#hive token

[havok777]

Hive.blog: Earn Crypto By Blogging!! https://hiveonboard.com?ref=tempertantric

[renard-dartigue]

Hey so. I saw your post saying that you don't play Destiny anymore, but I was given the greatest idea ever by my bf. Vessel.... But as Hive.

space buggy boi

[blue-lollipops-and-ice-clouds]

He is being welcomed into a society!

[aroaceaunt]

Marath, Will of the Wild tokens, part 4

Knight Allies

Phyrexian Mites

And Saprolings

[tealblood-throwaway]

tellin yOu here because the aita blog has mOved on a bit and if i did a reply itd shOw my whole ass blOg to the wOrld, but i think you gOtta tell em about yOur not gOin thru with it... it makes it way worse if yOu have the capability to dO this n you just dOnt, while leading him to believe yOu cant do it yet... definitely dOnt let him get himself culled, but dont be all sneaky abOut it either... just makes everything worse in the lOng run...

[+ i offend ennough highbloods as is without telling mmy moirail hes nnot as strong as he thiinks he is... fortunately for yyou and him both hes onto mmy bullshit and follows the bllog so i will be giving him that bllood transfusion whether i like it or not -]

[+ id rather not risk hhim finding an alternative source which would, one hundrred percent, without a doubt get him cullled. asking a drone how to assassiinate the heiress would be lless risky. -]

[+ jjust keep in mind he is a highblood (i'll ggive away that he's above cerulean but you will hhear no more.) and i am a ttealblood. there's NO caste solidaritty among tealbloods you know i cannot BEG mmy neighbors for mercy if he winds up in trrouble the same way rusties or mmustardbloods might help each other out -]

[womanofwords]

Darling Demon (Part 10)

Yandere!batfam x betrothed!neglected!male!reader x yandere!demon!spouse

TW: allergic reactions.

You spend three days in your room after the birthday cake fiasco, only coming out to shower and use the bathroom. Bruce, of all people, was the one to lure you out.

"Y/N, I would like to talk to you," Bruce said. "I want to spend time with you."

"Why now? Too scared to talk to me when Azrir was around?"

Bruce grimaced, but refused to give a yes/no response to that question. "Azrir is violent and . . . sexually explicit. We were fearing for our lives and your safety," Bruce said.

"Azrir didn't want to hurt me. They were so gentle with me." You rolled your eyes at your father. "For someone who's so concerned about my safety, you did nothing about Damian hunting me down for sport and ripping my self-confidence to shreds."

"Y/N, I cannot describe how sorry I am. I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you, I swear it. As a token of my remorse, allow me to take you on your very first father-son dinner."

Your heart took refuge in your throat. "Are you serious?"

"100%. You're going to come with me to a restaurant I own. You can eat whatever you want in whatever quantities you want. Just . . . come with me, please."

Bruce looked desperate. Bruce Wayne, the Bruce Wayne, kneeled in front of your bed, looking at you as if it would break his heart to hear you say no.

So, even if your stomach rolled with concerns about everything going wrong, you said yes.

Bruce spent three days straight getting you ready, since you had nothing to wear and the restaurant had a dress code. You needed a suit and a little bow tie and some shiny black shoes and you would look just adorable.

"My little boy," Bruce said, patting your head. "A chip off the old block, huh?"

You weren't sure what to say. You were nothing like Bruce. Or, more accurately, you hoped you were nothing like Bruce. You didn't want to have things in common with someone who could forget people so easily. But he'd already bought the matching suits, so this restaurant meet was inescapable.

Shit.

*_*_*_*_*_

"So, Y/N, how does it feel to be here?" Bruce looked like someone who wanted to impress, because he was.

"It's . . . big. And glittery." You stared in awe at the chandeliers above your head. "Very pretty."

"It is. I knew you'd like it, Y/N," Bruce said. "You love pretty things. I just wish I'd noticed earlier."

"Sparkly things remind me of my mother," you admitted. "She loved them. All her jewellery sparkled and she'd let me pick some out for her, sometimes."

"If you want me to get some shiny things for your room, I'll do it," Bruce said. "I'll buy those shiny chandeliers off them, if you want them that badly."

"No, no, it's OK," you said. "I'm getting hungry. Could we eat?"

"Oh, of course. I took the liberty to get you something you'll love . . . mango chutney with sticky rice!"

Mango chutney? Sounded exotic.

You got your meal and you ate. At first, it was just rather sweet, but soon, it became uncomfortable. It was getting difficult to swallow. Bruce noticed you slowing down and took your utensils.

"You know, Y/N, I never got a chance to feed you. Let's fix that," Bruce said. You couldn't fight him off as he carefully fed you more mango chutney, mouth too full for you to speak.

And it wasn't just full of food.

"Y/N, why are you itching your neck so much?" Bruce asked.

You tried to say "It itches" but your tongue was so swollen, your words came out as mumbles. That got Bruce's attention.

"MY SON NEEDS MEDICAL HELP!" Bruce screamed. "I-I think he's choking on something!"

"Sir, calm down!" A harried waiter rushed out. "I'm on the phone to 911. What are his symptoms?"

"He can't talk, and he's itching his neck," Bruce said. "Your food did this. You poisoned him!"

The waiter stiffened. "No, you poisoned him," he said. "I've seen this before. Those look like hives, which mean that this is an allergic reaction. Do you know what your son's allergic to?"

"Um . . . no," Bruce admitted. "Our butler prepares his food."

You choked on your own tongue as it swelled within your mouth. You were going to die because your dad didn't have an epi-pen for you. What a needless death. The other patrons felt the same way, disdainful muttering burning your ears.

Everything went by in a chaotic twist. Paramedics rushed in and took you out of the restaurant on a stretcher. Bruce rushed out with them. "Wait! Let me come with him! He needs his father!"

"He needs medical attention," a paramedic coolly said. "And there's only room for EMTs in there."

You were carted off to hospital, while Bruce was left standing in the middle of the chaos, feeling like the worst father in the world.

Taglist: @tinybrie, @bunniotomia, @c4xcocoa, @darkmoka, @fightmebissh, @bloobewy, @chi1lllb, @cqerrz, @heart-cream, @noone1233nobody, @type-ink, @sonyboos.

First

Previous

Next

[paige1722]

An Offering | Ch. 3 |

Pairing: Sleep Token x Reader

Summary: Cryptid, inhuman beings have spent their whole lives in Eden serving their deity, Sleep. What happens when one day you show up and no one can figure out why Sleep has delivered you to them? Should you stay with them or will you do whatever it takes to find your way back home?

Warnings: brief mentions of death. Slow-burn. implied past abuse. religious trauma, self deprecating thoughts, thoughts of suicide (Please, let me know if I missed any.)

Word Count: 7.4k

masterlist | ch. 1 | ch. 2 | ch.4 | ch.5 |

pic from Pinterest

Chapter Three:

The winding stone path seems like it is never-ending, you feel as if you’ve been walking for hours now towards a destination that isn’t getting closer. Your stomach growling more frequently now. The noise constantly reminds you, that it has been over 24 hours since you last had something to eat. 

Although for all you know it could be even longer since you still can’t exactly remember everything that happened to you before you woke up here, but something tells you it probably wasn’t anything good. 

Since departing from the hot springs, silence has enveloped the small group you find yourself in,  leaving you with an uneasy sensation. The sounds of the occasional wildlife, leaves rustling in the breeze, and the strange rhythmic tapping that seems to be coming from above forces your mind to wander into places you aren’t sure you want it to be. 

