#nero the void beast

[frostbitten-winter]

Maybe this time I'll actually write their story lmao

[shuttershocky]

Looking back it's still astounding that Parry —> Upper Slash 2 —> Aerial Rave 2 —> Perfect Judgement Cut —> Trick Down —> Void Slash —> Clone Summon Cancel —> Rapid Slash —> Mirage Blades —> Heavy Rain Blades —> Yamato Combo C —> Mirage Blades —> Clone Dismissal —> Perfect Judgement Cut —> Air Trick —> Mirage Blades —> Aerial Cleave —> Mirage Blades --> Beowulf Switch —> Beast Uppercut —> Trick Dodge —> Lunar Phase —> Kick 13 —> Rising Sun —> Starfall —> Mirage Blade Switch —> Mirage Blades —> Drive —> Heavy Rain Blades —> Stinger —> SSS Rank Taunt —> Mirage Blades —> Judgement Cut End was such a godly combo it actually made sales for DMC5 and made others scramble to make equivalents for Dante and Nero and even for completely different games like Hi-Fi Rush

Probably SunhiLegend's finest masterpiece

[voidfragments]

extended bio - ritsuka fujimaru

general information

basic info

name: ritsuka fujimaru age: 16-24 (depending on point in timeline; defaults to 22) gender: fem-aligned nonbinary pronouns: she/they orientation: pansexual + polyamorous species: human nationality: japanese ethnicity: yamato japanese birth date: june 25th, 2001

appearance

height: 166cm / 5'5" build: leanly muscled hair: bright orange, cut just past the shoulders with locks framing her face. usually keeps a section in a side ponytail, held up by a scrunchie. eyes: yellow-orange, sometimes with bags under them scars: many.

background

in 2017, ritsuka was just an ordinary person when they were suddenly recruited to chaldea, a secret organization that works to preserve humanity. they were brought in as one of 48 master candidates--people who have the potential to summon and form contracts with servants, the spirits of legendary figures summoned as familiars--but as they aren’t a mage, people had low expectations of them. they were even prevented from joining the first major mission, a rayshift to “singularity f” in fuyuki, japan, 2004, after accidentally pissing off the director, olga-marie animusphere. turned out, that was a stroke of luck. the command room was blown up with all 47 other masters inside. they managed to survive, but in such critical condition that they’d need to be kept in cryostasis, leaving ritsuka as the only operational master. they, along with chaldea staff mash kyrielight, rayshifted to fuyuki. there, mash came into her own as a demi-servant--a living human fused with a servant and imbued with their powers--though she couldn’t say who the servant was, and ritsuka became her master. together, they solved singularity f and restored history to its proper course, only to learn of a horrible truth: the incineration of humanity. the past creates the present, which secures the future. seven disruptions at key points in history--seven singularities--had destroyed the present, which in turn prevented the future. the present, simply put, no longer existed outside of chaldea. for the next year and a half, ritsuka and mash worked to solve the seven singularities, guided by acting director dr. romani archaman, genius inventor leonardo da vinci, and the rest of the remaining staff. they went to france in the hundred years war, rome during emperor nero’s reign, the high seas in the age of exploration. in industrial revolution london, they learned who was behind it all. they won an american war that should never have happened in the first place. in camelot, they learned more about mash; in uruk, they learned of the seven beasts, the evils of humanity. and then, finally, in the last week of 2018, after so much sacrifice, they defeated the source of the problem. the present returned to normal. they took back their future. the problems, however, only persisted. the rest of the world had to deal with their missing time, and the un no longer found chaldea trustworthy. moreover, while they were being investigated over the next year, four sub-singularities popped up and had to be dealt with, and mash was no longer operational as a servant. in the end, chaldea was sold to a mage by the name of gordolf musik. its entire staff was to be laid off and replaced by the beginning of 2020, but even that couldn’t go smoothly. gordolf had been manipulated. chaldea was attacked by 3 servants: a shockingly deceptive pink-haired woman, a priest masquerading as kirei kotomine, and a woman who radiated cold, cold, cold. chaldea’s core team--now consisting of da vinci, ritsuka, mash, sherlock holmes, and gordolf--as well as a handful of staff members barely managed to escape, only to see that the outside world was now a blank white nothingness. among the masters who had been frozen were the a team, a carefully selected team consisting of the best of the best: kadoc zemlupus, ophelia phamrsolone, hinako akuta, “scandinavia peperoncino”, beryl gut, daybit sem void, and their leader, kirschtaria wodime. in their revival, they’d made a deal with… something. now each crypter, as they’re called, has a lostbelt--an alternate timeline that should have been pruned, but wasn’t--to manage, with the ultimate goal of one of them overwriting proper human history. seven crypters. seven lostbelts. can ritsuka take back our future a second time?

personality

ritsuka is, by and large, an upbeat person. they roll with the punches and accept whatever comes their way--by this point, it’s nearly impossible to shock or faze them, with everything they’ve seen. of course, that’s not to say they don’t have feelings; the events of the last few years have deeply affected them, and they’re constantly grieving over those they’ve lost. but they can’t let that keep them down. they have a job to do--and they’re the only one who can do it--so they just have to suck it up and deal with it, and let the tears come later. while on the job, they’re quite stern and serious, but in their off-time, they can be very silly. work hard, play hard, as they say. ritsuka approaches everything with equal levels of passion, whether it’s an end of the world scenario or making a last-minute doujin for knock-off comiket.

combat information

general

ritsuka is, technically, a mage, and thus able to use magecraft. that said, they're one of the weakest mages around, with very little magical energy. most of their ability comes from mystic codes and other forms of assistance.

personal abilities

command seals - three seals formed of highly concentrated magic on the back of their right hand. these are the proof that they’re a master. they can be used to cast powerful spells or give their servants orders, and once used come back at a rate of one per day. poison resistance skill (temporary) - as part of their contract with mash kyrielight, they have a resistance to poisons & toxins, high magical energy concentrations, and certain charms. high physical capabilities - though not enough to keep up with a servant, their strength, speed, and stamina are all far above the average. berserker translation - berserkers are known for being nearly incomprehensible, and many of them are outright nonverbal, only communicating in roars or grunts. that doesn’t stop ritsuka from understanding them--not quite as if they were speaking plainly, but close to it. this extends to other characters with similar communication styles!

mystic codes

physical objects--in ritsuka's case, outfits--imbued with magecraft. she has a wide variety of them, each with its own set of skills. a full list can be found [here].

ooc information

timeline

my ritsuka follows the north american server's timeline! i myself don't actively seek out translations of chapters/events before they reach na (though i don't avoid spoilers either), so this works best for me. she is assumed to have been 16 when the game began and ages up on na's anniversary.

canon includes...

all events up to the present day are included in her canon EXCEPT for prisma codes and kogetsukan. they simply never happened. <3 agartha is technically included in her canon, but i, the bedo, did not read it and only vaguely know what happens in it.

[put-me-out-of-my-destiny]

I've been having vague Hollow Knight AU thoughts lately (disclaimer, I'm not good at the game and get all the lore from YouTube):

Mundus was a moth-like Higher Being who reigned as king of the Dream World.

Sparda was a Wyrm, also a Higher Being.

Eva was a Root, also a Higher Being (the one thing this AU has in common with the reboot).

Vergil and Dante, of course, are vessels (Don't ask me if/why Eva and Sparda would kill their sons and reanimate them with void, I said this was vague).

Yamato is basically the Dream Nail.

Does this make Nero a half-vessel? Idk.

Red Queen is powered by Nightmare Flame, and the Blue Rose has some kind of Delicate Flower motif.

I feel like Fortuna would be a lot like Pharloom, given the religious overtones.

Kyrie resembles Bretta.

Trish is the same species as Nosk.

Lady is a regular pillbug-looking individual like you'd see wandering the Forgotten Crossroads.

Nico as a bug would actually resemble Angus's Angelo form from DMC4.

Vergil's whole arc in DMC5 was him succumbing to infection. Urizen was a Broken Vessel situation, and V was his shade.

The familiars are also made of Infection Goop. Griffon resembles a vengefly.

(I realize V being a void being who utilizes beasts in battle has major Collector vibes).

[duskoon]

Fate Grand Order Masterlist + Characters list:

Anything related to Fate Grand Order would be listed here. Like always, If there is character not mentioned here you can always request for them. Note: Some characters are based on historical figures. So when writing for them, I write for the character themselves not their real life counterpart. Characters in bold means I am mostly invested in them, but that doesn’t mean I won’t write for the others. If there is any character not listed below, you can request for them and I'll add them (There is like 300+ servants, so I'm bound to forget some ^^’) Also, you can request for Crypters as well. Seeing I had finished playing the lostbelts.

Mashu Kyrielight

Artoria Pendragon

Artoria Pendragon (Alter)

Nero Claudius

Siegfried

Altera

Chevalier d’Eon

Okita Soji

Mordred

Ryōgi Shiki

Rama

Lancelot

Gawain

Bedivere

Elizabeth Bàthory

Miyamoto Musashi

Arthur Pendragon (Prototype)

Suzuka Gozen

Frankenstein

Sigurd

Queen Medb

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne

Lanling Wang

Lakshmibai

Jason

Astolfo

Dioscuri

Tomoe Gozen

Saitō Hajime

Watanabe no Tsuna

Ibuki Dōji

Karna

Senji Muramasa

Barghest

Charlemagne

Roland

EMIYA

Gilgamesh(Archer + Caster)

Robin Hood

Atalanta

Euryale

Arash

David

Nikola Tesla

Arjuna

Tristan

Tawara Tōta

Chloe von Einzbern

Ishtar

James Moriarty (Archer / Ruler)

EMIYA (Alter)

Asagami Fujino

Chiron

Napoléon

Aśvatthāman

Osakabehime

Calamity Jane

Nightingale

Super Orion

Sei Shōnagon

Baobhan Sith

Anastasia

Jeanne D’ Arc (Ruler)

Zenobia

Minamoto no Tametomo

Cú Chulainn(Lancer + Caster)

Musashibō Benkei

Leonidas I

Romulus

Hector

Scáthach

Fionn mac Cumhail

Tamamo no Mae (Caster / Lancer / Berserker)

Kiyohime

Vlad III

Jeanne d'Arc (Alter) 

Enkidu

Medusa

Minamoto no Raikō 

Parvati

Nezha

Ereshkigal

Valkyrie

Qin Liangyu

Bradamante

Nagao Kagetora

Mysterious Alter Ego Λ

Caenis

Romulus-Quirinus

Utsumi Erice

Consort Yu

Vritra

Percival

Sakamoto Ryōma 

Medusa

Georgios

Boudica

Ushiwakamaru

Martha

Francis Drake

Iskandar

Sakata Kintoki

Ozymandias

Quetzalcoatl

Ivan the terrible

Achilles

Leonardo Da Vinci 

Carmilla

Mandricardo

Europa

Odysseus

Tai Gong Wang

Dobrynya Nikitich

Constantine XI

Kyokutei Bakin

Medea

Zhuge Liang (Lord El-Melloi II aka reliable waver )

