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wolven91 · 2 hours

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Drifting - Part 13

Casper’s optics scanned the smouldering wreck of Qik’s rig and found that whilst her reactor was still online, more concernedly; her pilot casket was still contained inside instead of ejecting away from danger.

The caskets were designed to save the most important part of these warmachines, the pilot. From life support to stealth capabilities, the point to the caskets was to fire the pilots away from the threat once their mechs had become immobilised.

A downed mech as a coffin, to stay inside was to invite disaster.

[Qik?!] Casper sent urgently, already feeling that he’d spent too long in one place against the new danger.

{I’m fine! Focus on the danger!}

Unconsciously nodding, the Spectre unit pushed off from the building and deliberately moved away from Qik, trying to draw the new threat away from her prone and vulnerable form.

As soon as his machine broke from the building, he was showered with short, beams of light that caused whatever they hit to crater in a shower of debris and pulverished concrete. Ducking down one street, Casper zigged and zagged, breaking line of sight whilst staying as low as he could.

His advantage was his build, it was meant to be low and fast, able to hide and obfuscate it’s own radar profile.

{It’s a chintian mech, they’re tough, you’re not built for this fight.}

[Eject and get away or shut up. If you suggest I leave you I’m shooting you myself.]

{He’s not a newbie. He’s clearing streets as he moves. Be careful.}

[What about you?]

{Playing dead. Not a threat to him.}

Casper closed his eyes and willed his sensors to reach out for the threat. He felt it immediately, a large ‘ping’ on his sensors that was systematically searching for him. It wasn’t moving directly at his location though.

‘He can’t find me.’ Casper realised, instantly making a mental note to thank Zeet for making good on his word to make a fast, quiet machine. Casper glanced down at his hand where he still gripped the sword in his right and considered his options.

Gripping it until his hand’s servos whined, Casper began to make his way towards the new threat, doing his best to get behind him.

After a few minutes though, he realised that the practised movements of the chintian built mech was not just impressive, it kept Casper from being able to sneak around and get at the enemy’s back.

Instead, Casper waited behind one corner, and calmed himself, cooling his reactor as he waited in ambush. The threat kept both arms out and ready, fully prepared to squeeze his triggers and light up the Spectre as soon as it showed itself.

As the enemy approached, Casper shoved with all his might into the corner of the building, sending a shower of concrete and debris across the enemy, blinding him. Casper immediately followed this with a wide, upwards slash, fully intending on cutting the target down by bisecting it from hip to shoulder.

But his blade passed through nothing.

Just as Casper was agile, so was the enemy and the front of Casper’s mech received a punishing hailstorm of damage as the chintian mech jumped backwards, firing as it leaped away from the danger, unafraid or even seemingly surprised by the ambush.

Grimacing, Casper raised his arm to fend off the burning shots as he retreated and spun away, engaging his thrusters to distance himself and try again. He expected the enemy to chase him, or at least follow and pepper him, but none of the punishment came.

Dropping into another crouch, Casper made an effort to get as far away as he could from the enemy.

((Ha! Żałosne! Nikt cię synku mieczem robić nie nauczył?! No chodź! Wyłaź pokrako! Psi pomiocie! Czasu w życiu mi nie stanie! Stawaj!))

Casper blinked, shocked to his core, as whilst he didn’t understand what the script said, he recognised the words, or at least the language. It was from Earth.

[Wait! I’m human!]

((Ni brat, ni krewny lecz Boże Dziecię. Toć jedną szansę dam. Poddaj lub giń.))

Taking a chance, Casper poked one side of his reconnaissance unit out from the corner he was hiding behind before ducking back in a section later. He was already moving away when the volley ripped that section of the city corner to pieces.

Casper half crawled, half scrambled to take as many lefts and rights as he could whilst not completely abandoning Qik’s machine. He needed to keep the other pilot’s attention, but also find an opening.

[Fine then! Fuck you! Come and get me.]

((WIJ SIĘ TCHÓRZU! Piskorzu zaropiały! Wstyd na cały twój niedołężny ród! Diabelskich sztuczek ci nie starczy co by z życiem ujść! Przeklęta magia Odmieńców! Bez niej dawno byś syneczku żarł piach!!))

Casper, still unsure of the enemy’s words, monitored his movements instead. The accent was thick and without the translation software working, he had no clue as to what the pilot was saying. It could have been mocking, or even suggesting they sit down for a chat and he wouldn’t know.

Still, for all his training, it appeared as if the other mech was working from line of sight only, not being able to ‘sense’ where Casper hid. The young man needed to commit to the attack, he needed to surprise the other pilot completely, and have him within range of his blade.

Several minutes passed by without either combatant seeing each other.

Within the chintian mech, the human pilot held his arms up and out, ready to squeeze the physical triggers that his own, flesh and blood hands held. Within the cockpit, his upper body counted as the puppeteer for the mech itself. Unlike the geckin made machines, the chintians relied on physical piloting, aiming and shooting.

The onboard intelligences could act independently when without a pilot, but they were limited as guards for an area, or guard dogs for a single individual, usually the pilot who had disengaged.

It meant the chintian mechs were far more robust, and their pilots unspoilt by their times within the mechs, capable of existing inside the machines without any negative effects to their health, the downside was that they were limited to readouts. The reacted to the machine’s information, to the reaction time of the pilot, viewing the screens then instructing the machine into action.

It took time to get used to it, but The Pilot had long since gotten used to piloting any number of different designs from his old fighter, to the new cutting edge pieces of technology.

This difference between the two designs of the machine however, meant that when Casper sprung from his hiding space, The Pilot could only react, and whilst saved himself and the majority of the machine, snarled in frustration as warnings alerted him to the loss of one of his main weapons.

Casper had laucnhed himself from the ground floor of one of the buildings. On the opposite side of the building, it had been gutted, yet remained up right. After quietly squeezing himself inside, thanks to his masterful control over the machine and its dimensions, he had launched himself forwards once the target was in range, sweeping his sword up in an all out attacked, with the goal of cutting the bastard in half.

He felt the shudder of his blade hitting the other mech and felt genuine hope bloom inside of him as the right arm of the machine was spiralling off down the road, sparks flying from the smooth cut through the metal.

Casper’s joy was short lived as once more, he was hosed down with withering fire that had him retreat again, several of his systems reporting damage to his right side. He immediately felt sore there, as if he had pulled a muscle and now was unable to use it properly. Putting several buildings between himself and the other pilot, he tried to move and bend, only to find that his full range of movement was now limited with certain turns.

It didn’t matter, one of the enemy’s weapons was now gone, he could win this.

Casper half expected The Pilot to say something, to acknowledge his blow, yet instead, all that happened was a change in stance. A personality shift. As if the enemy was now leaning forwards, focused on the fight in totality.

Casper heard the sounds of the enemy mech’s jet ignite, forcing him to turn, keeping the blade out in front of him just in case of an attack.

That said however, he watched as the enemy machine rose into the sky before landing on top of the tallest building in the distance near Qik’s still prone machine. It fired dust out from beneath the machine and huge cracks appeared in the burnt out shell’s superstructure as the heavy device landed unceremoniously before traversing its torso around, bringing its lone weapon to bare.

Bracing its remaining weapon, the gatling laser on the end of his left arm with the useless right arm, the enemy immediately spotted the Spectre unit and opened fire. Casper ducked and half crawled, half jumped out of the way and tried to reposition, but from the machine’s new vantage point, he could spot Casper the moment he poked any part of his body out from behind solid cover.

[Fuck! Qik, I can’t get close!]

{I can give you an opening, but you need to be ready.}

[I won’t be able to close the distance!]

{You’ve only got one chance. Throw your sword.}

[What if I miss?]

{Everything I’ve seen so far tells me every weakness you had in the body, is compensated for in the machine. Just use your instincts. You ready?}

Casper ducked again as the weapon's fire doused across the concrete of the building he was hiding behind.

[Do it.]

Beyond Casper’s sight, the protective flaps on Qik’s torso opened, revealing one of the last usable salvos she had. The Pilot’s early warning system immediately gave a shrill alert that instantly told The Pilot he was being painted with a missile lock.

Fractions of a second later, he had to roll his entire body to dodge the chaotic swirling storm of smaller missiles that threatened to detonate across his body. His desperate tumble however, broke line of sight with Qik’s mech as he fell from her perch and braced himself to land roughly on the asphalt below.

Casper was already waiting for him, his sword held aloft like a javelin.

With every ounce of his strength, he threw the blade as far and as hard as he could, aiming for the centre mass of the enemy machine, where the pilot would be sat.

Hundreds of thousands of years of human evolution was dumped into the Spectre’s targeting computer. Ones and zeros that counted in the trillions taught the machine how to perfectly throw an item with the instinct to follow. The targeting computer threw in its own opinion on what was the danger to them and picked its target appropriately.

The sword sliced through the air and hit its target was perfect accuracy, pinning the remaining gatling laser to the building’s wall, even before the chintian mech had come out of his landing crouch.

((Skurwysynie!))

Something told Casper that The Pilot wasn’t congratulating him on a fine strike, but the young man still allowed himself a faint smile across his face.

