#I play on crystal and I expect that does not help even a little bit lolol

[asleepinawell]

possibly a controversial opinion and absolutely not trying to take a shot at anyone who disagrees, but I think having portraits show up for comms at the end of a dungeon/raid is a terrible feature. great in theory but terrible in actuality. I don't care about my comm count (and couldn't tell you what it is) but it was always nice to get some in instances where I knew I'd done a kick ass job supporting the team (as a healer or rdm usually). it was people saying thank you

I'm a really average player but there's some content I know very well and can help other players in. I love helping people and it's just a good feeling when you get thanked after. like hey, I was useful! I made a contribution!

that vanished completely when portraits came out (I've done roulettes almost every day for the last 8 months due to leveling all the jobs and just enjoying it, so it was really really easy for me to track the change...there were a few exceptions but overall it was like night and day from before). (and yes, people could obviously see your glam before but having it directly in the comm ui is different)

I got a trickle back when I put some effort into making fun portraits (something I personally don't enjoy doing but felt obligated to do), but I don't play a cute cat boy or a lady with big boobs (two things I've actually seen people online say tempt them into giving comms) and my portraits are definitely not as fancy as a lot of people's and more than that it just feels like that shouldn't matter

so yeah, not a fan. actually turned them off for myself the first time they popped up because it just felt strange. leave them at the start and take them out at the end would be my best solution since, like I said, really neat idea in theory and I think people should be proud of their cool glams and show them off. but it also really sucks to be in what feels a lot like a beauty pageant

[moonstruckme]

haiii can we get more doctor!remus x whimsical!reader? maybe reader uses crystals and healing music to help remus when he's feeling sad/mentally blocked? no worries if you don't want to, love the way you write them teehee :3

Thanks for requesting babe!

doctor!Remus x whimsical!reader ♡ 870 words

Remus supposes it’s the thought that counts. 

He’d come home from work today complaining of a long day and a dismal mood and expecting, perhaps, a kiss and cuddle from you to make him feel better. Instead you’d laid him down on the couch and started placing eclectically-shaped and oddly colorful rocks on his forehead, throat, and torso, and now you’re playing music that sounds like some shit even James wouldn’t be caught listening to. 

There’s a muffled noise in the kitchen. Remus cracks an eyelid. Another, and he’s sitting up, catching the stones as they fall from him. You’re kneeling on the counter, reaching for something in the back of the cabinet. 

“Oi,” Remus starts to stand, but you turn to face him and hop down without even the decency to look a little abashed. 

“Remus.” Your voice is about as stern as a kitten’s purr, but he can tell you’re meant to be remonstrating him as you walk over, pushing him back down by the shoulder. You take the rocks from his hand and start arranging them as they were. “You’re meant to be relaxing.” 

“You’re meant to ask me when you need something you can’t reach,” he counters. The stone you set on his throat wobbles as he speaks. 

Your eyebrows twitch slightly, as close to a frown as you ever get. “If you get up, you’ll disrupt the healing process.” You place the last rock on his forehead with deliberate care. Remus’ heart thaws some. 

“Oh, well. I didn’t mean to disrupt the healing process.” 

You smile, seraphim. “You’re being terribly corporeal again.”

“Can you blame me?” He cracks one eyelid to look at you, flirting a bit. “My entire career is based on the corporeal. I’d be out of a job if I started focusing on things unrelated to science.” 

You shrug. “There’s no science that says they don’t help, and in my experience they do.” 

“The rocks?” 

“The crystals, yes.” 

Remus hums and turns his palm up. You set your hand in his, smile softening as he starts running his thumb over the delicate skin of your inner wrist. “Tell me what they do, pretty girl.” 

Your eyes are busy watching the movement of his thumb, but they flit back up to his at the request. “You really want to know?” you ask. 

“I really want to know.” 

You situate yourself more comfortably next to his legs on the couch, reaching over to touch the stone on his heart. “This one’s for confidence and calm, and this one—” you touch the one on his throat, careful not to displace it “—is meant to balance your spirit and cleanse your subconscious.” 

“Mm. And what does cleansing my subconscious entail?” 

“It helps you let go of any preconceived beliefs that may be limiting you.”  

“What if I happen to like my preconceived beliefs?” 

“Too bad.” 

That startles a laugh out of him, and you smile as your fingers brush his neck, ensuring the stone doesn’t fall. 

“Alright, what’s the last one do?” 

“It gives you inner strength and motivation,” you say, quiet and certain. “I imagine you’ll need it for the rest of the week, seeing as it’s only Monday.” 

Remus has no argument for that. He probably will need it.

“Is the music helping?” you ask. 

He hesitates. “It sort of feels like I’m meant to be dancing with faeries in some secluded forest. Is that what it’s supposed to do?” 

You turn so he can’t see your face, but your smile is in your voice. “That’s not inaccurate, but I can change it if you like.” 

“That might be best. Thanks, dove.” 

“Course,” you whisper, and then the music cuts out, replaced by the trinkling sounds of water. Rain sounds. Some tightly wound muscle in Remus’ head relaxes. 

“Thanks,” he says again, quieter now. The room feels suddenly like a sanctuary he doesn’t wish to disrupt. Either those rocks of yours are actually doing something, or you’re just emanating enough love to heal him all on its own. 

When you speak, it’s in an equally soft voice. “I’m going to get on the counter again,” you warn, “and I don’t want you to come after me, please.” 

Remus sighs his acquiescence. “Be careful.” 

“I will,” you promise. 

He hears the quiet thudding of your knees hitting the counter and opens his eyes, watching as much as he can in his periphery as you root around in the cabinet. Something crinkles just before you hop down. 

“What did you need in there so badly?” he asks curiously. 

You smile, proud of yourself, and hold up a chocolate bar. “This. It makes your brain release the nice hormones, right? I can’t remember the science-y names.” 

“Serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins,” he confirms as you come over. You start peeling open the wrapper. “I thought you didn’t believe in the corporeal, though.” 

You roll your eyes like he’s silly. “Of course I do. The spiritual and corporeal can go together, you know. We can use both.” 

You break off a piece of chocolate and hold it out for him, but Remus bypasses it to take your hand, bringing it to his lips. “Dove, you make some excellent points.”

[juicywritinghoard]

a few more prompts

This crime is going almost too well?

Can you play with my hair? 

Of all the people to body swap with. Of all the days. 

This is no time for cute cat pictures and heart emojis!!!

And ANOTHER THING. Zombies-

Hey. Honestly? [deep breath] [SCREAMS]

Nothing like yard sale drama and intrigue! 

I did not see your text. Actually I can't read. It's very sad. Sudden onset adult illiteracy is very real-

Do not put it in your mouth! 

I know I got in trouble for buying them a very cool toy last time, but hear me out. 

Bite me. You gotta.

I am not eating this raw, actually. Nope.

How long did it take you to make that for me? NO I am not crying 

You drive me insane. Obviously I would go to hell for you 

What does this button do? I gotta know

Sword fighting is even more charged than I expected and I was not prepared 

I know you grew up in a wet cardboard box all alone but I cannot believe you have not experienced this. I think we have to, right now,  immediately 

We both showed up alone to the couples cake decorating class, so obviously-

Oops! Run

It hurts, but it rules

After a bad day, what we really need is some chocolate and violence.

Meow? Are you kidding me? 

Oh don't even get me STARTED on monsters- 

Pick your battles. As in let go of some of them please I swear you cannot fight it all

You know that object from the thrift store we thought was haunted? Haha so guess what,

Good chances we all die. Counterpoint, everyone who lives gets ice cream with sprinkles, so gear up!

I think I pretty explicitly said not to get it on the carpet.

So your mic wasn't off,

Please dress up with me? Please please please?

It isn't my blood. Don't get it twisted 

Can we kiss behind the mini golf windmill one more time? 

Magic is real, it just looks fake. 

Quick! Propose to me! Also, what's your name? 

We have to get you a new super costume.

You're enchanting. You're resplendent. You're a little bit on fire,

I gotta be honest. I have no idea what's going on and I think I waited too long to say so. Sorry?

Why do they have cat ears? They're supposed to be DEAD

I have normal feelings about this. And regular opinions. And I'm vibrating a reasonable amount.

Help, help, I'm not supposed to be in this universe!! 

I will help you ruin your hair, obviously, but you have to tell me what's going on. 

You wore that to the funeral?? 

Baking is science. Wizardry is science. You know what isn't science? 

Tired, angry, and covered in spaghetti sauce, and here I am at your door. But I can explain?

Bear. Seriously 

gonna destroy you and end your legacy forever xoxo <3

Nothing could possibly make me laugh right now. Don't you dare start doing silly voices at me. 

You know what this giant fancy crystal is good for? Blunt force head trauma 

I know it's super dangerous but when your eyes glow like that I can't focus on the battle at all…

Life finds a way?

