#easy fun chapter

[bepisbee]

No Longer You

Previous Next Read on Ao3 Shadow: Holding the Braincell

Hyrule pat Shadow on the shoulder. “You’re healing well! It shouldn’t be long until you can take off the bandages, maybe another day.” 

“Th-thanks.” Shadow smiled sheepishly. He had hidden into himself since he’d been found out. Everyone had been at least civil with him if not nice. It had at least helped that Green Red and Blue vouched for him, and had told the group of their quest. With how suspicious he had seemed at first, it surprised him when Legend was the first to approach over Red. He had just sat next to him on the log at the fire and started working on a project. He found the silence surprisingly comfortable.

Over a few nights they slowly warmed up and tried to get him talking again. Even Blue would sometimes playfully nudge his shoulder but the real topic and question loomed over them all like a guillotine. No one knew why or how Shadow had appeared instead of Vio.

Hyrule pat Shadow on the shoulder. “You’re healing well! It shouldn’t be long until you can take off the bandages, maybe another day.”

“Th-thanks.” Shadow smiled sheepishly. He had hidden into himself since he’d been found out. Everyone had been at least civil with him if not nice. It had at least helped that Green Red and Blue vouched for him, and had told the group of their quest. With how suspicious he had seemed at first, it surprised him when Legend was the first to approach over Red. He had just sat next to him on the log at the fire and started working on a project. He found the silence surprisingly comfortable.

Over a few nights they slowly warmed up and tried to get him talking again. Even Blue would sometimes playfully nudge his shoulder but the real topic and question loomed over them all like a guillotine. No one knew why or how Shadow had appeared instead of Vio.

“Hey,” Green started softly one night. They were having a calm night. Everyone is full from Wild’s amazing cooking, the immediate area clear of monsters, and just sitting or playing or crafting. “Can I ask something? You don’t have to answer.” Shadow looks up at him, his true red and blue eyes reflecting the campfire. The sun was nearly fully set. “What do you remember between the tower and now?”

“Ah.” Shadow frowns “Notta lot. Et’s maor the memoree of how et felt? Dunno if that makes sense. Like ah knew et happend but ets like… a blurr. Yew ever just float around inna lake? Felt like that, but if the wader was heavier and ah was fully submerged.” Shadow took a sip of the tea mug he had been given earlier. “Ah assume et was the inside of the meer or wherever ah went when inside it. And then there ah was an y'all were shoutin’ an’ I panicked.”

“Inside the what?” Red tilted his head.

“The dark meer?”

“Oh, mirror. Sorry,” Red flushed embarrassment. “Well, now you can help us look when we get back to our era!”

“And get you a proper weapon.” Blue grunts, both offending and complimenting at the same time.

“Yewanna make me a sword??” Shadow asked, surprised. She only did that for very special circumstances, according to Green.

“No,” She waves a hand in the air, “Course not.” he deflates until she continues on. “You suck with swords, Hylia knows how you’re part of Link.” she snorts. “No. You should have some daggers. A few super sharp lightweight for throwing with your shadows and some curved ones for hand combat. Maybe some enchanted rings like Vet for your magic.” Blue was still looking down at the sword she was sharpening. “I can make those, but we would have to see the Minish for enchanting. Unless you wanna take a go with it,”

“Ah- uh-” Shadow’s notched ears were twitching up and down. The warmth that bloomed in his chest isn't new but the source was. It didn't escape notice the thought put into the answer. “Have yew thought about this befoar?”

Blue put the sword away, turning her attention to them now. “Well, yeah.” She says like that was the most obvious thing in the world. “Green was talking yesterday about how you fight.” How different it had been from Vio he was sure left unsaid, he had been so obvious thinking back on it. “Where you place your balance, how you swing, how you work in a group and all that nonsense.”

“It’s not nonsense!” He rises to the bait. “It's a real combat maneuver and analyzing strategy!” he crosses his arms and Red laughs. If their faces weren’t hint enough they never failed to act like siblings.

“Yeah, yeah nerd.” Blue grins at him, “It’s true though. You tend to fight on the balls of your feet like a boxer, similar to Red doing hand to hand. Oh you two should spar sometime! that would be fun to watch.”

“You mean fun to bet on,” Wind pipes in. “I give 20 on Shadow, he can move .” Shadow whips his head between them as the chain makes bets, about fifty-fifty. Even Time pitches in, that mischievous half smile on his face.

“So,” Legend sits next to Shadow. “How about a new round of 20 questions, with your answers?”

“Oh! Oh! Yeaaah!” Wind and Wild sit in a circle with them. “Quiz time! Favorite color? Food? trinket? weapon?

“Uh- Purple.” That makes Blue snort again.

