#If I can though and if I can come up with ideas for Milla joining and their meeting?

[cy-fi-theansweris42]

Thinking about Sasha's mind and just how different it is to the other minds we see in both Psychonauts and Psychonauts 2.

There's a wide variety of worlds in both games, but from what I remember, they all have different areas that are connected to each other and you travel between. Milla has the different areas of her dance party, Bob has the different islands, Cassie different areas of the library, etc.

However, Sasha's is the only one that, even though you're inside his mind, you're not really in it. You're on the outside of the cube. There's nothing you can access, no memory vaults, no emotional baggage, no hints about his past, nothing, unless he lets you in (there's the different levels that appear in his shooting gallery but he admits to setting that up after Raz beats the course).

The potential implications of this are wild to think about, because you have to wonder just when exactly his mind became that cube, and how he managed to compartmentalize and lock everything away so thoroughly.

Personally, I like the idea that his mind was like that before he met the Psychonauts and joined the organization. We already know that his father wasn't emotionally available throughout Sasha's life, and as far as we know, Sasha didn't have anyone else growing up. That could have led to him just locking everything away, because what's the point of being open when the only family member in your life isn't truly even there? It could also be a little bit of Sasha taking after his father since his father seemed fairly stoic.

Then if he already had everything under lock and key (which is possible, remember, Raz also has high mental defenses and he's only 10 with no training at the beginning), then it could make for some interesting headcanons/ideas about his early days with the Psychonauts, especially if he already showed promise with PSI blasts or could already use them. Like they come across this young psychic who they can't learn anything about, even inside his mind, and he has a knack for PSI blasts which literally turn negative emotions into firepower? You could have some fun with a story like that.

[beskarandblasters]

Hi everyone!! Erin and I compiled all the fics that were submitted into one big list and split the reading! So if you don’t see your fic here check out @perotovar’s post that will be coming soon! Also, for any multi chapter fics that were submitted we only read the first chapters for them! Thank you to everyone who submitted fics for this and made this celebration such a hit! If you’d like to see more events like this please let either Erin or myself know!

@trulybetty Strings

What a strong start!! The part where he was dealing with his nightmare in his sleep was so heartbreaking. And the reader contemplating comforting him or respecting the boundaries of their relationship and minding her business was a struggle you really felt.

@pascalispretty Leading Blindly

Oh man love me some shy, submissive Din 🥵 And Canto Bight is the perfect place to put a brothel in Star Wars!!!

@chronically-ghosted Recovery Road

Wow, what a beautiful depiction of struggling with addiction and anxiety. As someone who suffers from anxiety myself (as I’m sure a lot of you guys do too!), I found myself really emphasizing with Dieter. Precious lil guy 🥺

@theywhowriteandknowthings Catch Me If You Can

This fic is such a good capture capture of the chase 🤌 The last chapter was posted as a part of Kinktober but if you want to find out just how Din and the Reader got there, read this!!! It’s going to take place on several Star Wars planets and as a Star Wars nerd that makes my heart happy

@ramblers-lets-get-ramblin The Clink

💳💳PRISON GUARD JAVI💳💳 What more do I need to say?!?!? No but fr this is not only extremely hot but also very very well done. Prison Guard Javi wasn’t something I knew I needed until Ang put it out 💅

@jenna-ortega Vertigo

The premise of this is so scandalous 🤭 I’m a sucker for infidelity fics for some reason so you know this just has a hold on me!!! And I love the warning “unpleasant!Joel” 🥵💀😭

@milla-frenchy Smack My Bitch Up

I’m a slut for rough sex and even though I’m not personally into anal I still really enjoyed this! A great take on Raider!Joel and Raider!Tommy 👀

@katiexpunk Reporting For Duty

THE PREMISE I’M SCREAMING and the smut was soooooo fucking hot. I love Air Marshal Peña!!! Something about joining the Mile High Club is just 🥵🥵

@dark-scape The Vagabond Gladiator

This is by far the most interesting and unique Joel AU I’ve ever seen. The world building in this is just great!!!

@novemberrain-writes Daggers to Dust

A MANDALORIAN WESTERN AU ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I enjoyed this so much omfg!!!

@decembermidnight Ner Mircet'ad

First of all, two words: GLOVE KINK!! Love the Mando’a title, love dom!Din. Seriously what is there not to love about this!!

@soft-persephone Scattered Promises

“My name is Din, he whispered lowly in her face, and if I made a promise to never leave your side, I intend to keep it.” Oh my god!!! I love Din and the MC’s dynamic so much!!!

@nothoughtsjustmeds Tip Your Server

NOT THEM LOSING THE OSCAR 😭😭 I love wife!reader fics and this was seriously so sweet and hot at the same time!!

@scarerjh Love Machine

Dieter is so sweet and devoted in this!!! So fluffy and sweet it makes my heart explode!!!

@grogusmum Conversations with Dead People

This was so sad and impactful!! I just wanted them to get back together so bad!!!!

@marisferasiop Paklalat

This was such a treat, literally the group sex/polyamorous relationship of my DREAMS 😍😍

@idolatrybarbie The World Tipped On Its Side

(Chapter 1) I really love the characterization of the reader in this. Frankie as a stunt pilot is a really cool idea for him. And the reader is disabled, which is really refreshing to see that being represented here in this community🤍

@romana-after-dark Blessed Be The Fruit

If you like the Handmaid’s Tale and TLOU then boy do I have the fic for you!! The first chapter was so interesting and the world building was insane!! I’ve never watched or read Handmaid’s Tale and I was easily able to fall into this universe!

@ladamedusoif Visiting

One of the most well thought out Mr. Ben fics I’ve ever seen!! I love the ofc and I love that her age is relatively close to Ben’s!!

@chaithetics A Cinematic Lover

Dieter having a crush is so fucking cute!!! And I love chronic illness/pain representation here 🥺🤍

@aurorawritestoescape The Helping Hand

I love somnophilia!! This was so hot and I love the idea that Joel’s loud snoring keeps you from falling asleep at night 😭💀

@pimosworld Tango

Love the premise, loooove the TF boys being protective and of course, I love dom!Frankie + the aftercare 🥹

@beecastle Chocolate Cake

This was so cute!!! I love first meeting fics and there’s something so sweet and so normal about it happening at a grocery store! And of course I love dad!Frankie!!

@frenchiereading The Parents That Are Left

I don’t really have much to say about this besides the fact that the writing is beautiful. And that this is such an interesting premise!!!

@ohforficsake You Brought Me Poison Flowers

Fourth of July in Jackson?!?!?! Sign me UP!!! I love the title of the series. I love the first chapter title. I love the OFC! There’s so much to love about this!!

@healmydesires I Wanna Hear You Say My Name

I loved this so much!! I don’t typically read period sec fics but wow!! I started my period the day before I read this and now I have a whole new appreciation for fics like this!! The smut was so hot and I loved the dynamic between Joel and the reader!

@604to647 Lingerie

I have never read a modern AU for Din before and I have to say, this was so interesting and hot at the same time!!

[corazondebeskar-reads]

march fic madness rec list

TYSM to @the-blind-assassin-12 for this absolutely awesome idea of reccing 63 fics over 31 days as a "march madness" for fic engagement!

based on these challenge guidelines, I'll update this list with my recs as the month goes on.

dividers by @saradika-graphics

key:

💀 dead dove | 🏴 dark | ⛓ bdsm | 💕 fluff

note: these are in order that I read and reblogged; the number is not a ranking of any other sort

"a kindness you can't afford" by @joelscruff 🏴 (dark!Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: there are no limits to how or when joel plays with his special girl.

2. "sweet days of summer" by @ozarkthedog (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: you and joel sneak away for a quick fuck during a family outing.

3. the gift of your grave by @gasolinerainbowpuddles (Dave York x Frankie Morales)

summary: Max has elbowed his way into a prestigious, high paying corporate career, and he enjoys the luxuries it offers – primarily, doing what he wants, getting what he wants, and never wavering from making himself the top priority. Enter Frankie, the contracted corporate pilot who’s on the upswing after a long line of struggles and mistakes. When his recovery is compromised, will Max give in to the desire to put someone else first? Will Frankie allow himself to believe he’s worthy of being put first?

4. "between two lungs" by @ozarkthedog (Joel Miller x f!reader x Tess Servopolous)

summary: you join Joel and Tess mid fuck.

5. "Swelter" by @notjustjavierpena (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: You have a crush on Sarah’s father. It is summer, it is hot, and you just want a cold drink.

6. "you wanted this" series (ongoing) by @alwaysmicado (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Joel and you have a fun dynamic going. You provoke him, he punishes you - you both get off. When you meet him after you’ve fucked someone else, he decides to show you who you belong to. It’s all fun and games, right?

7. "smother" series (ongoing) by @beardedjoel 🏴⛓(dark!Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: can you hold a man as both your savior to be worshipped and the monster that he is?

8. the dress series (complete) by @janaispunk ⛓ (Dave York x f!reader)

summary: You’re having an affair with Dave York. When he takes you on a week-long vacation, you realize that you have deeper feelings for him than you should.

9. "Enjoy the Silence" by @strang3lov3 (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: You trespass into Joel’s house in search of some peace and quiet so you can get yourself off. Joel catches you in his bed in a compromising position.

10. "glory o" by @milla-frenchy (Javi P. x f!reader x Steve Murphy)

summary: you work in a brothel, and two guys want to try something new

11. "fine art" by @lincolndjarin 🏴(dark!Javi G. x f!reader)

summary : you were an up and coming actress, javi is your biggest fan, he’d do anything to have meet you.

12. "the end of the world" by @studioghibelli (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: you had a strict relationship with joel that stuck to the rules. fuck, leave, repeat. it was only a matter of time until feelings were dragged into the mix. when joel leaves at the first sign of love, you’re left wondering what you had done wrong. 

13. "run rabbit" by @mermaidgirl30 🏴⛓(Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: At the beginning of every month, you meet Joel to play a little game of hide and seek at the abandoned mansion near Jackson. It’s not just any game of hide and seek though. It’s dark and it’s twisted. If he catches you, he gets to do whatever he wants with you.

14. "All The Fear and The Fire of The End of The World" by @criticallyacclaimedstranger (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Joel has told Ellie about what happened in Salt Lake City, and she is livid with him. Seeking comfort with you, Joel however finds you in the grips of a nasty flu, and has to put his own needs aside to nurse you.

15. "men like me" series (ongoing?) by @lokischocolatefountain 🏴⛓ (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Joel’s warnings about what men like him would do to girls like you only makes you want him more

16. "seasons of you (year 1 - spring)" by @kedsandtubesocks (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: it’s your very first spring living in the valley & you’re very sure Joel Miller already wants you leave

17. dress up joel series (ongoing) by @covetyou (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: when a mysterious stranger breaks into your house, and keeps breaking into your house, he gives you the fright, and the ride, of your life. Welcome to your seasonal encounters with one Mr. Joel Miller.

18. "savior" by @ozarkthedog (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: joel saves you from a crooked qz guard and you want to thank him properly aka joel fucks you in an alley.

19. "sweet release" by @cavillscurls ⛓ (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: the aftermath of finishing without joel’s permission.

20. "over the edge" by @ilovepedro ⛓ (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Joel agonizingly taunts you before pushing you over the edge.

21. "confines" by @gutsby 🏴⛓ (dark!Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: dark!Joel explaining to you how reader-proofed the bunker, because you're his now and he's never ever letting you go.

22. "sir" by @honeyedmiller (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: ceo!joel miller x f!reader drabble

23. "touch" by @morallyinept (Joel Miller x f!reader)

summary: Inspired by that GIF. You know the one. Yeah. Nuff’ said.

[millassundries]

Boy it was cold out! Why was she out here anyway? Right getting her mind off of her real problems. She remembered doing this with Carol after the Brevon Attack, as she had to be practically rehabilitated from what ever he did to her. She honestly didn't remember much of it and that was probably for the best. Setting the Can's up along the stone wall out behind her home. She placed each one about an arms length apart and walked back to the line she made in the snow. She held her palm out in front of her, and focused there, creating the Alchemical formula in her head, that she knew would call a Cube to her. Creating the little green cube as it floated above her hand. She couldn't help but ponder why of all things---he chose Alchemy to gift her with.

She used the cube to plink one of the cans off of the wall, shifting to the next one. She plinked it off as well, in truth she was trying not to think of things. She needed some respite from her life, the dinner, everything that had been going on. Especially... THAT of all things, she couldn't not think of it though. Another plink as she took the can off the wall yet again. She heard the door open behind her to see Aaa standing in the door way looking worried in her direction.

" Are... you Ok Milla? "

He asked her as he joined her in the snow blowing in his hands to keep himself warm. She smiled at him always the smile even when she wasn't ok. Maybe he could sense it? or maybe he was just worried for his only real friend. She wished Aaa had more friends, she wished dearly he'd find some others who appreciated his talents like she did.

" Of Course! just trying to keep my skills sharp! you know Carol is always saying i shouldn't stay in the house so much working, so i thought why not not do this "

He didn't seem convinced as he rubbed his arms up an down looking at the cans in the distance. His eyes quickly wandered back to her with an unconvinced look.

