#like i already ramble in the post itself

[ambient-arena]

what if the narrative wasn't so horrifically fond of gideon. what if instead of the lobotomy harrow just straight up tore herself apart trying to pry gideons soul away from hers. what if she resorted to the same violent, animal desperation john did when trying to consume the earth but instead of trying to destroy she was trying to recover. what if harrow in an unimaginable fit of despair forced her entire soul and necromantic capabilities to their intense limits but it doing so inadvertently rendered the task she was trying to complete impossible. like trying so so hard to use necromancy to give gideon's soul back that she accidentally ended up cementing its place inside her as an eternal furnace even more. and then what if she just lived like that with gideons soul and memory inside her and it was terrible and everlasting. yeah what if also my brain is rotting out of my skull

[wasabikitcat]

I had this realization a few days ago when reviewing what we know about Gaster while theorizing about the mysterious Valentine from the newsletter and idk if other people have pointed this out yet, but I haven't seen anyone else talk about it:

I don't think Gaster's disappearance has anything to do with Core.

The Core is only mentioned in relation to Gaster once, in this dialogue from one of the Gaster followers:

This dialogue is why most theories and fanon built around the idea that Gaster fell into the Core, which for reasons unknown to us erased him from existence. But I'm now pretty convinced that this is a red herring, because it doesn't actually say Gaster fell into the Core. It says he made the Core, and that he fell into his creation.

It does not say that this creation is the Core.

The dialogue is written in a way that leads you to assume the creation he fell into was the Core, but that doesn't really make much sense considering the rest of the dialogue.

The dialogue says "they say he created the Core," which implies this is second hand knowledge, but then says with certainty "One day, he fell into his creation." Why do they know for sure he fell into "his creation," but only knows he created the core from what others say?

If you talk to the follower again, they say "Will Alphys end up the same way?" Why would Alphys also fall into the Core? As far as we know, Alphys doesn't maintain the Core; if I remember correctly, a few monsters at Mettaton's hotel are stated to work in the Core, so wouldn't this follower be more concerned that those monsters will end up like Gaster and not Alphys?

And another question that I think fanon has just ignored due to the assumption it was something we don't yet know about, but I am now wondering about: Why would falling into the Core erase Gaster from time? When traveling through Hotland and viewing the Core in the distance, Alphys says this:

And while this dialogue may at first seem indicative that the Core is more mysterious than a normal geothermal power generator (and it is in some ways), remember: Alphys didn't build the Core. Alphys doesn't understand how the Core works, not because it has some unnatural property that could erase people from space time, but because she didn't build it. Not only does this mean that the Core is likely just a power generator that utilizes the lava in Hotland to produce geothermal energy and convert it to electricity, it also means that Alphys doesn't work on the Core, because she doesn't know how it works. So why would the Gaster follower worry about Alphys ending up like Gaster if she doesn't have any involvement with the Core?

Additionally, that Gaster follower is the only one to mention the Core in relation to Gaster. In fact, one of the other followers says something that could be interpreted as actively contradicting his erasure being caused by the Core:

This follower says "his experiments went wrong," and doesn't mention the Core. Why would Gaster be experimenting with the Core? And if he was, we don't know anything about it.

But you know what experiments we do know Gaster was working on, because it's literally one of the only pieces of dialogue we have from him?

And do you know what other creation was presumably made by Gaster, as Alphys is unfamiliar with it's operation? That is also a creation that was actively being used in experiments, which Alphys is continuing to perform herself? Experiments that are directly involved with something we already know can alter time and space? A creation that is located in one of the most mysterious areas in the game with several oddities in it that are straight up never explained, multiple fourth wall breaking moments, and a couple explicit references to things we believe are associated with Gaster? A creation that suspiciously resembles in appearance the form of a character who canonically can alter time and space, not to mention resembling the thing that's literally called a GASTER BLASTER???

