#and evol. and backstory. and everything else

[allpromarlo]

do i like lads yuri because i want representation or do i like lads yuri because i have a phat crush on mc and want to see her in love w a woman

[odoraful]

i need to yell into the void about this because is anyone else losing their mind over zayne's anecdote 'still in the dark'??!!?? like WHO was in that writer's room because i might need them to give me compensation for the rollercoaster of emotions i went through

[major spoilers below while i yap about it!]

so (to my understanding) it's set in the far future in some kind of alternate universe/post-apocalyptic "dream" setting where linkon has become an old, almost mythological, city, and the world is overrun by wanderers, some of which are humans who have transformed into 'abominations'. everything has become automated so that humans no longer need to go outside unless absolutely necessary for safety reasons. i thought this premise was so interesting!

zayne is now a vigilante who uses his evol powers to kill wanderers. his parents both passed when he was young, his father turning into an abomination, forcing zayne to use his evol in self defence. he's incredibly distant from society, until he saves a young orphaned boy named georgie from a wanderer attack and starts looking after him. he gives georgie a safe place to live, and keeps him company.

in his spare time, zayne watches old medical tv dramas, enjoys eating chocolate, buying sweet treats, and taking care of his jasmine flower. it's then revealed that since he was 12, he's had dreams of another life where he's a surgeon and there's a girl who loves him.............. LIKE STOP??? OUCH??? THIS IS SO ANGSTY, HE WANTS TO BE THE PERSON LIKE IN HIS DREAMS AND WITH THE GIRL HE LOVES SO HE TRIES TO IMITATE THAT PERSON RAAAAAA I NEED TO HUG HIM

when zayne sees the red dot on his sensor right near him indicating that georgie is turning into an abomination, my heart SHATTERED!!

i was expecting this anecdote to be just another bit of fun backstory set in linkon, so i was a bit blindsided by the bleakness of it all TT BUT that didn't mean i didn't enjoy it, it was such a good read!

[linuxgamenews]

Aether & Iron: Unleash Aether Tech Chaos

Aether & Iron story driven RPG game aims at Steam Deck and Linux via Windows PC. Seismic Squirrel’s creative magic keeps their world alive and kicking. Working to bring it's magic to Steam this year. Get ready to hit the gas and dive into a wild, alternate 1930s New York in Aether & Iron, the brand-new story driven RPG game from Seismic Squirrel. In this city, gravity-defying aether tech has changed everything. While towering skyscrapers, floating platforms, and streets ruled by gangsters, corrupt politicians, and desperate smugglers like you.

...we are aiming for Aether & Iron to run smoothly on Steam Deck via Proton, so Linux players should still have a solid experience.

Seismic Squirrel knows the Linux gaming community is passionate, so they’re paying close attention to the interest in Aether & Iron. As they move toward launch and beyond, they’ll also be watching demand for other platforms. Right now, the best way to show support? Wishlist the title on Steam! The more Linux players that wishlist the game, the clearer it is in their data — helping shape future platform decisions. Instead of just releasing the game on Steam Deck via Proton.

Your Story, Your Choices

You play as Gia, a street-smart smuggler trying to survive in this dangerous, ever-shifting city. Your goal? Stay ahead of the law, outwit rival gangs, and carve your own path through an evoling conspiracy that could change the city forever. The choices you make shape Gia’s story and also the fate of New York itself. Will you be the hero this city needs, or just another hustler looking out for number one? Every decision counts, and with a little luck (and a well-timed dice roll), you might just come out on top.

Your Car Is Your Lifeline

In Aether & Iron, your car isn’t just for show — it’s also your weapon, your escape plan, and your most valuable asset. Smuggling goods through the city is risky, but when things go south. So, it’s time to fight back in turn-based vehicular combat.

Smash, shoot, and outmaneuver enemies in tactical street battles.

Customize your ride with armor, weapons, and secret compartments.

Use the city itself—ram enemies into obstacles, create roadblocks, and set up ambushes.

Do you go for speed, weaving through the streets before the cops catch up? Or do you armor up, roll in heavy, and blast your enemies with a mounted grenade launcher? Your playstyle, your call.

