#love little trickster spirits that are just a little bit mischievous

[hikato-chan]

Aww the little garden gnome sounds so cute- and whoops it's gone

[amysgiantbees]

Dead Boy Detectives Cat King Spoilers

I ADORE the Cat King and I'm really fascinated by him and I just love how detailed everything about him is.

A few thoughts on him...

I love that he's living at Empire fish company to harken to his royal status.

I adore the head-cannon that he's Desire's child. With his golden eyes that remain no matter his form. Desire's actor even tweeted about it!

He asked which boy put the spell on his cat. Also, the cat's comment in the murder house ep that "the Cat king won't like this" and the implied rest of that sentence I feel is "when he finds out, when we report back." But at the end of the Dragons ep we can see the cat's eyes glow, implying he's magically looking through them. I know I'm assuming a lot but he seems to let the cats do their thing most of the time and report to him if they feel like it. It might even be a two way thing where they allow him to look through their eyes, he can't force it. I just think it's interesting what powers he has. Also it's interesting how his relationship with the cats work. Knowing cats, they have to want to report back. They don't just do it out of obligation. So, I'd like to think he's a pretty decent ruler. Or even my head-cannon that he doesn't really rule them more protects and acts as their go between, between themselves and other creatures.

His powers so far: Personal resurrection. Teleportation (but maybe just to pocket dimensions). Shapeshifting. Binding spells or just magic in general much like Edwin can practice magic from books. All very indirect kinds of magic which really suit his trickster spirit vibes.

I love that his loneliness is tied in to almost every interaction he has with Edwin. From insisting that he likes to keep things consensual then putting a spell that forces them to be closer. To watching out for/stalking Edwin with his cats. To forcing him to tell the truth but only a little bit in a kind of desperate attempt to get Edwin to see he cares about him and embraces him for who he is. Edwin calling him lonely really doesn't come from nowhere to humanize him which I love. It's great that even the minor character's motivations are well thought through in the show.

I feel like he took to Edwin so quick possibly just out of pure desire. But also people love to say animals are great judges of character, especially cats, they're discerning. So I love the idea that even if Thomas was repressing the fact that he is lonely a part of him knew it and recognized that loneliness in Edwin. As well as what his actor's mentioned in interviews that Thomas is so free and has so few inhibitions and thus just enjoys messing with stuffy old Edwin so much.

Me enjoying Thomas' moral greyness does not mean I'm condoning his behaivour. But it certainly doesn't bother me for multiple reasons. Firstly, his actor is SO charismatic. It really does make a difference that he's just SO fun to watch. Also, not that I've never been harassed by a queer guy before, but him being not straight does help beat the creep vibes in my mind. Also, the way that he will push a boundary but say or do something that softens what he's done helps. Like ranting and raving in the woods that Edwin will regret this but instead continuing to try to protect him from Esther. I think he clearly cares enough about Edwin that if Edwin was REALLY that uninterested in him and uncomfortable he would of just have given him a different punishment. Also, it's a fair punishment. He binds Edwin just like Edwin bound that cat. He's an ambiguous trickster fantasy creature, I'm willing to let a lot slide due to the fact that he clearly has an important role in the story and people's lives as a disrupting and mischievous influence.

I also am not particularly bothered by any potential creepiness from the Cat King as the way in interviews everyone talks about him is that he had a very specific role to play. He was made to be Edwin's sexual awakening. Yes he could have just been a guy that like always seems to be obliviously shirtless going on runs or something like that and it would have been less problematic. But, for one, I'm sure Edwin's seen that before and just looks away when it happens. Two, Edwin is SO repressed I think it makes a lot of narrative sense that he needs someone SO pushy and desperate in return to wake him up. And also he then contrasts against the purity and sweetness of Edwin's love for Charles. I don't see this as condoning this behaivour because real people aren't deeply repressed Edwardian ghosts that couldn't access therapy even if they wanted to on account of being dead.

Furthermore, as I'm sure many people have seen in recent popular discourses media does not need to be morally pure. I don't think that should be a get out of jail free card though. Or that creatives should be allowed to make whatever offensive shit they want and then say but "it's art" or "it's satire". Context matters. It's important how you frame something. And sure the Cat King is not punished for his bad behaivour but he is framed in such a way that I feel like he is not supported for it either. He doesn't get "rewarded" with Edwin in the end. He's not even guaranteed to have his company in even a platonic way since they're heading back to London and he, presumably, has to stay in his kingdom (he calls himself A cat king so I'm assuming there's others elsewhere so he probably can't go to London and intrude on another's territory. Or maybe he's A cat king in that there's just one at a time but there's a history of them).

Also, I've seen some people be uncomfortable at the age gap between Edwin and the Cat King, but to quote one of my favourite YouTubers Kennie J.D. "They're brooding hot 25 year old teenagers". They're both actors in their 20's. They could both theoretically be playing immortals frozen in their teens. I get that Thomas looks older but none of them look like teens. Edwin's actor has a 5 o'clock shadow. The most info we get about Thomas' age that he's meant to be appearing as is that he says "he's not a daddy type" according to him. Admittedly his actor says that when he was imagining a backstory for him part it was that he thought he and Esther were ex's. So that does lend to the idea of him being frozen as an adult. So I'd definitely say it's a grey area. But also people arguing it's not weird because they're all kind of ageless anyway, I do disagree with. As a TikToker, Babbity Kate, I like pointed out just because Edward is over 100 years old doesn't mean Bella dating him isn't less weird than her dating Carlisle. There's a difference, it matter's a person's maturity.

I just hope we get a Season 2 and the Cat King sticks around for it. Hope Edwin misses him XD

Other people with great takes on him: https://www.tumblr.com/weareinastormoffuck/749853517024559104?source=share

[sunflower1experiment]

She’s a mom!

“She’s a bit distant..why?”

“Maybe we love bombed her!? I hope not.” Suma gave a teary eyed expression while Tengen walked in with Hina but |Name| only gave a pained smile.

“I’m sorry- I’ve been forever grateful but…I feel like I’ve been lying. So I wish to speak with you all. This may come as a surprise but I’m a woman of virtue so hearing the news, I hope it doesn’t deteriorate your feelings for me.”

“Of course not Angel! What makes you believe that!?” The now retired geisha could only give a knowing stare before looking saddened, “I have two little boys. A mischievous one and one who well…he’s always smiling but he’s so sweet natured. And so serious when it comes to his shop.” She looks down. “I had to send them away to a good school for the sake of their safety.”

“I’ve grown to miss them.” The woman looks outside, I’m not sad but I just wonder how their beautiful faces would look when they realize I’m blessed once more.” Tengen had a look of awe, Makio was shocked to say the least while Suma cried tears of joy.

“That’s so sweet |Name|! You’re such a good mother.”

A giggle leaves her lips, “I’m so happy you think so! I just want them to meet their new parents-“ |Name| stops when Tengen and the girls all had teary eyes resting on them.

“I’m a dad? That’s so…flashy…|Name| we would be honored to welcome them in our flamboyant home!” The girls cheer, “Lord Tengen thank you!”

Laughter fills the room: oh how lucky she felt. When will she meet them, she’ll never know. But one thing is for sure. |Name| knew she’d meet her mischievous one soon.

A boy playing the flute hops amongst the fences, twirling around while giggling mischievously before he came to a stop. “Oh! Heheh!” He jumps down then follows an unsuspecting victim, it was none other than Tanjiro: the male had felt a presence but. It was so quiet, so nimble he took a quick glance but none avail.

As he heads to demon slayer Corp he felt legs hop on his back then a loud “ALLYYOOP!!” A boy ran ahead. He was probably no age higher than him but he still wore scruffy clothes and odd shoes, “He-HEY! Come back!”

“Nah uh! I’m here to see mom. Know where she’s at.” The male stares at him. He wore an odd looking straw hat but his eyes, pure beautiful brown. So innocent yet mischief would lie deep within, “Um I’m Tanjiro.. you are?”

“Mmm Mom calls me her little Trickster so call me Trick! Hehe trick or treat little Tanjiro.”

“Ah! Who’s mom?”

“My mom!”

The boy had to think through this, “Your mom?” He stood there then he flinches when Zenitsu screams loudly and Inosuke kicks him.

“QUIET DOWN DANDELION HAIR!”

“Guys! There’s this boy-“ Tanjiro looks over and the boy had left. “Ah- AHH???”

“Mommaaaaa!!” His raspy voice caught a few ears but when he cleared his throat a playful childish voice soon erupts after.

“Um. Little one what are you doing here?” This time Shinobu had found him, “Woah, you’re not momma but I like your spirit.”

The boy walks over and takes a good look at Kocho. “Hmm but you’re super scary. Momma always has a pleasant energy. She was a geisha after all.”

“Oh! You’re looking for |Name|? One of Tengen’s, wives?”

“Mommas Married!? WOWIE!” He ran ahead but soon ran back. “Where’s mom?” She points to the north then explains where to go after.

Continuing forward Trick heads towards the house, calling his mother to which she perks at the sound of his voice. “Is that my little one?”

“Hm? Angel?” Tengen gets up, hearing his voice too. “Is that one of your kids?” She immediately ran down the road. “Ah! My precious one!”

“MOMMA!”

“My sweet precious Niko!” He rams into her, giggling loudly while she lifts his hat and places mini kisses amongst his face. “Mommaaaa! Noooo I need to impress my new moms and dad!”

“Oh you already impress them already my sweet face.” They both head to the house. She shows him to the man and women.

Hina gasps, “He’s.”

Makio’s eyes go wide. “So.”

“FLASHY!!!” Tengen laughs.

“And cute.” Suma immediately hugs Niko who just blushes before giggling sweetly. “Hehe. Flashy! That’s so cool! I wish to be flashy just like my family!”

“You’ll always be flashy sweetface. Now…why do I see you here and not at school?”

“Well- I graduated! And I decided to travel, with brother..he sells some weird masks to avoid them demons. I carry wisteria and plant them amongst people’s houses. Though they’re super rare so…I’m not sure how I got them.” Indeed they are, it even shocked |Name| while Tengen wore a prideful grin. “This kid gets it! Save lives before they even need savin!”

“He always was the trickster. I’m so proud. Where’s he at?”

“Mm…” Niko was a bit hesitant but he shrugged. “We split up. The masks he had were more wanted in areas where these scary demons roamed. I’m pretty sure he could handle himself because of the wisteria flowers but I hope he’s okay.” |Name| sighs.

“He’s definitely alright…wait till he comes home..”

“Why do you say that?”

“Before I adopted his brother he came from a family that kept demon remains as a trophy. That’s what the masks are made of and he also uses them and their powers to fend them off. Sadly I’m more worried about him getting caught up in something correlated to Muzan.”

“Hm, smart, flashy but also very dangerous. I’m guessing his old family got carried away.” |Name| nods while Niko starts playing with Makio a bit.

Later that evening

|Name| awaited for her eldest to come home, it was shocking but to see her eldest, grown and still wearing that same smile. To match his beautiful hazel eyes, it brought tears to her eyes. The man sets his bag down then he walks over.

“Hm?” She caresses his face, “Hello dear.” The man hugs her close. “Everyone meet my eldest. Though he’s more independent than Niko he goes by a name.”

“Call me Merchant. I’m quite pleased that you took my mother from the district, she needs to see the beautiful world for what it is.” |Name| and merchant shared the same giggle which made everyone watch them in pure adoration.

“And you say they’re adopted, you sure?”

“One hundred percent. My precious merchant here happily lived and went to college with his brother. Whom he does not like.”

Merchant backs away when Niko started crab dancing near him, then the two suddenly move away and back before he attacks Niko with a stick. “Back Niko! Back I say!”

|Name| sighs, “I’m just happy you all get to meet them before they must venture off again.”

Though they didn’t want to, Niko and Merchant eventually did leave. Not after spending time with their new family and merchant showed the demon parts as promised, even trying to bargain with Tengen which |Name| shut down instantly.

The look of pure side eye was actually making the merchant feel nervous. Never let a black woman side eye you as he wishes to say, “Niko what do you do besides travel.”

“Make friends, most of them all depend as to how they handle my music…but I’m to much of a trickster. That’s how mom adopted me. She loves my tricks!” The male then hugs |Name| one last time. “I’ll miss ya.” Merchant leans into the hug as well before everyone joined in.

A family group hug, that’s something they plan to cherish during their journey. |Name| waves as they walk ahead, hand in hand before the distance finally took over their forms. “My precious little ones.”

Things went back to as they were but |Name| was jubilant, eager to cook, dance for them. She even found a new style, “Guess she just needed to see her kiddos. Wonder why they left rather than stay.”

“Based on what I researched. Merchant’s people in terms of masks and demon parts take their jobs very seriously. Stopping means no money, and they’re mainly merchants who wish to sell and spread their riches to help others. Now Niko….from what I recall he’s based off a culture within the forest? They’re very sweet, he’s just like any teen and child. Mischievous but very pure and smart.”

“Thank you Hina, they’re both as flashy as they are amazing. |Name| is a lucky lady.”

“That’s why ya married her Lord Tengen!” He nods pridefully, “She’s to good for us.” They all start to hug |Name| while she was busy searching for warmth so, win win.

But she did fall asleep not to long after. “Well how can we move? She’s asleep!”

“Darn it..welp I ain’t movin.” Tengen and the girls waited until she woke up, to which failed and they all laid together.

Sound asleep.

[the-suns-temple]

Hi! Lemme label myself as the 🐢 anon because i will be sending more asks in the future!!..

I hope it's okay to ask, but how did you know that your divine spouse was "reaching out to you" that way? In a romantic sense?

Because i feel like there was a deity (i won't name them as IDK if they want to be named..) that i worked with, and in my 6 years of practice... I have never experienced what happened those few days and nights of working with them.

I always felt like they cared about me A LOT. And i was flattered for that. I appreciated their help a lot in our workings. But one day, I don't know how to explain it, but i felt them brush their hand on my face, on my cheek. I could tell something was off, as it felt.. different than a simple itchiness on the face. I felt their presence.. Then a day later or so, i was in my bed and i could feel their presence, hugging me from behind.