Fighting? No, no, we're having a great time arguing about this. 

[fluffycalamari]

One Piece Relationship Headcannons

Content warning: Fluffy!!

Characters included: Luffy, Sanji, Ussop

Characters you can expect in other parts: Zoro, Law, Kid, Killer, Bartolomeo, Doflamingo, Crocodile, Buggy

Luffy

I feel like Luffy wouldn't know how to express his attraction and love for you properly. Like he loves you so much he can't physically express it the way he wants to.

He's definitely asking you if he can take your food instead of outright taking it. I can also see him offering you a LITTLE bit of his food.

Definitely gives amazing hugs

A very affectionate partner

Very blunt; doesn't matter whose around he will tell and possibly yell about how gorgeous/handsome/attractive you are.

I can see him doing this goofy little thing where he'll act like he's dying very poorly for your affection like:

"Oh noooooooo!" luffy shouts, clutching his chest; falling to the ground all in dramatic fashion. You snicker at the scene while the other straw hats continued on with what they were already doing. "I think..." he throws his hands to his forehead, palms facing the crystal clear sky. "...I think it dying!! If only...." The goofball coughs a few times too many. "[Name]!" He snaps his head to you when he says that, eyes wide, tounge hanging out. "You can save me! With a kiss! A couple of kisses and I'll be better instantly!!" Who are you to deny saving the life of your captain!? You trot right on over to him, lie on top of him and pecker his face with kisses.

Sanji

Over the top boyfriend!!

He loves you, he craves you, he adores you, he'll love you even more if you're a tad bit obsessive!!

Will love if you offer to help him cook, he loves instructing you!! Will make an amazing teacher if you want to learn to cook!

Showers you in gifts and words of affirmation, anything you do is amazing.

Hype man!!

He's a bit protective, but he trusts you entirely!!

Now when I say obsessive I don't mean it in the "I'll kill anyone for you" type of fashion. Sanji may be down bad but he isn't insane. This is what I mean:

Moments like these are what the both you crave; the ocean was calm and you guys were currently smooth sailing. You and Sanji laid together completely tangled on his bed in the male dorms. Smothering eachother in kisses and praise you cup his face. "I wish I could buy an island; kidnap you, and we could live together happily forever!" You beam and his face goes red. The fact that you basically admitted that you want to have a life with him warms his soul. AND HES THE REASON FOR YOUR HAPPINESS?!?! he'll eat that shit THE FUCK UP!!!!

Ussop:

Very flustered boyfriend

He knows exactly how he wants to show undying love to you but gets embarrassed or flustered and it never goes the way he plans. It adds to his dorky charm!!

I think he'd be constantly jealous, idunno my Usopp senses are tingling on that one

He loves to tell you stories!! Whether they're true or not.

Will tell you stories to sleep!!

Gets very defensive and will actually shoot at sanji whenever he makes a move on you

"[Name] SWAAAAAA~" The blond shouted from across the ship, running towards you with horrifying speed. It was hot as hell today, so you opted for a tank top and a pair of usopps shorts. "Hello to you too." You chuckle at his behavior, there were hearts bulgding from his eyes; literally drooling over you. "Sanji please...you know they're with Usopp, you KNOW Usopp doesn't like when you do this!!" Chopper shouts, medkit in hand; knowing how the situation was going to play out. "Sorry prince, I'm happily with Usopp; you can stop drooling over me now," You lazily smile. The blonde now on his knees banging on the ships floor dramatically shouts "What does that long nosed bastard have that I don't!! How did he manage to win your heart when I'M RIGHT HERE!!! This is-ACKK!" Sanji howls in pain as you notice rocks being shot at him. Not small rocks either, simular to an snowball. Ussop fires back to back everytime Sanji opens his mouth; only stopping when he's outta rocks. Ussop walks up to you, planting a big fat kiss on your left cheek, smiling. "I have [name], Sanji, you don't!" He retorts as Chopper quickly runs towards the1 bruised cook tensing to his injuries.

My writing is actually so bad I need to improve LMAO

[luffyvace]

TSUYU ASUI HCS (๑╹ω╹๑ )

It’s Tsu’s big day!! And I haven’t written for her yet! So here’s some hcs<3 I love Tsu she’s the first ever mha character I found out about!! Isn’t it funny her big day is right after shoto’s?

enjoy tsu stans! She’s a bit underrated so here’s some more content 💛

Tsu is such a caring lover!!

like I 10/10 recommended dating this lovely young lady

you two love to have private outings if that makes sense

like going outside to a private place

your special place

like near a beautiful peach tree maybe

with lots of flowers and small animals

and of course she loves the water so the beach!!

but more so when there’s less people, she prefers to go really early to see the sunrise

Tsuyu’s love language is gift giving, quality time and small little physical touches

she likes giving you cute little cheek/hand kisses

and kissing your nose

💗💗

no fair [your name] I want her :(

HOW’D YOU BAG HER?!

Tsu gives you bracelets with meaning like, she’ll research the gem that represents love and buy you matching ones

i feel tsu would also be into crystals so she’d buy you ones for protection and good luck <3

you help her take care of her many plants every day

she and momo also makes sure the dorm plants stay healthy

its canon tsu would have a boho room (horikoshi confirmed it since we didn’t get to see her dorm)

search up boho I actually like it a lot

Though she prefers to hang out in your room

or go out somewhere

she’s not easily impressed by typical things and isn’t afraid to voice that

she wants you to be honest with her too

she tells you she doesn’t like typical restaurant dates that are noisy with chatter

And if you get her flowers at least think about the potting and if she likes those kinds

try not to see her as being meticulous she just has her preferences and expects you to respect that

And you do, so she appreciates it!

trust me her love in return is definitely worth it!!

she likes to hold hands as you walk to and from school together

actually she just likes to hold your hands everywhere

when walking to the school, gas station, beach, walking in the halls, lunch, anytime!

Anytime is hand holding time!!

kissy are more so for in private tho 😗

she a lil shy frog (＞人＜;)

Tsuyu also love sleep, cuddle and nap together

especially in winter

You keep her all warm and snuggled up into a blanket

hot air blowing in your room

she really appreciates that you do this for her

she usually likes to keep it out her face but if you have some time she might let you play with her hair!

not all the time tho

but sometimes it does feel good

Tsu can also knit, I feel

she would make you two matching sets of knitted gloves, hats and sweaters

even more so in winter

they look really cute too

its not the basic knitting

go on Pinterest, knitted clothes can be made really fashionable people just only think of the granny designs 🤦‍♀️

asui also encourages and reminds you to do your homework and not only focus on hero studies or hobbies

she will help you and is rather intelligent as well

which I believe is true about frogs

btw don’t ask her if she eats bugs she’ll slap you with her tongue

if you study with her/get tutored by her your grades are sure to show improvement

she’s so proud of you!

any of your accomplishments in fact!

shes super supportive and any event or sports your want her at she’ll be there!

She helps you save up for any equipment you may need or whatever!

even just being there cheering you on!

she even brings the girls with her sometimes!

she really enjoys seeing you happy

but don’t be mistaken if it’s something she’s seriously uncomfortable with she’ll let you down gently about it

but your not upset because 9/10 she accepts your decisions

I just hope they’re not reckless ones

If it is it might lead to arguments if you don’t start caring for your own safety

she gets scared for you if you aren’t for yourself and it puts stress on her if you don’t bother to change

the relationship might stop there

Asui isn’t picky but she certainly has her boundaries

On a lighter note

tsuyu is a pretty good artist!

she’s one of those artists to give you a drawing of yourself on your big day!

or for an accomplishment!

she has drawings all over her room and she blushes if you admire them

you can beg her all you want to let you go through her old drawings

shes never letting you

btw she will probably introduce you to her reptile friend from middle school

the relationship also ends there if you discriminate her

shes a mutant type too, you can’t do that to her

if you like her tho you guys become a trio!

her friend cries if you accept her as well

tears of happiness of course

tsuyu would cry if class 1A threw her a party for her day

she doesn’t mind if class 1B is there or not but if her reptile friend is that’d make her day!

I feel she would like vanilla ice cream cake with a thin layer of strawberry icing

the gift you got her was a crochet set

your reasoning was so she could learn to both knit and crochet,

maybe even teach you so you can do it together :)

ENJOY!! I LOVE TSU SM SHE SUCH A SWEETIE

HAPPIEST OF TIMES TO YOU TSUYU!!

[frankiesmileshow]

Crystal Project Review

Ive been having a lot of fun with Crystal Project, a well made FF5-inspired RPG. The combat is very tightly designed and the exploration aspect is top notch. The art style put me off a bit at first, but I think it grew on me over time.

