#blurred squid

[theexodvs]

Don't say you're an expert in artistic nude if you don't know this piece

[squid--inc--writes]

what's this, a strawberry?

No wait! it's a squid!!

@takottai @nekoazumie

[5qui99l3draws]

hi I'm back on my bs* so here are some ingame drawings from the early days of the game

*(splatoon hyperfixation)

[atangledfate]

" So all this time... and Shadow was just an Inkling! really got in touch with his inner squidkid! im proud of him! really inking it up! "

[genericamentegiuseppe]

Squid - Monolith

Non era mica facile per gli Squid con tutte le orecchie puntate su questo album, eppure invece di ripetersi cercano nuove strade...

Etichetta: WarpPaese: UKAnno: 2023 Continue reading Untitled

[newmusickarl]

5-9’s Album of the Month Podcast – Episode 6 Coming Soon!

A reminder that the June episode of the 5-9 Album of the Month Podcast will be available in early July and as ever I will take a seat alongside 5-9 Editor Andrew Belt and Check This Out’s Kiley Larsen to review five high profile album releases from the past month in music, and ultimately name one as our Album of the Month at the end of the discussion.

For our upcoming June review episode, the five albums discussed are

Chaos For The Fly by Grian Chatten (Poll winner, thanks for voting!)

PARANOIA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE by Christine & The Queens

Off Planet by Django Django

The Art of Pleasure by Janelle Monáe

Guy by Jayda G

If you want to listen to the May episode simply click the link below, but also be sure to follow 5-9 Blog on Instagram and Twitter for more news and polls relating to the podcast, along with other great content like film reviews, sports articles and more.

Listen to the May 2023 episode here

Learn more about the Album of the Month podcast in my interview with Left Lion here

Album & EP Recommendations

Is It? by Ben Howard

After his Mercury Prize nominated and commercially successful debut album Every Kingdom, you probably would’ve forgiven Ben Howard if he chose to stay in his singer-songwriter lane and just continue to churn out more acoustic tracks with big singalong choruses on subsequent releases. But since then, he has done the complete opposite. After building on the scope of his sound with the brilliant I Forget Where We Were, he then ramped up the experimentation on both 2018’s Noonday Dream and 2021’s Collections From The Whiteout.

Pleasingly this experimental streak continues on his latest release, with Howard further pushing his sonic boundaries with elements of Bon Iver-esque electro-folk blended through his intricate guitar playing. It makes for a collection of songs that are wonderfully vibrant and fascinating, with recent single Walking Backwards a perfect example of the sonic wizardry on display. Folky yet psychedelic with a luminous dash of cheerful horns and sunlit electronics, it’s such a joy to listen to even after numerous plays.

Days of Lantana meanwhile brings some shades of Kid A-era Radiohead to proceedings, whilst Richmond Avenue is a slow walk-through trippy sounds and whirring distortion, with a wonderfully radiant guitar-driven outro. Interim of Sense then brings a welcome dose of math-rock, before the string-tinged quiet rave of Spirit delivers one of the record’s most mesmerising moments in the back end.

So if you had previously written off Ben Howard as just another singer-songwriter, now is the time to give him another chance. With some endlessly intriguing instrumentation and the glow of a summer’s haze, this is one of his best collection of songs to date.

Listen here

ÁTTA by Sigur Rós

Well this came out of nowhere didn’t it?!

Whilst rumours that the post-rock legends were in the studio working on new material did appear last year, Sigur Rós still managed to catch everyone off guard when they surprise released their eighth studio album - their first in 10 years - earlier on this month. Thankfully it was well worth the wait, with the Icelandic group quickly reminding us of the outstanding beauty and emotional waves they can generate through their music.

Picking up right where they left off, it is another album that soars with strings, glistens with guitars and then reverberates through grand orchestral swells, all whilst Jónsi’s ethereal vocals simply glide across each stunning arrangement. Whilst there is some experimentation this is ultimately the Sigur Rós you expect to hear, but what they lack in surprises they make up for with mind-blowing soundscapes and moments of musical transcendence. These occur frequently, but the run of Blóðberg, Skel and Klettur is a particular highlight, along with masterfully epic closing track, 8. Overall, this is a strong return from the Icelandic rock giants and arguably their strongest album since Takk… for me - don’t miss out!

Listen here

Be Opened By The Wonderful by James

Mancunian indie legends James have long been one of my favourite bands and just over 10 years ago, they performed a show at the Royal Concert Hall here in Nottingham backed by a full orchestra and choir. It remains one of the best live performances I’ve ever experienced and so naturally I was over the moon when the band announced they would be doing the Orchestral shows again in 2023.  The difference this time though was that they would be releasing a new album to coincide with the tour and ultimately celebrate their now 40 years together as a band. Whilst sadly the Nottingham leg ended up getting postponed to October so I have to wait a little bit longer to once again experience their Orchestral live tour, thankfully Be Opened By The Wonderful has managed to tide me over so far.

Split across a double album, it is a stunning mix of reimagined greatest hits, amplified deep cuts and one beautifully orchestrated original song in Love Make A Fool. If you are a fan of the band, then it’s a simply triumphant listen that offers further testament to their greatness and longevity. However, even if you’re only a casual James listener, it’s worth dipping into some of these goosebump-inducing new orchestral versions, with Sometimes, Alaskan Pipeline, Someone’s Got It In For Me and Hymn For A Village my personal favourites.

Listen here

Michael by Killer Mike

2023 has been short on worthwhile rap albums so far (recommendations welcome!), but thankfully Killer Mike has come along to help correct the imbalance with his excellent and deeply personal sixth solo album - Michael.

Arriving 11 years after his last solo outing, this one feels like a victory lap for the Run The Jewels MC, exemplifying the artist he has become during that time. The beats go hard and the bars even harder, blending elements of gospel, soul and funk as Mike weaves personal stories in alongside wider socio-political topics close to his heart, such as the ongoing civil rights movement.

It all makes for a dazzling and engaging listen, with guest appearances from heavyweights the likes of CeeLo Green, Andre 3000 and Ty Dolla $ign. That said, it is arguably the one Run The Jewels track that steals the show, with the El-P featuring DON’T LET THE DEVIL a clear standout amongst the many highlights here.

Listen here

O Monolith by Squid

Despite heavy praise from fans and critics, I’ll admit I wasn’t a massive fan of Squid’s debut Bright Green Field when it was released back in 2021. However, seeing them perform at Dot-to-Dot festival last year opened my eyes to the band, leading me to give them another shot when their second album O Monolith was released earlier this month. I’m glad I did as O Monolith is a mind-blowing project filled with hypnotically unpredictable progressions and experimental instrumental passages, that occasionally come together to form some intense moments of jaw-dropping cohesion.

More compact and more impressive than their debut, songs like feverish opener Swing (In Dream), the futuristic Siphon Song and the jazz-funk-rock fusion that is Undergrowth all make this one well worth a listen. Whilst Squid probably still won’t be for everyone, maybe this album will win you over like it has done for me.

Listen here

Chaos For The Fly by Grian Chatten

“Inspired by a late-night walk through the worn casinos and bars of Stoney Beach (around thirty miles north of Dublin), the album was essentially written in Grian’s mind that very same night, as he jotted down lyrics and clearly envisioned the sonic direction which he wanted to take with the project. Knowing it wasn’t going to be a Fontaines album, he still teamed up with regular producer Dan Carey to bring these songs and the tales of murky coastal glamour to life. The result is one of the best albums of the year so far, a dazzling dose of melancholic splendour that strengthens Grian Chatten’s position as one of the finest songwriters working today. With this incredible first solo effort, Grian continues to justify the hype and prove his greatness, with this album for me more than able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the three exceptional Fontaines records that are already out living in the wild. While it may lack the raw primal power of those records, it more than makes up for it with a wealth of rich instrumentation, accomplished musicianship and engaging, vivid stories. Whether you’re a Fontaines fan or not: sit back, hit play and revel in the chaos.”

Read my full review for HeadStuff here

Listen here

Club Sunday by Club Sunday

The COVID pandemic had a lot of people exploring new ventures and finding ways to fill their time and for multi-generational, Canadian indie rock outfit Club Sunday, it was forming a band to make and write music together. Having been steadily releasing a series of impressive, incredibly catchy singles since their inception in 2021, this well-produced DIY self-titled debut comprises of those six singles and some excellent new tracks too.

Opening duo Don’t Say It and Pander will have you singing along in no time, whilst the atmospheric rumblings of How We Used To Feel and acoustic love song Tintamarre will have you hitting the repeat button. An excellent debut that already has me anxious to hear the next one!

Listen here

Not As I EP by George FitzGerald

And on the EPs front this month, electronic musician George FitzGerald finally released his new four track shortplayer - Not As I. Opener Mother is worth the price of admission alone, a beautifully ambient groove featuring American musician SYML on vocal duties. That said, the mind-melting synths of Venera, the spacey chimes of the title track and the pulsating soundscapes of All Roads make this one well worth 15 minutes of your time.

Listen here

Also worth checking out: The Whaler by Home Is Where, In Times New Roman by Queens of the Stone Age, Life Under The Gun by Militarie Gun, The Good Witch by Maisie Peters, First Loves EP by Bear’s Den

Tracks of the Week

St. Charles Square by Blur

It’s not long now before 90s music legends Blur finally release their hugely anticipated comeback album, The Ballad of Darren. Expectation was of course already high but with the Britpop icons currently on a huge tour around Europe, hype is now reaching fever pitch. Now following on from excellent first single The Narcissist, this second single release brings shades of their classic track Beetlebum, charged with Graham Coxon’s buzzy guitar riffs and Damon Albarn’s drawling punk vocals.

Listen here

Bending Hectic by The Smile

Anyone still waiting on a new Radiohead record may want to give up on that dream, as it looks like Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood are now all in on their new outfit The Smile. The good news though is that what they’re producing continues to be as good as any post-2010 Radiohead project, with this dreamy, string-tinged and utterly mesmerising eight-minute epic a casing point.