I know how crazy and fanatic i sound right now. I apologize if this is inappropriate to ask! And unrelated to your account topic. But this has been going on in my head for weeks and i would really appreciate ANY insight. As i have never been courted or even considered being courted by an entity.

Thank you for hearing me out! And i am sorry if i seem like a weirdo rn!

-🐢anon

Hello! Apologies for taking so long to get back to you, but thank you for asking your question.

Firstly, I would suggest an air of caution and skepticism when it comes to feeling energies. Theoi energy is a very specific kind of energy and cannot be easily replicated by trickster spirits or mischievous entities, but it is still worth practicing caution. If you want to confirm that it was this deity (if you have not already), ask them a few vetting questions before you ask if it was them who was touching you and hugging you. Of course, you know their energy better than I do, but it never hurts to be a little bit careful.

Secondly, I knew Lord Apollo was reaching out in a romantic sense because, simply put, he is very blunt. I meditated with him, and while I do not remember now what he said, he did say something rather blunt about how he wanted to progress our relationship from mentor and student to something more. And I left the meditation feeling giddy and excited. So, I did a tarot reading asking him to confirm what he meant after doing more research on Godspousing and what it entailed.

Research, in situations like this, is your best friend. Doing research on things like Godspousals, and also looking into how this deity treated their partners in the past, perhaps in mythology, or if they do have a life partner you could look into how they treat them, to get a better understanding of how this deity may express love. Lord Apollo is very gentle with me. He adores accompanying me outside, under the sun, playing a sport, or simply relaxing. He is very touchy at times. He loves to give compliments and send me signs showing he is watching. Just this weekend, a bee landed on my hand when I was getting into my friend's car to go watch the sunset on the beach.

Let the deity bring the idea to you. Or, if you feel they have been doing this via signs, ask them if this is what they are trying to suggest to you. And if it is, give it some thought. Do not run into an answer. Think on it. Let the confirmation process and decide from there.

Best of luck on your journey, and I am sending you nothing but positive energy.

Best wishes, and Blessed Be, from Rafael.

Khaire.

[masterqwertster]

Bells Hells C1 Class Swap AU

Basically just giving the Hells the same class as their player's Campaign 1 characters and getting a bit different approaches to the plot beats.

Orym: Oath of the Watcher Paladin/Inquisitive Rogue

Started as pure paladin. Devotion to either elemental spirits or the Wildmother because Ashari

Fighting Style is Blind Fighting because ridiculous Perception or Protection because he's always got his shield and is a guard

Oath based on Ashari directive to hold the elemental rifts

Inquisitive rogue levels are form searching for clues about the attack on Zephrah in the hunt for Will and Derrig's murder(s)

Fearne: Light Domain Cleric

This subclass has got all the fire spells, and Fearne loves to burn

Her god is probably the Moonweaver, since she has a presence in the Fey Realm and the moon does reflect light from the sun. Also, the Moonweaver is one of the trickster-type deities, so that also fits Fearne's mischievous nature

Of course, devotion to the moon goddess does add some interesting layers/twists to the whole Ruidus/Ruisduborn deal

Laudna: Circle of Spores Druid

It's the undead druid, of course Laudna gets this subclass

She probably picked up the druid class from the whole Witch of the Woods thing, and was thought weird/creepy for liking mushrooms and other dead-ish things found among the detritus of the forests surrounding Whitestone as a child

Delilah is still around, but definitely more as a haunting spirit and unwanted advisor, since there's no warlock multi-class

Imogen: Fey Wanderer Ranger (reflavor)

This subclass is closest to Imogen's mindreader/Aberrant Mind skillset, so reflavor for her Exaltant Ruidusborn status in that her mystique is from that instead of the fey

Her Preternatural Blessing would be the lightning scars/marks

The ranger class is a result of escaping from everyone in Gelvaan by going out into nature

One of her favored enemies is undead because she wants Delilah to leave Laudna alone

Favored terrain is either grassland or mountain because that's where she lived

Fighting Style is Druidic Warrior, probably learned the spells from Laudna, and keeps with Witchy Bitches

Chetney: Path of the Beast Barbarian (reflavor)

Werewolf is really a blood hunter thing, but Path of the Beast includes a level of shapeshifting (and can have origin from a lycanthrope parent), so reflavor as Chet's lycanthropy is controlled through barbarian practices of this Path

Uses a giant wood ax as main weapon rather than wood carving tools

Fresh Cut Grass: College of Creation Bard and/or Alchemist Artificer

Sam had two characters for C1: Scanlan and Tary, so I'm making this open for either or both of their classes

None of the bard subclasses are very healing oriented. But Creation has some good support features

Instrument could be himself as like a percussion instrument drumming on himself. Possibly with mechanical beeps and whistles

When they finally learn Animating Performance, it's a weird day because of how Bells Hells came together, and because FCG always tries to get a response from the animated items, like he did with with other automatons in early campaign

Alchemist artificers are the most healing oriented, so that's the reason for that subclass

It's also a fun kind of irony that an aeormaton is also a creator of magical items/constructs

Ahston: Echo Knight Fighter (modified)

Uses dual swords. Milo made jagged glass blades, sort of like obsidian blades in shape, instead of the hammer

Has either Two-weapon Fighting or Unarmed Fighting for their Fighting Style. Depends on if you want to lean into the brawler bit or not

After galaxy brain set in, they ended up manifesting echoes. But his echoes are a little weird, because their weapon is random and they have more of a galaxy coloration than a shadow

Flavors are same dual swords, canon!Ashton’s hammer, dual pistols, and a long spear/halberd. Higher levels could lead to more random weapon options

Some Events/Points of Interest

Orym picks out that Ashton's echoes die the same way the assassins did in the attack 6 years ago. Finds that to be a bit of a dead end, though, since Ashton has no clue why or how they have such a skill. He does insist on practicing fighting their echoes, though, just to get a better feel for such enemies

Dorian and FCG would bond more if FCG is a bard. Like Dorian teaches FCG a bit about playing a lute, but not a flute because FCG doesn't breathe

Fearne could pick up clues about Ruidus by communing with the Moonweaver. Or got hints before meeting everyone, but never put them together until Bells Hells started uncovering shit

Laudna could puppet Paté with those zombie mushrooms (in a bit of hand-wavy-ness since there's no actual brain in Paté) or Find Familiar him to life for a few hours at a time as a fey entity with the optional Wild Companion feature of the druid class

Chetney might be into chainsaw woodcarving, except with a huge battle ax instead of a chainsaw. If he is, he definitely tries to get FCG into this kind of carving with their buzzsaw

Ashton only personally learned how to fight with swords. Knowledge of how to use all the other weapons his echoes use just came with them. Say "thank you, galaxy brain"

Imogen can use her Telekinetic Feat to make an arrow turn. I honestly wanna say go full Yondu from Guardians of the Galaxy, but that might be a bit much, if very cool

Orym's increased Charisma because that's the paladin spell casting stat means that he's better at arguing "fuck Ludinus and the Ruby Vanguard, they will build their 'better' world on a mountain of corpses"

[saberwitch]

Character Rambles.

Just been thinking about the characters I have (and have recently made) and how I'm running out of character slots. So this is kind of a who's who, and kind of a what's what.

(I've been playing since release but I had a bad habit of getting bored with my alts and deleting them and starting over from scratch, so I don't really have any long-term characters.)

The Old Guard, aka "Destiny's Middle".

Arare Breide, Human Guardian

Petra Merchant, Human Engineer

Hekja Stoneheart, Norn Revenant

Caheris [Sparkweaver], Sylvari Elementalist

Arare is my oldest character (4 yrs). I made her by random selection in the CC, and fashioned her with whatever I initially pulled from a selection of Black Lion chests. Petra, Hekja and Caheris are all modeled after NPCs Arare met "in the field" (as it were). Arare and Petra are childhood sweethearts; Hekja and Caheris are also a couple. I have a decent amount of sappy romance fic written about them. They're not seeing much play lately, but they're my comfort characters.

The New Guard

(There are a few of these characters but I'm only going to mention the ones I plan to keep)

Investigator Hilly, Asura Engineer. Hilly is a ghost hunter (remember those "reality" shows?) and I really love her combination of scientific zeal and skepticism.

Ouija Planchette, Human Revenant. Born from the idea of a Victorian parlour seance gone horribly wrong when the host actually starts channeling real spirits. Ouija and Hilly are a fun team.

Fayne Skavin, Human Necromancer. Fayne was my attempt at making a Final Pam. She failed spectacularly, because even with the wonky sliders, she still ended up looking oddly cute. The Rat Princess is one of my favourite characters, and she will never die.

Hearthfire Steading

All these ladies came about from my enduring love for the Norn and their culture (warts and all). The "main" character of this story-heavy idea, Halennia, was designed after a patron goddess of travelers.

Halennia Hearthfire, Elementalist. The ultimate "mom friend". Guide to wanderers and travelers, adoptive parent of lost Nornphans. Will make sure you're hydrated and have snacks.

Stara Halennisaetr, Ranger. Also based on a pagan goddess, and Halennia's daughter. Very social, somewhat mischievous. Bunny Acolyte.

Saskia Deathsong, Necromancer. My current main. I've written a fair bit about her lately. She was the first adoptee into the Hearthfire family.

Ruenar Deathsong, Thief. Saskia's little sister. A work in progress, but I hope to have more about her soon.

Mischief Crowcaller, Mesmer. Absolutely a trickster deity in disguise. Like Rue, a bit of a work in progress.

Meade Honeybrew, Engineer. Brewmaster supreme, follower of Dolyak. She, Elke, and Herring get into a lot of (usually consumable-related) trouble together. Fiery, butts heads with folks a lot, very stubborn. Will help you move for a round of ale.

Herring Rollmop, Guardian. Mostly just wants to fish and enjoy pickles. Can't fathom how she keeps getting caught up in Meade's shenanigans. Absolutely agrees to any and all shenanigans when they are presented to her. Culinarily adventurous, will eat anything that's been brined or fermented. Quiet, stoic, and unshakeable.

Elke Sheepshear, Norn Warrior. A sheepfarmer's daughter (*cough*), Elke is obsessed with being warm and cozy but also loves trying new things (see Meade, shenanigans thereof). Expert on all things wool: shearing, carding, spinning, dyeing, and weaving/knitting. Can and will make you a cozy sweater.

Veerle Deathsong: still a vital component of the Deathsong family drama, but I really don't want to play her as a character, so she'll be going.

Hijinks Squad

Just Kasmeer, Human Mesmer. My Kas clone. Honestly not sure how much actual play she'll get but she's fun so I'm keeping her.

PENDING *Lady Nae Trews, Human Guardian. My first "started as a joke" alt who kind of took on a life of her own. She's not a fan of pants (that's it that's the character)*

Bearyn Bearjayl, Norn Ranger. Exists solely to win GW2. Will she stick around after she succeeds? Only Bear knows for sure.

And finally: plans. I really want to make a vampire themed character but haven't had much luck sticking with one. Current thought is a Norn whose Spirit of the Wild is "Bat". Could be fun? (There are canon vampire bats in the game, so.)

All this said, my main focus right now is Saskia, and getting her through the story so I can play the new expansions as soon as possible. She is my main, and my 'get things done' character. But knowing me I'll be jaunting off on a "side quest" or two, doing fashion stuff, and/or participating in events and other things, so some of my other ladies will likely pop up now and then.

[inkweaver22-blr]

Four for four baby! This is perhaps the last of my daily updates as I’ll be busy the next few days. Here’s another little filler chapter but it’s a good one as it’s the first one where we directly see references to other creators’ Monkie Kid works! There’s three references here, two subtle and one explicit. I’ll make sure to have links to each work in the notes at the end of the chapter. Hope you enjoy!

AO3 Link

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Scattered Cicadas - Chapter Four: Childish Behavior

Tang often feels like the only adult surrounded by children. Literally sometimes.

----------

If there was one thing Tang had learned about these timelines he kept jumping between was that they were consistently inconsistent.

The minor details that changed randomly but never really affected the outcome of the events from his original time were still abundant and rarely phased him much anymore.

(Although that one time he had platinum blonde hair had been interesting.)

It was when entirely unique situations arose that the scholar was caught off guard.

New events sprung up every now and then and inserted themselves between the original ones. As with the smaller changes, these new scenarios were unpredictable and varied wildly in scope.

A surprisingly durable MK clone that somehow managed to escape being dispelled, gaining independence, and becoming Macaque’s apprentice.

An ocean demon sinking ships just outside the bay and Sandy getting to go on that water adventure he wanted.

MK’s birth parents trying to reinsert themselves back into his life after seeing his achievements on the news.

(Tang was so incredibly proud of his kid for standing up for himself and refusing their empty platitudes. The pranks that he, Mei, and the Monkey King had pulled on them in retaliation were great stress relievers.)

Since Tang could still do his best to help out in each new event without horrible consequences, it seemed the rule of “No Interference” did not apply to them. He supposed that made sense as he had no way to predict when or if they might occur and thus couldn’t change an outcome he didn’t know about.

He was grateful for that small mercy at least.

Still, with how these cycles seemed to be endless so far, a few of these events would happen over multiple timelines.

Getting de-aged by a mischievous trickster demon or spirit was a strangely common occurrence.

MK seemed to be the most popular target for this particular curse. The brightness of his personality seemed to shine even stronger whenever he was reverted into a child, which simply made Tang love the kid even more.

(He wished he could have helped the Monkey King tear Macaque apart for kidnapping their precious little one in that cycle.)

They all had their own turns of having their biological clocks reversed of course. Mei was a little trouble maker, Pigsy was a shy and timid toddler, and Sandy liked to have things he could break apart. Tang couldn’t clearly remember the times he had been de-aged but was pleased when an exhausted Mei and Mk had said he was the easiest of the adults-turned-kids to take care of.

Then there was the Monkey King.

Having to corral a rambunctious young monkey with the strength to crush boulders and the ability to duplicate or shapeshift was not easy.

(He still had no idea how MK had managed to do it alone once.)

With the amount of times they had all been subjected to this specific curse, Tang only really had himself to blame for not seeing it coming.

Tang poured over the scroll in front of him, trying to find the counter for this timeline’s version of the curse. Behind him, Mei distracted a de-aged Red Son, or Red Boy as that’s what the small fire demon was calling himself.

