#to make sure only ‘good’ people have the ability to ascend

[blasphemousclaw]

Thoughts on the Curseblades?

the Curseblades are interesting because they’re related to a concept that seems very unique to hornsent culture… tutelary deities:

“Curseblades appear to dance when they spin their shimmering circular blades. These ascetics, who failed to become tutelary deities, were a scourge for those who attempted to invade the hornsent homeland.” (Curseblade Meera)

“Attire of the tower's ascetics, embodying their commitment to an austere existence of strict self-control. In order to ascend from their mortal flesh into tutelary deities of the land, they heighten their spirituality through severe ascetic training.” (Ascetic’s Loincloth)

“Weapon of the masked Curseblades. Circular backhand blade with wave-like cutting edges, sharpened into points that incite blood loss. Long ago, this was employed by the ascetics who strove to become tutelary deities as a ritualistic object in their self-flagellating dances.” (Curseblade’s Cirque)

The Curseblades are essentially a religious sect who live as ascetics in order to ascend as tutelary deities, which are in fact the hornsent corpses holding the Revered Spirit Ash that you find all across the lands of the tower:

“Spirit ash of those who came before, infused with potent spirituality. Acquired from the corpses of hornsent and other objects that ritually decorate townships and villages across the realm of shadow. Consume these at sites of grace to bolster your Revered Spirit Ash Blessing. The Revered Spirit Ash Blessing bolsters both summoned spirits' and spectral steed's abilities to deal and negate damage but has no influence outside the realm of shadow. The withered corpses were called tutelary deities, and Revered Spirit Ash was said to quietly accumulate in the palms of their hands.” (Revered Spirit Ash)

The word “tutelary” means “serving as a protector, guardian, or patron,” so the purpose of these tutelary deities were probably something like spiritual guardians or guides for the townships and villages they’re placed in… we use the Revered Spirit Ash to improve our spirit summons and spirit steed, implying that collecting the ash makes us more hashtag blessed, so I think it’s a fair assumption that the purpose of tutelary deities was to guard and guide others spiritually, help deepen spiritual connection, etc.

The most interesting thing about tutelary deities though is that they were mortal beings who ascended their mortal flesh to become “deities!” The Curseblades were people with incredible abilities due to their severe ascetic training, but presumably started out as regular hornsent, and yet it seems like a sort of godhood was within their reach! A similar sort of thing is described with Divine Bird Warrior Ornis:

“Ashen remains in which spirits yet dwell. Use to summon the spirit of Ornis the divine bird warrior. Spirit of the divine bird warrior from whom the horned warriors claim descent. Clad in golden armor, and granted wings and feathers by divine invocation. Ornis succeeded in taming the divine bird and made its wings his own as he soared through the sky. When he finally fell to earth, he lived on as the guardian deity of the temple quarter.”

Ornis, a mortal warrior, “tamed the divine bird” and lived on as a “guardian deity.” This is pretty unprecedented from what we’re familiar with in the base game: in the current order of the Lands Between, only ONE person — who must be an empyrean chosen by the Two Fingers — is able to ascend to godhood. Divinity is not something just any mortal can ascend to, even with all the spiritual training in the world! It doesn’t seem like the hornsent even had an equivalent to Marika, a “one true god.” To the hornsent, the Divine seems like it was something less centralized, with mortals regularly communing with and invoking divinity, and ascending as minor deities. This kind of makes sense with the concept of the Crucible as a “current” of spiraling energy, a primordial force from which life originated, something all-encompassing rather than centralized. This video by Zullie the Witch even implies that ALL hornsent were once called “empyreans,” and are referred to as such in the game files! I wonder if Enir Ilim’s Divine Gate is what allows the hornsent as a whole to access this divine power and invoke divinity, and no one person was supposed to seize that power for themselves?

This isn’t to say that the hornsent elite didn’t try to control who gets to access divinity, though… it seems like the spiritual elite strictly controlled what kinds of spirituality were “allowed.” Of course, in hornsent society, only those with horns are the ones considered touched by the divine to begin with. But even amongst those with horns, the Curseblades themselves were shunned and imprisoned:

“These ascetics, who failed to become tutelary deities, were a scourge for those who attempted to invade the hornsent homeland. Long ago, before the land was overshadowed by invasion, this scourge was shunned, and the curseblades were imprisoned.” (Curseblade Meera)

I’m not sure if they were imprisoned specifically because they as a group failed to become tutelary deities, or if the Curseblade cult as a whole was seen as a dangerous or distasteful way of ascending to tutelary deities. We do know of another cult that the elite imprisoned out of fear, though:

“A stone mask twisted into an expression of rapturous grief. Use while disrobed to transform into a lamenter. The change cannot be undone except by death. Using this mask while already transformed causes the head to swell in size. This transformation tallies with the state of a denizen of paradise, but the people of the tower denied and hid it from the world. In their foolishness, they viewed true bliss with deep fear.” (Lamenter’s Mask)

The Lamenter’s path to enlightenment being achieved through grief is kind of similar to the Curseblades’ ritualistic “self-flagellating dances,” pain being a way of accessing spirituality. There’s definitely a pattern of the hornsent elite suppressing forms of spirituality that don’t fit the status quo, so I think this might be a reason for the Curseblades’ imprisonment rather than them just being imprisoned for being cringe and failing to become deities

[phoenixrisingastro]

The Transits That Will Change Your Life (And Break You First)

Some transits bring excitement, expansion, and abundance.

These are not those transits.

These transits do not bring ease. They do not bring peace. They bring destruction, devastation, and inescapable transformation. They will rip you apart, piece by piece, until all that remains is the raw, unfiltered truth of who you were always meant to become.

You will not come out of them the same.

You will come out of them either broken beyond repair—or more powerful than ever before.

And by the time they’re done with you, you will understand that not all suffering is a punishment.

Sometimes, suffering is the only way to reach godhood.

Saturn Return: The Reckoning of Your Life

Occurs at 27-30, 57-60, and 87-90 years old.

Saturn does not give handouts. Saturn does not care about how much you hoped, how much you prayed, or how much you wanted things to work out.

Saturn only cares about what you have built. And if you have built something weak, it will collapse.

If you have been directionless, Saturn will force you to choose a path—or lose everything.

If you have been dishonest about what you want, Saturn will expose you.

If you have been living without discipline, Saturn will bring you to your knees.

📌 Example: A woman in her Saturn Return loses her high-paying corporate job overnight. She was good at it, but she never loved it. Saturn forces her to rebuild her career with purpose. By the time her Saturn Return ends, she has started her own business and is finally doing what she was meant to do.

📌 Example: A man marries his long-term partner before his Saturn Return. Within a year, the relationship begins to fall apart. Why? Because he built it on what was easy, not what was real. Saturn forces him to either do the work to make it last—or let it go.

If you have been doing the work, Saturn will reward you. If you have been avoiding responsibility, Saturn will strip away every illusion you have been hiding behind.

It is not here to hurt you.

It is here to make sure that when you reach your 30s, you are standing on something real.

Pluto Transits: The Death of Who You Were

Pluto does not destroy you out of cruelty.

Pluto destroys you because you were never meant to stay the same.

Pluto transits are slow, suffocating, and absolute. You will not see the change coming until it is already too late.

Pluto conjunct Sun: The complete dissolution of your identity. Your old self dies. You will become unrecognizable—for better or for worse.

Pluto conjunct Moon: Emotional breakdown. Buried traumas resurface. Every attachment is tested, and if it was built on weakness, it will end.

Pluto conjunct Ascendant: You become feared. You become unshakable. People see you differently, treat you differently. You exude something dark, hypnotic, and dangerous.

📌 Example: A woman going through a Pluto-Moon transit experiences a series of betrayals—first from friends, then from family, then from lovers. She loses her ability to trust easily, but she also learns how to see through people’s masks.

📌 Example: A man with Pluto on his Ascendant goes from being ignored to being seen as powerful, intimidating, and magnetic. People either obsess over him or try to bring him down. There is no in-between.

Pluto is not a punishment. Pluto is your evolution.

But first, you have to survive it.

Neptune Square Sun or Moon: The Beautiful Lie That Will Destroy You

Neptune does not break things. Neptune dissolves them.

This is the transit that makes you trust the wrong people, love the wrong person, or chase a dream that was never real.

Neptune square Sun: Identity crisis. You will be deceived. You will deceive yourself. You do not know who you are anymore.

Neptune square Moon: Emotional chaos. You love illusions. You mistake red flags for divine signs. You trust the wrong people.

📌 Example: A woman experiencing Neptune square her Moon falls deeply in love with someone who never truly loved her back. The relationship consumes her, drains her, and when it ends, she realizes she ignored every warning sign.

📌 Example: A man experiencing Neptune square his Sun suddenly quits his job, convinced he is meant to pursue a dream that was never real. He spends years chasing a fantasy before reality finally forces him to start over.

Neptune teaches one thing: Clarity is painful. But illusion is worse.

Uranus Opposite Sun or Moon: The Day Everything Changes

You cannot plan for Uranus. You cannot negotiate with Uranus.

Uranus is chaos. Uranus is revolution. Uranus is the moment your world flips upside down.

Uranus opposite Sun: Identity destruction. The life you thought was stable vanishes overnight.

Uranus opposite Moon: Emotional earthquakes. Relationships, family ties, and your own sense of security are obliterated.

📌 Example: A man with Uranus opposite his Sun suddenly gets fired from his job. Not because he was bad at it, but because life had a different plan for him.

📌 Example: A woman with Uranus opposite her Moon experiences a sudden breakup, followed by a cross-country move. Nothing about her life is stable anymore. But in the chaos, she finds her true path.

Uranus does not break you to hurt you.

It breaks you so that you are forced to become who you were meant to be.

Chiron Return: The Wound That Never Healed Comes Back to Finish the Job

Chiron is your deepest wound. And when your Chiron Return arrives in your late 40s-50s, it comes back to be reckoned with.

If you buried your pain, Chiron will dig it up.

If you ignored your trauma, Chiron will put it in your face.

If you thought you were healed, Chiron will test that belief.

📌 Example: A man with unresolved childhood abandonment issues finds himself suddenly alone. His friendships fall apart, his partner leaves, and he is left to confront his fear of being unloved.

📌 Example: A woman who always played the caretaker role finally snaps. She starts setting boundaries, prioritizing herself—and watching people disappear from her life because they only valued her self-sacrifice.

Chiron does not let you stay broken.

It forces you to either heal—or repeat the same cycles for the rest of your life.

Jupiter Conjunct Pluto: Power You Are Not Ready For

Jupiter expands. Pluto dominates. When they come together? You are handed something too big, too dangerous, too overwhelming.

Some people gain power.

Some people lose control.

Some people are destroyed before they ever learn how to wield it.

📌 Example: A man suddenly inherits a massive sum of money. He has never had power before. Within a year, he has lost everything.

📌 Example: A woman suddenly gains fame. At first, it is exhilarating. Then she realizes that power comes with enemies.

Jupiter-Pluto is a test. Can you handle what you have been given?

Or will it ruin you?

Final Warning: These Transits Are Coming for You

You do not get to avoid them.

You do not get to escape them.

They will rip you apart.

They will shatter your illusions.

