#('Harmful action' is code for 'try to kill them')

[narxcisse]

★ — General yandere Jason Todd headcanons

Pairing: Yandere!Jason Todd x GN!Reader

Warning: Obsession and yandere behaviors, toxic jealousy, surveillance and control, manipulation, social isolation(?), mental health and trauma, toxic relationships

Minors DNI / English isn't my native language

Jason has a natural protective instinct that, in its yandere version, turns into an extreme need to control everything that could harm you. With his past full of trauma (death, resurrection, physical and emotional abuse), Jason is obsessed with preventing you from going through anything similar. If he perceives even the slightest threat, he will act with relentless brutality. Whether it's a stalker or a simple "friend" who is too close, Jason will not hesitate to intervene.

He doesn't follow a black-and-white moral code, but instead inhabits a grey area that reflects his own values. This means that he would justify anything to keep you "safe." In his mind, killing for you is not only permissible, but a moral obligation. He sees his extreme actions as an extension of his love and the only way to protect you in a world filled with chaos.

Jason channels his anger at the world that betrayed him, but you are his exception. Though he can be explosive and violent with others, around you his tone softens, even when he's frustrated. You're his only emotional refuge and the only thing that keeps his anger in check. If you ever challenge him directly or try to walk away, though, that gentleness can turn into a dangerous mix of pleading and veiled threat.

His obsession with protecting you leads him to constantly monitor you, even when you're not together. He has no problem installing discreet cameras or trackers. While he might seem to respect your space, he actually knows more about your movements than he would ever admit. If you discover this behavior, Jason won't deny it, but he will try to justify it with a "I don't trust them, not you."

Jason is no stranger to manipulation, especially when it comes to keeping you by his side. He knows how to use his emotional wounds to appeal to your empathy – he brings up his death or how Bruce left him behind to make you feel guilty if you ever try to distance yourself. Although his love is genuine, he doesn't hesitate to use psychological tactics to make sure you don't abandon him.

Even though he tries to remain calm, Jason is quickly consumed by jealousy. If someone else tries to get too close to you, Jason may start with snide remarks or indirect criticisms about that person, but if that doesn't work, he'll take more drastic measures. He may "accidentally" scare that person or directly confront them in secret, making it clear that they shouldn't be in your life.

He's someone who shows his affection in tangible ways: gifts, acts of service, or even physically confronting your problems. However, his approach can be overwhelming. He doesn't easily accept that you don't need his constant intervention, and any rejection of his help is taken as a sign that you don't trust him. This only fuels his obsession with proving to you that he's the only one who truly cares about you.

Despite his brutality and control, Jason has moments of incredible vulnerability. He feels at peace with you, and those moments of honesty (when he admits his fears or shares his most painful memories) show that he is not just an obsessive yandere, but a deeply wounded man who fears being abandoned again. In these moments, he can be disarmingly sweet, even begging you not to leave him.

Jason doesn't want you to distance yourself from him emotionally or physically. Under the guise of protecting you, he might push you away from friends, family, or anyone he perceives as a distraction or threat to your relationship. At first it's subtle, suggesting that certain people aren't trustworthy, but over time, he can be more direct in enforcing boundaries on who you can interact with.

Jason constantly struggles with the duality of wanting to love you fully but feeling unworthy of being loved. This fuels his need to keep you close – he fears that if you notice his flaws or sins, you will leave him. This insecurity makes him act more possessive, thinking that as long as he is in control, he won’t have to face the pain of rejection.

Jason sees you as a source of redemption. He believes that caring for and protecting you is his way of making up for all the bad things he's done. This idealism can be dangerous, as it puts you on an impossible pedestal. If you ever make a mistake or contradict that perfect image he has of you, he could feel betrayed, which could trigger even more erratic behavior.

For Jason, his love for you is eternal and absolute. No matter how many barriers stand in the way or how difficult the situation, he will never stop fighting for you, even if it means taking on his allies, Bruce, or the world itself. In his mind, you are the only person worth risking it all for.

[fern-thefox]

hello people, ive noticed that people actually have liked these headcanons and someone might actually draw one of mine! it made me very happy so in honor of that more two time headcanons! including some extras of other characters! (theres quite a bit so hope you enjoy!)

two time has cat eyes, theyre very cat coded in general but sometimes their eyes are just a black abyss and other times theyre slits, and almost non existent

whenever two time killed azure, they didnt know what to do since azure wasnt respawning, so in desperation, they kept stabbing them. over, and over, and over again. azure didnt look like himself anymore. (dear spawn that got dark quick)

two time has attempted to rip out their own heart before, it was during a match when azure was the killer. they already had the hole in their body from being stabbed, so they attempted to rip their heart out and give it to azure to pay for their actions. azure was very confused, very angry, and also concerned

elliot and guest 1337 stuck around two time more, not only because they just cared about them but because they were scared two time would attempt to tear out their heart again or something else

whenever two times wings started growing back (call back to an earlier post i made. go check it out its awesome sauce) two time tried as much as they could to tear a hole in their head to stop the pressure and pain of sharp bone stabbing scar tissue. this was after the wings had started trying to poke out and they begged for a knife to free the wings so they wouldnt be in so much pain. they didnt get their knife tho

two time has many scars on their body, some that were self inflicted, some were accidents, some were to show their loyalty to the spawn

the cult two time was in required you to brand yourself with an image of the spawn to show your loyalty. it was either burned, froze, or carved into your skin. two time had theirs burned into the back of their neck. they didnt get to choose, their higher ups did

two time is actually a pretty good cook, but their skills have decayed over time since they no longer can use a knife without the voices commanding them and arent allowed in the kitchen due to listening to said voices

two time actually has been allowed in the kitchen after their ban, but it is always with extreme supervision and it had to be cleared of all things that can be used as a weapon first

they have super quiet footsteps, you cant hear them coming at all and they have scared people so many times. they have also been punched many times because they keep scaring guest. two time now has a bell attached to them at all times but its taken off during rounds

guest 1337 isnt two times only father figure, 007n7 is to, while they dont interact as much two time enjoys 007n7s company, also he works as a great pillow.

the survivors obey cat laws when it comes to two time, if they lay on you, you cant get up until they do. it is the law (its because if two time lays on you theyre going to fall asleep, and they are severely sleep deprived.)

two time will sleep under peoples beds, the survivors and even killers have to do the two time check before they go to bed and after they wake up. no one knows why two time does it especially to the killers but it hasnt harmed anyone and the killers dont really care outside of rounds

now for some other survivors.

guest 1337 is a father figure for everyone but 007n7, thats the co parent that relives guest of his duty of making sure the children dont do something that ends badly

builderman is the exception, he isnt another co parent hes more of the uncle that gives you free stuff (everyone has little trinkets that builderman made for them)

noob has super bad anxiety but its gotten better with the survivors, itll always be bad but everyone else (except the killers) help make it easier

while elliot is the main person who cooks, guest 1337, 007n7, and shedletsky can cook and sometimes do if elliot is too tired or they just want to for the day

shedletsky is a cannibal towards his chicken brothers (hes half chicken because why not). the survivors dont even know where he keeps getting chicken he just spawns in the kitchen sometimes and makes his fried chicken for himself and others, although its rare he shares because that man is a fattie.

007n7 only ever remembers c00lkidd during lms. the song that plays (plead) is 007n7 to stop killing everyone. if he survives, he convinced c00lkidd to stop his murder spree (or friendly game of tag as thats what c00lkidd things), if he dies, he failed to convince c00lkidd in time

although whenever 007n7 convinces c00lkidd to stop killing everyone, the spectre wipes it from both their minds, so the cycle continues no matter what

007n7 was a very good father. c00lkidd was a good kid too. he almost never acted out but did silly kidd stuff instead. the only reason c00lkidd is how he is after being forsaken is the spectre. and c00lkidd doesnt think hes doing anything bad, just playing with all his friends and dad

taph definitely gossips with dusekkar and noob. i feel like they would. and no one suspects them because theyre so nice. but they know everything

speaking of dusekkar, he likes vocaloid. i just know it. that mans loves vocaloid and attends every miku concert before getting forsaken

c00lkidd finds noli super funny due to the fact theyre a walking gallery of memes. noli makes it a mission to make c00lkidd laugh at something

despite the fact 1x is made of hatred, theyre a relatively fun person to hangout with, theyre one of c00lkidds father figures

john doe doesnt really do anything. he just kills people, hes far too corrupted to think of anything other then his own bloodlust.

the spectre had to make it impossible to die and make healing go by fast due to the sheer amount of times the killers have attacked eachother and the survivors doing the same. although it is entertaining that means the rounds dont have many people left

anyways that is all i have! ive been working on all these for about 2 hours now so i hope these are up to your likings :D

[kitsuren]

DEMO // PLAYLIST

Flirting with Death is a 18+ Otome-like action dark romance in the form of an interactive fiction. The game focus will be mostly into character and relationships development, exploring how you interact with the world and the reactions to your decisions.​

Take charge of Eris, a newly (and forcibly) inducted operative of a shadowy organization, as she enters a world way more twisted from what she is already used to. 

The game will be released chapter by chapter and it will be entirely free after completion!

You died. For all your life, you have been making bad decisions after bad decisions and this time your luck ran out. During your years working with the wrong side of the law you had seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. What you never expected was that your choices would take you into a maze of lies and backstabbing capable to bring countries to their knee. Something big is happening and you are not in the small leagues anymore. To bring down titans you will have to ally yourself with the shady HADES Project, a group with dubious objectives and even more dubious reasons. In a race against time you will have to do the unthinkable before it is too late. There is no right or wrong in this game and the stake is your second chance in life. The clock is ticking. Grab your power suit. Gather your allies. And remember: Trust no one.

Play as a female gender locked protagonist;

Customize your Eris: decide on your past, specialization, appearance, and attributes, bringing your character to life;

Romance one of the 3 initial ROs, each of them having their own unique route that explore the story trough different perspectives;

Make  decisions that impact the people around you for the good or the bad;

Use state of the art never-seen-before technology, including your very own power suit so you will never die (again!) during a mission;

Choose between 5 classes that will assist you during the various dangers that will follow you and your team as you try to solve the mystery;

Be a a righteous vigilante or a complete menace to society;

Kick a billionaire in the face (or not)!

This game is rated +18. Not only it will touch on heavy subjects, but it will also contain: 

Graphic depctions of violence; Strong language; Unhealthy coping mechanisms; Guns and gun violence; Manipulation tactics; Explicit sex (if chosen); Taboo relationship; Toxic relationship; Mature content; (This list will be updated if and when necessary!)

Yes, the protagonist is gender locked: This is my first time coding an IF and I didn't want to bit off more than I could chew. Not only that, I wanted to mix the otome/josei genre with the interactive format. Maybe it will work, maybe not.

This game is a ROMANCE first and foremost: You will not be able to opt out of it. I am aware that some people are not fond of this type of content and yes, you as a player will have the choice to have (or not!) sexual content/pda, but you will not be able to get out of locking into a romantic route.

Cold, cynical, and incredibly sardonic, Phobos is all objective, giving up on any and all distractions and not being afraid to do whatever it is necessary for the greater good. His no-nonsense attitude and his constant tries to intimidate anyone into submission​ turned him infamous in the organization. His morality is almost black and he doesn’t care about the sacrifices that he needs to do to obtain the desired result. Killing for him is second nature, but most of times he will let Deimos talk him down from his murderous rampage. At least until he decides that the more approachable way is not being efficient anymore.

Friendly, good natured, and helpful. Everyone who knows Deimos has the impression that the man is not fit for this kind of work. He is well regarded by anyone across HADES and normally tries to resolve everything without violence, doing a really good work as a “face” in his Kerberos Unit. But don’t be mistaken, even preferring to not harm innocents, Deimos is a perfect killing machine, honed by his past to be the perfect assassin and torturer. He has an approachable personality, but when working he only focus on the job that needs to be done. Can be quiet work focused and hyper fixate on the mission, which feeds his insomnia.

With zero chills to give and almost always having and anxiety attack due to Phobos and Deimos shenanigans, his boyish appearance masks very well his personality and he constantly runs with the power of coffee and spite. As a handler he is extremely methodical and professional, being proficient with first aid, tech, engineering, and plan making, even if his ADHD tries as hell to hinder his plans. Being a genius, he mostly always lose patience with stupidity and prefer to work by himself. Chaos is the youngest handler in HADES history and by far one of the most respected, at least by name, since he is the only one capable to make Phobos and Deimos to actually shut up with just a glare.​ Can be a tad dramatic and fatalist, but he rarely is wrong. His favorite phrase is “I ain’t paid enough to deal with this shit” (Yes, he is.).

[theamberfist]

It's Tough to be a Teacher | Alastor x Teacher! Reader

Platonic! Alastor + Best Friend! Teacher! Reader

Description: You and Alastor have been best friends since you were alive; where you two served as a murderous radio-host-and-kindergarten-teacher duo. Now, your refusal to become an overlord and protect yourself in hell causes Alastor to come up with a plan to convince you; for your own safety.

(Notes: CW Alastor, mentions of cults)

❀ We've got a song in this one! (Sometimes I like to write in songs I find if they fit the scene since Hazbin Hotel is a musical after all!) ❀

Words: 4,243

Alastor was someone who absolutely thrived in hell. With almost no consequences for any of his actions, he could kill, torture, or eat anyone he wanted. It was no surprise to you that he'd risen to be one of hell's strongest overlords in such a short time after his death.

