#( and easier to create a character without having to think too much about backstory and plot hooks and such )

[daybreakrising]

lotr d&d session done - and it ended up being our last! we somehow managed to all survive too which is... amazing, considering we were facing a horde of nazgul at the end DLFJNHL

gonna go grab myself some dinner, let the dogs out (who were incredibly well behaved actually, to my surprise-) and then see about some writing!

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Plot Twists

Plot twist - a surprise development in your story.

A good plot twist forces the reader to think about it, even if you’re away from the story.

Years later, the reader may still reminisce about a plot twist that threw them for a loop.

How you can create a solid plot twist:

Introduce the Plot Twist Whenever You’d Like

Plot twists may appear anywhere within a story but are usually most effective after some careful setup.

While it’s technically possible to swing a plot twist within the first chapter, it’s difficult to do.

In the beginning of your story, the reader is open and the rules of assumption haven’t been established yet.

You need to lay the ground rules before you twist them.

Don't be Obvious

The first commandment of plot twists is that they shouldn't be obvious.

Plot twists need to be totally unexpected.

You shouldn’t be able to guess it, but once you go back and read it, you should be able to see the signs.

Don't Show Your Card Too Soon

Foreshadowing is essential, but when you’re setting up a plot twist, you can’t reveal too much.

Otherwise, the reader will be able to guess what will happen, and it won’t be a twist at all.

Withhold the information until it cannot be withheld any longer.

This helps to increase the tension within your story.

Immediately after inserting a plot twist, the story proceeding should become better and stronger.

The reader will hunt back through the story, looking for clues that this twist would happen. Clues should be there--sparingly.

Use Plot Twists Sparingly

Don’t overuse plot twists.

If you’d like to create a reputation for including plot twists in your stories, limit it to one twist per story.

Otherwise, the reader will stop trusting you.

Your storytelling will come off as cheap thrills without substance.

But, remember that you don’t need to include a plot twist to weave a compelling tale.

The less you use this literary device, the more surprised your reader will be.

Use Plot Twists to Push the Characters Towards Action

In the middle of your story, characters can grow stagnant.

When they’re plodding along towards a vague goal, it’s easy to get stuck in the mundane.

This is the perfect time to insert a plot twist.

When faced with a sudden change of circumstances, the characters will be forced to respond.

What will they do? How will it change their goals?

Use Plot Twists to Reveal Character

Sometimes, plot twists can be planted within a character’s backstory.

This way, you can reveal something about the character that catches the reader off guard.

Examples: Perhaps the character killed someone in the past. Maybe they are the long-lost daughter of the antagonist.

Once the reader finds out, it changes everything.

But it’s not just the reader who may find out about the character.

The character can also discover something about themselves or another character.

This type of plot twist is known as anagnorisis, or discovery.

Use Plot Twists to Change the Character’s Fortune

There’s a certain type of plot twist known as peripeteia that you may wish to consider in your story.

Peripeteia is a sudden reversal of fortune.

Historically, peripeteia is a shift from good circumstances to bad.

It’s tragic, it’s bleak, it’s heartbreaking, but it can make for a poignant story.

If you’re a rebel, peripeteia can also be used to convert the character’s fortune from bad to good. But be careful here.

You don’t want to force an unrealistic ending on your story that will ring untrue.

Remember the above tip: Plot twists should be believable.

Unfortunately, it’s easier to believe something going from good to bad than going from bad to good.

Create a False Protagonist

One of the trickiest plot twists to conceive is the false protagonist.

You introduce a protagonist, but then he or she suddenly dies.

Of course, for this type of plot twist to happen, you need to have the real protagonist waiting in the wings and ready to take over.

The reader should already be familiar with the true protagonist.

It can be a huge shift for the reader to make, so don’t use this plot twist unless you’re sure that it’s worth the risk.

Poetic Justice

The idea that characters get what they deserve (both good and bad) is supposed to be unexpected.

However, poetic justice is so overused that it’s become a cliche.

That’s not to say that you can’t serve poetic justice in your story.

However, if you do, consider setting it up so that it’s completely unexpected.

All hope seems lost, and out of nowhere, poetic justice.

Don’t actually make it appear out of nowhere.

The reader should be able to look back at the story and see how this ending is possible.

Introduce the Plot Twist During a Flashback

Another way to introduce a plot twist is within a flashback.

When done correctly, a flashback should always reveal something of interest. But, your flashback can also change the entire trajectory of your story.

If you do insert a plot twist in a flashback, pay special attention to timing:

When should you introduce the flashback for maximum effect?

How can the flashback aid in pushing the story forward?

Source

More: Types of Plot Twists ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[1moreff-creator]

I enjoyed the Despair Time x Eden's Garden speculations so much that I request something similar. Despair Time x Tetro Pink!

You know, I was kinda hoping someone would ask me for this, because there's a few pairs of characters I really wanna talk about lol. Anyways, let's go, DRDT x Tetro crossover!

Spoilers for DRDT CH2, TDRP CH4. CW: Murder, suicide, drugging (adrenaline), execution, bullying, gaslighting, psychological warfare, Arturo Giles, (implied) eating disorders, stabbing, medical care.

The Setting

I'll focus on the killing game side for this one, btw.

Though, that does bring up a few questions, no? With EG, the setting was similar enough to DRDT's that a vague merge of the universes worked well enough just by changing a few names around, and leaving the details as an exercise for the reader. However, there are some discrepancies between the TDRP killing game and the DRDT one which are harder to reconcile. So I'm going to quickly go into a bit more detail about what the setting looks like, so no one don't get confused.

TDRP takes place in Japan, DRDT is set in the US. That immediately creates a language and cultural barrier between a lot of the characters. For this, we're gonna say that it takes place in a weird merge of the two countries that was somehow a result of the Tragedy (and yes that did happen because DRDT lore; we're doing a future setting for this one), to get around the issue. The details of how that works are left up to reader imagination.

In Tetro, no one knows what an Ultimate is. But I can't exactly take that out of the picture without destroying things like Min's entire backstory. So we'll say that Hope's Peak exists and everyone knows what an Ultimate is. However, the DRDT cast went into the killing game knowing they were invited to Hope's Peak, while the Tetro cast is a year younger and would have been the sixteen people invited to Hope's Peak the year after DRDT's cast got the invite. That way, everyone from DRDT comes in with the knowledge they're an Ultimate, but the Tetro cast has to learn that they would have been their underclassmen.

Confession Game still happens before the first murder attempt, and everyone does in fact reveal their secrets. A few of them would have to be reworded, since there's secrets that can apply to multiple people, and there needs to be some way for Charles to know that his secret is in fact his (something like "Your older brother, Elliot Cuevas, died, but you don't remember him at all" would do, even though Oka would complain about unfairness).

There's probably more that should be addressed but I can't think of anything too big rn :v

MonoTV & Monomoko & TDRP Researchers

Let's put ourselves in Monomoko's shoes here. You're a rabbit mastermind of a killing game. You are trying your damn hardest to be professional about it, informing the students about motives and facilities and stuff. You are trying to maintain a sort of detached, almost robotic persona, not letting yourself show too much emotion in front of the students.

And then there's this fuckass cat-dog thing that's cracking puns, being openly excited about the killing game, getting riled up quickly, and being woefully incompetent at everything.

And then it turns out that you start getting complicated feelings about the entire killing game situation, and meanwhile this damn AI doesn't feel the same way, because it's an AI and doesn't feel, so you're even more alone than if you just didn't have a partner.

Yeah I think Monomoko would really dislike MonoTV quite a bit, even though it would try not to show it. MonoTV is oblivious to this and mostly ignores the other mascot.

For theri part, I have no idea how the researchers would be able to put up with MonoTV, really. Like, if they have issues with how The Rabbit runs things, then MonoTV's general bullshittery would probably drive them up the wall. However, MonoTV, being explicitly AI and all, would be easier to directly control than Monomoko, so I can see a world where they get annoyed enough to change its personality to something that's a bit easier to manage. There's definitely some potential for mascot related drama if Monomoko sees MonoTV's personality being completely overhauled on a whim, especially if it ever gets to see how DefaultTV (the personality driver that takes over in 2-16) acts. Like, even if it doesn't like the guy, that's kind of a scary thought.

Still, given there's a lot of exploration of Monomoko's character left, and the fact I haven't read Staffside so the intricacies of the researchers are lost on me, I'll leave the weird mascot and mastermind drama here.

Hu & Sasaki

I think Sasaki would still try to take a leadership role, even with how many more people we have this time, and the fact half of them would be a year older. However, Hu, wanting to feel depended on, would probably offer to help in any way she can. At least at the start, Sasaki would basically try to tell everyone what to do and Hu would try to enforce her orders.

Hu & Hiroaki

This little setup with Sasaki ends up with Hu beefing heavy with Hiroaki, because of course she would. Sasaki was already irritated by the guy, Hu would also dislike his confrontational nature a lot. Of course, Hiroaki wouldn't be the only one resistant to follow around Sasaki's orders (Ace, Charles, Teruko post-CH1), but he would be the most confrontational, so.

Nico & Harada

I mean, come on. Harada has a tiger. He's going to immediately become Nico's best friend. Nico would obviously love hanging out with Sawa a lot, thus becoming entrenched in the Hama - Chiba - Harada friend group. Their past of being bullied would actually make Harada feel very bad, since he used to be a bully himself, but I doubt the Zoologist would ever bring it up umprompted, so.

Arturo & Chiba

Get ready for Arturo to be even weirder than in canon, because he absolutely would consider Chiba a "beautiful person", given her fame. He'd obviously try to suck up to her a lot, which is seen as weird by anyone with eyes and ears. Hama would probably have to intervene, and he becomes the number one defender of anyone Arturo bothers (which includes J post-secret reveal, and I could also see Isono and Tamba and Hiroaki and Hasegawa falling in the "beautiful people" designation). There's a non-zero chance Arturo chills out a bit after Confession Game, but it's more likely that he'd end up getting punched in the face by Yanagi before that happens.

Xander & Tsuno

Each other's biggest fans. Xander really fucks with the Superhero shtick, Tsuno loves Xander's Rebel attitude. Combined with their respective famous friends David and Isono, you have a pretty fun and upbeat and positive group, where everyone is totally mentally stable! Well, mentally stable if you ignore Xander's survivor guilt and murder attempt and Tsuno's inevitable burnout when she has to deal with double the injuries (more on that later) and Isono's agoraphobia and David's... Davidness, anyways.

Rose & Sasaki & Ojima

Rose and Ojima wouldn't have much of a reason to interact, until the first motive gets announced. Because "No Sleeping" already brought up issues for Wada and Kamimura in canon Tetro, but it would destroy the more or less narcoleptic Rose. Knowing that, our great leader Sasaki would make it a priority to figure out a way around this. What Rose comes up with is painting; we don't know this for sure, but it's very likely that Rose doesn't tend to doze off when she's painting, or at least there's never been mention of it. So, she ends up doing painting sessions while Ojima illustrates. It's a very quiet affair, unless Hiroaki is there to provide background noise. They probably continue doing these sessions even after the first motive is over.

Teruko & Xander & Tamba & Hayashi

You know how Teruko's favorite color is "red by association"? And you know how some theories say that's not because of Xander, but because of Mai Akasaki? Yeah. Teruko seems to be a somewhat nostalgic person, so I think it makes sense to think she'd get attached quickly to a red haired girl named Mai. As a result, Xander and Tamba get dragged into this little friend group. The dynamic of the high energy Xander and Tamba, combined with the more subdued but still willing to get into some silly antics Teruko, and the ultimate voice of reason Hayashi, would be pretty fun to see.

Until Confession Game happens.

-----

Confession Game

So far, I've talked about dynamics before the Confession Game. However, said game would probably change a lot of things amongst the cast.

To clear up the timeline here: the motive gets announced, then Confession Game happens, then Xander does his thing (more on that in a bit) and the first motive ends before the second game can even start. So, what secrets would cause the biggest ruckus?

Min & Tamba

Solidarity amongst competitive girls who seriously harmed their competitors! I don't think they'd really talk about it much, but they certainly would think about it whenever they're in the other's presence.

Wada

There's nothing too big about his secret, but something that's funny is that Teruko might mess up and claim this one. Like, the way it's phrased, I'm pretty sure the secret does in fact apply to her, so she might press the button thinking it's hers when it isn't. I imagine the mascots would let it go and set up some kind of workaround so it doesn't happen again, as there's actually a few other secrets that could very well be Teruko's and aren't.

Hu & Kamimura

Very similar secrets, so it's gonna come up. I feel like Hu would approach Kamimura to see if he wanted to ever talk about it, and then fully respect when he inevitably says no. After all, she feels the exact same way.

Eden & Nico

The moment Eden's secret is spoken, I think a decent chunk of the casts might come out in support to try and encourage her. I definitely see Watari starting it, with people like Whit and maybe Veronika following along. Eden would probably be very embarrassed by the time she pushes the button, but she would appreciate the sentiment, at least.

Nico is in a similar situation, where people would try to encourage them by saying that they'll accept them no matter what aspect of their identity the secret actually references (if you remember the wording, it's a it vague about it). Okazaki could even reveal she goes by any pronouns if she figures out it means the student referenced in the secret is trans specifically, but I don't think she would. Nico would feel similarly to Eden and ask everyone to move on immediately after pushing the button.

Xander & Tsuno

(Btw, as always, I'm assuming Xander's secret is the survivor's guilt one and Teruko's is the "killing game is all your fault" one)

I'm bringing these two up because I feel like David would probably bring out the Inspirational Speaker for these two, and both of them would appreciate it (Xander might even fanboy a little).

Levi & Hayashi

Other than Ace freaking out over Hayashi's secret, I don't think the DRDT cast would add too much to that secret reveal. However, that's partly because it'd have to be reworded to "this student has killed one person in the past." After all, the original wording would also apply to Levi.

On the other hand, Levi's own secret would have to be rephrased to something like "this student has killed four people, and they hold no remorse" to differentiate it from Hayashi's. And since everyone else is pushing the button, I could see Levi imitating them and hitting it without much hesitation, bringing up a few questions. If he actually explains the whole deal, I imagine most people would start avoiding him, but a few of the nicer ones might try to stick by him. Particularly Harada, actually, since he used to be a delinquent himself (even if he never actually killed anyone but you get the point).

Ace & Chiba

Another set of similar secrets, but this one would probably go by without fanfare. They would never bring it up probably.

J

You know how Hiroaki reacted when he found out that Hasegawa was filthy rich? Yeah, he'd probably have a similar reaction to knowing J is a Rosales. She'd promptly tell him to fuck off, but y'know.

Arei & Watari

Not exactly the same situation (destroy sisters lives vs cause a divorce), but the fact they're both decently unrepentant about it would probably end up with them maybe bonding after the Confession Game. Watari has been known to hang around people even after she finds out they've done pretty questionable stuff, and Arei would probably just respect Watari's Girlboss behavior, so I can see them becoming besties.

David

There's a lot of ways that this early of a reveal could play out, but remember what I said about David doing the inspiring thing for Xander and Tsuno? I think they'd return the favor by doubting this claim.

