#its fun seeing her expand her horizons

[clamorybus]

babysat my niece all day and it went really well! we spent most of it on the trampoline, just shooting the shit

[stuffedsand]

four and sixteen for milgram? :3

4- what was the last straw that made you finally block that annoying person?

Ok imma be real I've never blocked a person,,,,, I've blocked plenty bots tho

I've gotten reeeaaaallll close to blocking someone but like. I like seeing people's opinions even if I think they're unreasonable. It's a mix of a strange type of entertainment and kind of to keep me open minded? Cuz if I have to look at it and I wanna talk about it I gotta read it through in detail to make sure I'm reading them right so yeah I don't have anyone blocked 💥

16- you can't understand why so many people like _______

............ok I won't that theory because I have another ask that I'll do that for....

Maybe how some characterize yuno as just "girl boss" n not much else? Honestly jokingly it's totally fine but c'mon there's still a bit of girlfailure and inability to let others in there yk it'd be fun to talk Abt it more

Alternatively I do have things I don't understand about what people DISLIKE in this case es milgram I've talked to quite a few ppl (on disc mainly I don't think Ive seen it on tumblr much) who despise es and like!!!!! Bestie that's my silly lil guy you're talking about what'd they do to you!!!!!!!!!

I mean I understand why but also,,,,,they're just a lil creature man they're 15 and in a position of power with no memories of course they're gonna be a bit egotistic in this situation

[crumb-crumblet-s-crumbington]

hello! i’m love your post and arts so much! I look at your posts after a hard day and my mood immediately changes to excellent. can I ask a couple of questions?

which pairing with Ethan do you prefer?

and… can we get to know you better? a little biography?

Thank you for your time! I'll be waiting for new arts! (sorry if i made mistakes, my english is not so good. im russian)

i like basically every ship with ethan! it mostly depends on the mood im in, but if im being honest, mithan, winterfield, and wintersberg gets frustrating to think about because they all dont treat ethan well canonically... lethan is fun because they have never met and i can make my own assumptions!

i used to like wintersberg the most and i still do like it, i just have expanded my horizons to other ships as well...., its mostly like a punchline to me though. they have the funniest potential which is why a majority of their posts is just joke comics. i do not like how people try to erase how karl is arrogant and egotistical tho. thats like removing the flavor.... the way karl acts is just very funny to me, hes so lame in a good way and i like how everytime he talks to ethan it sounds like hes twirling his hair and kicking his feet. canonically speaking, karl was very much in the wrong for trying to use rose and not elaborating and i will die on this hill. ethan is not in the wrong for being disgusted and angry that karl would ever try and propose that in the deal. karl is very arrogant so when ethan says no to him it makes him mad and he tries to use fear to get ethan to take his deal (kicking his chair and warning him) i like karl, i like how messed up and arrogant he is but i dislike how people try to portray him as a nice guy. however, in a AU where everythings the same except he doesnt try to use rose i do enjoy the dynamic they could have, especially if the teamed up (not with the deal where they use rose. ethan wouldnt agree unless karl never involved rose in the first place). karl is just a very entertaining character and i like him a lot, hes funny and his personality can be extremely hilarious

mia and ethan is pretty tragic and thinking about it too much makes me a bit sad, imo in a reality where ethan survives re8, he needs to divorce mia. im not saying ethan needs to hate mia and never talk to her again i just dont think they should be so intimate together because of her behavior... please do not take this as anti mia. they loved each other dearly but it wasnt healthy. their relationship was kept afloat by lies and mia doesnt change even though she deals with the consequences of her own actions in re7. she actively tries to hide her past from ethan and is mostly focused on trying to move on and have a normal life even if ethan will have to live the rest of his life in the dark.

she loves her family so much, shes very afraid of them leaving her so she hides all the bad things in the hopes that they wont leave. its selfish, its human, its real, her character is so amazing and i love her. she doesnt learn from re7 and hides important information from ethan again. i geniunly think they should have gotten divorced after re8 if ethan had survived. its tragic and its sad but they love each other so much. it sad because they both geniunly love rose so much but they themselves shouldnt be together. its just sad to think about it. whenever i draw them it usually takes place before re7. they should have divorced on good terms and shared custody of rose.........

ethan and chris is also frustrating to think about... chris is a major jerk in re8, whenever i draw it, its under a unspoken AU that chris did not behave the way he did in re8. his weird behavior in re8 is probably for a meta reason imo. capcom wanted to set up a twist villian so they make chris very vague and unesscarily cruel. while its frustrating that they turned chris into a jerk for the sake of a twist, it still happens in canon and i will forever roll my eyes whenever i see him on screen. he did what he thought was best but imo, execution matters more than the intentions. same applies to mia. they both did things that hurt ethan because they thought it would be the best but in the end they just hurt ethan.

all the ships ive discussed with people ethan has met canonically just makes it look like i dont even like the ships... LOL ... ethan just has horrible luck with the people he meets i guess... but i do enjoy the ships and drawing them, but again all of them come with the canon baggage that ends up making me sad because everyone treats ethan poorly whether they had good intentions or not

which is why leon and ethan is the most fun to draw without getting stressed... LOL... they have never met but just drawing what i think their dynamic would be like is very fun.

please dont take this post personally, this isnt a post declaring why ur fave ship sucks, this is just my own personal preferences and in the end i draw all of them anyways

if i had to rank the ships based on drawing silly comics it would be

wintersberg

mithan

lethan

winterfield

wintersberg has the funniest potential just because of karl and mithan can be funny if u water it down to "i love my wife so much" and said wife comes home with suspicious amounts of hard cash

i enjoy making joke comics far to much

if i were to rank the ships based on how healthy they would actually be for ethan it would be

lethan

winterfield, mithan, wintersberg (no particular order)

sorry 😭

leon and ethan have literally never met but imo it would still be the healthiest because ethan gets to start new

the three other ships r all unhealthy in some way, at least canonically without changing much about the characters (i do like winterfield but just because of how chris behaved in re8 it knocked them down)

i cant even rank them on personal preference because my opinion changes so often 😭 it changes based on discussions i have with my friends or recent art i see that inspires me... me and my friends recently had a discussion about mia and ethans relationship which made me very frustrated and sad with mia so i defiently wouldnt be drawing them anytime soon... meanwhile i hvae been talking to a friend who really likes winterfield often so the conversations we have give me art ideas and i end up drawing it more. if a friend of mine really enjoyed wintersberg or lethan and talked to me about it often id probably start drawing it more, the joys of being a multishipper

it changes a lot based on how im feeling and if im in the mood to draw something funny or something serious

sorry u asked a really simple question and i responded with a essay

and a little bit about myself is that i go by crumb, i am 18 and i go by all pronouns and prefer it/its

im vietnamese and live in texas

i made this tumblr acc solely so i could post my ethan art and im a re7/re8 girly so if ur here waiting for me to draw the re1-re6 characters im sorry u should probably expect nothing

i also make personal animations sometimes which u can find here

thanks for the ask and sorry for the rant!

[slickchickchocolatier]

WARNINGS: This is written in Heethan’s y/n perspective, mentions of ritualistic killings, alternative universes, religious references (some accurate and some fictional), all heeleads, all y/n’s, references to SE7EN, MERMAIDS TALE, MGR/MRE/HHP, THE OTHERSIDE and DOUBLE TROUBLE (I would high suggest reading all these series before reading this), unprotected smut, angels and demons, angels are bad guys, devils are good guys, kidnapping, time and space travel, alternate characters, some cursing, grotesque language, sexual tension, some fluff, and some intermingling moments, (enough to give you some ideas 😏) images and smaus attached, cliche rescue mission, and I think that’s it.

A/N: this was just an idea that came to mind as I was listening to music. A fun read.

Turmoil stirs the middle of the sky, a collection of debris, dust, and smoke circulate within it. The strong current of gravitational force absorbs bits and pieces of man-made features, further expanding its reign of terror.

It was a force to be reckoned with, a whirlwind of evil spirits, angels, and demons combined, formulating an abomination that was neither Heaven, nor Hell. Two worlds of entities unite, all embracing the common ground that humans were a non-sensible creation by God. In their eyes, humans were nothing but livestock for the immortals.

The senior head of this ritualistic army had an idea—a new image for the aged world, where unearthly entities would herd and breed the human race…In preparation for the grand feast. With this process in place, the world would be controlled by themselves, gaining power to extend their influence through alternate space and time. All the parallel universes that were constantly being created, would become restricted, ceasing the expansion of human life.

“My followers…the time has come where we need to take back what is owed to us. WE have lurked in darkness far too long, feeding on the scraps of these scavengers…these HUMANS!” His head contained three faces, one centered and nestled in between the two disfigured profiles. Their mouths remained wide open, agasp with horror while the center focal features did all the talking, carrying all the range of emotions. “WE have been betrayed by both, God and the Devil…the two fathers who should have been nurturing us, ignored our caution instead. They turned their backs on us; made us starve as we craved for sustenance and glory…but no more! Today, we strike and take the blood of the most beloved, the one who carries the light of God, and the blood of Lucifer! This I pray…my demons of carnage, and angels of darkness…do not stop at just the one…take them all! Search through every vortex of this abysmal continent. Go above the universal horizon, far and wide through space and time, and gather your efforts— leave no part of the cosmic galaxy unturned. Raid the entire universes, all worlds, and bring me her adaptations. Bring forth every variation of her current soul, so that we may tear, grind, and feast on that delicate flesh…let us hit them where it hurts most…let us seek to make God cry, and break the heart of the Devil.”

The spawn of angels and demons scatter in mass multitudes, covering the entire sky while they surpass greater heights, surrounding their numbers across every comet and planet.

Finding you in this world was simple. Entirely too easy…

Like any other given day, you sat in class next to h/n, drafting the primary notes as your professor read the lecture aloud. The yelling of a fellow classmate startled the entire classroom, catching everyone off guard.

“What the fuck is that?!”

Everyone turned to view the scenery outside the window. The light blue sky grows dark, as the horizon blackened with a darkened hue. The foliage draping the tree branches suddenly shriveled and died off. The air around the building turned black; everyone became frantic and ignored the professor's false sense of composure. He tried his best but it was easy to see that he too was frightened and didn’t know how to handle the stirring frenzy that took place inside the room.

“What the Hell is going on?! Why did the sky get so dark all of a sudden?” H/n spoke out with tears glossing over her eyes as the girl sitting next to her called home. She hectically informs her mother of the unknowns that were happening outside the campus, all the while you barely spoke, or reacted as you overheard the girl's decree. The shock of it all stunned you; it wasn’t until your phone began buzzing that you came back to your senses.

The moment his own classmates sporadically spiraled out of control, Heeseung wasted no time in getting out. He had to get to you.

You were the first priority on his list. Ignoring his own safety, he bursts through the door— the only one brave enough to kick it wide open before sprinting towards the parking lot. Everyone whispered and spoke harshly as they watched the young man making his way over to you. God help anyone if something happens to you.

In an instant, everything turned upside down. You’re not sure what or how it happened, but it felt as if a group of hands were pulling you from side to side, pushing and tugging at the same time. Looking around, it seemed as if time was at a standstill. The entire class paused in mid motion, gravity lost its effect as students jumping out the window were stationed in mid air, unmoved. What was going on? Were you the only one that could move? The only one that wasn’t affected by this loss of motion? If so….did that mean that Heeseung…

……..

It occurred in a blink of an eye.

What the hell just happened? For a moment, Heeseung felt as if his heart had stopped beating. It happened during mid drive, when suddenly the roaring engine slurred, and the small bit of ash and debris in the air slowed until they froze in place. It wasn’t long before his own movements came to a pause, and before he knew it, he could no longer breathe. It was odd, despite not being able to take in air, the pressure from his chest was fine, almost as if he was holding his own breath.

It held on for two seconds before the distant sound of the engine grew louder and the tires resumed rotation, causing a sudden screeching noise to puncture his ears. What the fuck…!

The only thing that lingered on his mind was you. Shit…y/n! Hold on baby…

By the time he reached the building, merely two minutes after receiving your last text, you had already been taken.

Everyone stood wondering just the same as to what had occurred. They looked around and noticed nothing out of the ordinary, except when h/n pointed out your sudden absence. “Huh?…Anyone seen where y/n went? She was just right…here….”

Her voice subtly pauses as Heeseung silently walks through the double doors, with you nowhere in sight…his heart dropped to his stomach and a total sense of despair hit him. He wanted to die…he wanted to shake the earth to its core and kill off every bit of life that coated the surface. A state of hopelessness and emptiness fills him.

‘Y/n…’

…….

One by one, the entities visited alternate universes and found four more women, conjoining them as prisoners and leaving you all chained in a row. Brought forth, you all were all scanned with a morbid look of satisfaction as an alienated, metallic figure screeched through hundreds of jagged teeth, directing its elongated fingers to a specific direction. It was communicating with its more fleshy counterparts.

They marched you and the remaining maidens into a large bunker, nearly shoving you all down the uneasy steps. Once inside, a single light source allows you to take in the view of the abrupt companionship you were forced to confront.

‘Is…is this for real?’

The strangest phenomenon you ever witnessed. It was as if you were staring into a mirror, or a twin…several twin versions in fact.

These girls…they were…you. Some of them displayed subtle alterations of your appearance such as hair and eye color, even a small difference in age. But make no mistake, you pinched the skin on your arm as you confirmed that indeed, you were seeing yourself in various substitutions.

“I…don’t believe this…are you all….who are you?” One of the girls reflected aloud. Just as lost as you were, each one took a moment to observe the variations of…you.

A terrifying screech sounds off outside the bunker, similar to that of the metallic humanoid creature from earlier.

“What are those things?” The one who spoke, she looked and sounded exactly like you. It was such a surreal experience to see this happening in real time.