“More like Violet .” That makes him blush.

“Shuddup!” He huffed, but the teasing had gotten him comfortable around them all. It was familiar. “Ah haven had a lotta foods, but ah really like Wild’s beef stew. And the little honey crunchy things.” He thinks for a moment, “Ah don have any trinkets, an the swords the Gerudo have are really cool.” He gets nods.

“What animals do you like? Mine are birds.” Sky offers, everyone knows that already but he feels bad asking without also sharing.

“Oh, yer big wons right?” he makes a motion of his arms like giant wings. “That sounds cool! But my dragon is cooler! Uh- Ah dunno what happened to her though.” Shadow looks questiongly at the colors who shrug.

“Haven’t seen it since the initial castle raid.”

“Hm. Well Ah took Vaio for a ride when that all first started. Ah bet she found a cave somewhere to hoard shit.” He grins really big.

“Wait wait- a literal dragon?” Wild puts his hand up. “There are Dragons in my era but they're HUGE!”

“Well, she was big but ah wouldnt know the compare-esin.” He shrugs. Looking around now they were talking while most of the camp had settled in their bedrolls. Time was awake for the first watch as discussed Shadow would be second and Wars third. Wind was yawning and rubbing his eyes.

“Maybe yew should go to bed Sailer, et’s gettin layte.” he himself failed in fighting a yawn. His mouthful of predator teeth opened wide. “Aw dammnit now yew got me yawnin.”

“Well,” Legend moves to his own sack of blankets and pillow. “I for one am taking full advantage of being off watch duty” he gives a mock salute to Time and plops into his bedding. “G’night.”

“Night Leg,” Wind is giving in. “Ugh just when we were getting started. Will you tell me more about Vio sometime? You sound really close.”

“…Sure, Wind.” Shadow gets a sad wistful look before shaking it away. “G’night.”

The weeks passed similarly, Shadow always surprised but happy at his welcome.Their fighting got a lot smoother. Green helped him practice with a team dynamic and Shadow got to show off more of his powers. He was finding more and more new things he could do too. They were in their own world for a few days time by now.

Shadow was sitting on a nice bench in the middle of town, just gazing out. People bustled about. There was always homely chatter at a base noise level. Someone laughing, people gossiping, a gruff old man complaining about the increase in egg prices despite it being only 2 rupees. Watching everyone living their lives felt special. Like he was in the middle of real honest life discovering what it meant. They were so close to the heart of Hyrule. Occasionally he’d spot one of the Links shopping and running about. He caught parts of a conversation from the Vet chatting with Wars about some lady's atrocious outfit clash as they passed. Shadow smiled as Wind ran around place to place discovering the Minish and trying to convince Wild they were real.

He tried not to mind when people glared at him, they didn’t know any better. He’d say it was fair, honestly, he had been one hell of a menace. Although, with some of the not so whispered comments he was beginning to think it was just how he looked. He was debating sinking away into the comfort of the cool Shadows when he saw someone run by with glasses and a stack of books to the library. Nostalgia struck him in force. Vio reading in the rare calm times in the tower when his hyper ass finally settled down. The soft peaceful expression he had while reading, how it twisted into furrows or tiny smiles or clenched teeth as he devoured information and fantasy alike.

He missed him horribly.

Shadow wished they were in a position to look for him. Unfortunately the colors had guaranteed Vio wasn’t anywhere near. He could only rely upon rumors and hearsay for information at the moment. They had scoured every inch possible around the mainlands.

He knows Vio would go far to hide. Hell, he might even be in another country at this point! Shadow looked up at the warm blue sky. It made his chest ache to think about him. He had long since convinced himself the smiles and laughter he remembered were true. They had to be, if Vio left to search for the magic to find him again.

Red had explained he had stolen books on ancient magic, similar to his own but sinister. Outlawed everywhere for its heinous nature and corrupting properties. They had explained Zelda described it as something wicked, dangerous, and as old as the clay beneath their feet. Maybe that’s what attracted Vio to it in the first place, Shadow’s chest reverberated with a low hum. He was lost in thoughts now, the world around him disappearing. This magic situation worried him. He wished that Hylia, or whoever was giving clues and sending portals could help him find his Vio. Help him with whatever he had gotten himself into without someone there to be his restraint.

Shadow gnawed on his overworked lip. This was a bad habit he just couldn't break. Even when he tasted the little blood from breaking skin. He needed him to be okay, he held his heart. Vio was the very reason he had turned good in the first place. Shadow even dared say he might love the man, no matter what he had now become.

“Stop biting your lip.” Green scared him, making him jumped comically.

“Shit!” Shadow pulled back the little shadow ball he’d brought up on instinct. “Don’t do that!”