Aether & Iron Announcement Trailer

Build Your Crew & Survive the Underground

New York is a brutal place, and you won’t last long alone. So recruit a team of unique allies. Each also has their own skills and backstories. They’ll have your back in combat, help you pull off daring jobs, and maybe even betray you when the stakes get too high. With the right crew, the right skills, and a little bit of luck, you might just make it through this city alive.

Aether & Iron is a Gritty, Alt-History New York

This isn’t the New York you know—it’s one shaped by aether-powered technology, turning the skyline into a vertical battleground. The city is packed with secrets to uncover, from smoky jazz clubs and underground speakeasies to shady political offices and high-tech factories.

Corrupt politicians and ruthless crime lords pull the strings.

Mysterious conspiracies unfold in a noir-inspired world.

Characters come to life with full voice acting, bringing every deal, double-cross, and desperate chase to life.

Hustle, Smarts, and Brass

To make it in this city, you’ll need more than just a fast car. Upgrade Gia’s abilities:

Hustle – Stay quick on your feet, escape sticky situations, and talk your way out of trouble.

Smarts – Crack codes, outthink enemies, and see through their lies.

Brass – When all else fails, muscle your way through with brute force.

But remember — no matter how good you are in Aether & Iron, luck plays a role. The roll of the dice can turn a perfect plan into chaos in an instant.

Your Story, Your Legacy

In Aether & Iron story driven RPG, your choices shape more than just Gia’s fate. Will you fight for something bigger, join a rebellion, or just get rich and vanish into the shadows? Since it's coming to Steam Deck and Linux via Windows PC on Steam in 2025. One thing’s for sure — New York is changing, and you’re right in the middle of it.

[mlqcconfessions]

hi! can i request the guys realising they’re in love with you/mc? how would they react to it and when would the realisation happen? just something a lil cute for the quarantine ✨

SUGAR SWEET not really, this got really dark

Warning: Backstory spoilers (with some alterations!)

MLQC Headcanon - When I First Realized

Victor

He still remembers the day when you first walked into his office

He hadn’t thought much of this new producer (just that she seemed like a dummy)

A few more meetings with you, and he realized that his initial impression of you was wrong (something that doesn’t happen often)

You didn’t seem like a dummy, you were a dummy

He’s never seen someone so all over the place, barely able to collect herself sometimes

At one point, he found himself almost looking forward to your visitations

As a CEO, he’s learned to control his emotions quite early on in his life

He forbid himself from showing any weaknesses (but he knows everyone else’s?)

So when he realized he was acting like a human being abnormal, he became irritated

He assigned more tasks, and required more proposals from you

By giving you more work, he eventually gave himself a chance to divert away from you (drowning in paperwork meant distracting his mind)

But for some reason, he just couldn’t seem to forget you

Maybe it’s the way you act tough

Maybe it’s how you avoid his eyes, but glare at him when you think he’s not looking (Victor knows everything)

Or maybe it’s your smile, and how you never show that in front of him

So he started wondering, what could he do to make you not so afraid of him?

As he got lost in his thoughts, his eyes gravitated to the pile of papers on his desk (he hasn’t so much touched those yet)

“Huh, unbelievable” (he then quickly passed off any interferences with his work)

A considerable amount of time has gone, and he’s escaping an abandoned building with you

He can feel the tension in the air, as the currents electrify his surroundings

Victor looks over to you, weary and frail from constant running, and clenches his fists

Whoever is behind this, they’re aiming for you

Before he could think of a plan of action, he suddenly catches you as you leap out in front of him (you’re writhing with pain as the bolt lashes against your back)

In his arms, you’re there, limp without consciousness, unaware of the turmoil inside his heart

He thinks back to when he was just a boy, and that brave girl who jumped to save his life (he had made it his lifelong goal to find her, but to no avail)

Now he knows it was you all this time, and he won’t let anyone hurt you ever again

Even if he has to break through time.

Kiro

He was a celebrity for as long as he can remember (one of the most popular child stars of his day!)