Paracelsus von Hohenheim

Solomon

Irisviel (Dress of Heaven)

Xuanzang Sanzang

Nitocris

Merlin

Scheherazade

Queen of Sheba

Shuten Dōji

Murasaki Shikibi

Asclepius

Miss Crane

Charlotte Corday 

The Old Man of the Mountain

Charles-Henri Sanson

Cleopatra

EMIYA (Assassin)

Fūma Kotarō

Gray

Henry Jekyll & Hyde

Jing Ke

Katō Danzō

Kiichi Hōgen

Koyanskaya of Light

• Koyanskaya of Dark

Li Shuwen (Assassin/Lancer)

Mysterious Heroine X

Okada Izō

Phantom of the Opera

Sasaki Kojirō

Semiramis

Yan Qing

Lu Bu Fengxian

Beowulf

Cú Chulainn (Alter)

Heracules

Mysterious Heroine X (Alter)

Hijikata Toshizō

Penthesilea

Atalanta (Alter)

Arjuna (Alter)

Mori Nagayoshi

Salome

Kijyo Kōyō

Brynhildr (Berserker / Lancer)

Galatea

Morgan Le Fay

Kriemhild

Amakusa Shirō

Sherlock Holmes

Shi Huang Di

Astraea

Edmond Dantès

Angra Mainyu

Gorgon

Antonio Salieri

Demon King Nobunaga

Kama (Avenger/Assassin)

Sesshōin Kiara (Alter Ego /Moon Cancer)

Archetype: Earth

Okita Sōji (Alter)

Kingprotea

Ashiya Dōman- Blurb

Manannán mac Lir (Bazett)

Mysterious Heroine XX

Yang Guifei

Oberon Vortigern

Hephaestion

Tiamat

Goetia

Beast III/R

Kadoc Zemlupus

Ophelia Phamrsolone

Scandinavia Peperoncino aka Chad™️.

Kirschtaria Wodime

Beryl Guts

Daybit Sem Void

[morsking]

it’s 6am and i’m thinking about alpha and omega.

omega was projecting its issues into each boss you fight throughout the raids because they were supposed to be unstoppable forces from their respective universes that were against all odds soundly defeated by groups of individuals weaker than them. 

omega wanted to understand the void in their existence, so desperately to understand what it is they were lacking that they sought to observe how other supreme beings could lose to discover what their personal weakness was. and therein lied the real fatal flaw within omega. they wanted to understand themselves with logic without wanting to bond with others emotionally. 

the “omega” refers to that which is unique and absolute. the omega is meant to have no equal, to both transcend and define limitations so as to enforce that it has no equal. the omega is meant to exist alone, to be entirely self-sufficient, to have no need or desire to relate to anyone in its unparalleled perfection. omega was created to assume they were meant to be alone, that they were meant to be undefeatable and singular. 

and then, they met midgardsormmr. 

midgardsormmr was a fearsome beast, a living force of nature with power befit a primal and transcendent being. it was omega’s most terrible foe, specifically designed to defeat him, yet completely and utterly unable to. omega’s defeat was beyond understanding to them. it was an outcome they could not accept due to the sheer refuting of everything they thought was true: that they were unconquerable and absolute. how could they possibly lose? how could they possibly be defeated? what could midgardsormmr possibly have that decided the outcome of that fight that they don’t, when they’re supposed to have everything? 

omega obsessed over midgardsormmr. they chased him through the cosmos, powering through obstacle after obstacle, bearing damage upon damage, piling up suffering after suffering until they reached him, bruised, battered, and non-functional, on hydaelyn. omega slumbered, and omega waited. and in that time, the reason why midgardsormmr defeated omega began its long existence. 

before the battle with kefka’s replica, cid and nero discover the recording omega took of kefka’s final confrontation with the protagonists of final fantasy vi. in it, kefka’s misanthropy and nihilism are challenged. the party stresses even though humans are fated to die, they also endeavor to create. that statement is a stalwart declaration that humans, no matter how much they suffer or how much they lose, they will always persevere and have faith upon a future they cannot see. it is the love of life that fuels the conviction to protect the tomorrow that doesn’t just belong to you. 

what allowed midgardsormmr to defeat omega was the love he had for his unborn children, and the love they would bear for their own children. midgardsormmr defeated omega because he was not alone, because he had something to defend that wasn’t just his own existence. he won because he believed in something. 

when alpha makes his own journey through the cosmos and reaches omega, cid explains why against all odds, alpha managed to reach them. in spite of his fear, in spite of his weakness, in spite of his exhaustion, in spite of his guilt, alpha chose to believe in not just himself to keep cid and the warrior of light alive, but to believe that cid and the warrior of light were holding on to him and that they would answer when he called for them to help. 

that is the where the meaning of alpha’s name is revealed. the alpha is the prime, the one who stands not just among all, but is exalted for standing with them.

there is something that kan-e-senna says to varis zos galvus at the summit at ala mhigo. the reason why the eorzean alliance stands together is because individuals make up for their weaknesses by relying on each other’s strengths. that principle stands true between alpha and omega. omega sought to understand how beings who attained, or possessed something resembling, godhood managed to lose against existences that were limited, how the pinnacles of all creation were brought down by those that stood below them. what defeated the apex beings of their worlds were simple people who relied on each other, who believed in each other, who understood each other, who loved each other. cid points out what omega was trying to emulate by creating alpha was not the divinity of those who were defeated, but the companionship  of those who defeated them. omega did not lack for conviction, it lacked the fundamental reason to wield it meaningfully. while alpha was created to be the perfect bait, naive, trusting, affectionate, and curious, he was also created to be the perfect companion, omega’s perfect companion. 

omega wanted to understand the joy of creation, and to that end they created a being that existed to love everything that could be created. in an effort to overcome their own weakness, omega even tried to duplicate themself in a gendered duality, but that wasn’t enough because omega persisted as omega, an existence that was alone and incapable of relying only on themself. omega kept trying to satiate their own loneliness only with their own company, not realizing that alpha was their escape from that loneliness, that they could, and wanted to rely on alpha to escape that loneliness. 

and that’s why alpha chooses to journey throughout the vast open world with the omega replica. because alpha understood that omega simply didn’t want to be alone, and wanted to share the beauty of all creation with them to honor their memory. in spite of everything they did, alpha believed that even omega could be loved, that even omega did not have to be alone.

[acapelladitty]

Ties That Bind

Summary: A quick fix-it fic because I was ridiculously sad with the ending that Griffon and Shadow received and I want Vergil to be able to keep his favourite familiars.

A lifetime spent either on the offensive or in hiding from powers even more dangerous than himself had left Vergil with one invaluable rule; his instincts were always to be trusted. A rule which was currently placing him on high alert as a sense of danger pressed against his consciousness and forced him to place his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw at a moment’s notice.

“You okay there, Verge?” Noticing the change in atmosphere, Dante eyed his twin with an easy gaze as he pulled his feet from the table and sat up to pay attention.

They were alone in the building as Lady and Trish were off working a job on their own and Nero was spending the weekend with Kyrie and the kids. The peace was nice, but both were itching for a fresh job to appear; that or there was a high chance that they would travel downwards and blow some steam off in one of the more populated areas of hell.

“Something is wrong.” Vergil answered, his trained eyes sweeping the room for any source of danger. “Can you feel that?”

“Nope.” Dante ran a hand through his hair, disturbing the mop of white as he strained both his human and demonic senses, “I’m not feeling anything, demon or otherwise. What do you think it is?”

Taking a deep breath as he focused his concentration, Vergil closed his eyes to pinpoint the feeling.

“It’s pain and panic,” his brow furrowed slightly as something odd came to light, “but it’s not here.”

“Not here? What do you me-“

“It’s in hell. Something is connected to me, calling to me.”

“What the hell could be wanti-“

“I don’t know,” Vergil cut him off again, rising from his seated position, “but I am going to find out.”

Drawing the yamato from its sheathe, two quick swipes were enough to open a portal, his instincts telling him that it would lead him straight to the source of the unwelcome feelings. Ready to leave, the pulsating energy within the portal enticed him forward, but his steps were halted by a sudden voice.

“I’ll join you.”

Turning to survey the eager grin on Dante’s expression, Vergil quirked a brow at him.

“I can handle this myself.”

“Whatever you say,” Dante answered with an obvious eyeroll as he strapped his devil sword to his back, ebony and ivory clearly holstered at his hips, “but I’m not coming to help your sorry ass, I’m coming because i’m bored.”

Vergil couldn’t argue with that.

“Fair.”

Stepping through the familiar energy of the portal, the first thing to grab Vergil’s attention was the heat- a natural product of the hellscape which manifested as an intense humidity- and the second was the utter chaos of the scene before him.

Around twenty lesser demons, their expressions twisted with fury and malice, were working in conjunction to attack something but through the mass of bodies and flurry of movement, neither Dante nor Vergil were able to make out exactly what.

“Let’s go!” Dante grinned, exclaiming loudly enough to grab the attention of the two demons closest to their position. Turning, they immediately went on the offensive as they swung the thin scythes which were gripped within their hands and Vergil took a stance as he allowed Dante to begin the slaughter.

It was hardly a battle; between his own precisely deadly style and the chaos of Dante’s attack the demons stood no chance, falling like dominoes before their combined wrath. Small bursts of electricity decorated the area as whatever had summoned Vergil continued its own battle on the other side of the demon hoard.

Demon after demon fell to his blade as he barely broke a sweat and it wasn’t until he felled a chainsaw-wielding beast that he caught his first glimpse of the source of his internal panic and the sight was enough to make him still for a moment.

There, against the flat of the ground, lay Shadow and the broken hilt of a scythe was visibly pierced through the side of the big cat. His demonic body harmed, he swiped and hissed at any demon who approached as he attempted to heal against the damage. The bolts of electricity they could see were from Griffon, his last line of defence, and were helping to keep the lesser demons at bay as the power singed and burned their skin.

Shaking himself back to action, he continued to pick off the demons in the area as he coordinated his attack with Dante, settling into their familiar pattern of assault until a summoned sword pierced the heart of the final demon; banishing it to the void.

“Hey!” Dante called out, finally spotting the two familiars. “It’s those guys!”

Pacing towards the pair of demons, Dante had barely a moment to dodge as Shadow swiped at his ankles; a weak hiss emitting from the panther’s chest as he registered the demonic presence.

“Woah, kitty,” Dante muttered, “these boots are new. Relax.”

“If it isn’t the Sparda twins,” Griffon spat over his shoulder, landing on the ground before Shadow and using his claws to pull free the hilt of the scythe, “ho-”

His words were cut off by a surprisingly loud growl as the open wound on Shadow’s chest sealed itself up and his body reverted to a rotating ball as his demonic core exposed itself to allow him to heal.

Eyeing the ball with a stoic expression, Vergil allowed Dante to ask the questions he knew they both had.

