#tavia talks

[spinbitchzu]

*slaps greencousins* this bad boy can fit so much comedic potential in it

based off this

[evermoredeluxe]

i wanna see taylor use it

[starrysharks]

want to make a doll and/or figure of octavia. one problem! how the fuck do you make an ooak doll

[anjellaufeyson]

The truth lays within jealousy- Bellamy Blake

Warnings: basically just cursing and knife play

Summary: Bellamy's your enemy but things begin to take a turn once you start fighting to push through emotions you feel towards each other.

Bellamy Blake made my blood boil, and I prayed I made him feel the same way. I was best friends with his sister, Octavia. Meaning, I had no choice but to be in the same tent or room as him. The rivalry between Bellamy and I formed when the 100 first came to Earth. We were on dividing sides, he had everyone in his control and made them feel free but that ended dangerously. I was with the group that wanted to help and make sure we survived. 

“Do you always have to disagree with me, Blake?” 

He turned to look my way, his hand resting on the map below our waists laying on a table. “Do you always have to have disagreeable ideas–Kane?” He spit my last name out as if it left a bitter taste. 

I’m just thankful he didn’t call me that other name, the one he knew I so deeply despised. My eyes rolled on instinct, “You’re such a dick, you are aware of that flaw right?” 

He glared my way, “You always keep me aware don’t you, princess?” 

I fucking hated him, “Don’t call me that, Blake.” 

“What will you do if I say it again?” 

My father made me train with guards on the Ark since I was a child, I could easily take Bellamy, and him forgetting that made me always want to remind him. I stabbed my knife into the wood table and as soon as I did Octavia walked in. 

She moved the tent opening away, “What is going on?” 

Bellamy folded his arms making his muscles fight with his shirt. I tried my best to not stare but as much as I loathed this man and wished him nothing but the absolute worst–he was the formation of my desires. And that left lingering resentment. “Your friend is threatening me, O.” 

I unstuck the knife and pointed it at him from the other side of the table as I talked, “He was testing me, Tavia. It’s his favorite pastime,” I said staring harshly at Bellamy. 

“How about you both go train, maybe away from each other? You can work with Murphy and I’m sure you can find someone, Bell.” 

I gave a half smile, “I’m sure every–what’s the number now?” I made it look like I was deep in thought, “Like 50 girls now? Are willing to train with you, you know your way around the 100, Blake.” 

Bellamy gave me dead eyes as his jaw clenched. I struck a nerve. “O, get out.”

Octavia usually hates when Bellamy orders her around just cause he's older than her but she listened without a fight this time. She knew I crossed some form of a line. She mouthed sorry to me and walked out. 

I moved over to him, my knife laying close to his throat. He didn't care, he didn't even bat an eye. He almost smirked at the notion.

“Tell me, princess, was I supposed to pent up everything I was feeling like you do? Tell me, how's that going for you?” 

My eyes widened a bit, “I’m sorry do you want me to just go sleeping around with every dude on this earth because what? I can’t deal with my emotions correctly?” 

He bit his tongue. 

“I guess maybe I should take your advice because I see how greatly it’s been going for you. The known asshole you only go to for a hit and quit it.” 

Bellamy eyed me, “Is this you trying to offer up, princess?” 

My breath was shaky, I scoffed, “Go float yourself.” I stormed out of the tent and went to the only place inside Arkadia where you could blow off steam. The training spot. Bellamy usually overwatches, sometimes with Lincoln so I wouldn’t be surprised if he made his way over here.

Murphy made his way over to me, “Need a partner?” 

I nodded my head and decided to not take my anger out on him–at least not with words. “Yes, but I can’t promise I’ll go easy on you, Murphy.” 

He smiled as he got into his stance, “I didn’t expect you to. I remember seeing you training from time to time with soldiers. I’m going to have to bring my A-game now.” 

I laughed and it made me feel a bit better, say what you want about Murphy–but his sarcasm and wit will always make you laugh. I got into position and Murphy punched towards me and I moved my hand fast enough to push it away and block it. We kept going back and forth, not taking it seriously. 

Soon, as expected Bellamy appeared. He crossed his arms as he analyzed our performances. Suddenly both of us began to take it a bit seriously, but I chose to ignore Bellamy. He knew I was holding back, it showed in Bellamy's face.

“Let me try.”

I ignored him but Murphy stopped fighting, I tried to regain my breath. Murphy was like Bellamy’s sidekick since the beginning, that faded and nobody tried to make an enemy of Bellamy. Like it or not he did run a lot of things we live by. Especially with Clarke gone. 

He got into position and I immediately went to attack. I moved close and elbowed his face causing him to move forward. I went straight for a kick to his bent knee and easily got him down. When getting up his hand stayed on my thigh as he rised up, it was like he was purposefully trying to mess me up. That could be the only reason.

“Damn Bell, maybe she should replace you as a trainer,” Octavia said while spectating. Monty and Jasper laughed. 

Bellamy stood up and hit me immediately in the gut. From the force, I took a couple of steps back, and I cursed under my breath. He shrugged with a grin forming on his lips. When he went to pull another move I grabbed his arm pointed it up, and used my left arm to push down on his arm. I twisted his shoulder and I knew I was causing pain. I had this move done to me and I was in pain for a couple of days. 

For a split second, I heard a groan from him, it almost put a smile on my face. “C’mon Blake, are you even trying? If you lose this–I can only assume where you’re going to go to…or who.” Maybe it was a low blow but he pissed me off before. 

My fist came towards him and he grabbed my arm tightly, almost hard enough to leave a bruise, and flipped me onto the ground. I tried not to give him the satisfaction of knowing I was hanging onto this fight by a thread. I kicked his stomach and he caught my leg and tried to make me fall but I did the one trick that took me years to master–I kicked with enough force off the ground for a second to gain a stance to be able to kick him back. 

Bellamy went to hit me in the face but I got to him first and elbowed him. He spit out blood and turned his head up with a grin as he wiped the blood. He tricked me and by making it seem like he was going for a low attack, I didn’t move up in time to block him and he punched me. My lip began to bleed. 

“Guys, I think you should stop now. You proved you both can fight–now stop,” Octavia warned. 

We ignored her warning and kept going. I was determined to beat him, and I didn’t have a real reason why. Part of me wondered if this was my only source of letting my emotions go, maybe I wasn’t that different from that man that I hated. We are both stubborn, witted, determined, quick-tempered, reckless, and aggressive. 

“One hit and we’re done,” he said. “Better make yours count, princess,” he whispered. The way he made it seem, that nickname was for our ears only. He never said it loud enough for others to hear and I almost preferred it that way. And when he did, he was only focused on me. As if nobody else was on the earth with us. 

My thoughts were distracted and he immediately brought me down. My back hit the ground and I winced in pain, my back arched a bit hoping that would help the pain. Before anyone could help, Bellamy quickly moved to my side. “Are you okay,” he asked almost frantically in a low voice. He sounded genuine.

The gaze I had on him changed, it softened even though I was in pain. I was utterly confused. “What are we doing,” I whispered, his back covering everyone’s view of my lips. At best, they’d hear mumbles. 

“Your solution to letting your emotions out, remember?” He lightly laughed, “Fuck, we’re idiots.” Bellamy brushed his thumb on my bottom lip, “Truce?” 

My brow almost furrowed, “Truce? Does that mean we suddenly don’t hate each other?”

He laughed and began to help me up, “No, definitely not. You’re still the bane of my being.”

I stood up and got my words out fast enough before everyone crowded me to see if I needed Abby, “And you’re still the only person I hate in this world.” 

Bellamy slowly backed away as we kept our eyes on each other, everyone kept asking if I was okay but I didn’t reply. I was too fixated on the man I detested. “I’m fine, I’m fine,” I said while brushing past them. The one person who got horrendously hurt was Bellamy, yet he didn’t complain or stop them from helping me. 

“I’ll help you to, Abby,” I said putting his arm around my shoulder which felt oddly–right. When I looked back to show Octavia I was going to help him, I just saw a group of disbelieving faces. I’d be shocked too, never would I have ever felt pity or thought of helping Bellamy. “I kicked your ass.” 

He laughed as if he didn’t have drops of blood on his shirt, “I’d call it a fair fight.” 

“I’d call it my win.” 

He glanced at my lips then my eyes, we came to a halt. “You want to finish this?” 

I could feel his hand brushing along my neck, “I think we’re probably banned from training together for a bit. Though I think that wasn’t a training session–that was fighting.” 

Bellamy’s gaze dropped, he stared at me, almost desperate as if he was yearning for something he never even got to get ahold of for years. His touch became more apparent, he stared at my lips as he talked. “I’m not talking about in the training spot.” 

My lips parted and suddenly every feeling I had for him disappeared. Only one stayed- the desire I clung to. Instead of going to Abby, Bellamy and I went into his tent.

It was as if both our strengths had been regain, like we were both pushing our limits to be ignoring our pain to mix it with pleasure. Bellamy took his shirt off with such poise and it made me roll my eyes. I started undressing myself also. My eyes lingered on his chest, God, he was so defined. Like a Greek god or a statue made out of generosity.

"My eyes are up here, princess," he said as he pushes me down onto his bed.

I didn't like how much I secretly enjoyed him calling me princess. "You're so full of it, Blake."

He kissed me roughly, as if we didn't have time to spare to be kind to one another. Our hate lingered and I loved it. I winced in pain because of my lip and that caused him to groan into my mouth. He was making it harder and harder for me to not rush this.

I switched spots with Bellamy, God forbid he lets me control one thing. I kissed down his neck being anything but gentle to the parts I knew he was going to have a bruise at tomorrow.

"Fuck," he whispered.

My hands traveled down his chest and before I could do anything he traded spots with me. "Watch yourself princess, if you keep going- I don't think I can stop myself."

"I don't want you to."

Bellamy used his knee to spread apart my legs. He put his hand around my neck and slowly pushed down so I’d be lying flat on my back. I felt my stomach growing butterflies. “I will be anything but gentle with you–” He paused and stared at my lips. “But I think you can take it.”

[toasttt11]

calder trophy

July 25, 2023

Octavia sat on the edge of the bed texting Simon waiting for brothers to finish getting ready because they take forever.

She smiled at the text before clicking off her phone when she heard her brothers all walk back into the room, she looked up seeing the three all in their suits but she shook her head at Jack���s hair because what did he do to it.

Octavia was wearing black trousers and a black off the shoulder long sleeve with black and white low Nike dunks, she did a light makeup and straighten her hair.

“Finally!” Octavia groaned standing up off the bed slipping her phone into her trousers.

“It’s takes time to look good sunny.” Jack smirked ruining a hand through his hair.

“They why did it take you so long?” Octavia innocently questioned tilting her head before walking to the door and walking out of the hotel room with the three following.

“Hey!” Jack complained as he followed Quinn and Luke who were snickering.

Octavia just smiled slighty before continuing the walk to the hotel lobby where there parents were. They all walked down broadway to the arena and onto the red carpet.

“Taves!” Auston Matthew grinned calling out her name walking over to her, he pulled her into a gentle hug.

“Hi Aus.” Octavia grinned slightly hugging back before pulling away seeing her family looking at her with a curious looks, as Octavia doesn’t tend to like a lot of people.

“Auston this is my family, My mom Ellen, My dad Jim, Quinn, Jack and My twin Luke.” Octavia proudly smiled introducing her family to one of the teammates she is closest with.

“It’s nice to meet all of you!” Auston politely smiled at the Hughes having met Quinn and Jack a few times before.

Jack saw Nico and perked up dragging his parents with him to the Hischer’s, Quinn trailed behind them, Luke looked at Octavia and she just smiled nodding knowing Luke wanted to say hi to his captain.

Octavia and Austin started talking and posed for a photo together a media person asked for before Auston noticed her shoes and let out a chuckle.

“What?” Octavia scrunched her eyebrows looking confused.

“Mitchy is gonna be so mad.” Auston chuckled gesturing to his shoes and her shoes.

Octavia looked down seeing Austin wearing the same pair of Nike dunks as she is, and just shook her head knowing Mitch will be upset, and speaking of Mitch they heard his voice and looked over seeing Mitch and Steph walking to them.

“My Child!!!!” Mitch Marner grinned going right to Octavia pulling her into a tight hug, “We missed you!”

“Hi Mitchy. I saw you a few weeks ago.” Octavia deadpanned but accepted the hug from Mitch.

“A few weeks too long. Zeus misses you.” Mitch pulled back looked very serious.

“I miss him too.” Octavia replied with a very small grin, before turning to Steph, “Hi Steph.”

Steph grinned pulling Octavia into a hug, “Tavia!” She gently pulled back smiling at Octavia’s outfit, “You picked this one.” Steph smiled having gone shopping and picked out that outfit for Octavia.

“i like it.” Octavia simply nodded.

“I’m glad.” Steph fondly smiled at the girl who her and her husband have adopted as their own during the season.

Mitch gasped dramatically, “Guys! You didn’t.” He frowned seeing Auston and Octavia matching shoes, “You said no!” Mitch asked them to match and Octavia said she had her outfit already and Auston said no.

“Would you believe us when we said we didn’t plan this.” Auston mischievously smirked at his best friend.

“No.” Mitch deadpanned.

Octavia shrugged, “Well i didn’t willingly match with him.” Mitch nodded believing Octavia.

“I wanna meet your twin!” Mitch smiled excitedly wanting to meet the person that means the most to Octavia, and he tried to meet Luke during the season but they always kept missing each other.

Octavia nodded turning around, “Lucky!” She called out gaining Luke’s attention who excused himself from the group and walked over to his twin sister linking his arm with hers, “Lucky this is Mitch and Steph. This is Luke.” Octavia proudly introduced her twin brother.

“Hi! Winnie has told me all about you guys!” Luke smiled shaking Steph and Mitch’s hands.

Mitch awed holding a hand to his heart, “You talk about us Tavie!”

“Shut up.” Octavia muttered ignoring the smiles from all four of them.

“Winnie?” Steph curiously questioned tilting her head at the twins.

“Oh i’ve always called her Winnie after her middle name.” Luke quickly explained making the three nod.

Steph, Austin and Mitch all have seen a softer side of Octavia whenever she talking to or about her twin but seeing her interact with him it’s easy to notice how much softer she is with him.

Octavia and Luke saw their family already walked into the Arena, the twins walked in with Auston, Mitch and Steph into the Nashville Arena sitting in their seats which happen to be right next to them, The Hughes were in one row and Mitch and Steph behind them and Auston sat next to Mitch.

Octavia sent a small wave to Nico who sat with his family at the end of the row her and her family sat down in, Nico sent a smile and a wave back.

Octavia slid into the seat next to Jack and Luke sat next to her at the end of the row.

Octavia sat through most of the awards given out to players, clapping politely. Now it’s the Calder Award, the award she’s nominated for.

Jelly Roll a newer artist was the one that announcing the award, he walked out with a grin, “What’s up Nashville, I love y’all too.” The crowd cheered for him, “Ha, It feels right that i’m handing out the Calder Trophy because i am kinda a rookie of a year myself. But for everyone you see as a rookie or an overnight success there are years and years of hard work to going to that first breakout season, and here are the finalists.”

The screen lite up showing the finalists and then showing each one again, first Matty Beniers Seattle Kraken and a few big highlights from his year, Owen Powers Buffalo Sabres and all of his highlights, and Lastly Octavia Hughes and her highlights of her season.

Mitch reached forward shaking her shoulders during her highlights making her shake her head fondly.

“And the Calder Memorial Trophy goes to OCTAVIA HUGHES.” The crowd went crazy cheering for her as she stood up and was pulled into a tight hug by her twin brother.

She turned around getting pulled into a hug by Jack and quickly Quinn, before scooting forward letting her parents hug her, she accepted the fist bump from Nico.

She scooted back down the aisle seeing Mitch and Austin standing up and leaned over her chair pulling them into a hug at the same time, “Thank you.” Because Octavia knew how much they helped her this season, she sent a smile to Luke before beginning the long walk down the aisle between the rows and walking the steps onto the stage.

Octavia got handed the trophy and held it to her as she walked to the microphone alreadly dreading the speech, if she was being completely honest she didn’t remember a single word for the speech trying not to throw up.

Octavia let out a breath as she walking back down the stairs, she walked down the aisle back into her seat sitting down. “How bad?” Octavia whispered to her twin wanting to know how bad her speech was.

“It was perfect.” Luke gently smiled at his twin reassuring her.

