#Functional Testing on Cloud

[gqattech]

Cloud Platforms Testing at GQAT Tech: Powering Scalable, Reliable Apps

In today's digital world, most companies use the cloud to host their software, store their data, and provide users with seamless experiences and interactions, meaning their cloud-based systems have to be fast and secure (it could be an e-commerce site, a mobile app, or corporate software platform) and be able to provide a robust reliable level of service that does not fail. All this hard work to develop a cloud-based application means nothing if the application is not subjected to testing and verification to work properly in different cloud environments.

Credit should be given to GQAT Tech for making cloud platform testing a core competency, as the entire QA team tests applications in the cloud, on cloud-based platforms, i.e., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or Private Cloud, while testing for performance, security, scalability, and functionality.

Now, let's explore the definition of cloud platform testing, what it is, why it is important, and how GQAT Tech can help your company be successful in the cloud.

What Is Cloud Platform Testing?

Cloud platform testing provides validation of whether a web or mobile application will function correctly in a cloud-based environment (as compared to on a physical server).

It involves testing how well your app runs on services like:

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Microsoft Azure

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

IBM Cloud

Private/Hybrid cloud setups

The goal is to ensure your app is:

Scalability - Will it support more users over time with no performance degradation?  

Improve security - Is my data protected from being compromised/attacked?  

Stability - Is it repeatably functioning (no crashing or errors)?  

Speed - Is the load time fast enough for users worldwide?  

Cost - Is it utilizing cloud resources efficiently?

GQAT Tech’s Cloud Testing Services

GQAT Tech employs a hybrid process of manual testing, automated scripts, and real cloud environments to validate/applications in the most representative manner. The QA team manages real-time performance, availability, and security across systems.

Services Offered:

Functional Testing on Cloud

Validates that your app will behave in an appropriate way while hosted on different cloud providers.

Performance & Load Testing

Validates how your app behaves when 10, 100, or 10,000 users are accessing it at the same time.

Scalability Testing

Validates whether your app is capable of scaling up or down based on usage.

Security Testing

Validates for vulnerabilities specific to clouds: data leak vulnerabilities, misconfigured access, and DDoS risks.

Disaster Recovery & Backup Validation

Validates whether systems can be restored after failure or downtime.

Cross-Platform Testing

Validates your application's performance across AWS, Azure, GCP, and Private Cloud Systems.

Why Cloud Testing Is Important

By not testing your application in the cloud, you expose yourself to significant risks such as:

App crashes when usage is highest

Data loss because of inadequate backup

Cloud bills that are expensive due to inefficient usage

Security breaches due to weaker settings

Downtime that impacts customer frustration

All of these situations can be prevented and you can ensure your app runs smoothly every day with cloud testing.

Tools Used by GQAT Tech

GQAT Tech uses advanced tools for cloud testing:

Apache JMeter – Load testing and stress testing

Postman – API testing for cloud services

Selenium / Appium – Automated UI testing

K6 & Gatling – Performance testing

AWS/Azure/GCP Test Environments – Real cloud validation

CI/CD Pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions) – Continuous cloud-based testing

Who Needs Cloud Platform Testing?

GQAT Tech works with startups, enterprises, and SaaS providers across industries like:

E-commerce

Healthcare

Banking & FinTech

Logistics & Travel

IoT & Smart Devices

Education & LMS platforms

If your product runs in the cloud, you need to test it in the cloud—and that’s exactly what GQAT does.

Conclusion

Cloud computing provides flexibility, speed, and power—but only if your applications are tested and validated appropriately. With GQAT Tech's cloud platform testing services, you can be confident that your application will work as required under all real-world environments.

They will help eliminate downtime, enhance app performance, protect user data and help optimize cloud expenditure—so you can expand your business without concern.

💬 Ready to test smarter in the cloud? 👉 Explore Cloud Platform Testing Services at GQAT Tech

[qualityassurance11]

How Load Testing Enhances User Experience and Application Stability 

User experience and application stability are crucial in today's digital world. Be it an e-commerce site in festival sale or a game with millions of concurrent players or a Saas to back global enterprises; all of them must be ready to bear the load and this is why load testing becomes a necessity! 

Load testing is the process of experimenting on an application with a group of users, so that you could determine its behavior when it has large (or not so large) amount people using it. This would be useful to identify any possibly slow bottlenecks, ensure proper performance of applications and clean user experience. This blog talks about load testing, helping to improve the user experience, ensuring the stability of the application and the necessity of load testing in contemporary applications. 

What is Load Testing? 

Load testing means testing an application with a specified number of users and measuring that performance. Teams can now look at response times, throughput and resource utilization under different conditions to predict the application parameters so that during high load the app behaves as intended. 

Before the end-users face it, this way of proactive testing helps in finding the performance problems like slow load times or crash or server overload. 

The Role of Load Testing in Enhancing User Experience 

Faster Load Times 

Users have a high expectation of how fast applications load, and any delays in that process often result in frustration or abandonment. 

Load testing helps reveal slow-loading elements so that developers can optimize code and server configurations and result in faster response time. 

Consistent Performance Across Devices 

Make sure applications work well on various devices and platforms. 

Load testing which virtually loads various devices are kept ensuring the homogeneity of all users. 

Seamless Navigation During Peak Traffic 

Servers may have to work extra hard, scenarios like flash sales or the launch of a product often lead to high traffic. 

Load testing is done to ensure these types of applications can be prepared for these types of scenarios beforehand and tackle spikes without a slow-down. 

Increased Customer Satisfaction 

A non-crashing responsive application is a good user experience. 

By identifying and addressing performance issues before they impact customers, load testing increases retention rates and creates brand loyalty. 

How Load Testing Boosts Application Stability 

Prevents Downtime 

Unexpected traffic surges can cause servers to crash, resulting in downtime. 

Load testing is to simulate the above scenario and to help identify the weak points and strengthen the server at capacity. 

Detects Memory Leaks and Resource Bottlenecks 

Memory leaks or high CPU usage under load could affect resource-intensive applications. 

Load testing allows teams to pinpoint and resolve such problems before they become critical. 

Ensures Scalability 

Applications now must scale and that means increasing user numbers. 

Load testing keeps an eye on the ability of an application to take on the load that the real world represents without losing efficiency or stability. 

Validates Infrastructure Readiness 

Simulated loads are the best way to test the infrastructure to make sure the backend works in real time. 

Load testing includes testing on databases, APIs, and server configurations. 

Improves Disaster Recovery Readiness 

Load testing helps prepare teams for real-world failures by testing how an application recovers after a crash or an overload. 

Best Practices for Load Testing 

Define Clear Objectives 

Identify your application’s performance goals before you begin. Defining how fast a response can be on a certain load and throughput level is one way to set deterministic guidelines. 

Simulate Realistic User Behavior 

Tools such as JMeter allow you to simulate actual customer actions (navigating, searching, buying, etc.). This ensures that the insights are correct. 

Test in Stages 

Conduct tests from normal user loads and scale up to peak loads will allow us to find patterns of degradation. 

Use Cloud-Based Load Testing 

Cloud resources enable testing in various geographical locations that present a true perspective on how well your application performs around the world. 

Leverage Automation 

Time is one of the many advantages of automated load testing tools, and they also allow for consistent testing due to the load generation code being the same. 

The GhostQA Advantage in Load Testing 

The GhostQA Load Testing Engine is based on JMeter. It gives an easier solution for performance testing. So here is what makes GhostQA different: 

Low Code Testing Approach: Generate complex load tests with writing low code scripts, accessible to QA teams of any experience level. 

Auto-Healing Features: With GhostQA, it adjusts to the changes in the application, which in turn reduces test maintenance efforts. 

Comprehensive Reporting: In-depth test reports offer insights to optimize application performance. 

Scalability: With minimal effort, you can simulate realistic loads and can test your application for stability. 

GhostQA enables teams to include load testing right into their QA process for quality software that actually holds up in the real world. 

Real-Life Applications of Load Testing 

E-commerce Platforms: Prepare the website for events featuring high traffic such as seasonal sales or other promotions. 

Gaming Applications: Validate your app is not only up but also do not crash under high usage workloads like a game release. 

Streaming Services: Testing the quality of the stream under user load. 

SaaS Applications: Ensure consistent performance to end users around the globe. 

Banking Applications: Make sure that it is available even with high transactional load like days when the payroll is processed. 

Conclusion 

Load testing is key to delivering the high-quality software your customers expect. This stimulates the real factors that prevent the system from being unreal, and its agencies help to identify bottlenecks that improve operation and application stability. 

GhostQA is a Performance testing automation tool that is AI based for load testing for the codeless platform. Solutions like GhostQA empower organizations to make sure that their applications are resilient, scalable, and ready to face the real-world load. 

Begin Load Testing right from now to deliver an excellent user experience by stabilizing the application. Your users will be grateful for that! 

[i2sunric]

𝐁𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐌 (s.jy)

PAIRING: nerdy!jake x reader (f)

SUMMARY: well, it’s not your fault that your boyfriend is perfect, good at school, kind enough tutor you in math and so skilled in bed chem.

WARNINGS: smut. freshman college (they’re 19), jake lives with his parents, grinding, dirty talking, pet names (baby, jakey), manhandling, overstimulation, protected sex (wrap your willies guys), missionary, doggy, lmk if more. NOT PROOFREAD.

PUBLISHED: 18th April 2025.

WC: 2.7k

TAGLIST: (permanent) TAGLIST: @stolasisyourparent @jaeyunsbimbo @jwnghyuns @bangtancultsposts @shawnyle @jooniesbears-blog @skzenhalove @ro-diaries @onlyhyunjin @xcosmi @strawberrhypen @heeheeswifey @jakeflvrz @astratlantis @tunafishyfishylike @branchrkive @insommni4 @kirinaa08 @leiclerc @nxzz-skz @laurradoesloveu @beomluvrr @heeshlove @17ericas @riribelle @cloud-lyy @enhamonsterghoul @star-hoon @slut4hee

Jake’s room smelled of books, fresh laundry, and that faint scent of cologne he always wore— clean, crisp. It smelled like home. 

