#great depression au

[livvylubug]

Hey!!! So in your Murder Drones AU After Death, what is Uzi and Vs goal (I’m guessing CYN is just tagging along!) and how’s N doing/in his quest?

The AD Crew’s goal is just about what you’d expect, Stop the absolute solver, Save the universe.

And N?

Oh he’s doing great!

Bonus doodle below the cut:

[minty364]

DPXDC Prompt #70

Danny and Damian are twins and they are unfortunately forced to fight each other for title of heir at the age of 5. Danny dies after losing and Talia desperately throws him into the lazurus pits. He doesn’t come back out.

5 years later they throw a one Jason Todd into the pit and he also doesn’t come back. But Danny does now 10 years old but he has white hair and glowing green eyes. Oh wait it’s back to normal black hair and blue eyes now. Talia is majorly confused and she grabs both of her sons to take them to live with their Father and gives Damian the order to protect Danny from harm.

Jason wakes up in front of two kids one wearing a red cap and the other was goth as fuck. What the hell happened and how was he here?

I was basically wondering what would happen if Jason and Danny where thrown into the pits and turned on the portal at the same time and what if they swapped places.

[canisalbus]

Modern Machete likes NIN?! I’d absolutely invite him over to listen to dying machine noises and angst with me.

.

[crimeronan]

Just pictured Luz finally retired from being Empress and getting to rest for 14 months straight except Hunter falls right into the same ‘cheery prep’ archetype as his canon self in Thanks to Them and keeps being like “Hey do you want to go watch the birds at 5AM? How about a nature hike?” and Luz is torn between being relieved that Hunter wants to do things for himself and asks for things he wants and being repulsed by the idea of leaving her bed ever

GOD. HELP. YEAH

hunter is like what a wild and inconceivable freedom.... to be able to walk around outside without worrying about you getting shot..... did you know there are a ton of native birds on the isles....? i'm gonna go get woodland creatures to eat out of my hand and tame a slitherbeast just by having extremely chill vibes you should join me :D

and luz is like [pulling the pillow over her head] i'm currently exercising my own wild and inconceivable freedom. to be in the quiet dark. for as long as possible. thank you.

.....you Should bring me back a muffin, tho.

[utilitycaster]

I genuinely believe the fact that so many popular Imogen/Laudna fics are no-powers AU is, if not the main cause, at least a factor in why so many people resist or even are hostile towards any interpretation of Imogen that isn't largely sweet and harmless. Like, write the fic you want, but Imogen in particular is someone so fundamentally shaped by her powers that to write a no powers AU is to write what is essentially a completely original character who happens to share her name.

I think it's made even more obviously a factor because many of those fics try to reconstruct aspects of Imogen's personality by giving her anxiety or agoraphobia (or both) but the problem is that those are purely mental illnesses, rather than something that both gives her powers and penalties (again, the X-Men problem). Some real-world mental illnesses cover the symptoms of Imogen's abilities, but none cover the abilities themselves. It's quite literally a removal of agency: they take away what she can (and frequently does) do with her powers, leaving only the negative effects on her behind while eliminating the negative effects she can have on others. No wonder there's this overwhelming push to woobify her from that corner; they've utterly defanged her and are now crying that other people who can still see her fangs (and even like them) are talking about them.

And the thing is, for all I can be negative about fanon, it is, ultimately, fine - so long one can either keep it separate in one's mind from canon or else remain in a particular fanon sandbox. But unfortunately people leave the sandbox, and when other people respond to the canon Imogen, who as of episode 81 (RIP CRStats) has voluntarily used Detect Thoughts/Open Mind 60 times and has openly stated her intent to use it specifically to know what her party members are doing in advance and theoretically prevent it, the fanfic crowd is utterly unable to react to this intelligently. The idea of Imogen they have is sweet girl with severe anxiety and a goth girlfriend. The problem is this construct exists only in their favorite fanfic writers' domestic fluff modern AU no powers setting. And frankly, I'm not interested in talking about that warped mirror version of her when I could have all the fascination, complexity, glory, and agency of the real thing.

