musingsofmala

[musingsofmala]

She slammed her grimoire shut, sighing as she heard the laughter of the adventurers surrounding her.

"Do I need to show the strength of my slimes for you all to leave me alone..?" She asked, her voice heavy with exhaustion.

One adventurer spoke up, a man who was much taller and stronger than her physically, his voice booming through the hall, "And how do you plan on doing that? You gonna-" His voice was cut off by a slime suddenly appearing on his head, a muffled cry barely coming off of it.

The woman glared at him and felt a small smirk creep up on her lips. "I hope that is all you need from me as far as proof goes. Be glad I gave him a slime infused with a water breathing potion."

She snapped her fingers, the slime disappearing as suddenly as it had appeared.

The man was shaken, his knees nearly giving out as his voice fluttered from his throat, "H-How did you do that..? How can you be so fast?!"

She could see the panic in his eyes and his body quivering like a leaf. She shrugged and turned away, her cloak twirling as she walked briskly away, calling back at the man. "You should really put more than just your muscles to the test, young man."

You’re a summoner—but all you can summon are slimes. No dragons, no elementals. Just slimes. So you studied. Trained. Experimented. Now your slimes dissolve armor, mimic voices, carry potions, even explode on command. Adventurers laugh—until they realize: you can handle anything with slimes.

[musingsofmala]

Me with Lira and Jesse, they're going to have a good time for a while first though!

i so badly want to torture some characters rn

[musingsofmala]

Happy storyteller saturday! What are you most looking forward to writing in your current WIP?

Currently I'm most excited to just be able to continue my writing in general, gotta get a new laptop or spend my writing time on my partner's PC.

As for specifics though, I'm super excited to continue writing the intricacies of Jesse and Lira's adventure through life together! I have a few vaguely planned ideas but nothing super concrete yet!

[musingsofmala]

Writing is taking a pause for an unknown amount of time, my laptop is completely bricked and I can't recover it or at the very least don't know how to with the tools I have on hand

[musingsofmala]

Hopefully I'll be able to get back into my PC or I'll have to stop writing until I can get everything fixed.

I'm stuck in a Safe Mode boot loop because I set it to automatically boot into Safe Mode with MSConfig instead of just accepting I couldn't use Safe Mode to uninstall some GPU Drivers.

[musingsofmala]

Chapter 7 - Comfort.

The room was quiet, save for the soft crackle of a candle burning low on the far table. The air was warm, still, and heavy with the scent of wax—faint, but unfamiliar enough to remind them they weren’t home.

Jesse stirred first, her eyes blinking open against the dim orange light filtering in through a covered vent. For a brief moment, she forgot where she was. Her muscles tensed on instinct until the sound of soft breathing from the next bed grounded her again.

Lira.

Jesse turned her head, watching as Lira lay curled under the blanket, her hair slightly tousled, lips parted as she breathed slowly. She looked younger like this—less guarded, less ready to fight the world with her fists clenched.

Jesse sighed and let her body relax fully for the first time in what felt like days.

Eventually, Lira stirred too, eyes opening just enough to catch Jesse watching her. “Morning,” she mumbled, her voice rough from sleep.

“Or… whatever time it is.” Jesse gave a sleepy smile.

They sat in the quiet for a few beats longer, neither rushing to move. It was the first moment they’d had where survival wasn’t the immediate priority, and both of them were reluctant to break it.

Then Jesse sat up slowly, stretching her arms over her head. “So this is peace, huh?”

Lira nodded, rubbing her face. “Feels weird. Not fighting for once.”

Jesse gave a soft laugh. “Maybe we should get used to it. At least for now.”

Lira rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she shook her head. “No, it’s probably best we don’t get too comfortable yet.”

“I guess you’re right, but we could at least take this morning slower than normal and just relax… right?” Jesse asked, her voice almost pleading with Lira to slow down and relax.

Lira’s expression softened as she laid back into the bed again. “We have been going pretty hard… I guess one morning of peace and comfort isn’t the worst.”

