#☾✩☽ Such is the Will of Casualty ----- IC Gundham Tanaka

[phantasmalnightmare]

Continued from thread

Gundham's expression turned downcast, at her words, the endless stacks of paper on her desk taking on another meaning. He could piece her unspoken words together, that her week had been no different than his: throwing herself into her work to drown her sorrows, taking little to no respite along the way. By the hint of the whiskey on her breathe, he could tell that she'd had even more assistance in numbing herself than he had, and the guilt immediately hit him.

He tried to brush it off. Surely, she wasn't as bothered by their fight. He knew she cared for him, but there was no way she felt as deeply for him. It was probably just her day to day life as a remnant of despair keeping her down. They all had enough remorse. He didn't quite believe that their quarreling hadn't made things worse for her though. “I quite know that you mean. Since I've woken up, there is much to do, and no time for idle thoughts. Fear not. The Dark Lord needs no rest. Fuhahaha!” The breeder tried to sound confident, not wanting her to know how hard it had been since he'd woken up. He tried to stay busy non-stop, or the flashbacks would start. He would work till he couldn't anymore, his body wrought with exhaustion, but even then when he lay in bed, sleep wouldn't take him. All he could hear were the screams. He wondered if he should remind her that she was a queen and that this crying was unbecoming, just like in the simulation, but in this case, he wasn't going to be executed. He'd been hard on her because he didn't want to die, and he thought he could ease her sorrow at the end at least. He wanted nothing more than to give her the courage to survive the rest of the game and to live on. This time, he wasn't going anywhere. He was able to give her comfort, and he could continue to do so, because he had no intention of leaving her side. Despite his being a Dark Lord, even he needed a good cry from time to time. He'd been doing so more times than he cared to admit after waking up.

He was so sure that Sonia wouldn't want to hug him, that his body tensed, ready for the rejection likely to come. However, not only did she allow him to wrap his arms around her small frame, but she also put her arms around his shoulders. His face turning crimson, he was thankful that she had her head buried into his chest. Although, as she was so close to his heart, surely she would be able to hear how erratically it was skipping. He thought it might beat straight out of his chest at the rate it was pumping, which only added to his embarrassment.

What kind of miscreant was he? Here his friend was, crying. He shouldn't be feeling so elated that she was hugging him like he'd always dreamed of. The Queen smelled of whiskey, tea, and some kind of lavish shampoo, but the smell was nice. Her skin and hair was softer than he'd imagined it would be. As anxious as he felt, he also felt warm and content, as if he belonged right there. “Hah! I did not trust humans long before the simulation, or even as a remnant. I imagine that is how that woman was so easily able to manipulate me.” Between the constant bullying he received throughout his childhood, as well as his abusive father, it was hard to remember ever trusting in people in the first place, though his Mother at least had been loving. That was part of the reason he'd had a preference for animals. “You are different though. Your aura is virtuous. You are also immune to the poison secreted from my body. Otherwise I could never embrace you in such a way.” He tried to explain why he trusted her above the others, suddenly feeling self conscious. “In time, perhaps I will grow to depend on the others as well.”

He wished they could sit like this for the rest of the day. Despite hating to be idle and living a workaholic lifestyle since awakening, for once he felt calm just sitting still. The screaming was quieter than normal, and he suddenly could feel how exhausted he was. All good things come to an end though, and she finally pulled back a bit, her tears now dried for the moment. The feeling of sadness returned a bit as her warmth left him, although she kept her arms around him still, which was unexpected, but he was secretly grateful. He was the type that usually hated physical contact of any kind, so why was it that her touch soothed him so? Gundham thought he'd regained control of his emotions, until she stated with such sincerity that she would open herself to trusting him more. Especially him.

He was suddenly all too aware of how close her face was to his, her eyes peering into mismatched hues. As hard as he tried to reign in his feelings once more, he was certain that his face had reddened to some degree yet again, much to his chagrin. “Y-yes I would like that.” He managed to stammer out, trying to stay focused on the conversation, instead of letting his gaze wander to her lips. He finally pulled his arms away from her, as much as he didn't want to, but he was finding it hard to focus on anything else. “Yes the movies.” He cleared his throat a bit awkwardly, before frowning. There was no way he could take Sonia on a date looking and smelling like he currently did.

