#Why can't they just magically manifest in my hands. Right now.

[shima-draws]

Me: Hehe I'm so excited for all these charm designs I'm working on for my shop launch!

My brain: Yes but you have to finish them

Me: W. What

My brain: You have to actually put in the work and draw them you can't just sit and daydream about them

Me: B. But :(((((

[tgrailwar-zero]

With a flash, you returned to reality, where the battle had stalled. You saw a bit of battle damage on CONSTANTINE and KUKULKAN- it seems like they sustained a little bit of damage as your interaction with MUSASHI pushed a bit past 'stunning' and turned into a full-on contract. Still, it could be worse.

There was a form standing before you and your Servants. A swordswoman, who smiled amicably.

MUSASHI: "Shinmen Musashi-no-Kami Fujiwara-no-Harunobu, the Flower at the Apex of Heaven, is at your service!"

CONSTANTINE: "A new Servant, and 'Musashi', huh... I guess that means that our Masters were successful. Well, nice to meet you. You may call me 'Rider', we can divulge True Names when we're in… more appropriate company."

PRETENDER: "I get it, I get it. Ah, but a new ally? And a woman claiming to be 'Shinmen Musashi' to boot…"

KUKULKAN: "I'm… uh, Foreigner? Invader? I think there's already a Foreigner, so I'm sticking with Invader! Nice to meet you, Musashi!"

MUSASHI: "Hmm... Rider's pretty handsome, and Invader is cute when she isn't as robot-y... not bad, not bad at all, Masters..."

After listening to MUSASHI murmur something... a bit odd, you realized that you could feel a magical connection between you and her. It seems as if a Contract was established! Monitoring your Command Spells, it seemed as if two of KUKULKAN's Command Spells were transferred over to MUSASHI. It seems like creating multiple contracts without the assistance of some higher power within the system means that you'll have to share. Unless the contract was established before, like with RIDER or potentially AVENGER, and then you'd simply regain the proper amount of Command Spells.

Regardless, of the specifics, this was a success! Because...

[ MUSASHI joined the party! ]

PRETENDER: "Well, as much as I'd love to have a few hours for introductions and teambuilding, there is a Beast currently terrorizing the city, and her main body should now be unimpeded with Miss Musashi's taming."

KUKULKAN: "Oh, right! Draco! Right! Let's go, everyone!"

The rest of the walk was easy. Now with MUSASHI out of the way, at least in terms of her being an active threat against your group, the rest of the path was surprisingly clear. You wandered deeper and deeper into the catacombs, the air growing sticky and dense with vile mana.

You could hear MUSASHI, on instinct, unsheathing her blades and readying them for a battle. You noted that CONSTANTINE had his own hand on the hilt of his blade, but a faint surge of prana restrained his movements as he tried to pull it out, the magic of the Command Spell compelling him against his better instincts.

CONSTANTINE put a hand up, stopping the group.

CONSTANTINE: "We're close. I can sense her- and the terrain is beginning to shift. Which means we'd best strategize on how to handle her."

Your small troupe stopped, looking between one another. This was a conversation that was a long time coming, frankly. CONSTANTINE spoke up first- his voice clear and imperious.

CONSTANTINE: "That Beast is the Whore of Babylon made manifest. The Beast of Revelations as foretold by the apostle Saint John. She is a woman of wicked intent, set on destroying civilization. I understand why that may seem appealing due to our current situation, but all you'll be doing is feeding a monster! Allying with that Beast- becoming a Master of the Beast- will make us the true enemies of the Solar Cell, not just the Lair Servants. Humanity itself will reason for your very destruction. I say we slice her throat as soon as we see the whites of her eyes."

MUSASHI sighed, looking between her new traveling companions.

MUSASHI: "I've fought a lot of real jerks, but my blade hasn't sliced apart any Beasts before. But… I've also known the type of idealist who thinks that they can tame a Beast anyways, so as much as my swords are rattling, I can't lunge one way or the other. I do get what Rider means, though. Sticking the Beast in some other Class may lessen the rest of the World's insistence on killing them, but will make them less… uh, powerful? And that's only if you're able to do it…"

As MUSASHI's comment elicited an eyebrow raise from CONSTANTINE, KUKULKAN spoke up, a bit hesitantly.

KUKULKAN: "I don't know a ton about Beasts and Humanity or the World… I'm still learning about how most aspects of Human History work, but I think we need to take a chance with Draco. I don't want to decide someone is rotten or not just before meeting them, and she'll be good for this fight. I'm sure there's some good there too! If everyone hates us for the choices we make, that's okay, right? We'll be a team! You decided that you'd be enemies of this world for the sake of saving it."

The discussion was cut short as a voice pierced through the air--

???: "Stop sitting and chittering in the wings like rats, and fully reveal yourselves on my stage. To hold up a performance is poor manners, you know?"

As your Servants hesitantly reached the amphitheater, the sky seemed to be blotted out by the dark shape that moved, slowly and intentionally. You felt eyes boring down on you, a presence and weight that held a unique sense of 'gravity'.

Looking up, you saw the massive shadow of ALTER-EGO… or at least a Servant that greatly resembled her. Her body was clad head to toe in black leather, her eyes having lost their joy and luster in exchange for a bitter darkness. An innocent being, once calmed by the melody of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star', now twisted into something devoid of that purity.

DRACO: "Welcome, o' Former Masters of mine, to my great stage! Oh, and do not mind my new toy. My mud has corroded her mind, Altered her Spirit Origin, and to be surrounded by a woman as beautiful as the sakura trees of the East is only an apt beginning of an imperial court. She is one of my Seven Heads made manifest, now. I've taken to calling her 'Sakura Superbia'."

KUKULKAN: "Wow... Draco is a pretty fast worker, isn't she...? Even I can tell that Servant is super dangerous, luckily, I'm sure our Masters are already thinking of a top-rate contingency plan if things go south... right?"

Staring up with an inscrutable expression, PRETENDER tutted.

PRETENDER: "Alter-Ego... You're quite the problematic Servant, aren't you? Always landing in some inconvenient situation. Avenger and Foreigner will be very upset if we don't fix this..."

"SAKURA SUPERBIA": "Pretender, Pretender, Pretender... you were always tiny like an insect, but now I feel like I could pin you and those pretty little wings to a board. Or should I just squish you instead?"

CONSTANTINE: "How lovely. So... that settles what happened to Alter-Ego, but what of Assassin?" MUSASHI: "You don't think they're controlled like that big girl?"

With a shake of his head, CONSTANTINE continued to look around the area.

CONSTANTINE: "Maybe, but... I'd like to be optimistic and say they escaped..."

Looking down below ALTER-EGO, in the shadow of the Massive Servant, you saw DRACO. She didn't seem... weak, particularly, but she had seemed stronger. It seemed like the lack of a proper contract was putting some toll on her body.

DRACO: "The sword is still in your possession, yes? Good. Deliver my sword, and I shall grant you wisdom of the Solar Cell. Give me tribute, and I shall consider renewing our contract. But behold, with my assistance, you gain an even mightier ally. How magnanimous am I. Normally I would have you kneel, but as you have no true body, my former Masters, I cannot ask you to bow your heads and beg for forgiveness. However, the Rider…"

You saw her mouth twist into a bitter, amused grin. CONSTANTINE shuddered though he did not look away, his eyes cold and piercing.

CONSTANTINE: "Oh, please speak, Whore of Babylon. Give me ample cause to wrench myself free of the Command Spell's curse and loose your head from your vile shoulders."

This seemed like an expected outcome. You told him he couldn't act out and defy your instructions- which at this point cycled around 'wait and see' regarding DRACO. That didn't mean he had to be nice about it.

DRACO: "How brave. Then yes, if you make him beg instead, that will be a far more amusing sight. And have him lop off his own head as well, then I will consider that apt sacrifice and have your debts repaid in full. After all, he disrespected my imperium, and dared to draw his blade against me. Such a rabid dog cannot be allowed to live, lest he bite the hand that feeds."

DRACO: "However, I am nothing but not fair. I'll give you time to discuss. I hope you make the right decision. After all, any resistance, and I'll bring down the might of 'Sakura Superbia' on you."

It seemed as if you were far enough away at the moment to discuss without being eavesdropped on, though close enough that you could call and speak to DRACO via the 'Endless Whispers' code cast regardless.