She looked more mature. With her sense of style and elegance, she encompassed the very essence of classy feminine virtue, a version that you always saw in yourself in the near future, when you were married and already graduated from college. Her hair and eye color were lighter than yours, but the structure of her face and body, the finer details of her expression and features were an exact match to your own.

“Does anyone know why we are here? What do those things want from us?” another variation of yourself spoke delicately.

Unlike the latter, who had hair that was fair and eyes that sparkled in chromes of light blue, this one had dark forest green hair, and feline eyes, which were both fierce and strikingly beautiful. She had the appeal of one with great wisdom and maturity, a variation of yourself that you never could imagine would exist. She continued to speak, pondering on the forceful monsters that wreaked havoc above and outside the bunker. “The one we saw earlier, whose body looked like metal, was that a...”

A calm voice speaks gracefully, politely inserting into the conversation. Her voice was slightly deeper, and tranquil, but not as twinkling as the one who carried the forest green locks. With those lips, stained blood red and coated with a subtle shine, she answers…“They’re angels.”

Everyone else turned to face in her direction. You all stared and admired the royal grace she portrays in her stance, it gave off an aura that reflected her higher age. It didn’t appear in her face, but it was through her persona and posture. Just like the one with the emerald strands, she displayed elegance in all aspects; her features, tone, and strut. Of all the variations that stood before you, she was the one you became most curious about.

“Angels? As in…from heaven?” Another variation, except this one seemed much more calm—perhaps too much.

Her lids were heavy and she spoke with a monotone voice. Her hair was stained a deep and vibrant color. It looked somewhat fresh, and contained a specific shade of purple, but not just any code of the color. It was not lavender, violet, or even muave, but more like a royal purple…it was as if the color was mixed specifically to match a certain shade. Maybe a particular flower? Perhaps it was made to match a blouse, or a type of fabric, like silk.

Noticing her demeanor, you couldn’t help but feel sorry as you took pity on this image of yourself; one that carried a dark sadness around, yet somehow flared a sense of contentment. It was contradicting, yet there eas something else that you couldn’t pin down about her. Almost as if she was carrying a nightmarish secret, but did it out of protection. Only question was, who is she protecting? Was it herself? Or could it be…?

You catch yourself drifting in thought when one of the girls asks your age. She inquired by stating that you looked the youngest, which was confirmed correct after you answered. Between you and your alternate state of beings, your ages ranged from eighteen to twenty eight, the latter title of the eldest belonging to the one with the dark burgundy lips.

She gazes up to the cathedral ceiling and crosses her arms, speaking out each word so confidently. Her hair was dark, nearly black with a deep, red hue…like red wine, and nails to match. She radiated a contrasting theme of goth and sensual femininity, like light and darkness combined. Everyone thought the same as they pondered on the mysteriously alluring sense of their alternate identity.

“Angels? How do you know? Have you seen them before?” The eldest one nods in response. Her eyes were heavy, as if she experienced a loss in energy recently. Still, she remained ever so composed and fashionable in Vogue like nature. You couldn’t help but think it, as somewhat narcissistic the thought may have seemed, but you found yourself idolizing what very much was the future outlook of yourself.

“This is so strange…it’s so weird to see…you…or me…I mean….what are we, exactly?” You sputtered as you make eye contact with the seldom one with the royal purple thatch of hair. She smiled softly and was the first one to respond.

“I am almost sure what our names will be, but I’ll be the first to say it…my name is y/n…”

Everyone snapped their heads up and chuckled in delight. Finally, a sense of relaxed humor amongst this terrifying ordeal. “We all have the same name?” The fairer version of you spoke, admitting for all of you to find comfort within each other.

The former y/n continued. “I guess we do.” You smile sweetly as you inquire about her background, to which she gently responds. “I worked as a consultant after graduating college and… “ she pauses, catching her breath. It was evident that the girl had been through a traumatizing experience, or maybe was still going through it all. Yet she displayed some fortitude as she completed her sentence. “I live with my husband…somehow I was brought here and I don’t have any memory of it. It happened so fast.”

“Me too….” The fairer one spoke. Her shiny hair gracefully rested beneath her collarbones as she spoke through her matte rosy stained lips. A beautiful combination. You couldn’t get over this experience, It was miraculous to see yourself with those featured traits. You wondered if variations of those closest to you exist, like Heeseung, Jake, and H/n. The thought of the three suppressed your slight bit of happiness as you wondered if you’d be able to escape with the others.

“I live with my husband too…well…husbands, if we’re being completely open.”

You all perked a brow upon her words. Did those rosy lips just tell you correctly…“Husbands?”

She nods seldomly while interlocking her fingers above the waist, avoiding eye contact and instead, focusing on a spot on the floorboards. “Yes….my husbands are brothers…and through them I have two boys of my own.” She pauses as her eyes welt up. “I…was putting my boys to sleep when something pulled me away from them…it was strange…it almost seemed like time was standing still.”

“Me too!” You spoke out. “I saw the same thing when I was pulled away.”

The fairer one smiled at you. “You are still so young…a younger version of myself.” Her change of topic was so sudden but she could see it in your face, hear it in your voice, and see it in your movements; seeing you in fluid motion made her visit down memory lane. “Yes.” You answered as you returned the smile. “I'm almost finished with my first year at college…I live with my fiance in his dorm.”

You all chuckled.

“His dorm?” The fairer one teases. “Yes well…believe it or not I don’t really have a choice.” You jest, yet the statement held more truth than anything you ever admitted.

It didn’t take time to consider their reaction. Upon hinting at Heeseung’s dark and toxic nature, it soon became evident you weren’t the only one. Unknowingly, you would open up another path that you all shared in common.

“He keeps you there?” You nod as the one with the dark forest green hair spoke. “Ah…” she sighs. “Just like mine…at least he used to. Now…well, I gave up. There wasn’t any point in fighting it.”

She chuckles once more as she rubs her temples, finding the entire scenario ironic. “I too live with my husband…it started just as forcefully as your situation but it’s been over two years now…” she pauses. The rest of the girl’s all related, all but you.

“Well…it is forceful but…he has good intentions, doesn’t he?” You inquired as the one with the dark green hair looks back up. A faint smile dons her lips as her delicate nails caressed her chin. With beauty and truth to her tone, she responded, almost in caution of warning. “Just like your fiance, he has the best…and the worst intentions.”

“What about you? Are you also married to a psycho? Or two?” The one married to dual husbands jokes, stabbing at her own life as she includes the last variant into the conversation. The eldest; she was the most elusive one out of all of you.

Turning her face over, she delivers a soft gaze and looks at each one of you with such nurture in her expression. Through those dark burgundy lips, she spoke gently. “I do.” She lightly chuckles. “I live with my husband, and much like all of you…I didn’t really have a choice.”

Closing her eyes, she reopens with a fresh countenance. Licking her loose she chuckles and tilts her head, taking small steps over to you. She cups your face and displays a saddened look, yet it was paired with a sweet smile. Her gaze hinted that she knew something…or maybe she could see something within your future that made her pity you.

With her intuitional sense, and foresighting ability, she reveals your deepest secret.

“You have another side of you…one that is equal to his darker half.”

Was she referring to Eden and Ethan? But…how does she know?

You slightly gasp as you remained stunned by her words. She looks over to the one with the dark green hair. “You and your husband carry the blood of the ancient gods within you.”

In response, the sea maiden looked somewhat confused. “How could you possibly know that?”

The former admits partial truth to her own secret. “I know all…I can see all….I can see your most inner kept secrets just by looking into your eyes. It was a gift from my husband after we were…” she pauses after catching herself diving down to details to at may be too indiscreet. The image of Heeseung’s devilish form atop of her, probing and thrusting away was not something she wanted the girls to visualize…she rather not think about it herself, despite the progression of her relationship to the aforementioned male. “Married.”

She turns to the fairer one, and continues to prove her capabilities. “Your husbands sired their own twin sons within you, and through those babies, you found true love.” The latter looks down, almost shamefully. Yet the eldest tilts her chin up and whispers, “nothing wrong with that.” She winks and smiles, and watched as those rosy colored lips smirked delightfully. This was, after all, a safe space for sisters who share more than just identical traits. You were all connected, through fate and soul.

She looked to the one with the royal purple hair. “Your husband's deeds have haunted you. With nowhere to turn, you chose to return his love but you are ridden with sadness knowing that you are his cure.”

The purple haired y/n didn’t say a word, she only nodded in admittance while drifting her sight off to the wall.

“As for me…” she pauses as she faces the ceiling once more. “I made a deal with the Devil many years ago. Through it, I lost my mortality, and gained immortality…I am known as the mortal daughter of God, but rebirthed as the bride of Helel...my husband, and father to my son.”

“Helel?” Through her purple strands, the girl spoke out of confusion. Never has she heard such a distinctive name in her life.

Just as the conversation reached pause, the door to the bunker opens. A combination of the hostile angels and demons standby. A disfigured tone emits from their tongue as they point and begin separating you away from one another.

You felt scared upon seeing the fleshy demon grip your wrist, pulling you away as the others were being dragged into sporadic direction. The girls all tried their best to fight off the large swarm, and recollect. Through a shared sense, there was a need to get back to you, the younger version of themselves. The need to protect each other and stay together remained strong, however, the monsters proved too strong as their numbers increased. They found it easier to carry you away into singular, isolated chambers. The echoes of their screams, sounding so much like your own voice, become distant and unheard.

You backed yourself against the cold stone wall and slid down until the tile flooring meets your rear. All seemed hopeless at this point. The terrifying sounds of demonic growls and piercing angelic screeches merge from outside the door, all frenzying as they carry out their next deed, whatever that could be. It was too frightening to think about. What is going to happen? How is Heeseung going to save you this time? Your Heeseung…the one who is always there to bring you back home…how is he going to possibly find you? You don’t even know where you are.

‘Heeseung…I’m scared.’

You wonder if the others felt just as scared and hopeless.

The fear of being lonesome started to eat you alive, it was far worse than when Heeseung carried out one of his punishments, and locked you away for breaking his rules. You hated it more than ever, being secured away in darkness and suffering from desolation. Looking back at it, his method seemed tamed compared to how you were currently being treated.

You also knew, despite succumbing to the harsh effects of being tied to a bed frame, or locked inside a closet, at least the comfort of knowing he was going to be around…that he was always going to come back to get you, whether it was hours or a day later, was something you had lost appreciation for in the past, but yearned for it more than ever. He was always there to make sure you were safe, despite carrying out an act that clearly violated your human rights…it was his way of loving you…his manner of understanding it.

‘I wouldn’t have to do this shit if you’d listen and just do what I tell you. It’s all for a good reason…”

His words from past recollections continue to play in your head.

‘To keep you safe…and to keep you as MINE. Get it through that dumb, pretty little head of yours already. No matter how many times you fight me on this, you’re going to lose.’

You used to scoff at his justification, growing irritated at his own resolve. You always figured he was overreacting.

All those times when you were caught speaking to someone from class outside at the parking lot, didn’t matter if they were boy or girl, he’d always became so possessively evil, and jealous. His handsome smirk goes from dashing to sinister as he lets out the wolf from its cage: Ethan.

But no matter how emotionally tormenting…or mentally abusive he could be…one thing would always remain true, and that was his unyielding love for you…just you.

The door knob twists violently as the door panel rambles, snapping you out of mid thought. You stood up and cornered yourself, completely frightened by what was on the other side. Finally breaking open, it swings wide inward. You swore your eyes were going to fall through the sockets. It couldn’t be… “H-Heeseung?”

Tears balled up and your heart pauses in mid-pulse. He steps closer in towards the light and there you saw, it was Heeseung…but he seemed different. His attire was similar, but his hair…it carried a particularly familiar shade of purple, just like—

“Hmph…” he smirks, daring a bold look as he scans you up and down. “So this is what you looked like when you were eighteen.”

The way his words growled upon stating your tender age sent a shiver up your spine, a familiar sense that you were accustomed to. “Damn, so this is what you were like at eighteen… you were just born perfect, weren’t you?” A snarling wink flashes you.

He reaches and grabs your wrist. “Gotta hurry princess.”

Leading the way and keeping you close behind, he rubs his fingers and gently massages your skin in his hold. His cologne was so different from the Heeseung you knew. It was a musky scent of blue agave and sandalwood.

Luring you around every corner, running past a hall filled with portraits, you finally configured where the entities had been keeping you, it was an old church.

“W-what about the others…the other—“

He calmly interjects as you stuttered, trying to find a way to describe the collection of your alternate self, including the one who you suspected belonged to him.

“We should be seeing them soon.” He spoke as he remained attentive to the surroundings. You were so taken aback by his resemblance that you were ignorant of the weapon he held…a machete?

“H-how did you find us?” You questioned. He tightens his grasp as he leads you down a spiraling staircase, completely made of stone. “Met the others—something about getting all of the you’s and I’s out, and back to our respective universes. There was also something about a demon who wanted to piss off God, and the Devil, blah, blah, blah.”

He spoke carelessly and left out all of the vague details as he remained focused in getting you to safety. Just as you both reached the main cathedral, you witness from across the wide room, all the other variants of yourself were being guided by Heeseung, a few of them. The one right across had ash-blonde hair and….a dark haired one trailing behind…

The y/n with the dark forest green hair stood out as they centered her, providing three-sixty coverage of security. Once they saw you and the Purpled haired Heeseung leading you, they led the other you to rejoin and come to center, surrounding you both in a combative formation.

Also rejoining the group was the one who had the dark purple locks that matched the Heeseung who rescued you; behind her was the alternate version of yourself that carried the red-wine lips. The girls were guided by a version of Heeseung, whose eyes glowed blue and his hair was dark as the ocean.

In the opposite direction, from the corner of your eye you catch on to the fair alternate you, and in front, was him…there he was…Heeseung…your Heeseung, and Ethan.

You could see both entities behind those dangerous eyes. Seeing you safe, along with all the other girls restored life to his gaze as he smiled and felt the weight lifted off his shoulders. ‘There you are…there’s my pretty baby.’