You'd also been dead by then. In fact, you'd been killed off long before he had when your crimes in life were discovered. Alastor, upon arriving in hell years later, had informed you that he'd gotten revenge on those responsible for your death in the most brutal, bloody way possible; just as a best friend should, and he'd been making a name for himself here ever since with your support.

You were under the impression that you thrived in hell, too. However, since you had absolutely no interest in becoming an overlord, this sense of safety and contentment you felt was really thanks to your best friend's protection. There were few in hell who would mess with the Radio Demon, and even fewer that would have risked harming you and incurring his wrath when the two of you were always seen together.

But that didn't mean there weren't any at all.

Since his debut as an overlord, Alastor had caused many of hell's strongest to go missing, where he broadcasted their screams of pain and torment for all to hear. As it turned out, many of those missing overlords happened to be connected to not-yet-missing ones, who would then take it upon themselves to exact their revenge upon him. And more recently, that meant going after the closest person to him, you, as an eye-for-an-eye sort of situation.

He hated it. Even more so because you could have easily become just as powerful as him if you wanted to. You'd been a killer in life too and you certainly had the stomach to deal in souls, but every time he brought the topic up, you refused it.

Your murders had always had a strict moral code to them when you were alive. The pattern had been what ultimately alerted the New Orleans police that you were a suspect and got you caught in the end. You only ever killed those that you had deemed deserving of it based on a list of circumstances and traits. In short, you'd been trying to make a positive impact on the world in your own twisted way by killing off people you considered bad.

In fact, you met Alastor precisely because of your little 'good deeds,' as you'd referred to them at the time. You had been in the woods burying a body, only for him to be out hunting at the same time. Surprised by the presence of another person, he'd come over to strike up a conversation and the rest was history. You'd been best friends ever since because, ironically, Alastor had never met your qualifications for a truly 'bad' person.

Together, you two were a radio host and kindergarten teacher duo by day, but a pair of serial killers by night; both very notorious for your crimes.

And yet, when you'd arrived in hell, you'd seen no point in becoming an overlord. Why own the souls of other sinners? It wasn't like you wanted to become some sort of god and the way you saw it, you could protect yourself just fine without that extra power (though, Alastor would have begged to differ on that point, considering it was usually his power protecting you without your knowledge). So every time he tried to suggest you join him in his path, you'd politely but adamantly refused.

Which was why he was now left at a loss for what to do. Sighing, the Radio Demon slumped in his seat as he stared down at the 'coffee' in front of him. He'd come down to Cannibal Town since they had some of the best cafe's in hell and a warm drink had always helped him think better.

He could continue to protect you the way he currently was just fine, of course, but should he ever not be physically present, and an overlord that was on the stronger side showed up, he wasn't as confident in the fact that you'd get out unscathed.

The Radio Demon had never worried for another person to this extent in his life or afterlife, but it seemed his best friend was one of few exceptions to that. After all, without you, who would he share endless hours of gossip with when even Rosie was busy? Who else in hell had he known in life that didn't constantly ask him for favors the way Mimsy did? Who else had quietly listened to his broadcasts every day while their kindergarteners took their afternoon naps in the classroom?

No matter what you said, he refused to allow you to come to any harm if he could prevent it. Whether he liked it or not, you were too much of an important aspect in his life for him to even risk that. For heaven's sake, you had hardly even committed a single crime since arriving in hell of all places because you claimed "everyone here was probably a bad person" and that you "couldn't actually kill them anyway so what was the point?"

So it was Alastor's concern for your safety that finally brought him out of the cafe and on a walk through the cannibal colony in the hopes of coming up with a solution. If he couldn't get you to become an overlord, perhaps there was some other way to ensure your safety down here. Could you make a deal with someone in higher standing? Sneak into heaven? Get a job working for Lucifer, if you had to?

Luckily, he didn't have to ponder long, because as he walked, he passed by a group of what looked like young adult sinners all resembling various animals. They were gathered in an alleyway and huddling like a sports team might before a big game, and since they weren't doing anything that particularly irritated him, he nearly passed them by without a second thought.

...Until he heard them say your name. Well, it was your last name; they'd referred to you the way your kindergarteners might have, back when you were alive.

Alastor froze, his head snapping to look at the group now. Upon noticing his gaze on them, they all quieted down as he repeated your name with an unreadable expression.

"Do the lot of you happen to know them?" He asked. The sinners all exchanged glances before hesitantly nodding.

"Yeah, we all had them as our teacher when we were little." One finally spoke up. Clearly, he recognized who Alastor was because he and the rest of them all seemed a bit timid.

"Interesting..." Alastor said as he took a step into the surprisingly-clean alleyway now. He was extremely curious as to why they'd brought you up at a time like this. If they were your former students, he was sure they'd absolutely loved having you as a teacher; all of them had. But bringing up someone who'd taught them when they were in kindergarten at a time like this seemed excessive.

As he came closer to the huddle, he noticed a few more interesting things on the wall behind them that only amused him further. It seemed he'd been right when he called them excessive.

Dozens of what he could only assume were their assignments from kindergarten had been plastered on the wall; all graded by your hand and with that sparkly pen of your favorite color that you always used. The Radio Demon wasn't even sure how they'd procured those things in hell, but that wasn't all. There was a photo of you with your class of kindergarten students from when you were alive at the center of it all, and lines drawn in bright red blood connected everything; wrapping up this odd display.

It was a shrine. That knowledge only made Alastor's smile widen further in amusement. You likely didn't even know these former students were in hell, so he enjoyed imagining how your face would look when he told you all these details.

The sinners exchanged glances with one another now, seemingly put-off by his silence this whole time.

"Do you have a problem with us?" One of the braver ones spoke up, "If so, we're not alone! I'll have you know there are tons of us down here that will gang up on you if you try anything!" The Radio Demon wanted to roll his eyes at that- as if a group of regular demons, no matter how large, could stand a chance against him- but an idea was forming in his mind now that he couldn't help but want to investigate further. He hummed, taking another step forward as he raised his microphone-cane to point at the wall-shrine.

"And do the rest of you worship this person too?" He questioned casually. It seemed your former students hadn't expected that because they exchanged glances with one another again before answering.

"...Yes. All of us were their former students," one said, "We were inspired by their death and followed their ideals in our own murders. Now, we continue to spread their knowledge throughout hell."

"I see..." Alastor replied. He couldn't have been more amused in this moment; here he'd been worrying about your safety since you didn't want to become an overlord, and now it seemed he'd just accidentally stumbled upon the solution. "If that's true, then I assume you've yet to run into them down here?"

That gave the group pause.

"They're down here?" The sinner who had first spoke up asked and Alastor nodded.

"Indeed!" He replied, "In fact, they happen to be a dear friend of mine." Their eyes seemed to narrow at that; as if they didn't approve of the supposed friendship. Alastor, however, paid them no mind as he stood taller and rested his hands on his cane. "I have a proposition regarding your former teacher," he announced to the group, "One I believe you'll be more than inclined to accept."

He could already see their intrigue as he began explaining.

..........

You quietly hummed to yourself as you made your way to what essentially served as your dwelling here in hell. Thanks to Alastor, you could have chosen just about anywhere to live if you wanted, so at the moment, both you and him resided in an otherwise-empty apartment building that closely reflected the architecture found in New Orleans during your time. Your apartments were next door to one another; even having a door on one of the walls between them for quick access, though Alastor rarely ever used it; instead just popping up out of nowhere in your house.

Unlocking the door to your home, you stepped inside and shut it behind you. Since your best friend had been busy today, you'd taken a peaceful walk by yourself and had now returned to make dinner for the both of you. Alternating who cooked and when was a common practice for you and the Radio Demon since you both shared the same tastes and preferences when it came to food. You had to admit, though, that he was much more skilled in the kitchen than you.

You turned on one of the many radios found in your apartment as you moved through the kitchen; humming along with the song Alastor currently had broadcasting. You were just about to start cooking when there was a knock at your door.

Frowning, you set down the apron you'd been about to tie onto your body and made your way to the entrance of your apartment. You'd never received visitors before; and especially not out of the blue like this. Alastor tended to ward off anyone who might have been looking to come see you.

Curious, you looked through the door's peephole to see a huge group of people crowding the hallway. Slightly nervous but remaining confident, you pulled open the door to greet them.

"Hello, can I help you?" You asked as kindly as you could. Alastor would likely lecture you about not answering the door for strangers like this later, but it wasn't like anything was going to happen, right?

Suddenly, someone from the group called your name, but not just any name; the title you'd gone by as a teacher. Your gaze snapped to them in surprise.

"Y-yes, that's me..." You replied carefully, "And you are?"

"It's me; James!" The person called and suddenly, memories of your life came flooding back to you. James had been one of your very first students and he was always such a sweet kid. He used to offer to sharpen your pencils for you during his own recess time, and though you never took him up on it, you were always appreciative.

"And Joseph!" Another demon called.

"And Ruth!"

"And Mary!" Suddenly, a whole chorus of names were called out, all belonging to your former students. Your breath hitched and a huge smile made its way onto your face at being able to see them again.

"My goodness, what are you all doing here?" You asked happily, ready to invite every single one of them into your home for dinner, even if they could barely fit in the long hallway outside your apartment, as it was.

But then it hit you; this was hell. If this many of your former students were here, that meant they hadn't made it into heaven like you'd always assumed. This was only a handful of those you used to teach, of course, but if this many had ended up in hell, you wondered what could have gone wrong to make them commit anything worthy of being here.

"What are you all doing here?" You asked, now crossing your arms. It had been a while, but those teacher instincts of yours were beginning to come back just from seeing all your old kids.

"We found out about your killings!" Mary eagerly spoke up. You cringed at that. You'd known your students would likely hear of what you'd done, and while you didn't regret any of it, you did feel bad that it had likely ruined the image of their former favorite teacher in their memories.

"We were inspired!" Joseph called now and your eyes widened.

"You're like our idol!" Agreed Ruth, "We want to be just like you so we've been living the way you wanted and continuing your legacy of cleansing the world of evil!"

You felt like you couldn't breathe. They were here because of you? Because of what you'd done? You weren't sure whether to be proud or guilty over that, but before you could decide, James dropped another bombshell.

"And now we want you to own our souls!"

You paused, taking the information in. A part of you expected them to backtrack, laugh, and tell you this had all been some elaborate prank, but that didn't happen. They were dead serious about wanting you to be their overlord.

"What?" You asked in surprise as Mary nodded.

"We want to give our souls to you and work under your command!" She explained excitedly, as if what she was proposing was the most normal thing. You weren't sure what to do.

"Uh...Could you all give me one moment?" You asked politely, feeling as if you might faint. The students nodded and you quickly shut the door before going straight to your living room. That was where the connecting door between your and Alastor's apartments was located and you hurriedly knocked on it, needing the support and guidance of your closest friend right now.

"Al?" You called quietly enough that the students wouldn't hear you but loudly enough that he would, "Are you there? I could use some help!" There was no response, even after you waited a minute, and you sighed, assuming he wasn't home yet.

You went to turn around now, trying to come up with a nice way to reject the crowd of people outside when you jumped at the sight of a bright red deer-like demon standing behind you.

"What is it, darling?" He asked in a cheerful tone.

"You've got to stop sneaking up on me like that!" You exclaimed as you reached a hand to your heart. It wasn't like you could have heart attacks in hell but it sure felt that way.

"Why, but it's so entertaining!" He replied before setting his cane down and letting it rest in the crook of his arm. "Now, what seems to be the issue today?"

Ignoring how he almost sounded like a customer service worker, you sighed and reached a hand to your forehead in an effort to calm your already-growing headache.

"Remember how I used to teach kindergarten?" You asked, though, you knew he did. Regardless, the Radio Demon nodded and you continued. "Well, it looks like a bunch of my former students grew up looking up to me and now they're here in hell. They showed up just now and they want to give me their souls like an overlord!"

Alastor remained smiling, as always, so it was hard for you to notice just how amused he was by this situation. "And why, pray tell, would that be an issue?" He asked.

"Because I can't do that!" You exclaimed, groaning in frustration, "I can't hurt them; they're still my former students! I would have no idea what to do with that kind of power and besides, I don't want to be an overlord!" You plopped down on your nearby couch as Alastor listened intently to your plight. Finally, he hummed.

"I still fail to see the issue, dear," he told you, holding his cane in his hands behind his back as he calmly paced in front of you, "who says you would have to harm them if you owned their souls?" When you didn't respond he went on. "And as for the power, you would hardly need to use it. They could live their lives just as they did before if you so wished, but this way, you would finally be able to protect yourself."

"I can already-" you started to protest, only to see the look in his eyes and think better of it. You'd been in denial about the role your best friend played in your safety for a while now. Finally, you sighed. "But Al, they see me like some sort of god," you told him, "they idolize me to a concerning degree. I can't have that power over people; it's never been my style."

Alastor knew this was true. After all, in life you'd always preferred to manipulate the world from the shadows via your killings. You would never have been comfortable with this much glory, but he wasn't about to give up on the idea yet.

"Perhaps I can put it a different way," he said. The sentence was a reference to your teaching style as well; always willing to try and explain or show things differently if a student didn't get it the first time. You were endlessly patient, and luckily, he knew that would work in favor of his current plan. 

