#suffering whiplash and sugar

[chidoroki]

Ron Kamonohashi EP3

aka: your typical hot spring shenanigans

I really wanna know what’s the deal with those markings on Ron’s body. Aside from the 96 looking one on the side of his neck, there’s smaller ones around it that we don’t see nowadays so did the majority of them fade?

“And to ensure that justice is never overshadowed by evil, we train detective. We cannot have a detective who kills people.” I know both organizations have their differences, but BLUE reminds me of the Sibyl System just a little bit.. also Bifrost but only because of how everyone is sitting around a large table acting all superior.

The lady in charge at BLUE talking about Ron’s punishment only to have the upbeat OP play seconds right after is kinda hilarious. Talk about a mood shift.

Aww Ron being such a good cat dad buying it all kinds of food and stuff. Also, his shirt with the little face is adorable.

He’s gonna win the lottery on the first try, isn’t he.. yuuuupp, a trip to the hot springs for you!

“We’ve handed out both the grand and second-place prizes.” I bet ya anything the purple haired man from BLUE won second.

Oh, speak of the devil.. now that we got a better look at him.. yeah, he’s fine. & he does indeed share a voice actor with Friede so that’s gonna give me whiplash hearing my adorable professor suddenly sound all sinister.

Nevermind this man also winning the lottery, he’s somehow working at said spring instead. Glasses fit him well too.

Oh! Yeah now that we can get a better look at Ron, he really doesn’t have any of those other markings on his body anymore besides the one on his neck.

“I once suffered injuries all over my body, yet this was the only one that scarred.” I’ve received answers yet now have more questions!

Even Ron believes part of it looks like a 6, but still, how did ya get a scar like that?

This man is obsessed with his black sugar syrup that he even drowns his rice with it.

Uh huh, I had a feeling Ron was gonna take the ping-pong game seriously so I was excited to see a full match, but the fool lost the ball after the first serve.. shame.

Oh my god, it was Amamiya who won the second place prize! Poor girl walked right in on the boys in the bath.. she’s never gonna live that down.

Ron is so hellbent on playing Life with everyone and he’s gonna get his wish darn it!

Ohhh that wife from earlier found lifeless in the spring, seems as if that legend is coming true.

With everyone playing Life from midnight to 2am, that really lowers the suspects down a bit I think.

Ron, for fucks sake, always getting up close and personal to the dead huh?

Damn, purple-Friede putting all the heat on Amamiya instantly since she was the only one who returned to her room last night without playing the game.

Oh he definitely planned for this so he could catch Ron sleuthing.

I swear I’m gonna swoon each and every time we get a glimpse of Ron’s eyes.

#kamonohashi ron no kindan suiri #episode reaction

[canniju]

ABOUT ME

🚨VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ OR DNI🚨

⚠️I am plural and have multiple alters. We each have our own identity, but to make things easier/make us comfortable, just refer to us as "they/them" when you speak to/about us. Thanks!

⚠️Alongside that, do NOT: tag me, mention me, or bring up "syscourse". I think it's stupid and harmful. It's triggering. (THIS INCLUDES: policing who I follow, speak to, etc.)

⚠️I often alternate between referring to myself as if I'm singular, to referring to us as if we are multiple. I am still plural regardless of how I choose to refer to myself.

⚠️I will sign each post as who is fronting, as well as tag every post accordingly, so if you only want to see posts from a particular alter, you can easily find those posts! (All alters listed below.)

⚠️I bite.

Thank you for reading, now onto the actual about me: *.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.**.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.**.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.* 🩸HUNTER🩸 They/Them, Age 30, THE HOST. Forever sleepy (hyena kaiju) who just wants to relax. Loves doomscrolling and eating spicy foods. BPD and OCD sufferer, beware of whiplash when around this one. Asexual Biromantic Orchestra and OST/Soundtrack enjoyer.

✨YAMI✨ It/Its, Ageless, ABYSS. (Star wolf) who is just a void. The manifestation of dissociation. Has no hobbies other than staring at the ceiling/sky. Is passively suicidal. Lies dormant. You won't see or hear from it other than Hunter or the other alters drawing artwork of it. PTSD incarnate. Asexual Aromantic Hates music. Hates noises. 🍭PRINCESS🍭 She/Her, Age 6, INNOCENT. (Rabbit) child who is talkative, brave, adventurous, and sassy. Loves playing outside, hiking, swimming, drawing, playing video games, and watching any show/movie that stars animals. Autistic and prone to being overstimulated and meltdowns. Asexual Aromantic (she's 6, you freaks.) Pop/anything hyper music enjoyer. 🧂SUGAR🧂 She/Her, Age 12, GREMLIN. Edgy (fox creature) who loves dark humor, blood/gore, and old youtube series (htf, dick figures, charlie, llamas with hats, etc.). Very volatile and hostile, overly sensitive, cries at the drop of a hat despite acting all tough. Likes pixel art. Biromantic, Hypersexual (do NOT sexualize her! she is an edgy teenager, DO NOT SEXUALIZE HER.) alt rock enjoyer

❤️AMMY❤️ She/Her, Age 19, THERAPIST. (German Shepherd) who is very optimistic, positive, approachable, overly loving, and caring. Genuinely wants to help others. Hates blood/gore (makes her nauseous), loves math, and loves working/keeping busy. Severe anxiety. Lesbian techno/trance enjoyer

#tired and will add more later if needed #pinned #pinned post #plural system #plurality #about #about me #about us #all posts and art will be labeled under each alters name just to keep things simple and easy to access

[ineffable-doll]

For the ask meme! 💜

✨🍦✅

✨ Give you and your writing a compliment. Go on now. You know you deserve it. 😉

Oooo, you're devious, I see how it is.

I think I am really good at setting atmosphere and tone these days. I used to struggle with that a lot, and some of my older fics suffer from tonal whiplash, and either too much or too little description, but I've become confident in my ability to set the stage, to guide the reader through my story at a pace I've determined, and to make the emotions I'm invoking consistent and intentional. I'm also quite proud of my dialogue-writing abilities, which have also come a long way.

🍦 What's the sweetest fic you've created so far?

I........literally don't think I can pick only one. I write majority fluff fics so it's like looking for a puff of wool in a sheep pen. But here are a handful of my softest, fluffiest, most forward-me-your-dentist-bill-for-those-cavities stories:

Climb Every Meow-ntain - In which A&C are retired in the South Downs and accidentally adopt two black-and-white cats, told from one of the cat's POV. Includes kitty sketches!

there are going to be a lot of hugs in this one - a ficlet collection following 20 hug prompts, done with the Ace Omens server. @cyan-kelpie made this meme about it:

Darling, Sugar, Lover - "Crowley’s begun using terms of endearment to tease his angel. It’s all fun and games until he uses one by accident." My second most popular fic by kudos.

Thy Sweet Love Remembered: "Aziraphale realizes in 1941 that Crowley loves him back. One day, many years after the failed Armageddon, he finally feels ready to bring it up. This comes as a massive surprise to Crowley (master of not evaluating his feelings), who had no idea that he was in love with his best friend."

Hey Love (That's the Name We've Long Held Back): S2 compliant South Downs softness

And then, a few ficlets for fun:

Hisses and Halos - napping together

Pretty as a Picture: C taking pictures of A

Falling (Through Ice/In Love): C falls through ice to save a kid and A accidentally confesses to C cuz he's a dork

✅ What's something that appears in your fics over and over and over again, even if you don't mean to?

Well, my Ineffable Confessions of Love series came about entirely accidentally. For a long time, I was churning out SO MANY love confession fics until eventually I was like, "Okay, This Is A Thing, Then," and made it official. The series is less active these days but I still love writing love confessions so much.

There are 39 of them in there, good hell.

#good omens #fanfiction #writing #ask game

[your-dads-top]

I know he suffered a lot but shapeshifter gives me such whiplash. Like he worships E Musk and has a "sugar dad" who is likely twice his age and is also religious and has said before he wishes he could be a bimbo bc he has trouble trusting is own decisions aftr the transition disaster. IMO he should rack up on enough hrt reserves to use for a a few months supply then go through a social media detox nd go live in the woods for a while but he keeps knotting himself further with platforms

I haven't kept up with him, but what the fuck.

[fly-sky-high-09]

Sorry I've been constantly rambling about SU stuff recently but I'm finding this throwback very interesting and remembering some stuff from the past has me like. what was that all about (aside from you know "oops all altright" bit)

So I'm listening to this video and I assumed I listened to Lily Orchard's video in the past but I HAVEN'T but I ASSUMED I did because wildly enough, their whole video, word for word, was one evening I spent with ex friend who was going on about the SAME thing to the whole group hanging out that night on why SU is bad

And I kid you not the whiplash I got from this realization had me sit and go "... goddamn and they like. semi convinced me some of these stuff too"

Which is bonkers but in reality doesn't matter years later, it was just that I remember saying "Ruby and Sapphire are not bad representation" and wondering where they got the idea they are

and it was this fucking Lily Orchard video. It was this video and I just assumed it was their cleaver analysis on the subject from their own perspective. Because they talked about "rebeca sugar fucked it up so badly while it could have been better and should have done better as a queer person herself" with such frustration and anger I just figured it was coming from their own critical thinking

And like after I stepped away from that group I did realize it's kind of a bs to hold the show accountable for the stuff mentioned in that way and proper criticism it needs but it's really weird how to the word their "criticism" was to lily orchard's video..... and they're a queer person themselves!

And Hiding in Private is very easily disproving those points like. Even making good counter ones which are, admittedly, much easier to understand today than it would have been back then.

maybe that was it. idk, just different times different influences on people's opinions. It's just sad to see how much SU suffered for it while the show was already suffering from how CN handled its airing and censorship.

