#but maybe they'll pull someone out of nowhere!!! who knows!!

[goingmerryfics]

Hii!!! i really love all your writing and wanted to request smth if that's okay!

could i request law x so who's into lolita fashion/subculture? Like, on days that they're able to they'll wear really extravagant looking lolita dresses and such, and is just overall really girly, and might be embarrassed about being such, esp with someone like him. but maybe he even likes that they're aesthetic opposites. idk fjsjfjfk

Ty!! <3

(idk if i need to say this but lolita fashion doesn't have anything to do with the. other uses of the term. sometimes ppl make accusations abt it but the jfashion and book are not related)

Lolita Style S/O w/ Law

Content: can be read as GN reader that wears skirts, all SFW

Notes* Thanks for being patient with me while I worked on this request! A couple of things popped up for me (and my new-used computer quit suddenly so I have to wait to see if it can be repaired or if I should just buy a brand new one) so I’ve been trying to work around this. Back to mobile tumblr I go 😢 ! Anyway- I know all too well how lolita culture gets sexualized in people’s eyes so this is a completely nsfw-free request. I made this more relatable to those in sweet style lolita more than gothic lolita since you’d commented about them being opposites and personally, I think it would be super cute for him to be paired with someone with this style. Hope you like it :)

Law

Law isn’t the type to pay attention to what people wear as long as they are dressed in proper uniform when need be. Self expression is something personal, and he’s aware of different everyone’s style is

Though he finds it hard not to notice how you dress on your days off, whether it’s just around the sub or out on the town

It’s a lot of pastel, and a lot of fabric

You hadn’t thought of what Law or the others might’ve thought the first time you dressed up, so when you kept catching Law staring at you at various points of the day, you started to feel a little nervous

Later though, the two of you had crossed paths and he stopped you there to ask about your choice of clothing

While you explained how you enjoyed the colours and the overly girly feel of it all, he listened to every word, and even asked you some questions- like how everything fit together, and how you chose to match your accessories to your clothes

He was intrigued, and being a knowledgeable man, he wanted to learn about you and your clothing style

He’d even gone off to do his own research at the next island, and secretly commissioned a seamstress to make a little purse modeled after Bepo’s face for your outfits because god knows this guy can’t sew for shit

Law had been waiting for you outside of your door, his present to you held in his hand, in a sweet little bag. You weren’t expecting to see him, nor were you expecting any sort of gift- it was nowhere near your birthday- but here he was. He pushes himself off from leaning against the door when he sees you.

“Here. I’m not sure if it’s alright, but I thought you might be able to use this.”

He hands you the bag, and you thank him before going off about how he didn’t need to get you anything, and asking what the occasion is as you dig through the white, glittery tissue paper to open it.

“No occasion. I just thought you’d like it.” He tries to act nonchalant and calm, but he’s watching your face for any changes to see if you like it or not.

You pull out the bag and gasp- it was perfect. Fluffy and pristine white, perfect for an outfit you’d been trying to put together for a while now- and it looked like your dear crewmate. You pull it to your chest with a big smile, going on a bit of a ramble at how cute it is, and how you’re going to use it right away.

The entire time you’re squealing over your new gift he’s smiling to himself, even if he doesn’t realize it.

The next time you change into your style, you make sure to keep the mini Bepo bag at your side. It goes great with your outfit

Bepo freaks out a little at the likelihood of the purse and his own face, but you quickly calm him down and explain that it’s not the head of a polar bear that you’re carrying around

Law watches you fawn over the bag with him from a distance, smiling to himself

He joins you later to walk around town with you. He’s come to enjoy how your style stands out so well beside him against his usual darker clothes

Law will also help you get dressed if you let him, buckling your shoes for you so you don’t have to fight the layers of skirt to reach your feet, or helping you pin up your hair pieces

You’d asked him once if he’d like to try men’s lolita style and he was very quick to shut that down.

“It looks better on you than it will on me.”

He really just likes seeing you as the unique one

[neptunes-sol-angel]

~°•☆ I Put a Spell on You 🔮🪄 ☆•°~

This is a pick a picture reading meant to tell you the effect that you have on others. Pick the picture(s) that you're drawn to the most, then scroll down for its corresponding message.

I am open for PAID services such as readings and reiki, you can check them out here ==> 🌌

Before, I gave people the option to tip a minimum of $10.10 for a personal recreation of my pick a card readings, but I realized that it was too complicated so I just added it as an official service on my site!

◇ Pile I ◇

Nina Simone - I put a spell on you

The power in the effect that you have on others isn't even in how you enter people's lives, it's the way that you leave. You make a subtle entrance, but that ending before you exit? Grand. Your essence, for people, gets better and stronger with time.

This pile reminds me a lot of the characters Ponyo, Eleven, and Goku, a certain archetype of unique individuals in both appearance, personalities, and talents that can perplex others because they don't know which is more bizarre, your peculiar identity or the fact that you just showed up in their life OUT OF NOWHERE. You may keep your origin unknown to other people, maybe not on purpose, but because they never asked. Or people may ask you a lot of questions that you don't really know or care to know the answer to, but what you do know, is that your upbringing is not like the average persons'. Because of this, you really turn people's world upside down and give them an experience that feels like you're pulling them into another dimension, wherever that may be, you teach others how to let go and just really live in the moment. You could be considered naive because of your different perspective on how the world works, you could attract a lot of people who indulge in nihilism, but what's considered naivety to them actually brings them the most valuable form of wisdom that they'll need in this life, you may not even say much but your words and also your actions when people hang out with you leave an extremely powerful impact on them. I feel like you're not meant to be in people's lives for long, because you're here to be people's spiritual awakening, to be people's light when they've been in the darkness too long, but this light that I'm getting here, is not the typical light that's solar. I'm picking up that you're actually like a futuristic planetary body, filled with a multitude of colorful neon grids of light. You take people to YOUR world, like a quantum leap, surpassing all of the things that people let limit them, to show them that the possibilities ARE endless when it comes to taking all that life that has to offer them. It's so funny how the picture for you guys is this convenience store, but I imagine this late starry night drive, exploring the town with someone, and then you take them to like 7-Eleven, you take them to the slurpee machine and you just start mixing the flavors and they're all like "you can do that?!?" And you simply tell them "yes". Even though it may be a common thing to do, the point is, that's the kind of epiphanies that you give to people who get so caught up with what the rules are supposedly are in life, and the best part, is that you teach them this by not doing anything other than being yourself. I feel like you also teach people to have authentic fun, you teach people that they don't need to use substances or get materialistic things to have fun, and you wipe away their fears of peer pressure and what people could think about them or say about them. Those moments with you can be so lifechanging but bittersweet, because when it's time to go, it's hard when people grieve over you, because as modern as you are, you are a classic that just can never be forgotten, and most importantly, you're irreplaceable, a classic. Your looks, the way that you dress, and your demeanor are being emphasized again here, you be an inspiring trendsetter, because you're the first that people will ever see do "it" and the people after you that try to replicate "it" will never come even close. Another part of the bittersweet feeling, is that people can't get over how you just came in their life suddenly, shook the table, and just got back on the UFO that you came from and just left. I mean I guess the mystery behind you got answered for them, but to this day, yout effect on others, dominates their mind. People still think about you, wondering if you're OK out there.

◇ Pile II◇

Alice Smith - I put a spell on you

The effect that you have on others is so sensual. I feel like this pile has an unconscious habit of stealing other people's hearts. You make people want to indulge in their emotional sensititivity because of how nurturing your presence is and it really hits people deep. You really mirror the parent that they've always needed but never got and because of this void that you fill within themselves, they get hooked, LIKE WAY in the deep end. But you value your independence and understand that you can't be someone's everything. You're emotionally intelligent to the point where you explain this in a way that they fully understand and are content with letting you go or restraining themselves, but because of your impact, they try to immortalize you in various different forms as a way to "keep you". You bring out the shadow traits of their wounds, which is typically obsession. You're a muse to others that love you, directly, and indirectly for those that can't figure out their feelings for you which can lead to envy or unexplainable distaste. You're constantly being put on a pedestal. Your looks and stature exude as something intangible which can make others grossly scorned. You could be the inspiration for people's poems, stories, songs, paintings, or ceramics. If it's not being done now, expect others to dedicate a lot of stuff to you in the future. You could even have children that are drawn to you and like to draw pictures of you to show you like they would do a teacher. You are enamored by so many, and you make people proud when they see you and the work that create that's based on you.

