#blue staff epic

[lovenikkiclothes]

Based around the hair ‘Deepsea Look’.

[my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction]

Private Dances [3]

Club!Blue Jones X F!Reader • Rating: 18+ pals Masterlist• ao3• want to be tagged? • ko-fi • request info • series masterlist •

A/N: A massive thank you to the amazing @midgardian-witch for being so wonderful and proofreading this nonsense AND for hyping me up AND saving my ass with switching tenses (why am I like this?) Another huge thank you to the epic @lonelyisamyw-0love for tipping my ko-fi, this series is especially for them💚

Warnings: overuse of italics, sub!Blue, there's some power dynamics in here because reader is a dancer (but like Blue is so lovesick), swearing, oral (f! receiving), Blue being a little shit, please let me know if I've missed a warning.

There are 5 main ‘stars’ in the club: Peach, Trixie, Songbird, Sweetie Pie, and Crystal. Crystal is usually the favourite but is currently in Blue’s bad books for reasons unknown to the reader. Reader is a backup dancer that Blue has named Lion.

Word Count: 3329

A Great View of the Hall

This was going to be a problem. 

Scratch that. 

More than a problem.

You stare at the half open garment bag hanging on the back of your door as if your glare could fix a hole in time and space. 

Blue held stupidly lavish events every three months or so, a big excuse to close the club to all save those who were ready to pay big bucks. And boy, were there a lot of clients willing to throw their cash around. 

Shows, and food, and gambling, and drinks, and everything dialed up to fucking eleven. 

All the staff’s outfits were new, usually fitting some theme that Blue had chosen on a whim, and none of the dancers ever got to see what they were going to be wearing until it was literally time to get dressed. Not that that was a problem. That was normal. Routine. The same as always. 

The problem was your outfit. Your dress. It was fucking blue.

There was only one unspoken rule every time he threw these fucking events, and that was that the main stars: Peach, Trixie, Songbird, Sweetie Pie, and Crystal, were the only ones in blue. Not you. 

Gorski must have given you the wrong dress. There must have been some kind of mistake. You shake your head, trying to shake yourself free of the vice like grip of anxiety that was taking hold of your heart. 

Simple fix. Simple. 

You grab the garment bag, zip it back up and leave your small room to find the Madam. She was, unsurprisingly, busy. Helping others fix their costumes, all a dark purple, directing others into position on the floor or stage behind the scenes. The doors had already opened for the ‘exclusive’ guest, the party ramping up into full swing. 

She tuts when she sees you, “What are you doing? You’re not ready?” 

“I was given the wrong dress.” You swallow, seeing some of your fellow back up dancers out of the corner of your eye in their wine purple corsets and short frilly shirts.

Gorski frowns at you, unimpressed. “Not another one.” She mutters under her breath, almost too quiet for you to hear. “Let me see.” 

You hold the bag out to her and she tuts again, not even bothering to open it. “Here,” she flips white paper card tied around the hanger's neck, ‘Lion’. “This one’s yours.” 

“No, it’s-”

“Mr Jones oversaw your clothing. I am not having any more arguments about outfits today.” She says, her voice clipped. She only ever used ‘Mr Jones’ when she was stressed and pissed. She turns to raise her voice curtly to another dancer before looking back at you. “Any other problems?” 

Despite the pause she gave you it was clear she would only accept one answer.

You manage to bite your tongue and shake your head.

“Good.” She dismisses you with a wave of her hand, waiting until you are nearly out of the backstage rooms for her to call after you, “and hurry up!”

. 

The dress is long, almost trailing on the floor, with a slit on the left side that ends just before the fullest part of your hip. There is an ornate chain holding both sides together at your upper thigh, a tiny golden lion dangles from the chain, it’s just enough to keep the dress from exposing you while you walk.  Which is a small blessing as there is no way you can wear any underwear without it being on show. 

You growl deep in your throat, your mind replaying snippets of your last encounter with Blue. His arms around your waist as he practically sobs into your stomach. 

This must be some kind of twisted punishment, a way to put you on show in front of everyone. It wasn’t like you could outwardly disobey him in front of clients and his goons, there was no way you would be able to wrap your fingers around his throat, squeeze, and make him crumble. 

You check your makeup in the small mirror and adjust the dress. It’s a bright, royal blue, with a plunging neckline and small over the shoulder straps. The material is soft, comfortable even. And you hate it. Hate that part of you likes it. Hate that he picked it. 

Hate, hate, hate it. 

At least you could maybe blend in with the ‘stars’, they’d be in the exact same dress and colour. 

. 

Somehow you manage not to scream profanities the second you walk into the club. The music is loud, the stage occupied while others serve drinks to the patrons, seated and watching. There are some talking in booths, girls in their lap pretending to be interested in their conversation, while others gamble with dancers on their arms, egging them on. 

All of them are in the same dark purple. Which isn’t surprising. 

The problem is Trixie, the first star you spot. Her dress is shorter, the neckline a queen ann cut, and the colour is a dark navy. You see Peach next, her dress the same as Trixie, then Songbird and Sweetie Pie. All of them dressed in mirror images of each other. You stand out sorer than a thumb. 

Exactly what you would like to not do. 

The realisation makes you freeze, the anxiety from before growing monstrously and taking root, fixing you to the floor. You’re going to be sick, you’re going to-

“Ah, Lion.” Blue grins wickedly as he snakes his hand around your hip and pulls you close to his side. “I was looking all over for you.” 

You glare at him. If looks could kill he’d already have bullet holes in his chest. 

He chuckles at your stare. “Feisty as ever,” he brushes the tips of his fingers along your jaw, pressing softly against your chin to tilt your head to the side so he can place a soft kiss to your cheek. “Behave.” He whispers, his breath hot against your skin. 

The underlying threat is there, clear as night: or else. 

You plaster the fakest smile on your face, practically a sneer, and his grin widens. 

“Oh, much better Lion, much better.” He nuzzles into your neck for a second, the briefest touch as he breathes deeply and sighs contentedly. 

You stiffen as a flush of heat runs along your skin from where he touched you, racing downwards. 

“Come, I’m just speaking with some old friends,” he guides you to the table, slightly secluded from the main hustle and bustle, but still with a good view of the stage. He keeps his arm around you, his fingers playing with the little lion on the chain.

Somehow you manage to resist the urge to slap his hand away. 

There are three other men seated, two you recognise as regular patrons of the club. Highrollers, dangerous. The third you’re not familiar with, but his suit is sharp and his eyes are vicious. 

To your surprise there are no other dancers at the table, no one doing their best to fawn over any of these men. You swallow, the anxiety sharp as it cuts in deeper. 

Each of them has their own guards, a far distance away but obvious to spot and surely ready to snap into action at a moment's notice. 

This was all very, very not good. 

Still, you manage a polite, and pretend sincere, smile as Blue introduces you to them. Astonishingly, all three stand to greet you, take your hand as you offer it to them (Blue subtly flicks your arm to remind you, whispering a brief ‘manners’ into your ear) and kiss the back of it. 

Blue keeps an oddly reassuring hold on your side, only letting go to push your chair in for you when you sit. The place where his hand rested is oddly cold without his touch. 

He sat as close to you as he physically could, draping his arm over the back of your chair as he continued to talk with the other men. 

After a few minutes his hand began to wander, moving slightly to stroke your upper arm absentmindedly and seemingly not noticing the little shiver that ran through you at his touch. 

You wish you were paying more attention to the conversation going around you, wished you could. 

His touch was more than distracting, maddening. The infuriating way he drags the back of his thumbnail over your skin in a lazy stroke. The stupid little smile that was plastered to his face whenever he nods to the conversation, his eyes glittering. He must know what he’s doing. He had to. 

You gave him little sideways glares, doing your best not to completely scowl at him. Frustration burned hot along your veins and you clenched your hands into fists under the table, pressing them into the edge of your seat. 

A waiter came to deliver fresh drinks, moving quietly and quickly as he places the glasses down in front of Blue and his ‘friends’.

“What do you want, Lion?” Blue’s velvet soft voice caught you irritatingly off guard. He smiled when you didn’t answer straight away, enjoying the little dance of confusion on your face. “To drink?” He leans towards you, still smiling. 

“I…” you swallowed, unsure of how to answer, if this was really some twisted game he was playing. 

His grin widens, seemingly appraising you for a moment before he  looked up to the waiter. “Lion’ll have something sweet, just like she is.” 

You were going to hit him. 

One of the men chuckled, he had dark eyes and a full beard and was sitting directly to your right. “Sweet is she?” He leaned slightly closer to you, placing his elbow on the table. “How sweet?” 

He gave you a sugary smile that perhaps could have been charming in another situation. 

Blue’s gentle touch on your arm tightened, pulling you towards him a fraction. 

The other man chuckled politely at his reaction, “What? You can’t expect me not to want a taste. You’re practically flaunting her to us.” He gestures as he speaks, his hand a hair's breadth away from touching your cheek. 

He’s lucky in that respect because you’re pretty sure he would have lost a finger or two if he’d actually made contact. 

“Am I?” Blue smiles, all teeth. 

The man chuckles lightly, but swallows, a hint of uncertainty in his voice the next time he speaks. Subtle, but there. “Well… yes.”

Blue waits for a moment, just letting the others' words hang in the air. He blinks twice, shaking his head a minute amount. Such a little gesture shouldn’t feel so… vicious. 

Your stomach twists, a feeling that had started to fade into your memory. You’d forgotten how dangerous he was. With all the things he’d let you do, the power he’d let you have over him, it had become so easy to fall into that false sense of security. 

You lean slightly into Blue, resting your head on his shoulder and threading your fingers through his, forcing him to loosen the grip on your shoulder. 

He looks down at your face, his eyelashes practically kissing his cheeks. There’s an oddly soft expression that passes over his eyes. There for a moment before it’s gone. 

He looks back to the other man, his tone lighter this time. “What’s wrong with a little showing off?” 

It’s almost as if the whole club breathes a collective sigh of relief.

“Nothing.” 

All four go back to their conversation as if nothing had transpired. 

The waiter brings you a bright pink cocktail that’s too sweet. But you slip at it anyway to save the poor man from Blue’s ire.

.

You attempt to slip away during Trixie’s big performance, while Blue is saying polite goodbyes to the gentleman at the table as he sends them off with other girls.

But he keeps your hand firmly in his the whole time. 

It’s only then that you notice someone at the far side of the club, their gaze on you like a sense of creeping dread. It’s Crystal.

At first you think she’s scowling at Blue, until realisation dawns that it is in fact you that she is looking at. 