The game does a great job of slowly uncovering its breadth and letting you break its sequence through curious exploring. Lots of fun to search every part of its gigantic map for secrets. This is a game that loves hiding secrets within secrets within secrets. You might even occasionally stumble into a late game area, and exploring carefully could lead to finding items meant for the end of the game, giving your party a significant early game boost.

Exploring will often lead to surprise optional boss battles that are completely out of your league - but dying has few consequences in the game (you just lose a bit of money) and dying from bosses has no consequences at all, so you rarely feel truly punished for having explored too far, and its always worth it to have a peek at a boss battle.

Don't expect too much of a story. There is one, but it keeps a very light touch, this is mainly a game about exploring and fighting monsters. It does have characters and some personality, but dont expect something dense story wise.

It manages to avoid feeling like an open world game - it feels more like a linear game that just lets you break out of the confines of its intended path if you explore enough. It strikes a very good balance between having direction and having freedom. The world map just keeps expanding as you play, leading to many little shocks about the games' scope, a feeling you might be familiar with if you played Elden Ring.

The games combat uses a very well balanced, strategic system. Battles give you a lot of information to let you choose your actions carefully - you can see any enemies' next action in advance, and you even know who the enemy will attack next (notice the dotted lines in the screenshot above). Manipulating the enemies' current target is actually one of the fundamentals of the game- enemies choose their next target based on a "Threat" system which is entirely open to you as you fight, and many classes have abilities to help you manipulate this. Some class abilities also depend on the current threat state of a character - for instance, the rogues' many powerful skills only work if they are considered an enemy's bottom threat, and will otherwise always miss, which requires careful actions on your part.

The class system will be familiar if you played Final Fantasy 5 - you obtain new classes by exploring the world and finding large crystals, each unlocking a new one. The classes set a characters' stat growth on level-up, equippable items, main abilities and all have a unique "Innate passive" which are usually quite powerful (for instance, the base Cleric class receives a significant boost to all healing spells).

You can also add the abilities of a secondary class to your characters' moveset- like adding a clerics' healing spells to your Samurai. There is a lot of fun to be had mixing one class's abilities with anothers' passive boost - for instance, one class has an ability which makes the first action this character makes in a battle always target All enemies or All allies, allowing you to either massively boost your whole party or nuke the enemy party with a powerful spell usually meant for a single foe.

There are also passive abilities you can unlock from any class and assign regardless of a characters' current class, limited by a point cost system. These can range from a boost to max HP, to adding a poison effect to any weapon attacks, to allowing your character to equip a shield regardless of their class.

You can get very creative with the games' class system, there are countless ways to mix and match character abilities and classes to figure out some powerful strategy. The endgame has several challenges that might require you to make custom party setups just for them, turning the combat system into something resembling a kind of puzzle - though one with many possible solutions.

Boss battles have a way of feeling like a desperate struggle of improvising as your strategy falls apart - then winning by the skin of your teeth. This happens a lot. At least half of the boss battles for me ended with most of my party dead, and being one or two turns away from a full wipe-out.

I think the only real misstep is the games' analogue to chocobo breeding, introduced at the very end of the game. It feels tedious, I gave up on it after an hour of wasting my money on food for the creatures and not getting anywhere. Luckily it seems to be completely optional.

All in all I recommend it to anyone who likes FF5 and who likes RPGs that have a focus on exploring. Visually it might look a bit basic, but underneath that is an extremely robust game.

[orrianreaper]

ooooh do you have some screenshots of vigandi? can you tell me more about her?

I had to go grab a new picture of Vigandi real quick, because I don't play her all that much (I've never clicked too well with Ranger), But! Vigandi is one of my alternate commanders, covering my Norn spot, and she's a soulbeast!

She's a jovial giant, always cracking jokes and doing her best to keep the tone light, confident, and optmistic. She grew up a communally raised orphan in Cragstead, after her hunter parents were killed on a trip that got them caught in a snowstorm. As a result, Vigandi and Braham knew one another growing up, even if Vigandi was a fair bit older than him. She's essentially his Older Sister, she even helped teach him how to use a bow. Vigandi joined the Priory, in the belief whilst she's a good hunter she cannot hunt what she doesn't know, and the Priory would help her learn about the elder dragons. Despite what a lot of people expect of her rough and tumble attitude, she's a massive font of knowledge concerning Tyria's history. She more than did her reading, and knows a lot. She loves a good fight though, takes absolute joy in sparring matches and cackles like a hyena when someone finally gets in a good punch, preferring to fight in her Spirit' 's Form. Speaking of Hyenas;

She's also the first Havroun of Hyena - a spirit of the wild from the crystal desert. When Balthazar scorches her loyal eagle to goad her into a fight, Vigandi is revived by Hyena who askes her to be her Havroun. Vigandi agrees. Hyena is a spirit of scrappy underdogs, of stubbornness and protecting your pack, and of good, if fierce, humour. Vigandi ends up with a little pack of Hyena followers when she shares about the spirit once she returns to the shiverpeaks. She also gets a new a bird companion in the form of a giant vulture, but she does keep some feathers of her old friend.

That's not quite everything but, hopefully this was interesting! Thank you so much for asking about her!! <3

[anaiscrazy]

Austin! Elvis x reader

Y/n was a lonely girl, since she moves out of her parents home she’s been all alone. She walked down the street when a flyer blew onto her leg in the wind. She picked up and read it. “Elvis Presley live this Saturday” she thought for a moment, it was Saturday. She had soothing to do so why not go see this “Elvis” character. She looked further down the page to see a picture of a handsome young man in a suit,smiling while holding his guitar. She couldn’t help but be a little flustered at his appearance. He was pretty cute.

That evening she entered the night club where he was playing at. She sat down at a table and ordered a drink, soon the drink came and she began to sip it. A few minuets after the handsome young Elvis stepped out onto the stage. “Hello ladies and gentlemen, this first song I’ll be playin’ here tonight will be I can’t help Fallin’ in love.” His country accent made her blush. The song began as he sang “Wise men say, only fools rush in. But I can’t help falling in love with you” his eyes locked with hers in a quick glance. She saw his crystal blue eyes as he stared right at her. He blushes a bit but continued to sing. “Shall I stay? Would it be a sin, If I can’t help falling in love with you” she at him lovingly. Not knowing what to do at this point, she’s staring at him all goo-goo eyed. It seems all the other ladies in the room are too. But Elvis only seemed to be looking her way. Soon enough the song had ended, and he started singing another, and another, and another. Before long his performance was over. Y/n grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder, walking out. As she pushed the door open she heard a farmhouse voice calling to her “Hey wait up darlin’” She turned around to see the very man that was playing on the stage that night. “H-hi” she said a little flustered. She wasn’t expecting this. “I saw you in the crowd tonight, you stood out to me, I don’t get to see many faces as pretty as yours around here” y/n got slightly flushed at his comment. “Why thank you” she said nervously. “I was wonderin’” he said more nervous than his confident stance before. “Would ya like to go out with me sometime?” She could barely think of what to say. She was stunned. Why would someone like Elvis want to go out with someone like her. She finally managed to get out the words “y-yeah I’d love that” “great, how does next Friday sound to ya?” “Sounds good to me” she replied nervously. He smiles softly before pulling out a pen and a little piece of paper. “Would you mind givin’ me your number so I can call ya?” It was almost like he had planned this, that he just happened to have a paper and a pen. “Sure” y/n said before writing her number on the paper and giving it to him. “Well I gotta go my manager will be a waitin’ on me. “Okay see you Friday” she says blushing, as he runs off towards the backstage entrance. That week was one of the longest in her life, but after what seemed like forever, Friday evening came. She walked into the restaurant in her fancy dress that she had bought just for the occasion. There he was. The most handsome man she had met in her whole life. He was sitting at the table waiting. They had a wonderful date. Afterwards, He was walking her up to the doorstep of her apartment. “I really had a nice night, thank you” y/n said “I did too” Elvis replied. He looked down at her, moving closer until they’re faces where only inches apart. “Would it be okay if I kissed you?” He asked with a whisper. “Y-yeah” she said, matching his whispering tone. He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers softly. The kiss get like an eternity, and neither of them wanted to end it. “I’ve got to be getting inside” y/n said “yeah” he replied “but I’ll be callin’ you, I can wait for our second date. She walked in and imagined they’re second date while she fell asleep

[keelt9]

Special Chapter

Look

Masterlist

Rooster POV.

”A bad one, huh?” Penny says to me, putting a beer in front of me. 

“Well…I’m still trying to figure it out.” I know she keeps looking at me with those eyes that slowly make you reveal even your deepest secrets. 

“No flirting today, I guess it’s a seriously bad one.” I giggle, taking a sip of my beer.

I turn around and see the bar full of navy people and civilians; a few of them are already deep talking, other ones retire early with company, even Bob seems to be in an intense talk with a beautiful girl. I shake my head and go back to my beer.