The effect that you have on others produces a lot of abundance for them. People could mock your looks a lot and get popular for them, or you could have a lot of people steal or plagiarize your ideas and profit a windfall of money and attention off of them which is tragic. Your intentions are nothing but pure for others and you treat people with so much respect but in return it's like people just want to possess you, keep you confined, and make you hidden. You're a big part of why people are better in their lives but they don't seem to give you your credit, you're the "one that got away", the return that people long for but are too prideful to admit in public. When it comes to your lovers in the past, I feel that they don't even give themselves time before they jump into a new relationship, and it seems like the person is always a carbon copy of you in some way, but it isn't you and they're just stringing the other person along. It's disturbing, the lengths that people will go, to "have you" when the memory of your touch, your face, your scent, and the way that you made them feel, alone, is enough for them to remember you forever. Your effect on people brings out the greed in them, and tragically clouds them of ever creating something within their own identity.

◇ Pile III ◇

Annie Lennox - I put a spell on you

I feel like this pile tends to attract chaotic people for friends. This is strongly reminding me of Anita from the movie Megan's Body. Your friends could be unruly or very delusional when it comes to making decisions in their life, especially in love, either way, these people are always getting themselves into some sort of trouble. The effect that you have on people is their wakeup call to do better and be better in their lives or perish from the consequences of their actions. Your friends are used to ultimatums, people giving up on them, or people that encourage their reckless behavior, but you on the other hand, calm them down and promote them to be less careless with their life. Your compassion and loyalty is what's valued the most by people, you don't just give up anyone, but you know when to take a step back once you realize that you can't want more for someone that doesn't want it for themselves. Although, you can't save anyone, you really do bring out the best in people. You're truly a good person, but the effect you have on people is a codependent push and pull. People may think you're the overshadowed friend, someone that needs the other person to be known and seen, when really, you are actually the glue for your friend(s). These "friends" in particular may have a lot of love for you, but they're not good for you. They may consciously or unconsciously use you as a boost for their own confidence, or use you for your intellect and complex ability to solve problems for their own, while being inconsiderate with your feelings. They could probably have issues with making you a priority even though you always make time for them and do the most to rescue them from their situations. You're a very loving individual that doesn't need to create disturbances to be seen, and part of your effect, teaches other that as well. You make people go into deep introspection about why they feel they need to do certain things, where it stems from, and contemplate if it really serves them and propels them forward in life.

Your effect on others could make them even want to peer into your life, snoop into your business to figure out why a person like you would surround yourself with people who are substantially different than you. They want to figure out what secrets do you hold and the person that you REALLY are. You could be seen as very pure and people want to know if it's just a facade. But no, you just have this empathy for humanity, you actually hate to be put in a box so you don't do it to other people. You know you're not perfect and you don't try to be, you aren't hiding anything, you just see the best in people. But again, you're aware that you can't save everyone and it's not your responsibility to. You're aware that if they don't grow, eventually it'll be just time to let them go.

◇ Pile IV ◇

Creedence Clearwater Revival - I put a spell on you

The effect that you have on people makes them want to keep their distance. This only applies to those in your life who can't handle the truth because in order to be around you, people have to not only be honest with themselves but also be honest with you. But it looks like they really don't have a choice. You have this clear knowing ability that scares others. You know what's not being said and you see right through people, but you just want to see if they'll spit it out, I can see you getting really impatient with people, because you despise dishonesty and don't like to be around others that can't stand on who they are and their beliefs.

You embody what it means to "read the room". Almost nothing can be hidden from you. Speaking of hidden, I feel like the effect that you have on others creates this ability that helps others find what was once lost within themselves. This could be their capability to love, to feel, to have fun, to be joyful, to relax, etc. And you can also reveal the things that they thought they never had or felt that they couldn't attain. This could be confidence, beauty, humor, wit, strength, their shadow side, a variety of things that they had in them all along.

Your effect empowers others to see themselves in a higher light and to fight for their own justice. You provoke this grit in others to transform their lives for the better and to always live in their truth.

You're the truth detector and you never fail to amaze the people that you meet, because they're fascinated with all that you know. Your effect makes other people automatically respect you and know that you're not the one to play around with or to ever underestimate. With ease, you weed out the people who aren't straightforward with why they approach you. But because you see and pick up on things that others don't and act on it, you could be villanized a lot for trusting your gut about people and certain situations. You could have even lost friends or other people you're close to because of what or who you warned them about.

You take pride in trusting yourself and love it when others trust themselves to. Your effect helps people love themselves enough to be real about their choices and to also never shy away from their self worth because you know you don't. No matter who it is, you prioritize never losing yourself first to please others, and you cherish the people that still stick around in your life. Not because they take heed to your insight but because again, they're authentic when it comes to how they care about their relationship with you and they appreciate the real you. They don't see you as a curse or an enemy and they know that you mean well.

Thank you for reading ☆

[xkotaro16o]

Hiiii how are you???

Can I ask some headcanons for Zoro and whoever you prefer in how they deal with jealousy, what they are jealous of and how???

Thank you!!!!

~💚

—𝙾𝙿 𝙼𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝙹𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚢 𝙵𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜—

Summary: Headcanons where a few OP men dealing with their jealousy, what they’re jealous of, and how.

Pairing: Roronoa Zoro x GN!S/O, Eustass Kid x GN!S/O.

TW: Fluff, cursing, injury (mentioned), murdered (mentioned), slightly suggestive, grammatical error, OOC.  

A/N: MY 1ST REG ON THIS ACC EJGSBEGMJABWEGJABW (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ IM GOOD ANON, THX A LOT WEJABMWGABMWJGBAMJWGNBAWMJG HBU? ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝ I HOPE U R DOIN’ GREAT AS WELL EHEHEHE (づ๑•ᴗ•๑)づ♡ HOPE U LIKE THIS EHEHE

—𝚁𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚘𝚊 𝚉𝚘𝚛𝚘—  

First of all, Zoro isn't the type to get jealous that easily. You're in a relationship with him, that means he already trusts you so much. He trusts you, you trust him.

BUT, that doesn't mean he couldn't get jealous AT ALL. He could. When someone touches you (except his crew mates, but not for Sanji, Zoro absolutely hates it when Sanji flirts and touches you, rivalry things).

He doesn't like it when someone touches what are his and are precious. Such as his sake, his swords, and of course you. Don't cross the line, strangers, you might not want to be cut into pieces with him.

Someone flirts with you? He leaves it to you, YET if you feel uncomfortable, he'll step in, telling them to get off of you or he'll cut them. Also, he doesn't let anyone staring at you with a lustful gaze, definitely will glare at them with a deathly one.

Well, he has a rivalry connection with Sanji, he gets jealous easily when Sanji flirts and touches you. Not to mention they'll fight AGAIN afterwards.

When he gets jealous, he usually becomes... Clingier than usual. Wrapping his hand around your waist, sticking together with you, and in private he'll cuddle with you (he tries to let go of his jealousy).

He could cut the people, IF they're crossing the line TOO MUCH. But overall, he won't cut them. Safe.

If you make him jealous on purpose, then it's time for punishment! You do know what it is, right, dear?

"What are you doin' with them, huh? Don't touch them! They're mine, tch."

—𝙴𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚜 𝙺𝚒𝚍—  

Eustass Captain Kid gets jealous VERY EASILY. Sometimes you wonder WHY, then he says he hates it when someone touches what is his, especially YOU!

No one can touch you, except Killer, because Killer knows how Kid can gets jealous easily. He trusts his crew mates but he'll pick a fight with them if they touch you. Thank goodness the crew won't touch you EXCEPT in an emergency matter (treating your wound, etc).

Someone is staring at you too much? He'll give a threat to that person OR start to pick a fight with them. Someone is touching you? Goodbye to them. Someone is flirting with you? Well, screw them because he won't give a damn about it.

He definitely could pick a fight WITH ANYONE who dares to touch or flirt with you. Tell him to calm down (it's totally hard but if it's you and Killer, everything will be fine, maybe). 

BUT he likes PDA, it's his way to show them that you're his. Kissing you out of nowhere in front of those people or pulling you closer to him.

He becomes clingier and grumpier afterwards. Yes, he won't let you go from his hands, he's afraid that someone might does the same thing AGAIN. Give him kisses and hugs, alright?

Not to mention he could kill people or burn their hideout because of what they did to his precious S/O. SOMEONE TELL HIM TO CALM DOWN! He even could destroy the whole world if they dare to lay their hands on you.

He'll punish you if you make him jealous on purpose. You know what kind of punishment it is, right, darling?

"What the fuck are ya doin' with them? Get your fuckin' filthy hands away from them, asshole!!"

I DO NOT OWN ALL OF THE CHARACTERS & DO NOT REPOST MY WORKS.