Without stopping, they continued to urge you all to run as they herd each of you to stay centered in their squad position, forming an arrow shape around you and the girls.

Aside from the machete, the other Heeseung’s all bore their own weapons, and from the looks of it, they were most likely found on display in the upper dungeons, which you concluded is where you and the others were being kept prior to being saved.

Your Heeseung gripped on two long swords, while the twins had an ax and a long, steel club, similar to a bat. The other Heeseung with the azure hair skillfully handled a rifle, and had a pistol holstered to his thigh.

The moment of uniting didn’t last pleasantly as the stone tile beneath your feet shook, and the light fixtures rattled above. Something was coming, and it carried enough anger to swell up his size.

Each booming placement of its foot stomping the ground quaked the earth. Just seconds after stabilizing your ground, the grand entrance starts to crack. The arch lining and pillars split apart as an overly muscular frame, with humanoid expressions, enters. He ducked his head in by tucking the chin while the ceiling began to crumble above. When he revealed himself fully, you and the other girls gasped at the horrid sight of the monster before you.

His face was split into three, with six pairs of horns that adorned each head, eluding terrible and frightening expressions. His body was similar to that of a man, with exaggerated muscles that looked to produce enough strength that of an entire army. A long offensive tongue spills out of his evil grin as jagged and serrated teeth flash from the joker wide grin. His eyes resembled that of a goat or sheep, but larger. With both hands containing claws that reached measurement by the foot, you winced at the thought of being grabbed by them. The palms contained numerous spurred teeth that formed hooks, similar to the mouth of a parasite, such as a leech. In fact, his entire body was covered with them, slowly fading as they reached the three facial expressions. There were lacerations that appeared on his chest, opening and closing sporadically. They blinked repeatedly with horrendous teeth and eyes peeking out from beneath the tissue and skin. What on earth was this creature?

Standing in his full glory, he speaks with a diabolical tone. “Leave the women behind, and I shall spare your lives, and bless you with power and immortality. You will become the generals of my league.”

The boys all stood in line, keeping you and the others behind, guarding with their own lives at stake, willing and ready to take on anything. Rather than seeing any bit of you harmed, they all remained solid as they would rather die or be tortured than to see a single scratch on anyone of your bodies. The creature takes their gesture with jests, chuckling before he adds on to his demand.

“You are not the one that I care to gut and split open, yet if you insist, it will be my utmost pleasure to rip all of you apart in front of your precious darlings, and then feast on your corpse afterwards.”

You held on to the girl with the purple locks. Her matured instincts kick in, knocking away the original demeanor she carried before. The troubled and quiet woman feels the need to cradle you, a younger version of herself, and presses you against her chest while she covers your eyes. Peeking out from the corner of her embrace, you saw the purple haired Heeseung peer a faint side eye, noting the comfort she was providing, and the fear that stayed by it. His eyes met with hers, eluding a look of reassurance, as if he were telling her that he wasn’t going to let anything happen. Not him, or his alternate figures.

Heethan also takes in the image of your sheltering. His stern and yet relieved facial expression showed the two sides of his being, Heeseung, and Ethan. He emits a quick nod the moment you make eye contact. ‘Not today…not ever. Nothing is touching a single inch of you, pretty baby.’

The remaining alternate versions of yourself come and join in, grouping you in the center as you all remain behind the boys. The eldest stood right in between, establishing an embrace to shield you and the others as her back was facing the row of Heeseung’s. All five of them stood, readily armed as the creature's patience ran thin. Taking a step forward, the ground cracks, stones protrude inward and wouldn’t hold much longer, nearly collapsing.

The boys step back, urging all of you to back away with caution. You all suddenly halt your movements to safety at the sight of numerous demons and angels suddenly entering from all directions in the cathedral, trapping the entire group to the center beneath the large chandelier.

“It’s useless.” The creature spoke out as his tongue splits into two. “God asked for this…the Devil wanted this.”

The eldest produces a harsh side eye at the creature's mentioning of the latter. Her dark red-wined lips quiver open faintly as she hisses toward the mentioning of his name. The audacity of this creature.

“If only they had heeded our words, and met our demands. We would not be as blood starved. You mortals…you children of the Earth, deserve torture that exceeds the worst kind of death in existence. I should have been granted eternal life in his holy kingdom. It is I, who should have been throned as one of the seven Princes of Hell. Yet both God and Lucifer denied me of what is owed to me. They should have recognized me! The demon Molech! Now…God shall bear witness to the human existence coming to its end, beginning with his only daughter, and the sisters that share her form and soul. Let the heart of the Devil fall into despair upon realizing that his only love would be violated with her innards split, and torn from bone.”

Molech crouches into position, nearly ready to pounce through the boys, and straight to you and the girls. You all could see it in his eyes, the glaring reflection of you and the girls as his primary target. “May all of you scream as I devour you alive, and shit out your guts onto the stones of this very church. I will splatter your organs for all to witness what is coming.”

He lunges forward. It was the last known image that replayed in your head spontaneously as you cringed onto the girls.

The movement happened so fast, and the entire group of you screamed as the boys grit their teeth, yet silence…fills the air. Not a single sound of bone cracking skin tearing, and blood curdling screams sounded off after Molech made his offensive move.

You’re not sure what happened. You were bracing for impact and for the unthinkable to occur, yet moments passed and you realized that everyone stood, remaining whole and without injury. Still warmed by the embrace of the girls, you slowly open your eyes.

From what you could deduce, the figure had pummeled down from above, piercing through the ceiling of the church strategically so as to not fully crumble its structure. With a hand buried deep into Molech’s back, it pierces through the monstrous flesh as the thousands of small teeth that covered his hideous body attempts to cut through the sleeve of his black coat. You admired his beautiful form as large black-feathered wings extend magnificently from his back. He resembled paintings that depicted Heaven’s arch-angels.

Appearing as a Victorian prince, he slowly rises from his crouching stance. Dressed in dark, vintage-goth attire, he stands gloriously, releasing his stabbing hold of the demon beneath the soles of his boots. The thatch of black hair matched that of his feathers, so dark that it contained a blood red hue under the dim glare. As his face comes to light, your breath escapes so suddenly—you swore your heart skipped a beat…it was Heeseung. Another alternate variation of your beloved.

“Helel…” the elder y/n breathes out through her dark stained lips while gazing at her husband. A look of relief accompanies her whispering softness as he shifts a quick look over, feeling much relieved himself after seeing her unharmed.

With a wild smirk, he speaks. His voice was deep and dark, yet soft as he adoringly addressed her. “My queen.”

His eyes matches his tone as they soften; the murderous glare hushes down to a look of tranquility. “Love of my eternal life…I’ve come to bring you back home with me…where you belong.”

The beauty of love and passion between the two is cut short as Molech suddenly strikes, yet misses as Heeseung, or Helel, springs off to the side, levitating from a distance. He was so fast. His speed was inhuman as you and the others watched the demon making many failed attempts to catch him. “You WILL take her back, as you will join her at death by my hand! YOU—are nothing but a failed angel, and a false prince!”

Mech spoke out his poisonous words, yet seeing the calmed expression on the Prince's face irked him as Helel remained unbothered, so long as his darling was safe.

The very last bit of his words barely spit out as Helel dives in, like a flash of light. With his much smaller frame, he is enumerated strength that surpasses Molechs as he grips the demon by another piercing hold, this time, it was through the center of his chest. The creature’s internal organs flare up, lighting as if they were being filled with lava. His skin became transparent as you all viewed the spewing of fluids secreting from the burns. He screams in pain as the sores on his body leak liquified tissue, melting the outer layer of skin. “I think your visit here is over-welcomed, Molech.”

Helel’s voice turns dark, with a clenched jaw, he continues to burn the demon from the inside out. “Don’t worry, I’ll be seeing you very shortly, and I’ll deal with you then. Be ready…” he narrows his eyes and brings the center face of the demon closer, his lips nearly touching the demon's chin. Smirking, Helel slides the tip of his nose upwards, forcing the demon to look him directly in the eye, all the while he whispers…

“I am going to split you open with my claws—piss on your organs, feed you to those miserable shits at the River Styx, watch as they shit you out, and scatter your remains across the depths of MY Hell. You’ll be nothing but fertilizer for my wife’s pretty little poppy garden, and she will smile every waking moment upon watching them grow from your own demise.”

With the last of Molech’s breath, he extends his middle claw, flicking off his own former master as he shamelessly words out “fuck you.”

Helel only grins in amusement, further aggravating the demon. Whispering, Heeeseung—or Helel, responds back one final time before finishing off the demon. “Nah…nobody fucks with the Devil—except her.” He glances over to his one and only, his own y/n. “She fucks me all the time, sometimes with tears staining her face and her bottom lip clenched between her teeth. She loves fucking with the Devil…” shifting another look over, he directs his tone in bold, over to his wife. “Ain’t that right baby?”

His wife settles a submissive display of affection and obedience as she quietly nods. “Yeah…you fucking love me. And I fucking love the Hell outta you.” His eyes widen entirely too ecstatically as his pupils shrink. Of all the moments you witnessed Heeseung’s most terrifying expressions, nothing surpassed the one his devilish alternate. It was the most terrifying thing you’ve seen, even more so than the dying demon at his hand.

He releases an antagonizing chuckle as you felt a slight shake within your chest, all due to the way he spoke of his love. He was so twisted, possessive, and dementing, but the love and admiration he showered her was above all sorts of love. It was unreal.

“And you know what else Molech? She will be the one to rule over the demons that will fuck your soul for all eternity. THAT…is what it means to obey your fucking queen.” At that, you all bear witness as Helel finishes Molech off.

But things were far from over, the remaining demons and angels who retaliated against their respective masters remained loyal to their desires, despite Molech being gone, and said former master currently present. Despite witnessing Helel kill off their only leadership, they were stubborn enough to follow through, until death stopped them.

“What’s next?” One of the Heeseung twins spoke, gripping his weapon.

“Take the girls and run. Keep going until you reach the end of the bridge.” Helel calmly instructs, eyeballing the swarm that was closing in. “And you?” One of the other Heeseung’s spoke, inquiring Helel’s role during the escape.

“Heh.” With a smirk and the narrowing of his dark eyes, he extends his wings out as he flares off a hand, claws extending and growing in an offensive length before your very own eyes. “It’s time for me to tuck the kids in, and say goodnight.” Leaving no room for response, his super speed causes a mirage of his movements as he levitates up, and like a sparrow, dives down as he takes out numerous demons and angels at once. In doing so, he creates an open path for everyone to escape.

“Let’s go!” Your Heeseung yells out as he grabs on to the dark forest haired y/n, and quickly leads the way. With all the other Heeseung’s following suit, they latch on to each and every single one of you. The purple haired y/n holds onto your hand as she is being led by the blue haired Heeseung.

“Watch out!” The fair one screams, watching as a group of demons head directly towards your direction.

In an instant, they abruptly pause as they reach within one arm's distance. A soothing tune echoes in the air; a semi high pitch voice that reminded you of bells, it sings and creates a euphoric atmosphere. The demons struggle as they try to resist, staggering a myriad of movements before succumbing to the soft sound of mystical and angelic voice.

“Wha-what is that?” The fairer y/n speaks out, when suddenly the blue haired Heeseung tells the boys, “cover your ears and eyes, now!”

You watched as the males covered followed his instruction, patiently waiting for the signal to free their hearing and sight. The one that gave warning stood and provided cover. He didn’t seem so concerned with himself, or so it would appear as he placed no effort in obstructing his vision or hearing. The demons couldn’t resist the soft tone of the woman’s voice, and started to conduct the demands as she spelled out their death sentence.

“Look into my eyes…and hear my voice. Tell me that you love me…” the demons roar in agony as the look of pained lust takes over. “Take out your heart. Rip it from your chests, and present it as a token of your love for me…do it…for meeee.”

Her voice drifts. It was so alluring and other-worldly.

You turned around and bore witness as to who was responsible for the spell-binding act. It was the variant of yourself, the one with the forest green hair. You gasped in magnificence as you saw the transformation of her features darken, becoming seductively bold and eye-catching. Her eyes grew dark, yet glowed. The winged tip lining of her beautiful peepers became more fierce, and her lips grew darker in shade, resembling the color of a Plum. The changed produced a smoldering expression that reeked of every man’s lust and desire. She spoke out terrible things, and yet, each demon did as she bids, meeting a demise by their own hand.

Her counterpart smirks, gazing over to his darling as her expression slowly goes back to its original state. “Siren.” He winked over as he breathed out the name of her lineage.

With a faint smile of her own, she returns the look by flaring a cool attitude out of jest. “Adam.”

Everyone continues on the path as you all make way onto the high bridge, beginning the cross. Up ahead, a swarm of angels swing down, resting near the end of the bridge and form a metallic barricade. They mutate their limbs into active mechanical saws with rotating blades, and unbeknownst to the lot of you, this was a familiar sight for one particular y/n.

“Get behind me.” She tells everyone, and you watch as the Devil’s wife shows you her immortality, and extends her own beautiful wings. “Y-y/n! You have wings!” You and the girls exclaimed, pleasantly surprised by the remarkable sight of the pearlescent white feathers, a stark contrast from her husbands. Barely hidden in the undercarriage of one wing, a small spot resting closest to her body, were black feathers. A part of him.

Extending her angelic feathers, she takes flight just like her husband, and gains unbelievable height before swooping down, taking out the entire offensive line of the angels. Split cleanly in half, they lay restlessly as their limbs twitch and mouths screeched out their dying pains.

The group continues to run, with every alternate variation of you and Heeseung joining hands and intermingling.

A sudden jolt yanks you back, causing you to yelp out in pain. It pulls you back, tearing you from the others.