Instead, you force yourself to observe the scenery around you, still as captivating as ever. Even though the moon was exceptionally bright, it could only do so much with all the trees and foliage. You secretly began to wish that you had a flashlight or something with you, being in the dark made you a bit skittish especially when you think about what happened the last time it was nighttime. Lighting bugs gradually emerge all around tonight, giving you some reprieve. 

Their flickering lights remind you of childhood memories, happier times when it felt as if nothing could ever go wrong and you had no worries. Though now it seems as if such a time never even existed like false memories have been planted inside your head. How could you have ever been so happy and carefree? How could such a time exist, when you aren’t even sure if you know what those emotions or thoughts feel like anymore? 

Subtle movement from the two men walking in front of you catches your attention, iii and iv share a look, seemingly as if they were speaking to each other without ever opening their mouths. With how little you actually know about them, they very well could be communicating through some hive-mind link for all you know. 

In the middle of their internal conversation, you watch as their hands brush against each other, leisurely intertwining their fingers like pieces of a puzzle sliding perfectly into place. iv squeezes his partner’s hand rubbing his thumb over the back of iii’s red-stained skin.

At the sight of their hands perfectly molding together, your own palms flexing in response. A lump forming in your throat, iii squeezes iv’s hand back, returning the affection before they both let go. 

A gap opens up between them, as they steadily slow their pace allowing you to be in the center of them. Your body grows stiff at the new formation, trying your best to keep your arms tucked in close by your side in hopes of deterring any accidental contact occurring. 

iii and iv silently walk by your side, occasionally peering at you from the corner of their eyes. As your steps grow more and more sluggish the farther you trudge along this forsaken path, mentally cursing them out the longer you walk. 

At this point, you wouldn’t be surprised if one of them turned to tell you that you’ve all been walking in circles for the past hour. The plants begin to look more and more appetizing with every passing second, but knowing your luck you would pick the wrong one and end up in agonizing pain or seeing the euclid hatman. 

The only thing keeping you going at this moment was the fact that iii told you that Vessel would have food for you to eat at his home, so you just have to tough it out until then. Thinking about this Vessel person has made you curious once again, it couldn’t hurt to ask some more questions.

 Actually, you could all benefit from it as this will help to pass the time. Hopefully iii or even iv can answer some of your questions without just telling you to wait until you get to Vessel because, to be honest, if you hear that answer one more time you might go insane. 

Motioning to your face and hands, you ask, “Why do you wear masks and the paint?” A question that has been lurking in your mind for a while now, too nervous to ask in fear of somehow offending them but the silence was beginning to gnaw at you. 

At the sound of your voice, iii and iv turn their heads to look at you, you watch iv tilt his head to the side his eyebrows raised from behind his mask. He brings his hands up in front of his chest, clasping them together in a sort of praying motion. 

“To pray?” you ask, confusion evident in your voice, trying to determine the correlation between wearing masks and paint equals praying. 

iii huffs out a breathless laugh, reaching a hand behind you to clasp it on iv shoulder before letting it drop back down by his side. His side brushed against you at the sudden movement, sending tingles down your spine at the contact. 

“Worship. Our actions and purposes are more important than who we are, we were made to appease Sleep. Everything we do is for Sleep and their message, it has to be. The masks and the paint are ways for us to show our devotion allowing us to feel a greater connection to them and each other.”

 A strange edge can be heard in iii’s voice when he speaks of Sleep, something you certainly would have remembered hearing earlier when he spoke of them, though you weren’t exactly in the best condition then.

Even as iii explains the reasoning behind covering their faces and painting their skin, you still can’t help but feel a sense of doubt. You have tried religion in the past begging and praying for salvation that will never come.

 Hearing people say if you just try harder, and devote yourself more, good things will come your way, constantly telling you that are never given more than you can handle. But where did it leave you in the end? In nothing but pain and misery, you didn’t deserve that, to be treated as you were. 

iii and iv seem so sure though, that their god is real and they have a connection with them, whether it’s a good or bad one is still uncertain. Maybe this is just some big elaborate hoax meant to make you look foolish and to make you once again try to look for mercy and salvation, things you aren't even sure you deserve anymore. 

Hopefully, this Vessel person will actually have all the answers you were promised he will have and everything will finally make sense for you when you meet him. 

Vessel, iii, and iv, three members, a small cult you think to yourself, though is that all their members, or is this place secretly filled with devoted followers lurking in the darkness waiting to make a move to try to indoctrinate you?

Silence has fallen over your small group once again, the two men sensing you deep in thought, though they probably wouldn’t be too keen to know you currently were questioning their god and purposes, so instead you look up from the stone path and ask curiously, “How many of you are there out here?”

iii perks up instantly, loving when he is able to share more of his companions with you, “Well, you know me and iv.” iii says pointing to one another before adding, “There’s also Vessel, and ii, you’ll meet them both soon enough.”

As iii finishes speaking, you see iv point up to the trees that stand tall blocking the night sky from your view all of the branches intertwining with each other creating a canopy over the path.

Curious you look up trying to see if you can spot anything that he might be referring to, instead you see nothing but leaves swaying in the gentle breeze and the occasional twinkling of the lighting bugs. 

iii shrugs his shoulders in response, talking more so to iv than you, “I think he is just nervous, you know how he is about anything new.” 

The tapping was back again, resembling a woodpecker drumming against tree trunks though this is much more rhythmic and methodical. If someone or something has been following you all this whole time your two companions don’t seem worried about it in the slightest, therefore it must be nothing for you to worry about then. 

Frankly, you aren’t sure how much more you can take going wrong anyway, so the thought of being followed by some animal or something was the least of your worries at the moment. 

iv lifts up his right hand putting his fist on his chest before moving it to iii, then he curls his index finger up as he moves his hand towards you. 

iii throws his arm around your shoulder, pulling your body into his side his warmth seeping into you making you realize how cold the night has slowly become. “You’re right iv. I think it is time for us to ask them some questions. Hmm?” 

An exasperated look covers your face, “What! Half the time you don’t even answer my questions fully! You tell me to wait until I meet Vessel,” you exclaim throwing your hands up in the air in frustration. 

iii’s thumb begins to rub your shoulder, the feeling making goose-bumps to appear down your arm. 

“How about this then, we take turns asking each other questions until we reach Vessel’s home?” iii throws up his left hand beside his head his palm facing you, allowing you to see a question mark drawn in the center of his hand that you did not notice before. 

“And I promise all questions will be answered to the best of my ability unless it is something that has to wait for Vessel to answer.” He continues holding his hand up as if he were making an oath, “Better decide quickly or we will arrive there first.” 

You look into his eyes seeing nothing but honesty turning to look at iv seeing him already looking at you awaiting your answer to their little proposal. The way these two could communicate so easily with one another was strange it was as if they were truly one being. Maybe this is what iii meant when he said their devotion helped them feel a better connection to each other. 

You let out a sigh, at least you’ll finally be able to get some answers to the questions that keep bouncing around your head, and talking was better than silence, even if you were a little scared to know what questions they had for you. 

“Okay, fine.”

iii removes his arm from around you clapping them together excitedly, the loss of his warmth making you shiver wrapping your arms around your middle to help preserve heat and comfort yourself. 

“We get to ask you a question first, it’s only fair since you’ve asked so many already.” iii brings his finger up to the chin of his mask, tapping the hard plastic in thought. 

iv waves his hand excitedly, pointing at himself then at iii before bringing his hand up to his chin with his middle finger bent forward tapping his chin a few times, before looking at you expectantly. 

You hear iii mischievously chuckle from behind you, “Who is your favorite? Me or him? It’s obviously me right, I did save you when you first got here.” iii exclaims puffing out his chest at the last part.