“I… uh… I haven't quite finished at the farm for the day.” It wasn't a lie, and as much as he wished he could just take the day off, the animals needed the care he provided. “If time is a construct here, I shall simply arrive back at your abode when the sun dips into the horizon!” He proclaimed. “The theaters seem like a sound location.” He doubted she wanted him in her cabin for so long anyway, just the two of them. It gave him the time he needed to get ready anyway. He stood and headed for the door way. “I shall return, Queen Sonia.” He then headed out of the door and to the farm.

[phantasmalcalamity-a]

What type of ‘I love you’ are you?

i love you, i've always loved you, i will always love you

it's commitment, it's devotion, it goes often without saying, but is felt nonetheless. it's accepting that you would travel to hell and back for them if they asked and knowing that they would do the same for you. it's an old ache, long after they've burrowed deep into your chest and settled there like a weight- grounding, an anchor point. even when you're apart, you can still feel the shape of them, it's like phantom pain. neither of you can help but succumb to the other's gravity, yet neither of you fear the collision. it means that you trust them, that they make you feel safe, that they feel like home.

Tagged by: @more-than-a-princess​ (Thanks and sorry for taking so long!)

Tagging: You reading this. Yes you. And @bloomingtalent​

[phantasmalnightmare]

Starter for @mechatiqe

Gundham frowned as he sat as his desk in class. He'd been trying to attend classes more since their teacher had put in so much effort in strengthening their bonds, but it was unusual for her to send a notice for a mandatory class. He wondered what it was about, as Yukizome made her way to her desk.

"Okay class, today you're going to be assigned your partner for the science fair." He blanched at her words, suddenly feeling anxious. The only thing he feared more than group projects, was an assigned group. "I've picked students that I think need to improve their relations, and I've high hopes for this."

He was sweating bullets, as she began to call off their partners. His four dark devas poked their heads out in concern for their master, sensing his unease. He hoped that he'd be partnered with Sonia, but he knew it couldn't be that easy, and as she called out "Tanaka and Soda," his heart sank. The mechanic and him frequently butted heads. Nevertheless, he made his way over to the other male's desk.

"Kehehehe.. It would seem that one such as you has been blessed upon this day. Even mortals such as yourself have not been entirely forsaken it would seem. Rejoice, for the Supreme Overlord of Ice and Snow, Gundham Tanaka, shall complete this quest with you!" He exclaimed proudly, his devas standing on his shoulders, looking smug. "This will be child's play, if I create a display using some of my familiars."

[phantasmalnightmare]

“Hey, dicklord. You have sunflower seeds on you for your hamsters, right? Give me some. I’m hungry.”

"I... beg your pardon?" He should have been used to the mechanic's quips by now, but dicklord was a new one. "Kehehehe... You do know what they say. Do not say the Lord's name in vain, lest you be sent to the sixth layer of hell for an eternity of damnation! Even I shall not tell my brothers to spare the likes of you. Fuhahaha!" Gundham proclaimed dramatically, covering part of his face with one of his hands.

"My Four Dark Devas have consumed all of their sustenance. In fact, I was on my way to procure some more. I do not think that a mere mortal such as yourself would be able to handle the raw energy of a sunflower seed that has not been tainted by mortal processing!" Most humans wanted them roasted, and/or with salt, he'd noticed. "The school has one such area where I might collect them, but I needn't divulge the hidden location to a human with a mere five mp. Begone." Maybe if Kazuichi had asked nicely he'd show him where they kept the plants, but instead, he'd demanded them in such a rude manner.

[phantasmalnightmare]

"T-Tanaka!!" Mikan greeted with a small grin. She headed over to his desk and set a small bag wrapped in a pretty pink ribbon down. Inside the bag were homemade shortbread cookies decorated with pink and red sprinkles and dipped in chocolate. "I made everyone some cookies. H-Happy Valentine's day!"

Gundham was ready to leave as soon as the bell rang. He hated this day of the year, as any loner did. Seeing all the happy couples only served to remind him that he was quite the social pariah. That's why he was startled when the nurse approached his desk, and she placed some nicely decorated cookies in front of him.

"C-could it be? Kehehehe... But it is! The Ultimate cookies of legend! I must admit.. I did not expect such a gift from you." He nodded sagely, as he picked up the cookies, admiring the detail she'd put into them. "You have my gratitude. Even though these appear to be a gift out of some unfounded pity, as you bequeathed them to all the other mere mortals as well. Nevertheless, the others will not realize what a gift they have received. Fuhahahaha!" The breeder exclaimed, posing.