Getting kidnapped by a somewhat feral child with the ability to freely toss around the True Fire of Samadhi hadn’t been the most pleasant start to his day. While being mistaken as the monk Tang Sanzang was a little flattering, the threat of being roasted over the sacred blume flames and eaten had quickly dampened those feelings.

Luckily the young demon had fallen asleep, the fires dissipating as he lost consciousness. If only Tang knew how to cast the Monkey King’s fire ward...

“Ahem.”

Tang glanced up and paled at the sight of a displeased looking Demon Bull King.

“Little thief,” the demon addressed an equally freaked-out MK. “I believe you have something of mine.”

“Father! You’re here,” Red Boy called out as he jumped from Mei’s arms. “I have wonderful news! I’ve found a husband!” He quickly ran over to a petrified MK and leaned against him like he was presenting some great treasure. “Look! Look! Isn’t he pretty?”

Tang had almost forgotten about that particular detail. If they got out of this alive he was never going to let MK live this down for the rest of the cycle. Prerogative of being a dad and all.

“What do you think father,” Red Boy continued, ignoring MK’s desperate plea for him to stop. “I can marry him, right?”

DBK’s expression was frankly unimpressed as he stared down into the hopeful one Red Boy wore. Tang had a bad feeling about what was going to happen and slowly made his way around the room to hide behind MK and Mei who were also backing away.

“No.”

Tang winced a bit at the bluntness of the answer and braced himself for the explosion that was sure to follow.

“What? But… why? WHY NOT?!”

The genuine hurt and confusion in the young demon’s voice would have made Tang feel a bit sympathetic, if Red Boy hadn’t tried to eat him of course.

“Because I said so,” DBK growled as he knelt to be closer to his de-aged son. “Now, enough of this. Time to stop being a child.”

Tang frowned. That was... not how to calmly explain to one’s child about why you were refusing their request. Not if you wanted to avoid a full-on meltdown. He should know, having to take care of a young MK multiple times.

Looking into the Demon Bull King’s scowling visage, he wasn’t sure if the older demon simply didn’t know how, or just didn’t care.

“That’s… NOT FAIR!” Red Boy’s disbelief predictably turned into anger as his hair once again burst into blue flames.

“THAT’S NOT FAIR! I am not a child!” The True Fire of Samadhi burst out around the boy, seeming to startle DBK who took a step back. Tang was just thankful that it wasn’t aimed at him this time.

“I… I’m not-” Red Boy’s anger quickly melted away, as did the fire around him. The young demon sniffed a few times before dropping onto the ground and beginning to cry.

Loudly.

“You’re recording this, right?” MK whispered to Mei.

“Obviously.”

Tang sighed at their antics and looked over at DBK. The demon still looked angry but the scholar could see the uncertainty in his eyes. He seemed completely out of his depth and unsure on what to do.

Tang took a steadying breath before mustering his courage and stepping out from behind MK. If Demon Bull King didn’t know how to act like a good father then perhaps he could show him.

If he survived this he was going to need a vacation to fight back against the grey hairs this was going to give him.

The other adults all looked at him as if he had sprouted another head as he approached the sobbing child and knelt next to him.

“Red Boy?”

“H-huh?” The young demon looked up in confusion at being addressed.

“I know that right now everything seems pretty unfair and that can be upsetting,” Tang soothed, keeping his voice steady and reassuring. “But I promise you that your father has a good reason for not letting you marry MK. Would it help if he were to calmly explain that reason without getting angry at you?” He aimed that last sentence more at DBK than Red Boy, who’s sobs had slowed.

“M-maybe…” the young demon finally admitted.

Tang turned to stare expectantly at the Demon Bull King. The demon glared down at the scholar.

“Why are you treating him like a child?”

The harshness of his tone made Red Boy start to tear up again. Tang glared right back at DBK.

“Because right now, until we can reverse this, he is a child,” the scholar snapped, his fear replaced with righteous anger. “And like every child, he deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. He deserves to be comforted by a parent whom he obviously adores and be told that it’s okay to cry. He deserves to feel safe and loved.”

The room was silent save for the hiccups and sniffles from Red Boy as they all stared at Tang. DBK’s mouth hung open as he gazed incredulously down at the human, seemingly struck speechless.

“F-father?”

The small and unsure voice of Red Boy snapped the Demon Bull King out of his thoughts, and something seemed to loosen within him.

Tang stood and retreated back to MK and Mei to give the demon some privacy as he knelt next to his son and began speaking in a hushed tone with him.

“What the hell Mr. Tang,” MK hissed into his ear as he stared wide eyed at the pair of demons on the ground.

“Language MK,” Tang hissed right back before leaning over to Mei. “I know you aren’t recording two incredibly powerful demons having a moment of vulnerability who would stop at nothing to destroy us if they discovered the existence of such a video, right?”

“Eep!” Mei nearly dropped her phone as she rushed to stop her recording and then delete the last few minutes of the resulting video.

There were a few minutes of tense silence as the three humans did their best to pretend that there weren’t two demons having an emotional moment together just a few feet away. They gave a sigh of relief when Red Boy launched himself at his father, wrapping his arms around his neck. DBK seemed panicked at first before slowly wrapping his own arms around the young demon.

Tang adjusted his glasses and gave a nervous smile to the Demon Bull King who was scrutinizing him like a particularly confusing puzzle.

At least he didn’t seem angry any more.

Perhaps they would escape this fiasco unscathed after all.

----------

I was not expecting this chapter to turn into another Dad Tang story. It just kind of happened that way. So onto the references!

First is Durability by TaintTheUnstoppable which is beginning to shape up into something really interesting.

Second is Little One by @its-kall-the-clown which is just a huge fluff fest capped off with some nice angst. Highly recommended.

Finally we have the Red Boy comic by @purble-turble! Now obviously the Tang in their comic probably won’t do what this one did, by this Tang is too much of a Dad to let a little kid cry for too long.

Next chapter won’t be up until sometime next week! See ya then!

[umblebumble]

Dragon Age: Inquisition Daemons

So here’s another group daemon selection. I make my choices based off of a mix of analysis (The Daemon Forum is my favourite spot, link) and general vibe as well as plot/thematic things. For this, a lot of inspiration has come from fanfiction I’ve read where the daemon choice just makes sense. There will be minor spoilers for these characters personal plot arcs. Please let me know what you think, and share your own headcannons!

*As a note I tend to pick more mammals than anything else and I am working on widening my selections, but I still run very mammal-centric.

Solas - Common Raven. Raven’s are very clever birds and are great problem solvers and strategists. They go after what they want, and while they can roam in groups, they can work on their own as well. They are also mischievous and cocky; they will pull the tail feathers of larger birds to distract them from food or just for fun. This clever, cocky, proud bird is a very good match for our not-so-humble apostate. Thematically, ravens can be seen as death omens since they often eat carrion. However, they are also called ‘wolf birds’ because they have been known to have working relationships with wolves for hunting. Therefore a raven on the shoulder of a wolf would just make sense thematically to me.

Dorian - Scarlet Macaw. Parrots are far too clever for their own good and boredom is their worst enemy. Along with being bright and flashy to match the sparkly mage, their also very loud and opinionated and dramatic about everything just for the hell of it. I think a Macaw would be bold and striking on Dorian’s shoulder, and would have a razor tongue like the mage. However macaws can also be easily stressed and fall into self-destructive behaviour in bad environments. Thematically I think this parrot would have little bald patches hidden under its wings from where it would stress pluck. An interesting healing arc would be the bald patches growing back in as Dorian is accepted for who he is and doesn’t have to hide himself anymore.

Vivienne - Mute Swan. It can be said of water fowl that they appear graceful and serene on the surface but that’s because you can’t see the intricate paddling going on underneath. I feel that summarizes Vivienne well; she is serene and powerful and graceful at first glance, but behind the scenes there’s a lot of work and whispers and gathering of information. Swans are also very strong and assured. They could break bone with the strength of their wings, and they are confident and assured in their place and their power and status. Furthermore, they’re dedicated to their goals and will put in the work to reach them. However, I also like a swan for Vivienne because they mate for life. They are devoted to a single partner, and when that partner dies they mourn heavily. Vivienne appears unruffled and absolutely pristine to everyone around her and that’s because very few are allowed past her mask to see the softer heart inside that loves and then mourns her loved ones.

Iron Bull - Wild hog/Boar. Pigs are very underestimated animals - they appear big and slow, but they are vicious and incredibly intelligent. Pigs are seriously violent and I think this matches Bulls blood-thirsty battle-lust. But like Bull, his daemon would be underestimated; a war machine on the outside but the mind of a great spy on the inside. They’re social animals, and highly adaptable to a range of environments, and they can be very defensive and protective of themselves and those they care about. Overall I think a boar just suits every aspect of Bull visually and thematically.

Cassandra - Ram. *I initially said Mountain Goat but I had meant a Ram/Big Horned Sheep. Usually I headcanon Cassandra with a dog, a hound of some sort, but this was just very interesting and I quite liked it. When looking at a description of a Ram*, I just felt like it spoke for itself: “ Thick-skinned, competitive, and proud... Assertive and quick to put others in their place when they're crossed, definitely the confrontational sort. Highly defensive of their personal projects and themselves. Highly confident, not ones to doubt their abilities... Likely stubborn and highly straightforward, possibly blunt. Possibly planners, probably quite determined and persistent.” Cassandra is a hard-worker, determined and stubborn. She’s definitely the kind to attack a problem head-first, but she does have the capability to be quick, light on her feet and strategic about her approach. Rams are of the sheep family, and thus are very loyal and close to the people that belong in their circle.

Blackwall - Milksnake. Snakes are generally non-confrontational. They don’t pick fights but they will finish them, which is something I can see reflected in Blackwall’s more laid back attitude towards battle than the other warrior companions. Milksnakes are also very adaptable and will do well wherever they are. They’re a mix of solitary and social, they like being around others but also need their own space. They’re also rather internal and have a lot going on inside they don’t let show, not the kind to wear their heart on their sleeve. Mainly I enjoy the thematic meaning of a milksnake. Milksnakes are adapted to mimic a poisonous snake. Their colour pattern is close to that of a much more dangerous snake, and as such they often trick predators into thinking they are something they’re not. I like this thematically for the not-Warden who is pretending to be something much more fearsome than he is.

Sera - Rat. The common rat is an incredibly adaptable, resourceful, hardy creature. They will find a way in whatever circumstances and use whatever they have to their advantage. They are highly social beings and are made to work in groups, in teams and with others - a network much like the Red Jennies or little people. They’re bold, assertive, and even a little aggressive at times.  A rat is seen as vermin and unwanted, but they’re everywhere and are clever and have their little hands in everything. Also, rats are thought of to be tricksters in mythos - the Chinese zodiac being an example of a rat tricking its way to the top. Sera uses her tricky playfulness mainly to pull pranks and cause mayhem, but she also uses it to stick up for others and assert her place in the world.

Varric - Vampire bat. Now I like the headcanon that dwarves don’t have daemons due to Fade-connection stuff and instead have weapons/armour like Armored Bears, but for the sake of argument I wanted to find what his daemon could be. A vampire bat is an unusual animal, and I think it, like Varric, would be the kind of person you don’t easily forget encountering. They are very sensitive, aware animals and are very in-tune with their surroundings and whats going on. They’re very social animals and thrive in groups. They have great communication skills and form close bonds with those they’re close to. Varric would do anything for the people he is closest to, and his natural environment is surrounded by people spinning tales and connecting with others. I think it’s an unusual daemon choice but I also like the idea that its a fun parallel to a surface dwarf - an underground animal, i.e. a rat, but in the sky with wings.

Cole - Unsettled. I think that if Cole did have a daemon, it would be unsettled. He is a spirit and he is in constant state of flux, despite having a central purpose of compassion. And even if he becomes more human, he is very reminiscent of a child learning the world and as such I do not think he would be settled until he becomes more settled in himself. (I do have further headcanon ideas about this spirit-daemon stuff but that may be another post, or a later addition to this one. Let me know if you’re interested)

Leliana - Mongoose. Leliana was harder for me because I don’t know her as well. I didn’t play Origins, but from what I know she was a much younger, more playful, less burdened and jaded person back then. I think this suits a mongoose very well. They can be very inquisitive and open and playful in their youth, unfearful of the wide world and ready to investigate anything to learn more. But as an adult they are more cautious and guarded. Mongoose are incredible predators and are very adaptive, able to take on even snakes that others don’t dare attack. They are more solitary and secretive, and I think an elusive, mysterious mongoose would be a wonderful hint at the fierce power hidden behind the cooler facade of her everyday persona. Brutal, subtle, and unexpected, a mongoose fits the spymaster well as far as I know her.

Cullen - Border Collie. I always knew Cullen would have a dog daemon, it was just a matter of which. He’s loyal and extremely hardworking, and so I decided on herding dogs. I chose Border Collie specifically because of their intelligence, independence and ability to think strategically. This is the kind of dog that will happily take orders and follow command, but will also work on its own to get a job done. Of herding dogs, Border Collies also have the ability to be a bit more ruthless, I feel. They aren’t timid dogs and if left to their own devices could become destructive and rough due to boredom and lack of stimulation. Also, they are predisposed to listen and obey and thus could fall prey to poor leadership (as seen in Kirkwall). Any dog I think could fit for our loyal, hardworking Commander, but I think Border Collie is a good fit. A bit of a farm-boy turned soldier, follower turned commander aesthetic fits thematically with his overall arc.

Josephine - Zebra Longwing. This kind of butterfly is beautiful and poisonous, a perfect combination for our ambassador. Butterfly’s are social creatures and do well around others. Furthermore this kind of butterfly works in groups to achieve its goal, suggesting a calm, diplomatic mind that is good at working with others towards a goal. Furthermore, butterflies are very sensitive and aware creatures; they pay attention to their surroundings and are very intuitive about the environment and others. Lastly, with a slightly toxic nature, these insects warn off predators with their flashy pattern that advertise them as dangerous. I like this because I think Josephine’s daemon would be a great hint at how not-helpless she is, a bit of a giveaway to her power and abilities. Plus I think a pretty butterfly perched like a beautiful broach suits her aesthetic.

