#goodbye eri icons

[tojismo]

ベルベットより青い夜だった.

[yongblock]

📍 Vernon Street.

[sullista]

༻ ☠︎ ༺ ⋆｡˚ ༻ ☠︎ ༺ ⋆｡˚ ༻ ☠︎ ༺ ⋆｡˚

[er0thicc]

ⵌ goodbye eri ᳦ 🎥 . .

[soopkreem]

You should create an outlast fan comic krim theyre so fun to read

Isn't that what I mostly do lately lol

But yeah I've been thinking about making a comic but I'm not that dedicated so... can't promise anything for now o[-[

My impatient ass mainly dislikes scriptwriting and storyboarding bc it would take up so much energy and hours, usually jump straight to the real thing so things can get messy pretty much every time I get my hands on them

^^^ The disaster happened because I prioritize visuals first over dialogues, which made them really awkward wwww I really like the panel ratio and the art though... There's a finished version but i forgot where i put it

[velionya]

goodbye, eri

[togairaa]

New header redraw of my old one 🙁

[luzho]

chishiya played amongus! he was sooo cool so i gave him even more explosions to walk away from! (based on the already iconic fujimoto explosions! the one in ‘goodbye eri’ is my favorite!)

[ID: This is a digital drawing of Chishiya, wearing his usual monochromatic outfit but drawn in vibrant warm colors, walking away from the entrance to the Prison of the Jack of Hearts. Both the entrance and the airship above it are exploding --destroying windows, sending debris flying, dropping the giant Jack of Hearts card the airship was carrying, and lighting up a lavender sky with a huge heart. Chishiya looks back at the mess, smirking. End ID]

[spacedustmantis]

goodbye and thank you for your service eris b*gelverse. you were a fantastic tumblr icon. bald princess peach time

[crowfeathers]

who's that in you're icon. i can't see it very well but it looks like cute manga art <3 !

it’s Eri from Goodbye, Eri :) it’s a one-shot manga by tatsuki fujimoto, I recommend it!

[informationbrcker]

Hushed whispers were the first thing that she heard as the pounding in her temples soon turned into a throbbing. Squeezing her eyes, Eris attempted to rid herself of the pain that was becoming a nuisance with each passing second. The voices mocked her and chuckled low before she felt one of them threading their grubby fingers in her hair and yanking her head back. Eyes snapping open, Eris was met with familiar green eyes that haunted her nightmares. “There’s the little goddess. Finally, awake Eris…” His voice made her swallow hard and fear was clear as she struggled to get out of his grip. The hot tears prickled at the corner of her eyes and gritted her teeth before she went to speak…

“William. I don’t remember you making an appointment…” Eris spoke through gritted teeth. Trying not to show anymore fear but he could read her like a book. The smirk on the man’s face only confirmed that, and the grip on her hair cause her to groan in pain. Digging his fingers more into her hair, he kept a tight grip. A shiver ran down her spine from her bare feet, touching the cold cement beneath. Where had he taken her?

William Light wasn’t the person to piss off and Eris had done that. Eris had helped someone locate their daughter and bring his acts to the light. Now she was paying the price. Eris was at his mercy and she didn’t want to admit that…

“One rule Eris. You had one fucking rule. Did you forget it?” He spoke, but his voice rose with each word, making her wince. “I bought you that fucking run down building that you made in a mediocre base of your operations. I didn’t ask for the money back! What did I ask for, Eris?” He asked before releasing his grip on her hair and walking around to face her. Still, Eris refused to speak and merely looked him in the eyes, but that had been the wrong. How did she know it was wrong? Simple. He had struck her hard enough that her head went to the side and she tasted blood. Had she bitten her lip before he struck, or was it from her cheek? Eris wasn’t sure, but she could feel the pain radiating from it. It was more than likely going to be red and bruised…

“What was the rule, Hale? Don’t make me repeat myself….” William spoke before one of his men handed him a cloth to wipe his hand and she lowered her head for a moment. Scared. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she wanted to cry. Eris knew he wouldn’t just let her walk out of her. No, Mr. Light was teaching her a lesson. A lesson that she wouldn’t come back from. No one ever did. She had witnessed that firsthand when he had worked under him. Now, she was the one who wouldn’t be coming back. They would take the Golden Apple for him and her staff… hopefully he wouldn’t dare do anything to them…

Eris went to think of some prayer that she might have heard as a child, but it didn’t come. Instead, a familiar ringtone filled the air and her stomach turned to ice. That was her personal phone. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

“Did you have some date tonight? Here, I’ll let them know you’re busy…”

“No! Please! No!” Another back-handed slap was felt across her cheek and she let out a whimper at the pain. Tears streaming down her cheeks at this point. Eris couldn’t hear the voice on the other line, and her face stung with pain.

“Hello? Oh, I’m sorry. Eris is currently busy with an appointment. I could take a message for you? Or I should tell you that if you want to speak with her one last time, then there’s a fee.”

“Don’t pay him a fucking dime!” She screamed, praying the other person might hear her, but her head was jerked back again and an icy blade pressed to her throat. The blade nicking her skin and she could feel the small thing of blood on her skin. It was a warning… “Don’t listen to him!”

Another sound echoed in the room and her scream rang out before William chuckled.

“I’m sorry but she’ll be a little busy. Boys, do what you want to her. She needs to learn a lesson…” William hit the red icon on the call and ended it with no goodbye and dropped her phone to the ground, crushing it under his shoe.

[translationandbetrayals]

Goobye Eri and How it embodies Fujimoto's works

Fujimoto, author of Chainsaw Man and Fire punch, is known for his very particular storytelling, with a very cinephilic feeling to his pages, and touching various themes of existentialism, sexuality, loss, etc. Of course with his iconic weirdness touch to it. One of his works embodying his particular writing style, in my opinion, would be Goodbye Eri. 