The expression is so fierce that at first you can’t take notice of anything else. It’s only later that you realise she was wearing a dark purple dress.

“Trying to escape?” Blue’s voice makes you jump. He’s leaning close, his lips practically touching your ear and grinning. 

You frown at him. “Trying to.” You look back to the side of the club, Crystal is gone.

He laughs. “Silly little Lion.” 

“Careful.” 

He bites his lips together, still smiling, clearly overly amused by your reaction. “And why would I want to be careful, hmm?” He brushes his fingers along your jaw. “Maybe I want your claws to come out?” 

There’s a light flush to his cheeks that isn’t from the alcohol, his eyes dark and pupils dilated. 

He lets you look over him for a moment before he squeezes your hand and places it in the crook of his arm. “Come.” 

He glances at one of his guards, gesturing with his head and practically communicating telepathically before he guides you across the room and down the corridor to his office. 

It’s cooler once you’re out from the sea of people in the club, quieter, even though you can still hear the echoing bass of the music. 

You’re not sure why you let him lead you; why you walk in step with him without question. The idea of it alone should be enough to get under your skin. 

“Why am I wearing this dress Blue?” 

“You can take it off if you prefer.” He purrs.

You glare at him. “That’s not what I mean.” 

“What do you mean then?” He raises his eyebrows at you, practically giddy with glee. 

“The colour-”

“Do you not like your dress?” He fakes a look of disappointment, “I’m hurt, Lion.” 

You pinch his inner elbow and he laughs as he flinches a little in surprise. He squeezes your hand tighter in the crook of his arm. 

“You know what I mean, Blue.” 

“I do.” He opens his office door with a little flourish before he ushers you inside. 

“It’s not-” You gasp as he grabs your biceps, pushing your back up against the door and using the force of the push to shut it. 

He kisses you roughly, groaning as he presses himself close to you but breaks it before you even get a chance to react. “You drive me insane, Lion.” He mutters against your mouth. “Insane.” 

He strokes your cheek softly, resting his forehead against yours. “Can’t think about anything if you’re not near me.” He presses his lips to yours again, soft and sweet before trailing down along your jaw and to your neck. 

You shiver, jumping under his touch as he licks and kisses, lightly scrapes his teeth over your skin. 

When you react he groans softly, rubbing the heavily outline of his erection against your thigh. 

Your breathing hitches, your fingers tightening on his shoulders. Your body reacts without your permission, pressing closer and craving more of his touch. 

He leaves a gentle kiss on your collar bone before he sinks to his knees, looking up at you through his long lashes. “Want to take care of you, Lion…” He waits a moment, watching your face intently, seemingly measuring the seconds via the rise and fall of your chest. “Want to make you feel good.” 

Painfully slowly he runs his hands up your calves, pushing up your dress as he goes. 

You swallow as you watch him, how he gazes up at you looking so soft and pliant. Part of you wants to stop him, to force him back and regain control. But another deeper part recognises his submission, realises that the control is already all yours. 

He kisses the side of your left knee, pressing close as he drags your dress higher and higher, the smooth scrape of the fabric leaves goosebumps in its wake. 

He gasps softly as he finally lifts it over your hips, revealing you completely to him. Languidly he runs the very tip of his forefinger down the centre of your mons until he brushes your clit. 

He seems mesmerised for a second as your body jolts under his touch.

You bite into your bottom lip to stop yourself from making a sound, but still your rapid breathing echoes loudly in your head. 

Blue shuffles forward, closing his eyes as he licks a board, flat trail through your folds. He moans loudly, his eyebrows pinched together as he tastes you. Heat pools and twists in his belly, spiralling downwards to his throbbing cock as his movements get bolder. 

He presses his tongue deeper, just teasing your entrance as his licks grow firmer, sinking down to the very edge of your core before working his way back up to your clit. 

Your muscles tense, legs weakening as your body starts to fight your mind for complete control. 

“Blue…” You mutter, your voice strained and desperate.

He groans loudly, doubling down on his efforts as he keeps lapping at you desperately. 

The sound of his zipper being opened barely registers to your ears as he fumbled with it, pulling his cock free in a rush and hastily jerking himself in time with his licks. 

You moan quietly, unable to stop yourself as you grab hold of the back of his head and press him closer. Your hips buck, grinding against his warm, wet and eager mouth. 

Blue whines, his eyes rolling back as you take hold of him. His breathing hitches and he gasps once, a weak Lion escaping his lips in a needy, desperate plea before he swirls his tongue around your clit, sucking it into his mouth before doing back to those long, long licks. 

He buries himself between your thighs, single minded in his need for your pleasure as he rocks and moves with you, his fist a blur on his own length. 

You dig your fingers of one hand into the wood of the door, the other into his short hair, rolling your hips to chase the delicious friction of his sinful mouth. Heat coils tightly in your stomach, your thighs start to shake as he moans and licks, smearing your wetness all over his face. 

This time the moan that leaves you is loud and wrecked, pleasure pulling at every part of you and overriding any other possible thought. 

You tense, shaking as you come, your head thrown back and pressing against the door. 

Blue whines as your sweet release hits his tongue, as your muscles squeeze and quake and flutter on his tongue. 

He jerks his wrist twice, watching your face eagerly as you cry out, and comes a second later, spurting hot thick ropes all over the carpet and office door. Some splashes onto your calves.

He slows his hand in time with the gentle rock of your hips, only pulling his mouth away when you slump back and your grip on his hair lessens. 

He stares up at you with large, dark eyes. The entirety of his lower face shining with your slick. 

Your breathing calms, your heartbeat slowly returning to normal as you keep your eyes closed. 

Blue breathes deeply, glancing down briefly and noticing the drops of his release on your legs. He tuts and leans forward, darting his tongue out to lick your skin clean while simultaneously not giving a damn about the mess on the door. 

You let out a little yelp of surprise as his warm tongue touches your skin, but he places a soothing hand on your thigh, stroking soft circles as he works. 

You’re not sure what to expect when he stands, but it certainly isn’t the soft kiss he gives you while stroking your cheeks with his hands. 

“Come to bed with me, Lion.” He mutters, his voice soft and eyes closed. 

Thank you for reading!

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[mistystepmoonbeam]

Reborn in BG3: Chapter 14 - Astarion's Night

You're reborn into BG3 with only the memory of your past life. Now you're Tav's companion on his journey, and must learn about yourself as much as your new reality.

Chapter 14 (Astarion's Night): Your first night in the Underdark. You catch Astarion sneaking back into camp after a hunt, and he finds out you're more injured than you let on.

Tav's Night

Gale's Night

Word count: 1.9K

A/N: Don't mind the slight differences in reveals, it'll all come together. Somehow. At some time.

You get a blissful couple hours of sleep before your eyes open and refuse to close.  The only comfortable position you could find with your bruises was on your side, but now there’s no position that gives you any relief.  Finally you sit up, wondering just how bad your back looks for it to ache so much.  You would give all your gold for an aspirin right now.

It’s too dark in your tent to check your wounds.  Even if you use your staff the light won’t be enough to tell the difference between the shadows and the bruises.  With the camp quiet you step out of your tent and into the firelight.  The braziers are still going, flames a little smaller now but giving off plenty of light.

The first few nights you’d been too scared to take off any of your clothing to sleep.  Your jacket, socks, boots, everything had stayed on.  But you’ve grown comfortable enough to take some of it off.  You walk on the balls of your feet to get to a brazier, enchanted socks whisking away the dirt as fast as it touches them.  Those, your loose pants and untucked tunic are all that protect you from possible attack.  You’ll be fine within the base, surrounded by weirdly overprotective barbarians and Scratch.  The dog lifts his head when he spots you, tail wagging but he remains laying by the campfire.  You hold up a finger to your lips and he sets his head back on his paws, eyes closing.  His tail gives a couple more wags before settling.

It’s hard to manoeuvre your body well enough to see all of your injuries.  You can see the dark blue bruise on the right of your hip, which wraps around to your back, the edges fading to lighter colours.  There’s an equally dark bruise on the right side of your ribs—had you been jabbed there?  Between the goblins' pikes and a couple of falls you’re not sure who is to blame for what bruise.  But those ones aren’t the ones bothering you the most.  The ones in the middle of your back are what keep you from a comfortable sleep and you can’t see them at all. 

You poke at the bruise on the right of your ribcage when a voice startles you. 

“You’re still injured.”

You drop your shirt, hiding your wounds.  You look at the broken wall that leads to the Spectator, finding Astarion crawling in, blood on the collar of his shirt.  His words don’t really register, neither does the guilt in his eyes or his downturned lips.  Instead all you can see is the blood on his shirt and hands, and you rush over to check him for wounds.

“Astarion,” you hiss.  Your hands hover around him, eyes searching for any sign of injury but it doesn’t appear to be his blood.  But he’d just come from—what was he doing out there?!  “You shouldn’t go out there alone!  It’s—that way is…bad.”

It’s no wonder he called you dim when this was how you spoke to him.  Lying on the spot is so much harder when it comes to life and death situations.  You sidestep him and peer outside but there’s no evidence of an epic battle between the vampire and the Spectator.  The petrified drow are still scattered across the cliffs, the explosive mushrooms unexploded.  When you turn back to Astarion he seems lost in thought, eyes on your torso.

“Are you okay?” you ask. “Did you go hunting?  You should have waited until someone else could go with you, we don’t know what’s out there.”

Liar.  Well, half-liar.  The Underdark in the game is only a sliver of your new reality.

“You’re asking if I’m all right?” he questions.  “You…”

He cuts himself off with a sigh.  He grabs your hand and begins to pull you to his tent, muttering something you can’t make out.  When you say his name he doesn’t respond, and you are dragged inside, the flaps closing shut behind you.

Unlike in the game his tent is almost as sparse as yours.  But you can’t really tell because it’s nearly pitch black inside, only the faintest of light coming from the braziers outside making it through the fabric.

“Lie down,” Astarion orders.  You squint into the dark, his hair and shirt the only things you can somewhat make out.  With another sigh he grabs you by your shoulders and manhandles you to the ground.  Your body goes pliant as he sets you facedown on his bedroll and begins to lift your tunic.

“Hey!” you yelp.  His knuckles brush against a tender spot.

“Be quiet.  I don’t feel like being tackled by the tiefling again.”

“But what are you—”

Something cold is pressed against the bruise on your hip.  You flinch as Astarion rubs something against your skin, his fingers warming the spot.  

“It’s a healing ointment,” he says quietly.  “Since you refuse to let the others help you, this will have to do.”