Lira stood up and grabbed Jesse’s shirt, admiring the softness of the fabric before tossing it to her. “Put this on though, we should at least get comfortable with the new area.” Lira turned to give her friend a hint of privacy as she felt a blush rising up on her cheeks again.

Without hesitation, Jesse nodded and pulled on the shirt, the shoulder’s dull ache a calm reminder of what they had been through. As soon as her chest was covered, she stood and walked behind Lira, pulling her into a tight hug.

The sudden pressure of Jesse’s chest against her back made Lira jump and blush even more.

“I-I…” Lira stammered, her voice wavering.

“Don’t worry, Lira, just relax with me. Whether it’s in this room or out there, we’ve got each other’s backs.” Jesse squeezed Lira tighter and smiled, resting her head on Lira’s shoulder.

The two sat in a comfortable silence with Jesse holding her close, Lira’s head leaning to the side and resting on Jesse’s.

Then, a soft knock on the door, the sound of knuckles rapping on the metal before it slowly creaks open, Veyra poking her head around the corner. “I trust you two are…” Veyra’s eyes widened softly as she looked at the gentle scene, “oh good, you’re getting along just fine.” She giggled and stepped into the room fully.

Lira blushed even further, but Jesse couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

“Come now, you think I’m not used to seeing this kind of thing between two obvious lovebirds?” Veyra asked, smiling softly.

Lira was speechless, her jaw dropped as she looked down at Jesse.

Jesse’s eyes shone beautifully in the candle light and Lira couldn’t help but relent and nod. “My question is how long Jesse has felt this way…”

Jesse giggled and shrugged, finally managing to peel off of Lira’s back. “It’s been a little while…I could feel it brewing since the moment you walked into my life.” Her voice was dripping with sincerity, soft and calm. “I’ve liked you for a long time now… longer than I wanted to admit.”

Lira chuckled softly, trying to mask how flustered she had grown.

“Seems like you two are ready to explore the compound now,” Veyra smiled softly, pushing the door open the rest of the way.

Through the cold metal door frame, they could see a much warmer view of the rebel compound. There were still groups of people speaking even as the evening became night time.

Before the two walked out together, Lira whispered in Jesse’s ear. “Looks like we’ve got some talking to do later.” With that, they stepped across the threshold together, taking confident strides as their hands brushed against one another, sending a jolt of white hot connection through the two.

The cool night air hit their skin like a wave of ice water.

The sound of conversation had picked up slightly, growing more focused on the two of them.

One woman stepped forward from her group, offering a hand to both of them. “You two must be Lira and Jesse,” she said, her tone calm yet curious. “I’ve heard you’re planning on staying just the two of you. If you change your mind, you’ve got my support.”

The woman who’d greeted them had short, choppy hair dyed deep violet, and a jacket covered in stitched-on patches—most of them worn so thin you couldn’t make out the words. Her hand was calloused but steady as she shook both of theirs.

“I’m Maive,” she said, her voice carrying that quiet steadiness of someone used to surviving rough places. “Been here a while. Helped Veyra set up some of the security protocols. If you need help finding your footing, I’m around.”

“Thank you,” Jesse replied, her voice softer than usual as she tried not to shrink under all the attention. Lira stood slightly ahead of her, clearly taking the lead again.

Maive gave a reassuring nod. “You’ll be fine. People around here talk a lot of shit, but most of them mean well.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Come on, I’ll walk you around before they start asking you questions.”

The compound wasn’t a bunker so much as a repurposed skeleton of an unfinished underground transit hub. Graffiti and torn banners hung from exposed steel beams, and faint techno beats leaked from some unseen speaker system deeper in the compound. A few people nodded to them as they passed, eyes lingering just long enough to feel noticed.

There was a corner with crates stacked high—supply cache, maybe weapons. Another hall smelled strongly of spice and broth—mess area. Someone had built a makeshift garden under industrial grow lights, rows of leafy greens taking root in salvaged plastic tubs.

“Don’t expect comfort in the corpo sense,” Maive said, leading them through a dim corridor lined with mismatched doors. “But you’ll eat. You’ll sleep. You’ll have people who watch your back.”

