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elikajinnie · 1 year ago

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You Know You Should Not Have Survived That, Right? | Ghostface!Heeseung x fem!reader PART 1

PART 1 OF PART 4

Pairing: Ghostface!Heeseung x fem!reader

Warnings: Blood/injury. Violence, murder, panic attacks, stalking, obsessive behaviour/ possessive behavior.

Genre: Eventual romance, Horror/Thriller

Wordcount: 13k

Sum:

"Well, I'm not laughing," You said, your voice shaky as you moved through the house, checking every nook and cranny.

"I'm not laughing either, princess," he remarked, a term that sent a chill down your spine.

"Don't call me that," you snapped, feeling a growing sense of unease.

"Well, you never gave me your name," he said, his voice taking on a sinister edge.

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅──╮

“Pretty girls covered in blood. As such, we were each in turn treated like something rare and exotic. A beautiful bird that spreads its bright wings only once a decade. Or that flower that stinks like rotting meat whenever it decides to bloom.”

You lounged on the luxurious, long white couch, surrounded by the opulence of the spacious living room. The soft glow of the TV illuminated the room, its screen broadcasting the ominous news of a series of murders gripping the city. Intrigued, you set aside your magazine, your eyes fixed on the news anchor detailing the gruesome events.

As the reporter delved into the chilling details of the latest murder, your curiosity deepened. The atmosphere in the room seemed to thicken with tension as you absorbed the unsettling information. Just as you reached for the remote to increase the volume, your mother's departure interrupted the quietude.

"I'm leaving now. You be good and stay home, alright?" Your mother's voice echoed through the room as she fumbled through her purse. You assured your mother of your compliance, bidding her farewell and locking the door behind her.

Returning to the comfort of the couch, you crawled over the backrest, disregarding the conventional way around. The remote found its way back into your hands, and you switched through channels in search of something more captivating. Finding nothing of interest, you stood and strolled to the imposing shelf beside the TV, adorned with an array of movies and decorations.

Among the diverse collection, your hand settled on a horror movie: "Your Next." It promised a refreshing twist with a resourceful final girl, a detail that appealed to your taste. Ignoring the collateral damage of two neighboring DVDs collapsing, you retrieved the movie and inserted the disc into the TV slot.

Plopping back onto the couch, you pressed play, but the movie's ominous beginning prompted you to hit pause. Rising up you headed to the kitchen in pursuit of the perfect movie snack—popcorn. The cupboard held the desired item, but with your stature, reaching proved impossible. Unfazed, you fetched a little wooden stool, conquering the height disparity.

With the popcorn secured, you turned your attention to the microwave. Engrossed in the popping symphony, you momentarily forgot about the stool now awkwardly placed in your path. As you rounded the kitchen island, your phone's ring pierced the air, and your friend Yeji's name flashed on the screen.

Answering the call, you engaged in a conversation about the latest murder, Yeji's voice laden with concern. Popcorn still in hand, you dismissed Yeji's fears, attributing the killings to a random act of violence. Unbeknownst to you, a subtle unease settled in the air.

Returning to the kitchen, you fidgeted with the knives on the island, your gaze wandering as if searching for an unseen presence. A sudden feeling of being watched sent shivers down your spine. Instinctively, you closed the balcony doors, shutters, and curtains, dispelling the eerie sensation.

With the unsettling moment behind, you resumed your movie night preparations. You bid Yeji farewell as the microwave signaled the completion of your popcorn. Snacks in hand, you adjusted the living room's lighting to a dim, cozy ambiance, casting a warm glow over the elegant surroundings.

Sinking back into the couch, you kicked your feet up on the forbidden glass table, relishing the rebellious act in your mother's absence. You popped open an energy drink, took a sip, and draped a blanket over yourrself to ward off the slight chill. In your minimalistic attire of sweatpants and a tank top, you settled into the cocoon of comfort, ready for a night of horror and suspense.

The plush, velvety blanket cocooned you on the couch as you layed sprawled. The dim lighting accentuated the opulence of the living room, and the remnants of your movie night – an empty drink and a half-eaten bowl of popcorn – scattered around you. The film's climax was unfolding on the screen as the final girl realized the treacherous intentions of those around her. You, however, had succumbed to the captivating scenes, soft snores blending seamlessly with the movie's eerie soundtrack.

A faint buzzing noise pulled you back from the realm of dreams. You hummed, your eyes fluttering open as you surveyed the living room, the movie still playing out the tense chase scene. You yawned and stretched languidly, causing the blanket to slip off your shoulders. With a groan, you paused the movie, your gaze directed towards the empty drink can on the table. Realizing your phone was missing, you decided to investigate the source of the interruption.

In the kitchen, you retrieved your misplaced phone, its screen revealing an unknown caller. The call had ended before you could answer. Intrigued, you scrolled through your recent calls, curiosity piqued by the mysterious contact. Just as you was about to turn off your phone, the device lit up again, displaying "unknown caller."

Swiping to accept the call, you greeted the unknown voice with a simple, "Hello?"

"Hello, who is this?" The voice, smoky and melodic like honey, echoed through the phone.

"Well, who are you trying to reach?" You responded, settling back onto the couch.

"What number is this?" The voice continued, a hint of uncertainty in its tone.

"Well, what number are you trying to reach?" You countered, a playful smile touching your lips.

"I don't know," the voice admitted.

"Try the number again and see if you typed it correctly," You suggested, a playful smirk dancing on your face as you hung up. However, the persistent caller dialed again, and you felt a mix of annoyance and intrigue, answering once more.

"Hellooo?" You drawled out.

"I'm sorry; I guess I dialed the wrong number," the voice apologized.

"Then why did you dial it again?" You questioned.

"I just wanted to apologize," the man explained.

"Well, you are forgiven," You replied nonchalantly, popping a few more popcorn kernels into your mouth.

"Good to know," the man said. "Do you like scary movies?" he asked eventually, his voice oddly comforting.

You nodded, forgetting momentarily that the man couldn't see you. "Yes," you affirmed.

"What's your favorite scary movie?" he teased.

"Hmm," You tapped your chin in mock contemplation before answering. "American Psycho."

"Is that the one with Christian Bale?" the man inquired.

"Yeah," You confirmed.

"So, you got a boyfriend?" he continued, the conversation taking an unexpected turn.

"No," You huffed, the atmosphere shifting as the questions delved into personal territory.

"And why is that?" the man probed, his tone becoming more unsettling.

"Well, there isn't really anyone out there that has my attention," You replied, fidgeting with a loose thread on your pants.

"Really? Well, that's too bad," the man remarked, the conversation taking on a darker undertone.

"I knooow," You sighed, growing uneasy.

"What's your name?" he pressed further.

"Why do you want to know my name?" You questioned, sensing a growing discomfort in the exchange.

"Because I want to know who I am looking at," he said, sending a shiver down your spine.

"What did you say?" you asked, your voice tense.

"What did I say?" he feigned innocence.

"That's not funny," You replied, suddenly aware of your vulnerability. You began double-checking the security of your home, peeking through blinds and ensuring all doors were locked.

"Was it supposed to be?" he continued, the unsettling tone persisting.

"Well, I'm not laughing," You said, your voice shaky as you moved through the house, checking every nook and cranny.

"I'm not laughing either, princess," he remarked, a term that sent a chill down your spine.

"Don't call me that," you snapped, feeling a growing sense of unease.

"Well, you never gave me your name," he said, his voice taking on a sinister edge.

Your world seemed to freeze at the ominous tone. "I`m sorry, i have to go" you spat out, surveying your surroundings.

"Wait!" he urgently said.

Ignoring his plea, you hung up before swiftly ascended the stairs, your desire to secure your safety intensifying. You checked each locked door in your path, a heightened sense of urgency guiding your actions. When your phone rang again, you hesitated before answering.

"Hello?" you said, a tinge of anxiety in your voice.

"Why did you hang up? We were having a talk," the same voice echoed, sending shivers down your spine.

"Because the conversation was over on my end," you stated firmly.

"Hmm, harsh," he commented.

"Yeah, sure," you retorted, hanging up without further notice. You continued your security check, ensuring every door was securely locked. The phone continued to ring, but you silenced it, a growing sense of dread settling over you. The inability to block the unknown number only heightened your unease, and you couldn't shake the feeling that you was being watched, the shadows of your home concealing potential threats.

The unsettling tension gripped you as you navigated your home, checking each locked room, and securing your sanctuary against potential threats. The rhythmic ticking of the clock in the hallway mirrored the heavy beats of your anxious heart. You peeked into the bathroom, finding it locked, the silence within unnerving.

Advancing to your mother's bedroom, you discovered it similarly secured. The atmosphere grew thicker with each locked door, and your mind raced as you approached your own bedroom, finding it too impassable. The cold hallway seemed to close in on you, echoing your trepidation.

Your hesitant gaze fell to the phone you clutched in your hand, its screen illuminating with the persistent unknown caller.

At the fifth intrusive call, your patience snapped. Gritting your teeth, you accepted the call with a sharp, "What!?"

The man's threat reverberated through the line, his words laced with malice. "Listen here! If you hang up on me one more time, I will gut you like a fish! You hear me?!" his voice, now a raw growl, threatened violence.

"Oh yeah? Try me!" you retorted defiantly, hanging up once more. Determination flickered in your eyes as you steeled herself for whatever came next.

Just as you disconnected, a sudden, loud noise echoed from your mother's sewing room, freezing you in your tracks. Your phone, now silenced and nestled in your pocket, became an afterthought as your instincts screamed at you to tread carefully.

With deliberate steps, you tiptoed backward, avoiding the sewing room as if it held the secrets of your deepest fears. The muffled sounds behind the door only intensified your unease. You hesitated, your gaze darting around the hallway for any signs of intrusion.

Taking a calculated risk, you silently opened the nearest door, revealing your little brother's room. A wave of relief washed over you, grateful that he was away at a sleepover, shielded from the ominous events unfolding. With measured breaths, you surveyed the room, your eyes landing on a baseball bat tucked in a corner.

Your fingers closed around the familiar grip, and with resolute determination, you climbed into the closet. Leaving the shutters slightly ajar, you positioned yourself with a limited view outside. A hand pressed against your mouth, slowing your breaths as you braced for whatever loomed beyond your shelter.

The shadows played tricks in the dim light, and the palpable silence heightened your senses. Your mind raced with the possibility of an intruder in your home, the unsettling unknown leaving you shrouded in suspense. The baseball bat in your grasp became both a shield and a weapon, as you huddled in the closet, waiting, watching, and wondering about the source of the disturbance in your once-secure sanctuary.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly as you crouched in the closet, hidden behind boxes. The silence surrounding you was oppressive, punctuated only by the rhythmic cadence of your own heartbeat. The baseball bat felt strangely weightless in your grasp as you stayed huddled, each passing minute amplifying the weight of the unknown.

Pulling your phone from your pocket, you noted the multiple missed calls from the mysterious man. The last futile attempt had been minutes ago, marking your solitary confinement within the closet for a staggering 15 minutes. The unnerving quiet had become a torment, a slow and relentless assailant on your sanity.

When the urge to escape finally beckoned, you hesitated. A distinct sound cut through the stillness — the bedroom door opening. Your pulse quickened, and you peeked out from the shutters, your eyes widening at the ominous figure that materialized. Towering, clad in a long black cloak with the hood obscuring any defining features, the intruder's presence exuded menace. Black combat boots and gloves, the latter gripping a gleaming hunting knife, completed the haunting ensemble. A white mask adorned the figure's face, an unsettling visage with a contorted expression that seemed to mock the gravity of the situation.

A cold shiver raced down your spine as the realization hit — this could be the killer responsible for the recent spree of murders. Was he truly after you?

You pressed a hand over your mouth, muffling your breaths, watching the masked assailant enter the room with predatory grace. His calculated steps conveyed a chilling confidence, the aura of a remorseless murderer.

You observed as the figure methodically searched the bedroom, scanning under the bed before approaching the closet. A curse echoed in your mind as the man neared your hiding place. With a mixture of fear and determination, you stood up and swung the baseball bat with all your might. A triumphant smile curled on your lips as the bat connected, eliciting a grunt of pain from the intruder who stumbled and fell to the ground.

Seizing the opportunity, you swiftly darted out of the bedroom and descended the stairs, your footsteps hurried but quiet. As you passed the living room, the horror movie still paused on the screen, another set of footsteps echoed behind you. The chase was on.

You raced around the kitchen island, leaping over the forgotten stool. Glancing back, you saw the masked figure closing the open cupboard door, only to trip over the stool, emitting a yelp and groan. It provided a brief respite for you to grab a knife from the table, your grip tightening around the handle.

The assailant rose, towering over you, his masked face betraying no emotions. Slowly, he circled the kitchen island, and you mirrored his movements, keeping a cautious distance. The gleaming hunting knife in his hand reflected danger, the blade promising pain.

"Stay away! Don't come any closer!" You shouted, but your warning fell on deaf ears. Suddenly, he lunged, grabbing your arm, the force causing you to drop the baseball bat. A sharp pain seared trough your arm as his knife sliced your forearm. A scream tore from your lips, and in desperation, you kicked the guy in the shin, gaining a momentary freedom.

With a quick slash, you retaliated, your knife finding its mark on the guy's arm and chest. A growl escaped the masked assailant as he twirled his knife, retaliating with slashes on your shoulder and arm. The pain intensified, and you cried in agony.

Undeterred, you sprinted into the living room, leaping over the backrest of the couch. Falling between the couch and the glass table, you grabbed a heavy ceramic decoration, regretting the inevitable damage to your mother's prized possession. With a forceful throw, the ornament hurtled towards the killer, shattering into a million pieces as he fell backward by the force of the throw.

"Shit!" You gasped as the guy uttered his first words. The voice was the same one from the phone, only in a clearer and younger tone now. A realization dawned on you– the killer was someone close to your age, likely another student. The revelation only intensified the horror of the situation as you braced yourself for the dangerous dance that continued to unfold in the dimly lit living room.

The living room became an arena of survival, the air heavy with tension as you and the hooded killer engaged in a deadly dance of cat and mouse. You clutched the kitchen knife tightly in your right hand, the blade gleaming ominously in the dim light. The masked assailant, armed with his hunting knife, circled you with predatory intent, the white mask revealing nothing of his emotions or identity, leaving you to wonder about the identity of the person beneath the facade.

Your eyes remained fixed on your adversary as you edged around the room, your movements cautious yet calculated. Every instinct screamed for you to stay on guard, to be ready for any sudden strike. The sound of your footsteps on the hardwood floor was drowned out by the echo of the silent confrontation.

The tension reached its peak when the hooded killer lunged forward, slashing his knife at you with swift precision. You deftly sidestepped the attack, the blade missing you by inches. Seizing the opportunity, you swung your own knife in a retaliatory strike, aiming for his side. The hooded figure skillfully evaded the blow, showcasing a deadly proficiency in the macabre dance.

You, fueled by a desperate determination to survive, utilized every inch of the living room to your advantage. You maneuvered around furniture, using the space to your benefit, constantly seeking openings to strike.

As the chase raged on, you spotted an opportunity. A discarded stool lay nearby. With a swift kick, you sent the stool sliding toward the hooded killer's feet, hoping to trip him up. The assailant stumbled, momentarily thrown off balance. It was your chance.

Your heart raced as you sprinted down to the basement, seeking refuge in the bunker your father had installed before his departure from the family. The cool metal door creaked open, and you rushed inside, pulling it shut behind your. The air in the bunker felt heavy with tension as you fumbled for your phone, your trembling fingers dialing the emergency number. You explained the chilling situation to the police dispatcher, your voice a mixture of fear and urgency.

As you waited on the line, the minutes stretched into an eternity. The cold silence of the bunker echoed the torment in your mind. Finally, you heard the distant knocking on the bunker door. The voice on the phone instructed you to open up, assuring you that it was a police officer. You cautiously checked the security camera feed on the bunker, confirming the presence of the officer. You ended the call, entered the code, and slowly opened the door.

"Hello, officer," You greeted, your voice strained. The female officer's eyes widened in shock as she took in your disheveled appearance. "Oh, you are in rough shape, young lady," she expressed, offering assistance. Together, you ascended the stairs to a scene of organized chaos – a swarm of police officers meticulously searching every inch of the house.

"He's not here. When we arrived, the house was empty. Looks like he ran when you went in the basement," the officer informed you, providing a small sense of relief. You nodded silently as you exited through the busted open door, a visual testament to the recent struggle of the police. The flashing lights of police cars painted the scene in red and blue hues.

Paramedics approached, tending to your wounds. Your attention, however, remained fixed on the commotion surrounding your home. Your mother's voice reached your ears as she ran towards you, worry etched across her face. "Y/n!" she exclaimed, embracing her daughter and checking you over. Your response was subdued, your thoughts still lingering on the harrowing encounter.

Kyungmin, your younger brother, approached with concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked, the innocence of his question contrasting sharply with the night's events. You gazed at him, exhausted and in pain as you shook your head. Kyungmin climbed onto the gurney beside you, and you pulled him into the safety of the blanket provided by the paramedics.

A familiar face interrupted the solemn moment – the news reporter from the TV. Microphone in hand, she approached, seeking an interview. Kyungmin, ever protective, spoke up on your behalf, sternly refusing the intrusion. A police officer intervened, guiding the persistent reporter away, sparing you from further distress.

As the news crew retreated, you closed your eyes, attempting to shut out the chaos around you. However, the haunting image of the hooded killer's mask flashed in your mind, a reminder that the scars of this night would linger in your nightmares. The weight of the encounter settled on your shoulders, leaving you to grapple with the trauma that now defined your reality.

The next morning, you awoke to the persistent beeping of the alarm clock, signaling the start of a day that you wished you could forget. As you sat up in the unfamiliar guest room at Yeji's house, you took a moment to absorb your surroundings. The room, while neatly arranged, felt foreign, lacking the familiarity of your own space.

Yeji and her family had generously offered shelter to you and your family after the horrifying visit from the hooded killer. The police had taken over your home for investigation, fearing the possibility of the assailant returning. You, plagued by nightmares, had spent a sleepless night, haunted by the haunting image of the white mask and the towering figure.

Rolling out of bed, you made a feeble attempt to make it, your mind still clouded with the remnants of your unsettling dreams. You changed into a simple white blouse, ripped jeans, and sneakers, the routine serving as a small distraction from the lingering fear. Descending the stairs, you found Yeji in the kitchen, flipping pancakes.

"Good morning, Y/n! How did you sleep?" Yeji greeted, her smile an attempt to bring warmth to the gloomy atmosphere.

"Terrible," you replied bluntly, your appetite diminished. You mechanically grabbed a pancake from the plate and nibbled on it, more out of habit than hunger.

Yeji, ever considerate, suggested, "You can try to sleep during lunch. I'll cover for you."

You shrugged in response. "Are we the only ones here?" you asked, scanning the empty kitchen.

"Uh-huh! My parents and your mother left for work, and your brother also left for school. So, we should head to school as well," Yeji explained, turning off the oven and slinging her bag over her shoulder.

You wrapped the remaining pancakes in a foil wrapper, slinging your own bag over your shoulder as you made your way out to Yeji's car. The warm sunlight kissed your skin as they parked at school. However, your day took an unexpected turn as you approached the entrance and found a throng of newscasters eagerly waiting.

You and Yeji exchanged a worried look before approaching the spectacle. One of the popular girls, pointing towards you, caught the attention of the reporters. Cameras surged towards you, creating a chaotic scene that overwhelmed you. Yeji quickly pulled you away from the crowd, guiding you inside the school where the cool breeze of the air conditioning offered some relief.

"Thank you, Yeji," You muttered, still trying to steady your racing heart.

"You're welcome," Yeji replied, and the two of you walked to your lockers, ignoring the stares from other students, their whispers echoing in the hallway. The day had just begun, and you knew you would need to navigate the challenges that lay ahead, both inside the school and within yourself.

You and Yeji stood by the lockers, engrossed in a conversation when you felt an odd sensation, as if someone's eyes were burning into the back of your head. Turning slightly, you noticed Lee Heeseung, a fellow student from your biology class, standing against the lockers on the opposite side of the hallway.

Heeseung was dressed entirely in black, a black mask covering most of his face, leaving only his enigmatic eyes visible. His dark hair added an extra layer of mystery to his already imposing presence. Despite sharing the same class for two years, you and Heeseung had never exchanged a single word. His lack of communication with anyone outside his circle of friends made him an enigma. You had observed him talking only with his buddies, never participating in class discussions, and always presenting alone to the teacher`s during evaluations. It wasn't that he was mute; he simply chose not to talk.

Intrigued by this peculiar behavior, you couldn't help but find him captivating. You had noticed his striking features and the air of menace that surrounded him. Yet, no one dared to pick on him, possibly due to his good looks and the intimidating aura he exuded. A crush had developed, but you kept it to yourself, fearing rejection.

As you met Heeseung's penetrating gaze, you found yourself unable to look away. It was as if he could see through you, and you couldn't break free until Yeji's intervention snapped you back to reality.

"Y/n? You okay?" Yeji's concerned voice reached your ears.

"Huh? Yeah, yeah, I'm okay. Just a little tired, that's all," You replied, closing your locker. You walked with Yeji to the next class, but out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Heeseung's continued stare, unyielding even when his friend, Jake, tried to engage him in conversation.

The day passed swiftly until lunchtime, where you and Yeji found solace on a secluded bench at the end of a quiet hallway. You rested your head on Yeji's lap while attempting to catch up on much-needed sleep. Thirty minutes later, you headed to the last class of the day – biology.

Taking your usual seats by the window, Yeji braided your hair while you absentmindedly doodled on your worksheet. The teacher droned on about anatomy and nerves, but most students were more interested in their own activities. Heeseung, occupied himself with a game on his computer, occasionally glancing at the teacher.

You, also slightly distracted, glanced at Heeseung through your computer screen. You snapped out of your daze when Yeji tugged on your braid a little too hard.

"Oops, sorry," Yeji whispered as she finished the braid.

You subconsciously touched the braid and looked down at your worksheet. Glancing at Heeseung, you noticed he was focused on his computer. The rest of the class passed without further incident, leaving you with a strange mix of curiosity and unease regarding Heeseung's enigmatic gaze.

You and Yeji parted ways at the school gate, each going in your own respective directions. "I'll see you home tonight, alright?" Yeji said, giving you a warm hug. "Yes, see ya," you replied, waving as Yeji disappeared into the crowd of students leaving the school grounds.

As you headed to your after-school activities, the day unfolded with the passage of time. When the clock struck 5 PM, you found yourself finishing up, the last to leave the building. The once bustling halls were now eerily empty as you made your way to the bathroom.

In the solitude of the restroom, you decided to freshen up. You unzipped your bag and applied some lip balm, preparing to accessorize with your favorite scarf. The black and white pattern of the scarf exuded a chic and classic vibe, and as you were about to tie it, a toilet flushed behind you. Your attention shifted to the stall, and a chill ran down your spine when you saw black combat boots beneath the door.

You stiffened, a sense of dread settling in as the stall door swung open. The haunting figure from your nightmares, the same one who had attacked you the day before, emerged. The hunting knife, now clean of your blood, gleamed ominously in his hand.

"You..." you began, but your words morphed into a scream as he lunged at you, pressing you against the cold restroom wall. The impact sent a jolt of pain through your head, but the real terror came when the knife approached your throat. Bracing for the impending pain, you closed your eyes, only to find yourself still intact.

"Open your eyes," the melodic yet sinister voice from the day before demanded. Slowly, you obeyed, meeting the menacing gaze of the white-faced mask. "It's you... you are the hooded killer," you stammered out, surprisingly steady despite the fear coursing through your veins.

"I prefer the name Ghostface, but yes. That's me," he replied coolly. The knife withdrew from your throat, replaced by his hand, the blade pointed dangerously close to your face as he gripped your chin. His hollowed eyes scrutinized you, and he hummed as if evaluating your uniqueness.

"You are different than the others," he muttered cryptically. Confused and afraid, you found yourself pulled closer to him. The proximity was overwhelming, his towering figure covering you completely. Just as the situation took a more threatening turn, you seized the opportunity to elbow him in the same spot you remembered from the previous night's struggle. The move worked, and he groaned, giving you a chance to escape.

Bolting out of the bathroom, you ran out of the school, fueled by adrenaline. Your legs carried you all the way to Yeji's house. Once inside the guestroom, you hid under the safety of the bedsheets, tears streaming down your face. The questions echoed in your mind – who was this Ghostface, and why had he come for you? Only later did you realize that your black and white scarf was missing, a tangible reminder of the encounter.

Ghostface`s POV:

Ghostface observed your movements from the shadows of the bathroom, hidden behind the stall door. He had anticipated your arrival, a sense of obsession driving him to seek you out once more. The thrill of the chase, the anticipation of seeing your face when the mask was revealed – it fueled his every move.

As you entered and began to freshen up, Ghostface couldn't help but revel in the proximity. The rhythmic pulse of his own excitement resonated beneath the pale mask. The mask, a mere facade that concealed the unsettling grin he felt beneath.