[please-give-dd-bread]

alright alright alright iiiiiii had An Idea that i might want to share with the world it just came to me a week ago and took it's sweet time running around my head but i don't want to just dump this all on the one poor friend i have that has to know everything about me sooooooooooo. here. featuring a very silly rui & tsukasa cuz i enjoy their dynamic (whether it be platonic or romantic :P they're silly little guys and i like em for it)

okay. so you know the song Che- Che- Check, 1! 2! by WADATAKEAKI or KurageP, right? the same dude that made Chururira Chururira Daddadda! if you were wondering. (all of you wxs fans probably know where i'm going with this.)

i kind of want to hear a Rui and Tsukasa cover, kind of like the Self-cover that takeaki himself did. i know the song is about being a student that's just falling really hard for your teacher but i want to hear them do it *only* and i mean *ONLY* for the whole 1, 2 joke (cuz YEAH that's what i'm here for that's the only reason i made this post)

from the cut things are ruikasa (romantically, not platonically) so if you aren't into that. sorry you got my point you may leave now.

edit: i originally did this on computer but posted it on mobile and ??? it deleted my changes (you know. content descriptions and tags and such) so uhm mhm.

(alright now that they're gone, you guys are my favorites. hi fellow ruikasaer here is where things get ~ juicy ~)

ooh ooh but. if there's a 2dmv. the part where the lyrics go "That's why I'll go do something bad/I'll sneak into the broadcast room in lunch break and play it" is yet another prank, where our weirdo wombo combo sneak into the broadcast room and just play. not sure. silly random noises i guess. idk but instead of going to plan. muehehe. sorry for the evil laugh uhm.

(or maybe they walked around school just recording people say happy birthday or something to nene because well let's have them do something nice for once instead of blasting confetti-filled cannons left, right and center)

whoever's plugging the audio in for the *whole* school to hear. instead of playing said silly random noises. manages to instead. play a recording of his confessions of love to his partner in crime. and you can tell he had background assistance cuz in the back emu and nene are going "wooaaahhhhh☆!!! he's gonna love this!!! it's really mooshy-wooshy and warm!!!" and "...yeah, i guess saying he's the star that lights up the dark void that once was your universe would work. good luck."

ooh or they get caught but one of them forgets their phone and then. after the silly random noises end. the whole school hears the most sappy, sickening confession ever. and rui's just sitting in the back, realizing he forgot his phone in the broadcast room, knowing he left it on autoplay, and he can't do anything but sit in this pool of dread and regret

anyways yeah uhmm that's all i have nothing left to share :P

and then of course the whole school teases them into next year. including the teachers. apparently being boyfriends come with a consequence. nene magically disappears for the next week or two and every time emu comes over during lunch break she gets really confused why everyone's just acting weird? where's nene-chan? what's going on between rui-kun and tsukasa-kun? did they fight again? no wait, i don't think you hold hands and call each other ruru and kasa after you fight... huhh??? whuhh??? bwuhh??? did they - *ugly breath in* OH MY GOD DID THEY CONFESS WAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! [she managed to give heart attacks to half the student body and staff with that one scream. i wrote this i would know. and if you want to manifest it into sound assume it sounds like that one KYAAAAA!!! she did from Positive☆Dance Time. im sorry]

[mikeylivesattheend]

Hi, I love Red Hood, Dimension Travel & Time Travel fics. Here are a 5 I enjoy that aren't immediately showing up if you sort by kudos on A03, basically. Don't forget to look at the tags! A lot of these have dark/angsty themes.

___

The Passing There by Ginevra_Benci

Dimension Travel, incomplete, 15k

Jason Todd awoke one morning from troubled dreams and found himself transformed into a monstrous—

No. God, he wished.

Metamorphosis, he could have handled. An easy fix. Hell, magic insect transformation was practically an everyday occurrence, in Gotham.

Just… not in this Gotham.

***

Jason Todd awakes one morning in a Gotham that “doesn’t like chaos”, and finds his feet.

I love the writing style here, it's updating regularly, and the plot is interesting without being too complicated.

This is the only incomplete fic here btw.

PLUTO. by Orpheusaki

Dimension Travel, complete, 22k

"I kill so others don't have to," Bruce states firmly and clearly. This entire situation didn't seem like it could get any more bizarre, what with Bruce sitting in the dark and polishing guns, but somehow it just has, "While you are here you will not kill."

Jason's throat is scratchy and dry with terror, but the insatiable feeling of being talked over and disregarded is a fresh wound. He can't back down from this if he tried, "I've killed. I still kill. Who the fuck do you think you are to stop me?"

Bruce gently sets down his gun, and picks up the blade beside him with practised ease. Jason's blood runs cold when the man wearing his father's face says, "You will die by my hand if you try."

(Jason meets a version of Bruce who has manifested his fears very differently.)

Honestly if you haven't read any of Orpheusaki's fics you should- immediately. I love fics that explore Bruce killing, and the vibes are so so right here.

This author also has another AMAZING dimension travel fic but it's abandoned I think so I cannot rec it in good conscience, sorry 😭

ghosts by roseworth

Time Travel, complete, 5k

Steph startled as a kid in a bright Robin costume jumped onto the roof in front of them.

A Robin costume she had only seen inside a glass case. A mop of curls she had only seen in pictures.

This was fucking Jason Todd.

Shit.

-

(Robin!Steph and Bruce get sent back in time to when Jason was alive. Everyone has some realizations.)

Chef's kiss, Steph gets to see Jason & learn what he was like. Not super long, but it's great

Sisyphus by EventualToast

Time Travel, complete, 8k

"Jason Todd is, for the second time in his life, sixteen years old, mortally wounded and trapped in a coffin. And this time, he takes in all the details that scream it’s reality. In his memories, he can always see the white of the silk, feel the worms crawling through his skin, even though neither of those things were possible. Now, he’s in sterile darkness. He needs to get out of here."

Or Jason and Essence get stuck in an infinite timeloop.

I love love love fics that use Jason's All Caste backstory & the time travel is wonderful. I've reread this like 5 times ngl

Ad Infinitum; Modified by familiarities (twistsandturns)

Time Travel, complete, 9k

Tim is hunched over his computer, bouncing between a report for B (Batman, not Bruce) and a spreadsheet for B (Bruce, not Batman) when Jason stumbles into the cave. If it weren’t for the fact that Jason had been in a somewhat good mood lately, Tim probably would have been a little more concerned about this fact. Still, it’s weird when, instead of ignoring Tim’s existence like he usually does, Jason walks over to him directly and says, “I'm in a time loop and I don't know why. Fix it."

The outsider pov on a time loop is so well done, and I love seeing Jason change from afar

___

Uhh yeah that's it. I've read a lot more than these, but there are better rec lists to get those. These are just ones that tickle my brain. A lot of these authors are on Tumblr too, so thats neat.

[masterqwertster]

Trick or Treat!

A drabble for you, in which my worries about untended artifacts of power manifests:

There's someone fucking touching them.

And that's all Ashton needs to know to take a swing, their mind still muddled by sleep, but clear on the knowledge that whoever those hands belong to, they don't know them.

"Ah–! Motherfucker–!"

Before Ashton can take another swing at the fucking stranger in his room, magic wraps around his body, locking it in place.

"I told you to be careful," another stranger in Ashton's fucking room hisses.

What the fuck is wrong with this fucking castle's security?

"I was," the fucker they clocked distortedly hisses back. "Dunno why we're doin' this anyway."

"Because we can't allow them to get in the way of His plans. And Lady Allura said this one will explode if they try to absorb the titan crystal, which takes this crystal, the one already in them, and whatever that dunamancy shit in them is out of the picture in one stroke," the other testily explains. "Now shut up and get the harness on them!"

Ashton hurts always, but nothing quite makes his skin crawl as much as someone he doesn't know and sure as fuck doesn't trust having free reign to touch him wherever they fucking want. If he could move, he'd break this fucker's face. And their buddy's too. Instead, he's stiff as a board as just the one, and then both, grunt and curse their way through rolling him into a position to put the fucking harness on him.

The damn thing vibrates against their skin as cold fear sinks into their veins and maybe anticipation for more power that part of them hungers for.

The cold doesn't last long.

Once the harness is snapped in place, the Spark of Rau'shan is revealed and quickly placed in the funnel. Heat and fire flood Ashton's veins, starting at the base of his neck and quickly fanning out into the rest of him, threatening to spill over.

And he can't let that happen. Allura made it sound like the whole fucking city would go with him, and while he doesn't give a fuck about it's snooty Lord, none of the inhabitants deserve that, and he sure as fuck doesn't want to kill Bells Hells.

Ashton just needs someone to get the harness off them. ASAP.

"Now, you're just going to stay right here and be silent and not move until the harness is done," Asshole #2 says, magic lacing their words. "That'll hold them for the next hour. Though I suspect they'll blow before then. Come on, let's go."