Green laughed and sat next to him. His hair flowed with the light breeze that always seemed to follow him around. “Haha, sorry I wasn’t trying to scare you. Thinking about Vio?”

“Howdya know?” he brings his foot up, putting his boot on the bench seat and resting his arm over the bent knee.

“There’s a certain look you get. And destroying your poor bottom lip.” Green swings his feet back and forth. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

He hesitates. He does trust Green, but he isn’t used to talking about his emotions. “Ah’m worried. His brain scares me, what he can do.” Shadow admits, “Ah know he doesn’ mean to think those things sometymes, et only comes from an analyticul view. But Vaioh bein’ emotional is terrifyin’. Who knows what he’d do? He promised once to keep a limet on what he researched or experimened with, but that was when ah was here. He has this dezayre to learn.” Shadow forms a shape with his hands while he speaks. It was another tell of his, speaking with his hands. Green listens patiently while he rambles. “Et’s like some kinda need, like when yew get thirsty, he needs et to survive. An idea just gits into his head an he has to solve et. Like et would hurt him if he didn’. He described et once like this flush of heat that boils innis skin until he does et an’ if he doesn’ et just gets warmer an’ warmer an’ he cant think of anythin’ else.”

“Hm.” His face is pensive, brows furrowed and arms crossed. “That’s concerning to say the least.”

“Well that’s why ah’m makin’ fayces!” Shadow huffs a laugh, “Ah just hope we aren’ too late when we find him.” Green claps his shoulder.

“I’m sure we’ll get there in time, Shadow. Besides, you’re back! He can’t exactly do the whole crazy magic off the deep end kinda ritual if you’re already in existence right?”

“Ah guess so,” Shadow automatically ducks as someone throws a drink at him and it flies past. That was the fifth one today already! Green jumps and glares at the civilian.

“Hey!! That was rude!”

“Et’s fine, Green. They’ve been doin’ that awl day.” He waves him off, standing up. “Ah should probably git back to Blue anyway, she was workin’ on those daggers.” He turns a fangy grin at him, changing the subject. “An’ ah would love to try those babies out!”

Green looks like he might push the subject, but the stranger was gonna already once they realized who Green was. Scurried off like a rat. “Alright.”

“We can review layter, but ah did write down some stuff the towns people were sayin’. Et could just be gossip, but some of the little guys,” He means the Minish, “Were real helpfull. There could be some mareit to a few. When we got everyone together we should make a map of where y'all have checked around.”

“That’s a good idea,” He nods, only a pace behind Shadow. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Ah dunno, maybe Ah’m the brains now.” He teased, “Ah hold the brain cell today, sorry nawt sorry…” he trails off, “There’ve been a lotta mentions about a town of the Southside-a Hyrule. An archur that killed a HInox that took villagers in a town, ah couldn’ catch a name but that’s a pretty good lead. Ah’m sure we wouldn’ be able to reach it before the next swap, though.”

Red had joined up while Shadow was mid-sentence. “It’s a good start! Maybe we’ll appear closer next time!” Always the optimist, Shadow appreciated it. He ruffled his pretty blonde curls in affection. “And if it doesn’t work out, then at least we can check out if there are any more monsters. Hinox is a weird monster to be out in deep woods.”

“Unless it’s not a Hinox from our era,” Green adds.

“That’s trew.” Shadow’s hood tip curls up in a circle: curiosity. He had been letting it do its thing since he transformed back into himself. Twilight laughed at him that it was similar in movement to a cat’s tail. “Thanks for listnenin’ to me go on an’ on today.”

Red skips up closer, giving him a sly side hug. “It’s not rambling nonsense if it’s important to you.”

“Way to use my words again’t me.” Shadow huffed, but accepted it nonetheless. “C’mon slow asses, Blue’s waiting.”

“Hey,” Green started softly one night. They were having a calm night. Everyone is full from Wild’s amazing cooking, the immediate area clear of monsters, and just sitting or playing or crafting. “Can I ask something? You don’t have to answer.” Shadow looks up at him, his true red and blue eyes reflecting the campfire. The sun was nearly fully set. “What do you remember between the tower and now?”

“Ah.” Shadow frowns “Notta lot. Et’s maor the memoree of how et felt? Dunno if that makes sense. Like ah knew et happend but ets like… a blurr. Yew ever just float around inna lake? Felt like that, but if the wader was heavier and ah was fully submerged.” Shadow took a sip of the tea mug he had been given earlier. “Ah assume et was the inside of the meer or wherever ah went when inside it. And then there ah was an y'all were shoutin’ an’ I panicked.”

“Inside the what?” Red tilted his head.