((Obrzydliwym jest, kopanie leżącego. Lecz jeślim zmuszon, tak też uczynię.))

Instantly, Casper felt something was drastically wrong as the enemy combatant turned away from Casper and ran towards where Qik had been. The Spectre’s booster roared to life and sped the young human towards where the enemy pilot had been only moments before. He zigged and zagged through the streets before finding the main thoroughfare again as he watched the chintian mech running full pelt towards the still prone torso of Qik.

[Eject! Eject!]

((SZCZEŹNIJ!!!))

As the chintian mech raised a heavy metal foot over the ejection port of Qik’s mech, the Spectre unit slammed into The Pilot’s back, sending both of them tumbling, rolling head over heels with the sheer speed and force in which Casper and crashed into them.

The pair of them fell out of the city limits and into the bombed out wasteland that may have been pristine and rolling green hills at some point in the past.

The chintian mech was first on his feet, followed shortly by Casper.

Neither of them had any weapons they could draw on, but they were now on even ground, facing off with each other.

Casper wanted him dead. He’d threatened the one ally the human had, had since leaving Earth.

Human or not, this bastard was dying.

The Spectre raised it’s hands into fists, raised up and ready to beat the other mech into the ground. The chintian model followed suit, the gatlings may have been scrap; but The Pilot didn’t need fist to beat on a petulant child.

The two stared at each other as the rain continued to beat down against them.

As one, the pair ran at each other.

[r/WolvensStories]

[Ko-Fi]

#conservationverse #cuddleverse #human #hfy #haso #humans are space orcs #furry #human x furry #lopeljack #bunny

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psy2versary-week · 2 years

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[ID: A drawing of Razputin in his own art style, surrounded by rainbow beams and 7 stars. The text above him reads "PSY2VERSARY WEEK AUGUST 19 - AUGUST 25". End ID.]

Welcome fellow interns, psi-cadets, agents, and psychomasters, one and all, to the announcement of a celebration! I’ve decided to host an event for the one year anniversary of Psychonauts 2!

This game has affected my life in ways I had not anticipated when I picked it up last year, and it’s been very positive! I've felt creatively re-energized, inspired, and made some fun new friends along the way.

In the spirit of creativity, I’ve drummed up a week’s worth of themed days for people to draw inspiration from and show your love for the sequel. Make any sort of creative work for them you please! Whether it’s drawings, writing, crafts, cosplay, gifs, edits - you can think it, you can do it! Each day also has 2 prompts each, so you can pick and choose which ones inspire you.

Feel free to decide if you want to make something for all the days, some of them, or just one. Any participation at all is fantastic! I’ll be reblogging all posts tagged for the event here to this blog, so please tag me and use the hashtag “#psy2versary week” in your posts so I can find them!

Without further ado:

DATES: August 19 - August 25

DAY 1 - AUG 19: Favorite Mental World // "Exploration"

DAY 2 - AUG 20: Favorite Enemy // "Aggression"

DAY 3 - AUG 21: Favorite Psi-Power // "Education"

DAY 4 - AUG 22: Favorite OST Song // "Heartbeat"

DAY 5 - AUG 23: Favorite Memory Vault // "Nostalgia"

DAY 6 - AUG 24: Favorite Cut Content // "Experimentation"

DAY 7 - AUG 25: Favorite New Character // "Discovery"

#psychonauts #psychonauts 2 #psy2versary week #razputin aquato

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nicnacsnonsense · 8 months

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In honor of Fuck or Die Friday, and with special thanks to @adickaboutspoons and @poetic----nonsense I present you with an OFMD Amok Time AU.

AU where Ed is the (human) captain of a starship and Stede is his half Vulcan-half human First Officer who never fit in on Vulcan because the whole logical control thing was not suited for him and now that he’s in Starfleet he exploring expressing his feelings openly. (Also they are captain and first officer on paper, but the two of them have an understanding that they are actually co-captains.)

Anyway, Stede has gone into Pon Farr and is being drawn back to his wife T’Mari because he has to fuck or die. Oh no, what’s Ed going to do?

Obviously, Ed offers to fuck Stede but doesn’t admit to his feelings for him, presenting it more as he is willing to fuck Stede to save his life. But Stede talks around it, mentioning T’Mari and their bond and Ed walks away with the impression that only T’Mari can save Stede and there has to be a mental bond present for the fucking to work.

And Stede didn’t not mean to give him that impression, you know? For one because Stede really doesn’t want Ed to have sex with him as an obligation. And for two he’s not going to be in control of himself during the Pon Farr, and he’s worried that if he had sex with Ed he would form a bond on his own, regardless of Ed how felt about it. Because he wants to have that bond with Ed so bad.

They make it to Vulcan and Ed insists on beaming down with Stede to make sure he gets to his wife okay. Olu also comes to make sure things go well, because he is more familiar with Vulcan customs and rituals both as a Federation diplomat (permanently assigned to Ed & Stede’s starship) and as a partner to Jim, a human that was raised on and by Vulcans after their parents died.

Now this is actually Stede’s third Pon Farr (he and T’Mari have a 14-year-old and a 7-year-old), so he could just meet up with T’Mari and do the deed; they don’t need to do the koon-ut-kal-if-fee all over again. They can — some Vulcan couples do it as like a vow renewal thing — but they don’t have too and they didn’t last time. So when Stede beams down to the planet to see that T’Mari has arranged for the whole ritual he’s like oooh, she’s going to challenge.

(Also Doug is there as T’Mari’s preferred spouse and he’s still just named Doug. A Vulcan named Doug because that amuses me.)

And then Olu (because Stede is only semi-coherent at this point) has to explain to Ed about how T’Mari has the right to challenge Stede’s claim. And Ed’s like, “you said fuck or die; no one told me she was allowed to pick die!” Leading to:

Ed: How do I challenge?

Olu: What?

Ed: The kal-if-fee thing, how do I challenge her for him?

Olu: Yeah, that’s not really… that’s not really how this works.

Ed: Fuck this, I’m going in. (Inserts himself between Stede & T’Mari shouting kal-if-fee like Act of Grace.)

Of course, declaration of kal-if-fee is taken as Ed challenging Stede for T’Mari, and he is told he’s allowed to challenge if he wants to fight Stede for her. And Ed’s like oh, yeah, I think I can take him 😏

So he tackles Stede and starts rolling around on the ground with him; he wraps his legs around Stede and starts rolling his hips, trying to move things in a sexual direction. But also he’s trying to get Stede’s hand up on his psi points, because Ed figures they could do a mind meld and maybe that would be good enough to work as the bond Stede needs for the fucking to save his life.

Finally Ed kisses him, which jolts Stede back into enough coherency for Ed to explain what he’s trying to do. Stede warns Ed that if he melds them then he will bond them, he won’t be able to stop himself and “that means I’ll be in your head all the time.” And Ed laughs and says “What else is new?”

So at Ed’s urging, Stede performs the mind meld. Instantly, he’s just hit with a wave of love and he’s like “Ed you love me?? 🥹🥰” And then the images start rolling in and he’s like “Oh. 😳😳😳 you’ve been thinking about this a lot, huh?”

And then they fuck nasty right there in the sand. Which simultaneously gets them Vulcan married. And they go back to their starship and live happily ever after.

#ofmd #stede bonnet #edward teach #gentlebeard #blackbonnet #star trek au #amok time au

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marlonbrandto · 7 months

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THE MAYNOS GAMBIT | 4

The interior of the vault is massive! As the Hammerhead and battlesuit escort glide down to the surface of the vault, Aun’Shar stares out the viewport to see what looks like the surface of another planet spanning all the way to a new horizon. D’tano squints at the onboard computer, “this cavern goes on for at least as far as the Hammerhead’s scanners, could cover the whole planet.” Aun’Shar marvels at the fast approaching ground, dotted with old dilapidated skyscrapers and crumbling statues, “a planet within a a planet, the Calamity Equation could be anywhere!” The door of the gunship hisses open.

1. The statues in the distance crack and come to life, four Nemesis Dreadknights flourish their swords. Ancient gears clatter against each other as the Grey Knights resume their watch, rushing the Cadre

2. A hail of psionically propelled shells pepper the Hammerhead from a distance. Then suddenly lightning arcs through the cloud of dust the gunfire created. Pieces of the gunship explode off it’s chassis, and it’s engines darken, gravity causes it to slam into the gravel beneath it . Everyone jolts into action, the new Ghostkeel pilot charges the nearest dreadknight, restraining the manipulator arms. The Crimson Order fires a volley at another, ion smokes from holes in a Grey Knight bedecked in archaic heraldry as his whole suit teeters over, kicking up a churning cloud of dust with the impact.

3. Walking through the wall of a building emerges another colossus, lightning flashes from the pilot, detonating two of the Crimson Order’s battlesuits. Commander Novastorm overcharges his weapons, diverting all the power in the thrusters into the mounted rifles energy output. All that’s left of the Dreadknight’s operator is a hole in the middle of the suit, which crumbles to the ground.

