#of course she would think the ipc is good and will

[messangerforthestars]

“We need more morally gray characters” you guys can barely handle topaz and jade.

[starcurtain]

Female Guidance in Aventurine's Life

One thing I haven't seen discussed in much depth yet, but which I think is especially interesting, is the consistency of female guidance in Aventurine's life: Every single person who we have seen on screen offering Aventurine assistance or making a positive difference in his life is female (with one exception, yes, I'll get there).

Under the read more cause it's longggg:

Before even diving into his family, let's just get the obvious out of the way: Aventurine is, at least supposedly, blessed by a goddess. The very origin of his good fortune--be it actual blessing or curse--comes from the literal "mother goddess" who watches over him. This is one of the only instances in Star Rail where a god character is specifically given a gender, and Gaiathra is not ever ambiguous. She is the classic female fertility goddess with all the trappings of other famous triple goddess figures of the real world. Aventurine's personal belief in the goddess may be shaky, but he nevertheless continues to treasure his people's faith. Thus, at the core, we can say Aventurine is a character who is guarded by the most quintessential mother figure possible.

Now, with the most obvious out of the way:

We know that Aventurine's father died before Aventurine was even born, and therefore he would not have any memories of his father, leaving him to be raised by his mother and sister.

Both women clearly made an enormous and lasting impression on Aventurine; they haunt every single one of his memories of Sigonia and are the key elements of the family Aventurine longs to return to. While he flirts with the concept of death as a way to see his family members again, it was also his mother and sister who instilled in him any sense of self-worth and meaning to his existence, the only things keeping him from giving up on living. His mother believed him to be blessed; his sister insisted to his face that not even the only remaining remnant of their mother had any value in comparison to his life.

It is for his sister that Aventurine first begins expressing a self-sacrificial nature, and from his sister that this self-sacrifice is reinforced when she uses herself as a shield to help him escape massacre at the hands of the Katicans.

It is also from his sister that Aventurine learns many of the deeply meaningful actions he holds onto to the present day, despite having been so far removed from his own culture.

Conversely, every one of Aventurine's early negative experiences on screen appear to have been driven (at least primarily) by men.

Although the Katican tribe of course would have both men and women, the tribal societies on Sigonia appear to be on the fairly traditional side, with Aventurine's mother staying at the camp with her child while his father was the one to go out and hunt for offerings for Gaiathra. This is also supported by Aventurine asking Jade to take him to her "chief" later on. Therefore, it is likely (although of course not guaranteed) that a majority of the Katicans' army was male, and that Aventurine's early experiences with outsiders consisted almost entirely of indiscriminate pillaging and massacre at the hands of what the Avgin viewed as savage, invading warriors. In separate instances, Aventurine was traumatized by these warrior figures three times--first with the loss of his father, then his mother, and then finally his sister.

And even their hope, supposed to come in the form of the "men in black" from the IPC, completely abandoned them, leaving Aventurine once again betrayed by masculine figures that were supposed to be there to protect him. Led by Oswaldo Schneider, another cruel male authority figure, the Marketing Department of the IPC permitted the wholesale slaughter of Aventurine's people--something which we know Aventurine is now aware of.

Then, of course, the next piece of Aventurine's backstory we're given is his male slave master. I don't really need to say anything about this, do I? This man violated Aventurine's human dignity and bodily autonomy, and forced Aventurine's hand in a life or death battle for which Aventurine still punishes himself mentally, even years in the future.

In part to escape the difficulty of his situation and rise to a position where he would have enough resources to--he thought--help his people, Aventurine joins up with the IPC. But when he attempts to make contact with a powerful man in the organization, Diamond, he is instead met by a woman, Jade, who against Aventurine's own expectations determines that she will raise Aventurine up (or use him as a tool, depending on how you currently choose to interpret Jade's motivations), granting him wealth and status beyond his imagination.

(And this line in particular is interesting, because you can take it one of two ways: 1) Aventurine comes from a patriarchal planet that traditionally put men into positions of power [thereby making his own slavery an emasculating act, aligning him further with disenfranchised women]; thus, he is making the assumption that to get anywhere in this organization, he will need to work with a man; or 2) He actually was counting on Jade taking his bet and helping him right from the beginning, because Aventurine perceives women as inherently more likely to protect and aid him than men would be.)

In the end, Jade does exactly as she claims she will, launching Aventurine into a position of power while also closing golden handcuffs around his wrists. She positions herself not only as his supervisor, but as his advocate and ally. She entrusts him with her Cornerstone, a sign of significant faith in his abilities. She even seems to be keenly aware of his bias towards the mother figure, referring to him as "child" in their conversations.

Whether this is genuine or a manipulation tactic can certainly be debated (and I'm not inclined to think at this point that Jade is a genuinely good role model or selflessly supportive person in Aventurine's life), but whatever the case, women are the only people Aventurine even remotely considers to be "in his corner."

We see this even earlier, in Aventurine's call to Topaz. Like with the example of his mother and sister, Aventurine trusts in Topaz's ability implicitly, and considers her above anyone else when it comes to completing the mission in Penacony.

Although of course we don't know if Aventurine has any other friends or allies among the Strategic Investment Department, it seems very likely that Topaz, yet another woman, is the one he is closest with. At the very least, she is the only IPC character (so far) that Aventurine has a complimentary voice line for, one that shows his respect for her talent:

Over and over again, the story aligns Aventurine with female figures in positions of authority, and demonstrates that he is comfortable (although maybe not too comfortable, in the case of Jade) with relying on them and trusting their judgment, just as he did with his mother and sister.

And this pretty much goes off the charts in Penacony, where Aventurine has more involvement with the female cast than virtually any other non-female character (even the Trailblazer!). We set the pattern off right away, with Aventurine immediately being placed into a negotiation situation with Himeko, respecting her role as the Express's leader and working to get himself aligned with the Express by acquiescing to her request for support.

Then there's the fact that Aventurine is the one who finds Robin's body, an event which, although he didn't let it show too much, was almost certainly traumatic for him, given the violent death of his own sister.

Next, twice in Penacony's story, we see Aventurine seek out Sparkle for information. He may not personally like her and her comments may be both racist and dehumanizing, but Aventurine does rely on her--being the only character explicitly seeking her aid, which no one else in Penacony seems to want.

In 2.0...

And in 2.1.

Now, say it with me, guys: Aventurine built an entire portion of his grand plan around the idea that if he looked pathetic enough, a female character would absolutely come and help him. And sure enough, the women come through for him, always! Sparkle gives him the exact last clue he needs to confirm his belief that he could use "Death" to reach the true Penacony, sealing the deal for the rest of his plan.

His plan which also hinged significantly on Black Swan's involvement too, another woman that he views as, if not trustworthy, then at least intelligent and hyper-competent.

Contrast all this, of course, with the treatment Aventurine receives at the hands of Sunday, the lone opposing male character he faces in Penacony.

Sparkle implies that Sunday would humiliate Aventurine in an unmistakably sexual and degrading way, and Sunday himself professes this same desire to see Aventurine humiliated.

Then we're "treated" to the moment in which Sunday uses the Harmony's (or perhaps actually the Order's?) power against Aventurine, in a scene which is supposed to reflect an interrogation but is also, very clearly, another nonconsensual violation of Aventurine's bodily autonomy and dignity by a man. While ostensibly seeking confirmation of the Cornerstone ruse, Sunday instead subjects Aventurine to unnecessary questions about his past on Sigonia, which recall and force Aventurine to re-endure memories of his trauma.

Even if this is what Aventurine prepared himself for and planned to have happen, the pain he experiences is very real, and he suffers both the physical and emotional consequences of Sunday's assault all the way up to his "Death" and possibly even beyond.

(Also, Sunday fans please don't get too up in arms with me for this; I also like Sunday! It's okay for characters to be morally grey!)

I think there's one other interesting example I would bring up here too, and that's Aventurine's conscious decision to weaponize his own masculinity against the Trailblazer. Through the 2.0 and 2.1 Trailblaze missions, Aventurine deliberately acts in an off-putting manner to the Astral Express crew, particularly the Trailblazer, in order to build up to the 2.1 climax where the Trailblazer is supposed to view him as an unrepentant villain and attack him without hesitation.

In order to achieve this uncomfortable, villainous effect, what does Aventurine do? Exactly what other men have done to him.

This is especially apparent if you're playing Stelle because of the ingrained societal taboo of a man entering a woman's personal space without consent, but even as Caelus, it is very clear that Aventurine is leveraging behaviors typically used to show dominance: In a complete 180 to all Aventurine's other body language in the game (normally quite withdrawn, frequently in defensive postures with his arms crossed or hand behind his back, almost always standing several feet away from other people), Aventurine violates the Trailblazer's personal bubble, looming over them (Caelus was sitting in this cutscene, lol), forcing eye contact, and commanding the space while informing them that they will have no choice.

For someone who was hunted, enslaved, had his movements restricted with chains, and due to his own slight stature has very likely been towered over by others who were intentionally asserting their power over him all his life, it is clear that Aventurine associates dominant, typically more masculine-coded physically-imposing behaviors with discomfort and even villainy.

Any girl who has ever had a man loom over her like this will realize very quickly: Aventurine wanted to make himself scary so he made himself act more like a bad man.

(Yes of course I know "not all men." I'm not saying every man behaves in this domineering way or that women cannot be domineering too, obviously, just that Aventurine had a very specific image in mind when constructing a "villainous persona," and the physically controlling tactics most typically used by aggressive men toward women was his immediate go-to.)

But where does that leave Dr. Ratio, the one male character actually on Aventurine's side?

Frankly, I don't want to derail my post about how intensely Hoyo chose to hammer on the message of "Women will protect you" in Aventurine's story with a discussion about a mlm ship, but the take-away here is going to lead in that direction anyway--so yes, Dr. Ratio is the exception.

What is interesting is that he does not come across as an exception at first, and in fact initially appears as another male character being rude and dismissive to Aventurine. Like, there are still people out there calling Ratio an unrepentant racist for this one.

Of course, it's later clarified that this is an act--likely even these insults were scripted specifically to give Sunday's spying ears the "insight" he needed to exploit Aventurine during the interrogation.

But even though it is an act, Aventurine still has noticeable trouble putting his faith in Ratio. He does genuinely doubt him a few times, despite knowing that they are working together to fool the Family.

Even his voice line about Ratio confirms that he doesn't think Ratio particularly cares for him; rather, he thinks Ratio simply tolerates him because he's slightly less unintelligent than those around them.

Ultimately, the entire act with Ratio ends up being a mirror of the real scenarios Aventurine has been experiencing with men his whole life (at least as far as we are shown his life). Men abandon him to fend for himself (unwillingly, like his father, or willingly, like Diamond leaving Aventurine to deal with Penacony alone on the inside). Ratio keeps leaving Aventurine completely alone. Men attempt to humiliate him and violate his boundaries (like Sunday and his slave master). Ratio insults Aventurine's appearance and intelligence repeatedly. Men betray him (like Oswaldo Schneider and his men leaving the Avgin to die). Ratio "betrays" him.

I'm not saying when Aventurine devised the plan for their act, he consciously drew up a list of all the ways men had hurt him in the past and had Ratio re-enact them one by one, but like... that's what happened, whether or not Aventurine intended it.

And okay, the shrinking scene in Dewlight Pavilion was just for fun and probably only slightly fetishy, the devs promise; yes, it was supposed to be a joke! ...But it's also not a mistake that this is yet another instance of a male character in a glaringly metaphorical position of power over Aventurine. Aventurine's tiny in this scene! He's completely vulnerable! He's in a dangerous position and the male character could very much hurt him in this moment.

But Ratio doesn't. (In fact, his line here is supposed to be sarcastic, very ha ha--but also, what is Ratio really saying? "I won't do anything to you without your express consent." What a good guy.)

Virtually everything negative that we see in 2.1 is Ratio doing these things as an act at Aventurine's own request. He doesn't actually disdain Aventurine; his own voiceline about Aventurine reinforces that he sees Aventurine as talented and intelligent.

Whatever you think he was apologizing for in their early scene, he's the only person we're ever shown in-game apologizing to Aventurine at all.

He worked hard to "betray" Aventurine but only as he was instructed to do, and immediately checks in on Aventurine's well-being afterward, even urging him to give up the plan if it becomes too much to handle.

And then, of course, there's the note: "Do stay alive. I wish you the best of luck."

After this point, it cannot be denied that Ratio is unequivocally on Aventurine's side, wants to help him, and is not doing so out of any sense of self-gain but largely because he is a good person who simply cares about Aventurine's fate. By the end of 2.1, it can no longer be doubted that Ratio is the exception to the "gender rule" of Aventurine's life, which--the story shows us again and again--was that guidance, protection, and care for Aventurine come from women, while men repeatedly represent dismissal, betrayal, or pain.