“Shit!” Heethan breathes out in ultimate fear as a lonesome demon begins to crawl over you. Its tongue glides over your skin, preparing to digest your face when in a blink of an eye, the demon is suspended in the air, and thrown off the bridge. Helel swoops to your side, extending a hand; you take it, joining palms. Feeling your grip, he lifts away and carries you off in flight to rejoin the others.

“Let’s go.” The eldest y/n urges once they witness you safe, much to Heeseung's delight. He swore he felt his heart explode for a second, but redemption came at its finest upon seeing you safe, once again. Guess he has the Devil to thank for that.

Your body reaches unbelievable height as Helel holds you by the waist, and your arms wrapped around his neck. You made the mistake of looking down and felt the hopeless sensation of dangling high above, seeing the group as microscopic figures as they make their way to the end of the bridge. Your grip tightens and by doing so, you pull yourself closer to the former archangel.

“Hmph…” he smirks against your cheek, inhaling your sweet scent as you slowly turn to face him. Staring at him with a wide and an innocent gaze, he reaches up and moves a piece of hair, tucking it behind your ear. “Pretty little thing, you have nothing to fear…”

He leans in closer, his hands gripping your waist tightly as he pulls you even closer. His nose meets with yours, and his lips brush against your skin. He looks so much like Heeseung—your Heeseung. Like him, there was a mixture of kindness and malice, producing love and contentment. Whispering against your lips he finishes…

“Whether it be you, or the others like her, I’ll never let any part of my y/n to fall.”

His wings cave in, cradling you to his chest. He places a soft and gentle kiss on your lips, progressing into one that reaches certain depths from inside your mouth. His tongue feeds through and unlike his cold skin, it was warm. You openly invited him to explore further as you couldn’t resist this version of your beloved. He was so powerful, and out of this world, you just had to gain a taste, and prayed that your own Heeseung would never find out what was happening in the sky above.

His hand reaches the back of your neck, pulling you in as he deepens the kiss. He pulls slightly back, much to your dismay, and takes in the sight of your expression. It was full of lust and desire; you stared back with heavy lids and a soft pant escaping. He smirks before licking your bottom lip, and places a smaller peck on your nose. “Good girl.” He whispers, before tightening his embrace, and taking flight— merging you with the others.

Reaching ground, he gently places you down and watches as you run over to your fiance, who embraced you with every ounce of his own life. “Fuck, I was scared I lost you for a second. Are you okay baby?” His voice was hoarse as he ran out of breath from merely speaking. The choke of his emotions got the better of him as he sensationally savored the feeling of your bodies uniting.

He looks at you with relieved eyes. You tearfully nod and embraced him. The others did the same as they rejoined with their respective partners.

Slowly walking over to Helel, the eldest y/n comes within reach. She raises a hand and delicately moves pieces of his hair away from brow and eye. He smirks down at her, and takes her long strands in palm, rubbing them between his claws. Taking in every bit of her presence, he nearly loses himself at the face that took his breath away. Fuck, she was so breathtaking to him.

“Thank you…for saving me and the others.” She whispers out, widening her stare as she rests her hands on his chest. He wraps his arms around her waist.

“I don’t know what I would ever do if I didn’t have you.” He admits, and for the first time ever, she witnesses a side of the devil she never thought she’d see. His look was that of slight guilt, relief, and sadness. He looked down at the ground for a moment, realizing that had he been late, he would have lost the only thing that mattered to him. Meeting her gaze, he leans in with a calmed look in his eye.

In this very moment, y/n felt herself falling for her husband like never before. After bearing Helan, living in Hell, and sustaining his harsh treatments, she finally understood him as a man and husband. Oh, how the tables have turned in his favor.

“My son needs his mother…and I need my queen.” He whispers, before granting a small and tender kiss. Taking her hand, he raises it to chin level, tilting his face as his eyes remain glued to her face. Lavishing her hand, he rolls tongue and cheek across the smoothness of her skin, delicately placing a trail of kisses down to her wrist. Tears begin to form in her eyes. It’s true what they say in Heaven and Hell, the Devil truly loved his wife. His y/n.

A rumbling sound emerges from afar and you all witness as many more demons and angels emerge from inside the cathedral. They run over, crossing the bridge as they head in the groups direction. With the exception of Helel and his y/n, who had the gift of flight, everyone was at a disadvantage of being forced to run on foot, but with speed that was nothing compared to the inhuman entities making their way over.

“We gotta hide or something. They’ll catch us.” The purple haired y/n exclaims while her own Heeseung holds onto her, cooing her as he kisses her forehead.

“No need.” Helel calmly projects. Everyone looked in his direction with a relieved sigh, does he have a plan? “What will you do?” His own bride inquires flirtatiously as she gets a sense of a trick up her husband's sleeve. He smirks as he tells her. “What we do best.” He snaps his finger and instantly, six other figures appear from the sky, shattering the atmosphere as their sudden appearance creates a series of Sonic Booms. One right after another, they dive bombed the bridge, wiping out the army of demons and angels in seconds. With dark feathered wings, and inhuman strength, their lack in numbers could not fool anyone. The angels were no match even when conducting aerial movements. Each dark prince maneuvered the sky and shattered any who tried to escape. It was as if you were watching jets chasing after one another.

They swoon closer, joining the group at the end of the bridge. “The kids are misbehaving I see.” One of them spoke, a young man who had dark hair with wispy silver highlights. His foot reaches the ground as he collapses his wings, leaving them to remain perched in an arch at rest. He was adorned with gold and jewels that had to be worth more than what the world could offer. Joining him was one of the others, who had blonde hair slicked back, and bright blue eyes. A lip ring decorated his bottom lip, and he shared the same aura as the other.

“These little brats…what’s their problem this time? Are they pissed off at us or what?” Seemingly fed up with the offensive entities, he sighs out as the one adorned with jewels responds.

“Eh…Same shit, different day. Don’t know about the angels, but our guys are in need of a spanking…probably need to be grounded.”

The blonde haired angel-figure shoots a glance over to the forest haired y/n. “Huh…first time I’ve ever seen a Siren.”

The Heeseung who held on to her waist tucks her into his chest; he glares over to the blonde male. “Fuck off.” Was all he calmly stated before widening his eyes psychotically.

The blonde male smirks, appearing to do no harm. “Relax. I’m not going to take away your little mermaid.” He switched his gaze back to her. “You and I come from the same waters, Daughter of the Seven Seas. It would appear that your generation is much more tamed than that of your early mothers.” He smirks as he looks back at the one holding her. “An Adam…great distant son of an ancient God. Despite the identical face you display to that of my elder brother, you and I are more alike than anything else.”

Heedam softens his gaze to that of an annoyed glare. “I don’t really care, blondie.”

Jake smirks out a small laugh. “No, I guess you don’t. But it’s all good…” flickering his snake like tongue, he gently coos. “Just tell your sisters, should you ever see them, to be wary of the snake. I tend to look for them from time to time.”

The dark green haired y/n projects a perturbed brow. “You mean…the other sirens? What would you do if you ever found them?”

He winks. “I’d eat them—metaphorically speaking, of course.” He gives off a last smirk before turning his back to the couple. “Snakes need to eat too, you know?”

The two males take flight to rejoin their brothers in air, while Helel remains with you all. After some moments went by, you and the girls inquired on how the boys managed to find you.

“This guy.” One of the twins smirked as he thumb pointed over to Helel. “Got us together after he found out what was happening, and helped us get here before taking off to get his brothers.”

“How did you find out?” The eldest raised a brow as she peeked up to view her husband's face. He smirks as his chin touches her nose. “After the raid and your kidnapping, that little fuck-Molech left no leads. So I had to reach out to an old friend…”

“Who?” One of the y/n’s spoke curiously. The eldest y/n already knew…

“Him?” She spoke in a whisper. He slightly nods in return. You all pieced together whom they were referring to as the subtle hint gave off the showering expression of respect and peace on the Devil’s face.

God.

Not much was divided afterwards. In fact, after Helel explained how he forcefully opened the space and time continuums in each galactic dimension to retrieve the alternate versions of his own soul, and unite them with the plan to bring you all back, things went silent right after.

Reopening those entrances once more, Helel guided each pairing back to their own worlds, and everything was back to normal, other than the major publicity that stirred from the event. Mentions of angels and demons raising the sky, and an apocalyptic end, was all the media could speak of.

………

A few weeks have passed. Schools were shut down for a while due to the incident, and everyone was left to continue their education via online, which Heeseung absolutely loved. Having you in his dorm twenty-four-seven was something that he could get used to…maybe already has.

You lay in bed partially dressed. It was nice to not have to worry about figuring what to wear. Since assignments were assigned and completed on your own schedule, you opted to be lazy as Heeseung went down the store to grab your favorite snacks. All for being such a good girl, and staying by his side.

With only a crop top and a pair of panties on, you embraced the warmth of summer air hitting your skin. Besides, your man loved seeing you nearly nude more than anything else.

The door opens, and you see him walk in. In his traditional and fashionable manner, his hat covers his eyes and the upper bridge of his nose, which complimented the street style he wore. A long shirt with the sleeves partially rolled and straight jeans. So casual yet so appealing, or perhaps it was just him and how he could pull it off so well.

“That was quick.” You quirked as you sit up over the edge of the bedding and sipped on your water bottle.

“I don’t like being away from you for too long.” He spoke out with a deep tone. His bedroom voice.

He didn’t waste any time. He held onto your waist and pulls you up. Catching you by surprise, he dipped down to loop his hands around your thighs, before fully extending you up in the air. Your thighs straddle him as you stabilize yourself, he was so strong. Lifting you like a feather, he buries his face into your neck as your head rests on top of his hat. “Heeseung…”

“Mmhmm…” he mumbles with his mouth filled with your tender skin. He didn’t say much more after, instead, he hooks your panties and pushes them to the side. Up and over your derrière, his forearm rested against the surface of your rear cheeks while he lined himself to your center. It’s to be expected, you both didn’t have sex this morning due to the zoom conference for one of your classes. So of course, now that all of that was done, he could finally have his moment with you.

He slides right in, and it was a familiar feeling that seemed all too new. He stuffs you. Fills you. Pumps into you. It was an incredible feeling that reminded you just how much you loved to get fucked by this man.

His lips remained latched on to your neck. “Fuck.” He whispers. “Mmmph! Heeseung!” You gasped as he picks up the pace and bounces you atop his throbbing cock, holding your under-thighs as leverage whenever he lifted and stabilized your momentum.

He kept going on and on. Your mind was blown away as always; you didn’t even feel present in his room. Everything just took you away as you felt your gut being filled by that hard muscle. Separating your walls and pushing in, he thrusts in a motion that was passionately rough and sensually brutal. It was almost like dancing—it had rhythm and harmony as you both shared juices of love and lust.

You screamed out as you come undone. Splattering your fluids everywhere, he keeps his thrusts going as he goes in harder, faster, and deeper. Right as you reach your second orgasm, he joins in and you both cum in unison.

He gently places you back down on the bed, lovingly. Kissing your entire body, he coolly shushes you after noting your gasping pants for air, and the beads of sweat that coated your skin. “Shhh-sh-sh-sh. Breathe baby, that’s it…thaaaaaats it.”

Once you finally got your breathing stabilized, he kisses your forehead and whispers “good girl.”

Something smacks your senses as you immediately took note of the off-putting manner in the way he whispered his tone. Of course he’s said it many times before but this…this was all too familiar in an unfamiliar way. It was…it was…

He stands upright, you hear the unfolding flaps of the black feathered wings extending past the street attire he donned.

“Oh my God…”

He smirks. “Close…but not quite sweetheart.” With a devilish grin, he leans down and places a sudden peck on your lips, causing you to enhance your already shocked expression. “The Devil is here.”

He kisses you once more before turning away. A slit in the gravitational force of the air appears, and walking in was Heeseung dressed in formal black, Victorian wear. The one who donned his wings, Helel, spoke first.

“Had fun?”

Heeseung—your Heeseung, spoke back in jest. A certain level of verbal jousting that took place between the two as they remained swapped in their attire. “Hope you enjoy my work.” Your Heeseung spoke, flashing his Ethan persona as he smirks towards his devil counterpart.

“I’ll leave you my review. If I’m not satisfied, I will be returning.” He dashed a wink over to you, as your Heeseung responds back. “No returns.”

Helel crosses his arms, and grins. “I won’t be asking for a return, more like a freebie.”

Heeseung smirks back as he too, crosses his arms. Both men square off, chest to chest at a one arms distance. “Against my policy. It’s buy one, and get one free. And gimme back my hat.” He snags the cap off from Helel’s head, the latter merely remained undeterred and blinked as he leans his head slightly back, watching as his own counterpart places the hat on his own head.

“Hmph…what atrocity.” Noting his Victorian cloth tainted by the modern piece that your Heeseung displayed, Helel lightly snarled in disgust. “If anyone is going to square off with the Devil…I guess it would be my own damn self, even if you are worlds apart. Too bad I always win.”

He remarks amusingly before exiting, but not without waving back to you as he peeked over the edge of his wing. “See you later, y/n. Try not to spill.” He denotes as he points at the seeping fluid spilling out in between your legs. Heeseung’s brow irked at the symbolic jab.

“Helel…” he calls out right as the devil began to step into the opening.

Raising a brow, Helel looks over to his alternate face. “Say hi to the wife and kids for me.”

Helel’s eyes widen just slightly, expressing a hint of confusion. “Kids?”

Heeseung smirks. “Yeah…kids. A lot of them. Figured your boy could use some siblings.”

Both men stand wide-eyed, smiling sinisterly. They looked as if they were going to kill each other. “Huh…it would be you to show up the devil. I’ll be sure to return the favor.” He steps forward, and with that, the devil takes his leave.

Perm Taglist:

@enheene , aiden2001 , @heeseung-min , @lathan1510 , @rayofsunshineeee @hoyeonheeseung , @rayofsunshineeee , @yohanabanana , @sunoosrightbuttcheek , @jaeneohee , @icydawon , @silcry , @iamliacamila , @nikstrange , @enheene ; @nuriicata , @en-happiness @diorsyun @lisaaannna

[roksik-dnd]

UPD: I got the rest of the dev notes out!

