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8myass · 2 months

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.. the waiting game .. pairing. lee seokmin/dk x female reader x hansol vernon chwe genre. angst, smut pov. second person (you, yours, yourself, etc.) synopsis. vernon enjoys teaching dk how to be a true yandere. wc. 1.5k cw. mentoring yandere!vernon, bad boy!vernon, dom!vernon, yandere in training!dk, good boy!dk, dom!dk, good girl!reader tw. cigarettes, mentions addiction, vern x dk are enemies, threesome, cnc, blindfold (f receiving), hands tied w ropes, manhandling, vibrator, clit play, p in v, unprotected sex (wrap your meat fellas), dumbification, fingering, name calling (‘whore’), pet names (‘beautiful’, ‘baby’), praise, dirty talk (js vern), breeding, nipple play a/n. definitely not the BEST thing i’ve written, but happy birthday to our birthday twins!!

“Haven’t done this before, have you?” Vernon asked, glancing over at the older boy who was practically shaking in the chair he was sitting in. Vernon laughed and took another drag from his cigarette, leaning across the table, handing it to Dokyeom. “Here, this’ll ease your nerves a bit.”

“No, I don’t smoke,” he shook his head, shrugging off the younger’s offer. “You shouldn’t either, you know? It’s bad for your health.”

“All addictions are bad for your health, and what the hell do you think this kind of love is?” Vernon chuckled in return, puffing out a burst of smoke into Dokyeom’s face before his back met the chair again.

Rolling his eyes, Dokyeom simply changed the topic, snapping, “What is our plan here? What are we gonna do? Are we gonna kidnap here or something?”

“Shut the hell up. You’re being too loud, you idiot,” he smacked the back of the panicked older’s head, scoffing. He looked around, making sure not a soul heard what he had said before speaking in a low voice, “You just have to play this game like a spider and wait patiently for your prey to trap itself.”

“How is she gonna do that?”

“You’ll see,” he laughed, turning his head slightly to see you prancing down the sidewalk, skirt flying up a little too high every time you repeated your skipping motion, hair flowing in the wind behind you. You were gorgeous, and way too innocent to be held in the cruel grasp of this world. You were so adorable, Vernon couldn’t help but fall in love with you all over again each and every time he sees you.

Dokyeom was the same, he loved the way you held yourself up, so mature yet too naive all the same. You were so cute, he wanted to hold you in his arms for the rest of your lives, protect you forever from the nastiness this world held. I mean, Vernon himself was the nastiness the world was made up of according to Dokyeom, but he needed his help on getting you – the only reason he would ever associate with someone so disgusting. He had a very strong dislike toward Vernon, and it’s not like Vernon liked him very much either. He just found this innocent boy amusing with how obsessed he’s being with you and how it’s consuming him.

“Kyeom? You’re hanging with Vern now? That’s so odd, I thought the two of you hated each other,” you giggled, stopping in front of the table the two boys were sat at – the ones that did, indeed, hate each other profusely. You looked between them with a sweet glint in your eyes, “Is this a blossoming friendship?”

“Yep,” Vernon shrugged nonchalantly. Dokyeom sighed deeply and nodded, never wanted to say that he actually was friends with him.

“That’s so cool! My two favorite boys, I love seeing it!” your smile widened, which made Dokyeom’s heart leap out of his chest. He was reacting way too openly, he knew that you had probably picked up on the fact that he had a crush on you, but you never said anything about it. That was good for him, he’s not sure he’d be able to look you in the eyes and tell you he’s so in love with you that it’s driven him to such lengths as to befriend his enemy just to get into your most prized possessions and learn more information on you. “Now that we’re all friends, we should hang out together sometime!”

“I love that idea, beautiful,” Vernon smirked, reaching out to gently stroke your thin waist, his thumb caressing the skin exposed on your hip. Dokyeom was fuming at the sight itself, seeing him touching you nearly sent him into a fit of rage, it was something he’d never felt before; such extreme anger, it felt terrifying inside him. It was like a monster was trapped inside him, ready to explode and destroy anything in it’s path.

Soon enough, though, they had taken you up on your offer, but it wasn’t quite like any of them expected. Neither you nor Dokyeom, at least. Vernon was the one who turned it sour, tiny, naked body thrown on the bed as your hands were tied behind your back, blindfold over your eyes, whimpers pouring from your hung open mouth, a small vibrator that you had just used not much earlier slipped inside your pussy.

“I-I don’t think this is a good idea,” Dokyeom whispered to Vernon as he watched the younger male slide his pants off, then positioning himself in bed with you, propping your body up on top of him. You squirmed his grasp, trying to convince yourself you weren’t loving every moment of this.

“You are such a whore, huh?” Vernon mumbled against the skin of your neck, completely ignoring Dokyeom’s concern, fingers running down your body to play with your sensitive clit.

You shook your head violently, crying, “No! No! D-don’t li-like!”

“Come on, man. Come fuck her, she clearly wants it,” Vernon smirked at Dokyeom who continued standing by the doorway of your bedroom, eyes wide as they stared at the way you fidgeted on top of his enemy. You were still so gorgeous like this… He did want to… but he couldn’t, it wasn’t right.

Vernon pulled out the vibrator, causing you to whine a string of pleas, having nearly reached the edge. He threw it to the side of the bed befor elooking back over at Dokyeom, smirking as he shoved a finger inside your cunt, “See? She’s so wet for you, Kyeom.”

Dokyeom quickly snapped out of it, gasping as he realized the name he had just let slip out, “Vernon! Y-you just-”

“Oh, shit, my bad, man,” he shrugged with a laugh, but his laugh was drowned out by your soft whimpers as his finger continued to edge your poor body. “Guess you’re just gonna have to fuck her so stupid that she forgets what either of us said, huh?”

“I-” Dokyeom started, but he cut himself off, slipping his pants down, wordlessly. If there was one thing that was gonna make him do this, it was in fact just that. You couldn’t know it was him and Vernon. You would be absolutely wrecked, destroyed if you had remembered it was him the day after. Vernon was okay, you could remember it was Vernon, maybe hate him a little, but never him. You could never hate him.

As soon as his pants were off, it was like a switch flicked on inside him. He smacked Vernon’s hand away from you dripping cunt, forcing his cock deep into you in one go, not bothering to allow you to adjust to his size. You cried out, arching your back against Vernon, Dokyeom’s head spinning with ecstasy already, eyes squeezing shut tightly.

“Aw, baby, you take his cock so good,” Vernon hummed, kissing along your neck. You turned your head to the side, giving him better access as you moaned so loud it echoed off the thin walls surrounding you.

“I-I’m yo-your good gir-girl,” you sobbed, tears rolling down your cheeks every time Dokyeom’s cock pounded into you, balls slapping against your ass. He didn’t even know what happened to his self control whenever you were around, he’s sure you noticed, but had you really? You didn’t seem like you were as observant as what he originally thought you were. Were you just too innocent to see the eyes he’d give your exposed ass? Or too naive to notice the tent appear in his pants every time you bent over in front of him. Hell, he’d get hard with you just saying his name.

Now, he wanted to hear you moan it. But unfortunetely, you couldn’t know this was him doing this to you. He needed you to know, but you couldn’t.

“I-I’m gon-” you started, but were unable to finish your sentence, letting out a high-pitched squeal as he thrusted into you even deeper than before, moans falling from his hung open mouth, hands massaging your boobs roughly, thumbs circling your nipples.

“-C-cum for me, please,” he begged, feeling his own release approaching as he twitched inside your cunt that seemed to be getting tighter and tighter around his cock.

“Don’t pull out,” you cried, squirming in his grip, wrapping your legs around his waist to pull him in closer to you, back arching and head drooping into Vernon’s shoulder. “In-inside me.”

He nodded, knowing full well you couldn’t see him, but he couldn’t even talk right now. His words wouldn’t come out properly, his legs tensing as he let out rough breaths of air, feeling his hot liquid pour out inside your perfect pussy. He let out a train of whimpered praises and pleas, thanking you profusely in the midst for ‘giving him his dream’. You came undone underneath him as well, giving up and leaking your juices out around his cock.

“Th-that was so go-good, Ky-Kyeom,” you breathed out heavily as he pulled out of you, his eyes quickly popping out of his skull at your words.

Vernon pushed you onto the bed next to him, untying your wrists. Dokyeom hid his face from your newly revealed eyes as Vernon also took your blindfold off. You giggled and hopped up onto your feet, moving his hands from his face with a sweet smile, “Vern’s told me about your little crush, just thought we’d help make it come true.”

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wuffgang-ameowdeus-moozart · 11 months

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Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

STEVE LOOKS AT HIS BIG EMPTY HOUSE AND THINKS FUCK IT

(ft. baby Steve and Hopper accidentally teaching El the word 'orgasm')

cw: child neglect, underage drinking, sexism, brief fatphobia, Italian (like 2 words)

plugging my steve playlist

At first, eating fast food every day sounds like a dream come true. His parents don't allow him to eat pizza - we don't want you to become fat, Stephen, what would the people think? - but when he finally breaks the double digits and they deem him old enough to stay home alone, the freezer is filled with frozen pizza. "You know how to get takeout, right?" his mother asks. Steve doesn't mention that he needs to get on his tippy-toes to reach the tall table with the phone and nods. And then he is alone.

Tommy Hagan says that he loves it when his parents aren't home. His brother wants to be left alone, and so he is sent upstairs and can watch as much tv as he wants, even the horror movies he isn't allowed to yet. Sometimes, when his brother invites friends over, he can even sneak a bit of alcohol. He loudly proclaims that alcohol is cool and fun and awesome, but one time, when Steve and Tommy are alone, he whispers that beer actually tastes really bad and makes him sleepy and that sometimes it gives him a tummy ache.

And it is somewhat exciting, at first. Having the entire house for himself. He can watch as much TV as he wants, even the scary movies his mom hates. (But at night, when he dreams of monsters and demons and blood, there is nobody there to reassure him that it isn't real). He can eat whatever he wants whenever he wants. (One night he puts all the pizza in the oven and plays a game against himself: eat as many slices as possible. The next day the teacher sends him home with a bellyache and he barely makes it into the bathroom before he is throwing up. He can't even look at pizza after that without feeling nauseous)

After that disaster he discovers the wonder that is takeout. (The table is so incredibly tall and every time he reaches for the phone there is a split second when his heart stops and he is sure that the phone will fall on the floor and break into a hundred pieces and he won't be able to hear it when his parents finally decide to call (they haven't had time yet, his father is a very busy man) and they will find out and they will hate him forever. But he always manages to catch it, so it's fine.)

Hawkins is a small town, which means that Steve's options are severely limited. His parents left him three pamphlets from different restaurants he can call. The first is Italian. Steve remembers heaving on the toilet and throws that one away. The second is a Diner. His stomach is already growling and reading has never come easy to him, so he calls without even reading the last one.

By the time his parents return, he knows the number of the diner by heart and is already on first-name basis with most of the staff. His favorite is Daisy. She always asks him how he is doing and sometimes she sneaks in sweets he didn't order.

He misses Daisy when his mother starts cooking again, and then he feels bad for missing her because his parents are finally home! He never really appreciated his mother's cooking until he had to go without. He has vague memories of refusing to eat his vegetables when he was small, but the feeling of eating something not greasy is so good he even takes seconds. His parents smile and he feels his heart fluttering in his chest. "See, he is already growing up", his father says, and Steve beams.

He wants to help in the kitchen, but his parents don't allow it. ("Only women belong in the kitchen", his father thunders. "You're just making a mess! For gods sake Stephen, leave me alone! Aren't you too old to keep running after your mummy?!", his mother complains.)

Steve isn't sure when exactly he decided that he didn't care. Maybe it was when he went to Carol's house and realized how empty his fridge is in comparison to hers. Maybe it was when he started exchanging his readymade supermarket sweets for other people's lunches, so he could at least have something that isn't prepackaged. Maybe it was when Daisy suddenly stopped going on the phone when he called the diner and the new worker (he doesn't know her name) got really annoyed with him when he wanted to talk about his day. (He is scared that he is the reason she is gone. That all the secret sweets and fries she would add to his order got her fired. But he doesn't know how to contact her, or even her last name, so he can never find out for sure)

All he knows is that one day he looks at the kitchen and knows he can't do frozen or canned meals anymore.

Steve goes to the living room and searches the huge bookshelf with narrowed eyes. (He once asked his father why they had so many books if neither he nor his parents like to read. He said that he should stop asking stupid questions.)

He chooses to see it as a good sign when he finds a cook book in the lowest shelf. The bookshelf is even taller than the telephone table, and if all the recipes were too high up he wouldn't be able to reach them even with a chair.

He makes for a noticeable picture, a tiny boy dragging around a huge book and an even bigger bag. (He had never gone to the supermarket before. When his parents go on a business trip they always leave him with enough food to last until their return, and when they are home food always seems to magically appear in the kitchen - or he assumes it is in the kitchen, he isn't allowed in there when mother is home. He thought grown-ups just magically knew what they needed to buy, but he took one look at the ingredients list and knew he would never be able to remember everything. When he sees a woman taking a shopping list out of her bag, his tiny mind is blown.)

Sometimes he can't reach a shelf. Then he stretches and glares until an adult notices and takes pity on him. They offer to help him with the book or with the bag but he refuses. Father says he is already a big boy, and big boys don't need help. It doesn't count when people just do it without asking. He would've been able to reach the flour all by himself if no one had interrupted him. Probably.

His first attempts in the kitchen are disastrous to say the least, and his respect for his mother only grows. One time his neighbors even call the firefighters. He was terrified when he heard the sirens nearing his house - was sure that his parents found out that he was messing in the kitchen even though they explicitly forbade it and that he was going to prison and that he would never walk free again. Luckily that didn't happen. He doesn't mention that part when he recounts it to Tommy and Carol the next day. And if he exaggerates the fire a bit, there is nobody there to dispute him (it's okay if it makes him look cool.)

(The firefighter asked where his parents were. He said they were on a business trip. Another one asked when they would be back. He answered in a week. The first said he should call his parents, and Steve explained that they didn't like to be bothered. The second one frowned, and Steve asked if he was in trouble, but he assured him that he wasn't. The first one said he should call them anyway, that they would want to know this, and so he did.

His father answers the third time he calls. He sounds annoyed - Steve can perfectly picture his angry frown - and so he explains that he didn't want to call him, he promises, but the firefighter said he should.

"What happened?" his father asked, still annoyed.

And Steve hesitates. His teacher says that lying is wrong, but when he was honest and told his mother he wishes they were home more often she said that he should stop being so selfish, that it's not a good look, that it's ugly. So he doesn't say that he accidentally charred another chicken (the book said that if it is even a little bit raw it can make you sick and being sick isn't fun when you don't have anyone to take care of you) and forgot to turn off the oven. He knows his parents don't want him in the kitchen. They will probably feel like they should come home early, and of course they won't because father's work is important, but they will feel bad while they are gone and Steve doesn't want his parents to feel bad. So he starts talking about his day, hoping to be able to come up with something by the time he gets to the part where he has to explain the fire. Luckily his father doesn't have time to listen to his ramblings and hangs up before that.)

The next day Steve goes to the supermarket, the trip already a part of his daily routine (this time with a list, like a real grown-up), and tries again. He learns what fancy words like "bardare" or "irrorare" mean and that you need to preheat the oven before you use it. He still messes up, but it's okay.

After all, he's got a lot of time to learn.

Steve is glad that he wasn't the only one.

And he feels horrible when he thinks that. These fucking monsters are terrifying, he was sure he was going to die more than once. (He still can't believe that he didn't).

But if he had to go through all of this alone, he wouldn't be having a We All Survived An Attack By Monsters From Another Dimension/Will Byers Is Back/The Weird Supergirl Needs Friends/Isn't The Sheer Amount Of NDAs We Needed To Sign Literally Insane/Just Like What The Fuck In General-Dinner right now. He feels a bit like an outsider - which is ridiculous considering his literal girlfriend is also a part of it (or at least he hopes she still considers him her significant other). But he has nothing better to do and he doesn't want to worry Nancy, so he compromises with himself and brings food as a sort of apology.

(he isn't sure what he is apologizing for)

He arrives early to help set up the table, and Joyce places his dish right in the center.

The first one to taste it is Hopper. Steve doesn't blink when Hopper guides the fork to his mouth and he doesn't breathe when he starts chewing. For a moment it seems like time stopped flowing (he is eerily reminded of the first time he saw that monster, the demo-monster-whatever. The realization that the world is so much scarier than he originally thought). Then, Hopper's eyes widen. He makes a sound that would not be out of place in a bedroom. The kids (and isn't it awful that they are so fucking young they are like half his age they shouldn't have to deal with this) stare at him in varying degrees of disgust.