But it’s not like he desired to be in the spotlight for fame

He needed to find her (and that was his mission since the start)

“For you, I’ll reach even greater heights”

This was the only way he could possibly search the entire city to find her

By stranding himself in the public eye

He has never forgotten about her (she was on his mind everyday)

Whether he wants to or not, flashbacks of the experiment table run across his mind

He can picture the little girl next to him, seeming to be about his age, her eyes closed into a peaceful slumber

The red thread connecting the two of them continued to circulate, and he was forced to watch it all

If only he could rip out the needles binding him and escape this orphanage with her (he eyed the room for any possible routes)

She was so close to him, yet unreachable

He tried to grab hold of her hand, so as to stop this nightmare from consuming her

But one of the masked figures noticed his activity, and nonchalantly increased his dosage

The boy tried so hard to keep his eyes open, to fight back, but what power did he have?

He was only five

Many years passed, and Kiro returned to Loveland to boost his career as a superstar

He was now known as everyone’s sunshine, radiating with bright energy and beauty

Friendly with all, it’s not difficult to disclose your personal information with him (but no one really knows the darkest parts of the sun’s shadows)

Even now, he was still trying to find her

She must be around my age (but how would he know what she looked like now?)

With doubts in his mind, he takes a walk in his disguise to momentarily hide from the flashes of cameras

There was no destination in mind, just a desperation to be somewhere

He felt lost in this world where everyone knew who he was (but who would be able to rescue me?)

His eyes drift towards a supermarket, with a young lady stationed near the chips aisle

She should be around her age, maybe the height too?

As he walks past the store, he got a good look at her face (his heart nearly stopped beating)

Although the features were more mature compared to his memories, it was still the same shining smile as the little girl’s

How could he ever forget that smile? (the sole ray of light that shone on him in the darkness)

Without hesitation, he marches towards the market, nearly slamming into the automatic doors

He grabs the bag of chips she was reaching for, in hopes of getting her attention (in a relatively gentle way)

As she was about to yell his name, he quickly covered her mouth, allowing him to look clearly into her eyes

Ah....it was really her

“Shhh...I don’t wanna get noticed”

Lucien

In his world, everything was ordinary

Bland, boring, and lifeless

It has been this way for as long as he can remember, and he’s grown accustomed to this lifestyle

There was nothing he could do about it, nor did he want to waste efforts trying

It was easier to ignore the impossible, and focus on more important matters at hand (and this continued for years)

He had heard that a producer from a company was looking for him, and that she should be arriving any minute now

He had no plans to involve himself with television, so he decided to politely decline the offer to join her

Lucien wandered around his office, organizing his desk to welcome the unwanted visitor

He looked at his bookshelf, colored with a dull grey all around

It wasn’t anything new, just a little depressing at times

He noticed a butterfly floating past his windows (colorless like everything else in his sight)

Then he saw her, the visitor

Suddenly his eyes began to burn (his muscles started pulsing at the temples)

Why....

There was no explanation that he could think of

He trusted his eyes enough to know that this was not a dream, yet can he see color?

What makes her so different?

His original plan was to refuse her offer at the door, but instead took out his china set and began to brew some tea

Meanwhile, you arrive at the floor Professor Lucien should be on (you ask around, but no one knows where he is)

You ask a younger-looking gentleman, who leads you to an office a few doors down

You enter cautiously, but the professor is nowhere to be seen

As you’re about to leave, the gentleman pushes a cup towards you (it’s steaming with freshly poured tea)

As she grabs the cup, her touch reveals its true colors, never-before-seen

It puts a smile on his face at the sight of the extravagant change

....how beautiful

“Um, do you know when Professor Lucien will be returning?”

“I can go ask the researcher next door, if you’d like”

“Oh, that would be great!”

He can’t help but let out a chuckle as he calls his colleague next door, to which she replies with absurdity

“What are you talking about, Lucien?” (he can’t help but feel amused at the producer’s shocked expression)

He peers curiously into her blushing face, his first time seeing such a flattering hue

Gavin

He wasn’t always sure about when he first fell in love with you

He just knows that he did

At one point, you were the only thing on his mind

“Bro, you’re in love with her!”

Despite Minor’s annoyed words, he just couldn’t understand (love? what a joke)

He was sure that this wasn’t love, just a fleeting spark of a moment’s interest

He shielded you from the rain with his umbrella, but it’s not love

He stared at the picture of you in the school newspaper for hours (Minor had to take it away from his hands), but it’s not love 

He goes to your every recital (on the roof so you don’t notice him), but it’s not love

No matter which way he looked at it, he WAS NOT in love with you (Minor is slamming his head into the table)

But looking back, he does have an idea as to when this interest started

It was late spring, just on the border to becoming autumn

He was starting to lose conscious, surrounded by knife-bearers

Gavin was cornered on the school roof, blood flowing out at a dangerous rate

Then, he heard a soft melody encompassing the air around him (piano...?)