[faerunsbest]

I love Rolan for a million reasons( i am drubk thinking of rolan shhh let it happen)

but i love him because he also has a visible character arc you get to watch his character grow.

i know that as a partner he could ONLY expand on that ability to learn and improve at vast and unimaginable speeds. I don't think when you meet him hes a virgin i think he has experience be it very little and surface level.

i imagine by the time you meet him hes just past three, the most important three. that one child like love where you look and adore someone and cannot fathom the feelings you're experiencing and it is absolutely destined to be your very first heartbreak and for him its his fault for being clueless for not knowing what he was feeling until it was too late. The realization probably hit like a ton of bricks

the 2nd time he knew what he felt but had no idea how to navigate that feeling or what to do with those feelings. the first time he was pining and absolutely knew it. when finally he worked up the courage and stunningly they said yes to him!

and he stumbles through trying to learn how to care for them and when finally he does he realizes he forgot that he deserved care too. It isn't fair he gave them so much and suddenly hes left watched that partner be toted off by someone with more confidence and self assurance.

and by the god the third time around he was so SURE he was so sure he had it down- he must by now. he know how to proclaim his feelings, he knew how to make his partner know he wanted them. he knew how stand his ground and speak his mind- that he deserved care too.

problem as he lay in bed with them, they disagreed. he had miscalculated and given up a huge part of himself he could never get back. and now then, everything was wrong and he had no time to cope. no time to heal his siblings needed his mug confidence- they needed more than anything for him to light the path to safety. so he did, he gave his heart entirely to the people who loved him with their whole heart and isn't fair.

it isn't fair that some lunatic came marching down a dirt path caked in blood bile and mud and just looked at him. they looked at him with sad pitying eyes if they knew something he didn't. as if his weak arms could carry any burden. HOW DARE THEY! But lia smiled with tears in her eyes and the way cal sighed heavy with relief.

And this blasted lunatic with with such wild eyes and an unreadable heart left again, they where seen in the grove at a passing glance like a whisper- something you weren't sure anyone said. maybe you imagine it.

but you post certainly didn't imagine a terrified little girl crying and sobbing against her parents about a stranger that saved them. You didn't imagine the massive clouds of destruction over the camp so many miles away. you did not imagine them coming back and looking at you with pride.

and horribly you heart fluttered.

stop that.

again at some ridiculous part they stood nearby watching you kindly, hiding a limp. clouding injuries no one needed to see. but you knew something was amiss, and they smiled just for you. they clapped and cheered just for you.

and HORRIBLY your heart skipped a beat, the feeling making a tightness in your chest that you knew. and it isn't fair.

it isn't fair that you're bawling at goddamn bar trying to drown yourself away and they appear out of nowhere with those pitying eyes on you. they reach out and you cant help the spines on your tongue the hateful way you lash out when they SWEAR they'll save the others. They bring cal and lia home to you, blood dribbles out from under their armor and you- FOOL THAT YOU ARE! you believe them.

they disappear up the stair and world takes another turn for the worse and some how it is pulled backward. you look over your should and you see it- that moment that should have been their last/ someone strikes out at your refuges icon- its beacon and this bastard lunatic steps in the way, hands empty and arms stretched out. they pull Isobel behind them- their body only a shield.

how unbelievable this is the moment you know its too late. the thought of that blade striking them down leaves your body cold and numb and no one listens when you scream out.

But it isn't the end.

that precious lunatic bellows and roars and it rattles deep in your ribs.

They turn the blade, they turn the tide.

and you know horribly its too late.

its not fair, how could you possibly fall in love with this person who only ever gave you such pitying eyes.

You stand there at the bar watching them bleeding and pulling up Isobel, you watch them take hold of her soft round face and make sure shes safe. something inside burns and you look around. like a fool you're just sitting trying to drown your guilt when its possible! its entirely possible to do the impossible.

the feeling wears on your skin and your bones and the dark seeps into your pores and you're left with your knees in the mud feeling your eyes begin to sting. then all of a sudden a wave of warmth washes over you and its blinding.

there they are again.

in bleak endless night there they are light sun eclipsing the moon. it isn't fair the way you feel yourself light up at the sight of them it isn't fair how hope and relief flood you as they take hold of your arm and pull you up.

Those behind them smiling brightly, they look tired but assured, confident in the company they keep.

and it isn't fair.

but how glorious when you look from a polling stupor at the bar and see them. Cal and Lia slightly worse for wear but alive! Gloriously alive and all you can do is scold them! scold them for leaving you. You couldn't possibly admit to the terror that near overwhelmed you as the night overtake the day as the dark has overwhelmed this land.

by the time you find the words they are staring upward, watching the sunrise in once eternal night. There is a furious silver angel cutting the dark and leading that lunatics way...

and like a stark raving mad lunatic you feel yourself be overwhelmed with gratitude and hope. Like some psychopath you dare to stand up tall as you can and just fucking march.

unknowingly into the mouth of madness and once again when you are lost and alone and bogged down in the dark this fucking psycho appears again in the door.

They are happy and cheerful and at the mere sight of you that smile falls, but.. not in the way it seems.

a hand cradles your face while a delicate voice asks who. who did this to you, there is an outraced laced sweetly beneath and you can feel it. You try to turn away but.. the question is there.

naught but to do but answer honestly.

something you had never seen on them in all this is that quiet subtle rage. muted and quieted for release at a later time. more stunning when return again to the titans tower to rip him from it's throne.

You cannot declare your love... but you can and you do.

and as you announce your willingness to be exactly where they need you.. you see it. A deep exhaustion down in their bones and you want to scream.

you can do nothing right.

you can do nothing.

[skaruresonic]

I write HL fics sometimes so go check 'em out. links and excerpts under the read more. yeet

In the Eye of the Beholder - benignmilitancy - Half-Life [Archive of Our Own]

It wasn't a conscious decision.

It seldom is.

Risk factors. As if one's life can be reduced to a chemical deficit. ---

He can't say where it started, only where it's led him.

He saw the dwindling rations, the tight pinched miens of the men around him. The incessant chatter of a television broadcasting some new infathomable horror.

He ate less, started giving Kleiner his share. You need it more than I do.

Maybe the transference is why Kleiner started fighting battles on his behalf. Merely breathing is an incredible act of courage. I'll not have you speak ill to him when he's ailing.

"What about the rest of us, Kleiner? Do you really think this has just been peaches for us? Damned facility took everything! May God have mercy on our souls, because this coalition certainly won't spare us!"

In the days following the Seven Hours, he experienced no passions, no ambitions, no plans or desires. Consciousness a blank expanse. He became an unthinking creature, a vegetable at the ripe old age of twenty-three, confined to lying on a dirty couch, waiting for it to become a coffin.

A hand rustling the pillow beneath him, propping him up. A spoonful of flavorless chicken broth poised to his chapped lips, which parted out of reflex and allowed the liquid to slip inside.

Occasionally he felt fingers, dry and cold, knead his throat.

You must live. Kleiner, a tremulous wisp. Our hubris stole your future. Barney, I promise with whatever breath is granted me, I'll correct this grievous wrong. ---

I believe the Combine intend to show us every horror possible. They'll try to strip us of our rationality, our humanity, our sanity and our very souls. They'll parade us as animals to be gawked at and specimens to be dissected. You cannot do their work for them, Barney.

Life has no intrinsic meaning, it's true. We can neither rationalize nor justify our existence. We may not have a reason to continue. But there is such cohesion, such structure, to the universe that I find it impossible to believe we don't have a place in it at all. Let us be damned before we let our aggressors define it for us.

For a single sublime moment, Kleiner's hope made him beautiful.

Bless the wretched, who cling to scraps as they drift through this dark sea. --- Mycotoxin - benignmilitancy - Half-Life (Video Games) [Archive of Our Own] Hammer Two forges ahead and freezes at the threshold.

"Oh, sh... " And then it remembers. "Untagged biotics in Sector Nineteen."

Ghost Five staggers back in, twists and convulses beneath a pulsating mask of black mold. Spores spray on each exhale of the ventilator, latching onto the dust motes and burning. Asthmatic smoke.

Christ. Fall back. Bear back.

Daggers discharge. Raindrops in a puddle. The sterilizers have nowhere to go. They're simply eaten.

Hammer Two activates its wall and pulls up its hammer, sloughing sparks. There is something gladiatorial in the way it creeps toward Ghost Five. Near valiant. But the moment dies brutishly: the wall sputters and half of Hammer Two disintegrates. The other half slumps to the carpet. Carrion. Feasted upon. What it is now, the others don't know.

What's the designation? someone asks. Questions ripple through them.

What's the designation.

Spores.

The designation.

Mold?

Designation.

"You fucking morons, who cares what it is?"

They call for their mother, who responds with cold silence.

