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lunapaper · 1 year

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Album Review: 'So Much (For) Stardust' - Fall Out Boy

No one liked M A N I A. Not even Joe Trohman, it turns out…

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the Fall Out Boy guitarist spoke about his frustrations with the band’s 2018 record, with a more rock-oriented album being scrapped early in the process.

‘I’d say, ‘I’m gonna extricate myself from this. This is not what I want to do,'” he recalls. “‘When you have some stuff together, give it to me. If you want me to throw some ideas on there or whatever, I’ll do it in my recording studio.’ And I did that a little bit, but overall, I stayed pretty much out of it, more or less.

‘Mania has some cool ideas and interesting stuff in there. But it didn’t work as well, and I can’t say I love it. That’s what leads me, hopefully, to go back to making a record… with guitars, bass, drums, vocal. I love synthesizers, synthesizers that we play. We can play music; let’s play the music. Let’s not go for samples. Let’s not try to reach for singles. At this point, we’ve had so many hit singles. Do we really even need to reach for singles anymore? I think we should just make a cool record.’

And he’s right: Fall Out Boy don’t need hit singles. As elder statesmen of the emo-rock scene, they’ve got nothing else left to prove. And were they ever a singles band?

So, let’s cut to the chase: Fall Out Boy’s latest album, So Much (For) Stardust is nowhere near as bad as its predecessor. Probably because it’s super tame in comparison, mostly returning to the chart-friendly rock roots of Save Rock and Roll and 2015’s American Beauty/American Psycho.

‘Hold Me Like a Grudge,’ easily the album’s best track, goes full ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ with its tense, bass-fuelled groove, along with some MJ-style vocal inflections from Patrick Stump.

So Much (For) Stardust is at its best when it’s delivering straight-up rock bangers. ‘Love From The Other Side’ has a belter of a chorus, along with moody strings to help heighten the intensity, while ‘Heartbreak Feels So Good’ harks back to the urgent, pacey riffs of the past, proving why Trohman is such a key ingredient to the band’s sound.

But then, after such a promising build-up, the record takes a sharp nosedive in quality.

‘Fake Out’ is pure corn, sounding like a rejected JoBros cut from 2008. ‘Heaven, Iowa’ and ‘I Am My Own Muse’ embody the same blustery melodrama found on M A N I A. ‘What a Time to be Alive’ is the obligatory COVID track that already feels pretty dated (‘Sometimes, you wonder if we're ever lookin’ back/At a picture of 2019/And sayin', "That's the way, the world, it used to be/Before our dreams started burstin’ at the seams"/We're out here and we're ready, we're here and we're ready/To livestream the apocalypse’).

‘So Good Right Now,’ meanwhile, veers dangerously close into Viva Las Vengeance territory with its brassy horns and chintzy strings, bursting with that insufferable theatre kid energy. ‘And all of our wildest dreams, they just end up with a-you and me,’ goes the track, ‘So, let's drive until thе engine just gives out.’ Lyrics-wise, it’s basically just ‘Don’t Let the Light Go Out,’ Part 2.

I grow more and more weary of Pete’s lyrics with each album, at his pseudo-intellectual worst on the pointless interlude ‘Baby Annihilation,’ the bassist reciting teenage-level verse over spooky keys and gloomy synths (’The first time I took the mask off, just had another one on underneath/I'm just melted wax on a birthday cake, another year fades away/Charcoal crushed, pixie fever, angel dust/Stuck in a wasteland we covered in glitter and broadcast just for a little serotonin’). The album’s other interlude, ‘The Pink Seashell,’ takes a snippet from the 1995 Gen X classic, Reality Bites, starring Maya Hawke’s dad, yet adds no real value.

I kinda struggle to grasp what the overall theme of So Much (For) Stardust is supposed to be. At the beginning of the album’s promo cycle, the band sent out postcards to a select group of fans, hinting at a beach resort-style dystopia – something that actually left me rather intrigued. But other than the ‘The Pink Seashell’ interlude, it’s never referenced again on the record.

Look, I get you gotta get fans’ attention somehow. But why bother coming up with a gimmick if you’re not gonna expand on it? The beach resort-style dystopia doesn’t even appear on the album cover!

Despite a promising start, So Much (For) Stardust musters a ‘meh’ at best. It’s pleasant enough, but not all that memorable an effort.

It was probably for the best, though, that the Fall Out Boy went back to safe and familiar territory after the complete shitshow that was M A N I A. That they can deliver such a body of work this far into their career is an achievement, and admittedly does feature some decently tight drumwork, blistering riffs and some of Stump’s strongest vocals yet.