[swissboyhisch]

Reunited

Liked by yourinsta, drat27 and others

mcdavid97: Best friend finally back in my arms ❤️ tagged: yourinsta

view all comments

user: *cough cough* more than Best Friends *cough cough*

yourinsta: My fav 💕

mcdavid97: You're my fav ❤️

dylstrome19: OMG Y/N IS BACK!!!!

yourbestie: Can't wait to see you both!

mcdavid97: hurry up so drat27 will stop whining!

drat27: Just missing my lady! You wouldn't shut up about y/n so you can't talk!

yoursis: keep her safe mcdavid

mcdavid97: promise

user: are they dating?

user: no, they are just best friends but everyone wants them to date.

marner16: You finally decide to come to Canada 🙄

yourinsta: I had school so I couldn't come

Liked by mcdavid97, yourbestie and others

yourinsta: Christmas Tree Hunting 🎄🎄🎄 tagged: mcdavid97

view all comments

yourbestie: Couple goals/friend goals

user: I wish I had a relationship like them ❤️

mcdavid97: shortie ❤️

yourinsta: shut up❤️

user: goals

dylstrome19: Can't wait until Christmas with our families!

yourinsta: it will be lit 🔥 kennedymoore better be coming Dyl!

kennedymoore: Oh I am coming yourinsta no doubt about that!

marner_93: just date already 🙄

user: user couple goals or what?

user: they are "just friends"

zstrome: like every year🙄

clove_bennet: I can't wait!

user: She's just a normal person who grew up with Con, that's what I like about her. He isn't just "The Next One" to her, he's her best friend.

bianca_skye: Why can't you two just admit your feelings?

yourinsta: 🙈🙈🙈

Liked by cammcdavid, yourinsta and others

hollymcdavid: Sister is finally home x tagged: yourinsta

view all comments

user: How sweet ❤️

user: HAPPY HOLIDAYS 🎄🎄🎄

yourinsta: I've missed youuuu ❤️❤️❤️

hollymcdavid: Missed you too x

user: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

mcdavid97: Glad she's finally home with me ❤️❤️❤️

cammcdavid: us*

yourbestie: I'll be joining you soon 💕

user: Ahhh we should be celebrating the fact that y/n and the McDavid's are reunited.

cammcdavid: Love you both x

user: They'll be future sister in laws #futuremcdavid

stephlechance: You two are so adorable!

yourinsta: Thank you gorg x I can't wait to see you and mitch!

sydneyesiason: We have to do a lunch when you come to Toronto x

Liked by edmontonoilers, ryannh93 and others

mcdavid97: My angel 💕 tagged: yourinsta

view all comments

yourinsta: My cap 💕

user: I can just imagine how he looks at her. literal heart eyes.

hollymcdavid: Get someone who looks at you like Con looks at Tavia 😍

yourbestie: agreed it's been like that since day 1 👌🏻

cammcdavid: 🤢🤢🤢

dylstrome19: whipped since 98' yourbestie

marner16: so true 😂

mcdavid97: 🤷🏻‍♀️ dylstrome19 marner16 yourbestie

zstrome: Ask her out McDavid

yoursis: Naw 😍 oscardaniels look at this!

oscardaniels: Nawww the youngsters are being cute

clove_bennet: You two are precious dolls!

user: She is so small!!! Imagine her next to Connor!

Liked by mcdavid97, nhl and others

yourinsta: Favourite Place. Favourite Food. Favourite Person. What more can I want?! 😍 tagged: mcdavid97

view all comments

mikkymarrelli: How are you two so cute yet you two aren't dating?!

user: "Aren't dating"

mcdavid97: I couldn't ask for anything more 😍

drat29: Maybe a Stanley Cup?

user: Leon with the hopes and dreams.

user: that will be crushed

yoursis: Obviously y/n cooked cammcdavid

cammcdavid: AHAHAHA OBVS CAUSE CONNOR CAN'T COOK 😂

user: Can any hockey player actually cook tho????

stephlechance: y/n secretly outed Connor for being one to take photos of his food 😂😂😂

lucychashin: COME TO TORONTO!!!! WE NEED TO SEE YOU!

user: I need some yourinsta and yourbestie X Lady Leafs in my life.

sydneyesiason: WHy sO CutEEEeeEee?!

TAG LIST

@penny4yourthoughts @mp0625 @nowandkei

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

400 Days is simultaneously brilliant and disappointing

I’m currently working on another essay about S2 that’s taking me longer than I expected... which I should have expected but y’know, I’m me. I have no idea when it’ll be finished, but I figured that in the meantime I could write about something that came up while working: 400 Days.

400 Days is the stand-alone DLC episode that was released July 2, 2013, and tells the stories of Vince, Bonnie, Wyatt, Russell, and Shel in the same Georgia area that S1 takes place. While the story doesn’t feature Lee or Clementine, it acts as a bridge between S1 and S2. 

I’ve talked about it in the past, even doing a T5F on the Top 5 Missed Opportunities in 400 Days. My past opinions can be summarized in an ask I answered for anon: “Wasted potential. I remember enjoying it when it first came out before s2 released, and the reason I enjoyed it was because I thought it’d be way more important for s2′s story than it ended up being. Bonnie was the only character that mattered while the others made brief, useless cameos if they chose to go with Tavia. Like… it could’ve been so good and it fell flat on its face.”

While not entirely inaccurate to how I feel now, I do believe I wasn’t giving 400 Days a proper chance. 

A major thing I’m noticing as I revisit many of my past posts from when TWDG consumed my life is that nitpicking and overanalyzing for the sake of pumping out content on this blog is the big contributor to why I experienced extreme burnout for the series to the point where I started actively disliking it at one point. While I did genuinely enjoy the creating the content, and obviously still do, there’s a lot I take issue with now.

Looking back on everything, I’m starting to see things differently and appreciate aspects that I previously despised. That level of nitpicking I did was mostly negative and infected a lot of my judgment when it came to games I loved. I knew certain points in the series were disappointing, therefore I should showcase everything wrong with them, and anything positive I have to say comes with a footnote of, “it’s good, but I think this would’ve made it better,” as if nothing was ever good enough. While I’m not ruling out discussions of “what could’ve been,” I want to appreciate what we were given.

Case in point: 400 Days. I adore it. 

I replayed this dlc not only because it somewhat ties into what my larger essay is about, but also I started playing the Mass Effect games and I’m having a mini-crisis about lowkey hating ME1 more and more as I play... dropping it to play 400 Days and write this sounded sooooo more appealing. 

Uh, there’s a freebie update on what I’ve been up to. I’m desperately trying to make ME1 work and then it made me drive the damn Mako and I’m upset about that.....

Anyway-

 400 Days is brilliant. 

I didn’t expect to have as much fun playing this as I did.

400 Days is a quick yet compelling experience right from the beginning, and if I’m completely honest, I haven’t had this much fun playing a TWDG episode for a long time. While I adore TFS, I have a lot more history with that game that changes the overall experience, but this? The whole thing was a blast! Sure, it’s not quite a masterpiece, but it’s way better than I remember. It deserves more credit than I initially gave it and I’m here to rectify that. 

Personally, I love mini-stories that all tie together in the end to create one big story. I'm always going to love the idea, and when it’s executed well, it’s brilliant. Because it’s a single episode that tells five mini-stories, it’s easier to pack in so much detail and make things coherent. While we don’t have as much time with our protagonists, we still get a clear picture of who they are and how they’re handling the apocalypse, how they ended up where they are now, and how they handle each dilemma thrown their way. 

These stories take place at different times of the outbreak, starting before the outbreak and going all the way to 400 days in where all the characters are together and discovered by Tavia. Three of the five stories center around this gas station/diner called Gil’s Pitstop, with the other two being in that area, but all five have elements that weave them together beautifully. A character may show up in one story alive, then show up in the next as a walker, and it’s all dependent on the order you play and the choices you make. 

Each story has a “moral dilemma,” usually a major choice you have to make that affects whether or not a character will agree to go with Tavia, the only exception to this being Bonnie. 

And honestly? All of them are great. They fit in so well with the world of TWD. I’d say that Shel’s story has not only one, but two of the best moral dilemmas, whereas Wyatt’s dilemma is the weakest given it’s decided by a game of rock, paper, scissors. 

I can’t get into the meat of why I think this DLC episode is great without going through each story, so-

Vince: Day 2

Chronologically, Vince’s story takes place first in the timeline, giving us a peak into his life before the outbreak where we see him in a dark room pointing a gun at someone who is pleading for their life. 

“Damn it, I told you! I already told you it wasn't me, man! Man, come on, I told you like...like twenty times... I don't even...I don't even KNOW your brother!”

Vince then shoots him and flees. You get to decide how he’ll try to ditch the gun, but no matter what, he’ll always get caught and we see him on the prison bus, convicted of murder. 

Right away, this tells us so much about Vince yet leaves us wanting more. What happened to Vince’s brother that made him murder a man? We never actually get to know, all Vince says about it is that "I helped my little brother,” which could mean a number of things. 

So Vince is the kind of man willing to take things that far for family, or those he loves, even if he ends up with a prison sentence. His moral compass is already twisting and turning in a different way compared to the others. 

Similar to Lee, he was convicted of murder before the apocalypse, but Vince seems to feel less remorse or guilt for it than Lee does. Lee killed a man in a fight after he caught him with his wife, a heat of the moment thing... but we don’t actually witness it happen. We get to see Vince shoot someone and later claim it was to help his brother out. I find this comparison interesting since this small chapter never tries to set up a, “This is the beginning of Vince’s redemption arc,” like it does for Lee. It more so leans into the fact that yeah, Vince and the other prisoners are here for a reason and right now, redemption isn’t on the table. 

Lee feels bad for what he did and who it hurt. Vince feels bad that he got caught but doesn’t feel bad about helping his brother. The only thing bringing them together is that pre-apocalypse, they accepted that this was their life now only to have a curve ball thrown at them and they find themselves free again. 

Well, first they have to gain their freedom by getting outta those cuffs, I suppose. 

The set up for this story is that Vince is on a prison bus that’s stuck in traffic. You can actually see Gil’s Pitstop through the windows, too. It’s hot as hell outside, and two other prisoners, Jerry and Marcus, up at the front keep arguing while Vince is stuck between Justin and Danny.

Justin is here after years of stealing money from people with “a really good pyramid scheme,” then lied about it on the stand, and Danny is a convicted rapist. The three of them have good chemistry with their banter, it’s enjoyable to watch. You learn more of why they’re here and how they view their guilt, and have the opportunity to tell them the truth about Vince or lie. In doing so will affect how they view you, either you boast about killing a man and become Tough Guy Vince, or lie and say you didn’t do it only to be labeled a coward.

It’s a pretty good time considering the circumstances, but that’s due to how well written and performed this banter is... until Jerry and Marcus become hostile, and one of them chokes the other out. 

But don’t worry, Officer Dipshit [his name is Clyde] is here to help! He starts by yelling at them to stop and then just shooting Marcus in the head before panicking and threatening Vince, Danny, and Justin with the shotgun. 

Honestly, I think Justin says it best: “THIS is what happens when you give guns to ASSHOLES.”

It’s super intense, and you know what’s going to happen the moment this incompetent cop refuses to get in between the fight and break it up properly, choosing to instead point his shotgun at them and yell. But Officer Dipshit gets his comeuppance when Jerry, who was choked to death, becomes a walker and attacks him. Then all hell breaks loose as the other officer [Bennett] flees, leaving you and the other two chained together with a walker that wants to eat your face. 

Vince manages to get Officer Dipshit’s gun and shoot the walker, but the noise only brings more of them onto the bus where they begin trying to get through the gate. 

Now the moral dilemma- Vince has the shotgun. The only way you can escape is to shoot off one of the cuffs, but in doing so will shoot off someone’s foot and they’ll need to be left behind. Whose cuff do you shoot? Danny or Justin’s?

By the way, I love that this whole scene was set up with Danny yanking on the chains that bind you all together as foreshadowing for the solution to this new problem, it’s great.

But here’s the thing about this dilemma... the end percentages still baffle me after all this time. According to The Definitive Edition, 70% of players shot Justin, and 30% of players shot Danny, and I just have to ask why that is?

Because to me, shooting Danny feels like the obvious choice and is what I did. 

Justin is more about keeping his head down. He’s willing to lie if it benefits him. He says that he doesn’t feel bad for his victims, claiming that they knew what they were getting into and he still carried them for years. He’s pretty upfront with his guilt, he never denies it. Hell, he even shrugs and confesses that he lied on the stand, fake crying to try and get a lesser sentence. He’ll joke around, even if he’s mostly annoyed by Danny’s bullshit. Given that he was involved with a scheme that allowed him to make off with millions, he’s also incredibly intelligent. Plus, he’s voiced by the same guy who voiced Ben in s1. I wouldn’t say he’s annoying or anything, he just comes off as more self-serving. 

Danny, on the other hand, is the more charismatic of the two. He’s the one cracking the jokes and yanking on the chains, but he’s also the one who wants to help break up the fight between the other prisoners and stands up to the cop as he’s threatening all of you to shut up. This shows a lot of courage and willingness to intervene when he sees something wrong. He claims he’s innocent, insisting that he’s a morally good man and was falsely accused. Oh, and he misses his girlfriend. He’s a real bro, y’know? 

Here’s the thing: yeah, Danny’s a “bro,” but he’s also a convicted rapist.

Justin: I wasn't stealing from guys like that. Anyway, better than stealing his virginity.

Danny: Hey, how many times I gotta tell you?

Justin: Here we go.

Danny: Seriously! I was falsely accused!

Justin: How old was she? Fifteen?

Danny: Damn it, it ain't like that.

Justin: You're tellin' me there wasn't a star witness waiting around in your white van? I'm shocked.

Vince: You WERE convicted, Danny. Gotta admit that much.

Danny: Aw, come on, Vince. That don't mean I did it.

“It ain’t like that.” Then what’s it like, Danny?

Because when Justin tells him that he “probably ruined that poor girl’s life, you piece of shit,” all Danny has to say is, “Big talk from White Collar over there. How many lives you ruin, kid?” 

As if Danny’s logic is that Justin ruined more lives where he only ruined one, so Justin’s the worse criminal here so let’s shift to him... and I dunno about you, but that makes me feel real icky inside.

I have a feeling it’s because Danny is more of a “bro” and he actively stands up to Officer Dipshit that more people went with him. Or they just weren’t paying attention to what he was convicted of, or they believed him when he said he was falsely accused. Personally, I have a hard time believing him based on his dialogue when you point the gun at him multiple times during the final decision:

Danny: Come on, you know I'm a good guy, man!

Danny: Okay, I know I'm a fuck-up, but Jesus! 

Danny: Come on! I did some bad shit, but I'm a good guy, Vince...

And he says that last one AFTER Justin says, “You're gonna do me and not this rapist fuck?”

Also if you DO save him over Justin, he dies later off screen and Russell will make a comment about how it’s a good thing he did before Shel and Becca joined the group... if anyone can spot a creep/pervert, it’s Russell! 

Vince: Guys, look...if I learned one thing from Danny, it's that we have to stick together and protect ourselves!

Russell: What?! That guy was an asshole! You should be happy he got killed before Shel and Becca joined us.

Becca: Why?

Russell: Don't worry about it.

Justin is upfront that he’s a criminal and I believe him, I believe he’s a self-serving liar... but Danny doth protest too much, me thinks, y’know? Between the two, I'm gonna take my chances with Justin over Danny. I don’t care that Justin’s a liar and eventually ditches Vince, Vince doesn’t seem to heartbroken about it anyway. 

By the way, shooting Danny is the way to get Vince to go with Tavia so make note of that if you’re trying to get everyone to go with her and appear in S2. Actually, it’s interesting that Vince is less trusting of strangers if you go with Danny over Justin, as if he got burned by that choice in the end, hmm? 

Anyway, that was my spiel about Danny vs Justin, and I would be interested to know what y’all picked. I’ve read a lot of discussions about this choice and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way about the percentages. I’ve read a lot of responses to why people picked who they picked, all very interesting. 

Back on track, this is a solid chunk of the story. I enjoy the dilemma presented here. You’re chained to these two guys and if you don’t shoot one of their ankles off, then all three of you are going to die. What gets me about this is it’s not like the Doug vs Carley choice. Doug and Carley were both in trouble but you only had enough time to save one of them. You weren’t actively shooting them. 

Here? You have to pull the trigger more than once. You have to pick one, shoot their ankle off, and then leave them there in order to escape. It’s super fucked and going off the way Vince hesitates and looks back at the one you shot, I’d say it’s something that’s gonna sit with him for the rest of his life. 

The pacing of this episode is great, it’s intense, the escalation in hostility between the two other prisoners only for it to end in blood is well executed, and overall the set up is damn good. 

Wyatt: Day 41

Dude. Wyatt’s story. I love Wyatt’s story. Of all five stories, it’s the one that made me laugh the most. It’s absolutely hilarious despite taking place in a very tense and panicked situation. 

Wyatt in on the run with his companion, Eddie. They’re driving away after an encounter with group of guys that ended in Eddie shooting one of them, and now they’re being chased and shot at by someone in a truck. 

Eddie: God, this is so fucked!

Wyatt: Why the hell did you shoot that guy, man? What the hell WAS that?

Eddie: I didn't mean to do it! It just happened, okay? Where the fuck were you with a warning?

Wyatt: Me? You're putting that on me now? I didn't see the guy, either! I was too worried those dudes were going to pull guns on us or--

Intense right off the bat, a complete panic as you’re trying to shoot at the truck chasing you while Wyatt and Eddie argue about what happened. Eventually the truck swerves off the road and you seem to be in the clear.

From what I gather, Wyatt and Eddie had a run in with Nate, the guy from Russell’s story, an unknown man who Eddie shot and killed in the encounter, and possibly some others given how Wyatt says he was worried about the “dudes” [plural] but he didn’t see the guy Eddie shot. Given that Nate’s alone in Russell’s story and the lone one chasing them down, it’s likely he’s the only survivor from that side. It’s unknown if Wyatt and Eddie were in a bigger group or not, so I’m going to assume it was just the two of them. 

Wyatt: Did you mean to pull the trigger?

Eddie: I don't know. I was so keyed up... I just... damn it. Look, Wyatt. All I know is those guys had me all... jacked up like I was on speed or something. I was just on edge, you know? Then I was, like, watching that guy's brains come out the back of his head. I'm sorry, man. I...