With a wave of his cane, a hoard of shadow creatures appeared in the room around you. You glanced at each of them, having seen the group before, wondering how he planned to get this point across. That was when he pointed to the door, where one of the creatures had grabbed the handle and was now swinging it open. In the hall, you could see your crowd of students all kneeling, but they looked up with smiles once the door was open. That was when Alastor, in his theatrical fashion, began to sing.

"There, you see? They're on their knees!" He called, pointing his cane in the direction of the hall, "Being worshipped is a breeze!" As if to further prove his point, the shadow creatures ran over to kneel in front of him. The one that had been at your front door now closed it and joined them. "Which rather suits us in the interim!" Alastor added with his signature wide smile.

"I just...Don't think I'm cut out for it," you admitted with a sigh, completely ignoring his song. On a normal day, you might have sang and danced along, but you weren't in the mood right now. "They want me to be a god!"

You plopped down on the couch with a defeated look on your face but your best friend wasn't done yet. 

"It's tough to be a god!" He admitted dramatically as the shadow creatures spun in circles around him, "Tread where mortals have not trod! Be deified when really you're a sham!" You could tell he was mocking you now as he leaned on the couch and raised a hand to his forehead like an exasperated lady. You rolled your eyes but then he moved to stand in front of you, taking both your hands in his.

"Be an object of devotion!" He sang as the shadow creatures performed some surprisingly elaborate choreography around you. "Be the subject of psalms!" He pulled you up off the couch so you both were standing now and then draped an arm over your shoulders, pulling you in and raising his hand to his mouth as if telling you a secret. "It's a rather touching notion; all those prayers and those salaams!" He took your hand now, spinning you in a circle as you chuckled. 

Alastor knew his plan was starting to work now; at the very least, he'd cheered you up. It seemed pretending he had no part in the arrival of your former students really had been the right choice; otherwise you would have caught on to what he was doing. 

"And who are you to bridle if you're forced to be an idol?" He asked as the shadow creatures brought of both their hands and shrugged dramatically, "If they say that you're a god that's what you are!" You bit your lip at that; seemingly still not enthusiastic about the idea. Knowing he needed to try another tactic, Alastor snapped his fingers, transporting a few of your students into the room.

All of them were kneeling on the floor surrounding parts of what had been their shrine to you. Your widening eyes told him you hadn't realized their devotion ran that deep yet and his smile grew more sly as he went on with the song. 

"What's more," he sang, "If you don't comply with the students wishes I can see you being sacrificed or stuffed!" He dragged a finger across his neck for emphasis and you seemed to get a little more nervous. In order to bring back your enthusiasm, though, he pulled you back into a side-hug as you both faced the students. Now as they continued to kneel, silver platters of your favorite foods rested in their hands and they held them out to you. 

"So let's be gods, the perks are great!" He lead you over to one of the students and took note of how your eyes lit up slightly at the sight of your favorite food, "All of hell here on our plate!" He spun you again now and snapped his fingers so the platters disappeared and a few more students joined the others in kneeling. "The students' feelings should not be rebuffed!" He sang as he directed your attention to the sinners, who all gave you puppy-dog-eyes in agreement. Alastor had to hand it to them; they had a knack for going with whatever he came up with in order to convince you. "Never rebuff the students' feelings, no my friend!" 

The shadow creatures began dancing around again and the other demons joined them, despite not really knowing the choreography. The result was an adorably awkward dance between the two groups. "It's tough to be a god!" Alastor repeated to you as he took a step, gesturing to everyone around you both. "But if you get the students' nod..." He trailed off, giving you the opportunity to speak. You did, with slight hesitation. 

"Count your blessings?" You asked more than you sang. Alastor nodded, glad to know he seemed to have gotten you on-board now.

"Keep them sweet; that's my advice!" He replied as he came to stand by your side again in the middle of the circle of shadow creatures and students. 

"Be a symbol of perfection..." You sang softly. The Radio Demon knew his plan had worked now so he nodded and went on. 

"Be a legend, be a cult!" He advised you, "Take their praise, take the collection as the multitudes exult!" You turned to the students, one of your hands slightly extended as it began to glow your favorite color; a phenomena you'd never experienced before now.

"Don a supernatural habit?" You sang as you glanced back at Alastor, who nodded, before leading you slightly closer to the group. 

"You'd be crazy not to grab it!" He sang as the first student eagerly lined up to shake your hand. This time, you didn't reject the offer and the Radio Demon was glad to know his plan had worked out just the way he wanted. He knew you only needed a little more convincing in order to become one of hell's next best overlords. "So sign up this new god for paradise!" He sang as you finally took the hand of your student, shaking it and solidifying your first deal as a new overlord. "Paradise~!"

And with that, it was done. You would finally own souls of your own, and with them, you would finally have the power to protect yourself just like your best friend had always wanted. 

[thepenultimateword]

Your stuff is so good!! You should write a villain x weapon designer civilian snippet :0

Thank you, thank you, friend! Also, I’m loving the idea of that dynamic, so here you go!

CW: Weapons, unconsciousness, knockout gas

...

“Move and I’ll blow your head off.”

The ridges on the gun's metal barrel dug sharply into Civilian's hand, but they managed to keep their aim and voice steady as they pointed both at the villain in front of them. The criminal was currently backed up against the train doors, hands in the air, gas mask dangling nonchalantly off two fingers.

The villain raised their brow. "What are you some sort of hero?"

"No talking."

"I've never seen you before. I thought I'd met all of the agency's sentinals in white. Though you're not exactly dressed for the position. Maybe you're not--"

"I said no talking!" Civilian barked, taking a step forward and jerking the gun forward menacingly.

"Ok! Ok!" Villain said. They raised their hands higher. “Touch-y.”

On any other day, Civilian would have been like the other passengers, huddled up together in the far corners of the train or pressed back tight in their seats, as if they could disappear by mere force of will. But today, Civilian had been tasked with transporting their newest prototype to the agency for a demonstration. An electro-pulse gun that they’d tested on no less than five watermelons the night before. They were well acquainted with the damage it could do. They’d ripped the thing from its protective case without even thinking.

“I’ve already alerted the heroes to your location,” Civilian said. “So there’s no point in fighting anymore. Stay still until the next station and you’ll be arrested in one piece.”

“You alerted the heroes?” The villain raised both brows high. “How? I jammed the cell signals over the next twenty miles. Unless…” They grinned. “You have some other form of contact. You do work for the agency, don’t you?”

“Have you listened to a thing I've said? No more questions!"

“You’re the one who keeps chatting, darling. What? Nervous?”

Yes. And no. Their body was alight with adrenaline, every nerve a buzzing, quivering charge, and yet at the same time, they were surreally confident, gut numb and mind blank.

Villain pushed lightly off the doors with their elbows, taking a small, probing step forward. “Would you even really shoot?”

“You really want to try me?"

“You heroes make a lot of talk but not much action. What, don’t you have a code? 'Do no harm' or something like that? Besides, you're so cute." Another step forward. "I don't think you've ever been in a fight, let alone killed someone, so why don't you just--"

Civilian aimed the gun at the ceiling and squeezed the trigger. The energy projectile punched through the metal with ear-splitting BANG! The passengers shrieked. Villain knocked back against the doors with a thud.

The wind whistled loudly overhead as the air whooshed over the new gap in the roof, and after that shot, their ears might as well have been stuffed full of cotton, but even if they couldn't quite measure their own volume, they fixed the gun back on Villain's head and drove their point home.

“I’m really trying not to traumatize all these lovely people with the visual of your head exploding, and honestly, I’d really rather not kill you. But if you press me…if you doubt me, you’ll be dead faster than you can question me again.”

Villain gripped their mask abit tighter but their expression remained smooth and their posture loose. They whistled a long low note. “You’re something else, gunslinger. When this is all over, feel free to look me up anytime.”

“Fortunately, I don’t frequent prisons.”

“Me neither." Villain flashed a broader grin, full of white teeth and pocked with a dimple on one side. "Looks like we have something in common.”

The train screeched, the deceleration sending everyone lurching a bit to the right. In that exact moment, when Civilian's gun swayed a few centimeters off target, the villain's free hand shot to their belt.

"Hey!" Civilian shouted, stumbling a little as the train came to a complete stop. Villain tossed something small and round to the floor. Ping! Ping! It bounced twice, rolled a little into the aisle, and exploded in a cloud of cool fog. No not fog. Gas.

Civilian immediately turned their face into their shoulder, tipping the gun even further off target. The whole train car shrieked while Villain calmly pulled the gas mask over their head, obscuring the beginnings of an infuriating grin. Civilian opened their mouth to launch another threat but immediately choked on the sickly sweet gas. It raised around them so rapidly, they could barely see the nose of the weapon let alone, Villain. Not to mention...everything was getting sorta...slanty...

"S-sleepin'gas?" they slurred.

"I was never here to harm any of you." Villain's muffled voice seemed to come from all directions, echoey and distorted.

Civilian fell to one knee. Was it normal to feel like their head was buzzing?

"You made a really cute gunslinger, though. Like a western sheriff. Or an outlaw. Bet you'd be good in a holdup."

The train doors hissed as they opened. As some of the gas slipped free, they caught a glimpse of the Villain's shoulder as they darted out onto the platform.

The gun suddenly felt so heavy in their arms but they forced it up anyway. The barrel tipped to and fro, and their finger trembled on the trigger. They wanted to risk a blind shot, but there could be dozens of people standing outside on that platform. If they hit anyone else...

Their vision blurred, then blackened. They barely managed to set the gun down on the metal floor before passing out over top of it.

When they awoke, they were in the agency medical wing. They recognized it immediately by its obnoxious orange bedsheets and, well, Keith. Sort of hard to miss a giant, shining man in hero-white scrubs.

Civilian slowly pushed themselves upright. Their head throbbed with the movement, and they let out a rogue groan.

Keith turned away from the figure two beds down, covered from head to toe in bruises and now enveloped in their own cocoon of white luminescence.

"Civilian!" Keith beamed, light glimmering off his teeth. "You've regained consciousness! Any pain?"

Civilian rubbed the bridge of their nose. "Just my head... Was I hurt?"

"Not necessarily." Keith pressed both large hands to the sides of Civilian's skull. Civilian closed their eyes as they healer's glow wrapped around their head. Warmth trickled over their face and under their skin, ebbing the pain away little by little. "Just a very large dose of some sort of gaseous anesthesia. Luckily, there have been no long-term consequences so far. The ventilation created by the hole in the roof probably lessened some of the potency. Your handiwork?"

The events on the train rushed back all at once. They pulled out of Keith's grasp.

"Did we get them?" They looked rapidly around their bedside. "Where's my pulse gun?"

Keith stepped back and leaned against the empty bed beside Civilian's. "The gun is in weapons testing, I think."

"And the villain?"

"No. They escaped. We arrived just moments too late before they must have blended with the crowd.

Civlian threw themself back against their pillows with a heavy sigh. "Great."

"You still helped. You stopped Villain from completing whatever they originally planned and provided many citizens with immediate medical treatment by calling us in."

"Oh yeeeeah, I'm sure the whole team was just dazzled by my competence and quick-thinking. Especially when I couldn't hold Villain in place on anything but a moving train."

Keith frowned. "You don't need the title to be a hero."

"Thanks, Keith, that's really nice and heartfelt, and I'm sure you believe it, but seeing how you do have the title, and no one in power here thinks the same, it doesn't really mean that much to me."

Keith frowned but luckily didn't argue any further. Civilian knew they were being rude, but they really didn't need anyone else telling them that they were special the way they were. That they could do good their own way. That being a hero didn't even matter that much. It mattered a whole lot to them. And now they'd practically proven the entire agency right.

"What were they even doing on that train?"

"Robbery?" Keith shrugged. "Knock out the passengers and loot all their valuables."

"Alone?" Civilian traced the lines of the ceiling panels with their eyes. "They didn't even have a bag. How much could they have gathered if they planned on knocking out an entire train?"

"We don't know they were alone. They could have easily had accomplices posing as civilians throughout the train."

"True... Does the agency have a file on them? Tall, skinny, long black coat, annoyingly perfect eyebrows. Didn't show a power."

"I could look...but I'm not supposed to share that sort of info outside of other heroes..."

"Come on! What was that whole, 'you don't need a title' nonsense?"

"It wasn't nonsense! You are a hero! Just...not a legally sanctioned one."

Civilian sat back up and lowered their voice. "Come on, Keith. I'm not going to do anything; I'm just curious. You don't even have to give me the whole file. Just take a couple pictures of anything you think might also be on the news."

Keith grimaced.

"Please? I was so close today. So close to being what I always planned to be... Just let me chase that high a little longer. Then I'll go back to the weapons lab and never mention it again. Promise."

Keith inhaled a long breath, letting it out in a loud, irritated sigh. "Ok, fine. But don't bring it up to anyone. Ever. And I'm only giving you the first page."

Civilian's insides sank a little; they weren't sure what a first page of a villain file looked like, but they could assume it wasn't much. But they couldn't really be picky, so... "That's fine. Just the first page is perfect."

Keith looked like they had hoped that detail would deter them, but he continued on. "It might take awhile. I'm a hero, but I'm a healer, so no one is expecting me to march into the files room and request info on villains."

"That's ok, I can be patient. I work in weapons, remember? That's like the ultimate test in being patient."

Keith slid a hand over his face. "Ok. I'm also going to need more detail than 'annoyingly perfect eyebrows.'"

