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simp999 · 1 year

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A New Home Ch. 17

Various! Splatoon Manga x Skilled! Isekai'd! Reader

Wc: 1.8k

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It’s toe-to-toe, and the both of you are fighting for first place. This final lap decides the winner. You’re a second behind Mask for most of the third lap, and it’s not looking good on your end. You’re nearly done the race, but you managed to pick up an item. A green shell. Well, it’s not the worst. Now you just have to snipe him just right. You wait until the last second of the race, where it’s a straight stretch. You’ve got one chance.

‘Let go…now!’

You hear Mask cry out in shock, and the sound of the winning theme play.

“YES!” your arms shoot up, one hand still holding the controller. That was the closest you’ve ever been to an opponent. You usually managed to beat Leo, only giving him the win if you didn’t feel like going all out.

You give Mask a closed-eyed smile, and he squints his eyes at you and looks away in annoyance. It’s light-hearted though, you can only tell because you can barely see the way his cheeks move up under his mask.

You put the controller down, content with how you played.

“Ya’ll want some drinks? I’m goin’ downstairs to grab some snacks.”

Aloha’s holding the door handle, ready to make his way into the party.

Mask wants an energy drink, Skull asks for soda, and Army goes on a short rant about how much sugar is in both of those drinks and how bad they are for them. Just about what you’d expect. You ask if you can get a bottle of inkling-safe water, and Aloha goes downstairs.

You get up from your seat, sitting back beside Skull. You’re about to pull out your phone to not make things weird, but after shuffling through his pockets, Skull silently offers you something.

It’s a lollipop.

You giggle at how serious he looks, and take it with a small ‘thanks’.

He nods, then waits a moment before explaining himself.

“...Not a lot of people can beat Mask. You’re pretty skilled, not only at ranked and turf, it seems.”

Right, back to that. Always back to how you battle. Army notices the slight annoyance written across your face that nobody else could have spotted. He must have done research on how to recognize emotions like that.

“Have you completed the volumes you checked out at the library?”

“The…carp. I forgot about those. I didn’t even end up going back to the library after hanging out at that cafe with Skull.”

“Yoooou hung out with Skuuull? Didn’t know you two were clooose.”

Mask seems irritated, but you can’t quite tell why. In the manga it was stated that the S4 don’t necessarily get along, they’re just there to be strong teammates, so maybe that’s what it is.

“Nah, it was pure coincidence. It was my first time meeting him.”

Skull nods to back up your statement by nodding in agreement. Aloha walks in and gives everyone their drinks and begins to chug his glass of punch. Mask turns towards the tv, away from the rest of the group, to lift up his gasmask and drink his energy drink.

“Yeah, they gave me their ice cream.”

Aloha quickly turns his head towards Skull,

“Who did? D’I miss somethin’? Have you two hung out before?”

You caught the way Army and Mask both turned their heads just as quickly as Aloha did. This is definitely getting out of hand. You sigh at Skull for being such an airhead, and try to clear things up, talking about what happened, leaving out the part where Aviator joined you guys.

“I dunnooo dude, seems kinda like a date to me~”

“ ‘Loha we literally just met.”

“I’m just buggin’! You guys ready to actually party now or what?”

Mask groans at that, but he knew it was inevitable. He must have made a deal with Aloha earlier or something. Army quickly scribbles something down in his manual, presumably finishing up. Skull sits up and makes his way toward the door. You follow along, taking a deep breath in and out, preparing yourself for the overwhelmingly loud music and bright lights.

You stick next to Aloha for the most part, and you can tell he’s a natural at parties. He looks like he’s right at home, the way he so smoothly dances through the crowd, and makes up short but fun conversations with the guests. You feel much more comfortable following behind him, not only because he’s the perfect party guy, but you also have some of the scariest players in Inkopolis following you around, giving anyone a glare if they seem like they’re about to approach you.

Army’s quickly caught on that you don’t enjoy talking about your battling skills, and what else is expected to be spoken about at a party only involving strong players?

Mask is struggling with the way he feels about you, all he knows is that he likes hanging out with you. Which is really weird for him, but he knows that you don’t treat him like this godly idol like some others do.

It’s also rare for people to treat Skull like a normal person, given that he’s the biggest and strongest S4 member. Usually, people tend to outright avoid him. Maybe it’s his resting mean face. He’s not really trying to separate the crowd, really, he’s just big. And scary. And might have a slight RBF.

Aloha isn’t trying to divert the crowd, it’s actually quite the opposite, people always crowding him and wanting to talk to him. But he makes sure to look back often, still worried about how you’re doing with all the people, and lights, and sounds, and heat- you get it. Parties can get really overwhelming, and he’s already seen how good you are in this place.

You make it to the main room again, and you’re quick to run off after spotting an inkling wearing glasses and spiky hair. You hug him right away, seeing Tasha and Leo standing right next to him.

“Where have you been? We couldn’t find you for the longest time!”

“I went upstairs to find somewhere to hide from the crowd, it’s all good now, sorry for making you worry!”