Listen here

Spirit 2.0 by Sampha

Six long years after his Mercury Prize-winning debut Process, electro-soul singer Sampha is finally back with a new single – Spirit 2.0. With soaring strings, jittery riffs, rhythmic drums, catchy hooks, some trippy instrumental flourishes and his own typically magnificent vocal tones, it’s a huge return that’s already got me eager to hear more from Sampha’s next era.

Listen here

Kisses by Slowdive

Also releasing their first new album in six years, British shoegaze icons Slowdive are finally ready to go with the follow-up to their much-loved 2017 self-titled reunion record. Fifth album Everything Is Alive arrives this September and Kisses is the excellent first taste of that new record, a song which is awash with atmospheric guitars and dreamy vocal harmonies from Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead.

Watch the music video for Kisses here

Welcome To The Opera by Anyma & Grimes

We know that Claire Boucher (AKA Grimes) is always working on new music - her problem is that often she forgets to release it. Welcome To The Opera is a prime example, with Apple Music showing the single as a May 2022 release despite it only emerging now this month! That said it’s seemingly come along at the right time, as this powerful collaboration with Italian producer/DJ Matteo Milleri (AKA Anyma) is a futuristic, industrial rave anthem that’s perfect for those sweaty summer nights.

Listen here

Blackbox Life Recorder 21f by Aphex Twin

Currently headlining festivals across Europe and with a new EP announced for the end of July, Richard D. James is well and truly back as Aphex Twin. As ever, Blackbox Life Recorder 21f is a mind-altering piece of electronica, propelled by sharp crashing drums, warped vocals and neon-soaked synths.

Listen here

My Big Day by Bombay Bicycle Club

Indie darlings Bombay Bicycle Club this month announced their upcoming sixth studio album, My Big Day, which will be released this coming October. The first taster of the record is this unorthodox yet mightily fun title track, one that will have you singing along long before the first play has even finished. Best experienced with the Karaoke style Newscast that makes up the music video!

Watch the video for My Big Day here

(It Goes Like) Nanana by Peggy Gou

DJ and producer Peggy Gou could easily be criticised for releasing songs at a rate of only one single per year, but for me that is always more than enough. Keeping up her 100% track record for blissful summer bangers, (It Goes Like) Nanana is a joyous, party-starting dance throwback.

Listen here

AmEN! By Bring Me The Horizon featuring Lil Uzi Vert, Daryl Palumbo & Glassjaw

Fresh off the back of their seemingly triumphant headline set at Download Festival earlier this month, metalcore behemoths Bring Me The Horizon have announced the next part of their Project Human series will be titled Nex Gen and it arrives this coming September. Much like first part Survival Horror, it seems the band are returning to their heavier roots whilst still maintaining their recent genre-defying antics, with first single AmEN an aggressively charged, nu-metal anthem.

Watch the video for AmEN here

Odyssey by Beck & Phoenix

A dream collaboration, Californian singer-songwriter Beck has this month teamed up with French indie outfit Phoenix for this delicious slice of synth-pop. With plenty of funky guitars and a noticeable 80s shimmer, it’s another tune I can see myself playing a lot more over the summer.

Listen here

Move Along by Zivi

With debut album Lost In Love scheduled for September, LA and Santa Fe-based musician Zivi has made waves this month with his fantastic new single, Move Along. A hypnotic dream-pop fusion built on bluesy guitar passages and an impressive six-bar loop, Zivi channels the likes of Beach Fossils and Fleetwood Mac to forge a sound that carries both a pleasant familiarity and a daring uniqueness. One to watch!

Listen here

Some Kind of Cliché by emzae

Another new artist prepping their debut album for September, rising alt-pop sensation emzae has today released her excellent new single, Some Kind of Cliché. Filled with a super-catchy melody and some dark witty humour, it’s an addictive bedroom pop song that examines feelings of insecurity and our own natural instincts to contradict ourselves.

Listen here

I’m Disgusting by bexx

With her debut EP SUCKER due for release next month, rising pop superstar bexx recently released another taste of her upcoming shortplayer – I’m Disgusting. With lyrics about becoming the lovesick romantic you’ve always despised and a cute, artistically shot music video, it’s another inescapably catchy song from an artist who continues to do no wrong.

Watch the I’m Disgusting video here

Gorilla by Little Simz

And finally this month, whilst not technically a new song, one of the standout releases from June has been the new Little Simz music video for her jaw-dropping NO THANK YOU track, Gorilla. With striking visuals and more than a few nods to other hip-hop greats, it’s further proof that Little Simz is operating on her own level right now.

Watch the Gorilla video here

Also worth checking out: Friends of Mine by Sundara Karma, Sunset by Gus Dapperton,Break In by NewDad, Antichrist/Room Service by Holly Humberstone, Big Hammer by James Blake, Pearl by Empty Country

REMINDER: If you use Apple Music, you can also keep up-to-date with all my favourite 2023 tracks through my Best of 2023 playlist. Constantly updated throughout the year with songs I enjoy, it is then finalised into a Top 100 Songs of the Year in December.

Add the playlist to your library here

[squiddy-god]

cute aggression (floyd)

Re-upload from terminated blog squid-god-supreme

Fast steps ran echoed down the halls. Long legs and teal blue hair rushing in a blur, Barling twords a single smaller figure.

Long arms wraping around the smaller (y/n) as Floyd let out a loud laugh while he squeezed you tightly against his chest. You giggled and you shuffled around in his vice like grip to squeeze him back.

“Aahahahahaha kobie-chans so cute! ” Releasing you from his arms his large hands came up to squish your cheeks.

“Haha Floyd stooopp my cheeks are gonna hurt” You giggled as he released your cheeks pouting slightly.

“Awwwwe but I wanna squeeze ya! ”

“Maby later, I gotta head to class” You said back poking his cheek slightly.

Floyd laced your hand in his and started walking in long strides towards your classroom. He walked happily as he began to swing your hands back and forth with a sharp smile.

This always happened, Floyd would spot you from across the Hall or mostro lounge and be filled with the urge to squeeze you, you were just so cute he wanted to wrap around you nice and tight. A sweet squeeze that somehow never seemed to be to tight. He squeezed your hands in his and pinched your cheeks when he saw you. Anyone with eyes and a brain could tell he thought you were the cutest thing.

Finally reaching your class room he gave you a finale tight hug before skipping off happily to his next class.

Giveing you a tight squeeze never failed to bring him joy. When he was in a mood swing he always seemed to seek you out for a hug and copious amounts of cuddles to lighten his mood. Whenever you swam or could be in water was his favorite tho. Being able to wrap around your body completely in his eel form brought a sharp tooth smile to his face.

He always squeezed cute things, from stuffed animals to people and the adorable fishies he’d find in his ocean home. To Floyd you were by far the cutest thing he’d seen, and so he squeezed you as much as he could. Cuddles and tight hugs were a absolute must for the young merfoke.

☆♬○♩●♪✧♩♩✧♪●♩○♬☆

‘Finally out of class’ you thought as a long sigh escaped you. Math was always the worst class and you felt absolutely exhausted after the hour long lecture on magic trigonometry, wich was somehow worse then normal trigonometry.

You walked down the long halls of NRC to the mirror room.

'Hehe I’m shure Floyd would like if I paid him a visit today’ and with thought you walked through the mirror leading you to the dorm of your loveable boyfriend.

Walking into the morstro lounge you were greeted by the one and only azul. He walked up to you with his usual “customer service” Smile in order to greet you.

“ Ah hello (y/n), I assume your looking for Floyd?” He asks

“Yah I thought I’d pay him a visit today, if he’s not to busy of course! ” You didn’t want to disrupt him if he was working or anything.

“No, no, he’s in his room right now and I’m shure he’d be over joyed to see you” Azul said, amused with how worried you got over the chaotic leech twin.

“Ah! Well then I’ll go surprise him! ” You smiled and waved goodbye to azul.

Walking to Floyds room you couldn’t help but grin at the thought of a happy Floyd.

Knocking in a Ryrithym on his door you hurd him say come in. You opened the door and walked in, closeing it behind you.

“Hey hey Floyd~ guess who-” You couldn’t finish your sentence as you were swooped up into a vice like squeeze.

Floyd spun around a big laughing before falling back on his bed with you in his arms tightly.

“Awww did my little Kobie-chan come to visit me~” He asked as he snuggled further into your (h/c) hair.

“Of corse I did! I wanted to see my favorite eel! ” You giggled as you hugged him back and gave a little peck on his cheek.

Of corse this wasn’t enough for Floyd and he wanted more kisses from his Kobie-chan. He began peppering you face with little kisses being shure to not get your lips. You giggled at the ticklish pecks before you gave him one on the lips. He let out a giggle of his own and his arms wrapped tighter around you.

“I love you (y/n)~ my little Kobie-chan

[wwaheoh]

“Your Hot Furry Boyfriend Takes You on a Date But Then Ethereal Horrors Beyond Your Understanding Interrupt [ASMR]” Von Lycaon x gnReader (Romantic)

a/n: was listening to an actual asmr rp video and realized how down bad i am

The cold night breeze whistled through the streets, a coat lended to you by your boyfriend, Von Lyacon, stopping you from feeling it in its entirety. There weren’t many others on the street, only a couple others milling about. Shops were beginning to be closed, street lamps buzzing to life, owls and cicadas beginning to sing as the Sun began to dip itself under the horizon.

Snuggling closely to your boyfriend, he wrapped his arm around you, the warmth of his fur and the solid feeling his toned body provided were comforts. Smiling, the two of you continued on to your shared apartment, basking in each other's presence.

Then there was a boom.

Shattering the serenity of the evening, a dark pulsating sphere burst out in the middle of the area they were in. Screams rang out as people began to run away from the ever-growing ball. A newly formed Hollow was emerging.