Ratio is, at least as far as Aventurine's story shows us, the proof that men can be good, that things are not as black and white in Aventurine's life as they might appear, and that--if you do choose to ship him with or see Aventurine as attracted to men--his attraction could be validated (and potentially reciprocated) by a male figure who would not bring additional harm to Aventurine's life. Aventurine makes the final decision to live after seeing Ratio's note--the exception to the rule ultimately proves to be the last piece needed to keep him alive.

But I promised I wasn't going to derail my own post about w o m e n, so let me get to the final point, and the one I really wanted to talk about: Although Ratio gets virtually all the credit for "saving" Aventurine in the fandom, Aventurine was actually saved by, you guessed it, another woman.

Not going to lie, the reason I started this post was specifically because I wanted to talk about how Acheron and Aventurine's dynamic was completely unexpected but actually fits flawlessly with the theme of feminine guidance in Aventurine's story.

Despite the fact that Aventurine made Acheron's life much harder and actively used her as a chip in his grand gamble, she doesn't blame or chastise him for those actions. Although she expresses some incredulity that Aventurine is actually that lucky, she then turns around and congratulations him for his ingenuity, immediately supporting him despite the fact that they don't even truly know each other.

Then it gets even more interesting. Acheron, who frequently hits her companions with deep and sometimes very emotionally fraught questions, asks Aventurine: "Have you never wavered?"

We as players know for a fact that Aventurine is constantly wavering, constantly doubting himself, his luck, and whether he'll even live--or even wants to live--to see tomorrow. But we also know that Aventurine is not forthcoming about those truths, refusing to express them to anyone, even himself. The only way we hear those dark truths is through his "future" self (who by the way, is once again another male figure cutting Aventurine down--of course it's himself but it's also, from the player's perspective, once again reinforcing the message that he isn't going to find safety or kindness in an adult male presence). Aventurine almost constantly deflects and diverts when his emotions or struggles are brought to the fore (unless he's divulging them for the specific purpose of allowing someone else to weaponize them). "I'm fine," he says, like a lying liar who lies.

But he doesn't lie to Acheron.

He chooses to be completely candid with her, to lance open the deepest wound of his life--that he can win and win and win and still have lost everything. The glitz and the glamour has all been stripped away here, at the end of everything, and Aventurine finally feels safe enough to admit that he fears he has absolutely nothing in his life worth living for.

And then, we get this direct parallel: Aventurine looks to Acheron, the woman now before him, for guidance, for explanation, exactly as he looked to his sister in the past.

He needs help, he needs answers, and he is continually seeking that help from the female figures in his life, whose support and kindness echo the lost care of his mother and sister.

"Go where you should be," Acheron tells Aventurine, guiding him across the river of death just as his sister insisted that he flee through the rain toward life.

Look guys, Acheron's even the one who reminds Aventurine to look at Ratio's note in the first place because apparently being an emanator of Nihility gives you x-ray vision, but my girl just gets no credit at all for being Aventurine's real savior, come on now!! Yes, Ratio's note was the final reminder Aventurine needed that someone would be waiting for him on the other side, but Aventurine would never have even gotten to the point of being willing to read that note if Acheron hadn't stepped in and provided him an answer to his question.

She feeds him back his own answer: "Why does life slumber? To rehearse the death for which we are not currently prepared." It is Acheron who reminds Aventurine that giving into the Nihility is pointless, and that rather than simply embracing a meaningless death, it is up to humanity itself to find and make meaning by living. It's this, not Ratio's note, that Aventurine gives as his reason for choosing to go on when asked by his own younger self. It's Acheron's words that finally give Aventurine an answer--why do we live just to die? Because there are people we can still make proud. Because when we go into death, we should do so with our heads held high, having achieved our own sense of purpose in this life.

Ratio gave Aventurine a promise: Someone is waiting for you to come back.

But Acheron gave Aventurine a reason: If life is inherently meaningless, doesn't that just mean you are free to give it meaning yourself?

She saved him, as women have been saving him all his life.

Anyway, this has already been horrendously long, but really what I wanted to say is that I think it is absolutely fascinating how consistent Aventurine's writing is when it comes to portraying where his support comes from and who he seeks guidance from. (Psst, just in case you still haven't figured it out, it's women!) In virtually every instance we are shown, we see the message reinforced that women are Aventurine's greatest allies and role models, while male figures are continually positioned to intentionally or unintentionally let him down and cause him distress.

"But women playing the supporting role to a male character is nothing new, Star, why are you so excited by this?"

Because the role women are playing in Aventurine's life is not the subservient supporter and emotional crutch role that female characters all too often play to male counterparts. None of the women in Penacony or Aventurine's past were there to do the emotional labor for him, to be a trophy or prize, or to cater to his needs. They don't exist solely to help him fulfill his character motivations; they aren't following him around waiting for his next request as their only role in the plot.

Instead, with Aventurine's story, we almost have an inversion of gender roles, where the male character eschews the stereotypical "men are leaders, fighters, and stoic heroes" archetype. Instead, no matter how hard he tries to hide it and keep a stiff upper lip, it is clear from 2.0-2.1's story that Aventurine is a deeply insecure, lonely, and explicitly traumatized survivor of genocide, slavery, and exploitation. Unlike most male characters, who are very rarely portrayed as genuine victims--because come on, shouldn't men be strong enough to fight back? Shouldn't men be able to shrug it off when they are hurt, emotionally or physically? (Of course I'm rolling my eyes here!)--Aventurine is belittled, humiliated, emasculated, and victimized on-screen, roles almost exclusively reserved for women, for whom surviving victimization in fiction is seen as noble.

Meanwhile, the women in Aventurine's life take on the roles traditionally given to male characters. They're both emotionally and physically his protectors. Aventurine's sister gave her life to guard his safety; Acheron ensured he could safely pass beyond the river of Nihility into the Primordial Dreamscape. They give him the tools necessary to succeed where he could not succeed on his own. His plan could never have gotten off the ground without Topaz and Jade entrusting their Cornerstones to him. The knowledge and capabilities of the women around him--not their "feminine charms"--are what allow them to help keep Aventurine on the right path even though he does waver. Even women who disrespect him, like Sparkle, still play a positive role in his life, able to provide him insight gained with their own intellect and talents.

When he has no one to rely on and doesn't know what to do, Aventurine is able to continually turn to the women around him, asking for and receiving not servitude or fawning, but their genuine wisdom and guidance.

tl;dr: If nobody else has him, Aventurine knows this random woman he met two minutes ago on the street will have him, because the women in his life literally never let him down.

(It's just so, so good, and ultimately, it should be very clear why Aventurine's story is as popular with women as it is! A+, Hoyo!)

[rottenmeatsack]

Phone call || Boothill x AFAB Reader (NSFW)

Prompt || You find yourself with strange company that comes and goes as he pleases. - NSFW UNDER THE CUT / MINORS DNI

Warnings: AFAB reader (she/her used), Freaky cyborg anatomy (Boothill is modified to have special equipment if u get me), kinda weird situationship, vulgar language, overstimulation to the point of tears, vaginal fingering, hair pulling, biting, Boothill gets a lil 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝔂

this one ended up being way longer than a drabble should be… idk… Also I described reader’s hair as long enough to be pulled even slightly, so i’m sorry if anyone out there reads this and has short hair that cannot be grabbed

***

The phone rings with a bitter chime, a normally benign sound but with time has grown to make her stomach lurch. She knows who it is before she’d even pried the hard-shelled device out of its hiding place in her purse. Her thumb twitches over the power button and a moment of hesitation crawls through her fingers, halting her in place as she finds herself peering into the dark touchscreen— and she finds her own tentative gaze staring right back.

Her reflection was split in two by the bright white text box, labeling just who was calling although it wasn’t needed. Wanted Criminal, her memory rang. Is it really smart to answer anymore? Who would’ve thought doing a good deed and repairing some beaten cyborg would lead to this sorry state of affairs. She never expected him to start coming and going as he pleased. Hell, a part of her wondered if one day she’d have the IPC themselves busting down her door to get to none other than Boothill waiting inside. Way more trouble than it’s worth, why am I doing this again? She breathes through her teeth as her thumb swipes over the green ‘accept’ button, swallowing the bundle of nerves that clung to the back of her throat as she slowly lifted the speaker to her lips. “Hello?” She speaked in a hushed murmur, the words hardly leaving her tongue.

“Hey there,” His voice is low, that familiar drawl at the end of every word sends a shiver down her spine and the hesitation that was once bubbling inside her stomach slowly begins to dull. She hates how her thighs press against the other without her so much as thinking about it, as if by instinct alone. She can't even deny that somewhere in the mix of conflicting emotions was undoubtedly relief, relief to hear that he was okay despite the small break in communication.

“You avoidin’ me? I came all the way down here just to see ya, only to find you ain’t home.” He speaks casually, it makes her almost forget why she was doubting him in the first place. What was there to be scared about again? Boothill was just a funny if not loud guy who– Wanted Criminal, her mind parroted in a scolding tone. One with a big bounty on his head, one that was bound to bring trouble right to her door. However she couldn’t stop herself from leaning into her phone and sighing, “Just stepped out for a bit,” she excused, “I’ll be home soon.” she promised and she knew it was the truth, she was already walking right back in the direction to greet her unexpected guest.

“Hmm, that so?” Boothill hums, and she’s not sure if the static clinging to his voice is from his synesthesia beacon or the phone’s reception. “Well, you best hurry up, otherwise I might just get impatient missin’ your company and all that— and I’ll go get you myself.” he said, before chuckling, “Just kiddin’ of course. I’ll be waitin’ for you right here.”

The audacity of this outlaw to make himself at home in her space. She should’ve felt annoyed but she knew better by now, she couldn’t deny how her stomach curled at the idea of walking through that door and seeing him again.

She knew what he was there for, a place to rest his head and refuel, warm shelter, some repairs probably, and—

***

She claws at the bed sheets, the fabric bunching around her fingers and dulling the sting of her nails meeting her palms. Spit drips down the corners of her lips and makes stains on the cotton-blanket below her as tears of pure overstimulation bubble in the corners of her eyes but Boothill doesn’t stop his smooth-metal fingers from curling up and circling her abused g-spot. He has her chest-down in her own bed with her hips raised and presented for him, his left hand gripping her waist tight while the right fucks her sopping wet cunt. She cries out as he slips a third finger into her wet heat, her head tipping back and her spine arching into a perfect bow.

Boothill whistles at the sight, “You look real pretty like that,” he says while grinding his palm against her cunt, pressing his fingers impossibly deeper and making her hips tremble. “Visitin’ you is always a real treat, especially when I get to hear the lil’ sounds you make when I do this ,” he reaches his left hand around and tuckes it between her thighs that were slick with her own arousal and sweat, he wastes little time before pressing his middle and index finger up into her throbbing clit. She keens, her eyes rolling back and teeth gritting together as Boothill begins a relentless pace.

He tortured her clit while fucking her with his digits, sending shocks of warmth up into the base of her belly as static ran rampant through her trembling legs. “Mmmf— Ohhh— Boothill, too much, too mu— uch— I just came, dammit—!” she slurs her words and drools at the contact, it’s almost unbelievable how good Boothill is with his fingers. Her voice hitches and catches in her throat as that tight knot in the pit of her hips. “You close again? That’s just fine by me, go on, give me another one.” She can hear how pleased with himself he is in his voice, he’s more than proud that he’s reduced her to this filthy mess in her own bed.

She shoves her face down into the pillow that was damp with her own spit and tears, her voice muffled against the covers as he thrusts his fingers in and out of her at a vicious pace. She can’t hold on any longer and soon she finds herself cumming for what has to be the third time already. She whines and moans into the pillowcase below her, pushing her chest further into the bed as her knees dig into the mattress. Boothill gives her swollen and puffy clit a few more rubs before he pulls his fingers out of her and watches as her hips drop into the bed, waist twitching and shivers running up her legs as she rides out the high of her orgasm.

Her face feels hot and her legs have long gone stiff, she feels like she can’t control her lower body anymore.

Just as she falls from the peak of her climax, she gasps as Boothill’s hand wraps into her hair and pulls it back with a tug— she hisses as it brings her up until her chest is off of the mattress. Boothill straddles the back of her thighs and leans forward, his mouth close to her ear as he holds her captive in his embrace. “I didn’t say you could have a break,” he told her with his lips skimming the side of her cheek.

She feels the hot metal of his modded-cock fall against her raised ass with a wet smack, and he presses the heavy weight of it down to grind against her with every slow and languid push forward.

She mutters something near incoherent, maybe it’s a plea for Boothill to hurry and give her more, but it doesn’t matter because soon she loses the words as they’re stolen right off her tongue with Boothill pressing the blunt tip of his dripping cock against her abused pussy. He pistons his hips down and slams her waist into the bed, forcing every inch into her wet hole as he drapes himself across her back and pins her beneath his robotic-body. The burning sting of being stretched so wide and so fast has her gasping. She sees stars before she can hear him groan into the back of her head, hissing through those razor sharp teeth as he shamelessly moans. “Always feel so good for me,” he mumbles as his metal hands wander and take her own. He holds onto the back of her palms, keeping them pinned and out in front of her as he begins to fuck her hard, fast, and loud. He has no issue or shame in moaning as loud as he pleases, in the back of her mind she wonders if anyone could hear them from outside her door.