[maxphilippa]

Following the ii dark fics thing.

On some- if not most of the dark fics, disorders also tends to be used as a main thing to explain why the character is doing what they're doing. Which is, of course, not really great. Most au's that do this are about the Bright Lights as well.

Listen.

I can totally GET it. Mental health is a very important thing and having it ruined by people, or by other factors, can and WILL do some real damage to you. Yes. I can totally see a character doing questionable things because of their mental health being so so bad that it leads them to think that maybe, just maybe, these thoughts and actions aren't as bad, or that given the situation they're in, they're somewhat justified/it isn't inherently terrible of them, because of the state they're in doesn't let them think clearly, and they hold onto something because it's the last thing that makes them feel real.

One thing is doing that.

The other thing is using mental illnesses or their symptoms (per example: BPD, DID, Schizophrenia, and others) as the main reason as to why a character has done a killing spree or commited terrible actions. Meanwhile yes, having said disorders and going through heavy amounts of stress, and having no support can really make things difficult, mental illness won't make you a criminal or an awful person, a disorder isn't something you can just use for "oh well they have this so they commited murder because of this", people that have those already go through enough with others not even accepting that their condition is real or that it doesn't make them a bad person, for other people to use those disorders as a "Hey So This Is Why This Character Is Bad Now" for a story.

just sayin'

[pinkflipphonez]

alexa, play 'playboy of the western world' by connie converse pls

[the-genius-az]

Tuberculosis Au.

Everything fell apart after Mai and Ty Lee's betrayal, Azula never thought that would happen, they had spent more time together, they had shared a "kiss", why did they betray her? Has no sense.

After that, Azula began to neglect herself even more, she had no one to take care of her, her throat began to bother her, she didn't eat, her fire diminished due to her sick lungs, and everything went to shit when her father left.

Azula was so sad that she couldn't move, her curse was killing her, but she felt like it was the sadness that was really taking over her.

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

i just spent the last like hour going through all the lights out au stuff and im OBSESSED rn PLEASE

i'm not sure how to help you! enjoy the brainrot

[oddballsducks]

Baby Della from my Duckverse AU!

I finally made something! I’m so proud of myself lol

Here’s Della when she was around the triplets’ age, circa 1934. She loves to wear overalls, especially around the farm, and she always wears headbands or handkerchiefs tied around her head, but I didn’t show it very well in the drawing.

Also Quackmore’s side of the family is Native American in my AU. I wanted the twins to look more like Hortense so they both have curly hair now, and their hair is dark brown with auburn highlights.

[geek-fashionista]

Ask and ye shall receive! Here is our surprise long fic: The Mirror Has Three Faces, also known as The Great Depression AU.

Summary:

New York City, 1932

Marinette Dupain-Cheng does not technically exist. By day, she is Tom Cheng, a half-Chinese, half-French employee of one of Gabriel Agreste's textile factories. By night, she is New York City's darling superhero, the ultra feminine and chic Ladybug, who will never go hungry or be rejected by anyone. Together with her partner Chat Noir, she is a beacon of hope for a city struggling through the Great Depression and plagued by violent akuma attacks.

But when Tom is hired as a Chinese tutor for the boss's son, Adrien Agreste, Marinette's identity-balancing act begins to unravel. No matter where she turns, she can't be herself: not at the factory, not as Ladybug, not with Adrien, and not with Chat Noir. Will the times wear her down before she can save the city? And if she does fall to despair, will anyone be able to save her?