I’m no doubt going to be dismissed by some as just longing for the past and gleefully told to ‘stay mad.’ But as a longtime FOB fan, I’m tired. I just want more reliable and straight-up rock bangers like ‘Hold Me Like a Grunge.’ For fuck’s sake, I’d do anything for more of that chaotic Pax-Am Days-style punk. No more goofy experiments, no more cynical shots at mainstream appeal. We don’t need another Panic! on our hands…

It doesn’t quite sparkle as bright as I hoped, but So Much (For) Stardust could’ve been a hell of a lot worse.

– Bianca B.

#music #fall out boy #so much (for) stardust #new #reviews #albums #Bianca B

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clamcastle · 1 year

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An alligator prince with crocodile tears, too many to count

Permanent head-cold dreams awash in your love, falling in and out

Time is luck, and I wish ours overlapped more or for longer

Orange leaves bore the ones falling off trees

The first time I took the mask off, just had another one on underneath

I'm just melted wax on a birthday cake, another year fades away

Charcoal crushed, pixie fever, angel dust

Stuck in a wasteland we covered in glitter and broadcast just for a little serotonin

Self-sabotage at best, under your spell

But you know what they say

"If you want a job done right, you gotta do it yourself"

This palace was crystal, but the world was a cruel joke

What is there between us, if not a little annihilation?

#548

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twicethedreamshalfthelove · 1 year

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"stuck in a wasteland we covered in glitter and broadcast just for a little serotonin self sabotage at best"!!! it's giving "i'm just a racehorse on a track bring me back to the glue factory"

#you know what baby annihilation is bringing me around on pink seashell #smfs liveblog

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cressasdbfanfics · 3 years

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Missed too Many

Paring: GoChi

Words: 1656

Summary: In which Goku makes up for lost time on a special day of the year-his first after being gone for years.

Prompt: None. Just Valentine’s Day.

Fanfiction.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13820511/1/Missed-Too-Many

Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29478639

"Thanks for breakfast, babe! It was great!" I said as I rubbed my very full stomach.

Chichi's cooking was always amazing.

She smiled over her shoulder at me as she scrubbed our dishes. "You're welcome, Goku."

I stood from my seat at our kitchen table. "I'm going to go train! I'll back later today."

Chichi spun to face me, her eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute! Don't tell me you forgot about today!"

"Uh. Today?"

Chichi sighed as her shoulders slumped. "Never-mind," she said as she turned her back on me.

Gohan stared at me, his eyebrows raised. I glanced at Chichi to make sure she wasn't looking, and winked at Gohan. He smiled.

"What's today?" asked Goten.

I looked at him and shook my head.

I knew full well what the day was. Chichi's little sighs and the slump in her shoulders made me question my plan. Truth be told, I had far more than that little bit of upset to make up to her—missed anniversaries, missed birthdays, and missed Valentine's Days.

I had to make this one the best Valentine's Day ever for her and I knew exactly what to get her.

I went upstairs, grabbed a pair of blue jeans and a tan sweater Chichi knitted for me. Chichi liked me better in street clothes but I didn't want to mess them up while I set everything up for the evening.

"Now, I need some zenni," I murmured.

I grabbed the envelope containing money from our farm's first vegetable harvest. Chichi didn't know about that money yet. I promised Chichi I'd get a job when I got better from the heart virus and make us some money. Took me a while to keep that promise but I did. I stuck the envelope in my gi pocket.

I heard a creak outside our closed bedroom door and ran to our open window, wide-eyed. I dove out of it and landed on my feet on the grass as I heard our bedroom door open. I grimaced before I realized that was my chance to run into the kitchen and grab what I needed there.

Thankfully, the back door was unlocked.

"I thought you left already," said Gohan with an eyebrow raised.

I threw a look at Gohan I pressed a finger to my lips as I glanced at the hallway.

Gohan chuckled.

"I wont tell mom."

I had no idea when she would come back into the kitchen so I worked as fast and as carefully as I could. I grabbed our picnic basket and carefully stacked several dishes and a couple sets of silverware in it.

Gohan approached with the neatly folded family picnic blanket in hand. He handed it to me. "Thanks, son."

Goten watched us from where he sat at the kitchen table, drawing a picture.

"Don't tell your mom I was here, okay?" I said.

Goten nodded. "Okay. But why? Where are you going?"

I chuckled and said in a quiet voice, "You'll understand when you're older."

I heard the bedroom door open.

"Uh oh," I murmured.

I slipped out the way I came in with one last wink at the boys. I kicked into the sky and took off toward Satan City to find my first gift to her. While out on a recent family shopping trip for new clothes, Chichi stopped to admire a ruby necklace with a delicate silver chain in a jewelry store's window display, a small smile on her lips.

The shop was easy to find again, the same necklace still on display. Good thing I had enough zenni for it. The clerk placed it in a red velvet box the same shade as the ruby and put the box in a silver gift bag with a red bow matching the box. He bowed as he handed the bag to me.