The core of why Wyatt’s story is possibly my favorite is the electric chemistry between him and Eddie. The dialogue, the voice acting, it’s all just dripping with personality and you feel like you’re watching two friends who’ve known each other for a long time, just *chef kiss*  

Eddie: See? It's fine. Road's straight as my dick.... You think we're in the clear?

Wyatt: Don’t talk about your dick.

Eddie: ...... Why not?

[or alternatively, if Wyatt says nothing, Eddie will just : “... Are you still thinking about my dick?” sksks it’s so stupid, I can’t help but love it.]

They talk like typical stoners, which they indeed are because Eddie’s got some “sticky” in the glovebox and wants it after they believe they’re in the clear. Y’know, the perfect time for some weed. Kate Garcia would greatly approve. 

So they’re driving along and we get more context for what happened, more great banter... and then they hit someone. 

The dilemma in this chapter is the fact that they hit someone and they don’t think it’s a walker, it’s a person. Even though they’re on the run from Nate and it’s foggy as hell outside, Eddie insists that they help whoever was hit. 

I believe Eddie is such a fan favorite not just because he’s funny or a charming character, but because of his compassion. In this moment you feel his frustration and guilt in having hit someone. He isn’t about to perform a hit and run even in this new apocalyptic world even though it would be easier to just assume it’s a walker and keep driving. 

Eddie: What if that was you, man?! After all the shit that's happened in the past couple months? Where's your compassion, motherfucker?

or

Eddie: If that guy back there is alive, we HAVE to help him, Wyatt. There ain't a lot of live dudes left these days.

Eddie showed a lot of shock and guilt over shooting a guy before, but now he’s sure he’s hit an innocent person and he refuses to leave them. His humanity does him credit and that’s why he’s one of my favorite characters in this DLC. 

But then comes the choice: One of you has to go find this person you hit, and one of you has to stay in the car. Who should do what? 

The end stats for this are 50/50, and it’s decided either by you refusing to go out yourself, or agreeing to a game of rock, paper, scissors. 

No, really, that’s how they decide who gets to go out there, best two outta three. That’s why I say this is one of the weaker portrayals of the dilemma, you don’t necessarily get to decide what Wyatt’s going to do, therefore shaping his personality and morals... it’s all up to luck. 

Though you can outright refuse, and Eddie will go out anyway so that’s one way to shape Wyatt if you’re playing him as less compassionate, or more cautious, or even as a coward. While there is an option for Wyatt to volunteer, you still have to rock, paper, scissors for it which I’m kinda meh on. Personally, I think if you’re brave enough to volunteer, you should be able to double down with Eddie and make the choice yourself rather than leaving it up to fate decided by a couple hand gestures. 

My advice to anyone playing this is try to lose the game. If Wyatt loses the game, he will go out there with a gun to find the person you hit, otherwise Eddie will go and Wyatt will be left in the car. Wyatt remaining in the car is the weaker option, far less exciting and results in you being attacked by Nate and forced to leave Eddie behind. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad by any means and getting to see that it’s Nate is neat when going into Russell’s story, but I think Wyatt being left behind is more impactful because it opens up a new dilemma.

I managed to lose the game by picking scissors every time. I find that Eddie tends to pick mostly rock, at least every time I’ve played before I’ve beaten him with paper, but rock beats scissors sooo pick scissors. 

Wyatt takes the gun and goes out into the fog to find the guy, who is revealed to be Bennett, the cop who fled the prison bus in Vince’s story. Wyatt tries talking to him, but Bennett is too injured and out of it to respond. Wyatt starts to help him, but because nothing is ever smooth sailing... walkers begin to groan and you realize that they’re coming through the fog. 

The reason I think this path’s better is because now you have a new choice to make: Do you try to help Bennett, or do you abandon him?

Wyatt wasn’t the one driving, and he’s out here due to a lost game of rock, paper, scissors... but is he willing to leave this man out here to be eaten to save himself, or is he going to try and do his best to help the man at the risk of getting them both killed. 

I chose to try and save Bennett, which meant I had to to drag him back to the car while stopping to shoot walkers... and the noise only brings more of them and uh oh, Eddie’s screaming for Wyatt to hurry up because he’s being attacked! If Eddie remains in the car, Nate attacks him and no matter how fast you go, Wyatt never makes it in time... Eddie drives off without Wyatt, who is now left in a misty forest with more walkers on the way, and Nate.

It’s rough, but more compelling, in my opinion. 

The highlight of this story is Wyatt and Eddie’s relationship, and there’s something about them getting separated that just stings, y’know? I found myself dreading getting out of the car not because of the dangers held within the fog, but because I knew Wyatt and Eddie would be separated after this only to never be reunited. 

Well, we assume they never reunite and that... the best way I can describe this is I feel like Sarah from Labyrinth, just throwing myself onto my bed and beating my fists against the wall and exclaiming, “IT’S NOT FAIR!!” at everyone... because it’s not fair that Wyatt and Eddie get separated and it makes me emotional, I’m not happy about it. 

But that also proves how effective Wyatt’s story is. Wyatt by himself also has the vibe of your sarcastic stoner friend who’s into indie bands and video games, but that’s part of his charm. 

Overall, a damn good story and execution. 

Russell: Day 184

I have a lot of feelings about Russell. 

As far as the playable protagonists go, I can say with confidence that he’s my favorite. I love them all, but Russell sticks out to me by how much younger he seems to be, his interesting backstory, and by his jaded behavior. 

His story starts with him walking down a long yet familiar road. He has his backpack and a map, and tells us he’s trying to get to his grandmother’s house. However, as he’s walking along, the truck from Wyatt’s story is coming up the road and Russell’s gotta decide if he should hide or stand his ground. 

If you hide, you’ll quickly remember why you know this road. Russell will hide down next to a corpse, but not just any corpse- the body of either Carley or Doug, depending on who you saved in S1. A neat inclusion, if not a little sad... and annoying because then I’m forced to remember Lilly shooting Carley outta spite and me leaving her ass on the road... wasn’t S1 so fun??

Anyway, Nate pulls up and talks to Russell no matter what, and you have no choice but to hitch a ride with him. You can try and refuse, and Nate’ll drive away... only for a dozen walkers to appear out of thin air and surround you so Nate will come back for you... I see you, Telltale, I see through your nonsense. 

The rest of Russell’s story has him and Nate... bonding? I don’t even want to call it that, but they talk as they drive, we get more insight into Russell’s last group that left him with some trauma.  

Russell: There was seven of us. I didn't have any family there or nothing; they were all at my Gram's down in Statesboro. There was a dad who had a daughter 'bout my age. One guy said he used to be a cop, but nobody really believed him; then a teacher and his wife. Leader was this guy, Steve.

Nate: Go back to the daughter.

Russell: Steve was a bad dude, but everybody was with him, you know? He said seven was the magic number, so we didn't add nobody to the group. If we found survivors, it was the same every time. He...he...

Nate: Let it out, Paco.

Russell: Just... "We gonna kill these folks and take their stuff or what?" And then bang, they'd be dead. Anyway... I couldn't handle that. After weeks of it, I packed my shit up and figured I can make for Gran's alone and try to find my family. I slipped outta there. I couldn't live like that.

Super interesting, and I wanted to learn more about this group but Nate ruins it by continuing to be a creep. 

By the way, Nate? Crusty. Stinky. He is repulsive and I hate him... but he’s also the best antagonist in this DLC, go figure. I’m pretty sure the writers had a lot of fun making him as slimy as possible. He’s dangerous and a huge creep, he makes my guts feel icky, I just-

Russell: Why you gotta be like that?

Nate: Like what?

Russell: Always talking about women like that.

Nate: WOMEN? Ha, okay. Let me see if I can answer your question. Because...because the hunger a man's got for a woman is all we got left now. No laws, no jobs, ain't nothin' that make us men. But they ain't eaten all the women yet.

Nate, you’re gross and I hate you.

Unfortunately, Russell is stuck with this man for the time being until the two end up at Gil’s Pitstop only to be shot at by someone inside. Together, they avoid being shot and break in to find an older man is responsible for shooting at them, and his wife is injured, bleeding out in the booth beside him. 

The man, Walt, yells at them to get out and accuses Nate of coming back to finish them off. Alarming, to say the least, but Nate casually denies the accusations that he’s been here before and calls Walt crazy.

Given this is Nate we’re talking about and he’s been in this area awhile, I’m inclined to believe that he was here at one point and could’ve attacked the couple, possibly with his group that Wyatt and Eddie encountered. 

But here’s where things get interesting, and where Russell’s story becomes more unique when it comes to the dilemma. You’ve got this older couple here, one of them injured, and the other shot at you. They’re accusing your crusty companion of coming back to finish them off, and said crusty man decides to manipulate you by echoing the story from earlier: 

Nate: What do you say, Russ? Should we just kill these folks and take all their stuff?

Super fucked up, and it has an immediate effect on Russell. Nate gives him the crazy eyes and casually points the gun at Russell... so what do you do? Do you comply, or do you stand up to Nate?

Unfortunately, no matter what you do, Nate will always kill the old couple. If you comply with Nate, whether by saying nothing out of shock or hesitantly agreeing, you witness the murders and Nate gloating about how all their stuff is there’s now. Then you get an eerie line from Nate as he looks back at Russell with a smile:

Nate: Relax. You're my boy, Russell. Things are going to be a-okay.

All while Russell stands there in absolute horror and shock, probably reliving the trauma he escaped from his previous group and realizing he’s now stuck in it again. 

This ending to the story is awful... not awful as in it’s written poorly. No, no, quite the opposite. It’s awful because of what it does to Russell. By complying, Russell is now stuck with this man who “kept you around,” according to the little choice notification in the corner. Who killed with no compassion, no guilt, and is gleefully admiring the “rewards” he got for doing it. Russell just stood there while two innocent people were murdered and he does nothing to stop it. He looks at Nate and sees Steve, a man he earlier described as a bad person, but everyone was with him, everyone complied. Russell couldn’t take it anymore and he had to leave, only to find himself at the mercy of another Steve and that’s tragic. 

Luckily, Russell manages to get away somehow given he’s with the rest of the group in the epilogue, though we never find out how. 

As for the alternative, Russell can stand up to Nate and call him out in one of my favorite moments:

Russell: Are you serious?

Nate: Maybe. Why not?

Russell: That's fucked up! There are real fucking monsters out there!

Nate: No shit.

Russell: And you're just going to joke about the shit I seen? Fuck you, Nate!

Nate: I saved your ass!

Russell: You didn't do shit.

Nate: Easy, Russ.

Russell: I ain't hurtin' no one. And don't you hurt these people either.

Nate: COME ON! Can we still be friends?

Russell: No.

Russell leaves Nate behind, and as he’s walking outside, he hears two gunshots from inside. At first, the player’s probably thinking how Russell should’ve done more to help the couple, but what could he do? Nate had the gun, and wrestling it from him would’ve gotten Russell killed. It’s fucked, but there was nothing he could do with Nate holding as much power as he did. Russell had no choice but to stand up to him in hopes of convincing him to leave the couple alone, and then leave. 

Unfortunately, Nate isn’t easily swayed. Russell’s lucky he got away when he did. 

Russell standing up to Nate, avoiding the road he’s desperately tried not to walk again, is compelling as hell. By walking away, he’s saying that no, that’s not who he will become. He won’t be Steve, he won’t be Nate, he won’t be a man who causes hurt and death in order to reap the “rewards.” 

In the end, Russell is more bitter, wary to trust and I don’t blame him. This moral dilemma is so powerful because it’s a choice between remaining strong, brave enough to look at what you could become and say, “no,” and giving in, becoming the thing you feared and ran from. 

Not to mention Russell’s story all started because he left to go find his grandmother, to reunite with his family. If Russell were to reunite with her, would he be proud of how he got there? Or would be feel like yet another monster who hurt others to get there? 

All in all, so damn good. 

Fuck Nate, though. Hope he choked. 

Bonnie: Day 220

Bonnie, everyone’s favorite.... CJ wrote sarcastically, knowing full well that a lot of people don’t actually like her. 

It’s a shame that S2 has tainted Bonnie’s character for a lot of people, but this post isn’t about S2 so I’m going to focus solely on what we see of her in this story. 

What we get is a woman struggling with addiction, clinging to a life preserver the best she can in a world where the dead walk but people are more dangerous, a preserver that can be ripped out of her hands depending on your choices. Bonnie is recovering from a drug problem when we meet her out in the rain with a man named, Leland, and the two are playing a cute little game of “would you rather.” 

She has a deep southern drawl, and easily teases Leland even without player input. 

Leland: You've been a lot more fun lately. Feelin' better?

Bonnie: I guess I am.

Leland: Well, you sure do look better. Though you gotta admit, anything is an improvement. That came out wrong... what I mean is... I mean... You were... you were, uh... you know.

Bonnie: Take a hike, big ears.

Leland: I resemble that remark.

Bonnie: You resemble a satellite.

Leland: Ya know, you weren't so damn sassy before. Guess that's a good sign. I mean it, though. After we found ya, you were still so hooked on that stuff. I never thought you'd make it. You ain't outta the woods yet, I know, but you've come a long way, Bonnie. I'm proud of you.

At first, you pick up on a little romantic tension between the two and think, “Oh, I see~” There’s some definite chemistry there. Leland even goes as far as to caress her cheek and say her name softly. 

Then Dee shows up, and you realize rather quickly that she’s Leland’s wife, and then you go, “Oh... I see.” 

Dee sees it, too, and calls the two of them out on their flirting. 

Dee: I got you a present.

Leland: Aw, you shouldn't have! What did you find?

Dee: I'll tell ya later. I don't mean to interrupt your "chat" with your "girlfriend", but we gotta get movin'.

So that’s not great.

But it appears that Dee found a bag and avoids saying where she got it. Leland keeps pushing on about the bag, and this causes a fight to break out with Dee getting more defensive until she tells then to run. Turns out, Dee stole the bag from a nearby group that is now hunting them down, so the three of them have to get out of there. 

Bonnie falls behind, and ends up shot. Leland calls out to her, but we see Dee holding him back before disappearing, leaving Bonnie on her own. This segment is super good, she falls down a hill and a zombified Clyde- you remember Clyde? Officer Dipshit? Yeah, he shows up as a walker here to attack Bonnie if you don’t kill him in Russell’s story. After killing the walker, Bonnie’s forced to navigate a corn maze while avoiding the flashlights of the group chasing her. It’s a well done scene, and the moment Bonnie makes it out is just heart breaking. 

She’s wounded, all alone, and she’s slipping all over in the mud, desperate to take cover behind a tractor. Plus her little, “Mama watch over me,” gets me, y’know? 

The dialogue that follows is raw. Eerie. Just-

Bonnie: Dee, oh, God, Dee... I'm so sorry, oh, God...

Dee: Wh... why? You... Why? Do... d-- do I look... How bad is it? Bonnie?

Bonnie: It was dark, it's so dark, I couldn't see you! I didn't know it was you! How was I supposed to know it was you?!

Dee: There was no... I thought I...saw you... You did this...? You... killed me. You killed me... I sh-- should never have... tr-- trusted you... just... just a junkie... Leland, she... she did this to me...

Bonnie: I... God, I'm so sorry, so... I can't... Oh, God, God...

Dee: I knew you'd fuck up again... take him...

Bonnie: I... I... no, God, I'm sorry. I need him; I need you both...

Dee: You... bitch... I knew you wanted him... didn't think you had the stones... Goddamn you...

-and then Dee dies. Dee repeatedly calling Bonnie a junkie and a fuck up is painful. Bonnie’s clearly in distress, apologizing and trying to comfort Dee as she’s dying, and all Dee can do is call her a fucking junkie while damning her, telling her they should’ve never trusted her. I cannot imagine the toll that takes on Bonnie going forward. 

Now the dilemma here isn’t that Bonnie killed her. You have no choice on whether or not to hit her with the piece of rebar. If you don’t, Dee will kill Bonnie and you get a nice ol’ YOU ARE DEAD. You have to hit Dee, Dee will always die, it’s more up to you how Bonnie reacts and handles it. 

The dilemma here is Leland finds them and is horrified that Dee is dead. He then asks Bonnie what happened. Do you tell him the truth or do you lie? 

This is rough, to say the least. Because it was an accident. You had no choice, you didn’t know it was Dee and now you have to decide if being honest is the best choice in this moment. Are you willing to take responsibility for something you did even if it hurts you, or hurts Leland? Or are you going to lie to the grieving husband of the woman you killed to save your own ass? 

And remember, that group is still chasing you down, it’s only a matter of time before they find you so whatever you do, you have to do it fast or else that group is going to kill you.

Fun fact, according to the stats, 75% of people lied to Leland, and 25% of people told him the truth. Which I find fascinating yet unsurprising that players wouldn’t tell the truth in order to cover their asses. 

To be fair, a new player might think that telling the truth could cause Leland to lash out and you’ll get hurt, and that takes priority over doing the “morally good thing” of being honest. Or they don’t want to admit they did a bad thing. Players never like doing that unless it was on purpose. 

Not only that, but if Leland knows that truth and you can convince him to leave with you, the fact that Bonnie killed her [accident or no] will always hang heavy in the air. If Leland doesn’t know the truth, then y’know- ignorance is bliss and Bonnie won’t have to face the repercussions from him... she’ll just have to deal with her guilt and trauma internally. 