Lira slowed near the garden, curiosity flickering in her expression. “You grow your own food here?”

Maive nodded. “Some. The rest gets traded or stolen. Depends on the month.”

Jesse trailed a few steps behind, eyes wide. This place wasn’t just a hideout—it was alive. Worn-down and stubborn, but real.

When they looped back toward the main chamber, Maive paused and gave them a final once-over. “There’s a war coming whether you join it or not. But if you do—” she pointed back toward the candlelit hall, “you won’t be fighting alone.”

Jesse giggled and nodded. “I appreciate it, Maive. We appreciate it.”

Lira nodded slowly, still taking in all the wonderful things around them and unable to hold back a smille.

[musingsofmala]

I was a bit confused on this, so I thought I'd ask. How old is Jesse when she starts living with Lira, and how old are they by the action sequence in chapter 2 (since there's a small time skip before that, I believe)?

I'm writing them as roughly 20-25, in that age bracket. Think the equivalent of someone fresh out of high school but not quite college age yet.

[musingsofmala]

Chapter 6 - Hope.

“Good. Now, try to follow my exact footsteps.”

Veyra didn’t wait for a response. She turned sharply and slipped deeper into the alleyways, her steps quick and deliberate. The path she led them down was a maze—twisting turns, tight corners, low-hanging wires. The girls followed close behind, hearts pounding, stepping where she stepped, careful to leave only one trail in the mud.

The neon glow behind them faded with every turn, replaced by dim streetlights barely clinging to life. Eventually, they reached a part of town untouched by the usual buzz—no ads, no corporate banners. Just shadows, whispers, and the occasional flicker of a broken sign.

Clusters of people were gathered around makeshift tables, voices low, eyes sharp. Every conversation seemed to stop and start again with passing glances. It wasn’t chaos. It was control.

Lira and Jesse kept their eyes fixed on Veyra as they followed, her stride unbroken as they passed table after table. Some were groups of men, others women, all casting glances that cut sharper than the silence.

Each group radiated the same quiet tension—alert, wary. They recognized the newcomers, not from introductions, but from whispers and headlines. Two women whose defiance spoke louder in one night than the entire movement had in months.

“Don’t mind them, dears,” Veyra called back, her voice smooth and disarming. “They’re just admiring your passion—and the power of your voices.”

Lira met a few gazes head-on, pride swelling in her chest. For once, the attention didn’t feel like a threat. But Jesse shrank instinctively behind her, trying to disappear into Lira’s shadow. Her pinky tapped out its familiar rhythm against her thigh, each step syncing with the pulse.

tap… tap… tap-tap… tap…

Finally, after what felt like an hour in Jesse’s skin, Veyra stopped at a heavy metal door set into the back wall.

“This is where you’re welcome to stay.” She motioned to the door with a tilt of her head.

Lira stepped forward, pressing her palm against the cool steel and giving it a push. To her surprise, it opened easily.

Inside, the room glowed with flickering candlelight. Two beds sat side by side, neatly made, as if they’d been expecting them all along.

“This is… much cozier than the apartment,” Jesse murmured, eyes scanning the warm shadows. Then she looked back at Veyra, nerves creeping back into her voice. “And if we don’t agree to join… what then?”

Veyra’s gaze dropped. “Then I’m afraid you won’t be welcome here. You’d both be on your own… in a city that wants you dead.”

Lira grabbed Jesse’s hand, squeezing it softly as they locked eyes—a silent conversation worth a million words passing between them.

Veyra smiled at the bond they shared, whether or not they realized it.

Just as the silence stretched too long, Jesse finally spoke. “Then I guess our best shot at seeing this city reformed is with you.”

“Oh good,” Veyra giggled, clapping her hands together with sudden warmth. “I didn’t want to send you out of here after what you’ve been through today. Now, make yourselves at home and relax. You can use one bed or two—your choice.”

Veyra slipped out, the door shutting softly behind her, leaving Jesse and Lira in a welcome silence.

“So… this is our life now, huh?” Lira said, giving Jesse’s hand another gentle squeeze.

“Yeah. Really living the dream,” Jesse chuckled, a small smile forming at the corners of her mouth.