Every other secret is relatively objective, but David's is pretty much entirely subjective, so they'd argue that the masterminds might have it wrong. This little amount of support might be enough for David to keep up his act. Especially since he wouldn't benefit from dropping the persona here at all, unlike in DRDT CH2 where he tried to throw the trial by having that reveal. A lot of people wouldn't trust him again after that, but David would probably keep a few friends. I'd argue that the people who wouldn't lose trust in him include Xander, Eden, Levi (keep in mind this guy still thought David was a good person after 2-11 and 2-12), Whit (dubious on that one), Tsuno, Isono (used to people misrepresenting celebrities), Harada, and Chiba, possibly more.

Teruko

Similar to David, she'd have to come up with some explanation for why "the killing game is all your fault" isn't actually as bad as it sounds. She would probably try to argue that the game is her fault because of her luck, and not because she genuinely wanted it to happen. I think a fair amount of people would stop talking to her altogether after the secret reveal, but her arguments might convince some people. I'll argue it would immediately convince Eden, Hu, Levi (see the reasoning in the David secret section), Min (maybe), Whit (perhaps), J (possibly), Tsuno, Isono (see David reasoning), Chiba, Hama (unconditionally believes the luck thing), Watari, Yanagi, and maybe others.

-----

Alright we're done with Confession Game. Now for some extra happenings!

Xander & Teruko & Hayashi

Like I said in my DRDT x P:EG post, Xander's murder attempt is a little too important for DRDT lore for it not to happen. Also like in that post, I don't know who'd actually kill Xander, but it would happen. However, given I'm saying this happens post-Teruko secret reveal, it's possible some people would be on Xander's side and say that maybe he had the right idea attacking Teruko, given "the killing game is all her fault" and stuff, so the trial might play out a bit differently than in DRDT CH1.

That said, I think Hayashi would put an end to that idea, claiming that Xander tried to kill with incomplete information and that's generally inadvisable, which she'd know as a Bounty Hunter herself. It'd be a nice moment in the first trial, but I don't think Teruko would properly thank her, given that by that point she'd already be starting her "screw everyone else" arc. Still, once Teruko starts swinging back around, they'd probably go back to being friends.

Nico & Hu & Yanagi

With the adrenaline motive, Nico’s attempted murder is extremely likely. If they don’t succeed, then much like the Tetro cast did with Yanagi after Ice Fairy, they’d decide to lock Nico up. I'm imagining Ice Fairy still happens, but with Arturo replacing Hiroaki probably, because of the stuff mentioned before. Keep in mind rewards never got swapped, since the first murder happened before that could go through, meaning the inciting incident for Yanagi really snapping at Hiro (Hiro reading Sasaki's journals) wouldn't happen.

In any case, they’d lock Nico up alongside Yanagi. Hu, obviously, protests the decision a lot, and would probably choose to stay alongside Nico and Yanagi for their imprisonment. Mostly for Nico, but y’know.

Funnily enough, this would force Yanagi and Hu to interact, and I think that’d be an interesting dynamic to see. Both of them have some kind of savior complex, so I could see Yanagi’s whole "I will protect women forever" shtick grating Hu’s nerves a lot. She wants to be depended on, not the one that needs someone else’s help. Cut to Nico, who is also bothered by Hu’s defense of them, and shit would get volatile, fast. Also there’s a guard here, and they’d really rather be anywhere else while those three discuss this shit.

Ace & Hama

Given the fact both Hayashi and Levi would be outed as killers during Confession Game, Ace would probably choose to stick to Hama to feel safe. However, it’s very possible that Hama would turn on Ace once he starts bullying Nico, which is especially likely if the adrenaline motive happens. Because of that, Ace would probably crash out similarly to what he did in DRDT, and I imagine he’d be the second chapter killer. Chiba’s still the victim, though, because Ace would pick the physically weakest one, and (subconsciously) would want Hama to hate him so he has a reason to hate him back. Basically the Levi-Ace thing from 2-16 would be more Ace-Hama here.

David's Heel Turn

I'll say that David still has his CH2 crashout here. Under my current interpretations, David's magical girl transformation is motivated by a combination of Xander wanting to kill Teruko and win a class trial, David learning Teruko's secret, David having his own secret revealed, and the "reveal" being beneficial to throw the class trial. While Xander's death would still be too fresh during the first trial for David to fully process the implications of Xander trying to hide evidence of his attack on Teruko (eg framing Charles), by the second trial he'd realize what was going on. At that point, he just needs an opportunity to frame himself to meet the conditions and engage bed hair mode, so it'd probably happen.

We already know some of the people most affected by this on the DRDT side, like Hu. Meanwhile, on the Tetro side, I think all his speeches about how people never change and stuff would hit quite a few of them pretty hard. Depending on how seriously they take him, I could see Tsuno, Harada, Wada, Tamba, and maybe Yanagi and Hiroaki taking it pretty badly. It depends a lot on whether David decides to go for their insecurities and pasts to piss people off. But he might, and that would certainly cause some outrage. David would become an outcast after this, obviously, but I doubt they'd try to lock him up or anything. At worst he's just an asshole, and even that is more a persona than anything else.

Arturo & Tsuno

Hey, the two doctors! They’d both be stuck to the infirmary after shit starts going down with the adrenaline motive and all, not to mention Teruko's CH1 stab wound. It would become pretty apparent pretty quickly that Arturo’s not actually that much better than Tsuno at medicine, so he’d try to get out of it. However, since Tsuno would burn out very quickly being the only doctor to thirty students, some people would “politely request” that Arturo help her anyways. You take that as you will.

Tsuno would be probably pretty good for Arturo, since she may be able to get him to open up and chill out a bit. After all, she’s Tsuno. And the reduced workload would do wonders for Tsuno, too.

Especially because of everything else that would be happening to her at this time.

Veronika & Okazaki

Finally, I get to talk about these two. Because this is a crossover for the ages! These two would be unstoppable together, and they’d be so incredibly iconic. 

Okazaki is by far the most obviously insane person in the entire cast, even more so than Arturo, so Veronika would latch to her even harder than she latched to Arturo in canon. Especially after Confession Game, because they could bond over the fact that their secrets aren’t the worst thing they’ve done*. Veronika would bring it up during her turn, and Okazaki would confirm the same applies to her during her turn, even if her full secret still gets cut off.

*It’s worth noting Okazaki never claimed this. However, I don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that the self-proclaimed supervillain has done something worse than performing unlicensed gender affirming surgery at some point in her life. 

And they really would become besties. Oka is weird enough that she can easily match Vero’s freak, and Vero is always glad to match someone else’s freak. Veronika would probably be part of the School Staff alongside Watari and Oka (and maybe others like Sasaki and Min if they get invited and accept), just to spend more time with Oka. She’d be the counselor, naturally, with her psychoanalysis, which would certainly lead to some fun scenes.

Veronika’s fascination only grows in the second trial. Assuming Okazaki still does something to Wada during that investigation, Veronika’s whole “the more irredeemable you become, I’ll only love you more” speech would be aimed at Oka, and she’d be much more receptive to the attention than Arturo.

Once they get some time alone after the trial, and now that Okazaki knows Veronika cares about nothing but entertainment, she might just reveal the whole “Phantom Thief of Nagoya” thing to the Horror Fanatic. And Veronika would love that! A self-proclaimed supervillain beefing with a self-proclaimed superhero who is just two rooms over? That shit sounds like prime time entertainment in her books. Okazaki would offer Veronika a position as a sidekick, and Vero would accept readily. 

This is naturally the worst case scenario for Tsuno and anyone she associates with. Veronika would probably try to use her knowledge of psychology and maybe even horror tropes to torture Tsuno and her friends as much as possible, with Okazaki masterminding several traumatizing operations against them. If called out, they would both cover for each other, trying to gaslight the cast at large into thinking they’re perfectly innocent. 

Which gets us to Trial 3, and whether or not Okazaki would still kill. Veronika might try to talk her out of it to extend the amount of time she can enjoy Oka’s company, but I’ll say that Okazaki would still choose this time to kill. Seeing as she can’t be convinced, Veronika would obviously switch to playing accomplice. Gotta enjoy being a villain sidekick to the fullest, yeah?

Kamimura would still probably be on the chopping block because his conditions are part of the murder method, but I think Vero would try to get Wada killed instead of Tsuno, just to really maximize the drama at the trial, y’know? I can imagine her finding Tsuno more interesting than Wada anyways, so. Also I’m biased and want Tsuno to live so.

And holy hell what a trial that would be. If Okazaki’s crashout was already iconic on its own, adding in Veronika leaning into the sidekick role while she’s at it would be the craziest shit you’ve ever seen. Just complete mayhem: Watari and Eden are crying, Tsuno is yelling, Hasegawa is constantly two seconds away from punching one of the two, Isono isn’t too far herself, David would be somewhere between impressed at the Audacity of having a bigger crashout than him and also pissed off that they’re dragging things out, Teruko and Sasaki and Min start yelling for the vote to just fucking happen already with everyone else joining in, Charles is firmly looking away from the blood all over Okazaki and Whit is trying to comfort him to avoid the Situation, Harada is trying to comfort Sawa with Nico’s help because even the tiger knows shit’s going down, even J and fucking Arturo are agreeing with each other about how horrendously insane those two are…

It would be beautiful, and then it would be over. Veronika and Okazaki share one last moment of “wholesome” supervillain and sidekick dialogue, cue “I’ll follow your flame” line to Watari, and Okazaki gets executed. 

Veronika gets chained to a bed after this. So many people want her dead that there’s a very high chance she’d be the fourth chapter victim, but oh well. It was entertaining while it lasted. I don’t know who the killer would be, though, since we still haven’t gotten the CH4 Tetro motive as of writing this. That means we’ve officially ran through all the killing game events I’ll write for this AU. Now it’s time for straight up dynamics!

… Btw is it obvious what my favorite Tetro character is? It might be, idk.

Charles & Hiroaki

Hiroaki acts a bit more like Ace in the beginning, but in a lot of aspects he’s a bit closer to Charles’ attitude. Especially given their shared distaste of blood (even if Charles’ is more extreme), I could see the two of them having a few meaningful conversations. Charles would probably say similar things to Hiroaki to what he told Teruko in 2-3, and given Ace’s death in particular would be a wake-up call for the guy, I could see Charles helping Hiroaki through a similar arc to what the Designer has in canon.

Levi & Hiroaki

Fashion talents would bring the two together in the beginning, even if only Levi knows he’s an Ultimate at that point. However, Levi’s secret in Confession Game would probably drive them apart.

Min & Sasaki

Despite the Confession Game, come on. Student talents. They’d be besties. Min would fully support Sasaki’s leadership, and would be perfectly willing to help her with anything she needs. I also like to think that Min would help Sasaki keep a more healthy amount of responsibilities than she tried to keep in canon Tetro, maybe. Look Xander may help get Sasaki past the first motive but I still want my girlie to stay sane through adrenaline you feel?

Whit & Watari

The jokes are off the charts. The silliness levels are critical. Immediate besties. Whit’s invited to all the sleepovers, and probably to school staff as well. Whit would get really into it and try to recruit Charles as a Chemistry teacher, only to be repeatedly shot down.

Eden & Isono

Didn’t mention it before, but Eden would probably form part of the Wada Support Squad with Isono and Tsuno, because Wada and because Eden. That means her and Isono would inevitably end up as besties, because they’re both just so nice. We always love when someone can match Eden’s wholesomeness, because God knows that ain’t happening in the DRDT cast (/lovingly). 

J & Yanagi

Another one who I don’t think would take Yanagi’s attitude very nicely. Yanagi’s not as bad as Arturo, sure, but that bar’s kinda on the floor. J would probably just avoid him, I think.

Veronika & Hasegawa

Funnily enough, Hasegawa is the one guy who actually goes to the “counselor” in canon Tetro, even if he doesn’t do it by choice. So there may be a few interesting interactions there. However, Vero helping in Kamimura’s murder would obviously make Hasegawa hate her, and the fact she’d probably just continue to rile him up after that wouldn’t help. The cast probably needs to find some way to get the two to stay apart, it’s just not sustainable otherwise.

Arei & Watari & Tamba & Yanagi

You know how I established Arei would be besties with Watari after Confession Game? Well, all that means is that she’d definitely join the Princess Watari and Princess Tamba scene. And so, Princess Nageishi was born. 

Teruko & Eden & Tsuno & Isono

Hey so you know the Wada Support Squad? Well, turns out, there’s another student that has had a really rough life and could use some cheering up! It probably wouldn’t happen in CH1 while they’re still kinda reeling from Teruko’s secret in Confession Game, but they’d definitely get their game on during CH2. Teruko would not be receptive to it, but she can’t really escape it when Tsuno keeps insisting on checking over her stab wound, with the other two in the room no less. It would certainly take a while, but after Teruko starts her “let’s start trusting people again” arc, she’d be a lot happier just kinda hanging out with them. 

Levi & Hayashi

I brought them up together in Confession Game, but it’s true that Hayashi might be one of the only people around who’d still feel pretty comfortable with Levi in the room after the secret reveal. Even the DRDT cast members who would still be okay with him in canon might struggle, since the secret got revealed so early. Hayashi would probably try her best to understand his situation, and would help him and the rest of the cast slowly work on their relationship.

J & Hasegawa & Kamimura

Hase and Kami would still be way closer to one another than to anyone else in the cast, because their relationship is largely based on the idea that they’re two of the people with the most common sense, and that’s not exactly a prevalent virtue in the DRDT cast (/affectionate). The exception is J, who actually has a good amount of similarities with Kamimura. I could see her sorta third wheeling them, though in not as awkward a way as the term usually implies. J would also be very vocal in hating Oka and Vero post CH3, and would be the one who tries the hardest to comfort Hase after the trial. 

Rose & Hiroaki

Assuming Rose continues painting alongside Ojima after the first motive ends, she’d end up talking to Hiroaki quite a bit. She’d probably explain her secret to the two, and they’d both be pretty sad about it. Hiroaki would probably try some of his usual tsundere tricks to cheer her up, while Ojima would just cheer her up like a normal person, and she'd appreaciate both of them. They’re also two of the most vocal people about Rose never looking at crime scenes or executions to get around the whole photographic memory issue.

David & Ojima

I could see Ojima looking at David post CH2 and deciding on a similar “I can fix him” path of action as he did with Hiroaki in canon, but I’m not sure how successful he’d be at getting David to cooperate in the slightest. I’d say that how this goes depends a lot on David’s characterization post canon CH2, but we currently don’t have that so.

-

Alright. Look, like with the P:EG x DRD post, I could probably keep going forever, because all 32 characters are fun and so there are endless options of cool dynamics to explore. However, I’ll leave it at this. Hope it’s enough! Thanks for the ask!

[black---cube]

Will you have your own unique sixverse afterlife or reincarnation lore?