“What’s the deal, little chicken?” Dante asked, having not had the opportunity to use the amusing nickname for so long. “Why are these demons attacking their own? Don’t you have a union for this kind of thing?”

“Because of him!” Griffon flared his wings in irritation as his beady eyes fell on Vergil. “They know that we worked with V to help destroy the Quiphoth and they don’t care that we were his summons.” Extending his claws, Griffon flexed the razor-sharp edges and looked ready to make a move against Vergil. However- before he could make a move- Shadow reverted to his regular appearance, having fully healed, and the sight seemed to relax the demonic bird. “It’s open season on Shadow and me and we’ve been on the run since you,” his eyes darted back to Dante, “banished us back down here.”

A small tendril of guilt stroked at Vergil’s conscious as Griffon made his admission. His memories from his time split between V and Urizen were fractured at best but there was a warmth there for his familiars. Many nights had seen Shadow using his chest as a pillow as he rested while Griffon perched close by, both demons prepared to defend their master to the death as he fought to restore himself.

In the moments of silence, when reflection was at its peak, Vergil found that he did miss them.

“Sucks to be you, buddy.” Dante shrugged, leaning on his hilt of his sword as Shadow padded gently around the twins, his step limping slightly as he continued to recover. “Demons can’t live topside without help, you know that.”

“Yeah, we know, we already tried that, dipshit.”

“Hey, no need for insults.”

“You try being hunted down for weeks and see how you feel.”

As Griffon and Dante continued to bicker, Vergil instead focused his attention on Shadow. The big cat was watching him with a passive gaze, his wide dark eyes blinking slowly as he held Vergil’s gaze with an almost fond familiarity.

It was not until he realised that he was rubbing the tips of his fingers together gently that Vergil realised he was resisting the urge to reach out and stroke the panther. Dropping the pretence, he extended his had slightly, enough that if Shadow wished to reject him that the decision would go unnoticed by Dante and Griffon.

Shadow took a steady step forward and willingly dipped his head against Vergil’s hand, the actions sparking a slideshow of recollections within Vergil’s mind of the ease with which V showed affection to the large familiar. Following the curve of Shadow’s head, Vergil settled his hand across the back of his neck, rubbing the fur there almost absent-mindedly as he felt the demonic energy crackle against his fingertips.

“-and we are FUCKED!”

The loud voice of Griffon cut across his musings and Vergil once again focussed on the discussion between his twin and the demon bird.

“Can’t you go find another person to leech on to?” Dante asked, leaning on his hilt of his sword as he offered the solution.

“We were reborn and moulded from Vergil’s nightm- I mean V’s memories,” Griffon caught himself quickly but the near mention of his experiences was enough to make Vergil twitch slightly, “and we can’t be bound to anyone else.”

“Is that why you were able to call me here?” It was a question, but Vergil already knew the answer.

“Yeah. V bonded with us and that bond was never truly severed by him before he reformed. It’s why we’re still kicking even after Dante banished us here.”

Dante shrugged off the accusation.

“I play hard, little chicken.” He turned to face Vergil, “Hey, Verge, you want to bring these pets home? They did try to kill me but that just puts them on the same level as everyone else at work.”

Put on the backfoot by the sudden choice, Vergil peered hard at the pair of familiars. Griffon held his head high, ready for the rejection which he suspected was coming, while Shadow stood passively, his large and intelligent eyes flicking between both Dante and Vergil as he also awaited an answer.

As a human, he had formed a bond with these creatures, a companionship which he had rarely experienced across his life. As a demon, he had fought aside them, all agents of Mundus and forced to do his bidding.

They were powerful familiars; able to kill their own with ease and skilled enough to keep himself alive when he was little more than a decaying form. Loyal to him alone, they had been formed of his nightmares but soon worked to keep those nightmares at bay as they protected him.

At the very least, they had earned the right to live.

“If I recognise the bond then you are bound to me forever,” Vergil spoke quietly, “you know the process is irreversible. You should not have even survived the first separation.” His eyes landed on Shadow and he awaited a response.

Shadow gave another slow blink, showing his understanding of the statement and what it meant.

“And you?”

Griffon extended his wings.

“Better alive and bonded, than dead and hunted.”

“Can we get this show on the road?” Cutting into the discussion, Dante checked an imaginary watch as he glanced at and tapped his wrist. “These soppy reconciliations are too much for me.”

Despite the teasing tone, Vergil understood that Dante was trying to help. Emotional displays were not something either twin particularly enjoyed.

Placing a hand on Shadow’s head and the familiar weight of Griffon settled on his extended forearm, Vergil tugged on the residual feelings which had brought him to this area in the first place. Now understanding what it was, it was easy to find the thin tendrils of the bond which only loosely tied the two demons to his energy.

Summoning energy from within his demonic core, Vergil passed some of the energy into the tendrils strengthening them as he focused on the sensation of his connection to both familiars. The hair on his arms raised and a tingle danced along his skin for a moment as the magical contract formed around their forms and was sealed.

The two demons were now bound to him as familiars until his death; at which point their demonic energy would extinguish and they would perish at his side. As long as he drew breath, his familiars would exist across both the underworld and above.

“Well,” Dante muttered, “that wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be. I was expecting fireworks.” Groaning as he extended his arms into a lazy stretch, his deceptively smart gaze landed on Vergil, “How’s it feel?”

Tilting his head as he smoothed out his coat, Vergil took stock of his mental state. It had been a while since he had to use his demonic energy for anything other than his devil trigger so it was interesting to have the sensation of electricity dancing through his nerves without the accompanying transformation. His senses were balanced and he could feel both Shadow and Griffon, almost like shades within his mind, and he was able to feel that not only were both in his immediate area but that they were also in good health.

It was strange, but it was not a negative feeling and he lowered his arm to allow Griffon to fly off.

“Acceptable.”

“Well, that was fun!” Griffon called out, swooping overhead, “Gotta say, I though Shadown and I were screwed there, V.”

V.

He was not V anymore.

Nor was he the demon king Urizen.

But as he stroked a hand along the ridges of Shadow’s spine and admired the surprisingly soft fur of the demon familiar, Vergil found that he did not have the energy to correct Griffon.

Not that the bird would ever listen to him.

AO3 Link

[losangelesvalorant]

all 2020 roster moves (current feb 4)

also has coaching and talent team changes. lmk if there’s anything i missed so i can edit in the correction

Talent Team

2019 casters: uber/mr. x, achilios/wolf, semmler/hex, doa/montecristo

new casters: zp/jake, bren/sideshow, jaws (duo w hex)

2019 desk members: bren, sideshow, soe, malik, puckett (kinda, he’s in a similar position to goldenboy where theyll probably hire him for some events)

new desk members: custa, reinforce

Atlanta Reign

2019 roster: ⚔️ babybay, erster, nlaaer / 🛡️ pokpo, daco, frd, gator / 💉dogman, masaa, funnyastro

New additions: ⚔️ edison, sharp / 🛡️ hawk / 💉 fire, kodak

2019 coaches: sephy, silence, casores

new coaches: mentalist

Boston Uprising

2019 roster: ⚔️ blasé, colourhex, stellar / 🛡️ fusions, rck, axxiom /💉 kellex, persia, aimgod, alemao

New additions: ⚔️ jerry, munchkin / 🛡️ brussen, mouffin (2-way) /💉 swimmer, myunbong

2019 coaches: gunba, shake, mini

new coaches: mineral, ilka, ascoft

Chengdu Hunters

2019 roster: ⚔️ yangxiaolong, jinmu, baconjack / 🛡️ ameng, lateyoung, jiqiren, elsa /💉 yveltal, kyo, garry (moved to coach)

New additions: ⚔️ leave / 🛡️ ating / 💉 lensa, molly

2019 coaches: rui, ray

new coaches: dokkaebi, garry

Dallas Fuel

2019 roster: ⚔️ akm, zachareee, taimou / 🛡️ oge, note, trill, mickie /💉 closer, unkoe, harryhook

New additions: ⚔️ decay, doha / 🛡️ gamsu / 💉 crimzo

2019 coaches:  aero, tikatee, vol’jin, jayne, daemon

new coaches: yong

Florida Mayhem

changed colors to black primary pink secondary neon blue tertiary

2019 roster: ⚔️ sayaplayer, bqb, dpi / 🛡️ fate, gargoyle, xepher, karayan, swon /💉 kris, hagopeun, byrem, rain

New additions: ⚔️ yaki /💉 gangnamjin

2019 coaches: unread, kh1, ryuu, insight

new coaches: dox, kuki

Guangzhou Charge

2019 roster: ⚔️ nero, happy, eileen / 🛡️ rio, fragi, hotba, bischu /💉 chara, shu, onlywish, rise

New additions: 🛡️ cr0ng /💉 wya, neptuno

2019 coaches:  cassis, cuddles, j1n, sungwoo, tydolla, curryshot

new coaches: creed

Hangzhou Spark

2019 roster: ⚔️ godsb, adora, sasin, bazzi, krystal / 🛡️ guxue, ria, nosmite /💉 bebe, idk, revenge

New additions: ⚔️ [1 unannounced player] /💉 coldest, m1ka

2019 coaches:  u4, mask, sup7eme

new coaches: yeah

Houston Outlaws

2019 roster: ⚔️ jake, danteh, linkzr, arhan / 🛡️ muma, coolmatt, spree /💉 rawkus, boink, bani

New additions: ⚔️ hydration, blasé / 🛡️ meko /💉 rapel, jecse

2019 coaches: tairong, clockwork, hyunwoo

new coaches: harsha, hooreg, dream

London Spitfire

2019 roster: ⚔️ profit, birdring, guard / 🛡️ gesture, fury /💉 krillin, nus, quatermain, bdosin

New additions: ⚔️ glister, schwi, although, babel / 🛡️ jmac, jihun, clestyn, bernar /💉 highly, sanguinar, fuze

2019 coaches: coach815, jfeel, agape

new coaches: pavane, twinkl, awesomeguy

Los Angeles Gladiators

2019 roster: ⚔️ surefour, decay, hydration / 🛡️ roar, void, panker /💉 shaz, biggoose, ripa

New additions: ⚔️ birdring, mirror, jaru / 🛡️ oge, lhcloudy, space, bischu /💉 paintbrush

2019 coaches: dpei, tim, johngalt, faustus

new coaches: curryshot, face

Los Angeles Valiant

changed colors from dark green primary to electric blue primary

2019 roster: ⚔️ KSF, agilities, shax / 🛡️ fctfctn, space, mcgravy /💉 custa, kariv

New additions: ⚔️ apply, ksp / 🛡️ dreamer, gig / 💉 rain, slur, lastro

2019 coaches: packing10, stoop, reprize

new coaches: gunba

New York Excelsior

2019 roster: ⚔️ nenne, libero, saebyeolbe, fl0w3r, pine / 🛡️ mano, meko /💉 anamo, jjonak