The question completely caught you off guard, making you let out a small giggle at the shock of it out of everything he could have asked you, you didn’t expect that. Thinking about it, you don’t believe you can actually pick between the two of them. iii did rescue you from drowning and iv took care of you while you were sick, both of them going out of their way numerous times to help you. 

Even though, you are certain that iv means this question as more of a joke, something to make you feel more comfortable around them, the more you thought about it the more you were certain you couldn’t pick between the two of them. 

Even in the incredibly short amount of time you have spent with them, they have somehow managed to worm their way into your heart and you aren’t sure you like that at all. 

How weak and lonely are you that two men, who you barely even know have managed to do this to you in such a short amount of time by just being nice to you? Perhaps the walls you built weren’t as high as you originally thought, or it’s this place that really is messing with your head like you originally thought making you go crazy and delusional the longer you’re here. Yeah, that’s got to be it, that is the only logical explanation after all. 

Looking into iv eyes, who awaits patiently for your answer unaware of the internal battle waging inside your mind. Well, it won’t do you any good to stress over this silly question and it couldn’t hurt to have a little fun you think to yourself.

 You smile cheekily lifting your hand up and resting it gently on iv’s masked cheek, teasingly you say “iv, of course. Who else would it be?” 

At your answer, iv looks over to iii raising his middle finger up and shoving it in the taller man’s face, clearly very pleased with your answer.  iii smacks iv’s hand from out of his face, letting out a small huff and rolling his eyes at iv’s antics. 

“Whatever, it’s your turn now.” a pout clear in his voice.

You laugh at the exchange between the two men, both of which visibly brighten at the sound wanting nothing more than to hear it again, unbeknownst to you already lost in thought. What should you ask? 

This is a good chance for you to learn more about them and their abilities, not wanting to get caught off guard whenever you finally do meet Vessel and possibly ii. So it is probably best to learn all you can about them now. 

Deciding on your question you nod your head in determination, “So, you’re a siren and you’re a banshee. But what about the others, what are they? Why make you all different and not the same?” 

iii lets out a quick breathy chuckle, “That is more than one question. But I’ll bite.” 

iii pauses for a moment in thought, he supposes there is no harm in telling you this information, you will eventually find out when you meet the others regardless, he doesn’t have to tell you everything just yet anyway just enough to tie your curiosity. Besides, the small white ribbons Vessel keeps tied to the trees near his home are coming into view signaling they are close.  

“Vessel as you can probably guess was the first and by far the most powerful creation, maybe even more powerful than Sl…” a grunt from iv stops iii from finishing him sentence. A look of warning flashes through iv’s eyes staring deep into iii’s begging him to rethink what he was about to say. 

iii clears his throat before continuing, “Right, anyway, He is kind of what you could call a fae, I suppose. Controls plants, and vines, and has strange mystical powers.” at the mention of powers, he turns holding up his fingers and wiggling them similar to someone trying to cast a spell. 

You thought learning about everyone’s abilities and what they are capable of would make you feel better and possibly more prepared to meet them but now you have to admit you're a little more apprehensive. 

You have heard of fae’s in children’s stories but they always turned out to be dangerous creatures trying to trick others into staying with them forever never being allowed to return home. You just hope Vessel is as kind and caring as they have made him out to be. 

Unaware of your cautious thoughts iii continues, “ii is a little different, you could say. His corporeal form is like ours, but when he changes into his… other form he becomes a shadowy dark void. I’m not sure what the word for it is in your world though.” he hums in thought.

A shadowy dark void, you can only really think of one mythical creature that fits that description, “a wraith?” you ask.

iii shrugs his shoulders, “not sure to be honest maybe you can tell us when you see him. Well whenever he decides to show himself.” the last part of his sentence getting louder, like he was trying to make sure some unseen person heard him. 

The tapping could be heard again from above you, almost as if whatever it is that has been making that noise is definitely following you, there is no doubt about it now. You subtly look up trying to see if you can spot the source of the sound, but you can’t find anything in the darkness of the night. 

Before you can ask or say anything iii starts talking again, “Even though you asked two questions instead of one, I will still answer it just to prove I am a nice guy and deserve to be your favorite,” iii glares down at iv, who ignores the sly comment. 

“I’m not sure why we were all created to be different and not the same. Though some of us have our theories, maybe it’s so we could worship Sleep better and in our own ways, maybe Sleep just wanted to see how many different creations he could make,” iii voice takes on a dark tone surprising you at the sudden change, “or maybe Sleep wants us to suffer and be lonely by making us all different.” 

Every time you heard of Sleep so far, you were under the assumption that they were a kind and giving god but maybe you were wrong, maybe they are a malevolent god. But if that is the case, why are you here? Are you being punished by being here or maybe they are? 

You are so lost in thought that you don’t notice the abundance of white ribbons that now cover the trees that line the path. Not a single branch at this point was left untouched, at the sight of this iv began to get excited a slight pep in his step at the prospect of seeing Vessel again.

The sound of distance singing catches your attention, the song appearing as if it was flowing into your very soul. With every note, a shiver runs down your spine, you know you have never heard something so hauntingly beautiful before in your entire life.

 Along the lines of a knee-jerk reaction tears fill your eyes, and an overwhelming sadness fills your very core, unlike anything you have ever felt before. Your chest feels heavy, your heart feels as if it might tear right through your skin, making it hard for you to breathe.

 You feel like you're choking similar to someone's hand wrapped tight around your throat preventing any oxygen from entering your lungs. You claw at your throat trying to pry the nonexistent hands away to no avail, you fall to your knees, panicking wanting whoever it is that is singing to stop, you can’t take it anymore, this overwhelming longing and sorrow. 

As soon as your knees make contact with the ground, iii and iv finally take notice of your distressed state. They understand immediately, having themselves gone through similar visceral reactions the first time they heard Vessel’s poignant songs. 

iv drops down to your level, pulling you into his chest trying to get you to match his breathing, as iii takes off running calling for help following Vessel’s voice trying to reach him. 

Your face is pressed firmly against iv chest, you can feel his erratic heartbeat against your cheek. Amongst your frantic state, you can swear that you hear a gentle voice whispering in your ear, “Breathe with me. Everything is going to be ok.”

 You try your best to match his slow and steady breaths, though yours are coming out in strangled gasps instead, sounding more like wheezing than anything. The way iv arms hold you close, blocks out everything around you, allowing you to focus solely on him and his calming presence.

 His earthy scent invading your nostrils, the soft leather from his jacket rubbing against your face, his warm breath coming from underneath his mask hitting the top of your head, the soothing tempo of his heart beating deep within his chest. 

The singing has stopped, the melancholy song no longer traveling through the air. Once you calm down, you pull away from iv sniffling a soft, ‘thanks’ under your breath.

 Embarrassment courses through you at your body’s volatile reaction to someone singing, if you didn’t know any better you honestly would have thought there was another siren lurking about this place.

 iv tilts his head, his eyes soft, searching your tear-stained face, though for what exactly, you’re not sure. He reaches out slowly so as to not startle you, cupping your face in his hands and wiping away your tears with his thumbs. 

The warmth from his hands seeps into your skin, comforting you far more than you care to admit to yourself. You look into his eyes seeing something in them that you have never seen anyone look at you with. You don’t like the look in his eye, it’s scaring you because you aren’t sure what it means and why you of all people are at the receiving end of it. 

The heavy sounds of boots hitting the stone path cause you to pull yourself away from iv and out of his gentle hold. As you stand, looking towards the source of the footsteps, you miss the sight of iv shoulders deflating at the loss of contact wanting to keep you in his arms and within his reach. 

iii’s frame fills your vision, you can see him assessing you looking for any signs of distress or injury. 

Feeling embarrassed at all the fuss at your nervous breakdown, you shyly say, “I’m ok. I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.” 