#don't take this wrong I'm enjoying the videos #even tho some slurs and such could have been censured better for the other video and more points added #but still good counterpoints #not stopping my brain from getting weird flashbacks around the time this show was airing tho #while i was within a group of friends who influenced be in both the absolute best and worst way

[euphoricfilter]

YAY I CAN RANT ABOUT BILY Amazing ch as per usual. The first part was super cute and soft. Hobi was so happy with his new car. I think it might've been pink and then mc colored it red bc it's a cooler color? i'm not a car person. so i didn't really get why the boys were so excited at first. but i ended up feeling a lil excited with them. Cute dates with Yoongi TT Mc needs to be more confident. Downplaying the gift when it's so expensive omg. (sugar mommy? why did that pop into my head lol) The first flashback was making me so worried and curious about the secrets. The first one was surprising. How did he live with that secret while seeing the pack being depressed over Yoongi being away without any explanation? But the second one was more personal and surprising imo. What are your thoughts on it? How do you feel about Jimin? I feel so strongly protective of mc here. And kinda disgusted/mad at Jimin for rejecting both of the things he asked her. Yeah it makes sense that he did bc he cares about his life and $. and he isn't going to easily feel empathy for a stranger. But I blame him a lil for rejecting the first offer. bc mc had to suffer more and ultimately kill ex. she was so empty and traumatized at the beginning of being with Yoongi in the new house. and the trauma still affects her... I hope she and Jimin talk it out. Because I think they both need to. They could feel better and comfort each other. I think he needs to apologize and she should forgive him if she really really is ok. Maybe even add in Yoongi to their conversation bc he experienced the mafia and ex idk. I can't believe that she's ok with it. She needs higher self-esteem. (idk if thats the word lol) I can't really forgive him rn even if she does. If I was him, I would feel super guilty to mc and want to make up for it to her. But he hasn't so far imo. I got whiplash bc I found his thoughts on mc earlier cute. Maybe his protectiveness is bc of this secret. and he is affectionate with her. but she doubted his and the others' love for her (in the previous ch i think?). and it's not the same as explicitly stating and showing he's sorry imo idk any secrets lol

-🖤

i mean with how much money she has from properties and all the stuff she gets from her husband i think she could actually be a sugar mommy 😭

i think i get where jimin is coming from, not only for his safety but for the pack as well. we’ve seen how knowledgeable the mafia group are about other people’s lives, especially with yoongi so i wouldn’t be surprised if they were aware of jimins life outside the mafia and if he were to interfere where he wasn’t needed then it could have had negative consequences. so i understand why he maybe said no to her when she asked for help— i don’t think he knew what geumjae was doing to her either so for all he knew the m/c was probably after her husbands money

i think maybe at one point they’ll talk it out, though they’ve kept quiet for this long in fear of people listening which is fair enough

i kinda get where the m/c is coming from, the whole situation was out of both their control, i think at the time she would have resented him a little more than she does now because of desperation but now she’s out of that (even if her trauma does creep up on often), i think she understands that it was out of his own best interest which is selfish on the surface but then again he was probably thinking of yoongi and the whole pack and the mess it would bring if anyone were to ever find out he killed her husband and she’d paid him to do it

i’m excited to see how her contacting moonbyul plays out as well as all the other stuff that was in the folder that she handed off to yoongi. i love love love all the little mafia bits they’re always so fun

#ask #🖤 anon #bily fan club

[tiramisiyu]

Tears of Themis: Xia Yan/Luke 【妄夜之魇】 Looming Nightmare - Date Translation

Translation Masterlist | Xia Yan Masterlist | Unsubbed Video

Transcript below cut:

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Part 1

Forest

In the morning, a group of villagers walked slowly through the forest’s rocks and mud.

Nearby, a young man dressed as a knight noticed them.

Luke: Please wait!

The young man pushed aside the dense branches, rushing over to the villagers.

Villager Captain: You are…?

Luke: My apologies for troubling you all. I’m Luke Pearce, a knight.

As he spoke, he balled up his left hand and placed it before his chest, displaying a standard gesture of courtesy to the villagers.

Villager Captain: So you’re a knight. Greetings, is anything the matter?

Luke: I’d like to ask you all if there is anyone who knows where the evil dragon is?

Villager A: E-evil dragon?!

When they heard “evil dragon”, a momentary fear displayed on all the villagers’ faces.

The whispers among them gradually grew louder, and the originally calm group gradually began to lose control.

Villager A: W-why are you searching for the evil dragon…

Villager B: Why are you asking about that beast’s whereabouts?! Are you trying to get it to come over here again?!

Villager B: O-our village, it…

Villager Captain: Calm down.

The young captain placed a hand on the shoulder of the middle-aged man to calm him down temporarily.

Villager Captain: We were impolite. Sir Knight, none of us have malicious intentions. It’s just…

Luke: Were… you all also attacked by the dragon?

Villager Captain: Indeed…

The young man sighed.

Villager Captain: We originally lived in a nearby village. Three days ago, our village was attacked by that dragon.

Villager Captain: The flames it breathes, and its massive wings that kick up gales when they beat…

Villager Captain: That’s how our houses and fields were thoroughly annihilated.

Villager Captain: Many villagers that couldn’t escape were left forever in those ruins.

Villager Captain: But that dragon didn’t stop there. It… even carried off lots of innocent people.

Villager Captain: That’s what happened to my wife and that grandma’s only daughter.

Villager Captain: We don’t even know if they’re still alive.

The young man spoke until his voice faded. The hands that hung on his sides were tightly clenched, like he was trying to control his emotions.

Villager Captain: Like us, lots and lots of villages and cities have been destroyed by it in the past several days.

Villager Captain: Those attacked by it can only flee in search of a temporary safe place.

Villager Captain: We…

Luke: … I’m sorry for making you recall such horrible things.

The young knight lowered his head in apology.

Luke: On my journey, I’ve also heard lots about its terrible actions.

Luke: When I saw you all from far away, I thought you were all normal passersby. I didn’t think…

Villager Captain: It’s alright. We do have to learn to face this eventually.

Villager Captain: Although, Sir Knight, why are you looking for that dragon?

Luke: Because…

A flash of desolation appeared on the knight’s face.

Luke: Because I’m looking for someone who is incredibly important to me.

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[Flashback]

Fortune-Telling Location

The fortune-teller fiddled playfully with the crystal ball in her hands. The lights floating in the air moved as she did.

With a sliver of curiosity on her features, she lifted her gaze and looked over her visitor, then placed her hands piously in front of her chest.

Fortune-teller: Esteemed Sir Knight, may I ask why you are here?

Luke: …

The knight’s rigid body leaned forward slightly, an unconcealable urgency and distress in his eyes.

Luke: I want to find someone. She’s vanished, and I have no idea where she is.

Fortune-teller: Oh? Find someone? Who might it be?

Luke: Someone… that grew up with me since childhood.

Fortune-teller: Someone that grew up with you?

Luke: Yes.

He released a deep sigh.

Luke: It’s been eight years since the start of the war.

Luke: The day I left for battle, I promised her that I would return home safely and live with her forever, never to leave again.

Luke: But after the war ended and I returned to the village, all that welcomed me was an empty house.

Luke: I asked everyone around about where she went, but they all said that she suddenly vanished one day.

Luke: Only after did I find out that everyone had thought that I’d died in battle.

Luke: She…

The knight grasped tight on the longsword in his hands. The ruby on the hilt flashed faintly in the darkness.

The fortune-teller leaned against the table, holding her chin with her hand.

Fortune-teller: Have you ever thought that she just couldn’t keep waiting anymore, or that she might have moved elsewhere because she thought you were dead?

Luke: She wouldn’t. We’ve lived together for so many years. I know best about what sort of person she is.

Luke: I know that even if I made her sad or if everyone said I was dead…

Luke: As long as she hasn’t seen my corpse, she won’t give up, and she’ll keep waiting for me…

Luke: … Something must have happened for her to choose to leave without a farewell.

Luke: So, I want to find her. I want to know what exactly happened.

The young knight’s voice gradually weakened, until it was nearly inaudible.

The fortune-teller tittered quietly.

Fortune-teller: I understand. Then, please wait a moment—

She placed her hand on the crystal ball. As the lights and shadows drifted, an image of a dragon occupying the plains gradually appeared.

Luke: This is…?

Fortune-teller: Do you know of the legend of the evil dragon?

Luke: Evil dragon?

Fortune-teller: Yes. This dragon runs amok over the continent, scattering destruction and annihilation everywhere…

Fortune-teller: Its evil reputation is now common knowledge among all people.

Luke: But what does that have to do with her?

Fortune-teller: I am unsure of the exact connection it has to her, but based on the image in the crystal ball…

Fortune-teller: You just need to kill the dragon and obtain the treasure chest it protects to discover the way to find her.

Luke: …

Luke: Are you sure?

Fortune-teller: Of course. My divinations have never been wrong. If not, Sir Knight…

The fortune-teller unconsciously knocked a few times on the crystal ball, and a clear sound reverberated in the room.

Fortune-teller: Then you wouldn’t have come to find me, correct?

Luke: … They say that you are the greatest fortune-teller on the continent, and that there’s nothing you don’t know.

Fortune-teller: Which is even more reason for you to believe me, no?

Luke: …

The knight nodded ponderously.

Luke: I understand. Where is the dragon right now?

Fortune-teller: That’s for you to find out.

Fortune-teller: However, there is something that you must think over first.

Fortune-teller: You are a brave and martially skilled knight, but the path ahead may be much more dangerous than you imagine.

Fortune-teller: Even if so, will you still proceed?

Luke: Yes, I must.

Fortune-teller: Even if the price it requires is your everything?

[Flashback end]

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Luke: So I can only do as the fortune-teller instructed, travelling as I search for clues on the dragon.

Villager Captain: It seems like the person you’re looking for… must have been captured by the dragon too.

When he finished listening to the knight’s story, the captain gave a quick conclusion.

Villager Captain: The young lady you’re looking for isn’t the only one. In the past while, that dragon has already captured many good girls.

Villager Captain: Many noble ladies and wives in the city weren’t even spared.

Luke: Then… has anyone ever returned among those who were captured?

Villager B: No – no one has ever seen them again after they were taken.

Villager B: Whether the dragon has hurt them, whether they’re still alive, or where they’re kept… no one knows anything.

Luke: No one knows anything, huh…

Luke: If no one knows, that means there’s still hope, right?

The knight suddenly lifted his head, looking firmly at the villagers.

  Part 2

Forest

In the forest, the young knight faced the villagers, his gaze firm.

Luke: If no one knows, that means there’s still hope, right?

Villager B: This…

Looking at the villagers’ somewhat hesitant expressions, the knight smiled slightly.

Luke: I understand your concerns, but to me, as long as there is still one thread of opportunity, I will definitely not give up.

Luke: So…

Luke: Please, do any of you know anything at all about the dragon?

Villager Captain: …

The villagers looked at each other. The young captain tilted his head as if trying to recall something.

Villager Captain: I don’t know much about the dragon, but…

Villager Captain: Three days ago, when I was fleeing the village, I think I saw that dragon flying towards the highest mountain peak on the northeast of this forest.

Luke: The peaks in the northeast…

The knight looked towards the direction that the villager captain was pointing towards. He could vaguely see the shape of a mountain peak there.

Villager Captain: Yes, but that mountain is farther from here than it looks.

Villager Captain: Plus, there’s also a path full of thorns at the end of this forest that normal people can’t get through at all.

Villager Captain: Currently, not many people have gone there, so I can’t be sure if the dragon is actually there.

Luke: Is that so… but it’s worth a try.

Villager B: Uh… I’ve also heard a little about the dragon.

The formerly irritable middle-aged man, possibly being moved by the words earlier, hesitated for a moment before he spoke.

Villager B: That dragon probably does live on that mountain peak.

Luke: Are you sure?

Villager B: Yes. Two weeks ago, an artisan from the city went with his brothers there.

Villager B: But several days later, aside from a young man, no one in that group returned.

Villager B: That young man said that they were attacked by that beast on the mountain…

Villager B: But sadly, his wounds were too grave, and he passed away a few days later.

Villager B: After that, no matter how much money the city nobles offered, no one else dared to go put their lives on their line.

Villager B: We also…

The middle-aged man sighed.

Villager B: We’ve… given up already.

Luke: …I understand. Thank you all for giving me so much information.

Luke: It’s not that early anymore, and I need to head for that mountain, so I’ll be heading off.

Villager B: Sir Knight, are you really going to look for that dragon?

Villager B: With how massive and brutish that dragon is, it’ll kill you!