[lamiasluck]

Opposites (Kinda) Attract

@theshysepticeye and I thought of a lil au for Host and Eric uwu

They’re both forest spirits with animal-like features. Eric has lil mouse ears and a tail, and Host has owl wings. Eric acts as a guide to people who get lost, while Host likes tricking people to get lost lol

@emptynarration @alvie-ashgrove @verse2wo @juju-on-that-yeet @m4delin @ferociousfangirlofmanyfandoms

-

The dark side of the forest wasn’t foreign to Eric. A spirit guardian like him had to know the entire forest right down to every crevice. He just didn’t spend much time here. It was much different compared to his cozy den amongst the flowers. The sun barely reached here, only peeking out in thin beams between the dense tree leaves. Quiet noises were picked up by his twitching mouse-like ears, while his keen nose could sniff out any other life spying on him. He needed to be on guard here, especially with something malicious roaming in the background. Today, however, he was seeking out this other spirit without a speck of fear in his system. 

It was a familiar path to him as this was a common trip he had to make. Amongst the thin, looking trees stood one that towered over them all. A wise oak that was here since the beginning; nurtured and cared for with gentle hands. Now if only those hands could stop being so mischievous.

Eric went up to the tree and looked for his culprit. “Host! Are you there?!” His usually quiet tone was screaming out. He looked like the mouse his features were based off of compared to this tree. “Um… I-I know you’re here!” “How delightful Eric pays a visit,” a voice called out behind him.

Eric squeaked, turning around quickly. Host stood before him, tall and proud as per usual. His owl wings were groomed perfectly and tucked behind him; sharp claws were filed into sharp points. Eric gulped, but kept his determined, huffy expression. 

“I’ve come to, um, talk,” he explained.

Host grinned and nodded. “Of course, Eric loves nothing more than to talk the Host’s ears off.” He stalked towards the mouse, chuckling lightly. “What’s the crime this time?” He gently scraped his claws over Eric’s ears, petting lightly.

“Take this seriously!” Eric shook the hand away. “You, um, y-you know what you did!” Host couldn’t charm his way out of this one. That had happened one too many times. Those claws were perfect for scratches...

“Perhaps he does,” Host teased. “It’s something dire enough to pull the little mouse from hiding.”

“No! Well, y-yes… but be more specific!” Eric stomped up to him and jabbed a finger against his chest. He pouted and looked up at the owl with a huffy expression. 

That pout always made him talk. Host sighed loudly, grabbing Eric’s hand to hold it. “This is about those hikers that lost their way, right?”

“Because, be-because of you!” he huffed, before taking a few deep breaths. “I had t-to help them, because you, um, you decided to mess with them an-and made them lose their way.”

Words Host had heard a thousand times before, and will continue to hear for as long as he kept this mischievous routine. A spirit like them only had to protect the forest and its inhabitants; visitors were free game to him. Humans were messy, ignorant and ended up damaging the forest rather than nurturing it. It was a service to deceive those lost souls. If only his more soft partner could see where he was coming from.

Host laughed, before bringing Eric’s hand up to kiss his knuckles gently. “Why not let the humans get lost? If they die, then their bodies will decompose and be used for plant life,” He said as if he was talking about the weather. “Eric wastes his time going out to save them. Wouldn’t he much rather tend to his flowers, or befriend another litter of bunnies?” 

Eric blushed a little, before pulling his hand away and frowning. He looked up at Host’s bandaged eyes, seeing the faint scarring peeking out. If only they could agree on this. He found Host to be a good guy at heart, albeit a bit of a trickster. 

“You’re too, t-too cruel to them…” he mumbled. 

“They’re cruel creatures.” The same answer for the same, tiring problem. Host held no regrets. Well, actually he had only one. Every time he made Eric so sad; the poor little mouse. 

Eric shook his head. “N-No! They aren’t all bad…” His mouse ears went down, twitching sadly. He looked at the ground and fidgeted with his glasses.

Host sometimes wanted to swoop Eric up and protect him in his tree. No one deserved such a merciful spirit; not the humans, not the wildlife and certainly not him, but he digressed. Now, if only he could make Eric see the truth, without the pain of learning human cruelty firsthand, preferably. “The Host will believe it when he sees it.” He pulled down his bandages, showing his closed, scratched up eyes. “Unfortunate that the humans took away his ability to see.” He laughed at himself, grinning widely.

“I-I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be. It wasn’t Eric’s fault.” He readjusted his bandages again. “Now then, this mouse has been squeaking quite loudly. Is there anything else the Host can do for him?”

Were older spirits always this dark humoured and lax? Eric could never understand. So, he shook his head and moped. “I guess not… but one day,” he perked back up again, shining a determined look, “I’ll prove that, um, th-that the humans are good!”

He was met with merely a quiet chuckle. Host stretched out his wings, then bowing politely. “The Host looks forward to that day. He does love being with his favourite mouse~” He straightened up, only to quickly peck Eric on the cheek. “Until next time, Eric.” 

Not a moment later, Host flew up into the branches and hid amongst the lush leaves, leaving Eric to his lonesome. He found himself staring up at the branches to see if he could catch another glimpse of Host. It started to hurt his neck staring up like that. 

“That owl…” he sighed and started walking back to his domain. 

Other forest spirits couldn’t be having this much trouble with their friends. He could call Host a friend, probably. That owl seemed to like his presence, after all. They just had to butt heads every time they met. He had heard lively stories of other forest spirits getting along and bettering their lands together. He hoped it wasn’t a fool’s errand to want that for him and Host.

The forest soon began to lighten as he approached his side of the land. Still, his thoughts were preoccupied with his stubborn owl. He supposed he’d have to work for solidarity. If only these humans would be nice to him and Host. Such interesting creatures, humans were. One day he would find a way to have everyone get along.

[teriwrites]

2020 Writing Wrap-Up

Something that I do every year on the 1st is go back through absolutely everything I’ve written throughout the previous year and compile it into one massive word document. Everything from outlining notes to unfinished short stories to my NaNo project wind up in that file, where I like to read back and reflect on what I’ve gotten done through the year. 

Every year, I end up having written more than I expected, and this year was no different! 

Total for 2020: 203,119!

This is the first recorded year (I think it’s year 4 that I’ve done this for?) in which I’ve cracked 200K! It’s also the first year I’ve ever actually followed through on my resolution to share some of my writing online! So as rough as 2020 has been, I still somehow managed to break some personal records in writing. Which probably has everything to do with the fact that I joined this community earlier this year, and it’s been incredibly encouraging and supportive!

I also branched out a bit more this year in a few ways. I worked on some poetry and prose, which is not something I’ve put a lot of time into before so tends to be a challenge. It’s nothing that I’ll be posting anytime soon, but it was fun to work on in the moment, which is especially important in such a wild year as 2020.

One snag that I definitely hit was the fact that I have a lot more unfinished work than most years. A majority of the short stories I started working on never got finished. But I can’t even be too upset about that, because I totally loved being able to read back on even the fragmented pieces I ended up with. And while I do think a large part of that (for me) is discipline over inspiration, I’m willing to accept that, sometimes, things will remain unfinished. And it’s okay to stop working on them. 

My overall focus shifted a bit this year, too, which was interesting. I worked more on longer things than most years - started out the year by finishing my first draft of Castle on the Hill, continued making some edits and reworking its outline, did a large part of Beneath Alder Creek’s first draft in November. Right now, I’m working on what I expect to be a novella by the time I’m done with it. It’s a big contrast to the usual, short and snappy short stories that fill most of my previous wrap-up files. But I still definitely write those sometimes, and it’s nice to be able to try stretching and testing my own boundaries. 

This is the part of my wrap-up where I go ham throwing in some of my favorite out-of-context quotes from a variety of different things I’ve worked on. Some of them might be familiar, a lot probably won’t. I’m going to post it beneath the thing so this doesn’t become even more absurdly long!

Some of the ~highlights~ of 2020:

First Thoughts in the Morning: wow the sexual tension between me and the alarm clock right now. Later Reflection: wtf? (a literal note on my notes app that I included because I Cannot remember writing any of this and it made me laugh)

Edriele’s gaze trailed down to the woman’s armor, and her stomach twisted. “Where did you find your attire?” The woman glanced down in surprise, as though she’d forgotten she was wearing it. “It was fitted to me when I gained my ranking. I suppose it draws attention, but after my confrontation at… you mean to ask me whether I’m impersonating a Knight!” “The thought had crossed my mind,” the Sister replied dryly. (novella WIP)

“Do you need to make a stop at your house before we head to the chapel?” Leslie asked as they started off. “What for?” Winnie asked. Leslie looked pointedly at the tip of her galoshes poking out from beneath her dress. With another roll of her eyes, Winnie sighed. “Oh, I suppose so.” (Beneath Alder Creek)

When the third meeting for the Society of the Hidden Immortal Tribe was called for the decade, I knew heads would roll. Gathering the entire society together took months. Everything had to be hush-hush; that was the entire point of spreading ourselves out. Plus, every time a letter arrived in the mail, it was a reminder of the idiot who had decided we needed a name change. Everybody agreed that being deemed the ‘S.H.I.T.’ was humiliating, but nobody could agree on a better title, so it had remained the same for nearly a full century. That was the problem with living forever. You always had more time to make decisions, and, in the end, nothing ever got done. (S.H.I.T.)

When she leaves, I’m not sure I remember a word of what she’s said. But as the stresses of the semester wash back in, and my mind clears like being pulled out of a dream, I suddenly understand how one could crash upon the rocks without realizing they’d ever changed their course. (A Modern Siren)

When Georg arrived later, he found Klaus leaning forwards onto the table, staring vacuously at one of his textbooks. "Studying hard?" he taunted as he approached and dropped into the seat Ingrid had been occupying. "I talked with Ingrid," Klaus explained. Georg's eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise, but he quickly recovered and looked pointedly at Klaus' posture. "Go that well, then?" "She said I'm arrogant and completely self-involved and that I never take what a girl says into account whenever I'm on a date." With a haunted gleam in his eye, Klaus stared up at his friend. "I think she's right." "Well then it's a good thing somebody pointed it out," Georg offered, and he turned to his work. (Castle on the Hill)

Takemoto Hana rested a hand over her face. She couldn’t see the swirling of darkness over her head, but she heard the whine behind its words. With a wry smile, she asked, ‘Do you not know how to brew tea?’ ‘Of course I know how to brew tea!’ The dark spirit’s voice boomed with a defensive defiance that rang false in the funny little woman’s ears.  (The Funny Little Woman)

“None of us want to be here right now,” Edgar called out to the hall. “None of us want to go back through the handbook and listen to the steps of proper etiquette in immortality. But it seems that, once again, it’s necessary.” “Dammit, Dave,” muttered the man next to me. I said nothing, but I couldn’t help but agree with the sentiment. Dave was… how do I describe Dave? To call him an idiot would be underestimating his craftiness. To call him a genius, I’d have to ignore all of his dumb antics. Cruel was too strong. Misguided was too innocent. Mischievous fit best, but even that fell short. Dave was a trickster god, if ever one existed. (S.H.I.T.)

Ridiculous, he told me with a self-conscious laugh of someone who didn't expect to be believed. I smiled, but I didn't join in. (The Little Roads)

“Hey, where did Alina go?” Lorelai asked. Zoe shrugged, but Jaiden cleared his throat. “I think you crossed one of her boundaries, Lo. She specifically asked not to involve her girlfriend in this, and then you did anyways. I know we needed the help, but friendships have to be built on mutual trust, my dude. You should’ve at least let her know your plan before you went behind her back.” The two women stopped and shared a look. “Hey, Jaiden,” Zoe asked. “Do you know the capital of Canada?” He shook his head. “I dunno, Ontario?” “Amazing.” (Mirror, Mirror)

"We had a bet going over whether you'd make it in time," Hans told him. "Did you win or lose?" Josef replied. Hans flipped a 5-Deutsche Mark coin over to Peter, who grinned as he pocketed it. "I'm glad you have so much faith in me." Josef's voice dripped with sarcasm. (Castle on the Hill)

Taliesin reached over his head and grabbed at one of the low-hanging bows, picking leaves from it. “I’m not sure.” Winnie stopped. “What do you mean?” “I mean that I don’t know.” (Beneath Alder Creek)

While she attended to these, the man beside her began to stir. Ella could see him out of the corner of her eye, attempting to push himself up into a sitting position. ‘You may want to lie back down,’ she told him, scrubbing uselessly at her skirt. The man continued to sit up anyways, pressing a hand against the side of his face. ‘Am I killed?’ ‘No, but your savior may be.’ Ella threw her skirt back to the ground. ‘When the Madame sees the state of me, I’ll be spending my future afternoons off making a new dress out of the fabric scraps.’ A frown crossed the man’s face as he considered her words, followed by a scowl of understanding. ‘You work for them. The bourgeoisie.’ (Cinderella)

Ingrid took the seat and began digging through her bag for a book. As she did so, she explained, "There were no other tables open in the building - even in the quiet section upstairs - so I figured that I would just ask the first person I recognized if I could sit with them, and well... here we are." "Don't worry about it," Georg answered when Klaus found himself dumbstruck again. "Just ignore the oaf, he'll leave you alone." Ingrid shot a grin at Georg, and Klaus suddenly wondered whether it was a good idea to have the two of them sit together. (Castle on the Hill)

Up ahead, I could see the glass walls of the bus stop. Usually, I waited for the bus leaning against the metal frame of the stop, leaving the seats inside open for children on their way to school. But the seats were empty now. I still avoided them. (Flo’s Magical Emporium: The Pandemic)

Now, I ask that you do not feel too much self-pity. For as easy an error as it may be to mistake a visiting aristocrat’s son for the hired help, the true talent in such a display causing his immediate departure lies within you alone. And to think that the meeting was the work of your father’s tenuous sway over the court! Well, I am sure the time away will do him some good, lest you begin to consider that you’ve ruined his position as well as your prospects. (Dearly Detested,)

Edgar was at the front of the lecture hall, and standing beside him was Dave, smirking as though at some private joke that only he was in on. He was wearing sunglasses, despite the dim lighting of the room, probably because he thought he looked cool. I rolled my eyes. What a tool. (S.H.I.T.)

