt in regards to Ozy portaling in unannounced. Ozy, however, was resolute in his belief that his intrusion was completely justified. He made it very clear that he wasn’t going to go away.

It wasn’t enough that Ozy had to drag them all the way to a different cave. There he made them help him unearth a pair of gauntlets from a hunk of rock covered in dead inscriptions from the umbra precursors. 

Khleo thought he could go back to the other cave with Kip, but Ozy wasn’t done with them yet. After he secured the gauntlets, he dragged them outside back up onto the rocky shelf where they had started. Before Khleo knew it, he was suffering through an impromptu lesson in grey magic. Meanwhile, the sky overhead darkened with storm clouds. 

Kip, to Khleo’s surprise, was being pretty patient with Ozy as he fitted one of the new gauntlets to her hand and walked her through the controls. Ozy gave Khleo the other gauntlet along with some basic instructions. Khleo was only half listening as he flared his fingers through the openings and counted the tiny light bulbs and switches that hugged and wrapped around his knuckles and wrist. 

Khleo began to speculate the possibilities of this artifact compared to his older, more basic model. How wide could he open the Door with this sort of upgrade? How fast could he encourage the water in the tunnel to rotate? How far could he bridge the gap between one location and the next?

“Khleo, are you listening to me?” Ozy snapped his fingers. “After Kip locks the Door, just stand back and wait for me to find the jump point, got it? Wait for me, Khleo.”

Khleo gave Ozy a placating smile so he would leave him alone. The storm clouds had claimed the whole sky by now. Though there was not much wind to drive it, warm rainwater began to fall. Not that the umbras cared. Outside of hurricane season, island storms tended to have short lives. 

Ozy was all fired up. Like usual, he had an uncanny sense of where to focus the gauntlets across the invisible control panels. He seemed to know exactly where each portal would appear and how to quickly build a desirable exit. But the more Ozy directed Kipling, the more condescending he became. Despite the tension between them, Kipling had managed to open a very large Door. 

In fact, this one was more massive than anything Khleo had seen before. The body of water on the inside was turbulent – a reflection of Kip’s lack of skill in that area. Still, the immense portal was too great to go ignored. It yawned in Khleo’s direction.

“Ozy, if you want it done right so badly, then just do it yourself.” Kip tried to remove the gauntlet.

Ozy’s eyes grew wide. “No! Don’t take that off. You have to lock it, Kip. You’re the only one who can, so just listen to me. Look at the glyphs.”

Kip groaned. “What glyphs!”

Khleo did his best to tune them out while he edged closer to the door so he could get a better look. He wanted to shape the water tunnel so it could start rotating correctly.

“They’re right there on the Door, Kip. You’d be able to see them if you opened up your chakra like I showed you!” He pressed his finger to the spot between her eyes. “Watch. It’s not that hard.”

Kip smacked his hand away. “Don’t touch me again.”

Khleo knew this wasn’t going to end well, but he wanted to try out this Door before it disappeared. The Door tugged him gently toward it at first. Just as all Doors do.

Then suddenly… it yanked.

Khleo lost his balance. He caught himself in time, but not without sacrificing his mobility. He couldn’t go backwards or put any distance between himself and the Door. He couldn’t create an exit to match the girth and weight of this portal. It was too big for him. His arms were already about to give up. 

“Kip? Ozy? Something’s wrong.”

Khleo struggled to keep from sliding directly into the giant hole, but he didn’t know how long he could hold on. When he received no response from his friends, he looked over his shoulder to see that they were still heatedly bickering. 

They would notice what was happening before it was too late... they would notice, right? Right?

And then it hit Khleo.

This would be his last moment with his friends.

No, Khleo finally panicked, I don’t want it to be. I don’t want to go through that Door!

“Help me. Please look. Kip. Ozy… shit!”

The Door took him.

#oopsies #arcana eotp #kipling the apprentice #khleo the barhand #ozy the grey mage #my writing #kip of wands #arcana album: the interlude