New additions: ⚔️ whoru / 🛡️ hotba, bianca /💉 mandu

2019 coaches: pavane, imt, garrincha

new coaches: whynot

Paris Eternal

2019 roster: ⚔️ soon, shadowburn, nicogdh, danye / 🛡️ lhcloudy, finnsi, benbest /💉 kruise, greyy, hyp

New additions: ⚔️ sp9rk1e, xzi / 🛡️ nosmite, hanbin, smex /💉 fdgod

2019 coaches: fefe, kyky, seita

new coaches: aid, levi, rush, ninek

Philadelphia Fusion

2019 roster: ⚔️ eqo, carpe, kyb, snillo / 🛡️ sado, poko /💉 boombox, neptuno, elk

New additions: ⚔️ ivy, heesu, chipsa / 🛡️ fury /💉 alarm, funnyastro

2019 coaches: hayes, namedhwi, christfer

new coaches: kdg, mobydik, seita

San Francisco Shock

changed primary color to black, secondary to grey, tertiary to orange

2019 roster: ⚔️ sinatraa, rascal, architect, striker / 🛡️ smurf, super, choihyobin, nevix /💉 moth, viol2t

New additions: ⚔️ ans

2019 coaches: crusty, junkbuck, ninek

new coaches: arachne

Seoul Dynasty

2019 roster: ⚔️ fleta, fits, illicit / 🛡️ marve1, michelle, zunba /💉 ryujehong, tobi, jecse, highly

New additions: ⚔️ profit / 🛡️ gesture /💉 creative, bdosin

2019 coaches: kdg, changgoon, whynot, racoonPanda

new coaches: bongwoori, dorong, wizardhyeong, mma

Shanghai Dragons

2019 roster: ⚔️ dding, youngjin, diem, diya / 🛡️ gamsu, envy, geguri /💉 coma, luffy, izayaki

New additions: ⚔️ fleta, lip / 🛡️ stand1, void, fearless /💉 leejaegon

2019 coaches: bluehas, levi, creed

new coaches: dongsu, jfeel, moon

Toronto Defiant

2019 roster: ⚔️ logix, ivy, mangachu (moved to 2-way player), im37 / 🛡️ yakpung, gods, sharyk /💉 neko, aid, roky (moved to 2-way player)

New additions: ⚔️ surefour, agilities / 🛡️ beast, nevix /💉 kariv, kellex

2019 coaches: bishop, optidox, mobydik

new coaches: lilbow, albless, fefe

Vancouver Titans

2019 roster: ⚔️ haksal, hooreg, seominsoo, stitch / 🛡️ bumper, tizi, jjanu /💉 slime, twilight, rapel

New additions: 🛡️ fissure /💉 ryujehong

2019 coaches: pajion, yang1, harsha

new coaches: none

Washington Justice

2019 roster: ⚔️ corey, stratus, ado / 🛡️ janus, sansam, lullsish, ellivote /💉 ark, gido, sleepy, hyeonu, fahzix

New additions: ⚔️ ttuba / 🛡️ roar /💉 aimgod

2019 coaches: wizardhyeong, avalla, mkl, shrugger

new coaches:  bani, johngalt, sup7eme, wiz

[mandysxmuses]

✘ for all your muses (Keeper and non)

“Honestly, I have the greatest fear of losing my power to something as simple as guilt. … Why am I talking about my weaknesses in front of grey creatures? They love weaknesses.”

“I dunno, I’m freaked out by lots of stuff. I get frightened real easy now, and I hate it, ‘cause – ‘cause most people aren’t really scared of lightning and thunder and stuff, but it can shake me up for a bit now. I haven’t really told anybody but Pony about it, ‘cause being so scared of that kinda thing ain’t tough… or tuff. It’s just noise…”

“I mean, I’m disturbed by those Socs. And not just the way they dress, haha – uh – that was a joke, but, uh … what they’ve been doing lately isn’t. Beating the tar out of Johnny? Nearly cuttin’ Pony’s throat like a stuck pig? And you better believe if someone like Pony or Johnny died, they’d get blamed for jumping those guys when they weren’t hurting anybody or just walking home. … ‘Nough of that stuff, though.”

“I’m quite disturbed by existential horror; I suppose everyone is, though. The fact it’s called horror should indicate it’s disturbing.”

“Okay, this is gonna sound way stupid, but… I have a huge fear of dogs? I don’t know why. We’ve never even owned a dog, not even a small one, and… I don’t remember being bitten by one at any point… but seeing them, especially the big ones – dogs really freak me out.”

“Hmmm… I suppose… that hag scares me. Well – she did – until she died. Some of her ideas were absolutely ridiculous, and she had quite the following. … But others were quite … use-ful.”

“Uhh… I guess… I know it’s super obvious. But losing people I love really scares me? I’ve already experienced loss multiple times, and… that’s the thing about it. It’s an unavoidable fear, because … you know it’s going to happen again. You know, if you love someone, that they’re going to die or leave at some point. And if they don’t, you’re going to. It just – it’s … so …”

“I’m scared of… of- of not being… enough for my Mama. … I already know I’m never gonna be enough for anyone else. … But - But Mama loves me. She just wants to make sure I’m okay, even if – even if I am okay and she doesn’t know it, and … sometimes when I’m sure I’m doing something right… sorry. Sorry, sorry… it’s just – I’m starting to think I’ll never be enough for her either…”

“Something that disturbs me? I do the disturbing. … Ummm – I guess, you could say, for reasons that have NOTHING to do with ANYTHING, I don’t like rocks.”

“Ohh gosh. Uh. I hate to say it – because I also think the ability is SUPER cool! But – Seth’s mouth does this reeeeeeeeally disturbing thing where it like, opens up like a snake? … Which is cool on a snake. But when you see it on a demon that’s as big as Seth, it starts looking a lot freakier.”

Damien clears his throat. “I’m disturbed that I haven’t lit something on fire today. And that people don’t allow me to set things on fire sometimes, what the fuck?! The school’s too strict about that.”

“… I think it should go without saying that if I were to find a girl in my condition that went through what I did, I would NOT have put her through anything that was supposed to ‘help’ at the asylum. What happened there was disturbing. I might be mad – but I’m not wrong to find the conditions and supposed ‘treatments’ there abominable, am I?!”

“I’m disturbed by just how many children out there need homes. It hurts, knowing I can’t help them all, but I suppose one mansion can’t be filled with millions of children …”

“Have you ever seen a fetus?” Alex said bluntly. “The drawings of those things look creepy.”

“The fact that the Sanctus guy my daddy worked for had such a big following. Drinkin’ the kool-aid for Sparda, I guess you could say – but not all of those people that got involved were willing, either. Good ol’ bug-brains – uh, sorry, Nero told me he looked like a bug and I believe it – he, uh, experimented on random people and how demonic stuff affected ‘em. Some of the details are in the Order docs. He doesn’t explicitly say he did it, but he drops some information and th-then you start to think: ‘how did he know that’?”

Ruby sighs softly. “I guess I’m frightened by … mmmh… static. I don’t like the sound of static. Listening to it for more than ten seconds really starts to unnerve me …”

Frank examines his knife uncomfortably. “… It’s rude to talk about it like this, but … let’s just say there’s … something out there … that really doesn’t like it when I don’t deal with smartasses fast enough.”

“…” Claudette looks anxiously about. “Isn’t this whole place disturbing? You … don’t expect me to pick just one thing about it, do you?”

Dwight sighs. “Back before all this, I was never accepted by anyone. And now that I have to make a stand or die – I’m just worried I’m going to fail them even further. Now their lives are at stake if I’m not enough.”

“That malfested curse can come for anyone. That’s really frightening – but I am strong.”

“… I don’t want to tell you people. I’ve heard dreadful things about you people. … Don’t do anything with Moti unless it’s going to make him happy.”

“What disturbs me is that you woke me up from a perfectly good nap for this.”

Giles narrows his eyes. “What’s reeeeally freaky is that foxes can look like naked human women, apparently. …!! I KNOW HOW FUCKIN’ INSANE THAT SOUNDED, HOLD UP–”

AND NOW FOR THE KEEPERS OOF SORRY

“… Me. … Mostly me, I, uh, I kinda suck. … And I know how to fix it, too, but I don’t, because I have it good. … Which is another reason I kinda suck.”

“Sometimes, people are gonna hate you JUST because you exist. No other reason. You just exist, and do nothing to – to i-inconvenience anyone, but then they hate you just because you’re there. You’re born. You breathe. And you’re nobody.”

“… Sometimes, people don’t care that you exist. … People that used to be your friends. … And you get to watch them have fun and interact, while you get the pleasure of announcing what they’re doing while you sit in isolation. The best part’s when they tell you to leave your post constantly, and happily remind you – and this is verbatim – that your ‘job’ you keep doing to keep yourself going doesn’t even matter. … Peasants, all of them, peasants, I don’t care. I don’t care. I DON’T CARE.”

“Nothing really gets to me now? At least, I don’t feel much at all when others get hurt. I don’t care that people don’t like me. I guess, uh, being as weak as them would scare me? But who gives a shit, really? I’m not. And if I was, I still wouldn’t feel bad.”

“I… exist… to die. … Isn’t that disturbing? … Renee’s the only one who seems to notice if I’m around … and … I’m just gonna keep dying for people, over and over and over.”

“Literally EVERYTHING about the Void frightens me. Even though I have the same powers Jemand has, I’ve tried things to fix it, and I – I can’t. I just can’t. I can’t change the boys, I’ve tried, I can’t, and – and the game is so fucked up, and so in their favor. What can the Keepers do?”

Verheiler’s ears flatten. “Todlich… and… knives. I refuse to have any metal cutlery in my cabin now.”

“I literally turn into a giant, bloodthirsty, uncontrollable and invincible beast and night and EAT PEOPLE.”

“… I get the feeling most of us are just going to describe our purposes for this; so I’ll put it bluntly: the Void disturbs me.”

“Sometimes I see somethin’ under th’ water. And it… it ain’t lookin’ pretty.”

“I’m scared of losing Silber.”

“Noooo way, Schnell! I’m scared of losing YOU!”

“YOOOO!”

[frostbitten-winter]

Doodle dump

[puttingfingerstokeys]

[untitled]

Nanowrimo day 17 Featuring Dante from the Devil May Cry(tm) series, and Vergil Dark fantasy, horror, demon...shit? Devil May Cry, violence, hell stuff, implied nonconsensual stuff Unfinished and unedited

“Ya think we did the right thing, Verg’? Leavin’ the kid behind like that, I mean…” Dante wasn’t the kind of man who doubted himself often. His decisions were, in general, ironclad. At the very least, he was an individual of particularly steely character and was more than content to live with his mistakes. He was even content to live with others’ mistakes. 

“Yes,” came the short, sharp response. To Vergil, there was no other option. Hell was not a place for a young man with a family. He did not know the girl, but he understood that Nero was very fond of her. Leaving Kyrie behind would have devastated her. Humans are fragile creatures, he mused coldly, forgetting conveniently, at least for the moment, the he was half human himself. It was easy to forget that here in this dark place of discordant energy.