Lycaon moved quickly, taking his phone out and dialing his colleague, “Rina, there’s a Hollow forming on Fifth Street.” He held you firmly, beginning to basically carry you as he moved to get you as far as possible from the emerging Hollow. “You know what to do.” Hanging up from his phone before pocketing it, he turned to you. “Let’s go Dear.”

Only a few steps before the Hollow burst, enclosing the entirety of the surrounding area in its new space-warping environment.

“Faster than expected…” He murmured to himself, a sense of worry building in him- though not outwardly exposing it, mannerisms learned from his years as part of Victoria Housekeeping. Without a Proxy, there was no way they could get out without getting lost within the Hollow themselves. All they could do was,

“Wait for Miss Rina.” Lycaon held you tight, knowing that your Ether Aptitude was way less than his. A safe estimation would be that you had twenty-three minutes until your time ran out. That would not happen.

As the two of you ventured throughout the Hollow, aiming to either encounter Public Security or be located by Phaethon- either way, being sitting ducks was not an option. At your behest, the both of you searched for survivors. It seemed most people followed protocols, encouraged to learn it by heart from a young age. You couldn’t not know what to do in case of a sudden Hollow appearing when living in New Eridu.

Just as you were looking through some windows, searching for the elderly or those unable to escape, Lyacon rushed forward in a blur of white being trailed by a cool blue. An Ethereal. It had just rounded the corner before being split into two and ultimately disintegrating back into the Unknown Substance of the Hollow. You rushed to be closer to him, before he raised his hand.

His ears rotated before his fur stood up. A break in his characteristic cool composure. Quickly, he grabbed you before you could even react and rushed the two of you behind an alley. Just as you were about to speak, he covered you mouth. You moved to shoot him a look of indignation before getting a good look at the expression he wore. Worried.

A shadow passed through the streets. It was large, about the size of a firetruck. Looking up, the two of you became petrified at the sight of the Ethereal. Bigger than any ever recorded, squid-like in it’s appearance. It flowed through the skies like water, a dead gaze as it searched for… something.

“Psst!”

The two of you jumped, Lyacon nearly punting the pint-sized newcomer before stopping himself midway through, the now recognized-Bangboo raising its small arms in surrender. “Wait! Miss Rina sent me!”

“Ah, Master Proxy. I apologize.”

“It’s fine! That weird squid Ethereal is something I’d expect to see at the Outpost! But forget that, let’s get you out of here.”

“Please, I think we have about thirteen minutes left.”

“Isn’t your Aptitude high?”

Lyacon motioned to you, with you waving as the Bangboo waved back.

The Bangboo turned back to the wolf-Thiren.

“Is that your…?”

“Significant other? Yes.”

“Wow! For some reason I both did and didn’f expect that…” The Bangboo muttered to themselves before turning back to lead them. Then they stopped before quickly motioning for everyone to hide.

The shadow of the titan-sized Ethereal passed by once more, now seemingly closer to touching down onto the ground than before.

“Alright let’s go!” The Bangboo whisper-yelled, waving for them to follow. As they passed and rounded a few more corners, the Bangboo seemed to have gotten a premonition, “Ethereals!” Lyacon burst forward to protect the team as mentioned Etherals burst out of the woodwork, black charcoal bodies with green oozing out as their underbody.

He stepped forward before bursting into motion, leaving a small crater where he used the ground as a starter block. Quickly disposing of the enemies in a professional matter, none of the Ethereals could even hope to land an attack as he fought decimated them.

Taking out his watch as you and the Bangboo caught up with him, you noticed a furrow in his brow. Questioning it, he replied, “Eight more minutes. Phatheon, we must hurry.”

“Right!” The Bangboo replied, scurrying forward to lead the group out once more. Passing through a few portals. The tell-tale sound of Public Security vehicles and Rescue Bangboo becoming more audible as your group began to reach the exit.

“EEEAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!”

A screech that could be heard from all throughout the Hollow, turning back, all three of you watched as the Ethereal noticed your group, having sacrificed hiding for efficiency in haste to get out. The being began to approach with frightening haste, unnatural in how something so big could move so fast.

Breaking out of his stupor fact, Lycacon hoisted you and the Bangboo up with his arms and began to sprint in the direction Phaethon pointed them in before being disrupted.

“Where to Master Phaethon?”

“Left!”

“Now take a right!”

“One more- oh jeez it’s catching up!”

Lyacon used every ounce of strength in each push his legs gave, pushing through stray smaller Ethereals, not wanting to give the monstrosity chasing them a chance to catch up. After a few more blocks, it had gotten so close that you could hear the squelching of it’s tendrils, with it only being stopped by the buildings. Just as it seemed that it would begin to make a grab at Lyacon, gunfire rang out.

Public Security, with this particular group headed by Zhu Yuan and Qingyi, with backup from neighboring departments as well as their very own, laid down gunfire on the Ethereal. Forcing it to evade to avoid taking the brunt of the firepower being let out on it.

“Phatheon!”

“One more right!”

He barreled forward, just as a wave of nausea hit you. Two more minutes.

Sprinting forward, he fell into one final tear in reality, arriving in a space in front of the Hollow.

Setting you and the Bangboo down, he let you catch your breath as he reconvend with Phaethon.

“I am in your debt, Master Proxy. Money will be forward-”

“I- It’s fine Sir!”

“Pardon?”

“Just for this once! Take it as a token of good faith.”

Lyacon smiled, nodding as he turned his attention back to you, leaving the Bangboo to return back home.

“Are you okay?” “‘m fine… just tired.” “Of course, let's have you checked then we can return home, okay?” “Mm…”

You nodded off to sleep as he lifted you in his arms, taking you over to the doctor to get checked. Waking you up only for a little bit before falling right back to sleep after all the tests were done. You were cleared- only being exhausted from prolonged exposure to the Hollow.

Setting you softly onto the shared bed, Lycaon softly caressed the top of your head. Thankful for having been able to get you out with minimal roadblocks. Had the two of you been even a little later…

Best not to think about it.

Later, the Hollow would be contained once more through the combined efforts of Public Security and the military sector based in Scott Outpost. Only a few casualties- a testimony to the effectiveness of their efficiency.

[themissinghand]

can u please make a dokja x reader... about 49/51 specifically..... (could be technically a 49 x reader x 51...?) hurt/comfort please since we all need therapy o)-(

Omniscient Reader Viewpoint You Should've Been Greedy

Summary: In which you are a constellation who has supported Kim Dokja from the very beginning, and you (desperately) want to see a happy end. 

Pairing: Kim Dokja x Constellation! F! Reader

Note: Hey Anon, I hope this kind of fits your request! Hopefully this could be a comfort to us depressed readers after finishing ORV. 

Readers Unite! We have to protect our little (ugly) squid.

Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE NOVEL, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

★・・・・・・★

“You didn’t do anything wrong. There’s nothing to apologize for.” 

You wish you could scream those words until the world hears you, until “Kim Dokja” believes you. 

“He” who has read, planned, fought, and “died” for the world. 

He was a reader.

You, who have watched, supported, believed, and “died” for him. 

You were a bystander. 

You were one of the many constellations that supported Kim Dokja Company until the very end. You who loved them all, and cherished them with your lifeline.   

In a world where the lines between existence and oblivion were blurred, you found yourself standing at the crossroads of two fractured souls. 

[The constellation ‘The Lady Bathing the Moon’ is watching you with sad eyes]

The 49% and the 51% Kim Dokja, each carrying their own burdens, their own regrets.

The 49% Kim Dokja, fading like the last remnants of a dying star, was a shadow of his former self. His memories, once vivid and precious, were slipping through his fingers like grains of sand. His eyes, once filled with life, were now dull and haunted.

You wanted to hug him, tell him he’s enough. 

(You sat by him and cuddled him in your bunny form, hoping he would wake up)

The 51% Kim Dokja, the last vestige of the original, bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was strong, but even the strongest had their breaking points. His facade of resilience hid a profound loneliness that gnawed at his very core.

(You want to find him)

Oh, how you want to reach out, and tell him he’s worth everything. 

And then there was you, the bystander, who saw him fracture himself into 2 halves.

You regret, and regret, until you couldn’t anymore. 

[The constellation ‘The Lady Bathing the Moon’ is praying to the constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’]

You no longer wanted to be a bystander.

You who has lost so much of your spark, reached out to Kim Dokja Company and proposed a solution. 

[Please let me borrow a bit of your power] 

“Why are you working so hard to save him? Didn’t you lose most of your power?” Han Sooyoung asks (bitterly), as she stared at your bunny stuff animal.

Your light flickers, a moment of power surge through your eyes. 

[The constellation ‘The Lady Bathing the Moon’ hesitates for an unknown reason]

[I…want to be greedy]

Your voice faded slightly, but your tone remains undoubtedly resolute. 

Your response silenced them all, until one stepped forward. 

“Here.” Yoo Joonghyuk approached your light, and shook your hand. 

“Tch, this guy.” Han Sooyoung rolled her eyes, but also went up to shake your hand. The others looked at one another, and then they smiled (their eyes were as tired as the Moon). 

[Thank you]

“Hey! We’re putting our trust in you!” 

Another bunny appeared and hopped energetically before it turned towards the sky. It flew far away, brighter than any star out there in the night sky. 

They watched, before they left to prepare for a backup plan. 

Because they loved Kim Dokja just as much as you.

To them, you were the Lady of the Moon from the Emperor Nebula, and despite everything in the past, they knew you as one of their main pillars of support. They could trust you. 

Their power allowed your bunny spirit to run, to fly across space like a comet soaring through the sky. You who searched and searched, until you saw him. 

A young teenager sitting in the middle of the train, no longer an adult or a shadow of the person he was. 

You went through the doors of the subway car, hopped towards his feet, and headbutted him, hoping to wake him. 

“Who…are you?” 

You freeze, a feeling of bitterness rises to your throat, but you hold back and smile. 

[I am a bunny who likes to fly, who are you?]