You also have to remember that Bonnie is a recovering addict. Leland and Dee were her life preservers that kept her afloat this whole time. She just accidentally killed half of her support, and now she’s staring at the other half and has to judge if she’s willing to risk losing him, as well. If both Dee and Leland are gone, Bonnie is alone, and that could be far worse than anything else for her.

For me, this dilemma is fairly similar to Russell’s- who are you shaping Bonnie to be with this choice? Can Bonnie live with herself if she lies? 

If you lie, it’s easy to convince him to come along with you, but you can still do so if you tell the truth, which is what I did. It all depends on your approach and if you can convince him that it was a genuine accident on Bonnie’s part. Which it was so again, not hard. If you can’t convince him, he’ll stay by Dee’s side while Bonnie runs away and you’ll hear a gunshot. 

If Leland leaves with Bonnie, they don’t stay together since he’s not with the group in the epilogue. As far as I can tell, we never find out what happened to him, Bonnie never says. 

Bonnie’s story is solid, super enjoyable, I love it. Again, you might be noticing a pattern but every story so far has been excellent, not a single bad one in the bunch. 

And that doesn’t change with Shel’s story.

Shel: Days 236 & 259

Shel’s story is the final event on the timeline, and while I said that Wyatt’s story made me laugh the most and Russell’s my favorite protagonist, Shel’s story is my favorite overall. It’s not funny like Wyatt’s, and I wouldn’t even say Shel is as compelling as Russell, but it more than makes up for that with the story it tells. 

It’s funny to think back on this because had you asked me years ago about Shel’s story, I probably would’ve told you it’s my least favorite and that Shel and Becca weren’t great. Again, another example of me not giving them a proper chance.

This time around I was surprisingly invested in Shel as a character. She’s a lot more... how do I put this? Softer? She’s softer than the other playable protagonists in the way she acts, speaking, and views the situation. She has a little sister to look after in this world, a young, impressionable girl that Shel sees getting colder and colder with every terrible thing she sees. It’s understandable that Shel wants to protect Becca, or even shelter her from the reality of their situation. 

I liked Becca a lot, too. She wasn’t annoying like I remembered her being. Her behavior is understandable when you pay attention. She’s young, she doesn’t fully understand the weight of the things she may do, and she’s easily influenced, which becomes scary later on. 

Shel’s story takes place in Gil’s Pitstop where she and Becca are staying with a group of familiar faces. Yep, the cancer patients from S1 are back. Turns out Vernon was more of a bastard than we initially thought as we learn he planned to steal the boat from the moment we found it... and given that he’s no longer with the group, I’d say that didn’t work out for him in the end. 

Aside from them, we have Stephanie and Roman. These two are key to this story, both having ideas about how Becca should be raised, and Roman becomes a more antagonistic character in the end. 

This story is about Shel’s conflicted feelings about the world and what it’s doing to her and Becca. They have to keep inventory of guns and supplies and hey, remember how Dee stole that bag? Surprise, Shel’s group were the ones chasing you down when you were playing as Bonnie, and they make comments depending on if Leland stayed with Bonnie or was caught. 

Shel meets Roman outside where we see “guard dogs,” which are just walkers they’d tied up to keep people away. Depending on if you stayed with Nate or stood up to him, you may encounter Walt as a walker, or Bennett. They’re feeding the walkers when Roman makes a comment about how Becca wouldn’t mind doing this, and that Shel can’t keep sheltering her, something Shel struggles with. 

Shel also discovered the old woman walker is eating a puppy and the affect on her is instant, nearly bringing her to tears. Which is completely understandable. When I say that Shel is softer, it’s because of a moment like this where she sees something that’s sad and she doesn’t just shrug it off. She feels it deeply, and that’s further proven when she goes back inside only for Becca to scare her as a little prank. 

Shel lashes out at her, and I love their conversation once she’s calmed down. 

Shel: It's the walkers...I guess they got ahold of a puppy.

Becca: A puppy?

Shel: Yeah. I guess it just...it got to me, ya know. It was so little. You don't think about babies anymore, but... After a while, you just kind of accept...this is it.

Becca: Yeah. I guess you kinda forget.

Shel: Right? But then...you know...there it is. You see it and you want to protect it... And now it's gone.

Becca: That sucks.

I feel like this is obvious, but Shel seeing a dead puppy being eaten by walkers probably brought Becca to mind. While Becca isn’t a baby, she is still a kid, and we know how TWDG works. Children and teens aren’t safe from death in this series. In S1 we dealt with Duck’s tragic death, and we found the walker child in the attic. S1 is all about Lee doing everything in his power to not let that happen to Clementine, and it cost him his life. 

Becca could die just as easily as that puppy. All it takes is one moment, no matter how hard Shel tries to protect or shelter her, and she’s gone. 

Also, this whole “you don’t think about babies anymore” is clever, given what happens in S2 with Rebecca and AJ, I wonder if that was intentional or not. 

But the moment is interrupted when Stephanie barges in to bring us our first major moral dilemma.

A man was caught trying to steal supplies from the group. He’s beaten up, and Roman claims he was already like that, and all he did was tie him up and put a blindfold on. The man doesn’t speak English. He isn’t bit, and he didn’t hurt anyone. This is the second break in the group’s had. The group is arguing among themselves when Roman gives us the dilemma:

Roman: Look, we all know what we're talking about here, so let's stop dancing around it. We either let this guy go and take our chances...or we kill him.

This is... fucked? How else do you describe it? This man can’t defend himself since he doesn’t speak English, no one can understand him, he can’t stay with the group but letting him go is risky. What do you do?

There isn’t a right answer to this, even when you know both outcomes. 

On one hand, you let him go. You can’t just execute a man, that would be wrong, so you send him away and maybe he won’t come back. You’ll be in the clear and you’ll feel like you did the right thing.

Shel: He's not even armed! We can't just kill him! This isn't in self-defense.

Becca: Isn't it, though? If it means he can't come back to hurt us?

Shel: That isn't the same thing.

Joyce: But last time...

Shel: Joyce, that was a long time ago. If we kill this man, then we are giving up a part of ourselves that we can NEVER get back! I'm not ready to let that go.

But that doesn’t happen. The man does come back and he brings his group, we’re attacked, and Boyd dies in the fight. Roman becomes obsessed with securing the place by any means necessary. 

On the other hand, you kill him. You make the choice as a collective group to execute a man and you get to live with that. 

Shel: We can't take the risk. We kill him.

Stephanie: There's gotta be another way...

Shel: Tell me. What if he comes back? With weapons, or...or a gang? Is it worth losing any one of us?

Stephanie: Jesus. There really is no other choice, is there?

Roman: We can't keep him here and we can't let him go. If there's even a chance of him coming back or telling folks who might try to hurt us, we can't risk it. I won't ask you to watch, but if we do this, we're all in it together. If this ever happens again, it's gonna be one of you pulling that trigger.

And in doing so, the group’s morale plummets, and Roman still becomes obsessed with securing the place by any means. 

But you also have to consider what this will do to Becca. Shel just had to face a hard reality when she saw that dead puppy, and now she’s left as the swing vote that decides a man’s fate. That’s a lot for any person and there are so many factors at play here. 

No matter your choice, there’s a time skip and we see Shel and Becca in an RV playing Go Fish. Becca admits that she’s been sneaking out, something that’s horrifying to hear when you realize what Roman would do to her if he ever found that out, or if Becca was spotted and led someone back that wanted to hurt them. 

Speaking of Roman, he comes knocking on the door to ask Shel to come talk to him about something important. It’s not long before you learn what happened: Stephanie stole supplies and tried to escape. 

Roman: We caught her trying to escape.

Shel: Maybe she wasn't. Maybe she just wanted to get outside these walls for a while. Ever since the...incident, you've made this place feel...I dunno...oppressive.

Roman: We've made it safe. And she was definitely trying to escape; she had most of our ammo and medicine with her. She screwed us, Shel. All of us. And now were' in that position again where we can't keep her here and we can't let her go. You do know why I'm telling you this, right?

Roman’s telling Shel this because he wants her to shoot Stephanie, and she can’t say no. 

As if this wasn’t enough of a gut punch, Shel goes back to the RV and tells Becca what’s going on. 

Y’know that feeling you got when you heard AJ say he liked killing Lilly for the first time in TFS? I got a similar feeling when Becca said this:

Becca: Oh, my god. The hell did she do that for?!

Shel: Roman says we have to-

Becca: Kill her? Yeah! Why would she do this to us?!

Shel: She's just scared. She made a mistake.

Becca: Well, that'll be her last mistake!

Shel: Becca! Stephanie is your friend!

Becca: WAS my friend.

Shel’s fear that this world is changing Becca isn’t misplaced, and now she’s forced to face that reality head on once again. 

Also, I’m pretty sure this is the moment that causes people to dislike Becca or think she’s annoying, but again, given what she’s been through no matter what choice you made, her reaction makes sense. If you let him go, she saw her group attacked and Boyd killed, and that showed her that it was a mistake to let that guy go. If you killed him, then she watched her older sister decide the fate of a man and then watched him be executed. 

A lot of the TWDG fandom tend to intensely dislike child characters for the mere fact that they’re not Clementine, and ironically, they end up behaving in ways that make them more annoying than any child character they dislike. So I wouldn’t take their word for it when they say Becca’s a bad character. Play the story, pay attention, and make the judgement yourself. 

As for the second moral dilemma in this story, Shel can either take her gun and shoot Stephanie, or she can take the RV keys and drive away. Do you agree to kill Stephanie or run away? 

For me, this is an easier decision than the first one. I grabbed those keys and we got the hell outta there. 

But for this choice, Shel can either give in and allow this to be who they are now in order to protect Becca, or she can prove that there are other ways, that they don’t have to stay under Roman’s thumb and kill whoever he tells them to. There’s no saving Stephanie at this point, you have no choice in that, but you do have a choice in how Shel raises Becca from now on. 

Oh, and if you’re looking to get everyone to go with Tavia, you have to drive away. If you shoot Stephanie, then she and Becca will refuse to go with Tavia. 

Shel’s episode is my favorite, and the perfect way to end the main story if you’re playing in chronological order. She’s another great character who I didn’t expect to make me feel the way she did. 

Epilogue: Day 400

Once all five stories are finished, we’re introduced to Tavia. She’s a scout looking for survivors to bring back to her community. She talks with someone over the radio about finding all the photos and a note near Gil’s Pitstop that gives the group’s location.

Turns out that Vince, Wyatt, Russell, Bonnie, Shel and Becca all found each other and are surviving together in their campsite. Tavia approaches the group and it’s up to us to convince as many of them as we can to come with her. 

For Vince, you have to shoot Danny, and with Shel you have to escape. Bonnie will agree to go no matter what. Wyatt and Russell can be convinced to join regardless of your choices. The best option is to tell them that you find people from everywhere, and Wyatt will agree to go in hopes of finding Eddie while Russell wants to find his family. 

Most of the dialogue is determined by your choices, as well. 

Once you have your group, the DLC ends with the group burning the photos and note, before asking Tavia how she knows if this will work out. 

Honestly? Great ending, great execution of consequences brought on by your choices. 

The 400 Days DLC is fantastic. It’s brilliant. I love it to pieces, and I highly encourage anyone reading this to replay it. 

Don’t play S1 first, and don’t plan on jumping into S2. Play the DLC by itself, let it be a story contained to an hour of your time. That’s what I did, and I had so much fun! These characters and their stories are wonderful, the writing is phenomenal, I love it!

But... Now that I’ve spent all this time praising this DLC, calling it brilliant and encouraging everyone to revisit it... it all comes with an asterisk* attached:

*As a single experience, 400 Days is brilliant and I love it.... but when played together with S1 and S2.......

400 Days is disappointing.

That’s the glaring issue here. 

I can praise this DLC all I want, and I did. That doesn’t negate the big picture, or the big problem fans tend to have with it. 

400 Days acts as a bridge between the two seasons but let’s be real, the only story that actually matters here is Bonnie’s. She will always leave with Tavia no matter what, and she plays a major role in the group’s capture and eventual escape. The others make brief, meaningless cameos that only exist to make the player go-

-every time one of them shows up. We never hear from them, or about them, again after that.... so what was the point? 

What was the point of 400 Days in the grand scheme of things? 

400 Days becomes worse when you get your hopes up that it’s just a teaser, a little taste, of what’s to come in S2. You think these writers took the opportunity to introduce you to these important characters, tell you their backstories, so that they could be incorporated into S2′s plot as major characters. 

But no, only Bonnie. 

And even Bonnie’s character becomes muddled by ep5 depending on how you tried to help Luke. 

The thing is, 400 Days isn’t terrible because of this. Obviously. It’s disappointing, but why it’s disappointing and the way people claim it could’ve been fixed is... well...

It’s not simple. It’s so easy to just be like, “400 Days is bad because our choices didn’t matter! It’s pointless! Why didn’t they do something else?? I know exactly how this could be fixed!”

I know what everyone always says whenever 400 Days is brought up: “The 400 Days cast should’ve been the cabin group.”

Great idea in theory, or headcanon/AU.

In execution, it would’ve been too complicated and I think we all know that, but a fandom’s hubris knows no limit when it comes to them believing they know better than the developers. 

Not to say we can’t criticize issues with the writing, but it helps to at least be understanding of how things actually work, i.e. video games are hard to make and long posts on tumblr “fixing” video games are fun to read but wouldn’t actually work in practice because that’s not how video games work so maybe stop insulting the developers while acting like you know better about a field you don’t even work in. 

Trust me, I know. Don’t think I’m not one of those people, I’m literally here writing you a long post on tumblr. I’m not innocent here. Have you read any of my Violet posts? You don’t think there was a long period of time where I thought *I* knew better?? I wish I could say you’re right but you’re not, I’m just as bad. I’ve said some unkind things about certain developers that I look back on and just face palm as I slowly sink back in my chair shamefully. I still agree with my criticisms but not the way I said them, and I’m trying to not be like that anymore. 

All that to say it would be too complicated for the 400 Days cast to be the cabin group due to the different combinations of characters who can stay or go with Tavia. What happens to players who had only Bonnie go with Tavia? Or had all but one go? The only solution would be to have a set ending for 400 Days, removing the consequences of choice and having a more linear ending.

Y’know this would’ve gotten them the “my choices never actually matter >:[” criticism which I believe is a fair criticism of games that make these big claims about choice and consequence only to give you the illusion of it. But, there needs to be some common understanding of what can realistically be implemented in a game like that. You can’t expect them to have a thousand different outcomes and have it be a smooth, functioning game, especially when you take into account the release dates and the things going on behind the scenes at Telltale and how that affects development. These studios have deadlines, they have higher ups working them overtime so they can push as much product out as possible, they have a budget that’s never enough, and frankly, shit just happens sometimes.  

I’m not saying that we can’t be disappointed. I’m disappointed that I’ll never get to know if Wyatt and Eddie reunited, or what happened to Russell. I have no idea if Shel and Becca are still alive, and I don’t know where Vince is. I don’t even know what happened to Bonnie after S2. 

When thrown into the entire series, 400 Days is disappointing due to the high expectations it brings for S2, but I argue that it isn’t as terrible as people claim it is. 

I literally just spent several paragraphs explaining why it’s brilliant and why you should go replay it by itself, I think it’s far from terrible and deserves praise for its characters and the moral dilemmas it presents. Don’t think about S2 while you’re playing it, that’s not the point. The point is to experience it for what it is, a series of stories set in the zombie apocalypse that all lie together in the end. 

I would love to hear more thoughts about this, whether it be about the characters or what choices you made and why. Even if you disagree and think 400 Days is trash, tell me why, I’m interested to know. 

In conclusion: 400 Days good. In other news: Happy New Year

As I’m writing this, it’s New Year’s Eve and I’ve got a little over an hour before midnight, sooo here’s a happy new year to everyone. I hope you’re all doing well, staying safe and healthy the best you can. 

As I said at the start of this, I have another essay I’m working on related to S2.... it’s taking forever because there’s a lot to cover, it’s about some polarizing characters and choices, and I have no idea when I’ll be finished. If it takes even longer than I’d like, I’ll probably put it down and work on a smaller post in the meantime. Maybe something about the Michonne mini-series or a character analysis.

I guess my new thing is disappearing for weeks at a time only to pop in whenever there’s news about the Clementine comic or to throw down a long ass essay about something no one asked for hahaha. I can live with that, I think. I will be around for the rest of the weekend, though, so any asks about 400 Days will get answered, I’d love to hear from y’all. 

Uhhh any other news... Oh, @pi-creates​ and I are making a new Dragon Age server on discord that we’re gonna open up soon for anyone interested in that. Right now it’s mostly just discussions about the games and lamenting about the apostates who broke our hearts... well, Pi’s lamenting, I’m mostly just spewing bitter salt about the sewer rat bastard that is my apostate boyfriend >:[ We’ll post a link once it’s ready to go, though I dunno when that’ll be. We’re pretty proud of the set up, and I made a bunch of DA emojis. It’ll be a fun time. 

Think that’s everything. I wish y’all a happy, healthy new year! 