OVERWATCH WE ARE REQUESTING DESIGNATION

WE HAVE UNTAGGED

--- Derailed - benignmilitancy - Half-Life [Archive of Our Own]

Rain bombs the rooftops, a thousand simultaneous explosions silvering the streets. Water rattles the drainpipes loose from their bolts. Skies weep, unable to inhale. Endless baptisms rinse the city clean. He hasn't seen anything like it since the Seven Hours.

The man who stepped in front of the razor train, the whole and complete Kevlar-clad body he used to belong to, asked him in a thin whisper: You think it'll work?

Will what work?

Your Resistance. Go poking at the beast and it'll tear your head right off the stump. ---

Mask - benignmilitancy - Half-Life [Archive of Our Own] After a moment of silence, you roll up the hem of your armor.

They can't help but stare at the purple welt puckered over your right kidney. The flesh folded inward, the serrated ghosts of stitches puncturing brown skin.

Torso pads caught most of it. You appraise it with a nonchalant sniff. He cut it from a tin can, y'know, didn't know how to hold it the right way, and, uh. You trace the scar, almost fondling it under the pad of your index finger, before lowering your hem. He ran when he saw it broke off. They sent a couple shredders after him. Didn't make it past the front gate.

You sigh then and throw a stick into the oil drum. Golden cinders flare.

You know the real fucked part? As you were bleeding on the floor like a stuck pig? You got pissed at him. You. The mask. They were chasing him out the door and all you could think was, Just you wait, you raggedy little shit.

---

Path of the Borealis - benignmilitancy - Half-Life [Archive of Our Own]

Alone, he contemplated his failure.

One thread remained.

He crushed it.

Windows shattered outward, crashing tidal waves of glass into the darkness. Incandescent tubes scorched around him, belching sparks that caught on the upholstery. The tram's chassis screeched as the car folded in on itself, metal joints and steel bones scrunching with papery ease.

The last vortal cord sizzled protest in his fist.

Doctor Freeman. The darkness harbored lungs, and it prepared to scream. It… appears we've been quite… obdurate. ---

"You call me less than human. You, who are no more than an animal yourself, terrified of any glimmer of truth illuminating the shadows playing upon the cavern walls of your dim consciousness. What possible use could we have for you, an evolutionary dead end clinging wretchedly to its last vestiges? Only a fool would believe her short-lived passions serve us in the palace of the enlightened."

Breen dropped her. Let her crawl.

Long, jointed fingers grasped her ankles and dragged back its prey, letting the steel grate abrade her Hunter wounds. The floor's ridges scraped her flesh until her scabs cracked. A cold, seeping trickle smeared across her stomach, joining the sweat dampening her undershirt.

"I am the gentlest propagator of this process, believe you me. The native-born aren't quite as considerate for the concerns of the flesh, but I still remember what it means to be saddled down by human foible."

Clutching her throbbing shoulder, Alyx scrabbled in vain at the floor. Toward the launcher, toward anything that could offer salvation. Her heart slammed inside her ribcage, full to burst.

"I can improve you, perfect you in ways your simian cerebrum can hardly grasp. Have you seen the thorough work I've done with Dr. Mossman? How easily I've washed away her pesky flaws? One can't help but appreciate her now that she lacks her stubborn streak, her subtle arrogance driven by fears of inadequacy. Far better than the existing stock, wouldn't you agree?"

This couldn't be it. She couldn't die here, not to him, not with Mossman watching—

" …Now, there, you won't feel a thing, I promise. This baptism is the most invigorating thing you will ever do. Doesn't that sound far kinder a fate than any afterlife could purport to be? And who better to convert you than me?

"Not to worry: you're in much more capable hands than the ones that clutched your father. His death was an unrefined mess I wish not to repeat. No; for my next piece, I intend to chip away at you until what remains cannot even be called broken."

In the midst of horror, a place of calm. A clear voice.

Look, her father said. Look closer.

No; closer. Past the shock and pain and helplessness; past the blood pooling through limestone; peel back the layers, quiet the scrape of the scream writhing from your throat; stop feeling, stop grieving and see; what remains?

The Advisor in the barn. Bearing pockmarks from its damaged life support.

Alyx, her father said. Look in the inhuman eyes of the one who killed me. ---

Around her, darkness laughed. Stupid girl. Your father suffered many nightmares, but only one was born of choice.

[Lies.]

Whether hand or mind willed it, she didn't know. The former slipped into her boot and curled around a familiar curve.

[Vindicate me. Extinguish these lies.]

Alyx slaked off the HEV with a shove and brandished the pincer. Let the bastard's amused gaze absorb the glint of the weapon that had lured the terrified animal from Breen's host body, made the human inside taste hell.

"This is what you really want, right?" It turned, wry amusement etching Gordon's features. "What you arranged in Black Mesa." With a spirit as chillingly clear as ice, she poised the tip over her heart. "Let him go." Pushed in until the point sank through the parka's outermost skin, slitting tender down. "Or you lose everything."

Unperturbed in the slightest, it rose, and walked toward the fire. "Of the various species I have encountered, I have noted core characteristics." Emerald radiance blurred its edges. Gordon immolated. Gordon through a stained-glass window. Exalted. Untouchable. "They are born, cold, hungry, and screaming, into a world where their suffering engenders no meaning. Rather than endure such an existence, many seek relief. They embrace the end."

The pincer quaked.

"All except one. You do not know how to die."

The light was as holy as it was alien. Heatless like oblivion. Like transcendence.

"It is because you do not know how to die that your kind worships shadows. I knew your Resistance would never come to be without a sacrificial lamb or two. For that role, I could have chosen anyone. You, well. Provided the most convenient means, shall we say.

"To put it in the simplest terms I can: I don't like squandering my investments." Smooth metal nudged her breast. The heart, pumping worthless blood, accelerated at the intrusion. "At Black Mesa, I hoped to purge you of your afflictions. But I see my methods have failed. Instead, you passed your strain onto your neighbor."

Instinct checked her hand, prevented her from carrying out the threat.

The entity huffed a noiseless laugh as she relented her grip. "The flesh is a prison. It craves survival."

tery power is four p

Reduced to a crawl, she knelt beside Barney's prone form while the entity raised its arms, spreading veined wings of cables and cords. If she couldn't commit the crucial deed, she could at least... At least...

"There is nowhere to run, Miss Vance. You both belong to me," it said, "the organs of my body." ---

Something Secret Steers Us - benignmilitancy - Half-Life [Archive of Our Own] Maybe all their struggles amounted to futile effort, a fool's errand. An armored suit worn once and tucked away.

She wouldn't accept her death with any of the grace her mother and father had. She'd be dragged screaming into the dark, gnashing her teeth and biting the hand that supposedly fed.

Until now, she'd been measuring herself against this shadow in her head, this specter of Eli, weighing whether or not he'd have done the same in her circumstances. And she'd been so certain, so absolutely sure her father would have done the right thing, wouldn't have let anyone under his protection die.

"I can't take this," she whispered. "Between Dad and Barney and Gordon, it feels like I'm being crushed… And I know they need me to hold it together, I know… But making these decisions over who lives and who dies… How am I supposed to do that?"

But maybe he would have. The prospect that she didn't really know him at all, what he was capable of in a similar moment of blind, abject desperation, terrified her. That behind every self-effacing moment of his was calculation. That his insistence not to saint him but to look to Gordon instead—so certain this myth of a man held the answers they sought—had been in fact meticulously designed to get her to this point, with Gordon as the control. Solved like an equation, by proof and by axiom, whose life will pay the greater dividend? Whose life may we cast aside? Show your work, Dr. Vance.

[randomartsideblog]

Thinking about that one ep in Sailor Moon Stars where Rei had taken up a part time fortune telling job and Sieya walks in not recognizing her, she gives advice, blah blah, then Usagi who she ends up revealing herself to but anyways. What if. The other 3 inners went in.

Ami walks in all nervous and shy and goes,"I'm not very good with romance, I've never been, but I think I like a girl? I mean, I just find her so wonderful and..." And Rei freezes because A) Oh my gosh it's AMI and B) Oh my gosh AMI LIKES SOMEONE? Ami prattles on about how she wants to know if it's romance/will it go somewhere and Rei catches on its about MAKOTO and because fortune tellers r pretty much counselors at this point, at least for Rei, so our underpaid girl stares into the crystal ball, trying to figure out a response, looking through memories to figure out if this is unrequited love.

"I can't tell you for sure if that's romantic feelings, or if she likes you back or not." Rei finally responds, and Ami slumps down in her seat. "BUT, I can tell you this: you seem to deeply care for your friend in a way that others may not, and it can be viewed as romantic or platonic. Its up to you if you want to pursue this potential path, if you want to try to be more than what you already are. You won't get anywhere, though, unless you do something about it." Rei smiles at Ami who is surprised, but also quite thoughtful.