Good news everyone! According to the dev notes, Abdirak’s sexiness to creepiness ratio is 6 to 3!

Father Abdirak is a follower of Loviatar, a goddess that thrives on inflicting pain on others. He is indulging in some private 'worship' (self flagellation). He offers to help alleviate the player's pain by giving them 'penance' - i.e, beating them. Loviatar = loh-VEE-a-tar. He is a young and charismatic preacher with a threatening edge.

Abdirak: Greetings, child. I've met few aside from goblins here.

He has paused in beating himself to stand and greet the player.

Player is one of the few non-goblins he’s met in this place. Welcomes another for conversation and discussion but there should be something vaguely threatening about him. Charismatic, sexy, and creepy all in one.

Abdirak: Ah, are you also here to assist with the prisoner?

Player: You mean the one they are torturing?

Abdirak: Please. The things they are doing to that man... so crude and primitive.

Distates. Like an expert in wine being present with a bottle from Tesco. He loves pain, he just has an issue with the lack of artistery.

Abdirak: I was invited to to teach them. I live for pain and its intricacies, you see, but alas...

Discusses eyes light up at the mention of pain but discussing it in an academic sense

Abdirak: Pain without purpose is a terrible thing, wouldn't you agree?

No horror in his voice. Discussing it like an intellectual pursuit. It is not the violence he takes issue with, it is the fact that they do it simply for fun.

Player: It's appalling.

Abdirak: Exactly, pain is an intimate thing. It should be delivered with a loving and measured hand.

Eyes light up as he discusses pain and his approach to it. This is clearly something he is passionate about and believes in.

Abdirak: But trying to discuss such subtleties with these creatures is simply...

Slightly irritated, the goblins have fobbed him off and he’s been left to his own painful devices.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: Then why are you beating yourself?

Abdirak: Hah. I realise this looks strange, but I assure you, it is a most intimate form of worship.

The player has pointed out that he is beating himself bloody. He smiles, his eyes lighting up as he begins to explain. He believes in what he is doing.

Abdirak: You see, pain is a loving thing. But trying to explain it to these goblins has proven...

Passionate and enthusiastic as he explains. Pain and its infliction is his pride and joy.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: I thought a follower of Loviatar would approve of pain.

Abdirak: You know the Maiden of Pain? How refreshing. But there is more to us than that.

Eyes light up as he discusses pain. Considers pain and its intimacies a form of therapy and even art, but he knows that not everyone will feel that way about Pain, or his Goddess, Loviatar.

Abdirak: Yes, we worship her through pain - often our own. But it is an intimate and loving thing and one we offer up.

Abdirak: If you would permit it, I can show you first-hand.

He is offering to beat the player with a weapon of choice, This is a sincere and genuine offer, He believes in what he is doing and that it will, ultimately, help the player.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: What's a follower of the Maiden of Pain doing here?

Abdirak: Ah, you are familiar with the Scourge Mistress? Good. I am simply spreading her message, friend.

A smile. The player has realised that he worships an evil goddess. He knows he is likely not going to win this argument on the merits of pain and torture, but he is sincere as he explain how he worships his goddess.

Abdirak: I worship her through pain - usually my own. But I have a skilled hand when it comes to its infliction.

Abdirak: Care to expand your horizons? It will be worth it - you have my word.

A smile as he offers to, basically, beat the player. It is a sincere and genuine offer, he believes it will help.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: Who invited you? A goblin?

Abdirak: Yes. One who claims to be a master of pain. Tch.

Player has asked who invited him here. It was a goblin who is torturing someone next door. His tone is dismissive. He believes the goblin doesn’t know what he’s doing.

Abdirak: Pain is intimate and loving. But trying to discuss that with these creatures…

Irritated in the opening line, but then his eyes light up and he smiles as he discusses PAIN. It is his life’s passion and something he is enthusiastic about.

Abdirak: Forgive me, but that look in your eyes - something terrible has happened to you.

He’s looking the player in the eyes and is concerned - he can see the player has been hurt (emotionally) and is worried. This is sincere.

Player: That’s none of your concern.

Abdirak: Do not be ashamed, child. What I see in your eyes, in your soul, is only natural.

Player has told him to bugger off, basically. Abdirak assumes the player is embarassed, he is sincere - he has seen pain in the player’s eyes and wishes to comfort him.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: Clever man. How did you know?

Abdirak: Because I see those same eyes when I look in the mirror, dear one.

Player has asked how he knew something terrible had happened them. Abdirak sadly replies. He is think of his own traumatic past, which ultimately led him to turn to Loviatar as a way coping with the trauma.

Abdirak: We've all suffered in these dark times. It is little wonder you bear scars of pain and anguish.

He is trying to comfort and connect with the player.

Abdirak: Please let me alleviate this pain.

hesitates on the word ‘alleiviate’. He believes that the beating he is about to offer will genuinely help. Sincere. Said with a smile.

Player: And how would you do that?

Abdirak: As the Maiden of Pain, the goddess Loviatar, teaches us...

Player has asked about the ‘penance’ Abdirak has suggested. Explaining about his goddes Loviatar. Sincere. Believes pain is a beautiful thing. Voice more sexy than creepy.

Abdirak: ...through penance - administered by my skilled hand.devnote

Abdirak: My work can grant peace and serenity - the likes of which few experience. It will be worth it - I promise.

He gestures to the table, where a selection of weapons lays ready. The priest should look very sincere in this scene. He genuinely thinks he’s helping you.

Player: Touch me and you'll lose your hand.

Abdirak: Is that a promise?

Player has threatened him with physical violence. He is delighted. Almost winks as he says this.

Abdirak: A pity though. You would know such sweet relief at my hands.

sighs at the player’s rejections. Sounds charismatic and sensual as he thinks of the beating he would have inflicted on the player.

Abdirak: Now, if you'll excuse me, I should return to my own worship.

plans to return to self flagellation. Looking forward to it.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: I've no interest in the teachings of such an evil goddess.

Abdirak: Pain is pain, dear one. It is above 'good' and 'evil'. devnote

Player has told him that his goddess is evil and that he wants to part in this practice. His argument about pain is sincere, he sees it as neither good nor evil, simply as proof that we are alive - and that is worth worshipping and experiencing.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: No - Shar has already claimed me.

Abdirak: A shame - the Mistress of the Night and the Maiden of Pain could have such fun together.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: All right, why not?

Abdirak: Oh, I have something exquisite in mind.

Player has agreed to the beating/penance. Excited. Sexually charged. Already imaging the pain he is about to inflict.

Abdirak: But wait - you are hurt. Please tend to your wounds before we begin your penance.

Player has agreed to do penance but their health is too low. The priest is warning that they must heal first. Genuine and sincere, he doesn’t want to hurt them.

Abdirak: I prefer a fresh canvas.

A smile as he says this - vaguely sexual overtones.

Abdirak: Dear child, I told you - take care of those wounds, and we will begin your penance.

Player has tried to come to him for penance but is still wounded. Tone gently chiding, as if speaking to a child.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Abdirak: Both Loviatar and I are interested in how you handle pain, dear one.

Abdirak: And should you delight her, you will most assuredly receive her gracious blessing - trust me.

Abdirak: Simply face the wall, and we can begin.

Gestures to the wall.

Authorative tone but also a warning. He wants to hurt the player but not badly, and not outside of his realm of control. Safety first!

---------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------

Abdirak: Dear child, tell me: would you like to continue your worship of Loviatar, Maiden of Pain?

Player started the penance and then cancelled it. Voice low, sexual as he invites them to finish what they started together.

---------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------

Abdirak: Sweet child. While I enjoyed that, I'm afraid your reaction was... lacking.

Voice low and intimate. Player did penance but did not react correctly. He regrets that the player does not get a reward (but he had a great time, which is all he really cares abotu)

---------------------------------------------------------------

Abdirak: Sweet child, you bore the pain like a true believer.

Penance is finished. He’s a little breathless after beating the player near senseless. Voice is low and intimate.

Abdirak: I could feel Loviatar's pleasure with every sting of my scourge.

Abdirak: I am proud to have served you this penance.

Got his breath back a little. Voice is low and intimate.

Player: I asked you for mercy!

Abdirak: I know, dear one. That was my favourite part.

Player has told him that they had begged for mercy during the penance. Smile on Abdirak’s face as he recalls that moment.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: It was an... interesting experience.

Abdirak: Interesting is an understatement, dear one.

voice low and intimate, as if speaking to a lover.

Abdirak: Loviatar herself found your performance... inspiring. She has deemed you worthy of her blessing.

Voice intimate and filled with admiration. His goddess has chosen to bless the player - a sacred gift.

This can be anything - for reaching a hand out and gently passing it over the player to holding both hands out and closing his eyes in concentration as he passes on the blessing. As long as it is something that indicates that a spell/blessing is happening, it can be anything.

Abdirak: And on a personal note, thank you. That was positively divine.

This is a low, sultry. Almost whispered in the player’s ear. Sexy and intimate. But also creepy as all hell.

This is from the datamined dialogue.

[cloudshuffle]

an arrow, a spark. yan!childe

index / next / beta reader @malewifeharem

When they assign you to a new division in the Fatui, you think nothing much of it. People were always being moved around in the organisation, people disappeared under mysterious circumstances, new recruits were popping up out of nowhere.

What was strange, however, was whose division you were assigned to. Fatui Harbinger Tartaglia, all the way in Liyue, no less - or Ajax, as you knew him better.

“I'll be sorry to see you go,” Signora says from behind you.

You jump, nearly dropping the stack of papers in your hands. She stands in the doorway, imposing as always, yet the air she gives off implies she's left off a “darling” at the end of her sentence.

Madame Signora's always been fond of you for reasons you've never known, though that often meant being stuck in dull, dull meetings and organising her paperwork for her.

You salute her, then laugh nervously. In the midst of your packing, your office looks like a hurricane hit it, stacks of books and papers scattered everywhere. Not the best look to put forward to your boss.

“So, Liyue.” She takes a step, placing her right inside the threshold of your office. Behind her, her new bodyguard slash secretary shifts his weight from foot to foot. “Quite a ways from home, yes?”

“It is.” The land of the Geo Archon, Morax, but most importantly his creation of mora. A warm place by far, considering Snezhnaya's standards, but its trade sector was coldly competitive.

“How do you feel about it?”

How did you feel? The question catches you by surprise, much like her appearance in your office. Never before had you been asked your personal opinion on anything before, least of all by a harbinger.

It’s just work.

“It’s a great opportunity to expand my horizons and learn about another culture, ma’am.”

She chuckles elegantly. “A textbook answer. Good. It’d be useful if you kept those same wits around Tartaglia.”

You blink, a cloud of dust distracting you briefly from what she’d just said. “...Tartaglia, ma’am?”

“Oh, yes.” Her red lips curve into a wry smile. “He requested for you specifically. He’s been pestering me, in fact, to let him have you.”

You remain silent, unsure of how to respond.

“But look at me, holding you up. I do hope you have fun while in Liyue - it can be quite the interesting place, after all.”

────────────

You don’t quite know what all the fuss about Tartaglia is about till lunch, when you venture into the mess hall with Nadia.

She doesn't even wait for the two of you to sit down before broaching the topic. “Did you know the eleventh is back is Snezhnaya?”

“He is?” You stab at your potatoes with your fork, eyeing her cheekily. “And I don't suppose you're in the market for a partner at the same time, are you?”

“Oh, not a harbinger.” She laughs. “That’s way too high profile for me.”

You eye the raised platform at the front of the hall where a long table’s been set. It’s more for show than anything else, seeing as how the harbingers have never once found themselves privy to dining with you common soldiers. There are twelve high-backed, intricately carved mahogany chairs, and one in the middle, larger than the rest, gilded with gold and complete with red velvet cushions. The Tsaritsa’s. Yet another reminder of who you all served.

Nadia's chatter washes over you like a soothing wave. You're grateful to have a friend when you go abroad, if only for distractions like this if nothing else.

She wants to marry and settle down already - a noble sentiment for a young Snezhnayan lady. You think any man would be lucky to have her.

For yourself, you're not so sure.

“Ooh!” She nudges you. “Don't look, but Vlad's over there. Isn't he cute?”

Against her wishes, you turn your head. He looks like any regular Snezhnayan man to you, blonde and with an angular face that could’ve been carved from the frozen earth itself. “Well, I guess. He looks kind.”

“And he's coming to Liyue too!” Nadia stage whispers.

“Exciting.” You raise an eyebrow.

You excuse yourself from your meal after a while, leaving the mess hall alone. Nadia's conversation was entertaining but exhausting, provided one could keep up with her endless stream of news and gossip from various sources.

But it's from this river of information that you sift out a tiny gold nugget: that Harbinger Tartaglia would be in the archery fields if he weren't busy preparing for his return to Liyue with his new crew.

Perhaps it's curiosity, or pure boredom that drives you outside into the cold.

The walk is familiar, ice crunching under your boots. It was admittedly difficult to walk on snow and ice - if you were anything but Snezhnayan, born and raised.

Your fingertips tingle with the phantom itch to hold a bow. It'd been a while…

You follow the path, rounding the building to a frozen field. A number of wooden targets and straw dummies are lined up, some in varying states of disrepair. A small hangover, an incline, really, provides minimal coverage against the wind like a very tiny rock against a great river.

As expected, there’s no one there. You feel a small sense of relief at having missed that chance encounter.

The new recruits train elsewhere. It’s a place only for those who want to exercise the muscles you rarely get to use, being cooped up in front of a desk all day.

You take up position at the edge of the field, summoning your bow and fixing three arrows to it.

They arc in a graceful, shining line, each landing perfectly in the middle of its respective target board.

You affix another arrow to the shelf, taking a deep breath. The world narrows to the point of your arrow and the fletching on the arrow you landed.