[headstrongblake]

a quiet gasp came forth as octavia saw nick, reaching for his elbow as she ushered him inside despite the way he so quickly tried to pull from her, pushing her off as he made his way into her dorm room. "nick...what're you doing here?" she peered around him, looking down the hall to see if kassy or rev were quick to follow him inside, but there was nothing. just a quiet hallway. octavia let out a troubled sigh, turning back to nick, who was riffling through her closet. with confusion already etched into her features, there was no point in asking how he'd gotten here. she just hoped it was a car steering wheel he had been griping and not the handlebars of his bike. both would still aggravate his hands, but his car seemed like the lesser of two evils.

octavia closed the door, nose crinkling as she watched nick with curiosity, wondering what the hell he was looking for. lips part as he tossed her duffle bag onto her bed along with different clothes. "ok, what the fuck nick," octavia crossed the room to him, picking up her clothes that he threw at the bed as she watched him move, distressingly. "tell me you haven't been drinking, hunter said you can't be mixing your whiskey with the morphine nick, it's serious, ok..." octavia knew she wasn't one to talk. how many times had she downed a bottle of vodka or tequila on top of the drugs she was taking? "i haven't drank anythin', christ." his response does little to ease her concern for him, but she's at least satisfied to know he hadn't driven here completely wasted.

"then what the hell are you doing?" she asked, as her arms folded across her chest, defiantly standing in nick's way, hoping he'd slow down for one second. at least long enough to explain what was going on. when his crystal hues snapped down at her, the torment clear in his gaze stung deep in her chest. "i'm going to find grant and bring his ass home; you're coming with me." nick told octavia confidently as she shook her head at him.

"nick...please, not this again." her eyes fell to the floor, teeth clenching together as nick once again brought up the idea of searching for grant. it's not what he wants. he's been gone for nearly four weeks now & none of them have heard a word since. it's exactly like grant explained it would be when he stood in this exact dorm room and begged her to let him go. assuring her that he loved her, all while hurting her worse than she ever thought possible. honestly, by now, she had hoped nick would have given up this idea. that as he healed, he'd stop clutching to grant's absence, but it appeared to be a wasted hope. "please, i can't..." her voice shook, head shaking as his feet moved around her, continuing his efforts at packing her a bag. she can't keep having this conversation with him. can't keep lingering on grant because he's never coming back.

the sound of the duffle bag zipper broke the uncomfortable silence as nick turned back to octavia, anguish for all he's caused by his previous decision to look for garrett and how that's become a terrible ripple effect clear in his face. his shaky hand reached out, palm resting on octavia's shoulder as he gently squeezed, forgoing the ache it caused in his skin. he deserved it. part of him did this to her too. "o, please..." nick has to make this right. for grant. for octavia. for himself and for kassy. he has to bring his brother home so their lives can flourish together again. so that nick and grant can protect their family from garrett, together. but he needs her at his side. "i can't do this without you."

green eyes flickered to his hand that tremored every so often against the fabric of her shirt, "nick, im not going to be any good to you, okay? i shot one person, one fucking time," her voice came out strained, bile twisting in her stomach at the thought when nick's brows creased, shaking his head. "that's not what i mean 'tavia, i need you all right?" nick pulled his hand back from her as he wandered to her couch, slumping down onto it before resting his elbows on his knees.

"i fucked everything up octavia. all of it, i fucked it up and you know hunt, and kass, and you and rev can all tell me this shit isn't on me but it is. you were there when grant told us...you know it's my fault whether you admit it or not." nick scratched along his chin, raking his nails in his beard as he watched his sister. "and now he's out there...." nicks words faltered as he took in an unsteady breath, "grants out there with that psycho and that's on me. they don't..." crystal hues shifted away from octavia as he spoke of kassy and rev, guilt mounting on his shoulders. "they don't get it, but you do. i know you do," nick said, reaching his hand out for octavia to come to sit with him as he watched her again. "you love him...and i need you to help me, i am going to bring him back octavia; but i think it'll go a hell of a lot easier if we bring him back, together."

octavia sat on the edge of the couch, eyes tracing him while he pleaded with her all his reasons and explanations. his idea to go searching for grant is outrageous. where would they even begin? & what would they do if somehow they came face to face with grant, and he rejected them? if he wanted absolutely nothing to do with them after all the anguish they've gone through together. kassy doesn't want nick to leave. neither does rev, or anyone else but...nick had driven himself here alone despite strict orders from hunter and his own doctor.

"nick..." her hand lifted to gently move pieces of his hair, smoothing along his temple as she took in the seriousness of his request. if she doesn't follow him...if she didn't go with him, he appeared determined to do this with or without assistance. "okay nick...let me pack my own bag." his eyes lit up with relief at her subtle agreement. her head shook, apprehension wildly brewing inside of her as she pushed herself up to unpack the bag nick had put together.

| @thewholecrew

[whimsicalmeerkat]

Writing Patterns

Rules: list the first line of your last 10 (posted) fics and see if there's a pattern!

I was tagged by @thotpuppy and @definitively-different-drivel. I can't keep track of who was already tagged, so if you see this and want to do it, consider yourself tagge!

I did this not long ago, but thanks to @februaryficletchallenge I've posted a lot of new works since then. This time I'm mixing it up and including WIPs. I skipped the 3 Sentence Ficathon collections, though. Reverse chronological order. Here goes!

Daromir walks through the Duchess of Tavorai's gardens, looking for Vana. sundial, Perilous Courts by Tavia Lark, Daromir Azri/Vana Dire, 389 words, T

Stiles stares at the ruins of the Hale house and reflects that he perhaps should have taken Deaton more seriously when he told him starting to practice magic would change how he saw the world. with lightning in his hands, Teen Wolf, Derek Hale/Peter Hale/Stiles Stilinski, wip with 9k posted, E

"Peter fucking Hale!" Stiles yells, pushing his way into Peter's apartment. pocket watch, Teen Wolf, Peter Hale/Stiles Stilinski, 596 words, T

“You know what we haven’t done in a while?” Stiles says when they’re sprawled out on the bed, sheets a hopeless tangle. we don’t talk about that, Teen Wolf, Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, 100 words, T

Kaleb Krychek stands in front of his mirror and considers the fact that all of his previous assumptions about what he would do if it turned out he had a soulmate seem to have been washed away by the reality. a decision deferred, Psy-Changeling, Kaleb Krychek/Judd Lauren, 504 words, T

Derek stares at the wizened fairy in front of him—seriously, he had no idea they even aged—certain he'd misheard. You may now kiss the bride. Or the other groom. Teen Wolf, Allison Argent/Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, 651 words, T

Stiles would like to say he first realized his best friend had been turned into a werewolf because of his keen powers of observation and knowledge of both Scott and the supernatural world. devil don't take a break, Teen Wolf, Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, wip with 16k posted, E

Judd stands on the slope of the mountain that rises high above SnowDancer's caves and watches the light change as the sun rises. the creeping light of dawn, Psy-Changeling, Judd Lauren/Walker Lauren, 200 words, G

Arthur watched Shae while he waited for Georgia to finish observing her Riverswords training. Shae's Earrings, Radiance Series by Tavia Lark, Arthur Davorin/Shaesarenna Nightven, 259 words, T

"Stiles. Stiles, wake up!" long after midnight, Teen Wolf, Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, 606 words, T

Patterns: Looks like I tend to either go for dialogue or what someone is doing. So much standing and staring.

[spinbitchzu]

ok I may alienate a bunch of mutuals I respect for saying this and I will be bummed if thats the case but its on my mind...

I think maybe the culture around having morally-correct ships in the ninjago fandom is kind of restrictive and creates a weird vibe? n im not even talking about lloydXninja, I'm thinking primarily about llorumi. every piece of art I see of them in any context has this crazy "NOT SHIP not even CLOSE HRHGHRHHR" type disclaimer on it and ofc ppl are free to leave that if they feel strongly about it but sometimes I feel like they're afraid that if they don't expressly say it that they'll be cancelled? or something?

idk it just confuses me bc Lloyd and harumi dont seem to have an age gap or anything so as far as I can tell its been somewhat blacklisted because... harumi betrayed him? maybe im in the wrong for this or I'm not seeing things as they are, and im open to having a conversation bc im not married to this position but I feel like its kind of weird that if a ship isn't blatantly morally-righteous and straightforward and healthy, its somehow evil and anyone who has interest in it is cast in a bad light.

tbf I came from the locked tomb fandom where every ship is complicated and messy and kind of toxic, and I just generally believe in the school of "sometimes ships are better if they're kind of fucked up". I also preemptively just want to say I dont feel strongly about llorumi or even really want to pursue posting them I just think the vibe around them is kind of weird. but also w ppl supporting zane ships while considering the very dark ice emperor arc as canon im just confused on where the line is drawn

[ryttu3k]

More Dark Urge questions by @daemon-in-my-head ! Previously - set 1 (post also links to previous question sets), sets 2-3.

Here, we have set 4, set 5, set 6, and set 7, because I procrastinated on these for so long that every time I got near the end, another post would appear!!

Content warning for all canon-typical Durge stuff, plus incestuous sexual harassment and mention of pregnancy in set 4, question 6.

Set 4

1. The song that describes you Durge best from your own perspective?

I Want To Live is more Astarion-coded than anything else, but honestly, it works great for a resist!Durge too (and it's a duet, and he's romancing Astarion so it can work for both of them simultaneously!) "There's more to do if we can only live"…

2. OK and now the song that your Durge would actually sing along to because they like it?

Probably something upbeat and bouncy? Pre-tadpole, it'd be the kind of… 'extreme violence set to cheerful/energetic music' vibe. Post-tadpole, it's a lot more genuine and optimistic, haha.

3. What was your Durge's dream before everything happened? What did they want to become? Did they want to stay with their family or did they strive to go adventuring?

Tavias is a people pleaser, deeply insecure, and needs to be needed and wanted, and Father Comes Before All, so his dream was honestly 'do whatever Bhaal wants of me'. It was the impetus for him originally pushing away his fairly justifiable horror at the Temple and cult, knowing that if he did well enough, maybe his true father would return and like him, and it continued to motivate him up until Orin's attack. His dream would have been to carry out Bhaal's plan of omnicide, although he did have a secret quiet desire that Gortash would be by his side the whole time, and that Gortash would be the very last life he took before his own.

If we're talking before he killed his foster parents, honestly, his main desire was to find somewhere where he belonged.

4. Did your Durge ever fulfill that dream or did the temple and cult get in the way? Did they simply discard it? Why?

I mean. In a way XD He assumed he had fulfilled his dream by finding the Temple, his ~true~ family. He actually does end up finding a place where he belongs post-tadpole, though - with Astarion, with Halsin, with Jaheira. With people who love him for himself, not his heritage ;_;

5. What does Durge think of family? Describe it with one word.

Messy.

6. Sarevok, what was his relationship with your Durge like? Did they like each other? Was it complicated?

They goddamn loathed each other. From Sarevok's perspective, when Tavias first comes to the Temple in 1472, there are only a few remaining Bhaalspawn - himself and Orin, Abdel, who famously disavowed Bhaal, and Veikang, who's been keeping quiet for all these years. Sarevok sees himself as the head of the Cult of Bhaal, and Orin as his heir (having already pit her against Helena two years earlier, and Orin being the survivor). Now there's this child, an outsider who knows nothing of the cult's ways, who's being positioned as the new leader - and worse, he's far more 'pure' than even Sarevok is, than even Orin, his bespoke Bhaalspawn grand/daughter, is. It was instant resentment.

On Tavias' part, he initially did want Sarevok to like him. Sarevok was kin. His older half-brother. He had always wanted older siblings, and now here was one who knew all about the strange place he had found himself in, only for Sarevok to dislike him? Very crushing. His disgust and dislike started growing as Sarevok made no secret (behind closed doors, of course, had to present themselves as a happy family to the cult!) of his own dislike, and definitely amped up as he learned about Orin's parentage - and Sarevok's plans to create an even more pure Bhaalspawn. Tavias was, at least, treated as a boy from the moment he arrived, but Sarevok was well aware that Tavias had the right anatomy to get pregnant, and pretty much… would try to convince him that the two of them would create the Ultimate Bhaalspawn.

Tavias was 16-17 at this point, more or less leading the cult on a daily basis after his successful murder spree, and, uh, had got very well-accustomed to using violence to solve all his problems. He told Sarevok that if he ever laid a hand on him (or the then-14-15-year-old Orin), Tavias would get revenge so violent and gory that even Bhaal would go, "Hmm, that may be a bit much", and more or less banished Sarevok just to running the Tribunal instead of the entire cult. By 1492, he thinks Sarevok is both washed-up and a disgusting old pervert who would be better off dead, and frankly, he's all too happy to kill his big brother when he finally returns.

7. Does your Durge know of Sarevok's past? What do they think about it?

He learns the 'official' version pretty early on, and all the messy details a few years in. It doesn't do much to improve his view on him, just reinforces the fact that he failed. In 1482, after Abdel and Veikang die and Bhaal returns, Tavias uses the fact that Sarevok's death wasn't required as evidence that his earlier resurrection around the time of the Crisis removed any essence of Bhaal from him; he was no longer relevant. It was just Tavias, and, less importantly, Orin (being only part Bhaalspawn), who would represent Bhaal in the future. Tavias was pureblooded, Tavias was the Slayer, Tavias had the Urge, Tavias was Chosen. Sarevok? He was yesterday's news.

8. Education in the Temple, what did it look like? Did they enjoy it?

Yeah, more or less! He had essentially four streams of education - a general education that any kid in Baldur's Gate would get, because Bhaal's heir would not be an uneducated hick. He was given Bhaal-specific education, about the history of the cult, of Bhaal, of the earlier crisis, and of other things relating to the gods. Technically, should Tavias had wished, he could have 100% qualified as a Cleric of Bhaal instead of a sorcerer. As it was, though, he was a sorcerer, and so learning to use his arcane abilities was the third stream; finally, he (and everyone else in the Temple) was given combat training, with a special focus on assassination and, uh, vivisection. He enjoyed it for the most part, although he's still not a fan of literature studies.

9. Did your Durge ever attend a gathering of High Society with Gortash? Did they fit in, did they charm their way into the upper echelon's heart or were they despised?

Oh yes, and he loved it. Tavias knew how to turn up the charm, even if he came across as… kind of disconcerting; on the other hand, the upper echelon was fairly used to 'disconcerting'. Lots of dirty secrets going around! But yes, he did take a lot of enjoyment in dressing up as the most beautiful person in the room and charming the pants off everyone. And if the occasional back-room murder happened, even better! :D

10. Ketheric Thorm's dream, reviving the dead. What did Durge think of it? Did they consider it a sacrilege as Ketheric wanted to reverse the death Durge so loved to sow, or could they understand the desire of wanting to reclaim a loved one?

He could vaguely understand it in abstract terms, but did not relate. By the time he met Ketheric, he had well and truly pushed aside any sentimentality, had been drinking the Bhaalist Kool-Aid for nearly two decades, and there was no one he thought would be better off alive than dead. His goal at this point was to murder the world, after all, and he genuinely believed the world would be better that way. The timeline is a little unclear on whether Isobel was resurrected before Tavias was attacked or not, but he definitely knew that the desire to bring her back was why Ketheric had turned to Myrkul, and also thought it was a stupid idea and a sign that Ketheric was a weak link in their plans.

Set 5

1. The Gate has more than just one cult dedicated to an evil aligned Deity. What does your Durge think about the Sharran Outpost establishing itself within their turf? Were there any sort of run-ins that escalated?

Honestly he just kind of takes it as a given that there are other cults and the like around the city, and the Sharrans aren't too close to the Temple. He doesn't like Sharrans - removing someone's memories when they could, say, be twisted and put towards murder instead seems like such a waste! - but he tolerates their presence (and, of course, they'll stay out of the Undercity if they know what's good for them :) ). For run-ins, I feel they would probably try to stay out of each other's ways, for the most part.

2. How did your Durge feel seeing the bodies of their brethren being ogled by the general populous in the Hall of Wonders? Disgust, pride, nothing?

A bit of disgust, if only because they're not being presented right, dammit. Museums set up a narrative with their exhibitions, whether intentionally or otherwise. Oh, some definitely try to be impartial, but every museum is going to go, okay, what story are we telling here? And they tell a story of Bhaalists as losers, Bhaalists as failures, Bhaalists as irrelevant, and - no. Bhaalists are very much on the rise again, thank you very much, and those bodies and relics should be displayed with care and pride, not as, "Look at this sad figure!"

3. Nine Fingers has dedicated herself to keeping peace between the warring underworld factions no matter the cost. What price did the Bhaalists require under Durge's leadership?

More or less the same as the Sharrans - try to stay out of each other's way. The Cult are more powerful and are backed by an actual deity (well, quasi-deity), but the Guild are far more numerous, and have their fingers - pun unintended - in far more pies. In a one-on-one conflict, a Bhaalist would win, but en masse, the Guild and their allies could probably do a fair bit of damage to the Temple. So they try and keep things… more or less chill. There's probably a bit of collaboration - if a Bhaalist needs some pressure put on someone in a more 'diplomatic' way than Bhaal would approve of, or if a Guild member needs someone disposed of but without the Guild itself being implicated, they could scratch each other's backs.

4. Speaking of Nine Fingers, what was your Durge's relationship with her like? Was it amicable or did they regularly come for each other's throat?

Yeah, amicable. Keene is a bit older than Tavias, and was a little surprised when he started openly leading the Cult when he was only in his teens, but hell, she was already doing Crimes at his age. So long as he's competent, no issue there.

5. The Zhent may follow Bane, but what did the Bhaalist leader think of them and their operations?

Useful at times. Pretty widespread, good contacts for smuggling in particular. He would let them use cult safehouses as drop spaces at times in exchange for a cut.