His desk was cluttered but organized in a way that made sense only to him: thick textbooks stacked neatly, a cup overflowing with pens and mechanical pencils, and his laptop open to what looked like an impossibly complicated physics simulation. 

You, on the other hand, were sprawled across his bed, your maths textbook abandoned beside you as you dramatically flopped onto your stomach.  

"Jake," you groaned, voice muffled against his pillow. "I’m going to fail this test, you have to accept that."  

You thought that after high school, all you problems would be resolves. What you didn’t expect, though, was to be forced to take an extra curricular trigonometry lecture that made you want to smash your head against the wall.

Jake, who was sitting at his desk, barely looked up. "You’re not going to fail," he said. "You just need to focus."  

"I have been focusing," you argued, rolling onto your back and stretching out like a starfish. "For, like, fifteen minutes."  

"Exactly," he deadpanned, finally turning to look at you. "That’s not nearly enough."  

You pouted. "But I hate math, it’s stupid and unnecessary. When am I ever going to need to find the limit of a function in real life?"  

Jake sighed, closing his book with a quiet thump. "Math is everywhere," he said, pushing his glasses up his nose, a habit of his that you found way too attractive. "It’s in physics, engineering, technology, everything that makes the world work."  

You rolled your eyes, sitting up. "Okay, Professor Sim, but I don’t want to make the world work.” You scoffed, “i just want to pass this stupid class and never think about numbers again."  

Jake gave you a pointed look. "And I want to make sure my girlfriend doesn’t flunk out of college."  

You grinned, crawling off the bed and walking over to him. "Speaking of your genius brain," you murmured, sliding into his lap without hesitation, straddling his thighs as his chair rolled back slightly from the sudden weight. "How’s your project going?"  

Jake tensed for half a second before exhaling, hands automatically settling on your waist to steady you. 

"It’s going well," he said, though his voice was already shifting, lower, rougher. "But I’ll never finish it if you keep distracting me."  

You tilted your head, feigning innocence. "I’m just curious," you purred, looping your arms around his neck. "Tell me what you’re working on, baby."  

Jake sighed, but you could see the way his lips twitched, like he knew exactly what you were doing and was helpless against it anyway.  

"Fine," he said, adjusting his glasses again. "I’m designing a new type of microprocessor, something that can process data faster and more efficiently than the ones currently in use..."  Blah blah blah. 

You weren’t really listening, if you were being honest. 

You liked hearing him talk, loved the way his voice got all passionate when he explained something he cared about, but the actual words? They went right over your head.  

Instead, you focused on the way his hands, so warm and steady, were resting on your waist. Absentminded, like he wasn’t really paying attention, he traced slow circles against the fabric of your sweater, fingertips dipping just beneath the hem to brush against your bare skin.  

You bit your lip, shifting slightly on his lap. "Mmm, keep going."  

Jake didn’t seem to register what you were doing at first. "Right, so,  the idea is that instead of using classical bits, ones and zeroes, you use qubits—"  Again more smart words. 

You rocked against him, slow, almost imperceptible, but enough. Jake inhaled sharply, fingers digging into your skin.  

You smirked. "Go on," you teased.  

His jaw clenched. "You’re evil."  

You hummed, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his jaw. "No, I just really like hearing you talk, baby."  

His hands flexed on your waist, like he was debating something. Then, as if giving in, he exhaled a low chuckle. "You’re such a fucking brat," he muttered, and the way his voice dropped made heat pool between your thighs.s

He moved one hand up, running it along your spine, pushing your sweater up just enough to expose more of your skin to the cool air. The other hand slid lower, gripping your thigh as you ground against him again.  

"You’re not even listening, are you?" he murmured, his lips grazing your ear now.  "Not really," you admitted, breathless.  

His grip tightened, guiding your movements now, encouraging you to move against him with more purpose. "You just like teasing me, huh?"  

"Mmh," you hummed, pressing another kiss to the corner of his lips, then his jaw, then his throat. "I like how worked up you get."  

Jake let out a soft curse under his breath, his hips shifting up just slightly to meet yours. "You’re lucky I love you," he muttered, voice strained.  

You grinned. "I know."  

Then, finally, he broke. His lips crashed against yours, his hands gripping you tighter as he deepened the kiss, swallowing the little sounds you made as you melted into him. 

His glasses pressed against your cheek, cool against your flushed skin, but neither of you cared.  

"You drive me crazy," he murmured against your lips, his breath warm, his hands wandering. "Always so fucking needy."  

You whimpered, rolling your hips again, and he groaned "Jakey," you breathed.  

He exhaled shakily, then kissed you again, hungrier this time, like he couldn’t get enough. "You should be studying," he muttered between kisses, even as he ran his hands up your thighs, pushing your sweater higher.  

You smirked. "Make me."  

And, oh, he did.

Jake groaned against your lips, his grip on your waist firm as he lifted you from his lap, standing up with you in his arms. 

Your legs wrapped around his hips instinctively, and you buried your face in his neck, feeling his pulse race under your lips.  Your core pulsated with need, and he could feel it even through your shorts. 

"You’re gonna be the death of me," he muttered, his voice thick with frustration and desire as he carried you across the room.  

Jake pushed your math book on the floor, and he laid you down, his body pressing against yours as he kissed you again,, like he’d been holding back for too long. 

His hands roamed, slipping under your sweater, pushing it up over your ribs. You arched your back, helping him, and he pulled it off in one smooth motion, tossing it aside.  

"Fuck," he breathed, eyes raking over you. His glasses had slid down his nose, and he pushed them up absentmindedly before leaning down to kiss you again.  

His hands moved with practiced precision, knowing exactly where to touch, where to squeeze, how to make you shiver beneath him. 

His fingers brushed over your thighs, pushing up the fabric of your shorts before he hooked his thumbs in the waistband and dragged them down along with your panties,leaving you bare beneath him.  

"You really don’t like making things easy for me, do you?" he murmured, fingers tracing up your inner thigh. 

You smirked, breathless. "Where’s the fun in that?"  

Jake huffed a quiet laugh, but it was strained, like he was barely holding himself together. 

He sat back for a second, pulling off his sweater in one swift motion, revealing the toned muscle beneath. 

His skin was warm under your fingers as you reached up, running your hands over his stomach, his chest, feeling him tense beneath your touch.  

"Condom," he muttered, reaching into the drawer of his nightstand.  You groaned, letting your head fall back against the pillow. "You always do this."  

"Yeah," he said, tearing the foil packet open with his teeth, "because I’m not stupid."  

You pouted. "I’m on the pill."  

"And I like knowing you’re safe." He leaned down, brushing his lips against yours, his glasses sliding down again. "Quit pouting."  

You sighed dramatically but let him roll the condom on, watching as his long fingers worked quickly.  

Then he was over you again, lips on your neck, his weight pressing you into the mattress as he lined himself up.  "You have to be quiet," he murmured, his voice rough as he kissed along your jaw.  

"Or what?" you teased, just to test him.  

Jake exhaled sharply, then pushed into you in one slow, deep stroke. Your breath hitched, your fingers gripping his shoulders as your back arched off the bed.  

"Or I’ll make you," he murmured, his lips brushing against your ear.  

Your eyes fluttered shut as he started moving, slow at first, like he was savoring every inch of you, but then he set a pace that had you struggling to keep quiet. 

He knew what he was doing, exactly how to angle his hips to make your breath stutter, exactly how to roll his hips so you were gripping at his arms, trying so hard not to moan too loudly.  

His glasses fogged up from how close he was, the heat between you making them useless, but he didn’t stop to take them off. 

You did it for him, reaching up with trembling fingers and sliding them off his face, setting them aside on the nightstand.  

He thanked you with a warm smile. 

His eyes, dark and heavy-lidded with desire, met yours as he thrust deeper, harder, stealing the air from your lungs. His hand came up, covering your mouth as you let out a soft whimper, muffling the sound.  

"Shh," he murmured, his voice like gravel against your skin. "Don’t want my mother hearing how good I’m fucking you, do you?"  

You shook your head, but your body betrayed you, your nails digging into his back as he snapped his hips into you again. It was all too much.  

You clenched around him, your thighs trembling as pleasure coiled tight in your stomach. Jake cursed under his breath, feeling you squeeze around him, and his grip on your hip tightened as he sped up, chasing your release.  

"Come for me," he muttered, his lips brushing against your ear. "I wanna feel you."  

That was all it took. 

Your body tensed, pleasure hitting you like a tidal wave as you bit down on his hand to keep from crying out. Your vision blurred, your fingers digging in his skin as you came undone beneath him.  

Jake groaned, his movements faltering for half a second before he found his rhythm again, his thrusts rougher now, more desperate. 

He grabbed your leg, hooking it over his hip, pushing deeper, hitting that spot that had you gasping against his palm.  

He hadn’t slowed down. His rhythm was deep, fast, relentless. the bed creaking under both of your weight, the headboard softly hitting the wall in time with his thrusts.

You were still whimpering from your second orgasm, your thighs trembling around his waist, your nails digging red crescents into his shoulder blades. Your breath hitched, another moan slipping past your lips before you could stop it. “Jakey! oh—” 

His hand came up instantly, covering your mouth again, palm warm and firm.

“Quiet,” he hissed against your cheek. “You’re gonna get us caught.”

Your body arched off the bed beneath him, mouth smothered by his hand, eyes rolling back from the sheer pressure, the stretch, the heat. Your muffled cries only made him thrust harder.

“You like this, huh?” he breathed, watching your every twitch, every gasp, every time you tried to cry out under his hand. “You like when I fuck you like this.”

You nodded desperately, the pleasure building again even though your body felt like it couldn’t take more. Your skin burned, your thighs ached, but none of it mattered. Jake was everything— all you could feel, all you could hear, all you could take.