Then it was off to Bulma's. I needed to ask her if Goten could stay at her place with Trunks, anyway.

+++

The dragon ball radar beeped in my hand, showing me the location of the last dragon ball right under my feet. I was somewhere deep in a hot, sandy desert wasteland. Something glittered in the ground right in front of my clothes. I pulled the last dragon ball out of the sand, put it in the chest Bulma had given me to carry the dragon balls in, and took off toward home.

I landed in front of the giant apple tree. In addition to the radar and a nice chest for the dragon balls, Bulma had even given me lanterns for the sunset picnic. I smoothed the blanket over the grass and set the chest on a corner. I set the lanterns around our picnic blanket and lit them with tiny sparks of ki.

Once that was done, I changed out of my dirty gi and put on the sweater and jeans I grabbed earlier.

I nodded at my handiwork. "Now, we all we need is food."

I flew back to Satan City and got some takeout from one of our favorite restaurants. Our food was still nice and hot when I got to our apple tree with it. Instant Transmission really came in handy sometimes. I set out the meal and placed the lanterns around the picnic blanket, lighting them with tiny sparks of ki.

I flew home and climbed in through our open bedroom window. In the hallway, I knocked on Goten's door.

He opened it

"Hey, buddy. You want to go spend the night with Trunks tonight?"

Goten grinned. "Yeah!"

I chuckled. "Pack a bag. We'll leave as soon as you're ready."

"'Kay!"

Goten hurried around his room, stuffing clothes and toys into his backpack. He pulled on his shoes. "Ready!"

"Where do you think you're going, young man?" asked Chichi.

I winced and so did Goten.

"Oh. Ch-Chichi," I stammered. "Ah. Heh. Goten's going to go spend the night with Trunks. I already cleared it with Bulma."

Chichi put her hands on her hips. "Is your homework finished?"

Goten nodded as he turned big, pleading eyes on his mother. "Yep! Can I go, Mommy?"

Chichi's stern frown softened. "Oh, I suppose."

"Yay!"

Goten dashed past Chichi and me and into the living room.

"Where's Gohan?" I asked.

Chichi sighed. "He left to go take Videl out tonight."

I nodded. "Good."

I walked past her and then winked over my shoulder at her. "Oh. And don't worry about dinner tonight. I want you to relax."

Her narrowed eyes softened.

"Let's go, daddy!" called Goten.

"I'm comin'."

+++

"Thanks again, Bulma," I said.

Bulma smiled. "No problem, Goku."

I locked onto Chichi's energy and found her putting away chopped up meats and vegetables. I snuck up behind her, reached out—

Chichi spun around, a shoved slender a finger into my chest, and glared up at me. "You haven't been training. You're not even wearing that gi you always do."

"Heh, babe, I'll never understand how you do that."

Her finger dropped away from my chest. "Huh? Do what?"

"Know when I'm sneakin' up on ya."

Chichi's lips twitched up. "Oh, a woman has her ways." Her eyes narrowed again. "Now, what have you been up to?"

I took her hands in mine. "Why don't you come with me and find out?"

I led her outside and scooped her up. Chichi yelped and giggled when I kicked into the air. The flight to the apple tree only took a few seconds. I set her on her feet just off the blanket.

"Oh, Goku," said Chichi as she folded her hands at her chest. "This is what you've been doing?"

I nodded. "You do so much for us. I wanted to do something for you."

Her eyes welled up and my heart raced. I always panicked a little when she cried—even if she was happy. Chichi threw her arms around me before I could decide what to do or say. My arms settled around her and she turned her face up to me. Chichi pushed herself up on her tiptoes and pressed her soft lips on the corner of mine. My heart flip-flopped in my chest.

A growl echoed around the mountains and it took me a moment to realize the growl came from me.

Chichi laughed. "We better not keep that stomach of yours waiting."

I scratched the back of my head and chuckled.

After our meal, I handed Chichi the gift bag. She untied the bow with great care and opened the bag. With a glance at me, she held up the red velvet box and opened it.

Chichi gasped. "Oh, Sweetheart!"

She lifted the necklace out of the box and cradled the ruby pendant in her hand, letting the delicate chain dangle from her fingers. She undid the tiny clasp and put it on. Chichi asked me to put a necklace on her once when we were newlyweds and I broke it. I didn't dare try to help her now.

"It's beautiful!" said Chichi.

"You're prettier," I said.

Chichi giggled.

"One more thing," I said.

I picked up the wooden chest and set it in front of her.

One of Chichi's hands went to her chest. "What in the world?"

"Open it up."

Chichi opened the latch with a quiet click and lifted the lid. Her mouth fell open. The dragon balls' glow danced in her eyes. Her eyes welled up again, a hand going up to cover her open mouth as her gaze darted to meet mine.