" Are you sure? If there was something wrong---buddies tell each other that right? especially science buddies... if something was wrong we'd tell each other right? "

She hesitated, maybe a moment to long as she didn't like lying to her friends, and she'd hoped with the revelation of what she was all that lying would go away. But here she was having to keep things from everyone again, and wearing that false smile. Why did she keep doing this? she wanted someone else to know, someone to talk to and of all her friends Aaa was probably the one who could help her. So Why couldn't she tell him?

" Of course i would! I guess i'm just worried about Carol and Spade... that whole thing just got to me you know? I'm sure it'll be fine! but Carol is---like my big sister really. I worry that's all... "

Not entirely untrue she was worried, and spade had her curious about his Gem but---she was confident Carol could handle that sneaky panda. Still where did he get that gem, and why did he challenge her like that? what was his game? She plinked another Can off the wall and sighed turning on her heels.

" Come on Aaa you look cold! lets get you some Coco! and i could use some hot tea! "

Aaa's eyes lit up as he followed after her

" OH that does sound good! maybe we can talk about this new buddy idea i had! its gonna be GREAT! "

All this time, and she was still lying to them or maybe it was to herself? she knew where to get answers at. She knew the ONE place that she might find a solution but... going back there? alone? she wasn't sure she could do it. Maybe Carol would go with her once all this stuff was over? or Lilac? but then they might ask so many questions... she didn't know what to do or say not yet anyway.

For now, she'd just focus on Stones Day! a wonderful, wonderful Stones Day!

[paperpennies]

Please tell me about your AU idea where Sasha and Milla meet in Brazil as teenagers and basically end up long-distance dating before either of them become Psychonauts ^_^

Oh hey look at that, totally out of nowhere, not prompted by me at all! (@2somethingelseyoumightknow2 and @strawberry-et also asked me about it but it seems redundant to answer three separate asks. I didn’t think three people would actually do it lol. Also sorry for taking 8 years to answer.) This idea came out of just smushing two thoughts together. Then I got weirdly attached. Buckle in; it’s gonna be pretty long.  Under a cut to avoid annoying feed scrolling.

So, AU is: Sasha mom lives, meaning he turns out a lot better emotionally adjusted since he grows up with at least one attentive parent. His dad is better too- still pretty emotionally constipated but not, like, broken the way he is in canon. The family also has 4-5 more kids after Sasha. This does mean they’re pretty poor but they do okay. 

His mother is a schoolteacher, who is somewhat unusual in the time period for working and being a mom of a big family at the same time. She and Sasha are quite close; he gets a lot of his intellectual and curious side from her. In his eyes, he’s much more like her than like his dad (although people who know them both would say he’s a lot more like his father than he thinks). His mother also knows about his psychic powers, having noticed them as soon as they started showing up, but his dad and siblings (probably) don’t. 

The story starts when Sasha is 14-15 years old. He’s getting increasingly bored living in a small rural town with few opportunities related to his interests, and his developing psychic powers (and probable undiagnosed autism) make things even more complicated and difficult for him. His mother gets an opportunity, probably with some kind of charity organization, to go teach German/English and maybe other stuff in Brazil for a while. She decides to take it, and take Sasha with her so he can have some different life experiences. She also takes his youngest sister along, since she’s still very little and dad’s already going to be left alone with three other kids. 

(Also, my assumed age for Sasha and Milla in the games is like mid-30s, which, if the games take place in mid/late 80s, would mean they were born in the mid-50s. That means they would be 14-15 in the late 60s. So that’s the timeline I’m going with here.) 

So they go to Brazil. The school Sasha’s mom is working at is either at or associated with an orphanage- maybe a church that has a school and an orphanage. Of course, Milla is there. I don’t have a lot of the details locked in here. It’s hard because we know nothing about Milla’s family or life before she was working at the orphanage, so I’m really just pulling this out of nowhere to fit in with this AU. For the purposes of this, she has no family and is living at the orphanage and going to the school there (even though that’s sad and I kinda don’t like it. May change it. Hm.)

Anyway, Sasha’s mom is teaching at the school; Sasha is doing basically independent study. I also haven’t decided if Milla is in his mom’s classes, because I haven’t decided what age group(s) she’s teaching. Either Milla’s in her classes or gets employed (or volunteers) to babysit Sasha’s little sister and that’s how she comes to be around. Oh, and also for the purposes of this, Sasha’s mom already spoke Portuguese before this, and Sasha’s been learning it prior to arriving there, so he’s like conversational at least. 

Either way, Sasha and Milla meet. Despite having some initial personality conflict, they find they have a weird connection to each other. Milla is curious about this feeling and interprets it as maybe being a crush, although it feels a little bit different. She decides to try and befriend him to understand it better, and also because that’s just what Milla does. She’s the sort of person who makes people her friends half-against-their-will just by being friendly and caring consistently until they can’t deny that they’re friends.

Sasha, meanwhile, is wary of her and her enthusiasm because he’s not great with the social stuff, especially with the culture and language gaps at play. He’s also wary of the feeling because it seems psychic-related, but he doesn’t know what that means. Plus Milla is like super pretty and nice and he gets tongue-tied and red-faced whenever she talks to him, but he definitely doesn’t like her shut up Mom.

Over time, Milla’s determination prevails, and they become genuine friends. He hides the fact that he’s psychic at first, but eventually does tell her. He asks her if she’s sure she’s not psychic, because she really seems psychic somehow. She doesn’t think she is, but he theorizes she’s probably not quite normal, at least, and that’s where the connection they’ve felt from the beginning comes from.

Since they’re actually perfect for each other, their friendship grows deeper over the months they spend hanging out. By the time Sasha has to leave, they’ve developed real romantic (in a 14-15 year old way) feelings for each other. They don’t ever really talk about it, but promise to write.

And they do. Sasha’s siblings start referring to the girl he writes to as his girlfriend to tease/annoy him, but eventually it sticks. He stops protesting, although he never confirms whether or not it’s true, and it starts being matter-of-fact to them instead of a joke. On Milla’s side, she still talks about him to her friends like he’s still there, and she gets the penpal-boyfriend teasing, too. It doesn’t really bug her, though. They save up money over a few years to go and visit each other, and talk about their relationship enough to be sort of “official”. It’s rough since they rarely get to see each other in person or even talk on the phone, but they keep going. 

Years pass, and some things change and others don’t. Sasha mother dies when he’s in his late teens, and he and his dad start having bigger and bigger issues between them in the wake of greiving. He leaves home as soon as he’s sure his younger siblings will be fine without him around. Out and about in the world, he gets recruited into the Psychonauts within the next few years (the specifics of this don’t matter too much for this AU). Milla goes on to work in her orphanage, the thing she’s most passionate about. They still keep close in touch, and get to see each other a more often now that they’re grown up and Sasha has better access to international travel. They finally decide “okay yes, we really are actually dating” even though it’s still long distance. Sasha’s colleagues 100% do not believe his story about having a beautiful long-distance girlfriend in Brazil, because that would sound fake af even if wasn’t coming from the very serious, not-romantic-at-all Sasha. Even his picture of them together does not convince them.

Then, the thing happens. Milla’s orphanage burns down, and her psychic powers finally fully awaken. Because of her knowledge of psychics, she realizes what’s happening, but it’s still a horrifically traumatic event. Sasha takes a leave period to come and help her, finds that it’s even more serious than he’d expected, and puts her in touch with the Psychonauts directly for some better assistance. He’s too close to her to do more than an initial check-up himself. 

They find Milla has a lot of potential and extend an offer to join the intern program (which at that time spans a larger age range than later on). She rejects the offer at first, tries to go back to her life, but later decides she needs to make a complete change and accepts. Sasha’s colleagues are shocked to find out she is indeed real. She graduates first out of her class, as one of the best levitators the organization has ever seen. Technically, she and Sasha aren’t supposed to be romantically involved as agents, but the Psychonauts have always been pretty loosey-goosey about that rule (given the history of its founders). 

So that was a novel in length. It’s not necessarily that interesting in this form, but there’s the AU. I think the interest would be the specifics of how their relationship would play out as a story, if they met young enough and under the right circumstances to not to get stuck in the hang-ups their relationship has in canon. If you read this far, tell me what you think! Thoughts, feelings, emotional outbursts?

[sindrakart]

HEY ITS TROUT AGAIN, SO YOU KNOW HOW LOBOTO GOES BACK TO CAMP TO PICK UP IS KID??? BOBBERT??? a post game convo at the end of 2 tells us milla and sasha are going back to whispering rock cuz some more kids are coming in in like a week or so- so that puts them and loboto all in the same-ish neck of the woods... so maybe after he picks up bobby (and crispin, though he kinda. lays a little low cuz im not sure where to put him in all this- maybe he waits in the car or something?? idk) bUT LOBOTO DOES THE WHOLE "hey can you- stop screaming, its me, yes i escaped, no don't ask me how- can you. hhElp me with the brain bumbler thing again?" WITH MILLA AND SASHA BUT INSTEAD OF RAZ JOINING THEM ITS BOBBY.

he's still kinda (rightfully) pissy with his dad and isn't sure what to think because??? literally where is all of this coming from, but over the course of trying to sort everything out in there bobby gets caught up to speed on... well, everything. it doesn't excuse what loboto's done in the slightest- milla, sasha and first mate loboto all take turns telling him this, because its important- but it does contextualize it. im running out of wording steam but the two of them kind of end up acting as like... narrative parallels/foils??? for raz and his dad??? and at the end of it, its bobby's choice on if he wants to forgive his dad or not; this is loboto trying to take the first step towards setting things right.

TLDR ITS LIKE A REVERSE MEAT CIRCUS BUT IN THE OCEAN???? SORTA - trout 🐟

TROUT YOUR BRAIN IS THE BIGGEST ON EARTH

This is SO FREAKING GOOD OMMGGGGG,, and Bobby has so much to think about now, and maybe he ends up talking with Raz and they have a moment where they talk about their dads and the choices they have/had,, and that gives Bobby a little help making his choice. I think he would have to SEE Lobs progress and dedication before hes convinced of anything. He might even talk to Crispin bc hes known Loboto longest but even Crispins like bud I have no idea whats going on with him either but he seems pretty committed

[sxrrandomfanfics]

Intern Interactions (Family Swap AU

[First post] [Second post] [Third post] [Fourth post] [Fifth post] [Sixth post] [Seventh Post] [Eighth post]

So, moving on to Psychonauts 2 for the family swap AU, let's talk about how this firecracker of a gal would interact with the big kids on the block.

Frazie Aquato (Teacher's Assistant) - Hollis Forsythe's intern teacher's assistant. Frazie is interested to learn about this "one-in-a-million brain" and is surprised to see one so young. She's been to Camp Whispering Rock, and usually only legacy psychics are into the idea of joining the Psychonauts and determined enough to work. Zanotto is not a name she's familiar with. Using clairvoyance on Frazie leads to many results during the story. First a Tiger Lily flower, then a lit Firework after the casino mission, then a mole with pigtails after speaking to Augustus, and post-game shows Lili in her dress, hugging a bouquet of Marigolds and Lilies.

Norma Natividad - Norma has the worst relationship with Lili compared to all the other Interns, setting up a hazing ritual that's... pulled back from the intesity of Raz's hazing (Raz's hazing would identify as "violent" hazing. Lili goes through "subtle" hazing). She is ready to fight Norma and tries to do so, but with so many adults already against Lili and Milla preoccupied, she has to swallow her pride. "It's just like school all over again." "Keep your head down. Keep your voice down. Fire down." "Grr, I wanna burn something!" are common phrases that Lili will mutter after talking with Norma. Clairvoyance use leads to seeing Lili as first dirty with flies buzzing around her, to a mole with pigtails after the casino mission.

Lizzie Natividad - Lizzie usually sides with her sister and takes to bullying Lili. Though, throughout the game if you're able to find Lizzie she ends up nicer to Lili, mainly because Lili has Lizzie's aesthetic, but reminds Lizzie a lot of Norma when the two were younger. Including Lili burning the rope that catches her before Norma can come out of the brush. Lizzie sees Lili at first the same way many of the interns do, however, using Clairvoyance on her during the time Lili has to go grab bees for Compton, she will look like Norma did at Lili's age.

Gisu - Gisu and Norma have a similar advantage: They're in a relationship with the older Aquato kids. So Lili can't really do things around them unless she wants to set off a chain reaction to upset Raz. The Aquatos and whoever they accept into their family is very tight and while Raz loves Lili and "Augustus" trusts her, she's not in that tight family circle yet and some interactions with Gisu clearly show that.

Morris - Lili's and Morris's relationship are actually closer than Raz and Morris. If barely. Lili remembers doing musicals and doing routines to the latest music for her few gymnastic routines she learned. She likes the idea of music being played around the Motherlobe, as she can't help but hear so many voices both in the Motherlobe and in the Questionable Area? There's even a mission to set up a radio in the mines to see if there's a connection there. And well... Lili shows much calmer fidgits when listening to Morris's music, doing some stretches that she learned.

Sam Boole - Lili considers herself friends with Dogan and tries to be friends with Sam. Sam and Lili have a similar relationship to Raz and Sam in the games (yes this does include the pancakes scene).

Adam - Lili's and Adam's relationship is very similar to the canon relationship between Raz and Adam. Albeit, the fanon sibling relationship may not be as strong.