As he tried to locate where the sound was coming from, one of the gang members pushed him off the edge

His world spun around as he outreached his arms, desperately trying to grab onto anything available

Nothing.

All energy left his body, reverting him to a corpse (maybe my next life wouldn’t be so bad....)

Suddenly a heavy, rapid, surging melody sounded (taken from Campus Date!)

Gavin’s life flashed before his eyes, and the next thing he saw was the entire city beneath his floating feet

“....! What...is this..?”

While he was trying to collect himself, the roaring notes of the piano continued, as if they were in agreement with his adrenaline rush

He quickly regained control, letting the booming wind merge with this foreign power inside him

He gravitated towards the window, where the school’s music room was located

His ears soon landed on a beautiful voice, accompanied by the rhythmic taps of the keys (it was her!)

He still wasn’t sure how this Evol awakened inside of him, and is still wondering if this was love, but one thing’s certain:

He, for all eternity, would dedicate his life to protecting her (cue the Minor squeals!)

Shaw

He never thought of himself as a stationary being

Too much of a hassle

With his skateboard, he cruises around the city at his own pace, looking for any amusements in the area

Unable to find anything worth pursuing, he returns to his alleyway to finish the graffiti piece he was working on earlier

He recalls the time when he briefly met his brother, at the airport a while back

He laughs just thinking about that moment (he’s never seen his brother so furious)

Come to think of it, he was protecting a girl that day

Determined to make his day fun, he decides to go find her himself

You waited in the bus, hoping that your precognition doesn’t come true

“If we just get past this block, it’ll be fine”

You’re almost sent out of your seat as the driver brakes at the bus stop, one before your destination

A tall guy, occupied with his headphones, steps in

Shaw immediately is able to spot her, and promptly places himself in the seat next to her

The bus was nearly empty, yet he chose to sit next to you instead (just why..?)

As for why he sat there, Shaw couldn’t think of a reason either

He simply thought whatever happens next might be fun

He glanced over at the girl, who fidgeted nervously next to him

He cracked a silent smirk as he adjusted his headphones (he could feel her gaze on him)

“Wanna listen?”

“N-no..”

You couldn’t get your head around this guy, and exactly what he was planning

But you had your own problems to worry about, and it arrived much sooner than expected

Shaw noticed the girl was clutching onto her dress tightly, and glanced at her face

She looked like she was in pain for some reason, but there was nothing he could do to help (Do I wanna help in the first place?)

He jolted as she suddenly got up and yelled for the driver to stop the bus

The driver, of course, passed her pleas off (the bus wasn’t at the stop yet, anyways)

He inquisitively looked at his surroundings

There was nothing off, which means there was no reason for her to get so panicky

He became very interested in what she was going to do next, so he willingly gave her a hand

In the blink of an eye, the sky became dark and rain started to pour outside

Your eyes go wide at this unusual happening, but waste no time in rushing out the door (the driver gave up on running the bus in this weather)

He discreetly follows the girl as she runs towards the crosswalk

He’s a little taken back as she plops down on the cement, a sigh of relief across her expression

Without saying anything, he hands her a transparent umbrella (he tries hard to not laugh at her conflicted face)

“You’re welcome”

He decides not to ask her what that was all about

He could sense that they will be meeting again in the future soon

WOWZERS. This took me a lot longer to complete than expected.... (it’s so long!!!!) I did alter some details, just to fit what I want more.

I guess I took this a different route than what the request was, so I hope anon who submitted this is okay with it

I went for a more “when was an important turning point in their relationship” compared to “when did they fall in love” (because I think it captures the essence of the game better)

Hope you enjoyed. I’m now going to cry at all the hurt ;_;

[frenchiefie]

I was tagged by @elven-ink aaaaa thANK YOUUUU!! <333

Rules:  name ten favorite characters from ten different things (tv, movies, books, etc.), then tag ten some people.