This one-shot portrays the story of a boy, who is initially asked by his mother to record her until she dies inevitably because of her illness.  He then goes to edit all this footage and makes a movie about it, where at the end he doesn’t record his mother’s death and finishes the movie with a big explosion in the hospital. The story moves from this point onwards, and as to not spoil it much I won't say more.

The whole manga is drawn as panels where from Yuta’s camera, as he records everything through his direct point of view, edited by himself as is revealed later on, to tell his story. Every panel shows his development with the character he is shown with, Eri, in a very simplistic, yet profound way. Using simple interactions or expressions he can show so much, without any dialogue!

  Also, something to point out, that is very well known from Fujimoto’s works, is his unique and amazing way of paneling. The way that he creates these pauses, emotions and expectations, using repeated panels, or just simple shots, as if every panel were a second, is an amazing skill that is visible in every one of his works, including Chainsaw man!

Goodbye Eri, also has a wide range of very close-to-home themes, that include grief, the need to be remembered, the different ways we cope with reality or how we see it, suicide, the creative process, friendship, paternity, and self-improvement, in a very uncommon way. I mean, a boy who makes a movie out of videos that his dead mother forced him to do? Without including the rest of the story, that is an already very rare plot. A common trait for Fujimoto’s works, including his very out-of-a-blunt twists.

But I think the reason for that, is one of the things to take out of this One-shot, and that seems to embody Fujimoto’s works in general. Which is why I decided to speak on this one shot in particular!

All of his works, touch on very specific and personal themes, through the lenses of fantasy in such an effective way, with the fantastic aspects rarely overtaking the conflict created inside these themes! The pinch of fantasy, actually adds on the commentary, and what the characters go through these topics, instead of being the “main theme”. 

Which is why I recommend this one-shot in particular, as I feel it presents this feeling, and all of the traits that make Fujimoto’s works unique, very well!

- Millaray Gonzalez 

[yaskx0000]

GOODByE ERI ICONS❕

[snowgoldwaylon]

A Night At The Opera - Grigori Weaver X Reader

Performing is what you loved to do best. Meeting a young soldier is just what you always dreamed off, but while you were on tour for one of the most iconic operas ever written. And you, the main character.

TW: None!

"Y/N! You are live in 10 minutes!" The producer called, as he walked past your mirror.

You glanced in the mirror and just caught the last glimpse of him leaving the room. You turned to look back at yourself in the large vanity, the lights illuminating your current hair style which stood pretty tall.

You were getting final touches to hair and makeup, and it just so happens for this opera, you were the main star. And as hollywood rules states, go big or go home. So you chose the classic big, bouncy curly hair with curled sideburns to give it spice.

It was elegant, you had little glass flowers put all through it so it would glitter and reflect off the stage lights. You wore a stunning ballgown dress, with large bell sleeves. And for the finishing touch which the hair stylist was putting in your hair?

An authentic, diamond and gold lined tiara, which had a long, lace veil attached to the back. You simply smiled at how you looked in this moment. A makeup artist came over and touched up some spots and re-applied the ruby red lipstick you had on.

As soon as they finished, you looked over yourself and smiled. You pushed a falling glass piece back into place, applied hairspray, and got up. You soothed the dress out and turned to the two who had made you look stunning.

"Thank you both, you have made my dream look come true! I think I'm going to permanently hire both of you to tour with me!" You exclaimed, giving a hand.

They both nodded graciously, and bowed with a humble 'thank you' before you were pulled away by someone.

"Okay Y/N, you will be live in one minute. You know the cues, good luck out there!" The stage coach yelled, pulling you to the side stage.

You watched as the young man who played Pollione finish his number, Meco all'altar di Venere. After the dramatic change of scene and the curtain close, the audience clapped loudly. The moment you trained for was finally here!

You watched as Klaus, the owner of the gorgeous, all original opera house approached you. You smiled, and he gave you his hand.

"Miss Y/N, do you look stunning! I must tell you before you go on, we have special guests in the audience. Not to make you worried or such, but these guests are returning soldiers from the war. One in particular who you might have the chance to meet after, is named Grigori Weaver. He loves operas, and even funded this show to go on!" Klaus exclaimed.

You were taken back by the odd sounding name. Grigori? Is that Russian? you asked yourself. You smiled at Klaus, and gave a simple nod.

"Yes Klaus, I understand. Thank you for the information. I do hope to meet him afterwards!" You said.

The stage hand tapped your shoulder, as you saw two men heading towards the curtain strings.

"I must go, Klaus. Thank you!" You said, before taking your spot center stage, right up against the curtain.

The choir filed in behind you on the risers as you stood, singing small voice warmups before it was go time. You felt nervous, but excited. Your heart raced with joy and adrenaline as the final words of the scene were spoken.

That was the cue! With the final dialouge spoken, the curtains opened. The lights suddenly filled your vision, along with the large crowd in the huge theather. A small, soft smile was written on your flawless features as the orchestra began the song.

The flute soloist filled the room with warm, beautiful, contrasted music with crescendos and decrescendos. It sounded almost ominous, but it was beautiful. You stood in the pose as practiced before.

The bell sleeves hung beautiful as you would slightly lift your arms with the music. The violins cued your very first note, and you gave it your all.

"Casta Diva, che inargenti

queste sacre antiche piante,

a noi volgi il bel sembiante

senza nube e senza vel."

You maintained a professional and elegant posture as you acted the part of your character, Norma. You swayed lightly with the music, and smiled as the choir behind you hit the correct notes, pitch, and phrases behind you. You glanced out over the crowd, and right away spotted a man wearing an eye patch in the VIP section.

Suddenly, you felt the urge to finish this aria right, and with ease. Your next cue happened, and you let the bell sleeves hang beside you.

"Tempra, o Diva,

tempra tu de’ cori ardenti

tempra ancora lo zelo audace,

spargi in terra quella pace

che regnar tu fai nel ciel.

 

Fine al rito

e il sacro bosco

sia disgombro dai profani.