4. The Dreadknight in the center breaks free of the ghostkeels grasp and swings his arm cannon towards Commander Novastorm, recklessly carving a trench into the backdrop with the hot beam of light screaming out of it. Novastorm rockets into the air just in time to dodge the laser, but is unable to avoid the portal suddenly ripped into the folds of reality above him. Unable to adjust his course due to the lack of power in his thrusters, all the commander can do is pull the emergency eject lever. As he is flung out of the battlesuit’s chassis he watches the rift pull it closer, the suit caving in on itself as it’s enveloped by the impossible phenomenon. The Grey Knight then swipes with his Nemesis Greatsword at the Ghostkeel, who flickers out of existence as the stealth drone projecting the hologram crashes to the ground. The real Ghostkeel fires his Cyclic Ion Raker at the Dreadknight, destroying its Psi-Cannon before getting sheared in half by its greatsword.

5. The dreadknight turns towards the stealth suits and begins chanting endlessly about purification as purple flame bursts from him, swallowing and vaporizing stealth team Obscuro

6. D’tano had taken cover in the second floor of a nearby building, only to realize the rest of his fireteam didn’t follow him. Stray bullets burst through the dilapidated wall as the Fireblade takes aim with his pulse rifle, lining up a shot with the dreadknights’ pilot. Before he can properly get a shot, his wrist mounted tacpad beeps in alarm, the Ethereal Aun’Shar’s vitals are dropping! Grimacing at the exposed enemy, he swings his pulse rifle to the floor of the building and fires a few bursts of energy, damaging it enough for the section he stands on to crumble to ground level. Falling into the ruin, D’tano manages to land on his feet as he rushes into the open to support the ethereal.

——————————————————————————

Lighting and hellfire screams over Bo’ran (Commander Novastorm) as he stumbles towards the burning hulk that was once their gunship. A Crisis suit of the Crimson Order, Shas’Vre Nyk’thos of sub-team Crimson Dawn (judging by the markings on its side), rockets by Bo’ran, charging headlong into the raging goliath of a bygone era. Bo’rans’ legs ache from the impact of his ejection system as he breaks into a sprint, but is flung towards the Hammerheads wreckage as Nyk’thos’s suit erupts in a brilliant explosion. Ears ringing, Bo’ran smacks into the hull of the gunship. He wipes the soot from his eyes and rolls off the fusillade, the impact of hitting the ground sends a sharp pain through his ribs. He manages to push him self off the ground, taking stock of the situation around him. Drones whizz around in a panic, intercepting incoming fire. A handful of Fire warriors attempt to establish a firing line before a white hot laser vaporizes two of them instantly. And behind the smoldering wreck is Fireblade D’tano dragging the limp ethereal — Aun…. Char? We never got a proper introduction, Bo’ran muses to himself as he limps in their direction either way, what’s left of his honor guard will not last long against this foe, and I’ve learned the best chances of survival are always right next to an ethereal.

Screams echo across the landscape punctuated by thunderous lightning and wailing laserbeams as Bo’ran grabs hold of the ethereal and helps pull him away from the conflict. A bolt has punctured the ethereals’ chestplate, and as Bo’ran takes a closer look, he sees in place of a wound is a churning rift of psychedelic colors. The ethereal seems insensate, mumbling something about statues.

“He needs more than a doctor!” He shouts as the hammerheads chassis suffers one final explosion, shattering.

“He needs to get out of here first!” Grunts D’tano as a shower of bullets whizz by them and thud into the dirt.

“The only true way out is up, we’re stuck in this hell!” Bo’ran catches a glimpse of a battlesuit in the distance, through all the dust, the familiar glow of plasma flashing towards a large menacing silhouette.

“An elevator. In the building. Found it when we landed!” D’tano forces out between strained pulls. Bo’ran focuses on this new objective.

Almost there! Another explosion lights up the dust cloud in the distance

A few more steps! The screaming in the distance has stopped.

One more push! A hulking figure emerges from the dust, raising its sword, then slices downwards, creating a black rift in front of it. D’tano drops the ethereal and grabs the crank handle of the door, furiously spinning it.

“Inside!!” D’tano wrests the door open, while another rift roars a few meters away from the trio and out steps the hulking dreadknight, but by the time the foul contraption scans the area the Tau had all but vanished.

——————————————————————————

AUTHORS NOTE: I love writing the narrative of my 40K games, but sometimes you suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of a Grey Knights player who brought 4 Dreadknights to a 1000 point game. It was a hard game to play, since it felt like right after the first turn I barely even had a chance at winning, but I hope it at least made an interesting story! After all, if the protagonists of a story never lose, victory doesn’t taste as sweet. I appreciate all the likes I’ve been getting so far and hope you all continue to enjoy The Maynos Gambit!

#fanfic #sci fi oc #warhammer 40000 #battle report #tau empire #warhammer 40k #warhammer miniatures #warhammer oc #warhammercommunity #tau 40k #grey knights #scifi #short story #tau #warhammer #sci fi writing

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ziggbunz · 25 days

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Infection AUs are really popular right now, huh?

What if I just… made one for the mother series? ¬‿¬

Gaidoku (Infection) AU

Gaidoku (Japanese for harm, virus, evil, mischief) is an infection that is spread through the mushrooms on Tane Tane Island.

(Inspired from MLP Infection AUs and The Last of Us)

Based on the Tane Tane Island sequence from Mother 3, the Gaidoku virus is a fungal infection spread through consumption of eating Tane Tane mushrooms or from the bite of an infected individual.

The Tane Tane mushrooms, previously harmless aside from causing terrifying hallucinations, have now evolved to cause fatal and irreversible effects to the consumer, hallucinations progress into zombie-like symptoms.

(May add some Pigmask influence here, not sure yet)

Stage 1: (Light consumption) Hallucinations, nausea, body aches but can be treated if caught early to prevent further deterioration

Stage 1: (Average/Heavy consumption) Halluctions, nausea, flu-like symptoms

Victim cannot be saved from this level of consumption, they are a lost cause.

Stages can either progress or the victim can be put out of their misery.

Stage 2: Hallucinations are now permanent, constant nausea and frequent vomiting, flu symptoms progress

Victim’s body will become weak and pale, spores start to appear on the skin, bites are now infectious

Stage 3: Zombie-like state has taken over, vomiting blood, milky eyes, pale and blue skin

Victim will begin to lose cognitive thought, loss of speech and mobility, they are still somewhat aware of their surroundings.

Mushrooms begin to sprout from their body mostly around the mouth, hands and legs.

Mushrooms will sprout internally in the stomach and lungs.

Victim will become more hostile.

Stage 4: No longer considered human at this point, the fungus has now taken over the host, pale and frail body

Victim’s mind is no longer, the fungas has now taken over the host and has reduced them to a zombie.

Mushrooms are continuing to grow and more are sprouting around the rest of the body including the head, ears and eyes.

Victim will begin to experience loss of sight and hearing and will have to rely on vibration.

Victim is completely hostile and extremely violent, they will attack anything and anyone, their bites, scratches and vomit can spread the infection.

Stage 5: Victim’s can form into three separate types of “walker”

(Place holder names for the time being)

- Crawlers have lost mobility, they are the easiest to deal with due to their slow speed however they vomit more frequently meaning they leave trails of potential infection behind them meaning if uninfected aren’t alert, they can easily become infected if not paying attention

- Walkers/Runners are like standard zombies, they have not lost all mobility but due to their inability to see or hear, they can be avoided when careful

- “Clickers” are like the clickers from the TLOU, they use sound to find their way meaning they can easily find uninfected, they are fast and much more cognitively aware than the previous types, they are equally much more difficult to get rid of and are immune to various types of PSI

Effective ways to get rid of infected areas by using fire but only on specific infected, spore banks can and will survive high levels of heat, freeze can help but should only be used on spore banks but this is only a temporary solution.

Thunder and lightning should never be used and can cause catastrophic consequences.

Paralysis can be used but is again, only a temporary solution.

Brainshock should never be used as it can insight further violence in the infected.

Life up and healing has no effect and if anything, only strengthens the infected.

Beam, Rockin and Love can be used but it is unknown what the effects are on the infected but it does appear to be effective in killing the infected and prevent further infection.

Ground also should never be used as it can contribute to explosion and further spreading infection and even growing more spores.

This is also the case tor Starstorm but it must be used perfectly, if the target(s) or spore banks aren’t hit exactly, further infection can spread and even cause further mutation.

People who have previously consumed Tane Tane mushrooms before the evolution are immune from infection until Stage 3, before this they must be treated to prevent further progression into the infection and it has to be immediately.

Treatment is either spending hours in a hotspring or removing the affected limb(s), infection zones on the head or face are a lost cause if the hot spring doesn’t treat it

Hot springs can aid in preventing infection from spreading but this isn’t always a guarantee, a lot of victims will need to spend the rest of their lives in a hot spring (iron lung) if the heat doesn’t kill them first.

Other victims can experience heat stroke, burns and even death.

Infected PSI users that have been cured will lose the ability to use their PSI as the fungas has caused too much damage to the brain.

further damage to cured victims (PSI and non-PSI) will be brain damaged which will effect their cognitive thinking, reaction time, mobility issues and general health.

A lot of cured victims can die from dehydration and malnutrition due to a lack of appetite and potential hydrophobia from trauma of hot spring treatment.