"At first, I was quite hesitant to try and see a fortune teller. I believe that they're scams. But... you gave me what I know is good advice, and you've helped clear things up for me.... even if you didn't seem to use a lot of magic." Ami gives a soft smile before her fave is pulled back into a thoughtful look. "Say, you remind me of my friend, Rei. She's more of a magic person, and she'd probably tell me what you've told me. You even look like her..."

"WELL HAHA LETS GET GOING NOW I HAVE ORHER CUSTOMERS (I HOPE) TO ATTEND TO."

And Rei ushers Ami out, narrowly avoiding being revealed. A sigh, and she now has to greet ANOTHER customer who happens to be...

"Uh, hi. I was hoping you could look into my love life?"

My goodness.

Makoto.

Mako explains that she's confident she has a crush on a notably nerdy, cute, shy and blue-haired friend of hers, and asks if she'll like her back, if she ever has a chance.

Rei almost passes out on the spot.

"Well, let me confide in my crystal ball." And now Rei is thinking in her head, so Ami likes Mako, Mako likes Ami, they're oblivious to each other... it wouldn't hurt to give them a push because they'll get nowhere by themselves probably.

"This girl you speak of... I cannot garuntee you'll end up together, but if you try your hardest to make her understand you care for her... then that might lead to good things."

Mako thanks Rei and leaves without blowing Rei's cover.

Success.

Maybe I'm finally getting the hang of this, Rei thinks tiredly, maybe I'd be a GREAT fortune teller.

I'm a fortune teller, Rei thinks, not an all seeing maiden or whatever

And Minako walks in

Finally, Minako walks in and Rei's so tired and guikty; she knows her friends secrets, things they probably don't even want her to know, and Reis about to confess to Mina who she is when Minako slams her hands down on the tabke and demands: "HOW DO I WOO MY FRIEND HINO REI?"

So now Rei has to help Mina somehow, when what Mina wants to do is woo her. Okay. Yeah.

Rei's face is burning and she quickly regains her composure. "Y-you want me to advise you on how to... get a date with your friend, Rei?" She manages to choke out.

"Yes." Mina's face is flushed, but determined. "I need to know how to win her over."

Rei shakily requests a few while she stares I to the crystal ball and contemplates. Everything.

Okay. So I'll just... tell her it's not likely they'll end up togehter? Yeah, yeah that'll work! Just. Whoops, sorry, there's actually nothing I can do, give up! But... it feels wrong. It... it doesn't feel right... OH.

And Rei realizes she may have romantic feelings towards her friend.

So Rei clears her throat and tells Minako, "I th- I mean you should, you should try taking it slow. I know you want to try and get your uh... Rei quickly- but spending quality time together and slowly having her come to love you in that way seems to be the best course of action." Rei finishes, hoping that will buy herself time to sort her own feelings out.

Mina seems a bit gloomier, but quickly bounced back with determination. "Well, as long as I can have her..." the grin softens into a gentler smile. "Then I don't mind waiting a bit."

And Mina leaves and Rei requests a break and reminds herself to talk to her grandfather about signing her up for jobs.

[bimboothefool]

Just your ℌ℮Ѧґ†

Content Warning!! WEE WOO WEE WOO!! This contains mentions of dismemberment, zombies dying and overall a campy story. What else am I gonna say lol

“First I'm late for college classes and on my twenty second birthday too. This is so lame!!” You pouted using your chainsaw to hack and slash through the hordes of zombies in your way. You lived in the more city-like part of Mobius. It took you by surprise that an outbreak of this caliber was happening.

“Need a helping hand?!” You looked above and saw a familiar blue blur knock the zombies away. Giving you an opportunity to chop the zombies apart. “Hey Sonic! Fashionably late aren't we?” You teased, he huffed out a sigh. “Look I'm just a one man show. Besides, we got bigger fish to fry.” You hummed, agreeing with him.

It's not everyday zombies just up and show up out of thin air. Someone summoned them, the how was definitely itching the back of your brain. “Yeah let's help out as many civilians and maybe through them we'll find a lead!”

“Now you're talking!” Sonic fires finger guns your way. “Also warn the others!” Sonic salutes to you and quickly types up a warning. Good thing he had access to our college's accounts.

~~

As we're helping out, a couple of civilians noted that a certain albino platypus is the probable cause of this mayhem. “Starline..? Why would he pull this kind of stunt??” You asked about walking with Sonic, now joined by Knuckles and Silver. “He's always had a thing for you.” Sonic brought up, pretty much out of nowhere.

“Why bring that up?” You asked, beyond confusion. “He's been trying to get your attention for legit ever since we were seniors in highschool.” Knuckles said, Sonic butts in with. “Wait, you didn't know?!” All three of them stopped to look at you. “Dude, I had no idea. I thought he was giving me my favorite food because he wanted to thank me for saving him.”

“Utterly dense as always (Y/n).. But then again that's what I always liked about you.” A familiar voice purred. The four of you got into fighting positions as Starline stood atop of a statue. He held a pretty old looking book in his webbed hands. “Starline, you really could've just asked (Y/n) on a date. Like a normal Mobian!” Silver yelled, Starline merely rolled his eyes.

“And be ignored again?! No, I'm done leaving hints, especially when my crush is absolutely oblivious.” The three of them sighed. “Whatever, let's just get that old book he's holding.” Sonic said, but before either of you could get a hit in. A powerful gust of wind sweeps you four off your feet. Soon a bunch of orbs are circulating around the statue Starline’s standing on.

“So you're the pipsqueak who summoned us???” A gruff voice asked, Starline smirked. “Indeed I did! I'm your new master!” The different voices murmured master with a couple of them laughing.

“You our new master?” Starline huffs at the gruff sounding voice. “Yes, that's what I'd just said!” The voice starts to laugh. “Sorry Four Eyes, we don't need a master!” The green orb knocks Starline off the statue as Silver uses his powers to catch him and the book. “Gotcha!!”

Soon a bright light shines and once the light dimmed a green decaying hedgehog in a leather jacket with red shades takes Starline's place. “Because we'll be the new rulers of this pathetic living world!” The zombie hedgehog bellowed out as the other orbs cackled and they all went their separate ways.

His glassy blue eyes shoot towards you. “You… You're a Zombie Hunter aren'tcha?!” He hops off and lands on the concrete. Everyone turns to look towards you. “Oh… You didn't tell them, did ya?! I bet you weren't even gonna utter a peep about it.” He smirks displaying his sharp yellowed teeth. “Oh well lemme introduce myself. I'm Scourge, King of the Rotten World!”

“Zombie Hunter…?” Silver murmured, unsure of what's happening. “The Rotten World, the heck's going on?!” Knuckles interrogated Scourge, who merely laughed. “Why don't you ask that chainsaw wielding cutie, they'll fill you in. You wouldn't keep any more secrets now would ya?” Scourge waltzes closer and puts his face in front of yours as if to intimidate you.

You readied your weapon and before you could swing it, he yelled. “BUZZ OFF!!” His words materialize and push you back. “Catch me if ya can Chainsaw Cutie!” Scourge yelled and disappeared into the darkness.

“(Y/N)!!” You tried to get back up, but Sonic and Knuckles helped you up. “You've got a lot of explaining to do.” Sonic said, Knuckles nodded in agreement. “Until then, Silver, let's bring Starline with us. He's got some explaining to do too.” Silver hummed, using his psychic powers to carry him along and hands the book over to you.

“No problem, besides it's the least I can do.” You said accepting it.

~~

“So let me get this straight.” You nodded at Sonic's attempt to repeat that info back to you. “There's three dimensions; The Land Beyond Words, Our dimension Earth and the Rotten World.” You hummed, confirming that. “You also come from a long lineage of Zombie Hunters that have protected the city for a couple decades?” Silver added. “Pretty much.” You replied.

“And the Zombie Lords’ ultimate goal is to decay the earth and everything on it?” Knuckles asked almost in shock by all of the information presented. “Yeah that's the gist. In order to stop them we can either bargain with them or kill them. However Zombies are notorious for being stubborn. Once they're set on something they'll keep going until they're dead for good. The Zombie Lords are definitely persistent with their goals.” You said, the others were utterly flabbergasted.

Especially considering you were the sweetheart who did cheerleading. It didn't change their perspective on you negatively, it was an unexpected surprise to them.

“Starline has a huge price to pay especially for releasing them for a very selfish reason. I know I'm dense, but next time if there even is. Just ask me out straight up or take me out to dinner and movie first, buddy.” You scorned Starline as he looked away. “Right now we need all hands on deck and that book is gonna be our ticket to victory.” You picked up the worn out book and started looking through it.

~~

Scourge was the last of the Zombie Lords and Shadow along with many of your friends came to help. However Scourge was located in a junkyard, which was generally in the outskirts of the city.