Quando il Nume irato e fosco,

chiegga il sangue dei Romani.

Dal Druidico delubro

La mia voce tuonerà.

Cadrà; punirlo io posso.

Ma, punirlo, il cor non sa.

 

Ah! bello a me ritorna

Del fido amor primiero;

E contro il mondo intiero

difesa a te sarò.

Ah! bello a me ritorna

Del raggio tuo sereno,

e vita nel tuo seno,

e patria e cielo avrò.

Ah, riedi ancora qual eri allora,

quando il cor ti diedi allora,

ah, riedi a me."

With the last note of the orchestra, ending right after your vocals pitched down, you struck an elegant pose. The diamond of the tiara made you sparkle as you soaked up all limelight.

Cheers roared and echoed through the halls and walkways of the opera house. Whistles and flowers were thrown as the curtains began to slowly close. You glanced towards the man with the eyepatch again, and saw him standing up.

He joined everyone in a standing ovation because your pure and effortless talent had shaken them to the core, but in a good way. The heat of the lights brought you to a pant, and small specks of sweat beaded at the line of your hair.

The curtains finally came to a close and you released the pose. You quickly made the way backstage to cool off, so you wouldn't look rough for the finishing act.

Producers swarmed you, makeup artists, and hair artists also swarmed you like buzards so they could doll you back up. You were to keep the hairstyle for the final act, but change the dress for a Victoria era wedding dress.

TIMESKIP, END OF THE OPERA

You gathered at the entrance along with the cast to say goodbye to guests as they exited the opera house. This gave guests a chance to get autographs, pictures, and words to say. You were of course, the first at the door for the order of namesake.

Soon, the hundreds of people came, and shook hands with everyone. You were signing many autographs for many people, and snapping many pictures for all. And you were very determined to make sure everyone who asked had one.

Soon, the end of the line came, and out came the man in question. The handsome, dark haired man with the eye patch and a handsome pair of dress blues. He made conversation with everyone, and you even noticed Klaus right beside him, talking.

They came up to you last, and the rest of the cast exited to get cleaned up. You smiled as they approached, and held out your hand.

"Evening, Miss Norma. You did fantastic. My name is Grigori Weaver, could I have yours please?" He asked kindly, taking your hand and giving it a small kiss.

You blushed as Grigori let your hand go, and turned to Klaus.

"This is the gentleman who sponsored the whole show!"

"Ah yes, Grigori. Nice too meet you. I'm Y/N Y/L/N. Or as you know, Norma. On behalf on all my cast and producers, coaches, and myself, we thank you. This production would have been lost if it wasn't for you kind donation." You said.

He smiled at you, and only you. He couldn't get over how flawless and just how polite you were.

"Well, as proven tonight, Miss Y/L/N, it's my pleasure. I do hope you stick around for more performances these coming years, da?" He asked.

"Well of course! I plan on staying in the opera for many years while I attend school and look for my dream job." You said.

Grigori looked at his watched, and slipped his hat on. While he fixed the collar on his jacket, he fished inside his coat for something. He pulled out a brilliant, luscious red rose and handed to you. You gratefully accepted as a blushed creeped across you.

"I must be going now, my job starts soon. But, for you, Norma. Maybe possibly I could come see you perform again this coming week?" He asked.

"Of course you can, I'd love that." You said, with a smile.

"Off I go then. Have a wonderful evening, both of you!" He said as he exited the opera house.

You watched him walk to his very luxurious car, and he looked back. You waved and turned on your heel, walking back with Klaus.

"I think you just got the VIP to fall in love with you, nyet?" He asked.

"Klaus, do not be so foolish! He was simply being nice." You said, walking up the first flight of stairs.

"But, he did say he'd be returing for the other shows. If he does, then that will prove my point for sure!" Klaus said.

You came to your dressing room, and wished Klaus a good evening as you closed the door. You set the red rose in a vase on your vanity and began carefully taking out the pieces from your hair. You couldn't stop thinking about with Grigori had said.

And over the rest of the following days the opera showed, Grigori kept his promise. Soonz the vase was overflowing with roses. And after one performance, you found yourself at one of the nicest restaurants with Grigori.

That was one hell of a night at the opera.

Taglist: @smokeywhalee @wennbergbabe @justagenderfluidstuff @goawaypleasecryingemoji @kazazure @kapanovangswife @xundeadqueenx @direwolfspostsrandomshit

[alolowrites]

The Helpful Elf

Summary: The Hippity Hop Cat toy is the toy on every kid’s wish list this year, including Eri’s. With the toy flying off the shelves, you desperately ask Mirio, the Helper Elf at Hazuki’s ToyLand, for help. And Mirio doesn’t give up, especially when it comes to you.

Author’s Note: Hello everyone!!! Real life is being a pain right now, but I’m so glad I managed to finish this story right on time! It’s pretty long (for me lol) and it’s my first with Mirio so yay!! I also wrote it for the BNHASanctuary discord server’s winter collab (first time I ever participated in any collab), so I’m very excited about this. I’ll link and share the masterlist once it’s up. I can’t wait to read everyone else’s stories :D 

Please enjoy!

Word Count: 2.5K+

With October long gone and December in full swing, it meant one thing—the official start of the jubilant holiday season. Every year, Japan’s most iconic department store in Tokyo, Hazuki’s, transformed its ten floors into a magical winter wonderland. Around the country and around the globe, customers ushered through the doors to catch a glimpse of the glamorous store glittering with festive decor. 

Dazzling lights twinkled around the window displays that stretched around the block. Vibrant ornaments hung high above the ceilings like luxurious bubbles. And pine garlands peppered with red berries wrapped themselves along any rails that ran off forever. 

Hazuki’s was the place to kick start the holiday season and the one place to find everything and anything on one’s holiday shopping list. Especially the highly coveted toy of the year—the Hippity Hop Cat. 

Or so you thought. 

“Mirio!” 