So here's the full lore…

This picture pretty much represents everything I will ever draw about SIX the Musical

（Each dotted line represents the division between different parallel universes）

So basically everything starts with the musical. The top-left corner it's like all things directly related to the musical itself (how they start a band and stuff) and things happening outside the plot but follow the same setting (they all live together in one house and interact the same way as how they are in the musical). They are not exactly reincarnations of the queens themselves, instead they are more like if the characters created in SIX have their own life from that point and are given their names & backstory. This makes it easier so that I don't have to actually think about how the reincarnation stuff work (x) So it's more like one day they all popped out of nowhere and they each know exactly who they are but have no idea how they got there (from their “former lives”) By the way if you see some random silly little drawings without specific tags for which AU they're in, they are probably just from this one. I'll call it the OG for convenience in this post

All those individual universes are somehow connected to each other through Catherine Parr (Like in the musical she's the first one to realize what they are doing and eventually connect everybody) By the way every Cathy P will have round glasses because I feel like it💜

High School AU is the one I put the most thoughts into although I have barely drawn anything to post about. Don't ask why they are all color guard kids in an American high school (and everybody uses the word “y’all”) well because I'm a band kid living in Southern U.S. and that's the only life I can imagine at this point. 1) It's gonna be funny, trust me bro and 2) I want to put more work into characters’ interactions and not go down the rabbit hole of researching British high school for the setting

For some reason (I have not thought about it too much yet) HS! Parr and the OG one get to know each other online. They don't see each other as “themselves in another universe” but do realize the similarity between them. Other queens do not know about other versions of themselves although they do get hints every so often

The two on the bottom are just stories written by HS! Parr when she doesn't feel like doing her homework. Somehow characters in these 2 AUs do have free will similar to the OG universe stemming from the musical. I'm still working on character designs and plot editing so things can change any moment. These 2 AUs have independent, complete storylines unlike how HS and OG are mainly daily events (However HS does have a plot but I just lowkey don't think about it

Anyway so yeah that's a lot and I haven't even gotten to the storylines yet so stay tuned for more💗💗

[captainseamech]

Not to be rude or anything but... you have too many verses for a canon muse. I get it, High Tide is your lovely character, but having a verse for a fandom that is dead like Treasure Planet?? Not to mention the ones you have that I rarely see you use like your horror verse for example. If you want to interact with your mutuals from different fandoms, either make a multimuse blog or an OC to shove 100 verses in. Not a canon character.

//I'm well aware I have a ton of verses. I'm well aware that I don't use all of them. I'm well aware that they may cluster when I just post about those verses, but that's the reason I tag them so you could blacklist. That's the reason I stress myself to organize my verses in one big post and copypaste the tag letter by letter so it's easier to be blacklisted.

It may be annoying the way I isekai High Tide into different verses from different fandoms all the time, but I think a lot of times of a way to make him fit in the scenario without changing what he is too much. Hell, I even feel a bit stressed when I'm trying to adjust this big mech in any possible scenario.

I know it's annoying and I apologize for that.

But I have a strong connection with him since I first created this blog and I thought the idea would be nice, you know, a challenge on making him fit without looking too much out of place. I'm aware the majority of my mutuals knows jackshit about TF and that's why I toss him into fandoms THEY know, that's why I created my own backstory to him using canon snippets shown in the media. The formula is always the same, he's just in a different scenario.

But I guess I'm not allowed right? Since it's annoying. Also I do have a multi, and I should use it more often indeed. I'm sorry.

If you don't like the way I jingle him around different universes, it's fine. I may be turning him into a jack of all trades or whatever the correct term is. But don't tell me to change. You're free to blacklist all the fandom related tags or even unfollow me if you don't like.

Just. Don't tell me what to do in my own safe space. Thanks.

[mana-jjk]

tw: referenced death

jjk spoilers !!

nothing too in-depth, but referenced to the light novel and recent manga chapters

i think the best way to understand toge comes from trying to write him.

canonly, he’s one of the characters we know the least about. we know the hint of a tragic backstory, but we’ve never seen it. we know he can’t speak without hurting someone, but we are never given a situation to reference or the parameters of such. we know he speaks in safe words, but we don’t know why he chose them or why he didn’t choose another way to communicate.

when i write toge, sometimes i pause in between onigiri ingredients and think, why doesn’t he just learn sign language? why doesn’t he just pick up a pad of paper and a pen? why doesn’t he ask anyone to explain the meaning of his safe words? isn’t there a better way to communicate than with words that won’t be taken seriously?

and that’s how the think piece spiral starts. if you go back in my account, you’ll see way too many posts dedicated to analyzing toge, picking his character apart, headcanons and canon divergences devoted to understanding him. it’s hard to understand a character that was created because of a joke.

maybe it’s a bit too much of thinking that makes you attach to toge, the boy who has such an innate aspect of his humanity designated to be a weapon. why doesn’t he find a different way? i think maybe, because for him, every other way calls for the acceptance of seeing this crucial part of himself as nothing more than a tool to harm others.

can it be that easy? to live your life in isolation, trapped in your own mind, with the knowledge that your existence burns the people around you simply by existing — can it be so easy to simply find another way?

maybe it would be easier if his voice wasn’t weaponized.

if he simply couldn’t speak rather than having the capacity redirected into channeled danger. Never having a choice, born into this role with seals marking his fate, marking the danger he poises to curses, complete strangers, the people he loves most. It would be easier if his voice came as an unintelligible whisper, easier if a simple phrase didn’t have the capacity to slaughter the people around him. easier if the capability to harm did not extend beyond his own intentions.

i think it hurts.

beyond the physical wounds, beyond the copper behind his teeth and the taste of cherry cough syrup on his tongue. i think it hurts him to know that the only time his voice is ever heard is when it causes pain.

it’s like never raising your hand unless to hurt someone else. it’s there, you can feel it there even as everyone else tries not to see it. there’s bad connotations with that hand. because if you raise it, everyone knows that someone will be hurt. they try not to see it, yet simultaneously it’s all they seem to see. bloody hand, bruised knuckles, the evidence of your cruelty. if you want them to be afraid, maybe you relish in the obedience. but obedience is not respect, it is not love, it is a base understanding of the capability of your inhumanity. for someone like toge, that bloody hand has been innate since the moment he came into the world. bloody, bloody hand with danger far beyond the stature of such a small child.

i think with the elders, they see his voice as that bloody hand. he opens his mouth and there is terror without uttering a word. his existence is a stark reminder of his capability, even if he never raised a hand, not on purpose. it doesn’t matter. with a whisper he can explode living beings, twist limbs until they’re crushed beyond recognition, steal life within a second, before anyone could realize what is wrong.

snake in the grass without a warning rattle. less than a bite, less than the coiled danger, less than the venom secreted fangs. cursed speech users are an invasive species within the jujutsu world. that’s why they were managed. how were they managed? outlaws or invasive, dangerous or venomous, to die out or kill on sight. bloody, bloody hand, hissing, hissing rattle.

that’s why, i think he insists on speaking, even if no one would ever understand him.

the elders may never trust him, but for the people he cares about, there has never been an ingrained fear of his voice. because when he opens his mouth, they don’t focus on the sigils marring his tongue. they don’t flinch when he speaks. they are surprised when he uses his abilities. they are surprised when the boy who speaks in silly ingredients can completely pulverize a cursed spirit. they are surprised not at his humanity, but what he can do in spite of it.

when yuuta was afraid of him, it wasn’t in fear of what a single vibrating note from his voice might cause. raised hands, perceived irritation, a shadowed expression. never his voice.

even when he exploded up to hundreds of spirits at once, with one singular word. never fear, only awe, only interest, only hopes to understand him in a way that the self-inflicted barriers tried to deny them both.

i think in this case, yuuta is much the same.

if he knew that being around people, being around girls or rowdy classmates especially, was dangerous because of rika, why didn’t he stay away? if he knew, why did he even consider being around maki? because that meant accepting that his entire existence would forever be limited to the harm that befalls others. how do you accept yourself as a cause and effect? a calamity in skin and bone, blood red inside and out.

so he found other ways. please don’t touch me, please and thank you. i won’t speak as long as you tolerate being around me. manipulate the situation, manipulate the cursed remnants of a little girl until she thinks the way she needs to. the way you need her to. for the safety of those around you, even though you know there’s another way, a simpler way.

don’t speak, don’t be.

what’s left of them? how much do you sacrifice if only to not be alone?

so toge speaks to empty ears, to condescending eyes, to upturned noses who refuse to comprehend beyond the harm he may poise. to ignorant bystanders, who will never know the potential vibrating under his skin, waiting with snapping jaws at the first hint of intention. starry eyed children who latch on to the secret language, with sticky fingers and pure intention. confused tourists who try to follow along, who unintentionally give much needed attention. wary peers who hear of his technique long before they hear of him, who see the danger long before they see him.

he exists to contradict, to take the reputation speared upon him and turn the tables with bloody hands that all eyes only seem to focus on. for these reasons, he turns to intentions, turns to kindness that can be conveyed much farther than words.

be kind, be oh so kind, be so kind that you never have to speak a word.

sacrifice your blood and sacrifice your time, sacrifice as much as you can if only to be understood. a crying baby who cannot begin to register the harm of their shrill cries, a marked child trying to convey the words they were never taught, a one-armed teenager laying down what’s left of their life.

don’t kill him, he told nobara, sacrificing his self-imposed rules for a man who knew the weakness of his technique. because he couldn’t stand the idea that she would have blood on her hands. sacrifice a little more if only to convey how much you care.

because the tragedy of toge is that every word he says has the potential to become a dangerous reality. because he cannot warn others, he becomes their shield. because he cannot vocalize how much he cares, he becomes what they need most. because he cannot tell them who he is, he has to sacrifice everything to show them.

he was never going to let yuuta fight alone. because the beauty of yuuta is that he was always afraid for the wrong reasons. afraid of toge not because of his capability to be a weapon, but because he was afraid that he hated him.

can you imagine? every moment of your tired existence, trying to prove yourself as anything more than your bloody hands. to have someone not afraid of your blood crusted fingertips and split knuckles, but of your capacity to tolerate a walking cataclysm.

yuuta is so saturated in blood and despair that he cannot even begin to fathom caring about bloody hands. of course he sees them, sees them in the potential they hold, in the pain they’ve inflicted, yet also endured. holds them in his own like they’re delicate, sees the splits and scars and bruises, not as evidence of his capability, but in his durability. to be treated as breakable with such potential to shatter the world around him.

when i write toge, i always find myself in this train of thought. i think that’s why i love yuuta so much, i love how much he loves, even if it means the world burns.

on a happier note, i’ve been binging in nostalgia with the new fairy tail anime coming out !! i literally rewatched all 328 episodes lol it was one of my first anime i watched, and even if it’s a 180 from jjk, i’m of course thinking of crossover au’s because lol just look at me. i think i have a million au ideas and 27 posts in the draft <3

[worldsokayestmagicalgirl]

The first batch of pictures for Amoré's character journal are here! Also I have been so super sick that I've literally had nothing to do but to work on this for like almost 2 weeks so...

The cover to cover tour officially starts here. All I can say about the front & back is that I lament my lack of experience with my Cricut when I made these decals. I only had 2 "fun" colors to work with at the time & I was still getting comfortable drawing in Procreate, so my silhouette art leaves a lot to be desired compared to some stuff I've made recently. I also found it's incredibly easy to burn this leather book.

But she's volume one, everything with her is a learning experience, & I realized as much as it helps to have a mini heat press for tight corners & small spaces, the cloth barrier they suggest you use between the vinyl & the iron tends to make things harder to press on this scale. So instead I gotta quickly tap straight on the transfer film & hope I don't burn anything around it :(´◦ω◦｀):ﾟﾟ

So at the risk of thoroughly exposing my inner theater kid, Amoré set the precedent with how I went forward creating campaign characters. I started off collecting 5 songs to make a mini story arc (almost like a show choir set list 🙃) that helps me figure out an outline for the kind of story I wanna give them.

Somehow Amoré ended up with a truly horrendous blend of rock & theatre. Absolutely incredibe. No wonder she's always such a dramatic bitch.

It was a lot easier to go in & add little decals around these lyrics. I'm definitely cursed with the Too Much™ gene, but I enjoy the little pops of color they give ✨ plus it justifies me hoarding all these vinyl scraps printing stuff this small lol.

Stat sheet!

In all honesty, as my first character I had no fucking clue what I was doing when I placed these & if I could go back & change one thing I'd probably swap her Intelligence & her Wisdom. She’s definitely more people smart than book smart.

But everything else is...very accurate. She has all the upper body strength of a chicken nugget. Plus on top of the (already) negative I traded disadvantage on everything DEX for magic crystal shoes that can be periodically harvested. Just a way for her to carry around the family fortune without actually having to return to the vault✨

For something that started so average, her CON became a monster & always comes in clutch for her alcohol tolerance. I've played variations of her across a few different one shots & I always manage to roll well for anything alcohol related. The dice do respect a bit 🤣

Spells on the other hand, I floundered with a lot at first because we’re not a combat heavy game, but then I found Chaos Bolt & that was that. It’s essentially Amoré in spell form & I’ve had a ton of fun with it over the years. Also Mage Armor cuz my girl is SO DISTRESSINGLY SQUISHY.

Cantrips were more or less a bit of a toss up. Message was fun for the sheer idea of her using it to talk shit during social events without being caught. But aside from Light serving fun backstory purposes the other 3 are kinda just what looked fun ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ unless you count the idea that she would absolutely delight in zapping handshakes.

From there, I wanted to extend the world map made by our wonderful DM @cappierong into a full scroll. Ya know, for the aesthetic ✨

Our campaign started in Civania, where Amoré's main Estate is. I just wanted a quick mock up to reference, so I edited a preexisting picture I found that checked all the boxes (large, on a plateau, accessible only by bridge) and then absolutely smothered it in flowers.

But anyways... This is primarily where Diana & Amoré grew up together in their decade of backstory ✨

There was probably waaaay to much back & forth trying to keep the continuity between stuff I've already drawn & this big reference. But I think it turned out pretty ok? Not like if I make a mistake anyone will really know lol.

Scaling was also another big issue I had, & I moments where I thought something was too big I just kinda handwaved it away like "ehhhhh she's from a stupid rich family." But now I have a NEED to draw baby Diana & Amoré around like, the statue gardens or something cuz I feel like certain parts of this place are definitely ominous 👀 especially for children...

And lastly we have the back cover & the High Noble political relationship map! I normally have this closer to the front but for layout purposes it'll be here. I kinda feel like I need to do more for the decoration of it but I can’t think of anything else to add at the moment.

Sam if u read that no you didn't.

But now! Other than a family portrait that I've always wanted to draw, I think I'm ready to move onto the art for Season 1 : Arc 2. It's a pretty hefty amount of art in comparison to others, so I gotta get busy. Especially since I think I'm gonna have to draw a few comics *sobs*

If you made it this far, thanks so much for reading! I'm always excited to talk out our little idiots so thanks for indulging me ❀(*´▽`*)❀

[admiralbroom]

8, 12, and 14 for the ask game! Talk about any OCs you want, my friend! (Tho I wouldn’t mind hearing more about your Lamb from cotl)

Well, pull my leg to get me to talk about my guys, why don’t you

(THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU-)

I’m gonna do Finn, as well as my two main DnD characters, Lioniel and Krage

Finn:

8: What (if anything) do you relate to within their character/story? 

I’d say probably learning how to lead with little preparation or guidance. Before all the lambs in their herd were killed, Finn was only one of three siblings who were likely to lead their herd in the future, but they were all still just kids at the time. Once they needed to lead a cult all on their own, it took them a while to be able to lead effectively and be able to actually talk to people about their issues

12: What have you found to be most difficult about creating art for your OC (any form of art: writing, drawing, edits, etc.)? 

Unfortunately I haven’t done a ton for Finn yet, largely because I’ve been busy, and then promptly got too excited about finals being over and gamed so much I gave myself Tendonitis in both my wrists, so I’m gonna say extenuating circumstances and also hubris

14: If you had to narrow it down to 2 things that you MUST keep in mind while working with your OC, what would those things be?