And Ashton's body is locked in place by new magic, his fierce desire to fight out of this fucking situation drowned under those fucking orders.

He really fucking hopes he doesn't explode.

Or, in which some of the Whitestone Castle guards are plants by Ludinus. And they broke into Percy's lab in the middle of the night after hearing about shit while waiting for Percy to give them Fetch Quests, and decided (potential) Big Boom was the way to go rather than allowing the enemy to Power Up.

[viilpstick]

╰┈➤ 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞: Oh, this is the night, it's a beautiful night and we call it bella notte. If to take a closer look, not just at the skies, you'll see she have stars in her eyes, laying on the grass with her bicycle on the side. On this lovely bella notte. In a hand forgiviness is normal, in another you have to work for it. Bless sevens, the heavens are right.

𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: Lacy Darling, Twisted Wonderland oc

𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔: Some mention bit of oc x canon, the enemies to lovers type (Lacy is not beastman, sorry), mentions of Lacy going to prison

𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: Some angst, informative of new character

𝒂/𝒏: I actually found a site that helped me write SO MUCH of this (Synonyms), so expect my writing to become better over time :)) Actually proud of my writing in this hehe

"I can't believe I am lost again. Excuse me, little one! Do you know how can I get to Night Raven College? Oh, you know just the way? With a short cut? Splendid!"

𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅: Never doubt yourself, but doubt the others, even if you are side by side your love one. And his dishonesty has to speak louder than anything else.

Lacy Darling was born into a wealth family in Shaftlands, her upbringing marked by a strong sense of community and a simple, humble lifestyle. From a young age, Lacy displayed an insatiable curiosity, always eager to learn, explore, and understand the world around her. Her heart overflowed with kindness, and she was known for her unwavering loyalty to those she cared about.

Also, with the great energy she had, and being the only daughter, through her childhood she had all the attention of the whole world. Even so, she can't be mistaken as someone who wanted it all, she was well educated to be simple and modest.

Throughout her teenage years, Lacy studied in Night Raven College, as a way to expand her knowledge for the magic.

However, there was a nuanced prejudice within Lacy that she struggled with. Despite her open-mindedness, she occasionally held unfounded biases, rooted in preconceived notions. Lacy's life took a dramatic turn when she was ensnared in a web of a dishonest guy orchestrated by someone she had dear hold, even to say, she actually feel for him. This betrayal led her to make a series of unfortunate choices that ultimately landed her in prison, by no fault of hers.

Upon her release, thanks to a teacher she might even said she used to fear, Lacy emerged as an even more intriguing and evolving individual. Her heart remained full of kindness and her curiosity unabated. The hardships she endured had added a layer of strength to her character, and her occasional glimpses of courage now shone brighter than ever. However, to gain her trust or forgiviness to this days is a hard task most people fail.

𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚: She just can't understand, it must be something wonderful, it must be something grand 'cause everybody's smiling in a kind and wistful way, then why do She tend to keep my thoughts to herself instead of facing her mistakes

This sweet young woman is someone of intriguing complexity, known for her timid and naive disposition. She possesses a gentle and unassuming nature, which makes her an exceptional friend to those fortunate enough to know her.

Her loyalty to her family is unwavering, and she consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to their well-being.

Lacy's gracious side is a full commitment to a kindheart and sympathetic soul, whatsoever, while her timid nature might suggest vulnerability, she surprises many by revealing a hidden reservoir of courage and protectiveness when the situation demands it, specially when it comes to people she deeply care about. In times of adversity, she can rise to the occasion, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Lacy's personality exhibits a fascinating duality. On one hand, she exudes an air of modesty, always extending kindness and curiosity towards others. Yet, there is a hint of cockiness in her attitude, occasionally manifesting as a self-assured demeanor that she's not afraid to display. Her confidence, although not overwhelming, serves as a testament to her, may as well say, once she doesn't like someone by any act they might've done to irritate or hurt her, she will act stubborn and imposible to get forgiviness from.

One notable aspect of Lacy's flaw is her somewhat prejudiced view towards people from a different class of her, this might due the fact she once went to prison, thanks to a certain somoene from Playful Land, awhile she tried to help them. This prejudice, though a minor deffect, suggests a certain guardedness and wariness when it comes to individuals from distant backgrounds. Over time, she may learn to overcome or soften as she continues to grow and develop, it depends on how inflexible both of parties are.

In summary, Lacy is a varied character, a humble and sincere soul with a heart full of kindness, curiosity, and loyalty. Lacy's growth as a character includes occasional glimpses of courage, a touch of cockiness, and a nuanced prejudice, making her a truly intriguing and evolving individual.

𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆: You'll find enchantment here, the night will weave its magic spell, in her eyes you'll see the glint of skies.

For someone like Lacy, complex clothing are never an exaggeration. With a knee length circle skirt with a caramel shade, and a pastel yellow shade blouse. A teal bow as belt in her figure, to top up with everything, a small gold chain in a crystal format.

Her make up emphasized a natural, yet polished look. This included a light foundation, soft blush, defined eyebrows, and really light red lipstick.

Her skin is well said to be in a warm undertone. Her is a slight short bangs with the hair length touching the shoulders and slight wavy and with the color being a carnaby cooper red, all of that matching perfectly her brown eyes.

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑: And may love be your keeper, close your eyes, trust the unreliable. But, remember in any second you can open your eyes to see the clear truth.

Rook Hunt: Although, not fully confirmed, Rook and Lacy are distant relatives. And by that, he always was grown found in a fashion lifestyle. Lacy mentions the fact she is quite confused by Rook's mannerism, but, think in general he is a funny silly guy.

Ruggie Bucchi: However, is said early that Lacy has always suspicious over people too far from her lifestyle. She's really kind to Ruggie, and from time to time, likes to give him simple jobs in exchange of a great quantity of money for him. He does unintentional help her face her past shadows.

Dire Crowley: Never shown why exactly, but, Crowley dislikes Lacy deeply, vice versa. Both had things in the past they never brought up again. However, it is a fact they don't want to see each other's face no longer.

Fellow Honest: Crowley still was the tip of iceberg, what, and how, Lacy acts around Fellow is way more noticeable hatred. It's pointed out, that Fellow got this sweet Lady, when she was younger, involved in inumerous problems awhile she tried to be closer to him, as something between friend and more. Yet, once she had to go to prison by his little rebellious acts, she went from sweet to bitter in a heart beat, once they saw each other again, Lacy acts as if no nearly close to forgive him. Even so, Fellow outside shows a bit of regret, inside he almost corrupts himself for actually doing such a mess. In a way or another, he does hope Lacy will give him a second chance.

Crewel Divus: Both dog lovers go way back in NRC, when they were in Pomefiore. According to Crewel, their first interaction when both got kicked out of Trein's class by a discussion of what dog breed was better. Whatsoever, during time, both had became good friends, the big brother and younger sister alike duo went never out of style since then.

Mozus Trein: Even with some down falls, Mister Trein used to adore Lacy as a student. Lacy as a student, whatsoever, used to deeply fear Mister Trein, yet, have deep respect. Things changed when Trein payed for her finance when she went to prison, he didn't blame her the slightest bit, specially when he knew Lacy's innocence. It is common, stated by Rook, seeing Trein in his break, along side Lucius, visit Lacy for a cup of tea.

𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒂: At the end, all ends well when it is well.

Lacy is inspired on Lady from "Lady and the Tramp" (funfact about it: Lady's va name was also Barbara-- i found it cute, let me life with it)

Signature spell: Dedicated energy, with some notes of a lullaby, Lacy is capable of absorbing other energy to use as her a running boost, targets may even fall asleep with so much absorption

Lacy meaning: from Lassy; Young woman. Lacy is a feminine name of French origin. Lassy was a beautiful historical region in France that was home for many noblemen

Her style is inspired in the style of 1950 women's fashion, the year the movie came out

28 years old, born in July 1st

Lacy's dominant hand is right

Fav. drink + food: Caramel coffee, croissants.

Least fav. drink + food: Orange juice, crab.

Hobbies: Cycling, picking flowers

Pet peeves: Dishonesty

Likes: Picnics

Talent: Fast thinker

DO NOT COPY, TRANSLATE OR REPOST IN OTHER MEDIA MY WORK viilpstick © copyright 2023

[daphnedauphinoise]

how to stop being addicted to self help contents ?