It was a plane of lightless eternity, stretching out in all directions. Walking one way often yielded other terrain, but nothing remotely resembling something alive. Pools of blood stood stagnant where a puddle might have been in the human world. Blood rained from the sky above, which looked at times like the vaulted ceiling of a massive cave and other times resembled a vast expanse of void. 

As lonely as it was, they were always being watched. Once the Qliphoth had been destroyed, the demonic attacks had all but subsided and the brothers found themselves hunting the beasts for sport. They ran at the very sound of the twins’ voices. It was becoming monotonous. 

“Just ‘yes’? No monologue?” 

“Did you want one?” Vergil’s patience was perpetually wearing thin. Dante knew this damn well and prodded every chance he got. He loved getting a rise out of Vergil, seeing the color appear on sharp cheekbones and the set of his handsome jaw. It meant the guy was alive and that he could feel. That he had always been able to did not escape Dante; it was not for himself that he did this. Vergil needed to know and remember that he, too, was a half-breed, more than capable of feeling loss and love and everything that came with being a living, breathing being. 

Despite what he had done, Dante had long since forgiven him, regardless of whether or not the man had asked. Dante knew he never would and so was not waiting for it. He had simply resolved in his mind to let it all go, to toss it aside like so much chaff that simply did not matter in the grand grinding wheel of their lives. He was just glad to be with Vergil. 

“Okay fine,” Dante conceded, shrugging and lifting his arms to arch his back and stretch as they walked the lonely, empty plains of the demon world. 

The ease of his concession had Vergil on edge almost instantly. Dante never gave up like that. There had to be something more to it. He was always playing games. Each movement was part of an elaborate dance step that only Dante himself seemed to know and he was not sharing. Vergil never would have admitted to anyone but himself (and even that admission was skeletal) that his brother had always enraptured and fascinated him. 

“You’re giving up…?” Vergil was poking the hornet’s nest now, but his own incessant curiosity would not allow him to leave well enough alone. They were alike in this, yet another fact he would never admit to anyone, and it chafed him something fierce. That he could not control it only served to further irk Vergil. 

“Yup,” responded Dante, popping the final letter for extra emphasis. “You clearly don’t wanna elaborate, so who am I to prod?” 

You always prod! Vergil’s mind screamed. Through sheer force of his not inconsiderably willpower, Vergil managed not to say a word and grunted instead, nodding minutely as if utterly uninterested in Dante’s lack of interest. This, too, was part of the game. How long could each brother hold out? Who would emerge victorious? Everything was a contest between the two of them. Everything.

Overhead, the “sky” or whatever it was, rumbled with a hollow, metallic sort of intonation. The blood rain was incoming. Vergil disliked the feeling of it on his skin and clothes and immediately scanned the area with a practiced eye for some clue to the direction of a cave or even a feeble outcropping underneath which they could take shelter. A tug on his elbow alerted him that Dante had caught sight of such a place and indeed, when Vergil turned his attention, Dante was already jogging that way.

The rumble resounded again, sounding more like a growl than any kind of storm. Vergil ducked into the cave opening just as the first red, stinking droplets began to fall. He grimaced and crouched near the entrance, watching it fall across the seemingly uninhabited landscape. This was nothing like he remembered it, but then, maybe it was because he was with Dante. The demon world had a tendency to shift, depending on the mental state (and physical state) of its occupants. Perhaps he was seeing this version because he was not actually dead. The theories were endless, but right now, he had neither the desire nor the equipment to test them. Instead of bothering with it, therefore, Vergil settled back, propping Yamato on his shoulder and turning his attention to Dante, who was similarly enraptured with the strange scenery.

The cave itself was supremely dark, though not terribly deep. Given the demons’ fear of them, it was unlikely to be occupied. That was all the better for anything that might have wanted to live here, because Dante and Vergil would have made quick work of it. 

“Last time I was here, it was a whole lot hotter,” Dante said, as if speaking only to himself. Vergil’s brow rose. 

“You were here?” 

“Well, if here is the demon world or whatever… and if it’s the same one every time, though I’m really kinda startin’ to doubt that right about now…. Then yeah, I was. It was probably twenty years ago, though.”

Vergil wondered how someone like Dante ended up here. They had made war upon each other in a nexus-like half-plane, essentially within the hellgate bridge created by the Temen-ni-Gru around thirty years prior. Between then and now, Vergil had spent all of his time here, save the last month or so. He, therefore, should have been the authority on the demon world and its denizens and manifestations. He was not. 

“I barely remember it, honestly,” Dante added after a moment, in a tone that suggested not only did he remember it vividly, but it plagued him whenever he closed his eyes, haunted his nightmares, and infected his waking world when he wasn’t otherwise occupied. Vergil did not press. He was the last person to judge based on that. 

“You followed something in, I’ll assume,” Vergil supplied. This coaxing manner was rather in the same vein as Dante’s prodding. It had a similar result, in general, anyway. When he saw Dante nod, he knew he had struck some kind of chord. “A demon, or…”

“I don’t know what it was, Vergil,” the response was sharp, harder than Dante had intended and he withdrew a moment with a mumbled few words that sounded like “it doesn’t matter”. Vergil laughed through his nose, the sound muted by the rain outside. Nothing Dante had experienced in this horrid place could have possibly held a candle to the torments Vergil had suffered. That was a matter of time spent here, rather than opinion. But Vergil was not about to play pain olympics with something that clearly distressed his brother. Any other time, he might have mocked and jeered, in his way, but right now, that felt… wrong.

“You’ve gone willingly into the demon world twice,” Vergil pointed out. The Temen-ni-Gru had not been fully submerged, as it were, and whatever Dante had found during his battle with Mundus had been similarly positioned, a sort of Hell Lite. Mundus had been trying to push through, in all fairness, so Dante had not been forced to immerse himself. That was fortunate, because the area where the demon king Mundus held court was far worse than wherever the Qliphoth’s branches had been positioned. This place was a paradise, all things considered. 

“So have you,” Dante pointed out, his tone softening from the defensive, choked timbre it had taken on when Vergil tried coaxing a story or two out of him. That he was so reticent to share said all that was needed on the subject of how much it had affected him. Dante’s fearless, indomitable spirit had shone through just about everything life had thrown at him. Clearly this was just a step farther than he was able to push himself. Everyone has their limits, Vergil reasoned, I guess he does, too.

It was a strange thought, considering his insufferable twin was… well, insufferable, incorrigible, and constantly ready, willing, and able to dog Vergil’s every movement. He guessed that, in a way, he had invited this attention upon himself, given his propensity for causing havoc, not least of which had been his mad grab for power, planting the Qliphoth and siccing it on a city full of strangers. He did not think of them as innocents, however; even now, they were merely faceless nobodies. Dante would not change his mind on that, either.

Point of fact, it had been finding out he had a son which had called a halt upon his machinations. Vergil had suspected nothing. It had been V, whose humanity had shown him the life that Dante had built and the impact he was having on the world, carrying on Sparda’s legacy of protection for the humans, who had planted that seed of doubt and hesitance in his heart. Dante had driven the final nail into that particular coffin by telling Vergil who Nero really was. 

“You really get around,” Dante jested, chuckling and watching the blood rain fall outside. It was forming puddles already, sticky, coagulated things which stunk something fierce. He thought he would become accustomed to the smell eventually, but he never did. Blood stank, plain and simple.

“Did I?” Vergil’s tone warned Dante not to push, that he knew what the man was doing. Dante figured it was tit for tat and if Vergil was going to tease at his time in the demon world, it was only fair he should do the same of Vergil’s most sensitive subject. Of course, it was really only a guess which led Dante to conclude that this was such a sore spot, but if he knew Vergil at all (and he absolutely did) he was about to hit the proverbial nail on the head… repeatedly.

“Sure,” Dante reasoned casually. “I mean sometime between playing Gilver and stuffing a giant tower in the middle of my city, right?”

He was referring, of course, to Vergil’s time on Fortuna which had somehow produced Nero. Dante was curious about this, as he suspected, was Nero. The kid, however, had not had time to ask his father about it and Dante suspected that, rough as Nero was, he was too tactful and maybe a little too stubborn to simply bring it up.

“I acquired knowledge of the occult and the book which Arkham carried that detailed the formulae and necessary items to raise Temen-ni-Gru,” said Vergil, his voice taking on a clinical coldness. He was shutting down, Dante could sense that much. He reached out and patted his brother’s thigh from his position across the small cave. 

“Hey, dude, relax… Like I said, we were all young, once, right?” This, he meant with sincerity, his way of raising a white flag. Curiosity was pushing at him, but his adoration for Vergil was winning out. Dante was simply glad to have the man back after all these years. When it did come to blows, he wanted it to be for a better reason. 

Vergil’s gaze was sharp for a moment before he closed his eyes and turned his head to face the cave entrance. Hollow thunder resounded overhead and the world flashed with whatever passed for lightning in the realm of demons. Only when his sight was completely diverted did he open his eyes, a faraway look in them Dante could not see, but which might have broken his heart. 

“I don’t remember it.”

“You don’t… what?” Suddenly, the hand on Vergil’s thigh was tight. Dante’s mind had immediately leapt to the worst set of circumstances. He released his grasp only when Vergil’s gaze returned to him and he finally saw that look of melancholy. Dante drew back and crossed his arms, as if to protect himself. 

“Did I stutter?”

“No, but… Listen I…” There was a prime opportunity for a reference to Vergil’s lack of alcohol tolerance, but Dante wasn’t even going to attempt that. It felt wrong. One accidental drunk night did not sound like Vergil.

“There are gaps,” he said, “in my mind… things that weren’t convenient for me to know. Mundus removed them.” The delivery was simple, and all the worse for that simplicity. Vergil did not dress anything up, did not elaborate. He merely stated fact. “Our childhood has been… edited. I assume whatever happened on Fortuna was, as well, because there was no… woman.”

[kapisola-archived]

Start Anew - pt. 17

(1 out of 4)

Emerging out of the lightless void that was the crossroads between realms, Allisae found herself back in the clearing deep within the Foloi forest, standing at the center of the sigils she’d carved into the ground, the rest of the stones untouched save for the one she’d burned to bring herself to Hades’ domain.

The feeling of his presence lifted off her skin as the world breathed around her, like a residue being washed away, but she could still feel his hands on her body. Everything he’d done to her, the ghost of his touch crept out from the memories long-buried like maggots wriggling out of a shallow grave.

Allisae dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around herself as she took a moment to recollect her mind, sucking in a deep breath. 

She did it. That’s what mattered. She was out. And soon her siblings would be free from Charidynn. Though, Charidynn would soon be free from---

Her phone began to ring atop the treestump she’d left it on, snapping her from her thoughts. She was meant to call Avelan as soon as her part was complete, but that ringtone wasn’t the one she’d assigned to her brother’s number.

“...Wynn?”