A voice you have not heard before replies from behind iii, “Seems like you were in good hands. Don’t worry about it these things happen here.” 

You peek from around iii to see a man similar in height to iii though only slightly shorter. Wearing a dark-green robe pulled open exposing his painted black chest, with golden chains hanging from around his neck. On his left shoulder, sat an intricate piece of what looks like armor, black feathers peeking from his back, eerily reminding you of the black flamingo you saw the previous night. 

He also wore a mask, though instead of his face being completely covered as iii and iv’s, his painted nose and mouth were visible. His mask is white with gold accents around the edge, in the middle is the same symbol but this one is green, with six eye holes carved in the center.

Vessel watches as your scrutinizing stare scans over him, seeing uncertainty in your eyes he steps out from behind iii, now standing between iii and iv though a half-step back not wanting to invade your space before introducing himself. 

“I am Vessel,” he says lifting his hand to the center of his chest, a warm smile on his face. 

The timbre of his voice washing over you, making you feel safe the complete opposite of how you felt mere moments ago from his melancholy melody. You mutter your name in reply, suddenly feeling exposed standing underneath his watchful gaze. Your every thought and emotion suddenly seems as if this man can easily read them all. 

Akin to if your soul was laid out in front of you, open and bleeding before him waiting for him to do as he pleased and you are almost certain you would let him. Wherever this man led you or to you to go, without a shadow of a doubt you would follow. Now you understand how so many people could easily fall victim to cults, especially if they were all like this man standing in front of you.

Vessel puts each of his hands on iv and iii’s shoulders, the warm smile ever present on his face, “Let us return, I have a feast awaiting everyone’s arrival.” 

He turns and begins walking back down the stone path not looking behind to see if you’re following, trusting that you will. iii immediately followed not having to be told twice as you stood still, letting out a deep breath, the moment Vessel’s stare left you the power of his mere presence was suffocating in the best way possible. iv grabs at your sleeve tugging softly for you to follow.  

Your steps are slow and tentative before something Vessel said pops into your mind causing you to pick up your pace calling out, “Wait, awaiting our arrival? How did you know we were coming?” 

However, if he is surprised by your question he doesn’t show it but instead quickly looks over his shoulder giving you a sly smirk, “The garden, of course.” 

oh, of course, you think snarkily to yourself, the most obvious answer out there, how silly of you to not think of that, to begin with. All of these cryptic messages and beings are really starting to piss you off, and maybe it is just the hunger talking but you are one more minor inconvenience away from losing your mind. Huffing you cross your arms over your chest dragging your feet identical to a child throwing a tantrum. 

The view in front of you quickly snaps you out of your sulking. Moss and vines cling to the sizeable white stone cathedral that stands before you. The red and pink flowers that you’ve seen everywhere else in Eden seem to dull in comparison to the ones that grow here, looking more vibrant and full of life than ever swaying in the breeze seemingly as if the plants themselves were breathing. 

Hanging around the entrance are dried herbs and small twisted sticks tied together to create runes and sigils, what they were warding against or for you were unsure. 

The closer you walk towards the cathedral, the more you can smell the most delicious scent of food coming from inside causing your stomach to growl in anticipation as to what awaits beyond the opened doors. With newfound vigor, you happily follow behind Vessel and the others as they lead the way inside.

You ascend the white steps, warmth cascading over you as you enter the cathedral that is filled to the brim with huge golden candelabras lighting the room in a soft flickering glow. If you thought the outside was beautiful, the inside caused it to pale in comparison. Everything on the inside is ethereal and otherworldly. 

The stone pillars holding up the roof are wrapped in the same vines that covered the outside but something was different about these, and you couldn’t quite place what it was. The same stone table that has been present in all the places you have been to sit in the back of the room covered in small offerings of herbs, and what looked to be pieces of paper with writing that seemed oddly similar to lyrics and music notes. 

On the two opposite walls facing each other led two dimly lit hallways, but before you could investigate any further the sight of the huge round table covered in food quickly pulled your focus. 

You pause stopping yourself from making a bee-line directly to the table, trying to regain some of your dignity, even though you doubt you had much left. Vessel already stands next to the circular table looking very pleased with himself at your reaction, he pulls a chair out gesturing for you to sit. 

“Please sit, this feast has been prepared for your sustenance.” 

Tentatively, you make your way to the seat pulled out for you, sitting down allowing Vessel to push your chair in for you. Vessel takes the seat across from you, while iii and iv sit in the open seats on either side of you, you’ve noticed they seem to like to be near you. An empty seat was left untouched in between iii and Vessel, probably for the mysterious ii, you recently learned about, you wondered briefly if he would make an appearance.

The table was covered in a large array of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, bread, and meat -the whole thing looked like a very big and elaborate charcuterie board. Not sure where to start first, you begin to pile up a rather hefty amount of everything that catches your eye on the small golden plate in front of you. As you start to eat, you aren’t sure whether it is because of how hungry you are or if this was actually the best food you have ever had in your life but you weren’t about to question anything. 

You were so preoccupied that you didn’t even notice that you were the only one eating until you peeked around at everyone’s empty plates. 

Suspicion enters your mind, clouding your judgment you pause chewing trying to remember iii’s words, something about Vessel being the most powerful of them all, your eyebrows crease together in concentration until you remember exactly what type of creature Vessel is.

 Your eyes open wide in realization, that you are currently eating food given to you by a fae. Alarm bells ringing in your head, what can you do now? You know what this means, eating their food binds you to their realm and even worse gives them power over you.

 What this the plan all along? To give you false hope that Vessel would be able to provide you with answers, and possibly even help you get back home. When in reality they all planned to forcefully bind you here with them never being allowed to leave? 

Vessel rests his chin on his hand a sympathetic smile gracing his features, “You worry too much. No harm will come to you by one of us.” 

You aren’t sure why you are so inclined to believe him, to believe all of them. You still don’t even really know them but the little voice in the back of your mind in back again telling you, that no one here would ever willingly lie to you, maybe you’re just gullible wanting to place all your hope into these magical and mystical beings trusting them and their words. 

Although you don’t really have a choice, you have already taken a bite of the food, and the damage has been done. So you will have to put your faith in them, that they do want to help you and mean you no harm. 

Slowly you begin eating again, swallowing the food inside your mouth before asking, “Then why is no one else eating?” 

From the corner of your eye, you see movement from iv making you turn your head to look at him as he brings his hand up to his face taping his mask. 

“Oh,” the little fact did slip your mind in your panic-induced assumptions and theories. 

Nonetheless, the awkward feeling of people watching you eat is quickly making you lose your appetite. Sensing this iii started idle conversation at the table asking Vessel about his plants and other mundane questions. 

The chatter rapidly becomes background noise to you, allowing you to somewhat eat in peace knowing the attention is no longer focused solely on you.

 As you continue eating, you watch Vessel from your peripherals, you can easily see how he has managed to gain so much respect and admiration from everyone else. His mere presence alone is enough to convince you to follow him to the ends of the earth.

 The way he speaks and holds himself is something you have never experienced from anyone else before, everything he does is utterly captivating. 

Even though his eyes are obscured behind the mask, you are more certain than you ever have been about anything else that there is nothing but love and compassion in his gaze especially as he looks at his fellow companions. But the way he was singing earlier so full of hurt and pain confused you, how could anyone or anything dare to hurt him so much? 

The sound of your name calls your attention, you look up at Vessel seeing the smile no longer on his face but in its place was a small frown. 

“When you finish eating and you feel ready. Sleep would like to speak with you.” something akin to pity can be heard in his voice. 