[boypussydilf]

Let’s see, trying to round up as many of the thoughts i had on pn/p5 while trying to sleep as i can lol

- There’s a LOT of interesting stuff that comes up about the phantom thieves if you try to take what they’re doing and psychonauts-ify it… Like, for this au i wanna bring in Some of p5’s metaverse/cognitive world concepts but i havent really done that yet and im mostly gonna lean more on the standard rules of the psychonauts universe anyway. And, like, turning the Changes Of Heart into a Psychonauts thing totally changes them! I’m imagining something along the lines of The Mental Connections Oopsy Raz pulls towards the start of pn2, and thats… It’s a very drastically different thing and i Love That.

In p5, most of the kids end up in the metaverse by accident, but in psychonauts going into someone’s mind By Accident issssss not exactly a thing. In p5 the method for changing peoples hearts is really really straightforward. Just take the treasure and now in that one move the problem is solved. With psychonauts mental connections though, there’s a lot more steps, it’s gotta be a lot more deliberate… Basically, what I’m getting at here is, in P5 the Phantom Thieves have this ability unexpectedly dropped into their lap and explained to them, but the Psychonauts Phantom Thieves would most likely have had to Deliberately, Intentionally, Seek This All Out. And I want to run with that, because I think it’s very, very, interesting. Instead of being suddenly given an opportunity to hashtag be the change they want to see in the world, they get up and decide all on their own… “fuck this I am going to go into people’s minds about it now.” Or something like that…

- On the note of alternative character interpretation, AKECHI. Psychic Intern Akechi. For a second i thought, shit, that doesn’t really fit him, but then i was like, it’s cool though so who cares. But like… instead of building a Sterilized Palatable Public Image, he goes and joins a spy organization made up of Psychics, People Who Are Generally Looked Down On Or Feared Or Something Like That I Dont Remember Psychonauts SUPER Clearly But That’s The Idea. Anyway I think this takes us to some very cool paths im just not sure what they are. I don’t know what his whole deal is in this au. But I want to. Also he has to wear one of those stupid turtleneck jumpsuits that seem to be standard psychonauts uniform. Not all the time, like any other Important Character he has his Own Outfit, but like, he has to wear a dumb outfit one time.

- oh yeah, at the very start of psychonauts its casually mentioned that raz has Super Super Strong Mental Defenses and oleander tries to read his mind but just Cant. I think basically the same goes for akira here. This is some of why raz would be like…… is this guy hiding something. Cant know cause he cant figure it out.

- SPEAKING OF, in a world with psychics the thieves would be, like, at way greater risk of getting found out LMAO. Like, in PN2 Milla is doing that thing where she’s like. Oh im looking for Psychic Ripples for mentions of this stuff :) and like, just, you know. There r literal mind readers and stuff in this universe. They don’t necessarily have to do anything except think to be caught. I’m sure they can find a way around that. Not an infallible way, of course.

- OH MY GOD RIGHT returning to the matter of changes of heart via mental connections- FUTABA. Either they use their traditional method up till this point in Futaba’s mind and risk Fucking Something Up, or, they end up doing in Futaba’s mind what Raz does in Everyone’s minds in the psychonauts games, that is, going and helping them sort out their issues so they can start healing. And if they do That, thennnnn it could potentially raise some questions among the thieves along the lines of “shit there was a different way to do this? Could we have been doing this the whole time? Would it even have worked on anyone else?” And that’s FUN cause, again, im kind of a fan of the Somewhat More Morally Dubious angle to the thieves in this au.

- and speaking of futaba! Psychonauts AU is cool cause Everyone Has A Mental World so we can see inside the thieves minds :) i dont have any ideas on what anyones mental worlds would be like at this time though. At least Futaba’s is obvious lol but obviously after they help her it would Change quite a bit…

- Also, none of the phantom thieves r, you know, Trained Psychics. They did not have camp whispering rock or anything like that. They have most likely all been completely hiding the fact that they were psychic up until joining the thieves. Just like in regular p5, the only person they have to help them figure this all out is This Weird Cat They Found.

……..aaaaand i guessthats all ive got for now lmao

[the-most-powerful-ruler]

More psychonauts headcannons that I wanted to share

Possible spoilers and trigger warnings ahead

Some of these are things I forgot to mention in the first one.

Augustus was really hurt when he learned what Raz's nightmares were about, and he was 7 when he started having those dreams.

Raz learned what a lobotomy was when he overheard a couple (Loboto's parents) talking about him behind his back at the park, saying that he's another monster and that his parents should probably consider seeing if they could Lobotomize him. Then Raz asked them, and they didn't hesitate to tell him in horrible detail.

Raz and Loboto both really like the song Closing Time by Semisonic.

Raz started having those lobotomy nightmares again after the rhombus of ruin (give ya 3 guesses on why and the first 2 don't count.)

When the nightmares aren't bad enough to go behind bars, they work as actors in the bad dreams of whoever's mind they're in, like a movie.

Sasha has this recurring nightmare where he's in a normal place like down the street or in a coffee shop, and suddenly music plays out of nowhere and everyone around him breaks out in song and dance. He can't act like this is normal and he can't join in because he doesn't know any of the lyrics or choreography so all he can do is stand there and watch in horror and discomfort. (Picture a mix of the Truman show and the guy who didn't like musicals.)

He's only ever told Milla about those nightmares when he was helping her with her nightmares, and in turn she promised not to tell anyone.

Despite being afraid of the water, Razputin loves fish. He likes poking fish that swim close the the surface of ponds, whenever the Aquatos go to the hospital, Raz is always that one kid that has his face planted against the glass of the fish tank and is mesmerized by watching the fish, he even has a pet goldfish named Fishy.

Since D'artagan's mother (Melissa Requirum) doesn't move around a lot like the Aquatos, D'artagan goes to a regular public school.

D'art is a total Mama's boy, on the first day of school he made his mom come with him and he held her hand for the entire day. The next day she refused to go to school with him and he was a complete mess for the whole day.

D'art is more introverted and shy than Raz, but he likes to be with Raz since he learned that they're half brothers through clairvoyance.

D'art makes a lot of weird noises.

D'art is really sheltered and gets scared when sleeping over at another kid's house

When Raz gets started, he lets out an uncharacteristically high pitched scream.

Raz left his father a note before he left. He typed it and at this point, he just discover that there are different fonts so he 'experimented' with them. By that I mean he used a different font on every word.

The note read 'Dear dad, you've repressed my abilities for too long, it ends now. By the time you read this, I've already ran away. Don't come looking for me, I'm sorry, but I need to unlock my powers. I'm going to embrace my gift and there's nothing you can do to stop me. Goodbye -Razputin Aquato." Then there's some clip-art of a brain, a bomb, a blue unhappy face, and a sheep. Augustus doesn't know what what means.

In order to keep Raz from bothering everyone in the motherlobe trying to make bets, the interns decided to start playing Uno with him. Even though he keeps tying to make bets in the game and everyone keeps using their psychic powers to cheat, it's helped keep Raz under control because it feels like he's playing poker with them.

Raz got grounded after the casino mission.

While in Helmut's brain, Raz got motion sickness while looking out of the window in the feel Mobile and threw up on the seat.

Whenever Raz tries VR, he gets nervous and sometimes sick.

Raz doesn't like the idea of being a human cannon ball.

Sometimes the other interns can be pretty intense towards Raz.

Sometimes Raz and a couple of the other interns use their powers to hypnotize frogs in place.

Holils hates it when they do this.

That's all for now.

[bestofblackwidow]

The "Let me go - it's okay," she told him the last time we saw the Black Widow, it was - to say the least - emotional. "Let me go - it's okay," she said to Hawkeye, plunging to her death on the arid planet Sleeping in Avengers: Endgame for the ultimate sacrifice to save the world. While the deaths in the Marvel Cinematic Universe go on - sorry, Iron Man - there was probably no more heart-stopping moment, since the former SHIELD spy who became Avenger gave her life to recover the Soul Stone.

Still, it left the MCU in a bind. For years, a Black Widow film had been mooted, right back to 2004 at Lions Gate Entertainment before the rights reverted to Marvel. When Scarlett Johansson first appeared as Natasha Romanoff - the former KGB assassin with a very particular set of skills - in 2010's Iron Man 2, it didn't take long before questions were asked about a solo outing. Marvel Studios conductor Kevin Feige even held discussions with Johansson, who was then only 25. But there was a caveat, he said. "The Avengers comes first."

While others - Thor, Captain America, Black Panther and even Ant-Man - had their moments in the spotlight, the Black Widow was forced to wait. And wait. And wait. Not that Johansson thought that her character demanded the same treatment; if she was going to be in front of a Marvel movie, there had to be a reason. "Is there anything exciting to do creatively, as an actor?" she says. “Will we be able to do something extraordinary and strong? And something that stands on its own? "It's what makes the independent Black Widow an intriguing prospect: an inauguration of Phase 4 of the MCU promises to step back in time before her dramatic death to answer the provocative questions that still hover over her Crucially, the script transports audiences back to the events right after Captain America: Civil War, after that huge internal confrontation of the Avengers.

Without relatives or an organization that employs her, the Black Widow is alone, says Johansson. "It gave us the opportunity to really show her when she's kind of out of her game, you know? Because of that, anything was possible." The actress was there "from the start" at the script meetings, as they began to figure out how to delve into Romanoff's origins. "You are trying to map all of this ... which is extremely stressful," she laughs, "because there are no guidelines."

Fortunately, Johansson was not alone. In another inspired choice for the MCU canon, Feige recruited Australian director Cate Shortland, best known for discreet dramas like Somersault and Lore. While she was surprised, Shortland was encouraged by the creative freedom that Marvel was offering. “They allowed me to be myself and encouraged me to make a movie that I was passionate about,” she says. "We were allowed to have a lot of nuances and make a character-oriented film."

After several Skype sessions with Johansson, who also receives producer credit, Shortland worked with a Russian researcher to embody Romanoff's dark story: "the red in my ledger", as she told Loki in 2012 in Os Avengers. As she sings in the trailer, "We have to go back to where it all started" - the promising teaser clips of Romanoff as a young man (played by Ever Anderson, daughter of Paul WS Anderson and Milla Jovovich) in a childhood that seems far from idyllic. That's what makes Black Widow a family reunion of the kind that only Marvel would have the courage to conjure. Joining Romanoff is Yelena Belova, a sister-sister and fellow murderer who trained alongside her in the so-called Red Room, the punitive Soviet facility that produced 'Black Widow' spies.

"Their stories intersect," promises Shortland. "They clash." Played by Lady Macbeth's British star Florence Pugh, Belova is more than a physical match for Romanoff. Still, emotionally is where it really matters. "What Yelena does is kind of point to Natasha's pain," says Pugh. “She is part of Natasha's story. And I think that's why we have an opportunity to look at Natasha's story, because Yelena has been knocking on the door and says, 'Hey, let's deal with this pain. ”As Johansson comments, Belova is not just a carbon copy of his own character.

"She is completely alone. She is strong and different. She is so different (from) Natasha." Beside them are Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz) and Alexei Shostakov (David Harbor), two father figures whose own stories intertwine with Natasha and Yelena. "This is the coolest thing with this whole group of people. They all had parts of their past that they regretted," says Pugh. “They’re older. They’ve had more life experience. They know more about the system, about this world they’re all living in.” Harbor, the Emmy Stranger Things nominated star, managed to put an indelible mark on the muscular Shostakov, better known as the Red Guardian super soldier, the Russian equivalent of Captain America. "There is a gangster quality to him," the actor smiles. "And he's covered in tattoos. He's got a beard and those gold teeth. He's crazy." But after years of making bad decisions, he's also full of remorse.

"He's in a bad situation," adds Harbor. "And he needs redemption." Weisz's character, Melina, is another who experienced the rigors of the Red Room, a place that put her in contact with Natasha and Yelena. Marking his first dive at the MCU, Weisz acknowledges that the film addresses the idea of ​​discovering his favorite family. "It's definitely about finding out where you belong and where you came from, and what your background story was, and who you really are, and what matters to you - your ideology, I think." Along the way, Feige made reference to The Kids Are All Right - the 2010 Lisa Cholodenko film about a same-sex couple raising two teenagers. "Which is so weird," laughs Johansson. "You would never expect that from a Marvel movie." no it was the only strange nod to the film. Harbor speaks of Shostakov in terms of Philip Seymour Hoffman's drama teacher in the dramatic black comedy The Savages.

Or even expressing "the pathos of a small town, independent, family-run, weird movie... like Little Miss Sunshine". More understandable cinema references include "things like Logan and Aliens and The Fugitive," says Shortland. "We saw movies like that." Certainly, it's easy to see comparisons between Sigourney Weaver's determined Ripley, from James Cameron's masterpiece Aliens, and Johansson's Romanoff, an Avenger who has no superpowers. "We saw it as a force," says Shortland, "because she always has to dig really deep to get out of shit situations." According to the director, everyone in the production invested in deepening Romanoff - even Scottish composer Lorne Balfe (Pennyworth, His Dark Materials), who replaced Alexandre Desplat's original choice. Balfe looked at the character's origins, says Shortland. “He said, 'I want to put it on the ground, because it has been dug up in the movies in the past. I want to give her that flesh and blood. 'And he created this soundtrack that is really Russian."