They will drag you through the abyss.

And if you survive?

You will never fear anything again.

Because by the time these transits are done with you?

You will have become the thing that others fear.

© PhoenixRisingAstro, 2025. All rights reserved

[thechaoticdruid]

Welcome to my humble party!~

[My Astarion Fanfic Masterlist]

Just call me Druid since I really have no intention of revealing my real name for the foreseeable future.

I decided to make a masterlist just to help organize my stuff!

~Original Characters for story or RP stuff~

Winnifred The Druid -My Tav

Arva Nightshade -Winnie's closest pre-tadpole friend.

Fi The Hornless -A talented bard and a member of Arva's pack. She helped look after a juvenile Winnie.

Elora Ancunin -Under developement...

RP Note: Winnie is currently open to answering questions from all of you beautiful people! She is an open book so do not be afraid to ask away! Astarion may even make an appearance in the reply depending on the question. No he will not bite you, Araj! Just make sure to label your ask; Dear Winnie, Question for Winnie, Hey Winnie, I dare Winnie to, etc, and we will let the fun begin!

More NSFW type questions are accepted, but only by people who have their age visible on their blogs. Minors attempting to ask or anons without any age identification will be blocked/ignored. (Also let's try not to ask anything too gross okay.... I'm into some weird stuff but you know limits, my dude.)

~During campaign Winnie fics Masterlist~

[Click Here Darling~]

~Multi-part Fanfics~

[This Bites] Astarion x Chubby Female MC

A young woman ends up literally stuck with a fictional vampire from her newest video game obsession! She now must deal with keeping him safe and hidden all the while dealing with stress from her shitty stepdad.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3 ,4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9

Valentine's Day Special: Eat Your Heart!

This Bites: Christmas Special!

[The Spawn Vs The Ascendant] (Fem) Tav x Astarion(s).

Astarion and his lover Tav are happily together after defeating Cazador and freeing 7000 vampire spawn into the Underdark. They are now preparing to take on the Elderbrain when an Astarion look alike, claiming to be 'The Vampire Ascendant' appears and demands the Spawn hand Tav over to him.

Parts: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4

The Spawn vs Tav vs The Ascendant: A smutty one-shot that doesn't really take place in any particular time during the events of TSvTA. MDNI 18+ (Though if I'm honest it probably takes place post story.)

[Firsts] (Named!Fem! Tav x Astarion) Winnie has noticed her vampiric companion had been acting much more aggressively flirtatious lately. Of course, he flirted with everyone, this was common sense. But ever since Winnie had given him a taste of her blood it seemed she was the main target of his affections. Which quite frankly confused the hells out of the young druid. He couldn't actually be interested in her? Could he?

MDNI 18+ There is smut! The second half involves the Tiefling party!

[1/2] [2/2]

[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts] (Chubby F!Tav x Astarion) After failing yet again to find a good lead on the Ring of the Sunwalker Tav and Astarion return to their current and hopefully temporary home in the Underdark only to be greeted by a distress signal from an old friend and an invitation to extravagant soiree hosted by an eccentric stranger!

Chapters: One ,

~Headcanon lists!~

[Astarion x chubby!reader headcanons!] (GN! Reader)

[🍿Watching movies with Astarion!🍿] (GN! Reader)

[BG3 companions babysitting your kids!] (GN! Reader)

[Telling the companions baby news!] (GN! Reader)

[Meet the Parents!] (A fun little writing challenge I put together. I wrote up headcanons of Astarion meeting my Tav's parents and Winnie meeting Astarion's parents.)

[Astarion's Teddy 🧸] (A little HC about Winnie giving Star a plush.)

~Other~

[All Wrapped up!] A short AstarionxF!Tav Christmas one-shot inspired by my God-awful ability to wrap presents.

[We'll Protect Each Other] While staying at an inn in the Underdark Tav and Astarion are forced to protect each other. Tav defends her lover's honor which later leads to a visit in the night from a familiar face. (Protective! Tav x Astarion One-Shot.)

[The Bite Scene] A rewrite of Astarion's bite camp event with my Tav, Winnie. It was basically a draft from my abandoned long fic.

[The Monster Hunter] Happens right before the The Bite Scene. It's a rewrite of the encounter with Gandrel out in the bog. Another draft from my abandoned long fic that I just decided to share.

[Indulging Curiosity] (F!Tav x Astarion SMUT MDNI) After a particularly bloody battle with a pack of gnolls Astarion finds himself rather hot and bothered seeing his favorite little druid absolutely drenched in blood. Unable to help himself he invites her to join him for an evening of pleasure where he indulges in some of Tav's sexual curiosities.

[Seriously, now!?] (Named!Tav x Astarion, period comfort fic) After causing a scene, embarrassing and being shouted at by the party's own resident wizard, Winnie storms off alone to sulk. Her monthly bleeding is upon her and making everything seem so much worse! But perhaps her vampiric lover can make it all better? (MDNI, slight smut at the end.)

[Forever] A requested rewrite of the camp event where Astarion's siblings come to kidnap him, but featuring Winnie!

[Delicious] (Named!Tav x Astarion) While camping in the Underdark the tadpole crew gather around the fire telling stories to pass the time. One way or another they turn into tales of old lovers. Which brings up a curious question? How come Winnie had no lovers before Astarion? (MDNI SMUT AT END)

~Taglists~

[This Bites] Comment on the latest chapter to be added!

[Winnie during BG3] Comment here to be tagged whenever I drop any fics that take place during Baldur's Gate 3 campaign!

[The Spawn Vs The Ascendant] Comment here to be added to the taglist, but hurry! This fic will soon be complete!

Ao3 Account Though most of my stuff will probably be updated here on Tumblr first!

Blog Rules ig: Okay so I normally try to promote positivity it's why my fics are mostly comedy based. That being said, anyone who comes here acting like an asshat is getting blocked. I don't tolerate homophobia, heterophobia, biphobia, panphobia or really any kind of discrimination towards anyone's sexuality. Transphobic behavior is also unacceptable and will result in a block. Racism, or sexism of any kind is also not tolerated, understand? We're all going to be friends here. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Requests???

Hi, friendly neighborhood Druid here. My ADHD gives me a shit ton of trouble writing so I'm real iffy about doing requests of any kind. That being said, I'm currently only taking specific requests involving Astarion x my Tav Winnie where I rewrite a scene from the in game campaign. I've already done the Tiefling Party so that is out of the question. And so is anything post Act 3 final boss. I'm also honestly just open to chatting through the asks.

-Druid

[mikaela-the-slut-expert]

The God of Song's

Second Ascension

Xie Lian x M!Reader x Hua Cheng

Alright listen y'all. I'm adding a previous part to my first glance series. BECAUSE I really want my timeline to follow the novel's timeline and most of the lines follow the novel as well. I want the story to focus on my OC so obviously it'll be his pov. Be patient with me y'all 😭

The whole point of the part is just to give Y/n some depth? To explain partially my OC's background and abilities. Like I had to put some foundation for the ready bro.

Dúshé means poison laced tongue

Mûguô means bitch or whore

Míngqín means song bird

if you see the name Mei Li, just read it as Y/n I tried replacing them all but I'm blind

_____________________________________________

Y/n is a rarity. An unnatural beauty with white hair. A being who uses his siren like vocals and imitation against others. A majority of heaven officials are wary of him and are diligent on keeping their distance. The reason being, he dips between both realms.

Y/n is a ghost, who ascended and became a god. That's why most people don't like him. He's strange and shouldn't possibly exist. A ghost who became a god? That's an anomaly. What could be worse than that? An anomaly that has power.

He's a god of the upper court and yet he doesn't have his own palace. He rejected it choosing to make his own domain in the mortal realm. Just like a ghost would. His reason being? It's closer to Xie Lian. Y/n having so much power as a god and a ghost, with the ability to wipe out a nation leaves the other officials anxious. They'd prefer if he was banished from the Heavens. Which he was. Even then 6,000 temples stayed up in his favor.

They have many names for him: Y/n, God of Song, dúshé, general, and even the name mûguô was passed around for a while. Only Xie Lian uses the nickname, míngqín.

He used to be a general for XianLe and an imperial guard for Xie Lian. They grew up together, along with Feng Xin and eventually Mu Qing. But everyone knows the stories. Mu Qing stopped following Xie Lian after his banishment and never spoke a good word of him again.

Feng Xin and Y/n however stayed loyal. They grew up together, and were banished together. And yet Feng Xin and Y/n grew apart. Feng Xin and Xie Lian grew apart. Leaving y/n with Xie Lian alone. A banished ghost and a banished prince.

So their wishes came true, but not forever. When the bell in the Heavens starts to toll and shake everyone is expecting to see a newcomer. They must be powerful with how hard the bell rings, surely?

The official's hopes were diminished when they saw the familiar silhouette of Y/n and Xie Lian. He ascended a second time!? And Xie Lian he...he...he fucking ascended a third time?!

Y/n looks much different his face hides behind a veil now. Only his striking blue eyes can be seen. He stands by Xie Lian's side as the other officials whisper. None of them notice the bell fall... Or as someone's golden palace gets ruined.

**********************************************************

Y/n stands next to Xie Lian while Ling Wen talks about his highness getting first place, for once. Of course for nothing good. Something about banishment but at least Xie Lian got 100 merits for it.

Y/n gets lost in thought and starts paying attention to his two birds, Wèizhī. It's supposed to be one, conjoined name but the twin birds liked the name for both of them. Yes Y/n has birds. While other gods have families as swords, or ghosts have butterflies. Y/n has his birds. They're Oriental Magpies and they represent Y/n perfectly. Both of them imitate others, and both of them sing.

Y/n's attention is brought back when Ling Wen points at a 'bell'. He looks over to the civil god with an arched brow. "Ling Wen I know you're tired but there's no bell up there", he says with a shrug

"There was a bell there. When general Li and his highness ascended you both caused quite the turmoil. Causing the bell to fall on a passing by heavenly official" she explains.

She points in another direction, "Do you see that golden palace?" Xie Lian smiles, "Ah yes I can."

"It was put up to replace an official's golden palace that was damaged from your ascension" and Xie Lian's smile falls into a nervous one.

"So we've offended many officials from the moment we arrived?" Xie Lian confirms

"If you can make amends maybe not"Ling Wen

Y/n places a hand on his hip and cocks it to the side, "How do we make amends then?"

"Easy, just pay eight million eight hundred eight thousand merits" Ling Wen adds, "Of course I know you both don't have a tenth of that amount."

Y/n gawks behind his veil. He groans and Xie Lian grins. ,"Please allow us to think about what we should do" he heaves a long sigh.

The two of them walk to the side and Mei Li watches Xie Lian crouch down in distraught. " A-Lian I can pay for it, half of it was my fault after all" you frown patting his head.

"Ah no that's not necessary, I'll find a way. So please don't waste your merits on me, míngqín." Míngqín, a nickname Xie Lian made for you long ago. You love it. Yes you are a songbird, and you're his songbird.

Y/n glances away, he'll pay for it when he gets the chance. Right now he'll stay by Xie Lian's side. "Oh we should probably find the array for the upper court. I don't have the password anymore." Xie Lian brings his fingers to his temple and Y/n does the same.