She answered with a worried hello, but the only response she got was a cold silence before the line went dead. The sound of the dial tone sent her heart sinking into the pit of her stomach.

Panicked, Allisae fumbled to pull Avelan’s number up. Something had happened with Wynn and Riliane, no doubt. She could feel it in her bones. Nero as well, if he had already gone to see them. 

She had to warn Avelan, and tell him that Charidynn was going to be freed much sooner than expected. But before she could press call, a dark gust of wind whipped past her and suddenly her hand was empty.

“Why so busy, Big Sister?”

The voice was almost sultry, slithery in the way the words spun through the air and when Allisae looked to put a face to it, it was almost as though she were looking at Riliane’s double. Fair skin, hair as black as night. But the woman had eyes far too dark, and unlike Riliane who had about her a stiff grace, the woman seemed to move like water.

Big sister...?

Allisae could sense no magic signature to that of a Merlow, though there was something that felt familiar. There was no chance to read any deeper into the her aura before the she lunged forward, her thin face turning pale-white and lizard-like.

Allisaed ducked out the way, narrowly avoiding being caught in the grasp of a large, clawed hand. One of several, she found, as she looked at the beast that the woman had shifted into: a winged, snake-like animal about 30 meters in length and more legs than Allisae could count in the moment before the beast turned her head.

There’s a slight ringing in Allisae’s left ear, and for half a second she could see the fanged mouth open before it actually happened. 

She successfully evades the black fire that comes blasting out of the dragon’s throat. And the ground rumbles briefly before thick green tendrils shoot out and wrap around the beast’s maws, clamping it shut. More emerge to coil tight along body the body, binding all six pairs of legs.

But they disintegrate within seconds, melting into blackened sludge.

“It was hard finding you, Big Sister~” The mouth didn’t move along with the words, they simply echoed through the air.  “Think of how proud Father will be when I surprise him with you!”

When she lunged forward again, roots, darker and sharper, rose out of the earth and skewered her in areas non-fatal. There was only so much Allisae could actually do wile trying to remember her oath or fearing what would happen if she were to lose herself to Gaea’s influence.

At the very least the beast was held in place, but the roots that kept her still began to decay as well, sizzling where they touched skin thick with slime. 

The beast opened its mouth again, splaying another blast of fire. Allisae ran off, taking cover behind trees, running deeper into the wood to hide.

There was no time to deal with this! Charidynn would be free within the hour, she had to warn Avelan! 

When the fire stopped, Allisae dared to peek out from her hiding place to steal a glance around, searching for where the woman might have dropped her phone before shifting. 

It was there, in the middle of the clearing, with the beast standing over it, tongue slithering out through sharp teeth as though tasting the air for a scent.

Upon reading the beast’s auras once more, Allisae gasped, realizing why it seemed so familiar.

She was made just like Taeseong.

[satoshi-mochida]

Capcom debuted a new trailer for Devil May Cry 5 at The Game Awards 2018, as well as announced new information including an Xbox One-exclusive demo due out on December 7, how new character V plays, the return of Bloody Palace Mode, and an online cooperative mode.

Get the details below.

First Demo

At The Game Awards in Los Angeles, Capcom and Microsoft revealed that the first Devil May Cry 5 demo will be available for download exclusively on the Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One X starting tomorrow, December 7. This smokin’, sexy, stylish demo sees players assume the role of young demon hunter Nero on the streets of Red Grave City as he takes on several demons including the Mighty Goliath in the eternal battle between the forces of good and evil. Players can execute devastating attacks on enemies using Nero’s special Devil Breaker arms designed by his partner in crime and self-professed “weapons artist” Nico. Combined with melee attacks using his ‘Red Queen’ sword and the long range firepower of his ‘Blue Rose’ handgun, the power of Nero’s Devil Breaker arms make the dramatic, adrenaline-fuelled action even more thrilling. This exclusive Xbox One demo gives players their first taste of what to expect when the iconic action series Devil May Cry returns with the launch of the full game on March 8, 2019.

V Details

Viewers of The Game Awards were also treated to the first details of the mysterious character V. V may appear weak next to Nero and Dante, but he has the ability to unleash a unique fighting style that sees him summon three different demons to assist in battle:

Shadow – A swift, four-legged panther-like creature with savage agility that sees him change his shape into sharp blades and needles for perfectly executed close-range attacks

Griffon – A bird-like demon possessing aerial combat skills which allows him to carry V across Red Grave City and shoot lightning bolts at enemies from up above

Nightmare – The most powerful of V’s demons. Nightmare’s gigantic size sees him destroy enemies with just his basic attack, and he can also fire beams of light to destroy any approaching foes.

Utilizing a combination of all three demons’ powers, players can take their enemies down to the brink of death, allowing V to swing into battle and finish them off with a devastating cane attack.

Bloody Palace Mode

Capcom is also pleased to confirm the return of fan-favorite Bloody Palace Mode. Coming to the game as a free update shortly after launch in April 2019, this extra quick-elimination mode pits players against hordes of fast-approaching enemies and bosses until they reach the end. Details on the Cameo System in Devil May Cry 5 were also revealed, where players’ worlds collide with other demon hunters. While online, other players can be seen making special guest appearances in the game as they battle other demons around Red Grave City – even joining in the battle in some cases. Players can rate each other’s cameos in-game by rating their gameplay “Stylish!” if they’re impressed by their SSStylish skills.

The game’s official website was also updated with new information and footage:

■ Characters

V, The Mysterious One

Book and cane in hand, this slender man appears covered in impressive tattoos. Before chaos fell upon Red Grave City, he sought out Dante through the information broker Morrison and tasked him to subdue a certain demon. V lacks the power to fight himself, instead relying on three demon familiars to take the offensive in battle.

—The Familiars, Shadow & Griffon

V’s combat potential is practically nonexistent, so he relies on these demons to lay waste to his foes—Shadow for close combat, and Griffon for ranged attacks. Once these two lay on enough pain, it’s up to V to put his enemies to rest with his trusty cane.

https://youtu.be/4AH0P4PEnxc

Shadow: This demon familiar usually takes the form of a quadruped beast, only to shapeshift into blades, needles, and all manner of nasty weapons to act as vanguard. Through Shadow, V can also move at faster speeds than normal.

Griffon: This avian monstrosity can always be found somewhere around V, usually flapping its beak with some inappropriate jab. Griffon brings the thunder with electrified long-range attacks, or can give V a lift if close by.

—Nightmare

V can unleash his full power to call upon this gargantuan demon.

When summoned, Nightmare may crash onto the battlefield like a meteorite, or burst through parts of the environment to heed the call. Its sluggish movements belie unsurpassable strength and nigh-invulnerability. Wherever Nightmare appears, its massive fists or brutal laser beams are the last thing enemies ever see.

https://youtu.be/EHYl0rMcb3Y

■ Systems

Cameo System

Destinies collide with the Cameo System!

In Devil May Cry 5, the three demon hunters walk the road of carnage.

This battle holds many crossroads, some of which bring these hunters (and sometimes players) together. Encounter players from all over the world, even battle alongside them in this new form of online play.

—During gameplay, players may sometimes observe their fellow Devil Hunters fighting in the distance. Such a sight might very well be another player connected online!

—Some missions may even have you and other players fight side-by-side. You never know who you’ll meet, so make it count!

—Names of encountered players will appear as special guest stars, and you can award “Stylish!” ratings to them for stellar gameplay. Rack up enough “Stylish!” ratings to get your hands on some Gold Orbs**.

Photo Mode

Immortalize awesome moments!

Move the camera freely to capture your favorite DMC moments. Take shots of beautiful backdrops, cool characters or blood-pumping brawls to show the world your eye for the incredible.

https://youtu.be/OH1huEf4hek

The Void

Train in the infinite abyss. Polish your demon-slaying skills in this special pocket dimension. Choose from any of the foes or weapons unlocked in the main game, set specific parameters, and practice your craft to your heart’s content.

https://youtu.be/lsWg7YuZzKQ

Bloody Palace

A test for the mighty? Or penance levied upon those who hunt devils? In April 2019, find out for yourself in a free update!

https://youtu.be/dxbcAzAh1hY

Devil May Cry 5 is due out for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on March 8, 2019.

Watch the trailer below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

[its-morphin-time-xiv]

TBH, I've always wanted to RP with your Belladonna, she seems interesting,but for quite some time now I've never been able to figure out who, or what, she is? I see a lot of what I'm guessing is the power rangers, as aesthetic posts and I've been trying to figure out how that would apply to FFXIV and its lore? I'm not accusing you of lore breaking, and even if you were it's your choice to play how you want! I'm merely just curious how she fits into the FFXIV world and what she is about. Help me?

Hello Anon! I’m actually really glad you asked, I know with how vague the blog itself is in regards to everything like who, or what she is. And quite frankly, Tags on posts aren’t helping either. The concerns or at the very least, curiosity in regards as to how “Power Rangers” fits into FFXIV Lore and the universe itself are entirely understandable, and I’m always more than willing to explain the reasoning as to why its here, or even how!

I’m more than willing to help explain things in a more clear and concise manner, now with that, please bear in mind that this post might be a touch lengthy, but I hope you understand and that this isn’t something that can be explained with full-clarity without getting down and dirty. I hope that by the end of it, some of the fog has been cleared! So without further ado… Let’s get started, shall we?

I’ll go ahead and place everything I’ve got under the cut, I hope you enjoy it!

–

I suppose we can start from the beginning and that, Bella, the initial character concept was created about… maybe two years ago. Three technically if you just count how long this blog has been standing. Initially, Bella is (was) a Thavnairian blooded hyur. Or rather, for a bit more clarification, is from an Island near Thavnair that could be and is considered part of the island.

Now that we’ve gotten an… okay grasp as to how long I’ve been working on this, we can properly start with things, like where she’s from, then we’ll move from there!

If I could place it on the global map we’ve been given of three continents it would be placed around here, right under the span of clouds within the red circle. 

Around there is a fairly good estimate of where I’ve placed the island she’s from, that island being “Gisana” (Yeah, totally original with names, i’m great.) [Not Really] Now, Gisana borrows very basic culture concepts of what Thavnair is, I use Morocco mixed with my own culture, which is Filipino. It’s bit of a homebrew, yes. I take influences from what we know, what we’ve been given, then I slip my own to fill in what gaps I need filled, if that makes any sense. 

Now, the island itself is a moderate size, nothing too extreme or anything like that. If anything? It’s about the size of one of the islands there, circled in blue. The island is surrounded by a maelstrom of whirlpools and actual maelstroms due to the unfortunate blend of the waters of The Bounty, and the Dorvos Narrow. Those two create fairly poor conditions for an island’s existence, so much so that the island lays in the ‘eye’ of an ever churning storm. 

Something I could equate it to visually, was the storm that surrounded Skull Island in the newest King Kong movie. (If you’ve ever seen that, it’s pretty cool). 