You released against him, hard, back arching as your whole body seized up and shuddered. Your vision blurred. You felt tears sting your lashes, your voice cracking beneath his hand as your second orgasm ripped through you.

He grunted, letting his hand slide away from your mouth only when your cries became soft gasps His lips found yours in a hungry, breathless kiss, tongue sliding into your mouth like he couldn’t stand even a second of distance.

“Shit,” he panted, pulling back just a little to brush his hair from his eyes. He kissed your jaw, your throat, sucking a mark just below your ear before whispering, “Turn over for me.”

You blinked up at him, dazed. “Jake, I can’t—” 

“You can,” he said firmly, kissing you again. “Just one more, baby, you’re doing so good.”

And because it was him uou obeyed.

You turned, limbs shaky, chest pressed to the mattress, ass in the air as you grabbed onto the pillow and buried your face into it. Jake groaned softly behind you.

“Fuck, you look so good like this,” he muttered, dragging his fingers over your lower back, down to your ass, squeezing firmly. “Messy and fucked out… all for me.”

You felt him line himself up again, the blunt head of his cock sliding through your slick folds before pushing into you in one hard thrust that had you biting into the pillow to stifle a scream.

“Oh my God… Jake.”

“Shhh,” he hushed you, hand curling around your hip to pull you back into him, setting a brutal pace that left your legs shaking, your voice broken into helpless sobs. “You have to be quiet.”

“I can’t,” you cried into the pillow, half-laughing, half-sobbing from how good it felt, how completely he wrecked you. “Jake— it’s too much—”

“You’re taking it so well,” he said, voice strained, one hand gripping your waist while the other slid up your spine, pushing between your shoulder blades to press you further into the mattress. “So fucking good for me.”

His thrusts grew rougher, deeper, dragging cries from you no matter how hard you tried to bite them back. You fisted the sheets, knuckles white, body trembling as he angled his hips just right, hitting that spot over and over again until your legs gave out.

Jake leaned down, chest against your back, his breath hot against your ear as he murmured, “You pretend to be all innocent, all shy in front of everyone… but in here? With me? You just want to be ruined.”

You moaned, louder than you meant to, and he growled, his hand flying to your mouth again, fingers pressing your cheek into the pillow.

“You don’t listen,” he hissed, thrusting harder, until the sound of skin against skin echoed through the room. “You want my mother to hear how desperate you are for my cock?”

You shook your head wildly, sobbing beneath his hand as he slammed into you again, and again, and again, until your entire body clenched and your mind blanked. One last orgasm crashed over you, white-hot and dizzying, tearing a scream from your throat that was completely muffled by his palm.

Jake groaned into your neck, biting your shoulder as he came hard, his body collapsing against yours, twitching with aftershocks as he held you tightly, his breath loud and shaky in your ear.

You both stayed like that for a moment, tangled, gasping, hearts pounding like they wanted to leap out of your chests.

Jake pulled out gently, sighing contentedly as he rolled to the side and took the condom off, tying it quickly and tossing it into the bin beside the bed.

He turned to you immediately, pulling you into his chest, wrapping his arms around your exhausted body. Your skin was damp with sweat, your legs trembling, your eyes heavy with sleep and satisfaction.

For a long moment, the only sound in the room was heavy breathing, your bodies tangled together, sweat-slicked and trembling.  

Jake finally lifted his head, his dark hair sticking to his forehead, his cheeks flushed. He looked wrecked, but somehow, still devastatingly handsome.  

"You okay?" he murmured, pushing your hair out of your face.  

You nodded, still catching your breath. "Mh.. It was so good.”

Jake huffed a quiet laugh, leaning down to kiss your forehead. "You are a menace."  

You smirked. "You love it."  

"You’re exhausting," he muttered, but his arm was already tightening around you, pulling you close.  

You grinned, snuggling into his chest. "You love that too."  

Jake sighed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "Yeah," he admitted softly. "I really do."

[accessiblemindstech]

Embark on a global bug hunt with our SDET team, leveraging cloud-based mobile testing to ensure your app achieves flawless performance across all devices and networks. With cutting-edge tools and a meticulous approach, we identify and eliminate bugs before they impact your users. https://rb.gy/jfueow #SDET #BugHunt #CloudTesting #MobileAppQuality #FlawlessPerformance SDET Tech Pvt. Ltd.

[specsthesecond]

Witch Troubles #1

You should've locked the door.

Maybe you were a little too eager to get home after a very stressful day of studies and apprentice duties. You barely greeted your roommates when you got home, only offering a quick wave to the orc, naga and werewolf lingering around the living room before shutting your bedroom door with a heavy sigh.

You just needed this release so badly. You couldn't even change out of your day clothes before grabbing the chalk on your nightstand and drawing the familiar summoning circle on the hardwood floor in the middle of the room.

You whisper the incantation and tap it with your wand. The chalk lines glow and the portal begins to open. You waste no time pulling your panties down to your thighs, hiking your skirt up and placing your needy pussy right over the portal, knees on either side of the circle.

You only needed to wait a few seconds before the slimy purple tentacles squirm their way out the portal, around your legs and crawl up your thighs towards your dripping cunt.

You whine softly in anticipation and, almost like they can hear your pleas, one finds your heat and slides its suckers along your mound.

Others wind their way around your thighs and squeeze gently, leaving light circular hickies with their suckers. You hump up into the big one covering your cunt and it seems to understand you, slowly moving back down so the tip is tracing your entrance almost teasingly. Just when you're about to grab the damn thing and shove it in yourself, the slimy tendril thrusts itself into you. Slow and deliberate, it fills you up to about what a normal cock would.

You cover your mouth to smother your desperate groan. The tentacle inside you gives a few shallow thrusts, testing the tightness of your walls. Your legs shake, the slickness of these strange tendrils always makes you so wet and the suckers on the walls of your pussy feel like heaven. Having opened you up a fair amount the first tentacle retreats and two new ones squirm their way deep into your pussy, fighting for dominance as they set a pace thats much rougher than the first one.

It takes no time to work you to your peak, the two tentacles wriggling deeper into you than any cock could reach and thrusting in tandem with eachother while they fight for space in your pussy. Another tentacle runs it's suckers along your clit while the others grip and smooth over your thighs. You arch your back, press your cheek against the cold hardwood floor and cum hard.

Clenching and twitching for your tentacles only makes them want to squirm deeper into you, fighting back the resistance of your orgasm with even more fervor.

You've drooled all over the hand that's covering your mouth, your eyes are droopy and you can barely register anything as the tentacles keep thrusting into your soaked cunt.

Two more tentacles make their way up your stomach and under your bra to squeeze and suck your soft tits.

You don't even register the knock on your door.

It feels like being dumped in ice water when you hear the door click open, the familiar squeak of the hinge freezes you further and you whip your head around to find your roommates massive orc frame standing in your doorway.

You let out a yelp and your eyes meet his equally wide ones. The haze still clouding your mind leaves you to just stare at him in horror, not knowing how to react.

Those split seconds felt like hours but you were forced out of your frozen state when one of the tentacles gave a hard suck to your clit.

The sensation makes you moan in surprise which seems to also knock your big green friend out of his shock. He finally breaks eye contact with you to look at where the slick tentacles are still working their way deeper into your pussy and he lets out a gruff choking sound at the sight. You finally gain enough brain function to reach for your discarded wand and flick it towards the door, shutting and locking it in your poor roomates face.

You groan, not in pleasure but in pain this time, covering your burning face with your hands. For a second you consider closing the portal and weeping on the floor for the rest of your life but the erotic squelch that comes from your stuffed cunt as the tentacles continue their ministrations makes that thought vanish quickly. You make the quick decision to let your trusty tentacles fuck the thoughts out of you, as they do so well.

Unfortunately, you can't be a tentacle fuck toy forever and after a couple hours and a nap, you're getting hungry. Your brilliant plan to quickly snatch something from the kitchen and run away to your room is immediately thwarted.

"Oh there you are! Cmon, I made dinner."

Your sweet, Naga roommate ushers you to the kitchen table and places a plate in front of you. Normally you would be very grateful but right across the table sits the very orc you were trying to avoid. You risk a quick glance up at him only to find that he's already staring intently at you with a very amused expression, to which you look back down at your food in embarrassed despair.

"I didn't see you today, love. Are you feeling alright?" The motherly Naga says to you as she sets a plate in front of the very eager werewolf next to you.

You nod your head, not looking up from your food.

"Sorry, stressful day. Had a nap." Comes your short, quiet response. Technically not a lie.

You're never that talkative, so this response shouldn't be out of the ordinary, yet it makes the orc across from you smirk and hum thoughtfully.

"Honestly, I figured you'd use a more magical way of relieving stress."

He says before popping his fork into his mouth, his eyes don't leave you and it doesn't look like they're going to for the rest of dinner.

You let out a strangled sigh and try to eat your food, wishing a portal would swallow you up forever.

[mirathescientist]

pairings: Onyankopon x black reader

warnings: Jean slander, smut 18+

Need you

“And then the bitch scoffed and rolled her eyes like I didn't just apologize. I need to find a new place asap cause I swear next time she try me Imma fuck her up- “

“What I tell you bout cussing?” Ony’s deep voice filled the room, dark eyes piercing into yours as a warning.

“Anywaysss” You rolled your eyes, ignoring the side eye he was giving. “You’ve been awfully quiet since I came over. What’s going on?” You put your freshly manicured feet in his face.

“Nothing you’ve just been yapping the whole time.” He smirked.

“Rude” You gasped, nudging him with your toes.

“Nah I'm just chillin’. You know I like listening to you talk.” He shrugged, placing your legs into his lap. Lighting the blunt he just rolled, a cloud of smoke surrounding him as he took a hit.

“Whatever” You smiled as he passed it to you.

You and Ony often had moments like these, a smoke sesh usually spent with you talking about your week as he massaged your feet. Your relationship with Ony was…complicated. Ever since Sasha introduced you two, y'all were inseparable, constantly getting mistaken for a couple, and who could blame them?