“My name is…Kim Dokja.” He says with a hint of recognition, and he slowly wrap his hands around the bunny, surprised at the rabbit’s fluffiness.

Without a word, you rub your head on his hand, offering a lifeline to the memories slipping away. Feeling the warmth, he hugged you (even without knowing why).

“Thank…you.”

(You felt the 49% Kim Dokja move his fingers, ever so slightly)

For the first time, he allowed himself to let go of some of the burdens he had carried for so long. He rested his head on your body, he let out a sigh, a silent acknowledgment.

You could feel the pain radiating from both of them, the silent cries for help that they couldn't put into words.

The subway continued to move as if nothing was wrong.

[Do you want to come with me?]

[I can’t.]

He says without moving, and gently pats your head. 

[You can go back for a moment, and I will stay here in your place. The space is my home.]

He pauses briefly at the temptation, but stays firm.

[You’re not a reader] 

[I am an observer, but also one who listens. If you go back, you can tell me your stories as if you are praying to the Moon.]

You peeked up, seeing the child’s contemplating face. 

You smiled.

[Go child, go to where you belong] 

You nudged him with your head, and he saw a bright light from your hand. 

The light you and his friends created just for him.

[Don’t hesitate now, they are waiting for you]

When he lowered his head, his eyes showed uncertainty but slight excitement and relief.

[Thank you]

You cup his cheeks with your bunny paws and smile. 

[Whenever you feel lonely, the Moon shall bless you every night]

To his surprise, he felt sleepy, comfortable as if he was in someone’s embrace. When he opened his eyes again, he saw your silhouette.

He felt like he saw you before. 

[Farewell, Kim Dokja]

Where has he seen you before?

“Kim Dokja!” 

He opened his eyes to bright light, blinding him immediately. He shielded himself and heard all sorts of noise around him, some of surprise, tearful, disbelief, relief, and excitement.

“Hyung! How are you feeling?” 

“Kim Dokja! You finally woke up. Do you know how worried we were?” 

When he finally came to, he saw everyone, and felt tears automatically roll down his cheeks. 

“Wait, we need to make sure.” Han Sooyoung walked up to him with her arms crossed.

“What is this emo bastard’s name?” Han Sooyoung pointed to the man who looked like he was going to kill her later.

With a hoarse laugh, Kim Dokja replied, despite trying to wipe away all of his tears. .

“Sunfish Bastard.” 

“Kim Dokja.” 

“No, I am Yoo Joonghyuk.” 

But his smile was so bright. 

At that moment, everyone rushed to hug him. 

Even in his happiness moment, he felt like he forgot something important?

“Hey, why are you talking to the Moon?” 

“I don’t know…I just felt like…there’s always something to say.” He concluded lamely, but he saw Han Sooyoung come to a short realization.

She sat beside him and put two hands together too. 

“Fine, I’ll do it with you too.”

(In the distance, a bunny watches as she fades away from Earth)

(At the subway station far far away, you sat in your true form as you listened to old and new stories.)

[Be happy, our dear reader]

[sarahmackattack]

I wanted to send this as a ask. Is this you? I feel like I saw a minor celebrity. You were in front of me going over the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia. If it’s you, I hope you have a good day. I blurred out the license plate, but you might wanna make sure I did it right if you post it. Have a good weekend! 

lmao yeah that's me! I really gotta repaint that reef squid on the back she's lookin rough.

[suzukiblu]

Ship~ Super Dead Tired (Danny/Tim/Kon) Prompt~ Naptime!

“Do we know where either Jackie or Mollie are?” Danny asks with a frown, looking around the empty-feeling apartment. "Or Tim?"

“I mean, yeah,” Kon says, giving him a funny look from the couch as he half-lowers his game controller. “I can hear them.” 

“Where do you hear them, though?” Danny asks. 

“. . . hey for no reason in particular I’ll be right back,” Kon says, then drops his controller and disappears in a blur of super-speed. Danny doesn’t even have time to groan before he’s back, a slightly flustered-looking and dripping-wet Red Robin under one arm, a delighted six year-old in the other, and an equally delighted four year-old sitting on his shoulders. And “slightly flustered-looking” on Tim means–

“Please tell me you dealt with the immediate world-ending crisis and didn’t just grab them and go,” Danny says. Kon just dumps all three of them on him with a sheepish grin and disappears into another blur without a word. 

Figures. 

“Again! Again!” Jackie cries gleefully, throwing his hands up in the air. 

“Again!” Mollie cheers too. 

“Batman’s not going to like this,” Tim mutters under his breath, already pulling out his wrist computer as he drips all over the carpet. Danny looks at the ceiling and suffers. 

“We were supposed to settle down when we had the kids,” he reminds him. “That was a very clearly-communicated requirement of us having the kids!” 

“I understand your concerns and I want to address them, but can we maybe have this conversation after you go help Kon deal with the giant squid in the harbor?” 

“. . . squid as in one squid, or . . .” 

“The Humboldt squid has been known to move in shoals of up to twelve hundred members. Also, they have barbed suckers.” 

“Of course they do,” Danny grumbles as the kids cheer again. “Fine. You put Jackie and Mollie down for their naps, and I’ll go save our idiot husband.” 

“. . . I would actually rather fight the squid, if you don’t mind.” 

“Then maybe you should’ve settled down better!”

[leighsartworks216]

Hello! Oh, I am happy to see you're still doing these! How about 48. kisses to shut them up with Astarion, please? And thank you so much if you do this! <3

48 - Kisses to shut them up

Astarion x gn!Tav/Reader

Wanted to write something easy and quick, and this seemed perfect. Honestly after not writing for Star for a little bit, I'm very happy with this

Warnings: none

Word Count: 476

Main Masterlist

First Baldur's Gate 3 Masterlist - Second Baldur's Gate 3 Masterlist

AO3

Tag List Form

Astarion hummed noncommittally, nodding along whenever it felt appropriate. When he asked about what you were doing, he didn’t expect to receive an answer as long-winded and enthusiastic as Gale talking about some dusty old tome. Not that it wasn’t interesting - the light in your eyes, the excitement behind your gestures, and the endless tangents you went down to ensure he understood well enough to write a novel all about it.

As much as he loved it, you’d been working on your little project for hours, and explaining it to him long enough for the moon to pass its zenith. It would only be a few hours more before the sun rose and the adventure continued, and you hadn’t gotten a wink of rest. Even as you blinked away the blurring in your eyes, you blundered on, refusing the signs you needed to stop.

You lit up again as you recalled another factor of the process, turning to him as you prepared to start another endless ramble. It was in all your best interest that he swooped in and silenced your mouth. All in your best interest that he cupped your jaw and pulled you in closer, parting your lips with his as his tongue delved in to swallow the surprised sounds you made. Surely, there were no underlying selfish gains to this.

Only once you’d dropped your project and reached out to him, fingers brushing into his hair and fiddling with the untied laces of his shirt, did he pull away with a smirk. Devilish glee danced in his eyes in the light of the oil lamp.

“As much as I’d love to hear all about it,” he assured in a soft purr, “I do believe our dear leader needs their rest.”

You frowned, pouting up at him. “Did you just kiss me to shut me up?”

He gasped, pulling away like you burned him. “After all I’ve done, you accuse me of such underhanded techniques? Darling, please! I have some tact.”

“So that’s a yes.”

“You’re no fun.” He dropped the act with a teasing scowl. His fangs seemed even cuter when they peeked out behind pouting lips. “I simply wanted to ensure you were well rested enough for all the maiming we’ll get up to tomorrow.”

You couldn’t stay mad at him for long, even playfully. All too quickly, a grin broke through your act. You pulled him closer by his shirt, kissing that stupid smirk off his face. It was addicting to be able to kiss him like this. The trust he placed in your hands… You reach up to caress the tip of his ear, a silent thank you.

You pull away with one last peck to the corner of his mouth. “Alright. I’ll go to bed now.”

“You can tell me more about it tomorrow.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

---

Tag List:

@satelliteapotheosis @hypopxia @flsalazar @beverlybeav @angelofthorr @emiemiemiii @marina-and-the-memes @aurasyn @furblrwurblr @cappsikle @mjmygd @thegirlsadventuresinwonderland @kindadolly @bloopthebat @pandimoostuff @chesb0red @black-star1472 @sessils @puppyg1rl666 @maruichio @cyber-dump-171 @katharynmarie @twinkliker3000 @cherifrog @catching-fire-in-the-wind @phantoms-fandom-blog @thespectacularspaceace @lynnlovesthestars @sylverqueencosplay @tototini @ashrio20 @bambamwolf87 @astarion-imagine-archive @thistrashisreadytobash @rosxtinted @bongwaterflavoredgatorade @the-lake-is-calling @nyxmainex @squid-killer @godoffuckedupcats @dontneedbiologytoadopt @dark-angel-is-back @gaymistakeboi @asterordinary

[dogtoling]

probably an unpopular opinion but i still think Splatoon 1 has the best graphics style in the series

the graphics were so much moodier and darker, shadows were really prominent giving it a much more gritty and realistic feel

The far-off environmental elements had a nice blur that gives them a bit of a dreamlike quality IMO.

I know the top picture is a sunset level, but; seriously is it just me? Why is everything in Splatoon 2 SO CRISP AND BRIGHT AND NEON? I talked about (probably 2 years ago at this point) how Splatoon 2 feels like it's an evolution and commercialization of Turf Wars into a product and a brand rather than how in Splatoon 1 they had a much more backstreet, discreet, shady feeling. And I feel like the graphics carry that over weirdly enough.

But most importantly, the ink and the Inklings themselves; ever since Splatoon 2 came out and people started going "omg the ink looks so good now!" i. literally never agreed with that. even with Splatoon 3 i STILL THINK the ink looks the best in Splatoon 1. In Splatoon 2 and 3, they have really been leaning into making the ink extremely neon and super saturated, and I don't think it looks great. I can't really even pinpoint the difference here (especially not with the Inklings themselves, but).