However, perhaps the real blow here is to recruit Shortland, the first female director to face the Black Widow (and only the second, following Captain Marvel co-director Anna Boden, to enter the MCU). "This film would not be what it is without Cate Shortland," says Pugh. "I think having her eye, and having her mind with this script, has taken her to a whole different realm." Johansson agrees. "" You can feel it was made from a female perspective ... cooked there. "Although Ray Winstone's casting as Supervisor of the Red Room Dreykov (whose daughter contributed to the abundance of red in Romanoff's book, according to Loki) add more to the psychological battleground that the Black Widow will explore, it also deals with victimization, a very pertinent topic in the current climate. The Red Room itself is where trainees are brutally sterilized. "You will see that these women are hard working and strong, and they are murderers - and yet they still need to discuss how they were abused," says Pugh. "It is an incredibly powerful piece."

Judging by the 2020 Oscars, where Pugh and Johansson had their own private relationship session on the red carpet, the two actors got along very well. "She has a really beautiful career ahead of her ... she's a very special person," says Johansson, excited when Pugh's name is mentioned. More specifically, Pugh may well have more Marvel to chew on, if it is rumored that her character will take on the 'Black Widow' mantle for new adventures. By learning Parkour, kickboxing and knife fighting for role, Pugh can safely cut things physically, though she's reluctant to claim that the Black Widow is just a setup for future outings. "Even though it is obviously where everyone wants to go and want to think - think about what comes next - this film never really seemed to be what he was trying to underline." According to Johansson, however, test the audience who saw the film thinks otherwise. "Her character and her performance are so dear." Now, after more than a year of pandemic-related delays to July 2021), it will not be just a few lucky spectators who will be able to see. Black Widow will even be the first Marvel movie to debut simultaneously on the Disney+ streaming site (with a 'main hit' fee), an understandable move considering the uncertainty that still exists around the world. And in fact, after the success of the Marvel TV shows WandaVision and The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, it doesn't seem like such a strange home. Johansson believes that fans will respond to Black Widow, with this flashback of an earlier part of her life, bringing more poignancy to the Endgame's outcome. "Our goal was for them to be satisfied with this story; that maybe they could have some solution, I think, with the death of this character, in a way. It seemed like people wanted this." Shortland agrees. "We felt that we should honor his death," she says. And the Black Widow will surely honor him.

[fics-of-my-mind]

Trust - Chapter XIII.

'What is going to happen to us, Nick?' I asked quietly, lacing my fingers through his. 'I mean, you can't just jump into another relationship when you just got out of a marriage. What will we be? Friends? Lovers?'

Nick sighed deeply, turning his gaze away. I didn't like it.

'You're right. We can't jump into a relationship,' he shook his head. 'But I don't think I'd be fine with only being your lover, I care about you way too much to that. While on the other side of things, as much as I adore your mind and the bond we have, I can't hold myself back from touching you. Not with us living in the same city. So, that leaves us...'

'Friends with benefits?' I asked, raising my eyebrow.

'Well, yeah, but let's not call us that. It's way too impersonal.'

'Then what do you want to call us?'

'How 'bout we just stay with Milla and Nick?'

Warnings: mature content, BDSM content Pairing: Nick Jonas / Other Female Character This fanfiction can also be found on Wattpad by fnntth

I don’t own Nick Jonas or any other recognizable characters. This fanfiction is completely fictional, its only purpose is entertainment.

Chapter XIII. - I’ve been California dreamin’

I had no idea what to expect the next day. I spent half of that Saturday in purple haze, with a stupid smile on my face, thinking about the fact that Nick Jonas kissed me last night, that he left his wife, that we weren't cheating anymore. The other half of the day went by worrying about the night. What was going to happen? Was he coming over to finally do what we wanted to do since the first time we met? Was he just coming to talk? What...?

When at seven, my doorbell rand, I was in a frenzy. Even though I've spent a weekend before with Nick in yoga pants and sweatshirts, I felt like it wasn't going to do it tonight, so, trying to seem casual, I put on some black jeans and an also black tank top, with a low-cut back, and showing some cleavage.

I wanted to look good, even put on some makeup. My hair was loose, barely touching my shoulders as I've had it cut into a long-bob style a good two months ago. I've prepared with some wine, music, but most importantly, my mind.

'Hi, Dear,' Nick said, stepping into the apartment and softly pecking my cheek. I tried to hide my disappointment that he didn't kiss me. 'Brought some pizza.'

'Great,' I smiled up at him. Nick looked good, yet again, he always did. He was only wearing a white T-shirt and some washed black jeans, yet he was the hottest man I've ever seen. I wanted him so bad, even though I knew there was a big conversation we had to have before anything could happen.

I didn't care. As anxious I was, as much as I tried to collect my thoughts, the minute Nick set foot in the apartment, all my right mind was gone. I only cared about him, I could only concentrate on him. The way he walked, the way he talked... The way his mere presence made me so calm and relaxed, he was like a sedative pill.

'So,' he started, after we finished eating. We were both comfortably sitting on the bright grey couch, the TV was on, but it was rather just some background noise, since we couldn't stop talking. We had to make up for the last months we've spent without each other's company. 'Tell me, what is on your mind?'

'You,' I chuckled, and Nick joined in, but his eyes were serious. I've never known anyone with the self-control that Nick had.

He didn't push me, he didn't even touch me, as much as I wanted him to. He wanted to clear everything between us first, as much admirable quality as that was, part of me wished that he'd just jump me and finally fuck my brains out. It's been too long since I've been with a man, and Nick's proximity was making me crazy. At the same time, I knew he was right. If we were going to do this, I couldn't have doubts, there couldn't be walls between us. Not in the way Nick wanted us to be together, in the way he wanted to own my mind and body.

Truth is, I did spend the last about 18 hours thinking about this whole thing between us. Did we really have a chance? Was Priyanka really out of the picture? Did Nick truly want to be with me or was it just this insane sexual attraction between us? Was I the one that got away, that he couldn't have which made him want me so much? Where would this lead?

I bit my bottom lip, as hundreds of questions flooded my mind. As much as I trusted Nick and as deeply he knew me, I had trouble talking about this. Maybe the reason was the last few months of us not talking, or just the fact that things between us were becoming real and I was in fact scared shitless... Or just that I've barely talked to men about my feelings in my life, except the times we were more than 6000 miles apart with Nick. This was different. This was personal, intimate even.

'Milla,' Nick said softly, his eyes expecting me to speak. 'C'mon, it's me.' He ran a hand down my arm, stopping around my wrist and leaving it there.

'Am I...' I started, but had to clear my throat. 'I don't want to be your rebound, Nick.' My voice was quiet, yet firm at the same time. He looked at my face, and his expression was like he did not expect this.

'You're not. You can't be a rebound. I've been longing for you for months now. Wanting to be with you, dreaming about you, thinking about you. Even when we weren't talking, you were constantly on my mind. That's not what a rebound is like.'

'How can you be sure?' I asked, not daring to raise my glance at him. I was really afraid that this thing between us would only turn out to be pure lust, nothing more. 'You just got out of a marriage, I can't just expect you to suddenly be over her.'

'I may have only gotten out,' Nick started without missing a beat. 'but romantically speaking, I think I was over her the minute I met you.' This made me look up. Nick's expression was extremely honest, he really did believe what he said.

'Maybe,' I nodded hesitantly. 'But she's still your wife. She is the love of your life, as you've referred to her before. You can't just be over her...' Saying that Priyanka was the love of Nick's life, caused physical pain, but he did say this a while back.

'I said, that I thought she was the love of my life. That's why I married her, but...'

'But you don't think that anymore?' I asked, raising an eyebrow. Nick ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

'I don't think she could be the love of my life if I was able to have feelings for someone else.' I stayed quiet, waiting for Nick to say something else, but he didn't.

'The divorce will hurt your image,' I brought up the next thing on my mind. I've talked about branding with him before, and I never thought he'd take the step of actual separation with his wife, because of the J-sisters and Jonas Brothers + wives image they've built.

'Yeah,' he nodded, sighing deeply. This couldn't have been easy for him, not at all. 'My brothers were the first people I called after Priyanka left. I told them what happened, and apologized for me being the one causing problems again.'

'And?' I asked, raising my eyebrow. I hated seeing Nick blaming himself for everything.

'They understood. Joe's already known about, well, you, so he wasn't really surprised.'

'You've talked about me with Joe?' I asked, my voice thinner than before. The Jonas Brothers were talking about me – this was something I never thought I'd say.

'He's my best friend,' Nick nodded. 'He's also the only one in my family that knows about... my interests.' He didn't have to explain what he meant. 'Anyway, we agreed that I will work on reestablishing my image as a good guy, because as soon as the press finds out that we're separated, I'll surely be the villain.

'What is going to happen to us, Nick?' I asked quietly, lacing my fingers through his. 'I mean, you can't just jump into another relationship when you just got out of a marriage. What will we be? Friends? Lovers?'

Nick sighed deeply, turning his gaze away. I didn't like it.

'You're right. We can't jump into a relationship,' he shook his head. 'But I don't think I'd be fine with only being your lover, I care about you way too much to that. While on the other side of things, as much as I adore your mind and the bond we have, I can't hold myself back from touching you. Not with us living in the same city. So, that leaves us...'

'Friends with benefits?' I asked, raising my eyebrow.

'Well, yeah, but let's not call us that. It's way too impersonal.'

'Then what do you want to call us?'

'How 'bout we just stay with Milla and Nick?' he asked with a soft smile on his face. 'Just until we see where this is going? I just want us to be sure, to leave every single doubt behind before we put a label on this,' he said, motioning between us.

It was logical and I hated it. I didn't want to be just fuck buddies, friends with benefits or whatever. I wanted Nick and I wanted him wholly. But he was right, we had to see if we could even work. I mean, it's one thing that we've developed these feelings while talking and texting, but actually being together in person was different.

I pressed my lips into a straight line, but nodded. Nick reached up, his thumb softly touching the skin of my cheek, as he pulled me closer. He moved us, so I was sitting on his lap, and I could feel the redness creeping onto my face, but before it had a chance to show, Nick finally connected our lips.

Getting used to kissing Nick was definitely something easy. He tasted like so many things at once. His skills were somewhat expert-ish, or maybe it was only my opinion because it's been so long since I kissed anyone, let alone someone I longed for this long. The way his hands kept me pressed to him, while he explored my body was making me insane. I wanted him.

I ran my hands down on his chest, my fingers crawling under his T-shirt. The feeling of his hot skin made me press myself even closer to him, so our crotches were touching, only a few layers of clothing between them. This was nowhere near enough, I wanted all of Nick, to feel his body next to mine, to have him mark me.

When there was no more air left, I pulled back grasping for some oxygen, while Nick directed his lips down my jaw to my neck, sloppily kissing the skin, leaving it even hotter. The second I felt his teeth grazing the thin skin on the side of my neck, I couldn't hold back a moan, instinctively grinding against Nick, feeling the desire between my legs even more.

Removing one of my hands from under his T-shirt, I ran it up to the back of his hair, pulling his face even closer. Nick took it as a permission, and started strongly sucking on my skin. I knew well that it was going to leave a mark, but not even the tiniest bit of me cared.

Nick slipped a hand down to my behind, not letting me move away even a bit, while his other ran upwards along my spine, making me shiver. It only stopped in my hair, grasping it and unexpectedly yanking my head back, making me gasp. Then, he licked his way up from the spot he's just marked, all the way back to my lips.

'I'm not going to fuck you tonight,' he announced, mumbling it against my lips. I wanted to pull back, shocked, and question him, but his strong hold wouldn't let me. Before I could say anything, Nick reconnected our lips, claiming control, which I gave to him without any questions. This kiss wasn't innocent, not at all. His tongue dominantly danced with mine, his teeth bit down on my lips harshly, yet I didn't mind at all.

'What do you mean you aren't going to fuck me tonight?' I asked minutes later, after Nick let me gasp for air. My heart was beating fast against my chest, my lips were buzzing from the kiss. I had no idea how he could say something like we weren't going to have sex tonight. I was already a hot mess and he didn't look too on top either.

'I think you can wait a bit more,' Nick said, making me frown.

'Nick, I've been waiting for months.'

'Which is exactly why the pleasure is going to be even sweeter, if I make you wait a bit longer,' he nodded. What. Was he really going to torture me – and himself – without even properly fucking me once?

'You can't be serious,' I shook my head slowly, looking at him incredulously. I couldn't believe that he'd have this much self-control.

'Oh, I am,' he chuckled meanly. I ground up against his crotch, his semi-hard erection, which made him stop laughing at my misery immediately.

'What about this little problem?' I asked, looking up at Nick's surprised face innocently. He sorted his expression in a few seconds, his hand on my ass pushing me even closer.

'Nothing I can't take care of in the shower. Been doing it for months,' he shrugged, making me groan in misery.

'Nick–'

'We're going to wait,' he cut into my words, probably sensing that I was going to oppose again. 'I'm going to make you want it even more, I'm going to make you desperate, so when I have you, you'll be a hot mess at every single touch of mine.'

'I already am,' I said, not caring about how desperate I sounded. 'I need you.'

'No, you want me now,' he shook his head. 'I want you to get to the state where you need me. Where you can't function properly without me fucking your brains out. Where you are ready to submit yourself to me. And no, Milla, as much as you believe that this is it, that you are ready, you're not.'

He was looking deeply into my eyes through the whole monologue, making me blush. His proximity and the feel of his semi-hard against my throbbing core didn't exactly help. God, I wanted him so bad.