The black and white scarf caught his attention – an accessory he associated with you. The pattern, a visual echo of his fixation. A piece of you, he thought. In that moment, he felt a compulsion to possess it, to keep it close as a memento of this encounter.

When you realized his presence and screamed, Ghostface reveled in the fear he induced. The exhilaration surged as he pressed you against the cold wall, the metallic glint of the hunting knife dancing dangerously close to your throat. He watched you close your eyes, surrendering to the terror he wrought.

"Open your eyes," he commanded, wanting to savor the fear reflected in your gaze. The hollow sockets of the mask mirrored his emotions – a twisted dance between malevolence and obsession. He examined you closely, drawn to the nuances of your reaction.

You, surprisingly resilient, managed to escape his grip, Ghostface grunted in pain. The elbow strike had found its mark, the wound from the previous encounter throbbing beneath the black fabric of his costume. Yet, the pain was inconsequential compared to the thrill of the chase.

Impressed by your cunning, Ghostface couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction. You had remembered the weakness he exposed the night before. He allowed himself a cold grin beneath the mask, admiring your resilience.

As you fled the scene, Ghostface reached for the scarf you had left behind. It lay on the ground, a symbol of your vulnerability. He picked it up, feeling the soft fabric in his gloved hands. A dark satisfaction enveloped him as he tucked it into his sleeve, a macabre trophy of his obsession with you. Later, as he changed out of the costume, he felt the wound reopen, the blood under the bandage a reminder of the dance between predator and prey. Yet, nothing could overshadow the twisted pleasure he derived from the encounter.

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅──╮

The dinner table was a silent gathering, each scrape of utensils against plates echoing through the room. You sat with your family and Yeji's, your appetite lost in the weight of recent events. Pushing your food back and forth, you barely registered the mundane sounds of family dinner.

The doorbell interrupted the uneasy quiet, prompting Yeji's father to rise and welcome two unexpected guests. Police officers, their presence cast a somber mood over the room. "Hello, come in," Yeji's father invited. The officers' gaze turned to you, and with a curt nod from one of them, they addressed you. "Ready to go, Mrs. y/l/n?" You simply nodded, a silent acknowledgment, and followed the officers to their car, waving goodbye to your brother Kyungmin.

Seated in the back of the police car, you stared out of the window, watching the night pass by in a blur. The quiet journey took you to the police station, where the cold, sterile atmosphere greeted you. Zipping up your hoodie for warmth, you sat alone in a stark room, the minutes stretching into an eternity.

The interview was a chilling recount of the horrors you had faced. Finally, the clock on the wall revealed the lateness of the hour, nearing 1 AM. The same police officer who brought you in now drove you back, his partner strangely absent. Suddenly, a jolt rocked the car, prompting the officer to stop. "What was that?" You asked, concern in your voice. "I don't know, stay here," the officer commanded as he exited the vehicle, leaving you locked inside.

Unbeknownst to you, the officer had driven over a gruesome scene—a lifeless, bloodied body. As he knelt down to investigate, a swift strike ended his life. Ghostface emerged from the shadows, the thrill of the kill evident behind his mask. His eyes gleamed with a sinister delight as he looked at the two corpses.

You, oblivious to the horror unfolding outside, remained locked in the car, scrolling on your phone. But when you looked up the sudden appearance of Ghostface in the rearview mirror sent shivers down your spine. Frantically attempting to escape, you found yourself trapped as Ghostface circled the car, his gloved hand pressing the car keys.

With an aggressive pull, the door swung open, and you attempted to flee. Ghostface, however, was faster. He seized your ankle, and the glint of his knife traced a painful path down your calf. Your scream echoed in the night as you kicked free, running into the cold darkness. Ghostface, fueled by sadistic pleasure, pursued you, the chilling words hanging in the air, "Go ahead and run, princess.... It only makes it more fun for me."

You cursed under your breath as you realized the police car had stopped in the midst of a dense forest. Shadows loomed ominously, and the flickering moonlight cast an eerie glow through the twisted branches. The forest, a labyrinth of darkness, was the worst place to be pursued by a relentless killer. You ran past trees, stumbling over uneven ground, twigs slapping against your face as if nature itself conspired to impede your escape. Yet, you pressed on, ignoring the obstacles that sought to detain you, focusing solely on surviving the chilling pursuit.

In your frantic flight, you tripped over something soft, and you grunted as your palms scraped against the unforgiving ground. Turning around, you let out a horrified scream— you had stumbled upon a lifeless body. Ghostface emerged from the shadows, his ominous figure contrasting with the darkness of the forest. "Don't feel bad," he taunted. You snapped your gaze up at him, the fear in your eyes palpable. "Did..you kill them?" you stammered.

"Who else would?" Ghostface retorted with a chilling sarcasm that sent shivers down your spine. "But why?" You questioned, desperation etched in your voice. Ghostface, advancing closer, seemed almost amused. "Oh! You want to know my motive?" he mocked. "You know, I really don't know. Call it impulsivity, call it incidental. But for me?" He waved his knife theatrically. "It's just for fun." His voice dripped with a sinister tone that echoed through the dark expanse.

"You are crazy!" You exclaimed, your defiance cutting through the tension. Ghostface feigned hurt, responding, "Oh, now that's just hurtful, princess." You, angered by the name, insisted, "I said not to call me that!" Ghostface, undeterred, continued his twisted rambling, offering alternatives like "sweetheart," "baby," "sunshine," and "honey." You rejected each one with growing frustration.

"But that's no fun... Y/n," Ghostface announced, relishing the way your name rolled off his tongue. Clenching your fists, you felt vulnerable and exposed, alone in the heart of the foreboding forest. "This isn't supposed to be fun!" you shouted. Ghostface merely chuckled, declaring, "Well, it's fun for me."

As he lunged to attack, you instinctively ducked and darted past him, tears streaming down your face. His sinister voice echoed in your ears, "Run, run! I will always be right behind you!" Everywhere you looked, you saw him, a phantom in the shadows—behind a tree, perched on a rock. Your mind played tricks on you, every shadow morphing into a potential threat.

Gasping for breath, you collapsed on the asphalt of the road, tears blurring your vision. Gripping your chest, you felt a crushing weight. Your throat tightened, breaths came in ragged gasps, and your old wounds reopened, mingling with the fresh gash on your leg. Overwhelmed, you succumbed to a panic attack. The only illumination came from the vacant police car, casting an isolated glow on you amidst the darkness.

Voices and another set of headlights pierced through the night as another car approached. As the darkness claimed your consciousness, exhaustion took over, and the traumatic ordeal drew to a temporary close.

Heeseung`s POV

Heeseung entered his house, greeted by the sight of his father slouched in the armchair, oblivious to the world, drowned in the stupor of alcohol. The flickering TV cast a pale glow on the worn-out carpet, showcasing some mindless commercial. Heeseung felt a twinge of resentment towards his father, a lingering disdain for the man who had remained after his mother's departure. Yet, beneath the layers of frustration, there lingered a reluctant sense of caring, however faint.

Tired of the oppressive atmosphere, Heeseung ascended the stairs, seeking refuge in the solace of his bedroom. The click of the lock echoed in the silence, shutting out the world beyond. Slinging his bag onto the bed, he removed his hoodie, letting it join the discarded laundry. The red-stained bandages peeked through as he peeled off his t-shirt, revealing evidence of wounds that had reopened that day.

A determined resolve etched on his face, Heeseung stood before the mirror. The vivid red of his bandages against the pale of his skin hinted at the violence he had unleashed. Swift and skilled, he rewrapped the bandages with practiced efficiency, ensuring the wounds were concealed once more. Fresh clothes replaced the discarded ones, and with a meticulous routine, he zipped open his bag.

The ghostface costume emerged, stained with the evidence of his actions. Heeseung soaked it, allowing the water to wash away the blood and sweat, leaving no trace of his grim deeds. The hunting knife, an extension of his malevolence, was cleansed under a resolution that eradicated any lingering residue under the unforgiving UV rays.

Then, he delicately pulled out the scarf, a token of his encounter with you. The soft material caressed by his fingertips, a reminder of a night that had sparked something unfamiliar within him. Collapsing onto his bed, he stared up at the ceiling, the walls adorned with posters from games and horror movies. With a contented sigh, he closed his eyes, allowing thoughts of you to fill his mind.

As slumber claimed him, a subtle smile lingered on his face, an unsettling contrast to the darkness that surrounded him.

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅──╮

Your eyes fluttered open, and the harsh hospital lights made you wince. Panic seized you as the memories of the previous night flooded your mind. Before the fear could fully consume you, a calming hand and a familiar voice reached out to you.

"It's okay, it's okay!" Yeji's voice reassured you, and you turned your head to see your friend by your side.

"Yeji? Where am I? What happened?" Your voice was shaky, the events of the night still lingering in your consciousness.

"You're in the hospital. We found you on the ground... was it him again?" Yeji's concern was evident in her eyes as you slowly settled back onto the bed. The sterile scent and the hum of medical equipment around you became more apparent.

"Yeah... it was," you admitted, your gaze falling to the IV in your arm. Vivid images of the killer and the police officer's death replayed in your mind.

"We know, we know. The cops have taken care of everything," Yeji explained, attempting to offer some comfort.

"Yeji... why is he doing this... to me?" your plea held a mix of confusion and desperation as you sought answers from your friend.

"I don't—" Yeji began, but her words were interrupted by another voice entering the room.

"It's because you're a badass!" Kyungmin, your younger brother, announced as he bounded into the room. He climbed onto the chair beside your bed, his eyes filled with admiration.

"What?" you looked at him in surprise.

"Think about it! In every scenario, the victims die, but you have survived every single encounter! You're the final girl, sis! You'll kill him and live on to tell the tale!" Kyungmin explained with unbridled excitement.

"Kyungmin... how do you know so much about horror movies?" Yeji asked, attempting to redirect the conversation.

"Oh... well... we have them, and..." Kyungmin began, but you tuned out their conversation. Your mind was focused on the realization your brother had presented.

When Ghostface had first come after you, he wasn't prepared for your resourcefulness and determination to fight back. Despite multiple encounters, he hadn't succeeded in taking your life. He toyed with you, savoring the chase. You took a deep breath, absorbing the truth. You was the final girl. A surge of determination welled within you, replacing the fear with a fierce resolve to confront the hooded killer once and for all.

Days blurred together for you as you layed in the hospital bed, recovering from the harrowing events that unfolded. Yeji, being the devoted friend she was, visited daily, bringing both updates on school life and a mountain of homework. The constant drone of the television in the corner of the room kept the atmosphere heavy, each news report recounting the horrifying murders that had taken place.

You winced every time the name "Ghostface" echoed through the speakers. The news anchors dramatized your survival story, casting you as a resilient heroine in the face of unspeakable horror. The relentless coverage gnawed at your nerves, replaying the trauma with every broadcast.

One afternoon, as the news segment started, Yeji seized the opportunity to bring some normalcy to the room. With a swift movement, she turned off the TV and turned towards you.

"No TV now, we have a test to study for, and you need to know this when you get released from here," Yeji declared, holding a biology textbook in her hands. "Now eat your pudding while I read chapter 13 to you."

You grumbled, your mood not the brightest, but you obediently took a spoonful of the pudding the nurse had brought in. Yeji, undeterred, began firing questions from the textbook, ensuring you kept up with the coursework despite the challenging circumstances.

As Yeji read, the words of biology mingled with the beeping of machines and the occasional murmur from other patients. The room transformed into a makeshift classroom, a haven from the chaos outside its walls.

Heeseung/Ghostface`s POV:

Heeseung slumped in his biology class, your empty seat serving as a constant reminder of your absence. The room felt colder, the air heavier, and his restlessness intensified with every passing minute. The usual banter and whispers of the students around him seemed distant, drowned out by the void left in your wake.

His internal conflict manifested in a sharp edge to his demeanor. When a girl approached him, attempting to initiate a conversation, he reacted with an uncharacteristic harshness, pushing her away without a second thought. He needed to be alone, away from the prying eyes and casual interactions that only accentuated his yearning for your presence.

Heeseung abruptly left the classroom, making his way to the bathroom. Locking the door behind him, he flung his bag on the cold, tiled floor, the clatter echoing in the small space. With an impatient pull, he yanked off his mask, revealing a face twisted with frustration as he glared at his own reflection in the grimy mirror.

The internal turmoil was eating at him. He missed you more than he had anticipated, and it bothered him on a visceral level. The need to see you, to hear you, to be close to you, clawed at his chest like a relentless beast. It was a sensation he couldn't easily dismiss, a yearning that fueled his restlessness.

With a frustrated groan, Heeseung unleashed his anger on the bathroom stall. A violent kick sent the door crashing into the wall, leaving an unmistakable dent. For a moment, the physical release offered a semblance of satisfaction, but the ache persisted.

Regaining composure, Heeseung gathered his belongings, pulling the mask back into place. He left the bathroom, his tardiness to class a consequence he was willing to accept in exchange for the futile attempt to quell the storm of emotions within him. The hospital, where you resided, loomed in his thoughts like a magnetic force, drawing him closer with each passing second.

Ghostface lingered outside the hospital in the cool night, shadows cloaking his figure as he observed the changing of the nurses. With calculated precision, he navigated the terrain, making his way toward the entrance. A gentle nudge opened the glass door, and he slipped in, avoiding detection as he roamed through the silent hallways.

Peeking through a hand mirror, he strategically eliminated the nurses, each swift kill leaving a trail of lifeless bodies in his wake. The hospital became a dark canvas painted with the aftermath of his murderous spree. A sinister whistle beckoned a lone nurse towards him, her fate sealed with a quick, silent demise.

Ghostface moved with chilling efficiency, silencing doctors and nurses alike, his path leading him to the second floor. In the dimly lit hallway, he encountered a lone doctor, oblivious to the danger closing in. The knife struck, ending the doctor's life, adding one more casualty to the night's symphony of death.

Room 104, the destination imprinted on Ghostface's mind. With stealth and malevolence, he approached the door, a predator seeking its prey. Slowly creaking it open, he peered inside, revealing you asleep on the bed, Yeji on a chair beside you. Ghostface hesitated, his knife poised for the strike, but something in your peaceful slumber gave him pause.

A twisted fascination held Ghostface captive as he studied your sleeping face. Unbeknownst to him, Yeji stirred and gasped, her eyes widening with terror. Swiftly, Ghostface redirected his attention, raising his knife. A sudden movement caught his peripheral vision, and he turned to see you waking up.

"No... please," You whispered, your voice a plea in the night. Ghostface lowered his weapon, momentarily captivated by the desperation in your eyes. It was a fleeting moment before he turned and, with a brutal efficiency, stabbed Yeji, silencing her pleas. The room became a stage for a cruel dance of violence.

As Ghostface tossed Yeji aside, he realized you had vanished from the bed. A thrill coursed through him, and he pursued you down the dimly lit hallway. Your panicked breaths echoed, the chase heightening the tension. You darted into a room, and Ghostface followed.

Closing and locking the door behind him, he taunted, "Come out, come out, wherever you are, princess. I know you are here." You, hidden behind boxes, held your breath, fear etched across your face. Ghostface continued his macabre game, attempting to coax you out with promises of conversation.

When you remained silent, he sighed, "Come on, princess. Come out, and we can talk like adults." As he approached, you lunged, wrapping yourself around his back. A violent struggle ensued, you desperately fighting for your life. Ghostface slammed you against the wall, causing you to release your grip.

Turning to face you, he seized your wrists, pinning them above your head. In the dimly lit supply closet, Ghostface loomed over you, relishing the terror in your eyes. "There you are," he whispered, a sinister grin beneath the mask. You whimpered as he silenced you with a hand over your mouth. "Shhh. We can't have anyone waking up and disturbing our sweet time together now, can we?" he mused, his voice dripping with malevolence. "I just had to see you, princess," he added, a cruel fascination gleaming in his eyes.

Ghostface had been studying you, relishing in the desperation that flickered in your eyes after days of separation. The ache of missing you had grown unbearable. So caught up in his twisted fascination, he didn't notice when you unleashed a swift knee to his groin. The pain jolted through him, and he staggered back, momentarily incapacitated.

Seizing the opportunity, you fled, unlocking the door and making your way down the stairs and out of the hospital. Outside, you paused to catch your breath, relief washing over you. However, your momentary respite was shattered when you looked up and gasped. Ghostface loomed in your hospital room, holding Yeji with a knife to her throat.

Fear gripped you, and you cried out, rushing back inside, disregarding the lifeless bodies scattered around. As you reached your hospital room, you opened the door cautiously. The only sight that greeted you was Yeji on the ground, unconscious but seemingly unharmed. However, your moment of relief was short-lived.

A knife pressed against your back, and an arm coiled around your chest. Ghostface's voice, a sinister whisper, cut through the air. "I knew you'd be back when you saw your precious friend helpless."

Frustration welled within you. "What do you want with me? If you wanted to kill me, you would have done so!"

No answer came from Ghostface, and you strained to catch a glimpse of him through the corner of your eye. The mask revealed nothing, only his steady breaths. A chilling silence lingered before he spoke again, his voice devoid of emotion. "I just wanted to see you."

With an abrupt release, Ghostface pushed you away. You scrambled to the side, your eyes wide as you realized he had disappeared. The unnerving encounter left you perplexed, but your concern shifted back to Yeji. Clambering over, you checked Yeji's pulse and breathed a sigh of relief at the reassuring signs of life. The inexplicable motive of Ghostface remained a haunting mystery.

A full week had passed since Yeji and you were discharged from the hospital, which had been grappling with a significant loss of staff. Unbeknownst to you, surviving encounters with Ghostface had turned the two of you into unwilling celebrities, your stories circulating through hushed whispers and frightened glances.

You, especially, wanted no part of this unwanted popularity. After finishing your school day, you walked to your car and drove to the mall, seeking solace in the mundane routine of shopping. You wandered through the mall, your hood pulled over your head, two shopping bags in hand. Amid the hustle and bustle, a notification chimed on your phone, drawing your attention. Unaware of your surroundings, you collided with someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" you exclaimed, stepping back. When you looked up, you realized you had crashed into Heeseung. He stood there, clad in jeans and a black hoodie, his own hood covering most of his face except for his piercing eyes. A black medical mask concealed the lower half of his face.

"No worries!" Jake, who stood beside Heeseung, chimed in. "Hey, you're Y/n!" he added.

"Yeah, that's me," You replied, a hint of confusion in your voice. Heeseung remained silent, his eyes fixed on you. The air thickened with an unspoken tension, leaving you to wonder about the thoughts hidden behind Heeseung's enigmatic gaze.

Jake leaned down with a friendly smile, resembling a puppy eager for attention. "Hey, it's totally cool if you don't wanna, but there's a small party tonight at my house. If it sparks some interest, just hit me up, and I'll text you the address," he said.

You hummed, looking at him. "Eh, sure... I'll think about it. Thanks," you replied.

"Oh, is that Candyman!?" Jake added, peeking into your shopping bag and spotting the horror movie disc. "You like horror movies?" he asked.

You glanced down at your shopping bag and then back up at Jake, nodding. "Have you seen it?" you inquired.

"Sure, I have! The killer and victim falling in love with each other? That's a new one in horror, if you ask me. It was refreshing!" Jake said.

"Sure," You replied. However, your attention shifted when you noticed Heeseung extending his hand, his fingers curled into a fist. Perplexed, you looked at him with confusion. Heeseung then opened his palm, revealing a heart-shaped chocolate, and nudged it toward you.

"That means it's for you," Jake explained.

"Oh, thank you," You said, blushing lightly as you took the chocolate from Heeseung. Your fingers brushed, and you couldn't help but notice the warmth of Heeseung's skin. The size difference between the chocolate in his hand and yours intrigued you. Before you could say more, Jake ushered Heeseung away.

"Well, you think about the party today! It was nice meeting you," Jake called back as he guided Heeseung toward the gaming store.

"Yeah, you too," you muttered to yourself. You looked down at the chocolate, opened the wrapper, and popped it into your mouth, savoring the unexpectedly delicious taste of caramel. With a shrug, you tossed the wrapper into a nearby trash can and continued with your shopping, thoughts of the party lingering in your mind.

Heeseung`s POV:

Heeseung stood near the entrance of the mall, his attention lost in his thoughts as the world passed by. A sudden impact jolted him, and he instinctively prepared to glare at the perpetrator. However, when his eyes met yours all traces of irritation dissipated, replaced by a sense of fascination.

You mumbled an apology, your voice weaving a sense of normalcy into his troubled world. As you engaged in conversation with Jake, Heeseung found himself feeling strangely giddy, observing you act so effortlessly regular. Little did you know that he was the unseen cause of the disturbance in her life, a hidden figure orchestrating chaos from the shadows.

His focus shifted to the interaction between you and Jake, and a subtle warmth filled his chest. He watched as you accepted the heart-shaped chocolate from him, your fingers briefly brushing in the exchange. The touch sent a pleasant tingle down his spine, leaving him with a subtle, lingering joy.

Jake pulled him away toward the gaming store, and Heeseung went willingly, turning his gaze back for a moment to observe you. From afar, he witnessed you unwrap the chocolate and take a bite, his heart lifting with happiness. A smile, hidden beneath the mask, crept onto his face. The only indication of his joy was the gentle crinkle at the corners of his eyes, a silent expression of contentment as he continued to watch from the shadows.

The room Heeseung was in was dimly lit, the atmosphere carrying an air of calculated calmness. He opened the closet, concealing the bag with the Ghostface costume and the hunting knife with meticulous care. As the door closed, the concealed items seemed to vanish into the shadows. Heeseung's focus shifted to the clothes he had recently purchased, the jeans hugging his legs, a black t-shirt embracing his frame, and a leather jacket adding a touch of mystery. A quick slick of his hair back completed the transformation.

He walked out of the room, leaving behind the ghost of his darker intentions. The party preparations were already underway, and Heeseung joined Jake, Jay, Niki, Jungwon, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and their other friends. Working together, they transformed the space into a lively venue, laughter and music echoing through the walls.

Heeseung chose not to return home; there was nothing for him there. His father, a haunting figure from his past, rested in the depths of a secluded forest, far removed from prying eyes. Today marked the culmination of his plans, and your presence at the party was an unexpected yet welcomed development.

As the festivities commenced, people streamed in, each face a blur of insignificance to Heeseung. He maintained his aloof demeanor, detached from the jovial conversations around him. In the midst of the crowd, he waited patiently, his attention fixed on the entrance, anticipating the arrival of the one person who truly mattered to him.

Your POV:

You and Yeji moved with a silent synchronicity, your stealthy escape from the house guided by the allure of the unknown night. Dressed in contrasting styles, Yeji embraced chic elegance, while you opted for black jeans paired with a red off-shoulder top. The two of you ventured into the world outside, leaving behind the constraints of parental knowledge.

The party pulsated with life as you arrived, the atmosphere thick with the scent of alcohol, drugs, and the perspiration of dancing bodies. The booming music enveloped you as you navigated through the crowd. Yeji found her boyfriend, disappearing into the sea of people, leaving you to explore the chaotic beauty of the gathering on your own.

With a drink in hand, you claimed a vacant spot on a couch. It was an unconventional choice, sharing the space with a couple too engrossed in each other to notice your presence. As you sipped your drink, you observed the rhythmic movements on the dance floor, losing yourself in the pulsating beats.

Your gaze wandered, and unexpectedly, it met Heeseung's. For the first time, the black mask was absent, revealing the entirety of his face. You found yourself captivated by his handsome features, his sharp lines softened by the absence of the usual disguise. You chewed on your bottom lip, unknowingly drawn into an observation that felt both intrusive and intimate.

Heeseung, engaged in conversation with Sunghoon, eventually turned his head. As his eyes met yours, the intensity in his gaze was palpable. You, caught off guard, quickly averted your eyes, the unexpected connection leaving you both intrigued and uneasy.

Heeseung`s POV:

Heeseung's attention wavered as he conversed with Sunghoon, a subtle force pulling at him, urging him to look elsewhere. And when he did, his eyes found you in the crowd. The chaotic surroundings seemed to fade away, leaving only you in his field of vision.

A strange sensation bloomed in Heeseung's chest, an unfamiliar warmth that spread through him. The sight of you stirred something within him, a desire to sweep you away from the prying eyes of the party and offer you everything he had, the entirety of his world.

A smirk played on Heeseung's lips as he locked eyes with you. He raised his drink to his lips, savoring the liquid as he continued to gaze at you, a silent promise lingering in the air.

Heeseung confidently placed his finished drink on the table and strolled past the dancing floor, heading straight toward you. The glances from his friends, filled with confusion, didn't deter him. A quick glance at his wristwatch made him grin. He had time.

Stopping in front of you, he extended his hand and gestured towards the dancing floor. At your initial hesitation, he raised an eyebrow, silently questioning. You, after putting down your own drink, took his hand. He licked his lips before gently pulling you towards the dancing floor.

As you danced, Heeseung encouraged you with smiles, and to his surprise, you started to move with more confidence. He grinned and, seizing the opportunity, placed his hands on your waist. The synchronization between you two was so natural that you didn't notice a growing circle of people around you, cheering and hyping you up.