“Omg, who is she?” Penny put her hand on her waist and looked at me with a shock in her expression. 

“Who is who?” I can’t even look at Penny, and that makes me laugh. 

“Come on, Rooster tell…” Penny was interrupted by Lilian, a girl who from time to time I date, nothing serious just hanging around and having a great time, we both know that.

“Hey Rooster.” She sits next to me, and Penny took it like a sign to leave us. 

“Lilian.” She is really pretty, I’m not going to lie, but she is not the girl who is in my mind right now. 

“Just Lilian? Not flirting? No game words?” She crosses her arms. “Mhm, I get it, I hear from Bob you have a deployment Tuesday morning, right?” I see her and smile. 

“Yes, we do.” She put her hand over mine. “So, what about if we have fun before you leave?” 

-

“And?” Penny won’t leave things like this and I knew it very well. 

“Penny…” She denies and crosses and rests her arms over the counter. 

“No, no, no Penny me, you just let Lilian leave alone, still you’re here with a hot beer, not even playing the piano and making my customers go crazy. Omg, you’re fired?” I laugh but that doesn’t change the fact she put on a serious face. 

“Damn it, you are good.” I stretched my back and put my arms in the same position as her. She has known me since I was little a few years after my father’s death, so reading to me wasn't so hard for her. “You remember the girl who was with Hangman, last night?” She scoffs, ok, it wasn’t the best clue. “Really? What night and which girl?” She smiles at me. 

“Ok, it wasn’t a good clue. The girl who didn’t wear a uniform, a cute smile but sad eyes, she was si…” She opened her eyes big and hit the table. 

“Y/N!” I nod but her expression it’s not exactly what I expected.

I waited for a minute, but she didn’t say anything. “Penn?” She blinks and lowers her head. 

“Bradley from all the girls that come and go, from all the girls you hang out with.” She takes a deep breath. “You have to fall for Y/N.” 

A customer interrupts us asking for a drink. “What? Does she have a boyfriend? Is she engaged? She didn’t hang out with Jake, for Christ’s sake.” I left my beer to the side and those incessant questions made Penny smile a little bit but the concern in her face didn't change.

“Rooter, Rooster.” She sees straight to my eyes. “If it weren't for those crystal eyes on your face I’ll cut you from all this.” If it’s good or bad, I don't know. “But that’s the same eyes Carol had every time we talked about Goos.” 

She put her hair back. “Answer honestly to me, not playing. Do you really really like her?” 

She has a serious face, but I answer right away. “Yes, I really like her.” 

“We’re doomed.” 

I told her this isn't the first time I saw her, of course I told her about our little chats on the beach and that I was so stupid for not recognizing her with a cap in her head; she listened carefully watching my expressions all the time. 

The first time I saw her was approximately a year ago, she was watching the take off of F-18 from the runaway, she used crutches in that time but a navy uniform; I approached to her asking if she needed help or she was looking for someone but as I came closer I saw the tears in her eyes, that day she didn’t gave me her name or anything she just gave me a painful smile. A couple of days later I saw her one more time, this time Phoenix was hugging her with tears in her eyes, and told her she take care; when I asked for her, Nat told me it was a good friend, her callsign, Skyhook, a prodigies aviator two generations younger than us, who recently lost her partner in a tragic accident, but she didn’t tell me more, and I don’t dare to asked for more information, unconsciously that girl got straight to my heart and when I see her one more time that little feeling became a butterfly in my stomach.

But the approach we have the last time in the beach change everything, in the navy we see, hear and live awful things but saw that pain one more time in her eyes was hard to bear and when she hugged me, stops my world, it wasn’t <a little crush> anymore, I’m sure about that.

“Promise me something, Rooster.” Penny and I were outside of Hard Deck watching the night sea waves. 

“Anything.” She put her arms around me. 

“You won’t hurt her, if you find out you don’t feel the same or anything to her, you let her go with the minimum pain, I know Y/N since she is a little baby, and see her get through again for a unbearable pain…well it won’t be a turning back from how that pain will change her and no one who loves her wants to see that.” I see her and she does the same. 

“Promise.” Penny gives me a little smile.

“Bradley Bradshaw, you have a hard fight.” It’s a friendly but serious warning.

[inbarfink]

I've posted about my various Adventure Time Roleswap AUs, like a billion years ago (actually it was like six) and now that I've got New Artwork and slightly reworked designs for them maybe it's time to re-introduce them!!

So this what I call the "Bonnieverse'! It's a PB-Finn, Simon-Marcy roleswap! More details under the cut:

Bonnie Bubblegum: A young gum-blob girl found in the woods in the outskirts of Ooo and raised in the Crystal Dimension by Bob and Ethel Raincorn. At the age of 12, Bonnie returned to the Land of Ooo to live with her adoptive older sister Lady - and to try and uncover the mysteries of where she came from. Nobody quite knows what she is or ever heard of other “candy people” like her, as far as anyone knows she’s the first of her kind. She's an aspiring inventor - often creating goofy gadgets to help her on her adventures, but she’s still young and inexperienced so they don't always work as expected. While she’s not a bad fighter with her crossbow, she prefers to defeat her enemies with diplomacy or a clever plan. In spite of her cheerful and gentle demeanor, she had a ruthless strike that tends to catch others off-guard.

Lady Raincorn: Bonnie’s adoptive sister, pretty much the same as her regularverse counterpart. Maybe she’s a bit more of an overly nice pushover to provide more drama and to play off her more ruthless sister.

Prince Finn Martens: The young leader the Human Kingdom - a small island-based kingdom inhabited by the last few Humans in Ooo, as well as Hyoomans and other mutants ('Human' is considered more of a national identity than a species). Prince Finn used to enjoy being a thrill-seeking adventurer when he was Bonnie’s age. But ever since his mother, Queen Minerva, died of a plague - he had to step up and be more responsible as the new ruler of the kingdom. He does try his best, even though he’s still a bit of a violent, immature, fun-loving goofball at heart and not doing such a great job dealing with his mom’s death. Might be a bit living vicariously through Bonnie’s adventurous exploits. His steed is his adopted shapeshifting dog brother Jake (who is basically the same as in the mainverse)

Vampire Queen: Once Marceline Abadeer, a fun-loving pre-Mushroom-War rock star who found herself afflicted with vampirism. Marceline found it extremely hard to resist her vampire urges and secluded herself from her loved ones - trying to scare them away from trying to help her. After surviving the Mushroom War, she started hunting down other Vampires on purpose and absorbing their power to be strong enough to survive through the Apocalypse. Which only made things worse for both her self-image and her mental state. The acclimation of not just her Vampire curse, but those of countless other vampires, has really subsumed the original Marceline. Nowadays, she has very little memories of the person who she once was and, as the last vampire left in Ooo, she ‘rules’ over the desolate and gloomy (and nearly empty) ‘Undead Kingdom’. She spends her time trying to frighten people and appear as a terrifying villain (as a subconscious remnant of her desire to push people away before she hurts them or they hurt her) - but it mostly comes off as weird pranks which are (usually) harmless.

Simon the Ice Wizard: A young child when the Mushroom War broke out, Simon was orphaned by the war and was raised by Marceline Abadeer (AKA Vampire Queen). After she abandoned him to protect him from herself, he found himself under the frosty wing of Patience St. Pim, the Ice Elemental - who made him her protégé and transformed him into a powerful immortal elemental wizard. Although their relationship was always kinda distant. All of those experiences and more made Simon on the one hand very protective and kind and on the other hand kinda obnoxiously clingy and socially awkward. Although he's a well-meaning guy and the biggest nerd in Ooo - through a seemingly never-ending sequence of unfortunate misunderstanding he has accidently managed to develop a terrifying reputation as a fearsome merciless wizard. He's mostly interested in playing the drums and collecting and cataloging pre-Mushroom War artifacts. He and Bonnie are get along great because they’re both huge geeks, though he’s overprotective and doesn’t feel comfortable with the idea of a young child being the hero of the kingdom -which brings him to a lot of conflict with Prince Finn (also Finn just generally likes teasing him for being a huge nerd).

[murmurmurl]

i need u to tell me everything about your unit so when ill be writing once i have time, i can put them in it too

hohoheheoehehehoheoe,,,,,,, I'm gonna use this as an opportunity to shove all of the most important info into one place. Everything is a little all over the place tho, but it's always like that wjkhkskh

Helianthus♡Light!

Helianthus is the genus which includes sunflowers. Fumi and Seina suggested this part of the name, since Fumi loves flowers and the flower language/symbolism behind them, and Seina knows the more,, biological/scientific stuffs. The "Light" part is both because it also has to do with sunflowers, and Toshiro suggested that they're "reaching for light", because they chose the name at the end of their main story and they were feeling very hopeful,, it's not like they're not hopeful now, idk why I phrased it like that ANYWAYS.