I wanted to oppose, to beg him to fuck me right now. But part of me was already under Nick's control and that part believed that he was right. That he did know me better than I knew myself. That waiting was going to be like a sweet pain, bringing so much sweet pleasure.

'Okay,' I nodded, earning a satisfied smile from Nick.

The next two weeks were like heaven and hell at the same time. We spent our days working, then meeting up in the evenings. Usually Nick would come over, bringing me flowers every day, making me stupidly smile at him, so happy at the attention. We didn't really leave the apartment, only once or twice when we went for a walk on the nearby beach, or when we craved ice cream in the middle of the night.

I didn't sleep much, but I didn't care. Nick would never spend the night, making me want to be awake until long after midnight, wanting to be with him as much as possible. Spending time with him, talking to him, touching him. It felt all too natural, it was crazy.

It was such a twofold experience: for one part Nick was my best friend, sometimes we'd talk for long hours, completely understanding each other's point of view on things like family or investments or politics, or we'd just spend time together in silence, cuddling on the couch – never on the bed, Nick said that the bed was off-limits for now. The other part was dangerous, exciting, it was the part where Nick would control my body, my desires, when he'd intentionally kiss me deeply, only to pull back instantly.

It was like there were two sides of him: the gentleman, that really wanted to know me, to build a relationship with me, and the dominant man, that wanted me to be dependent on him, wanted to control my body. This duplicity, as confusing it sounds, made everything even better, more intense.

He was killing me. Every time he touched my skin, I could feel the goosebumps, every time he kissed me, my stomach would clench, every time I heard his voice, the butterflies were there. I couldn't really think about anything else, just Nick, Nick and Nick. My mind was on him constantly and, as he predicted, my desire for him grew day by day. Now we were at the phase, where only a small peck on my lips would cause pooling wetness between my legs, and touching myself wasn't an option, not with Nick so close.

I hated the fact that he was right, that I could long for him, his touch, his proximity even more. Nick knew well what he was doing, he did it on purpose. Every time I jumped, when he touched my skin, he'd smirk, enjoying the effect he had on my body and my mind. I felt crazy, hungry for his body, thirsty for his touch, and I had no idea how much longer I could take it.

what are you doing on Saturday evening?

It was the week of Halloween, which meant that there were going to be all sorts of Halloween parties in the city, one of which I'm sure Erica would drag me to. Not that we had concrete plans.

I don't know

Something on your mind?

good

don't plan anything

I was sure that Nick had something in his mind, something that I wasn't sure I was going to like. Not that I cared. If it meant that I would be spending time with him, I was down for anything. Not that he was so keen on sharing details with me, he said that I was going to know everything in its time.

All he told me was to get a white or black dress, so I did. I chose a white, sleeveless bandage dress, which made my body look extremely good. I was still nervous that my dress wouldn't be suitable for the occasion, given that I had no idea what exactly the occasion was.

On Saturday morning, when I got a big package, delivered to my door, I started getting ideas on what kind of plans exactly Nick had. The big, black box had some silk paper inside it, and, also some specific gifts, an elegant invitation to a masquerade ball, organized in the Hollywood hills, plus a golden masque. It was only made to cover my eyes it was like lace, yet made from some hard material. I gasped, holding it in my hand. There was also a note, with Nick's handwriting:

I'll find you tonight

X Nick

I smiled at the thought. I liked it, the whole idea.

Not that I wasn't surprised that he was actually taking me out in public, but a masquerade party did seem like something we could attend without being caught together. I was sure, though that I'd recognize him anywhere, even in a mask, yet I trusted his judgement. It was after all his reputation on stake, not mine.

I also liked the fact that he didn't insist on picking me up. Arriving alone – as awkward it could be – meant that nobody was going to care about me, and nobody would get an idea that I was there with Nick.

I looked pretty good, I guess. Even though my dress wasn't designer, it made my body look amazing, putting emphasis on my curves, the deep neckline letting just enough of my breasts to be seen. My waist looked much more slender in the dress than anyway, and the slit on the left side gave an occasional view on my thighs, that actually looked nice thanks to the golden heels.

I've never really been a heels type of girl before, but I guess LA changed my view. I felt much prettier in them, they made my posture sexier, and I didn't mind the extra few inches of height.

I left my hair loose, barely touching my shoulders. My makeup was pretty nice, I made smoky eyes and put on some red lipstick. My purse was also gold, matching the heels and the mask.

When I got out of the Uber in Hollywood Heels, just in front of the house the party was held in, I mentally thanked Nick once again for letting me come alone. There was paparazzi outside, which made me think that the house must've belonged to someone extremely famous, yet I somehow forgot to ask Nick, who it was. I was much more excited about the night itself, than the host.

I slipped in without anyone stopping me, only putting on the mask when I stepped through the glass doors, into the foyer of the mansion. I was faced with security guards, asking for the invitation which I handed them. The next stop was a table, with a professional-looking woman behind it, who asked for my phone, and gave me a ticket in exchange. Oh, so it was a no phone party. This was going to be good.

I was excited, as I walked inside the living area of the place, swarmed with people, all wearing masks. I could recognize some of them anyway, for example James Corden, Lizzo, and I even caught Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid. It was insane, I was in awe of where I have gotten.

I walked around for a bit, searching for Nick, but then many things took my attention. It wasn't just a normal masquerade party, there were small productions happening in every room. There were aerialists in the living room, fire-blowers on the outside patio. In the kitchen there was a small play happening, involving the guests. In the hall, someone was playing the piano, singing along.

I didn't know where to look. There were waiters and waitresses walking around with champagne, but I decided on something stronger, so walking to the open bar, I asked for a gin and tonic. Then, with my drink in my hand, I walked out to the patio, to watch the fire-blowers for a while. I stood behind, just by the railing, trying to watch them, but not getting into the middle of the crowd.

This party was way too much for me, and as much as I was mesmerized by it, I needed the gin down my throat to calm my nerves. It wasn't just the party though. I was nervous about Nick too, he wouldn't bring me here if he wasn't planning on doing something later.

I believed that tonight was going to be the night. Hell, I hoped it was. I wasn't sure I could've taken this back and forth game, this being with him, but not the way I wanted to be any longer. It was already making me feel crazy out of my mind.

Maybe thanks to the fact that I've spent the last two weeks in Nick's company and was hyper-aware of his proximity every single time, I immediately felt him behind my back, without having to turn around. I just knew it was him, I had no doubts. His unique scent engulfed me, and as embarrassing it is, it instantly made my mouth water.

Nick seemed to be really good at this conditioning thing.

He stood close enough that I could feel the heat of his body, but he wasn't touching me. His lips were hoovering just above the skin of my shoulder, his stubble barely grazing the side of my neck.

'You look breathtaking,' he murmured to my ear, so I was the only one that could hear it. 'Though I got to admit, I expected you to go for the black.'

No surprise there, most of my clothes were black. I loved that color, I felt comfortable in it, so naturally Nick's barely seen me in anything else. Now the white was a change.

'I thought white is more suitable for the occasion,' I replied, still looking at the production in front of us. I remembered our conversation about the importance of the color of underwear, and if I wanted to wear white lingerie tonight, I had to go with a matching dress.

'Well, if you wanted to make heads turn, you choose right,' he smirked against my skin.

'Are you jealous?' I asked, chuckling. I didn't really believe his words, but I was going along with it.

'Maybe a little,' Nick nodded and with the move I could feel his lips softly touching my skin, making me shiver. 'But there's a difference between me and anyone else.'

'What?' I asked, swallowing. I wanted him already, and if he was going to say that he wasn't going to fuck me tonight, I was going to go even madder.

'I get to actually have you tonight,' he said, and I had to clench my legs to help the burning between my legs already, which was there without Nick actually touching me, with just the promise of what was going to happen tonight.

I turned around immediately, wrapping my hands around his neck and connecting our lips. I could feel Nick's smirk against my lips, but I didn't care. His hands were on my waist right away, pulling me closer. He was still taller than me, like usually, the upper part of his face was also covered by a golden mask, which annoyed me, since I couldn't run my hand along his face.

The kiss got heated in mere seconds, as Nick's tongue started exploring my mouth. I didn't care how many people were around us, the only thing on my mind was him and his proximity.

'Behave,' Nick mumbled, barely pulling away after long minutes of our heated make-out session. I pulled one of my hands from behind his back, running it along his pink and inviting lips, which were now smeared red thanks to my lipstick.

'How long do you plan on staying?' I asked, trying to get my breathing under control. I was impatient, especially since Nick has given the green light for us to finally have sex. I wanted him so much, I wouldn't have cared if he took me up into one of the bedrooms and fucked me here, in a stranger's house, with a party going on downstairs.

'Not long. Have to say hi to a few people though,' he replied. 'Go, have fun. I'll find you when we're good to go.'

I nodded, and with another peck on his lips, I turned around and made my way into the fancy bathroom to fix my makeup, since I must've looked like a mess. Getting into the bathroom was easy, it was like a huge space, with two stalls... I didn't really understand why someone would need two stalls in the bathroom in their own house, but whatever.

Heading for the mirror, I didn't even look around to see if anyone else was inside. I tried fixing the mess around my lips that kissing Nick has caused with some success, and, given that I wasn't paying any attention to my surroundings, I was startled when someone cleared their throat behind me.

Turning around immediately, I was face to face with someone I recognized right away, without ever meeting her.

'Hi,' I said in my shock, trying to get over being star struck. I did not expect her out of every LA celebrity to be here, and I'm pretty sure if Nick knew she was going to attend this party, he wouldn't have brought me here.

'Hey,' Demi smiled at me a bit shyly. 'Do you perhaps have a tissue I could borrow? The toilette paper is all gone.'

'Sure,' I nodded, taking some tissues out of my purse and handing them to her. Running out of toilette paper in an A-list Hollywood party wasn't something I'd expect to experience.

'Thanks, you're saving my life,' she grinned at me, but instead of turning around and heading into one of the stalls, she stood in her place, looking at me hesitantly. 'I saw you outside with Nick.'

Of course she did. The mask didn't hide his identity, as I've expected, and neither did it make him unrecognizable. I could feel the heat creeping onto my cheek, especially after I reminded myself of all the things that happened between Nick and Demi, the fact that they slept together, fallen in love, then had a falling out.

'Um...' I started, trying to come up with an excuse, but Demi didn't let me.

'Hey, it's cool with me,' she smiled at me. 'So I guess him and that awful Indian woman are over? The Nick I know would never cheat,' she added, as if I didn't know already.

'Yeah, seems like it,' I nodded, feeling uncomfortable talking about Nick's life. It was private, I shouldn't have been the one to share it with Demi.

'Be careful, honey,' she told me, before turning around and heading into one of the stalls. 'Nick Jonas can be a real heartbreaker, even if you don't expect it from him.'

I looked after her in shock, but gathered the contents of my purse and headed back to the party as soon as possible. I didn't expect to get advice about my love life about Demi Lovato, neither did I expect on her words sticking in my mind.

I needed another drink.

[taleslations]

Drama CD Tales Ring Xillia C86

Track #4: The Chimeriad and the Hot Springs Inn (4)

The plot is unraveling. Or is it?

Script under read more.

Agria: What's up, Wingul? Why did you suddenly call us? Jiao: Was there a complaint? Presa: Is it about that mysterious peeping tom? Agria: You found him? Wingul: No. I have called you but for one reason: The secret meeting will take place tomorrow, at long last. Presa: I see. The end is near. Agria: Finally! I thought I was gonna die of boredom. Jiao: Wingul, do you know what time it will take place? Wingul: I checked in the guest registry. It will take place at noon. I want you to act as planned. However, a problem has arisen... All: A problem?

Man: You sharp eye is impressive, Mr Rowen. You could tell that plate's value with just a glance. Rowen: You flatter me. I just noticed that it was of different quality than the others. Man: Don't be modest! Mr Alvin, your grandfather is quite humble. Alvin: Yeah. He's always babbling about old stuff though, so he's hard to handle. Man: Little miss, don't hide in the corner and come eat some sweets. Elize: I-I... Alvin: Sorry, my sister is a bit shy. Elize, come sit next to me. The seat is free. Elize: Okay, just for a little bit... Teepo: I'll bite you if you do anything funny! Man: Oh, how does this doll talk? Milla: Bad things will happen to you if you learn the truth. Are you sure you want to know? Jude: Milla, don't eat so much at once!

Presa: What's going on here? And why are they putting on an act? Agria: Don't ask me. Man: Waitress, could you get me some tea, please? Presa: Of course, sir! Leia: Here is your tea. Please drink it while it is warm. Presa: Hey, what are you doing? Leia: Well, I just kinda... ended up helping. Presa: Helping?! Milla: Leia, tea, please. Leia: Right! Here you are! Jude: I'm sorry, Presa. We met those guys in the hot springs. We just started talking, and here we are. Presa: I heard about it, but I didn't expect such a big party. Agria: Well I guess lazy bums stick together. Leia: Why do you have to put it like that? Agria: I wasn't talking to you, pimple. Leia: You're a meanie!