You open your mouth to argue but he quickly continues, “And if you say you’re fine or you don’t need it I will get Tav in here to pin you down while I apply it.”

You snap your mouth shut, face heating at the thought.  You raise your arms to bury your face into them, mumbling your thanks. 

Astarion’s hands are soft as he applies the ointment.  He doesn’t spend too long rubbing it into the wounds, and he’s gentle enough that it doesn’t hurt.  You let out a soft sigh as both his hands travel beneath your shirt and stroke over your upper back.  He’s quick to pull back at the noise, but doesn’t comment on it.  When he’s done with the bruises on your back he tells you to flip over. 

Your eyes shoot open, blinking wide.  You shift and try to sit up when he pushes on your shoulder to keep you on the bedroll.  You lie on your back, wishing you could see his face clearly and at least guess what he’s thinking.  Him being so nice and quiet right now is off putting.  But without his hands on your back the ointment begins to cool your wounds, and the pain fades.  Unsure of what to do with your own hands you clasp them together atop your chest.

Astarion lifts your tunic until he uncovers your ribcage.  You’re about to offer to apply the ointment yourself when he dabs his finger into a cylinder by his knees and leans over you.  You watch his hair fall in front of his face while three fingers press against the bruise on your ribs.  You inhale sharply as he puts too much pressure on the sensitive spot. 

“Apologies,” he says.

“It’s fine,” you whisper back.  “And thanks.  I didn’t know stuff like this existed.  It doesn’t hurt so much anymore.”

Astarion huffs and you see the hint of a smile on his face in the dark.  But still, he doesn’t respond in the usual Astarion fashion.  Instead he drags his fingers down your ribs, almost tickling you until his full palm is against your skin.  His hand keeps going lower until it’s cupping the bruise on your right hip and just…stays there.

“You were telling the truth, weren’t you?” he asks.

Probably not, you think to yourself.  “About what?”

“About…my being warm.”  His fingers dig into your hip, just enough to remind you there’s a wound there.  “Am I…now?”

“Yes,” you answer.  

Whatever expression he’s making is lost in the shadows.  And he still doesn’t move, even with all your bruises coated with the ointment.

Having him there, the warmth of another person and your bruises no longer so sore, you find your mind trying to drift off again.  The couple hours of sleep wasn’t near enough to stave off the exhaustion of the previous day, and Astarion’s bedroll is more plush than yours.  Your eyelids are fluttering closed but you can’t help but wonder aloud: “Do you think it’s because I’m a necromancer?”

“I doubt it, but who knows?”  Astarion pulls his hand off of you, fingers dragging along your hip as if savouring every moment against your skin.  

“Do you think…”  You hesitate, lowering your shirt while Astarion lies down beside you, head propped in one hand.  “Do you think Ethel was telling the truth?”

You can’t bring yourself to face him as he looks down at you.  Not that you’d be able to see him clearly even if you turned your head.  You keep your eyes on the roof of his tent, pretending like this is the most normal of situations.

“It would explain why you’re parasite free,” he replies.  “If you were a Chosen of some high and mighty god.”

“No.”  You turn on your side, mimicking his position and pointing a finger at him.  “Because if I was a Chosen of some high and mighty god they wouldn’t have let me get taken in the first place.  And–and!  I’d remember them.  Gods don’t like to be forgotten.”

Yes, this makes sense.  You continue, “So, Ethel is wrong, and I’m just a really rich person from Baldur’s Gate and no gods love me.  Done.”

Astarion’s brow furrows but he’s grinning.  It’s only because his face is five inches away from your own that you can see this.

“Maybe you should try praying,” he suggests.

Your nose wrinkles.  

“Oh, you have, haven’t you?”  He sets a hand over his heart.

Does drunkenly cursing the gods at the tiefling party count as praying?  You give a small nod, finger finally lowering to press into the bedroll.  Your eyes follow the shadow of movement, no longer wanting to look at the vampire.  “I know the gods don’t really care about us.  Chosen are just…favoured toys for a little while.  Passing fancies.  I’m not about to hold my breath waiting for divine intervention.”

Had you been looking at Astarion you would have seen his eyes flick up and down your features, studying you intently.  You go on, “It would just be nice to…know something.”

When you finally look up at Astarion a breeze flows into the tent, temporarily moving the flaps and letting the firelight in.  The light catches in his eyes, reflecting like rubies when an image flashes in your mind.

Your heart rate spikes.  Or maybe your heart just stops.  That’s what it feels like.  The wind is knocked from your lungs, vision blackened just as quickly as the image had arrived.   A car horn screams inside your head, a voice trying to match the volume of the horn.  Male or female, you can’t tell.  You can’t even understand the words as it all vanishes.

Brake lights.  You’d seen brake lights.

You choke, stuttering breath from your lungs as you try to remember how to breathe.  When you shoot your torso upwards Astarion joins you, watching as you cough and wheeze, choking on nothing.

That was…your death, wasn’t it?  But the first time you’d seen a truck coming at you, now it was brake lights?  You cough again, hands grabbing at the fabric of your tunic and pulling.  God, why was it suddenly so tight?  You pull and pull but it feels as if something is wound around your chest–your heart and lungs and mind.

“What is it?” Astarion questions, voice giving away his worry.  “What’s wrong?”

You gasp for air as another breeze shifts the flaps of the tent.  Someone is watching you, someone that isn’t Astarion.  You peer beyond the tent, past the braziers and campfire to find the source of your unease.  And you see him.  You’d actually forgotten about him, for a bit.  But he’s watching you now from across the camp.

Withers.

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[all-of-my-yesterdays]

Cross: So you're the one who prepares my sire's meals.. Blue: PAPYRUS MAKE SURE THIS GETS TO THE GUARDIAN! Papyrus: YES CAPTAIN Undyne: Are you doing okay Alphys? Alphys: N-no... I was the last monster to see the king alive... Killer: Hey, think Epic got sick of Crossy almost being glued to him and kicked him out? Dust: Maybe... But it sounded like Cross was going to interrogate the cooking staff right now. Epic: Bruh, how are you not sweating in all those layers?! Cross: This is barely a workout sire. Ready for round two? Epic: Probably not... No... Drabbles below ~ 1545 words

Horror nervously swallowed as he watched the guardian give him a final appraising look. Time slowed as he felt his anxiety crawling down his back as Cross seemed to stare into him. He did his best to answer everything the guardian had asked but the head injury meant he sometimes had problems finding the proper words to convey what he means without long pauses. However, it seemed that the smaller skeleton had made his decision.

"From this point on wards you will only report to me and you will personally cook all of my sire's meals until all the staff has been thoroughly investigated." Horror stared in shock. He had always been loyal to the crown, but he has never prepared a meal for any of the royal court members. Most of his job involved prep work for the other chefs. He knew he was competent when it came to simple, hardy meals that could fill the belly of a hungry soul, but the more extravagant meals he has seen being prepared for the royal advisor made his non-existent stomach twist at the mere idea of failing to recreate those dishes.

Cross handed Horror a list of meals he wanted Epic to eat that would help with his training. The large red eye skimmed the paper and Horror couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. They were all foods that he knew very well. The first meal requested was simple and nutrient dense stew with a hardy loaf of bread, something Horror was confident in making. His meal would certainly satisfy the new King’s hunger if this is what he wanted to eat.

..............................................................................................................................

Blue had finished compiling a list of all the guards who would have been near the King's chambers when Alphys had started to scream. The list also contained information regarding who would have typically been in the kitchen preparing the former King's tea and treats for that day. He still wanted to go over a few lists of other servants that could have had access to the King's food and room during the time, but knew that Cross would need the names of who he had sooner rather than later. Calling Papyrus into the room, he quickly handed the scroll to the other.

"PAPYRUS MAKE SURE THIS GETS TO THE GUARDIAN!"

"YES CAPTAIN"

Papyrus saluted his captain before hurrying out of the room to complete his task. Blue watched Papyrus leave, shaking his head to clear his mind before turning his attention back to the scrolls on his desk. There were still so many names and schedules to go through and it was important that it all be completed as soon as possible. At least he could be certain that the information he had already compiled will soon reach the guardian.

Blue could have given this errand to another, but given the hushed confirmation from Cross that he was suspicious of the King's death meant Blue couldn't be too sure who to trust right now. However, he knew he could trust Papyrus. Papyrus had been working with him and the Royal family for years and showed nothing but adoration towards the former King. He almost had gotten into trouble for trying to confront a less than polite noble who mocked the King during a private meeting that the noble had requested.

..............................................................................................................................

Alphys shifted nervously, picking at the tips of her claws and her eyes shifted back and forth as she spoke with Undyne. She knew that the guardian was not happy with her response about not knowing who had cleaned up the spilled tea and food of the former King, but there was only so much she could do now.

"Hey, anyone in that scenario could have missed who came to clean everything up." Undyne said trying to sooth her girlfriend. "Look, I doubt the guardian is going to blame you for that, and anyone who knows you would be able to confirm you did not kill the king."

Alphys gulped, but nodded. Unfortunately there was not much for her to do but wait until the Guardian and the young King reached their conclusion regarding her participation in the murder. For now, she was free and was expected to return to work like normal.

"Y-you're r-right... I... I k-know I d-didn't kill t-the King! H-hopefully, they'll r-realize that too." Alphys declared, trying to copy the confidence her girlfriend had.

..............................................................................................................................

It was one of the rare instances where Cross had actually left Epic "alone". Usually he would only leave, with his tail metaphorically tucked between his legs, after Epic very vocally insisted that his guardian did not need to hover around him as he did paper work. In this case, Cross was determined to speak with the cooking staff as soon as possible to ensure that his charge's food would not pass through multiple hands. It meant Killer and Dust would be guarding the king for the time being.

Dust and Killer were the first two guards that Cross had come to trust after he was assigned to Epic. They worked seamlessly with him and were more than competent enough to take care of any potential threats while the Guardian performed other duties relating to his role. Dust's keen eye for detail and uncanny ability to detect other's intention paired with Killer's ferocious attacks and stamina were close to matching Cross's own skill as a guardian. Although, Cross could do without the stress the duo occasionally inflicted when they encouraged his charge to get into shenanigans when the trio thought they could get away with it.

Killer turned to Dust, a cheeky smirk plastered onto his face. "Hey, think Epic got sick of Crossy almost being glued to him and kicked him out?"

"Maybe..." Dust snorted, as he thought about all the times in less dire situations where Epic seemed to try and hide a blush as Cross had crowded into his personal space. If anyone were to ask him, he'd say that Epic probably enjoyed Cross invading his space more than he'd want to admit. "But it sounded like Cross was going to interrogate the cooking staff right now."