I'm kind of not sure what type of music they play (mainly because I don't know ANYTHING about music genres lol), but it's definitely something warm, nostalgic, maybe a bit echo-y, somewhat soft, and their cover arts definitely include a lot of nature stuff,,,,, I haven't designed their virtual singers yet, but they're probably gonna be Rin and Luka (and Miku obv)

Unit members!

Toshiro Hasegawa (they/he)

178 cm tall, unit leader, probably main vocalist?, class 2-B (post-3rd anni), class 1-C (pre-3rd anni). Pretty energetic and outgoing, straight-A student, very afraid of failure and tends to try to earn love and affection through exceeding at everything because family problems, yay. Has an older brother (Hiroto Hasegawa, he/him), who is a part of ANOTHER unit,, The two are pretty distant. The whole family actually is, woops. Toshiro is also VERY into crystals and spirituality. It gives a sense of certainty. Also has an orange cat named Surfer. They're a big MMJ fan, specifically Airi fan. Friends with Ichika and An. Always braids/does everyone's hair.

Matsu Kimura (he/him)

162 cm, probably also vocals, but mainly deals with the uhm technical musical stuff that I know nothing about?? class 3-C (post-3rd anni), class 2-B (pre-3rd anni). Very bubbly, energetic, affectionate, super-uber-extra autism (sea-flavoured), very average grades because he only really does what he's interested in, but he does it rlly good. Used to get bullied in middle school, struggles with people's expectations and trying to fit in. Very-very silly. Only child. Keeps pet fish. Friends with Emu. Very tactile, loves tackling people.

Fumi Hatanaka (she/they)

169 cm, loves musical instruments and plays guitar, class 2-A (post-3rd anni), class 1-B (pre-3rd anni). A surprisingly bad student, doesn't care about school. She's pretty reserved and a bit grumpy most of the time but tends to easily get angry and even a little aggressive. Cares a lot about her friends, even though she doesn't really know how to show it. Also doesn't want to show "weakness". Blames herself for being too soft in middle school and not being able to help Matsu. Her family owns and runs a small flower shop. Friends with Shiho, dislikes Tsukasa and Rui (thinks they're too obnoxious and chaotic lmao). Also an only child. Doesn't have pets, but feeds strays that often hang out around the shop. Friends with Shiho and pretty much all of leo/need, as well as Toya. Can be pretty distant physically, but likes subtle physical gestures of affection.

Seina Amari (she/her)

175 cm, writes lyrics for their songs, loves writing in general, the only one in the group who goes to Miya girls', class 3-B (post-3rd anni), class 2-B (pre-3rd anni). Does VERY good at school, super responsible, helps everyone, though isn't actually all that interested in most subjects except literature. She's very calm and caring, always tries to help everyone, has a very gentle energy about her. This mostly comes from the fact that she had hurt a dear friend in the past, which was actually genuinly her fault, but also some shit happened, and she ended up dealing with this by being overly-caring and not letting her loved ones see when she's struggling. Doesn't mean she doesn't ACTUALLY care though. She very much does. Has a younger sibling (Taru Amari, they/them), who's also part of the same unit Hiroto is! Also has a pet bunny named Puddle, who's very similar to her, which I think is funny,, not exactly friends with Mafuyu, but just a little bit closer than regular acquaintances. Close friends with Shizuku and pretty much the rest of MMJ too (Toshiro nearly fainted when they found out). Has a part-time job at a local coffee shop, where she met and became friends with Ena. Often shows affection/compassion by something like placing a hand on someone's shoulder.

I decided that they all should have emojis because,, idk,,,, it's fun,,,,,, so:

Toshiro – 🍑

Matsu – 🦈 (or jellyfish, but I don't have this one and don't want to have to copy-paste it every time,,)

Fumi – 🍊

Seina – 🍃 or ✒️ (but here I mostly use ✒️)

How all of them know each other!

(Because I wanted ALL of them to have some kind of connection to each other before the unit was formed. I think it's fun.)

🦈🍊 Matsu and Fumi are childhood friends and went to the same middle school. It was very awkward and tense at first when they met again in high-school, because back then Fumi felt extremely guilty and ended up distancing herself, eventually kind of abandoning Matsu when he needed support most.

🍑🍊 (fucking fruits /j) Toshiro's brother visits Fumi's family's flower shop very frequently, that's how Toshiro and Fumi met, since she often helps out with the shop in the evenings. Though they didn't become close until the main story started and the unit was firmed.

🍑✒️ Toshiro and Seina know each other because their siblings, Hiroto and Taru, are friends! So they kinda met through Seina accompanying Taru whenever they wanted to visit Hiroto.

🍊✒️ Fumi loves coffee and met Seina when going to the coffee shop Seina works part-time at. Because Fumi ended up being a regular customer there, even with their tough personality the two became acquaintances, but also didn't become very close until the events of the main story.

🍑🦈 Toshiro and Matsu just kinda bumped into each other at school. They became friends before the events of the main story.

🦈✒️ I think Matsu and Seina are the only exception though. They've only met when the main story started.

[also, side note – none of them canonically have labels, but the pronouns are canon]

Dynamics!!

🍑🍊 They bicker and argue a lot, but not, like, SERIOUSLY. They're both aware they're joking and most of the time it's affectionate. Fumi isn't as big of a fan of physical affection as it seems the rest of the unit is, so Toshiro doesn't get the chance to braid her hair that often. But when he does, it's very nice and relaxing for both. Surprisingly, Toshiro might be the closest to Fumi, after Matsu, that is.

🍑✒️ Toshiro loves braiding/doing everyone's hair, as I've mentioned already, and his favorite to do this to is Seina. They especially like braiding these tail-like longer parts of her hair. Overall, they're pretty close because of their siblings, and Toshiro might be one of the first people Seina eventually opens up to. Also, I keep forgetting that Toshiro is actually taller. Most of the time, Seina just. FEELS taller, idk.

🍑🦈 These two are very close. They both kinda admire Rui and Tsukasa, which worsens their already chaotic behavior. They're actually two menaces together and no one is safe. Matsu loves tackling Toshiro more than everyone else and Toshiro might sometimes jokingly complain, but loves the attention. Matsu's hair is also his second favorite to braid. Also they drag Matsu to MMJ concerts and keep trying to convert him into being an MMJ fan,,,,,,

🍊✒️ Seina has a surprising way of calming Fumi down better than anyone else. Sometimes, maybe if they're waiting for something or riding a train somewhere, Fumi even allows herself to rest on Seina's shoulder. She's less harsh with Seina (even if her harshness isn't malicious with her friends). Seina sometimes has to stop Fumi from getting into fights. Even if she struggles to show it, Fumi tries her best and appreciates Seina a lot.

🍊🦈 As I mentioned before, Matsu and Fumi are childhood friends. At the beginning of the unit story things are still pretty awkward and Fumi is very tense around Matsu, as she still feels guilty, but isn't sure how to properly express any of it, while Matsu still feels a little hiet over her abandoning him. Though as the story goes on, this conflict pretty much gets resolved, even though it will still take a lot of time for any awkwardness to disappear completely. After the unit is formed, they're pretty close again, despite, uh, all of what I just said. They need some time to get used to each other again, but ARGHHH I LOVE THEM SO MUCH, they care about each other A LOT, even if Fumi isn't the best at expressing it. The whole reason she became so mean and harsh is to be able to protect Matsu.

✒️🦈 Seina kinda feels like an older sister figure to Matsu, I think? At least, for me,, She worries about him a lot, maybe even more than with the others, helps in overwhelming situations, all that. He's still very affectionate, but it's kinda like his affection is more calm with her (basically, he doesn't tackle her as hard as everyone else /hj)

SEKAI description!!!

(I just copy-pasted this from the post where I first described it. I'm NOT typing all that ever again)

I mentioned that I call it the overgrown sekai. Because it's, well, overgrown. As you could hopefully guess. The main part of it is an old stone structure, with some intricate carvings still remaining visible and even discernable, although everything does look like it's at least.. a few centuries old, no less. However, taking into account that it's a sekai, it probably isn't that ancient. Almost everything is pretty much overrun by plants – ivy spreading across the grey stone walls, grass (and most importantly flowers) breaking their way through the floor that seems to be made of marble, but it's too old, overgrown and at times dirty to be completely sure. The said flowers are a strange mix of forget-me-nots and sunflowers that may not quite make sense, but it *is* a whole ass other dimension, after all. There's plenty of light, despite practically no windows in sight, save for a few small ones. The reason for that being the roof, shaped like a dome, with holes in it that clearly weren't here by the first design, having appeared because of the stone collapsing over time. Unsurprisingly, the flowers are concentrated in the areas where the most light seeps through those holes. And speaking of light, the time here is always the same – late afternoon, with the season always remaining a comfortable sunny summer.