“Huh?” Said man’s elf hat jingled when he looked away from his display. His blue eyes beamed at the sight of you. Mirio chirped out your name as you rushed forward, nearly knocking him over. “Whoa, you alright?” 

“I need your help,” you blurted out, catching your breath at the same time; those pesky escalators were no use at all. Mirio offered to get water, but you waved him off. “No, no…no time for water. I need your help. It’s urgent!” 

“Uh, sure, what can I do?” 

“I need a toy, but not just any toy.” Mirio blinked when you suddenly inched closer to him. You scanned the area as though someone was lurking around to eavesdrop on your top-secret conversation. “It’s the Hippity Hop Cat, you know—” 

“The cat whose hops are out of this world?” 

“Yes, that one!” You clung to his shoulders like a desperate parent trying to find some shred of sanity in this chaotic store. Shaking the blonde man, you begged, “Please tell me you have one in stock?”

“Oh man,” Mirio scratched his forehead as he recalled the inventory from this morning. He glanced at your hopeless eyes and tight fists curling on his work uniform. There was no way Mirio could leave you hanging like this; it didn’t feel right. So he flashed you his famous smile that outshone the star twirling above you both. “Come with me. I’ll check in our system.”

“Gosh, you’re a lifesaver.” 

Mirio humbly rubbed his neck as he led the way to the backroom. You eyed the uproarious floor covered with thousands of toys that rivaled Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole. It was like walking through a child’s dream. Every toy imaginable—dolls, electric cars, robots, board games, you name it—was here. Hopefully, that stayed true with the Hippity Hop Cat. 

The door closed, muffling the sounds of frantic parents buzzing through the aisle. Mirio typed away on the keyboard as you paced behind him. You cursed yourself for procrastinating this long to buy the prized toy. Christmas was in less than two weeks!

“So who’s the gift for?” 

“Oh!” His deep voice pulled you back to the present. You walked forward with folded arms, anxiously hugging yourself. “It’s for Eri, a sweet little girl my next-door neighbor, Shouta, adopted earlier this year. She had a rough upbringing, but fortunately, she’s living with someone who cares for her deeply.” 

“I’m glad to hear that.” 

“Yeah,” you smiled softly at Mirio, making his fingers freeze above the keyboard. That smile of yours took his breath away; he nodded but secretly tried controlling his heart that beat like a bass drum. It was difficult since you were so close to him. “This will be Eri’s first Christmas, and she wants the Hippity Hop Cat; I told Shouta I would buy it for her, helping ease some pressure off his shoulders.”

“That’s really thoughtful of you.” Mirio admired everything about you. He was absolutely smitten with you ever since you started working in the perfume department. Mirio sometimes strolled through the floor during his breaks just to catch a glimpse of you. After scrolling through the computer, the blonde man frowned. “Hmm…looks like we’re out of stock. And the next shipment won’t come until the twenty-first.” 

You groaned. “Man, that’s cutting it close; you think you can hold one for me? I can buy it during my break or after work.” 

“I’ll try my best.”

“Thanks, Mirio.” You squeezed his shoulder, and he shuddered at the touch. Glancing at your watch, you said, “I gotta go before Nemuri wonders where I am. But thanks for helping out!” 

“Sure!” He saw you slip out the door in a hurry; you throw an apologetic smile for good measure. Pushing the elf hat further up, Mirio chuckled, “No problem.”

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

Okay, so maybe there was a slight problem.

Santa Claus was still around town, and Mirio was placed on “elf duty” to help out with the pictures. Don’t get him wrong, the sunshine man adored children as much as the jolly old man who lived in the North Pole. However, Mirio realized he couldn’t guard the Hippity Hop Cat for you. All he could do was pray that one miraculously stayed on the shelf until you bought it. 

A flash went off, snapping Mirio back to his job. He smiled brightly, guiding the kid off Santa’s lap and ushering the next one to the chair. Nearly every parent in Japan was here today, the line looping around the store. Other customers, not visiting Santa, shopped as well, making the place extra crowded today. Yet, none of them were you, and that worried Mirio. 

“Ho, ho, ho, it was nice meeting you, sweetie!” 

Oh right! Mirio needed to focus, but it was hard knowing you weren’t here yet. All Mirio wanted to do was make people happy, especially you. After the sweet story you shared with him, he was more determined than ever to get you that toy. His blue eyes glanced at the bearded man in the red coat—could he help? Who knows. 

As Mirio waved goodbye to each kid, you stumbled off the escalator, face flushed as though you ran fifty flights of stairs. You glanced around the packed floor, dodging an airplane that whizzed by and brushing against the sea of customers to find Mirio. The blonde elf locked eyes with you and flashed a relieved grin; the grueling wait was over. 

And so was his duty with Santa Claus, what luck! Mirio marched over to you, placing a gentle hand on your back and guiding you to the aisle. “I was worried you wouldn’t come.” 

“I’m sorry,” you blurted out, narrowly avoiding getting hit by a robot’s arm. “The perfume department was swamped with tourists and other people. I practically had to beg Nemuri to let me slip away for a few minutes so I could buy—” Turning the corner, you gasped in disbelief at the empty shelves before choking out, “—the toy.”

Mirio blew a low whistle; people were snatching these toys off the shelves like no tomorrow. Still, he wouldn’t give up just yet. “C’mon, maybe there’s some left in stock.” 

“You sure?” 

“Can’t hurt to try, right?” Mirio flashed you a boyish smile, blue eyes brimming with determination. You nodded and followed him through the elaborate maze of this chaotic toy store. 

However, just as you both passed by the cash register, someone bellowed out: “That’s the last Hippity Hop Cat, sir. Thank you for shopping at Toyland; have a nice day!” 

No! You screeched to a halt. Your eyes watched as the man grabbed his bag and left the store with an exhausted but relieved face. Without thinking, you slammed against the counter, scaring the young green-haired employee who clutched his uniform. Leaning forward, you desperately half-whispered, “Please tell me what you said wasn’t true!” 