Villager B: You don’t know how that young man who returned…

Luke: Thank you for your concerns, but this is a promise I made with her. No matter how difficult the path forward is…

The young knight looked straight at the group in front of him, his voice firm and resolute.

He spoke each word emphatically, answering the question earlier, yet seeming more like he was telling himself.

Luke: No matter how difficult the path forward is, even if everyone has given up, I will not stop moving forward.

Villager B: …

Villager Captain: …

The villagers fell silent for a moment.

A long moment after, the young captain spoke.

Villager Captain: Sir Knight, since you’ve made your decision to go, we have no reason to continue trying to persuade you.

Villager Captain: The road ahead will be difficult, and defeating the dragon is sure to be no easy task…

Villager Captain: All we can do is to pray that you find the one you love quickly and return safely.

Luke: Thank you, everyone.

The knight made a sincere gesture of courtesy again towards the villagers, then turned around and walked into the depths of the forest.

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Plains

After a long trek, the young knight bypassed that rumoured thorny block and arrived at the wilds outside the forest.

Luke: …

Though it was called the wilds, all the plants had long been burned into crisps. Black dust had settled densely over the rocks.

A massive mountain stood at the edge of his range of vision. A dense black fog lingered over the peak, quiet and strange.

At the foot of the mountain, many volcanoes and short rock mounds created continuous undulations, extending to the horizon.

Luke: …

He lifted his head and looked towards the faraway sky. The red light of the pre-sunset sun was harshly dazzling.

Luke: A precursor to the solar eclipse, huh…

Luke: Maybe it really is as the person before said…

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[Flashback]

Villager B: Sir Knight, before passing, that person who returned said…

Villager B: On the day of a solar eclipse, it seems like the dragon’s strength will weaken.

Luke: Weaken?

Villager B: Yes, that person kept repeating this before he passed, so I remember it very clearly.

Villager B: If you really must get near it, maybe you can choose this day.

Luke: … Understood.

[Flashback]

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Luke: …

Luke: Based on the appearance of the sun, the eclipse will only start tomorrow…

Luke: The volcanoes around look pretty unstable right now. Now is definitely not the best time to act.

Luke: I’ll build a temporary residence near the forest and wait for a chance.

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Temporary Residence

In the wooden hut, the knight was in the middle of pre-battle preparations.

Luke: …

He cleaned his sword in the firelight. When his gaze brushed over the ruby on the hilt, he fell into a momentary trance.

Luke: …

Luke: …

Luke: Soon, I’ll be able to see you again.

Luke: Right?

Luke: …

In the empty room, the only response he received was the crackling of burning firewood.

The young knight lowered his head.

The emotions that he had continuously restrained quietly trickled out where no one could hear, under the comfort of the moonlight.

Luke: I’m sorry… I couldn’t contact you even once for so long…

Luke: You must have been so worried during then…

Luke: …

Luke: I wonder how you’re doing right now, and if you’ve encountered any danger…

Luke: Were you scared, facing that dragon alone? Were you injured?

Luke: Don’t be scared, I’ll save you very soon.

The wind blew past soundlessly. In the quiet hut, the knight’s voice became clearer and clearer.

It seemed as if a burning flame had ignited in his eyes. The moonlight shone in, casting light over the entirety of the room.

Luke: We promised that no matter what happened, you wouldn’t leave, and we’d always be together…

Luke: I won’t let you bear everything on your own anymore.

Luke: It’ll be tomorrow… wait for me.

He smiled, his fingertips brushing over his own reflection in the ruby.

Luke: Goodnight.

The knight placed his sword by his side and sank into a shallow sleep.

Just like all the nights in the past many years.

Part 3

Garrison Camp

Troop Leader: Hey, Luke, you returned with perfect timing.

Troop Leader: Just finished bringing over the new delivery of rations. I brought you the letter from the one at your home.

When he saw the person who was placing the letter on his bed, the knight shook his head helplessly.

Luke: Leader, we’re still in the troops right now. Even if you want to address her…

Troop Leader: Alright, alright. The letter that your wife sent, does that work?

Luke: We haven’t gotten married yet…

Troop Leader: Hahahahaha—

Troop Leader: Hey, honestly though, Miss MC really does treat you well.

Troop Leader: I have no idea how she managed to get that many rations and letters sent over here.

Troop Leader: If I remember right, she’s just a commoner, right? The type without even a fief. Tsk tsk tsk, she really is good.

As he teased him, the leader came up to the side of the bed, jokingly bumping against the young knight’s shoulder.

Troop Leader: Luke, I feel like she’s even more proactive than you. Bring out your knight’s spirit already!

Troop Leader: Though we can’t contact the outside world, I’m cheering you on inside, yeah?

Luke: Thanks, leader.

Luke: Although there’s something you’ve gotten wrong. Though I can’t send her replies…

He layered the letters together, placing them in the closest spot to his heart in his armour.

Luke: This is my answer to her. My heart is always with her.

Luke: The day the war ends, I will return to her side, safe and sound.

Luke: When that time comes, I won’t leave her ever again.

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Forest

Luke: …

When he saw the multiple letters in front of him, the young knight sunk into his memories.

To prepare for the nearing battle, he came to the riverside at dawn to change the medicines on the wounds he received in the war.

Luke: Back then, I thought that I would be able to reunite with you after the war ended.

Luke: We’d then be able to be like thousands of other normal people, living out our lives healthily and safely.

Luke: But I never thought…

He couldn’t help grasping tight on the letter papers.

Luke: Did you know that during those eight years, I kept thinking about you over and over, speaking on my own, just like this?

Luke: I remember every single thing you wrote to me about.

Luke: You said that the neighbouring auntie’s puppy stepped all over the rose garden at the doorway again.

Luke: You said that the honey that a friend gave you was very sweet, and you wanted to see the bee yard too, but you didn’t go because you knew I wouldn’t agree.

Luke: And so much more… I’ve remembered every single thing perfectly.

Luke: I… really… miss you.

The knight couldn’t help covering his face with his hand, as certain crystalline things fell slowly between his fingers.

A few minutes later, he took a deep breath, then put down his hand.

Luke: This is bad, I lost control of my emotions for a moment.

Luke: I wasn’t even that sad last night, but maybe it’s because I saw you in my dreams again, so I…

Luke: Now isn’t the time to be sentimental. I’ve got to bolster myself to face the upcoming battle.

The sunlight shone into the forest, past the gaps between the swaying leaves, falling dappled on the knight’s armour.

Far away, the sun displayed a light that was different from normal.

Luke: Is it coming…

He quickly put on his clothes and grasped onto his sword again.

Luke: Wait for me.

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Plains

Because he had already crossed over the forest once, the knight arrived at the plains much faster than before.

Clouds smothered the originally-blue skies. The roars of the dragon resounded nonstop at the horizon, and the air was heavy enough to make breathing difficult.

Luke: …

Suddenly, the roars of the dragon became unusually clear. A massive black shadow rushed down from the mountain peak, gradually nearing the centre of the plains.

Luke: !!!

Luke: This is my chance!

The knight immediately broke into a sprint towards the black shadow.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

The moment he arrived at the centre of the plains, the dragon was landing with two young villagers in its claws.

The two people tossed on the round tumbled a few times. Tears covered their faces, and their hands were tightly clasped.

Luke: !!!

Luke: Run!

The knight threw a wooden gun towards the dragon, then yanked out the dagger at his waist and threw it backhandedly on the ground near the forest.

He loaded an arrow as he sprinted towards the dragon.

Luke: Take that dagger and get out through the forest now!

Luke: I’ve left markers on the path. Follow those!

Female Villager: O-okay… tha-thank you!

The pitiful villagers tremblingly picked up the dagger and ran towards the forest as they supported each other.

They passed by the young man, kicking up sand and stone. The two sides of the battlefield changed in a flash.

Luke: …

The knight did not look back to the already faraway villagers. He calmly set his hands on the bow.

The dragon roared furiously at him, spitting a ball of fire.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: …

The knight stepped swiftly off the rocks in front of him, resolutely loosing an arrow towards the dragon, sidestepping the close call of the fire.

Luke: This won’t do. It’s too fast.

Luke: I won’t be able to dodge at all with speeds like that…

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: !!!

Without giving the knight room to think, the dragon launched its second attack.

It looked again at the person in front of it and spat out a large amount of fire. The flickering firelight lit up the entire desolate plains.

The knight dodged the attack. The winds surged, the glint of the blade shone, and the surroundings continuously heated up.

Luke: …

Luke: This is how strong it is when it’s weakened?

Luke: If this keeps going, I’ll lose all my footholds.

Luke: What do I do…

His brow wrinkled tightly, looking at the dragon that had built up its power and was waiting to attack again. His hands held his hilt tight—

Evil Dragon: Roar—

The dragon opened its mouth wide, flying towards the young man.

Rocks were sent flying from the intense movements of the two opponents. The knight planted his feet on the shards of rock, both of his hands gripping his longsword.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: Want to kill me? Keep dreaming!

As if he couldn’t hear the dragon’s roars at all, he was completely focused on looking for a chance to attack.

Luke: If it’s the instant before it breathes fire… as long as I grab that chance…

Luke: If I can strike your vitals…

Luke: I’ll still have a chance!

Evil Dragon: Roar—

The dragon threw back its head, releasing a long roar towards the skies.

Luke: Now!

The knight lifted the sword and sprinted up to the dragon, slashing down on the dragon’s neck with all his strength.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Blood sprayed, and the massive creature struggled, writhing, and finally spread its wings, flying off towards the heights.

Luke: Don’t even think about escaping!

The young man ran up, and three arrows cut through the air.

Howling winds blew as the eclipse fully set in. On the faraway peaks, the contours of a black castle could suddenly be seen.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

The dragon dodged the arrows, roaring in pain, then escaped in flight towards the faraway castle.

Luke: It all ends here.

The young knight discarded his longbow and gripped at his sword, planning to chase after the dragon.

However, right then, a pattern of lights shone from the astrolabe he was carrying.

He froze for a moment and thought back on what the fortune-teller had told him before—

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

[Flashback]

Fortune-Telling Location

Fortune-Teller: Wait.

Fortune-Teller: Keep this with you.

The fortune-teller called out to the young man who was on the verge of leaving and handed a metal astrolabe to him.

Luke: This is…?

Fortune-Teller: If the astrolabe starts flashing, it’s a warning from me to stop fighting immediately.

Luke: … I am well aware of when I should stop.

Fortune-Teller: Sir Knight, you do indeed have lots of fighting experience.

Fortune-Teller: But I am the only one who can help you, so trust me, alright?

Luke: …

[Flashback end]

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Luke: …

Luke: Ouch…

The knight frowned in pain, as if he had finally come to his senses from the tense atmosphere, and looked over himself out of habit.

Luke: !!!

The dark armour had long been stained in blood, and some of the parts that were exposed were covered in wounds of all sizes.

Luke: I was… injured this badly?

Luke: Sure enough… that dragon’s strength…

He ultimately decided to stop.

  Part 4

Temporary Residence

The knight closed the door to the residence.

He leaned on the wall, like an injured little animal.

Luke: How could this be…

Luke: Is the difference in strength between me and that dragon that big?