Fevers are also a common symptom of infection so its a waiting game to find out if a PSI user is infected or if they are learning a new ability.

Sometimes, it isn’t worth the risk of finding out.

#wip #tw this for horror and grotesque topics

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browngonzo888 · 4 months

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Psychonauts OC: Agent Knight

Full name: Lance Louie Knight

Psychic abilities: patented “moon beam”, a long range mind beam that can sweep a room in a second. Powerful with a short time fuse. Can levitate far distances, bouncing on a psi-ball that resembles the moon. Excellent long-lasting psychic shield, but it’s only on one side. He is also known to dabble in herbaphony. Other abilities will be presented via comic

Appearance: Agent Knight wears a 2 piece outfit with neat pleated shirts and white gloves. His belt and boots are leather, and his belt buckle resembles a knight’s shield. He doubles his agent badge as a tie pin. On his coat breast he wears a fresh white lily, something that Zanotto points out is normally seen at funerals. His hair is platinum and his skin a bone palette.

Personality: Agent Knight is confident and self-absorbed. He’s liked by some and called a narcissist by others but he only laughs it off. He has earned a high ranking with an impressive number of arrests, even if he sometimes loses the “bad guy” which causes him to theatrically sulk for a few days. His larger-than-life attitude lights up any dull office corner at any time.

Background: As only Lance Knight, he was brought up in a boarding school where he made decent grades and indulged in a small theatre class. From there he went to acting school. He was later discovered to have powers when he lost his temper upon learning that a different student got a lead role he was after.

[development] Knight’s odd design is based off Mac Tonight, a fictional character created by the McDonalds franchise. His outfit and hair leans more into an 80s yuppie style, not too different from the likes of James Crocket or Patrick Bateman.

[Other goals] Psychonauts 2000 is a kind of time capsule experience of the late 90s to the year 2000 (and a little bit beyond).

Agent Knight will appear in chapter 3 “Ottos Lament”

#Psychonauts 2000 #Psychonauts Au #Agent Lance Knight #i also don’t like this guy as well #i don’t know that I personally like any of the ocs I’ve made #maybe because they are meant to be discomforting

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indeedcaptain · 7 months

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Spirktober 2023, day 7: Air

The air prompt truly has very little to do with the plot but there are no rules. I love accidental bonding and a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do

Also posted on AO3 here!

☆☆☆

The sadistic little countdown clock that their captors had hung on the wall was taunting Jim. Yes, five hours was plenty of time for the rest of the away team to come and find him and Spock, and he didn’t think that the Arduans --- slimy, long-tentacled creatures, with no identifiable defensive skills and a tendency towards monologuing --- were much of a match for La’an’s away team. But it didn’t help that he didn’t know what the countdown meant.

Jim and Spock sat side-by-side, backs against the white plastic walls of their cell. Spock sat cross-legged, hands resting on his knees; Jim had his legs stretched out before him, ankles crossed. It was just an eight-by-eight cube; there were no visible seams or vents, and no other distinguishing characteristics besides the countdown clock, which had ticked steadily down for the past hour. There was no sign of La’an, and the frown on Spock’s face as he stared at his tricorder screen grew deeper and deeper.

“Hey,” he said eventually. Spock shook his head.

“What?”

Spock lifted his hand and held it over the side of Jim’s face. There was a question in his eyes, but Jim didn’t know what it was.

“What?” he asked again. He could tell that Spock --- whose expression had remained utterly unbothered through their whole mission until recently, even when they had beamed onto the ‘abandoned’ ship straight into the middle of a trap --- was preventing himself from rolling his eyes at Jim. Jim thought that was a little unfair. They had made an excellent team, up until they’d been surrounded by Arduans who had been displeased to find them instead of Captain Pike.

“We will run out of air in four hours. Speaking aloud will use the air we do have more quickly. Therefore, I propose we strategize via meld.” He made an elegant little movement with his hand in the space next to Jim’s face.

Ah. So that’s what the countdown was for. Jim considered what he knew about mind melds: aside from what the Vulcan High Council had provided to Starfleet when Spock joined, it was very little. He had to admit to himself, though, that he was curious about them. The Vulcans were so secretive, and he wasn’t immune to the rumors that had floated through the Academy: the concept of touch telepathy had been romanticized, sexualized, demonized, and every other -ized that he could think of.

He nodded. What felt like static electricity sparked between Spock’s fingers and Jim’s face even before Spock settled his fingers along his psi-points. Spock whispered, “My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts.”

It felt like being struck by lightning. The room around them vanished as Jim’s mind spiraled inward, or upward. He felt Spock around him, felt surrounded by the same easy comfort he had recognized since the first time they met. His whole self was on fire, but he didn’t burn: he felt warm, genuinely warm and safe for the first time since… well, since Tarsus.

I did not know you were on Tarsus, Spock said, and though Jim heard Spock’s usual flat tone in his head he also felt something beneath the words -- rage, grief, and an unexpected urge to protect that flared and was stifled immediately.

Yeah, well, it’s not exactly a fun story to tell at parties. At parties, the blurry darkness around them settled, and the feeling of spiraling melted away. They stood in Captain Pike’s quarters. A pot of tomato sauce bubbled on the stove, and something aromatic was roasting in the oven. Glasses of wine and cocktails were scattered across counters and on Pike’s coffee table, but he and Spock were the only people in the room.

Fascinating, Spock said, and none of the possessive protectiveness that had underpinned his mental-voice remained. Jim wondered if he had imagined it, in this strange in-between place. Our meldspace has taken the form of the dinner party we attended three weeks ago.

It had been a nice party. Jim had been shadowing Una again, and when Pike heard that he would be staying for a few extra days he had put together what he called ‘nothing special’ but had become one of Jim’s favorite memories.

Jim loved serving on the Farragut, he did, but there was something in the air on the Enterprise that filled his heart in a way that was missing on his current ship. He had friends, and respected his captain, but he had laughed more with Pike’s bridge crew the night of the party than he had in the entire previous month on his own ship. He had told and been told dirty jokes while sitting between Ortegas and Chapel, had toasted to becoming a first officer with Una, and had dried dishes for Pike while the older man told stories of their recent travels. But what he remembered most was sitting on Pike’s couch for hours next to Spock, just talking. When Chris had eventually kicked them out, they had ended up in the observatory for ‘just one more drink,’ and Jim had nursed the same subpar replicated glass of wine for an inappropriate length of time, just so the night wouldn’t end. But the night had ended, and upon his return to the Farragut he had blocked Spock’s face in the starlight from his head until he had almost convinced himself that the attraction he had felt wasn’t real.

He shook his head, trying to clear it. When Spock looked sidelong at him, there was a subtle hint of amusement in his eyes. I enjoyed that evening as well.

Jim’s stomach dropped. How much of his emotions was Spock getting? Spock said, the amusement even more evident in his voice, There is no hiding in the meld.

Moving on. Why fascinating? Jim said, pulling his thoughts from how much he enjoyed Spock’s company and back to Spock’s original comment. Though it may be a futile effort, he would try to keep any secret feelings secret as long as he could.

I have melded with humans before, Spock said, looking around Pike’s room. Psi-null individuals do not have the mental fortitude necessary to shape the meldspace. I had intended to create a neutral location to prevent any unintentional harm from psychic energy. But I was not responsible for this.

Maybe we’re just on the same page.

Perhaps, Spock mused. But regardless -

Bigger fish to fry, Jim said.

Not the phrase I would use, but accurate.

Where is La’an? The away team?

I do not know. I had estimated the probability of them finding us before the time was up to be near 75%. But we have 3.75 hours of breathable air remaining, and I believe the most logical course of action would be a proactive one.

Agreed. Any thoughts on how we might make our escape?

Jim received a flash of an idea - his prone body with eyes closed, Spock screaming at the walls, the Arduans entering to see what the problem was, and then a spectacular display of violence from them both - and immediately started nodding.

I believe we are more valuable to them alive than dead. Forcing them to re-enter the room before we run out of air may be the best way to get out. We can then rendezvous with Lieutenant Noonien-Singh.

I like it. Ready?

Ready. Jim felt Spock break the connection, felt Spock’s hand fall away from his face, but there was still a warm little wiggle in the back of his mind that reminded him that he wasn’t alone. When his eyes had readjusted to the ugly fluorescents of the cell and his brain was firmly back in his own body, he tipped himself over and started to twitch. Spock’s amusement was tangible, but none was apparent in his voice when he roared for the Arduans to help him. The invisible door slid open and he and Spock surged through it, and Jim found himself in awe at how attuned they were even as they fought the Arduans and took off down the hall. ‘On the same page’ might have been an understatement.

They found La’an and the away team within thirty minutes, and stole a shuttle and escaped from the Arduans’ compound within the hour. All in all, Jim thought it was neither the most exciting nor the most dangerous mission he had participated in with Pike’s crew, but he couldn’t keep himself from thinking that having the opportunity to meld with Spock had made the excursion worth it. Even after Spock had broken their connection, he felt a warmth in the back of his mind, a feeling of bone-deep satisfaction, like he had just put the last piece of a puzzle into place.