They search through multiple arrays, some even bet on how long they'll stay this time. When they finally find it someone whispers, "So his highness and his general are back?"

Xie Lian brightens when they finally find the array he's looking for, "Yes I'm back!" Y/n cocks his hip and doesn't answer.

The heavenly official chuckles languidly, "his highness and general /n caused a tremendous force this time, yes?"

Xie Lian rubs the back of his neck, "Ah well it wasn't so bad." Y/n crosses his arms.

Another official cuts in, "It wasn't so bad for his highness, but my luck isn't as good" While Xie Lian looks very sorry, Y/n doesn't.

It seems Xie Lian doesn't know who they're talking to but Y/n knows it's Mu Qing. He cocks his hip and Xie Lian thinks to himself, that one day Y/n might pop his hip out if he keeps up. "This one heard that General Xuan Zhen flicked it and the bell split in half though? Surely it didn't cause the great general much pain?" Y/n hums in fake sympathy and checks his nails.

They're interrupted by another official. Y/n sighs at this.

"Who the fuck knocked down my palace?! SHOW YOURSELF!" Y/n covers his ears as he recognizes Feng Xin.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing start bickering about something, Y/n looks over to Xie Lian. To see if he's doing okay with the familiar faces.

Xie Lian laughs nervously, "it was my fault I apologize, I didn't mean for it to get out of hand"

Mu Qing replies sarcastically, "Oh what a coincidence."

This upsets Y/n, he crosses his arms and sets a glare on Mu Qing. "Are you implying we did it on purpose as an act of revenge? General Xuan Zhen I thought you knew by now the world simply does not revolve around you. I think you want to be a victim." He spits. He refuses to sit here while Mu Qing slanders Xie Lian's name. Off to the side he can other people whisper dúshé.

Mu Qing scoffs, but Xie Lian cuts in, "I will try my best to compensate you, I apologize"

Y/n glares at Mu Qing's spot. The man glares back but he falls silent and invisible.

Xie Lian and Y/n leave the array afterwards.

Y/n frowns and plays with a piece of his long hair. "This one is sorry A-Lian, I just couldn't stay quiet"

Xie Lian waves a hand and smiles, "It's alright no need to apologize."

Ling Wen has invited Xie Lian and Y/n to the great hall so that's where they go. Y/n watches over Xie Lian's shoulder reading the scroll she gave them. Apparently they can earn merits if they solve this "ghost groom" issue.

Y/n hums, "We can do it A-Lian we've experienced worse"

Xie Lian nods, but looks back at Y/n nervously. "Yes but I also can't use any spiritual devices", "Then maybe it's better to get the help of some deputy generals?" Ling Wen adds.

"That's why I'm here, I'll gladly do the work for you-"

"But I don't want you to do all the work for me, I'll feel bad, so for my sake let's get help from some middle officials?" Xie Lian smiles nervously, of course he doesn't want to push Y/n. He does so much for Xie Lian already.

Y/n cocks his hip, and glances to the side "I suppose, but who will really come help?"

Xie Lian laughs, "Ah you're right. Ling Wen I'm afraid no one will willingly come to my aid"

She waves a hand though, "I'll get you some help don't worry". Then she goes into the array, and asks who could send two martial officials to help the emperor.

It probably would have worked too, if Mu Qing hadn't ruined it, "I heard the emperor isn't in the north at the moment. This help must be for his highness right?"

Ling Wen sighs, "You're always in the array these days General Xuan Zhen, congratulations you seem to have plenty of time."

"My hand is wounded, I'm currently nursing the injury." Mu Qing replies coyly

"Oh? You poor thing I didn't know it took a bell to take you out General" Y/n adds smugly.

They all leave the array once it's obvious no one is coming to help.

"It's alright A-Lian I don't mind doing it" Y/n hums softly running his hand over Xie Lian's arm.

"Yes, we're used to being alone so we'll leave it as is" he sighs.

"May heaven Officials give their blessings" Ling Wen says.

"No paths are bound!" Xie Lian replies and leaves in a dashing manner. Y/n follows him with a sigh. He has to make sure Xie Lian doesn't fall out of heaven.

__________________________________________________

Okay guys. So if y'all have read this and the first glance series please tell me if you like it 😭🙏.

Tea Shop

[grapejuicestyless]

Unforgettable

Harry Styles x fem!reader

Summery: Y/n Y/l/n is a classic rockstar with a magnetic pull and a bad reputation with men to her name. Turns out Y/n might not be such a bad girl after all and the men she used might have not been the truth.

Pages bursted from every seam of her notebook, littered in scribbled lyrics of failed beginnings, one night stands and the most innocent poetry writings that reflected the opposite of the devilish woman behind the pencil marks.

Everything about her was shiny. Her glittery deep purplish blue eyeshadow and the highlight on the tip of her nose to the glistening sweat that dripped underneath her top.

She was messy, yet so detailed. Every hair out of place seemed to fit perfectly a top her head. The lazy smear of lipgloss and eyeshadow applied carelessly yet laying in such way that it almost looked intentional.

It was that careless attitude that was so magnetic about her. The rockstar exterior she possessed attracting the innocent into her wild web of her craft.

But, despite her rockstar complexion and her love life reputation, the girl had an undeniable talent that could not be ruined by the poor press that swirled her name.

So it could only be fitting to place the most standout woman there into the cleanest band reputation wise. It was humorous, when it was announced. Y/n Y/l/n, joining Harry Styles for his long awaited Love On Tour.

Harry, who had hand picked her from the bunch of bassists waiting to wow him, was immediately aware of her presence. Her look sharp and eye catching, but her talent even better. She had a skill for her craft that nobody else was even able to come close to achieving. It was almost destiny she had shown up, notebook stuffed full of sloppy writing and bass scratched from her frustration.

Truthfully, Y/n hadn’t really longed to be placed into the band. She didn’t exactly enjoy the bright pinks and pop music that blasted through the speakers. She had only gone to the audition because she had been itching to play. Having traveled the world with some of the biggest inspirations, and by herself on a successful world tour a couple years ago, Y/n found herself bored in her home for so long. She was just about ready to go out a preform to a room filled with angry elderly people who hated all loud noises. Anything to give her the thrill of being in front of the crowd again.

So, when she was emailed one August evening, detailing of an audition for a bassist to join a well known artist on stage, she pushed aside her unfamiliarity with the genre.

It wasn’t that Y/n disliked pop music, it just wasn’t her favorite. She’s spent most of her time closer to a soft rock sound, pulling from past inspirations and old sounds that could be reworked into her work. The glitz and glam of the fresh and new sounding pop music was only something she hadn’t really gotten into, explaining why she felt more nervous than glad she was selected.

Yet, her ability to adjust and charm her way through her lack of experience within the genre was enough to keep her going, placing her where she was now. Standing next Harry, under the intense lights of Madison Square in the middle of one of the hottest summers to date.

…

A year had passed, just about, since Y/n first stepped onto the stage, her bass slung around her neck with a tattered strap that was practically molded to her shoulders. She gave a good amount to the band, adding in bass lines that ascended the songs into a better form of themselves. Making sure not to overpower the other instruments, but to lift them up and amplify how they sounded collectively as a band.

“That was good, that sounded great actually!” I turned back, the side of my lip pressed into the surface of the microphone. My hands found their way around the cord, untangling it to gain some more movement around the stage.

“Why don’t we recollect, get some water and stretch out?” I shot a thumbs up to the sound guy, who had been playing around with some switches behind a small barricade farther back in the arena. After the go ahead was given, the lights dimmed to a soft glow on top of the stage and the heat seemed less intense.

“No way, that’s so cool! Where did you find that, I’ve been having so much trouble looking for a new bass recently.” Her voice was slightly raspy, deeper too, I noticed from the dryness that I assumed was itching at her throat.

I watched her toss her head back, lips wrapped around the plastic water bottle until it crinkled beneath her hands and was left with nothing more than a few stray drops of water pooling at the bottom.

Elin, who she had been conversing with enthusiastically, seemed to match her energy precisely, showing Y/n the same amount of excitement over the new piece of equipment. Eyes gleaming with interest and passion over the topic. It felt warming knowing that work felt less like an obligation but instead was a privilege.

A close knit family that brought a dopey smile to my face at only the thought of it. I listened to them and there insane energy inconspicuously, eyes avoidant of the women and instead settled on the ledge between Sarah’s drums and where the trumpet players would stand later that night where the nearest supply of water was.

From afar, underneath the sound in my head of my aggressive swallowing of water, it sounded like the pair were dispersing. The conversation ended with a faint laugh that dwindled out the longer the conversation ended.

It was a true laugh, sincere. Almost a belly laugh but just not quite there yet. The sound so familiar it was instantly pinned in my mind as Y/n’s.

The common misconception about Y/n was that she was shallow, unfeeling and unknowing of basic relationships and proper manners. The media had poorly labeled the innocent woman, her lyrics thought to be too provocative and explicit. Too in depth and detailed that gossip accounts were ready to start this false narrative about the most undeserving person of the hate.

Maybe it was her careless expressions after completing a hard bass line, or her rockstar style that made her such an easy target for the untrue opinions and thoughts. She had that old grungy thing about her that both made her desirable and criticized, yet she made it work.

Y/n was the sun, in my eyes. A bright, young woman with wisdom beyond her years and heart so full it was overflowing with empathy and sympathy. Her lyrics reflected her past experiences, like any other artist. Her failed relationships that left her in the darkness and her distantly timed hook ups to fill the cold loneliness beside her bed.

Truthfully, she was more like the rest of the industry than any gossiper could comprehend. Her writing abilities expressed so freely, so vulnerable that it caused that discomfort, that pit in the listeners stomach forming with each song she put on her albums. The real truth was that she wasn’t some shallow, sex driven girl who dated guys to write about how they did her wrong. She was a loving woman who loved everyone more than life and was overly naive. She dated trying to find someone who could understand her like she understood everyone else. She spoke what was on her mind completely true and unfiltered constantly. Not fearful of the backlash her opinions would bring. That’s what continues to draw me to her throughout our time together.

“Hey, Harry.” Her voice was sweet, laced with honey and dripping in sweetness. I barely noticed her touch on my shoulder until I looked down at her guitar string scarred hands and found myself smiling.

“What’s up, Angel? What’s going on?” I turned my back to her, head thrown over my shoulder to look back to her face while my hands worked on screwing on the cover to my water bottle.

“You know, the usual. Just wanted to tell you I thought that note change during Sign of the Times was beautiful. You should go for those higher notes more often, you hit them every time.” She was completely honest in her opinions, which is why I held her words dear to my heart.

Y/n had no issue telling me what she thought. She was rather quick to give pointers of what worked better and how to substitute those notes that were strained and uncomfortable. Yet, she did it with such a down to earth point of view. She remained humble, even if everyone here knew she had talents beyond all of ours. She acted like she was just as good as the rest of us, like we were equals.

“I know, it’s just hard with so many people around. Don’t want to fall flat and ruin it.” Shrugging, we walked together to the stairs at the edge of the stage.