1: they are very clever. While they may not start off the best at communicating with people, Finn is extremely smart. They know how to best set up the village their cult lives in to make sure that everyone stays safe and healthy. They are also wicked good at knucklebones, and will find any loophole in a deal if they need to

2: they value loyalty above all else. Having been betrayed by their older brother, as well as multiple followers they were close with and eventually Narinder as well, they consider loyalty to be a main priority. They will reward and protect those who stay by their side, while traitors will be punished severely

Lioniel:

8: What (if anything) do you relate to within their character/story? 

I’d say for them probably learning to heal and thrive after severe trauma. Without typing up all 30 something pages I have about Lioniel’s backstory right here, to make a long story short Lioniel (age 17) decked a nobleman who was threatening a kid who stole bread from him and promptly got themselves thrown into an inescapable prison in the form of a labyrinth. They spent the next nine years in there, thinking every day was going to be their last, and needing to do horrible things to keep themself alive. It was only by a stroke of luck (and divine intervention) that they were able to get out at all, waking up in a monastery with no idea how they got there. Even though it takes a long time, their new family helps them to grow and flourish despite what they’ve gone through

12: What have you found to be most difficult about creating art for your OC (any form of art: writing, drawing, edits, etc.)? 

Probably the fact that their face is not particularly expressive. I’m already not great at drawing expressions, and having their eyes covered, while convenient, doesn’t help when trying to portray emotions. There’s a ton about their design that I made specifically to be easier to draw, unfortunately expressions are not one of them

14: If you had to narrow it down to 2 things that you MUST keep in mind while working with your OC, what would those things be?

1: Lioniel will always be kind; violence is their last resort. They spent years fighting for their life in the labyrinth, they want to do as little of it now as possible. Lioniel will always be willing to help someone who needs it

2: Their fatal flaw is being blinded by their loyalty. Lioniel has a very soft heart, and once you gain their trust it takes a hell of a lot to have them see you in a negative light

Krage:

8: What (if anything) do you relate to within their character/story? 

I’d say learning to live on your own. Krage was originally taken in by a resistance group, who they saw as their family. These people raised them and taught Krage everything they know. Krage then had to watch their family slowly get cut down piece by piece, until it was just them left. They are now on a quest for revenge against the person they blame for dooming them all

12: What have you found to be most difficult about creating art for your OC (any form of art: writing, drawing, edits, etc.)? 

Honestly? Not changing their design constantly as their story progresses. They’re on design like, 4? I think? Just since the start of the campaign, not including their younger “pre-cannon” self

14: If you had to narrow it down to 2 things that you MUST keep in mind while working with your OC, what would those things be?

1: they can not let go of a grudge. Anyone who has slighted them will likely be feeling their ire for a ridiculously long time. They are determined to avenge their family, and not even death can stop them at this point (literally)

2: despite everything, they are still a child. Krage is only 16, and despite needing to act on their own and be grown up, deep down they’re still just a scared kid who misses their family and needs support

Thanks so much for asking, feel free to request more!!!

[nightmares-and-stars]

How I found out I was ficto

Long Post Below!

I just wanted to make a post, to talk about my journey in becoming ficto, and how much my therapist changed my life.

So, as a bit of my own personal backstory, I spent my whole life in love with fictional characters, I'd make up little stories in my head of what it would be like to date them, make headcanons of our relationships, etc. As I started getting older, I started keeping this part of myself secret. As a kid it didn't really matter as much to be because "who cares? lots of other kids are playing make believe on the playground so I can too" But then middle school hit, and that had changed. I started pretending I was "normal" and made up crushes on random popular boys just to get my friends off my back. It got a bit easier in high school, when I realized the reason I never felt romantically towards anyone was because I was a lesbian, but even in the couple of short relationships with women that I had, it just never felt right or lasted, and I relied on these fictional characters even more.

However, around August of 2024 was when I met my therapist, who changed my life. It took a lot of sessions with her to feel comfortable, but one day I broke down and told her everything, how I felt like I was in love with these characters, how I struggled with any real relationships I ever had, how I felt like I could never tell anyone about me being so attached to these characters, otherwise I'd be sent to an insane asylum, just really bad thoughts. Thankfully she listened, and I don't think she fully understood everything, but she asked questions, and genuinely cared about how I felt. I had told her about how attached I was to Fade, to the point it felt like I was almost dating her (plot twist I actually was!) And that even though I felt insane, I felt like I wouldn't be here without her, and I just couldn't give her up, no matter how crazy it made me. The next session we had she came in and asked me if I had ever heard of the term fictosexual. I hadn't heard of it before, and when she had explained it to me, it had felt like a light finally went on. Like there's a word to describe exactly how I'm feeling and it made sense! We went more into detail about my feelings and stuff the rest of the session, and when I went home I did some more research on ficto.

That was when I found a reddit group. A group of many others who felt exactly as I felt about these characters. It took a while of lurking before I joined, but I have been so much happier since finding it. Being part of a community of people who were the same as me, has helped me exponentially in my comfort of who I am. I feel so much more confident, so much less like a "weirdo" that I thought I was, and it even pushed me to move here! To create an account where I can happily post about being ficto, and loving my f/o all the time without worrying about what others think. Do I still have to be careful that no one who knows me in real life ever finds out? Unfortunately yes. Are there still others who will hate me for being like this, probably. But I'm just thrilled to say that I'm so happy to have finally found something that feels so right for me, and keep working to feel better about myself.

And I just wish I could see my therapist again one day, I don't think she'll ever truly understand just how much life and confidence, and happiness she has brought me, after helping me to find who I am, and supporting me in it whole-heartedly. <3

[true-blue-sonic]

X, W, K, and F for Pirate AU.

X: A character you enjoy making suffer.

Silver is often my go-to, but that's because I write him the most out of everybody, haha. On the one hand, I don't want to make him suffer for suffering's sake: Silver is powerful and strong both physically and mentally, and I don't want to show him as feeble or a pushover. In my writing, I keep a sharp eye on that he doesn't get hurt because he's a weakass or uncharacteristically stupid or anything of the sort (with which I mean Silver can 100% be shortsighted and he acts without thinking at times, but he's not an idiot. The fact his PK is entirely OP is something I really try to work into my writing too.). For example, in Run To You there's a scene wherein Silver gets injured quite badly while trying to get an Emerald with Sonic, but he's actively protecting someone else's life in an emergency and that is why he gets hurt. So I try to balance the "suffering" with showing that Silver's a strong person, but who gets injured because he's selfless and brave.

And on the other hand, there are many things about Silver that seem concerning, to say the least. We don't know if he's got friends or family in the future, for example, because he's never mentioned anything about it. Plus, his backstory from '06 shows he's been through a lot: apparently he's been fighting Iblis for half his life, according to a Sonic Channel story iirc. Plus, the future is good but not fully safe, since Nega is causing/used to cause world-ending trouble there. So things like that is where I try to get the "suffering" for Silver from. Basically, in my writing he suffers because he is incredibly stubborn and takes on too much, the latter of which is one of his personality characteristics.

W: Do you like more general prompts, or more specific ones?

Both have their pros and cons for me! General prompts allow for more room to fill them in, which can be easier with creating, but it's also possible that they're so broad that I can't come up with anything. Specific prompts in that regard give more guidance there, but then it's possible that it's too restrictive and I'm not feeling it. I think it depends most on the prompt in question what I can do with it, haha! Some of them strike me with inspiration like lightning, and that is always a great feeling🍀

K: What's the angstiest idea you've ever come up with?

I once wrote a fic wherein Espio had died in an Eggman attack, and the Silver from that timeline went back to the morning of the day it happened to implore the Silver from that moment to protect Espio. It's a really sad fic; I recently read it again and I had to cry about it, and I know for sure I did too when I was writing it. I remember very well that I did not want to make it too angsty and leave a Silver in a timeline without Espio, so I deliberately wrote that the timelines "merged" golden-ending-of-Majora's-Mask-style so that that did not have to happen. That's probably the angstiest idea I've ever had!

F: Share a snippet from one of your favourite dialogue scenes you've written and explain why you're proud of it.

Let's see if I can find anything fun ^-^

It was a bit of a search, but I like this one: Silver got Espio a blanket from his bunk because he saw Espio was cold (and sad and lonely and pitiful etc etc, according to Silver, haha). But the Captain found out Silver left Espio unattended for that (though Blaze kept watch in his place), and promptly comes in in his Robotnik kinda way, but Espio stands up for Silver. The blanket and this basically mark the beginning of their friendship! <3

☆☆☆☆☆

But before the protest could slip past his lips he froze at footsteps stomping closer, both Silver and Blaze whirling around at the loud “YOU!” that bounced around the walls in an ear-splitting cacophony. “Swabbie!” Captain Robotnik’s voice added in a roar, the man himself rounding the corner- and grabbing Silver, the hedgehog crying out as Espio jumped to his feet. “You dare leave the captive unattended?! Unforgivable! Death to the traitor!!”

“Wait- Captain!” Blaze cried out, Espio rushing closer to the bars by pure instinct alone. The man had Silver in a death grip, hand wrapped around the other’s neck and the hedgehog’s irises pinpricks of terror-! “He was not unattended at all!”

“SILENCE!” the Captain roared, Blaze crying out as one of the robots with the Captain lashed out at her. “I give you one task, and you-!”

“You’re wrong!” Espio yelled, and the whole room fell into a ghostly quiet. “You’re wrong,” the chameleon repeated in a lower hiss, glaring at the captain from between the bars. “Your swabbie did not leave for a single moment since you threw me in here. He spent the whole night keeping an eye on me.”

“And why should I believe the words of a captive?” Robotnik jeered, a yelp from Silver following as the hedgehog was unceremoniously dropped onto the ground.

Unwaveringly Espio met his gaze. “Were you here to see for yourself? Or your robots?”

“...No. But!” Finger twirling through his moustache Robotnik glared down. “I know that blanket, boy. And I also know who possesses it after that rat gave it to him.”

“It was handed to me by your Quartermaster,” Espio retorted, not daring to shoot a look towards Blaze to urge her to go along with the story. “Your swabbie told her it was cold and drafty in here, so she retrieved it at his behest.”

“And what was my Quartermaster doing here, hmm?”

“Writing your letter for ransom.”

If Robotnik’s narrowed eyes were any indication he did not believe a single word of it, but Espio refused to flick his gaze over to either of the two anthros. “Y-yeah,” Silver shakily added, the hedgehog scrambling to his feet. “Of course Blaze is allowed to get stuff from my bunk, Sir.”

“And it would be a shame if we had to tell his Clan he died from a lung infection or the like during the time he is kept here,” Blaze added, voice quiet and eyes firmly on the ground. “It... did not seem like an unreasonable request, in my opinion.”

“Hm.”

But Robotnik took a slow step back, scrutinising Blaze and Silver next as both crew members stared at the floor. “I see, then. Do forgive my intrusion,” the man spoke eventually, stepping away and gesturing for his robots to follow, and Espio could only stare dumbfoundedly as the group stepped back into the hallway and their footsteps slowly echoed out.

[kitkatopinions]

Do you think Glynda would have been the only one to side with Ozpin, or at least not hold much of a grudge against him, treating him empathy, after his big secret reveal in V6? She's already displayed a great deal of uncond trust towards him when she talked with Ironwood about him having doubts about Ozpin

Honestly, if the only thing that changed was Glynda's inclusion and the same writers were still doing the same things... I don't think Glynda would've sided with Ozpin at all, because the writers love to write "and then RWBYJNOR think blah blah blah," or "and then RWBYJNORQ want XYZ." They struggle to do plotlines where people can disagree without being framed as One Hundred Percent Bad In The Wrong Needs To Change Might Be Evil. I feel like if they had Glynda be a more prominent role and involved in the story up to V6, they would've had her also be so furious and disappointed in and angry at Ozpin just like Qrow, even if it didn't make any sense.

Logically though, what I think would happen if the writers cared about consistency and making their characters have an original thought, I think that Glynda would be the most on board with Ozpin and have the least problems with him out of anyone.

I think Qrow should've sided with Ozpin, but been personally very hurt by Ozpin's lack of trust in him, creating conflict for them to work through later. I think Yang should've been against Ozpin, resolving that he can't be trusted because he lied to them and (however temporarily) icing him out and not looking to him as a leader. I think Weiss should've been mostly on Yang's side, albeit with a bit more sympathy towards Oz, sort of in the camp of "I get where he's coming from but clearly we can't trust him to be honest or to always have our best interests at heart." I think Blake should've actually taken the stance of "you guys don't know what it's like, maybe he should've told the truth, but it's easier to say 'you should trust us' than it is to actually trust people after you've been hurt so many times, I've been there and I get it" and she should've been way more sympathetic towards Ozpin because of her backstory. I think once Jaune heard about it later, he should've had problems too and been willing to work with Ozpin, but hesitant with him and frequently doubting the legitimacy of his claims and tending to rely on himself and Ruby and not really think of Ozpin as any sort of reliable guide to be consulted in plans. Ren should take kind of the same stance as Jaune, albeit with a more logical thought process of "we should only do what he says if we think he's right, everything else doesn't matter as much." And I actually think Nora should've been fully on board with Ozpin, easily assuming that he only lied to them and/or didn't trust them because he'd been hurt in the past, and that she doesn't really care and still likes him. And I think that Ironwood should've - when he eventually heard - been somewhat hurt as well, but understand the logic of it, but also just resolve to work all the harder himself, knowing that Ozpin is not always a safety net and knowing that Ozpin doesn't always share everything important. And Glynda would fully on Ozpin's side except unlike Qrow (who I feel has a very emotional and personal connection to Ozpin and would fall back on believing in Ozpin because he loves him more than because it logically makes sense) and Nora (who I honestly think is just a very loyal follower with strong intuition and a good judge of character but doesn't really have much logic behind 100% trusting Oz,) Glynda would instead completely get where Oz is coming from, completely understand why he did the things he did, completely agree with them, and just keep trusting him completely. As for Ruby (who is the most important person here,) I think that she should've been kind of in-between and not sure what to think, feeling confused on how she's supposed to react, trying to make everyone happy at once, and be understanding but also a good strong leader herself, and tries to rely more on herself instead of others in the wake of what happened.

Basically, if I was the RWBY writer, I think Glynda would side with Ozpin because that's what I think makes the most sense for her character. Everyone should be having different reactions because what Ozpin did is nuanced, not just pure evil, and I think that with what Glynda was like in V1-3, the natural thing and what would make the most sense would be her understanding and supporting Ozpin. However, I think if the writers included her, she wouldn't side with Ozpin at all, because they didn't want it to be a nuanced conversation and a chance to show the range of their characters where some people agreed with Ozpin, some people didn't, and some people were kind of in-between. They just wanted to say 'Ozpin is bad and dumb and we should all be against him,' and so they couldn't have Glynda do anything but agree with Team RWBY... Unless they made her into one of those characters that temporarily disagrees with Team RWBY so they can all be like 😮🫢😞😠 and then they either take it back later of become an antagonist.