Ooooh boy this is gonna be tough I have.... a lot of faves bUT HERE WE GO

1. Joker (from all media but some faves are Telltale and Gotham asdhasj)

An awful lad!! A terrible boi, an all time fave!! Chaotic and fun, he’s the worst clown and I love him. I started loving him when I was 11 after watching the Dark Knight and kinda forgot about him and then learned in college how fun the animated/game/comic versions of him are sdfhsdjf,,, He holds a special place in my heart because I met some of the best people in my life through this mutual interest!

2. Handsome Jack (Borderlands series)

WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT??? Another awful and terrible lad, it’s debatable that he is worse than Joker. I have a type of fave chara, obviously. I would not want to meet him. Ever. I love him. I think just.... his voice??? The rambles he go on that are just so fun and silly despite the absolute malice behind him or the horrible things he’s saying?? IT’S SO,,, AASHDAJ ALSO HIS HERO COMPLEX.. AWFUL

3. Spinel (Steven Universe)

Ah, finally someone I would want to meet. Also terrible but she’s doing her best and means well!! Please let me give her a hug. She’s toony and silly and I would die for her as quickly as I’d let her kill me. Her animation in the movie is ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING LIKE OH MY GOD. Also her voice and songs are just... chef kissu,,

4. Jack Spicer (Xiaolin Showdown)

hAHAHAHAHA ÑERD! ! ! SUCH A ÑERD!! DON’T BELIEVE PEOPLE THAT SAY HE’S COOL HE AIN’T!! But he is genuinely very smart in terms of robotics despite his lack of street smarts and struggle in interacting with anyone ever and honestly??? I love him so much and want to be his friend. He’s an original fave!

5. Princess Peach (Nintendo)

Ooooh! ! ! OH MY GOD AN ANGEL!! I L O V E HER SHE’S PRETTY AND SOFT AND I WOULD LIKE HER TO BE MY WIFE PLEASE??? She’s my go to in any game where she is a playable character and I love when they give her a sassy and incredibly strong-willed personality like in the first Super Paper Mario game I played ;o;

6.Sir Pentious (Hazbin Hotel)

OH ANOTHER AWFUL TERRIBLE BOI??? I love him but god he’s such a loser. That makes me love him more. He’s got Saturday morning cartoon villain vibes but unlike them he can say “fried chicken fetuses” so like,,, y’know. Love that. ALSO HIS DESIGN!! HE SNEK!! HE SMILEY!! SHORP TEEF!! MANY EYES!! EVOL BABEY.

7. Medic (TF2)

AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL TERRIBLE BOIS ALL OVER. HAHAHAHAHA Medic is a pure agent of chaos, I am honestly surprised he lost his medical licence due to the fact that it seems impossible that he would ever get it in the first place. He likes to challenge the laws of nature and radiate evol vibes while also wanting to protecc his team... him..

8. Entrapta (She-Ra)

oooOOOH GOD AAAAAAA SHE,,, What an absolute sweetheart!! She’s eccentric and doesn’t quite know how read the room but she has such a pure heart underneath her seemingly blinding pursuit of scientific discovery. She’s like the evol scientist archetype I love without the evol (despite working for the villains side bUT LIKE... IT’S CO MPL IC A T ED). Also her hair is cool.. love her.. also she loves tiny food??? Cute...

9. Lord Death (Soul Eater)

ANOTHER OLD TIME FAVE FROM MY MIDDLE SCHOOL DAYS! I love Kid equally but like... idk I just always think of Death first cause his design is so MEMORABLE AND FUN. I love characters that look goofy but can and will kill you. And also he loves his son and his school and his students and his son SO HECKIN MUCH I LOVELVOLEOVE

10. Father (Kids Next Door)

MORE OLD FAVES!!! MORE AWFUL BOIS!! I always loved him for his design but after the Operation Zero movie came out and we learned his backstory and what he looks like outside of his fire... uh??? Suit??? HE QUICKLY BECAME A FAVE... IDK LIKE THE... THE ÑERD LOOK.... THE VILLAIN THAT JUST WANTS APPROVAL?? THE RELATION TO THE HERO?? LOVE IT ALL. EXCELLENT. TOP NOTCH CONTENT.

uHHHH I TAG UHHHH @clownmoontoon​ @trashiny @bellandpebbles @alpacasandravens @bubble-beetle​ IF U WANT!! aND ANYONE ELSE! !  WHO WANTS TO DSGASGDHJ