“I-I’m sorry?”

“The toy!” You frantically gestured to the exit, the man now long gone. “Please tell me you have another Hippity Hop Cat for sale!” 

“U-Um, I, uhh, well,” Midoriya stammered until his eyes spotted a familiar face behind you. The nervous man sighed in relief, knowing he was saved. “Mirio!”

“Hey, Izuku, sorry about that,” Mirio bashfully chuckled and clasped your shoulder to calm you down. The blonde man quickly introduced you to his co-worker, adding, “They’re trying to buy the Hippity Hop Cat, but are you sure that was the last one in stock?” 

“Yeah, it was. I’m sorry.” 

“Oh…oh, okay…” Your shoulders drooped like a sad puppy; you were too late. After saying a quick apology, you numbly dragged your feet toward the exit as a gray cloud formed over your head. A warm hand stopped you from going any further, and you blinked up. “Huh, Mirio, what’s wrong?”

“You alright?”

“Oh, yeah, yeah,” you dismissed his concerns, but he wasn’t convinced; your eyes told a different story. Still, you mustered a brave face with a faint smile. “Listen, I appreciate everything you did. I knew it was a longshot getting the toy, so don’t sweat it, really.”  

“I know, I just,” he sucked in a breath, “I just wished I could have helped you out more. Especially since you wanted to make Eri happy.” 

“Don’t worry, I’ll get her something else.” You squeezed his bicep when Mirio opened his mouth to interject; he faltered slightly at the brief touch. “It’s fine, really. I’m sure Eri will love any toy for her gift; I promise.” 

Mirio nodded, watching you leave the store and disappearing within the crowd. You said everything was fine, but he knew that wasn’t true. That fake smile of yours spoke volumes. There has to be a way to get that toy, Mirio pondered, rubbing his chin and staring at the floor with furrowed eyes. 

Suddenly, an idea popped inside his head just as a jingle bell chimed behind him. A white smile stretched across Mirio’s face. The idea was crazy, maybe a longshot, too, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. Mirio whipped out his phone and searched through his contacts until he landed on a specific name. 

The line started ringing...and ringing...and ringing when—

“H-Hi, Mirio.”

“Hey, Tamaki!” The blonde man beamed like the sun. He lowered his voice, cupping the phone for secrecy while walking away. “Listen, buddy. I know you’re busy and all, but I got a huge favor to ask…” 

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

“…you think you can do it?” A small puff of breath floated out of your lips as you stepped away from the revolving doors. You stood beside a colorful window display of tiny elves grinning from ear to ear, their eager hands holding toys for the good boys and girls. One elf balanced himself at the tippy top of Santa’s mountainous red bag, his green gloves clutching the pointy hat for dear life. 

You smiled, appreciating the creative design before saying, “I can close the following week...yeah...okay, awesome, thanks again!”

Crisis one averted. Crisis two was up for debate, mainly because you held a shopping bag with Eri’s gift. It wasn’t the Hippity Hop Cat, but a nice small plushy cat toy instead. You bought it just a few minutes ago after wandering through the aisles at Toyland. The plushy cat toy wasn’t a bad second choice; it was adorable and incredibly soft to the touch. But it wasn’t the toy you wanted to give for Eri’s first Christmas. 

Oh, well, you sadly thought, biting the inside of your cheek. You stared at the elves again, realizing that their costumes matched Mirio’s work uniform in Toyland, down to the funny little hat. Mirio somehow pulled it off well thanks to his bubbly personality and warm heart that could melt the North Pole's snow. 

At one point, you wondered if Mirio was even there since you didn’t see him at the store today. You assumed he was doing inventory, but Midoriya said Mirio took the day off after a last-minute “personal obligation” came up, and it was too important to ignore. Must have been serious, you sighed as the shopping bag rustled against the wind. 

You braced your coat, hissing as the cold air sliced across your cheeks. Yup, it was time to go unless you wanted to freeze out here. Shuffling away from the window display, you stopped when someone screamed your name. Glancing over, you saw Mirio running toward you with one arm waving high in the air. 

“Hey!” Mirio finally caught up to you, his face flushed and nose redder than Rudolph’s, yet he kept on smiling. “So glad I found you!” 

“Whoa, you alright?” Now it was your turn to be concerned, just like he was when you rushed into the store to ask about the Hippity Hop Cat toy. Mirio nodded enthusiastically, squashing your worries away. “Midoriya said you were busy with a ‘personal obligation’ today. Is everything okay?” 

“Oh yeah, everything is great!”

“Well, that’s, um, great.”

“So, listen, about the Hippity Hop Cat toy—” 

“Mirio, I told you not to worry about it,” you butted in, shaking your shopping bag with the plushy cat. “I went ahead and bought something else for Eri and—”

“Ta-da!” 

You went radio silent, staring in disbelief at the surprise. Sitting in Mirio’s hands was the one and only Hippity Hop Cat toy. The number one toy that was on every kid’s wish list, yet rarer to get than Willy Wonka’s Golden ticket. That toy was now only a few inches away from you. 

“B-But how?!” The words finally fumbled through your lips, flickering your gaze between the toy and Mirio while stumbling forward a bit. “It’s sold out everywhere!” 

“Let’s just say I pulled some strings with Santa’s workshop,” Mirio cheekily grinned like one of the elves from the window display. You choked out a laugh, dropping the shopping bag so you could hold the boxed toy; it felt wonderful in your hands.

You looked up with eyes softer than freshly fallen snow. Mirio continued talking up a storm, his arms flailing wildly like an excited kid who discovered something new. The delicate holiday lights flickered around you both, casting a lovely glow that was as bright as the joy twinkling inside Mirio’s eyes. 

They were always so welcoming that, without thinking, you gave him a crushing hug. Mirio froze, his arms hanging mid-air as he slowly processed what was happening. After a few seconds, his shoulders relaxed, and his strong arms eagerly wrapped around you, holding you in place. Even with that thick coat of yours, you felt very soft that his heart soared to new heights. 