“The dark meer?”

“Oh, mirror. Sorry,” Red flushed embarrassment. “Well, now you can help us look when we get back to our era!”

“And get you a proper weapon.” Blue grunts, both offending and complimenting at the same time.

“Yewanna make me a sword??” Shadow asked, surprised. She only did that for very special circumstances, according to Green.

“No,” She waves a hand in the air, “Course not.” he deflates until she continues on. “You suck with swords, Hylia knows how you’re part of Link.” she snorts. “No. You should have some daggers. A few super sharp lightweight for throwing with your shadows and some curved ones for hand combat. Maybe some enchanted rings like Vet for your magic.” Blue was still looking down at the sword she was sharpening. “I can make those, but we would have to see the Minish for enchanting. Unless you wanna take a go with it,”

“Ah- uh-” Shadow’s notched ears were twitching up and down. The warmth that bloomed in his chest isn't new but the source was. It didn't escape notice the thought put into the answer. “Have yew thought about this befoar?”

Blue put the sword away, turning her attention to them now. “Well, yeah.” She says like that was the most obvious thing in the world. “Green was talking yesterday about how you fight.” How different it had been from Vio he was sure left unsaid, he had been so obvious thinking back on it. “Where you place your balance, how you swing, how you work in a group and all that nonsense.”

“It’s not nonsense!” He rises to the bait. “It's a real combat maneuver and analyzing strategy!” he crosses his arms and Red laughs. If their faces weren’t hint enough they never failed to act like siblings.

“Yeah, yeah nerd.” Blue grins at him, “It’s true though. You tend to fight on the balls of your feet like a boxer, similar to Red doing hand to hand. Oh you two should spar sometime! that would be fun to watch.”

“You mean fun to bet on,” Wind pipes in. “I give 20 on Shadow, he can move .” Shadow whips his head between them as the chain makes bets, about fifty-fifty. Even Time pitches in, that mischievous half smile on his face.

“So,” Legend sits next to Shadow. “How about a new round of 20 questions, with your answers?”

“Oh! Oh! Yeaaah!” Wind and Wild sit in a circle with them. “Quiz time! Favorite color? Food? trinket? weapon?

“Uh- Purple.” That makes Blue snort again.

“More like Violet .” That makes him blush.

“Shuddup!” He huffed, but the teasing had gotten him comfortable around them all. It was familiar. “Ah haven had a lotta foods, but ah really like Wild’s beef stew. And the little honey crunchy things.” He thinks for a moment, “Ah don have any trinkets, an the swords the Gerudo have are really cool.” He gets nods.

“What animals do you like? Mine are birds.” Sky offers, everyone knows that already but he feels bad asking without also sharing.

“Oh, yer big wons right?” he makes a motion of his arms like giant wings. “That sounds cool! But my dragon is cooler! Uh- Ah dunno what happened to her though.” Shadow looks questiongly at the colors who shrug.

“Haven’t seen it since the initial castle raid.”

“Hm. Well Ah took Vaio for a ride when that all first started. Ah bet she found a cave somewhere to hoard shit.” He grins really big.

“Wait wait- a literal dragon?” Wild puts his hand up. “There are Dragons in my era but they're HUGE!”

“Well, she was big but ah wouldnt know the compare-esin.” He shrugs. Looking around now they were talking while most of the camp had settled in their bedrolls. Time was awake for the first watch as discussed Shadow would be second and Wars third. Wind was yawning and rubbing his eyes.

“Maybe yew should go to bed Sailer, et’s gettin layte.” he himself failed in fighting a yawn. His mouthful of predator teeth opened wide. “Aw dammnit now yew got me yawnin.”

“Well,” Legend moves to his own sack of blankets and pillow. “I for one am taking full advantage of being off watch duty” he gives a mock salute to Time and plops into his bedding. “G’night.”

“Night Leg,” Wind is giving in. “Ugh just when we were getting started. Will you tell me more about Vio sometime? You sound really close.”

“...Sure, Wind.” Shadow gets a sad wistful look before shaking it away. “G’night.”

The weeks passed similarly, Shadow always surprised but happy at his welcome.Their fighting got a lot smoother. Green helped him practice with a team dynamic and Shadow got to show off more of his powers. He was finding more and more new things he could do too. They were in their own world for a few days time by now.

Shadow was sitting on a nice bench in the middle of town, just gazing out. People bustled about. There was always homely chatter at a base noise level. Someone laughing, people gossiping, a gruff old man complaining about the increase in egg prices despite it being only 2 rupees. Watching everyone living their lives felt special. Like he was in the middle of real honest life discovering what it meant. They were so close to the heart of Hyrule. Occasionally he’d spot one of the Links shopping and running about. He caught parts of a conversation from the Vet chatting with Wars about some lady's atrocious outfit clash as they passed. Shadow smiled as Wind ran around place to place discovering the Minish and trying to convince Wild they were real.