Luckily Shadow was able to find a truck you and the others could use. As you were looking through the book, it was practically the Zombie Hunter's encyclopedia for various zombie types and such. Starline enhanced the team by using the book as a way to strategize and how you could go about getting in and out of fights.

Now you and the others were chatting up a storm on who's doing what. Especially since this is the final fight, you and everyone needed to be two steps ahead of Scourge.

“(Y/n) I have to ask you something.” Shadow said, glancing at one of the car mirrors. “Yeah what's up?” You replied, with bated breath. “I've gathered some intel from Rogue and apparently Scourge has something in store for you.” Shadow said looking at the road ahead as everyone in the truck went silent. “Guess he's not going down without a fight, he might be looking towards changing his form…”

Shadow sighs unsure of how to word his response. “Though I have to admit I'm concerned for you.” You raised a brow at Shadow. “Why? I've got the strength from everyone and myself, brains from Starline and Tails. I feel like I've got a good team!”

“I think he means the way Scourge is talking to and about you.” Silver said and starts listing the times Scourge went out of his way to learn about you and give you things like weapon upgrades and even write bloody messages.

“...that makes so much sense.” You mumbled, it was weird how extreme Scourge was when he did all that.

“Still be careful, from what I can gleam, Scourge is a powerful enemy. One who's definitely has his sights set on you. It's best we take him as a genuine threat.” Starline urged holding your shoulders gently.

“...Okay I'll be careful.” You said with a smile.

~~

Once you all arrived, they've all paved the way to make sure you're able to reach Scourge. Who was now the last of Zombie Lords. They all wished you good luck as you entered the Junkyard Maze. The air was filled with the scent of motor oil, decay and punk music.

Though when you first entered here, you swore you heard him. Besides, he was a loudmouth, though even you knew better than to underestimate him.

Finally you made it to the end of the maze, this is what your little adventure has come to. You jumped into the seemingly vacant arena, trying to get a feel for your surroundings.

“HAHAHA! I'M GONNA CRUSH YOUR FACE!!” Scourge yelled out utterly delighted to finally face you. “So Chainsaw Cutie, you've managed to knock down my pawns. Good for you, now you get to fight me.” You and Scourge were ready for the final showdown.

“You know I gotta admit I'm not a brains type of guy, I've always preferred the heart. They're lively and are unique to each Mobian… You really have to go through so much work just to get to it.” You brows furrowed in disgust. “Ah, sick…” Scourge laughs at your reply. “Though if we're being honest here, I don't wanna eat you. Rather I want to make you mine.” You rolled your eyes, Scourge sees this and places a hand over his scarred chest.

“Oh you don't believe me..? Then let me show you how serious about you I TRULY AM!!” Scourge charges at you at full force and you narrowly dodged his attack. You look at him directly and ready your chainsaw.

~~

Soon you weakened him, though he did a couple scratches on you which wasn't a big deal. You had to be bitten in order to be truly infected.

“I… I lost…?” Scourge said in disbelief, especially at the idea of losing. “Yeah, are you gonna go back to the Rotten World quietly or do I have to finish you off myself?” You asked placing the blade under his chin lifting it up so his eyes can meet yours. His eyes widened almost like his undead heart was beating again.

In this very moment he knew, you were his dream lover. The one he's willing to tie himself down to for the rest of his undead life. You wore a confused expression when you saw him look oddly lovesick. His tail wagged with excitement, and he blurted out. “As long as I'm with you I'll go wherever you go…” He replied dreamily as if his whole personality took a whole one-eighty turn.

“You're not mad??” He still smiles lovingly. “Of course not…” You were beyond confused, usually monsters with his personality would've cursed up a storm or reluctantly go back. But this was the last thing you'd expect. “Yeesh you're weird, but as long as you're not gonna hurt anyone… You can stay with me.”

You carefully slid your chainsaw away from his chin and stabbed it onto the ground. Sonic started calling you. You picked up your phone and almost lost your ear drum. “(Y/N) ARE YOU OKAY DO YOU NEED BACK–?” You cut him off with. “Yeah I'm okay and how's our world right now?”

“Seems like it's returning to normal. Though it's strange, the only undead life force I'm able to detect is right next to you.” Tails mentioned and I swiftly explained. “It's a bit complicated, but needless to say Scourge is staying. I think Cupid shot him. Just come pick us up…” You groaned feeling you need headache pills and some comfort food.

“Okay we're on our way!” Silver chimed in over Sonic's phone, you ended the call and soon silence settled in. You sat on the ground and looked up at the sky and saw it looked clearer, you're able to see the moon and stars.

“Pretty isn't it?” You almost felt your heart jump out of your chest. “Jeez Scourge, you scared me… Though yeah it's a pretty view to be honest..” Scourge gave you a toothy smile with a laugh. “Good it's payback for making me wait for so long!” He said, sitting down next to you. “I thought I was gonna die of boredom. Especially with how long it took ya to get here or just you not seeing my messages.”

You shook your head, letting out a small chuckle. “Where would a zombie go at that point??” Scourge shrugs. “Who knows I'm staying with you and I'm your problem now.” He says draping an arm around your shoulders.

‘Hopefully everything's back to normal, or as normal as it could be… My life isn't normal by any means, but eh whatever… Maybe going on a date with a powerful zombie won't be so bad.’ You thought as you looked at the stars that sprinkled the night sky.

[theatre-of-the-mind]

Beginnings: 1-4

>> LOADING SCENE...

Now on the school grounds, Midnight decides to scope it out. There's a tall tree in the corner that looks climbable - a potential escape route. The perimeter walls are too tall to climb over, but the fence looks promising. They must really trust these kids that they'll keep away from it, it almost looks too easy to climb over. It's barely taller than him.

The school building itself isn't too big - Midnight was expecting something a lot bigger, from the impression Lumine gave him. This can't be all of it, surely.

He's forcefully dragged out of his thoughts when someone catches his attention. Someone new has joined the scene. Enter Theodore.

He's the same height as Midnight - well, maybe a bit taller - and is bright yellow-orange in colour. They briefly make eye contact, and— oh no he's coming closer—

"Hi! is it your first day here?"

"Uh... yeah. Yours too?"

"Mhm! How come you're so early? Too excited to wait?"

"I... just... wanted to take a look around first..."

"Oh, that's smart. I'd want to know all the best hiding spots too. I've heard some people can be mean to the new kids, so it'd be useful to have somewhere to run away to!"

"That's not why I..."

Does he think this is a game? Does he not know just how serious this is? If someone finds out about Midnight's magic he'll need to find a way out quickly. But, then again, this kid doesn't have his problem.

"I'm Theo by the way! Nice to meet you!"

"Likewise. I'm Midnight."

And with that, Midnight ends the conversation and continues his survey of the grounds. Just how tall is that tree? Is it climbable? How long would it take to—

"So uhh... have you found any cool places yet?"

Why won't he leave him alone? Didn't Midnight make it clear he doesn't want to talk right now? This is way more important. Friendship-making comes later in the plan.

"No, not yet."

Although...

"What do you know about the edge of the island? What's down there?"

"Beyond the fence? Uhh.. I don't know, I've been told by my parents not to go near it, it might be something scary..."

Midnight makes a bee-line straight to the far end of the playground.

"Hey!—"

It's the same as before, just a sheer drop a few feet after the fence. He climbs up just high enough to peek over the top—

"What are you doing?! We were told not to go near it! It could be dangerous!"

"But doesn't that just make you want to explore even more?"

"... No? Midnight! You should really get down, what if you fall?! There're no adults around!"

And that’s a good thing.

By now Midnight has climbed to the top and is balancing his way to the end of the fence, towards the corner. He briefly glances at Theo who follows on the ground beside him - he looks worried. But Midnight is glad Theo didn't try to pull him back down, or try to forcefully stop him from what he's doing. He may not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Midnight finds that even once on top of the fence, the perimeter walls are still too tall to climb over. Looks like the tree is the only option for now.

He jumps back down, much to the relief of Theo, and takes one last look around this corner of the grounds. Before heading back to the tree, something catches his attention.

There's a tiny gap between the wall and the end of the fence, and he might just be able to squeeze through. But just as he's midway—

(/safe)

What perfect timing. (/s)

The playground is now much fuller than Midnight had realised, and Theo is nowhere to be seen.

[@]:

Wow! I didn't know this thing had sound! How does that even work?

[*]:

Well... think of it like this. After hearing a sound, you can replicate it in your mind using your imagination, right? Given that we have access to Midnight's thoughts, it would make sense we can perceive his auditory imagination also.

[@]:

Okay... so how come we heard the school bells and not any dialogue?