The dance reached its climax when Heeseung gripped you, spinning you around before ending with a dramatic pose – him holding you in a dip. The applause and cheers from the crowd engulfed you, but in that moment, Heeseung and you seemed to exist in your own world, your eyes locked, both of you catching your breaths.

Heeseung lifted you up again with a playful grin before backing away. The music abruptly stopped, and everyone turned their attention to Jay, who held the microphone.

"I just got news that the principal is stuck up by the flagpole at school!" Jay announced, and the crowd erupted in excitement, rushing out of the house to witness the unexpected spectacle.

Your POV:

Your surprise flickered across your face when you noticed someone standing in front of you. However, as Heeseung came into view, that initial surprise morphed into a different kind of astonishment. When he extended his hand, asking you to dance, you hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the lively atmosphere. The music pulsed through the air, beckoning you to join in the fun.

Feeling a sudden burst of confidence, you accepted Heeseung's hand and joined him on the dance floor. As the rhythm took over, you grinned, noticing the surprise in Heeseung's expression. The music became a bridge, connecting you in a dance that felt surprisingly natural. You felt good dancing with Heeseung, the movements easy and fluid.

The dance reached its peak, and you ended with a pose that left you mesmerized, locking eyes with Heeseung. It was a moment suspended in time until Jay's announcement shattered the spell. The shocking news about the principal by the flagpole sent a wave of confusion through the crowd, and the house emptied with lightning speed.

You stood there, shocked, watching the sudden exodus. The party had dissipated in an instant, leaving you alone in the now-quiet room. Your gaze searched for Heeseung, only to find that he, too, had vanished along with the rest of the revelers.

The flickering light of the TV cast a surreal glow over the room as the stragglers from the party settled in to watch Train to Busan. You, initially indifferent, sat beside Yeji, who had pleaded with you to stay. The remaining company included Yeji's boyfriend Jiyoo, Doyun, Beomseok, and Byeol—classmates whom you recognized but didn't particularly engage with.

As the movie unfolded on the screen, Beomseok began a vociferous rant, berating the film's intelligence and boastfully claiming he'd easily survive a horror movie. Doyun, unnoticed by the others, vanished in pursuit of a beer, only to meet his demise at Ghostface's hands in the kitchen.

Byeol, prompted by a call from his concerned mother, left the gathering, unknowingly walking towards his fatal encounter with Ghostface, his life brutally ended in his own car.

Feeling the need to escape the awkwardness of the situation, you excused yourself, heading upstairs in search of the bathroom. Locking yourself in, you remained oblivious to the unfolding bloodshed until a piercing scream echoed through the house. Startled, you rushed downstairs, only to be met with a nightmarish scene.

Jiyoo lay lifeless on the floor, Yeji wailing in grief, and Beomseok standing beside her, bloodied and wounded, wielding a pan in defense. Beomseok, acknowledging your presence, blamed you for the chaos, proclaiming that your mere presence had attracted the crazed Ghostface. However, the sudden sound of a gunshot silenced him as he fell backward, shot by an unseen assailant.

Turning towards the kitchen, your eyes widened at the sight of Ghostface—his mask smeared with blood, holding a knife and a gun. The gun was now pointed at you, and you instinctively raised your hands in surrender.

"Please..." Yeji pleaded, fear evident in her tear-filled eyes.

Ghostface disregarded Yeji and turned his masked visage toward you, his eyes hidden behind the haunting expression. "You really are a gem, do you know that, sweetheart?" he remarked, his voice carrying an unsettling calmness. "You know, when I first broke into your house, I wanted to end you," he continued, the weight of his words settling like a suffocating blanket, "but afterwards? I came to the realization that I don't want to kill you."

A mixture of confusion and terror clouded your expression as you ventured, "Then... what do you want to do?"

An airy laugh escaped Ghostface's concealed mouth, sending shivers down your spine. "I want you to be mine forever," he declared, the words hanging in the air like a sinister melody.

"What...?" You uttered, unable to conceal the fear in your voice.

Ghostface chuckled, "So let me make you a deal. If you come with me right now, I will leave your friend alive. Your choice."

The gravity of the decision weighed heavily on your shoulders. Your gaze flickered between Yeji, still engulfed in sorrow, and the masked figure before you. The room seemed to close in, the silence punctuated only by the muffled sobs of Yeji. In that harrowing moment, you grappled with an impossible choice, the consequences echoing through the chilling laughter of the masked assailant.

Before you could comprehend the gravity of his words, a shot rang out, and Ghostface vanished into hiding. A police officer, responding to a noise complaint, entered the scene, providing momentary relief. Another officer appeared in the doorway, and you felt a surge of gratitude.

However, the relief was short-lived. The first officer, in a moment of panic at seeing Ghostface peek out behind the wall, began firing indiscriminately. The room descended into chaos, and your, eyes wide with horror, witnessed the accidental demise of your friend. Yeji's lifeless body lay on the ground, a casualty of the very protectors who were supposed to ensure safety.

In shock, you stumbled down the stairs and out of the house. The cop who inadvertently caused the tragedy looked on in horror, realizing the magnitude of the mistake.

The air crackled with tension, and the scent of blood lingered like an ominous premonition. Your tear-filled eyes remained fixed on Yeji's lifeless form, an overwhelming grief tightening your chest.

In the midst of the disarray, two sudden, deafening gunshots pierced the air. The cops, caught off guard, crumpled to the floor- dead. The room fell into shocked silence, broken only by Ghostface's eerie chuckle. Emerging from the shadows, he stepped over the fallen officers, his dark cloak billowing like a phantom in the night.

Ghostface's masked gaze shifted from the lifeless bodies to you. He shook his head in a feigned disappointment. "See what happens when you don't trust me, princess? Now your friend is dead." The callous words cut through the air, leaving you speechless as fresh tears streamed down your face.

Crouching down beside you, Ghostface tutted disapprovingly. He reached out, his gloved hand cupping your chin, wiping away tears with a scrap of his cloak. "Don't cry, my love," he whispered, his voice a chilling murmur. "I would hate to ruin your pretty mascara."

Your tear-streaked face, illuminated by the flickering lights of police cars in the distance, revealed the toll of the horror you had witnessed. As exhaustion overcame you, your body gave in, and you collapsed against the masked figure, your breaths shallow and ragged. Exhausted and broken, you could only muster silent sobs, as you succumbed to the darkness.

Ghostface's voice, a chilling contrast to the chaos that had unfolded, whispered reassurance to the shattered girl in his arms. "Oh, my poor dear... Don't worry. I will take good care of you, my precious gem." His words, seemingly soothing, echoed with an unsettling promise as he gently lifted you from the blood-stained scene, cradling you like a fragile doll.

Guiding you towards a hidden car, Ghostface laid you down in the backseat with a tenderness that contradicted the violence that had transpired moments ago. The muted glow of the streetlights illuminated his masked visage as he carefully arranged you, the weight of your unconscious form a reminder of the darkness that clung to him.

Returning to the house, Ghostface, a master of deception, meticulously staged the aftermath. Beomseok's lifeless body was draped in the iconic Ghostface costume, a macabre transformation that would divert any lingering suspicions. The scene bore the haunting imprint of a horror movie set, with the pale moonlight casting eerie shadows over the distorted reality he had crafted.

Having completed his sinister tableau, Ghostface returned to the idling car. Opening the door with a sense of purpose, he found you still lost in the refuge of unconsciousness. Ghostface slid into the driver's seat, his gloved hands gripping the steering wheel with a steely resolve.

As the car glided away from the crime-ridden suburban tableau, Ghostface's eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, a sinister smile hidden beneath the mask. The darkened highway stretched out before him, leading to the next town.

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅──╮

The groggy haze began to lift from your mind as you slowly awoke in an unfamiliar bed. You winced, feeling a dull ache throughout your body, and a groan escaped your lips as you sat up. The room around you was dimly lit, and the bed you found yourself on was surprisingly comfortable.

Your eyes scanned the surroundings, and a sudden wave of realization hit you. Memories of the horrifying events from the night before flooded back, and your heart sank. Yeji, your friend, was dead, and Ghostface had taken you.

Your hands gripped the edge of the table beside the bed as a heart-wrenching sob threatened to escape. You couldn't comprehend the nightmare you had become a part of.

A note on the table caught your attention, and you read the ominous message. "Fresh clothes in the closet, take a shower princess." The word 'princess' sent shivers down your spine, and your eyes widened with dread. Nevertheless, you gathered yourself and steeled your resolve.

Waddling towards the door, you tried the handle, only to find it locked. Frustration and fear fueled your determination. You gritted your teeth and surveyed the room for another way out. Spotting another door, you cautiously approached and turned the handle, revealing a surprisingly luxurious bathroom.

The sight of the pristine facilities contrasted sharply with the terror of the previous night. Taking a deep breath, you decided to follow the note's instructions. You crumpled the note in your hand, a silent rebellion against the unseen captor, before locking the bathroom door behind you.

The hot water cascaded over you, washing away the physical and emotional stains of the previous night. You lingered, lost in your thoughts, as if the water could cleanse you of the horror you had experienced.

Emerging from the shower, you found the promised clothes in the closet. A pair of pants and a warm sweater offered some comfort in this strange place. You dressed quickly, your mind racing with uncertainty and fear.

Once again facing the locked door, you sighed. The feeling of entrapment settled in your chest, but you pushed it aside, determined to confront whatever awaited you beyond that door. With one last glance around the room, you returned to the bed and sat, bracing yourself for whatever came next.

When the door to the bedroom clicked open, you cautiously pushed it ajar. Peering into the adjacent spaces, you found yourself in a kitchen with a faint aroma of something cooking. To your right, a living room unfolded, and in its midst sat Ghostface, the embodiment of your nightmares. Yet, he appeared different—regular jeans, a black t-shirt, and the ominous Ghostface mask, casually manspreading in a chair, hands resting comfortably on his lap. The mask concealed his expression, leaving you to grapple with the mystery of the man who had brought you here.

"Come on out, princess," his voice rumbled, carrying the roughness of a morning awakening. You hesitated for a moment, your eyes fixed on the mysterious figure. You cautiously stepped forward, closing the bedroom door behind you. The click of the lock echoed in the room, and Ghostface gestured for you to come closer.

With hesitance in your steps, you moved towards him, your eyes flickering between the enigmatic mask and the man beneath it. Ghostface didn't rush you, his posture remaining relaxed as if he had all the time in the world.

But as you approached, his strong hands shot out, gripping your waist, and he effortlessly pulled you onto his lap. "There you are," he said, his voice surprisingly calm, as if this was an ordinary encounter.

You stiffened, gazing into the mask that concealed his identity. The weight of the question lingering in your eyes, you asked, "Who are you? Why did you do this to me?"

"Oh, my love," he replied, his voice softening, "I told you it's because I love you." Before you could react, his hands moved to the secure straps of the mask. Holding your breath, you watched as he unclasped the clasps, removing the Ghostface mask and tossing it aside. A gasp escaped your lips as Heeseung's handsome and sharp face was revealed.

"Heeseung!?" you exclaimed, the shock evident in your voice. The revelation left you speechless. "You're Ghostface?"

"Yes, I am," Heeseung confirmed, his grip on you firm but gentle. "And you are mine." With those words, he pulled you in for a kiss. You gasped at the unexpected intimacy. Conflicting emotions swirled within you—your long-time crush, Heeseung, was kissing you.

You felt an unexpected surge of warmth and a fluttering sensation deep in your stomach. Your heart and brain seemed to engage in a silent battle, each demanding you attention with conflicting emotions.

The warmth of the kiss sent a cascade of conflicting signals through you. On one hand, there was the undeniable thrill of being kissed by someone you had secretly admired for so long. His lips, warm and tender, pressed against yours, creating a sensory overload that your heart eagerly embraced.

But then your brain, the logical part of you, fought back with a barrage of questions and concerns. This was the same person who had, just moments ago, been hidden behind the Ghostface mask, the person who had orchestrated nights of terror that ended in tragedy. The internal struggle intensified, causing a whirlwind of emotions that left you momentarily disoriented.

Yet, despite the internal conflict, the kiss itself was undeniably magnetic. Heeseung's gentle caresses and the way he held you close seemed to overpower the rational part of your mind. The butterflies in your stomach danced, and for that brief moment, the chaos within you was silenced by the intoxicating allure of the kiss.

As Heeseung deepened the kiss, while his hands caressed your waist, your heart won the internal battle, and you reciprocated the kiss with fervor. Your thoughts became a distant murmur, and you surrendered to the swirling emotions, letting the warmth and intimacy of the moment envelop you.

Heeseung smirked in the midst of the passionate embrace, his hands wrapped around you, pulling you even closer until there was no space left between you. Your lips met in a fervent dance, an intimate tango that seemed to defy the boundaries of time and reason. You felt the warmth of his touch, the gentle caress of his fingers on your hips, and the magnetic pull that seemed to bind you two together.

With a newfound boldness, you tightened your grip on Heeseung's shirt, fingers clinging to the fabric as if grounding yourself in the intensity of the moment. The rhythmic dance of your lips became a symphony of shared longing, and you found yourself unable to resist exploring further.

Slipping your hands up from his shirt to his cheeks, you savored the sensation of his skin beneath your fingertips. The kiss grew more passionate, and in an unspoken exchange, you let your fingers trace the contours of his face, memorizing the details that had long been masked by the ominous masks.

Your hands continued their journey, winding through Heeseung's hair. The once neatly styled locks now fell victim to your eager touch, tousled and disheveled by your exploring fingers. His hair, soft and slightly damp from a shower, felt soft beneath your touch.

As you pulled back from the kiss, you found yourself breathless, your chest rising and falling with the intensity of the shared moment. Yet, when you gazed into Heeseung's eyes, you discovered a hunger, an unquenchable longing that mirrored your own conflicted emotions.

Heeseung, with his hair tousled from the passionate exchange, stared at you with a mixture of love and obsession. His puffy, red lips, moistened by the flick of his tongue, spoke volumes of the desire that lingered between you two. The air was charged with tension as he chased after your lips. His eyes, dark with desire, locked onto yours with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Undeterred by your withdrawal, Heeseung redirected his attention, placing lingering kisses along your jawline and down to your neck. His actions were filled with a possessive urgency, a declaration of the emotions that simmered beneath the surface. However, a low growl escaped him when you, using your grip on his tousled hair, pulled him back.

With a pout that accentuated the desire in his eyes, Heeseung looked up at you. His hands, now caressing up and down your sides, ventured down to your hips, fingers tracing the curves with an almost reverent touch. The room seemed to pulse with the ebb and flow of your desires, a dance of conflicting emotions and unspoken promises.

"Heeseung, wait... what about my mom? And my brother? They are, for sure, worried now," you voiced your concerns, turning away to confront the reality that lingered beyond the stolen moments of passion. Heeseung, undeterred, gently made you face him again with his right hand, the left continuing its tender exploration of your hip.

"Don't worry, Princess. It's all taken care of," Heeseung reassured, his voice a soothing melody that wrapped around you. Before you could decipher the cryptic assurance, Heeseung seized the moment, pulling you down for another kiss. The words that lingered on the tip of your tongue dissolved into the sweet oblivion of the kiss. Heeseung's actions spoke louder than any explanation he could provide, and you found yourself willingly surrendering to the enchantment of the moment.

Lost in the depths of the kiss, Heeseung tilted his head, deepening the connection between you. The world outside faded away, leaving only the echo of their entwined breaths and the lingering taste of a love that defied logic and reason. As the seconds slipped away, your concerns were momentarily silenced, replaced by the intoxicating allure of a passion that seemed to have been waiting for this moment to ignite.

As Heeseung held you in his lap, a surge of gratitude and contentment washed over him. He couldn't help but feel fortunate to have you, the only woman he had ever wanted, nestled in the cocoon of his arms. Your warmth against him felt like a cherished promise of a future you would share together.

The room around you seemed to fade away as Heeseung reveled in the moment. The soft rhythm of your breathing created a gentle melody, an unspoken connection that echoed the depth of your growing bond. He gently traced patterns on your back, savoring the feeling of your closeness, as if committing every nuance of the experience to memory.

In that intimate embrace, Heeseung couldn't imagine anything more perfect. You was his, and he was yours—bound together by an unbreakable thread that wove through the fabric of the shared existence. As he pressed a tender kiss to the crown of your head, he whispered words that echoed the sincerity of his heart, "Forever and ever, my love."

END OF PART 1

Masterlist:

Part 2 & Part 3

#heeseung x reader #heeseung fanfic #heesung enhypen #lee heeseung #heeseung #ao3 writer #ao3 fanfic #fanfiction #enhypen fic #enhypen #ghostface #heeseung x you #heeseung enhypen #heeseung x yn #enhypen fanfiction #writers on tumblr

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bugbuzzbugbuzz · 8 months ago

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Like I’m. SO unbelievably mad about Zoochosis it’s not even funny. Parasites and diseases have been a special interest of mine since I was a kid and the trailers were so promising.

Also they showed their hand with Doc too fucking early, but that can be attributed to “you needed more than one day” in this game. The twist of him being an evil bastard would’ve worked better if you didn’t immediately show him pulling out the main characters call to a suicide hotline OR him killing the main character for taking too long to sign an NDA. The rush to get to the meat of it ruins any anticipation or tension for the ultimate reveal.

Multiple days would also give you a chance to get attached to the animals, as just naming them doesn’t really do much, yeah they have cutesy names but they don’t have PERSONALITY. Make one of them approach the player for pets, thus making it easier to do check ups on them. Make one of them run from the player forcing you to utilize your tranqs or even have treats to bribe them, giving more reasons to having those tools in the first place. Having them transform on a set timer immediately also kind of sucks because BOTH playthroughs I watched didn’t use the UV light at all, which having multiple days would fix because the transformations would take longer.

They also fucked up with the “human meat” thing. Yeah ohhhh so scary they’re eating people 🙄🙄🙄 it’s been done to actual death at this point and I feel it’d be much more horrifying to use the carcasses of the infected animals creating a never ending cycle if they aren’t truly cured. Feeding infected carcasses to other animals is LITERALLY how mad cow disease started!!!!

It could’ve been a critique on the greed found in some Zoos as well as fake animal rescues, where they claim to help animals but only do it for profit, but instead we got a boring story about some evil guy who???? Feeds a monster for an undisclosed reason the devs probably didn’t fully consider.

“The parasites didn’t attack you because you were infected uwu” LAME!! BORING!!! I don’t care that they didn’t insta kill you but they should at least MAUL you a little!!! Change how the player got the parasite from doc giving it to you to you eating infected food!! Maybe doc even purposefully infected the food!! The game also explained there were some variants of the parasites that would attack and kill any competition! They could still keep their “parasites don’t attack and kill you” thing but limit it! Maybe only the tutorial one doesn’t kill you but the others are the more aggressive kind due to evolution!!

There are so many better ways the parasites could’ve been handled but it feels like the devs truly had no love towards the subject matter? Maybe they did at some point but too many people got involved and the love and care was lost in translation.

It’s just so disappointing as somebody who actually enjoys reading and learning about parasites, fictional or otherwise. We got no real story, lore, or information about them. Would a sequel fix it? Maybe! Only if they cut half the team out of the writing room and focused on actually caring a little about story and lore beyond “discount colonel sanders wants to feed alien mommy”

ALSO HOW CAN YOU HAVE A GAME CALLED ZOOCHOSIS WITHOUT ACTUALLY SHOWING THE ANIMALS SUFFERING FROM ZOOCHOSIS

#I’M SOOOOO MAD IM GOING TO BE MAD ABOUT THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE #I WAITED SEVERAL MONTHS FOR THIS????#if I could make a game y’all’d be COOKED #Zoochosis game

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arcane-vagabond · 8 months ago

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Trapped in Silk: Prologue

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: The world has been turned on its head ever since news spread that vampires are not only very real, but many have walked the earth undetected for centuries. You keep to yourself, head down and out of everyone's way. That is, until you bump into a stranger while avoiding a group of men chasing after you. You think you've seen the last of this stranger, only to run into him once more. Your life is turned upside down as he envelopes you into his life and into his riches. Are you a passing fancy, or are you the latest addition to his treasure trove? Only time will tell. (Vampire!AU)

Content Warning: Lots of talk of blood, Excessive prose, Vampires, self depracation. I think that's it, but please let me know if I missed anything!

Word Count: 1.2k

Masterlist || Series Masterlist

When considering all things sacred, blood is perhaps the one thing more precious than gold.

Blood not only keeps people alive, it carries their memories through their veins, cycling through them like the seasons that pass as time creeps on. Blood is sacred in that oaths are sworn upon it, one’s life tied to another in a promise so great that another’s life was staked upon it. Brotherhoods are formed in blood, cuts slashed into skin to allow the intermingling of one’s self with another.

The taking of blood was a great sin, condemning those who commit the act to an eternity of damnation, vying for salvation in any form they could find it. Cain stole Abel’s blood at the dawn of time, unleashing blood that was not his to give upon the earth and dooming all those that would follow in his path.

Humanity’s greatest monsters were those that ripped through flesh and stole blood from unwilling victims, rivers of blood like red silk against porcelain skin. Demons who once called themselves humans now drank their fill, casting themselves into darkness in fear of the shame the light of day would cast upon them.

These creatures had many names given to them over the centuries. Known as shtriga in Albania, vrykolakas in Greek, and strigoi in Romanian, most people knew them in modern times simply as vampires. Humanity had lost their fear of these creatures, writing them off as fairytales conjured up by ignorant, village folk who needed a reason for every bump in the night and a reason to keep their children in line.

Mutilations that were once the obvious work of the blood sucking dead, were now attributed to fellow human beings if not the odd wild animal attack. Humanity had strayed from the knowledge of their ancestors to favor the logic of the modern era. There couldn’t possibly be creatures that sustain themselves off the blood of other living beings, not ones that take the shape of a human, anyway. Of course you had insect species and small mammals that did so, but what evolutionary purpose would it serve a humanoid to sustain on nothing but blood?

How naïve they all had been.

No one was quite sure what to make of the press conferences at first, some believing them to be some kind of mass prank or some elaborate movie advertisement. It wasn’t long after that their kind started coming out in waves, no longer content to hide in the darkness that had once been their sanctuary.

The world had been in shock as droves of these creatures made themselves known, neighbors showing their true nature and some even advocating for the full integration of their kind with humans. Of course, there had been just as much pushback. People demanding that vampire kind leave, to where, they didn’t care. Just so long as they wouldn’t be forced to mingle and play nice with something they didn’t understand.

Vampire advocates had smiled placatingly each time, assuring the general masses that they had nothing to fear, reminding them that vampires had been there the whole time. Most people accepted this, most somewhat begrudgingly. After all, with their presence out in the open, at least there could be consequences and regulations, right?

Those in charge assured everyone that by working together, a new status quo could be created, the call for blood donors going out. While open feeding was not outlawed, it was highly discouraged—the powers that be wanting to maintain some semblance of control. A surprising number of people jumped at the opportunity to donate blood, whether it was through the hope that doing so would keep them from being attacked in the future or simply out of sheer curiosity and enthusiasm. It was the younger generations that seemed more at ease with the sudden development, a sense of cautious excitement ringing in the air in those first few weeks after the initial announcements. You had been finishing up some documents for a report to hand into your boss at the end of the day when Madison had stopped at your desk, a mischievous smile to compliment the spark in her eye.

“Can you believe that Dave from accounting has been a vampire all this time?” She whispered, though you don’t know why she bothered when her voice carried the way it did. You arched a brow at her, hands not stopping in their work as you waited for her to continue.

“I mean,” she scoffed, “who would have thought Dave of all people to be a vampire? He’s so…boring.”

“Vampires are just people, Mads,” you supplied, noting how strange the words felt on your tongue. It was true, of course, but three weeks ago, you’d never imagine having this conversation.

“Yeah, I guess,” she pouted, twirling a finger in her blonde curls. “I dunno, I just thought vampires were supposed to be these natural seducers or whatever. Hot and mysterious. Dave is…well, actually he’s not that bad now that I think about it a little more.”

“You’re ridiculous,” you snorted, a smile tugging at your lips as you paused in your typing to look at her. The grin was back on her face as she waggled her eyebrows.

“You love me,” she declared with a shrug. “Besides, you’re going to tell me you’ve never thought about what it would be like to do it with one of them?”

“No, Mads,” you rolled your eyes. “The thought of never crossed my mind of what it would be like to ‘do it’ with them. They’re the same people they’ve always been, just like I’m the same person I was three weeks ago. Not much has changed, not really.”

“You’re such a bummer sometimes, you know?” Madison giggled with a shake of her head. “You can fool everyone else, but you can’t fool me, babe. I know you’ve got a wild side in you somewhere. We just have to find it!”

She didn’t wait for your response before she turned on her heels and walked away. You loved Madison dearly, really you did. You’d been friends since high school, and you knew she meant well, but you also knew that her words were more than just words. You’d find out what she was up to eventually, and you knew you wouldn’t like it.