I reached over the chest and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "I want you to wish for whatever you want, Chi. Happy Valentine's Day. Sorry I missed so many."

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

I moved the chest aside and scooted up to her. I wiped her tears away.

Chichi wrapped her arms around me. "Just having you home is enough."

Yeah. I definitely missed too many.

#GoChi #fluff #fanfiction #Valentine's Day #Cressafics

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yourdeepestfathoms · 4 years

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Beside The Dying Fire (part ten)

[DnD AU with the tour!verse]

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9

Word count: 4271

------------------------------

Hot. Scorching. Sweltering. Searing. Balmy. Parching. Oven-like. Those, and so many other words could describe the desert Katherine and her companions were trekking through, Katherine just couldn’t think of anymore because her brain was being melted.

The Brazen Empire--or just “Braze”--was the desert territory on the far east side of Atlas. It was boxed in on all sides by tall, platformed plateau mesas called the Highland Cliffs, which kept the land in solitude from the rest of the continent.

Golden rolling dunes stretched out as far as the eye could see—which, to be fair, wasn’t very far because Katherine was sure she was seeing mirages everywhere. Cacti and shriveled shrubs stuck out of the ground, somehow surviving in the wasteland despite the cruel elements. The sky was an eye-bleedingly bright blue with not a single cloud in sight, letting the blisteringly hot sun rain down on the land.

And Katherine HATED IT.

“God, this is awful,” She panted, sweat burning in her eyes. Her dirty blonde hair felt like tassels of fire on her head, and her ears were like little torches attached to her skull.

Catalina laughed. “What are you talking about? This is amazing!”

Catalina had grown up in Braze, so she was used to the desert life. Katherine and Joan, however, were not as fortunate to have been raised in a scorching wasteland of dehydration and skin disease.

Katherine sluggishly wiped away a torrent of sweat from her brow. Jane had given them supplies for the journey to the different territories, but the glass bow strapped to her back felt like it was burning her alive. Joan was lucky enough to just get a simple ebony dagger, but she looked just as miserable. Her grey felt clothes and extra fur paddings for protection looked like they were roasting her like a chicken. Hints of blotchy sunburns were already starting to appear on her long, whip-thin white tail and ears.

Catalina gazed over a sand dune, looking for any signs of her home city. Behind her, Joan doubled over, heaving her breaths. Katherine could see several streams of sweat cascading through her white-blonde hair.

“We shouldn’t be far.” Catalina said, turning back to them. It was clear she was trying not to laugh at their discomfort. “Just a little longer!”

“Easy for you to say,” Joan wheezed. She lifted her tail to keep it from touching the sand.

“Trust me! We’re almost there!”

They began their trek once again.

“So, what’s this area of sand called?” Katherine asked, falling into step beside Catalina. “Wasteland Number Six?”

Catalina laughed. “This is Droughtmaster Dunes,” She said.

Katherine blinked. “That’s actually very fitting.”

Her friend laughed again. “Isn’t it?” She looked up at the bright blue sky, smiling. “I’m actually happy to be back. Nothing beats the sun here.” She stretched her arms out to catch the rays and signed happily.

“And that’s a good thing!” Joan barked from behind them. Heavily hindered by the sun, she was falling behind slightly. “The sun here SUCKS!”

Catalina tittered. “The mythical bovine, the Brazen Bull, was said to have made Braze, which is why it has that name. The Bull made everything here. It dug out the land it claimed for the territory, it lifted Highland Cliffs with its horns to protect us from other territories, it scraped its hooves through the ground to create the canyons, it stamped its feet to created pools for oases, and, after it was all done, it shook out the dust in its fur and filled Braze with sand.”

Katherine smiled as she listened to Catalina talk. Her friend rarely ever spoke about her homeland, so it was nice to see her reminiscing over her childhood territory.

However, she went quiet for a moment and fiddled with the sunstone necklace around her neck, lightly touching her belly with her other hand. There was an unreadable expression on her face.

“Just a fair warning,” Catalina said, “that my family is kinda weird.”

Katherine chuckled lightly. “Alright. I’m sure they’ll be fine, though. After all, you turned out amazing.”

Catalina smiled again, nudging her. “Aww. You softy!”

Katherine smiled back. “I speak the truth!”

“I need water,” Joan wheezed from behind them.

“We’re almost there, sweetie,” Catalina said, giving the poor Tiefling a sympathetic, but amused look.

She was right. After clambering over a particularly high sand dune, the capital city of Braze was revealed.

Aragon was a city that was smartly built around several oases. Shiny golden walls that glittered in the sunlight boxed in the civilization, and the tips of sun-dried brick houses and a particularly tall tower could be seen peeking out from over the high edges. Hints of a huge skeleton was sitting behind the furthest wall in a sunken sand pit. The clamor of people could be heard as the three of them approached the front gates where two Aasimar guards stood, wearing long, protective garbs covering every inch of skin and holding spears. They bristled as the trio approached, but their jaws weirdly dropped open after a moment.