"Holy fuck Joyce, I think I just had an orgasm. I would literally sell my fucking kidney for this lasagna."

The kids look as if Hopper had stripped down and started pole dancing on the table. Nancy's little brother makes an unimpressed "ew." Supergirl imitates him, although she doesn't look too sure about why she is doing that. Steve can't help the small smile forcing itself on his face.

"Oh no", Joyce says, "it's Steve who brought the lasagna". The entire rest of the table stares at him (as if he was the one who has fucking mind powers and okay maybe he isn't over everything like he tried to convince himself he is) and he can feel his cheeks reddening.

(Later, the kids give him a self-made "I survived a Demogorgon and all I got was this stupid apron"-apron. He wears it every time he goes into the kitchen)

Unexpected talent #1: cooking

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 9 months

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Ortho, Sebek: The Human Condition

OMG ORTHO COPIES IDIA 😭 dtqtwfh5;#?vekcmsksk These vignettes were super wholesome!! Always love hearing about Ortho’s perspective; he’s quite different from the other NRC students.

I think my favorite part was Sebek being shocked that Idia willingly leaves his room for family outings. Then when Sebek offers to pitch ideas for outdoor family activities, my immediate thought was, “this man is about to suggest doing Lilia-sama’s hellish training as a family friendly activity and Idia is actually going to die” 😂

Just Riddle's birthday left before Jamil begins the cycle anew!

A Boy in Bloom, and his Flowering Future.

“What do you do on your days off?”

How mundane the question was for a pair that was anything but. The birthday boy, a humanoid robot, floating by his feet on gravity-repulsion tech to meet the eyes of his tall interviewer, a young man half fae and half human.

Ortho practically bounced as he produced an eager response. A large grin awaited behind his mouth visor. "I enjoy spending time with the students of Night Raven College! Whether it's streaming movies to watch, working on a play production together, sharing a meal, or just observing them... There's just so much I have yet to learn about the people around me. I'm glad that I'm able to experience these things and make friends while at school. I'll forever treasure these moments!"

Sebek's nose crinkled, his forehead creasing. "I doubt the humans at this school are anything to note of. Night Raven College may boast students worthy of its prestige, but none can compare to the grace and dignity of the young master and Lilia-sama's company!"

"That's not true, Sebek Zigvolt-san." Ortho slowly shook his head. "Life forms differ greatly from one another, but they each have something special to offer. As a technomantic humanoid, I have access to the wealth of knowledge on the internet and in my databases--and still, I do not understand the human condition."

“What could there possible be to 'understand'? Humans are known to be inferior in every capacity. They are born small, helpless, and frail, with only a fraction of them capable of producing a modicum of magic. If one were to compare them to the stars in the night sky, they are but mere specks!"

"But in a way, don't you think that ordinariness is actually what makes them so extraordinary?" Ortho gave an excited twirl.

"I fail to see your point. There is nothing extraordinary about being ordinary!!"

A giggle.

"Humans are capable of the illogical, compelled by profound emotions. An exhilarating happiness which blinds them to their actions, sorrow so immense they're driven to isolation, anger which rages out of control and hurts those around them... And not only that, but backgrounds and values--these all shape the soul and lend perspective in ways I could never imagine for myself."

"You speak of emotions as though they're magic spells." Sebek's gaze was questioning. A knight defending his stance--but lacking his usual sharpness, replaced by quiet conflict. "To be human is not so complicated!!"

“Eeeh?” Ortho tilted his head to one side. “Nii-san can talk for hours about his ‘best girls’ and the intricacies of animaga plotlines though.”

“YOUR BROTHER IS AN EXCEPTION TO THE RULE!!” Sebek boomed as he folded his arms. “His inane rants lie beyond the realm of comprehension! How he happily spends his days locked up in his room being an unproductive lout, I’ll never grasp.”

“Nii-san doesn’t spend all of his days inside! He goes outside too,” Ortho pouted. “We go around town and play this creature-collecting game called Pocket M—”

“WHAT?!” Sebek’s thunderous voice interrupted the child. “You must be deceiving me!! Your brother… WILLINGLY leaves his personal chambers?!”

“Yes…? Is it really that strange?”

“He doesn’t the impression of being an outdoorsman,” Sebek said flatly.

“You’d be surprised. Well, even more than you are right now!”

Ortho’s eyes lidded, his smile turning fond. Memories fizzled up from his memory banks—happy days, spent hand-in-hand. “… Mama and Papa, Nii-san and I, we’d go on outings to lots of places. Parks, rivers, stores, mountains. Maybe they’d have taken us to the ends of Twisted Wonderland if we asked them to. It didn’t matter where we went, as long as we had each other.”

Sebek had gone silent as the birthday boy recalled the past. Hazy thoughts given clarity. Ortho’s tale resonated somewhere buried deeply in Sebek.

Time spent earnestly with family…

His gloved hands clenched into fists, his heart softening. “… Myself as well,” Sebek confessed. “When I was a child, I would have similar outings with my parents and siblings.”

“See?” Ortho beamed proudly. “Something as small and as simple as this can connect us, even though we’re so vastly differently. That’s the magic of it. What makes the ordinary extraordinary.”

There was a break in his voice, and a quick correction before he continued. Sadness had seeped into his words, weighing them down. “Many years ago, we lost something important to us. Nii-san started holing up in his room. The family outings stopped, and everyone drifted apart."

Sebek scoffed. "So he was a coward that ran away at the first major tragedy he encountered. What gall!!"

"That's a natural reaction to trauma. It’s only recently that Nii-san has found the courage again to face the world. He had the strength to face his fears and change the course of his life. That's amazing to me!"

Ortho angled his head upwards. Sunshine spilled onto his face, highlighting the lights in his artificial irises. They were bright as a jolt of lightning in the dark, full of life.

"There are people like Nii-san who can be shy, introverted, or withdrawn. But even they're still human, a social creature. They love, and they want to be loved back by their friends, their families, their special ones. Those bonds connect them to others. It grants them the power to behave in unexpected ways."

Sebek looked startled by the declaration. His pupils were thin slits, mouth wrenched into a confounded "o".

"Love makes humans do crazy things. Nii-san was able to go from zero to hero. Mama and Papa regained what they had lost. I was born from those feelings. And I think... the world itself can be changed with that power. That's what it means to 'live', and to be human. There is no other existence like it."

Doing crazy things…

What it means to be human…

Sebek clamped his jaw shut, a rare instance of inability to conjure a defiant rebuttal. A semblance of a thought attempted to squeeze out, but it quivered as it rose up, still only half formed.

He thought of his mother and grandfather. So gallant, so noble. Then there was his father. Plain, unassuming. So ordinary.

Yet a father that loved him all the same.

An unknown pressure had been building in his chest all this time. He didn’t know what it was, only that it was uncomfortable. A truth creeping up on him, bypassing his shields.

Pat.

Sebek glanced up in shock, finding that Ortho had hovered far above him, planting a pat upon his head. The robotic boy ran his hand through Sebek’s slicked back hair. Back and forth, back and forth, in a reassuring manner.

“You too, Sebek Zigvolt-san! As long as we have people who love and support us, we’ll be just fine.” Ortho’s eyes were electric. Sparking with energy.

“… Heh.” Sebek wiped whatever contemplation had remained on his face away, replacing it with a smirk. “Of course!! I wouldn’t be Malleus-sama’s guard were I to be of poor lineage!”

“That’s the spirit! You gotta shoot for glory among the stars and soar like a comet!”

“Hmph!! I must be slacking off on my training if I’m standing here being lectured to by a child.” Sebek pursed his lips (in what Ortho could only assume interpret as a stiff smile). “… For better or for worse, you are far more human than you realize.”

“Affirmative!” Ortho’s expression turned mischievous. “Shall I register your statement as a compliment?”

“Wh-What NERVE!! I was in NOT WAY complimenting you!! Humans are every bit as flawed as they always were! To call you human-like is not a net positive!!”

Ortho laughed—for this, too, was another precious bond, another thread woven on the spindle called Fate.

Ding!

A sound went off. He shuddered as it came in waves across his metal body. Thumping set into Ortho’s head—a reminder of the time.

“Oh! That must be the alarm I set for the birthday party.”

Eager to change the subject, Sebek loudly cleared his throat. “The time has come, then! Your departure awaits!!”

He presented Ortho with his broom. Like every other birthday boy’s before it, a beautiful bouquet was secures where the bristles would normally be. Blues and whites, like the sky, telling of the truths that he sought.

“Ooh, so pretty!” Ortho cried, accepting the broom by the handle. It was firm against his fingers, the roughness of wood picked up by his tactile sensors. “A special piece of equipment was prepared for me.”

“Will you be able to handle it? You mentioned early in our interview that you typically do not use magic to fly.”

“I can adopt to the situation, just watch! I’ll show you the full extent of my flight capabilities.”

Clink, clonk.

Ortho ungracefully plopped himself down on the broom. The movement was a little difficult—no thanks in part due to all the intricate pieces that made up his “cape” and “robes”. But he was a facsimile of a Night Raven College student all the same.

A birthday boy.

Ortho gripped the broom and leaned forward. The air around him formed a warm bubble, a pleasant hum building in volume. When he counted to 3, all the stored energy was released in a single, powerful burst.

The android took off. His kickback—a ring of shimmering blue light—radiated in his wake and swept across the campus. Heat washed over Sebek and passing students, hugged the trees and shrubs.

It was proof of Ortho’s presence, something warm and kind and full of heart.

His humanity.

#twst #twisted wonderland #Ortho Shroud #Sebek Zigvolt #twst imagines #twisted wonderland imagines #twst scenarios #twisted wonderland scenarios #disney twisted wonderland #Ortho birthday takeover #something no one asked for #spoilers

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amuhav · 10 months

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Get to Know Me - Sims Style

tagged by @dandylion240 (if anyone else did too I’m sorry, I’m not seeming to get notifs for tags rn???)

tagging @keibea because we need more TS3 rep in tag games like this tbh.

What’s your favorite Sims death?

Old age. Because it means my sim actually made it that far and I just love seeing their life play out. Some of the more quirky, simsy ones are great though. Death by Jellybean or Cowplant come to mind lol.

Alpha CC or MaxisMatch?

I... really don’t like the TS4 MM aesthetic 😅 I really don’t like the clay hair look for my own sims, though think some people do wonderful things with it, and I do like certain Maxis Mix styles, good skin details with clay hair, certain stylised MM styles etc. but the default TS4 clay look is literally why I never moved over to TS4 in the first place, and it took too long for the Alpha scene to really take off in the beginning, so by the time there was enough CC for me to feel I would ever want to jump in, it felt too overwhelming to even try moving to essentially a new medium.

For TS3... I also am not a huge fan of the straight “MM” look either, though I think the distinction is less prominent as it is in TS4. You can easily make most “MM” stuff fit in an “alpha” game simply because they aren’t usually full-on clay the way TS4 MM is, they’re just not quite as detailed as full “alpha” CC. Whereas the other way around isn’t quite as true, intricately detailed alpha stuff might look out of place if most of your other content is vanilla or MM. So I think as well as preferring the aesthetic, I like the flexibility a more “alpha” leaning style can bring.

Do you cheat your sims weight?

Storywise, characters are obviously whatever size I make them lol.

Uh. I don’t know about weight, because I don’t think any of my sims have put on a lot of weight during gameplay. I have definitely cheated muscle levels though. Traumatic flashbacks to Loch suddenly getting BULKED whilst I was letting him run free during Riv’s BC. Absolutely not you little twink.

Do you move objects?

For gameplay, I used to try to minimise doing so just cos it breaks so much routing and stuff. Now I don’t play so I go nuts with MOO. Who needs working doors or stairs or beds anyway?

Favourite Mod?

So many mods for TS3 are kinda essential to even be able to run the game lol, like almost the entire NRAAS suite. I think I’ll have to go with the Remove Stencil mod though, cos being able to undo EA’s weird obsession with shiny clothes by removing the specular is honestly so lifechanging LOL. no more shiny wool jumpers or oil slick jeans 🥰

First Expansion/Game Pack/Stuff Pack?

My first TS3 expansion was Ambitions, because I skipped World Adventures, in fact, I think it was one of the last expansions I bought lol.

Believe it or not, I do actually own one EP, one GP, and one SP for TS4 lmao, back when I thought maybe, just MAYBE. the game might get better, and I was still trying so damn fuckin hard to force myself to enjoy the actual gameplay. So I have Get to Work, but don’t even ask me what the other two are because I haven’t a fuckin’ clueeeee.

Do you pronounce live mode like aLIVE or LIVing?

...It just occurred to me maybe it is meant to be “LIV” mode because it’s... like. Living mode. Like, Alive Mode doesn’t make sense. But my brain won’t accept it. doesn’t sound right. Always been “LIVE” mod to me lol.

Who’s your favourite sim that you’ve made?

Oh, jeez. Uhhh, I can’t *really* claim most of my current legacy sims because I didn’t make them, they were born in-game, even if I have tweaked the hell out of them in recent years. So if we’re going for physical appearance, I wanna say actually maybe Sylvie for my TS3 sims? She took so long to get just right, especially because TS3 doesn’t really do curvier sims quite as well as TS4, especially not without a fuck ton of sliders, and I had a really specific look to her face in mind that took forever to get right, had to blend her a custom skin etc. But I am finally super happy with her cute lil sassy round face 🥰 Close runners up are probably Qu or Edge.

God, I’m gonna get so fucking shot for this but here goes. Physically, my fave TS4 sims I’ve made are actually both of Tay’s brothers, Ethryon and Ailos, and also probably father, Qariel. I think because I had a little more experience with using TS4 CAS by the time I got to them, more sliders, more skin details, just generally a fuck ton more CAS CC by then, and more time to tweak them etc. As much as Tay will always be my favourite sim OVERALL... yeah. plznoonekillmebye

Have you made a simself?

Ye. I used to update her like. all the timeee too, whenever I got a new haircut etc. And, ofc, Havoc was my alter ego so she’s like. simself adjacent lol.

Which is your favorite EA hair color?

God I hate EA’s hair colours in TS3. their blondes are so yellow, the highlights don’t blend well etc. always make my own. TS4 hair colours make me want to actually die, but then again, I hate the clay hair and cartoony colours of vanilla TS4 anyway, so.

Favourite EA hair?

Favourite life stage?

Young Adult, with Teens a close second. You can do the most with the YA age, but the chaos of teenage years are real fun too lol.

Are you a builder or are you in it for the gameplay?

I literally can’t play lmao. I have too much CC in TS3 for it to run well enough to play, and TS4... is it even possible to play TS4? joking joking... mostly. I’m in it for the story.

Are you a CC creator?

No. Never. I do not have a CC page I abandoned whatsoever no idea what you’re talking about goodbye. 💀

Do you have any Simblr friends or a Sim Squad?

RBSB represent.

No I hate everyone equally.

@lazysunjade and @thesimperiuscurse have no choice but to be talked at by me every day. I’m inescapable.

Do you have any sims merch?

I actually had the TS3 Collectors edition that came with the Plumbob USB and I was devastated when it got broken. Like legitimately heart broken lol.

Miss her so much I just want her back

Do you have a YouTube for sims?

Ew.

How has your “Sims style” changed throughout your years of playing?

I used to try so hard to stick to whatever gameplay threw at me, following the actual legacy rules, not editing sims etc, all to the detriment of my actual enjoyment of storytelling. Now I care maybe a little too much about how posts look that I get into a rut of not posting oops bye 💀

What’s your origin id?

Probably the same as my username here lol, but I avoid origin at all costs so couldn’t tell you for sure tbh.

Who’s your favorite CC creator?

Oh, way too many to choose. For sims 3 CAS stuff, the still active converters like @rollo-rolls, @vmsims23, @simtanico etc. for build and clutter stuff @kerriganhouse, and @martassimsbookcc for conversions. Honestly, I’m kinda out of the loop atm, but there’s just way too many good creators.

How long have you had simblr?

uh. since 2015, I think? let’s not dwell on it 💀

How do you edit your pictures?

Dunno how to answer this? Photoshop, I guess lol?

What expansion/ gamepack is your favorite?

It used to be pets, cos I loved having animals in the game. Now I always forget they exist oop lol. Probably Supernatural.

#tag game #saviourhide #tagged #dandylion240 #this is so long I almost don't want to post it now ugh #delete later

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unhappytimeleaper · 1 year

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Hello!!, may i please request yan eichi with an oblivious darling?

Requested by anonymous

Word Count: 1,250+

Update that most might not care about but might give some context to my absence. I found out I’m moving back to Korea in like,, less than 3 weeks to start a new job. Lots of things to get done in not a lot of time…

I promise I will get to the alphabet; I was thinking about this one at work and wanted to get it out.