[*]:

I did mention before the beginning that this medium isn't exactly perfect. I told you it needs more time, yet you insisted—

[@]:

Yeah yeah, whatever.

>> END OF SCENE IV.

[Prev] [Next] [Chapter Index]

[rust-bearer]

Got some zombie thoughts I figured you might enjoy, since they're sort of more First Aid oriented.

It’s nothing too big, for the most part, but lately I've been thinking a little bit more about Aid's relationship with Ambulon, and... well, his relationship with everyone, really, and I’m starting to wonder how that would affect him overall (gonna explain in further detail, that’s so fucking vague lol). He's such an interesting character, and it makes me wonder how long he would manage to survive the apocalypse in the long run. Not like, physically.

Well, maybe physically, but moreso mentally?

If you think about it, everyone else has the capacity for callousness. I mean, sure, so does he, but he's so... I don't know. It's hard to pinpoint. You've got the Combaticons, which — yeah, you know. You've got Ambulon, who strikes me as someone who's kind of seen how bad the world can get and no longer cares anymore, he's like that one shitty parent that's gonna be like "real world sucks kid, get over it" but like, without all the extra trauma. He's probably seen shit, been through it, too, and no longer cares. His mindset is seeing the world like the main character in “Train to Busan.” Sure, he cares, but he knows damn well it's gonna be everyone for themselves out there when SHTF, and he can’t let his own compassion cloud his judgment.

Anyway, this is supposed to be geared towards First Aid, sorry about that, um... okay. I feel like First Aid is gonna have a very, very hard time living post-apocalypse. He's gonna see people fucking other people over, he's gonna see the bitterness and nastiness humanity is known for capable of, hell, he's probably gonna LOSE a lot of the people he's close to. Going off of my Amby shows up out of nowhere thoughts, but it makes me wonder what will happen when he realizes Ambulon isn't going to stay.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not like Ambulon is falling off the face of the earth or pulling that end-of-movie move like in "I Am Legend” (I HATED that ending, can you tell?). No, I think it'll be a "we need to sit down, you and I, and we need to talk about what happens moving forward."

Ambulon is an immunologist. As such, it’s his responsibility to solve this! …Right? He’s got duty, he’s got a career (sort of), but most importantly, he has a very, very strong sense of independence. He's stifled there, trapped together in the farmhouse. The Combaticon family gets on his nerves, he feels unsafe/vulnerable, and he just can't handle the way First Aid looks at those kids, all the kids he's rescued, with love and affection and care. He can't stomach the fact that he's going to be leaving, that he won't be staying long term, that he's going back to the abandoned clinic, and he HAS to tell First Aid this sooner rather than later.

I just can't help but imagine how this might affect Aid. Like, he's lost his family (gestalt) and didn't even get a proper goodbye, let alone burial... assuming they didn't up and leave the country or something. He lost his practice, his hospital/urgent care, the unlikely found family that comes from spending so much time with so many people JUST as compassion as him.

He found the Combaticons (sort of) and he's got the kids (for the most part). It's more soul-sucking than it is helpful, but he’s also got Ambulon: a strong, steady, intimidating broody person who he knows he can rely on, who he knows he can trust, and who he knows will be there with him until—oh, what's this? Ambulon's leaving now, too?

It's not forever, he knows. He’ll see him again, he thinks—no, he knows (well, he thinks he knows). They'll keep in touch, or... something. First Aid isn't sure of the logistics, but Ambulon claims he'll find a way to contact First Aid with information and updates and logistics and—and…. That’s it. Nothing personal. Nothing familial, or affectionate, just... information.

It probably hurts. It's probably discouraging, really. First Aid has proven to himself and to others than he can survive, but can he continue living like this?

Eugh, this is wayyyy longer than I'd planned. Still, just figured you might like to play around with this, especially since it does focus more on Aid's mental state and mindset throughout the entire ordeal. Brain stuff is my absolute favorite, so I couldn't help but think about it and give it some consideration. Happy holidays!!

Christmas kept me so busy I almost forgor about this ask while I let it stew in my brain. I don’t even know how but I remembered it when opening a bag of veggie straws and saw the straws had a Facebook; why would I follow their Facebook, what could they even update me on.

Anyway. Slightly related but the book version of I Am Legend does do things differently- I always liked the buildup of the movie, and the way it sets up the “this is his normal day routine” and casually has him lock down his entire house and quietly huddle in the bathroom the entire night in routine terror… really good.

I imagine Ambulon would actually have something similar to that; in the sense that, he does have this survivability to him. Really, he only died in the comics because it was a plot point: First Aid needed someone to die for his ‘moment’, and Ambulon needed to die for Pharma’s. BUT in another scenario bereft of that, Ambulon is very good at surviving off the grid. Not “I’m camping in the woods and fishing” but more, “I have a safehouse and it’s stocked and it’s semi sustainable, and I’m always improving and researching”

First Aid, bless his heart, is the kind of guy who would have died early on in the comics if he wasn’t a semi main character and if JRO didn’t like him. He would be really GOOD at being a dead plot device, yknow? Can make everyone sad about how caring and kind he was, very fridgable. IN THIS story I imagine he is semi aware of how precarious his life grasp is- he’s more likely to die because of his caring, his kindness, his need to help people. It’s the kind of thing he tries not to think about, because the only way to solve that is to stop being who he is, and he can’t. But he can try to convince Ambulon, for instance, to stay. First Aid is absolutely projecting himself into Ambulon, but he’s terrified that if (when) Ambulon leaves, he will be in the same danger First Aid is always routinely in. And he will die. And First Aid’s stomach drops at that prospect.

Ambulon, for his part, tries to distance himself from… this. Not in an unfeeling way, but in that he cares too much. First Aid is his friend. But things are different now, and Ambulon can’t be worrying about that. Refuses to be distracted by imagining life is back to normal. He’s relieved that First Aid found a group of survivors, he really is, but it’s. It’s not for him.

A recurring nightmare is this scene. For who the nightmare is, who knows. But it likes to loop, every night he sleeps.

[lesbianlotties]

Okay real question. After seeing how popular Ronance has become (plus everybody wanting Robin happy and Nancy + Jonathan (or even Steve) decaying), do you think there's a chance the Duffers considering Ronance? They still have to write season 5 so who knows? They need to give fans a good queer couple (I personally think Byler won't happen since Mileven is too popular and Duffers are too attached to the couple). So maybe we have Ronance? Their popularity has become insane! Don't wanna have my hope up but I can't stop thinking about it

Uh oh. 'm seriously struggling with this answer because I can't help but be realistic BUT I'm also aggressively delusional at this point... let's say i'm 50/50. i'll give you both answers...

first,

I really, really, don't think they'll dare to make Ronance canon for a few reasons. they already seem overwhelmed and out of their depth with one and a half gay canon gay characters. if they don't straight up kill Robin or Will, they probably can't handle more than one gay relationship on their show and, i agree with you, I doubt Byler has any chance, and it seems unlikely that they'll just drop a new love interest for Will out of nowhere, so that leaves us Robin, who already has whatever that was with Vickie. they did not handle the Vickie situation well, but she is more than just an extra, and the actress!! they have to bring her back. i'd kill for Ronance but I think it's so much more likely that Robin will end up with Vickie. Do I think they're right? Absolutely not. Do I think they'll be able to dig themselves out of the "Nancy's entire arc revolves around Steve or Jonathan" hole that they put themselves in? I doubt it. and as aggressively gay as the Robin and Nancy interactions might seem to all of us, I'm not sure if any of it was gay enough to overpower all the odds against them

on the other hand,

it would just make so goddamn sense 😭😭😭 and we all love to hate on the duffer brothers but at the same time, they do have the most popular show in the world, they can't be that stupid, right? they have to be aware of the things their audience wants (tho after seeing vol 2 apparently all they want is to anger their audience so yikes) like. the audience wants it. the actresses support it. it would be a wonderful twist. it would make so much sense and do wonders for Nancy arc, rising above the love triangle bullshit to find her real self and fall in love with someone that would be her future and a departure from all the trauma of the past. it would be fair with robin! an actual love story instead of attaching her to a copy of herself because they couldn't think of a personality for another gay character??? there are many more points in favor that i've seen in other posts as i'm sure you've seen and like. i genuinely believe it would make sense, it would be a smart decision, and they can absolutely pull it off if they really wanted to.

OH and like. i kind of believe both things but i choose to stick with the delusional part of my self so yeah. if you want to discuss more of why it should totally be canon and how it definitely will be canon. i'm here!!

[djangodurango]

Duck!! 🦆

With the caveat that I don't really think about trains having romantic relationships in the same sense that people do since, you know, they're trains...

NOTP: Diesel.