“Princess Catalina!” The grey-skinned guard exclaimed. “Y-you’re back!”

Katherine’s and Joan’s heads whipped around to Catalina, their eyes going wide.

“Princess?!” They both yelped.

“Surprise!” Catalina said weakly. She gathered herself up regally and turned to the dumbfounded guards. “I request to see the King and Queen.”

Both guards nodded hastily. “Of course, princess!” The grey-skinned one said.

“Right this way!” Said the other.

The three of them were whisked inside the gates.

Aragon was filled with sun-dried brick houses and sturdy wooden huts. Merchant tents and carpet canopies were set up on the entrance pavilion, where shop owners hawked their wares to anyone who passed by. Fruits and fried meat, protective desert garbs and sunscreening oils, venomous scorpions to use for something and vials of antivenom--there were so many different items being sold. The smell of sizzling meat and roasting scarab beetles and brewing coffee swirled through the hot air, attacking Katherine’s nose with aromas that made her mouth water.

Small pools dotted the city, rippling softly in the heated breeze. Some of them were burbling like a fountain, while others were edged by lush greenery that seemed to be surviving much better than the plants outside the walls. Children were playing in a few of the pools, keeping cool in the midday heat, but some adults were collecting water in buckets.

A bronze statue of a giant bull sat in the center of the city, in front of the steps leading up to the palace. It was reared up on its hind legs with its fur bristled in powerful rage and horns thrown up in the air. Smoldering coals were set in its skull, and the furry tufts of its tail were crackling with orange fire.

The palace behind the statue was huge and majestic. It seemed to be made out of actual gold, glowing in the sunlight. Gemstones were inlaid across the outer walls, sparkling like colorful eyes. There were no front doors so the breeze could filter inside, so the guards led the three of them right inside.

Two thrones were sitting at the back of the wide, high-vaulted entrance room. They were made of solid gold, embedded with rubies and emeralds and cushioned by soft camel fur pillows. A curtain of water was pouring out behind the royal seats from the ceiling, collecting into a bubbling trough pool. The desert could be seen rippling behind the sheet of water.

And in the thrones sat the king and queen.

Queen Isabella was glowing like a polished garnet. The dress she wore was made of silk, in a rich dark orange shade that allowed her thick black hair to be shown to best advantage, and edged with ribbon and lace that perfectly set off her fire-like amber eyes and dark tanned skin. Golden veils wreathed her blood red wings, and yellow diamonds, topazes, sunstones, and tourmalines hung from her arms in glittering curtains of wealth. An elaborate headpiece made of gold and rubies sat on her head, with strands of gemstones dangling down into her face. Three golden medallions hung around her neck- one had a symbol of a broken rib cage etched on it, the second had what looked like small intestines forming the shape of a coiled snake, and the third had a faceless head.

King Ferdinand was less flashy than his wife, wearing simple cotton clothes with a camel fur cape around his neck and onyx wristbands on his wrists. His skin was slightly blotchy from sun damage and his hair was long and ash brown. Pale orange-salmon wings were folded neatly against his back, not nearly as big as the queen’s.

The two of them leapt to their feet from the throne when Catalina walked in.

“Catalina!!” They both cried, bustling over to their daughter. They threw their wings around Catalina, swaying her in glee, but Katherine noticed how Catalina just barely hugged them back.

“Oh, my dearest desert flower,” Ferdinand said. “You’re finally home after all these years!”

“It’s so good to see you again,” Isabella said. “You’ve been gone for so long!”

Catalina nodded reservedly. “Yes. It has been.”

The king and queen stepped back, taking in the sight of their daughter. Isabella’s joyous expression faded into a calculating one when she noticed Catalina’s pregnant belly, while Ferdinand just blinked at it.

“You’re pregnant,” Isabella said.

“Yes, I am,” Catalina said, ruffling up the feathers in her hair. “I hope that isn’t any issue, Mother.”

Isabella considered the bump, like she thought the baby was going to jump out now and steal her throne. “Who’s the father?”

“His name is Arthur.” Catalina said.

“Where is he?”

“Not here.”

“You aren’t with your baby’s own father anymore?”

“Oh my god.”

Catalina glanced back at Katherine and Joan for a moment, giving them a, “Here we go again” kind of look. She turned back to her parents with as much reserve as she could manage.

“What is he?” Ferdinand asked, glancing at Catalina’s belly every few seconds.

“A human.” Catalina answered. “I hope that isn’t an issue, Father.”

Ferdinand just cleared his throat and looked away. Katherine could tell that he didn’t have as much power as his wife, therefore making him weaker in disputes, even ones that don’t have to do with court matters.