(Splatoon 1 above, Splatoon 2 under)

The Inklings in humanoid form don't stray away from having dull or dark colored tentacles in different lighting conditions, and even the ink itself is nowhere near as saturated as it is, leaning more into quieter or pastel tones. Again, it makes it look nice paired with the darker graphics of the game, and somehow it feels really at home and pretty natural? The difference in the model of the Inkling itself is also a mystery of me, it might be a case of less shading or less specular making it look flatter and that's more pleasing to the eye than how shiny they are nowadays, ESPECIALLY in Splatoon 2. The ink is notably flatter than it is in newer games, and if it wasn't obvious I definitely think it still just, looks the best? Don't ask me how. (The squids also look amazing. Like gummy.)

just thought about putting that out there. Anyone else's thoughts on the games' graphics?

[theonewhospeaksinweird]

💛💙Protected (Charlotte Katakuri x Female!Reader) Pt. 3💛💙

💚 = Lime/Lil Spicy

💛 = Lemon

💙 = Sad

❤️ = Angsty (won't do many of these unless prompted) 

💜 = Fluff

💔 = Heartbreak (rare unless prompted)

🖤 = Normal 

Part 3, as promised!~ It all comes to the thrilling conclusion, and I FINALLY get to the scene that started this whole story.~ After about collectively 18.5 k words.~ All I can say in my defense is that...THIS MAN IS TOO FINE!~ If you don't want the ✨spicy✨ part of this story, that's totally fine.~ Just stop reading at the line of star squids.~ Enjoy, dearies.~

Minors, Do Not Interact, Please.~

Part 1 <- - Part 2 <- - Part 3

Although I wished for it, the silence that abruptly replaced the sounds of destruction and fighting startled me, along with the suddenly very loud shouting of Pekoms in my ear. 

“Y/N! It’ll be okay-!” The pink clad mink cut himself off at the abrupt silence. Our heavy breaths were the only thing filling the new quiet. We both slowly detached from each other and looked around us to see the same semi-transparent white shield that I had created earlier. Its opaqueness varied in pulses, so I could see that everything around us had crumbled into rubble except the ground inside the bubble.

“What the fuck?” Pekoms mumbled out, looking around until his gaze fell back onto me who looked equally surprised. This sudden change shocked my panicked mind out of its frenzied state, allowing me to calm myself down. The calmer I became, the more I realized how drained I felt again and leaned against Pekoms once more.

“Is this yours, Y/N?” Looking up at my reflection in Pekoms’ black glasses, I gave a hesitant nod before responding.

“Y-Yeah, I guess it is. . . “ This new power still felt weird to me. More so the after effects of me being fatigued and suddenly so calm. It bothered me, but I couldn't put my finger on it. It was like the emotions just expelled from my body. Before our conversation could continue on, some movement caught the corner of my eye. A beat up, and barely moving Strawhat had crawled out of a large hole in the ground.

Once again, the bubble popped so suddenly when my heart jumped into my throat in dread. 

Where was Katakuri? 

With the barrier gone, the rubble around us sank into our little hole, but I ignored it and the weariness tugging at my bones, scrambling over the debris. Desperation clawed its way back into my heart and showed in my deep purple antennae as I crested the pile of rubble, searching for my husband. Tears burned my darting eyes, blurring my vision, until they fell onto the large body sprawled out beside the hole. Katakuri. No scarf in sight. My breath hitched, and the tears fell freely as I took in what that entailed. A part of me already knew what the outcome of this fight would be, but it still hurt to be right. This was the last thing I wanted to be right about.

I felt Pekoms come up beside me on the rubble, his reaction being the opposite of mine when he saw Strawhat alive. Before either of us could go to our respective fighters, the sound of those familiar spurs clanked twice through the air as Katakuri struggled to his feet in front of a crawling Strawhat. I was frozen to my spot, watching with bated breaths as he swayed on his feet. Blue light bathed either side of my face as my antennae drooped down.

"Kata. . . " I whispered out, thinking he was going to try and continue fighting. I wish I could grab the bracelet from my hair and know what was going through his heart and mind right now, but I was glued to my spot, unable to even get past the state he was in. There was blood dripping from multiple wounds, the largest being a hole in his side, fresh bruises littering his body, sure to be a nasty color tomorrow, and his entire body shaking with exhaustion.  

At the obstruction, the retreating captain stood up as well, readying himself for a fight that neither of them seemed to be in the shape to continue. Pekoms growled beside me, seemingly unhappy with the fact that Strawhat was still trying to fight with Katakuri.

"That damn brat doesn't know when to quit, huh? Tch, I figured as much." And with that, my travel companion parted from my side and away from the two fighters. I was about to get up myself, to try and convince my injured husband to stop. That dying for his mother's cause wouldn't change a thing. Maybe it was selfish of me to think so, but I just knew I couldn't live without him. I barely know how I lived before him. Before I could force myself to move, my husband's raspy question stopped me. 

"Are you gonna come back. . . to take down Big Mom one day?" 

Huh? Was he asking this boy to. . ?

"Of course I am! Cause I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"

Then, the most bizarre thing happened.

Katakuri smiled. He smiled at the thought of someone taking down his mother.

"You must be looking far into the future!" He exclaimed as he started swaying more on his feet. Looking like he was about to fall again is what finally spurred me to action. I didn't know what happened in that fight for him to be so open about his feelings with this enemy, but that hardly mattered now. I started sprinting across the ruined floor, tripping and falling over debris as Katakuri began falling. Onto his back, no less. He was on his stomach before.

I knew I couldn't catch him, but I'd been apart from him for too long, and he needed me just as much as I needed him right now. He landed with a resounding thud that hurt my heart. I could see Strawhat standing there in shock as I finally got to my husband's side. My knees cut on the broken floor at his sides, but I hardly cared as I frantically looked over my defeated husband.

"Katakuri! No no no, are you okay? Please don't die! I love you too much to let you die!" I wasn't sure what to do first, he was unresponsive. The first thing I could think of was to stop the bleeding from the big gash on his side. With nothing else to use, I took the skirt of my dress and pressed it into the wound. The fabric of my skirt was too sheer, though, and barely did anything to stop the flowing life force. As I thought about what to do instead, I could feel another person approaching. 

Strawhat Luffy. 

Meeting him face to face like this instead of through his Haki had a different effect. He didn't seem like a dangerous guy, in fact he seemed quite simple. Yet here Katakuri was, flat on his back after their battle. He had big, round black eyes that shone with determination –towards what, I didn't know just yet– and his mouth was set in a fine line. It unnerved me that I couldn’t take any emotions from his blank face. He was worse than when I first met Katakuri. Strawhat looked far more beat up than Katakuri, which I secretly relished, but was at least able to stumble his way towards us. I knew I stood no chance at fighting this guy if he wanted to finish off my husband, but I'd be damned if I didn't do anything.

"Go away! You won! Isn't that enough? He's already down, so just leave, go find your crew!" I splayed myself protectively in front of my husband. I wouldn't be much of a hindrance if this guy really wanted to get rid of me, though I could stall. If only for a few moments. He ignored me and got closer. I was shaking. Shaking in both anger and fear to make a deep magenta as he dared ignore me. When he was a few steps away, I covered half my arm in Haki –that was the most I could use even after 2 years of training– and threw a punch as hard as I could at him. Even in his weakened form, the infamous pirate caught my fist effortlessly. I strained against him, staring heatedly into his thoughtless eyes. 

With the contact, I searched his emotions and intent, if only to predict his line of thought, but what I found was nothing I expected. Through the pain and exhaustion were strong threads of respect and twinges of sorrow. They were towards Katakuri. That caught me off guard, and the loss of concentration made my Haki disappear. Strawhat didn't move against me as he stared blankly into my confused eyes.

"I'm not gonna hurt him." 

And for some reason, I believed him. I kept my eyes on him as I slowly took back my hand, my magenta lightening to a curious yellow. His grip wasn't very tight in the first place. He turned his attention to my still unconscious lover, and I watched as he stepped past me, took the black hat off of his namesake hat and put it over Katakuri's mouth. That surprised me even more. To think that Strawhat respected him enough to cover his biggest insecurity even after he won. Vice versa with Katakuri taking this fight so seriously that he exposed himself in full to this rambunctious teen.

The boy left after that, staggering his way aimlessly down a winding hall of the half destroyed Mirro-World. I'm sure Pekoms would find and help him. This was out of my hands now that Katakuri had been defeated. Returning my attention back to my lover, I let out a tired sigh. I'd never seen my husband look so beat up before. The thought of how much pain he must be in brought the tears back to my eyes. It was over now, his part was done, and everything was coming down. 

"Oh, Kata. Your mother doesn't deserve you." My quiet words came out watery as I pet his dirty magenta hair a little, wishing I could hold him more, but I didn't want to cause him anymore pain. I wouldn't even be able to get serious help for him until Brulee came back, which I'm sure will be a while since Pekoms needed her for Strawhat's escape. I hope she's alright. My hand moved from his head to the black hat Strawhat had put over his mouth, removing it so I could see his full face. He was still the most handsome man ever. With a sad smile, I bent over and kissed his forehead hoping he would feel the love in it even while he was asleep. 

Looking around, I saw my abandoned medical kit lying on the ground a bit of ways away slightly under some rubble. For hopefully one of the last times today, I made myself get up to retrieve it. My tears had slowed, but when I came back and began cleaning up my husband they streaked down my dirty face again. The warm rivulets of tears dripped from my chin and nose onto his chest as I leaned over him. Starting with his face, I used alcohol wipes to wipe away the dirt and gently clean his cuts. This medical kit only had basic things, so I used all the candy design bandages where I could, and the gauze on his big gash. After about half an hour of quietly working, my silent cries had been reduced to the occasional sniffle here and there. 