Luke: How am I going to save her at this point… I…

The astrolabe beside him shone again. Then, after a flash of white light at the doorway, the fortune-teller pushed open the door.

Luke: It’s you?

Fortune-Teller: Sir Knight, I hope you have been well since our last meeting.

The fortune-teller looked over the person in front of her, her eyes squinting slightly.

Fortune-Teller: Looks like you listened to what I told you. Well done.

Luke: …

Fortune-Teller: This expression… were you not willing to give up?

Luke: None of your business.

Fortune-Teller: None of my business… haha, do you remember what I said back then?

Luke: …

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

[Flashback]

Fortune-Teller: You are a brave and martially skilled knight, but the path ahead may be much more dangerous than you imagine.

Fortune-Teller: Even if so, will you still proceed?

Luke: Yes, I must.

Fortune-Teller: Even if the price it requires is your everything?

[Flashback end]

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Luke: …

Fortune-Teller: Has reality now changed your mind?

Luke: No. No matter when, I will not change my mind.

Fortune-Teller: Will not change? Then… what can you do?

Fortune-Teller: You must have realized the natural difference in strength between you and the dragon from battling.

Fortune-Teller: It looked like you won the battle, but what are the results?

Fortune-Teller: Even while it was weakened during the solar eclipse, the only effective attack you landed was that single slash.

Fortune-Teller: While you…

The fortune-teller looked at the young knight’s right arm, mottled with blood and some burn marks.

Fortune-Teller: You’re covered in wounds already. How much longer can you hold on for?

Luke: …

Luke: I don’t know. All I know is that I can’t give up. I must get that treasure chest and find her.

Luke: I don’t want to think about anything else.

Fortune-Teller: … Is it worth it?

The fortune-teller went silent for a moment, then asked this question suddenly.

Luke: It is.

Luke: I promised her that I’d return to her, that I’d safely tell her that everything had ended, that we would never be apart from then on.

Luke: I think about her every day, and I look forward to seeing her again every day. I’ve reread each of the letters she sent too many times to count.

Luke: She is my everything. I won’t just give up like this.

Fortune-Teller: … So you plan to seek out that dragon again?

Luke: Yes, and I don’t only plan to find it…

Luke: As you said, I will defeat and kill it, no matter what the price is that I must pay.

Fortune-Teller: … I understand.

Fortune-Teller: Then let me tell you one more thing.

Luke: ???

Fortune-Teller: Do you know why that dragon always flies towards that castle?

Luke: Do you mean that the treasure chest is…

Fortune-Teller: Yes. It’s because the box that it values the most is in the castle…

Fortune-Teller: When it is attacked, it will naturally return there.

Fortune-Teller: In ten days, the eclipse will end, and the sky will return to normal.

Fortune-Teller: The skies before daybreak are always the darkest…

Fortune-Teller: In ten days, when the sky is lightening, the dragon’s power will be at its weakest.

Fortune-Teller: It will also lose the ability to breathe fire.

Fortune-Teller: If you must go, go on that day.

Luke: !!!

Luke: Thank you.

Fortune-Teller: No need for thanks, but Sir Knight, let me give you one last warning.

Fortune-Teller: The path you have chosen is full of the unknown. I hope you will not regret this in the future.

Luke: I am sure that I won’t.

Fortune-Teller: That would be best.

The fortune-teller looked at the knight, smiled strangely, then left.

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

After the knight cleaned his wounds, he finally had some time to rest.

Like usual, he stood his sword by his side. When he looked over the ruby on the hilt, he suddenly stopped.

Luke: This ruby… you gave it to me.

He gently stroked it, his warm breath leaving a mist on the gem with his movements.

Luke: I remember on the day I set out, you stood at the very front of those who were sending off the troops, a total mess of tears.

Luke: I was the one who was leaving, but you were even more agitated than me.

Luke: You kept reminding me to take care of myself, to not force myself.

Luke: Then I held your face with a smile, telling you that it wasn’t like I wouldn’t return.

Luke: …

The knight suddenly turned away.

Only when he was able to smile again did he turn his head back, as if everything before had just been an illusion.

Luke: Before I left, you took off a ruby from the mirror you always used and embedded it on my sword.

Luke: You said that a highly skilled person gave you that mirror, and it had magical power.

Luke: Especially these rubies, which represent inextinguishable fire and burning vitality.

Luke: We made a promise together, and then you watched me mount the horse, but I never looked back.

Luke: I thought that I would be able to see you soon after the war ended.

Luke: But now that I think about it, I should have taken one more look at you back then.

A slight bitterness appeared on the young knight’s face, but it was soon replaced by his usual expression.

He laid down on the bed, looking at the fluid moonlight in the sky.

Luke: Did you know that there’s something that I didn’t tell you back then?

Luke: Rubies don’t only represent fervour and life. They also represent love.

Luke: I told myself that after the war, I would confess to you, and let this ruby bear witness to our love.

Luke: So, please wait a little more for me.

Luke: There are still ten days.

Luke: No matter what the price is, I will be the victor.

The knight mumbled as he slowly closed his eyes.

Outside the hut, a black mist rose, then vanished in the silence. The moment that the smoke dissipated, a woman’s quiet laugh seemed to sound from deep within.

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Plains

Ten days later, as the fortune-teller said, the young knight made his way towards the old castle.

But he did not successfully reach his destination, because on the plains under the castle…

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: …

Luke: Are you here to obstruct me?

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: Looks like the fortune-teller was telling the truth. The treasure chest really is in the castle.

Luke: So it must also be true that you’re at your weakest today.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

As if in response to the knight’s words, the dragon snarled in fury. Its massive claws beat heavily on the ground, drawing up plumes of dust.

The knight retreated a few steps, held up his longsword, and stood in battle stance.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: …

Luke: You sure look enthusiastic.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: Perfect, then. Let’s have a fierce battle this time.

Luke: This is the last chance. I won’t let you escape again.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: …

At the edge of the sky, the black sun that had persisted for ten days started to “move”. The light of tiny stars shone through the air, casting light on the person and dragon.

The knight lifted his sword.

Luke: Let’s start.

Dust flew as the shining sword blade cut through. Both human and dragon soon were immersed in intensive battle.

Their battlegrounds shifted several times, from the plains to the mountain peak, finally arriving to the front of the castle’s door.

The eclipse was slowly retreating, and the dark sky was beginning to show its original hue.

Compared to last time, the battle this time lasted for a very, very long time.

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Old Castle on the Peak

Luke: Urk…

The knight brandished his longsword, pushing himself to block the dragon’s attack.

The originally flat field had already been ruined to the point where it was difficult to stand on. Thunder boomed intermittently as dark clouds accumulated above.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

The massive dragon moved again.

Luke: Ow…

Luke: …

This time, the knight’s resistance started to become sluggish.

Scorching blood sprayed out. He lost his footing, falling brutally onto the ground.

Luke: Ugh…!

Luke: No… I can’t fall yet…

He stabbed the longsword into the ground with difficulty and stood staggeringly up again.

He looked at his enemy, his bloodied, dirtied face full of resolution.

Luke: Ha… what sort of battle is this? Just a bunch of mutual killing attempts…

Luke: But did you think I’d be scared? Stop kidding around.

Luke: You have no idea what sorts of emotions I put behind each slash.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: Although, you don’t need to know, because…

The knight suddenly brandished his sword and rushed at the massive dragon.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

For an instant, the heavens and earth shook. Dust and sand flew as the world was submerged in chaos.

Only the knight’s shouts cut through the air, transmitting into each and every crevice.

Luke: Even though – even though there’s no way you can hear this right now…

Luke: But, I’m sorry… I’m sorry!

Luke: I’m sorry for leaving you all alone for these eight years. I’m sorry for letting you face the dragon yourself after the eight years.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: Do you know how scared I was when I returned to the village, yet didn’t see you at all…

Luke: I was scared that I would never see you again. I was scared that I couldn’t save you…

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: Let me see you again, alright?

Luke: Even one instant, one second is enough!

Bang--!

After an enormous sound of collision, the young man was knocked through the air onto the ground, sliding to a faraway cliff, to the very edge.

But this time, it seemed like he didn’t have the strength to stand again.

Luke: …

Luke: Does it… all end here…

Luke: But I… you…

Boom—

A downpour of rain suddenly started.

  Part 5

A downpour suddenly started.

Rain struck against the ground audibly, falling on the young knight’s body, flowing towards where the blood and water had accumulated.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: Am I just… going to lose like this?

The knight couldn’t control his gasps.

Luke: But…

Luke: I still… can’t bear to give in.

Luke: I still haven’t found her… I still haven’t seen her… I …

His voice was full of an unrestrained frustration and helplessness.

He tried, or even forced, himself to keep his heavy eyelids open.

Luke: …

Silence suddenly descended.

It seemed like the rain had weakened, and a small sound was resounding through the air.

Luke: !!!

The knight suddenly opened his eyes wide.

Luke: Is that you?! Is that you, MC?!

He struggled, reaching out into the emptiness.

The black mist suddenly surged over from all directions, winding around the knight’s hand, as if in a gentle “embrace”.

The knight suddenly smiled.

Luke: Are you trying to comfort me?

Luke: Mhmm, I’m not scared. Whether they’re happy things or painful things…

Luke: I don’t care about any of that anymore.

He slowly stood his sword upright, staggeringly standing up.

Evil Dragon: Roar—

Luke: I will… keep going until the final moment…

Luke: MC, you are my strength, and I will fight for you until the end of my life.

Evil Dragon: …

The dragon’s movements suddenly stopped.

It looked at the human in front of it without moving in the slightest, and it seemed as if a light had flashed in its terrifying eyes.

Luke: …

Luke: Now!

The knight brandished his sword for the last time, stabbing it deeply into the heart of the dragon.

This time, the dragon did not struggle nor attack back. It remained in its spread-winged posture as it toppled with a boom.

The turbid blood flowed out from the wound, and soon, its breathing stopped completely.

Luke: H-has it ended?

The knight slowly walked up to the dragon’s corpse. After repeated confirmations, he released a sigh, as if he had been freed from a heavy burden.

Luke: Next… I just need to find the dragon’s treasure chest to find you. Wait for me.

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Old Castle Interior

The knight pushed open the door to the castle.

Just as the fortune-teller said, there was a treasure chest placed in the centre of the large room.

Luke: …

He knelt with one knee to the ground, brushing off the dust on the chest.

The moment he opened the chest saw what was inside, he displayed a shocked expression.

Luke: This is…?

A mirror inlaid with ruby sat quietly on the top of the chest.

The knight reached out with both hands, carefully holding the item in front of him.

Luke: Isn’t this the one you usually use…

Luke: Ah!

Suddenly, the gem on the mirror flashed with a dazzling light.

As if induced, the ruby on the hilt of the longsword beside the knight started to shine too.

They shone together, blindingly bright.

Luke: …

Amidst the light, multiple images gradually appeared in the mirror, like a light carousel—

Luke: !!!

In that familiar village, the young woman suddenly lifted her head as she trimmed the plants, her scissors falling onto the ground.

Her face was full of shock and disbelief. Tears slid down her face, finally vanishing.

Luke: !!!

She then left the village on a journey. She walked to all the ends of the world, as if in search of something.