On the shuttle, he took a seat near the back while Ortegas and La’an took them skyward. After checking in with Pike, Spock took the seat next to Jim. Jim couldn’t help but notice that Spock looked more tense now, as they soared towards the Enterprise in orbit, than he had been in their plastic, airtight cell.

He leaned over, bumping his shoulder against Spock’s. “Everything okay?”

“Yes,” Spock said, but he frowned. “Are you experiencing any mental distress from our meld?

“Not at all,” Jim said immediately. “I feel great, actually. Is melding always like that?”

“It is not,” Spock said. “I am gratified that you are not experiencing negative effects, but I must request that you visit Dr. M’Benga after we return to the ship to be sure.”

“Are you experiencing any… effects? You seem tense.” Jim didn’t know how he’d ever thought the Vulcan was unreadable. Even as Spock gazed neutrally at the wall opposite them, Jim could read the emotions under the surface like words in a book. He felt responsible for Jim’s well-being, and was concerned that the meld hadn’t gone as he expected. Jim could tell he felt protective of Jim, and he tried not to let that knowledge fuel the crush he’d been nursing since the day they’d met.

“I am experiencing… residual emotion. From our meld.”

“Is that unusual?”

“Highly.” Spock was uncomfortable, so he let it drop. Jim just hoped that his less than professional feelings in the meld weren’t the cause of his discomfort.

☆☆☆

Christine waved a tricorder around Jim’s head, but he wasn’t paying attention to what she was saying. Spock had vanished into Dr. M’Benga’s office with him, and Jim found that he did not like that he couldn’t see where Spock was. Was something wrong? What if melding with Jim had caused damage to Spock’s brain?

“Kirk.” Christine’s voice was impatient. Jim realized that she had said his name multiple times.

“Sorry, Christine,” he said, smiling apologetically. “I’m a little distracted.”

“What’s on your mind?”

He opened his mouth to respond honestly, remembered the proclivity the Enterprise crew had for gossiping, and shut it again. But Christine looked over her shoulder at M’Benga’s closed door. “Hmm,” she said, noncommittally. “I get it.”

“Get what?”

She grinned at him and said, “There’s something about him, isn’t there?”

Jim dropped his face into his hand. “Please don’t say anything.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” she said, winking. “I think everyone on this ship has been in that position at one time or another, myself included. What happened?”

“We melded,” Jim admitted. “To communicate silently. And it was… it was really nice.”

“Ooh,” she teased. “That’s big. He doesn’t meld with just anyone, you know.” He put his other hand up to his face, hiding the smile that threatened to overtake him.

His stomach dropped with disbelief, and shock, and worry. He gasped.

“Jim?” Christine lifted the tricorder again, reading the results above the biobed. “Hey, bud, take a few breaths with me. Everything is okay. You’re safe. What are you feeling?”

“I don’t know,” he said, and put his head between his knees. “What’s happening? I felt fine, and now…”

“Do you have a history of panic attacks?” Christine scanned through his medical file. “Wait…”

“Not since I was a kid, and they never felt like this.” He scrubbed at his arms. He felt like his skin was burning. “Something is wrong. Somewhere. Can you go get Spock?”

Christine paused. “What did you say?”

“Can you please go get Spock? Something is wrong. This doesn’t feel right.”

“You melded with him,” she said slowly. She looked up at the scan results and then back to his file, eyes narrowed. “Your chart says you’re supposed to be psi-null.”

“Yes, I did, and yes, I am, and he asked if something was wrong afterwards! I think something is wrong!” Jim’s skin hurt. He was overwhelmed by guilt, and remorse, and, oddly, a sense of excitement that caused more guilt. Christine turned abruptly over her shoulder, and yelled, “Joseph!”

But when M’Benga��s office door slammed open, it wasn’t the good doctor standing in the doorway. It was Spock. There was a green flush on his cheeks and his pupils were blown huge, almost entirely obscuring the brown of his irises. M’Benga followed him out immediately, and Chapel said, “Kirk’s showing psychonexaline ---”

“I know,” M’Benga said. “Spock is---”

Spock’s eyes met his and in a flash of lightning the Medbay was gone.

☆☆☆

They were in Pike’s quarters, sitting on his couch again. What’s happening? Jim asked, and Spock’s eyes were full of regret.

The probability of this occurrence was so low that I did not consider it necessary to warn you, Spock said, and his mental-voice was ragged.

The probability of what? What’s wrong? How did we get back here?

This place exists for us now, Spock said.

That’s not so bad. Why do you feel like you’ve ruined everything?

You feel my emotions?

Jim thought about it, and he realized that the emotions clouding his brain didn’t feel like his. They were tinged with different colors, a stoicism and repression that he had never experienced. I think I’ve been feeling you since the meld. Did M’Benga say something to you that made you worry? I felt it. Christine thought I was having a panic attack.

Spock closed his eyes. Lieutenant --- James --- I am so sorry.

Spock, tell me what’s happened.

Spock took a deep breath. Sometimes… when two minds are particularly attuned, when mental compatibility is immediate and certain… a bond forms spontaneously during the first meld.

A bond? What type of bond?

I did not know this would happen. I am so sorry. I will ask Captain Pike to allow us to depart immediately. I believe there are Vulcan healers stationed on Starbase 14; the VSA has an experiment running in a nearby nebula; you will never have to think of this again---

Spock, wait. Why do we need a healer?

A healer is necessary to break it. When Spock said the word ‘break,’ Jim felt his despair, felt the shame at the emotion and the effort to hide it.

Stop! Stop. Back up. Explain the bond first. Jim felt his face flushing. He wasn’t able to reconcile the rightness of being in the meld and Spock’s panic. He was four steps behind in this conversation, and Spock’s fear and grief were leaching the color out of their meldspace.

It is… it is more than an engagement and less than a marriage. It is similar to what existed between myself and T’Pring before we ended our betrothal.

Oh. He and Spock were compatible enough to spontaneously get psychically engaged and Spock didn’t want it. His crush flowered and wilted simultaneously. I see. And you don’t want to be engaged to me.

It is not a matter of want, James. I will not subject you to a permanent relationship which you neither consented to nor desired. You are human. Vulcans do not court each other in the way that humans do.

What the hell do you mean, it’s not a matter of want? Of course it is!

James, please. A spontaneous bond, especially with a psi-null individual is so rare as to be nearly unheard of. You do not understand what this would mean for you.

So help me understand.

Spock hesitated. He stood, paced in front of the coffee table. Jim spread his arms along the back of the couch and said, Bring it on.

If we do not break the bond soon, you will be bonded to me forever. You will be mine, as I will be yours. We would have to serve together, fight and live and die together. You would… Spock’s embarrassment colored his face green, and Jim felt it turn his own stomach. You would have to assist me through a biological period of necessity in the future, one which Vulcans never speak of to outworlders. I may hurt you without meaning to. To change your mind after consummation would mean undergoing the most extreme type of mental trauma known to Vulcans. We may both die of it. I offer that we break the bond so you are free to choose a partner of your own volition, rather than be forced into partnership with me simply because we are compatible. Spock stood in front of Jim, clasped his hands behind his back, and waited for his response. His face was impassive.

Why are you so sure that I don’t want this? Jim closed his eyes and felt for the warm space in the back of his mind. He concentrated hard and probed into it, like pressing on a bruise. Beneath the cool surface of control that Spock presented to the world, a hurricane raged. Jim was swept away in the intensity of what Spock felt: his fear for Jim’s safety and wellbeing, his desire to protect Jim from all danger, and (Jim was gratified to learn) the physical and mental attraction he felt. He felt the awe Spock felt at discovering the depth of their compatibility, the rarity of their bond even on Vulcan.

Deeper than that, he felt Spock’s fears: that Jim would say no and he would be alone, that Jim would say yes and change his mind later, and that he would never be good enough as either a Vulcan or a human to deserve a partnership like the one he had accidentally found.

When Jim opened his eyes again, he found Spock watching him. Did you find what you were looking for? Spock asked.

Yes, said Jim. He looked at Spock and pushed his emotions at him, everything he had been feeling for the past year: his immediate attraction to Spock, his admiration for his mind and abilities, the crush he’d been nurturing since the day Uhura introduced them, and the feeling he’d had as they had stayed up late talking in the observatory after the dinner party. He pushed that memory at Spock: Spock in the starlight, and the little voice in his brain that whispered, “I want to do this forever.”

You would never be able to leave me, Spock said softly.

You would be trapped with my illogical brain forever, Jim countered.

You would never be able to lie to me.

You’ll have to deal with my Tarsus baggage.

Spock paused, weighing his response. Jim’s heart already hurt. If Spock didn’t want the bond, didn’t want to be linked to a human with trauma forever, then he would just have to be okay with it. He would make himself be okay with it.

It would be my honor, Spock said. That was it. Jim launched himself off the couch at Spock and kissed him. It felt like he was being held, and submerged in a bathtub, and burned alive in the most pleasant way possible. But it didn’t feel like a kiss.

We are still in the meld, Spock said, in response to Jim’s confusion. Physical sensation is not the same.

Right. Can we leave? I’d like to do that in the flesh.