Presa: Agria! It's become more troublesome than expected. Agria: The heck are Wingul and Jiao doing? Presa: They said they had something to check. We don't have time to theorize about their absense. Let's execute our strategy. Agria: What strategy? Presa: Let's casually join their conversation. That's our only way to approach our target and gain information. Agria: Join them? There? No way! Man: Hey, waitress! Presa: Coming! Here's our chance, Agria! Agria: Woah.

Milla: I was surprised when I experienced it for myself. I'd heard that naked bonding experiences had a positive effect on human relationships but I didn't expect it to be so intense. Leia: I wish we met someone in the women's bath too. Rowen: You're always welcome to join us in the men's bath. Man: Ha ha ha. Indeed. That would be true heaven. Agria: Want me to take you to heaven? Leia: Huh? Agria! Man: That's... Well, you know, men have dreams. How about it? Would you wash my back next time? Agria: Huh? Man: Wait, that could be construed as sexual harassment. What are you saying? Man: This girl is so plain I'm the one who feels harassed. Agria: Who are you calling plain? Alvin: Hey, isn't this bad? Teepo: I can see a dark aura. Agria: You! Try saying that again. Man: Did I offend you? Sorry, sorry. Even if you're plain, you are a wonderful lady. Agria: Huh huh, I see, you really want to go to heaven. As you wish, I will—ouch! Presa: Tee hee. My apologies. I will scold her properly later. Agria: You! Man: No need. It's unusual to find so many beauties in the same place. We got overexcited. Leia: Did you hear that? He called us beauties! Teepo: You're gonna make me blush. Agria: He obviously wasn't talking about you. Man: You're all so lively and fun. Presa: Is that so? By the way... I have been wondering for a while, but may I ask what all those sweets are for? Man: These are our new samples. We made them ourselves. Presa: Samples? That you made yourselves? Man: Right! How about telling them about it? Man: Good idea. In truth, there is a favor we would like to ask you. Agria: What now? It better not be stupid, or I'll kill you. Man: We cannot really say it out loud, but we are part of a secret plot. Presa: A secret plot? Man: Yes. So please keep it between us. Man: We... need young women!! Agria: Die! Man: Wait, let me explain! Rowen: Calm down, Agria. Agria: Out of the way, gramps! Are you trying to defend the pervs? Rowen: That's not it. They just want to talk to women. Agria: Huh? Man: Yes! Mr Rowen is right! We need young ladies opinions more than anything! Presa: Young ladies? Then, do you mean... Agria: Not you, obviously. Presa: Why you... Al, why are you laughing? Alvin: Nooo, I just thought you look cute when you get flustered. Jude: It's not new, but... Milla: Indeed. Alvin's idle joking is impressive as ever. Elize: It's the worst. Teepo: Go get stabbed! Man: No, no, age has nothing to do with it. We just want various women's opinions. So you see... Yes... Man: Women's buying power is not to be underestimated.

Presa: So, what is this about? Man: Well, to make it short, we come from Auj Oule's remote tribes. We are currently developing a new special product and are sharing opinions with other tribes. Agria: Sharing opinions? Man: Exactly. Man: You know how Gaius Dumplings are famous in Kanbalar? We heard they brought many tourists to the city. So we got off our butts and started thinking. We want our products to become as popular in Auj Oule. Presa: Oh, so that's what it was about. Milla: What did you think it was? Presa: Nothing. Agria: This is so misleading. You could have been clear from the start! Man: No way. What if someone stole our idea? That's why we're pretending to have a boring business meeting. You never know who might be a spy. Man: Now you understand, please try a sample. Come here. Agria: Huh? Stop it! Let me go! Man: We have Gaius Wafers, Gaius Crackers, Gaius Bean Paste, Gaius Cakes and Gaius Jelly. Agria: They're all imitations! And don't just go using His Highness' name! Since we are competing against Gaius Dumplings, we need to give it an official flair. We are sure it tastes good. Please have a bite.

Wingul: As I thought, they were planning on developing a new product. Jiao: Yes, just like you said. Presa: You two, how long have you been watching? Jiao: A while. - Presa: Then you could have... Actually, if you knew, you should have told us. Wingul: I apologize. It took us some time to get confirmation. Jiao: The information Agria gathered raised many questions. Presa: I don't believe you. Wingul, I know you had another objective. Wingul: Remote tribes are not easy to supervise from the capital. Observing their relationship during this meeting will prove very insightful for our country's future. Presa: I knew it. Wingul: Besides, I was able to persuade a chief. He will be our eyes and ears from now on. Are you now satisfied? Presa: Yes, very. You're a really shrewd man. Jiao: Presa, are you angry? Presa: I'm just going to fix my make-up. Jiao: Sorry, Wingul. Thanks for agreeing to my selfish request. Wingul: I don't know what you're talking about. Jiao: No need to pretend. It's because I said we should rest that you arranged for our stay to last. Wingul: You think too highly of me. As I said, it just took me some time to investigate. That is all. Jiao: All right, if you say so. Wingul: We can come back anytime. Though next time we should come as guests. Jiao: Next time, huh... Right... That would be fun.

Agria: Dang it, when did "compete against Gaius Dumplings" become "compete against Gaius"? Damn it, go to hell! Jiao: Calm down, Agria. Why don't you try this sample and see if it improves your mood? Agria: Don't try to distract me with sweets. Jiao: Don't say that. This dango looks delicious. Agria: What? The color's weird. Man: Aah, that's... Agria: Yuck! What the heck? Man: Heart leaf-flavored Gaius Dango. We thought it'd be popular with healthy people. It's good for your health, but the taste... Agria: Who came up with that? Jiao: Sorry, Agria. What about this wafer? Man: I'm proud of that one. Agria: Wha... Seriously, this is weirder than the other one. Man: Really? To appeal to youngsters, we came up with this cream croquette-flavored Gaius Wafer. Agria: Who the heck would eat that? Are even you taking this seriously? Man: Then, how about this fruits yakisoba-flavored Gaius Bean Paste? Agria: Enough! If you don't stop fooling around, I'm gonna beat you to a pulp.

Presa: How carefree. Looks like the remote tribes will not be a problem after all. Wingul: I shall write a report to His Highness. Along with a proposition for new products.

[ofstarsandskies]

Kika’s Current/Future Drabble List

OutOfCanonShips;; Since my cast removal date fast approaches (1 week from now), and I keep juggling new drabble ideas, I thought it might be good for both y’all and myself to make a comprehensive list of current ideas/drabbles I’m already working on. Also between first writing this post and now, I put up a Completed list.

If any of the workshopping ideas sound interesting, say so and I’ll start kicking them into progress. Or for those in progress, I’ll link it to you when it’s up/tag you if you prefer.

I’ll repost this as I update the list/finish something. That’s all for now!

In Progress:

It All Falls Apart Pt. 3

Tales of Graces AU || Ludger is reinstated as a knight after taking his brother down during the Barona Castle Siege. Mid-delivering breakfast to Richard, he overhears Asbel and Richard arguing about an invasion of Lhant; Asbel wants to go ahead as an envoy. and Ludger comes in to voice his support. Richard agrees and sends Asbel on his way. However, Richard still has his own plans...

Tales of Rabid Fangirls

Post Bad End AU ;; Zig-centric || Zig, now a member of the Kresnik family, decides to ask his “Apartment B” roommate Julius out on a “guy’s day out” while Elle, Milla, and Ludger do their own thing. The two spend their day goofing off in Marksburg, though their whole trip, Zig notices he keeps seeing the same few girls no matter where they go. He chalks it up to coincidence, but as the day goes on, it’s obvious these girls are tailing them. The day out thus becomes a struggle to enjoy without crippling paranoia.

Completed

It All Falls Apart Pt. 1

Tales of Graces AU || After being forced into subordination by Archduke Cedric, Ludger is sent to defend Wallbridge alongside Malik and another knight while his brother, Julius, is set to stay behind at the castle.  The three are taken down and jailed within the fortress for the time being. After a little time to stew, Duke Dalen and Richard pay Ludger a visit and order he join the siege on Barona Castle. And so the discourse begins.

It All Falls Apart Pt. 2

Tales of Graces AU || With Asbel and friends “demoted” to Commando unit, this leaves Richard and Ludger to talk. Ludger worries about his brother-- both personally and as a tactician. Ludger’s worries prove true as their group is ambushed. Nobody but Richard and Ludger survive on both sides. Richard tells Ludger to keep going and clear a path to the throne room. Ludger hesitates, but he follows his orders and continues alone to very likely face his brother at the door.

An (Un)timely Meeting

Modern AU || Now working as a chef at a cafe near his apartment, Ludger gets called to see a customer specifically asking for him. That customer just so happens to be his former boss/kidnapper, Victor. Knowing he’s been stalked, Ludger asks his reason why: he wants to officially hire Ludger as a babysitter and housemaid. Ludger does end up agreeing and promises he’ll be there the next morning. 

TBD

Workshopping

Ludger’s New Clothes

Modern AU || Given Ludger only has what he was wearing before he got plucked off the streets, Victor sends a couple syndicate members to buy clothes for him. They return with enough shirts and pants for him to rotate between them per week. But after a couple months, Elle chastises him for always wearing the same clothes says he should buy new ones. Ludger makes the excuse that he’s bad at fashion so he’s wearing what Victor picked out. Elle then proposes all three of them go shopping for Ludger’s new outfits. She convinces Victor to make it happen and off they go to get Ludger “less lame” clothes

An Oath of Silence 

Tales of Zestiria AU || A young Ludger has just made his Oath to officially become a Kresnik. Before he can say something, his witness stops him as he can’t talk; without specifying what he wouldn’t speak of, Ludger’s Oath requires he not speak period. Ludger heads straight home and finds his brother waiting. Ludger struggles to communicate he cannot speak period until Julius puts the puzzle together: Ludger made an Oath behind his back and misinterpreted the “silence” condition. Though upset by this, he knows Ludger’s likely in more distress already and Julius resolves they find a way to communicate easier. They rely on notes at first but then transition into their own version of sign language once Ludger gets older.

But I Failed 

Bad End ;; Ale Zawiodlem Subverse || After impaling Gaius with his lance, the Corpse Shell dissipates and the remaining party members manage to pin Ludger to the ground. Julius then asks as his dying wish for them to spare Ludger and let him get one last word before they’ll resume the suicide plan. Ludger’s then knocked out and wakes up in an interrogation room; a group of soldiers had shown up and taken him into custody. Ludger admits to the murder though he lies about why. From there, Ludger awaits his death sentence, isolated and defeated.

TBD

[eddycurrents]

For the week of 10 June 2019

Quick Bits:

Age of Conan: Bêlit #4 sets up a rivalry with a high priest from Stygia in this penultimate issue. Tini Howard, Kate Niemczyk, Scott Hanna, Jason Keith, and Travis Lanham guide us through more of Bêlit’s family history and hints of madness.

| Published by Marvel

Age of X-Man: Marvelous X-Men #5 is the first of these minis to reach their end, but it’s far from a conclusion. While the team and Psylocke find out the nature of reality as everything starts unravelling, much still remains hanging, and the conclusion is set for Age of X-Man: Omega. Great art from Marco Failla and Matt Milla.

| Published by Marvel

Amber Blake #4 concludes what has been an entertaining thriller from Jade Lagardère, Butch Guice, Mike Perkins, Dan Brown, and Robbie Robbins. Some nice twists and surprises as this story ends.

| Published by IDW

Archie #705 is part one of “Archie & Sabrina”. I quite like the change to the trade dress to reflect that, giving the appearance of a limited series for the arc, while maintaining the ongoing numbering. Nice Spencer, Sandy Jarrell, Matt Herms, and Jack Morelli do a great job moving through Cheryl’s “Bachelor” plans to hints of things to come, along with impending conflict between Betty and Veronica.

| Published by Archie Comics

Batman & The Outsiders #2 spotlights the battle between Ishmael and the team as he goes for Sofia. Great art from Dexter Soy and Veronica Gandini. The little bits of occult belief and practice Bryan Hill gives to Ishmael are interesting.

| Published by DC Comics

Bronze Age Boogie #3 is another fun issue, pitting Li against Lynda for the Martians’ amusement. The pieces are all coming together nicely. Also, the “Major Ursa” back-up is just about the best thing ever.

| Published by Ahoy

By Night #12 is a bit of a weird one for the conclusion to this series, focusing almost solely on our side of the rift and what happens down the line for everyone. Still, this has been an entertaining series from John Allison, Christine Larsen, Sarah Stern, and Jim Campbell. 

| Published by Boom Entertainment / BOOM! Box

Calamity Kate #4 brings this series from Magdalene Visaggio, Corin Howell, Valentina Pinto, and Zakk Saam to a close. It’s still a bit of a head-scratcher, wondering how much is real and how much is a manifestation of Kate’s issues with her break-up, but it’s entertaining.

| Published by Dark Horse

Detective Comics #1005 concludes the Arkham Knight’s “Medieval” arc from Peter J. Tomasi, Brad Walker, Andrew Hennessy, Nathan Fairbairn, and Rob Leigh. It’s really weird seeing Anton Arcane as anyone’s lackey, but that aside this is still a decent conclusion. The art from Walker, Hennessy, and Fairbairn is incredible.

| Published by DC Comics

The Empty Man #8 is the end of the series. For now at least. It’s a satisfying conclusion for this horror story from Cullen Bunn, Jesús Hervás, Niko Guardia, and Ed Dukeshire, even as it leaves hooks for the possibility of more. Very interesting bits of body horror and ideas about infection.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