She traversed deserts and snowy mountains, wearing out pairs and pairs of shoes, and her originally fair skin gradually became rough.

But on her face, all there was, was day after day of ever-increasing defeat and pain.

Luke: No… I’m here, I’m still alive! I’m right here!

Finally, she arrived at this castle.

Seeming like she’d lost all hope, she collapsed on the found. Tears and blood fell, droplet after droplet, on the ruby of the mirror’s upper part.

Then, a light suddenly flashed, and the girl in the mirror vanished.

The black mist filled the mirror, and a vicious dragon flew out of the castle.

Luke: !!!

The knight’s entire body trembled.

He dropped the mirror and sprinted out the door, as if he had gone mad.

Luke: No… not possible… no way… it can’t be…

Luke: How could you have been the dragon?! No way, I couldn’t have killed you…

At some point, the storm had started to rage again.

The figure of the dragon had already vanished. What replaced it was a figure that the knight was as familiar with as could be.

Luke: No way… why…

Luke: Why!!!

He held the girl’s corpse in his arms, then howled in despair like a wild animal.

The girl’s body was as covered in wounds as the knight’s was.

The rain struck their bodies, rushing frigidly over each of their wounds, as if mocking them.

Luke: No, no way…

Luke: This isn’t real… this isn’t real…

Luke: MC--!

The knight held the girl tightly. His throat was already raw, and all the light had left his eyes.

Luke: Is that why you stopped right then? Did you recognize me?

Luke: Why didn’t you escape? Why did you wait for me to kill you?

Luke: Please open your eyes, alright, answer me!!

Luke: Why?! Why?!

Luke: Ah--!!!

The rain descended in torrents, finally trickling down to the ruby, which had lost all its shine.

   Part 6

The storm raged, and the knight’s heartrending cries never once stopped.

The air distorted for an instant. Right after, the fortune-teller stepped out from nothing, walking up to the sobbing Luke.

Fortune-Teller: Pitiful Sir Knight, you still ended up at this point.

Luke: !!!

Luke: It’s you… it’s you!

Fortune-Teller: It is indeed me, Sir Knight, the one who pointed you down this path.

Luke: Pointed me down this path… right, you know everything!

Luke: Let me ask you, did you already know that she was the dragon?!

Fortune-Teller: Yes, I know everything.

The fortune-teller looked at the young man, her voice gentle and tantalizing.

Luke: Then why did you have me find it - have me kill her?!

Fortune-Teller: I had you kill her? That’s quite an unfair accusation.

Fortune-Teller: I am a mere fortune-teller. All I can see is an established truth.

Fortune-Teller: This is her and your fate – you two are destined for an ending of death.

Luke: !!!

Luke: No way! What fate, what ending – I don’t believe any of it! There must be a way to save her!

Luke: I’ll keep looking. I’ll keep looking. I will definitely find it. I will definitely find it!

The young man clutched at the corpse in his arms and forced himself to stand.

The ground was slippery. He fell one time after another, yet he stood again, one time after another.

Fortune-Teller: …

The fortune-teller stroked the crystal ball, looking at the girl who was gradually getting colder in the rain.

Fortune-Teller: There is a way that might be able to save her, but…

Luke: What is it!

The young man shouted hysterically, but his voice was already so hoarse that he was nearly incoherent.

The fortune-teller paused, then looked at him again, her lips curving slightly.

Fortune-Teller: Simple. Make a deal with the devil, using your life.

Luke: …Deal?

Fortune-Teller: Indeed. As long as you offer your heart, she will be able to live again.

Fortune-Teller: But she will lose all memories of you…

Fortune-Teller: Perhaps she will love someone else and live a happy life, or perhaps…

Luke: What do I do?

The knight cut her words short.

Luke: Can you bear witness to the contract?

Fortune-Teller: … Of course.

Luke: Tell me what I need to do. We start immediately.

Fortune-Teller: … Alright.

The knight’s resoluteness far exceeded the fortune-teller’s expectations. After a simple explanation of the ritual, he finished his preparations.

Fortune-Teller: Will you not say any last words to her?

The fortune-teller placed the crystal ball in front of her, looking towards the silent knight.

Luke: …

The knight lowered his head, looking at the girl in his arms.

Luke: I never would have thought that our last meeting would be like this…

Luke: But at least you can continue to live…

The corners of the knight’s mouth lifted with difficulty. He reached out, pushing aside a lock of hair aside on the girl’s face.

Like a deep, yet wordless, farewell.

Luke: There are some things that I didn’t have the time to say before, but it shouldn’t be too late to say them now…

Luke: I…

The knight closed his eyes.

He slowly lowered his head, solemnly and gently kissing the hair of the girl in his arms.

Luke: Goodbye, MC. I pray that your life from today onwards will be happy and joyful.

He looked at her face, looking as if she were in a deep slumber, and said this to her for the very first and very last time—

Luke: I love you.

Right after he spoke, he stabbed his sword into his chest.

Bright red blood covered the marks that had dried on the sword. Thunder boomed as rain fell in torrents.

His heartbeat’s sound gradually stopped.

Fortune-Teller: …

Fortune-Teller: Hahahaha, hahahahaha—

The fortune-teller suddenly burst into laughter.

A black mist gradually wrapped around her. Her body and clothes changed form, finally turning into the form of a witch.

Witch: Hahahaha, what fate, what ending, what deal with the devil? Utterly foolish, truly, ridiculously foolish!

Witch: Although… thank you both. I found this drama quite the satisfying watch!

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

MC: …

My consciousness gradually awakened.

MC: Luke! Don’t do anything stupid!

MC: She’s obviously doing this deliberately! Don’t get tricked by her!

I tried my best to call out his name, yet I anxiously noticed that I could not even make the slightest of sounds.

MC: Luke!

✼ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ ✼

Luke’s Home, Third Floor

*Tira’s note: The date itself said it was the second floor, but his living quarters (the background shown) are on the third floor, not the second.

MC: Luke!

I sprung awake from my dream.

And because of this tiny movement, Luke instinctively popped off the sofa, standing upright on the floor.

I lifted my head and looked hazily at Luke, and my consciousness gradually returned to reality.

MC: …

Luke: …

We looked wordlessly at each other for a few seconds, then couldn’t help laughing together.

Then, Luke gently sat back down beside me.

Luke: What happened? Did you have a nightmare?

MC: Mhmm…

As I gave an affirmative, I moved my body a little, realizing that my arms and legs had become a little numb. My chest also felt somewhat stuffy.

MC: (Huh, was I sleeping in a weird pose? I don’t think so…)

Just as I was thinking, Luke started to rotate his shoulders too.

Luke: Why are my arms this sore all of a sudden… I’m sure that I slept pretty well…

MC: …

Luke: Huh? What’s the matter?

MC: I figured it out…

Luke: What?

The only reason why our arms were so sore… probably was because Luke was holding me the whole time while we had an afternoon nap.

MC: (So that nightmare… probably also happened because of this…)

I felt both a little frustrated and amused, and seeing Luke’s dubious expression, I couldn’t help laughing aloud.

Luke: What’s the matter?

MC: Nothing, I just hadn’t woken up completely from my dream yet.

Luke: Alright, you’re fine now. I’m here with you.

Luke: If you’re still scared, then should I sing a song for our great lawyer?

MC: Sure!

I knew Luke was just teasing me, but I felt like either way, it would be pretty nice to listen to him sing for me again.

Luke: Then sit comfy first.

MC: Mhmm.

I shifted over a bit, and Luke sat down beside me, covering us up again with the blanket.

Then, he gently wrapped his arms around me.

Luke: Then, what does the great lawyer want to listen to? Twinkle Twinkle again?

MC: Yep!

I looked up at him, and then Luke started to tap my shoulder like a metronome as he began singing.

Luke: Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

Luke: How I wonder what you are…

MC: …

As Luke sang, my emotions gradually calmed down.

Amidst this relaxation, I couldn’t help thinking of the scene in that dream again.

MC: (A ten-day eclipse… man, the weird stuff I come up with.)

MC: (Did the earth stop spinning or did the sun just check out of work? So ridiculous…)

MC: (Plus, how could Luke be tricked by someone like that…)

MC: (Although…)

Though that was what I was thinking, I still knew…

Just like the knight in my dream, the love and protection Luke gave to me was always that silent, yet so etched into his very being.

But unlike the dream, we were now walking towards a happy future together.

I would hold his hand tightly, and I would never let go.

MC: …

The afternoon sunlight pervaded the room, and a slight breeze blew past. Everything was as great as always.

On the storage cabinet on the side, the mirror and sword model were stacked together. Under the sunlight, the rubies flashed faintly.

They looked somewhat familiar.

 Phonecall

Hi! Good morning, are you up yet?

Ah… I bought a medieval-themed game that looks really interesting, so I wanted to ask if you wanted to play it together.

This game also has dual-player co-op mode. We can hit new game records together, just like in the past.

The game plot? Seems like a knight went on a quest to slay a dragon to find his missing lover.

I feel like this story’s pretty remarkable, and the animations done for the fights with the dragon in the middle were done really realistically…

Huh, what’s the matter? Why do you have such a pained expression on?

You don’t want to play this game… why? Does the plot make you feel uncomfortable?

Huh?! You had a nightmare with the same plot? And the main characters were you and me?! And we didn’t even get a good ending?!

Pfft… silly, it’s just a dream, don’t take it to be real.

Plus, doesn’t everyone always say that dreams and reality are the opposite?

You saw a bad ending, which means that we’ll have a good ending. So don’t be afraid, it’s all fine.

Hm… if you still don’t feel at ease, then how about we work together to beat this game?

I’ll prove to you that we’ll definitely reach the Happy Ending!

#Tears of Themis #tears of themis translations #xia yan #luke pearce #未定事件簿 #tot spoilers #tot luke #suffering whiplash and sugar #the xia yan fan experience

[bayarlalaa]

one of the only rich european countries that mandakhbayar would like is luxembourg, since they helped mongolia out a lot financially  everyone else can suck her dick

#when i found this out i got fucking whiplash #lux is basically mongolia's sugar daddy #suffer with your own rule — headcanon. #ooc.

[inkyquince]

➳♥ about me

Call me Quince or Inky. They/them nonbinary, suffering student, Leo and it just gets worse from there. Pervert and nasty men enthusiast. 

One person asked so I take two sugars with my Kofi

Also my excellent 18 hour long DOL playlist that will give you whiplash but the degenerates that get it, get it

Finally, commissions are OPEN and in my Busy Era (+£10)

Currently Playing: Resident Evil 2

Interested in my game, The Rot of Witchwood? You shouldn't be. But follow progress here! @rotting-ink!

➳♥ my blog? 

18+ blog so y’know. Ageless and minor blogs DNI, cuz I will be checking <3. Dark content, horny content, bit of fluff and maybe angst. I mainly write for whom I simp for so check the list. Straight up prefers to write smut or some extreme feelings, so keep that in mind. Very dead dove do not eat content, including incest and noncon so skeddadle if those make you uncomfortable.

➳♥  Ask box? (Last purged 01/09/22)

Always open, but I will take a request only if it really gut punches my crotch. Always happy to chat though. General asks sexy too. 

Rules. 

Masterlist.