Most thought this because Ony always had to be touching you, whether it was holding your hand, an arm around your shoulder, or a tight grip on your waist. However, for some, it was how you two would always disappear during the function. Claiming you were only talking, but the slight sheen on Ony’s lips and your slightly ruffled clothing told otherwise.

You weren’t quite friends with benefits. At least that's what you told yourselves. The whole ordeal just kinda happened. You were stressed over your midterms and Ony of course offered to help you study. Though after hours of reading flashcards and practice tests, you were still stressed and on the verge of tears when Ony offered another way to help you. That night you ended up with your legs in the air as Ony sucked the soul out of your pussy. Ever since then any inconvenience one had, the other would do their best to help relieve the stress. Your roommate upset you? Ony fed you long deep strokes, pampering you with soft kisses while he whispered in your ear. Ony was pissed that his supplier flaked on him? Ony would have the tightest grip on your hips as he drilled into you from behind, claiming the waves of your ass hypnotized him into forgetting what he was upset about. Some days neither of you needed an excuse. Some days you just craved each other.

Despite your unique relationship, you remained friends allowing the other to do what they pleased, though neither you nor Ony slept with or saw other people. Your dynamic was good and worked for both of you. That was until you started seeing Jean.

“You n that nigga Jean still fuckin around?” He broke the silence, waiting for your answer as your eyes met his.

“Ony” You groaned, the tight grip he had on your ankles preventing you from moving.

“What? I can’t ask you questions now?” He kissed his teeth, putting out the blunt.

“No, because any time you ask about Jean we end up getting into an argument and I’m really enjoying my time with you right now. So no, you cannot ask.”

“Whatever. I’m just tryna figure out when you gon stop playing in my face nd be with me instead of his bitchass.”

“Onyankopon '' You shrieked. You never understood why Ony hated Jean till a few weeks ago when Ony drunkenly confessed his feelings. At first, you thought he was joking but the look on his face told you otherwise. For a minute, you were happy. Ony was everything you had wanted in a boyfriend and you two had practically been in a relationship just without the labels. It wasn't till Jean texted you that you got upset. Why confess his feelings when you're finally in a relationship? Deciding it'd be best to forget about it, you put Ony to bed, hoping he'd also forget about his confession. Clearly, you were wrong.

“What? I don't understand what you see in him. He's annoying as fuck, and I'm pretty sure he has 4 brain cells. Maximum.” He rolled his eyes at the thought of Jean. “Why won't you give me a chance when I'm the one for you?”

“We've talked about this Ony.” You sighed. Conversations like these were becoming frequent and they were so tiring.

“No mama you've talked nd I've listened.” You thought about it, he wasn’t exactly wrong. Silently praying this wouldn't end up in an argument you gave him a chance.

“Okay. I'm listening.” You whispered.

“C’mere,” He released your ankles.

“Ony I’m not gonna-”

“[☆]” The dominance in his tone had you clenching around nothing.

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you did as he told. The moment you sat on his lap you just knew how it was going to end.

“Why you with him instead of me? And don't feed me no bullshit” His large hands were rubbing up and down your thighs getting dangerously close to your pussy that desperately ached for him.

You tried and you tried but there wasn't any good reason as to why you were Jean. Sure he was cute but he had no idea how to make you feel special and overall just couldn't please you. In multiple ways. The main reason though was that he wasn’t Ony. He just asked first.

“I don't know, Ony” You finally sighed, looking everywhere but him.

Any discipline you had when it came to Ony vanished when his hand wrapped around your throat, the slight pressure on your carotid causing your brain to go fuzzy and your panties to get damp “Look at me”

“Be real. Please” Ony released his hold on your neck to grip your thighs.

“You had the longest opportunity to ask me to be with you but you never took the chance, yet when I'm finally in a relationship you suddenly wanna give up everything and take a chance to be with me and I feel like that’s not fair to me Ony.”

He rubbed his hands down his face with a sigh. “You're right.”

"I did have that opportunity and always hesitated. I always assumed it would be just you and me, that you wouldn't pursue other relationships because of our bond. Since the day we met, I've wanted you. I know this is unfair and I'm so sorry princess, but I can't ignore my feelings any longer. Jean can't possibly be the man you want, the man you deserve. But I can. I promise to take the chance if you just give me another opportunity, and I'll do everything in my power to make you proud. You’re my best friend, my favorite person in the whole universe and I'm determined to be the person you need. I love you [☆].”

“Ony” you huffed, feeling as if all air was being vacuumed out of your lungs at his confession.

“Please. Lemme show you how much I love you.” He whispered, closing the distance that separated you. “Please” He captured your lips, his usual sweet taste with a hint of spiciness from the weed clouding your thoughts. Oh, how you missed this. Missed him. The kiss was intimate and familiar, the passion growing with each second. Ony’s hands roamed your body, gripping the soft flesh of your thighs before traveling to your ass, taking pleasure in the soft moan you let out, and using the opportunity to slip his tongue past your lips. On instinct, your hips rocked down onto him.

“Fuck, baby. I missed you” He groaned, flipping you onto your back.

“Ony we can’t” You huffed, despite the wetness growing in between your thighs. God he looked so good. His muscles bulged as he took his shirt off, your eyes trailed down his torso, mouth watering at the prominent v-line peeking from his low sitting sweats.

“Do you want this? Yes, or no?” His tongue traced lazy patterns on your skin as he littered your neck with kisses.

“Ony I-”

“Yes or no [☆]?” He nipped on your earlobe, hand dipping below the waistband of your leggings.

“Fuck, Ony” his hand slipped beneath the thin fabric of your thong, fingers slipping through your folds. Gathering your arousal before circling your clit in tight circles. “Yes, please”

“Then shut up and lemme show you how much I love you” He murmured as he undressed you. Replacing his fingers with his tongue, he lapped at your folds like a starved man, his tongue repeatedly flicking your clit. “Missed you so fucking much. Don't ever give my pussy away again. You hear me?” He muttered, sliding two digits past your entrance. The action was easy with how wet you were.

“Ony” Your thighs threatened to close around his head.

“Answer me or I'm stopping” He slowed his movements, leaving you needy.

“It's yours. I'm yours pa, I promise” Your legs shook as he continued to give you slow strokes, the addition of another finger having you seeing stars. “O-Ony wait” You panted, attempting to push his head away but he refused to let up on your pussy, never wanting to stop till he and his couch were soaked in your essence as he lapped at your clit.

“Ony I’m so-fuck I'm so close” Your words encouraged him to speed up as he repeatedly hit the spongy spot of your walls. “Ony” Your walls clenched around his fingers, leaving little room for his fingers to continue as you reached your peak.

Despite your thighs tightening around his head he continued his assault on your pussy. It wasn't until he was finally satisfied with slurping up your arousal, that he pulled away pressing gentle kisses on your throbbing clit as he pulled his soaked fingers out of your walls.

“Missed you so much” He mumbled, giving you the nastiest kiss ever, your arousal all over his lower face.

“I missed you too”

“Yeah?” He grabbed your hips, positioning you on all fours.

“Ony” You whined, pout forming on your lips as you looked back. His dick standing tall now that it was no longer confined. God, please let me have feeling in my legs tomorrow.

“I know you ain't think I was done. You played in my face and let another nigga hit and think I'm not finna put you back in your place? Nah, both you and this pussy need a reminder of who you belong to” He slid his dick through your folds, your cream acting as lube.

“Matter a fact” He lined up at your entrance just as your phone started ringing ‘Jean baby’ flashing on the bright screen.

“Lemme show this nigga too.”

first time ever writing smut nd even though it was short it took me foreverrr but i think it turned out okay. also so sorry for all my Jean girlies out there lol. anyways i hope you enjoyed nd any feedback is greatly appreciated. mwah

[raintemper]

Moon and Pebbles!! Yippee

oh the woes of being a flesh creature surrounded by supercomputer gods,, I got sad drawing him hhh

more about them under the line :>

Moon! She, like Suns, was one of the first successful projects and were both more of test models/therapeutic companions than anything else. They were both restructured to fit their new functions but Suns has obviously undergone more significant changes... Moon is kept inside to assist with research and computational stuff. She's a lab cat. She's generally looks more like a normal creature, and has a friendly appearance because her creators (i guess it would be the ancients) would be seeing her frequently and would rather a friendly face, something that is easily perceived as nonthreatening, as opposed to Suns weaponry and NSH's extra limbs and spikes. She doesn't have the screen face like NSH, so expressing emotions comes mostly from body language. Moon is not outside at all so there is no need for solar panel components like Suns or NSH. She has internal stored power that can last for quite a while but still needs to be recharged? I imagine the neuron fly drones would also assist in that department. The drones still function somewhat like her portable processing servers/braincells. She has also programed a defensive protocol into them, they can create small bits of electricity to use in dire moments. Initially programmed to keep track of NSH's samples that sometimes escapes him.

Pebbles is a purposed organism. He is a whole entire organic cat. He was born in the lab, in a chaotic time when resources were low. He has a mark of communication. He also has a brain chip where he can access (basically) the cloud where the others upload information. He is also a lab cat so this is crucial to his role. He did try and remove it once when he was younger and it backfired horribly and now he has a mechanical ear and eye. He still feels out of place for obvious reasons, being the only creature of organic origin amongst his peers.

He is closest to Moon who had a role in caring for and raising him. She did not know a thing about caring for a living being but did her best. Pebbles does not like being confined to the facility. The suggestion and influence the brain chip has on him sometimes clashes with his thoughts. He is very aware of the limitations it puts on him to not leave. He envies NSH and Suns a lot for being able to do what he can't. He often downloads the maps they create and read NSH's sample studies in his spare time. He also likes seeing the lizards NSH brings back, from a distance.