This is a very valid question and something I struggled with until a while ago. The bottom line is you need to just go out and live life. If you are out living life, you are not mindlessly consuming self-help content. A lot of self-help content is bullshit. It really is just a way to be insecure about things that dont require any of that. I have found that you can't wean yourself off self-help, the promise of a better life is so sweet. Not as nearly as sweet as living a better life so in my opinion, it has to be a cold clean cut away from self-help. At some point you actually have do the routines you have made, check the check lists you have made and all those vision boards.

Why are you consuming self help? Usually it is one of these things:

Your life is shit and you have no clue on how to fix it

You are avoiding fixing your life because lets be honest, work is hard so you rather just keep searching for your magic fix

You are deeply afraid of moving past your shitty current situation because now you have gotten used to it and you do not think yourself as deserving of the life you want. You are scared of the brigh future you can have.

Believe it or not but all of these things are fixable. Those of you who are afraid of the good things in life need to do some soul searching and weed out the root of your misfortunes. If you are avoiding the hard work, then you are doomed. If you are group number one, I will come back to you.

One of my friends has a habit of telling us that anxiety is the stupidest man made concept and I used to look at her weirdly until I finally understood what she meant. She wasn't targeting those with diagnosed anxiety, our friend group knows first hand how delibatating anixety can be. What she means is a lot of our concepts we have about self, we come up with ourselves and those concepts are our downfall. I used to have this horrible notion that I was incapable and i was worth much, guess where my life was? Once I started respecting myself more and flipped that narrative my life has changed so much. Until a couple of months ago I used to go around saying ' i have such bad anxiety', it was an excuse as much as it was a justification. As soon as uni started again and I have been forced to interact, guess whose life has been better? I am not saying my social anxiety has gone but my mental health has improved dramatically. I no longer say I have that anxiety anymore eventhough I do, I dont let that hold me back. Just because I have it, I dont let myself become a victim to it. The things I thought I couldn't do, I do now; all it took was a new outlook and a new mindset. Things do get exponentially better when you actually leave your front door and tackle your problems head on. From my own experience, the more I have labeled myself as an 'anxious' person, the worse my anxiety has gotten. I did a chart and everything and I saw that there was a direct correlation to what I was perpetuating and then how I was feeling and then consequently acting.

Here is how self-help went wrong: people see self-help as the end goal. Making the visualisation board is not the end goal. Making a visualisation board is the start of your journey. I have a board right infront of me now and everyday I wakeup and I look at it and promise myself that I will do something today that will bring me one step closer to one of those pictures. A lot of people who are into manifesting hate actually doing the work but I need you remember Law of Action is literally a universal law. You cannot manifest a schoalarship, if you never apply. You won't meet your billionaire boo if you are at home day in day out. The time to start your journey to your dream life is actually right now! Literally RIGHT NOW. Stop giving yourself excuses and do that 10 minutes of whatever you need to do today. You need to be confrontational with yourself and you need to have self-discipline.

All the girls I know who have had shitty upbringings and me personally, are where we are because we dream hard and work hard. I have seen people leave the wildest pasts behind and move onto the bigger and better. From being abdandoned by her parents to golfing every week and currently she is planning her skiing getaway. I have seen people using their losing deck and win at life. They all work hard. Their work ethic and their dedication to their purpose is a commonality they all share.

daphne xox

[anistarrose]

📙

(ask meme: send me a 📙 and i'll explain the plot of a fic i haven't written but still daydream about!)

okay, so. a very particular TAZ Balance AU idea, which is near and dear to me, is also one that I may never write, because it would just be such an undertaking — due, in part, to it kind of being told in non-chronological fashion.

it starts with Lucretia's pov, immediately post-Phandalin, welcoming a group of new recruits to the Bureau. however, two very important things are different from canon: Julia is alive and with the boys, and Magnus has a very energetic, very clearly magical dog familiar.

and like. Lucretia's thrilled to finally meet Julia, even if she can't show it; that's not the problem. the dog (I'm thinking like, a biiig reddish-brown St. Bernard) is a surprise, for sure (Lucretia can't believe she missed the years Magnus finally started learning magic!), and the situation totally going to warrant some new fencing around the edge of the moon, but the dog itself, technically, is still not the biggest problem.

the problem is that when Lucretia tells them about the Grand Relics and Red Robes, Magnus is like "but... surely not everyone who wears a red robe is a Red Robe, right?" and then, only then, does everything click together for Lucretia.

because long story short, this is a "Magnus and Barry made a warlock pact as during the Stolen Century as a joke, and (ironically) both forgot about it until Magnus accidentally summoned a familiar decades later in Raven's Roost" AU!

after the initial reveal, we get a series of flashbacks jumping back and forward in time, slowly fleshing out details of how much Magnus knows, how much Julia knows, and just the general vibes of their relationship with Barry, plus, eventually, their relationship with a Lucretia who needs their help to gather the Relics, but is paranoid about Barry's influence at basically all times to great comical effect lmao. highlights include:

Magnus manifesting magical powers and getting visited in a dream by a scary ghost, except the ghost's voice sounds like Literally Just Some Guy and he explains, seemingly honestly and kind of sheepishly, that he doesn't know how to undo the warlock pact because they made it For The Bit when they were slightly drunk

Magnus trusts the Red Robe because he doesn't want to lose his new puppy friend; Julia trusts the Red Robe because once they meet in person, she decides he's too anxious to be an effectual evil mastermind

Barry helps out the Raven's Roost rebellion, scaring Kalen so shitless that he doesn't even try to bomb the support pillars and that's why Julia lives

Magnus knows his patron sometimes goes unresponsive for months at a time, but doesn't know why, just that he always warns him in advace and it's never forever

when Phandalin comes along, Magnus knows Alive-Barry is familiar but he absolutely cannot place it, and Alive-Barry is equally as confused, and as unhelpful as humanly possible

the main focus of this AU is on Magnus and Barry as found family, and Julia and Barry as found family by proxy, with of course Magnulia running in parallel — but my absolute favorite underutilized dynamic (Lucretia and Barry oscillating between being serious archnemeses versus just being siblings with a hilarious petty rivalry) is baked into the core of the whole premise, too

idk about the details but I like the idea of Magnus getting in big trouble with Kravitz and, much like Merle, losing a hand or a limb or something — which Barry angsts about a little bit, convinced that it was all his fault for dragging Magnus into this, but it turns out Julia is a super competent artificer and Magnus winds up really loving the prosthesis she rigs up for him

Barry does not change the "show up and monologue ominously to the Reclaimers" strategy at all but there's a lot more goofy banter with Magnus sprinkled in now

Lucretia is constantly paranoid that Barry is spying on her through the eyes of a dog (except she's correct, he absolutely is)

OH and Magnus was asked by his patron to keep an eye out for the Umbra Staff, so he recognizes it when Taako finds it in the vault (he asks if Barry wants him to steal it, but Barry is weirdly insistent that no, it should stay with Taako)...

and I want to say that it's still not an immediate realization, but he does therefore give Barry a head start on figuring out that mystery, and once he tells Barry what Angus told him about that time it burnt "LUP" in the wall, it also becomes a Lup freed early AU :')

I guess lastly, and based off the "Undead Patron" warlock subclass, there's like a spectral red robe that appears around Magnus's shoulders whenever he's kicking ass

[aggravateddurian]

The Shadow Over Megabuilding H4

The eerie red permeated the building as Vega fought her way to the basement. The drones were tough, their nanotech-enhanced bodies seemingly bleeding as they were shot, before finally dropping to the ground, theiir insides riddled with enough bullets to take out a Basilisk.

Finally, the basement door - the source of this horrific scene. She tapped the door...

"What in the fuck!?"

She was greeted by two hunched Megabuilding residents. Their bodies were riddled wiith chrome, seemingly constructed right on their very bodies. They acted like zombies, moving in unison as they turned to face Vega.

"Vegaaaaaaaa..." they greeted her in unison.

"How did you know my name?"

“Veeeeegaaaaaaaa…” they moaned in unison, their voices resembling the chorus of a million damned souls, calling out in unison. Was it in greeting, or in pain?

“What in the fuck!?” Vega exclaimed.

“How do they know…?” So Mi began.

“Sooooo Miiiiiii…” they greeted her, “we… are… pleased… you… could join… us…”

"Who the fuck are you? Why did you take over this megabuilding?"

"We wish... to be... free."

“Enough with the games!” Vega ordered, “release the megabuilding residents!”

“They… prefer… it… this way…” replied the voice of the machine, “together, there is… no pain… no hunger… no fear… We are… happy.”

“You assimilated these people. You’re controlling them like zombie puppets. I don’t think I agree with your assessment!”