[brucewaynehater101]

How the Bats argue against Jason's murder in fics

Now, Jason's murders vary in fics on a spectrum. There's murderous killing even common goons up to only those folks who are repeat, violent offenders that are not able to be contained/do their time (whether due to a corrupt system or them escaping).

We are gonna chat about the second one [in simple terms, Jason being particular and only killing the really evil bastards].

Side note, this is neither arguing for or against Jason's methods. This addresses how Jason may relinquish killing in fics in a more realistic manner than simply because he was told to or he wants to make amends

I've seen the Bats arguing shit like:

"Murder is wrong"

"This is not how we operate"

"We are not judge, jury, and executioner"

"This makes you a villain/evil/a murderer"

These arguments, frankly, are shit. This should not convince Jason to stop. Red Hood is killing from a logical-based moral standpoint (by neutralizing the threat permanently, he is saving inevitable future victims). Jason believes his option is frowned upon, but ultimately the right path. It's a "I'm doing what's necessary even if it damns me" mindset.

Arguing it's wrong will simply make him scoff or laugh. He knows the Bats don't like it, and he know they find it morally reprehensible. He still finds his actions to be necessary.

Jason isn't a child that needs to be told "right" and "wrong." He simply has a different moral code. Instead, these arguments in a fic serve as a reflection on the Bat that makes those statements.

This is not a diss to anyone's religion, but a similar comparison is to folks who base their moral code on holy texts and then try to tell other people what's "right" or "wrong" based on what their scripture says. If the other person doesn't have the same religion, you simply can not make moral arguments based on texts they don't believe in... Cause that writing has no weight to them. You would need to argue why something is "wrong" without resorting to: because [] says so.

By only declaring it as wrong, all that Bat is doing is showcasing their inability to communicate/be morally flexible. They are showing an unwillingness to acknowledge Jason's points or try to engage in counterpoints to convince him. These arguments usually predate the Bats trying to force Jason to stop killing instead of allowing him to make the choice for himself.

That is a perfectly fantastic fic idea to explore, but this wouldn't persuade Jason to change his ways. In fact, it may make him dig his heels into his methods more.

For arguments to sway Jason's opinion on how to pursue justice:

There is no oversight for Jason's murders

Cops enforce with killing (regardless of how you feel about the truth of this statement, Jason would hate this comparison)

Killing takes away chances for reformation

The threat of death causes false confessions/fear-based responses

Unclear standards on killing leads to innocents fearing Red Hood and not feeling safe

Escalation can occur (especially in fucking Gotham) when people feel their lives are threatened

Killing takes a mental strain and is thus harmful to Jason

Death is permanent and they can't suffer

There is no remedy for human error if they are dead

I'm sure there's more, but these are starting points to stop Jason's murders or ween him off of it [such as requiring Babs or Tim or Dick or Steph or the Outlaws or fucking Alfred to double check Jason's work before the execution].

Once again, I am not claiming any of these reasons are "correct" or that Jason's way is "incorrect." This is how a certain dynamic may be influenced by various conversation paths

[acequinz]

I will not have Lan Xichen slander.

He is actually very smart and a great sect leader.

The only mistake he did was not being able to see past Jin Guangyao's kindness towards him and even that isn't his fault because JGY really was that bitch who rose from nothing and had the whole cultivation world in his hand.

Heck he would have continued to have it in his hand if it wasn't for NHS who succeeded in bringing wwx back.

Like thinking Lan Xichen of all people was stupid to not see his real face is both an insult to him and JGY.

Also you people forget that JGY has done a lot of good things as well. He isn't just a bad person, he's a person who is willing to do bad things to keep his power because he will not allow himself to be powerless again.

And when you look at the big picture it makes complete sense Lan Xichen would trust JGY over NMJ.

Lan Xichen has his own strict morals but he also sees the world in all of it's colours and that just shows in him cultivating a technique to be able to drink without getting drunk.

It's not just a fun little thing but shows his own code and how he looks at life.

When we meet him first, we see he is way more forgiving of Wei Wuxian and his antics than any Lan and even encourages Lan Wangji to give it a chance and be friends.

And this point Lan Wangji is just as bad as Qiren when it comes to upholding rules, (not bad as in bad person) and Lan Xichen pushes him towards Wei Wuxian because he clearly is not someone who follows rules blindly and it does help Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian is the reason Lan Wangji actually thinks of the rules and considers them, forming his own opinions on them and during all of this Lan Xichen is open and accepting of questions and patience. Because he trusts Wangji will come to the right path eventually and this time it wouldn't be him following rules blindly but they would guide him to the path he wants to take.

And then the war happens and Lan Xichen is forced to abandon his family to protect his sect and he does so.

In his lowest moment he meets JGY and is a witness to his kindness and support and at this moment Lan Xichen could give him nothing and maybe jgy tells him the truth about the general or maybe half a truth, either way, he hears his side too.

And then JGY takes on a very dangerous mission to play spy on WRH and they win mainly because JGY took these steps whole endangering himself, when it could have been so easy for him to betray others.

Also during this time him and NMJ have not been talking about JGY.

And by the time NMJ starts talking about JGY, JGY has done more rights than wrongs in Lan Xichen's book, you can't judge a person by just one action afterall, you need to consider the possibilities. Also his raging screaming and yelling black and white morals is not something that can shake Lan Xichen when he is analysing that at this point JGY is on their side and has been from the start.

Like even the reason for the proposed brotherhood was a political move and not just him wanting for his friends to get along. (When I remove my 3zun goggles*cough*) Because the high friction between Nie Mingjue and Jin clan could have very well started another war because let's remember - NMJ was highly unstable and could easily be triggered into it unless he was held back by something like a sworn brother pact- the sworn brothers pact would bring the largest three clans remaining to be tied together and unable to start another war that would cause even more harm.

Because Lan Xichen's first and foremost priorities are to avoid another war or discord that could cause casualties. He is out there taking disrespect from the kinds of Jin Zixun biting his tongue about Su She to maintain the peace in the cultivation world.

And in defense JGY does try to fix things with NMJ at the start(until nmj insulted his mom which is the trigger for him to have done almost all the on screen kills except maybe wrh) , he is indeed, kind and respectful and he did a lot for Gusu sect, all of that has got to add up.

JGY plays a dirty political game but he also did a lot of good for the cultivation world.

With the side that JGY maintains in front of LXC it's way more surprising that LXC even gave LWJ and WWX a chance to present their case.

But that was also only because Lan Xichen will always love and trust his brother, even if according to him the brother is once again back with his "toxic" situationship that almost killed him 13/16 years ago.

This is the one of the few time he chooses his brother over his sect leader duties.

Because if he was to follow the path as the sect leader the evidence presented until then compared to the words just words and no physical evidence shared by Lwj and WWX it's clear which choice he should have made.

Even in the end when we know that it is a fact that JGY has in fact never harmed or even tried to harm LXC, he still takes a stand against him. Is willing to die beside him for the one mistake he made of trusting JGY and it wasn't a blind trust, it was trust built up over months, years during and after the war.

Anyways, Lan Xichen my beloved you are doing good, great even come out of seclusion 🥺.

[belladonnadawn]

All For You

Isaac is willing to do anything and everything just to keep you by his side. Yandere!Isaac x Reader Content Warning: Mentions of violence, obsessive behavior, and yandere tendencies. Please, if you're not comfortable with the theme, dni.

“I'm sorry for your loss, Isaac–”

“I don't know him,” He interjected.

You don't know if it's his fear of being vulnerable towards you or if he truly has no connections towards the man who just met his demise in a brutal manner; and you don't want to ask.

“The only reason why I'm bothered is because of the reason why he was killed. He knew something that he shouldn't and that's enough for them to end his life.”

It was a reminder that he never fails to put in your mind. You nod, understanding where he's coming from and his warnings. After all, he has been in this line of work for years now and in his eyes, you're still a student, new to this world.

Contemplative silence filled the room as if both of you were waiting for one of you to speak. Isaac straightens his posture, looking at you he breaks the silence, “That's why I decided to remove you from the Villega case.”

You felt as if the air in your lungs got knocked out. Shock filled your body at the sudden revelation. It was the first time that Isaac removed you from a case– most importantly, to a case that you're close to ending.

“What? Isaac, I know that you care, but I don't think that this is the right course of action.”

“This is for you, (Y/N). All I want is to keep you safe from harm.”

An unamused laugh escaped your lips, “Isaac, it was just about a daughter trying to expose his father's affair for her inheritance.”

There's a calculated look in his eyes that you witness every time he handles cases. It was cold, sharp, and precise. And for you to witness it felt as if the ground was swallowing you whole.

“If the daughter can go through such lengths to expose his father, imagine the lengths that her father would go through just to keep his secret. Take this opportunity to take a break and study. I'll inform you once I find a case that is fitting for you,” His voice unwavering as he talked to you. At that point you knew that you can't persuade him anymore.

Defeated, you sighed and left his study.

INVALID PASSWORD

The bold letters flashed along with a loud beep that echoed in the room. Your eyebrows furrowed, trying to rethink the code again, doing it slowly and surely– but you were still met with the same words and the same sound. With determination, you tried to do it again, and again, and aga–

“What are you doing?” A loud authoritative voice filled the room.

Startled, you turned to him, a small sigh escaped your lips as you faced Isaac. “You scared me. You shouldn't jump out of nowhere, you know?” You let out an awkward chuckle in an attempt to lighten the mood, but he only stared at you.

“You didn't answer my question,” Isaac walked towards you with furrowed brows.

“I just want to take a little stroll outside. Get some fresh air.”

Isaac doesn't seem to be pleased with that answer. He walked towards you with such demeanor, “If there's nothing important to do out there, then don't go. Whatever you want or need, I can ask someone to fetch it,” He closed the gap between you two, his cold hand caressing your cheek.

“Don't waste your time on nonsense. Just stay,” His voice gentle as he looked at you, his eyes determined as he pulled you closer; not wanting to let go.

“But I thought we agreed that I can go outside…”

He sighed, holding your hand. “Can I confess something?” His eyes filled with vulnerability, a sight reserved for you. “I am scared after seeing that man's mutilated body. Every night, I am haunted by those images thinking ‘what if it's you instead?’”

Isaac's grip tightened, “I only have you and I don't know what I would do if I lost you. So stay, please?”

You wanted to protest, make an excuse just to see the world yourself. But how can you reject a man who only wanted your safety and your company? Especially when he saved you from the life that put you on the brink of death.

With a soft reassuring smile, you nodded. “I understand, I'm sorry, Isaac. I didn't mean to worry you.”

Intertwining your hands with his, he gently kissed your knuckles, “All I want is for you to be here with me. And I'll do anything for us to stay that way.”

You're familiar with the manor's nook and cranny. After Isaac stopped giving you assignments, you felt like you're back to square one, but this time as his lover.

Nothing changed, everything was painfully mundane. You spent hours reading and rereading books. Sometimes, you let yourself zone out and watch the red dot flicker on the corner of the room. Sometimes it flickers, sometimes it doesn't. It may be strange, but those became part of your entertainment in his house.

One evening, as you were exploring, you stumbled upon Isaac pressing the codes to the door. You intently watched him, memorizing the code as much as you can. Once you engraved it in your mind, you gently slipped away. Maybe this time, you can finally feel the fresh air, soft winds, and vibrant grass once again.

The escape was quick as Isaac was too busy meeting up with another client. You snuck out leaving no evidence behind, with a promise that you'll return home before he does.

A wide smile broke out your lips as you felt the sun against your skin, the cold breeze in your hair, and the grass beneath your feet. Everything felt vibrant and new. Something that you yearned for– something that you needed.

Taking a small break, you decided to buy yourself an ice cream. A small reward after enduring those days in the manor. You hummed as you continued to walk around town, making sure to track the time.

As you passed an alleyway, a large hand grabbed you by your hair, covering your mouth. Before you could speak, you felt a punch hitting your jaw, causing you to fall. The other man immediately punched your stomach, knocking the air out of your body.

He was relentless– they were relentless, the attacks weren't that brutal but it felt unending. It was suffocating. All you could do is to curl up in a ball, trying to protect your body from their attacks. It went on for about a minute, then it stopped. Their voices muffled as you hear them scurrying away.

Your body shook with sobs as you felt everything: the cuts against your skin, the blood in your hair, and the dirt beneath your feet. Before you know it, you're back again in the alleyway– unconscious.

You woke up feeling beaten down. Everything came rushing back to you, this time the pain was beyond physical.

The memories of you on the cold concrete, shielding your body, and feeling their relentless assault rushed in your mind. Everything felt like a nightmare came to life. As if the life that you turned away from came back to get you once more.

Summoning all the strength you had, you looked around your surroundings. Brows furrowing as you found yourself back in Isaac's manor. Your eyes landed on him, talking to someone on the phone. A groan escaped your lips as you tried to sit up.

The noise alerted Isaac as he immediately ended the call to rush to your side. “Careful now, you're still recovering,” He spoke gently as he assisted you.

“I-I'm here…” You managed to croak out.

“Yes, safe and sound. Questions are for later, just rest for now.” Isaac sat beside you, holding your hand. There's an unreadable look on his face, but you're sure that he's disappointed in how things ended up.

You mentally berated yourself. All you had to do is stay with him and not leave the house, but you put your desires first rather than what's right. There's a sense of humiliation after you put yourself and Isaac in this situation. For someone as disastrous as you, he has the patience of a saint.