The Flash #72 continues “Year One” from Joshua Williamson, Howard Porter, Hi-Fi, and Steve Wands. Once again, the artwork from Porter and Hi-Fi is phenomenal. The layouts, the action, the sheer visual storytelling is incredible.

| Published by DC Comics

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #7 is the first part of “Feast or Famine” from Tom Taylor, Ken Lashley, Nolan Woodard, and Travis Lanham. It’s May’s grand reopening of the FEAST shelter and it appears as though people are angry that it’s happening.

| Published by Marvel

Gogor #2 is possibly even better than the first issue, giving more focus to the tale even as Ken Garing does more world-building. This is a very interesting fantasy story, with fascinating characters and regions, and beautiful artwork.

| Published by Image

Hawkman #13 gives us a single-issue story from Robert Venditti, Will Conrad, Jeremiah Skipper, and Richard Starkings & Comicraft on the endless cycle of war. It’s a good bit of decompression following “Cataclysm” and Bryan Hitch’s run, using Carter’s endless resurrection to show the toll of battle on one planet.

| Published by DC Comics

Immortal Hulk #19 is another incredible issue in this amazing run, with Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, Ruy José, Belardino Brabo, Paul Mounts, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Cory Petit delivering hard on the new Abomination and Harpy. The body horror aspect of this story is ratcheted up even higher.

| Published by Marvel

Infinite Dark #7 looks like it’s building for a catastrophe for the end of this arc at a magnitude even greater than losing the outer ring in the first arc, as the remaining portion of the station gets plunged into the dark here. The level of tension that Ryan Cady, Andrea Mutti, K. Michael Russell, and Troy Peteri are creating here is about to explode.

| Published by Image / Top Cow

Joe Golem: Occult Detective - Conjurors #2 sees Joe brought back to life by Simon Church, against the objections of Simon’s ghost friends, and sets up the road to what looks like might be a new status quo, bringing forth an old direction. Great art from Peter Bergting and Michelle Madsen. I really quite like the murky appearance of the underwater scenes.

| Published by Dark Horse

Justice League Odyssey #10 gets a new logo while the team continues their search for relics for Darkseid. Also, more intrigue as they still don’t exactly know whether they can trust one another. Dan Abnett, Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran, FCO Plascencia, and AndWorld Design are telling an interesting story here.

| Published by DC Comics

The Life & Death of Toyo Harada #4 enacts Angela’s plan on the rest of the team with explosive results. It’s interesting to see everything burnt to ash along the way. The flashbacks into Harada’s life this issue are illustrated by Diego Yapur and they’re worth it on their own, but you also get the present day material beautifully rendered by CAFU.

| Published by Valiant

Outer Darkness #7 begins the second arc from John Layman, Afu Chan, and Pat Brosseau. We get a little bit of Rigg’s past, more of the crew’s aggressive behaviour towards one another, and a rescue mission as an 18th century mansion tries to swallow another ship. This is the good, weird stuff.

| Published by Image / Skybound

The Punisher #12 begins Frank’s trek back to New York in the first part of “War on the Streets” from Matthew Rosenberg, Szymon Kudranski, Antonio Fabela, and Cory Petit. Great art from Kudranski and Fabela as Frank fights off a squad of Hydra goons on a remote island.

| Published by Marvel

The Ride: Burning Desire #1 returns for The Ride’s 15th anniversary, with a lead story from Doug Wagner, Daniel Hillyard, Laura Martin, and Ed Dukeshire, and a back-up illustrated by Adam Hughes. Nice set-up picking up on where Vega is now fifteen years later. And more depraved cops.

| Published by Image

Silver Surfer: Black #1 is another leg in Donny Cates’ redefinition of the Marvel Cosmic, joined here by Tradd Moore, Dave Stewart, and Clayton Cowles. This reminds me a bit of the George Perez/Tom Grindberg run from ages ago, with some incredible artwork from Moore and Stewart.

| Published by Marvel

Sonata #1 is a fairly imaginative sci-fi/fantasy debut from David Hine, Brian Haberlin, Geirrod van Dyke, and Francis Takenaga. It introduces us to to races of colonizers in the Ran and the Tayans, bringing conflict with them as they try to carve out new lives on Perdita. Beautiful artwork from Haberlin and van Dyke.

| Published by Image / Shadowline

Star Wars: Vader - Dark Visions #5 closes out this series of takes on different perspectives on Darth Vader with a barkeep suffering hallucinations as he tries to flee from Vader’s wrath, from Dennis Hallum, Geraldo Borges, Marcio Menyz, and Joe Caramagna.

| Published by Marvel

Supergirl #31 is pretty much concurrent with Superman #12, though you should probably read Superman first if you’re reading both of them. There’s no need to read both, though, as it stands well enough on its own. This one presents the reunion of the House of El from Kara’s perspective and then continues on the battle against Gandelo.

| Published by DC Comics

Superman #12 reunites the entire House of El amidst the battle with Rogol Zaar and the fleets trying to kill Jor-El. There’s foreshadowing of more “everything you know is wrong!” about Krypton’s destruction and Superman’s origin, which may or may not rub you the wrong way, but I find it entertaining. Especially with the beautiful artwork from Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Oclair Albert, and Alex Sinclair.

| Published by DC Comics

Transformers #7 is part one of “The Cracks Beneath Your Feet”, with Brian Ruckley, Angel Hernandez, Andrew Griffith, Anna Malkova, Joana Lafuente, Josh Burcham, and Tom B. Long picking up again in the present, following up on the second recent murder on Cybertron. It’s fairly morose, as you’d expect, as Bumblebee laments the loss of the new spark, Rubble.

| Published by IDW

Trust Fall #1 is a great debut from the Dead Letters team of Christopher Sebela and Chris Visions, with Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou providing his usual outstanding lettering to round out the team. It’s another crime drama, with the interesting twist of a family member with teleportation powers. Visions’ art is amazing and the hook of the family being set-up to fall right as they’re ready to move on to bigger and better waters is enticing.

| Published by AfterShock

V-Wars: God of Death feels more like a tease than a discrete story. The good news is that you don’t need to have read any of the previous V-Wars stories, as this fills you in on what you need to know, the bad news is that there’s no indication as to anything else coming next. Still, great art from Alex Milne and Brittany Peer.

| Published by IDW

Other Highlights: Accell #21, Age of X-Man: Apocalypse & The X-Tracts #4, Amazing Spider-Man #23, Asgardians of the Galaxy #10, Catwoman #12, Champions #6, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #6, Event Leviathan #1, Five Years #2,��GI Joe: A Real American Hero #263, GLOW #2, The Grave, Grumble #7, Gunning for Hits #6, House of Whispers #10, Invaders #6, Ironheart #7, James Bond: Origin #10, Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Sirens #3, Jughead’s Time Police #1, Major X #5, Marvel Action: Spider-Man #5, Morning in America #4, Oblivion Song #16, Orphan Age #3, Penny Nichols, Princeless - Book 8: Princesses #4, Prodigy #6, Red Sonja: Birth of the She-Devil #1, Rick & Morty Presents Mr. Meeseeks #1, She Could Fly: The Lost Pilot #3, Spider-Man: Life Story #4, Star Trek: The Q Conflict #5, Superior Spider-Man #7, Symbiote Spider-Man #3, The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion #7, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #45, Unnatural #10, Venom #15, War of the Realms: Giant-Man #3, Wonder Twins #5, Wonder Woman #72, Xena: Warrior Princess #3, X-Force #9

Recommended Collections: Avengers: No Road Home, Dark Souls: Age of Fire, Hawkman - Volume 1: Awakening, Hulkverines, Ice Cream Man - Volume 3: Hopscotch Melange, Lollipop Kids - Volume 1, Road of the Dead: Highway to Hell, Moonshadow, Star Trek vs. Transformers, Swamp Monsters, United States vs. Murder Inc. - Volume 1

d. emerson eddy likes pie.

[yume-x-hanabi]

Gaius Comparisons #4

Tag for previous entries.

Scenes analyzed here: all the events in Kanbalar and when you seize the airship, as well as the Zenethra.

Rowen: They seem to be struggling.

Leia: Shouldn’t we help them?

Jude: …

Milla: Their diversion will be for naught if we join them. [she adds “We have no choice but to leave it to them.”]

Man: We have to save His Highness!

Soldier: Don’t let them lay a finger on His Highness or the civilians!

Jude: The people really do love him.

Alvin: If I’m not mistaken, your job here is still to help Milla win.

Jude: That’s right. Let’s go, Leia.

Leia: Gotcha.

Commentary: go go, Kanbalar NPC! I love how they support their king♥

[After fighting the flying ship’s robots, the party is still facing some Exodus and Elympion soldiers, but Gaius and the Chimeriad show up with some soldiers.]

Wingul: We’ll take over from here. [“It’s over. The ship is completely under our control.”]

Jude: Gaius probably didn’t need us after all. [“Gaius and the others would have probably managed on their own.” Same thing, except he includes the Chimeriad.]

Ivar: Lady Milla? Are you unharmed?

Milla: Yes, thanks to everyone but you. [BUUURN]

Ivar: What? Grr…

Gaius: The ship is ours! [“Our operation is a success!”]

Soldiers: Hoorah!

Gaius: Let's return to the castle.

Milla: Here, let me help you up.

Commentary: We just need a Gaius Side to play this part from their point of view.

Gaius: How long until we can set sail? [he says “Wingul” at the beginning]

Wingul: I have every available man working to get the ship's systems under control. It may take a few hours.

Jude: Looks like we still have some time.

Milla: Let’s rest until then.

Commentary: I think you can talk to him after that but I don’t have the Japanese line for that. Nothing of note here anyway.

Agria&Leia

Agria: So I heard the pimple wants to be a nurse. I bet it’s ‘cause of that boy! [just “you,” though not the most polite form]

Leia: S-So what of it?

Agria: Don’t play innocent with me. It’s obvious that Jude gets you all hot and bothered. [“your head is full of perverted stuff about that boy”]

Leia: What?! That’s ridiculous!

Agria: But you know, I have to admit my opinion of you has improved.

Leia: Huh? Really?

Agria: If you think with your heart instead of your brain, you’ll end up killing some patient on accident! It’ll be hilarious! [she just laughs] You don’t even care if your efforts end up killing people!

Leia: That won’t happen.

Agria: Oh, that’s right. That boy’s got the hots for Maxwell, the older woman. [“granny Maxwell”] That means no lovin’ for you! Ah ha ha ha! [she’s a bit more crass here]

Milla: Huh?

Agria: Huh? Who’s there? (Leia flees) Hmph, lame.

Commentary: Agria is Agria, no matter the language XD

Presa&Alvin

Alvin: Hey, good lookin’. Come here often? [“Hey. Are you sure this is the time to be idling?”]

Presa: Think you can charm your way back into my life? You make me puke. [“When you talk to me casually like that, it makes me feel sick.”]

Alvin: Cut me some slack, will you? After all, we finally get to fight side by side again. [“Don’t get angry.”]

Presa: I’d sooner kill you.

Alvin: Easy there. Come on, it’ll be just like old times. [“Don’t say something so scary. Let’s get close like we were before.”]

Presa: You expect me to forget how many of us died because of you?

Alvin: That’s ancient history.

Presa: I was captured too, you know… Do you have any idea what I went through?

Alvin: … [he sighs]

Presa: I thought I’d found my place in the world by your side. Don't expect me to forgive and forget. Being tossed away once was enough. [“Never raise my hopes up ever again.”]

Wingul: Presa, I request your presence. I need your opinion on how to integrate the Rashugal soldiers into our own.

Presa: Sure, I'll be right there.

Alvin: See? Your new friends need you. You’ve found your place after all.

Commentary: Presa ;A;  I don’t know which version of Alvin I hate most here, but he’s pretty despicable in this scene, completely brushing off what she went through and thinking he can just waltz back into her life like nothing happened. I wish there’d been another scene like that where they can talk about it seriously, like late-game, after he’s developed and is no longer trying to escape responsibility for his actions. But we all know the game robbed Presa of that chance on the Hallowmont -_-

Wingul&Rowen

Jude: I wonder what those two are talking about. [“Rowen and Wingul…?”]

Wingul: You wish to speak with me?

Rowen: You told me earlier you have a booster implanted in your body. Why would you do such a thing?

Wingul: Why? Hah. If you have to ask, then you'd never understand.

Rowen: But you're still just a young man. How could you throw away your life?

Wingul: Heh, haha. The answer is simple: I await my opportunity to kill the King.

Rowen: What? That is your reason?

Wingul: Gaius is worthy of the throne. That is undeniable. So I was left with only two options. Resist or submit.

Rowen: You are a strong young man.

Wingul: No, you're just a weak old one.

Rowen: I have given a lot of thought to what you said earlier. It would seem that Gaius is capable of leading his people down the correct path.

Wingul: Are you saying you'll support him?

Rowen: Gaius may be Rashugal's only hope now that it has lost its king. I shall summon Rashugal's finest warriors here before the battle with Exodus. With your permission, of course.

Wingul: A wise decision.