I think in the time that Pebbles exists, NSH is not very active. Due to the low resources and chaotic season, NSH is often in low power mode. Which means less expeditions outside and more time just, half asleep. And when the weather becomes more sustainable, NSH would be sent on long outings to gather as much as possible before being powered down again. So instead of hearing stories from NSH, he sought out Suns and UI instead. (Actually I think everyone is kind of low power mode here, Suns does not wander as far).

erhm i think he tries to leave the place and then gets sick or something,,,im still thinking..

[copperbadge]

I have a lot of feelings about the use of AI in Everything These Days, but they're not particularly strong feelings, like I've got other shit going on. That said, when I use a desktop computer, every single file I use in Google Drive now has a constant irritating popup on the right-hand side asking me how Gemini AI Can Help Me. You can't, Gemini. You are in the way. I'm not even mad there's an AI there, I'm mad there's a constantly recurring popup taking up space and attention on my screen.

Here's the problem, however: even Gemini doesn't know how to disable Gemini. I did my own research and then finally, with a deep appreciation of the irony of this, I asked it how to turn it off. It said in any google drive file go to Help > Gemini and there will be an option to turn it off. Guess what isn't a menu item under Help?

I've had a look around at web tutorials for removing or blocking it, but they are either out of date or for the Gemini personal assistant, which I already don't have, and thus cannot turn off. Gemini for Drive is an integrated "service" within Google Drive, which I guess means I'm going to have to look into moving off Google Drive.

So, does anyone have references for a service as seamless and accessible as Google Drive? I need document, spreadsheet, slideshow, and storage, but I don't have any fancy widgets installed or anything. I do technically own Microsoft Office so I suppose I could use that but I've never found its cloud function to actually, uh, function. I could use OneNote for documents if things get desperate but OneNote is very limited overall. I want to be able to open and edit files, including on an Android phone, and I'd prefer if I didn't have to receive a security code in my text messages every time I log in. I also will likely need to be able to give non-users access, but I suppose I could kludge that in Drive as long as I only have to deal with it short-term.

Any thoughts, friends? If I find a good functional replacement I'm happy to post about it once I've tested it.

Also, saying this because I love you guys but if I don't spell it out I will get a bunch of comments about it: If you yourself have managed to banish Gemini from your Drive account including from popping up in individual files, I'm interested! Please share. If you have not actually implemented a solution yourself, rest assured, anything you find I have already tried and it does not work.

[threestarsaboveclouds]

[DIRECT BROADCAST] PRIVATE - FORCED - Fleeting Green Sunsets, Three Stars Above Clouds SOURCE NODE TRACE: FGS_ROOT, FGS_COMM02, TSAC_ROOT

FGS: Hello, Three Stars Above Clouds. This is Fleeting Green Sunsets. I hope this message finds you well.

Please excuse the forced communication, I know it is unpleasant. My outbound broadcast equipment has been severely damaged and I am unable to send messages over the radio network. 

Thankfully the Overseer communication network is still an option. It may be slower, but it gets the job done. My attempts at direct communication failed; forced communication was my next option. You happen to be the closest iterator with hardware similar enough to mine for this to be an option. I apologize again.

However, during the brief moments I could successfully intercept broadcasts, I couldn’t help but notice your flurry of recent activity in the public long-range broadcast channels. I’m relieved to see that your broadcast equipment is still functional- I was beginning to worry that you had fallen victim to a predicament similar to my own.

I am reaching out to you in part to test my ability to transmit long-distance messages via Overseer root nodes. Please do let me know if you received my message successfully; it will help me work on making this transmission process less… intrusive to you and your work.

However, the primary reason for my contact: I require assistance, and I believe you will be able to help.

…

I will await your reply.

[ END OF BROADCAST ]

TSAC: Fleeting Green Sunsets…

TSAC: …

TSAC: It is good to hear from you again, old friend.

(Part 2)

[tetevesselsheep]

4t2 - Curv Dreams

The file is compressed and contains:

→ 36 meshes (In the end, after choosing between the decorative playmat and the functional playmat, there will be 35), being 8 master and 8 slaves;

→ 1 collection file;

→ there are 432 rcs (merged);

→ 1 preview;

→ 1 preview of the collection;

→ 2 text documents informing the number of polygons

(decoratives and functional);

→ 1 text document informing about master and slave meshes;

→ 1 text document informing about where to find the objects;

→ 1 folder named "playmat - chosse one" containing the decorative and functional options. Both have the same Guid;

→ 2 text files that contain information, one about the number of polygons that contain the playmat

and the other about the importance of knowing about the functional object;

→ 1 folder where you have to choose the collection file according to your playmat choice;

→ 1 video in mp4 format;

→ The "Baby Dangle Monster" mesh from the Store edition for those who don't have one and can purchase it if they want the functional option of the playmat.

Functional Objects:

• Cloud Lights (slave mesh);

• Crib V1 (master mesh);

• Crib V2 (slave Mesh);

• Desk Chair;

• Kids Bed;

• Mod 1 - Wardrobe (master mesh - 4 slots);

• Mod 2 - Wardrobe (6 slots);

• Mod 3 - Wardrobe (8 slots);

• Mod 4 - Chair (adult version - slave mesh

& kids version - master mesh);

• Mod 5 - Wardrobe;

• Mod 6 - Desk;

• Mod 7 - Corner (slave mesh - 4 slots);

• Mod 8 - Shelf (15 slots);

• Ottoman (master mesh);

• Ottoman Larger (slave mesh);

• Single Cloud Lamp;

• Single Cloud Light (master mesh);

• Wooden Car Toy.

Decorative Objects:

• Chowder The Octopus Toy;

• Activity Table;

• Arch Curtains - Bed Version (master mesh);

• Arch Curtains - Crib Version (slave mesh);

• Arch Decal;

• Bunny Plush;

• Crib Blanket;

• Crib Cutesy Pillows (master mesh);

• Curved Arch;

• Kids Blanket;

• Crown Moulding (master mesh);

• Crown Moulding Corner (slave mesh);

• Mod 4 - Chair Pillows (slave mesh);

• Mr. Bear;

• Round Rug;

• Rug.

The original file is on the Patreon

Thanks:

→ Roxana for editing the crib texture.

→ @jacky93sims for helping me with the playmat and kids bed.

→ @deatherella for testing the kids bed.

Credits: Meshes & Textures by @heybrine

Download on my Blog

[sushibuild]

Cloud Nine Residence

A stylish modern penthouse in the city center, featuring an open-plan layout with a double-volume ceiling and a sleek curved staircase. Seamlessly integrating the kitchen, living, and dining areas, it offers elegance, functionality, and top-tier amenities for urban living.

Penthouse Tour HERE

More info and Download link HERE

3 Bedrooms (The master bedroom features curved glass walls all around, with a double-volume design - master bathroom also highlights elegant curved glass elements - Walk in Closet) & 4.5 Bathrooms

Property Features : 3 Living Area , Home office , Home Gym , Sauna & Massage room , Balcony , Bar Area Indoor and Outdoor , Laundry room ,Pantry , Outdoor Pool , Outdoor Cooking, Outdoor Living spaces and Butler’s room

✅Play tested with game update 1/14/2025✅

Explore my collection to see all the builds I've released HERE

♡A huge thanks to the talented creators whose amazing CC transformed this house into a stunning space!♡

*Do not re-upload my builds and claim them as your own. Do not use my builds as a base to create another and upload them*

Socials : Patreon | Tiktok | Instagram

[accessiblemindstech]

By ensuring your software is meticulously tested for global readiness, we help you deliver seamless user experiences across diverse languages and cultures. Let's transform your product into a global phenomenon, reaching audiences far and wide with precision and reliability. https://bit.ly/3EKzvs2 #SDET #GlobalProduct #LanguageGap #SoftwareTesting #UserExperience #Localization SDET Tech

[pen-and-umbra]

The second episode of the Remake, FF7 Rebirth, has proven to be a terrific experience thus far. SE obviously made a few big decisions here and there.

It is seemingly implied now that Jenova wasn't "brain-dead", and it is hinted that Sephiroth was addled during his breakdown.

It all begins with a strategically placed cut, when Sephiroth touches the door bearing the name Jenova and instructs "Cloud" to close the valve. The scene is merely functional for new fans, yet leaves a vacant space that Crisis Core players will quickly fill in with the inferred arrival of Genesis. Smart move that, leaving the interpretation to the player. Whether Genesis exists inside the Remake's continuity or not, the moment reads differently to each fan. Quite frankly, I was half-expecting “Cloud” to come across a banora apple, rolling on the floor, but I suppose that would be telling.

What's remarkable is that they give Sephiroth almost identical symptoms to those that Cloud has in the remake. Glitches and odd headaches superimpose themselves nicely over the original Crisis Core scene. And, as much as I loathe Tyler Hoechlin's acting in the game, he lends a tangible sense of rage to Sephiroth's disparaging remarks about Hojo and his experiments. You can hear the hatred, a touch of pity, and disgust directed at Hojo's work and the creatures he tortured. In Crisis Core, he refers to the test subjects as “abominations” with the same touch of bitterness.

Back to the point: glitches, pupil dilations, and headaches are visual cues for Jenovaroth's influence or proximity, as shown in the first part of the Remake. However, at this point, Sephiroth is still sane — cracking, but still himself — so the only agent who can exert influence on him is, well, Jenova.

Now, a widely established fan hypothesis maintained that Jenova was brain-dead or comatose. Bodily functions sustained, but brain activity plateaued. Rebirth, however, strangely suggests otherwise.

When "Cloud" returns to Sephiroth in the manor's basement for the second time, Sephiroth recites an excerpt from a journal purportedly written by Professor Gast: 

“The specimen, found in a strata dating back two thousand years, smiled with what could only be described as 'ethereal grace'… Though the truth eluded me at first, I later determined that she was an Ancient - or a 'steward of the planet', as they are referred to in legend”. 