“You shouldn’t just sleep with random strangers, Catalina.” Isabella scolded.

“I’m not!” Catalina barked, her face heating up. “Arthur is--was different! And why does it even matter to you? It’s not your body, it’s mine! And if I want to use it to sleep with people, then I should be allowed to!”

“Well, your body is holding my grandson. Or granddaughter.” There was something icy about the way Isabella said that word, and Katherine noticed how Catalina shuddered and set a hand over her belly protectively. “Plus, you’re still my daughter and I’m concerned over what you’re doing. You already ran off and disappeared for five years!”

Catalina rolled her eyes. “Don’t act like you weren’t happy.”

“I wasn’t.” Isabella growled, her blood red feathers standing on end like an angry cat’s fur.

“Sure you weren’t.” Catalina challenged her.

Ferdinand quickly put himself between his wife and his father. “That’s enough, that’s enough,” He said. “The point is that Catalina is home safe. That is what matters.”

“Hm. Of course.” Isabella said, settling her expression back into stolid noble maturity.

Catalina growled softly underneath her breath, and Katherine set a comforting hand on her shoulder. Isabella glanced at her, an eyebrow twitching up.

“Introduce us to your friend, Catalina.” The queen said.

Grinding her teeth a being ordered around, Catalina said, “This is Katherine. And this over here is J--”

“TIEFLING!”

Katherine jumped at the cry. Isabella suddenly whipped out a hidden dagger from inside her right wing, her face contorting with rage and feathers ruffling up into two big red masses. Several guards around the room jumped to attention with their weapons raised, and even mellow Ferdinand growled softly and raised his wings to look more threatening. Meanwhile, Joan just blinked in frightened confusion, curling her tail in close.

“Catalina, you brought a TIEFLING into our home?!” Isabella shouted, and Katherine saw Joan wince and lower her ears.

“I didn’t recognize it at first,” Ferdinand said at her side, slightly more to himself than to the others in the room. “Why does it look like that? Aren’t they usually red or blue?”

“Her name is Joan.” Catalina said, stepping up beside Joan, exuding a protective aura. “And she’s with me. There’s no need to worry.”

“There is every reason to worry,” Isabella hissed. “You brought a Tiefling into our city! A TIEFLING!! Don’t you know what they are?” She didn’t wait for Catalina to answer her, “They’re DEMONS! Goat-faced, hell-touched, unbirthed DEMONS!”

“Mother, will you stop shouting?” Catalina said, agitation biting her words. A few people from outside were peeking in and ogling the scene with wide, curious eyes. “Joan isn’t bad. She’s my friend. And you’re not going to throw her out.”

Isabella narrowed her eyes at Joan, sizing her up several times. She sniffed. “We’re going to have to put her through decontamination.”

“Mother--”

“You will not fight me on this, Catalina.” Isabella said firmly, turning her knife-like gaze on her daughter. “She will be back with you soon enough. But she is a Tiefling and this needs to happen for our safety.”

Catalina clenched her fists tightly, but said, “Fine.”

Isabella smiled like a venomous snake. “Very good.”

Catalina turned to Joan and cupped one of her cheeks. “You’re going to be okay, sweetheart. My family is just super paranoid over some races and feels the need to do a really stupid examination on them before they can have free reign in the city.” She brushed an unruly lock of white-blonde hair out of Joan’s face. “You’ll be out in no time, alright?”

Joan nodded quietly, and Catalina gave her a quick hug before a group of guards came to take Joan away. The young Tiefling glanced back at Katherine and Catalina, her tail slightly tucked between her legs and ears folded back, before disappearing down a hallway and out of sight. Isabella shook her head with a look of visible distaste.

“I don’t know why you would ever befriend one of those beasts,” The queen said, earning a growl from Catalina. Katherine put her hand back on Catalina’s shoulder, hoping to provide some comfort to her. “Anyway, I’ll alert the chefs. Your arrival back home needs a celebration!”

And celebrate they did.

That night, when the desert dropped to a startling cold temperature for a blisteringly hot wasteland, the Brazens of Aragon rejoiced in the return of their missing princess. Firelight emblazed then night sky, the Bull’s horns were lit with golden flames, and a band played Catalina’s favorite instruments. Cactus juice, strange alcoholic concoctions, and camel milk were passed out in tinted yellow glasses, and roasted desert fruits, grilled meat, and spicy hot foods were served on bronze trays you could see your reflection on. Aasimars danced and twirled in the main pavilion, celebrating gleefully, all while Catalina stood at the top of the steps leading to the palace, receiving guests and graciously accepting their best wishes. Everyone had a smile for her. Some of the adults looked at her appraisingly--only to be expected, Katherine supposed, as she was royalty--and many of the youngsters tried to flirt. Catalina humored them lightly solely for the entertainment of their reactions.