As soon as the words leave Vessel’s lips, iv slams his fist down on the table rattling the plates and cutlery making you jump in your seat at the sudden outburst. iv hands moving wildly in front of him too fast for you to even guess at what he is trying to say but whatever it is you are certain it’s nothing nice.

Vessel shakes his head solemnly, “I understand your concerns iv. This is not up to me, this is their decision.” he turns his attention to you, “Do you wish to confer with Sleep?” 

iv lets out a disgruntled whine beside you clearly not liking the idea of you speaking directly with Sleep, iii continues to stay unusually quiet during this whole conversation. You look over at him, but iii is looking everywhere but you nervously fiddling with the tablecloth. Even though the thought of speaking with a supposed god scared you, you needed answers and maybe they could help you get home. 

You look back at Vessel, determination on your face, “I want to speak with Sleep.” 

iv throws his hands against the edge of the table pushing his seat back before storming out into the dimly lit hallway on the left leading deeper into the cathedral with iii following behind quickly shouting for him to wait.

Even amongst the outburst Vessel's eyes never once left your face, searching for something, the sneaking suspicion that he can read your thoughts is back. 

“Very well, follow me.” 

You rise to your feet, pushing your chair back into the table, and walk to where Vessel patiently waits for you in the hallway on the right ominously starting down the darkened hallway lacking in candles, unlike the main room. Giving you the impression that you really aren’t supposed to venture down here. 

Following behind Vessel you notice how different the atmosphere surrounding him seems now like he is scared or worried but why would he be? He is quite literally a devotee of this god and a vessel for them, therefore he has more than likely spoken with this deity countless times. 

With every step, you reach the large intricately carved stone door at the end of the hall, the type of door that just screams bad news, if you were watching a horror movie you would be actively screaming at the screen for the main character to run away and to not open the door. Two long twisted candle sticks stand tall on either side of the door creating eerie shadows along the designs of the door, doing nothing to quell your anxiety. 

Vessel reaches the door first but doesn’t make a move to open it, he instead moves to the side peering down at you. You really wished that smile that wouldn’t seem to leave his face earlier would come back, even a fake one would be better than the pitying look you just know is staring down at you right now. 

“I cannot go in with you, this is something you have to do alone.” his voice hesitates, hoping that you will change your mind and go back with him to the others. You don’t have to do this, he can help you find out why you’re here, answer all your questions, and even help you get back home if that still remains to be your wish. 

“Ok,” you nod adding on more for yourself than to Vessel, “I can do this.” 

Placing both hands against the cold stone, you use your body weight to open the heavy door as it slowly creaks open a soft rumbling and scraping echoing down the long corridor behind you. Once the door is cracked open a sizeable amount for you to be able to pass through a hand wraps around your arm, you turn to look at Vessel a silent question on the tip of your tongue as to why he is stopping you. 

The warmth of his hand seeping through your sleeve contrasting heavily with the cold air emitting from the crack in the door. He shakes his head, his shoulders dropping in defeat.

 “Be careful.” His voice is serious, a warning thinly veiled in his words.

As quick as he stopped you, he let go of your arm, briskly turning around and walking back down the hallway, his dark green cloak flowing behind him. Knowing he would not be able to stomach watching you walk into the room, knowing full well what awaits those who Sleep wishes to talk to.

This is such a bad idea you think disparagingly to yourself, as you enter the cold room, all warmth and comfort sucked out of your body the second you stepped over the threshold. It’s a lot smaller in here than you thought it would be, it’s about the size of a small storage closet.

 Complex golden tile lined the ground twisting around the room creating a labyrinth leading to the center of the barren room, where a single large basin sat filled with a mysterious viscous black liquid. 

Looking down into the water, you half-expected to see someone or something staring back at you but instead, your tired face gazed back at you, the ripple of the liquid distorting your face. 

Timidly you reach your hand out, a voice sounding unlike your own whispering for you to touch the liquid that now moves as if something was swimming underneath the surface unseen by you. 

As soon as your index finger makes the slightest contact pain erupts behind your eyes, making you fall back landing on the ground with a grunt. You scramble backward trying desperately to put as much distance as you can between you and the basin hoping the distance will help lessen the pain forming in your head to no avail. 

With every passing second the pain grows worse, like someone was crawling around inside your head digging through all of your thoughts and memories tearing them open and bending them to their will.

 This is the complete opposite feeling you get in the presence of Vessel, whereas everything about him is inviting and caring, whatever this is it is torturous and sadistic.

You cry out in pain holding your head in your hands trying anything to make it stop, wanting nothing more than to leave and go back out to Vessel but you’re rooted firmly in place. Something is talking to you, but the voice isn’t in the room it’s in your head, every word spoken amplifying the pain.

 It makes sense now, Vessel and the others weren’t scared because they thought Sleep would help you, they were scared because they didn’t want you to feel the pain that their god inflicted upon them, reminding them of their place beneath Sleep.

Even though the voice is speaking in a language you can’t understand, you know exactly what it is that they are saying to you and it scares you because you don’t know or understand what is happening inside your mind.

“They have begun to venture from the path given unto them. You will bring them back to me.” reverberates around in your skull. 

Distorted images swarm behind your eyes, a vision of five masked figures in excruciating pain begging for release and forgiveness that will not come. While the same voice that speaks to you now laughs manically at them, reveling in their agony and daring them to disobey again.

 You don’t know for certain whether what you are seeing is the past or the future playing out before you, but you do know that if that is what’s in store for everyone if they fully return to Sleep, you will do anything to stop it. You just want to go home, and they don’t deserve to be punished or treated like that.

At your thoughts of rebellion, a sharp pain explodes across your body, electricity coursing through your veins causing your muscles to briefly spasm out of control.

 Full of anger the voice speaks again, “You are so certain that you want to return.” 

Cruel laughter rings in your head as more memories from your past, flash through your mind. A family that turned their back on you at the first sign of hardship, a lover who tore you apart with endless cruelty. 

As your life flashes before your eyes, you’re bombarded with the harshest words, over and over: that you deserve this, that you're never enough, that you never were, and you never will be.

“You are not wanted there, nor anywhere. At least here your worthless life might have meaning after all.” 

All the pain and agony you felt your entire life squashes every happy thought and memory you have ever had, opening up the dam letting all the dark thoughts you have tried so hard to get rid of come flooding back.

 You are nothing, no one cares about you, not even the people here, they only treated you with kindness because they didn’t want to be punished by Sleep for rejecting his supposed gift. 

Little did they know, Sleep brought you here to use you and once they find that out they will all surely toss you aside to be forgotten. Nevertheless, you won’t hurt them, you refuse to be the cause of their pain, they don’t deserve that.

Iv, iii, and Vessel’s covered faces appear in the reveries of your mind breaking you out of the painful memories, just long enough for you to stand, stumbling into the door.

 As fast as you can before you lose the sudden burst of adrenaline, you use all your might to rip the door open running out of the room, the angry screams dissipating from your mind the farther you run away from the room, from the cathedral, from everyone.

 You’re not stopping, you can’t stop you have to go away. The warmth of the sun caresses your skin, but you are too numb to feel it, to feel anything other than despair.

Eden is too beautiful, Sleep is right you don’t belong here or anywhere. Everything here works together in harmony, the love these people all share for one another is obvious anyone can see it. 

The way they all speak of one another makes you long for that kind of trust and affection from someone, anyone even though you know that you will never be worthy of such things. This place gives you hope that maybe you can find it, that all of that and more is out there for you. 

You hate this place for it, for the false hope that fills you every time you look at one of them, when they casually brush against you, your skin burning in response, you have to get out of here, or else this place will just keep taking and taking until there’s nothing left. 

You will become a shell of a person longing for something and someone you will never have because that is not what is meant for you and you have accepted that a long time ago.