The storm itself on the outside and within the clouds were extremely rough, but any sailor with an actual heading and idea of how to travel through the treacherous waters or pilot grave enough to fly the hurricanes could make it through no problem. But solely due to that, this island gets left off the map fairly frequently, which is why it’s counted as nothing in particular outside from just a natural disaster waiting to happen.

Now the reason why the storm remains seemingly like a permanent constant is due to the fluctuations of the aether in the environment, being so turbulent and visceral. Far more than unmanageable than that of Eureka (The Isle of Val) [At least I think that’s what it was called]. 

Due to the fluctuations, the veil between this realm and the Void is thin, very much like how Eorzea is, except on a much more smaller yet just as dangerous scale of that. This meaning, that incursions of the void are more frequent on the island itself and solely on the island (not counting the water of course). 

That’s unfortunate for the inhabitants of the island, which Belladonna was one of them, as a child anyways. Now that’s essentially the ‘Fanon’ locale of where the Rangers essentially originated from. 

But not quite yet of where a Ranger comes from, per se. In order to do that, I’ll need to divert our attention back to the island, just a little bit. The Island has been present and weathered the passing of the Astral and Umbral eras ever since the age of Allag. And the people of the island have, through this time collected themselves and united to create one settlement, one city for themselves since they could not bear to leave their island home in the state it is. (That and the storm’s a thing too).

While forging themselves a forever home, they raised walls to keep the demons at bay and away from their people. But walls alone do not protect a fortress, so sometime ago, two of the most brilliant minds there sought to create a tool, a weapon, or even a shield of sorts to defend against the darkness that clawed at their doorstep. 

Now I mentioned that the island had been present since the fall of Allag, the “Tek” that the Rangers used are extremely basic in comparison as to what the old Empire had, but it uses old plans and even ideas that they could and would have used back then. Now, I say this because, Nero has a magitek transformation, and Gaius has a powered up transformation too! That only seemed to bolster my idea that or at the very least influence to m that the notion of ‘magitek morphers’ could and would be feasible. 

With this in mind and using it as my springboard, I use it to essentially state that the “Morphers” that they use are inherently modified Allagan devices if not further worked with and attuned for the uses that are needed, in regards to Gisana and it’s constant demon plight. 

Thusly, Ranger (suits) are created via the Morpher itself, first designed outside by an armorer, then the device essentially borrows the design/uses the armor itself and “stores” it within the device. Sort of like Aetherial de-materialization and re-materialization on the spot, via commands of magick incantations and actual magitek innerworkings. Alternatively, you could describe it like they would use a separate method entirely, like how Allagan teleportation nodes work, and it just gets -teleported- onto your person. Either one works honestly but it gets pretty… mumbojumbo at this point, but it’s a fair explanation on things, at least it is from my perspective. 

If that isn’t necessarily as clear as needed, I can further branch upon it, please let me know!

My idea for a city within a wall and the darkness beyond that was pretty inspired by The Last City in Destiny, while the island secluded away, only by natural disaster means was a mix of “Themyscira” and “Wakanda” but also “Skull Island”. More predominantly the latter most than the foremost.

The magitek morphers are also powered by not Ceruleum, but of crystals, more so hypercharged ones. (I am keenly aware of how dangerous that could be in a character/ situation.) But they’re handled on such a far and infantismal level that most characters hardly have to deal with it save for the scientists and Belladonna herself. Crystal shards get reduced and refitted down to be the size of a coin, a “Power Coin”, as it were. Much like how Power Rangers Zeo, Megaforce, Dinocharge, Dinothunder and Lost Galaxy exhibit their Ranger powers and the like. 

I like Lost Galaxy because they use ‘beast spirits’ along with crystals. I akin those to soul essences that are also required to properly use a Ranger’s armaments 

I hope its been clear, or at least a bit more digestible with this explanation! We’ve still got a little more!

So, lorewise this sits a bit snug in with essentially backdrop and background happenings that weren’t really… significant to anything stated already on the timeline. As the Eras passed, the island suffered, but still most encounters go unnoticed or unrecorded at all do to the hostile nature of the island’s environment surrounding it? Or the denizens within the water below. The island itself could and would become what essentially amounts to sailor’s tales, mysteries and myths you’d hear in passing at your sea-side Tavern. 

Sort of like tales of colorful beings in shimmering lights fighting harrowing beasts countless times. Stuff like that! 

Now, let’s take this back to our girl!

(Sorry, I just really love this picture.)

From here and below, if I can recall some writing that could pertain and assist with a bit more contextual understanding, I’ll make sure to link it with bold letters to identify!

But yes, as I stated prior, Bella is a character concept that’s been growing and evolving over the course of the past two years since her first… ‘creation’, in a sense. I suppose its also very important to note that much of her story is very much ‘The past doesn’t stay dead’ kind of thing. Some reading may or may not have figured that from my previous drabbles regarding Belladonna. Essentially, Belladonna, herself has been present and around for a long time now. Fifty or so years at the moment, regarding the Game’s Lore Timeline. 

That being, from an ooc standpoint, I  would run into… rather serious hurdles, regarding my personal life, and to cope, a new concept would be formulated. But I already have trouble playing more than one alt, in regards to RP, i am… poor at attempting it, but I am working on getting better at that. And so, at the time, Balmung was already locked forever™. And I truthfully only had one character to play for a long time. So instead of re-rolling my character and essentially ‘stranding’ myself as it were in regards to RP, I would.. just insert another chunk onto Bella’s timeline. If that makes sense. 

While yes, that is a poor maneuver some might say, it’s helped me, in all truthfulness create very memorable moments.  But that wouldn’t be without my friends who accept my ideas openly, without them? I might not even have this blog anymore. 

But anyways, before I get too far off-topic; Belladonna is a woman who has had a lot of history happen, solely through the past. And what you see now, are mostly new developments and new experiences. I guess you could say, a woman out-of-time, as a possible explanation. 

This, however doesn’t explain why she’s an elezen, and not a hyur, as she started, or even why I refer to her as “Mutant” in my writings a lot. You might be sighing and rolling your eyes, but please allow me to explain just a little bit longer. 

At her very core, she is still a ‘hyur’. But the reason she is an elezen now, is due to a unfortunate mishap during one of her adventures in which a voidal summoning turns hectic as a Succubus sought to inhabit Bella’s body. Her aether signature already being in turmoil and a rough state in general due to an Imperial sub-project that she subjected herself to in order to.. “keep up” and “combat” the things she fights with her comrades in arms.

She happened upon a very small trace and trail of the Empire’s workings through connections she had gained while living in Kugane and of her own brief Imperial service. 

The end result of the use of said ‘project’ gave Bella more drawbacks than features. Having lost all sense of pain, she can push past her would-be limits, even if it means self-harm. Her body wasn’t attuned or conditioned to any capacity for it to handle the testing done, so she now suffers a biological and ‘aetherial’ mutation. Since the project itself deal with matters of using Voidblood and essence to infuse Imperial conscripts / criminals with it for further service of the Imperial Banner. 

Learning to live with these new changes, such as biologically having.. a new spine extending from where your old one, being shorter, looking like wade wilson /after/ project x –

– like that, only y’know… “prettier” and with hair. Mildly like a mix of both Wade Wilson and Marrow, if you’ve ever seen them.

I don’t believe there’s any right to call it living, rather than just calling it suffering, because that’s truly what it was. She received extreme chronic pain from her mutations, and.. essentially she wanted an “out”. This was around the time she started really going back to her roots, her roots being… “Rangers”, and the island. 

Slowly, in time, despite the rather… negative results she had been given during her time home in an attempt to “cure” herself. And.. possibly to a degree, she got better. 

With her already weakened state, she looked to intense and darker means to try and find a way to rid herself of her “problems”. This eventually leading to the summoning and the disasters that came swiftly after. The Succubus, seeing her would-be host in no suitable condition to survive, took liberties and adjusted Bella to her liking. After all.. this is a succubus. The change itself was gradual, a hex on a very slow burn after the situation was resolved, albeit messy. 

Slowly she’d see height differences, skin cleansing but some things don’t go away, like the spine. That would learn to stay and not all of her wounds and scars from testing would disappear completely. So she sought after an ink artist, giving her tattoos that coincided along with her scars, some even masking out the worse ones. 

And now, she looks the way she looks. Tall, and a bit more happy too. 

—

Final Fantasy XIV’s Lore leaves a lot to be user interpreted, even with lorebooks being published. And with the Allagan empire and dark magicks abound, there’s still… lots of room to leave up and open to people to have some creative fun and freedom with. 

Knowing this, and using this, and even using the lines from the book(s) themselves, we can come up with amazing stories and do amazing things. All while still being.. in the relative realm of ‘grounded’ to its roots. 

[Here’s a link to her about page as well on her tumblr]

Belladonna Slater is a very… complicated character, she strives to learn her place in the world once more but also sees the past calling back to her to be a “Hero” again, hero being a very loose term now since she has grown from lawful neutral to that more of a chaotic neutral in response to just about everything that has happened to her.  

But I hope that.. me writing this as an answer to your ask, Anon, that this helps clear the air, if by only a little as to worries and or questions you had. I’d also like to note that this isn’t a complete character breakdown, there are still at least one or two elements of her ‘story’ that could be branched upon and explained if asked. 

If you’d like to know about them, you’re more than welcome to ask me, either through Tumblr inbox for the sake of anonymity or even in Tumblr DMs, Discord is also an option as well. 

I also do have a document that I have written out in regards to Ranger Corps. I can leave that in a link here below as well. However: The document itself hasn’t been edited or revised since May of this year, 2018. So there are revisions and slight edits to be made. I just haven’t sat down with the time to do it yet. But let it not discourage you from reading! 

Ranger Corps - Documents and Information 

Anon, I do hope this writing, both the answer to your ask and this document have been able to assuage some of your worries, or curiosities, rather. And if there is anything else from you, specifically, or from anyone else for that matter, that would like to know more, or have a specific question?

You are more than welcome to come and ping me for a conversation! 

I love being able to talk to new people, and well… I hope you’d like to talk to me too!

Thank you for your curiosity and question, Anon. 

I hope I was able to help.

– M

[voidsentprinces]

Voidsent Warden of Despair

What faith will you cling to when the very ground around you turns to dust? What hope will you have when all your friends, family, and loved ones vanish in an instance? When the one you looked up to succumbs to the dark. When all has failed and turned to ash? What can you say is done?

The Warden of Despair, has a singular goal. To ensure that the Voidsent Princes do not get out of hand. And to maintain balance in Eorzea by constantly being at odds with her savior. Even if that means she will have to slash his throat as many times as it takes to stop him from moving. No matter how brief a respite it might provide.

When the Warriors of Light in Tartarian were chosen. Two of these adventurers were stationed in the Church grounds when they gained their calling. The knight and his priestess. The priestess was chosen to be a crutch for the group. To maintain faith in the Mother Crystal and the light that shone. She was the lynchpin that held them together and the chain of fate that bound them.