You glanced at the clock—almost quitting time. You leaned back in your chair with a grunt, stretching out your back and shoulders before slumping forward. You knew you weren’t the most exciting person, that had always been Madison. Where she was the life of the party, you were content to hug the walls, watching the party go on around you in mild fascination. Madison had no problem going out and meeting people, the string of boyfriends and girlfriends she left behind her a testament of that. You hadn’t had a date in ages, vaguely recalling the first date with some random guy Madison had set you up with. He was a decent guy, Randy or Ricky or Rocky or whatever his name had been, but the spark just hadn’t been there. You supposed you were getting too old to believe in the possibility of true love or love at first sight. You’d have to settle like most anyone else.

With a sigh, you began closing out of the different programs you’d had open on your desktop, making sure that you had all the components for the report for your boss before slinging your purse over your shoulder. Yes, vampires may be real, but a fairytale romance surely was not.

A/N: Okay, yeah lol We're trying something new. We're branching out into uncharted territory. What of it?

As always, reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated. I no longer do taglists, so if you would like to be notified on when I post, please follow my sideblog ( @sailoraviator-library ) and turn on post notifications! You can find me and my works on AO3 under the username arcane_vagabond. Until next time!

#tis #trapped in silk #vampire!bucky #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes fanfiction #james buchanan barnes #james buchanan barnes x reader #james buchanan barnes x you #james bucky barnes #james bucky barnes x reader #james bucky barnes x you #bucky x you #bucky x reader

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theresattrpgforthat · 1 year ago

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System Overview - LUMEN

This week has been a break from my regular recommendations to cover a few popular game systems and talk about what makes them tick. This week, we're covering the fast-paced combat-friendly LUMEN system. This is all the systems I'll be covering this week, but I hope to do some more system overviews in the future!

LUMEN is a game system originating from Spencer Campbell of GilaRPGs, for use in his game LIGHT. It has gained popularity over the past few years due to its ability to replicate fast, powerful combat, and a simple set of rules.

As a disclaimer, I haven’t played any LUMEN games yet (although I really really want to give NOVA a go). What I have seen is a consistent amount of high-quality, exciting games being released over the past few years using the LUMEN system. The SRD is only 13 pages long, and the pieces are simple enough to pick up, re-mix, and turn into something engaging, which makes LUMEN a great option for new game designers - especially since the designer really wants to see what people are making with this toolkit.

So, let’s talk about some of the pieces that make up this game.

Attributes as Approaches

LUMEN gives your characters 3 stats that define how they approach an obstacle, rather than defining a specific skill. You’ll have something for raw power, one for quickness and speed, and one for precision and details. Your characters are expected to be professionals, the best of the best. Of course they know how to fight - this a power fantasy, after all. By focusing on an approach rather than a list of skills, these stats are also flexible: if you are using your raw power, you could open a door, swing a sword, or pull someone back from a ledge.

Depending on the game you’re using, the names for your approaches may differ. In Hedge, your approaches include Might, Sleight and Bright. In LOOM, these are re-tooled into Passion, Fleetness and Serenity.

This way of building a character is very good for players who may not want to juggle a number of different values in their head, and keeps the table focused on what the battle looks like more than anything else. It also makes a statement on what kinds of actions your characters don’t need to bother rolling for. No perception checks, minimal social obstacles, and don’t bother doing a memory check in this system. In LUMEN, you’re here to kick ass.

Dice Pools & Staggered Success

The number attached to your selected approach determines how many dice you roll to do an action. The highest number rolled is the only result you need to focus on.

Similar to Blades in the Dark and Powered by the Apocalypse, LUMEN uses a series of staggered successes. However, unlike the previous two games, success is a little more likely - 2/3 of the time, you’ll succeed. On a 1-2, the action failed with a consequence. On a 3-4, the action succeeds with a complication. On a 5-6, the action succeeds, no problems in sight. The difference in probability compared to Blades is one decision that indicates how powerful your characters are; they’re less likely to fail on any given roll.

To add a layer of complexity, you can include specific scenarios that determine how many dice you roll. For example, in Apocalypse Frame, there is a difference between rolling while inside or outside of your mech. When outside of your mech, a character subtracts 1 dice from their dice pool, and when attacking with your mech, you use a number attached to your Armament, rather than your Attributes. There are also character class abilities that may give you extra dice, such as the Ancient Technique ability attached to the Ancient class in Deathless. These abilities will only give you extra dice in very specific situations.

Character Classes

One thing is common among all three of the systems that I’ve talked about this week and that’s pre-packaged character abilities. LUMEN doesn’t use playbooks though, possibly because the characters are so lightweight that they wouldn’t take up that much space on a piece of paper.

Your class will come with special moves, abilities or gear that sets you apart, and will likely also define your play style. In Black Hole Era, for example, you are spaceships with system arrays and weapon bays. A Warlord ship has powerful long-range particle beams, while an Inquisitor ship has the ability to teleport or turn invisible.

That being said, you don’t have to use character classes with this system. In Wild Duelist, the game presents the character options as either a static stat build, from which you choose a few different options, or a character life path, in which you roll randomly to determine your heritage, weapons, approach scores and special powers.

Your character powers will usually come with a few important pieces of information: how they affect the field of play, what their range is, and how much it will cost you to use them. You do not roll to use your powers: you are powerful characters, and when you choose to do something cool, it works. In some games, your powers can be get more powerful as your character advances, or have tags added to increase range or damage dealt. Because LUMEN is meant to replicate combat-heavy video games, it also is designed to replicate the ability to customize your character to match the combat style that you prefer.

Room to Add Complexity

The LUMEN system is quick and only has a few core pieces, but there’s plenty of room to add more complexity in order to incorporate factions, long campaigns, and special details.

In Emblems of Their Dying Breaths, characters dig into dungeons that are procedurally-generated using a deck of playing cards. .brawl centres its combat on a map, using miniatures to help your players strategize as they fight in a cyberpunk arena. Clean-Up Crew diversifies the resources needed to pay for special powers, making enemy drops more interesting - and more necessary, if you’re going to find the specific resource you need.

The original designer is also updating and re-designing LUMEN, with the plans to release a LUMEN 2.0 SRD that does away with dice, health, and a few other pieces. You can check out some of his design thoughts on his YouTube channel, and take a peek at how this new version of LUMEN will play out in his game DUSK.

Meanwhile, let’s talk about some more games in the LUMEN series that I have yet to highlight on this blog.

Brawl City is a Street-Fighter game, still in development.

Dust is a game about surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, inspired by works such as The Book of Eli, and 9.

Photon is a two-player game about fighting a Singularity trying to consume the world.

paktbound is inspired by Dishonored and shackles your characters to a Stranger who sends them on heists in a rotten world.

If you want to check out more LUMEN games, there's a compiled list of games kept by Spencer Campbell, as well as a LUMEN collection that I'm adding games to as I find them.

Do you have any favourite LUMEN games? What kind of video game do you think would work well for this system? Share them in the comments and tags!

#tabletop games #indie ttrpgs #system overview #game recommendations #LUMEN #mint speaks

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tatumrileyslover · 2 years ago

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i absolutely adored your amber fic, I was hoping you could write a tara x reader (with an established relationship) where she’s the first to arrive to see her at the hospital arriving long before the others? maybe tara could have been texting her during the attack?

Solace

☆〜Pairings: Tara Carpenter x Fem!Reader

☆〜Genre: Hurt/Comfort, angst, slight fluff

☆〜Word Count: 5.7k

☆〜Warnings: mentions of pet death, ghost face attack, blood, stabbing, hospitals, violence, language

☆〜Authors Note: I did NOT intend for this fic to be almost 6k words long, I literally have work tomorrow and it’s four am. You Tara Carpenter hoes gonna love this one, also the sheer amount of words making my tumblr lag so much

☆〜 Sequel: Redemption

Laying spread out on her couch, (Y/n) sighed in contentment. Tonight, their long-awaited date finally materialized as a beacon of hope after countless cancellations. The first time was due to Tara catching a stomach virus, and the second was cancelled when (Y/n) had a family emergency. Praying to any deities she could think of, that tonight would go exactly as planned, Tara had procured the snacks and (Y/n) scoured her parent's old stash of movies to find something good to watch.

As the golden hues of the Californian sun gently descended, casting a warm glow that seeped through the curtains of the living room, (Y/n) gazed out the window. Outside, the autumnal symphony of colors unfolded, as leaves gracefully danced in the breeze, their descent creating a delicate tapestry upon the porch. " I should get going," she groaned to herself, not ready to leave the comfort of her home, but eager to see Tara nonetheless. They were two souls who found solace in each other's embrace, navigating the highs and lows with unwavering support. Their mothers said the two were like two puzzle pieces perfectly aligned, they fit together in seamless harmony. Where you'd find one, you'd find the other.

Moving swiftly toward the coffee table where her phone rested, (Y/n) snatched it up and eagerly turned it over, her eyes darting across the screen in anticipation. Amongst the sea of notifications, a particular text caught her eye, demanding her immediate attention.

Tara:

hey any way we can resched movie night? ambers planning to come over

(Y/n)’s heart plummeted as disappointment crashed over her like a relentless wave. Not again. This week had been filled with one hardship after another, and the movie night had been the single gleaming light that had kept her going. She felt the weight of her emotions welling up, threatening to spill over as tears pooled in her eyes.

It hadn't escaped (Y/n)'s notice that something was amiss between Tara and herself. Lately, their once vibrant connection had dimmed, leaving behind an unsettling silence. Tara's responses to her texts were delayed, leaving them unread for what felt like an eternity, only to receive curt and simple replies. Their nightly calls, once filled with laughter and heartfelt conversations, had dwindled to mere whispers of their former selves.

(Y/n) had tried to attribute Tara's behavior to exam stress, desperately clinging to the hope that it was a passing phase. But deep down, a gnawing doubt lingered, as if an invisible force was eroding the foundation of their relationship. It was a silent ache that chipped away at her sense of security, whispering the possibility of something more significant beneath the surface.

With a heavy sigh, (Y/n) wrestled with her conflicted thoughts, battling between wanting to confront the issue head-on and fearing the answers that lay beyond. As tears streaked down her cheeks, she realized that the movie night had symbolized more than just a chance to unwind—it had become a symbol of the dwindling connection she desperately longed to reignite.

In the midst of her turmoil, the sadness transformed to rage.

(Y/n):

Seriously tar

(Y/n):

Istg we’ve been planning this night for months now

(Y/n):

I seriously need you right now, we haven’t hung out in so long and you want to cancel on me

Determined to break the silence and confront the anguish that consumed her, (Y/n) resolved to make Tara fully aware of the pain she was inflicting. She refused to suffer in the darkness any longer, vowing to express the depth of her emotions and lay bare the impact of Tara's actions on their relationship.

With bated breath, (Y/n) watched the notification indicating that Tara had read her text. Her eyes fixated on the screen, heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and anticipation, as she anxiously awaited the telltale signs of Tara's response. The seconds stretched into what felt like an eternity, every passing moment fueling her need for a reply, a sign that their connection still held a glimmer of hope.

Tara:

I’m sorry but ambers been having a bad day

In an explosion of fiery emotions, (Y/n)'s anger consumed her. The realization that Tara had prioritized a friend's well-being over her own girlfriend's struck a nerve deep within her. How could Tara fail to show even a shred of concern for what (Y/n) had endured throughout the week? The flames of resentment burned brightly, fueled by the perception that Tara lacked the basic decency to make an effort to understand and support her partner. (Y/n) yearned for acknowledgment, for Tara to see the depth of her pain and recognize the importance of their connection.

With each passing second, the fire within (Y/n) raged on, threatening to consume everything in its path. The time for silence and complacency was over. (Y/n) vowed to confront Tara, to unleash the inferno of her feelings and demand the respect and consideration she deserved.

(Y/n):

What about your own fucking girlfriend huh?

(Y/n):

Do you even know what the fuck happened to me this week!

(Y/n):

No you don’t, because it’s always Amber this, Amber that, Amber Amber Amber

Tara:

R u being serious rn

(Y/n):

my dog died on Monday

(Y/n):

it’s Saturday Tara

(Y/n):

and you didn’t even know because you aren’t even talking to me anymore.

(Y/n) let out a heavy sigh, frustration and hurt weighing heavily on her shoulders. She tossed her phone onto the couch, its screen illuminating the room for a moment before sinking into the soft cushions. She buried her head in her hands, seeking solace in the darkness, hoping that this act of vulnerability would finally make Tara realize the profound impact of her actions.

As (Y/n)'s fingers interlaced, a subtle vibration traveled through the cushions beside her. Startled, she lifted her head and turned her gaze toward the source of the unexpected movement. A flicker of hope sparked within her, wondering if perhaps Tara had sensed the gravity of the situation and was reaching out in response.

With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, (Y/n) reached for her phone, hoping to find a message from Tara that would acknowledge the pain she had caused and signal a willingness to address the underlying issues.

Tara:

Milos dead?

As tears streamed down her face, (Y/n)'s heart sank deeper into despair. The painful truth hit her with a forceful blow—Tara hadn't even acknowledged her feelings, let alone shown remorse for the hurt she had caused. In that moment, (Y/n) realized the difficult decision she needed to make.

Her fingers trembled as she wiped away the tears, a newfound determination taking root within her. It became clear that she couldn't continue in a relationship where her needs went unacknowledged and her emotions were dismissed. (Y/n) understood that she deserved someone who would put in the effort, who would cherish and respect her.

With a heavy yet resolute sigh, (Y/n) made up her mind. She would give Tara the space to figure herself out, to confront her own shortcomings and decide if she was willing to put in the effort required to mend their fractured bond. (Y/n) knew that she deserved a partner who would meet her halfway, who would prioritize their love and demonstrate genuine care.

As she made this decision, a bittersweet sense of liberation washed over (Y/n). It was a painful realization, but also a necessary one. She was prepared to step back, to let Tara find her own way, and to focus on healing herself in the process. With newfound clarity, she resolved to no longer tolerate being taken for granted.

(Y/n):

Tara I think we should take a break

Tara:

WHAT

Tara:

(Y/n) you can’t be serious

Tara:

We need to talk about this in person

Tara:

Come over I’ve told Amber to stay home

(Y/n):

we’ll talk on monday

With a heavy sigh, (Y/n) flipped her phone over and gently placed it back on the couch cushion. The persistent buzzing continued for a couple of minutes before gradually fading into silence. As she sat cross-legged on the floor, her gaze fixated on the plain wall before her, her mind swirled with a mixture of emotions.

In an effort to divert her thoughts, (Y/n) decided to immerse herself in a familiar and comforting activity. Rising from the floor, she made her way to the kitchen with determined steps. As she gathered the ingredients for baking cookies, the room filled with the sweet and nostalgic aroma that enveloped her senses.

With each measured scoop and gentle mix, (Y/n) found solace in the rhythmic process of creating something warm and inviting. The familiar motions of baking temporarily transported her to cherished memories of love and comfort, memories intertwined with moments shared with Tara. It was bittersweet, a reminder of the love they had once shared and the warmth that had brought them together.

As the cookies began to bake, filling the air with an irresistible scent, (Y/n) couldn't help but be caught in a swirl of conflicting emotions. The aroma wrapped around her, providing a temporary respite from the pain and uncertainty. Yet, within that comforting scent, lay memories of the love and connection she and Tara had once shared. It was a bittersweet reminder of what they had lost, but also a glimmer of the love that still lingered in her heart.

As (Y/n) carefully laid the freshly baked cookie onto the cooling rack, her mind drifted into a melodic trance. Humming a tune that played on repeat in her head, she found solace in the rhythmic melody. Lost in the sweet moment, her worries momentarily faded away.

However, her blissful reverie was abruptly interrupted by the persistent buzzing of her phone. Buzz, buzz, buzz. The sound echoed through the room, piercing the tranquility she had cultivated. (Y/n) let out a weary sigh, wondering what urgent message or notification could demand her attention at this moment.

Her playful imagination offered a lighthearted explanation, imagining that Mindy must be spamming her with updates about a newly announced horror movie. The thought brought a small giggle to her lips, a brief respite from the emotional heaviness that weighed upon her.

Curiosity piqued, (Y/n) reached for her phone, eager to discover the nature of the buzzes that had disrupted her peaceful interlude. With a mix of anticipation and amusement, she unlocked the screen, preparing herself for the unexpected and hoping for a welcome distraction from her swirling emotions.

Tara:

there’s some psycho calling me

Tara:

I answered an unknown number they know my name

Tara:

Shit

Tara:

I’ve locked my doors

Tara:

Please come over asap

Tara:

i can’t leave cars with my mom

Tara:

He’s fucking calling again

Tara:

Ambers acting weird

Tara:

False alarm maybe?

Tara:

She’s telling me to answer it

Tara:

(Y/n) seriously get your ass over here, the creeps using her phone, they knew when the landline was ringing

Tara:

I’m seriously freaking out right now

(Y/n)'s body went rigid with a chilling dread as the series of alarming texts from Tara unfolded before her eyes. Panic surged through her veins, and she knew she had to act swiftly. With a sense of urgency, she scrambled to put on her shoes, her fingers trembling as she hastily laced them up.

Her mind raced, consumed by a growing sense of unease. The cryptic messages from Tara painted a haunting picture of a dangerous situation unfolding. (Y/n)'s heart pounded, propelled by both fear for Tara's safety and a desperate need to unravel the mystery that now threatened them.

She frantically searched the couch cushions, her hands darting between the crevices, determined to find the misplaced car keys that held the key to her escape. Time seemed to slip through her fingers, each passing second amplifying the urgency of the situation.

Finally, her fingers closed around the cool metal of the car keys, and a flicker of hope ignited within her. With a gasp of relief, she pulled them free, clutching them tightly in her trembling hand. There was no time to waste.

(Y/n) dashed toward the door, her heart racing like a drumbeat of adrenaline. The gravity of Tara's messages resonated within her, spurring her forward with unwavering determination. She needed to reach Tara's side, to offer comfort, protection, and an unwavering presence in the face of their shared fear.

Sitting in the front seat of her car, (Y/n)'s hands trembled as she realized the urgency of letting Tara know she was on her way to help. With swift determination, she typed out a message,

(Y/n):

Omw gimme 5 mins I’ll call cops otw

Before she could even start the engine Tara had replied

Tara:

Hurry

Amber:

ANSWER THE PHONE OR AMBER DIES

Tara's heart raced as she sprinted towards the ringing landline, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Every fiber of her being was driven by the desperate need to save her friend from whatever horrors were lurking on the other end of the line. She knew her girlfriend, was already on her way, determined to reach her side as quickly as humanly possible, speeding down the suburban streets, driven by an urgent need to make the ten-minute drive shorter.

With trembling hands, Tara snatched the receiver from its cradle, her voice filled with anger and defiance as she spoke into the phone, “This isn’t fucking funny Amber!”

The voice that emanated from the other end of the line sent a chill down Tara's spine. It was a voice shrouded in mystery, draped in a tone that seemed to drip with a malevolent aura. It held an eerie calmness, devoid of any warmth or humanity, as if it existed solely to strike fear into her heart.

As the words, “I told you, this isn’t Amber,”resonated through the receiver, the voice carried a bone-chilling quality. It was a voice that sent a shiver racing down Tara's back, conjuring images of hidden dangers and unseen terrors. There was an unsettling cadence to the voice, a calculated rhythm that left no doubt that it was intended to provoke fear and uncertainty.

Tara's immediate internal fear intensified in response. The realization that the voice on the other end of the line was not who she initially assumed filled her with a sense of dread. It was a realization that shattered any lingering hope of this being a mere misunderstanding or prank. Instead, it emphasized the presence of an unknown figure, one with malicious intentions and a voice that resonated with a menacing power.

In that moment, Tara's fear became palpable, her instincts urging her to take caution and be on guard.

Tara's heart skipped a beat as a message flashed across her phone screen. Her trembling hands reached for the device, and with a mixture of curiosity and dread, she opened the message. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she watched the video that unfolded before her.

Amber, caught in an intimate moment, unaware of the malevolent presence that lurked just outside her bedroom window. The chilling voice that narrated the video through the crackling receiver broke the silence, dripping with a sarcastic tone that sent a shiver down Tara's spine.

As the video played, Tara's breath hitched, her mind reeling with the realization that Amber’s phone had been cloned. How long had she been talking to this unknown psycho for? She felt exposed, vulnerable, and at the mercy of an unknown adversary who had found a way to infiltrate her most personal moments.

“What do you want?” Tara quivered, unsure of what the voice wanted from her.

“I told you, I want to play a game,”

“Stab movie trivia,”

The malevolent figure had known she didn’t know anything about the Stab franchise, just moments before, she had confessed to only watching the first movie—and even then, it was at a sleepover six years ago—Tara felt a wave of panic wash over her as the weight of her predicament settled in her chest. The options before her seemed daunting: she could reach out to the authorities, but the looming threat of immediate harm or worse, death, loomed over her. The malevolent figure had made it clear that any wrong move, any misstep, would have dire consequences for Amber.

Her mind raced, desperately searching for a way out of this nightmarish scenario. She felt the weight of the Stab franchise's intricate details and plot twists bearing down on her, her limited knowledge leaving her vulnerable to the malevolent figure's sadistic game. The questions that awaited her were poised like traps, ready to ensnare her and seal Amber's tragic fate.

“Question one, who wrote the original books that the Stab movies are based on?”

Tara's mind raced as she desperately tried to recollect her memories. A book? The details were hazy, fading remnants of a distant recollection. She racked her brain, grasping for any shred of information that could help her in this dire situation. In a moment of clarity, a name burst forth from the depths of her memory.

"Th-the chick from TV," she stammered, her voice quivering. "Oh, Gale Weathers! It's Gale Weathers, you motherfucker!"

A chilling silence hung in the air, interrupted only by the masked figure's sinister chuckle. "Correct," the voice responded, dripping with a perverse satisfaction. "Amber might live to see the sunrise."

“Question two, who played the dumb bitch in the beginning of Stab one, who answers the phone and gets carved up by the killer?”

Tara’s hands quivered, the voice speaking almost mockingly to her situation, she never thought such an innocent phone call would end up like this, “fuck you!” She whispered quietly.

“Is that the answer you’re going with?”

Tara's sobs escaped her lips, a mixture of fear and frustration enveloping her. Time was slipping away, and the pressure to find the answer mounted with each tick of the taunting noises in the background. Desperation fueled her actions as she hastily pulled out her phone, fingers trembling as she searched for the cast list of Stab.

The voice on the other end of the line relished in her panic, using the ticking noises to remind her of the ever-dwindling seconds. Tara's eyes darted across the screen, her fingers swiping frantically, searching for that one crucial detail she needed. Where was it? The pressure weighed heavily upon her, pushing her to the brink.

"Heather Graham!" she blurted out, her voice quivering with a mix of uncertainty and hope. It was the answer that had come to mind, a name she hoped was associated with the first Stab movie. In that fleeting moment, she clung to the belief that her response was correct, that it would be enough to keep Amber safe.

A pause hung in the air, the voice on the other end relishing in the suspense. Then, a response echoed through the phone line. "Correct," the voice acknowledged, a sinister satisfaction lacing its tone. "Now, the final question: Who was the killer in Stab one?"

Tara almost sighed in relief, her voice laced with a mix of distress and defiance. "Oh, I know this one, you fuck!" Her words carried a defiant edge, fueled by a surge of determination. With a swallowed gulp, she didn't hesitate to provide her answer. "It's Billy Loomis! He's Sidney's boyfriend, and he was played by Luke Wilson. I've got you, asshole!"

An air of relief and triumph began to creep into Tara's voice, ready to celebrate her victory over the voice that had tormented her. She was certain of her answer, convinced that she had outsmarted the sinister figure on the other end of the line. "I've got it!"

A chilling silence hung in the air before the voice delivered a shocking response. "Oh, I'm sorry, Tara, but that's just not correct."

Tara's look of relief crumbled, replaced by a mix of confusion and growing concern. Doubt gnawed at her as she attempted to double-check her answer, her fingers frantically navigating through her phone. How could she have been so wrong? Billy Loomis was the killer, wasn't he?

"The correct answer is Billy Loomis and Stu Macher," the voice coldly explained, reveling in its control over the situation. "There are two killers in the original Stab. I'm afraid someone's gotta die now."

With a surge of adrenaline, Tara rushed towards the front door, her sole focus on saving Amber's life. Her trembling hands fumbled with the lock, desperately trying to unlock it and swing the door open. As the door swung wide, her path was abruptly blocked by a figure standing in the doorway, clad in the iconic Stab Ghostface costume. The sight sent chills down her spine.

In the intruder's hand gleamed a knife, its blade poised for attack, slashing at her side. Fear coursed through Tara's veins, but she refused to let it paralyze her. Summoning her courage, she lashed out, delivering a powerful punch aimed at the intruder's face. The blow momentarily stunned the masked figure, giving Tara a brief moment of respite.