“Thank you, Mirio,” you whispered near his ear, giving him another squeeze. But you didn’t stop there. A sudden urge came over you, and in a bold move, you planted a sweet kiss on his cheek. Pulling away, you bit back a laugh at his flustered face. “You really are the best Helpful Elf I know.” 

“Well, you know me,” he shot you a grin, “I’m always here to help.” 

“Is that so?” You tapped your cheek with your gloved finger. “Think you can help me gift wrap this toy, say tonight at my place?” 

“Luckily for you, I’m a whiz with wrapping paper.” 

Mirio’s hand wormed its way into yours, giving you a loving squeeze before joining you on your long walk home. The Hippity Hop Cat toy was the toy on every kid’s wish list this year, including Eri’s, whose first Christmas was officially saved. And it was all thanks to Mirio, the one and only Helpful Elf at Hazuki’s Toyland.

Thank you for reading!!

FicMas Fest 2020 Masterlist

[endlessdoom]

Eviternity

32 Maps

by Dragonfly

2019

https://doomwiki.org/wiki/Eviternity

MAP01: Inauguration

Eviternity starts off on the right foot with a fascinating map that perfectly demonstrates the importance of the first initial maps. With a closed snail-shaped system, this is a map with a layout that balances its complexity perfectly well with simplicity while offering satisfying combat, attractive visuals and fascinating presentation. A blast. 5/5

MAP02: Subterranean

We went into the depths. Here we will discover that Eviternity also stands out for having a consistent narrative, where the end of the previous map follows the beginning of the subsequent map. This is a darker map and full of mood as well as enemies, slightly increasing the difficulty. 4/5

MAP03: Drain

The encounters become more brutal and the map acquires more height. With a good combination of textures, dark colors and lots of water, this is a map that sets its priorities and difficulty level quite well. Fast, intense and with a winding path system. 3/5

MAP04: Regicide

by James Paddock (Jimmy) and Joshua O'Sullivan (Dragonfly)

With an attractive title, here we begin our adventure in what will characterize Eviternity. Maps that tell a story and manage to spread an excellent aroma of quality. This is a map with a more complex system, while delivering a solid and balanced difficulty in a lot of varied rooms, including an iconic miniature throne room. Fascinating. 4/5

MAP05: Demon

The end of the first episode is chaotic, explosive and quite challenging for first time players. This is also our first introduction to one of the new mosnters, the Nightmare Demon. With a square layout but full of detail, this is a map that would work as the breakdown of a metal song. Heavy and violent. 4/5

MAP06: Reconnect

Welcome to the second episode. A rusty tech-base with some natural landscapes around and a lovely orange tint in the sky. This is a great introduction and follows a deep layout that’s fun and fluid at all times. 4/5

MAP07: Facilitate

A more complext layout and some neat trick open up a fun and fast map. Challenging at times but always rewarding. 4/5

MAP08: Stench

I love the style of this map. A classic sewer-level but with a fascinating design and without the negatives that make sewers a bad name. With a compact style that influences the intense and frenetic combat, it's a fun map in its short duration. 4/5

MAP09: Decrepitude

by James Paddock (Jimmy)

Lovely map that combines some dark tech-base areas with deep caves and even sewers. Full of combat and also introduces some neat stuff. 4/5

MAP10: Creation

by Joshua O'Sullivan (Dragonfly) and Derek MacDonald (Afterglow)

The end of the second episode is a wonderful representation of what a perfect arena/circle style map looks like. With seamless and smooth visuals, the real click of this map is its constant combat awesomeness. Incredibly designed and entertaining. 5/5

MAP11: Wanderer

A fascinating adventure through a map with a perfect environment. More than action, this map stands out for its superb identity thanks to its amazing level design and perfect choice of MIDI. From beginning to end, it implores the player to admire the simplicity of a little snow. Fascinating, fun and unique. 5/5

MAP12: Brisk

What looks cold can get hot pretty fast. A tough challenge in a lovely map that follows a nice narrative of playthrough. 4/5

MAP13: Pathfinder by James Collins (an_mutt) and Joshua O'Sullivan (Dragonfly)

We delve into the dark corners of a fortress as we fight our way through excellent rooms in a tetric atmosphere. 4/5

MAP14: Frimaire by Seongbae Park (antares031)

An excellent map that combines caves with fortresses, as well as an exhaustive but compensating combat. Incredible and fun.

MAP15: Cryonology by AtroNx

A giant gothic castle on the edge of nowhere. Atmosphere, combat and visuals work together to deliver a fascinating work from start to finish. With a huge size and a great variety of encounters, this map features some of the best combat in all of Eviternity and two particularly famous areas. 5/5

MAP16: Neutralize

We enter the new chapter with a great tight map that reveals green colors with a unique style. Fast and with an evolving design. Great. 4/5

MAP17: Segregation

An installation with neon colors that takes us to deep and dark tech-base. The beginning is quite interesting and offers a duel of titans. With a fun combat and multiple encounters, this map presents a good example of difficulty in small places. 4/5

MAP18: Subterfuge by James Collins (an_mutt) and Joshua O'Sullivan (Dragonfly)

Deep, complex and with an excellent variation of scenarios. The map presents a system of intertwined paths quite entertaining and fast, with a well-designed strategy of progress and excellent combat. The secrets are quite useful in this one. Especially for the next map. 4/5

MAP19: Dehydration by StormCatcher.77

A huge beast with a certain reputation. This is a gigantic map that can take up to an hour to complete, however, it has an undeniable quality. Its only downside being the positioning in which it is located and how it often feels long just for the sake of being long. 4/5

MAP20: Convolute

The end of the episode is painted red. A compact medium map with good variety and depth. Entertaining and intense. 4/5