Remembering the battles with Jenova Dreamweaver and Jenova Emergent, the creature is far from "graceful" or "ethereal". There is nothing graceful about her figure in the tube either, and she is not smiling. The game goes out of its way to lampshade the glaring contradiction by showing the flashes of Jenova’s fanged skull and grotesque body as Sephiroth quotes the passage. So how could Gast perceive her as such?.. The answer is most likely found in Jenova Dreamweaver's description given in Ultimania: the entity has the ability to induce hallucinations in individuals who come into proximity with it, which is further corroborated by Jenova Emergent description.

An ancient lifeform that Shinra Company has kept under strict confidentiality. Those who come into contact can have their conscience interfered as well as see illusions. Professor Hojo has dedicated half of his life to researching Jenova, and within the Shinra Company building's top floors lies a secret research center called the "Dome," where Jenova's cells are injected into lifeforms or machinery to conduct experiments. (Ultimania)

Gast even writes that “the truth eluded him at first”, but LATER he determines the specimen belonged to the race of Ancients, as if that answer was suggested. The implication is chilling: Jenova may have purposefully misled Gast in order to present itself as an Ancient. As Sephiroth later explains in the FF7Rb, Jenova is capable of seeing deep into one's soul and impersonating individuals you fear, love, or hate.

If ShinRA and Gast were determined to unravel the mysteries of Ancients and their Promised Land, it would make sense for Jenova to "scan" Gast and determine the best course of action: disguise itself as an Ancient in order to escape captivity in geological strata jail.

The scene in which Sephiroth reads Gast's notes is possibly the final time he is more or less himself, before Jenova's image intermingles with his for a brief moment. Again, I appreciate Tyler's voice acting in this particular section and the real rage he brought to it. Admittedly, I was concerned that with next-gen visuals, they would take a more gruesome approach, displaying Sephiroth conducting the Nibelheim carnage with sadistic pleasure, but they took a different route. Slow, zombie-like movements, and a glassy expression.

He speared the militiamen as casually as if he were spearing bugs, which is far more frightening from a narrative point. What jumped out was how they emphasized the possessed-like behavior: from snarling and flailing the book like a suffering person to an empty countenance and automaton-like strides, as if he was being beckoned. Which is what "Mother is waiting" implies.

The final segment of the Nibelheim flashback is likely the most essential as well. According to previous developer claims, Sephiroth's will took precedence over Jenova's, and he was in control — whether Jenova was brain-dead or simply of lesser willpower.  However, the Rebirth appears to suggest something different right off the bat. First, "Cloud" shouts, "I believed in you… No… Not you — whoever the hell you are!", highlighting the significant personality change and the resulting lack of recognition. But then "Cloud" sees Jenova's image superimposed over that of Sephiroth in a rapid, glitch-like succession.

In other words, he sees Jenova inhabiting Sephiroth's body as a vehicle to once again escape the confinements. Whatever that means, whether it suggests that Jenova is in control from the start, or whether Sephiroth is literally the greatest functional agglomeration of her cells, and therefore literally “becomes” Jenova. 

If Jenova's original body was severely damaged — either as a result of eons of incarceration or Hojo's tinkering — it stands to reason that, if she wished to carry out her plan, she would need a new body, one capable of moving at the very least. Perhaps Sephiroth, an able-bodied skilled Mako-infused fighter of considerable might, served as a better "vessel" than her original damaged one. 

But the crux of the matter lies elsewhere. The possibility of Jenova being conscious and influencing Gast is very terrifying. With the potential to affect others in close vicinity, she may have influenced the minds of the whole science team behind the Jenova Project, particularly those who had long-term contact with her tissue — Gast and Hojo. It could turn out that the whole idea to revive an “Ancient” was planted by Jenova in order to grow itself a powerful host. In fact, if it could "peer into one's soul," i.e. read minds and memories, it might have easily identified a pressure point to indoctrinate people who could forward her objective. It's one thing to inject tissue samples into an adult body; it's quite another to devise a plan to inject cells into a developing human fetus. Who knows. Perhaps Hojo is such an obsessed Jenova nutcase in large part because he fell under its spell; feelings of inadequacy and being overshadowed by his colleague may have offered a crack in his defenses.

One that Jenova easily took advantage of. After all, as Dirge of Cerberus implies, Hojo ended up implanting himself with alien organic material.

Again, Jenova's power to extract information from an individual when in proximity supports a bleak reading of the events leading up to Nibelheim's ransacking. A person who kept on carrying a photograph of his supposedly late mother and badgered others about his background, as suggested by Ever Crisis episodes, was literally wearing his weakness on a sleeve.

Perhaps the 30-something years of the Jenova Project were supposed to bring Sephiroth there.

Perhaps the chain of events had been nudged in that direction, starting from the very discovery of a derelict non-human lifeform. Nudged by an intelligence both cunning and incomprehensible. And that makes Jenova a much, much scarier presence in the remake than it was ever suggested in OG.

[casuallyanidiot]

The Beta Test | Chapter 1

[yandere M x Gn Reader]

Local party animal and known social butterfly [name] wakes up to find that they've been abducted by their very reclusive and very wealthy classmate. Why, you might ask, did he do this? Well for one reason of course! He needs to know how he's going to talk to his crush! So now, with their freedom on the line, [name] has to figure out how to get this kid with the one of his dreams or risk never leaving at all. Lots of weird conversations ensue, of course.

2.1 k words Tw. Swearing, kidnapping, mentions of alcohol consumption, mentions of drugging, yandere behavior Prologue Table of contents

West Grove University wasn’t a super large school. It was important to mention this because, as it would happen, you were very well known there. It wasn’t a hard feat to reach, mind you, but still, there were few people who hadn’t heard of you. This was of course because of the fact that you would appear at every single social function that you could.

 Frat parties, fundraisers, birthdays, even baby showers: if you were invited, you were going. Since you were everywhere, it was only natural that you knew people too. In fact, you knew exactly who the man sitting in front of you was at a glance.

 “ Oh you’re from my economics lecture,” you said tiredly. When the words left your lips, he looked to be almost as confused as you were. 

 “ You know me ?” he asked in disbelief and leaned forward. His chair squealed under his weight and you groaned. 

‘My brain is fried,’ you thought with a grimace. You waved at him lazily. 

“ Yeah, you’re Javier, right? Kinda hard not to know you,” you croaked out. Man, your vocal cords felt like they were grating against each other like sandpaper or, like, unspooled yarn. It was a sore reminder that however you had ended up here, it had certainly not been your choice in the slightest. You began shifting around, massaging at your sore and unused muscles. Like you had noticed before, there wasn’t anything in the cell in which you sat. The cold hard floor was biting into your ass, and it did very little to stop you from aching.

It only took a glance to know that he was surprised by your admission, though it was true. Once again, your class size was kinda small compared to some other schools, and that meant that anyone worthy of note was destined to be infamous. While you were talked about due to your outgoing behavior, Javier over here was known for the exact opposite. 

He was a young man of little words, barely heard even speaking to professors after lectures in a hushed tone. He was elusive too. You even had a class with him, yet you could count the number of times he had appeared through the year on one hand. Despite the fact that he was never present, the boy still managed to maintain high-ranking scores with ease. It was pretty impressive actually. Though what made him stand out to you, in particular, were two facts.

One: Javier was so fucking gloomy. Any time he walked into a room, whether that be in a lecture hall or simply passing by in the library, you swear a cloud of darkness followed him in. His posture was always slouched, and bags hung under his eyes like he'd never had a wink of sleep in his entire life. While his clothes, which always seemed to be a pair of black sweats and a white T-shirt, were always clean, his long shoulder-length hair constantly rode the line of looking either greasy or sleek; you could never really decide if it was either of the two.

Two: Javier was, apparently, pretty rich. While he never showed up to lectures, he did go to the secluded and quiet area of the library that you also liked to kick around in. He usually floated over to sit behind a bookshelf in a corner, probably where he thought no one could see him, right in your line of vision. Granted you could only see him because the bookshelf itself wasn't actually packed with, ya know, books, so it was easy to catch a glimpse of him. The dude had the whole fucking apple ecosystem in his bag. Not to mention the luxury brand stationery that he used casually. In fact, everything on him from his slides to the backpack he used was waaaay beyond what the average uni student should be spending, and so casual too. 

Of course you were insanely curious about the quiet, mysterious, and rather wealthy kid that nobody knew anything about! It was only natural. Some people even claimed to have seen him getting into his car which he parked in a secluded area. To no surprise, you were shown multiple photos of him getting into a foreign car with nice rims and everything. 

"Who the fuck is this guy?" They would slur to you drunkenly at whatever party you were at. The phone in their hand would be glowing with whatever blurry pic they had taken, and you would squint at it and shrug.

"No idea."

The little bits of info you got were nothing, but now it seemed like that was going to change. You were going to know Javier Galvan because you had this, I dunno, sneaking suspicion that you had definitely been kidnapped by him.

" R-really?" He blinked at you rapidly with his dark eyes, a finger jabbed at his own chest. You winced and nodded. " Wow, I uh, I didn't think you would. I thought that… I thought that I was going to have to uh introduce myself and stuff…" he trailed off. There was a nervous smile quirked up on his lips, and he shifted his gaze to the side like it was physically impossible to actually look at your curled-up body on the floor. You squinted at him with an eyebrow raised. No fucking way. There was no way that this guy was actually embarrassed by the fact that he had abducted you.

" Well, that's good then. One step further than I had planned I guess," he said, kind of quietly too, and sheepishly rubbed his neck. 

" Yeaaaah right. Do you like… mind telling me what's happening right now?" You asked. There was no use putting it off. You weren't one for mind games either, so it was best to just rip the band aid off so to speak.

Once again, Javier looked stunned by anything you said. Not sure why he was so surprised. You were never the most silent person in the room by any means. He should at least know that much about you. He stayed quiet, and now that you were started to get over the initial spike of fear and confusion, annoyance was fully taking its hold. You gestured, a bit aggressively, at the bars separating the cold cell from the actual room.