Before you know it, tears fell down your face. You broke down right in front of him once again, “I-I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I should've listened, but I didn't. I'm sorry, Isaac. I swear I'll listen to you, I won't sneak out again!”

Isaac smiled, that's all he wanted to hear.

“It's alright, the important thing here is you're here now. Safe and sound,” He wrapped his arms around you, kissing your temple as you cried on his chest. Isaac continued to hold you, whispering sweet nothings as you slowly calmed down.

As he saw your peaceful state, he gently tucked you in. His hand caressed your cheek, soft smile on his face. Isaac hoped that this time you'll truly understand that all he does is for you, because of his overwhelming love towards you.

Finding you in his bed once more, your words continued to repeat in his mind. Maybe this time you'll stay with him once and for all. Maybe this will help you come around and see how dangerous the world is. And maybe hiring those men wasn't a bad idea after all.

Divider: Cafekitsune

[caleeeeee]

Memory Ashes-Chapter 2

Previous Chapter：

Hi! Hi!

Due to my lack of energy in drawing, I've devoted most of my efforts to Fanfict. Well... I still don't have much confidence in my writing... and I'm not sure if I can arrange the development of the story coherently and correctly... and this time, I'm still using a translator!... Uh... I hope nothing goes wrong...

————————————————————

And I want to give a special thanks to @phantomfairs !! Seriously, I still get excited when I talk about this... As I said, I didn't have high expectations for my AU concept... but I really didn't expect someone to support me so much!!!Your amazing Fanart has become my motivation!!! 💖💖💖💖💖💖

Ahhh... I still can't quite express my excitement in words... but! Your support is something I almost never want to forget... 😭😭💖💖💖💖 Thank you once again (❁´ω`❁)!!

————————————————————

The news of King Candy's rebirth spread throughout Sugar Rush in less than a day. The citizens spent the entire day discussing the matter. Some were shocked that this hypocrite hadn't disappeared, some feared he might turn the world into a living hell once again, and others hoped his code would be deleted from Sugar Rush.

As the ruler of Sugar Rush, Vanellope was one of the most emotionally affected by this event.

Calhoun and the soldiers had attempted to remove him from Sugar Rush, only to find that the exits were like an invisible barrier to him, preventing him from entering or leaving. Until they could devise a new strategy, they had no choice but to keep him imprisoned within Sugar Rush.

"Only a glitch in the game can't cross the barrier like a normal person..." Vanellope recalled her own situation before the game was reset, when she was considered an outcast, unable to escape her own game, and had to endure decades of loneliness.

But Turbo was different from her; he didn't belong to Sugar Rush at all. According to Calhoun, it was possible that he had been reborn after his death...

How could he possibly be reborn in a game that wasn't even his?!?!

This was a very serious and thorny issue. On one hand, they needed to keep him under control to prevent him from breaking out and plunging Sugar Rush into disaster again. On the other hand, they couldn't engage in a decisive battle with him, as who knows where in the world he might be reborn? Finding him again would be extremely difficult.

Vanellope knew that with the capabilities of Calhoun and the others, she didn't need to worry. But sharing a game with such a highly threatening individual... it was hard for her not to feel a constant sense of dread...

Her neighbors, Ralph and Felix, noticed her concern and often comforted her during their free time.

The soldiers' mission was far from over. They continued to patrol and guard the prisoner every day after the arcade closed.

Vanellope sometimes chatted with them.

"So you're saying... he's a bit different...?"

Vanellope looked at the soldier walking ahead of her with disbelief, struggling to keep up with his pace.

"...Yes, but it's hard to describe."

"Normally, a cunning and sinister guy like Turbo, who has gained the body and power of a Cybug, should become even more aggressive and evil."

"Didn't you say he even wanted to dominate all the games?"

"........."

"Yes..." Vanellope nodded.

"But when I unfortunately encountered him that one time, he didn't try to kill me. Instead, he gave me the opportunity to harm him..."

The soldier slowed his pace, complex thoughts spreading through his mind.

"I was at a loss, but I couldn't trust him, so I raised my gun and confronted him for a while."

"Confronted him for a while?"

"Didn't he react to your actions at all?"

"........." Markowski paused.

"I don't think so."

"Aside from blinking, there wasn't a single movement on his face, as if he had no idea what was right in front of him."

"Wow..." Vanellope didn't say anything more. She didn't know how to describe Markowski's bizarre experience. It was so abnormal that it was astonishing, and she couldn't figure it out...

...If Turbo was just pretending, what was his purpose in doing so?

To get himself discovered and then imprisoned again...?

In her memory, the only time she faced Turbo, the terrifying expression on his face was still vivid in her mind. She couldn't imagine... that pale face without any expression at all.

Vanellope looked up, about to ask more questions, but was interrupted by Markowski.

"You can't go any further, kid. Even though he's imprisoned now, he's still a big threat to someone like you."

" Hey!You promised I could come with you!"

"Yes, but I didn't say you could go in there with me." Markowski pointed with his thumb to a black building in the distance.

"You......!!"

"Listen, kid... I'm really grateful that you're willing to listen to the troubles on my mind... but this is my job. We can't let anyone from this game get close to here—especially not you."

"Please, Vanellope... we don't want anything to happen to you or anyone else here."

Markowski's tone suddenly became earnest, and Vanellope couldn't continue to insist...

".........Alright...Thanks anyway for everything you've done for us," she reluctantly turned and headed back.

That night, Vanellope lay in bed, recalling Markowski's words.

She really couldn't help but want to see... what this "completely different" Turbo that Markowski spoke of was really like.

It's not that she had any great concern or interest in Turbo himself. To be honest, she wasn't the slightest bit happy about his rebirth. It's just... after all, he possesses the power to destroy this game... As the person in charge here, her duties extend beyond racing; of course, she also has to ensure everyone's safety, which makes it hard for her not to think about this matter...

She began tossing and turning in bed.

◆◆◆◆

The dawn came quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for the arcade to open.

Children swarmed in, crowding in front of one game after another, vying to be the first to insert their coins. The room was filled with laughter and chatter.

Every game console was busy entertaining its young customers.

Sugar Rush was no exception; it had always captured the hearts of many children. But today, when the kids grabbed the steering wheels of the game, they noticed that the little girl with a head full of rainbow-colored candy. was not appearing on the screen.

....

Behind the dense tangle of cables was the place where the criminal was held.

With her perfect "glitch" ability, she could easily navigate through the gaps in these wires.

The tall, black building stood out starkly against the overall style of Sugar Rush, as incongruous as drizzling hot sauce over ice cream—strange and frightening.

Vanellope swallowed hard and slowly walked inside.

The interior was larger and more spacious than she had imagined. Apart from the cables that crisscrossed like spider webs in mid-air and the large iron cage in the center, there was almost nothing else.However, the prison walls were embedded with various devices.Vanellope observed carefully. The cage occupied about half of the prison space, and cables extended into the interior of the cage.

...It was obvious what was being held inside.

The cage was pitch black and silent. Vanellope cautiously approached, careful not to make any noise that might startle whatever was inside... But even so, after just a few steps, she heard a low growl emanating from the darkness...

"Oh... my..." Vanellope prayed in her heart that he wouldn't suddenly rush at the cage and scare her.

She ultimately decided against moving any closer, as a pair of blood-red eyes suddenly lit up in the darkness... accurately locating her position... and locking eyes with her.

Vanellope felt a chill run down her spine.It seemed he didn't just rely on hearing and sight to detect intruders...

The growling grew increasingly intense, the massive sound waves almost vibrating Vanellope's small body along with them. She could hardly believe this was a sound a person could make... It sounded like a mix of many different creatures' voices... eerily spine-chilling...

Just as she was considering whether to run away from this bizarre creature, the strange noise abruptly stopped, and the glaring red light in the darkness gradually faded to a soft blue.

".........?"

The pair of pale blue "light bulbs" stared at her for a moment, then began to move downward, approaching her.

Vanellope heard it, like the sound of a metal shell scraping against the ground, emitting a sharp, grating noise...

She instinctively covered her ears because the sound was extremely uncomfortable.

Walking with Cybug's limbs wouldn't make such a noise, would it...?

A pink claw reached out from the darkness and grabbed the bars of the cage. As the screeching sound drew nearer, the body of the Cybug came into view before Vanellope.

He was much larger than she had imagined... Vanellope felt he could almost swallow her whole in one bite.

But he didn't do that. He just lay on the ground, staring at her.

Vanellope felt very uncomfortable under such a direct gaze. At first, she thought Turbo wanted to eat her, but as time passed... she began to notice that Turbo wasn't actually looking at her body... but at her hair—to be precise, the candy in her hair.

"Hmm...?"

Vanellope reached up and casually plucked a candy from her hair. Sure enough, his head tilted slightly downward, and his gaze shifted to the hand holding the candy.

"Ah-oh... that's not going to happen, sir!" Vanellope shook her head and placed the candy back in her hair.

Turbo seemed to understand her meaning. After a moment of dazed silence, his eyes dimmed, as if all the light had been drained from them....

Just as Turbo attempted to turn his body and retreat back into the darkness, he nearly scared Vanellope into screaming.....

Now she understood why every movement he made seemed so slow and difficult. The entire left side of his body appeared as if it had been sliced off by something—no leg, no arm, just exposed red flesh and clusters of wires that seemed to have been forcibly yanked from his body. These wires slithered on the ground like a nest of pythons, tangled together. The cables she had seen earlier, hanging in mid-air and extending into the cage, were now wrapped around his body like a spider's web...

With no support on his left side, his entire body leaned severely, making it impossible for him to walk or move like a normal Cybug.

Under the dim light... Vanellope noticed that every wire was coated with dried, blackened blood. The floor, the cage, and almost his entire body were stained a deep red.The wounds seemed temporarily sealed... but with injuries like these... the slightest touch would likely cause them to bleed profusely again.

"Oh my... oh my..." Vanellope gasped, horrified. She had never seen anything so gruesome and terrifying...

The screeching friction sounds she had heard earlier... were probably the noise of him dragging himself across the ground as he tried to approach her...

After all... he couldn't walk anymore...

"Wait... wait a second...!!!"Her shout caught his attention. Turbo turned his head back to look at this little girl.

"..........??"

"Uh... uh..." Vanellope stammered awkwardly. She had called out instinctively... without even thinking that Turbo would actually respond.

Vanellope began frantically rummaging through her pockets, afraid that if she was too slow, the creature before her would disappear back into the darkness.

Finally, she pulled some candies from her pocket.

"Are you... hungry...?" Her voice trembled slightly.As she expected, Turbo's eyes widened again, and he stretched his neck toward her.

Vanellope wasn't sure how to respond at first. She stepped closer to the creature who now evoked a pang of sympathy in her and raised her hand.

"Sorry... I don't have much... uh..."

[After all, she wasn't like the old king who used to scatter candy everywhere, with pockets always full of sweets.]

Before Vanellope could finish her sentence, she felt a strange sensation on her palm. When she looked again, the candies in her hand had vanished.

Oh... it was in his mouth, being chewed.

Vanellope took this opportunity to examine Turbo's face. Somehow... he really did seem different...Those unsettling sulfur-yellow eyes had turned into softly glowing pale blue. His helmet was gone, and a mess of long hair covered half his face. So far, she hadn't seen him make even a slightly exaggerated expression.

...Back when they last met, that terrifying look on his face was almost always present...

Vanellope frowned as she looked at him.

"And now, even the way you chew doesn't seem human."

She meant no offense, but he really did look like a wild animal that had been forcibly captured and caged. It might sound strange... but Vanellope was starting to feel a bit sorry for him.

Turbo ignored Vanellope's voice, focusing on enjoying his food. Soon, the candy in his mouth was gone.

Now the two of them were staring at each other again, and Vanellope still felt a bit awkward...

"...Hey..."

"King Candy...?"

"Can you speak?" Vanellope really wanted to talk to him.

But Turbo just lay on the ground, his face pressed against the floor as he watched the little girl.

"........."

"Then... can you understand what I'm saying...?"

Turbo still said nothing, as if he couldn't hear her.The only response was a gurgling sound from his throat.

"...Oh." Vanellope roughly understood his current state. It's not that he now looks like a wild animal, but rather that he clearly is a wild animal now!!!!!!!!

"Have you completely turned into a Cybug...?"

From what Vanellope knew, no one had ever undergone such a drastic transformation after being reborn... He was the first.

....But maybe that was for the best. Vanellope sighed in relief because, if that were the case, his simple brain probably wouldn't allow him to come up with any world-destroying schemes...

Vanellope sat by the edge of the cage, close to his head. He didn't back away or show any signs of hostility.

Summoning her courage, she reached her hand into the cage and patted his head.

Turbo reacted noticeably to this gesture, turning his face toward her.

Then... he squinted his eyes... and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

"Wow... looks like you're pretty happy."

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

"Hey...! Hey! Markowski!!"

Vanellope called out loudly to the soldier not far away, jogging towards him as she did.

Markowski stopped and frowned, not expecting the little girl to come looking for him again.

"...What's up, kid? Coming to ask me the question you didn't get to last time?" Markowski watched Vanellope running towards him and smiled helplessly. "Seems like you're really interested in my experiences."

Vanellope didn't respond to Markowski's words. She was silent for a moment before slowly speaking up.

"I... uh... I've already met him..."

"...Wait, what?"

"I've already met him...!" Vanellope repeated, lifting her head. "He..."