“Your feelings… are irrelevant… a side effect of your unfortunate mortal existence…” replied the residents in perfect unison, “…you are more than that… you have… transcended mortality… you are the template… for a perfect future…”

So Mi shook her head, “It’s trying to penetrate my ICE barrier. Flatline them, Vega!”

Vega watched as the bodies twitched, then began to ooze fluorescent red blood as nanobots leaked out of their body, decomposing on the floor as the sudden change of temperature disabled them.

"You got them..." So Mi reassured her.

"Until now we've fought hijacked drones... but we kill them... there are still innocent civilians there."

The former FIA operative stood out in front of her, "Vega! It's them or us! You saw them... they're shambling in pain! We're freeing them!"

"Let's just deploy the net bomb and kill these nanobots once and for all."

"Just get me to the core and keep me covered. These machines won't know what hit them!"

As they neared the source of the infestation, the red glow intensified. As they rounded the corner, Johnny manifested, "Jesus fuckin' Christ!"

So Mi stopped mid-stride, "Oh my... this isn't the Blackwall... only something twisted, from beyond the Blackwall!"

A ghostly figure stood among the slaughter. A full squad of Militech soldiers had been dragged into the basement. Now they laid in a pool of glowing nanobot swarms and their own blood. Their bodies were being slowly decomposed and merged with the Cynosure containers with grotesque nanotubes, seemingly feeding some biosynthetic monstrosity growing within. The figure grasped the head of a netrunner. She looked to Vega and So Mi, recognising the latter, "Please... kill me... I can't..."

The figure ran her virtual fingers over the girl's head, "Hush..." her voice was distorted, corrupted, as if the entity's transit through the Blackwall and into our realm was less than smooth. Glitches and errors flashed across her digital form, but there was no mistaking the woman's identity.

Vega shook her head, and simultaneously with Johnny, whispered, "...Alt..."

"V... welcome, my child."

"You're not the real Alt. She's capable of a lot, but this is beyond the pale, even for her!" Vega reached for her sidearm, "and I'm not your fuckin' child!"

"WRONG!" she retorted, reaching a hand out, "You need to listen to your elders!"

Vega was bathed in a beam of red light that caused her cyberware to glitch out. She writhed in pain as So Mi was suddenly, and violently cast aside, as if Alt possessed magical powers.

"Alt! What the fuck're you doing!?" demanded Johnny.

"Shut up, Johnny, for once in your life," she retorted, banishing him with a flick of her wrist, "Vega... you are important to my plans. Stop resisting. You will find it... calming if you surrender."

So Mi tried to reach for Vega's leg as her screams of pain turned from whimpers, to gurgles, and then complete silence as Alt penetrated every system in Vega's body, seizing absolute control, "Vega..."

"I'm going to need to borrow you for a moment, Vega."

So Mi could sense the virtual tendrils embracing Vega's mind and body, "Your code is corrupted, Alt... Blackwall didn't treat you well..."

Alt ignored her, but So Mi could tell that her concentration was affected. She grinned, pressing the issue, "It's eating at you... isn't it? You can feel it starting to slowly eat you at the edges... I know the feeling. It hurts, doesn't it?"

Alt focused on Vega, "That's it... let go... see how it feels better?"

So Mi smiled, "You slipped up, Alt."

So Mi reached for a virtual strand and grasped it through the subnet. Alt suddenly glitched, hard, "Go back to the NET, you eldritch bitch! She's mine!"

Alt writhed in pain as So Mi stretched her hand out to grab the retreating tendrils. Vega awoke with a start, shaking as she tried to get back onto her knees, "Go back to Arkham!"

With a burst of effort, So Mi reached for the Blackwall, goading it to chase her. She led them straight to Alt.

Like a million arresting hands, the Blackwall reached into meatspace, grabbing Alt, seizing her with impossibly strong force. Like demons dragging her back to hell, Alt seemingly was snatched through the floor as the Blackwall retreated to the digital realm from whence it came, taking the corrupted engram of Alt Cunningham with it. The enemy defeated, So Mi let go of the tendrils, but not before taking the opportunity to introduce the NET bomb code.

She watched through her optics' virtuality mode as block by block, corrupted Cynosure code was destroyed. The tendrils of the AI that Alt Cunningham had seized control of in her eldritch scheme were, block by block, obliterated by a malevolent blue wave that washed over every circuit and wireless network of the subnet, until the red glow finally died once and for all...

"Easy, V... you need to take it easy. After a net attack like that, I'm surprised you're even awake!"

Vega mumbled something, "I've had worse Relic Malfunctions... the AI was Alt? How the fuck's that possible?"

"Not Alt," So Mi assured her, "a fragment of her psyche, from when she fled into the NET after Arasaka Tower. She had to shed aspects of her humanity to survive in cyberspace... you just encountered a nasty fragment."

"Nasty? She had her digital tendrils in every system of my body. Not sure whether she was trying to control me or..."

"Maybe it's best we don't know," suggested So Mi, "The Blackwall has her now, and I've bombed the subnet. The nanobots are all dead. Meredith can begin the cleanup. Hopefully, Militech will be more careful with their toys next time."

"And other hilarious jokes you can tell your chooms," she managed a smile, "Oh, and next year, we're not going trick or treating with the kids from Militech."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's Cyberween 2079. This is not canon to the timeline, and is just a Halloween story for fun.

Don't worry, this corrupt fragment of Alt is gone. The Blackwall does what the Blackwall does best, and our favourite ghostly netrunner engram is still out there... possibly plotting to take over the world. Please don't think I have it out for Alt or anything.

[lenofiga]

[Unraveling the Shattered Secret]

Murr Hart - 2024 Valentine’s Day SR Card Translation (Commission)

A HARMLESS QUESTION - CHAPTER 1

Murr: *nom nom* This meat is so wonderfully tender, I might not need my teeth to chew it!

Snow: The seafood terrine is also exquisite—Mia has great taste.

Murr: Speaking of Mia’s tastes, remember that cage? Quite the show of her ardency, wasn’t it!

”I can't stand to see him taken away from me. He will be mine,” [must be what went through her mind.] If not straightforward to the point of naivety, what else could best describe how she acted, guided by such irrational feelings?

While that might not be her love in its entirety, I’ll grant that the cage constitutes one manifestation of it.

Snow: Her love was too egoistic than I’d prefer. Though I must say, the desire to lock up your loved one somewhere beyond anyone’s reach...is no stranger to me.

Murr: Wow! Did I really hear that from you? Because that sounded more like something White would say.

Snow: What?

Murr: I mean, wasn’t it White who dissuaded you from leaping out into the world in an attempt to confine you both in your own little sphere?

Snow: …Is now really the time to discuss such a sore and delicate topic? Much less with you, the root of it all?

Murr: What do you mean? The opportunity has presented itself, hasn’t it? If not now, when else can we? Tonight? Tomorrow? In a hundred year’s time?

Snow: Goodness… Enough. Having this conversation with you will spoil the feast Mia took the time to prepare.

A HARMLESS QUESTION - CHAPTER 2

Murr: Sooo, are we done talking here?

Snow: Why, yes. I did not sit here to kill you, after all.

Murr: Oh, I see. And here I thought you cut the conversation short because it became unfavorable for you!

Snow: …

Murr: That, or talking to me reminded you of the gravest mistake of your life. Or perhaps, despite committing such tragedy, you still…

Snow: …The nerve of this deranged whippersnapper to presume on my leniency. Don’t you dare push your luck.

Today is the day I read you your last rites. Have you bid goodbye to your beloved moon?

Murr: What?! Not even close~! ≪Eanul Rambul>>

Snow: ! Chocolates? In a dish styled like stained glass… Quite elegant, I must say…

Murr: You love a good stained glass piece, right? Treating yourself to something sweet while admiring what you love could help cancel out the exasperation you feel! Help yourself! Bon appétit!!

Snow: ...Goodness. Why, you are proving quite the… One day, I’ll find myself regretting, yet again, that I didn’t kill you when I had the chance.

Murr: Is that so? Then I better prepare heaps of chocolates for when the time comes!

The world is brimming with all things riveting, dazzling, and frightening I have yet to encounter–I’ve got better things to do with my life than die!

AN EXCITING GAME OF TAG?

Murr: Aaaah! Book it!!

Akira: Murr!? What’s going on? How come you’re darting around like that?

Murr: I’m playing tag with Snow!

Akira: You and Snow? That’s not something you ever see. (Aww, who knew they were close…)

…... Hm? Er, is it just me…or do I feel an oddly chilling breeze coming from that direction…

Murr: That’s Snow inching closer as we speak! He’s gonna catch me!