Also, I played Repurpose, and it was such a good game,, genuine brain rot over most of the characters; I deeply loved Noel’s route and Ramón was a favorite I didn’t expect. Kalei was still just too cute, Mitts was everything I was hoping for, and DJ was an unexpected one I came to enjoy the route for. Give me poly DJ/MC/Noel or give me death /j. If you have 7$ to spare and want a cute game to kill some time highly recommend and I will be pestering the one friend I have endlessly about it.

Tenshouin Eichi; Unedited. Gender Neutral Reader.

Warnings; yandere content, blackmail, manipulation. Eichi is Eichi, take that as you will.

This blog is 17+ please have your age in your bio or tagged; any ageless blog and below the age asked for will be blocked at the end of the week.

I think being oblivious to Eichi is hard, and I don’t believe that it would be the right word to use. In a way, I think everyone at the start might have some level of ‘obliviousness’ before there just is no possibility of denying the truth of his plan.

What I mean is that unless you are extremely perceptive, like ungodly perceptive, Eichi is cunning. He is a master at manipulation and the ability to get others to not only trust him but do what he wants as pawn pieces. There is a reason he was able to gain such power over Yumenosaki in the first game, and there is a reason even from the second he was introduced, there was a wave of power that Eichi naturally exudes. Despite everything, he can come off as very non-threatening given his frailness which might make it easy to confide in giving him needed ammo to blackmail you. Something about your family here or there, a secret about a friend that slipped out and he promised he’d never bring it up again [he will], or even a moment of frustration with working in the idol field. He naturally has an air of eloquence that makes it easy to fall into a web of words and let out more than you expect to share [it also helps he naturally talks a lot in a way that is easy for others get lost in]. He has connections nearly everywhere for better or worse, and can use those to gain links to you, either knowing the little things you swore you hadn’t told him or closer to something on your schedule to randomly show up. Questionable, but nothing you can prove as being shady, so it’s best to brush it off regardless. Who would believe you over one of the most well-known idols in the industry? This isn’t to say obliviousness, in general, doesn’t help him if you manage to make loops to justify all of his weird behaviors. Still, even I think some of those who think of themselves as incredibly cognizant would also fall into these types of traps, even if he has to tiptoe a little harder to get them all to work.

However, this game Eichi plays with you manipulated into a false trust won’t last forever. In fact, he doesn’t want it to because there is something much better about being able to move into a true relationship, the one where he can be open to his motivations and desires. All of this was a stepping stone in the bigger picture for him. Getting the basics down, and being able to tangle you deep enough that struggling to escape only digs the knife in more.

Eichi has two ways this facade comes melting down, revealing the reality behind the set pieces of the stage he’s built to lure you in. The first one is external forces; Eichi has a reputation in nearly all eras of the game for his mental strength and ability to use this to get others to do what he wants. It’s not some hushed topic that no one acknowledges, even Eichi is well aware of his status, and while Eichi likely would be able to shift his opinion to his favor if you talk to him at times, there will be many others, even Eichi’s closest friends willing to call out the dangers he imposes. At that point, it’s no longer really just obliviousness to his actions when often proof and multiple people are able to recount the story where he is the villain. Antagonist? Oh well, semantics; regardless, he often is not framed well. Being oblivious to the signs, the warnings and red flags Eichi holds from this are genuinely hard to pass off with a lack of awareness.

But that is not just the end; Eichi is well aware of this. Often times he won’t deny it either because Eichi doesn’t see what he does as necessarily wrong. To an extent, yes, he has some awareness of the damage he causes and the impacts it has on others, but Eichi very rarely shows remorse for those actions deeming them as a necessity. Much like with you. If you have a bleeding heart and want to believe in the best from him, you can always ask if they are lying. What they said isn’t true. Eichi might have done some things wrong, but even then, everyone makes mistakes. Right? Eichi won’t bother lying or covering up what he’s done to others, and even if you are put in vulnerable positions where he is blatantly manipulating you, he is upfront with his actions. Aren’t you at least happy the confessions are coming from him and not some stranger you work with?

I think back to when Eichi tried to get Trickster to disband; the group did know it was manipulation to make them feel as less, that the win was a fluke only provided due to Undead and 2wink. However, it didn’t comfort them in knowing this was all just the result that he wanted, and they still fell apart in the moment. Eichi wasn’t hiding his intentions but knew he held the power to easily get others to crack regardless and succumb to his desires because, in a sense, resistance is as futile as lying to you. Nothing is gained, and nothing is lost if you can stay so far ahead as he can in most scenarios.

It’s Eichi’s greatest strength as a yandere that out of everyone, he would be the most lucid and, as far as he can push it, make you aware of the lucidity that his actions, while immoral, are the path he will continue to take for the sake of his ideals. Even the most oblivious, good-hearted are forced to come to this realization at some point, just like with Tsumugi’s relationship with him. When, not if, but when Eichi gets what he wants through manipulation, he has no problem shattering the rose-tinted glasses people might wear to him. You can deny it all you want, and you can run from what is the monster that is Eichi to believe he isn’t truly this, but you can’t run forever. He will drill it into your head, sear all of his crimes into your mind to the point you can only accept that the mask he had at the start was to use you. Use your kindness, uses your ignorance, use your trust to gain what he wanted to use against you when the time called for it. It’s a crushing burden to know that the one who sealed you to this fate with him was no one more than yourself. This is what makes him such a terrifying yandere, not the fear of what he will do or can do to keep you as his. But that in the end, you are only as powerless a puppet in the world; he wants you a pawn stuck to his side.

Life with Eichi is trapped in the lucidity of both of you. Once knowing this, you can make it the best of what it is and give in to love him with the cage you’ve been trapped in or make it just as miserable. The glasses will have been shattered, and no amount of glue will be able to mend them. The choice is up to you, but there is no way to keep a lack of awareness of his actions in the long term that you once clung to.

#enstars.leaps #yandere #yandere writing #yandere x reader #yandere ensemble stars #yandere enstars #yandere eichi #yandere character #ensemble stars eichi #yandere fine #eichi tenshouin #tw: yandere #tw: blackmail #tw: manipulation

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clemkruckinnie · 2 years

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bette davis eyes-chrissy cunningham x reader

request: Hey Clem so I haven’t seen anyone do this yet I think. But it’s a Chrissy x Reader fic.So Chis is datin a older “party” member. And Chris is with the reader when she’s gets taken by Venca. And later on when Reads finds out that music saves said victims, they kinda goes off on themselves. It’s a stench for this

a/n: gotta give my first imagine to my underrated angel <3

relationships: chrissy cunningham x f!reader, mild robin buckley x f!reader if you squint

The Wheeler household is almost never entirely quiet. Even when no one is talking, there’s always something in the foreground-the buzz of the heater, a forgotten game left on the TV. This rings true for your current situation-everyone spread out on the basement floor, exhausted from the day’s events.

You had come close to losing Max—too close. Here she was, though, fast asleep in your arms, Kate Bush’s muted voice leaking from the headphones of her walkman. Being first up for “Max Watch”, it was your job to watch over her. You had practically jumped at the opportunity, citing your resistance to sleep as a qualifier. Even though she’s been through hell, Max looks peaceful as she sleeps, head tucked under your chin. As horrible as it is to admit, you sort of envy her. You haven’t been able to close your eyes without seeing the love of your life, eyes glazed over, bones snapped at angles incompatible with life.

To the town of Hawkins, you and Chrissy Cunningham were the best of friends. Never one without the other, connected at the hip, practically at the very soul. You treasured that closeness above everything else, because no matter how bad things got, there she was, ready to hold you in her arms until you had cried the pain out. It flashes in your brain that she’s gone forever, an obnoxious, flickering, neon motel sign amongst the darkness in the rest of your head.

They had cracked some sort of code today, funding out that music could pull someone away from Vecna’s hold, giving them the strength to fight back and get back to their bodies. That’s why you’ve been listening to Kate Bush secondhand for the past 2 hours-it had saved Max, for which you couldn’t thank the same invisible forces you had been cursing enough. Through the several years of trauma before, you had grown closer to the young girl passed out against your chest. You already felt as if part of your soul was missing, with Chrissy gone. Losing Max would have killed you.

You’re pulled from your thoughts by a soft rap against the wooden table by the couch, looking up into Robin’s eyes.

“Shift switch.” She tells you.”I mean, you probably won’t be able to move, since Max is-“

You smile softly down at her again, then look back up to Robin, nodding. “She’s earned it.”

Robin sits across from Max and you, in an uncharacteristic bout of silence. “I’m sorry, by the way. About Chrissy. I know she just passed, but it already feels, like-overlooked, in a way?”

“Yeah.” You mutter softly. “Out of all the people that could have happened to-she didn’t deserve it.”

“She was an angel.” Robin concurs, “one time, one of those basketball shitheads threw chocolate milk on my favorite shirt. She didn’t even know me, but she stayed in that bathroom with me trying to get it out, then gave me her sweater to wear instead. She never even asked for it back.”

You blink back tears, again, because of course your Chrissy did. Of course she spent an hour of her own time helping out a classmate she barely knew, because that was her-an angel among humans.

“I never told her about any of this.” You start, “but for every bad memory day, every nightmare, she was there. Just ready to help me through something she didn’t even know about.”

There’s another pause, but you speak up again, unable to stop talking about Chrissy, now that you’ve been able to share these memories of her with someone. “I’d have played Bette Davis Eyes.” You tell her, “to save Chrissy, I mean. That was our song.”

You’re too wrapped up in the memories that had made it your song-dancing in Chrissy’s bedroom, illuminated by her string lights, promising to each other you’d make it out of Hawkins, to somewhere where you two could just be. You snap back to the present day when you realize what you had just told Robin.

“I mean-shit, I-“

You rub at your damp eyes with your free arm.

“Y/N.” Robin prompts you softly.

You’re able to bring yourself to look up at her, and there’s no sign of the disgust you were expecting.

“Were you two just friends?” She asks you. You shake your head “no”, biting back the sobs so you don’t disturb Max.

“I loved her.” You cry. “And she loved me. Not in the way that you love your best friend.”

You look back at Robin, and not only is she not disgusted-she’s crying, too.

“Oh, shit, Robin-“

She waves you off, wiping her eyes.

“Wasn’t expecting you two to be like me.” Robin shrugs.

“Like you??”

Robin nods, “Yeah.”

You smile tearfully, grabbing Robin’s hand with your free one, unable to hug her like you wanted to.

“Bette Davis Eyes was so us.” You gush, opening the floodgate. “Cause Chrissy-she had those big doe eyes that looked through your soul, you know? She and I would dance to it, and laugh at the “all the boys think she’s a spy” part, because we both liked to think of guys we talked to as like, covert operations. She loved the references, too- to the old movie stars, she loved old romance movies.” Robin nods, smiling wistfully as you go on.

“She just loved, and cared, so deeply about everyone and everything. She barely even knew Max, but if she were here, she’d be crying happy tears right along with me for her.”

There’s another pause, where you look down at Max again, rewinding her walkman so it’ll keep playing Running Up That Hill.

“That’s why i’m persevering.” You tell Robin, “because she loved me so much.”

And she did.

Your golden girl, your sunshine, the love of your life.

Your motivation to keep fighting-your angel, watching you from somewhere, with those Bette Davis Eyes.

#stranger things 4 #stranger things imagine #chrissy cunningham #chrissy cunningham x reader

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seyaryminamoto · 4 months

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From what I remember in your story, even taking Iroh's initial biases into account I thought part of his intense hostility leading up to his report to Ozai was that he was truly convinced that Azula's true nature was either no better or even significantly worse than Ozai's due to the Iroh's suspicions arc. Azula herself told Sokka she was worried that by throwing him of the trail of their relationship that she may have brought the worst out of him. Honestly this was probably my favorite exploration of their conflict, because if they were truly able to trust each other and talk they could have avoided so much pain and trouble, but both of them over the course of the story had developed genuine and/or biased reasons not to trust one another and viewed themselves as doing the right thing despite their actions ultimately resulting in the worst outcome. Azula was trying to prevent a known adversary from having ammunition to ruin their lives and future plans, and Iroh believed that he was essentially hindering the fire nation by turning what he thought were essentially two Evil Ozais with a good relationship with one another into enemies. I can't lie that I'm not slightly disappointed that in the latest chapter that this aspect of their conflict wasn't brought up more explicitly in the conversation with Zuko when Iroh was talking about his biases. Was I personally thinking that the dynamic was more significant than it actually was or is that dynamic being saved for a future conversation Iroh may have with Sokka and Azula?

Uuuuuh, as for the last question... I don't really know if I'll bring it up some more since I do think I've had Iroh acknowledge why and how he fucked up in that respect in the past + exteriorized that if Azula had acted differently he might just have done it too? Am I crazy for thinking so? Did I write that or didn't I? That's a complicated game to play when you're almost at 5 million words of a story... 🤣

Azula and Iroh miiiight have one more conversation in the future and maybe this will come up there, but I haven't written it yet so I won't make any promises on that front. Admittedly, I don't expect their future encounter to be particularly fruitful. Iroh is 100% genuine in what he has understood and learned, though, that can't be denied and I always have hoped to portray him not as a super wicked villain but as a character who thinks he understands far more than he actually does, with motivations that push him into making mistakes he very much comes to regret.

This being said, the Azula-Iroh and Zuko-Ozai parallels in this story are and always have been 100% intentional. Those two tugs-of-war have been going on forever, and the crux of them was very much the fact that Azula and Iroh distrusted and second-guessed and suspected each other soooo much... because they have similar natures, similar thought processes, and they're both intellectual, suspicious, hiding what's REALLY going on underneath the surface, and immediately wary when they recognize all those traits in each other too. Likewise, Zuko and Ozai have some REALLY ugly parallels and one of those parallels, already given away by the chapter you sent this ask over, is going to be the driving force of the conflict between those two, much as a similar thing was the driving force between Iroh and Azula, in its own way: the more they fight to push the other away, the harder they reject the other, the more they end up embodying the flaws they see in that other person, to an extent where they could do absolutely TERRIBLE things just out of wanting to push the other one as far away as possible.

So yeah, the point was never for Iroh to feel like some sadistic mustache-twirling villain who wanted Azula to suffer just for shits and giggles. He had his reasons to do what he did. Doesn't mean he was right. Doesn't mean he should've done it. What it means is it made sense in his head due to his biases, the information he had at hand at the moment, and the particularly awful relationship he had with Azula. Likewise, Azula's rejection of Iroh back in "Iroh's suspicions" caused her uncertainty and anguish because she KNEW she had taken it too far. She was afraid of the consequences. A part of her KNEW that if she acted differently, there was a chance, however slim, that Iroh might not have made the choice he did. And that's why this is such a messed up situation! :')

Ultimately, I want my characters to have motivations that just... add up. That can be traced. That, upon looking at their actions and choices, anyone can go "oh yeah, this is why they did whatever they did". This is good when it comes to establishing ultimate goals, and it's also good when you want to put characters to the test: how far are they willing to go, what are they ready to do to achieve whatever they're trying to achieve? How much are they willing to sacrifice for it? And the answers to those questions can be VERY extreme and painful. Just so, we can find characters who decide to back down and simply surrender over their goals when they realize that there are other things that matter more. But it's a manner of game a writer plays when it comes to gauging and figuring out what a character wants vs. needs, what a character will fight for and what it will take for them to surrender, and so on. Fundamentally, that's how I built up Iroh and Azula's chaotic dynamic. Whatever comes from that in the future, ultimately, their biggest problem may just be that they were just too smart for their own good, tried to outsmart each other a little too much, and never allowed themselves to just... accept each other properly. They came close to it once, yes! But... they failed. And it's depressing as hell, but complicated characters will always be challenging this way...

#anon #gladiator #those two parallels will never stop making my brain go brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr #the Zuko-Ozai one though #is just so damn good #I can't wait to get there #because my god you guys #the KEY to breaking the FN royal family cycle of toxicity #is actually in that specific parallel and how I'll deal with it #I never thought it would be until I realized that's where it was #one thing #just the one thing #is going to be a key to giving Zuko a chance to break free from the exact spiral he's falling into #and of course Zuko is a better person than Ozai and of course he hasn't been anywhere near as powerhungry as his father #... but that doesn't change the very dark truths that Ozai and Zuko very much mirror each other #every bit as much and every bit as painfully as Azula and Iroh do #there's not as much of a salvation aspect for those two unfortunately #at least I haven't unraveled it yet #there may be one regard in which they could maybe grow some mutual respect but #I can't see that going too far #so unfortunately zero promises of reconciliations here #Ursa is one thing Iroh is a whole other rodeo #even though Ursa has also done some very fucked up things but...#... fucked up things Azula actually can accept a lot more than the fucked up ones Iroh did so...#it is what it is

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basicallyjaywalker · 9 months

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The timeline and history of Ninjago is weird and fluid: an essay

So recently I reblogged a post asking what people thought the length of the time skip between S2 and S3 was and it got me thinking about the weird chronology of this show.