 The work is different now. Countryside pathways winding through the forest lie forgotten for years without the familiar steps of a traveler. Off beaten paths in the city are never unknown for long, and sometimes streets that were once crossed by thousands a day fall back into obscurity. (The Little Roads)

“How much time will you give me to think on it?” she asked suspiciously, wrapping her arms around herself as though afraid they’d reach out to him if not kept in check. “You have all the time in the world,” the golden man said. “The boy’s, however, runs out with every passing second.” He extended his hand. (Beneath Alder Creek)

You ever met a rich person? Not comfortably wealthy. Not ‘my Uncle Kenny is a lawyer’ rich. Not even ‘widow answering the door to her manor on a hill dressed in fine silk’ rich. No, I mean proper, so-much-money-you-literally-can’t-spend-it-fast-enough rich. They say it isn’t worth Bill Gates’ time to pick up a $100 bill off the floor because he’ll have earned more in the time it takes to grab it. That kind of rich. They seem to be bred for times like these. Their houses are a source of endless entertainment – movie theaters, bowling alleys, personal gyms with a view of the sprawling landscape they overlook like cruel dictators. There’s no need for them to leave during a pandemic; they have access to the equivalent of a luxury resort most families have to save up month to visit. Necessities can be stockpiled in one of the useless extra spaces in the house. I mean, I once had to hide out in a luggage room for a contract. That’s right. An entire room dedicated to holding luggage, bigger than some of the apartments I’ve rented. I thought their residential labyrinths were my greatest source of grief. But social distancing? I’m one bad contract away from retirement. (Bounty Hunter During a Pandemic)

Shaking his head, Detlef pulled a new sheet from his notebook. “Look, I’m just saying, if we can get the satire right, we can be a modern Jonathan Swift.” “I don’t want to be a modern Jonathan Swift, I want to be a student actually passing his debate course!” Peter snapped. (Castle on the Hill)

Moonlight illuminated the German’s fair hair and pale skin, the effect more malevolent apparition than man. (Face on the Other Side of a Dark Window)

Back then, he’d been known for commissioning the exact same portrait of himself every hundred years, hanging them in a hallway in his manor and trying to pass them off as his line of ancestors to any of the locals. It had been a far less skeptical age, and Dave had earned himself a small band of worshipers before Jeff Goldblum himself had been forced to intervene. (S.H.I.T.)

Clara stood before the board of advisors assisting with her thesis. She was one, very intense paper away from her M.A., and she wasn’t about to risk it all by being too proud to ask for help. When she’d made the appointment to meet with them, she expected a series of questions surrounding her topic. Instead, they’d opened by offering her a job. “You want me to steal from the school?” Dr. Pye wrinkled her nose at the suggestion. Next to her, Dr. Pritchard said, “Don’t think of it as theft, dear. It’s merely redistribution.” Clara hadn’t amassed tens of thousands of dollars in debt to be lectured on the definition of robbery. “Either way, it involves me sneaking into the Chemistry department and taking a huge risk to get you some new toys to play with.” (Origins: The Ghost)

“Why is undermining Pryderi so important to Queen Ceridwen that she would risk breaking a timeless alliance just to dismantle them?” Her stomach twisted into a knot, protesting against the answer. “There are few members of the Dusk Court that we know by title.” A shadow passed over Enid’s expression. “The Lord of the Undernell is second only to the Queen.” “Great deeds build the reputation of one in their own court. Cruelty builds it in both.” Taliesin buckled under Winnie’s weight as she suddenly leaned against him. (Beneath Alder Creek)

“Why are all my friends so quick to endanger themselves?” I muttered as I packed up Midas’ crate. Natalie swiveled around from the candy aisle. “So you’re finally willing to admit that we’re friends?” “Save it.” (Flo’s Magical Emporium: The Pandemic)

[cutegirlmayra]

Sonamy Prompt - Treat

Hello! Before I open my prompts back up, I wanted to write more of my own original prompt ideas! Please enjoy, and Commissions will open March 17th for all! (Not prompts! These are paid!)

Enjoy~

Prompt:

Amy’s hands lifted her up from her desk, the rebellion forces were still cleaning up the area from Eggman’s left behind robot trash, but Sonic’s cheery face on the screen made her even more anxious about joining them!

“OooOOOooohh,” she let out her iconic whimper as she shook her cute, bundled hands in small wiggles of envy, “But why can’t I go out and fight too?!”

“There, there, Amy! I promise you, you’ll have your time in the spotlight.” Sonic’s encouragement never failed to please her as his face shone on the communication line. He smiled down to her, clearing seeing how much she missed the battlefield. “Ever since we took down Eggman, you’ve been itching to get out of that dark, blocky room, right?”

“More than you know~” Amy sluggishly sank back down into her office chair, surrounded by metal and rock, she just wished to be useful on the other side of the screen, this time around! “Can’t you convince Knuckles to let me out?”

“Haha! No problem! I won’t even break a sweat.” he gave her a thumbs up. “But we really need you on communication lines right now. You’re a good organizer. Without you, I don’t think Knuckles would remember his lefts from his rights!”

She sighed as her head slumped against the cool steel where her control panel was. Her eyes batted slightly in her weariness, but she didn’t think he could see her that well, so she didn’t mind emoting just a tiny bit~<3

“Huh? Amy? You still there?”

Just as she assumed, she was out of sight from the camera and looked fondly up at him.

“...Just a little while ago...” she began, “I kept a silent dream in my heart... that you were still alive and well. Fighting the good fight, just somewhere far away from us...”

His expression changed and he held a more serious look, “Silent, huh..?” he then broke it and chuckled. “I was always fighting in my heart, Amy. Infinite just gave me a bit of a farther fight then I wanted.” he was mentioning his entrapment on the moon, which still stung at Amy’s core.

“Chaining you up? That’s like... a crime against nature.” She hugged her arms, sitting up again as her face came back into view for Sonic’s camera.

His face lit up at seeing her again, he seemed to not like that she was out of the shot for so long. “Yeah... It bit. Pretty hard. But I never worried about you all. I knew you could do it... even without me, I never once stopped believing in my team.”

Amy looked up as though melting at his gaze and swooning at his words as her body swayed a bit down, relaxing with a gentle glide into a new state of being.

She had missed this~ his calming presence and his kind, unbreakable spirit.

“Now, who does that remind me of?” She teased, wanting a little personal praise from her hero.

Her eyes darted away in a sneaky way, and Sonic gave her a sly look in return.

“Well, you’re not half bad yourself at keeping some faith and hope in these dark times, huh, Amy?” He played along, giving her jitters that sent a swarm of butterflies lose in her stomach. They seemed to migrate northward up to her chest, before fluttering to land on her cheeks, giving her a honey glow.

“I can’t resist you~” she admitted, placing her hands up to attempt to hide her blushing cheeks.

Sonic gave her a big grin, but his shyness got the better of him and he looked away, “Aw, come on, Amy... You make this too easy...” he seemed a little embarrassed now but that only made Amy even more overjoyed at his return.

“Ever since you got back, you’ve been really grateful for your friends... You even went so far as to spend individual time with everyone.” she ducked her chin down slightly, a desperate plea in her eyes for him to remember. “I’ve been kinda wondering... if I go out on the battlefield again... will I also receive that special, limited Sonic time?”

“Huh?” Sonic refocused himself back to the screen, having scratched his nose with an awkward look of giddy pride in making her day, but now he seemed to be pleasantly surprised by her statement. “I hadn’t really noticed I’ve been doing that... Guess I just missed everyone and our adventures together.” He gave her a wink, “Sure thing, Amy! I think your time with me is far past overdue!”

She covered her mouth, “You mean it..? Really!?” she was overwhelmed with springtime in her heart, feeling the butterflies suddenly launch off again and this time, fly over fast winds as flowers bloomed all along the insides of her skin. It was a warm sun, her heart, and it was all thanks to Sonic’s sunshine.

He seemed to notice this, a sudden, unconditional joy in her. “Gosh, Amy. You really do make me feel like-...” He stopped himself, but then huffed a bit through his nose to look down from the camera, closing his eyes. “Ah, nevermind. That’s just the hero-worship talking, right?” He looked back up, “Don’t get too excited, it’s not a date or anything...” he looked away, “Yet...” he muttered, “Knowing you, I suppose you would count it as ‘alone time’ away.” he sighed. “Alright, call it what you want, but I can’t help and be a little excited to see ya. In the flesh again, this time.” he cut off the communication.

Her eyes blinked as her hands came down from her head leaning on them in doting pleasure. But now... it seemed that his words weren’t adding up. “Hero Worship? Oh, Sonic... It’s you I can’t help but want to marry... poor guy~” she spun in her chair, leaning back in it. “He thinks its because he’s such a hotshot hero that I can’t resist him... But this next time we’re alone together-!” she jumped from her chair, looking more determined than ever. “I’ll prove to him with my love that no matter what hedgehog he chooses to be! I’ll stand by his side no matter what!” she punched the air a few times, then summoned her hammer and started swinging wildly, “Hyah! H’up! Hyahhh!” she seemed overly jazzed about the idea of fighting alongside Sonic, getting time for just them two~<3

Daydreams occupied most of her mind that day... but the day dragged on... and soon, she became overly exhausted and that beautiful, wonderful springtime slowly drifted into the late hours of the night.

The butterflies became slow-moving fireflies against the dark landscape of her inner-emotions. They flickered, like her fleeting moments of energy where she’d find herself dozing off and having to slap her cheeks twice to keep herself awake. They gently grazed against the flowers who once shook in mighty winds of ecstasy. But the moonlight coming from her eyes watching Sonic’s communication line streamed down a blue hue that gave her some hope.

“Soon, Amy Rose. Don’t fear.” she comforted herself, realizing she hadn’t heard from Sonic in hours. She leaned back up, checking the other lines and seeing everyone was still on their calculated routes and missions, doing fine and not needing her instruction or to be the middle man in their planning.

“Sonic’s here now~” she cooed, lightly skimming the buttons before reaching her own hand.

Another daydream... what if her hand was Sonic’s hand? What if... ever so gently he...

She lifted her hand and tried to hold it, then smiled weakly and squeezed it. She laughed, kicking up her feet in her excitement and getting a rush of energy again, like a frog leaping into the stream of her nerves.

“Ahh, haha! Okay! Just work through the night! You’ll be out on the field with Sonic in no time!” she once again pressed the palm of her hands against her cheeks, light pats, and then narrowed her sights upon the dull work schedule she had for herself... currently, anyway.

The next day.....

A flat line on Sonic’s communication channel.

Amy was fast asleep at the wheel, so to speak.

However, Sonic was striding into base with a howl of cheers for him. The forces were stoked to have their trademark hero back, and better than ever! He was planning to leave the base soon in search of where Eggman had gone, but until then, he continued down the building of praising fans, hopeful recruits, and squealing girls.

He waved a bit, just living it up, before Knuckles shook his head beside him. “You really let the fame get to your head, don’t’cha, Sonic?”

“Fame? Fortune? What are we talking about?” Pretending to be spacey about it, he noticed a young child run out of the crowd and hand Sonic a piece of paper and pen. The poor thing huffed and puffed, probably having fought through the whole crowd to get to him, and clearly had been rescued from some of the surviving towns and cities.

He smiled warmly and took the items, combining them to create his unique signature, and ruffled the kid’s head before handing him back the new treasure. The child gasped, as though amazed his plan had actually worked, hugged the piece of paper with Sonic’s name scribbled carefully onto it, and took off back into the crowd.

Knuckles couldn’t complain at that, he just watched with a frown, knowing he shouldn’t give Sonic such a hard time after being tortured and gone for so long.

Sonic just watched after the kid, then seemed to nod about a hidden thought.

‘I might be okay having a kid.’ He thought to himself before stretching, ‘Eh, some day.’ he seemed to be shrugging the thought off as quickly as it came, disregarding it as he turned to look back at Knuckles.

“Ah, speaking of which... Hey, Knuckles? Think Amy deserves a bit of a vacation?”

Knuckles seemed shocked by his words, “Speaking of? You didn’t say anything!”

“Ah, I was meaning too.” He kid, putting a hand up to his chin and acting up, “I vaguely remember you saying it was about time she got back into the sunshine. Looking a little pale, maybe?”

“Did I say that..?” Knuckles looked off to the side, doubting himself as Sonic’s ear twitched and a mischievous, trickster grin replaced his once ‘contemplative’ expression.

“Well, sure!” Sonic slung an arm around him, “You even mentioned you felt bad about keeping her cooped up in that underground bunker, working night and day on a computer, for so many long... strenuous... hard hours...”

The acting should have won Sonic an award. At least an Xbox achievement: Duped the Knuckles, yet again.

“Yeah... yeah, she has been working overtime!” Knuckles was easily convinced this was his own words, straight from his own--not oblivious, but totally considerate and aware of people’s needs--heart.

Bless him, he just didn’t know.

“She’s usually so cheery, I should have known better.” Knuckles seemed a bit down about it, so Sonic cheered him up.

He lightly nudged his side, “You did know better...” He winked in his sly deceptions.

“Oh yeah! I did!” Knuckles instantly beefed up his chest and stood tall and proud, “I mean, as the leader, I have to think of everything! Ah, but... who will lead communications if I let Amy go? And where would I send her too..? Hmm...” he put himself into a ‘thinking’ stance, but Sonic smiled fondly to his friend, leaning behind his head so he didn’t see his mouth move.

“I should let Amy go with Sonic.” Sonic whispered, then pretended to whistle in front of Knuckles.

“Ah! I should let her go out on the field, with you, Sonic!” he punched Sonic’s side, moving his looped arm off of him as Sonic looked around as though amazed by this statement.

“Who? Me?” He gestured to himself. “I guess... with you at communications... I’ll be down one man...”

“That’s right! I’ll work communications, and Sonic-” He put a hand to his shoulder, as Sonic continued his innocent game face. “...Give Amy the time she needs. She deserves it.”

Sonic formed an ‘o’ with his mouth, “Gee, Captain Knuckles, I’ll try.” he put his hand to his chest, crossing it over his heart. “I-I won’t let you down, sir!”