James. Are you sure you want the bond? I am not convinced you understand the depth of the partnership that you are so cavalierly accepting. Vulcans are possessive and protective when it comes to their bondmates. It is not a human relationship.

Spock. I’ve wanted you since the moment I met you. You’re saying that our minds are so compatible that we accidentally got engaged on the first date, and I didn’t even have to go through the bullshit of human courtship rituals to find out? Count me in.

When he opened his eyes, he was flat on his back on the biobed and Christine was waving a tricorder over his head. She and M’Benga were reading his scans with an intense and (in his humble opinion) slightly inappropriate level of medical curiosity.

“Welcome back,” M’Benga said.

“Where’s Spock?” Jim sat up. Christine smirked. As Jim sat up, Spock’s eyes flashed open and he crossed the bay in three enormous steps. Without a word to his crewmates he lifted Jim off the biobed and started carrying him to the exit. Jim wriggled. “Hey! Excuse me!”

Spock slung him over his shoulder instead --- that seemed slightly more dignified than being bridal-carried --- and did not break stride. Jim waved goodbye to Christine and M’Benga from upside down.

“You good, Jimbo?” Christine called as the turbodoor slid open.

“I think I might have signed up for this, actually,” he called back, and he could hear her laughter as the door slid shut behind them.

#for someone who reads the nastiest smut i can find my own fic has turned out to be surprisingly prudish?????#spirktober 2023 #spirktober2023 #spirktober #k/s fan fic #kirk/spock fan fic #k/s #spirk #my writing #kirk/spock #accidental bonding #yes yes i know it is no longer the 7th but i was busy yesterday

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beelzebuddy-catan · 6 months

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The Not Entirely Human-Human Exchange Student pt. 14

Summary: The brothers finally learn about Nephilim and Diavolo's next idea for peace between the three realms. The more Cass learns about the history between Demons and Nephilim, however, the harder that peace seems. Warnings: Swearing, mentions of other Spoilers: Up through Lesson 17 Characters: Cass (OC), Lucifer, Mammon, Levi, Satan, Asmo, Beel, Belphie, Diavolo, Barbatos, and various OCs. Previous Part • Next Part

“Holy shit,” Psi breathed, standing a bit straighter upon seeing Levi. “Is that Grand Admiral Leviathan?”

Cass glanced between Levi’s retreating form and Psi, confused by the reaction. “Um, yeah? Do you know him?”

“Not personally. Huge fan though,” Psi answered, eyes not leaving Levi. Hera watched for a minute before faking a cough and mumbling nerd. “Are you kidding? He’s the highest-ranking officer in Hell’s Navy. His tactical knowledge and strategizing ability are unparalleled.”

Cass and Hera shared a look of disbelief. Hera’s face was more mocking her longtime friend sudden enthusiasm whereas Cass was still trying to picture the Levi she’d come to know being someone’s idol.

“Do you want me to introduce you?” Psi’s eyes lit up at her question and he nodded ecstatically. “Okay, but forewarning, he’s kind of an introvert and self-conscious, so dial back.”

Both Belphie and Cass were returning to classes on the same day. Apart from Lucifer not being at the table scolding them over his cup of coffee, it was a surprisingly regular morning. Mammon and Asmo were talking about an upcoming event at the Fall while Satan scolded Levi on staying up too late. Beel kept sneaking food off Levi’s plate when no one was looking.

Anything normal about the morning came to an abrupt halt when a yawning Belphie stumbled into the dining room. He unceremoniously dropped into the chair next to Beel slowly blinking as he picked up a piece of toast. Everyone silently watched his actions.

“Morning, sunshine,” Cass said, trying to break the tension.

Belphie hummed in response, taking a bite of toast. He moved, extending his arm away from Beel to prevent him from eating the rest. Belphie rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, either ignoring the silence or not noticing it.

“Did ya have trouble sleepin’ or something?” Mammon asked cautiously.

“No?” Belphie answered, mouth full.

“You’re up early.”

“No, he isn’t,” Beel corrected Satan. “He barely has time to eat breakfast before our meeting.”

“Oh, right!” Levi said, jumping out of his seat. “I totally forgot we have a council meeting this morning. I’m going to get going so I’m not late.”

“I’ll go with you,” Asmo nodded as he stood.

Mammon and Satan quickly followed suit. Even Beel cast a cautious glance at Belphie then said he’d join the others. Before leaving the room, Levi turned back to look at Cass. The other brothers’ gaze landed on her, as if they expected her to get up to.

“You all go ahead. I’ll hang back and walk with Belphie.” Not one of the brothers moved when she said that. “What’s he going to do, kill me?”

The five middle brothers stared at her in horror. Belphie snorted into his cup, quickly trying to cover the laugh with a cough. Cass beamed, finally glad one of the brothers found the joke funny, especially since these seven were the only ones who had attempted to kill her so far.

“Sorry,” Belphie muttered when all of them glared at him in response.

“Don’t be, it was a funny joke. They’re just a bunch of lame asses,” Cass answered, taking a sip of her coffee.

“The joke ain’t funny when he actually tried.”

Cass glared at Mammon before taking a deep breath and giving the appropriate brother a pointed look. “Ten cents.” Mammon’s mouth slammed shut. “A trivia game.” Levi grimaced. “A dessert.” Beel pouted, his hand going to his stomach. “An insult when you were harassing me.” Asmo looked heartbroken but didn’t look away like the others. “Autonomy.” Satan’s eyes narrowed before he turned his head in frustration. “Am I not allowed to hang out with anyone in this house?”

Only after Cass pointed at the door and yelled go, did they leave her and Belphie alone. The youngest looked mildly impressed but quickly masked it. He finished his food in silence while Cass continued scrolling on her phone.

Finally, unable to take the silence, he spoke, “you should hate me.”

“I know.”

“Why don’t you?”

“Who said I didn’t?” Cass set her phone down to appraise him before sighing. “Honestly, I wish I did, but feelings aren’t exactly something you choose. I mean, you hated humans. Look where that got us.”

“Are you always like this? I mean, how are you so fucking blasé about everything that’s happened? Even if you don’t hate me. Most people would at least be afraid of me, especially after what I did.”

“It’d be a bit hypocritical to hate you when all of your brothers have been seconds away from killing me over much worse reasons.” Belphie gave her a look. “Yes, including Beel, except it was more of an accident with him and Mammon.”

“Still, everyone’s being so guarded or distanced or whatever. Which, I’m not surprised with what happened, but it sucks, and I want things to go back to how they were.”

“I don’t, that was a living nightmare. Unless things took a dark turn from between when you were locked up and I got here. I don’t know if I can survive another seven assassination attempts.”

Cass stood, brushing her uniform off in case any crumbs had fallen. She nodded towards the clock to remind Belphie they had to get going soon. While she had plenty of time, he was still technically a council member and being late on his first day back would probably not go over well with Lucifer.

“You want to know the strangest part of this?” Cass asked, nudging Belphie as he stood up from the table. “I actually get why you did what you did. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pissed, and you owe me, but I get it. I was the physical representation of everything you’d spent centuries resenting. It’d probably be stranger if you didn’t try and hurt me.”

Belphie gave her an incredulous look. “I’m starting to see why Lilith liked you.” Cass smiled at the thought. “She was just as bad at judging someone’s character.”

“Well, she loved you, so that says more about you than me.”

“Damn,” Belphie muttered, shaking his head. “I kind of wish you weren’t human.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll win you over.” Belphie wrinkled his nose at the thought. “Careful, that’s exactly how Lucifer acts.”

“Cass.”

Cass and Belphie both jumped at Lucifer’s entrance. Whoever said saying a demon’s name was enough to summon them must have met him. Somedays it felt like he would just hide, waiting for someone to talk about him.

“Diavolo would like you to join us for the student council meeting this morning. Apparently, they’ve made a discovery about your past.”

“Oh,” Cass said, feigning surprise. She had meant to tell them, but with everything that had happened, it must have slipped her mind. Belphie looked between the two. “Right, you probably don’t know this. When Barbatos brought me here, I lost all my memories. They’ve been trying to figure out who I am.”

---

The walk to RAD hadn’t been as uncomfortable as Cass expected. Apart from being scolded by Lucifer for cursing out a demon that tried to threaten her before realizing she was with him and Belphie, it didn’t even feel odd walking with Belphie.

She was waiting outside the council room while they were handling some other business. She hadn’t considered it before, but what if they didn’t let her stay? Solomon did mention that the relationship between Nephilim and the Devildom wasn’t good. Would they make her leave even without her memories?

“This is wild, I can’t believe how much has changed since I was last here.”

Cass looked up to see Hera and Psi rounding the corner. Well, there was no denying the discovery Diavolo made was about Nephilim. Hera lit up when she saw Cass, rushing to give her a hug. Psi gave her a brief head nod in acknowledgement but didn’t say anything.

“Kore! No lie, I thought you were going to disappear for another thousand years.”

“Sorry about that, some things came up. What are you two doing here?”

“Diavolo–"

“Lord Diavolo,” Psi corrected her.

With an eye roll, Hera continued, “Lord Diavolo asked us to come. Apparently, he wanted representation of the Nephs for some plan he has. I don’t really know, but Zeus hates it here, so I came instead.”