[thelunaticghost]

xvn fic recs !!

i have been meaning to do this for a while : mostly because fic recs are fun to compile and also thee seems to be a BIG shortage of any fic rec posts!! so here are some fics i have enjoyed over the years!! ofc this list is non exhaustive please note the ratings of each fic and heed the tags before reading! sorry, that i am putting in the shorter summary

anyway!! feel free to put in more fic recs too!! :D

End OTW Racism | over the edge of all our knowings by merthurlin [ G, 10,146 words , 1/1 ]

Years down the line, after the whole business with Lumine and her brother has been concluded, Venti decides to go on a world tour. He sends Xiao letters.

merthurlin got me into xiaoven so ofc my list starts with her fic! this is just so so sweet and even if its not necessarily fluffy there is a warmth to the writing it is a comfort read for me! i recommend every work by her (regardless of fandom). though in xvn End OTW racism | never dreamed of nobody like you is another excellent fic!

nocturne by yanrans [ T, 34,540 words, 4/4 ]

In which Venti sells magical music boxes, Xiao is his unwitting customer, and there is absolutely, definitely nothing more to it at all.

modern au where venti is - a scammer? - i mean a music box seller and xiao is just a regular guy and and. its funny and delightful and absolutely breath taking. i wouldnt elaborate more so as not to spoil anything further but the fic has many unexpected surprises in it! yanrans is another writer i definitely recommend to check out more! their writing style is very flamboyant and poetic.

what hides in neon shadow by morii_tea [ T, 7,547 words, 1/1 ]

In which Xiao is a cyborg, Venti is a thief, and the glittering city of Teyvat hides more secrets than they’re prepared to find out.

its so rare to see morally grey venti is potrayed (even though he isnt v morally grey but still. xiao having to remembering that venti isnt as honourable as he appears is yesssss wohoo). this fic has some thrilling action and a v fun cyberpunk world!! i wish it was longer but it is v exciting nevertheless

every morning in the dark by magicites [ M, 77,124 words, 34/34 ]

Stuck in a time loop where he succumbs to his karmic debt, Xiao struggles to see the point in moving forward. Venti struggles to save him.

READ THE TAGS!!! character death and suicidal thoughts are two major warnings. but DAMN this fic it's just so. SO FULL of everything WRONG with xiao!! and venti too but such a GREAT angst fic!! it gets everything so Right. magicites also happened to have written one of my most favourite genshin fic too :] and if you havent read her other works!! you are missing out!!

the half-life of the yaksha is absolute by GStK [ G, 1,000 words, 1/1 ]

Venti digs his thumbs in to keep open the wound but it is too late His gaze snaps over to the teal essence dancing over Xiao’s fingers. Now all those words will belong to him And Venti will belong to him, only.

READ THE TAGS!! now that i have went into the time loop fic ofc i have to mention the beautiful corrupt xiao prose. the imagery is flowery and grotesque!

foreigner's god by smallghosts [ T, 3,818 words, 1/1 ]

Lord Barbatos falls asleep for a few hundred years. Xiao copes with his absence in strange ways.

a pre-canon fic where xiao becomes - in a way - a worshipper? it's SO GOOD. its about the yearning!!!!!!!!! SCREAMS i dont think i have to explain further

love me like you do by Limerancy [ T, 3,000 words, 1/1 ]

They aren’t the kind of friends that touch.

TOUCH STARVED AND TOUCH AVERSE XIAO!!!!!! this fic makes me a lil bit feral. a little unhinged. i absolutely enjoy reading about the yearning , the desire JUST!!!! AAAA. this writer also writes v fluffy modern au one shots!!! so be sure to check them out too :)

The Kissing Tree by Princeliest [ G, 7,581 words, 2/2 ]

Venti kisses Xiao, and Xiao does not understand why.

VENTI COMMITMENT ISSUES!!!!! as much as i adore reading xiao angst, venti angst is still something i love seeking out and its a tragedy that its not explored enough in this ship :c but anyway!!! such amazing characterization and exploration!! princeliest is one of fav genshin writers and this fic delivers!

wishing on dandelions all of the time by OedipusOctopus [ T, 8,270 words, 1/1 ]

When Venti first catches sight of the swords artfully hung on the wall of his new roommate's bedroom, he regrets putting up the sublease on Craigslist. Firmly believing this guy is a total weirdo, Venti is more surprised than anyone when he realizes the total weirdo is actually adorable. It's not against some invisible Roommate Code to dream about kissing your roommate, right?

ofc there is a classic roommate au fic!! this was one of my most favourite fic from last years xvn week: its hilarious and silly and just a perfect relaxing read!! the characterization and their banter is so entertaining i admit i have read this multiple times!