There's some furniture in the building, mostly along the walls, with the center looking almost like a flowerbed. That furniture seems to represent each of the owners of the sekai – an old desk made of dark wood with a quil and some paper thrown around it, almost giving it an impression that the owner left in a hurry. The paper has become a light yellow color over what may or may not be a rather long amount of time. Next to it – a somewhat fancy wooden chair. There are mirrors hung around this part of the space – some broken, some have the glass taken out entirely. Just a little further – a shelf and an armchair. Both items' materials and overall look fit that of nearly very other piece of furniture here. The shelf is filled with items that seem to have some spiritualistic significance – amulets, crystals and stones, all of them hand-made and hand-carved, yet seeming to lack in accuracy and having been made in a hurry. The armchair strangely has a few long chains hanging on its back. One of the more noticeable pieces of furniture is... a fish tank. It has no fish. In fact, it doesn't even have water, though it's probably not intended to be that way – the tank is spacious and has pretty much almost everything a fish would need to be happy and content in captivity. But it's old and worn out – the driftwood rotting away, whatever plants used to be inside have withered and everything is covered in a thin layer of... dust..? The tank itself stands on top of something of a dresser. If you care to open its doors, you will see rows upon rows of books – as many as could fit in the little space there is inside. Most of them have to do with marine life, but there are also some journals full of incomprehensible messy writing, as if whoever was filling them either didn't have much time, or was feeling too much emotion to care. Perhaps the strangest item in the building is a cage. It's designed just like one of those small restricting bird cages, glistening with gold in the light from above, but for some reason, the cage could easily fit a human. If you decide to step in, you might notice an unexpected aroma. It's vague and subtle, but... it almost seems like fresh black coffee mixed with something citrusy. Outside, the building is surrounded by a dense forest. The light can't penetrate the abundance of trees, but somehow, it doesn't feel eerie or threatening. It feels familiar in an unexplainable way. Have you already seen these woods somewhere..?

I think that's pretty much all the important stuff..? I ramble A LOT about small details pretty often, but uhm. Explodes.

[ravenfirelair]

My GodzillaXKong review *SPOILERS!*

So I went to see godzilla x kong yesterday and omg, this was probably the wildest and craziest godzilla movie yet! There was so much kaiju action cramped into this movie and all of it great. There was so much kaiju action in fact that is was hard to take it all in. a lot of insane stuff happens in this movie that you would not normally see in a monster movie. The movie is indeed very much showa godzilla era vibes, a lot of mythical ancient tribal elements in it. the closest movies I can compare it too is the 1960s mothra vs godzilla movie and the godzilla vs megalon movie. I think this movie is visually stunning, I liked how this movie explored more of the hollow earth and gave us a lot more creatures and environments to make this world feel more alive and I liked the crystal temple area of the Iwi tribe.

I actually really liked kong in this movie because he had a lot more emotion and personality then any of the other previous monsterverse movies and you get a sense of connection with him. With godzilla even though he's not in the movie much, still all his scenes are pretty awesome too, he mostly has these short fights scenes with other monsters for him to gain more power and his rematch fight with kong in cairo is pretty insane, a lot of wacky stuff happens that you don’t normally see in a kaiju fight. I do wish godzilla and kong had teamed up earlier in the movie so they would have more time with each other. Skar king was a great villain, they put a lot of personality into him, he was just one of those villains that is very charismatic and loves being an asshole. Suko is actually a little shit in this movie, I was expecting him to be just this little cute baby ape that people can fawn over, but no he isn’t. At one point in the movie he attacks kong and by the end of the movie he actually stands up to skar king and attack him too. I thought shimo was a pretty good monster, I liked that she was not a true villain in the movie, but more of a kaiju that was being abused and controlled by skar king and that they don’t kill her off at the end. And then of course mothra, I kind of knew she was going to show up in the movie before hand because of spoilers leaks on the internet, but I loved her appearance in the movie. She is not just there for no reason, she does serve a purpose in the movie, mainly to just get godzilla and kong to stop fighting each other and help in the final fight in hallow earth and I’m glad at the fact she does not die at the end.

I thought the human characters were fine, I was not expecting to get a huge amount of screen time with the human cast and I was not expecting the movie to go too much in depth with them because that is not what this movie is for. The best character I thought was actually trapper, he was a very charismatic fun kind of guy. He was pretty much the steve irwin of this movie, as he kind of an animal naturalist for the monsters in this movie. Jia was still good in this movie even though she didn’t have has many scenes interacting with kong. Ilene was just okay as she just served her purpose in the movie. Bernie I didn’t really care for, he started out being funny but as the movie went along he just got annoying because he just wouldn’t shut up and ruined certain scenes.

Some complaints I do have about this movie are I do think it was a bit too rushed, especially with the final battle and the movie kind of ends too quickly. I do wish godzilla was in it a bit more, he just felt more like a plot device just to help kong in the final fight of the movie and not much character development was given to him as it was with kong. And like I said, I wish godzilla and kong had teamed up earlier in the movie so we would get to see them play off each other more. But overall, I had a good experience watching this movie and I would want to watch it again later on.

[karume-selfshipper]

Zora May: Tides that Bind- Yona's Struggles

Cut the fic cause long...

It hadn’t been too long since Yona had entered the domain, and Selatoh could hardly stand to be cordial with her. There was hardly anything Selatoh could do other than dive head first into her training every day. She knew she was avoiding Sidon a little too much ever since Yona arrived, but Sidon rarely asked Yona to wait somewhere. Even if Selatoh knew why, even if she could logically understand what was going on, she didn’t like Yona’s presence. And Yona could feel that animosity, simply without any context. So when Link arrived, without Princess Zelda for once, Selatoh almost jumped him. 

“Link, what brings you to the Domain this time?” 

Selatoh was quicker than Yona in getting to the Hylian Knight. Something the other Zora Princess didn’t mind entirely, except for the way Selatoh shifted in an attempt to block Yona out completely. Link didn’t even seem to notice as he dug out his Zora Armor.

“I was hoping to get this repaired, if you don’t mind.” Link held the worn tunic out, “I wasn’t sure where else to go about this. The clothing shops in Hateno and Kakariko were the only ones that seemed versatile enough to even try but…”

“Don’t worry about a thing Link.” Selatoh’s little smirk was about as warm as she’d been in weeks, “I’ll have this fixed up in a few weeks. I wish I could say a few days but…”

“Perhaps if I also helped,” Yona side-stepped into the conversation, “The two of us could have the armor fixed up in a single week.”

Link couldn’t miss the way Selatoh’s eyes narrowed, “No, I highly doubt you’d be able to make sense of the weave. Mipha was very particular about the details and it wouldn’t be the same if someone who didn’t know her pattern were to make a mistake with it.”

Walking away almost too fast, Yona frowned deeply at Selatoh’s retreating form. Though it was crystal clear to Link what was going on, shaking his head regardless.

“I do wish she would stop shutting me out.” Yona crossed her arms slightly, “It has been quite worrying, especially to my dear Sidon. The way he usually talks about Selatoh, I was expecting a much more friendly person…”

“Selatoh doesn’t mean anything personal.” Link turned back to the dusty, lime green Zora, “She can be very territorial with people she isn’t familiar with. Especially when it comes to people and things from her childhood.”

“Oh?” Yona turned, “Would you please enlighten me Sir Link? I could prepare some tea if you’d like.”

“I’ll explain what I can, a few of the details are still a little fuzzy.” Link followed slightly behind Yona, “What has Sidon told you?”

Sitting at a small table with Yona, Link chewed over the situation as Yona had explained it. The way Selatoh was acting made some sense to Link. Sure Sidon had told everyone who would listen about Yona, but to Selatoh, Yona would still be a stranger… one that was taking her twin from her.

“I don’t think Selatoh fully means to be so rude toward you.” Link leaned back in his chair, “She has always been stand-off-ish about new people. When she was small-small it was different, not by much but she didn’t try pushing people away this much. Whenever someone would try to get too close with her or Sidon she could get a bit snappy until Mipha corrected her. But that was always very specific situations like when they were playing or talking.”

“Oh, that does make a little sense.” Yona tilted her head, “I wouldn’t particularly like that either. But could you elaborate on her relationship with her late sister? Sidon rarely talks about Mipha himself. I don’t want to pry in a sensitive area but without any context…”

“Mipha was their older sister, but also took over as a motherly figure.” Link frowned a little, “I don’t fully remember when their mother passed, or how young Sidon and Selatoh were at the time. But I know Mipha had taken over that role, Selatoh is more okay talking about her than Sidon is. Its one of the few things Selatoh doesn’t talk about with Sidon because she knows how he feels about it.”