Disclaimer: i have only seen up to S8 because I'm a hack and a fraud but I do still follow fandom and have seen enough clips I think to gain an understanding of how the ninja are portrayed and characterized in later seasons. I welcome and deeply appreciate those of you who are more caught up on the seasons adding to my points and pointing out where I'm wrong on this post! Who knows maybe in 15 years when I do catch up I'll make a follow up

Basically, the conclusion I have after years of thinking about this timeline way too much is this:

The time twins completely screwed up the timeline

Only slightly joking, but it does feel like the divide between S7 and S8 (coincidentally also when the design change took place) is when the writers had to retcon a lot of old ideas because the show was moving in a new direction spurred by an increase of popularity from the movie and by desires from the people supervising the shows creation.

My main points for this are as follows

The ninjas age

How old the country of Ninjago is

The depiction of the passing of time itself

So let's examine these one by one and let me tell you exactly what I think caused the chronological fluidity of this show

Wait... How old are the ninja?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Some people say they're in their late teens, that they're early adults, or that they've got to be hitting the mid 20s by now. Personally, I'm of the latter camp, but depending on which season someone is viewing, any of these can be true.

In the post I talked about at the start, I mentioned that S1-S4 felt like the ninja clearly grew older and matured as time went on. They went from blowing off training to play video games in S1 to dealing with the ramifications of trauma in various, independent, adult ways in S4. Yes, they can still be super immature and goofy, but let's be real adults are like that irl too. Now they seem to stall out on dramatic progression in S5-7, but they generally maintain the same level of maturity as before.

Now again, I have not watched the following seasons, but the general vibe I have gathered is the ninja seem to almost... Regress? They seem to go back to S1 levels of maturity. Teenagers! I mean Lloyd specifically seems to be more of a typical teenage boy archetype whereas beforenhe was portrayed as almost more mature than the ninja. Additionally, there's an interview wherein someone on the team confirms they're supposed to be teens (if anyone can find it I'll be forever in your debt).

This weird regression happens in the later seasons, and while I can't pinpoint where, to me it feels like a result of how they were portrayed in (you guessed it) the movie!

Small aside: I also haven't seen the movie but ik it's non canon and very typical Lego movie silly fun fluff. I like what I've seen and think the whole narrative is super cute. Plus movie aus are adorable. Moving on

Now I have no way of backing this up but I would be unsurprised if the movie brought more people to the Ninjago franchise as a whole and acted as a soft reboot after s8. We get the new redesigns, new garmadon brought back specifically to be able to mirror movie garm, and teenage ninjas including our favorite magical boy with daddy issues--Lloyd.

Basically, the ninjas almost have a parabola of maturation, starting off very young and dumb in s1, maturing into very adult people by S4, but slowly regressing after the rebrand to match the new style.

And funnily enough, none of this goes against an official canon. The ninjas ages are never stated, really, only implied. Really, they could still be in their mid twenties or early teens at any point. Even if you argued that they wouldn't be teachers or able to own stocks in a company or etc etc etc, you can also argue that the laws in Ninjago may not be the same, it may be through Wu or another adult, it could just be that they're the ninja and really no one is gonna question them on that. The canon itself is kinda wobbly which brings me to my next point:

HOW OLD IS NINJAGO?!?!

HOW IS NINJAGO THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD HOW ARE THERE MULTIPLE GENERATIONS OF EMS HOW PLD ARE GARM AND WU HOW OLD ARE THE NINJA HOW OLD ARE THEIR PARENTS HOW OLD IS ANYONE WHAT THE HECK--

--Are all thoughts I've had when trying to piece together the timeline of this world because let's face it: it simultaneously seems to be very new and very old. "Long before time had a name...' HOW LONG WU. HOW LONG.

When I was watching S7 I specifically took note of when it was said that the Serpentine war was 40 years ago. It felt weirdly recent, as before when the serpentine were discussed and depicted they seemed to be an ancient race. So ancient, in fact, that it's mentioned in s1 that they're just "an old wives tale, meant to keep kids from poking their noses where they don't belong'

Now don't get me wrong, temporal perception is weird. Things that were 40 years ago can feel super old, I'm approaching 20 years old and things from when I was born feel like ages ago. Still, 40 years does not feel like enough for something as intense as an entire war to be forgotten. Ray and Maya fought in that war, so presumably Ed, Edna, and Lou all lived through it. Wu was literally present for the banishing of the Anacondrai generals, so how tf did it fade into obscurity?

Then there's the EMs themselves. In S4 Garmadon explains that they were the FSM "guardians" and that their powers are passed down through generations. This does give an answer to the origins of the ninjas powers except. No, wait, I have more questions now. Firstly, how many generations? We know Garmadon is the son of the FSM, so presumably if the first generation of EMs are contemporaries of the FSM, then we're on the third. Okay, that's less confusing. With three generations, we can explain how the EMs separated, the master of earth who was most definitely not Lily in a flashback in S4, and even the odd comment Nya makes in S5 about powers "skipping a generation" with people from the second generation not getting powers from their relatives while others do. We could possibly point to Zane as an example of this, as it could be possible that the master of ice seen inna flashback is his grandfather and Juliens father, with Julien having no shown elemental powers.

So with all of this in mind it makes complete sense that Ninjago is less than a century and a half old, allowing about 50 years for each generation.

So, I ask with great exhaustion, how the FUCK has all of it's RECENT HISTORY become LEGEND????

I would like to reiterate my point about the serpentine, but also see pirates (who had to have also been contemporaries to the FSM which begs the question WHY piracy in a barely established nation), the devourer and ouroborus (devourer specifically was around 60 so years ago to bite Garmadon, also how did the serpentine tribes just FORGET a whole city in 40 years or less between the war and being freed), the ideas of EMs as a whole???? (Specifically how did Kai, Nya, and Cole not know or at least have an idea Abt their powers bc it feels like they each had enough of a connection to an elemental parent for a MENTION to be made), etc etc etc

Now I will go on record and admit this point could just be explained by the fact that for a country that is say, 150-200 years old, things that happened 100 or even 50 years ago FEEL ancient, relatively speaking. Really most of my issues are just gripes of why and how and decisions made and could be picked apart easily. However, that idea, that things just FEEL ancient, despite being recent, brings me to what is going to be my favorite point

Tick Tock.

Throughout this incoherent ramble disguised as a coherent essay, I keep coming back to one excuse for each of my issues: nothing chronological is stated for certain (save for the Serpentine war date), merely implied. The ninjas ages are never stated, just implied over time. The actual age of Ninjago is never stated, just implied. Hell, NO ONE's ages are ever stated, just implied. Wu and Garmadon are simultaneously dad aged and ancient. Garmadon specifically is both an ancient demon lord and also the ex husband to a very private and very human museum curator and also the absent father to a boy who is simultaneously like 16 and 20 something.

Except, I get hung up on one thing the longer I think about it, which is that the show seemed to be a chronological passing of time at first.

I mentioned it again earlier when talking about the ninjas ages (can you tell that a lot of my confusion and frustration comes from that) but they do seem to age and mature over time. They have arcs and maturation that sticks. Lloyd does too. Id argue Nya does as well despite the fact that she's woefully overlooked by the writing a lot (I'll get to it in the love triangle essay) going from the "little sister" doing whatever she can to prove herself to a woman still fighting that omnipresent idea that she's lesser or different from her male teammates because of her gender. Hell, in s7 they specifically talk about how Wu is aging and will die someday soon--hed been time punched, but still.

The time skips add to this. Between s2 and s3 there seems to be a large leap-- new Ninjago city wasn't built in a day. So do S3 and s4 with the ninja splitting up and Jay having enough time to establish a hit tv show like... that had to take a few months at least???Same with s4 and s5 and steep wisdoms founding.

There's a strong sense of the passing of time that feels... Different when looking at the new seasons. I won't say the passage isn't there, just that it feels... Frozen? In the same way that a show like Pokemon is. The protagonists are the same age, despite the fact that their surroundings and lives change. They are constant even if their world is not. And that feels like the product of something completely different.

Ninjago will never end.

In the beginning, I think it was clear there were two seasons planned. Rise of the Serpentine and Legacy of the Green Ninja. S2 had a nice happy ending and a photo finish even!! Then we had S3, but it still felt like it was final. The loss of a friend, but the characters finding a sense of closure still. But then we had S4... Which left with a cliffhanger for S5. Which paved the way for S6. And after that... Well, Crystalized was what, S15? And now we have DR so who Knows when this franchise will truly end? Not to mention the seasons slowly getting longer and longer --

I think the crazy chronology we ended up with was the result of Many Cooks. As the franchise's fan base grew and the demand for more and more content grew with it, more writers came in and left. There was no more telling how long this series would go. We needed new villains to fight, new stories to tell, so came the retconning and, over time, the tighter chronology seen during those initial seasons faded because if we keep aging the ninja, how old would they be? Too old. We need to keep them at a place where the target demographic can look up to and relate to them.

Now don't get me wrong, I love Ninjago, I love how big this fan base is (I remember being on Quotev and Wattpad and Pinterest and YouTube in the S3 era SCOURING for any new fanfics or art or fan content, now I just scroll the Tumblr tags and find new stuff all the time) and I love that the series has lasted this long and continues to feed my autism fun colors and silly jokes and insane storylines to latch onto. These criticisms aren't meant to damn the show, hell they're pretty flimsy considering I'm not even halfway through the series relatively speaking and thus can't really use that as evidence for or against me. They're just a culmination of many thoughts I've had while watching the show and trying to build my own AU with OCs using as much of the canon as possible. I would LOVE to wake up someday and find someone has reblogged this rebutting all of my points.

As it stands though, ninjagos chronology is fucked. Why? Because what was initially a short, fun Lego show grew so massively popular that today we have a new Netflix spinoff? Continuation? Still being made today and so the writers had to change gears and make it so that could happen without the ninja becoming grandparents.

It is one thirty am and I have to wake up in 5 hours. Stay tuned for an even less coherent essay on why I hate the love triangle. Spoiler alert: none of it is nyas fault and my trait of evisceratinf the things I love w criticism is about to be set upon Jay my kin

#ninjago #lego ninjago #ninjago headcanons #this took so many hours to write #apologies that none of it os coherent i havent proofread jt either #i didnt even check the wiki except to verify any canon info i wasn't sure about #bc i am a rebel #or a hack and a fraud #either works #if you made jt this far thank you #it means a lot :)#stay tuned for that love triangle essay fr and more oc content bc i feel a Luna dump incoming #lloyd when his family dynamics become more complicated (long lost sister)

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crystalelemental · 12 days

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My wife's on the controller again, and that means it's time for Thoughts Part 2. Much like the first time through, I'll be doing mechanics post first, then the rest. Unfortunately for this game, I stopped playing at a bad time to be in a good mood for this.

Nexomon Extinction, at least mechanically, does not feel super distinct from say, Pokemon. A lot of this feels much more similar than its initial game, due to changes around status, type matchup, etc. It's a very fun experience, but it feels like it lost a bit of its identity when they tossed aside full recovery on level up, super easy levels, no level cap, broken as hell status, etc.

Nothing has significantly changed between the first post and now. I still feel all of that is very relevant and true. Mechanically, the game would not feel out of place alongside the GBA/DS era of Pokemon. Which is my favorite era, so like...I'm having fun.

That said, my initial assertions do seem slightly unfair in retrospect. The crux of it was that the game incentivizes just using your biggest attack regardless of type matchup, and that's the best way to win. This...still kinda holds true. Type matchup feels more extreme as numbers go up, though, and new options are introduced. And this is the crux of what I'll be talking about today.

The single best Nexomon I had this entire run was Zappnic. A common, and a bee, with below average stats. Because it has a buff that stacks three times, boosting Atk, Def, and Spd 30%. Once you've boosted three times, you can use pretty much anything and secure a 2HKO. It learns the best electric move in the game, EMP, which pretty much always goes first despite the low speed penalty because of how buffed your stats are. It even blows through resists because Sonic Scream can inflict sleep, and is a nice neutral. Also the Def boost means it isn't threatened by attacks. But if something does kinda muscle through a bit, it also has a heal. I used this thing to basically clear nearly the entire endgame. It beat every form of Vados. Its only limitation is Stamina, which it cuts through pretty sharply. But recovery items can solve that.

Stall exists, and it fucks severely and often. One of my Nexomon, Floreina, has Green Sphere, which recovers 30% HP and Stamina on the next turn. Provided she isn't weak to the opponent, this becomes a perfect back and forth play, keeping her alive effectively forever. Stamina is no consideration. She just has to be able to actually take the hits being thrown out, which is sometimes questionable. But god what a fun set, that completely lacks the weakness of the bee. She swept most of the Grandmaster trial because she didn't need to worry about heal items, and had a good matchup against everyone but the fire tamer.

As a smaller, in-between scale, Horget wound up being a lot of fun too. Psychic Dragon had access to a move that buffed Atk 25%, and Renovate, which acts like Rest in Pokemon, but instead of two turns it's one. "But it says two?" Yeah but it counts the turn you use it, so it's hilariously strong. Horget's weakness, however, was its moves. It doesn't learn anything above base 90 power, so the tremendous buff move is offset by lower base power and less than impressive stats. Horget wound up being incredibly consistent, but falling off just a little bit due to these issues.

By comparison, other options were adequate to really frustrating depending on their utility. Felclaw should have been a Horget-esque entity with a 25% buff, but only to elemental damage so its neutral never took off, was plagued by similar limitations on base move damage, and did not have healing. Yarnesty was a solid starter, good wind-type damage output, but it lacked anything technical and so was a good counter to stuff weak to it, but little else. Greben was the saddest case, designed for defensive play but its only buff was a 40% boost to crit rate, which isn't super consistent to begin with, in exchange for cutting defense 20%. Her base effects weren't worth it, and status isn't really strong enough to justify being your pull. Even Phantra, who I expected to love, wound up feeling worse off than Folicurse, because Folicurse got access to the strongest Ghost move while Phantra didn't.

All this to say: Nexomon Extinction has a lot more dynamic play than initially expected, but largely relegated to a handful of options. What those options are isn't based on your rarity anymore, but it's also unclear when anything is set for success. The strongest option I had being a common, while multiple Mega Rares didn't hold up, is a bit bizarre. I don't strictly mind this, but lack of variability hurts. Basically, I yearn for some level of control over learnsets. I think it would really expand options.

On the subject of learnsets, types feel a lot more...imbalanced. Maybe it's just the ones I had access to, but postgame, I think seeing what the children of Omnicron can do and have access to points out the flaws. Specifically, they all have access to the best traits. So Luxa has access to the Bee Sweep combo (but with no healing), and Nara has access to the Floreina sustain combo, etc. All of them pack a solid neutral attack, and seem to have some form of buff, with Fone and Arqua having 25% Atk. But then there's Ventra. Who has...speed boosting, I guess? A move that lasts a few turns and gives only a 40% chance to ignore defense with Wind attacks? It's not like there's nothing, but it's a far cry from the consistent and powerful buffs that others seem to receive. The whole type feels like that.

This should logically be for the postgame wrapup, but I'm mentioning it now because it's fresh. I hate roaming legends. I hate them. The first Nexomon game, I didn't like the system much, but only because I had no control over which child was showing up and they respawned. Also that if you didn't find them in two encounters they disappeared from the map. The point is it was annoying, but you could manage, because the game had a radar that told you when something was close. That doesn't happen here. There is no warning or notice, and you will spend over an hour on the worst fucking encounter rate of your life, just trying to find these goddamned things. I spent FOUR HOURS today looking for Tyrants. I found two. Out of nine. That's fucking inexcusable. There is no reason for it to be this bad. To make matters worse, it sounds like the Abyssals aren't static fights. They also get relegated to random encounters in the grass. Which is probably the worst thing I've ever heard! Literally dozens of these low-spawn encounters! I don't think I'm finishing the Database this time. This is way, way too frustrating for no reward.

#nexomon extinction

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lgcsaem · 2 months

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✰ … THE WRAP-UP. final thoughts after a weekend of fun ( solo ).

misaki is not the type to hold grudges— while often childish and sulky, bouts of prolonged anger and resentment are only palpable and pungent in their initial moments before a new distraction easily whisks his negativity away. he's a sponge, as easy to wring dry as he is to soak, more often than not causing those in his general vicinity to experience whiplash to varying extents.

his highs are highs and his lows are lows, but they're never forever, unendingly eager to go, go, go.

maybe that's why, despite his pouty, whinny nature during the earlier hours of the day ( saturday ), misakis demeanor is now lofty, a signature cherish-like grin spread across freshly touched-up lips. for all the challenges he'd lost, a solid two out of three, misaki had had fun, had thoroughly enjoyed his time with his fellow trainees in a way he'd not experienced since spring boys. this was the last day he'd been able to take part in, other schedules conflicting with his availability, but he'd at least been able to experience the thick of it all.

by this point, interviews are a breeze, and he's determined to share his enthusiasm.