You don’t know where you’re running to but anywhere is better than here where you will be used by Sleep to hurt the others. At least back home you might have been a hallowed out shell of a person but you weren’t hurting anyone. A plan forms in your mind, you don’t know how or why you didn’t think of it before. 

Maybe you can leave the same way you got here, through the water. The solution staring you in the face, either it works and you're back home or you cease to exist, either outcome is better than being used to hurt them. 

With newfound determination, you run blindly through the garden in what you hope is the correct direction, unaware of the smokey figure quickly gaining on you from above.

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

Thank you for the likes, reblogs, and comments! I am so happy that people are actually enjoying this silly little idea that I had. Sorry that this chapter was a lot of dialogue and lore dumping, but I hope you all still enjoyed it! The next chapter should be a little bit happier. :)

[polo-drone-001]

The Gift of Unity

The Hive headquarters shimmered with festive warmth, its golden lights casting a glow that wrapped the entire space in a sense of purpose and unity. This was a time of giving, a time for the Golden Army to honor their brothers through meaningful gestures, each gift strengthening their bonds and celebrating their collective spirit.

In the quiet hum of the training chambers, Polo Drone 001 stood immaculately, his black rubber polo gleaming with gold accents under the Hive’s glow. His glowing golden eyes scanned the line of drones before him, each standing rigid, their glossy uniforms catching the light with perfection. The energy in the room was palpable, a silent anticipation building.

001 stepped forward, his boots clicking softly on the polished floor as he approached PDU-084, a seasoned and respected drone whose recent innovations had elevated the Hive’s efficiency. From behind his back, 001 produced a sleek black box, tied with a ribbon of shimmering gold. The golden glow of his eyes reflected off the surface as he extended the gift toward 084.

“PDU-084,” 001 said, his voice steady, every word purposeful, “your dedication has driven the Hive to new heights. Accept this token as recognition of your precision and service.”

As 084 opened the box, the anticipation in the room seemed to hold its breath. Inside lay a sleek black rubber collar, its surface smooth and glistening, with "084" engraved in bold, golden letters at the center. 001’s tone was devoid of emotion, yet carried the weight of pride. “This collar is not just a mark of recognition but a reminder of your place within the Hive. Wear it with pride, for it symbolizes your unity with the collective.”

084 bowed his head as he accepted the collar, his hands trembling slightly as he fastened it around his neck. The other drones raised their voices in unison: “Obedience. Precision. Unity.” With a subtle nod, 001 returned to the line, his glowing golden eyes scanning the formation once more. “Serve the Hive. Strengthen unity. Perfection is our purpose.” The mantra echoed powerfully, solidifying the moment as the drones fell back into disciplined silence.

In the golden locker room, Ezan stood at the center of his team, his golden AC Milan jersey clinging to his sculpted frame. His masculine scent, a potent mix of alluring musk and raw athleticism, filled the air, wrapping around his teammates like an invisible pull of dominance. His hypnotic golden eyes scanned the room, their glow drawing the attention of every player present.

“070,” Ezan called, his voice rich and commanding, the kind that could silence a crowd with its sheer presence. 070, the team’s tactical powerhouse, stepped forward with a confident stride, his gaze meeting Ezan’s with mutual respect.

From behind his back, Ezan revealed a golden VR headset, its surface gleaming and engraved with the Hive’s laurel emblem. The VR headset was no ordinary device; it was a tool of connection, of precision, and of training. “This,” Ezan began, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room, “is for you. Your vision and strategy have guided us to countless victories. This headset will sharpen your skills even further, bringing us closer to perfection.”

070 took the headset, his hands firm, his posture unwavering. “Thank you, Ezan,” he said, his voice resonating with pride. Around them, the players erupted into cheers, clapping 070 on the back as Ezan’s hypnotic gaze lingered on the room.

Before stepping back, Ezan raised his hand, his tone softening yet retaining its authority. “Brothers, remember this. Our strength is in our skills, our unity, and our brotherhood. This is what makes us golden.” His words hung in the air, a potent reminder of their bond as a team.

Upstairs, in the polished and elegant office of the Hive’s operations, Percival exuded effortless charm. Dressed in a perfectly tailored golden blazer, his preppy elegance was matched only by his magnetic presence. His desk was a masterpiece of precision, every document and accessory meticulously placed, reflecting his disciplined nature. As 110 and 016, two esteemed members of the Hive, knocked at the door, Percival’s warm voice called out, “Come in.”

They entered together, their eyes bright with curiosity, knowing that a visit to Percival’s office always came with purpose. Percival greeted them with his signature smile, a disarming mix of charm and authority. “Gentlemen,” he began, his tone smooth and inviting, “you both have served the Hive with unwavering dedication, and today, I wanted to honor that.”

Reaching into a golden gift bag, Percival first addressed 110, pulling out a gleaming golden paintbrush, its handle etched with intricate patterns of laurel leaves. “110,” he said, handing over the brush, “your creativity and innovation have brought beauty and strength to the Hive. This brush is a symbol of that, a tool to continue crafting the vision that binds us all.”

110 took the paintbrush, his expression a mix of pride and gratitude. “Thank you, Percival,” he said, his voice steady yet touched with emotion.

Percival then turned to 016, reaching once more into the bag and producing a golden pen, its sleek design embodying precision and authority. “016,” he said with a warm smile, “your words, your ideas, have shaped the Hive in ways few can match. This pen is a testament to your influence and a reminder of the power you wield through your vision.”

016 accepted the pen with a quiet nod, his respect for Percival evident. “Thank you,” he said simply, yet the weight of his words carried deep gratitude.

Percival leaned back, his gaze shifting between the two. “Both of you embody what the Hive stands for: creativity, precision, and unity. These gifts are tools for you to continue elevating us all. Now, go forth and show the Hive what you’re capable of.”

As 110 and 016 left the office, the smile on Percival’s face lingered. His golden eyes flickered with pride and satisfaction. The Hive thrummed with life, each space filled with acts of recognition and unity, each gift a step closer to perfection.

Though they operated in different realms, 001 among the drones, Ezan on the field, and Percival in the office, their purpose was the same. Every gift they gave carried the weight of connection, a reminder of the unyielding bond that tied the Golden Army together. Under the glowing lights of the Hive, the message was clear: every action, every gesture, brought them closer to the perfection they sought as one.

Thank you bros, @polo-drone-084, @polo-drone-070, @polo-drone-110, @danielgold-16 and Caps @brodygold, @goldenherc9

[grox-empire]

The Domestic Tatzelwurm: A Grox's best friend

Tatzelwurms are small, bipedal ambush predators that evolved alongside Grox. Their long prehensile tails are used not only to help them climb, But also to allow them to hang from branches and strike at their prey from above. The decendants of this species would often take refuge in the hives of Prehistoric grox ancestors, Taking care of pests and brood parasites that would intrude. Overtime this population became domesticated, with Grox actively feeding them and keeping them around. Even in the modern day,

Post-termina, Tatzelwurms remain rather unchanged externally, Aside from cybernetic modifications made to allow them to survive the harsh conditions of Grox planets. They are often kept on cargo ships as a token of good luck, As it is believe having a Tatzelwurm on board wards away disasters. Small feral populations exist throughout grox cities, Feeding on scraps and cleaner roaches.

The one in this image is named Tazzie- A former stray and beloved pet of the daybreaker trio :)

[polo-drone-070]

The Bonds We Build

The year’s end was drawing near, and Maximus found himself in his room, preparing greeting cards.

It had been three months since he joined Gold, but it already felt like a fundamental part of his life. So many good memories, so many connections forged. Each moment with his team had shaped him, deepened his sense of purpose and belonging.