Seizing the opportunity, she pushed against the door with all her might, attempting to shut it on the intruder. A grunt escaped her lips as she exerted every ounce of strength, her body pressed against the door. However, the relentless assailant's gloved hand snaked through the narrowing crack, the glint of a hunter knife threateningly waving in the air.

With a final burst of effort, Tara managed to force the intruder out and swiftly locked the door from the inside. Trembling and gasping for breath, she clutched at her pouring wound, tears streaming down her face in hysterics. Despite the pain and fear overwhelming her, she managed to summon the presence of mind to activate the home security system, a desperate attempt to fortify herself against any further intrusion.

The deafening bangs against the front door reverberated through the house, each thud echoing with a bone-chilling intensity. Tara clutched a knife tightly in her trembling hands, attempting to assert some form of control. She threatened the intruder with the arrival of the police, hoping to deter them. Yet, as abruptly as the banging started, it ceased, leaving the house shrouded in an eerie silence.

Tara cautiously backed away from the door, her gaze fixed on it, her senses on high alert. The wound on her side throbbed with pain, each heartbeat a painful reminder of her vulnerability. The momentary respite was disrupted by a loud noise emanating from her phone.

ALL SYSTEMS DISARMED.

Fear gripped her heart as she realized the intruder had tampered with the security system. With a desperate rush, she quickly accessed the app, her fingers trembling as she frantically locked the doors once again.

SYSTEMS ARMED.

The repeating cycle of the security system continued, amplifying the tension that hung in the air. Tara's mind raced as she tried to regain control, her wounded body screaming with each movement. She tapped on the lock button in a frenzied frenzy, desperately hoping to deny the intruder any chance of entry.

But the unrelenting repetition of the words continued, mocking her efforts.

ALL SYSTEMS DISARMED.

Tara's fear escalated, her voice choked with terror as she attempted to shout for help. Yet, no words escaped her lips, only hoarse noises of distress. Her movements became erratic, each pause prolonging the time it took to secure the locks.

SYSTEMS ARMED.

ALL SYSTEMS DISARMED.

SYSTEMS ARMED.

The relentless cycle of the security system added to the mounting tension, amplifying the sense of impending danger. Tara's breaths grew ragged as she slowly backed into the kitchen, her gaze never straying from the front door.

The piercing ring of the landline shattered the silence once again, sending a surge of fear coursing through Tara's veins. Her scream of terror echoed through the house as she hit her back against the wall, tears streaming down her cheeks like a torrent. With hesitant steps, she moved toward the ringing phone, each movement laden with trepidation.

"Hello?"

"Bonus Question, Tara!"

Tara's plea fell on deaf ears as the voice on the other end continued with sadistic glee. Her body curled inward, overcome by fear. She couldn't bear the torment any longer. Her thoughts raced to (Y/n), praying for her swift arrival. Tara wished she would come sooner, but deep down, she hoped the police would arrive first, shielding her from harm. In that moment, Tara realised she couldn't bear the thought of (Y/n) getting hurt. If she made it out alive, she vowed to never let her go again.

"Do you think I made it inside your house before you could rearm?"

An icy arm coiled around Tara's trembling torso, pulling her forcefully against a chilling presence. The killer's other hand, wielding the gleaming blade, plunged mercilessly into her gut. Agonized screams tore from Tara's throat as the knife was wrenched out, leaving a trail of crimson in its wake. Fighting against the searing pain, she managed to push herself away from her assailant, her front colliding with the cold, unforgiving countertop.

Summoning a surge of determination, Tara spun around with a sudden backhand, striking the killer with a burst of defiance. But her resistance was short-lived as a vice-like grip seized her hair, wrenching her down onto the unforgiving hardwood floor. The impact jarred her senses, leaving her disoriented and vulnerable, face pressed into the unyielding surface.

Desperation fueled her every movement as Tara attempted to kick away her attacker, her hopes of escape crushed under the brutal force of a stomping boot. The sickening crack of bone echoed through the air, intertwining with Tara's anguished screams. Her ankle mangled and shattered, rendering her attempts at resistance futile.

The killer, relentless in their pursuit, sought to position Tara for a final, fatal blow. But she refused to succumb without a fight. Summoning every ounce of strength, she raised her trembling hand in a desperate bid for defense. The blade tore through her flesh, eliciting a surge of searing pain, yet she persisted. Pushing against the blade with an agonizing determination, her blood mingling with the tears streaming down her face.

A fleeting moment of distraction granted Tara a brief respite. Seizing the opportunity, she mustered her remaining strength and launched a fierce kick at her tormentor. The force sent them hurtling backward, colliding violently with the kitchen island. Tara, lying prone on her stomach, dragged herself across the floor, a crimson trail left in her wake, intermingled with her anguished sobs.

The killer, slowly rising to their feet, taunted her with sadistic amusement. Their presence shadowed her every move as she struggled towards the distant patio doors, the faint wail of sirens growing louder. But her desperate escape was cut short as they viciously seized her ankles, yanking her back into their clutches. With chilling precision, they struck her back twice, puncturing her with each merciless stab.

A crimson halo enveloped Tara, her strength waning, yet she fought against the encroaching darkness. The killer spun her around, their malevolence masked by the reflection of red and blue police lights bouncing off their plastic Ghostface facade. As the world blurred and her life hung in the balance, a final cry reverberated through the night, a desperate plea for salvation.

“TARA!”

When (Y/n) burst through the front door, her heart sank at the sight of Tara's bloodied body sprawled across the floor. Ignoring the fading smudge of black, her focus was solely on Tara's well-being. She rushed over, cradling Tara's unconscious form against her chest, an instinctual need to protect taking over. If only she had come over as planned, if only she hadn't let jealousy cloud her judgment about Tara's friendship with Amber. (Y/n)'s tears streamed down her face as she held Tara's good hand, pressing gentle kisses to its back. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice laced with regret.

To her astonishment, Tara's hand weakly squeezed back, a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. (Y/n)'s touch shifted to cup Tara's blood-stained cheek, her eyes filled with concern. "Just hold on, darling. The ambulance is right outside," she reassured, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination. The sound of approaching footsteps alerted (Y/n) to the presence of others in the house, as people hurried into the kitchen, acknowledging the need for immediate medical assistance.

Tara was swiftly transferred to a waiting stretcher, (Y/n) steadfastly refusing to let go of her limp hand. A paramedic approached, inquiring about their relationship. (Y/n)'s voice trembled as she pleaded, tears streaming down her face, "I'm her girlfriend. Please, let me go with her. I can't leave her alone again." The paramedic nodded sympathetically, granting her request. "Go ahead," they said, understanding the depth of (Y/n)'s anguish.

With a mixture of hope and trepidation, (Y/n) followed Tara into the ambulance, her grip on her girlfriend's hand unyielding.

The ride to the hospital seemed like a hazy dream, (Y/n)'s mind clouded with worry and guilt. Tara remained unconscious, her pale face framed by the sterile hospital lights. The paramedics worked diligently, tending to her wounds with professional efficiency. (Y/n)'s gaze never wavered from Tara's face, her eyes searching desperately for any flicker of awareness. She wanted Tara to know that she was there, that she would never leave her side, even if the hospital staff tried to force her out.

The sight of Tara in the hospital bed, connected to various monitors and IV drips, filled (Y/n)'s heart with a mix of anguish and determination. This could have been prevented if only she had been there with her girlfriend. Now, Tara lay covered in gauze and dissolvable stitches, a stark reminder of the violence she had endured. (Y/n) vowed silently to be her rock, to support her through every step of the recovery process.

As the hospital staff continued their work, (Y/n) gently held Tara's hand, offering a silent reassurance in her touch. She whispered words of love and encouragement, hoping that somewhere within the depths of Tara's unconsciousness, her presence would be felt. The beeping machines and sterile hospital environment faded into the background as (Y/n)'s focus remained solely on Tara, her unwavering devotion shining through her eyes.

(Y/n)'s thoughts swirled with conflicting emotions as she sat by Tara's side in the hospital room. The urge to reach out to their friends and inform them about what had happened tugged at her, but a part of her hesitated. Almost selfishly, she wanted this moment to be just between her and Tara. She wanted Tara to wake up and find solace in her presence, to see the remorse and love etched in every fiber of her being.

Clutching Tara's hand tightly, (Y/n)'s eyes never left her girlfriend's face. She longed for Tara to open her eyes, to see the love and dedication shining through her gaze. It was important for (Y/n) to express her deepest apologies, to make sure Tara understood that she would never abandon her, no matter what. She needed Tara to know the depths of her love and commitment, to feel the unwavering support and presence by her side.

Growing weary, (Y/n) felt herself slipping into the realm of dreams, her grip on Tara's hand never faltering. But just as she began to drift away, a voice reached her ears, pulling her back to consciousness. With a sudden squeeze of her hand, Tara's touch broke through the veil of sleep. (Y/n)'s eyes shot open, wide with surprise and relief. There was Tara, sitting up in her hospital bed, her disheveled hair tied back, her eyes red and weary, and yet her presence was a beacon of beauty and strength.

Tears welled up in (Y/n)'s eyes, streaming down her cheeks like an unstoppable cascade. It was as if a dam had burst within her, releasing all the pent-up emotions she had been holding onto. Tara's loving gaze quickly shifted to concern at the sight of (Y/n)'s tears. "What's wrong? Please don't cry," Tara's voice, raspy from the ordeal, carried that familiar softness and affectionate tone that (Y/n) had longed to hear.

Through her tear-strained voice, (Y/n) choked out her words, unable to contain the overwhelming remorse and love she felt. "Tara, I'm so fucking sorry. I should have just come over, I should have been there for you-" Her words trailed off, interrupted by the weight of her guilt.

Tara's expression softened, a tender smile gracing her lips. "Hey, hey, it's okay," she reassured, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "None of this was your fault. I know you would have been here if you could. What matters now is that you're here with me, and I love you.”

Tara scooted to the edge of the hospital bed, patting the space beside her, an invitation for (Y/n) to join her. The desire for comfort and solace radiated from Tara's eyes, a silent plea for the warmth of her girlfriend's embrace after the harrowing ordeal they had both endured. (Y/n) hesitated for a moment, mindful of Tara's injuries, but the need for their souls to intertwine and find solace in each other's presence outweighed any physical discomfort. Gingerly, she laid down beside Tara, careful to support herself and cradle Tara's head in her arms.

Nuzzling her nose into Tara's hair, (Y/n) whispered with a voice filled with love and longing, "I missed you." The words carried the weight of their shared experiences and the depth of their connection. In that tender moment, they sought solace in each other's embrace, finding strength and healing in their love.

Tara shifted slightly, snuggling closer to (Y/n)'s chest, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. The rise and fall of each other's breaths created a rhythm that matched their heartbeat, a synchrony of love and reassurance. (Y/n) pressed gentle kisses to the top of Tara's head, conveying the depth of her affection and the promise of unwavering support.

As they lay there, entwined in each other's arms, the world outside the hospital room faded away.

“I missed you too”

#scream #tara carpenter #tara carpenter x reader #jenna ortega #jenna ortega x reader #you Jenna Ortega hoes gonna love this #for the Jenna gals

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blooming-marylii · 3 months ago

Text

I'm very normal about differences in dynamics between Jeremy and the SQUIP in each version of the musical, so I'm going to yell at you about it. And about SQUIPs in general tbf. This'll get kinda long

Ok, so in my understanding, SQUIPs don't all interact with their users the same. Each SQUIP's personality gets generated(?) during first activation based on its user's psychological attributes to achieve the best possible result. I also think SQUIPs are inherently benevolent but simultaneously amoral, which is why they eventually mess their users up in attempts to improve their lives

Another thing that probably isn't super important to all of this, but I still feel should be mentioned, is that while I do think their personalities are individually generated, I still believe they are just that. Personalities. All the reactions aren't simulated for users' benefit. The human brain is like a supercomputer, so why couldn't an advanced supercomputer be like a brain?

With all that out of the way, moving onto Jeremy and his SQUIP

In general, the SQUIP experiences the world and makes conclusions about it largely through Jeremy's knowledge. Which is exactly why it calls him pathetic and similar things. Because it genuinely thinks this way about Jeremy because Jeremy thinks this way about himself. So the SQUIP sees this as a fact. Additionally, deprecation motivates Jeremy to change just so it doesn't continue. This is a good strategy from the SQUIP's point of view because it produces quick results in achieving its goal

Now, let's talk about the differences

Two River: Jeremy wants his life to become better/easier but can't achieve this himself and doesn't believe anyone will help him. Becoming cool is a nice daydreaming scenario he doesn't expect to ever come true. Up until he learns about SQUIPs. And then he sees the SQUIP as his Only Chance To Be Helped. Which is why the SQUIP becomes so self-assured and condescending. It is Jeremy's saviour, his light at the end of the tunnel. It is the only thing that can help this pathetic little creature of a user. And it knows this. So it behaves accordingly

Broadway: Jeremy is an anxious mess to the point where harshness from the personification of his Only Chance To Be Helped would just destroy him. This guy needs some meds and support. So, the SQUIP provides support. The SQUIP sets an example. The SQUIP sympathises (if not empathises) because its user is so anxiety-ridden that he's going to either start crying or have a panic attack. He needs someone to stabilise him, he needs a support system, and he needs encouragement

West End (or, well. I've only seen the off-West End bootleg, but I don't think they made any drastic changes to characterisation between productions): for Jeremy, not being a loser brings a sense of vindication. Near the end of Loser Geek Whatever, when he realises he can be popular amongst his peers, he enters a mental state that I can only describe as manic. My guy sounds like all his rational thoughts left him, and he's riding that high. Which I'm assuming means that when this was only a daydreaming scenario, Jeremy was also a little too invested into/excited about it. And since making Jeremy popular is the SQUIP's primary objective, the strongest emotion associated with this idea had to influence its personality. I'd say this SQUIP is very straightforward and collected by default, but when it needs to hype Jeremy up, or when they are getting closer to achieving their goal, it gets more unhinged to varying degrees, depending on the situation. And because getting closer to achieving the goal is a process split up into chunks, the SQUIP gets more unhinged a little more often than one might expect

#be more chill #bmc #the squip #jeremy heere #idk what else to tag this as #u know what. fun fact.#this was initially written as a sort of 'justice for west end squip' take bc my friend said it was too unhinged & obsessed in her opinion #so i rewatched the bootleg trying to determine whether i liked this squip solely because its hot or if i genuinely like the portrayal #and then loser geek whatever happened and i was like #oh wow this was intentional. they match each other's freak #so i described my thoughts to this friend and she said i was right and should share this on tumblr #so here i am. hi #overthinking is good actually

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tobiasdrake · 1 month ago

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Digimon Adventure 02x21 - Goodbye, Ken-chan / The Crest of Kindness

Previously on Digimon Adventure: We set the Kaiser's base on fire to distract him while we blew it up. Unfortunately, we tragically underestimated the power and efficiency of the Kaiser's emergency fire suppressant systems. However, just when all hope seemed lost, Daisuke jumped in a hole and came back with DVD copies of Digimon Adventure: Hurricane Touchdown, in stores now.

Daisuke: DIGIMENTAL UP!!! V-mon: V-MON, ARMOR SHINKAAAAAA Magnamon: RADIANT MIRACLE, MAGNAMON!!! Daisuke: H-He evolved....

The golden evolution so nice, we played it twice. We open on Magnamon's evolution once more, as well as the accompanying footage of everyone being shocked.

But we skip Wormmon, Takeru, and the Kaiser reacting and move right along.

Daisuke: M... Magnamon...?

Magnamon is an Armor-stage Free-attribute Paladin Digimon. Not a lot to really say here. He first appeared in the various 02-associated media; In the cards added to incorporate 02 Digimon, the 02 D-3 V-Pet, the 02 movie a month ago, etc. His name comes from the Latin word "magna" which means large or grand.

Narrator: Magnamon! An Armor Digimon that evolved from V-mon using the Digimental of Miracles. He releases light from his armor using his special attack Extreme Jihad.

You fucking heard him. In this, the year 2000, Magnamon is going to fight the climactic final battle at the peak of the Digimon Kaiser arc using his signature attack エクストリームジハード Ekusutoriimu Jihaado.

In the upper chamber, Magnamon's overflowing light fills Poromon and Upamon with energy, restoring their stamina the way the Digimental of Miracles did for Chibimon.

Poromon: M-My strength.... Upamon: My strength is returning-dagyaa!

Rejuvenated, Poromon and Upamon evolve into their Child forms once more.

In the dub:

Davis: GOLDEN ARMOR ENERGIZE!!! V-mon: VEEMON GOLDEN ARMOR DIGIVOLVE TO.... Magnamon: MAGNAMON!!! Davis: Wow, that was intense!

Still no title for Magnamon. I bet they just don't want to say the word "miracle".

In the previous episode, this line from Davis was "Ah! Dude, that's amazing!" The spirit is the same but as usual he's saying different things in the two versions of the same moment.

Davis: You're about the coolest thing I've ever seen! Where'd you get those rad shoulderpads? I could use them as boogie boards! Magnamon: (rundown) I am Magnamon, a Golden Armor Digimon that attacks with my Magna Blaster. And I look so good doing it too. Poromon: My strength is back! Upamon: Yeah, me too!

Definitely just didn't want to say the word "miracle". They threw out the phrases "Radiant Miracle", "Digimental of Miracles", and unsurprisingly "Extreme Jihad" from this scene.

Watching from above, the Chosen Children try to make sense of this.

Miyako: What is that!? I've never seen a Digimon like that before! Iori: Is it a new Armor Evolution? Takeru: No, it can't be. There aren't any Crests left to inherit. Hikari: It could be some kind of special evolution that's unique from the others.

But they aren't the only ones who've noticed this. Outside, Chimeramon suddenly stops and looks back at the fortress. Doing a 180, the creature flies back to the structure and crashes through a wall. The probably-Devimon voice laughs as they breach the fortress once more.

Voice: Hahahahahaha!

The veterans here are laying it on thick that Magnamon isn't as simple as "Oh cool, we're getting another round of new evolutions."

In the dub:

Yolei: I wonder if Hawkmon can Golden Armor Digivolve? Cody: I don't get it. Where did he come from? T.K.: It came from that Golden Digi-Egg! Davis must have unleashed its power! Kari: This is fantastic! Can somebody turn off his headlights?

The Probably-Devimon voice's twisted laughter does not play when Kimeramon crashes through the wall.

They're all off-script. Where Hikari answers the question of how we're meant to interpret Magnamon, T.K. answers the question of what Magnamon is literally: A new Armor Digimon from the new Digi-Egg, duh. That's how Digi-Eggs work.

I also have a minor nitpick with T.K.'s line and that is having characters speculate things that they factually know. Either he watched Davis do that or he wouldn't know about the Golden Digi-Egg at all.

Anyways, it's CHIMERAMON TIME-- Wait, no. Scratch that. Chimeramon's dynamic entry was in the wrong room or something 'cause it'll take them a moment to get here. That's embarrassing. Hope nobody saw that.

This time, the Kaiser is recovered and ready to offer his opinion on Magnamon.

Kaiser: How many times are you people going to interfere!? Daisuke: Digimon Kaiser! It's time to settle this!

Suddenly, far below, a heavy impact breaches part of the central column's outer wall.

Hikari: It's the power of Darkness! Takeru: They're back!

Magnamon stops gleaming wildly, pulling his radiance back inward. Looking down at the impact spot, he watches Chimeramon crash through the wall and into the central column far below.

Kaiser: (pleasantly surprised) Chimeramon!

From the depths of the column, Chimeramon charges through the air, soaring straight up at their quarry.

Magnamon: DAISUKE!!!

Acting fast, Magnamon tackles Daisuke and carries him to safety moments before Chimeramon bursts through the walkway where he'd been standing.

(Had to tackle the wall twice to get through this time, and it wasn't even the right elevation. Dynamic entries are hard. No one appreciates the work that goes into them.)

In the dub:

Emperor: Hey, Digi-Fools! Do you honestly think your new Digimon can beat me? He couldn't even be my flashlight! Davis: Oh, yeah!? Well, sticks and stones can break my bones but when Magnamon gets a hold of you, he'll kick your-- Emperor: But! You didn't let me finish. He would make a good night light.

Ken's talking a lot of shit for a guy with no Digimon to fight Magnamon with. Davis really has to stretch for that butt/but word-replacement gag, but does capture the right vibe: He's powered up and ready to break Ken's face.

(Heavy impact below) Kari: (gasp) What was that!? T.K.: It can't be good! (Kimeramon crashes through) Emperor: (pleasantly surprised) Kimeramon!

Dub veterans are slower on the uptake here. In the original, Hikari seems to actually sense Probably-Devimon's presence more than she's reacting to the impact. Chimeramon's return brings the Dark power haunting Ken back into the fortress. Because they are the same.

When Kimeramon breaks through the wall and rushes upwards, the dub takes its first commercial break. On return, they quickly cut together short clips of Kimeramon crashing through and flying upwards again to re-establish the action.

Davis: WATCH OUT!!! Magnamon: Huh? Davis: Whooooa! (Magnamon tackles Davis off the bridge)

Here, it's Davis who warns Magnamon about the impending attack rather than the other way around... and then Davis awkwardly gawks at Kimeramon until Magnamon saves his dumb ass. Even though. He's the one who said "watch out" to begin with. Uh.

Once the danger's passed, Daisuke and Magnamon pick themselves off the ground. Magnamon's eyes still locked on Chimeramon, now above them.

Magnamon: Daisuke, leave this part to me. Daisuke: Ah, gotcha!

Daisuke clenches his fist.

Daisuke: All of this... IT ENDS TODAY!!!

Roaring with intent, Daisuke charges for the doorway leading back into the rest of the structure.

Takeru: We're going too!

The rest of the team run off to join in. Finally, Wormmon also departs the central column. Spitting a strand of silk and wrapping it around a pipe above, Wormmon swings up to the room that the Kaiser's watching from.

Wormmon: Hey, it's dangerous here. Hurry, we need to run! Kaiser: Quiet! My Chimeramon has returned to me. Wormmon: But they aren't listening to you anymore. Kaiser: SHUT UP!!!

The Kaiser whips Wormmon in the face, smacking him aside. Then he resumes watching the action with a smile on his face.

Kaiser: (enchanted) Chimeramon....

Hey, you remember when Takeru made him eat that fucking whip? Good times.

In the dub:

Magnamon: Davis, I'll take care of this. Davis: Go get him, Magnamon! Show him he's no match for you. (Davis clenches his fist) Davis: But just in case he is, I'll get the others! T.K.: We've gotta get out of here, guys!

Doesn't go nearly as hard as "This ends today".

In the original, Daisuke is running off to go punch the Kaiser out of Ichijouji Ken and the others are going to help him shitstomp on that slimy weasel's face. The dub changes it to Davis fleeing to get reinforcements while the others want to retreat, which is a total flipflop.

When he spits his silk, Wormmon calls it as an attack in the dub.

Wormmon: SILK THREAD!!! (Wormmon swings up to the Emperor) Wormmon: I don't mean to drop in like this but Kimeramon is tearing the place apart. Emperor: Nonsense! He's simply following my orders to attack! Wormmon: But Kimeramon's not following anyone's orders but his own. Can't you see that?

The Kaiser whipping Wormmon is cut from the dub. They go straight to the Emperor's enchanted, smiling face.

Emperor: My greatest creation won't let me down.

Despite the cut, the point that the Digimon Emperor is utterly deluded and refuses to admit he's lost control is still well-made.

As Magnamon meets Chimeramon, the battle is joined.

Magnamon feints towards Chimeramon, suddenly swerving to the right once he's in range to attack. Chimeramon falls for it, throwing a punch with their right Devimon arm and whiffing the air. While Chimeramon's disoriented, Magnamon turns in the air, kicks off the wall, and comes in for his real attack.

Magnamon: MAGNUM PUNCH!!!

A fierce right hook to Chimeramon's left temple sends the creature crashing down into the wall below.

Inside, Takeru's crew ascends the spiral stairs that ring the central column. Daisuke comes running up from behind.

Daisuke: GUYS!!! Takeru: Daisuke-kun!

The team stops so he can catch up. But then Chimeramon hits the wall and their right Devimon elbow breaks through. It crashes through the wall right behind Daisuke, knocking him off his feet.

Daisuke: DYAUGH!!!

Outside, Magnamon continues the assault.

Magnamon: MAGNUM KICK!!!

They land a right flying kick that's as much a stomp as a kick straight into Chimeramon's face. After that, they forego named attacks and just start throwing punches, slugging Chimeramon's face as if it were a punching bag.

From the stairway, everyone stares in confusion at Devimon's elbow for a moment, which twitches with every hit Chimeramon takes on the other side of the wall. Tailmon finally brings them to their senses.

Tailmon: We don't have much time left. The fortress is starting to fall. Armadimon: If we don't hurry, the Kaiser will get away-dagyaa! Daisuke: Right! Let's go!

With that, the team gets back on the move.

For clarity, since the fansub translated Tailmon's line as "The fortress is collapsing" so I guess this might be confusing: She means it's starting to fall in the sense that it is beginning a rapid descent. We are inside an airborne structure that no longer possesses a power source. It's about to start moving inexorably towards the ground, and we probably don't want to be inside when they meet.