The appearance of Katakuri had improved, and everything was at least cleaned, though he looked a bit silly with all the cutesy bandages covering his face and torso. With a weary sigh, I turned my attention to the pile of dirty and bloodied wipes with a grimace. As I began stuffing them into the basically empty medical kit, a groan interrupted the deafening background noise of the Mirro-World. My attention immediately snapped to my husband whose face was contorting from peace to pain. His large hand came up to his dirty locks, grasping at his head as he let out another sound of pain. My breath caught in my throat at the sound.

"Kat. . . Katakuri. . !" My throat closed up before I could get anything else out, and let myself fall down onto his free arm. I could feel him freeze as I let out all my pent up emotions. Everything oozed out of me like a toxic slime with each shuddering sob. Pain. Sorrow. Fear. Relief. All the tension I was holding in my chest slowly drained out of me. I was weak in the presence of my protector.

“You’re okay! You’re alive! Everything was rumbling and falling apart, I saw you fall and he came over and I thought he was gonna. . . he was gonna-!” I couldn’t even finish my sentence. I didn’t want to think about it anymore. Not right now at least. Maybe never again. Wave after wave of tears fell in fat blobs down my face, and I couldn’t stop shaking as I held on tight to Katakuri’s arm. I could feel his regret, pain and shame mixing in with my turbulent emotions at the sight of me crying. My antennae settled into a deep cerulean blue that lit up my crying visage. It wasn’t long before I felt his free hand come to my back and rub it gently. That only encouraged my breakdown, enticing me to hug his arm in my hold tighter. 

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I’ve put you through too much today. I’m sorry I couldn’t win. I’m sorry I wasn’t enough. I’m sorry-” 

“No! Be-Be quiet!!” I shook my head in a childish manner, not wanting to hear those remorseful words misplaced in his mouth. His voice was shaky and his chest shuddered with every regretful word he pushed out, seemingly on the edge of joining me in tears. Whether that was my doing or his own sorrow showing itself, I didn't know. The sound of him being so defeated brought back the anger I felt earlier towards Strawhat, but this time it was aimed towards the real culprit: Big Mom. 

None of this would’ve happened if she hadn’t taken that blonde cook. He obviously wanted nothing to do with Germa, not that I blame him for disassociating from those monsters. Yes, Katakuri would always protect his family because of his own sense of responsibility and love, but she created and invited this threat, just like every other danger, to the family. I knew he could feel my silent anger, but I didn't dare bring up that topic right now. For the moment being, I was just worried about my husband, and only him.

Lifting my head up, my mouth was downturned in a frown as I subdued my crying and swallowed my indignation to continue talking. I saw the suspected tears in Katakuri’s eyes as he moved his shiny gaze from the ruined ceiling to my indignant face. Oh, how I hated that self-loathing look in his beautiful red eyes.

“None of this is your fault. You did your best, I know you did, Katakuri. Why are you apologizing to me when you took on such a powerful opponent with everything you had? You were lying here in a bloody heap at the end of your battle, all because of that damn Strawhat boy. You are more than enough. More than your mom or I deserve. The only thing you should be apologizing for is making me think you died.” The last part of my rant was whispered quietly, the words being the biggest fear I’ve had all day. I swiped at my face, trying fruitlessly to wipe away some of the wetness coating it. His sharp toothed mouth hung open like a fish out of water. He had nothing to say to my rebuttal, but the swelling of tears slipping down his face said it all. 

The tight feeling of anger was washed away completely by that soft face. The face of a man who’s been given the grace he deserves. Seeing him crying made me smile. He would have never shown this type of emotion to anyone else in his family since he wanted to be seen as an immovable force that protects them, but now that image was shattered. And I'm starting to think it's a good thing he lost. I threw myself down onto his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck. A watery laugh escaped me as I buried my face into his strong neck and his large arms enveloped me in their comforting embrace. Even though he lost, he was still my protector. In his arms was still the safest place I felt I could be.

<コ:彡ミ☆<コ:彡ミ☆ <コ:彡ミミ☆ <コ:彡ミ☆ <コ:彡ミ☆ <コ:彡ミ☆

Muffled voices prodded at my subconscious. I couldn’t discern anything as I pressed my face closer to the warm, squishy thing I lay upon. One of the voices was deeper and closer than the others, the vibration of their words humming through my body. I tried to just ignore it and go back to sleep, but the longer the voices continued the more awake I became. And with my resurfacing consciousness came the pain of my body as I tried moving. The soreness everywhere and sharp pain on my knees made me grimace in regret.

“Shh. . . sleeping. . . don't wake. . .”

“. . . eeping? . . hard as a rock. . . she won’t wake. . .” 

The two other voices that weren't the soothing rumbling began to argue, and until I opened my eyes I wasn't sure where I was, or who was talking. The first thing I saw was pink. Bleariness had my mind as slow as a tortoise as I peeled my face away from the squishy pink thing. Pulling away further, I realized it was a person’s chest. My husband’s chest to be exact. Finally, everything came rushing back and anxiety shot through me like an archer’s arrow. Despite my sore body’s protests, I sat up and looked around wildly. 

I was in Katakuri and my’s room, lying in our bed. Katakuri sat propped up beside me with a lot of large pillows behind him and heavily bandaged. On either side of our bed was Cracker and Brulee, who was the source of the “hushed” bickering. Everyone froze when I popped up like a gopher. I probably looked like a mess right now, and acting so crazy definitely didn't help that rap. Brulee was the first to break the deafening silence. 

“Y/N-nii! You're okay! I was so worried that you weren't gonna wake up just like Katakuri-nii! It was horrible what you two went through! That damn Strawhat, I'll kill him myself!” The large, wispy woman had pounced on me when she started her blubbering, holding onto me tightly by my waist while crying into my stomach. Her tight embrace didn't do my aching body any favors, but the familiar touch made me relax. Her feelings of relief and joy gave me a small boost of energy.

“Sorry to worry you, Brulee. It's okay, I'm fine.” I wheezed out with strained breaths. 

“Get off of her, you witch! You’re really gonna kill her like that!” Cracker came to my rescue in his own little Cracker way. His instigation made the emotional woman let go of me and engage in yet another bickering match, but this one was full volume now that they didn't have to worry about waking me up. I rubbed at my tender muscles while letting out a few amused chuckles. With his siblings’ distraction, I had forgotten to address my husband beside me.

“I'm glad you're awake.” His baritone voice commented quietly. My heart leapt to my throat, and I couldn't turn around fast enough to fully focus on him. There he was, in all his handsome glory. The fact that I could see his whole face caught me off guard. I glanced from him to his two siblings with a silent question before scooting back to his bare side. I decided to voice my obvious question when he said nothing.

“Why aren't you wearing-?”

“I don't need it. At least not with them, and not right now. Mama has decided to continue pursuing Strawhat who is heading to Wano. Some of our siblings are going with her while the rest of us stay to recuperate and rebuild the kingdom.” Despite his serious words, there was a small smile on Katakuri’s face as he talked about his mother going to chase Strawhat Luffy. It made me think about the question he asked that boy. The connection made me giggle. 

Cracker and Brulee stopped their argument at my tinkle of laughter. I couldn't hold it in, and my giggles grew into a full on laughter. Katakuri smiled happily at my joy, soon joining me with a few low chuckles of his own that blossomed into one of his rare laughters as well. We couldn't see it, but Brulee was smiling fondly at our seemingly random laughter with Cracker looking bewildered between all three of us. 

“What the fuck are you both laughin-”

“Come on, let's go check on our other siblings, Cracker.” Brulee grabbed Cracker by a bandaged arm, eliciting a pained cry from him, and dragged him from his seat to our nearby full length mirror. With a hefty push from the tall woman, Cracker was sent into the Mirro-World. Before she went through herself, she spoke to us as we came down from our laughing high.

“You two should rest. I'll tell everyone to let you have your time alone today, wiwiwi.~” And with that, we were alone. I sat there catching my breath as the peace settled in our room. A deep breath quieted my emotions into content, and I could feel the same coming from my paramount husband. My arms snaked around as much of his chest as they could and gave him a tight squeeze which I was sure he barely felt. 

“I'm glad you're happy. Happier. Maybe now. . . you could be more yourself. No more hiding and putting up that omnipotent facade.” Hope for my lover’s possible boost in his self-image bloomed in my chest as I slowly tilted my head up to look at him. He wouldn't look me in the eye, and there was a solemn doubt in his eyes and heart. 

“Perhaps. Though, things of this matter are not so easily changed. Especially not in my family. You know this.” His comment procured a furrow on my brow. Not wanting him to fall off into a dark place again so quickly, I moved into his lap, straddling his waist as my small hands reached up to direct his face to mine. 

“What if you were the one to change that?” That simple question held a few different meanings. Meanings I'm sure the man before me could easily decipher after three years of marriage. He’d never admit it to anyone, but I felt it. I felt his relief when he lost. The joy when Strawhat said he’d come back. The buried hope that Big Mom would fall. Every burden he’s been caused was because of his mother, as is with his siblings. It was a sure bet that Katakuri would be voted the captain of the Big Mom Pirates if his mother fell. Then he could begin to heal his family and himself. 

Katakuri stayed quiet for a good few moments, but I didn't need a verbal answer. I knew the answer of his heart. With my hands on his jaw, and us finally being alone after such a long, draining battle, I couldn't help the beckoning I felt towards him. Even all bandaged up and bed ridden, Katakuri still had my heart and body in a hold. The pain of the cuts on my knees were no match for the yearning burning in me. With deliberate movements, it didn't take long for my lips to slowly mesh into his. The familiar feeling of his sharp teeth prodded at my chin and upper lip, but it just spurred me on. He tasted like donuts, as usual. 

Katakuri seemed to have no qualms with my choice of action since his large hands were soon encompassing my hips. Lithe fingertips danced from his jaw to the back of his neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps along the way. His semi upright position on the bed made it easier for me to lay upon him fully and deepen our sweet kiss. My heart raced faster, and I already knew my antennae were a deep rose pink as they lowered against my head. With flushed cheeks, I minimally pulled away to catch my breath. Upon opening my eyes, my lust filled ones were met with the love littered ones of my husband. The look he gave me, made me a bit shy for being so forthright with my desires. Though, the tent I felt against my butt suggested that it was not unwelcome. 