Akira: You mean, Snow is the source of this cold wave? This is turning out of hand—like dead of winter levels of cold…!

Murr: Snow fell silent in the middle of our debate about solitude. I took that as a sign we were done and got up from my seat. But then he started chasing after me! And so began our game of tag!

Akira: Um, what? Seems to me like he blew his top and he’s chasing you for real…! If I recall correctly, didn’t something similar happen at Miss Mia’s castle?!

Murr & Akira: !?

Akira: T-The wall just exploded and collapsed…

Murr: Hahaha! Whoops! He caught up to me!

Akira: Now is not the time to be so easy-going…! Oh no! He came in through the wall that caved in!

Please, Snow, I need you to calm down! I totally understand how you feel, but kindly put away your magic ite– NOOO!!

[waltwhitmansbeard]

10. "Please... what am I doing wrong?" "What aren't you doing wrong?!"

Ooh… I’m not sure who to request for this. But by all means, surprise me!

10. "Please... what am I doing wrong?" "What aren't you doing wrong?!"

Jester chews on her tongue, staring at the canvas in front of her. She's covered in paint from her horns to her bare toes, but the hours of effort she's put into this portrait of her mother is not reflected in its quality. She squints, tilts her head to the side, and dips her brush in the glob of ochre on her palette. The fine hairs crackles along the canvas. When she lifts the brush, heart soaring hopefully, she doesn't see the improved cheekbone she was planning on. Instead, her mother's face remains flat, lifeless, utterly unlike the real Ruby of the Sea.

"UGH!" Jester tosses her palette onto the floor of her bedroom, sending paint everywhere. "Please...what am I doing wrong?" She buries her face in her hands.

"What aren't you doing wrong?"

Jester lifts her head slowly, eyes narrowing at the cloaked figure who has manifested suddenly on her bed. "That's not very helpful."

The Traveler chuckles, his hands behind his head as he stretches out atop her bright pink bedspread. "You know I'm only joking, Jester."

She sighs. She does know that. He's always only joking. "I don't know why I can't get this right." She frowns at the lackluster rendition of her mother. "Her birthday is in three days—I have to make this perfect."

"My sweet, don't you know what a feat art is?" The Traveler's head twists toward her, though she can't see his face beneath the shadow of the hood. "You are attempting to wrest control from the chaos. I spent years, decades, even longer on the craft. You're young. You merely require practice."

But Jester doesn't want to practice. She wants to be good at this now. "Can't you give me magical artistic abilities? Like how I can do this?" She briefly disguises herself to look like Bluud before returning to her usual blue self.

In a heartbeat, the Traveler is off of her bed and standing just beside her. Jester cranes her head to look up at him. "Jester Lavorre, the gifts I have bestowed upon you, you will use for the most brilliant acts of chaos known to all of Exandria." She beams, excited at the very prospect. "I do not need to waste your magical potential on your artistry, because that magic already exists right here." A long, pale finger extends from the cloak to tap her right over her heart.

A warmth spreads through her from her chest out. She knows he's right. Her own mother, who has the most beautiful voice Jester has ever heard, still practices her songs, famed and talented as she is. Jester needs to do the same with her art if she wants to be half as prodigious as she is.

"Well...since you're here, and so very talented...." A bemused chuckle comes from the hooded cloak. "...maybe you can show me what I'm doing wrong?"

There is a long sigh, and the long-fingered hand gently takes the brush from her hand. Jester grins eagerly as he begins to demonstrate the very technique that had been eluding her all morning. She is so very lucky to have a friend like the Traveler, she thinks as she watches his movements carefully. Together, they will make some beautiful art indeed.

[simplyavatrice]

Catradora, #20 (...on a scar) and/or #28 (...as a lie) please and thank you :>

It's been a bit since I've written Catradora, let's see if I remember how to do this lol

------------------

(as a lie)

"Catra, what happened to my pudding cup?"

Eyes going wide, Catra stares down at the aforementioned cup in her hand, last bite sitting on the spoon looking like the most delicious thing she's ever seen.

She had no idea these were Adora's pudding cups. Adora doesn't eat sweets very much and she just figured it was something Glimmer left in the fridge from their get together last week.

There's a scenario in her head where she saves the last bite, races into the kitchen and apologizes for this and let's Adora have it.

She even admits this is the better idea as she puts the spoon in her mouth and finishes off her snack.

It was a good idea, but why be boring and apologetic when she can be creative and still make sure Adora gets something sweet.

Catra quickly gets up, runs to the back door and throws the offending cup and spoon (that she'll have to explain away later) in the trash before sauntering into the kitchen as if she's just come home from a long days work. "What's up?" She asks, indifferent.

Adora is still standing in the fridge, staring at it's contents like the pudding cup is going to magically manifest itself right in front of her. "I had a pudding in here, I was saving it for after my end of the week workout and I can't find it."

"Huh, that's weird," Catra steps up behind her, staring into the fridge like she doesn't still taste the chocolate on her tongue. "Maybe Bow ate it?"

Adora shakes her head. "No, I...I saw it this morning," Adora gets a goofy smile on her face. "I remember because I told it I would see it tonight after..." her eyes go wide and she clears her throat. "I mean, I don't talk to our food."

Catra is so in love with this dork. "I don't know what to tell you, babe."

"Well damn, I was really looking forward to that."

Seeing Adora's genuine disappointment, Catra knows what she can do to help. She pulls Adora back, closes the fridge door and puts her hands on Adora's shoulders. "How about I give you something sweet instead." she leans in, watching with delight as Adora's eyes go wide for only a moment before she closes them.

The kiss is soft at first, as they usually are. Even after all this time, Adora has never stopped kissing Catra with a small sense of wonder.

That affection has done miraculous things for Catra's previously low self-esteem.

It's when the kiss starts to pick up steam that Catra makes her fatal mistake. She gently glides her tongue between Adora's lips, finding space on the roof of her mouth and pressing in even harder - their bodies flush.

Then suddenly, Adora gasps into her mouth.

"SHOKLIT!" She mumbles, vibrating Catra's teeth. They break apart and Adora looks absolutely scandalized. "You ate my pudding!"

"Pssh, no I didn't."

"You taste like chocolate!"

"So," Catra shrugs. "That's my natural taste."

"Catra!"

"Fine, I ate your pudding. I didn't know it was yours!" Adora's following pout is legendary. "I'll get you more, okay?" Adora crosses her arms, still frowning - but their eyes lock and Catra can't help herself. "Besides, you have to admit this is a pretty good way to get your sweets fix, don't you think?"

Adora's expression breaks just a bit. "I guess, but I think I need more than just one."

With that, Catra puts her hands in Adora's hair and pulls her in. "Now that, I can give you."

[tgrailwar-zero]

The night passed without further event.

The sun rose, and you already saw your Servants up and about, MUSASHI and CONSTANTINE packing up the camp. Seeing you awake, the two of them waved before continuing the conversation that they were having before you had arrived.

CONSTANTINE: "…Kukulkan ran off on her own without a word to anyone…"

MUSASHI: "Hah! That's a Divine Spirit for you. She lives on her own rules."

CONSTANTINE: "It seems like Avenger slipped off during the night too. He probably got tired of waiting."

MUSASHI: "…And that's an Avenger for you, too. He has his own plans."

Despite the chatter, you felt a magical pull that you hadn't felt in a while. A renewed contract.

…You had the feeling AVENGER... no, SALIERI was going to be okay. And that you'd see him again soon. Besides, you did have the same destination after all. Perhaps he just wasn't used to traveling in a group?

Besides, he had made a promise. And that magical link was absolute proof of that.

CONSTANTINE: "Ah, well, I suppose there's no reason to grumble about it. Good morning, Masters. Best to put on your proverbial walking shoes- we have a ways to go."

MUSASHI: "I'm excited! The Megalopolis is supposed to be a major city, right? I can't wait!"

After some time, you saw NERO emerge from her tent, stretching with a yawn as two massive Mystic Codes clanked alongside her. She lightly rubbed the head of the Little Guy as she looked up towards the others.

NERO: "We're to be walking, yes? Then my Theatrical Mystic Codes shall be ready. The path between the Nameless City and the Transient Megalopolis isn't a dangerous one, but Enemy Programs still roam."

(KUKULKAN and SALIERI have left your party!)

And thus, your journey began.

The march was long, longer than you expected as the sun burned downwards, as the three Servants in your group handled it in various different manners.

CONSTANTINE took the lead, marching forward like a true leader. His armor glistened under the sunlight, and he didn't seem deterred in the slightest, making sure that the group kept a swift yet steady pace.