[neonscandal]

So excited to know that you also love Link Click...! I watched it first before JJK (I know, still kinda new in thw fandom), so Cheng Xiaoshi/ Lu Guang are special to me. And after 2nd season with that finale, wow, for me it feels like came out of a fanfic. So when I got to know Gojo/ Geto somehow they remind me of Cheng Xiaoshi/ Lu Guang, cause both couples are doomed by the narative....

And what do you think after you finished TGCF? Have you read the novels? Just so you know, it is worth it to collect the books. Their story is that good. Also when you finished it, most likely you'll also have some non-canon fav couples (I have 4 non canon fav couples from TGCF)....And have you watch MDZS or SVSSS?

Sorry for my rambling, MXTX is one of my favorite author ever and I like to talk about their works. (And now I'm still depressed with the latest JJK update and nervous with the BNHA update)......

OMG SEASON TWO FINALE OF LINK CLICK ABSOLUTELY SLAYED ME. Lu Guang, the enigma that you are. This whole time!? What a damn reveal! Just thinking about it, tbh, I'm gagged. I like to guess at things, obviously, but just never even fathomed.

I don't know if I'd mentioned that before RE: Gojo and Geto but same. It might be on an anime recommendation draft 😅 Like, sure, their character design is an obvious indication but it's really all the anguish bubbling just beneath the surface. And now I need to read all the source material because I'm not sure I can wait for them to animate (even though the animation is just 😘👌🏾

For background on my experience while watching TGCF, there are a lot of cultural/religious things that were completely out of my current realm of understanding re: ascension, conditions/relation of the supernatural beings discussed, etc. but I was still able to really enjoy it without and prompted curiosity to learn more before jumping into the novels. Like, having watched and read media informed by Japanese culture (and growing up on Inuyasha), you understand the idea of youkai, general types and their dispositions, even some religious aspects to practices by priestesses and even everyday people, etc. so it's a little easier to navigate. So getting into Chinese media of a certain time period where those beliefs and practices inform the story was a challenge but it also just kind of opens your eyes to how much you don't know which is exciting. I absolutely want to check out the books because I need to know Xie Lian's whole origin (including his 17th birthday and his parents backstory) and what transpired to have created the delicate soft spot San Lung has for him. I hadn't heard of SVSSS yet but MDZS is on my TBW and I'm wondering if watching it will help clarify my confusion from TGCF or if I should do some research ahead of time so I'm not as lost.

Never apologize, I love when people are inspired and passionate! Lol and makes the conversation I have with you guys feel less one sided (with my disproportionate essay responses haha). 💛 I'm sure I'll post when I start watching/reading any of the above so we can reconvene! I'm currently finishing up Stars Align and, from what I've gathered might need to add this to my TBR to get a satisfactory end to things, too. 😭

I've been running on an empty battery lately so Tumblr's really the only social media platform I've been consistently perusing and posting on (RIP to twitter, insta and tiktok, ig). The upside of this being that I see JJK and BNHA leaks less frequently so I'm out here living in ignorant bliss ✨ So if you're out in these virtual streets, be safe out there, anon!

[goldenflowers]

Okay now EYE must ask you - how are you liking BG3??? How far are you?? Tell me about your Tav!!!! (Please and thank you <3)

hi!! 💖 i only started the game a few days ago and it was an impulse decision i made after having previously told a friend of mine that i definitely wanted to play it but that it'd probably take me a while to get around to it (and, because i thought i wouldn't play anytime soon i hadn't really been trying to avoid spoilers). but, i have the PC version and while it generally runs just fine, my computer is kind of slow and the game is so big that it took hours to download and install. so i kind of went ahead and started to come up with a whole character idea during that time LOL. sorry if my explanations of things get a bit too rambly/disorganized. i'm actually not very far in the game at all yet, i've been spending a ton of time doing stuff in the druids grove and i'm supposed to go find halsin but i haven't even gotten karlach in my party yet! i've recruited all the main companions except for her but i am excited to meet her. gonna put the rest of this under a cut for length.

my only background with DND is that i listened to the first campaign of the adventure zone and i've watched the legends of vox machina show. i also have a friend who's super into her own DND campaign and another friend who's told me a lot about dimension 20, specifically fantasy high--and i've considered trying it out for her but haven't gotten around to it yet! i think she actually told me the same thing about the episode lengths making it easier to get into than critical role, because i had tried critical role and it was just so long that i couldn't stick with it. but, yeah, i've also looked at the forgotten realms wiki a bit but i've never actually played DND. i have played skyrim and final fantasy 14 and some other similar RPGs with customizable blank-slate protagonists, and in those types of games i always have to make OCs to roleplay as--usually i'll think up a basic idea to start with and then flesh the character out as i get into the game. they're never really self-inserts but i do often project onto them a little.

so, in games like these my first character is usually an elf that specializes in elemental/destructive magic. idk why, that's just what i've always liked. in ff14 i started out as a black mage without knowing it was the hardest class to play LMAO. soooo i went into this planning to create a high elf sorcerer, but as i started writing out ideas and thinking about what to do, i ended up creating a half-high elf bard. they're transmasc/nonbinary and in my head they use he/they pronouns, but i picked the nb option in the character creator and that causes npcs to actually use they/them in dialogue which i think is so cool. i love that the character creator is so inclusive in regards to gender.

anyway, i named them elenion, which is something i took from the lord of the rings universe because i'm a huge nerd. in LOTR it's an elvish word that basically means "of the stars". here's a screenshot i took when i first started. let's just ignore the fact that this hairstyle clips into elf ears (and also that the face preset is from a mod i downloaded).

i didn't really give him a tragic backstory or even the most interesting story haha--i'm wanting to do something bigger and angstier with another character on a second playthrough when i'm more familiar with the lore and world of the game. and i'll probably also end up changing or expanding on some things about this character later, but for now i just kind of made a normal guy with normal problems. i had this idea that his father, a human who attracted the attention of a beautiful elf woman, was also a bard and was a very successful musician in his youth. so elenion has always shared his father's passion and dreamed of being like him, being able to effortlessly tell incredible tales and inspire crowds of people through song, but no matter how much he studies and practices he never feels good enough. if he seems confident it's usually just because he's gotten really good at faking it. he's also pretty reserved and often avoids having to talk about himself by asking a lot of questions. see, i kind of wanted to specifically find a way to not roleplay the usual sort of loud, flirty, goofy bard, lol. not that i dislike those kinds of characters or anything though!

however, bards are meant to be super charismatic, witty, and persuasive and of course the game strongly encourages that with the dialogue options and skill bonuses you get. so my way of explaining this is to have elenion be a bit like raine from the owl house, in that they may be shy, but they're very firm in their ideals and are no pushover when it comes to protecting themself or their allies. they're clever and have a snarky side to them, and they're genuinely friendly and caring in a way that gives them a sense of quiet charisma. which reminds me that one of the spells i gave them at the start was sleep, and it's made me imagine that when they were a kid they tried calming a crying baby by playing a lullaby on their lute and accidentally ended up casting their first spell.

oh, and, i also wasn't really sure at first where in the world i wanted elenion to come from but i decided on something pretty quickly after getting multiple of those dialogue options suggesting that the protagonist is baldurian! i pictured them growing up in a somewhat small town with their family but moving to baldur's gate as an adult, hoping that if they left the comfort of their home and started to journey out into the world a little they'd eventually find their spark and become the bard they wanted to be. unfortunately they've had little luck so far because even after all this time they can't see that maybe their whole fixation on trying to be just like their father and achieve the exact same kind of success that he had is holding them back. the fact that their father died the year after they moved away hasn't helped either. and now, in the middle of traveling to a historical site that they'd wanted to see in person and use as inspiration for a song, they've been abducted by mindflayers and are struggling with the massive upheaval that this has brought into their relatively mundane life.

so. yeah. my tav for this first playthrough may not be the most unique or exciting character but i like him! i like figuring out what kind of choices he'll make and thinking up new ideas for what he likes and how he sees the world. also, i find it funny how in your reply to my ask you said you thought you'd be into gale but then you fell for astarion--because i thought that i'd be all over the edgy, brooding, snarky vampire man, but it turns out gale is so charming and funny that i'm probably going to romance him first. i'm also pretty intrigued by shadowheart and wyll but i'm so early in the game that i can't even say who i think my overall favorite companion will be because they all seem so interesting!! even karlach despite the fact that i haven't actually met her yet, i've seen a bunch of cool gifsets of her and my brother told me he's been romancing her on his playthrough. i really need to go find her soon.

i'm sure you can tell from everything i wrote here that i am definitely enjoying the game LOL. i can already tell that there's just so many different things to do and see, that i will both need and want to do a lot of different playthroughs and that it's going to be something that sticks with me. nothing wrong with using guides and walkthroughs btw! i do it too because i'm worried about missing too many things and have the world's worst sense of direction even with a minimap. honestly i probably need to look up some guides for certain mechanics that i don't feel like i've really figured out yet. there's a sarcophagus trap in the ruins early in the game that got me SO stuck and got my whole party wiped and then i looked up a video and found out you could turn off the whole trap system by pushing a switch... i felt so stupid askjdfgf.

anyway, i think this got to be way too long of a reply so i will stop here! but if you ever wanna tell me more about your tav or anything definitely feel free to and i hope you're having an awesome day!

[stormbite-art]

i feel morbidly curious since i've been looking at old sb art and stuff, what was the original story/first draft like? story-wise and character-wise? again, just curious

The original first draft, version 0.001, pre-alpha, unrendered version of Stormbite was a hot mess, but there are still some anachronisms of it in the published version because I loved messing around with it in its raw form.

RIP Version 0.001 - Circa. 2012~

The first version was written by an angsty, unknowingly asexual, hyper stressed, nerd-ass teenager full of spite filled ambition, who had a little book/art club of other nerds who were into art, manga, video games, hyperfixations on birds, mushrooms, fish, and all other niche Ology zones, that they wanted to entertain and please. We all liked sci-fi and fantasy, non-human protagonists, were all raging angrily about how a certain series was going and the state of YA fiction at the time (it was those dark 2009-2013 years where all YA fiction was paranormal romance love triangle bullshit).

Because I was full of spiteful ambitious rage, and it was not my first rodeo in deciding to make a creative project of some kind, I decided to do my own story/comic with some characters created by my nerd club friends.

It was entirely what you'd expect of a teenager who did not fear cringe and was just wanting a good time to entertain friends. Plots were flexible abstract things, and canons were loose. Ships passed in the night, and AU's were golden and hyper modifiable to fit any scenario or adaptation. There was no lore or world rules, it was a free for all.

I managed to get through almost 20 pages of colouring this super rough comic, and doing what is essentially still the first chapter without really doing a script or any forethought into what happens next. Version 0.001's remnants still exist in chapters 1-5 and that is it, everything else after that came later when I decided that drawing took too long, and writing was faster and easier to change. Drawing out thumbnails of scenes did help in writing what happened and how a fight played out however.

The original versions of the characters however:

Storm had the full anime works: She had a split personality with colour changing, glowing eyes, possessed by the spirit of her dead twin, a metal collar that couldn't be taken off, lightning and frost powers, nerdy t-shirts and converse.

Kat was originally a blonde-haired blue eyed white girl, with blue jay wings which changed. Her tail was cut off, she was a trained assassin who wore revealing ninja outfits, her and Amell was meant to be a thing.

Beth had a pet owl called Harrold who was a spy for her, wore a cavaliers hat and was a self-proclaimed technomancer who could hack anything and control technology, was cheerful and helpful, had all of her limbs, and was obsessed with blueberry muffins.

Wilny was pasty emo boy with scraggy hair and much greener wings. Also he could actually stop time rather than mess with perceptions to make it feel as though time has stopped.

Amell was a skinny, lanky dude, greek rather than kiwi, and had blue eyes, and could lift a car in flight.

Comet was more of a main character with a kind of disturbing backstory, long hair, reality manipulation powers

Raoul was a wolf-girl before she became Asena and Raoul his own person. Palmer didn't really fully exist.

Malana is more or less the same, but was meant to have horns at one point and was created in Risio but was a reject.

Sabre & Fell were generic bad guys. Rex was a good guy.

There was also a lot of other characters who either have been recycled into other minor characters (ex. Rai, Asena, the Varren group ((that was the first rodeo)) or Roux) or have been lost to time and cut completely.

Of course, time goes on, you grow and change, develop and redevelop both what you like, how you work, what you can do and prefer, so of course it evolved a lot more and there was a lot of changes along the way.

Personally, I think they all look a lot better now.

[ntaras]

hi! sorry to bother, and i'm sure this gets asked a lot but i was wondering about some things regarding the mk fandom since i just about caught up with the games a few weeks ago. i know it's a given to have fans be passionate about their favourite characters in the fgc, but it feels more exaggerated in the mk fandom somehow? i get that people are disappointed in the new versions of the characters (me too tbh) but some of the complaints feel a bit... too much. the old games had stellar concepts and character dynamics for sure! but they weren't exactly written well? if they were shown at all for that matter. the story of these games boils down to good vs evil to me and it has always been the case, so it's extra weird to see fans complain about villains being cartoonishly evil when they've always been like that. some side characters barely had personalities in the midway and even nrs era, and while i may not like their current incarnation much potential-wise, i would be lying if i said the old versions had better writing. again, sorry for the dump, i just wanna know what it's like from your side considering you've been here for so long ^^;

hi don’t apologize for asking i don’t mind the ask at all!!!

in my opinion it’s because a lot of concepts have been abandoned and because most (if not all) characters have been rewritten to have stories that don’t really represent who they are/were. i don’t think it’s a good thing to just rewrite the entirety of characters to the point where it isn’t them anymore under the guise of “it’s a reboot”. it’s just an excuse to defend something that still has poor writing and even more poor characterizations when compared to the older lore. the originality is and the ability to create something from what was already given is lazily lost.

i don’t think you can say they’re better characterizations or better dynamics when they’re different characters with different lore and different world building. that’s not to say i don’t like some of the characters (reiko and shang tsung are probably the only characters i REALLY enjoyed and don’t mind their characterizations at all), but it’s not them. even if the characters were always “cartoonishly evil” they still had some nuance or very important aspects to their backstory that is now taken away. key elements of lore are taken away to the point where i genuinely think you cannot have a character without.

the games have just always been a disappointment, and i think every old fan has accepted that. but at least they didn’t stray so far that details couldn’t be fixed or conflicts couldn’t be resolved. mk1 just kinda gives up on the old lore and feels like a “fuck you” to the past. the “new era” characters don’t have what makes them them, and are just a bunch of mk11 sindels to be honest

i get what you’re saying about the exaggeration though- i do it for sure lol. there’s definitely some things people nitpick way too hard on (the biggest one that annoys me is blaming EVERYTHING on liu kang). but at the same as someone who is a fan of the older games it’s just a lot more easier to see what’s wrong with the characters. like i will genuinely get confused on why people like the mk1 versions of some characters because it’s just not who the characters really are. it just feels like they like some random guy from another random game not connected to mk.

and personally my biggest reason is that people are forgetting john tobias. like, he was THE guy in charge of the writing and it feels especially like a big fuck you to him (not that i can speak for him but i just wish his writing was a bit more respected by mk12 and newer fans).

with all that said i don’t think it’s inherently wrong to like mk12 and i don’t think new fans suck lol. like as someone whose first introduction to mk was mkx i won’t blame someone for enjoying the version they first saw. i can see why mk12 would be someone’s favorite game!! i just think in comparison to what mk is, mk12 isn’t good and a lot of older fans feel that way

[stewardofningishzida]

Stephen Strange Meta-Fic Sequel — Chapter 15: Who Broke It?