6. Mercenaries are a valued resource even for death cults and almost any significant operation in Faerûn. Did Durge ever hire any, and if so, what for?

Oh yeah, and similar to the kind of collaborations done with the Guild or Zhentarim. Sometimes, they'd identify a promising new member, send them on a test mission, and if they passed, they received an offer to join the cult. ('No' was not actually accepted. You become a cult member, or you become a murder victim.)

7. Did Durge have a last name? Why or why not and if they had any, where did they get it from? Was it self made or inherited?

Nope. In his childhood, he'd just use whatever his current foster family used, and after going to the Temple, it kind of… wasn't necessary. "Tavias who?" "…Tavias the HEIR OF MURDER??"

8. Does your Durge have a symbol of their own? What is it?

Ooh man haven't thought about it before but the Bhaal skull with added in dragon horns would be cool as hell.

9. Did your Durge have any familiars? Why or why not, and if yes, what were they?

Not unless Sceleritas counts!

10. Does a portrait of your Durge exist somewhere in Faerûn? How did it come to be?

Oh yes. Sarevok most likely had at least a few commissioned of the kids as they were growing up, and Tavias himself definitely had one commissioned in full regalia after Bhaal's return and being officially named Chosen.

Set 6

1. Durge flayed themselves at least once, why?

Sex, probably. Maybe as a pentinence thing? I feel he was quite willing to try Abdirak's methods because he was used to pain for pentinence and it just sort of… resonated. Alternatively, another way of communing with Bhaal? Taking himself to the brink of death or something.

2. What did they think when they wrote the Prayer down? Why was it so important for them to have a physical copy of it?

Kind of… a desperate attempt to get all his thoughts about Gortash out of his head, he'll do what he's told, he's a good boy, he really is. (It was a massive bit of downplay, saying he 'admired' Gortash. Tavias was in love with him, and if Gortash had asked if they could scrap their plans and leave their masters and make their own story, he would have been tempted.) He never ended up 'officially'. Uh. Submitting it? Praying it? Whatever, he wrote it down intended for Bhaal but had second thoughts and hid it in his room. It shows up in the colony solely because Orin found it there post-stabbing and brought it to Moonrise to taunt Gortash with, and left it in that room in the colony out of a moment of carelessness.

Gortash never ended up seeing it before Tavias found it again, recognised his own handwriting, and promptly had a panic attack at the implications.

3. Balthazar is an infamous necromancer and has extended his 'life' far beyond what should've been. What did Durge think of him?

The man has a sense of style, no doubt there, but Tavias doesn't like him at all personally. Necromancy certainly has its uses, but when it's used to prevent or even reverse death? Yeah that shit's not okay with Bhaal. He also got the impression that Balthazar personally thought little of him, and given how patronising Balth is about Tavias in his notes about Kressa's preoccupation with Tavias, he entirely correct.

4. The Warden hates Durge. Why? What did they do?

Swanned in like he owned the place. Mentioned offhandedly that if she wanted a professional to take care of the prisoners, he would be willing to give her a few pointers. Stared a little too intently at her.

5. The Worgs in Gortash's warehouse, what's the story behind them?

Just security, I think! I don't think Tavias was super involved in all of Gortash's plans, so he may not have even realised they were there.

6. Minsc is quite infamous, did Durge have a hand in the disappearance of his statue? Was it originally their plan or did Orin do something successfully by herself for once? How would your past life Durge react to it?

It was his idea, yeah. Minsc was a known enemy to Bhaalspawn, and he wanted to make sure he could get control of at least one possible obstacle by tadpoling him. If he had been able to find Jaheira, he would have done the same to her. Of course, Jaheira ends up adopting him and Minsc ends up his uncle, so… works out in the end!

7. If your pre-lobotomy Durge could say anything to your post-lobotomy Durge, what would it be?

I think he would be incredulous, but there's enough of the previously sweet kid there that there may also be a bit of envy. He'd openly be angry that post-lobotomy Tavias is rejecting his heritage and his gifts, but there'd be this underlay of, "Why can you do it, and I can't? Do I have to lose myself to be free?"

8. What was Durge's greatest nightmare?

Being cast aside by Bhaal, being told he was irrelevant and useless and unwanted.

9. What do they think of other deities? Especially those of their race or good aligned ones?

Ooh, answered this in an earlier post, will copypaste! "He thinks very little of Bane and Myrkul, considering them the weaker parts of the Dead Three. He has some passing interest in Mystra, although that becomes disgust and loathing after he befriends Gale, is a bit frightened of Lathander, doesn’t have a lot of consideration for Shar other than, “Well, she exists”, although he also ends up pretty disgusted by her after everything with Shadowheart, and is pretty sure Selûne would hate him on instinct but has no negative feelings towards her in return, and is really quite gratified when he’s able to help Aylin." Pre-lobotomy, it's pretty universally a combination of (somewhat performative) disgust and dismissal, and a bit of wariness / fear of those specifically opposed to Bhaal, especially Lathander, Tyr, and Helm.

10. Drizzt is quite famous in Faerûn. Did your Durge have an opinion on the man who betrayed his origins and rose to become a hero?

Drizzt is… a story figure, mostly. Like he knows he exists, but eh, so do a lot of people. Post-lobotomy, I think he'd be a bit more fascinated by him, I can just see him and Astarion starting a mini-bookclub, haha.

11. What would past Durge think of their new companions? Would they like, love, dislike or despise them?

Ooh, don't think he'd like them much XD;; He'd have some passing admiration for Lae'zel's willingness to FIGHT EVERYTHING, but Shadowheart is Suspicious(tm) as a cleric of a different god, Wyll and Karlach both seem too nice and good, and ditto Halsin but with added wariness, since Halsin is an Archdruid and over three hundred years older than him and not to be messed with (whereas he's pretty sure he'd be able to take Wyll and Karlach). He'd be more interested in Gale as a fellow Chosen, but see him more as a cautionary tale on why not to displease your deity or you'll be personally fucked over. I think he'd still find Astarion attractive, but more in a, "I think it would be hot to fuck someone who looks and feels like a corpse" kind of way XD;;

12. What does their handwriting look like?

Generally neat if he's taking time and effort, but when he's stressed, he writes too quickly and often blends letters together. It looks like that on the Prayer.

13. If they could have one modern thing in Faerûn, somehow through magical means or something, what would it be? Luxury toilet paper, a smartphone (no, charger or internet is not included), a history book for research perhaps?

Anxiolytic medication. :)

14. Shoes on or off in the temple? After all it is their home, so what’s their rule? Did they enforce it on others too?

Generally 'on' is advisable for most, given that it's… kind of gory underfoot. Heh. He does occasionally slip off his boots just to, er, enjoy the experience!

15. If they could rewind time to any moment of their choosing once, would they do it? And which moment would it be?

Ooh man rewinding is always a bitch. I feel he'd want to redo his first meeting with Bhaal and compose himself a bit better instead of getting a bit panicky and overwhelmed XD;; Post-lobotomy, obviously, he'd go back and make sure he never killed his foster parents…

Set 7

1. What is the worth of a single mortal life from the perspective of their former self?

"Only the value which snuffing it out gives to Father."

2. How does Durge actually view death? Is it a mercy, a gift, or perhaps just nature's course?

Bhaal's mandate. Something that people should embrace and welcome (be grateful when he murders you, dangit!), because the world is a shitshow and it'd be better off if everyone was dead, him included. Probably… probably fair to say that his views on death are a bit warped XD;;

3. What languages does Durge speak?

Mostly just the Baldurian dialect of Common, little bits of ritualistic Infernal, and a bit of Draconic. He can read and write in Espruar, although his pronunciation of Elvish is woeful (post-adventure, Astarion and Halsin help him out with it, and much to his delight, Halsin is also teaching him Wild Elvish).

4. How old are they when the game begins? Did their age affect them or how they view the other Chosen in any way?

31, although he looks more like early 20s due to his half-elven background. He's definitely the youngest of the Chosen - while Gortash is a reasonable 10-15 years older than him, he sees Ketheric as well and truly over the hill and an old relic who's no longer relevant.

5. What was their greatest display of self-control?

All the times over the last twenty years he hasn't killed Sarevok.

Seriously, if Bhaal had ever given him permission, Sarevok would have been a smear on the ground.

6. Did they ever lose control and what happened when they did?

Aside from one very specific time where he lost control and it ended up with him being eleven years old, holding a kitchen knife, and covered in his foster family's blood? XD;; Oooh yeah, several times. It usually ended with, well, a lot of smears on the ground. He more or less tried to 'ride the wave' and let Bhaal take the wheel, although he didn't absolutely love losing control. It was mostly a begrudging acceptance of, "Well, might as well happen."

7. Being divine and all that might have it side effects. Which one did your Durge have to endure? Did their immunity to poisons perhaps also meant they couldn't use potions or did they have a certain effect on people?

Pluses, +4 charisma modifier. Downsides, -1 strength modifier. Also if he had stayed Bhaal's Chosen he would have been functionally immortal.

8. If they could critique one thing about their father and get away scot-free, what would it be?

He has a few things to say about the downstairs anatomy he had been born with!! Also tbh he isn't entirely sure everything has to end in blood and murder. Like. Like can he maybe keep enough of a supply chain going for cinnamon rolls? Can he just kill, like, 99% of the world? Can he keep Enver alive?

9. Did Durge use utensils to eat or did they decide to embrace the old fashioned way Bhaal intended?

He has perfectly good manners when necessary! As a general rule, he only prefers being covered in the blood and viscera of his enemies, not, like, grease and crumbs from his dinner, y'know?

10. Speaking off, what's their diet like? Do they actually exclusively do the cannibalism bit or can they be convinced to eat normal food?

lmao definitely not exclusively cannibalism. He generally does eat like a normal person! Just that you have to ask pretty delicately just what meat is being served XD;; Has a definite sweet tooth. His favourite drink is Amnian dessert wine, his favourite foods are cinnamon rolls, and he loves fresh fruit, especially grapes. If you're having dessert with him, you're probably good to go!

[awryen]

*CACKLING*

Ok, so. Tavia goes and gets Gale first. Gonna hc that she didn't see Shadowheart just yet and finds her later.

Anywho, she finds that weird swirling rune and OOP. A hand. She shakes away that sudden urge to gnaw on it and instead slaps the shit out of it.

(i always choose that cause it's *hilarious*)

Gale's already intrigued by the random person just slapping his hand, then they calm the rune with magic?

Ok. He's definitely interested.

He gets yanked out, she falls backwards cause of the sudden slack after he comes free of the rune, and queue the whole introduction. Complete with her cocksure lie about taking the ship and landing it safely and Gale basically calling bullshit. :V

But here's the fun bit and where I think Gale, unfortunately (fortunately, y/y?) ends up kind of smitten already: Astarion pulls his little trick, tackles Tavia, and as her at knife point.

Gale does his little threat. (be still my beating vagina)

Tavia, meanwhile, is annoyed at the fact she's in someone's hold, her survival instincts are kicking in (not to mention her untamed magic being to boil a bit) as the two males are snipping at each other and she just headbutts Astarion before he can get his whole "nod" talk out.

Queue the first of Gale's many small "Oh" moments.

It all goes downhill from there~

[bhaalbabebardlock]

My Babies 🩷

OC Post part two (because I have too many and you can only put ten pictures in a post so I had to start a new post)

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

Ilara (resist durge)-

✨MC of Daisies On My Nighstand✨

No nicknames, just Ilara.

Drow; nearly 400; has her memories returned to her

Bard/Warlock resist durge. Very mouthy, clever, often talking herself both in and out of trouble. Often keeps everything to herself, biting back what she really thinks. Very quiet and pensive.

Relationships: It's complicated ✋

(Ilara has her own post with more info here) and more can also be found under the Ilara tag.

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

Octavia (Tav)-

✨MC of Nature's Gifts✨

Nicknames: Tav, Tavia, Avi, Tavi

She hates when people shorten her name, everyone does it anyways so she just deals with it.

Human; 27 years old.

Druid/Rogue; grew up in a druidic circle outside of Waterdeep.

Very crass, sarcastic, outspoken, distrustful. Loves to help people, is especially attached to helping the druids/Halsin.

Had family, does not any more.

Relationships: with Gale & Astarion

Octavia has her own post here, and can also be found under the 'Octavia' tag!

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

Lilith (durge)-

✨MC of Tandem ✨

Lili has her own post here, and more can be found under the 'Lili' tag.

Nicknames: Lili, Lil, flower

Despises being called by her full name.

High elf; unknown age; never gets her memories back

Draconic sorcerer/rogue

Full durge. Delights in carnage and chaos and all sorts of debauchery. Violent and blunt. Has zero filter.

Relationship: Her only companion was and is Astarion, she doesn't trust anyone else.

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

Seraphina (Tav)-

Nicknames: Sera, Phi

Fey'ri Tiefling, 31 years old

Sorceress

Bitter and jaded, sarcastic and quiet. She spends a lot of her time alone reading if she's not practicing her archery or magic.

[dreamer213]

Broken Machines: Between The Shadows

Chapter 12: Cybernetic Checkup

The ivory halls of The Titan Learning Institute are bustling with activity as the first lunch break is called. Students dressed in fine black and white plaid uniforms wonder about the cafeteria and courtyard during their break time. Under a particularly shady tree, a pair of unlikely friends sat together on a bench. They were staring into the viewfinder of a scroll, shifting and softly pushing each other back and forth so they could both fit in the frame.

Octavia: Move up it’s only showing your forehead!

She chirps, moving herself over to give Esther some space to get in the frame. Esther moves up but frowns when she sees how the image has shifted on the screen.

Esther: Great now it’s only seeing your neck, Tavia.

Esther whines. Octavia leans back down, realizes she’s right, and starts maneuvering again. On the other side of the screen, Penny is standing in a hallway at the Atlas Huntsman Academy giggling as she watches the two try to figure out a way, they can both fit on the tiny screen. She keeps her eyes on them as they struggle but immediately pipes up when her eyes catch them moving in the right direction to fit.

Penny: Stop! Hold it right there!

Both girls freeze and lock eyes with the viewfinder. Esther’s head is resting on Octavia’s shoulder and Octavia’s high ponytail is mostly cut out off the frame but otherwise, both girls are clearly visible from Penny’s point of view. After a moment Esther starts to blush, flustered from being so close to Octavia’s ample bust, and tries to move away. But Octavia pulls her back to keep her in the frame, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and holding her cheek to from moving away. Penny almost snorts as Esther’s face goes tomato red, it’s so cute to see her face look so expressive! But soon the laughter is replaced with conversation as the girls resume chatting.

Penny: So, you two never stop talking after the masquerade ball?

Octavia: Nope! Esther stayed with me the whole night and came to check on me for a whole week after school!

Esther: She wasn’t going to class, so I brought her our lesson plans to keep her on track and some pastries to cheer her up.

Octavia: I didn’t even know we went to the same school until she showed up in our uniform!

She tugs at her collar with her free hand, showing off her school blazer.

Octavia: Turns out we have half the same classes too and I never even know!

Esther: That’s because I always sit in the back.

Octavia: But her coming by to comfort me really made us bond and we’ve been attached at the hip! She hasn’t left my side since!

She chirps, nuzzling her cheek against Esther’s in a show of affection making the poor girl even reader than she already was if that was even possible. Penny giggles again while Esther shoots her a pleading glance to knock it off.

Penny: That’s great! I’m glad you had someone after.…everything.

The mood immediately drops as the catalyst for the friendship is brought up. Esther goes from red to white and freezes up, but Octavia just sighs before putting on a brave smile.

Octavia: Thanks again for speaking to the general about Daddy. Because of you, he got away with just an in-depth audit and five years of probation.

Penny: Don’t worry about it, it wasn’t a huge issue. I just spoke up on his behalf and hoped General Ironwood would listen.

Octavia: Still! It’s a lot more than any of my other “friends” have done for me in a while.

She uses air quotes around the word friends and rolls her eyes. Penny sees the passive-aggressive glint look her eyes and knows the blinders Octavia had on to her perceived pals’ positive traits had come off fast and hard since she’d last seen her. Which was good but also very sad as it meant she’d most likely just lost 80% of her friends once.

Penny: Oh, did none of the other girls come visit you with Esther?

She asks as softly as possible to lighten the blow but Esther sucking her teeth and looking down in response clues her in that this was definitely not gonna be an easy talk.

Octavia: Nope! Not a one! And who needs them?! You two are much better company anyway!

She states with a huff, Esther and Penny are eased by her conviction. Penny especially is overjoyed that Octavia will be moving away from those bad influences. Despite that, she still feels a little concerned, seeing as they were her closest friends even if it was a one-sided relationship.

Penny: Aw, are you alright?

Octavia: Hmm?

Penny: I mean they were your friends for a long time, it must have been hard to part with them at a time like this.

Penny sympathizes but is soon met with a dark chuckle as Octavia’s expression shifts from an annoyed pout to a mischievous grin. She sighs and cups her cheek, looking oh-so disappointed as she regales the true end to her long-standing fake friendships.

Octavia: Oh, it was very hard. I couldn’t bring myself to face them for weeks! But then this morning….