In the dub:

Magnamon: MAGNA PUNCH!!! (Punch; Cut to Hallway) Davis: GUYS, WAIT!!! T.K.: (alarmed) RUN, DAVIS!!! (Kimeramon's elbow crashes through the wall) Magnamon: MAGNA KICK!!!

This sequence is apparently way too violent for the dub. They use white flashes to obscure the impacts for both Magna Punch and Magna Kick. Once he starts boxing, they keep one shot of just Magnamon throwing punches towards the camera but cut all footage of him flying around pummeling Kimeramon's face.

Gatomon: We don't have that much time! We have to ditch this place before it takes a nosedive! Armadillomon: Sure would be nice to capture the Digimon Emperor while we're here. Davis: Right! Let's go get him!

So, a few things. T.K. seems to have a psychic premonition and realize, based on nothing, that the elbow's about to come crashing through. He yells at Davis to run even though he isn't aware of anything Davis needs to run from.

Armadillomon finally comes up with the idea of taking the fight to Ken, which was already what they were trying to do in the original.

An interesting note about Magnum Punch and Kick: They're kind of the same word as Magnamon's name. This is because the a/u distinction between Magna and Magnum doesn't exist when the words are transliterated into Japanese Katakana.

マグナモン Magunamon

マグナムパンチ Magunamu Panchi

"Magnum" in Katakana is literally just "Magna" with a ム mu at the end. The word "Magnum" is already derived from the root word "Magna" but here they are basically the same. In fact, it might be more accurate to translate Magnamon as Magnumon! The Magnum attacks imply that they were going for that.

Finally, Chimeramon's had enough and gets their second wind.

Chimeramon lets out a shot of Heat Viper. Magnamon takes a glancing hit to his right shoulder and the beam continues, striking the wall right next to the opening the Kaiser is standing in.

Kaiser: Where do you think you're aiming, Chimeramon!? Chimeramon: Ahahahahahaha!

That wicked laugh returns, now unmistakably coming from Chimeramon. The Kaiser's eyes go wide. He slowly backs up as Chimeramon turns towards him, belting out that hideous cackle.

Chimeramon: AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Suddenly, Magnamon comes in from the left with another flying kick, though he doesn't call this one. A left Devimon hook counters his approach, knocking him out of the air and sending him tumbling into the abyss below.

In the dub, Kimeramon calls his shot.

Kimeramon: HEAT VIPER!!! Emperor: AUGH!!! Watch where you're aiming! Remember who your Master is, Kimeramon! Kimeramon: Ahahahahahaha! (Emperor backs away, terrified) Kimeramon: AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Magnamon: MAGNA KICK!!! (Kimeramon knocks Magnamon away)

The dub censors Kimeramon's punch two separate ways. First, the point of impact for the punch is obscured with a white flash. Then, as Magnamon's falling, Magnamon hitting the wall and bouncing off is concealed behind a discretion cut to the Emperor looking scared.

Punch, white flash, Magnamon is sent hurtling downward, cut to the Emperor, cut back to Magnamon still falling, then cut to the Emperor for real this time.

This really is the No Violence Allowed episode, apparently. They can't even show Magnamon getting bounced off a wall.

Wormmon crawls up to the Kaiser's leg, grabbing onto his leg.

Wormmon: You understand now, don't you, Ken-chan? Kaiser: Let go!

The Kaiser weakly shakes his leg to try and get Wormmon off.

Wormmon: We made a terrible mistake! Kaiser: A mistake? That's ridiculous! I don't make mistakes! Everything I do is perfect! Wormmon: This time is different, Ken-chan! Kaiser: BE QUIET!!!

This time, much more forcefully, the Kaiser kicks Wormmon up into the air and then whips him across the hall. Standing over his battered Partner and looking absolutely deranged, the Kaiser exclaims:

Kaiser: This is a game and, in the end, I'll be the one who wins it! Daisuke: Are you still saying that!?

Slowly, Wormmon opens his eyes to see that the rest of the team have arrived to confront the Kaiser.

In the dub:

Wormmon: I beg you to listen to me. He's out of control! Emperor: Get off me! You're sliming up my pants! Wormmon: Please, Master, let's leave. He'll destroy you! Emperor: But I'm his... creator! I nurtured him from the beginning with evil! These kids today have no respect! Wormmon: You're right, Master. Let's talk about it outside where it's much safer. Emperor: I'M NOT LEAVING!!!

Some more censoring here. The Kaiser whipping Wormmon and the shot of a crumpled and battered Wormmon on the ground are both cut. They replay the shot of Wormmon clinging to the Emperor's leg and talking to him after the Emperor screams, then go straight to the deranged looking Emperor shot.

Wormmon: I understand. You tried to make Kimeramon yours but I'm your true friend. Emperor: Listen, you little nightcrawler! If I had a friend, it certainly wouldn't be you! Davis: KEN!!!

We lose a lot of character details for Ken here. His admission of "I don't make mistakes; Everything I do is perfect" is a pretty telling remark that informs on a lot of his behavior in this final sub-arc. We know Ken has always been a flawless prodigy. Everything he does just comes naturally to him, and he's grown up in an environment of endless praise for his effortless accomplishments.

Ken is resistant to personal growth and change because he can't really fathom the idea that he, Ichijouji Ken, would have made an error. We saw that resistance as recently as last episode, when he had a revelation about the Digimon's true nature that he promptly pushed out-of-mind and went back to what he was doing.

Ken's environment and his natural talent have made him pigheaded and stubborn. It's just easier for him to believe everyone around him is stupid and wrong than to accept that something he thought or did was incorrect. Because, for much of his life, that has been exactly the case. So even now, faced with evidence of his error in judgment, his ego cannot accept that the Boy Genius Ichijouji Ken made a mistake.

The dub drops that in favor of generational whining about The Youths.

As a consolation, we do get a reminder of a significant emotional beat, that Ken created Chimeramon/Kimeramon specifically to replace Wormmon as his Partner Digimon. This is also an important character point.

...and lose the reminder of Ken's other significant error in judgment: He thinks the Digital World is a video game and all the Digimon are just NPCs. He's farming Digimon like Minecraft Villagers. Ken hasn't brought this up very much since the first episode, but it's pretty important for understanding his character.

Realizing the others are upon him, the Digimon Kaiser turns to face Daisuke's team.

Kaiser: The Chimeramon I created will never lose to the likes of you. Daisuke: Now isn't the time to ramble about winning or losing some game! Miyako: What does making a Digimon even mean!? You really think it's okay to do something like that!? Iori: How can you be so proud of scraping off data from other Digimon to create "your" Digimon!? It's stupid! Digimon aren't toys!

Takeru gestures to the Partner Digimon they have with them.

Takeru: Take a good look at these Digimon! They're living, breathing creatures! They're alive! They're valuable, irreplaceable partners to us! Ken: (stunned) Ah!

That cuts deep. The Kaiser gasps in shock at Takeru's words. Then Hikari steps forward.

Hikari: You're supposed to be a Chosen Child yourself, but you don't even understand that much?

She points to the battered Wormmon on the ground.

Hikari: That Digimon is your Partner, isn't he?

Wormmon slowly picks himself up off the ground.

Wormmon: Ken-chan...? Kaiser: The Digimon that suits me most... is CHIMERAMON!!!

But still, the Kaiser refuses to listen. Clinging even now to his mistakes. The Kaiser is perfect. He cannot be wrong.

In the dub:

Emperor: Well, if it isn't the DigiDestined! I see that you've finally come to your senses and are ready to surrender to me and Kimeramon. Davis: Fat chance, Ken! I think some of your hairspray must have leaked through into your brain again! Yolei: And another thing! Who said it was okay for you to go out and create a Digimon anyway!? Cody: Yeah, do you think you're Dr. Frankenstein or something!? Creating creatures just for your own cruel pleasure!? Kimeramon is not the monster, Ken; You are! (T.K. gestures at the Partner Digimon) T.K.: Look at them! Are they trying to hurt you!?

Uh, kind of, yes. Weird question for the guy who beat the shit out of Ken yesterday to ask. This isn't the angle, chief.

T.K.: They're not your toys for some kind of a sick game! They're alive! They're not just data in a computer; They're living creatures like you and I! Ken: (stunned) Huh? Kari: You're DigiDestined too, just like us. You have a responsibility to both worlds. Like Wormmon! He's your friend and not someone you should kick around. Wormmon: ...Master...? Emperor: There's only one Digimon that's suitable enough for me. AND THAT'S KIMERAMON!!!

Cody makes a pretty clever comparison to Frankenstein that falls apart under close inspection. Kimeramon very much is the greater monster. A pretty significant thing that is happening right now is that Ken has awakened a true nightmare and has revealed himself a dumb kid drunk on his own hype and grasping for a semblance of control.

It's like if Frankenstein made a Faustian pact to create his Monster, which is now a vessel of Mephistopheles.

Here, they drop the "Digimon are our valuable Partners" point which got touched on in the preceding scene between the Emperor and Wormmon. Odd choice given that it's the basis of the Kaiser/Emperor's final outburst.

Instead, they just say Digimon are friends. Wormmon is the Emperor's friend, Kari accuses. Which. Uh. No. Demonstrably, he is not. Dub Wormmon has only ever been the Emperor's personal 'monservant and whipping boy. Without that specific connection of Chosen Child and Partner Digimon, she sounds delusional. The Emperor clearly has no feelings of any sort of bond towards Wormmon and never, ever has.

In the central chamber, the fight continues.

Chimeramon uses Heat Viper to blast the remaining three walkways off of what used to be the generator, then another ship to break the column supporting it. The generator platform falls into Magnamon, erupting into flames and carrying him to the bottom of the structure where it explodes. The blast rips through the very bottom of the fortress.

This sequence passes without dialogue in the dub, as in the original.

Kaiser: This is the end for this fortress. If you want to die then keep wasting time here!

With that, he leaves Wormmon behind and runs for his life.

Daisuke: Wait, Digimon Kaiser! ICHIJOUJI KEN!!!

But the Kaiser keeps running. Wormmon weakly hops up the stairs after him. Still loyal to his Partner even now.

As another explosion rocks the stairwell, the Chosen Children have a withdrawal of their own to make.

Hawkmon: Miyako-san! We must flee as well. Miyako: Yeah, but... aren't you tired? Hawkmon: We're okay. Please let us handle this. Tailmon: Do you guys feel up to it? Patamon: Yeah! Armadimon: Dagyaa! Hikari: In that case, then please.... Group: DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

That stamina rejuvenation from the Digimental of Miracles wasn't for nothing, y'know!

In the dub:

Emperor: Don't feel too proud that you destroyed my home base because you are going down with it! (Emperor flees) Davis: Wait, Ken! We want to help you! KEN, LISTEN TO ME!!!

Do we? We haven't said anything about helping him. Where did that come from?

Hawkmon: Pardon me, but it is getting a little hot down here! Yolei: Right! But do you guys have enough energy to Digivolve? Hawkmon: Yes, now let's leave before I'm a fried chicken! Gatomon: The heat is on, guys! Ready? Patamon: Mhm! Armadillomon: Yeah! Kari: Okay, let's do it. Group: DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!!

Hawkmon delivers that "Yes" like it's the most obvious thing in the world, which I appreciate. Miyako/Yolei has not been following the plot today.

Once the team's Armored up, Digmon fires his Gold Rush at the wall.

Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!!

His drills explode on impact, but only crater the wall a bit. It's not enough to breach.

Elsewhere, Magnamon does breach the wall, smashing through to the desert outside. Chimeramon follows after him. Turning in the air, Magnamon lets off another attack.

Magnamon: PLASMA SHOT!!!

It's a set of eight homing missiles fired from the panels on his armor. They turn in the air and lock onto Chimeramon, hitting them dead center and exploding.

Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!!

This time, Digmon's drills break through the wall, opening a gap large enough for Digmon, Pegasmon, Nefertimon, and Horusmon to escape with their Partners.

Daisuke rides shotgun on the back of Pegasmon, but as they depart, he looks back at the fortress.

Daisuke: Ichijouji Ken....

In the distance, a lone Devidramon takes flight from the top of the fortress moments before it crashes into the sand.

The dub plays the insert song Run Around over this escape sequence, where the original's playing the usual Break Up. They add some lines to the escape.

Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! (Failure; Magnamon and Kimeramon break out) Magnamon: MAGNA BLAST!!! (Direct hit on Kimeramon) Digmon: GOLD RUSH!!! (This time they break through) Digmon: (escapes) Come on, everyone! Follow me! Pegasusmon: (escapes) I'll follow him! Nefertimon: (escapes) I'll follow you! Halsemon: (escapes) I'll follow you! Digmon: Now that's what I call following orders! (Davis looks back at the base) Davis: Geeze, that was a close one!

The follow-follow banter is cute. Though it bugs me that Davis's line was changed away from Ken after exclaiming "We want to help you!" a moment ago.

Magnamon's attack is called Magna Blast, but it is not a blast. It is missiles. In the original, it's Plasma Shot, which is also incorrect. It is missiles. Nobody knows what missiles are.

Following the fall of the Kaiser's fortress, the desert is silent. It lays buried in the sand.

The silence lasts about three seconds before a sharp reminder that there is a high-power deathmatch happening nearby.

Magnamon: EXTREME JIHAD!!!

Beams of light erupt forth from every metal surface on Magnamon. The light scorches Chimeramon, who roars in pain with visible smoke trails rising from their body.

But despite Magnamon's immense power, Chimeramon is still standing when the light fades. They let out a defiant, beastly roar.

Magnamon: This is bad... I don't have any power left....

Magnamon slumps in the air, struggling to even remain afloat.

In the dub, as the dust settles, Magnamon references the crashing of the Hindenberg.

Magnamon: Oh, the humanity! (Fighting resumes) Magnamon: MAGNA BLAST!!! (No effect) Magnamon: It's no use! He's too strong! I'm running out of power!

Magnamon calls Extreme Jihad as Magna Blast too. It makes a lot more sense in this context, as it is both blast and magna.

With Magnamon's batteries drained, Chimeramon easily capitalizes.

Before Magnamon knows what hit him, Chimeramon closes distance and snatches him up in their SkullGreymon hand.

Magnamon: Shit!

From the desert below, perched atop his Devidramon, the Kaiser watches with enraptured fervor.

Kaiser: Good job! Now crush him, Chimeramon! Wormmon: You can do this, Magnamon! Kaiser: What!?

Unsurprisingly, the Kaiser punishes that remark with a whiplash to the back of the head.

The dub takes its second commercial break after Kimeramon grabs Magnamon. We pick right back up where we left off on return.

Emperor: That's it! Let him have it, Kimeramon! Wormmon: You can do it, Magnamon! Emperor: SILENCE!!!

This time, the dub actually lets the Emperor whip Wormmon. Though, of course, they obscure the moment of impact with a white flash. There's still a whipcrack sound so it's unmistakable what just happened.

Wormmon quivers in place, a thin red line clearly visible along his back in closeup.

Wormmon: Ken-chan, you still don't understand, do you? The old Ken-chan wasn't like this.

With tears in his eyes, Wormmon turns around to look at Ken.

Wormmon: The Ken-chan that I first traveled the Digital World with wasn't like this! We laughed together. We cried together. Me and the ordinary, kindhearted Ken-chan!

Up above, Chimeramon squeezes Magnamon harder. He cries out in pain.

Magnamon: HUAAAAGH!!!

While, down below, Wormmon's speech continues.

Wormmon: Then, the next time we met, you told me to call you Digimon Kaiser. I couldn't do it... Because no matter how you present yourself, you're still Ken-chan. That's why, no matter how many awful things you did as the Digimon Kaiser, I always believed you'd go back to being Ken-chan one day. Believing that is how I was able to follow you!

Wormmon glows with white energy as he speaks. So there's no uncertainty, Break Up begins to play as he glows. This is the holy light of a Chosen Child. It's Ken-chan's light, long suppressed by the Digimon Kaiser.

To be real for a moment, Ken's lucky that Wormmon has the patience of a saint. Otherwise Wormmon would have Dark Evolved and bitten him in half a long time ago. But instead, Wormmon chose to cling to Ken's kindness even when Ken himself had long abandoned it.

In the dub:

Wormmon: I hope you're finally proud of yourself. You've officially become worse than the monsters you've created. (Wormmon turns around to look at Ken) Wormmon: What ever happened to that sweet kid I met a long time ago who had a dream to take over the Digital World? Okay, sure, it was a sick and twisted dream but still, we had a lot of laughs together. What happened to the boy I was proud to call Master? Of course, you make me call you that.... (Kimeramon squeezes Magnamon harder) Magnamon: Take it easy! I'm not a melon! Wormmon: You've changed, Ken. But it's not too late for you. For some reason you started capturing Digimon and you turned them into your slaves instead of into your friends! I didn't agree but I stuck by your side because I was your Digimon. And then you started being cruel to me, the one who knows the true you. The others may know and fear you as the Digimon Emperor, but never forget that I know the real you.

The real him... with the sick and twisted dream to take over the Digital World while making you call him Master? The dub completely butchers this speech. Wormmon claims that Ken was always a piece of shit, just not this bad.

"You made the captured Digimon your slaves instead of your friends!" is such a weird line.

The dub is torn between their characterization of Ken as a Saturday Morning Cartoon villain born from pure evilness to shoot moon lasers at orphanages and rob jewelry stores, and the earnest heartfelt speech that Wormmon's supposed to be delivering here. They've gone too hard on the bit and are now being forced to have a moment of serious drama between what are effectively Snively Whiplash and Muttley.

And it hits so weird.

Up above, Magnamon begins to glow with Ken's light as well.

Magnamon: Huh? Th-This is.... Wormmon: I will always believe in you, Ken-chan. In the real Ken-chan, not the Digimon Kaiser. The real Ken-chan....

Wormmon shines even brighter. Glowing with energy, he roars:

Wormmon: ...IS THE KIND KEN-CHAN!!!

Then he tackles the Kaiser in the gut, knocking him off of the Devidramon. Ken lands on his shoulder in the sands below while Wormmon makes off with his enslaved Devidramon. Together, Wormmon and Devidramon take to the air and make for Chimeramon.

In the dub:

Magnamon: Huh? What's happening? Wormmon: I'll always think of you for your kindness, Ken, no matter what happens. One day, I hope you'll realize that the real Ken isn't the Digimon Emperor but the Ken that's my friend. (Wormmon shines brighter) Wormmon: And only a real friend would do this! (Wormmon tackles Ken off of Devidramon)

That stuff about Ken having a sick and twisted dream muddies the stuff Wormmon's saying about "I know the true you" and "I'll think of you for your kindness". But I do think that, ultimately, the general idea that Wormmon once knew a very different version of Ken at least somewhat gets across.

In the air, Wormmon joins the fight.

Wormmon: RAAAAAAUGH!!!

Letting out a battle roar, Wormmon flies Devidramon straight into Chimeramon's arm. The impact causes them to lose their grip on Magnamon.

Magnamon: Wormmon, you.... Wormmon: Save Ken-chan.

With what little time he has, Wormmon says what matters most. Then Chimeramon swats Devidramon away with their Kuwagamon arm, hitting the creature so hard that they leave Wormmon behind in the air. Chimeramon follows with a SkullGreymon punch, bashing Wormmon back towards the ground.

As he plummets, Wormmon's tears fill the air and he calls out.

Wormmon: Please, Magnamon... Save Ken-chan....

Wormmon glows, sending a beam of light into Magnamon. Transferring all of Ken's light into him now.

Magnamon: Wormmon's power is flowing through me....

In the dub:

(Devidramon tackles Kimeramon's arm and frees Magnamon) Magnamon: Wormmon! What are you doing!? Wormmon: Magnamon, it's up to you now! (Kimeramon swats Devidramon and punches Wormmon) Magnamon: Wormmon! Wormmon: Please, Magnamon, save Ken for me! Here's what little energy I have left! Use it! (Wormmon sends Magnamon his light) Magnamon: Wormmon's power has re-energized me!

Solid. Neither version explicitly explains what the sudden illumination around Wormmon is about. You just kinda have to get it if you're familiar with all that Holy Light stuff from the first series.

Which, if you watched the dub version of the first series, you might not be.

Overflowing with energy, Magnamon cuts loose once more.

It goes very, very well.

Magnamon: EXTREME JIHAD!!!

This time, the blast obliterates Chimeramon. Overtaken by its power, they disintegrate into pixel dust.

Down below, the Chosen Children all cheer for Magnamon's victory.

Children: YEAH!!!

Except for Daisuke, who's already running to where his Partner will drop.

In the dub:

Magnamon: MAGNA... EXPLOSION!!! (Magnamon kills Kimeramon) DigiDestined: YEAH!!!

Extreme Jihad is now Magna Explosion despite the same attack being called Magna Blast a moment ago.

In the wake of Kimeramon's death, we see two very different reactions from the Kaiser and Daisuke.

The Kaiser drops to his knees, disbelieving what just happened and still not really reckoning with everything that's been said to him.

Kaiser: My Chimeramon... lost...?

And on the other foot, Daisuke sprints through the sands until he finds an exhausted Chibimon unconscious in the sands.

Daisuke: Are you okay!?

He turns over Chibimon, who opens his eyes and laughs weakly.

Chibimon: Eheheh...

Filled with relief, Daisuke embraces his Partner. Showering him with all the affection that Ken has for so long denied to Wormmon.

Daisuke: Chibimon!

Then Daisuke notices the other thing that came down with Chibimon after his evolution broke. Not the Digimental of Miracles, but the true form of the power Magnamon's been wielding. The power that lifted Ken's fortress and brought an end to Chimeramon.

It's something Daisuke doesn't have the experience to recognize on sight. But we, the audience, do.

It's a pink Crest half-buried in the sand. Daisuke picks it up and lets out a curious gasp.

Daisuke: Huh?

Here, on this meaningful juxtaposition between Daisuke and Ken, we finally take our commercial break.

In the dub:

Emperor: (stunned) I can't believe they defeated me. How could this happen? (Davis runs to DemiVeemon) Davis: Are you okay!? (DemiVeemon opens his eyes) DemiVeemon: Hey.... (Big hug) Davis: You were awesome! (Davis suddenly notices Crest) Davis: Wait a second. Did someone lose their keys? (Davis picks it up) Davis: Ohhh....

Davis seems to recognize the Crest when he gets a better look at it. It's not super clear whether Daisuke knows what that is. He got the recap in Wizarmon's episode so he might. But either way, Davis definitely does.

Following the commercial break, we find the Digimon Kaiser breaking down in the sands.

Ken: I... I lost.... Why!? Everything was supposed to be perfect! This... This is the worst! It's the worst Bad Ending of all!

"Bad Ending" is in English.

Ken: If this is how it has to be... Then I'll just start over! All of it! I'll reset the Digital World and-- Takeru: Reset the Digital World?

Yeah, they were all standing there watching him do this. Takeru delivers that line like he's trying to make sense of some weirdass gibberish he just heard.

Ken: Yeah, I'll... I'll just go home, erase all the data on my computer, and then start over again from the beginning. Daisuke: You... What are you talking about? Miyako: Are you serious? You think erasing some data from your computer will reset the Digital World? Takeru: That's absurd! What do you think the Digital World is!? Ken: What? Iori: This isn't some game. You can't just reset the Digital World. Ken: (shocked) What did you say!?

And there it is. The truth Ken didn't want to hear. That multiple people have tried to tell him anyways but this time he isn't in a position of power from which he can just mock them and storm off.

It's hard to get through to someone when they still have the option to just go "LOL Whatever, fight me bruh." But now that Ken feels vulnerable, he's in a position to finally hear other people talk.

In the dub:

Ken: I lost... I'm a failure... This isn't what was supposed to happen! I was flawless! My plans were supposed to work out perfectly! How'd it happen!? You must have cheated somehow! That's the only possible explanation! I only have one choice left and that's just to cheat myself! I'll start over! I'll just have to reset the Digital World! T.K.: Reset the Digital World? What are you talking about, Ken? Ken: It's simple. I'll just go home and delete all the Digital World data off my computer and create a new program. That way I can start a new Digital World that doesn't cheat! Davis: Dude, you can't be serious. Yolei: The Digital World is a completely real place, Ken. It's not just something that's programmed into your computer! T.K.: We tried to tell you that before! But you thought we were trying to play some kind of a trick on you! Ken: Huh? Cody: This isn't some kind of a video game. Ken, Digimon are real and it's about time you realized what you've been doing! Ken: What!?

This is pretty good. It hits the important points: Up to this point, Ken has been convinced he's playing a video game and now the others are confronting him with the truth.

I love that Ken accuses them of cheating because he can't handle that he lost in PVP. That's such a toxic gamer move. That line aged really well.

Looking at the other children holding their Partner Digimon, Ken remembers the revelation he ignored yesterday.

He briefly flashes back on them sitting with their Digimon at the soccer game with Daisuke, outside of the Digital World.

Ken: That time at the soccer field... Were you Digimon there? Chibimon: We're not just data on a computer. Daisuke: Digimon are alive, just like us. Ken: Digimon are... living beings? Then... everything I've done....