QKS Masterlist

➳♥ What I’m Working On Rn? 

What are you, a fucking cop? 

QKS CLOSED! 14 QKS left

COMMISSION - Gabriel Sincalir

COMMISSION - Robin x PC

COMMISSION- Shhh, its a secret

COMMISSION- ARTHUR MORGAN NASTY DEBUT

Missing Halloween Event Posts

PC gets out of debt and Bailey finally gets to fuck like they were dying to

Male PC with Mason

Part 2 Planties

Defiant yet Weak PC

Part 2 of cockdrunk

OMEGA HUNT COMES FIRST (prison guards)

IMPORTANT: 

once a month, I clear out the askbox and sometimes save prompts that I haven’t gotten to yet, but I’m mainly clearing things I struggled with or couldn’t find the inspiration to write if I struggle to fuck with it. I’m really sorry if your prompt isn’t answered but I never wanna quit a blog for feeling like homework for too long. 

Last but not least:

#quinceyeasyspeaky #pinned post #masterlist #Inbox #apologies to everyone who cant see their ask in my WIPS #Also don't actually copy and paste your asks into different writers' askboxes #will immediately delete

[quirkless-accident]

Father figure. Penelope Spectra >:]

Danny had his reservations about the new guidance counselor at school. He was around her a lot, though, because of his recent sessions with Hound Dog. Mr. Aizawa wanted him to try therapy out after the whole Undergrowth incident, and, well, Danny was willing to try pretty much anything once. And over the course of the month his mental health he has found it easier to smile, easier to will his hands to stop trembling. Whenever he has a panic attack, Hound Dog is right there to assure him that progress isn't linear, and that he's getting better. It just takes time.

But then Penelope Spectra came to U.A.

In light of recent events with Undergrowth, there was a surge in therapy sessions from Hound Dog, and Nezu, the omnipotent Rat God of U.A. had thought it best to hire another counselor to take some of the weight off of Hound Dog's shoulders. It made sense, but there was something Danny knew that everybody else didn't.

Penelope Spectra was a ghost.

He wanted to tell Aizawa, but he was already so busy between being a teacher and some new case that he had accidentally overheard him talking about with Present Mic. Danny has never backed away from a conversation faster in his life. If Eraserhead ever found out he eavesdropped-even accidentally-it would be detention for life. Maybe his afterlife, too.

So the best he could do was tell Hound Dog he was interested in seeing the other counselor, just to see what she was like. Hound Dog had thankfully not taken it personally. The pro had mentioned that some therapists are better for different people, and it's important to find the right one so they can be on the road to recovery at a steady pace. Or something.

His first session had left him absolutely drained. He didn't talk much, not like he did with Hound Dog. He doesn't even remember most of what she said. It feels like he got kissed by Recovery Girl, exhausted to the bone and his mind full of cotton. When he came back to class after his free period, Aizawa looked more than a little concerned. Danny had just yawned with a promise that he was fine, really, before keeping himself from falling asleep for the rest of the class. Thankfully he sat next to Iida, who was more than willing to help on that front.

And what's worse is that he doesn't have anything on Spectra. He doesn't remember what she said to him, only that they caused alarm bells in the back of his head. He could go to Nezu, but then he'd have to out himself as a half-ghost. It was bad enough that Aizawa knew. He didn't want to burden anybody else with the knowledge that he was a freak of nature. And what if Nezu saw his halfa status as cheating? He'd be thrown out of U.A. so quickly he'd get whiplash. And then he would be stuck with his parents again. Now that he's had the taste of freedom, he doesn't know if he'd be able to survive going back to them.

So of course, the only logical solution was to take care of this himself.

-----------

Over the course of the next week, he could see his classmates being just as exhausted as he had felt after his first session with Spectra. And it wasn't contained to just his class. 1-B and some of the gen-ed and business course students traumatized by the Undergrowth events sought out Spectra in the hopes of getting better. Now nearly the entirety of U.A. save for the majority of the teachers were sluggish.

Foundational Heroics and combat training were an absolute bust. Not even Midoriya, Mr. Sugar on Wheels, with his nonstop energy, nervous or otherwise, was super into it. His normal mumbling was just a garble of tired sounds and a depressed sigh that had him leaning against the wall with Todoroki, who was sporting some pretty impressive bags under his eyes.

Seeing his classmates suffering like this, it made his stomach roll. He felt sick, and angry. He was going to confront Spectra, and he was going to throw her back into the Ghost Zone if it was the last thing he did.

---------

"I know what you are," he snarled, dropping his bag in front of him. It was unzipped, and the thermos was just a quick reach away.

"Well, I would hope so," Spectra said. "It is on my plaque," she gestured to the name plaque on her desk. Dr. Spectra, Therapist. Danny scowled at the sickly smile she gave him.

"You know what I mean," he said, his anger rising.

"Spit it out, then, kid," she said, as if she had already won. "What am I?"

---------

Aizawa tries his best to be as observant as possible. He knows something is wrong with his class. He knows something has Danny specifically on edge, and if he's on edge it's probably some dumb ghost bullshit.

The only thing that's changed recently is a new member of their staff. And Aizawa isn't blind to her fake smiles and the predatory look she gives students. How her skin seems so glow more with each passing session. Most of his students, he knows, have given her a shot at least once. With all of the events that 1-A has had to go through, therapy was mandatory for them. He thought the option of a new counselor would be beneficial, just in case she was going to be able to help them in a way Hound Dog couldn't, but looking over his twenty kids who were slumped over their desks-even Iida-he knew something was wrong. And he knew it had something to do with a certain therapist that had been hired.

He had told Nezu his concerns, which had been quickly shared. It was how Aizawa found himself strolling down the hallway with omnipotent Rat God hiding in his scarf.

Just as they were reaching the door, however, there was a crash. Something breaking, maybe a vase, and a loud thump. He heard somebody grunt in pain, and wasted no time in kicking the door down.

Spectra, in all of her terrible glory, was pinning Danny up against the wall by his throat. He was willing the rings to come, but they flickered in and out of existence. His head whipped around to face Aizawa, before his eyes flickered over to Spectra's desk.

Aizawa ducked and rolled in that direction, narrowly missing a blast coming from the demented school therapist. He landed right next to the thermos he's seen Danny use. He grabbed it, dodging another blast, before uncapping it and pointing it at Spectra.

She screeched in frustration as she was sucked through. Aizawa quickly capped it before Danny could get sucked in with her. Once she was secure, he ran over to Danny, grabbing his face tenderly.

"Are you okay?" He asked, tilting his student's head this way and that. His neck would have some bruising, and the cut over his eyebrow would probably scar, but otherwise he looked okay. Still, Aizawa didn't relax until he got the confirmation from Danny.

"I'm-yeah. Sorry," he rasped. Nezu climbed out of Aizawa's scarf and looked around the destroyed room and at a very terrified looking Danny.

"Well, I believe an explanation is needed, yes?" He said. Danny just slumped against the wall and nodded, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. Shouta squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

"We'll be okay," he said. "Nothing bad is going to happen."

--------

True to his word, nothing bad happened. Nezu had been told about Danny's quirk origin, and the Rat God had taken it with a chuckle and a cup of tea. Nezu made him promise to tell them if there were any other ghost infiltrations so that they could be handled properly by the pros. Once their meeting was over, Aizawa took Danny to the empty 1-A classroom.

"Why didn't you tell me she was a ghost?" He asked him once they got comfortable. "I know your secret. I could have helped."

"I didn't..." Danny bit his lip, looking away for a brief moment. He dropped his gaze to his hands before he continued speaking. "I didn't want to stress you out more. You're always tired and complaining about how our class gets into villain trouble, and I-I accidentally heard that you had a really stressful case you're working on outside of all of this and I-I just didn't want to burden you again and-"

Danny's stream of words came to an abrupt halt when there were two, strong arms suddenly squeezing him.

Danny had been hugged enough to recognize what it was, but the sheer comfort, the sheer tenderness in his teacher's touch...That was unfamiliar. It was like he was putting all of his care into a single embrace, and Danny couldn't help the tears that came. It only made Aizawa squeeze him tighter.

"You're not a burden," his teacher said. "You never will be."

Danny, as much as he tried not to, could only cry harder as a response. He's never heard those words before, let alone in such a paternal tone. And Danny knew from experience that Aizawa didn't say shit he didn't mean. He reached up and fisted his hands in Aizawa's jumpsuit, and cried even harder.

---

Once Danny had calmed down, Aizawa took a small step back. The kid looked absolutely exhausted. And he was going to wait until they had a more solid case to speak to him about it, but he couldn't wait any longer.

"Danny," he said. The boy lifted his gaze to finally meet Aizawa's, and the pro did his best to offer a comforting smile. "The case I've been working on...It's to take down your parents."

He watched as the boy's expression went from confused to shocked, before quickly going through the five stages of grief right before Aizawa's eyes. His bottom lip started to tremble again.

"R-really?" He said through a hiccup. "Why?"

Man, wasn't that a loaded question.

"Because you don't deserve the way they treat you," he said. "You're smart and caring and you're a great fucking kid. You shouldn't have to live in fear of them. Now, we probably have enough to take them down on illegal support equipment and lack of proper safety protocols, but if there's anything you would like to come forward with, that would be a one way ticket to prison."

Danny's eyebrows furrowed together as he processed the words that came out of Aizawa's mouth. Like he couldn't really believe that this was all happening. That someone had finally cared enough to do something about his horrible treatment by the people who were supposed to take care of him.

"Where would I go?" He asked eventually. "I don't have any other relatives I could go to. Not any that could afford to take me in, anyway."

"Well," Aizawa sighed as he leaned back, his spine popping in a quick sequence. "You have two options. You could either become a ward of U.A. where you would stay in the dorms all year 'round, and leave when you graduate. Or...Or you could..." Fuck why was this so hard? Just spit the words out! "Every hero has an emergency foster license. So, if you wanted to, I could take you in."

Danny went back to shock. His jaw was on the floor as he stared up at Aizawa with big, blue eyes. They were full of nothing but hope.

"You...You really want me?" He asked in a small voice. And man, wasn't that just fucking heartbreaking. Aizawa nodded, and in the blink of an eye he was being tackled in a hug. He squeezed the his kid back just as much, letting Danny burry his face in his chest. He's not sure how long they stayed like that, but Aizawa made sure to not let go.

Eventually, though, when everything calmed down, Danny pulled back and gave him a watery smile.

"Thank you."

#danny phantom #danny fenton #shouta aizawa #eraserhead #mha #bnha #father figure #my hero academia #boku no hero academia #crossover #dp mha crossover

[jester-writing-things]

I.M.P and C.H.E.R.U.B meeting a gunbreaker s/o from ffxiv who barely shows emotions, looks intimidating but has a heart a heart of gold

(Also this is a gunbreaker)

Imp/cherub meeting a gun breaker s/o

Blitzo

That’s so COOL! You are a perfect killing machine! You need to join I.M.P. NOW! He’s so excited he doesn’t even take into consideration that you’d have emotions

When you tell him you don’t want to hurt people he’s honestly really surprised and understands it

He doesn’t mind killing but he’s surprised that it would bother you, he won’t force you to do anything

Loona

Literally doesn’t care. You’re sweet, you wouldn’t hurt a fly, why would she be scared?