“And since Hades is missing, I came in his stead.”

Cass jumped, swinging her arm towards the voice coming from behind her. Epi side–stepped her punch with a shit eating grin. Cass lifted her hand to her heart, trying to calm her breathing. Hera rolled her eyes at Epi.

“Still don’t have your memories back?” Psi asked. Cass shook her head. “Zeus, Hades, and I represent the three categories of Nephs when needed for the Celestial Realm and the Devildom. We’re kind of sorted based on how strong our connection to our internal demon spirit is. We call Nephs who are closer to demons the underworlds, represented by Hades.”

Epi leaned against the wall across from the chambers. He didn’t open his eyes while he spoke. “Or Styx or Cate, but they’re all missing. So, I got stuck doing it.”

“You didn’t get stuck doing it,” Hera said. “Supposedly Cate’s going to be here, you’re just a nosy bitch.”

Epi shrugged, not bothering to dispute Hera’s claim. Even though she didn’t remember the Nephs from before, it was nice having them act normal around her. They fell into an easy, natural rhythm that made Cass feel oddly comfortable.

“Hermes or I represent the Terras, or Nephs who are more balanced. Which leaves the Nephs who try and suppress their demon side which we call the Olympians. Usually, they’re represented by Zeus or Asclepius, but Asclepius had a fully day of surgery and Zeus refused to come.”

“Wait, so is that why humans view you as the big three?” Psi confirmed her question with a gesture as if to say, ‘what can you do?’. “Where do I fall in the three categories?”

The three Nephs started laughing. Apparently, the answer was so obvious Cass should have known even without any memories. Granted, she suspected she’d fall into the underworld category given her understanding of Persephone.

“Sweetie,” Hera finally said, still laughing. “Humans literally call you queen of the underworld. You were raised by Hecate and your best friend is Styx.”

Before Cass could think about it too much, or get annoyed about the reaction, the council doors opened. Mammon was the first one out the door, practically running to the nearest bathroom. Levi followed, grumbling about missing something in his game, not bothering to look up as he passed.

“Holy shit,” Psi breathed, standing a bit straighter upon seeing Levi. “Is that Grand Admiral Leviathan?”

Cass glanced between Levi’s retreating form and Psi, confused by the reaction. “Um, yeah? Do you know him?”

Cass and Hera shared a look of disbelief. Hera’s face was more mocking her longtime friend’s sudden enthusiasm whereas Cass was still trying to picture the Levi she’d come to know being someone’s idol.

“Do you want me to introduce you?” Psi’s eyes lit up at her question and he nodded ecstatically. “Okay, but forewarning, he’s kind of an introvert and self-conscious, so dial back.”

Someone’s arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into a hug. Asmo’s perfume hit her nose before he even had time to speak. He rested his head on her shoulder. She glanced at him, watching his eyes trace over Hera and Psi’s forms.

“Cass, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends? Or are you keeping them all to yourself? While I can’t say I blame you, sharing is caring you know.”

Both Psi and Hera watched Asmo with wide eyes. Even though he hadn’t even used his powers, they looked like they were in a trance. “I know Dion was drunk when he said it, but he really could be Narcy.”

Asmo pouted at the comparison, obviously not happy. The idea that he was being compared to Narcissus and not the other way, not sitting right. Cass saw his eyes narrow, but he didn’t voice the concerns. Levi snuck back past the group, once again, not realizing there were others.

“Kore, Kore.” Psi looked past Asmo towards Levi. “Can I meet him now?”

“Wait, LEVI is who you were so excited to meet?” Asmo snapped. “I’m standing right here!”

Hera and Psi exchanged a look, as if that should matter. “And?” Psi asked.

Asmo made the most dramatic scoffing noise Cass could imagine. He stepped back, making the noise a few more times as he walked away from the group. Psi and Hera’s confusion only grew at the reaction.

“The fuck’s his problem?”

Diavolo and Barbatos exited the chambers before Cass had time to answer. Maybe it was seeing them stand directly next to demons that were closer to an average height than Asmo, but Hera and Psi looked taller than she remembered.

“That’s weird. I thought you were shorter,” she murmured.

“Yeah, that’s just a demon and angel thing.” Cass raised an eyebrow at the comment. “When we’re in the human world we tend to appear shorter, almost like an optical illusion. Angels and Demons do it too. It’s a spell that’s cast when you cross the thresholds between worlds. Makes it easier to go unrecognized.”

Cass nodded. It wasn’t the most logical thing she’d heard but given everything she’d come across in her time in the Devildom, it really wasn’t that peculiar. Though, it did make her realize how tall Solomon must actually be if his height remained the same between the realms.

“Hera, Poseidon.” Diavolo approached them. “It’s been a long time since you’ve been down, hasn’t it? Although, I am surprised, I expected to see Zeus with you.”

“Well, he’s become crankier over the last few centuries.”

“I suppose I can’t blame him for that,” Diavolo chuckled, though Cass suspected it had more to do with the tension that had grown with his arrival than the words themselves. “Regardless, it’s nice to have you here. Truly, I’m grateful you accepted the invitation.”

“...ABOUT LEVIATHAN!” Asmo’s voice drifted into the hall. “THE AUDACITY! I WAS STANDING RIGHT THERE. ME!”

Lucifer, who had been standing at the door listening to their conversation, sighed and approached them. “I have a feeling that this break may be longer than you anticipated.”

“WHY ARE YOU BLAMING ME?” Levi yelled back, clearly upset. “I didn’t even see them out there!”

“THAT’S ONLY MAKES IT WORSE!”

“Perhaps,” Epi once again appeared out of nowhere, “I could be of assistance? I’ve found people can become quite calm after experiencing their worst nightmares.”

There was unsettling about the way he said it, something more sinister lying beneath the offer. It was then Cass realized that Epi must be Epiales, the demon from mythology in charge of nightmares. What his power actual was though, had to be something else entirely.

“If they wake up, that is.”

“It is not my fault that some lack mental fortitude to escape their fears. Besides, they technically are awake, and I don’t have to make the experience go on for that long.” Cass had the feeling that Epi chose to make whatever experience he was referring to last much longer than necessary.

“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t think we’ll be needing your assistance,” Diavolo waved them off. “Cass, perhaps you could speak with Asmo?”

Cass nodded and excused herself. Eventually, she was able to calm Asmo and Levi down so their council meeting could continue. By the looks of it, this meeting was going to go into classes. Lucifer had already told them they’d have to make them up, which Mammon hadn’t stopped complaining about.

Once all of the brothers were sitting in their seats, Cass was able to drop into one of the extra seats in the back of the room next to the Nephs. The three of them all seemed highly entertained by her struggles. Psi going so far to ask if now was a good time to meet Levi.

“There’s our Kore,” Hera laughed at the glare Cass sent Psi as a response. “For the first time I wondered if it really was you or not. You never would have gotten through that without threatening someone before.”

“Not that we ever blamed you,” Epi smirked. “Your dad was one of the most famous demons born from the faction of wrath.”

That certainly explained her short fuse. “Wait, you know my dad?”

“When he was alive.”

Cass hummed but wasn’t able to ask more questions. Diavolo and Barbatos had come back into the chamber. Barbatos took his seat off to the side. His eyes seemed to linger on the Nephs and Cass a few seconds too long.

Diavolo proceeded to introduce the brothers before introducing the three Nephs. The brothers stilled, clearly recognizing the names. The looks of confusion, however, showed that they were as unaware of the truth behind the myths as Cass had been.

“As in, Epilaes, Hera, and Poseidon from Greek mythology?” Satan asked.

“Yes, the very ones. I must say, I was just as surprised to discover their existence recently.” Wait, Diavolo didn’t know they existed? That didn’t make sense, he’d acted as if they’d met before. “Until Cass’s true identity was revealed, I was under the impression they were simply demons. Demons I had been told passed long ago.” Diavolo said the last sentence with a glance at Barbatos.

“Can’t you tell if someone’s lying?” Cass asked, still unsure how they’d managed to conceal their identity.

“I mean, technically we aren’t human.” Hera answered. “And we are part demon. You just have to get a little clever with the wording and you’ve got the passable truth.”

“Wait, what?” Mammon yelled. “What do ya mean part demon?”

“You can’t mean Nephilim?” Satan asked.

“Aren’t those just made-up stories from humans?”

“Yeah, if a human’s pregnant with a demon, they die.”

“Ew, who’d want to have a baby with a human.”

“Cass, we’d have the cutest babies, if you ever consider it.”

“If anyone’s havin’ a baby with Cass, it’s me. I’m her first, got it?”

“Mammon you idiot, nobody would have a baby with you. You’d probably sell it the first chance you got.”

“Shuddup, no I wouldn’t! Cass, I wouldn’t sell our baby.”

“Enough,” Lucifer yelled, and the remaining six brothers fell silent.

Hera turned to whisper to Cass as Lucifer scolded the others. “You’ve got them wrapped around your finger, don’t you?”