He tried not to mind when people glared at him, they didn’t know any better. He’d say it was fair, honestly, he had been one hell of a menace. Although, with some of the not so whispered comments he was beginning to think it was just how he looked. He was debating sinking away into the comfort of the cool Shadows when he saw someone run by with glasses and a stack of books to the library. Nostalgia struck him in force. Vio reading in the rare calm times in the tower when his hyper ass finally settled down. The soft peaceful expression he had while reading, how it twisted into furrows or tiny smiles or clenched teeth as he devoured information and fantasy alike.

He missed him horribly.

Shadow wished they were in a position to look for him. Unfortunately  the colors had guaranteed Vio wasn’t anywhere near. He could only rely upon rumors and hearsay for information at the moment. They had scoured every inch possible around the mainlands. 

He knows Vio would go far to hide. Hell, he might even be in another country at this point! Shadow looked up at the warm blue sky. It made his chest ache to think about him. He had long since convinced himself the smiles and laughter he remembered were true. They had to be, if Vio left to search for the magic to find him again.

Red had explained he had stolen books on ancient magic, similar to his own but sinister.  Outlawed everywhere for its heinous nature and corrupting properties. They had explained Zelda described it as something wicked, dangerous, and as old as the clay beneath their feet. Maybe that’s what attracted Vio to it in the first place, Shadow’s chest reverberated with a low hum. He was lost in thoughts now, the world around him disappearing. This magic situation worried him. He wished that Hylia, or whoever was giving clues and sending portals could help him find his Vio. Help him with whatever he had gotten himself into without someone there to be his restraint. Shadow gnawed on his overworked lip. This was a bad habit he just couldn't break. Even when he tasted the little blood from breaking skin. He needed him to be okay, he held his heart. Vio was the very reason he had turned good in the first place. Shadow even dared say he might love the man, no matter what he had now become.

“Stop biting your lip.” Green scared him, making him jumped comically.

“Shit!” Shadow pulled back the little shadow ball he’d brought up on instinct. “Don’t do that!”

Green laughed and sat next to him. His hair flowed with the light breeze that always seemed to follow him around. “Haha, sorry I wasn’t trying to scare you. Thinking about Vio?”

“Howdya know?” he brings his foot up, putting his boot on the bench seat and resting his arm over the bent knee.

“There’s a certain look you get. And destroying your poor bottom lip.” Green swings his feet back and forth. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

He hesitates. He does trust Green, but he isn’t used to talking about his emotions. “Ah’m worried. His brain scares me, what he can do.” Shadow admits, “Ah know he doesn’ mean to think those things sometymes, et only comes from an analyticul view. But Vaioh bein’ emotional is terrifyin’. Who knows what he’d do? He promised once to keep a limet on what he researched or experimened with, but that was when ah was here. He has this dezayre to learn.” Shadow forms a shape with his hands while he speaks. It was another tell of his, speaking with his hands. Green listens patiently while he rambles. “Et’s like some kinda need, like when yew get thirsty, he needs et to survive. An idea just gits into his head an he has to solve et. Like et would hurt him if he didn’. He described et once like this flush of heat that boils innis skin until he does et an’ if he doesn’ et just gets warmer an’ warmer an’ he cant think of anythin’ else.”