Dimly, you’re aware of the shuffling of feet behind you, quickly hushed. Probably just another of your fellow soldiers who wanted to get out of the noise of the mess hall. You pay them no mind.

You release the arrow, reload, release, reload. Three arrows land in rapid succession, splitting each of the previous arrows neatly down the shaft.

You exhale, and your senses return to you. The cold embraces you again, and you shake the tension out of your shoulders, putting your bow away. You can almost feel its sigh, already impatient for the next occasion it could perform.

Slow clapping. “An impressive show, soldier.”

You spin on your heel.

Tartaglia stands at the top of the incline, flanked by two bodyguards. As if he needed them within the walls of the Fatui stronghold, the youngest of all the harbingers, who single-handedly dug his fingers into the fabric of Liyue to get the Tsaritsa a foothold.

It’s been quite a while since you last saw him, you realise. He looks a little sharper, a little leaner, his gaze perhaps a little more complex, as if he were thinking of the future while simultaneously discerning all your secrets. The hydro vision on his belt winks at you in the cold light.

Standing on the incline, he looks like a conqueror, surveying his land. It's a good look for a harbinger to have.

“My lord.” You salute him smartly, tamping down your embarrassment at noticing them late. “My apologies for taking up your time.”

“Oh, no need for all that, padruga.” He comes down the slope, the bodyguards following a respectful distance behind. “It's always a delight to watch you in action.”

What had Madame Signora said? “He requested for you specifically”?

Ajax- no, Tartaglia, is a good head taller than you, maybe more. As he approaches, you have to incline your head to meet the unfamiliar gleam in his blue eyes. Whatever could he want from you?

“You've been well, I trust?” He summons his bow, and you take the cue to move a step backward, leaving him room to shoot.

“Well enough, may the Tsaritsa continue to watch over me.”

To your surprise, he snorts a laugh, loosing his arrow. It strikes deep into the wood, igniting a spark as it scrapes against yours. “A devotary? Some things certainly have changed around here.”

One of the bodyguards shifts his feet. You glance back at him, then at Tartaglia. “Is a harbinger not also subservient to her majesty?”

He chuckles. “Of course he is. I’m just… surprised.” Another arrow, another target. “You never struck me as the type to believe.”

You remain silent as the last arrow hits its mark. All just to the right of your own arrows, pressed so close they seem on the verge of falling off.

“Excellent marksmanship, my lord.” The impersonal compliment comes easily to your lips. You clasp your hands behind your back.

A gentle breeze begins to blow (the kind that might have killed a man in lesser clothing), unsettling his already unruly ginger hair. The bodyguards adjust their stances, as if roused by the cold wind.

“Certainly.” He grins, a self-assured smile, unhidden by a mask. You’re grateful for yours in that regard - no need to hide your emotions or expressions too well when all Fatui are shrouded in uniform secrecy. “Nothing but the best to serve her majesty.”

Somewhere deep within the halls, a bell begins to toll.

You snap to a salute. “Thank you for your time, my lord,” you say, as if he hadn’t been the one to seek you out for conversation first. “I must be taking my leave now.”

padruga: friend (female) according to google

— word count: 1598. thank you for reading!

[pininghermit]

Alucard Dating Trevor's Cousin

Genre: Fluff

Summary: A Belmont falling in love with a non human?

AN: enjoy :)

Afterlife audiences

Lisa: Aww its giving enemies to lovers 🙏🏻

Dracula: in a state of constant homeostasis I would take Lisa's word on that.

Living world audiences-

Trevor: She uses a whip. And not for right reasons. (Face palms)

Sypha elbowing Trevor in the ribs: They're a good match glares at her husband

A Belmont chasing vampires? Old news in both Transylvania and the afterlife. It was a destiny the Belmont clan had shouldered for centuries, a duty to shield Transylvania from the encroaching darkness.

But that duty, Trevor grumbled to himself, never included courting a dhampir from the House of Dracula.

Specifically, the only surviving member who just happened to be the prophesied savior with hair like spun gold.

Trevor watched, aghast, as you, the oddball of the Belmont clan, leaned in towards Alucard, the aforementioned dhampir, with a line so cheesy it could curdle milk.

"[Name], let's get you back to the forge," a very flustered Trevor pushed you back into the your smithy before you could spew any more black mail material.

"Why is he taken?" you whispered loudly in his ear, just as Alucard's head snapped in your direction, a single eyebrow raised in amusement.

Trevor wanted to crawl under his workbench. "Repair my dagger before I stab you with a dull one," he muttered, shoving you towards the forge and uselessly trying to manhandle the heavy wooden door shut. "And for the love of garlic, keep it professional!"

You, of course, just grinned that impish grin that both infuriated and strangely charmed him. "Professional? Where's the fun in that, fellow Belmont?" With a wink, you disappeared into the depths of the forge, leaving Trevor to face a potentially bemused Alucard alone.

Alucard's mouth barely formed a sound before Trevor glared back at him.

"Not a word!"

"Not a word, Alucard." The ale lover declared. Leaving the bemused dhampir chuckling by himself.

Alucard's mouth quirked into a barely-there smile as he looked up from his tea. "A smith with so much time to spare must not be that good of a smith," he remarked, his voice dry but his amusement evident. His gaze flicked to the fistful of marbles you held, a question hanging in the air.

"From where?" he asked, already knowing the answer was irrelevant. These were just the latest trinkets you'd woven into his life – a slingshot you'd found, a peculiar feather, a chipped clay figurine. He kept every one, tucked away in a hidden drawer that no one else ever touched.

Satisfied with the chosen marble, you met his eyes with a playful challenge. "Whatever shall blacksmiths ruined by the virtue of love do?" you inquired, your voice dripping with mock despair.

He snorted, a sound that rumbled deep in his chest. "Are you reading those sappy romance novels again?" It was a struggle, but Alucard managed to maintain a semblance of seriousness despite the twitch at the corner of his mouth.

Undeterred by his amusement, you revealed another book from your ever-present satchel. "Just browsing, Alucard," you said with a wink. "Expanding my horizons, you see. One can't rely solely on the thrill of forge and gruff warriors."

"Somehow," he began, his voice a low murmur, "it always comes as a wonder how you find those… treasures in the Belmont library."

Either you have taken over the task of expanding the library or fierce Belmont clan had always had a predisposition for sappy romance novels.

Alucard's first love had been a cold, unforgiving winter. Betrayal, sharp as a blizzard wind, had shattered his heart into a million pieces. He had retreated into himself, a fortress of ice and solitude.

His second love was a fleeting spring, a succubus who reveled in the sting of manipulation. Her touch was sweet fire, but the flame died as quickly as the coins exchanged in stolen nights.

Yet, his third love was Summer. You were his summer. Heat of forge, clang of metals, unabashed laughter and corny love confessions. Summer heat that melted his frozen heart and evaporated the maddening poison of spring.

Your love, a gentle force like a bird's flight, had chased away the lingering poison of his foolish choices.

You were his third love, the one who stayed. And unlike the fleeting seasons of his past.

[professoruber]

Quick thoughts on MAWS depiction of Krypton

My Adventures with Superman Spoilers

Okay so I've really been enjoying My Adventures With Superman (I recently re-watched and caught up with the show) but honestly I am personally not the biggest fan of the depiction of Krypton and Kara.

Disclaimer I am not a big comic expert and am still something of an novice, especially with Superman stuff, but I am slowly broadening my horizons.

Some things I like about Superman is the parallels to the story of Moses as well as the general immigrant story. Superman Smashes the Klan is one of the comics I've read so far and I really liked how it explored those latter themes.

So I guess I kinda feel that having Krypton be depicted as this imperialistic empire, especially one who was destroyed due the fights they picked, kinda undermines those parallels/themes? Granted, the immigrant story stuff can still very much be present regardless of the nature of Kryptonian society.

Perhaps it has something to do with my initial expectations that Kara would provide another view of Krypton to contrast the very negative impression which Clark had received from the very limited information he had received in the first season but uh...

While Kara is certainly a rather sympathetic individual, she is also certainly not exactly providing a better view of Krypton. Of course, I'd imagine as well that Primus Brainiac's version of Krypton is much worse than the original one.

(The reason why I had the theory is because I like the contrast between Superman and Supergirl, of the latter generally being depicted as having spent at least her formative years in Krytponian society, either Argo City or Krypton itself. Both are stories of immigrants, but with an interesting difference which makes them distinct in their experiences)

But we did hear from Jor-El that Krypton was indeed an Empire before its destruction (although... Clark's only able to have a proper conversation with Jor-El after the Brainiac systems of the ship had been explicitly activated... hm.)

As I said before, I am really loving MAWS and think its a very fun show. And I also do not want to criticise a show merely because it did not follow my exact personal expectations, that'd just be silly.

But I suppose that watching it has gotten me thinking about my personal thoughts on Krypton in general, and I feel like I might as well write it down.

The season's also not over yet, so there is a high possibility of more nuance being shown in Krypyton. Plus regardless of if Krypton was an empire, the regular civilians didn't deserve total destruction.

Anyway, MAWS is very good .Would recommend. And like I said, this is mostly my personal rambling of thoughts on Krypton and Kara. Can't wait to see the next episode!

Edit: kinda tired today but to slightly expand on my thoughts. I suppose in general I like the idea of Krypton with its own flaws and virtues. While MAWS could still very well show the better side of Krypton outside of Brainiac’s propaganda, it’s status as an imperialistic power which caused its own destruction through its conquests arguably would overshadow that somewhat.

Clark Kent was raised on Earth by the Kent Family. That’s who he is, where he got his values and how he was shaped into the man he is. But I also like him still nonetheless being able to be proud of his Kryptonian heritage and connect to it; being both Earthling and Kryptonian.

But in MAWS; between Jor-El’s A.I getting destroyed, Old Krypton being imperialist, New Krypton being ruled by Brainiac and Kara being a brainwashed war criminal, it leaves Clark with very little connection to Krypton and very little insight to what it was actually like as a society and culture and people.

And unless there’s further reveals about Kara’s backstory (although I do have a theory about that…), there’s a fair chance she won’t have much connection to Krypton once she gets freed from Brainiac’s comtrol. And what connection she does have right now is mostly negative and tainted by Brainiac.

Perhaps I am a bit pre-emptive in some of this and I do think there’s still plenty of room for the writers to expand on Krypton and what it was like and what lead to its empire and subsequent destruction. Regardless of what direction the writers take though, I am looking forward to seeing the show’s story progress!

[dragons-bones]

FFXIV Write Entry #8: Aethergraphy

Prompt: telegraphy (free write!) || Master Post || On AO3

A/N: Spoilers through Patch 6.5: Growing Light.

---

“That,” Rereha said, “is pathetic.”

“Be nice,” Synnove said, not looking up from the various array drafts laid out on the table in front of her.

“It’s pathetic,” Rereha reiterated. “She is thirty-something years old and pining like a teenager with their first crush.”

Y’shtola finally flicked her gaze up from her own spell drafting to look at Rereha; the bard was tuning her fiddle in her lap, idly plucking at the strings with her fingers and adjusting the pegs absently with every note. An affected scowl of annoyance was plastered firmly in place, the other woman’s golden eyes narrowed as she stared out across Synnove’s yard. Y’shtola took an absent sip of her tea and followed Rereha’s gaze.

Dancing Heron was perched on the stone wall fence near to the chocobo stable, her sword balanced on her knee and her whetstone in hand, dragging it carefully along the edge without bothering to look at it with the ease of a master swordswoman. She was gazing idly into the distance—no, rather, towards the western horizon, where the waning moon sat visibly in the clear skies as it began to set for the day. While at this distance, Y’shtola could neither properly see Heron’s expression nor hear her, there was no mistaking the heavy sigh expanding her chest.

There was also no missing how the sea breeze ruffled Heron’s fluffy black-and-red hair, nor the fact that Heron was dressed down in plain leather trousers and a deep crimson shirt, its billowing sleeves rolled up to her elbows and the ties of the neck undone to show off her collarbones.

Well, that explained Rereha’s particular brand of bellyaching today.

Y’shtola took another sip of tea, amusement curling her lips. “You’re merely jealous she looks like a brooding love interest from one of those romantic dramas you love so much.”

Rereha snarled quietly. “How does she make it look so good! And so effortless! The only thing missing is rose petals dancing in the wind around her!”

A turquoise-furred ear, the carbuncle it was attached to still curled around Synnove’s neck, twitched out of the corner of Y’shtola’s eye. She kept her face placid and her own ears still, lest a smirk or flick catch Rereha’s attention. Synnove, meanwhile, had ducked her head, ostensibly to better examine part of the arcanima array she was tweaking, but Y’shtola caught a glimpse of the other mage’s grin.

“You’re the pathetic one, making fun of Heron like that,” Synnove said. Y’shtola was impressed by how she kept humor out of her voice. “It’s been only a fortnight since she had to say goodbye to Zero, leave her be.”

“Especially after that kiss,” Y’shtola muttered into her teacup, fighting down a reflexive blush. Intruding on that sort of sweet intimacy—though Zero had dipped Heron quite spectacularly in front of them all on the surface of the Thirteenth’s moon—even in memory, seemed voyeuristic.

“Damn good kiss,” Synnove said.

“Top five since the invention of the kiss,” Rereha said, briefly forgetting her faux anger. Then she scowled once more. “Lost me a good amount of gil, though.”

“Oh, come now, you’re the one who let Vrtra put down a bet,” Y’shtola said with a chuckle. “He only has several thousand years of observing humans to draw upon.”

“Should have put a handicap on him,” was the snippy reply.

A gust of wind tore through the yard, yanking at the trees and flowers that covered Synnove’s domains. The rose bushes especially seemed to lose their battle, a multitude of their petals flying into the air. The wind continued to tumble through the yard, bringing along their rainbow of rose petals, to swirl and dance briefly around Heron in red and yellow and pink and blue.