Yona was taken aback by Link’s sudden chuckling, “Funnily enough when Mipha started showing interest in me, Sidon was acting how Selatoh is now. Selatoh would cling to my leg though. She’s told me that it wasn’t out of a sense of her own romantic feelings, but an attempt to get Sidon to warm up to the idea that Mipha and I would be together. I wouldn’t put it past Selatoh to just not recognize that she’s doing the same thing.”

“I see.” Yona glanced across toward the training grounds, “I had no idea Sidon would ever act like that. Nor that Selatoh would advocate for someone new to enter the Domain like that.”

“It wasn’t like I was exactly new.” Link followed her gaze, “I had been in and out of the Domain a few times, I had trained within the Domain, and had befriended Mipha, Sidon, and Selatoh. From what I’ve heard around around the Domain, especially recently, is that Selatoh is difficult to talk to or befriend.”

The soft hum Yona let out was both thoughtful and agitated, “I don’t see how I could even begin to ingratiate myself to her. Selatoh seems to keep me at arm’s length at all times. The idea that she’s being defensive over my dear Sidon seems a little excessive given how long I’ve been in the Domain.”

Link held his tongue, glancing over the opposite edge of the platform. A couple years was still too short a time for Selatoh to warm up to anyone. If the people of Zora’s Domain, the people of Hyrule, were still having difficulty after 100 years; Yona didn’t stand a chance just being around for a couple years. Though Link had a sneaking suspicion that Selatoh had other reasons behind her rough edges about the new Zora within the Domain.

[meximango]

Day 20 - Duel - Cahsi + Alisaie - G

Summary: Two red mages have a friendly spar

“I challenge you, Cahsi–to a duel!”

The teen had come bounding up to her just as she set her backpack down on the table. “Wh–now? Alisaie, I just got back from a long day of channeling my aether into injured folks. As you know. I was with your brother.” 

Cahsi didn’t heal often, preferring and excelling at an offensive role instead, but she didn’t want to get rusty at it–so she’d spent the better part of a day playing the part with Alphinaud. Even after getting rid of the threat to Tuliyollal, there were still plenty of people who needed aid with their wounds. They’d both left when they felt their mana reserves fizzing out faster and faster between bouts of applying lucid dreaming and ethers. “Does that mean you forfeit? Afraid you might lose?” The cheeky grin wasn’t quite genuine. The poor girl was betting on Cahsi’s competitive nature getting the best of her and prodding her into complying. Alisaie would hate to win by default. “Hey now, I didn’t say that… But I’ve always known you to be a chivalrous young lady. Doesn’t this seem a bit underhanded, asking me when I’m exhausted? It wouldn’t be a fair fight!” “I do feel a bit guilty about that, but it’s just a friendly spar, Cahsi. The stakes are low.” “You know I love a spar between friends, but if you’re itching for a fight, I could probably find some quests for you to take on, or there’s always Arya. She’s more at your level, so a spar between you two could benefit you both. Also, she probably misses you. It’s been a while.” Alisaie's face reddened a bit at that, whether from guilt or something else, Cahsi didn’t know. 

“Mor Dhona is a bit far… I’ll visit her soon, but I want to duel you. Right now, if you’re amicable to the request. Besides, a one-on-one fight with you is never fair. I would have to gather at least a light party of our compatriots to even the odds. This is my best chance.” Cahsi chuckled. It was probably true, but all of the former scions were incredibly competent, when it came down to it. After everything they’ve been through, she really couldn’t ask for a group of people better at what they do. She’d trust any of them with her life any day. Cahsi didn’t run through everything alone, she had her companions to help her where it mattered. “You’re selling yourself short, Ali. You really don’t have to wait until I’m low on aether to ask for a duel. I’ll do it anytime–yes, even now. You’ve done amazing things I couldn’t have even dreamed of doing when I was your age. I’m pretty sure I was just  cleaning tables at the Drowning Wench at that point. Hadn’t even picked up an arcanist’s tome yet!” Alisaie flushed again, this time at the praise. She was so hard on herself, Cahsi would need to remind her more often how fantastic she was. 

“You’re right… I want to challenge you as a true test of my skills, to one day overcome you when we’re both at the top of our game. But I never beat you at anything!” “Not true. You are quite the little diplomat, often more tactful than me, though we both lack patience. And you could beat me at navigation skills or cooking any day, trust me.” “Well. I never beat you at anything I care about, then.” That had earned her a smile, at least. 

“Oh, then what about flips! You always do more than me during battle. Show-off.” “Please, your style is just as dramatic and full of flair. You compensate with pirouettes and moves that shine as brightly as you–literally. You are not allowed to limit break anymore, you’re going to blind us all at this rate–” “Says the girl who is always doing it before me, first chance you get! Greedy.” Cahsi shoved Alisaie’s shoulder playfully. She didn’t really mind, but the teen was one to talk! She started making her way back outside, with Alisaie following close behind as expected. “Not my fault you wait on it too long.”

Cahsi shrugged, then pulled out her rapier and magic crystal. “I’ll try to be quicker next time, then. Now, would you care to do this out here in the training grounds or find a clearing? I’m not sure how far you planned on going with your moves.”

“We probably won’t be too destructive, what with your mana levels. I was thinking this could be more of a physical fight, after all. You’re right, I shouldn’t take advantage of your low magical reserves. But your muscles are perfectly intact, so have at you!” Alisaie went and grabbed two wooden training swords (close enough to a rapier), threw one at Cahsi who naturally caught it without issue, and changed her stance. She bent her knees and made a ‘come hither’ motion.

“You’re on, sister!” And with that, Cahsi gave her friend no more time to prepare herself before she lunged forward with her weapon.

Normally, one or two people on the outside of their track would be keeping track of the score, but they hadn’t bothered to find anyone to act as referee. They hadn’t agreed on normal rules, but they never sparred any other way, so the head was off limit, but a tap to any other part of the body with their fake sword counted as a point. The first to ten points was the winner of that round, and they generally did the best two out of three as the overall winner.

Both red mages excelled at offensive moves rather than defense and parrying, so it tended to turn into a race of who could move faster, harder, more unpredictably to get a jump on the other. They could spin and flip out of the way here and there, but mostly they jumped forward and stabbed at each other wildly (and lightly! Though there might be some bruising later).

In lieu of a ref, they counted out loud: “That’s one for C!”

“Yeah, well that brings it up to three for A!”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I just coun–oof!”

“Two for C.”

“I was still right about my score.”

“Yeah, but you let yourself be distracted. Eyes open and light on your feet, girl!”

“Still winning here, aren’t I?”

“Not for long~” Cahsi sang out.

It went on for a few minutes before the first round was won by Alisaie, ten to nine.

“You better not be going easy on me!”

“I wouldn’t dream of it. You got that last point before me fair and square.”

Cahsi knew it would just make Alisaie angry if she didn’t bother trying, so Cahsi was putting effort in, but she was distracted. Despite not doing any physical work today, the spellwork made her more sluggish overall, and she had forgotten to eat or drink today (and normally Alphinaud would have been on her ass about it to make sure she was being healthy, but while they separated to take their lunch breaks at separate food stands, Cahsi had run into Thancred and spent the entire time talking to him instead), so she was beginning to feel faint. She’d powered through far worse, though, and her pride wouldn’t allow her to end this early.

Round two nearly ended much the same, but Cahsi gathered a burst of strength and speed to let it end in her favor. The score was tied. “Last round declares the winner. Think you’ve got this, Ali?”

“You bet I do! I will gracefully sweep victory from your hands on this day, I can feel it!”

“I look forward to it.”

About halfway through their final round, Cahsi stumbled as she became dizzy. Her partner must have noticed, because she stopped mid-lunge to check in with her, concern drawing her brows together slightly. “You good there?”

In lieu of a verbal response, Cahsi gave a slightly shaky thumb’s up, but her stomach betrayed her, taking the chance to growl loudly enough, it could startle a beast into fleeing. The elezen in front of her widened her eyes. “We can grab dinner after this, if you’d like? Loser pays?”

“Sure.” The lackluster response from Cahsi made Alisaie’s eyebrows pinch together in worry.

“I don’t think I’ve heard such a loud grumble from you in quite a while. Didn’t my brother feed you? He’s the one who dragged you along with him on his job, it was the least he could do.”

“Eh. Don’t get mad at him, It’s not his responsibility. I got caught up in other things during our breaks. I’ll make sure to eat plenty after this to make up for it.”

“I’ll hold you to that! Are you even good to finish? You look a little pale. I don’t want you keeling over in my moment of triumph, that wouldn’t feel very satisfying.”

Cahsi waved her off, took a few deep breaths and shook her hands to get some feeling back into them. She flashed her a winning hero’s smile. “Thank you for your concern, but I’m perfectly fine to continue, see? The sooner we finish this, the sooner you can buy me some tacos.”