“I’m so sorry about separating from you, I know you don’t like people and this place must be terrible to be alone in for you!-”

You can tell Milo’s about to start ranting, as he does in his big brother mode, but thankfully Tasha sums it up for you.

“We can always leave anytime if you’re uncomfortable, you know.”

You’re glad you have such awesome teammates. You still felt bad about making them worry, though. You reassure them that you're alright.

"So you don't want to go home?"

"No, no, we can stay here and have fun if you guys are enjoying yourselves." You look over at Leo, who's stuffing his face with chips.

"These your teammates? I underestimated them, but they seem like good people." Aloha jumps into the conversation, liking how well your teammates are treating you. It seems you trust each other, and that makes for a good, strong team.

You see Leo in your peripheral view and see the way he just about dies at the sight of Aloha right in front of him. His idol? Right there?? This must feel like a dream come true to him.

You snicker at him, and turn to Aloha.

"Looks like you have a big fan that wants to meet you, 'Loha." You say, gesturing behind him, at Leo.

He turns his head to greet his fan, and you smile, glad that you could make Leo's day.

You look over at Tasha, and see that standing next to her is Bamboo.

"Oh, hey! The yellow-green team's here?"

She nods, looking over at Tasha, then back to you,

"Everybody but our leader. We are a strong team, after all."

"Speaking of Rider, we haven't seen him in a while." A voice that you can tell is usually quiet does its best to make itself heard over the crowd and music, and you turn your head to see Stealth.

"Oh, hey, sweetheart! I'm sure he's doing alright, he's strong enough to protect himself if he gets into any trouble."

He looks away, still unused to how carefree you seem to be with him compared to others.

“I hope so…”

The rest of the S4, besides Aloha who was just finishing taking selfies with Leo, finally manage to shake off their fans. Mask comes and sort of hides behind you, Army comes to stand to your left side, and Skull to your right.

“Soooo, these are your teeeeamates?”

“Yup, this is the fam. Leo’s quite the gamer, so I think he might be a good opponent for you. We should host a Squid Racer tournament one day.”

The last part was lighthearted, not meant to be taken seriously, but it could be fun if you guys actually tried to set something up.

It was surprisingly quiet between the group, moreso than you would have expected, namely from Milo. Milo speechless? Not a sight you’d thought you’d ever see. But hey, these are their idols, you get it. Tasha, well, she doesn't talk much anyways, but she’s definitely staring at Skull in awe. You and your team are probably the only ones who can tell, because it probably seems like more of a scowl if any outsider were to see it. Skull’s looking back in curiosity, which looks more like a staring contest.

“Man, you guys are so quiet and boring! This isn’t the best time to chit-chat n hang out since it’s so loud and getting late, so how about we all meet up soon?”

You’re still iffy about getting too close to the main characters, but the rest of your team comes to silent agreement before you have the chance to say anything.

“Sure. We can have lunch together on Friday?”

Tasha sounded more stern than she had hoped, but she’s definitely more leader material when it comes to timings than you, so there’s no stopping her.

The S4 check and clear their schedules, and make time for lunch with your team.

You wave goodbye to the S4 and any other acquaintances that are looking at you, before turning towards the door. As soon as Leo gets away from Aloha, he immediately lets his body slump out of exhaustion. It seems he likes to push himself too far at times. Milo picks him up to give him a piggyback ride, and Tasha follows behind the group, to watch out for everyone.

Next part

May.12.23

#x reader #fanfic #splatoon manga #splatoon manga x reader #splatoon #splatoon 2 #splatoon 3 #splatoon manga rider #splatoon manga mask #splatoon manga aloha #splatoon manga army #splatoon manga skull #coroika #coroika x reader #splatoon manga yellow green team

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aces-and-angels · 2 years

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final thoughts on the ilw finale: matthias edition (ch 23 spoilers below) @itlivesproject

First, I would like to applaud everyone on the @itlivesproject team for creating such a wonderful gaming experience ♥ The storyline, visuals, music- all of it would not have been possible (or as freaking amazing) without your tireless efforts. To the kings, queens, and rulers of the ILW crew: please accept these flowers 💐💐💐

my betrayal route:

edit: I know we were told to keep the sound on for the finale, but I think this WHOLE route needs to be played over clown music, anyways back to me trying to empathize w Boo Boo the Clown Rowan (dumb, evil edition)

ILW has variants- this is known. Matthias’ route has variants galore. Why try to change him when you can join him and change the entire narrative instead? I can’t think of any villains from past Choices books that have captivated my attention the way Matthias has. And with the sheer amount of options I could choose from to see how his story would end- I had to explore them all.