After a brief spell of bashfulness, I willed myself to continue. It was too late to stop, and I had done enough holding back during the day of the wedding. Not to mention the time I've been asleep. With that thought in mind, I crashed my eager mouth back into Katakuri’s, wrapping my arms around his muscled neck. I could feel him taking in a deep breath through nose but didn't pull away. In fact, he pulled me closer by my hips. Kata was as needy as I was, but still maintained his self-restrictions. His apprehensiveness to indulge himself in me had my clenching insides groaning in exasperation. It wasn't long before I was pushing myself back against his growing sex with apparent longing. 

Our passionate kiss devolved into one of sloppy desire until I wrenched my lips from his to latch onto his neck. With it being covered all the time, it was an easy weakness I could exploit. Just a soft faux bite right below his jaw had him squeezing my hips tighter. A restrained groan hummed against my mouth as Kata let out hot, heavy pants against my shoulder. I continued my soft bites into his warm skin. My teeth sunk into his flesh, tasting mochi, which showed that he allowed me to do this. The feeling of his large muscles straining against me as he still held himself back drew out soft whines from my throat. 

“Kata.~ Please, I need you so bad. I know you want to use me.” My usually modest voice rang with sultry desire as I whispered into my husband’s ear. My teasing yanked another seemingly pained groan from him, making him press his sharp nose to my shoulder. Those sharp teeth were just a hair away from my own neck. The thought of what he could do to me with them made me shiver.

“Don't do this to me, love. I can't. . . I might just. . .” He growled out his labored warning to me. Usually, I would back off and continue to set the pace, but today was different. Today, I wanted to press all the wrong buttons to get the “punishment” I've always been threatened with. For once I wanted my husband to be the one in pure sensual bliss. He deserved it after everything he’s been through. This was my gift to him. If he couldn't unapologetically be himself anywhere else in his life, I wanted him to be completely open with me. Verbally and physically.

Deciding upon this course of action put a tingle in my spine. I could finally do all the teasing I wanted and say all those things that drove him crazy. Katakuri had been preoccupying himself with kneading my bare thighs from under my nightgown and leaving soft kisses along my now exposed shoulder. Soft mumbles of praise from him to me sung into my ears, only making me more excited for what was to come. He was already teetering on a thin edge. 

I continued to roll my hips back and forth against his fully hard bulge. Slowly and deliberately. A soft whimper escaped me each time I rolled just right over my sensitive spot, clinging to him like he was my lifeline. 

“You can't leave me like this. I want it all, I know I can take it. Just fuck me all you want. It'd be so easy and feel so good.~” Yet another growl rumbled against my chest from his as I continued whispering dirty nothings in his ear. 

“Y/N. Stop. Please.” He used my full name. He was serious, but despite his firm tone, I could feel his raging lust banging on the grates of his body. Screaming from the sewers to let it come out to play to its heart content. I was dangling the key so carelessly above the ravenous hands stretching through the gaps. My own lust had already taken over my body. It was in control with the rest of my emotions tied up and left to watch with morbid curiosity how this would end. All I did was smile and run my hands down his chiseled chest. 

I didn't respond to his plea and demand, but instead continued my dangerous game. I detached myself from him and led my lips on a trail from his neck to his waist band. As I looked up at my needy lover, I could see the dangerous glint in his red eyes. Not the one he got when he was fighting, this was different. It felt more animalistic and unkempt. Something I hadn't felt in him before. It was like there was a whole new part of him that had been closed off, and I was the first to experience it this way. My butt swayed restlessly behind me, my lower stomach begging for relief of this infernal itch deep inside me. And there was only one way to get rid of it. Excitement overrode my momentary fear as I held his warning gaze while making quick work of his pants and boxers.

Finally, the thing I pined after stood before me, lighting my body abuzz and cheeks ablaze. Precum had darkened a wet spot on his boxers and showed no signs of stopping as his cock twitched and pulsed in my hands. A giggle bubbled out of me as I pressed my cheek to the shaft and kissed my way up to the soft, wet tip. I hummed in satisfaction when the soft pink head slid into my mouth, my tongue swirling around his sensitive glands. Just with this much, my mouth was half full, but I knew that other parts of me could handle him just fine. I felt like I could handle anything as long as it satisfied him. This progress had Katakuri moaning and gently holding my head. There was no push of his hands or buck of his hips, but I knew he wanted more. Well if he wanted more today, then he’d have to take more. I let go of my tight grip on his head with a pop, licking my lips as I swallowed his stringy fluids. 

“Doesn't my mouth feel good? You know what would feel even better than my little mouth?” I called out once again to Kata, bringing him out of his haze of pleasure. I continued to slowly pump his full length with both hands, but only rubbed his tip along my now wet cheek. 

“Ka-ta-kur-i.~ Why don't you wanna make your wife feel good?~ I'm begging you.~ I promise it will feel great for both of us.~ Please?~” A faux pout puffed my cheeks when he didn't respond, just letting out those deep, restraining growls and grunts. I knew it would take more than a little teasing to get him to let loose. I let go of his cock fully and sat up on my bandaged knees. The adrenaline pumping through my hot body nulled the pain from them as I took the straps of my nightgown and tugged them leisurely down my arms. The thin, flowy fabric of the gown already showed my perked up nipples through it, but I knew he liked seeing the real deal. The small straps fell off my fingers, but bunched up on my hips, unable to completely fall off without some assistance. 

I crawled back on top of my heavily breathing husband, his sharp eyes hooded with lust, hovering my gooey entrance over his weeping tip. The urge to slide down on it, and ride us both to completion was tempting, but kept my eyes on the prize. Or eyes on the punishment, more like. With us face to face again, I could feel the hot breaths emanating from his mouth and fanning against my face. He could feel my awaiting sex so close as well. Those dangerous eyes trailed from my exposed breasts to my still covered lower half leaving me feeling vulnerable under their piercing scrutiny. He was expecting me to continue my undressing and, subsequently, start riding him like usual. All I did was give him a smile.

“Need some help?” He asked lowly and gruffly. There was a gravel to his voice that brought back the urge once again. It was so close. No. I had a plan. I reserved the right to give my husband what he needs. Even if he doesn’t think he needs it. I gave a nod, unable to talk as his hot gaze stayed on my face. Wanting to ignore his commanding stare, I moved closer to his face. I knew something that he fell apart at. My damp lips pressed against the clammy skin of his cheek, adorning his scar with a kiss. I didn't stop at one, and softly placed a kiss all along his left cheek’s scar. The skin was smooth but raised, and I would imagine it was as sensitive as his neck. My assumption was proven right when he sucked in a sharp breath, held it, then let it out shakily. 

I could feel his hands squeeze at the damp skin on my thighs closest to my entrance before languidly sliding up to my silky gown. Suddenly, with what seemed like little to no effort, he grabbed both sides of my clothing and tore it in two along with my panties. The sound of the threads snapping so quickly had my breath catching in my throat. Pulling back from his cheek, his eyebrows were furrowed like he was angry, and he was. Angry at the built up sexual frustration and my teasing. Gradually, he sat up, making me quickly hug onto his neck and press my fully naked body to his chest. It didn't take long for our positions to be switched with me underneath Katakuri, and him huffing above me. His hands were quick to push down his pants more and tug them off of himself fully, but swiftly went back to caging me against the bed. 

“Do you need something, dear?~” I moved to an innocent facade, but I knew he saw right through me. I was excited and the way my legs wrapped around his waist and positioned his head at my awaiting entrance was proof of that. He didn't respond yet, and just moved his right arm above me to hold himself up as his left hand moved underneath my lower back to hold me tight. Not too tight to hurt me, but I couldn't hope to get out of his grip. Not that I wanted to.

“You want to take me whole? Want to make me feel good with your little needy hole? Is that what my pretty little wife wants?” Katakuri hardly ever talked dirty to me. Usually it was just praise and sweet talk as we took it slow, maybe the occasional innuendo. But this was him listening to my wants and his needs obliging. This new side of him had me half scared of the consequences and half begging for the pleasure. The duality wasn’t hard to choose between. He was standing on the wire, and all I had to do was blow him one way or another. This was probably my last chance to turn back.

“I need an answer, love. Tell me to stop.” His soft voice was begging me to tell him no. He was scared of hurting me still, even though he so clearly wanted to fuck me to his heart’s content. I had convinced a part of him to act on his wants for once. The sweet side of him that I was used to was barely holding back the ravenous animal that was clawing its way to the surface. All I could do was smile and put a hand to his clenched jaw as I raised my lips to his ear.

“Do what you want.~” A silent beat. Two. A deep, almost pained, groan erupted from my husband. Soon, my twitchy insides were being stretched to their limits. His impossibly hard cock was already halfway inside of me, bullying its way to my cervix. The suddenness knocked the breath out of me, but a gasping moan fell from my lips. I clenched hard around his member, telling him to continue. My efforts were met with a deeply pleasured moan from the giant man above me. Before now, Katakuri would have told me to stop here to keep me from hurting myself. That worry was nowhere to be seen now as his hips pulled back slowly only to snap forward once again, burying his cock deeper inside of me still. 

“Fuck! Oh my gosh, it's so good! Kata!” My words slurred together as the disarming pleasure rolled through my body like a riptide, sweeping my wits from under me. I never knew sex could feel this wild. My reactions to his movements reassured the part of him still worried about my well being, allowing him to more assuredly continue his pace. A steady rhythm was set, faster than one we’ve had before. His large hand encapsulating my waist moved me back and forth in sync with his hips. I felt like a ragdoll being used for his pleasure. Each deep pound felt like I was being split apart, but I could hardly keep up with every one as my head spun with pleasure. 