He made sure she was so well prepared that he slips out of her too easily, her warm and wet cunt welcoming him with every buck of his hips. “So good, so good.” he mutters through his own ragged grunts and groans. She whimpers, feeling the sting of his metal pelvis slapping the reddening skin of her up-turned ass all while his dick bullies her insides. She claws at her bed, holding onto it for dear life while her stomach curls with every thrust. The sound of the bed creaking mixes with metal on skin, and it makes her head spin. “Too— too much— you’re going so— ooo— fast!” she whines, but Boothill can’t help but go harder. Her pathetic little whimpering eggs him on and he slams down to the base, connecting them hip to hip until her ass is pressed tight against him. The air is knocked right out of her lungs as she opens her mouth

“Just a lil’ more, baby— a lil’ more—” he groans while shoving his head into the crook of her neck, nuzzling his nose and lips into the junction where her shoulder met her throat before sinking his teeth into the once smooth skin earning a breathy little gasp from her in turn. Her eyes flutter shut and she embraces herself, because despite Boothill swearing they'd be done soon—

She already knows she’ll be here all night. It’s like this every visit, after all.

[heliosunny]

For the request can I please have yandere Topaz x spy reader?

Yandere!Topaz x Spy!Reader

The IPC headquarters was an untouchable fortress, at least, that’s what they wanted everyone to believe. You had slipped through tighter security before, evaded sharper eyes, and walked away from more perilous operations unscathed. This was just another job. Another mission. Another untouchable figure to dismantle.

Topaz, Senior Manager of Strategic Investments, was the target. Her role in the IPC made her a dangerous opponent, but also an invaluable asset to your employer. You only needed to extract classified financial records, just enough to tip the scales. A clean job, no blood, no alarms, just data.

Everything had gone smoothly.

You bypassed security systems, wove through automated patrols, and reached the data archives without a hitch. The files loaded onto your drive in seconds. A flawless escape was within reach, that is, until you turned around.

She was waiting. Topaz stood casually in front of the exit, arms crossed, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Her eyes gleamed with something unsettling, mostly amusement, curiosity, control.

"Wow" she mused, "I have to admit, you’re pretty good. Most people don’t make it this far without setting off at least a dozen alarms."

You had been careful. Every precaution taken. Every measure accounted for.

As if reading your mind, Topaz lifted her wrist, revealing a sleek IPC communicator. "The moment you entered the building, I had my security feed rerouted. Instead of alerting my subordinates, I let you walk right in. I wanted to see how far you'd get before realizing..." She tilted her head, a smirk forming.

"You were never in control."

Heat burned at the back of your neck. "Then why wait? Why let me get this far if you knew?"

She chuckled. "Because watching you work was fun. And because, sweetheart, I think we can help each other."

Your breath steadied as your mind raced. If she wasn’t alerting security, she wanted something. This wasn’t an immediate death sentence, it was a game. And if she wanted to play, you would find a way to win.

"What kind of help?" you asked, voice carefully neutral.

Topaz’s smile widened as she stepped closer, her heels clicking softly against the floor. "A deal, of course. You’re talented, resourceful, and bold. The kind of person I like keeping around. So here’s my offer: work for me."

"Not as an IPC agent" she continued, her tone sweet, coaxing, "but as my personal informant. I have... competitors who need watching, tasks that require someone with your skill set." She brushed a hand through her hair, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "In exchange, I'll make sure no one knows you were ever here. No bounty on your head, no retaliation from the IPC, no mysterious 'disappearances' in the night."

It sounded too good. There had to be a catch.

"...And if I refuse?"

Topaz sighed, feigning disappointment. "Then I let my security system do its job, and, well..." She gestured lazily. "You know how the IPC deals with trespassers. Your real employer won't come save you. You'll just be another loose end tied up."

You needed time. A chance to find a weakness, to flip the game back in your favor.

You exhaled, slowly. "Fine. I'll hear the terms."

Topaz beamed. "Good choice! You won’t regret it."

For a moment, it almost seemed like you wouldn’t. The first few tasks were simple, easy, and manageable, gathering intel, dropping misinformation, a few falsified reports. But then, slowly, the conditions began to change.

At first, it was extra tasks. Then, it was little details that didn’t quite match what you originally agreed to. And by the time you realized just how deep you were, the walls had already closed in. You weren’t an idiot. You knew from the start that Topaz's deal was too good to be true.

Numby, her ever-present companion, had taken an odd interest in you. The chubby trotter followed you around constantly, snuffling at your pockets like it expected you to start producing money.

One time, you caught it trying to chew through your coat.

“Numby, no.”

The little trotter blinked up at you innocently.

“I told you” Topaz had chuckled, leaning lazily against her desk, “Numby’s got a good eye for investments. And you?” She smirked. “You're a very valuable asset.”

You didn’t like how she said that.

You liked it even less when you started noticing the subtle shifts in her behavior.

At first, it was small things. The way your “assignments” started requiring more personal involvement. The way she casually dropped your name into IPC circles, slipping you into places you had no business being. The way Numby had started curling up in your lap without invitation, as if marking you as hers.

Your usual informants suddenly wanted nothing to do with you. Your safe houses mysteriously stopped being “safe.” Every attempt to create an exit route was subtly, effortlessly blocked.

The final straw came when you tried to leave the planet.

You had booked an anonymous ticket on a cargo ship, something low-profile, something outside of IPC jurisdiction. But when you arrived at the dock, a familiar voice rang out.

“Ohhh, I knew you’d try something like this.”

You whipped around.

Topaz stood a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes gleaming with amusement. Numby floated beside her, its little snout twitching as if sniffing out your escape attempt like a financial miscalculation.

Your stomach twisted. "How?"

She clicked her tongue, shaking her head as if disappointed. “Come on, sweetheart, do you really think I’d let you walk out of a contract so easily?”

"This wasn’t in the deal."

Topaz’s lips curled. “Mmm... No, but I am IPC, and you did agree to work for me indefinitely. Did you really not read the fine print?”

A holo-screen flickered to life beside her, displaying an altered version of your agreement. There—right at the bottom, in the tiniest, most infuriatingly vague text—you saw it:

"Duration: Until Manager Topaz deems the contract fulfilled."

"You rigged it."

Topaz grinned. "I refined it."

You took a step back. "This is insane. I never agreed to—"

"Sure you did! You just thought you could outsmart me." Her expression softened, almost fond. "But I like that about you. You keep things interesting."

Numby let out a happy squeak and nudged your leg.

You stared at them both. "You can't keep me here."

Topaz let out a slow, thoughtful hum. Then she smiled, bright and sweet.

"Numby?"

The little trotter chirped, then suddenly lunged for your ticket, chomping it out of your hand.

"NUMBY—!"

Too late. The stub was gone, devoured in one decisive bite. The tiny beast swallowed, then let out a smug snuffle, as if personally securing your financial—and physical ruin.

You gawked. "Did you just—”

Topaz stifled a laugh behind her hand. “Ahhh, Numby, good work! Always watching out for bad investments.”

Numby chirped in agreement.

You clenched your jaw, fury simmering beneath your skin. "I am not an investment."

Topaz hummed, stepping forward until she was just inches away. “Oh, but you are. A valuable one. And as long as you keep trying to leave…”

Her fingers brushed along your wrist, feather-light, yet iron in intent.

“…I’ll just have to keep reminding you where you belong.”

Numby let out a delighted snuffle.

You had never hated a tiny financial advisor more in your life.

Posing as Topaz’s subordinate had been a desperate move. You needed to buy time to find a weakness, an escape route, anything that could get you out of her grip.

But now, standing beside her in an IPC-investigated fraud case, you were beginning to regret it.

The boardroom was silent. A collection of high-ranking IPC officials sat around the table, their holo-screens filled with financial reports, transaction histories, and legal documents. A high-profile businessman had been accused of embezzlement, and it was Topaz’s job to untangle the mess.

Technically, it wasn’t your job. But since Topaz had smugly introduced you as her "trusted assistant", you had no choice but to play along.

Numby sat on the table beside you, snuffling at the paperwork.

You shot Topaz a side glance. "You’re enjoying this way too much."

She smiled sweetly. "Of course I am. You look cute when you’re pretending to follow orders."

The meeting dragged on, the accused businessman sweating under the weight of the IPC’s scrutiny. Every time he tried to defend himself, Topaz countered with ironclad numbers. He was cornered. Almost.

But something felt off. A discrepancy in the financial records. A missing link.

You glanced at the reports again, scanning quickly. Then, you saw it-an insignificant-looking transaction, hidden within a cluster of minor expenses. But the pattern…

It was deliberate. A shell account. A decoy. The real funds were funneled elsewhere.

Topaz was still talking, smoothly dismantling the businessman’s weak excuses. You leaned in slightly, your voice low.

"He's hiding it through secondary shell accounts. Check the linked subsidiaries in column D—there’s a laundering trail."

Topaz stilled.

Then, a slow, delighted smile spread across her lips.

"Ahhh, I knew keeping you was a good idea."

Without hesitation, she pulled up the subsidiary records. One glance was all she needed.

"Well, well," she mused, cutting through the businessman’s last defense like a blade. “It looks like someone’s been playing very dirty.”

The room tensed. A few keystrokes later, and the final proof was displayed for all to see.

The businessman turned pale.

The IPC officials murmured in approval.

Numby let out a triumphant chirp.

And Topaz?

She turned to you and whispered, “I think I like you even more now.”

[walpu]

I found a really interesting premise that I think you would execute perfectly. The IPC has established a "mental and emotional health department" basically therapists to help with the stressed out or traumatised IPC worker and it's a mandatory thing to have one visit with them. The reader works in this department and when Topaz, Aventurine and Ratio (separately) went in, all probably thinking it's pointless. Reader proceed to read them like a book to the mineut details of their issues. How would they react? Would they come back for another visit?

thank you so much for your trust, it was actually very interesting to write 🥹

being their therapist

characters - Dr. Ratio, Aventurine, Topaz

notes - gn!reader, no romantic undertones, mostly character study

Dr. Ratio

I feel like he would be a bit taken aback at first.

He didn't expect you to go further than a few generic questions about how the latest missions have affected him and suddenly you're asking about his feelings regarding the IPC recurring him.

"Weren't you disappointed? Didn't you feel like your cooperation with the IPC symbolizes you drifting further away from joining The Genius Society? How do you view The Genius Society in general?"

It's a bit too personal for his liking but he has to admit that you are truly an expert in your field.

I can see him rather harshly asking why are you stepping out of the line with your questions since it's hardly concerns the topic of the therapy session. Not because he's too troubled by you seeing through him but simply because of the professional ethics.

When you elaborate that it's the IPC's request to make a full psychological portrait of their workers he just sighs.

His answers are short, he doesn't elaborate much. Sometimes he simply says that the topic you mentioned doesn't affect his mental state in a way that can prevent him from doing his job and leaves it at that.

He doesn't trust the IPC much since he knows better than giving a powerful organization information about his weaknesses. He does feel a certain level of respect towards you and your professionalism though.

Doesn't feel targeted or overly vulnerable even if it leaves a bitter taste in his mouth to hear his insecurities being acknowledged.

Wouldn't show up again. Mostly because of his distrust to the IPC tho.

Aventurine

Oof.

Both of you will need a drink after that.

There's just so much to unpack really.

If you try to ask him about how he feels almost dying at each mission, he downplays it.

If you ask about his childhood trauma, he shrugs it off.

I don't know how many people saw his interview for anan but everytime he's asked about something personal he brings up how he's actually lucky and hiw he should be grateful. So you get tve spirit.

Doesn't matter what your question is, his answer is the same. He survived, he was loved by his family, all his suffering led him to this, so of course he's grateful what are you taking about ha ha!

Look at his voicelines too, praising the IPC and all that. He gives you this generic answers and hopes you'll buy it.

Well you don't but you also can't force him to answer more honestly.

He himself would be deeply troubled by you reading him like that. He feels weak, defenseless. Like all he has done to protect his inner self was for nothing since you can see through him like that.

0/10 experience he won't show up ever again. Nothing personal against you, he just can't do it. Plus he doesn't trust the ipc either so.

Topaz

Honestly the most normal one.

She will at least try to be honest since she trusts the IPC (maybe a bit too much, which is also a coping mechanism and not the healthiest one, but you can't really call her out on this since you're working for the ipc and, let's be honest, they would not respect their workers' privacy, they WOULD force you to give them their personal information if needed and you don't want to make it worse for Topaz)

She may be a bit taken aback at first but it honestly feels good to talk about her struggles and inner conflicts. And I'm sure she has a lot of those since she's actually trying to do good things, still believing that the IPC can bring positive changes.

Will probably share her experience in Belobog with you.