"well, why don't we get started— what was your favorite moment from today?"

"finally winning a challenge!" the answer bubbles up without a second thought, his grin widening into something far more joyous, a full laugh following his words. he's in a giggly mood, chipper as he tended to be, well-rested and relaxed after a few days devoid of his usual training routine. "i didn't think i was ever gonna be on a winning team— at first, i thought suddenly changing up groups and becoming part of team young would be more of an advantage for the relay drawing game, but nope." he's still giddy despite the way his brows furrow as he explains. "we weren't as sharp as i thought we'd be . . . but i think that's what made finally winning the quick response game at the very end that much better!"

puffing his chest out slightly, fists settled on his hips in triumph, his lips curl into a satisfied smirk. "i got my redemption!"

"how did you feel about the activities given to your teams?"

brows raising high, misaki finds himself nodding his head resolutely, fringe bouncing in front of his eyes ( his shag was in dire need of a trim ). "getting to play games like this was a lot of fun, especially since it's not something we do all the time." for the most part, trainee life consists of just that— training. shenanigans had are instances made between obligations, and while misaki had become quite the expert at sneaking in silly antics between workshops and lessons, being able to have fun without pause had been a refreshing change of pace. "i liked that they were games i don't play that often, that sort of made it feel like i was learning the rules all over again to up the ante!"

"do you feel like you've gotten closer to anyone thanks to today?"

again, misaki finds himself nodding along, this time far more vigorously. "oh, seyoonie!" the smile that grows on his lips in infectious, pearly whites on full display. "he and i are already good friends, especially because we used to be roommates—" a reality that no longer held true, unfortunately "—but i think we got closer. there's nothing like feeding your bro burnt food you helped make to strengthen your bond!" laughter trickles after he statement, a hand lifting to brush his fringe from out of his eyes. he can still taste the bitter charred flavor the meat he'd prepared left lingering on his palette, but he didn't mind.

"so . . . with saturday over, has your experience today taught you anything new?"

"i'm not the worst cook, i'm just a bad cook." an unexpected chortle sounds from beyond the camera, a stark contrast to the serious look misaki gives the lens pointed his way. he's only able to hold that expression for a moment, however, before his cheeks color a lovely pink with delighted embarrassment. "it's true! i might burn most things, but you can still eat them! they're edible, i swear!" the young boy fidgets in his seat, body unable to fully contain his urge to jump to his feet. cheeks still aflame, he feels himself beginning to calm down, but his grin persists. "also— i made a petty stink about it, but i think . . . losing a bunch is ok, just as long as i win in the end."

#✰ . . . ( 𝗟 𝗢 𝗔 𝗗 𝗜 𝗡 𝗚 : solo ) !#lgc:lgcvss #( slowly but surely i am ticking things off my list

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eldifusor · 3 months

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Get to know me- yes, it is a tag game!

I was tagged (with no obligations) by @pleiadianwitch and I am choosing to actually do it.

1. Were you named after anyone?

So my irl name's lore is: mother took it from the bible, father also chose the same but from a secular detective book so they surprised each other when they discussed how to name me. Bible name is confirmed. I have never been able to confirm name was actual read on a secular detective book: because father can't recall the title of said book. I do like this story a lot so I chose to believe that it is true.

2. When was the last time you cried?

I cry internally everyday more than once. Actual tears flowing from my eyes you ask? Well, like a week ago at time of writing this.

3. Do you have kids?

No.

And you did not ask but I will volunteer this:

I don't want kids "of my own" but I think "kids" don't belong to anyone and as a society we must take care of every single one of them.

4. What sports do you play/have you played?

Back in the day I used to play a lot of basketball. Loved it. And actually played enough to try out for a pro team in Puerto Rico but failed miserably because I was not that great. Also never disciplined which was the real problem.

I also coached some little league basketball on my barrio.

5. Do you use sarcasm?

Me?? NEVER.....

(yes, that "joke" is the most puerile and obvious way of trying to convey that I used it, love it etc.

BUT as I grow older, I am using it less and less because I think sometimes people don't know how to sarcasm properly or use sarcasm as an excuse to just being petty horrible people and I think that is fucking lame).

6. What is the first thing you notice about people?

Eyes. I am obsessed with looking at eyes discreetly when someone is talking. Love seeing someone smiling with their eyes: the most endearing human quality that makes me feel good about humanity and that we might still have a chance of being not as horrible as we are.

7. What is your eye color?

Boring but Trusty Brown

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

You know what? I appreciate a good scary movie but I don't seek them. Maybe I should do more.

And I do think well earned happy endings are cool and all BUT what I really like are sad tragic endings.

But for this questions I will say: a sad tragic ending disguised as a happy ending. That's the REAL THING!!!

9. Any talents?

Public speaking-- for better or worst. :-D

10. Where were you born?

Bayamón, Puerto Rico

11. What are your hobbies?

I have a myriad of obsessions that I do sometimes simultaneously or some other that are seasonal, others dies and come back...obsessing over the intersection of politics, media, pop culture, meta-narratives, writing, storytelling, games...I mishmash everything...in other words: what TUMBLR represents in the virtual spaces, is basically what I would call my "hobbies". Does that make sense? No? EXACTLY.

12. Pets?

No more. Had a lot in the past. Loved them dearly. Suffered too much when they parted. Decided to stop that. But love to see other's pets and respect a responsible pet owner forever.

13. How tall are you?

6'1 mostly...6'2 other times

14. Favorite subject in school?

Spanish, History, Science, Social Studies

15. Dream job?

I had it. It became a nightmare. I still get to do some dream like thing on jobs and just appreciate when that happens.

*** I will tag (with no obligation to do it of course!): *** @peligrosapop @lierdumoa @raynitamusic @lydighed @holdinghorizons @poetessinthepit @james3neal

#get to know me #tag game

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pokeexehasstoppedworking · 1 year

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A Champion Time For The Heart Ch1 Arrival (Plus Story Summery)

Part 2 of the Galar Soulmate series.

You used to love playing Pokemon as a kid! But sadly all things must comes to an end. Hobbies come and go. Or do they? The day before you're supposed to leave for college, you instead wake up in the very game you last played. Well great. But you're in luck! If Gloria or Victor manages to play through the game and win then you might get to go home once the game ends! But what happens when the strongest character in the game ends up taking a liking towards you?

*******************************************************************

You had always thought you had it good. ...Until the incident that is.

You had it all good in normal. Small town with little to none crime rates. Nice schools. Plenty of friends and a loving pair of parents. You were a bright young gal so your folks didn't have to worry too much about playing your games too much growing up and having you fall behind on your grades. Which you were pretty thankful for because it just meant you got to play your favorite game series with your friends more and have a blast! Your absolute favorite games was ironically the pokemon games. Ever since you were little you would think fondly back on how you'd always binge watch the entire series and movies back from it's first few episodes online, following the famous trainer and his sidekick pokemon in all their adventures and beautiful moments together with new challenges and new rivals. Call you a nerd all you want, but you loved the series as a kid. The only thing rivaling your love for pokemon was your love for baking! Your passion for baking was evident, but you never had any luck with anything you tried to convince you parents. Which is why when you managed to obtain a part time job in high school at your local bakery you felt content. You felt right at home sitting back and blasting the oven while studying for your exams or doing homework. Sometimes you'd even listen to your favorite battle themes or season intros from the pokemon franchise while waiting for the cupcakes to finish. Sadly things don't always stay the same and the job was needed for something much more than just a get away for your food making passion.

It all started when high school began, your parents took you aside one day and told you about the divorce. You weren't even able to process it at first with how hard the news had hit you for a long while after, no matter how much your parents assured you it wasn't your fault, and things like this happen, and nothing would change the fact they still loved and cared about you. Well that wasn't true, and within a month your father was gone and contact by him was soon lost. Which left you feeling lonely..almost empty. Your mother trying her best to smile through it and trying to keep a positive outlook for you. You dove deeper into your games and music. You remember the last pokemon game you ever played. Pokemon Sword and Shield. By far your favorite with the unique dynamaxing additions and story line. But that joy was also short lived as school demanded more study time and your mother constantly pushing you more to do better in school, and eventually taking a part time job you could enjoy too but it was mostly to help out with the bills that needed to be paid. Eventually over time the games were forgotten along with everything else and you spent your new time filled with studying or working. The games and gaming system eventually moved into the closet. Until one fateful day, everything you would know would change forever. And it all started one year after graduating high school. The day before you were supposed to leave for college at your mother's assistance.

You had no idea what would be awaiting for you-

"Y/N!? ARE YOU STILL UP!?," a woman's voice called up the stairs as the footsteps made their way up.

The sun had set a while ago, but you were still up. Tomorrow you'd be going off to the local community college for the next four years. ...For a business degree and hopefully one day be able to open your own bakery...Not really what you were hoping for your life, but there really wasn't a lot of other options you had thought of that you'd want to do with your life, but a bakery didn't sound too bad. You'd still get to enjoy your passion for cooking wouldn't you? But you still felt...unsure. You had never been away from home or around strangers. Were you even ready for such a big change? You had been absent mindedly just going through your closet and taking out a few clothes or belongings from the depths, most of which you hadn't seen for a long time, and deciding whether to put it into the almost filled giant suitcase. But most things ended up on a giant pile near the closet door as you went through everything. You hadn't even noticed your mother's approaching footsteps until your bedroom door swung open making you jump and drop a dress you had been looking at as the older woman poked her head in.

"Y/n? Why aren't you in bed already? You have to get to the dorms and class orientation tomorrow," she asked looking down and raising a brow as her eyes wondered over the ever steadily growing pile of stuff and the still open suitcase on your bed, before she released a sigh. "You had all week and you're still deciding at last minute?" She turned to you with her famous pose of the hand on the hip all mothers seemed to achieve.

You stared back blankly for a moment before smiling nervously and bending back down to pick up the dress. "W-Well, I thought maybe I should just see what I still had. Never know what I'd want to take with me." Your eyes rescanned the dress again, before narrowing at the old tacky pattern and decided it would belong better in the pile rather than your suitcase or on you.

"Well you should've done this earlier in the week when I asked you, but you said you'd do it sooner." Your mother watched as the dress fluttered down from your hands and into the pile before sighing again. "You already have five boxes in your car outside and that looks good to go already." Her other hand gesturing to the almost full suitcase. "I really think you should get some sleep or else you're going to be late."

Still with your head inside the closet never minding the mess outside with everything already out, you had already lost how much time you had spent clearing almost everything out anyways, you kneeled down to grab the last thing inside that was in there. A medium sized dusty box that looked big enough to store two microwaves inside of it. With a grunt you pulled it up and stood up with it in your arms. It was a decent weight too, before looking back at your mother with a smile.

"I promise I will, Mom!," you promised before holding up the box in your hands, "This is the last thing anyways."

With a sigh and head shake your mother turned her body away from the room. "Fine. But make sure you PLEASE go to sleep. I can already see I have some cleaning up to do in the morning." With that said she walked away.

You sighed and turned back towards the bed with the box, briefly wondering what could possibly be in here that was so heavy. And like in a cliche sitcom comedy show, your foot collided and entangled with one of the discarded clothes you had long since thrown randomly on the floor, and over you went. You gave off a noise that was between a gasp and yelp, the box flying forward from your hands and landing on it's side a little ways from you as your body collided with a floor. The contents of the box spilling all over the floor in front of your face. Everything paused for a moment...before you groaned and pushed yourself off the cold floor with a soft 'ow' of pain. At least it wasn't a really painful fall thank goodness, but now there was even more of a mess to clean up. Blinking your eyes open you looked down to the tangled mess of black wires and small cases with it and for a moment you paused. ...In front of your eyes was at least three game systems, one of it was your old Nintendo switch you hadn't touched since you were fifthteen, and with them was a few controllers and a few games you know realized...It-...Your old game set ups. You..You hadn't seen these in years! It was like eternity as you stared at them before your hand slowly came out to touch one of the games and your jolted lightly from the feeling of cold plastic from the game case, but still proceeded to pick it up and look at it and the strange two dog like creatures on it....and you smiled. Pokemon Sword and Shield. The very last game you fully played through before you became wrapped up in school and work after-....A frown came back to your face. You spent so much time discovering all the secret endings, all the achievements no matter how long it took, looking online for all the secrets and many things you could do doing every single one you could find to pass the time and even somehow managed to buy the dlcs. ...But it was forever ago and you doubted you could remember even if you tried. Among the pile was some other older pokemon titles and a few other games you'd play but long forgotten by now. Too tired to deal with this and all the messes for now, you just gently put the game back down in the pile of new mess and stood up to turn to your suitcase. A zipping noise echoed in the room as you zipped it shut but left it on the floor as you stood up and yawned. Stretching out your back. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. You were already so exhausted you hardly even noticed you going through the routine of taking a shower, brushing your teeth, and getting into your favorite pair of fuzzy pjs before just collapsing into your bed. Eyelids heavy and darkness consuming you as you fell into a fast deep sleep.

The darkness of your dream was interrupted however in the most strangest ways-

Loud cheers and claps interrupted as a flash of bright white appeared and suddenly you were dreaming of being inside a gigantic stadium with HUNDREDS of screaming and cheering people. It was exactly like the time you went to one of those professional baseball games with your family once. Up above fireworks whistled and boomed with bright lights lighting up the night sky as if reminding you you were still asleep. This stadium had everything a typical stadium would. Bright giant lights lighting up a green field with white lines painted on it in a strange way, and a giant TV screen was attatched to one side of the giant stadium as it turned on and a man appeared on it. The whole thing was almost as big as your standard football field. The loud noises around you somehow didn't drown out the man's voice as he spoke into a microphone as then speakers blared his voice around for everyone to hear.

"Welcome one and all!," a man's voice blared out. The man on the giant screen had a dark skin tone with black hair and a grey suit to match his red tie. His green eyes smiled up to everyone in the audience. " Welcome to the wonderful world of Pokemon!" He extended his arms out as he said so.....Wait. Poke- what? The screen changed to show a regional like map next. "Our beloved Galar region is a wonderful place with thriving nature, beautiful cities, and many Pokemon with which we share our lives! As you know our society is able to thrive-" He suddenly shifted his hand and in it was a small ball, the top red, bottom white, and with a black line between them. He suddenly threw it up a little ways as some as you would call an-elephant-looking-thing came out to stand next to him in a bright light and a few trumpet noises from the creature. "-thanks to help from these mysterious creatures that we call Pokemon! Yes. Pokemon are all around us!" He suddenly gestured to some bird looking creatures flying past above him. "In the sea, in the sky, and even with us in our towns!" He held up the ball again while his other hand extended. "And those of us who chose to raise and train Pokemon to do battle and compete we call Pokemon Trainers!" THE. CROWD. ROARED!! You never did like loud crowds but still continued to dream on as if you couldn't move as the man continued talking loud for the crowd to hear him. "Oh! But I'm getting carried away. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rose and it is a pleasure to be here! Now turn your gaze to the Galar region's greatest pokemon trainer, your undefeated champion! It's time for Leon's exhibition match!" He threw a fist in the air as the crowd roared again.

Suddenly from somewhere behind him a series of sparklers and dark grey smoke appeared heading right towards the middle of the field, the 'Rose' guy and his elephant thing quickly making a jogging exit towards the other far side of the field. Presumably to make way for the smoke and sparklers. The sparkling smoke ended in one last explosion as it went everywhere...and suddenly a man appeared from the depths. The crowd roared even louder for this man. Out came a pair of golden-brown eyes, long purple hair, and a fluttering cape. He suddenly struck a pose similar to that of a rock star as a giant dragon like creature followed out from the smoke behind him. The crowd holding up their hands and doing the symbol he was doing with his hand back. Across from him was yet another darker skin toned man next to some giant white creature with bright green eyes.

"Exhibition or not, Leon, your pristine is about to end when I beat you here today!," he shouted to the purple haired man with a determined look.

"You know I don't lose battles, Raihan," he spoke back calmly flipping his cape back. His hand suddenly pointed at the dragon creature beside him. "Charizard! Dynamax!"

A BRIGHT red aura suddenly surrounded the dragon creature as it gave a mighty roared as it's body absorbed the red energy. The crowd awed as it grew to be AS BIG AS A SKY SCRAPER!! Flames enveloped the horns, wings and most of the tail as it's orange body deepened a red as the energy. The sky above the stadium suddenly being surrounded by purple-red storm clouds blocking the once calm night sky. As it gave one last loud roar to the heavens.