Commentary: Wingul please. ... I understand the game trying to only give us the party’s (pretty limited) pov on the Chimeriad, I guess it’s more realistic like that, that they don’t know everything, but it’s still really frustrating as a player not to get all the details. Here we have the Battle of Mon Highlands summed up in twenty words, and it’s barely telling us anything when it’s actually such a huge event in Gaius and Wingul’s lives. This limited pov is really getting in the way of fleshing out the antagonists, which is a shame because this group is so interesting and lovable!

Talking to Wingul before launching the attack.

Wingul: Relay this to all troops: We believe the enemy base to be an enormous structure. All soldiers should review their indoor combat procedures.

Auj Oule Soldier: Yes, sir!

Wingul: I anticipate difficulty getting the word to everyone. Call in all of the relay team reserves.

Other Auj Oule Soldier: Yes, sir!

Milla: I see you're keeping busy.

Wingul: Of course. 99% of a battle is won before it starts.

Milla: So at this point, the fighting is just a formality?

Wingul: I leave nothing to chance. That's why I haven't accounted for your group at all. All I expect from you is a distraction. Should you die in the process, my plans will not be disrupted.  [“Don’t worry, ~”]

Elize: What?

Milla: Fair enough. [she adds “We have no objection to that.”]

Elize: Was that true for Jiao too? Did his death not disrupt your plans?!

Wingul: It was not, and it did. Jiao's strength was a trusted resource, not a destabilizing factor like your own. He was a man who not only bested me, but even challenged Gaius one-on-one.

Elize: Oh...

Teepo: Were you two friends?

Wingul: Friends? Ah, this must be how a child sees the world. It doesn't matter what we were. What matters now is that our military strength doesn't waver from his loss. [he doesn’t say the first italicized line. What he says here is “I will fill the gap left by Jiao’s loss. That’s what my booster is for.”]

Milla: You certainly don't make your emotions easy to read.

Wingul: You'd be wise not to waste your energy trying. The time of battle is at hand. Rest while you still can.

Commentary: I love the trust between him and Jiao, considering their rocky start. Another thing I would have liked to see developed more in depth...

Leia: What are Rashugal soldiers doing here?

Rowen: I summoned them here, although fewer came than I had hoped.

Jude: Ah, looks like Ivar's still here, too.

Milla: That fool. He abandoned his duty to Nia Khera.

Wingul: Your Highness, perhaps a few words.

Gaius: Once, we turned our swords upon each other and fought for control of Rieze Maxia. Today, we come together not as enemies, but as allies. We have already located the enemy's headquarters, a ship known as the Zenethra. Fear not the battle to come, brothers. United, we will not falter. [“Trust yesterday’s enemy.”] Together, we shall reclaim our world!

Wingul: Launch the ship!

Auj Oule Troop: Y-Your Highness! We have detected a high energy channeling circle surrounding all of Rieze Maxia. Here it comes!

Leia: What's happening...? It's like my mana is being sucked dry!

Milla: I know this feeling.

Jude: They're using the Lance of Kresnik to absorb the entire world's mana!

Wingul: The Spirit-fuel Plan.

Gaius: I won't let them hurt our people. I will protect Rieze Maxia! Make us airborne!

Commentary: Look at this guy, still standing up when everyone’s on their knees. Anyway, Gaius is pretty good at short inspirational speeches. You can feel his charisma here 8)

Milla: Sorry I’m late.

Elize: It was just like the Lance of Kresnik, wasn't it?

Wingul: No doubt the Zenethra was the actual source of that light.

Milla: And I think that it put another hole in the schism.

Presa: You're right. At least no ships were able to come through this time. [“But no ship came in like last time.”]

Alvin: Maybe they sent the mana they gathered back to Elympios.

Jude: Looks like your fuel-plan theory was right.

Alvin: It seems like the only time that I'm right is when I'm talkin' about a worst-case scenario.

Agria: Wait a minute. Hahaha! Well, lookie there!

Ivar: Enemy ship approaching! Everyone, brace for impact!

Milla: There's our welcoming committee.

Gaius: Silence all of them!

[Battle]

Jude: They just keep on coming!

Wingul: Is this all you've got? Pathetic!

Milla: Gaius!

Gaius: Helmsman! Maintain course and ram into the Zenethra!

Ivar: All right, fine, if you say so. Just don't try to blame me if we crash and burn!

[anime cutscene where Ivar crashes the airship into the Zenethra, and Muzét blasts some airships with Gravity]

Commentary: Pretty faithful here. Another scene where I would have loved to play Gaius...

[I named this screenshot “everyone is judging you, Ivar”]

Jude: That was incredible.

Muzét: I seem to have regained my powers thanks to your tethering.

Milla: I never imagined you would possess such power.

Leia: Of course! She’s your big sis!

Elize: I’m glad you’re on our side. [I have bad news for you Elize…]

Muzét: I am happy to lend my powers to your cause. [“I will lend you my power here.” (here outside)]

Milla: What are you planning to do?

Muzét: The mission would fail if the ship were to fall, yes?

Milla: I see. It sounds we’ll have to continue asking for your assistance. [“Then I can leave it to you, right?” she... kinda sounds a bit unsure she should trust her]

Jude: Thank you, Muzét. Take care.

Muzét: Be safe. Milla, never forget that you are Maxwell.

Milla: …

Rowen: We must act quickly, while the enemy reinforcements are being blocked.

Milla: We should split into two groups.

Jude: I know. "Do what must be done", right? [“I know, Gaius.”]

Gaius: We will put a stop to their plans right here. Our targets are Gilland and the Lance of Kresnik.

Ivar: At your service, Lady Milla.

Alvin: You again? [“You’re still there?”]

Teepo: Hey! Stay out of our way! [“You’re in our way, so stay away.” Not too different but the “stay away” wording is pretty childish.]

Ivar: Hahaha, but of course! I shall join Gaius' capable crew!

Milla: What?

Wingul: Think you can fill Jiao's shoes in the Chimeriad?

Ivar: Easily!

Gaius: ...

Ivar: Just watch me! [He’s actually rewording his previous line more formally.]

Gaius: Let's go.

Ivar: Guess they know a winner when they see one, phony! [“I won’t lose to you, phony!”]

Presa: Get over here, idiot.

Ivar: How rude! But, I shall let it slide.

Presa: Al...

Alvin: What?

Presa: Try not to die.

Milla: Let's go.

Commentary: And to think the writers were originally planning to make him an official Chimeriad member here... ngl, I’m glad that didn’t happen. As much as I like Ivar, he doesn’t fit into that group at all, and it’s much funnier to have them just glare at him and then abandon him when he gets in trouble. Since it’s Tales Trivia Tuesday: his outfit was designed with that setting in mind. If you look at his legs, it’s pretty similar to how Jiao and Wingul’s pants are styled. And the Chimeriad all have set solid colors (black, yellow, blue, red); Ivar is wearing white for that reason. Though in the end his outfit fits very much with Nia Khera NPC’s, so it really worked out in the end.

Gilland: Guh! No, not now. Not when we finally created a spyrite. Damn it.

Alvin: The only thing you really want to do is gain favor with the outside to boost your influence. What’s the point in making these spyrites, or whatever you call them?

Gilland: Spyrites are different from spyrix devices. They allow us to wield incredible power without consuming spirits. Elympios is overflowing with people and technology. And we need spyrites to sustain ourselves. [“That’s why Elympios, which is overflowing with people and technology, need them.”]

Jude: What are you talking about?

Gilland: As spirits have become scarce, so has the mana in Elympios. Our world is now doomed to fade away.

Rowen: So that is why you implemented the Otherworld Reactor Plan. [“I didn’t know there was such a reason behind the ORP.”]

Leia: But it’s your fault for getting hooked on spyrix to begin with. Now you have to live with the consequences.

Gilland: But if spyrites become commonplace, the people of Elympios will have all the mana they need.

Milla: Isn’t it a bit late for that? You were the ones who chose to rely on spyrix 2,000 years ago!

Gilland: That wasn’t me! Gwaaah!

Alvin: Hey, are you okay?

Gilland: My death is not going to change the fate of Rieze Maxia! O-Our plan can proceed so long as the schism exists. Everything you’ve done is for nothing! Ergh! Ahhhh!

Leia: Is he dead now?

Rowen: Perhaps that was the price he had to pay for using Celsius.

Milla: It was a high price to pay, even for that much power.

Alvin: Well, I’ll be taking this back. Gillandor Yul Svent. Goodbye, Uncle.

Gaius: Has everything been settled now?

Milla: You just missed it.

Jude: This doesn't feel right. Not at all.

Milla: Exodus must abandon their plans. They must be forced to for the sake of Rieze Maxia. [“We must destroy Exodus’ plan for the sake of Rieze Maxia.”]

Jude: Right.

Milla: Good to see you all again.

Gaius: Maxwell.

Milla: Even you won't interfere here. I'll destroy it.

Wingul: Such power! What the hell is this arte? [in Long Dau he says “Damn”]

Elize: It hurts! Make it stop! [“We’re getting squished.”]

Jude: Did Gilland set a trap for us?!

Agria: Come on! Use your artes, for crying out loud! [she calls her her trademark “babaa” (hag/granny)]

Presa: I can't. It's far too powerful!

Gaius: This is nothing I can't handle. I'll break through this arte!

Jude: Break through? That's it! Use the Lance of Kresnik! It has the power to dispel artes!

Milla: That's true! [“The Lance…”]

Leia: Can we even do that? Isn't it out of mana?

Rowen: If everybody here can just focus their mana into the Lance, then maybe...

Agria: Ahahaha! So you're saying we should willingly give that thing power?

Wingul: It could mean the death of us.

Gaius: We're dead either way. We have no choice.

Agria: Damnit! Hurry up already!

Presa: I... I can't take it anymore.

Gaius: Now Maxwell, activate the Lance.

Jude: Milla...

Milla: There is no need for everyone to risk their lives.

Jude: Wait, what? Don't do it! No! You can't do this!

Alvin: What are you doing?! Aren't you supposed to stick around, to help protect the world? There are still so many things left you need to do!

Milla: With the schism gone, Exodus' plan will come to an end. Isn't that right?

Alvin: What?

Milla: You’re still here? I told you to leave with Jude and the others. I’m sorry. I dragged you into this.

Undine: Well, well, you’ve certainly changed, haven’t you?

Milla: I just want to live as Maxwell, that’s all.

Sylph: And that’s an excuse to off yourself, huh?

Milla: I know it conflicts with my mission.

Gnome: Then don’t! Don’t do it!

Milla: I don’t want to disappoint Jude. When he’s watching me… I want to be like this. I want to be the Maxwell that he respects. [“that he loves.” wtf translators]

Efreet: What does Maxwell have to fear?

Milla: So that’s what it was. I finally understand. I’ve become afraid. Afraid of loss.

Leia: This can’t happen. [“No, Milla…”]

Elize: Milla…

Teepo: Don’t do it!

Rowen: Please reconsider! [“Milla!”]

Jude: You can’t do this. Milla. If you leave us, then what? You can’t! [“If you were to disappear, then I…”]

Milla: You’ll be fine without me. [“Don’t make that face.”]

Jude: …

Milla: Farewell. Goodbye, Jude.

Jude: Mi— Millaaaaaaa!

Commentary: I don’t know why these translators keep removing the word “love”, but I don’t like it :( Note how they also made Jude’s line near the end less personal.

Milla is so strong, though. By then she’s realized the truth about herself, and even if it conflicts with her mission, she wants to protect her friends, who she’s become afraid of losing (a nice call back to the scene in Fort Gandala where she was ready to let Gilland kill Elise and Driselle if she had to). She’s changed so much, while still keeping the fundamental part of herself, what makes her so strong. She really is an amazing character.

[electricfied-wolf]

I don’t really have the energy to fully write out the confrontation between the Aquato parents, Truman, and Hollis, but I can write my ideas for it!!

Hollis sits them down and brings in Truman, she’s fuming, and he’s calm as could be.  “They were in our territory. Say they’re circus folk, Lizzie and Sam are searching their caravan right now.” She stands up against the wall, scowling. Truman approaches the pair, and he begins to interrogate them with his own questions, getting the general idea of what they were doing on the land of the psychonauts, and figure out if they’re bad news or if there’s some apologizing to do.

In the meantime, the Aquato kids are starting to enjoy themselves, it’s far past their bedtime though, and so once all the dinosaurs are up and set for the night, Milla insists they join the other kids in their little house. That’s when Raz meets Lili for the first time, and they become fast friends. She makes this whole situation a bit easier to swallow.  Sam and Lizzie come back late, the most they found that wasn’t personal possessions was the few guns they had. They didn’t stick around long, just walked into the house, put those guns on the table, waved goodnight to the adults, and left. Nobody wants to be in that situation if they don’t have too. And they were ready to hit the hay and get some well deserved rest.

It could be tomorrow or a few days from now before the Aquatos are let go, but even then, they’d have to stick around longer so that the caravan could be repaired. They DID bring it back, just for that possibility. Can’t leave it out there if it turns out the Aquatos are gonna go free.  Truman cuts the ropes and gets them settled, “I need time to decide, and in that time, you two stay here.”

They’ll get to see their kids of course, but this is just standard procedure. Trespassers are kept under close watch until Truman can make the choice to let them go or choose a less...ideal method, if the person were to be genuinely bad. There’s always the possibility that the strangers might choose to stay...but they never do.

Until Truman decides, the parents are bound to one place, and the kids are about to learn that life out here might be more enjoyable than they’d ever imagined.