“Don’t psych yourself out, Styles. You nail those notes all the time. Your range is unbelievably complex. You have that ability to hit the higher notes every time.” She placed her hand in mine, following me down the stairs cautiously as the last one was always less steep than the rest, causing mishaps occasionally.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” We nodded at each other, silently understanding that the conversation was ending but still taking each other in. It almost felt like something was pulling us closer, eyes growing heavier and smiles getting looser. Breathing sharper.

“I’ll see you tonight, yeah?” It was breathy, the way it came out of her mouth. Almost like it was something she hadn’t wanted to say but forced herself to.

I nodded, watching her eyes crinkle before she turned away briskly, quick to find her escape through the illuminated tunnel. For a moment I felt like a fly in a web that was her creation, stuck in place to just stare as she left.

…

The show was unworldly. An atmosphere so intense and the energy so insane the floor swayed beneath my feet. The shows were structured the same each night, yet each one felt like a completely new experience. It was how the fans danced together in a formation that they’d created during Treat People With Kindness and how they’d share different experiences drawn out on their cardboard signs. It was surreal, something I felt lucky enough to experience with some of my closest friends, my band.

It went by smoothly, as projected to. The lights and the transitions between each songs igniting an excitement beyond no other I had ever experienced. Sarah played the drums precisely, hitting every beat necessary as her husband, Mitch, created the familiar tunes that were the songs of the past few albums. Within in the music, Y/n stood perched just next to Pauli, continuing to support Mitch and Elin within her bass playing.

By the time Kiwi had reached its end, I caught myself looking back to catch a glance at Y/n. Telling myself it was only to get a short moment to observe her living in her passion. Really, deep down I knew it was something more, something that had always been there yet I hadn’t had the courage to admit until that out loud.

…

The dressing room was quiet, after the show. The post show blues, as I used to refer to it as. The ultimate high coming back down with the realization that it was all over.

I let myself peel the sweaty chevron shirt off of my body and kicking off my green Gucci shoes. I left on the mismatched bottoms while ruffling through the pile of clothes packed in my suitcase for a shirt and shorts.

“Hey, rockstar. Trying a new look?” My head raised, turning halfway to meet her eyes.

“Yeah, really going for that oiled up 2000’s boy next door idea.” We laughed, eyes closing at how stupid I must’ve looked to her. Finding it funny and slightly embarrassing as the rose tint spread like wildfire across my cheeks.

Soon, our laughs turned into silence, warm smiles reflecting off of our faces onto the others. It was comfortable, lip caught between her teeth and mine pulling at the skin of my bottom one.

“I heard what you did tonight. Proud of you. I told you, you could hit that note change. Honestly, sounded better out there than at soundcheck.” My heart fluttered.

“I could say the same about you. It’s like you gain more power with each show.”

“Stop it, you just might make me blush.” She stepped closer, merely a few inches left separating the two of us. Her breath tickling my skin, her hands clenched by her sides nervously.

Suddenly, she had lost all that confidence that told the world she could play anyone like a fiddle. Suddenly she lost that fog around the mirror that created the illusion of a rockstar super player who moved from one man to the next, without rhyme or reason. She became what we’d all learned of her. The girl who loved long and hard on the people close to her, and the girl who despite was she was destined by the media to have been, had only had a couple relationships past the one night stands that filled her notebook. She batted her eyes, and I held my breath.

“Y/n…” It was a whisper. A soft murmur beneath my breath, but I was sure she’d heard it.

I found myself slowly reaching for her hand, opening it on top of my palm and brushing my fingers gently over the creases that ran along them before letting it fall back to her side. My eyes lifted from where we touched back to her face. Only to allow myself to find contact again. I let my hand slip around her waist, pulling slowly until our bodies were pressed together. The only thing separating our lips was the small gap we’d placed between them.

“Harry..?” She seemed conflicted, unsure almost. Hesitant.

“Is this okay?” It came out shaky, the nerves reaching a point that could only be cured by her acceptance.

“I…I just…” She thought on it, “I don’t want you to believe everything about me. I don’t want to lose you when you realize I’m not who you think I am.” The confession sounded like it was almost painful to admit.

“Oh.” I blinked, “Y/n, angel, no. I would never think that.” Her eyes were avoidant, her body more tense than moments prior.

“Please, look at me.” I let my other hand raise under his chin, pointer finger hooking underneath her chin to raise her gaze to mine, “To me, you are everything. You understand me. You see things that nobody else sees. Y/n, you bring out the best in me. I would have never had the courage to push myself and change that note tonight if you hadn’t pushed me to do it. You have this honesty that makes everyone value your words and you have this power over me that continues to draw me to you. I can not explain it, but believe me when I say you are all I want.” Her eyes fogged with what I believed to be her taking in my sudden confession. Yet, with her realization at what I had just said, she still remained silent and I felt the instant regret growing harder in my heart.

I had been through enough rejections to build a home. Yet, the thought of her rejecting me hurt more than anything I could’ve put myself through.

“Shit..Im sorry. I didn’t mean to-“ My explanation was no use, her hands on my cheeks and her lipstick smearing across my lips in a red hue as her lips pressed hard into mine in a sudden burst of confidence.

My eyes shut quickly, settling into it, only for it to be taken away quicker than I had longed for. Eyes opened in a lustful haze. Yet it wasn’t sexual, but completely innocent and perfect in every sense.

“I love you.” The words slipped passed my lips before I could stop them. A smile growing in a lovesick fashion across her face as my confession Is held in for so long reached her ears.

“I love you too.” She returned the confession, leaning in again to press her lips harder into mine and a heavenly sigh escaping her throat.

It was passionate and loving in a way that I’d never experienced before. The shared feelings were strong, new, vulnerable. A new beginning that both of us secretly longed for.

How funny the public would find it if the news ever broke that their precious bad girl rockstar was actually a giant love bug and an angel on earth. How much of a shock it would be to those who tore her down for her fashion choices and her lack of precautions in the public eye.

She might not be who she was made out to be from the exterior, but the one thing the press had gotten right about the devilish woman who broke too many hearts and dished out too many fights she could handle.

She is unforgettable.

[xaeyrnofnbe]

HOW ID REWRITE ANGEL: THE SERIES

(bc i liked the show but i feel like things should have played out VERY differently) (i'm very biased towards certain characters also)

changes start around when cordy ascends to be a higher being and connor throws angel in the ocean

her boredom as a higher being leads to her coming back to earth (on her own accord!!) and giving up her godhood to do so, but retaining outward, physical demonic traits (themed around her brief appearance as a god bc i think the imagery there was very pretty) and this acts as a full circle moment for her character, mirroring doyle in season 1. whereas once she was disgusted by a half-demon, now she is one herself and couldn't be happier. she still has visions and some minor abilities but now she doesn't pass for human and doesn't get to be space-demon-god

connor and cordelia DOESNT HAPPEN. GIRL THAT IS YOUR SON. BOY THAT IS YOUR MOM. PULL YOURSELVES TOGETHER

more lorne. idc what happens with him i just want him to be more of a main character

cordelia and angel have some brief awkward flirtations(?) which are super weird and uncomfortable and they conclude that they love each other dearly, but aren't into each other Like That (they only thought so to begin with bc all their friends kept saying it) (but they're buddies :]]])

connor seriously struggles with holt's death, and has to grapple with the emotional confusion of trying to live with and cooperate with the very man he was raised for the sole purpose of killing. but angel investigations really want him to be ok so they take good care of him throughout, even if he is hesitant to accept

uhhhh eventually wesley does get apologetic about betraying his friends. it takes him a while but he does recognize and regret his wrongdoings

i don't know what the big bad should be in season 4 since i'd fully retcon everything needed to make that plot happen. i like to imagine it would be better though

they DO end up running wolfram & hart. since i think it's funny. and spike's arc remains the same with him returning as a ghost, coming back to life, etc etc. he'd be a smidge different though, a TAD less antagonistic. not because i think he wouldn't but because i'd like to see more of the spike we saw at the end of btvs (it'd be hard to justify with buffy not being present, but i still think it's doable)

harmony gets to be more of a character also!!! she and cordy hang out :)) she also takes her job as angel's assistant VERY seriously, but in that way that only harmony could be, which is to say: not very serious at all actually, but she's very determined about whatever the hell it is she's doing

more hints that angel and spike banged when they were evil because 1. i think it's funny, 2. the implications for their characters and dynamic are EXCELLENT. i would also like a few more friend moments for them. and maybe they kiss idk whaaaat who said that. no but seriously the werewolf girl doesn't happen and instead that plot is taken over by spike. imagine. i mean whattt

more of angel acting silly bc he was adorable in the first season and i'd love more of that

fred doesn't die suddenly and horribly. preferably not at all

gunn gets to care about literally anything other than himself in s5. more emphasis on his resilience? his will to survive? and how that makes him more loyal to the people in his life? pretty please? and he hangs out with wes because they were friends once?

with cordelia not gone maybe they could somehow move dennis to wolfram & hart? or maybe cordy has a new apartment he could stay at? idk i just thought he was fun and SURELY there's a spell for that

basically there's road bumps for sure but at the core of the show is a band of friends. they LIKE each other, because i genuinely believe that's where the show is strongest. i never really cared for the dramatic plotlines, im really only in it for the characters i adore and their (ALMOST ENTIRELY PLATONIC UNLESS ITS FUNNY) relationships to one another. and it's at its weakest when everything's all gloomy and dramatic. so let it be lighthearted and let them be FRIENDS

[miquella-everywhere]

Miquella's nascent, so he can't cure Malenia's rot or induce an eclipse to grant Godwyn a true death or do any of the good things he wants to do. Nevermind that the needles almost worked, and the Haligtree seems to have been working prior to being kidnapped.

But he sure can charm / bewitch people, and he can become a God. And he can successfully swap souls and bodies. Which, if he can do, why wouldn't he just do that with himself and Malenia to cure their curses? Being an Empyrean clearly isn't the issue, since Ranni was able to do it. Seems like that whole theory hinges on his ability to only accomplish 'bad' things, and that's just because From decided he had to be a villain and made shit up from there.

Hands down the most damning revelation that I have had about the DLCs treatment of Miquella and his bizarre disconnected thought process of becoming a God is this:

If his mother Marika, who was initially a healer and ascended to Godhood could not cure Malenia, then what difference would Miquella becoming a god even make.

"I'll make the world a gentler place."

Why tho?

Miquella literally spent all of his life trying to cure Malenia of her Scarlet Rot and then spent the second half trying to find a way to revive Godwyn after he was cursed in death. In what way does making the world "a gentler place" do anything to fix the problems that Miquella was painstakingly working to try and resolve.

Fucking atrocious writing dear Lord 😭

[lanternlightss]

Yaaay writing requests ^^. Do you think we could get the old mondstadt gang (everyone lives) reacting to venti after ascending do godhood? 👀. I think it'd be interesting >.<

As beings of Anemo, there is little reason for wind wisps to partake in the act of breathing. Why would they, those made of that same air as the one whirling around them, need to? This remains true for Venti, even after they had taken a form alike to Cecil’s own.

If. If only Venti did not take a liking to breathing, pretending—for a moment—that they have lungs to use, the subtle up and down of their chest, at first a conscious choice that you could see being made, moving towards one they do without thought. Something human. Something mortal. It makes them happy, to be able to mimic such abilities, such mundanity.