You awakened with a gasp, bolting up and panting as you pushed yourself up from the bed you laid upon. The room feeling chilly as your hands came up to your face as you groaned and rubbed it. Man...What a weird dream. That giant dragon looked too real and frightful. Mom was right. You had to stop staying up so late. Judging by how dark it was, it must've only been a few hours into the night. Well at least you could go back to sleep now-...You paused when your weight shifted and the soft bed was suddenly rough and-....stick like?? Like you were laying upon a bunch of branches and twigs. Opening your eyes, you strained to adjust to the dark surrounding you and suddenly realized with a jolt, you were feeling cold because you WERE OUTSIDE!!! You stared as moonlight seeped through from the giant moon above you lighting up what looked like to be a forest, and you were at the very top of a tree on something flat and made of sticks. ...This was NOT your bedroom. As your mind tried to figure out how you could've possibly ended up in a tree in the middle of no where, your luck instantly got WORSE when something BIG blocked the moon as it's shadow loomed over you. You're blood went cold and body froze as whatever it was shifted above you. As if you were in a horror movie, your body acted on it's own as you turned around and looked up the black body of the feathered beat that somehow didn't break the tree top with how BIG it was. And your eyes went small.

A. GIANT. BLACK. BIRD. WAS. STARING. AT. YOU!!!

It didn't seem too happy either as it suddenly snapped it's wings out and delivered what could only be described as a mix between a crow call and a lion roar. You screamed, both voices echoing out throughout the forest and scrambled back-

"AAAHHHH!!"

Your arms flailed out as you suddenly went backwards and down you went over the edge. Your screams of tumbling down from a tree were cut short as it felt like you hit every single branch on your way down. Pain exploded everywhere your body made contact with the branches until finally with a final thud, your body fell hard onto soft grass. Knocking the air out of your lungs and you gasping for air on your side. Your body was in pain from everywhere your body hit the tree and you were sure it would leave bruises and scratches later. You coughed and gasped for air, lungs burning but you nearly stopped breathing again when the same call came from the thing above making your body feel like it was dipped in ice as your heartbeats sore. Adrenaline kicked in know as your body wobbled and felt so light, not to mention hurt, as you forced yourself to stand and start walk-running away, swaying as you still gasped for air but your panicked state didn't care about the pain or anything as you somehow quickly got your balance back and started running through the dark. The sounds and darkness of the forest blocked almost all moonlight as you blindly ran to try and get away from the giant demon bird, to keep from being eaten. You ran...and ran...and ran blindly in the dark with your hands in front of you barefoot. Branches and other plants hitting your legs and face as you did, the sounds of the bird thing behind you disappearing as you kept running. At one point you had the brilliant idea to look behind you to see if anything was following you-

"AH!"

Your foot once again got caught on something. You screamed as your body went tumbling head over heels down a hill in the dark. Your already sore and hurt body becoming even more so as you rolled and rolled and rolled until you finally came to a stop at the bottom of it onto your back, with your body facing the sky. Your vision swam and your head spun as you stared up dizzily at the sky as your vision slowly went black. And you again passed out.

#pokemon shield #pokemon sword #pokemon sword and shield #pokemon swsh #Pokemon Leon x Reader #pokemon reader #Pokemon reader x Leon #Leon x reader #Pokemon Leon #reader x Leon

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justsomerandomfanfic · 1 year

Text

I See The Light - Billy Hargrove X Female Reader

Title: The Outside World

Billy Hargrove X Female Reader

Additional Characters: Reader's mother

Modern Tangled AU

WC: 1,073

Warnings: Modern Tangled AU, set in 1984/5, Reader can't leave the house, manipulation, and slight family angst

You sat on your window bench, looking out as you watched a small group of kids ride their bikes down the street as you brushed your long blonde hair. You wished you could go out there and play with the other kids. Well, it would be rather awkward. You were too old to play silly games; as your mother called them. But, they seemed to be having such a good time together. To have that type of friendship... You craved that.

Sure you had time to spend reading, learning, dancing, singing, etc. But, it only prolonged your need for the outside world. You wanted so badly to have someone besides your mother to talk to. Someone to share your secrets, hopes, and dreams. You wanted to have sleepovers, go to dances like you saw on tv, and finally feel... Free

Ever since you were really small, your mother didn't let you out of her sight. She kept you by her side constantly if you were out at the store or somewhere else. As you got older and were able to take care of yourself, around five, she'd leave you home while she went out. But, she always came home, even if it was only for a few hours. She then started homeschooling you young. Teaching you math, science, and art. Bringing you book after book. You learned how to speak three different languages, how to cook, and even how to sew.

As you got older you noticed your want and need to meet others your age. But, your mother had told you how dangerous the outside world was. Poison ivy, snakes, big bugs, and men with pointy teeth... Well, you didn't believe that part, but you did when you were little. But, this didn't stop you from asking; begging your mother to let you go outside. At least for a day. Or nearly an hour. Anything. You wanted to splash in the muddy puddles and lay in the soft grass below.

Your mother always made up some excuse as to why she couldn't do that. She'd say she needed you here, helping her make dinner. Or that she felt ill and wanted you to take care of her. You've been wanting to go out ever since you saw the children playing outside. So, you decided that today was the day you would convince your mother to let you go outside. Your eighteenth birthday was coming soon, and you wanted to go out on your special day.

Sighing, you placed down your brush on your desk and got up from your seat. You knew that you had to be unique in some way. Your hair was long. So long, it went way past your feet and then some. Dragging on the floor most days if you didn't try and painstakingly braid it. You had read once that a regular human's hair grows half an inch per month. Your hair grew three inches every single night. It wasn't that you liked it, not really, it just happened so fast. And, that was the reason why you had so many headaches. You wanted a haircut, but your mother never let you cut it. She said to be thankful for your hair, for it was special. Your mother had told you once before that people would kill you for your hair. You didn't know if she was just saying that, or if it was true.

Walking into the kitchen, you found your mother cooking dinner. "Hey, mom," You greeted her happily.

You tried to keep your voice upbeat and cheerful, but you couldn't help but feel sad. You were used to this routine. Every day, same as yesterday, and tomorrow, and next year, and forever.

Your mother turned, her long curly shoulder-length black locks swaying as she moved. "Hello, baby. I made your favorite."

That made you smile as you sat down at the table. Your mother sat the plate down in front of you, placing one for herself before the two of you began eating. Your eating slowed as you thought, you poked at your food slightly before you spoke.

"Mother? My eighteenth birthday is in a couple of days..." And your mother hummed as she ate, not bothering to look up.

"And... I was wondering if I could go to the movies. I heard on the tv that they are showing The Breakfast Club." You quickly spoke, watching tentatively as your mother paused her eating and slowly looked up at you.

"Y/N. You know what the answer is to that question." She simply answered, her voice deep in frustration as she went back to eating.

You knew for her the conversation was over, but for you; it wasn't.

"I just... I was wondering..." You spoke softly, your mother interrupting.

"Y/N, please. You know how I feel about mumbling." She sighed, rubbing her temples with both of her hands.

You sighed and tried again, "I had never been to a movie before and I saw in the newspaper that they just opened a new pool near the high school. And I was wondering if I could go for my birthday?" You sputtered out quickly.

Your mother sighed and put her fork down, pushing her food away and standing up. She walked to the sink and rinsed her utensils off before walking back to the table. She sat down and crossed her arms, "The outside world is dangerous, Y/N. The theaters are full of insignificant no-good teenagers looking for their next victims and the pool? You could drown or get seriously infected. There are so many germs in those... Cesspools."

"But, mother, please. Just one day-"

Your mother only chuckled, waving her hand at you dismissively, "My little fragile flower, you are not ready for what is out there. And you constantly ask and ask… It only proves to me that you probably won't ever be." She sighed dramatically, "Now, finish your food."

You nodded as you wiped your mouth with your napkin. "Yes, ma'am." You frowned, taking your fork in your hand again.

She gave you a stern look as she stood up, grabbing her purse from the counter. She stopped and turned to you, her face stern and serious. "Don't ever ask to leave this house again. Do you hear me?"

You nodded slowly, "Yes, mother." You sighed, defeated.

"Good girl," Your mother smiled, patting your head before heading out the door.

_____________________________________________________

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist

#billy hargrove #billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove x female reader #billy hargrove x you #billy hargrove x y/n #billy stranger things #stranger things #stranger things season 3 #stranger things season three #stranger things s3 #cute #fluff #slight angst #tangle au #modern tangled au #x reader #x female reader

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themaladaptivewriter12 · 8 months

Text

Title: Cozy Gaming

Part 3 of my "16-Bit Heart" series! Part 1 and Part 2 here!

Summary:

Mirai gets a little bored with just playing Forever True, so he asks his Guild Master if he had any other game recommendations, which leads to Mirai's new gaming obsession.

cw: Mirai smokes in this chapter

Reblogs are appreciated, just use my custom tag, #TheMaladaptiveWriter12, if you do!

Cross posted from my Ao3: TheMaladaptiveWriter12

“Whoever is chewing like a goat, mute yourself,” Gloomurai gruffed, spacebar spamming in the background.

“I am not a goat,” Fafnir shouted.

“You’re kinda loud there, ngl,” GotSkill? said.

They were currently farming a dungeon for upgrade items, and Gloomurai seemed to be in a bad mood today. He wasn’t as talkative as he normally was, even if it wasn’t much in the first place. He didn’t even go crazy over the cat in the harbor like he normally does. But it turns out that he had lost a game tournament and apparently needed a new game controller because of it.

“So what do y'all eat while you game?” Fafnir asked.

“I typically eat candy.” Mirai, playing as Apollo said.

“I don’t eat at all,” Rocinante said, “fog eating isn’t a good habit after all.”

“Who cares?!” Khan shouted. “Chips are the best!”

“And get cheese dust on your keyboard? Hard pass,” Leslie scoffed.

“Just keep wipes at your desk,” WarMachine muttered.

“I don’t particularly eat anything, but I will drink a Wendigo while I play,” PixieStic said quietly.

“Ooh! What’s your favorite flavor,” Mirai asked giddily. “I’m hooked on Blue Raspberry.”

“Blue Bloods? That one’s okay, but I like Toxic Sludge, the lime one.”

“Oh no, if we’re talkin’ Wendigos, Star Lord is totally S-Tier! We’re talking about the right balance of sweet and sour, not too lemony, but the flavor is still noticeable, and don’t get me started on the hints of passion fruit. It’s not too overbearing yet that flavor is there if you know where to look,” Gloomurai rambled. “And once you pair it with the right candy, I prefer Pomegranate Drops, the tart against the lemon is a total win.”

Mirai chuckled, “There he goes again.”

“You normies wouldn’t understand the power of the Star Lord,” Gloomurai scoffed. “Once you taste its power, you’ll never kneel down to any other flavor again.”

The guild chat burst into laughter.

It was late and the guild was silent, the majority of the already logged off for the night. Mirai was still farming for an upgrade item so he could finish crafting the new amour he wanted, but the thing was, he wasn’t strong enough to get to it. Mirai was tempted to see if Lilia was too busy to help him, but then again, that’s what his own Guild Master was for. Truth be told, Mirai was kinda intimidated by Gloomurai, even with his small crush on the guy’s voice. Gloomurai seemed to still be upset, his mic still cutting in and out, and Mirai guessed that he forgot to mute himself, because he was currently raging at a totally different game.

Mirai wouldn’t ask for him to farm then, but he’d ask if he knew any other easier spots.

“Uh, Guild Master?” Mirai meekly called out. He hated the way his voice sounded. It sounded small and weak, and he was by no means any of those things.

There was a bunch of feedback and some frantic muttering, but not soon after, Gloomurai’s voice rang through his headset. “Y-Yeah? What’s up?”

“I, uh, do you know where I can find Elven Chains? I found some, but I’m too weak to farm it.”

“Did you try The Last Bastion?”

“Yeah, and The Great War.”

“K, hold on.”

A second later, Gloomurai’s avatar was teleporting to Mirai’s.

“I’ll farm with you. Just heal,” Gloomurai muttered.

“Mn.”

They ended farming for an additional hour, but thanks to Gloomurai, Mirai was able to farm for the Elven Chains.

“Thanks man,” Mirai muttered. “How do I look?”

Mirai’s avatar, Apollo, did a little flourish, his character giving a little “meow” as he made his hands into paws. Apollo was now dressed in golden chains. His character was topless, gold sparkly chains covering his torso like a loose crop top. The bottom half was just two slivers of hanging ivory cloth that just about covered his character, and he wore no shoes, just gold anklets that jingled when Apollo walked, but other than that, it was nothing but a chain and smooth creamy freckled skin. Mirai was so busy admiring his handiwork that he hadn’t realized that the Guild Master hadn’t answered him.

“Boss? Ya there? You muted?” Mirai asked.

“Y-Y-Yeah, I-I, um, I yeah. C-Cool, really cool,” Gloomurai stammered.

Mirai cackled, his voice echoing through the chat. He laughed for a good minute before speaking again, “You good, dude? Need a minute?”

“Sh-Shut up,” came Gloomurai’s embarrassed shout.

“Okay, okay. I’ll stop messin’.”

Mirai could practically hear him pouting through the mic.

“So,” Mirai started, “You got any other games you play?”

Gloomurai scoffed, “What don’t I play?”

“You got any cozy game recommendations?”

“Depends on what you’re looking for. If you want mindless simulations, I’d go for My Zootopia, if you want a story mode and some bit of a challenge, I’d go for Orchard Adventurer. But if you want a little more of an interactive game, I’d totally go for Harvest Valley, it’s all the talk right now among the ‘Cozy Game’ community. You move to your Grandmother’s old farm and start a new life in this small town.”

Gloomurai was rambling, like, he sounded like a motorboat at the rate he was talking. Mirai realized he got like this when he was really passionate about the topic. It was cute, but hard to understand at times.

“W-Wait, wait, I can’t keep up,” Mirai said, trying to stop Gloomurai’s rambling, “Uh, Harvest Valley? I’m always down for a good farming rpg. Can you romance townies too?”

“Yeah, but who cares about the townies, it’s the lore that’s more interesting. It’s like, I, no, you know what, I’m sending you a link. I hope you have no plans for tomorrow, because we’re about to have the longest Harvest Valley sesh ever.”

As the game downloaded, Mirai went out for a quick snack run, the both of them promising to reconvene in thirty minutes. Mirai dressed himself quickly, lighting a cigarette on the way. He knew he should’ve quit long ago, especially now that he started smoking for leisure again, but with the stress he had to endure since being dropped off here, he was bound to relapse. Although, some days, he wished for something a little stronger.

Mirai decided to go to one of the vending machines that were located outside. It was one thing to sneak inside the building for a snack, but to go in with a lit cigarette in his lips? That was expulsion waiting to happen.

“Gummy worms or gummy bears?” Mirai muttered indecisively, looking over his options, “Gummy worms or gummy bears?”

“Gummy worms are better.”

Mirai jumped, whipping his head around, seriously hoping it wasn’t one of the staff, or anyone who’d tattle on him, but his terror was short lived because it was just Idia and his tablet.

“Oh, hey Idia,” Mirai greeted, taking the cigarette out of his mouth. “And yeah, Ima go with the gummy worms.”

Idia seemed to be taken aback by Mirai, he would have never guessed that the Prefect would have a bad habit of smoking, but then again, he really didn’t know what he thought about Mirai.

As Mirai paid for his candy, Idia browsed the drinks, and once they were done, they promptly switched spots. Mirai chuckled quietly, retrieving his Blue Raspberry Wendigo.

“Shoot,” Mirai cursed, trying to find a big enough pocket to put his gummies in.

Mirai heard a snicker and immediately pouted as he looked up at Idia. Idia looked smug as he shoved all his stuff into the large pockets of his jacket.

“Curse you and your cool practical techwear,” Mirai pouted.

Idia didn’t respond, but he seemed to crumple in on himself.

“Welp,” Mirai said, placing his cigarette back between his lips, “see ya, Idia.”

Back at Ramshackle, Mirai took a quick bathroom break, cleaned off his desk, and got back into his loungewear, which was just shucking off his shirt and tossing it into some random corner. Putting back on his headset, Mirai could hear Gloomurai muttering to himself.

“I’m back Gloomy,” Mirai called.

“You done downloading?” Gloomurai droned.

“Yeah, just about.”

“Cool, I got started already. I’m just creating my character.”

“You can even create your own character?!” Mirai asked excitedly, “So cool!”

Mirai’s loading bar finally filled out and the game was ready to play.

“It’s done,” Mirai said, popping open his drink.

“Sending the invite now,” Gloomurai muttered.

“Invite?”

“We’re playing Co-op.”

“Ok, this is officially the best game ever!”

Gloomurai chuckled softly.