“That’s the spirit!” Knuckles patted his back, boasting a hard-hitting laugh. “I’m a genius! That only took a second to figure out!”

“You’re the cleverest man I know, besides Tails, Sonic.” Sonic smirked off to the side.

“Huh?”

“What? I said Knuckles? Didn’t you hear me?” He lightly patted Knuckles’s head, confusing him, before he took off towards the communication room, still waving for the public.

When he opened the door, he could barely contain his excitement, “Long time no actual see, Amy!”

His face then dropped.

Her limp body suddenly rose in a steady beat of a breath, before descending even deeper into her slumber. Her arm dropped off the side and dangled as she was almost close to falling off the chair and counter too.

His eyes scanned her a moment, then the screen, seeing it completely silent on his channel.

His huge grin softened to an empathic smile, and he slowly moved the door to open wider, not bothering to shut it behind him as he was going to daringly rescue her from this awful fate.

He walked up to her with purpose, but as softly as a prince, began to lift her up and carry her bridal style.

“Emm...” She began to stir, and he just politely waited on held breath for her to recognize him.

She blinked her eyes wearily open, and a restrained gasp of awe came out delicately from her tired being. “Sonic..?” Her features fawned in quiet longing. “Am I dreaming again?”

“Only every minute of every hour that ticks by that cruel clock’s glow.” He gently shook his head in a teasing manner, then looked with a bit of a harsh coldness towards the office clock that glowed bright red letters to show the time. “...How long have you been trapped in here, Amy..?” He seemed to get antsy himself, just standing in the dull, lifeless room.

“Sonic..! I missed you... You promised...” Her hand lightly moved up to his cheek, which pulled his momentary distraction back to her, giving her his complete and full attention. “You have to... keep those...”

“At all cost.” his eyes lowered as his head tilt, trying to hold on to her slipping hand as she fell back to sleep. “Oh... Amy...” He sighed out, looking around and getting more and more upset at how long she must have been doomed to work in here.

“...Let’s blow this joint, before I start getting angry.” Sonic joked, but there was a bit of a grumble in his voice that spoke some truth to that comment.

When Amy woke up, she amazed to see that everyone was gathered in the meeting room. She lazily looked up to see that Sonic had placed her ontop of where he sat, letting her lean on his shoulder and chest as she must have taken a well-needed nap on accident.

She blushed as she noticed they were in front of everyone, and Sonic nonchalantly kept up the conversation while having her placed there in his chair.

His arms flopped around, as was his usual style when talking, and when Silver seemed to notice her awake, he smiled to her with a light smile and nod.

Her face like flushed with the red wings of butterflies.

This was... bold for Sonic.

“Then it’s settled.” Knuckles clasped his hands together, wiggling them tighter into place as he seemed to be settling on something she had missed in the conversation. “Tails and I will handle things here. He’s still trying to find out more about alternative dimensions like the one Other Sonic came through. Shadow and Silver will meet up at Blaze’s portal, try and get a reading on how she got here for Tails. Sonic and Amy will lead the Forces and search for Eggman.”

“Not for long, though.” Sonic chimed in, making her slightly turn her head, but trying to disguise the fact that she was awake and attentive now. “I think I’m gonna split after this.”

Her heart dropped. Like the last note at an opera where the chandelier falls onto the stage...

He can’t mean that.

Knuckles dropped his head a moment, “Alright. Last mission then.” Knuckles looked off to the side, then flicked his nose with a slight sniff. “But we could really use you here, pal.”

“I know. But you can use me better with what I naturally do.” Sonic instinctively moved a hand that had been helping hold Amy up beside him and wagged it around like his signature style. “Saving the world my own way. Don’t forget that now, Captain Knuckles.” He lightly joked.

Shadow scolded Sonic a moment but left it at that since Sonic kept cracking out smart-aleck comments and not taking anything seriously anymore.

He raced out of the room with Amy in his arms still and headed for the craft that would hold their men in it.

“...What about... your promise?” She knew he probably had seen that her eyes were open and she was awake, but she was too torn up inside to really have said anything until now.

He looked down as though without a worry in the world, “You act as though this is goodbye. You know I hate those.” He kid again, moving his head up to hers a moment to get her spirits back.

It was a light touch of their cheeks meeting briefly, but it was still enough to get her to smile and giggle again.

“So... I can still be with you? When you leave?”

He didn’t say anything, just jumped from a high place and seemed to glide through the air to the top of the craft.

Once onboard, he headed to the ship’s main control room and noticed Tails fast at the wheel.

He set her down on a couch behind, since the room was modeled to be a captain’s courters as well, and began small talk with him.

Annoyed that they weren’t ‘alone’ like she thought Knuckles had said, she placed her shoulders square, hands in her lap, and pouted in silence. Seeping with fury, she was surprised to see Sonic not even look at her as he came over to the couch.

“-which is why I feel you weren’t meant for ground-control, Tails.” He suddenly sat down and put an arm around Amy.

‘...Hold up.’ She narrowed her eyes at his actions. ‘Is he really thinking this is enough?’ she nudged him away, flicking her head away from his stuck-up being and huffed angrily.

She didn’t know how he was reacting to it until she felt something flop across her lap.

Gasping, she saw him carrying on the conversation with Tails, a hand up to hold up his head, and his body laid out across her lap.

Her face exploded with red lava upon her cheeks, but he acted as though nothing was wrong.

One hand was relaxing on his hip, angling his elbow up, and one leg was also up as though his typical ‘I’m just chilling here’ expression.

When she continued to battle against his ridiculous idea of ‘being together’ he finally stopped his conversation with Tails and scooted down, laying his quills to the side so his head was now on her lap, staring up at her without poking holes into her.

“And as for Amy and me-” he began, this time, giving her a straight look right through her eyes and into her soul. “We’ll be out and about for a while. Sound good, Tails?”

Tails just sighed, “You’re being inconsiderate of her feelings, Sonic... She clearly doesn’t want you toying with her like this.”

Amy puffed up her cheeks. That was the word! Toying with!

If he intended to keep his promise, he should just take her on a real date! Of course, she wanted to swing her hammer again, enjoy the nice warm air and help the rebellion fix up the place... but at least do it like you mean it!

She shoved him off her lap, causing him to tumble before getting up and huffing away.

“Ouch...” Sonic rubbed his chest a second, getting up before tapping his head where he felt a slight ‘bump’ coming through. “I thought she’d think of it as a treat.”

He dusted himself off, hearing her slam the door. It made him flinch, but he rolled his eyes and got up. “What’d I do this time?”

“Well, your actions were what she’s wanting, Sonic... but your timing couldn’t be more off.”

Amy clasped her hands together outside the door again, mimicking her daydream of them holding hands.

‘You’re not meaning it.’ she told herself, leaning against the door with a sorrow that seemed to make her inner spring rain. ‘If you do something like that... do it because you want to be with me, not because you’re planning to leave me... not again... I don’t wnat to be alone!’

She suddenly glared and turned around, about to swing the door open but Sonic had already done so, making her stumble into his arms.

He smiled at the pleasant surprise.

She looked up from her face being squished against his chest, blinking innocently.

“You’re totally right, Tails,” Sonic called back, though Tails was unaware of the situation as he drove the large ship.

“Huh?”

“She does deserve more of me.” he gave her a mischievous grin. “I’ll just Amy to the location where the abandoned Eggman fleet is attacking myself. Don’t wait up!”

He scooped her up with one arm, draping her over his shoulder in one fell swoop, and jumped off towards the ground in seconds flat.

While screaming on the way down, she felt Sonic grab one of her flailing hands, intertwine their fingers together, and land with her in a charming dip.

“Shall we save the rest of the world?” It was enough of an apology to get that he really just wanted to make her happy, and didn’t realize how it was coming off to her.

The gushing of affection for him flowed like a dam breaking loose, and she leaned up to embrace him from the dip, holding on tightly this time.

Even if he was going to leave soon... it wasn’t forever, and this time... he was making time for her and her alone.

“I really can’t resist you... Sonic The Hedgehog!!!”

“Oh good! Cause you’re a lot cuter when you’re happily swooning over me than being mad at me.” he lightly returned the hug the best he could, but there was some awkwardness to him again.

Shy? Already?

And she had hoped those days were gone but...

She giggled, moving away but lifting her arms to be around his neck.

“And you’re cute when you’re shy, too. Sonic~ But-!” she quickly put her fingers to his mouth, “Maaaaybe keep the ‘bold new Sonic’ just between us two~” she flicked his nose as rascally as she could and with a wink, she confidently trailblazed ahead of him.

He was left blinking and looking after her.

“Wow!” he shook his head and smiled, racing to scoop her up and carry her off again. “You don’t change!” he laughed.

(this is between the ending of Forces and before the beginning of IDW comics ;)b where he leaves and then they reunite again)

[darylrhystaylor]

The Elias Region

The Elias region is a diverse man-made region settled in the middle of nowhere. Founded by a

man, whose name has been lost to time, he arrived to a barren, unforgiven landscape with one

dream, to create a region where people and pokemon could flourish. He assembled a like

minded group of individuals and used their combined skills in city management, architecture,

landscaping and horticulture to create a series of biomes where people and pokemon can live in

harmony.

Explore the diverse landscapes and environments of the region as you take on the Land

challenge to get the four pins in order to take on the Elite Four.

Pokedex

1. Planify

The puppy pokemon

Grass/ psychic

Planify are friendly pokemon that enjoy doing regular activities with the trainers. They are often perceived as not being very bright.

2. Planitty

The clumsy pokemon

Grass/ psychic

These pokemon are often accident prone and clumsy which gives the impression of them being unintelligent.

3. Planipey

The parental pokemon

Grass/ psychic

These pokemon use their psychic powers to be good parental figures to younger pokemon. Conversations between them an Slowking can last months.

4. Flamenold

The duckling pokemon

Fire/ fighting

Flamenold have a short temper which they use to ignite their flames. They aren’t very good at it though.

5. Flamger

The temper pokemon

Fire/ fighting

Easily aggravated and prone to anger, Flamger's have a hard time making friends with their trainers.

6. Flamage

The bad luck pokemon

Fire/ fighting

Finally becoming one with his anger, Flamage uses it to power his fire and fighting moves. However they are quick to lose it when in the presence of Primape.

7. Aquakey

The mouse pokemon

Water/ fairy

A cheerful, adventurous, optimistic pokemon. Makes friends easily so is a perfect choice for new trainers.

8. Aquentice

The student pokemon

Water/ fairy

Aquentice study to perfect their water abilities from their master. They will respect any trainer that takes the time to teach them. They can mischievously take on a bit too much though.

9. Aquaceror

The sorcerer pokemon

Water/ fairy

Finally graduating to the level of master, they can fully utilise their abilities to control the water. They keep their friendly personality from when they were an Aquakey.

10. Rattata (Eliasian form)

The rat pokemon

Normal/ steel

Rattata found themselves hanging around restaurant kitchens and therefore have become steel type to match the utensils.

11. Cuisrat

The chef pokemon

Normal/ steel

Cuisrat have become expert little chefs and use their tails to cook a variety of delectable dishes.

12. Spinerak (Eliasian form)

The spider pokemon

Bug

Spinerak often practice to perfect their web slinging abilities. They very rarely ever touch the ground.

13. Spinerman

The masked pokemon

Bug/ fighting

Spinerman have perfected their web abilities and realising the responsibility this power entails, uses it to protect other pokemon.

14. Blueidee

The shoulder pokemon

Flying

This pokemon just loves to sit on people’s shoulders and chipped its happy song. It is closely related to Rookidee.

15. Mr. Bluemas

The twirling pokemon

This pokemon finds a stick which it keeps with it at all times. Whilst some may find it problematic, it doesn’t care. It’s going to just twirl its stick and make people happy.

16. Neptagle

The smelling pokemon

Normal

This pokemon has a habit of sniffing everything. Its sense of smell isn’t fully developed yet though.

17. Jupitippet

The hound pokemon

Normal

These pokemon are good companions and are often seen hanging around with Aquakey. It is said the founder of the region had one of these as a pet.

18. Saturnhound

The bloodhound pokemon

Normal

These pokemon has an incredible sense of smell and are excellent at tracking. They are often used to find escaped prisoners.

19. Sirenshy

The singing pokemon

Normal/ water

People believe these pokemon once lived on the land before the sea. It sings about returning to the land once more.

20. Sirenna

The mermaid pokemon

Normal/ water

These pokemon have a beautiful singing voice. They are fascinated with people. It is believed they are somehow related to Meloetta.

21. Sockpet

The puppet pokemon

Normal

Nobody is quite sure where these pokemon came from. It is said the fur feels like an old coat.

22. Banjophibbian

The connection pokemon

Normal/ water

These pokemon evolve from male Sockpet. They enjoy sitting on logs, strumming their bellies to make music.

23. Divawine

The superstar pokemon

Normal/ fighting

These pokemon evolve from female Sockpet. They always have to be the centre of attention.

24. Pichu

The tiny mouse pokemon

Electric

Despite its small size, it can zap even adult humans. However, if it does so, it also surprises itself.

25. Pikachu

The mouse pokemon

Electric

Pikachu that can generate powerful electricity have cheek sacs that are extra soft and super stretchy.

26. Raichu (Eliasian form)

The mouse pokemon

Electric/ fairy

Raichu in the Elias region have developed a unique coat and prehensile tail. Nobody is quite sure why, but a theory is it wanted to mimic a certain mythical pokemon.

27. Crockits

The wild frontier pokemon

Dark

Born on a mountain top and raised in the woods, they are known to fight Ursaring at 3 years old.

28. Crockyon

The no fear pokemon

Dark/ fighting

This pokemon fought singles handed through a great war. It made it a legend forever more.

29. Crockoon

The westward hoe pokemon

Dark/ fighting

After completing a great task, it packed up its belongings and headed westward. Nobody knows its final destination

30. Cornie

The corneal pokemon

Grass

These pokemon are known to smell delicious and often the favourite snack of many others.

31. Popchic

The popcorn pokemon

Grass/ psychic

Banding together they use their combined minds to psychic ally repeal others that may want to snack on them.

32. Buneary

The rabbit pokemon

Normal

If both of Buneary’s ears are rolled up, something is wrong with its body or mind. It’s a sure sign the Pokémon is in need of care.