More character bonding and development, plus some backstory! Not all is revealed, but enough to wonder. Also, multiverse shenanigans ahoy! The start of more to come in future chapters. Be warned: This chapter goes hard into real-life situations too.

TRIGGER WARNING: Attempted kidnapping, coping with grief/loss, mention of fatal house fires, mention of drunk drivers, mention of a mental breakdown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 15: Who Broke It?

*We’re gathered together in the library, studying for our Master’s Trials.*

Me (concentrating hard on an advanced spellbook):  Trix, am I translating this phrase right?  Is it “नोद” or “आकर्षति”?  

Trix (slightly distracted): The first one. *She continues on her work.*

Prettywitch: What are you working on, exactly?

Trix (looking up): Me or Steward? Because I’m working on creating more concise spell books from ancient texts that they were having difficulty translating. It gets my translating going, my record keeping and textual context practice in, and eventually my book binding. I have to do at least like four more of these so Wong won’t just stare at me when I ask if it’s enough for now.

Prettywitch: Oh sorry, I meant Steward.

Me:  I have to go back under Kamar-Taj and sort out the spiritual wards and interact more with the guardian spirits down there.  Update them, train new ones, etc. There are also a few older spirits who are ready to move on while the new ones come in.  Also, I have to report my findings.  Then, The Ancient One wants me to try some new techniques so I can refine my abilities.

Trix: What are you up to PrettyWitch?

Prettywitch: Oh, well I’m trying to see if maybe I can make my visions come at will. Or at least, trying to, anyway.

Me:  Did Stephen have any advice?

Prettywitch: Actually, I haven’t talked to him about it yet. 

Me:  I’d ask him.  No shame in asking for help.  I wish I knew more about foresight beyond the basics so I could give you anything useful.  *I really do want to help, but her skill level with this type of magic is beyond mine.*

Prettywitch: No, you’re right. I gotta get better at asking for help anyway. *She picks up her tarot deck and stands up.* 

Trix: I wish you luck! Honestly, yours is the trickiest and I have all the respect in the world for you figuring it out and being so good at it already!

Prettywitch: *Laughs awkward* Ah, it’s nothing. I wish I had your power, honestly. It’d make international travel much easier for Moi.

Trix: Thank god the days of my brain breaking are over. I do have to learn how to speak everything though…which is likely to suck. But hey, all of ours are pretty interesting *She chuckles as she rubs the back of her head awkwardly.*

Me:  We’ve all made it pretty far, huh?  *I’m proud of us.*

Trix: Absolutely. I don’t think I would have made it without you guys.

Prettywitch: Yeah…Yeah, me too. I probably would’ve gone insane without you guys.

Me:  Likewise.  You guys already know what a mess I was in before meeting you all in the first place.  *I give a morbid smirk and look at the floor for a moment before perking back up.*  Anyway, back to work!  I should go see what I can do with those ghosts.

Trix (jokingly): If you ever teach them to sing Grim Grinning Ghosts I will give you $100. *She grins*

Me (playing along):  I’m sure they do get bored down there…I may have to give it a shot.  *I’m amused.*

Prettywitch: *Laughs* Alright, I’m gonna go find Stephen. Ciao! *She waves goodbye and leaves the room.*

Me:  The psychic connection’s almost always open.  Contact me if there’s anything going on.  *I get up to head to the basement.*

Trix: Good luck! I’ll stay here and keep working on these translations!

*Meanwhile, Blackie has been training with Wong and has improved considerably.  She has risen to the rank of Adept.*

*A small mist forms outside the temple to Karmar-Taj. It slowly turns into Stephen, but one from a different universe. He leans his hand against the wall for a moment to catch his breath. He takes in his surroundings and sees where he is; Karmar-Taj. He decides to make his way in.*

*He senses some rather distinctive magical signatures…That and the spiritual energy in the complex is shifting.  Old spirits departing and new spirits joining.  Someone new is weaving the enchantments.*

*That when he feels a familiar magic signature. One that feels different, yet familiar all at the same time. He turns and sees Prettywitch and is stunned to see her. He goes up to her.*

Broken Stephen: Hello…?

Prettywitch: *She gets startled and looks up to see who it is…only to be confused.* Stephen…?

Broken Stephen: What? Oh yes, it’s me. *He clears his throat.* Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.

Prettywitch: Uhh…No, that’s okay…*She looks him up and down, cautiously. Sure, this man looks like Stephen Strange, but there are subtle differences in his aura. The Stephen she knows has a more relaxed aura, this one’s aura feels sporadic, like it doesn’t know who or what it wants to be. And that terrifies her, not because it’s an unfamiliar Stephen, but because of who this Stephen’s reminding her of.* I was actually coming to look for you.

Broken Stephen: Well, you’ve found me. Why don’t we go for a walk?

Prettywitch: Actually, why don’t we go get some tea first? I don’t know about you, but I’m parched.

Broken Stephen: Oh, okay. 

*Prettywitch leaves for the temple with this other Stephen behind her. She has no idea how long she can keep this up, but hopefully she can find Stephen soon. If not? Well, it’s not like she doesn’t have magic at her disposal.*

*Luckily, she sees Stephen and Clea walking towards them.*

*616-Stephen is walking at a brisk pace.  It seems he sensed something “off” and wanted to go check it out.  When he sees this new Stephen walking with Prettywitch, he speeds up more, but does his best to remain composed.*

616-Stephen:  Excuse me, can we help you?  *He’s looking at his alternate self, already suspicious.  He also casts a short glance at Prettywitch to see if she’s indicating anything to him.*

Prettywitch: Oh, Stephen. I was looking for you, I just happened to find this guy- *She feels Broken Stephen grab her shoulder and pull her away while he fabricates a shard from thin air and points it at Stephen & Clea.*

616-Stephen (growling):  You do realize that there are two of us and one of you, right?  *He opens a portal underneath his alternate self in an attempt to trap him and sends his Cloak to grab Prettywitch back, looking to Clea to run interference if needed.*

Broken Stephen (now floating and having blocked the Cloak): I’m aware of that. *Grins.* But I doubt you can beat me. 

Clea: Would you like to test that theory?

Broken Stephen: *Laughs* If you’re so eager to lose your life, then come at me, faltine.

*The whole time they’re boasting, Prettywitch is quickly conjuring her makeshift Clow Card staff and a familiar looking card to boot.*

Prettywitch: Yeah, well. See you around, Bateman. Time!!! *She activates the card, which only affects the Stephen holding her captive. She slowly removes his hand from her shoulder and draws another card.* Sword!!! *Her staff becomes a sword, which she uses to destroy the shield blocking the Cloak. Then she holds her hand out. *

*The Cloak acts quickly and grabs her to get her away from this hostile version of Strange.  616-Stephen summons a pair of cuffs and restrains his doppleganger.*

Prettywitch: Thanks, Cloakie.

616-Stephen (concerned, at Prettywitch):  Are you okay?

Prettywitch: Yeah, I’m okay.

Clea: That was a most impressive feat of magic.

Prettywitch: Thanks, but I don’t know how long it’ll last for.

616-Stephen:  I’ll get him to a holding cell.  *He opens a portal and pushes the man through.*

*In the meantime, I’ve finished up my tasks.  The enchantments are back up, I helped 3 spirits move on, and integrated 3 new ones into the barriers.  My aura has gotten a bit stronger from me having absorbed the leftover dregs of energy left behind from the spirits that moved onto the afterlife.  On my way up from the undercroft, I notice what appears to be Stephen in a holding cell, but he looks “off”.  Not to mention his aura is a bit different.  This one looks more desperate.  His eyes are bloodshot and his appearance is slightly neglected.  I can’t help but stare in confusion.*

Me (trying to figure this out):  What the hell…?

*Broken Stephen looks up and sees Steward.*

Broken Stephen: Steward…?

Me (tilting my head curiously):  …Yes?  

*I’m suspicious and won’t give any other information, but I’m privately assessing what might be going on.  He sees me watching him.*

Broken Stephen: What’s wrong…?

Me (calmly):  Nothing.  I’m just gonna head back up.  *I’m not giving anything away with my expression and turn to leave, watching him out of the corner of my eye.*

*Broken Stephen watches her leave and stares at the ground like a sad puppy…a sad puppy that soon begins to look angry.*

*I speed up when I notice the change in expression.  Meanwhile, upstairs in the courtyard, Wong has joined the group and is getting information from 616-Stephen.*

Wong:  I see.  A hostile version of yourself from another universe.  You do have a talent for attracting such things, don’t you, Strange?  *He’s exasperated at the situation.  Though not mad at his friend.*

*I emerge from the basement.*

Me:  Hey guys, did you see-Oh.  Ehhhhh…I dunno how long that cell’s gonna hold.  He’s already pretty pissed off.  *I shift uneasily.*

Prettywitch: Oh? That bad, huh?

Wong:  We’ll have to figure out which universe he came from and send him back.  We can put up wards to block off specific realms.

Prettywitch: Yeah, but are we gonna do with Patrick Bateman in the meantime.

616-Stephen:  We’ll have to neutralize his magic so he can’t pull anything.

Me:  He seemed to want to talk, but I already had my internal alarm bells going off.  That’s why I ran up here.  Better to not give any information to someone we suspect is dangerous.

616-Stephen:  I’ll go down and seal him.

Me:  Please be careful.

*He gives a quick nod and heads down to the undercroft.*

*Broken Stephen is just sitting in the corner of his cage hugging his legs when he hears someone approaching. He looks up and sees the other him, the one who belongs to this universe.*

Broken Stephen: *Grumbles* So, Mr. Pretty Boy’s come to visit.

616-Stephen (cautious):  It didn’t have to be this way.  We could have just talked.

Broken Stephen: *Shrugs.* If you say so.

616-Stephen:  Will you tell me why you decided to try and kidnap Prettywitch?

Broken Stephen: *He’s silent for a moment.* Because you don’t deserve her.

616-Stephen (raising an eyebrow):  What makes you think that?  *He’s privately getting angry, but keeping it well-hidden.*

Broken Stephen: It’s not fair! Why? Why do you get to keep your girls while I lose mine?

616-Stephen:  Tell me what happened.  *He’s still willing to listen, if only to figure out his other self’s motives and whether or not he can peacefully resolve this.  Stephen figures he’ll give this alternate version of himself one chance to be reasonable before he has to enact the sealing ritual.*

Broken Stephen: *Sighs* Agatha kidnapped Trix. We needed to rescue her, so the Avengers and the girls found her hideout. Lang went in to set-up an explosive device to level her house and…I stupidly let the girls go in with him to find Trix. *He starts tensing up.* Before I knew it, a fight broke out between the girls and Agatha as they escaped. I tried to…I tried to save them, but…but it was too late. She killed Trix, right in front of her friends. Before the others had a chance she…vaporized them…I…I couldn’t…I couldn’t…*He curls himself into a ball and softly sobs into his knees.*

*616-Stephen watches him and listens silently.  Hearing this, he is filled with compassion for his counterpart.  This one has experienced his worst fears realized in this past year.  He stays calm in an effort to be professional, but he does want to help.*

616-Stephen (sincere):  I’m sorry…Honestly, that scenario came dangerously close here too.  The only things in their favor were luck and the ghost that happened to be following Steward at the time…That and Lang decided to get clever and sent several colonies of ants into the cabin to distract Harkness.  She apparently almost stepped on the group while they were miniaturized, but they narrowly avoided it.  I didn’t want them to go on the mission in the first place, but we couldn’t find any suitable alternative.  The girls were hell-bent on acting.  So, Prettywitch stayed outside the cabin to provide cover fire while Steward went in with Tear and Lang to steal Trix’s crystal.  It worked with a very narrow escape.  Look…I’m sorry that this happened to you, but kidnapping different versions of them isn’t the answer.  

Broken Stephen: *Chuckles defeatedly.* I know, but…What am I supposed to do?...I don’t have a place to call home anymore.

616-Stephen:   What happened to the Sanctum?

Broken Stephen: Don’t worry, it’s still standing.

*616-Stephen listens, trying to figure out what else happened.*

Broken Stephen: You see, I…I left. I used the time machine we keep in the Avengers compound to travel back in time, so I could save them. I wasn’t successful. But I didn’t give up. I tried again and again and again. I hadn’t noticed things had changed until I looked out the window…I…I saw Scott and Hope’s wedding being held on the courtyard…they introduced Wong as Sorcerer Supreme when he came up to MC. That’s when I knew…I was gone for so long they must’ve thought something happened to me…So I left…

616-Stephen:  You may want to consider returning.  They might still have a place for you.  While I was Blipped in this universe for 5 years, Wong became Sorcerer Supreme.  After I came back, he trained me to take the role and then abdicated.  You know Wong…He prefers his books to administrative work.  *He tries to make a small joke in an attempt to comfort his counterpart.*

Broken Stephen: *He shakes his head.* You don’t understand. I acted selfishly. Instead of grieving, I took it upon myself to play God and in doing so, neglected the friends and responsibilities I still had…just like I did when I lost my hands. I don’t deserve to be Sorcerer Supreme of my World, or any world for that matter…But I’m…I’m just so lonely…

*616-Stephen genuinely wants to help his counterpart.  At the same time, he knows that this one has nothing left to lose.  So, he errs on the side of caution and doesn’t release Broken Stephen from the holding cell just yet.*

616-Stephen:  …I can’t pretend to know exactly how you’re feeling, but I have an inkling.  Unfortunately, I can’t release you just yet, but we can continue to talk this out.  *He’s being honest.*

Broken Stephen: I try abducting your girls and you still wanna reason with me? *He laughs harshly.* I don’t know if you’re just stupid or naive.

616-Stephen (shrugging, not letting this one get under his skin):  I’m another version of you.  So, you tell me.  I’m just as human as you are.  I simply wanted to see if we could resolve this peacefully first.

Broken Stephen: I suppose…

616-Stephen:  That and if you took them by force and/or harmed me in the process, they would only resent you.  The only way this could work out for everyone is if you stand down and agree to negotiate peacefully.

Broken Stephen:*He takes a while to think about this.* No. No, you’re right. They would resent me if I did that to them…but I’m not sure if I’m ready to accept that just yet.

616-Stephen:  Have you attempted to abduct other versions of them before?

Broken Stephen: Yes.

616-Stephen:  How did that work out for you?

Broken Stephen: Not good. I’d always end up hating myself for doing it.

616 Stephen:  What did you do to them after you took them?

Broken Stephen: I’d kidnap but after a while, they escaped or I’d let them. I tried several times to use magic many times to make their will bend to mine, but…I could never bring myself to do it.

616-Stephen:  I see…*He watches his counterpart as he speaks.*

Broken Stephen: I would see the horror in their eyes and just…stop. 

*Meanwhile, since it’s been a long time, I decide to go down and check on what’s happening, albeit secretly via astral projection first.  I lie down and project myself out of my body, phasing through the ground to invisibly check on the undercroft.  I silently hover nearby behind 616-Stephen.*

Broken Stephen: They reminded me so much of Donna at that moment. How scared she'd be whenever it was thundering or whenever mom and dad fought. And I remembered all I wanted was to protect her…and them.