"Stars, hate to be in their shoes right now." Killer muttered, casually throwing a knife at his companion.

"Doubt he'll be gone for long." Dust huffed, a lazy but knowing grin graced his face as he caught the blade.

"True, Crossy always hates being away from his charge for too long. He's such a good doggy." Killer snickered.

The duo gossiped as they waited for the guardian's return, knowing it was unlikely the King would be making an appearance until the paper work was finished or Cross retrieved him. It definitely was not couth to be speculating on the exact nature of the King and his Guardian's relationship, but both individuals knew manners were not either of their strong points. After all, they were only paid to kick ass and stand around menacingly.

..............................................................................................................................

When Epic finally managed to get a break from reviewing documents and planning his coronation, he dragged Cross out for another sparring session. Cross huffed as his charge grabbed his hand and pulled him around the castle. The other was determined to continue to practice since he was so close to landing a hit on his Guardian! Besides, after everything that had happened, Epic needed to do something physical to get a grip on all this restless energy that buzzed in his bones.

When they reached the training ground, Epic realized he had the guardian's hand in his for the entire trip. The young King tried to hid his flustered reaction to the realization by throwing off his outer layers. Cross, a bit oblivious to the cause of Epic's reaction, shrugged and went to get the practice swords.

An hour and a half of constantly getting his form corrected and ass beaten left Epic a sweating and bruised mess. His skull and bones were flushed light purple with exertion and he stared disbelievingly at Cross. It was early evening in the middle of the summer and the guardian did not look like he even broke out into a sweat even with his heavy uniform.

"Bruh, how are you not sweating in all those layers?!" Epic exclaimed, trying to figure out how Cross seemed to remain cool since he still had yet to see the other strip off his bulky coat during any of their training sessions.

"This is barely a workout sire." Cross chuckled, as he looked over at his overheating charge. "Ready for round two?"

"Probably not... No." Epic replied as he pulled himself together for another round.

At least by the end of the training session, Epic finally felt tired. He was laying half on the bed, as Cross guarded the door when there was a knock. The guardian checked the door, and let the other in when he saw who it was.

Horror had brought the requested stew directly from the kitchen to the King. He raised a brow when he saw the King laying in bed, slightly purple from exertion and quickly glanced at Cross, not sure what to make of the situation. Being friends with Dust and Killer meant he was often dragged into their speculations regarding the pair. Up until this point, Horror had never interacted with either, but he can certainly say he did not expect to see the young, and apparently flushed, King on his bed while the Guardian had a slightly smug aura to him. His thoughts were cut short as the smell of the hearty meal roused Epic to sit up. The other looked absolutely ravenous as he stared at the food.

"Stars! That smells amazing! Thank you!" Epic grinned, as Horror placed the food near him.

"Yer welcome... My lord." The large skeleton said, smiling in approval as the King moaned appreciatively as he shoved a large spoonful of stew into his mouth.

Just as Horror was leaving he caught Epic half jokingly attempting to feed Cross a large spoonful of the stew. Red eye light observed the pair's easy and playful interactions when they thought no one was watching. Horror thought that maybe Killer and Dust's gossip had more merit than he had previously considered as he fully closed the door to the King's room.

Killer belongs to RahafWabas Epic belongs to yugogeer012 Cross belongs to jakei95 Blue belongs to AU community Horror belongs to Sour-Apple-Studios Papyrus, Undyne and Alphys belong to Toby Fox

[hannahhook7744]

got any Olympus High hc ?

It is mostly attended by the children and descendants of the Greek Gods and Goddesses.

Though the children of satyrs, centaurs, and other greek beings are also in attendance there. Also any of the Gods 'chosens'.

Oh and the younger Hunters of Artemis too.

The staff are also mostly creatures from Greek 'Myth' and descendants of the gods as well.

There are also zombies and ghosts teaching there, courtesy of Hades' family. And merpeople.

They teach in Greek.

All of the students and staff know both modern Greek and ancient Greek, and most of them know latin as well.

They have a wide variety of food served at the school.

Out of all isle and Auradon schools, they have the most classes and extracurriculars.

You can't get away with anything if you go there. You get caught breaking a rule? Your teacher will be at your house for the dinner and mention it. It's a pain.

They're all very competitive.

You wanna walk in the halls? You gotta dodge speedsters and hexes/curses.

Wanna take a walk? Good luck doing so on a high mountain near the water when one of Zeus's kids pick a fight with one of Poseidon's. Or just in general when some of the other demigods are playing catch in the fricking sky.

Gold, white, and sky blue are the school colors. No, no one is happy about this.

Athena is one of the school's founders.

Good luck getting a wifi connection in the school. There's no electricity there. At all.

The school is lit by torches. The school has had to be rebuilt more than once.

Their mascot is the Minotaur because of a student vote that happened ages ago.

There is a place to do offerings to the Gods if any of them so wish to.

Family Trees are banned. Not even the Athena kids are willing to do them. The first set of teachers learned that the hard way.

That 'use as little magic as possible' thing Auradon has going on? That's not a thing here. Literally EVERYONE is using their powers if they have any.

History class is a pain and very few of the students like it.

Their drama club is huge and the plays are epic.

All the Demigods from the isle immediately opted out of going there after taking the tour.

[hjonko]

Future Beast-Daring it is (and a pinch of gnc Daring if you squint)

His ass is in a constant state of “get the fuck away from me 😭😡🗣️‼️‼️‼️”

Inspos: Vi (Arcane), Blue Diamond (SU), Asgore (Undertale), and The Beast (Beauty and the Beast) (Over The Garden Wall)

I feel like post Epic Winter he and Cerise had a beast solidarity, Cerise helped him through all the beastly nervousness and overall taught him how to be more free with himself and doing what he enjoyed as opposed to “keeping face” and “needing to be perfect.”

Which segway’s to him being selectively mute for the rest of his life, not because animal no talk haha, but because hes burnt out and doesn’t even realize it lmao; also he doesn’t wanna be recognized now that he has insecurities

I also feel like he always had curls like Darling but straightened them out, as I mentioned in my previous post on daring.

On the topic of his hair, he 100% grew it out cuz im delusional and think it’d look nice. :)

His story of being the beast is a lot different than what you’re probably expecting, yeah no hes still beastly in the future, and that leads to the death of his entire family cuz hate and fear fueling human decisions and shit, therefore isolating him and spiralling him in a 100 year depression, blue diamond style.

He’s not as violent tendencies-filled as everyone thinks and generally just wants to be left alone, but he does get visitors once and a while, usually miscreant teens who wanna check out the “abandoned castle” or the occasional child that wants to pick the flowers in the graveyard-

(y’know- just the place where his dead wife and children are buried- totally no emotional “what the fuck are you doing get out”s there)

He’s never violent towards the younger intruders cuz his dad self has a soft spot for dumb kids, but adults on the other hand he’ll go full on beast mode if he catches them fr fr.

As for if he has a happy ending or not-

well-

you’ll just have to wait and see if I write and or draw it 😈😈😈

(also forgot to mention he has and always had magic like physical projection and teleportation but was weakened until he got used to beast mode, hence the trident staff thingy 😎)

[queen-rainy-love]

Costume Rating Part 17

Let's rate some costumes!

Name: Classy Ceremonial Suit

For who: Espresso

Rarity: Epic

Set: Report of One Fine Day

Thoughts: He honestly does look good in white and blue. He almost matches Madeleine’s outfit.

Rating: 9/10

Name: Red Camellia

For who: Cotton

Rarity: Epic

Set: Report of One Fine Day

Thoughts: This outfit is so fashionable and I think this looks better than her default look. The red accents look pretty good on her.

Rating: 9/10

Name: Cake Stylist

For who: Red Velvet Cookie

Rarity: Epic

Set: Report of One Fine Day

Thoughts: I never thought blue would work well on Red Velvet but I’m fairly surprised that it works. Also those glasses are a powerful move.

Rating: 10/10

Name: Pastel Blue

For who: Pure Vanilla

Rarity: Epic

Set: Report of One Fine Day

Thoughts: He looks so casual and he has a tiny ponytail! And that metal staff looks pretty cool.

Rating: 10/10

Name: Feelin' Blue & Pink

For who: Parfait

Rarity: Epic

Set: Report of One Fine Day Off

Thoughts: She looks so cute with blue as an accent and I love her eyes having a faint ombre to them.

Rating: 9/10

[dalliansss]

lol please this one my fren

of all the idiots in the world, i'm stuck with you.

I could see popstar au or bitm au

&. 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 (𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬?) 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

Mairon Aulëndil cannot believe this is happening.

The one time he and his sugar baby boyfriend took a commercial flight, first class, because the private jet wasn't available for repairs, and they get beset by disaster of epic proportions. He stands there, by the airport, growing red all the way to his ears, arms crossed, and he is tapping his shoe tak -tak -tak, louder and louder, as he waits and waits (he despises waiting. Has despised waiting, unless it will bring him billions in profit that will enable him to buy another island, auction-buy more artwork, buy more jewelry, buy Finrod jewelry and bags and property and cars).

But what is the problem?

The problem is that his precious, his sugarbaby boyfriend, his gorgeous blonde of a pretty thing, Finrod Felagund, has been held up by security. For what reason? He doesn't damn well know. First, Mairon was going through security no problem, Finrod closely at his heels with his cabin-luggage, and then something beeped, and then the security were all over Finrod, and Finrod was now sitting on the floor opening his luggage and unpacking every damn--

Mairon feels the vein throbbing somewhere by his left temple growing by the minute. Will the aneurysm develop right then and there and explode? Maybe they'll find out.

Security has apparently taken issue with many of Finrod's electric things. For one, his high-tech toothbrush. Even his toothbrush is expensive, that iO10 thing from B-oral that had a built-in color display, timer and a sensor magnetic charging stand that amused Finrod to no end because it made sure he brushed his teeth for the dentist-recommended two minutes.

Security has also flagged down his Oreo Eye Massager, and his Oreo Facial Cleaning Tool that Finrod swears works like magic and loves using it with that La Mer cleanser that Mairon always buys for him. He can't take those, security is saying. He should've put them in his check-in luggage, blah blah blah. Also now he can't take his ridiculous amounts of La Mer cosmetics and skin care products, that is just beyond the allowable limits, you should've taken it into your checked in baggage, so sorry Mister Felagund, my daughter is a fan of your music but security is serious business, you know--

Mairon's patience snaps. This is why he despises flying commercial. He steps forward, snarl on his beautiful face.