She healed their wounds, bandaged their gashes, and enriched them with knowledge. Cheering and supporting them from behind the enemy’s lines. When the mage fell to Mammon. It was her who pushed the group on to fight the Great Serpent. To strike down the Daemon of Tindress. To combat the shadow as it slithered into the hearts of the desperate and down trodden. And even when the world fell into darkness, she held tight her faith. It was the only thing keeping her from being consumed by the void like the others had.

Falling unconscious in the deep, deep dark. Protected by her knight’s armor which became twisted as he consumed the dark to save her.

What he had become in exchange.

Having abandoned his light and sacrificed himself. She would awaken and keep her promise. As the last, untarnished Hydaelyn bearer from Tartarian. She followed the dark path her knight left behind and entered into Eorzea. Immediately she was able to smell seven scents of the dark. And the Mother Crystal would contact her stating that her new mission was to ensure the corruption didn’t spread.

The priestess traded staff for blade.

First she met the Prince of Envy. An insidious and malicious foe, the humanoid tainted form of the Great Serpent, her group faced in yore. On a battlefield near the very edges of La Nosca, that did battle. Blade and spear struck as a monsoon blew in. The prince calling upon the water to aid him and in turn the Warden called upon the light to pierce Envy’s heart. Painting her black armor red, she took his heart to ensure his obedience. Much to his chagrin.

Next, the tracked the Prince of Lust. A flamboyent and fiery soul. He was a simplier case as he merely wished to find his sister. Giving the Warden, his heart at her very firm request. Lust pointed her into the direction of the Black Shroud. The gloom only made by the presence of the Primal, Odin. Is where she ran into an old friend turned feral.

The ranger formerly a Warrior of Light was turned made and ravenous by consume voidsent flesh. For thirteen days and thirteen nights, the two matched wits. Hunting and being hunted by one another. Each one of them come close to killing the other. On the forteenth day, near the sylph encampments. She was able to finally ambush her tainted companion of old. Carving out his heart by losing her right arm in the process. As he devoured it up to the shoulder.

Luckily for her, the Voidsent Prince of Greed was a more willing sort than he was when her group came to seal him. Offering her, his support and heart as a sign of goodtidings. Even though he technically wore her mage companion as a meat suit. The next mark would take her months to track down. As they could only be tracked in her dreams.

Soon enough while laying under a Doman sky, she met the Voidsent Prince of Sloth. And after a game of riddles, which she barely managed to win. Belphagor gave her their heart and the schematics to a genius piece of magitech to replace her right arm. Bringing the design to Cid with a hefty bag of gil and a contract forcing him not to allow any other to use its design even threatening Nero at blade point to ensure it. She gained a new arm and went to the most difficult task.

Following the corpse pyres left behind in and around Ul’dah of gang members and criminal kingpins brutalized. She finally came face to face with Gekido, the Voidsent Prince of Wrath. And it was a long battle. For next nine months, the Warden would find herself in constant conflict with Gekido. Fighting his lackies, assassins, and people under his thumb. Coming close to dying herself when she faced his personal onslaught. But, she adapted and hardened. A previous woman of the cloth, becoming a veteran of the battlefield.

Cutting her way through a hundred score of minions and underlings and right hand men. Eventually facing off with Gekido one last time. The hulking beast of rage fighting and not letting up for a second. And she treating him in kind. Until at last her blade broken and her ribs were shattered. At the last possible moment, she stabbed her broken blade through the beasts heart. Paralyzing him long enough to carve it out of his chest.

With six hearts now in her possession. She began to heal and prepare herself for her final mark. For two years she listened for the smallest hints of a dark  being roaming the outskirts of Eorzea. Leaving imps and creatures from the void in his wake. Appearing as a Paladin to some or a devil to others. Upon buying a new blade and honing it properly for six days. She began her search for her fallen knight.

Eventually, she found him in an Ala Mhigan mountain range. Feeling immense sorrow, she had her duty to see to. She must never waiver from her path in the light of the crystal. And so, with no words and a heavy heart. The Prince of Pride and the Warden of Despair. Both beings who had lost so much, clashed. Heavy blade meeting Doman craftsmanship. The resounding of these failed heroes of Tartarian meeting in the bloodsoaked country of the downtrodden.

No drawn out or climatic finished. No brilliant tactics or monologues of greatness. Nor memories of the past. In six minutes, her knight fell before her. And she tore his tainted heart out as well. With them, she bound the seven princes to herself. Their hearts now placed in her body as she would become their prison, their jailor, their warden.  She would keep them in check and succeed where she had failed. Her white hair turning black, her silver eyes becoming heterochromic as her body was imbued with their void. A sliver of the Mother Crystal in her heart to maintain her station.

The Voidsent Princes would beckon to her call. But only when she hunted the Ascians who had plunge her own world into the dark. And so she began to wander the realm. A lone warrior who said little, once a priestess who supported her companions. Now a jailor of the Sins. Doomed to pay for her failure to see her task through on Tartarian. And keep three of her companions from tainting others. A deep melancholy worn on her face and an endless road ahead of her.

Discarding her name and marking herself as the Eighth Voidsent.

[alandeathweaver]

entry 21

1年12月26日 to 3年2月3日 (7AE) 

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Kami, I thought I had lost this! It was between one of my shelves and the wall of my apartment in the Topmast, and it must have ended up in the storeroom when I moved everything to Shirogane -- I only just found it when I was moving some clutter into the storeroom and nearly stepped on it.

My last entry was...before Azys Lla? Incredible...so much has happened since then. It feels like I haven’t written in years. Though it...has been years, hasn’t it? Over a year has passed since then, fourteen months even. Incredible. It feels like far more than that!

I suppose it is safe to say that upon our journey to Azys Lla in the sky, we defeated the Archbishop and laid low his plans of destruction -- and the Ascians were defeated as well. Moenbryda-san’s legacy destroying Igeyorhm and the Archbishop himself devouring Lahabrea to gain more power. No one deserved such a fate more than he, I would say.

But in so doing this, we lost Estinien briefly -- the retrieval of both Nidhogg’s eyes allowed the remaining rage of the wyrm to take our friend’s body for his own and run rampant for a time: Alphinaud-dono proved himself once again deserving of my fealty in his determined and courageous quest to save him, and thus...we did. We saved him. Tore the eyes from his flesh and cast them into an abyss.

Though...the abyss was not deep enough. Not deep enough, and the Ascians took those eyes and passed them into the hands of Ilberd, our traitorous Brave. Ilberd, whose obsession with seeing Ala Mhigo freed drove him to madness and sent him to Baelsar’s Wall, baying for blood and very nearly causing another Calamity upon Gridania’s doorstep. We were only barely able to stop it, but at a high cost.

The Scions shrink -- we may have recovered my dear brother Thancred (worse for wear and tired from his ordeals, and still recovering from what happened to Minfilia -- I will explain that later -- but still my brother and still the man I know) and temporarily reunited with Yda-san and Papalymo-san...but then we lost both. Papalymo-san gave his life to seal the primal Ilberd summoned until we could kill it, and Yda-san...was never Yda. She was Lyse-san, the long-dead Yda’s little sister, never really an Archon.

And Lyse-san? She is the leader of the Ala Mhigan Resistance, now, bless her brave soul. 

But we all still remain. Thancred, myself, Y’shtola-san, Urianger-dono, Alphinaud-dono...and of course, Alisaie-dono, who has rejoined us and has proven herself a thousand times over to be every bit worthy of the fealty I give her brother. They both have it now, my little lordlings.

As for Minfilia...she has left this star, left this plane. Hydaelyn called her to Her, and our Antecedent became the Emissary of Light, counterpart to Elidibus. And she left our star as well, accompanying a group of Warriors of Light to their own star to save it from being destroyed. (Well, they are Warriors of Darkness, perhaps, as too much of either thing can be a danger. Good men and women, if driven to dark deeds by fear and grief and desperation.)

Kami, where do I even continue from here? We defeated the false primal Ilberd called forth, gathered all the scattered Scions back together, and ended the Dragonsong War once and for all...and then we set forth past the wall. Past it to Ala Mhigo, and to my homeland of Doma -- and my motherland beside it.

And we liberated them both. I can hardly believe it -- my home is free. My liege, my prince, the lord of all Doma...Hien-dono is my friend. I cannot believe that still, but he is my friend! A good man, too, and one I am honored to call a companion and ally. (He is not at all what one expects of a prince, and I am truly glad for it.) My home is free, though, and my adoptive family safe. 

And my visit to the Steppes...I was so afraid when I went, afraid of what they would say. My eyes, my birth, everything the Steppes gave to me wounded me. I was a curse and I was an ill omen, and I feared that that was all they would see -- but I was wrong. Not all the tribes are as my own, and I was honored among them. At least in part, as some of them -- the Oronir in specific -- are rather rude, but...it was enough.

And then we freed Ala Mhigo as well, stopped the beast of a Legatus, the beast of a crown prince -- the man who, a long time ago, murdered my lady -- Zenos yae Galvus. I pity him, as he was so damaged by something that he did not feel or live or understand as most people do, but he was a monster all the same even if he was one created. I pity him, but I am not sorry he is dead -- and perhaps the fact that I pity the man who destroyed my life all those years ago is proof that I am not the same as I was then.

Ah, what else...five more primals are upon my list -- well, four primals (Lakshmi of the Ananta and the long-slumberig Warring Triad, of which I was aided by Elidbus’s apprentice and the now-deceased Regula van Hydrus, may the kami watch over the soul of another honorable Garlean) and one kami! We aided the kojin in something and accidentally called forth Susanoo-no-Mikoto from the Red’s treasure vault. It would have been thrilling and rather hilarious were in not for the seriousness of the context.

Well, I suppose defeating the primal Ilberd summoned, in truth and not just via proxy, counts as a another. My countrymen in Eorzea called it Shinryu after our mythical dragon, but I’m not sure I like that. It was not Shinryu -- it was a false god created by rage and obsession.

Speaking of proxy...that proxy was Omega, unearthed by a certain dear, dear person to me and offered as a tool to the Alliance and the Ironworks. We used it well, of course, but nothing is easy, and now the being (as it is a being from another star, not simply an Allagan artifact) is another menace I must stop. Well, we. The Ironworks is, again, taking responsibility. Well, Cid is. He needs to stop that.

And, ah, that dear person...well. You see, ah...hah. It’s still a bit startling to me that we are...that he is so precious to me, as I never saw it coming, but -- Nero. Nero and I are...we have been..together. Since I found him wandering the Hinterlands half-dead and unable to deal with the aftermath of the Void while Cid was there dealing with yet another primal (Alexander -- interesting but not truly relevant, and it is done), we...grew close. And...we remain together.

That is, if I don’t strangle him for acting like a five year-old boy around Cid! The two of them, I swear...I’ll make them mend their relationship eventually.

But all the same, that is the state of it. Two countries freed, two countries we are helping to rebuild, a menace from another star to defeat, and...a centuries-old mystery to solve alongside a playwright and another of Cid’s friends. That is how it is, and with the kami’s blessing, i will not wait another year or more to write again!