Katherine got lost in the festivities rather quickly. One moment she was getting her tongue melted by a painfully spicy dish, and then next she had a glass of translucent greenish juice thrust into her hands. She tasted it as she tottered up to Catalina and made a face at how bitter it was. Catalina laughed lightly.

“That’s Snake Wine,” The princess told her, “It’s made out of cactus juice that we put a dead snake in and leave out to ferment in the sun for a week.”

Katherine silently spit the mouthful of Snake Wine back into her cup. Catalina burst out into laughter so loud it rivaled the blaring music and made several people’s heads turn in curiosity.

“That is, umm,” Katherine said, covering her mouth. “Ah--”

“Horrible?” Catalina smiled and passed her a napkin. Katherine took it gratefully.

“Your words, not mine,” Katherine said, wiping her mouth. “But yes.”

Catalina giggled. “It’s better than that weird berry crap you used to have me drink.”

Katherine gasped with a wounded expression. “Berry Milk is amazing, thank you very much!”

“Berry juice and milk do not go together! You have to choose one, Kat! ONE! You can’t have both!”

They both laughed, earning even more confused stares.

“Are you happy to be back?” Katherine asked after a moment of serene silence between her and her friend.

Catalina shrugged, losing her smile. “I guess. I mean, I like seeing the city again and all my old friends, but…” She cast a frustrated expression at her parents, who were chatting animatedly with two old nobles. “Like I said before, my family is weird.”

Katherine frowned. “I’m sorry.” Hoping to get Catalina’s mind off of her family issues, she looked over at a tall orange tower in the far right corner of the city. It was made of dried clay, with several twists, points, and spires, and Katherine noticed the deep red of a Kobold snout peeking out of one of the large barred windows. “What’s that?”

Catalina looked at the tower. “Oh that’s Hotshot Hall. It’s our prison.” She said. “Mother doesn’t like having the prisoners near the palace, so they’re kept as far away as possible.” She wrinkled her nose.

“Ah,” Katherine nodded, watching the Kobold pull back inside the tower.

“Well, maybe you’ll get to see a Calf Scramble while we’re here,” Catalina mused. “So that’s something to look forward to.”

“Calf Scramble?” Katherine looked at her confusedly.

“Oh, it’s great,” Catalina said. “Five people are taken out to the sinkhole in the back of the city and have to try and catch these camel calves we release with them. It is HILARIOUS to watch them run around and slip in the sand!”

Katherine smiled. “I look forward to it!”

“Princess Catalina! Princess Catalina!” An eager young voice called.

“A princess’ work is never done,” Catalina said to Katherine, smiling. She bumped her shoulder affectionately. “Have some fun, Kat. I’ll talk to you again later.”

Once Catalina whisked off to go speak with more people, Katherine delved back into the party for a little while longer before straying away to explore.

Aragon was truly a lavish city, even for a civilization in the middle of a desert wasteland. She passed by several cozy-looking houses and lively bars decorated with desert flowers, all abandoned for the celebration.

She soon found herself in a small clearing between buildings where an oasis pool sat. Two bendy palm trees swayed lightly in the breeze, and clustered of paddle-shaped succulents hounded the edges of the pool. Katherine sat down on a smooth stone and looked up at the sky, where every single star in the entire universe seemed to be visible.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Katherine jerked around, nearly falling off of the rock and into the pool.

Queen Isabella was standing in an alleyway feeding into the clearing, darkness shrouded over her. She stepped out into the moonlight, and all her gemstones glittered like eyes around her.

“Yes,” Katherine nodded, composing herself.

“Why aren’t you celebrating?” Isabella asked, standing above Katherine.

“I’m just taking a breather, Your Majesty,” Katherine answered. “Is that alright?”

Isabella eyed Katherine suspiciously. “Of course,” She said slowly. She looked up at the sky. “When did you meet my daughter? You seem to be good friends.”

“Five years ago,” Katherine said. “She lived in a city next to my forest village and wandered in one day. After an interrogation, I was showing her out and we just started talking. She kept coming back after that and became a regular visitor in the village.”

“Hm.” Isabella said. “Well, I thank you for bringing my daughter back home safe.” She looked down at Katherine and smiled, sending chills down Katherine’s spine. “I am so, very pleased.”

————

The celebration was still going on when Katherine eventually turned in for the night. She went to her lavish guest bedroom in the palace to sleep, but not before visiting Catalina.

Catalina was in her own huge bedroom, sitting under the marigold velvet blankets in her equally giant bed. She was looking down at a painting in her hands, and didn’t look up from it when Katherine walked inside.

“I ran away because I wasn’t happy in Aragon.”

Katherine walked over and sat down next to Catalina. The painting she was holding had four girls in it, all smiling and engulfing each other in their wings.