"Get off him!" He snarls toward one of the security trying to get the toiletry bag Finrod is hugging to his chest. "Don't touch him or I'll make sure you will lose your job!"

Finrod turns to him with those hard-to-refuse-beautiful-blue eyes, his lower lip quivering pathetically, but Mairon grabs the toiletry bag from his hand and throws it on the floor, scattering the jars of cream and eye serum and whatnot-- and he grabs the high-tech toothbrush too and the Oreo face tools, throwing them at the security staff.

Then Mairon grabs Finrod by the hands and pulls him by his feet. "If we can't bring them then take them, eat them, and shove them up your--!"

He herds Finrod with him, keeping an arm around his sweetheart's waist. Finrod is already crying pathetically into a kerchief.

"Hush," Mairon half-snarls. "I'll buy you new ones when we get back to Korea. Hush, I said. It doesn't matter. Come on. I'll buy the company that makes La Mer if it pleases you. Hush now, precious. Hush."

Long story short, they manage to board their flight, and are soon settled in their first class accommodations. Finrod is hugging into his side, still sniffling a little. Mairon pets his golden blond hair.

"This is why I keep telling you not to overpack things," Mairon says. "You will get harassed everytime. You see?! You don't listen to me! Fuck's sake. You can always buy stuff you need when you get to where you're going. Stop now. Stop crying. You'll puff up your nose and you'll look like a stupid tomato. Of all the idiots in the world, I'm stuck with you. Hush. Hush."

Finrod takes one last big sniffle and quiets down. "But you gave me all those as gifts. Of course I'll take them with me. I just..."

Mairon could roll his eyes to the next planet. How he despises this about Finrod, yet also loves it all the same. He kisses his sugarbaby boyfriend's swollen eyelids.

"Quiet down. Look, let's just watch Lord of the Rings, all the extended editions, ok? Go check the food menu and order their chocolate cake. Stop crying. You'll ruin your pretty face. Stop it. I love you. It doesn't matter. I'll buy you more and I'll buy you the entirety of La Mer too. Hush now, my darling."

Mairon fumbles for the remote and selects the first movie they'll watch: The Hobbit, an Unexpected Adventure, extended edition. Finrod stops sniffling completely as the opening credits begin.

@skaelds

[zkylearnstherope]

My Fan Theories for Alan Becker's AvA 6 - Episode 2

It gets revealed that The Dark Lord is not actually evil.

Like Red before, Dark got possessed/corrupted and it somehow revived/enhanced Alan's code inside him. Chosen must've sensed this, because I think he held back a lot in the Showdown Episode.

He was named The Chosen One, damnit! He's supposed to level up along with his enemies. He can't possibly lose a fight.

He sensed something was wrong, but is not smart enough to save Dark.

victim actually works for the government/police.

When they summoned Alan's cursor during Showdown, it created public unease in the city. Like, A CREATOR IS ACTUALLY HERE!

The cursor was big enough to be spotted in the city. And when someone came to investigate, all they saw were laser marks on the ground and a missing mountain.

Naturally, the #1 suspect would be The Chosen One. In the Wanted Episode, when he saved the office worker from the falling debris with his lasers, the office worker either (a) covered his eyes to look at the bright sky, or (b) actually saluted back to Chosen.

I think it's B. So, people in the city are actually familiar with the rocket man in the sky. He would've reacted differently if it's the first time they saw Chosen. And don't get me started with the nonchalant reaction of the Corn Dog Guy.

So with this in mind, how would anyone capture a what is essentially, a virtual god? They will go for the smartest man they know, produces the most advanced technology, and who obviously has connections with Chosen since they look exactly the same.

I don't think victim is out for revenge. Like, why would he wait all this time to get back at Alan? He has all the resources now, his own company (that sells TVs), like, what else could he ask for?

I choose to believe in victim. He's the type to defend himself rather than hurt someone else. He even stopped the 3 members of the rocket group from killing The Second Coming, and asked Agent to bring him alive.

They even unpaused Second at the end. Which makes me believe that victim would want to talk/negotiate with him. What victim needs is INFORMATION, and he's not getting that from The Chosen One.

victim is actually looking for The Dark Lord

I believe Second's powers has something to do with antivirus and codes. And firing that mega-laser actually disabled Alan's Code, and in fact, DID NOT KILL Dark.

Dark surviving off-screen is not really a far stretch. Because, it already happened before in the Flashback Episode.

Now, if you take into consideration all the stuff I mentioned above...

The rocket group approaches The Chosen One, asking for The Dark Lord.

Chosen, remembering all the crimes they did during the Internet Conquest, fearing for his friend, he gets apprehensive and starts to escape. Instead of letting him get away, they had to use all the tools at their disposal. And then enter the epic chase scene from Wanted.

Other sub plot theories

Purple will show up and help them, since he actually lived in the city before, judging by the location of his Mom's grave. Purple would know about the rocket group, and can guide/help the others to stop them.

We'll see Red cry for the first time.

The fight will go like this:

Green vs. Agent Smith - both great with staffs, spears, or any long-ranged weapons, I also think that Green would be fast enough to match Agent

Red vs. Hunter/Primal - pure strength and heavy muscle

Yellow and Blue vs. Ballista/Pixel - G U N S

Purple vs. Hazard/Sign - being trained by his father Navy, Purple is actually really good at hand-to-hand combat

Alan's Giant Cursor form is not going to show up this time.

victim is going to teach Second about his powers.

---

God, I can't wait for the next episode.

[archoneddzs15]

Sega Mega CD - ARCUS I-II-III

Title: ARCUS I-II-III / アークス I・II・III

Developer/Publisher: Wolf Team

Release date: 23 July 1993

Catalogue No.: T-32094

Genre: RPG

Those of you who played Arcus II: Silent Symphony already know about half-elf Pikt's epic battle against the demon lord Warren. Due to poor game design, the combat itself wasn't particularly special. However, the emotion behind the battle was unforgettable. On one side, a naive orphan crossed oceans and endured persecution to honor the memory of a father he never knew. On the other side, an indomitable miscreant fought to bring carnage, chaos, and justice to the world that screwed him over.

In Arcus I-II-III, Pikt's emotional confrontation against Warren is even more powerful than before. It's hard to shake the image of the blue-skinned demon's twisted face, laughing at Pikt from within a bed of flames. Victory in defeat — it's a bittersweet finale.

Most of you wouldn't know anything about that. You see, by mid-1993, time had already passed Wolf Team by. Their parent company, Telenet, was hemorrhaging millions of yen and losing talented staff members by the month. Projects were quietly canceled or quickly rushed to production to plug bleeding wounds. Telenet's collapse crippled Annet Again (Anetto Futatabi in Japan). It killed Apros: Castle in the Sky. The Mega CD dream was over.

But somehow, Arcus 1-2-3, a revamped compilation of Wolf Team's entire RPG series, survived. Bumped from March to May and then to July, delayed to the brink of death, this CD finally saw commercial release (albeit in miniscule numbers). The game shines with love and care, as though the Sega side of Wolf Team knew this would be their eulogy. Unfortunately, judging by the lack of internet reviews (I found one in Japanese), it has been forgotten.

Similar to the Turbo Duo's well-known classic Ys Book 1 & 2 (Ys I-II), the Arcus games must be played in sequential order. Each of the three episodes stands alone as its own complete dungeon crawler (lasting 20 to 40 hours apiece), but they do build upon each other with progressively more complex dungeons, more challenging puzzles, and more dangerous creatures.

It all begins with an exciting vocal song about Jesus! After that... unusual... introduction, the real story begins with a young knight-in-training, as many stories do. This particular knight is named Jedah Chaff. He soon meets a friendly thief named Toron and a drunken female mercenary named Erin. Fans of Arcus Odyssey take note — you've seen some of these characters before! Each has their own unique and useful specialty; Jedah wields a mighty sword, Erin's chain-dagger can slice through an entire group of goblins, Toron is an expert at disarming poison gas traps (or hiding like a cowardly hobbit), wizards and sorceresses cast powerful and decently-animated spells, archers can pick off enemies at any range, and Pikt... well, 12-year-old Pikt summons the spirits of nature. As in The Bard's Tale, summoned dragons, golems, or Arabian spirits temporarily join the party and behave like additional characters.

Their first quest is to find and appease the golden dragon "Rig Veda". Wolf Team often waxes philosophical in their games, and Arcus is no exception. This time around, they've crafted a story about the evils of war: the golden dragon sits in judgment of the world, and it's up to the heroes to prove humanity's worth. Although the concept isn't entirely original, it makes for an unusually reflective journey that often seems more concerned with exploring the nature of humanity than with saving the world.

Although several of the visual scenes focus on action-packed swordfights, others instead highlight quiet, introspective moments. Imagine a beautiful midnight atop the magical tower of Miryuu: a clear, comfortable night of relaxation spent admiring the twinkling stars... You'd have to be a heartless beast to not be moved by the way Erin tells her story, to not notice the lingering nuances of her voice that betray the disdain she feels for the way she used to live.

Life never stays quiet for long, and this is no exception — Jedah and Erin are about to be interrupted by their blonde Bishounen archenemy! The original PC version of Arcus, released way back in 1988, lacked a compelling "villain" character. Sure, the golden dragon is lurking somewhere in the world, but Rig Veda represents an idea more than he represents a strong, tangible GUY TO HATE. For this compilation, Wolf Team has actually inserted the third chapter's villain into the first two episodes. So, during Erin and Jedah's quiet conversation, a familiar villain from Wolf Team's past appears in a red swirl of mist and unabashedly announces his presence. Luan Khan!

It's nice to see a villain who's not afraid to tell the heroes his name. It's also nice to see a villain who's introduced early in the game, instead of during the last ten minutes.

He's quickly fought off by the group's combined efforts... but he'll appear again, and again, and again. Luan Khan's looming presence throughout the entire disc is a brilliant addition that gives the first chapter a stronger sense of purpose, adds unpredictable suspense (since you never know when he'll appear), and builds anticipation for the game's final battle. Khan is an expert swordsman, but his dark sorcery can twist the hearts of friends and force companions to turn against each other. Across the game's 13 years, from initial hero Jedah to final hero Pikt, Luan Khan is the glue that holds it all together.