This is, to say, that he is impressed they have learned how to do it whilst they sleep (their wings twitching intermittently); as he feels the occasional soft breaths (he counts—a full minute of complete stillness, followed by a shuttering, jagged exhale, repeat) being blown across the hand that they rest beside, having used his left arm and waist as a pillow during the night.

He does not mind, not at all. Had sat up to place his right hand atop their head once he was not blinking sleep from his eyes, playing with the strands.

Briefly, he entertains the thought of humming them a lullaby, or perhaps, a tune to celebrate this moment, that they are all here, together, still. He dismisses it the moment he begins to toss the idea around, knowing that those same people included in that “they are all here, together, still” in the room with him (Amos, in her own makeshift bed beside him—Cecil “borrowed” the one he is using, truth be told, he should be in the room one down—with Valentina besides her sat in a chair, and Felix standing at the entrance) would kick a fit if he even dared to strain his voice further (orders from the healers.) How elated he had been when they told him he could still talk, simply had to be quiet, low.

“…how asleep, are they?”

Aha, speaking of his dear companions.

Cecil inclines his head towards Felix, though his eyes never stray from Venti. “I do not believe they will be waking up, for a long while.” (Thank the winds for that, they deserve it—he had heard that whilst he and Amos’ injuries were being attended to, the rest of them had been running themselves particularly ragged dealing with the everything.)

He hears Felix sigh heavily in response, and the shifting of fabric. Shoulders, presumably, fell? He brings his eyes up to scrutinize—the man looks one awful sway away from collapsing.

“Good, that means we can have this discussion in peace.”

That … particular phrasing does not inspire a good feeling. He forces himself not to show outward unease at the words, instead, curling the hand in Venti’s hair to touch at their forehead, and lightly gripping what he can of the sheets with the other.

“Are you sure we should be having any discussion? Both you and Valentina should get rest, too—you look a dead man walking, Felix.”

And—there, Felix’s relaxed shoulders seem to tense, his jaw clamping and working in a gritted motion subtly. Cecil is waved off, both in tone and by the fluttering of his hand, “I will rest easier after this.”

He chances a glance over, to where Valentina has scooted to the very edge of her seat, clutching at her knees in a white-knuckled grip, with furrowed brows. Amos, meanwhile, is propped against pillows, slightly slouching, her bangs and unbraided strands casting a shadow over her eyes, as she burns her gaze into Felix.

The first to speak of them is Valentina, leaning forwards: “Which discussion have we not already taken care of?”

Felix does not look away from Venti, but a grimace overtakes his face, angling his head in a way to hide himself behind both his hair and the large fur of his cape. He seems rather… uncomfortable, now—his crossed arms pulling further into his chest, one hand flexing. It continues to stay this way, even when gesturing to where Cecil’s wisp cuddles against him, and speaking the words, “What do we do about them?”

Her eyes harden, back straightening in an instant. “What is it that you mean.”

(Cecil is quick, to check on Amos. Her bangs have now completely covered her eyes, and he cannot truly gauge a reaction. He worries the sheets between his fingers.)

That discomfort shines, in the floundering of Felix’s limbs—his arms flinging outwards, his hand waving about as he grasps for words. “The whole point of this was that we did not want a God to rule over us, the way they had! And then, whatever it is of that…. those heavens, has decided we were wrong in that thinking, that they sent us another God to deal with, not a moment’s peace from the previous? Are we to never escape from the divine?”

Valentina stands, her mouth twisted into a tight-lipped frown, both her fists raised to her sides and clenching. She is stopped from going farther by Amos raising an arm in front of her.

A brief spark of irritation whisks throughout Cecil’s chest, and he wishes Felix had chosen a better moment to do this—Amos, as well, is not supposed to talk above a quiet voice, or for long periods of time. “I fear we would have encountered divinity whether we wanted to or not—tell me, why is it that many had told us of a frozen land, yet when the storm vanished, the snow was fading?” Her arm shakes imperceptibly, “Had it not been for … what decision it was, that transpired before we succeeded, we would have come to face the God responsible for declaring the war.”

(That is, to say nothing of their neighboring nation and Boreas’ wolves….)

She turns, and, he notes, that for the first time since Venti’s presence had made itself known (when they had near silently glided into the room, the door creaking shut just so, with Anemo slowly dissipating from their form, and playfully tousled Cecil’s bangs in a light breeze) Amos looks directly at the God, who has huddled closer—they seem to be trying to lay themselves over all of him—whilst the conversation had gone on.

Her eyes seem to soften, staring a few seconds longer, then dropping her attention to the end of the bed. She turns away, her arm falling to her lap, hands lacing together and nails gently clinking against each other.

“Perhaps we should count ourselves fortunate, that of all beings to ascend, it was the Elf.”

Felix scowls and presses his back against the wall, the sound of his cape sliding across it echoing, nearly drowning out the even quieter grumblings of his, “Fortunate is not the word I would use.”

How terrible for him, that for as far as he is from Cecil, his words still ring clear—words that cause that spark of irritation to flare into a burst of small flames, flames that have to be forcefully smothered out. Over the little time that the bard has not been able to walk the grassy lands, has he forgotten? Nothing, not a single noise, escapes from those who always listen, who keep their ears pinned to the striking chords of the winds.

His eyes narrow, bordering on a glare. And this is not quite shaping to be a “discussion”; would it be a proper one, they would actually be going somewhere, and not talking in practically circles.

“Why unfortunate?” Felix’s head snaps to him, and Cecil (pushes the flames) risks skimming his hand to where Venti’s right ear is, holding his palm there (a useless gesture, really, yet he does it anyhow). “You would not start anything if there was no value to be had of it—so, please, what is it you wish to truly say?”

The man opens his mouth, pauses. Cecil continues to stare, lowering his chin, his brows drawing together, upward, and the edges of his mouth threatening to fall.

Boots scuff against the floor, when Felix titters side to side, considering. A breath rushes out of him, harsh. Then, as if it were a leaf fallen onto still waters and sending ripples across the surface, he utters: “If they turn against us—what are we to do?”

Try as he might not to (flames slipping between the gaps of his fingers), Cecil lurches forward, and halts himself rather awkwardly halfway through it hearing Venti make an indescribable noise. He looks to them, seeing them curl inward, their brows knitted, wings dazedly moving to shield their body. A wince pulls at him, as he adjusts back to where he was (almost to, he should say—positioning himself to hide them from Felix’s view, his torso bent over them), and the hand covering their ear runs to their hair, massaging; they start to relax from it, wings spreading, and nestling their face into his waist.

(A splendid sight, yet… a bitter feeling forms, coating his mouth.)

Scratching at where two strands—resembling the ones they had as a wisp—sprout, he presses, a hiss to it, “Turn against us..?”

He holds his hands in the air, by his chest. “I know. I know, I have seen them.”

If the emotion of “incredulous” could be humanized, Cecil would be the perfect role, right then. Has he? Has he??

Admittedly, for most of the time he has been awake, he can count on one hand and two extra fingers how much he was fully lucid during it. When the pain constricting in his chest was not clouding his vision, when there was no fog laid over his mind, his surroundings dizzy, his limbs feeling inexplicably heavy. Shoving this all aside, however—during those lucid moments, and finding Venti waiting for him, their entire demeanor brightening at their locking of eyes; he noticed how terror and apprehension threaded through their being.

He does not think they have a capacity to harm—not for those they love, not for those they have a branch of trust to—by the fact that they cannot bring themself to hold his wrist in a firm grip without panicking of potentially “breaking him.”

(Or that they, wind now trapped in a bottle, a shell for them to be tied to, try next to everything to compact themselves to the size they once were. From curling into a ball on the wooden chair, from using their wings to hide themself away, from bowing and crumbling in the cradle of his palms.

How they are bigger and powerful, certainly, yet the world around them still remains so much more than they are.)

Felix slumps. “It would only be as a precaution. We should be prepared—”

There is a clanging of armor, signaling Valentina’s steps inching towards Felix. When she speaks, her voice is stern, tinged slightly by bafflement.

“No, you are aware, just as I, to what they are capable of! They are listening to the people, and doing what they can for them!” Her hand clenches, metal shuddering. “And even… they have been this way, they stopped at nothing to keep my clan safe, out in the frozen barrens. We should have seen a sign by now if they were to change, the winds are simple creatures. There is no reason for this precaution!”

“Are we to lay all our trust in what was? Their knowledge is more! They are not such a simple creature! They know intimately the hopes and dreams of mere humans—what that does. They have become privy to how far mortality can go, to how much a human can take before their life is snuffed from them, and now they have the ability to do something about it.”

He sweeps a hand, jerkily, to the two in bed, during the last words.

Cecil bristles. Their injuries are not to be used for matters like this. No one should have expected that death would not be nipping at their heels during the revolt, that they would not have to grab on to the world of living and dig. A retort readies on his lips, lips pulled back, only to—still.

(Oh. There is no air being blown across.

Oh.)

Valentina side-steps to the other side of Amos’ bed, hackles fully raised, a righteous glare upon her face. “You truly know nothing of the wind, then, if you believe they would willingly go back to those restraining—!”

“Enough.”

They both startle. Cape, whipping. Armor, clanking.

“Enough,” Amos repeats, the words sounding as though they were scraped from her throat. “The both of you… shall we have someone watch over, when you are outside here? You have swung knives.”

In unison, their shoulders hunch. She draws a soft breath, half-watching Valentina stride over to grab the canteen of water from the side table, offering it to her—while Felix seems to attempt to meld into his cape. She takes it into a tight grip, the tips of her fingers trembling, but does not bring it to her lips. Opting to swish the water inside, instead.

“A godhood is delicate,” taps at the canteen, the sound reverberating, “Especially one at … at the very beginning, of their divinity. A sign of change would not be in mortal lifetimes—it drips, one by one, slow.”

She turns to face them, once more. Trailing from where Venti’s wings flutter, the sleeves of their robe half splayed over the bed, to where Cecil is furled around them, a few pieces of hair strands falling over his eyes as he bows further at her stare. Eyes meet, hers, tinged in an old pain and weighted by exhaustion; his, bordering on guarded, cracked with pleading.

Underlying all of that is an understanding.

(You can never quite understand a God’s thinking, will only get to see the glimpses of what layers that sit just underneath the surface, a scratch of it, but love—

A God’s love, their eyes and arms locked around you, is something all encompassing.)

“We should continue to offer them the kindness they gave us.” Another tap, another tink. “Whatever path they follow down, whatever they choose to do, hundreds or thousands of years after this—at the least, they will remember having us by their side. Should they give an inkling, now, however—”

“All these what-ifs,” Cecil murmurs bitterly, withholding a sneer. “Could we, say, let them take their own steps first? They hardly have a proper footing!”

The puff of air that escapes her is almost amused. Her gaze drifts downwards, where the water of the canteen sloshes as it is tipped to her mouth. She sets it gently into her lap, after, a chorus of clinking coming from the repetitive thumping of her fingers.

“Of course.” She hands the canteen to Valentina, and the trembling of her limbs seems to have worsened. The blunt ends of her nails press into the palm of her hands, briefly, and she goes to pull the bed’s cover up to her chest, hiding her arms by tucking it over her fists. Then, “I have not seen you receive any medical care, these past days. Have you been shirking?”