She lets you vent to her as long as she can vent to you, emotions suck, let’s suffer together

She thinks it’s kinda cute that you look tough but are a complete sweet heart to everyone

Millie

She will protect you with her life! She joking says you should verbally intimidate people then she can fine in if there needs to be a fight!

People take you more seriously when your buddy is covered in armor and weapons! This works both ways!

Cuddles up to you a lot, you’re just so sweet how can she resist?? She wants you to be happy, even if you don’t show it

Moxxie

Fear, you are terrifying, you don’t show emotion, you have dangerous weapons and you a trained in combat!

He doesn’t mess with you until he sees you and Millie laughing, it’s total whiplash once he starts talking to you

Doesn’t question it, he likes how sweet you really are! You are like a demon made of sugar!

Cletus

Immediately is worried that you are a mercenary and tries to talk you out of killing people, only for you to say you’ve never done that

He’s relieved and surprised with how nice you really are, he tries to get how to join him with the other cherubs

You’d make a great guardian! One look at you and everyone backs off! All you have to do is just stare!

Collin

100% ready to run away from you but tries to be nice, never judge a book by it cover.

Then he talks to you, he’s shocked with how sweet you are, even if you don’t show emotions

He talks to you regularly after that, you’re a good friend for him to talk to when he’s nervous, which is all the time

Keenie

Ready to fight you thinking you are dangerous. Then you just give a smile and talk to her normally

She’s on edge with you for a while but respects you. You can hold your own even if you don’t want to

She and you like to go around and play good cop bad cop as a joke, it always confuses people

#helluva boss #headcanons #headcanon #collin #collin x reader #collin helluva boss #keenie #keenie helluva boss #keenie x reader #cletus #cletus x reader #cletus helluva boss #blitzo x reader #blitzo #blitzo helluva boss #loona helluva boss #loona #loona x reader #millie x reader #millie #millie helluva boss #moxxie x reader #moxxie helluva boss #moxxie

[catbot158]

SPOILERS: IMPOSTER FACTORY FEELINGS

I wrote a post about Kan Gao’s new game Imposter Factory. I had some feelings about it. But not all of them could be conveyed in a spoiler-free post so I am here now to give a spoilerrific review of the game. 

AGAIN FOR EMPHASIS, SPOILERS. LIKE A LOT. UNDER THE CUT. FOR ALL THREE OF THE SIGMUND CORP GAMES (TO THE MOON, FINDING PARADISE, AND IMPOSTER FACTORY)

Here we go!

When Imposter Factory was announced back in 2019, I thought I remembered Kan saying that unlike the previous two games in the series, Imposter Factory (IF) was not originally supposed to be a part of the Sigmund Corp series. It was supposed to be a standalone game, but somewhere along the way, it became a part of the series. I can’t find the source where he said that, and just like our pal Quincy, I thought that tidbit may have been a figment of my imagination. But after playing Imposter Factory and letting the game sink in for a few hours, I don’t think I am mistaken on my beliefs. Because...well...

Alright I’m not sugar-coating it: IF’s ending is bad.

It’s not the worst video game ending of all time (there are definitely worse endings out there) but it does feel like the most tacked-on ending I’ve seen in a long time. This most certainly feels like the ending was made just to connect it to the Sigmund Corps series, and the result is not all that graceful. Which is surprising, because To The Moon (TTM) and Finding Paradise (FP) both had wonderful endings that perfectly tied back to the game’s themes, and were heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. But IF’s ending, while superficially heartwarming and sad, is also lacking in a lot of ways, and asks more questions than answers. 

So surprise, Quincy and Lyndi are Neil Watts’ parents this whole time, and the whole simulation we’re in is Neil’s created world where his parents don’t have to suffer anymore and he can fantasize about marrying his partner Dr. Eva Rosaline. Uh, okay...how???

Now don’t get me wrong, I was riding the emotion wave like everyone else when I was playing the ending. When Faye (the imaginary friend girl from FP) shows up, I was like “oh, Neil and Eva are a part of this game after all!” They hadn’t showed up in the game yet, and so I thought they were here to save the day. Up until that point, I had thought that maybe Lyndi was a rogue Sigmund Corp scientist that took her own memory machine to dream up a scenario where her former husband and her met at a murder mystery party and stayed together forever. It would kind of tie into Lyndi’s frequent bouts with imposter syndrome, feeling like she doesn’t deserve the life she has or what she accomplished in the field of science because her personal life got screwed up so bad. It would also explain why the old couple kept getting killed in the simulation, perhaps implying how Lyndi resents this couple for taking her research and using it for “altruistic” reasons, and wishing she never got involved with the foundation in the first place. That was what the game was hinting at, right?

But, no. Instead, it turns out the memories we spent a third of the game learning about and emphasizing with were incorrect, and Lyndi’s baby didn’t die; he instead was delivered safely and he was renamed from Tobias to Neil and took his mother’s surname for...reasons. Lyndi was the one who died when Neil was a kid. She was the one who went back and recorded her memories to be used for research, and Neil went to a different company (Sigmund Corps) in order to continue his mother’s work. 

So then...why were Lyndi’s memories so different when we actually see them in the game? Why did they change when they did? They weren’t the focal point beforehand. Where did Lyndi go when she went “offline” to get help from the outside, if this was all a simulation? How did the simulation know what Lyndi would look like as an old lady if she never made it to old age? Why did the world get destroyed for? What did that do for the simulation anyway? That part was probably explained but the technobabble was so interpretable this time that I could not figure out why. 

See all the potholes? This ending felt so contrived. And hey, I wanted to enjoy the ending! Neil and Eva are a great team that really felt like they could be more than just friends, and I want Quincy and Lyndi to be happy, even in death. But all these details add up, piece by piece, until I get to the point where the final moments don’t even resemble the first two-thirds of the game. 

And this doesn’t even cover the tone whiplash the last third throws at us. Ricebot and the cat boxer were cute companions, but they felt so out of place after the more serious tone the rest of the game conveyed. They probably should have come with Quincy during the second third of the game, so Quincy had someone to talk and react to. 

It’s just that I thought there would be more to this game than what we got. TTM and FP are amazing games with a lot of depth to them, and I still remember all the good things that happened in them even after long stretches of time not thinking about them. When I think of IF however, all I remember are the plot holes and Ricebot. This is why I said in my previous post that IF is the weakest game in the series thus far. The theme for this game gets left behind so bad, and it doesn't even feel like the game we started playing. 

Kan said in the comic DLC that came with this game that his team is taking a break from the series for a while after IF, and I think it’s needed. The Sigmund Corps series still is a great series, but IF is probably not going to be a notable piece of its history. I dunno, for a game about imposters, its ending is very sus.

#imposter factory #imposter factory spoiler #to the moon #finding paradise #kan gao #video game #rpg maker #rpg games #Laura shigihara #ricebot #spoilers

[mourntheantagonist]

a friend shared this video where a woman calls her husband by his first name and he looks hella scared because he thinks he's in trouble --but imagine Billy calling Steve by his last name after years of being married, just to see his reaction, and Steve literally looks like he's suffered whiplash

billy doesn’t even get past the first syllable of his last name before his neck cranks and his head does a 180. he can’t remember the last time billy had ever used that name, and it hurts.

years of stevie, princess, pretty boy, baby, sugar... rarely even ‘steve’ and here billy is calling him by his last name and steve can’t decipher why.

he must be mad at me. I must have done something wrong. Is he breaking up with me?

all these thoughts pour into his head and tears quickly start to well in his eyes.

“d-did I do something?”

billy’s eyes go wide and he instantly crawls across the couch to where steve is sitting and pulls him in tight, laughing a little under his breath.

“stevie baby, it was just a joke! don’t cry!”

steve does not stop crying. he’s inconsolable.

“don’t you ever fucking call me harrington again.”

send more of your headcanons !!

#this is so fucking funny to me lmao they really would #harringrove #billy hargrove #steve harrington #stranger things #headcanons #mandi writes tresh #anon

[the-albums-album]

#860 - “System of a Down” by System of a Down

YEAR: 1998

GENRE: Alternative Metal / Nu Metal

THE ALBUM: “this album is designed to show fear, anger, desperation, disgust, and so many other different ways to be ‘not happy with the current state of affairs’.”

THE ARTWORK: “The cover is as confrontational as the album, with it’s cut-and-stick image of a grasping hand, each muscle tightened to breaking point.”

LISTEN TO: “Suggestions”

Full review under the cut!

...tuptuptuptupTUPTUPTUPTUPTUPTUPTUPTUP HAVE YOU GOT A FEW SECONDS TO TALK ABOUT SYSTEM OF A DOWN?

Okay, so I think this is the first album so far that I have a strong opinion about before doing this whole review thing, and oh boy is it a good one! I’ve said before that metal is probably one of my favourite genres to listen to (with some exceptions), and this is one of the albums that really brought that side out of me. I will endeavour not to let it cloud my judgment too much, but that’s just a warning of what’s to come!

The Album…

The self-titled debut album from System of a Down is, to put it mildly, a BANGER. Serj Tankian’s varied vocals, backed up by three other players that can deliver the same fury on his level, means that every song feels like a different facet of their emotions. And their emotions are angry - this album is designed to show fear, anger, desperation, disgust, and so many other different ways to be ‘not happy with the current state of affairs’. Tankian’s voice can vary from extremely clean takes of one lines to unintelligible screaming fury in the next, and it works! The musicianship is very straightforward, and slightly simplistic at points, but it works in the context of getting the feeling of each song across.

The album itself is deliberately confrontational - even though they do not consider themselves “A Political Band”, many of their songs revolve around their strong feelings towards the government (‘War?’, ‘P.L.U.C.K.’), organised religion (‘War?’ again), but also anyone who is willing to complacently sit back and allow suffering of others (‘Mind’, ‘Soil’). Even the more laid back songs on the albums seem to be taking aim at one system or another - and let me tell you, this does not fade out in their later albums… A particular point has to be made about finishing the album with ‘P.L.U.C.K.’, a song aimed squarely at the Turkish and American governments for not recognising the Armenian genocide - the sheer fury involved makes it an amazing showstopper, even without taking in the full force of the lyrics.

One of the parts of this album I really like is that the band are willing to almost try anything and everything, throwing every style and technique they fancy at the wall and seeing what will stick. The mood whiplash between ‘Sugar’ and ‘Spiders’ sticks out as one that may be a misstep to some, but to others can feel like the breath of fresh air needed before getting right back into the grittiness of the second half of the album.

Overall, I’m sure you’ve realised by now I’m recommending this album - it’s not my favourite SoaD album (Toxicity stills holds a special place in my heart), but it's a hell of an album and a fantastic debut.

The Artwork...

You’ve noticed by now that I tend to call out albums on their artwork giving a sense of false advertising to their contents - and this is one I’d hold up as exactly what I’m looking for - it doesn’t have to be flashy, overthought or decked with symbolism, as long as it fits the music held within. The cover is as confrontational as the album, with it’s cut-and-stick image of a grasping hand, each muscle tightened to breaking point. It’s an album cover that stands out from the crowd by being so disdainful of the ‘norm’ when it comes to album covers in general - and metal covers in specific - by not putting a name, a title or any overt reference to the contents. If you are grabbed by the cover (pun unintended), you’ll appreciate what’s inside.