Katakuri was in no better state than I was, seemingly drunk on the bliss that fucking me like this brought. His face was buried in the pillow above my head, and I could hear him mumbling to himself. It was hard to pick up every word, but I could tell it was about how good he felt. The satisfaction of hearing him sound so lost in the pleasure only made every snap of his hips feel that much better. I explored his sweaty chest with my hands as my legs clung to his sides. One hand traveled up to his damp, magenta locks, raking their way up and down his scalp. This enticed him to lower his head from the pillow to my face and engage me in a sloppy yet passionate kiss.

I desperately sunk my fingers into his hair, holding him to me as we made out. I craved him, every last part of him I adored and I wanted all of him to be mine. Needy whines and whimpers of mine sounded into our kiss as I departed to talk. 

“Don't stop. Don't stop until you're satisfied. I love you so much, please, feel so good for me. You're so deep in me and I love it!~” The confident attitude I had earlier had dissipated in the face of Katakuri’s raw power, and now I just wanted to please my husband. His whole cock was almost fully sheathed inside of me every time his hips hit my thighs. My insides felt so gooey and stretched out already. I had already cum once, and everything was getting to be too much. We hadn’t gone this long before, and I wasn't used to the power of his full thrusts. 

Katakuri stared down at me, locked onto my blissed out face contorted erotically as I begged for him. That seemed to spur him up again, and I could feel a burst of love and sexual fervor rush from him to me. With renewed energy, he sat up on his knees, taking his member out of me. The emptiness I felt without him made me fuss and shake my hips in dissatisfaction. Without a word, I was flipped over onto my stomach and returned the fullness of my husband’s cock but from behind. His hot tip dragged along all the right places as he slid inside me again. Involuntarily, my eyes rolled back, and a loud groan escaped me. The same hand returned to its spot around my waist to hold me in place as Katakuri restarted his pace in this new position. 

This turn of events knocked the breath of me again, and I was left wheezing as he lay on top of me, pressing me into the bed with his hard chest at my back. Nails gripped the sheets, toes curled, but I couldn't let out a single word. I didn't have to because he began mumbling again, but this time in my ear so I could hear.

“I have such a beautiful wife. I'm so lucky to have you, I'm sorry I'm so selfish. It just feels so good, you feel so good. Thank you for letting me feel so good with you. I can't stop until I make you feel the best. I love you too, Y/N, I love you.” He continued to repeat snippets of that as he got sloppy with his thrusts. Despite the slower pace, each thrust slammed into my butt like a sledgehammer, bringing out my second orgasm. This one was more intense as tears sprouted to my eyes and my walls spasmed hard around his cock. The overstimulation left me a wreck as I blubbered out, “I'm cumming, cummin’, cumminggg!~” deliriously.

That was the last straw for Katakuri as he grunted loudly a few times before quickly pulling out and making a mess of my back with his own cum. Harsh breaths from both of us filled the muggy, sex smelling air of our room. It didn't take long for Katakuri to finish letting everything out, so soon he collapsed beside me on his back. We both took a good amount of time calming down from the heated sex we just had. I was fully satisfied, if not overly so, as I lay there covered in cum and with my orgasm leaking out of me. I could already feel my back hurting from the arch it was forced into by my lover's thrusts and weight, but none of that mattered. 

All that mattered was the dazed look of full satisfaction in Katakuri’s eyes as he came down from his high. He always held himself back when we had sex. This was the last wall he had up in front of me, that deep rooted fear of hurting me keeping him from entirely enjoying himself. I was grateful for the amount of vulnerability I was able to see from my paramount husband on a regular basis, but call me greedy because I wanted every last part of him on display for me. We were two very opposite people when it came to sharing our wants and needs, but as we’ve proved over the past three years, opposites attract.

“Can. . . we do that more?” Asked a meek Katakuri, his deep voice cutting through the silence. My face was buried in the mattress, but I turned it towards him with a lopsided smile. 

“I thought you'd never ask. Though, maybe next time we should use protection so you don't have to pull out.” I winked at him as his already red cheeks darkened. An embarrassed groan escaped him and he quickly got up to head to the bathroom. 

“I'm getting a towel for you and running a bath. Maybe once you're clean you'll stop instigating such dirty actions.” He grumbled, making me pout. I opened my mouth to retort, but he beat me to the punch.

“Don't say that unless you’re ready for the punishment.” 

Damn his future vision. With a huff, I stayed silent and just waited for my towel. For now. As I waited, my gaze drifted over to Katakuri’s nightstand. On it sat that dirty black hat that Strawhat put on his mouth after their battle. My eyes softened at the memento. I'd have to thank Strawhat one day for what he did for Katakuri. 

My antennae turned dusty pink.

And with that, This little unexpected mini series of my favorite mochi man ends.~ This won't be the last of him, but I have other wonderful characters that are calling my name.~ Thank you, dearies, and see you, hopefully, soon.~

Part 1 <- - Part 2 <- - Part 3

[ocean-sunfish-hater]

Bobtail squid onions. Opinonions. Opinions…?

They're super cool! Firstly, love how round they are. Their giant eyes make them look like they are on the verge of tears at all times. I also love that they glow.

ID: a Hawaiian Bobtail Squid. It is close to the sea floor. Its skin is mottled and has an irridescent quality to it. It has large eyes and its body is tilted so it is looking at a slight upwards angle.

Interestingly they do not produce their own bioluminescence, but instead rely on a bacterium in its mantle called Aliivibrio fischeri, with which they have a symbiotic relationship. The squid provides nutrients and shelter in their crypt organ, and in return the bacteria provide camouflage. They do this by emitting light that matches the light coming from above the squid, a strategy called counter-illumination, essentially blurring the squid's sillhouette when seen from below.

The bacteria are also not passed on from parent to child, but instead must be caught by the baby squid soon after its birth. They do this by secreting a mucus net to capture free-floating A.fischeri and take them into their new cephalopdy home.

There's also a cool evolutionary mechanism that garuantees that their light-emitting crypt organs are only colonised by the correct bacteria, which I could go into more detail about if you want.

[shentheauthor]

How do you think the bishops were born?

The lands of the old faith were war-torn and bloody thousands of years ago. Gods were fighting constantly over their territories, and so it was only a matter of time before a new god formed from the wreckage.

Shamura came from the trenches. Blood and bones and swords bubbled and came together, forming a body. The viscera and gore became their blood, the bones became theirs. The god of war was born from the wreckage and refuge of the territory battles around them, as was the Purple Crown.

Bishops are born when the concepts they are the gods of become large enough. A god of prosperity and harvest might come about because of centuries of good harvests and good luck. But this is not a land of easy times and good harvests.

Shamura was born because the wars became too great. Think of it like baking. Each war, each death, was an ingredient. It was building up for centuries before they came about. When a particularly awful war rolled around, a horrible massacre, that was when the ingredients were finally baked into bread.

Shamura was born a child, barely understanding what was going on. Other than the fact that wars were their domain. They were alone for a while, fighting for their life and hiding from other gods who might want to cut their life short.

Until Kallamar.

Kallamar was also born from trenches. Wars and battlefields are breeding grounds for disease, so it was only a matter of time before the pestilence and plague was enough to form a god. Dying soldiers and rotting limbs came together into the squid we all know and love.

Kallamar was born alone, but Shamura wasn’t too far away. They found the young squid roaming the trenches and barracks, spreading infections and plagues as he was born to do. Fearing for this child’s life, Shamura took him in. Shamura was still young themself at the time (think like 13-ish in human age terms) so they weren’t yet afraid of new gods taking their power. All they knew was they didn’t want Kallamar to be alone.

Narinder was next. Death is a very old concept, and it existed before Narinder, but he wasn’t formed until deaths started to increase. Dying gods and witnesses sped up the process, so Narinder joined Shamura and Kallamar not too long after Kallamar was born.

The gods are born with natural instincts for their domains. Narinder didn’t know much as a kit, but he already knew what he had to do. He was found clumsily harvesting souls, and unlike Kallamar, he was not afraid of Shamura when they came to collect him. Narinder knew most gods would try to kill him instantly, so he was prepared to fight.

Get adopted, idiot.

Heket was born from fallow crops and salted fields. I did mention that territory wars were a huge thing, so naturally many of the gods fighting ordered their followers to destroy the other gods’ lands. Heket came from centuries of starvation and people resorting to cannibalism, only to die anyway.

Unlike the others, Heket was born away from the battlefield. She was completely alone, in a field that had been salted and destroyed beyond repair. She was the one who found the others this time, walking until she came across Kallamar, who was already searching for the infant Yellow Crown.

Starvation is terrifying. That fear, that constant hunger, slowly built up over centuries, allowing Heket to be born.

Leshy was last. His birth, ironically, marked the end of the Wars of the Old Faith. Deaths and fear were at an all time high, as was hysteria. At that point, mortals were abandoning their gods and starting to join the bishops we know today. Everyone was terrified, and the lines were so blurred they weren’t even there anymore.

Leshy was born during a battle. The last few gods were in the process of killing each other, desperately trying to win. From this chaos (ha) came Leshy, forming from the grass that the gods trampled beneath their feet.

Leshy was born in immediate danger, as he was just a child, and the other gods noticed him immediately. What saved him was his natural instincts to cause as much havoc as possible. He wasn’t a natural fighter, but he could burrow and bite and charge, and that was enough. He was slippery enough to get away, and after those last few battles, the Lands of the Old Faith finally began to calm down.

There were at least a few centuries between each bishop’s birth. Shamura, Kallamar, and Narinder are closest in terms of years, while Heket and Leshy had a bit more time to form. As I said, death and the other concepts are very, very old, but it takes time for gods to be born.

Unless you’re the lamb. Then you steal your power lol. But the bishops formed naturally. The old gods before were probably more positive, like harvest gods or nature gods, like wind, water, etc. A war between them wouldn’t exactly spawn positive gods tho.

And those are my thoughts! This is my canon. I want to come up with a whole history for the Lands of the Old Faith, like significant wars etc etc, but college is keeping me busy. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this stuff, so I hope it turned out ok