Venti’s wings puff, a minute flinch going throughout their body. He pets at their hair, twirling it between the gaps of fingers—he had been checked on the day before his wisp had visited, and watched as they checked Amos’ health, too, quietly asking if the soreness had lessened, after the healer left, and her reply of rolling her shoulders and commenting that it does not feel like she is being crushed.

“Hee, I was hoping you would not catch that…” He nuzzles into their head. Backs a bit away, nary an inch or so, and brings his hand to their jaw, stroking his thumb along their cheeks. Venti tenses, brows scrunching. He continues, mock whispering, “Psst, Miss Amos revealed one of my secrets, can you believe…? Quite mean of her, hmpf! You would be my knight and defend my honor, would you not, Venti? My dearest?”

There is a pause, where he can see them debate with whether they should “awaken” or not. He waits, humming lowly—and is rewarded when two glittering green-blue teal jewels blink up at him.

“Knight..?”

“Yes! I shall gather you a shield, so that we can deflect her peddling—”

“My deepest apologies for not wishing your wounds to infect.”

Cecil leans to stick his tongue at her (she wrinkles her nose in jest), feeling more than seeing Venti sit taller, their hands moving to grasp at his wrist. A perturbed expression greets him when he turns back to them, searching him for anything critical. His heart squeezes, flips, squeezes.

He reaches out to brush his hand against a braid, tracing the poof part that is held together by a band. Hopes that the twinkling in his stare is enough to convey Do not worry, a “go along.” The ruffled feathers of their wings start to smooth out, fluttering about, as they squint at him—message received. “How many missed?”

“Only one session, I promise. My bandages… may need replacing, a little,” ducks his head, bonking against their forehead, and offers up a gentle, crooked smile. “Walk me back?”

They graze their own hand over his, holding it loosely. Nods, and lets go, standing from the chair, using their foot to push it away farther. Cecil shakes off his arm as he yanks the cover down to the end of the bed, throwing his legs over the side, the soles of his feet hitting the floor. Venti holds their hand out for him to take, pulling him up (though, he notes, they keep their fingers intertwined tightly with his.)

“You will be going?” Felix questions, uncrossing his arms.

“Mmm. I believe Amos has had enough of my shenanigans.” He waves his hand, stepping in front of Venti, having them still out of Felix’s view.

“… if you need any he—”

“Fret not, I have the most wonderful guiding wind!” He leans into Venti, as subtly he can, beaming. They are besides the man, now, and he tugs them closer to the doorway. “We should be on our way now, might be able to catch a healer along our journey.”

He waves to Amos and Valentina, receiving waves back (though, on Valentina’s part, seem slightly reluctant to see the both of them go.) They both skirt around the doorway and down the hall, where Cecil exhales, his shoulders sagging.

If they wish to still discuss such a topic, fine, if that is what will bring them ease in this environment. Everyone is on edge and wary, equally they are relieved and excited. He has seen how some shuffle around the new God, confused how to interact with the wisp. But if they wish to do it while the person they discuss is there, unaware, they are welcome to be his guest to explain to Venti why that topic involved which of the best ways to stab them in the back was—especially when there are more important issues that should be focused on! That warrior, in particular….

Urgh.

He squeezes Venti’s hand, placing his head upon their shoulder.

“My darling knight, I love you no matter what.”

…they squeeze his hand, ears flicking, and wings puffing once more.

[middlenamesage]

Tumblr is VERY Piscean and I think it’s absolutely beautiful.

Today I woke up thinking about how Tumblr has been the only website out there where I can share longer writings of mine and get them noticed and appreciated by merely including hashtags. The niche as a writer that I am falling into is extremely unconventional- it’s vulnerable personal accounts of my life, contextualized by astrology that naturally most want to come from me. And I am very grateful for anyone who resonates with my frequency and appreciates my messages, because I know I’m basically out here trauma dumping😂, and to happen across other people who are here for both that and astrology, is surely a rarity!

I was feeling grateful enough for Tumblr this morning to get the idea to look up when this site was launched. I was curious just what were the open-minded dynamics, so accepting of emotional vulnerability, that characterize Tumblr. To my pleasant surprise, Google informed me that Tumblr was launched at the very beginning of Pisces Season- meaning that it’s just about to have its birthday.

But that wasn’t all. Tumblr’s conception chart (with time unknown, but at least city known) is likely the most Piscean chart I have personally ever seen. 💖 Every single personal planet except Mars is in Pisces (and maybe it’s a good thing Mars didn’t join this party😂). All this Piscean energy seems to create a realm where I can find others as if I’m divinely guided by the Universal spirit which connects us all.

There’s vast yet connected territory here, because Pisces is the very undercurrent that runs through all of society. It’s the 12th and final sign, so it holds a little understanding of them all. 💧

Pisces holds so much power, it just holds it graciously. And often inconspicuously.

Pisces also explains why I was just realizing I see so many emojis included in informative astro Tumblr posts, compared to other sites. I’d been wondering if Cancer had a hand in this somehow (I myself am a Cancer Mercury, and please don’t ask me to not include emojis in my writing😂). But Pisces really makes a lot of sense too. Both Cancer and Pisces energy want to show expression in emotional terms… and emojis are so good for that. ❤️

And jeez, Tumblr still has relevance after seventeen years?! What other social media sites can you manage to say that about?? 🤔 This really shows the fluid and mutable ability of Pisces to adapt.

The Moon and Venus in Pisces in Tumblr’s conception chart really create an expression of Pisces energy that’s especially accepting and open to emotional vulnerability. And personally, they are trine my Moon in Scorpio, explaining even more why Tumblr-ites can stomach any sharing of my trauma. 😂 As if that wasn’t beautiful enough, the Pisces Sun in this chart is on my Pisces ascendant. No wonder I feel this is the only site I’ve so far found that gives me and my writing a place to shine. 🌞

Mercury retrograde in Pisces could be seen by some as indicative of a site where not the most comprehensively informative nor practical writing is shared. But I see it as indicative of a site where writing that makes people reflect on their emotions, grow their imagination, and even feel open to the web of Spirit connecting us all, is shared. I’ve long been fascinated and often admired a Mercury in “detriment” because it brings Jupiter’s realm up into Mercury’s realm; merging areas that can relate to the concepts of “left brain” and “right brain”, sometimes in amazing ways. And Mercury retrograde just gives us more opportunities for inward reflection. I love that posts can stay relevant here for ages, as we keep coming back to reflect upon them.

Jupiter is at home in Sagittarius in Tumblr’s profoundly Piscean conception chart, and aspecting some of those Pisces placements, so I think you can say this chart is extremely Jupiterian in every way. Personally, I’m so here for the expansive energy. 🏹 There are many ways to grow your philosophies hanging around on this site.

And I should mention that Uranus is also with the group of powerful forces for love and oneness hanging out in Pisces, because this is a revolution.

Thanks to the North Node also in Pisces in Tumblr’s chart, lending extra forward motion to this whole movement, I’d say exploring Jupiter territory, most colored by the loving, accepting, and spirit-recognizing side of Jupiter that is Pisces, is a perfectly appropriate direction for this site to only go deeper in.

Happy Birthday (tomorrow), Tumblr! Thanks for providing a meeting ground for beautiful, inclusive souls who can learn from each other.

[dmbakura]

It's clear throughout the game that he absolutely does not hate the idea of having his own spawn(s) and the ability to control people. He did not "become what he hates". Even without that, there are pretty blatant distinctions between AA and Cazador. Is it healthy behavior for a relationship? No. But again, I think damning someone to a life of never being able to see the sun again, and not being able to go outdoors during the day without fear of literally dying simply so they don't have power is also not very good.

Why did you send this to me? Have I even been arguing this points recently to get this out of the blue? Anyways

[EXTREMELY LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER NOISE]

Nobody argues he isn't an opportunistic power hungry little shit but he actually DOES express relief at not having any spawn post Cazador encounter (if not ascended.) Also he never expresses specific interest in making spawn of his own pre-ascension.

Nobody argues he's exactly 1:1 like Cazador either. There isn't enough story content to say if he'll be better or worse than Cazador in the long run, but that isn't relevant to the cycle of abuse themes present in the story. The ascended ending is the ending where he's unable to move past his fear, and so he consolidates power because that is, from his own perspective, the only option he has to feel safe. Tav enables his behavior, and this leads to the deaths of 7000. He starts emulating Cazador's behavior, right down to the "rules" imposed on him. Within the game itself, there are plenty of dialogue options directly comparing him to Cazador. This is not subtext! This is an intentional parallel that exists in the game for a narrative reason! "Astarion doesn't torture Tav" yeah OK, I'm sure Cazador thought he was a merciful master compared to Vellioth too. Abusers often consider themselves "kind" compared to whoever had power over them, and disparage their victim for being "ungrateful." Hmm. What is Astarion doing in the epilogue where he and Tav have a fight at the party? Subconsciously or not, he does become what he hates. You even acknowledge this is not healthy! Why is it such a stretch to think the writers are intentionally trying to make a point with him? Why does this behavior not exist in the spawn ending? Just THINK for one second.

As for the sun thing. If you value him walking in the sun that much, that's fine. He doesn't seem to though, given he either immediately starts talking about blotting it out and holes up in Cazador's palace (if ascended) or gets over it and fully embraces the dark (if spawn).

There is nothing wrong with ascending him, but my fucking god bro the constant disregard if very blatant themes in his story is fucking crazy. You could have just kept this to yourself and written your own fanfic or post or whatever but you brought it directly to my inbox for some reason.

[midnightsun-if]

Can you tell us more about the ROs personalities please? Thanks!!

Koda: He may be a bear-shifter, but he’s an absolute puppy. Gets teary eyed at little animals, absolutely adores flower crowns, calls children ‘cubs’ and always offers them piggyback rides (shifted or not). He’s just a genuinely happy man. Who loves life and adores spending it with people he cares for. He’s not the brightest bulb in the batch, but he makes up for it in so many other ways.

Scarlett: I wasn’t kidding when I said she’d be an Ice Queen romance. She’s calm, stoic, collected at all times, and is seemingly impervious to the majority of things. However, she’s also extremely charming and holds an allure that pulls people in— despite her best efforts. It’s both a blessing and a curse to her. As I’ve mentioned before, a fully romanced Scarlett would be the sweetest woman in the world to you, but it’d only be to you.

Cyrus/Cyra: They’re very focused and goal-oriented. Ascending to the Eclipse Throne has been something they’ve strived for since they’ve started being prepped for it. Extremely loyal, they’d bend over backwards to help those that they trust. It takes them a while to open up, but they’re well worth the effort.

Quinn: Energized. Quinn enjoys various physical pursuits in life— they adore being outdoors: feeling the wind on their face, hearing the birds sing, and plunging themself into the heart of what makes the world feel so alive. They always like to be doing something, but not in a hyper way— in a forlorn, longing sort of way.

Caden: Fretful is one way to put their countenance. They’re in charge of organizing a lot of things for your family, which means they need to make sure that everything is perfect at all times. It causes them to be quite jumpy too— quick to apologize at any possible slight and an ability to make themself appear smaller than they actually are.