The cover works on its own, but when you find out where the image actually comes from (as I did when researching this), it adds a whole new level of meaning - it’s originally from a poster by the KPD (Communist party of Germany) in 1928, protesting the inequality of the state at the time. The original had text saying “A hand has 5 fingers! With these 5 grab the enemy!”, symbolising that if individually weak members of the country banded together, their strength would be enough to fight back against the power. This feeling flows through all of System of a Down’s work, a feeling of questioning and standing up to those who would deny you.

#system of a down #self-titled #alternative #metal #nu metal #music #album #review #art #sharpie #redraw #myart #J recommends #Youtube

[cloutcod]

"what I wouldn’t give for more of that PNF horror au :(" was what i put when i answered your ask enough? for now? 👀

I’m afraid that nothing will ever truly be ‘enough’ when it comes to that goldmine of an AU you made.

I surround myself with angst and the sheer whiplash between PNF being fond and lovely together like DNF, and Dream having to face the reality that Punz took his place (and went even farther) and George doesn’t remember him no matter what he says or does makes me gleeful.

I saw your other replies to those lovely anons that also asked about PNF.

You know what, can I write a fic on this? I would credit the inspiration and idea to you of course.

It would follow along with your headcanons, but there is a certain change I’d make in my fic: Dream would keep his fame and fortune, but he wouldn’t be happy in the slightest and this is all to make his character suffer more in the story (and also because I wanted to picture a depressed sugar daddy dream that fails to woo george a lot).

Punz on one hand is threatened by this big streamer/YouTube that’s far above his own league and George being puzzled from being the object of affection from said obsessive prominent gamer boy.

#dnf #asks #dreamwastaken #dreamnotfound #georgenotfound #punz #pnf

[ranmanjuu]

Hii~! Can I request hc, warlods reaction to MC who love sweets badly? I mean, she really really REEALLLYY LOVE SWEETS! Could you do for Uesugi-Takeda forces? Thank you~ 💕💕 I hope u have a nice day (*´ω`*)

thank you, i hope you have a wonderful day as well! 

shoutout to the u-t forces for having generally like 3 less members than the oda, makes life easier :heart: 

‎‎

—shingen:

the thing that he could’ve noticed about you first time you met, looking back, was that your love of sweets were obvious from the way you came out of the teahouse with a very satisfied expression. oh, and that you were carrying a bag of candies (which would spill when you bumped into him).

but ever since he’s taken you hostage, you’ve retracted yourself from revealing much about you. understandably so.

still, shingen is very methodical in his prodding at your heart, easing it up and eventually letting some things spill overtime. and one of those methods, of course, is to bring you down to kasugayama’s festive town.

he’s brought up the alternative of, you lose the game if you smile at him, but your stubborn ass said no. now you’re forced to suffer as you bite your lip and not smile as the beauty of kasugayama seeps in.

and shingen watches with delight; not at your indirect suffering, but more of the beauty of how you manage to be so magnificent without smiling.

because, it’s the way your eyes are filled with stars, it might as well be a galaxy’s worth. because, it’s the way your legs seem to float seamlessly from stall to stall, like an innocent child. because, it’s how your hand reaches out to his wrist and lightly tug on it; and it somehow makes him feel as light as feather for you to pull him along.

yet, each time, you retract.

he sees the way you try to restrain yourself from expressing too much when you order practically every single dessert on the menu. he sees how you cover up your face as you scarf down the plates of sweets.

after that, he’s noted to buy some candy or anything to give you.

(and by that he spoils you absolutely ROTTEN you’re lucky you haven’t had a cavity by now)

(^ also serves as an excuse sometimes with yukimura. not that he lets him off much)

you yourself quickly learn about his own liking for sweets, and now you have this sort of alliance to avoid the scolding of yuki. such entails sneaking snacks to each other all the time.

‎

—yukimura:

he’s noticed a pattern, early on, when about 80% of the time you drag him out of his booth, it’s to a teahouse. hell, he even recommends some during your early days in azuchi.

it’s when it becomes so frequent that he starts to scold you and try (mostly end up failing) to minimize your sweets consumption.

in his defense, he thought you were trying stuff out! he says to himself as you order every single item off the list.

again, it doesn’t take long until he sighs and starts pulling you away, slightly berating you on eating that much desserts in the span of a week. his lord is shingen; he’d know how to deal with you.

it’s weird, in a sense. he’s taken the role of an awkward yet caring caretaker when it comes to watching your eating habits. it’s gone from just reminding you each time you drop by his booth (to which you respond with a lighthearted roll of the eyes), to sometimes trailing you once you got closer just so you can’t sneak off on his watch.

and of course, trademark to your bond, it didn’t take long for you two to start bickering about which dessert is better. mugwort mochi vs. chestnut dumpling but on a bigger scale; since you both rarely have the same rankings of the sweets on the list.

you’ve tried the puppy eyes strat a couple of times. in your victory, you did manage to make him sputter and look away, all flustered and caught off guard, but you didn’t get your candy at the end of it :pensive:

strangely enough, at first he could get through and answer you clearly, even if it’s very grumbly. but now, he’s devolved to simply muttering under his breath incoherently as his hand covers his burning cheeks. weird, that hasn’t happened before, you think.

of course, there are some times when he allows you to splurge, such as in festivals and all. it’s too much, the way you look at the special food everywhere with stars in your eyes and drool almost dripping.

(and he himself will admit, he’d be a partypooper if he completely denied you of that enjoyment. if he’s enjoying how absolutely happy and cute you are no he is not what are you talking about)

‎

—kenshin: 

you were taught from a young age to always thank someone, whether it’d be simply words, or even an item to show your gratefulness.

however, you don’t,,, exactly know what to do when someone saves your life.

extreme whiplash and shock, you can say. it isn’t just someone helping you with your task, or retrieving something you forgot in your classroom; no, you could’ve been dead if no one intervened.

currently, you’re in the stage of trying to process all that happened and just sitting there, dumbfounded, but you knew you had to do something before the man who saved you walked out the building.

without any time to think twice about it, you grabbed your plate and ran.

you barely manage to catch up to him, and only because you caught a glimpse of him from the corner of your eye, turning to a dark alley.

“hey!” you shout, loud enough to attract attention from others, but apparently not the man himself. you could feel the cold energy radiating from his back the more you approach, yet you can’t back down.

you shout to gain his attention again, and you do. the moment the blonde turns around, his sharp eyes laying on you, it was like cold metal pressed against your body. 

but you’ve gone too far, and if you just sputtered and went back, it’d be more embarrasing. you thrust your tray of varying sweets sprawled on it to him, “th-thanks for saving my life back there!”

.. and all you can pick up from his reaction is eyebrows knitted in a certain sense that you’re bugging him, but also slight confusion. “i don’t want your thanks,” he says, “and i don’t need your desserts.”

“i don’t care,” you huff in response, “just take it; i’d feel indebted to you if i didn’t do anything.”

yet as you say that, kenshin can see himself the way your hands slightly tremble, as if there’s a difference in what your mind wants with what your body wants, as you give him your tray, and the way your brows pull down a bit, and most importantly, the way your eyes waver.

because in truth. . .you’d die before you give anyone the sweets you want to eat for yourself, but he saved your life! 

kenshin doesn’t want to be bothered anymore, and you’re much too stubborn, so he just accepts it with a deep frown.

but soon once he meets you again in sasuke’s presence, and finds your company in a teahouse,,, weirdly pleasant. even if it was just drinking sessions.

though your tastes lean heavily to the sweet sake, he also finds the fact that you have opinions on how different some sake tastes in the slightest sensations, and while he feels that he’d be annoyed if another person did it. . .something felt nice about you rambling and ranking sakes and general desserts in azuchi.

skip to the relationship, mf would spoil you, going back to even when you were held captive. each day then, he’d bring you sweets, every time different and from different teahouses. it’s when sasuke managed to convince him that he’ll kill you by sugar overdose (despite how much you like it).

and now he still; the most frequent places you go out on a date to is, you guessed it, a tea house. or maybe he brought some desserts to just sit on the porch and watch the blazing sun set.

‎

—sasuke:

man has a sharp sense of observation for people to achieve ultimate Socializing, to compensate for his lack of ability to express himself. such is the case when he sees you gasp excitedly and then promptly apologies and (try to) shut up when you pass a dessert booth when he shows you around azuchi.

and he decides to test out this theory, also in an effort to make you more comfortable and relaxed in the sengoku period.

so he does; always leaving you a pack of candies and the like each time he sneaked into the castle, or sometimes when you go down to yukimura’s booth.

soon, he’d be proven right. you always thank him profusely, snatching away the treats so excitedly, like a child. your eyes always shine so brightly, overflowing with happiness as you munch away, sparing no patience nor impulse control in eating every one.

(which would lead to the disappointment that appears on your face as you realize that you’d eaten everything, and that nothing else)

before, he always just,,, bought the desserts at a teahouse. but lately, although you don’t know it most of the time, he begins asking the owner how the do it, the steps of making a certain dish. his charisma sure goes a long way, despite how his face remains stoic and serious.

yukimura is often the witness for this, and he’s always confused each time. sasuke never really showed an interest in cooking or anything, as far as he knows. . .

unfortunately, it isn’t him that ends up finding the reason. it’s you, instead.

once he manages to worm himself inside the azuchi castle to see you, and gaining the trust of certain prominent warlords (mostly hideyoshi), he eventually got permission to enter the kitchen.

again, you didn’t even know where he went. all you heard was from the passing maids that told you they saw him heading in there.

which. . .piqued your interest, but each time you wanted to check, you always had other things you had to do.

but soon, you’d find out what the ninja was up to.

one day, while you were sewing in your room, your nose immediately sniffed out the sweet smell of. . .something familiar.

you perked up in excitement and a bit of confusion. the shadow on the other side of the paper door gave you more hope.

and it slid open, revealing a sasuke with a tray in his hand, and a strange soft gaze in his eyes, “i knew you’d’ve recognized the smell, you truly like these, don’t you?”

his hand sets down the tray gently, and the warm waft of sweet and rich scent floods in your nose. and quickly, you recognize what’s on the tray in the first place.

desserts, but not just any ol’ one. treats and candies made from your home place. a silent gaso broke from you, as you marveled in the dish that you didn’t think you’d see this soon.

“some ingredients had to be improv’d from the lack of variety in those, but,” you look up, and you see that his lips pull into the tiniest bit of a proud smile, “i thought that it’d make you feel a bit like home.”

you sat there, mouth parted slightly and eyes widened, filled with disbelief. chuckles broke through, and you jumped at him, enveloping him in a big hug, “thank you so much, sasuke!!”

you don’t see it, while you’re too busy laughing and wrapping your arms around him tightly. but his expression softens in a way never before, a small dust of pink lighting his cheeks as he breaths out a chuckle and pats your back, “anytime.”

#ikesen #ikemen sengoku #cyikemen #ikemen sengoku hc #uesugi-takeda forces #*writing #*requests #sighs FINALLY i finished one #have like. one more to do before i take a break or open it again #woooooot