“I’m in,” Mirai chirped.

“Cool. Ima play through the prologue so you can create your character.”

Mirai opened up the game and was immediately floored with the style.

“Aww,” Mirai gushed. “It’s a 16-bit rpg!”

“It’s like one of the biggest 16-bit farming games out there. It has become quite the staple in the “Cozy Gaming” community. Many are trying to replicate it, but we all know they’re just biters.”

“That’s annoying,” Mirai replied.

“Yep.”

“Oh, don’t get me started on popular games that bit before that claim other games are biting off of them.”

“UGH,” Gloomurai groaned. “Those people are the worst.”

After the prologue, Mirai’s character woke up in a little farm house. It was cute, and so were the graphics. Mirai was currently cleaning his yard when he saw Gloomurai’s character run by. He was cute. He had shaggy black hair, gold eyes, and a skull tee. Mirai chased after his character, throwing emotes as he circled around him.

Gloomurai scoffed, “You look like a total chad.”

Mirai’s character had long blonde hair, green eyes, and a red varsity jacket.

“Hey,” Mirai shouted, “Gross. He’s supposed to look like a skater boy. Yours looks like one of those emo dudes.”

“Whaddja name him?” Gloomy asked.

“Jasper,” Mirai chirped.

“Now he sounds like a pushover.”

Mirai laughed loudly. “What’s yours-no wait, I got it! Jorris!”

“What in Twisted Wonderland is Jorris?!”

Mirai cackled loudly.

“And no, his name is Shadow.”

“Total e-boy name.”

“Can it.”

Mirai and Gloomurai ended up staying up too late, which Mirai regretted because of his early shift with Sam. But after two energy drinks and three donuts, Mirai got through his shift with just a little more energy. Sam seemed to notice his fatigue and let him off thirty minutes early without docking his pay. Mirai was so grateful as he dragged his feet home, he really had to buy the guy a card or something.

Mirai crashed as soon as he got home and before he knew it, it was six o’clock and his phone was blowing up on his bedside table. Mirai groggily reached for his phone and checked his notifications. It was his Keyboard chat.

Fafnir: farm sesh

Fafnir: FARM SESH

PixieStic: OK ALREADY! IM COMING!

WarMachine: i’m down

Roci: I’m coming, Darlings

Khan: Gross

Roci: TnT

Leslie: Leave Roci alone

PixieStic: You on Boss

Boss: Yeah

Mirai got up, brushed his teeth, and got a snack before hopping on the server. Spawning in, Mirai readied himself and fast traveled to Gloomurai where he and the Guild were Dark Recluses. Dark Recluses were a stronger version of the Recluse, which were humanoid spider monsters, and it looked like the Guild was in trouble. Roci’s Lancer Elf was low at health, Fafnir, a Dwarf Paladin Knight, was trying to protect Leslie’s Skeleton Thief, who was being cornered by three Dark Recluses. Leslie was warping in and out of the fray to keep from getting killed, War Machine, an Armored Wizard, was casting spells left and right, trying to cast buffs and debuffs to keep the team alive. GotSkill?’s Dark Mage couldn’t cast due to the AOE damage the Dark Recluses were doing, and with his elemental magic being the same elemental type the Spiders were, his damage was reduced. PixieStic’s Undead Archer was on the outskirts of the battlefield, trying to get good shots in without harming the team, and Metaboy’s Armored Knight was trying to protect him. And lastly, Gloomurai, the Reaper, was reviving when he needed to, getting some hits in, but he didn’t look too engaged. In the Guild Chat, everyone was yelling at each other, cursing and swearing, and blaming each other, it was a total mess.

Mirai first casted an group healing spell, putting the team back at full health. Next he casted a speed buff on Khan, Metaboy, and Fafnir, damage buffs on GotSkill, Leslie, and Roci, and lastly shields on GotSkill?, PixieStic, WarMachine, and Lesie. And like that, the team quickly got themselves together as if they never were falling apart to begin with. And three minutes later, they took down the Dark Recluses, taking their much needed drops.

“Apollo,” Roci cried, “My angel!”

“Hey,” Mirai rasped, voice still groggy from sleep.

“Thanks man,” WarMachine sighed.

“No problem,” Mirai said dismissively.

“Boss,” Khan cried, “why didn’t you help us.”

“I’m only here to cast revives. You farm your own upgrade materials,” Gloomurai muttered out.

“But we were totally outnumbered!”

Gloomurai didn’t even respond, his avatar shrugging his shoulders.

“Apollo,” Metaboy cheered. “Nice outfit!”

“Oh! Yeah, I forgot I got this. Thanks,” Mirai yawned.

“Aw, Honey, you sound tired,” Roci crooned sympathetically.

“Just woke up. I had work this mornin’ and I stayed up late last night.”

“Oh, yeah! I forgot you stayed later to farm your materials,” Fafnir gruffed.

“Well I can’t take all the credit,” Mirai rasped, “If it weren’t for Gloomy, I wouldn't even have gotten the Elven Chains last night.”

The chat went silent, and Mirai thought he was lagging before the chat burst out in collective disdain.

“C’mon man,” Khan shouted.

“No fair,” Leslie griped.

“Are you kidding me?!” Fafnir gruffed.

“W-What, what's wrong?” Mirai stammered.

“Boss wouldn’t even help us just now, he never does,” PixieStic shouted.

“What gives?!” WarMachine gruffed.

“Apollo is still a noob, and he’s just a healer,” Gloomurai muttered dryly, “He can’t farm his own materials by himself.”

“He’s def not a noob anymore,” Khan shouted, “and he def can hold his own! You did his loadout, you should know!”

“Yeah,” Leslie shouted. “When I first joined, you made me get my own stuff, saying that the world wasn’t gonna just hand it to me if I didn’t work for it!”

“I did not,” Gloomurai gruffed.

“Did too!”

Suddenly Roci gasped, “It’s because he’s a cat, isn’t it!”

The chat went silent yet again, before they all began heckling Gloomy over his favoritism.

Mirai and Metaboy just laughed as Gloomurai tried to defend himself.

Harvest Valley became their new obsession. Mirai would rush back to Ramshackle, set up, and wait for Gloomurai to invite him to their private server to play. Gloomurai was so invested, he even made a schedule. Monday through Thursday at seven to ten, they get on Harvest Valley, Fridays they raid, and after the guild logged off, they would switch games. On weekends, they tailored it to Mirai’s working schedule.

They were currently in Summer in the game and Mirai was debating on who he should romance.

“So, like, Harper is cool all, but she’s kinda boring,” Mirai muttered as they raided the caves. “But Sabrina’s kinda, I don’t know, nosey? A Pick me?”

“Uh huh,” Gloomurai muttered. “Shadow Monger on your left.”

“Got it! But then there’s the actual skater boy, Jack, and he’s a total sweetheart. Hu-”

“Wait, w-wait,” Gloomurai said, hurriedly, “Jack is a guy.”

“Details, details, potayto, potahto. But yeah, anyways, Hunter, he-”

“Y-You’re g-gay? W-Wait, no, I-I I didn’t, I, f-forget that! Y-you don’t, you don’t have to answer that!”

“Bi.”

“W-What?’ Gloomurai stuttered.

“I swing more towards men, but I’m Bi,” Mirai supplied nonchalantly.

“O-Oh.”

“Does that bother you?”

“No, no! It’s cool! I’m good, I’m fine with it!”

“Okay, back to the real issue at hand.” Mirai didn’t even wait for the guy to speak up before he went off again. “Hunter, that sporty guy, he’s kinda cute, but he's too full of himself, total meathead.”

“O-Oh yeah, he so annoying,” Gloomurai muttered

“There’s the emo dude, uh, Seth! Yeah, Seth! He’s kinda hot, totally my type. Like, I don’t care if he’s a junkie, he gives me total bad boy vibes. He’s all mature, cooped up in his room, playing video games, doing drugs. Total shut-in material, but that’s what makes him even cuter.”

“Who’d like a disgusting shut-in?” Gloomurai sneered.

“Uh, me obviously! So who are you gonna romance?

“Ugh, no one.”

“What? Like, that’s the whole point!”

“No it’s not! You can totally beat this game without romancing anyone!”

“Then what’s the point?!”

“Lore! Duh!”

“Yeah, but like, romancing some of these character’s gives you more lore. Like some of these guys are mad shady.”

Gloomurai chuckled, “You said mad.”

“Says the guy who uses the word sus,” Mirai scoffed.

“What’s wrong with sus?!”

Their next session was longer than the last. Mirai had taken the middle shift, so he was free the rest of the day. And slowly but surely they were getting to know each other. They both liked Wendigo energy drinks and candy. They both were gamers, and highschool students, and they both were guys. But Mirai had learned that Gloomurai’s favorite color was blue, which was his favorite color. Gloomurai learned that Mirai liked rock music, which he didn’t mind, but anything closest to Techno and or EDM was always superior. Mirai learned the Gloomurai was quite the technophile, he even built and modded his own PC. And the more he got to know these little tidbits, the more Mirai fell.

“Favorite pizza topping,” Mirai rambled as he proceeded to place weird objects in Gloomurai’s house while he was out fishing.

“Can’t go wrong with cheese,” Gloomurai muttered.

“True. Candy?”

“Pomegranate Drops.”

“Are they really that good?”

“Uh, yeah,” Gloomurai said as if it was common knowledge. “Sweet sugar dusted outside, sour, tart, inside, a good hard candy crunch? You’re talking S-Tier candy eating experience.”

“I guess I’ll give them a try.”

After that, there was silence. As much as Mirai hated silence, but this type of silence wasn’t so bad, it was nice even. The game’s cute ost really set the calm and cozy mood, and if Mirai listened hard enough, he could hear the feedback from Gloomy’s end. There was the tall tale sound of Gloomurai’s keyboard and mouse, but behind all that, Mirai could make out the fans of his PC, the light techno music playing in the background, but most of all, Mirai could hear the soft muttering as he thought aloud. Mirai realized Gloomy had a habit of either thinking aloud or reading aloud, and he found it so cute.

But other than that, Mirai likes these moments, just gaming in each other’s company. No one needed to say anything, they didn’t need to see each other, just listening to each other’s quiet breathing, gaming on the same server was enough.

“Apollo! What in Harvest Valley is in my house?!”

Mirai burst out in a fit of laughter.

It was finally here. After Mirai reached level fifty, Mirai was able to buy a Forever True phone charm. The game had it set up where you could buy their achievements in real life with the extra step of putting in their player ID. Mirai found it a cute and cool way to have players interact and support their game outside of it.

Mirai pulled the shiny golden charm out of the box and stared at it in awe. It was so pretty, so shiny, and it was his. Mirai happily looped the band through his phone and pulled it taunt. It fit so perfectly, and it matched his phone case. Mirai couldn’t stare long, but he could definitely show it off as he walked to the Housewarden meet. Mirai was glad he had a warning in advance this time, that way if Malleus had already left, he wouldn’t be late.

Malleus hadn’t left yet, but he and Lilia were just about to leave themselves, so they happily walked to the Headmage’s office together.

“Ooh! Your charm came in,” Lilia commented, looking over at the dangling charm.

“Oh yeah! It came in this morning, and I just opened it before I left,” Mirai smiled.

“Sweet!”

“Although I know nothing of your little charm,” Malleus muttered, “It is quite charming.”

“Thanks Malleus,” Mirai smiled.

The three of them made it to the meeting where the rest of the Housewardens and their Vices were trickling in. Mirai greeted Riddle and Trey, who were no doubt the first one’s there, Azul and Jade, who greeted him back with their cold, calculating smiles, and lastly, Vil and Rook. Rook was more than happy to greet Mirai with big smiles and flowery words, but Vil kept his greetings short and practiced. When Kalim and Jamil waltzed in, Kalim was more than happy to throw himself in Mirai’s arms, nuzzling his face against his as he greeted him.

“Mi-Mi,” Kalim cried, “I’ve missed you! You should come over more often.”

“Aw Kalim, I’m sorry. I’ll visit tomorrow,” Mirai cooed, rubbing Kalim’s back. He then turned to Jamil, “Is that okay with you, Jamil?”

Jamil seemed a little surprised that Mirai was asking for his permission and not just agreeing to Kalim’s whims like everyone else did.

“Y-Yeah, sure, that’s fine,” Jamil muttered, fiddling with his hair.

“Cool,” Mirai said, turning away from Jamil, putting attention back on the dejected Housewarden, “I’ll be over at noon. That way we can chat over lunch. How’s that?”

Kalim nodded happily, “Mn! It’s a date!”

“‘Sup, Prefect,” Ruggie called as he waltzed in with Leona in tow.

“Yo,” Mirai greeted back.

“Cutting it close,” Riddle commented, not looking up from his stack of papers.

“Shut it, Red,” Leona growled.

Leona tried to get to his seat, but Mirai was still petting Kalim’s little head as they spoke.

“Move, Herbivore,” Leona said as he tried to shove his way past Mirai to his seat.

Kalim backed out of Mirai’s arms, but Mirai didn’t move.

“Hmm?” Mirai hummed, feigning to think hard on his request, “Why should I?”

“Herbivore,” Leona warned, “Move.”

“I don’t hear a please,” Mirai sang.

Leona snatched Mirai from the front of his shirt, and the room erupted in chaos as Leona lifted him up until he was eye level, growling, “you gotta death wish?”

“Nah, but it wouldn’t kill you to be nicer,” Mirai smirked.

Leona just rolled his eyes, dropping the Prefect to his feet, and on his way to his seat, he flicked Mirai on the forehead. Plopping into his seat, Leona slouched down so far that his head was resting on the back of the chair.

Mirai sat down in between Lilia and Riddle, and took out his phone. They still had five minutes and Headmage Crowley wasn’t even in the room, so Mirai checked the Keyboard chat. The guys were chit chatting and Mirai added to the conversation, and as he did, Lilia flicked at the charm on Mirai’s phone like a little cat.

The doors opened once more and slowly walking in, dragging his feet was Idia, hoodie zipped up to his neck as he nervously chewed on the zipper.

“What are you, five?” Vil spat, “Take that out of your mouth!”

Idia startled with a high pitched shriek, the zipper falling from his blue lips.

“You’re three minutes late,” Riddle informed, glaring but not at Idia.

“The Headmage isn’t even here,” Idia’s tablet said.

“It doesn’t matter,” Riddle said, finally looking at Idia. “If the Headmage were here, you’d be late. One should always be on time, especially with your status as Housewarden, which you never take seriously.”

Idia didn’t say anything as he slunk to his seat in between Rook and Malleus, pulling his feet into the chair so that he was hidden from view.

Mirai felt bad. With the many overbots that Mirai had to diffuse, he knew the lot of them had their own mix of issues, issues that he had to play therapist for, so not a single one of them had the right to criticize Idia’s social anxiety. And that was another thing, Mirai hated the fact that this world, and his last, viewed mental illness as something that could just be corrected with a snap of a finger, especially introverted based illnesses. Mirai wondered if he should defend Idia next time, or keep his mouth shut, since he knew sometimes that made things worse.

“Mi-Mi?” Kalim called.

“Y-Yeah?” Mirai jumped from his thoughts, sitting up from his slouched position in his seat.

“What’s that?”

“What’s what?”

“That! The charm on your phone.”

“Oh,” Mirai shouted in realization, “That! Yeah, it just came in today. It’s from a game I play.”

“That’s cool,” Kalim chirped. “What’s it mean?”

“It’s an emblem that represents getting your avatar to level fifty. Here.”

Mirai stood up from his seat and walked across the room so that Kalim could see it better.

“Oh! So cool! It's so shiny,” Kalim said, handing it back. “Congratulations by the way.”

“Thanks,” Mirai chuckled, sitting back down. “But it’s nothing really. This is one of the smallest achievements you could get.”

“But you achieved it, so that makes it special,” Lilia added with a smile, tilting his head to the side.

Kalim nodded.

“I guess,” Mirai said thoughtfully. “But you should see the other ones. The guys in my guild are levels way higher than mine, so I bet they have all the cool stuff.”

“Show me some time?” Kalim asked.

“Sure. I can show you tomorrow.”

“Mn! And we can make charms of our own, to show our friendship! Don’t worry, I have a bunch of gold shiny things we can use.”

Mirai chuckled. “How about we make it ourselves? I can teach you how to braid using ribbon, string, and some beads.”

“Mn,” Kalim nodded excitedly.

“Saps,” Leona gruffed, eyes closed.

“Aww, don’t worry Leona, I can make you one too,” Mirai teased.

“Over my dead body.”

Mirai sneakily reached his leg forward and quickly swiped at Leona’s outstretched leg, causing the Beastman to fall off the chair with a gasp, his arms flailing as he tried to catch himself, eyes wide. Leona just barely caught himself before he fit the floor, and once he righted himself, he glared at the Ramshackle Prefect.