MAP21: Imperishable

Welcome to the new chapter and one of the highest challenges of Eviternity. From here on, pain awaits. This is a fantastic map that clearly states its goal: To teach you hell. 4/5

MAP22: Viscera

An interesting map with abstract dyes that takes us to unknown dimensions. With a multitude of arenas and a lethal variety of enemies, this is a challenging map that presents one of the best combat of all Eviternity. 4/5

MAP23: Tribulation

Compact and immersive, this map takes us on a purple adventure where multiple combat scenarios await. Quite fun and fast in its gameplay. 4/5

MAP24: Gossamer by Brett Harrell (Mechadon)

Fantastic map that works as a warm-up for the next massacre. With a distinctive identity and evolving development, this is a great map even on its own. 4/5

MAP25: Slave

A catastrophic ending. An absolute battle that will require all our skills to overcome. Violent and well staged. 4/5

MAP26: Transcendence by Xaser

A masterful work with a unique gameplay among the WAD. Xaser is known for its unique style, and this map is no different. What we have here is a fascinating piece of work that exudes identity and quality in abundance. 5/5

MAP27: Heliopolis

With excellent layout, attention to detail and an exquisite design that presents an incredible visual quality as well as complex and fascinating gameplay, this map is one that exudes atmosphere and is full of fantastic scenes under one constant flow. Perfect for me. 5/5

MAP28: Judgement

A three-stage combat arena, each one more difficult than the other. Somewhat challenging at times and frustrating from time to time, but with a good flow and plenty of well-placed items it manages to create a fun gameplay. 3/5

MAP29: Elysium by Tristan Clark (Eris Falling) and Joshua O'Sullivan (Dragonfly)

Another masterpiece that resonates among the Tops maps of all time. This is a massive map with a multitude of areas, scenarios, combat and variety that demonstrates absolute mastery, as well as a beautiful environment and fantastic level design. 5/5

MAP30: Eternity

The grand finale. Starting with an atmospheric introduction that reveals the famous final boss. Goodbye to the IoS, this is the new cool. With a level perfectly designed to release the boss and this one introducing new mechanics and a unique form of combat, Eternity is a solid ending to one of the best megawads in all of Doom's history. 4/5

MAP31: Imperator by Paul DeBruyne (skillsaw)

A lovely secret map that offers a high-altitude challenge and some really good progression. 4/5

MAP32: Anagnorisis by Ola Björling (ukiro)

Probably one of the most well-known maps in the entire megawad. Anagnorisis is not only hard to pronounce, but also to beat, yet on its core, it’s one of the most special maps ever made. 5/5

End.

Overall:

» Eviternity (2019)

By Dragonfly et al

The one and only. The megawad that broke the internet and also Doomworld in one way or another. A legendary title that bears the mark of greatness. When you hear the name Eviternity, you know you’re hearing a legend come to life. Doom map-making is, on its own way and form, art; an expression of sincere virtue and passion. Well, if WADs are art, then Eviternity is the Starry Night of Dragonfly.

Eviternity is, in all the sense of the word, a full 32 maps megawad created by the legendary Dragonfly alongside the help of some starring legends like @Jimmy, @Afterglow, @an_mutt, @antares031, @AtroNx, @StormCatcher.77, @Mechadon, @Xaser, @Eris Falling, @Skillsaw and @ukiro. Now that’s what a call a stellar cast full of fantastical mappers that deliver not only in their word but even more. While the majority of the maps were made by Dragonfly itself, there are a number of guest-made stellar maps that stand out for their incredible quality, as well as a few made in collaboration. From head to toe, just quality in every way. While community projects are quite common nowadays, and their overall quality is undoubtedly superior to what we used to find in the old days, Eviternity proved that one of the most natural and incredible ways to create 32 maps of absolute quality is through a team of passionate collaborators willing to give a small token of their power. Dragonfly led this project and created it brick by brick, in such a way that the final work stands as a monument to Doom, to the community and to the art of level design.

The title of this work is already a great example of excellent decisions in terms of presentation, because if we talk about presentation, well, Eviternity has it all and all a hundredfold. Dragonfly took care to create a work that not only possesses the expected quality of a modern work, but also possesses its own identity that will give it simplified identification within the community as well as an idealized visualization to new players. From the simple logo to the way the chapters are divided. The aesthetics of this megawad are through the roof and it is, in one way or another, a work of such quality that I'd like to think this is what Id would be able to deliver if they ever made WADs for Doom again. Just wishful thinking, but goddamn I’m glad that instead of that we have a full community absolutely nuts on quality. Eviternity is there, mate, among the best of the best, and let me tell you, there’s a lot of the best, so if that’s the case then, what exactly makes Eviternity so special? Glad you asked.

Eviternity brings with it a unique and massive visual quality that is as drastic in presentation as it is admirable. From the first level to the last. There is not a single map that disappoints us or makes us say ''meh, this isn't as cool as the last one.'' Each map has a distinctive and factorable quality within the great formula that is this megawad. Each one contributes a distinct point that offers a wonderful quality of variety and flavor. Thanks to the excellent decision to divide the megawad into 6 episodes of 5 maps each, we have 6 different themes that demonstrate an absolute boldness in daring to make a 25+ year old video game look like this. How dare they make such a masterpiece?