"When did you sneak in there??! I clearly told you... Do you know how dangerous it is in there?!?!"

"Are you hurt??! Did he harm you?! Did he—"

"Calm down... calm down!" Vanellope loudly interrupted him.

"I mean... I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, but... he didn't harm me... just like you described to me, he didn't even show any hostility towards me."

"On the contrary, he showed me his friendly side..."

Hearing this, Markowski let out a sigh of relief.

"So..." Vanellope continued, seeing his reaction, "this time... I still want to ask you to let me come with you... after all, we're the only two who have experienced and care about this matter..."

"Hmm..."

"Alright, but you have to promise me that if you notice anything unusual about him, you'll stay as far away from him as possible."

"I promise!!" Vanellope nodded repeatedly.

Along the way, Markowski would occasionally glance at the little girl. He noticed that she often strayed from the path, running around to pick up branches that had fallen from the candy trees.

.........

Today, he was unusually quiet. When Vanellope walked up to the cage, she didn't see the familiar blue light, only hearing some faint breathing sounds.

"Oh... he's asleep."

She gently placed the branches she had collected along the way inside the cage. Since he was resting, it was best not to disturb him... Vanellope thought to herself as she slowly returned to Markowski's side.

"Back so soon?"Markowski said while inspecting the prison's mechanisms.

"Yeah..."

"What's wrong? Why do you look so down?"

Vanellope shook her head.

"......"

"Hey... kid, want to hear me talk?"

"To be honest, I really admire you."

"I've heard about your past, the times before our game was plugged in here."

"You were once abandoned and despised by everyone, suffering in your own game, enduring decades of loneliness and scorn, yet you remained positive and never gave up on your dreams..."

"........."

"I have to say, kid, our game has only been plugged in for a short while."

"Guess what? After just a week, I was already tormented by this life of constantly fighting bugs, feeling like I couldn't go on."

"Hahaha! Looks like I'm the stronger one then!"Vanellope suddenly laughed out loud upon hearing this.

"That's right! That's exactly what I mean!"

Time ticked by, and Markowski and Vanellope waited for about 40 minutes, but the sleepyhead showed no signs of waking up.

"Ah..."

"We really can't wait any longer, kid... I have to get back to the patrol on time..."

Vanellope checked the time; indeed, too much time had passed...

"Alright..."But just as she took a few steps towards the exit, she was suddenly pulled behind by Markowski.

"Hey...! What—"

"?!!!!"

Before Vanellope could react...

At the entrance... the prison's entrance... there were about four or five Cybugs advancing towards them...

This world indeed had more than just Turbo as a Cybug!!!! Markowski shielded Vanellope completely.

The group of monstrous creatures, upon seeing them, became even more frenzied and excited, each emitting horrifying and bizarre screams as they charged forward.

How could they have gotten in here?!? The defensive measures of this building weren't something that just anything could enter or exit at will... Moreover, if they had been in this world all along, why hadn't he or anyone else patrolling here for so long ever noticed any trace of these creatures???!?

Markowski pulled Vanellope to the side of the central iron cage and shoved her into the gaps between the iron bars.Her small body was completely sufficient for her to hide inside the cage, no matter what... he absolutely could not let this little girl get hurt...

He raised his gun, aiming it at those freaks.

If they dared to take one more step closer... he would definitely not be polite to them...

But suddenly, all the Cybugs stopped moving as if their power had been cut off.In the cage behind him, a neon-colored light instantly illuminated all the darkness, and the sound of wings buzzing filled the air.

It was the big guy... he had woken up...

Turbo's tall figure was silhouetted against the strong light, his eyes looking down at everything before him. Markowski saw the wires inside the wound on his left side hanging in the air like vines—given his recent condition, he couldn't stand, but if he relied on his wings... the outcome would be different.

He stretched his neck and let out a strange roar, not loud, but the immense force almost shook the entire prison. The Cybugs, as if they had received some command, after a moment of stiffness... all turned around and quickly left...

After that, he descended, slowly lying down.

Flapping his wings seemed to quickly drain his energy...

"Kid...! Are you okay?!" Markowski asked anxiously as he saw Vanellope jump down from Turbo.

"Ah... I'm fine!!"

"It's just..." Vanellope was still shaken... she could hardly make sense of what had just happened...The two of them just stared at each other in a daze.

"...Was he protecting us just now...?"

"........."Vanellope thought for a moment, then nodded.

"...Maybe so."

".......I need to go outside and check if those beetles are still around... you stay here and don't move, kid..."Before Vanellope could respond, he ran out.

Watching Markowski's retreating figure, Vanellope turned her gaze back to Turbo.

She gradually calmed down.Although she felt it was quite unusual... it was undeniable that Turbo had helped them...Vanellope thought that Turbo must have been communicating with those Cybugs just now.

Looking at the Cybug still panting heavily, she ran to fetch the candy branches she had piled up earlier and placed them near his face this time.

Turbo clearly sensed something and immediately grabbed the pile of branches to munch on.

...Speaking of "communicating"...

During this time, Vanellope heard Turbo make many different sounds, but she never heard him utter a single word... No matter what she said to him, Turbo never gave a clear response.

The last time they met,she conducted a little experiment on Turbo. First, she tried saying something with a completely blank expression. Then, she repeated the same words, but this time with obvious facial expressions and gestures. She noticed that Turbo reacted slightly more to the latter than the former.

"Oh...right... you can only understand me through expressions and gestures..."Vanellope sat on the ground, watching the creature munching on a branch. Even though they had met once before...she still felt strange and uneasy about treating him like a wild animal. She had always hoped to have a conversation with Turbo... even if it was just a sentence or two... To be honest, when she first decided to visit him, she had already prepared herself for the possibility of being met with harsh words...

She tilted her head slightly and sighed.

However, this small action caught Turbo's attention. He suddenly stopped eating and raised his head.

"......Huh...?" Vanellope instinctively looked up as well, only to find herself directly meeting his gaze.

"Oh... uh... I'm fine!!" she said, shaking her head vigorously.Even though they had spent several days together, this big creature still managed to startle her from time to time...

He remained unmoved. Vanellope watched as he moved his tail to the front, rummaging through the pile of branches. Eventually, his tail wrapped around a smaller branch and extended it through the gaps in the iron bars, offering it to her.

"Uh......"

Turbo's movements froze at that moment, as if waiting for Vanellope to respond.

She cautiously took the branch, and Turbo's tail released it. He lowered his head again, busy with his own affairs.

Vanellope hesitated over whether she should say thanks, but realizing that even if she did, he wouldn't understand, she remained silent.

It seemed that in the world of Cybugs, hunger was the only thing worth worrying about.

But it was clear that Vanellope wasn't hungry, and even if she were, she wouldn't resort to chewing on a branch picked up from the ground... Although they were in a candy world where, strictly speaking, everything was edible, it still felt a bit different from what she considered food...

But... come to think of it.

She was quite surprised that Turbo actually cared and started protecting her.

Vanellope felt a complex mix of emotions inside...

The person in front of her was none other than Turbo, the arrogant and paranoid tyrant who had persecuted her for decades, the monster who had been willing to destroy everything for his own gain, the one who had sought to turn all game worlds into hell...

She should hate him, despise him.

But......

"Hey! Vanellope!"Markowski called her name at the prison entrance.

"Everything's fine outside, get up, it's time to leave !"

◆◆◆◆

It was already quite dark. According to the schedule, after the soldiers finished their daily patrol, one of them had to be assigned to check the prison's mechanisms once again.

Turbo opened his eyes; he sensed someone approaching.

The soldier began his routine check of the various devices to ensure they were functioning properly. Turbo's gaze followed him, watching as he moved from one place to another, fiddling with switches and buttons.

Finally, after he had touched all the devices, he turned and peered into the dark iron cage.

...Inside, there was nothing but a faint blue light.

After so many days, Turbo had gradually come to understand the daily tasks of these soldiers. He also knew what he would face once they finished inspecting all the devices.

Usually, as long as he didn't move too quickly or make any large movements, the cables on his body wouldn't electrify.

But every day, after the soldiers finished their inspections, they would manually turn on the cable switch to ensure this crucial control measure was functioning properly.

Every time... the piercing, knife-like electric current would surge through his entire body...

It hurt... so much...

...Were they still afraid that a Cybug, with half its body nearly sliced off, would escape...?

"........."Turbo curled up as much as he could. He had long prepared himself to endure the pain.

But this time, the soldier didn't press the switch. He stared blankly into the dark cage for a moment, then silently left with his gun in hand.

"............?"

Oh... Turbo realized who had come today...

Among all the soldiers, only he had never turned on that switch.

Turbo slowly relaxed his tense body, yawned, and rested his head on his arm.

Tonight, he wouldn't have to endure the excruciating pain before falling asleep. He felt a great sense of relief...

In the castle, Felix gently pushed open the door to a room.

"Hi Vanellope! Good evening!what's the matter calling me over so late at night?"

[pinkcrocss]

Is A-Train "redeemable"?

I have been thinking about this discourse that people have been having, following A-train's actions so far in season 4. And I know we've watched A-train teeter on the edge of good and bad for the last 4 seasons (generally falling to bad more than good). But i think the revelations about Frenchie's character kinda add an interesting spin to this question.

We need to consider how much our personal bias towards the characters we have grown to know (their motivations, their trauma's, their back stories), is impacting moral judgments we pass on other characters across the board.

Atp, every member of the boys has crossed "the line" in terms of black and white morality, but we give them a pass because we are convinced that they are all truly good at heart, and that their cause is just.

However, when you actually break down the actions of said characters, it kind of paints a different picture.

What has A-train done, that we feel he has to atone for? (this is just going off my terrible memory, so forgive me if I miss some things)

He killed Hughie's girlfriend (through negligence)

He killed popclaw (at the behest of homelander)

He's generally pretty arrogant and doesn't care about the horrible actions of his comrades, until it affects him

He killed bluehawk (most people agree that was justified)

Since season 2, Frenchie's past as a hit-man was hinted at (with little Nina explicitly stating that he had also killed children in season 3). It's clear Frenchie never had a particular moral code when he was a hit-man (no women/children type limits). He was simply a hired gun.

We sympathize with Frenchie because we know he had a difficult upbringing with his abusive father, as well as his loyalty to his friends (Cherie and Jay), the boys and especially Kimiko. Him serving as a comic relief often, also adds to this empathy bridge.

But season 4 has actually shown us a glimpse of just how many lives Frenchie has taken in cold blood. A whole room full. Why are we rooting for Frenchie's peace of mind, while debating if A-train is redeemable?

Frenchie has killed more people than Atrain (supe or not) and as far as I know, A-train has never killed a child.

Would it be easier to understand the gravity of Frenchie's crimes if Ryan or MM's daughter was one of his victims? Because his victims are all nameless, we act like his crimes hold less weight.

And then he goes on to start a sexual relationship with one of his victims, while hiding the knowledge that he was perpetrator of his greatest trauma. I think maybe we overlook the sadistic nature of that act because we interpret Frenchie as a "lover at heart", a true romantic that was swayed by his feelings and couldn't help that he had fallen for someone he had wronged. Bruh. When Colin eventually calls Frenchie a psychopath, he's not wrong.

And what about starlight? Her hands aren't clean. Remember the civilian she killed in Season 2? How is that any different from the situation with A-train and Robin? Yeah, it was an accident. In other words, negligence on her part. She needed to save Hughie; but why does Hughie's life matter more than that man. Her and Butcher were trying to carjack him and he had offered to call for help. He had a right to try to defend himself, and that bullet wouldn't have hurt her. That man was a father.

By the logic of why the boys are doing what they do, why we justify their murders of supes who have harmed them and their loved ones; if the child of that man grows up and hunts starlight down, would we need to root for that child to kill her?

Not so different from the shining light girl that keeps trying to kill Kimiko. From what was revealed of their backstory, Kimiko was the one who lured the girl into shining light. That's actually a common tactic of human traffickers, to use their victims (usually women and children) to lure in more victims cuz they seem less threatening. And obviously we can't fully blame Kimiko. She was trapped, brainwashed, and a child trying to protect her younger brother.

However, that girl also has every right to hate her. From her view, her life was forever taken because Kimiko chose not spare her (kinda similar to Gamora and Nebula). When Hughie said to A-train, "everything started with you!" we side with Hughie and we agree. So everytime Kimiko faces against that girl, why are we rooting for Kimiko? Wouldn't kimiko be A-train in that instance?

At this point, the only member of the boys who is still maintaining some Moral code is MM, and it's no coincidence that the show has made him seem pretty useless so far this season.

Btw, this post isn't a defense of A-train nor is it truly an indictment of any of the characters I used as examples. It's just an inconsistency I've noticed with the general fan discourse of who's "good" and who's "bad" on this show. Who is worthy of "forgiveness". Who's "redeemable". Redeemable to whom tho?

P.s. I'm not here to argue. Don't come for me cuz I critiqued your fave. I'm just thinking out loud. Feel free to respond/disagree, but if you're rude I'll just block you.

[lu-is-not-ok]

I see! I see! then in turn, envy probably does fit better, but I'm going to give an alternate viewpoint on these sins that I think you'll find interesting.

personally, I don't think the sins involved are the primary lessons of the sinners, but can be interpreted as the failings of the antagonist. Don is more obvious, given the first kindered's "ingenious" ideas that led to his children suffering. his pride blocking the idea that this dream wouldn't work.

while for heathcliff... I doubt he'd have this much of an issue if more than one person in his life gave enough of a damn, its clear cut that the butlers didn't even bother to feed him if he weren't nelly, slothful neglect.