Mirai cackled, Ruggie, Trey, Vil, Azul, Jade, Lilia and Malleus following suit.

“Herbivore,” Leona growled menacingly, standing from his seat and just before he could reach Mirai, the doors flew open, the Headmage strolling in like he wasn’t twenty minutes late for his own meeting.

“Apologies my beloved students, but Professor Trein had important matters to discuss,” Headmage Crowely apologized without a hint of remorse.

The room collectively held back a groan and an eye-roll, while Kalim just smiled and accepted his apology.

“But how benevolent of me to give you the wonderful opportunity to better your relationships with each other,” the Headmage all but gushed.

Riddle cleared this through, gaining the attention of the whole room, “With all due respect sir, I find it’d be in all of our best interest to start this meeting. We are busy people, and I’d like to be back before Trey and I break curfew.”

The rest of the room nodded respectfully.

“Oh yes, forgive me, Mr. Rosehearts,” Headmage Crowley said, sitting down in his seat. “Let us begin.”

The moment the meeting dismissed Crowley was out of earshot, Mirai booked it down the hall cackling as Leona chased after him, hot on his heels, and by the time the rest of the group made it to the courtyard, Leona had the Ramshackle Prefect in a headlock.

“Tap out, Herbivore,” Leona growled a laugh, “Tap out!”

“Never,” Mirai laughed.

“Suit yourself.”

“That looks like fun,” Kalim shouted, and before Jamil could stop him, he was sprinting over to Leona, tackling him into the grass below.

“Get ‘em, Kalim,” Mirai shouted, jumping onto Leona as well.

Ruggie guffawed, holding his stomach as Leona struggled against the two of them.

“Ignore them,” Riddle huffed, sticking his nose up as he walked by.

The group was just getting to Main Street when Azul spoke up. “I didn’t know you were a gamer, Prefect.”

“Huh?” Mirai jumped, taking his eyes off his Keyboard Server, “Oh, yeah, that. Yeah, I used to game a lot back in high school, but once I graduated, I had to work more than anything to pay rent.”

“But you are in high school,” Vil said with a raised eyebrow.

“Technically I’ve already graduated back home, but since that blasted carriage kidnapped me, I now have three more years added to my suffering.”

Ruggie snickered.

“Sucks to be you,” Leona gruffed.

“What were your games like back at home,” Lilia asked.

“Uhh,” Mirai said, fiddling with the phone charm, “I mean, it’s basically the same as it is here. FPSs, MMORPGs, Cozy Games, Platform Games, we had them all. I typically like RPGs, MMORPGs, FPSs, and Cozy games, but I tend to lean toward farming RPGs.”

“Whatever you just said,” Leona gruffed.

Mirai stuck his tongue out at Leona, and Leona swatted at him from the back of the group.

“You should check out the board game club,” Azul suggested. “I know it’s not electronic, but it’s quite fun.”

“No, no, it’s cool,” Mirai said reassuringly. “I like board games, card games especially. We have one at home that is like the pinnacle of all card games, I could teach you if you’d like?”

“Just name the date, and it’s done.”

“Ok, cool.”

As they passed the vending machine, Mirai eyed the drinks, and before they got too far, Mirai cut through the group, pulled out two marks and put them in the machine. Once the machine dropped his drink, Mirai promptly cracked the Wendigo open and took a swig.

“You drink that trash?” Leona asked, disgusted.

Mirai snapped his head up and the group hadn’t moved.

“You didn’t have to wait for me,” Mirai said, highly confused.

There was a clatter and the group turned around just in time to see Idia pull a Wendigo from the machine. Idia seemed to sense the staring gazes and froze up.

“See,” Mirai said laughing, “Idia’s a man of culture. He knows what’s up.”

Riddle rolled his eyes.

“I salute you, O’ great one,” Mirai said, raising his can in mock cheer.

Idia breathed a laugh, raising his can.

“I can’t believe you put that stuff in your body,” Vil sighed disappointingly.

“Oh, honey, Vil,” Mirai said, smirking, “This isn’t even the worst thing I’ve consumed or put in my body.”

Vil scoffed, rolling his eyes and he walked ahead.

Mirai laughed loudly.

“Okay, now I’m curious,” Ruggie says, speeding up to walk in time with Mirai. “What was the worst?”

“I do not want to know,” Riddle fumed.

“Nor do I,” Vil said.

Mirai chuckled as he leaned towards Ruggie and whispered into his ear. Ruggie snickered.

“Really?!” Ruggie said, eyes wide.

“Mn.”

“Dang, I would’ve-wait, never mind, I can see it now.”

Mirai cackled.

“What’d he say,” Azul asked.

Ruggie looked at Mirai, and Mirai just waved him off. Ruggie pulled Azul to the back of the group where he muttered what Mirai had said.

“Well, color me surprised,” Azul said blankly.

“Alright,” Loana sighed, “just say it.”

“Now, I too, am curious,” Malleus said, intrigued.

“I was an avid smoker, sue me,” Mirai said, shrugging.

There was a beat of silence.

“Mirai,” Vil scolded loudly. “Tell me you’re lying!”

Mirai snorted a laugh, “Then I’d be lying.”

“Mirai,” Riddle yelled, face going red in anger. “Why would you do such a thing?!”

“Not going into the details of that,” Mirai said as he veered off to the path of Ramshackle. “Later party people.”

Mirai had started thinking about his current predicament, and that was that he was crushing on his upperclassman, Idia Shroud, who was quite literally shrouded in mystery and his sexy sounding Guild Master, who he knew little to nothing about. Sure, Mirai knew in both areas that he had absolute zero chance. One, he had no idea where his Guild Master lived, or if he really was who he said he was, so really, he had fallen in love with the person he made up in his head. But Idia was so close, yet so far. He went to the same school as him, and they saw each other quite a few times, but from what Mirai learned, Idia was a total recluse. Idia never left his room for anything, you had to legit drag him out kicking and screaming. And on top of that, he didn't have the best rep here at NRC, it was all either negative or nothing at all.

Mirai had just gotten done hanging with Kalim and decided to pay Crewel a visit. He liked hanging with Crewel, who was becoming a mentor and or father figure of sorts to him. Mirai would go to the Alchemy Professor with his problems, and Crewel would give him the advice he needed.

“It’s hopeless,” Mirai sighed, as he played with Crewel’s dog.

“What is?” Professor Crewel asked from his desk.

“My love life.”

Professor Crewel scoffed, “What are you on about?”

Mirai sighed as he crossed the room to sit beside Crewel. “Like there’s this guy I like, but it’s like we live in two totally different worlds.”

“How so?”

“I’ve only seen him in passing, and he’s so pretty, but he doesn't talk to me at all, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know I exist. But then again, I think I’ve fallen for my Guild Master.”

“Okay, I have no idea what a Guild Master is, but I might know the pup you speak of. Do you have his name?”

“Idia.”

Crewel just sighed.

Mirai chuckled a bit, leaning across Crewel’s desk, which earned him a glare that he ignored.

“Of all of the bad dogs in this school, you choose Shroud?” Professor Crewel asked, an eyebrow raised.

“But he’s so cool. His hair quite literally burns, he’s got the prettiest blue lips, the cutest sharp teeth, and the deepest eyebags I’ve ever seen. He’s got like three of the best features any hot guy should have,” Mirai rambled dreamily.

Crewel just started at Mirai like he had grown another head.

“But like, I’ve only kinda spoken with him, well, no not really, usually I talk at him, and if he does answer, he uses his tablet. Is he mute or just shy?”

“Shroud is a terrible introvert, as shut-in most times. He’s lazy, he never attends class, and usually will make his younger brother go to class in his stead.”

“He has a little brother?” Mirai asked.

“Ortho Shroud. He’s not hard to miss because he’s a child and an artificial one at that.”

“Artificial? Like a robot?”

“Exactly.”

“That’s cool,” Mirai said absentmindedly.

Mirai thought of his life growing up, secluded, excluded, and alone. If only he was smart enough, he could’ve built a brother to play with.

“I’ve always wanted a brother,” Mirai muttered quietly, “I wouldn’t care if he wasn’t human, as long as I had someone to talk to, to play with, I’d be okay.”

Crewel sighed and ran a gloved hand through Mirai’s hair. “I haven’t a clue on how to help you this time, but to tell you keep trying. Now quit moping and give Spot his walk.”

“You mean Poppyseed Muffin,” Mirai smirked as the puppy perked up at the name.

“That is not his name!”

“C’mon, baby! C’mon, Poppyseed Muffin,” Mirai cooed in a baby voice. “Say bye to Daddy.”

The puppy instantly jumped up from his spot at Crewel’s feet and yapped excitedly, tail wagging as Mirai leashed him. Crewel glared at Mirai as he walked out with the dog.

“What am I gonna do with that child,” Crewel sighed fondly.

The sun had long set, the now moon high in the cloudy starry sky. It was a nice enough night to leave the window open, the breeze a comforting as it brushed against Mirai’s skin as he gamed at his desk. And speaking of gaming, Mirai was currently playing Forever True.

Mirai was messing around with Roci, Leslie, and Khan, the four of them making their characters do weird emotes that they found funny.

“Apollo,” Gloomurai called.

“Yeah?” Mirai laughed as his character started acting like a chicken.

“Let’s go play Harvest Valley,” Gloomurai muttered.

“Okay!”

“Woah, woah, woah! Since when have you two been so buddy buddy?!” Khan asked incredulously.

“Whaddaya mean?” Mirai asked.

“Hey, now that you mention it,” PixieStic cut in, “The Boss has been playing favorites, hasn’t he?”

“I am not,” Gloomy shouted.

“Are too,” GotSkill? yelled. “You’ve been helping Apollo with any chance you get!”

“You wouldn’t even help us raid last week,” WarMachine gruffed, “But you helped Apollo.”

“You did,” Leslie agreed.

“He’s only level seventy six, miles lower than the rest of us, mind you. He can’t fight the mobs we normally take on,” Gloomy defended.

“Admit it,” Fafnir goaded, “you’re playing favorites! You like Apollo don’t you?!”

Gloomurai made a garbled noise from his end, and the chat erupted in laughter.

“And it’s all because he’s a cat,” Leslie shouted.

The game chat erupted in laughter.

Mirai’s face grew hot, more than relieved that the guys couldn’t see him at all. That had caught him majorly off guard. He had really thought they suspected the ladder, not that Mirai would have minded, but he really was trying to get over his crush on the guy.

“Cozy games bore me,” Khan muttered absentmindedly.

��Yeah, those put me to sleep, especially the farming ones,” Leslie agreed.

“I could care less for the romance aspect,” Warmachine commented.

“Since you scrubs don’t appreciate the absolute masterpiece that is Harvest Valley, Apollo is the only one allowed to play with me,” Gloomurai grumbled.

“Alright, alright,” Mirai laughed. “If yall don’t need me, I’ll be logging off.”

“Bye bye, Darling!” Roci called.

“See ya, dude,” Khan called.

“Bye Rocinante, bye Khan, bye guys,” Mirai called.

Mirai logged off and booted up Harvest Valley, and not a second later, Gloomy was inviting him to a private party. Mirai couldn’t even get a word in before Gloomurai’s voice filled his headset.

“Whadda they know about Harvest Valley? Am I the only one who’s based here? Cozy gaming is one of the best types of games out there. Can you even call yourself a gamer if you can’t even pick up a cozy game?”

Mirai laughed loudly. “Just ignore them. They clearly don’t know what they are missing.”

Gloomurai scoffed, “Obviously.”

Once the save was up, they got back into the swing of things. Mirai was currently trying to build his barn upgrade, while Gloomy was trying to fill the research center. They tended to split the work with that, the research center, Mirai did all the farm based and foraging items, while Gloomurai did all the fishing and mine based items.

“So you know how I was telling you that this game gets updated?” Gloomurai asked.

“Yeah, I think so,” Mirai muttered, his focus more on the slimes that were trying to kill him.

“So like this used to be way harder to complete, like some of the items you couldn’t get until year three. But now that we have a traveling merchant that comes by, she'll sometimes sell the items we need.”

“Oh, so we can just buy them, instead of struggling.”

“Yep.”

“That’s cool.”

12:45

“I’m naming the dark chicken after you,” Mirai laughed.

“Why?!” Gloomurai asked.

“Cus! It’s all dark and gloomy, like you are!”

“You makin’ fun of me?!”

“Nope!”

1:33

“Hey, Apollo,” Gloomurai called. “What fishing level are you at?”

“Zero,” Mirai laughed.

“Why is it at fricking zero?!”

“Cus,” Mirai groaned, “I hate fishing. It’s too hard, and boring.”

“How is it hard?!” Gloomurai shouted. “You’re pressing one frickin’ button!”

Mirai laughed.

2:07

“Ugh,” Gloomurai groaned. “I gotta go back up, I'm about to die.”

“Ooh! Ooh! Here! I bought some food! Here,” Mirai said, giving Gloomy’s character some food.

“Thanks man.”

“No problem! Now help me take out these skeletons before I die.”

Gloomurai snorted a laugh.

3:54

“Gloomy,” Mirai whined.

“No,” Gloomurai muttered

“Please.”

“No.”

“But-”

“Should’ve thought about that before you changed my wallpaper.”

“I’m sorry,” Mirai laughed. “I won’t do it again.”

There was silence.

“Tonight,” Mirai snickered.

“Bastard,” Gloomurai gruffed, but relented, giving Mirai the fish he had stolen from his chest.

“Yay,” Mirai cheered.

Mirai and Gloomurai played for a good while. The two of them got through ten levels of the caves, they got through to the next season, and they also finished two research center bundles. Mirai liked playing with Gloomy, his company was nice, and their banter, funnier. Gloomy liked to poke fun, always bragging when Mirai couldn’t do something himself and other times, Gloomurai was saying some off the wall rude remarks, but it was never truly toward Mirai.

And this had Mirai thinking long after they had got off for the night. Did Gloomy really like Mirai like his Guildmates implied? At first Mirai really thought it was because his character was a cat, but then again, it seemed more than that. Gloomy tended to make Mirai his top pick for anything, even with his hatred for lack of experience. He needed a partner for a dungeon run? He picked Mirai. Gloomy needed help on a side quest? He picked Mirai. Gloomy needed to farm for upgrade materials? He picked Mirai. He also didn't give Mirai lip when he messed up, died, or asked for help like he did with the others.And Mirai was starting to see it while they played Harvest Valley together. Gloomy liked leaving little items in his storage chest, they were “extras” or so he was told. Gloomy even danced with his character at the spring gala when Mirai couldn’t get Seth to dance with his character. Mirai was severely confused and his head was starting to hurt, but then again, maybe that was from the lack of sleep, so Mirai decided to just lie down.

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echantedtoon · 5 months

Text

A Champion Time For The Heart Ch1 Arrival

You had always thought you had it good. ...Until the incident that is.

It all started when highschool began, your parents took you aside one day and told you about the divorce. You weren't even able to process it at first with how hard the news had hit you for a long while after, no matter how much your parents assured you it wasn't your fault, and things like this happen, and nothing would change the fact they still loved and cared about you. Well that wasn't true, and within a month your father was gone and contact by him was soon lost. Which left you feeling lonely..almost empty. Your mother trying her best to smile through it and trying to keep a positive outlook for you. You dove deeper into your games and music. You remember the last pokemon game you ever played. Pokemon Sword and Shield. By far your favorite with the unique dynamaxing additions and story line. But that joy was also short lived as school demanded more study time and your mother constantly pushing you more to do better in school, and eventually taking a part time job you could enjoy too but it was mostly to help out with the bills that needed to be paid. Eventually over time the games were forgotten along with everything else and you spent your new time filled with studying or working. The games and gaming system eventually moved into the closet. Until one fateful day, everything you would know would change forever. And it all started one year after graduating high school. The day before you were supposed to leave for college at your mother's assistance.

You had no idea what would be awaiting for you-

"Y/N!? ARE YOU STILL UP!?," a woman's voice called up the stairs as the footsteps made their way up.

"I promise I will, Mom!," you promised before holding up the box in your hands, "This is the last thing anyways."

The darkness of your dream was interrupted however in the most strangest ways-

"Exhibition or not, Leon, your pristine is about to end when I beat you here today!," he shouted to the purple haired man with a determined look.

"You know I don't lose battles, Raihan," he spoke back calmly flipping his cape back. His hand suddenly pointed at the dragon creature beside him. "Charizard! Dynamax!"

A. GIANT. BLACK. BIRD. WAS. STARING. AT. YOU!!!

"AAAHHHH!!"

"AH!"

#pokemon sword #pokemon shield #pokemon sword and shield #pokemon swsh #pokemon leon #Leon x reader #Reader x Leon #pokemon leon x reader #a champion time for the heart

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