[toffeelemon]

I don’t feel like our love is brand new. There must have been lovers, soulmates, before us, experiencing what we get to have. And it’s giving me comfort to imagine there will be many more like us to come. Our kind of love is the kind of love that makes this rotten world worth living in.

prince simon in madrid

a pilgrimage along the world that @prince-simon created 🥹

Simon’s neighbourhood, Chueca

“It’s actually the Queer Neighbourhood of Madrid, and coincidentally also where I live.” He lowered his voice as if to tell a secret, “It’s actually not a coincidence at all.” (chapter 2)

Casa de Campo (view from the Royal Palace lol oop)

Wilhelm didn’t even recognise himself. He didn’t think he’d ever looked that happy. And Simon… his eyes were closed and his curls were a mess and Wilhelm had never seen anyone more beautiful. (chapter 3)

El Retiro

Simon looked at Wilhelm much too adoringly for a statement this goofy. “The ducks are gay!” He yelled at Santiago and Paula, “Just so you know!” (chapter 9)

Palacio de Cristal

“Here’s a funny thought - bear with me, okay? But just imagine. Flowers. Everywhere, like on the ceiling, up the walls. Fairy lights scattered all through it. It would be so gorgeous as a- uh, like. For a wedding…” Realising where his train of thought had gotten him, Wilhelm fell quiet, looking at Simon with wide eyes. (chapter 9)

El Palacio Real de Madrid (more specifically the Throne Room lmfao)

Simon traced his fingers over the bruises on Wilhelm’s neck and in the opening of his dress shirt, humming contentedly. Wilhelm followed the movement in the mirror, and marvelled at how good they looked together, how well they fit together and how much Simon belonged right here – on the throne, with Wilhelm. He deserved the world and so much more. (chapter 12)

Museo Nacional del Prado

Around them, the other visitors kept moving, admiring the art on the walls, and for the moment Wilhelm felt infinite, imagining himself a painting, looked at and analysed hundreds of years from now. El Abrazo de los Príncipes.

Lo Spasimo, Raphael, 1515-1517

“Are we allowed to kiss in front of Jesus on his way to crucifixion or is that tasteless? Because I really want to kiss you right now, Simon.”

Las Meninas, Diego Velázquez, 1656

“He made me look at Velázquez in the painting and how he was looking back at the viewer, at me. I still remember the exact tone of his voice, how he was so certain when he told me that I had every right to be where I am. That I am the subject of this painting, the king being painted. All those tyrants, King Felipe and Emmanuel and all those that came in between, they are trapped in that mirror forever while I am here, alive, we’re here. Velázquez is looking at two queer princes, ready to paint us.” (chapter 13)

Casa Alberto

“So, tell me more about this special part of Madrileñan history.” He was slightly teasing but mostly actually curious. 

Simon seemed all too eager to answer that question, and it hit Wilhelm how genuine Simon’s care for his city — his country — and its people was. It made him a little sad to know that a lot of people didn’t get to see that because they only focused on Simon being too gay or too Latino, or even just too carefree and enjoying life because he was young, to be their future king.

bonus content:

Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes (where Simon goes to church)

“I think I need to go somewhere.”

“Oh?” Wilhelm said softly, “Right now?”

Simon hesitated before he nodded. “I need to- get some clarity? Or - I hope that I’ll get it there?” He whispered, voice shaky.

“Do you want to tell me where you’re going?”

“To- uh, to pray? I mean- to church? I don’t know if I’ll pray…” Simon’s voice was shaky, uncertainty shining in his eyes when he dared to look up at Wilhelm. (chapter 11)

[the-rewritten-railway-au]

Thomas and the Pacifics

May 1930

The Adventure Begins (2015)

Word Count: 1,276

Thomas meets Henry, and Gordon teaches Thomas a lesson.

~

Once Thomas, Edward, and James arrived at Tidmouth, the mogul rushed away to find Annie and Clarabel. The smaller engines settled closer to the station. From where they were, Thomas noticed Emily waiting at the Big Station. She seemed cross and anxious, looking at something every few seconds.

“Could ye be a dear and shunt the Express coaches for Emily?” The E2 glanced at the 4-4-0, who appeared to be giddy. However, it was more like a failed attempt at hiding his giddiness. “I usually dae it but I hae a guids train tae take.”

“What? But I thought we'd be working together! Just like you said!”

“I'll haste ma boiler!” Edward's reassurance didn't do much for Thomas. Considering how long the Main Line was and how long it took Thomas to travel it, “soon” would be more than an hour for Edward.