Will use your meetings as an opportunity to sort out her feelings about her missions.

Has a lot of respect for you personally and actually tries to do some soul-searching to make your meetings more productive.

The only one out if the three of them who would come back

[singularity-sam]

Insane Stories From Belobog's Trash Cans - Volume 9: A Prosperous Interview

Tagged People: @tragedy-of-commons, @veraties, @snobwaffles, @your-sleeparalysisdem0n.

(Disclaimer: This story contains depictions of hardship, bullying, verbal abuse, mentions of death, depression, and unfunny cringe attempts at humor throughout.)

“We’re live in… 3… 2… 1… roll cameras!”, a commanding voice boomed across the entire set. Aventurine’s mind was racing as the camera’s recording light turned on and it swiveled to face him. He put on his trademark poker face and thought: “This interview might determine if the IPC continues to have a seat at the table in Penacony. I better make this bet count and go all in if I want to win big…” A few spotlights then further illuminated his surroundings, with the applause of a live audience of dozens of people sitting in front of him following.

“Welcome back to “Successful Dreamers”, Penacony’s most popular talk show!”, a charismatic voice erupted from the chair to his left, “I’m your host, Uma, and tonight, we have four special guests with us. And all of them are part of the IPC!” The well-known pepeshi sat in her chair with an eager smile while enthusiastically talking to the audience and cameras, her voice echoing from the small microphone attached to her clothes’ collar. Uma turns and looks at him and the other guests while saying, “On this show, we interview our guests, asking them how they are so successful while in Penacony. As well as popular fan questions they will answer from yours truly!”, in a fiery and passionate tone.

The live audience thunders in excited applause. Uma gestures her arm towards Aventurine and then says: “First, we have Aventurine, one of the Ten Stonehearts from the IPC! His good looks and fashionable gambling attire has attracted him legions of fans. And his negotiations with the Family have earned him further popularity!” Once this was said, he chuckled playfully and waved to the camera/audience before him, which resulted in a screaming chorus of excitement. Despite this, however, this flamboyant display of confidence was just a mask, hiding his anxiety and insecurity at this tense situation. But he was used to it, and his poker face worked perfectly, assuming a face that said he’d win it all…

“Next, we have Dr. Veritas Ratio from the IPC’s very own Intelligentsia Guild! Though his attitude may be cold and overly logical, his features are attractive and his genius status also net him tons of support!”, Uma said sequentially. As expected, Ratio didn’t like this one bit. He scoffed and commented, “Hmph! Only a fool would assume value from physical appearance. Honestly, being on this idiotic show is a waste of my scholarly pursuits.”, in a dry voice. Of course, this only caused the crowd to cheer harder and get more reactions out of him, with many laughing and thinking he was joking (he wasn’t).

“And finally, our last two guests are also from the Ten Stonehearts: The beloved Topaz and the adorable Numby, Topaz’s iconic warp trotter!”, Uma commentated as she gazed upon the pair, “Her genius marketing skills, along with her pet’s treasure-finding skills make them an unstoppable duo. This, along with her actions being immeasurable to the IPC’s recent success in Penacony, has earned her the respect and admiration of many. Give it up for all of our wonderfully talented IPC guests!” Topaz nodded with a small smile on her face, feeling confident and integral as ever. Numby squealed in delight at the resulting applause and cheering, leading them to jump up and down near Topaz’s legs where they sat.

Once the excitement from everyone quieted down, Uma turned her attention back to Aventurine. “With those introductions out of the way, it’s time to answer our biggest fan questions for our first guest!”, she announced loudly. She leaned forward and asked, “So Aventurine, what many fans want to know are your reactions to all the recent peacock allegations you've been facing. Some say that your flashy clothing is modeled after the beautiful avian and that you are a living symbol of their elegance. What do you say to this?”, while the fluff ball on her head swayed in excitement.

He was stunned for a few seconds by this bizarre statement, before smiling devilishly and answering with: “Heh… My dear valued clients… I can absolutely assure that I am, in fact, NOT a peacock. I may admire their beauty and wealthy assets, but that does not make me one. However, my attire is meant to turn heads to let others know I like a good bet, so you can gamble on that!” This drove the crowd wild, with them cheering and whistling in giddiness loudly. But deep down, he knew he would never feel beautiful enough, or that he only wanted the attention so he could justify his pointless good luck and mean something to others who challenged him…

This, oddly enough, caused a noticeable shift in Uma’s tone and personality. She sat back in her chair and put on a subtle, yet mischievous smirk. “But are you REALLY sure about that? You LOOK like a silly little peacock to me.”, she asked intensely, “Plus, those beautifully exotic eyes of yours remind me of one. All my experience as a talk show host points me in the direction of you actually being like a peacock!” The audience remained silent at this, while Ratio gave an annoyed stare and Topaz looked confused along with Numby.

Aventurine already suspected something was wrong with Uma, but waited for the right moment to say it. Taking out a poker chip and flipping it in the air, he thought briefly about the detail he noticed before saying, “Funny that you mention it… I heard that you were a news anchor for Penacony TV Station, not a talk show host. So, how can you have so much experience being one while knowing so much about me when we only just met? Your poker face is slipping, you know.”, as the chip landed back into his palm. This led her to freeze in place for a few seconds, before her mouth grew into a wide and sadistic smile while she said: “Nice catch… I’ll be SURE to return the favor. You Sigonians are always so sneaky and clever! You’re JUST like how I remembered you…”

The visage of Uma was then swiftly replaced by the cheeky appearance of none other than Sparkle. The audience and Topaz gasped in reaction, with Ratio showing indifference. Aventurine himself smirked in response. “I knew it was you, Masked Fool. Looks like we both played our cards right… What’s your goal this time?”, he said. “Oh it’s simple, really… I just wanna give the people what they asked for.”, she stated cryptically, “A show MUST be entertaining to its audience, after all… And I need to have fun if they’re having fun! So prepare to be the main event!”

Sparkle manically chanted a few words, then fish apparitions appeared from her body and flew over to Aventurine quickly. They circled around him, accelerating faster and faster until they exploded into a thick smoke cloud, enveloping him completely. When it subsided, he felt… very different. He tried to say something, but only a screech came out. He also felt much smaller, like he wasn’t human anymore. But the strangest thing of all was that his clothes felt like they were part of his body now, sort of like… feathers. Once he opened his eyes after the smoke truly cleared up, he saw that he was now a peacock for real!

While the crowd went the wildest yet over this reveal, Sparkle and the other IPC members had reactions that were more unconventional. Topaz stared curiously at her colleague’s now-bird form. “So this is the supposed illusory magic of the Masked Fools? How interesting… I wonder if they would be interested in investing in us?”, she said aloud. As the peacock started to chirp and peck the seat out of confusion, Ratio commented: “Hmm… I always figured you to be a bird brain. What a foolish endeavor this has turned into.” Numby, meanwhile, was running in circles out of fear of Sparkle, who just giggled in satisfaction.

On the other hand, Aventurine’s mindset inside his new temporary peacock body was a mess. The sudden confusion on what was happening reminded him of the confusion he felt when his sister told him to run and play dead to save himself from the horrors of war on his home planet… The spotlight above him blinded him, much like how the sand of Sigonia-IV blinded him when ran through it. Deeper down, he thought he would lose this bet to keep his job, ending his unwanted winning streak, and the suffering he faced from it. As he tried to remember his family's faces before they died, he thought, “...At least Mama Fenge would stop cursing me…”, in the mental spiral downwards…

Much like earlier, though, he then realized that he could assert himself yet keep playing by the IPC’s restrictions in his own way. While the thrill of a gamble was the possibility of finally breaking his winning streak to him, he could be more chaotic in this peacock form without having to worry about repercussions from his superiors. Plus, it would keep the IPC’s reputation in Penacony intact, since the Masked Fool caused this chaos, and playing to the crowd will boost their reputation more than a royal flush. So, he pushed away his low self-esteem and depression for the moment and prepared to truly embody the peacock’s flashy appearance.

First, he got everyone’s attention with a loud screech, much more high in volume than before. Then, he did a strange sort of rhythmic dance, stepping from side to side and front to back in multiple intervals while pecking the chair at the same time. To finish it off, he ruffled and shook his massive and colorful tail feathers in a display of beauty and wealth, entrancing the entire audience as they watched in awe. Although, his IPC colleagues were not very impressed by the dance routine, with Sparkle finding it pathetically hilarious.

A few minutes passed before the peacock suddenly stopped in place, screeched at the sky, vibrated his feathers, and then exploded into yet another cloud of smoke, revealing Aventurine back into his regular form. He bowed and threw a bunch of credits at the audience as a showstopper. “My dear valued clients… Looks like your questions have been answered.”, he finished, “Consider this bet won, and give it up for Ms. Sparkle! She made this all possible!” He stood up straighter as the entire audience gave a standing applause, cheering and whooping all the while. The cameras zoomed in closer on him, savoring the incredible moment.

Ratio was the first to voice his grievances, as usual. “How utterly stupid… I suppose only the ignorant masses could enjoy such mind-numbing entertainment like this.”, he said while holding his head in his hands. Topaz shook her head and looked at Aventurine, saying: “That surprisingly didn’t tank our shares… I guess he is business-savvy when he needs to be. I wonder how Diamond and Jade will react when they hear about this?” Meanwhile, Numby ran towards his shoes and nuzzled their head on them before running back to Topaz and doing the same thing there. Having had enough of all the attention and antics, Sparkle hopped off the chair and said, “Ugh… I’m BORED now. You ruined my prank, and I live to have fun! So, I guess I’ll just make like a rat and leave. It’s been fun, catch ya later when I wanna PLAY again!”, before turning back into Uma’s appearance and walking off the set and out the studio’s exit door.

Aventurine looked back to the camera and knew that the show would be ending any minute now, so he thought of what to say to the audience. “I’ve learned a lot while I’ve been here in Penacony. But the best thing I learned in my time here is just how easy it is to lose a game here, if you’re not careful…”, he concluded, “Whether it’s your leader, your news anchor, or even yourself, you always got to stay out of your head and keep on raising the bets, no matter the risks. Just don’t be afraid to call your chips in too, in case you’re in a bind. Pick your risks, I say! Thank you for having me tonight!” Even though he was still suffering internally, this brief move of agency and control over a non random outcome made him hope a little better for his future. He could even feel approval by his colleagues for once, even if only slightly. A last round of cacophonous applause reached his ears before the director on the set yelled: “That’s a wrap!!”

[Writer’s Commentary: I finally wrote a story about everyone’s favorite gambler! I’m worried I mischaracterized him, since he’s tricky to write about, so don’t kill me, Aventurine fans! I tried to keep his internal struggles and depth, but I’m worried the tone clashes with the weird stuff too much… I had this idea about Sparkle turning him into a peacock for a while now, and I hope the Uma twist worked well. I also feel like there might be lore inaccuracies, but hey, no one’s perfect. I hope you enjoyed the appearance of the other characters as well. There’s not much left to say, so enjoy your day!]

[skye-foxstar]

"A Little Star"

Warning:None, soft fluff content, quite cute if you squint, I forgot to add the main thing, bad English, use of corrector!

Characters in order:Stelle/Caelus, Dan Heng, March 7th, Himeko, Welt Yang.

For Herta it was totally difficult to leave you in the hands of the Astral Express since she had grown totally fond of you (apart from the fact that she liked to study your powers, you were simply a curious thing in her eyes) but after thinking about it, she simply knew that it was better to leave you in their hands, interacting with people at such a young age helps you to be sociable in the future, venturing into other planets must be good for you... right?

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Stelle and Caelus were your first caregivers, as well as the people who saved you from the hands of that foolish IPC worker, which is why you can vaguely remember their faces and the strange power they both emanate within them, practically being able to feel the presence of the Stellaron that lives within them. For Caelus, it was almost surprising how easily you could take advantage of Stellaron.

His first impression of you was when he picked you up because he had found you stuck in a trash can (courtesy of Stelle), rummaging through pieces and throwing them out while his 'sister' rated the pieces you found. As much as Caelus liked rummaging through the trash, Himeko had told him to do him a favor and bring you in so she could feed you your bottle. As soon as he grabbed you, you quickly placed your little hands on his chest, being able to see how you pierced his chest, taking the Stellaron in his hands before taking them out. Both he and his sister were speechless, wanting to see what cool things you could do.

Needless to say, you were now part of the raccoon duo; they'd even gotten clothes similar to yours! Those two took you everywhere, and they practically fought over who would spend the most time with you, battling over who would be your favorite sibling.

Feeding you was difficult, of course, but you know what's harder? Changing your diapers. What was adorable about you was suffocating. Like Trailblazers, they were used to bumping into things and going on adventures, but changing diapers was a different story!

"Rock, paper, scissors!" they shouted in unison, while Caelus's expression turned to horror as he lost because Stelle had cheated, a mocking smile on her face. "Well, now we know who's going to be the diaper changer for a week."