Cass shot her a dirty look. Hera laughed, looking forward again as Diavolo started talking. As much as she loved them, the brothers could be a handful. Not to mention, having the Nephs there made her remember that she apparently had a fiancé somewhere. The idea only made her feel guiltier.

“It seems, that Nephilim are not just stories. Due to my father’s intervention, there were numerous actions taken to conceal their existence to prevent them from being harmed. Cass, as it turns out, is a Nephilim, an undocumented one at that, which is why it was so hard to find any information on her history.

“As you know, I intend to achieve peace between the three realms. The existence of Nephilim makes that infinitely more complex. However, I truly believe that peace is only achievable with their help. Which is why I’ve asked them here today.”

Cass glanced at the Nephs at Diavolo’s explanation. Epi, who had looked more disinterested than Belphie, rolled his eyes. Hera looked both annoyed at the idea and in disbelief that Diavolo would ask. Psi, however, seemed to be considering it. It made more sense why he would represent the Nephs over the other two.

“Seriously?” Hera finally asked. “You’re asking for our help?”

“Hera-” Psi started.

“No,” she snapped, standing to address Diavolo. “We weren’t just harmed. We were fucking hunted. We were tracked down and brutally murdered by your people. And what did we get? Erased from history and tossed from the place we called home.”

“Multiple times,” Epi said.

“Why do we even care what these half demons even think?" Mammon muttered, not speaking as quietly as he thought. "'Sides, if Cass is one of 'em, she's on our side."

Cass looked between them as the tension rose in the room. Epi smirked from his seat, horns slowly twisting out of his head. The dark color of his irises and his pupils shifted to a faint grey, barely distinguishable from the whites of his eyes. The marks on his skin started glowing. He tapped his nails, which were now long, black claws, on the table three times.

Mammon paled, looking ready to faint by the time Epi’s final claw hit the table. His eyes slowly regained focus as he searched Cass out. Even from across the room, she could see him violently shaking. What the hell had Epi done?

“Anyone else curious about what these half demons think?” Epi asked, already back to his human form.

“Part demon or not, we’ve been demons longer than you have,” Poseidon said. “Some of us have been alive longer too. Nonetheless, I apologize for Epi and Hera’s behavior. Obviously, you’re aware some animosity may remain, but I think trying for peace, or even a resolution, is preferred to the alternative.”

“I understand this is asking a lot,” Diavolo continued. “Even you coming here means more than I could articulate. For relations between the Devildom and the Human World, including Nephilim, to ever strengthen, those bridges will need to be mended or even rebuilt completely.”

“Diavolo!”

The doors to the student council chamber slammed open. The sound of the woman’s heels echoed as everyone waited with bated breath. Her black hair was so dark, even midnight in the devildom seemed light. Her dark grey eyes seemed devoid of any emotion, despite the rage in her tone. There was something reptilian about her pupils. Across her face was one long scar.

“Hello, Cate! It’s good to see you,” Diavolo smiled, but Cass didn’t miss the waver in his voice.

The woman stopped in front of the bench before crossing her arms. Despite the height of the bench imposing over her, the woman commanded all attention. The entrance couldn’t have been more perfect.

“Are you completely incompetent?” Diavolo went to answer, but she didn’t give him a chance to speak. If only she’d been here when the meeting started. “I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are not that ignorant of your own realm’s relation to others. Yet, you neglected to tell me when a Nephilim appeared before you.”

Despite being the leader of the Devildom, Diavolo didn’t stop her from speaking. The longer she spoke, the less diplomatic it seemed, not that it had been to begin with. In fact, it almost felt like Cate was scolding Diavolo, the way a parent would.

A black smoke started to materialize beside Cate. From that, emerged a demon. When the smoke disappeared, Cass realized she’d seen the demon before. It was the woman from the portrait, the Demon King’s former advisor, Aeshma.

Unlike the demon from the portrait, there was no fondness in her expression. Cass understood why she had been referred to as the Demon of Wrath. Why was that anger directed at Diavolo though? Hadn’t he said he’d spent time with her growing up? From their previous conversation, Cass would have thought they had a good relationship.

Wait, hadn’t Diavolo also said the demon had been forfeited? While Cass had never learned what that actually meant, she’d been under the impression the demon was dead or, at the very least, not able to materialize before them now. Cass glanced at the others in the room, but their expressions only mirrored her confusion.

“Aeshma?” Diavolo asked, his surprise evident. “How are you here?”

“A better question is how you thought harboring a Nephilim would be the best option for strengthening relations between the Devildom and the Human Realm. Is your goal to undo the work of your father?”

Cate and Aeshma continued speaking at Diavolo, still reminding her of a parent. Was it possible that they had taken over some of those responsibilities while Diavolo grew up since his mother had passed? She could tell by the way they talked to him, there was still love behind the message. Cass stopped herself from smiling at the image of them paralleling two aunts chastising their nephew.

“Are you aware,” Lucifer finally interrupted, standing from his chair, “that Diavolo is the current ruler of the Devildom and the way you and your cohort have been speaking to him is unacceptable.”

Aeshma’s eyes narrowed. Cass thought she’d never see a stare as icy as Lucifer’s, but even from here she wanted to wither under Aeshma’s. Surprisingly, Satan seemed equally unnerved by the sheer hatred and anger exuding from the demon.

“Are you aware, that were it not for me, you’d be lying at the bottom of the Styx? Do you need a reminder of who I am, or can you quell your warped sense of entitlement that led you to believe you can advise me on what constitutes unacceptable behaviors.”

Wait, what? Lucifer didn’t break eye contact. Apart from him, only Barbatos, Diavolo, and the Nephilim seemed to understand what she meant. Clearly this wasn’t the first time Lucifer had met the demon, but it looked like it may be the first time the other brothers had, at least since falling. What happened to the appreciation he had when looking at her portrait?

“Aeshma.” Diavolo stood, placing a hand on Lucifer’s shoulder. Lucifer nodded before sitting back down. Diavolo continued, his voice regaining the stately quality he used when attending to royal duties. “I understand there are many things to be discussed. First and foremost, however, is that despite having been forfeited, you are here and have broken the law. I cannot dismiss that simply because you were on my father’s council.

“Both you and Cate are the ones guilty of harboring an undocumented Nephilim. While Cate is not a denizen of the Devildom and therefore cannot be charged, you can. Perhaps we should all take a pause and reconvene. I would hate for this tension and any lingering emotions to have any impact on your impending trial.”

“Fuck!” Mammon screeched as his chair tipped over and he fell.

Everyone turned to see what could be so important for him to interrupt what was going on in front of them. Sitting on the table in front of his chair, was a woman holding an iced coffee who had not been there before. The appearance of the three women made her want to start working on her entrances and learn teleportation magic.

Wait, she’d seen this woman before too. On the day she’d run away from the retreat and in the diner with Solomon. The witch wore the same large black hat and large round glasses. She looked almost the exact same, down to her hair falling out, the greyish color of her skin, and vacant stare.

“As much as I’d love to see a trial where Aeshma is the defense and Lucifer assisting with judgement, that won’t be happening. You’re right, as a denizen of the Devildom, Aeshma would be guilty. That’s not Aeshma, though. Not really.”

A hint of a smirk flashed across Aeshma’s face before reverting back to the icy stare. Did she know the witch would appear? Or was she just happy to prove Lucifer wrong? The longer this meeting went on, the more questions Cass had.

“As you know, Aeshma was forfeited, and your father preserved her spirit in the river Styx. Luckily enough for Lucifer, might I add.” The witch gave him a pointed look and the ice coffee vanished. “Not long after that, I was summoned to reanimate the demon. The problem with a forfeited demon is there isn’t enough of their spirit to reconstruct.”

Cass glanced around the chambers, trying to figure out who was following Nadia. Hera and Epi looked thrilled over the events. Apparently, both of them had already moved on from their grievances. Hera even had her phone positioned in a subtle way where she could record it without being noticed.

“Hermes is going to be pissed he missed this,” Hera whispered when she noticed Cass watching her.

“So, being the talented necromancer that I am, I stitched the fragment pieces with willing human souls who had passed. What does that mean?” The witch jumped down to pace in front of the bench, acting like a lawyer presenting their case. “Well, according to subsection 14B of the same law that protects Cate, the demon formerly known as Aeshma, is not a denizen of the Devildom.”

The witch manifested a projection of the three realms to aid her argument. “Subsection 14B establishes that unless a being has a complete demon spirit, they cannot be denizens of the Devildom. Because Aeshma has a human soul. Well, part of a human soul, she would be classified as a Nephilim.”

The projection vanished as the witch clasped her hands in front of her. “And Nephilim are not punishable for crimes related to the aftermath of the Titian Project.”

“It’s also worth nothing, I haven’t gone by Aeshma since forfeiting,” the demon added. “Seemed wrong to use that name. In honor of your father and his kindness, I’ve gone by Styx since being brought back by Nadia.”

“How are they so cool?” Levi muttered. “They could be the protagonists in an anime.”

“Does anyone else have no idea what’s going on?” Cass asked. All of the brothers except Lucifer raised their hands.

“Is anyone else turned on?” Asmo added. Everyone’s hands fell except his own.

#obey me! shall we date?#obey me fanfic #obey me brothers #obey me

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