Why Arcus 1-2-3 succeeds is that even though its story is deep, insightful, and engaging, it never forgets that it's a game. Even the combat becomes progressively more involved, to the point where random encounters require frequent healing and careful spell selection. Aside from some interesting visual effects, the battles aren't so much graphically impressive as they are mentally engaging. Along with the aforementioned spell management, each character is also able to "encourage" other party members (with actual voices!), which raises their level of willpower (which increases magical effectiveness). Whether it's adult Pikt curtly telling love interest Suu to "hang in there" or the minuscule fairy Ruu-Shan chattering away endlessly, this feature gives battles a unique sense of camaraderie that's missing from most dungeon crawlers. Each character has several different messages, depending on who they're trying to inspire.

As you defeat enemies in battle and gain levels, each character undergoes a complex series of promotions. At level ten, Pikt can become either a knight or a spirited fighter; if you choose "knight", he might later become a warlord or paladin... but if you choose "spirit fighter", he's walking the path toward elementalist or summoner. Each new promotion affects vital statistics, spell selections, and even the weapons that a character can use. This allows for a lot of experimentation. I know I'll be playing the game again, and I'm eager to see how my choices affect character development the next time through.

After exploring over three dozen dungeons, and defeating mad kings, demonic armies, and even close friends, everything ends with an immensely satisfying (and difficult) finale that makes a poignant statement about taking responsibility for those you love. It also ties every loose end together in a convincing and surprising way. There are revelations that I never saw coming, revelations that fill plot holes that most games wouldn't even acknowledge. How did Luan Khan get hold of the mystical sword "Bloody Rose"? The last time we saw that blade, it was in the hands of that crazed devil Warren...

Play Arcus 1-2-3 to the end and you'll find the answer. You'll also find a deep and complex series of dungeons, a legendary soundtrack, an intricate system of character advancement, humorous dialogue, serious discussions, and a story that actually means something.

Wolf Team could have simply ported the PC versions to disc. They could have just slopped all three chapters together and said, "here's your compilation". But instead, they reworked and re-tooled three disconnected adventures to create a unified, meaningful whole. Someday, I'll search the internet again. I hope that instead of one review, I'll find a hundred. Then, I'll know that I'm not alone; I'll know that others heard Wolf Team's cry.

[plaguedoctorate]

My dream last night: sci-fi themed, futuristic open-world game. You play as the staff of a famous hotel in the middle of a valley until earthquakes start to threaten your business. You take out to the valley to explore the source (idk why its you) you have a companion I can’t remember much about. Only that they don’t like to watch you kill and they have white hair and something they wear is pink.

Its open world (totk and botw style) and you explore lots of different areas with new enemies and npcs. There are rideable creatures that look like uhh ill draw something. The plot is that there is this incredibly powerful artifact called the Construct and someone is using it to bring dinosaurs back to life. They look different because they are wearing clothes from this era (long-sleeved white shirt, loose and tattered pink crop top over it, and denim shorts) and the dinosaurs they are bringing back are causing the earthquakes. I called her ‘Mi’ in the game.

The rideables are also dinosaurs, but they were too small and too nice to wreak havoc on the world. This is set in the distant future I think, where humanity has managed to create and depend on clean energy. There are abandoned power plants you can find that are filled with a special type of radiation energy monsters.

Also, the main character is a complete badass. One of the cutscenes I can remember, we just straight up walk up to this terrifying enemy (we don’t fight it!!!) and mock it while we move faster than it can swing. We end up beheading it with our epic sword.

I can remember two NPCs. One was called Anne-Marie, and she worked at the hotel we did, but she died (dinosaur attack I think). Her letter of resignation is a collectible in the game (even tho she never resigned).

The second NPCs was called Molly and we found her in a research station in the west. She helps us a lot, gives us some pretty vital equipment (grappling hook I think) but eventually betrays us. We don’t ever see her again after that. Its kinda up to the player’s interpretation. I reckon we killed her (we seem like the type). Her resignation letter has ‘some bitches lie’ scrawled over her name in red ink.

Oh and collectibles. They are everywhere in this game. You can get a letter of resignation from every person who dies/disappears in the game, each with different handwriting and messages I assume we put on it.

And customizations. They are everywhere. You can customize every part of you before you start the game, and you can change your features whenever you want. Armour=fully customizable. Weapon=fully customizable.

Hell, you can even customize what the Construct looks like. And each time you find something you can customize, the game pauses and the edges of the screen go a blurry blue, and a female voice says ‘tell me. What do you see?’

There are hints dropped throughout the game that this is, in fact, a game. In fact, one of Mi’s lines is ‘god, finally. Here’s you, exposing the goddamn truth.’

Also, the weapons. There are different classes (barbarian, ninja, knight, elven, hunter and I think a few more) which is very rpg but characters in the game reference these classes. Like the guy I talked about completely beating up in a cutscene even says before you behead him ‘running fast cant protect you from me. I have a barbarian-class scythe-‘ and then we chop his head off. But whatever.

Yeah. So that was my dream. You can probably romance characters in it, and idk what the companion does, but it was really cool in my head. Might do concept art if I can.

(this was the rideable)

[thehyperrequiem]

Get in the Boat guys, we’re going to a festival!

This shall be my first Super Epic Cookie OC, and this Cookie Idea is suggested by @sam-rexian, enjoy!

Name: Gummy Jewel Cookie

Gender: Male

Rank: Epic (Ovenbreak)/Super Epic (Kingdom)

Cookie Title: Viking of The Gummy Odyssey Mix

Cookie Tags: SpecialControl, Jellies, Destruction, Potions

Pet: Humpback Submarine

Basic Jelly: “Let out your voice and it would bring out the beautiful colors of wonder.”

Skill: Gummy Jewel Cookie’s Magical Boat of Wonders will appear and he gets on it. The jump and slide buttons would control Gummy Jewel’s Vocal Range and when the music note hits the range, you gain points. If you miss the points, then you gain less points, after getting music notes, The Gummy Five would show up and that is where you rapidly tap the buttons to make one heck of a music show! Level up for more points and Magical Musical Mystery Sail points, and more starting energy.

Magic Candy: A Blue bar with a small icon of each sense will pop up, and it fills up faster than the green bar, once it is filled, Gummy Jewel Cookie will slam his mic like staff to the ground to activate powers that foreshadows The Gummy Five’s Skills; Green sends out a magical eye that shoots lasers of it, foreshadowing Apple Eye Cookie’s Skill. Pink sends out a magical hand that punches away the obstacles, foreshadowing one of Handy Cookie’s skills. Yellow sends out a magical lip that eats the obstacles and turns them into jellies, foreshadowing Zesty Taste Cookie’s Skill. Purple sends out a magical nose that sniffs out Purple Sense Jellies and sneezes out an energy bottle, foreshadowing Schnoz-berry Cookie’s Skills. And Blue sends out a Magical Ear that sends out sound waves and turns them into Energy Bottles in form of Music Note Jellies, foreshadowing Sarge Ear Cookie’s Skills. The stronger the enchanted power gets, the more points for the Five Senses of Power points gets!

Pet Skill: The Humpback Submarine will use echolocation to call some gummy fishes, making them jump from the ground and destroying some of the obstacles. Level up for more points and gummy fish jelly points.

Story: “Gummy Jewel Cookie awakens the power of his gummy gemstones filled with sour juicy gels in the gemstones of his. His origin was unknown on how he got froze in the lake yet it was caused by a terrible snowstorm, but it was told that he was found by five cookies of the 5 senses and they unfreeze him to wake him up from his Cryo nap. After being introduced to the five cookies, the big cookie shares his story through his singing and his magic fire show from his gummy jewel’s last remaining magic, they were impressed with his skills and thought of making a team together, or better yet in Gummy Jewel’s Perspective; a Band! So with their help of recharging the jewel by their magic as well as giving him five more gummy gemstones and playing notes, Gummy Jewel and the Gummy Five sets off on their magical boat of wonders and travel around Earthbread, sharing their songs and helping out cookies with festivities, as well as drinking juice and having fun, for they are The Gummy Odyssey Mix!”

Pet Story: “Humpback Submarine was made from one of Gummy Jewel’s Serenades for entertaining the cookies and it didn’t disappear like any magic made animal projections. After a little bit of time, Gummy Jewel decides to keep it as a pet and they did a whole lot of fun together. Until one day during a voyage, a terrible snowstorm swept everything away into a snowy wasteland with a giant frozen lake. There was nothing but remains of the boat Gummy Jewel was in, a surviving Humpback Submarine, and Gummy Jewel Cookie who is trapped in a ice cube. Distraught that it’s owner is frozen, it send out a SOS Echolocation Call to see if anyone is around to help unfreeze its owner while searching around for any cookie to help him out, and that’s where not only it meets 5 unlikely cookies with 5 powers of senses of their own…And they help free it’s owner, but that’s where the gummy odyssey started.”

Quotes:

New - “I sure love making entrances when it comes to festivals!”

General:

“All Aboard to the Magical Boat of Wonders!”

“I sure do love Berry Juice, goes well with parties!”

“Bring on the Foods and Drinks!”

“Anything’s better with the power of five senses.”

“🎵 Hop onto the Rainbow Sea! 🎵 ”

“Did anything happened while I was frozen?”

“The HollyBerry Essences runs within me!”

“I was once trapped in a cage of ice, but now..I am freeeeee~🎵”

“Welcome to the Gummy Odyssey!” 

Tired: “Hold on…Let me finish up here…”

Lobby:

Daily Gift: “Here! A gift from me to you!”

Tap:

“I am big, and there’s enough of me to go around!”

“Me and my Friends will help you out with the festival!”

“🎵 We travel the sea and air, brining cookies joy when they hear our fanfare! 🎵”

“Me and Sarge Ear? We sure have a thing going on between us!”

“You mind hearing our upcoming song? It’s a work in progress.”

Gifts:

“Wonderful! Let’s have a Toast to this bountiful time we are having!” (Given The Gummy Odyssey Special Brew)

“Wooooow! The majestic aura I am feeling from it, it’s…it’s so legendary, like a music instrument of destiny!” (Given Royal Golden Dough)

“Thanks for the festival trinket, my friend, I shall keep it!” (Neutral)

Relationship Chart:

Gummy Jewel Cookie 💛 The Gummy Five: “If it weren’t for them, I would be stuck in that ice cube for eternity.” (Admiration)

Gummy Jewel Cookie 💚 Princess Cookie: “I like her bold bravery and determination, She has the sparkling energy of HollyBerry!” (Friendly)

Gummy Jewel Cookie 💙 Knight Cookie: “You go on keeping her safe, Little Knight.” (Trust)

Gummy Jewel Cookie 💚 Rockstar Cookie: “His music is the bomb!” (Friendly)

Gummy Jewel Cookie 💚 Popping Candy Cookie: “These five remind me of my friends!” (Friendly)

Gummy Jewel Cookie 💙 Vampire Cookie: “Hahah! I like this guy! This guy has the right idea of partying; Drinking!” (Trust)

Gummy Jewel Cookie 💚 Sparkling Cookie: “This guy serves the best drinks in town!” (Friendly)

Gummy Jewel Cookie ❤️ Licorice Cookie: “That guy and his friends almost took over Hollyberry’s homeland while I was frozen! Nobody tries to take over HollyBerry Kingdom on my watch!” (Rival)

Gummy Jewel Cookie 🩶 Poison Mushroom Cookie: “I am keeping my drink away from that creep, I don’t want any mushrooms in my drink from what I heard of what they did to the drink.” (Tension)

And now, his crew of bandmates!