It's an... interesting viewpoint, I'll admit.

I can definitely see what you mean with the First Kindred's main failing being Pride. Him having excessive confidence in his plans and not pausing to hear out the grievances of his Kindreds more closely is what eventually led to everything falling apart, as he was unable to account for his own flaws and did not foresee the consequences of his actions. That is, very much, a classic Pride move for sure.

...However, I think your assessment for Heathcliff and Canto 6 has some flaws in it. Mainly because saying that "the butlers" are the antagonist of Heathcliff's story is... Did we read the same Canto?

Let's dissect this Chapter a bit to get to the bottom of this and see if there is any way for Sloth to come from a Canto 6 antagonist. For the Canto itself, there are three notable antagonists (-ish). Hindley, Nelly, and Erlking Heathcliff (with a bonus Every Catherine as part of the same archetype).

Hindley's all about bullying and hurting Heathcliff out of his own feelings of inadequacy, he feels as though his father cares more for a random kid found on the street than he cares about him, his own son. His Sins could be read as somewhere between Envy (his lack of self-worth being the core of why he lashes out) and Wrath (him feeling cornered and unloved cause him to try to change it by doing everything he can to get Heathcliff out of the picture).

Nelly is... interesting. Her colluding with Hermann is caused by her feeling like she's trapped, helpless to change her fate of being hurt by the fall-out of whatever happens between Heathcliff and Cathy in every Mirror World. This is, also, a very Wrath-coded action. However... she does accuse Heathcliff and Catherine of being too Slothful to actually communicate their feelings for each other and in the process causing harm to everyone around them. Put a pin in that, I'll come back to this later.

Then there's Erlking Heathcliff and Every Catherine, which have fairly simple motivations. They both independently came to the conclusion that they themselves are the reason why the other can never be truly happy, and so decided that the only way to fix that is to kill every Mirror version of themselves. This can be read as many things Sin-wise, primarily Gloom (sinking into the self-destructive hopelessness of being unable to find a World where they can be happy together) and Envy (lacking a sense of self-worth to the point they fully blame themselves for everything going wrong in every World).

However, while these three are the antagonists of Canto 6, they're not really antagonists of Heathcliff's past. It's... a lot harder to say if there is an exact culprit for the suffering Heathcliff went through during his time at Wuthering Heights, but I'll try.

One culprit I'd like to define as more so the environment itself rather than any specific people. Not just the butlers of the manor, but the whole Earnshaw family and the classist system they all live in. All of that in one way or another contributed to the abuse Heathcliff had to endure.

...Could you define all that Sloth? Kind of, maybe, since it's blind acceptance of the system that led to the abuse. But you could also make a strong case for Pride, since a lot of the abuse came from the people around Heathcliff treating him as a lesser being, as someone who isn't worth as much as they themselves are.

So if not any of the Canto 6 antagonists, and if not the Wuthering Heights itself, then who else could be the source of the Sloth?

This is where I'd like to take out that pin from how Nelly described both Heathcliff and Catherine as Slothful. Because, yes, I believe our Heathcliff and Catherine are in a way antagonists to their own pasts as well. Let me explain.

The miscommunication between Heathcliff and Catherine, their inability to share their feelings with each other, them resigning themselves to never be able to do so. Not only is it one of the main sources of a lot of suffering both they and people around them go through, but it's also, just as Nelly commented, very Slothful behavior.

...Which is. What I would like to say. But unfortunately, Nelly can only describe what Heathcliff and Cathy's actions seem like on the surface - in reality, the Sins that are actually on display are not Sloth.

For Heathcliff, it's Envy - he feels like he's not good enough for Cathy, and so feels like he's not worth it to confess his feelings to her.

For Catherine, it's Pride - she feels like she and Heathcliff aren't on the same level, and so feels the need to help Heathcliff become a better person and reach her level before she can even consider confesshing her feelings to him.

I really, really tried to find a way to make this theory work, cause it is a very interesting one that I think could work considering what we've learned about the Golden Boughs in Canto 7. If they feed on people's desires, it would make sense that the Sins they take on as Saplings are of those they fed from. After all, the Bough stabbed into the First Kindred very clearly sapped him of all his Pride, leading him to lose all of his confidence and belief in his dream. Like, it's too perfect for there to not be an in-universe connection!

Unless... we're looking at this all wrong. While narratively, it makes sense for Heathcliff to be the one unlocking Hokma, in-universe it could be a coincidence. After all, there was no Bough able to feed on anyone's desires in Canto 6. One got obliterated, and one got stolen.

So then what other Bough could have fed on Sloth...

...

AH FUCK YI SANG AND DONGBAEK-

IF THERE'S ANYONE WHO COULD HAVE FED A BOUGH WITH SLOTH IT WOULD BE THOSE TWO GOD FUCKING DAMNIT.

[brightstar2000]

"Your past doesn't define you"

I think some people need to take this to heart. This applies to, not just Moon, but Nexus too.

Yes, Moon did horrible things in the past, i will not try to sugarcoat or gloss over that, but he is and has been making a genuine effort to be better than he used to be, and he is better than he used to be. He even acknowledged how he dislikes being so short tempered when Goliath made that poke at Sun. He's aware of what he's done and wants to improve.

Nexus, on the other hand is the opposite. He started good, that is undeniable and he kept it up for a while until he began to deteriorate after Solar died. He's made it very clear now that he intends to harm Sun's family. If infecting Moon a little bit with the negative star power first didn't make that clear, him nearly killing him the other day made it abundantly clear. He refused Solar's help as well. He doesn't want to change back to how he used to be, but people continue to defend him and hate on Moon.

I'm not saying to ignore the abuse that Moon put Sun through, but at least look at him now, making an actual effort to change and be better. Look, if an ex abuser is making real genuine efforts to become better as a person, and even acknowledges their slip ups when they happen and takes the steps to prevent them from happening again, i see that as a redeemable person. Moon is redeemable in this sense and i am willing to give him a chance.

Nexus? I do not see any redeemable qualities about him anymore except the very vague hope that he may still come back. That New Moon is still possibly in there somewhere. Yet with each encounter so far, that small hope i have dies more and more and is genuinely almost entirely gone by this point. For me, as of right now, where the lore stands, Nexus is irredeemable. His past does not define him. Same with Moon. The differences between them are that they both are going in opposite directions from eachother. Moon getting better, Nexus getting worse.

Moon had a kill code that influenced his actions. It is clear that he did not want to do the things he did himself. He expresses extreme guilt and regret, going so far as to say he would trade his life so the victims he killed could live again.

Nexus did not have a kill code. He still doesn't. He chose to start doing all of the things he is doing himself. I know Dark Sun helped it along, but i seriously doubt Dark Sun pitched the idea for Nexus to start injecting himself with negative star power. And i said it so many times before, but grief did not give Nexus the right to do what he did to his ex family. Not even when he had his psychosis snap. His ex family still are not to blame for that. They also had their own grief to get through at the time. Nexus didn't let them try to help him. Nexus had no outside influence before Dark Sun got him to make him become like he was when he nearly killed Earth. It was all himself and that is why i have such a hard time believing he is still good inside.

[palestinegenocide]

Zionism will never be viewed the same after the Gaza genocide

How do you wrap your head around genocide? As one numb week follows another, our leaders blind themselves to massacre and famine.

Joe Biden can see no “compelling alternative to how Israel [wages] a war in these circumstances without doing grievous harm to civilians,” Aaron David Miller writes in the New York Times, excusing the president’s support for genocide. So, Israel isn’t being deliberately cruel and sadistic. The Times coverage would just have you believe they just have no choice– as Donald Johnson wrote in a letter to the paper. “There is no middle ground between what Israel is doing and Gandhian pacifism: They just had to use 2000 lb bombs in urban settings. They have to torture captives and cut off food.”

Miller and other liberal Zionists have adopted that stance, but they are having little influence on Democrats. Polls show that the American people favor giving humanitarian aid to Gaza in far greater numbers than they do giving military aid to Israel, and the progressive base of the Democratic Party has started a political “firestorm” over U.S. support for genocide. The Zionist group J Street postponed its 2024 conference, surely because its own rank and file are enraged by Israel.

James Carville said on MSNBC this week that if Biden loses, it’s Israel’s fault, because the catastrophe in Gaza is an issue “all across the country.”

“This Gaza stuff, this is not just a problem with some snot-nosed Ivy League people…This is a problem all across the country. And I hope the president and Blinken can get this thing calmed down because if it doesn’t get calmed down before the Democratic convention, it’s going to be a very ugly time in Chicago. I promise you that. No matter what happens, I know it’s a huge problem.”

Last week, Brad Sherman, the Israel-loving Congress member from Los Angeles, fought back, accusing “anti-Israel forces” of an “attempt to penetrate and muddy our national discourse.”

Protesters affiliated with the antiwar group Code Pink seek to ask Rep. Brad Sherman about his support for the massacres of Palestinians in Gaza, in a video posted March 20, 2024. The congressman from Los Angeles/Malibu ran away from the protesters and accused them of seeking the genocide of Jews. Screenshot.

Sherman accused them of antisemitism. “There’s blood on your hands for the genocide—you’re trying to kill every Jew.”

That is the chief refuge for Democrats who excuse Israel’s actions. To say that critics of genocide are motivated by antisemitism.

But even liberal media are giving a platform to progressive critics. “The United States is complicit in genocide,” Mehdi Hasan said this week on New York public radio, and when the host pushed back and said Hasan was not blaming Hamas, Hasan said of course he denounces Hamas, but his tax dollars are not going to support Hamas. He also pointed out the inevitable consequences of military occupation. “The oppressed will always rise against the oppressor.”

And in wonderful media news this week, Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg withdrew from a speaking engagement in Kentucky after students questioned his record in the Israeli military nearly 40 years ago.

Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, withdrew from a scheduled speaking event at the University of Kentucky (UK) Wednesday, citing a last-minute schedule change, amidst concerns from students about his past as a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) prison guard and his views on Zionism…. “We were informed that students expressed concern as to why a former IDF prison guard would be speaking on democracy and journalism at an event celebrating the integration of UK. Students were told he withdrew to not cause harm on campus,” the representative [of a Palestinian solidarity group] stated.

The event was billed as “The Future of Journalism and the Health of Our Democracy.” That’s a little bit of accountability. The editor of the Atlantic is finally being called out for his service for Israel. The writer Yakov Hirsch repeatedly explained on our site that Netanyahu could not have maintained his faultless reputation in the U.S. mainstream without Goldberg fostering “hasbara culture.”

And bear in mind, that Goldberg used to brag about his military service. He wrote a whole memoir about it. Now, times are changing. And other editors who carried water for Israel will surely be called on to defend that work.

This process is just beginning. Zionists still have esteem in the U.S. discourse. The view that Israel supporters promote bigotry against Palestinians is still off-limits. Even as mainstream Jewish organizations assert that those who support Palestinian rights are bigoted against Jews.

“Israel supporters should be seen as on the same moral level as supporters of Bull Connor, but in the U.S. and Western mainstream you can only point to antisemitism— you can never point to anti-Palestinian racism on the Israel side,” Donald Johnson has written on our site.

“We cannot make progress on this issue if the extreme racism of the pro-genocide side is never discussed. People have to be able to say that any group, whether white southerners or South Africans or Nation of Islam members or Christian evangelical Zionists or Germans or, yes, Jewish supporters of Israel, can be racists. They can make racism central to their ideology. But Zionist racism is still a taboo subject, automatically branded as antisemitic, because fundamentally Palestinians are seen as lesser.”

[roopnavarro]

Octoboss-related ask: I know this is a big hypothetical but there is this story on Ao3 called 'Guardian of Gastown' which involves Octoboss becoming the ruler of Gastown after the negotiations go haywire and Dementus and his crew get captured.

In your mind, what kind of ruler would Octoboss be?

Hey there! Excellent question! Thank you so much for the ask! I’m going to check out the fic later, thanks for the rec! But I’m going to answer this question before I indulge in reading it, because I want to go in blind, and I don’t want to seem like I’m rebutting or trying to invalidate another author’s work. Whenever I give my takes, that’s never the case. I think it’s wonderful that we have this wellspring of creativity and a myriad of interpretations around this character who has like, five lines and two minutes of screentime! I’m also going to give you a primer on how I portray Octoboss and his decision-making process. Disclaimer time! Everything henceforth is PURELY my speculation on what makes this imaginary horned biker tick. So even if it sounds like I’m making a definitive statement on how he “should” think or behave, I’m not. I just want to put this disclaimer out front so I don’t have to constantly couch my language in terms like “I speculate…” and “I think that…” I’m only discussing my view on the character and how I choose to portray him in RP and fanfic. With that in mind, let’s dive in!

As mentioned prior, I portray the character in roleplay. Since roleplay is like a mix between improv acting and writing, I needed to come up with a way for him to make decisions that are reasonably consistent with what we see in canon AND reasonably easy to replicate consistently in on-the-fly storytelling AND fun to interact with for collaborative storytelling. Rambling time, but I PROMISE this is necessary groundwork to cook up the answer. So how do we delve into the mind of a guy that tortured a woman and then gets pissy when his subordinates are shot by an ally? My first belief is that Octoboss doesn’t use a moral code. There’s no list of rules he follows; instead, he looks at each situation, in its context, and does his best to make decisions that uphold/advance a guiding principle. So let’s figure out his guiding principle. — I think that principle is “Maximize good for the Mortiflyers.” “Maximize good” can mean “help them avoid harm/distress,” “provide more/better resources for them,” and anything else that could be argued to improve quality of life or reduce unhappiness. 