33. Lopunny

The rabbit pokemon

Normal

Lopunny is constantly monitoring its surroundings. If danger approaches, this Pokémon responds with superdestructive kicks.

34. Br’erunny

The trickster pokemon

Normal/ dark

This pokemon is said to be the inspiration of ancient folktales. It is known to use cunning and trickery to outwit much larger opponents.

35. Misdreavus

The screech pokemon

Ghost

What gives meaning to its life is surprising others. If you set your ear against the red orbs around its neck, you can hear shrieking.

36. Mismagius

The magical pokemon

Ghost

Feared for its wrath and the curses it spreads, this Pokémon will also, on a whim, cast spells that help people.

37. Mismuride

The bride pokemon

Ghost

Said to be the spirit of a tilted bride, being in the presence of this pokemon cursed you. Watch out for its beating heart.

38. Teddiursa (Eliasian form)

The little bear pokemon

Normal/ fairy

These pokemon were so rare in the Elias region they became known as pigments of people’s imagination.

39. Teddilne (Eliasian form)

The teddy pokemon

Normal/ fairy

These pokemon love to play with children. Whilst it is said to have very little brains, it can be very wise when needed.

40. Chatot

The music note pokemon

Normal/ flying

It mimics the cries of other Pokémon to trick them into thinking it’s one of them. This way they won’t attack it.

41. Chatate

The pirate pokemon

Dark/ flying

These pokemon love to pillage and plunder and rifle and loot. They just dont give a hoot.

42. Bonsly

The bonsai pokemon

Rock

It expels both sweat and tears from its eyes. The sweat is a little salty, while the tears have a slight bitterness.

43. Sudowoodo

The imitation pokemon

Rock

If a tree branch shakes when there is no wind, it’s a Sudowoodo, not a tree. It hides from the rain.

44. Lithotain

The mountain pokemon

Rick/ grass

Reaching heights of 70 feet, the plants that have grown on it have finally given it the grass type.

45. Clowntillus

The immune pokemon

Water/ poison

This pokemon spend the majority of their life living in poisonous sea anemones. As such they have developed an immunity to the poison.

46. Tangtillus

The forgetful pokemon

Water/ poison

This pokemon is said to suffer from short term memory loss. As such it has trouble remembering its trainers commands.

47. Xolo

The guide pokemon

Normal

These pokemon are said to act as guides for those who have recently departed from this world.

48. Xolobfije

The alebrjie pokemon

Normal/ ghost

These pokemon are said to acts as companions to those in the spirit world. As such they are very loyal.

49. Delibird

The delivery pokemon

Ice/ flying

It carries food all day long. There are tales about lost people who were saved by the food it had.

50. Delinoel

The Christmas pokemon

Ice/ fairy

This pokemon travels North every December and doesn’t return to its trainer until after 25th.

51. Yakenki

The baseball pokemon

Electric/ rock

These pokemon love to hit small rocks with its rock hard tail. They get very despondent if the lies a game though.

52. Sinstea (Eliasian form)

The black tea pokemon

Ghost/ fairy

Sinister in this region accidentally possessed lamps which are said to have mystical powers.

53. Polteageist (Eliasian form)

The black tea pokemon

Ghost/ fairy

These pokemon have learned to fully use the mystical powers of the lamp. They are said to phenomenal, cosmic power, but that is debated.

54. Rolycoly

The coal pokemon

Rock

Most of its body has the same composition as coal. Fittingly, this Pokémon was first discovered in coal mines about 400 years ago.

55. Carkol (Eliasian form)

The coal pokemon

Rock/ steel

These pokemon have developed a more streamlined shape than there Galar counterparts. Therefore they really enjoy racing.

56. Truckol

The coal pokemon

Rock/ steel

These pokemon are great working pokemon. They are very friendly and are surprisingly good at going backwards.

57. Applin

The Apple core pokemon

Grass/ dragon

It spends its entire life inside an apple. It hides from its natural enemies, bird Pokémon, by pretending it’s just an apple and nothing more.

58. Flapple

The apple wing pokemon

Grass/ dragon

It ate a sour apple, and that induced its evolution. In its cheeks, it stores an acid capable of causing chemical burns.

59. Appleton

The apple nectar pokemon

Grass/ dragon

Eating a sweet apple caused its evolution. A nectarous scent wafts from its body, luring in the bug Pokémon it preys on.

60. Poispple

The sleeping death pokemon

Poison/ dragon

Eating a poisonous apple caused its evolution. Eating its apple causes ones breath to still and their blood to congeal.

[wheredidhiseyebrowsgo]

hey! thank you for everything that you do! you are awesome. im just wondering if you any fic were Stiles is fae? thank you!

We sure do. - Anastasia

till the moon has taken flight (to the waters and the wild) by WindyRein

(5/10 I 1,426 I Not Rated I Steter)

It's not fair! But he knows already that life isn't fair, doesn't he? He can feel the bitter smile curling his lips.He, if there is such a thing anymore, floats and is torn apart and doesn't exist. (but that would be kind, wouldn't it?)

Bloody Secrets by cywscross

(1/1 I 3,085 I Teen I Steter)

Stiles has silver in his veins.

Peter could’ve done without finding out this way though.

Somewhere to Start by Lissadiane

(1/1 I 3,352 I Teen I Sterek)

Stiles has always known that he isn't quite human - the plant life that tends to sprout around him whenever he gets upset or excited gives it away. He's never really fit in among the regular people in Beacon Hills and is determined to wait it out, go to college, and find somewhere to belong. He's forced to abandon those plans, however, after he desperately agrees to enter into an arranged marriage to save his father's life.

An arranged marriage with an angry, sometimes furry dude with trust issues. It's all very Beauty and the Beast, without the singing candlesticks.

Dance Under the Moonlight by Therapeutic_Steter

(2/2 I 3,440 I Mature I Steter)

Fae!Stiles saving Peter from Pack's stupidity and washing his hands of them. Please?

The Other Side by Green

(1/1 I 3,769 I Explicit I Steter)

Stiles doesn't know anything about his father, only what his mother told him, that he's human. Despite her words, Stiles has had his doubts. So when the queen sends him through the veil, he's nervous and isn't sure what to think.

Seven Years Falling by InfiniteAlexisA

(1/1 I 3,880 I Not Rated I Sterek)

“I don’t mean to!” Derek yelled throwing his hands in the air.“DON’T YELL AT ME!” Stiles screeched, his entire body going up in flames.This is what Derek gets for dating a fire elemental.

we're not so different (you and i) by colferstilinski

(1/1 I 5,621 I Explicit I Sterek)

For many of the fairies that lives here, Utopia is their sanctuary—haven, in other words—and why shouldn't it be? It never rains on this stretch of meadow, the clouds in the skies always pink with interest and it smells like the breaking of spring every dawn and dusk.

Stiles detest it, the least to say.

It’s too much and he hates swinging along with the status quo with the other fairies. Yeah, with their blooming shades of colours and the shimmering, silken tunics they don on and fuck, the limitless sparkles. There’s even a new trend going on with the younger generation where they gather allium blooms to form a flower crown, oh—with added glitter!—and it makes Stiles wants to roll his eyes.

-

Or the fic in which Stiles is a fairy and wants to escape the horrendous, boring world of fairyland to have an adventure. And by adventure, he means meeting Derek. The plant. Or... not-so plant.

Cold Iron by the_problem_with_stardust

(5/5 I 5,641 I Teen I Sterek)

Derek thought the disaster that ended with Kate Argent almost burning down his family home was a relationship worst-case scenario. So, when Dr. Deaton reveals that his current girlfriend is not what she seems, Derek is ready to swear off romance forever. In an attempt to escape his well-meaning (but insanely overbearing) family, Derek volunteers to take over remodeling the small cottage that was left to the Hale siblings in his grandmother’s will. Connemara is nothing like California, and Derek feels like his luck just might be looking up.

salt and a waltz by The Byger (Byacolate)

(1/1 I 7,433 I Explicit i Sterek)

"Not that lubed-up Q-tips aren’t the sexiest thing in the world, but I kinda want to know what it’s like, you know. To be impaled on your huge dick without actually being impaled.”

“It was about to get sexy there, but you shot the mood right in the face.”

In which Stiles is a faerie and Derek is sick and tired of not being able to fuck him.

Don't You Wanna Be My Sky? by WhoNatural

(1/1 I 9,420 I General I Sterek)

Stiles got ratted out by the Realm Guard for sneaking off with Scott a total of seven times before his dad buckled, promising sabbatical once Stiles reached Faehood, and enough Earth culture in the meantime to have him talking like a born-and-bred Californian teenager.

He just didn’t have the tan.

(Or, in which Stiles is a Frost Fae sent to the Earth Realm on the Fae version of Rumspringa and immediately falls head-first into a Coffee Shop AU)

No Love in Idleness by Elpie (Horribibble)

(2/2 I 11,687 I Explicit I Sterek)

Stiles is the sole grandchild of none other than Robin Goodfellow, the most mischievous faerie ever to wreak havoc among the Folk and Man alike. To the people of Beacon Court, he is at best a merry wanderer of the night.

At first, Ser Derek is inclined to agree, but the little bird on his shoulder has quite a bit to say about that.

Trees are always a relief after dealing with people (except when they aren't) by ravelqueen

(1/1 I 15,889 I Mature I Sterek)

Derek Hale decides to become a hermit before he reaches 25. Too bad he picked Beacon Hills as his retirement home.

(Or the one where Stiles is a wood nymph/pixie/human hybrid who falls in love with his new grumpy werewolf neighbour)

Broken People Get Recycled by poemwithnorhyme

(1/1 I 16,389 I General i Sterek)

Nothing is ever just calm in Beacon Hills. No, something always has to go wrong, and this time, it's Stiles' turn in the spotlight. That doesn't mean he has to like it. Post S2 AUFae!Stiles

The Magic's in the Coffee by xxxillusionxxx

(8/8 I 17,596 I Explicit I Sterek)

Ever since the tall, muscled, leather-clad werewolf had begun his daily coffee routine at the Skullery—a horrendous name in Stiles’s opinion, but his boss was a skeleton who thought he was terribly clever—an impromptu competition developed among the baristas.

When Trust is Everything by hellbells

(12/12 I 27,913 I Teen i Sterek)

For a secret to remain true then only one person can know it; if not then it will come out. Beacon Hills is the converging point of several secrets all wrapped up in the supernatural. For Stiles, the unravelling of several will let him find peace, love and safety in the arms of his true mate. The only question is can he trust a Sourwolf and his pack well enough to show his true self.

It just might be the one thing between Beacon Hills and safety!

(Or observe the really awkward distrustful courtship between a Sourwolf and a hidden Fae Mage)

A Little Bit of Sunshine by 100KlicksAway

(21/? I 29,600 I Mature I Sterek)

Stiles woke with a start, dreams of pixies flitting around his head. He’d dreamed… He’d dreamed that he was a wolf? Or…. He wasn’t sure. Something with fangs… His mouth had been dripping blood in his dream, and when he woke, he could still taste the thick copper taste coating his mouth.

Stiles has been working hard for the pack since Scott was bitten. They leave him out more and more frequently, though, until Stiles realizes that he's strictly unnecessary. Then, the pack's activities throw him into danger and he ends up in a shitty situation with no one helping him.

Stiles leaves Beacon Hills. He doesn't care anymore, he just... Needs out.

The Last Chills of Winter by LeeHan

(1/1 I 42,525 I Explicit I Sterek)

“He didn’t magically charm me,” Derek shot back in his defense.“Oh, so he just regular charmed you?” Laura said with a smirk.“What? No,” Derek growled.“Was he hot?”“No! He just—“ He just had a laugh like a sun shower. Fuck.

We Follow Darkness Like a Dream by GreenasCole

(10/10 I 51,106 I Mature I Sterek)

When a mysterious note is left on the Stilinski's door it leads Stiles and his best friend Scott out into the woods on quest for answers about Beacon Hills's most infamous tragedy. After a surprise encounter with a monstrous wolf the two boys are hurled into an ancient and terrifying world, only for Stiles to discover he was secretly a part of it all along. Will he manage to survive the insanity of Fae politics and avoid the enemies that are suddenly crawling out of the woodwork to find a place in this new world? Or will the very revelation of his existence be the catalyst that plunges both worlds into war and chaos? And why can't Scott just stop teasing him every time he catches Stiles looking at their new "friend" Derek too long?

Laughter in the Dark by Starshaker

(13/? I 56,148 I Mature I Sterek)

Stiles is a fae. A trickster spirit with too much curiosity for his own good and a knack for getting into trouble. When he's just trying to help things don't go to plan and coincidences don't seem to end up for the better.Trapped, isolated and aching to get home, though it's better than what Gerard would have had planned for him initially, Stiles learns to deal with his new set of circumstances.

The Fairy's Wolf by kuki

(57/? I 90,602 I Explicit I Sciles)

In a world where non-humans mingle with humans in public schools until they became of age, about high school age, going instead to a specialty finishing school, a young halfling fae fights to stay with his friends. His fear of losing touch with his best friend, a young Alpha werewolf, has the pair pushing their relationship to the edge; and their relationship has the world on the brink of war.

-or-where I apparently ship Skittles hard now, hate myself with this work load on top of my school work, switch up species because f-u that's why, make up mythology, and try to give Derek a nice life.

Where You Still Remember Dreaming by yodasyoyo

(15/15 I 95,612 I Explicit I Sterek)

“What’s your name? I can’t keep calling you Balto.”

“What’s yours?”

“Stiles.”

Derek raises an eyebrow. That isn’t his real name. There’s no way. But now he thinks about it, he has a vague memory of someone, probably Uncle Peter, telling him that with the fae, names have power. “I’m Miguel,” he says.

“Lie.”

“Are you trying to tell me your real name is Stiles?”

Stiles runs his tongue across his teeth and considers Derek carefully. “Fair enough,” he says, “Miguel it is.”

Grabbing his groceries and pocketing the change, Derek turns to leave; he’s nearly at the door when Stiles calls out, “By the way, Miguel, if you’re interested, it’s two for one on bags of kibble at the pet store down the street.”

Derek doesn’t look back, doesn’t hesitate, just raises a hand and flips him off on the way out.