“What do you wanna do first?” Lira asked, voice somewhere between caution and wonder.

“I could go for a nap…” Jesse yawned, pulling off her jacket and tossing it onto a hook.

She padded over to the bed, peeled off her shirt, and flopped under the covers with a sigh of relief.

Lira smiled as she watched her, a light blush creeping up her cheeks. Eventually, she rolled her eyes and joined her, flopping onto the other bed with a quiet huff of contentment.

[musingsofmala]

She groans as she hears the shocked gasps. "Are you really that surprised that I want to pursue academics and stop fighting?"

Her party's druid is the first to speak up, "Well, to be fair when you're a Barbarian such as yourself, it's not entirely common to have such a... drastic change in career."

Cleric spoke next, "Well, you see Barbarian, it's just... you're always so angry. We don't exactly see your softer side very often."

She sighed softly and shrugged. "I suppose both of you are right, but this is what I really wanted to adventure for. I want to learn how to make the world a better place without having to kill the people making it worse."

As a battle-worn barbarian, you've shocked many with your announcement: you've finally earned enough gold to pursue your true dream—not more bloodshed, but enrolling in the kingdom’s university.

[musingsofmala]

Pause in writing

Had a very bad week, so I'm gonna be taking a day of rest from writing. I do have 2 chapters ready though so if I decide I need a second day I can do that basically guilt free and still post something.

Take care of yourselves and life will take care of you, always remember that.

[musingsofmala]

I'm late, but happy worldbuilding wednesday! Any favorite animals who've created or modified for your story?

None so far, but I do plan on having some squirrels shown in a future chapter with cybernetic implants!

[musingsofmala]

The Warrior holds the pan up with a shit eating grin. "I mean look at it! It's a nice heavy blunt object that can burn my enemies!"

The Cleric grabs the pan from the warrior, "No! It's to be used for cooking!"

The Druid snatches the pan away with a hiss, "What are we supposed to be cooking with this? It's definitely best used as a fire starter for warmth. It even covers the fire!"

The Rogue sneaks the pan out of the Druid's grasp and shakes their head. "I gotta say, it'd be nice to use it for breaking open locks.

The party's Healer raised their hand, not wanting to be left out. "It could be used to cauterize wounds, no?"

The adventuring party is now fully convinced that a cast-iron frying pan with a fire enchantment is the most versatile piece of equipment they can use.

[musingsofmala]

How to Write a CHARMING Villain

Everyone loves a good villain, and they especially love a charming one. If you want to write an antagonist who's both evil yet irresistible, look no further!

1. Show Their "Kindness"

Kindness? Wait, I thought you said we're writing a villain today.

Yup, I mean it--make your antagonist appear kind. Realistically, someone who's polite and friendly is often considered more attractive than someone who's rude and judgmental, so make them kind. It doesn't have to be honest kindness, but you want your readers to doubt the malevolence of your character, if that makes sense.

You can show this kindness through small, daily actions; they don't have to have a lot of impact on the story. Something simple like leaving a big tip, granting a minion a vacation, letting someone go first in the line, and holding open the door all contribute to this image.

2. Smooth Talker

Effective communication is everything. If your villain is eloquent, they seem more capable and intelligent! However, if you're looking to expand further, explore what they can do with their speech.

Does everyone pay attention when they start speaking? Are they able to calmly resolve conflicts verbally? Are they really persuasive? Do they speak elegantly?

Show the effects of their communication skills!

3. Good leader

Make them a good leader. Make them consider how their subordinates might feel. Make them choose good decisions. Perhaps they give their workers days off when they need it. Perhaps they engage with their followers often. Perhaps they're more down-to-earth.

A solid leader looks respectable while a poor one looks ridiculous.

4. Intelligent + Logic

I say this all the time, but make your villains smart, make them logical, make your readers understand where they're coming from. Some of the best antagonists I've ever seen are not the ones that seem excessively evil or unhinged, but rather the ones that seem logical in their actions. And knowing that they're well-aware of their actions and the consequences makes things that much scarier.

if you want a charming villain, you have to start with someone who is competent.