“Hm.” His face is pensive, brows furrowed and arms crossed. “That’s concerning to say the least.” “Well that’s why ah’m makin’ fayces!” Shadow huffs a laugh, “Ah just hope we aren’ too late when we find him.” Green claps his shoulder. “I’m sure we’ll get there in time, Shadow. Besides, you’re back! He can’t exactly do the whole crazy magic off the deep end kinda ritual if you’re already in existence right?” “Ah guess so,” Shadow automatically ducks as someone throws a drink at him and it flies past. That was the fifth one today already! Green jumps and glares at the civilian. “Hey!! That was rude!” “Et’s fine, Green. They’ve been doin’ that awl day.” He waves him off, standing up. “Ah should probably git back to Blue anyway, she was workin’ on those daggers.” He turns a fangy grin at him, changing the subject. “An’ ah would love to try those babies out!” Green looks like he might push the subject, but the stranger was gonna already once they realized who Green was. Scurried off like a rat. “Alright.” “We can review layter, but ah did write down some stuff the towns people were sayin’. Et could just be gossip, but some of the little guys,” He means the Minish, “Were real helpfull. There could be some mareit to a few. When we got everyone together we should make a map of where y'all have checked around.” “That’s a good idea,” He nods, only a pace behind Shadow. “Why didn’t I think of that?” “Ah dunno, maybe Ah’m the brains now.” He teased, “Ah hold the brain cell today, sorry nawt sorry…” he trails off, “There’ve been a lotta mentions about a town of the Southside-a Hyrule. An archur that killed a HInox that took villagers in a town, ah couldn’ catch a name but that’s a pretty good lead. Ah’m sure we wouldn’ be able to reach it before the next swap, though.” Red had joined up while Shadow was mid-sentence. “It’s a good start! Maybe we’ll appear closer next time!” Always the optimist, Shadow appreciated it. He ruffled his pretty blonde curls in affection. “And if it doesn’t work out, then at least we can check out if there are any more monsters. Hinox is a weird monster to be out in deep woods.” “Unless it’s not a Hinox from our era,” Green adds. “That’s trew.” Shadow’s hood tip curls up in a circle: curiosity. He had been letting it do its thing since he transformed back into himself. Twilight laughed at him that it was similar in movement to a cat’s tail. “Thanks for listnenin’ to me go on an’ on today.” Red skips up closer, giving him a sly side hug. “It’s not rambling nonsense if it’s important to you.” “Way to use my words again’t me.” Shadow huffed, but accepted it nonetheless. “C’mon slow asses, Blue’s waiting.”

[catgirlkirigiri]

Have you ever wanted Mr. Ant Tenna to greet you when you turn on your Nintendo 3DS? Now he can! Using this MediaFire link you too can download my Tenna splash screen :D Just unzip the folder and put it in your 3DS's splash folder to use it via Anemone! ThemePlaza link coming whenever it gets approved :)

[spasmoticchainsaw]

They look so cool???

I drew that? Whats going on?????

They look sick as fuck??????

[kraymerman]

Spoilers(? Nothing specific, just allusions to something that happens in Chapter 4) under the cut

Very rude, Kris... Trying to undo all of my hard work >:(

Protect her? From Me? Silly, nobody can protect her from Me, least of all you. I'm your SOUL now, and you need that to survive.

You'll never get rid of Me, Dreemur :)

Why am I doing this? Well, I could tell you the same lie that I told her; to making her stronger. To protect her just like you.

But no. The truth is that, at the end of the day...

I j u s t l i k e t o w a t c h y o u t w o s q u i r m

[crovvrr]

DELTARUNE CH 3 SPOILERS

various utdrmv (mainly deltarune) animation doodles

[stupidlittlespirit]

I promise I'm going to answer my asks soon, this fucking chapter is just killing me rn. There's so much work to do on it (I have 28 tabs of research open alone) and it's turned out to be very complex and much more in depth than I had planned for it to be. On top of the scientific research, there's pacing and structure and everything else, so it's taking a lot of my time up.

I am still alive, I'm just slow!

[shiroselia]

I have acquired the first volume of the light novel now that I've gotten more money, and I really enjoy what a written format does for this story.

I honestly think it works a lot more smoothly to have Maomao's inner dialogue, including being able to switch POVs (this especially is a Big strength for the mystery aspects). Not that she didn't already come across as smart, but holy Shit does Maomao's intelligence REALLY shine in the light novel. There's so much "oh but of course" deductions from her and it adds So much both to her and the story. (I LOVE MAOMAO SO MUCH)

I also think some of the things that flew over my head in the manga (mostly the timeskip in the "dancing ghost" chapter with Fuyou) made a lot more sense with just some written queues and Maomao's dialogue to make up for things.

Not to mention how the translation is really, really good and Hilarious. (The way I snorted outloud at the "hard at work" "hardly working sir" exchange... They're so fucking good dude I love Jinmao)

Good stuff!!!

[buwheal]

Yahoo!!! Yippee!!!! I was messing around with firealpaca's animation feature to make myself an animated tumblr header :-)

[laugtherhyena]

Big fan of how the Ayame/Rei relationship evolves in -2+2

[chidoroki]

June 14th, 2025 - Chapter 181's 5th Anniversary

(celebrating with one Emma + one quote from almost every chapter)

[ramunnae]

latest UnOrdinary chapters have been so hype. (spoilers for 340-343 ahead.) i've wanted this team up/the team being set up since I started reading UnO in 2018/2019. something's so satisfying about watching John being able to go all out against the authorities after everything they've done to him. and Arlo fighting with himself about having to take a life, it's really interesting seeing him as a scared and panicking teen now - compared to the confident asshole King of Wellston we started with.