Group Name: The Gummy Five

Name of Cookies: Apple Eye Cookie, Handy Cookie, Zesty Taste Cookie, Schnoz-Berry Cookie, and Sarge Ear Cookie

Gender: Male

Rank: Epic

Cookie Title: The Gummy Senses

Cookie Tags: Speed, Jellies, Destruction, Revival, Potions

Pet: Prisma Speaker

Basic Jelly: “Get to know your senses, because without them, you’re nothing.”

Skill: Like the Cookimals, The Gummy Five takes turns on each run. At Apple Eye Cookie’s turn when activating his skill, he shoots out a green beam of green jelly to destroy obstacles and turn them into green teardrop jellies. At Handy Cookie’s turn when activating his skill, his hair forms to a hand by his dreadlocks to perform Rock Paper and Scissors while levitating to destroy obstacles and turn them into pink fingerprint jellies. At Zesty Taste Cookie’s turn when activating his skill, he uses his stretchy tongue to not only collect jellies, but he can destroy obstacles and collects the yellow tongue jellies. At Schnoz-Berry Cookie when activating his skill, he starts sniffing for Purple Pollen Jellies and then sneezes out an energy potion. And at Sarge Ear Cookie’s turn when activating his skill, he hears for blue sound jellies and they lead him to any hidden energy potions. Level up for more points and Power of Five points, and more starting energy.

Magic Candy: Their skills gets more advanced for each member they got. For Apple Eye Cookie, the green jelly beam would make a Green Eye Jelly that has a big amount of points. For Handy Cookie, each destruction would make a Pink Hand Jelly that has a big amount of points. For Zesty Taste Cookie, after he eats some jellies, he spat it out into a Yellow Lip Jelly that not only has a big amount of points, but it can regenerate some energy. For Schnoz-Berry Cookie, not only he can sneeze out an energy potion, but his sneezes can destroy obstacles and turn them into purple nose jellies. For Sarge Ear Cookie, not only he can make hidden energy potions appear, but he can also find a Blue Ear Jelly which has a big amount of points. The stronger the enchanted power gets, the more points for the Unleash the Senses points gets!

Pet Skill: The Prisma Speaker will play music to generate colorful musical note jellies as well as destroying obstacles, it can also revive a cookie with a big amount of energy. Level up for more points and Colorful Musical Flow points and more starting energy.

Story: “The Gummy Five have received gifts of gummy body parts and have become magical sorcerers with powers of the five senses; Apple Eye Cookie, the cunning leader of the group. Handy Cookie, the helpful smart guy of the group. Zesty Taste Cookie, the foodie and cook of the group. Schnoz-Berry Cookie, the doctor of the group. And Sarge Ear Cookie, the peaceful brawn of the group. They were wandering magicians, traveling around Earthbread to solve problems. One day, they come across a Submarine Whale who needs help unfreezing its owner, and so they unfroze the cookie who is none other than Gummy Jewel Cookie. After he shown some tricks and magic, they decided to let him join and he changed the group into a band that helps out not just cookies, but also festivals as well with the power of music and five senses, they are now called The Gummy Odyssey Mix.”

Pet Story: “Prisma Speaker is a pretty sight to behold, whenever it’s third eye opens up, it plays nice music to bring cookies up and going, it even goes well for parties. This thing was found by Apple Eye Cookie when he and his pals are off on a crusade, and upon discovering its happy music, they decided to keep it in their journeys as a pet and now they got music whenever they need it.”

Quotes: (When it comes to their quotes, the font color shows 

New - “Here comes the senses!”

General:

(💚)

“Welcome Aboard!”

“Just look through my magic eye.”

“Wanna see what I can do with my eye?”

(🩷)

“My hair can be another hand, you know.”

“I can still feel things even with a blindfold.”

“Step Right in, and feel the magic of music!”

(💛)

“Indulge with us, as I bring you the taste of the party!”

“You should try out the finger food, it’s delicious!”

“I’m not just a foodie, but I am a great cook!” 

(💜)

“Can you smell it? The fun has just begun!”

“I can smell anything, even emotion as well.”

“While we wait for the show, allow me to sponsor our bestsellers.”

(🩵)

“Open your ears everyone, the show’s about to begin!”

“I have great hearing!”

“Isn’t my lover the greatest singer?”

Tired: (💚) “My eye’s getting tired…” (🩷) “Everything’s too sweaty to feel…” (💛) “No thanks…I’m full..” (💜) “*sniff* *sniff* Not the Allergies…” (🩵) “Does anyone hear ringing or is it just me?”

Lobby:

Daily Gift: “(💚) Here! (🩷) Have this (💛) as a (💜) trinket, (🩵) Enjoy!”

Tap:

(💚)

“ My eye? I got this naturally!”

“I am Co-Leader of the group, but I am the leader to my four friends.”

“I can see everything and know any types of writing!”

(🩷)

“Feelings cannot just be around emotions, but it can be any physical contacts.”

“You should try out touch therapy for some change, it’s good for you.”

“If you try to do something behind me, my hair can stop you.”

(💛)

“I like tasting things, it’s a habit of mine.”

“Wanna see what I can do with my tongue?”

“I can cook you a fine meal while you wait for the show!”

(💜)

“Ooh! I can smell excitement in the air!”

“I suggest aroma therapy will help you calm down from stress and another problems.”

“This Groucho Necklace helps me smell in a supernatural way.”

(🩵)

“I love the sound of nature whenever in my spare time.”

“You wanna date? Sorry but I’m already taken..”

“You can tell me anything, I’m all ears!”

Gifts:

“(💚) These will definitely refill our sense powers!” (Given The Five Sense Charms)

“(💚) “What a pretty sight to behold!” (🩷) “It feels so silky!” (💛) “I bet it taste delicious! Is it edible?” (💜) “Ooo! It smells so good!” (🩵) “Gummy Jewel would love this as a gift!” (Given Royal Golden Dough)

“🎵Thank yooooooou~🎵!” (Neutral)

Relationship Chart:

The Gummy Five 💛 Gummy Jewel Cookie: (💚) “This cookie made our jobs better after we help him out.” (Admiration)

The Gummy Five 💚 Popping Candy: (🩷) “Another musical group of five? How interesting!” (Friendly)

The Gummy Five 💙 Sandwich Cookie: (💛) “She makes the best sandwiches!” (Trust)

The Gummy Five 💚 Rockstar Cookie: (🩵) “We should plan on making a collab together someday.” (Friendly)

Gummy Jewel Cookie 💚 Princess Cookie: (🩷) “Such a nice lady! She always full of pep and courage, just like Gummy Jewel!” (Friendly)

The Gummy Five 💛 Moon Rabbit Cookie: (💛) “Ooh! I cannot say no to their offer of food!” (Admiration)

The Gummy Five 💚 Sparkling Cookie: (💜) “The sweet smell of drinks and good service is the reason why Gummy Jewel likes this cookie!” (Friendly)

The Gummy Five 💛 Gingerbrave: (🩵) “We one time made the song about him and his bravery on his birthday, and he likes it very much!” (Admiration)

The Gummy Five 🩶 Poison Mushroom Cookie: (💛) “I dunno, sure I may be a foodie and all, but I don’t wanna know what would happen to me if I ate one.” (Tension)

Fun Facts: This Cookie has Hollyberry Kingdom Resident Jam flowing through, making him feel like a relative to Hollyberry Cookie! He is themed after Helmut Fullbear, as well as The Gummy Five of his Gummy Odyssey Mix are themed after Helmut's Band; Feast of the Senses!

[themousefromfantasyland]

Journey Across the Disneyverse: Second Day

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, I'm rewatching some of my favorite films from the studio.

This were the ones that I watched today.

1 - Peter Pan (1953)

I will say something that will revogue my status as Disney nerd and Disney adult: this film is very weak.

Mary Blair artwork is still beautiful and amazing, and the animation is very well done. Neverland is a delight to the eyes.

But I feel like it lacks heart, it lacks a genuine emotional connection. Something is missing here.

The thing that gets on my nerves is that it lacks a proper ending. On Disney+ they had a deleted ending, and it feels so much more like an actual resolution that this movie's ending.

Wendy gets to say farewell to Peter, she and her brothers get to choose to grow up, while Peter and the lost boys get to choose Neverland. Wendy also is in better terms with Tinkerbell. Peter and Wendy also had an amazing romantic tension.

All of this would make the movie so much better.

2 - Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Disney reached storytelling maturity with this one. This is the ultimate fairy tale movie.

They transformed an already iconic fairy tale in an action-packed epic love story.

Despite giving name to the film, Aurora isn't the protagonist. She is a living McGuffing that drives the plot.

The real protagonists are the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Meriwether, who deserve much more recognition from Disney itself and from fans. It's amazing how they are the main responsible for the movie passing the Bechdel test, even though some still decry the movie as sexist.

3 - The Little Mermaid (1989)

Blessed be Howard Ashman.

This film modernized the Disney formula with amazing effects.

It's definitely not the somber, tragic love story from the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, but it manages to create its own thing, a colorful and vibrant coming-of-age, romantic comedy.

I hate how the same people who decry past Disney heroines for being so bland and super perfect, crap on Ariel only because she acts like a genuine flawed, curious teenage girl.

4 - Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Blessed be Howard Ashman again.

What I loved most about this film is that it flips the original message of the fairy tale on its head.

A thing must be lovable first before it's loved. Love must be earned. You can't act like a beast and still force people to look past your obvious toxic flaws.

Belle is under no obligation to love the Beast. She isn't at any moment forced to look past his toxic behavior. It's the Beast who has to improve himself in order to gain her affection. He is the one who has to change.

True love is liberating, and not trapping. Beast might be the one who trapped Belle in his castle, but it's only when he gives her freedom and autonomy that Belle reciprocates his affection.