"A week?! That's not how the game was, you're a cheater!" Caelus spat, pointing an accusing finger at her.

"Ah?! How dare you point at me? It's clear I win, so it's a fair price. Why, I bathe her and change her clothes. You don't do anything, just play video games."

Caelus narrowed his eyes indignantly, pulling out his bat, about to start a fight. "So? Then we'll settle this in a sophisticated and fair way. Whoever breaks the most things wins."

"It's clear I'll win. You're a loser!" Stelle smirked again, crossing her arms.

You, on the other hand, were sitting on the floor playing with a couple of stuffed raccoons, hugging and squeezing them both. Just doing that caught the attention of both little gray-haired people, who took pictures of you to send them to March 7th.

Dan Heng, always so calm and reserved when he was in the company of his three friends and traveling companions. Your arrival didn't go unnoticed, as he tried several times to avoid interacting with you. Although he knew the basics of baby care, he never dared to take care of you, preferring to spend time locked in his own space. It's not that he hated you; according to him, the others could take care of you just fine without his help.

Now imagine his surprise when you walked in like some kind of ghost. He was just looking through some files before he heard the babble of something. Before he knew it, you were there, sitting next to him, stuffing his clothes into your mouth, drooling at everything you saw, of course.

Dan Heng couldn't kick you out, of course. You somehow found a way to get back into his room, wanting to be by his side. And you wonder, so what do you do with him there in a completely silent space? Great answer, sleep.

Don't take it the wrong way. Stelle and Caelus are very talkative and overly crazy people, as if they could never stay still, carrying you around, making you laugh. But you often tend to just get tired because you're still a baby who needs the basics at your age, which is eating and sleeping. But you admit it's not good to be around those two, since they've woken you up many times with the sound of their video game console or their weird fights over who gets to put their head in the trash can first.

So yes, Dan Heng becomes the number one person to go to, sleeping or being around him gives you a lot of calm because he is silent and his voice is soothing when he talks about topics, you don't understand him, but you still listen, looking at him with wide eyes as if you were telling him to continue talking, you like his presence because you can also feel his Vidyadhara power.

Speaking of which, you were the first person to whom he can show his true form. At first, you got very scared, starting to cry because you were used to his other appearance, considering that you liked his Dan Heng form better (and also because he showed you his draconic form very abruptly), but you quickly calmed down, obviously. His horns are the main victims of your touches. That curious shape catches your attention a lot!

"Uh- wait... you're very restless... I guess you learned that from Stelle," Dan Heng murmured as you rushed towards him, wanting to touch his shiny horns. Taking one in your hands, you appreciated its shape, making you laugh innocently.

Dan Heng stood completely still, not wanting to scare you again since he had transformed more freely. He felt better, not judged. You only saw him as Dan Heng but with long hair. "Do you like little horns?"

When he asked that, you looked at him stupidly as your small hand released his horn and snuggled into his chest. Of course you liked his horns; they were sturdy and soft to the touch, perfect for drooling on. "Okay... I'll take that as a yes... Do you want me to tell you the story I told you yesterday again?"

Oh yeah, Dan Heng was very good at telling stories to put you to sleep. You definitely loved him.

If we talk about the most doting older sister, one would think of Stelle because she'll splurge on you, but that's a lie! March always gets you nice things; her greatest delight is dressing you up and buying clothes that match hers so you both match.

When they left her in your care, she was very nervous; her hands were sweating because it was the first time she was caring for someone so defenseless, but oh surprise! You got along so well as soon as she took you to her room. You liked plush toys and things that caught your eye.

You have everything from fuzzy onesies to completely silly outfits like that weird chef outfit, with your own hat and everything! You have another one just like her clothes, your own (toy) camera, and best of all, the best jewelry that matches you.

Don't worry, most of the purchases she makes are verified with the help of Dan Heng to make sure nothing bad happens to you if you happen to put something in your mouth. She's not *that* careless. You're never underdressed because she always makes sure to put clothes that match you. The cuter the clothes, the better you look.

Despite everything, March knows you're special and not like any other baby. She was the third person to find out how the Trailblazers rescued you from that IPC worker. Her face went from shock to deep sadness when she learned of your physical condition, and of course, she tried to keep you from succumbing to sadness. Although you couldn't remember all your memories of your origins, you used to wake up in the middle of the night crying at the strange, scary memories.

Again, March 7th is always there to the rescue when Caelus wants to take you on a super dangerous mission, having to take on the role of the only crew member with a rational brain (because Dan Heng couldn't accompany them, of course), saving you from simply watching the Trailblazer destroy everything in its path. March will always take care of you, even if it means spending her monthly savings on you.

"Finally! After weeks of searching for this last piece for your outfit, I finally found it!" March shouted excitedly, holding a small brooch the same shape as the flower on her outfit. Believe it or not, that simple brooch cost a lot of credits, being a limited-brand item, because she specifically wanted that accessory.

"Look how adorable you look! That was definitely my best investment of the month. You look adorable in your new outfit!" she said, taking out her camera, taking many photos before feeling Dan Heng gently hit her with a book, making her moan, "Hey! Why are you hitting me?!"

"Why, why didn't you buy that accessory at a fair price? There were others cheaper than that, but you chose to buy the most expensive one."

March quickly put a hand to her chest, indignant. "Of course not! Anything but that. The baby needs the best accessories in the world. Dan Heng, you have to understand today's fashion. Looking pretty is essential, it doesn't matter if I end up poor!"

"…." Dan Heng looked at her as if she had said the stupidest thing ever before, before sighing. "Well, then don't come to me begging me to lend you money. I refuse to let you invest in things like that."

"what-?..hey! Dan Heng don't say that, don't go! Dan Heng you can't really say that ˚‧º·(˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )‧º·˚"

The mother of the group and a maternal figure in all her entrepreneurial spirit, she was the first person to know about your condition, about the life in which the Trailbrazers found you. Himeko loves you very much, although at first you were very afraid of her since you were not used to the company of so many people, but fortunately you got used to her presence.

She is also a good choice for naps. Sleeping on her chest is comforting because babies get used to sleeping on their mother's breast. Hearing her heartbeat and feeling her skin comforts them. That is exactly what happened to you when you were placed on her chest, calming your cries on a night full of anguish for you. Sure enough, you fell asleep in a second when she held you in her arms, snuggling you against her chest.

Himeko took care of your feeding, following her instincts completely, buying jars of formula, the most suitable for you and the ones best recommended by the pediatricians. She always makes sure you don't miss your mealtimes by calling the first person in front of her to bring you some.

She doesn't spend much time with you, of course. She leaves everything to the others because she's very busy sometimes, and when she's free, you're already somewhere else. If March isn't monopolizing your attention, then you're with Stelle and Caelus visiting another familiar planet. And if you're not with either of those, then you're with Dan Heng taking one of your many naps.

But she's calm, there are days when she can be with you, holding you on her lap, entertaining you very well, since she bought you toys so you could learn and entertain yourself whenever others were busy. At first, there were only three toys, then they began to increase without being able to stop because a big, but BIG problem arose.

That problem is that you became obsessed with your toys. For example, you really liked bunnies and had bought you a stuffed animal. Unfortunately, your stuffed animal got lost by accident. No matter how much everyone looked for it, they couldn't find it. It turns out that while you were on the Herta space station, you ended up forgetting it while taking a nap with Caelus in a small space. Someone had found the stuffed animal and thrown it away since they couldn't find the owner. You spent days crying for your stuffed animal, and Himeko could feel a strange mass of power absorbing the train. She swears it! Every time you cried, everything went dark, and it was impossible to get you out of your sadness.

No matter how hard they tried to give you an exact replica, you weren't happy. You could feel which one was the real one, and that wasn't it! And it's a good thing Pom-pom was out for a walk that day because you became attached to him, not wanting to let go. Now you'd chosen him as a new stuffed animal, even though he wasn't, and thanks to the Eons, you were able to learn that things don't last forever, since Pom-pom always had work to do, and letting him go was the least you could do.

"Well, say goodbye to Pom-pom... oh, come on, don't pout like that, okay? He'll come back when he's free," Himeko said affectionately when she saw you pouting, slowly obeying her.

"That's it, you're very obedient, aren't you? Don't cry." The redhead began to kiss your cheek to cheer you up a little. Fortunately, that helped. Thanks to the Eons, again.

A doting grandfather at his finest, and the person who endured the worst experiences with you! At first, you could tell you hated him. Don't take it the wrong way. You were an obedient and very calm baby, but Himeko always threw her at you when you had those crying fits.

I mean that literally.

You have crying fits, you explode when you cry. The first time was when your favorite stuffed bunny disappeared. The first day was fine, but then on the fourth day of the week, everything went topsy-turvy. While you were in his arms, trying to teach you things to calm you down, he accidentally showed you his sketchbook where there were drawings until he turned the page where there were shapeless scribbles. Somehow, you managed to see a bunny, and then BAM! You burst into tears.

It was like a slingshot of power, a power bomb that exploded rapidly, nearly destroying her room, leaving her room almost damaged. Her clothes and hair were disheveled, covered in soot, and her hair was sticking up. You were definitely an enigma.

From that day on, Welt became an easy target for unleashing power and a source of trust for you, in his own eyes. He studied you meticulously, because Herta never mentioned that you were like a power bomb that could be unleashed at any moment. With all the patience in the world, he studied you little by little. You could float, pass through walls, and if you had a strong enough emotion, you created a magnetic field capable of emanating shock waves that could explode and destroy things. Fortunately, you didn't manage to kill him.

With this, he cleverly forged things to calm you down. For example, using Dan Heng as a tranquilizer. If you wanted to throw a tantrum, well, Dan Heng came to the rescue, meticulously placing you in front of his door, managing to pass through it to be next to him. Himeko, although a source of trust, didn't calm you down with her, nor with March.

So the Trailblazers became the number one source of trust in serious cases because you could feel her Stellaron and that made you curious. Very well. Grandpa Welt, you're truly a genius! And without realizing it, he's become another source of comfort for you.

Leaving aside the topic of your powers, Welt Yang was a lovely person in your eyes, the most adorable old man you've ever seen, even though you might be against it, and the number one fan when March dresses you up as a chef because it's the same as the pom-pom costume.

Speaking of costumes, this man is an anime fan, okay? And you know what that means, right? Cosplay of his favorite characters. I feel like this man loves Transformers or those old-looking anime. With that, I want to make it clear that he likes anime, and I feel like he appreciates manga quite a bit because he likes to draw.

Imagine his tenderness when they dress you up as one of his favorite Pokémon. He has a lot of vibes of being that grandfather who tries to look terrifying but totally fails when his granddaughter/grandson appears adorably dressed in front of him. Just wait until he has hundreds of photos on his phone with horribly cute filters. He's the kind of guy who teaches you lessons every day so you can learn something new in life.

I think he would really like you to use your powers freely with him, even though he is old he is still very strong due to his rare ancient times. So learning about you helps others learn how to handle you in case someone who doesn't know about your powers, write everything down in a separate notebook as a way for them to know that you possess unimaginable powers.

"Okay, how did we practice before? You can do it, I believe in you," Welt spoke excitedly, giving you a fatherly look as he was teaching you a little trick.

You were sitting on the floor with a small circular ball, your cheeks puffed out trying to get the ball up, and sure enough, you did it! But here comes the best part: splitting the ball in half (like in his ult), feeling strangely proud of letting you learn that. Now all that's left is for you not to replicate it in real life.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

This could become a series if I weren't so lazy. Don't put too much hope in me! Anyway, if possible, I'll figure out how to publish the next part. This time, we'll go for the Xianzhou Luofu.

Jing Yuan's illusions with baby reader, riding in a baby carrier while giving orders. It's so adorable. Imagine this man wearing that (๑'ᴗ')ゞ ♡

[tsujigitsune]

Formalities at the IPC

You knew that somebody important would be interviewing you. First impressions are vital in business, and you know every aspect of your being is going to be deeply scrutinized, the higher up in the IPC you try to go. You didn't really mean for it to end up like this - to be honest, part of you is thinking maybe you should back out, before they start asking too much from you - but for what they're calling an "internship" the pay is so good, and if you could only trust the benefits package it'd be even better…

So you prepared as much as you thought you possibly could. Steeled yourself, taking deep breaths as you ascended improbably higher and higher on the outward-facing elevator, watching the skyline at Pier Point unfolding beneath you. Finally, you stepped out, were led down a dramatically-lit hallway and into a dusty, shadowed office - with a cheerful white-haired girl sitting behind the desk, fingers tented, a bright smile ready to welcome you.

You know who this is, of course! How couldn't you!? But this doesn't make any sense! You knew it would be somebody important, but THIS important?!

"So," says Topaz, one of the Ten Stonehearts, director of - fuck - you have to scan the room trying to look for details to remember her exact title, but there's nothing here, and you know she's watching you; her eyes narrow a little as you focus on her face again, her smile starting to peel back into a cheeky, slightly-smug grin. "What, looking for a way out already?" she laughs.