[f-imaginings]

Hi hi! Wow I was seeing your posts about the end of KMKY and the future Spin-Off and it makes me very happy, I really admire you for the wisdom of giving a "bad" ending to our KMKY!Billford. (Even though I created an entire AU just out of frustration that in KMKY they didn't have the special adventures together (cough cough)

Anyway! kMKY changed my brain chemistry and my view of them just like you wanted, and damn, I accepted the idea that: they are soulmates, they love each other more than anything, but they are not meant to be together It's their own fault.

Now the question! If this is at least one, about the Spin-offs, I didn't quite understand, will they be additions or "What if's"?

Anyway! Thank you for the chapter today, it was just the day I needed to take out my frustration on something because I had BROKEN MY GLASSES IN HALF, a tragedy.

Hi lovely! 🤗

The spin offs are at this point exploring what ifs, because the timeline of knowing me knowing you has a set direction.

The idea behind the spin off is for example "I know that Bill disappeared after Ford lashed out at him at the bibliosphere, but what would happen if rather than just burning up up and away, he grabbed Stanford and brought him back to the nightmare realm?" And then that storyline would play out.

Or "what would happen if rather than just leaving the Institute of Oddology Stanford stayed for longer and realised Alternate Bill was being used as a battery?" Or "what if after Lottocron 9 Stanford was willing to spend more time with Pyronica, would he go back with her to learn more about Bill at that point?" Or "what if Stanford managed to get through to Bill in his mindscape when the Pirahn Pirates attacked the Scrap Vandals, would Bill rescue him then and what would happen after?"

I want to pick points in the storyline where they don't suddenly depart from their existing characterisation, but instead the circumstances change very slightly to allow new events to play out.

I figure given the number of alternate dimensions out there in the multiverse, exploring things outside the doomed timeline of the fic might be fun, and will give ppl more kmky goodness without changing the directory of the story excessively.

I also really like the idea of, after all the high conflict dramatic what ifs play out, the last what if chapter is softer and back when things were good between them, and it's the what if of what if they could admit their feelings for each other sooner. That would be a what if I think would both break and heal the readers in fun ways.

Something to look forward to!

[starfyredrabbles]

WIP Wednesday Friday

Tagged by : @jaspercafe

No pressure tagging: @khomabrutalist @whispersleo @woundedsoul12 @inatrice @fenrelmercar @doctormur @emmster @wolfmoonwildflowers @wickedviago

I'm trying to actually put a dent in a multichapter that's been sitting there collecting dust

I'm trying to make my way through things I was tagged in, I'm sorry I've been absent; my cat had surgery and she has been a GREMLIN through the healing process. I don't think I've slept well in over a week.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

He glanced over at Rook, her face set in a quiet mask of determination. He knew she had her strengths, despite lacking any real combat experience. She was part of a very small group of people who had ever entered Villa Dellamorte without Caterina’s knowledge, or her permission. Lucanis trusted her instincts, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that her hesitation would be a problem when it came time to kill Aurelius. The mage, he was certain, would leave them no other option. He had to ensure Rook stayed focused on her own task– Isilyn. She could, hopefully, free the girl, but Lucanis was already braced for the worst outcome. He’d have to be ready to act quickly, and he would.

Rook slowed down, putting her arm out to signal Lucanis to do the same. The looming, deteriorating ruin lay just ahead, and she crouched down, staring hard at it. “That’s where we’ll find our man,” she said quietly, not looking away from the decaying temple as Lucanis settled beside her.

“Stay sharp,” he responded, mimicking her voice’s softness, his voice low but carrying the weight of the plan. “Aurelius will be dangerous, but we know what he’s capable of. We have the advantage of surprise– for now. When we get inside, don't hesitate. Move fast. I’ll engage him, you focus on Isilyn. Don’t worry about me, and don’t worry about him. Get her free, get her out. I’ll find you if–”

They both tensed up suddenly. If.

A heavy, long pause settled in the stillness that followed before Lucanis continued in a rougher voice. “I’ll find you when I end him.”

He could feel her eyes lingering on him, a weight in the air between them that was almost tangible. Every muscle in his body tightened with the urge to turn and face her, to say the words that had been festering in his mind ever since that first night. To speak the truths he’d buried deep within himself, the ones he’d never dared to acknowledge aloud.

The desire to tell her– to beg her to be safe, to tell her how much she mattered, how much she had affected him– roared within him. But he couldn’t. Not here. Not now. His heart pounded against his chest, and his thoughts spun in a tight knot of what-ifs and maybes. What if this was their last moment? What if these fleeting seconds were all they had before everything went to hell, and they never saw each other again? The words stuck in his throat, held back by the suffocating fear that if he said them now, it would be too late. There would be no time to go back, no time to undo the weight of those confessions.