And before Thomas could protest, Edward was off, leaving the tank engine alone. With a huff, the khaki engine scuttled about the yard, getting to work.

As Thomas passed the water tower and coal hopper, he noticed the green tender engine from the night before. “Hello there!” Might as well! “I'm Thomas. Who are you?”

“Henry,” he scoffed. “So you're the Fat Controller's new engine?”

“I am!” The tank engine puffed up, feeling unwelcome. “What about it?”

With mirth, Henry replied, “Nothing.” Henry's fireman climbed in and petted his cab. Said engine pulled away, leaving Thomas behind.

…

Eventually, Edward returned, though looking different.

“What are those?” asked Thomas, focused on the metal piece perched on Edward’s nose.

“Och, these?” he chuckled. “They’re glasses. I didnae mention it, did I?”

“No! But why?”

“Ma age might be gettin’ tae me!” The joke fell flat. “Anyhow, I see ye’ve done well!”

“My class was built for shunting! I told you that!”

“And thon ye did! Ye kept yer word, mate.” With two short whistles, Edward rolled along. “Ye take a break. I’ll take care o’ things frae here.”

“But-”

“I insist!”

“But-” I was built for this!  “-you’re a tender engine!”

“Diz’nae stop me frae ma job, noo diz it?” And he was off again.

Thomas pouted but relented. The late spring heat was getting to him. He eyed a shady spot at the edge of the yard. He settled down with his crew keeping an eye on his fire and chatting in his cab, occasionally petting their engine.

Then the afternoon came. And when afternoon came around, it was time for the noon Express. Thomas, now rested, grabbed the Express coaches temporarily set aside during his break and shunted them to the platform. With practiced ease, the tank engine reversed and braked, settling the rack of coaches.

He was thankful for these coaches. Such polite beings they could be when treated properly. “Thank you, thank you!” chortled the brake coach. “Thomas, was it?”

“Yes, ma’am!” replied the khaki tank engine. Such a drastic attitude compared to the few accidental bumps he gave them.

“Just in time! I’m impressed,” mocked Gordon as he backed down. “Unlike this morning…”

“Try sleeping somewhere else!” snapped Thomas, ignoring his crew. “Far away from your old home!”

“Oh, hurry up you!”

“Hurry up yourself!” With that, Thomas kept his mouth shut, right after apologizing for yelling in the brake coach’s face. She scolded him— a complete 180 of her attitude from mere moments ago.

He was not aware of Gordon’s grin. He didn't hear what Gordon said. The only warning he got was Gordon pulling him right along.

“Gordon, stop!” hollered the tank engine but the blue Pacific didn't listen. The noise of pistons pumping got louder and faster. Oh no, oh no, oh no! “Gordon!”

The stationmaster blew his whistle frantically, some of the passengers hollered, and the yardman chased after Thomas but it was too late. Gordon was off with the Express, pulling poor Thomas right along.

Green pastures and lush hills were nothing but blurs to the tank engine. His wheels ached as Gordon thundered past Knapford and Crosby. “Stop, stop!” exclaimed Thomas.

“Hurry, hurry!” Oh, if Thomas didn't like Gordon before, he sure didn't now. “Keep up!”

Cheeks burning, it was becoming harder to puff steam. The fast pumps of his piston drained his water supply. Oh, when will it end? When will it end? He needed to stop. At this rate, he felt like he would fall apart.

And as soon as Thomas pleaded, Maron Hill came into view. Its steep incline proved to be difficult for the grand blue engine, and the tank engine was ever thankful. With the little grace provided, he caught his breath.

He took in those few seconds as before he knew it, the ground was flat and Gordon would be off again. He braced himself for a burst of speed but it never happened. Instead, Gordon kept a steady pace.

Wait a minute. Is this the station on the hilltop? He recalled seeing it on his way to Tidmouth but he never got its name.

And much to his relief, it was. It was Gordon's next stop.

The Express engine came to a halt.

Finally, it was over as his driver applied the brakes.