Her pout starts to crack back into a smirk as she recalls the morning’s events. She had met up with Esther as soon as she’d arrived but as they walked to class they ran into the ill-mannered clique. Seraphina was the first to notice them and her face instantly twisted into fury. She steps in front of them right as they are about to pass, blocking off their path and grabbing Fay, Mackenzie, and Sophia’s attention to the situation. The four immediately start in with passive-aggressive comments, mockingly congratulating Octavia for finally showing her face after her daddy’s very public throwdown and arrest. Instead of looking uncomfortable or pathetic, Octavia responds with a quick “thank you” and tries to move past them. Shocked by her non-reaction Seraphina blocks her again and asks why she is acting so cold, insisting that she was just kidding and there’s no reason to be so rude to a friend.

Octavia: But I’m not though. My friend is right over here.

She gestures to Esther, taking her hand and holding on tight.

Octavia: And we’re going to class.

She tries to push past but is again blocked by Seraphina who can barely hold up her fake smile under the strain of her irritation.

Seraphina: Don’t get smart with me, Tavi. It doesn’t suit you.

She spits with a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. Octavia doesn’t back down however instead she fires back.

Octavia: And desperate doesn’t suit you. Or maybe it does since you don't mind using your daddy’s money to get some face time with a boy far out of your league.

Serephina’s face drops giving Octavia and Esther a chance to slip past. She looks back for a split second to see that the other three have pounced on Seraphina, demanding to know what Octavia meant. And for the first and last time, the four of them put a truly joyous smile on her face. She’s still wearing that smile as she wraps up her story.

Octavia: And that was that. They let us be and have been at each other’s throats since.

Penny looked surprised at her; she didn't think Octavia could be so sassy though the thought of Seraphina getting heat from her terrible friends did make her crack a smile.

Penny: Wow that’s just…(giggle).. so standard for jerks like that! No loyalty to each other at all!

She says through a fit of laughter, Esther and Octavia joining in as they giggle about the toxic friend group’s implosion. But the laughter is interrupted by a notification on Penny’s screen. It’s a reminder to move down to the robotic lab within the next ten minutes.

Penny: Oh!

She swipes up to clear it, guess girl talk is over.

Penny: Sorry, I gotta go. It’s almost time for my appointment.

Octavia: Aw, already?

Penny: Yup, and I can’t keep the doctor waiting.

Octavia: Okay, good luck with your physical.

Esther: Make sure to eat after.

Penny: I will! Talk to you later, bye!

She waves to them through the screen, and they wave back before cutting the call. From there Penny pockets her scroll and starts walking toward her next task, getting her scheduled physical examination.

Now this wasn’t just her day to get examined, no this was something that happened twice a year for the whole of the academy. Students, soldiers, and huntsmen had to be examined for a medley of reasons, most of which had with the safety of all parties, and it took days to complete because of the three factors.

One, the sheer number of people that needed to be seen. Two, the schedules that need to be changed or adjusted so both cities could be safe while everyone was being looked at. And three, the vast variables in what was considered good health due to semblance, species, and augmentation. Some semblance could change the user's physical state or require a certain body type to function which would be considered unhealthy in normal circumstances. Some fanus have certain physical differences depending on animal traits that affect their marks for health. And lastly, there were some people with prosthetics enlisted, which changed how their examinations were carried out as the condition of prosthetics needed to be documented in detail for the safety of all. All together the Atlas Huntsmen Academy physical examinations took a full workweek to finish.

Penny was one of the few who had priority and had to be examined on day one. This day was mostly reserved for special agents who could not be out of the field for more than a few hours, a third of those with mechanical prostheses, people healing from recent injuries, and certain huntsmen who had difficulty going to the doctor of their own accord. Basically, the system prioritized getting the difficult work done first to lessen the impact of the week’s chaos.

While she didn’t hate getting checked up on, Penny didn’t really enjoy physical examinations, especially after getting her new body. She was advised not to eat for twelve hours beforehand and with her new stronger senses the examination felt much more invasive than it ever had before.

Penny: I really hope Dr. Echinacea warms her hands a little this time.

She prays while taking a shortcut through the medic wing to get to the robotics development. As she’s about to pass by a door opens and Neon jumps out, landing on the floor with a thud. Her eyes are dilated and her bright orange hair tail is upright with every strand of fur standing on end!

Penny: Neon!

Penny bends down to try and help her up but the moment she reaches out her hand Neon hisses in her face and starts to swipe her away. Penny jumps to avoid Neon’s surprisingly sharp nail as the fanus continues to behave like an aggressive cat!

Penny: Ah Neon! Stop it! Hey!

Penny pleas while dodging the orange cat girl's attempts to furiously claw her face! After several seconds she manages to grab both of Neon’s arms and tries to look her over to see what’s got her so spooked.

Flynt: Get your ass back here!

The shouting voice of an agitated Flynt makes Neon freeze for a moment before breaking into a full panic. She struggles to get out of Penny’s grasp and escape, but the other redhead’s grip is too strong to break! Meanwhile, Penny has no idea what happening and doesn’t get the chance to ask before the rest of team FMKI comes rushing out of the same door as Neon.

Kobalt: There you are, come here!

Kobalt reaches down to grab Neon and with no means of escape, she jumps up and clings to Penny for dear life wrapping her legs, arms, and tail around her hips and burying her head in Penny’s shoulder to keep from being pulled away. Still, Kobalt grabs her and tries to pull her off, but Neon’s grip is too tight, and Penny’s solidness just makes for more resistance.

Kobalt: Seriously?!!!

He roars, arms start hard at work trying to get her off. Seeing him struggle the other men of FNKI grab onto their bulkiest teammate and start pulling with him.

Flynt: Come on Kitty! Enough’s enough! You can’t keep running all day!

Ivori: Please! It’ll be over sooner if you just stop fighting!!!

Kobalt: And you’re way too old to be pulling this shit anyways, so cut it out!

They shouted, putting all their strength into pulling but the neon-covered girl was not letting up for a second. Still unaware of what exactly going on but seeing their efforts and knowing the team’s dynamic Penny makes the executive decision to let go of Neon’s arms and gently pull her. Once she releases her grip the change in force makes Neon flinch and lose her balance, sending her and her teammates flying backwards. All four end up on the floor, Neon hitting the ground the hardest as she slams down onto her back. She groans and rubs her head while her teammates get back to their feet.

Kobalt: She’s down! Get her!!!

He shouts and all three pounces on her! After a bit of a struggle, Ivori and Kobalt manage to lift Neon by her torso and legs, despite her flailing around. With her detained Flynt brushes himself off and approaches Penny.

Flynt: Thanks for grabbing her, we’ve been trying to get her in all day.

He states apologetically while rubbing the back of his neck. Penny looks at him confused and decides to inquire about what in the world this was all about.

Penny: You're welcome, Flynt but why was Neon acting that way? I’ve never seen her so distressed.

Flynt: Oh, that.

Flynt pauses before letting out an aspirated sigh, it was barely early afternoon, but his eyes looked exhausted even though his dark shades.

Flynt: Neon hates doctors. Never liked going to see one for anything. Something about the vibes being too strict making her cat side go crazy. So, we gotta drag her in by the scuff for team check-ups.

Penny: Ohhhh.

Suddenly it all clicked, Neon often leaned into her cat instincts, but Penny would have never guessed it went so far as to hold similar fears like this. But knowing that now it made a lot of sense though that barely dulled the shock of a young woman acting like a house cat throwing a hissy fit over a trip to the vet. Flynt smiles as he can practically see the wheels turning in her head as she thinks but a quick look of surprise overtakes him as remembers something.

Flynt: Ah, hold up. I just remembered something.

Flynt cuts off her bewilderment by reaching into his pocket and pulling two concert tickets. Upon closer inspection, they are tickets to team FNKI’s upcoming performance!

Flynt: Neon said she owned a few so she had me earmark yours when they printed. Best seats in the house for our favorite fearless hero.

He offers up the ticket with a flourish, twirling them from under his thumb and pointer finger to between the middle and pointer. Penny takes the tickets and gives them a good look; they’re made of strong cardstock printed black with neon lettering. “FNKI NIGHT!” was the event name, written in a rainbow of neon colors. A fitting name for their act.

A bright grin spreads across Penny’s face as the sight of the tickets fills her with giddiness!

Penny: Premium Tickets to Team FNKI’s concert! Eh!

She squeals, so happy another one of her little dreams was coming true.

Penny: Thank you so much, Flynt!

She reaches out to grab them but right before her fingertips can touch one Flynt lifts up his arm and holds them out of the way. Penny tilts her, perplex. Didn’t he just offer her these a second ago? Flynt smirks at her confusion and holds the tickets out to her again but snatches them away again, pulling to the right. Try again and he swipes them away at the last minute once more. After the third time, Penny recognizes that he’s just messing with her, but seeing as she has places to be she’s not about to let him win. The next time she reaches out, she purposefully lets him pull his hand away only to snatch the tickets as he’s mid-motion. Flynt blinks and looks at his empty hand then back at Penny who’s sweetly grasping the tickets with both of her hands. A lovely innocent smile on her face, as if she hadn't just moved faster than the blink of an eye to end their game of keep away.

Penny: I look forward to the show! It’s my first time going to this type of concert!

She states cheekily, pocketing the tickets. Flynt pauses but soon breaks into a chuckle, realizing she’s got him beat.

Flynt: Great! Means we get to one’s to introduce you to funk! It’s gonna blow you away!

Penny: Given your semblance and weapon style, I expect as much!

She chirps, giggling a bit. Flynt is puzzled for a second then realizes she’s joking. Now he’s feeling kinda proud as he didn’t even know she could do comebacks.

Flynt: Aw you little-now you gettin’ too quick for your own good. You better slow your roll before I slow it for ya!

He jokes, ruffling her for giving him such flack.

Flynt: See you there.

He waves her goodbye and disappears back into the medical examination room with his team, Neon still thrashing about as they carry her off to get checked up.

With her path cleared, Penny continues on her merry way to the robotics department. She manages to arrive on time and is immediately greeted by Dr. Mina Echinacea. Outfitted in her usual lab coat and navy-blue sweater dress, she had been a transfer from Mistral in her youth and studied under Pietro. She was one of the handful of scientists who helped create Penny and the one who had done much of the fine-tuning of her more feminine qualities, her specialty. As the only woman on the team, she put all her effort into crafting and consulting on certain things. Things only another woman would truly understand the importance of enough to properly replicate faithfully.

Mina: Womanhood is a very unique existence to nearly impossible to recreate, as it will never feel truly accurate due to the very nature of being a homosapien female. Doubt, self-pity, and ego are irreplaceable parts of the female experience. If she takes pride in her parts but questions their validity, then we’ve done something right.

That was her philosophy when it came to her work on female-specific prosthetics. Her work restored femininity to many unfortunate women and was a big part of creating Penny’s. In the medical world, she was seen as the curator of the female form.

Mina: Good afternoon, Penny.

She greets her, voice familiar but not warm in the way Ironwood or her dad called her. No Mina was a lot more hands-off with Penny, examinations being the one exception. Penny doesn’t notice or mind her sterile greeting and returns it with her usual positive energy.

Penny: Salutations, Dr. Echinacea! Is my examination room ready?

Mina: Yes, but we’ll be in the far back today. Your father’s finally got the general down here for proper testing and tune-ups and the equipment he needs can’t be moved.

Penny: I understand, please lead the way!

She asks kindly, Mina nods and leads her down the hallways to the exam room. Entering the room it’s just how Penny expected. A modest room with a specialized medical bed with several cables directly above it, normal physical examination equipment, some special examination equipment such as a special movable x-ray screen, and a clear computer connected to the bed. All of this was inclosed to a specific half of the room as it doubles as an observation room, so one wall was covered with a viewing window. Thankfully the view from it can be blocked with the push of a button. Which Mina does as she goes over to the computer and grabs a disposable gown from the medical cabinet underneath it.

Mina: We’re doing a full health scan today, so you’ll need to strip.

She states, holding out the gown to Penny while facing the computer. Penny takes the gown and moves other side of the room. Giving a harsh look over at the now thickly tinted viewing window to make sure no one can see through; Penny takes a deep breath and strips. Putting her backpack down first before slowly stepping out of her rocket boots. With the clunky boots off she can start taking off her fabric attire, beginning with college and her blouse. She takes off the blouse first, pulling down the straps of her skirt off her shoulder and then unbuttoning her top. After she pulls it off her shoulders, Penny folds the shirt and lays it on her backpack, followed but her collar and brooch. Next is her high skirt, undoing the gold buttons in front loosens the corset-like upper half of the skirt enough for her to pull it open and slip her legs out. Removed and folded, it too joins the pile of clothing, and soon after so does her bow. Now all that’s left is her underclothing.

Yes, underclothing.

Specifically, a simple matching black bra and panties set.

This was one of the worst parts of getting examined as with her newly strengthened senses Penny could feel the air on her body just as much as anyone else could. But her senses were fresh, every lick of air a new sensation Penny hadn’t known before in places she couldn’t feel before, at least to this extent. It made her extremely sensitive and easily embarrassed when exposed. But for the sake of her health, she had to.

Steadying her hands and pulling her hair over one shoulder, Penny reaches back and unclasps her bra. Taking it off, she can feel the weight of her breasts droop downward as they lose its support. She wraps her arm around them as she adds the bra to the clothes pile, holding them up and shielding them from the cool air. With her free hand, she pulls down her underwear, crossing her legs as she walks out of them.

Penny’s so busy trying to get changed quickly that she doesn’t notice Mina glancing at her. She watches her very carefully, not for any voyeuristic purpose but for her body’s reactions. Penny’s skin seems to respond perfectly to the loss of covering and warmth, her breasts move with the weight and fluidity of nature breast their size down to the way the nipples sagged when unrestrained. Testament to years of research, technological advancement, and effort.

After she’s stripped down to nothing Penny immediately puts on the medical gown to cover herself. Tying the string of the thin medical robe around her neck and mid back. Everything was covered from the front, but the back had huge gaps, necessary for the exam. Still, being wrapped nothing but in napkin-thin cloth in a low-temperature sterile lab did little to calm her growing discomfort.

Mina: Are you ready?

Mina asks, now looking directly at her.

Penny nods, picking up her clothes and rushing to the exam bed before the cool air can settle in any further. Setting her clothes and backpack aside and hopping up onto the bed, sitting upright with her shoulder back, back straight, and chest out as the examination begins.

The first few steps are fairly ordinary, checking her eyes, ears, mouth, and throat for any signs of damage, irritation, or blockage. Next is the breathing and pulse test followed by a reflex check. All seems in order, the small shivers running down Penny’s spine at the feel of Mina’s cold hands being testament to that, leaving Mina to sit back at the computer.

Mina: Optics, audio, and pharynx systems are clean and in perfect working order. Reflexes and limb movement are tight, fluid, and responsive. Airways are clear, temperature fluctuates properly, and no external damage to be reported.

She says aloud while typing the information into Penny’s medical report.

Mina: Alright, that’s the external test done. Now for the internal diagnostic. Please move your hair aside and keep your back straight.

She asks. Penny nods and parts her hair down the middle with her hands, swiping a half over each shoulder leaving her scalp bare. She takes a deep breath, and a circle of skin on her scalp ripples open to reveal a port. It’s a little larger than the charging port which also opens up along with one just below Penny’s shoulder blades. These ports had several purposes, the head and chest ports were for checking her internal functions and monitoring her soul chamber, which resided underneath her heart. The charge port was delivered electricity to her body through her skeletal system and brain, powering her body and weapons systems. The one connected purpose they played was allowing connecting cables to be plugged into Penny directly so her data could be accessed securely.

Speaking of cables, the ones above the bed descend, and Mina walks over and guides each into the correct port.

Penny doesn’t feel too much, just a jolt when the head and chest cables are entered. The skin that had retraced went numb when the cables connected but that was only on her back. Unlike a human or faunus whose skin are a singular connected organ; Penny’s was technically multiple pieces. A special fixable skin-like polymers with microscope sensory tech engrained into it, modded to be completely zero tense, micro vein-like cables thread the pieces together so tight they are seamless to the naked eye.

Once everything is connected, Mina uses the computer to access Penny’s data. Months of information on muscle memory, sleeping recorders, charging time, weapon system use and so much more. Honestly, she could look through Penny’s brain for almost anything it stored, including memories, but that was not what this examination was for. Mina wasn’t the type to dig through the poor girl’s head unless it was completely necessary and after getting serval levels of clearance as well as Penny’s consent. She just needed to take a cursory glance to ensure everything was working as it should.

Thus, she focuses on finding outliers rather than mundane information. Almost immediately she notices certain areas of activity that have changed drastically, lining up with the reports she has on Penny’s most recent mission and noted incidents. The first to catch her attention is the increments of increased stress levels and lower sleep cycle. Then several severe spikes in emotional distress on several different occasions within close intervals. This is concerning but understandable given the circumstances surrounding the spikes. But what does surprise Mina is the other abnormalities, flares of emotions she hadn’t seen in Penny’s data ever. Instances of affectionate behavior that were far from her usual friendly behavior, pulse acceleration with temperature increases but no stress indicators, and stimulating of her lips in a way that only contact with another set could generate!

Mina: Well, I’ll be damned. She’s gone off and found somebody.

Mina thought, making note of all of this. She’ll question Penny on some of this new info during the wrap questions but at the moment Penny’s systems seem completely fine.

Mina: Okay, everything seems in order. Now I just need to take a look with the X-ray then ask you some questions and we’re done.

She states, typing out a few more notations before ending the connection with Penny’s brain. As she takes out the cables Penny looks oddly nervous.