Where Words Fail by kavvueh [ T, 27,926 words, 11/12 ]

"You're Barbatos," Xiao repeats breathlessly. The young man in front of him nods. "Yep." "But..." Xiao cuts himself off and tries again. "You're the God of songs and poetry." The Anemo Archon nods his head sagely. "More or less." Xiao fixes Lord Barbatos with the most incredulous look he can manage. "... You're failing Music Theory."

this fic is such a delight!! it has some light background lore, some silly shenanigans, miscommunications, pinning - a truly fun mixture! the fic is v light hearted but written with a lot of tenderness. i am v excited to see its conclusion!

what queer sins stain thy soul by Anonymous [ M, 3,232 words, 1/1 ]

In which Xiao, long-established asexual, learns that identity is not as stable as he’d like to believe.

there is some explicit things in it (in non explicit way) i believe religious guilt is one of the best flavouring to xvn. it is an under-explored area in this ship imo and this fic not only has that but also!!! asexuality !!!!!! this fic so so personal and its exploration of desire that gets to me a lot

unholy virtues by morphasia [ E, 17,065 words, 6/6 ]

In exchange for his body in more ways than one, Venti summons a demon to reclaim something that has been stolen from him. It's a just contract. That's all it's supposed to be. That's all it was ever supposed to be.

READ THE TAGS!!! this fic truly went creature/creature. this au is just so fascinating and funny in a twisted way (but not bad). this fic isnt for everyone though but it is definitely worth the shot.

[sskk-manifesto]

(*・ω・*)b♪

[lucent-nargacuga]

looks around awkwardly

I know I loathe valentine's day with every fibre of my being, but,,,

read the tags of the original post for context, but only if you're prepared for a shit ton of awkward embarrassment

[arolesbianism]

WHAT DO YOU MEAN ONI EARTH HAD SMOG SO BAD THEY COULDNT EVEN USE SOLAR ENERGY??? JUST FOUND THAT LOG AND. HEY???

YEAH I KNOW RIGHT most of the oni logs are so stuck within gravitas that it's easy to skip over the random little bits of fucked up world building, with the smog being my favorite piece cause it implies a whole fuckton of other environmental issues and it's suddenly like damn these guys were rly just living their lives while half suffocating huh

[bardicjustice]

Some day I'm going to get my thoughts in order enough to go absolutely ape shit about tragedy and the role it plays in fallen hero

[dragongirltongue]

I think I just generally hate reversal AUs in general 6ecause they feel far more contrived to make all the characters fit into each other's roles or actually miss where the mirror they want to see the other side of actually exists in the original story.

I do enjoy a good AU but reversals in particular just never vibe right with me, like, if you enjoy them that rules but I just can't.

[digisurvive]

Obsessed with how Survive utilized Plutomon bc... There's usually the assumption of maleness onto digimon, specially dark armored ultimates/megas like Plutomon, who's even based on Pluto/Hades and thusly governs over the realm of the dead (more Hades than Pluto, give the penchant for Violence and Cruelty embedded into the lore).

Usually, for a digimon to be read as feminine there's the curves and boobs and skimpy outfits—think of LadyDevimon, Angewomon, Lilithmon, the sistermon, etc. So, It's Just So Fun when certain portrayals within the franchise expand outside of those rigids standards of gender presentation.

Not only Aoi biomerges with Labramon to become Plutomon and effectively embodies the tyrannical and cruel aspects of Plutomon, there's a distinctive Aoi feel to how those traits are portrayed: her speech is still proper and polite and she still talks with a certain maternal flavor in her Savior-complex rants: she promises to look after them, guide them toward proper behavior and harmony, and to protect them. She doesn't yell when admonishing them, despite the obvious passive-aggression and underlying threats to her words, but rather her speech still aims to make them understand what their best option here is (in this case, to zip it and not cause her any trouble).