His mind raced with the possibilities of what could happen next. They were about to face a battle– one that neither of them could be certain of surviving. Aurelius, with his blood magic and his cunning, would show no mercy. And though Lucanis was ready to fight, ready to kill, ready to do whatever it took to protect Rook, the truth hung like a knife above him: there was no guarantee either of them would walk away from what they were about to start.

He thought of the countless lives he’d ended without hesitation, the cold detachment that came with his work. But this– this was different. This wasn’t just another job. This was Rook. And the thought of losing her, of walking into the fray without ever telling her what she meant to him, made him feel vulnerable in a way he hadn’t in years. What if it was too late? What if one of them didn’t make it out? The regret would suffocate him.But the other part of him, the one that had survived so many years in the shadows, pushed those feelings away. He couldn’t afford the distraction. He had a job to do. She had a job to do. They couldn’t let anything– especially foolish emotions– get in the way of that. And so, despite the ache in his chest, he forced himself to swallow the words. No, this battle would be their test of survival. If they made it through, if they lived to see another day, maybe– maybe– then he would say it. But not now. Not like this. “I’ll enter first, draw his attention away from you. Follow, and the moment you see an opening, get the girl,” Lucanis instructed, finally meeting her gaze.

[ssreeder]

Chapters: 20/? Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Sokka/Zuko (Avatar), Aang/Katara (Avatar), others to be tagged later - Relationship Characters: Sokka (Avatar), Zuko (Avatar), Aang (Avatar), Katara (Avatar), Toph Beifong, Jet (Avatar), Suki (Avatar), Kyoshi Warriors (Avatar), Iroh (Avatar), Jee (Avatar), Hakoda (Avatar), Bato (Avatar), A bunch of OCs, Long Feng, Joo Dee (Avatar), Azula (Avatar), Mai (Avatar), Ty Lee (Avatar), Ozai (Avatar), General Fong (Avatar) Additional Tags: Violence, Blood and Injury, War, Minor Character Death, Rape/Non-con Elements, Implied/Referenced Sexual Assault, Attempted Sexual Assault, Major Character Injury, Amputation, Implied/Referenced Suicide, possible major character death, themes similar to the first two books, Sexism, Racism (like has already been written in first two books), dark themes, Human Trafficking, Slavery, Just a lot of dark war-like themes, there will be a battle, Torture, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Injury Recovery, Healing, Underage Sex, Underage Drinking, Animal Death, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Warnings each chapter, Hopefully some healing for Zuko finally, no promises, but that’s the goal, Reunions, hopefully a happy ending, Sokka gets some healing too, Non-Consensual Drug Use Series: Part 3 of Leaving It All Behind Summary:

-This is the last book of the series LIAB, please go read the other two books before this, or you will be very confused-

Zuko has been taken by the Earth Kingdom army to who-knows-where, and Sokka is determined to get him back.

But he can’t do it alone.

With Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors by his side, Sokka is headed to Ba Sing Se to find Katara and Aang so they can go rescue his fire bender.

Things aren’t as easy as he had hoped. Corruption, lies, and unknown horrors await them inside the city’s walls. None of this is helping Sokka’s mental well-being.

Hakoda and his men face a problem of their own as Azula approaches with the intentions of making it rain fire.

Sokka and Zuko will both find themselves having to reintegrate back into a life they thought they left behind, with people they hardly remember. It isn’t easy for anyone, especially when they don’t recognize the person standing in front of them.

[wexhappyxfew]

CHAPTER 16 - SOMETHING ABOUT SOLID GROUND

September 4th, 1943 Camp Mackall, North Carolina War Correspondent Esther Armstrong

Before her company shipped out to England, I did a sit-down interview with her in the Hotel Manhattan. Armstrong came in a little bit fidgety, but I disregarded it nonetheless once that first article had come out about the successes of the Airborne and I had read her writing and was vividly amazed by what she was able to put on the page. She introduced herself and shook my head and sat down a bit stiffly in the chair across from myself. She adorned her Class-A's and her Jump Wings proudly from what I could tell; it made me all the more excited to interview her. She had a lot of stories and ideas and thoughts that all blended seamlessly into a story and she was able to keep your attention with whatever she said; I thought, this girl's incredible! I could tell though how serious this was for her and I could see what other articles meant when they spoke to her. She had a job to uphold, a serious one and she wasn't going to risk that, especially in the public eye. I respected her and she respected me. - Calvin Sparrows, TIME, on Esther Armstrong, War Correspondent; Excerpt from Stroke of Luck

[read the rest on AO3!]

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[coquelicoq]

i don't know why i let myself be intimidated out of reading the last samurai for so long. i just read 80 pages in one sitting and it's the most fun i've had reading in several months.