This was the part she dreaded most. Not for any truly logical reason, this was actually the safest part of almost all health examinations. This X-ray was the safest for both the technician and the patient, specifically because it was made for her. But there was one thing that made her so nervous about being under the machine.

Magnetic pull.

Now Penny’s new body wasn’t as magnetic as the last but that wasn’t the problem. It was just that ever since the tournament the idea of a magnetic pull on her frightened Penny deeply. Just like having anything thin wrapping around her waist it just brought her back to that day. Being in pieces at Pyrrha’s feet right before the darkness enveloped her into an endless void for an ungodly amount of time. Rationally she knees nothing will happen but just knowing how it functioned made her feel unnerve. Mina notices her nervousness and gives her a reassuring head pat.

Mina: It’s alright, dear. Even a steel pen wouldn’t stick to it.

She says, voice soft as her touch. Penny, while still very nervous, elects to believe her and proceeds with the exam. The screen was made for body scans and came up to her neck, so Penny stood straight up as it was placed in front of her and turned on. The screen is connected to the computer and the scan is reflected in the monitor. Her gaze drifts over to it as Mina inspection the X-ray screen.

It’s miraculous, at a quick glance the image showed a perfectly normal organ system of a perfectly healthy human woman. Heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, and all vital organs were present and accounted for even the muscle looked conversing down to the joints. But upon closer inspection, it's clear things aren’t as they seem. The bones were a little too thick on the inside, where there should be fat was something close in appearance but not quite the same, a vaginal tunnel with no womb at its end. And the most obvious piece, the small cage like organ right below the heart, pulsing with a spring green glow. A part that housed something that was meant to be felt and not seen, her soul.

Penny: So alike but so different, down to the microscopic level.

Penny muses apathetically, this was the reality of her existence. She was made not born, with purpose not on impulse. Both a blessing and a curse as she could view humanity from the outside objectively but would also remain completely outside it.

A one-of-a-kind sense of otherness for a one-of-a-kind being like her.

Penny: I wonder what he’d think if he could see through me, see the truth. What…would he say? …Would he yell? Cry? …Would he ever want to look at me again? Could I even-

Mina: Alright everything looks fine in here.

Penny’s melancholic thoughts are interrupted by Mina giving her the all-clear. With that done she turns off the X-ray and they walk back to the exam bed.

Mina: Looks like everything is working fine and dandy I just need to ask you a few questions and we’ll be-

A buzzing cuts Mina off, it’s her scroll. She holds up a hand and mouths “excuse me” while fishing the device out of her pocket. It’s an urgent message, a huntress patient’s more delicate prosthetics had been damaged and needed immediate care before there was permanent damage to the organic tissue.

Mina: Oh no.

Penny: What is it?

Mina: An issue’s come up and my assistance is needed, or someone might die.

Penny: What?! No!

Mina: I know! Don’t worry I’m texting someone to come and finish up your exam. Just get dressed and stay put, they should be here soon!

She states as fast as she can coherently speak, not giving Penny time to respond before she rushes out of the room still typing as she speed-walks to her emergency patient. Now alone Penny gets redressed and waits on the exam bed for…

Penny: Wait, who did she text to finish the exam?

Penny wondered, having been left without any clue of who was coming to oversee the last part of her checkup. There were few people qualified or permitted to handle her medical information or care. Most were busy or relocated, her dad was busy, and she didn't think anyone else fit the criteria to tend to her. The answer comes when the door to the lab room opens and a familiar face walks through.

Her black gloves were replaced by a black cardigan with gold bows and ribbon embroidered down the long sleeves. Her usual long boots were swapped for ankle-high engine boots paired with long black stockings. And her sapphire hair had grown past her nape and down to her shoulder. But she still had her same wrapped collar shirt, high waist skirt, and the cheeky beret she never left home without. Regardless of any changes she was still her.

Penny: Ciel!

Penny cried, grinding ear to ear as she spotted her favorite handler. If not for the fact Penny knew Ciel didn’t like to be touched without permission, she would have tackled her into a hug by now! Still, the smile on her face makes it abundantly clear, she’s absolutely elated to see her again!

But as she approaches it appears that the feeling isn’t mutual. Ciel’s gaze is cold as she barely glances at Penny before pulling up the mini hologram screen on her smartwatch.

Ciel: Good afternoon, my name is Ciel Soleil, and I’ll be handling your post-exam questionnaire.

She states. Her voice is strict, professional, and impersonal. Penny blinked, bewildered by her icy tone.

Though she and Ciel hadn’t been the best of friends before, but Ciel had never been this cold to her. They got along well long before the tournament so she couldn’t understand where this attitude was coming from. Wanting answers Penny responded politely but firmly.

Penny: I know who you are, you worked as a junior in the robotics department under my dad. We went to Vale together-

Ciel: Thank you, now let’s get this over with. First question,

She interrupts her, disregarding Penny’s statement without a second of consideration.

Ciel: Have you experienced any auditor or visual glitches during daily activity?

Penny: N-no, I haven’t. Anyway, how have you been-

Ciel: Good, moving on.

She cuts her off again, barreling past any attempts at small talk. Her curtness is like a needle to the heart as Penny can’t understand why she’s acting this way.

Ciel: Any involuntary movement of your limbs during or after combat.

Penny: Ciel…

Ciel: Please answer the question.

Penny: No.

Ciel: Alright, moving on.

Ciel continues to rattle off health questions, never looking up from her screen as she inputs the correlating data. Penny answers in turn but can feel her chest squeeze at every failed attempt to get Ciel to converse with her openly.

Why was this happening? After how they had parted this should have been at tearful reunion. A joyous moment where the two could celebrate and reconnect after surviving impossible odds but instead, there was…nothing.

But why?

Had she done something wrong the last ten they spoke? What was causing Ciel, straightforward put together but kind and caring Ciel, to act like…this? Like they were complete strangers.

Penny: I don’t get it, she used to take such good care of me. So why…

Penny can feel herself tearing up, gripping the hem of her skirt as tries to holt them from flowing and complete the questionnaire. Ciel doesn’t even turn her head and begins to list the last few questions.

Ciel: Have you had any issues with digestion or waste disposal?

Penny: …No.

Ciel: Have you ingested any harmful or hazardous materials in the last few months?

Penny: …no.

Ciel: Have you experienced any impulses or curiosities of a sexual nature-wait, what?!

Penny: Excuse me?!

This question shocks both of them, Penny, especially as such a topic has never come up in a physical examination before!

Penny: Why would Dr. Echinacea even ask this?! I’ve never even had those kinds of-

Penny’s confusion is quickly cut when she recalls every time a certain white-haired gentleman had made her flustered in the last few months.

Penny: Oh…right.

Her face turns a bright red as she realizes her once-pure mind has generated and experienced enough lewdness in the wake of her first crush that it could detected on scans. The tingles that had both frightened and intrigued her were now markers of her evolution into a sexually aware young woman. Along with every ounce of pure awkwardness that entailed.

Meanwhile, Ciel is utterly aghast by this line of questioning and checks the list again to make sure she read it right. To her horror, that was indeed the correct question, and the last two also concerned topics of a sexual nature.

Ciel: What the hell is this?! What kind of crap show are they running here?!!!

She almost shouts, incensed by the idea that the Penny she knew would ever be asked something like this. The girl herself immediately picks up on her discomfort and tries to reassure her despite her own distress.

Penny: I-it’s okay! I’m fine with answering that-(hiccup)-Okay, not actually fine with it but I can answer if you need me to!

She stammers, face getting redder as she tries to spare them both the brunt of the embarrassment and fails miserably.

Ciel: Can’t believe this. As if scavenging her remains to build a replacement wasn't bad enough, they couldn’t even get the damn thing right!

Penny: What?

Penny questions confused and concerned about whatever misconception were running through Ciel’s thoughts right now, but the lady doesn’t hear her pleas.

Ciel: Penny would never even think of something bad enough to be asked this shit!!!

She grumbles, gritting her teeth in frustration. Penny’s thoughts jumble when she hears this, this was completely out of left field.

Penny: W-what? What are you talking about, Ciel? What replacement?!

She asks, frazzled by this ludicrous assumption Ciel was making but Ciel just scuffs.

Ciel: So, they didn’t tell you about the girl you were built from, huh? (huff) Figures.

She groans, face still turned away from Penny. This response elicits a rare reaction out of Penny, anger. How dare she say that when she had no idea the hell Penny had been through! Surviving that incident was an absolute nightmare that had scared her for life! Even now she was still recovering from the restlessness and fear that it bloomed in her! And to be written off after working so hard to overcome that suffering was something she couldn’t bear!

Penny: I wasn’t built from anyone, I was rescued! I had to cling to life for months while they put me back together!

Ciel: Is that what they told you? Or did they implant some fake memories to keep you docile and obedient?

This remark gets Penny fuming, how dare Ciel question her memories! She wasn’t even there when she woke up and she hadn’t reached out since so what gave her the right to talk like this?!

Penny: No one told me anything, I lived it! I went through so much pain and misery just to get back on up and outside again! I had to go through so much after I being cut in half-

Ciel: PENNY POLENDINA WAS CUT IN HALF!!!

She growls, gazes still downturned as she pulls at the ends of her sleeves.

Ciel: Penny Polendina was cut in half by Pyrrha Nikos during the Vytal Festival Tournament. She…died…she died on the cold floor of the arena in front of a stadium of people.

Ciel states, her matter-of-fact tone creeping into a weeper. This is what Ciel had believed but Penny knew that was far from the truth.

Penny: I was cut in half, but I didn’t die. My body shut down and put whatever remaining power it had left into keeping my brain alive and my soul put for as long as it could! When they recovered me, I was in terrible condition, but I was still alive!

Ciel: That isn’t possible, she was-

Penny: Shut up! I’m talking now!

Penny shouts, jumping up from the exam bed and matching right up to Ciel before continuing.

Penny: I was taken back to Atlas functional life support, not that I knew at the time because I was unconscious during all of it. When they stabilized me, transferred me to my new body, everything!

Ciel can’t even lift her head to contest her words as Penny proceeds with her tirade.

Penny: I couldn’t see, hear, or feel anything outside of my own mind. I was stuck in a black empty void for so long I couldn’t tell time if was passing anymore! Screaming to myself almost every second because I was scared I’d forget what sound was! That if I lost my last sense then I’d really die!!!

Tears begin to flow from her eyes, memories of that endless darkness shaking her to the core.

Penny: I had nightmares about being trapped in that hell again! I refused to sleep because I’d rather stay awake and let my mind fall apart than risk never getting back up!!!

Her shouts become choked as they blend into sobs, her tears running down her cheeks like a river as she recounts all the trauma she’d endured.

Penny: I have been through so much…too much…I’m Penny Polendina, The Penny Polendina! I was broken in half and survived every second of recovering from and living after it!!! SO DON’T YOU DARE…. Don’t you dare call me a copy, because I’m not.

Her breath hitches and she breaths hard, that was the first time she’d ever told anyone except her dad the full extent of her suffering but once she knew Ciel thought she had just died and been replaced she couldn’t keep it in!

It was too unfair! To her and Ciel.

Ciel doesn’t respond to anything Penny says, standing in perfect silence as she absorbs this massive revelation. Head still down, her hair curtaining her face and obscuring her expression. Penny doesn’t take this well, she can't stand being ignored after streaming out so much raw emotion.

Penny: Look at me, Ciel. Look at me!!!

She demands and Ciel does turn her head to look at her. Her eyes are glazed over with tears, the reflection of which calms Penny immediately. She reaches out to cup her cheek but stops just short to not cross Ciel’d boundaries. Looking at her, directly at her, Ciel gazes into her eyes and finally recognizes the girl she thought she’d lost forever. Not a fake or copy, but the same girl transformed in body and changed in mind but still the same kind soul.

Ciel: …Penny? You’re...really…

She can’t bring herself to finish her sentences and breaks down into a sobbing mess. Her once-steeled heart cracks open under the weight of the miracle she’s experiencing. Seeing her tears Penny does what she always does when she wants to cheer someone up and hold her close. Feeling her warm made the moment all too real, as real as the grief she felt when she watched Penny plunge to the ground in two pieces.

Her heart could hardly take it! A joy born from immense pain, healing, and hurting in a way she had never dreamed possible. But given the person who was holding her Ciel should have known some dreams could come true.

[thestrawberrys-emos-andcrows]

Helllllooo! I’m Charlie from @crow-collective15

I’m not that great at introducing myself but! I have an intro

-✹ ☆ ☽☁︎☾ ☆ ✹-

╔

║🍓 *name*: Charlie

║

║🍓 *age*: somewhere around 18

║

║🍓 *pronouns* she/they

║

★☆✴︎ 🍓◉🍓 ✴︎☆★

║🍓 *role*: caretaker

║

║🍓 *emoji/signoff*: 🍓

║

║🍓 *source*: hazbin hotel

║

║🍓 *sourcemates* mhm!

║

║🍓 *sourcetalk* sure!

║

★☆✴︎ 🍓◉🍓 ✴︎☆★

║ 🍓 *flirting* ask

║

║ 🍓 *touch* sure!

║

║ 🍓 *nicknames*: sure

║

║ 🍓 *petnames* if close

║

║ 🍓 *status* taken!! <Vel3 /r

║

║ 🍓 *family*: …that’s a mess/lh

╚

-✹ ☆ ☽☁︎☾ ☆ ✹-

We made the template! @crows-templets is our template blog

Anyway yes hi! I’m Charlie! I reblog tons of hazbin hotel content and I’m generally confused about who’s my family (alastor what’s goin on with that/lh) anyway hello! I hope we can be really good friends

Also sourcemates are welcome to interact if you want!

But also can these people Dni please

Endos and supporters

Pro ship

Homophobic people

Syscourse blogs (it’s ok if it’s a side blog but don’t bring it here)

People who actively and openly dislike hazbin hotel (you can like the show and dislike the creator)

Also I have tags!

#Charlie reblog is my reblogs tag

#father is Charlie’s tag for alastor

#mom!! is Charlie’s tag for Rosie

#card games is our tag for atlas

#more then anything my tag for Lucifer

#the hotel is just for stuff about the hotel!!

#em the angel is our tag for Emily

#i don’t have a tag for angel is our tag for angel dust

#<Vel3 is Charlie’s tag for Velvette

#october is our tag for Octavia!!

#choco milk Hehehe you’ll find out

#tavias reblogs is octivias reblogs

#our lovely moon is for loona!

#ms giggles is for Molly!

#strawberry sapphic Is just me! Charlie!

Thanks you!!!! Have a nice day!!

🂡🂢🂣🂤🂥🂦🂧🂨🂩🂪🂫🂬🂭🂮🂱

Now Charlie’s done with her introduction. Hi I’m atlas. I also use this blog, anything I post or reblog will be tagged with #atlas as well as #card games but Charlie also uses that tag for anything about me

I don’t use this blog much, it’s mostly Charlie’s

That’s all thank you

✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩

Hello!!! I’m Octavia

☙🩸❀ ❧🩸☙ ❀🩸❧

║🖤 Name ∙ Octivia

║🤍 Age ∙ 16

║♥️ Pronouns ∙ she/they

║💋 Gender ∙ nonbinary

✮ ⛫ 🔥✧🔥 ⛫ ✮

║⚰️ Role ∙ symptom holder

║🖤 Signoff ∙ ♥️

║🤍 Subsys/group ∙ n/a

✮ ⛫ 🔥✧🔥 ⛫ ✮

║♥️ Source ∙ helluva boss

║💋 Sourcemates ∙ sure

║⚰️ Sourcetalk ∙ ask

✮ ⛫ 🔥✧🔥 ⛫ ✮

║🖤 Flirting ∙ no thanks

║🤍 Nicknames ∙ octi, October

║♥️ Petnames ∙ ask

║💋 Touch ∙ ask

║⚰️ Family ∙ im not sure

║🖤 Status ∙ single

║🤍 Other info ∙ n/a

☙🩸❀ ❧🩸☙ ❀🩸❧

||templet by crows-templets on tumblr||

I have an intro unlike atlas!!

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

Hiiiii!!! I’m Molly!! I’m here now to!!! Uhhh here have this!

▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄

❥💋 name: molly

❥✨ age: unknown, adult

❥❄️ pronouns: she/they

✮ ⛫ 🕊️ 🪽🕊️ ⛫ ✮

❥🤍 role: adhd, autism holder

❥🌷 signoff: 🌷

❥💋 subsys/group: floor 9

✮ ⛫ 🕊️ 🪽🕊️ ⛫ ✮

❥✨ source: Molly, hazbin hotel

❥❄️ sourcemates: sure

❥🤍 source talk: sure

✮ ⛫ 🕊️ 🪽🕊️ ⛫ ✮

❥🌷 flirting: no thanks

❥💋 nicknames: mol

❥✨ petnames: no

❥❄️ touch: If close

❥🤍 status: here!

❥🌷 family: angel dust

❥💋 other info: hi!!!

▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄

||templet by crows-templets on tumblr||

[taylorswiftstylequestions]

Hi! So my partner (who knows not much about TS) told me today that the Chiefs owner/his daughter gifted Taylor a Swarovski microphone purse? I looked it up and apparently it’s true but I have seen no one talk about this on socials yet! That must be the gift that was in the present we saw her being given?

Hi! I incidentally just posted about this a few minutes ago. The news is circulating now because Tavia confirmed what the gift was in Instagram comments. We had previously only seen her holding the box.