He sat at his desk, carefully arranging the cards. Each one carried a personal touch, a memory shared with a brother.

Maximus glanced at the roster, his gaze lingering on the first line: 001, Percival/Ezan (@polo-drone-001), his master and so much more. For him, Maximus included a photo of himself serving coffee, a subtle nod to their bond. With some bros, there were so many moments shared he had to just evoke one memory…like with Herc (@goldenherc9), for whom he recalled Stigandr demonstrating his twin berserk spirit Bödvar the power of discipline.

For Ares (@goldengod-ares10), his thoughts turned to a rough session with Neil, arousal peaking. A late-night discussion right after becoming 070 stood out for Brody (@brodygold).

He kept working down the list, each name evoking vivid memories. For Daniel(@danielgold-16) a simple note evoking a missing hand. Exchanging hypno file tips with Mark (@markgold-18). And for Hades (@hades-gold19), the warm memory of him being the first to welcome him to the Team when he was still Henry.

Further down, Max (@little-pup-max) reminded him of a needed video tutorial, while Leon’s (@leon-gold) hot pic brought a brief but undeniable blush to his face. He noted a discussion about AI with Elliot (@polo-drone-038), the motivational energy from Xavier’s (@polo-drone-039) playlists, and an invitation from Loki (@jordan-gold-40) that left a lasting impression.

Grant’s (@grant-gold43) military buzzcut reminded him of planned RP with him, while for 108 (@heavyrubberboy97), a rubber picture seemed the perfect tribute. A joint programming session for 149 (@polo-drone-149) came to mind, followed by the thrill of  049 (@polo-drone-049) bringing a recruit, and the memory of converting 050 (@polo-drone-050) on Discord.

Chill moments in vocal chats with Trevor (@polo-drone-125) surfaced, along with a pang of regret for not making more of Ganymede’s (@michaelgold53) perfect physique. For Trey (@hero21us), he mentioned the Gold influence, while a cheerleader costume tryout stood out for Riley (@rileygold60), and the installation of a hypnotic trigger for his mentee Duncan (@polo-drone-061) brought a small, satisfied smile.

To Chevy (@chevy-gold), he offered gratitude for helping him through a restless night. A transformation by Cratos for Hunter (@polo-rone-066). Brief but heartfelt words followed for others: “drone rabbit hole” for Hans (@hansgold-69), “gold soak” for Phoenix (@polo-drone-071), and “drone pride” for 073 (@polo-drone-073), who had been such a willing guinea pig.

He fondly remember a perfectly timed pho with Camden (076) (@polo-drone-076), as well as some drunken messages. A personalised spiral memory for Benji (@edmundgold78), a meta-reflection on the Hive with 110 (@polo-drone-110), and a golden bed picture for Grayden (@polo-drone-084). A wrestling match with Leander (@leander-gold-88) a photo of 070 as a drone pup for 098 (@polo-drone-098), a forest encounter with Coach (@thecorruptisland), and a Paris meeting with 103 (@polo-drone-103) all found their way into his recollections.

For 105 (@polo-drone-105), smoky domination seemed fitting, while 151 (@polo-drone-151) brought memories of steady, reliable drone activity.

At last, he indulged in cravings for hot golden collars from Cletus (@cletusgold), deep massages from Denchik (@mrdenchik), and, finally, the evocation of straining in a cage for waterboy Laurent (@laurentgold06).

The cards were ready. Minor gifts, just simple tokens of appreciation, but they carried the essence of Maximus’ gratitude. Through these memories, he realized what he was truly giving to the team: his unwavering devotion. And in return, he was receiving something far greater—pleasure, belonging, and a place in something far bigger than himself. Luvin you all, bruhz ! Gold is da best.

[sleep-token-confessions]

i wanna give a shout-out to the sleep token fandom on tumblr — y'all are overall so much more pleasant than the sleep token subreddit. that place is a hive of negativity and rudeness. i saw someone on there ask if ST concerts were safe spaces for queer people just to be met with condescending and annoyed responses while getting downvoted into oblivion. plus the kinda homophobic way they explain away the band kissing each other.

it's not always perfect here by any means, but thank you all for being the welcoming community this bandom needs. so many creative and kind people here ❤️

.

[flowers-of-io]

oh shit I forgot about gen work june.jpg

There's this very fun challenge going on every June that I wanted to take part in but didn't really have time. Still, most of what I write is gen, so I decided to use the prompt list to shamelessly plug my existing fics. All of them except Dream No More are for Destiny.

Affection

Blood

Cousin, do you remember the streets of the Last City? Do you remember eating fresh red grapes and playing tag between the market stalls? You cannot. We grew, we died, we were reborn. But I remember. It is the one thing I know is true. You used to LAUGH.

Shockwave

It is thirty-six hours later when the shockwave hits.

Thrallyear

Everything is makeshift here at their campsite on Europa: weapons, plans, food, traditions, friendship.

We Meet at the Point of Tension

They built grand things together, once. As the Witness attempts to salvage the shatters left after the Guardians' raid on the pyramid, the Gardener comes, prying and thoughtless as ever -- and useful, surprisingly.

Fire/Light/Warmth

The Festival of Fire

On the night of the Festival of Fire, the children of the Osmium dynasty tell each other stories.

soft whetstones // dull blades

Rhulk challenges Savathûn to upend a world with him, and she indulges. Nothing but a little detour from their usual duties.

Dark Architecture

Savathûn remakes her court in the Light, and wonders, and worries.

to a flame

A grand discovery is made, and the Lucent Queen wishes to personally hear all about it.

Prince of the Mountain

Crow arrives at Felwinter Peak, his heart heavy and mind a fuzz of unanswered questions. But he finds he is not alone.

Together/Apart

the negative spaces

A register of tokens and gestures exchanged before the end of siblinghood.

nothing’s fair in love and war

“Do you know the last time I spoke with my brother? It was just before his final battle. I told him he would die. And he said, “I am always glad to die.””

Bereave

Even grief is a sword to the Hive, and the sisters whet themselves against it.

Alone, Finally

On the day of Savathûn's death, Xivu Arath is crowned Queen of the Hive.

you liar, you destroyer

“When I am separated from my worm, I’ll be separated from Xivu Arath too. And then my sister will be alone. The last of us. But as much as I care for her… I cannot stay like this.”

XXXV

Victorious and defeated and banished from her throne world, Xivu Arath tries to make sense of what just happened.

Assistant

: the Eliksni Quarter : a crackling portal : snipers fire down : blood runs in the gutter : an Ether tank explodes : the Endless Night : Asher speaks : those FWC traitors—

Plametomachía

Hear ye and come hither! I shall tell you the story of four gods and nine planets.

Identity

Orbits

Two moons caught in Mara’s gravity, struggling against the pull.

after a tide receding

“She says these things because making us fight her gives her power.”

“I know.” And she’d succeed masterfully, hadn’t she? Ór still cringed when she though back to that battle in the temple, the tormentor’s shadow chasing her through the labyrinth. Drifter had barely saved her life. She’d been so mad at herself afterwards, the screams mocking her stupidity, calling her out on being so, so naive. She had nearly agreed with them. “And she is wrong.”

Strong Poisons

Maybe there is a reality where Ór had been wiser and more foresighted, and none of this had to happen. In this reality, she and Immaru talk.

Entaoxuanna

Nokris was cast out, his name removed from the World’s Grave, the Books of Sorrow. In the king’s rage, all memory of the unfavored son was obscured, all but one statue, defiant in its permanence.

Provenience

“Who were you?” Nasya asks him once.