She essentially seeks to usurp the master as caretaker of the kemonogami realm as well as extending that forced guardianship onto the human world as well. All this behavior isn't far off of the maternal character she's recognized as having by her peers before her turn of heel, but as Plutomon, she highlights a darker aspect to the position of a mother: Plutomon isn't afraid of flaunting and exerting the power she knows she has and her plans assert she will continue to force her authority over the beings that will be under her care, overriding their agency to imposing her judgment and decisions as the only correct ones.

This negative growth enriches her struggles through the game: she's always been caught between repressing all her misgivings both due trouble asserting herself and because being lenient and extending grace to others is helpful to smooth out the dynamics within the group. Labramon, from start, is very vocal about her anger, sometimes even being too harsh, but she still represents Aoi's desire for aggression. In Cerberumon's cutscene she wishes to be able to have that level of self-assertion and proactiveness to be able to move on from passively supporting and protecting the group to be able to overpower what threatens them. This desire for proactiveness reflects in her stepping up to be their leader, but also comes out corrupted in Plutomon.

The idea of balance is central to her development. Repressing everything only causes her explode later on and to become isolated and mistrustful of others. But not extending grace to others and focusing on mediating the dynamics in the group causes them to become divided, which is counter-productive to their goals and contrary to her values. Labramon nudges to accept her desire for power, aggression, proactiveness and authority, but it has the ambiguity over whether she can retain a firm and just heart not to end up hurting others. It's all about the balance between the needs and desires Labramon represents and nuzzles her toward and her care and desire for Harmony. Aoi feared the monstrous shape Labramons power took because she understood her desire to assert herself boldy could become brazen, her wielding authority over others came with the possibility of hurting them and it was a serious responsibility to take on. She knows that humility and a discerning judgment are key to wielding the power she desires responsibly, but during the Cerberumon evo, it still remains to be seen if she can remain a just and fair leader. And we see the influence of that side of her soul embodied by Labramon taking a turn for the worse when they biomerge and only the bitterness, regrets and anger remain after their agony.

[kyouka-supremacy]

Jfyi I'll be anime posting from @sskk-manifesto!!

[happi-tree]

soooooo i don't have much new to post for wipweds this week so i thought i'd grab a little something from my archives! a ton more people were curious about The Raven and The Dove than i expected, so here's a little excerpt from my amphibia school for good and evil au! in which marcy learns a tiny bit of archery and sasha has some Feelings about it 💗💚

[hellishgayliath]

Do you have a dream job?

(Also have an awesome week helli!)

Not really I don't think?? I never had that kind of ambition to aim for. I don't really have any experience working at any job honestly so I'm not even sure what kind of environment I'd be comfortable in or fit in with (not the food service kind tho, i hear that is just god awful).

I'd be just content with being an artist, I wouldn't be able to handle like actual deadlines or expectations from commissions or big timey art jobs cuz my brain just cant handle pressure like that but it's the route I'd rather stick with until I am able to find something that'll help keep me financially stable.

bleh

[goldensunset]

i respect people who reblog polls and write really long essays trying to convince you to vote for their pick, i really do. but i don’t know anyone who doesn’t just see the poll and immediately vote based on their first impulse lol

[tariah23]

https://x.com/imlost_mp44/status/1734726462605779390?s=46&t=QiKHdDdvKoMxWGyakqTvxA

But until then they will be at each other’s throats

Tbh, If you aren’t Black or Asian then I don’t think it’s fully appropriate to comment on like, any of this, especially even mentioning “the being at each others throats,” part if I’m being honest, like. Black ppl as a whole don’t really have much of an issue with anyone else, it’s usually just the other way around really and for the most part, we accept everyone (sometimes to a fault,) into our space and culture. Just as long as it’s not appropriative or making fun of us then it’s like, what can you do? There will always be conversations needed to be had in order to build some kind of common ground between poc but yeah.

[katyspersonal]

[abyssalpriest]

if i disappear after saying that ive been assassinated no jokes aside if i take that down its not bc i disagree with it, you can still pin it on me as a belief that i think that shit should be said and ill put my whole ass behind it, but saying shit like that has consequences lmfao. also theres a time and a place to bring that up