“I was restricted from doing so many things and Mother watched my every move.” Catalina went on, her voice brimming with hate. “I couldn’t stand it.” She brushed her hands over the surface of the painting, an expression of longing in her eyes. “You probably think I’m just being selfish and snobby, but you don’t know how things happen here.”

“Then tell me,” Katherine urged softly. She set a hand on Catalina’s thigh, letting her know she was there for me.

Catalina sighed. “The queen rules in Braze. And that’s great, you know, girl power, yay!” She laughed dryly. “But the way we take the throne…” She trailed off, shifting uncomfortably. “Only daughters, nieces, granddaughters, and aunts are allowed to challenge for the throne. And they do this by fighting the queen. To the death.”

Katherine frowned, quickly understanding why Catalina didn’t like the system.

“Mother’s three sisters died young, so she didn’t have any competition growing up.” Catalina went on. “She challenged my grandmother when she was twenty-two and killed her swiftly. Crushed her ribs during the fight. Then, she married Father and started having children. She said she would only humor four female heirs. No more than that.”

She pointed to the tallest girl. Her wings were dark indigo and powerful-looking, and she had glowing golden skin. Dark brown hair was cut short around her head, bordering her fiery green eyes. She was wearing the sunstone necklace that Catalina now had around her neck.

“That’s Juana, my second oldest sister. She had the wildest temper and always thought of fun stuff for us and my other sisters to do. She also LOVED to challenge the teachers she had.” A smile pulled on Catalina’s lips, then quickly disappeared. “She challenged Mother when I was ten. I swear, she nearly beat mother to death; Juana did not mess around when it came to combat. And she would have won, too. She should have won. But then Mother, bleeding, bruised, and pinned on the ground beneath her, looked up and said, ‘I’m proud of you.’ Mother doesn’t say that often. Rarely ever. Juana hesitated, smiled, and then Mother slashed her stomach open with a dagger hidden in the bends of her wings. I still remember Juana’s face. That look of realization. She had looked down at her organs now hanging out of her stomach and grabbed at them like she was going to try and put them back in, then looked at me and my sisters with the most agonized face I’ve ever seen on her before.” She dipped her head and swallowed thickly, blinking back tears. “I think--I think she thought she failed us.”

After a moment of silence, Catalina swiftly wiped her eyes, sniffled, and then pointed to the next girl. Her wings were narrow but shiny and the color of raw salmon and hibiscus flowers. Her tree bark brown eyes were calculating and calm, but her smile was bright and beaming.

“That’s Maria. My oldest sister. She was like the voice of reason for the group, but she always got dragged into mischief anyway. She was also really good at getting us out of trouble. Except that time Juana mooned our history tutor.” She laughed, tracing her fingers over Maria’s long brown hair. “After Juana died, she became a lot more protective over me and my sister. I never thought she was going to challenge Mother, but she did when I was sixteen. Because Mother gave birth to another female child. A healthy baby girl. But, three days after she was born, she just--disappeared. One night, she was there, and then the next morning she wasn’t. Nobody ever said anything about her again, but Maria was furious because she knew Mother had killed our baby sister.” She swallowed thickly. “Maria was never a fighter. She was good at non-lethal combat, not--not what the challenge for the throne was. After she was beaten senselessly, cut up and bleeding all over the sand, she begged Mother for her life, saying she forfeit the challenge and wouldn’t try to overthrow her again. And Mother decapitated her.”

With the sadness of losing her sisters came anger, and Katherine saw Catalina grip the sides of the painting tightly and grit her teeth in rage.

Catalina pointed to the last girl. Her wings were fluffy and a goldfish orange color. She was small and had large, innocent dark amber eyes and sun-kissed brown hair she kept up in a messy bun.

“That’s Isabella Jr. Pretentious of Mother to name her that, huh? We just call her Izzy.” Catalina said. “Izzy’s the youngest out of the four of us. She was always worried in a cute way and was super smart. After Maria died, she became a lot more clingy towards me. I let her sleep in my bed at night because she was too scared to sleep alone. Not that I blamed her. Mother always looked at us like she was just daring us to challenge her. It scared the poor thing.” She shook her head. “But then I ran away. I left Izzy alone. I didn’t tell her where I was going or what I was doing, I didn’t even leave her a note or ask her to come along. I just--left.”

She gently touched her pregnant belly. “I hope they aren’t a girl. I can’t stand the thought of Mother doing something to them to get rid of competition.”

She shook her head and looked up at Katherine, her eyes shining in the candlelight. “This may be my home, but this is not my family. You and Joan are.”

#dnd au #six the musical #six the musical au #six the musical fanfic #six the musical fanfiction #six the musical fic #uk tour six #tour katherine howard #katherine howard #catherine of aragon #tour catherine of aragon #tour joan on the keys #joan on the keys

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