Sloane: Quick to anger, guarded, and a bit grumpy, Sloane doesn’t allow themself to get close with anyone. They’ve been burned one too many times for that. With a dry sense of humor, laced with sarcasm, and a habit of self deprecation, they prefer to slink back into the shadows then be at the forefront of anyone’s mind; not that they ever have been really.

Blake: Flirtatious, laidback, rebellious (in some degree), are a couple ways to describe Blake. They love good booze like they love good company. With a mischievous charm, along with an allure that comes from their demon parent, Blake tends to talk their way out of any issue; not that they’d ever knowingly put you in harms way. It just sort of happens.

Reginald/Regina: Extremely intelligent, with a thirst to learn more about the supernatural world, along with a capacity of incredible understanding. They can be quite forceful in their exuberance at times, but they mean well. Despite their slightly chatty nature, they’re a great listener and will drop everything if it meant helping out a friend.

[lilmissnatcat24]

what im writing is literally destroying my life but i do it anyway, it's a living

major turn left spoilers below the cut

“I wanted to let you know that you weren’t meant to get caught in the crossfire,” Saren said. His voice was soft, as if he were speaking to someone on their deathbed. 

“That doesn’t offer too much consolation.” 

“You should be…” his voice trailed off as he tutted to himself, as if the very thought of offering his pity was a mild disappointment. 

“It doesn’t matter what I should be doing, to your masters’ logic. We’re all going to get zapped into nothingness, anyway. Why should I have a few more weeks of freedom when I could just die intact today?” 

“That isn’t how you should think,” Saren said, his voice dropping down to a hiss. “You shouldn’t need to think. The Reapers offer solace, a warmth in an otherwise cold and meaningless galaxy. Think of all we can accomplish if we worked with Them together. They’ve promised me asylum from the coming invasion, I’m sure you’d be spared if I asked. Their most loyal servants, we could be. Doesn’t that sound good? The ability to change the fabrics of the galaxy to align with you? How are you not tempted?” 

“And then what?” Shepard spat back. “Their need for organic bodies will run out at some point. Could be a few decades, could be a few months. What will become of us when we’ve all but sold our souls to the great metal devil in the sky?” 

You misunderstand. You never even tried! Think, Delia, think!” 

“Only those close to me get to call me by my real name--” 

“And why is that? Because the name Delia brings about too many sore memories? Your time in a gang back on Earth, an orphan biotic groomed to do the bidding of a madman--” 

“Don’t for a second pretend you know anything about my life--” 

“What if They could take that all away? All of the pain, all of the hurt? What if you were a fresh template, a newborn babe to begin life anew? You could even have your memories washed of this place. They can give that to you, you know. And They will, but you could choose to ascend first. They reward those loyal to Their cause. We could be loyal… together.” 

Shepard squinted up at Saren. The way the light framed around his face gave him the appearance of a halo, the most terrifying angel she’d ever seen. His eyes, violet daggers, shined with a brightness she had never seen before. It was almost as if he was a kid again, brimming with the type of enthusiasm that had yet to be dampened by the world around him. 

“Is that what you told Nihlus Kyrik, before you shot him in the head?” 

The light drained from Saren’s face. “Nihlus was a fool. He was given a chance to ascend. He chose the dishonor of a mortal’s death. A stain on his legacy.” 

“Why do you even care to convert people?” Shepard asked. “You said it yourself, the Reapers can indoctrinate whoever they want. Why are you even making the effort?” 

Saren looked her up and down, his head cocking to the side, as if her presence confused him. He walked forward and grasped her jaw in his geth arm. Shepard willed for herself to not show fear, but her teeth clattered and it was impossible for them to stop. She braced herself for the pain that would follow, the sweet embrace of unconsciousness… 

Saren wiped the blood from her face. His touch was gentle, as if all of a sudden he was afraid he was going to hurt her, like she was made of glass. All Shepard could do was stare at him, her brows furrowed together in puzzlement. She almost felt the urge to lean into his touch, the first friendly set of fingers on her skin in however long she was chained in this room, tortured mercilessly. 

[detectivemaker]

idea dump

This is just me jumping out ideas I've been having into The Fray

1. I've been seeing a lot of DC My Little Pony stuff especially Batman My Little Pony,  here's the Dork Squad and Michael and my MLP AU  that I probably won't write much about after I dump this into the world 

Jervis is either a unicorn who can't do magic so good (sort of like retrovrt's Pony Jervis) or non unicorn Type of Pony who really wants to be a unicorn (for anyone who also has an Instagram and follows @hatterhare, it's sort of like their version of pony Jervis)

Jonathan is a unicorn who due to experiments by his father was turned into  sort of a hybrid changeling creature who feeds on fear and can't shapeshift,  what makes it worse is that not soon after his horrible transformation he got his cutie mark, so it was his Destiny to be horribly mutated into a fear sustained abomination

Edward is a Pegasus blank flank,  he hides the fact that he is a talentless loser by trying to be the smartest guy in all the Equestria,   my idea is that he thought the best way to find his talent was to learn about different things, but he sent so much of his time learning those things he never actually did them to see if they were what he was destined to be good at

And finally Michael he's a draconoquist,  he sort of a lesser draconoquist cuz he's  only made up of snake and Cat parts, he's a draconic lord of insanity (still in training, his dad's the ascended Lord of insanity and that guy's pretty possessive of that title), but he says he's the draconic Lord of love when he's freed from his Stone prison he was put in by his father by the Dork Squad, who got into the heated argument (it was mostly John and Edward fighting jervis was trying to make them stop), and he bribes them into helping him gain more power by spreading Insanity (which will make him powerful so he can go back to the  draconoquist Dimension and kick his dad's ass to become the new ascended Lord of insanity) by promising them these things

To either turn Jervis into a unicorn or get rid of his pounding magic induced headaches

Give Edward the knowledge of what to do to get his cutie mark

And nothing for  Jonathan,  and he would undo the horrible hybridization he went through, but that's part of his Destiny and Michael cannot screw  with Destiny, so he just uses the old finger Boop  induced draconic hypnotism and make  him help

2. So you guys know that fetch me the souls audio,  I listen to a song that had it in there and I had this idea, about Michael absolutely  body horror transforming our favorite tree of dorks in to creatures I can best imagine as sort of like Hellraiser demons, and then absolutely evacuating the minds and making them more attack dogs than actual people, this idea also Associates this idea I have from time to time of all of them being stripped of one of their senses (think sort of like See No Evil Hear No Evil speak no evil monkeys)

jervis loses the ability to speak,  but not the ability to make noise, he's rendered the most animalistic of the three and can only make animal noises, also he's given a dog muzzle, I think either he wears no clothes or just some pants, and walks around like a dog

Jonathan is stripped of the ability of sight,  dressed up like a demented priest,  his eyes are covered by a blindfold either decorated with eye imagery or snake imagery, and can now  only yell words,  just imagine you a burglar, you just entered some weird Victorian hell mansion and just escaped a dog man, you walk into a place that looks like the interior of a church, suddenly some guy standing at the older whips his head around that your footsteps, points at you and he  yells the word heresy at the top of his lungs,  then you're tackled from behind by the dog man who  heard that and then your throat is ripped out with his terrible filthy dog man claws

Edward lost the ability to hear, he just doesn't have ears, he's the most normal looking other than the lack of ears but he sure can see pretty good

3, so I've been thinking about the hattercrow kids relationship with their grandmother, more specifically the grandmother on crane's side,  my John doesn't really know the specifics of his birth but he think it might either be   teen pregnancy or rape, maybe a little bit of both, but what he does know is his mother's is current location,  he informs the children when Dorothy is 20 and the twins are 10, they decide to visit their gram gram and have a pretty good time, John comes to,  reconnects with his absent mother  who gives him a hug and her cookbook, he comes back home and he doesn't stop smiling till next week

They don't really visit much after that, John and his mom text and call every once in awhile,  but not soon after the move back to Gotham Mrs crane kicks the bucket, and John cries harder than he did in that  Crow Barn

He never does learn about the circumstances of his birth, his mom asked if he wanted to know but he said he didn't, and truth be told he actually does not, it doesn't really matter he was born, he lived hated,  and now he's being loved by a wonderful husband and wonderful children, and  though only a little while a mother he barely knew and cried like a baby for

[9800sblog]

horoscope tarot reading

energies of each zodiac sign this week (july 24 - 30)

you should read about your:

• ascendant/rising sign - for the events happening in your life and your patterns of behavior this week.

• moon sign - for your personal perspectives and introspection.

• sun sign - for how you might react to all of it.

ARIES

I think you'll be super annoyed with people this week, your love life may suffer a little and you should take some time to think and consider. don't listen to other's judgements, you know what's best for you, deep down, if only you can trust yourself, you'll see it clearly. you seem quite lazy too, unmotivated.

key words: neck pain, curve, bad posture, bad party, desperate for attention.

TAURUS

confidence and stability, you know your own knowledge, you're not asking for help (you probably should, to those you trust the most). motivation due to stability, your routine seems a bit more exciting.

key words: flowy, head, triangle, slump, yoga/pilates, water, bright, sun.

GEMINI

super bored and slightly judgemental, you're doing what you gotta do, which you technically enjoy, but this week is just specially tiring and unexciting. I think love, romance and sex would help you, even if it's just thinking about it.

key words: evasive, boredom, heart, wild animals, invasive, much food, house structure, wood, hygiene products.

CANCER

lots of annoying inevitable little things, it's like you're always on edge of falling/breaking down. living in fantasy world will actually help you, you're good at switching reality to what you like, changing your perspective or focus, and that's exactly what you need! you're doing great, keep going! ♡ someone with untraditional ways will help you despite all odds.

key words: chills, cheating, the moon, haircut, exercise, enjoying the sun, seeds, woods, allergy, stress, overwhelmed.

LEO

days of recovery, last week was heavy and probably lonely for you, you're a bit of a perfectionist so you'll stay a bit frustrated due to expecting things to move faster than what's natural, but there is sure and clear progress ahead. you already know all these messages, but there is your usual help, your best friend in spirit is right here for you, very closely this week, you'll feel way more comfortable. dealing more effectively with the people that hurt you, those superficial fuckers.

key words: deep conversations, beach, brown hair, thoughtful, nostalgia, cursive, school, pink, lamp, weird behavior, comfortable.

VIRGO

there is no competition because you already won, organizing a bunch of stuff you procrastinated and/or didn't pay attention to. you're thinking effectively how to change what didn't work out for you, how to be better for the future. you're very focused, determined, experienced and confident. there's a lot of empathy here too.

key words: effective, psychic abilities, patterns of behavior, anxiety, determination and focus, fixing mistakes.

LIBRA

not being deceived by what's on the surface, seeing the whole picture, there's a whole new wave coming in for you in whatever area your libra sign falls in. you're very focused on your relationships and making the be out of them, allowing only spiritually satisfying ones to influence you. a very cool and skilled person with yang focus will be around, your guide, your guardian angel, someone you know from a past life.

key words: familiarity, comfortable, 2, guiding star, punk hair, full cups, precise view.