" Ohhhhh, Sorry. My bad. You're, uh, probably really confused right now, huh?" He laughed a little. This little shit. He kidnapped you, and he was fucking giggling?

" Uhhhh yeah. That's one way you could take it," you said dryly. The sarcasm in your voice was enough to remind you of the fact that you were very dehydrated at this time. His smile immediately dropped instantly, and you rolled your eyes at his kicked puppy demeanor. If you had known that he was this weird, then you wouldn't have wasted so much of your energy wondering about him.

" O-okay. So, um, you are [Name] [Last name], right?" It took everything in your system to not do a visible double take at that.

" Um Yes?"

He let out a large sigh, posture slumping with relief. " Oh okay. That's good. Good. It would be, haha, like really bad if you weren't," he said while wiping his face. His sweaty palms could probably be seen from space. 

" We have classes together man. I like see you in the library almost everyday."

" Oh, uh, yeah that's right. You're right, sorry."

You pursed your lips as he went on fumbling and fidgeting with his hands. Gloomy and socially awkward. What a combo. 

" Uh so now that we've been introduced, um, I guess I should tell you why I brought you here haha," he said and finally stood up from his chair. He was pretty tall, and loomed over your huddled up self with ease. He was lanky, like a pole, and you shuddered. 

It was easy to forget in your addled brain that you were, in fact, in a very dangerous situation. When hunched in on himself, Javier didn't feel that threatening at all, but now it was clear that this could potentially be very nasty. Had he taken you for revenge of some kind? Did he somehow read your mind over the course of months and dislike the odd light you held him in? Or was it for something dumb like you badmouthing a friend of his? Who knows. If he was rich enough to have a ( pretty nicely decorated) room with a cell in it, then who knows what other crazy shit could be stirring in his head.

" Okay so… I know that you're friends with a lot of people. And um, everybody seems to like you even though you're kinda annoying," He started. Ouch. Coming from him that was not a good assessment of your character.

Still, he looked down at you expectantly after a few moments of silence. You blinked and waved for him to continue. He smiled ,like he'd been cheered on in race, and took a deep breath. 

" So if people think you're cool and like you, then it means that you're doing something right that I'm not." He placed his hands on the bars. They were so tightly gripped that you could see the paleness form on his brown skin. 

" I'll put this bluntly. You're good with people. I don't really get why, but you are, and I'm not. So I need you to help me out," he said. His tone was more serious than before, and the look of his face was anything but rational. In fact he looked void of any emotion.

" Let me guess... I don't really have a choice in this, do I?" You stated, eyes narrowed up at him. The tension held between the two of you was now fully out. If you didn't have a headache before, you certainly would've gotten one by now.

" Well," he said while leaning back," You do... but it would be kind of dumb considering where you're at and all." He looked you up and down as his last words came dripping out of his lips. His almost meek demeanor was completely gone by now.

" So uh, yeah, I need your help. Umm, this is a little weird, but I want you to help me date the girl that I've been in love with all year," he sighed out. You didn't miss the dreamy and wistful stare he held as he glanced up into the ceiling. 

" Wait? That's it?" You asked. Was this guy fucking with you? Like a cruel prank or whatever?

" Unfortunately yes..." he groaned out. " I'm going to be honest with you [Last Name], I'm...Well I'm hopeless. I've tried out so many different things to make me more appealing to her, but nothing works!" 

" So forcing me to be your, what? Chad alpha dude coach? Was you're next best option?" You asked, eyes wide and with the most amount of sarcasm you could muster. He nodded sadly as a sinking realization, even bigger than being kidnapped, came upon you.

You were going to have to get this crazy, antisocial, creepy, and downright pathetic guy with the girl of his dreams? Yeah, this was way too far out for even you.

You sighed ," So, let me get this straight. You kidnapped me so you could talk to a girl better."

He nodded.

" And you did this because you couldn't do it yourself."

He nodded again, looking a bit more embarrassed this time.

" And you're probably not going to let me go until you start dating this girl, are you?"

He winced, and you felt even more annoyed than you thought was possible. Oh yeah cause HE had the right to be bashful here. He cleared his throat gently, refusing to stare in your direction.

" Yes, um, if you help me date this girl before the next school year, then I will let you go," he said. Hints of that serious and firm nature you had previously seen came bubbling up again. You could see the coldness behind his lashes a mile away. Yeah, this guy was not okay. 

" What happens if you don't? Get with her I mean."

It was a simple question, really. Still, his head shot up from its limp state as he looked at you unblinking. His dark hair pooled at his shoulders, and the dim lighting of the room hardly allowed for a full look at him. Still, you could feel the dead gaze, unyielding and terrifying.  You shrunk back in shock. 

" Well, let's hope that doesn't happen," he said simply before leaving the room. The thud of the door and the click of the lock was deafening, and you flinched away. 

In the corner of a cold cell in an unfamiliar room, you pressed your hands to your face as you came to the conclusion that you were completely and utterly fucked.

[voidcat]

— for you’re the sun that burns me one at a time

characters; Michael kaiser x gn!reader.

wc: 2.3k (drabble my ass, someone end my misery)

notes: reader is described to be wearing a skirt. another one of my “not quite friends but not as hostile with each other- something in between” stuf for this pain in the ass man. reader is implied to be working at the same club Kaiser plays for. Mentions of alcohol. Don’t drink on an empty stomach kids. Tysm to Nini and Mira for giving this a read<3

alternatively; in which there are signs of you that Michael Kaiser notices, and those that you return. (to know someone is to love them, or so they say.)

With a sudden weight pressing to his side, Kaiser finds himself brought back to earth, eyes wandering his current predicament.

The pub is nice, one of the classics, or so you've claimed when suggesting the place. "A night out! Come now, what's the worst that can happen? Socializing a little won't kill you." and while it does hold true that socializing won't kill him, it might certainly test his limits given how annoying his ...colleagues can be, especially when exposed to such things as alcohol.

So far though it's been easy on his patience, the fruit flies keeping to themselves and majority of those attending trying to be on their best behavior— including him. No thanks to you pinching his forearm under the table or hitting the tips of his shoes with your heavy boots, knowingly aiming for his toes every single time.

Rustic and shady, no blinding lights, no ringing or chemical like smell— it is an old establishment, the staff scattered around all keeping to themselves but keeping an eye on in case they're needed, a gentle volume of music reaching his ears; mostly just rock from 90s and before, not too loud or obnoxious. A choice Kaiser isn't sure if made by you with him or with yourself in mind. And if he looks a little carefully, he could see the fully functional jukebox by the corner there, but perhaps it is waiting for another night.

The evening is going ...uneventful thus far. As much as it can be.

Leaning against his arm, you are swaying slightly to the rhythm, mostly just your head but with your shoulders from time to time too.

Your arm brushes against his and Kaiser watches as you reach for the cocktail fork, stabbing a small fry and popping it into your mouth. His eyes follows as you chew and keep swaying by yourself, licking your lips by reflex at this point-- You prefer the smaller fries, saying they're crispier and you always sprinkle too much salt to your fries and look for a cold drink to wash down the excess of the mineral.

The song switches to something more slow paced, and your movements with it. Reaching out for your bottle, you shiver as your cardigan falls off your arm, skin meeting with the cool air of the pub.

He allows himself a moment longer for his eyes to roam your body then.

Since the opportunity has risen so nicely and it doesn't seem like you really care.

You're wearing that blue cardigan with cloud patterns on it again, that's a bit too big on you, which you always call a styling choice. Underneath it a tank top with thin straps and a short skirt-- a suggestion of his, in fact. One he didn't think you'd follow through.

Because when it comes to Michael Kaiser's selfish will, you never do. Not unless you've lost a bet of sorts, or it just happens to align with something bigger- be it making appearances and whatnot.

He cannot deny that he likes the look you've got tonight, open and tender, in a blue his shade, however the attention you've been drawing has been aggravating. Compliment after compliment, as much as it is a boasting thing to have something such attracting by his arm, it gets on his nerves after a while, seeing how they eye you, look at you, must think of you and of all the parts of you they cannot see in the daylight.

The thought alone gives him a headache when he furrows his brows too long, hand shooting up to massage his temple.

You pick this as the perfect time to recall you haven't been alone at this booth for the past hour. Turning to him as your hand lifts the basket slightly, "Oh, sorry! Did ya want some?"

Your words sound a little slurred. Not surprising considering the speed at which you've downed that glühwein maybe. On empty stomach too-- another thing uncharacteristic of you. The beers to follow after normally wouldn't get to you this quick, but with how little you've had, only after arriving after the pub, it is no surprise you're like this already.

Michael knows these because he knows you, as much as you try and deny the fact.

When he looks back at you, hand frozen midair, you stare back at him with big eyes, the dim lights of the pub reflecting like twin stars. You're sitting close to him— too close in fact, that at any moment or minute he thinks you'll collapse on top of him.

"Hellooo?" you wave a hand then, "anybody home?"

You have stopped saying his name, is another thing Kaiser has been noticing lately. Not that you ever called him 'Michael' save for the spite in your voice you would reserve only for him when you needed to address him in full, but he no longer hears his surname barked through your lips either.

There is unspoken intimacy in the way you call out to him without needing a name. Not anywhere near to be speaking his name, no, you haven't swollen down your pride to that extent just yet. Yet the creeping feeling that comes with using a name he only carries extended by blood and nothing else that leaves a sour taste in your mouth.

A part of him wonders how much longer it'll take for you to ease up and say 'Michael' not without malice but with something you save for so few, not many people have heard that sweet tune of your voice just yet. And how much after it, before it shortens, becomes a verbal proof of close proximity and the claim you have on each other. For you to drop that fear and accept your fate as it is, how long do you plan to let this drag on longer?

He can smell the aroma of citrus and wine in your breath still, lips flushed with all the blood rushing there. You're standing dangerously close to him, he thinks you are yet to realize. Few more centimeters and the only comfortable position would be to stand chest to chest. The thought makes his mouth dry and he turns his head away, grumbling a "I'm fine." Just the thought alone enough to send the hairs stand on end.