As a reader, I was giving his character some major side-eye throughout the series. But taking myself out of the equation, the way he is written makes it perfectly believable that Rowan could fall for his deception. A master manipulator, through and through. Prepare to make a lot of enemies with this route, because no matter what, everyone will hate you with every fiber of their being. Here’s the proof:

*wipes single tear from eye, sniffling* look at all those consequences. As everyone who has ever played ILW would say, PB could nevaahhhh 😗💅

In my main Matthias x Rowan route (where Ro is loyal to Matty to a fault), my attempt at betrayal didn’t give me the two evil lovers sipping cocktails by the pool epilogue that I was anticipating. Instead, my Rowan was dealt a more tragic (albeit karmically hilarious) conclusion that fits this portion of my analysis that I’d written on Grandpa Matty for ch 21:

Matthias’ cruel nature is no secret to MC, regardless of their relationship status with him. Romancing him, however, allows MC to justify it. But that doesn’t stop that bit of doubt from creeping up. What happens when they’re no longer enough? Deep down, they already know the answer. But as of right now, Matthias loves them. Wants them. Ironically, they voice out this hidden fear to Adrian: “It’ll never be enough. No matter how much you get, you’ll always want more.”

If we’re defining a happy ending as getting everything you want, then yes, it is possible for Matthias to have one. In fact, it is guaranteed. MC’s happily-ever-after with him, however, will always come with strings.

Humanity and Matthias do not mix. Period. His flashback scene to when he was still a mortal confirms that he has always been a man that wanted more. More than what the fates allowed. And if that wasn’t convincing enough, Mama Loha comes in and reads him to filth. Rowan’s ties with Matthias are severed the instant they become human. It was a messy divorce lmaoo

Rowan, the failed villain. This ending leaves them the most at odds with themselves, in my opinion.

From this:

To that:

Imagine feeling completely whole for the first time in your life, only to think of yourself as useless seconds later. Every iteration of Rowan grapples with their identity- their connection to the Power, and what that means to them. The tragedy of the blood!matthias route is Ro falling victim to Matthias predatory nature- the same one he used to manipulate Jocelyn, and countless others, to his will. He filled their ears with sweet nothings that they were more than eager to receive. Except, Matthias never accepted Rowan. Not completely, at least.

Matthias (to Rowan): “My darling, how anyone could think you were something so trivial as human is beyond me. You, my dear creature, are something the likes of which the world has never seen. A rose would pale in comparison to your beauty, and a lion would cower against your power. You are beyond extraordinary, and now you are all mine.”

Matthias builds Ro up to be what he wanted, not to what they were meant to/wished to become (in this route): human. Every other LI (unless you utterly fuck them over) will love Ro regardless of their fate. Matthias, on the other hand, proves that his love was always conditional. To the best of my knowledge, the only way you are able to achieve a successful Matthias x MC romance is if Rowan casts aside their humanity completely. Not even staying as they are, a mix between human and the Power, will work. While Matthias doesn’t flat out reject Rowan if they refuse to merge with their other half, it is impossible to be with him as they are. What happens when they’re no longer enough? Turns out, they were never enough to begin with.

There is something especially cathartic of having Ro kill Matthias after he betrays them. Justice for all the lies he’d woven over the years. But even in death, the scars that Matthias left on Rowan remained. Seeing the relief Ro has after regaining their power is sad to witness because it shows just how little they valued themselves. Grandpa Matty really did a number on them: made them think their worth was solely tied to their Power half. The only thing that made them special to him. The only thing that could make Rowan feel special now.

At the very end of the chapter, when Rowan is surrounded by wealth, Power flowing through their veins, they long to go back home. Back to Westchester. Despite having everything they thought they wanted, they yearn for the one thing they can’t have. The thing that they were told didn’t matter- the thing that made them useless. The same thing that, in the end, was all they truly desired. And that friends, is a sad way to send our Rowan off.

but on the other hand girl how could you be THAT blind he MURDERED PEOPLE and wanted to do it AGAIN- always trust Lincoln you dumb hoe

ILW refusing to let Ro stay human in a blood/betrayal route is just screaming: you really think??? you can just go back to being a mortal??? after doing all of that???? How Rowan came to denying their humanity is tragic under the lens of Matthias’ manipulation. But their descent to the dark side- their willingness to go against everyone who has ever really loved them? Yeah, that part earns them a special place in clown school with a big helping of consequences. Alone, wandering the Earth, never truly at peace- a fitting end for a fallen villain

---

Quickly touching on the other variants of Matthias’ route:

I am HYPE that we get to win as the villain. If I’m fully committing to Ro’s evil era- I’m playing to win- and I wON BITCHES

Also I guess being an all powerful being makes wearing clothes seem trivial are they really just doing each other raw and walking around in the the nude 24/7????

DOUBLE CROSSING IS EVEN WILDER

I was POSITIVE that if Ro didn’t cross Matthias, he would end up killing them in the epilogue. Esp since they both had the thought of killing each other to achieve their ultimate, final form

This option is just a big middle finger to every relationship Ro has ever had. They really said I choose ✨me, myself, and I ✨

Also killing Matty will forever be so satisfying. The sinister smile they have right before they do it: chills.

There is also the option to play as the villain and lose (Ro and Matty die) but who would wanna put themselves through that??? hahaha.... definitely not coming from someone who decided to read all the BAD endings first

If you made it this far down the post, heyyyy thanks for sticking with me😄 I’m curious on y’alls thoughts on Matthias’ fate in ILW. How’d his story end for you? Feel free to share below/in the tags!

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