“Oh, come the fuck on!” Rereha howled.

As Heron turned to look at them sitting on the deck, bewilderment clear on her face, Synnove and Y’shtola burst into laughter. And Galette cackled, ears twitching as she made the breeze continue to dance to her tune.

But even as she made merry, Y’shtola’s mind whirled at the idea of a puzzle to solve.

--

“Heron, a moment, if you would?”

The Baldesion Annex’s library was no Noumenon in terms of the quantity of its contents, but it had a robust and varied selection, and quite comfortable chairs for more leisurely reading. Y’shtola stood before one of those chairs now, filled as it was with her Hellsguard friend, and smiled ever so slightly when Heron jolted in surprise, the other woman glancing up from her book.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Y’shtola,” Heron said, reaching for a bookmark. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“No need for apologies,” Y’shtola said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “A library is a library, and maintaining its sanctity is an ingrained habit.”

“Now that,” Heron drawled, placing her bookmark and setting the now-closed book on her lap, “sounds like a lesson learned from Master Matoya.”

“The cheek on you!”

Heron laughed, her sky-blue eyes crinkling in mirth, and Y’shtola mentally shook her head at the realization she had not heard that sound in quite a few sennights now. Perhaps her little idea would see that more permanently fixed.

“Well, despite the impudence on display before me,” Y’shtola said with a playfully haughty sniff, “I remain feeling magnanimous, and shan’t refrain from withholding gifts.”

Her friend tilted her head curiously; with Heron’s height, even sitting down, she was at eye level with Y’shtola. “What’s the occasion?”

“No occasion,” Y’shtola said, and allowed herself to smile more genuinely as she stepped to the side. “Merely hoping to alleviate some of the melancholy in a friend.” She glanced down. “Come now, little one, no need to be shy.”

The nixie that peered from around Y’shtola’s skirts was the same as every other familiar that Y’shtola had summoned forth, save that this one was only a little more than half the size of its brethren. It squeaked when it saw Heron looking at it, but a gentle pat on its head coaxed the nixie to her side properly.

“This is Dancing Heron,” Y’shtola explained gently, giving its ear a gentle tweak as it gazed up at her. “You’re to accompany her, acting as both companion and conduit to your sibling on the Thirteenth. I know she will take excellent care of you.”

The nixie hummed thoughtfully, then turned to give Heron a hesitant wave. Heron, expression now bewildered, waved back with a waggle of her fingers. The nixie squeaked again, but the sound was more gleeful now, and it darted forward to snuggle down into her lap. Nixies could not purr, but this one did its best approximation, trilling like a babbling brook.

“A conduit?” Heron said, puzzled even as she helped the nixie to settle more comfortably.

“Mmmm.” Y’shtola allowed herself a few moments of smug satisfaction; this had been quite the little trick of aethercraft, and one that might make inter-shard communication more viable. “The nixie I left in Zero and Golbez’s care was created using astrally-aspected water aether from a very a special location, and obtaining it was no small feat; the location itself is key to allowing that nixie to reach back to the Source even without a voidgate.”

Heron’s brow furrowed. “…Aetheric sympathy tension paths?” she said hesitantly.

Y’shtola blinked, unable to stop her tail from lashing in surprise. How did she—ah, yes, Amandina and Roksana and their blastedly adorable methods of travel via void storage metafolds. She made a mental note to bother Synnove again about her efforts to reverse engineer that bit of magic.

“A very similar concept,” she said aloud instead. “Regardless, I had only a little of that water left and I originally thought it was not sufficient for another nixie. However, with a little experimentation, I was able to adjust the parameters of the spell to function with but a fraction of the normal amount of aether-infused water. This little one doesn’t have all the capabilities of a full-sized nixie, but it will be able to use its kinship with the nixie on the Thirteenth to slip messages across the rift.” Unable to help herself, Y’shtola winked. “I did perform a test run. Of course, it will make it easier for Zero to contact us should circumstances require it, too, but there shouldn’t be any harm in contacting Zero on more mundane matters.”

Heron stared at her, blinking slowly, before a hesitant, sweet smile broke across her face. “Thank you, Y’shtola,” she whispered, eyes suspiciously bright and glassy that Y’shtola was going to ignore, lest they both end up weepy and silly. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course not, but I wanted to,” Y’shtola said firmly. “You are—were—unhappy, and what sort of friend would I be to not try and alleviate it? And if this effort hadn’t succeeded, I would have done something perhaps a little…less ostentatious as a way to take your mind off it, however temporary.”

“I don’t doubt you would have,” Heron said. “And thank you. Truly.”

“My most sincere pleasure, Heron,” she said with a smile. “I do have one request.”

“Certainly.”

“Do not name it Drippy.”

“It’s not that bad a name for a familiar made of water!”

“I will hex you.”

[literary-illuminati]

2024 Book Review #24 – When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb

I tossed this on my TBR entirely sight-unseen at the start of the year, entirely on the basis that I was trying to expand my horizons a bit and it showed up on my public library’s ‘staff recs’ page with zero context whatsoever (also just an absolutely lovely title). This was, as it transpires, not a particularly good way to choose a book I’ll particularly enjoy – which is entirely on me, to be clear. It’s a well-executed and often charming story, and if it was a novella I would probably thoroughly enjoyed it. At 400 pages though, I’m just so incredibly and entirely not the target audience.

The story is a historical fantasy set during the tail end of the 19th century, principally about the angel and demon who call a minuscule shtetl in the Pale of Settlement (so small it doesn’t even have a name) home. Neither is a particularly impressive example of the type, and they have largely spent the previous centuries arguing over scripture with each other. After hearing that one of the girls of the schetl who had left for America might be in danger, they take it upon themselves to travel first to Hamburg and then to New York to rescue her. Along the way they make a friend, discover who they really are, and become trade union activists.

So this is shelved by both my library and Goodreads as YA, but it’s feels very much written for the young side of young adult – just generally very much read like a children’s story. A good one! But still – the narrative voice and the portrayal of the world felt like something more suited to 6th -7th graders than 16-17-year olds, I suppose? Though I might be projecting off my own childhood tastes here. There’s even a ten-page glossary of difficult or unusual vocabulary at the back. So all to say that really getting into a critique here based on my own preferences would just be a waste of time for everyone involved.

That said, this is actually one of the first YA books I’ve read that feels like it meets the whole stereotype of YA being written with Providing Good Representation as a key guiding principle throughout the process. Not in any didactic or lecturing way, but the three main characters are a nonbinary angel with a recurring beat of feeling awkward and uncomfortable whenever its dress/presentation/forged papers cause it to be treated as a man, a demon with obviously inhuman feet that make walking in shoes very painful and are a recurring inconvenience, and a teenage lesbian whose whole arc centres around figuring out why she felt so hurt and betrayed when her childhood BFF fell in love with a guy instead of emigrating to America with her and spending their lives together (also all but like 2 characters of any consequence in the entire book are Jewish, as just follows naturally from the whole premise). It all feels written with an eye towards taking prospective readers by the hand and assuring them that their feelings are normal and not something to agonize over. It’s all well-done and fairly graceful – and, like, such things are a large part of what children’s books are for – but was just amusing to finally see an example of the stereotype.

I actually did quite like the narrative voice and general style, though. It had very sort of storybook or folkloric sensibility to it, seemed exceptionally well written for reading out loud to someone before bed. Which fit very well with the very casual don’t-worry-about-it inclusion of the supernatural and its place in the world.

The book was honestly most interesting to me as a window into this whole rich cultural mythology of Ashkenazi emigrants leaving behind the Pale of Settlement and seeking new lives in New York/the USA. A mythology I am aware of but have only the most surface-level actual familiarity with (to whit ‘There are no cats in America’ and not much else). It’s always, I guess fun?, to read someone referencing and playing around with what are clearly stock characters and tropes but which are entirely new to you. The whole book at least felt very well-researched and absolutely drenched in little touches to ground in the specific place, time, and cultural milieu.

So yeah. Competent, well-executed book I really probably shouldn’t have bothered with.

[themissakat]

ALOY ON THEMISSAKAT’S BLOG, THIS IS NOT A DRILL

i fuckin love horizon. seeing aloy in your style is something i didnt expect to see but it’s amazing

did you pick up zero dawn recently and then forbidden west right after? or have you played zero dawn a while ago and then played forbidden west recently?

please share any and all thoughts you want to share abt the games cause it’d be cool to hear what you think abt the games.

horizon cool games

I had zero dawn sitting in my steam library for maaaybe the better part of 2 years?? (i got it on sale ages ago) some friends were playing hfw and it inspired me to finally pick up hzd. I beat hzd a few months ago, mayyybe 2 or 3 months before forbidden west dropped on Steam?

I can't say any other series has gut punched me so many times and so well. I think overall I liked the first game better, just for the impact of the reveals (the data point talking about the Faro machines and the dolphins haunts me) but the addition of new characters in the second game plus expansion of the world and just MORE of aloy and her friends is so good.

gonna do a read more for hfw spoilers through the end of the game and maybe some burning shores?(hi kami dont look)

I can no longer live without Beta she is wonderful and my beloved and I want to replay hzd but the fact that Beta wont be there makes me SAD. The compare/contrast between Aloy and Beta is such an interesting concept and expands upon their relationship to Elizabet (in particular the pressure of her legacy) in such a fun way. I love taking a nature/nurture look at how they are as people and how they were raised, so similarly isolated and yet SO DIFFERENT because of their environment and the few people that were present.

I've been contemplating writing a character study drabble/ficlet from Beta-pov about Aloy throughout the game. I was screaming SISTERS at them during every interaction and then the ending with the PAYOFf just AHH.

I wish burning shores had a "chat with beta" option, I can only headcanon that Aloy and Beta chat or watch Beta's media in the evening when Aloy's resting.

The character development of Aloy learning how to interact with and trust other people is good soup. I could wax poetic about my head canons for her particular flavor of queer (given the time to organize my thoughts). I'm incredibly curious to see how they handle Seyka/Aloy going forward into the second game, in part because Aloy is such a goal-driven person, I can see her struggling to reconcile her own "selfish" motivations with the looming threat of the end of the world. (because like. girl if the world is ending you need to cherish every second you have with the people who matter to you. but also yall need time to figure out if you can beat nemesis. do be a tough dilemma there.)

I want to roll around in the brainrot more but its a struggle bc i'm a very au-centric fanartist/writer and the world of horizon is so good on its own i cant even put myself in the au mindset. for now i have to be happy with drawing aloy's amazing hair. its so beautiful i love it so much

but yeah. overall. horizon cool games.

[best-underrated-anime]

Best Underrated Anime Group D Round 4: The Heike Story (Heike Monogatari) vs Laughing Under the Clouds (Donten ni Warau)

#D7: The Heike Story (Heike Monogatari)

Girl who can play the biwa and see the future. 1180 CE Japan.

#D5: Laughing Under the Clouds (Donten ni Warau)

Three brothers work together to stop an ancient evil

Details and poll under the cut!

#D7: The Heike Story (Heike Monogatari)

Summary:

The Taira clan, also known as the Heike, holds immense authority over Japan. When a young girl, gifted with an odd eye that allows her to see the future, foolishly disrespects the clan, her father pays the price of her crime with his life. Soon after, as fate would have it, Taira no Shigemori—the eldest son of the clan leader—stumbles upon the same unfortunate girl, who now calls herself "Biwa." Biwa informs him that the downfall of the Heike is imminent. After learning of the great injustice Biwa suffered at the Heike's hands, Shigemori vows to take her in and care for her rather than let her be killed.

In an era of rising military tension, the Heike are in the midst of a cunning struggle for power, and bloodstained war is on the horizon. Shigemori, whose eyes allow him to see spirits of the dead, is both anxious and hopeful to prevent his clan's demise. Biwa, however, is reluctant to reveal the future to him and must adapt to her new life filled with both happiness and sorrow in this pivotal chapter in Japanese history.

Propaganda:

It’s based on historical events, so one can already know the ending before watching it, sort of like the main character Biwa. But seeing those events, getting attached to the characters as they have both fun, simple moments and difficult, painful moments and seeing the humanity in the characters and watching them grow up with the underlying promise that things won’t go well for them, and accepting that… themes of impermanence and grief… but also the art style is unique and bright and the music is great and fits the scenes, and I highly recommend watching this if you haven’t already !! It’s only 11 episodes!

Trigger Warnings: Suicide

#D5: Laughing Under the Clouds (Donten ni Warau)

Summary:

In the 11th year of the Meiji Era, the end of the samurai shogunate and the prohibition of swords has left Japan with lasting scars. Displeased by these recent changes, many former samurai plot against the new government, inciting a wave of bloodshed. To counter this movement, the government constructs a colossal prison in the middle of Lake Biwa.

Unofficially assigned to help the police arrest criminals, Tenka Kumou also serves as a ferryman to the Lake Biwa prison with the help of his two younger siblings: the ambitious Soramaru and the enthusiastic Chuutarou. Together with the former Fuma ninja Shirasu Kinjou, the Kumou brothers live a frugal and joyful life mostly dedicated to studying and training.

However, behind this relatively uneventful daily routine, the specter of the “Orochi” curse is starting to spread its shadow over the city of Oumi. According to legend, every three hundred years, Orochi reincarnates in a human vessel—and it is believed that this is the harbinger of an imminent catastrophe. As various groups clash in search of Orochi’s vessel, some aim to seal the curse, while others have darker plans in motion.

Propaganda:

I found this series absolutely entrancing when I originally watched it, the portrayal of the characters and themes is really interesting to watch.

It tells a fantastic story about trying to defeat a legendary evil that can corrupt those around it to do its biding, all the while mixing in comedy and really heartfelt moments between family. For a 12 episode series they did a really good job of tying up any loose ends and finishing the plot, some things could have been expanded upon a bit more, but for what it is they producers did a wonderful job.