*616-Stephen is silent for a while hearing this.  It brings back some memories that he had been hoping to repress.  He senses a certain energy behind his shoulder and glances over.*

Broken Stephen: Are you sensing something, too?

*I silently go to phase back through the ceiling of the undercroft, trying to avoid being caught.*

*I rejoin my body and head down since it seems they’re just talking.*

Me (awkwardly):  Erm…Is everything okay down here?

616-Stephen (flatly, with slight annoyance):  Yes, Nosey.  Did you seriously think that we wouldn’t notice you astral-projecting into here?

*I turn red.*

Me (defensive):  I just wanted to check on you.  It’s been a while since you went down.  *I’m slightly embarrassed at having been caught so quickly.*

*Broken Stephen chuckles at Steward before returning to his depressed state.*

Me:  What exactly has been going on here?

616-Stephen:  Just getting some information.  *He’s still guarded.*

Me:  So, why is this happening, then?

616-Stephen:  It’s a long story, but in short, Harkness killed all of you in this version of me’s timeline.  He was kidnapping other versions of you to try and overcome his grief and loneliness.  

Me (quietly):  Oh…I’m sorry.  *I look at the floor.*

Broken Stephen: It’s okay.

Me (gently):  …I know it’s not exactly the same situation, nor does anyone process grief in the same way, but maybe I could help?

616-Stephen:  As long as the situation remains safe.

*I nod at him and then look at Broken Stephen.*

Me:  So…wanna talk?

Broken Stephen: *He’s taken aback by this…for a moment. He gives her a small smile.* Sure.

*I sit down on the floor just to get the strain off of my legs. 616-Stephen stays nearby just in case.*

Me (serious):  Okay…Well, I kinda know what it’s like to have grief slowly eat you alive…I don’t like talking about this stuff much and generally try to keep things light, but in this case, it’s probably good to confront what’s going on.  *I take a deep breath to calm myself before continuing.*  I’ve lost a lot of people I loved.  Eleven of them.  Some to accidents, some to diseases, and other such things.  Every time, it hurt.  However, one of the worst ones happened when I was 16 at the start of a long chain of horrible events that brought me lower and lower until I didn’t even care what happened to myself anymore.  I was supposed to take care of them.  They had survived a bout of cancer before and because I was already interested in medicine, I wanted to try and help them through round 2.  So, I threw myself completely into it and looked after him all day, every day.  There were some good days and some bad days.  It looked like he might have a chance at getting better, but then during New Year’s Eve, he took a really bad turn and before I knew it, he was dead.  I tried to talk to him to see if he would wake back up.  I held his body.  Nothing.  Just that horrible ventilator pumping air in and out, even though he wasn’t alive anymore.  The nursing staff present didn’t do CPR or use an AED.  They just…stood there.  My parents had to carefully pull me away because I refused to leave him.  Despite that, I couldn’t cry.  Days later, at the funeral, I still couldn’t cry.  The intrusive thoughts started…along with the nightmares.  Some part of me had begun to believe that somehow, I screwed up.  Maybe, if I had somehow done something more, he’d still be here.  Honestly, still, I don’t know.  Was it somehow my fault?  Then, a couple of weeks after the funeral, we got more news.  My aunts had both burned to death in a house fire.  My mother was devastated and developed a lifelong fear of fire.  Later on in the year, we also lost our house, my friend got killed by a drunk driver, and life just kept on hitting and hitting and hitting…After pretending to be fine for months, I failed my precalculus final and that was what finally broke the dam.  I had a huge mental breakdown in my senior year of high school and went into a depressive spiral…but I refused to act on it.  Do you know why, despite everything, that I didn’t go far enough to harm anyone?  

Broken Stephen: No…Why didn’t you?

Me:  …I knew that if they were still there, they wouldn’t want me to.  If the situation were reversed, they wouldn’t do it either.  I certainly wouldn’t want them to.  Out of respect for them, I didn’t.  I wanted to…Gods, did I want to sometimes, but I held on and opted to devote my life to helping others, both because it would make them proud, but also because I know how badly it hurts…I never want to inflict that kind of pain on anyone.  Even on my worst enemy.

Broken Stephen: *He’s tearing up.* Steward…I…I don’t know what to say…

Me:  I suppose that what I’m saying is that letting your grief consume you to the point of hurting others only leads to more pain.  In a way, I kinda channel my pain into my determination to protect and help people.  That way, instead of it constantly gnawing away at me, I acknowledge it and decide to find a better outlet.  It’s okay to grieve.  Healthy, even.  However, dwelling on it constantly and letting it drive you crazy isn’t.  It sucks and it’s gonna suck.  Over time, it’ll slowly get a little easier to handle.  Though you’ll still have bad days every once and a while, especially if something pops up to remind you.  That’s kinda why I hate New Year’s so much.  Anyway, you’re allowed to feel sadness like any other person…Just please, out of respect for those you love, don’t use that pain to hurt others.  I’m sure that the other me wouldn’t want that, nor would the others…I know I’m not her, but if we’re similar at all, I’d hope that you’d know that.

Broken Stephen: No, no you’re right…She wouldn’t. *He starts to cry into his hands.* I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry…

*616-Stephen has a lump in his throat, but is doing his best to stay composed.  He undoes the force field keeping Broken Stephen in, knowing that he’s no longer a threat.  I sit quietly, letting Broken Stephen let his grief out.  I’ve been trying to keep a straight face myself.  Reliving these events was very painful, but I knew it had to be done.*

*After awhile, Broken Stephen begins to talk through his sobs.*

Broken Stephen: What can I do?...What can I do to make amends?...How can I stop this pain…?

Me:  I don’t know exactly how many attempts you made beforehand, but if it were me, I guess I’d start with this…For every person that you hurt, help 2 more.  That and, to be honest, one of the reasons the various versions of us loved you was for your compassion and devotion to your oath.  The fact that you held such a respect for life and always tried to find another way for everything to turn out better.  Please…We’d like to see another Stephen like that in the multiverse.  Go back to your oath, to your duties.  I know it’ll be difficult, but that would be one of the most noble things that you could do.

Broken Stephen: *He smiles.* I’d like that. I just…I’m just still afraid I may be rejected by my friends after all this time. I mean, what will they think of me knowing I just ran away?

Me:  They’re your friends.  If you explain yourself, apologize sincerely, and go back to helping and supporting them and others around you, then they’ll eventually forgive you.  If not, then so be it.  There are billions of people on the planet.  Surely, you can forge some new friendships.  Though frankly, I think that they’re good enough people that they’ll eventually forgive and accept you again.  Just the act of showing up again is pretty brave in and of itself.  That and backing up your words with actions will help a lot.

Broken Stephen: *He nods.* Okay…

Me (smiling slightly):  On a really bad day, if our version of Stephen is okay with it, you can always come by and we can talk.  There’s actually a pub that I used to hang around during the bad days.  I could show you if you want.  *I look at 616-Stephen.  He nods.*

616-Stephen:  I’m coming with you.  *He’s not being defensive this time.  More curious since I hadn’t discussed my past before.*

Broken Stephen: Okay. Sure.

Me:  Let’s head up, then.  You should probably apologize to Prettywitch and meet Trix.  Tear’s still around too, but she’s busy with work and family things.

Broken Stephen: Oh…right. *Sigh.* Well, let’s get this over with.

*We head up.  Wong is currently with Prettywitch in the courtyard.*

Me:  Hey, you two.  Erm…Prettywitch, someone has something to say to you.  Don’t worry, he’s not out to hurt anyone.  *I reassure her and look at Broken Stephen.*

Prettywitch: Okay. - *She sees it’s Broken Stephen and becomes nervous.* Oh, hello crazy-I mean, Stephen. You…wanna talk to me…?

Broken Stephen: Actually, I wanted to apologize to you for…earlier.

Prettywitch: Oh…Oh, right…

Broken Stephen: I don’t expect you to forgive me, right away. Hell, you might never forgive me. But I want you to know that I’m sorry. And that I’m going to…no, I will work to become better…

*Prettywitch is stunned.*

Prettywitch: Well, you’re right, I can’t forgive you right away. Hell, I’m nervous being around you, right now.

Broken Stephen: That’s fair.

Prettywitch: But I’m glad to hear that you want to get better. AND I believe you will; there’s just something in you that’s inherently good, Stephen, and that’s you always succeed, by becoming the best version of yourself.

Broken Stephen: *He smiles.* Thank you.

Wong (still guarded):  So, what else are you planning to do while here?  *He’s not being directly confrontational, but he IS ready to defend if necessary.*

Me (calmly):  I was going to take everyone for drinks.  Trix could use a study break.  *I’m hoping to reassure Wong.*

Wong:  Fine, but I’m coming too.

Me:  Okay.  Let’s go get Trix.  *We head to the library.*  Hey, Trix…You’ve been studying really hard and some stuff almost went down.  It’s already sorted out, but you should meet someone.  Also, we’re all heading out for drinks.  I think you could really use a break, even if just for this evening.

Trix (out of sorts): Huh? *She looks up to Steward and glances behind her to see two Stephen’s* Oh, I must have been studying too long if I’m starting to see double. *She groans and rubs her eyes*

616-Stephen:  No, he’s really here…

*I lightly elbow Broken Stephen to nudge him into introducing himself.*

Broken Stephen: Oh, uh… *Clears his throat.* Hello, Trix. I’m Doctor Stephen Strange but from a different universe. I was here for nefarious reasons, but I’m not now. So…nice to meet you…?

Trix: *She blinks at him for a moment before smiling* Hello! *She frowns for a moment, looking him up and down before closing her books. She gets up and walks over to him.* Normally I’d shake a person’s hand when greeting them but Stephen Strange’s tend to be a different case. Plus you look like you need one of these. *She gives him a large hug instead.*

Broken Strange: *He blushes. Then he slowly puts an arm around her.* Uh…thank you…

Prettywitch: *Chuckles.* I guess all Stephen’s have trouble being affectionate.

Trix (still hugging): Being an awkward dork is a multiversal constant. That’s why we’re here to help! *She finally releases him before turning to Steward.* Now are we going to the one with the good quesadillas or the other one? I’m purely invested for the food and the company.

Me (rubbing the back of my head):  Actually…I haven’t taken you guys to this one.  It used to be the place I went on bad days before I knew you well.  My past is still kind of a sore spot, but I think you guys have more than enough right to at least see a bit of it.  The food is great and so are the drinks.  It’s a bit old-fashioned, but it has some comfy seating and people generally leave you alone.  It’s not obnoxiously loud and shows classic films on the tv over the bar.  Admittedly, the bartender kinda knows me…

Trix (gently): Lead the way! *She gestures to Steward*

*I open a portal and lead the group to the sidewalk in front of the pub.  It’s a rather small, plain-looking building that blends in with everything else, but every time the door opens and shuts from customers, delicious smells waft our way and we can hear the sounds of idle chatter mingled with a movie playing.  I let everyone in and the bartender greets me.*

Bartender:  Welcome to The Slaughtered Lamb-*He recognizes me*  Hey, Steward!  It’s been a while!  You holding up okay?

Me:  Yeah.  Thanks, Martin.

Martin:  No prob.  I see you brought friends.  *He’s mildly surprised.*  I’ll get you seated in a few minutes.

*After a few minutes, we’re seated.  The lighting is rather dim, but overall, the atmosphere of the pub is warm and inviting with various historical photos of the town on the walls.  There’s a very small open area with a piano in the corner and although the bar’s interior is clearly worn-down, it’s kept clean.  Tables are spaced out enough that people mind their own business.  We look through the menus.  There’s a decent list of craft and imported beers, some wines, and some cocktails.  Also, there’s a lot of comfort food.*

Me:  So, what looks good, guys?  I used to get the garlic cheese fries, a burger, and some beer.

Trix (smirking): A Shirley Temple and some snacks.

Prettywitch: I’ll take cheesecake if you have any. If not? Nachos and a nice cold Stella, please.

Wong:  I’ll try one of their beers.

616-Stephen:  I’ll have a negroni.  It’s been a while since I’ve had one.  

Broken Stephen: I’ll have whiskey and coke.

*After the waitress takes our orders, we wait.  I absentmindedly glance at the tv to watch the show.*

Trix: Y’know, if you told me two years ago where I’d be, I absolutely wouldn’t have believed it.

Me:  No kidding.  I thought I was just gonna do my job, apply for a doctoral program, and quit my job to earn my Ph.D if I got in.  Was all focused on work and school stuff.  Didn’t think any of this would happen at all.

Prettywitch: I know, right!? It’s funny how life works, sometimes.

Wong:  We were fairly blindsided as well.  Now that it has happened, what are your thoughts on everything?  *This is his subtle way of checking up on us.*

Trix: Honestly? *She pauses a moment in thought* I know a lot of horrible things have happened to us but it’s also been some of the greatest moments of my life. It gives me purpose and I’ve gotten to be around some of the greatest people because of it.

Me:  Agreed.  Never been so worried about everyone in my life, but frankly, seeing as everything has turned out okay so far, I think I’m doing alright.  Experiencing and learning all of these new things gives me life and energy that I haven’t felt in a long time.  I love my medical research, of course, but these studies are on a whole different level.  Our little group from this universe has effectively become a team of pioneers.  I always dreamed of exploring new territory, whether it was metaphorical or literal.  So, yeah.  Despite everything, I’d say I’m actually happy…whenever we’re not being actively threatened, of course.

Prettywitch: Same. Especially since I haven’t been having such a great year.

*I give Prettywitch a reassuring look.*

616-Stephen:  Helping and training all of you is difficult work, but seeing you girls learn and mature so quickly is rewarding.  I’m proud of you.  

Trix (teasing): Are you saying we’re difficult? *She grins at him*

616-Stephen (curling his lip):  You ladies are really something else, you know that?  *He’s teasing back.*

Me (flatly, sarcastically):  Har har har…*I’m teasing him as well.*

Prettywitch: Yeah, I’m sure you say that to all the pretty ladies, Stephen. *She gives him a wink to let him know she’s teasing.*

*616-Stephen rolls his eyes in mock dismay.*

Wong:  I’m relieved to hear that you three are doing okay.

Broken Stephen: Yeah, me too actually. *He smiles sadly.*

*Our orders arrive.  Everything looks good.  So, we tuck into the food and drinks as we chat.  616-Stephen gives me a look when he notices my rather unhealthy choices.*

Me (noticing):  Don’t you start.  *I’m amused.*

616-Stephen:  You’re gonna regret that later.

Me:  Worth it for now.  I haven’t had this stuff in years.  Probably not since…Hmmm…Yeah, I stopped slipping off to be alone here after about a year of getting to know the group.  It always took me a while to get used to people, but Trix, Tear, and Prettywitch made me feel so welcome that I eventually stopped getting the urge to leave.  Usually, I feel like an outsider or downright invisible.  So, it was nice that they took the time to actually hang out with me.  I know I wasn’t exactly friendly at first, but I was nervous.  At least I warmed up to you guys eventually.  Heh…Remember the cake I made for us for the 1-year anniversary of the group?

Trix: It was delicious! You were super worried about the decorations on it as well until we inhaled that thing.

Prettywitch: *Laughs* Oh yeah!

616-Stephen:  So, you were always that nitpicky about cake decorating, huh?  *He smirks at me.*

Me:  Shut it.