MUSASHI, in her sandogasa, seemed to be unbothered by the sun beating down, walking onwards with her sword in hands and- occasionally- swinging them at a rogue Attack Program that would slip out into the open. She kept the 'Little Guy' close, making sure that he didn't wander off.

NERO seemed to be the least suited for this type of travel, sticking to the back and frowning most of the way through. After one especially forlorn groan, she spoke up to CONSTANTINE with a childish pout.

NERO: "Constantinus, can you not summon riders for us? Perhaps even chariots? I don't see why we must do this on foot…"

There was a pause, before CONSTANTINE sighed. He raised his sword, blade glistening as several horses seemed to manifest from the magical ether. You had seen him summon his own mount in such a manner during your battle with QUETZALCOATL, but watching him summon more was interesting.

He helped you and NERO up onto the horses, MUSASHI effortlessly jumping up on her own with a grin, before you continued onward.

It was a minor magical expense. Truthfully, it wasn't a dangerous walk in the first place, but this made it safer. Understanding that you now had three powerful Servants under your employ, and were traveling at a swift pace, most of the Enemy Programs were nothing but fodder or could be easily outran. So, the rest of the ride was much more comfortable. Galloping now on horseback, riding down the grasslands before the grass slowly began to fade away to sand crystals, and the grassy plains smell began to pick up the scent of salt and sea.

Eventually, you saw buildings. High skyscrapers, cars drifting past, the sound of bustling excited crowds filling your ears. If the Nameless City was 'alive, but relaxed', the Transient Megalopolis was 'glittering and bustling' in every sense of the word. Looking back, you had noticed that NERO had changed at some point as you all got off your mounts, looking around the city proper.

You felt NERO take your hand, leading you and the others to what looked like a very expensive hotel. Even stepping inside, the sense that you were massively outclassed seemed to take hold as you found yourself almost blinded by the bright, shining golden ornamentation that decorated it.

MUSASHI: "Geh… leave it to a Roman Emperor to make you feel poor all of the sudden…"

LITTLE GUY: "Aaaah… it's so shiny…"

As MUSASHI gaped, you watched as NERO wandered up to the concierge, and exchanged words. You couldn't hear the conversation, but you got a gist of the conversation. Pleasantries tossed back and forth, a request, an exchange of a room key, and then that was that.

She returned, tossing you the aforementioned room key with a smile.

NERO: "I came here rather often in my memory-wiped state, I believe. Miss 'Lucius' is a bit of a model consumer, it seems. Good, good, nothing comes from frugality after all! Don't expect this treatment often, however, I am using the… 'company card' for this one expense, so to speak. I may not be a War Monitor, but they don't know that yet, so I'm having the Priest foot the bill on this one. Now, while I would wish to take a long, hot bath after traveling, do we have other plans?"

CONSTANTINE: "…Hm. Well, it's best to gather information on the Flaming Bout, and we need to find a way to establish contact with this Pharaoh in order to gain her blessing. Remember, we're still shooting for seven Trigger Keys in concept, so with the two we have and the blessing to use Lord Sigurd's, we'll have to convince the remaining four Lair Servants to use theirs in order to reach the Moon."

MUSASHI: "So we're just asking around? Best to wipe that serious look off your face, then. If we're information gathering, then you gotta match the mood! Lighten up!"

As if on cue, a loud wave of voices echoed from another part of the hotel- it led to a casino, it seemed. Considering how ritzy it all looked, it seemed like an extra profitable addition. Cheers and jeering alike seemed to come from a wave of people enraptured by several card players, two in particular wrapped in what seemed to be an extra heated bout.

GRUFF VOICE: "Ah, damn it! Damn it, damn it, damn it! You're cheatin'! I'm sure of it! Lemme check your sleeves, asshole!"

SUAVE VOICE: "Come on, now. You, my friend, are not a man I need to cheat against to best. Now, read 'em and weep! Hah!"

Another wave of cheers. MUSASHI nudged you with her elbow, giving you a mischievous smile.

MUSASHI: "Hehe… gambling, huh? You know, it's not the most healthy thing, but sometimes you can't help but get caught up in the energy. Besides, who doesn't like to leave things to chance every so often?"

[fox-buried-in-maple-leaves]

Wide Awake

If you spam replay the alan wake 2 soundtrack you will be cursed with thoughts of Alee Destan and Sienna :thumbs_up:

“I miss her every day and it feels like I am dying. You don't understand. You don't understand no matter what happens no matter how much.” He paused, his voice shook but he wasn't sure if it was the fear or the anger.

“No matter how much help,” He did air quotes as he said help out loud, as if to drive home a point. “I get. I lost what I can never get back.” His head hurt, he could feel the migraine impending, one he couldn't prevent.

“Alee..”

Alee gestured to the fireplace mantle, the photos there. Of his family, of their family. “This doesn't fix the hole! It doesn't repair anything. Nothing changes!” As his voice rose in volume, his anger and pain manifested. The physical magic he had little control of manifested too.

The photos shattered, the loud sound and flying glass caused Vesper to step away quickly whilst flinching. Their eyes were wide as the frames, glass and wood, and photographs fell to the wooden floor. Alee blinked, looking down at his hand as he lowered it.

He swallowed thickly, his eyes burned with tears unshed. His throat hurt as he swallowed the lump. Vesper lifted their head from the destruction, looking at their husband. The expression on his face broke their heart.

The horrified expression, the dull eyes, the way his jaw tightened and his lip quivered. A soft fluttering sound came from behind him but he didn't turn around and Vesper didn't look at them. “Are you okay? What happened?” Heath looked between the two of them, attempting to assess any injuries in relation to the shattering they heard upstairs.

“We're fine.”

Vesper responded as Alee looked at the floor, his tail rigid, his ears flat. The reaper took pause, looking between the sorcerers. “Am I interrupting anything?” They inquired, they couldn't quite read either of them.

“No.”

Alee breathed out, his voice steady and monotone, quiet. Usual. Vesper could feel his betrayal to himself in that one word, that one tone. Xyr eyebrows furrowed as they looked at his face. Watched the way the neutrality spread over his expression again.

“Alee, you can't keep bottling this up.”

“I have to go out. I'll get new frames on my way back.”

Alee walked away to Vesper calling his name but he ignored xem, the front door slamming shut behind him. Xe thought he had begun to manage his grief, he spoke to Lumio, the therapist. Told the kids about their aunt. Xe didn't understand where this was all coming from, why his grief was suddenly so overwhelming again.

But xe knew where he was going. Xe just wasn't sure when he'd want to come home again.

“Should I go after him?”

Vesper shook xyr head as xe walked over to the fireplace, bending down to pick up the photographs. “I'm not sure that's the best idea right now.” They'd text Lumio later. Maybe he could help him. Heath nodded, opting to crouch down and help Vesper pick up the broken glass.

[convexicalcrow]

A Discussion Between A Pharaoh And His Ba

a/n: ba = eternal soul a.k.a cam accounts; ka = the current life/incarnation a.k.a the player; akh = a ka who has passed judgement and become one of the ancestors; the kingly ka = a soulspirit of Horus that each king bears and makes them half-divine.

-

The season was coming to a close, and weariness sunk into my bones. The kind of tiredness you can't shake, that eats away at you. My hands refused to build anymore; the very thought of finishing one last room was beyond them. I'd grown very used to feeling like this. The old man had always struggled a little, but this felt … different. Perhaps the Pharaoh's magic had exacerbated things, I don't know. All I know is that the sunset was closing in, and perhaps, there was a different fate waiting for me.

Did I want to know the answers? Well, probably not, but when you have a curious mind, that isn't really something you consider. So, perhaps against my better judgement, I took counsel with my ba, my eternal soul, sitting in the room I would never finish, seeking some resolution.

He looked like me in many ways, except for the much larger wings instead of arms, and the clawed bird feet. He carried scrolls under his wings, and he didn't speak so much as have words emanate and vibrate through the air into my mind. He looked at me with pity, though I would never quite understand why.

You fear death, were his first words. But why fear death when you will simply respawn? You are essentially immortal. Death means nothing but a temporary inconvenience. So why does your heart falter?, my ba said.

He was right, of course. Was it even death anymore? It never really felt like death. Just a large chunk of pain that faded fairly quickly after respawn. There were no penalties for it. You never stayed dead. But I'd come to understand death very differently this season. Perhaps it was the Pharoah's powers, or the presence of the Kingly Ka burning bright in my soul, I don't know. Certainly having all the old Kings on speed dial was a strange experience. I had only become Pharaoh for the theming of the pyramid base. I never expected to get the power and legitimacy that came with it. Those old kings spoke of so many things, and kept saying they'd be waiting for me once it was time for me to go West.