The series might not be the most groundbreaking anime ever, but it does have some lovely moments and explorations of its characters. I really like the themes of family, and wanting to do anything you can to help the people you love, it’s always nice to see and I think it’s done really well in this anime.

Trigger Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Cruelty/Violence/Gore, Suicide

When reblogging and adding your own propaganda, please tag me @best-underrated-anime so that I’ll be sure to see it.

If you want to criticize one of the shows above to give the one you’re rooting for an advantage, then do so constructively. I do not tolerate groundless hate or slander on this blog. If I catch you doing such a thing in the notes, be it in the tags or reblogs, I will block you.

Know one of the shows above and not satisfied with how it’s presented in this tournament? Just fill up this form with your revisions, and I’ll consider adapting those changes.

New: Starting round 5, screenshots will be included in the poll post. You can submit screenshots through the form linked above, or through here, via ask or dm.

Guidelines in submitting screenshots:

No NSFW or spoilery images.

Pick some good images please. Don’t send any blurry or pixelated ones.

You may send up to 9 screenshots, but not all may be used.

[freerangeranger]

👽- What is a major headcanon that you made for your canon? Does it apply to how you see all pokemon canon?

👋 - What other blogs canonically exist in your world? This can be mutuals, people you like, or people who you agree with.

👽 Okay this is a hot take - but legendaries are not gods. I had a great discussion with some friends about this recently. Pokemon comes from a very different culture and understanding of religion than western media. Christianity has a long history of persecution in Japan - it has basically no cultural impact by comparison to Europe and America beyond pop culture use of christian iconography. There are Christians in Japan, but they make up 1-2% of the population.

If I were to sit down and write out a religion for - let's say the Kimono Girls and the Tin Tower Monks - I would turn to Shinto or Buddhist traditions for inspiration rather than Christian and Catholic dogma (which I am arguably more familiar with being a white person living in the Americas.)

The funny thing is that this isn't really a hot take looking at Pokemon canon. People really don't know anything about Arceus, Palkia, Dialga, Giratina, ect (which is like the closest we have to proper deities). The legendaries that are acknowledged aren't treated like omnipotent beings - more like powerful creatures to be respected and appeased. Would be kinda weird if your god could choke on a ratatta and die or get bodied by a 12 year old and their weird dog.

So yea. Long story short - Honey doesn't think Ho Oh is a god. She thinks it's a powerful pokemon that should be nurtured, and its home defended so that it returns to Ecruteak and uses it's awesome power in the service of the people. Her hometown of Blackthorn worships Dragons - which are clearly not gods but are still powerful and worthy of appeasement and tribute. Do what you want with your own character's beliefs but consider it. Could be fun to expand cultural horizons.

Or just make Arceus "Poke-Jesus", I'm not your mom.

👋 My personal blogs @/therangerunionoffical, @/xxumbreonespeonxx and @/prettyskitty973 are all in the same universe. (I have another blog on the way but it is very much a work in progress.)

The blogs that I actively interact with include @/paldean-ranger-brandy, @/professor-amaryllis, @/iheartnimbassacity, @/touya-san, @/skygodtraumabond @/aura-acolyte, @/galar-ranger-magnus, @/ringtownrangerlark and @/misdreavusmishap (among others.)

By extension this means that @/dustbuneary, @/meltanfan395, @/teamphobia, @/teamgamble, @/pokemonshelterstories, @/prof-lemon, @/sneasedtomeetyou, @/skrub-dubs, @/corkycare, @/fox-poke-fanatic, @/koffing-time, @/coinflipshade, @/eartheats *deep breath* @/floaroma-sanctuary, @/caoimhe-from-hoenn, @/the-koiking-pond, @/pokemoncenter, @/teamwinterofficial, @/pkmnsciencej... are all in the same universe. i have absolutely forgotten so many people i apologize in advance

[focusontheheart]

Meet the Team - Dev

You can also find @the-devil-fruit-tree on: AO3 @ silverwolf_fox

Hey there, y’all! You can call me Dev, and I’m one of the proud coders of Focus on the Heart! I’ve been loving Horizon Zero Dawn since the first year it came out and have been a fic writer across multiple fandoms for even longer. I’ve only written two oneshots based on HZD, but I’m really excited for the chance to utilize my coding skills for such an awesome project.

See the Q&A with Dev under the cut!

What is a favorite piece of work you've done (i.e. completed, working on, in concept)?

Of my two HZD fics, “Why Do You Care?” is my favorite, a Nil/Aloy that shows off her stubbornness, his caring, and a whole lot of hurt/comfort fluff.

I do stand by my other fic, “Glitch” and how fun a multi-chapter HZD/100 crossover exploration would be.

What are some of your favorite tropes to write, draw, or read?

Ooh, this is a tough one. I love soulmate aus and, for the fandoms that need it, time-travel fix-its. Plus anything that expands on world-building.

What is an unexpected thing or fun fact about you?

I love crafting, and one of my main mediums is crocheting yarn plushies

What has been your favorite thing about working on this project so far?

For years, Cait (Leader of Team Nil) has been my best friend and beta for my writings, and this has been my first chance to work on a fandom project together with her.

[seafoamreadings]

week of april 9th, 2023

aries: this week is a little less hyper-aries, although it is still aries season. seize the opportunity for restful rejuvenation; do what thrills you but don't worry too much about anything that doesn't.

taurus: your ruling planet venus heads out of your sign and into gemini. but don't despair, that's your second house and it's great for you financially. venus is never a bad thing! this is money-magnet taurus.

gemini: venus moves into your sign and then promptly squares saturn in pisces. so it's a blessing mostly, it's hard to see venus in any other way. saturn imposes some restrictions, but sometimes those are for the best. analyze for yourself which restrictions serve you and which are meant to be (later) broken.

cancerians: this week is pretty calm and cool for you, even pretty supportive. *next* week though? get ready for eclipse season. you're so lunar-sensitive you may even be feeling the vibes by the end of this week, especially if you have planets in late cancer. do relax now, so you don't freak out later.

leo: sun on jupiter is super lucky for leos. so what if it's near chiron or eris? a healthy disagreement never hurt anyone, right? this is your fiery 9th house, you'll grow and expand like a beautiful flower no matter what anyone else says.

virgo: you're in a fairy tale. it's not happily ever after yet, but it's not over until it's over. this is sort of a mini climax in your life, your ruler (ceres) in your sign and neptune, your 7th house's ruler, in its domicile, conversing with each other like any lovers should. its surreal, but your fairy godmother or woodland creature friends are backing you up.

libra: your ruling planet venus shifts rather out of her element, and yet still somewhat in your wheelhouse. your wheelhouse in this case is your 9th house; smarts are endlessly attractive here. find some aesthetically pleasing library and a fun book and see what unfolds for you.

scorpio: because the south node hangs out in your sign these days, you feel the impending eclipse season more than most. it's soon but it isn't yet. stay calm and collected, at least externally. prepare for a little chaos in the next couple weeks on both personal and social scales. if you can prepare well, you can stay calm and collected in the midst of it too.

sagittarius: venus into gemini means big googoo heart eyes. are you making them or receiving them from someone special? don't let the square to saturn worry you. it slows things down but wouldn't you rather it smolder than fizzle out quick?

capricorn: it's a saturnine week featuring a capricorn moon so you're really comfortable with the vibe most likely. but don't get too comfortable, with a lot of aries activity not quite appearing on the horizon just yet there is some sort of home/family drama brewing.

aquarius: i know some of you have dreaded the ingress of pluto. this week's trine from venus in gemini, however, is really nice for you; very romantic in an intense and perhaps operatic way. just enjoy it, you don't have to sort everything out at this time. a little drama isn't so bad.

pisces: the surreal and sentimental tone of the week fits you well. next week is less your speed. for now just enjoy the silence of empty space, the stillness. the connectedness of all things.

[rising-volteccers]

The continuation of my personal thoughts about episode 18 of Horizons because I will not be denied putting in many images. Also if you're actually reading both posts you're a real one. Thank you for listening the ramblings of someone knee deep in hyperfixation mode.

Part one of the post is [here]

This bit gives us a little insight on how Friede initially viewed Cap. Through the goggles of a Pokemon Professor, he found Cap interesting as a research subject seeing that he is a Pikachu that's acting outside the typical behavior and actions known to the species. While I'm sure he genuinely does want to learn, the way he introduces himself (really now, do you think a Pikachu is going to care that you're a genius Pokemon Professor?) still shows that he's yet to expand from the viewpoint that he knows of.

Here, we see that Friede can be quite persistent. Once he's got his eyes on something, it's like he has to figure out everything that he can seemingly in a one track mind sort of way. Did he have to chase Pikachu around in a circle? No. Did he still do it till he fell out of exhaustion? Yes. It looks to me like someone who's super fixated on something to the point that he sort of forgets his limit until he crashes into it.

I love this scene because Friede's still clearly interested in what makes this Pikachu different but he also obviously care for him too. Earlier in the episode, Murdock mentioned how Cap isn't picky with his food so to see that echoed here is a nice touch!

Once again we see how persistent Friede can be with his research. Who knows how many days he's been visiting Cap around dawn to the point that he's able to take body tackles and headbutts (also love how Charizard was cheering him on!). Of course being human, he's unable to do anything about electrical shocks but does that deter him from his research?

Later we'll learn that Friede's been pretty thorough in gathering data about Cap. It's pretty refreshing to see the actual fieldwork that goes on in a Professor's research! He took videos, analyze how Cap's been flying and the like. Friede certainly earned his qualifications but he's missing an important aspect in his research, as we'll see later.

Finally Friede's acknowledging that he might know a lot of things about Pokemon theoretically and informational wise but it was vain of him to believe that he knew everything about these mysterious, wonderful creatures. Once again this gave me the impression that throughout most of his life, he was excelling in everything that he did and rarely experienced failure. Perhaps he never truly experienced what's it like to continuously fail but never giving up.

It makes me wonder how insightful Lucca is. She had a good enough grasp of Friede's character even after years of not seeing one another and understanding that if she had him meet this Pikachu, it would spark something within him.

I adore this scene as we now see that Liko's fate is crossed with Friede's. It's like watching the first wheel turning in a series of events set into motion by Lucca. The Rising Volt Tacklers wouldn't have been formed if not for her having Friede meet Cap. She wouldn't have hired Friede to be Liko's bodyguards and Liko would never experience the growth that she gets from being a part of the Rising Volt Tacklers. It comes full circle and its really fun to see narrative wise.

One thing that I noticed is the fact that Lucca refers to Friede as a 'boy' with a promising future instead of a young man. Perhaps it's a translation choice and it means something else but to me, this further shows that Friede's a gifted kid. Who's to say he wasn't going through advanced courses on his way to get his certifications as a professor? His ambiguous age makes it hard to clock in an exact one but I personally believe he's at least mid to late twenties, making this flashback take place when he was even younger than that.

Regardless, I love how she's honestly supportive of Friede and want what's best for him.

Now we're seeing that Friede's learning everything about Cap but the most important reason: why was this Pikachu pushing himself so far for? That's something one can't get looking at it from a purely analytical view. Friede could collect all the data he wanted by observing from afar and jotting the information down but he will never understand this Pikachu's reasoning and the emotions behind each and every jump.

Thus he needs to not view it just as a Pokemon Professor but as a Pokemon Trainer too. Wasn't that how most people started out in the end? Learning about this world and the various wonderful, mysterious creatures living within it. Forming long lasting bonds and understanding one another. Friede can't keep narrowing himself in this singular viewpoint so it's a nice natural development to see him going back to his roots.

Thus leading us to this climatic scene. Friede finally learns that he can't just keep observing and gathering data. He needs to get moving, to see what this Pikachu is seeing to fully, properly understand him. Friede and Charizard chased after this Pikachu higher and higher until they get to see a new horizon.

There wouldn't be a plot to Pokemon Horizons: Liko and Roy Set Off if there wasn't a Pokemon Horizons: Friede Set Off to set the wheels in motion at the start.

Friede was stuck in a rut, not knowing what to do or where to go with his life. Meeting Cap led to him to ascend from the hole he'd been in just like Cap did to see a new horizon, that the world is vast and there's so much to learn and discover about Pokemon.

He didn't need to be a Pokemon Professor stuck in a lab doing research all day. He can be a Pokemon Professor that travels the world to learn everything that he can. He won't be tied down to one spot. I believe that the origin of his Japanese name Freed is derived from freedom so just like his namesake, he will freely fly higher than the sun with Cap, Charizard and eventually the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers.

After that, I love how supportive Ludlow was in entrusting his fishing boat to Friede. Again, I wonder if Ludlow is actually Friede's biological grandfather or a really close family friend since I like to think that you'd need to be pretty close to accept that kind of request. That goes the same too with Orla (it's amusing to think that he and Ludlow sailed from Paldea all the way to Hoenn just to find her).

They were childhood friends and despite her having moved to Hoenn, I can see that they've kept good contact with one another. If Friede was an estranged childhood friend, I wouldn't have accepted his frankly outrageous request. It also goes to show that Orla truly is a genius mechanic to be able to follow through with it! I'm truly hoping we'd get an episode focusing on her sometime in the future!

Thus we get the backstory behind the formation of the Rising Volt Tacklers! Once again Friede shows that he forgets to share (or just chose not to) information seeing that it came as a surprise to Liko. Even the rest of the crew mentioned how there's so much he never told him and earlier in the episode, Orla stated that he's shy about sharing his past.

If (or when) the hyperfixation hits again, I do want to write up a general Friede character observation up until episode 18. Friede thus far has shown to be someone who keeps his cards close to his chest. He rarely shows his true feelings, and if pointed out, he deflects or redirects the subject. He keeps withholding (or straight up forgetting) in telling the crew information but we know that he cares for them.

It truly makes me wonder what other mysteries or secrets this guy holds and I hope alongside the rest of the RVT, we'll get to see more of their story unveil through their journey.