Since he wasn't expecting to get anything though, he had no return gift. Panicking, he checked his pockets. Pellets, a rubber band, some coins. Unless... "Alas, I do not have a gift of equivalent exchange. I do have this though." He pulled out what his hand had brushed against, a tin of handmade salve, and offered it to her. "I created this concoction to heal injuries since my minions tend to bite whenever they fancy. Perhaps it may interest you, as a healer."

[phantasmalnightmare]

A  VALENTINE’S  APPLICATION. 

(For one (1) Gundham Tanaka, while attending Hope's Peak Academy)

your  name: Sonia Nevermind

your age: 17

your perfect date: There are so many options! A twilight picnic might be lovely, perhaps in a cemetery with a walk after eating. Or perhaps a visit to a museum or a zoo, followed by a cafe? Of course, there are plenty of wonderful films to watch: something like Dracula or Crimson Peak might be fitting for the romantic nature of the holiday. Or we could try to summon a demon of lust! (She'd be happy with chocolate and Gundham's company honestly but Sonia got creative)

make out in private or in public?: Private, please. It is unbecoming to indulge in most affection in public: it rather reflects poorly on my family, and I am discouraged from doing so.

do you like to cuddle?: I adore cuddling! (Note: sharing a bed with Sonia means she will wrap all four limbs around you like an octopus and you will only be allowed to go free when she deems it so. Or when she wakes up in embarrassment)

tell me something about you: I recently discovered there are no less than three dozen unsolved murders in Towa City over the past ten years! Is that not fascinating? I did this research in my free time whilst rewatching all of Sun Witch Esper Ito!

why do you want to be my valentine?: I have been in love with you since the day we met and I do not know how to tell you I think we get on very well and on such a special day, I would like to spend it with you, someone I feel wholly at ease to be myself around. I hope you might feel the same. We should not leave out the Devas and the rest of your beasts, too: perhaps we could offer them treats suitable for their culinary palates?

Gundham couldn't help the red hue that took over his features. He was speechless, and yet, he knew he had to respond. He tried to collect himself as best as he could. She'd stated that the reason she'd chosen him was only because she felt comfortable around him after all. Valentines? He never thought that he would ever have someone ask him to be such. And it was her of all people...

He cleared his throat, looking away, before finally responding. "Those ideas sound quite lovely. But of course I will accept your proposal, for you are the Dark Queen, and the only one who can withstand my poisonous touch. N-not that I would touch you in such a manner." Unless she wanted it.

"Even a Dark Lord such as I cannot set foot in the fourth layer of hell known as a zoo, however. To hear their cries as they are enslaved... It is too much to bear." He clenched his fists. "A moonlight cemetery challenge sounds much more entertaining anyway. Kehehehe... Perhaps the spirits will come to greet us." His devas scurried into his cloak at the ominous words. "I thank you for choosing me."

[phantasmalcalamity-a]

📜 how about some gundham & hajime ?

Gundham: .. .----. -- / ... --- .-. .-. -.-- [translation: I’M SORRY] Hajime: What's that? Gundham: Remorse code. Hajime: I'm even angrier now.

[phantasmalcalamity-a]

“ words are powerful things. ” (➝Gundham)

The self proclaimed Dark Lord nodded at Makoto's statement. He knew that truth all too well, after he'd been bullied so often at school. As much as he tried to brush the other's cruel words off, they hurt him deep down. It was part of the reason he'd fallen to despair in the end. However, Naegi hadn't given up on him, or any of the others, and for that, he was grateful.

"Indeed they are. However, I find the words you tell me hard to believe still. It is hard to find hope for the future, nor to believe I even deserve such." The breeder looked down. He was trying his best to channel that grandiose personality of his, but it just felt flat ever since he'd woken up from that pod. "Why is it that you even believe that we deserve salvation? I was quite content to ascend my throne in Gehenna. Kehehehe..."

[phantasmalcalamity-a]

@more-than-a-princess​ said: I thought throwing coins in a fountain was supposed to grant my wish of asking for you to be happy and prosperous, so I suppose it came true! I didn't trust that temple bell.

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“Yes the God’s have forsaken us, but the Sea Dragons shall grant wishes! However, they only come true if you spit the coins into the fountain, for these beasts are known to be into that kind of thing.”