Therefore, his decision-making process most closely mirrors a wacky Wasteland version of Act Utilitarianism. To oversimplify this, Act Utilitarianism weighs the morality of an action based on the outcomes for the “greater good.” For Octoboss, the Mortiflyers (and the Horde, pre-rift) are the “greater good.” As he saw it, Mary Jabassa held the keys to the Green Place, and it was morally IMPERATIVE that he take them from her, in order to make a better future for the Horde, by any means necessary. Now, sure, we could get into the weeds and say the Green Place isn’t big enough to sustain them, but Octo doesn’t know that. This use of torture is actually a prime example of a common criticism of Act Utilitarianism — it justifies some VERY bad behavior if the potential outcome is good enough!

(Hilariously, Dementus also seemed to be using an Act Utilitarianism framework when deciding to sacrifice the Mortiflyers in the Trojan Horse ploy — their deaths produced a benefit for the Horde and the rest of the Mortiflyers. Octoboss realizes this, but the pain of betrayal and loss are mingling with his understanding of Dementus’ moral justification for the killings. This makes Octo fume like mad. Got bit in the ass by his own philosophy…) However, Octo’s moral framework doesn’t exist to justify cruelty. It also undergirds the gentleness and approachability that defines my portrayal of the character. It’s better for the greater good of the Mortiflyers for them all to cooperate and communicate openly. Their whole gimmick — two-person motorcycle-launched paragliders, two-person motorcycle crews, and two-person flyer/driver combos — involves cooperation and communication. Their actions seem very practiced and well rehearsed, and in order to achieve that, they need to be quite open regarding what works, what doesn’t, and what could be improved. They need to be able to say to each other “I need more speed to launch,” or “I need you to get me closer to the target,” or “When you took that sharp turn and I was up in the air, that hurt my shoulder, and now I can’t throw thundersticks right.” The Octoboss does all he can to facilitate this by leading through example. 

In terms of emotions, information, and guidance, he is very open with the Mortiflyers. He believes knowledge is meant to be shared.  He also doesn't shy away from critique if he notices a member of the gang doing something that would endanger another. And he's not the type to simply tear someone down. He'd work with the gang member to fix the bad habit or remedy the issue that's causing them to behave erratically. Similarly, he’s open to critique from his men, especially if they can explain how his actions are negatively impacting them. All of these positive traits are built upon a foundation of “gotta do what’s right for their greater good.” 

So now that we’ve got a glimpse into his decision-making process, let’s move on to discussing his approach to power. From what we see in canon, it doesn’t seem like Octoboss is ruling by force/coercion, or with an iron fist. A random Mortiflyer is brave enough to look DEMENTUS in the eyes, after getting a direct order, and say “I take orders from the Octoboss!” There’s so much conviction in his voice. It’s loyalty to Octoboss, not fear of him. There are SO many ways this scene could’ve gone. Imagine if the Mortiflyer said “N-n-no! The Octoboss will have my head if I disobey him!” But no. That’s not how it went. Instead, the Mortiflyer almost sounds like a kid saying to his stepdad, “You’re not my REAL father,” which indicates preference, affection, and loyalty to the OG dad. You don’t get that kind of loyalty by being a dick to your people. I don’t think he’s hoarding resources from them, keeping them in the dark about plans, and generally just being an authoritarian prick. He cares about them deeply, and they return his sentiment. Within the greater dynamics of the Horde, I think the Mortiflyers have a decent amount of soft power. They’ve practically got a uniform, they’re loyal, and they don’t even seem to have a numerical advantage over the rest of the squad. This brings us to a discussion of hard power vs. soft power. Hard power is rule through force and coercion — locking people up, killing people, taking stuff away from them. Soft power is the ability to influence rather than coerce/force. The Mortiflyers seem like they’d be among the elite troops of the Horde, and I wouldn’t be shocked if other horde members aspired to join them, or at least be in their good graces. This “soft power” approach will have to get a bit harder if tasked with ruling over the entire Horde AND Gastown. With these factors in mind, let’s run down some steps I think he’d take if he were left in charge of Gastown.

Distance himself from the actions of Dementus when dealing with Immortan Joe and the other members of Gastown’s high command. Submit to Joe’s rule, since that’s the route that’s least likely to result in casualties on his side. Make it known that he and his men WILL work within the system and improve operations at Gastown. Do his best to IMMEDIATELY ingratiate himself to Joe by discontinuing most non-essential generator usage and adding that gas to the trade deal, in exchange for more food and water. Promise to boost fuel production by fixing issues in the production chain. 

Once again, motivated by the best interest of the Mortiflyers, he crunches some numbers. According to Lachy Hulme’s interview with Empire, there are about 4,000 bikes in the Horde. We can safely say every bike has a rider, but some bikes have more than one rider (people riding backpack, Organic Mechanic with History Man on the back of his trike, and so forth).The Horde also suffered some losses during the confrontation with Scrotus and Rictus at the first Citadel meeting, but the majority of the Horde was out of Thunderstick throwing range. I don’t think their losses were in the 100s. So for quick and dirty math, let’s just say there are 4,000 people in the Horde. Now let’s look at Gastown’s population. Australia’s largest oil refinery employed about 1,100 workers. Gastown also drills oil, and I haven’t been able to find much solid data on how many people you need for the extraction portion. The closest ballpark number I’ve been able to get is 100-200, but *shrugs* that may be off. So let’s add on various others in Gastown (Sanitation workers, kitchen staff, medical staff, mechanics, War Boys/Polecats/Flamers, Imperators, resource managers, guards, repair workers,  Gastown nobility, misc staff, children of anyone listed here). I think it’s reasonable to estimate 2,000-ish people, in total, in Gastown. In light of this information, Octoboss would immediately realize that Gastown has a carrying capacity problem due to the influx of new residents and its limited amount of food, water, and space. He knows they trade guzzolene for food and water, but they won’t be able to up guzz production enough to pay for the food and water needed to support all the new residents, especially since the population has skyrocketed immediately. And would the Citadel even need that much fuel at once? Probably not, fuel has an expiration date and can’t be stored indefinitely. People WILL riot and starve unless the population is curbed quickly. So that brings us to the question — how would Octoboss reduce the population? Well, he understands that the Horde is full of hard-working and resourceful people with valuable skills. He’d want to brief them on the idea of being traded to another settlement, and take a tally of who can do what jobs. Who would be open to working in the Citadel gardens? How about the sick bay? Can you weld? Would you be up to cast bullets or reload rounds? How about swinging a pickaxe or working in a kitchen? Who wants to be a War Boy BUT FOR REAL THIS TIME? Naturally, some people would be resistant to this idea. He’d give them the option to return to nomadic life, but he’d give them a fair warning that anyone raiding the empire’s shipments WILL be met with lethal force. And of course, some people wouldn’t want to work with the leaders that killed Dementus and friends. If that erupted into a civil war, it would curb the population, albeit in a less-than-ideal way.

Familiarize himself with the operation. His ass does NAWT know anything about running a refinery or drilling operation! And he knows this! To better understand his duties, he’d need a tour through the facilities. He understands guzzolene production isn’t just wizardry, it takes skilled workers, and he’d defer to them when they explain the limitations of Gastown’s production capabilities.

Identify quality of life improvements needed to boost guz production. Go from being the Octoboss to the OSHAboss! Despite what some people will tell you, a safe (or at least safer) work environment is more productive. IRL, oil refineries work 24/7, 365 days per year. Accidents are common, and also slow down production (a machine isn’t gonna run right with some dude’s arm stuck in it!). Due to the constant flow of work, it’s likely that some health and safety aspects of Gastown’s oil refinery have fallen into disrepair, and could use outside help. A high turnover rate due to death/injury is a problem, because training new employees takes time and distracts from the guzzolene production process.  Glancing at some cursory work injury data, it looks like entrapment, getting hit by equipment, and falls from high places are the most common injury causes. Ventilation issues are also common, and can lead to workers getting sick and reducing productivity. Some of these issues can be remedied pretty quickly — the Mortiflyers have lots of experience working at heights, and would probably be able to rig up a pretty simple (but useful) clip and harness system for workers in fall-prone areas. Identify spots that need guardrails and other safety barriers. Employ some Horde members to go scavenge some materials to build the stuff, and get the Horde to work on these improvement projects. Poorly ventilated areas (likely understood as “places that’ll make you feel yucky if you hang out there too long”) would be baffling to Octo, but I feel like he could consult with someone to figure that out. And when it comes to providing ventilation, well… Which faction has access to large fans? And probably understands how to build and repair them? …That’s right! In other words — use the Horde to improve Gastown, because this helps the Horde integrate better. It proves the Horde’s worth.

Identify the criticisms of the old Guardian of Gastown. The former Guardian of Gastown seems like a bit of an ivory tower kinda guy. He’s clearly put a lot of time and effort into his hobbies and beautifying his personal surroundings. His clothes are clean and neat, which is an “accomplishment” considering he lives in a friggin oil refinery. Wait, did I say “accomplishment?” Nah. I mean “this man has never done a day of manual labor in his life.” There HAVE to be people that have beef with the guy, particularly the workers. Listen to the workers. Win over the workers, because unlike the nobility, they’re the actual backbone of the operation. The workers of Gastown become a part of Octo’s priorities, since their work and productivity is essential for keeping the Mortiflyers safe, fed, and housed. 

Woooowhee! Nearly 2,500 words in this response! No such thing as “Shut the Fuck Up Friday” for RoopNavarro. Writing about this makes me want to play it out in an RP or write a fic to really delve into these thoughts (although I might skip that, given that it’s likely redundant with the fic that already exists, and I never want to step on another author’s toes).

Regardless, I am ALWAYS open to answer any Octoboss questions you may have! Thanks again for dropping by and wanting my take!

[hersterical]

Video game where you play as a low level thug in a big city teeming with superheroes

Step 1: choosing which gang to join based on not just information on the gang, but also the superhero(s) you are most likely to come across (original superheroes so the player doesn’t have insider knowledge to work with)

For example, this gang has a lot of great benefits, however the primary superhero in that area does not have a “no killing” rule. But on the plus side their moral code limits their killing to the higher ups in crime organizations. However that could be a problem if you’re planning on working your way up the ranks. And on top of all that you can’t even be sure if this information is accurate, all you really know about this superhero are rumors from the media and people on the street

This other gang’s superhero is almost a pacifist compared to others. BUT that’s pretty much all you know about them. So even with their reputation of going easy on criminals for all you know they might secretly be kidnapping people and torturing them. With so little known about them literally anything’s possible

Yet another gang primarily deals with a team of teenaged superheroes who banter with and go easy on the low level thugs. However their “witty” comebacks are super annoying and even though it is well known that they have a very strict no killing policy and they genuinely don’t want to harm people unnecessarily, they’re inexperienced and not in control of themselves and have a fluctuating team dynamic that makes them hard to predict

and so on

Step 2: What is your end goal? Are you trying to save up to get you and your family away from the life of crime? Are you working your way up the ranks? Are you just trying to survive? Just trying to stay out of jail?

Step 3: What’s your strategy? Do you become an informant? If so, to who? The police, your local superhero, a rival gang? Do you keep your head down and just do your job? Are you lying cheating, stealing, and double crossing? How are you accomplishing your goal?

Step 4: The outcome. There’s a few options for how your story ends. Maybe you become the new mob boss to look out for. Maybe you end up in jail, a hospital, or dead (who ended up getting you in the end?). Maybe you do end up saving enough money to get you and your family away from all of this. Maybe you end up joining the superhero’s found family.

The possibilities are endless

There’d be some action scenes (influenced by what role in the gang you have, and what hero your going up against, etc) but it’d primarily be a strategy/narrative driven game

[buriedpentacles]

17!

17. What is your moral code? How do you justify that?

Quite simply it's: Do not actively harm people that do not deserve it. Be kind to Nature and respect all life, but do not forget that you are an animal too.

I don't often do baneful works because I do not typically feel a need, but when I do, i don't do them for fun or entertainment, I avoid actively harming vulnerable or undeserving people. However, I recognise that all of the universe is a series of action and consequences and sometimes an inncocent will be harmed by my actions - e.g. a successful spell to get a job I've interviewed for, may take that job opportunity away from someone kind and deserving. A spell to cause harm to my friend's abuser may lead to the harm or upset of the abuser's innocent family.

Morality was made up by humans, so it is impossible to get "right". I simply do what I feel is best and accept that, in this world, you will hurt people unintentionally and the only thing I can do is try to reduce that number and make amends where possible.

When it comes to harming animals, I am of the belief that it is a part of nature. I am an animist and a devotee of Mother Nature, yet I eat meat and smack mosquitoes that bite me. I have stepped on thousands of ants without realising it and even killed insects as an offering to the spider in my home and the spiritual protection it provides.

Death is a part of nature, we know that, but *killing* is also a part of nature. I do not kill for pleasure or entertainment. I try to ensure that the food I eat is as ethically sources as possible, and affordable. I take care of my local environment and respect it.