She has such a playful, almost carefree voice. You're struck again by how this doesn't make sense. None of this makes sense. Is this really Topaz? It looks like just like her. Do you dare ask? Is that the test? But your anxiety is caught in your throat. You manage to force words out, but only because she asks you questions.

She asks a lot about where you're from. You have complicated feelings about it, but there's something about the way her eyelids droop, something about the way she quietly nods you along, that makes you feel safe talking about it. You wonder if she feels the same way about her own homeworld. You wonder how far she is from home.

You know you're in an interview. Your heart won't stop pounding. But there's something about the way she's looking at you that takes you far away from the skyline, the suits, the money.

"What do you know about the Strategic Investment Department?"

Right! Shit! That's what the Ten Stonehearts do! You try to haltingly explain. It's getting harder to think without closing your eyes, but the ghost of her smile still lingers there. Midway through your sentence she stands up. "Keep going," she offers, and you close your eyes again and try to focus. But your mind is racing, and it doesn't help at all when you hear the desk creak in front of you - you open your eyes with a start only to realize that Topaz is now sitting on her desk just to the side of you, her legs crossed very close to your face.

She smirks down at you as blood rushes to your face. "We're just having a nice chat, right?" she offers coyly. "It's alright if you don't know much. Even I took years to wrap my head around all of the different pots the IPC's got its hands in - if you could do that even before your very first day, you'd be a prodigy!"

She laughs. You try to laugh with her, and more to the point, try not to stare at her very exposed thighs. They look smooth and heavenly soft and just a little plump, squishing noticeably against the desk beneath her weight.

"You know," Topaz adds, "this is just a formality." You flinch as you realize that you had been quiet for too long; hastily looking up to her face, you watch her scoot directly in front of you, smirking down into your face as she spreads her legs coyly. She's fully clothed, but her stylish suit-like singlet still leaves perilously little to the imagination, and you know that she can see your eyes flash down her front, powerless to stop yourself. You've already forgotten what she said - you have to remind yourself: This is just a formality.

What does that mean? you finally manage to ask, looking back into her face.

She is leaning forward now, and doesn't bother to answer you - reaching down to cup your chin with an appraising smile. "You're certainly easy on the eyes," she observes softly. "A little anxious, but that's to be expected. I barely ever come back to this office in-person, so I was surprised by how spooky it was, too." She laughs again, speaking very casually for someone who is gently tilting your face side to side with a straightforward intimacy that makes your spine tremble. What exactly is this conversation? Who are you to her…?

That's very kind of you to say, you say, or something vaguely like it; the reflex to be courteous to someone so important, with so much power over you, is impossible to resist. To your horror, Topaz scoffs.

"It's just true," she replies, with a merciless grin. You feel the room swimming a little around you. "I was kind of dreading meeting you, to be honest, but you've surprised me." She begins to shift her legs together, but you can't look down to see what they're doing, because you're tranfixed by the pink glow starting to radiate from her cheeks in the scant light. "What do you think," she purrs, "about working with me directly?"

She has you totally under her spell, and you realize all at once - as if it were a surprise, as if it were not clear the whole time - that she knows it. But why is she hesitating, why is she biting her lip? Is she still afraid you'll say no?

…This wasn't really ever an interview, from the first moment you walked in, was it?

You find a surge of bravery as you dare yourself to prove that Topaz need not look so worried over you - that she can trust you… whatever that means.

What would that entail? you ask.

She beams at you, though there's a slanted, lecherous quality in her smile that makes you shiver again - not that it prepares you any more for her to gently push her soft foot, with its boot removed, between your legs.

"I'd say there's some room for us to negotiate," she offers, winking.

[crazyringo]

Okay. Since I've started playing HSR, I hardly surfed Tumblr for any theories. Mostly started doing so 2.0 onwards, and most of them are pretty interesting reads. However, one theory for 2.3 has me lukewarm since it first started... And that's Sunday potentially becoming a Stellaron Hunter.

While interesting in theory, I honestly don't really see it happening. Yes, Elio is indeed striving towards the Script that displays a better future for everyone. And yeah, okay, Sunday wanted to ensure everyone's happiness within the dreamscape and with this line of thinking we can assume he'd want to ensure the best possible future for everyone being a Stellaron Hunter. And while we can all agree that he's a misguided good boy with good intentions, I still don't see him joining the group.

Here's why (my opinion): He'd be leaving Robin behind.

His beloved sister who, despite his betrayal (and by that I mean being the cause for Robin's singing voice), still hugged and forgive him for his mistakes. Despite the fact that he had failed to achieve his goal, he was still loved by the one person he cared for most. I honestly don't see him leaving her behind...

And if he did join the Stellaron Hunters, who by the way are considered to be dangerous criminals/terrorists among other things by the IPC and the rest of the cosmos, it'd be damning for Robin's career as a renowned songstress since she's related to Sunday, who's a family head and most likely a well-known authoritative figure outside of Penacony. I wouldn't be surprised if Robin had mentioned his name every so often whenever she did her thank you speeches in interviews on radio and/or TV

Moreover, before his boss fight, he did say that he wanted a fair fight with the Trailblazer. He wanted to see whose ideal was stronger. Clearly, it was the Trailblazer's. Personally, I see Sunday being a man of his word. He's confident, righteous, and very clever for his age. I don't see him being a sore loser. And since Robin forgave him, I'd like to think that he would no longer push himself as hard as he did before. For me, Robin's hug tells Sunday he's no longer alone. That no matter what happens next with the Family they will still have each other to rely on. I really adore/admire their bond as siblings and the theory of Sunday potentially becoming a Stellaron Hunter kind of saddens me if they're going to be apart

Now, if Hoyoverse DOES go through with this theory... Fine. I will accept it for what it is, but they better do a damn good job of it narrative wise. And if he doesn't, that will be great for me because the Halovian siblings will be together.

Not to mention, story wise, Firefly has mentioned more than once that the reason why she's in Penacony is to guide the Astral Express to the truth of what's going on. There was no mention of potential recruitment concerning her Script. Who knows? That might possibly change in 2.3, but with everything else going on story wise with Sparkle, the IPC, and the Family I highly doubt it's going to happen.

Don't get me wrong. I love Sunday's character, and I'm sure that he'd be a great asset to the Stellaron Hunters if he becomes one. I just don't see it. If anything, I'd rather have him be a new member in the Astral Express. Robin could be calm and pretty much be free of worries if her brother is surrounded by people she can trust. And they could communicate on the phone and write letters to each other when they have the time/arrive at a new planet. She'd be worried sick if Sunday was with the Stellaron Hunters, and of course if that were to happen there's hardly going to be any communication between them. I'd like our chicken wing siblings to be in a safe environment, thank you! 😤

Overall, the Penacony storyline has been awesome. Though, admittedly, I was kind of disappointed on the lack of Silver Wolf. Was hoping to see more screen time with her since she's paired up with Firefly for this assignment but~ nope! Our Wolfie, yet again, works from the sidelines. Other than that minor complaint, it's definitely been an emotional rollercoaster for me as I played through the story. And while I am excited for 2.3, I am also apprehensive about it...

Something deep down in my gut tells me that we're going to lose someone in the finale. And if not our precious Firefly, then it's going to be our good boy Sunday.

I really don't have much thoughts for Firefly aside from I obviously don't want her to die, so I can't speak much there. For Sunday, on the other hand, I can. I am scared for this boy. Fear has gripped my heart the moment I heard his voice line on that clue we find on the Grand Theater.

Sunday. Is. Scared.

Since the moment he's been introduced, he's been nothing but cool, calm, and collected. Now, this poor boy is scared. Considering he had failed miserably on what the Family had been planning for years, I would not be surprised if they throw the poor boy to the wolves. The wolves being the IPC. Since Jade is now in Penacony... I predict that this will not end well.

Aside from attempting to reclaim Penacony for the IPC, I wouldn't be surprised if Jade mentions about Aventurine's mistreatment during his stay with one of the Family heads to get a word in edge wise. To which, they would simply say, "We know. He's no longer one of us. Do as you see fit." Giving Sunday over to the IPC in exchange for Penacony's independence in the name of "Harmony" so that said "Harmony" would be restored on both sides. If that line of thought more or less happens on 2.3, I sincerely hope that the Astral Express will be able to save him before it's too late. That, or maybe the Family will use Sunday as collateral and force Robin to cooperate with their plan B to ensure Sunday's safety (I really hope not)

Something also tells me that we as the Trailblazer are going to be forced to make a very, very difficult choice for 2.3... As in, one or the other kind of scenario. And, of course, there's only ONE right answer in said choice and I really hate those...! *Glares at Black Swan, who forces you to hear out Aventurine's truth, despite me not trusting him (still don't tbh. I'd rather trust Sampo, and that's also bad lol)*

But yeah, those are my current thoughts as of now. Might be wrong on some things, but I at the very least wanted to put my thoughts out there before 2.3 arrives. I'm looking forward to the next update, and I definitely can't wait to bring my darling Firefly home! I'll finally have a full Stellaron Hunter team~! Jade, too. Me love evil gorgeous lady! 💕

Good luck on your pulls everyone~!

[crackshct]

Writing Sample

A swell of heat fired tempered glass in all directions, then the reinforced steel plating crumpled on itself like a toy twisted between a pair of giant hands. Flames and deep black smoke burgeoned from the engine room at the back, surging to chew through the cabins in no time flat. Whatever had been left alive in the cruiser was surely good and dead now. The cowboy watched it spurt its embers from a freefall, a serenity on his suntanned face like the metal hand he had clamped down on his hat might be the only thing stopping him from spreading out and letting the wind or gravity take him wherever it pleased. Through the blur of half-closed eyes, backlit by the setting sun, it resembled the bulbous heads of the fire lilies that’d grow across the plains by the thousands after a summer soaker. Moments like these had him thinking he’d just walk straight down the tunnel the next time he found himself facing off with the abyss, and never turn back.

A chunk of flaming debris barreled past him and seared through that bygone vision, and the pervasive stench of burning rubber brought him back to the scorched remains of reality. The metallic voice that’d been prattling on in his head for who-knows-how-long was finally reciting the last ID of the obituary, and here was the part where she’d ask how he’d take his pay.

”How will you be landing?” she inquired politely instead. Now that was a new one, thought the cowboy and flashed a smile full of razor sharp teeth, but it was the low, rasping laugh from his voicebox that went straight to the intellitron on the other end.

”… Good question.”

More and more pieces of the destroyed cruiser rocketed past him. Most of them would burn up completely before they ever touched ground, and those that didn’t would plunge straight into a sea of acid. The latter category included the cowboy, of course, but that’d mean giving up all those credits he’d worked hard to get. The darkness at the end of eternity’s tunnel didn’t scare him; he’d lost just about everything worth living for long ago, but nevertheless there were still things he had left to do before he ever stepped back into it. And right now, that to-do list had picking up a few million credits right up at the top. A lithe twist faced him toward the distant sea and set his sights on a merchant’s frigate shuttling past just a few hundred feet down.

”I got a ship comin’ in to pick me up,” he said to the intellitron who waited patiently somewhere inside his head.

”Understood,” a featureless answer. It didn’t really matter to her. He was just another bounty hunter.

Twisting around again, he caught a piece of the cruiser’s hull with the heel of his boot and launched himself from it with the superhuman power in his augmented legs. The frigate buoyed violently when he hit the top of it, both feet planted, then it bucked in the other direction like it was trying to throw him off. But the cowboy had a number of years taming unruly mounts under his belt and merely laughed to himself - and to the silent metallic voice on the other end of the line. This was no patriarch sarsarus from the jungles of the Acarro system. He grabbed hold of the fin and swung down onto the deck below with practiced ease.

Here, the walls and the roof dampened the incessant roar of the wind, but it still whipped at the cowboy’s long white hair and the woven crimson cape thrown back over his shoulders. The length of the former tracked the years - three or so decades since he’d last seen the plains and their fire lilies - and the latter carried on the legacy of a tribal tradition the Company had burned away like all the other beautiful parts of Aeragan-Epharshel. Each measured step down the promenade rattled the spurs behind his heels, which — long retired from their original purpose — flaked with dried blood and bits of paint in the IPC’s navy. These were proud spoils that’d soothe but never slake the thirst of a heart that beat only for one thing: vengeance for the blackened hills that would never flower again. 

Like a devil bent toward hell, he strode purposefully to the captain’s cabin. One, two, three thrusts from his elbow shattered the space grade glass in the window and raised a shrill scream from the pilot manning the controls.

”Who are y—“ When the pilot whipped his head around, his nose grazed the barrel of the revolver that shot his eyes wide. “H-hey, wait a second!”

“Now you better listen to me, muddlefudger,” started the cowboy, raising his chin to catch the man’s eye from out from under the brim of his hat. The ripple of confusion through the terror told him that his synesthesia beacon was still scrambling his speech. “You see the flaming carcass of that cruiser up there?” He flicked his gun toward the windshield. “I wager you got about ten seconds before the front of it breaks off and collides into this sorry hunk o’ scrap you call a ship.”