Duck values, above all else, getting his work done without any fuss and if the Great Western Way is indeed the standard on the Great Western Railway, then most engines he's interacted in his life prior to arriving on the North Western Railway feel that way as well. So Diesel was probably the first time he'd ever had someone cause that much discord in the yard and the first time his character was ever called into question. Even if Duck can tough it out to work with Diesel now, he probably never really gets over it.

BROTP: Percy.

They get along swimmingly at first meet, they have similar senses of work ethic, and Duck from Day One has gone out of his way to encourage Percy to advocate for himself. One could take a more uncharitable interpretation of this because the only other time Duck is insubordinate, he also let Percy take the role of spokesperson for their strike. Then again, this is also after Percy was unwillingly nominated for the deputation (an idea that Duck was also reluctant about) so maybe Percy's just getting used to being the union rep for collective actions.

Anyway, the point is, while Duck is the mastermind behind the revolt against the big engines' behavior and speaks to Sir Topham Hatt on their behalf, Percy is the one actually on the turnplate keeping the big engines out of the shed. It has to be Percy front and center, because Percy is the one who has to assert himself here or else they'll just keep bossing Percy around even if they stop doing so with Duck.

My OTP for them: Donald.

They have a duck daughter together! And I mean, that the pairing name is Donald/Duck? It gives me a sensible chuckle. And the fact that Donald, when arguing with his brother, leaps at the chance to work with Duck again? They've got a thing goin' on. The twins are also known for their similar lack of complaint when working, which is something that would resonate with Duck.

I haven't read the books yet (I ordered them, they're coming) but apparently Donald and Douglas bring up their old railway all the fuckin' time, so Duck probably also appreciates their loyalty to their heritage (even if the Caledonian Railway is obviously nowhere near as good as the GWR).

My second choice pairing for them: City of Truro.

The admiration and kinship is already there, City of Truro is written as being very friendly and amicable despite his fame, and they're both Great Westerns so I mean. Easy pick.

My fluffy pairing for them: Sir Topham Hatt.

Again, we're not talking romantic relationships for trains, but anytime Duck fucks up, Hatt is usually pretty lenient with him, if not reassuring. And why not? Duck's a good boy! When he crashes - which is rare - it's usually not his fault. And even if it is ("The Thomas Way"), he's got enough social capital from his general sense of responsibility, work ethic, and comparative lack of incident that Hatt's willing to just let him off with his disapproval. Which is awful as far as Duck's concerned, but it's not the kind of dressing down most of the other engines would get. The only time Duck ever showed outright insubordination, "Diesel Does It Again", Hatt didn't reprimand him, he simply explained that Diesel is the only engine that was available to help them and that he needs Duck and Percy to help him by going back to work.

My angsty pairing for them: James

The CGI series seems to gently brush the cheek of this concept, as if it would like to explore it but just feels they can't waste that much time on a side character, which is a shame because I think you could really do a lot with it and also because Duck's voice on this show is adorable.

James and Duck are actually quite similar. They are built for nearly identical duties, which Duck does happily in any occasion, whereas James gets harrumphed if he's asked to pull anything but coaches as he feels anything else is beneath him. They are both very proud of their liveries, but for completely opposite reasons: James is an individualist, to his detriment, and asks for red paint (which he is quite proud of, also to his detriment) to differentiate himself from the rest of the fleet which was moving toward a consistent blue livery at the time. Duck is painted in his GWR livery and he is quite proud of the work history it represents. To him, his livery is a mark of his belonging to the GWR and being an exemplary model of what that railway represented and he brings that to the NWR now. James, by contrast, is always seeking to either separate himself from the rest of the fleet or else prove himself the best of it.

He wants to be a Gordon, but he is not and will never be. So seeing someone like Duck, who knows exactly who and what he is (exactly the same thing James is) and is content with it, is disquieting. James attempts to look down on Duck for being satisfied and proud of the work he does, regardless of its perceived prestige, but maybe some part of him actually envies Duck for his security and assurance in himself.

If this show were about character growth at all, Duck would be an excellent avenue for that for James.

My favorite poly ship for them:

I don't really have a ship for Duck this way but... In "Duck in the Water", Duck (who is painted green) needs to be pulled out of a flooded track he's run into. James and Rocky come to do this, but James being impatient results in a signal being knocked over on the way there. So as they are trying to pull Duck out, Oliver (also painted green) comes up behind them and with no signal to tell him to slow down, he bumps into the back of James, who slams into Rocky, who drops Duck back in the water. Then, as Oliver is backing up so his driver can put up a warning flag, Percy (also green) comes along too and, with no signal to warn him, bumps into Oliver, who bumps into James, who bumps into Rocky, who drops Duck again and the green grass grows all around all around. And as I am watching all of this unfold, I am thinking to myself, "All we need now is Henry and this'll be a real green clusterfuck."

My weirdest pairing for them:

Daisy would be a delightful disaster, although Duck might have some positive influence on her that could be interesting. Duncan would also be a shitshow worth watching. Could be fun to watch how he'd handle an interaction with Bill and Ben as it would be a test of wills, unstoppable force versus immovable object.

[a-student-out-of-time]

Similarly having Eden revealed as the manipulator would net the same effect. If the girl who tried to get Teruko to change her mind about being cynic turns out to be a massive asshole who lied about the whole thing, it would vindicate Teruko and thus Mod would probably quit watching Despair Time.

//Here's the thing about that: A lot of people like to make their own theories, and I love seeing them, and some are way more plausible than others

//But the question I must ask is whether there's a distinction between theorists who are writers and theorists who aren't.

//Because I've seen quite a bit of speculation before and during Chapter 2's release thus far, and quite a bit has been wild. I've had people ask me if I think Teruko will die this chapter, if I think we'll have a different protag, if I think Nico is really the killer, etc.

//And maybe it's just because I've spent over a decade writing at this point, but there are some theories that don't just go against character and story logic, they go against basic writing in general

//Having events play out in a story isn't as simple as "and then X happens." The best stories are ones where these events have significance to the narrative and themes. Writing advice like "if you're stuck, kill a character" fails because just having someone die to progress the story is not a good idea

//Yes, having Teruko die this chapter would be surprising, but something being surprising and something being good storytelling are two entirely separate things. A plot twist that comes out of nowhere will surprise you, but when you think about it for too long and it doesn't make sense, it's a bad inclusion

//You can get away with killing a protagonist, but there are only certain places you can pull it off: near the beginning, at the halfway point and at the climax. You can't have a protagonist die when they're, say, 37% of the way through the story. Not because nobody's done it before, but because you simply can't from a storytelling perspective.

//Characters dying with their arcs unresolved, especially if it's done just to get an emotional reaction, basically tells the audience that the character's only purpose was to make them sad. That pisses people off and ruins the story on repeat viewings.

//And yes, I know that stories like DR inevitably have a body count, but there are ways to make character deaths work without them feeling cheap or emotionally manipulative. The best ones are about people failing to overcome their worst natures, succumbing to their fears or even doing things out of a sense of love or the greater good.

//Characters should never die just for the sake of dying, to move the story along or provoking a reaction. That's the absolute worst form of writing.

//Likewise, you have to take into account what themes are being put on display here. For Despair Time, the first chapter was about how betrayal overcame trust; the second chapter thus far has been about rebuilding a sense of trust in the wake of that betrayal, with emotional and rationalistic perspectives as to why

//Let me put it this way: if Despair Time were really as cynical as people seem to think it is, Eden would be dead by now. She would've been the first victim to showcase why trust is bad actually, and why being optimistic is naive and pointless in these games. That's how it works.

//But she's not. In fact, she's been one of the only people who actually has managed to reach Teruko on a personal level with her speech about optimism. She's not optimistic because she's stupid, she chooses to be that way and wants to help others overcome their emotional issues, which she's certain is how they'll survive.

//And if my theory that she's the one who's attempted suicide three times is correct, that means that she's speaking from a perspective that Teruko may be able to understand. It gives her words and actions more meaning, and thus more weight to her choice to be kind in the face of adversity.

//Her being a manipulator would completely undermine this Chapter's themes and would make zero sense from a character standpoint. Sure, I could see her being accused of it, but how, exactly, would it make sense? How would that explain anything?

//Suggesting that Eden is a manipulator would forces us to completely throw out everything we know about her as a character, and that seems completely unlikely to me. Especially given, like I keep saying, this chapter has been about why trust and optimism are a good thing.

//Again, just because something would be surprising wouldn't make it good storytelling. Stories are never as simple as who lives and who dies and why, who gets a happy ending and who doesn't. You need to read between the lines and look at character motivation and the weight put on certain lines and events

//Also, maybe it's just that I'm very sick of grimdark narratives, but I honestly have no patience for cynicism, and from the looks of it, neither does Despair Time