5. Conflicting Moments

At the end of the day, your character is still the antagonist. Yes, they might appear kind, but that's not going to last forever. There will be times when they act unnecessary cruel, and that's okay.

Your audience might be unsettled and confused from the whiplash, and that's okay. Don't force your character into being someone else to satisfy the readers. Embrace the difference.

6. Backstory

Backstories matter for all different types of reasons. From establishing the basis to one's goals, morals, and values to providing the foundation for their character, an effective backstory can do a lot.

However, I want to specifically talk about how the backstory demonstrates someone overcoming their obstacles. If they made it to the present, then they really defied all odds to be here, and honestly? That's admirable (and attractive), no matter what kind of person they turn out to be.

Now, if you're thinking "what if I don't give the antagonist a painful backstory?", I'll address that real quick. You don't have to give them a super depressing past, but there will always be pain and hurt in their past, even if it isn't something "lifechanging" or there 24/7. There is no such thing as a perfect, happy past.

CONCLUSION

To quickly conclude, a charming villain is often not one who appears visibly evil, but one who appears compassionate, intelligent, well-spoken, and acts like a good leader.

Happy writing~

3hks :)

[musingsofmala]

Master Post of Neon Ash

Chapter 1 - Jesse Survived.

Chapter 2 - Lira Cried.

Chapter 3 - Jesse Slept.

Chapter 4 - The Protest.

Chapter 5 - Mysteries.

Chapter 6 - Hope.

Chapter 7 - Comfort.

[musingsofmala]

Chapter 5 - Mysteries.

They followed her at a distance—neither too close to spook her, nor too far to lose her in the crowd. She moved through the market with the kind of grace Jesse only ever saw in dancers or predators. Her coat was long, matte black with subtle electric-blue threading that shimmered like circuit lines when it caught the dim light. It didn’t match the worn, chaotic energy of the market; it was too clean, too calculated.

Her boots struck the ground with purpose, soles silent despite the grit beneath them. Jesse noticed the way people seemed to part for her, even without realizing it—like their instincts warned them to keep a respectful distance. She wasn’t just any local.

Lira leaned in close to whisper, “She’s not armed—at least not obviously. But look at her posture. Center of gravity’s low, hips slightly forward… Combat trained.”

“Military?” Jesse murmured.

“More likely corpo security. Or worse—ex-corpo, off-leash.”

Jesse kept her eyes fixed on the woman’s hair—a sharp, asymmetrical bob dyed white-blonde, the ends faded into an unnatural cyan that pulsed faintly under the neon signs. The back of her neck was bare, save for a glowing datajack with an old corporate logo burned into the skin like a scar that never fully healed.

She’s not hiding where she came from, Jesse thought. She wants us to know.

The woman glanced over her shoulder once—just once. Sharp eyes like twin razors. No surprise, no fear. Just confirmation.

“She knows,” Jesse whispered.

Lira nodded grimly. “Good. Makes it easier to skip the lies when the shit hits the fan.”

The woman chuckled, a soft sound that felt oddly out of place against the sharp edges of her presence. “Hopefully the only thing blowing up is going to be Omnigen, dears.”

Jesse tensed at the name. “I assume you’ve done your research?”

“Of course I have. Can’t go scouting for new team members without knowing exactly who you are.” Her voice was calm, clipped, like the decision had already been made for them.

“Team members?” Lira’s tone sharpened. “We tend to fly just the two of us. Not sure how well that’s going to fit into your little operation.”

The woman didn’t flinch. “Oh, I don’t expect that to change. Omnigen—and every other corpo snake—has eyes on you. If you suddenly had backup, they'd double their security before we had a chance to strike.”

They trailed behind the woman through a narrow alley choked with rusted fire escapes and neon reflections bouncing off puddles. The city’s usual noise faded to a distant hum, replaced by the sharp clicks of the woman’s boots echoing against the damp concrete.

Jesse quickened her pace just slightly, stepping closer. “So…who are you exactly?” Her voice was soft yet eager, the corners of her mouth twitching with the hint of a grin. “I mean clearly you know us, it feels kinda unfair not to know your name.”