”U-uh—“

”And nine seconds ‘til I put a bullet in your head if you don’t–.”

”P-please, sir!” The man took both hands off the controls and clasped them together to beg. “D-don’t shoot—!“

”Dadgum Wubbaboo, are you not understandin’ the gravity of this fudgin’ situation? Quit yer doggone blubberin’ and get outta the way.”

“I-I’ll not let a pirate like you hijack my–!!“

“Five. Six—“

Suddenly the pilot blanched, eyes rolling back into his head, and he sunk down into his chair unconscious.

”For fork’s sake.” Hooking the pilot by the collar, the cowboy dragged him out from in front of the controls and threw him to the side like a sack of potatoes. “How’d a dadgum yellowbelly like you get yer forkin’ Federation wings anyhow… Now, what’re we workin’ with–.”

He slid into the chair behind the wheel and began pressing buttons along the console with enough confidence to fool just about anyone into thinking this wasn’t his first time at the controls of a frigate like this. That was, until the engines ominously silenced, and the nose pitched dangerously forward into freefall.

”Shoot.” The cowboy gritted his teeth and clutched the wheel to keep himself on his feet. Blindly, he snapped a few more switches, his fanged grimace not giving in to panic quite yet. Strength was as much a product of the mind as it was the body — he owed his life to that lesson — and here it paid off again. The engines finally rumbled back on and the frigate’s descent leveled out.

”rrrAWWGGH, THIEF!”

Clang! The metal bar struck the console in a shower of sparks. The cowboy had ducked not a second too late, and wheeled around to swipe a leg beneath the pilot’s.

”I don’t give a rat cheese for the shirts you’ve got in your cargo, you son of a nice lady.”

The pilot landed on his backside, but shook off his daze and scrambled for the bar again. The cowboy kicked it away, but the man lunged for it anyway.

”Then wh-why are you trying to kill me?!” With the bar in hand, he swung hard at the cowboy’s legs.

”I ain’t tryin’a kill nobody.” Clang! He didn’t even flinch. “Will you listen to me for one forkin’ second?”

“Rragh—!”

The bar snapped in half under a solid stomp from one of the cowboy’s heels. When he pointed his gun at the pilot’s forehead, the man flinched and raised his hands.

”I was savin’ our lives. Or tryin’ to! Didn’t get a chance to see if we’d cleared the fallout before you lil’ fudgehead came swingin’ at me.”

The pilot just stared up at him.

”… And considerin’ we ain’t another hunk of flaming scrap right about now, I’d say lady luck’s lookin’ out for me today.”

”Wait a minute, you’re that— you’re that fugitive the IPC’s been after! Boothill!” His eyes widened, and one might almost be able to see money signs in their reflections. “Put away your weapon.”

”Heh. I’ll holster my gun only when you prove you ain’t got anymore stupid ideas in that peahead o’ yours.” The cowboy’s visible eye darted toward the pilot’s wayward hand creeping slowly along the floor, and he rumbled out a laugh. “And that’s lookin’ like it’s gonna be… never. C’mere.”

The cowboy kicked the pieces of the metal bar to the side and followed the pilot scrambling desperately backwards until he collided with the wall.

”N-no! P-please!”

- -

Two system hours later, the frigate eased into a remote docking base where news of the IPC’s cruiser hadn’t quite reached. The inspectors would find it suspiciously unmanned, save for the bound and gagged pilot sitting among the crates in the ship’s cargo. Meanwhile, a figure slunk through the shadows at the back of the holding bay and out into the moonlit night.

Leaving the pilot alive would, without a doubt, bring the cowboy to the attention of the local authorities yet again. But he wasn’t about to put one of his bullets in an innocent man. What was a few thousand more credits to his own bounty’s insurmountable weight anyway.

[thg-rcg-simps]

Feixiao is healing in so many ways (and is cool)

I think it's very obvious for what types of charackters we go at that point now, no? Because we do collect the Xianzhou (generals) like Pokemon cards (jokes on you, Pokemon is also one of my favorite things in the world lol) However, there is one thing that will forever have my heart, Wolfs. Because they are just fluffy babies that are wonderful (anyone saying otherwise is weird).

I am very aware that Borisin did some awful things and are almost as bad as the IPC and the crazy researcher lady, but I have to be honest, the first time seeing them, I just squeeled that I wanna pet them (I did the same with the Wolfies you could fight normally on the Loufu as well btw, they are just tooo cute!)

[SPOILERS for the second half of the March 7th update]

The fact that this was only a patch is still so wild to me. I mean there is almost more story than the whole Belabog arc and we loved it! Like mentioned in my first post about this patch, the writing was just incredibly good and despise making us watch in horror, we still felt amazing by experiencing the story.

While the first half with "the kids" was very lighthearded and fun, the second one took a dark turn in sense for our favorite female General (sorry Fexiao, Jing Yuan still wins).

This arc was so much more personal that my words could express and I felt a deep satisfaction when Feixiao got her "revenge" for all Foxians and people the Borisin hurt over all those years. And it was even more powerful that Feixiao is in fact part Borisin, she could get powerful as a Borisin, but she rather wants things to be right. Her right. Because even as a Borisin, she felt both stages of the blessing and the curse. Was on the reciving side of the brutality, even tho Borisin per se are not kind people, not even to their own kind.

I really loved how they presented Jiaoqiu's, Moze's and Feixiao's relationships and how deeply they are bonded and how far they would go for each other. While it's clear Merlin's Claw is the General and in charge, they are still friends to a very high degree.

Just like Feixiao, Jing Yuan and Huaiyan are very clearly more than colleges and trust eachother. (I mean how could you not trust a guy that named a "kitty" Mimi and IS the reinforcement??)

I also very much like that Jiaoqius actions were meaningful, and making him go blind because of them, is somehow even more meaningful. Because his life was at stake, and he was still willing to go that far for someone who's origin was the same as the beast he despised but saw that her values and actions were trustworthy. That she was powerful and exremly eager to end this war and bloodshed.

But the side plot with the Temple Borisin that refuse to hurt others and live in peace? Even more shattering, they were villing to die for their belives and their hopes (and a machine desinged to kill, to prove that anybody could change if they just would want to), leaving behind only people that see all the bad in them only because others of their own kind did something unaceptabley terrefieng. It shows, in our opion, really greatly, how such conflics bear often a lot of sides and it's not as one sided and clear as one side wants to make it out to be.

Borisin did bad things, they should face consiquences for them. But the Foxians were just as harsh in their judgment what is okay to do and what isn't, they aren't the perfect people either. Even after everything she's done, if Feixiao would be public with her origins and her Moon rage, she would get hatred. It doesn't matter that she is a hero, that she is an incredible General and a very highly powerful soldier.

My favorite part however, was the (sadly too) brief interaction we saw with Feixiao and Yukong. I love them. I'm really sad Yukong is not really playable in game right now, but her story will forever struck me close. I mean, she is very much a very ahm totally platonic lesbian, of course we love her. It ties their pasts so well together, it just made me really happy, esspacially because Yukong is one of the rare trusted people that know about the Moon Rage. Whhich puts Yukong as a very important person to Feixiao and that both women still think and care about eachother.

Oh and that makes Feixiao chronically sick, did I mention that? And like with Firefly, we stan this really much on this account ^^

So, to summon up, there is nothing we truly or come close to dislike by the white haired badass beauty!

(Art doesn't belong to me)

(Okay, maybe don't teach March any marcial arts, that could be a bit too airheaded)

-TakumiHairGuy & RikkaCatGirl

[hatefueled]

ive noticed there's a lot of... contradictions in boothill's behavior. he does a lot of good yes; he helps people who need it, tries to fight against the destruction of different environments and biomes, and of course does everything he can to impede the ipc's plans and progression. but... but he also kind of does the opposite of the good he's seen doing. he has actively littered, and put people and wildlife in harms way from time to time. now... i would say this is just poor writing. but it's done so consistently that it's clearly done intentionally. and it kind of makes sense?

and i really think boothill suffers from serious tunnel vision. we get some small ideas here and there of his mental state, and how he's going about his hunt. how he copes with his trauma and grief and anger. one of the most shocking visuals of this was his discussion with rappa. asking why she wasn't more angry, why she was so calm about failing in what she'd set out to do. rappa has every reason to be upset, but she's very neutral about losing her lead to dr primitive. boothill was more angry about the whole thing than she was. and like, okay- but what does this have to do with the...

the contradictions? yeah. well i don't think he intentionally does the things he does, he doesn't do it just to hurt people. his talk with rappa, combined with what he did to his body, makes his issues here make a lot more sense.

he will do anything to get what he's after. so other things just don't really cross his mind in the grand scheme. he makes mistakes, he's a bit sloppy with his work, he's violent and destructive. like? there is a reason boots has such a fearsome rep. he's disliked by not only the IPC but by plenty of other people too. and i don't think he really cares about that in all honesty. the way he sees it, he's got little to nothing to live for beyond revenge. okay- maybe after he kills oswaldo he'll go after more IPC executives but... outside of there there's not much else. man's coping mechanisms are as unhealthy as they come lmao.

[wwaheoh]

"Debt Collection", HSR, SFW, (Attempted) Comedy

a/n: based on this art, love their HSR comics! don't usually do anything with comedy so hope this was okay!

Sitting in front of, arguably one of the most powerful women in the universe, the Trailblazer listened to her as she directed them to become part of their army of debt collectors. Why? For money of course. Not that they were running low any time soon, considering the Astral Express’s stock in Penacony, but just one revenue source wasn’t enough, so a second one was needed: a full time job. More money = more pulls after all. 

But who to recruit to aid them on this mission? They had many friends who might be of help, namely Topaz, but taking one of the Stonehearts to help them with something they’d usually pass off to grunts would be a little… controversial. To say the least. 

Who else did they know who could help with negotiations? Himeko? She’d be worried about the Trailblazer, thinking that she’d not been giving enough in allowance- when in actuality they’d just blow it in gacha games and then dig the trash for anything edible, that or compete in an eating competition. Asta? While she was really good at manipulating people handling people socially, Asta would probably just give the Trailblazer a bunch of money. They didn’t want to make Arlan’s life even worse- nor did they want to accidentally take advantage of their friend’s generosity (and their slight ignorance of how much money they really had compared to what was normal). 

After sifting through their contact list, ruling out names for various reasons- ranging from too nice to child- but then again they didn’t know if the IPC was against child labour, best not to risk it- they finally settled on two names. Ruan Mei, a prominent member of the Genius Society, and Huo Huo, a timid ghost heliobus-buster. One having had drugged them on their first meeting and whom recreated a weaker version of the Emenator of Propagation- nearly killing them and the thousands of scientists aboard the Herta Space Station had it not only been able to exist for less than a minute before being crushed under the weight of its own existence, and a fox-girl who would get a heart attack asking for extra ketchup packets. 

Perfect team for collecting outstanding debt from those marked by the IPC.

So, using the teleporters powered by fragments of the Trailblaze, the Trailblazer made their way to the Herta Space Station, with the hopes that Ruan Mei wasn’t off at the borders of space doing gods knows what. 

She was! Thankfully enough, spending time with the beans like the Trailblazer suggested she do. She was performing experiments on them but knowing her creation’s want for Ruan Mei’s acknowledgement… should be fine. 

Knocking on the doorway as they entered, “Hey Ruan Mei!” Said person looked up from their papers, waving to them. “Ah, hello. How may I help you?” “Wellll, I recently got a job and they said I should get some help. You were my first person to go to!” She was actually the 51st.

Nodding, she set her papers down before standing up. “Well, new experiences may help me come to more theories and aid in the progression of my studies.” “So, you’re in?” “Yes, just let me get a few things beforehand.” 

Next on the Trailblazer’s list was the Xianzhou Luofu, specifically Fyxestroll Garden, where they usually met up with Guinaifen, Sushang, and Huo Huo during their work as heliobus-busters. However this time they only called Huo Huo.

“H-hello?” She called out to the foggy nothingness. “She ain’t gonna sneak up on you!” - ah, there goes their first plan. Making their way back to the entrance, the Trailblazer made themselves known to the Foxian and her heliobus companion, Tail.

“Uhm, what did you need my help with?” The Trailblazer explains the situation to them. “Ah! I don’t really think I should, I still have a lot of work to do here-” “I think we should go!” “What- but-” “Ya need more experience dealing with people. Think of it as fear training.” “Oh.. but I have to tell Hanya!”

The Trailblazer raised the phone screen to the two, showing Hanya’s response to them asking to take Huo Huo out for a bit. They agreed, lamenting about how with Tail taking up residence in their tail, that she had been robbed of the socializing that she should have been exposed to from a young age. This was good for her, even if it was unorthodox. 

Huo Huo would become a debt collector! Woohoo!

she sorta wished hanya told them no…

-

The first stop was a highly advanced techno-based world. Flying cars, robots hovering about, bad pollution. It checked all the boxes of a planet that progressed without thinking of maintaining. 