SCORPIO

wow you really have the power to make your reality better, like 500x better and easier. everything that you wish for is coming for you, because you know what fits with you and you quickly let go of the rest. this week is about purging, things are looking really bright for you in the long term, keep doing just that!

key words: dirty jokes, enjoying the little things, love of your life, 😆, consistency.

SAGITTARIUS

you're experienced on your stuff, you're being called to not cling on to what doesn't sit right with you, just move on to the next thing, no worries. you don't have to force anything, but it's good if you make things happen.

key words: gold mining, traditional, details, moisturizer, small is good.

CAPRICORN

teamwork makes the dream work, moving on from the heavy, inevitable destruction of last weeks with someone(s) who see eye to eye with you, this week is healing for you.

key words: after the war, bench, tiptoe, lifeguard, vacation.

AQUARIUS

something that's usually difficult for you is pretty easy right now, probably because you have something to fall back on now, a network of family and friends giving you the help you needed. there's definitely a hurry and anxiety, still, that will make things a little difficult since they're not effective ways of dealing, romance and intimacy will help you feel calm.

key words: bed rest, headache, food on a stick, closest friend, insecurity.

PISCES

looking very closely into everything that surrounds you, how does everything work and how can you make it better? that's the way of dealing, stay away from magnetism and close to your passions, your confidence will help it all work out easily.

key words: yin, heart, pink, pointy, night, water, deep.

[makangerous]

Ayumu Rank 1 (Fortune Confidant)

(note: the protagonist uses the name Emi Yukimura. I will eventually release a Twine version of the confidants with custom name selection and multiple selectable dialogue options.)

(This is the building the “Ghost of Shinjuku” is said to haunt… Should I open the shutter?)

>Yes.

[rattle rattle]

Waahh! What's that noise? Is someone there?! Go away!

Morgana: Some ghost he is, huh? He sounds pretty scared of us! Wait, is that him hiding at the top of the stairway?

That energy surrounding you… Actually, don't go anywhere! I need to talk to you!

A small, long-haired teenage boy comes bounding down the stairs.

I'm sure you don't know me. But I used to see you at the Shibuya station all the time. Your aura's unique. It's like it's yelling while everyone else's is whispering. I wonder, do you ever hear distorted voices when you're in the station? Or do parts of the wall look strange for a split second?

>Distorted?

Yes. Things that seem far away, or jumbled. The stuff I've noticed feels like it's in some other dimension.

Sorry to ask you such a weird question. You must have come here for a reason, so I shouldn't be bothering you with my own concerns. What's up?

>Can you see the future?

…It's complicated. It used to be that I could only warn people, but now I might be able to influence what ultimately happens.

That's not a satisfying answer, is it? Well, let me make it up to you by giving you something good to find at home. Let's see, from these cards, the one that reminds me the most of you is…

The strange boy shuffles through a deck of tarot cards.

This one! The Fool. Since that's not a very nice thing to call you, I'll call this card the Trickster instead. Anyway, the Trickster, having met the boy who sees between dimensions, rode the train home with much on her mind. When she entered her bedroom, right as she was about to fall asleep after a long day, she found a delicious sweet atop her pillow… And a special treat for her cat, as well. Let it be fate!

The Trickster card glows for a split second as he holds it up.

There. I hope that's something you'll like. Tell me if it works, okay? I have some stuff I need to do now, but I should be here later. Bye now!

He ascends the stairs as rapidly as he came down them.

Morgana: He sure is strange. That's not how tarot readings usually work, is it? Oh, he didn't even give you his name. Still, I wonder… Can we head back to your room soon?

You go to your room.

Morgana: Is there something on your pillow? Let's check it out!

(There's a pink box on the pillow. …! It's an entire castella cake!)

Morgana: Hey, where's my treat? Whoa, a whole bag of dried anchovies?! This is fantastic! Look, there's a note on top of the blanket.

Hey Emi. There were some great buy one get one free deals at the supermarket today. They announced the sale the moment I walked inside! Talk about luck. I saved a bunch of money, so I figured I'd get some extra stuff for you and Morgana. No need to repay me. Just work hard at school. -Sojiro

Morgana: The Ghost of Shinjuku really did change our luck! He talked about noticing another dimension. Maybe he can tap into Mementos! Let's find him another night and ask him about it.

You return to where you first found the Ghost of Shinjuku.

[rattle rattle]

Oh, is that you, Trickster? Come on up.

Up the stairs, you find an abandoned store, mostly empty except for a few piles of random junk scattered across the shelves, and a sleeping bag and some food in a corner.

Sorry it's messy. This is the only place I can call home right now. More importantly, what happened after I made that prediction?

>I got a whole cake!

Really? I was picturing cake while I was holding that card. Was it a castella cake?

(I told him what I found in my room…)

Wow, I didn't know I could do so much with my abilities now. I owe you an explanation. Starting with my name, since I spaced on introducing myself last time. I'm Ayumu Hoshino. What's your name? …Emi? I like it. It suits you.

Anyway, long story short, I've always been aware of that other dimension I mentioned before. Every time a person passes by me, I can hear voices from this other place whispering about them. I can see auras, too. I used to barely understand any of it, but I learned how to focus in on individuals. I could listen in on their true thoughts and see how twisted their hearts were. But I could only do it at the Shibuya station.

Then someone dropped these tarot cards outside this building. When I touch them, I can hear the voices loud and clear wherever I'm at. And they seem to hear me, too. I can make requests and they'll grant them, if they feel like it. I've only tried small stuff so far. Maybe if someone like you was willing to help me test things out and discover more about the other world… No, you probably don't want to help the homeless guy rambling nonsense…

>I'll help!

You will? That's so nice of you! Thanks!

As a reward, I'll convince the voices to do other cool things for you. Oh, and I can give you predictions at other times, too. I'll have to charge a bit for those, though. If I can't buy food, I won't have energy to do anything, after all. Does that sound like a good deal?

>Yeah!

Nice. I like your enthusiasm. Let's do this!

I am thou, thou art I…Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Fortune Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…

I have a phone, so do you mind if we trade numbers? I'll text you if I think of any tests. You should probably head home soon so you don't get hassled by a ton of hosts on your way back. Stay safe!

Your phone rings in front of Leblanc.

Is this Emi Yukimura? It's Ayumu Hoshino. I'm calling to make sure I have the correct number. And also to make sure you made it back to your place without any trouble.

>Thanks for looking out for me.

You're welcome. I try to look out for others as much as I can. That way, no one has to end up in a bad situation like mine.

Well, I can sleep easier knowing you're alright. We might have just met, and you seem pretty capable, but things tend to go wrong when you never expect them to. Feel free to send me a message if anything comes up, okay? Bye now.

[woolmasterleel]

Hello! You talked about Romirr in regards to the post about ascending to godhood being dehumanizing.... I'm curious, can you elaborate more about how it affects him and his feelings about going through that when he realizes it (if he does at all)? 👀

Absolutely!! This'll be a lot of get comfy (✿◕‿◕✿)

So about Romirr... Ignoring his obvious issues (his unrealistic beliefs and how he treats Pandora), he was a really good king. He'd listen to his people, he kept them safe, people liked him, and he cared for them. Until someone tried to pursue the art of magics, then he would have them exiled or executed. Romirr becoming an angel seems very out of character for him, given his constant rejection of the deities and the idea of becoming one, however him later becoming Mirror is meant to show how even he fails to stand for his beliefs. When he is menaced by what he thinks is a demon (it was Galvarium), he goes into hiding and prays to the angels. When he is faced with an actual demon threatening to kill him, he shrieks to the heavens, because he doesn't know what else to do.

Upon becoming an angel, Romirr, literally and metaphorically, dies. Mirror can be argued as not even being a person, rather a shell holding Romirr's absurd belief. This is why he is so cold and emotionless, why everything he does is to prove that Romirr was right- That humans do not need angels or demons, that they have their own power and are able to reach a higher existence without being affiliated with what he sees as dehumanizing magic. He is partly right, choosing to become an angel or demon after passing does remove one's humanity to some extent, but should the individual choose, they do not need to become a holier-than-thou being, a monstrous entity, etc etc. They can continue to be themselves.

I feel like I should make it clear that Mirror does not enjoy being an angel at all. Hence why he hardly uses any of his magic despite having powerful abilities. During the Rapid Corpus arc, he is somewhat happy to be taken to Limbo. At least then he is no longer an angel.

Throughout out the story, you can see Mirror becoming less and less put together. Failure after failure, the people who initially stood by him beginning to reject him, all of it adding up and leading him to snap and attempt to kill Alice when she was a child. But that was a distraction, what he really wanted was to get his hands on Kisaki, given that he was the reason for his biggest failure. The disease, it's creation, had allowed him to gather an impressive group of loyal supporters. Whatever science he announced that they would pursue, they would follow. He was so close to starting research on what would later become the Pseudo Humans... then all of it come crashing down when Kisaki (or mostly Mad Rabbit) destroyed their facilities. Any surviving researchers where told the truth of what Mirror was attempting, which, unsurprisingly, turned them against him. Mirror's breakdown started the arc before Rapid Corpus, when Yugami finally snapped and rejected his control, when Rukka, his lover at the time, turned his back and told him to get out. Any feelings of love or sympathy he had was for sure gone, so when Kisaki ruined everything for him, he could only react with anger. He didn't know anything else.

Him taking Alice hostage in order to kill Kisaki really shows how far gone he is, how dehumanized he's become. He has no morals, but more importantly, he lost his fear.

Mirror was absolutely horrified, and I cannot emphasize that enough, by Limbo and Galvarium's existence. He'd never show it though. So his move to try and kill Kisaki himself, knowing that it would send him to Limbo, shows he broken he is. On top of that, Mirror actively uses the knowledge of Limbo to try and scare Kisaki. Obviously this doesn't work. Side note so this makes more sense, Mirror did not know that Kisaki was a partial LAE. He assumed he was a demon, given that he looked like one, and because of his blue hair, Mirror also assumed he didn't know about Limbo.

When Galvarium shows up to take Mirror to Limbo anyway, Mirror does attempt to run, however when he is caught (which was very easily), he hardly reacts. He doesn't speak, he doesn't blink, he doesn't move. He shuts down.

It's when he comes a Limbo-Altered Entity that Mirror becomes less of a character/person, and more of a concept. Until the Gates of Limbo are opened, Mirror does nothing but stay in one place. When speaking now, Mirror doesn't use "I" or "me", now it is "us", "we", but sometimes "you". The final form of Romirr Kagami is called "Truth of his World" because at that point his presence is merely a manifestation of what Romirr wanted the world to be. The world at that point in the story is, in some way, what he wanted. There where humans, albeit fake humans, who could reach deity status without the use of magics. Truth of His World isn't Romirr Kagami, it is an idea, the concept of a better world he had all those years ago.

Romirr never noticed himself losing his grip on humanity. He promised himself he would never forget who he is, he vowed to continue to care and nurture mankind. He believed what he was doing was for the benefit of humans. Obviously, he lost sight of that.

Wowee I didn't mean to write so much hahaha oops! Romirr/Mirror is meant to be the big-bad, hated character of IV, but that doesn't take away from how much I love him! Writing his character to go from someone who was actually very lovable, to something so horrid is really fun, and I am super proud of him! o(*°▽°*)o