The woman glanced over her shoulder with a half-smile. “Call me Veyra. That’s all you need for now.”

Lira stayed behind them, eyes sweeping over rooftops, windows, any reflective surface. She didn’t like how quiet this part of town was—it wasn’t abandoned, just… too still. “And what exactly do you want with us, Veyra?” Her fingers flexed, itching for the comfort of something familiar—like the spray can she kept clipped to her belt.

“I want what you want,” Veyra said simply. “To burn the rot out of this city. But if we don’t get smart about it, we’ll die trying.”

Jesse furrowed her brow. “I assume that means building a team?”

Veyra nodded slowly. “A decentralized cell. One no one can pin down. You two are ghosts—they’ve already spun stories about your ‘terrorist ring.’ Let them think it’s bigger than it really is.”

Lira narrowed her eyes. “You’re talking like you’ve already made the decision for us.”

Veyra stopped suddenly, turning to face them fully for the first time. In the dim light, Jesse could finally get a better look at her—mid-thirties maybe, sharp cheekbones, a jagged scar bisecting her left eyebrow. Her hair was as white as a feather and cropped close, her leather coat having seen more years than it should have. But her eyes… her eyes burned like dying stars.

“I’m talking like I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been breathing,” Veyra said. “But I haven’t survived this long by forcing people into fights they don’t believe in.”

Jesse tilted her head, intrigued. “Then why us?”

“Because you started something.” Veyra spoke calmly, eyes flicking from Jesse to Lira. “And because you don’t look away when the world bleeds.”

Lira folded her arms tightly. “That’s not a compliment. It’s a death sentence.”

Veyra didn’t disagree.

She simply shrugged, a faint smile creeping across her features. “And yet here you both are—following a strange woman who has a very obvious corpo past.”

“We don’t exactly have a better option,” Jesse replied, her voice firm and muscles tensed. “The apartment’s compromised, and we don’t have many alleys or markets to hide in.”

Veyra smirked, sensing the tension in the air. “Your apartment never was truly. Omnigen already knew exactly where you lived. They let you stay there to lull you into a false sense of security—until you started making too much noise. They wanted to scare you into submission, stop you from joining something bigger. Like my team.”

Lira clenched her fists at her side, her voice was ice cold. “And who says we’re joining your damn team?”

“I didn’t say you were,” Veyra said calmly. “I just figured I’d show you a place that’s safer than your busted apartment or the middle of a protest about to be gunned down.”

Lira and Jesse both froze, stealing a glance at each other.

“That…does sound like a better deal than just hoping we don’t catch another bullet.” Lira said, her voice an admission of guilt and defeat that Jesse had never heard before. Softer, more willing to submit to Veyra’s words.

Jesse watched carefully, unsure what scared her more: the bullets, or the tone in Lira’s voice.

[musingsofmala]

[musingsofmala]

He turns his head to look at the alien. "You can see it too?"

"Well yeah, kinda hard to miss a seven foot tall creature with grey skin behind you."

He groans and falls back onto the exam table, the paper crinkling as he moves.

"So you're telling me either we're both hallucinating this thing or it's genuinely just there, only visible to some people?" He asks, his voice exhausted but feeling relieved that someone else finally sees it.

"It seems like that's the case," The doctor replied flatly, still locking eyes with the alien. "However, judging by the fact it isn't actively trying to harm you... it might just be trying to learn about our world?"

"Oh great, I'm the conduit for intelligent life to learn about human society..." he mutters, shaking his head.

The alien looks down at the man, tilting its head.

Suddenly, a voice echos out of its chest. "You don't seem too excited to be the reason we learn about humans." Its voice was a poor combination of the man's and the doctor's as if it were trying to mimic them and make the voice sound more natural than it has any right to be.

The man jolted upright on the table, flinching away from it. "You can talk now?" He asked, his body language now filled with a mixture of unease and curiosity.

"What brings you in today?" the doctor asks. "Well, I've been hallucinating this damn alien has been stalking me," you reply. "That alien?" the doctor asks, pointing to the alien standing next to you.