His fireman, Archibald Higginbottom, or “Archie” as he was called, scrambled out of the cab with a shunter's pole and uncoupled the engine. He beat the awaiting yardman, who'd been notified of the incident.

“Now, little Thomas,” boasted Gordon. “Now you know what real work looks like!” Boisterous laughter erupted from the Pacific as he steamed away, leaving the poor tank engine behind.

“Come on, lad!” Archie stroked Thomas’ running board. “Let's get you some water!”

The tank engine hummed but once Mr. Perkins released his brakes, the ache struck the khaki engine. He tried to reach the water tower after the station but he only managed a meter or two.

“Come on, Thomas!” encouraged Archie.

“I can't-!” His voice cracked. The exhaustion was thick and clear. “I'm sore.”

“Well, we can't block the Main Line! Try again!”

“Wait!” Mr. Perkins popped out of his cab and pushed his body upwards on the edge. “I think an engine's coming! We can ask for help.”

“Who's coming down the line right now?” Archie scratched his sideburns absentmindedly. “No one should be coming down by now!”

A bright whistle was heard from a distance.

“We just might be in luck!” laughed Mr. Perkins before hollering, “Edward!”

The cerulean tender engine came around the bend. He came to a sudden stop, seemingly out of breath. “Thomas!”

“Perkins, is everything alright?” exclaimed Charlie.

“Once Thomas gets to the water tower, it will be.” He gestured towards the subject and was aware of the older engine's behavior. “Can you get Edward to move him?”

With a nod, Charlie pet Edward's cab. “Come on, lad. Let's get you switched over!”

“Aye, driver!” The tender engine backed up, switched over, and buffered up to Thomas. “Let's get you over there!”

Edward carefully shunted Thomas over. While the tender engine ignored the passengers, the tank engine felt embarrassed. Some of the passengers stared at the pair, particularly focused on the khaki engine. They were bewildered yet confused about why a tank engine was attached to a passenger train. Murmurs and gossip passed around, and it worried the crews.

“We’re almost there, Thomas,” soothed Mr. Perkins. “Ignore them.”

“This doesn't look good, Perkins.” Archie was on the edge, sweaty palms making the shovel slip from his hands. Once Thomas was at the water tower, the awaiting yardman worked to refill the engine’s tanks. “This is sure to make the railway look bad.”

Mr. Perkins huffed. “I only hope it gets Gordon to behave…”

~

As of posting this, I'll be taking a break from this arc and jump ahead in the timeline. The story I have in mind has been there for a while, and I can safely say that it won't be affected or affect stories before it. Yes, its important but it can stand on its own. It's getting a little dull, haha- so I'm gonna move to something I have ideas for.

With that out of the way, introducing Thomas' fireman! The Mr. Perkins segments are really nostalgic to me so I thought it would be fitting to have him be Thomas' first driver on the NWR, but I don't remember seeing Archie, unfortunately. However, Archie, from at first glance, reminds me of Junior from TaTMR (which i haven't finished watching, oops-). I wouldn't be surprised if they are played by the same actor though, lol.

As funny as CGI Henry can be, he does get annoying FAST. I absolutely LOVE early model era Henry so I'm gonna combine both, like I do with Emily. Compared to the previous rewrite I did, I like this a lot better since it does show that side more than the previous one.

Starting to limit the POVs I've been writing because if I don't, it gets chaotic f a s t. :(

Reblogs and comments are appreciated! Ty for reading! 🩵🌙

[jitteryjive]

dropping several general designs for some of the recurring characters in the off the page AU! doing a ton of somewhat period accurate human designs were loads of fun and i hope to make genuine references soon :-)

reblogs would be highly appreciated!

[stars-webcore]

PRINCIBALDI BUT ITS TRANSFORMERS !!!! :3

[chatdae]

The Great Gatsby (1974) au where Gatsby doesn't die and instead Nick takes on the no-paying job of trying to get Jay to move on from Daisy.

Bad ending is Gatsby never does & he and the Buchanans become a never-ending shitshow. Good ending is Jay moves on. Super special bonus ending is Jay and Nick fall in love (toxicity optional)