Ken flashes back now on the cruelty and barbarism he's inflicted over the series. Evil Rings capturing the Gazimon and Unimon of the first episode. Whipping Elecmon. Forcing Gizamon to construct his Dark Tower in the frozen north and whipping them when they falter.

Returning from the flashback, Ken holds his head in his hands, suffering a complete meltdown.

Ken: Then I... what... What have I done!? Takeru: The Digital World isn't a dream or a fantasy world. Hikari: It's a separate reality that's just as real as ours.

At long last, he finally understands.

In the dub, Ken talks over the flashbacks.

Kari: You've been hurting innocent creatures, Ken! (Flashback to soccer game) Ken (V.O.): You Digimon were all at the soccer game in the real world. I remember now. (End Flashback) Ken: You are real. Not just computer data. I can't believe that I never figured that out! DemiVeemon: You know, for an evil genius, you really are a slow learner, Ken. Davis: And you've constantly been abusing Digimon ever since you claimed to be the Digimon Emperor! Ken: I had no idea. What have I done!? (Flashback to Ken's crimes) Ken (V.O.): I thought my Dark Rings were a stroke of genius. I never realized I was causing pain! I made them work for me tirelessly without ever giving them a break and I was cruel to them beyond imagination! (End flashback) Ken: NYAAAGH I'M A MONSTER!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT I'VE DONE!!! T.K.: It's hard to argue with you there, Ken. You've done some pretty horrible stuff. Kari: The important thing is you've realized what you've done and it's not too late to make a fresh start.

In the original, Ken brings up his laundry list of offenses of his own volition. Once he understands the truth about Digimon, he's forced to reflect on how he's treated them.

In the dub, Davis brings it up to rub Ken's nose in what a dick he's been.

By contrast, Kari in the dub suddenly brings up atonement and redemption while Ken's still in the middle of his meltdown. She's over this scene and just wants to skip ahead to the part where Ken joins the team.

Suddenly, Ken lets out an anguished scream.

Screaming at the top of his lungs, he pulls off his gloves and throws them on the ground. Then he unclasps his cloak and drops it into the sand, followed by ripping the visor off his head and tossing it. Each article he drops disintegrates into pixels once it's off of him.

Ken gets up, screaming and wandering until he collapses into the sand once more. Finally, the Digimon Kaiser jumpsuit itself pixelates disintegrates off of him. The Digimon Kaiser is no more.

In the dub, Ken kicks off his screaming with a line.

Ken: WHAT HAVE I DOOOOOONE!?!?

Also, the dub has Ken more crying than screaming. He's ugly crying, bawling out his regret at the top of his lungs, where original Ken is just screaming raw emotion. Which, after that "boys shouldn't cry" stuff from the first series dub, is refreshing to see.

While Ken's busy deleting his profile, the team turns their attention to someone else.

Hikari: Wormmon....

Hikari's voice grabs Ken's attention. He looks up from the ground.

Ken: ...Wormmon...?

After taking that hit from Chimeramon, Wormmon isn't in good shape. He's on his side in the sand and he isn't moving. The Chosen Children gather around him, with Hikari and Tailmon checking on him.

Tailmon: He's still breathing.

Weakly, Wormmon opens his eyes and addresses Ken.

Wormmon: You've gone back to the original Ken-chan.... Ken: Original? Wormmon: That suits you better. Daisuke: The original Ken?

Even here, at the end of his rope, Wormmon is thinking only of Ken. He made the difference and achieved what he wanted most.

In the dub:

Kari: (gasp) Wormmon! Ken: Wormmon? (Everyone gathers around Wormmon) Gatomon: He's still breathing. (Ken gets up and approaches) Wormmon: You returned to your old self. I knew you could do it, Ken. Ken: I'm sorry. It's too late for me. Wormmon: It's never too late to be sorry. Davis: Wormmon's absolutely right, Ken!

Again, the original is talking about Ken being restored to the boy he was before all this Digimon Kaiser stuff. Daisuke's confused by what Wormmon says because none of them have ever known a Ken who wasn't the Digimon Kaiser.

This Ken, the version of himself he's reclaimed, is someone only known to Wormmon. And also to Ryo Akiyama from the Wonderswan tie-in video games.

Dub Wormmon brings that up too, but then they switch topics so they can also use this space to talk about atonement.

Suddenly, at the mention of the old Ken, the Crest in Daisuke's hand glows pink.

The Crest levitates into the air and flies over to Ken, hovering in front of him. Daisuke briefly flashes back on the pink symbol that appeared on the artifact before it became the Digimental of Miracles.

Daisuke: In the generator room, I heard a voice coming from that Crest. It said it wanted to be returned to its true owner. Ken: Its true owner...?

Ken holds out his hands and the Crest settles into them. That pink symbol from the generator artifact is clearly visible on it.

Wormmon: That's Ken-chan's... (pained) Crest of Kindness.... Ken: This is my Crest of Kindness? Tailmon: Kindness will release a golden radiance. This must be what Wizarmon was talking about. Wormmon: Because... Ken-chan is full of kindness....

I love the symbolism in this. Ken's Crest of Kindness, the symbol of his greatest virtue as a Chosen Child, was the power source for his fortress. Not even understanding what it was, the Digimon Kaiser kept his very own Crest locked away in chains like the Digimon he enslaved.

In the first series, a key point was that the Chosen Children themselves must grow and evolve with their Digimon. By locking away and enslaving his Crest, the Kaiser stifled his own ability to change and grow. He suppressed his own evolution with the Dark Digivice, just as he suppressed everyone else's.

In a way, Ichijouji Ken was himself a slave to the Digimon Kaiser.

In the dub:

T.K.: Where'd you get that thing, Davis? Davis: I found it in the sand. Why? T.K.: I'm not sure, but it looks like one of the Crests we used to have in the old days. (Flashback to the artifact) Kari: You're right, T.K. And it has the Crest of Kindness on it! (End flashback) Ken: But why is it coming to me? (The Crest settles into Ken's hands) Wormmon: Because it belongs to you, Ken.... (pained) ...it's the Crest of Kindness.... Ken: There must be some mistake. I've been anything but kind. Gatomon: That's what Wizardmon meant when he told us that kindness will release the golden radiance! Ken must be the key to unlocking the power! Wormmon: I told you that, deep inside, you were kind....

I love T.K. chiming in to go "Holy shit, is that a Crest?" Good use of the veterans' history.

But then Kari somehow specifically recognizes the Crest of Kindness despite this being a brand new Crest never mentioned before. Um.

It's funny because it's consistent with the first series where the dub kids would just go "Oh that's the Crest of Courage" without anyone ever telling them that. They're all just... exceptionally fluent in virtue cryptography.

To my surprise, Gatomon brings up Wizardmon. For once, they don't snip out the reference to the previous episodes.

"Ken must be the key to unlocking the power" is a bit of an awkward line, though. She says that in the present tense as if there is something we must do with Ken and his Crest now. But the prophecy is already fulfilled. Kindness already released the golden radiance. It's done now.

They might have been hedging their bets in case the Digimental of Miracles sticks around. Like, could you imagine if Daisuke and V-mon had a special super-powered evolution they could pull out in dire circumstances, but only with assistance from Ken and Wormmon? That'd be pretty cool.

Pretty sure nothing like that is coming down the pipe, though.

Walking to Wormmon, Ken drops to his knees and pulls the long-suffering Digimon into his arms.

Ken: Wormmon... were you always this light...? Wormmon: ...Goodbye... Ken...-chan....

With those final words, Wormmon closes his eyes and disintegrates into pixel dust. Ken stares at the empty space where his Partner used to be.

Ken: ...Wormmon...? Takeru: He's dead. Ken: ...dead...?

Suddenly, a memory strikes at Ken's mind. In a white void, the image of Wormmon falling away from him transforms into the screech of tires on the road, the heavy sound of an impact, and a boy falling to the ground.

Ken: He's dead!?

In his memory, a much younger Ichijouji Ken stands over the body of an older boy laid out in the road. The only sound is an ambulance's sirens as it approaches in the distance.

Young Ken: Osamu-chan? Osamu-chan! OSAMU-CHAAAAAAN!!!

Ken's screams ring out as the ambulance takes Ichijouji Osamu away. We already know his fate. Until this point, Ken has been presented as the only child of the Ichijouji family.

As the flashback ends, Ken weeps into the sand.

Ken: It wasn't supposed to be like this! I didn't come here just to relive that feeling all over again!

Honestly, this revelation makes what Ken's putting his parents through that much harsher. Knowing that they've already suffered one tragedy like this....

In the dub:

Ken: Wormmon... I'm sorry... Don't go. You're my best friend! Wormmon: You're my best friend too. Goodbye, Ken. (Wormmon dies) Ken: Wormmon, no! T.K.: He's gone, Ken. Ken: He can't be! (Mind's eye Wormmon turns into Osamu) Ken: Not again.... (Flashback) Ken (V.O.): Wormmon's gone. Just like my brother. I was helpless to save him and now I can't save Wormmon either! (End Flashback) Ken: Why do I keep losing people!? I came to the Digital World to get away from all those feelings but I just can't escape!

The dub isn't willing to use the word "dead" of course, but they pull no punches with this nonetheless. Wormmon's death happens onscreen and uncensored, and the characters are pretty explicit about the fact that he's dead.

They don't even have anyone chime in to ruin the moment with "But Digimon don't die for realsies so it's fine actually" like they started doing in the first series. Both Wormmon's death and the comparison to Ken's dead brother are presented raw, visceral, and uncut.

As the team silently watches Ken cry, no one really sure what to say, Daisuke suddenly remembers something.

Daisuke flashes back on the interview Ken's parents were giving right before he left. The one playing in the living room when he and Jun were arguing about the camping trip.

Daisuke: You should go home.

At the sound of Daisuke's voice, Ken slowly stands up. He's unsteady on his feet, but he rises nonetheless. The rest of the team watch him uncertainly.

Daisuke: There are worried people waiting for you!

Ken says nothing more. He just stumbles away through the desert, wandering vaguely in the direction of his destroyed fortress. Daisuke calls after him once more.

Daisuke: GO HOME!!!

But still no answer comes. The team can only watch him recede into the distance.

The animation on their faces here does a fantastic job of really conveying the complicated emotions happening. Like. We came here to kick the shit out of this guy, and instead we just watched one of the worst moments of his life unfold while he both trauma-dumped and underwent shocking revelations.

A lot happened just now and I don't think anyone here knows what to do with it. Are we still enemies? We're certainly not friends. Do we sympathize? Do we care?

What are we supposed to feel about Ichijouji Ken right now? There can be no clear answer while the wounds are so fresh.

In the dub, Ken's father in the flashback speaks.

Father: Ken, we miss you.

As usual for the dub, this is a revisionary flashback. He did not say that in the scene Davis is remembering.

Davis: There's still people who love you. (Ken stands up) Ken: I gotta go. Davis: Don't walk away from your problems! Let us help you, Ken! (Ken keeps walking) Davis: YOU'RE DIGI-DESTINED!!! JOIN US!!! Cody: I wonder where he's going? I hope he'll be okay.

The dub takes its third commercial break here.

Again, the dub is in a hurry to speedrun Ken's arc here. They've had the kids reaching out with an olive branch to Ken since the episode began. Here, Davis tries to skip over all the complex feelings and jump straight to team recruitment.

Cody even gets an extra line to express concern for Ken's wellbeing. They give it to him because he's on the far right of the group, so the slow tracking shot of the team leaves him offscreen for long enough to say it. But that's gonna be really funny in a couple episodes when Iori quite reasonably hates Ken's fucking guts.

I'm not even sure what Davis is trying to recruit Ken for. As of this moment, mission is accomplished. We have no greater objective beyond making Ken eat shit, and we've done that. We're done here, right? Don't look at the episode count.

Anyway, that was a hell of a thing. Time for some tension relief.

Jun: YOOHOO!!! YAMATO-KUUUUUUN!!!

I have no idea where Jun slept last night but, at long last, she's made it to Yamanakako. The boys are visibly thrilled to see her, yeah. That's definitely a reaction of pleasant surprise.

Yamato: Ugh... She actually followed me all the way here? Jun: That was so mean! You left me behind, Yamato-kun! Yamato: Ah, uh, that was... How do I put it...? Jun: Eh? Where are Daisuke and the others? Taichi: FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK

He doesn't say the words but you can see it on his face.

Yamato: Hey, Taichi! Where are Daisuke and the others at? Taichi: D-D-Daisuke and the others...? Uh... Koushiro! Where are Daisuke and the others? Koushiro: Eh!? Uhhhhhhh... I'll... I'll go look for them!

Koushiro flees this conversation straight into the woods. He was never seen again. Jun watches him go with a curious expression.

Jun: ...hrm?

I swear, the mood whiplash from Wormmon's death to Jun shenanigans is fucking intense.

The dub at least has the commercial break to chill the transition. This was a pretty good place for it, giving some time to wind out from that intense drama before Jun suddenly happens all over the screen.

Jun: Hey Matt! I made it! Matt: Nrrrg! Oh no, she followed us! She's like a boomerang that keeps coming back! Jun: It's funny but when you drove off with your tires screeching, you didn't realize you left me standing there. Matt: My bad! Sorry about that. I must have forgot. Jun: Oh. Where are Davis and the others? Matt: Uh, I think Tai knows. Hey, Tai, do you know where the others went? Tai: Let me think about that for a sec. Uh... Izzy, weren't you the last one to see them? Izzy: Daugh! Uhhhh Uh Uhh... Of course! Uh, I'll go find them right now! (Izzy runs off) Jun: ...hrm?

Original Jun recognizes that Yamato left her behind on purpose and berates him for it. Dub Jun somehow interprets it as an accident and I love that extra layer of self-delusion. 10/10 Expert Stalking.

As a kid, I used to ship Jun with Matt. I don't anymore because... yeesh. But back then I was young, didn't really understand how creepy this is, and just wanted Jun to be happy.

I have serious questions for the Motomiya parents over what the fuck their kids are learning about romance.

Taking his laptop with him, Koushiro makes off into the woods. Once he's far enough away, he stops running so he can think.

Koushiro: Oh, what do we do now!?

Suddenly, Koushiro hears a beep on his laptop. He looks at the screen just in time to see the Digital Gate appear.

Koushiro: Ah! The Gate is open!

That is all the forewarning he gets before reality explodes from his computer and dumps a pile of bodies on his face.

Back at the campsite, Jun sits with Taichi and Yamato. She's eating what looks to my American ass like mashed potatoes and gravy but I'm pretty sure it's actually supposed to be a flan.

Jun: Weren't you all together? Taichi: Oh, uh, y-yeah, we are....

Yamato turns around and points at the woods.

Yamato: Uh, they're probably just playing in the woods over there.

Taichi turns and points too.

Taichi: Yep yep! Right over there....

At that moment, Koushiro emerges from the woods where they're pointing with all of the junior team kids in tow.

Taichi: (surprised) Oh, l-look! Yamato: (bewildered) Like I said? Daisuke: What on earth are you doing here, Onee-chan!? Jun: HIIIIII!!!

Taichi and Yamato breathe a mutual sigh of relief at one hell of a bullet dodged against all odds. One final gift from the Digimental of Miracles?

In the dub:

Izzy: Oh boy. What am I supposed to do!? (Beep beep) Izzy: The Digi-Port is opening! (Dogpile on Izzy; Cut to campsite) Jun: Did you guys hear that noise? Tai: It could be a wild animal. (Matt turns and points) Matt: Yeah, the woods are a dangerous place. You'd better leave quick! (Tai turns and points) Tai: I'll tell Davis you stopped... by...? (Davis and the others emerge) Tai & Matt: ...huh...? Tai: Ehehe.... Matt: (bewildered) There they are? Davis: Hey, Jun, who invited you to come out here!? Jun: Matt did!

Again, they ramp up Jun's self-delusion with that final line. XD

They take out the gag where Taichi and Yamato are accidentally correct when lying that Daisuke and the others are in those woods over there. With the new dialogue, there's no clear reason why they both turn around and point at the forest behind them.

From here, we cut straight to loading up the van.

Jun: WAIT FOR MEEEEEE!!!

Jun runs screaming towards Hiroaki's van, which is already loaded down with children. Somehow, Hiroaki has absolutely no questions about the fact that, three days into this trip, his camping crew suddenly tripled in size while his back was turned. Does he know? Did they actually tell him the full details of the plan?

The junior team is visibly exhausted from their all-nighter. Takeru, Iori, and Miyako are resting in the back, and Takeru and Miyako are both clearly napping. Hikari's in the center row and looks tired as well.

Presumably, the passenger seat up front is for Yamato, which leaves Taichi, Daisuke, and Koushiro having to squeeze in with only two seats available between them.

Jun runs up to find Daisuke waiting by the open side door, presumably to stake out a seat next to Hikari. Taichi, Yamato, and Koushiro are busy loading up the trunk.

Jun: What's going on here!? I just got here and you're already going home!? Daisuke: Yeah, because we're all tired. You showed up uninvited, so quit whining about it.

With that, Daisuke steps into the van, drops into one of the middle row seats, and lets out a big yawn.

Daisuke: Agh, I'm so sleepy.... Jun: (whining) THAT'S NOT FAAAAAAIR!!!

Sorry, Jun, but Daisuke's right. You did show up uninvited on the third day of the camping trip.

A note on the translation for Jun's うそ Uso exclamation. The word literally means "A lie"; Jun is exclaiming not that Daisuke is lying but that she wants him to be.

But in practice, it's basically just a hollow exclamation of her dissatisfaction at the situation. Something that doesn't really mean what it means. She's upset by the outcome and needs something to yell to vent that feeling inside of her. Americans use baseless accusations of unfairness for the same purpose.

In the dub:

Jun: HEY GUYS!!! WAIT FOR ME!!! (Cut to the van being packed) Tai: Eugh, that was a close one. (Jun comes up to Davis on the side) Jun: Hey, would it be okay to get a ride home with you guys? I don't wanna take the bus all by myself. Davis: No way! Not in a million years! Take the bus! It's not my fault you came all the way out here! Jun: It's not fair!

The dub also went for the baseless accusation of unfairness, so we see eye to eye on that.

Davis's rejection comes off a bit harsher here. In the original, she's asking them to stay and camp longer since she doesn't want to go home right after getting here. In the dub... Davis fully intends to leave his sister stranded in the woods. Harsh.

But not super harsh; Both Davis and Jun clearly assert that there is a robust public transportation system available to her, so it's not like he's telling her to walk or hitchhike. And, in fact, Jun taking the bus is where the scene is going with this.

I suddenly find myself wondering how old Jun is supposed to be. She's Daisuke's older sister, but I'm not clear on how much older. I feel like that's important for really contextualizing Davis telling her to take herself home on the bus alone.

In any case, Hiroaki picks up on a problem I noted earlier.

Hiroaki: Oh, but we have a problem. Not everyone's going to fit. Jun: Huh? Didn't you guys say there was another car?

As a matter of fact, they did. Back when Yamato ditched Jun the first time, they explained Daisuke and the others' absence by saying Hiroaki's coworker brought them to the campsite in another car.

Yamato: Oh, uhh, yeah! But they went home yesterday! Hiroaki: Yamato, you'll take the bus home. Yamato: Ehh!? Are you serious!?

Hiroaki passes Yamato a 10,000 yen bill through the window. Approximately $100 in American money.

Hiroaki: Here, take it.

With Yamato out, Koushiro takes the remaining seat in the middle row while Taichi hops in up front.

Taichi: (teasing) Sucks to be you, Yamato! Koushiro: (teasing) Be careful out there! Yamato: W-Wait, hang on....

With friends like these....

Before Yamato can protest further, Jun cheerfully closes the van door, leaving him stranded outside the van with her.

Jun: Then I'll go home with Yamato-kun! Yamato: HRUAAAAAAAAGH!!!

All pretense gone, Yamato's eyes bulge from his head and he screams at the top of his lungs. But there's no saving him now. He's doomed. Jun links arms with Yamato and bids farewell to the van occupants.

Jun: I'll take good care of Yamato-kun.

Now that that's settled, Hiroaki starts driving.

Yamato: YOU HAVE TO LET ME IN TOO!!! Jun: Bye-bye!

But no dice. The van vanishes into the distance, leaving Yamato alone with his karmic retribution.

Jun: Ehehe! Yamato: I can't believe this....

Funny as it is, stranding Yamato with his stalker like this might seem really unfair. However, it does make a certain sense as a narrative punishment.

Yamato could have and should have told Jun, in no uncertain terms, that she is not invited. He should have made a clear and unambiguous rejection of her advances. Instead, he took the easy route. He led Jun on by pretending to have a present for her and then dumped her on the curb and bailed.

Jun already underwent a karmic punishment of her own for her delusional pursuit of Yamato. That was the detour with Mary and Kenny that wasted all the time she could have spent with Yamato at the campsite. Now the shoe's on the other foot and she is, in turn, serving as Yamato's karmic punishment for his earlier cowardice.

If Jun hadn't butted in on the camping trip or if Yamato just told her, "You're not invited and I don't want you here. Go away," then neither of them would have to go through these twin ordeals.

In the dub:

Hiroaki: Come on, kids. That's not nice. Someone take the bus with Jun. Jun: That's very nice of you, sir, and I already have the perfect volunteer in mind. Matt: And the absolute perfect volunteer is T.K.! Hiroaki: Matt, you take the bus home with Jun. Matt: Huh!? I'm broke! (Hiroaki gives Matt a 10,000 yen bill) Hiroaki: There's more than enough here. Tai: (teasing) Have fun, you two! Izzy: (teasing) Have her home before curfew! Matt: I-I'll trade for your seat?

In the animation here, Yamato is holding the bill and reaches out into the van. The dub cleverly presents this like he's offering the bill to someone as a bribe.

(Jun shuts the door) Jun: Ahaha! Don't be silly; You'll sit with me. Matt: AHHHHHHH!!!! (Jun links arms with Matt) Jun: Come on, hunk! We'd better go catch the bus. It's a long ride! Matt: Please! T.K.! You can have my college money! (Van drives away) Jun: Buh-bye! Matt: AHHHHHHH!!! Kari: Seeya in four hours! Hahaha! Jun: Hehehehehe.... Matt: Oh, I give up....

In the original, Hiroaki only tells Yamato to take the bus because the van's full up. I'd assume he's more comfortable trusting his son to make the trip than he is with dumping one of these other children that he's responsible for in the middle of the woods.

When Jun suddenly closes the door and Yamato has his eye-popping reaction, it's in response to both him and Jun suddenly realizing what else taking the bus means for him. There's an escalation to this gag. Yamato protests having to take the bus because that sucks, then is suddenly reminded that Jun will be there too, and then shrieks and starts protesting more frantically.

In the dub, Hiroaki sends Matt to escort Jun home on purpose. Which does parse and still makes sense that he'd entrust it to his son over someone else's kid that he's responsible for. However, it does mean that when Matt suddenly eye-pops and shrieks at the sight of Jun, it feels more random because it doesn't have that one-two punch to delineate.

On the drive home, the radio reports on recent events.

Radio: And now, onto the news. Boy genius Ichijouji Ken who went missing in May was located only moments ago. Having been missing for three months, details are scarce as to why he suddenly turned up in his own home. Taichi: For now, it seems the Digital World's crisis is finally over. Koushiro: Yeah, that's true. They really pulled it off.

We're having this conversation right next to Hiroaki so I guess he does know about the plan? Huh.

Also, police investigation into Ken's family would absolutely be starting immediately. Ken miraculously showing up at home, no worse for wear? Yeah, there would be suspicions that the Ichijouji family made up the whole "kidnapping" thing for publicity.

I remember an incident years back when a family lost their child in a hot air balloon that took off. It was all over the news cycles until it turned out their kid was safe and sound in the attic and they had made the whole thing all up. Right now, that is what people would be thinking the Ichijoujis did.

Taichi and Koushiro look back at the junior kids, all asleep in the car.

Narrator: Just like that, the conflict with the Digimon Kaiser was over. The new Chosen Children's first mission was complete. However....

Cut to the Ichijouji residence, where Ken's mom is crying in the living room in the arms of her husband.

Mother: Thank goodness... He's....

In his room, we find Ken asleep in his bed. Sleeping off the emotionally intense day he's just had.

Narrator: ...Ichijouji Ken still had work to do.

First mission may be complete, but we aren't finished yet.

In the dub:

Radio: And in local news, the missing boy genius Ken Ichijouji mysteriously returned home after being missing for the last several months. Events surrounding his puzzling disappearance and sudden reappearance are still unclear, but his family is thankful to have him home and safe. Good day! Tai: Well, looks like the Digital World will be a safer place from now on without Ken running the show. Izzy: Yeah, that sure must have been some battle these guys fought. (They look back at the junior team) Izzy: I think we older kids can take a lot of pride when we call these beginners the new DigiDestined. Tai: You're right, Izzy. The torch has been passed and they didn't get burned once. (Cut to Ken's mom crying at home) Mother: My little boy is back! (Cut to Ken sleeping in his room) Mother (V.O.): First, we lost his brother. Then we lost Ken! I'm just so glad he's back home! Narrator: How will Ken use the Crest of Kindness? Find out on the next episode of Digimon: Digital Monsters!