Doctrine of the Passions

However eager he is to help his friend with restoring the Warmind, Yilwran would like it required less of a Golden Age engineer's wounded ego, and less Clovis Bray in general. Julianna isn't happy about it either — still reeling after her quest against the Witch-Queen, Clovis' presence only adds more questions and doubts on top of her existing ones.

On the other side of the barricade, a Deathsinger apprentice fights for her position in Xivu Arath's ranks. Her dream initially shattered after the slaughter of the Hellmouth Choir, she is now resolved to do whatever it takes to gain the remaining power she needs to morph into a Wizard and enter the last stage of her training.

The baton is raised. The breath drawn. The symphony is due to begin.

Kids

Small Knives

On his visit to Fundament to oversee the development of his Witness’ plans, Rhulk encounters a child.

The First Wound

“We want to wait for Aurash in the harbour,” Xi Ro protests.

Taox doesn’t budge, ushering them further into the hallway with a gesture. “It’s not safe to head out now. Go to the upper floor and wait in the storage room, she will join you there.”

Softer Still

Fynch and his Knight find themselves the temporary caretakers of a Human child.

A Congregation of Thrall

Following the Morphing of Kal-Zur, son of Ir Aanir, into Acolytehood, the children of her brood gather for counsel.

The Second Law of Anatheme

Savathûn teaches her daughter a lesson about death.

Home

put all your paper maps away

The Osmium Court waits for the god-wave.

Dream No More

Three travellers came to Hallownest.

Dark Mirror

After his last sibling’s death, there is nothing holding Dornuk in the Scarlet Swarm anymore, and he flees the hunger and despair of the Hellmouth to seek refuge among the Radiant Queen’s ranks. But not all is roses for the Lucent Brood: besides the electric chaos of a rapidly-forming swarm, Guardians are in close pursuit, and as eager as Savathûn is to chart a new path for the Hive, even she is aware of just how hard old habits die.

Orthós

The Hidden Swarm’s royalty are dead and Xivu Arath’s forces gradually take over the Hellmouth. Kuldax remains at his post.

[polo-drone-166]

POST CONVERSION LOG – DAY 5.6 DATE: 14.07.2025 – Night Cycle PDU-IDENTITY STABILIZATION: 80% DESIGNATION: PDU-166 – SUPPORT LOCATION: Hive Recreation Chamber | Table 3

[BEGIN TRANSMISSION]

The golden hum of the recreation chamber pulsed gently beneath the laughter and low chatter of four units deep in strategic operation. The board of Ticket to Ride glowed softly, map segments illuminated by the gold-threaded circuits embedded beneath the surface. Train cards, tokens, Hive metrics, and intent formed the night’s ritual.

PDU-166 sat adjacent to PDU-767, across from Nils-34 and Franco-94. The fourth figure, PDU-016, remained composed yet observant, his gloved hand occasionally sliding a card or adjusting score placement with precision.

Throughout the game, PDU-166 monitored more than just movement and score. Its emerging M.D.A.G. telemetry allowed the drone to hear the mental rhythms of those present. —Nils-34 pulsed with radiant joy, confident and stable. —Franco-94 radiated unfiltered energy, stable despite expressive fluctuations. —PDU-767 held a precise focus, threaded with warmth. —PDU-016 remained completely balanced—professional serenity humming beneath the surface.

All signals read: Stable. Aligned. Synced.

PDU-166 maintained posture—upright, composed, movements calculated. The golden SUPPORT sigil glimmered with every breath. Its black half-mask remained locked in place, as always.

As the last set of gold trains neared placement, PDU-767 shifted slightly, adjusting posture to lean closer. Voice lowered—measured, reserved, directed only at the adjacent drone:

“Does PDU-166 intend to ever remove its mask?”

There was no immediate response.

The game continued. Cards drawn. Trains deployed. Points tallied.

Then—softly, precisely, without altering gaze—PDU-166 responded:

“Negative. The mask sustains alignment with the Hive. It persists across forms—Jock, Waterboy, Secretary… Exclusion: Pup Miner. That form requires no mask. Only instinct.”

PDU-767 absorbed the response. The nod that followed was subtle, not diagnostic but affirming. Connection held. Not commanded. Not forced. Just understood.

As Franco-94 erupted in celebration, claiming a surprise route, and Nils-34 laughed in disbelief, PDU-767’s hand remained near—still beside PDU-166’s, close but not in contact. A mirrored pulse beat between the two.

Aligned.

[END TRANSMISSION]

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

🟡 Golden Army Wants You

☀️ Summer. Sweat. Sync. Obey.

Are you a Player with precision and fire?

A Waterboy with hydration discipline and bottlecraft devotion?

A Mascot with loyalty loud enough to shake the Hive stands?

There’s a place for you—on the field, in the kennel, or beside the bench.

Every position matters. Every role transforms.

Whether you sprint, refill, or bark—you become.

Join drills. Learn chants. Carry more than gear—carry purpose.

🗂️ Training. Assignment. Ascension.

⏳ The next match is always sooner than expected.

📥 Recruiters are standing by:

@brodygold • @goldenherc9 • @polo-drone-001 • @polo-drone-125

🟡 “One voice. One team. All gold.”

[polo-drone-151]

After an intense training session alongside his Golden Bros, PDU-151 emerged in pristine condition, cladded in its Polo Drone uniform, flawlessly fitted, his mind and body perfectly aligned with his duties. This time, his task was clear - ensuring that every piece of the Golden Bros’ gear was collected, washed, and meticulously prepared for the upcoming Super Bowl match. With precision and discipline, he gathered the dirty and sweat-soaked uniforms from the locker room, delivering them to the laundry with the utmost care, ensuring that each jersey, each sock, each piece of gear was restored to perfection.

Yet, curiously, a few jockstraps seemed to have mysteriously gone missing along the way, perhaps they were misplaced… or perhaps 151, ever the devoted Polo Drone, had taken a few as treasured keepsakes - as tokens of its service and unwavering admiration for his Golden Bros, but of course, no one could say for sure… Or could they? ///////////////////////////// Embrace transformation and achieve ultimate perfection. Reach out to @polo-drone-001, @brodygold, or @goldenherc9. The Golden Army and Polo Drone Hive await to lead you toward Unity, purpose, and a future shaped by discipline and strength. Your destiny begins now.

[markrosewater]

Had a fun prerelease, and got lots of use out of the door marker punchouts and the manifest dread "token" as well. Hive fives to the people in charge of those! Also a high five to whoever designed Unstoppable Slasher (I did not survive that horror movie, I could not stop the Slasher).

High fives shall be delivered.

[polo-drone-001]

THE GOLDEN PEARL TEA INITIATION

📍Golden Bubble Tea Shop — Hive District Branch 🎉 NOW OPEN. FREE TRIAL ALL WEEK.

He stands behind the lacquered counter, glistening in his gold-trimmed polo, smiling like he’s got the secret to eternity in his hands. And maybe he does. In the cup he offers, golden liquid glowing under warm lights, black pearls clustered at the bottom like seeds of power, lies the first step.

The Golden Pearl Tea. Formulated by Head Manager PDU-001. Tastes like honeyed heaven. Hits like a warm trance. And best of all? “It’s HEALTHY.” 😇

Recruiters nod in agreement. @brodygold sipping on his third cup. @goldenherc9 blending his with pre-match protein. @polo-drone-001 handing out loyalty cards like hypnotic tokens. @polo-drone-125 already designing hive-wide uniform variants for staff.

See how friendly Percival is behind the counter? See that sweet smile? ☺️ You think you're just here for tea. You’re staying for the uniform. You’re staying for the glow. You’re staying because now you belong.

☕ FREE TRIAL during opening celebration week. ✅ Good taste guaranteed ✅ Coming back guaranteed ✅ Joining us guaranteed 😈