Well, they did it and they left a great impact, to such an extent that this megawad even had media repercussions in the world of videogame news. One of the rare honors that few WADs have had. Thanks to the fantastic use of varied episodes, we have a plethora of different flavors to try ranging from sweet joy to hellish nightmare. Starting with the first chapter that brings with it an excellent natural map design with gothic ambience and outdoor scenery. MAP01 encapsulates in an excellent way the kind of atmosphere that awaits us. Chapter 2 takes us to industrial settings with rusty colors and the smell of rot and smoke in the air. The maps are a mix between Tech-base with a clear industrialist influence in their rusty textures and brown colors, bringing with it a change in gameplay that reacts fantastically in synergy with the environment. Chapter 3 (one of my favorites) brings, in my opinion, the most ambient and stylized set of maps in the entire set. With a cold winter setting, ice and snow keep us company as we enter castles and hellish fortresses that stand out for their black rocks among the white background, as well as a few other extra surprises of monumental architecture. Chapter 4 brings with it a more traditional style but with a more advanced twist. Tech-base with neon colors and intense scenarios that are based on complex layouts that allow as much exploration as intense combat. MAP19: Dehydration, stands out for perfectly representing the style of this chapter, as well as for its extreme length. Chapter 5, the antepenultimate, is properly, a chapter set in the dark abstract corners of hell. Red is king (and purple) and violence is queen. A collection of 5 maps designed to punish you in this fantastic adventure. With one of the most brutal examples of gameplay as well as architecture in the entire megawad, chapter 5 leaves a long mark, but finally, we come to the last one. Chapter 6 is, without a doubt, Eviternity at its finest. Monumentalism, expressionism, brutalism and an obsession with color. Maps that perfectly combine a Greco-Roman architectural style with celestial landscapes that pay homage to paintings of the Elysium. The last chapter is among my favorites, and for good reason; it is practically perfect. MAP26 and MAP27 stand out for their incredibly atmospheric design, for offering unique gameplay and visuals; and of course, MAP29 is the cake. You have to play it. You have to taste it. Ah, and don’t forget the secret maps which are already special on their own, each one offering something that will probably stick with you long after finishing it.

I really want to emphasize how Eviternity manages to create an atmosphere that we rarely find in Doom, even over the years. What a select group of maps have is that they can create such a fascinating landscape that evokes an incredible sense of surrealism, inviting immersion. That's right, a video game from 1993 can still create such a powerful feeling when a group of mad lads decide to create some content for the game. Eviternity is one of the first WADs that managed to emphasize that idea, and one of the first that managed to capture me in such a way that I was invited into a concept that was new to me at the time, that of escapism through art. One way or another, Eviternity will immerse you in a unique adventure in all respects. Not only that, but also within the great panorama of its presentation is the fantastic use of its soundtrack. While a few songs are borrowed from other WADs, the vast majority are original works made by a variety of authors, among which stand out @Jimmy, @Alfonzo and @Eris Falling, both legendary authors and recognized within the community for their consistency in quality and superb creativity. Here they are no different, and each author managed to create songs that make excellent synergy together with their respective maps in absolute genius. Some tracks are as frenetic as they are fun, inciting the enraged gameplay, while other tracks create an atmosphere so palpable that it makes the air itself smell. Chapter 4 excels in this for me, offering some of the best ambient tracks in the entire megawad. But always, from beginning to end, each selected song is a work of art that deliberately makes this not only a visual, but an auditory experience. And a very pleasurable one at that.

But we all know that not everything is about being pink, but also about having flavor, and when I say flavor, I mean gameplay, how is Eviternity in that case? Well, to put it in a few words: Magnificent. Eviternity is a unique WAD not only because of the previous points, but also because it offers an adventure through its gameplay that goes from such simple variations to such impressive surprises. With a well-established curve based on its chapter system, each map brings with it a distinct sense of progress thanks to its excellent attention to enemy positioning, varied encounters and synergy between demons and level design. Fortunately, this adventure is quite acceptable for new players due to its excellent balance of different skill-levels, but on the other hand it also offers a considerable challenge even for veteran players who wish to jump into this gem in Ultra-Violence. Offering traditional evolutionary combat styles ranging from close encounter fights in corridors to typical monster closets, Eviternity also offers some of the best combat ever in a wide variety of maps, such as its final boss in MAP30, the massive adventure in MAP32, the violent final encounter in MAP25 or the iconic horde in MAP15. But of course, I can't leave behind the three new additions that Eviternity brings. The 5 new enemies: The Nightmare Demon, a version of Pinky on steroids. Former Captain, a projectile version of the Heavy, something like a mini Spiderdemon. The Astral Cacodemon, a fascinating fella with complex moves and a dangerous close-range attack. The Annihilator, a son of a bitch that fuses the one-hit-kill of the Cyberdemon with the toughness of the Baron (a little tougher) and a machine gun to ruin our day. And of course, the final boss, the unique Archangelus, a complex boss that brings with it a variety of new mechanics and attacks that make for a fascinating battle. Each of them brings something new to the table, presenting countless possibilities for new fights. Eviternity has a little something for everyone (as cliché as that sounds), as well as a wide variety of combat, it has a wide variety of difficulty scales that are made to satisfy a wide range of players from start to finish. Among them, as a passionate gamer, I can say that I am completely satisfied, yes sir.

For those of you who read me you probably know that in my review style I always try to highlight the strong factors and I tend to have an enthusiasm that can be a bit blinding at times, so you're probably wondering: Is he sugarcoating all this? It can't be that true. Well, I'm afraid not, I'm not sugarcoating any of it and I have to say that in the big picture of Eviternity, between all the contributions it brings, every map and every single encounter, Eviternity is practically, virtually perfect. While we may encounter some annoyances from time to time (certain maps feeling too long or some enemies feeling a bit brutal) there is no major problem that makes me scratch my head and regret playing this megawad. Not at all. On the contrary, Eviternity is that kind of adventure game that you don't want to stop playing even for a break. It grabs you. It captivates you. It enchants you.

This review marks my 50th review, and for that I wanted to do something special, something unique and that perfectly represents what I love about Doom. Eviternity is one of the first megawads that I finished completely, and it is also, without a doubt, an example that encapsulates everything good and beautiful that Doom can offer us in the 21st century. Breathing in the fresh air of this modern map making movement is like breathing in new life, and I'm glad to have been a part of it from the perspective of a healthy/unhealthy gamer. Dragonfly and team created something wonderful. Something metrically massive and astronomically beautiful. Eviternity is an eternally fantastic voyage that gives Doom a new coat of wonderfulness, and in my honest opinion, it is perfect.