[voughtcorsair]

talk abt mousekat!

hm..i think you have been present for most of my Mousekat Thoughts but let's see....

it both loves and hates the rain. hates it because rain makes its fur Wet (it does not like being wet) but likes it because it is Fun and Different

they're a sort of trickster spirit, likely originally a thoughtform of some kind that took on a life of its own OR were brought to the desert by an old heirloom or aliens or something.

it communicates w poison thru vague images and or feelings....sometimes poison Knows what it wants so theyll bring it wherever. its like their little pet slash symbiote thing....

if its feeling a bit mischievous itll let blood stain around its mouth, on those days nobody but poison should touch it unless you want to have a really really bad trip

also it may or may not eat people :/

if it finds a new keeper itll immediately adjust to their needs, for example when poison found it and needed a rebreather it rebreather’d itself; if you found it and needed, like, a proper gasmask, itd reform into that

any damage to it is erased within a week, save for its eyes (one eyes been completely knocked out so its just black mesh, and the other has the foam layer halfway ripped out) i think its because mousekat likes the creepiness of it. 

[cranehusbands]

Apex Legends dnd au!

I’ve seen a lot of people talk about apex and dnd, so I decided that I should finally talk about mine a little bit!

For context: I based this au on the idea that it’s a game the legends would play in the off season, with Pathfinder DM’ing (his interest in human culture would lead him into the TTRPG phenomenon, and in this sense he’d get really excited to play and make characters for all his friends!). The main, initial party is Wattson (it’s something her and her papa took interest in before he passed), Wraith (because of her lack of memories about her past, she’s willing to try anything), Crypto (he and Mila enjoyed watching d&d/ttrpg streams, think like TAZ and Critical Role), Caustic (it’s an interest of his) and Bloodhound (never played, but likes the idea of high fantasy). Pathfinder eventually ropes everyone else in too. (Sorry for the length, I’m on mobile)

Bangalore - Anita Graycastle, Human Fighter (Champion subclass). Probably multiclasses later on to fighter/paladin under Makoa’s training. A royal soldier who has become disillusioned with the crown and eventually decides to defect and join the party of Legends. She’s the youngest of three brothers, all knights as well.

Bloodhound - Simply known as Bloth, a (Wildhunt variant) Shifter (Hunter Conclave) Ranger. Possibly later multiclasses into druid. Kicked out of their clan in the forest, at first Bloth’s encounter with the Legends is only to benefit the both of them, but a close bond with Natalié makes them stay, and learn the wonders of life outside the forest. They are y’all, quiet and intimidating, but their affinity for animal handling makes them a sweetheart among the party.

Caustic - Alexander Salvador Amblecrown, Human Artificer (Alchemist). Royal scientist, he knows all the of the dark secrets that the kingdom hides, but keeps it close to his chest. Eventually warming up to the legends (especially fellow royal scientist Natalié), he defects from his mission to the crown and instead chooses to play medic to this band of misfits he calls his new family.

Crypto - Tae, Human Rogue (Arcane Trickster). Possibly multiclasses later to rogue/warlock or rogue/wizard. He considers his name like a currency to be exchanged, and is incredibly closed off and secretive, seemingly only sticking around the Legends for his own profit, which is information on the whereabouts of his adoptive sister, a tiefling named Mila, who was taken prisoner by the crown and supposedly hasn’t been seen since. However, he is not immune to found family.

Gibraltar - Makoa, Brass-scale Dragonborn Barbarian (Path of the Totem Warrior). Later a Barbarian/Paladin. A town guard for one of the smaller towns in the county, he’s married to the baker in town and they’re very much in love, raising their daughter Cecelia together. When the Legends are investigating a lycanthropy-related problem nearby, he joins for a bit to help investigate and protect his town, later joining full time.

Lifeline - Ajay ‘Ashes’ Chebara, Fire Genasi Cleric (War Domain). Later a cleric/warlock. Sister to Octavio, they’re a double act of petty thieves, though she’s more the smooth talker to get the two out of trouble. She cares a lot for the people around her, and only cons to survive.

Mirage - Elliot ‘Mirage’ Nightflower, Eladrin half-elf Bard (College of Lore). A travelling entertainer specialising in storytelling, despite his nervous disposition. He struggles to find a balance between his persona and his true self, and puts his neck on the line for anyone nice enough to pay the real Elliot any mind. Due to his eladrin blood, the tips of his hair change colour with the seasons, and in spring flowers bloom!

Octane - Octavio ‘Earfquake’ Silver, Earth Genasi Warlock (Archfey). A reckless young man with bone legs (think like... prosthetics but it’s like dinosaur fossils), and brother to Ajay. He’s the real criminal of the two - stealing from almost everyone, including his noble family, who he doesn’t care much for (and they don’t care about him in turn.) His patron, a mischievous fey, does no favours for his impulse control.

Pathfinder - Marvin the Wayseeker, Warforged (Envoy) Paladin (Oath of Devotion). A noble robot in search of the man who made him, he’s the designated leader of the Legends, and often the peacemaker that keeps them together. While his optimism can be unnerving, he’s the light that shines the group onward to wherever they may find answers.

Revenant - Revenant, Warforged (Skirmisher) Rogue (Assassin). Later becomes a rogue/blood hunter. A human man formerly known as Benjamin Hammond, bounty hunter for hire, he was the product of arcane experimentation into ventures of the human soul and spirit, taking it from one creature and binding it to another (think FMA style). He does not care for kindness, nor hospitality... but this party suits him just fine.

Wattson - Natalié Stormbringer, High Elf Sorcerer (Storm Sorcery). Another royal scientist, having gained natural arcane ability on one terrible stormy night as a young girl, she joins the Legends to better understand her powers and also find out the secret behind the death of her father Luc, who she has come to suspect didn’t die of natural causes. She, like Marvin, is the peacekeeper, and her smile and comments (and sometimes her naivë nature) are enough to terminate any tension.

Wraith - Reneé Brightwood, Fallen Aasimar Monk (Way of Shadow). Later monk/rogue. An amnesiac who woke up in the middle of the forest, Reneé (calling herself things along the lines of ‘ghost’ or ‘phantom’ for the longest time - until she is recognised by a former colleague...) seeks to learn who she is, and the truth behind her missing memories, planning to take them back - by force, if she has to. She, like Bloth, is tall and quiet, but is not immune to silly moments

[shanisdunn]

My Haunted Campus Episode 1: Pitt-Greensburg (featuring Michele Laity and Chloe Mager)

My Haunted Campus is a podcast where college students are welcomed to share stories about what they perceive to be hauntings they’ve witnessed on their campus.

Click on “Keep Reading” at the bottom to access the transcript for this episode.

[Picture via @PittGreensburg on twitter]

Free music for non-commercial use from Fesliyan Studios.

–begin transcript–

(Shannon: Every college campus has lore about haunts, frights, and strange occurrences. Whether these stem from fact or fear, there’s no denying that we sometimes don’t feel alone.

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg was established in 1963 and while this might seem fairly new, there’s no denying that some students have had what they believe are run-ins with the paranormal.

For the very first episode of My Haunted Campus, I sat down with some friends and fellow Pitt-Greensburg residents as we talked about ghost stories stemming from their former apartment.)

Shannon: So I wanted to start talking about the weird things that went on in your apartment last year, just because there’s a lot of stories we collectively have from that. And like when I say collectively, even me, and I didn’t live there. But like what specific experiences do you guys have?

Meesh: Uh, my first run in with something spooky in Apollo was before Chloe lived with me, I lived in the same building. And I woke up to a man giggling. I very distinctly heard a man giggling in the hallway and I remember thinking that it was weird, because it was a weekend, and my roommates had all gone home. And there was no one else in the apartment. But I went back to bed and later on, I woke up again and texted all my roommates and said “were you guys in here? and did you bring your boyfriends?” and they said “we have not been there since Friday.” So, that was my first supernatural encounter in Apollo house that clued me in to the fact that I was not living there alone.

Shannon: Oh good! [laughs] If I heard a man giggling in the middle of the night, I would have left.

Meesh: [laughs]

Shannon: I would have gotten up and I would have moved out that night.

(Shannon: While we usually hope that events like this are mere tricks of the mind, this laughing man would continue to make his presence known.)

Shannon: So that was your first experience. 

Meesh: It was. It was my first of very many.

Shannon: You did confirm, though, at some point, that the man giggling was in fact Apollo, as we so affectionately call him.

Meesh: Yeah, I mean I kinda doubt that that was his actual name, but as we gained more just little experiences confirming that there was something in there, I ended up playing like a game that was supposed to allow you to talk to spirits. And I asked, at one point, “are you okay with us calling you Apollo?” and it said “yes,” so.

Chloe: [laughs]

Meesh: That’s what we still call him today. He answered a lot of questions that night, I just cant remember most of them. I remember that one in particular, because it was a very definitive like “yes you can call me Apollo.” I was like “oohhkayyy.”

Chloe: It’s– you know, it works cause it’s the Apollo house. It’s easy.

(Shannon: While the entity continued to wreak mischief, the apartment’s residents did not feel threatened by him.)

Meesh: I never really got malevolent vibes from Apollo. I think he was mischievous, but I don’t think that he downright had bad intentions for anyone.

Chloe: No.

Shannon: 10/10 was mischievous though.

Meesh: Yes, definitely like a trickster, prankster, but not like “I’m going to kill you in this house.”

Shannon: Yea, just more mild “poke you in the face when you’re trying to sleep.”

Meesh: [laughs]

(Shannon: At this moment, I begin to reminisce on the time I myself had a run-in, while taking a nap in Chloe’s bed.)

Shannon: One of the times I was over trying to nap in your bed, and you had poked me like a little bit earlier.

Chloe: Right.

Shannon: But then, I kept feeling you like hovering a hand near my face, and I kept snapping my eyes open and you hadn’t moved. And then I felt someone like actually poke me in the head, and so I snapped my eyes open and looked over at you real quick and there was no way you had reached all the way over. ‘Cause I was at the foot of your bed and you were at the head of your bed.

Chloe: Yeah.

Shannon: And there was no way you had reached over and poked me and gotten back without me seeing you move at all. And I looked at you and I was like “did you just poke me?” [laughs]

Chloe: [laughs]

Shannon: And you were like “no??”

Meesh and Chloe: [laughs]

Shannon: And I went “well someone just did!” [laughs]

Chloe: And then like, it might’ve been the same day–

Shannon: I think it was the same day.

Chloe: Like I said, we had passed Lily while she was walking to class, and we were walking to the apartment, and Meesh and Alex had just left the apartment when we were getting there. And after the whole like poking incident, we heard the door open to the apartment and then close. And it has a very distinct noise, you can tell what door it is. ‘Cause they’re spring-locked, you know, they just close on their own. And I was like “okay, maybe somebody forgot something,” and we heard footsteps coming down the hall. And then I like got up to check, to see who it was, and nobody was there. At all. Like, nobody. So...

Shannon: And we texted everyone to make sure.

Chloe: Yeah.

Shannon: And they sure were not present at the time.

(Shannon: During these few months, all of the activity in the apartment was attributed to Apollo messing around with us, but something darker began lurking.)

Meesh: At one point, the vibe of what was happening kind of shifted, so we thought that maybe there was an additional ghost in there.

Chloe: Right, right, right.

Meesh: ‘Cause Apollo, we knew wasn’t malevolent, but then at one point, it was stuff with Lily that– at one point I started filming Lily, and it had something to do with the ghost in the house, and as I panned over for her to do something that she wanted to do, it cut off. Despite the fact that I had filmed the whole thing, the video that actually had Lily in it was completely gone. And I think Lily also started having nightmares regarding some kind of demon man or something. Not my story to tell, but it was weird.

Chloe: I had that experience when we were dyeing my hair in the bathroom.

Meesh: Yes.

Chloe: It was you, me, Alex, and Lily. I was getting my hair dyed from Alex. I’m sitting facing the mirror, and I like see, out of the corner of my eye, a shadow figure run across the door. And it’s like kinda dog-shaped, like low to the ground, like just real fast across the door. And I didn’t say anything for a few minutes, ‘cause I didn’t wanna alarm anybody, and I was like “hey guys, um, I definitely just saw something run across the door,” and Alex freaked out and Meesh freaked out and everybody was scared afterwards. [laughs]

(Shannon: Within this same week, I also saw a dog shaped figure during one of my bouts of sleep paralysis, though I hadn’t known about Chloe’s experience.

It’s unsure where the line between entities is drawn, however, based on what we know about Apollo, the next experience was probably something or somebody else.)

Meesh: Honestly, probably the weirdest experience I’ve ever ever had, in Greensburg, was with Cameron Collins, who was our downstairs neighbor when we lived in Apollo. And I went down to do laundry one day, and found his room door open– it was wide open, he was standing in the door, but facing the side and he was staring directly at an empty wall. There was no TV there, or he wasn’t watching out the window, he was staring directly at an empty wall. And his side was to me, but the door was wide open. And so I stood there for a few minutes, blatantly staring at him, like trying to get his attention to tease him or ask him what he was doing. Uh, and he never ever acknowledged that I was there. [laughs] He just kept staring straight ahead. So I just thought “that’s kinda weird,” and went to do laundry, ‘cause obviously he didn’t want to give me his attention. And as I was leaving the laundry room, the door slammed shut and he was no longer there. He didn’t come out, he just– the door was shut.

Meesh: So, I asked him about it the next day, and I said “what the heck was that? Like what was going on? What were you doing?” He goes ‘I was doing what?” and I explained to him what happened and I jokingly asked “were you possessed?” and he said “I must have been, ‘cause I remember none of that.” and he was dead serious. [laughs, sighs] Our neighbor might’ve been possessed, it’s fine.

Shannon: So guys, what do you think? Greensburg campus, haunted?

Meesh: Absolutely.

Chloe: Yeah, well, parts of it.

(Shannon: These stories only surrounded one area of the campus, but the number of people who noticed strange ongoings can’t be coincidence. I believe that Pitt-Greensburg does have a spiritual presence and hope to investigate it more thoroughly one day.

Have you ever experienced something paranormal on your college campus? I’d love to hear your story.)

–end transcript–