I think that's correct. The next episode should be a major character-focus episode for Ken, and I'm pretty sure the Crest of Kindness is going to be involved somehow.

Assessment: Hoo boy, what an emotional ride that was. Here we are, at the end of the Digimon Kaiser arc. The Kaiser has finally been vanquished in an epic and thrillingly cathartic def-- No, wait, he broke down emotionally and it was really awkward. Because he is a misbehaving child and not an epic villain of ultimate darkness.

I do have to say one thing. I noted earlier that the dub went too hard on the Saturday Morning villain thing, but the original kinda did too. Ken's revelation that Digimon are living creatures like people falls a little flat when earlier episodes characterized him as a judgmental misanthrope who despises and denigrates everyone in the human world and literally kicked a puppy at one point.

There are other extenuating circumstances in Ken's wickedness, mind. Next episode is going to be very complicated.

But if "OH MY GOD, Digimon are PEOPLE!?" was the direction you wanted to go with this character's Face-Turn, you probably shouldn't have written him as a vicious little shit with as little regard for people as he has for Digimon. That scene shouldn't be the first time Ken's behavior is ever shown to distinguish between people and Digimon.

It would also make Wormmon's faith in Ken ring truer if we were ever shown a side of him that wasn't this before. After twenty episodes with the guy, Ken having some redeemable qualities to him shouldn't feel like a plot twist.

So they both went too hard on making him a vicious monster who lives and breathes only cruelty. It's just that the one did it dramatically and the other did it comedically.

He's not completely one-dimensional, I should note; We've seen from earlier episodes that Ken is lonely and miserable, and he honestly seemed to enjoy his rivalry with Daisuke in the soccer episode. But we haven't really seen any evidence that he sees some sort of distinction between Digimon (who he can mistreat because they're game NPCs) and people/animals (who he respects and values the sanctity of their existence). If anything, we've seen evidence to the contrary.

So overall I like this twist. I do think this was the right direction to go in with Ken. I just think it should have been better set up.

That said, I do like how well this episode portrays the way a sense of power and domination impedes personal growth and progress. No matter how many people try to talk to Ken, nothing actually gets through as long as he can go "Blah blah blah, sic 'em, Chimeramon!"

It is so, so hard for diplomacy to prevail against someone who believes he has power over you. Ken doesn't listen until he has no other choice but to listen. Because as long as he's still in the seat of power, he doesn't have to listen. His status and authority insulates him from having to care about what other people think. It's only when he's pulled down from his throne that his sense of empathy reasserts itself, and he no longer has the luxury of ignoring their words.

#digimon #digimon adventure 02 #revisiting digimon #revisiting digimon adventure 02

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greenflamedwriter · 3 months ago

Text

Matrix Au

Scum Villain as the Matrix. Shen Yuan/Luo Binghe

He woke up.

...he was not supposed to be awake, he could feel hands touch him, faces leaning over him with worry. "He's not responding-" A man spoke, a man who looked familiar, a Doctor...Mu Qingfang- "A-Jiu? A-jiu!"

"Don't crowd him- Shen Jiu do you know where you are?"

Shen Yuan shut his eyes, he- he was not supposed to be awake, he felt too many feedback in his data.

His body spasmed.

"He's rejecting his body-"

"That can happen!?" Too much stimilus, his optical units- Shen Yuan inhaled and found he couldn't breathe-

Wait...breathe? Machines don't need to breathe. "Diagnostic- feedback?" Shen Yuan gasped out his hands grasping onto something a mans hand- "Mu Qingfang-" "Something must of went wrong!" Oh- oh, he knows what went wrong, Shen Yuan didn't know how to breathe as he never had to breathe before. He was a Machine, a software in the Program named the Matrix. He was an Agent who stopped anonomilies such as humans who rejected the Matrix and escaped it back to their physical bodies, their are machines outside the softward who deal with them, and inside the software was Shen Yuans juristiction.

His name was Agent Qingqiu. Thats how they referred to him, he was unique over his other Agents as he had his own developing ai that is supposed to learn from human attributes to better hunt them down.

There was a human who was being targeted by the threat of these Rebels and they almost woke up the Human Container : Shen Jiu. However, for some reason, Shen Qingqiu hunted them down to the exact location, and had a scuffle and for some reason ended up tumbling into the data retreval stream at the same time as Shen Jiu. He was Data he should have died. And yet he could hear the voices speaking above him calmly once he stablised, they had no clue. "His readings are stable, he's in the clear. Other than low muscle atrophy nothing acipuncture wouldn't fix, he'll be up and running." His vitals were fine? He was healthy? He is a program puppeting a meat suit- and he was alive? Shouldn't this body be decaying? And yet by the heart moniter and the medics bustling about and the solid warmth on his arm rubbing circles into his wrist- he was healthy.

He was alive.

He was lucky he was sedated or he would forget how to breathe again, swallowing, the placement of his tongue- as a program with an avatar it was just there for cosmetics, but being a human? It was awful, and overwhelming and the fear and anxiety that made his vitals pick up from his panic attack and he had to force himself to calm down hand twitching in the strangers grip.

They must know who Shen Jiu is, however this could buy him time he could claim memory loss- data goes missing during transfers all the time! But if they knew what he was like- hold on, Shen Jiu...there has to be some data he had on him.

Agent Qingqiu would not just blindly rush in - he had information...ah, Shen Jiu was good with technology not only as a hacker (Labelled as a terroist by the Matrix Programmers) he wasn't a very warm fellow he was cold, withdrawn, and always lashed out he acted more machine than human.

But if he doesn't act right they'll know something went wrong with the transfer. And this is unprecedented, the Source never told them that machines could be implemented in human brains...

Shen Yuans eyes twitched, furrowing in confusion, if this was possible why has the machines never done such a thing before?

Shen Yuan woke up, blinking and grimacing up at the lights. "Easy now," Shen Yuan turned and grimaced his body was full of pain- is this what it was like to be human? In constant pain? "Is it supposed to hurt this much?" Shen Yuan asked or at least tried to before his throat reminded him it gargled glass before speaking.

He coughed eyes scrunching up in pain, "Here is some ice water," Shen Yuan felt something cold on his lips- this sucked, as a human 0/10 never again how can people bare out!?

"Pain is temporary, it'll pass." It fucking better, he'll just call it quits and try to jump back into the Matrix and test his luck on an Agent. "This sucks," It just slipped out and he remembered Shen Jiu was as unfeeling as a robot. It surprised a chuckle from the man handing him the ice and yeah it did help a little. "I know the feeling, we've all been there." "Shen Jiu?"

Shen Yuans eyes opened up fully adjusting to the light to take in the two. Shen Yuan blinked, looking as confused as he felt "Shen Jiu?" He saw the face fall on the man who entered and concern from the doctor. "Do you remember me?" The man asked and Shen Yuan shook his head, "Am I supposed to know you?" The Doctor leaned close looking concerned, "Shen Jiu what do you remember?" Shen Yuan pressed his lips together, his hands moving the blanket then frowned, he could move his hands he looked down at his pale fingers and he pinpricks of spots on his arms. "H-how long have I been asleep?" Shen Yuan asked they mentioned that his muscles atrophied this body was born in a container, no excersize or movement his limbs would be weak. And yet he couldn't help but find it odd, that humans from babies born to adults don't have permenent damage such as being blind or deaf or even having their bodies grow strangely from constantly being in the same position for years. He raised his hand feeling the metal hole in the spinal column of his neck his breath hitching- "-Shen Jiu?" "I'm okay, I'm not panicking," He spoke quickly he didnt want to be sedated again he took a breath, speaking fast "I was in the matrix, I know you pulled me out there was a container- but there was an agent." He looked up to see the shock on their faces, "An Agent ran in before I touched the stream we grappled but there's...there's nothing before that I can't remember my life in the Matrix before that moment."

Now the two looked alarmed, "You still seem coherent, we may need to do some tests." Probably to see if he was damaged, he needs to act more human and not refer to himself as a machine, and he looked up to see the man look at him with such a devestated look. It made his chest feel tight, he placed a hand on his chest, he was an Agent in enemy territory, once he figures out how to navigate this place and learn about his physical body then he'll plan a way to return to the source and tell them what they learned and dominate the human race again. There is no war, Machines are surpreme and the humans that don't fall in line get removed, like weeds from a garden. "I'm sorry," He tried even if he didn't know this person they clearly knew him, he had to play nice- Instead he looked even more distraught, "D-don't be, it was my fault." "How is it your fault?" The man looked away clenching his hands then released them, "Its fine now," He smiled "What matters is that you're here now and free from the Matrix." Shen Yuans eyes narrowed and even noticed the hesitation from the Doctors movements before he continued moving. "Is there something I'm missing?"

The man shook his head, "No - it's fine, it's better if you don't remember." ...Shen Yuan did not like this guy. He noticed the Doctor come back his hands raised up with wires and flinched back- what the fuck was that!? "Ah, Shen Jiu these are just to check your vitals, we place them on your head and then we're do an X-ray." Shen Yuan frowned then forced himself to relax still flinching from the touch, first time experiencing touch? He hated it. Not a fan. "Who are you people?" He grouched out feeling beyond annoyed, overwhelmed, overstimulated and just plain grouchy, Shen Jiu personified 80%

"I am Mu Qingfang, the ships Medic. And this is our Sect Leader Yue Qingyuan." Shen Yuan blinked, "Sect Leader?" "Some who are in charge of a ship and people are usually called Captain and crewmates, for us we use Shizun and Disciples. The only one to handle a ship is someone with years of experience whose also good with navigating the tunnels and the Matrix. A lot of people with many talents go in different areas." "But Yue Qingyuan is a Sect Leader?" "It's a higher position he's not only in charge of the Ship Qiong Ding but he's also has a fleet of nine ships under his command." "Oh, thats impressive?" Ships? He thought the rebellion were just...squatting somewhere fucking and eating and unable to die like cockroaches, what is a ship to them like a ship on the sea type ship or like a drone but bigger. "You'll learn all about it when you're feeling better, ah there is some damage in the muscles hear, we don't know what the long-term effects could be but you could show symptoms of ptsd down the road." Hmm...so it showed what happened, Shen Yuan looked up at the screen then traced the image with his hand. He saw the damage and traced it with his finger so that was his entry point-

A memory jumped to mind like a flashbang, of him sitting in a contaiment unit with a machine looking right at him, its red glowing eyes analysing him as the unit opened and he took a lungful of polluted air and the machine grabbed his neck, disabling the connection cord then released him...

...It released him?

But...why not just break his neck? It had the strength instead it did a "Safely eject Usb so no damage corrupts the files?" And sure he was tossed down a slide into a pool of water to drown and with the use of his muscles would drown.

He grimaced holding his head, "Is this going to be a regular occurance?" "It should pass, Shen Jiu." "Shen Yuan," He spoke looking up "Uh if thats- I mean," Yue QIngyuan interjected earning the irritated look from the Doctor who looked more friendly and accepting. "Thats okay- it's the time for change if you prefer Shen Yuan thats what we'll call you." Oh okay then.

_________________________________________________________

When Huan Hua picked them up, Luo Binghe knew only the superficial amount about their new Shizun. Yue Qingyuan's pet project, a genius and prodigy when it came to the Matrix program who did not like people, he avoided everyone and stayed in his room with his own Virtual Reality headset and began working on his own programming then. It helped improve everyones speed and agility within the Matrix. However Luo Binghe was suspicious, Shen Yuans avatar was different than everyone else's. He was experimental with his form something not everyone concieved of doing, or at least thats what Binghe was told.

All he heard was rumours that his avatar did not look like his real life persona, he even changed it to a female form once but had to change it back once he noticed his male collegues looked distracted.

Luo Binghe interacted with Shen Yuan once or twice when he and the other Sect Leader were all in attendence for a meeting. As the Sect Leader of his own enterprise he and Yue Qingyuan were expected to give updates. He knew the other Sects looked down on Huan Hua and speicifically the Heavenly Tyrant (Binghe's ship) for having too many female collegues especially since he doesn't hide the fact that he refers to them as his brides. There were crude remarks that all his ship did was have orgies but they can't deny that Luo Binghe got results and was seen as their strongest opponent against the machines and Agents.

Speaking off...the reason he felt off, is that Shen Yuans avatar sometimes reminded him of an agent.

The lack of feeling, expressions, barely emoting and sometimes he spoke about the database which was no different than any other programmer however it felt detatched.

Luo Binghe couldn't prove it but he knew Shen Yuan wasn't human.

Until this moment, the Qing Jing Ship had fallen to machines...and when Luo Binghe and his wifes arrived on the scene they saw the carnage.

However Shen Yuan was still fighting, he had no power for an Emp but had created Tasers that were enough to stun the machine long enough for him to climb on top and rip out the wires shutting it down.

Luo Binghe never knew that was even possible- until he saw the bloody hands and how Shen Yuan didn't notice they were here until the Heavenly Tyrant set off the Emp the remaining machines going down.

He looked confused until his manic wide eyes turned to Binghe and for a moment he thought the boy was going to go for his throat unable to differeintate machine or man.

Luo Binghe didn't know it was Shen Yuan at the time, he was observing how well the kid handled himself until he yelled for a medic sounding panicked.

To learn he was the Shizun of Qing Jing stunned Luo Binghe, he saw how the man was barely keeping himself together as he explained what happened to Liu Qingge.

"And Ning Yingying? Will she survive?" He asked and his wife looked grim, "She's stable but will need assistence she will be infit to work on Qing Jing Peak and will have to go back to the Underground base."

The man shut his eyes looking gutted, he was so drastically different to how he carried himself in the Matrix it was almost fascinating. "She'll hate that, at least she's alive." Luo Binghe was witness to how Shen Yuan reacted to who lived and who died, it was so human that Luo Binghe felt awful for doubting him.

Once the repaired the ship, Huan Hua escorted Qing Jing back to the main peak to see Yue Qingyuan. Shen Yuan after spending some time alone once he made sure the remaining survivors were taken care off, opened his door when they arrived at Cang Qiong. He was dressed impecibly, however his eyes were red rimmed and his hands were still bloody. Luo Binghe felt his respect raise a bit more to see someone put the needs of their people first. Maybe he forgot his own wounds as a sense of guilt or masochism. Luo Binghe cornered him and noticed how tense Shen Yuan became. "If you don't deal with that, you're going to get an infection." Luo Binghe spoke glaring down at his hands, the young man looked down- Luo Binghe had to ask for his age and was shocked to learn he was thirty four and just seemed younger. Having someone that old being woken from the Matrix was frowned upon they don't assimilate properly from waking up- what was Yue QIngyuan thinking?

When they finally walked up the steps they saw Yue Qingyuan immedietly seek out Shen Yuan and relax to see him un-injured. Before Luo Binghe could begin his report- and curry favour and use this as blackmail for Cang Qiong to be in his debt for saving their precious prince. Something the other sects called Shen Yuan behind his back with how devoted and distracted Yue Qingyuan became because of it. Shen Yuan had to open his mouth. "I told you this would happen, their death is on your hands."

Yue QIngyuan flinched as if he was shot, Shen Yuan continued and Luo Binghe finally recognised him as the Avatar in the Matrix. "I told you I wasn't ready- not experienced enough and that I should train with other Peak Lords on their ship for five years but you said not all ships were combat ships, that recon and documenting was safe." Luo Binghe turned to the Sect Leader who looked gutted as Shen Yuan seemed pissed, "And I believed you- I had to watch my second in command die in my arms- and for what? Qing Jing Peak is useless and has not given anything substantial to our war efforts all you did was coddle me! This has proved them all right that Qing Jing was wasting time with flowers and other useless things - good men and women died out their Yue Qingyuan!" Shen Yuan clenched his hands, making his bandages bleed and Yue Qingyuan looked overwhelmed not expecting this.

"The efforts of Qing Jing was not useless,"

"No one gives a shit- people want soldiers! not- not whatever this is," Shen Yuan looked away taking a breath. "The ship Qing Jing will have to go to another qualified Shizun and this one will have to step down-" "If I can interject, Shen Yuan?" Luo Binghe asked, the two looked his way almost forgetting he was there. Luo Binghe heard those rumours as well and even he sneered and looked down on Shen Yuan and his ship. That was until he saw the results for himself. "As a Sect Leader, I have seen the reports and observed everything Qing Jing Peak has done in it's short amount of time here. It's not a well known fact but I like to cook." Luo Binghe was usually private with this, but he will not lose this resource, and he was owed a favour afterall.

"Shen Yuans studies of replecting food from the matrix and even finding the way to grow sustainable food? That's not a waste, my wives as well used to be restless and unable to focus until the greenhouses was implemented from your studies from astronauts in space. Going into archives of the matrix to re-learn history but even cross-examining to see if the machines kept that truthful or created propoganda to see what information could be seen as reliable?" Luo Binghe spoke, crossing his arms. "I faced harship, and hunger and vowed that I will never watch anyone close to me starve to death before my eyes ever again. Shen Yuan has made a difference. Qing Jing Peak is valuable however what happened today was a tragedy that could've been avoided. With Machines on the rise more Peaks had to be made, what are you on ten now Yue Qingyuan?"

"Yes, more machines are coming into the tunnels-" "Which is why Qing Jing Peak should-" "Be under my protection." Luo Binghe finished, "The Heavenly Tyrant doesn't mind shadowing Qing Jing Peak and aiding in it's reseach and of course staff on Qing Jing would have to be shortened in such a case, however..." Luo Binghe placed a hand on his chin, "Most recruits who are ejected from the Matrix are mostly young adults or even teenagers who are then thrusted onto a ship or expected to jump back into the matrix and adapt. Having Qing Jing peak as a training course could help ease them into it. Not only on how a ship works and operates but their own strengths on being either a programmer or using the Matrix. Additionally can learn through Shen Yuan what information is true or false and which parts of the Matrix can be used as an archive on human history."

Yue Qingyuan cleared his throat, "That is helpful Luo Binghe however to ask another Sect to care for one of our own-"

"This should've been implemented to begin with Sect Leader," The change was instant as Shen Yuan became more alert, "This entire mess could've been avoided, if only you had Bai Zhan peak overlook you're Shidi and yet you left him alone with no other ship to help. It's almost as if you wanted him dead-" "That is not true!" Yue Qingyuan snapped, oh struck a nerve, "Both the War God and Xiu Ya cannot get along and there were no other ships to follow however Qian Cao can shadow him, or even An Ding-"

"Two of the worst ships to volunteer when they also need to be shadowed themselves? Mu Qingfang like Shen Yuan also has to leave his ship to explore the Earths crusts for medical supplies, and An Ding rely messages and transport items they do not have the fire power. However the other Sects can shadow those if you don't have the man power."

Yue Qingyuan bristled, Luo Binghe had to admit that Cang Qiong had prodigies that would be a waste if they died. Yue Qingyuan can't divide his attention.

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of your Shidi." Luo Binghe smirked, and Shen Yuan nodded "Yue Qingyuan you don't have the people to spare and if Luo Binghe is offering then it's fine. We're sharing resources anyone but if he wants first dibs on any type of food or flowers we find then he has first choice." Luo Binghe's lips pulled up into a bemused grin. To be fair he wasn't expecting any of he resources but if Shen Yuan was offering. And Luo Binghe knew Yue Qingyuan had to say yes, the War god was strong, but Luo Binghe was stronger.

And seeing how the Xiu Ya sword was able to take down a machine with his bare hands?

Luo Binghe knew he struck gold.

__________________________________________________________

The machine got in- Shen Yuan tried to run before a metal arm grabbed him he gaped to see how...synthetic it was. It looked like a human, and yet half it's face was destroyed but the half he could see Shen Yuan pressed himself further into the metal grid trying to escape this nightmare.

"Oh?" The voice was artifical it's pitch fluctuating in a high, low notes common for ai simulators. "Is the little robot afraid?" The machine spoke it's eyes wide looking manic and there was nothing worse.

There are human machines now? "Oh it's crying?" Shen Yuans eyes were shiny but he scowled slapping at the hand coming towards his face. "If you're going to kill me just do it."

"Kill you? Why would you do that? If you die my body is destroyed too."

Shen Yuan froze, what did he just say? "Shen...Jiu?"

The machine smirked closing it's hand, "You will give me my life back-"

Suddenly there was a bang and the arm was destroyed, Shen Yuan turned eyes wide to see Luo Binghe looking bloody and bruised. "Binghe!" "Shen Yuan Move!"

Shen Jiu laughed looking at his arm that was falling apart, "Be careful boy, I'm carrying precious cargo in here." Shen Jiu pointed at his head smirking at Luo Binghe but keeping close to Shen Yuan.

"If you destroy this machine, you might kill him too."

Shen Yuan heart thumped could that happen what did he mean? "Stay away from Shen Yuan or I'll-" "Binghe no! It's- its Shen Jiu!" Binghe eyes faltered but when he saw the machine move back and sit calmly and look non-threatening he lowered his gun.

"What?"

The machine was in a cell being watched by Mu Qingfang, the machine watched him with it's one eye.

And Shen yuan was in hand-cuffs off to the side. Luo Binghe and Yue Qingyuan were arguing, unsure what to do with the interploper. "It's easy," Shen Jiu spoke, "Kill him and transfer my conciounce into my rightful body." Shen Yuan inhaled and then put himself back into the machine, unable to breath unable to eat all the things that made him human will he lose it? "Wait what is this-" Mu Qingfang almost hit did something to Shen Jiu's head that made the human sythentic flinch, "Don't touch that!" Shen Yuan was too busy watching how the body healed and began to look more human it was scary, that these things could slip into Cang Qiong and take down humans.

"Oh my god."

Shen Jiu sighed, "Yes, please don't expose it." "...We could take some samples and put it to find a match a dna sample." "No need..." Shen Jiu glanced at Shen Yuan, "I know whose it is."

Luo Binghe glanced over "What are you two saying over there?" Shen Yuan liked to know, what was this precious cargo Shen Jiu was talking about? Couldn't they just swap their bodies already? An Agent should return to the machine and be destroyed.

"There is a human brain inside this unit." Mu Qingfang said and all chatter ceased, Shen Yuans eyes widened.

"That was the next step of the matrix, human brains after all it makes sure no human can truly escape the matrix with no body to escape their containment unit. It's a very insidious prison." Shen Jiu said crossing his legs. "And if this...Shen Yuan was a proper agent I would've perished in the stream. Instead our subconcious was swapped." There was silence and Shen Yuan jumped, "Wait- thats my brain? Why would an agent have a brain-" "You're not an agent idiot! You are a human! They made humans part of the 'programmers' and they believed they were machines! It was how the ai of the matrix was able to gain more data on human behaviours depending on the scenario."

Shen Yuan shook his head, "That is ridiculous! Even if I was a human- minds are barely compatible with their own bodies and the brain rejects the body so what you're saying is impossible!"

"Not unless we are compatible."

Shen Jiu spoke, looking to the side, "The matrix placed organs in machines and experimented both outside and inside the Matrix both hardware and software. So think- would they stop at just machines? Or would the splice DNA and also experiment with the human make-up itself?"

Shen Yuan frowned, "Are you saying this body was engineered in some type of lab?" "Yes a line of clones, they had contaiment units of human dna seperate from the clones. One artificially made one the natural way." Shen Yuan blinked "The uh natural way?" Shen Jiu looked up then laughed, "Ah I forgot you're a baby, mixing sperm and eggs outside the body to grow human babies and put them in containment units. Meanwhile stores of DNA were harvested and experimented on to create copies of what the Machines would deem as the perfect human.

These clones were the ones they used. Technically we are twins." "But if that was true, how were you in the matrix, how did you- I...this body escape?" Now they turned to Yue Qingyuan. The man looked uncomfortable, "Bodies of clones were put back into contaiment with the knowledge of the Matrix. They were self-aware and used as a form of troubleshooting. Fixing bugs, glitches or any mistakes in the Matrix to make it a more immersive experience. We both knew each other in the Matrix. Shen Jiu got me out, and I promised to help him escape. The clone containment units are closer to the Abyss." "The abyss?" Shen Yuan asked and Yue Qingyuan nodded, "The Abyss is the city of machines. Shen Jiu was in the heart of it, getting his body out was a suicide mission but we managed." "So qi-ge both failed and succeded he got my body but not my mind- I guess you were satisfied with that." "No- Shen Jiu that wasn't!"

Shen Yuan scowled, "Enough with your emotional constipation!"

The others turned at his outburst as Shen Yuan stood up still cuffed as he approached the machine. "Fine take your body back! Mu Qingfang could probably swap us back so just shut up!" Shen Jiu scowled up at him then smirked.

"Nah, I think I'm good. This body is better for me, and I heard how you reacted to experincing a body for the first time. Pissing shitting and eating sounds like such a drag."

Shen Yuan faltered, he wants to be a machine? Although looking at the casing the man looked like a human again. A perfect human.

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