Trix: I have it on good authority, Stephen, that you are also incredibly nitpicky as well so beware of the glass house you find yourself in.

Prettywitch: Ooh! She’s got you there.

Broken Stephen: *He laughs a little; apparently, nitpicking is a universal trait for Stephen’s across the multiverse.*

*Wong is quietly amused by our banter.*

Broken Stephen: *He takes a sip of his drink.*

Me:  So, Trix, what drew you to joining the group in the first place?  I joined in partly because I loved the Marvel comics and partly because I was lonely.  That and my parents were worried about my lack of social engagement.

Trix: The MCU in particular for me. I was fascinated by such an undertaking to weave so many stories together to create such a cohesive tapestry of a universe! *She grows more and more passionate as she speaks before she realizes she’s gotten a lot louder.* Oops… *She blushes.* But yeah, I have some good and great friends but I was still almost always alone. I always had to be the first one to reach out and when I finally stopped because I was tired of always being the first one, I found myself alone except for one or two people but they always were busy, understandably. At least, until I met you guys. I finally didn’t feel like I was a bother and was included without having to make the plans myself. *She can’t help but close in on herself a little bit more after finally admitting it*

*I gently pat Trix’s shoulder to comfort and reassure her.*

Me:  Yeah, I get that.  Though my main thing was that after so much loss, I kinda shut down and figured, “Why bother?  It’s just gonna happen again and again and it’ll keep hurting.”  However, as I got more isolated, I knew that I was only getting worse.  That’s when I realized that people need people.  Even if they don’t want to admit it.  So, I’m glad that I caved into my parents’ worries and my own loneliness to reach out to you guys.  Hell, some of the liveliest discussions I’ve had were when you and Prettywitch were involved.  *I smile gently at Trix.*

*Trix blushes and feels somewhat embarrassed at how much that helps.*

Prettywitch: For me, it was love for the good doctor that brought me to this group. 

*616-Stephen blushes slighty.*

Prettywitch: I do agree with Steward, though; people need people. I always used my interests to interact with people because it was the only way I could properly communicate with others, but it led me to being friends with some people who weren’t good to me. That’s why I’m glad for the trajectory my life has gone in; I never imagined I’d fall this hard into Marvel fandom, but it‘s special to me partly because it led me to meeting my friends back home as well as you guys.

Me (chuckling lightly):  To think that a small group of comic book fans turned into this.  *I smile gently at my friends.*

Wong:  You three are good for each other.  This is encouraging.

Trix: Well, there’s power in 3’s! *She smiles gently before turning to Wong.* Now, I wanna hear more Wong Thoughts. *She scoots her stool obnoxiously closer to him on purpose before grinning at him*

*Wong remains stoic, not about to give her the pleasure of having irked him.*

Wong:  What would you like to know?  Any specific questions?

Trix: Anything you’re willing to share! This is sharing and caring time but we will not press. *Her smile is more genuine than teasing now*

*He grunts.*

Wong:  Well, when the four of you first arrived in Kamar-Taj, I had my doubts.  Especially four young women from a universe that has never previously known magic.  I did not expect you to learn so quickly.  Admittedly, it was amusing seeing Strange’s shock when you four were able to start producing sparks before he could unblock his own energy when he was first starting out.

*616-Stephen gives Wong a look.*

Prettywitch: Eh, I have an overactive imagination, that’s all.

Trix: I, for one, am very happy we did not need a field trip to Everest unlike somebody…

*For now, I’m just listening and enjoying the company while sipping my pint of beer.  I snort at the last part.*

Me:  Gah…Trix, You’re gonna make me spew beer.  *I’m amused.*

Trix (staring Steward in the eyes): Good.

Me:  *Muttering, teasingly at her under my breath.*  Butt-munch.  

Trix: Love you too~

Broken Stephen: *He actually laughs in earnest at that. He doesn’t even try hiding it this time.*

*Wong shakes his head at Trix and me.*

Wong:  Anything else?

Trix (thoughtful): So, assuming we pass our mastery tests, what happens then? Y’all have been secretive about parts of it. *She looks at 616-Stephen and Wong.*

616-Stephen:  Assuming that you three pass smoothly, we’ll begin to assign you missions.  Some of them will be team missions and others will be solo.  We want to see how all of you handle different situations on your own and with different people.  

Wong:  Sorcerers need to be adaptive and think on their feet.  Missions will help reinforce that.  

616-Stephen:  When we think that you’re ready to handle the responsibilities, we’ll start work on placement and construction of Sanctums and a main complex in your world.

PrettyWitch: *She gets starry eyed hearing that.* Really!? Oh, this is gonna be awesome! I’m gonna totally set up mine to look like my ideal castle, with a pool and ASMR room and everything!!! 

Trix (a bit melancholy): Oh yeah…I almost forgot we’re going home by the end of this. I’m just so used to being at Kamar-Taj and with you guys…

*I’m just quietly thinking about all of this for now.  I have that distant stare into space that I usually do when in deep thought.  To be honest, I have mixed feelings.  I’m secretly fangirling over being able to have and run our own Sanctums, but also worried about all of the responsibilities this situation entails, and I’m a bit sad about not being able to hang around with Stephen and the group like we used to.  It’s bittersweet.  So, I continue to silently mull this over.*

616-Stephen (gentle):  Look, we’ll still be around for a while and you can always call us if you need us.  

Wong (gruffly teasing):  …That and you have Sling Rings.  I doubt that you will neglect to visit.

Trix: I swear on the Watcher that you will never be rid of me. *Pointing teasingly*

*Wong allows himself to look mildly amused at this.*

Me:  So, what’s with the specialized exams?

616-Stephen:  I would’ve thought that would be obvious-

Me:  Really?  We’re doing this?  *I’m catching his snark before it starts, arching an eyebrow dangerously while looking him directly in the eyes.*

616-Stephen (quickly backpedaling):  Erm-I mean-The exams are tailored to the sorcerer-in-training by their Master.  There will be general material, but seeing as every student has a particular talent, we attempt to help them refine it so they can play to their strengths.  These exams are structured to test you to your limits in every way possible and if you show a particular set of skills, then that gets even more emphasis so we can see exactly how much you know.

Wong (amused by the effectiveness of my death glare earlier):  Including that?

616-Stephen (glowering at Wong):  No…*under his breath*  …Though it should be.

Broken Stephen: *He chuckles.* Oh dear…

Trix (realizing something): Oh. Oh. *She points at Wong and grins* I knew you liked me. I get to be the Wong of our group! That’s why I’m being focused on the book stuff!

Wong (attempting to remain stoic):  I cannot show favoritism, but you do show considerable proclivity towards my own field.

*Trix just grins wider and scoots closer to Wong and wraps an arm around him.*

Trix: Book buddies have to stick together, I understand. *She attempts to look as serious as Wong does on a normal day as she gives a solemn nod.*

*I put my drink down because now I can’t help myself.  So, I end up snickering into the collar of my jacket.*

PrettyWitch: *She grins ear to ear.* Why if I didn’t know better, Wong, I’d say you’re acting a bit like a tsundere, right now.

Wong (trying to ignore the comments):  …Do they have tea here?

Me (curious, but answering):  They do.

*He gets our waitress’ attention and orders a hot black tea.*

Broken Stephen: I’ll take some tea, too. It’s been awhile since I’ve had any.

*The tea arrives and Wong holds it close to himself.*

*Trix watches, amused, but still rather close as she hasn’t felt the need to move yet.*

*616-Stephen watches and notices something odd.*  

616-Stephen:  Wait…The steam isn’t just coming from the cup…*He looks at Wong and then the cup.  Suddenly, something in his brain seems to click and he gets a wide grin. *  So, THAT’s what your tic is.  

*Trix, listening to Stephen, takes a closer look at Wong before she starts to grin as well.*

Trix: That’s honestly super subtle and absolutely suits you.

Prettywitch: Oh my God! *She starts cackling.*

*I watch everything unfold with a smirk.*

*The steam intensifies slightly before Wong takes a slow, deep breath to calm himself, dispersing the involuntary cast.*

Wong (attempting to be stoic, but sounding slightly annoyed):  Well, now you know.

Trix: Honestly it makes me wonder what mine could have been if not for Agatha. I mean, I don’t think I ended up…as normal as a sorcerer could possibly be.

Broken Stephen: It’s hard to say, magic tics can manifest in all sorts of ways, especially when your innate magic abilities aren’t as grandiose.

Trix: Ever since I escaped the crystal prison, my magic is somewhat crystalline. It’s my passive magic, when I cast shields it tends to be made of crystal instead of a regular mandala. Loki also still has some of the effects as well but not nearly as much as me considering he’s a god and I’m just me. 

Broken Stephen: *His eyes widen when Trix mentions escaping Agatha unscathed.* Oh…right… *He swifts his gaze away and takes another sip of whisky.* How did you escape, anyway?

Me (calmly):  The whole situation and rescue were…complicated to say the least.  *I watch Broken Stephen to make sure that he’s okay.*

Prettywitch: Yeah. We ended up going through these labyrinths designed to trap us. 

Broken Stephen: Oh. *He nods and smiles sadly.* That’s good to hear.

*I look at him with a reassuring expression to calm him back down.*

Broken Stephen: *He looks at Steward and mouths “Thank you” to her.*

Me:  *I subtly nod at him to indicate a silent “you’re welcome” and give a slight smile to comfort him.  Then, I change the subject to steer away from this topic.*  So, do we wanna ask for the check, then?

Trix: Yeah, let’s head out.

*The group finishes up and we pay the bill before leaving.  We get to an empty alley outside and portal back to Kamar-Taj.*

Me (to Broken Stephen):  I hope this helped at least a little bit…*I think to myself for a second before shrugging and hugging the man to comfort him.  I hold him for a little while so he can feel safe before letting him go.*

Broken Stephen:  Yes, it did. Thanks, again for this, Steward.

Me:  No problem at all.  *I’m privately relieved that we’ve managed to come to a peaceful resolution this time.*

Prettywitch: Alright, let’s go home. I’m starting to get tired.

Broken Stephen: *He smirks.* That’s because you chugged your beer like it was going out of style.

Prettywitch: Hey! It’s not my fault I’m a lightweight.

616-Stephen: Actually it would be, in this case.

Prettywitch: Hey! Don’t give him any ammo!

Broken Stephen: *Laughs.*

616-Stephen:  So, what are your plans now, then?  *He still feels a bit weird with a variant of himself hanging around, but he doesn’t exactly want to start anything up again by being abrupt.*

Broken Stephen: *He shrugs.* Well, I figured I’d try going home and owning up to my mistakes. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough magic to send myself back. That’s kinda how I ended up here, actually.

Me:  We can help with that.  We’re strong enough now that it won’t take such a heavy toll on us.  *I’m calm and thinking logically.*

Trix: That’s true. *She’s a bit more subdued, almost lost in thought.*

Prettywitch: How did you get here, anyway?

Broken Stephen: Well, after I decided to leave I found a spell that would allow me to travel the multiverse by infusing crystals into my Sling Ring. The only catch was that it only had a limited number of times I could use it before the crystals ran out.

Prettywitch: And let me guess; you forgot you needed to replace said crystals, didn’t you…?

Broken Stephen: Well…Yeah. *He gives an awkward, embarrassed smile, like he got caught stealing books from the library in Kamar-Taj.*

Me:  What was the source of these crystals?  Maybe the other universe has some spares.

Broken Stephen: I think it was Hematite…? The spell required fusing the Ring with a gem that would protect you while traveling,so long as it’s “blessed” first.

Prettywitch: That should work. Let’s go find a gemstone store and see if they have any Hematite. If not? Well, that’s what Amazon is for.

Me:  I actually have some in my rock collection back home.  Things can be replaced.  So, it’s fine.

Prettywitch: Oh, that’s great!

*We portal to my house and I quickly grab the hematite from my rock collection, handing it over.*

Me:  Though blessing it…Hmm…Would you use the Vishanti or some other deity?

Broken Stephen: I’m pretty sure I used the Vishanti when I blessed the stone.

*Trix is in the background, scribbling into a journal and watching this go on.*

*I think for a moment to remember the correct incantation and then bless the hematite.*

Broken Stephen: *He removes his Sling Ring from his pocket and takes the Hematite from Steward.* Thank you. *He levitates the stone and ring and fuses them together before they become a bright, silver Sling Ring with a reflective surface. Then he places the ring on his hand.*

*I watch curiously and glance at Trix, thankful that she’s keeping a log of this new information.*

Broken Stephen: *He opens the portal, but before he steps through, he turns to us, nervously.* Uh…I know this is awkward, but…um…Could I…ask for a hug from you guys?

*I nod silently and open my arms so he can walk over to us.*

*Trix tucks her journal away before doing the same, ready for the group hug.*

*Prettywitch hesitates for a moment before caving in and hugging him tightly.*

*Broken Stephen hugs them and cries happily.*

Trix (still hugging): Is there anything else we can do? This entire thing has been difficult for you.

Broken Stephen: No. No, I’m good, for now. *He lets go of us.* Just let me know when you’ve returned home. I’d love to come and visit when I can.

Me:  We will…Though it may be a while due to our studies.  In the meantime, perhaps we could give you something to remember us by?

Broken Stephen: Yeah…I’d like that.

*Trix friend for a moment before her face lights up.*

Trix: I think I have an idea. *She creates three small crystals in the palm of her hand, each is clear. After a moment, one begins to turn orange and violet. She turns to Steward and PrettyWitch.*

Trix: I think this might help in remembering us, and our counterparts. If the both of you pour a little bit of energy in these *She holds one out to each of the others* they’ll eventually become something…greater over time if you *She turns back to Broken Stephen* treat them like seeds. *She then hands Broken Stephen her crystal seed.*

*I nod quietly and accept one of the clear crystals, holding it for a moment to infuse it with the energy of my aura.  It turns into the indigo, tan, and magenta of my soul’s signature, shimmering in the light.  I hand it respectfully to Broken Stephen when I’m done.  When Prettywitch infuses her crystal seed with her energy, I pass it to him as well.*

*Prettywitch forms a rose quartz keychain and gives it to Broken Stephen.*

Prettywitch: There you go; it’s not much, but it’s a reminder of your love for us, and the capacity you have to love and be loved.

Broken Stephen: *He smiles.* Thank you… *He lets the Cloak wipe the tears from his eyes.* Well, I should probably get going. Goodbye for now.

Prettywitch: Good luck!

Me:  See you later.  *I wave.*

*I turn to check on Prettywitch once I know that Broken Stephen is gone.*

Me:  You okay?  I know it was rough.  So, I didn’t wanna pressure you.  You can always psychically let us know if you’re uncomfortable.  In this case, we were just de-escalating the situation.  Though at least this variant was more of a lost soul needing help rather than a straight-up sociopath.  *I look her over carefully and respectfully.*

Prettywitch: Yeah, I’m okay. I just hope he gets better, that’s all.

Trix: I think we really helped him. Even if it was a talk and a meal, those can be the best remedies.

Me:  So, last check-up…You’re sure that you’re good?  *I want to be absolutely sure since I know what happened to Prettywitch and want to let her know that her voice will be heard if she needs anything.*

Prettywitch: Yes, love. I’m fine. Honest.

Me (relaxing a bit, knowing that she’s okay):  Okay.  On that note, we should head back to Kamar-Taj and study.

***To be continued***