I love how the filmmakers confirmed over the years that if the curse weren't broken, Beast would go full Queen Elinor from Pixar Brave, and become a full beast. All the castle staff would become fully inanimated and die. Yet, Beast still puts Belle's wellbeing over his, letting her go, knowing full well that this would kill him and everyone on the castle.

Because true love is selfless, not selfish.

I also love how this film dials down the creepiness of the fairy tale by adding hundred of sidekicks on Beast's Castle.

If Belle were to be completely alone with the Beast, then we would have the child-friendly version of that scifi movie with Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. But if Belle has actual people to make her company, people who often go completely against their master's orders, then things are less Stockholm-ism.

@ariel-seagull-wings @tamisdava2 @thealmightyemprex @the-gentile-folklorist @princesssarisa @angelixgutz @mask131 @thelittlehansy @natache @the-blue-fairie

[yellow-salamander]

something that absolutely gets me about alan becker’s animations is just how much personality each of the stick figures has. To list some examples:

-red is a little bit more reckless that most of his friends. like TSC, he tends to just dive head on into danger, and his method of solving problems is pretty much “beat it up.” He also loves animals, especially noticeable in his absolute epic pet pig. However, he is also quick to trust and generally thinks less before doing things than his friends, especially TSC. He’s also been possessed twice now. I think. Good for him, I suppose.

-TSC also dives right into dangerous situations, and would do absolutely ANYTHING for his friends. He’s a bit more OP than the rest of them, obviously, which you can see whenever they’re in a fight, especially when he fights red in the desert during AVM shorts season 3. He’s quick to forgive and understand, and can see the good and bad sides that make up a whole with little difficulty. However, like with purple in S3 and red a bit later, he can also hold some grudges when someone tries hurt his friends. He’s definitely closest to the leader of the group, simply because he’s got a bit more experience and fighting ability than the rest of them.

-purple, even before we got his really awesome backstory in ep.29, held a distinct need for power and influence that clearly came from a need to belong. He cares for all his friends, but doesn’t know how to balance that with the space left by his past experiences, leading him to abandon green and blue in the void and later join King Orange (do we call him Mango Tango on tumblr? I am pretty new to this side of the fandom and can’t quite figure that one out 😅).

-yellow is kind of the science lover friend. He’s inventive and resourceful, which we can see whenever he digs up some red stone machine or command block to solve a problem, like with the villagers in S3. He also seems to trust pretty easily (especially if they offer him some cool tech like king orange showing him the command block staff) and in ep 30, stands with blue staring rather distrustfully at the reformed MT until he’s offered the command stick. He is a pretty funny guy, if you ask me.

-green is probably the thinker of the group. He hesitates to jump into things, and tries to care for every member of the group, and understand each perspective. He waits for orange before jumping into purple’s parkour portal after fighting the witch, and chooses to go after purple INSTEAD of helping his friends despite yellow telling him not to. All of this after being abandoned by him multiple times and seeing exactly what he could be capable of. He looks for the best in people when he can and never wants to leave anyone behind, which makes for some fun character dynamics!

-blue is the most go-with-the-flow out of all of them. He clicks with all his friends, and has some cool adventures with each of them. He also gets attached to the piglins and bonds with THEM, though he does this while chasing his drug addiction, of all things. This poor stick figure is canonically a drug addict. Poor guy. He is a bit slower to forgive MT in the end, and unsure about purple for a while because of how he left blue and green in the void that one time, but normally likes to just do stuff and worry about things later, and just hang out with his friends. Even if he accidentally sends them on a wild goose chase for him and accidentally creates a chain reaction that nearly destroyed all of minecraft. Because he wanted some more nether wart.

And that’s just the basics. I could talk for hours about some of their relationships, namely red + TSC, blue + green, blue + yellow, and green + purple, but that’s a story for another time. TLDR: Alan Becker gave stick figures personality and I just can’t get over that.

[adndmonsteraday]

Bheurs were known by many names, sometimes specified as bheur hags but also referred to as blue hags, white hags and winter hags. The wicked witches of winter were cold-hearted ice queens said to bring the season's cold, but it was possible the sadistic fey were simply drawn to the frost.

Bheurs appeared as wrinkled beldams, gaunt as if they had survived hard times by subsisting on inedible matter. Fittingly, they had pallid, blue-white skin like they had died of hypothermia and pale hair as white as snow. The flesh surrounding their muted eyes was dark as if it was bruised and their voices were like howling winter winds. They were known to wear ragged, grey-blue shawls and often carried gnarled, wooden staffs taller than themselves, the gray bark contrasting against the dry blood that typically stained their hands. They were also once reported to have the ability to disguise themselves as ordinary crones.

Winter hags were creatures of cruel depravity that lived for the pleasure of bringing icy doom to as many people as they could. They considered selfish actions justified by unrelentingly circumstances, normally the overpowering cold, especially enticing. Using their mastery of cold weather, they spread misery and despair to communities during winter seasons with intent to create enough desperation to instill a miserly mindset.

The pitiful attempts of unprepared mortals to survive, such as eating leather in place of actual food, their suffering and the suffering they brought to others, such as by murdering people or defiling the sacred for resources, and their eventual deaths were all delightful to a bheur. The sweetest part of such times for bheur hags were when the selfish acts were committed unnecessarily, like when individuals hoarded more resources than they could possibly use, and the conniving crones loved planting such excessive ideas.

Bheurs themselves had great knowledge of nature and substantial survival skills.

Despite being chaotic crones with deadly magic, the rightfully feared bheurs were occasionally sought out for their wisdom or prophecies. They were likely lone wanderers, having little to no space for community or kinship in their cold hearts. Nevertheless, they were sometimes accompanied by mounted ice archons or avariel guards, or found working with orglashes to deceive and devour others.

Much of the truth behind bheurs was shrouded in myth, partially because of their habit of leaving no witnesses. Their occasional alliances with orglashes was a point of contention, but some tales said that she snuck through unlocked entrances to steal away children and the unsuspecting. While likely untrue, the cautionary tales kept children in line and reminded people to close their windows.

A common legend in Rashemen and surrounding lands suggested that there was only one bheur alive, because no more than one was ever seen at a time. This was, in fact, false, and it was far more likely that it was because of their solitary behavior.

“Winter is the best part of the year, but even winter pales in the month of Hammer.” — A wychlaran saying.

In all stories regarding the bheur, she was inevitably defeated, but those involving high-ranking wychlaran detailed epic clashes between the two resulting in spring coming early. Both the stories and the Witches themselves purported that the bheur, while malicious and dangerous, was a necessary evil. As a force of nature, the bheur served the purpose of bringing winter, and was fought when she began acting arbitrarily or cruelly.

Source: https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Bheur

[our-reality]

ok im so so so tired and physically cannot draw new art for them but RUBY AND JAVA MASTERPOST BABY!!!!!!!!! (for @smallartistocbracket)

uhhhh im actually not sure what im supposed 2 put here but wtv. uh

ig ill talk about ruby first

full name: ruby kitamura

age: 19

height: 5'8"

gender/pronouns: cis woman, she/her

orientation: panromantic asexual

race/ethnicity: asian, japanese

spark color: coral pink

personality: she's extremely friendly and bubbly, she loves talking to people and can make friends with pretty much anyone she meets. she's also particularly caring and patient, even to the point of self sacrifice. she especially prioritizes her relationships with her family and her girlfriend (who i'll talk about later) and she loves them all so much i cannot emphasize enough how freely she loves. she definitely perfers being close to people and it can come off as her being in your face all the time which. is somewhat true but she's very kind and respects boundaries when she needs to!!! she's also absolutely a romantic and she always sticks to what her heart tells her to do

relationships: uhhh she has a big ass family!!! she has 6 other siblings (ivyn, natsuo, rain, akira, paul, eve) and a mom who loves them all very much <3 she just has to work a lot in order to provide for them all but they make it work!!!!!!! mostly because ruby's like a second mom to all of them <3 uh she's also very good friends with python and swift. who are gods (ish)!!!!!!!!!! so that's pretty epic. she's a bit closer to python than swift since she more frequently trains under python but yeah :o) and then of course she's girlfriends with java!!! their relationship means everything to me

notable abilities: uh under my magic system she's an averager, which basically means she's born with a higher intelligence than most people!!! she's also trained to use a bo staff in combat and generally does extremely well with close quarters fighting that's epic

other: she has adhd cuz projecting and used to be a full time gifted AND sports kid whadda hell. she played tennis and volleyball and still knows how to play them pretty well!!! she has some trauma as well but we don't talk abt that ❤

and then java's next or smth

full name: java collins (also goes by aerith or cosmic sometimes)

age: 21

height: 6'2"

gender/pronouns: trans woman, she/her

orientation: demiromantic demisexual lesbian

race/ethnicity: white, ambiguously european

spark color: denim blue

personality: much more laid back and sheltered than ruby. she very rarely chooses to talk to new people, and if she does, it can take a while for her to really come out of her shell. when she does, though, she's very easy-going and sometimes sarcastic and absolutely loyal. no matter how much of a mess she may be she can and will stick by the people she trusts through thick and thin. she's also much more of a realist, choosing to analyze things from an objective point of view rather than sticking to any one ideal.

relationships: unlike ruby, she tends to prioritize her relationships with her friends over her family. and that's because her family life is kinda shit oops!!!!! won't go into full detail here but she actively resents her father and is not on good terms with her sisters so we're not going to worry about that. but uh instead we're gonna talk about her friends WOOOOO!! she's also friends with afformentioned gods python and swift, except this time she's much closer to swift and lowkey doesn't like python for a while lol </3 but she's also got her best friend from teenhood c+ and tumblr mutual requiem that she goes through weird ass shit with that's awesome (c+ and ruby also know each other btw). and finally like i've said there's her girlfriend ruby and they are so so so madly in love and they make each other better and oughfjdkelah(×[#&=(÷;

notable abilities: she's an averager just like ruby, but she has a bow and arrow as her signature weapon (get it. bo staff. bow and arrow. this was intentional). and as you might've guessed she's more so a long distance fighter which mean that they cover each others weaknesses that's so awesome

other: she's autistic which is also me projecting and also means ADHD AUTISM SOLIDARITY BABY!!!!!!! she's also an artist on tumblr and like. an influential one at that what the hell. she collects art supplies and is a scary jokes + idkhow fan and she also has trauma go figure (if you decide to follow me. which you totally should cuz im sexy like that. all my ocs have issues LMAO)

AND IF I NEED TO ADD ANYTHING MORE I WILL!!!! THIS IS A SKELETON OF A MASTERPOST BUT HOPEFULLY THAT'S NOT AN ISSUE LOL okay bye