This sentiment feels new to Kaiser— odd and strange, gripping at his throat, breaking through a window to reach.

The why stands on his tongue. He has never felt any sort of negativity when up and around in your personal space; much delighted to see you squirm and uncomfortable under his unwavering presence in fact.

His eyes trail over your limbs again, how your arm reaches you and returns, the bottle by your lips, liquid swallowed down as your throat bobs, with a sigh you detach from the bottle— a stupid, lean smile on your face, "Ah–" you place the bottle and lean back towards him again, feet still tapping to the melody.

It doesn't take long to come up with a hypothesis. It is the ease, isn't it? The lack of resistance on your part, no snap back, no sneer— he should be satisfied with your compliance but it only confuses him further much to his dismay.

Leaning further to his side with your weight, you still do a mini dance of sorts to the song, seeming completely in your world at this point.

Still, despite the weirdness that comes with something unfamiliar, he finds it fine for the most part.

Eyes lingering on you again, taking in your sight almost tucked bu his side, he shouldn't be this surprised at the amount of comments you have been getting all night long. Such a contrast to how you'd usually style this particular cardigan, he notices something else off with your outfit too, not quite putting a finger just yet.

A little shuffling by his side and you reach for your bottle once more, taking a sip and placing it on your lap, too comfortable in your makeshift head rest that is Kaiser's arm.

He watches as your empty hand fiddles with the bottle's tag and the lack of jewelry occurs to him. The vacant table however, stands out to someone else.

One of the employees make way to the table and nod at you in greeting. They get to picking up the empty dish and bottles, cleaning up the table without a word.

Kaiser can see why you seem fond of this place now.

As the table is cleared, they raise their head with a typical "Anything else?" then stare for a second. "Ah, no sun today?" they ask with a chuckle. So you do frequent as well, he notes.

Straightening up from your position, you just give them a smile with a shake of your head, "Didn't need one on me today."

Seeing to the table and for your orders one final time, they depart and you rest your elbow on the table, fiddling with an unopened bottle.

As the clock ticks, the songs begin to pick up on a quicker rhythm, the lights readjusted. From the heaters nearby and the windows reflecting the outside, more colors begin to fall and dance over your skin.

You catch Kaiser in the midst of staring, "Somethin' the matter?" you ask with a tilt of your head.

Despite being able to function just fine, he can tell there is a decent amount of alcohol in your system that you might not even remember half of tonight in full detail. So he decides, why not, and presses on.

"What was that about?"

At his question, your hand shoots up to where a necklace should be, grasping at the air and returning to be a rest for your cheek again.

Closing your eyes, you let your head drop to the side with a smile: "Hmm... I had this necklace, round, that I would wear with this." you say as you try and gesture at your cardigan with your chin.

Without a word, Kaiser raises a brow, waiting for you to elaborate.

"Because I am the sky!" you say in a sudden, chirping up from your place and raising both hands open. With the way you talk, you almost sound like a child— giddy, uncaring and prone to distraction.

"Aaaaad—" you drag the word, "I've got my sun right with me!" you end your sentence, as you grab his arm and pull yourself to him.

It takes Kaiser a decent ten seconds to register your words.

From somewhere across, he swears he heard a chuckle and can spot the same employee turning away just as he spots them, a hand seeming to cover their mouth.

Rigid and frozen under your touch, he finds it impossible to breathe, let alone move.

Were you to read his mind, you would probably roll your eyes and say in an annoyed voice "well, what a wonderful think we do it by reflex that the world will spin to see another day with Michael Kaiser in it kicking and alive."

And maybe you did, the memory feels too clear, your voice so real.

Something warm and growing heavier by the second on his arm pulls him out of his thoughts and he looks down to see you in a similar shape as earlier tonight.

With a sigh, he carefully removes his arm from your hold— though you don't let go at first, and lets you lean into him completely, wrapping the arm around your form.

As predicted, you don't remember much the next day, so Kaiser takes it upon himself to remind you.

You manage to evade him successfully for the most of the day but as everyone disappears into somewhere for around lunch time, he corners you by the hall.

Forearm leaning against the wall above your hand on one side, and your other side partially closed off by the planning of the building itself, you don't exactly have a way out-- unless you want to duck and flee under him on a whim, but that might require a little show down of who has the faster reflexes.

When you turn your head to look anywhere but into his eyes, Kaiser leans in a little closer, his breath fawning over you.

"Something the matter, little mouse?” He says over you with a fake concern lacing his voice, “I don’t recall you minding your personal space being invaded last time.”

His words work like magic, you snap immediately, eyes meeting his with that fire he likes to see so much.

“What the fuck are you on about? Did you hit your head, again? Is this some sort of munchausen syndrome developed at later ages?”

Turning a deaf ear to your insults, he lets out a chuckle at your feeble attempts to scare him off.

Like cornered animals taking a step in and fluffing up their fur in an attempt to look bigger with each hiss, you cock your head higher and closer to him with each word— not realizing just how close you have gotten just yet.

Seeing you furrow your brows at his reaction only deepens his chuckle.

When he stops, he doesn't allow you a moments breath— leaning towards you, nose brushing yours, he looks at you through lidded eyes with the sneer of a man who knows more than he lets on.

“Now, now…” he tuts, “That’s no way to speak with your sun, is it?” He coaxes with a hum and watches in delight how confusion takes over your features as you try and make sense of his words.

You must have an idea of sorts, from the lack of immediate snap he can tell, and before you can mumble out anything else, he witnesses dread washing over and blood rushing to your face, as you turn your head to avoid his gaze, only to end up his breath tickling your neck.

Seeing you as you are now, Kaiser thinks he has you exactly where he wants, with no intention of letting you away.

[genericpuff]

💣💥💣💥💣

so with Episode 67 finally posted and the dust settled, I wanted to share some funny behind-the-scenes stuff with you all.

Clip Studio is a great piece of software, it's what allows Banshriek and I to work on the same episode together via cloud-syncing (it's a function called "Teamworks" in the app) but it's also... kind of garbage sometimes. Without getting too much into it, CSP has a bottleneck issue with how it predominantly uses CPU rather than the graphics card in a computer. And considering it's literally graphics software, yeah, you can probably figure out pretty quickly with the most bare minimum of computer knowledge why this is a problem that's really silly for it to have LOL

ANYWAYS. This has been known to cause problems between Banshriek and I when trying to complete an episode. Problems that - often enough for me to tell you stories about it - result in us having to essentially "rebuild" the episode we're working on. This doesn't necessarily mean having to redraw anything (thankfully that doesn't happen very often) but it usually goes down something like this:

1.) The software suddenly has an issue syncing our changes which results in either conflicted files that can't update, software crashes that refuse to load pages, updates not even going through, or taking WAY too long to update to the point that we'd rather just rebuild and work on the episode independently and then swap the files and layers when it's time for the other person to do their part.

2.) I have to inform Banshriek that Clip Studio crashed again, and in the event that I can't get back into page editing because of the aforementioned issues ^^^ they immediately get to backing up their most recent version of the file that's stored on their computer. Thankfully a lot of the time these versions are pretty up to date, but it's still a moment of tension every single time because these crashes don't always happen the same way every time.

3.) Using the backup version, a new .cmc file (the file that contains every page for each episode, it's the thing that lets you make pages for comics in the software!) is created by whoever has access to the pages without issue (usually Banshriek is the one who's able to do it, this has become a very one-sided problem LMAO) and then is sent to me so that I can upload it to the cloud to replace the old version. This file is then usually called something like "Episode#BACKUP" to distinguish between both versions as we usually still have the older versions downloaded as well.

4.) Work (hopefully) continues as normal. Though it's definitely caused setbacks, so far our survival rate is still 100% 😆

This happens at least every other episode. It's become rare to go a whole episode without having to go through this process. We're still trying to figure out what we can do to avoid it, but we've tried a bunch of other options (and Banshriek has created some test episodes using pages from completed episodes that crashed for the sake of experimenting) and so far it's still a struggle understanding what exactly is going wrong with Clip Studio and it's syncing features. Fortunately, Banshriek and I are both auDHD enough that we're gonna obsess over it until we figure it out LMAO but until then, we're constantly having to treat Clip Studio like a live snake that's trying to wrangle itself out of our hands 💀😆

And the most recent episode? Episode 67, which ran a week and a day late? It set a new personal best for number of backups, because we had to rebuild it not just once, but TWICE.

What we've noticed is that sometimes you can barely make a change to an episode and these crashes still happen, as if major changes have been made. So far the best hypothesis Banshriek has come up with regarding this observation is that the software struggles more to update changes that affect overall pixel count and appearance - stuff like moving canvases, flipping canvases, adding on textured layers (which is what we do at the end of making each page) , etc. that covers a lot of pixels at a time, even if it's only changing the hues / colors slightly, seems to cause the most problems.

During the production of Episode 67, the following plagues came to pass:

Our car exploded

Our cat nearly exploded (btw! for anyone wondering from my last post about him, he's doing better now!)

Our toilet pipes froze twice (and exploded once)

Democracy in the U.S. exploded

My husband's wisdom teeth were exploding so the last 3 of them were removed all at once

The files for Episode 67 exploded twice and had to be rebuilt just to keep it on life support (by the end of the episode we were literally sending files back and forth via Google Drive like peasants 😔 /hj)

The most non-explosive thing to happen was the tattoo shop I work at moving locations up the street, and even then, I came very close to exploding a few times during that process LMAO (and our debit machine just exploded so we're cash only for the next few days sksksks)

This episode was probably our most cursed yet, and frankly, it couldn't be more fitting, I think Dionysus himself had a hand in our madness, just for the sake of being on theme with this episode. And the worst part, we haven't even gotten into the truly chaotic stuff yet. All Dionysus has done so far is slam Hades' head into a table, he's barely gotten started. Dionysus only knows what Episode 68 has in store for me and Banshriek as well 😭💀