It was convincing enough apparently, because Alisaie sighed and relented. “Fine. Here goes our final few points. May the best warrior win!”

Despite the disadvantages, Cahsi still managed to pull through. She could have gotten away with letting the other win, especially with how she’d given the other a little scare about her low blood sugar, but Cahsi didn’t want to just give away a free victory. It was for the sake of not only her pride, but Alisaie’s as well. The girl would accept nothing less than a win on her own. She got better and better each day and trained hard, so Cahsi knew it wouldn’t be that long before she’d be able to match her, and from there, surpass her.

“I’m proud of you, that was a really good match!”

“I still lost…”

“It was very close, to be fair.”

“You weren’t even at your best!”

“Lies, I’m always at my best.”

“I am literally half-carrying you right now because you almost fell over during your victory lap.”

Cahsi laughed sheepishly. “Well, you should take that as a sign of your skill. You really tired me out!”

Alisaie sighed. “I’ll get you one day, Cahsi.”

“You’ve already got me, look!”

The hand around her waist tightened a bit, and the teen’s face predictably got red. Cahsi suspected the kid crush never fully went away, so she’d have to stop teasing her or let her down easy if a confession ever came (partially why she wanted to get her to visit Arya again. She knew the sparks would fly between them if they just spent a bit more time together!).

“Save your energy, we have a lot of stairs to go before getting to the restaurant.”

[tobiasdrake]

Well, that managed to be the worst night of my--

The eclipse.

Well, that managed to be the second worst night my life. Congratulations, Teaks; You had some steep competition.

Back on the road to find the Docarri.

Oh good, mirror puzzles. I love those.

I sound sarcastic but I'm not. I'm a sucker for slidey blocks and light reflecting and all that old-school adventurer stuff.

There is ALWAYS something behind waterfalls.

...something for Teaks, in this case.

Been back and forth trying to figure out where the light puzzle begins. The little white doodad over the face is clearly where it ends. But there's no sigil for this obvious Solstice Warrior timey-wimey crystal.

Maybe I'm missing something. I can probably come back to this on my way out.

OH GOOD IT'S THESE SHITWEASELS AGAIN

Hey Serai, I have a question. You use weird-ass portals and they use weird-ass portals. Any connection? And please take that in the least accusatory way possible because I have complete faith in you and am only seeking intel on them.

We know nothing about these guys other than that those masks look like they're really going to hurt when we shove them up their assholes.

You picked a bad day for this. My entire worldview cracked in half last night and I could really use some stress relief.

Oh no, we do. We do have to quarrel. On the grounds that I want to. I want to be very clear that what is about to happen will not be an act of self-defense.

You ruined my Fake Birthday.

Today, I choose violence.

You did not bring this on yourselves. I brought it. And I suddenly feel much better about my life choices right now.

Thanks, guys. I needed that.

I'm gonna hold you to that.

Well, that was weird. But it did help clear my head. And we're at the top of the waterfall, so from here it should be a nice and easy stro--

Rock climb. A nice. Easy. Rock climb.

I'm beginning to think the Docarri don't want visitors.

Moraine said to ring a bell. But we didn't pass a bell on our way up here.

Oh, there it is. Good eye, Garl. Sorry, Serai; Your dramatic reveal's going to have to wait.

Hey, can't you just portal over there and do it? It'd take you like five seconds, right? Do we all really need to go together? Or do you have, like, limited portal ammo or something?

Huh. I expected something a bit more exciting. Guess we did need to go together.

Hey, we're looking for the Oracle of Tides. Oracle, specifically. Not the Ruler of Tides. He doesn't like us very much.

Aww, that's nice! We would be honored to take advantage of your hospitality.

If everyone around here is this sweet, then this trip's going to be pleasant.

This trip is going to be unpleasant.

You said you foresaw us coming here! I have air lungs. How am I supposed to visit the lake floor!?

Is that a threat?

Because if it is, I should warn you that I just engaged in a rousing bit of violence and am now fairly tired, and not in the proper mood to defend myself. So. I would appreciate it. If you did not start shit for... one hour? Yeah. One hour, please.

Oh my god we get complimentary gifts

I want the pink one. Second from the right. Bottom row. It's so cute. I will... I'll... Uh....

I get hit with things a lot and seashells are breakable.

I will leave it on the ship in my private area but so help me I will be taking it out to play with every night we're at sea.

Oh, sure. Since it's you, Garl, I won't even be snippy. Go get us a seashell! I trust your judgment.

Choose wisely. And by wisely I mean the pink one. Second from the right, bottom row. You know it's the objectively correct choice.

You chose correctly. I don't know if that means we passed the ritual's test, but it does mean that you passed my test.

Failure would have resulted in no penalty of any kind, but success earns you my appreciation. Good job, Garl. T_T This is why you're my bestie. You know me so well. We are on a wavelength.

Does this have anything to do with me making paths over water? Or are we gonna sprout gills or something?

Oh, I am going straight for Torment Peak. You should not have said that. You gave me a pretty seashell for good luck and said "Don't go to the cool place". What possible reason could there be for me to not immediately beeline it to--

[styrmwb]

Beat FFXVI last night (spoilers and lots of rambling ahead)

"I liked it, but" is pretty much how I felt about the game. It had very high highs, there were a lot of things about it I liked, but something about it soured it for me. And I think the fact that I was so excited for it, but it didn't fully land made that feel worse overall. I also think the game didn't come out at a good time for Me Specifically, because it is a very intense, pay full attention and give all your energy to game. I can't really chill with it after work or do other things while playing it, and honestly I haven't really been wanting to play action games much recently. I do think in the future I'll be able to look back at it more fondly than now.

Things that I liked: visually, holy shit. Every Eikon Battle, every zone, they fucking killed it. If this was just like, a show? Oh my god amazing beautiful 10/10. The Bahamut battle and the final boss were two standouts to me especially. Fuck. It's so cool.

The characters. While I wish some got a little better treatment (More Benedikta and Barnabas, maybe like, solo Jill sections where you play as her?), overall I cared so much about the whole cast. Clive and Joshua together was one of my favorite relationships cause you can tell that they cared for and loved each other so much and goddammit they deserved to be happy together. Even the characters that I thought were just gonna be on the side, like Gav or Byron (I did not expect them to be so prominent but fuck yes) or really anyone in the hideout, I really did appreciate everything about them. The game felt like it had a party despite only Clive being playable.

The music. I mean, of fucking course the music. Soken and his team can do no wrong. I was originally scared it was gonna be... generic? But my fears were unfounded. Find the Flame; banger. Into the Mire? Might be my favorite song tbh they went so hard for the First Dungeon. The ENTIRE Titan fight? God DAMN

Eikon abilities. When I really got them going, I was having a lot of fun in combat. I ended up running Phoenix (Gouge, Rising Flames); Bahamut (Ice Age, Upheaval); Titan (Raging Fists, Flames of Rebirth). I would dodge up to raise Megaflare level, then go crazy go stupid with all of the other abilities, looking super cool and exploding everything around me. Felt fucking awesome.

Finally, story. It was definitely a more generic FF story, gather all the crystals (by smashing them), get the summons, kill god, but I liked it. But I think if the super cool big moments weren't as cool and I didn't care about the characters as much, it wouldn't be anything special. Those parts of it were so stellar though.

Uhhhh haha now the part I'm still struggling with. What didn't I like. What soured this experience specifically. One thing I know didn't help (that I'm sure people are sick of hearing about) was the lack of exploration and open world. I wish there was more side bits, I wish there was like, FFXI/XII/XIV style zone transitions. I wish it was closer to XII/XV, or if it went full action and was more like Stranger of Paradise. Instead, it just feels like a sad middle ground that doesn't quite excel at the world or the levels.

Side quests. Again, common complaint. But they were just... a slog. I appreciated what they did for the world. I appreciate the characters they gave us. But they were just... so common, and so boring. It felt like a chore, "goddammit I gotta clear out 5 sidequests let's waste 2 hours woooooo" agh. XIV does the same thing where they are quests purely for world building, but actually doing them kinda sucks. Makes sense, same team.

Combat outside of Eikon Abilities. There's nothing particularly wrong with it? I think the reason I didn't really care for it was more on my end, I didn't want to play an action game. I can't dock this against the game, but I can say it was part of the reason I didn't enjoy it as much.

I'm sure there's more, but I'm struggling to quite pinpoint what it is. There's not much about the game I didn't like, but what I did was so heavy that it made the game almost... a chore to pick up. I would usually be fine once I got into the groove, but the fact that I felt that feels so shitty.

I think if I had to rate this game in my imaginary FF tier list that I haven't made fully yet cause I can't pick between some of my children, I think I liked it a little more than XIII (stronger highs), and a little less than XV (weaker gameplay). Didn't match the hype, but I did Get Hyped.