Me? Join the Kingly Ka? Hah! No way. Not me. I'm just some guy, I'm no king. And yet… The idea that the Pharaoh would die, no, the fact that he would whether I liked it or not? Yeah, it scared me. Permanent death is scary! No one ever just… died and never came back. We always come back. Which death would be my last? Would this be the last world I ever played on? Would this be the last time I saw my friends?

The time for this ka is coming to a close. A new ka is soon to be born, my ba said.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

This ka will be judged. This ka will become an akh. The ba will manifest a new ka. The old man's time is over. The fountain of youth is calling, my ba said.

"I'm going to become someone else? Is that what you're saying? I'm not sure I like that idea," I said.

The old man was already someone else. He served you well, but his time is up. There is nothing further he can do for you, my ba said.

"Wait, so I spend all this time building the Great Pyramid and this is how I'm rewarded? I just become someone else? Nah, no way. You have no power to do that to me," I said.

And yet, here I am. I am eternal. Death does not touch me. I will see all the lifetimes you lead whether you are aware of me or not, my ba said. Death beckons to the old man. It's okay. You can stop now. Your weary body can rest, my ba said.

I didn't reply as I took in the scope of his words. I did feel very tired and old, that's for sure. But the idea of just becoming someone else scared me. I didn't like to not be in control of that. I already knew who I was pretty well by now. I didn't want to have to do that all over again in a new body.

You can fight it if you want, but you'll have no choice in the end. The West beckons. It's time. Make your peace and come into the arms of the gods. All Pharaohs die, and you are not an exception, my ba said.

"But where will I go when I die? Into the void? Will I just be trapped there? I don't know if I want to be trapped in the void!" I said.

Your heart will be weighed against the feather of Ma'at, and that will decide your fate. Could be tricky, we both know the evils you've done in the name of greed. Your hands are stained with blood. Let's hope you have done enough good to balance out the bad, my ba said.

The Vex hissed angrily at my ba's accusations, but he was right. If I was brutally honest, getting other Hermits to fight a war for us and then selling them the weapons in which to do so, was definitely not up there with a good thing to have done. The Vex, too, were hardly nice. That's when I realised I might be in some kind of trouble, and in my panic, returned to my consciousess, not wishing to hear my ba's counsel on that particular point.

I shouldn't have asked. I should have just remained ignorant. Let things pan out however they wanted to pan out. But now that I know, I feel helpless. Ba, please, spare me from the Lake of Fire. Heart, speak true and do not betray me! Gods, spare me from the jaws of Ammit!

Oh, I really shouldn't have asked. I have had no sleep for a week, too scared to go to bed in case I never wake up. But the season's winding down fast, there's not much time left. The sun sits just above the western horizon. And yet, I am paralysed with fear. I will put my affairs in order while I still can, but… I didn't build a tomb in this pyramid for nothing. The guardian I left in there may become my executioner. The old man will rest here for all eternity. Who knows who I will become? Only my ba knows that, and I'm not sure I want to know this time.

[itsclydebitches]

All right you bring up good points but then I can't help but recall how Oz and Salem's presumably eldest daughter just manifests magic like it's nothing as a young child making it look like magic is a very easy thing to manifest which has a lot of implications when all of humanity had magic during the age of the gods. How do you account for that other than saying that maybe she was a special case because that would be a very unsatisfying answer.

Yeah, it might be an unsatisfying answer, but frankly RWBY is chock-full of those precisely because the worldbuilding is so tenuous. In fact, that's a cornerstone of many RWDE vs. non-RWDE debates. There's a prevailing idea that something can't have happened in RWBY because that would be bad/stupid/inconsistent writing. When critics point out a problem, a common response is that the problem doesn't exist because RT wouldn't write a subpar tale, ergo the problem must lie with you, the viewer, and not the text. Cue whatever headcanons or hand-wavy ignorance is necessary to make it all make sense. However, the much simpler and likely answer is that yeah, sometimes authors do write bad stories. Or, in this case (to avoid subjective markers like "bad" and "good"), stories that don't take into account the way their details imply a conclusion that doesn't agree with past information, leading to only "unsatisfying" headcanons to explain things. For me, recognizing that the answer is potentially unsatisfying isn't evidence that there's something wrong with the critique, it's evidence that RT never looked at the story as a whole and went, "Well, if Humanity 1.0 has magic, we should probably show the warriors using magic in these fights. That's a key detail to keep our worldbuilding consistent and we care enough about these shorts to ensure they fit well within the larger RWBY universe."

Or, to put things into my ever-present food comparisons:

Critic: This food lacks salt.

Non-critic: No, that's not possible because their food in the past had salt and any decent cook would never have forgotten that. This is a decent restaurant! It has to be because I've been coming here for years. Clearly there's some subtle, complex reason for why you can't taste the salt. Or why they deliberately chose to leave it out. I know they've never said why they'd leave the salt out and any reason we can think up sounds kinda stupid considering it makes the food taste worse... but a good and logical and satisfying explanation must exist.

Critic: I really think they just forgot.

I mean, I forgot which version of humanity we were talking about for several paragraphs of that recap. Granted, I'd pay a lot more attention to that kind of stuff if someone was paying me for it, but the point is people make mistakes at the best of times... and that's not factoring in how many people are involved in RWBY (the writers vs. animators mistakes), deadlines, various limitations, and—frankly—past evidence that RT might just not care enough to put in that level of detail-oriented work. Jaune's symbol remains a great example of that. The fandom assumed for years that there was a connection between him and Salem due to Tyrian's comment and Salem's flashbacks. Now, we know that the team literally just didn't think about the implications of designing two very similar symbols and, as of writing this, they still haven't come back to Tyrian's interest from four Volumes ago, implying that they never cared about it in the way the audience did. Basically, we tend to assume there's more thought and effort put into certain aspects of RWBY than history has shown is actually the case.

Anyway, to get back to the question, yeah, their daughter manifests magic quite easily, but she's also presented as an outlier. Meaning, at this point we're in Humanity 2.0, no one expects any magic anymore, and Jinn describes it as a "miracle" that the kid could perform it at all. So I'm not sure her development is great evidence of how it might have gone for Humanity 1.0 (especially if we factor in wild cards like, "How might the daughter of a grimmified human manifest magic?"). If we theorize though, it does stand out to me that the daughter has stupidly powerful magical parents. I mean, that seems to be the obvious answer as to how she got magic in the first place, despite humanity as a whole losing it (her parents hail from 1.0), but that—combined with Salem's desire to "replace" the current version of humanity with her bloodline—implies that magic is tied very closely to genetics. We might think about it like red hair. Sure, we could say that humanity as a whole has red hair in the sense that it exists within the collective, but that doesn't actually mean everyone's got red hair, or that every child has the same chance of winding up with red hair. It's a whole range of factors, most notably needing the right combo of both parents having the recessive trait to wind up with it. So the King has magic. Salem gets magic. Her daughter gets magic—double the chance, even, considering that her dad has magic too. They also happen to be super duper good at magic, which might increase the chance of passing it on. Regardless, it seems to run in families, a lot like how now, in Humanity 2.0, certain semblances run in families too. Not everyone has unlocked aura (civilians). Not every gets a semblance (Roman). Not everyone can summon glyphs (Schnees only). If we think about magic as having some kind of genetic component, combined with the canonical need to train/unlock magic-based abilities, that would go a long way towards explaining how certain powerful lines like the King's can start using magic at a very young age, but Mr. Knight McNobody from another part of Remnant can't even summon up a spark. Maybe he comes from a region where magic isn't as prevalent. Maybe his particular family didn't pass it down. Maybe he has the ability, but no one ever unlocked it, he didn't train it, it never manifested in a way that was ultimately more powerful than swinging a mace.

All of which is, of course, mere headcanon. My only real point is that the fairy tale doesn't clarify the worldbuilding for us, but in fact implies a contradiction with no explanation either way. We're told Humanity 1.0 has magic, yet we see lots of warriors not using magic, even to save their own lives. We're told Humanity 2.0 doesn't have magic. However, it turns out they do in the form of semblances. But also that's not "real" magic either. Because Ozpin and the Maidens get real magic. No one worry about the actual distinction between these because RWBY is a constantly evolving show that rarely keeps itself bound to previous rules (see: Ruby's latest semblance explanation). Really, at any point my arguments are far less, "RWBY is 100% this" and far more "RWBY is maybe this, maybe that? Implications aside, we straight up don't know because it's all super unclear. We keep getting new installments that don't easily slot into what we've learned before."