Following directions on her phone, they wandered about, sometimes stopping whenever the Trailblazer wanted to do some “treasure-hunting” or Ruan Mei attended to something in her bag- speaking of which,

“Um, what do you have in your bag? Miss Ruan Mei.” The timid foxian spoke up, their curiosity overpowering their fear of the scientists' calculating gaze. “Ah, nothing of concern for now. In fact, it will prove invaluable later on, must we require it.” “Oh.. okay.” 

They arrive at the doorstep of the first debtor. An Intellitron named Emmanuel Goldstein III, owing the IPC over 20k credits. He’s been noted to be very argumentative and aggressive, always somehow escaping. 

Knocking on the door, the Trailblazer stayed at the front, with the Foxian to her side, and Ruan Mei on their flank. For a few seconds there was nothing before several locks from inside the building were unlocked. Slightly opening the door, a golden head peered out from the narrow crevice. 

“Hello? May I help you?” They spoke, a metallic tint to their voice. 

“Yeah, we need you to pay up.”

“Pardon?” 

“That loan you took out for the IPC? They want it back, plus interest. Straight from the top.”

“Give me a moment”

The Intellitron closed the door swiftly, slamming it before reapplying each lock with a resounding click. The quartet waited for a few seconds before the sound of glass shattering and a heavy body hitting the ground. 

The Trailblazer looked to their companions. “That could be anything right?” 

A loud but distant voice yelled, “You’ll never catch me alive!” 

“Go get them you idiots!” Tail yelled out, causing the Trailblazer and Huo Huo to scramble to catch up to the Intellitron. 

They very quickly found how deep the city ran, with alleys upon alleys, crowds of people all in their way. It took a while until they were able to catch up to the Intellitron, having been able to locate him by his constant antagonisation of them- literally yelling into the wind. 

Finally the trio cornered the Intellitron at an unfinished bridge overlooking the city. Both panting, with Huo Huo feeling as though they were about to fall over from exhaustion. “You! Hah- stop!” The Trailblazer yelled. 

The Intellitron looked to the exhausted trio, weighing their options before beginning to chuckle something sinister. 

“You fools! A drop from this height would kill organics like yourself- but to a synthetic lifeform like myself, it will only require some minor repairs!” They stepped back, nearing the cliff. 

Then, a giant shadow enshrouded them all in darkness. A giant bug the size of a one-story building, even the sight of it made anyone’s heart skip a beat in fear. A smaller version of the Emenator of Propagation, King Skaracabaz. The very beast the Trailblazer had fought within the depths of the space station.

‘What is that!?” Both the Intellitron, Foxian, and Heliobus screamed- though the last added a few colorful words. “It is a scaled down version of the Emenator of Propagation.” The scientist spoke calmly, a pastry in her hand as she sat on the head of the scaled down universe-threatening bug. 

“Why did you bring that!?” Now in unison, the Trailblazer and Intellitron. “To aid in debt collection of course.” The scientist replied. The Intellitron looked at the Trailblazer with as much incredulous emotion as it could. “She’s not joking” “Why would I be?” 

“I’ll give you whatever you want, just get her away from this solar system!”

-

As much as the Trailblazer would loathe to admit it, the tiny (in comparison) bug would prove to be a great way to convince debtors to fork over the cash. Not even needing to be told that it was a synthetic incarnation of an Emenator, many people seemed to be scared of giant bugs, 

Ranging from people who tried to skimp on paying by running, bigwig CEOs who thought they were somehow too big for the IPC to get them, it was easy to go through the same routine. The Trailblazer would knock on doors, then either them or Huo Huo would speak to the debtor. Then if it were a case of just talking, Huo Huo was up- with Tail intervening in case they became aggressive. It was until they ran or started fighting with more advanced tactics than just street brawling did Ruan Mei and her creation show up. 

Though after some time passed, so did the synthetic Emenator, also being crushed by the gravity of its existence. It was a little traumatizing for the trio to heart it’s screaming before being covered by the bug’s blood and guts. 

All in all, as they reported to Lady Bonajade, they were crowned with the exclusive and incredibly sought after, “Employee of the Week" and minimum wage.

[bloodthrrsty]

honkai verse notes :)

cecil krowle was once a knight of beauty. in his main verse he wasn't always a volatile and brutal hunter- so it'd mirror that change in this verse too. after having suffered warfare, and the loss of his older sister he'd change a lot. then there's the disappearance of idrilla... which was the final straw for him. pushing him to forsake his path, which came with consequences.

he's got a lot of snake motifs alongside the blood, and the cosmic horror. so i think it'd fit nicely for the IPC to reach out to him. there is no denying the value of an old knight as skilled as cecil is. so jade would make him an offer; in return for a way to control his beasthood and prevent a permanent transformation... he would have to work for the IPC. putting him primarily in collections.

definitely does not play well with others. he's sort of a last resort? or well, he's used for more difficult tasks... things that need his kind of force.

he can transform still. the method used to prevent him turning for good is something that allows him to go two and from. however the longer he stays a beast, and the more blood he consumes- the more difficult it is for him to return to his human form. he's urged not to regardless, as when he does transform, he tends to struggle to tell friend from foe.

i wouldn't say he's loyal to the IPC as a whole. he really doesn't care about it, or it's longevity or it's gains. but he IS very loyal to jade. it was jade who prevented him from falling to a fate worse than death. is he aware she's not a good person? yes of course he is. he's not ignorant to the horrible things the IPC has done. but cecil's loyalty goes beyond that honestly. what he's been given is well worth abandoning what remains of his honor.

LORE WISE- he goes from beauty to voracity. but i think in game he'd be destruction. and probably does physical damage. hm...

trick weapons >:)

[immobiliter]

@avaere sent a meme: " there's such a thing as right and wrong. anyone can figure out the difference if they're willing to think for themselves. " oh this from sunday to topaz though, that could be quite interesting

       She'd developed quite the fondness for their talks over recent weeks. Their respective positions and schedules meant that meeting in person often took slightly more effort on their parts to arrange, but in reality all that did was make those times that they could converse in person all the more valued. Texting was no substitute for company, as Topaz was rapidly discovering: so much could be lost in translation through the printed word, and it definitely made a difference to hear Sunday's thoughts, always considered and kind and non-judgemental, with her own ears.

       Whether they were talking about the merits of kindness, or Numby's favourite trotter snacks, or she was listening with such keen interest as he spoke more generally of the halovian race, they never seemed to tire of things to talk about.

       Today was no different; Topaz could not recall how exactly they had landed on the current topic of conversation, but something in Sunday's words had once again given her plenty to mull over, brows slowly drawing together, chin resting on the back of her hand. “ If they're willing to. ” That seemed to be the deciding factor in the conscious choices that people made. It was one thing to understand right from wrong, and quite another to choose to do that right thing. Though Topaz swiftly realised how her response must have sounded. “ I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound so cynical. ”

       Had the IPC really made such a cynic of her? Of course, she still believed that the right thing was an important thing to pursue, and she firmly believed that the reputation the IPC had garnered over many, many Amber Eras didn't paint a picture of the full truth. There was a lot of good that the corporation still did, a lot of value in pursuing Qlipoth's vision for preservation. But, she still came up against the worst of natures more often than she'd like. She still had to justify herself to her own people, and bear the consequences of wanting to make a difference.

       There was a long pause as she let his words sit. One question repeatedly rose above any others, to the point where she could no longer deny her curiosity.

       “ How much importance do you place on the concept of freedom, Mr. Sunday? ”

       It might have been a silly question. But, as a halovian who had all but reached for his own freedom, away from the consequences of Penacony or the IPC's own leash, who better to answer a question that, in many ways, had plagued Topaz for months now?

       “ It's always felt a little abstract to me, but — and I probably shouldn't be telling you this, ” She sternly reminded herself that she probably shouldn't have been continuing her association with him in general, so, really, this didn't matter. Her hands gently, almost nervously, grasped each other on the table. “ but I recently conducted business on a planet called Jarilo-VI. It's a world that was frozen solid for centuries and, thanks to the crew of the Astral Express, was only recently reintroduced to the wider galactic community. The planet owed longstanding debts to the IPC and I was tasked with recovering them. But, rather than seem like a heartless debt-collector, I proposed instead that the IPC take control of the planet and begin ecological reconstruction in order to reverse its ill fortune. ”

       She exhaled gently, knowing that this was quite the story to share. “ I've personally overseen this same process transform other worlds into habitable paradises during my time in the corporation, and I thought that the people of Belobog, the planet's last remaining city, would leap at this opportunity to restore their home for future generations. ” The ghost of a smile quirked at the corner of her lips, though it was strained. “ Instead, they fought me at every turn. Convinced me that their freedom to forge their own path was more valuable than any resources and caveats that the IPC would offer in turn. ” Her brow still furrowed even as she explained it, and even as their resistance to her made perfect sense. “ I knew it was the right thing to do, but... I guess it took me by surprise and I'm still not completely sure why. ”

[w1tched]

Light is burning / As I am yearning (sritihill excerpt under the cut)

The path for revenge was a lonely one. So too was the path for atonement. However, the two paths were born from one shared desire. A desire for justice. Perhaps, that’s why, Boothill oughtn’t ponder over why Sriti chose to seek him out. Why him, out of all the other unfortunate souls out there who wanted nothing more than to bring the IPC to their knees? 

Perhaps, for that very same reason, Sriti shouldn’t wonder why Boothill chose to show mercy to her. Why her, out of all the IPC- well, former IPC that is, agents? Why her, out of all the razakars that roamed the wretched cosmos? 

“We’re both two sides of the same, broken fucking coin. You’d do well to remember that.”

Those were the words that she had spat right in his face once, were they not? Ironically enough, Boothill couldn’t quite remember anymore what they had been arguing over at the time, that had led to such cutting syllables to leave those lips. All he remembers now is the uncomfortable way they had wormed their way into his very heart and carved themselves unto the tissue. 

Hearing a faint, tell-tale, jingling sound, Boothill’s train of thought cuts off and he turns to regard Sriti.

“All clear, doc?” “Yeah. The bots didn’t detect anything in the entire building except for some rats- no, not IPC rats, please put the gun down. We can set up camp here for the night.” “Welp. S’pose I’ve slept in worse places before..Now, hey now! I ain’t said nothin’ bad! What’s that look for?”

Sriti stays silent for once and shakes her head. Where Boothill got such expensive tastes from is still a mystery to her. Nothing within his memories ever suggested that he used to be particularly rich. Then again, wealth didn’t exist only in monetary forms. A lesson learned all too late. 

She sits down on the windowsill, gazing out at the cityscape before her. Ignoring the shapes and sounds that she knew did not exist, the view was nice. An adjective that she rarely used to describe urban areas. But everything has its exceptions, don’t they?

Feeling the brush of leather against her skin, Sriti turns to see Boothill perching opposite her on the windowsill, staring out at the twinkling city lights.

None of them held a candle to the dusty trail’s lone star that illuminated the way for those who chose to walk its path. 

Tearing her eyes away, Sriti roots through her belt bag before her hand closes around a familiar pack. She takes out a stick, placing it between her lips while searching for her lighter. Strange, she can’t find her lighter. Again. Sriti knows she can’t have misplaced it. She’d have remembered if she had done so. Sighing to herself, Sriti gently nudges the cowboy opposite her with her foot.

“Do you have your lighter? I can’t find mine.” Sriti thinks she sees Boothill’s lips twitch but maybe it was a trick of the light instead. 

“ ‘Course I’ve got my lighter. Any man worth his salt would never even dare to lose this beauty.” Show off, Sriti remarks mentally, watching him bring out his vintage Zippo lighter. Although, she supposed, she’d let him have this one. It really was a beauty, silver with an eagle and bullets engraved on each side. 

Sparks fly as Boothill flicks the lighter, producing a warm and bright flame. His onyx eye moves from the burning light to the prosthetic eye that was fixated on his own. It shone unnaturally, the cog-shaped grey iris rotating in clockwork fashion. It had an uncanny beauty of its own but, as his good eye moves left, Boothill finds that he quite prefers Sriti’s natural bambi brown eye. One that was filled with a constant melancholy. A melancholy so deep that it swallowed light whole.

How would it feel to drown in them?

“Y’know, they’re called coffin nails fer a reason, right?” “You’re the only person I know who calls cigarettes ‘coffin nails’.” “The boot fits.” “I’ll take my chances with them regardless.” “Least y’could do is share.” Boothill takes the cigarette from between Sriti’s lips and places them between his own, ignoring her protests of how she was just about to. Instead, he waits for the engineer to procure a new cigarette between her lips before bringing the lighter closer. The ends of the stick burn a bright orange and the familiar acrid scent of tobacco fills their senses and lungs. Despite its attempts, the smoke doesn’t cloud their vision. Their eyes stay fixated on one another.

The path for justice may be a lonely one but at the end of the day, they had each other and that was enough.